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Blue Force Gear Earns Great Place To Work Certification

Tuesday, February 25th, 2025

POOLER, GA. – Blue Force Gear, Inc., the world leader in load carriage equipment, announces their recent achievement as a Great Place To Work certified company. This prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at Blue Force Gear. The certification reflects Blue Force Gear’s success in creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and engaged in the company’s mission to provide innovative gear solutions.

Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention and increased innovation.

“Great Place To Work Certification is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience,” says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, the Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place To Work. She emphasizes that Certification is the sole official recognition earned by the real-time feedback of employees regarding their company culture. “By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that Blue Force Gear stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees.”

“This certification is a testament to our team’s dedication and the strong culture we’ve built together,” said Ashley Burnsed, President of Blue Force Gear. “Our employees are the foundation of our success, and we’re proud to have created a workplace where innovation thrives, and people genuinely enjoy coming to work each day.”

According to Great Place To Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at a Certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at Certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work, and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company’s profits and have a fair chance at promotion.

BLUE FORCE GEAR IS HIRING!

Looking to grow your career at a company that puts its people first? Visit the BFG careers page at: www.blueforcegear.com/careers

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Press Release, TacJobs | No Comments »

UK Special Forces To Renew Contract With Colt Canada

Monday, February 24th, 2025

The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced its intention to award contract Colt Canada with a contract for the supply of C8 rifle spares and accessories, according to a tender notice published on 19 February 2025. The contract will run for an initial two-year period, with options to extend for a further three years. The contract covers essential components for the C8 rifle platform, a widely used firearm among UK specialist military units.

According to the MoD, the contract will “provide C8 Rifle Spares and Accessories for a period of 2 years with 3 option years”, ensuring continued support and maintenance of these critical weapons. The contract is expected to run from 8 August 2025 to 7 August 2027, with potential extensions based on operational requirements. The MoD has confirmed that the contract will be awarded without prior publication of a competitive tender, citing technical reasons under Regulation 16(1)(a)(ii) of the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations (DSPCR) 2011. The justification states:

“It is considered that the award of the contract without prior publication of a contract notice in the UK e-notification service (as required by the relevant legislation) is lawful in accordance with Regulation 16(1)(a)(ii) of the DSPCR 2011 for technical reasons.”

The MoD argues that Colt Canada Corporation is the only supplier capable of fulfilling this requirement, due to its “significant niche expertise, technical ‘know-how’ and acquired specific experience to source quality spares and manage the supply chain / delivery process.”

The Colt Canada C8 is designated as the L119A1/A2 in British service, is primarily used by the United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF) and certain specialised units which include:

Special Air Service

Special Boat Service

Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR)

Special Forces Support Group (SFSG)

Pathfinder Platoon (16 Air Assault Brigade)

43 Commando Royal Marines

Royal Military Police Close Protection Unit

The Colt Canada L119/A2 gained fame through media coverage of the rapid tactical response conducted by SAS operator Christian Craighead during the 2019 Al Shabab terror attack in Nairobi Kenya. Craighead worked with local Kenyan forces to engage Al Shabab terrorists and rescue hostages being held in the DusitD2 hotel complex, earning him the nickname ‘Obi Wan Nairobi’ and reinforcing the solid reputation of Colt Canada’s C8 as being the carbine of choice for some of the world’s most prestigious Tier 1 SOF units.

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release | 2 Comments »

HENSOLDT is Developing the ODAEON Optical Detection System for the Bundeswehr

Monday, February 24th, 2025

Innovative capability demonstrator protects combat vehicles by automatically detecting enemy optics.

Oberkochen, Germany, 17. February 2025 – Sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT has been awarded a contract by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) to develop an innovative capability demonstrator for optical detection. The product, called ODAEON, is designed to revolutionise the capability for automated reconnaissance of enemy optical systems on the battlefield and will be developed in cooperation with BAAINBw.

The design phase of the project has already begun, after the first customer acceptance (concept review) was successfully completed in December 2024. The contract, which runs until the end of 2026, is worth 17.6 million euros.

The aim of the development is a demonstrator at technology readiness level six (TRL6), which is to be tested by BAAINBw from 2026. The innovative solution enables real-time detection, reporting and display of optical reconnaissance systems, such as enemy drones and optical target acquisition systems, to the crew. This represents a decisive time advantage.

ODAEON is based on the proven technology of the MUSS Jammer Head 2 (MJ2). The next step in the development of this advanced technology will be to enable the detection and analysis of enemy optics. Further protective functions, such as jamming and dazzling, can be added in subsequent development stages. Jamming interferes with electro-optical systems by means of targeted interference signals, while dazzling oversaturates optical systems such as cameras and target acquisition devices with strong light pulses. Both methods increase the protection of vehicles by effectively impairing enemy reconnaissance and target acquisition.

Multi-sensor approach: integration into existing systems

As a multi-sensor system, the series version of ODAEON will feature interfaces to existing systems and further sensory means to reduce possible false alarms. In a further step, the fusion of ODAEON and MUSS technologies is planned to ensure comprehensive protection. HENSOLDT is thus pursuing the strategic goal of consistently combining reconnaissance, situational awareness and self-protection in order to offer the user highly integrated systems with the corresponding added value.

“With ODAEON, we are responding to a central requirement of modern battlefields: The ability to detect threats from enemy optical systems at an early stage and to protect combat vehicle crews in real time using automated warning systems,” explains Dr. Oliver Rudow, Head of the “Survivability” product line at HENSOLDT. “This is a further step in equipping our armed forces with innovative technologies that not only increase their effectiveness but also improve their safety.”

Posted in Contracts, International, Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on HENSOLDT is Developing the ODAEON Optical Detection System for the Bundeswehr

UNITY Tactical Expands AXON Line with Three-Button Switch

Monday, February 24th, 2025

AXON™ XL brings dedicated visible laser override capability

UNITY™ Tactical, a designer of components that integrate tactical systems and optimize the human factor, unveiled the third product in its line of AXON™ switches – the three-button AXON XL – at Enforce Tac 2025.

Developed as part of a SOF requirement, AXON XL brings additional functionality to the industry-leading AXON family. A third button provides users with a dedicated visible laser override capability for the NGAL (LA-23/PEQ) laser. The forward two buttons feature the same tactile differentiation as AXON, while a prominent wall separates the flat (pill-shaped) center pad from the rear (round dome) button.

“We constantly seek to innovate and expand the capability of our product lines,” said Mike Roth, VP of business development for UNITY Tactical. “AXON XL is the direct result of customer feedback, bringing together a technically advanced and ergonomically correct solution in the same or smaller footprint as many two-button switches on the market, giving the end user utmost efficiency in space and capability.”

There are three non-restrictive versions of AXON XL. The angled button on one supports momentary and constant light activation. On the second, the angled button operates in a SYNC capacity, firing both white light and visible laser despite what mode the NGAL is physically set to (vis override). Also operating in SYNC, the angled button on the third version simultaneously fires white light and the laser in the mode the NGAL is physically set to (mode select). The front angled button supports both momentary and constant activation on SYNC variants as well.

The center and rear buttons fire in the same way across all three commercial variants. The center button fires the laser in the mode the NGAL is physically set to (mode select). The rear button fires the visible laser despite what mode the NGAL is physically set to (vis override). Both the center and rear buttons offer momentary-only and laser double-click-for-constant-on control.

AXON XL is only available for UNITY’s LINK™ USB-C System with GASCAP™, and NGAL (LA-23) lasers with versions for other next-generation / visible-override-capable devices available in the future.

At only 3.7 inches (9.4 centimeters) in length, AXON XL is1.03 inches shorter than UNITY’s first-ever two-button TAPS™ switch that launched in 2014 and has since been discontinued.

M1913 Rail Clamps include three pass-throughs for zip ties, with an M-LOK® Mounting Kit sold separately.

AXON XL is available in black and FDE and retails at $349. It is available for purchase now through authorized UNITY dealers, with orders starting to ship on or before March 7, 2025. AXON XL is on display at the UNITY Tactical stand #7-329 at Enforce Tac in Nürnberg, Germany from Feb. 24-26, 2025.

Posted in Advertiser, Enforce Tac, Lights, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | No Comments »

Rheinmetall at the Xponential Europe Trade Fair: Robotics, Drones and Teleoperated Driving in Focus

Sunday, February 23rd, 2025

From 18 to 20 February 2025, the Xponential Europe trade fair, which focuses on robotics and unmanned systems, will take place for the first time in Düsseldorf. Rheinmetall is the largest exhibitor, underlining its claim to leadership in this field. Under the motto ‘Leadership in unmanned digital ecosystem and robotics’, the Dax-listed technology company and its subsidiaries MIRA GmbH and Yardstick Robotics are presenting their latest developments in the fields of robotics, drones, unmanned systems and teleoperated driving.

Rheinmetall is showing a wide range of its unmanned systems for military and law enforcement applications, including:

– the LUNA NG VTOL (Vertical Take-off and Landing), a tactical fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial System with vertical take-off and landing capability, reconnaissance equipment (ISR, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) and optional effectors

– the Fixed Wing Vehicle FV-002, a fixed-wing drone primarily for close-range reconnaissance

– the Rotary Wing Vehicle RV-002, a rotary wing drone for close-range reconnaissance with a payload capacity of 750 grams

– the target drone Fixed Wing Vehicle FV-015

– the walking robot Robotics L.

MIRA GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rheinmetall AG, is paving the way for automated mobility with teleoperation. MIRA uses teleoperation to decouple the driver from the vehicle. This makes it possible to control the vehicle remotely from a control panel located anywhere.

Teleoperation of vehicles on public roads requires powerful IT systems. In the ‘POQUASIA – Post-quantum secure generic IoT application’ project, the Rheinmetall Technology Center, with the support of MIRA GmbH, is developing a scalable, real-time-capable and generic Internet of Things (IoT) platform within a cloud environment.

The aim of the project is to demonstrate the potential of cloud-based applications using the example of teleoperation and to test the use of post-quantum cryptography to protect against future cyber threats. This will provide digital innovations that meet the highest security, latency and availability requirements. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection and supports the European IPCEI-CIS initiative to realise a unique multi-provider cloud-edge continuum.

During the trade fair, MIRA GmbH and the POQUASIA project are offering visitors to Xponential Europe the opportunity to take a ride in one of their teleoperated shuttle vehicles on public roads. In addition, MIRA GmbH will be providing first-hand information about its innovative technology and its diverse applications in logistics and passenger transport.

Rheinmetall subsidiary YardStick Robotics is a manufacturer of AI-enabled robotic solutions for extreme, unstructured and unpredictable environments. The specialised collaborative cobot ‘YARO Cobot’ is developed for the toughest of missions – in other words, robots for ‘dull, dirty & dangerous’ activities. YardStick Robotics is currently working on solutions for a range of applications from the deep sea to extraterrestrial missions in the future. In keeping with the motto ‘Robots for the World’s Toughest Jobs’, the focus is also on the safe automation of industries that have not previously had access to such robotic solutions.

At Xponential Europe, Yardstick Robotics will be showcasing

· the outdoor cobot: ‘YARO Cobot’ – a specially developed collaborative robot for reliable use in rough, unstructured outdoor environments

· an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) study – an autonomous underwater platform for precise inspection and monitoring tasks in marine and inland waters

· MagnetCrawler – an intelligent system for inspecting and monitoring metallic surfaces, e.g. for industrial applications

Xponential Europe is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.from 18 to 20 February 2025. We look forward to welcoming you to our booth 1C25.

For more information about Xponential Europe, visit: www.xponential-europe.de

Posted in International, Press Release, Robotics, UAS | No Comments »

Corvias Partnership Accelerates Army’s Fort Riley Energy Resiliency, Cost Savings

Sunday, February 23rd, 2025

New solar array part of program to offset 40% of annual consumption costs

Fort Riley, Kan. (February 19, 2025) – Corvias, a leading energy and infrastructure solutions provider, in collaboration with Sunstone Energy Development and City, Light & Power, completed Phase III of an ongoing energy independence and security effort at U.S. Army Garrison Fort Riley, recently marking a month of successful operations as part of its broader mission to support the U.S. Department of Defense’s operational resilience and readiness goals.

The project supports the DOD’s goal to provide 100% of the energy load required to sustain the critical mission of each U.S. military installation by the end of fiscal year 2030.

This latest phase consisted of two solar PV arrays, both of which finished interconnection in December and provide rate stabilization and energy security to Fort Riley housing communities. The program offsets nearly 40% of annual electricity consumed by the housing community and also contributed to the $2 billion of community economic impact recently announced by Fort Riley’s Garrison Commander, Col. Jerry Nunziato.

“This work continues to ensure a reliable and secure supply of energy to on-post housing and the surrounding area,” said Jim Champagne, Corvias Senior Vice President of Asset Management at Fort Riley. “Along with our partners, Corvias continues to implement strategies to mitigate vulnerabilities and potential disruptions that may affect the readiness of service members and their families.”

Over the past 10 years, Sunstone Energy Development, a joint venture between Corvias Solar Solutions and Onyx Renewables, has provided renewable energy solutions across the Corvias Army housing portfolio.

“For Onyx, delivering quality, resilient clean energy solutions is at the core of our mission,” said Kevin Cox, SVP of Origination at Onyx Renewables. “These onsite solar installations at Fort Riley not only enhance energy security and reliability for service members and their families but also underscore the long-term benefits of renewable energy in strengthening critical infrastructure.”

Corvias’ industry-first Solutions Through Partnerships approach is built on a shared commitment to assisting the Department of Defense in sustaining the critical mission of each U.S. military installation by supporting readiness.

The newly completed solar arrays add to two previously completed rooftop phases for the of the Corvias-led solar program at Fort Riley – already one of the largest in the state of Kansas.

For more information on Corvias improvements on Fort Riley, visit our website.

Posted in Army, Power, Press Release | No Comments »

HOIST Announces Harris Teeter Retail Expansion

Sunday, February 23rd, 2025

CINCINNATI, Ohio, (February 19, 2025) – HOIST®,the beverage industry leader known for its IV-level hydration, is proud to announce its upcoming retail expansion into American supermarket chain, Harris Teeter. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone for HOIST as it continues to grow its availability in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the U.S.

Consumers can expect to find popular HOIST flavors on Harris Teeter shelves beginning in February 2025, all of which contain HOIST’s unique isotonic formula that is clinically proven to hydrate faster and longer than water. This expansion will amplify HOIST’s presence in Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

“We’re incredibly excited to be gaining this partnership with Harris Teeter, and this is just the beginning,” said HOIST Co-founder and VP of Sales Ben Schmidt. “This marks an exciting step forward in our long-term vision for the brand. We look forward to bringing HOIST to new shelves and consumers.”

The initial wave of HOIST products will be available in select Harris Teeter locations starting in February 2025, with full store resets expected to be completed by June 2025. All of HOIST’s products provide three times the electrolytes and half the sugar of traditional sports drinks, without adding artificial sweeteners or dyes. HOIST offers this IV-level hydration across its product line of bottled beverages, powder sticks and liquid pouches.

In addition to the expansion into Harris Teeter stores, HOIST continues to grow its retail presence within QuikTrip (QT) stores. HOIST can be found QT stores in North Carolina, South Carolina and Colorado and will soon be available throughout QT stores in Georgia. This continued growth is supported by the onboarding of 40+ Anheuser-Busch distributor partners, who will help service these new accounts and ensure that HOIST is readily available to the increased consumer base.

The HOIST hydration formula is isotonic and made to absorb instantly, resulting in a beverage that fights dehydration fast. This is why HOIST is one of three electrolyte sources approved for use by the U.S. Department of Defense. The HOIST lineup is additionally offered at 90% of U.S. Army bases globally.

For more information about HOIST or to see the entire HOIST lineup visit www.drinkhoist.com. Keep up with the latest HOIST news on Instagram@drinkhoist

Posted in Industry, Press Release | No Comments »

Shell Shock Technologies Announces Inaugural Legends and Heroes Shootout to Benefit Veterans and First Responders

Saturday, February 22nd, 2025

MLB Stars, celebrities, and veterans unite for two days of shooting and golfing from April 27 – 28, 2025, to raise funds for K9 Heroes 4 Heroes and the NRA.

Eubank, KY (February 2025) – Shell Shock Technologies, LLC. (SST), a leading innovator in the ammunition industry, is proud to announce the 1st Annual Legends and Heroes Shootout, a premier two-day charity event dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders. Taking place on April 27 – 28, 2025, this unique event will bring together MLB stars, celebrities, industry leaders, and veterans for an unforgettable experience of camaraderie, competition, and giving back. All net proceeds from the event will benefit K9 Heroes 4 Heroes, which provides service dogs to veterans and first responders at no cost, and the NRA, offering mental health services, career transition assistance, and critical resources to veterans and their families.

“At Shell Shock Technologies, we believe in honoring those who have served our country. The Legends and Heroes Shootout is more than just a golf and shooting event – it’s a way to give back to the brave men and women who have sacrificed for our freedoms. We are excited to bring together top-tier athletes, firearms industry professionals, and the community to support this meaningful cause,” commented Peter Foss, Managing Partner and CEO of Shell Shock Technologies.

The Legends and Heroes Shoutout will feature two days of exciting activities, starting on April 27, 2025, with the Range Day. Taking place at Markham Park Shooting Range in Sunrise, Florida, from 10 am to 3 pm, participants will have the opportunity to engage in dynamic shooting competitions using Shell Tech’s cutting-edge precision pistol and rifle ammunition. Instruction will be led by Jake Holt, a well-known firearms social media influencer from Regional Operations. Desert Tech, a Shooting Range Event Partner, will be providing a rifle demonstration featuring its latest innovative and custom weaponry. Competition prizes will be awarded from Four Brothers Custom Gun Holsters and Heritage Distilling Company. The overall winner of the shooting competition will win the Grand Prize which is an automatic entry into the NRA World Shooting Championship, where over 500 of the world’s top shooters compete for cash and prizes totaling over $250,000.

The second day, April 28, 2025, focuses on the charity golf tournament at The Club at Weston Hills in Weston, Florida. This tournament will feature a scramble-style format with multiple contests and challenges, including four separate hole-in-one contests with total prizes valued at $55,000, and a unique AR-15-style golf ball launcher experience. Participants can use this innovative launcher to tee off on a select Par 4, adding something different to the competition. The tournament will conclude with an outdoor grill lunch, an open bar, and an awards ceremony as well as an online auction to feature exclusive memorabilia and sponsor-donated items. There will also be a Whiskey Tasting featuring Service to America SALUTE™: War Dogs™ Edition, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey by Heritage Distilling Co. Inc. This “Whiskey That Honors the Worthy”™, aged 5-years (35 in dog years) and bottled at 98.6 proof, honors our US Military Working Dogs.

A lineup of renowned athletes and celebrities have come together to support the mission of assisting veterans and first responders. Whether by attending the event in person or donating exclusive memorabilia, these generous individuals are committed to making a difference:

Adrian Beltre – MLB Hall of Famer

Raul Ibanez – World Series Champion

Jayson Werth – World Series Champion

Placido Polanco – MLB Gold Glove Winner

Albert Pujols – Two-Time World Series Champion & Three-Time MVP

Max Scherzer – Three-Time Cy Young Award Winner & World Series Champion

DJ Irie – Internationally Recognized DJ and Philanthropist

Their participation not only enhances the event’s prestige but also helps raise vital funds for those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedoms.

Sponsorship opportunities are available, offering high-impact brand exposure and networking opportunities, from Gold to Premier level, as well as several Golf Specific Sponsorship options. For those interested in participating, more information can be found here. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, participant registration, or general inquiries, please contact Foss at peter@shellshocktech.com.

Keep up with Shell Tech’s advanced ammunition on the website and social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Posted in Charity, Fundraising, Industry, Press Release | No Comments »