XC3 Weaponlight

Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

Spectra Group (UK) Ltd Launches Final Production Version of GENSS Tactical Communications System at the Satellite Show

Monday, March 23rd, 2026

Spectra Group (UK) Ltd, specialists in delivering secure, reliable and resilient beyond line-of-sight communications for operations in denied and contested environments, formally launches the production version of GENSS at the Satellite Show (Stand 2840). GENSS is an Evergreen software-defined tactical communications system shaped by operational experience and designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK. It delivers adaptable, efficient voice and data connectivity for distributed forces, with a system architecture designed to support capability evolution as operational requirements and technologies change. First introduced as a concept at the Mobile Deployable Communications conference in London in 2024, the system has since undergone extensive development, testing and refinement in collaboration with specialist user groups to ensure it meets the demands of modern distributed operations. The system has already attracted interest from NATO-aligned users; more news to follow soon.

GENSS extends tactical communications beyond the traditional line-of-sight “bubble”, enabling secure voice and data connectivity across challenging operational environments. The system currently supports secure L-Band tactical satellite networking (L-TAC) and beyond-line-of-sight voice and data communications, while also enabling MANET network extension and bridging to allow mission systems such as ATAK to operate across dispersed units. By combining efficient bandwidth usage, adaptive waveform techniques and low-power transmission methods, GENSS enables resilient communications for mobile forces operating in contested or denied environments and is designed to reduce the probability of detection and interception through low-power transmission and adaptive waveform techniques, enhancing its security and operational effectiveness.

Built as a software-defined system with modular architecture, GENSS is designed to support continuous capability evolution through software development, new waveforms and system integrations. The system builds on Spectra’s heritage in tactical satellite communications, including the widely deployed and award-winning SlingShot system, which enables L-Band satellite access for existing radios. GENSS extends this approach by acting as a network extension and integration system, allowing voice and mission data from multiple tactical systems to be securely distributed across beyond-line-of-sight networks. It has been designed and developed through a collaborative effort of tactical communication experts, seasoned military specialists and top-tier British scientists and engineers.

GENSS, combined with other Spectra Group products, delivers a robust layered communications network to support mission-critical headquarters and uncrewed systems over the horizon. Being a modular, hardware-agnostic radio system by design, it has proven to be operationally adaptable, providing excellent interoperability through straightforward software reprogramming, allowing it to adapt quickly and easily to diverse user needs. GENSS is backwards compatible with SlingShot and supports efficient L-TAC access and network extension, ensuring easy integration with a wide range of existing tactical radios. GENSS is therefore a robust and agile solution for voice and data transmission across multiple operational environments. Simon Davies, Chief Executive at Spectra Group said,

“Since leaving the services, my focus has been to help develop communications technology that genuinely supports the needs of the soldier on the ground. SlingShot demonstrated how L-Band satellite services could extend the reach of existing radios. GENSS builds on those lessons as a software-defined communications system designed to extend tactical networks and evolve as operational requirements change. I am extremely proud to launch GENSS at the show and to already have a NATO customer in final negotiations for its purchase.”

PRISM Receives Patent for PRS

Monday, March 23rd, 2026

PRISM founder Mark Chin has announced that the brand’s PRS (Prism Retention System) has finally received it’s US Patentunder Patent No. 12,550,954. With his extensive background in apparel design, development and manufacturing, Mark took a simple idea and concept and is now turning it into a product you didn’t know you needed.

PRISM will begin manufacturing their apparel bottoms to now include PRS. The concepts and design of PRS are extremely simple, but very effective. The retention system is made up oftheir own manufactured bottoms and incorporating PRS, which is a Velcro type material integrated to the internal portion of their garment’s waistband. Unlike other systems that require belts, straps, hooks, clips, ultracomp or even tegris, PRS is receptive to any type of accessory that has a Velcro hook (male) surface. PRS will allow the end user the opportunity to conceal kit on body and reduce their overall exposure of those items.What PRS offers is 360° degrees of concealment along your inner waist and at a moment’s notice allowing the end user toremove and replace any of those items anywhere else along the waist line. Another major feature is that PRS gives you theability to rotate any item 180° degrees or as much as 360° while also allowing any accessory to sit higher or lower on body.

The last and major contribution from PRS will be the ability to fully conceal any and all EDC while having your shirt tucked in.

“My goal was to create a system that allowed end users a better opportunity to conceal their tools with little to no visible exposure. I wanted to give guys a wider range of how they could carry their tools while also making it much more comfortable for them to conceal. PRS will give the market (and us) an opportunity to create more concealable products that can work easily with PRS and all other ranges of products that are already being used throughout the market. PRS has unlimited capabilities to what it can be used for, but one of the amazing facts about the system is that you won’t even know it’s there.”

PRISM will be launching new variants of pants for 2026 in the coming weeks. They plan to continue offering both imported and USA made goods for the foreseeable future. A PRS accessory suite is in works with plans to launch this Summer.

For inquires feel free to contact info@prism.us

X-Pac Tactical x Haley Strategic: Built for the Mission.

Monday, March 23rd, 2026

When Haley Strategic set out to build the next evolution of their iconic FlatPack X, they turned to X-Pac® Tactical – the laminate brand trusted by leading gear brands across the defense and outdoor markets.

The Limited Edition FlatPack X showcases the performance of X-Pac® Tactical X50, a rugged laminate built for demanding environments. Constructed with a 500D CORDURA® nylon face fabric, signature X-PLY® reinforcement, and a waterproof film backing, X50 delivers exceptional abrasion resistance, structural stability, and weather protection with optimized weight efficiency. Paired with Haley Strategic’s refined FlatPack platform featuring upgraded hardware, expanding gussets, and next-generation shoulder straps with laser-cut MOLLE the result is a pack designed to move seamlessly from the street to the field.

X-Pac® Tactical is proud to collaborate with industry leaders such as Haley Strategic Partners. Together, we continue to work in close partnership to bring high-performance, innovative products to market—driven by a shared commitment to superior quality and cutting-edge solutions for the end user. We value this collaboration and look forward to continuing our support with advanced materials that help shape the next generation of products.

For gear brands that demand the best, partnering with X-Pac® Tactical means a competitive advantage:

Superior Weatherproofing: Unlike traditional materials that absorb sweat and moisture, X-Pac® fabrics stay dry, enhancing comfort during extended wear.

Lightweight & Abrasion Resistant: Engineered for long-lasting durability without adding unnecessary weight to the end product.

Manufacturing Efficiency: X-Pac® fabrics perform exceptionally well under robotic sewing systems, showing minimal distortion and streamlining production — helping brands lower labor costs and boost capacity.

Versatility Across Applications: Trusted for a wide range of products including slings, plate carriers, pouches, packs, and more.

Proven Under Stress: Tested across fabrics including X-Pac® VX21, X33, and X50, the material holds up under real-world stressors and demanding sewing conditions alike.

About X-Pac® Tactical

Born from X-Pac® legacy on the world’s most challenging peaks and longest trails, X-Pac® Tactical Fabrics are lightweight, durable, incredibly strong, and 100% waterproof. At the forefront of innovation, these fabrics offer peak performance in the harshest environments. Leveraging a proprietary lamination technology, X-Pac® Tactical Fabrics combine trusted face fabrics and strategic fiber reinforcement — specifically designed for the most demanding missions. This unique construction elevates equipment’s functionality and longevity.

TRUST ONLY X-Pac® —  www.x-pactactical.com and follow us @x-pactactical

People Behind the Growth: Interview with Britta Weese, Group Director HR at Mehler Systems

Monday, March 23rd, 2026

FULDA, GERMANY (March 20, 2026)

As Mehler Systems continues its international expansion, the role of Human Resources is becoming increasingly important in shaping the organisation behind the group’s growth. In this interview, Britta Weese, Group Director HR at Mehler Systems, discusses how the group approaches talent development, international collaboration, and the people behind its continued development.

Q: Mehler Systems has experienced strong international growth in recent years. From an HR perspective, what does this momentum mean for the organisation?

A: Mehler Systems’ growth is above all a shared success of our employees. For Human Resources, this momentum means acting even more strongly as an enabler. We create structures, programmes and career paths that keep pace with this dynamic development. In recruitment, this also means thinking more internationally, more diversely, and with a stronger long-term perspective.

As the organisation expands, HR plays an important role in shaping the structures that allow employees to develop alongside the group while ensuring that our standards and culture remain intact

Q: What opportunities does this growth create for people joining Mehler Systems today?

A: Anyone joining Mehler Systems today becomes part of a group that is clearly moving forward and actively looking for people who want to take responsibility.

Our growth creates opportunities to become involved in international projects, collaborate across locations, and contribute to the development of the organisation itself. We are not only looking for professional profiles but for personalities who want to actively shape our growth.

Q: Rapid expansion often brings challenges. What are the biggest challenges for HR in this process?

A: Balancing speed and quality is one of the central challenges. We are expanding dynamically, but we want to preserve the standards and sense of responsibility that define our work. For HR, this means building international structures and processes that support growth while respecting local differences. At the same time, we must fill positions efficiently without compromising on integrity, competence, or cultural fit.

Q: Mehler Systems operates across multiple countries and disciplines. How do you ensure effective collaboration between teams?

A: Effective collaboration requires both structure and culture. We support this through shared HR frameworks, international project work, and digital tools that connect teams across locations. At the same time, clear roles, processes and responsibilities help teams work effectively across disciplines, while leaders actively encourage cross-functional collaboration.

Our goal is that despite operating across multiple sites and entities, Mehler Systems feels like one company for everyone.

Q: What advantages does an international workforce bring to the organisation?

A: Different cultural backgrounds and experiences lead to better solutions. Teams from different countries often approach challenges from multiple angles, which strengthens innovation and problem-solving across the organisation. An international workforce also brings the group closer to its customers and markets, while fostering openness and collaboration across teams.

Q: Which professional profiles are particularly important for the future development of Mehler Systems?

A: As the organisation grows, the demand for specialised expertise continues to increase.

Key profiles include engineers and technical experts working in areas such as textile and material development, ballistic protection, and product engineering. Specialists in production, quality management, and supply chain operations are equally important to maintaining the high standards required across the group’s activities.

Project management and sales professionals also play a critical role in connecting technological innovation with customer and market requirements.

Q: Beyond technical expertise, what qualities do you look for when building strong teams?

A: Technical competence is essential, but it is not the only factor. Qualities such as teamwork, responsibility, openness to change, and strong communication skills are equally important. In an international organisation, intercultural competence and a willingness to collaborate across disciplines have become increasingly valuable.

Q: How important is employer branding in attracting the right talent?

A: Clearly communicating what the group stands for as an employer is becoming increasingly important as Mehler Systems continues to grow internationally.

Employer branding helps attract specialised talent while strengthening identification with the organisation across its international teams. We want to make visible what Mehler Systems stands for as an employer.

At Mehler Systems, people work on something meaningful in a reliable environment that takes them seriously both as professionals and as individuals.

Q: How does Mehler Systems support long-term career development?

A: Supporting long-term career development is a key focus for HR. We promote development through regular performance and development discussions, targeted training programmes, and initiatives designed to support high-potential employees. Internal mobility across roles, locations, and entities also helps employees broaden their perspective and strengthen their connection to the group.

Leadership development programmes are equally important in preparing managers to guide teams through change and growth.

Q: Many employees speak about the purpose behind the organisation’s work. How does this influence motivation?

A: The awareness that our products can protect lives in critical situations creates a strong common foundation. Knowing that their work contributes to the safety of end users and first responders reinforces the high standards and attention to detail required across the organisation. For many colleagues, it is a positive feeling to know that their work contributes directly to greater safety.

Q: Looking ahead, where do you see the greatest opportunities for talent within Mehler Systems?

A: The greatest opportunities arise where technology, international collaboration, and responsibility come together.

In the coming years, demand is expected to grow in areas such as material and textile technology, system and product development, digitalisation across the value chain, and supply chain management. As the group evolves, new roles and project constellations are continuously emerging.

For people who want to take responsibility and contribute to meaningful work, Mehler Systems offers a compelling environment to build a career. Career paths are diverse and can evolve both through leadership roles and through specialist careers.

About Britta Weese:

Britta Weese is Group Director HR at Mehler Systems, where she leads the HR function for Mehler Protection Body Armour and supports the group’s brands – including Mehler Protection Platform Armour, Lindnerhof and UF PRO – across both operational and strategic HR matters.

She brings over 20 years of professional experience in human resources, with a strong generalist background. Her career spans roles in HR controlling, payroll, and labor law, as well as strategic positions as an HR Business Partner and HR Specialist.

Throughout this time, she has worked across multiple sectors – including food retail, healthcare, and industry – and within organizations ranging from medium-sized businesses to large public companies, with workforces of between 200 and 7,000 employees.

About Mehler Systems:

Mehler Systems Group is an international and global leader dedicated to exceptional ballistic protection and tactical-gear solutions for law enforcement, the military, and special forces.

The Mehler Systems Group is home to the brands of Mehler Protection, Lindnerhof, and UF PRO. Mehler Protection is known for its body and platform armour solutions, UF PRO is an expert in top-tier tactical garment systems, while Lindnerhof stands out for its innovative carrying solutions and tactical equipment.

With a presence in over 40 countries, Mehler Systems has established itself as a leader, known for its innovation and dedication to raising the bar in the industry over the past four decades.

For more information about Mehler Systems, please visit mehler-systems.com.

US Army Places $52+ Million Order for Skydio X10D, the Largest Single-Vendor Tactical sUAS Order in Army History

Sunday, March 22nd, 2026

Skydio, the largest U.S. drone manufacturer and world leader in flying robots, today announced an order exceeding $52 million for over 2,500 X10D drones from the U.S. Army. The order is the largest small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) procurement from a single manufacturer in the Army’s history and moved from bid to award in less than 72 hours.

This order reflects the decisive role small autonomous systems now play in modern conflict and the Army’s commitment to putting those capabilities in soldiers’ hands. It also shows that the United States can deliver world-class drone capability at the scale and speed required by today’s operational environment.

Mark Valentine, Global Head of National Security Strategy

The Skydio X10D system delivers world-leading intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance (ISR) capability at the platoon level, with technologies tested under the most severe conditions, including those found on the modern battlefield. Designed for survivability and resiliency in contested environments, it is capable of flying autonomously, without GPS, using onboard navigation cameras to map terrain in real time and maintain flight in contested environments. Its multiband radio provides seamless connectivity by optimizing frequency use in high-interference areas. With high-resolution visual and radiometric thermal cameras, X10D gives operators persistent situational awareness in day and night conditions from a position of cover.

Skydio is trusted by every branch of the U.S. military and by 29 allied nations. The Army selected Skydio for the SRR Program of Record in both 2022 and 2025, making it the only manufacturer to span both tranches. This order, placed through Atlantic Diving Supply (ADS), reflects sustained operational confidence as the Army rapidly scales autonomous reconnaissance capabilities beyond the constraints of traditional acquisition timelines.

Every X10D is manufactured at Skydio’s facility in Hayward, California, where production workers assemble and test each unit across 550 individual checkpoints before delivery. The Hayward facility has scaled output to support orders of this size while maintaining the reliability standards the most demanding customers require.

Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial receives no-cost lighting upgrade courtesy of local business

Sunday, March 22nd, 2026

FRANKFORT, Ky – The Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial (KVVM) in Frankfort recently received a significant upgrade courtesy of local business Polymershapes. The Winchester business designed, fabricated and installed brand-new lenses for the bollards at the Memorial at no cost. 

For the past 37 years, the Memorial has been illuminated by a ring of bollards, each topped with a light to honor the 1,110 Kentuckians whose names are etched in granite on the plaza. Over time, many of those lights had grown dim, and several lenses needed replacement. Though electrician Mark Wilson has worked tirelessly to repair them through the years, locating the proper replacement lenses became increasingly difficult.

The team at Polymershapes, made up of several veterans, volunteered to not only replace the lenses, but they also engraved the KVVM logo on one side of each lens, reinforcing the powerful image of a soldier respectfully saluting all who served in Vietnam. Each lens was precision-crafted from a single sheet of polycarbonate using a CAD cutter, heat-folded on three corners with one mitered corner that was heat-bonded rather than glued. This high-quality process ensures long-lasting durability and clarity for years to come.

“These generous efforts will help preserve and enhance the Memorial’s beauty and purpose for years to come,” said Jerry Cecil, member of the KVVM Board of Directors.  “We extend our sincere gratitude to the entire Polymershapes team for their craftsmanship, dedication and generosity.”

These upgrades come just in time for National Vietnam War Veterans Day on Sunday, March 29, an annual observance honoring the 2.7 million U.S. service members who served in Vietnam and the families who supported them. In recognition of the day, KVVM will host an observance event on Sunday, March 29 at 1 p.m. The event is organized by the VFW Post 4075 Auxiliary. To learn more, contact Edna Taylor at 502-320-8255.

A POW/MIA recognition will also be held in conjunction with the observance, hosted by Charging Forward for America. To learn more, contact Kelly Shehan at 859-619-8158.

The Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial is located at 365 Vernon Cooper Lane in Frankfort, and is open seven days a week with no reservation required. Learn more by visiting kyvietnammemorial.net.

Frontline Ukrainian Drone Commanders to Brief Washington on the World’s First Drone War

Saturday, March 21st, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — March 2026 — The Peace Through Strength Institute will host a high-level Ground Truth Symposium on March 25, 2026, 11 am to 3 pm, at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, Congressional Auditorium, bringing frontline Ukrainian battlefield commanders to Washington to brief policymakers, defense leaders, and journalists on the rapidly evolving realities of drone warfare.

You are invited to attend a news conference in a separate room at the Capitol Visitor Center following the symposium at 3:30 pm where speakers will be available to answer journalist’s questions.

As the U.S. confronts waves of Iranian Shahed drones in the Middle East, American officials are warning that traditional air defenses may not be able to intercept them all. Recent briefings to Congress have acknowledged that these low-cost drones can overwhelm expensive interceptor systems and strain U.S. missile stockpiles.

Symposium participants will include commanders from elite Ukrainian drone and unmanned systems units such as the 12th Special Forces Brigade and the 414th UAV Brigade “Magyar’s Birds.” (Find a detailed list below.)

Also presenting will be analysts, manufacturers, and defense technology experts involved in the rapid development of counter-drone strategies. 

Congressman Don Bacon will open the symposium.

But this is believed to be the first time active Ukrainian drone commanders have traveled to Washington to brief policymakers and journalists directly. They represent the first generation of leaders operating daily in what analysts describe as the world’s first drone-dominated battlefield.

Ukraine’s experience offers critical lessons for the United States and its allies – lessons the United States and our allies need now in the Iranian conflict.

The Ukrainian commanders appearing at the symposium have developed innovative countermeasures, including layered defense networks, electronic warfare, and drone-on-drone interception systems that are already reshaping modern military doctrine.

Event Details

Event: Ground Truth Symposium

Host: Peace Through Strength Institute, Bill Cole, President

Date: March 25, 2026; 11 am to 3 pm

Location: Capitol Visitor Center, Congressional Auditorium, Washington, D.C.

News Availability: Immediately following the Symposium, at 3:30 pm, presenters and moderators will be available in a separate room at the Capitol Visitor Center to answer questions from the media.

Audience:

Members of Congress, congressional staff, national security policymakers, defense experts, and journalists.

Featured Speakers Include battle-front commanders, personnel, and industry experts:

The 12th Special Forces Brigade

The Lazar Group

429th UAV Brigade “Achilles” 

414th UAV Brigade “Magyar’s Birds” 

59th UAV Brigade “Steppe Predators” 

93rd Brigade 

107th Separate Air Wing (F16 Pilot) 

Military experts in electronic warfare and unmanned systems

Defense technology investors and analysts involved in Ukraine’s drone ecosystem

Revival Defense Launches Silencer Resource Center, a Suppressor Compatibility Platform

Saturday, March 21st, 2026

Revival Defense is proud to announce Silencer Resource Center. This new platform is a free, data-driven system built to solve one of the most persistent issues in the suppressor industry: compatibility.

As modular suppressor systems and HUB-based mounting solutions have grown in popularity, the number of possible combinations between silencers, adapters, and muzzle devices has expanded rapidly. Until now, end users and dealers have largely relied on scattered forum posts, social media discussions, and manufacturer communication to determine what works. This often resulted in inconsistent or incorrect information.

The Silencer Resource Center was developed to bring clarity and structure to that problem. Built from the ground up using in-house physical measurements rather than hypotheticals or manufacturer-provided assumptions, the system evaluates muzzle device dimensions, adapter interface geometry, and blast chamber depth to determine compatibility across a wide range of silencers and mounting systems. Each new component added to the database is automatically evaluated against existing entries, allowing the platform to scale quickly. What began as an internal tool to support retail customers and product development has evolved into a comprehensive compatibility engine designed for the broader industry.

The platform is intended for both dealers and end users. Dealers can use the system to confidently answer fitment questions at the counter or online, while end users can quickly identify viable configurations without relying on outdated or anecdotal sources. In addition to compatibility data, the Silencer Resource Center offers comparison tools and a system builder that allow users to explore complete setups, including overall length considerations for pin and weld builds, and understand how different components interact within a given configuration. The platform is not intended to serve as a review or recommendation site, and instead remains focused solely on planning and compatibility validation.

Future development will focus on expanding the depth and accessibility of data within the system. Planned efforts include integration with other suppressor reference platforms and increased incorporation of open source data to further strengthen coverage across manufacturers and mounting ecosystems. As participation grows, the platform is designed to become more comprehensive while maintaining its core focus on objective compatibility.

The Silencer Resource Center is available now at silencerresource.com. The platform is completely free to use and continues to expand as new products and data are added. Development and ongoing support for the system are made possible through customer patronage of Revival Defense and the broader ecosystem of dealers and manufacturers who support their work.