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Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

Gentex Corporation, Under Its Ops-Core Brand, Announces Sponsorship of the Alliance Police Training Facility

Monday, February 9th, 2026

Carbondale, PA – February 9, 2026 – Gentex Corporation today announced its sponsorship of the Alliance Police Training Facility in Alliance, Ohio, through its Ops-Core® brand, the premier provider of high-performance helmet systems and integrated equipment for law enforcement and military professionals.

With decades of experience as a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders and industrial personnel, Gentex’s sponsorship reflects acommitment to supporting law enforcement readiness with the highest performing products and investments that directly enhance officer safety, capability, and mission effectiveness. The Alliance Police Training Facility is widely recognized for delivering some of the most realistic, high-intensity training programs in the country, serving officers, tactical teams, and first responders and prepared civilians nationwide. Located in Alliance, Ohio, the facility has established itself as one of the premier law enforcement training destinations on the East Coast, attracting departments from across the region, including federal law enforcement agencies from major Ohio cities and tactical teams from as far as Tennessee. With a mix of open-enrollment courses and specialized law enforcement training programs, the range serves as a central hub for local, regional, and federal agencies seeking advanced training, making it a natural partner for Gentex’s commitment to supporting officers where real-world training happens.

“Alliance PD Range plays a crucial role in preparing law enforcement officers for real-world challenges,” said Fred Grimm, VP of Commercial Sales Americas. “We’re proud to support their mission and ensure officers have access to the modern protective solutions they rely on in the field.”

As part of the sponsorship, Gentex will work with the facility to integrate its latest Ops-Core helmet systems, modular accessories, and communications-ready platforms into training programs, enhancing safety and providing officers hands-on experience with equipment designed to support them in dynamic operational environments.

“This partnership helps us elevate the training experience we provide,” said Joe Weyer, Training Officer, Alliance Police Training Facility. “Ops-Core is trusted by teams across the country, and Gentex’s support ensures our officers are equipped with the best possible protective technology.”

The sponsorship strengthens Gentex’s longstanding dedication to serving law enforcement communities and reinforces Ops-Core’s position as a leading brand for advanced, mission-configurable headborne protection.

For more information about Ops-Core and its law enforcement solutions, visit www.ops-core.com.

Lynq Launches RavenTalk, Redefining Secure, Infrastructure-Free Communications

Monday, February 9th, 2026

Safariland’s SafariMesh™, a next-generation communication device, first product to integrate RavenTalk Technology

Las Vegas, NV, February 6, 2026 — Lynq Networks, a leader in local team communications addressing one of the largest connectivity challenges facing enterprises and governments, today announced the launch of RavenTalk. Built on Lynq’s Raven network stack, RavenTalk delivers secure, long-range, hands-free, decentralized voice and data communications, without base stations, access points or fixed infrastructure.

Lynq also has announced that Safariland’s SafariMesh™, a next-generation communication device that enables dependable team communication in challenging operational conditions, is the first product to integrate RavenTalk technology. Built on Lynq’s decentralized mesh architecture, SafariMesh empowers operators with secure, flexible and resilient connectivity without the need for towers, repeaters or centralized networks.

90% of jobs in the world are performed by non-desk workers who often operate in austere, high-noise environments, where communication is critical across long distances. Examples include public safety officers moving between vehicles and buildings during an active incident, where unreliable or congested radios can degrade situational awareness and slow response times; or construction workers coordinating crews and equipment across a noisy job site, where missed or delayed communication can create safety risks and reduce productivity.

These challenges are part of daily operations across defense, public safety, and industrial and commercial sectors, underscoring a large, underserved market in need of modern communication infrastructure.

“RavenTalk represents a new communications paradigm where you can use the devices you’re already wearing, such as noise canceling headsets, earbuds and smart glasses, to communicate with your colleagues, over a range of multiple football fields,” said Adam Gould, CEO of Lynq Networks. “We’re enabling teams to communicate securely, conversationally and reliably in environments where traditional wireless systems fail, without infrastructure, without subscriptions and without compromise.”

“Lynq has been a strong partner throughout the development of SafariMesh, bringing valuable expertise in decentralized mesh networking to the product. Its RavenTalk technology helped support our goal of delivering a solution that is intuitive to use, adaptable to mission needs and dependable in the field. We see meaningful opportunities to continue building on this work together as we move forward,” said Brad Medine, communications product category director for Safariland.

RavenTalk is a wireless, end-to-end encrypted voice and data solution that instantly forms a self-healing mesh network when devices are powered on. Users can immediately begin talking and sharing data securely, even in dynamic, infrastructure-denied environments. For example, the technology can be embedded into the earcup of a noise-cancelling headset that users are already wearing.

RavenTalk runs on top of DECT NR+, a high-performance, non-cellular 5G standard for Internet of Things (IoT) and industrial applications, enabling long-range, reliable communications in the license-exempt DECT 1.9 GHz band. Providing great performance in the presence of multipath, it offers a private, low-cost, scalable alternative to cellular networks for applications needing high reliability, without SIM cards or carrier subscriptions.

Key features include:

  • End-to-end AES-256 encryption
  • High-quality, low-latency voice communications
  • Push-to-Talk (PTT) and AllTalk full-duplex voice modes
  • Simultaneous voice and data transmission
  • Long-range operation exceeding 1 km, using multi-hop mesh networking
  • Support for 32+ users per network segment
  • Operation in the 1.8 / 1.9 GHz globally-allocated spectrum as well as the 915 MHz ISM band in the United States
  • Low Probability of Intercept / Low Probability of Detection (LPI/LPD) enabled by adaptive power control and low transmit power

RavenTalk is designed for seamless integration into a wide range of communication products, including  headsets, smart helmets, VR goggles, ear buds and PTT units, enabling entirely new opportunities for untethered, person-to-person communications.

Primary use cases include:

Tactical and defense headsets for special operations forces, military air crews, soldiers, and sailors, allowing squads to “cut the cables” while maintaining secure communications on-vehicle, during dismount and throughout the mission.

  • Public safety usage by first responders such as firefighters in a wildfire, where they need to communicate hands-free with their colleagues. Another example is a SWAT team conducting a mission with all team members in communication with each other and with a command center at the street.
  • Ruggedized communication headsets for construction sites, underground mines, airport ground operations, manufacturing plants, oil refineries and other industrial environments where hearing protection and reliable voice comms are essential.
  • RavenTalk is one component of Lynq’s broader Raven platform, which includes:
  • RavenTalk for high-quality, full-duplex voice and audio applications
  • RavenConnect for ultra-reliable, low-latency data communications
  • RavenView, a suite of local and cloud-based applications, offering a single pane of glass for provisioning, monitoring, diagnostics and optimization of Raven-enabled networks and devices

Lynq’s technology has already been deployed in tens of thousands of devices across consumer, enterprise and defense applications, including real-world operational use in military and special warfare environments.

lynqnetworks.com

UF PRO Presents Current and Upcoming Tactical Clothing Developments at SHOT Show 2026

Monday, February 9th, 2026

KOMENDA, SLOVENIA (05.02.2025)

At SHOT Show 2026, UF PRO, part of the Mehler Systems Group and a leader in premium tactical clothing, presented its latest developments across the tactical clothing portfolio. The event offered visitors insight into both newly released products and upcoming additions planned for 2026.

The showcase included several key autumn releases, among them the Hunter FZ Gen.3 Tactical Softshell Jacket, the Delta ML Gen.3 Tactical Winter Jacket, and the P-40 All-Terrain Gen.3 Tactical Pants. The Hunter FZ Gen.3 Tactical Softshell Jacket is designed as a versatile softshell layer for dynamic use in variable weather, balancing wind resistance, breathability, and freedom of movement. The Delta ML Gen.3 Tactical Winter Jacket addresses cold-weather operations, combining thermal insulation with a design that supports mobility and efficient layering. The P-40 All-Terrain Gen.3 Tactical Pants are built for use across mixed terrain, focusing on durability in high-wear areas, unrestricted movement, and comfort during prolonged wear. Together, these products reflect UF PRO’s continued focus on functional design, durability, and consistent performance across changing operational conditions.

For the first time in the U.S., UF PRO also presented the Striker TT BDU in Navy Blue, alongside a broader selection of combat uniforms, weather-protection layers, and everyday tactical clothing.

In addition to current releases, UF PRO provided an early look at upcoming developments scheduled for 2026. Selected products will become available in Woodland / M81 camouflage, expanding options for units operating in forested terrain. Visitors were also introduced to a new generation of classic tactical pants, developed with an emphasis on everyday reliability, unrestricted mobility, and comfort across a wide temperature range, as well as a new short-sleeve tactical shirt designed for warm-weather patrols, training, and everyday base activities.

SHOT Show 2026 once again provided an important opportunity for direct exchange with military, law enforcement, and industry professionals in the U.S., while strengthening connections with the local professional community.

Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing Welcomes Anne Mauro as Director of Special Events & Technical Services Specialist

Sunday, February 8th, 2026

NAPLES, Fla. – February 2, 2026 – Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing, a leading premium firearms retailer, proudly announces the addition of Anne Mauro as director of special events and technical services specialist. As a recognized leader in the shooting sports and shotgun industry, Mauro offers a wealth of experience that will further strengthen Cole’s outreach and promotion.

Mauro travels nationwide introducing women to shotgun sports and hunting and serves as an NRA Board of Directors Sub-committee member. She is also an essential member of the USA Shooting, NRA National Coach Development Staff and NSCA/NSSA. Mauro is an NRA Certified Advanced Shotgun Coach Level 3, one of twenty and one of 5 women in the country to hold this elite certification. In 2025, she was honored with the prestigious NRA Golden Bullseye Award as Industry Woman of the Year.

Mauro established and serves as head coach of the co-ed University of Maryland Clay Target Team, coaching athletes to 71 medals in the American and International clay target disciplines. Notable coaching wins include:

ACUI – SCTP Collegiate Nationals Division I Classic: All-Around Silver (2025)

ACUI’s Upper East Coast Conference Championship, HOA

Champion: 2021-2022, 2013-2014

Silver: 2025-2026, 2024-2025, 2023-2024, 2022-2023, 2018-2019

Bronze: 2017-2018, 2016-2017

ACUI National Clay Target Championship (2019)

Bronze: In-Class Sporting Clays, In-Class American Trap

Additionally, Mauro created and leads the NSCA Discover Sporting Clays Experience for Ladies, NSCA Intermediate Sporting Clays Experience for Ladies and NSCA Ladies Open Tournament held annually during the NSCA National Championships.

“Anne’s depth of knowledge and leadership is unmatched in our industry,” said Rich Cole, owner of Cole Gunsmithing. “Her experience and passion in the shotgun space aligns perfectly with our mission, and she strengthens every aspect of what we do. Cole Gunsmithing is thrilled to welcome her to the team.”

As the former vice president of Syren USA, Mauro was instrumental in the successful design and introduction of superior firearms for women with Italian gun makers Caesar Guerini USA/Italy and Fabarm USA/Italy. Following this success, she joined the executive management and engineering team of Blaser Jagdwaffen GmbH in Germany, where she created the Intuition Series of shotguns and rifles for world-wide distribution.

“It is an honor to be an integral member with the highly talented and sought-after Cole Team,” said Mauro. “Developing specialized programs, solving technical needs, working with our brands and serving the shooting communities for greater growth are areas I enjoy focusing my knowledge and experience.” 

At Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing, Mauro bridges technical expertise and consumer engagement. She plays a key role in program development, event strategy and brand collaboration, working within the shooting community to expand Cole’s presence. Through specialized initiatives and events, she helps showcase Cole’s products and services while strengthening connections across the industry.

For more information on Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing and the premium firearms offered, visit www.colegun.com or contact the team at (800) 650-2653.

Groundbreaking Held for KONGSBERG’s Missile Manufacturing and Maintenance Facility in James City County, Virginia

Sunday, February 8th, 2026

Jan. 16, 2026 – Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace, Inc. (‘KONGSBERG’) held a groundbreaking ceremony Friday for its first state-of-the-art US-based missile production facility in James City County, Va.

Speakers at the event included Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace (Norway) President Eirik Lie, James City County Board of Supervisors Chair Dr. John McGlennon, Virginia Secretary of Transportation Hon. Shep Miller, U.S. Representative Rob Wittman (VA-1) and Norwegian Ambassador to the United States Anniken Huitfeldt.

 

This facility, located in Toano, Va, between Richmond and Williamsburg and conveniently near Naval Station Yorktown, will help the company meet global demand for its precision strike missiles. 

 

“This new KONGSBERG factory will provide additional production capacity, sustainment and in-country tech refresh capabilities for our Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and Joint Strike Missile (JSM) – both highly advanced, fifth generation cruise missiles capable of both maritime strike and land attack,” said Lie.

 

The United States Navy awarded KONGSBERG a multi-year procurement contract for NSM in 2024 for the Navy’s Over-the-Horizon weapon wystem, as well as the Marine Corps’ NMESIS (Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System). The United States Air Force selected the JSM in 2024 for use on the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter.

 

“We are proud to invest in defense manufacturing in the United States and excited to onshore our world-class capabilities in James City County, Va. The state of Virginia, including the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Hampton Roads Alliance, have been integral in this process and we look forward to growing our presence in the US as we ramp up hiring,” said Heather Armentrout, KDA, Inc. president and general manager. 

 

The KONGSBERG facility was announced in September 2024 and will create more than 180 jobs in the James City County area. It will inject more than $100 million in economic benefits, as well as create opportunities for local suppliers to support the production and manufacturing of these weapons.

 

Preparatory site work has commenced with construction expected to begin by Q2 2026. Missile manufacturing will begin in late 2027, ramping up to full rate production by the end of 2028.

The NSM has been selected by 14 countries and the JSM by 5 nations, including the US.

Allen-Vanguard Breaks into South America with a Multi-Million Dollar Order for Their EQUINOX NG and SCORPION 2 ECM systems

Friday, February 6th, 2026

Allen-Vanguard, the global leader in providing customised solutions and enabling technology across the Cyber and Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA) domain, has recently received multi-million dollar orders for EQUINOX NG (their vehicle-based Electronic Countermeasure (ECM) system) and SCORPION 2 (their manportable ECM system). Due to the sensitivity of the purchasing nation’s operations, it is not possible to disclose specific customer details. However, this initial multi-million dollar order is a major capability uplift for the end user, will deliver enhanced protection to their personnel operating in high-risk Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) environments and help mitigate the threat posed by the increasing use of drones to deliver lethal effects.

Allen-Vanguard has over 20 years of expertise in providing customised ECM solutions for defeating Radio Frequency (RF) based terrorist and extremist threats. These threats include the continued global use of RCIEDs to target security forces and the increasing prevalence of drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) being used for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) or lethal means. Defence Forces, Public Safety & Security agencies around the world trust Allen-Vanguard’s capability solutions, because they are easy to use, robust, reliable and have been operationally proven on the battlefield and in the most challenging of peace-keeping missions protecting those who protect us.

Based on the current threat profile, the customer has purchased EQUINOX NG, a highly sophisticated vehicle-based ECM system. Its agile and flexible technical architecture has been developed around the leading global standards for Electronic Warfare (EW) hardware, ensuring compliance and easy integration with major programs for an enduring and ‘ever-greening’ capability. Coupled to a highly flexible and scalable physical format, allows it to be easily configured for a wide range of scenarios from armoured vehicle fits for operational theatres, VIP convoy protection or static vulnerable fixed site locations. The system can be configured with relative ease to address both the RCIED and drone threats alike. SCORPION 2, has all the same technical heritage and similar capabilities as EQUINOX, but has been specifically designed to be portable using a backpack for patrol-based operations. Clearly, it can also be fitted to vehicles or used at static locations, offering maximum flexibility.

The contract comes with a full support package, including training for users, technicians and mission fill development. This support includes the deployment of Field Service Representatives to ensure the development of indigenous ECM capability and reach back to the Threat Management Team.

This team of RF experts optimise algorithms specific to the end user’s needs to combat evolving threats specific to their region of operations. This comprehensive wrap-around support maximises the protection offered by the ECM systems, both from a physical capability perspective but also from the essential changes to tactics, techniques and procedures necessary to keep operators safe.

Bobby Strawbridge, President Allen-Vanguard, said: “This is an important milestone in Allen-Vanguard’s history, breaking into the South American market. We are operationally proven with NATO countries globally and have been trusted by peace-keeping forces in the MENA region for many years. Our systems are not only market leading in relation to their technology and capability but our support packages also ensure purchasing nations improve their wider ECM capability and remain updated with the latest algorithms and software to maintain their protection.”

Vickers Tactical Slide Racker for GEN3-GEN5 Large Caliber GLOCK Models

Friday, February 6th, 2026

TangoDown™ Inc. is pleased to announce the latest addition to the Vickers Tactical™ lineup: introducing the GSR-05 Slide Racker (see below for model compatibility).

The slide rackers have become a popular addition to various GLOCK® models.  All slide rackers offer serrated wings which allow for easier slide retraction when using a red dot optic and when non-ideal situations arise.  All GSR series parts are made of the same material as the OEM part.


Fits .45ACP/10mm GLOCK® with a 1.12 slide width.

Fits GEN3-5 GLOCK® models:  20; 21; 29; 30

MSRP:   $24

Color Availability:  Black

For more information, visit:   tangodown.com/vickers-tactical-slide-racker-gen3-5-glock

Customer Questions:  sales@tangodown.com

***Does NOT fit the following:  GEN5 models 22 and 23; GEN V or GEN6 models

***If you are not familiar with modifying your firearms, seek appropriate assistance from a Certified Armorer or Gunsmith.

Mehler Protection Introduces Next-Generation Combat Helmet — Made in Germany

Friday, February 6th, 2026

FULDA, GERMANY (06.02.2026)

Mehler Protection is expanding its ballistic helmet portfolio with the Omega Core, an ultra-light combat helmet made from a high-performance UHMWPE composite, designed for modern tactical and military mission profiles.

The Omega Core combines an optimised UHMWPE composite core with a shell-integrated energy-dissipation system and an ergonomically designed interior. The result is an optimal weight-to-performance ratio that enhances mobility while reducing operational fatigue and neck strain. The helmet system will be showcased at Enforce Tac 2026 as part of Mehler Protection’s current helmet portfolio. Industry professionals, particularly those representing European armed forces, are warmly invited to visit the Mehler Systems Group stand to experience the combat helmet first-hand.

The Omega Core pairs a sophisticated ballistic construction with an open rail architecture and modular interfaces, e.g. for NVG mounts, visors, communications devices and hearing protection and more. The interior features multi-chamber pads and adaptive anchoring points to minimise micro-movements under dynamic loads, thereby improving stability, comfort, and fit. The individually adjustable suspension net provides continuous ventilation to reduce perspiration and heat build-up. The shell concept is engineered for low backface deformation and optimised fragment deflection. Thanks to its modular platform architecture, the helmet can be adapted to different mission profiles, ranging from highly mobile operations to scenarios involving variable threat environments.

“With the Omega Core we are setting the benchmark for ultra-light, fully integrable combat helmets. The system is ‘Made in Germany’, underpinned by a resilient European supply chain. Operators will benefit from a weight saving of around 20 per cent compared to the current Bundeswehr combat helmet, without compromising on protection, ergonomics or system integration,” says Dr. Mario Amschlinger, CEO of Mehler Systems.

The Omega Core is engineered as an ultra-light helmet system. It ranks at the very top of its class and delivers clear advantages in mobility and reduced fatigue during extended missions. The system is tested, among others, to the “Ballistic Helmet” system standard (Chapter 3.2, May 2010), STANAG 2920 (V50 procedure for fragment protection) and NIJ STD 0106.01. Ballistic tests with operationally relevant handgun ammunition (example calibres: 9 mm FMJ RN, .357 SIG FMJ FN, .44 Mag SJHP) are conducted to evaluate performance. These standards and additional procedures ensure that ballistic performance, impact attenuation and material durability meet the requirements expected by military users.

Production and delivery capability

Series production takes place at Mehler Protection’s dedicated facility in Fulda. The automated production line provides capacity for more than 50,000 state-of-the-art helmets per year. Mehler Protection has the organisational and technical capabilities to scale output to three times this volume at short notice upon receipt of orders. This ensures armed forces’ requirements can be met quickly and reliably. The production strategy is based on rapid scalability, a dual-sourcing approach for critical components and qualified supplier networks across Europe. Mehler Protection has demonstrated on-time delivery, high quality standards and supply chain resilience in major body armour programmes.

Innovation leadership

The Mehler Systems Group was awarded the TOP 100 seal in 2026, placing it among Germany’s most innovative mid-sized companies. This recognition highlights the Group’s consistent research and development efforts and the innovation behind products such as Omega Core, as well as numerous other solutions in the fields of personal and platform protection, load-bearing systems, and tactical clothing.

About Mehler Protection

Mehler Protection is a leading provider of high-quality ballistic protection systems for law enforcement agencies, military, and special forces. The company is committed to safety, providing innovative and robust solutions that are tailored to mission-specific requirements. Its portfolio includes ballistic body armour, stab and cut protection, helmets, shields, and platform armour for naval, air, and land vehicles, as well as critical infrastructure. As part of the Mehler Systems Group, Mehler Protection draws on over four decades of experience in developing and manufacturing customised protection solutions.