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Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

Introducing Apex Optics: Precision Rifle Optics for Duty and Field Use

Wednesday, August 19th, 2026

In military, law enforcement, and professional shooting environments, equipment is judged by performance under pressure, not by specification sheets or marketing claims. An optic either tracks correctly, holds zero, and remains usable under stress, or it doesn’t.

Apex Optics was developed with that standard in mind. The focus is straightforward: build precision rifle optics intended for duty use, where reliability, innovation, repeatable mechanical function, and usable optical performance are critical requirements.

All Apex optics are manufactured and assembled in Japan using Premium ED Japanese glass. The optical system is designed to provide clear resolution, usable contrast in variable lighting, and consistent performance across the full field of view. Internally, stainless steel components are used in the mechanical system to support long-term durability and repeatable tracking under sustained use. Each optic is assembled under controlled manufacturing and inspection processes to maintain consistency across production.

The design approach prioritizes function over feature density. Controls are intended to be predictable and repeatable, with an emphasis on mechanical integrity and ease of use under operational conditions.

Apex Optics is proud to share three of our products built around these principles.

Apex Edge 1-10×24 LPVO

The Edge 1-10×24 is Apex Optics’ Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO) designed for carbine use where both close-quarters speed and mid-range precision are required from a single optic.

The 1x setting is built for rapid, both-eyes-open engagement with minimal distortion and a consistent sight picture. At higher magnification, the optic provides usable detail for positive identification and precision shot placement at distance, without sacrificing clarity across the zoom range.

The optical system uses our Premium Japanese ED glasswith fully multi-coated lenses to maintain consistent light transmission and contrast through changing conditions. Internally, stainless steel components are used in the adjustment system to support repeatable tracking and long-term mechanical stability under recoil, sustained useand extreme temperature ranges.

The first focal plane HCR™ (Hybird Combat) Reticle remains usable across the entire magnification range, supporting both rapid engagement and holdover-based shooting without changing sighting systems or methods.

The Edge 1-10×24 is intended as a single optic solution for users who need to cover a wide engagement envelope with one platform.

Apex Vapor™ 1-4×22 Variable Zoom Prism Sight

The Vapor™ 1-4×22 Prism is a compact optic intended for carbine platforms where size, speed, and simplicity are prioritised, but magnification is still required beyond a fixed red dot.

Unlike traditional LPVO systems, the prism design provides a fixed optical path with a true 1x setting for close-range work and 4x magnification for mid-range identification and precision. The Vapors reticle remains visible at all times, allowing the optic to be used without illumination if required.

The FIRE™ reticle is etched directly into the optical system and remains constant across all conditions. Illumination is available for enhanced visibility, but the reticle itself does not rely on electronics to remain usable.

The compact prism housing reduces overall system length compared to most variable optics, making it suited for setups where rail space and handling characteristics are constrained.

The Vapor™ 1-4×22 is intended for users who want a lightweight, always-available sighting system that bridges the gap between red dot speed and low-magnification target identification.

Apex Ion™ 1×25 Enclosed Red Dot Sight

The ION™ 1×25 is a closed-emitter red dot sight designed for duty, carry, and professional use where durability, speed, and reliability are essential.

Built around a true 1x optical system with a wide 25mm objective window, the ION™ 1×25 delivers a clear, unobstructed sight picture for rapid target acquisition and confident engagement. Its design supports both-eyes-open shooting, allowing users to maintain situational awareness while achieving a fast, intuitive aiming reference.

Rather than a single-dot configuration, the ION™ 1×25 features the MRX™ multi-dot reticle system, giving users adaptable aiming options for a variety of shooting scenarios. Paired with multiple brightness settings, the system is engineered to maintain reticle visibility across changing lighting conditions, from low-light environments to bright daylight and high-glare conditions.

The closed-emitter design helps protect the optical system from debris, moisture, and impact during field use, supporting consistent performance in demanding environments. Japanese ED glass and multi-coated lenses help maintain clarity, contrast, and visual precision, while the rugged mechanical design is built to hold zero through extended operational use. The Ion™ 1×25 is intended for users who require a straightforward, enclosed red dot system for duty, training, and field environments. It will be available later this summer.

Apex Optics is focused on producing optics intended for duty, competition, and field use where mechanical consistency and optical performance are the primary requirements.

Additional product information, specifications, and availability details are available on our website, www.apexoptics.co

The Edge™ 1-10×24 and Vapor™ 1-4×22 are available now, and the Ion™ 1×25 will be available later this summer.

Accuracy X, Inc Unveils Multi-Sight MAX System

Wednesday, August 19th, 2026

Patented mount delivers ultra-low direct-mount depth with swap-anytime sight versatility.

Hardy, Va. (August 2026) – Accuracy X, Inc (AXI), the makers of the world’s proven most accurate pistols, has introduced the Multi-Sight™ MAX System, a patented optic-mounting platform that pairs the ultra-low profile of a direct mount with the durability and configurability the company has built its reputation on. The new system expands, rather than replaces, the original Multi-Sight System, which remains in production and fully supported.

Direct-mounting a red dot has traditionally forced shooters to trade away long-term reliability and versatility. The Multi-Sight MAX ends that compromise. At the core of the system is the company’s patented Index-Recoil Lug, engineered to absorb the shear forces that break fasteners, destroy optics, and shift zero. The result is absolute zero retention across repeated plate changes.

The system’s patent-pending Direct Depth Mounting System routes mounting screws directly into the slide instead of through a threaded plate, allowing Accuracy X to machine deeper pockets and seat optics lower than conventional direct mounts. The resulting height-over-bore is the lowest achievable on a pistol slide.

Configurability comes from the SLOT Sight™ System paired with a new Rapid Change Interface, which lets shooters swap front and rear sight blades, from suppressor height to compact co-witness, without removing the red dot. A front-mounted co-witness option addresses snag concerns raised by some law enforcement agencies, and an integrated, ambidextrous slide racker rounds out a competition-ready feature set.

The Multi-Sight MAX supports the three most popular optic footprints, the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, Aimpoint ACRO, and Trijicon RMR, which together account for about 95 percent of red-dot sights in use. Additional modules and accessories are planned.

“For years, shooters have had to choose between the ultra-low profile of a direct mount and the reliability and versatility of a robust system,” said Steve Huff, president of Accuracy X. “We refused to accept that compromise. The Multi-Sight MAX gets the dot as low as it can go and lets you tune your entire setup without ever touching your red dot. When excellent isn’t good enough, this is what comes next.”’

Watch an in-depth technical breakdown of the Multi-Sight MAX system and discover how this low-profile, modular sight mounting platform revolutionizes versatility for handguns in the recent video “The Ultimate Optic Solution: Deep Dive Into the Multi-Sight MAX System.” The video discusses machining tolerances, optic compatibility, co-witness options, and why this system is changing the game for competitive and tactical shooters alike.

It is available now for licensed partners. Full specifications will be available at www.accuracyx.com.

Bundeswehr Orders Further Mobile Rescue Stations from Rheinmetall – Order Worth Over € 500 Million

Tuesday, August 18th, 2026

Rheinmetall will supply further mobile rescue stations to the Bundeswehr. As an extension of a previous order, the armed forces are set to receive a total of 149 additional protected and unprotected systems, with a gross value of over €500 million. This call-off under a framework contract awarded at the end of 2024 is the largest order to date that the contractor, Rheinmetall Project Solutions GmbH, has ever received. Production of the rescue stations is due to begin in the first quarter of 2027.
With the order booked in July 2026, the total number of rescue stations rises to 165 systems, with a gross value of over € 600 million. In December 2024, the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) had commissioned Rheinmetall to supply up to 137 rescue stations to the Bundeswehr. At that time, ten ballistically protected and six unprotected systems were ordered. 

Call-offs for further armoured and unarmoured systems are included as an option in the contract. Training for the relevant personnel will also be provided.

The rescue stations are part of the Modular Medical Facilities system. Within the Bundeswehr’s medical service, these highly mobile rescue stations ensure that the troops receive initial emergency medical care. If required, four soldiers can set up and dismantle the systems within a very short time. This incorporates a lesson learnt from the war in the Ukraine, namely that highly mobile systems are necessary for medical support.

Each rescue station comprises two containers that can be operated together or separately. Each container is fitted with a generator and air conditioning, and can operate independently for several days. Should one generator fail, the entire system can continue to operate using the generator from a single container.

The system features a fully equipped emergency treatment station, as well as four additional treatment stations. All the medical equipment is mounted on Airliner rails and can be configured according to the user’s requirements.

The system can be transported using different carrier vehicles used by the Bundeswehr. It can be set up at a longitudinal and transverse inclination. A custom lifting system was developed for this purpose, as no off-the-shelf system could meet the specified requirements.

The Bundeswehr is procuring both protected and unprotected versions of the system. This involves the refurbishment of an existing system. However, the new rescue station replaces a complex tent structure with a highly modular 3:1 container manufactured by Rheinmetall Mobile Systeme GmbH. The new system can be transported and set up in more challenging terrain.

Blue Ops, a Red Cat Company, and Havoc Partner to Develop Open-Architecture Autonomous Maritime Defense Systems

Tuesday, August 18th, 2026

Companies plan to integrate Havoc’s collaborative autonomy software across Blue Ops’ USV portfolio to establish operational fleets

SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 17, 2026Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat” or the “Company”), a U.S.-based provider of advanced all-domain drone and robotic solutions for defense and national security, and Havoc, a leader in all-domain collaborative autonomy, announced a partnership today, formalized through Red Cat’s maritime division, Blue Ops.

Under the partnership, Blue Ops and Havoc plan to integrate Havoc’s collaborative autonomy software and command-and-control capabilities across multiple Blue Ops uncrewed surface vessels, including the Variant 7 and additional platforms as they are introduced. The integration is intended to enable coordinated multi-vessel operations and expand the range of autonomous functions available to U.S. and allied defense customers.

The partnership builds on Blue Ops’ Modular Open Systems Architecture (“MOSA”) approach to maritime systems, which is designed to support the rapid integration of autonomy, sensors, communications, payloads, and other mission technologies based on evolving operational requirements. Havoc’s collaborative autonomy technology has been successfully deployed on behalf of the U.S. Department of War in multiple operational contexts.

“This partnership is exactly what our open-architecture strategy was built for,” said Barry Hinckley, President of Blue Ops. “Our goal is to build the best small USVs in the world while making it easy to integrate leading technologies from across the U.S. and our allies. Havoc has developed a powerful collaborative autonomy solution and integrating it with Blue Ops platforms gives customers greater choice and flexibility while accelerating how quickly advanced autonomous maritime capabilities can be fielded.”

Blue Ops and Havoc also plan to establish operational fleets at Havoc’s headquarters in Rhode Island and Blue Ops’ headquarters in Florida. These locations will provide U.S. and allied defense customers and partners with access to integrated Blue Ops and Havoc systems for live demonstrations, testing, training and operational evaluation, including both single-vessel autonomy and coordinated multi-vessel operations.

“Havoc’s primary strategy is to pair our leading-edge collaborative autonomy software with platform manufacturers who have already proven innovation, excellence, and scale,” said Paul Lwin, CEO and Co-Founder of Havoc. “Blue Ops is the perfect partner to continue our journey because they are building an open, flexible family of maritime systems that align directly with how we believe autonomy should be deployed. By integrating Havoc across the Blue Ops portfolio, we can give operators the ability to command and coordinate multiple autonomous vessels while preserving the flexibility to adapt as operational requirements evolve.”

Additionally, the companies plan to work together to expand market access for their respective technologies. Blue Ops and Red Cat intend to introduce Havoc’s autonomy and command-and-control capabilities to their government and commercial customers, while Havoc intends to market Blue Ops’ family of USVs to its customer base. Together, the companies plan to pursue opportunities requiring integrated autonomous maritime systems.

The partnership provides a framework for continued technical integration, demonstrations and joint customer engagement as the companies further develop their commercial relationship.

BLADE’s Hunter WOLF Robotic UGV Scheduled for Evaluation with the 82nd Airborne Division (TiC)

Tuesday, August 18th, 2026

Third Army training event demonstrates Hunter WOLF adaptability and utility across diverse mission requirements
FREDERICKSBURG, Va., Aug. 17, 2026 — The U.S. Army is expanding the evaluation of the Hunter WOLF unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) from HDT Robotics, LLC dba BLADE, through a Transition in Contact (TiC) event with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Polk, Louisiana. The training and evaluation is taking place August 20, 2026.

The Hunter WOLF from BLADE (formerly HDT) continues to prove its maturity with TiC event with the 82nd Airborne.

The Hunter WOLF is a robotic multi-mission ground vehicle designed to reduce the physical burden on soldiers. With a payload capacity of up to 2,800 lbs, it supports logistics and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) missions while helping to solve the military’s “last tactical mile” of supply challenge. By carrying critical equipment, supplies, and personnel, it extends operational duration, keeps soldiers in the field longer, reduces fatigue, and allows them to operate at safer distances. Built specifically for dismounted military operations, it delivers mobility, payload, and power in a compact system engineered to perform in demanding environments where commercial vehicles fail.

The training event will provide hands-on experience for soldiers from one of the Army’s premier rapid-response units. Known as the “All-American” Division, the 82nd Airborne can deploy worldwide within 18 hours and specializes in parachute assault and other key military operations.

“No two Army units operate the same way,” said Tom Van Doren, President of Robotics, BLADE. “The value of these evaluations is seeing how the Hunter WOLF supports different mission sets, environments, and operational priorities. Every event helps validate the flexibility of the platform and identify new ways it can reduce workload and help keep soldiers out of harm’s way.”

During the training, soldiers will operate and evaluate the Hunter WOLF in real-world scenarios, gaining experience in system operation and mission integration. The vehicles will be configured to support a variety of mission requirements, including communications, logistics, casualty evacuation, mobile power generation, and equipment transport.

Specifically, configurations include:

  • Two Vehicle-mounted Tactical Radios (AN/VRC-158)
  • Autonomy
  • Five Universal Battery Chargers (UBC)
  • Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC)
  • 15kW Mobile Power Export (120/240VAC inverter offload)
  • Extended Cargo Rails for Equipment Transport

“The 82nd Airborne brings a unique operational perspective centered on agility, mobility, and rapid deployment,” said John Conway, VP of Business Development, Robotics, BLADE. “Training units like this help demonstrate how the Hunter WOLF can integrate into light / mobile infantry operations while delivering the support soldiers need to stay focused on the warfighting mission.”

This event follows previous Hunter WOLF training and evaluation activities conducted with U.S. Army units earlier this year, including the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, and the 101st Airborne Division. Collectively, these engagements are providing valuable soldier feedback while demonstrating the platform’s adaptability across multiple mission requirements and operational environments.

www.hdtglobal.com

Mehler Protection Returns to MSPO with Advanced Personal Protection Solutions

Tuesday, August 18th, 2026

FULDA, GERMANY, 10 August 2026

Mehler Protection, a leading provider of ballistic protection solutions and part of Mehler Systems, will return to the International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) in Kielce, Poland, from 8–11 September 2026. Following its last appearance at MSPO in 2024, Mehler Protection will once again present a broad portfolio of personal protection solutions for military, law enforcement and security professionals.

At Hall 4, Booth 4-D09, visitors will be able to explore solutions covering different operational requirements, including modular body armour, plate carriers, ballistic helmets, riot protection, ballistic shields and load-distribution systems.

Among the key systems on display will be M.U.S.T., Mehler Protection’s modular, scalable protection system. Its modular design allows the protection configuration to be adapted according to different operational requirements, providing users with the flexibility to adjust their equipment to the mission at hand.

Another highlight will be ExoM II, the latest generation of Mehler Protection’s passive exoskeleton technology. Designed to redistribute the load of heavy protective equipment away from the shoulders, ExoM II helps reduce the physical burden associated with carrying ballistic protection and additional equipment for extended periods. The system will be displayed together with the Omega Jaw ballistic protection solution.

For public-order and riot-control applications, Mehler Protection will showcase the Riot II protective system.

Together, the three complete configurations will demonstrate different approaches to protecting personnel across a range of operational environments and requirements.

The presentation will be complemented by a selection of plate carriers and body armour systems alongside hard- and soft-ballistic protection solutions. Visitors will also be able to explore several ballistic helmet configurations, as well as flexible and rigid ballistic shield solutions designed to provide additional protection in high-risk situations.

The 34th International Defence Industry Exhibition brings together armed forces, government representatives, procurement organisations and defence industry professionals in Kielce, providing an important meeting point for the defence sector in Central and Eastern Europe.

Learn more about Mehler Protection: mehler-protection.com

Department of War Orders Research Security Audits at 30 Academic Institutions

Tuesday, August 18th, 2026

The Department of War has issued formal notifications to 30 domestic academic institutions, directing them to initiate immediate and comprehensive reviews of their academic, financial and research collaborations with foreign entities of concern.

These notifications address active institutional ties and collaborations with foreign entities identified under Section 1286 of the FY19 NDAA, as well as organizations associated with rebranded Confucius Institutes. Executed by the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering, this action is designed to protect American taxpayer-funded research investments from unauthorized technology transfer, intellectual property theft and adversarial exploitation.

“The Department of War has zero tolerance for academic partnerships that compromise our national security,” said Emil Michael, Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering. “Institutions that receive funding from American taxpayers must uphold the highest standards of research security, and these mandated audits will ensure accountability across the board.”

To maintain eligibility for future federal research funding, the notified universities must complete a comprehensive audit of all identified foreign collaborations, assess the exposure of sensitive or export-controlled research, and implement strict mitigation plans, including the termination of problematic partnerships. Institutions are required to report their findings and actions directly to the Department no later than August 31, 2026.

“Universities are critical partners in executing a wide range of Department of War research programs, and the Department must therefore ensure that our research investments are well protected from foreign exploitation,” said Dr. Joseph Jewell, Assistant Secretary of War for Science and Technology.

Through these audits, the Department of War will better anticipate emerging threats, adapt to evolving adversarial tactics and maintain America’s position as a global leader in innovation. The Department is pursuing this effort alongside partners in Congress.?Together with the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees and the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, the Department continues to build a robust research ecosystem that protects critical discoveries from exploitation.

ARO – Omnivore Wrap

Monday, August 17th, 2026

As part of the first of a series of new product launches, ARO has released a Wrap model for the Blackhawk! Omnivore. The Wrap is designed to allow the user to mount pouches to their retention holster.

Extremely low profile the Wrap is constructed from polypropylene sheets woven together for maximum strength and weight savings. By wrapping around the holster body, the bulk added to the holster is virtually zero. Weighing less than an ounce, the Wrap is lighter than the competition. The Wrap is the most modular solution enabling pouches on every face of the holster.

The Wrap is designed to use your existing retention holster hardware.

ARO has produced exceptional instruction materials available at:

The Wrap is currently available for Safariland 6000/7000 series & Safarivault series holsters, AlienGear RapidForce Levels 3&4 WML Holsters and now, Blackhawk! Omnivore WML Holsters. 

www.aroproducts.com