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Barrett’s Defense Technologies Releases White Paper Calling for Focus on Dismounted Soldier in Europe

Saturday, March 21st, 2026

Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A., founding member of the Beretta Defense Technologies (BDT) strategic alliance of Beretta Holding group companies, is launching a White Paper calling for greater consideration of the dismounted soldier in Europe’s defence policy and programming.

The paper, titled “the Enduring Importance of the Dismounted Soldier in Modern Conflict” was presented to Members of the European Parliament, national and EU defence representatives on 5 March. Taking stock of lessons from the war in Ukraine, the paper underlines that the human element remains central to operational effectiveness. To defend Europe, training and equipping soldiers effectively must be a priority.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Beretta Holding Vice-President and CEO of Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A., Dr Franco Gussalli Beretta, said “As warfare continues to evolve through advancing technologies, the soldier remains a vital and irreplaceable element of modern defence. In this context, innovation and the continuous enhancement of individual equipment are essential to strengthening the capabilities and effectiveness of today’s soldiers”.

Although investment in defence at European and national level is ramping up, several challenges remain.

Programmes like the European Defence Fund (EDF), Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), and the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through common Procurement Act (EDIRPA), the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), and the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) have strengthened Europe’s ability to invest together in defence. However, too little of this funding is allocated to soldier-focused capabilities.

A new industrial mindset

The White Paper highlights that Europe’s small arms, ammunition and equipment markets remain fragmented, characterised by different national approaches to equipping soldiers. Many countries are still equipping their soldiers with outdated service weapons or relying on non-European products.

The rapidly changing defence and geopolitical landscape calls for a new industrial mindset to address the challenges to equipping soldiers effectively. This mindset should focus on common requirements, pragmatic solutions and European collaboration.The paper calls on European policymakers to make the dismounted soldier a strategic priority by:

• Investing in modern infantry equipment;

• Harmonising European standards for that equipment;

• Streamlining design and performance criteria;

• Reforming procurement;

• Encouraging industrial cooperation between member states.

Beretta urges faster innovation, better planning, and learning from current conflicts to ensure soldiers are ready to face current and future threats.

Next steps

The White Paper draws on expertise from across Beretta Defense Technologies, a predominantly European alliance of Beretta Holding companies. Each BDT company has a rich history and reputation for excellence in their field: from firearms and ammunition production to precision optics, clothing and accessories.

Through this alliance, Beretta is uniquely placed to offer scalable solutions, designed and manufactured in Europe.

The latest innovations from BDT include specialised anti-drone firearms and ammunition.

This launch is intended as a first step towards the wider goal of a credible and autonomous European defence posture. Beretta stands ready to support decision makers to learn the lessons of today’s conflicts, address market fragmentation, establish key standards and criteria, and facilitate industrial alliances.

About Beretta

Beretta (Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta SpA) is the oldest firearms manufacturer in the world. With roots in Northern Italy going back to 1526, the company remains under the leadership of the Beretta family, making it one of the world’s oldest family-owned and family-run businesses. Beretta is also a founding member of BDT (Beretta Defense Technologies), an alliance of Beretta Holding Group companies that supply leading armed forces and law enforcement agencies worldwide with firearms, ammunition, optics, electro-optics, clothing and accessories.

To access the white paper, visit here.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, weapons | No Comments »

Defence Investment Agency Awards Contract to Replace Current Canadian Armed Forces assault rifles

Thursday, March 19th, 2026

March 19, 2026 – Kitchener, Ontario

The Government of Canada is committed to rebuilding, rearming and reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to ensure they receive the equipment they need to achieve mission success and protect Canadians.

Today, the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement), and the Minister of National Defence, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, announced that the Defence Investment Agency has awarded a contract to Colt Canada of Kitchener, Ontario, to acquire up to 65,402 assault rifle systems under the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle (CMAR) initiative. By awarding this contract to Colt Canada, the Government of Canada is reinforcing the recently announced Defence Industrial Strategy and its commitment to invest in Canadian innovation.

The CMAR project will be delivered through 2 phases:

Phase 1 includes procuring 30,000 General Service (GS) rifles over a three-year period. The estimated value of this initial phase is approximately $307 million, including applicable taxes.

Phase 2, which is expected to begin in year four under an optional provision, will include procuring the remaining 19,207 GS rifles, 16,195 Full Spectrum (FS) rifles, as well as associated ancillaries.

This contract will provide a modern replacement for the current C7/C8 assault rifle fleet, which has been in service for more than 35 years. The new rifles will enhance the awareness, protection, and reliability of deployed CAF members. The project also includes system integration and engineering support.

The investment will bolster Canada’s defence industrial base for years to come, creating good?paying jobs and contributing roughly $10 million annually to Canada’s GDP over the next five years. Colt Canada’s commitment to include at least 80% Canadian content will also generate opportunities for suppliers across the country. Further economic benefits are expected under the Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy, which ensures that defence procurements generate long?term, high?value investments in Canada.

This contract is part of the first wave of high-priority defence procurements to be implemented by the Defence Investment Agency. The Agency play a central role in implementing Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy by engaging industry earlier in the procurement process, supporting innovation and aligning procurement strategies with long-term military and industrial priorities.

Together, the Defence Investment Agency and the Defence Industrial Strategy are making generational investments in Canada’s defence ecosystem—transforming how Canada equips its military, strengthening domestic supply chains, and ensuring the Canadian Armed Forces have the equipment they need to keep Canada safe and sovereign.

To replace the current service rifle, the DIA made a deliberate decision to advance CMAR through a direct acquisition for asset replacement, and advanced the procurement using a Risk?Based Approach (RBA). These actions reflect Canada’s commitment to streamlining processes and accelerating the delivery of equipment to the CAF. This investment supports Canada’s efforts to meet its NATO defence spending targets, while ensuring the CAF has the modern equipment needed to respond to evolving operational demands.

“Providing modern, reliable capabilities to the Canadian Armed Forces is central to the Defence Investment Agency’s mission, and our streamlined approach will deliver this capability to our troops faster. This contract with Colt Canada advances Canada’s new Defence Industrial Strategy by strengthening domestic production, creating good?paying jobs, and growing our economy. By investing in advanced systems and Canadian expertise, we are ensuring our Forces remain ready for the challenges ahead while building a stronger, more resilient defence industry at home.”

The Honourable Stephen Fuhr
Secretary of State (Defence Procurement)

“Today’s announcement reflects our government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the Canadian Armed Forces have the capabilities they need to protect Canadians and contribute to global security. The Canadian Modular Assault Rifle project is an important step in modernizing the equipment our service members rely on every day. By investing in modern, reliable tools and working with a trusted Canadian partner, we are supporting the operational readiness of our Armed Forces while strengthening Canada’s defence industry and the skilled workforce behind it.“

The Honourable David J. McGuinty
Minister of National Defence

“Today’s announcement is a win for Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces. Rifles remain foundational to soldier effectiveness in the field, and this development brings over 40 years of technology evolution to Canada’s fighting forces. This represents tangible progress, and a clear example of how we can move with greater agility to bring modern, reliable equipment to soldiers. It is about delivering the Army Canada needs, today, and into the future.”

Lieutenant-General M.C. Wright
Commander Canadian Army

On February 17, 2026, the Prime Minister launched Canada’s first Defence Industrial Strategy to transform our defence industries by prioritising Canadian suppliers and materials, investing in Canadian innovation and commercialisation, and streamlining procurement to give businesses consistent and predictable demand.

On October 2, 2025, the Prime Minister announced the creation of the Defence Investment Agency. This new special operating agency was established to strengthen Canada’s defence procurement system. It marks a major advancement in modernizing the process, aimed at rebuilding, rearming, and reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces to address evolving global threats and meet operational requirements.

The newly established Defence Investment Agency is modernizing defence procurement for the Government of Canada. The Agency is accelerating mission-critical equipment delivery to the CAF by centralizing expertise and streamlining decisions.

Under this contract, up to 65,402 modern assault rifles will be delivered: 16,195 will be the FS variant, while the remaining 49,207 will be the GS variant.

The FS variant is designed for front-line combat roles. It is optimized for offensive operations in urban and open terrain, and it has advanced features for soldiers in Regular Infantry units. The GS variant is intended for broader use across the CAF. It provides reliable personal protection and deterrence for personnel who are not in primary combat roles.

The ammunition to be produced as part of the CMAR initiative will also be made in Canada.

The CMAR contract was advanced under a Risk?Based Approach (RBA), through which a procurement is managed according to its level of complexity and risk . This approach ensures that procurements receive Treasury Board (TB) approvals and oversight appropriate to their complexity, enabling timely delivery for the CAF by streamlining processes.

The Munitions Supply Program, established in 1974, ensures that the CAF have reliable sources of supply in Canada for ammunition, small arms and related equipment. Equipment is purchased from designated domestic facilities that serve as strategic sources of supply and centres of excellence. The MSP supports the development of a competitive Canadian defence industry, creating long-term economic benefits and thousands of jobs across the country.

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release, weapons | 12 Comments »

Back “Guardians of Neutrality – Swiss Rifles Through the Ages” Now

Thursday, March 19th, 2026

Now available on Kickstarter, Safar Publishing’s latest book “Guardians of Neutrality – Swiss Rifles Through the Ages” offers a deep dive into the evolution of Swiss military rifles, spanning over a century of innovation, precision, and craftsmanship.

Author Thomas Anderson promises around 550 pages of the history of Swiss rifles from 1860 to 1990 through meticulously researched data and photographs.

This is a must-have for students of small arms history.

Join over 400 other backers and secure your copy now at www.kickstarter.com/projects/345pdp/guardians-of-neutrality-swiss-rifles-through-the-ages.

Posted in History, weapons | No Comments »

Marines Can Use Red Dot Optic Equipped M18 Pistols for Qualification

Thursday, March 19th, 2026

According to a released recently MARDMIN (104/26) message, Marines are authorized to use unit funded, Using Unit Responsibility Item, M17 Romeo (sic) red dot optic, National Stock Number 1240-01-713-9795 for Combat Pistol Program (CPP) qualifications with the M18 Modular Handgun System (MHS).

Manufactured by SIG Electro-Optics, the ROMEO-M17 was assigned its NSN and added to the MHS Additional Authorized List (AAL) in October, 2023.

ROMEO-M17 Specs:

Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm
Reticle: Circle dot with 2 MOA Red Dot / 32 MOA Circle
Lens Type: Asphere
Brightness Adjustment Settings: 15 (12 Day / 3 Night Vision)
Water Resistance: Submersible to 20 meters
Overall Length: 2.4 inches
Overall Width: 0.9 inches
Overall Height: 1.1 inches
Mounting Footprint: SIG-LOC™ MHS
Battery Type: CR2032
Battery Location: Side
Weight (w/o battery): 1.5 ounces

MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination)
MAGNETAC (Magnetic Activation)
D.A.R.C. (Dark Adaptive Reticles & Coatings)
Designed, developed, tested and fully assembled in the USA
Integrated loaded chamber indicator (LCI) gas deflector and machined anti-reflection grooves on all rear facing surfaces for reduced glare

In other pistol marksmanship news, an earlier MARADMIN (095/26) authorizes Marines in units that are issued Glock pistols from the USMC (e.g., MARSOC) or Department of State (e.g., MCESG) for unique duty requirements to use these pistols for CPP qualifications.

Posted in Advertiser, USMC, weapons | 1 Comment »

Rheinmetall Nordic Mortar Day: Rheinmetall Presents the Capabilities of the Next Generation of European Mortars

Wednesday, March 18th, 2026

Rheinmetall has once again demonstrated its expertise in the future of indirect fire weapon systems. In winter 2026, its subsidiary Rheinmetall Nordic hosted the Rheinmetall Nordic Mortar Day. In front of high-ranking representatives of armed forces, authorities and industry partners from Norway, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands and Germany, the company presented the latest generation of high-performance European mortar systems in a live demonstration. The focus was on the 120 mm Ragnarok mortar system and the newly developed Mortar Mission Module. This is a European, scalable solution designed to have a decisive impact on the battlefield through its speed, precision, reliability and affordability.

The Ragnarok Mortar Mission Module will provide users with true shoot/scoot capability allowing users to leave the firing position immediately after the last round is fire. The system is designed for high flexibility through its platform and barrel independence.

The live fire demonstration took place in Rena, Norway. Weather conditions were adverse, with double-digit sub-zero temperatures and high humidity. During the demonstration, the Mortar Mission Module integrated in a HX truck demonstrated its high accuracy and rapid response capability. Designed for speed and simplicity, the system can be seamlessly integrated into existing and future platforms, enabling European armed forces to enhance their capabilities easily and without significant logistical effort.

The demonstration underscored the growing importance of European cooperation in strengthening collective defence. In light of increasing geopolitical pressure and growing demand for robust capabilities on the battlefield, Rheinmetall Nordic emphasised the urgency of delivering effective, user-oriented systems that enable nations to act quickly and decisively.

‘Today’s security environment requires us to act in a targeted manner,’ said Morten Kjorum, CEO of Rheinmetall Nordic. ‘Europe’s strategic autonomy depends on providing solutions that maximise operational impact while being practical, cost-effective and rapidly deployable. The Mortar Mission Module is the result of close collaboration between Rheinmetall and European industry partners and users, based on transparency, shared goals and technological excellence.’

‘Together we are stronger,’ added Kjorum. ‘Our goal is clear: we want to deliver systems that meet the operational requirements of European soldiers at the speed that the current situation demands.’

With its scalable production presence worldwide, Rheinmetall is ready to meet the growing demand for advanced infirect fire capabilities while ensuring a resilient, sovereign supply chain.

Posted in International, Press Release, weapons | No Comments »

US Army Seeking COTS Direct View Optics, Aiming Lasers, and Mounting Hardware for NGSW

Wednesday, March 18th, 2026

“The US Army Contracting Command – New Jersey (ACC-NJ), on behalf of Project Manager Soldier Lethality (PM SL), located at Picatinny Arsenal, NJ, is conducting a market survey for direct view optics and aiming lasers for use on shoulder fired weapon systems (i.e. rifles, carbines and automatic rifles) within the Close Combat Force.”

That’s how the recent US Army RFI to industry for commercial off the shelf weapon enablers starts out. I’m going to dissect it a little bit. It’s for “rifles, carbines and automatic rifles within the Close Combat Force.” Considering the Army is currently replacing the M4 Carbines and M249 Squad Automatic Weapons with the M7 Rifle, XM8 Carbine (basis of issue still undetermined), and M250 Automatic Rifle, this is obviously for the Next Generation Squad Weapon System.

Photo by Mr. Thomas Mort, Audio Visual Specialist

They want to hear from companies manufacturing direct view optics, aiming lasers, and scope rings/mounting hardware for optics that are at a technology readiness level 9, currently in production, and may be commercially available.

Here are the specifics:

Direct view optics and mounting hardware must be mountable on a MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny Rail. Direct view optics may include but are not limited to red dot sights with flip-in magnifiers, low-power variable optics, discrete variable magnified optics, or fixed magnified direct view optics with magnification contained in the range of 1x to 10x. The direct view optics should aid Rifleman and Automatic Rifleman to effectively engage targets at distances up to 600m. Optics must survive weapon pyro-shock, be rugged for Soldier use and conform to MIL-STD-810 Environmental conditions for Small Arm Weapons. Optics should allow for the use of protective eyewear and provide an interface for attaching laser protection filters and anti-reflective devices.

Aiming lasers must be mountable on MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny Rail or using Modular Lock (M-LOK) and provide a visual aiming laser, infrared aiming laser, and an illuminator flood light that aids Rifleman and Automatic Rifleman to effectively engage targets at distances up to 600m. The IR pointer and illuminator must be compatible with I2 night vision devices and offer eye safe settings for general use and high-power settings (no greater than 3B) for long range use. Aiming lasers may have laser range finder and/or remotes but not required. Aiming lasers must survive weapon pyro-shock, be rugged for Soldier use, and conform to MIL-STD-810 Environmental conditions for Small Arm Weapons.

XM157 Next Generation Squad Weapon Fire Control

NGSW was procured to be fielded along with the XM157 Next Generation Squad Weapon Fire Control, manufactured by Vortex Optics. This sustem was actually selected before the weapons it was intended to be attached to and offers an integrated laser ranger finder as well as ballistic software to present a disturbed reticle for the shooter to increase first round hits. Additionally, it is a 1-8x magnified optic and includes visible and IR aiming lasers.

Early NGSW fieldings included the XM157. However, more recently we’ve seen M7 Rifles being used with various optics to include LVPOs and Red Dots.

Take for example this Army Marksmanship Unit photo by SFC Timothy Hamlin. It depicts a Soldier with M7 outfitted with a B.E. Meyers MAWL X-1 aiming laser and a Vortex Optics “Eleanor” AMG 1-10x optic.

Although the Army has not commented on the disparity in Fire Control systems to NGSW weapons it may well come down to how quickly they are manufactured. Weapon manufacturer SIG SAUER is ahead of schedule, allowing the Army to speed up fielding of the M250 to select Infantry Brigades. Considering the complexity of electro-optics in the XM157, Vortex may be proceeding more slowly.

To be sure, there have been critiques of the NGSW program, generally from those who have not yet had any experience with the guns. The M7 is indeed heavier than the M4 it replaces, especially when equipped with the XM157. In fact, it is said to be three pounds heavier than an M4A1 with Close Combat Optic when equipped with the XM157 NGSW Fire Control System and suppressor. But in that scenario the M4 doesn’t have a suppressor or lasers (aiming and range finding).

On the other hand, the M250 is lighter than the SAW, 2.7 pounds to be exact. Regardless, the 6.8x51mm composite case round has a longer range and a larger projectile which travels at a higher velocity than the 5.56mm NATO round. This makes it difficult to offer a direct comparison between legacy and NGSW.

One of the answers to this feedback from the field is to develop the Product Improvement Effort versions of the M7 and M250 which has succeeded in lowering the weight. This project also resulted in the XM8 carbine variant.

Granted, the XM157 offers the Soldier capabilities on an individual weapon that few others enjoy, but it comes at a price. Aside from the weight of the XM157 still others are concerned about the cost and complexity. While a per unit cost has not been disclosed, the Army was talking at one time at under $10,000 per unit. Since all of the fire control unit’s capabilities are integrated into a single chassis, the only feasible way to upgrade the system is via software. This single component architecture also means that if one of the features malfunctions the entire system has to be taken out of service for maintenance.

Does this move to procure COTS solutions mean the demise of the XM157? There’s been no direct evidence of that. However, it does signify that the Army is using acquisition authorities to quickly close lethality capability gaps through use of readily available technologies.

While NGSW is definitely the US Army’s major small arms focus, there are a lot of legacy M4s and M249s out there and these COTS solutions can be proliferated across the force if they prove valuable.

Any company who wants to get in on this has until April 3rd, 2026. Visit Sam.gov for details.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, Lasers, Optics, weapons | 9 Comments »

US Army Files Trademark Application for M8 Carbine

Tuesday, March 17th, 2026

In late January the US Army filed a trademark application with the US Patent and Trademark Office for the term “M8” for all categories of firearms. As SSD revealed yesterday, the US Army issued an experimental type classification of XM8 to the Carbine version of the M7 Rifle.

The XM8 Carbine has been making the rounds. Above you can see a member of the Army Marksmanship Unit coaching a VIP on the range. In case you were wondering, this one is outfitted with the Vortex “Eleanor” AMG 1-10x optic and the B.E. Meyers’ MAWL-X1 aiming laser. In the background you can see an M7 equipped with the XM157 Next Generation Squad Weapons – Fire Control.

Posted in Advertiser, Army, weapons | 2 Comments »

US Army Designates Carbine Version of M7 NGSW Rifle as XM8

Monday, March 16th, 2026

Last month, the US Army designated the XM8 and issued a national stock number: NSN 1005-01-737-3402. Featuring an 10″ barrel, the XM8 (bottom carbine) weighs 7.3 lbs versus the 8.3 lbs of the M7 carbine with 13.5″ barrel (top rifle). These weights are weapon only and do not include suppressor and optic.

Developed by SIG SAUER as part of the Product Improvement Effort, it is a carbine version of the M7 Rifle. Along with the M250 Automatic Rifle, these weapons are being issued to the US Army’s close combat forces (think infantry, etc) as part of the Next Generation Squad Weapon program. They are chambered to fire 6.8 x 51mm composite case ammunition.

Although the main changes to the XM8 carbine are the shorter, tapered barrel, it also eliminates the side folding buttstock for a fixed, telescoping stock like the M4, and features a few changes in the upper receiver group to eliminate weight.

Many had anticipated the PIE variant to be designated as the M7A1 but this move falls more in line with the M16 and M4 as distinct weapons. Perhaps we will see an M7A1 yet.

Considering the Carbine has been given an M designation it looks like there’s a good chance that it will be adopted for issue to at least some of the force.

Posted in Army, weapons | 30 Comments »