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SHOT Show 26 – Colt Exhibits Drone Mounted 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher

Wednesday, January 21st, 2026

Colt is displaying their Mk47, a 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher which they acquired a few years ago from General Dynamics, mounted to the Service Engineering TR150 which is a USMC program of record quad copter.

The MK47 is a lightweight 40mm automatic grenade launcher with an integrated fire control system, capable of functioning as a standard automatic grenade launcher or with programmable airburst capability.

Dimensions:

Gun Weight: 39.6 lbs (18 kg)

Length: 37″ (940 mm)

Length (barrel detached): 24.02″ (610 mm)

Width: 10.04″ (255 mm)

Height: 8.07″ (205 mm)

The TR150 is an electric system which boasts an amazing 150lbs payload and has hot swappable Lithium Ion batteries.

After initial flight tests to determine how the Mk47 flies on the drone, the team will work on a dedicated weapon mount, development of a ammo box and feed system, live fire tests and possible mission configuration of the weapon.

Posted in Drone, SHOT Show, weapons | No Comments »

SHOT Show 26 – Northrop Grumman Selects Barrett Firearms to Manufacture Precision Grenadier System

Wednesday, January 21st, 2026

Striding into the Barrett Firearms booth I saw a curious Sight, the Northrop Grumman Precision Grenadier System on display. I asked around and while no one would go on record regarding its presence, they did verify that Northrop Grumman had selected them to manufacture the 25mm system as the PGS program continues for the US Army.

PGS is a soldier portable, shoulder fired, semi-automatic, magazine fed, integrated armament system (weapon, ammunition, fire control) that enables rapid, precision engagements to destroy personnel targets in defilade and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) targets at close range.

As this effort has progressed the Northrop Grumman launcher which was developed early on, has served as a baseline system for the Army as it considers all candidates.

The Northrop Grumman ammunition is 25mm and so far consists of air burst, proximity, close quarter battle as well as target practice. The airburst is a programmable, dual-warhead high-explosive fragmenting round that can be fired in both airburst and point detonate. By dual-warhead they mean that there are explosive charges at both the front and rear of the warhead. No word on whether they will also transition to production of the ammo to NIOA Group who owns Barrett.

The next phase of the program will down select to two systems and insiders tell me that Barrett has established a separate team with cut outs to satisfy both Army and Northrop Grumman.

Barrett already has their own candidate in the PGS program. Developed in conjunction with MARS, Inc, this 30mm systems has already performed well in competition.

The Barrett team has developed CQB, HEDP, HEAB, Proximity AB, and TP rounds.

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SIG Teams with IAI for the Firestorm Armed Quadcopter

Tuesday, January 20th, 2026

We first mentioned the Firestorm UAS during AUSA but leaned more about this armed quadcopter during the SIG Defense Range Day. With an APUS 60 airframe from Israeli Aerospace Industries combined with a lightweight remote weapon station and M250 machine gun and 200 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition from SIG SAUER, the system offers persistent, dedicated close air support. Essentially, it is an airborne machine gun.

Thanks to its multi-fuel internal combustion engine, boasting on station time of three hours, a unit equipped with several Firestorms could stagger sorties in order to offer 24-hour coverage. Unlike battery powered drones with short flight times and long recharge times leads to severe gaps in operations.

Another factor for the duration is that the engine runs as a fixed RPM and speed and station keeping is achieved through changing the blade pitch. This allows the Firestorm to take off and land in up to 23 knot winds and fly in winds up to 40 knots. The use of altered blade pitch reacts 10x faster than traditional engine RPM changes. This offers another advantage. The engine doesn’t change pitch as the UAS reacts to control input making it less likely to be detected by sound.

What’s more, in spite of its long hover time, the Firestorm retains ample power for the onboard weapon station. The max takeoff weight is 72kg with a payload weight of 35kg.

The Micolight remote weapon station is based on the General Robotics Bulldog but is more compact and smaller weighing just under 10kg. It is optimized for use with the SIG Medium Machine Gun chambered in 7.62mm NATO. The weapon station can see out your 25km, incorporating an electro optical sensor with 10x zoom and the Infrared sensor offers 5x zoom. Additionally, there is a laser range finder and the software includes automatic target recognition and tracking functions.

An interesting feature is that the training burden is lower than with other larger drones and utilizes a unified control system for both remote weapon station and flight. In fact, when the weapon is engaged, the Firestorm assumes a hover but can quickly transition into a move and scoot mode by the operator to balance survivability and target engagement. While engagement has only been tested so far in hover, the development team is working on the ability to engage while moving.

The system is easily transportable with foldable arms which are quickly placed into action and has undergone testing with foreign customers.

We will provide more information on this system as we receive it.

Posted in Advertiser, UAS, weapons | No Comments »

SIG SAUER Introduces the P211 GT4 and GT5

Friday, January 16th, 2026

Continuation of SIG SAUER’s Legacy of Innovation

NEWINGTON, N.H., (January 16, 2026) – SIG SAUER, industry-leading manufacturer of cutting-edge firearms, optics, and ammunition, introduces the P211-GT4 and GT5 – the latest additions to SIG SAUER’s distinguished lineage of hammer-fired pistols. The P211’s precision machining and reliability incorporate the timeless appeal and superior performance of SIG’s first double-stack 1911 pistol. The GT4 and GT5 variants deliver even more options for the serious pistol competitor, elite operator, or shooting enthusiast.

The GT5 is a full-size pistol engineered to excel in both competition and duty/self-defense applications. Its full-length slide and 5” bull barrel provide excellent recoil characteristics and expand the P211’s use in the shooting sports. The GT4 combines the capacity and performance of a double-stack SAO pistol with the practicality of a 4” slide and low-profile magwell, making it the ideal choice for discreet concealed carry.

GT5 Product Details:

5” Target crown bull barrel
Steel frame with 3-slot accessory rail and full-length dust cover
Compatible with Picatinny rail-mounted accessories
Straight-pull trigger for a clean and consistent pull
Precision-engineered alloy grip module
Grip Safety, Ambidextrous Thumb Safeties, and Firing Pin Safety mechanism
Equipped with (2) 21-round and (1) 17-round P320 compatible steel magazines

GT4 Product Details:

4.2” Target crown bull barrel
Steel frame with 3-slot accessory rail and carry-length dust cover
Compatible with Picatinny rail-mounted accessories
Straight-pull trigger for a clean and consistent pull
Precision-engineered alloy grip module
Grip Safety, Ambidextrous Thumb Safeties, and Firing Pin Safety mechanism
Low Profile Carry Magazine Well
Equipped with (2) 21-round and (1) 17-round P320 compatible steel magazines

The P211-GT4 and GT5 will be displayed in SIG SAUER’s booth at SHOT Show (booth #73039). To learn more about the P211-GTO and all of SIG SAUER’s innovative and battle-tested products, visit sigsauer.com.

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Introducing the FN 309: Peace of Mind Performance

Tuesday, January 13th, 2026

(McLean, VA — January 13, 2026) FN America, LLC makes owning and operating an FN pistol more accessible than ever with the launch of the FN 309™ MRD. A lightweight, optics-ready 9mm pistol with high- and low-capacity magazines and easy-to-use features, the FN 309 is the perfect choice for those who value both reliability and precision in personal protection.

“FN is a premium brand known for delivering professional grade products and the FN 309 is a personal defense pistol that brings the performance FN is known for to a larger audience.” said Dan Hines, Vice President Commercial and Law Enforcement for FN America, LLC. “With the FN 309, we’ve successfully created an FN-quality pistol that is easy to shoot, easy to use and easy to own.”

The FN 309 is intuitive and comfortable to shoot, thanks to a crisp 5-pound single-action trigger with clean reset and soft recoil. A newly designed neutral grip angle creates a natural point of aim, while a rounded rear U-notch combined with a green fiber-optic front sight gives an intuitive sight picture and quick target acquisition.

The pistol’s ease of use includes a slide that is designed to be 25% easier to rack than traditional tactical pistols, high-capacity polymer magazines that require 40% less spring loading force and include directional indicators. Having completed FN’s rigorous safety testing, the FN 309 delivers peace of mind through a safe and reliable design, including disassembly without pulling the trigger, available manual safety and multiple internal safeties, including a firing pin block.

Every FN 309 comes with a direct-mount optics-ready slide, compatible with pistol red-dot optics that share the Shield® RMSc and Leupold® DeltaPoint® Pro footprints1. The FN 309 also features an accessory rail that fits popular lights and lasers, plus a no-trigger-pull takedown for secure and easy cleaning. Finally, the FN 309 3.8-inch barrel is crafted from machine gun-grade alloy steel, ensuring FN’s century-plus reputation for reliability.

“Many gun buyers don’t see FN as an option, and we wanted to change that perception by making the brand accessible to people looking to spend $500 on a 9mm pistol,” said Chris Johnson, Senior Product Manager for Pistols for FN America, LLC. “With the FN 309 MRD we now have a trustworthy, easy-to-use pistol perfect both for new gun buyers and those looking to purchase their first FN. For us, it’s not just a new product, it’s FN’s commitment to offering the everyday user peace of mind and FN performance.”

Assembled in FN’s Columbia (SC) facility, the FN 309 will be available in both manual safety and non-manual safety options, along with high capacity (16+1 and 20+1 round) and low capacity (10 rounds) models. The pistol will be offered in black and will include a locking device.

The pistol will debut in the FN Booth (Booth 12805) at the 2026 NSSF SHOT Show, January 20–23 in Las Vegas. To discover more about the FN 309, please visit fnamerica.com/products/pistols/309. To purchase any FN firearms, find an FN dealer near you at fnamerica.com/find-a-dealer.

Posted in Press Release, weapons | 1 Comment »

New Carbine Options for UK Firearms Units – Updated

Friday, January 9th, 2026

Over the last week several press releases have come out claiming that their company’s rifle has been selected for use United Kingdom Police Firearms Units. Since there are more than one, it has naturally led to some confusion.

The truth of the matter is that six models in 5.56mm from different manufacturers were approved for purchase in a framework which allows the the 50 individual units or so, to select the firearm from a list which they feel is best for their use.

The carbines approved are:

– KAC ~~KS-1~~ KS-3

– Glock AR

– Beretta NARC

– IWI ~~Tavor~~ ARAD

– Colt Canada C8

– FN ASR

If the individual unit would like something else, they’ll have to run their own competition.

Finally, the framework did not include optics so units will have to either adapt what they already have or purchase new models.

update – we based the list on data we had received from industry sources in the UK and updated it once we were notified the list was inaccurate. No official announcement has been made.

Posted in Contracts, International, LE, weapons | 8 Comments »

Glock GR-115 Selected as the Weapon of Choice for UK Firearms Units

Friday, January 9th, 2026

London, UK — 9th January 2026 — Following the most extensive weapons trial conducted in UK policing in the past two decades, the GLOCK rifle GR-115 has been officially selected as the firearm of choice for specialist armed policing units across the country.

This decision marks a significant milestone in the evolution of armed policing capabilities in the UK. The GR-115 rifle outperformed a field of leading global manufacturers, achieving the highest scores for accuracy both supressed and unsuppressed.

A Legacy of Trust and Support

Glock has been a trusted partner to UK law enforcement since the 1990s, when GLOCK pistols were first adopted by police forces nationwide. Today, Glock continues to stand firmly behind UK policing, providing not only advanced firearms and long-term service but also training and logistical support.

Engineering at Its Core

The GR-115 rifle represents the culmination of years of intensive research, development, and refinement of the AR platform. Its superior accuracy, reliability, and adaptability are the result of rigorous testing and collaboration with end-users to ensure operational effectiveness in the most demanding environments.

Availability

The GR-115 rifle is only available to selected law enforcement and military customers at this time.

– Via Viking Defence

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

Army Seeks Novel Autonomous Ground and Launched Effects Solutions Through New xTech|Edge Strike: Ground Competition

Friday, January 2nd, 2026

WASINGTON ? The Army FUZE xTech Program, in partnership with U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUF-AF) and the Global Tactical Edge Directorate (G-TEAD), launched the xTech|Edge Strike: Ground competition to identify and accelerate mature, ready-to-deploy autonomous ground-system and launched-effects technologies. Offering a total cash prize pool of $2 million , the competition provides potential follow-on contract opportunities and consideration for addition to the G-TEAD Marketplace. Small and large business worldwide can submit eligible solutions that enhance force protection, increase situational awareness, and deliver adaptable capabilities for Soldiers operating in contested environments.

The competition aligns with ongoing Army efforts to rapidly integrate commercially driven innovation into formations operating at the tactical edge. By expanding collaboration with nontraditional industry partners and accelerating the transition of promising capabilities into operational use, the program strengthens pathways for fielding technology that meets emerging Army needs. Led by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology (ASA(ALT)), xTech|Edge Strike: Ground aims to identify mature technologies of technical readiness level (TRL) 6 or higher that detect, identify, track, and neutralize threats, deliver precision fires, emplace obstacles and defensive p0sitions, carry and distribute supplies, or evacuate casualties?all while minimizing Soldier exposure.

Competition Overview

xTech|Edge Strike: Ground features a two-part format that moves from concept submission to a live, Army-led experimentation event, where participants will compete for cash prizes, engage with Department of War (DoW) experts, and refine their solutions to meet Army demand signals.

Part One: Concept White Paper

Submission window: Dec. 19, 2025 – Jan. 7, 2026
Eligible vendors must submit a four-page concept white paper and pre-recorded five-minute video outlining their technology, viability, and demonstrating its suitability for participation in a live experimentation event.
Up to 15 applicants will receive $25,000 each and an invitation to Part Two, the live experimentation event in Grafenwöhr, Germany.

Part Two: Finals Experimentation Event

Finalists will participate in a live experimentation event in March of 2026, showcasing their solutions to a panel of Army and DoW experts.
Up to five winners will receive a cash prize of up to $275,000 and all other finalists that participate in the experimentation event will receive an additional $25,000 for their participation.
The government may award follow-on contracts to one or more competition winners, determined based on funding availability.

Eligibility Requirements

xTech|Edge Strike: Ground is open to nonprofit and for-profit organizations, including large and small businesses, in both domestic and foreign territories. Vendors must obtain a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code or North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code to process payments and must be incorporated in and maintain a primary place of business in the U.S. or a foreign country.

Vendors must not be U.S. federal government entities, foreign government entities, or employ a U.S. federal employee acting within the scope of their employment. Additionally, vendors must not currently be under contract, agreement, or providing similar capabilities to the government for related work.

About the Army FUZE xTech Program

The Army FUZE xTech Program is the Army’s premier tool for scouting and accelerating dual-use technologies that directly enhance Soldier readiness and mission success. Through dynamic prize competitions like xTechSearch, xTech identifies breakthrough solutions and opens doors for nontraditional companies to engage with and deliver capabilities to the Army. Since its launch in 2018, xTech has awarded over $30 million in non-dilutive cash prizes across 48 competitions – fueling innovation pipelines and delivering transformative technologies that matter on the battlefield.

Learn more at the Army FUZE xTech website: fuze.army.mil.

About Army FUZE

Army FUZE is the Army’s integrated innovation ecosystem. It brings together four flagship innovation programs – xTech, Small Business Innovation Research and Technology Transfer, Manufacturing Technology, and the Technology Maturation Initiative – under a coordinated and synchronized framework to accelerate advanced capabilities, strengthen the industrial base, and deliver readiness at the speed of relevance. FUZE operates with a venture capitalist mindset, scouting broadly, taking calculated risks, and scaling the most promising technologies. This approach ensures taxpayer dollars are directed toward solutions with both Army operational relevance and commercial viability, while creating clearer pathways and reduced barriers for industry participation.

By Eleanor Kent, Army FUZE

Posted in Army, Guest Post, weapons | No Comments »