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Wilcox Industries Mini-GL40

Tuesday, July 14th, 2026

At SOF Week I got my first look at the Mini-GL40 from Wilcox Industries. Their RAAM GSS (Rapid Acquisition Aiming Module Grenade Sighting System) is highly successful and been adopted by the US military as well as some of our allies as an effective fire control solution for 40mm Grenade Launchers.

During its development and fielding the team at Wilcox Ind had a lot of interaction with grenadiers and took what they had learned to develop the Mini-GL40.

First and foremost, the Mini-GL40 is intended to be used at all times with the RAAM GSS M (Modified) and the two integrate seamlessly with one another.

Designed from the ground up as a stand-alone launcher, it cannot be attached to a rifle like others on the market. Instead, this streamlined design eliminates excess weight and bulk as well as cable complexity.

A major selling point is the Steyr steel lined barrel. Most 40mm GLs have aluminum lined barrels. Wilcox Ind went with a steel lined barrel to maximize barrel life as it is more resistant to wear to the lands and grooves. In fact, they’ve got over 4,600 rounds through one of their prototype launchers.

Accessible with an enlarged breach lock locking lever, the side opening barrel will also accommodate any length, low-velocity 40mm round. The two position safety is ambidextrous and the weapon doesn’t have to be recocked in order to pull the trigger (also made by Steyr) in the event of a misfire.

Both adjustable and collapsible, the “ON THE FLY” buttstock can lock into two positions: 6 O’Clock for ranges from 50 to 300 meters and 12 O’Clock for 300 meters and beyond.

It will also collapse to the side and incorporates a steel insert which interfaces with magnet-based belt mounted weapon catches and the launcher is compatible with a “Quick-Draw” leg holster.

Both the stock and pistol grip come from Magpul due to their reliability and popularity. However, both can be replaced with other models by the user.

The GSS M is attached to the Mini-LG40’s three control buttons via a cable. With the buttons integrated into the weapon there’s no need for the grenadier to break his grip meaning quicker follow up shots. Additionally, the sight remembers the last input so the grenadier doesn’t have to program each round independently.

Powered by single AA battery, the sight provides Day/Night Capability complete with Red Dot Sight with BUIS, NIR aiming laser, NIR illuminator, and on-board ballistic computer with 2 pre-programmed ballistic solutions and quick ammo select. The reticle offers easy to read OLED Display in meter increments with aiming references to correspond to ballistic range. The system is also waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

Specs:

Barrel Length: 18 cm (7.09”)

Total Length:

With Buttstock Collapsed and Folded: 35.9 cm (14.13”)

With Buttstock Collapsed and Unfolded: 55.9 cm (22”)

With Buttstock Extended and Unfolded: 65 cm (25.6”)

Weight:

Standalone: 2.06 kg (4.54 lbs)

With RAAM GSS M: 2.27 kg (5 lbs)

Although Wilcox Ind is selling the Mini-GL40 with RAAM GSS M as a package, they know there are already a lot of their sights out there. There is an opportunity for those who already have a RAAM GSS to retrofit their optic to a MINI-GL40. Essentially, if you already have the Wilcox grenade launcher sight, they will sell you the GL à la carte.

www.wilcoxind.com/MINI-GL40

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Staccato 2011 Introduces the All-New Staccato HD P4X

Saturday, July 4th, 2026

Optimized for professional use, the latest Staccato 2011 HD pistol features a steel frame, full-size grip and compensated barrel for enhanced control and shootability.

FLORENCE, Texas – (July 4, 2026) – Staccato 2011®, creator of the 2011® pistol platform and a leading developer of precision firearms, ammunition and shooting facilities, today announced the introduction of the Staccato HD P4X, the brand’s most advanced mission-ready pistol.

Built on the same 4-inch compensated platform as the widely popular Staccato HD C4X, which is optimized for concealed carry with a compact aluminum frame, the HD P4X features a precision-machined steel frame and full-size grip, making it ideal for professional deployment, duty belts and overt carry.

Key features of the Staccato HD P4X include a 4-inch DLC flush-fit compensated barrel that reduces muzzle rise and improves shootability, a 4140 DLC steel frame that absorbs recoil and improves shot-to-shot consistency, and a full-size Staccato HD grip that enhances stability and capacity with 18-round magazines. The result is a duty-ready pistol built for control and hard use, delivering the performance and confidence the Staccato HD line is known for.

“Every Staccato product is built to elevate human performance, and the HD P4X is the clearest expression of that yet,” said Paul Smith, Senior Vice President of Product at Staccato. “We engineered a hybrid full-size grip, 4” compensated pistol that delivers more control, more rounds and the kind of shootability the world’s most elite professionals demand. This configuration was one of our most requested, and the result is the most shootable, reliable, mission-ready handgun we’ve ever built.”

The Staccato HD P4X, like all models in the Staccato HD line, represents the most advanced evolution of the 2011 pistol platform. It’s crafted in Texas with American steel and offers exceptional versatility to match its performance. Strategic design features include ambidextrous controls with a dual-sided safety and slide stop, a reversible magazine catch, Glock®-pattern magazine compatibility, an active firing pin block, and Staccato’s HD HOST™ optic-mounting system.

Additionally, every Staccato HD pistol delivers proven performance by passing the federal Ballistic Research Facility standards, a rigorous set of protocols developed to simulate real- world defensive encounters that are the benchmark for evaluating handgun ballistic performance.“Everything we make is aimed at elevating the standard,” Smith added. “From the materials and technology to our development and testing teams, every piece works to give Staccato customers the reliability and shootability they count on.”

The Staccato HD P4X is chambered in 9x19mm and will be available in three configurations, with a starting MSRP of $3,599. It will be offered through Staccato authorized dealers beginning July 13, 2026.

To learn more about the Staccato HD P4X or to locate an authorized Staccato dealer, visit www.staccato2011.com or follow @staccato2011 on social media.

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Strengthening NATO’s Eastern Flank: Romania Orders Skyranger 35 Air Defence Systems from Rheinmetall

Saturday, June 27th, 2026

The technology group Rheinmetall has achieved another significant success in the field of ground-based air defence (GbAD) systems. The Romanian government has awarded the company a contract to supply Skyranger 35 air defence systems. This contract is part of a historic major order worth €5.7 billion covering combat vehicles, vessels and air defence systems, and includes not only 24 Skyranger 35 systems, but also seven Skynex systems and two Millennium Guns for maritime air defence solutions. Rheinmetall published a press release on this matter on 2 June 2026.

The Skyranger system will be integrated onto the proven Lynx KF41 tracked platform. The contract highlights Rheinmetall’s role as a leading system provider for mobile air defence solutions in Europe.

This major contract further strengthens the long-standing and trusting customer relationship between Romania and Rheinmetall. The country is therefore continuing to invest in the modernisation of its armed forces and in future-oriented technologies in order to protect its own territory and strengthen NATO’s eastern flank. The Skyranger 35’s enormous firepower and sensor capabilities, combined with the mobility and protection offered by the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle, provide an excellent response to modern threat scenarios. Recent geopolitical developments, including the incident involving an unmanned drone in Romanian airspace, have highlighted the urgent need for a thorough and highly mobile very short-range air defence (VSHORAD) system.

Oliver Dürr, Head of Rheinmetall’s Air Defence Division, emphasises the project’s strategic importance: “Romania’s decision to choose the Skyranger 35 on the Lynx platform is a significant milestone for European air defence. We are proud to continue our decades-long partnership with the Romanian government and provide the country with direct support in this critical security situation. The recent drone incident has shown how quickly airborne threats can become a reality. The Skyranger 35 provides Romania with a highly efficient and flexible solution for protecting soldiers reliably as well as critical infrastructure against modern threats at short and very short range”.

With this order, Rheinmetall sends a clear message in favour of standardisation and interoperability among NATO allies.

About Skyranger 35

The Skyranger 35 is specifically designed to effectively engage loitering munitions, swarm drones and conventional aerial threats in the immediate vicinity. It is equipped with a high-precision 35 mm revolver cannon and can use programmable AHEAD airburst munition. The integrated system combines state-of-the-art radar sensors and electro-optical tracking systems with the proven 35 mm anti-aircraft gun within a single protected vehicle. This enables the Romanian Army to conduct airspace surveillance and engage targets autonomously while on the move.

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Rheinmetall Destinus Strike Systems Sets Out Its Program Priorities

Thursday, June 18th, 2026

At Eurosatory 2026 in Paris, the European joint venture Rheinmetall Destinus Strike Systems set out its priorities. The joint venture is accelerating the introduction of the Ruta Block 3 – a cruise missile for strategic deep strike with a range of over 2,000 kilometers and a warhead of up to 250 kilograms – and begins production with its initial products, the Kryla and Ruta Block 2 cruise missiles.

The Ruta Block 3 is designed for high-value and hardened targets at depth and is launched exclusively from standard containers, which can be carried on vehicle platforms – including Rheinmetall HX trucks – and in maritime applications. Firing readiness is reached in around 2 minutes.

The objective is NATO qualification, making the Ruta Block 3 available to all NATO and EU member states.

“Together we are advancing NATO qualification on an accelerated path, embedded in existing programs for European defense ministries. This allows us to rapidly provide European armed forces with a ready-to-deploy, certified and fully European effector,” says Roman Köhne, Head of Division Weapon and Ammunition, Rheinmetall.

The basis is the signed Term Sheet; the final shareholders’ agreement is close to signature. Within the joint venture, Destinus combines its technology with Rheinmetall’s industrial scale.

Joint production begins with the joint venture’s two initial products. Kryla is a compact, cost-efficient cruise missile with a 50 kg warhead for massed saturation strikes; it launches from containers and from common rocket artillery launchers (MLRS), immediately adding a cruise-missile capability to existing launcher fleets.

Ruta Block 2 carries a 250 kg warhead, is designed for high target effect against high-value and hardened targets and is launched exclusively from containers.

“We are firmly committed to launch from standard sea containers. This gives our customers maximum flexibility: our systems can be deployed across virtually any land and sea platform and through existing logistics chains – concealed and brought to firing readiness in the shortest time,” says Mikhail Kokorich, Founder and CEO of Destinus.

The joint offering comprises Kryla, Ruta Block 2 and Ruta Block 3 – precision deep strike throughout, from a 100% European value chain.

For logistical independence, Rheinmetall Destinus Strike Systems will establish its own facility for final assembly, integration and testing in Germany; initial delivery readiness is planned for 2026.

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United States Army and SIG SAUER Recognize Army’s Anniversary with Commemorative Firearms

Monday, June 15th, 2026

During a ceremony at the Pentagon, SIG SAUER presented ‘1775’ SIG firearms to the Secretary of the Army and leadership

The SIG SAUER team present commemorative firearms to the United States Army leadership at the Pentagon recognizing the Army’s anniversary.

NEWINGTON, N.H., (June 15, 2026) – In celebration of the United States Army’s 250th anniversary, SIG SAUER, an industry-leading manufacturer of cutting-edge firearms, optics, and ammunition, presented the Secretary of the Army and the Sergeant Major of the Army with commemorative SIG SAUER M17 pistols.

The attendees at the June 10 ceremony, held at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., included:

Secretary of the Army Daniel P. Driscoll

Sergeant Major of the Army Michael R. Weimer

SIG SAUER SVP and Chief Government Affairs Officer Bobby Cox

SIG SAUER Defense Strategies Group Director of Strategic Accounts Phil Aufiero

“It is one of our highest honors to design, build, and deliver our products for the United States Army,” said Bobby Cox of SIG SAUER and a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel. “For more than 250 years, the United States Army has defended our nation and land. It is important to come together and take a moment to show our gratitude to the servicemen and women who wear the uniform and protect us, and that was the focus of the ceremony at the Pentagon.”

June 14 is the anniversary of the Army’s creation, with last year marking the historic 250th milestone. The United States Army 250th Anniversary Commemorative Edition of the SIG SAUER M17, the official sidearm of America’s armed forces, was designed and manufactured with a strictly limited small batch production, making it a rare and highly collectible tribute to U.S. military service. The commemorative pistol is chambered in 9mm and features a 4.7-inch barrel within a full-size frame, delivering exceptional balance, shootability, and reliability whether it is displayed as a collector’s piece or fired on the range. A similar model is carried at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider at Arlington National Cemetery.

A distinguishing feature is its high polish DLC-coated stainless steel slide with high polish gold controls and a mirror-like finish. The slide assembly, which denotes “Est. 1775” in remembrance of the Army’s creation, adheres to the Modular Handgun System specifications and incorporates a single-screw removable rear night sight plate, providing seamless compatibility with modern optics.

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iROCKET Lands Up To $150M US Army Contract TO Power Next-Generation Counter-Drone Arsenal

Wednesday, June 10th, 2026

Hydra-70 guided rocket programme targets surge in low-cost aerial threats across modern battlefields

Factory ONE model set to transform how high-volume precision munitions are produced

Contract reflects urgent shift toward scalable solutions for modern combat environments

(HAPPUAGE, NY, June 08, 2026) – Innovative Rocket Technologies Inc. (iRocket) has today announced it has been selected by Army PAE Fires / PdM ARSGM for the Hydra-70 Guided Rocket Components contract, valued between $30 million and $150 million, to support the production of systems designed to counter the growing volume of low-cost aerial threats. The award comes at a critical moment, as U.S. forces confront sustained drone attacks in ongoing operations in Iran, underscoring the urgent need for affordable, rapidly deployable munitions.

The core objective of the contract is to bridge the gap between expensive HELLFIRE missiles ($150-200 thousand per unit) and cheap, unguided rockets by transforming Hydra-70 rockets into laser-guided, precision missiles, creating a more affordable and scalable “middle ground” munition. The modified Hydra-70 rockets will become a critical munition for the US Army’s growing counter-UAS capability.

Recent conflicts have underscored a widening gap between the weapons the U.S. relies on and the threats it faces. In many cases, forces are compelled to use high-cost interceptors against inexpensive drones, creating an unsustainable cost dynamic while straining already limited stockpiles.

iRocket’s Hydra-70 platform offers a different path delivering effective counter-drone capability at a fraction of the cost, and at a scale aligned with how modern conflicts are being fought.

iRocket’s approach is focused on enabling that scale. Through its Factory ONE of the Future concept the company is applying automation, robotics, and digitally integrated production systems to accelerate the manufacturing of guided rocket components and C-UAS missile capabilities. The goal is not simply to build better systems – but to ensure they can be produced in the volumes and timelines required by the modern war-fighter. In doing so, iRocket is directly meeting the US Government’s demand to build a more robust supply chain for Hydra-70 rockets that is flexible enough to handle surge requirements and adapt to evolving operational needs.

Asad Malik, CEO of iRocket, comments “This award reflects a vital shift in how modern conflicts are being fought and won. Our forces are facing increasingly asymmetric threats, where low-cost drones are being deployed at scale, and the traditional response model is no longer sustainable. At iRocket, we are focused on changing that equation – delivering precision-guided rocket capabilities that are not only effective, but affordable and produced at the speed and volume today’s operational environment demands.”

The company’s production model is designed to reduce bottlenecks, shorten manufacturing cycles, and enable rapid scaling – addressing a core challenge in today’s defense industrial base: the inability to replenish critical munitions quickly enough to sustain operations or deter future conflict.

“Through our Factory ONE of the Future approach, we are rethinking how munitions are built, enabling a more agile, resilient supply chain that ensures war-fighters have access to the systems they need, when and where they need them, continues Malik. Our new facility is designed to produce one propellant every five minutes, putting us on track to manufacture up to 97,000 units annually and play a meaningful role in rebuilding the Arsenal of Freedom.”

As demand for counter-drone capabilities continues to rise, the ability to field affordable systems and produce them at high rates is becoming central not only to battlefield effectiveness, but to deterrence itself.

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SIG SAUER Advanced Defense Systems to Showcase Combat Proven. AI-Powered. Lightweight RCWS Family at Eurosatory 2026

Wednesday, June 10th, 2026

Paris, France June 8, 2026: SIG SAUER Advanced Defense Systems will showcase its lightweight Remote-Controlled Weapon Stations (RCWS) Family at Eurosatory 2026, highlighting how compact, AI-powered remote firepower is evolving to support distributed, multi-domain operations across manned and unmanned platforms

At the SIG SAUER Hall #6 booth #D26, the UltraLight RCWS, the airborne-configured MicroLight RCWS, and the Ranger RCUremote control unit will be on display, demonstrating a modular approach designed to address emerging operational requirements across land, airborne, maritime, and counter-UAS missions

At the center of the display is the latest version of the combat-proven UltraLight RCWS, mounted with next-generation machine guns, including the MMG and NGSW family, thereby offering a complete system set that is the lightest and most lethal available worldwide.

With AI-Powered cueing, the system supports simultaneous tracking of multiple targets in day and night conditions, including threat prioritization to reduce operator workload and accelerate response times in dynamic combat environments. Human operators remain fully responsible for target identification and engagement decisions.

SIG SAUER will also present the airborne-configured MicroLight RCWS, demonstrating how lightweight remote firepower is expanding into unmanned aerial operations. The compact system integrates a stabilized SIG SAUER light machine gun with an unmanned aerial platform, maintaining platform stability and enabling controlled engagement.

Alongside the weapon stations, SIG SAUER will present its Ranger RCU remote control unit, designed to simplify remote weapon operation across multiple operational environments and support safe remote weapon operation via wired or wireless communications. The improved user interface supports the latest features, such as Multiple Point & Shoot™ and Automatic Target Recognition (ATR), which uses computer vision algorithms to detect, classify, and track potential threats in real time, including personnel, vehicles, vessels, and low-flying drones.

The systems displayed at Eurosatory reflect broader operational lessons emerging from recent combat environments, where lightweight remote firepower is increasingly required to support mobile, distributed, and rapidly deployable operations. Applications now extend beyond traditional armored vehicles to include unmanned ground systems, maritime security platforms, remote firing positions, and airborne deployments. Visitors to Eurosatory 2026 will be able to view and control the systems and discuss operational applications with representatives from SIG SAUER Advanced Defense Systems.

For additional information or to schedule a meeting during Eurosatory 2026, please contact: tory.mazzola@sigsauer.com

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Barrett Developing MRAD MK 22 6.8x51mm Capability

Tuesday, June 9th, 2026

Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. today announced the ongoing development and evaluation of a 6.8x51mm caliber conversion kit for the Barrett MRAD MK 22 Advanced Sniper Rifle system fielded by the U.S. Army.

The new caliber conversion kit is being developed to support the high-pressure, high-performance 6.8x51mm cartridge used across the U.S. Army’s next-generation small arms platforms, including the M7 Rifle, M250 Automatic Rifle and M157 Fire Control system. The conversion kit is intended to provide increased flexibility for warfighters seeking to employ the enhanced terminal performance characteristics of 6.8x51mm ammunition within the in-service MK 22 sniper system.

Barrett is conducting testing and evaluation activities focused on maturing the barrel kit and magazine configuration necessary for reliable and effective employment of the 6.8x51mm cartridge in the MK 22 platform. The development effort is being independently funded and executed by Barrett to ensure the capability is available should operational requirements emerge for the enhanced performance offered by both general purpose and special purpose 6.8x51mm ammunition types.

Barrett is currently testing and evaluating a 6.8x51mm caliber conversion kit for the MRAD MK 22 sniper system, expanding capability options for future mission requirements

In addition to operational ammunition variants, the MRAD MK 22 6.8x51mm conversion kit is also being designed to function effectively with reduced-range training ammunition, supporting both combat capability and training flexibility.

“Barrett remains focused on ensuring the warfighter maintains a decisive capability advantage through continued innovation and adaptation of proven sniper systems,” said Ryan Krantz, Vice President of Business Development & Sales for Barrett. “As ammunition technology and battlefield requirements evolve, Barrett is committed to remaining the leader in long range by delivering adaptable, mission-ready solutions for the Department of War.”

The Barrett MRAD MK 22 is the most advanced, reliable, and effective multi-caliber sniper rifle system in the world.

Further details regarding the Barrett MRAD MK 22 6.8x51mm caliber conversion kit will be released as testing and evaluation activities continue.

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