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Rheinmetall to Supply Leopard 1 Skyranger 35 to Ukraine – Order Value in the Three-Digit Million Euro Range

Monday, October 13th, 2025

Rheinmetall is supplying Ukraine with further Skyranger 35 air defence systems based on the Leopard 1. The order is worth a three-digit million Euro figure. The systems are being financed by an EU country as part of the EU’s Windfall Profit Mechanism initiative. The production and integration of the systems will be carried out by Rheinmetall Italia SpA at its headquarters in Rome.

“We are grateful for the trust that Ukraine has placed in us,” said Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG. “We would also like to thank the EU country, for the support, which underlines our continued efforts to support Ukraine.”

The Leopard 1 Skyranger 35 combines the mobility and protection of a proven tracked vehicle with the outstanding effectiveness of a cannon-based air defence system. The Skyranger 35 is equipped with a KDG 35/1000 revolver cannon in 35 mm x 228 calibre with a firing rate of 1,000 rounds per minute. It has an effective range of up to 4,000 metres and a high degree of commonality with the Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk 3. Thanks to AHEAD technology, the Skyranger 35 is airburst-capable. In the future, it will also be possible to equip it with modern guided missiles.

Posted in Contracts, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Rheinmetall to Supply Leopard 1 Skyranger 35 to Ukraine – Order Value in the Three-Digit Million Euro Range

LMT Defense Signs License Agreement with Northrop Grumman for 7.62mm Bushmaster Chain Gun

Saturday, October 11th, 2025

LMT® Defense and Northrop Grumman® Corporation enter into a license agreement for production of 7.62mm Bushmaster® Chain Gun®.

LMT® Defense and Northrop Grumman® finalized a license agreement for production and distribution of the 7.62X51mm Bushmaster® Chain Gun®. The established, long-term agreement will allow LMT Defense to manufacture the 7.62mm Chain Gun for both the US military and partner forces. Additionally, cooperative market strategy has been developed for both companies to offer the Chain Gun in various programs individually. This initiative fits LMT’s strategic objective to provide extremely reliable small-caliber systems for remotely operated and autonomous applications, which is a rapidly growing sector.

Northrop Grumman has a long, proven history with their Bushmaster Chain Gun designs. These systems have earned a reputation for reliability and combat-proven performance. Systems like the 7.62mm Chain Gun have been part of that legacy, providing trusted, battle-proven firepower for modern missions. Under this agreement, the 7.62mm Chain Gun will be produced and tested in the Eldridge, IA facility. The weapon is capable of various mounting and operation methods, 600 rpm sustained fire, automatic malfunction clearing, and electric drive for unmatched reliability. Along with the weapon, LMT will offer service, training, and remote customer support for the life of the agreement.

This partnership between LMT and Northrop Grumman is yet another milestone event to accent other notable successes in 2025. Contracts acquired this year include but are not limited to a program to deliver various weapons to the Swiss Armed Forces as well as being awarded an extensive contract from USSOCOM for a 6.5 Creedmoor version of our popular MARS®-H battle rifle known as the MRGG-A.

“We are proud to partner with Northrop Grumman on this venture. We have a long-standing professional relationship with them and know they share LMT’s core values and ethos which drives our passion to serve the US and allied warfighters, understanding Failure is Not an Option®” Karl Lewis said.

www.lmtdefense.com

Posted in Industry, Press Release, weapons | 2 Comments »

Staccato Announces the HD C3.6 Pistol

Wednesday, October 8th, 2025

Compact design delivers concealability, control, and duty-grade performance

FLORENCE, Texas – (October 08, 2025) – Staccato2011®, the creators of the 2011® pistol platform, today announced a new addition and newest innovation to its HD line of 2011 pistols, the HD C3.6.

Designed to offer the unrivaled performance Staccato’s HD line has become known for, speed, precision and enhanced control, the HD C3.6 is optimized for user-friendly carry with a compact and ergonomic build, improving concealability.

“We built the HD line to deliver the most technologically advanced and thoroughly tested version of the 2011 platform to date,” said Paul Smith, VP of Product for Staccato. “After introducing full-sized models earlier this year, we set out tocreate a compact option that preserves duty-grade performance while expanding carrying options and user confidence. The HD C3.6 is the result.”

The HD C3.6, Staccato’s inaugural HD carry model, features a 3.6-inch barrel and includes two 15-round metal Mec Gar magazines. To ensure it’s the ideal choice for convenient carryand unrivaled performance, it features the cutting-edge upgrades Staccato introduced with the full-size HD pistols after years of feedback from Staccato’s elite professional end-users.

Key features of the HD C3.6 include:

• Aluminum frame with a shortened grip module and carry texture.
• Ambidextrous controls.
• HD HOST optic-mounting system.
• Improved recoil system.
• Active firing-pin block.
• Glock® pattern magazine compatibility.

The HD C3.6 starts at an MSRP of $2,299 and will be available from authorized dealers. To learn more about the HD C3.6 or to view the full Staccato lineup, visit www.staccato2011.com or follow @staccato2011 on Instagram.

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Army Fields M250 Automatic Rifle to Minnesota National Guard

Saturday, October 4th, 2025

CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. — The Minnesota National Guard’s 34th Infantry Division is among the first Guard units to field the Army’s newest automatic rifle, the M250, during a new equipment training event at Camp Ripley.

The M250, part of the Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon program, replaces the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon and introduces a new 6.8mm cartridge, higher muzzle velocity and advanced optic capabilities. The new equipment training fielding marks a milestone for the Guard, giving Soldiers hands-on instruction to build confidence and proficiency with the new system.

The event is led by Project Manager Soldier Lethality, PM SL, under Program Executive Office Soldier, which oversees the Army’s small arms and fire-control systems. PM SL experts deliver classroom instruction, explaining the M250’s technical features, ballistics and optic functions.

On the range, the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit’s Instructor Training Group, ITG, turns that technical knowledge into practical performance. Sgt. 1st Class Chuck Riegel, ITG’s primary instructor for the event, emphasizes fundamentals such as sight alignment, trigger control and recoil management to ensure Soldiers can use the weapon effectively in live-fire conditions.

“We take PM Soldier Lethality’s technical knowledge and put it into performance on the range,” Riegel said. “We show Soldiers everything they learned in class, then focus on the shot process and what they need to do to get hits on target.”

The M250’s advanced optic is one of the biggest changes for Soldiers. With its onboard ballistic system, it is unlike anything many have used before. Riegel said once Guardsmen fire live rounds with it, their confidence grows quickly.

“The optic ensures every Soldier has the capability to make first-round hits at distance, whether in single shot or burst,” he said. “And the cartridge’s terminal performance is incredible — it will defeat pretty much anything they come across.”

The shift from the 5.56mm round of the SAW to the 6.8mm cartridge means Guardsmen must adjust to new ballistics and extended ranges. According to Riegel, this requires more understanding of long-range shooting but ultimately makes units more lethal.

The NET fielding also highlights the value of PM SL and ITG working together. While PM SL explains the technical aspects of the M250 and its optic, ITG makes sure Soldiers can apply that knowledge in live training.

“ITG provides the most up-to-date marksmanship instruction and techniques used across the Army,” Riegel said. “PM Soldier Lethality explains the technical aspects in great detail so Soldiers understand the why behind the new equipment.”

As the Army continues to field the NGSW program, Guard units like the 34th Infantry Division are among the first to gain experience with the M250, strengthening readiness across the Total Force.

For units interested in similar training, Riegel encourages them to reach out. “If units want to get in contact with the Instructor Training Group, all they have to do is send us a message,” he said. “We’ll provide a training request form and deliver tailored training to meet their needs.”

By SFC Timothy Hamlin

Posted in Army, Guest Post, weapons | Comments Off on Army Fields M250 Automatic Rifle to Minnesota National Guard

FN Wins US Army Development Contract for the Precision Grenadier System

Wednesday, October 1st, 2025

(McLean, VA — October 1, 2025) FN America, LLC is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a Prototype Project Opportunity Notice (PPON) contract valued at $2 million, by the U.S. Army to further develop its submission for the Precision Grenadier System, a next-generation primary soldier weapon system and family of ammunition that enables precision engagements to destroy targets with increased lethality and precision compared to legacy grenade launchers.

The FN Multi-purpose Tactical Launcher 30mm (MTL-30™) that was designed in the U.S. and will be manufactured by FN America at its plant in South Carolina is a soldier-portable, semi-automatic, medium-velocity, flat trajectory grenade launcher that enables warfighters to engage targets at extended ranges with more effective payloads over existing technologies. After extensive testing, FN’s solution has successfully met the DoD’s key performance criteria while also delivering desired characteristics. In addition, the FN solution is easily manufacturable and logistically supportable due to state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques, ensuring the program will be cost-effective.

“This program is a U.S. Government priority with the shift in modern warfare and engagements, and FN is honored to be selected to develop this new, innovative solution,” said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO for FN America, LLC. “Once developed and implemented, this weapon system could radically change future battlefield strategies. It will offer new capabilities at the squad level and upgraded tactical options, giving the warfighter a more effective system.”

FN’s solution, the FN MTL-30, is the first in this family of launchers and ammunition, as FN works with the Department of Defense (DoD) to help solve one of the world’s most pressing battlefield needs.

“The FN MTL-30 shoulder-fired launcher can engage in close-quarter warfare, defeat targets in defilade, and engage unmanned aerial systems (UAS). It could also be networked with FN remote weapon stations to create a multi-layered defense against UAS,” said John Bungard, Sr. Director, Military Development Programs for FN America, LLC. “Providing solutions that can counter multiple threats is critical for future battlefield engagements. We are excited that the Army is interested in maturing our PGS solution. We are fully committed to this system and its development.”

The FN MTL-30 is chambered for 30mm medium-velocity grenades and features a detachable box magazine with 3- or 5-round capacity. At just 35 inches in length and 8.5 inches tall, the weapon weighs just over 10 lb. The bolt catch, magazine release and safety selector are all ambidextrous, plus there is an M4-style telescoping buttstock with a modular cheek riser. The modular rail system has a contiguous top rail for mounting of visual augmentation systems (VAS) and other devices, plus side M-LOK® slots with a MIL-STD Picatinny rail.

For the soldier, the FN MTL-30 is lighter and more streamlined than previous options. Real time soldier feedback has led to a prototype that is far more user-friendly, incorporating a footprint users will be familiar with due to the M4-style controls, grip and buttstock. The system features a soft shooting launcher with low-felt recoil, enabling rapid target engagement with effective payloads from an extremely controllable system. In addition, FN’s modular system is fully serviceable at the user level and has high parts commonality with existing components.

“The technologies we have incorporated have allowed FN to create a system that is much lighter, more compact and more maneuverable than previous soldier-operated grenade launchers,” said Jim Williams, Vice President, Military Programs for FN America, LLC. “This will improve soldier capabilities on the battlefield, offering a robust solution for close combat, engaging targets beyond 500m or to potentially combat other threats such as unmanned aerial systems.”

Throughout its history, FN has been one of the largest suppliers of small arms to the U.S. military and continues to develop innovative, future technology. In addition to this opportunity, the company currently holds contracts for the FN® M240 and its variants, the FN® M249 lightweight machine gun; the FN® MK 46, MK 48, MK 17 and MK 20 SSR for USSOCOM and various other contracts. FN has decades of experience designing and supplying various grenade launching systems. The company produced the MK 19 fully automatic 40mm launcher, the MK 13 EGLMthat was a part of the SCAR program and currently sells the FN 40GL® standalone launcher internationally.

For more information about FN’s military product line or current U.S. military contracts, please visit www.FNAmerica.com.

Posted in Army, Contracts, Press Release, weapons | 3 Comments »

Scorpion Light Mobile Mortar Systems Set to Participate in U.S. Army’s Transformation in Contact 2.0

Tuesday, September 30th, 2025

TAMPA, FL – (30, September 2025) – Global Military Products has been invited to participate in the U.S. Army’s Transformation in Contact (TiC) 2.0 with its Scorpion Light 81mm mobile mortar system – under a Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP) contract with the Product Manager for Artillery Mortars and Precision Systems (PdM AMPS). Equipped with government-furnished M253 barrels, soldiers will have the opportunity to experience the latest advancements in mobile mortar technology and contribute to the modernization efforts within the mortar community.

TiC 2.0 launches October 20th in Hawaii, where soldiers will first undergo five days of new equipment training from Global Military Products to achieve the operational knowledge and limited safety release required to live-fire the system. Soldiers will then participate in an additional 10 days of tactical scenarios and simulated combat operations with the Scorpion Light Systems. Training and experimentation will also include the Scorpion Light’s rapid-fire control system – designed to elevate operational efficiency with its ability to auto-lay and auto re-aim.

“Soldier touchpoints like the TiC 2.0 serve as an invaluable platform for government and industry to collaboratively review, assess and innovate with the latest technologies. Most importantly, they facilitate the utilization of soldier feedback to inform requirements and expedite the acquisition process for mortar modernization,” said James Knight, senior Manager, Defense Systems and Energetics, Global Military Products. “As a retired Army mortarman, I am intimately familiar with the Army’s requirements for mortar modernization and strongly support the TiC initiative to swiftly enhance the mobility, lethality, operator safety and air transportability of these assets.”

The Scorpion Light 81mm mobile mortar system can fire eight rounds and relocate in under two minutes, taking just 30 seconds to fire the first round and 30 seconds to displace after firing the last round. The unique, non-seating baseplate allows the system to emplace and displace rapidly and fire on nearly any surface. Its robust design, rugged construction, and resilient technologies make it a durable weapon that can withstand the rigors of combat, extreme temperatures, and harsh conditions, while remaining effective. The Scorpion Light on the IUV, has also been certified in the U.S. to be air-droppable and maintains internal air transportability within a CH-47, supporting expeditionary forces.

The Scorpion Light 81mm mobile mortar system and 72 mortar rounds will be fully integrated on two GM Defense Infantry Utility Vehicles (IUVs), a variant of the U.S. Army Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV). The modularity of the system, however, is platform agnostic and allows for integration onto any vehicle platform. Integrations have already been completed on a G-Wagon and Polaris MRZR Alpha 4×4 and 6×6 platforms.

Global Ordnance is exhibiting at the 2025 AUSA Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. October 13-15 in booth #943. The display will include a Scorpion 120mm mobile mortar system integrated on a high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV).

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M230 McDonnell Douglas Chain Gun in the Heckler & Koch Stand at DSEI?

Thursday, September 18th, 2025

During last week’s DSEI in London I had the opportunity to check out a few oddities which show up due to sovereign armaments agreements, such as this M230 McDonnell Douglas Chain Gun which was in the Heckler & Koch stand.

The M230 is used in the AgustaWestland AH1 Apache (AH-64D in the US and now AH-64E in UK service) which is in UK service. As you can see from the receiver markings below, it was manufactured in co-operation with McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Co. by Royal Ordnance PLC. Royal Ordnance in turn, is owned by Heckler & Koch.

Why this circuitous process? Because many nations, including the UK require their arms be supplied and maintained by sovereign suppliers, or as we would say in the US, domestic suppliers. This requires original manufacturers to work closely with national firms and in some cases license their designs.

This situation also led me to see a GPMG FN Herstal MAG 58 variant in the H&K booth along with others, including this beauty which is currently manufactured in the US by Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems.

Posted in DSEi, International, weapons | 1 Comment »

GA-ASI and AeroVironment Complete First-Ever Air Launch of Switchblade 600 From MQ-9A UAS

Friday, September 12th, 2025

Release of Smaller Loitering Munition Further Validates Large UAS as Motherships

SAN DIEGO, September 10, 2025 (Newswire.com) – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and AeroVironment (“AV”) (NASDAQ:AVAV) collaborated on the air launch of a Switchblade 600 loitering munition (LM) from a GA-ASI Block 5 MQ-9A unmanned aircraft system (UAS). The flight testing took place from July 22-24 at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Grounds Test Range. It marked the first time a Switchblade 600 has ever been launched from an unmanned aircraft.

“This cooperative effort showcased how combining different unmanned technologies could really provide value and effects to the warfighter,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “By using MQ-9A to carry the Switchblade, the MQ-9A is able to stand off farther from enemy weapons systems and increase the range of the SB600, which will provide greater access and options in contested airspace.”

After successfully integrating the SB600 with the MQ-9A, the team released two LMs: one with an inert warhead and the other with a high-explosive round. After launch, the team transferred control of the Switchblade from a user in the MQ-9A’s ground control station to a user on the ground nearer the operational area.

The test further validated GA-ASI’s ability to integrate and operate a variety of airborne launched effects on the battlefield – including both those built by GA-ASI and by partners such as AV – and how their use in conflict provides risk-tolerant options to commanders in contested operations.

Posted in Aviation, Press Release, UAS, weapons | Comments Off on GA-ASI and AeroVironment Complete First-Ever Air Launch of Switchblade 600 From MQ-9A UAS