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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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New York State Police Select LWRCI IC-9 as Standard Issue – Aimpoint Duty RDS to Enhance Trooper Readiness and Accuracy

Friday, June 5th, 2026

Albany, NY 6/1/2026 – The New York State Police (NYSP) has selected the LWRC International (LWRCI™) IC-9 as the new standard issue 9mm Pistol Caliber Carbine for troopers statewide, following a rigorous testing and evaluation process. The platform will be paired with the Aimpoint® Duty RDS®, providing enhanced reliability, precision, and operational capability for troopers across diverse mission environments.

“This selection underscores LWRCI’s commitment to equipping America’s law enforcement professionals with best-in-class technology,” said, David Ridley,

Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We are honored to support the New York State Police as they continue their mission of protecting the citizens of New York.”

The LWRCI™ IC-9, chambered in 9mm, and features a fully ambidextrous lower receiver, cold hammer-forged barrel, and modular rail platform. The weapon offers low recoil, simplified logistics, and compatibility with standard duty pistol magazines, streamlining maintenance and training.

The Aimpoint® Duty RDS® red-dot sight was selected for its rugged design, extended battery life, and superior optical clarity. The combination of the IC-9 and Aimpoint® Duty RDS® offers a lightweight, user-friendly, and mission-ready system suitable for both urban and rural deployments.

LWRCI and NYSP are currently working on fielding the newplatform, armorer training and continuing services.

Posted in Contracts, LE, Press Release, weapons | 5 Comments »

All-American Firepower: Elbit America, Anduril Team to Offer SIGMA Mobile Tactical Cannon to Soldiers

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – June 2, 2026 – Elbit Systems of America (Elbit America) and Anduril Industries (Anduril) announce a strategic teaming agreement to offer the SIGMA Mobile Tactical Cannon for the U.S. Army’s Self-Propelled Howitzer Modernization program. The teaming pairs Elbit America’s experience as a systems integrator and manufacturer of large ground vehicles with Anduril’s expertise in C5ISR, battle management and autonomy software. Together, the companies will provide an innovative, all-American solution for the U.S. Army, offering soldiers the edge on the future battlefield. SIGMA will enable sustained fires from a connected, mobile and survivable platform.

“We’re proud to team with Anduril to reduce network integration risk and accelerate fielding,” said Luke Savoie, president and CEO of Elbit America. “Built in the U.S. with a fully domestic supply chain, SIGMA is a combat-proven system that provides the modernization and reliability the Army needs now.”

If awarded with the program, SIGMA’s communication with the U.S. fire control network and Army Command and Control systems will leverage Anduril’s unique capabilities and experience. Anduril will also integrate its Lattice software platform into future variants of SIGMA, unlocking autonomy, while further enhancing mobility and lethality.

“On Team SIGMA, we’re providing expertise in software, edge compute and autonomy to deliver a connected, software-defined mobile artillery solution that will integrate seamlessly into existing Army Command and Control and fire control architectures,” said Michael Roder, managing director at Anduril.

The Elbit America-Anduril partnership strengthens Team SIGMA, which also includes Oshkosh Defense, manufacturer of the system’s 10×10 platform. Oshkosh brings world-class mobility and protection for the cannon’s chassis, while more than 300 U.S. suppliers contribute engineering depth, manufacturing resilience and support. Together, this domestic network aims to deliver a highly maneuverable, digitally integrated and production-ready solution that can meet the Army’s modernization timelines.

“Excited to see Elbit Systems of America and Anduril Industries working together to manufacture a cutting-edge military vehicle right here in America. The men and women at Elbit America’s headquarters in Fort Worth are truly at the forefront in developing the capabilities to strengthen America’s warfighters and preserve America’s national security,” said U.S. Rep. Craig Goldman.

www.elbitamerica.com/sigma

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Battelle Supports the Development and Test of the US Army’s New Hand Grenade

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026

COLUMBUS, Ohio (May 27, 2026) – Battelle recently partnered with the U.S. Army Close Combat Systems Program Office to support the Full Material Release (FMR) of the new M111 Offensive Hand Grenade (OHG), the first new offensive hand grenade since 1968.

The M111 was developed over many years of close collaboration between the Army and Battelle to ensure a safe, high-quality, and repeatable manufacturing process. Battelle supported various stages of the development, starting with an initial concept, completing Process Verification Testing (PVT) and executing FMR by prototyping nearly 7,000 grenades and conducting first article and lot acceptance tests.

Battelle and the Army worked closely together over multiple years to refine the technical processes required to improve the grenades’ safety and performance for the warfighter. This new system provides soldiers with a safer alternative to the M67 fragmenting grenade by utilizing a blast over pressure effect, removing fragmenting effects and providing an alternative to better achieve mission success with less risk for fratricide.

“Battelle’s support to the M111 program has enabled the Army to qualify and transition the M111 to full-rate production,” said Sam Knutson, Division Manager forAdvanced Materials and Energetics. “With our unique position as a trusted development partner, we were able to ensure the government is now positioned to meet current and future production needs.”

“Through our work with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armament Center (DEVCOM AC) and customers across the military, Battelle is focused on rapidly advancing innovative solutions that directly benefit the warfighter,” said Dan Pikora, General Manager of Battelle’s National Security Business. “We are excited to continue collaborating with DEVCOM AC to deliver technologies that support mission success.”

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FN Herstal Launches FN Arka Assault Rifle

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026

Chambered in 5.56mm NATO the new FN ARKA Assault Rifle was announced today by FN Herstal.

A completely new design, FN has combined AR-style ergonomics to the SCAR platform’s proven short-stroke gas piston system. It also features an adjustable gas regulator for firing in adverse environments or with a suppressor.

FN states that the platform retains familiar AR controls and compatibility with standard AR buttstocks and pistol grips, while offering a fully ambidextrous and symmetrical design for enhanced operational flexibility.

It seems that everyone is looking toward high pressure ammunition. According to FN, the FN ARKA incorporates a robust locking mechanism designed to withstand severe overpressure.

The FN ARKA comes standard with either a 14.5” standard barrel and a short or long M-LOK handguard, or a 11.25” CQC barrel and short M-LOK handguard. All configurations are available in FDE or Black and with selective fire or semi-auto only triggers.

fnherstal.com/en/defence/portable-weapons/carbines-rifles-grenade-launchers/fn-arka

Posted in weapons | 5 Comments »

Rampart Range Day – Glock G45 COA

Monday, June 1st, 2026

Rampart had the Glock G45 COA on display as well as available for firing on the range.

As recently adopted by Canada’s Halifax Regional Police, the Gen 5 G45 is equipped with the Aimpoint COA red dot optic system incorporating an exclusive A-CUT mounting solution, Streamlight TLR-7 X weapon-mounted light and Safariland duty holsters.

This and other products shown at Rampart Range Day are available for unit and agency orders in Canada and the US through Rampart.

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Rampart Range Day 26 – Colt C27 Grenade Launcher

Friday, May 29th, 2026

In conjunction with the new C25 General Purpose Carbine and C26 Full Spectrum Rifles displayed by Colt Canada at Rampart Range Day, they showed the latest upgrade to their EAGLE 40mm grenade launcher which is to be designated as the C27 by the Canadian military.

Seen above in its stand alone configuration with stock and optics rail, it can also be fitted to the 6 o’clock position on Picatinny rail equipped rifles with recoil lugs. It is held secured to the rail via the two captured pins.

Already in limited service with the Canadian Armed Forces, it has replaced the M203. This side opener features a double action trigger allowing the shooter to immediately mitigate a misfire without opening the breech to re-cock the weapon.

It features fully ambitious controls and the barrel can be configured to open to the left or the right.

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First Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units Delivered to the US Army

Thursday, May 28th, 2026

Continued Raytheon investment will increase annual production

TUCSON, Ariz., May 26, 2026 — The Javelin Joint Venture (JJV), a partnership between Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, and Lockheed Martin, has delivered the first Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLU) to the U.S. Army. The LWCLU, a next-generation launcher for the Javelin® weapon system, is designed to be adaptable and compatible with all current, past and future Javelin variants. The launcher is replacing the weapon system’s legacy command launch unit.

To date, Raytheon has invested $22 million to modernize the LWCLU factory to increase speed of production and expand capacity. In collaboration with the U.S. Army, the facility in Tucson, Ariz., is ramping annual production.

“Delivering the first LWCLUs to the U.S. Army reflects the Javelin Joint Venture’s commitment to continuously advancing technology for service members,” said Jenna Hunt Frazier, JJV president and Javelin program director at Raytheon. “Our investments in modernization and production capacity ensures soldiers receive this cutting-edge capability faster.”

The Javelin LWCLU provides soldiers with twice the target detection and recognition range while reducing size by 30% and weight by 25%. The LWCLU maximizes surveillance for soldiers, offering day and night engagement capability.

“The production and delivery of the LWCLU marks a pivotal step in modernizing the Javelin system for today’s warfighter,”?said Rich Liccion, JJV vice president and Lockheed Martin Javelin program director. “Its innovative design enhances mobility and survivability while preserving the precision firepower that users rely on.”

Javelin is developed and produced by the JJV between Raytheon in Tucson, Arizona and Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Florida.

Posted in Army, Optics, Press Release, weapons | 1 Comment »