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FirstSpear Friday Focus – SHERPA in MultiCam Black

July 18th, 2025

The SHERPA, now offered in MultiCam Black, is a versatile and discreet equipment bag built for hard use and adaptable to a wide range of environments. Designed in collaboration with FirstSpear’s professional users, it delivers performance whether you’re heading to the range, boarding a boat, or responding to a call-out.

Its compact form makes it ideal for day use, with a durable 500D construction and premium hardware that ensures long-lasting reliability. The large main compartment includes removable and reconfigurable interior organizer panels, allowing users to customize storage for mission-specific gear.

Two padded pistol pockets provide secure transport for handguns, while the loop interior is compatible with hook-backed Ragnar pockets and cell tags, adding modular storage flexibility.

A removable padded shoulder strap with rugged HK hooks offers comfortable carry, whether slung across your body or thrown over a shoulder. The Sherpa maintains a low-profile, discreet appearance, helping it blend into civilian settings without drawing unwanted attention. This bag meets the demands of users who don’t compromise on function or form.

Whether you’re carrying firearms, tools, or everyday essentials, the Sherpa is sized and built to handle it all. With its intelligent layout and field-proven design, it’s a trusted companion for professionals and enthusiasts alike. The optional DELUXE SHERPA DIVIDER, sold separately, further enhances internal organization for those with more specialized loadouts. FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting edge-tactical gear for military, law enforcement and those who train. For more information visit First-Spear.com.

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Load Carrying, Multicam | Comments Off on FirstSpear Friday Focus – SHERPA in MultiCam Black

Ukraine’s Battlefield Innovations Reshape Global Military Thinking

July 18th, 2025

WIESBADEN, Germany – Since the onset of full-scale Russian aggression in 2022, Ukraine has adapted swiftly to conditions on the battlefield, turning what was expected to be a quick invasion into a costly quagmire for the Russian armed forces. These operational, institutional, and technological adaptations adaptation were the focus of a panel convened at LANDEURO on July 16 with military leaders, defense industry representatives and Ukrainian officials which examined the evolution of Ukraine’s defense capabilities since the onset of full-scale Russian aggression.

The panel moderated by Dr. John Nagl, professor of warfighting studies at the Army War College, featured Armed Forces Ukraine Maj. Gen. Volodymyr Horbatiuk, Deputy Chief of the General Staff; U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Curtis A. Buzzard, Commanding General, Security Assistance Group – Ukraine; Armed Forces Ukraine Maj. Robert Brovdi, Commander, Unmanned Systems Forces; Maximillian Froch, Head of Strategic Programs International Rheinmetall AG; and Oleksandra Azarkhina, Co-founder, We Build Ukraine.

The transformation of the way Ukraine fights began with the structure of its armed forces, according to the panelists. Lt. Gen. Buzzard described how the country’s military expanded from 20 to over 100 brigades in a very short time. This transformation has required new approaches to training, organization, and leadership, all under intense pressure of an ongoing war.

“Never be satisfied with our efforts to try to learn as much as we can,” said Lt. Gen Buzzard, reminding NATO and U.S. leaders of their responsibility to keep learning from Ukraine’s experiences.

Strong collaboration between government officials, private companies and citizens strengthened Ukraine’s ability to innovate quickly, bypassing slow-moving systems in favor of fast, flexible and more cost-effective solutions driven by people on the ground, panelists said.

Azarkhina described Ukraine’s approach as values-driven and resourceful. She emphasized the role of civic engagement and cooperation and encouraged NATO and partners to align efforts through intelligence sharing, joint procurement, and smarter coordination to stabilize the frontline.

Panelists highlighted the central role of unmanned systems including aerial drones and ground vehicles, in Ukraine’s military operations. This kind of technology is helping Ukraine gather information and carry out missions more safely. Maj. Brovdi, a decorated member of the Ukrainian military and awarded by Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the “Hero of Ukraine,” discussed Ukraine’s developing doctrine for using unmanned systems. He believes this framework will serve as a model for NATO.

Brovdi praised the efforts of fellow countrymen, but said Ukraine is facing three major challenges at this stage in the war. He said Russian forces are being deployed in such large numbers that Ukraine defenses are struggling to keep up; vital infrastructure across Ukraine are continuing to suffer heavy damage from ongoing Russian assaults; and Ukraine’s civilian population is already fully engaged in the war effort, therefore, there is no reserve remaining for more personnel.

Ukraine’s experience during the war is changing how countries around the world think about defense and is influencing programs like the Army Transformation Initiative. Instead of using old systems, Ukraine is finding faster, more flexible ways to respond with new technology and working with all parts of society.

The full video of the panel can be found here.

By Natalie Weaver

Posted in Army, Guest Post | Comments Off on Ukraine’s Battlefield Innovations Reshape Global Military Thinking

Cubic Awarded UK Integrated Live Training Area Weapons Effects System (ILT-A) Contract

July 17th, 2025

Continuing to deliver vital support to the British Army

SAN DIEGO – July 16, 2025 – Cubic Defence UKannounces it has been awarded a two-year, sole-source contract by the UK Ministry of Defence (UK MOD) for the delivery of the Instrumented Live Training – Area Weapons Effects System (ILT-A).

“Cubic is honored to continue our long-standing partnership with the UK MOD,” said Alicia Combs, Vice President and General Manager at Cubic Defense. “This award reflects the trust placed in our systems to prepare warfighters for the complexities of modern combat. With ILT-A, we are proud to deliver a high-fidelity, globally interoperable solution that supports the British Army’s evolving training needs.”

ILT-A provides our soldiers with a realistic, data-rich training environment that enhances both competence and lethality,” said Simon Pearce, Synthetic Environments & Training, Defence Equipment and Support, UK Ministry of Defence. “The integration of Cubic’s Instrumented Metricized Live Fire capability and RPAS reflects the evolving character of combat and ensures the British Army can train with agility and precision.”

Photo by Cubic training team. (2024). Officer Cadet from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst using Cubic Tactical Engagement Systems (TES) Equipment on Exercise Dynamic Victory.

The ILT-A contract builds on Cubic’s two-decade legacy of integrated training solutions for the UK MOD and supersedes the previous Area Weapons Effects Simulation (AWES) contract. The system combines advanced laser and area-effects technology with fully instrumented live-fire range systems and Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS), creating a digitized environment featuring multi-spectrum, multi-domain threats. It also integrates with Cubic’s SCOPIC2 Virtual-in-Live synthetic environment to enable comprehensive force training and supports interoperability with partner nations. Data generated during training is used to inform the After Action Review process.

The contract includes options to support the UK MOD and global allies with individual and collective training across multiple domains and training areas, from Section to Brigade level. It also features a life-extension program through the end of the decade and investment in experimentation to support UK MOD’s Force Development initiatives.

To learn more about Cubic products and services, visit www.cubic.com.

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Cubic Awarded UK Integrated Live Training Area Weapons Effects System (ILT-A) Contract

Sentient Industries Welcomes Justin LeVrier as CEO, Showcases METEOR at Pentagon

July 17th, 2025

Co-Inventor of METEOR Power System to Lead Company as Pentagon Showcases Innovation

WASHINGTON, July 15, 2025 — Sentient Industries is pleased to announce that Justin LeVrier has stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer, with Founder Willem Vonk continuing as President. Both LeVrier and Vonk are currently in Washington, D.C., where on July 16 they will present Sentient’s field-proven METEOR Power System at the “OUSD (R&E) Rapid Prototype Display: Multi-Domain Autonomous Solutions” at the Pentagon—a showcase of technologies developed to address evolving threats for the warfighter. This national spotlight underscores Sentient’s commitment to delivering capabilities that matter, from development to deployment.

Sentient Industries Welcomes Justin LeVrier as CEO; METEOR Power System Spotlighted at Pentagon Innovation Event

Together, LeVrier and Vonk conceptualized METEOR Power System (Modular Energy for Tactical Operations Resource) and took it from idea, to white board, to a physical field-proven power system trusted by defense and disaster response in mere months. This reflects Sentient’s hands-on approach to R&D, rapid prototyping, engineering and manufacturing.

“Being invited to present METEOR at the Pentagon is not just an honor—it’s a signal that Sentient’s rapid prototyping approach and commitment to practical solutions are delivering real value for our nation’s operators,” said Justin LeVrier, CEO. “This is exactly the type of milestone that energizes our team and inspires us to push the boundaries of what’s possible for our defense and emergency response partners.”

Justin LeVrier brings a long and diverse career spent connecting people, systems, and technology. He is recognized for his collaborative leadership style, creative problem-solving, and his ability to bring out the best in teams. Prior to joining Sentient, LeVrier served as VP of Sales at Joule Case, where he formed the go to market strategy and expanded access to advanced mobile power solutions in the burgeoning food truck market nationally. Through LeVrier, Joule Case was METEOR’s first reseller, giving him a unique perspective on point-of-need-power in both commercial and defense markets, and what it takes to move ideas from the lab into the real world. Whether leading product launches at Cardone Enterprises with Grant Cardone, building customer relationships globally with Mercedes-Benz, or mentoring the next generation of innovators at Creative Leverage, LeVrier’s focus has always been — people first.

Reflecting on the transition, LeVrier said; “Willem and I have always believed that the best solutions come from working side by side with our team, our end users, and our clients; questioning the status quo, observing, listening and taking action. I’m honored to help lead Sentient into its next chapter, and I look forward to building on the foundation we’ve created together.”

Vonk, who founded Sentient Industries, has spent his career at the intersection of human centered experiential design, engineering, advanced materials and manufacturing. Since its launch in 2021, he has built Sentient into a place where ideas are rapidly prototyped, tested, and brought to life. Throughout his career, Vonk’s out of the box thinking, technical expertise, and commitment to seeing things from a unique perspective—have shaped Sentient’s culture and the company’s approach to solving tough challenges for top tier clients.

“Justin LeVrier’s appointment as CEO marks an exciting new chapter for Sentient Industries,” said Vonk. “As Justin and I co-invented the METEOR Power System together, I’ve seen firsthand the vision and leadership he brings. His ability to unite people and ideas is exactly what Sentient needs as we expand our impact.”

“The Pentagon showcase underscores our mission: rapidly moving critical technologies from concept to deployment where they matter most. We’re proud to lead a team dedicated to innovation that supports those on the front lines.”

This leadership transition deepens Sentient Industries’ commitment to collaborative innovation, and client success. With LeVrier as CEO and Vonk as President, the company is well positioned to continue bringing game changing capabilities to market.

To learn more about Justin LeVrier and connect professionally, visit their LinkedIn profile: www.linkedin.com/in/levrier

To learn more about Sentient Industries and the METEOR Quiet Tactical Power System visit: sentient.industries

Based in Austin, Texas, Sentient Industries is the owner, designer and OEM for the METEOR Power System, and accelerates mission critical technologies through their product design, engineering, prototyping, and manufacturing services that empower clients to overcome complex challenges in defense and commercial applications.

Posted in Industry, Power, Press Release | Comments Off on Sentient Industries Welcomes Justin LeVrier as CEO, Showcases METEOR at Pentagon

Gray Eagle Armed Persistence

July 17th, 2025

Source General Atomics;

An essential element of the U.S. Army’s Aviation Modernization Plan, GA-ASI’s Gray Eagle Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) is an innovative and technologically advanced derivative of the combat-proven Predator®. Gray Eagle offers a reliable, affordable, low-risk, and compelling next-generation tactical UAS solution to meet challenging service requirements for persistent Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (RSTA) and attack operations.

Gray Eagle has an endurance of 25 hours, speeds up to167 KTAS, can operate up to 29,000 feet, and carries 1,075lb (488 kg) of internal and external payload. The aircraft can carry multiple payloads aloft, including Electro-optical/Infrared (EO/IR) with laser designation, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), communications relay, and four Hellfire missiles.

Compared to the Predator predecessor, Gray Eagle’s Heavy Fuel Engine (HFE) supports the Army’s “single fuel in the battlefield” concept and provides increased horsepower and significantly improved fuel efficiency, utilizing either jet or diesel fuel.

An extremely reliable UAS, Gray Eagle features a fault-tolerant control system and a triple-redundant avionics system architecture, similar to the systems integrated in the battle-proven Predator B. Designed with airworthiness as a primary consideration, Gray Eagle is engineered to meet and exceed manned aircraft reliability standards.

This long-range, long-dwell UAS is dedicated to direct operational control by Army field commanders. Its expansive mission set includes, but is not limited, to wide-area Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), convoy protection, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detection and defeat, close air support, communications relay, and weapons delivery missions.

Gray Eagle features an automatic takeoff and landing system (ATLS) that allows the aircraft to be launched and recovered without any operator interaction. Gray Eagle aircraft have successfully conducted tens of thousands of takeoffs and landings.

Gray Eagle Dugway:

Gray Eagle AV SN# 70125 was one of the first aircraft off the Gray Eagle production line, built specifically to meet the ARMY’s needs. AV 70125 is special to Dugway and the ARMY both, shortly after production, it was designated as a test asset and sent here to Dugway. While here, AV 70125 was a key asset to all 4 ARMY production prove out tests to ensure the Gray Eagles abilities and reliability. AV 70125 has also been an invaluable asset to testing, accomplishing, enhanced safety, reliability, combat effectiveness, and readiness of the fielded ARMY Gray Eagle fleet, supporting our troops in the real-world environments they see every day. Through the course of AV 70125’s 15+ year service life, it has flown over 230 flights, of which all were related to testing and evaluation to continue providing the most cutting-edge technology for the U.S. ARMY.

Most importantly, the Gray Eagle program still remains here at Dugway and continues to prove its value to the ARMY every day. UAS PMO plans on continual testing and technology insertions with the Gray Eagles that reside on Dugway, operated and maintained by General Atomics.

By Rodney Mitani

Posted in Army, Guest Post, UAS | Comments Off on Gray Eagle Armed Persistence

Australian Defence Force Multi Tool by Victorinox Now Available in USA

July 17th, 2025

In 2021, the Swiss company Victorinox was selected to provide multi tools to the Australian Defence Force. These same tools are now available in the US through The Windrose Group.

Purchased by the ADF under Land 125 Phase 4 Integrated Soldier System – Field Equipment, the Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit MXBS (NSN 5110-66-166-1357) was specifically designed for the ADF. It features 24 functions including single hand operation of both the primary and secondary blades, designed to successfully integrate with combat gloves.

Features:

Needle-nose pliers
Wire cutter for thin and soft wire up to 40 HRc
Hard wire cutter
Blade, large
Can opener
Screwdriver 3 mm
Bottle opener
Screwdriver 6 mm
Crate opener
Wire bender
Screwdriver 2 mm
Reamer, punch
Pulling hook
Scissors
Metal saw
Metal file
Phillips screwdriver 1/2
Chisel 7 mm and scraper
Cable cover longitudinal cutter
Cable cover crossways cutter
Wire stripper and scraper
Seatbelt cutter
Lanyard hole
Coupling for corkscrew and carry clip

Made in Switzerland.

To purchase, contact windrosegroupllc.com.

Posted in Knives | 1 Comment »

UF PRO Introduces “Not On My Watch” Tee

July 17th, 2025

UF PRO announces the launch of the “Not On MyWatch” Tee, a new addition to its everyday clothing range. The shirt is designed to offer comfort and flexibility while also serving as a quiet nod of support to those involved in anti-poaching efforts.

This release builds on the February initiative, Pro’s Guide to Tracking with Rangers and K9s, which highlighted the demanding work of professionals engaged in tracking operations under extreme conditions. The T-shirt reflects the same mindset—focused, resilient, and purpose-led.

Made from a comfortable cotton-elastane blend, the tee is shaped for an athletic fit and offers the freedom of movement needed for daily activities. Its design carries a quiet but clear message of support for those working to prevent wildlife crime in some of the world’s most demanding environments.

The “Not On My Watch” Tee is now available at ufpro.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release | Comments Off on UF PRO Introduces “Not On My Watch” Tee

D&M Holding Company and Ukrainian Defense Industry Announce Joint Venture to Produce Ammunition Propellant in the US

July 17th, 2025

TAMPA, FL (July 16, 2025) – D&M Holding Company, Inc. (D&M), the global leader in delivering complete solutions for ammunition, primer, and propellant manufacturing facilities, and the Ukrainian Defense Industry Joint Stock Company (JSC) are partnering to produce specialty chemicals in the United States to address the critical shortage of propellant used in the production of ammunition for the Ukrainian defense forces.

The agreement was signed at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome on July 11 by Ukrainian Defense Industry Director General Oleh Huliak and D&M Holding Company CEO Daniel Powers in the presence of Lt. General (Ret.) Keith Kellogg – US Special Envoy to Ukraine, Ambassador Julie S. Davis – US Chargé d’Affaires to Ukraine, Lynndy Smith – Member of Ukrainian Defense Industry JSC Supervisory Board, Oleksandr Kamyshin – Advisor to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and James Jones – Executive Vice President, D&M Holding Company, Inc. Powers also spoke on a panel for defense manufacturing during the conference.

The single base propellant made in this new US-based facility will be used for artillery ammunition, including 155mm shells which are greatly needed by Ukraine in their ongoing defense against Russia.

“We have to gradually move from large-scale procurement to our own production to meet our immediate needs. It is equally important that the company will operate in a safe area. Our cooperation with American arms companies will continue in other areas,” emphasized Director General Huliak.

“This joint venture continues to build upon and further strengthen the relationship between D&M and Ukrainian state-owned enterprises with projects now in both Ukraine and the US,” said Powers.

PHOTO: Signers (seated – front row left to right)

Oleh Huliak – Director General, Ukrainian Defense Industry JSC

Daniel Powers – President & CEO, D&M Holding Company, Inc.

Witnesses (back row left to right)

Lynndy Smith – Member of Ukrainian Defense Industry JSC Supervisory Board

Oleksandr Kamyshin – Advisor to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Lt. General (Ret.) Keith Kellogg – Special Envoy for Ukraine

Ambassador Julie S. Davis – US Chargé d’Affaires to Ukraine

James Jones – Executive Vice President, D&M Holding Company, Inc.

Posted in Ammo, Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on D&M Holding Company and Ukrainian Defense Industry Announce Joint Venture to Produce Ammunition Propellant in the US