Come see us at ADS Warrior East next week over at the Virginia Beach Convention Center in Virginia Beach, VA, Wednesday, June 25th and Thursday, June 26th. Check out our product line-up and catch up with our team to learn more about what’s yet to come in 2025 from FirstSpear!
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.
FORT DRUM, N.Y. — Explosions echoed through the training area as Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division (LI) trained with their newly issued XM152 Mounted Machine Gun Optic for the Mark 19 40 mm grenade machine gun.
Designed to enhance situational awareness and survivability, the XM152 MMO allows gunners to neutralize threats more effectively through accurate, controlled fire at various distances.
Before heading to the range, Soldiers received hands-on instruction from the Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command on the optic’s capabilities and operation.
“This optic is important because we need first-round hit probability,” said Tyler Griffeth, a training instructor with TACOM. “A lot of times with the Mark 19 using the iron sights, the Soldiers are really focused on the iron sight when we really need the big picture, and that’s the battlefield.”
The optic enhances engagement capabilities in two key ways: first, by offering a wide field-of-view holographic reticle for rapid, close-range target acquisition, and second, by incorporating a three-times magnifier to extend the effective range and improve accuracy.
“This now switches it to where the Soldier can be more threat-focused, which will increase their first-round hit probability and their overall lethality,” said Griffeth. “Now that technology like this becomes available to the Soldier, we’re going to get out there and get more lethal.”
After familiarization, Soldiers headed to the range the following day to engage targets using the new optic. TACOM instructors joined them to ensure proficiency and understanding of the equipment.
“I feel like with this new optic, I’m very confident in the Mark 19 system, it was much easier to hit the farther ranges and was able to destroy the target as needed,” Sgt. Trever Linberg, a helicopter repairman with Delta Company, 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (LI). “With this optic, I could qualify much easier, it took a lot less rounds.”
With new knowledge, experience, and confidence, these Soldiers can return to their units as subject matter experts and bring their fellow Soldiers up to speed on the latest equipment, making the 10th Mountain Division even more capable.
“I wish I had something like this back when I was in the service,” Griffeth said. “I wasted a lot of ammo that could have been right on target the first time.”
By SGT Matthew Connor
SSD Note: The MMO capitalizes on COTS optical technologies to provide a rugged, low-cost optic for the mounted Soldier in Combat Support and Combat Service Support formations. It has three variants, one each for the M2/M2A1 (MMO XM155), M240B/H/L (MMO XM156), and the MK19 (MMO XM152).
Rheinmetall and Anduril Industries announced a strategic partnership to co-develop and deliver a suite of software-defined autonomous systems to extend the availability of autonomous mission systems.
The partnership is starting with the development of three proven capabilities – but is about to be extended with more next generation technologies over time:
• The integration of a European variant of Anduril´s Barracuda as part of Anduril’s family of low-cost, mass-producible autonomous air vehicles into Rheinmetall´s digital sovereignty framework (“Battlesuite”).
• The inclusion of a European variant of Anduril´s Fury, a high-performance, multi-mission group 5 autonomous air vehicle (AAV), into Rheinmetall´s digital sovereignty framework (“Battlesuite”).
• The exploration of opportunities for solid rocket motors for European use leveraging Anduril’s new production approaches.
These systems will be jointly developed and produced by the two companies, incorporating sovereign suppliers and industrial partners throughout Europe.
“This is a different model of defence collaboration, one built on shared production, operational relevance, and mutual respect for sovereignty,” said Brian Schimpf, CEO of Anduril Industries. “Together with Rheinmetall, we’re building systems that can be produced quickly, deployed widely, and adapted as NATO missions evolve.”
“Rheinmetall has always stood for reliability, scale, and strategic depth in defence manufacturing,” said Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall. “By integrating Anduril`s solutions into Rheinmetall´s European production set up and digital sovereignty framework, we’re building on that foundation to bring new kinds of autonomous capabilities into service, ones that are quick to produce, modular, and aligned with NATO’s evolving requirements.”
Built in Europe, for Europe
This partnership is a long-term shared investment in co-developing easily fielded systems tailored to the specific needs of each European regional market. It reflects a “built with, not for” philosophy—one that prioritizes European sovereignty, local control, transparency, and adaptability over dependency or lock-in.
• The integration of Barracuda and Barracuda-M into Rheinmetall´s systems will provide European militaries with an affordable autonomous air vehicle designed for hyperscale production. Its modular design supports a wide range of payloads and targeting modes making it a flexible option for the unique needs of European forces.
• The inclusion of Fury, an autonomous air vehicle designed to operate as part of manned-unmanned teams of aircraft, into Rheinmetall´s ecosystem of products allows each country to configure its own command-and-control systems and operational constraints. Fury is designed to deliver advanced fighter performance with the flexibility to integrate a variety of sensors and payloads in support of mission requirements.
• The Solid Rocket Motors effort could help ensures European access to a reliable line of propulsion systems offering industrial redundancy and delivery at scale, when domestic sources are not yet sufficient.
A Shared Approach to Industrial Defence
The partnership builds on earlier collaboration between the two companies, including the development of a layer countered UAS solution and a joint pursuit of the U.S. Army’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) program. Rather than slow, proprietary development pipelines that tie customers to a single vendor, this partnership embraces speed, modularity, and co-development. It’s a model that empowers allies to shape and evolve their own capabilities, while working within a shared NATO-aligned framework.
Idaho, USA – Tenicor is proud to introduce the VELO LUX, the next evolution in its AIWB holster lineup, designed specifically for use with compact and large weapon lights. Building on the proven foundation of the SAGAX LUX2 and the MALUS SOL, the VELO LUX delivers refined features and expanded compatibility to meet the needs of the professionally minded user.
The VELO LUX combines innovation and functionality, offering updates such as:
• A third clip placement at the sight channel for enhanced stability.
• Discreet Carry Concepts MOD4 clips with ride height and cant adjustment to optimize concealment and stability.
• A body contour that eliminates hot spots by filling voids between the gun and the body.
• Multiple camming bar options to rotate the grip into the body, reducing printing.
• Compatibility with all major optic brands.
• Spacer kits for retention adjustments (included with multi-light fit holsters)
Expanded Compatibility
The VELO LUX will replace all existing SAGAX LUX2 and MALUS SOL holsters. Now with additional support for M&P9 M2.0 with universal light fitment, and SIG SAUER P365-XMACRO with TLR-7X/HL-X.
Launch Timeline
The VELO LUX is available starting 19 JUN 2025, with support for Glock, Staccato, Sig Sauer, M&P, and 2011/1911 platforms. See the announcement video HEREhighlighting the conversion from the SAGAX LUX2 and MALUS SOL to the VELO LUX.
tenicor.com/collections/velo-lux-aiwb-holsters
Although it wasn’t part of the formal new product reveals of SIG NEXT, the defense team showed me a 10″ upper for the US Army’s M7 Next Gen Rifle.
Seen to the right is the standard 13″ barrel length version which is currently under contract.
While the model I fired was equipped with the folding stock knuckle, they told me they have demonstrated a carbine version of the M7 which has a standard AR-style collapsible stock, eliminating the folding mechanism. Combined with a 10″ barrel, the weight is 7.3 lbs (without suppressor). By contrast, the M27 weighs 7.9 lbs and the standard M7 weighs 8.38 lbs.
With the shorter barrel length is a slight drop in velocity, to 2850 fps from ~3000 fps for the current M7.
SIG has dipped their toe in the double stack pistol market with the new P211.
First and foremost, it uses P320 magazines so finding mags won’t be an issue.
The slide comes ROMEOX PRO SIGLOC Equipped and features aggressive slide serrations.
The 4.4” Bull Barrel is fitted with the MACH3D Compensator.
It’s got a SIGLOC PRO Optic Ready Slide with Aggressive Slide Serrations and Ambidextrous Slide Release.
The Steel Frame and Alloy Grip module incorporate G10 Grip Panels and a Removable Steel Magwell and a Skeletonized Flat Blade Trigger.
Ships with (1) 23rd and (2) 21rd P320-Compatible Steel Magazines.
I got to shoot it a little bit and it remains stable through the shooting sequence and easy to keep on target. Part of that is that it is 9mm and part because it weighs in, in excess of 46 oz. It was a joy to shoot.
In stock and should be shipping VERY soon.
5.11®, the global innovator of purpose-built gear, proudly announces the arrival of the V.XI® Sigurd Shirt in Multicam, now available in both long and short sleeve silhouettes.
Originally engineered for elite performance, the Sigurd is the king of base layers—crafted with 5.11’s proprietary stretch knit mesh and Cryo-Tac™ technology for a cool-to-the-touch feel, advanced moisture-wicking, and anti-odor performance. With its athletic ergonomic fit, flat lock seams, and mission-specific construction, the Sigurd is built for comfort and durability whether worn solo, under a plate carrier, or integrated into a layering system.
Now available in MultiCam, the newest iteration of this top-tier essential merges stealth-ready camouflage with all the performance features operators demand.
Key Features:
• Cryo-Tac™ technology for cooling and moisture management
• Rugby-style collar for versatility
• Flat lock seams and ergonomic side panels for comfort
• Loop patch platforms and pen holder pockets on sleeves
• 78% nylon / 22% elastane mesh construction with anti-odor finish
Styles Available:
• V.XI® Sigurd MC Long Sleeve Shirt (Style #42197MC)
• V.XI® Sigurd MC Short Sleeve Shirt (Style #41288MC)
CARBONDALE, PA, June 18, 2025 – Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, aircrew, emergency responders and industrial personnel, announced today that it was awarded an additional United States Air Force Aircrew Laser Eye Protection (ALEP) contract to develop and produce its laser protective eyewear for aircrew, the Block 3 Day and Night Ballistic Spectacles.
This order includes more than 3,800 Block 3 Day and Night Ballistic Spectacles over the next 18 months, including development and full rate production. The new ballistic spectacle joins the unique USAF Block 3 product line and follows Gentex’s five previously awarded delivery orders for the USAF Block 3 Contract, which include the Ballistic Day Spectacle, Ballistic Night Spectacle, Day Spectacle, Aircrew Night Vision Goggles Joined LEP (ANJL) and Night Spectacle, totaling 29,400 pieces of state-of-the-art laser protective eyewear. The Block 3 LEP eyewear provides the warfighter a variety of form factors to best suit their mission profile and replaces the Block 2 spectacles with a higher performance product line.
“Gentex is proud to continue to serve the USAF team and warfighters by providing the best ocular protection available to maintain their mission effectiveness while staying safe,” said John Cueva, Senior Director of Optics at Gentex Corporation.
shop.gentexcorp.com/optics/eyewear
