Meet the future of operational readiness — the GHOSTROBOTICS Vision 60.
Visit us at CANSEC 2025 (28-29 May) in the Millbrook Tactical booth #421, and see how this ground-breaking tech can elevate your edge.
See The GHOSTROBOTICS Vision 60 in Action at CANSEC
May 23rd, 2025KommandoStore – Gorka K2 Mountain Suit: Red Dawn Edition
May 23rd, 2025In true KommandoStore tradition, they’ve taken the classic Russian Gorka K2 Mountain Suit and reproduced it in the Soviet-style camouflage pattern created for the movie “Red Dawn”.
While this looks like a Gorka, it’s more. KommadoStore has made some changes to the design to improve its performance. For example, they’ve added an extra large diamond shape gusset that goes down to the knee, and lowered the rise to sit comfortably below the navel for a contemporary, high-mobility fit.
They’ve also reworked the seam structure and size of the hood to accommodate a full range of motion so it moves with the head. Additionally, they use a NYCO ripstop fabric with DWR coating rather than the waxed cotton of the original.
As for the camo pattern, well that was created specifically for the movie back on the 80s based on photographs of the KLMK pattern. It was never an actual issue pattern but it has gained a following of its own along with the movie.
Get yours at kommandostore.com/collections/strelka/products/gorka-k2-red-dawn-mountain-suit.
FirstSpear Friday Focus: Assaulter’s Accessory Pocket (AAP)
May 23rd, 2025
The ASSAULTER’S ACCESSORY POCKET (AAP) is a highly versatile tactical pouch designed to meet the demands of both everyday and mission-specific gear organization.
At its core, it features a spacious main compartment ideal for storing essential equipment such as an Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK), breaching tools, or other loose gear. A removable interior organizer panel provides customizable options for arranging your contents, while the loop interior allows for hook-backed pouches to be added for even greater storage flexibility.
The pouch is engineered with a unique “shark mouth” opening that enables it to open wide for quick, efficient access—especially when worn on a belt—then compresses down to a slim, low-profile form when closed. This makes it both functional and compact.
The AAP offers two mounting options: a belt mount that fits belts up to 2 inches wide, including large cobra-style buckles, and a tube mount for added flexibility. Dummy cord attachment points enhance security for sensitive items, and a bungee cord is included to help stabilize or restrain loose gear within the pouch.
Built with tactical efficiency in mind, the ASSAULTER’S ACCESSORY POCKET is rugged and reliable in high-stakes environments. Its thoughtful design makes it a go-to choice for professionals requiring adaptable gear storage. Whether you’re carrying medical supplies, breaching tools, or everyday tactical essentials, this pouch delivers top-tier organization and access.
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.
Contract Awarded for Modernized Equipment for the Canadian Army’s Light Forces
May 23rd, 2025
Dismounted infantry soldiers test Logistik Unicorp’s protective and load carriage equipment during trials for the Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement trials. (Cpl Peter Grieves)
On March 18, 2025, Canada awarded a contract with an initial value of $19.7 million (excluding taxes) to Logistik Unicorp to supply the Canadian Army’s (CA) light forces with 3,000 units of advanced protective and load carriage equipment. This contract includes the provision of ballistic armour layers, tactical vests, pack systems and associated pouches, as well as options for additional systems and services.
The current equipment used by CA soldiers offers excellent ballistic and blunt impact protection but requires modular capabilities for modern dismounted infantry operations. The Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement (DICE)initiative aims to improve the form, fit and function of this equipment, to enable a full range of motion for soldiers performing demanding tasks.
User trials were conducted from October to November 2024 with active dismounted infantry soldiers that provided detailed data and individual feedback, that were in turn analyzed carefully against the contract requirements. The result is that soldiers will be equipped with the modern and effective equipment needed to do their jobs, at the best value to Canadians. To address past concerns about fit, especially for women, the trials included soldiers of different sizes and body types, with female participation at 13.3 percent,higher than the 0.3 percentrepresentation in dismounted infantry units.
The new equipment was exhaustively tested to ensure that it fits various bodies and forms, with soft armour available in two distinct cuts. Ballistic plates will be offered in a greater range of sizes to maximize comfort and protection. While protection remains the priority, the new equipment significantly improves overall fit and coverage.
The new equipment is expected to be delivered starting in fall 2025 and will be used in conjunction with the contract awarded to Galvion in March 2023 for new helmets (known as the “Helmet High Cut Ground Troop”). While that initial contract was for 2,100 helmets and spare parts for the light forces, the Department of National Defence (DND) has since exercised its options to obtain more, bringing the total number of helmets to 10,500, for a total contract value of $14.9 million.
The DICE is working in parallel with the Soldier Operational Clothing Enhancement Modernization (SOCEM)initiative, which provides all CA units with a full range of modernized equipment and clothing. The DICE initiative allows DND to purchase smaller quantities of equipment for specific groups, and to trial procurement methods that can be applied to the larger SOCEM initiative. This approach helps to deliver new equipment quickly and effectively by applying best practices from smaller procurements.
By Nancy Cook
The Maple Leaf
Photo and article via CANADA DND
VKTR Industries Welcomes Bill Vitiello to the Team
May 22nd, 2025(House Springs, MO) – VKTR Industries, renowned for their innovative VK-1 self-regulating piston driven AR series of rifles, is pleased to announce the addition of Bill Vitiello totheir sales team as the TALO Sales Manager.
Bill joins VKTR with over a decade of experience in the firearm & outdoor industry sales & marketing. A seasoned combat veteran, Bill’s career in the firearms industry began at Knight’s Armament Company and most recently leading the sales & marketing efforts for Langdon Tactical. His substantial experience includes helping launch start-ups Flint River Armory & Naroh Arms, as well as OEM sales for Spanish shotshell manufacturer, Rio Ammunition.
VKTR is excited for Vitiello to hit the ground building dealer relationships and supporting our sales rep group,Jones and Co. “The TALO region is a strategic location for our brand.” said Eric Luley, National Sales Manager. “Our goal is to support existing dealers and build up ourcustomer base within Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.”
Bill will also be spearheading the launch of White Label Armory, the OEM parts and kits side of VKTR Industries, across the United States.
VKTR Industries products are available from firearm retailers nationwide – visit www.vktrind.com . TALO Dealers interested in carrying the VK-1 rifle, or White Label Armory upcoming can contact Bill at bvitiello@vktrind.com.
Streamlight Marks 26 Years of Supporting C.O.P.S.
May 22nd, 2025
From left C.O.P.S Executive Director, Dianne Bernhard; Streamlight Regional Sales Manager – Law Enforcement/Sporting Goods, Will Taylor; Streamlight Inside Sales Manager, Angel DelliGatti; C.O.P.S. National President, Connie Moyer; Streamlight Board of Directors member, Clayton French; Streamlight Regional Sales Manager – Law Enforcement/Sporting Goods, Brett Marquardt; Streamlight National Sales Manager – Law Enforcement, Bobby Knight.
EAGLEVILLE, PA, May 22, 2025 – Streamlight® Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting tools for the law enforcement market, renewed its sponsorship of Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) for the 26th year in a row in conjunction with recent National Police Week observances. The company’s 2025 contribution as a Guardian Sponsor totaled $142,400 including proceeds from recent sales of its ‘blue’ C.O.P.S. logoed products. The organization’s mission is rebuilding the shattered lives of surviving family members and co-workers affected by a line-of-duty death.
The company is also highlighting its support for C.O.P.S. with the recent introduction of two special edition flashlights as part of its Lights for a Cause program. Streamlight will donate $1 from the purchase of the Blue Nano Light® II and $3 from the purchase of the Blue Wedge® XT, both marked with the C.O.P.S. logo. The Nano Light II is a compact keychain light offering 20 lumens of output and one hour of run time. The Wedge XT delivers 500 lumens in a slim, USB-C rechargeable EDC design.
Streamlight supports C.O.P.S. by sponsoring multiple programs and events throughout the year, culminating in National Police Week (May 11-17) activities in Washington, D.C. which brings together law enforcement officers and families from across the country to honor fallen heroes. Streamlight served as a Presenting Sponsor at the Blue Honor Gala on May 14. The company also sponsors Law Enforcement United (L.E.U.), which helps to raise money for C.O.P.S. through programs like its annual “The Road to Hope” memorial bicycle ride.
“As a long-time corporate supporter of C.O.P.S., we are honored to continue standing alongside the law enforcement community during National Police Week and beyond,” said Michael F. Dineen, Streamlight President. “As a leading provider of lighting equipment for first responders, we are committed to providing tools to keep police officers safe and supporting this fine organization in its vital work for survivors.”
For more information about C.O.P.S., visit www.concernsofpolicesurvivors.org.
SCD USA Announces Design-In Wins for MIRA SWIR Camera Across Multiple North American Defense Programs
May 22nd, 2025
Colorado Springs, Colorado – May 21, 2025, – SCD USA proudly announces the successful design-in of its MIRA Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) camera into several major defense programs across North America. These integrations span a variety of defense platforms, including man-portable systems, armored fighting vehicles, loitering munitions, and counter-UAS systems.
In a key milestone, SCD USA has also secured an initial low-rate production order for airborne deployment, reflecting the MIRA camera’s technological maturity and growing relevance in advanced defense applications. This integration marks the beginning of broader adoption, with MIRA poised to become a standard imaging solution in future procurements across these platforms.
MIRA is powered by SCD’s advanced SWIFT-EI InGaAs detector, offering exceptional SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power, and Cost) SWIR sensor, with VGA resolution, multi-spot Asynchronous Laser Pulse Detection (ALPD), and ultra-high-speed frame rates up to 1,500 fps. The SWIFT-EI also integrate event-based, neuromorphic imaging, which reduces bandwidth requirements by detecting and transmitting only scene changes—critical for high-efficiency SWIR imaging in real-time battlefield scenarios.
Additionally, MIRA incorporates Coded Spot Tracking (CST), providing unmatched operational flexibility for a wide range of missions. With its 10µm pixel pitch, compact design, and low power consumption, MIRA is ideally suited for integration into small payloads, missile seekers, vehicles, and hand-held devices. Its enhanced background-independency improves situational awareness in complex environments.
“The integration of MIRA into these defense programs underscores its essential role in enhancing operational effectiveness across modern military platforms,” said Mark Fydenkevez, CEO of SCD USA. “We remain committed to delivering next-generation SWIR technology that empowers our customers to achieve mission success with unmatched performance and innovation.”
Magpul Presents: The Hodge Rifle Build, Ep 2 Heart of the Gun
May 22nd, 2025
Magpul has released episode 2 of their video series The Hodge Rifle Build. This time, Jim Hodge discusses “The Heart of the Gun” the upper receiver and barrel. You’ll hear his view on how the right barrel leads to the consistency, reliability, accuracy, and velocity you’ll need for a great AR15.
