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Gastops Receives Investment from RTX for Next Generation Monitoring Technologies

May 29th, 2025

Investment made possible by Canadian Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy (ITB)

OTTAWA, ON, May 28, 2025 – Gastops Ltd. is announcing a joint agreement under Canada’s Industrial and Technology Benefits (ITB) policy for a multi-million-dollar investment from RTX. The funding will support a research and development program to advance the next generation of oil debris monitoring (ODM) system technology and future technologies for oil and fuel monitoring for Pratt & Whitney military engines. Pratt & Whitney is an RTX business.

“We are extremely pleased to work with RTX on the development of next generation monitoring technologies,” said Shaun Horning, President and CEO of Gastops. “The ITB investment from RTX’s Raytheon and engineering collaboration with Pratt & Whitney are critical components to the success of this cutting-edge technology. This investment will facilitate Gastops to continue its goal of Canadian innovation and to expand our technology capabilities.”

Gastops has been enabling Pratt & Whitney’s advanced diagnostics and engine monitoring solutions with MetalSCAN ODM sensors since their introduction to the F119 engine, which powers the F-22 Raptor, in the early 1990’s. Since then, MetalSCAN technology has been included in other major Pratt & Whitney engine developments, and discussions are ongoing about expanding the collaboration to integrate Gastops’ next generation technologies into additional military engine programs.

“It’s now more important than ever to build Canada’s defence industry,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. “This multi-million-dollar investment by RTX to Canada’s Gastops Ltd. will advance innovation within Canada’s defence sector while supporting economic growth and creating high value jobs for Canadians.”

www.Gastops.com

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Nomad Releases Rendezvous Pants and Scrape Shorts

May 29th, 2025

CHARLESTON, SC. (May 29, 2025) – Nomad Outdoor added to its growing line of popular lifestyle clothing with the release of cotton canvas Rendezvous pants and lightweight nylon Scrape shorts.

Rendezvous Pants

Made of stretch cotton canvas, the Rendezvous pants have a soft, broken-in feel from the start. Available in solid earth-tone colors Marl and Overland Trek, the Rendezvous pants offer versatile 6-pocket design for ample storage and EDC carry space without looking like cargo pants.

Rendezvous pants give all-day comfort and are perfect for everyday wear, chores around the property, or an evening out on the town. They are available in men’s sizes from waist 28″ to 42″ and inseams 30″ to 34″.

Rendezvous pants retail for $80 per pair.

Scrape Shorts

Scrape shorts are made of a lightweight nylon and spandex blend to be breathable and comfortable on hot summer days, while still being durable. Secured cargo pockets and back pockets keep your everyday-essentials safe, and DWR water resistant coating keeps the wearer dry and helps repel stains. Scrape shorts come in an attractive shade of green called Moss. They have 9” inseams and are available in men’s sizes from waist sizes 28” to 42”.

Scrape shorts retail for $60 per pair.

Both the Rendezvous and Scrape shorts can be paired perfectly with the newly-released Hollis and Huntley button-down shirts for a classy, casual look that also shows your passion for hunting whitetails and turkeys, or spending time in the great American outdoors.

To learn more about both the Rendezvous and Scrape shorts, and the rest of their hunting and lifestyle clothing visit www.nomadoutdoor.com.

Posted in Clothing, Off-Duty, Press Release | Comments Off on Nomad Releases Rendezvous Pants and Scrape Shorts

Revolutionize Glock Ergonomics with Patent-Pending Reduced Angle Backstrap

May 29th, 2025

Innovative collaboration delivers enhanced ergonomics and control for mission-critical Glock ® users worldwide. The new product has been authorized for duty use by more than five police departments and is already in use by certain members of the United States’ premier protective and law enforcement agencies.

LOWELL, MICHIGAN (30 MAY, 2025) KIRAL DEFENSE™ today announces the official release of a patent-pending Reduced Angle and Shock-Absorbing Backstrap for most Glock® pistols and a direct collaboration with LOK Grips® to distribute the product worldwide.

Engineered to meet the demanding needs of military and law enforcement professionals, this cutting-edge backstrap addresses a long-standing limitation of Glock ergonomics: its steep, often awkward grip angle. By reducing the grip angle to more closely match a 1911, the Kiral Defense Reduced Angle Backstrap improves pointability, reduces wrist strain, and enhances weapon control during high-stress engagements.

“Glock pistols are known worldwide for combat-proven reliability, not for ergonomics,” said Neal Brace, designer of the product and owner of Kiral Defense.

“The Reduced Angle Backstrap makes a Glock point like a 1911 and, for most people, makes it a lot easier to shoot accurately in both slow and rapid fire. We are proud to have collaborated with law enforcement tactical team members from the two largest police departments in western Michigan to refine the design, and I am even happier to say that it is already authorized for duty with those departments and several others,” continued Mr. Brace.

“Being able to partner with LOK Grips for worldwide distribution of this invention is a dream come true, as I can’t think of a more trusted name in the industry that is dedicated toward improving pistol ergonomics.”

Manufactured entirely in the U.S.A. from abrasion-resistant nylon and paired with a precision-ground stainless steel pin, the Reduced Angle Backstrap offers a seamless drop-in fit for Gen 1-5 Glock frames. Two versions are available for larger pistols: one with an injection-molded shock-absorbing rubber insert for extra stability and comfort during extended range sessions and that is perfect for medium and large hands, and one that is thinner, omits the rubber insert, and is suitable for all hand sizes due to its shorter trigger reach. The model for G43X and G48 micro carry pistols increases the trigger reach to mimic a Glock 19 and provides substantially greater trigger control for better accuracy while also offering an extended beavertail to benefit those that tend to suffer from slide bite. Matching laser cut grip tape panels are also available.

“We are excited to provide shooters worldwide with a unique and low-cost solution to an age-old problem with Glocks,” said Jayson Dekmar, owner of LOK Grips, a U.S.A.-based manufacturer of premium pistol grips and accessories.

“The Kiral Defense Reduced Angle Backstrap meets the level of quality, comfort, and performance that our customers have come to expect from LOK Grips, so it made sense to become the worldwide distributor for this product line. Since it does not permanently modify the pistol and is inexpensive, the backstrap is one of those products that we believe has mass appeal, especially for our law enforcement customers and those that must carry a pistol for personal protection. I never liked how a Glock pointed until I put one of these on. You have to feel the difference to believe it. It’s an amazing improvement for people who don’t like the factory Glock grip angle.”

This partnership brings together two Michigan-based companies committed to elevating pistol performance without compromising holster compatibility or reliability. By focusing on subtle yet impactful modifications, the new Kiral Defense – LOK Grips alliance delivers an ergonomic advantage that can be felt from the first draw.

As of the time this press release was submitted, the Kiral Defense Reduced Angle Backstrap was tested, approved for duty use, and adopted by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Kent County (Michigan) Sheriff’s Office, the Grand Rapids (Michigan) Police Department, the Wyoming (Michigan) Police Department, the Ottawa County (Michigan) Sheriff’s Office, the Dowagiac (Michigan) Police Department, and Metro Vancouver (Canada) Transit Police (training unit authorized, department-wide authorization pending). In addition, the Kiral Defense Reduced Angle Backstrap has been confirmed in use by members of several ofthe United States’ premier federal protective and law enforcement agencies and is being evaluated for official procurement.

A free product sample was provided to Nightwood Guns for review after meeting at SHOT Show 2025. No compensation was provided and, as of this press release, no affiliation exists between Kiral Defense / LOK Grips and Nightwood Guns. The video review is available here:

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To experience the improved ergonomics firsthand, visit either company’s website or contact your local LOK Grips® dealer.

CONTACT:

KIRAL DEFENSE

www.kiraldefense.com

support@kiraldefense.com

616-226-3551

Lowell, Michigan, U.S.A. LOK GRIPS

lokgrips.com

sales@lokgrips.com

616-389-0666

Wyoming, Michigan, U.S.A.

“GLOCK” is a federally registered trademark of GLOCK, Inc. and is one of many trademarks owned by GLOCK, Inc. or GLOCK Ges.m.b.H. Kiral Defense is not affiliated in any manner with or otherwise endorsed by GLOCK, Inc. or GLOCK Ges.m.b.H. The use of “GLOCK” is merely to advertise the sale of GLOCK pistols, parts, or components. For genuine GLOCK, Inc. and GLOCK Ges.m.b.H products and parts visit glock.com.

About Kiral Defense:

A sister brand to Noisefighters® (a trusted name in the night vision and hearing protection accessories markets and in business since 2016), Kiral Defense is a U.S.-based manufacturer focused on unique firearms accessories. Both brands are owned and operated by a service disabled U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan.

About LOK Grips:

LOK Grips is a U.S.-based manufacturer known for precision-crafted grips and accessories made from advanced materials. Trusted by professionals and competitive shooters alike since 2014, LOK Grips products combine high performance with eye-catching designs. Grip tight. Stand Firm. Hold Your Own.

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 4 Comments »

BFG Releases the MTKN! – Nano 02

May 29th, 2025

POOLER, GA. – Blue Force Gear, Inc., the world leader in load carriage equipment innovation, launches the Micro Trauma Kit NOW! – Nano 02. The MTKN! – Nano 02 is slightly larger than the original Nano giving it the capacity of the world famous Micro Trauma Kit NOW!. Designed to hold the same fill levels as the Micro Trauma Kit NOW!, the Nano 02 is available with Essentials, PRO, and Advanced supplies or as an empty pouch ready to fill with your personal or issued medical supplies.

As with any BFG flapped pouch, it features the BLIP (Ball Loaded Index Point) pull tab that allows for positive indexing even with gloved, cold, or wet hands. By simply pulling the BLIP pull tab with a single hand, the insert can be removed rapidly to display the medical supplies held neatly in individual elastic loops.

The Nano 02 offers multiple mounting solutions – MOLLE straps or Belt loops that provide the option of mounting the pouch both vertically and horizontally. The Belt loop design is a brand-new feature from BFG, showcased for the first time on the MTKN! – Nano 02. The Belt mount features a simple, lightweight, and durable way to quickly attach the Nano 02 to any duty belt or pants belt 2” or smaller. Constructed out of BFG’s proprietary ULTRAcomp high-performance coated fabric laminate, the backer offers a stiff yet low-profile and reliable mounting solution for either horizontal or vertical carry.

The MOLLE option is the recently released patent pending two-way Helium Whisper attachment system that allows for pouch mounting in horizontal or vertical orientation. The patented Helium Whisper attachment system is the lightest and strongest MOLLE style attachment system available and is the choice of the most elite professionals.

The Micro Trauma Kit NOW! – Nano 02 is another example of innovation and forward thinking by Blue Force Gear. Those seeking a lightweight, low-profile, extremely durable medical kit with various ways to mount it should look no further than the MTKN! – Nano 02.

For more information about Blue Force Gear or any of their product offerings, visit their website: www.blueforcegear.com

About Blue Force Gear

Blue Force Gear designs the best weapon slings and leads the lightweight load carriage equipment revolution with Ten-Speed multi-use pouches, MOLLEminus platforms, and the patented Helium Whisper attachment system. Their proprietary ULTRAcomp high-performance coated fabric laminate material, unrivaled innovation, and attention to detail set Blue Force Gear apart from others in the tactical equipment industry. Blue Force Gear is a Great Place to Work Certified Company. For more information, visit their website: www.blueforcegear.com

Tags: Blue Force Gear
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NP Aerospace Canada Receives Order from Marshall Canada for Armoured Personnel Transport Modules

May 29th, 2025

NP Aerospace, the global vehicle integrator and armour system design and manufacturer, has today announced the placement of a contract by Marshall Canada with NP Aerospace Canada, for the design and delivery of Armoured Personnel Transport Modules (APTM) as part of their wider Logistic Vehicle Modernization (LVM) program. NP Aerospace is exhibiting at CANSEC 2025 in Canada, at booth 1729.

The contract will see NP Aerospace design, develop, test, certify and produce the APTMs over a 3- year period as a major supplier to the Power Team – an industry consortium comprising General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada, Marshall Canada, Mercedes-Benz (Daimler Trucks), Manac and Soframe. The Power Team was formally awarded the LVM contract by Canada’s Department of National Defence in May 2024.

The modules will provide a significant level of blast and ballistic protection to the internally transported personnel. With a fully integrated design, the system will deliver the functionality and protection required to safely and comfortably transport troops on the back of Canada’s new fleet of Mercedes-Benz Zetros trucks, adding significant capability, protection, mobility and flexibility to deployed dismounted troops.

As a modular ISO compatible system, the APTMs will be interchangeable between multiple base LVM platforms, as well as being able to be ground-dumped when not in use. The ISO compatibility also means they can be easily and commonly handled for strategic logistic purposes, on trucks, ships and in aircraft.

NP Aerospace is already fully established as a trusted global supplier of vehicle-related products and services including integrated vehicle armour systems, such as the APTM, with a proven and resilient track record in delivering armour system design and cutting-edge lightweight armour materials technology. This contract will result in the recruitment of up to 20 more staff at NP’s Ontario base, continuing their successful growth trajectory and further contributing to the London and Southwestern Ontario region.

Alain Gauthier, Marshall Vice President – North America, said: “we are delighted to be growing our strategic relationship with NP Aerospace while investing in our Canadian supply chain under the LVM program. NP Aerospace is already a trusted supplier and partner, and we know the team possesses the required facilities, skills, knowledge, procurement and processes in place to provide the next generation of armoured personnel transport modules for the Canadian Armed Forces.”

James Kempston, NP Aerospace CEO, commented: “we’re proud to have been selected by Marshall Canada to design and deliver the APTM systems. The LVM program is a major procurement for Canada’s Department of National Defence and for NP Aerospace to be in the ‘Power Team’ supply chain is significant for us. The APTM requirement set is demanding but we have the skills and the know-how to design, develop, test and deliver a first class and compliant system”. He added: “our Canadian business is growing fast having doubled in staff in the last 12 months, and this contract will enable us to further develop our on-shore capability to serve our customers, both domestically and as a Canadian exporter. The future is bright, and I thank everyone who has been involved in this success story to date as we look forward to a continuation and expansion of our collective achievements in Canada and beyond.”

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Hot Pursuit High Threat Carrier by Dynamic Assault Systems – LionHeart Alliance Exclusive

May 29th, 2025

Hot Pursuit High Threat Carrier by Dynamic Assault Systems Foliage

When the mission demands mobility, flexibility, and unrelenting performance—the Hot Pursuit High Threat Carrier from Dynamic Assault Systems delivers.

Introducing the Hot Pursuit High Threat Carrier: a next-gen solution engineered from the ground up for operators who don’t have time for compromise.

Modular by Nature
This carrier was built with adaptability in mind. Whether you’re running your favorite placard, legacy pouches, or anything in between—the High Threat Carrier is fully placard and pouch agnostic. Build your loadout your way without fighting your kit.

Armor Versatility
Soft armor? Hard armor? Both? The Hot Pursuit High Threat Carrier is built to accommodate either or both, allowing for seamless transitions across mission profiles without changing your gear.

Hot Pursuit High Threat Carrier by Dynamic Assault Systems Foliage ICE SRT

Premium Materials, Built for the Field
Constructed with premium technical materials, the carrier offers long-term durability, mission-ready resilience, and comfort for extended wear. Built to last and made to move with you.

Sizing That Fits the Mission
Available in a wide array of sizes to fit various body types and armor shapes, the carrier ensures a secure, tailored fit for both individual users and operational demands.

Quick Detach – Your Way
User configurable for the ultimate flexibility:

Dual FirstSpear® Tubes™ for rapid donning and doffing
No Tubes™ for a streamlined, traditional setup
One-sided FirstSpear® Tubes™ for hybrid access and control

Clean-Sheet Design
This isn’t a modified legacy carrier. The Hot Pursuit High Threat Carrier is a clean-sheet design—lightweight, intuitive, and built to perform under pressure in high-threat environments.

Available exclusively through LionHeart Alliance
Learn more at: https://lhagear.com/dynamic-assault-systems-high-threat-carrier/

Tags: Armor, carrier, Plate Carrier, Releasable Plate Carrier
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Warfighters Put Emerging Technologies to the Test at Fort Leonard Wood

May 29th, 2025

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — The Army Futures Command Maneuver Support Battle Lab is winding down this year’s Maneuver Support and Protection Integration eXperiments and Army Application Lab assessments, in which warfighters conducted simulated battlefield experiments with 14 emerging technologies from May 5 to 16, 2025, at locations across Fort Leonard Wood.

“Protection, though largely attributed to the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, is everyone’s responsibility,” said Kyle Henry, MSBL Experimentation Branch chief and one of the key organizers of the event.

According to Henry, MSPIX puts the latest tools in the hands of Soldiers while also giving capability developers and the science community credible and validated operational experiment venues for their conceptual and materiel development.

“Engineers and scientists can get lost behind their computer screens and become narrow sighted within the confines of their labs. Their ideas of how something might benefit a Soldier in real world applications are often biased and skewed,” Henry said. “Bringing their capabilities — often their life’s work — out into the field with the Soldiers who may become the end-user provides a reality check for all involved.”

MSPIX participants include both government labs and private industry.

“The vast majority of technology providers are not under contract with the government and pay-to-play, meaning they bring their technology and support to us at no cost. Through coordination with Army Test and Evaluation Command and MSCoE, we can put these capabilities into the hands of Soldiers, something that is mutually beneficial, at a relatively low cost to the taxpayer,” Henry explained.

AAL’s assessments focused on robotic breaching and terrain shaping operations, while MSPIX tested several unmanned and autonomous technologies.

About 50 U.S. Army Forces Command Soldiers from Fort Leonard Wood; Fort Cavazos, Texas; Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Carson, Colorado; and Vicenza, Italy, took part in the assessments.

Some of the experiments had Soldiers controlling unmanned drones, vehicles and boats traversing air, land and water.

Sgt. Mariano Negron, a 12C, or bridge crewmember, with the 74th Multi-Role Bridge Company at Fort Cavazos, spent much of May 13 at Training Area 250’s lake using a system that allowed him to control a bridge erection boat, commonly called a BEB, from a handheld controller.

He said he regularly uses BEBs to build bridges, but not with a remote control.

“I am used to using handheld controllers to play games and it is similar to that. I picked it up easily. It’s like driving a remote-controlled car,” Negron said.

The system can be fitted to existing vessels already in the Army’s inventory to facilitate remote control or autonomous operation.

“We could use this to build bridges without having Soldiers enter the water,” Negron said. “If we needed to remain covered but also needed to bridge a gap to transport troops or cargo we could with this technology.”

Negron said it felt good to be able to provide guidance to the system’s creators.

“We operate these boats all the time. We know how to make these boats do what we need them to do to complete our mission. I have been able to give them feedback that I hope will improve this technology if we get it someday in the future,” Negron said.

Capt. Adam Robinson, an experimentation officer with the Maneuver Support Capability Development Integration Directorate of AFC at Fort Leonard Wood, supervised the testing of seven technologies at Training Area 401.

“We are running platoon style lanes to test the remote breaching and terrain shaping capabilities of these technologies,” Robinson said. “We are giving a platoon leader, a platoon sergeant and a section of combat engineers a mission to complete with these new technologies and watching how they use the technology to execute.”

Robinson said he was impressed by watching how the Soldiers operated a robotically controlled utility terrain vehicle.

“The way it can move and track is pretty impressive,” Robinson said. “The engineers are using them to shape terrain, but as a MP, I would use it for surveillance or resupply. It has a variety of applications.”

Other technologies assessed the capabilities of autonomous track loaders for dig, dump and fill operations; autonomous biological critical area disinfection; a mobile sensing system designed to detect the movement of targets and provide visual imaging; equipment delivering a broad-spectrum electromagnetic pulse during breaching operations; and bioreporters created to detect nerve agents for standoff chemical threat detection.

By Melissa Buckley, Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs Office

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Robotics | Comments Off on Warfighters Put Emerging Technologies to the Test at Fort Leonard Wood

Savage Arms Announces Key Appointments to Strengthen Leadership Team

May 28th, 2025

WESTFIELD, Massachusetts – May 27, 2025 – Savage Arms is pleased to announce several key promotions within the organization as part of its ongoing commitment to growth and excellence. These leadership advancements reflect the company’s dedication to recognizing and fostering talent from within the organization and help position the broader portfolio of brands for success.

Robert Gates, Senior Vice President

Rob brings over 30 years of experience in the hunting and shooting industry. In 2018, Rob assumed responsibility for sales, marketing and product development at Savage Arms. Before joining Savage, Rob held key roles with major industry leaders such as Smith & Wesson, Glock, Vista Outdoor and Surefire. His deep expertise has played a crucial role in transforming the Savage brand and expanding its product range. In his new position, Rob will oversee product development, sales and marketing for Savage Arms and the Bowtech Archery Group.

Beth Shimanski, Vice President of Marketing

Beth joined Savage in early 2017 after over a decade at Polaris Industries where she held various roles in international and product marketing, along with roles leading product development. At Savage, Beth has led the marketing function for the last 8 years, has helped reshape the brand, and has brought several innovative products to market. In her new role, Beth will continue to oversee marketing for Savage Arms but will also be responsible for the marketing efforts of the Bowtech Archery Group.

Steve Colaluca, Vice President of Operations All Firearms

Steve has been with Savage Arms since 2013 and has held multiple positions at the Westfield facility including Sr. Manager of Factory Operations, Director of Operations and most recently V.P. of Operations. Steve has led a lean transformation of the Westfield production facility, significantly improving efficiency, throughput, and team engagement, in addition to driving cross-functional collaboration across supply chain and engineering. This new role will add the Lakefield, Ontario rimfire factory to Steve’s responsibility, while retaining oversight of operations, product strategy execution, and business performance, now across both facilities.

“These promotions are a testament to the outstanding leadership and expertise demonstrated by our team members,” said Chris Bezzina, CEO/President of Savage Arms and Bowtech Archery Group. “We are excited to see how their continued contributions will drive our companies forward and enhance our ability to serve our customers with new, innovative, and top performing products.”

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