Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

GBRS Group selects William Phebus as Director of Business Development and Sales

July 29th, 2025

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — JULY 2025 – GBRS Group is proud to announce the addition of William Phebus as Director of Business Development and Sales, bringing over 15 years of proven leadership, market insight, and high-impact execution to the team.

William joins GBRS Group after nearly six years as Director of Sales and Business Development at Sons of Liberty Gun Works, where he played a key role in the company’s explosive growth across the defense, law enforcement, and commercial sectors. His career also includes pivotal leadership positions at American Defense Mfg. and High-Speed Gear, Inc, where he consistently delivered measurable results in revenue generation, government contracting, and strategic partnerships.

A no-nonsense sales leader with a knack for critical thinking and a deep understanding of tactical markets, William has built a reputation on doing the hard things well—whether managing P&Ls, driving COGs efficiencies, or closing multi-million-dollar government and OEM deals.

His approach is direct: build strong relationships, deliver real solutions, and never stop improving.

“I’m not interested in doing what’s already been done,” William says. “I’m here to challenge the status quo, push GBRS into new markets, and do it with a team that’s not afraid to think differently and move fast.”

This move marks a new chapter for both GRBS Group and William as they continue to expand their influence in the tactical, defense, and training industries. Operating remotely out of Virginia Beach, William will focus on accelerating brand partnerships, scaling distribution, and developing long-term sales strategies to keep GBRS Group ahead of the curve.

william@gbrsgroup.com

Posted in Industry, Press Release | 1 Comment »

DroneShield Supports U.S.-UK Project FlyTrap to Strengthen Multinational CUAS Capabilities

July 29th, 2025

DroneShield’s advanced counter-drone technology plays a key role in joint U.S.-UK defense exercises in Germany and Poland

Warrenton, Virginia – July 29, 2025 – DroneShield, a global leader in counter-unmanned aerial systems (CUAS) technology, is proud to announce its participation in Project FlyTrap, a multinational defense initiative led by the U.S. Army V Corps. This critical exercise, running from June to August 2025 in Germany and Poland, brings together United States and United Kingdom forces to advance CUAS capabilities in response to rapidly evolving aerial threats on the modern battlefield.

DroneShield has been exclusively focused on CUAS technology for over 11 years and has deployed nearly 4,000 units across more than 40 countries. Notably, DroneShield’s counter-drone technologies have been deployed to Ukraine since the onset of the conflict, proving their reliability and effectiveness in real-world combat. This battle-tested experience further highlights the company’s commitment to providing proven, operational solutions for countering drone threats and has made it a key player in the defense sector.

“CUAS is no longer optional—it’s essential. We see exercises like Project FlyTrap as crucial to testing technology before it gets into the warfighter’s hands,” said Tom Branstetter, VP of Business Development and Sales at DroneShield. “We’re honored that our technology is playing a role in shaping the future of CUAS operations and supporting the mission readiness of our allied forces.”

Project FlyTrap reflects the ongoing evolution of counter-drone efforts among NATO allies, particularly in response to the escalating drone threats observed in recent conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine. By participating in this exercise, DroneShield continues to reinforce its position as a trusted partner in the defense industry and a key enabler of future-ready security solutions.

Army soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, Royal Yorkshire Regiment, Light Mechanized Infantry, test counter-unmanned aerial systems technologies during Project Flytrap at Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels training area, Hohenfels, Germany, June 5, 2025. Project Flytrap involves the application of new technologies alongside our NATO allies and partners to improve combined lethality and deter against threats in the electronic warfare and cyber-electromagnetic activities spectrum. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Brent Lee)

Pictured: DroneShield’s DroneGun Mk4. Soldiers from 7th Army Training Command, the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine and 173rd Airborne Brigade all worked together to make this the first live grenade drop from a UAS in the U.S. Army. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Collin Mackall)

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

Posted in Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on DroneShield Supports U.S.-UK Project FlyTrap to Strengthen Multinational CUAS Capabilities

ICE Renews P320 Contract Through July 2027

July 29th, 2025

Despite reports to the contrary, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement is not banning use of the SIG P320. In fact, according to documents obtained by Soldier Systems Daily, the agency signed a contract extension this week which is valid through 19 July, 2027.

ICE first adopted the P320 in February, 2017 for an initial five-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity contract which had a provision for additional option years. Previously, ICE had optioned two of those years and with this extension, uses another two.

Based on the P320 PRO, the ICE pistol’s full model number is W320CA-9-BXR3-PRO-DHS with a DHS serial number and standard slide catch (the inline PRO model uses the extended slide catch).

The pistol is also available as an ICE approved individual officer purchase through Proven Outfitters as the W320CA-9-BXR3-PRO-DHS-APP.

Update: now that the story is out, SIG has issued a press release with this statement:

“SIG SAUER is honored to continue supporting ICE in their duty to protect America and preserve national security and public safety,” said Steve Rose SIG SAUER Executive Vice President, Defense Strategies. “ICE agents work tirelessly to safeguard our nation and deserve the most tested and proven sidearm by their side – we firmly believe that is the P320.”

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, LE | 4 Comments »

NGA and XVIII Airborne Corps Successfully Tests New AI Tool

July 29th, 2025

Members of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s Warfighter Support Office, the U.S. Army’s XVIII Airborne Corps, a national lab and a technology company tested artificial intelligence capabilities near Fort Bragg, North Carolina, May 5-8.

The team tested a prototype capability known as the GEOINT AI/ML Based Light-Edge Resilient system, or GAMBLER. It is a set of mission-focused AI capabilities aimed at directly supporting warfighters in the field. The system uses unclassified video and still images from tactical sources and rapidly identifies, locates and catalogues detected objects. GAMBLER can then disseminate the data to handheld devices and to upper networks for situational awareness.

“One of those problems we are working on is moving the ability to make AI models in the field that are integrated into the warfighters collection, processing and dissemination paths … especially in communication challenged environments,” said NGA’s Warfighter Support Office director.

During the testing, the team performed multiple test objectives, including data and scenario collection, real time model construction, processing of detections and distribution to multiple systems.

“GAMBLER is designed be operated by the warfighter,” said the office’s chief engineer. “It’s about pairing the capabilities of GEOINT, machine learning, AI and mesh networks to reduce the amount of time it takes to identify important objects and quickly pass that tactical situational awareness along to where a decision can be made or action taken.”

It enhances the warfighters use of AI and GEOINT at the tactical edge to support any number of military missions, he added.

Also, the team designed scenarios in which personnel were moving around a village training area and tunnel system with backpacks, weapons and bags to determine illegal or illicit activity by individuals, for potential use for security missions.

GAMBLER is designed to support users in denied, degraded, intermittent and latent environments. To do this, GAMBLER supports multiple communications paths.

The agency’s Warfighter Support Office team tested this capability during the exercise.

With support from service members at Fort Bragg and Fort Huachuca, Arizona, the team tested new software that allows detections and image tiles to be sent over different frequencies for long distances.

The team successfully distributed image detections via portable radios to locations across the United States.

Another significant objective was to test the performance of the GAMBLER software on low-cost, small-form-factor hardware.

Without adapting the software or models, the smaller system performed very well compared to the larger original system. These modifications drastically reduce the GAMBLER footprint, and uses much less power.

The lessons learned, test measurements and improvements are already being designed and implemented for the next version of GAMBLER.

– Via Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s Warfighter Support Office

Posted in AI / ML, C5ISR, Guest Post | Comments Off on NGA and XVIII Airborne Corps Successfully Tests New AI Tool

Tasmanian Tiger Launches Red Medic Line for Enhanced Visibility and Rapid Access in High-Stress Environments

July 28th, 2025

New red colorway designed to meet the demands of TEMS, EMS, and Combat Medics for high-visibility medical gear.

Knoxville, Tenn. (July 2025) – Tasmanian Tiger®, a tactical nylon line of products distributed exclusively for the US market by Proforce Equipment, Inc., proudly introduces its Red Medic Line – a new collection of its most trusted medic packs, bags, and pouches now available in bright red with high-visibility yellow zip pulls. This new line was developed in response to end-user and customer feedback, identifying the need for medical gear that stands out from the dark tones of traditional tactical kits. In high-stress, time-critical environments such as tactical emergency medical services (TEMS), EMS response, or combat operations, gear that is easy to identify and access can be crucial for survival.

For years, Tasmanian Tiger has delivered field-tested medic solutions in standard military colors like coyote, black, and olive. However, professionals in the field emphasized the need for medical-specific gear in red—a globally recognized color for emergency response—to reduce delays caused by searching through similarly colored equipment. The Red Medic Line enhances visual contrast in packs, vehicles, and aid stations, allowing medics to locate essential supplies without hesitation.

TT Modular Medic Combat Pack 18

TT Small Medic Pack MKII

TT Tac IFAK Pouch

The new line includes a wide range of solutions to support various mission profiles and loadout preferences: the TT First Responder Move On MKIII, a modular dual-pack system with a detachable front pack; the TT Medic MASCAL Pack, designed for mass casualty incidents; the TT Modular Medic Combat Pack 18, an 18-liter tactical backpack with a full circumferential zipper for rapid access; and the compact TT Small Medic Pack MKII and TT Medic Hip Bag, ideal for mobile or low-profile applications. The line also features the TT Tac IFAK Pouches (M and S sizes) with reverse MOLLE systems and organized internal layouts, as well as the TT Tourniquet Pouch II, built for quick deployment of CAT or similar tourniquets.

The TT Red Medic Line is available now through Authorized Tasmanian Tiger dealers.

Posted in Medical, Packs, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Arktis Jaeger Rig from KommandoStore

July 28th, 2025

KommandoStore continues to add to their reproductions of classic gear designs with the Jaeger Rig built for them by Arktis.

Created by the Soviets during their 1980 foray into Afghanistan, the original rigs were based on Chicom rigs being worn by their foes, the Mujahadeen. Over time these were refined into the deaign we now know as the Jaeger.

If you’re into the history of kit, their page dedicated to this epic chest rig has some great info.

The Jaeger features three main magazine pockets with internal plastic dividers. These will accommodate 30 round AK as well as M16 magazines. Remove the divider and you can put even more gear in the pockets.

Next to the outer two mag pockets, there are covered pouches for flares or other items.

The four smaller pouches are perfect for boo-boo kits, compact Tourniquets, compasses & GPS units, and of course, grenades.

There’s also a flapped compartment behind all of the pockets for documents. This comes with a removable document holder to protect maps and other sensitive docs in a water-resistant package.

The padded X-harness also incorporates metal Spanish-style shoulder harness buckles for quick-doffing.

Order yours here.

Posted in Load Carrying | Comments Off on Arktis Jaeger Rig from KommandoStore

XTech Tactical Brings the Bling with “Gold”, “Chocolate Chip Camo, & “Marble” MAG47’s

July 28th, 2025

July 27th, 2025

Tempe, AZ

XTech Tactical launched the MAG47 line up with one offering in a single color (Black 30rd). Since that time the company has stayed true to its core of giving customers a voice. Nine full production variants and dozens of special editions later, we have the best AK47 magazine line up on the market.

However, until today the company never serviced the “Gucci” or “Bling Bling” sub markets of the AK. In fact the first non-black variant, the “Rotten Banana Clip” had the objective of creating the world’s ugliest magazine. Enter a new chapter with these three new offerings!

Release #1: The “Marble” Edition MAG47. In partnership with Emerald City Cerakote, a unique magazine that is a true masterpiece. The blend of colors and dimension photographs great but it can only be truly appreciated in person. There is also an argument to be made that it may provide some field camouflage if in a marble auditorium.

Product Link 30 Round: www.xtechtactical.com/product/xtech-mag47-gen2-marble-30-round-ak47-magazine

Product Link 10 Round:
www.xtechtactical.com/product/xtech-mag47-gen2-marble-10-30-10-round-ak47-magazine

Release #2: The “Gold” MAG47. For years customers had requested this magazine, however, in testing, the paint options on the market did not meet the company’s durability requirements. Cerakote finally released a new Gold color and it’s incredible! Complete with a black base plate and custom series sticker, and you have the ultimate Golden AK magazine!

Product Link 30 round: www.xtechtactical.com/product/xtech-mag47-gen2-gold-edition-30-round-ak47-magazine

Product Link 10 round: www.xtechtactical.com/product/xtech-mag47-gen2-gold-10-30-10-round-ak47-magazine

Release #3: The “Chocolate Chip Camo” MAG47. The perfect blend of artistic pop and functional camo. This may be the first magazine that alters the definition of fun in the dictionary. The Cerakote stenciled pattern of the magazine will last for years

Product Link 30 round: www.xtechtactical.com/product/xtech-mag47-gen2…nd-ak47-magazine

Product Link 10 round: www.xtechtactical.com/product/xtech-mag47-gen2…nd-ak47-magazine

About the MAG47: Developed due to no true battle readyAmerican made AK magazine on the market, the MAG47 is simply unmatched for durability, reliability, fitment, and value. The only worthy competition such as Arsenal Circle 10 magazines are significantly higher in cost. Available both in a waffle style and slab side style and with and without BHO followers. To view the best AK mags in the world’s entire offering click HERE.

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on XTech Tactical Brings the Bling with “Gold”, “Chocolate Chip Camo, & “Marble” MAG47’s

Sneak Peek – Litefighter Pack Covers

July 28th, 2025

Waterproof Back Pack Covers are coming soon from Litefighter. Offered in two sizes; S-M & L-XL as well as for colors; Delta Green, Woodland, Tan 499 and OCP.

litefighter.com

Posted in Camo, Packs | Comments Off on Sneak Peek – Litefighter Pack Covers