FirstSpear TV

SFC Energy AG and Polaris Government and Defense Collaborate to Equip NATO and NATO-aligned Defense Organisations with Advanced Fuel-Cell Powered Vehicle

May 14th, 2025

Brunnthal/Munich, Germany, 13 May 2025 – SFC Energy AG (“SFC”, F3C:DE, ISIN: DE0007568578), a leading provider of fuel cells for stationary, portable and mobile hybrid power solutions, has announced a key collaboration with Polaris Government and Defense (“Polaris”) at Special Operations Forces Week (“SOF Week”) in Tampa, Florida, USA. Polaris showcased a high-mobility tactical vehicle with the EMILY 3000 as an optional integrated power supply. This capability is specifically being offered to NATO and NATO-aligned defense organisations.

Installing SFC Energy’s EMILY 3000 in the Polaris’ MRZR vehicle platform provides a highly reliable power solution available for mission-critical applications. The methanol fuel cell-based system can power radios, surveillance systems, drone equipment, sensors, and other electronic devices – all without the need to run the vehicle’s engine. This enables extended operations while preserving camouflage and reducing both thermal and acoustic signatures.

The EMILY 3000 delivers a dependable and autonomous power supply for a variety of electronic and communication systems. Weighing only 12 kilograms (approximately 26.5 pounds), it increases power output on lightweight tactical vehicles without compromising mobility. Its high energy density enables for extended runtimes and minimises the need for refuelling during prolonged operations. One of its key advantages is its virtually silent performance, producing minimal acoustic and thermal signatures – making it exceptionally well-suited for covert operations.

The system supports the simultaneous charging and use of various battery types, including lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, and conventional lead-acid batteries. In contrast to traditional setups, it eliminates the need to run the vehicle engine or rely on noisy generators. This reduces fuel consumption, acoustic exposure, and the risk of early detection. Fully automatic in operation, the EMILY 3000 contributes to longer battery life and reduced vehicle wear by cutting down on engine use and maintenance.

Its flexibility also enables the system to function either as an onboard charger or as a portable, field-based power supply. Additionally, the EMILY 3000 and its fuel cartridges are military-certified, carry a NATO supply number, and are approved for air transport in accordance with UN3473 regulations – making them fully deployable in international operations.

By integrating the EMILY 3000, Polaris light tactical vehicles gain enhanced operational endurance and power autonomy – especially critical in scenarios where silence, reliability, and energy independence are key tactical requirements.

Dr. Peter Podesser, CEO of SFC Energy AG: “By offering the EMILY 3000 as an accessory option in Polaris vehicles, we are delivering a mission-ready, low-signature power solution tailored to the needs of modern armed forces. The Polaris MRZR is widely deployed by the United States and other NATO and allied forces worldwide for its exceptional off-road mobility and versatility. By including our innovative and field-proven fuel cell technology on this trusted platform, military forces can significantly enhance their operational range, energy autonomy, and tactical utility in real-world missions.”

Further information on SFC Energy’s Clean Energy and Clean Power Management solutions can be found at www.sfc.com.

Flintlock 2025: 20 Years of Enhancing SOF Readiness in Africa

May 14th, 2025

JACQUEVILLE, CôTE D’IVOIRE

Flintlock 2025, U.S. Africa Command’s annual, combined special operations exercise, kicked off in Côte d’Ivoire today. From April 24 – May 14, Flintlock 25 will bring together approximately 500 personnel from more than 30 nations to strengthen collective readiness in response to shared threats.

“Twenty years of Flintlock and our resolve is stronger than ever. Together, with our partners and allies, we are forging lethal forces ready to deter aggression and win on the battlefield,” said U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command. “U.S. Africa Command is committed to countering threats to the United States and working alongside our African partners as they play a leading role in providing for their own defense.”

This iteration, hosted by Côte d’Ivoire, reflects the dedication by African partners to address regional challenges independently while still working with international partners for global peace. The exercise will consist of academics, then shift to a staff and command post exercise.

Exercise scenarios are designed to strengthen partner nations’ collective abilities to counter violent extremist organizations, collaborate across borders, provide security, respect human rights and build trust with civilian populations. The exercise also bolsters information sharing between African, U.S., and other partner nation military and law enforcement organizations through an interagency fusion cell.

“Flintlock demonstrates our long-term commitment to improve partner-nation operational independence,” said U.S. Army Maj. Patrick Temperato, Flintlock lead planner. “Integrated operations planned on a foundation of shared values and interests are critical to reinforcing an extended network of like-minded nations capable of decisively meeting the defense challenges of today and tomorrow.”

For more information, visit www.africom.mil/what-we-do/exercises/flintlock.

Story by Staff Sgt. Zachary Wright 

Special Operations Command Africa

SOF Week 25 – Edgevolt Battery System from 3ME Technology

May 13th, 2025

3ME Technology is an Australian company which has been working on battery systems for the ADF for the past few years.

Recently, they created a new form factor which mimics the size and weight (22 kg) of a 5 gallon Jerry Can, providing 24V 2.4 kWh. This means single person lift.

Weatherproof, they can be used alone or connected in serial (up to 10) for higher power requirements. What’s more, they are hot swappable while in serial.

SOF Week 25 – EdgeTak by EDT

May 13th, 2025

Integrating WIFI / Bluetooth and GPS as well as 2 X USB-TYPE C ports and a RJ45 jack, this TAK server is meant for deployment at the edge. It relies on an NVIDIA ORIN NX Carrier with 8TB of storage.

Key features include:

Superior Modularity: Easily integrate tactical and Al/ML applications with versatile connectivity

Optimal Kit Fit: Designed to fit flexibly on-body including existing radio and magazine pouches

Open Platform: No proprietary software or licenses; the platform is open for customizing the application stack, giving operator full control and mission flexibility

This sounds promising. They are introducing EDGETAK RF this summer which will incorporate a fully integrated spectrum awareness and collection capability from 30MHz- 8GHz.

– 2 x RX/TX channels of up to 80MHz IBW

edt.com

SOF Select 25 – Q-Collar Breacher Blast Study

May 13th, 2025

Q-Collar manufacturer Q30 sponsored a one-day study of a SWAT Breacher/Blast Training session to determine if the Q-Collar offers protection against blast-induced traumatic brain injury. Twenty-two members of a SWAT team were evaluated, 11 wore the Q-Collar and 11 did not. The study was conducted by a research team from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

Based on a comparison of EEG activity (which may be an indicator of axonal damage from blast waves), the SWAT members who wore the Q-Collar did not have any changes in the data collected pre-blast exposure compared with the data collected post-blast exposure. The non-collar wearing SWAT members had measurable changes in their EEG data.

Based on a comparison of fMRI data, which measures working memory and auditory network function, the non-collared group has increased MRI activity (comparing pre-blast measurements to post-blast measurements), while those wearing the Q-Collar did not have increased MRI activity. This offers additional evidence of the protection provided by the Q-Collar.

To access this study as well as the Walter Reed Blast Study, click here.

SOF Select 25 – Massif Boreas Wool Fleece

May 13th, 2025

New from Massif is the Boreas Wool Fleece is a fleece lined Merino wool jacket with superior performance to the issue nylon fleece garment.

The wool features a polyester blend for durability with Nextec EPIC encapsulation for a durable weather barrier.

It features slash hand waner pockets along with dual zippered pockets to keep items secure. The shoulders and sleeves are reinforced and there’s a chin guard behind the zipper.

SOF Select 25 – HUXWRX

May 13th, 2025

The latest suppressor form HUXWRX is referred to as “Black Magic” due to the internal string of letters used to describe the design.

This 5.56 can uses their patented flow through design. It’s printed from Inconel 718 with an Armorlube coating which acts similarly to DLC.

Here you can see the locking collar.

It is used with a printed and machined Inconel flash hider. It’s not a good idea to combine suppressors and muzzle devices form different materials due to varied wear. They print the blank and then do the finish work.

2 Weeks Until Rampart Range Day & Expo 2025

May 13th, 2025

RAMPART Corp. Canada’s leading supplier of operational equipment is once again preparing to host Rampart Range Day & Expo—taking place May 27 in Ottawa, Ontario. As the largest event of its kind in Canada, Rampart Range Day & Expobrings together industry leading global brands to connect directly with Canadian military and Law Enforcement end users.

Attendees gain hands-on experience with the latest firearms, operational equipment and mission-critical technology, while engaging directly with product experts to discuss their unique operational needs.

Booth space under the large exhibition tent is officially sold out for 2025, with limited range bay space remaining. Some of the confirmed brands attending this year include:

include:

• 3M

• Aimpoint

• Arc’teryx

• ASP

• AVON Protection

• B.E. Meyers

• Cadex Defence

• Colt Canada

• DEFILADE Protection Systems

• Dynasafe

• Galvion

• Ghosthood

• GLOCK

• Invisio

• Knight’s Armament Company

• Milkor USA

• Mustang Survival

• Night Vision Devices

• Pulsar

• Rapid Assault Tools

• Revision

• S&S Precision

• Sordin

• Streamlight

• Surefire

• Trijicon

• WARQ

With an unmatched mix of live-fire access, product showcases, and direct engagement with the end-user community, Rampart Range Day & Expo continues to grow in size and influence each year.

Attendee registration is still open, don’t miss out on the action. Register today here:

rampartcorp.com/rampart-range-day-and-expo

Restricted to active MIL/LE and Correctional end users.