Badger Ordnance recently introduced an updated, 4th generation version of their C1 Charging Handle for AR pattern rifles. Machined from a 7075 forging and finished in Type III hardcoat anodizing, it features ambidextrous operation.
Offered in Black or Tan, there are versions for AR-10, AR-15, and MCX platforms.
You’ve been asking for them for years and Crye Precision has come through.
Offered in three inseam lengths (5″, 7″, and 9″) they are cut in the G3.5 pattern meaning the Classic G3 pocket configuration but the new temperate fabric.
You can see the three different inseam lengths as well as the three colors, Black, Ranger Green, and Black. Waist sizes are 26-46.
Coming late 2026.
At 1130 Eastern time Spiritus Systems is releasing their initial clothing item, the Mission Rugby Shirt.
Adam has previewed online several times so it shouldn’t came as a complete surprise. What is great is that it’s a great way for those who are at home during SHOT Show can get their orders in while the rest of us are toiling away on the show floor.
The Mission Rugby Shirt is the first fully Berry compliant, FR rugby and the material is very comfortable against the skin.
Launching today is the short sleeve version which is available in Small – XXLarge in MultiCam, Coyote, Black and Ranger Green. Currently, on the MC version is IT compliant.
The long sleeve variant is coming soon.
PENNSAUKEN, NJ – January 20, 2026 — Princeton Tec, a leader in American-made tactical and outdoor lighting, announces the launch of Ghost X, a new full-spectrum tactical headlamp designed for professionals who require precise control, reliable performance, and light discipline in demanding environments. Ghost X will debut at SHOT Show 2026, January 20–23 in Las Vegas.
Ghost X was engineered with a clear goal: to deliver a powerful range of tactical lighting features in a streamlined design that balances performance, control, and durability. The headlamp provides up to 300 lumens of white light, along with red, green, and blue LEDs for low-signature tasks. For covert operations, Ghost X delivers 940 nanometer infrared output with adjustable power from 70 to 320 milliwatts.
The light features a simple, intuitive user interface, allowing users to easily control brightness levels and cycle through lighting modes. A programmable LED system lets operators customize the order of colored LEDs to match mission-specific needs.
For enhanced light discipline, Ghost X includes a dedicated Ghost Mode mechanical switch. When activated, all visible light is blocked, and the light operates only in IR High, IR Low, or IR Strobe. The switch also functions as a kill switch, instantly shutting off all illumination to prevent accidental light exposure.
Built for durability, Ghost X carries an IP68 waterproof rating, weighs just 82 grams, and is powered by either a CR123 lithium battery or a single AA battery, offering flexibility in the field.
Ghost X will be offered as both a standalone headlamp and an MPLS configuration, with the MPLS version including mounting hardware for helmet, NVG, and MOLLE integration. This modular system allows Ghost X to integrate seamlessly into helmet-mounted or kit-based setups while maintaining fast, secure attachment.
Available in Multicam®, Tan, Black, and OD Green, Ghost X is designed to integrate seamlessly into modern tactical setups.
Ghost X Technical Specifications:
300 lumens (white light)
940nm infrared output with adjustable radiometric power up to 320 mWr
Up to 29 hours of runtime
Weight: 82g
IP68 waterproof rating
Powered by 1 CR123 or 1 AA battery
Offered in MPLS + Standalone Headlamp Options
MSRP: $69.99 / $99.99
“Launching Ghost X at SHOT Show is incredibly exciting for our team,” said?Kady Kolb, director of marketing at Princeton Tec. “This headlamp was built with direct input from professionals who depend on their gear without compromise. Ghost X embodies the durability, reliability, and thoughtful engineering Princeton Tec is known for, and we’re grateful to our customers who continue to trust us in the most demanding environments.”
Princeton Tec will be exhibiting in the?Law Enforcement Section at booth #62103, where attendees can get a first-hand look at the Ghost X, and explore its full lineup of tactical and outdoor lighting solutions, including headlamps and helmet-mounted lights designed for law enforcement, military professionals, hunters, and outdoor adventurers.
SHOT Show is the largest trade show of its kind, welcoming more than 50,000 professionals from the shooting, hunting, outdoor, and law enforcement industries. With over 2,700 exhibitors, the event serves as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and strategic partnerships across the industry.
Princeton Tec’s Ghost X is scheduled to ship March 2026.
For more information, visit Princeton Tec at SHOT Show 2026 or explore its full product lineup at?www.princetontec.com or find Princeton Tec on Instagram and Facebook.
We first mentioned the Firestorm UAS during AUSA but leaned more about this armed quadcopter during the SIG Defense Range Day. With an APUS 60 airframe from Israeli Aerospace Industries combined with a lightweight remote weapon station and M250 machine gun and 200 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition from SIG SAUER, the system offers persistent, dedicated close air support. Essentially, it is an airborne machine gun.
Thanks to its multi-fuel internal combustion engine, boasting on station time of three hours, a unit equipped with several Firestorms could stagger sorties in order to offer 24-hour coverage. Unlike battery powered drones with short flight times and long recharge times leads to severe gaps in operations.
Another factor for the duration is that the engine runs as a fixed RPM and speed and station keeping is achieved through changing the blade pitch. This allows the Firestorm to take off and land in up to 23 knot winds and fly in winds up to 40 knots. The use of altered blade pitch reacts 10x faster than traditional engine RPM changes. This offers another advantage. The engine doesn’t change pitch as the UAS reacts to control input making it less likely to be detected by sound.
What’s more, in spite of its long hover time, the Firestorm retains ample power for the onboard weapon station. The max takeoff weight is 72kg with a payload weight of 35kg.
The Micolight remote weapon station is based on the General Robotics Bulldog but is more compact and smaller weighing just under 10kg. It is optimized for use with the SIG Medium Machine Gun chambered in 7.62mm NATO. The weapon station can see out your 25km, incorporating an electro optical sensor with 10x zoom and the Infrared sensor offers 5x zoom. Additionally, there is a laser range finder and the software includes automatic target recognition and tracking functions.
An interesting feature is that the training burden is lower than with other larger drones and utilizes a unified control system for both remote weapon station and flight. In fact, when the weapon is engaged, the Firestorm assumes a hover but can quickly transition into a move and scoot mode by the operator to balance survivability and target engagement. While engagement has only been tested so far in hover, the development team is working on the ability to engage while moving.
The system is easily transportable with foldable arms which are quickly placed into action and has undergone testing with foreign customers.
We will provide more information on this system as we receive it.
Las Vegas, NV, January 20, 2026 – During the NSSF SHOT Show, Aimpoint announces a significant expansion of its COA® pistol red dot sight through a growing network of OEM partners. The COA optic is offered as a factory-installed package, with pistols shipping directly from manufacturers equipped with the optic via Aimpoint’s integrated A-CUT® interface.
This expansion represents a major step forward in Aimpoint’s strategy to redefine the standard for pistol-mounted optics. By offering a direct-mount solution engineered specifically for duty-grade performance, the A-CUT system delivers enhanced durability, consistency, and performance for professional and civilian end users alike.
Aimpoint has licensed the use of the A-CUT with major firearm and accessory manufacturers, including many of the most prominent handgun manufacturers in the market. Additional factory-installed pistol and COA combinations are planned throughout the year, reinforcing Aimpoint’s objective to establish A-CUT as the industry standard for optic mounting on pistols.
A-CUT is a slide-integrated mounting interface that mechanically locks the optic in place, stabilizing it in all directions and eliminating movement under recoil. This mechanically locked interface removes the shear forces normally placed on screws in traditional optic mounts. By utilizing a front hook and rear locking wedge and enabling a low-profile installation, A-CUT ensures consistent alignment, durability, and co-witness capability.
In addition to factory-installed OEM packages, COA will also be available as a standalone pistol sight. This option is intended for users who wish to install COA on an existing pistol. As COA requires an A-CUT interface, installation is carried out by licensed gunsmiths authorized to mill A-CUT. Aimpoint is rolling out a licensing program for professional gunsmiths, with applications available via Aimpoint’s website.
Key Features of AIMPOINT COA
• 3.5 MOA red dot reflex sight for pistols
• Integrated A-CUT interface
• Battery life: 50,000 hours (over five years)
on one battery
• Weight: 48 grams (1.7 oz), sight only
• Four night vision compatible settings and
eight daylight settings.
• Submersible to 25 meters (80 feet)
Murfreesboro, TN — Barrett® Firearms Manufacturing Inc. today announced a limited-edition commemorative rifle series in recognition of America’s 250th Anniversary. The release consists of 500 total collectible rifles, representing “Two .50s for 250.” This exclusive series includes 250 twenty-inch Model 82A1® rifles and 250 twenty-inch M107A1® rifles, each meticulously crafted as a tribute to American independence and innovation.
The 20-inch Model 82A1 rifles feature serial numbers LIBERTY001 through LIBERTY250 and are finished in a custom Cerakote® design incorporating the iconic “Join or Die” snake motif.
The Model 82A1 America 250 Series features the iconic “Join or Die” snake motif.
The 20-inch M107A1 rifles carry serial numbers FREEDOM001 through FREEDOM250 and feature a custom Cerakote finish with a subdued American 1776 flag design.
The M107A1 America 250 Series features a subdued American 1776 flag design.
Each rifle will be delivered as a complete serial-number matching commemorative set, pairing the firearm with an RMJ Tactical tomahawk specific to its model — the Patriot Tomahawk for the Model 82A1 and the Kestrel Tomahawk for the M107A1 — along with a serial-number matching commemorative challenge coin and certificate of authenticity signed by Ronnie Barrett, founder of Barrett Firearms. The complete presentation is housed in a custom Pelican® case that displays the rifle while fully assembled and includes a Barrett manual and sticker set.
Two additional matched sets of Model 82A1 and M107A1 rifles featuring the serial numbers LIBERTY1776 and FREEDOM1776, as well as LIBERTY2026 and FREEDOM2026, will each be auctioned to the highest bidder through GunBroker.com®.
To further honor this historic milestone, Barrett will conduct a special fundraising initiative in support of America’s veterans. From March 15 through July 31, 2026, participants may donate $100 per entry for an unlimited number of chances to win a matched set of commemorative Model 82A1 and M107A1 rifles, with the winner announced on August 3, 2026. Proceeds from the donation-based drawing will benefit a nationally recognized United States Veteran’s organization to be announced at a later date, reinforcing Barrett’s commitment to honoring American history while giving back to those who have served the nation.
Barrett’s America 250 Series stands as a lasting tribute to the founding principles of the United States and to those who have defended them for generations
“America’s 250th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the values that define this nation and the people who have defended them,” said Bryan James, CEO of Barrett. “The America 250 Campaign is our way of honoring that legacy while directly supporting America’s veterans. These rifles represent more than craftsmanship and collectability, they represent gratitude, service, and our responsibility to give back.”
The America 250 Series stands as a lasting tribute to the founding principles of the United States and to those who have defended them for generations. Through this limited-edition release and its associated fundraising efforts, Barrett reaffirms its commitment to honoring American history, supporting veterans, and preserving a legacy of service, freedom, and responsibility.
In 2025, the Communications-Electronics Command Software Engineering Center advanced the Army’s modernization portfolio through scalable software capabilities.
Given the Army’s adoption of continuous delivery and modern DevOps, transformation is the new normal for the Department of War support center headquartered in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.
DEVSECOPS AND CONTINUOUS DELIVERY
Powered by expertise in AI, DevSecOps, electromagnetic warfare, operational support, and software solutions, the Center concluded the year by advancing its core mission to deliver modular, transformative solutions that meet Soldiers’ evolving needs through enhanced cyber posture, scaled-up deployment cadence, modernized systems, and expanded field engagement. These competencies support enterprise DevSecOps efforts on behalf of the Enterprise Cloud Management Agency and the Chief Information Officer.
CECOM SEC’s extensive and continuous modernization posture kept the Army ahead of evolving threats without disrupting readiness. In step with its continuous software release cadence, the Center delivered 350 security updates in FY25, ensuring Soldiers have access to cutting-edge capabilities.
SOFTWARE MODERNIZATION AND CLOUD ENABLEMENT
FY25 saw the Center meet the Army’s need for cloud-based solutions. Cloud-enabled modular infrastructure allows the Army to deliver innovation rapidly so updates can be rolled out instantly across the force without delay.
“Software’s always changing, the environment’s always changing—so the requirements for systems are also changing with that, and we need to be able to adapt,” says Seiichi Sugawara, computer scientist for CECOM SEC.
The Center is propelled by the Army’s demand for innovation against the backdrop of an ever-changing battlefield.
“There’s a change in risk appetite. The Army is taking on more risk in order to release these next-generation systems faster,” Sugawara stated.
In FY25, CECOM SEC’s modernized cloud infrastructure met this speed of delivery with almost 600 software releases.
ZERO TRUST CYBERSECURITY
With the Army moving toward cloud-native solutions and continuous integration and continuous delivery, or CI/CD, there’s a growing requirement for a cyber posture that underpins modernized capabilities.
CECOM SEC advanced its cyber posture for the Army by working with the Army Materiel Command to support the DOW’s policy and procedure development for Zero Trust cybersecurity. In an escalating cyber threat environment, one of the Center’s goals is to educate the workforce on Zero Trust by partnering with Defense Acquisition University. The Center also partnered with U.S. Military Academy at West Point to analyze the feasibility of the SEC-developed mapping between Zero Trust and the DOW Risk Management Framework.
Continuous hardening of Army systems is required to ensure that readiness keeps pace with modernization across a more resilient foundation.
AI FLOW AND AI-ENABLED CAPABILITIES
FY25 was also CECOM SEC’s successful proof-of-concept year for AI Flow, an application built around AI agents, workflows, smart API’s, and custom AI applications. Designed to revolutionize workflows through cutting-edge AI technology, the application uses open AI structure to assist in a range of functions.
AI Flow currently handles 37 subscriptions with 500 agents across various organizations and averages 90 million tokens a month—and is growing, too. In FY25, the user base surged to 5,000.
The Center’s Army Reprogramming Analysis Team combined AI Flow with its Simulation Modeling Framework to create an AI-enabled code generator.
ELECTROMAGNETIC WARFARE AND THREAT ANALYSIS
That effort is part of the Army’s increased demand for threat analysis. FY25 saw continued field demand, upping the tempo of electromagnetic warfare support and driving the need for faster mission data updates. The Army Software Portal Electronic Notification System, managed by CECOM SEC, provided over 33,000 downloads for Soldiers requiring air and ground mission software support. The Center also analyzed 2,800 threats.
READINESS DATA AND DECISION SUPPORT
CECOM SEC’s mission focus in readiness continued to build rapport with Soldiers in the fight across the world. Its Data Analytics and Readiness Team developed a Power BI decision support tool that gives Army leadership real-time visuals of critical data such as budget allocations, acquisition milestones and equipment deployment timelines.
The Center’s usage of Low Code No Code technology is accelerating development and delivery of software to Soldiers.
Personnel from DART and CECOM SEC’s Technical Services Directorate also worked with the Army Audit Agency to develop tools for detecting fraudulent activities involving government-issued credit cards and the Defense Travel System. Out of 17 million Army vouchers, they were able to flag 240,000 for further review.
LOOKING AHEAD
The center’s deep commitment to meeting Soldiers’ needs is a testament to its continued pursuit of scalable software readiness.
While increased demands for AI, machine learning, and automation play out, the fact remains: CECOM SEC’s mission is to support people in the fight.
“Everything serves trust—and that trust is built on our technical competence and our work ethic, and the relationships that we can build based on that,” says John Fry, Field Support Branch Chief for CECOM SEC.
All these accomplishments reflect the greater transformation underway across the Army with CECOM SEC positioned squarely at the forefront of Army modernization in FY26.
“2025 was a strategic inflection point for the Center,” says Boomer Rizzo, Deputy Executive Director for CECOM SEC. “We’ve accelerated our shift from legacy software sustainment to agile software solutions. That shift fundamentally changes how we support Soldiers and partners moving forward in 2026.”
In alignment with the Army’s broader transformation efforts, effective January 20, 2026, CECOM SEC was redesignated as the CECOM Army Software & Innovation Center.
By Kevin Deegan
