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Katadyn Group Introduces Aquifer 3000 Portable Desalination System

October 1st, 2025

Military-grade water purification technology delivers 3,000 gallons of fresh water daily

PETALUMA, Calif., Sept. 29, 2025 – Katadyn Group, a global leader in sustainable hydration, nutrition and cooking solutions, today announced the release of the Aquifer 3000, a new portable desalination system developed with input from the U.S. military. The system is one of the most advanced water purification technologies designed for remote military operations.

Capable of producing 3,000 gallons (11,350 liters) of safe drinking water per day, the Aquifer 3000 provides 500 people with 6 gallons of drinking water per person per day from seawater, brackish, or fresh sources. It comes in two rugged transport cases, each under 190 pounds, for two-person carry. Tool-free assembly, intuitive controls, and rapid setup and takedown make the system reliable for mission-critical operations.

The Aquifer 3000 is the newest product in the Aquifer Series from Spectra Watermakers, a Katadyn Group brand. The series includes solutions designed for military, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief applications. The 3000 offers a dedicated defense solution, combining mobility, quick setup, daily redeployment, and durability proven through MIL-STD-810H testing.

“The Aquifer 3000 was developed for the U.S. military to deliver dependable water supply in the most demanding conditions,” said Chris Voxland, president, North America, Katadyn Group. “Its combination of portability, output, and durable military-grade design ensures readiness in environments where failure is not an option.”

The system operates in two modes for maximum flexibility. High Mode (3,000 gallons per day) is used under normal conditions, while Low Mode (1,600 gallons per day) is suited for solar applications, smaller power sources, or reduced sound signature. The Aquifer 3000 is tested to MIL-STD-810H for durability and is compliant with the Buy American Act and Berry Amendment.

“We engineered the Aquifer 3000 to be simple to operate and exceptionally durable,” said John Mohrman, mechanical engineer, Katadyn Desalination LLC. “Its tool-free assembly and military-grade construction make it reliable for quick setup and daily redeployment in the field.”

In addition to desalination systems, Katadyn Group’s portfolio includes the compact Hands-Free Desalinator (HFD), and lightweight filtration solutions such as the BeFree AC Microfilter, Steripen Defender UV system and Micropur MP1 purification tablets, designed for rapid hydration on the move.

The Aquifer 3000 is available now for military customers in North America. For sales inquiries, contact Chad Reams, military business development manager, Katadyn Desalination, at 415-526-2780.

Posted in Press Release, Sustainment | Comments Off on Katadyn Group Introduces Aquifer 3000 Portable Desalination System

US Army Updates Ranger Handbook

October 1st, 2025

Just published last month, the latest version of TC 3-21.76, Ranger Handbook, supersedes the previous version of 26 April, 2017.

Download you copy here.

Posted in Army, Profession of Arms, TacCraft | 5 Comments »

FN Wins US Army Development Contract for the Precision Grenadier System

October 1st, 2025

(McLean, VA — October 1, 2025) FN America, LLC is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a Prototype Project Opportunity Notice (PPON) contract valued at $2 million, by the U.S. Army to further develop its submission for the Precision Grenadier System, a next-generation primary soldier weapon system and family of ammunition that enables precision engagements to destroy targets with increased lethality and precision compared to legacy grenade launchers.

The FN Multi-purpose Tactical Launcher 30mm (MTL-30™) that was designed in the U.S. and will be manufactured by FN America at its plant in South Carolina is a soldier-portable, semi-automatic, medium-velocity, flat trajectory grenade launcher that enables warfighters to engage targets at extended ranges with more effective payloads over existing technologies. After extensive testing, FN’s solution has successfully met the DoD’s key performance criteria while also delivering desired characteristics. In addition, the FN solution is easily manufacturable and logistically supportable due to state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques, ensuring the program will be cost-effective.

“This program is a U.S. Government priority with the shift in modern warfare and engagements, and FN is honored to be selected to develop this new, innovative solution,” said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO for FN America, LLC.  “Once developed and implemented, this weapon system could radically change future battlefield strategies. It will offer new capabilities at the squad level and upgraded tactical options, giving the warfighter a more effective system.”

FN’s solution, the FN MTL-30, is the first in this family of launchers and ammunition, as FN works with the Department of Defense (DoD) to help solve one of the world’s most pressing battlefield needs.

“The FN MTL-30 shoulder-fired launcher can engage in close-quarter warfare, defeat targets in defilade, and engage unmanned aerial systems (UAS).  It could also be networked with FN remote weapon stations to create a multi-layered defense against UAS,” said John Bungard, Sr. Director, Military Development Programs for FN America, LLC. “Providing solutions that can counter multiple threats is critical for future battlefield engagements. We are excited that the Army is interested in maturing our PGS solution. We are fully committed to this system and its development.”

The FN MTL-30 is chambered for 30mm medium-velocity grenades and features a detachable box magazine with 3- or 5-round capacity. At just 35 inches in length and 8.5 inches tall, the weapon weighs just over 10 lb. The bolt catch, magazine release and safety selector are all ambidextrous, plus there is an M4-style telescoping buttstock with a modular cheek riser. The modular rail system has a contiguous top rail for mounting of visual augmentation systems (VAS) and other devices, plus side M-LOK® slots with a MIL-STD Picatinny rail.

For the soldier, the FN MTL-30 is lighter and more streamlined than previous options. Real time soldier feedback has led to a prototype that is far more user-friendly, incorporating a footprint users will be familiar with due to the M4-style controls, grip and buttstock. The system features a soft shooting launcher with low-felt recoil, enabling rapid target engagement with effective payloads from an extremely controllable system. In addition, FN’s modular system is fully serviceable at the user level and has high parts commonality with existing components.

“The technologies we have incorporated have allowed FN to create a system that is much lighter, more compact and more maneuverable than previous soldier-operated grenade launchers,” said Jim Williams, Vice President, Military Programs for FN America, LLC. “This will improve soldier capabilities on the battlefield, offering a robust solution for close combat, engaging targets beyond 500m or to potentially combat other threats such as unmanned aerial systems.”

Throughout its history, FN has been one of the largest suppliers of small arms to the U.S. military and continues to develop innovative, future technology. In addition to this opportunity, the company currently holds contracts for the FN® M240 and its variants, the FN® M249 lightweight machine gun; the FN® MK 46, MK 48, MK 17 and MK 20 SSR for USSOCOM and various other contracts. FN has decades of experience designing and supplying various grenade launching systems. The company produced the MK 19 fully automatic 40mm launcher, the MK 13 EGLMthat was a part of the SCAR program and currently sells the FN 40GL® standalone launcher internationally.

For more information about FN’s military product line or current U.S. military contracts, please visit www.FNAmerica.com.

Posted in Army, Contracts, Press Release, weapons | 3 Comments »

Jacob Grey Firearms Unveils the Nox 9: Precision, Control, and a Grip That Fits Like a Glove

October 1st, 2025

[Prosperity, South Carolina, USA – October 1, 2025] – Precision meets power with the release of the Nox 9, the newest innovation from Jacob Grey Firearms. Built on a 4140 pre-hardened steel frame and packed with Armored Billet™ fully CNC machined components, the Nox 9 is setting the bar for Jacob Grey to lead the way forward with a new standard of precision components, coatings, comfort, recoil management and new revolutionary designs.

The Nox 9™ marks the next chapter in Jacob Grey’s handgun lineup. More than 12 years in the making, “Jacob” left no stone unturned, leveraging advanced equipment to finally bring to life a design that’s been in his head for years. By combining our aerospace heritage with deep 1911 experience, Jacob Grey Firearms has positioned itself to build something truly different. With millions invested in the most advanced CNC equipment in the world, every pistol is produced to exact tolerances — down to the micron — delivering a slide-to-frame fit and consistency that eliminates the need for hand fitting or filing. The result is production that runs like a streamlined work of art.

“The Nox 9 is more than just another pistol launch — we’re making a statement to the world that Jacob Grey deserves respect. Our goal is to disrupt the space with new standards, higher expectations, and a firearm priced according to real numbers,” said Todd Neice, President of Jacob Grey Firearms. “We’ve invested heavily in automation and technology that allow us to manufacture with aerospace-level precision and without shortcuts. The result is the Nox 9: superior consistency, performance, and craftsmanship.”

The Nox 9 features:

• 5-inch ported slide and integrally compensated barrel for reduced recoil and flatter shooting.

• Fuly CNC Machined from billet 4140 pre-hardened steel frame, DLC coated for improved slide-to-frame fit and longevity compared to aluminum frames.

• Innovative Grip Module – designed to allow your hand to lay perfectly on the backstrap allowing for a high grip for complete control

• Armored Billet™ ignition components — hammer, sear, disconnector, oversized mag release and safety levers — all CNC-machined from tool steel and DLC/PVD coated.

• 2.5 lb Controlled Radius Trigger™ with over-travel adjustment and enhanced hammer/sear engagement.

• Optic-ready with RMR footprint plate positioned rear of the ejection port for unobstructed function.

• Exclusive patented ejector design, unique to the Nox 9 platform.

The Nox 9 will be available in extremely limited quantities directly through Jacob Grey’s dealer network and eCommerce site. It is our goal to work with our grass roots partners to supply the market at a strategic pace that allows for perfection and growth at Jacob Grey.

jacobgreyfirearms.com

Posted in Firearms, Press Release | Comments Off on Jacob Grey Firearms Unveils the Nox 9: Precision, Control, and a Grip That Fits Like a Glove

Revision Military Expands Polarized Lens Technology to SlingShot and StingerHawk

October 1st, 2025

Revision Military has announced the expansion of its Polarized lens technology to the SlingShot Sunglasses and StingerHawk Spectacle System.

Revision SlingShot Polarized Spectacle Kit

Revision’s Polarized lenses virtually eliminate glare from reflective surfaces, delivering sharper contrast, truer detail, and reduced eye strain compared to standard tints. With 99% polarization efficiency, 100% UV defense, and ballistic protection that exceeds MIL-PRF-32432A requirements, the lenses ensure clear focus and situational awareness in high-glare environments such as maritime, desert, arctic, and urban operations.

Revision StingerHawk Polarized Spectacle Kit

The StingerHawk Spectacle System, now available with Polarized lens technology, also meets EN 166 requirements in addition to exceeding U.S. military ballistic standards, ensuring proven protection for global deployments.

“These new lens options reinforce Revision’s commitment to giving operators every advantage possible, clarity, protection, and comfort, without compromise,” said Jordan Gross, Director of Product.

Ordering Information
SlingShot Sunglasses and StingerHawk Spectacles with Polarized lens technology are available through:

  • DLA TLS Program
  • GSA Advantage
  • FedMall
  • Direct purchase from Revision Military

Revision also anticipates the StingerHawk Polarized version to be available through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) contract in the near future.

About Revision Military
Revision Military designs and manufactures purpose-built protective eyewear for military and tactical users worldwide. A U.S.-owned company headquartered in Vermont, Revision delivers advanced solutions that combine ballistic protection, anti-fog technology, laser defense, and integration with mission-critical equipment. Over the past 20 years, Revision has supplied millions of eyewear systems to U.S. and allied forces and continues to innovate to meet the evolving needs of modern warfare. Learn more at www.revisionmilitary.com.

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Posted in Admin, Eyepro, Made In USA!, NATO, NSPA | Comments Off on Revision Military Expands Polarized Lens Technology to SlingShot and StingerHawk

Army’s 1st Cavalry Division Conducts First Switchblade 600 Live-Fire Exercise

October 1st, 2025

As part of Pegasus Charge, 1st Cavalry Division’s effort in support of the Army’s “Transforming in Contact” initiative to modernize armored formations, soldiers assigned to the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conducted Fort Hood’s first live-fire exercise of the Switchblade 600 Loitering Munition System, Sept. 15.

The Switchblade 600 — a tube-launched, unmanned aircraft system — has already seen extensive use by Special Operations Forces, light infantry units and foreign partners. The 1st Cavalry Division is among the first armored units to field the system.

“This is the first time for all of our soldiers to see these munitions fired, and you can feel the excitement in the air,” said Army Capt. Jeffrey Weller, Multifunctional Reconnaissance Troop commander, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. “The Switchblade enables the brigade to engage targets with precision between 5 and 15 kilometers in front of our forward line of troops, extending our reach and lethality.”

Modernizing the Fight

The Army’s broader Transforming in Contact initiative aims to overhaul how armored formations fight by integrating new technologies, particularly drones and advanced communications.

“A huge thing the Army has seen across multiple battlefields, whether in Ukraine or elsewhere, is the rapid modernization and high usage of drones,” Weller said. “We’re taking those lessons learned and revamping our [unmanned aircraft] systems to stay ahead of adversaries.”

Roughly 5 feet long and weighing 75 pounds, the battery-powered Switchblade 600 resembles a drone, but carries a Javelin multipurpose warhead. It has a flight time of 40 to 45 minutes, a range of up to 27 miles and delivers a 5-pound explosive payload.

“It’s a remote-controlled missile that flies like a drone until it gets to the target,” explained a flight operations supervisor with the system’s manufacturer. “The operator uses onboard cameras to identify, select and engage the target.”

Once launched from its tube, the Switchblade can navigate through waypoints, loiter over the target area and strike with precision. Operators also retain the ability to wave off a strike mid-flight if conditions change.

“The Switchblade allows us to target vehicles or small groups of personnel from much farther away than before,” Weller said. “It increases our lethality, minimizes collateral damage and helps protect soldiers on the front lines.”

Before the live-fire exercise, soldiers completed a five-day training course with the manufacturer, during which they learned to set up, arm and program the drones for flight and strike missions.

Army Spc. Drake Cross, a Switchblade operator who has flown RQ-7 Shadow and RQ-28 Quadcopter drones for the division, said this was his first experience with a munition-carrying UAS.

“Everything else I’ve flown has been for surveillance and target acquisition,” Cross said. “This is the first one where I can actually deliver a round. It’s exciting because it saves soldiers’ lives by hitting targets without putting us in danger.”

Cross said the system was user-friendly and similar to other UAS platforms, adding, “There’s not much of a learning curve. Once you identify and lock onto a target, you can adjust right up until impact to make sure you’re hitting what you want.”

Looking Ahead

Weller said the Switchblade is just one example of how Transforming in Contact is reshaping the 1st Cavalry Division’s armored formations. He noted that the unit will use the system during their upcoming rotation at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California.

“The battlefield is constantly changing, and the Army has to modernize to keep pace,” he said. “Seeing systems like the Switchblade in action shows us the future of how our formations will fight. It’s a big step toward keeping our soldiers safer and more lethal.”

By Heather Ashley, Fort Hood Public Affairs Office

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Munitions | Comments Off on Army’s 1st Cavalry Division Conducts First Switchblade 600 Live-Fire Exercise

WATCHTOWER Defense and Its Owners Successfully Closed a Sale Transaction, Acquiring Substantially All the Assets of WATCHTOWER Firearms in its Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Case

September 30th, 2025

SPRING, TX (Sept. 30, 2025)— Veteran-founded firearms manufacturer WATCHTOWER Firearms today announced an exciting new future for WATCHTOWER Defense following a recent sale transaction that was approved by the Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas. The consummation of this sale transaction is an exciting time for employees who will transition from WATCHTOWER Firearms to WATCHTOWER Defense, as the new company and its future ensure stability and growth not only for employees but for future customers of WATCHTOWER Defense.

For a short period following the consummation of this sale transaction, WATCHTOWER Firearms and WATCHTOWER Defense are working cooperatively, through a transition services agreement, to transition to a new era. This transition services agreement allowed WATCHTOWER Defense to begin developing new plans for its company and to prepare for many changes that are on the horizon without pausing production or delay in satisfying customer orders.

Through new ownership, fresh capital, and expanded manufacturing capabilities, WATCHTOWER Defense will ambitiously push its company into defense and law enforcement markets. Also, as part of this new era, WATCHTOWER Defense is investing in a new 24,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility, where it will outfit production with modern machinery and tooling. This will not only result in even higher quality products, but the new and enhanced space will improve cost structures to ensure WATCHTOWER Defense is built for long-term strength and competitiveness.

While WATCHTOWER Firearms has been respected for its handmade 2011-style pistols, the new company, WATCHTOWER Defense will offer a duty-focused product line designed to meet the needs of military, law enforcement and defense customers. As a result, WATCHTOWER Defense’s brand will have a broader reach without sacrificing key core values: USA-made, veteran-owned, and backed by an industry leading lifetime warranty.

For WATCHTOWER Defense’s future dealer and distributor partners, the message is clear: A new day is dawning and WATCHTOWER Defense will be here to stay. Through consistent sales and customer service teams, dedicated leadership, and capital investments, partners will be able to count on Watchtower Defense’s brand for the long haul.

Through the Court-approved purchase of substantially all the assets of WATCHTOWER Firearms and the related transition services agreement between WATCHTOWER Defense, as purchaser, and WATCHTOWER Firearms, as seller, Watchtower Defense has positioned itself to deliver cutting-edge firearms for commercial, defense, and law enforcement markets—and to grow as a long-term American industry leader.

www.watchtowerfirearms.com

Posted in Firearms, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on WATCHTOWER Defense and Its Owners Successfully Closed a Sale Transaction, Acquiring Substantially All the Assets of WATCHTOWER Firearms in its Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Case

Two Companies Selected to Support DIU’s Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems – NEXT Project

September 30th, 2025

The DOW and tech companies are leveraging commercially derived components and solutions to rapidly prototype and develop Counter UAS interceptors.

Mountain View, CA (September 29, 2025) — The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has started prototyping commercial and dual-use technology solutions to provide Counter UAS solutions that defeat group 3 and above adversarial threats, ensure the sovereignty of our national airspace, and protect our personnel, equipment, and facilities at home and abroad. Focus areas of the Counter NEXT project include providing a deeper interceptor magazine for our forces while preserving exquisite interceptors for exquisite threats, simplifying and accelerating the reloading process, addressing the cost asymmetry of the current threats and interceptors in use, and integrating with the existing combat systems. 

Image taken during flight testing of Zone 5’s interceptor. (Source: Zone 5 Technologies)

DIU and our DoW partners selected Anduril Industries and Zone 5 Technologies to develop prototype solutions for the Counter NEXT program in fall 2024. These vendors were selected from more than 65 commercial and dual-use technology company applicants.

Less than a year later, both vendors completed initial design and developmental sprints and successful baseline flight testing of their proposed solutions. Based on the data gathered, warfighter feedback and knowledge gained during the first sprint, iterative improvements are being made to both systems to ensure the solutions address the capability gap before additional flight testing and safety/qualification testing occur in the months ahead. 

Image taken during flight testing of Anduril’s AAV. (Source: Anduril Industries)

Counter NEXT vendors are incorporating commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components wherever possible to mitigate potential supply chain bottlenecks and keep costs low. The vendors are also leveraging modern air vehicle design concepts, ensuring air vehicles are not over-engineered for their intended mission but that they also minimize the use of expensive materials and enable high-rate production that is not possible with the more exquisite interceptors available today. 

To enable future design improvements and rapid integration of subsystems and components as they improve, the Counter NEXT prototypes are utilizing a modular open systems architecture and being designed for mass production using modern manufacturing techniques. Additionally, all components of the solution will be qualified and certified to some of the most stringent military standards in order to provide an enduring capability to the warfighter wherever the solution is deployed.

“The Counter NEXT project is focused on leveraging the best-in-breed commercially derived technology and processes to accelerate the development, production, and fielding of these vital Counter UAS interceptors to our warfighters,” said Joshua Zike, Counter NEXT Program Manager for DIU.  “While this solution is focused on a specific, pressing subset of the counter UxS problem set, variants for all domains should be developed and deployed to provide this vital layered kinetic counter UxS defeat capability to all our warfighters.” 

Following Anduril and Zone 5’s recent successful flight demonstrations, both vendors received additional funding to further refine their rapid prototypes, integrate their systems with the mission partner’s combat systems, and conduct the safety testing required prior to a live fire test event in the summer of 2026.

Posted in C-UAS, Contracts, Drone, Press Release | Comments Off on Two Companies Selected to Support DIU’s Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems – NEXT Project

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