FirstSpear

Cooperation in Spain: Rheinmetall and Indra Announce a Strategic Agreement on Armoured Vehicles

May 23rd, 2025

Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH, a subsidiary of Rheinmetall AG, and Indra have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a strategic cooperation in the field of armoured vehicles projects of the Spanish Armed Forces.

This further enhances the already strong alliance of Indra with Rheinmetall in other fields like the recently announced agreement with Rhein¬metall Electronics on the Leopard 2E Combat System. 

Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading suppliers of armored tracked and wheeled vehicles and is the original designer of – among other vehicles – the Keiler NG Armored Breaching Vehicle. Also in the Leopard 2A4 tank Rheinmetall has significant technological shares. Additionally, Rheinmetall has significant know-how and experience in areas such as armored vehicles design, manufacture and support, with REM S.A.U., Rheinmetall already has a strong and important presence in Spain.

Indra is a leading Spanish Company in Defence Systems and the designer of the thermal cameras and the manufacturer of the Leopard 2E combat system in Spain under license from Rheinmetall Electronics, and is the supplier of the Lince BMS currently in service in Leopard 2 in Spain. Indra is also the designer of the Maestre Mission System currently contracted in the Spanish Army VCR 8×8 and is the main design authority for the Spanish BMS. Indra has significant experience in Leopard 2 electronics systems and has solutions for simulation for Leopard 2E and other vehicles.

Indra is making significant investment in capabilities for integration and production or transformation of armored vehicles in Spain including specific facilities for this purpose.

Eduardo Veen Martinez, Managing Director of Rheinmetall Landsysteme: “With this MoU, Indra and Rheinmetall, two leading European companies in the field of defence technology, start a strong alliance to support the efforts of the Spanish Armed Forces to modernize their fleet of combat vehicles.”

Ángel Escribano, Chairman of Indra Group, stated: “The agreement with Rheinmetall represents a significant step forward in Indra’s strategy of forming alliances and partnerships to strengthen its military vehicle manufacturing and digitalization capabilities in Spain’ and he added, ‘This is an example of what Europeans can achieve when working together.”

Spiritus Systems Releases: Triple Elastic Mag Pouch (TEMP) / Elastic Mag Pouch (EMP)

May 23rd, 2025

The TEMP and EMP are elastic M4/AR-15 mag pouches with an optional bungee retention kit that allows you to carry magazines, tools, tourniquets, or throwables, while maintaining a low profile. As the names imply, the TEMP is a three-cell pouch that takes up six columns of MOLLE and the EMP is a single-cell and only needs two columns of MOLLE.

In addition to the bungee retention kit, there is a strip of loop on the center of each cell. This will give you the option to use our standard Pangolin Flap or Sub-Gun Pangolin Flap to fully cover the contents, when mounted on a Micro Fight MkV placard. The loop sections will also give you the ability to attach a large identifier patch on front of the TEMP.

The TEMP and EMP are available now in the following colors: Multicam, Ranger Green, Coyote Brown, and Black.

For more information visit: www.spiritussystems.com

CYPOUCH from Cyalume

May 23rd, 2025

I ran across Cyalume’s CYPOUCH during the recent Modern Day Marine in DC.

PALS compatible, the CYPOUCH is designed for opening via a simple pull. Compatible with 4″ and 6″ light sticks, the pouch will accept around 20 sticks depending on how you have them configured. Light sticks can be grouped by colors via internal elastic loops and metal rings.

Offered in Black, Coyote, NATO Green, and MultiCam.

Although it doesn’t have an NSN yet, it can be purchased with GPC, at local self service supply center, or via TLS vendors.

www.getcyalume.com

ASA Lauds House Passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, Including Removal of Suppressors from NFA

May 23rd, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, American Suppressor Association (ASA) President and Executive Director Knox Williams thanked House Republicans and Speaker Johnson for including the removal of suppressors from the unconstitutional NFA as part of the House reconciliation package that was approved this morning.

“Today, the House passed the One Big Beautiful Bill, including a provision that removes suppressors from the NFA. The removal of suppressors from the unconstitutional NFA tax scheme is long overdue and represents the biggest legislative victory for the Second Amendment community in my lifetime. It will benefit millions of law-abiding gun owners who simply want to protect their hearing while exercising their Second Amendment rights. Congressional Republicans are clearly keeping their promise to strengthen the Second Amendment and recognize the real need for these critical hearing safety devices. 

“Passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill is a crucial step towards expanding Second Amendment rights in our country. As the President’s Big Beautiful Bill moves on to the U.S. Senate, we are confident the Senate will produce a final bill for the President’s signature that upholds citizens’ Constitutional rights. ASA continues its work with the White House and with House and Senate Leadership to get this bill across the finish line and further expand the Second Amendment for the American people.”

See The GHOSTROBOTICS Vision 60 in Action at CANSEC

May 23rd, 2025

Meet the future of operational readiness — the GHOSTROBOTICS Vision 60.

Rugged. Adaptable. Mission-ready.

Visit us at CANSEC 2025 (28-29 May) in the Millbrook Tactical booth #421, and see how this ground-breaking tech can elevate your edge.

KommandoStore – Gorka K2 Mountain Suit: Red Dawn Edition

May 23rd, 2025

In true KommandoStore tradition, they’ve taken the classic Russian Gorka K2 Mountain Suit and reproduced it in the Soviet-style camouflage pattern created for the movie “Red Dawn”.

While this looks like a Gorka, it’s more. KommadoStore has made some changes to the design to improve its performance. For example, they’ve added an extra large diamond shape gusset that goes down to the knee, and lowered the rise to sit comfortably below the navel for a contemporary, high-mobility fit.

They’ve also reworked the seam structure and size of the hood to accommodate a full range of motion so it moves with the head. Additionally, they use a NYCO ripstop fabric with DWR coating rather than the waxed cotton of the original.

As for the camo pattern, well that was created specifically for the movie back on the 80s based on photographs of the KLMK pattern. It was never an actual issue pattern but it has gained a following of its own along with the movie.

Get yours at kommandostore.com/collections/strelka/products/gorka-k2-red-dawn-mountain-suit.

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Assaulter’s Accessory Pocket (AAP)

May 23rd, 2025

The ASSAULTER’S ACCESSORY POCKET (AAP) is a highly versatile tactical pouch designed to meet the demands of both everyday and mission-specific gear organization.

At its core, it features a spacious main compartment ideal for storing essential equipment such as an Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK), breaching tools, or other loose gear. A removable interior organizer panel provides customizable options for arranging your contents, while the loop interior allows for hook-backed pouches to be added for even greater storage flexibility.

The pouch is engineered with a unique “shark mouth” opening that enables it to open wide for quick, efficient access—especially when worn on a belt—then compresses down to a slim, low-profile form when closed. This makes it both functional and compact.

The AAP offers two mounting options: a belt mount that fits belts up to 2 inches wide, including large cobra-style buckles, and a tube mount for added flexibility. Dummy cord attachment points enhance security for sensitive items, and a bungee cord is included to help stabilize or restrain loose gear within the pouch.

Built with tactical efficiency in mind, the ASSAULTER’S ACCESSORY POCKET is rugged and reliable in high-stakes environments. Its thoughtful design makes it a go-to choice for professionals requiring adaptable gear storage. Whether you’re carrying medical supplies, breaching tools, or everyday tactical essentials, this pouch delivers top-tier organization and access.

FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting edge-tactical gear for military, law enforcement and those who train.

For more information visit First-Spear.com.

Contract Awarded for Modernized Equipment for the Canadian Army’s Light Forces

May 23rd, 2025


Dismounted infantry soldiers test Logistik Unicorp’s protective and load carriage equipment during trials for the Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement trials. (Cpl Peter Grieves)

On March 18, 2025, Canada awarded a contract with an initial value of $19.7 million (excluding taxes) to Logistik Unicorp to supply the Canadian Army’s (CA) light forces with 3,000 units of advanced protective and load carriage equipment. This contract includes the provision of ballistic armour layers, tactical vests, pack systems and associated pouches, as well as options for additional systems and services.

The current equipment used by CA soldiers offers excellent ballistic and blunt impact protection but requires modular capabilities for modern dismounted infantry operations. The Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement (DICE)initiative aims to improve the form, fit and function of this equipment, to enable a full range of motion for soldiers performing demanding tasks.

User trials were conducted from October to November 2024 with active dismounted infantry soldiers that provided detailed data and individual feedback, that were in turn analyzed carefully against the contract requirements. The result is that soldiers will be equipped with the modern and effective equipment needed to do their jobs, at the best value to Canadians. To address past concerns about fit, especially for women, the trials included soldiers of different sizes and body types, with female participation at 13.3 percent,higher than the 0.3 percentrepresentation in dismounted infantry units.

The new equipment was exhaustively tested to ensure that it fits various bodies and forms, with soft armour available in two distinct cuts. Ballistic plates will be offered in a greater range of sizes to maximize comfort and protection. While protection remains the priority, the new equipment significantly improves overall fit and coverage.

The new equipment is expected to be delivered starting in fall 2025 and will be used in conjunction with the contract awarded to Galvion in March 2023 for new helmets (known as the “Helmet High Cut Ground Troop”). While that initial contract was for 2,100 helmets and spare parts for the light forces, the Department of National Defence (DND) has since exercised its options to obtain more, bringing the total number of helmets to 10,500, for a total contract value of $14.9 million.

The DICE is working in parallel with the Soldier Operational Clothing Enhancement Modernization (SOCEM)initiative, which provides all CA units with a full range of modernized equipment and clothing. The DICE initiative allows DND to purchase smaller quantities of equipment for specific groups, and to trial procurement methods that can be applied to the larger SOCEM initiative. This approach helps to deliver new equipment quickly and effectively by applying best practices from smaller procurements.

By Nancy Cook

The Maple Leaf

Photo and article via CANADA DND