SIG SAUER - Never Settle

Milipol 25 – Varusteleka Särmä TST L5 Thermal Patrol Coverall

November 28th, 2025

Varusteleka has updated a popular overall issued to border guards for static duty in extreme temperatures with new materials and features. Now, it’s available in both Finnish M05 Woodland and Snow patterns. Another improvement they’ve made is compatibility with armor and chest rigs. The front can be configured as seen in this photo, allowing access to your gear while keeping it under the coverall.

The coverall is made from 100% polyamide ripstop (70g/m2) with a non-fluorinated water-repellent treatment. The coverall is also insulated with 67g/m2 Climashield Apex which allows you to remain comfortable in temperatures as low as -35°C / -31°F.

Features:

  • Helmet-compatible hood with a short visor
  • Adjustable face opening and head circumference
  • Hanging loop
  • Removable neck flap
  • The entire coverall can be packed into the hood
  • Two front zippers
  • Wind flaps with hook-and-loop closure
  • The wind flap can be closed out of the way with its own hook-and-loop
  • Wind flaps have loops for various attachment methods (see usage methods)
  • 2-way ventilation zippers in the armpits
  • Adjustable waist with elastic band
  • Internal suspender loops
  • Separate zippered fly for field relief
  • NIR-compliant

This coverall is made in Slovakia by Koutny and comes in three sizes.

I’m told NATO (including US) troops have made private purchases of the coverall while on deployment to Finland after seeing this the locals do it.

varusteleka.com/en-us/products/sarma-tst-l5-thermal-patrol-coverall

Milipol 25 – Rhode & Schwarz x ARX Robotics

November 28th, 2025

Rhode & Schwarz has long been the gold standard in Electronic Warfare. They offer systems which operate across almost the entire electromagnetic spectrum. If a frequency can carry a message, they can collect against it.

Seen here is one of their Direction Finding arrays mounted on an ARX Robotics Gereon Remote Control System. Already being used in Ukraine this robot enjoys a 100% European supply chain and has been adopted by seven countries.

This is an excellent use case for robots, to place sensors into areas which would be hazardous to humans. Dispersion of DF front ends across the battlespace allow deeper and more accurate fixes of enemy emitters.

Milipol 25 – Kaptrek Pro Pilot Defense

November 28th, 2025

The Kaptrek Pro Pilot was developed as the first French (and European) IOT/connected wrist mounted platform for defense applications.

Capabilities:

  • Advanced Tactical Navigation
  • Real-Time Mission Tracking
  • Secure Communications
  • Health Status Management
  • Connected Device Control
  • Communication Security
  • Emergency Response System
  • Virtual Training
  • Resource Management
  • Interoperability with External Systems

Technical Specs:

  • Screen: 2,4 inches / 52.32 (H) x 31.392 (V) mm
  • Resolution: 800(RGB)*480
  • Battery: 1800 mAh
  • MPU: ARM Cortex-A5 / 32bit / 500MHz
  • Operating System (OS): Proprietary KAPTREK-OS
  • IMU: 3 axis
  • Wi-Fi: Radio 802.11 a/b/g/n 2.4 & 5.0 GHz
  • Bluetooth: BR/EDR/LE 5.1
  • GNSS: GPS / GLONASS / GALILEO / BEIDOU
  • SDRAM: 4 Go
  • eMMC: 8 Go
  • Flash memory: 16 Mb
  • IP Rating: IP67

It is available in two versions:

  • A 100% Made-in-France version,powered by a proprietary, secure Linux-based OS
  • An integrated version built on Android solutions

kaptrek.com/en

Milipol 25 – FN Herstal

November 28th, 2025

Since readers are generally keen to know what is going on with European small arms manufacturers I snapped some photos for you in the FN stand and will be using the French designations for these weapons to broaden your horizons.

Let’s start off with the Fusil de précision, the FN SCAR H TPR in 7,62 x 51 mm OTAN.

Next up is the Fusil FN SCAR L MK2 chambered in 5,56 x 45 mm OTAN and equipped with the FN SMARTCORE ballistic computer.

This is the FN SCAR SC Carbine in 5,56 x 45 mm OTAN (.223).

We’ll wrap this up with one of my favorites, the Mitrailleuse ultralégère FN EVOLYS in 5,56 x 45 mm OTAN with FN ELITY LITE IR pointer/illuminator.

MatrixSpace Named Active Sensor Winner in US Army Operation Flytrap 4.5, xTechCounter Strike Competition

November 28th, 2025

Burlington, MA (November 24, 2025) –  MatrixSpace, a leader in portable AI-enabled radar for counter-UAS missions, is the winner in the U.S. Army’s xTechCounter Strike competition, part of Operation Flytrap 4.5. MatrixSpace was the only active sensing provider selected among 15 finalists, highlighting the company’s breakthrough capabilities in rapidly deployable airspace awareness.

Operation Flytrap is the U.S. Army’s key initiative to accelerate innovative, scalable C-UAS technologies through live soldier experimentation, rapid acquisition pathways, and transition to operational units.

MatrixSpace showcased its Expeditionary AI Radar and 360 AI Radar, powered by AiEdge software, demonstrating fast setup, seamless integration into Army FAAD-C2 via the NATO-standard SAPIENT protocol, and real-time situational awareness at the tactical edge.

Four companies were selected overall, each receiving a $350,000 award and placement into the new Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate (G-TEAD) Marketplace, enabling streamlined procurement by U.S. and NATO partners.

“Operation Flytrap 4.5 gave us a powerful opportunity to show MatrixSpace’s tactical advantage,” explained Matthew Kling, VP & GM, AI Systems at MatrixSpace. “Our ultra-low SWaP-C radars with AiEdge software integrate effortlessly into existing Army C2 networks and deliver dependable, soldier-ready airspace security.”

MatrixSpace radar systems deliver affordable, all-weather, AI-powered detection and classification for airspace, perimeter, and object monitoring, enabling organizations to rapidly establish robust situational awareness in contested environments.

www.matrixspace.com

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Fleece Pullover

November 28th, 2025

The FirstSpear FLEECE PULLOVER is built for those who put hard miles on their gear and demand every layer pull its weight. Made in the USA, it delivers the kind of durability and reliability that stands up to real-world use, not just weekend wear.

The fleece construction provides consistent warmth without unnecessary bulk, keeping you comfortable in cold or shifting environments. Its Henley-style design with a button front adds a clean, functional touch that works on the range, in the field, or during low-profile movement.

The cut stays streamlined and allows full mobility, ensuring the pullover moves with you during rapid transitions or under load. Reinforced stitching and premium materials ensure it stands up to rough handling and repeated wear. The interior fleece maintains comfort over long durations, whether you’re grinding through training or settling in for post-mission downtime.

Lightweight yet rugged, it balances insulation with breathability for versatile performance across a wide range of conditions. This pullover layers easily under armor, outer shells, or additional cold-weather gear. It’s equally effective as a stand-alone piece when temperatures dip. Designed for versatility, it transitions seamlessly from operational environments to everyday use without sacrificing capability. Purpose-built for those who demand more from their apparel, the FirstSpear FLEECE PULLOVER is a reliable staple for fieldwork, training cycles, and any scenario where performance matters.

To request an estimate click image above or visit First-Spear.com/Request-For-Estimate. 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.

NATO Allies Demonstrate Counter-UAS Capability During Live-Fire Demonstration in Poland

November 28th, 2025

NOWA DUBA, Poland — U.S., Polish and Romanian Soldiers demonstrated a new counter-unmanned aircraft system capability on Nov. 18, underscoring how allies are adapting to the growing drone threat along NATO’s eastern flank.

The live-fire event at the Nowa Duba Training Area capped a two-week course that brought together air defenders from all three nations. Soldiers trained on a mobile system that uses radar, electro-optical sensors and a small interceptor drone to detect, track and defeat hostile unmanned aircraft.

All major components fit on a light tactical vehicle or pickup truck, allowing a four-person crew to move, emplace and reload the system in minutes. During the demonstration, crews used a truck-mounted launcher to fire interceptors against surrogate “enemy” drones and recover them by parachute for reuse in training.

“It’s very lethal, very effective, but the key piece here is that it’s cost effective,” said Brig. Gen. Curtis King, commanding general of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command.

King noted that the same type of interceptor has already been used in combat in Ukraine against Russian unmanned systems. There, he said, the capability has been “highly effective and lethal against one-way attack drones in Ukraine,” and is part of “the latest technology that’s being fought in Ukraine right now.”

Because the interceptor is designed as an expendable munition, the system allows commanders to engage low-cost drones without expending long-range interceptors needed for aircraft, cruise missiles or ballistic missiles. Combat use in Ukraine has provided Allies with real-world performance data before fielding the capability on NATO soil.

Polish and Romanian officers at Nowa D?ba said recent airspace violations and drone incidents over their territory accelerated efforts to field practical counter-UAS options.

The course followed a train-the-trainer model. U.S. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment trained alongside Polish and Romanian counterparts through classroom instruction, simulator work, and live launches. Graduates are expected to form the core of future national training teams.

The training and demonstration in Nowa Duba support NATO’s Operation Eastern Sentry and the Eastern Flank Deterrence Line, which seeks to link ground-based air and missile defense, aviation, sensors and fires into a layered architecture along NATO’s flank. Short-range counter-UAS systems like the one exercised in Poland provide a first line of defense against unmanned aircraft and help preserve higher-end interceptors for more complex threats.

By integrating this capability with allied training and planning, U.S., Polish, and Romanian air defenders are improving readiness and reinforcing deterrence, ensuring NATO can detect, track, and defeat the growing drone threat across the eastern flank.

By CPT Alexander Watkins

Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Wins Framework Contract from Danish Armed Forces for Logistics Vehicles

November 27th, 2025

Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles has once again achieved significant success with the HX truck family. The Danish procurement authority FMI (Forsvarsministeriets Materiel- og Indkøbsstyrelse; Ministry of Defense Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO) ) has awarded Rheinmetall a framework agreement for the delivery of up to 1,000 HX and TG trucks.

The contract was accompanied by an initial call-off for over 100 trucks. This call-off is worth in the double-digit million euro range and was booked in the fourth quarter of 2025.

The new trucks will be procured as part of the build-up of a Danish heavy infantry brigade. Delivery of the vehicles will take place within an exceptionally short time frame. First call-offs will be delivered before end of 2027. The order also includes additional services such as maintenance, spare parts, and vehicle training. At the same occasion the sustainment contract for the existing fleet is prolonged for additional four years.

This order marks Denmark’s return to the HX family of users. It also represents a decisive strategic step toward strengthening the market position in Northern European countries and positioning the HX as the Royal Danish Army’s standard tactical truck. The new order further demonstrates the high level of acceptance enjoyed by the proven HX vehicles.

“The acquisition of new all-terrain trucks for the heavy infantry brigade is another important piece in the Army’s armament. Therefore, I am very pleased that through this contract signing, we now ensure that the soldiers within a few years will have significantly increased their combat power in their operational tasks. I am pleased to see our collaboration with Rheinmetall continue,” says head of the land division at DALO, Colonel Thomas Øgendahl Knudsen. 

Andre Barthel, CEO RMMV : “With this agreement, we are proud to resume and continue our long-standing collaboration with our Danish customer. Since the early days of HX program, Denmark has been and continues to be a reliable partner and important member of the RMMV User nation Group. We look forward to further expanding this successful partnership in the coming years.”

About the HX2 
RMMV’s proven HX family is designed as a “military off-the-shelf” product for extreme robustness and reliability and has been tested for a service life of over 20 years. It is available in configurations ranging from 4×4 to 10×10. The HX family is one of the most widely used commercial vehicles for the military, government agencies, and organizations with security tasks.

Designed for military use, they are highly maneuverable and excel even in difficult terrain. The widespread use of the HX vehicle family worldwide offers significant advantages in terms of interoperability and logistics, particularly with regard to multinational operations.

Well over 20,000 units are in use worldwide, many of them in EU and NATO countries. In addition to Germany, current users include the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Hungary, Singapore, Slovenia, Denmark, and Ukraine.