Ghost Robotics is exhibiting with ATC SiPro GmbH – UTM Deutschland.
We’re bringing the future of unmanned systems to ENFORCE TAC 2025! Visit us at Halle 9, Booth 9-663 from Feb 24-26 to see the latest in robotic capabilities.
Mission-ready. Rugged. Reliable.
FORT GREELY, Alaska — As U.S. Air Force C-130s and C-17s pierced the cover of clouds, stars, and the northern lights, they delivered equipment, packages and paratroopers across two drop zones, marking the start of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 25-02 into the early morning hours of Jan. 23, 2025, near Fort Greely, Alaska,
As the clock ticked past midnight, the paratroopers of 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, descended upon Army Allen Airfield and Buffalo Drop Zone, met by the deafening silence of the frozen Alaskan wilderness. Their objective: seize control of the airfield and establish a foothold against the elements, with temperatures below freezing, and the opposing force — their comrades from the division’s 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
“It was chaotic at first, which is typical of a joint forcible entry,” said 1st Lt. Jason Douple, a paratrooper with 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd IBCT (A).
“After we got our feet under ourselves, it was game on,” he said.
JPMRC is the U.S. Army’s newest combat training center, a coliseum of ice and snow where the division’s Soldiers train and fight against their fellow Arctic Soldiers, building the division’s warfighting capability in an Arctic environment and beyond.
The paratroopers wasted no time moving off the drop zone and seizing to their first objective, said 1st Lt. Joseph Watkins, a Battle Captain with 3rd Bn., 509th PIR.
“Our logistical support was executed well, being able to get ammunition, supplies, and gear to paratroopers is especially difficult in an austere, Arctic environment,” he added.
In addition to validating the 2nd IBCT’s readiness, JPMRC 25-02 was also a testament to the interoperability of the joint force and partner and Allied nations, including the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marines, Canadian and Mongolian armies, and others from partner nations and across the U.S. Department of Defense.
As the temperatures continued to drop, the 2nd IBCT assembled defensive positions, engineered fortifications and patrolled through snowy-covered miles of fields and forests as the two Arctic elements continued their fight against the environment, and each other.
“Whether it comes to a big, collective task or even the smallest, simplest one, it takes much longer to execute in the Arctic,” said Command Sgt. Maj. David Hanson, eenior enlisted leader of the 11th Airborne Division.
Across the exercise, the two forces met often, with flares illuminating the frosty battlefield, while orange and yellow muzzle flashes lit up the tree lines.
Paratroopers from 2-11 continued the fight and sustained it, despite temperatures below minus 30. It’s a skill set that the 11th Airborne Division and the JPMRC rotation in Alaska are uniquely able to provide to Soldiers and service members across partner nations and the joint force.
“We can’t just survive out here in the Arctic, we have to thrive,” Hanson said. “We are America’s only Arctic division and no one else is going to do it.”
By SGT Jaidon Novinska
From 18 to 20 February 2025, the Xponential Europe trade fair, which focuses on robotics and unmanned systems, will take place for the first time in Düsseldorf. Rheinmetall is the largest exhibitor, underlining its claim to leadership in this field. Under the motto ‘Leadership in unmanned digital ecosystem and robotics’, the Dax-listed technology company and its subsidiaries MIRA GmbH and Yardstick Robotics are presenting their latest developments in the fields of robotics, drones, unmanned systems and teleoperated driving.
Rheinmetall is showing a wide range of its unmanned systems for military and law enforcement applications, including:
– the LUNA NG VTOL (Vertical Take-off and Landing), a tactical fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial System with vertical take-off and landing capability, reconnaissance equipment (ISR, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) and optional effectors
– the Fixed Wing Vehicle FV-002, a fixed-wing drone primarily for close-range reconnaissance
– the Rotary Wing Vehicle RV-002, a rotary wing drone for close-range reconnaissance with a payload capacity of 750 grams
– the target drone Fixed Wing Vehicle FV-015
– the walking robot Robotics L.
MIRA GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rheinmetall AG, is paving the way for automated mobility with teleoperation. MIRA uses teleoperation to decouple the driver from the vehicle. This makes it possible to control the vehicle remotely from a control panel located anywhere.
Teleoperation of vehicles on public roads requires powerful IT systems. In the ‘POQUASIA – Post-quantum secure generic IoT application’ project, the Rheinmetall Technology Center, with the support of MIRA GmbH, is developing a scalable, real-time-capable and generic Internet of Things (IoT) platform within a cloud environment.
The aim of the project is to demonstrate the potential of cloud-based applications using the example of teleoperation and to test the use of post-quantum cryptography to protect against future cyber threats. This will provide digital innovations that meet the highest security, latency and availability requirements. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection and supports the European IPCEI-CIS initiative to realise a unique multi-provider cloud-edge continuum.
During the trade fair, MIRA GmbH and the POQUASIA project are offering visitors to Xponential Europe the opportunity to take a ride in one of their teleoperated shuttle vehicles on public roads. In addition, MIRA GmbH will be providing first-hand information about its innovative technology and its diverse applications in logistics and passenger transport.
Rheinmetall subsidiary YardStick Robotics is a manufacturer of AI-enabled robotic solutions for extreme, unstructured and unpredictable environments. The specialised collaborative cobot ‘YARO Cobot’ is developed for the toughest of missions – in other words, robots for ‘dull, dirty & dangerous’ activities. YardStick Robotics is currently working on solutions for a range of applications from the deep sea to extraterrestrial missions in the future. In keeping with the motto ‘Robots for the World’s Toughest Jobs’, the focus is also on the safe automation of industries that have not previously had access to such robotic solutions.
At Xponential Europe, Yardstick Robotics will be showcasing
· the outdoor cobot: ‘YARO Cobot’ – a specially developed collaborative robot for reliable use in rough, unstructured outdoor environments
· an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) study – an autonomous underwater platform for precise inspection and monitoring tasks in marine and inland waters
· MagnetCrawler – an intelligent system for inspecting and monitoring metallic surfaces, e.g. for industrial applications
Xponential Europe is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.from 18 to 20 February 2025. We look forward to welcoming you to our booth 1C25.
For more information about Xponential Europe, visit: www.xponential-europe.de
New solar array part of program to offset 40% of annual consumption costs
Fort Riley, Kan. (February 19, 2025) – Corvias, a leading energy and infrastructure solutions provider, in collaboration with Sunstone Energy Development and City, Light & Power, completed Phase III of an ongoing energy independence and security effort at U.S. Army Garrison Fort Riley, recently marking a month of successful operations as part of its broader mission to support the U.S. Department of Defense’s operational resilience and readiness goals.
The project supports the DOD’s goal to provide 100% of the energy load required to sustain the critical mission of each U.S. military installation by the end of fiscal year 2030.
This latest phase consisted of two solar PV arrays, both of which finished interconnection in December and provide rate stabilization and energy security to Fort Riley housing communities. The program offsets nearly 40% of annual electricity consumed by the housing community and also contributed to the $2 billion of community economic impact recently announced by Fort Riley’s Garrison Commander, Col. Jerry Nunziato.
“This work continues to ensure a reliable and secure supply of energy to on-post housing and the surrounding area,” said Jim Champagne, Corvias Senior Vice President of Asset Management at Fort Riley. “Along with our partners, Corvias continues to implement strategies to mitigate vulnerabilities and potential disruptions that may affect the readiness of service members and their families.”
Over the past 10 years, Sunstone Energy Development, a joint venture between Corvias Solar Solutions and Onyx Renewables, has provided renewable energy solutions across the Corvias Army housing portfolio.
“For Onyx, delivering quality, resilient clean energy solutions is at the core of our mission,” said Kevin Cox, SVP of Origination at Onyx Renewables. “These onsite solar installations at Fort Riley not only enhance energy security and reliability for service members and their families but also underscore the long-term benefits of renewable energy in strengthening critical infrastructure.”
Corvias’ industry-first Solutions Through Partnerships approach is built on a shared commitment to assisting the Department of Defense in sustaining the critical mission of each U.S. military installation by supporting readiness.
The newly completed solar arrays add to two previously completed rooftop phases for the of the Corvias-led solar program at Fort Riley – already one of the largest in the state of Kansas.
For more information on Corvias improvements on Fort Riley, visit our website.
CINCINNATI, Ohio, (February 19, 2025) – HOIST®,the beverage industry leader known for its IV-level hydration, is proud to announce its upcoming retail expansion into American supermarket chain, Harris Teeter. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone for HOIST as it continues to grow its availability in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the U.S.
Consumers can expect to find popular HOIST flavors on Harris Teeter shelves beginning in February 2025, all of which contain HOIST’s unique isotonic formula that is clinically proven to hydrate faster and longer than water. This expansion will amplify HOIST’s presence in Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
“We’re incredibly excited to be gaining this partnership with Harris Teeter, and this is just the beginning,” said HOIST Co-founder and VP of Sales Ben Schmidt. “This marks an exciting step forward in our long-term vision for the brand. We look forward to bringing HOIST to new shelves and consumers.”
The initial wave of HOIST products will be available in select Harris Teeter locations starting in February 2025, with full store resets expected to be completed by June 2025. All of HOIST’s products provide three times the electrolytes and half the sugar of traditional sports drinks, without adding artificial sweeteners or dyes. HOIST offers this IV-level hydration across its product line of bottled beverages, powder sticks and liquid pouches.
In addition to the expansion into Harris Teeter stores, HOIST continues to grow its retail presence within QuikTrip (QT) stores. HOIST can be found QT stores in North Carolina, South Carolina and Colorado and will soon be available throughout QT stores in Georgia. This continued growth is supported by the onboarding of 40+ Anheuser-Busch distributor partners, who will help service these new accounts and ensure that HOIST is readily available to the increased consumer base.
The HOIST hydration formula is isotonic and made to absorb instantly, resulting in a beverage that fights dehydration fast. This is why HOIST is one of three electrolyte sources approved for use by the U.S. Department of Defense. The HOIST lineup is additionally offered at 90% of U.S. Army bases globally.
For more information about HOIST or to see the entire HOIST lineup visit www.drinkhoist.com. Keep up with the latest HOIST news on Instagram@drinkhoist
HOHENFELS, Germany — Lighter. Faster. More agile.
The U.S. Army implemented its Transforming in Contact initiative during exercise Combined Resolve 25-1 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Germany’s Hohenfels Training Area from Jan. 17 to Feb. 15, 2025.
Combined Resolve is a recurring exercise designed by U.S. Army Europe and Africa to prepare a multinational brigade for support of NATO deterrence initiatives. The 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division from Fort Johnson, Louisiana, was the primary training audience, with Poland’s 11th Armored Cavalry Division operating as the high command.
The Transforming in Contact initiative, or TiC, utilizes new technologies and systems to enhance the Army’s war fighting readiness and ability to respond to crisis or conflict.
Leading up to the event, the 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment documented Soldiers from the 3rd BCT utilizing some of the new equipment. One of these featured systems was the Anduril Ghost X medium-range reconnaissance drone.
“These are mainly reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition platforms that are meant to find things in a named area of interest,” said Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Pariset, tactical unmanned aircraft system operator. “It is meant to be used at the battalion and lower levels to provide feedback to battalion commanders.”
“The previous system I used was the RQ7-B Shadow unmanned aircraft system,” said Pariset. “It was very limited by weather. However, these new systems are able to be utilized in rain, cold, heat and not have any limiting factors.”
The 3rd BCT, 10th Mountain Division is one of three Army brigades selected to train with TiC-focused systems. They deployed to Europe and immediately began fielding numerous TiC equipment, which are the first to be used in the European theater.
Prior to brigade’s participation in Combined Resolve, it was dispersed alongside NATO’s eastern flank.
“Throughout the course of the past six months we have received this new equipment trained on it and incorporated it into our collective training at echelon to get ready for Combined Resolve 25-1,” said Col. Joshua Glonek, commander of 3rd BCT, 10th Mountain Division.
Glonek goes on to note how his unit has done this, while deployed, in conjunction with other operational missions they have been tasked to conduct.
“The challenge is that we are dispersed throughout Europe and we’re doing this while participating in Atlantic Resolve. However, I think the point of the initiative is to be able to transform while a unit is deployed or potentially in a war,” said Glonek. “The way technology is rapidly integrating in society today, we have to be capable of receiving the newest technologies and very quickly getting our Soldiers proficient in how to use these systems, and that is exactly what we have been doing over here.”
The Army’s new technology provided to 3rd BCT is instinctual for Soldiers to operate compared to technology used in years past. This allows similar brigades to rapidly transform because it does not take long for Soldiers to become proficient operators with these new systems.
The technological areas that have made 3rd BCT far more capable than just six months ago when they arrived in Europe can be summed up in three elements: network capability, drone usage and increased mobility.
Network
“We have an integrated tactical network now that we use in the brigade which combines line of sight radios with the ability to communicate over LTE cell towers or through satellites,” said Glonek. “So we have a variety of transport options that we can use to communicate both over chat and voice and video through the battlefield so we’ve got a very effective communications systems and a network that we use.”
Drones
“We have fielded and are employing more drones over here at JMRC than other [Combat Training Centers] have used up to this point,” said Glonek. “We have drones at the company, battalion and brigade level that are conducting unmanned collection and targeting at echelon and so it’s making us far more lethal in our ability to find the enemy and rapidly employ fires against them.”
Mobility
“As a light infantry unit generally using some of the Army’s legacy vehicles, you’re limited in your ability to quickly maneuver around the battlefield, but we’ve received the Infantry Squad Vehicle which is allowing us to very rapidly reposition forces on the battlefield,” said Glonek. “We have received the Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport (SMET) that we can transport a lot of our sustainment supply. And we also have some of the next generation tactical vehicle which are experimental battery powered hybrid vehicles that the Army is looking at, so there are a lot of mobility options that we’ve been using.”
One key difference in how the Army is incorporating technology into formations today is that it is not looking at one specific piece of equipment to buy, train or employ as a staple system for years to come.
The Army is finding the best equipment available today and training to each asset’s full capability. Army leadership will continually and more rapidly evaluate its impact and seek to upgrade equipment based on front-line soldiers’ recommendations. This bottom-up formula is a key theme to the intended success of TiC. It is a cycle which reduces time spent pondering bureaucratic relevancy and focuses on genuine assets needed.
Off-the-shelf, high-quality technology at lowest cost available in real time is of much greater importance as they can be quickly incorporated into formations and employ immediate and positive effect.
“It has been a great opportunity to receive some of the most cutting-edge equipment that the Army is using and very rapidly integrating into our formations, and here we are testing it out in the most diverse combat training center,” said Glonek.
The JMRC is the Army’s only overseas, internationally-integrated CTC, allowing Soldiers and senior leaders to safely learn lessons in a realistic, regionally-relevant environment, unlike any other operated by the Army worldwide.
“There is an excitement in TiC that we are finally able to bring to Europe,” said Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Weimer. “Traditionally we wouldn’t give such new technology to Soldiers this early.
Traditionally we would grab a few Soldiers, allow them to experiment with the gear, get some feedback, then go back to do more research and development.”
Weimer goes on to describe how TiC has altered the Army’s business model, “because so much of this is commercial off-the-shelf, we are expediting our ability to learn. To give it to a full brigade like [3/10 Mountain,] we have stepped on the gas as we like to say, and we’re learning what’s working and what’s not and that helps us understand how to invest in the future.”
The Army has always been about its people. Now, it is merging the strength of its people with the functionality of technology.
Weimer said it best, “the character of war is changing at a speed we have never seen before. It’s unprecedented. The goal is to always make sure we are the premier war fighting element in the world.”
By SPC Thomas Dixon
MLB Stars, celebrities, and veterans unite for two days of shooting and golfing from April 27 – 28, 2025, to raise funds for K9 Heroes 4 Heroes and the NRA.
Eubank, KY (February 2025) – Shell Shock Technologies, LLC. (SST), a leading innovator in the ammunition industry, is proud to announce the 1st Annual Legends and Heroes Shootout, a premier two-day charity event dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders. Taking place on April 27 – 28, 2025, this unique event will bring together MLB stars, celebrities, industry leaders, and veterans for an unforgettable experience of camaraderie, competition, and giving back. All net proceeds from the event will benefit K9 Heroes 4 Heroes, which provides service dogs to veterans and first responders at no cost, and the NRA, offering mental health services, career transition assistance, and critical resources to veterans and their families.
“At Shell Shock Technologies, we believe in honoring those who have served our country. The Legends and Heroes Shootout is more than just a golf and shooting event – it’s a way to give back to the brave men and women who have sacrificed for our freedoms. We are excited to bring together top-tier athletes, firearms industry professionals, and the community to support this meaningful cause,” commented Peter Foss, Managing Partner and CEO of Shell Shock Technologies.
The Legends and Heroes Shoutout will feature two days of exciting activities, starting on April 27, 2025, with the Range Day. Taking place at Markham Park Shooting Range in Sunrise, Florida, from 10 am to 3 pm, participants will have the opportunity to engage in dynamic shooting competitions using Shell Tech’s cutting-edge precision pistol and rifle ammunition. Instruction will be led by Jake Holt, a well-known firearms social media influencer from Regional Operations. Desert Tech, a Shooting Range Event Partner, will be providing a rifle demonstration featuring its latest innovative and custom weaponry. Competition prizes will be awarded from Four Brothers Custom Gun Holsters and Heritage Distilling Company. The overall winner of the shooting competition will win the Grand Prize which is an automatic entry into the NRA World Shooting Championship, where over 500 of the world’s top shooters compete for cash and prizes totaling over $250,000.
The second day, April 28, 2025, focuses on the charity golf tournament at The Club at Weston Hills in Weston, Florida. This tournament will feature a scramble-style format with multiple contests and challenges, including four separate hole-in-one contests with total prizes valued at $55,000, and a unique AR-15-style golf ball launcher experience. Participants can use this innovative launcher to tee off on a select Par 4, adding something different to the competition. The tournament will conclude with an outdoor grill lunch, an open bar, and an awards ceremony as well as an online auction to feature exclusive memorabilia and sponsor-donated items. There will also be a Whiskey Tasting featuring Service to America SALUTE™: War Dogs™ Edition, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey by Heritage Distilling Co. Inc. This “Whiskey That Honors the Worthy”™, aged 5-years (35 in dog years) and bottled at 98.6 proof, honors our US Military Working Dogs.
A lineup of renowned athletes and celebrities have come together to support the mission of assisting veterans and first responders. Whether by attending the event in person or donating exclusive memorabilia, these generous individuals are committed to making a difference:
Adrian Beltre – MLB Hall of Famer
Raul Ibanez – World Series Champion
Jayson Werth – World Series Champion
Placido Polanco – MLB Gold Glove Winner
Albert Pujols – Two-Time World Series Champion & Three-Time MVP
Max Scherzer – Three-Time Cy Young Award Winner & World Series Champion
DJ Irie – Internationally Recognized DJ and Philanthropist
Their participation not only enhances the event’s prestige but also helps raise vital funds for those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedoms.
Sponsorship opportunities are available, offering high-impact brand exposure and networking opportunities, from Gold to Premier level, as well as several Golf Specific Sponsorship options. For those interested in participating, more information can be found here. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, participant registration, or general inquiries, please contact Foss at peter@shellshocktech.com.
Keep up with Shell Tech’s advanced ammunition on the website and social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
WESTFIELD, Massachusetts – February 20, 2025 – Savage Arms® is proud to announce that its 110 Carbon Tactical was awarded the 2025 Rifle of the Year at the 2025 British Shooting Show. This event is the UK’s largest retail shooting show and was held from February 14-16, 2025.
The British Shooting Show offers attendees everything from airguns to shotguns and optics and night vision. Firearms were available for purchase by the thousands and included both new and used options in calibers from 22 LR to 50 BMG. Those who were at the show were also able to learn more about the gunmaking heritage and gamekeeping as well. The show included The Winchester Collection, Night Vision Tunnels and a tactical training area.
“We are thrilled to receive this award and with our growth as a brand in the UK,” said Robert Gates, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Savage Arms. “Our team in Europe has done an amazing job of getting Savage to the forefront, and this recognition of the 110 Carbon Tactical shows where we stand as a brand, and our ability to innovate for specific markets.”
The 110 Carbon Tactical offers uncompromised balance by pairing an exclusive PROOF Research® stainless steel, carbon fiber wrapped barrel with the rigid AccuFit Stock with AccuStock. This setup secures the action three-dimensionally along its entire length. The user-adjustable AccuTrigger, threaded barrel, 1-piece 20 MOA rail, 3 sling swivel studs and beavertail forend round out the added performance features of this model.
In the UK and internationally, the 110 Carbon Tactical is available in Gray and Flat Dark Earth and chambered in 308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC. All models feature a 22” barrel, and the 6.5 PRC option has a 24” barrel.
To learn more about the new era of Savage, visit savagearms.com.
