Celebrate 20 years of the TLR-1

Tomahawk Performance Digital Lookbook Vol 1

January 24th, 2025

Yesterday I met with Tomahawk Performance and I’ve got to tell you, they’ve got some great stuff coming for 2025. They were handing out a look book and I asked if there’s a digital copy to share with my readers. Indeed there is and it’s a great on-depth look at what’s currently available.

Tomahawk Performance tells me they plan to roll out additional volumes as they release new products.

Get yours at tomahawkperformance.com/pages/lookbook.

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Scalable Operator Vest (SOV)

January 24th, 2025

The SCALABLE OPERATOR VEST (SOV) is built for performance in high-threat environments and features FirstSpear Rapid-release Tubes™ ensuring quick donning and doffing while providing a snug, adjustable fit.

The system facilitates soft armor and overlap cummerbund soft armor, offering enhanced protection without sacrificing mobility.

The SOV features reversible tube shoulders for added versatility and comfort, allowing users to adapt to various operational needs. The loop fields on the front, back, and 4” x 9” belly panel enable attachment of essential gear, such as general-purpose pouches, communication devices, and magazine pockets, with ease.

The advanced 6/12 laser-cut platform minimizes weight while maximizing durability and ensuring long-term reliability in the most demanding conditions. The SOV’s winged armor panel design provides superior ballistic side protection and seamlessly integrates with the cummerbund to create a continuous layer of defense, allowing for a tailored loadout that enhances an operator’s ability to move freely while maintaining critical protection.

With its scalable design and innovative features, the SOV ensures that users can confidently address a wide range of missions, knowing they have the flexibility and armor necessary for success.

The SCALABLE OPERATOR VEST will be available for purchase at First-Spear.com on Friday, January 31st.

Schiebel Awarded New RPAS Contract with EMSA

January 24th, 2025

Vienna, 23 January 2025 – Schiebel has been awarded another multi-year service contract for the CAMCOPTER® S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS) with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). The contract is for service provision with Remotely Piloted Aircraft Services (RPAS) for supporting EU member states in emission monitoring and maritime surveillance operations.

For the third time in a row, Schiebel has been awarded a tender with EMSA. In 2018, Schiebel signed its first contract to support European coast guards and maritime authorities, followed by a second contract in 2021. The now newly awarded contract spans for up to four years – two fixed years with an option for an additional two years.

Since 2018, the S-100 has conducted over 1780 deployment days for EMSA and operated across Europe, in Croatia, France, Finland, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Romania, Lithuania, Iceland, Germany and Belgium. Stationed either on land or on ships, the S-100 performs general night and day maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations and oil spill detection, as well as monitoring of sulphur content of ships’ emissions to ensure compliance with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) limits.

The CAMCOPTER® S-100 can carry multiple payloads with a combined weight of up to 50 kg. Due to its unique and proven nature, and its ability to fly slowly and hover, it is ideally suited for maritime operations.

“We have been supporting European maritime authorities for almost six years now and are extremely proud to continue our success story with EMSA. It proves once again, that the availability and reliability of the S-100 is unrivalled,” said Neil Hunter, Head of Global Sales for Schiebel.

Quantum Systems and blackned Join Forces to Take Tactical Core Airborne and Revolutionize Battlefield Connectivity

January 23rd, 2025

Munich, 23.01.2025 – Quantum Systems and blackned are pleased to announce their intent to collaborate on the digitalization and secure networking of unmanned elements in modern battlefield environments. This groundbreaking partnership aims to combine Quantum Systems’ advanced multi-sensor unmanned aerial systems (UAS) with blackned’s Tactical Core Information and Communication Middleware, setting a new and advanced standard for operational efficiency and integration.

“The support of different transmission systems and the application independence ensure a high degree of adaptability, from manned and unmanned platforms to missions, use cases and systems already in use,” says Dr. Joel Langenberg, CEO of blackned.

Based on open interfaces and software development kits, the most suitable third-party applications can be integrated and put into operation. “This partnership marks a significant step to a secure multi-domain data transfer”, said Sven Kruck, Co-CEO of Quantum Systems. By supporting various transmission systems and maintaining application independence, the partnership offers unprecedented flexibility for military operations. This opens a whole new world for the German Armed Forces.

The partnership underscores both organizations’ commitment to innovation and providing military forces with cutting-edge solutions to navigate the complexities of modern warfare.

“This partnership marks a significant step to a secure multi-domain data transfer, adding an additional layer of flexibility for military operations.”

Sven Kruck

Co-CEO, Quantum Systems

“The support of different transmission systems and the application independence ensure a high degree of adaptability, from manned and unmanned platforms to missions, use cases and systems already in use.”

Dr. Joel Langenberg

CEO, blackned GmbH

Wescom Group Qcquires Leading Safety Technology Company BCB International Ltd

January 23rd, 2025

World-leading survival solutions manufacturer Wescom Group has expanded its influence in the safety technology market through the acquisition of Cardiff based, BCB International Ltd.A leading global supplier of safety equipment in the defence, outdoor and marine sectors.

Wescom Group Chief Executive Officer, Ross Wilkinson comments,

“Today we can announce the successful completion of the acquisition of BCB International Ltd., this partnership will further enhance Wescom Group’s core safety and survival product portfolio. We are excited to work with the management team on growing the business through the Group’s extensive distribution network, whilst also having a strong focus on new product development programs.”

BCB International’s Managing Director Andrew Howell states,

“This announcement is an exciting opportunity and the BCB team are energised to be joining with Wescom Group. This partnership will help us to deliver BCB’s innovative MSC technology and world beating FireDragon eco-fuel to a much wider international audience as well as our core products that are constantly evolving. We have known some of the Wescom team for many decades and it is invigorating to be working with them to help save lives and protect the protectors to a much larger scale.”

Background

The Wescom Group reached an impressive milestone in 2023, celebrating 150 years of expertise in the manufacture and distribution of survival solutions, with specialist manufacturing facilities across multiple sites in Germany, UK, Spain and Australia and over 450 employees worldwide. Wescom Group is globally recognised for supplying the very best in quality, performance, reliability, and safety.

Welsh based BCB International has for more than 160 years developed life-saving and protective equipment for the defence, outdoor and marine sectors in multiple countries world-wide.With wide ranging experience in product development, supply chain operations and manufacturing, BCB’s history of innovation is reflected in numerous awards, including two Queen’s Award for Export Achievement.  

For information about Wescom Group, please go to www.wescom-group.com for information on the BCB International range learn more at www.bcbin.com

SHOT Show 25 – Berry Compliant M-PACT Gloves from Mechanix Wear

January 23rd, 2025

The Berry Compliant M-PACT glove from Mechanix Wear is the same glove you known and rely on, but Made in USA with US materials.

Features:

– G-Form SmartFlex advanced padding technology that stiffens, absorbs, and redistributes the energy from an impact minimizing potential injuries.

– Quick-drying and breathable mesh keeps hands cool and comfortable.

– Digitally textured goat skin leather palm infused with a moisture management technology, reducing absorption of water and sweat while staying soft and form fitting.

– Touch screen compatible index finger and thumb.

– Ergonomically designed and vibration reducing palm patch.

– Molded silicone wrist strap for secure fit.

– Carabiner loop for storage and drying.

Available in Coyote, sizes Small – XLarge.

www.mechanix.com/us-en/taa-gloves/GVMP-B72

SHOT Show 25 – Hoplite NVG Protection and Focusing Device in FDE

January 23rd, 2025

You’ve been asking for it and Phokus Research Group has delivered. The Hoplite NVG Protection and Focusing Device is now available in FDE. Same great features of lens protection and instant focus to 18″

www.phokusresearch.com/collections/hoplite

SHOT Show 25 – The Range Rollie from Ferro Concepts

January 23rd, 2025

Coming soon from Ferro Concepts is The Range Rollie, a range bag with roll top and flat, polymer bottom.

It offers the capacity to hold more than 500 rounds of 5.56 and features a Velcro panel (with discreet Ferro logo) on one side and a cell phone pocket on the other so you can set up some great selfies in the range.

And yes, it will be available in Tigerstripe.