Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Major Order from the Netherlands: Rheinmetall to Supply Skyranger 30 for Mobile Air Defence – Order Value in the Triple-Digit Million Euro Range

December 16th, 2025

Rheinmetall has received another major order for mobile air defence systems. The Dutch Ministry of Defence has commissioned Rheinmetall Air Defence to supply a two-digit number of Skyranger air defence systems for the Dutch armed forces. The order value is in the triple-digit million euro range. The first Skyranger weapon platforms are to be delivered at the end of 2028, with the final delivery scheduled before the end of 2029. A large part of the value added will be generated locally in the Netherlands.

The Skyranger Weapon Platform consists of a standard Skyranger 30 air defence turret and a lower mount, which allows the system to be used mobile on an customer’s armoured combat support vehicle or to be operated stationary from the ground. In addition to the Skyranger weapon platforms, the customer has ordered tactical level control nodes and hooklift transport platforms for purely stationary deployment. The scope of delivery also includes the integration into the existing Dutch air defence architecture, classroom simulators and a comprehensive integrated logistics support package.

The Skyranger 30 provides the ideal balance of mobility, protection, flexibility and precision, meeting the increasing demands of challenging threat scenarios at close and very close range. Designed as a modular hybrid solution, the turret houses a powerful 30 mm x 173 KCE revolver cannon, the necessary sensors including a tracking radar and can also be equipped with additional effectors such as surface-to-air guided missiles in the future. Its well-considered design, high dynamics, large elevation range and state-of-the-art sensors enable autonomous and networked operations. The system’s airburst ammunition, which has a programmable airburst point of detonation, is particularly effective against drones.

‘We are grateful for the Dutch armed forces’ confidence in our capabilities,’ said Oliver Dürr, Managing Director of Rheinmetall Air Defence. ‘This latest order consolidates Rheinmetall’s position as the global market leader in the field of gun-based air defence. It also continues the success of the Skyranger 30. The configuration for the Dutch armed forces, which enables both highly mobile operations and stationary use without a carrier vehicle, is unique to date. Another NATO country has already expressed interest in this configuration.’

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release, weapons | No Comments »

ISTEC Secures 4-year UK MOD SPTC Weapons Mount Spares Contract

December 16th, 2025

ISTEC Services Limited, a British company with 36 years of operationally proven experience in the design, manufacture and supply of complex weapon integration solutions and smoke discharger systems (SDS) for military platforms, has recently secured a 4-year contract for the supply of weapon mount spares across all 3 services via the Babcock Service Provision and Transformation Contract (SPTC).

ISTEC has been providing weapon mounts of various guises to the UK MOD for over 30 years. Their mounts were first used by Special Operations vehicles back in the 1990s and since then have been found on key vehicles used on major operations (Iraq and Afghanistan) such as WMIK, Mastiff, Husky and Jackal. Their pedestal mounts and crew-served gun mounts are fitted to the majority of Naval platforms and the GPMG mount is also fitted to the Puma 2 helicopter. As the preferred weapons mount supplier to the UK MOD, for the majority of platforms, there are thousands of mounts of various types currently in service. Therefore, ISTEC has been responsible for the necessary spares and maintenance requirements for DSG, and this new contract is a natural extension of that commitment.

In March 2025, Babcock was awarded a 5-year extension to the existing 10-year SPTC, thus cementing Babcock as a strategic partner to the British Army for the foreseeable future. Through this long-term relationship and hence deeper collaboration, Babcock is focused on delivering wider cost savings, digital transformation and improved operational readiness. ISTEC is committed to supporting Babcock’s mission to maximise the availability of critical assets through improved spares management and increased regeneration. The MOD and front-line troops benefit from reduced costs, improved spares provision and increased sustainability of critical battle-winning assets. Mick Coulson, Managing Director at ISTEC said, “As a British company with many veteran employees, we are fully committed to providing high-quality products for the best value to the UK MOD. We have a long history of delivering battle-proven, robust weapon integration solutions that front-line troops are extremely familiar with and trust. As part of that service, we also pride ourselves on providing the necessary whole-life support to maintain operational effectiveness, and we are very pleased to be working through the Babcock SPTC to deliver this aim.”

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | No Comments »

DAF updates medical shaving profile guidance to align with Secretary of War grooming policy

December 16th, 2025

FALLS CHURCH, Va. —

The Department of the Air Force updated its medical guidance for shaving profiles, Dec. 15, 2025, to align with the Secretary of War’s grooming standards.

Effective Jan. 31, 2026, all shaving profiles issued before March 1, 2025, are invalid. Airmen and Guardians who have medical shaving profiles issued prior to March 1, 2025, should schedule an appointment with a military health care provider for further evaluation before the January deadline.

Additionally, the Dec. 15, 2025, memorandum equips primary care providers, medical profile officers and unit commanders with guidance to inform their decision to recommend and approve or deny a medical shaving profile.

Key updates

Profiles must incorporate applicable grooming standards outlined in Department of Air Force Guidance Memorandum 2025-03 to Department of Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Department of Air Force Personnel.
No single profile may exceed a six-month period.
Beginning Feb. 1, 2026, Airmen and Guardians who accumulate more than 12 months of shaving profile within a 24-month period will be referred to their commander.
This new memorandum does not apply to shaving waivers granted for religious accommodations.

Primary care manager role – recommend

Primary care managers evaluate members for medical conditions, recommend profiles, and submit their profile recommendations to a medical profile officer.

Profile officer role – review

For profiles of 30 days or less – Profile officers review the provider’s recommendations.
For profiles greater than 30 days – Senior profile officers review recommendations.
Profile recommendations that meet all review criteria earn a “concur” and are submitted to the unit commander for consideration.

Commander role – approve

Commanders have final approval authority for medical shaving profiles. They record their electronic approval or denial via the Aeromedical Services Information Management Systems (ASIMS) within seven days.
Commanders may request service members to be evaluated due to operational concerns stemming from a medical condition.

Airmen and Guardians who have or are at risk of getting PFB will be given preventive education on appropriate shaving hygiene and, if needed, medication, a consultation with a Dermatologist (or specialist) or a recommendation for laser hair removal.

The Dec. 15 memo is an update to the policy in January 2025, designed to assist health care providers in evaluating Airmen and Guardians for a Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) diagnosis. That memo differentiated between shaving irritation and PFB, and provided criteria to distinguish between mild, moderate and severe cases of PFB.

The Air Force Medical Service is committed to the health and safety of its service members while ensuring readiness standards consistent with the Department of War. The updated memorandum serves to maintain an informed environment on grooming standards to minimize harmful effects on operational readiness.

Air Force Surgeon General Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | 1 Comment »

70 years of Savotta

December 16th, 2025

70 years of Savotta and a 100 years since founder Allan Halme was born.

This Finnish pack manufacturer created a limited run of 70 year history booklets for their staff, but now this magnificent opus is also available in digital form for all the world to enjoy. It covers the full history of Savotta, from 1955 to 2025, so there’s quite a lot for you to take in.

Posted in Catalog, International, Packs | 1 Comment »

Arktis – Anniversary 42 Pattern Chest Rig

December 16th, 2025

Back in the late 80s I acquired a 42 Pattern Chest rig from Arktis. As it was in DPM I didn’t wear it once I left Germany but it solidified by love for chest rigs under certain conditions. Eventually I sold it off while at Ft Bragg and replaced it with an OD US made rig but I’ve often missed it.

Fortunately, Arktis has introduced a limited run of this classic chest rig. They’ve added a Velcro loop panel on the admin flap to attach the included 40th Anniversary patch. The only other difference is better materials than were available back then.

It features three Velcro closure flapped mag pouches (holds 3×30-round 5.56 magazines, 3×20-round 7.62 magazines, or 2×30-round AK Mags) and two Velcro GP pouches along with a large internal map pocket.

It remains a highly functional and rugged, lightweight piece of kit.

store.arktis.co.uk/products/42-pattern-anno-chest-rig-dpm

Posted in International, Load Carrying | No Comments »

Modernizing Efforts: Psychological Operations Showcases Cutting-Edge Innovation

December 16th, 2025

FORT BRAGG, N.C.—The U.S. Army’s Psychological Operations (PSYOP) Regiment demonstrated its rapidly expanding role in the modern information warfare environment during a recent Innovation Day, where Soldiers from across the Regiment showcased solutions designed to fill operational gaps, outpace near-peer adversaries and increase lethality in competition and conflict.

The day highlighted how PSYOP Soldiers are leading bottom-up modernization, creating innovative, low-cost solutions that fill critical capability gaps, increase unit readiness and ensure the force is advancing quickly in the information domain. Col. Clinton Meade, the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School Deputy Commander, delivered opening remarks, focusing on three key objectives during the PSYOP Regimental Week.

Meade stated, “This week we will see ourselves, see our enemies and modernize our Regiment.”

Sgt. 1st Class David Hargett, a Soldier assigned to 7th PSYOP Battalion, presented a Cognitive Battle Damage Assessment Framework focused on improving how the Army evaluates influence effects on the battlefield. The framework provides commanders with a repeatable, data driven way to assess and measure behavioral impacts with the same rigger applied to kinetic effects.

“Teams around the globe are doing phenomenal work,” said Hargett. “This framework will only better align their efforts with [their] commander’s intended effects.”

Hargett’s framework integrates atmospheric, open- source indicators and field reporting into a forecastable model designed to inform decisions 30-120 days out. This model will provide timely, quantifiable measures that accurately reflect how target audiences are responding. The goal is standardizing behavioral assessments in a way that aligns with how kinetic effects are measured, ultimately improving resource allocation and operational planning.

Staff Sgt. Joseph Compton, an intel analyst assigned to 6th POB, introduced the Operationalized Will-to-Fight Framework, designed to fill a critical doctrinal and analytical gap. A critical factor in both friendly and adversary decision making, Will-to-Fight gives PSYOP Soldiers a standardized methodology to assess and integrate it into planning.

“The matrix is designed for any individual or team to pick up and use,” said Compton. “Teams can pick up a matrix and work their way down block by block, allowing them to analyze the enemies Will-to-Fight.”

Compton’s solution recommends creating a portable, auditable, and structured analytical technique, complete with handbooks, overlays, matrix tools and digital integration. The result would provide commanders and planners with actionable insights to evaluate adversary resolve more accurately.

Sgt. 1st Class Brian Potts, an instructor with the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, showcased the Night Haunter: an ultralight, drone deployed deception speaker capable of producing over 100 decibels. Costing under $30 in components and housed in a 3D printed shell, the speakers provide tactical-level deception in both large-scale combat operations and unconventional warfare.

Potts and his team also showcased magnetic mounting solutions for Acoustic Hailing Devices and Next Generation Loudspeakers. The mounting devices offer rapid attachment to both military and civilian vehicles.

“When teams are required to deploy on a short notice, they often have strict equipment and weight limits,” Potts stated. “This mounting system weighs eight pounds, while the current mounting system weighs over sixty pounds.”

This low-cost mounting solution significantly reduces setup time and risk of equipment damage, filling a long-standing need for adaptable loudspeaker integration across mission sets.

Across all presentations, one theme was constant: PSYOP Soldiers are building practical and urgently needed capabilities to fill real-world gaps. Whether through DIY fabrication, analytical tools or non-standard acquisition approaches, innovation is becoming an embedded part of the Regiment’s culture. The presenters reaffirmed the Regiment’s commitment to developing adaptive, creative and future-ready PSYOP forces prepared to meet the demands of competition and conflict in a rapidly evolving information environment.

By CPT Rachel Deppen

Posted in Guest Post, IO, SOF | 1 Comment »

Suunto Launches Nautic & Nautic S: A Bold New Era in Suunto’s Dive Computing

December 15th, 2025

Suunto, the Finnish pioneer in precision instruments and dive technology, proudly unveils its new dive computer series: Suunto Nautic and Suunto Nautic S. These next-generation devices mark a leap forward in Suunto’s dive legacy, blending rugged reliability with modern innovation to meet the needs of divers at every level.

Suunto announces the launch of two new dive computers, Suunto Nautic and Suunto Nautic S. These products mark the beginning of a new dive series designed to meet the evolving needs of both recreational and technical divers. With this launch, Suunto continues to build on its legacy of underwater exploration, offering reliable tools that combine modern functionality with durable design. Both products are designed and made in Finland.

From the Latin nauticus, meaning “of ships and sailors,” the name Nautic pays homage to Suunto’s origins in navigation. Just as Suunto’s first precision compasses 90 years ago guided explorers across unknown terrain, the Nautic series is built to guide divers below the surface – where trust, accuracy, and awareness matter most.

“The Nautic series builds on this legacy, combining Suunto’s proven reliability with modern features designed for today’s diving adventures. It represents the next chapter in Suunto’s long story of exploration beneath and beyond the surface,” says Lena Bergendahl, Suunto’s head of dive category and products.

Suunto Nautic – a full featured next generation dive computer built for adventure

The Suunto Nautic is a full-featured dive computer designed for dedicated divers who demand clarity, durability, and versatility. The Nautic features a 3.26-inch AMOLED display, the largest of its kind on the market. Designed for maximum readability in all diving conditions, the display offers a sharp 720×382 resolution and an adaptive user interface that ensures critical diving data is clearly visible. Despite its size and brightness, the Nautic maintains excellent battery performance: offering up to 120 hours of non-stop diving in medium brightness, 90 hours in night conditions, or 80 hours at full brightness. With typical use – about one dive per week – the battery lasts up to nine months on a single charge.

In addition to core dive features such as single- and multi-gas support, customizable alarms, compass, and wireless tank pressure compatibility, Nautic includes advanced features for technical diving. These include customization of dive views, trimix support, GF99 and SurfGF indicators, decompression planning tools, and compatibility with closed-circuit rebreathers via an upcoming software update. The device also supports sidemount diving with dual tank pressure display and switch alerts.

Suunto is renowned for its heritage and expertise in pioneering outdoor technology. The Nautic is also equipped with outdoor tools that support dive planning and preparation, including GPS, maps, tide information, weather forecasts, and sunrise/sunset times, and the Bühlmann 16 dive algorithm, complemented by a range of various algorithm settings.

A built-in LED flashlight adds utility for low-light conditions, and the device is compatible with Suunto’s heart rate belt and tank pod. Users can choose between a versatile bungee strap or a comfortable textile strap, both designed to ensure the right fit for every dive: easy to adjust (even with thick gloves), quick to use, and comfortable for every dive condition.

Suunto Nautic S – compact format with full dive functionality

The Suunto Nautic S, designed for scuba and free divers, offers similar functionality in a more compact wrist-sized format. It features AMOLED display technology and an intuitive interface in a more compact, lightweight design for divers who prefer a smaller device. Compared to the Suunto Ocean all-around sports, outdoor, and dive watch, the Nautic S is a single-purpose dive computer that focuses entirely on underwater functionality, omitting smartwatch and sports features, such as optical heart-rate tracking.

Like its larger counterpart, the Nautic S includes core diving features for both recreational and technical diving, including wireless tank pressure support, audio and vibration alarms, dive planning, compass, and sidemount support. It is ideal for freediving, snorkeling, and mermaiding, with specific features designed for these sports. The Nautic S also features the Bühlmann 16 dive algorithm with a range of various algorithm settings.

The Nautic S is water-resistant to 100 meters and rated for dives up to 80 meters. It also has an extensive battery life, up to 60 hours of non-stop diving. The device introduces a graphite gray color and an elastic textile strap for improved comfort. It also supports in-device customization of dive views and is compatible with Suunto’s existing accessories, including the Tank POD, heart rate belt, and 22mm Ocean and outdoor straps.

Suunto App: extending the dive experience

The Suunto app plays a central role in extending the functionality of both Nautic and Nautic S. It offers divers new ways to plan, log, and revisit their underwater experiences. Users can view their dive route and distance and enrich their logs by adding personal details such as equipment used, visibility conditions, sightings, and share their experience with their dive buddies. The app keeps all dive records organized and easily shareable, helping divers get more value from each adventure and maintain a comprehensive digital logbook.

Continuing a legacy of exploration

Founded in 1936 by Finnish inventor Tuomas Vohlonen, Suunto began with a breakthrough in compass technology – a more stable and accurate field compass that set a new standard for navigational precision. That same spirit of innovation has guided Suunto ever since.

Suunto entered the world of diving in 1965 with the launch of the SK-4, its first diving compass. In the decades that followed, Suunto introduced some of the industry’s most pioneering dive instruments, including the SME dive computer in 1987 and the Suunto Spyder in 1997 – the world’s first watch-sized dive computer. These milestones helped shape modern diving and established Suunto as a trusted companion for divers across the globe.

Posted in Maritime, Press Release, Watches | No Comments »

SIG SAUER Title Sponsor for 2026 Tactical Games

December 15th, 2025

NEWINGTON, N.H., (December 15, 2025) – SIG SAUER is proud to be the title sponsor of the 2026 Tactical Games, a premier competition series combining functional fitness and marksmanship. SIG SAUER’s partnership with Tactical Games combines precision firearms and physical fitness in the pursuit personal improvement.

The competitive format of the Tactical Games provides military personnel, law enforcement officers and civilians a platform to test their limits and performance across an array of tactical skills pitting marksmanship against physical exhaustion and mental fortitude.

The addition of SIG SAUER as a title sponsor will allow the competition to offer cash prizes for the first time in the competition history with $90,000 on the line at the 2026 National Championship. The 2026 season will feature expanded global events and a three-day National Championship allowing ample opportunity for increased competition at the highest level.

SIG SAUER is dedicated to the promotion of shooting sports and increasing skills within the firearms community, both through the SIG SAUER Academy and our competitive pistol products. This includes the new P211-GTO, which was designed to deliver uncompromising control and enhanced shootability. The P211-GTO was created for elite performance putting it at the pinnacle of competition.

The Tactical Games partnership offers a unique ability to combine SIG SAUER’s focus on technical prowess and design ingenuity with human skills and determination in a one-of-a-kind format.

To learn more about SIG SAUER, please visit sigsauer.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release | No Comments »