XC3 Weaponlight

TangoDown – Vickers Tactical +3 Extension for GLOCK 43

March 5th, 2025

TangoDown® Inc. announces product collaboration with XTECH® Tactical on the new Vickers Tactical™ +3 Magazine Extension for GLOCK® 43 model (VTMFP-011).  The VTMFP-011 is made of the same durable material used in the GLOCK® magazine body.  It also matches the grip frame texture to ensure non-slip grip for reloads.  The 9+1 capacity enhances an already desirable option for EDC.

The VTMFP-011 consists of the following: two-piece extended floorplate; floorplate retainer; and stainless-steel spring.  The kit converts (1) GLOCK® factory OEM magazine.

Note:  Fits Glock® 43 Model ONLY.

Installation by a Certified Glock™ Armorer or Gunsmith recommended.

Visit the product page for all information regarding the VTMFP-011: tangodown.com/vickers-tactical-3-magazine-extension-for-the-glock-43-vtmfp-011

MSRP: $19.95

Customer Questions:  sales@tangodown.com

**If you aren’t sure what part you need, email us with the GEN/Model & our team will point you in the right direction.

New Helmet Bags from WARQ and Defilade

March 5th, 2025

Here are two new helmet bags from WARQ and Defilade. They offer the same features:

– Four-way latch down mesh for a secure fit

– Clamshell design for quick access and a large opening

– Two carry handles and removable shoulder strap

– Protective foam liner

– Folds flat for easy storage or transport when not in use

– Available in Tan or Black

WARQ Helmet Bag fits WARQ Pro Helmet, Ballistic Helmets and Bump Helmets.

warqhelmets.com/helmet-bag

The DEFILADE Helmet Bag fits Riot / Public Order Helmets.

defiladeps.com/helmet-bag

 

Midwest Armor Introduces The RIGlet: Versatile Convertible Placard for Tactical Adaptability

March 5th, 2025

Midwest Armor, the Knoxville-based manufacturer of American-made tactical equipment, announces the release of The RIGlet, a height-adjustable placard that combines the functionality of a pouch and placard in one compact, adaptable platform.


The RIGlet featured in Multicam

The RIGlet offers a streamlined approach to tactical equipment organization with its low-profile design that includes three magazine slots and a spacious zippered admin pouch. Its modular configuration allows for seamless transitions between plate carrier attachment and standalone chest rig setups.


The RIGlet featured on a plate carrier (side view) 

The RIGlet can also be converted into a full chest rig using the duckbill modification, which allows for the integration of First Spear Tubes® or 1″ side release buckles, facilitating a quick-release chest rig configuration.

Sizing:

-Dimensions: 8″ x 6″ x 2″
-Weight: 9.5 oz
-Height-adjustable design

Compatible Add-ons (Sold Separately):

-Hilo MOLLE Placard Wings
-Drop Pouch
-Hilo Chest Rig Tubes Duckbill Insert
-Hilo Buckle Duckbill Insert

Like all Midwest Armor products, The RIGlet is designed, cut, sewn, and finished in their Knoxville, Tennessee facility, upholding the company’s commitment to American manufacturing and quality.

Whether you’re augmenting your plate carrier setup, seeking additional storage options, or transitioning to a chest rig for greater flexibility, the RIGlet delivers unparalleled functionality in a streamlined design, making it an indispensable asset in any operational environment.

For more information or to place an order, visit: midwestarmor.com/products/the-riglet

Rheinmetall VTAL – the Compact and Modular Laser Module for Special Forces

March 5th, 2025

The modular laser module VTAL from Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics, designed especially for special forces, is extremely robust and compact. The “Variable Tactical Aiming Laser” is suitable for use on today’s shorter assault rifles as well as on other small arms.

Watertight, light and stable, the metal housing has a built-in MIL STD 1913/STANAG 4694 interface. Because the VTAL protrudes only about 25 mm above the mounting rail, it does not interfere with the line of sight during conventional optical aiming. The VTAL features an extremely strong visible red dot laser, an infrared dot laser, and an infrared illuminator. The superior quality of the lasers and their consistency of form enhances the user’s situational awareness in all operating environments. Importantly, the VTAL is compatible with all standard image intensifier devices. The fully integrated laser block is aligned at the factory, making adjustment on the weapon simple. The VTAL can also be configured according to customer requirements.

Owing to the device’s modern design, the operator can adjust the intensity of both dot lasers with the aid of a colour-coded cable switch. The illuminator can be focused using a separate control knob. Furthermore, the VTAL can be coupled with other tactical weapon lights and can be operated using a combined two button cable switch.

Rheinmetall offers the “TL-MissionLight” as such a separate weapon torch. It is available in a standard version with a dual LED head and a special version for hostage rescue operations. Typically, the LM-VTAL and one of the two weapon lights are mounted on the weapon. The robust design assures stability and dependability. The system can withstand the worst battlefield conditions and is waterproof to a depth of 30 metres. This way, operators know they can rely on the device at all times.

Rheinmetall’s laser light package is already in use with various special operation formations. Among others it is a component of the Bundeswehr’s Special Forces Assault Rifle (“Sturmgewehr Spezialkräfte Bundeswehr, leicht”).

Exosens Makes First US Investment in Night Vision Production Capacity to Address Growing Demand and Benefit from New Opportunities

March 5th, 2025

MÉRIGNAC, FRANCE – MARCH, 3RD 2025

In response to increasing demand, Exosens will invest €20M over the next two years to expand production capacity in both Europe and the U.S.

This investment will establish Exosens’ first U.S. manufacturing site for producing “Made in America” image intensifier tubes

It strengthens Exosens’ position to capture a larger share of the world’s largest market, which represents 45% of the global market and is set for strong growth in both commercial and defense sectors

The global night vision market is benefiting from growing demand, driven by increasing defense budgets and the need for armies worldwide to enhance their night fighting capabilities. The return of high-density combat has underscored the critical importance of night operation abilities as a key tactical advantage. NATO and Tier-1 allies continued to ramp up their procurement of night vision systems in 2024, though they are still far from reaching the targeted equipment rate.

With decades of expertise, Photonis, brand of Exosens, offers image intensifier tubes, the engine of night vision devices, which improve soldiers’ tactical situational awareness, agility and mobility, as well as their targeting and driving capabilities, in the darkest of nights.

In order to meet increasing night vision demand, Exosens invests €20m to expand its production capacity not only in Europe but also in the US with, for the first time, a new production plant in the US underscoring additional market opportunities with locally produced “Made in America” image intensifier tubes.

This new installation will take place in Sturbridge (Massachusetts) where the group has already its Photonis Scientific Inc subsidiary. Exosens will take advantage of the support and synergies available within the group to optimize the time setup for the manufacturing of the image intensifier tubes, which is expected to begin in early 2027.

“We are pleased to announce a new investment in our capacity on the US ground, which represents a major step in our strategy. Expansion into the US market presents a significant opportunity to strengthen our position as a global leader in image intensifier tubes. This new capacity will also enable us to meet customers’ demand for large-volume, high-performance products manufactured in the US.” said Exosens CEO, Jérôme Cerisier

www.exosens.com

Mach Industries Selected by Army for Contract to Develop Strategic Strike Aircraft

March 5th, 2025

Huntington Beach, CA, March 4th, 2025 – Mach Industries, a defense manufacturing company that develops advanced aircraft, was selected by the Army Applications Laboratory to develop Strategic Strike, a vertical takeoff (VTO) cruise missile, enabling a precision strike for maneuver units. The contract for Strategic Strike, awarded in Q3 of 2024, will enhance the strike capabilities of Company through Brigade-level maneuver elements.

Since winning this contract, Mach has rapidly developed the Strategic Strike program, locking Strategic Strike’s design by the end of September 2024, and successfully testing vertical takeoff into full-performance wingborne flight by mid-January 2025. Work is currently underway to rapidly integrate AI visual and RF sensing techniques to allow Strategic Strike’s operation in GPS and comms-denied environments.

Strategic Strike has a range of 290 km, carrying a 10+ kg warhead. The combination of VTO, high speed and range/payload is radically novel for the current fighting force. At the culmination of the contract, Mach will provide the warfighter with a VTO asset that has HIMARS range, cruise missile speed, and Hellfire effects.

The emergence of low-cost, man-portable intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets has resulted in a new challenge: maneuver elements are now able to sense farther than they can shoot. Presently, the elimination of high-payoff targets is a collaborative effort requiring the coordination of several services or levels of organizations.

Strategic Strike, by contrast, is designed to dramatically improve a maneuver force’s ability to engage high-payoff targets beyond the forward line of troops. This product refinement will produce a versatile strike vehicle to deliver a mission-relevant payload at range.

The primary objective for Strategic Strike is to launch from beyond enemy radar range, reducing the probability of detection, and increasing launch team survivability. Tactical maneuver units will be able to engage and prosecute high-payoff targets, such as radar arrays and artillery pieces, well beyond the forward line of troops.

“I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity to deliver a war-changing capability to our military, and impressed by the engineering and manufacturing team’s hard work–taking Strategic Strike from design kickoff in September to flight just 14 weeks later,” said Ethan Thornton, CEO and Founder of Mach Industries. “I truly think the product team we’ve assembled here will drive generational value to the U.S. at this critical time, and I’m excited every day to see the rate of product development continue to accelerate. The entire Mach team is eagerly awaiting the day when the factory we’re prototyping Strategic Strike in turns on production and deploys them by the thousands to deter wars.”

machindustries.co

Enforce Tac 25 – MLV Tactical Design

March 4th, 2025

Denmark’s MLV Tactical Design gave us a peak at their new maritime uniform. Made from a softshell material in grey, we’d refer to this as an underway uniform here in the US.

Enforce Tac 25 – Schöffel TEC

March 4th, 2025

Schöffel TEC is well known for their use protective clothing for motorsports and Law Enforcement and they have produced a conceptual uniform for Germany’s Special Forces, the Kommando Specialkräfte (KSK).

Seen here is their winter combat shirt and combat pant in KSKs distinctive MutiTarn camouflage pattern which applies MultiCam colors to the National Flecktarn pattern.

It is made from Softshell GORE-TEX PYRAD fabric for FR performance along with a mesh at the torso with a proprietary ceramic appliqué.

It is paired with a pair of combat pants in the same PYRAD fabric with some interesting features like this zippered pocket which can be accessed while kneeling.

Seen here is an alternative combat uniform prototype.