Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

SIG NEXT 25 – HYP Rifle

June 20th, 2025

Coming Winter 2025 is what SIG describes as the most durable AR10 platform on the market, the HYP rifle. The name stems from the rifle’s ability to handle the high pressures (HYP) from SIG’s composite case ammunition.

Like with the 516 G3 Mohawk, SIG took lessons learned from the MCX rifle and applied them to a gas impingement AR pattern gun. It features a steel cam path insert and steel feed ramp along with a chrome lined hammer forged barrel. In fact, the barrel has a QD muzzle device which accepts the MG68QD suppressor used on the Army’s Next Gen M250 machine gun. It’s also fully ambidextrous, mirroring the controls on the 516 G3 Mohawk.

I had expected the HYP to also incorporate the side charging handle found on the 516 G3 Mohawk, but they left it off of the HYP in order to keep cost down. Turns out, the HYP is $2000 less than the MCX-SPEAR, making it a great choice for those who want to take advantage of .277 FURY. As you can see above, it also uses the steel 20 round magazines for the M7 Next Gen rifle.

I increased the contrast on the photo of this gel block to give you an idea of the performance of .277 FURY. This commercial ammo features 150gr NOSLER Accubond bonded core bullets.

Additional calibers will assuredly follow .277 FURY, including the ability to fire HYP versions of .7.62 and others.

Coming Winter 2025.

Posted in Advertiser, weapons | 6 Comments »

SIG NEXT 25 – 516 G3 MOHAWK

June 20th, 2025

SIG was actually considering retiring the 516 but when they did a design review, the decision was made to incorporate lessons learned and best features from their other rifle offerings on a third generation of the rifle. The result is the new 516 G3 MOHAWK.

For instance, this new version of the popular 516 incorporates a steel cam pathway reinforcement insert into the upper receiver along with steel feed ramps, both found on the MCX.

The carbine also uses the MCX bolt with its tapered lugs and firing pin latch which helps prevent slam fire. Additionally, like with the MCX, the forward assist can be removed and a plug out in place.

Another feature which found its way over from the MCX line is the left-side non-reciprocating side charging handle. The side charger is removable and they’ll offer an insert to fill the slot. Likewise, you can remove the t-handle charger and replace it with a clamp to seal the rear of the receiver, eliminating gas in the face.

They’ve retained the 516 G2’s short stroke piston system, but production models will have a new valve lever with three wings in order to make it easier to manipulate between the three gas positions.

The carbine’s 16” chrome lined hammer forged barrel has a 1:7 twist and features a muzzle device which eliminates flash as well as climb and is compatible with SIG’s suppressors. Expect an 11.5” option as well.

To improve ergonomics they have incorporated a set of fully ambidextrous controls as well as installing a right side, side lock/release. Meanwhile, it has a SIG Matchlite DUO curved trigger.

Another major improvement is the new free-float handguard. Gone is the old “cheese grater” full length Picatinny rails which have been replaced with M-LOK slots.

With all of these improvements, the 516 G3 might be a good candidate for the UK’s upcoming Project Graeburn, the SA80 replacement.

The gun was very flat shooting, even on full-auto, and has soft recoil making it very controllable and easy to quickly transition targets. If I was going to buy another AR, it would be this one.

Look for the SIG 516 G3 MOHAWK winter 2025.

www.sigsauer.com/516g3-mohawk

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SIG Advanced Concepts

June 20th, 2025

With the advent of a new business element named SIG Advanced Concepts, SIG SAUER has expanded their efforts to integrate their core capabilities into unmanned systems. Preferring to remain platform agnostic, they will introduce non-lethal through lethal and ISR capabilities into existing drone and other robotic systems. These are commonly referred to collectively as unmanned system or UXS where the “X” could be an Air, Ground, or Underwater system.

SIG’s goal is to work with the customer and integrate with their existing infrastructure, utilizing existing UXS, communications, and controllers. Concentrating on balancing payload versus desired effect and flight time, they optimize the customer’s drone’s configuration. Lessons learned in operational deployments of UXS are constantly applied to the development effort.

Additionally, they are training both new and existing drone operators into how to use these newly integrated systems, from basic skills all the way to the most advanced, complex operations. After mastering how to fly with the new payload, students use milsim and paint systems during the train up period before transitioning to live fire scenarios with drone borne firearms.

Look for more details soon.

Posted in Advertiser, Robotics, UAS | 3 Comments »

Silvus Technologies StreamCaster LITE 5200 Added to DIU Blue UAS Framework Delivering Powerful MANET Radio Performance for Leading-Edge Unmanned Systems

June 20th, 2025

Expands Silvus’ Portfolio of NDAA Compliant MANET Radios for the Blue UAS Ecosystem

· Built for unmanned systems operating at the tactical edge, Silvus’ StreamCaster LITE 5200 (SL5200) delivers optimized power, high-bandwidth throughput, and advanced mesh-networking performance in an ultra-low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) OEM MANET radio module form factor.

· SL5200 joins the SC4200EP and SL4200 MANET radios on the Blue UAS Framework – designated by DIU as NDAA compliant and approved for use in conjunction with Blue UAS platforms.

Los Angeles, CA – June 19, 2025 – Silvus Technologies, Inc. (“Silvus”), a global leader in advanced wireless networking communication systems, today announced that the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), has officially added Silvus’ StreamCaster LITE 5200 (SL5200) OEM Module to the Blue UAS Framework. Delivering powerful MANET radio performance for today’s leading-edge unmanned systems, the SL5200 unifies C2, sensor and telemetry data with communications relay capabilities in an easy to integrate, ultra-low SWaP OEM module form factor.

After undergoing the Blue UAS program’s rigorous evaluation, this certification validates the SL5200 compliance with DoD standards for cybersecurity, supply chain integrity and operational reliability. Interoperable and NDAA compliant, the SL5200 has been approved for use in conjunction with Blue UAS platforms.

The SL5200 joins the StreamCaster SC4200EP and StreamCaster LITE SL4200 MANET radios on the Blue UAS Framework – exemplifying Silvus’ commitment to delivering robust, secure, and reliable C2 and mesh networked communications solutions for unmanned operations across any domain.

“Silvus continues to push the boundaries of mesh networking for mission-critical unmanned systems applications,” said Jimi Henderson, VP of Sales, Silvus Technologies. “With all three of our latest StreamCaster MANET radios now on the Blue UAS Framework – we’re proud to lead the way in secure, resilient communications technology for unmanned systems developers.”

SL5200: Blue UAS Framework Certified. The Power To Perform

Compact and powerfully versatile, the SL5200 delivers class-leading power, range, and tactical mobility with up to 2 Watts output power (4W effective power, thanks to TX Eigen-Beamforming), and 100 Mbps data rate for bi-directional C2, video, sensor and telemetry data communications in one self-contained OEM Module.

Featuring an ultra-low SWaP profile (52g), with multiple I/O interface options (Ethernet, USB, RS232), the SL5200 is designed for seamless integration into leading-edge unmanned systems, loitering munitions, and other SWaP constrained embedded applications. Systems operators can now experience Group 2 UAV level radio performance in a compact form factor engineered for Group 1 sized platforms.

At the heart of every StreamCaster MANET radio is Silvus’ battle-proven MN-MIMO waveform, that creates a self-forming and adaptive mesh network – capable of linking hundreds of nodes with unmatched range, throughput, EW resiliency and scalability. With the SL5200, operators can connect multiple UAVs, UGVs, USVs, sensors, personnel, and manned/unmanned platforms, to actualize a common operating picture through one massively scalable mesh network. The SL5200 is seamlessly compatible with 4000-series StreamCaster MANET radios, ensuring interoperability across a diverse range of applications.

In addition to AES256 and FIPS 140-3 encryption for secure operations, the SL5200 provides available access to Silvus’ Spectrum Dominance – an expansive suite of LPI/LPD and Anti-Jamming resiliency capabilities. Silvus is the only tactical MANET radio provider that delivers Spectrum Dominance secure and protected communications in complex, congested and contested environments, without sacrificing performance.

Learn more about the StreamCaster family of MANET radios on our website and follow us on LinkedIn.

Posted in Comms, Press Release, UAS | No Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus – See Us at ADS Warrior East

June 20th, 2025

Come see us at ADS Warrior East next week over at the Virginia Beach Convention Center in Virginia Beach, VA, Wednesday, June 25th and Thursday, June 26th. Check out our product line-up and catch up with our team to learn more about what’s yet to come in 2025 from FirstSpear!

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.

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | No Comments »

New Machine Gun Optic Tested by 10th Mountain Division

June 20th, 2025

FORT DRUM, N.Y. — Explosions echoed through the training area as Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division (LI) trained with their newly issued XM152 Mounted Machine Gun Optic for the Mark 19 40 mm grenade machine gun.

Designed to enhance situational awareness and survivability, the XM152 MMO allows gunners to neutralize threats more effectively through accurate, controlled fire at various distances.

Before heading to the range, Soldiers received hands-on instruction from the Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command on the optic’s capabilities and operation.

“This optic is important because we need first-round hit probability,” said Tyler Griffeth, a training instructor with TACOM. “A lot of times with the Mark 19 using the iron sights, the Soldiers are really focused on the iron sight when we really need the big picture, and that’s the battlefield.”

The optic enhances engagement capabilities in two key ways: first, by offering a wide field-of-view holographic reticle for rapid, close-range target acquisition, and second, by incorporating a three-times magnifier to extend the effective range and improve accuracy.

“This now switches it to where the Soldier can be more threat-focused, which will increase their first-round hit probability and their overall lethality,” said Griffeth. “Now that technology like this becomes available to the Soldier, we’re going to get out there and get more lethal.”

After familiarization, Soldiers headed to the range the following day to engage targets using the new optic. TACOM instructors joined them to ensure proficiency and understanding of the equipment.

“I feel like with this new optic, I’m very confident in the Mark 19 system, it was much easier to hit the farther ranges and was able to destroy the target as needed,” Sgt. Trever Linberg, a helicopter repairman with Delta Company, 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (LI). “With this optic, I could qualify much easier, it took a lot less rounds.”

With new knowledge, experience, and confidence, these Soldiers can return to their units as subject matter experts and bring their fellow Soldiers up to speed on the latest equipment, making the 10th Mountain Division even more capable.

“I wish I had something like this back when I was in the service,” Griffeth said. “I wasted a lot of ammo that could have been right on target the first time.”

By SGT Matthew Connor

SSD Note: The MMO capitalizes on COTS optical technologies to provide a rugged, low-cost optic for the mounted Soldier in Combat Support and Combat Service Support formations. It has three variants, one each for the M2/M2A1 (MMO XM155), M240B/H/L (MMO XM156), and the MK19 (MMO XM152).

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Optics | 1 Comment »

Anduril and Rheinmetall Partner to Design and Manufacture Barracuda, Fury and Solid Rocket Motors for European Defence

June 19th, 2025

Rheinmetall and Anduril Industries announced a strategic partnership to co-develop and deliver a suite of software-defined autonomous systems to extend the availability of autonomous mission systems.

The partnership is starting with the development of three proven capabilities – but is about to be extended with more next generation technologies over time:

• The integration of a European variant of Anduril´s Barracuda as part of Anduril’s family of low-cost, mass-producible autonomous air vehicles into Rheinmetall´s digital sovereignty framework (“Battlesuite”).

• The inclusion of a European variant of Anduril´s Fury, a high-performance, multi-mission group 5 autonomous air vehicle (AAV), into Rheinmetall´s digital sovereignty framework (“Battlesuite”).

• The exploration of opportunities for solid rocket motors for European use leveraging Anduril’s new production approaches.
These systems will be jointly developed and produced by the two companies, incorporating sovereign suppliers and industrial partners throughout Europe.

“This is a different model of defence collaboration, one built on shared production, operational relevance, and mutual respect for sovereignty,” said Brian Schimpf, CEO of Anduril Industries. “Together with Rheinmetall, we’re building systems that can be produced quickly, deployed widely, and adapted as NATO missions evolve.”

“Rheinmetall has always stood for reliability, scale, and strategic depth in defence manufacturing,” said Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall. “By integrating Anduril`s solutions into Rheinmetall´s European production set up and digital sovereignty framework, we’re building on that foundation to bring new kinds of autonomous capabilities into service, ones that are quick to produce, modular, and aligned with NATO’s evolving requirements.”

Built in Europe, for Europe

This partnership is a long-term shared investment in co-developing easily fielded systems tailored to the specific needs of each European regional market. It reflects a “built with, not for” philosophy—one that prioritizes European sovereignty, local control, transparency, and adaptability over dependency or lock-in.

• The integration of Barracuda and Barracuda-M into Rheinmetall´s systems will provide European militaries with an affordable autonomous air vehicle designed for hyperscale production. Its modular design supports a wide range of payloads and targeting modes making it a flexible option for the unique needs of European forces.

• The inclusion of Fury, an autonomous air vehicle designed to operate as part of manned-unmanned teams of aircraft, into Rheinmetall´s ecosystem of products allows each country to configure its own command-and-control systems and operational constraints. Fury is designed to deliver advanced fighter performance with the flexibility to integrate a variety of sensors and payloads in support of mission requirements.

• The Solid Rocket Motors effort could help ensures European access to a reliable line of propulsion systems offering industrial redundancy and delivery at scale, when domestic sources are not yet sufficient.

A Shared Approach to Industrial Defence
The partnership builds on earlier collaboration between the two companies, including the development of a layer countered UAS solution and a joint pursuit of the U.S. Army’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) program. Rather than slow, proprietary development pipelines that tie customers to a single vendor, this partnership embraces speed, modularity, and co-development. It’s a model that empowers allies to shape and evolve their own capabilities, while working within a shared NATO-aligned framework.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Tenicor Announces the Launch of VELO LUX – AIWB Light-Bearing Holster

June 19th, 2025

Idaho, USA – Tenicor is proud to introduce the VELO LUX, the next evolution in its AIWB holster lineup, designed specifically for use with compact and large weapon lights. Building on the proven foundation of the SAGAX LUX2 and the MALUS SOL, the VELO LUX delivers refined features and expanded compatibility to meet the needs of the professionally minded user.

The VELO LUX combines innovation and functionality, offering updates such as:

• A third clip placement at the sight channel for enhanced stability.

• Discreet Carry Concepts MOD4 clips with ride height and cant adjustment to optimize concealment and stability.

• A body contour that eliminates hot spots by filling voids between the gun and the body.

• Multiple camming bar options to rotate the grip into the body, reducing printing.

• Compatibility with all major optic brands.

• Spacer kits for retention adjustments (included with multi-light fit holsters)

Expanded Compatibility

The VELO LUX will replace all existing SAGAX LUX2 and MALUS SOL holsters. Now with additional support for M&P9 M2.0 with universal light fitment, and SIG SAUER P365-XMACRO with TLR-7X/HL-X.

Launch Timeline

The VELO LUX is available starting 19 JUN 2025, with support for Glock, Staccato, Sig Sauer, M&P, and 2011/1911 platforms. See the announcement video HEREhighlighting the conversion from the SAGAX LUX2 and MALUS SOL to the VELO LUX.

tenicor.com/collections/velo-lux-aiwb-holsters

Posted in Holsters, Press Release | No Comments »