Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Renames Fort Moore to Fort Benning

March 4th, 2025

Today Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth signed a memorandum renaming Fort Moore in Georgia to Fort Benning. The new name pays tribute to Corporal (CPL) Fred G. Benning, who was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his extraordinary heroism in action during World War I with the U.S. Army in France in 1918. This change underscores the installation’s storied history of service to the United States of America, honors the warfighter ethos, and recognizes the heroes who have trained at the installation for decades and will continue to train on its storied ranges.

Posted in Army, Press Release | 15 Comments »

General Atomics Acquires North Point Defense

March 3rd, 2025

SAN DIEGO – 03 March 2025 – General Atomics (GA) today announced the strategic acquisition of North Point Defense, Inc. (NPD), a leading provider of Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) exploitation software and sensor integration, by General Atomics Integrated Intelligence, Inc. (GA-III), formerly known as General Atomics Commonwealth Computer Research, Inc. This acquisition enhances GA’s capabilities in the rapidly evolving SIGINT field, positioning the company to deliver advanced ISR solutions for air, sea, ground, and space platforms.

From concept to deployment, NPD delivers AI/ML-based autonomous signal processing and data dissemination solutions providing real-time actionable intelligence, supporting tactical and national mission priorities. “Joining GA represents an incredible opportunity to enhance our impact in delivering cutting-edge SIGINT solutions in support of national and tactical users,” said Bruce Benenati, President of NPD. “As part of a mission-focused organization with a proven track-record in tactical intelligence across the DoD and IC, we can accelerate innovation and deployment at scale. The integration gives our team access to unmatched operational expertise, resources, and a broader customer base. Together, we are poised to deliver even greater capabilities to those who depend on us in the field.”

GA-III is committed to providing a comprehensive suite of “out-of-the-box” hardware and software tools to meet mission requirements and expand the innovative intelligence capabilities within the GA group of companies. “The integration of NPD technologies into a division of GA-III is a strategic shift, enhancing GA’s ability to innovate rapidly and provide greater value to customers with end-to-end ISR solutions that are more efficient, effective, and technologically advanced.” said Brian Ralston, President of GA-III.

Baird served as the exclusive financial adviser and Miles & Stockbridge acted as legal counsel to North Point Defense on the transaction.

Posted in CEMA, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on General Atomics Acquires North Point Defense

Enforce Tac 25 – Aku Sentinel Low

March 3rd, 2025

Aku exhibited several new footwear models during last week’s Enforce Tac in Germany.

The Sentinel is offered as Full, Mid, and Low versions, both with GTX, but there’s also a non-GORE-TEX lined low model.

The shoe is made from a Microfiber upper and incorporates quick lace with a lace pocket and features a toe cap, and reinforced ankle, along with the Aku Tenuta grip sole and EVA mid-sole with nylon shank and anti-puncture fabric. Manufactured to EN 20347: 2022.

Others shown can be seen below. From the center, clockwise are the Sentinel Low, Selvatica Tactical Mid GTX, Selvatica Tactical GTX, Flyrock T, and Sentinel Mid GTX.

All are offered in Coyote and Black.

www.aku.com

Posted in Boots, Enforce Tac | Comments Off on Enforce Tac 25 – Aku Sentinel Low

Enforce Tac 25 – Helikon-Tex Goes Hawaiian

March 3rd, 2025

Helikon-Tex has introduced some comfy off-duty wear in Hawaiian-inspired patterns.

In addition to the shirts, you’ll find field totes.

Finally, there’s a Trucker cap in the patterns on the way as well.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, Enforce Tac, Off-Duty | Comments Off on Enforce Tac 25 – Helikon-Tex Goes Hawaiian

RTS Tactical – Legion Shield

March 3rd, 2025

The Legion Shield from RTS Tactical features a Viewport and ballistic bolts. It is built and rated to defeat NIJ 0101.07 RF1 level threats.

The handle incorporates a vibration dampening pad to dissipate kinetic energy when taking hits and the corners feature rubber bumpers to protect then shield while using it as well as during transport and storage.

Additionally, the Legion Shield is compatible with Foxfury LED lights.

Offered in two sizes, 18″ x 32″ (16.8 lbs) and 20″ x 36″ (19.3 lbs).

To learn more, visit rtstactical.com/products/rts-tactical-legion-ballistic-shield.

Posted in Armor, LE | Comments Off on RTS Tactical – Legion Shield

Rheinmetall Squad Support Weapon – The 40mm Fire Support Weapon for Superior Infantry Firepower

March 3rd, 2025

Rheinmetall is presenting the world’s first automatic, magazine-loaded, shoulder fired grenade launcher at Enforcetac 2025. Both weight, dimensions and handling of the SSW40 are similar to assault rifles. Thanks to a recoil-reducing and self-regulating recoil system, the SSW40 (Squad Support Weapon 40) can fire all available 40mm Low Velocity (LV) ammunition types as well as the new Rheinmetall 40mm Medium Velocity (MV) ammunition.

The new MV ammunition has a significantly increased velocity and a flat trajectory, allowing targets to be engaged more quickly and increasing the effective range of the system to 900m. Combined with the broad spectrum of Rheinmetall’s 40mm LV/MV ammunition portfolio, the infantry user achieves unprecedented flexibility and effectiveness on the battlefield of the future. The first test firings were successfully carried out at the beginning of 2024. The market launch with series production will start in 2025.

The 40mm MV ammunition family combines Rheinmetall’s experience in 40mm LV and High Velocity (HV) ammunition. Therefore, the SSW40 can be used with the following ammunition types:

HE Fragmentation (HEFRAG)
Anti-Tank (HEDP)
Door Breaching (HEBE)
Air Burst (HEAB)
Training (TPM, TPM-T)
Illumination / Fog
Sound & Flash and Irritation Ammunition (CS)

Via a quick magazine change, the SSW40 can be used in any near peer as well as asymmetric conflict scenario and offers superior firepower in any terrain, even against medium-weight armoured vehicles. The interfaces on the SSW40 also allow the inclusion of laser light modules, fire control sights as well as IR programmers for aerial explosive point ammunition. The SSW40 can also be integrated on vehicle mounts or field mounts.

Posted in International, Press Release, weapons | 6 Comments »

AFSOC Reveals Name for OA-1K: Skyraider II

March 3rd, 2025

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. —

AFSOCs newest airframe, the OA-1K, will officially be the Skyraider II. AFSOC leaders made the announcement today at the Special Air Warfare Symposium. The moniker renews the rugged and versatile nature of the A-1 Skyraider, which was in service from 1946 to the early 1980s.

“I am excited about the Skyraider II, I think we have a capability that’s only ours, and we are going to have the ability to shape that into something that the rest of the nation might not even know they need right now,” said Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, Air Force Special Operations commander.

The Skyraider II is a cost-effective crewed aircraft that is adaptable across the spectrum of conflict. It will have the ability to support special operations forces as well as the Joint Force through close air support, precision strike, and armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

“AFSOC has enduring global missions,” said Brig. Gen. Craig Prather, AFSOC’s Director of Strategic Plans, Programs and Requirements. “While we don’t expect the Skyraider II to go mix it up with 5th and 6th generation fighters, it will provide value to our supported forces globally.”

The Skyraider II is a lean, agile, modular, and hardened aircraft but one of the most distinguishing feature, like its namesake, is its tailwheel. This prominent feature gives the Skyraider II the capability for short takeoffs and landings as well as the ability to operate from unimproved or austere airfields.

“Providing scalable and precision effects is where the Skyraider II will come in. The Skyraider II could take on missions from the southwest border to Africa and create dilemmas to those we are in competition with,” said Prather.

While in use during the Korean War and Vietnam War, the Skyraider provided extra muscle and firepower for Air Commando combat operations. Its sturdy and persistent nature was showcased when Maj. Bernard Fisher was awarded the first Medal of Honor for an Airman in the Southeast Asia War in an A-1E Skyraider. Later in 1968, Lt. Col. William A. Jones III also received the United States military’s highest decoration – the Medal of Honor – for his actions in an A-1H Skyraider.

The first Skyraider II is expected to arrive at Hurlburt Field in Spring 2025.

Air Force Special Operations Command

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post, SOF | 1 Comment »

Rheinmetall Gladius Light – Special Networking for Special Operations Forces

March 2nd, 2025

Soldier systems connect individual warriors on the battlefield with other actors, sensors, effectors and platforms, bringing them into the network-enabled operational loop. Rheinmetall has extensive experience in this area. Just in February 2025 the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and In Service Support of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) has signed a framework contract with Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH for the follow-on procurement of soldiersystems ‘Infantry Soldier of the Future – Enhanced System’ (IdZES). The framework contract, with a maximum gross volume of €3.1bn, will run until the end of 2030. Overall, the German Armed Forces can thus initiate the proportional regeneration as well as the manufacturing and delivery of up to 368 IdZ-ES platoon systems and various options for the procurement of additional components and services. A platoon is a military sub-unit.

IdZ-ES is based on the soldier system Gladius 2.0. At Enforce Tac 2025, the Group will be presenting another version of its Gladius 2.0 soldier system, specifically designed to meet the needs of special operations forces. During development, the system’s designers kept a sharp focus on the need for lightweight, flexible systems that enable maximum mobility. The Gladius Light configuration has therefore been stripped down to its essentials. At the same time, however, care was taken to maximize flexibility, making it possible to include accessories needed for special operations. Moreover, the new configuration is specially designed to enable subsequent upgrades and extensions. The Gladius Light configuration is based on a lightweight tactical harness with scalable ballistic protection.

It includes:
-a radio for voice and data communication as well as GPS tracking for ‘blue force’ information;
-an advanced headset with various push-to-talk buttons (connected by cable or Bluetooth) for voice communication;
-an end user device (e.g. a tablet) for depicting tactical maps, assuring an uninterrupted exchange of information and improved situational awareness.

Posted in Armor, Comms, Digitization, International, Press Release, SOF | Comments Off on Rheinmetall Gladius Light – Special Networking for Special Operations Forces