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The Next-Generation in Body Armour – Brigantes to Pioneer Armor Forge in the UK and EU

November 7th, 2024

Brigantes have recently confirmed a new agreement with US-based body armour manufacturer, Armor Forge, naming them as the primary point of contact for UK military sales and a new point of contact for EU sales. This powerful partnership is set to revolutionise body armour for the UK’s Armed Forces and Police Units, bringing Armor Forge’s state-of-the-art trailblazing technology to the forefront of strategic operations.

A distinguished alliance

Founded in 2014 by ex-military personnel, Brigantes are the go-to specialist for on-the-soldier equipment for every conceivable operational environment. Uniting decades of military experience with advanced technical expertise, keen industry awareness, and unique alliances with world-leading brands, they have cemented themselves as a trusted international supplier to NATO military, government, and elite police units.

Established in 2020, Armor Forge are the proud creator of the first graphene-integrated nanocomposite armour system on the planet. The product of leading scientific partnerships and two years of hands-on development with warfighters and law enforcement professionals, Armor Forge’s body armour systems are the mostadvanced solutions on the market today.

The partnership between these two companies will bring the extraordinary capability of Armor Forge to the UK market, catapulting Armed Forces and Police Units body armour into the 21st century, following decades of stagnation in this realm. In addition to serving as the point of contact for UK military sales, Brigantes will also take up the role as one of the key points of contact for sales across the EU.

A new frontier – the graphene solution

The body armour industry is one that has remained somewhat frozen in time for several decades, with many of the major manufacturers continuing to use outdated, 50-year old technology in their systems. Technology which has not been adapted to keep pace with the modern threats that we can expect to face on today’s battlefields. If ever there were a compelling counter-argument for the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” rhetoric, it is this one. Body armour is one of the most vital life sources for operators navigating hostile environments. An upgrade was long overdue. Frustrated by the range of armour solutions available, Armor Forge set about to create their own solution; one that provided unparalleled protection, without compromise. Fulfilling the need for protection that was lightweight yet extremely durable.

Graphene was the answer, but the equation was far from simple. With a unique structure of tightly bonded atoms, graphene is 200x stronger than steel. However, it is also notoriously difficult to work with, and despite numerous competitor attempts to utilise it into armoured solutions since its discovery in 2004, all proved unsuccessful. Until now.

Image credit – Armor ForgeLighter. Thinner. Stronger Trailblazers to their core, Armor Forge have cracked the graphene code. Utilising the expertise of leading scientists in graphene nano integration, aerospace composite and next-generation materials, as well as close partnerships with clients including NASA and SpaceX, they have been able to produce the first ever graphene-based armour system.

This development is truly no small feat, and the proof of this is in the astounding protective properties of the finished product. Offering extreme durability, thinness and reliability, in a sleek, lightweight package, Armor Forge is lightyears ahead of its competitors. Manufactured at their facility in Colorado, USA, these plates are stab, drop and impact-proof, whilst also offering heat stability and hydrophobic properties. All products go through extensive testing at NTS Chesapeake – the premier ballistics lab in the US, exceeding NIJ standards, and do not require X-Ray verification prior to issuing. Not enough to excel in performance, Armor Forge plates also boast an impressive 10-year lifespan, twice the average of their competitors.

Precision is key and every detail is considered throughout the manufacturing process. Each Armor Forge plate is assembled by a single composite technician, in accordance with ISO 1000 standards. Committed to innovation and with a deep understanding of the nuances of the modern battlefield, Armor Forge can also develop orders on a custom basis, producing at a scale to suit their customer’s unique requirements.

Let’s talk

This is a truly exciting development for the UK Defence market. Through the partnership of these two companies, Armor Forge’s next-level innovation can be delivered into the hands of those who need it, finally providing them with cutting-edge protection which meets the demands of the environments in which they serve and enabling them to harness their complete potential. To learn more about the bespoke capabilities available through Armor Forge and how they can be leveraged to enhance your operations, get in touch with us today.

www.brigantes.com

Posted in Armor, Industry, International, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Army Brigades Embrace Change, Test New Tactics

November 7th, 2024

WASHINGTON — In eastern Europe, Soldiers with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division work alongside North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies as they transform into one of the Army’s newest formations — a light brigade combat team.

The change is part of the Army’s Transforming in Contact effort, where brigades are adapting their formations and getting new technology into the hands of Soldiers so they can experiment, innovate and be ready to fight on the modern battlefield. Soldiers can then provide real-world feedback allowing the Army to make necessary adjustments.

“Everything we do [with transforming in contact] is grounded in one simple principle and that is increased lethality for our formations,” said Maj. Gen. Joseph Ryan, Department of the Army assistant deputy chief of staff, G-3/5/7. “There is nothing that will survive contact better than more lethal, more agile, more strategically and tactically mobile formations.”

As part of the switch, the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, also known as Patriots, has focused on experimenting with organizational structure.

The brigade decentralized its sustainment support battalion to make it less vulnerable to detection and enemy fire. They also created three strike companies with ground reconnaissance scouts, short and medium-range drones, unmanned aerial weapons, mortars, counter-unmanned aerial systems and electronic warfare teams.

All three companies are training in Europe, and the brigade is gathering new equipment for them to test when they go on a Joint Multinational Readiness Center rotation to Bavaria in January.

That wasn’t the only change. The Patriots are using a fleet of Infantry Support Vehicles to help Soldiers navigate complex terrain. The nine-seat utility vehicle helps the brigade as they transform into a light formation.

“That’s going to provide some really enhanced mobility for us, allow us to reposition troops, and equipment on the battlefield very rapidly in ways that light infantry formations haven’t been able to do over the ground up to this point,” said Col. Joshua G. Glonek, 3rd Brigade Combat Team commander.

The Patriots are one of three brigades taking part in phase one of the transformation initiative that started in spring 2024. The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), also known as Screaming Eagles, is another.

The Screaming Eagles completed two rotations this year at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, Louisiana, as well as a 21-day field training exercise called Operation Lethal Eagle.

Throughout the year, the Screaming Eagles experimented with their structure as they became the Army’s first mobile brigade combat team, capable of increased agility to accommodate the service’s shift to large-scale operations.

That mobility comes from using approximately 200 Infantry Squad Vehicles to carry Soldiers and equipment.

The 101st also added a multifunctional reconnaissance company for target acquisition, counter reconnaissance, and security and set up an anti-tank platoon as well as a robotics platoon for human-machine integration. These changes were incorporated into the brigade’s three infantry battalions.

Transforming in Contact not only applies to organizational structure but also experimentation with new technology.

During their rotations at the training center, the Screaming Eagles used drones and electromagnetic decoys to draw enemy fire. They also experimented with multiple networked communication technologies during their field training exercise.

The Screaming Eagles passed what they learned onto the Patriots as they tested the improved command and control capabilities while on deployment.

Glonek said this is allowing the brigades to dynamically change the way they communicate and deal with enemy interference. It’s also allowing them to use command posts that are less detectable and more survivable.

He added the Patriots are in the process of adding unmanned aerial systems to every level of the brigade as they head into their upcoming combat training center rotation.

The 2nd Light Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, the other brigade in phase one of the initiative, took part in the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center rotation earlier this month in Hawaii.

The training tested the brigade and the Army’s ability to operate effectively across multiple domains, including land, air and cyber.

“We are using JPMRC and our warfighter exercise in December to validate our transformation in contact construct with the 2nd Light Brigade Combat Team along with those lessons learned from 101st Airborne and 10th Mountain Division,” said Maj. Gen. Marcus Evans, 25th ID commanding general. “Innovation never stops at our level. We are in a relentless pursuit of excellence and strive to get 1% better every day.”

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George recently announced phase two of the transformation initiative will include two divisions, the 101st and 25th as well as two armored brigade combat teams, two Stryker brigade combat teams, and additional formations from the National Guard and Army Reserve.

This effort is set to occur in fiscal year 2025 and include every Army warfighting function.

By Christopher Hurd, Army News Service

Posted in Army, Guest Post | Comments Off on Army Brigades Embrace Change, Test New Tactics

Visit CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park

November 6th, 2024

The CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park – “THE HOME OF MARKSMANSHIP” – is where responsible firearm ownership, safety instruction and accuracy training reside inside a beautiful 500-acre facility. Located two miles from the Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama, the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park has something for all types of firearms and firearm owners. The park prides itself on its friendly, accommodating staff and the convenience of its outdoor electronic target line.

The cutting-edge electronic targets, located on Ranges 1 and 2, relay scores and report shots instantly to competitor and spectator monitors. Range 3 is equipped with turning pistol targets at 25 and 50 yards, while the versatile John C. Garand highpower rifle range offers 54 covered firing points and all-weather, electronically-scored targetry at 200, 300 and 600 yards.

The park also features a 100-yard rifle range with the same innovative technology, plus an unknown distance range and 15 action pistol bays that are capable of accommodating a variety of competitions, including 3-Gun.

For Shotgun enthusiasts, Talladega Marksmanship Park houses several structured areas featuring Trap, Skeet, 5-Stand Fields, a Wobble Trap and a 15-station Sporting Clays loop. Each area is maintained by CMP’s own shotgun experts and is furnished with top-of-the-line equipment for guests to enjoy.

The Archery Range at Talladega is located on the shotgun side of the grounds and outfitted with a 30×60-yard practice range and 20 lanes of life-size 3-D targets, specially painted to resemble live animals in their natural habitat. The foam Delta-McKenzie targets (typically used on the competition trail) are designed to fit along pathways tucked between the trees of Talladega’s terrain and may be arranged from 15 to 50 yards. The Archery Range is open to all experience levels, with a minimal age of 6 years to use.

The crown jewel of the park is a 13,000-square-foot Club House, featuring a check-in and reception area, two multi-media classrooms, spacious lounge areas and a CMP Pro Shop with firearms, accessories and ammunition sales.

Talladega Marksmanship Park is open daily to the public. Don’t be a stranger, come see us at The Home of Marksmanship!

thecmp.org/ranges/talladega-marksmanship-park

Posted in Guest Post, Shooting Sports | Comments Off on Visit CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park

C&H Precision Partners with Walther on Limited Time Promotion

November 6th, 2024

RICHMOND HILL, Ga. – November 1, 2024 – C&H Precision, a leading provider of optics and optics mounting solutions, is thrilled to announce a limited-time promotion with Walther Arms. The collaborative efforts pair a free optic with the purchase of specific Walther firearms from November 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024.

Consumers who purchase a Walther PDP F-Series, Compact, Full Size, Pro, Match or Steel Frame will receive a free C&H Precision direct mount optic to match the handgun. The optic is valued at an MSRP of $338 and adds quality and versatility to for new owners of Walther’s trusted PDP family of firearms.

“We are extremely excited to join forces with Walther Arms for this exclusive promotion,” said Buck Holly, owner of C&H Precision. “By combining our expertise in optics and mounting solutions with Walther’s renowned firearms, we are providing customers with an unbeatable package to enhance their shooting experience.”

The Walther PDP is Walther’s premier everyday carry handgun, keeping gun owners prepared for any situation. Specifically designed to maximize readiness for any circumstance, the Walther PDP’s SuperTerrain Slide Serrations and Performance Duty Trigger offer versatile advantages when needed most. The PDP is the ideal firearm for shooters seeking unmatched versatility, dependability and effectiveness in concealed carry and conventional service situations.

C&H Precision’s direct mount optics require no adapter plate, mounting directly to the optics-ready Walther PDP. This rugged, compact pistol optic is ideal for concealed carry and excels in duty, home defense or range applications.

The partnership between C&H Precision and Walther Arms exemplifies a shared commitment to customer satisfaction and product excellence. Both companies are dedicated to providing shooters with the highest quality firearms and accessories, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. Full details and an ability to take advantage of this offer are available at www.waltherarms.com.

More information about this promotion and C&H Precision’s range of optics and mounting solutions is available at www.chpws.com on C&H Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Posted in Industry, Optics, Press Release | 1 Comment »

THRIL FN TAC-3 Complete Rifle Kit Giveaway

November 6th, 2024

THRIL is excited to announce our FN TAC-3 Complete Rifle Kit Giveaway going on now until December 1st.Partnering with FN, Lead & Steel, Cloud Defensive, Brave Castle, Blackarc Munitions and SKB Cases, this kit is over $3,500 worth of products.

First place prize includes:

FN15 TAC-3 16” 5.56 Rifle

THRIL CCS AR Furniture Kit + NSVFG + 10 G2 PMX AR Magazines

Lead & Steel PB3 Optic + Mount

Cloud Defensive Rein 3.0 Weapon Light

Brave Castle “Slang”

SKB i-Series Rifle Case

Blackarc Munitions – 500rds Training ammo

Second Place Prize:

THRIL CCS AR Furniture Kit

THRIL NSVFG

10 G2 PMX AR Magazines

Third Place Prize:

10 G2 PMX AR Magazines

This is the link to register: thril.com/fntac3-kit-giveaway

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VORTEX to Donate All Dog Collar Proceeds to the United States War Dogs Association

November 6th, 2024

Show your support for military working dogs with the online purchase of a Vortex™ dog collar November 1st to November 30th, 2024.

BARNEVELD, Wis. – Anyone who has visited our headquarters or follows us on social media knows we are a dog-friendly company. That deep love of dogs combined with our commitment to supporting men and women in uniform is behind an exciting charitable initiative happening in November.

Your purchase of a Vortex™ Adjustable Waterproof Dog Collar ($24.99), standard Vortex™ Adjustable Dog Collar ($19.99) or Vortex™ Padded Dog Leash($29.99) via the Vortex® website during this special charitable promotion will directly support the work being done by the United States War Dog Association. All proceeds will go directly to USWDA to support their work with the military K-9 community.

Collars and leashes will be available for purchase throughout the month of November 2024 or until inventory is depleted. Hurry and click here to make sure you get yours.

“When you come to Vortex® HQ, you’re not only greeted with smiling faces, but you’re also greeted with wagging tails. Our furry friends add joy and companionship to our lives – both inside and outside of our building,” said Joe Hamilton, Vortex® CEO. The Vortex® campus has been dog friendly since opening its doors in 2018. “That’s why we couldn’t be prouder to partner with the US War Dogs Association and their work within the active and retired military working dog community. Through funding K-9 memorials, sending care packages to K-9 teams currently deployed, facilitating free prescriptions for retired military working dogs, and so much more, the US War Dogs Association is doing amazing work in supporting the military working dog communities.”

Listen to the Vortex Nation™ Podcast, #10MinuteTalk – Honoring Our Nation’s War Dogs and Their Handlers – the US War Dogs Association, to listen to Chris Willingham from USWDA talk about their organization and the incredible work they do.

Go to uswardogs.org to learn more about the United States War Dogs Association.

To see more from Vortex®, visit VortexOptics.com or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, X, and TikTok.

Posted in Fundraising, Industry, K9, Press Release | Comments Off on VORTEX to Donate All Dog Collar Proceeds to the United States War Dogs Association

Gridtech Storm Hood Gloves from Black Diamond Equipment

November 6th, 2024

Black Diamond’s GridTech Storm Hood Gloves are made with thermal insulating fleece and feature a stowable, waterproof outer mitt for additional cold weather protection which will get you down below freezing.

In addition to a touchscreen compatible forefinger and thumb, there’s a wristwatch opening and soft nose wipe.

Available in sizes XS – XL in Carbon-Glacier colorway.

www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_US/product/gridtech-storm-hood-gloves

Posted in Handwear, Mountaineering | 1 Comment »

Five Questions for Spectra Group CEO Simon Davies

November 6th, 2024

We had a chance to ask five questions of Simon Davies, the CEO of the UK-based communications company Spectra Group.

Q – Perhaps you could begin by giving the readers a sense of what Spectra does and how it applies to war fighting.

A – Spectra Group is a specialist provider of secure voice, data and satellite communications systems. Established over 20 years ago, Spectra Group is a veteran-led organisation that prides itself on designing and manufacturing specialist high-quality communications equipment and systems that have been operationally proven to meet the needs of the modern warfighter, in the most demanding operational conditions.

For example, SlingShotTM was conceived and designed to meet Special Forces requirements and, now with over 7000 units sold worldwide, has been operationally proven with both specialist and regular forces globally. SlingShot is a unique, low-size, weight and power (SWaP) system that enables existing UHF and VHF tactical radios to extend their reach into the realm of strategic communications, providing true Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) and Communications on the Move (COTM), without purchasing new radios. All Spectra Group products are designed with the soldier in mind and are therefore easy to use, secure and have a low probability of intercept or detection.

Tropo

The Troposcatter Family of Systems (FoS) is designed to provide high-bandwidth battlefield data links between key headquarters down to Company level in a modular and easy-to-transport system. With low latency and high bandwidth, the systems are simple, intuitive and easy to set up. Also, due to its architecture, Troposcatter works in a GPS/GNSS denied environment, so can operate at the poles, and is equally difficult to detect or intercept.

Q – What is your latest product?

A – Spectra Group launched our new radio concept GENSS, in January 2024, and it is now in the final stages of prototype testing. GENSS builds on the foundations of our award-winning SlingShot system, embodying Spectra Group’s vision of producing ultimate radio systems that capitalise on technological advances, adapt to the evolving demands of military operations and simplify the user experience. It has been designed and developed through a collaborative effort of tactical communication experts, seasoned military specialists and top-tier U.K. scientists and engineers.

GENSS is a significant advancement in the field of tactical radio communications, due to its modular core framework and software-defined flexibility, heralding a new era in communication technology. It is a modular, agnostic hardware radio system designed to be agile and provide the ultimate interoperability through straightforward software reprogramming to adapt quickly and easily to meet the diverse needs of its users. Capable of operating across HF, VHF, UHF, and satellite bands, GENSS is engineered to conquer Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) barriers and support Communications on the Move (COTM), delivering a robust and agile solution for voice and high-bandwidth data transmission across all domains — land, sea, and air.

Q – What lessons is Spectra learning from the conflict in Ukraine, and how are you applying them to your systems?

A – Modern-day conflict against a determined and advanced adversary is having many effects on communications equipment, its bearers but also the operators who use it. Spectra are conscious of the need to keep radio systems and their representative IT solutions as simple as possible for the operator whilst when needed being able to work in contested spectrum environments.

The GENSS product has been designed to be able to operate within the noise floor if needed to avoid detection. It also has an automatic adaptive coding and modulation capability that removes the need for constant ‘link engineering’ by the operator allowing the radio to adapt to tactical conditions and guarantee message delivery. The burden on the soldier is ever increasing not only the amount of technology that one must carry, and the power needed, but also the cognitive burden of becoming an expert on all systems. GENSS has been designed to provide simplicity at the point of use, whilst the unit manages internal processing and power management effectively and efficiently using the best software initiatives available.

Q – To follow up, based on what we are seeing in Ukraine, do you see NATO and in particular, the Five Eyes alliance, cooperating more now on communications systems and standards.

A – Data interoperability and open standards have always beencrucial in the NATO alliance to allow tactical data links to interact effectively with one another. However, with the rapid development of more advanced and complex communications systems and increasingly sophisticated digital and cyber threats to such systems, close cooperation between allies is increasingly important. Spectra Group have worked together with 2iC, a specialist UK battlefield software integration company, to fully integrate the GENSS product with their Lean Service Architecture specification. This is an open schema-based software solution to provide a services-orientated communications integration architecture designedfor mobile, low-powered Internet of Things (IoT) on the battlefield. UK MOD, US SOCOM and many other NATO partners have published under the Open Government license that they are adopting this open architecture.

Q – Artificial intelligence has become all the rage. Just looking around the show floor and AUSA, you see AI enabled systems in every corner. Is Spectra integrating artificial intelligence, and perhaps even machine learning, into its systems, and if so, how?

A – The GENSS radio platform is delivered with an Open API architecture which can be adapted to use AI applications as required. Whilst Spectra Group does not create AI software applications directly, the GENSS platform can be utilised to allow soldier-based software and AI solutions can be easily adopted to maximise capabilities and features available utilising GENSS.

SSD would like to thank Mr Davies for his time and insight into a rapidly evolving field.

For more information, visit spectra-group.co.uk.

Posted in Advertiser, Comms, International | Comments Off on Five Questions for Spectra Group CEO Simon Davies