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Avon Protection’s MITR-M1 Half Mask achieves NIOSH Certification

October 15th, 2025

14th October 2025, Cadillac, MI, US: Avon Protection’s MITR-M1 Half Mask and MITR-PF Compact Particulate Filter have received certification from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) only nine months after its launch into the tactical military, special forces and law enforcement markets.

Avon Protection’s MITR-M1 Half Mask

The certification provides formal and independent recognition that MITR-M1 and MITR-PF have passed NIOSH’s rigorous testing processes and meet government-backed safety, performance and reliability standards.

The NIOSH certification is directly tied to the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), making it critical for user groups where approval for respirator purchasing is tied to NIOSH certification. OSHA stipulates where and when NIOSH-certified respiratory protection is legally and/or contractually required in the United States for workers in sectors such as industrial, emergency response, healthcare, or law enforcement.

NIOSH’s stringent testing assesses respirator filtration efficiency, breathing resistance and the product’s ability to function under a variety of different environmental conditions. It affirms that MITR-PF’s particulate filters exceed stipulated thresholds to filter out airborne particles in the environment; that inhalation and exhalation resistance remains within acceptable limits to prevent fatigue or breathing difficulty; and that it is resistant to operations in heat, cold and humidity, and can withstand rough handling.

“We designed the MITR half mask to give our users safe, convenient and low-burden respiratory protection that delivers when it matters most, and since its launch it has already redefined protection options for this fast-evolving market,” Steve Elwell, President, Avon Protection said. “We are confident in the quality of all our products and elected to undertake the NIOSH certification process to support our customers in sectors such as US Law Enforcement, where NIOSH is a major requirement.

“We are delighted that MITR has achieved this certification level, independently demonstrating to our user community that we are able to deliver the compliance, protection and operational readiness our users need, to know they will get home safely every time.”

MITR-M1 Half Mask, together with the newly-launched MITR-PG1 Powered Goggle, is designed to provide users with scalable, flexible full-face protection for tactical low- to mid-level threat environments.

Media enquiries:

Claire Apthorp
Claire.apthorp@marontech.co.uk
+44 (0) 7920403068

Natasha Goddard-Wellon
natasha.goddard-wellon@avon-protection.com
+44 (0) 7500 100087

About Avon Protection
For military and first responders, Avon Protection, part of the Avon Technologies plc group of brands, is the go-to for mission-critical protection that instils mission-critical confidence. As the most field-tested equipment in the industry, we have the real-world insight to innovate and stay steps ahead of ever-evolving threats.

Avon Protection’s life-critical CBRN personal protection solutions, including protective garments, Air Purifying Respirators (APRs), escape devices, Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR), and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), protect over 4-million users worldwide.

By controlling the design, integration and performance of all components needed to keep personnel safe, Avon Protection takes full responsibility for the entire CBRN ecosystem. Users can acquire their CBRN equipment from a single supplier, while benefiting from the assurance of the Avon Protection brand they know and trust. Through ease of use and enduring performance, we assure our protectors so they can complete the mission and come home safely, every time. For further information, please visit www.avon-protection.com.

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Posted in CBRNE, International, Press Release | 1 Comment »

AUSA 25 – SIG SAUER Displays Lighter NGSW Product Improvement Effort Weapons

October 14th, 2025

At this year’s annual AUSA show, SIG SAUER displayed versions of the Product Improvement Effort or PIE guns developed in partnership with the US Army.

The goal of the effort is to address Soldier recommendations for the M7 and M250 along with program requirements. SIG refers to the resulting weapons as the M7 Enhanced Rifle and M250 Enhanced LMG.

The Army conducted several Soldier Touch Points with SIG and conducted a firing schedule to evaluate the PIE versions of the M7 and M250.

The main concern is weight of the M7 rifle and that is where most of the changes are focused. They ended up developing two versions of the PIE M7, a rifle and carbine. The point of the carbine was to accelerate the evolution of the M16 platform which eventually became the M4 carbine and see where they would end up.

The M7 with 13.5″ barrel currently weight 8.3 lbs dry, without ammo, suppressor, or XM157 FCS. The weights for the two PIE variants are:

M7 7.6 lbs

M7 Carbine 7.3 lbs

Although most of the weight difference between the M7 and the Carbine variant is due to a shorter 10″ barrel and handguard, there were several other changes overall.

– The side-folding buttstock has been eliminated, but length remains adjustable.

– The upper receiver and operating system have been refined to eliminate weight.

– Tapered barrel.

The handguard facilitated access to the barrel change bolts which have been slightly strengthened.

The Army is considering whether the Carbine length barrel meets their lethality requirements.

Additionally, there is a lot of talk on the internet regarding barrel life. The program requirement was for 5,000 rounds which is the same specification as the M4. However, SIG has noted barrel life for the M7 in excess of 10,000 rounds.

As for the M250, the changes have been to accommodate Soldier requirements rather than weight as the Automatic Rifle is already lighter than the M249 SAW it replaces.

The changes are:

– Streamlined and improved gas system

– Improved bipod

– Hinged retainable Handguard to accommodate barrel change

– Quick Change Barrel (although they weren’t shown I’ve seen different barrel lengths)

– Extended pic rail on feed tray (optimized for XM157 Fire Control System)

– Cross pins for pintle T&E and mag bloc

– Improved lock and interface for buttstock durability

– Improved magazine which holds the top round in place when it has not yet been fed into the weapon.

– Opened up trigger guard for gloves

The NGSW weapons are chambered in 6.8x51mm and use a common suppressor. SIG also developed a PIE version which is slightly shorter and has a removable heat shield.

The Army is currently evaluating the PIE variants of NGSW to determine if any of the changes will be incorporated into the program. Regardless, the XM157 Fire Control System remains a part of the program and it doesn’t seem to be shedding any weight.

Posted in Advertiser, AUSA, weapons | 49 Comments »

Angstadt Arms Introduces the Vanquish AR-22

October 14th, 2025

Charlotte, NC (October 14, 2025) — Angstadt Arms, a leader in suppressed rimfire platforms and tactical weapon systems, proudly announces the Vanquish AR-22 — bringing the award-winning Vanquish integrally suppressed technology to the AR-22 platform.

The Vanquish AR-22 combines Angstadt’s patented baffle-free integrally suppressed design with a precision-ported barrel engineered to drop the velocity of standard .22LR ammunition to subsonic speeds. The result is an exceptionally quiet, cleaner, and more reliable shooting experience — without the carbon and lead buildup common to traditional baffle-style suppressors.

“Shooters have been asking for a suppressed AR-22 solution that doesn’t compromise on accuracy, sound performance, or reliability — and the Vanquish AR-22 delivers,” said Rich Angstadt, President of Angstadt Arms.

“We designed it to give AR-format rimfire shooters the same whisper-quiet, low-maintenance experience that Vanquish users on the Ruger® 10/22® platform already enjoy.”

Key Features:

Baffle-Free Design: No internal baffles to trap lead or carbon — meaning less cleaning, zero baffle strikes, and longer life.

Precision-Ported Barrel: Porting tuned to bring standard .22LR rounds to subsonic speeds for maximum suppression without subsonic ammo.

True Drop-In Compatibility: Designed as a seamless upgrade for CMMG® dedicated .22LR bolt platforms — no modifications required.

Specifications

Caliber: .22 LR

Chamber: Sporter

Full Auto Rated: Yes

Platform: AR-22 (CMMG® dedicated .22LR bolt compatible)

Construction: 416R barrel, 6061 aluminum shroud, black Cerakote® finish

Contour (Diameter): 0.920” bull

Length Configurations: 12” and 18”

MSRP: $599.00Availability & How to Buy

The Vanquish AR-22 is available now through Angstadt Arms’ online store, authorized dealers, and major retail partners.

Posted in Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Angstadt Arms Introduces the Vanquish AR-22

TIAD Activation Marks New Chapter for ARCYBER

October 14th, 2025

Fort Gordon, GA —U.S. Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER) activated the second Theater Information Advantage Detachment (TIAD) during a ceremony held at the Cyber Conference and Catering Center at Fort Gordon Friday, October 3, 2025.

The activation marks a pivotal step in the Army’s evolving approach to information warfare.

Col. John Agnello, 2nd TIAD Commander, took charge of the ARCYBER TIAD, guiding a unit focused on supporting operations across the broader information environment. In remarks at TechNet Augusta earlier this year, Agnello highlighted the growing relevance of the TIAD’s mission in today’s complex strategic landscape.

“In an era where information is both weapon and shield, the mission of this detachment is nothing short of strategic necessity,” said Agnello “But no algorithm or system can replace the ingenuity and resolve of our soldiers. This TIAD is built on the shoulders of soldiers who bring not only technical mastery, but the courage to challenge, the creativity to adapt, and the conviction to lead. I’m honored to command a team that doesn’t just execute the mission; they embody it. They are the Army’s advantage in the information fight, and a key reason we’re positioned to succeed.”

The ARCYBER TIAD is one of three planned detachments tailored to specific geographic commands: Indo-Pacific, Europe, and ARCYBER itself. Each TIAD integrates disciplines such as cyber operations, electronic warfare, psychological operations, civil affairs, and public affairs into a unified team.

The activation ceremony served as an opportunity for soldiers and civilians from across the cyber and Information Operations community to gather and witness the birth of a unit that promises to redefine how the Army competes in the digital age.

Lt. Gen. Maria Barrett, Commander of ARCYBER, praised the TIAD concept during the Association of the U.S. Army’s 2024 annual meeting, noting that these detachments are essential for countering disinformation and malign influence:

“From the Signal Corps of World War II to the satellite networks of Desert Storm, the Army has always adapted to the character of conflict. Today, with the activation of this TIAD, we carry that legacy forward—into the information domain, where influence is decisive and truth must be defended. This is not just a new unit; it’s the next chapter in how the Army fights and wins.”

With its activation, the ARCYBER TIAD now stands at Initial Operating Capability—a foundational milestone that marks the beginning of its operational journey. As the unit builds toward Full Operating Capability, it will continue refining its integration across cyber, information, and influence disciplines, ensuring commanders have the tools and insights needed to compete effectively in the information environment across the competition continuum.

The road ahead is deliberate and mission-focused, with each step reinforcing the Army’s commitment to shaping the future of information warfare through innovation, agility, and the strength of its people.

Story by MAJ Lindsay Roman

U.S. Army Cyber Command

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

Rheinmetall to Supply Leopard 1 Skyranger 35 to Ukraine – Order Value in the Three-Digit Million Euro Range

October 13th, 2025

Rheinmetall is supplying Ukraine with further Skyranger 35 air defence systems based on the Leopard 1. The order is worth a three-digit million Euro figure. The systems are being financed by an EU country as part of the EU’s Windfall Profit Mechanism initiative. The production and integration of the systems will be carried out by Rheinmetall Italia SpA at its headquarters in Rome.

“We are grateful for the trust that Ukraine has placed in us,” said Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG. “We would also like to thank the EU country, for the support, which underlines our continued efforts to support Ukraine.”

The Leopard 1 Skyranger 35 combines the mobility and protection of a proven tracked vehicle with the outstanding effectiveness of a cannon-based air defence system. The Skyranger 35 is equipped with a KDG 35/1000 revolver cannon in 35 mm x 228 calibre with a firing rate of 1,000 rounds per minute. It has an effective range of up to 4,000 metres and a high degree of commonality with the Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk 3. Thanks to AHEAD technology, the Skyranger 35 is airburst-capable. In the future, it will also be possible to equip it with modern guided missiles. 

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US Army Taps GA-ASI To Add MOSA-EW Capability Onto Gray Eagle UAS

October 13th, 2025

SAN DIEGO – 13 October 2025 – The U.S. Army has awarded General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) a new contract to add a C5ISR Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS)-compliant open architecture Electronic Warfare (EW) capability onto the MQ-1C Gray Eagle® Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).

This will be the third EW capability that has been integrated into the CMOSS chassis, showing how quickly and easily new plug-and-play capabilities can be integrated into the Gray Eagle platform. Other recent additions include Electronic Attack, Communications Relay, Counter-UAS, and Signals Intelligence.

Gray Eagle’s Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) streamlines the integration of the new EW capability, which leverages previous operational demonstrations and exercises applicable to Gray Eagle Extended Range and Gray Eagle Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) variants. This capability signals a major step forward in the ability to conduct deep sensing in the Pacific while increasing the survivability and lethality of the Gray Eagle at distances relevant in the INDOPACOM Area of Responsibility.

“Persistent, long-endurance, long-range UAS combined with EW means that the U.S. Army division commanders can apply the powerful EW effects of the Gray Eagle to neutralize threats to the maneuver force at a time and location of their choosing,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander.

GA-ASI will collaborate with AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) to integrate the company’s SharkCage Expeditionary C5ISR Chassis (ECCv3) onto the platform. Since 2024, GA-ASI and AV have jointly demonstrated a range of capabilities on the Gray Eagle open architecture chassis.

Posted in Drone, EW, Press Release | Comments Off on US Army Taps GA-ASI To Add MOSA-EW Capability Onto Gray Eagle UAS

AUSA 25 – 250th Anniversary Pistol by SIG SAUER

October 13th, 2025

SIG SAUER has created a US Army 250th anniversary commemorative MHS pistol. This first article will be presented to the Army during this week’s AUSA meeting.

It features a black nickel finish and heritage walnut grips. This model will be available for sale to the public soon.

Posted in Advertiser, Army, AUSA | Comments Off on AUSA 25 – 250th Anniversary Pistol by SIG SAUER

Gentex and Anduril Advance Partnership to Deliver AI-Driven EagleEye System

October 13th, 2025

CARBONDALE, PA, October 13, 2025 – Gentex Corporation, a global leader in integrated helmet systems and communications solutions, is proud to announce the advancement of its partnership with Anduril Industries in the development of EagleEye, a next-generation, AI-enabled integrated family of warfighter systems designed to deliver mission command, enhanced situational awareness, and increased survivability directly into the warfighter’s headborne system.

EagleEye builds on the foundation laid by the U.S. Army’s Soldier Borne Mission Command (SBMC) program, through which Gentex provides advanced helmet and communications integration to support the Army’s mixed-reality command architecture. Representing the next evolution in headborne systems, EagleEye embeds command, control, and AI-driven situational awareness directly within the helmet platform, transforming the protective system into a fully networked node of mission command.

“The SBMC program established the framework for digital mission command by connecting the soldier to the tactical network,” said L.P. Frieder III, President & CEO, Gentex Corporation. “EagleEye expands on that vision by integrating command, control, and AI-driven situational awareness directly into the protective system. The platform is a natural extension of our mission to keep soldiers protected, connected, and fully mission-ready in today’s complex battlespace.”

With decades of experience designing and manufacturing trusted headborne systems for the U.S. Department of Defense and allied forces worldwide, Gentex delivers integrated helmet and communications solutions fielded across multiple U.S. Army and Air Force programs. These systems are engineered to integrate seamlessly with current and emerging platforms, including next-generation Army helmet families.

As part of the EagleEye program, Gentex will contribute the advanced head protection and communications architecture that forms the foundation for the system’s modular mixed-reality platform. The partnership merges Gentex’s expertise in integrated protection, communications, and optical technologies with Anduril’s advanced mission command software, heads-up display (HUD) technologies, and distributed sensing capabilities. Together, these capabilities transform the helmet into an intelligent node of the mission network, reducing weight and cognitive load while enhancing survivability and decision-making for the modern warfighter.

Gentex’s contributions to both SBMC and EagleEye underscore its central role in advancing fully integrated soldier systems. While SBMC established the digital and software backbone of mission command, EagleEye extends that ecosystem by embedding command and control (C2) capability and digital vision technologies directly into the warfighter’s protective gear, effectively bringing the network to the edge and empowering the individual operator.

Gentex will highlight its involvement in the EagleEye program and its broader soldier modernization initiatives during the 2025 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. Visit Gentex Corporation at Booth 8219.

Posted in Advertiser, AUSA, Helmets, Press Release | Comments Off on Gentex and Anduril Advance Partnership to Deliver AI-Driven EagleEye System

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