SIG SAUER - Never Settle

FN Adds Manual Safety Option to Reflex Series, Begins Shipment of High Power Stainless Models

September 12th, 2024

(McLean, VA — September 12, 2024) FN America, LLC is expanding its highly popular micro compact pistol line by adding a manual safety option to the FN Reflex™ and Reflex MRD 9mm pistols. The FN Reflex set a new standard in the world of everyday carry when it was released in 2023, combining class-leading capacity, trigger feel and pull weight, with great ergonomics and accuracy.

The Reflex series is one of the most innovative and easy to shoot concealed-carry options available, featuring a light and crisp 5-pound, single-action-only (SAO) fire control, optics-ready capabilities and a cold hammer-forged barrel for enduring accuracy. The addition of the manual safety option gives more customers a reason to consider the FN Reflex and Reflex MRD.

“The Reflex has been overwhelmingly positive for FN since being introduced in 2023, with customers appreciating the crisp trigger and compact size, which combine to make the pistol very easy to shoot,” said Chris Johnson, Senior Product Manager for Pistols at FN America, LLC. “The addition of the Reflex with manual safety creates more options for buyers. Some prefer concealed-carry pistols with an external safety lever, as it gives them more control of the operation of their pistol, which can lead to more comfort and confidence for some users.”

The ambidextrous manual safety will be available on both the standard Reflex and Reflex MRD configurations, in both black and flat dark earth (FDE) finishes.

“The concealed-carry 9mm pistol category continues to be the fastest growing pistol segment in our industry as more and more people are taking their personal protection seriously,” said Chris Cole, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for FN America, LLC. “As the first micro compact handgun to solve the tradeoffs for accuracy, deep concealment and capacity, the Reflex gives customers a choice that embraces future-forward concealed-carry technology. And now, customers who prefer a manual safety no longer have to compromise.”

Originally launched in April of 2023, the FN Reflex is a slim, one-inch-wide micro compact that puts 27 rounds at the ready with the included 11-round and 15-round magazines. With its advanced ergonomics and stippled frame texture, concealed carriers have unmatched control over recoil in an extremely small pistol. A revolutionary fire control group with an internal hammer produces the best trigger feel in a micro compact pistol. Paired with the cold hammer-forged barrel and optics-ready slide, the FN Reflex is a highly accurate micro compact pistol that is incredibly easy to shoot and conceal.

“What sets Reflex apart results from FN’s approach to development,” said John Ryan, Director of Product Management for FN America, LLC. “Our team studied the impacts of user interface and ergonomics on the overall shooting experience as an important part of this project. The result is a slim one-inch-wide micro compact pistol that fits comfortably in the hand, with an easy-to-rack slide and excellent trigger. The use of multifaceted texturing anchors the gun to your hand during fire. And the overall low bore axis of Reflex further reduces felt recoil, making this incredibly small pistol easy to conceal, control and shoot accurately.”

Additionally, the company announces that the FN High Power in stainless-steel finish is shipping in limited quantities to FN-authorized distributors and retailers. Today’s FN High Power is a tastefully modernized pistol with the styling of the classic Hi-Power. Released in 2022, the pistols feature key upgrades to the original design like the modern disassembly and takedown method, 17-round capacity, oversized ejection port optimized for today’s ammunition and much more.

To learn more about FN’s extensive pistol line-up from the micro-compact FN Reflex to the full-sized, steel-framed FN High Power,  please visit fnamerica.com/pistols. To purchase an FN pistol, find an FN dealer near you at fnamerica.com/find-a-dealer

Kratos Design Group Ruggedized Scout Mount for MLOK

September 12th, 2024

The Kratos Design Group Ruggedized Scout Mount for MLOK is designed specifically for the Modlite family of weapon-mounted lights and are compatible with all lights that use the Surefire Scout Light mounting pattern like the M600 & M300. Other lights such as Arisaka 300, 600 & 18650 series lights, Olight Odin and Streamlight Protac Rail Mount HL-X are compatible as well.

The KDG Scout Mount places the light at a 45 degree angle from the rail and brings the light closer to the handguard.

Machined from 7075 aluminum with a Type 3, Class 2 Hardcoat anodized finish available in Black, FDE & OD Green. The mount weighs 0.5 oz (16 grams)

Recessed Lug Support: Unlike many mounts that rely solely on screw tension, the KDG Scout Mount is designed with recesses that provide additional support to the mounting lugs. This three-sided support structure increases the mount’s durability in the event of impacts to the light.

The mount is reversible and can be mounted at various locations along the rail. When oriented upwards, the light can be placed at 1:30 or 10:30. When oriented downwards, the light can be placed at 4:30 or 6:30. An alternative mounting position also allows certain lights to be used in conjunction with a BE Meyers MAWL on the same side.

Included Hardware: The package includes all necessary components for attaching your light and securing the mount to an MLOK rail system. Please note that a T25 Torx and 3/32” Hex driver (not included) are required for installation.

Hardware Specifications

  • Light Body Screws: 8-32 thread, 5/16” length, with a 3/32” Hex drive, offering 120,000 psi tensile strength and a Class 3A thread fit.
  • MLOK Screws: 10-24 thread, 1/2” length, with a T25 drive, providing 140,000 psi tensile strength.
  • MLOK Nuts: Precision machined in the USA, treated with a black nitrided finish for enhanced durability.

Compatibility:

Modlite:

PLH, PLHv2, OKW

Surefire:

M300A, M300B, M300C, M300V, M312, M322, M312V, M313V, M322V,, M612, M622, M603V, M612V, M622V, M600B, M600C, M600P, M600U, M600V, M600DF

Streamlight:

Protac Rail Mount 1, Protac Rail Mount 2, HL-X

Arisaka:

300, 600, 18650 Series

Cloud Defensive:

REIN

Olight:

Odin

The Kratos Design Group Ruggedized Offset Scout Mounts are available directly from Kratos or at any of their dealers.

Karan Rai Assumes CEO Role at Revision Military

September 12th, 2024

Industry Veteran and Strategic Leader Takes the Helm of Revision Military

Essex Junction, Vermont (for immediate release) – Revision Military Ltd. (Revision), a world leader in purpose-built ballistic and laser eye protection for military and tactical use, is proud to announce that Karan Rai will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective immediately.

Karan, a seasoned industry veteran, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to the position.  Karan has been Revision’s Chairman of the Board for the past five years and his transition to take on the CEO responsibilitiesensures a smooth leadership transition for the Company.

Karan is the founding partner of ASGARD Partners, a lower middle market private equity firm. Prior to founding ASGARD, he was the President of ADS, Inc., a leading specialty distributor and supply chain solutions provider for all branches of the U.S. Department of Defense. During his time at ADS, Karan was instrumental in leading the company’s turnaround and driving growth via strategic initiatives and M&A activity.

“I am thrilled to take on the role of CEO at Revision,” said Karan. “I have been intimately involved with the Company for the past five years as an active board member, which provides us a high level of comfort with the leadership transition.  I am inheriting one of the best leadership teams in the industry and look forward to working with them to take our Company to the next level by consistently delivering the highest quality and most innovative products. Given the Company’s focus on quality, product innovation, exceptional customer service, and always on time delivery, Revision is well-equipped to maintain its status as an industry leader for years to come.”

“The board is excited for the next stage of growth under Karan’s steadfast leadership and dedication to our customers,” added John Darguzas, Principal at Merit Capital and board member. “We are committed to supporting Revision in reaching its full potential by delivering the highest quality products that keep our customers safe in harm’s way. On behalf of the board, we want to thank Amy Coyne, the previous CEO of Revision, for her passion and dedication over the past five years. We wish her the best of luck in her new role at Noble Supply & Logistics.”

www.revisionmilitary.com

GAO Issues Summary of Armed Overwatch Reports

September 12th, 2024

Last week the Government Accounting Office released “Special Operations Forces: Summary of Armed Overwatch Reports” which summarizes a series of previous reports on USSOCOM’s offer to acquire and field the OA-1K aircraft which they have selected for the Armed Overwatch role. This summary includes data from a restricted report entitled “Special Operations Forces: DOD Should Reassess Its Need to Acquire Armed Overwatch Aircraft, GAO-24-106993C, September 4” which is based on a classified study.

The initial plan was to field 75 of the AT-802U Sky Warden aircraft to conduct Close Air Support, precision strike; and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance missions. The aircraft were to be operated by Air Force Special Operations Command and organized into five squadrons, four operational and one for training.

But based on a GAO report from last December, DoD directed SOCOM to justify their planned number of 75 aircraft and they have since dropped the number to 62, almost a full squadron’s worth of capability, but have claimed it is due to budgetary realities and not Congressional direction. To be sure, USSOCOM is a very expensive aviation force, but they haven’t had a dedicated ground attack capability, aside from AC130 gunships, since the Vietnam war.

Congress is still shrill about the program, under some sort of impression that we aren’t going to conduct anymore low intensity conflicts in the future. DoD has the same notion, relegating anything short of major theater war to just “countering violent extremist organizations.” This remains short sighted and requires systems intended for Large l-Scale Combat Operations (aka war) to be expended against threats which they are way overmatched against.

From the summary report:

RELEVANT GAO WORK

GAO issued two reports on the Armed Overwatch program and identified issues to support decision-makers in Congress and the Department of Defense.

Analysis of needs. GAO found in December 2023 that SOCOM did not complete analyses of its operational needs to justify its purchase of 75 Armed Overwatch aircraft. SOCOM reduced that amount to 62 aircraft in March 2024, but as of September 2024 had not completed these analyses.

Plans for divested aircraft. SOCOM plans to divest two ISR platforms. Subsequently, some personnel and resources from the platforms will be used to support Armed Overwatch. However, GAO found that SOCOM has not taken steps to plan for, or add, critical ISR capabilities provided by soon-to-be divested aircraft. Also, SOCOM has not addressed risks associated with the loss of these capabilities if the new aircraft does not provide them.

Operational challenges. Special operations commands identified logistical and operational challenges that could inhibit SOCOM’s ability to effectively deploy and operate the aircraft as intended. Users said that the Armed Overwatch aircraft may not meet their mission needs because of these challenges.

Based on these reports, GAO made seven recommendations to the Department of Defense to address challenges that face the Armed Overwatch program.

Of the seven recommendations, DoD has concurred on one and partially concurred on the other six.

Meanwhile, the Armed Overwatch program continues to slip to the right while we remain engaged with violent extremists around the world.

Australian Defence Apparel (ADA) Unveils DFNDR: The Next Generation of Military Body Armour and Load Carriage Systems

September 12th, 2024

Melbourne, Australia—Australian Defence Apparel (ADA), a leader in protective solutions for Defence personnel, has announced the unveiling of DFNDR®, its revolutionary new brand of body armour and load carriage systems. The launch will take place at the upcoming Land Forces Expo, which will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 11-13th September 2024.

DFNDR® systems are designed to be highly adaptable and customisable, making them suitable for a wide range of users, missions, and environments. With a strong emphasis on human factors engineering and informed by data-driven insights on soldier systems, the DFNDR® series ensures that soldiers can easily adjust their wearables to meet the unique demands of any situation.

The most significant advantage of DFNDR® systems is their unparalleled flexibility. These systems can seamlessly transition from a lightweight plate carrier to a fully up-armoured tactical system without requiring soldiers to carry excessive or complex equipment, minimising cognitive burden.

“DFNDR® represents a significant leap forward in tactical gear design,” said Chris Dixon, Chief Executive Officer of ADA. “We’ve combined over a century of battlefield experience with cutting- edge materials, rigorous testing, and data-driven intelligence to create a system that empowers soldiers to perform at their best in any environment.”

DFNDR® is the result of ADA’s unwavering commitment to innovation and soldier-centric design.

By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in tactical gear, ADA equips the modern soldier with the tools they need to face the challenges of the 21st-century battlefield.

Visit the ADA stand at the Land Forces Expo to experience DFNDR® firsthand. Show highlights at ADA’s stand E218 also include the launch of both DFNDR® and ENFORCR® (newly launched brand for law enforcement gear), introduction to the best-in-breed global tactical brands, and view the award-winning ENFORCR® Ghost Glove™.

Special show highlights

Special show highlights include free CMBT Aminolyte™ Energy Drink for visitors and limited-edition Frank Green Camo Coffee Cups at ADA’s stand E218.

Babcock Presents: Future of Soldier Systems Capability on Show at Land Forces 2024

September 12th, 2024

Babcock will showcase a suite of leading soldier systems innovations at Land Force 2024 to highlight the effectiveness of industry partnerships in securing speed to capability and supporting Army’s transition to a Focused Force.

As an integrated capability lifecycle manager, Babcock delivers valuable solutions to Defence made up of the right combination of bespoke industry products, packaged together as a fit-for-purpose resource.

Two life-sized models will be on display at Babcock’s interactive stand demonstrating this approach. The first display figure will feature representations of a soldier optimised for amphibius operations to illustrate the Enhanced Force in Being. The second will reflect the Objective Integrated Force timeframes outlined in Defence’s Integrated Investment Plan.

Babcock has been working with industry to identify capability gaps in solider systems and engaging with its supply chain to find and prototype solutions.

The systems and technologies on display will demonstrate Babcock’s ability to collaborate across a diverse and agile industrial support network to generate capability aligned to the needs of a Future Integrated Force.

“We are being proactive in our approach to integration and technology development so we can solve complex problems and deliver complete solutions that will be operationally effective for the joint force across both urban and littoral environments,” Babcock Australasia Chief Executive Officer Andrew Cridland said.

“By acting as a ‘smart buyer’ for our Defence customers – including looking horizontally across the commercial sector, where necessary – we can bring flexibly and improvements to Defence programs at the speed of need, all the while enabling industry.

“Supporting both ends of the supply chain forms part of our continuous commitment to service excellence, and our efforts to promote a safe and secure world, together.”

www.babcock.com.au

Ascent AeroSystems Exhibits Full Line of Coaxial UAVs at Land Forces 2024

September 12th, 2024

– Blue sUAS-approved, RemoteID-compliant UAVs are proven performers for mission-critical operations.

– Ascent Spirit and NX30 aircraft are fielded with DoD, DHS, DOJ, and Allied forces.

– Aircraft-grade UAS/UAVs produced at scale in Torrance, CA

Wilmington, MA – September 10, 2024 – Ascent AeroSystems, the world’s leading manufacturer of compact, high-performance, coaxial unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) drone systems, will exhibit this week at the Land Forces 2024 International Land Defence Exhibitionat the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Victoria, Australia. A first-time exhibitor at the biennial event, the Ascent stand—G084 in the USA Partnership Pavilion—will feature its family of rugged, all-weather coaxial propulsion UAS/UAVs.

“The NX30 and DIU Blue sUAS-approved Spirit are the most flexible multi-role Group 1 UAS/UAV platforms available,” commented Paul Fermo, vice president of business development for Ascent AeroSystems. “Built using our proven coaxial rotor technology and a unique cylindrical airframe, our aircraft-grade platforms deliver unmatched modularity for easy integration of multiple payloads.”

Novel Design Delivers Unmatched UAS/UAV Versatility

Ascent’s family of cylindrical, coaxial UAVs outperform comparable multirotor light and medium lift systems when it comes to up time, flight time and payload. Benefits include operational integrity in even the most austere environments, a reduced noise profile, multiple deployment modalities and efficient ground handling and storage, making them a preferred choice for a wide range of defense, public safety and industrial operations. The modularity and open architecture design of Ascent’s platforms also eliminates obsolescence and minimizes vendor lock, allowing operators to add, change, or update payloads and software as mission requirements dictate.

Spirit: DIU Blue UAS Cleared

The Ascent AeroSystems Spirit sets the industry standard for compact, rugged, versatile UAVs. It is a proven multi-role asset for surveillance, inspection, ISR and kinetic payload delivery. Available in one- or two-battery configurations, the Spirit has up to 58 minutes of endurance, or 32 minutes with maximum payload, a top speed of >60 mph (100 kph) and Class 8 wind resistance (40+ mph) to meet operational requirements in virtually any weather condition.

Learn more about the SPIRIT.

NX30: Scalable, Multi-purpose Backpack-portable Medium Lift

The only backpack-portable VTOL system optimized for medium lift, longer endurance missions with payloads up to 15.7 pounds (6.9 kg), the NX30 offers the performance and reliability necessary to support even the most complex missions. With a maximum take-off weight of 30 pounds, the radio agnostic NX30 can be configured with one or two batteries, has up to 65-minute endurance depending on payload, a maximum speed of >60 mph (100 kph), Class 8 wind resistance (40+ mph), and a maximum operating altitude of 14,600 feet MSL.

Learn more about the NX30.

The Ascent family of UAVs is produced at scale at Robinson Helicopter Company’s vertically integrated manufacturing facility in Torrance, California.

“The laws of aerodynamics and the laws of physics favor coaxial UAS/UAVs over other VTOL configurations,” Ascent AeroSystems cofounder and CEO Peter Fuchs stated. “It’s not marketing; it’s science.”

To see the Ascent AeroSystems family of coaxial UAS/UAVs, visit us at the USA Partnership Pavilion, stand G084, at Land Forces 2024 International Land Defence Exposition at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in Victoria, Australia, September 11–13, 2024.

ascentaerosystems.com

DefendTex Launches Domestically Manufactured “VENGEANCE” FPV Long Range Strike Drone

September 12th, 2024

DANDENONG SOUTH, VICTORIA – 10 September 2024 – Australian company DefendTex has launched Australia’s first domestically manufactured ‘blue’ First Person View (FPV) combat drone. This drone, designed for the European market, can carry up to 10kg of explosive ordinance over a distance greaterthan 20kms. This FPV drone is one of a series of loitering munitions designed and manufactured by DefendTex Australia for export markets.

DefendTex CEO Travis Reddy said, “it is important for Australia to have a manufacturing capability to produce our own long range precision strike weapons at scale”. This technology is designed so that targets can be reached away from the frontline of the battlefield. Mr Reddy added, “with pressure on defence budgets and global shortages of munitions, the DefendTex Vengeance Drone is a disruptive technology that can be manufactured at scale and at low cost.” The drone has been hardened to operate in an electronic warfare environment and leverages the latest developments in artificial intelligence. The Vengeance drone enables FPV swarm operations from a single pilot with no increase in cognitive burden. DefendTex is an established leader in multi-domain asymmetric warfare solutions and was awarded Innovator of the Year at the Australian Defence Industry Awards in 2023 and 2024. Providing world leading defence technologies, DefendTex’s capabilities include precision guided weapons, energetics, rocket manufacturing and loitering munitions. DefendTex has extensive experience in collaborative research, having commercialised ground breaking defence technologies. DefendTex is headquartered in Australia and has offices in USA and UK.