Saab has received an order for the man-portable, multi-role weapon system Carl-Gustaf® from the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). The order value is approximately EUR 60 million (SEK 700 million) and the contract period is 2024-2027.
The order is placed on behalf of four NATO member nations within a framework agreement between Saab and the NSPA regarding Carl-Gustaf, including ammunition and equipment.
“We are honoured that the NSPA once again has chosen our trusted, reliable and effective Carl-Gustaf system,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.
Proven to deliver results on the battlefield, Carl-Gustaf provides the effectiveness soldiers need. The wide range of ammunition types for Carl-Gustaf makes it flexible and able to handle any situation, whether it is to destroy an armoured vehicle or structure, or illuminating the battlefield during night operations.
Beretta Defense Technologies (BDT), a leading provider of advanced firearms and defence solutions, is proud to announce the establishment of its newest entity – Beretta Defense Technologies New Zealand. This strategic expansion underscores BDT’s commitment to providing cutting-edge defence and law enforcement technology and products to customers worldwide.
BDT New Zealand will offer a comprehensive selection of products, including small arms, ammunition, optics, and support equipment, sourced from BDT’s global alliance of Beretta Holding owned companies and third-party partners. By serving as the gateway to the global BDT alliance, BDT New Zealand aims to ensure that local customers have access to the latest advancements in our defence and law enforcement technology.
“We are thrilled to expand our operations into New Zealand and look forward to bringing our world-
class defence solutions to this important market. This expansion represents an exciting opportunity for us to serve the unique needs of the New Zealand defence and law enforcement community, contributing to the country’s security objectives.”
– Slawomir Wicha, General Manager, Beretta Defense Technologies
To bolster the BDT presence and efficacy in the Australasian region, BDT New Zealand proudly collaborates with BDT Australia, forming a powerful partnership aimed at delivering comprehensive defence solutions across the region. Leveraging the combined strengths and expertise of both entities, this collaboration will ensure coordination and support for defence and law enforcement agencies in Australia and New Zealand. By combining resources, knowledge, and networks, BDT will leverage the joint relationship to benefit all customers in the region.
“BDT recognises the importance of the New Zealand market, and the necessity to understand the nuances of New Zealand requirements, which is best done by New Zealanders. This has been the determining factor in establishing BDT New Zealand.
While Australia and New Zealand are proudly independent, each with a strong culture and identity, we also have much in common, with a very strong history of collaboration particularly in a military context. As such, it makes perfect sense to collaborate, and we are excited about the prospect of working closely together, sharing our experiences for mutual benefit.
This collaboration signifies a significant step forward in the BDT global strategy, and underscores our commitment to supporting our customers throughout the region. Together, we look forward to forging strong partnerships and achieving shared success.”
– Lachlan McKenna, Director, Beretta Defense Technologies Australia & New Zealand
BDT New Zealand looks forward to reaching out to new customers, and establishing meaningful relationships throughout the New Zealand market. By actively engaging with local agencies, understanding their unique challenges, and offering tailored solutions, BDT New Zealand seeks to build partnerships with defence and law enforcement agencies to fulfil their missions effectively.
“I am thrilled to join the BDT New Zealand team, and feel my experiences gained over a couple of decades of uniformed service, both in the NZDF, and in Law Enforcement roles in Australia and New Zealand see me well positioned to have an innate understanding of our customers’ operational requirements.”
– Will Pillow, Business Development Manager, Beretta Defense Technologies New Zealand
BDT New Zealand represents a significant milestone in BDT’s global expansion strategy and reaffirms its position as a trusted partner for defence agencies worldwide. By bringing global BDT alliance products to the local market, BDT New Zealand aims to empower defence and law enforcement agencies with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-challenging security landscape.
NEWINGTON, N.H., (March 26, 2024) – SIG SAUER will kick-off the popular 2024 ROSE Seminar Series featuring Team SIG professional shooter Lena Miculek at SIG Elite Dealer Vance Outdoors in Obetz, Ohio this Saturday, March 30, 2024.
The ROSE Seminar Series is an in-store experience tailored to women of all skill levels that encourages community and empowerment in your firearms journey featuring Team SIG Professional Shooter Lena Miculek. The schedule for the ROSE by SIG SAUER in-store experience is as follows:
9:00am – 5:00pm: Try-before-you buy experience hosted by the SIG SAUER Training Team featuring SIG SAUER ROSE series pistols and a broad array of SIG SAUER pistols, rifles, optics, and ammunition available to try. Additionally, SIG SAUER will host a ROSE pop-up store with exclusive ROSE branded items available for purchase.
9:00am & 1:00pm: Miculek will host two sold-out seminars at Vance Outdoors covering the how-to basics of incorporating red dot optics into your EDC routine with a product walk through of the newly released ROMEO-X COMPACT ROSE. To join the seminar waitlist please contact the host location directly for details.
4:00pm – 5:00pm: Public in-store meet and greet and autograph session with Lena Miculek.
For specific store event information visit event information at Vance Outdoors.
The next stop on the ROSE Seminar Series is Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Keystone Shooting Center in Mars, Pennsylvania. Registration for the event is now open. Visit sigsauer.com for the full 2024 ROSE Seminar Series schedule.
Become a member of the ROSE Community on Facebook for continued information about the ROSE Seminar Series, get exclusive updates about the ROSE program, and be the first to know about product launches. Access the full ROSE by SIG SAUER training series with Lena on the ROSE YouTube channel and visit sigsauer.com/rose specific product information and additional program details.
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Minneapolis – March, 2024 – Two new military snowmobiles are launching from Polaris Government and Defense: the 2025 Military 650 TITAN 155 and 2025 Military 850 PRO RMK 155, built off the industry-leading technology and ride-enhancing upgrades of the 2025 Polaris Snowmobile lineup. Warfighters worldwide rely on Polaris Government and Defense to provide off-road, light tactical vehicles for the most austere conditions. Polaris militarized snowmobiles, or over-snow reconnaissance vehicles (OSRVs), are a critical component of the off-road arsenal for winter warfare.
“Many expeditionary forces turn to Polaris for arctic mobility, and we are committed to providing vehicles that continue to meet the ever-changing needs of their missions,” said Nick Francis, vice president, Polaris Government and Defense. “The all-new 2025 Military 650 TITAN 155 and 2025 Military 850 PRO RMK 155 snowmobiles are engineered with the input of our longstanding snowmobile customers. Working closely with the operators that specialize in arctic operations helps ensure these next-gen OSRVs meet the standards and requirements of today’s militaries while continuing to provide exceptional maneuver capability, utility and reliable operation during harsh winter operations.”
– Blackout Mode – a single switch instantly turns off all lights for discreet operation
– IR Light – infrared lighting provides visibility to operators while in blackout mode
– White Body Panels – additional white on military snowmobiles provides camouflage
– 12V outlets – power or charge hand-held electronics and other mission essentials
– Power Boosting Regulator – automatically provides maximum electrical power at idle and low RPMs to support the 12V outlet as well as any added accessories
– Handlebar with Mountain Hoop – the added hoop provides better operator ride angle and control
Built on the proven Matryx platform with the quick accelerating 650 Patriot engine, the 2025 Military 650 TITAN 155 is the most capable widetrack in Polaris history. The two-person workhorse accommodates a passenger and another 125 lbs in the cargo area, as well as a hitch to tow a trailer and an additional 1200 lbs of mission-critical supplies. A powerful winch provides 1500 lbs of capacity for vehicle recovery or to move obstacles. With an all-new, patented BackTrak20 rear suspension, high-clearance independent front suspension and Trailbreaker skis, the TITAN can climb on top of the snow better than any previous model – in forward or reverse. This model also has an articulating rail, allowing the extra-long track to hinge upwards at the back, and a removeable rear snowflap for even greater mobility in reverse. The transmission has high and low gearing for controlled power distribution and added initial engine torque for heavy loads. A cooling system with radiator keeps the TITAN’s engine temp optimized during slow speed operation, while towing heavy loads and in low-snow conditions for more reliable operation and dependability.
The new 2025 Military 850 PRO RMK 155 is a nimble, lightweight snowmobile engineered for superior maneuverability for patrol and reconnaissance. The extended track and tapered tunnel increase the snowmobile’s performance in deep snow while a full-length cooler provides better cooling and greater reliability in marginal snow conditions. High elevation clutch calibration provides optimal operation at increased altitudes for this model, while Velocity shocks provide adjustability for varying rider and kit weight and size for greater control and precise handling.
Both snowmobiles are also equipped with durable, Polaris two-stroke engines and electric start, while also supporting manual, pull-start in extreme cold. Weight reduction and ergonomic upgrades provide added control while the advanced suspension improves handling, enhanced capability and agility. Calibrated shocks and a proven suspension architecture absorb bumps in shifting terrain to add a level of comfort to the ride while a narrow cockpit provides greater control, stability and precise navigation. To increase stealth, these two military snowmobiles are designed to blend in to snowy, arctic environmental conditions. A keyless ignition also comes standard on military models to simplify fleet operation. Orders for these military snowmobiles are open now directly through Polaris Government and Defense with production and deliveries also scheduled for this year.
Providing 70 Years of Winter Mobility
In arctic and mountainous snow-covered environments, Polaris military snowmobiles and tactical vehicles allow operators to move further and faster. The experts in winter mobility, Polaris has been making innovative snowmobiles for seven decades. Today’s snowmobiles are delivered mission-ready to military customers with confidence that all modifications have been validated by Polaris engineers. The dedicated team at Polaris Government and Defense also provides training courses to maximize operator effectiveness and ability for these specialty platforms.
Polaris Government and Defense also provides arctic mobility through its MRZR Alpha light tactical all-terrain vehicle. The MRZR Alpha transitions to cold-weather environments and terrain with the addition of an Arctic Mobility Kit. A fully enclosed cab helps protect occupants from weather conditions and environmental elements while a track conversion kit replaces each wheel with a separate track assembly providing off-road, all-terrain maneuver capability over snow, soft soil and mixed terrain. The full cab and tracks expand the environments the MRZR Alpha can operate in and increase an already wide range of terrain for which it is well-suited.
Polaris’ commercially modified platforms are air transportable, highly capable and a force multiplier for every service in the United States military and more than 60 allied countries. In addition to military snowmobiles, Polaris Government and Defense provides tactical wheeled vehicles like the MRZR, DAGOR and MV850.
I ran into HOG Saddle during last week’s vendor day at the USASOC Sniper Competition. Coming soon from Shadow Tech, the Dual Optic Grabbing (DOG) Leg. This thing is ingenious.
Essentially, it’s an erector which allows you to use your NVGs in conjunction with magnified observation devices like a spotting scope. While the DOG Leg is Picatinny and ARCA Rail compatible on one end, the other has a dovetail mount for your NVG. This set up does not require attachment of the NVG directly to the spotting scope, so there’s no threading.
Gear up for your most challenging missions with the Recon Collection. Engineered to withstand the toughest conditions, these tactical uniforms offer unmatched durability and resilience. Each uniform option includes Tactical Pants, Long- and Short-Sleeve Combat Shirts, and a Garrison Shirt. Choose from two fabric options tailored to your mission requirements.
Recon Flex: This modern adaptation of the traditional Recon uniform is crafted from lightweight stretch mini-ripstop fabric, ensuring optimal functionality for peak performance. Available in Black, Desert Tan, Navy, OD Green, and Smoke Grey.
Recon X: Constructed with No Melt No Drip (Cordura® NYCO Extreme) fabric, the Recon X Collection is built to withstand extreme environments and offer added protection against sparks and fire hazards you may encounter on the job. Available in Navy, Ranger Green, and Scorpion/OCP.
Check out their website for more info about the Recon Collection.
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DES MOINES, Iowa – The 132d Wing’s Cyberspace Range Squadron hosted its first training event at the 132d Wing, Iowa Air National Guard, Feb. 29-March 3.
The 132d RANS is a first-of-its-kind cyber range provider for the Air National Guard, focusing on certifying cyberspace capabilities to the joint force.
Members of the 168th Cyberspace Operations Squadron, also attached to the 132d Wing, were the first clients of the range and used the training to hone their skills on the weapon system.
“The event hosted by the RANS provided an opportunity for our operators to train in a realistic and holistic manner that is not present in other training platforms,” said Capt. Joseph Wilburn, 168th COS team lead. “The RANS team and their weapon system simulator possess the flexibility to adapt to the operator’s specific training needs in real time that ensures skill improvement remains consistent throughout the event. The training event demonstrated by the RANS represents a significant force multiplier for Air National Guard cyber protection teams.”
The exercise aimed to increase the proficiency of the 168th COS in detecting, validating and responding to cyber threats. The exercises improve Cyber Mission Force mission readiness by providing scenarios as a service, meeting the annual training requirements of cyber units.
“Our first range event was significant because it proved to the cyber community that we are capable of providing this service and why Iowa is the right choice for the Range Squadron,” said Lt. Col. Kevin Taylor, 132d RANS commander.
Capt. Chad McDonnell, 132d RANS director of operations, said the training events offer more than just a virtual range environment where cyber operators can practice. The RANS provides all the required roles for evaluating teams, opposing force teams, cyber intelligence and a mission partner to serve as the organization the team is defending. Additionally, they build the range environment so their customers can deploy their physical cyber weapon system.
“This is not only important because it allows them to train like they fight, but it allows their maintenance team the opportunity to receive crucial training as well by physically deploying their equipment to an alternate location, configuring it to connect to the mission partner’s network, and providing weapon system maintenance for the operators during the event,” said McDonnell.
At the end of the event, exercise facilitators provided the 168th COS’s training, standards and evaluation shop with a document that identified every task and event they accomplished to maintain their operator currencies and proficiencies.
“We’re able to do all of this because we have fully qualified cyber operators with real-world mobilizations under their belt, in addition to the years of experience in the civilian sector,” said McDonnell. “Our Airmen and the experience they bring is truly our greatest asset to this unit.”
By MSgt Michael Kelly, 132d Wing, Public Affairs, Iowa Air National Guard
Posted in Air Force, Cyber, Guest Post | Comments Off on Iowa Guard’s 132d Cyber Range Hosts Training Event
(Cincinnati, OH) Faxon Firearms, a Cincinnati, Ohio-based manufacturer of quality rifle and pistol components and complete firearms, is proud to provide its latest guide: The Ultimate Guide to Barrel Profiles.
Building or tweaking an AR-15 can involve a variety of things, some vital, some arguable or even cosmetic. It could be receiver sets, muzzle devices, anti-walk pins, or any of a dozen other things, but one of the most important considerations is that of a barrel – and when you’re choosing a barrel, you need to be thinking about barrel profiles.
Finding the right barrel profile is a Big Deal. It’s not just about looks; it shapes how your rifle handles and shoots and fits your shooting lifestyle, whether that’s defending your home, hunting in the woods, or just having fun at the range.
Why should you care? Because every profile offers something different; there relative advantages and arguable disadvantages to each one.
From the heavy hitters to the lightweight models, we’ll walk you through what each might mean for your build or intended upgrade. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or someone whose just getting started, we want to make the choice that feels – and functions – just right.
AR15 Barrel Profiles Explained
The term “barrel profile” refers to the thickness of the barrel on an AR-15-style rifle (like the Faxon Sentry). Different barrel profiles can impact the gun’s performance in various ways.
For instance, thinner barrels are lightweight and easy to handle, while thicker barrels provide more stability by adding weight to the front of the gun and can withstand more heat. The weight of your barrel is going to impact the weight of your rifle. Though those few ounces might seem insignificant, they’re not, particularly if you’re manipulating the weapon for extended periods, carrying a bunch of weight in other ways (armor, gear, etc.), or maybe just dealing with physical constraints or limitations.
It’s important to consider the trade-offs of different barrel options available (particularly vis-a-vis accuracy, heat dispersion, durability, and weight) before making your choice!
Let’s take a look at some AR15 barrel profiles and see what makes each one unique.
Faxon Gunner Profile
The Faxon Firearms Gunner profile blends two of the best-performing profiles of all time: Government (Gov’t) and Pencil.
Faxon’s Gunner profile combines the durability of the Gov’t profile with the weight savings and maneuverability of the Pencil profile.
The Gunner profile brings the balance of the rifle back towards the shooter’s body, limiting fatigue and allowing you to shoot, train, or hunt all day long.
Government/SOCOM Profile
A SOCOM barrel for an AR-15 is designed differently from the standard M4/A2 barrel.
Instead of being consistently thick throughout, it has a thinner section past the gas block and a thicker section near the chamber. SOCOM barrels often have a slot for attaching a grenade launcher and provide a balance between strength and weight.
If you’re looking for a barrel that can handle sustained shooting while still being lightweight, a SOCOM barrel may be a good option for you.
Pencil Profile
The pencil barrel is the original profile for the AR-15. It typically measures 0.625 inches in diameter.
It is known for being slim and lightweight, making it easy to carry and handle. Its thinness, however, makes it heat more quickly than its cousins, particularly during rapid fire. Overheating the barrel leads to elastic deformation or warping, which in turn affects accuracy and reliability.
Unlike run-of-the-mill pencil barrels, Faxon Firearms barrels are properly heat-treated and stress-relieved. The Faxon manufacturing process improves heat resistance and longevity.
The durability of this AR15 barrel profile is ideal for shooters with a light or medium shooting schedule.
Learn more about barrel characteristics and how they affect the performance and longevity of your weapon, particularly AR15 barrel profiles.
What is the best all-around barrel profile to use?
Of course, barrel profile doesn’t just affect AR15s and large-frame pistols. The barrel characteristics (not just the profile) of any firearm can greatly affect its overall performance and handling.
We’ve looked at the three most common barrel profiles: Gunner, Government, and Pencil.
Of those, the Government/SOCOM provides the most stability with the greatest potential for accuracy. It does so because it’s the thickest and heaviest style, which adds weight to the gun and to the shooter’s aggregate loadout.
The Pencil version is the thinnest and lightest option, making it easier to handle and carry but it does sacrifice some stability and accuracy potential.
Faxon believes the Faxon Firearms Gunner barrel is the best general barrel choice. It provides the best balance of the other two, offering a good compromise between weight, performance, and durability.
Ultimately, the choice of barrel profile will depend on the individual’s personal preferences, but should absolutely be appropriate for the intended use of the rifle.
Consider the trade-offs and choose the barrel profile that best suits your needs!
