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Blue Force Gear Announces 2025 Partner Awards

January 23rd, 2026

LAS VEGAS, NV. – Blue Force Gear, Inc., the world leader in load carriage equipment innovation, is proud to announce the recipients of their 2025 Partner Awards. These awards recognize outstanding performance, commitment, and dedication to promoting the Blue Force Gear brand worldwide.

The 2025 Awards span domestic and international categories, recognizing partners who have gone above and beyond in supporting Blue Force Gear’s mission to deliver cutting-edge load carriage solutions to professionals in the shooting sports, hunting, military, and law enforcement industries.

2025 Award Recipients:

2025 Commercial Distributor of the Year – Awarded to RSR for exceptional distribution performance and outstanding support of Blue Force Gear’s commercial market growth.

2025 Commercial Master Dealer of the Year – Awarded to Primary Arms for demonstrated excellence in retail performance and customer engagement.

2025 OEM Account of the Year – Awarded to Daniel Defense for outstanding collaboration and integration of Blue Force Gear products.

2025 NBS Dealer of the Year – Awarded to H&H Shooting Sports for exceptional performance within the Nation’s Best Sports buying group network.

2025 Buying Group of the Year – Presented to Nation’s Best Sports for outstanding partnership and support of Blue Force Gear’s dealer network.

2025 International Partner of Excellence – Top Revenue – Awarded to Colt Canada for achieving the highest international revenue performance.

2025 International Partner of Excellence – Outstanding Growth – Awarded to TMH for exceptional year-over-year growth and market expansion.

2025 International Partner of Excellence – Strategic Collaboration – Awarded to MP-SEC for exemplary partnership and strategic market development.

These partnerships enable Blue Force Gear to deliver innovative load carriage solutions to professionals in the shooting sports, hunting, military, and law enforcement industries worldwide. For more information about Blue Force Gear or any of their product offerings, visit their website: www.blueforcegear.com

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FirstSpear Friday Focus: New Low Visibility Plate Carrier (LVPC)

January 23rd, 2026

The FirstSpear Low Visibility Plate Carrier (LVPC) is engineered for military, law enforcement, and special operations personnel who require ballistic protection without a visible tactical footprint. The LVPC provides a lightweight, durable, and flexible platform capable of withstanding operational demands while maintaining all-day comfort.

Its low-profile construction is optimized for plainclothes, surveillance, and covert operations where remaining unnoticed is critical. The carrier maintains a close-to-body fit, minimizing bulk and a streamlined exterior reduces visual signature while preserving mission-essential functionality.

Modular integration allows operators to scale their loadout based on threat level and mission requirements. Full compatibility with Ragnar pockets enables efficient, low-profile ammunition and equipment carriage.

The ergonomic design supports natural movement, ensuring unrestricted mobility in urban, vehicular, and close-quarters environments. This freedom of movement allows operators to transition quickly between roles and positions.

The LVPC is purpose-built for environments where discretion, speed, and readiness are non-negotiable. Every component is designed to perform without compromise. The Low Visibility Plate Carrier delivers trusted protection while keeping the operator concealed, capable, and operationally effective.

To request an estimate click image above or visit First-Spear.com/Request-For-Estimate. FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting-edge tactical gear for military, law enforcement and those who train. For more information visit First-Spear.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Armor, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | No Comments »

JRTC Brings Industry, Experts Together to Support TiC

January 23rd, 2026

FORT POLK, La. — The Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk hosted their first Innovation Industrial Conference, Jan. 14–15, bringing together defense industry vendors and Army modernization experts to support efforts to modernize JRTC’s Transformation in Contact initiative.

The two-day conference focused on electromagnetic warfare, unmanned aerial systems, unmanned ground vehicles, artificial intelligence, command and control, and intelligence and fires integration.

More than 40 defense industry vendors from across the country participated, showcasing technologies aligned with concepts developed by the JRTC Innovative Modernization Equipping Group. Vendors included Interference Management and Cancellation International, ORKID, Farada Group and EagleNXT.

Representatives from several Department of War organizations also attended, including Army Materiel Command, Army G-3, U.S. Army Reserve Command G-34, First Army Training and the Joint Counter–Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems University.

“This is super important for what we do here at JRTC,” Brig. Gen. Jason A. Curl, commanding general, said about the event. “We’re making sure we continue to move up and close the gap between what we’re seeing in the current operating environment and what we’re able to replicate. We’re focused on making sure that we continue to advance the Army’s Combat Training Center itself.”

Organizers said the conference was designed to connect emerging industry solutions with JRTC’s operational experimentation environment, ensuring future equipment supports realistic training at the Army’s premier CTC.

Sgt. First Class Travis Keiper, USAR Soldier assigned to Task Force 76 from Salt Lake City, Utah, discussed the importance of the conference and gave feedback.

“To build our counter-UAS program, it’s important for us to understand what capabilities and products are coming and how we can integrate them into a top-down program,” he said.

“While I’m here, I can ask questions about what products are coming out, if we can get a better feel for those systems and understand the training timeline so we can continue to develop the program. We also attend several annual training events each year, so it would be beneficial to incorporate those programs as well, along with working with the JRTC here. Ideally, we could bring our unit to Fort Polk to train and gain hands-on experience across the full spectrum of capabilities.”

Maj. Roman Xydias, USARC G34 Training and Exercises officer, shared similar beliefs.

“We are looking at both materiel training solutions and using a bottom-line up-front approach,” Xydias said. “From the USARC G-34 perspective, our goal is to develop a complete concept that moves materiel solutions through the training and testing pipeline within an operational environment, allowing us to clearly determine what capabilities we should be fielding and which we should not.”

Col. Justin Sisak, USARC G-34 program manager, said events like the Innovation Industrial Conference are important because they help build relationships to form partnerships and identify missing links.

“Now that we’re here at the Innovation Industrial Conference, we’ve identified a relationship that we can continue to build and grow,” Sisak said. “The current environment is saturated with individual organizations all trying to solve the same problem at the same time, often in isolation. Those are the walls we need to break down, and this type of event does exactly that for the USAR. It accelerates the maturation of our strategy and campaign plan significantly.”

Lt. Col. Troy Allen Catterton, U.S. Army reservist assigned to the JRTC G-3 Directorate as the senior USAR advisor and the JRTC TIC modernization project officer, was a key organizer of the conference. Upon conclusion of the two-day event, Catterton expressed how the Innovation Industrial Conference enables JRTC to bridge the gap between Department of War initiatives and the modernization of warfighter capabilities.

“There is much more that could be added to the broader environment, but our initial task is to create a venue where technology modernization and its various facets can be identified and where we can leverage vendor capabilities and industry leaders to synchronize our path forward,” he said.

Catteron said he hopes to see the conference evolve into an annual event in the future.

As the Army continues to adapt to rapidly evolving threats, the Innovation Industrial Conference marked a significant step in aligning industry innovation with realistic, operational training. By fostering collaboration across Army organizations and defense partners, JRTC and Fort Polk strengthens its ability to modernize transformation in contact and prepare Soldiers for the complexities of the modern battlefield — setting conditions for continued innovation and readiness in the years ahead.

By Porsha Auzenne

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Castelion Breaks Ground on Project Ranger, Advancing Scaled Hypersonic Manufacturing in New Mexico

January 22nd, 2026

New 1,000-acre manufacturing campus will invest more than $220 million, create 300+ high-paying jobs, and generate over $650 million in economic impact for New Mexico

RIO RANCHO, N.M., Jan. 21, 2026 — Castelion today announced the launch of Project Ranger, a 1,000-acre hypersonic manufacturing campus in Sandoval County, designed to support high-cadence production of hypersonic strike systems. The project will create approximately 300 high-paying manufacturing jobs and represent more than $220 million in private investment, with an estimated $650 million in economic impact for New Mexico over the next decade.

The Project Ranger groundbreaking, attended by New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, U.S. Army Portfolio Acquisition Executive Fires Lt. General Frank Lozano, Director of NAVAIR’s Rapid Capabilities Cell Paul McGinty, and other regional and county leaders, marks a major step in scaling domestic hypersonic manufacturing capacity.

“This is economic development in New Mexico—high-tech companies bringing high-paying jobs,” said Governor Michell Lujan Grisham. “Castelion chose our site because we have the workforce, the expertise and infrastructure they need to succeed.”

Project Ranger will support solid rocket motor manufacturing, static testing, and final assembly of hypersonic weapons, reinforcing New Mexico’s position at the forefront of defense innovation. The first building will be completed this summer, with all twenty-one buildings on the campus complete and ready for production by the end of 2026.

“We chose New Mexico for its unparalleled technical talent and history of scientific achievement,” said Bryon Hargis, CEO and Co-Founder of Castelion. “Project Ranger represents a renaissance in American manufacturing, delivering the advanced systems our country needs. We’re proud to partner with a community that has powered some of our nation’s greatest leaps forward. We have a bright future together.”

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich highlighted the project’s significance for both economic growth and national security.

“I’m pleased to welcome the groundbreaking of Castelion’s new manufacturing facility in Sandoval County that will strengthen our national security, grow our state’s economy, and create over 300 permanent jobs that New Mexicans can build their families around,” said Senator Heinrich. “This is a great example of what New Mexico does best: Developing cutting-edge science and technology and manufacturing it right here in our state. As New Mexico’s senior senator, I will keep working to further bolster New Mexico’s bases, defense research labs, and private industry partners so we can keep excelling in emerging defense capabilities.”

Rob Black, Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Economic Development Department, emphasized the broader workforce impact.

“Today marks the continued evolution of New Mexico’s innovation economy, demonstrating that New Mexico is the next frontier for technologies that are essential for our economy and our national security,” said Secretary Black. “Castelion also adds a new layer of career opportunities for the next generation of New Mexicans who can add building really cool rockets as a potential career in their home state.”

Local and regional collaboration was essential to New Mexico’s selection, driven by efforts from Sandoval County, the City of Rio Rancho, the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA), Sandoval Economic Alliance (SEA), and state officials.

“I am very excited and grateful for Castelion to be incredible partners with us to help our nation stay ahead of our competitors when it comes to national security,” said New Mexico State Senator Jay Block. “This company will be critical to catch up and pass China and Russia in hypersonic technologies. This is a race we cannot lose.”

“The decision by Castelion to have its next rocket manufacturing facility in Sandoval County conjoins opportunity and legacy,” said Sandoval County Board of Commissions Chair Jordan Juarez. “This company has the vision, expertise, and experience in our country’s defense program; Sandoval County has the high-tech talent to support its efforts and also the land and logistics for its manufacturing needs. Combined, Castelion and Sandoval County continue New Mexico’s legacy and leadership in technology and defense. We are proud to partner with them in this endeavor. We celebrate that there will be an additional 300 high-paying jobs coming to our County, and together we will contribute to strengthening New Mexico’s role in the nation’s defense program.”

“Sandoval County is committed to providing the services necessary to assist Castelion in the successful build and operation of its newest rocket manufacturing facility,” said Wayne Johnson, Sandoval County Manager. “From our Economic Development Department to Public Works to Public Safety, we are ready to bring this project forward with a company that is dedicated to strengthening national security. Our qualified workforce is ready to join the Castelion team, and we are pleased that 300 jobs, paying on average, a $100,000 annual salary will be on this side of the river. Thank you, Castelion.”

“Today’s groundbreaking is a signal,” said Chad Matheson, interim president and CEO of AREA. “A signal that New Mexico and Greater Albuquerque will continue to lead in America’s defense and manufacturing future. Castelion’s decision to invest here reflects the strength of our assets, the depth of our talent, and the collaborative leadership that makes New Mexico competitive on a national scale.”

“Project Ranger represents a significant investment in New Mexico’s future and a strong vote of confidence in our community,” said Gregg Hull, Mayor of Rio Rancho. “Today’s groundbreaking brings high quality jobs, strengthens the economy and positions the region as a leader in advanced manufacturing and innovation for years to come.”

www.castelion.com

Posted in Industry, Manufacturing, Press Release | No Comments »

SHOT Show 26 – Arc’teryx PRO Konseal Trek Boot

January 22nd, 2026

As part of the transition from LEAF to PRO, Arc’teryx is doing more to bring outdoor products to their mission oriented customers.

Coming FW26 is an over the ankle version of the Konseal shoe technology from Arc’teryx. This colorway combo is Bracken/Graphite. Currently, you’ll find the Konseal shoe in Black which is a great shoe for low viz work.

Posted in Advertiser, Boots, SHOT Show | 1 Comment »

SHOT Show 26 – Crye Precision ATO Hardshell Jacket and Pant

January 22nd, 2026

The new ATO Hardshell Jacket NB and Pant NB roundout the the ATO outerwear line which is intended for cold / wet environments.

Made from a waterproof breathable laminate, the Jacket and Pant feature a low profile design. The Jacket features dual front zips for layering and can be worn over or under armor. It also incorporates pit zips for ventilation. The Pants have full side zips to facilitate donning and doffing and built in suspenders. The combo is seen below next to the new low burden CBRN suit.

Jacket features:

Helmet-compatible hood with visor

Two-way adjustable hood to customize fit
Water-repellent zipper closure with expandable storm flap
Top-applied shoulder loop
Zippered shoulder and chest pockets
Extended underarm zipper for ventilation and access to armor
VELCRO Brand adjustable cuff tabs keep water out
Low-profile, push-button Cohaesive cord locks at hood and hem
Adjustable shock-cord waist keeps out rain and wind
Sealed-seam construction
Sized to fit over armor

Pant Features:

Elastic suspenders with removable, custom G-hook connection
Snap waistband with zipper fly and glove-compatible pull tab
Inset cargo pocket with thermo-bonded VELCRO™
Brand flap and water-repellent zipper
Glove-compatible, front-entry knee pad pocket
Water-repellent, ¾ leg zipper and snap tab at hem
Raised-back waistband with belt loops set into seam
Crotch gusset
Articulated legs
Abrasion-resistant scuff guard
Passthrough pockets to uniform under layer
Sealed-seam construction
Webbing loops at hem for removable shock cord stirrup

Both are offered in XS-3XL in MultiCam, Black, Ranger Green, and Coyote.

www.cryeprecision.com

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The NOVA Binocular System from L3Harris: The Future Of Night Vision

January 22nd, 2026

The new L3Harris NOVA binocular system is ‘the every-soldier goggle’ – and the beginning of a new era for night-vision capability.

Today, direct combat forces gear up with advanced night-vision goggles for their missions. Going forward, L3Harris has a solution for the remaining complement of armed forces – the NOVA™ binocular system.

As armies globally are modernizing their foundational ground-force capabilities, equipping troops to be effective at all times of day and see at night is taking focus.

“We’re meeting the needs of the U.S. Army, militaries around the world and public safety officials by creating a system that delivers critical night-vision functions at scale,” said Brenna Baker, President of Integrated Vision Solutions, L3Harris. “The NOVA binocular system is the night-vision system this generation of warfighters will think of when someone says, ‘night vision.’”

“We’re meeting the needs of the U.S. Army, militaries around the world and public safety officials by creating a system that delivers critical night-vision functions at scale. The NOVA binocular system is the night-vision system this generation of warfighters will think of when someone says, ‘night vision.’”

– Brenna Baker, President of Integrated Vision Solutions, L3Harris

Owning the Night at Scale

The NOVA system is the commercial variant of L3Harris’s proposed Binocular Night Observation Device (BiNOD) system for the U.S. Army, according to Matt Lufkin, Lead, Product Management, L3Harris. Development of the device began in 2021 with a concerted focus on the Army’s chief considerations for a PVS-14 replacement: a low-cost binocular system that can be universally deployed with a common configuration.

“The Army wanted something that could stand the test of time, and this goggle does that,” said Lufkin. “The NOVA system’s design, centered around the integrated tube, is the future of night vision for us.”

While targeting a price point with which land forces can procure a NOVA system at scale, L3Harris’s newest night-vision goggle is not without the features customers come to expect. One of the biggest lifecycle cost reductions comes from the ease of maintenance and reduced downtime of the goggles. If, for instance, an image intensification tube requires replacement, the new USB-C interface means four screws are the only hurdle in swapping out the damaged components and having a functioning system back in the field.

A Complement to Advanced L3Harris Systems

L3Harris still expects Enhanced Night Vision Goggles – Binocular (ENVG-B) and Binocular Night Vision Devices (BNVD) – with enhanced features to identify threats, enhanced battery life and deep immersion thresholds – to be the advanced night-vision systems of choice for direct-combat and special operations forces for the foreseeable future. NOVA is the solution for the remainder of the force structure.

“The first to benefit from a NOVA system is the warfighter, border patrol agent or tactical officer who doesn’t have high-quality night vision,” said Lufkin. “NOVA binoculars are economical to purchase and own. It gives these professionals more military-grade capability than previously available.”

L3Harris is developing a technical roadmap for future versions in the NOVA line, including an enhanced version with a partial heads-up display, attached battery and increased immersion capacity.

www.l3harris.com

Posted in Guest Post, Optics | No Comments »

Gentex PURSUIT Helmet System Selected as US Navy Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet

January 22nd, 2026

CARBONDALE, PA, January 21, 2026 – Gentex Corporationannounced today that its PURSUIT Helmet System has been selected by the US Naval Aircrew Systems program office (PMA-202) as the Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet(NGFWH).

The Navy NGFWH awarded contract is a 5-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract to deliver over 5,000 NGFWH systems and associated spares to support the fielding of the next generation helmet across all Navy fixed wing aircraft, including E-2D, F/A-18, E/A-18G, T-45, T-6, and the in-development Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS),and is anticipated to total approximately $22M during the period of performance, representing one of the most significant modernization efforts for US Navy aircrew flight equipment in recent years. Awarded under PMA-202’s Helmet Mask Regulator (HMR) program and covering both Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) and Full-Rate Production (FRP), the selection underscores Gentex’s proven commitment to delivering next generation protective technologies that evolvewith the modern warfighter’s needs. It also further solidifies Gentex’s position as the global leader in advanced personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, aircrew, emergency responders, and industrial personnel.

“This contract award from the US Navy is a significant milestone for Gentex and demonstrates our unwaveringcommitment to advancing the world’s most innovative protection solutions for warfighters,” said Robert McCay, Vice President of Aircrew Systems at Gentex Corporation. “The PURSUIT system delivers meaningful advancements in aircrew safety, comfort, and mission performance, ensuring NavalAviators and Naval Flight Officers are equipped withtechnology that keeps pace with the rapidly evolving demands of modern aviation. We are honored to continue our trusted partnership with the US Navy and look forward to providing the US military and international allies with the PURSUIT Helmet System for decades to come.”

The Navy’s decision reflects the PURSUIT Helmet System’ssuperior performance, enhanced safety features, and modern, future-proof architecture, purpose-built to support emerging mission requirements. PURSUIT directly addresses long-standing aircrew concerns identified across the services, including neck strain from poorly balanced helmets due tosuboptimal HMD/NVG integration and heightened ejection seat injury risk. The helmet’s modular, lightweight design with an optimized center of gravity and Gentex’s collaboration with various HMD OEMs allow the delivery of advanced technology solutions that provide aircrew with an immediate, tactically relevant helmet solution that ensures 600 KEAS protection.Building on 70+ years of military partnerships, Gentex delivers a mature helmet solution that enhances warfighter capability across multiple platforms.

The PURSUIT Helmet System was developed through extensive collaboration with US Navy and US Air Force stakeholders, HMD OEMs, and international partners. Its architecture directly supports the performance attributes emphasized in the USAF’s NGFWH initiative, including improved weight distribution, enhanced HMD integration, and reduced aircrew physiological burden.

This award also signals broader readiness for adoption across US and allied military aviation communities that often look to Navy procurement decisions as a benchmark for modernization, reinforcing Gentex’s leadership role in shaping the future of aircrew protection.

About the PURSUIT Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet System

A modern helmet for the modern fighter, PURSUIT is designed to support advances in aircraft helmet-mounted display systems.Its lightweight carbon shell reduces neck and spine strain, lowering the risk of short and long-term injuries from extended missions and high-G maneuvers. The helmet’s optimized balance and center of gravity provide aircrew with a secure,stable fit during dynamic maneuvering in all HMD/NVG configurations.

The PURSUIT helmet is also engineered for the future. Fully compliant with USN and USAF performance standards, it incorporates a Modular Open System Approach (MOSA),enabling seamless integration of current and future HMDs, advanced communications systems, and optical and respiratory protection. The result is a highly adaptable, mission-ready platform built to meet evolving warfighter needs for decades to come.

About Gentex Corporation

With a history of innovation that spans 130 years, Gentex Corporation is the leading supplier of high-performance flight equipment for military, law enforcement, aircrew and aircraft maintainers worldwide. The company’s comprehensive line of durable and innovative helmet systems for fixed wing, rotary wing, and cross-platform applications allows for the easy integration of advanced capability upgrades without sacrificing protection. An equally comprehensive line of hearing protection and communication solutions provide these users with superior hearing protection and precise, intelligible communications in the most extreme noise environments.

Click here for more information on the Gentex PURSUIT Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet System.

NAVAIR Public Release SPR-2025-0058. Distribution Statement A – “Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited”

Posted in Advertiser, Aviation, Contracts, Helmets, Navy, Press Release | No Comments »