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Army Opens Premier Test Ranges to Private Industry for Rapid Innovation

August 12th, 2026

WASHINGTON — In a major effort to accelerate the delivery of critical capabilities to the warfighter, the U.S. Army announced today it is opening four premier stateside military test ranges and collaborating with partners to open an international military test range to private industry for their internal research, development and rapid experimentation.

Spearheaded by the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC), in close partnership with the Mississippi and Michigan National Guard and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), this initiative prioritizes commercial access to specialized environments ideal for testing drones, counter-drone technologies, long-range fires and low-cost interceptors.

The ranges designated for this effort include Dugway Proving Ground in Utah; West Cibola Range, a newly opened component of Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona; Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center in Mississippi; Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center in Michigan; and the Multidomain Training Area (MDTA) range complex, a component of the Africa Multidomain Training and Experimentation Center (AMTEC), in Morocco.

“A company with a good idea shouldn’t need a team of lawyers and a program of record just to prove their equipment works,” said Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. “So we fixed that. One front door — testrange.army.mil — a real person to walk you in, and on the other side, everything the modern battlefield demands: contested airspace, degraded signals and the space to test at real scale.”

To streamline access, the Army has launched a modern portal, which serves as a digital “front door” for industry. Companies can easily request range time and will be paired with a dedicated concierge who will assist them through the scheduling processes. Private industry does not need to have a prior U.S. government contract or existing federal relationship to submit a request.

“At Dugway Proving Ground and West Cibola Range, we are providing industry partners with unparalleled access to massive land and airspace that is perfect for the ‘fly, fail, fix, fly’ process necessary to mature emerging drone and long-range fires capabilities,” said Maj. Gen. Pat Gaydon, commanding general of ATEC. “By aligning our test processes with the speed of commercial innovation, we enable developers to rapidly prototype and iterate on their systems.”

In addition to standard testing, the Army will also host a special electromagnetic unreliability test event for private industry at Camp Grayling during the week of Sept. 13, 2026. This environment will mimic the contested electronic warfare conditions currently seen on the battlefield in Ukraine, offering industry a rare opportunity to harden their drone and counter-drone systems. The Army anticipates this opportunity will be repeated on a quarterly basis.

“I am grateful to the Secretary of the Army for selecting Camp Grayling to help advance defense innovation and support the modernization of our military,” said Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “This designation will help streamline research, development and innovation opportunities for Michigan’s defense industry, accelerate the delivery of emerging capabilities to the warfighter and further strengthen our partnership with the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command. We look forward to providing a realistic environment where government, industry and the military can work together to rapidly develop and evaluate the technologies that will shape the future battlefield.”

Camp Shelby represents the Mississippi National Guard’s contribution to the test range initiative.

“We are thrilled to partner with the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command,” said Maj. Gen. Bobby M. Ginn Jr., adjutant general of Mississippi and commanding general of the Mississippi National Guard. “Camp Shelby, with its distinct history of training warfighters coupled with its unique capabilities, stands out as an exceptional location for a test range. We are committed to supporting the T&E of cutting-edge technologies that empower our warfighters and enhance their operational effectiveness across all warfighting domains, operational imperatives and cross-cutting sectors.”

Internationally, AMTEC will provide dedicated physical space to ensure forces and systems are prepared to operate effectively in any environment. A key feature of the MDTA is the ability to operate in the full electromagnetic spectrum as well as contested environments.

“AMTEC represents a transformative leap in multinational collaboration,” said Gen. Dagvin Anderson, commander of AFRICOM. “This partnership will not only advance the capabilities of both the U.S. and Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, but it will also provide the defense industrial base with a world-class international venue to experiment, innovate and develop scalable solutions for long-range fires and emerging technologies.”

While submitting a request does not guarantee a vendor’s desired location or timeline due to capacity limits, the Army concierge team will work closely with all applicants to find suitable testing locations and windows.

To view the new site, visit testrange.army.mil/ArmyRangeReservation/s/.

US Army Public Affairs

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Darley Named No. 2026 on the 2026 Inc. 5000 List, the Most Prestigious Ranking of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

August 12th, 2026

Company Recognized for Three-Year Revenue Growth, Earning a Place Among the Nation’s Most Successful Independent Businesses

Itasca, Illinois, August 12, 2026 – Darley today announced it has been ranked No. 2026 on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list, the annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The list is the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s most successful independent and entrepreneurial businesses, recognizing companies that have achieved remarkable growth while driving innovation, creating jobs, and shaping the future of the economy. Past honorees include companies such as Microsoft, Meta, Chobani, Oracle, and Patagonia.

“Being named to the Inc. 5000 is an incredible honor and a testament to the dedication of our employees, the trust of our customers, and the strength of our partnerships,” said Paul Darley, CEO & Chairman of Darley. “As a fourth-generation family-owned company, we remain committed to delivering innovative solutions that support first responders, warfighters, and the communities they serve. This recognition reflects the hard work of our entire team and our continued focus on creating lasting value for our customers.”

This year’s Inc. 5000 recognizes a new class of companies redefining what growth looks like. From AI and advanced manufacturing to healthcare, consumer products, and professional services, these businesses are expanding their impact, creating jobs and proving that entrepreneurial ambition continues to fuel the U.S. economy. Among the 5,000 companies on the list, the median three-year revenue growth rate was 130%, and those companies have collectively added more than 627,208 jobs to the U.S. economy over the past three years.

For the full Inc. 5000 list, honoree company profiles, and a searchable database by industry and location, please visit: www.inc.com/inc5000.

“Every company on the Inc. 5000 has a story of perseverance, smart decision making, and a refusal to sit still,” says Mike Hofman, editor-in-chief of Inc. “Their growth reflects more than strong financial performance–it reflects creativity, resilience, and the customer focus required to build companies that make a lasting impact. We congratulate all honorees on this significant achievement.”

Inc. will celebrate the honorees at the 2026 Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala, taking place October 14–16 in Dallas, Texas and the top 500 will be listed in the Fall issue of Inc. Magazine. Tickets are on sale now.

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

PK Gunsmithing – Barreled Action Removal Tool

August 12th, 2026

The Barreled Action Removal Tool (BART) allows for removal of 5.56/.223 gas barrels without putting undue stress on the upper receiver.

Tool eliminates stress to the receiver and keeps the roque within the barrel and extension. It also tool allows for vertical or horizontal positioning without movement of the upper receiver. The front of the tool engages precisely with the locking lugs while the rear utilizes a bronze bushing to keep the tool positively secured/centered in the barrel/upper receiver. Made from 1018 steel.

Designed and sold exclusively by PK Gunsmithing of Bozeman, MT.

pkgunsmithing.com/store

Posted in Weapon Accessories | 2 Comments »

ADAPTIV Defense Launches The F.L.I. Drone Goggle Harness

August 12th, 2026

Spring Hill, TN – Today, military and law enforcement SUAS/FPV operators face a number of challenges with emerging drone technology. One of those challenges is having a streamlined way to wear FPV goggles while wearing a helmet. Most FPV goggles come equipped with an elastic headband requiring the user to remove their helmet to put on and take off the goggles. The ADAPTIV Defense F.L.I. (Fast Latch Integrated) Drone Goggle Harness utilizes magnetic Fidlock® attachment points mounted directly on modular helmet rails giving the user the ability to quickly don and doff their system without the burden of Velcro, bungees, or losing the ability to have their NVG system mounted in their helmet shroud.

The system includes a neckband safety strap allowing the drone operator to keep the goggle retained and accessible while managing their SUAS or maintaining readiness with their rifle. An included padded headband allows the user to swap to a more conventional wearing-method when the helmet is not required. The headband also comes with hook and loop straps for users that head mount their battery packs.

At ADAPTIV Defense, we take professional user feedback seriously, and during the development of this harness system, several updates were made based on current military SUAS operator requests to ensure the best user experience possible. The standard F.L.I. kit includes two ARC Rail helmet mounts.Alternative mounting solutions for helmets like the ARMY IHPS are available upon request. More information can be found HERE and inquires can be directed to: contact@adaptivdefense.com

Posted in Helmets, Optics, Press Release | No Comments »

Misty Mountain – Misty Mountain Operator Belt

August 12th, 2026

Engineered for absolute stability under heavy operational loads, the Misty Mountain Operator Belt bridges the gap between duty gear and life-safety equipment. Built around a 1 1/2” Velcro-lined inner trouser belt, the ultra-stiff 1 3?4” outer belt holds its shape without rolling or twisting, no matter how many pouches or heavy sidearms you mount. Laser-cut MOLLE slots, four small gear loops, and a dedicated Velcro tab for stowing a fifi hook offer sleek attachment points for your gear, while front and rear textile attachment points allow flexibility for attachment systems. Secured with an AustriAlpin Cobra buckle and load-rated to 12 kN, it functions as a rock-solid gun belt that is fully certified for edge restraint.

When movement efficiency is critical, you shouldn’t be weighed down by bulk you aren’t actively using. The Cobra Light Leg Loops fold up ultra-compactly and can either be stowed neatly
inside a small pouch or wrapped around your waist for easy storage and fast deployment. Built with lightweight webbing and integrated Cobra buckles, they can be deployed and donned in
seconds over combat apparel without stepping through webbing loops.

Connecting the Operator Belt and Cobra Light Leg Loops with a locking carabiner (included with every MM harness) instantly transforms your daily duty belt into a fully certified UIAA 105 Type C sit harness. Built to handle fall protection, helicopter insertion, extraction, and hoist operations, it gives warfighters life-safety capability without sacrificing mobility. Need full-body restraint? Pair the system with an MM Chest Harness to create a UIAA 105 Type A full-body harness, with a single-point extraction point right at your sternum.

Operator Sit harnesses are available in MultiCam, Black, Coyote Brown, and Ranger Green.
Made in the USA by Misty Mountain Threadworks, Inc. and Berry Amendment Compliant.
Contact sales@mistymountain.com for quotes and further information.

Posted in Guest Post, Mountaineering | No Comments »

Priority Units Demonstrate, Choose Their Own MRR Drones via UAS Marketplace

August 12th, 2026

CLARKE RANGE, ANNISTON, Ala. – The Capability Program Executive (CPE) Aviation Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) Project Office is advancing company-level directed requirements — putting relevant, rapidly deployable drones in Soldiers’ hands, and creating capability decision space for Transformation in Contact (TiC) Units.

During a week of evaluation events performed by Product Office Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (SUAS), Soldiers in TiC units participated in Medium Range Reconnaissance (MRR) system demonstrations intended to inform their own system fielding selections.

As part of the Army’s initiative to test and field new technologies directly with operational units, this event allowed Soldiers to familiarize themselves with multiple Group 2 systems currently listed on the UAS Marketplace, perform live flight operations, and receive formal instruction on marketplace best practices and procurement procedures.

“From the unit level, having a lot more say of what potential systems and capabilities we get fielded is probably the biggest plus,” said CW2 Derrick Brown from 101st Airborne Division.

Brown said the ability to see the systems, understand their operation, transportation, crew requirements, range, and set-up in a hands-on environment was a positive experience.

Following the flight demonstrations, units were able to select up to two different systems to meet their specific Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (RSTA) requirements. Those systems will be fielded and trained over the next several months.

“I think [the UAS Marketplace] cleans up a lot of the [acquisition] process by showing units what all the available options are, not just what’s slated to come to them,” said Capt. Max Laguna, 1st Calvary Division. “It also allows a comparative aspect that you didn’t have before.”

Laguna said seeing user feedback, verifiying system aspects, and reviewing in one place allowed him to make a more informed decision for the most effective tools to accomplish the mission.

During the event, units provided system feedback based on cost, product support, integrated payload options, configurations, and justifications for their decisions. Units were also encouraged to provide event feedback for future iterations of these events.

“Leveraging existing, readily available systems enables our formations to out-pace threats our Soldiers will encounter on the future battlefield,” said Col. Danielle Medaglia, Project Manager for the UAS Project Office. “Seeing these units learn about, provide feedback, and buy systems in real time proves this new approach to drone acquisition is working.”

This event is a prime example of the Army’s commitment to accelerating fielding and prioritizing Soldiers’ needs and preferences for their missions. With their new systems in-hand, these units can collect, develop, and maintain real-time situational awareness during their missions.

Capability Program Executive Aviation

Posted in Army, Drone, Guest Post | No Comments »

SETAF-AF Hosts Joint Ghanaian Delegation to Advance Partner Drone Production

August 11th, 2026

VICENZA, Italy —

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) hosted Ghana Armed Forces representatives for a showcase of U.S. unmanned aircraft systems innovation, technical management and production capabilities at Caserma Del Din in Vicenza, Italy, July 21-22.

The five-member delegation represented Ghana’s army, navy and air force, and included leaders and planners ranging from the battalion to branch headquarters. It was the first time Ghanaians visited SETAF-AF to discuss UAS, and the first time Ghanaian officers toured the 173rd Airborne Brigade’s Bayonet Innovation Team lab.

“The GAF are exceptionally professional and capable partners,” said U.S. Army Maj. Stephen Scuderi, the Ghana desk officer with the Security Cooperation Directorate, SETAF-AF. “While we are assisting the GAF in standing up their own drone production, this effort paves the way for future joint co-production opportunities and access to their training ranges to test and mature our own UAS and counter-UAS technology in different environments.”

Scuderi explained that Ghanaian leadership is focused on independence, self-reliance and locally developed solutions. They want to design and manufacture UAS capabilities tailored precisely for their specific regional environment, with a long-term goal of exporting those systems to West African regional partners.

This engagement builds upon a bilateral UAS partnership first discussed in 2025 between the U.S. Army Europe and Africa commander and the Ghanaian chief of army staff.

“Our primary goal was to demystify in-house drone manufacturing and show the Ghanaians exactly how the U.S. Army executes this at the tactical level,” Scuderi said.

The delegation spent its first day at the 173rd Airborne Brigade BIT’s lab, reviewing in-house manufacturing capabilities and observing a live UAS flight demonstration. The day ended with a question-and-answer session on manufacturing techniques, UAS training and rapid maintenance cycles.

On the second day, SETAF-AF experts briefed the delegation on electromagnetic spectrum control and electronic warfare in active UAS environments, airspace integration and management protocols, counter-UAS defense frameworks, and UAS intelligence exploitation.

While the U.S. Army and the GAF differ in size and budget, the localized production model utilized by the 173rd Airborne Brigade BIT is highly scalable and replicable for GAF forces. The intent was to provide the GAF delegation with a realistic, proven blueprint to help them lay the foundation for their own drone manufacturing capability.

U.S. Army Capt. Vincent Gasparri, director of the 173rd Airborne Brigade BIT, said the technical exchange ran in both directions.

“The BIT’s primary goal was to explain the lessons we have learned pursuing UAS in the 173rd Airborne Brigade to the GAF to support their similar efforts,” Gasparri said. “We also wanted to learn what advancements and work the GAF have made with respect to UAS that can inform our efforts internally.”

Gasparri noted that Ghana has faced technical challenges the 173rd has not, like extreme heat impacting battery life, which prompted internal consideration and planning for advancements in that area as well.

“Our team’s experience with the GAF has been informative because it provides insight into alternative environments, and military challenges and progress within UAS,” Gasparri said.

Ghana’s weather, supply chains and operating environment differ from Europe’s, and accounting for those differences ensures U.S. systems and designs hold up across a wider range of conditions.

“It also serves to further shape the capacity and value that can come from a drone center of excellence and training area in Ghana for both the GAF and U.S. forces,” Gasparri said.

To move discussions toward fielded capability, SETAF-AF is brokering partnerships between Ghanaian research institutions and U.S. universities and research centers, as well as securing collaboration with U.S. private industry partners.

Scuderi pointed out that these partnerships run parallel to and complement the line of effort to establish the Africa Multidomain Training and Experimentation Center in Morocco. Together, the two efforts contribute to a wider goal of fostering standardized partner-nation UAS proficiency and shared multidomain understanding across Africa.

“This engagement serves as a model,” Scuderi said. “SETAF-AF stands ready and willing to collaborate with African nations to drive innovation, whether in UAS or other emerging technological sectors.”

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Fierce Firearms Launches the Wingman SBR: A 5.4-Pound Precision Rifle Built to Ride Along

August 11th, 2026

Titanium-actioned and carbon-barreled at just 5.4 pounds bare, the Wingman brings full-size precision to a 12.5-inch package, arriving as the $0 federal transfer tax makes short-barreled rifles more accessible than ever.

REDMOND, Utah — August 10, 2026 — Fierce Firearms today announced the launch of the Wingman SBR, a short-barreled precision rifle chambered in 22 Creedmoor, 25 Creedmoor, and 6.5 Creedmoor. Built on the company’s CT Mini Rogue platform with a titanium action and a 12.5-inch carbon-fiber barrel, the Wingman weighs just 5.4 pounds bare — a genuine precision rifle compact enough to ride under a truck seat, behind a UTV seat, or in a pack, and shoot when it comes out.

Built for the hunter and shooter who wants precision without a full-size footprint, the Wingman’s light weight and compact length suit it naturally to varmint and predator work: the fast-handling, move-often, grab-it-quick shooting where a full-size rifle is a burden. In 22 Creedmoor with a purpose-built varmint bullet, it is a dedicated small-game and varmint rifle; in 25 Creedmoor, it crosses over to predators and deer-sized game alike; and in 6.5 Creedmoor, it runs as a precise match and varmint rifle on the most widely available factory ammunition in the segment. At a suggested retail of $2,995, it undercuts comparable offerings in a lighter, shorter package.

“We built the Wingman to be the one rifle that’s always with you—in the truck, in the blind, in your pack. It’s short enough to stow anywhere and never gets in the way, but it doesn’t give up performance to get there. That’s what makes it your wingman,” said John Mogle, CEO of Fierce Firearms.

The launch arrives at a turning point for the category. As of January 1, 2026, the federal transfer tax on short-barreled rifles was reduced from $200 to $0. Electronic Form 4 transfers filed by individuals are currently being approved in a matter of days rather than the months the process historically required. The NFA registration process, including the required background check and approval before transfer, remains fully in place; what has changed is that the $200 tax that accompanied it for decades is now $0. Between the reduced transfer tax and dramatically shortened approval times, an SBR is more accessible to the law-abiding buyer today than at nearly any point since the National Firearms Act took effect in 1934.

Key features:

– Platform: Fierce CT Mini Rogue, titanium action, 70 degree bolt throw

– Barrel: 12.5″ carbon fiber

– Trigger: Trigger Tech Primary Pro

– Weight: 5.4 lbs, bare rifle (no optic, mount, or accessories)

– Chamberings: 22 Creedmoor, 25 Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor

– MSRP: $2,995

– Class: Short-barreled rifle (NFA item; where legal, transfer through an SOT/FFL dealer required)

In Fierce testing with DirtNap Ammunition (the company’s in-house load line, developed and validated for the Wingman), the three chamberings delivered muzzle velocities, all from the 12.5-inch barrel, of 2,810 fps in 22 Creedmoor (62-grain Hornady ELD-VT), 2,725 fps in 25 Creedmoor (110-grain Nosler AccuBond), and 2,500 fps in 6.5 Creedmoor (120-grain Hornady ELD-M). In 25 Creedmoor, the load retains sufficient velocity and energy for effective terminal performance on deer-sized game to 400 yards.

Availability

The Wingman SBR is available beginning August 10, 2026, through Fierce Firearms dealers holding the appropriate NFA/SOT credentials, and at fiercearms.com. As an NFA-regulated firearm, the Wingman is available only where permitted by state and local law, and all transfers are subject to federal registration requirements. Buyers should confirm legality in their jurisdiction before purchase.

Posted in Firearms, NFA, Press Release | No Comments »