Author: Tony Grist

FirstSpear Friday Focus: TUBES Fasteners FirstSpear’s TUBES FASTENERS replace outdated hook-and-loop closures and bulky cummerbunds with a system that actually works when it matters. Traditional setups were noisy, soaked up water, held onto mud like a souvenir, and usually demanded two hands—none of which are ideal when things go sideways. TUBES FASTENERS fix that with a patented, mechanical interface that locks in solid and releases with one hand, no fumbling required. Whether you’re treating a casualty, climbing, or keeping a weapon up, that extra hand matters. Built from high-strength polymer, the system holds its shape under load and doesn’t quit…

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Major Order Worth Billions: Rheinmetall to Supply the Bundeswehr with FV-014 Loitering Munition Rheinmetall has received a major order from the Bundeswehr for FV-014 loitering munition systems. A contract to that effect was signed today in Koblenz. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the first half of 2027, following qualification from the second quarter of 2026. The framework contract is worth billions, with the first call-off amounting to approximately €300m gross. The order will be booked in April 2026. The framework agreement optionally includes a five-figure number of FV-014 autonomous recce and strike drones. “Within a very short time, Rheinmetall…

The Financial Times reported Thursday that the White House has accused China of conducting what it calls “industrial-scale” theft of American artificial intelligence technology. Michael Kratsios, the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, wrote in a memo seen by the FT that “foreign entities, principally based in China, are engaged in deliberate, industrial-scale campaigns to distil U.S. frontier AI systems,” referring to a process whereby AI scientists extract the capabilities of an existing model to create a new one. The administration will also pursue measures “to hold foreign actors accountable,” Kratsios wrote, according to the…

In a Thursday morning Truth Social post, President Donald Trump said he has ordered the U.S. Navy to “shoot and kill” any boat “that is putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz.” The White House on Wednesday denied reports from Axios that Trump has a three-to-five-day deadline for Iran to accept a deal. “The president has not set a firm deadline to receive an Iranian proposal, unlike some of the reporting we’ve seen today,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.  Leavitt said that Trump “is satisfied with the naval blockade.” Iran’s speaker of parliament, Mohammad Bagher…

Tiberius Aerospace, a modern defence technology company built to empower the UK, US and their global allies with next-generation weapon systems and AI-powered solutions, has successfully demonstrated, for the first time, that a liquid-fuelled ramjet projectile can be launched from a NATO-standard 155mm howitzer, achieve ramjet ignition and perform as intended in flight. This liquid fuel breakthrough, achieved during recent test firings of its Sceptre system in New Mexico, represents a fundamental shift in what artillery systems are capable of delivering on the modern battlefield. Sceptre is a 155mm precision-guided munition designed for full compatibility with existing NATO-standard artillery systems.…

What If? – L85A4 I found this image online of a British SA80 equipped with the Strategic Sciences Corporation Multi Function Muzzle Device, an innovative 3D printed suppressor recently adopted by the Canadian Armed Forces for use on their new Canadian Modular Assault Rifle. Due to its over the barrel dosing, it only adds 1″ to the overall length. What if the UK followed suit? Read the full article here

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced Thursday that the Justice Department has reclassified “FDA-approved marijuana and state-licensed marijuana” from Schedule I controlled substances to Schedule III controlled substances. The move, which does not legalize marijuana, will facilitate the use of the drug in medical research. Schedule III substances are still subject to numerous legal restrictions, including on transportation across state lines. Blanche also announced that the Justice Department would hold expedited hearings to reschedule marijuana as a whole. The reclassification fulfills an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in December 2025 directing the administration to move the drug to…

Who The Ranch Texas is a Tier-1 training facility serving OGAs, federal agencies, military units, law enforcement, first responders, and vetted civilians. Founded by Chad Timney—a former pro-shooter, law enforcement firearms instructor, executive protection experienced, and training facility developer with over 20 years of experience—The Ranch TX was designed to close the gap between flat-range training and real-world application. The leadership and instructional cadre includes professionals with backgrounds in U.S. Special Operations, military, law enforcement, anti-trafficking, tactical medicine, firefighting, emergency response, K9 training, executive protection, and government program management. Programs are developed and delivered by subject matter experts with real-world…

Secretary of the Navy John Phelan was fired on Wednesday. The move comes in the middle of a U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Defense Department spokesperson Sean Parnell announced the dismissal in a brief statement on X, offering no explanation. “Secretary of the Navy John C Phelan is departing the administration, effective immediately,” Parnell wrote. Subscribe Today Get daily emails in your inbox Phelan reportedly had clashed with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who has sought to shake up the Pentagon. Hung Cao, the under-secretary of the Navy, will temporarily succeed Phelan on an acting…