Author: Tony Grist
SHOT Show 26 – HK 421 7.62 MG Heckler & Koch exhibited a variant of the HK 421 machine gun in 7.62 mm NATO. While they would only mention that its inclusion in the booth was intended to demonstrate how important the company considers the US market its important to note that USSOCOM is currently seeking a Light Machine Gun Assault also in 7.62mm with possible future caliber swaps to high pressure ammunition. The staff was very kind to allow me to photograph the gun but I must point out that the lighting in the hall is very challenging. This…
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US Army Awards Persistent Systems Contract for $87.5 Million Supporting Next-Generation Command and Control Prototype Contract marks a total of $121.5 million awarded to company for NGC2 prototypeNEW YORK, Feb. 4, 2026 — Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”), a leader in mobile ad hoc network (MANET) technology, announced that the U.S. Army’s Capability Program Executive Command, Control, Communications, and Network (CPE C3N) has submitted a second order of $87.5 million for MANET devices, as part of the transport layer for Next-Generation Command and Control (NGC2) prototype. This second order is a follow-on to the $34 million contract the company received in…
KOMENDA, SLOVENIA (28.01.2026) UF PRO, part of Mehler Systems, announces the return of the UF PRO Striker Challenge in 2026. The military-inspired endurance event will take place on 12 September 2026 in Pokljuka Plateau, offering participants a demanding experiencein alpine terrain. The UF PRO Striker Challenge is designed to test performance under pressure through a combination of sustained physical effort, technical execution, and decision-making. The 2026 edition will feature a 15 km course with 19 military-inspiredobstacles set across challenging terrain. Final classification prioritises successful obstacle completion, followed by total course time, placing emphasis on execution rather than speedalone. Participants can…
PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. – The U.S. Army has established the Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Agile Sustainment and Ammunition, PAE AS&A, at Picatinny Arsenal under the command of Maj. Gen. John T. Reim. The move is a key part of broader Continuous Transformation efforts intended to increase efficiency and accelerate the delivery of critical capabilities to the warfighter. The new organization was activated at a ceremony held on January 20 at Picatinny Arsenal where several thousand team members from all involved organizations were introduced to the new command. The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, the Honorable…
Blaser Introduces the R8 Professional 2.0 Rifle San Antonio, Texas (February 3, 2026) – The Blaser R8 Professional 2.0 is the modern evolution of this iconic straight-pull rifle, with enhanced features to improve your hunting experience. Featuring a new, ergonomically optimized vertical pistol grip for increased comfort and improved control when firing, the R8 Professional 2.0’s ambidextrous palm swell fits both right- and left-handed shooters. Other enhancements include new molded elastomer grip inserts, manufactured using 2K technology, which have a better surface texture for improved grip in the worst weather conditions. The Diamond Like Carbon A+ (DLC A+) coating of…
Ford and Darley Collaborate to Equip Broncos for Search and Rescue Teams Nationwide Detroit, MI – February 3rd, 2026 – At the Detroit Auto Show, Ford announced a nationwide search to donate five Bronco Badlands models equipped with the Sasquatch Package to under-resourced search and rescue (SAR) organizations across the country. These donations are part of the Bronco Wild Fund’s commitment to provide five specialized vehicles in 2026. Two recipients, Kern County Fire & Rescue (CA) and Teton County Search & Rescue (WY), are already confirmed, and Ford is now inviting applications for the remaining three. To ensure these vehicles are mission-ready, Ford is collaborating with Darley,…
Blue Force Gear – ÖTZI Belt Pouch System This is really more of a sneak peek but it’s got such a great backstory that I’ve got to share it. Tucked in a corner on a shelf in the Blue Force Gear booth at SHOT Show was a pouch with a belt running through its attachment system. Behind it was a brochure with the name ÖTZI Belt Pouch System. From the brochure:The naming of Blue Force Gear’s new belt pouch innovation was inspired by Ötzi the Iceman, a 5,300-year-old Copper Age traveler discovered in the Alps and proclaimed the oldest and…
The U.S. military shot down an Iranian drone in the Arabian Sea on Tuesday. The Pentagon says the drone was approaching the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, which is part of the “armada” that President Donald Trump sent to the region last month. Subscribe Today Get daily emails in your inbox U.S. Central Command said the Shahed-139 drone “aggressively approached” the carrier with “unclear intent.” The shooting of the Iranian drone today comes amid tensions between the U.S. and Iran and a growing military buildup by U.S. forces in the region. The U.S. and Iran have agreed to…
SHOT Show 26 – Snakestaff Systems Violent Incident Stabilization/ Response Panel Snakestaff Systems exhibited in the booth of their sister company Flux Defense. Their name for their new Violent Incident Stabilization/ Response Panel is quite appropriate as it’s designed to be mounted to a vehicle sun visor. The VIS/R transforms the driver and passenger sun visors in your vehicle into a streamlined trauma response platform. Its modular mounting system accommodates a wide range of vehicle makes and models. Offering one-handed access to two tourniquets and a full trauma kit via quick-deploy tabs, the the trauma kit stays suspended directly in…