Author: Tony Grist

Helsinki, Finland – October 8, 2025 – Varjo, the technology leader in military-grade virtual and mixed reality solutions, today announced a refreshed XR-4 Series, the first mixed reality headsets engineered to support mission-ready training across air, land, and sea. The refreshed model is purpose-built to close the gap between traditional simulation methods and the demands of modern training.  Originally launched in 2023, the XR-4 Series headsets are optimized to be integrated into cockpit trainers, vehicle simulators, or ground training systems, addressing the growing global need for scalable, safe, and realistic training. The compact form factor of the XR-4 Series allows…

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Ski, Norway / Labarthe-sur-Lèze, France — October 7, 2025 The Norwegian personal protective equipment company, NFM Group has completed the acquisition of Paul Boyé, one of France’s most established defense and security manufacturers. The transaction marks a new stage in NFM Group’s European expansion and reinforces its long-term commitment to the French Armed Forces and national security institutions. Following a comprehensive process with French authorities, NFM Group has acquired 100% of the shares in Paul Boyé . The Closing was finalised on October 7th 2025, with the transfer of ownership taking effect the same evening. From heritage to horizon: A…

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Army Expands Program Allowing Soldiers with Civilian Skills to Bypass Initial Training WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army is adding 17 new military occupational specialties (MOSs) to its Civilian Acquired Skills Program (ACASP) effective October 1, 2025. The ACASP allows Soldiers with relevant civilian skills to bypass some initial training and start their military careers at an advanced level. This expansion brings the total number of eligible occupations to 60. “ACASP offers a two-pronged benefit,” said Brig. Gen. Gregory Johnson, Director of Military Personnel Management. “The Army gets skilled specialists into the force faster and at a lower cost, while the…

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President Donald Trump announced Wednesday evening that a ceasefire deal in Gaza has been reached.  In a post shared to Truth Social, Trump said he was “proud” to announce that “Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan.”  Trump said Israel will withdraw troops “to an agreed upon line” and promised that “All Parties will be treated fairly.” According to sources close to the negotiations, Hamas has agreed to release all the remaining living hostages on Saturday.  Trump called the deal a “GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding…

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CZ introduces the CZ 457 Hunter Veil, one of the newest rimfire rifles in the popular CZ 457 series. Built for stealth and precision, this lightweight rifle combines reliable performance with a modern camouflage design, making it an ideal choice for small game hunters and target shooters alike. The 457 Hunter Veil features a durable polymer stock wrapped in Veil® Big Sky camouflage with a soft-touch finish, allowing it to blend seamlessly with natural surroundings while providing a secure and comfortable grip in any weather. Designed to withstand harsh field conditions, the stock ensures lasting durability and resistance to wear.…

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At SOF Week 2024 Guy and I saw a Hilux pickup with a Mini-gun mounted on a turret in the back.  Our first thought, ooooo sexy we want, and then we noticed it was licensed in Texas, of course.  That was our first introduction to the BullFrog from Allen Control Systems (ACS), and since then, they’ve only improved on that idea. The modern battlefield has been reshaped by one of the cheapest and most disruptive threats imaginable: drones. From hobby‑grade quadcopters dropping grenades to larger Group 3 UAVs conducting surveillance, the skies are crowded with problems. Enter the (new and…

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RIVET to demonstrate its next-generation heads-up display (HUD) integrated into the WILCOX FUSION CLAW™ ecosystem at Booth #3607 NEWINGTON, NH, October 8th, 2025 – WILCOX INDUSTRIES, a global leader in mission-critical integrated headborne and combat systems, is proud to announce its partnership with RIVET INDUSTRIES, a defense technology innovator, at the upcoming AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington, DC, taking place October 13–15, 2025. RIVET will be exhibiting its advanced HUD technology at WILCOX’s Booth, showcasing how its integrated solution supports the U.S. Army’s evolving Soldier as a System vision. Designed for the Soldier Borne Mission Command (SBMC) program, RIVET’s…

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ALLENTOWN, PA – October 7, 2025 – Mack Defense announced it has received an initial order for 86 M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks (HDTs) from the U.S. Army as part of a new five-year contract awarded June 24, 2025, for up to 450 trucks with value up to $221.8 million. This order is the first under the new contract and follows the successful completion of Mack Defense’s original seven-year contract awarded in 2018. Mack Defense announced it has received an initial order for 86 M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks (HDTs) from the U.S. Army as part of a new five-year contract awarded…

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Staccato Announces the HD C3.6 Pistol Compact design delivers concealability, control, and duty-grade performance FLORENCE, Texas – (October 08, 2025) – Staccato2011®, the creators of the 2011® pistol platform, today announced a new addition and newest innovation to its HD line of 2011 pistols, the HD C3.6. Designed to offer the unrivaled performance Staccato’s HD line has become known for, speed, precision and enhanced control, the HD C3.6 is optimized for user-friendly carry with a compact and ergonomic build, improving concealability. “We built the HD line to deliver the most technologically advanced and thoroughly tested version of the 2011 platform…

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