Author: Tony Grist
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. — Air Force Special Operations Command continues to champion innovation with its third annual Thunder Dome Innovation Competition scheduled this fall. Beyond the competition, the program’s success is measured by the real-world impact of its funded projects. Every year, the competition solicits project submissions from Airmen across the AFSOC enterprise that can positively benefit readiness. Once reviewed, senior leaders select the teams with the best proposals to present in front of a judging panel. The command awards the winners with funding to develop their concepts into tangible solutions. As we prepare for the next Thunder Dome…
Royal Visit Celebrates Pincroft Role in Military Textiles Pincroft Dyeing and Printing, a global leader in military fabric printing, dyeing and finishing, welcomed Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to its Adlington site in Lancashire on Tuesday 9 September 2025, to showcase a £1.5 million investment in advanced camouflage printing technology. The Princess Royal, who serves as President of theUK Fashion and Textile Association, toured the upgraded production line, which includes a new rotary printer and laser engraving equipment. The visit highlighted how the company’s innovations support defence forces worldwide, with camouflage fabrics supplied to the UK Ministry of Defence,…
GA-ASI and AeroVironment Complete First-Ever Air Launch of Switchblade 600 From MQ-9A UAS Release of Smaller Loitering Munition Further Validates Large UAS as Motherships SAN DIEGO, September 10, 2025 (Newswire.com) – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and AeroVironment (“AV”) (NASDAQ:AVAV) collaborated on the air launch of a Switchblade 600 loitering munition (LM) from a GA-ASI Block 5 MQ-9A unmanned aircraft system (UAS). The flight testing took place from July 22-24 at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Grounds Test Range. It marked the first time a Switchblade 600 has ever been launched from an unmanned aircraft. “This cooperative effort showcased…
TacJobs – Blockhouse Seeks Product Manager BLOCKHOUSE is seeking a Product Manager to drive the development and launch of hard goods across its tactical and law enforcement portfolio. The role will oversee supplier partnerships, material innovations, and go-to-market execution to ensure products meet the highest standards of performance and reliability. BLOCKHOUSE owns LE equipment brands such as WARQ, a leader in force-on-force training equipment featuring their revolutionary anti-fog helmet, the Warq Pro, and DEFILADE Protection Systems, a manufacturer of new age protective equipment in the public order space. Founded in 2022, BLOCKHOUSE has quickly established itself as a provider of…
Aimpoint Celebrates 50 Years of Innovation and Excellence in Sighting Technology Manassas, Virginia – Aimpoint, the leading manufacturer and innovator of red dot sighting technology, celebrates a half a century of excellence in 2025. With the first prototype optic developed by a Swedish hunter in 1974, Aimpoint was formed in 1975 by family-owned Sandberg Development, and has garnered a reputation of extreme durability, reliability, and exclusivity. Celebrating the 50th anniversary, Aimpoint honors five decades of precision engineering and steadfast commitment to those who demand the very best. From the battlefield to backcountry, in competitions to everyday carry, Aimpoint® optics have…
President Donald Trump announced on Friday morning that a suspect is in custody less than two days after Charlie Kirk was assassinated at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. “I think with a high degree of certainty, we have him,” Trump told hosts during an appearance on Fox & Friends. Subscribe Today Get daily emails in your inbox Trump said that “somebody that was very close” to the suspect had turned the person in to authorities. “I’m always subject to be corrected, but I’m just giving you based on what I’m hearing,” Mr. Trump said without providing any…
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FirstSpear Friday Focus: Perforated Rope Skull Hat The Perforated Rope Skull Hat is built for those who spend long hours on the range and need performance gear that holds up. Designed with a low-profile fit that slides comfortably under ear pro, this hat won’t get in the way when you’re sending rounds downrange. Featuring a FirstSpear Icon Skull PVC patch front and center, it delivers both utility and presence. Built on the proven Richardson 355 rope cap platform, this piece combines classic styling with modern technical function. Laser-perforated side and back panels provide superior airflow, keeping your head cool during…
President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he would posthumously award Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and an important conservative activist on college campuses, was shot and killed at Utah Valley University during a stop on his “American Comeback” tour. “Charley was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions and millions of people,” Trump said. “Our prayers are with his wonderful wife Erica, and his beautiful children.” The date and time of the ceremony have yet to be released. Read the full article here
FORT RUCKER, Ala. – The Army conducted its largest unmanned aerial system flight demonstrations with industry and first UAS lethal live fire experimentation range for more than 400 stakeholders during the annual UAS and Launched Effects Summit. “This was the single largest transformation venue solely focused on UAS across all of DOD,” said Col. Nicholas D. Ryan, director, capability manager for UAS, Fort Rucker. Senior leaders, Soldiers and industry representatives discussed the future of UAS, policy changes, the deployment of drones, emerging capabilities and the challenges posed by adversaries who are developing and advancing their own unmanned systems. Partnerships UAS…