Author: Tony Grist

PICATINNY ARSENAL, NJ – The U.S. Army’s Capability Program Executive Ammunition and Energetics (CPE A&E), headquartered at Picatinny Arsenal, NJ, is spearheading a major transformation of the nation’s small?caliber ammunition industrial base, advancing one of the Army’s highest modernization priorities. Central to this effort is the delivery of next?generation 6.8mm cartridges that will equip soldiers with increased range, accuracy, and battlefield lethality as part of the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) program. The NGSW program, featuring the M7 Rifle, XM8 Carbine, and M250 Automatic Rifle, represents the Army’s most significant small?arms upgrade in decades, replacing the M4 Carbine and M249…

Rheinmetall Kraken GmbH Launches Series Production of Maritime Unmanned Systems in Hamburg Series production of the Kraken K3 Scout has begun at Rheinmetall’s Blohm+Voss site in Hamburg. With the market-ready unmanned surface vessel (USV), Rheinmetall’s new Naval Systems division—together with its British joint venture partner Kraken Technology Group—offers a surface platform for both military and civilian applications. Depending on the configuration, the vessels can be used for maritime surveillance, protection of critical infrastructure, or as weapons carriers in military operations.  The joint venture established last year between Rheinmetall Naval Systems and the British tech company Kraken Technology Group will now…

Lenexa, KS (April, 2026) – Athlon Optics introduces the Ares HLR, a lightweight, precision-built riflescope designed for hunters who cover ground, hunt long hours, and demand repeatable performance when the moment matters most. Built around a rugged one-piece 30mm aircraft-grade aluminum tube and weighing as little as 18.9 ounces, the Ares HLR delivers high-end optical performance without adding unnecessary weight to your rifle. Purpose-built for Western spot-and-stalk hunters, backcountry adventurers, and anyone prioritizing mobility without sacrificing capability, the Ares HLR brings together ultra-premium fully multi-coated glass, an illuminated reticle, and exposed precision turrets for confident adjustments in the field. Whether…

A ceasefire to the Iran War entered its 17th day on Friday, one day after President Donald Trump announced a three-week extension to the declared ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israel has waged war in recent weeks. After Trump’s announcement, Israeli and Lebanese media both reported continued violence and blamed the other side for violating the ceasefire. In a post on X Friday morning, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said that “for the first time in decades, three aircraft carriers are now operating in the Middle East at the same time.” Those carriers are the USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Gerald R. Ford,…

New Waterproof Lighting System Introduced at FDIC International EAGLEVILLE, PA, April 23, 2026 – Streamlight®, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting, has launched the Portable Scene Light III (PSL III), a high-output, waterproof lighting system delivering up to 10,000 lumens for fire, emergency response, military, industrial, and outdoor applications. The new system debuted at FDIC International in Indianapolis, IN. The PSL III delivers powerful, adaptable performance featuring 12 LEDs with wide-pattern reflectors, providing uniform scene illumination and three output levels to match the task. On High, it provides 10,000 lumens and 121,000 candela for maximum scene illumination with a…

Ferro Concepts – DANGLER AR purpose-built to carry two AR-15 style magazines horizontally, the new DANGLER AR from Ferro Concepts is manufactured from hydrophobic X-Pac fabric. The internal divider secures items but can be opened to create a full-length pass through for linear charges and other longer items. Multiple shock cord routing points let you customize retention for different sized items. A 2″ hook and loop interface mounts to both front and rear of plate carriers, back panels, or belts. Engineered with just the right rigidity to stay put and reduce bounce. Perfect for AR-15 magazines, Skin packs, breaching charges,…

Andrew Day and Harrison Berger talk to Kelley Vlahos of the Quincy Institute about President Donald Trump’s erratic approach to the Iran war, the conservative commentators turning against him, and the rise of extreme skepticism about official narratives. Recorded April 23, 2026. Read the full article here

Aerial firefighting is one of the most demanding and precise operations in emergency response. When wildfires outrun crews on the ground, aircraft become the front line – fighting with calculated accuracy to slow the spread of the threat and protect lives, homes and critical infrastructure in its path. Cooling temperatures, reduced wind and rising humidity at night make for the ideal environment to turn the tables on a raging fire. B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc., a Defense Technology Manufacturer specializing in advanced photonic solutions for military, law enforcement, consumer and aerospace applications worldwide, is proud to announce Coulson Aviation USA…

A U.S. soldier involved in the January capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been arrested and charged with using classified information to win more than $400,000 on prediction-market bets, the Department of Justice said Thursday. Subscribe Today Get daily emails in your inbox Prosecutors said Gannon Ken Van Dyke, who helped plan the operation beginning in December, placed 13 bets on the prediction market Polymarket related to U.S. military action in Venezuela and Maduro’s removal from office. Van Dyke is now facing charges for commodities fraud, wire fraud, and the unlawful use of confidential government information for…

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…