Author: Tony Grist

In an exchange with reporters Friday, President Trump downplayed the costs of the Iran War. “A lot of people don’t call it a war,” he said, “I call it a military conflict because it’s small potatoes for us. It’s not a big thing.” Trump also asserted the U.S. “may hit Pickaxe soon… if there’s anything going on with Pickaxe.” (The president was referring to Pickaxe Mountain, a heavily-fortified underground site believed to play a major role in Iran’s nuclear program.) U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement Saturday it had struck and destroyed three Iranian tankers off the coast…

~ WireMasters to highlight resilient supply chains and solutions for defence manufacturers ~ Military interconnect specialist WireMasters will showcase its portfolio of VG-standard wire, cable, connectors and harness components at DVD 2026, the UK’s flagship defence exhibition for land equipment on September 16-17, at UTAC Millbrook. The company will engage with defence manufacturers, systems integrators and procurement professionals to discuss the evolving connectivity requirements of modern military platforms. As defence procurement programmes continue to evolve, manufacturers are under growing pressure to secure reliable supplies of mission-critical interconnect components throughout lengthy procurement cycles. At DVD 2026, WireMasters will highlight its portfolio of…

FORT BENNING, Ga. — Maneuver Battle Lab Soldiers and capability developers gathered at McKenna Field Landing Site July 27 to Aug. 7 to assess modern tethered unmanned aircraft systems — known as Te-UAS — designed to give maneuver units the ability to overcome terrain limitations and conduct persistent reconnaissance, surveillance and extended communications. Designed and executed by the MBL in collaboration with the Air Robotics, Dismounted Requirements Branch, Requirements Division, Maneuver Future Capability Directorate and Product Lead Strategic Spectrum Warfare, the assessment put two commercial Te-UAS capability surrogates through static, on-the-move and emergency scenarios. During the trial, the tethered drones…

(GPO USA) proudly announces the GPO upgraded RangeGuide™ 10×50 Rangefinding Binocular, now enhanced with significant upgrades in usability, performance, and design. Unveil exceptional high resolution optical quality and cutting-edge rangefinding technology in a compact, rugged design.Engineered to rival the size and handling of traditional 42mm binoculars, the upgraded GPO RangeGuide™ 10×50 remains a compact powerhouse, delivering premium optical clarity and industry-leading ranging capability in a remarkably lightweight design. Designed for hunters and long-range shooters who demand precision without bulk, this latest generation raises the bar even further. Building on the success of one of GPO’s most popular products, the…

New UK-based team will strengthen customer engagement, industrial partnerships and delivery planning for Team LionStrike GM Defence today announced the appointment of Simon Gray as Director Business Development to strengthen the company’s commitment to the United Kingdom, and support its defence priorities and sovereign capability. GM Defence is a member of Team LionStrike, alongside partners BAE Systems and NP Aerospace, to compete for the UK Ministry of Defence’s Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) programme. Based in Andover, Gray will lead GM Defence UK’s engagement with the UK Ministry of Defence, British Armed Forces and industry partners. He also supports GM Defence’s…

Gen 2 Hot Weather Jungle Boot by McRae Footwear Introducing McRae Footwear’s new U.S. Marine Corps certified Gen 2 Hot Weather Jungle Boot. Designed for tropical environments where shedding debris and superior breathability are non-negotiables. Available exclusively at the Camp Pendleton and Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Exchange. Read the full article here

In a Thursday press conference, Vice President J.D. Vance sought to play down the seriousness of the ongoing war with Iran. “I wouldn’t call it a war,” he said in response to a question, adding that—despite multiple exchanges with Iran this week—the U.S. was no longer conducting “major combat operations.” The vice president also said he was unsure when the conflict would end, and expressed skepticism concerning reports the U.S. military had killed civilians in a Tuesday strike on a residential area (though he noted the claims were under review). U.S. Central Command has separately confirmed it is looking into…

Angel Armor launches the RISE® Plate Carrier, a purpose-built tactical armor platform designed for SWAT teams, tactical law enforcement personnel and high-risk response environments. The new carrier officially debuts at the NTOA Conference in Booth 515, where it will be a primary product focus for Angel Armor throughout the show.The RISE® Plate Carrier was developed around a challenge tactical operators have faced for years: getting the coverage they need without sacrificing mobility. Traditional plate carriers prioritize a lightweight, streamlined profile but can lack coverage and scalability, while full-coverage tactical vest systems provide enhanced protection at the cost of added bulk…

Philippines — U.S. Marines with Air Command and Control Detachment, Marine Rotational Force – Southeast Asia, I Marine Expeditionary Force, tested the mobility of the AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar during training in the Philippines, Aug. 17, 2026, evaluating how the capability can improve command and control and support fires integration in the archipelagic environment. The training occurred as MRF-SEA continues supporting the Philippine Marine Corps’ Archipelagic Coastal Defense Concept through the Archipelagic Coastal Defense Continuum. ACDC provides recurring opportunities for U.S. and Philippine forces to develop capabilities in areas including fires, command and control, maritime domain awareness and unmanned systems.…

American Rheinmetall Secures Award from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace for MCT-30 Turret Machined Components Supporting USMC ACV-30 Program American Rheinmetall has been awarded a contract from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to produce machined components for the MCT?30 medium caliber turret. These components will support the United States Marine Corps’ Amphibious Combat Vehicle infantry fighting vehicle variant, known as the ACV?30. Under the award, valued at approximately $710,000, American Rheinmetall’s Lapeer and Lansing, Michigan facilities will manufacture machined components for MCT?30 turrets, with deliveries scheduled throughout 2026 and 2027. American Rheinmetall will perform the work as a subcontractor to Kongsberg Defence…