BOSS-Xe from Wilcox Industries

Breakthrough for Seasnake: Sweden Becomes First NATO Customer

February 20th, 2026

The newest NATO member, Sweden, has commissioned Rheinmetall to supply eight Seasnake 30 weapon systems for the Swedish Navy. These systems will be the primary armament of the new Combat Boat 90 fast military assault craft. The first order under the framework agreement is worth around €63 million and was placed in February 2026. Delivery of the first system is scheduled for February 2028.


The framework agreement also includes airburst and 30 mm calibre training ammunition, with a term of four years. Spare parts and services are also included in the agreement. Additionally, the contract includes an option for up to 29 extra Seasnake weapon systems.

The Seasnake 30 is a state-of-the-art remote-controlled naval light gun designed for close-range defence. Alongside the weapon itself, the system incorporates modern daylight cameras, infrared sensors, and a laser rangefinder. It features automatic target detection and the ability to track multiple targets simul¬taneously. The revolver cannon’s nominal maximum rate of fire is 1,100 rounds per minute.

Thanks to its integrated airburst capability, the Seasnake 30 is particularly effective against air targets, such as drones. Its low silhouette and compact stealth design also make it difficult for enemy sensors to detect.

This order from Sweden marks an important market success for Rheinmetall, as it positions the Seasnake 30 with a NATO customer for the first time. This decision highlights confidence in the performance and future viability of Rheinmetall’s modern naval weapon systems. At the same time, the order reinforces the Group’s standing as a dependable provider of maritime defence solutions within the alliance.

ASI Awarded Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Prototype OTA for AI-Enabled Joint Sustainment Decision Tool (JSDT)

February 20th, 2026

BOSTON, Feb. 19, 2026 — Air Space Intelligence (ASI), a pioneer in AI-powered decision support software for the world’s most demanding domains, today announced it has been awarded a contract by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to configure and implement advanced logistics decision-support for leaders operating in complex, multi-domain operational environments.

Under the award, ASI will deliver its commercial software capability for decision support, capable of generating realistic and actionable courses of action (COAs) for decision makers facing operational uncertainty and adversary pressure. ASI’s solution will rapidly analyze evolving conditions, identify critical dependencies across the logistics kill chain, and present commanders with viable options that account for disruption, attrition, and constrained resources.

Modern military operations are increasingly shaped by the ability, or inability, to sustain forces. Adversaries actively target logistics networks, infrastructure, and decision timelines, turning sustainment into a decisive element of the fight. ASI’s solution reflects this reality by explicitly modeling logistics as an operational system, enabling commanders to understand how logistics decisions impact operational endurance, tempo, and risk over time.

“Commanders today must make decisions faster than ever, often with incomplete information and under persistent threat to the status, suitability and capacity of their nodes and distribution networks.,” said Mark Lepczyk, President of ASI Federal. “This award from DIU recognizes the need for AI-centric solutions that don’t just optimize a single plan, but help leaders explore multiple courses of action and understand how each one stresses or preserves the logistics kill chain.”

ASI’s commercial solution is designed to support decision-making in dynamic environments where traditional assumptions break down—where resupply is uncertain, infrastructure is contested, and degradation is the norm rather than the exception. By combining AI-driven analysis with domain-informed models, the solution helps commanders evaluate tradeoffs between speed, risk, sustainability, and mission outcomes.

This DIU award reflects the Department of War’s continued focus on becoming an “AI-First” warfighting force.  ASI’s work directly supports this mission by applying advanced analytics and machine learning to command-and-control and sustainment problems that increasingly determine operational success.

Sign Up Now for the 3rd Annual Samsung Solutions & Partner Expo

February 20th, 2026

Samsung is co-hosting the 3rd Annual Samsung Partnership Day with Juggernaut, on April 2nd, 2026. This collaborative technology and emergency-response showcase is designed to highlight how strategic partnerships across the public sector, private industry, and the Department of Defense enable mission-critical operations. Modern response efforts rely on seamless integration; without one component, the others cannot achieve full effectiveness. This event brings together technology providers, solution integrators, and government agencies to demonstrate how coordinated systems, platforms, and communication tools work in unison to accomplish complex tasks.

This year’s theme focuses on multi-level emergency response, emphasizing how local, state, federal, and military partners collaborate during crisis events. Through live demonstrations, scenario-based simulations, and expert discussions, we will explore how these partners coordinate—from initial incident and situational awareness to resource deployment, on-scene operations, and long-term recovery.

Attendees will see firsthand how technologies such as mobile communication platforms, command and control systems, secure data-sharing solutions, and field-level devices intersect to support a unified response effort across all jurisdictions and military components. All of this will take place in a casual, mixed indoor/outdoor setting overlooking the McDowell Mountains.

Companies exhibiting

When:

Thursday, April 2, 2026

7:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Where:

Juggernaut HQ

9229 E Verde Grove View

Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Sign up here.

Mehler Protection Presents “Omega Jaw”: First Mandible Guard with AK47 Protection Meeting VPAM 6

February 20th, 2026

FULDA, GERMANY (19.02.2026)

With the “Omega Jaw” mandible guard, Mehler Protection is introducing a new generation of face and jaw protection specifically designed for threats from AK47 MSC projectiles in accordance with VPAM 6, while fully maintaining system compatibility with Mehler Protection’s ultra-lightweight high-cut helmets. “This development underlines our ambition to drive innovation in our industry. Our products are based on operational requirements and are designed to provide optimum protection and genuine reliability,” explains Dr Mario Amschlinger, CEO Mehler Systems.

Homogeneous head protection against rifle ammunition

With Omega Jaw, Mehler Protection is transferring its long-standing expertise in ballistic body armour to face and jawprotection. Whereas conventional helmet/face protection combinations generally provide only limited protection against handgun ammunition and basic fragmentation protection, the system achieves a maximum protection level against AK47 MSC projectiles at a velocity of 720 m/s (VPAM 6 level) with minimal frontal deformation. This closes a critical protection gap and, for the first time, enables logically coordinated, complementary face protection.

The ballistic high-cut helmet of the Omega series can be upgraded to protection level VPAM 6 by attaching ultra-lightweight plates made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). These ugradeable plates are an essential component of the holistic VPAM 6 protection architecture. In combination with the mandible guard, the reinforced helmet provides homogeneous all-round head protection.

“In line with the current trend towards enhanced protection for face and head areas, Omega Jaw is a real game changer,” say the mandible guard designers, Dr Christian Rödel and Marie Schmidt. “For the first time, operators have access to a face and jaw protection solution that provides protection against AK47 rounds, integrates seamlessly into our ultra-lightweight high-cut helmets and at the same time maintains compatibility with mission-critical accessories. This is a decisive step towards homogeneous head protection for highly critical operational environments.”

Seamless integration into high-cut helmets with no design modifications

Omega Jaw is attached to the high-cut helmet shell via a specially developed U-profile that locks onto the helmet rim. This ensures secure and rapid system integration without altering the basic helmet design. The three-piece plate structure deliberately incorporates overlaps both between the plates and at the helmet interface in order to minimise vulnerabilities and ensure the most continuous protective surface possible. Despite the extended protection area, Omega Jaw is engineered for full compatibility with common hearing protection and communication headsets such as Peltor systems and can be used in combination with the Mehler Protection helmet visor.

Modular textile and plate concept with tactical interfaces

The textile cover concept allows the integration of different protective plates, supporting scalable protection levels as well as future material upgrades. At the same time, the design offers valuable mounting options on Picatinny rails, enabling users to attach tactical equipment without compromising protection. The system can be quickly donned and doffed using hook-and-loop straps and is designed for compact stowage during transport or when not in use.

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Enforce Tac 2026

February 20th, 2026

Come see us next week at Enforce Tac 2026 over at booth #07-0665 from Monday, February 23rd, through Wednesday, February 25th. Check out our product line-up and catch up with our team to learn more about what’s coming in 2026!

To request an estimate click image above or visit First-Spear.com/Request-For-Estimate. FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting-edge tactical gear for military, law enforcement and those who train. For more information visit First-Spear.com.

Rheinmetall at Enforce Tac 2026: Effectiveness, Cover, Interconnection, Mobility

February 20th, 2026

From 23 to 25 February 2026, Rheinmetall AG will be exhibiting at the Enforce Tac trade fair in Nuremberg. As a leading partner to the armed and security forces, the Düsseldorf-based technology group will present a range of new products and other elements from its tactical portfolio. The divisions will display Vehicle Systems, Weapons and Ammunition, as well as Digital Systems, and present these to users, purchasers, and other trade visitors.

This year’s new additions include:

Fuchs JAGM: For the first time, Rheinmetall is presenting the next-generation Fuchs JAGM, an armoured missile tank destroyer, at a trade fair in Germany. It is the world’s first vehicle to be equipped with 24 vertically launched AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGMs) or AGM-114L Hellfire Longbows by Lockheed Martin. In combination with its state-of-the-art sensor package, the Fuchs JAGM can detect and engage multiple threats on the battlefield at any time. It is thus capable of counter-attacking up to 24 main battle tanks, as well as air targets, in rapid succession without reloading.

Concept for interconnecting forces, sensors and effectors for rear areas and homeland security:

In times of hybrid warfare, not only combat units on the front line are at risk. Forces and critical infrastructure in the rear areas are also exposed to a variety of threats, ranging from espionage to attacks. In order to be able to respond effectively, extensive interconnection of sensors, effectors and forces across large areas is required.

Rheinmetall will present such a concept, based on the Gladius 2.0 soldier system at Enforce Tac 2026.

New military body armour system: Rheinmetall is unveiling its new military body armour system for the first time. It shields against attacks with firearms, stabbing weapons and explosives. The modular design allows for situation-specific, individually configurable wearing options depending on the purpose and location of use, thus ensuring optimum wearing comfort.

Combat Helmet: Rheinmetall is one of the largest suppliers of combat helmets in the NATO area. Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics has added a new combat helmet to its portfolio. The new model is significantly lighter in weight while offering the same ballistic protection.

Other Rheinmetall highlights at this year’s Enforce Tac are:

Caracal air assault vehicle: The Caracal meets all the modern military’s mobility requirements. It is fast, powerful and versatile. Rheinmetall has combined many years of development expertise by Mercedes-Benz with the newly developed superstructure.

Squad Support Weapon SSW40 – the world’s first automatic, magazine-fed, shoulder-fired grenade launcher for 40 mm ammunition. Its weight, dimensions and handling of the SSW40 are similar to those of an assault rifle.

Laser/laser light modules and fire control technology – Rheinmetall’s proven laser and laser light modules will be on display at the stand and during live demonstrations in the Enforce Tac Village. These include the VarioRay and PTAL laser light modules, which are designed for pistols, and the VTAL modular laser module, which is designed for special forces. The company will also be showcasing the FCS-MR500, FCS-MR800 and FCS-TacRay ballistic fire control systems, as well as other products from Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics.

Rapid Obscuring System ROSY – the proven ROSY rapid obscurant system protects land, air and sea vehicles even when in motion through a spontaneous fog shield. The ROSY_L variant can be seen on the Caracal at Enforce Tac 2026.

Exclusive pyrotechnic equipment – Rheinmetall offers numerous exclusive pyrotechnic devices, including 9-Bang stun grenades and the Spectac cuboid grenade. Both feature bottom-top venting technology for maximum handling safety.

Paramir – this lightweight, compact, hand-fired signalling rocket is available as a flare in various colours, including an infrared variant, as well as a smoke-trail and NBC signalling version. It reaches an altitude of around 100 metres, with an illumination time of approximately 15 seconds.

Ammunition expertise: Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading developers and producers of ammunition with a calibre of 20 mm or higher. Visit our stand to experience more about our portfolio of medium-calibre, armour-piercing and artillery ammunition.

Rheinmetall – Partner of the armed and security forces

For many years, Rheinmetall has been a partner not only to the armed forces, but also the authorities and organisations responsible for security in Germany and around the world. Its portfolio of public security products includes components for ballistic protection equipment, special weapons and devices for police operations, as well as optics and optronics for day and night reconnaissance and surveillance. It also includes drone detection and defence systems and protected emergency vehicles.
At Enforce Tac 2026, visitors can find out more about Rheinmetall’s extensive portfolio at stand 426 in hall 10. The next-generation Fuchs JAGM armoured missile tank destroyer will be presented at our other Enforce Tac stand 310 in the “Armed Forces Area” in hall 11.

Focus Topic “Crisis Preparedness”: IWA OutdoorClassics Addresses Current Issues Facing the Trade

February 20th, 2026
  • Bavarian State Minister of the Interior Joachim Herrmann becomes patron of IWA OutdoorClassics 2026
  • IWA Vision: Between Survival and Crisis Preparedness – What Visitors Can Expect at IWA 2026

IWA OutdoorClassics, the world’s leading exhibition for hunting, shooting sports, outdoor equipment and civilian security, is once again placing a highly relevant societal topic at the center of its focus this year. Under the overarching theme “From Survival to Crisis Preparedness – Opportunities for the Trade,” IWA Vision explores the growing public interest in personal resilience, emergency planning and sustainable security solutions. With the patronage assumed by Joachim Herrmann, Bavarian State Minister of the Interior, the discourse surrounding these issues gains additional relevance and political context.

Political Relevance of the Focus Topic

The public debate surrounding crisis preparedness, power outages, supply shortages and personal security strategies has gained significant momentum in recent years. This became especially evident when a power outage in Berlin in January 2026 demonstrated how quickly essential services can reach their limits — and how crucial robust emergency plans have become for both the population and critical infrastructure. Against this backdrop, IWA OutdoorClassics is pleased to receive political support: Bavarian Minister of the Interior Joachim Herrmann is assuming the patronage of IWA OutdoorClassics 2026. This decision underscores how firmly the topic of crisis preparedness has become anchored in political discourse and how relevant the role of the specialist trade has become in this context.

Minister of State Joachim Herrmann, Member of the Bavarian Parliament – Bavarian Minister of the Interior, for Sport and Integration and patron of IWA OutdoorClassics 2026.

More and more retailers and manufacturers are recognizing that these developments are creating a market shaped by great responsibility, increasing demand for information and clear opportunities for high quality products and professional consulting. Joachim Herrmann explains: “For decades, IWA OutdoorClassics has represented a highly professional, responsible and innovation?driven industry. Today, the focus extends far beyond products for hunting and shooting sports — topics such as civilian security, resilience and supply capabilities are increasingly shaping the public debate. Especially in times when national and international events remind us how vulnerable modern infrastructures can be, crisis preparedness is gaining in importance.

Qualified specialist retailers play a central role in this context: Many hunting and shooting sports retailers already take on essential responsibilities in civilian supply — offering equipment for crisis and emergency preparedness as well as security products, all accompanied by expert advice. These retailers possess decades of experience in handling sensitive goods, technical equipment and responsible customer interaction. Their expertise makes them ideal points of contact for people seeking to prepare for extraordinary challenges.

Crisis preparedness is in good hands within the specialized trade — and the hunting and shooting sports retail sector has already provided remarkable support to the public in this regard. It is precisely this combination of know?how, quality and responsibility that makes IWA OutdoorClassics such a unique platform. Here, specialist retailers, industry leaders and experts come together to discuss solutions that are highly relevant not only for specialized sectors, but also for the overall security and preparedness capabilities of our society.

IWA demonstrates one thing clearly: we have a strong and capable specialist retail structure — and retailers who are ideally positioned to meet the growing demands associated with crisis prevention and preparedness equipment.”

Save the Date: Bavarian Minister of the Interior Joachim Herrmann on the SHOOTING EXPERTS’ Stage

In his keynote on Saturday at 11:40 a.m., Bavarian Minister of the Interior Joachim Herrmann will address current developments in the areas of civilian security and crisis preparedness. He will place a particular focus on the role of specialized retailers. His contribution adds a clear political perspective and strengthens the professional dialogue at IWA.

IWA Vision: Expertise for Retail, Industry and Media

With this year’s IWA Vision program, the trade fair sets a strong content-focused highlight, offering visitors in depth insights into risk scenarios, new business models and strategic product decisions.

1. Vision Keynote: A Possible Blackout – Causes and Consequences

What happens if a large-scale power outage hits Europe?
The keynote by international blackout and crisis preparedness expert Herbert Saurugg examines the causes, systemic vulnerabilities and societal impacts of a blackout—an issue that has gained urgency due to real incidents and the changing security environment.

2. Expert Panel: Strategic Product Selection from Survival to Crisis Preparedness

In the subsequent expert panel featuring Herbert Saurugg, crisis retailer Florian Würtenberger, Thomas Gessler (ÜberlebensHeld), survival expert Martin Linke, and Johannes Kouba (Critical Knowledge – Medical Training Solution), retailers receive concrete guidance on which product groups will become increasingly important—ranging from energy management and emergency power to first-aid equipment and communication tools that remain functional without infrastructure.

Another highlight of the exhibition is the IWA Vision Area, where manufacturers present their crisis-relevant products and solutions—bringing the thematic focus directly to the product level. Located right behind the SHOOTING EXPERTS’ Stage, the area offers retailers a compact overview of practical approaches, equipment and services that are becoming ever more important in the field of crisis preparedness.

Critical Knowledge – Knowledge transfer & training for crisis competence

Überlebensheld – Online retailer offering products and equipment for crisis preparedness

Sandberg (A&P) – Equipment solutions for emergency and preparedness concepts

Wash Innovation (A&P) – Water management and hygiene solutions for challenging operational scenarios

The IWA Vision Area combines information, inspiration and tangible product impulses—directly accessible to retailers looking to future proof their assortment.

About IWA OutdoorClassics

From 26 February to 1 March 2026, IWA OutdoorClassics will take place in Nuremberg – the leading B2B platform for the hunting and shooting sports industry. The trade fair showcases a wide range of products: from hunting, sport and airsoft firearms to ammunition, optics and knives, as well as high quality apparel, outdoor equipment and tactical gear.

With exhibitors and visitors from more than 120 countries, the event creates a unique international network for decision-makers, manufacturers and specialist retailers. Through personal exchange and targeted networking, valuable connections are formed that shape the market of tomorrow.

IWA OutdoorClassics remains exclusively reserved for trade visitors, ensuring a qualified audience actively seeking new business opportunities. More than 1,000 exhibitors are expected for IWA OutdoorClassics 2026.

www.iwa.info/en

Army Transforms Acquisition Process to Enhance Ammunition Support for Warfighters

February 20th, 2026

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 Brent Ingraham, presided over the ceremony and spoke to the significance of the new organization as a key part of the Army’s Acquisition reform initiative.

Following the ceremony, Ingraham witnessed a live demonstration featuring the Purpose Built Attritable System and a TRV-150 drone dropping smoke and a M69 training grenade onto a target simulating a small group of enemy Soldiers with a vehicle. This showed off one of DEVCOM’s latest innovations, the Picatinny Common Lethality Integration Kit or Picatinny CLIK. These are just a few of the of lethal UAS and counter-UAS technologies being developed by U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center. The DEVCOM Armaments Center now serves as the Systems Center, a key enabler, of the PAE AS&A.

Subject matter experts from the PAE AS&A and DEVCOM Armaments Center then also briefed Ingraham on other lethal UAS, counter-UAS munitions, advanced artillery, next-gen energetics, expeditionary logistics and supply chain enabling systems that are the result of joint efforts of the two Picatinny based organizations.

“This marks a significant milestone in our journey to modernize Army Acquisition,” Ingraham said as he addressed the audience. “We are combining the capabilities of the Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments and Ammunition with critical combat logistic capabilities from PEO Combat Support and Combat Support Services to ensure fully capability alignment under our new structure.”

“Today we turn the page to an exciting new chapter in Army Acquisition,” Ingraham continued. “Every role in the organization plays an invaluable part in this journey. Cross organization engagement and agility are essential in ensuring the success of this transition. The future of Army Acquisition is bright and PAE AS&A is poised to lead the way.”

Ingraham’s visit underscored the installation’s vital role the various commands at Picatinny Arsenal play in maintaining readiness — delivering the capabilities, expertise, and innovation that ensures our Warfighters and allies are equipped to succeed in any environment.

“As we embark on this journey, we align our actions with the strategic guidance provided by our leadership including the President of the United States, the Secretary of War, the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Staff of the Army,” said Reim who followed Ingraham. “This initiative is not merely a restructuring of our acquisition processes. It is a fundamental rethinking of how we approach the delivery of capabilities to our Soldiers, our joint warfighters, and our international partners.”

Legacies of Excellence

The Army is fundamentally restructuring its acquisition process to prioritize speed and efficiency over traditional approaches. As part of this initiative, the Army is establishing six Portfolio Acquisition Executives with increased focus on capabilities over specific programs.

The transformation includes the integration of the former Program Executive Office Combat Support and Combat Service Support, PEO CS&CSS, into the Capability Program Executive for Combat Logistics, CPE CL, led by Brig. Gen. Camilla White. PEO CS&CSS brings an unmatched history of logistics and sustainment support to the new CPE CL. It encompasses more than 200 programs spanning the Army’s transportation, ordnance, quartermaster, engineer, and training equipment portfolios.

As the CPE CL, it will continue to develop and deliver modernized tactical wheeled vehicles, engineering equipment, watercraft, power generation systems, and other force sustainment capabilities to Army, Joint, and global partners.

At the same time, the Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments and Ammunition, JPEO A&A, will realign into the Capability Program Executive for Ammunition & Energetics, CPE A&E, led by Col. Jason Bohannon. JPEO A&A has consistently delivered innovative acquisition solutions to provide Joint Warfighters and allied partners with overmatch capabilities. The JPEO was comprised of four project offices covering Combat Ammunition Systems, Close Combat Systems, Maneuver Ammunition Systems and Joint Services.

As the CPE A&E, it retains responsibility for life-cycle acquisition management of all conventional ammunition, which includes integrating budgets, acquisition strategies, research and development and life-cycle management across all ammunition families.

CPE CL will be headquartered at Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, while CPE A&E will remain at Picatinny Arsenal. Unlike the previous Program Executive Offices, each PAE will have comprehensive responsibilities and accountability for managing the full spectrum of acquisition activities, including requirements development, technology maturation, product development, testing, contracting, fielding, sustainment, and international sales. This flattened acquisition system empowers PAEs to make timely, risk-based decisions and accelerates capability delivery to Warfighters through problem-focused requirements, smarter contracts, informed risks, and faster pivots.

“This restructure achieves unity of command by establishing and empowering PAE AS&A with the full authority to direct research and development, prototyping, testing, production, and sustainment,” said Reim. “By prioritizing outcomes over processes, this new construct empowers us to award contracts faster by cutting through bureaucracy. Overall, this approach unburdens the acquisition enterprise and allows us to deliver warfighting capabilities at speed and scale.”

Accelerating Ammunition Acquisitions

Under the leadership of Maj. Gen. Reim, PAE AS&A will oversee an entire capability area including all conventional ammunition requirements including direct and indirect fire ammunition, close combat systems, explosives, and pyrotechnics, in addition to logistics, fielding, and sustainment. PAE AS&A will have oversight of the organic munition production facilities.

Maj. Gen. Sean Davis will serve as the new Deputy Portfolio Acquisition Executive adding the sustainment capabilities of the Army’s Combined Arms Support Command, CASCOM to PAE AS&A. CASCOM trains and develops adaptive Sustainment professionals for the total force while integrating innovative Army and Joint Sustainment capabilities, concepts and doctrine to sustain large scale combat operations in a multi-domain operations environment. It is also a part of Transformation and Training Command and is located at Fort Lee, Virginia. PAE AS&A is committed to supporting the warfighter through an innovative approach to ammunition acquisition and sustainment that leverages existing authorities to deliver tangible benefits, including accelerated capability delivery, smarter contracts, and informed risk management.

In addition to the two new CPEs, PAE AS&A will oversee multiple acquisition enablers including senior contracting officials, a test and evaluation integrator, the Sustainment Future Capability Directorate and the system center lead overseeing coordination among Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Centers. The PAE AS&A System Center Lead is Chris J. Grassano, the firector of the DEVCOM Armaments Center. The new structure will enable holistic management of conventional ammunition development, production and sustainment under a single command resulting in increased efficiencies and accelerated delivery of lethality aligned with the emerging Army Warfighting Concept.

Looking Ahead

In conjunction with this reform, the Army is investing $1.1 billion per year to overhaul depots, arsenals, and ammunition plants that produce and sustain Army equipment. This commitment will not only modernize facilities but also strengthen the defense supply chain and create jobs.

For industry partners, these reforms will mean faster contracts, clearer points of entry, and fewer bureaucratic hurdles. Soldiers will benefit from receiving new capabilities, such as drones, long-range fires, and next-generation command and control systems, years faster than before.

By Michael Chambers and Eric Kowal