US Army Soldiers assigned to the XVIII Airborne Corps train and familiarize themselves with the 5.56mm L-variant Drone Round to counter small unmanned arial systems at Oak Grove Training Center, N.C., April 9, 2026. The 5.56mm L-variant Drone Round is designed to neutralize sUAS by volume of fire and projectiles.
US Army video by SGT Kamar Williams
SAN DIEGO – 15 April 2026 – The U.S. Army is upgrading its MQ-1C Gray Eagle® Extended Range (ER) with enhanced electronic intelligence capabilities via a contract awarded to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). ELINT supports long-range sensing for the Integrated Air Defense System (IADS), providing critical information to ground commanders. This capability allows Gray Eagles to operate outside threat ranges while looking deeply into the battlespace and enables advanced manned-unmanned teaming to increase survivability for crewed Army aircraft.
“Combining long-range detection with the range and persistence of the Gray Eagle platforms ensures that commanders always know when an adversary IADS is operating,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “Gray Eagle’s open systems architecture makes this a simple but impactful upgrade.”
The ELINT sensor identifies and geo-locates critical threats vital to Joint Force Operations. To further enhance the Gray Eagle ERs electronic support capabilities, GA-ASI, along with Capability Program Executive Intelligence and Spectrum Warfare, will partner with SNC to integrate advanced radar detection and signal collection technology.
In addition to ELINT, the Gray Eagle ER has also been configured with modernized Communications Intelligence (COMINT), Synthetic Aperture Radar/Moving Target Indicator (SAR/MTI), and Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) radios in multiple Army demonstrations, highlighting the platform’s C5ISR Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS) architecture. The aircraft also supports the integration of best-of-breed sensors, payloads, and weapons to rapidly adapt to threats or specific missions.
Gray Eagle ER was featured in the U.S. Army’s Project Convergence Capstone-5 (PCC-5) last year. The multi-mission, multi-sensor Gray Eagle ER performed persistent Detect, Identify, Locate, and Report (DILR) missions in an electronically contested environment, simultaneously providing mesh network aerial tier support to maneuver units and connecting the soldiers and launched effects that might otherwise be obstructed by terrain or be out of range.
PCC-5 demonstrated Gray Eagle ER’s ability to transform contact, fight, and survive capabilities, automating operator input with easy-to-use human-machine interfaces. Resilient to jamming while integrating and cross-cuing ELINT, COMINT, SAR, and Aerial Tier Network Expansion (ATNE), Gray Eagle ER enhanced the survivability of the maneuver forces while supporting the Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF).
Affectionately known as the Pirate Pistole, the new GSTR 380 is serious departure from the company known for their .22 and 9mm Gatling Guns.
Chambered in .380, it features a 7-round tubular magazine below the barrel. The pump action can be slam fired. Finally, the barrel is threaded to accept a suppressor.
tippmannordnance.com/380-pirate-pistol
FLUX Defense has introduced a new holster for their Raider 365 chassis which turns your SIG P365 into a PDW.
In addition to the adjustable height options, they’ve now added adjustable retention to the Gen 2 holster.
Get yours at fluxdefense.com/shop/gen2-holster-raider-365-ultralight.
The FAST FTC Holosun is a purpose-built mount designed to bring the unique footprint of Holosun magnifiers into the FAST ecosystem. Specifically engineered for the HM3X and HM3XT magnifiers, it provides optimal alignment for a cleaner sight picture when paired with a red dot mounted at the established FAST height of 2.26” to the optical centerline.
While these Holosun magnifiers are also compatible with UNITY’s FAST FTC OMNI, the FAST FTC Holosun offers a specialized solution that expands the ecosystem of compatible optics. When pairing the HM3X or HM3XT with certain red dots—such as the Holosun 403 or 503 series on a FAST Micro—the OMNI’s versatile design can lead to a slight occlusion of the lower sight picture. The FAST FTC Holosun is purpose-built to eliminate this overlap, ensuring a true, unobstructed sight picture across these specific configurations.
The mount incorporates UNITY’s patented Flip-to-Center (FTC) technology to stow the magnifier securely below the sight plane and within the footprint of the weapon’s receiver, eliminating the snag hazards associated with traditional legacy flip-to-side designs. A force-to-overcome mechanism allows for rapid transition, moving the magnifier out of the way when not in use.
The FAST FTC Holosun also features UNITY’s integrated, low-profile FAST QD Lever for quick attachment and removal without compromising stability. Machined from 7075-T6 aluminum with a Type III hard coat anodized finish, the mount is available in both Black and Flat Dark Earth (FDE) and includes a lifetime warranty.
The FAST FTC Holosun retails for $293 and is available for purchase now through authorized UNITY dealers and on unitytactical.com. The FAST FTC Holosum is on display for the first time at the UNITY Tactical booth #1025 at NRAAM in Houston April 17-19.
Please join us as we attend the 2026 National Rifle Association Annual Meeting & Exposition in Houston, Texas.
Quantum Systems’ Vector AI will support U.S. Army modernization and future Medium Range Reconnaissance (MRR) capabilities for Brigade Combat Teams
Moorpark, California (USA), April 15, 2026 – Quantum Systems Inc., the US entity of Quantum Systems, today announced that Vector AI has been selected for the U.S. Army’s Company-Level sUAS Directed Requirement (DR) 2 initiative under a contract valued at $15.3 million. Vector AI will accelerate the delivery of advanced aerial intelligence capabilities to Brigade Combat Teams of the U.S. Army.
The effort is a key component of the Army’s modernization strategy to rapidly field commercially available unmanned systems to Soldiers while informing the development of its future Medium Range Reconnaissance (MRR) program, which will define the next generation of tactical unmanned aircraft systems for maneuver units.
Vector AI was selected following a competitive evaluation process that assessed aircraft performance, payload integration, and interoperability with emerging Army software architectures. The program reflects the Army’s push to rapidly field operationally proven, commercially available systems that can evolve alongside future requirements while delivering immediate operational capability to forces at the tactical edge.
“Today’s battlefield demands unmanned systems that are adaptable, resilient, and proven in real-world operations,” said Dave Sharpin, CEO of Quantum-Systems Inc. “The Vector platform has logged more than 20,000 operational flight hours in Ukraine alone where operational use has helped refine its autonomy and mission adaptability in contested environments. Its modular architecture and open integration approach align directly with the Army’s push toward interoperable, rapidly evolving capabilities.”
Vector AI delivers real-time tactical intelligence to maneuver forces through an electric vertical take-off and landing design that combines runway-independent launch and recovery with the endurance and efficiency of fixed-wing flight. Deployable by a single operator in under five minutes, the compact system supports reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition through AI-enabled mission planning, advanced electro-optical sensing, and vision-based targeting.
Designed for contested environments, Vector AI incorporates anti-jamming features and a multi-layered GPS denied navigation stack to support visual navigation and precision targeting functionalities that work completely independently from GPS. Its modular, open architecture enables rapid payload integration and interoperability with external systems such as TAK and other battlefield management systems, enabling units to detect, track, and develop targets while maintaining situational awareness across the operational area.
The FirstSpear TUBES RODEO T-SHIRT is built for off-duty wear without dropping standards. It’s made from a soft 60/40 cotton blend that’s comfortable enough for long days, whether you’re at the range, in the gym, or just staying low profile.
Lightweight and breathable, it keeps things easy without feeling cheap or disposable. The side-seamed construction gives it a better fit than your average boxy tee.
Available in black, tan, and maroon, it keeps your look clean and simple while still standing out just enough. Sizes run from Small to 3XL, so you’re covered regardless of build.
Bottom line: it’s not tactical, but it’s not sloppy either. It’s the shirt you grab when the kit’s off, but the mindset’s still on.
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.
