TYR Tactical

Rohde & Schwarz and Quantum Systems Join Forces to Redefine EW and C-UAS-Enabled Uncrewed Operations

May 18th, 2026

Rohde & Schwarz and Quantum Systems sign strategic Memorandum of Partnership to jointly integrate advanced EW capabilities and C-UAS solutions into next-generation uncrewed-systems, delivering robust, defense solutions for evolving threat environments.

Bonn, May 12, 2026 – Rohde & Schwarz today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Quantum Systems during AFCEA 2026. This strategic agreement marks a significant step toward advancing integrated defense capabilities through the combination of electromagnetic warfare (EW) and counter uncrewed arial systems (C-UAS) expertise and cutting-edge uncrewed systems.

Quantum Systems, a key player in the development of uncrewed and intelligent aerial systems, will collaborate closely with Rohde & Schwarz to explore the integration of the latter’s advanced EW solutions into Quantum Systems’ uncrewed platforms (UxV). The partnership also includes the joint development and deployment of C-UAS solutions, addressing the growing need for effective protection against, e.g. uncrewed aerial threats.

Under the terms of this MoU, both companies will work to enhance operational effectiveness by embedding EW capabilities directly into next-generation uncrewed systems. This collaboration aims to provide defense and security forces with robust, adaptable solutions for complex and evolving operational environments.

“This MoU represents an important milestone in our mission to deliver innovative EW solutions,” said Alexander Philipp, Managing Director, Rohde & Schwarz Vertriebs-GmbH. “By partnering with Quantum Systems, we are combining complementary strengths to create powerful, future-ready capabilities for our customers.”

“The requirements of modern armed forces are changing at a rapid pace. Today, the key is the ability to quickly transfer proven technologies onto new platforms and make them immediately usable. Together with Rohde & Schwarz we are creating a German solution for uncrewed signals intelligence in the air and electronic protection systems on the ground, thereby deliberately expanding capabilities on the battlefield,” said Martin Karkour, Chief Revenue Officer of Quantum Systems.

The agreement underscores both companies’ commitment to innovation, collaboration, and strengthening technological leadership in the defense sector.

MOHOC Introduces Optac: NDAA-Compliant, Multi-Spectrum UAV Optics

May 18th, 2026

MOHOC, Inc., world leader in tactical helmet cameras, is leveraging its first-person imaging expertise into the booming FPV drone market with the launch of Optac™ cameras.

UAV platforms in the US (and increasingly abroad) are required to install NDAA-compliant components – most critically, non-Chinese electronics. Optac™, an NDAA audited and US assembled drone camera, addresses this mandate directly.

Compliance, however, is only the baseline. Dynamic mission capability is the differentiator. The Optac™ integrates daylight, low-light, and infrared imaging into a single camera system with a removeable IR filter cap. It eliminates the need for multiple sensors or payload trade-offs while enabling continuous operation across changing light conditions.

The patent-pending Optac™ also delivers ultra-low latency video output and is compatible with existing FPV architectures, including analog VTX systems. In addition to the fully featured model, a visual-only version is available for dedicated daylight operations. Both models meet SWaP and cost objectives essential to attritable and one-way effect platforms.

“The US and our allies must lead the paradigm shift in UAV warfare,” commented Connor Duncan, CEO at MOHOC. “We are honored to support Drone Dominance and similar initiatives with Optac™, not merely NDAA compliant, but innovative FPV optics to redefine the visual edge,” added Eric Dobbie, VP US Sales. 

MOHOC is presenting Optac™ at SOF Week 2026 in Tampa, May 19-21, booth 935. Meeting requests and press inquiries can be directed to Eric Dobbie (edobbie@mohoc.com).

TacJobs – Qore Performance Seeks VP, Sales & Business Development

May 18th, 2026

VP, SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Status: Active Recruitment | Mission: Building A Superhuman Future.®

Preferred Location: Knoxville, TN (HQ)
Alternative Locations: DC Metro | Virginia Beach | Fayetteville | Columbus (GA) | Tampa Bay

I. THE OBJECTIVE 

Qore Performance is transitioning from Founder-led sales to a mature, VP-led capability. Your ‘North Star’ is to eliminate the biological throttles of our customers by establishing QPI as the global leader in thermoregulation for American Security and American Prosperity. You are not here to maintain a system; you are here to engineer a scalable revenue architecture from the ground up.

II. THE ARCHITECTURE (PRIORITIZED OUTCOMES) 

Immediate Revenue Lethality: Deliver verifiable P/L results within 30 days by ‘dialing for dollars’ through our existing Shopify database. Goal: as close to $100k in closed sales in Month 1.

System Engineering: Implement and own the outbound tech stack. You will integrate a new CRM with our current environment (Shopify, MRPeasy, Google Workspace/Gemini).

Contract Capture: Navigate and secure high-level contracts (SBIR, OTA, PoR, Sole-Source) from requirement shaping to final delivery and approved procurement lists.

Transition Leadership: Move the company from inbound-organic to outbound-disciplined. You will eventually recruit, train, and lead a team of Account Managers and Field Specialists.

Multi-Vertical Fluidity: Simultaneously manage DoD/Government contracts and Enterprise Safety sales (e.g., Chick-fil-A, Dutch Bros, industrial foundries).

III. THE OPERATOR (REQUIRED SPEC)

Service History: Senior Enlisted SOF Veteran (AFSOC, NSW, SF, Ranger Regiment, etc.).

Private Sector P&L: Minimum 5–10 years of private sector experience with a proven track record of closing eight figures in revenue.

Technical Rigor: An ‘AI Ninja’ capable of leveraging Gemini and other LLMs to accelerate the sales cycle and build research bots.

Communication: Executes a highly responsive customer communication cadence. Precision in language is mandatory.

Cultural Alignment: Driven by a deep, primal desire for execution excellence in every action.

IV. THE ENVIRONMENT (CULTURE & TECH)

Neatness as a Requirement: We maintain ‘set-ready’ workstations. Neatness is a physical manifestation of a disciplined mind.

No Red Tape: We are not beholden to PE or VC. We move at the speed of physics.

The Tech Stack: Proficiency in Shopify, MRPeasy, Google Workspace, and specialized contract interfaces (SupplyCentral, Singapore SOF) is required.

Assets: Access to a 2,500 sq. ft. media studio and ‘Betsy,’ our F-150 show truck, for high-fidelity presentations.

V. DEPLOYMENT (HOW TO APPLY)

Review the Careers page on our site. Email us with your best pitch. This is your first test of primary research, ability to follow directions, and decisive action.

Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation’s The SOF Auction & Raffle

May 18th, 2026

Task Force Dagger Special Operation Foundation (TFDSOF)’s SOF Auction & Raffle is open now and closes during the SOF Social held at Cubic’s Embassy Suites Ballroom on May 19th at 8PM EDT.  

There are more than 130 items on the Auction & Raffle, the list includes a Limited Edition framed US flag, parachuted into Normandy for 80th Anniversary of D-Day,  One of a kind Kitchen Knife Set Made from Damascus Steel recovered from the Twin Towers, Guided & Filmed Turkey Hunt in TN w. Spook Spahn, Lou Gramm signed guitar, Richard Childress Racing VIP NASCAR Experience, Mar-a-Lago Gala and Golf at Trump International, Custom Golf Fitting of full set of TaylorMade Clubs by Dustin Johnson’s Golf Coach a PGA Top 100 Teacher, Exclusive TFD branded bottle of Wolfburn 12 Year Single Malt Scotch, trips, firearms, ammunition, tactical items, clothing, outdoor products, golf products, sports memorabilia and many more

To bid on an item, sponsor a program recipient, buy a raffle ticket, or to learn more about this fundraising event, please visit:  sofauction.cbo.io

This is the 10th year of the SOF Auction & Raffle, and we have raised more than $873,00 the past nine years of this event.  Help us break $1,000,000 while we try to reach our goal this year of $300,000.  All funds raised though the SOF Auction & Raffle will directly impact families of the Special Operations Community and 100% of the proceeds will be applied to TFDSOF’s three core programs: Immediate Needs, Rehabilitative Events, and the SOF Health Initiatives Program.

About TFDSOF:

Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation provides assistance to wounded, ill, or injured United States Special Operations Command members and their families. We respond to immediate needs, conduct Rehabilitative Therapy Events, and provide next-generation health solutions for issues facing our service members. Our cohesive programs improve the quality of life for Special Operations Families.  To learn more about Task Force Dagger Special Operation Foundation, visit our website at www.taskforcedagger.org.

The VSLAP-V1 from B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. at SOF Week 2026

May 18th, 2026

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 highlight their new VSLAP® series a compact high-power near infrared target pointer and illuminator. The VSLAP®-V1 is the latest device in production from the B.E. Meyers & Co. line of high-power lasers designed to enhance air-to-ground pointing, illumination, and communication. Its superior design provides increased output, ergonomic form factor, and better integration with weapon systems.

B.E. Meyers & Co. will be at Booth 1153 at this year’s SOF Week in Tampa, Florida from 18-21 May 2026.

Since the 1993 release of the IZLID®, B.E. Meyers & Co. has set the standard for high powered Near-Infrared laser pointers and illuminators. The IZLID®series is used in TACP, CCT, JTAC, SOTAC, ANGLICO and JFO applications and for other air-to-ground integration and communication needs. It’s now a widely used product by military agencies around the world chosen for its high power, ergonomics, ruggedness, and weapon system adaptability. Learning from decades of battlefield experience with the IZLID®, B.E. Meyers & Co. has further innovated with the introduction of the VSLAP®. The VSLAP® will continue to support warfighters with the same capability as the IZLID®, but with continued innovation to ergonomics, power output and weapon system integration.

At the core of the VSLAP® is B.E. Meyers & Co.’s patented DeathStar™ technology that co-aligns six individual laser diodes into a single concentrated beam, outputting up to 1.21 Watts of power. These co-aligned beams diverge over long distances and create the perception of a single beam with a much larger profile than traditional laser systems. The increased size of the beam profile increases its long-range visibility for high altitude aircraft communication. On-target illumination clarity is also improved by the six lasers in the DeathStar™ system. As the beams diverge downrange, they begin to overlap each other, which removes the inconsistencies in each of the individual defused Edge Emitting Lasers (EEL). This is vital for situational awareness when using the VSLAP®s 2.5º flood for target illumination.

The design of the VSLAP® allows for single handed operation and manipulation of the systems controls. The power lever allows users to choose between four power settings with just their thumb: Off, Low, Medium and High. These settings provide a wide range of power outputs, allowing the user to select the appropriate output for the environment. The top of the device has two fire buttons which sit in a natural position of the users’ fingers. An easily distinguishable constant on fire button, a secondary pulse fire button with settings at 2Hz, 5Hz, 10Hz and an unmistakable arrhythmic setting. Beam divergence is quickly adjustable by turning the front collar 1/8 turn to transition from a pointer to a 2.5º flood.

The VSLAP® can also be utilized on various weapon systems from Crew Served Weapons to rotary wing aircraft platforms. For these uses the device supports azimuth and elevation adjustments for precise targeting alignment. The built in proprietary Wakizashi® port allows simultaneous remote control and power supply, allowing a single operator to activate the laser while firing. Additionally, the Wakizashi® port supports data transfer, allowing users to remotely control the laser’s settings.

The VSLAP® is the next evolution of high-power, long-range combat communication and situational awareness. Its revolutionary DeathStar™ technology creates a substantial battlefield advantage to help our warfighters ensure mission success and bring them home safely.

For more information on the VSLAP® and other B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc products, please visit our video here: www.youtube.com

For specifications, please visit our product page here:
www.bemeyers.com/products/pointing-illumination/series/vslap/vslap

BFG Monday: Your Chemlight Bundle Is Obsolete

May 18th, 2026

For decades, deploying chemlights meant relying on an outdated and improvised process. Operators had to unwrap individual chem lights, bundle them together with 550 cord, tape them to control light output, then figure out how to secure the entire setup to a belt or kit using additional retention methods or carabiners. The process added unnecessary bulk, increased weight, and consumed valuable time better spent on weapons maintenance, mission planning, equipment preparation, and other tasks critical to operational readiness.

That is no longer the standard.

Blue Force Gear is proud to introduce the patent pending MARCO HR, a purpose built chemlight deployment system engineered for professional end users operating in environments where speed and efficiency matter.

Built for Modern Operations

Built from rugged injection molded nylon, the MARCO HRcarries and deploys thirty 2 inch chemlights in one compact system weighing only 9.6 ounces loaded. Traditional taped chemlight bundles can weigh nearly two pounds once assembled, adding unnecessary bulk to an already demanding loadout.

Using a palm actuated mechanical design, the MARCO HR simultaneously deploys and activates each chemlight instantly without additional handling or visual confirmation.

No tape. No wasted motion. The MARCO HR allows users to maintain concentration and situational awareness without looking down to confirm chemlight activation during low light operations.

The result is faster deployment, reduced movement, and improved efficiency during low light operations wheremaintaining focus matters.

The MARCO HR can be loaded in under one minute using the user’s preferred chemlight color including blue, green, red, IR, and white options which are sold separately.

This is not an incremental improvement to an old concept. It is a complete replacement for an outdated method that has remained unchanged for decades.

For more than twenty years, Blue Force Gear has led the industry by challenging conventional equipment design through advanced materials, patented technologies, and a relentless focus on reducing unnecessary weight without sacrificing durability or capability. From weapon slings and load carriage systems to pouch design and attachment technology, BFG products are trusted by military and law enforcement professionals worldwide because they are engineered to solve real operational problems.

Because lightweight equipment is not about comfort. It is about preserving mobility, reducing fatigue, and increasing effectiveness when performance matters most.

For users who prefer a more traditional carry configuration, the MARCO HR can also be paired with the new Ten-Speed Belt Pouch Hanger, which holds three larger chem sticks while maintaining a cleaner and more streamlined profile than traditional taped bundles.

The era of taped chemlight bundles is over.

The MARCO HR has arrived.

Learn more about the MARCO HR and the full MARCO Family of Marking Light Dispensers at www.blueforcegear.com.

For units seeking to increase survivability and operational performance through reduced load carriage by upgrading to Helium Whisper, contact the Blue Force Gear Military Department or visit BlueForceGear.com.

NSWC Crane Sailor Brings Fleet to the Lab to Elevate Electromagnetic Warfare Capabilities

May 18th, 2026

A Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) Sailor and Avionics Technician has spent his decade-long career honing his knowledge and expertise in electromagnetic warfare to support the Fleet. Avionics Technician Petty Officer Second Class (AT2) Jeffrey Weaver joined the U.S. Navy after receiving his bachelor’s degree. He specialized in maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of transmitter and radar packages to support F/A-18 platforms and ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming Systems.

In 2023, AT2 Weaver transferred to NSWC Crane, where he continues to support the Navy’s mission and capabilities by bringing operator-level feedback to engineering building and maintaining tools. This includes scheduled and unscheduled repair of ALQ-99 transmitters, which protect aircraft such as the F/A-18 by disrupting enemy radar.

Working at a federal research and development laboratory forges strong bonds and enables collaboration between the military and civilian workforce.

“The highlight of my time at Crane would be the conversion of the Low Band Transmitter to Low Band Consolidated Transmitters for domestic and Foreign Military Sales programs,” said AT2 Weaver. “The knowledge shared and gained from my time here [is important to me]. I was able to share my expertise on Low Band Transmitters, and my experiences from working in the Fleet with the engineers and civilian technicians. I gained a lot of new insights and knowledge working on transmitters at a deeper level than many of my fellow service members will ever experience.”

AT2 Weaver said his time at NSWC Crane will be valuable as he continues his career.

“I believe the role of a technician in this field is becoming more crucial as technology continues to improve and develop,” he said. “Being able to maintain and repair assets in the Fleet with the knowledge gained here will only improve mission readiness. Developing the skills that allow the Navy to maintain air superiority to protect our aircraft and troops is vital in our nation’s current climate.”

Knowing the impact of his efforts is motivating for AT2 Weaver.

“I find the work important because the work we do here helps Fleet Readiness Centers like Whidbey, the ships in the fleet, and ultimately the pilots flying dangerous missions overseas. Knowing what I work on can help the Navy to fly more missions safely is very important to me.”

Story by Sarah Oh

PROOF Research Unveils New Shorter Barrel Configurations in the PROOF Elevation 2.0 and Elevation MTR 2.0

May 17th, 2026

COLUMBIA FALLS, Mont. – May 14, 2026 – PROOF Research is proud to announce the launch of shorter barrel configurations for the PROOF Elevation 2.0 and Elevation MTR 2.0. Built on a commitment to innovation, performance and advanced materials, PROOF Research’s latest barrel options represent a refined approach for both the modern hunter and marksman. Both the PROOF Elevation 2.0 and Elevation MTR 2.0 in shorter barrel configurations are now available in Tactical Flat Dark Earth (TFDE) and the all-new Midnight color, offering shooters greater customization options alongside PROOF Research’s carbon fiber technology.  

With the launch of shorter barrel lengths, the PROOF Elevation 2.0 and Elevation MTR  2.0 maintain PROOF Research’s lightweight characteristics while expanding usable applications. The more compact configurations improve overall maneuverability while retaining the precision and performance that shooters expect from the Elevation platform. Additionally, all barrel lengths feature a threaded 5/8-24 muzzle with thread protector, providing shooters with enhanced suppressor compatibility. 

The PROOF Elevation 2.0 is a purpose-built hunting rifle that offers exceptional accuracy and seamless portability. Designed for backcountry pursuits and extended time in the field, the hunting rifle pairs a PROOF carbon fiber barrel and stock with a Zermatt Arms Origin action and a TriggerTech trigger. Balanced for mobility and precision, this rifle is engineered to perform across a wide range of hunting applications. The PROOF Elevation 2.0 is available in barrel lengths of 16.5″, 18″, 20″ or 22″, depending on the chosen caliber. With nine caliber offerings, including 22 Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7 BC, 7 PRC and .300 PRC. MSRP ranges from $3,199 – $3,499. 

The Elevation MTR 2.0 utilizes the same advanced lightweight technology for recreational hunters and shooters seeking competition-level precision and repeatability. Designed for long-range and target shooting, this rifle features a PROOF Sendero contour carbon fiber barrel, PROOF carbon fiber stock, Zermatt Arms Origin action, detachable box magazine and TriggerTech trigger. The Elevation MTR 2.0 is available in barrel lengths of 16.5”, 18”, 20” and 22”, depending on the chosen caliber. With 13 caliber offerings, including .223 Rem, 22 Creedmoor and .338 ARC. MSRP ranges from $3,499 – $3,899.  

“Our expansion of the Elevation platform reflects PROOF Research’s commitment to performance and innovation,” said Brandon Hulzebosch, director of sales and marketing. “With the new barrel length configurations, we’ve further refined the technology and ergonomics to ensure the highest level of accuracy and precision in the field or on the range.”  

With the introduction of the PROOF Elevation 2.0 and Elevation MTR 2.0 in new barrel lengths, PROOF Research continues to push boundaries in rifle technology. By combining advanced carbon barrel technology with precision manufacturing, these expanded offerings in the Elevation series deliver a new standard for shooters who demand the highest level of performance.   

For more information about Proof Research, visit ProofResearch.com.