Despite it being summer in the Great White North, S&S Precision surprised everyone with a MultiCam Alpine variant of their popular load carriage panels.
www.sandsprecision.com/gear/oss-pouches
Rampart Range Day 26 – Canadian Modular Assault Rifle Update
May 27th, 2026Manufactured by Colt Canada, the two variants of the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle have been designated C25 and C26 and will replace the currently fielded C7 and C8 which have been in service for 35 years. Chambered in 5.56mm NATO, Colt Canada was able to quickly bring the project to fruition due to improvement efforts which have been ongoing.
I was able to photograph and fire both variants at Rampart Range Day. These photos are configured as per the contract, including optics and outfitted with the Strategic Sciences Corporation Multi Function Muzzle Device provided in Canada by Millbrook Strategic Sciences. Interestingly, the Department of National Defence did not option the add-on component of the MFMD and are sticking solely with the primary device. Additionally, both models are outfitted with new variable power optics by Colt Optics.
Both feature ambidextrous controls and a single piece upper receiver which integrates the handguard.
The C25 (General Service) features:
- 13.7″ barrel
- 5 M-Lok slots
- 1-6x LVPO
Still in final development, the C26 (Full Spectrum) features:
- 15.7″ barrel
- 7 M-Lok slots
- 1-10x LVPO
The production contract which was awarded in March calls for 30,000 assault rifles between 2026 and 2029.
NP Aerospace Canada Celebrates Over 30 Years of Successful Business Growth
May 27th, 2026
NP Aerospace, the defence multinational, located in Canada and the UK, has risen to the defence industrial challenge, building Canadian capability and reporting strong growth in revenues and workforce as it marks over 30 years of Canadian operations. This announcement coincides with CANSEC in Ottawa this week (27-28 May) where NP Aerospace is showcasing its latest survivability solutions at booth 1729.
NP Aerospace Canada, based in London, Ontario, specialises in armour technology and vehicle engineering and has built a reputation for delivering complex military survivability programs working with the Canadian Department of National Defence and law enforcement agencies. Over the past two years, the business has reported significant growth in revenues, doubling its facility floorspace and achieving a five-fold increase in its Canadian workforce.
The company began trading in Canada in the mid-1990s, entered the defence market in 2009, and was acquired by Canadian entrepreneur James Kempston in 2018. Since then, it has expanded with new London facilities and secured major defence contracts including Armoured Personnel Transport Modules through Marshall Canada as part of the Logistics Vehicle Modernization (LVM) program, Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement (DICE) ballistic plates and the Canadian Department of National Defence Land Equipment (LEP-ETSS) Program, alongside specialist armour and vehicle contracts across Canada and the U.S. In 2022, NP Aerospace was one of the first to supply life-saving protection equipment to support those at risk in current global conflicts.
According to James Kempston, CEO of NP Aerospace, the company is well placed to support Canada’s rapid growth in military capability. He said: “The focus right now is on products made in Canada, for Canada and our allies. As a multinational armour manufacturer and vehicle integrator partnering with some of Canada’s largest defence primes,
NP Aerospace has risen to the challenge, increasing manufacturing and engineering capacity and accelerating recruitment and financial investment. Since acquiring NP Aerospace in 2018, we have seen consistent growth in both domestic and export programs and this is set to continue at pace.”
A key contract driving incremental improvements for the Canadian Armed Forces is the Department of National Defence Land Equipment Program. As prime contractor on the program, NP Aerospace has delivered multiple ongoing equipment and vehicle support tasks building supply chain capability, and expertise in testing and evaluation, prototyping and fabrication and field support.
Elizabeth Spear-Goble, Business Operations Manager at NP Aerospace Canada, said: “2026 is one of the most dynamic periods the defence industry in Canada has seen in decades. The Government is investing billions of dollars to ramp up Canadian sovereign capabilities and NP Aerospace Canada is rising to the challenge and ‘answering the call’ with hiring, expansion, and innovation. As we mark 30 years of operations in Canada, we are focused on the next phase of growth, continuing to deliver improvements to life-saving equipment for the Canadian Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies and export customers.”
Dynamic Principles and Qore Performance Announce Pricing Update for ICEPLATE MOLLE Back Panel to Sustain High-Performance Manufacturing Standards
May 27th, 2026
Knoxville, TN — May 15, 2026 — Dynamic Principles, in collaboration with Qore Performance, Inc., is announcing a pricing adjustment for ICEPLATE® MOLLE Back Panel. This update ensures the continued use of premium, Berry-compliant materials and the precise, American-based laser-cut manufacturing required to meet the rigorous demands of professional end-users.
Since its launch, ICEPLATE® MOLLE Back Panel has become a cornerstone for operators seeking a rugged, low-profile external mounting solution. This pricing update allows both companies to maintain the uncompromising quality and rapid fulfillment capabilities that military and law enforcement customers rely on for mission success.
External Hard-Cell Hydration Integration
ICEPLATE® MOLLE Back Panel remains the premier solution for mounting ICEPLATE® Gen 3 to the rear PALS field of any plate carrier featuring a rear MOLLE field. It is specifically designed to support the carry of heavy packs, mortar base plates, or breaching tools directly over the hard-cell bladder without risk of rupture.
Key features include:
- Laser-Cut Laminate Construction: Hydrophobic, lightweight, and extremely low profile.
- Modular Versatility: Full external PALS field for pouch attachment and Crye JPC 2.0 pattern-style zippers for seamless back panel integration.
- Drink Tube Management: Three removable One-Wrap loops for streamlined routing.
- Rock-Solid Stability: A fixed four-column MOLLE strap array designed to handle the heaviest equipment loads.
- 100% Berry Compliant: Proudly made in the USA by Dynamic Principles using NIR-compliant materials.
“Our commitment to 100% American manufacturing and premium Berry-compliant materials is non-negotiable,” said Daniel Podsiedlik, Founder of Dynamic Principles. “This pricing adjustment allows us to navigate rising material costs while maintaining the precise, laser-cut quality our customers depend on. By prioritizing our ‘Made in USA’ supply chain, we ensure that every ICEPLATE® MOLLE Back Panel continues to meet the highest standards of durability and performance for the professional end-user.”
ICEPLATE® MOLLE Back Panel is back in stock as of 1700 ET May 15 in MultiCam, Coyote, Ranger Green, and Black at QorePerformance.com and Dynamicprinciples.us.
Mountain Horse Solutions Selected for Drone Dominance Program Phase II Qualifier
May 27th, 2026SARASOTA, FL – (May 26, 2026) – Mountain Horse Solutions, a Global Ordnance company focused on mission-critical support, unmanned systems, and integrated defense solutions, in partnership with AG3 Labs and Draganfly, has been selected to participate in the Drone Dominance Program Phase II Qualifier in June 2026 at Camp Grayling, Michigan.
“Being selected to compete in Phase II of the Drone Dominance Program is a testament to our approach to rapid, scalable drone production,” said Bill Allen, president of Mountain Horse Solutions. “We’re proud to demonstrate capabilities that support the warfighter in the complex operational environments that define modern conflict.”
The companies received invitations for multiple mission areas and drone platforms:
- Mission Area A with the Flex FPV drone
- Mission Area B with the SPADE drone and the Flex FPV drone
Mission Area A focuses on long-range strike capabilities designed to identify and engage targets at ranges of 5–20 kilometers beyond visual line of sight, while Mission Area B focuses on close-quarters tactical operations in environments such as buildings, trenches, and tunnels at ranges under 2 kilometers. Both mission areas require systems capable of operating in all-weather, low-light, and contested electromagnetic environments where radio frequency (RF) and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) may be disrupted.
The SPADE and Flex platforms were developed to support modern tactical operations, combining autonomous navigation, modular payload configurations, swarm-ready architecture, and low operator overhead. The mission-ready FPV systems are designed for rapid deployment in complex operational environments.
“Being selected as a Phase II qualifier for Drone Dominance is validation of what we’ve been building toward — attritable, American-made systems purpose-built for exactly this kind of high-stakes operational environment,” said Nick Smock, head of strategy at AG3 Labs. “We’re proud to be competing alongside Mountain Horse Solutions, a partner who shares our commitment to getting the right capabilities into warfighters’ hands fast.”
“Draganfly is honored to have been down-selected by the Drone Dominance Program in partnership with Mountain Horse Solutions and Global Ordnance,” said Cameron Chell, CEO and president of Draganfly. “We look forward to the next round of work and progressing our operationally proven model forward within the program.”
The Drone Dominance Program is expected to award up to $1.1 billion in prototype delivery orders across four phases, with a goal of delivering more than 300,000 drones to U.S. forces by 2027. Participating companies will be evaluated through live qualification events focused on production readiness, military utility, and supply chain resilience.
Phase II is designed to assess operationally relevant unmanned aerial systems capable of supporting modern battlefield requirements at scale, including operations in contested electromagnetic environments and beyond visual line of sight. Following the qualifier event, approximately five vendors from each mission area are expected to advance to the next phase of the program and receive prototype delivery orders.
Hand-Picked to Lead: U.S. Army Capt McMurrin Builds Launched Effects Battery and Brings UAS Capability to the 2d Cavalry Regiment
May 27th, 2026
BEMOWO PISKIE TRAINING AREA, Poland – U.S. Army Capt. Harold McMurrin quickly stood out in the Field Artillery Squadron (FAS), 2d Cavalry Regiment (2CR), for his technical skills and innovative ideas. As commander of the Launched Effects “Demon” Battery, he was tasked with building the unit from scratch and introduced advanced\, unmanned aerial systems — remotely piloted aircraft with cameras and sensors — to the regiment. His experience, leadership, and vision have placed the Launched Effects Battery at the center of the Army’s modernization efforts.
“He’s got a long, varied background… very smart, very growth-minded,” U.S. Army Lt. Col. Steven Huckleberry, commander, FAS, 2CR. “Giving him this ambiguous problem set and creating a new capability that fills a gap — he’s the right person for this.”
Huckleberry said McMurrin was hand-selected six months ago to form and lead the unit, tasked with implementing multiple unmanned armed systems within 2CR’s FAS.
McMurrin graduated from the Cavalry Leaders Course and served as a squadron fire support officer (FSO). He brings reconnaissance, armor, and fire support experience. This mix helped him build a functional battery from limited equipment and an ambiguous mission set.
Throughout the combined-arms live-fire exercise during Saber Strike at the Bemowo Piskie Training Area (BPTA), Poland, McMurrin was seen testing drones with his team, conducting arms rehearsals and moving between the tactical operations center (TOC) and the field.
These early actions highlighted McMurrin’s hands-on approach and commitment to integrating advanced technologies into real-world training. His visible leadership during Saber Strike not only demonstrated the potential of UAS in a dynamic environment, but also set the tone for how Demon Battery would operate under his command.
His unique role — possibly the only one in the Army — means he wears two hats: commanding the launch effects battery and, filling a staff position in the TOC, managing the regiment’s firefight as the assistant FSO.
McMurrin’s path into field artillery is a family tradition. Both his mother and father served as field artillery officers, and he has served for eight years in the Army. He held prior jobs as a biologist and a truck driver before committing to a career in the military.
He participated in exercise Saber Strike, a multinational training event, while his first sergeant and other Soldiers of the battery took part in Project Flytrap 5.0, a joint initiative at the Pabrad? Training Area, Lithuania.
Launched Effects Battery’s first sergeant, 1st Sgt. Mohammad Bihamta said, “Capt. McMurrin is a key contributor to the regiment’s success during Saber Strike 26 and Flytrap. His ability to connect teams, systems, and capabilities across the formation ensures Demon Battery delivers effects that directly support the regiment’s mission. He thrives in complex environments. He leverages relationships and a persistent, solutions-oriented mindset to overcome friction and maintain momentum.”
Across the regiment and U.S. Army Europe, launched effects batteries like “Demon” Battery and another in the 25th Infantry Division are among a growing number of units experimenting with UAS integration in field artillery.
McMurrin stated that the work done during Saber Strike and associated experiments helps shape standard operating procedures and informs how emerging technologies will be employed in future engagements.
Both Project Flytrap and Saber Strike, part of Sword 26, are exercises that turn investment into capability. Soldiers integrate unmanned systems such as AI-enabled command and control and live data networks to move, decide, and fight more effectively across all domains. Sword 26 demonstrates how U.S. Army Europe and Africa drives transformation at scale while strengthening deterrence.
Thanks to McMurrin’s dedication and strong communication skills within the battery, the Launched Effects Battery demonstrated precision during Saber Strike. In just six months since creation, they used several types of reconnaissance drones: medium, long-range, short-range, and a few first-person-view drones. This showcased the battery’s strength and versatility.
“UAS provides the Soldier on the ground the ability to look further than ground-based sensors have, so further than their binoculars, their mark-one eyeball (eyes), the sights on their weapons, and other sensors that they carry on their person,” said McMurrin. “It lets them go further; it lets them naturally go beyond terrain that would block their view, the other side of a hill, the other side of a wood line and it lets them see the enemy before the enemy can gain ground and observe them.”
His role as commander of the battery is essential to providing this type of support to the troops of the Field Artillery Squadron of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment.
“The regimental operating concept is to be able to deploy and fight upon arrival,” McMurrin said. “Training in Poland and Lithuania simulates the conditions the regiment could face if employed in crisis, whether for deterrence, presence, or combat operations.”
By SSG Emilie Lenglain
Savox Wins New Multi-Million APAC Contract for TRICS C2 Communication Hubs and Noise-COM 100 Headsets
May 26th, 2026Espoo, Finland – April 28th, 2026 – Savox Communications, a global leader in mission-critical hearing protection and communication solutions, has secured a new multi-million order in Asia for approximately 8,000 units of Savox TRICS C2 communication hubs and Savox Noise-COM 100 headsets, further strengthening Savox’s position as a trusted long-term partner in the region.
The continued selection of Savox solutions highlights customer confidence in Savox’s ability to deliver reliable, high-performance systems that meet the operational demands of mission-critical environments. The order reflects strong momentum in the region, supported by Savox’s responsiveness, product quality, and long-term lifecycle support.
“For defence, safety and security customers, audio is non-negotiable,” says Jerry Kettunen, CEO of Savox Communications. “We’re honored by the confidence our customers have in Savox to provide reliable solutions in demanding conditions. With this delivery, we will have delivered more than 30,000 units to the same customer, an important milestone that reflects a strong, long-term partnership. We remain committed to continued support and ongoing improvement across the region.”
Savox TRICS C2 and Savox Noise-COM 100 form a proven, integrated solution that enhances communication clarity, situational awareness, and personnel safety in demanding conditions. Their continued adoption reflects Savox’s focus on mission-critical systems engineered to perform reliably across evolving operational needs.
Savox Communications serves defence, security, and public safety organizations globally, delivering communication solutions that are designed, tested, and validated through real world operational use.
For more information about Savox Communications and its mission critical solutions, please visit: www.savox.com
CANSEC 2026: Rheinmetall to Showcase Its Innovative Solutions Supporting Canadian and Arctic Sovereignty
May 26th, 2026Rheinmetall is once again exhibiting at CANSEC, reinforcing its 40-year commitment as a trusted partner delivering Canadian grown solutions to the Canadian Armed Forces, including its globally recognized Rheinmetall Mission Master Autonomous Uncrewed Ground System (A-UGS), offering delegates an opportunity to discover capabilities designed to protect Canadian and Arctic sovereignty.
On display for the first time in Canada will be the Mission Master SP2 with advanced amphibious capabilities, accompanied by the Mission Master XT2 arctic edition.
Additional Rheinmetall displays will include submarine training and simulation capabilities and a model of the BOXER vehicle. Vehicle solutions jointly presented with partnering companies will also be on display at the outdoor booth.
Rheinmetall Mission Master Family:
The leading force in Canada’s autonomous defence industry, Rheinmetall will showcase its deep expertise in next-generation ground systems that have driven exports of Canadian-developed solutions. Using image recognition, environment mapping, complex terrain analysis, and obstacle detection and avoidance, Rheinmetall’s PATH guides the Mission Master suite of vehicles and places Canada’s innovative edge on the global stage.
Successfully deployed from a naval ship last fall, the Mission Master SP2 operates in multi-domain environments and autonomously exercises coastal defence and critical infrastructure protection.
The larger Mission Master XT2 was designed for extreme terrain. Its amphibious capabilities allow it to cross bodies of water while maintaining full payload capacity in the world’s harshest environments.
Submarine training and simulation capabilities:
With systems becoming increasingly complex, armed forces demand cost-effective training solutions throughout the entire life cycle of the original systems. Rheinmetall offers tailor-made solutions for the targeted training of sailors, ranging from basic e-learning to sophisticated simulators and training centres. This includes a submarine platform simulation with virtual testing & analysis, submarine motion with hydrodynamics & control and electrical system with control & automation.
Furthermore, Rheinmetall will showcase a range of solutions aligned with the Canadian defence industrial strategy, showcasing Canadian innovation and reinforcing sovereignty with our closest allies for upcoming Canadian programs.
Indirect Fires Modernization (IFM) project
Rheinmetall Canada will collaborate with companies that reinforce interoperability amongst Canada’s closest allies for the Indirect Fires Modernization project, a program designed to redevelop indirect fires capabilities for the Canadian Army.
As a member of the ARTEC joint venture with KNDS Deutschland, Rheinmetall will display models of the highly mobile, combat-proven BOXER vehicle and the Howitzer RCH 155 from KNDS at its indoor booth. This joint display will offer visitors the chance to see the competitive advantage of a wheeled armoured vehicle with an automatic and remotely controlled artillery system. This joint display is expected to showcase potential cooperation between Canada and the rising list of BOXER user nations across Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific.
Domestic Arctic Mobility Enhancement (DAME) project
Designed and manufactured in Quebec, by UTV International, the Voyager D12 is a hybrid all terrain personnel & logistics carrier that will empower the Canadian Armed Forces with a homegrown capability for the DAME project. This vehicle can transport up to 12 passengers, equipment, and resources across rivers and difficult terrain encountered by operations in the Arctic. Made in Canada, The Voyager D12 will be on display at Rheinmetall Canada’s outdoor booth.
Rheinmetall Canada
Pietro Mazzei, President and CEO of Rheinmetall Canada, says, “As we celebrate our 40th anniversary in Canada, I invite delegates to visit the booth to see the advanced solutions Canada’s finest engineers have designed. With four decades of engineering excellence, Rheinmetall Canada is based in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and employs nearly 400 people across Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta. Rheinmetall Canada is proud to hold the Progressive Aboriginal Relations Level 2 Committed certification from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.”
