Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

MRF-SEA Tests TPS-80 Mobility to Enhance Fires Integration in the Philippines

September 4th, 2026

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.

For the AC2 Det, supporting that effort also means testing and refining the systems Marines bring to the fight.

The TPS-80 is a medium range radar that provides 360-degree surveillance. It provides a mobile surveillance capability that can support an integrated air and missile defense system, support control of friendly aviation assets, and provide targeting data to adjacent assets. During the training, Marines evaluated the mobility, set up, and stowage of the equipment.

“Every time we can take slack out of the process, we make ourselves more capable and better partner,” said 1st Lt. Arturo Perez, an air command and control officer and the officer in charge of AC2 Det. “The TPS-80 is a useful asset that allows us to command and control the airspace alongside our Philippine Allies and other partner nations.”

The testing focused on the movement of the asset and getting it situated while in a distributed environment.

“We were able to validate our ability to rapidly displace and set up with a limited number of personnel and to better understand how the system could support operations in a distributed environment. The goal is to understand what this capability can provide, identify its limitations and determine how we can best integrate it into future training.”

– Sgt. Jacob Herbert, a tactical data systems technician and the non-commissioned officer in charge of AC2 Det

Testing capabilities before introducing them into more complex bilateral events allows MRF-SEA to be better prepared to integrate with its Philippine counterparts. Rather than using bilateral training to first determine whether a system works, Marines can focus that time on refining interoperability, integrating fires and learning how U.S. and Philippine capabilities complement one another.

That process supports the broader purpose of ACDC – continuously learning, testing and refining capabilities that strengthen each force individually while improving their ability to operate together.

MRF-SEA serves as I MEF’s forward command element in the Philippines, supporting Task Force-Philippines and integrating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to strengthen interoperability and improve combined readiness.

By Cpl Ryan Ramsammy | Marine Rotational Force – Southeast Asia

Posted in Guest Post, Sensors, USMC | Comments Off on MRF-SEA Tests TPS-80 Mobility to Enhance Fires Integration in the Philippines

American Rheinmetall Secures Award from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace for MCT-30 Turret Machined Components Supporting USMC ACV-30 Program

September 3rd, 2026

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 & Aerospace.

This marks the first contract award from Kongsberg to American Rheinmetall’s Michigan operations and signifies the continued growth and diversification of the company’s U.S. customer base. The award also builds on years of successful collaboration between Kongsberg and American Rheinmetall’s Maine facility in support of the CROWS program.

“The opportunity to support Kongsberg on the ACV?30 program reflects our expanding partnership and strengthens American Rheinmetall’s role in delivering high?quality components for critical U.S. military platforms,” said Tom McDonnell, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, American Rheinmetall. “We’re proud that our Michigan facilities will contribute to the Marine Corps’ modernization priorities as it evolves into a more mobile and capable force.”

By supporting production of the MCT?30 turret for the ACV?30, this effort contributes directly to the Marine Corps’ operational readiness and mission flexibility. The award also reinforces American Rheinmetall’s growing position within the Tier 1 defense industry landscape as the company continues broadening both capability and customer reach.

Posted in Armoured Vehicles, Press Release | No Comments »

US Army Awards $13M Contract to Global Military Products for Scorpion Light Mobile Mortar Systems Integrated on Infantry Squad Vehicles

September 3rd, 2026

TAMPA, FL – (Sept. 3, 2026) – The U.S. Army has awarded Global Military Products a $12.9 million contract for the procurement and integration of Scorpion Light mobile mortar systems under the Department of Defense Ordnance Technology Consortium (DOTC) Other Transaction Authority (OTA) framework. The award supports the integration of Scorpion Light 81mm mobile mortar systems with U.S. Army digital fire control technologies and government-furnished M253 mortar barrels onto the Army’s new Infantry Squad Vehicle–Utility (ISV-U) platforms.

Designed to enhance expeditionary indirect fire capabilities, the next-generation Scorpion Light system delivers a highly mobile, digitally enabled mortar platform capable of rapid emplacement, autonomous targeting and precision engagement in support of distributed operations. The integration of advanced fire control architecture significantly accelerates the sensor-to-shooter kill chain, enabling faster target acquisition, digital fire mission processing, and rapid engagement of multiple targets with reduced crew workload and increased survivability.

“The enhanced capabilities provided by the next-generation Scorpion mobile mortar system directly support the Army’s Transformation Initiative and its transition toward smaller, more agile and highly lethal combat formations prepared to address emerging threats in complex operational environments,” said James Knight, director, Global Military Products. “Over the past two years, we have worked closely with Army stakeholders and soldiers to continuously evaluate, iterate and refine the Scorpion platform based on operational feedback. This contract award reflects the success of that collaboration and our commitment to delivering a fully integrated mobile mortar capability that increases lethality, improves operator safety, and provides unmatched tactical mobility for the warfighter.”

Over the past two years, the U.S. Army and Global Military Products have collaborated through Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP) initiatives and Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) efforts to refine, test, and incorporate direct soldier feedback into the development of the Scorpion Light Mobile Mortar System. These iterative efforts have significantly advanced the platform’s mobility, lethality, survivability, and operational effectiveness.

The latest evolution of the system integrates advanced digital fire control capabilities and the Nett Warrior (NW) networked communications architecture, enabling rapid target acquisition, precision fire missions and near instantaneous re-aiming with minimal crew intervention. This fully digital architecture streamlines and accelerates the sensor-to-shooter kill chain by enabling seamless target handoff between systems, digital fire mission processing and autonomous mortar engagement capabilities. For the first time, soldiers can rapidly prosecute multiple targets with a highly mobile, digitally enabled autonomous mortar platform, significantly increasing responsiveness, accuracy and operational tempo in contested environments.

Most recently, soldiers assigned to the Multi-Purpose Company, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, evaluated the ISV-based 81mm Scorpion Autonomous Engagement System during Exercise Balikatan 2026 in the Philippines. During live-fire operations, soldiers successfully fired 20 rounds from two separate systems in under two minutes, demonstrating the platform’s speed, precision, and ability to deliver responsive indirect fires in support of distributed combat operations.

Posted in Advertiser, Army, Contracts, Press Release, weapons | No Comments »

Marine Corps Develops Plan to Grow Force by More Than 6,500

September 3rd, 2026

As directed by the Secretary of War in an effort to rebuild the Nation’s military, the Marine Corps developed an executable and adaptable growth implementation plan for the next five years to advance the service’s “First to Fight” capstone concept.

This growth plan sustains modernization momentum and enables the Corps to continue fielding a globally responsive, lethal, and resilient naval expeditionary force in support of fleet maneuver and joint campaigns.

The Marine Corps spent the last several years executing an intense modernization campaign of learning, experimentation, and fielding. That effort gives the Corps a clear blueprint to outpace peer competitors, accelerate modernization, and meet one of the most complex and dangerous threat environments in our 250-year history.

The Force Structure Review turns that blueprint into an executable trajectory. By aligning trained Marines with modernized capabilities, the Marine Corps ensures prior and future investments in robotics, precision fires, counter-UAS, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems produce warfighting advantages.

The Marine Corps developed a fiscally responsible and executable plan for a 4 percent end-strength growth by 2031 and assessed an additional 1 percent growth the following year to add operational depth across the total force. This growth includes the implementation of more than 6,500 billets across 64 initiatives, realizing modernization investments and generating the trained Marines required to operate, integrate, and sustain modernized capabilities.

This growth accelerates four critical advantages:

Combat Power Projection and Sustainment: Improves the Marine Corps’ ability to generate, project and sustain combat power, especially in PACOM and the First Island Chain, by increasing operational forces and installation resiliency.

Integrated Technology: Fields robotic and autonomous systems, AI-enabled tools, UAS, counter-UAS, and other emerging capabilities to units ready to employ them at the tactical edge.

All-Domain Effects: Provides the specialized personnel required to generate decision advantage and deliver scalable effects across all domains.

Training Capacity: Expands specialized pipelines to produce the Marines required to operate, sustain, and adapt modern capabilities in distributed environments.

Ultimately, this end strength increase delivers a more modern, lethal, resilient, and ready force capable of supporting fleet maneuver, strengthening deterrence, and providing credible options to the Joint Force.

The following are some of the initiatives approved during the Force Structure Review:

FUTURE INFANTRY BATTALION

Adds personnel to 19 Infantry Battalions and 2 Littoral Combat Teams to formalize crew-served weapons resiliency, establish heavy guns platoons, and expand precision fires and ISR.

I AND II MEF DIRECT SUPPORT RESTORATION

Restructures units at the Direct Support (DS) and General Support (GS) levels, creating units that can better support an infantry regiment across dispersed sites.

INSTALLATION C-SUAS

Adds structure to installations to establish a dedicated defensive capability that protects Marine Corps installations, personnel, and critical assets from the threat of adversary drones.

ASSURED COMMAND AND CONTROL NETWORK AND SECURITY OPERATIONS CENTER

Establishes regional Network and Security Operations Centers to unify and standardize Command and Control, operations, and security across the Marine Corps Cyberspace Environment.

MARINE CORPS INSTALLATIONS PACIFIC BASE RESILIENCY

Improves forward posture and enables force generation from various installations in the Pacific.

ORGANIC INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE INITIATIVE

Activates one Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Company within each MEF as part of the MIG to meet sensing demands of MAGTF units.

BREACHING AND BRIDGING CAPABILITY

Adds organic breaching and bridging capability to existing formations, aligning structure to the fielding of Stand-off Countermine Systems and Expeditionary Bridging.

MARINE MEDIUM TILTROTOR SQUADRON MAINTENANCE MANDATE

Provides necessary maintenance personnel to 16 Active Component and 2 Reserve Component VMM squadrons to enhance maintenance.

III MEF LCE

Adds capacity across 3d MLG HQ, 3d DSB, and CLB 4, enhancing mission success for III MEF.

STAND-IN FORCE COMMAND AND CONTROL

Provides III MEF the capacity to transition from competition to crisis and conduct EABO, enabling units to fight from local bases and deploy two MEFs.

TARGETING ANALYSIS AND EXPLOITATION

Adds billets to support multi-intelligence analysis cells at the MEFs.

SECTOR AIR DEFENSE COMMANDER, MULTIFUNCTIONAL AIR OPERATIONS CENTER, AND TACTICAL AIR COMMAND CENTER MODERNIZATION

Adds capacity to meet MASS, LAAB and TAOC company within the Marine Air Control Squadron to execute enduring and distributed C2.

DIGITAL OPERATIONS PMOS 0673 CREATION

Creates a permanent digital operations workforce by transitioning the necessary MOS 0673 to a Primary MOS for skills in software engineering, data science, and AI.

SENSE MAKING INTELLIGENCE ENTERPRISE OPTIMIZATION

Expands the Marine Corps intelligence enterprise structure to holistically increase staff capacity and training pipelines across multiple intelligence disciplines.

MARINE CORPS RECRUITING COMMAND REINFORCEMENT

Provides reinforcement to MCRC to meet directed end strength growth and enables sustained accession increases across both enlisted and officer populations.

MARITIME DISTRIBUTION PLATOON AND AIR COORDINATION CENTER

Establishes Air Unmanned Systems Centers of Excellence, Maritime Distribution Platoons, and Air Unmanned Systems Distribution Sections within all three MLGs.

II MEF GENERAL SUPPORT FOOD SERVICE, C2, CALIBRATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

Adds II MEF logistics capacity by adding food service, C2, calibrations and maintenance Marines.

PACIFIC COMMAND AND CONTROL

Provides additional capacity required to support operational requirements to U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) and U.S. Pacific Fleet (PACFLT).

ALL DOMAIN TARGETING

Builds an All-Domain Targeting capability within MARSOC by integrating specialized intelligence, signals intelligence, infantry, and fires/targeting personnel directly into Marine Raider units.

MARINE FORCES RESERVE INITIATIVES

Encompasses 5 initiatives: Detachment, 6th ANGLICO; Infantry Modernization (Reserve); MACG 48 Reorganization; RC TACAIR Transition and Growth; and MAG 46 Activation.

59XX GROWTH, MEDIUM RANGE AIR DEFENSE RADAR

Adds billets to MASS, LAAB, and MCCESS to enhance the Medium Range Air Defense Radar, a Future Naval Capability initiative.

SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM AND COUNTER-SUAS CENTRAL HUB

Establishes a permanent SUAS and C-sUAS training enterprise to standardize Total Force training, facilitate technology fielding, and ensure MAGTF overmatch.

MOBILE/MARITIME RECONNAISSANCE ENABLERS

Sets conditions for the modernization of Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalions to future mobile/maritime reconnaissance formations, applying structure to EWTG and Supporting Establishments.

SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM SCHOOLHOUSE

Establishes a second Small Unmanned Aircraft System Schoolhouse at School of Infantry – West to increase training throughput of PMOS 7316.

0315 SCOUT PRIMARY MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY

Establishes a 0315 Scout PMOS for infantry and light armored reconnaissance (LAR) battalions to standardize training and provide a sustainable capability.

Marine Corps Combat Development and Integration

Posted in Guest Post, USMC | No Comments »

PROJECT 7 Armor Introduces ICON — A Scalable, Multi-Mission Ballistic System Built For Changing Assignments

September 3rd, 2026

September 1, 2026 – LA VERNE, CALIF. — PROJECT 7 Armor is proud to announce the release of the ICON Multi-Mission Vest, its newest tactical armor platform and the most versatile system in the PROJECT 7 lineup. Developed in response to real-world feedback from law enforcement and military professionals, ICON was created for operators whose assignments and threat profiles can change from one mission to the next.

Rather than requiring separate armor platforms for concealed, patrol, plate-rack, and tactical entry applications, ICON brings those capabilities into a single, highly configurable system. It can be worn streamlined for daily operations, configured for concealed or Class A wear by transferring its soft ballistic panels into an optional internal carrier, or scaled with rifle plates and additional ballistic protection for tactical entry.

Key ICON features include:

• Removable internal ballistic yoke for added protection while maintaining a close-to-body, lower-profile fit

• Adjustable shoulder system designed to accommodate clothing layers, seasonal gear, and changes in operator fit

• Optional internal concealable carrier allowing ICON soft armor to be worn beneath clothing or a Class A uniform

• P7 STIK™ Removable Rifle Retention System, utilizing rigid Kydex to stabilize the rifle securely against the platform

• Gap protection at the cummerbund and compatibility with P7’sfull suite of ballistic accessories provide added coverage for high-risk entry operations

“ICON came directly out of conversations with operators whose jobs don’t stay in one lane,” said Jon Becker, CEO of PROJECT 7 Armor. “An operator may be working patrol one day, a task force assignment the next, and a tactical operation after that. We wanted to create a platform that could move with that operator instead of forcing them to move between completely different armor systems. ICON gives them the ability to tailor protection, loadout, and profile to what the mission actually requires.”

Designed Around the Operator

ICON also expands the level of fit and adaptability available within the PROJECT 7 armor line, offering the widest range of sizing and scaling options of any P7 platform. Multiple cummerbund, ballistic package, loadout, MOLLE/PALS, liner, and accessory configurations allow agencies to tailor ICON to individual operators and specific mission requirements. The result is a highly wearable, entry-capable armor platform built to scale across a broad range of operational needs.

Availability

The PROJECT 7 ICON Multi-Mission Vest is available for agency purchase exclusively through AARDVARK, PROJECT 7 Armor’s sole-source distributor. Law enforcement and military agencies can configure their platform and request a quote through project7armor.com or aardvarktactical.com.

Posted in Armor, Press Release | No Comments »

Reptilia Introduces the ARCA-S Handguard: Direct-To-Tripod Capability In A Purpose-Built Rifle Handguard

September 3rd, 2026

HILLSBOROUGH, NC – September 2026 – Reptilia Corp introduces the Arca-S Handguard, a purpose-built rifle handguard designed around a machined-in Arca-Swiss interface that provides direct-to-tripod capability without sacrificing the modularity of a modern M-LOK handguard.

Designed for shooters who rely on a tripod for stability, positional shooting, observation, or rapid rifle deployment, the Arca-S Handguard integrates a 2.8” Arca-S section at the rear of the handguard, where the rail meets the upper receiver. This location provides a rigid, repeatable mounting interface while keeping the remainder of the handguard clean and fully configurable.

“The goal was to integrate the Arca interface into the handguard rather than bolt another component onto the rifle,” said Reptilia. “The result is a cleaner, more capable system that gives the shooter direct access to a tripod while maintaining the M-LOK functionality they expect.”

At the center of the design is Reptilia’s patented turnbuckle mounting system, which provides a secure and repeatable attachment across standard AR15 upper receivers without adding unnecessary bulk. The handguard maintains full M-LOK compatibility, allowing shooters to configure their rifle with bipods, lights, and other accessories alongside the integrated Arca interface.

The Arca-S interface draws from the Arca-Swiss standard originally developed for precision photography and now widely adopted by shooters seeking fast attachment, smooth fore-and-aft adjustment, and a stable connection to a tripod. By machining the interface directly into the handguard, Reptilia eliminates the need for an additional Arca rail or adapter.

PURPOSE-BUILT. FULLY INTEGRATED.

The Arca-S Handguard is designed to provide a straightforward interface between rifle and tripod while maintaining the ergonomics and modularity expected from a modern fighting or precision-oriented rifle.

Key features include:

Integrated 2.8″ Arca-S interface at the rear of the handguard
Direct-to-tripod capability
Reptilia patented turnbuckle mounting system
Full M-LOK compatibility
Designed for standard AR15 upper receivers
Machined aluminum construction
Available in Black and FDE
Proudly made in the USA
Backed by a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects

The Arca-S Handguard is available now – SHOP NOW

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | No Comments »

Field Tested, Future Ready: New U.S. Army Campaign Shows the Power of Real-World Training

September 3rd, 2026

“Field Tested” immerses audiences in the field environments where Soldiers build confidence, teamwork, and skills for the Army and beyond

At a Glance

The U.S. Army’s new marketing campaign, “Field Tested,” immerses audiences in the real-world training environments where Soldiers gain hands-on experience and proven skills that prepare them to take on whatever comes next.

“Field Tested” speaks to young adults who are navigating an uncertain landscape by showing how Army training equips Soldiers with the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to succeed in any future.

Three headlining films follow real Army Soldiers through the field as they demonstrate leadership, problem-solving, and camaraderie while operating advanced technology including drones, geospatial systems, and coding tools, giving audiences a firsthand view of the Army’s training environments.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2026 — At a time when many young Americans feel uncertain about the future, the U.S. Army today announced “Field Tested,” a new marketing campaign that immerses audiences in the real training, discipline, and challenges that mold possibilities into capabilities and unshakeable confidence.

The latest chapter in the Army’s “Be All You Can Be” brand story, “Field Tested” immerses audiences in the field—the Army’s unmatched, real-world training environment where Soldiers learn by doing. The campaign shows how these experiences help Soldiers solve complex problems, lead under pressure, and rely on one another to overcome challenges.

“Young adults are entering a world defined by uncertainty—from a changing job market to rapid advances in AI—and many are looking for a tangible path forward,” says Brig. Gen. Scott C. Woodward, Army Chief Marketing Officer. “We cannot predict what comes next, but we can prepare for it. ‘Field Tested’ shows how Army training helps Soldiers build the confidence, adaptability, and skills needed to meet the changing demands of the battlefield and beyond.”

Through real Soldier stories and authentic training environments, “Field Tested” also highlights the Army’s modernization, showing evolving careers and capabilities, from drone operations and geospatial analysis to coding and intelligence.

Creative Approach to “Field Tested”
“Field Tested” offers an unfiltered view of how the modern Army operates by capturing training as it unfolds. The three films follow real Army Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division at Fort Polk, Louisiana, operating in authentic environments, based on the real-world training that develops Soldiers into strong communicators, sharp problem-solvers, and unfailing teammates:

“The Field is the Teacher” follows Soldiers building real-world skills using drones, mapping technology, coding, and problem-solving in the field. The experience gained here prepares them to lead and operate under pressure wherever they go next.

“The Field Takes a Team” follows Soldiers coordinating across roles, relying on each other in the field, and building bonds that last beyond the mission. Working together, they learn to communicate, support one another, and move as one team.

“The Field Makes Us Stronger” follows Soldiers being tested by the terrain, cold, heat, night, and every obstacle the field puts in front of them. Each challenge builds the strength to handle whatever lies ahead.

“Some of the most profound lessons I’ve learned in the Army didn’t come from a briefing room, they came from the field,” says Gen. Christopher C. LaNeve, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army. “The austere environment is where we operate and strip away the non-essentials. The field builds the mental and physical toughness you need to endure the challenges of the battlefield. This campaign is a call to those ready to be tested.”

“Field Tested” combines multiple forms of media capture—including handheld and cell phone footage, digital photography, disposable cameras, drone cinematography, and documentary-style moments—so the camera behaves like a participant, capturing on-the-ground moments where real Soldiers operate advanced technology, solve problems under pressure, and support one another.

Where to Find “Field Tested”
“Field Tested” will connect with audiences nationally and locally through a mix of social, digital, gaming/streaming, and customized email channels, as well as high-impact media channels including Twitch, YouTube, Meta, Reddit, LinkedIn; broadcast platforms including Paramount, NBCU, and ESPN; and GoArmy.com.

For more information on “Field Tested” and opportunities available in the Army, visit GoArmy.com/FieldTested.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Army, Guest Post | 1 Comment »

Svenska Aerogel’s Customer Launches Fire-Resistant Coating Tailored for the Marine Industry

September 2nd, 2026

Svenska Aerogel’s (“the Company”) customer, a European manufacturer of paints and coatings, is launching a new industrial and fire-resistant coating for the marine industry. The Company’s aerogel material enhances the coating’s fire performance, thereby contributing to increased safety onboard vessels. The coating is intended for use on interior surfaces, such as walls and ceilings.

The customer’s product has been developed for commercial shipping and meets the applicable requirements set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The maritime sector is subject to stringent safety requirements, driving demand for fire-protective solutions. Such solutions play an important role in limiting the spread of fire and protecting structures and escape routes.

“We are pleased to see our material, Naerogel®, being used in a product that addresses a clear market need and, above all, contributes to increased safety for people onboard,” says Tor Einar Norbakk, CEO of Svenska Aerogel.

The fire-resistant coating will be sold on a project-by-project basis, and the customer has begun its sales activities.

Posted in International, Maritime, Materials, Press Release | No Comments »