Author: Jack Bogart

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. (AFNS) —   Joint Base Andrews activated the 5th Helicopter Squadron Aug. 27, marking the installation’s first U.S. Air Force helicopter squadron activation in 60 years. The squadron stands up at a time when the base anticipates accepting the HH-60W Jolly Green II to execute Andrews’ 24/7 operations. The 5th HS will do so alongside the 1st Helicopter Squadron, which was the Air Force’s only rotary-wing unit in the National Capital Region for six decades until now. “The vision is very straightforward,” said Lt. Col. Jonathan Bonilla, who assumed command as the first 5th HS commander.…

Imagine a car breaking down and having to be transported 7,000 miles for repairs. Now imagine that vehicle is a critical asset needed to keep families and neighbors alive.For modern warfighters, this logistics bottleneck is not a hypothetical scenario. It is a harsh operational reality known as “the last tactical mile” – the high-stakes battlespace where a military capability is delivered and where its reliability and endurance matter most.During Operation Iraqi Freedom, a tremendous amount of cargo space on military aircraft was dedicated to moving repair parts forward or retrograding damaged equipment. In a contested near-peer conflict, however, uncontested airlift…

The argument can be made that the Germans make the world’s best engineers. By way of evidence I would submit the StG44 assault rifle, the Me 262 jet fighter, and the Panther tank. While, in each case, the exigencies of around-the-clock bombing certainly took a toll on these revolutionary weapon systems, one cannot help but be impressed with the sheer mechanical elegance of the things. However, sometimes those German engineers, bless their hearts, got a bit carried away with the details.I once read that German engineers coming of age in the interwar years had a rite of passage. They would…

~ WireMasters to highlight resilient supply chains and solutions for defence manufacturers ~ Military interconnect specialist WireMasters will showcase its portfolio of VG-standard wire, cable, connectors and harness components at DVD 2026, the UK’s flagship defence exhibition for land equipment on September 16-17, at UTAC Millbrook. The company will engage with defence manufacturers, systems integrators and procurement professionals to discuss the evolving connectivity requirements of modern military platforms. As defence procurement programmes continue to evolve, manufacturers are under growing pressure to secure reliable supplies of mission-critical interconnect components throughout lengthy procurement cycles. At DVD 2026, WireMasters will highlight its portfolio of…

The wait is over, the Springfield Kuna is finally available with a tri-lug barrel as a factory option!If you’re not familiar with the legendary tri-lug, this might not be exciting news to you (yet). Most common for 9mm suppressors, but also found in some other pistol-caliber cans, the tri-lug is an extremely simple, robust, and secure method of mounting a suppressor. As the name implies, this system uses 3 lugs to index and secure the suppressor to the host. Since there is no threading and it instead relies on springs and lugs to stay secure, the tri-lug system is not…

Springfield Armory has just released a new 1911 DS Prodigy model with a 3.5″ barrel upper on a full-size lower.Springfield Armory has come a long way since the first Prodigy hit the market, and Springfield is still finding new ways to give the people what they want. This time, a 3.5” barrel upper on a full-size lower. Basically, a Prodigy G45. But instead of 17+1, this new Prodigy has an extra bullet up its sleeve using MecGar 18-round magazines.While maybe not the most interesting release of the year, more options in the 2011-style pistol space are always nice to see.…

Sponsored by: KnivesShipFree Labor Day Weekend is here – and with it, another round of tantalizing sales and specials. KnivesShipFree is offering their traditional double points weekend, and they have two very special knives headlining the weekend deals. Spyderco Jess Horn Lockback Now this is the return of a true classic. The late Jess Horn was one of the greats in the custom scene, someone whose work speaks for itself and is spoken of in hushed tones by collectors. He paired pared down designs with exquisite fit and finish, and each Horn custom was an elevated expression of the utility…

FORT BENNING, Ga. — Maneuver Battle Lab Soldiers and capability developers gathered at McKenna Field Landing Site July 27 to Aug. 7 to assess modern tethered unmanned aircraft systems — known as Te-UAS — designed to give maneuver units the ability to overcome terrain limitations and conduct persistent reconnaissance, surveillance and extended communications. Designed and executed by the MBL in collaboration with the Air Robotics, Dismounted Requirements Branch, Requirements Division, Maneuver Future Capability Directorate and Product Lead Strategic Spectrum Warfare, the assessment put two commercial Te-UAS capability surrogates through static, on-the-move and emergency scenarios. During the trial, the tethered drones…

Big Things Do Come in Small packages Richmond, VA. (August 21st, 2026) – German Precision Optics (GPO USA) proudly announces the GPO upgraded RangeGuide™ 10×50 Rangefinding Binocular,   now enhanced with significant upgrades in usability, performance, and design.  Unveil exceptional high resolution optical quality and cutting-edge rangefinding technology in a compact, rugged design. Engineered to rival the size and handling of traditional 42mm binoculars, the upgraded GPO RangeGuide™ 10×50 remains a compact powerhouse, delivering premium optical clarity and industry-leading ranging capability in a remarkably lightweight design. Designed for hunters and long-range shooters who demand precision without bulk, this latest generation…

New UK-based team will strengthen customer engagement, industrial partnerships and delivery planning for Team LionStrike GM Defence today announced the appointment of Simon Gray as Director Business Development to strengthen the company’s commitment to the United Kingdom, and support its defence priorities and sovereign capability. GM Defence is a member of Team LionStrike, alongside partners BAE Systems and NP Aerospace, to compete for the UK Ministry of Defence’s Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) programme. Based in Andover, Gray will lead GM Defence UK’s engagement with the UK Ministry of Defence, British Armed Forces and industry partners. He also supports GM Defence’s…