Author: news

Handover to the Italian Army at the Sabaudia base has been completed The Italian Army has received its first Skynex air defence system from Rheinmetall. On 18 December 2025, the first Skynex battery was handed over to the Italian Army at the Comando Artiglieria Controaeri (Air Defence Artillery Command) in Sabaudia. This gives the Italian Army the capability to defend against air attacks at close and very close range. In particular, it will enable effective countermeasures against drones, which – as seen in the war in Ukraine – are playing an increasingly important role in current and future conflicts and…

Changing a century-old, world-renowned form factor that sells millions of knives a year is a bold move, but that is exactly what Victorinox did with its Refined line. These tools add two things missing from classic Swiss Army Knives: a locking blade and a pocket clip. There are three tools in this new line, the simplest being the Onefold, which is a folding knife with no other tools.  Questions abound — who are these for, were the additions worthwhile, and are these tools good? I tested the Onefold to find out. In short: Onefold is a surprising iteration on a tried-and-true…

Ceska zbrojovka a.s. (CZ) has achieved one of the most significant milestones in the legendary firm’s history. The German Army (Bundeswehr) has selected a CZ pistol as its new standard-issue sidearm. “We are honored that the German Bundeswehr has chosen CZ as its partner,” said Jan Zajic, CEO and chairman of the board of CZ. “Our success in this rearmament tender is one of the most significant achievements in CZ’s modern history. It clearly confirms the outstanding reputation our firearms have earned through active deployment in real combat conditions. We look forward to a long-term cooperation with the Bundeswehr and to fulfilling…

By Andy Grossman Posted in #Gear Editor’s Note: In today’s article, author Andy Grossman reviews the Hellion Trigger Pack customization offered by Black Talon Tactical. Offered in Stage I and Stage II configurations, this service is designed to enhance the performance of the stock trigger while maintaining reliability. The Stage II work was performed for the author without cost for the purposes of this review. The Springfield Hellion brought an amazing wallet-friendly bullpup to the U.S. market when it was released. For those not familiar with the “bullpup” configuration, this is a design that places the action…

FULDA, GERMANY (22.12.2025) As 2025 draws to a close, Mehler Systems reflects on a year defined by structural strengthening, continued innovation, and the delivery of large-scale protection programmes across global markets. Throughout the year, the group focused on expanding its capabilities, increasing production capacity, and reinforcing long-term partnerships with defence and security organisations worldwide. During the year, Mehler Systems expanded its technological base through the acquisition of a majority stake in Stilmotor Extra Protection Srl (SXP), adding specialised expertise in body armour and riot protection. The group now comprises eight companies with more than 1,600 employees across Europe. Production capacity…

As the year draws to a close, we’re taking a look at the most-popular “I Carry” videos from 2025, as a “Year in Review” look back at the various kits that caught people’s attention. Clearly, revolvers were quite popular in 2025, with four of the five top slots going to wheelguns. Let’s take a look at these kits, starting with the fifth most-popular:Number 5: Taurus 817 Revolver Paired with a Falco carbon-fiber holster and a Normandy Knives automatic, out-the-front knife, the seven-shot Taurus 817 revolver in .38 Special claims the number five spot. Discussion centered on the decision from Taurus…

A quick look at 6.5x52mm Italian, aka 6.5x52mm Carcano, the cartridge infamous for allegedly killing President Kennedy.The 6.5x52mm Italian was the official Italian military cartridge adopted in 1891 for the bolt-action Mannlicher-Carcano rifle. This rifle was a Mannlicher-inspired design in every respect except the bolt, which is a Mauser-type with double-locking lugs at the front. It’s also the only military rifle of smokeless powder design to use gain-twist rifling.This Italian 6.5mm cartridge is very similar to the 6.5mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer in size, shape and performance. Both unprimed cases and loaded ammunition have been made by Norma.The Italian 6.5mm military cartridge was…

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Hooded Field Shirt V2 – ACM Base 150 The FirstSpear HOODED FIELD SHIRT V2 – ACM™ BASE 150 is built for professionals who demand uncompromising performance. Made in the USA from American-sourced wool, this shirt delivers mission-ready reliability with no unnecessary frills.  The 4.3oz ACM Base 150 fabric blends 55% Lenzing FR, 33% wool, and 12% nylon to provide a durable, lightweight layer that performs under pressure. American wool offers proven moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating properties suited for sustained operations. This shirt excels across all climates, providing sun protection in hot environments and effective layering capability in cold or…

MCTSSA, MCSWF, NPS Join Forces for AERO-T CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – The Marine Corps Software Factory (MCSWF) is creating a training tool to provide Marines the ability to visualize their Electromagnetic Spectrum Signature (EMSS) called the All-domain Electromagnetic Radio Operator Trainer (AERO-T) and are collaborating with Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity (MCTSSA) to bring the solution to the Fleet Marine Force (FMF). AERO-T began as the subject of Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) thesis work by Marine Corps Maj Will Oblak and Capt Niles Moffat. This research identified a need across the service for improved EMSS training at the tactical…

Blast from the Past – First Earth Battalion Manual This article hails from November of 2009 and references a topic which was still poignant at the time. I’ve been fascinated by Jim Channon since I first learned about him decades ago and occasionally I reference the document mentioned below. I hope you go down the rabbit hole that is the human potential movement and see some of the promise I do and some of the danger. For those of you who have read the book or seen the movie, “The Men Who Stare at Goats”, you will be familiar with…