Leapfest 2025 took place from July 29 to August 4, 2025, in Exeter, Rhode Island. It is the largest and longest-running international static-line military parachuting competition in the world. Paratroopers from 18 countries across 51 teams participated in the event. Competitors used steerable MC-6 parachutes to navigate toward designated targets on the drop zone. Scores […]
One of my new favorite YouTube channels is Baltic Defence Review. The Baltic region has long been an area of interest for me (I even wrote my International Affairs degree thesis on Swedish Defence Doctrine back in 1992), and with Sweden and Finland joining NATO a couple of years ago there have been a series […]
SAKO has officially launched the ARG (Arctic Rifle Generation), a next-generation NATO-standard rifle platform developed in close collaboration with the Finnish and Swedish Defence Forces. As we’ve previously reported, since joining NATO Sweden and Finland also decided to standardize on a common NATO-compatible rifle platform for the two countries to replace their legacy assault rifles […]
The HK G8 was a specialized variant of the HK11E light machine gun which was optimized to provide semi- and full-auto direct fire support for small special operations teams. Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, combined the precision of a rifle with the firepower of an automatic weapon – filling that so-called ‘light support weapon’ or ‘light […]
In what is definitely an indication of the shape of things to come, guerillas have taken down a Colombian Police special operations Black Hawk with an FPV drone! The incident was captured on video by the crew of another Blackhawk that was coordinating and recording the operation: The Colombian forces rely on Black Hawk helicopters […]
With the recent 250th Anniversary of the founding of the US Army, we look back at the creation of its first unit, formed under the command of Irish-born William Thompson. Thompson was initially appointed Colonel of a Pennsylvanian rifle battalion and sent to Massachusetts to help defend Boston, and his unit would continue to play […]
In this match-up, Ian and his guest John Keene (MSG – Ret.) discuss the pros and cons of the Valmet M78 and the FN-D. Both weapons have interesting backgrounds and both were designed to fulfill the role of a box-magazine-fed light machine gun. Beyond that, there are some very distinct differences – for one thing, […]
I was very happy to be informed recently that FeedSpot has selected Strike-Hold! as one of their Top 50 Tactical Blogs on the web! It is truly an honor to receive this recognition: As you can see from this list, we are among distinguished company. Thank you FeedSpot! […]
A paratrooper of the US Army 11th Airborne Division gathers up his parachute canopy after a jump on Malamute drop zone November 2024. Photo: US Army […]
UF PRO proudly announces the launch of the Striker TT BDU, their lightest battle dress uniform crafted specifically for the challenges presented by tropical terrain. This innovative uniform incorporates fast-drying materials and ergonomic design features, ensuring optimal comfort and performance in hot and wet conditions. Developed in collaboration with elite special operations forces, the Striker […]
