STRIKE-HOLD - the international military and tactical blog

Polaris Expands Military Capabilities With New Light Tactical Vehicle

Agile, compact and full of power, the MRZR Alpha is the newest light tactical vehicle from Polaris Government and Defense, the largest ultralight tactical vehicle provider for the U.S. military, and a division of global powersports leader Polaris Inc. [caption id="attachment_8017" align="alignnone" width="1500"] The MRZR Alpha provides superior off-road maneuverability...

French Paras Conduct Final Jumps From C-160 Transall Aircraft

The French Air Force's jump school, École des troupes aéroportées (ETAP), last week conducted the final parachute jumps from the C-160 Transall aircraft as it is retired from service. [caption id="attachment_8011" align="alignnone" width="1968"] Photo credit: H. Fernandez / Armée de l'air / École des troupes aéroportées[/caption]   The Transall C-160...

Kalashnikov Reveals AK-19 Assault Rifle

The Kalashnikov Group unveiled a new variant of the AK-12 assault rifle family for export sales on its social media platforms on 17 August. Designated the AK-19, the rifle is chambered in the 5.56×45mm NATO calibre.  Features of the AK-19: Barrel length: 415 mm Weight: 3,35 kg New lightweight adjustable...

Friday Foto

A U.S. Soldier conducting a combat reconnaissance patrol around Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. US Army photo by Spc. Derek Mustard

Norwegian Army Signs Contract For New Protective Load-Carrying Vest System

On 20 August Equipnor was awarded an exclusive contract to provide the Norwegian Army with a new protective vest and load bearing system developed by NFM. Equipnor is the part of NFM Group that manages the supply of products and services to the defense, police and security community in Scandinavia....

C-130 Hercules Celebrates Its 66th Birthday

On August 23, 1954 the YC-130 Hercules made its maiden flight in California from the Lockheed Martin plant in Burbank to Edwards Air Force Base. The C-130 is still in production today, making it the longest running military aircraft production line in history. [caption id="attachment_7993" align="alignnone" width="1323"] Archived photo of...

Friday Foto

Airborne's been practicing safe social distancing since before it was cool.... Sky Soldiers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade make their way to an aircraft in preparation for airborne operations. When they jump the Jumpmasters will maintain a one-second interval between jumpers, jumpers will maintain a sharp lookout during descent to avoid...

The 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion

In honor of National Airborne Day yesterday, and to give credit where it's due to these other pioneers and unsung heroes... The 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion was nicknamed “Triple Nickles” because of its numerical designation and because 17 of its original 24 “colored test platoon” were from the 92nd Infantry...

Happy National Airborne Day!

President George W. Bush created National Airborne Day in 2002. It was created to honor all current U.S. Airborne Forces, and to commemorate the first parachute jump of 48 volunteer members of the U.S. Army Parachute Test Platoon on August 16, 1940.  After months of restriction due to Covid-19, U.S....

The Story Behind HK’s Roller-Delayed Blowback Operating System

Heckler & Koch became famous and successful with a range of roller-delayed blowback small arms they manufactured from the early 1960's up to the early 1990's. So successful were these firearms that the name HK basically became synonymous with the roller-delayed blowback system. It may surprise some folks however to...