Defence & Space

Rheinmetall wins major order for artillery ammunition

Rheinmetall Denel Munition wins major 155mm ammunition contract. Order worth several hundred million euros, deliveries from 2025 until 2027. It…

2025-07-04 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

A contractor has been selected for the repair of Mk 75 guns on Polish OHP frigates

The Gdynia Naval Port Command has published information on the outcome of the tender procedure for the repair of two…

2025-07-02 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

SIPRI: Nuclear risks grow as new arms race looms

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute published a report entitled SIPRI Yearbook 2025, which, among other things, discusses the issue of…

2025-06-16 | Redakcja | 10 minutes

Polish 35 mm SA-35 Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun with PIT-Radwar

During the recent MSPO trade fair in Kielce, the company PIT-Radwar presented its proposal for a 35 mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun…

2025-06-13 | Przemysław Gurgurewicz | 13 minutes

Rheinmetall wins major order for artillery ammunition

Rheinmetall Denel Munition wins major 155mm ammunition contract. Order worth several hundred million euros, deliveries from 2025 until 2027. It…

2025-07-04 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

A contractor has been selected for the repair of Mk 75 guns on Polish OHP frigates

The Gdynia Naval Port Command has published information on the outcome of the tender procedure for the repair of two…

2025-07-02 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

SKW Cryptographic Security Certificate for Polish Comp@n Radio Set from the WB Group

The WB Group announced that the Comp@n system radio set, developed by its subsidiary Radmor, along with the Cryptographic Document Management…

2025-06-14 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Advancing multi-domain EW operations: Rohde & Schwarz unveils latest innovations at AOC Europe

Rohde & Schwarz demonstrates the next generation of SIGINT/EW systems, sensor fusion and signal analysis solutions, designed to meet the evolving…

2025-05-12 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

Autonomous and Unmanned Systems by Łukasiewicz – PIAP at the OPEX 2025 Training Ground in Italy

During the HEDI OPEX 2025 experimental campaign at the CEPOLISPE training ground in Italy, the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Industrial…

2025-06-28 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Paris Air Show 2025: Debut of Foudre – the French HIMARS

As previously announced by Turgis & Gaillard, the 55th International Paris Air and Space Show served as the venue for the…

2025-06-23 | Radosław Niesobski | 2 minutes

Rheinmetall wins major order for artillery ammunition

Rheinmetall Denel Munition wins major 155mm ammunition contract. Order worth several hundred million euros, deliveries from 2025 until 2027. It…

2025-07-04 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Polish Ministry of National Defence: New Contract for K2 Tanks and Support Vehicles Imminent

In Warsaw, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, along with Secretary of State at the Ministry…

2025-07-02 | Redakcja | 10 minutes

Bayraktar TB2 and FlyEye Drones to Support Polish Police Manhunt for Killer Near Limanowa

The Bayraktar TB2 drone and FlyEye systems will support the Polish police in the search for 57-year-old Tadeusz Duda, suspected…

2025-06-30 | Rafał Muczyński | 5 minutes

Galvion’s European Production Hub in Poland is formally opened by the Ambassador of Canada tothe Republic of Poland

Canadian company Galvion announced that the Canadian Ambassador to Poland, Catherine Godin, officially opened the European Production Hub in Gdańsk.

2025-06-26 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Rheinmetall wins major order for artillery ammunition

Rheinmetall Denel Munition wins major 155mm ammunition contract. Order worth several hundred million euros, deliveries from 2025 until 2027. It…

2025-07-04 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

A contractor has been selected for the repair of Mk 75 guns on Polish OHP frigates

The Gdynia Naval Port Command has published information on the outcome of the tender procedure for the repair of two…

2025-07-02 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

East Shield and the Baltic Defense Line: Cooperation and Investment in Defense Are the Cornerstone of Europe’s Security

East Shield, the Baltic Defense Line, the integration of available deterrence and defense capabilities, and EU defense funding were the…

2025-07-02 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

Russia Loses World’s Largest Helicopter, Mi-26, in Ukrainian Attack on Crimea

The Security Service of Ukraine reported that during a special operation at the Kirovske military airfield in occupied Crimea, a Pantsir-S1 air…

2025-06-29 | Rafał Muczyński | 4 minutes

Finland Ministry of Defense selects ICEYE for space-based intelligence and surveillance capabilities

The Polish-Finnish company ICEYE and the Finnish Ministry of Defense have signed a Letter of Intent that enables the Finnish Defense…

2025-06-27 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Axiom Mission 4: The Historic Spaceflight of Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski

June 25, 2025, will go down in history as the day when the second Pole in our history flew into…

2025-06-25 | Rafał Muczyński | 5 minutes
Shooting

CZ Shooting Team athletes take home 13 medals from the CZ Extreme Euro Open

Sport shooters representing Ceska zbrojovka brought back six gold, four silver, and three bronze medals from Hodonice, along with four…

2025-07-04 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Upgraded Z8i Scope from SWAROVSKI OPTIK

Swarovski Optik, the Austrian optics manufacturer with nearly 80 years of tradition, has unveiled an upgraded version of its Z8i…

2025-07-03 | Mariusz Piwowar | 3 minutes

Upgraded Z8i Scope from SWAROVSKI OPTIK

Swarovski Optik, the Austrian optics manufacturer with nearly 80 years of tradition, has unveiled an upgraded version of its Z8i…

2025-07-03 | Mariusz Piwowar | 3 minutes

Streamlight introduces the SL-SideSaddle

Streamlight, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting tools, announces the SL-SideSaddle series, a new hands-free lighting solution built for outdoor adventure…

2025-07-01 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

IFRE 2025: Maskpol Showcases Protective Suits and Gas Masks

Maskpol, a company within the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), presented part of its product range—protective suits and gas masks—at the 5th…

2025-06-17 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 minutes

UF PRO Introduces Waist/Flex Belts to Its Product Line

UF PRO, a Slovenian manufacturer of professional apparel and part of the Mehler Systems group, is adding a new accessory to its lineup…

2025-06-06 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 minutes

CZ Shooting Team athletes take home 13 medals from the CZ Extreme Euro Open

Sport shooters representing Ceska zbrojovka brought back six gold, four silver, and three bronze medals from Hodonice, along with four…

2025-07-04 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Enforce Tac 2025 starts on February 24th

Enforce Tac is an international trade fair aimed at law enforcement officers, experts from government agencies, and representatives of the…

2025-01-30 | Michał Ihnatów | 4 minutes

CZ Introduces the New CZ P-10 C PORTED Model

CZ P-10 C PORTED – a compact pistol with tamed recoil thanks to an integrated compensator.

2025-07-02 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Meprolight MMX3 and MMX4 – Lightweight Magnifiers with Quality Optics

The Mepro MMX3 and MMX4, a new line of compact magnifiers from the Israeli manufacturer. How do they perform in practice and…

2025-06-27 | Krzysztof Ptak | 8 minutes

Paris Air Show 2025: Bayraktar TB3 Debuts

The 55th edition of the International Paris Air and Space Show, held in the French capital, provided an opportunity for…

2025-06-19 | Radosław Niesobski | 3 minutes

Setting Up a Shooting Belt: An Example with Clawgear

To assist with shooting training and beyond, various belts and gear configurations have been developed and customized to suit individual needs. It’s…

2024-11-28 | Łukasz Kołodziejski | 14 minutes

Over 100% increase in gun permits in Poland in 2024

The Polish Police have released statistical data on firearm permits issued in 2024. An increasing number of Poles now hold…

2025-02-20 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

Firearms In Poland 2023: Number of permits continues to grow

The National Police Headquarters has released statistics regarding the number of firearm permits and firearms themselves in the hands of…

2024-02-17 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

5 Best Value ATN Rifle Scopes Under €1500

ATN is a leading manufacturer of daytime optics, smart night vision, and thermal vision technology. The innovative features and ergonomic designs…

2022-11-11 | Redakcja | 8 minutes

MILMAG Visits Grand Power

Grand Power is a Slovak manufacturer of the acknowledged good quality firearms. Take part in our guided tour with English subtitles.

2022-05-23 | Redakcja | 1 minutes

Meprolight MMX3 and MMX4 – Lightweight Magnifiers with Quality Optics

The Mepro MMX3 and MMX4, a new line of compact magnifiers from the Israeli manufacturer. How do they perform in practice and…

2025-06-27 | Krzysztof Ptak | 8 minutes

Streamlight TLR-7 HL-X – a Bayonet of Light for Your Weapon

The devil’s not so scary once you shine a light on him—and he’s certainly easier to neutralize in the spotlight. A weapon-mounted flashlight…

2025-06-09 | Anna Mielczarek | 6 minutes

EOTECH Holographic Sight – History, Technology, Practice

The holographic sight is a device known for nearly 30 years and used by professionals around the world. A favorite sight of many…

2024-09-02 | Michał Gaweł | 12 minutes

Weapon light: a practical tool for everyday service. How to choose?

In the world of armed forces, where every second can determine the outcome of an operation, precision and effectiveness are absolutely crucial. Properly chosen light is not just a support tool; it often becomes a decisive factor in the success of a mission. Among the essential tools is weapon-mounted light, which provides operators not only with a tactical advantage but also with confidence in their actions and safety. Illuminating the area, precise target identification, and support in dynamic situations are just a few of the functions that make weapon-mounted light an indispensable component of any operational unit’s equipment, as well as for formations tasked with maintaining public order.

Situational awareness

Operations, maneuvers, and exercises do not always take place under favorable lighting conditions and often require action in the dark, at night, or in enclosed, dimly lit spaces. An adversary might try to use the cover of darkness as a tactical advantage.

Weapon-mounted light allows the operator to effectively conduct operations in such conditions, ensuring confident action without the need to take hands off the weapon. It provides better situational awareness, quick identification of threats, and precise targeting. As a result, operators can act with greater situational awareness, minimizing the risk of accidental shootings.

Source: Mactronic.pl (unless noted otherwise)

Operational efficiency

In combat conditions, reaction speed can determine the success of an operation. Weapon-mounted light allows the operator to immediately target threats, significantly reducing reaction time. This enables operators to act with full concentration, keeping both hands on the weapon without wasting time manipulating separate devices.

Improved visibility leads to faster and more precise decision-making, which enhances operational efficiency. Such integration of tools increases the fluidity of action, which is crucial in dynamic environments where every second counts. The result is higher effectiveness and safety for the entire unit.

Author: Karol Szczęśniak

Psychological advantage and disorientation of the opponent

Weapon-mounted light can have a strong psychophysical effect on the opponent, disorienting them and limiting their ability to assess the situation. Sudden and intense light can blind the enemy, making it difficult for them to pick targets and forcing them to defend in unfavorable conditions. This tactic gives the operator valuable time to take a better position and gain control of the situation.

Stroboscopic light further increases the opponent’s stress, potentially reducing their effectiveness. As a result, weapon-mounted light not only supports tactical actions but also serves as a tool of advantage that can prevent conflict escalation without the immediate need for the use of force.

Improving safety

In military operations, where stress and uncertainty are constant factors, the safety of the operator is of paramount importance. Weapon-mounted light significantly enhances the sense of control over the environment, allowing the user to identify potential threats even in darkness.

This enables the operator to make informed decisions, reducing the risk of accidental discharge and incidents involving friendly fire. The use of such light boosts confidence in action, which in turn improves the effectiveness and safety of the entire operation.

Author: Karol Szczęśniak

How to Choose Weapon-Mounted Light

There are four key criteria to consider when choosing a weapon-mounted flashlight.

1. Light Parameters

When choosing weapon-mounted light, the key parameters to consider are lumens and candela. Lumens measure the total amount of visible light emitted. However, it’s important to remember that a high lumen value is not sufficient without an appropriate amount of candela, which determines the directional intensity and range of the light.

Additionally, the shape of the light beam is equally important. A focused beam is effective for long-range use, allowing you to illuminate targets at greater distances, while a wider beam shape enhances situational awareness by illuminating a larger area.

In Close Quarters Battle (CQB) situations, where operations take place in confined spaces, a flashlight with a brightness of 300-500 lumens is sufficient to illuminate the surroundings without risking disorienting the operator. In such conditions, it is crucial that the light does not cause glare and does not hinder situational assessment. On the other hand, in open terrain operations, where targets are at a greater distance, a flashlight with a brightness of over 500 lumens becomes essential for effective action. Choosing the right weapon-mounted lighting is vital for safety and operational effectiveness.

Andrzej Wojtusik, an expert from Mactronic Group, a manufacturer of tactical lights.

2. Design and durability

The flashlight must be resistant to shocks, water, and dust—this is essential for operation in harsh conditions. A solid construction made from materials like aircraft-grade aluminum and composite plastics ensures the device’s longevity and reliability.

3. Mounting options

Flashlights should be compatible with various mounting systems to ensure stability and ease of use. Popular mounting systems, such as Picatinny and M-LOK, must be suitable for the specific weapon model, allowing for seamless operation. Ease of mounting and dismounting is crucial so that operators can adjust the equipment to changing operational conditions.

4. Switch options

The flashlight should be easy to operate and should not interfere with weapon use. The light is typically activated using a button on the body or a tape switch that can be placed in a convenient location. The switch should be easily detectable, even when wearing gloves, and having too many illumination modes is not desirable in combat situations. Additionally, the flashlight can be equipped with colored filters, increasing its flexibility in various scenarios.

A headlamp is no longer enough

And how does it work in practice? In Poland, especially within the special units of the Ministry of National Defense (MON) and the Ministry of the Interior and Administration (MSWiA), we observe significant progress in equipment, including the adaptation of flashlights for long and short firearms. This is a positive sign, indicating a growing focus on safety and operational effectiveness. The military, engaged in border defense, actively conducts night patrols in cooperation with the Border Guard, which helps build trust and collaboration between the services.

While in the past, the use of standard flashlights, such as headlamps, might have seemed sufficient, practice teaches us that specialized equipment is essential. The introduction of tactical flashlights with powerful LEDs, reaching up to 3000 lumens, brings significant benefits. Their focused light allows for precise illumination of targets at long distances, which in practice increases the effectiveness of soldiers’ actions.

Mounting a flashlight on the weapon’s fore-end not only does not affect accuracy but also allows for the quick activation and deactivation of the light in critical moments, which can be crucial during a change of position.

Safety standards on duty

The situation is similar in the police force. Many interventions, even those that seem simple, such as stopping a vehicle for inspection, often take place at night and in difficult lighting conditions. Poland is one of the safest countries, but even here, crisis situations can occur.

Good flashlights mounted on handguns enable officers to simultaneously illuminate the target and keep the weapon ready. This, in turn, allows for effective situational awareness and the identification of potential threats. In this way, properly chosen equipment becomes not just a tool but also a support in daily service, offering hope for further improvements in safety standards.

For over 35 years, Mactronic has been providing modern tactical lights that support the Polish military and other armed forces. Our experience and close collaboration with users allow us to create solutions that enhance safety in the most challenging situations. I am pleased to announce the introduction of a new series of lights for handguns, Hussar, which has been designed with specific operational needs in mind. I believe that our innovations will help achieve even more effective performance on the battlefield, providing the advantage that every operator needs.

Maciej Mocek, president of Mactronic Group.

When danger emerges in the dark

Weapon-mounted light plays a crucial role in operations conducted in low-light conditions, enhancing situational awareness, accuracy, and providing a psychophysical advantage. Its proper selection, taking into account the right features and design, can be decisive for the success of a mission and the safety of operators. In a world where unpredictability and threats can emerge in the dark, weapon-mounted light becomes an essential tool that supports forces in their daily challenges.

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