1 00:00:16,117 --> 00:00:18,930 - [Announcer] "Defense News" is proudly sponsored 2 00:00:18,930 --> 00:00:21,360 by Navy Federal Credit Union. 3 00:00:21,360 --> 00:00:23,910 If you're a member of our nation's Armed Forces, 4 00:00:23,910 --> 00:00:27,150 the Department of Defense, or if your family is, 5 00:00:27,150 --> 00:00:30,090 we'd be proud to serve you, too. 6 00:00:30,090 --> 00:00:32,520 On this episode of "Defense News Weekly," 7 00:00:32,520 --> 00:00:35,400 more from our recent trip to the MCON Conference 8 00:00:35,400 --> 00:00:36,930 in Las Vegas. 9 00:00:36,930 --> 00:00:39,900 First, we visit with a former UFC fighter 10 00:00:39,900 --> 00:00:42,600 to hear about our involvement with We Defy, 11 00:00:42,600 --> 00:00:44,700 an organization seeking to help veterans 12 00:00:44,700 --> 00:00:47,460 find community through jiujitsu. 13 00:00:47,460 --> 00:00:49,740 Plus, we hear from a company that began 14 00:00:49,740 --> 00:00:52,530 in aerospace engineering and used those skills 15 00:00:52,530 --> 00:00:54,930 to build precision firearms. 16 00:00:54,930 --> 00:00:58,320 These aren't the rifles you qualified with in boot. 17 00:00:58,320 --> 00:01:02,610 Finally, how has revenue from arms makers fared recently? 18 00:01:02,610 --> 00:01:05,490 A new report looks at how the wars in Ukraine and Gaza 19 00:01:05,490 --> 00:01:07,830 have impacted the defense industry. 20 00:01:07,830 --> 00:01:10,920 We've got those stories and a lot more on tap, 21 00:01:10,920 --> 00:01:13,650 so join us for the latest in news and analysis 22 00:01:13,650 --> 00:01:15,780 from the Pentagon to the platoon 23 00:01:15,780 --> 00:01:17,877 here on "Defense News Weekly." 24 00:01:17,877 --> 00:01:21,377 (upbeat percussive music) 25 00:01:37,920 --> 00:01:40,350 Welcome back to "Defense News Weekly." 26 00:01:40,350 --> 00:01:42,690 Michelle Waterson-Gomez has had a long 27 00:01:42,690 --> 00:01:44,850 and successful career in the ring, 28 00:01:44,850 --> 00:01:47,820 competing at the highest levels of the UFC. 29 00:01:47,820 --> 00:01:50,820 As a military spouse, she understands the importance 30 00:01:50,820 --> 00:01:54,720 of community that many veterans find through martial arts. 31 00:01:54,720 --> 00:01:56,580 At the recent MCON Conference, 32 00:01:56,580 --> 00:01:59,550 Michelle spoke to us about her work with We Defy, 33 00:01:59,550 --> 00:02:02,610 an organization that seeks to help veterans find support 34 00:02:02,610 --> 00:02:05,880 through scholarships to join jujitsu schools. 35 00:02:05,880 --> 00:02:06,856 Take a look. 36 00:02:06,856 --> 00:02:11,856 (screen whooshing) (bright music) 37 00:02:12,960 --> 00:02:14,670 - My name is Michelle Waterson-Gomez, 38 00:02:14,670 --> 00:02:16,650 and I am here today at MCON, 39 00:02:16,650 --> 00:02:19,530 and I will be teaching a seminar on the mats 40 00:02:19,530 --> 00:02:21,851 at the We Defy station. (crowd applauding) 41 00:02:21,851 --> 00:02:23,083 Have a wipe out! 42 00:02:23,083 --> 00:02:25,170 (crowd laughing) 43 00:02:25,170 --> 00:02:26,190 - [Attendee] I want to try! 44 00:02:26,190 --> 00:02:28,770 - So the seminar today is gonna be a quick seminar. 45 00:02:28,770 --> 00:02:30,300 We only have about an hour and a half, 46 00:02:30,300 --> 00:02:32,160 so we're gonna just start with the basics. 47 00:02:32,160 --> 00:02:33,600 Every fight starts standing, 48 00:02:33,600 --> 00:02:35,160 so we're gonna start the fight standing, 49 00:02:35,160 --> 00:02:36,900 and kind of teach you how to get in 50 00:02:36,900 --> 00:02:38,610 on a good single-leg take down, 51 00:02:38,610 --> 00:02:39,930 so a little bit of wrestling. 52 00:02:39,930 --> 00:02:41,070 And then once we hit the mats, 53 00:02:41,070 --> 00:02:42,930 we're gonna kind of show you what we're gonna do, 54 00:02:42,930 --> 00:02:45,330 what are some different submissions that we can attack 55 00:02:45,330 --> 00:02:47,380 once we hit the mats from that take-down? 56 00:02:48,310 --> 00:02:51,780 (attendee speaking faintly) (bright music continues) 57 00:02:51,780 --> 00:02:54,390 I've been doing martial arts for as long as I can remember, 58 00:02:54,390 --> 00:02:55,830 since I was about 10 years old. 59 00:02:55,830 --> 00:02:58,170 And then when I got old enough, I started fighting, 60 00:02:58,170 --> 00:03:00,720 so I fought professionally for over 18 years. 61 00:03:00,720 --> 00:03:03,090 I had my black belt in American Freestyle Karate. 62 00:03:03,090 --> 00:03:07,233 I also have my black belt in Brazilian jiujitsu, 63 00:03:08,070 --> 00:03:10,800 and I just absolutely love all things martial arts 64 00:03:10,800 --> 00:03:14,013 because of what it's done for me in my life. 65 00:03:15,540 --> 00:03:17,460 What brought me here is linking up 66 00:03:17,460 --> 00:03:20,340 with a company called We Defy, 67 00:03:20,340 --> 00:03:22,650 which is a nonprofit organization 68 00:03:22,650 --> 00:03:24,810 that I'm really passionate about. 69 00:03:24,810 --> 00:03:27,090 I am a military spouse, 70 00:03:27,090 --> 00:03:28,830 I come from a military family, 71 00:03:28,830 --> 00:03:32,430 and I really love and support our military 72 00:03:32,430 --> 00:03:34,273 who serve now and who are veterans. 73 00:03:34,273 --> 00:03:37,560 And I believe that there's a very, very strong correlation 74 00:03:37,560 --> 00:03:39,810 between people in the military 75 00:03:39,810 --> 00:03:41,430 and people who do martial arts, 76 00:03:41,430 --> 00:03:45,150 because it's very singular focused, singular mindset, 77 00:03:45,150 --> 00:03:48,330 and we bond through doing hard things. 78 00:03:48,330 --> 00:03:51,900 And so what We Defy does is get veterans on the mats, 79 00:03:51,900 --> 00:03:53,640 and I think it's a beautiful thing, 80 00:03:53,640 --> 00:03:57,090 because a lot of times, veterans kind of lose their way 81 00:03:57,090 --> 00:03:59,280 when they step away from the military. 82 00:03:59,280 --> 00:04:02,723 They lose their brotherhood, they lose the structure. 83 00:04:02,723 --> 00:04:06,810 They lose the comradery that they felt, 84 00:04:06,810 --> 00:04:08,580 the discipline that they felt, 85 00:04:08,580 --> 00:04:12,690 and in doing jiujitsu, you will find all of those things. 86 00:04:12,690 --> 00:04:16,170 So anytime I get the chance to kind of share my love 87 00:04:16,170 --> 00:04:18,780 and my passion with the rest of the world, 88 00:04:18,780 --> 00:04:21,630 I'm jumping to the opportunity. 89 00:04:21,630 --> 00:04:24,870 So what We Defy does is they sponsor veterans 90 00:04:24,870 --> 00:04:27,960 to be sponsored athletes at jujitsu schools 91 00:04:27,960 --> 00:04:29,190 in their community. 92 00:04:29,190 --> 00:04:31,080 And so they have to vet the jujitsu school, 93 00:04:31,080 --> 00:04:33,060 make sure that it's a legitimate school, 94 00:04:33,060 --> 00:04:35,970 but it really does kind of give them a space 95 00:04:35,970 --> 00:04:39,330 to lean into themselves, 96 00:04:39,330 --> 00:04:42,360 to give them something to look forward to every day, 97 00:04:42,360 --> 00:04:44,970 a community that they can grow with, 98 00:04:44,970 --> 00:04:47,490 go and kind of just be themselves. 99 00:04:47,490 --> 00:04:49,800 If you've ever been on the mats in jiujitsu, 100 00:04:49,800 --> 00:04:54,480 you understand that you don't have to explain yourself 101 00:04:54,480 --> 00:04:56,010 to anybody. 102 00:04:56,010 --> 00:04:58,410 Nobody's gonna treat you any differently, 103 00:04:58,410 --> 00:05:00,330 and that's what a lot of these veterans want. 104 00:05:00,330 --> 00:05:03,720 They just wanted to be treated like a normal person, 105 00:05:03,720 --> 00:05:05,550 to come in, they wanna get hard work in, 106 00:05:05,550 --> 00:05:07,086 and they wanna sweat, 107 00:05:07,086 --> 00:05:10,140 they wanna experience some type of adversity 108 00:05:10,140 --> 00:05:11,540 that's gonna make them grow, 109 00:05:12,420 --> 00:05:13,740 and they wanna do it with people 110 00:05:13,740 --> 00:05:15,090 that they love and care about. 111 00:05:15,090 --> 00:05:18,720 We Defy sponsors a athlete for an entire year. 112 00:05:18,720 --> 00:05:21,270 They pay their tuition on a monthly basis, 113 00:05:21,270 --> 00:05:22,770 they give them uniform, 114 00:05:22,770 --> 00:05:26,040 and give them the head start that they need 115 00:05:26,040 --> 00:05:27,660 on their jujitsu journey. 116 00:05:27,660 --> 00:05:30,210 So if you're a veteran interested in receiving 117 00:05:30,210 --> 00:05:31,890 a scholarship from We Defy, 118 00:05:31,890 --> 00:05:34,110 and starting your jujitsu journey, 119 00:05:34,110 --> 00:05:37,080 go to the We Defy website, fill out the application, 120 00:05:37,080 --> 00:05:38,640 and if you get that scholarship, 121 00:05:38,640 --> 00:05:42,150 they'll be able to link you up with a affiliate school 122 00:05:42,150 --> 00:05:43,066 in your community. 123 00:05:43,066 --> 00:05:43,899 (screen whooshing) 124 00:05:43,899 --> 00:05:46,800 - [Announcer] When we come back, we visit MCON's Range Day 125 00:05:46,800 --> 00:05:50,460 to talk firearm safety, see a new modular handgun, 126 00:05:50,460 --> 00:05:52,320 and discover what happens when a group 127 00:05:52,320 --> 00:05:55,110 of aerospace engineers turn their talents 128 00:05:55,110 --> 00:05:57,300 to building precision rifles. 129 00:05:57,300 --> 00:05:58,204 Stay tuned. 130 00:05:58,204 --> 00:05:59,037 (screen whooshing) 131 00:05:59,037 --> 00:06:02,537 (upbeat percussive music) 132 00:07:05,353 --> 00:07:08,853 (upbeat percussive music) 133 00:07:11,383 --> 00:07:12,540 (screen whooshing) 134 00:07:12,540 --> 00:07:14,910 - [Announcer] Welcome back to "Defense News Weekly." 135 00:07:14,910 --> 00:07:17,970 MCON's Range Day gives a wide array of vendors 136 00:07:17,970 --> 00:07:21,240 an opportunity to connect with the veteran community. 137 00:07:21,240 --> 00:07:25,380 This year, the organization Pause to Protect was on hand 138 00:07:25,380 --> 00:07:27,120 to bring awareness to the importance 139 00:07:27,120 --> 00:07:29,370 of safe firearm storage. 140 00:07:29,370 --> 00:07:31,290 Service members often need to secure 141 00:07:31,290 --> 00:07:33,570 their personal firearms offsite, 142 00:07:33,570 --> 00:07:36,690 whether it be for a long deployment, PCS, 143 00:07:36,690 --> 00:07:38,760 or during a mental health struggle. 144 00:07:38,760 --> 00:07:41,760 That's where Pause to Protect steps in. 145 00:07:41,760 --> 00:07:42,683 Check it out. 146 00:07:42,683 --> 00:07:43,516 (screen whooshing) 147 00:07:43,516 --> 00:07:45,000 - Hey, I'm Matt Wetenkamp (gun popping) 148 00:07:45,000 --> 00:07:47,580 here at MCON 2025 Range Day, 149 00:07:47,580 --> 00:07:49,890 and I'm here representing Pause to Protect. 150 00:07:49,890 --> 00:07:51,630 Pause to Protect is a program, 151 00:07:51,630 --> 00:07:53,220 it's funded by the Department of Defense 152 00:07:53,220 --> 00:07:54,720 Suicide Prevention Office, 153 00:07:54,720 --> 00:07:56,220 and we work with firearm businesses 154 00:07:56,220 --> 00:07:58,800 around military installations around the country. 155 00:07:58,800 --> 00:08:00,810 We provide them with funding and logistical support 156 00:08:00,810 --> 00:08:04,140 so that they can provide secure out-of-home storage options 157 00:08:04,140 --> 00:08:06,390 for active-duty military and their families in the area. 158 00:08:06,390 --> 00:08:08,040 They can use it for kind of whatever works 159 00:08:08,040 --> 00:08:09,930 for their business in their community, 160 00:08:09,930 --> 00:08:11,160 anything from using (gun popping) 161 00:08:11,160 --> 00:08:14,790 the funding to install locker systems within their facility 162 00:08:14,790 --> 00:08:17,190 so people can come in and bring their firearms in, 163 00:08:17,190 --> 00:08:19,530 and store them in the lockers there. 164 00:08:19,530 --> 00:08:21,570 Some places, we'll use it to buy lock boxes 165 00:08:21,570 --> 00:08:22,500 and safes in bulk, (gun popping) 166 00:08:22,500 --> 00:08:25,770 and hand those out for free to anybody who needs them. 167 00:08:25,770 --> 00:08:27,180 They can use it to cover their costs, 168 00:08:27,180 --> 00:08:30,690 to provide free gunsmithing services with a 30-day hold, 169 00:08:30,690 --> 00:08:31,560 to cover their costs (gun popping) 170 00:08:31,560 --> 00:08:34,770 for taking the firearms onto their books 171 00:08:34,770 --> 00:08:36,750 and storing 'em with their inventory. 172 00:08:36,750 --> 00:08:38,550 So kind of whatever works for the different businesses, 173 00:08:38,550 --> 00:08:41,520 we'll support them with whatever they want to do. 174 00:08:41,520 --> 00:08:43,932 So having access to the most lethal means 175 00:08:43,932 --> 00:08:47,820 in that moment of crisis has a lot to do 176 00:08:47,820 --> 00:08:49,770 with what we see with the suicide number. 177 00:08:49,770 --> 00:08:51,660 So typically, what we see with suicide, 178 00:08:51,660 --> 00:08:53,094 it's a very impulsive act. 179 00:08:53,094 --> 00:08:55,740 It's an impulsive act in a moment of crisis, 180 00:08:55,740 --> 00:08:57,630 you know, the worst day of someone's life, 181 00:08:57,630 --> 00:08:59,130 and having access to that tool 182 00:08:59,130 --> 00:09:00,600 that is lethal (gun popping) 183 00:09:00,600 --> 00:09:04,149 90-plus percent of the time rather than anything else 184 00:09:04,149 --> 00:09:05,970 has a lot to do with those suicide numbers. 185 00:09:05,970 --> 00:09:08,190 So in that moment of crisis, 186 00:09:08,190 --> 00:09:09,720 if you have a place that you can take your gun, 187 00:09:09,720 --> 00:09:11,670 to get it out of the home temporarily, 188 00:09:11,670 --> 00:09:12,990 and it could be for any reason. 189 00:09:12,990 --> 00:09:15,420 Obviously, it's funded by the Suicide Prevention Office, 190 00:09:15,420 --> 00:09:17,250 so suicide prevention is our focus, 191 00:09:17,250 --> 00:09:18,180 but it could be for anything. 192 00:09:18,180 --> 00:09:20,520 It could be someone's going on deployment, they're moving, 193 00:09:20,520 --> 00:09:22,770 they've got contractors and construction 194 00:09:22,770 --> 00:09:23,610 going on at their home. 195 00:09:23,610 --> 00:09:25,410 So if anybody ever needs to get guns out of the house 196 00:09:25,410 --> 00:09:27,570 temporarily for any reason, 197 00:09:27,570 --> 00:09:29,910 they can take them to one of these businesses 198 00:09:29,910 --> 00:09:32,400 and store their guns there. 199 00:09:32,400 --> 00:09:33,240 So what we're doing today, (guns popping) 200 00:09:33,240 --> 00:09:36,450 we've got a stop box mounted to the table out there, 201 00:09:36,450 --> 00:09:37,530 and we're timing folks, 202 00:09:37,530 --> 00:09:38,910 and we'll see how long it takes them 203 00:09:38,910 --> 00:09:40,260 to get the box open, (guns popping) 204 00:09:40,260 --> 00:09:43,320 get the magazine inserted, and get rounds on target. 205 00:09:43,320 --> 00:09:44,670 So two rounds (gun popping) 206 00:09:44,670 --> 00:09:46,860 on two separate targets, so a total of four rounds. 207 00:09:46,860 --> 00:09:48,630 How long does it take you to get the box open, 208 00:09:48,630 --> 00:09:51,450 magazine inserted, and four rounds on target? 209 00:09:51,450 --> 00:09:53,505 And the fastest time today is gonna win a free gun. 210 00:09:53,505 --> 00:09:55,740 (gun popping) 211 00:09:55,740 --> 00:09:58,710 The most common points of pushback that I will get 212 00:09:58,710 --> 00:10:01,110 when talking about why you should keep your guns locked up 213 00:10:01,110 --> 00:10:03,210 and secured at all times is if it's, you know, 214 00:10:03,210 --> 00:10:05,070 they'll say, you know, "If it's locked up in a safe 215 00:10:05,070 --> 00:10:06,060 or in a locked box, 216 00:10:06,060 --> 00:10:09,030 then I don't have immediate access to it in an emergency. 217 00:10:09,030 --> 00:10:11,190 There's a home break in, I need the access to that gun, 218 00:10:11,190 --> 00:10:12,810 and I want access to it immediately." 219 00:10:12,810 --> 00:10:14,670 And so what we're trying to demonstrate here today 220 00:10:14,670 --> 00:10:16,080 is that you can access it quickly. 221 00:10:16,080 --> 00:10:18,150 There's a lot of great options out there on the market, 222 00:10:18,150 --> 00:10:20,100 from biometric stuff to something 223 00:10:20,100 --> 00:10:20,933 like we're using today, (gun popping) 224 00:10:20,933 --> 00:10:23,760 a stop box that uses no electronics whatsoever. 225 00:10:23,760 --> 00:10:25,560 You can still access it extremely quickly. 226 00:10:25,560 --> 00:10:26,867 Some of the times we're seeing today, 227 00:10:26,867 --> 00:10:28,710 (gun popping) under five seconds 228 00:10:28,710 --> 00:10:30,540 to open the box, magazine inserted, 229 00:10:30,540 --> 00:10:32,220 and get four rounds down range. 230 00:10:32,220 --> 00:10:33,990 If you have any questions about Pause to Protect 231 00:10:33,990 --> 00:10:34,890 or what we're doing, 232 00:10:34,890 --> 00:10:37,830 go to our website, pausetoprotect.org, 233 00:10:37,830 --> 00:10:39,210 O-R-G. (gun popping) 234 00:10:39,210 --> 00:10:42,146 Contact info there, resources, whatever you need. 235 00:10:42,146 --> 00:10:43,110 (screen whooshing) 236 00:10:43,110 --> 00:10:45,210 - [Announcer] Up next, Stellar Arms started out 237 00:10:45,210 --> 00:10:47,160 as a group of aerospace engineers 238 00:10:47,160 --> 00:10:49,440 with a passion for firearms. 239 00:10:49,440 --> 00:10:52,350 See what happens when you bring that level of expertise 240 00:10:52,350 --> 00:10:55,138 to milling precision AR rifles. 241 00:10:55,138 --> 00:10:55,971 (screen whooshing) 242 00:10:55,971 --> 00:10:56,804 - How you guys doing? 243 00:10:56,804 --> 00:10:58,140 Scott Melton with Stellar Arms. 244 00:10:58,140 --> 00:11:01,565 We're out here at MCON 2025's Range Day. 245 00:11:01,565 --> 00:11:02,760 We're out here showcasing our products. 246 00:11:02,760 --> 00:11:03,600 Right here with me today, 247 00:11:03,600 --> 00:11:08,100 I'm holding our Specialist, which is a 13.9 AR. 248 00:11:08,100 --> 00:11:09,960 We're a manufacturer, small manufacturer, 249 00:11:09,960 --> 00:11:11,790 out of Lincoln, Nebraska. 250 00:11:11,790 --> 00:11:14,850 Our roots and our start of our company 251 00:11:14,850 --> 00:11:15,990 was born in aerospace, 252 00:11:15,990 --> 00:11:18,510 building parts for SpaceX, (gun popping) 253 00:11:18,510 --> 00:11:19,343 NASA, 254 00:11:19,343 --> 00:11:21,960 we do contracts for, like, Department of Nuclear Energy, 255 00:11:21,960 --> 00:11:23,279 stuff like that. 256 00:11:23,279 --> 00:11:24,360 (gun popping) doing a lot of one-off, 257 00:11:24,360 --> 00:11:25,410 really special parts. 258 00:11:25,410 --> 00:11:27,690 And so we have a passion for firearms, 259 00:11:27,690 --> 00:11:28,950 so about 15 years ago, (gun popping) 260 00:11:28,950 --> 00:11:31,290 we started doing some custom ones, 261 00:11:31,290 --> 00:11:33,150 and over those 15 years, we've evolved, 262 00:11:33,150 --> 00:11:34,350 and now, we've gotten to a point 263 00:11:34,350 --> 00:11:36,360 where we're actually launching some lines 264 00:11:36,360 --> 00:11:38,640 and a lot of special releases. 265 00:11:38,640 --> 00:11:40,050 You know, one of the things about us 266 00:11:40,050 --> 00:11:42,330 is coming out of that aerospace roots, you know, 267 00:11:42,330 --> 00:11:44,160 we build it like, you know, how an airplane built, 268 00:11:44,160 --> 00:11:46,740 so we've gotten really tight tolerances. 269 00:11:46,740 --> 00:11:49,440 Every single rifle is built by one armer. 270 00:11:49,440 --> 00:11:52,320 That means it gets all the parts or the machining, 271 00:11:52,320 --> 00:11:53,580 you know, everything gets anodized, coated, 272 00:11:53,580 --> 00:11:54,990 whatever that may be, 273 00:11:54,990 --> 00:11:57,030 and one armer puts this together, 274 00:11:57,030 --> 00:11:58,740 puts it together from start to finish, 275 00:11:58,740 --> 00:12:00,630 checks all the systems, function checks, 276 00:12:00,630 --> 00:12:01,830 and does test firing on it. 277 00:12:01,830 --> 00:12:05,760 So a lot of passion and pride goes into building these, 278 00:12:05,760 --> 00:12:06,870 so we're excited to be out here 279 00:12:06,870 --> 00:12:09,840 and sharing this with the MCON family. 280 00:12:09,840 --> 00:12:11,280 With the tight tolerances that we're using, 281 00:12:11,280 --> 00:12:13,710 our same kind of aerospace standards, you know, 282 00:12:13,710 --> 00:12:14,970 the mate between the upper (gun popping) 283 00:12:14,970 --> 00:12:17,280 and lower is really important for accuracy 284 00:12:17,280 --> 00:12:19,170 and the functionality of the weapon. 285 00:12:19,170 --> 00:12:20,850 So with all that made really tight, 286 00:12:20,850 --> 00:12:21,683 it makes sure that it's 287 00:12:21,683 --> 00:12:22,516 a reliable weapon, (gun popping) 288 00:12:22,516 --> 00:12:24,240 and and stays on target. 289 00:12:24,240 --> 00:12:28,230 So with all of our rifles, we guarantee MOA accuracy, 290 00:12:28,230 --> 00:12:31,775 which is a high-precision accuracy for an AR platform. 291 00:12:31,775 --> 00:12:32,700 (group chattering faintly) We actually have 292 00:12:32,700 --> 00:12:35,220 this very same gun, this 13.9, 293 00:12:35,220 --> 00:12:38,220 have a guy that's shooting it out to 1,200 meters 294 00:12:38,220 --> 00:12:39,360 and staying on target. 295 00:12:39,360 --> 00:12:41,340 A couple of the other features we have with ours 296 00:12:41,340 --> 00:12:43,530 that are unique and proprietary to us 297 00:12:43,530 --> 00:12:44,460 is our charging handle, 298 00:12:44,460 --> 00:12:46,020 and this is called our throttle charging handle, 299 00:12:46,020 --> 00:12:47,940 so it has really oversized 300 00:12:47,940 --> 00:12:48,773 levers on it, (levers clicking) 301 00:12:48,773 --> 00:12:49,606 so it's really easy to grab, 302 00:12:49,606 --> 00:12:50,460 especially if you have gloves on, 303 00:12:50,460 --> 00:12:52,320 like you see here with the LPVO, 304 00:12:52,320 --> 00:12:55,170 optics sometimes get in the way of general charging handles. 305 00:12:55,170 --> 00:12:57,750 And then this one actually has in here 306 00:12:57,750 --> 00:12:59,700 is a gas management system. 307 00:12:59,700 --> 00:13:00,930 So when shooting suppressed, 308 00:13:00,930 --> 00:13:02,640 you build a lot of back pressure up, 309 00:13:02,640 --> 00:13:05,160 that gas can get blown back in your face. 310 00:13:05,160 --> 00:13:06,810 So we have some porting within the charging handle 311 00:13:06,810 --> 00:13:09,840 that takes that gas and blows it out past the chamber here, 312 00:13:09,840 --> 00:13:11,610 so diverting all of that gas forward 313 00:13:11,610 --> 00:13:12,443 and away from the shooter, 314 00:13:12,443 --> 00:13:14,580 giving a much better shooting experience. 315 00:13:14,580 --> 00:13:18,210 This particular one here is chambered in 5.56, 316 00:13:18,210 --> 00:13:22,920 but we do make the same in 6mm ARC. 317 00:13:22,920 --> 00:13:25,140 We have .300 Blackout models, 318 00:13:25,140 --> 00:13:28,590 and, like, an eight-inch short, great for home defense. 319 00:13:28,590 --> 00:13:31,530 Then we also have the .22 ARC and a couple 320 00:13:31,530 --> 00:13:33,270 different calibers. (gun popping) 321 00:13:33,270 --> 00:13:36,720 We also have, beyond what I'm holding here today, 322 00:13:36,720 --> 00:13:38,460 the Specialist, 323 00:13:38,460 --> 00:13:40,200 we have our technician, which is a 16-inch, 324 00:13:40,200 --> 00:13:41,430 a little bit longer, 325 00:13:41,430 --> 00:13:44,820 and then we also offer a 11.5," 326 00:13:44,820 --> 00:13:45,906 same style grip as this, 327 00:13:45,906 --> 00:13:47,280 (gun popping) 328 00:13:47,280 --> 00:13:50,640 with a pistol brace on it, so it is legally a pistol. 329 00:13:50,640 --> 00:13:52,770 One of the other features we have on our Specialist 330 00:13:52,770 --> 00:13:53,760 is the ambi bolt release. 331 00:13:53,760 --> 00:13:56,460 So we have our ambi controls for our safety here, 332 00:13:56,460 --> 00:13:57,690 and they are 45 degrees, 333 00:13:57,690 --> 00:13:58,950 so as you can see, real quick, (switch clicking) 334 00:13:58,950 --> 00:14:01,560 so you don't have that full 90 degrees all the way over, 335 00:14:01,560 --> 00:14:02,820 so it is an ambi. 336 00:14:02,820 --> 00:14:04,410 We also have our ambi bolt release. 337 00:14:04,410 --> 00:14:06,900 So for us right-handed guys, as you go to load a mag 338 00:14:06,900 --> 00:14:08,820 versus having to put your thumb up here and hand up here, 339 00:14:08,820 --> 00:14:10,230 so the mag goes in, (parts clicking) 340 00:14:10,230 --> 00:14:12,046 and we simply can release the bolt there. 341 00:14:12,046 --> 00:14:13,590 (gun popping) So a lot quicker reloads, 342 00:14:13,590 --> 00:14:14,910 keeping it on target, 343 00:14:14,910 --> 00:14:16,988 less focused on other parts of the weapon. 344 00:14:16,988 --> 00:14:18,420 (upbeat music) 345 00:14:18,420 --> 00:14:20,340 Like I was saying, you know, we put a lot of pride 346 00:14:20,340 --> 00:14:22,500 and passion in what we build, (gun popping) 347 00:14:22,500 --> 00:14:23,580 and we back that up with a warranty. 348 00:14:23,580 --> 00:14:25,710 So we have a limited lifetime warranty, 349 00:14:25,710 --> 00:14:27,870 so anything goes on with this rifle, 350 00:14:27,870 --> 00:14:30,060 you get a hold of us, send it back, we will fix it. 351 00:14:30,060 --> 00:14:31,590 You wear a barrel out, we're gonna fix it. 352 00:14:31,590 --> 00:14:33,540 So we put a lot of pride in what we do, 353 00:14:33,540 --> 00:14:35,549 and we back what we say in that, so. 354 00:14:35,549 --> 00:14:36,480 (screen whooshing) 355 00:14:36,480 --> 00:14:38,730 - [Announcer] Archon Firearms is a fairly new name 356 00:14:38,730 --> 00:14:39,870 in the industry. 357 00:14:39,870 --> 00:14:43,399 At MCON, they showcase the new modular handgun. 358 00:14:43,399 --> 00:14:44,232 (screen whooshing) (bright music) 359 00:14:44,232 --> 00:14:47,430 (gun popping) 360 00:14:47,430 --> 00:14:49,380 - Hi, I am Kyle Yoshimura, 361 00:14:49,380 --> 00:14:54,380 head armer over at Archon Firearms, over here at MCON 2025, 362 00:14:54,540 --> 00:14:57,930 showcasing the Archon Type B Gen 2 Pistol. 363 00:14:57,930 --> 00:14:59,310 Archon firearms is located (gun popping) 364 00:14:59,310 --> 00:15:01,740 here in Las Vegas, Nevada. 365 00:15:01,740 --> 00:15:03,660 The new features with the Gen 2 are gonna be 366 00:15:03,660 --> 00:15:05,610 the modular grip system, 367 00:15:05,610 --> 00:15:08,343 and it also is optic cut ready, 368 00:15:09,217 --> 00:15:13,200 RMS, RMR, and ACRO-ready slides. 369 00:15:13,200 --> 00:15:16,110 The gun features our patented locking block system, 370 00:15:16,110 --> 00:15:17,460 the AF-Speedlock. 371 00:15:17,460 --> 00:15:18,960 This allows the barrel (guns popping) 372 00:15:18,960 --> 00:15:21,510 to sit as low as possible in the gun. 373 00:15:21,510 --> 00:15:25,590 Actually, the the lowest bore axis in the industry 374 00:15:25,590 --> 00:15:27,990 as far as striker-fired handguns go. 375 00:15:27,990 --> 00:15:31,650 And I'm happy to get the release of the Gen 2 here 376 00:15:31,650 --> 00:15:34,200 to you guys for the civilian market, 377 00:15:34,200 --> 00:15:36,810 and also aimed at, you know, 378 00:15:36,810 --> 00:15:38,582 law enforcement military as well. 379 00:15:38,582 --> 00:15:41,830 (guns popping) 380 00:15:41,830 --> 00:15:45,237 So this is the Archon Type B Gen 2 here today. 381 00:15:46,290 --> 00:15:48,240 They're all optic-ready, (guns popping faintly) 382 00:15:48,240 --> 00:15:53,240 And this is also showcasing our modular grip assembly here. 383 00:15:53,280 --> 00:15:55,380 As you can see, we've got three different sizes 384 00:15:55,380 --> 00:15:56,430 we can go between here. 385 00:15:56,430 --> 00:15:58,920 It's all user serviceable. 386 00:15:58,920 --> 00:16:00,300 Just push out a couple pins, 387 00:16:00,300 --> 00:16:01,500 and you can change it to the size 388 00:16:01,500 --> 00:16:02,910 or texture that you would like. 389 00:16:02,910 --> 00:16:06,210 So instead of producing three different grip sizes, 390 00:16:06,210 --> 00:16:07,860 the idea was you can have all three 391 00:16:07,860 --> 00:16:09,540 in one gun, essentially. (guns popping faintly) 392 00:16:09,540 --> 00:16:12,513 So this is the gun and the full-size configuration here. 393 00:16:12,513 --> 00:16:15,780 By adding or removing these sections here, 394 00:16:15,780 --> 00:16:19,380 you can go between the subcompact size here, 395 00:16:19,380 --> 00:16:21,540 the compact, and the full size. 396 00:16:21,540 --> 00:16:23,730 The grip is user serviceable 397 00:16:23,730 --> 00:16:25,440 by adding or removing (gun popping) 398 00:16:25,440 --> 00:16:26,430 these sections here, 399 00:16:26,430 --> 00:16:29,220 and just pushing out a roll pin, 400 00:16:29,220 --> 00:16:30,480 you can configure it yourself. 401 00:16:30,480 --> 00:16:32,250 The pistol comes with all (gun popping) 402 00:16:32,250 --> 00:16:33,750 the pieces necessary to go between 403 00:16:33,750 --> 00:16:35,310 these three different grip sizes 404 00:16:35,310 --> 00:16:38,700 and one of each size magazine, 405 00:16:38,700 --> 00:16:42,064 so the subcompact, compact, and full-size magazine. 406 00:16:42,064 --> 00:16:43,777 (gun popping) 407 00:16:43,777 --> 00:16:44,610 (screen whooshing) 408 00:16:44,610 --> 00:16:46,470 - [Announcer] When we come back, the latest tips 409 00:16:46,470 --> 00:16:49,680 from our expert on securing your financial future. 410 00:16:49,680 --> 00:16:50,536 Don't go away. 411 00:16:50,536 --> 00:16:55,536 (screen whooshing) (upbeat percussive music) 412 00:17:57,663 --> 00:18:01,163 (upbeat percussive music) 413 00:18:03,604 --> 00:18:04,770 (screen whooshing) 414 00:18:04,770 --> 00:18:05,640 - [Announcer] Welcome back. 415 00:18:05,640 --> 00:18:07,380 On this episode of "Money Minute," 416 00:18:07,380 --> 00:18:10,020 Jeanette Mack from Navy Federal Credit Union is back 417 00:18:10,020 --> 00:18:12,180 with her latest tips on how you can prepare 418 00:18:12,180 --> 00:18:14,071 for a bright financial future. 419 00:18:14,071 --> 00:18:14,904 (screen whooshing) 420 00:18:14,904 --> 00:18:17,310 - As the year winds down, it's the perfect time 421 00:18:17,310 --> 00:18:20,490 to give your business finances a fresh look, why? 422 00:18:20,490 --> 00:18:23,400 Because a little year-end prep can make tax season smoother 423 00:18:23,400 --> 00:18:25,980 and set you up for a winning start next year. 424 00:18:25,980 --> 00:18:28,320 First, get those expense records in order. 425 00:18:28,320 --> 00:18:31,320 Whether you use a filing system or accounting software, 426 00:18:31,320 --> 00:18:33,300 organizing now saves you stress later, 427 00:18:33,300 --> 00:18:35,040 especially at tax time, 428 00:18:35,040 --> 00:18:37,710 and helps you spot where your money's really going. 429 00:18:37,710 --> 00:18:40,260 Next, review your profit and loss statements. 430 00:18:40,260 --> 00:18:42,420 Compare what you earn to what you spent. 431 00:18:42,420 --> 00:18:44,850 Is there room for a last-minute performance boost? 432 00:18:44,850 --> 00:18:47,310 Maybe you can pay off a bill or invest in supplies 433 00:18:47,310 --> 00:18:48,720 before the year closes? 434 00:18:48,720 --> 00:18:50,970 If you sell products, take inventory. 435 00:18:50,970 --> 00:18:53,670 Knowing what's on your shelves and what assets you own 436 00:18:53,670 --> 00:18:56,010 helps you plan smarter for the months ahead. 437 00:18:56,010 --> 00:18:57,330 Don't forget your liabilities. 438 00:18:57,330 --> 00:19:00,330 Think accounts payable, credit cards, and loans. 439 00:19:00,330 --> 00:19:02,490 Managing debt keeps your business strong 440 00:19:02,490 --> 00:19:03,780 and ready for growth. 441 00:19:03,780 --> 00:19:07,170 Finally, use what you've learned to review your tax strategy 442 00:19:07,170 --> 00:19:08,490 and set new goals. 443 00:19:08,490 --> 00:19:11,820 The efforts you put in now can mean fewer surprises later 444 00:19:11,820 --> 00:19:14,043 and a stronger start to the new year. 445 00:19:14,043 --> 00:19:14,876 (screen whooshing) 446 00:19:14,876 --> 00:19:16,410 - [Announcer] To get more coverage of military 447 00:19:16,410 --> 00:19:17,610 and defense topics, 448 00:19:17,610 --> 00:19:19,980 slip into that ghillie suit and hide out for a while 449 00:19:19,980 --> 00:19:23,580 with militarytimes.com and defensenews.com. 450 00:19:23,580 --> 00:19:25,830 And to be the most up-to-date intelligence officer 451 00:19:25,830 --> 00:19:26,820 in the business, 452 00:19:26,820 --> 00:19:30,060 sign up for our "Early Bird Brief," compiled each morning, 453 00:19:30,060 --> 00:19:32,130 bringing you the most recent headlines. 454 00:19:32,130 --> 00:19:33,930 And if social media is where you collect 455 00:19:33,930 --> 00:19:35,250 open-source intelligence, 456 00:19:35,250 --> 00:19:38,520 follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and X, 457 00:19:38,520 --> 00:19:41,100 and for you Gen Z troops, we're on TikTok, 458 00:19:41,100 --> 00:19:42,930 so go follow us there as well. 459 00:19:42,930 --> 00:19:45,870 When we come back, our "Defense Dollar" segment returns 460 00:19:45,870 --> 00:19:48,720 with the latest from the military contracting world. 461 00:19:48,720 --> 00:19:49,591 Stay tuned. 462 00:19:49,591 --> 00:19:50,424 (screen whooshing) 463 00:19:50,424 --> 00:19:53,924 (upbeat percussive music) 464 00:20:56,769 --> 00:21:00,269 (upbeat percussive music) 465 00:21:02,814 --> 00:21:03,840 (screen whooshing) 466 00:21:03,840 --> 00:21:04,710 - [Announcer] Welcome back. 467 00:21:04,710 --> 00:21:07,080 On this week's edition of "Defense Dollars," 468 00:21:07,080 --> 00:21:09,450 we check out a new report examining the revenue 469 00:21:09,450 --> 00:21:11,640 of the world's biggest defense companies, 470 00:21:11,640 --> 00:21:14,370 and learn how global conflict has affected them. 471 00:21:14,370 --> 00:21:15,313 Check it out. 472 00:21:15,313 --> 00:21:16,146 (screen whooshing) 473 00:21:16,146 --> 00:21:17,400 - Welcome to "Defense dollars," 474 00:21:17,400 --> 00:21:20,250 a weekly update on the defense and aerospace markets 475 00:21:20,250 --> 00:21:21,240 around the world, 476 00:21:21,240 --> 00:21:23,190 and what's making the numbers move. 477 00:21:23,190 --> 00:21:24,660 Let's dive in. 478 00:21:24,660 --> 00:21:26,100 First up, we know it's 2025, 479 00:21:26,100 --> 00:21:28,500 but how did defense companies fare last year, 480 00:21:28,500 --> 00:21:30,690 and what can it tell us about the future? 481 00:21:30,690 --> 00:21:32,850 A new report from the Stockholm International 482 00:21:32,850 --> 00:21:35,850 Peace Research Institute found that conflict 483 00:21:35,850 --> 00:21:37,320 in Ukraine and Gaza, 484 00:21:37,320 --> 00:21:39,360 and many countries' decision to increase 485 00:21:39,360 --> 00:21:42,757 their defense spending pushed up profits in this sector. 486 00:21:42,757 --> 00:21:44,970 "The world's largest arms-producing country 487 00:21:44,970 --> 00:21:49,970 saw a 5.9% increase in revenue in 2024," the institute said, 488 00:21:50,460 --> 00:21:53,010 that according to a report from the AP. 489 00:21:53,010 --> 00:21:54,360 Much of that revenue was earned 490 00:21:54,360 --> 00:21:57,060 by companies based in the US and Europe, 491 00:21:57,060 --> 00:21:59,490 though companies around the globe saw rises. 492 00:21:59,490 --> 00:22:01,680 A notable exception was China, 493 00:22:01,680 --> 00:22:05,580 where arms industry issues led to a slight decrease. 494 00:22:05,580 --> 00:22:07,800 In all, US and European countries 495 00:22:07,800 --> 00:22:11,070 earned close to $500 billion in revenue, 496 00:22:11,070 --> 00:22:14,550 fueled by the perceived threat to NATO nations by Russia. 497 00:22:14,550 --> 00:22:16,350 Speaking of Russia, the two companies 498 00:22:16,350 --> 00:22:17,370 in the institute's list (person shouting) 499 00:22:17,370 --> 00:22:20,160 also saw increases driven by the war 500 00:22:20,160 --> 00:22:23,610 that despite international sanctions on Russian firms. 501 00:22:23,610 --> 00:22:25,710 Arms revenue also grew in the Middle East, 502 00:22:25,710 --> 00:22:27,720 led by Israeli companies, 503 00:22:27,720 --> 00:22:30,247 as that country fought a war in Gaza. 504 00:22:30,247 --> 00:22:33,780 "In total, the 100 largest arms-producing company revenues 505 00:22:33,780 --> 00:22:38,780 totaled $679 billion in 2024," the SIPRI's report says. 506 00:22:41,370 --> 00:22:42,480 - How'd you like it? (screen whooshing) 507 00:22:42,480 --> 00:22:44,100 - So that was 2024, 508 00:22:44,100 --> 00:22:47,010 but how are major defense companies faring recently? 509 00:22:47,010 --> 00:22:49,020 While a lot of the heavy hitters, your Boeing, 510 00:22:49,020 --> 00:22:51,690 RTX, Lockheeds, and the like have all seen 511 00:22:51,690 --> 00:22:53,910 rising stock prices throughout the year, 512 00:22:53,910 --> 00:22:56,160 recent world events have taken a bite 513 00:22:56,160 --> 00:22:57,330 out of profits. (group chattering) 514 00:22:57,330 --> 00:22:58,200 The reason? 515 00:22:58,200 --> 00:23:00,030 Talks brokered by the United States 516 00:23:00,030 --> 00:23:03,480 between Ukraine and Russia point to a possible resolution, 517 00:23:03,480 --> 00:23:07,410 pulling down possible future arm sales from recent highs. 518 00:23:07,410 --> 00:23:11,280 - We have fully engaged in negotiations, 519 00:23:11,280 --> 00:23:15,300 and we are only stepping up our efforts. 520 00:23:15,300 --> 00:23:17,520 Our team is now looking ahead 521 00:23:17,520 --> 00:23:20,520 to next very important meetings. 522 00:23:20,520 --> 00:23:23,913 Today, Ukraine is closer to peace than ever before, 523 00:23:24,900 --> 00:23:28,488 and there is a real, real chance. 524 00:23:28,488 --> 00:23:31,405 (crowd applauding) 525 00:23:32,310 --> 00:23:35,520 - Earlier this week, many of the US' top defense companies 526 00:23:35,520 --> 00:23:38,130 saw their stock prices dip into the red, 527 00:23:38,130 --> 00:23:40,710 and where they go from here is anyone's guess. 528 00:23:40,710 --> 00:23:42,960 In November, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth 529 00:23:42,960 --> 00:23:45,300 said the Pentagon would radically reform 530 00:23:45,300 --> 00:23:47,130 its acquisition process, 531 00:23:47,130 --> 00:23:49,260 changing the fundamentals of how it procures 532 00:23:49,260 --> 00:23:52,050 military systems going forward. 533 00:23:52,050 --> 00:23:54,990 - We must wage an all-out campaign 534 00:23:54,990 --> 00:23:56,700 to streamline the pentagon's process 535 00:23:56,700 --> 00:24:00,540 to unshackle our people from unproductive work, 536 00:24:00,540 --> 00:24:04,200 and to shift our resources from the bureaucracy 537 00:24:04,200 --> 00:24:05,313 to the battlefield. 538 00:24:06,450 --> 00:24:08,070 - Over in the shipbuilding sector, 539 00:24:08,070 --> 00:24:09,420 things were a little more mixed 540 00:24:09,420 --> 00:24:11,850 for Italian company, Fincantieri. 541 00:24:11,850 --> 00:24:14,010 The military ship-maker holds the contract 542 00:24:14,010 --> 00:24:16,380 for four new ships in the US Navy's 543 00:24:16,380 --> 00:24:19,230 Constellation-class frigate program, 544 00:24:19,230 --> 00:24:21,570 but in late November, the secretary of the Navy 545 00:24:21,570 --> 00:24:24,930 announced he was canceling the new line of vessels. 546 00:24:24,930 --> 00:24:28,290 The US Navy had, at one time, eyed buying as many 547 00:24:28,290 --> 00:24:30,270 as 20 of the new ships, 548 00:24:30,270 --> 00:24:33,390 and two that are already half-built will be completed. 549 00:24:33,390 --> 00:24:36,450 In a statement, Fincantieri said it expected new business 550 00:24:36,450 --> 00:24:40,410 to come its way from the Navy to make up for the losses. 551 00:24:40,410 --> 00:24:43,230 - Today, I can announce the first major public action 552 00:24:43,230 --> 00:24:44,790 in this reshaping, 553 00:24:44,790 --> 00:24:47,670 a strategic shift away from the Constellation-class 554 00:24:47,670 --> 00:24:49,170 frigate program. 555 00:24:49,170 --> 00:24:50,910 The Navy and our industry partners 556 00:24:50,910 --> 00:24:52,920 have reached a comprehensive framework 557 00:24:52,920 --> 00:24:55,380 that terminates, for the Navy's convenience, 558 00:24:55,380 --> 00:24:57,420 the last four ships of the class, 559 00:24:57,420 --> 00:24:59,160 which have not begun construction. 560 00:24:59,160 --> 00:25:00,840 - And how has the news impacted 561 00:25:00,840 --> 00:25:03,060 Fincantieri's market status? 562 00:25:03,060 --> 00:25:05,130 Well, as of this week, the company's stock price 563 00:25:05,130 --> 00:25:08,940 was still up more than 150% for the year, 564 00:25:08,940 --> 00:25:11,460 and has only lost about 60 cents per share 565 00:25:11,460 --> 00:25:13,890 since the November 25th announcement, 566 00:25:13,890 --> 00:25:18,127 dipping from $20 to just under $19.50. 567 00:25:18,127 --> 00:25:19,560 (screen whooshing) Finally, quick alert 568 00:25:19,560 --> 00:25:21,120 for those deep in military tech, 569 00:25:21,120 --> 00:25:23,550 and following the Pentagon's emerging needs, 570 00:25:23,550 --> 00:25:26,520 the Marines are looking for a new GPS landing system 571 00:25:26,520 --> 00:25:29,550 meant for far-flung battlefields. 572 00:25:29,550 --> 00:25:31,740 According to the Naval Air Systems Command, 573 00:25:31,740 --> 00:25:33,780 which kicked off the exploratory process 574 00:25:33,780 --> 00:25:35,310 for the system recently, 575 00:25:35,310 --> 00:25:37,170 the capability needs to be able to fit 576 00:25:37,170 --> 00:25:40,560 inside one of the Marines' most used aircraft 577 00:25:40,560 --> 00:25:43,800 and be rugged enough to handle austere conditions. 578 00:25:43,800 --> 00:25:47,130 That lines up with a system made by Collins Aerospace, 579 00:25:47,130 --> 00:25:49,530 owned by RTX, formerly Raytheon, 580 00:25:49,530 --> 00:25:53,040 called the Expeditionary Joint Precision Approach 581 00:25:53,040 --> 00:25:55,290 Landing System, which is a mouthful, 582 00:25:55,290 --> 00:25:58,380 to describe a GPS system designed to make aircraft landing 583 00:25:58,380 --> 00:26:00,240 simpler and safer, 584 00:26:00,240 --> 00:26:02,280 one to watch if you're looking at opportunities 585 00:26:02,280 --> 00:26:04,350 in the defense sector. 586 00:26:04,350 --> 00:26:07,200 And that wraps up your "Defense Dollars" for this week. 587 00:26:07,200 --> 00:26:09,930 Join us on cheddar.com and defensenews.com 588 00:26:09,930 --> 00:26:12,114 for more stories like those. 589 00:26:12,114 --> 00:26:12,947 (screen whooshing) 590 00:26:12,947 --> 00:26:14,610 - [Announcer] Well, that's all the time we have 591 00:26:14,610 --> 00:26:15,750 in this episode. 592 00:26:15,750 --> 00:26:18,314 Thanks for joining us, and we'll see you next week. 593 00:26:18,314 --> 00:26:21,981 (dramatic percussive music)