Future Soldier Technology 2026

March 5, 2026

Viking Arms Defence Division Manager Dan Preston will be attending Future Soldier Technology 2026 in London, UK, taking place 9–11 March 2026 in support of L3 Harris. He’ll be connecting with attendees across the soldier modernisation community.

Future Soldier Technology is positioned as a leading forum focused on dismounted soldier modernisation bringing together senior military stakeholders, programme teams, and industry specialists to discuss how capability is evolving across the close fight and beyond. 

The agenda focus areas highlighted by the organisers span the practical challenges that matter most to frontline outcomes, including:

  • Lethality & weaponry

  • Dismounted tactical power

  • Protection & survivability

  • Night-vision and related sensor-enabled capability 

For Viking Arms Defence, it’s a valuable opportunity to listen, compare notes, and have grounded conversations with the people designing, procuring, integrating, and using modern dismounted systems.

Dan will be at the event to connect on themes including:

  • Soldier modernisation priorities and what they mean in practical, deployable terms

  • Dismounted capability, how equipment choices affect performance, burden, and interoperability

  • Enabling kit, where small improvements in integration, usability, and sustainment can make a meaningful difference in the field

If you’re attending Future Soldier Technology 2026 and want to set up a time to talk, we’d be glad to meet.

Arrange a meeting with Dan

If you’d like to connect with Dan at the show, email: pmd@vikingarms.com

We look forward to seeing colleagues and partners in London, and to the conversations that help shape the next phase of dismounted capability.

Viking Arms Defence joins Make UK Defence

March 2, 2026

Viking Arms Defence is proud to announce that we have joined Make UK Defence, the UK’s member-owned, not-for-profit defence trade association within Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation. 

The UK defence and security landscape is moving fast, with an increasing focus on resilience, supply chain strength, and getting proven capability into the hands of those who need it. By joining Make UK Defence, we’re backing a network that champions the UK’s innovative defence supply chain and helps members navigate complex defence ecosystems and opportunities. 

What Viking Arms Defence brings

Our Police & Military Division supports government customers through:

  • Direct supply to UK and allied police and defence end users

  • Training and user education to help teams get the best from the equipment they rely on

  • Operator feedback loops that help inform product improvement and development

  • Support at every scale from urgent single-item requirements to major tenders

We’re focused on practical outcomes: reliable kit, informed users, and responsive support.

What we hope to do through Make UK Defence

Membership strengthens our ability to:

  • Collaborate with peers across the UK defence industrial base

  • Engage with policy, programmes, and sector initiatives that support UK capability 

  • Share insight from end users to help manufacturers align design with operational realities

We’re looking forward to contributing to the Make UK Defence community and building new partnerships that support the people who serve while strengthening UK defence capability.

If you’d like to speak with our team about a requirement or potential collaboration, please get in touch via pmd@vikingarms.com

Viking Arms Defence to Attend Enforce Tac 2026

February 6, 2026

Viking Arms Defence will be attending Enforce Tac 2026, Germany’s leading trade fair for security and defence, taking place in Nuremberg from 23–25 February 2026.

Enforce Tac is a key meeting point for military and government stakeholders, law enforcement, and industry partners. For Viking Arms Defence, it’s an opportunity to connect with existing customers, strengthen relationships across our international network, and discuss how we can support current and future operational requirements.

Why Enforce Tac matters

Modern operational environments continue to evolve rapidly driving demand for reliable supply, proven capability, and trusted partnerships. Enforce Tac brings together the organisations shaping these capabilities, offering a focused forum for conversations around procurement priorities, interoperability, and practical support for end users.

As a defence-focused partner to military B2B customers, Viking Arms Defence is attending to:

  • Meet with existing partners and customers

  • Discuss upcoming programmes and procurement timelines

  • Explore how we can support requirements through our established supplier network

  • Identify opportunities to improve availability, responsiveness, and delivery confidence

Meet the team in Nuremberg

If you’re attending Enforce Tac 2026, we’d welcome the opportunity to meet in person.

Our attending team:

  • Dan Preston

  • Rob Macarthur

  • Rich Fell

Book a meeting

To arrange a meeting during the event, please email pmd@vikingarms.com with your preferred day/time window and a brief outline of what you’d like to discuss. We’ll confirm a slot as soon as possible.

Event: Enforce Tac 2026

Location: Nuremberg, Germany

Dates: 23–25 February 2026

We look forward to seeing customers and partners in Nuremberg and continuing conversations that support capability where it matters most.

Glock GR-115 Selected as the Weapon of Choice for UK Firearms Units

January 9, 2026

As the UK distributor for GLOCK, Viking Arms is proud to publish the following press release following the successful award of the National Police Primary Carbine Tender.


London, UK — 9th January 2026 — Following the most extensive weapons trial conducted in UK policing in the past two decades, the GLOCK rifle GR-115 has been officially selected as the firearm of choice for specialist armed policing units across the country.

This decision marks a significant milestone in the evolution of armed policing capabilities in the UK. The GR-115 rifle outperformed a field of leading global manufacturers, achieving the highest scores for accuracy both supressed and unsuppressed.

A Legacy of Trust and Support

Glock has been a trusted partner to UK law enforcement since the 1990s, when GLOCK pistols were first adopted by police forces nationwide. Today, Glock continues to stand firmly behind UK policing, providing not only advanced firearms and long-term service but also training and logistical support.

Engineering at Its Core

The GR-115 rifle represents the culmination of years of intensive research, development, and refinement of the AR platform. Its superior accuracy, reliability, and adaptability are the result of rigorous testing and collaboration with end-users to ensure operational effectiveness in the most demanding environments.

Availability

The GR-115 rifle is only available to selected law enforcement and military customers at this time

About Glock

GLOCK is a renowned global manufacturer of firearms, celebrated for its reliable and safe design. Since its inception, GLOCK pistols have been favored by military and law enforcement agencies worldwide and by pistol owners of all backgrounds. Featuring three internal safeties, GLOCK pistols offer users confidence they can rely on.

About Viking Arms

Founded in 1965, Viking Arms has 60 years of experience providing firearms, ammunition, accessories, and training solutions to police and military customers. With decades of experience, Viking Arms remains dedicated to ensuring UK forces are equipped with world-class products and support.


Contract Award Notice: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/054986-2025

For further information please contact us at pmd@vikingarms.com

Viking Arms Defence heads to SHOT Show 2026

January 5, 2026

From 20–23 January 2026, the global defence and shooting community will converge on SHOT Show 2026 at the Venetian Expo + Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. As one of the world’s largest trade events for firearms, law enforcement and military equipment, SHOT Show brings together more than 2,700 exhibitors and tens of thousands of industry professionals from across the globe.

This year, Viking Arms Defence, the UK’s leading importer and distributor of defence equipment for police, military and security sectors, is proud to be in attendance with a dedicated team on the ground in Las Vegas.

If you’re heading to SHOT Show 2026 and work in policing, armed forces, defence procurement or specialist units, this is your opportunity to sit down with the Viking Arms team, talk through current and future requirements, and see what’s available to field now.

📅 SHOT Show 2026

🗓 20–23 January 2026

📍 Venetian Expo + Caesars Forum, Las Vegas

Who is representing Viking Arms Defence at SHOT Show 2026?

Our Police & Military Division is built around experienced professionals who understand both the kit and the operational environment. At SHOT Show 2026 you can meet:

Rob McArthur

Ed H

Dan Preston

Rich Fell

Graham Macdonald

Between them, the team covers firearms, optics, ammunition, lighting, UAS, C-UAS, clothing and equipment, and the training and support that sit around any serious defence acquisition.

Whether you’re responsible for an armed policing unit, a military capability programme or specialist security roles, they can help translate your concept of operations into the right combination of man-portable, mission-ready solutions.

Why SHOT Show matters for UK police & military customers

SHOT Show is the premier annual event for the shooting, hunting, law enforcement and armed forces industries, providing a unique space where new products are launched, global partnerships are formed, and future requirements are discussed.

For UK customers, Viking Arms Defence acts as the bridge between global world-class manufacturers and the UK end-users who rely on their equipment every day.

We work closely with international brands including:

GLOCK GmbH – trusted sidearms and duty pistols

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. – precision optics for carbine, DMR and sniper platforms

Federal – high-performance duty and specialist ammunition

Streamlight, Inc. – weapon-mounted and handheld lighting for low-light operations

O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. – robust shotguns such as the Mossberg 590M

EOTECH – holographic sights and magnifiers for rapid target acquisition

L3Harris Technologies – advanced defence and ISR technology

At SHOT Show 2026 we will be focusing on joined-up solutions that deliver practical advantages in the field, not just standalone products.

Counter-UAS: man-portable solutions you can deploy now

One of the key discussion themes for Viking Arms Defence at SHOT Show will be man-portable counter-drone (C-UAS) solutions that can be slotted into a layered defence architecture.

Our approach is simple:

Detect – Decide – Defeat

1. Detect

Operators detect hostile or suspicious drones using tools such as DZYNE Technologies products or the thirdeye Meduza X to gain early warning and classification.

2. Decide

Users verify classification, intent and risk before acting, integrating sensor data with local ROE and wider situational awareness.

3. Defeat

• Apply soft-kill options where hard-kill is not authorised.

• If the drone remains a threat and rules allow, employ precision hard-kill.

• Use SMASH-equipped weapons and/or a Mossberg 590M shotgun with Federal TSS rounds where appropriate for close-range engagement.

Each item in the ecosystem is a standalone capability that can be integrated into a broader C-UAS framework – ideal for police and military users who need flexible, scalable options rather than a single, monolithic system.

If you’re attending SHOT Show and want to discuss counter-UAS, book a time with the team to talk through your specific use case and constraints by emailing pmd@vikingarms.com

Beyond hardware: training, support and trusted distribution

Viking Arms Police & Military Division is more than a catalogue of brands. We are a trusted UK distributor and partner for law enforcement, defence and government customers who need:

State-of-the-art firearms, optics and accessories from proven manufacturers

Personalised armourer training and product education

Scenario-based, hands-on training support to improve operational readiness

Compliance with UK legislation and standards

Responsive after-sales support and clear accountability

Our role is to make it easy and efficient for end-users to access the most technically advanced, life-saving solutions on the market, while maintaining responsible, lawful use at every stage.

60 years of trust & professionalism

Founded in 1965, Viking Arms has grown from a small family business into one of the UK’s most respected distributors of firearms, ammunition and equipment, with both Sporting and Police & Military divisions.

Throughout that growth we’ve stayed true to three founding values:

Quality

Service

Trust

Our Purpose

To be the supplier of quality, trust and integrity within the UK firearms industry.

Our Vision

To build the widest network of aligned suppliers, providing technically advanced, life-saving solutions that fully support our customers’ missions.

Our Mission

To give customers a barrier-free route to trade with our partners, with smooth communication, excellent product education, and full accountability for our commitments.

SHOT Show 2026 is another milestone in that journey – a chance to strengthen existing partnerships, build new ones and ensure UK police and military users have access to the capability they need.

Can’t make it to Las Vegas?

If you’re unable to attend SHOT Show 2026 but want to explore how Viking Arms Defence can support your unit or organisation, the same email applies – our team will be happy to follow up with virtual briefings or on-site demos in the UK wherever appropriate.

📧 Contact Viking Arms Defence: pmd@vikingarms.com

Putting trusted capability in the hands of those who protect us.

 

Viking Arms Defence supports forces families at Bramble Woods in Catterick

January 5, 2026

In December, Sam MacArthur (Managing Director) and Kim Marland (Operations Manager) from Viking Arms Defence visited the Bramble Woods Project in Catterick, spending time at the Wavell Pavilion with the volunteers who deliver activities throughout the year for spouses and families across the military community at Catterick Garrison.

While “defence” is often associated with capability and readiness, this visit was a timely reminder of another essential part of the Forces ecosystem: community. The people and families who support Service life every day matter hugely — and Bramble Woods provides a welcoming space that helps build connection, wellbeing and a sense of belonging.

A warm welcome at Wavell Pavilion and the Community Garden

The visit began with a stop at the Community Garden — a shared green space created for the local community to use and enjoy. It’s a simple concept with real impact: somewhere to pause, talk, and spend time together.

From there, Sam and Kim joined volunteers at the Wavell Pavilion to take part in a seasonal activity that brings families together each year.

Preparing Christingle oranges ahead of the service

With the Sunday service approaching, the team helped to make Christingle oranges. For many families, Christingles are a familiar part of the festive season — and the preparation is often just as meaningful as the service itself.

Making them together creates an opportunity for conversation, shared stories, and a calm moment of togetherness during what can be a busy time of year.

Thank you to the volunteers supporting the Forces community

Viking Arms Defence is proud to support this initiative in partnership with e50K and the Bramble Woods Project. We would like to thank the volunteers who give their time, energy and care to create year-round opportunities for the military community at Catterick Garrison.

As we move into the new year, we remain committed to supporting projects that strengthen the Forces community — and we look forward to staying involved with initiatives that make a tangible difference to Service families.

Find out more about the Bramble Woods Project here:

https://www.communities.e50k.org.uk/projects/bramble-woods

Introducing the New GLOCK GEN6

December 9, 2025

GLOCK announces the 6th generation of GLOCK pistols. The Gen6 line of products delivers enhanced ergonomics for increased usability and comfort with a unique optic ready system. The models included are the G17 Gen6, G19 Gen6, G45 Gen6, and G49 Gen6, chambered in 9 mm Luger.

The 6th generation of GLOCK pistols are engineered for you.

Each detail was meticulously calculated with the user in mind, delivering enhancements that feel intuitive.

The Gen6 line brings you purpose-driven ergonomics with a refined optic ready system. The new design represents an evolution of GLOCK’s proven platform, prioritising user performance, ergonomics, and the next generation of reliability.

ENHANCED ERGONOMICS

FLAT FACED TRIGGER

GEN6 OPTIC READY SYSTEM


Each Glock Gen6 Pistol set includes

 

  • GLOCK Safe Action® pistol including 1 magazine
  • Spare magazine
  • Magazine speed loader
  • Cleaning set (rod with patch holder and brush)
  • Instructions for use manual
  • Pistol case (for storage and transport)
  • Backstrap set
  • Adapter plates

 


For More Information Contact the Team at Viking Arms
Tel: 01423 780 810 ext 3
pmd@vikingarms.com


 

Mission First ACHRO™ EDC Packs: Low-Vis Tactical Bags & Covert Carry

October 16, 2025

Everyday carry (EDC) solutions are a cornerstone of modern tactical operations, yet finding a system that combines functionality, discretion, and reliability has always been a challenge.

In this article, Viking Arms’ Special Projects lead Ed H explains why Mission First ACHRO™ EDC Packs can be game-changing.

Whether it’s a car-ready grab bag for rapid deployment or a shoulder-sling solution for surveillance, operatives need kit that can carry mission-essential gear, provide rapid access to a firearm, and still blend seamlessly into civilian environments.

That’s where Mission First Tactical’s ACHRO™ series comes in. Based in Philadelphia, USA, Mission First Tactical (MFT) has engineered a new generation of low-visibility EDC bags and packs designed for the modern operator — providing professional-grade functionality without compromising on discretion.

The Art of the “Grey Man”: Introducing the ACHRO™ Series

The name Achro™ derives from “achromatic,” meaning “without colour”, a direct nod to the Grey Man principle: the art of disappearing in plain sight. ACHRO™ bags embody this philosophy, offering low-profile, everyday-carry solutions that house a dedicated, discreet firearm storage system while looking indistinguishable from standard urban luggage.

From compact sling bags for covert surveillance to full-size backpacks for travel and deployment, the range is purpose-built for those who operate where discretion is as important as capability.

“The trick to not being discovered until it is too late is to become part of the expected surroundings. Stealth is more the art of blending in with the background than sneaking through dark shadows.”

Raymond E. Feist

ACHRO™ 5L Sling Bag: Compact Covert Capability

The 5L Sling Bag is the smallest and most discreet of the ACHRO™ line — an ideal choice for low-visibility operations where blending in is paramount. With small shoulder bags now common in urban settings, this model attracts no unwanted attention while providing enough space for:

• High-value documents

• Essential electronics and cables

• Spare pistol magazines

It’s built from weather and abrasion resistant materials and features a cooling mesh-padded back panel for comfort during extended use. Inside, a light-coloured water-resistant ripstop liner improves visibility, allowing operators to locate contents quickly in low-light conditions.

The standout feature is the discreet firearm compartment, which is ambidextrous and rapid-access. Inside, an MFT Multi-Mount Platform allows a holstered firearm or other 1.5” belt-clip accessories to be mounted at a custom angle using a hook-and-loop system.

For those who need more capacity, the ACHRO™ sling bag is also available in a 10L configuration, with the option of a slick exterior or laser-cut MOLLE panel for attaching additional gear.

ACHRO™ 22L EDC Backpack: Operational Durability Meets Everyday Function

For larger loadouts or longer missions, the ACHRO™ 22L EDC Backpack offers the perfect balance of covert profile and operational capability.

This pack has been my personal choice for nearly a year, and for good reason. It’s the ideal size for air travel hand luggage while still accommodating all mission-critical items. Dedicated organisational compartments make storing travel documents, laptops, cables, and other equipment simple and efficient.

But this isn’t just a travel pack. Built to withstand operational abuse, the 22L model features a concealed firearm compartment positioned between the back panel and the laptop sleeve. Equipped with the same MFT Multi-Mount Platform, it allows a holstered firearm to be secured at any angle and accessed quickly when needed.

The bag’s three discreet colour options further enhance its low-visibility profile. Surveillance teams, for example, can mix colours and alternate between slick and MOLLE versions to break up their appearance and reduce pattern recognition.

Designed for the Modern Operator

Mission First Tactical’s ACHRO™ series addresses the fundamental challenge of covert EDC carry: how to remain undetected, prepared, and mission-ready in any environment. These packs combine everyday practicality with tactical functionality, offering:

• ✅ Discreet firearm storage with rapid access

• ✅ Low-profile designs that blend into civilian surroundings

• ✅ Durable, weather-resistant construction built for operational use

• ✅ Modular loadout options with MOLLE and Multi-Mount platforms

Whether you’re conducting surveillance, operating in hostile environments, or simply need a dependable grab-and-go solution, the ACHRO™ range offers a trusted solution without compromising concealment.

Explore the ACHRO™ Range with Viking Arms Defence

At Viking Arms Defence, we supply mission-ready solutions to defence, law enforcement, and specialist security teams across the UK and beyond. The Mission First Tactical ACHRO™ EDC series represents the next generation of low-visibility carry systems designed for the realities of modern operations.

👉 Explore the full range of Mission First Tactical ACHRO™ bags and packs at cc1-development.co.uk/viking-arms/.

Viking Arms at DSEI 2025

September 5, 2025

Viking Arms Defence at DSEI 2025: Meet the team and our leading partner brands

Dates: 9-12 September 2025

Venue: ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL

Viking Arms Defence will be at DSEI 2025, the UK?s flagship defence and security showcase, meeting police, military and government customers and supporting our partner brands across small arms, optics, illumination and mission systems. DSEI brings together thousands of defence professionals, official delegations and industry decision-makers at ExCeL London. 

What we’re there to do

  • Procurement conversations: capability briefings for UK Police & Military end-users and programme teams
  • Product support: armourer training options, after-sales pathways and lifecycle support
  • Dealer & channel meetings: stock planning, POS and staff training for trade partners

Viking Arms Defence supplies small arms, ammunition and ancillaries to UK security, police and military markets, backed by in-house expertise and long-standing brand relationships. 

Brands & categories you can discuss with us

We distribute and support a portfolio of proven, duty-grade brands including (selected):

Glock, Mossberg, Federal, Speer, Sellier & Bellot, Streamlight, EOTech, Leupold, L3Harris, Smart Shooter. 

We?ll be showcasing category updates across:

  • Sidearms & long guns (duty and specialist roles)
  • Optics & aiming solutions (day, low-light, holographic)
  • Weapon lights & accessories
  • Ammunition (duty and training lines)
Viking Arms is a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and a recipient of the MOD?s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) awards most recently Gold (2025).

Book a meeting

To arrange time with the Viking Arms Defence team at DSEI, or to request a capability briefing or product demo slot, please contact:

T: +44 (0)1423 780810 E: pmd@vikingarms.com

Viking Arms Announced as 2025 GOLD Award ERS Winners

July 24, 2025

Viking Arms is proud to announce receipt of the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award. The prestigious award recognises Viking Arms’ exceptional support and commitment to the armed forces community.

The Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for Yorkshire and the Humber (RFCA YH) made the announcement last week, underlining Viking Arms’ status as a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC), an agreement that pledges an employer’s intent to support the military community. Viking Arms’ new accolade will be officially honoured at a regional awards ceremony in this Autumn.

Sam Macarthur, Managing Director, Viking Arms says:

“This award is a reflection of the values we live and breathe at Viking Arms. Our team includes Reservists, veterans, military spouses, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers. We’re proud to stand beside them and behind them, creating a culture where their service is recognised, respected, and actively supported.”


Following our Silver Award in 2023, this latest recognition reflects the sustained efforts of our entire team and highlights our progress in fostering a defence-friendly working environment. The ERS Gold Award is the highest badge of honour for organisations that demonstrate outstanding support to the military community, and we are honoured to stand among just 16 employers across Yorkshire, Humber and North Lincolnshire to receive it this year.

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme encourages organisations to pledge, demonstrate, and advocate support for the Armed Forces community. Viking Arms’ Gold Award recognises our alignment with the Armed Forces Covenant and highlights several areas where we’ve gone above and beyond:

• Offering fully paid additional leave for Reservists to complete military training

• Actively recruiting through veteran pathways such as the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) and the Forces Families Jobs (FFJ) portal

• Promoting internal HR policies that support Reservists, veterans, and military families

• Advocating for defence engagement across our industry partners and supply chain

• Supporting the Cadet Forces with mentoring, resources, and additional volunteering leave for CFAVs

This achievement is not only the result of strong internal policies but also of tireless networking and advocacy efforts by members of our team. We’ve worked closely with our Regional Employer Engagement Director and military partners to ensure our commitments are visible, actionable, and effective.

Being recognised at the Gold level positions Viking Arms as a sector-leading employer of choice for those with a military background. As defence sector specialists, we understand the value that military experience brings, discipline, adaptability, technical expertise, and leadership, and we’re proud to embed that talent throughout our business.

Congratulations and thank you to everyone at Viking Arms who helped make this possible. We remain committed to building on this foundation and continuing our work as a trusted, forces-friendly employer.