Americas

Northrop Grumman won a $387.5 million definitized contract action for Global Hawk (RQ-4) aircraft sustainment. The contract provides for contractor logistics support services. The locations of performance are Sacheon Air Base, Republic of Korea; Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea; Misawa Air Base, Japan; Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy; and San Diego, California; and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2025. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales to the Republic of Korea, Japan Ministry of Defense, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. This contract is a sole source acquisition. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.

Boeing acquired the critical GKN Aerospace facility in Hazelwood, Missouri. This deal safeguards not only the continued manufacture of F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets but also the jobs of approximately 550 skilled workers. The agreement marks a significant turning point in a previously contentious relationship between the two companies. GKN had planned to close the Hazelwood plant, jeopardizing the production of “superplastics” and “flight-control surfaces” essential to both aircraft. To counter this threat, Boeing filed a lawsuit against GKN in December 2022, alleging a violation of their supply agreement.

Middle East & Africa

According to Military Africa, Uganda has partnered with China’s North Industries Corporation (Norinco) to embark on a joint venture that promises to revolutionize the country’s military capabilities. This collaboration is set to establish a comprehensive unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) workshop in Nakasongola, marking a new era in Uganda’s defence modernization efforts. The groundbreaking ceremony for the UAV workshop was conducted by Uganda’s Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempjjja, and Norinco’s Executive President, Yang Xiaoqing. This event not only signifies the commencement of the UAV project but also the inauguration of a Joint Research and Innovation Centre and an ANFO explosives production line for Kyoga Dynamics, a joint venture between Uganda’s National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) and China Wanbao Engineering Company, a subsidiary of Norinco.

Europe

The US State Department has approved the possible Foreign Military Sale to the Netherlands and Poland of the new AGM-88G AARGM-ER (Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile – Extended Range). Both countries, despite being F-16 operators, had never acquired the AGM-88 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile. However, this changed with the introduction of the F-35A Lightning II, which prioritizes the Suppression/Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses as one of its primary missions. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified the Congress about the two possible FMS programs on April 24, with contracts worth $700 million for the Netherlands and $1.275 billion for Poland. The Netherlands and Poland will get 265 AGM-88G missiles and 360 missiles, respectively, with each receiving also with eight space guidance sections and eight spare control sections.

Asia-Pacific

Australia has partnered with defense contractor KBR to maintain the navy’s amphibious and replenishment vessels. The $85 million project supports the government’s efforts to enhance “critical” capabilities employed to secure maritime trade and sea lines of communication. As part of the agreement, KBR will provide sustainment services for the Royal Australian Navy’s Canberra-class landing helicopter docks, Supply-class auxiliary oilers, and landing ship docks, as well as the HMAS Choules Bay-class landing vessel.

Taiwan’s defense ministry said Saturday it had detected 22 Chinese warplanes and drones around the self-ruled island in a window of less than three hours. The sorties come less than a month before the May 20 inauguration of new Taiwan president Lai Ching-te, who China regards as a dangerous separatist. “We detected activities from 22 PLA aircraft… since 9:30 am (0130 GMT),” it said in a statement released at 12:10 pm on Saturday.

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