Americas
Two F-15EXs that were delivered to the US Air Force have carried out the first operational test mission at Nellis Air Force Base. The evaluation involved F-15Cs and F-15Es as well. Running from October 18-25, the pilots were also evaluating the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System while there.
German company Rheinmetall will export a Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) Test Chassis to the United States of America from its factory in Redbank Queensland. The Lynx vehicle export order will be delivered to Rheinmetall in the United States supporting the business’s worldwide activities currently underway in the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle competition and the US Department of Defense’s Bradley fighting vehicle replacement program.
Middle East & Africa
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have signed an additional memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a loitering munitions programme. IAI is a global leader in developing loitering munition systems. The new concept weapon system technology maximizes the effectiveness of SEAD & DEAD missions, can perform long-endurance reconnaissance missions, and can strike a target immediately when necessary. IAI’s loitering munitions, including IAI’s HARPY NGW and HAROP loitering missile, are combat proven in many countries around the world.
Europe
The UK’s Royal Navy has successfully tested a new missile designed to protect warships from attacks by swarms of small boats. According to the service, HMS Defender’s Wildcat helicopter of 815 Naval Air Squadron fired the Martlet lightweight missile at an inflatable target in the sea – known in the navy as the big red tomato – during operations in the Pacific Ocean with the UK Carrier Strike Group.
Italy’s Leonardo announced it has signed a framework agreement with the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) for the supply of up to 107,929 daylight optics for use on both current and new German Army assault rifles. According the company, the most important design change is the ability to operate the switching mechanism from 1x to 4x magnification on both sides of the new sight for assault rifles, while retaining the compact design and robustness of the optic.
Asia-Pacific
India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant left Kochi on October 24 for the second phase of sea trials. Following the first sea trials, the Navy had said the performance of key systems of the warship was found to be satisfactory.
Today’s Video
Watch: INS Vikrant Starts Sea Trial: Why It’s a Historic Moment for India
