Americas
Telephonics Corp won a $16 million firm-fixed-price deal for maintenance and overhaul of the CH-47 for the interface communication unit. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of June 27, 2028. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
The US Army has accepted its first of two MV-75 Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) virtual prototypes developed by Bell Textron, with the second scheduled for delivery later this month to the Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Based on the FLRAA’s digital twin, the advanced simulator is meant to be used for learning and assessment to shape the upcoming physical aircraft’s development. Eventually, it can also be upgraded into a flight training device.
Middle East & Africa
UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi says Iran likely will be able to begin to produce enriched uranium “in a matter of months,” despite damage to several nuclear facilities from US and Israeli attacks, CBS News said Saturday. Israel launched a bombing campaign on Iranian nuclear and military sites on June 13, saying it was aimed at keeping Iran from developing a nuclear weapon – an ambition the Islamic Republic has consistently denied.
Europe
Finnish defense company Patria has completed live-fire testing of its new ARtillery on Vehicle (ARVE) mobile artillery system, dubbed the 155 Self-Propelled Gun (SPG). The tests evaluated the system’s performance under various firing conditions, including the use of high-overpressure charges. Unveiled in March at the Arctic Event in Lapland, the system is designed for operations in Arctic environments.
Asia-Pacific
China’s first domestically-built aircraft carrier Shandong will visit Hong Kong from July 3-7 with three escort vessels, offering public tours for the first time to Hong Kong residents, China’s Xinhua News Agency reported June 28. The naval fleet, approved by the Central Military Commission, includes the aircraft carrier Shandong, Type 055 destroyer Yan’an, Type 052D destroyer Zhanjiang, and Type 054A frigate Yuncheng. Public access to the vessels will be available Jul. 5-6, with 10,000 tickets distributed through the official WeChat account of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison.