Advanced Technology International Tapped For COVID Support | DoS Approved UH-60M Sale To Jordan | Australia Plans Defense Boost

Americas

Advanced Technology International won a $450.4 million contract modification for large-scale manufacturing of antibodies directed to novel coronavirus. Advanced Technology International provides applied research and commercialization services. The Company offers services in the areas of custom collaborations, enterprise leadership, intellectual property management, compliance management, financial management, contracting and procurement, and collaboration management tools. Currently, there are 3,097,084 registered cases of coronavirus-patients in the US (July 8th). Advanced Technology will perform work in Summerville, Sout Carolina and Tarrytown, New York. Estimated completion date is June 30, 2021.

BAE Systems won a $26.3 million delivery order for E-2D aircraft electronic phase shifters. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 US Code 2304 (c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulations 6.302-1. The next-generation, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye has a new radar, theatre missile defense capabilities, multisensor integration and a Northrop Grumman Navigation Systems tactical glass cockpit. Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors has developed the AN/APY-9 solid-state, electronically steered UHF radar under the E-2C radar modernization program. Work will take place in New York. Estimated completion date is November 30, 2027.

Middle East & Africa

The State Department has approved the possible $23 million deal to sell one UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter and related equipment to the government of Jordan, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced. Jordan’s government had asked to buy one UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter in standard US Army configuration, along with related equipment, including a common missile warning system as well as AMPS software development and support services; and other related elements of logistical, engineering, and program support. The UH-60M will supplement Jordan’s existing fleet of Black Hawk helicopters and be used to transport the Jordanian Royal Family. The principal contractors for this deal will be Sikorsky Aircraft Company in Stratford, Conn., and General Electric Aircraft Company in Lynn, Mass.

Europe

Russia will stand up a second MiG-31 squadron at 317th Composite Aviation Regiment at Yelizovo airfield, Jane’s reported. The new unit will be operating the MiG-31BM. Aircraft have started arriving since last year. The regiment currently operates a squadron of 12 MiG-31B and MiG-31BS variants, two squadrons of Ka-27 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters, a squadron of Il-38 ASW aircraft, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles, small transport aircraft, and other helicopters.

A month after celebrating her 30th birthday, the HMS Lancaster has now proved herself ready to resume UK defense operations after a refit giving her the latest in Royal Navy hardware. Many feared the vessel would be paid off and disposed of at the time, however, she received a refit that finished in 2019 and it included the fitting of the Artisan 3D radar, Sea Ceptor anti-air missiles and strengthening the backbone of the ship. The Type 23 Frigate arrived back in HMNB Portsmouth, in December 2019. Fears that the vessel would spend the rest of her career tied up alongside before being disposed of were circulating widely in 2017. The fears were calmed however in the form of a response to a written parliamentary question asked by Nicholas Soames and answered by the then Secretary of State for Defense. Harriett Baldwin said: “On current plans, the refit for HMS LANCASTER will commence in mid-2017. She is presently alongside in Portsmouth and is maintained with a minimal ship’s company until her refit.”

Asia-Pacific

Australia is setting its sights on big defense expenditures over the coming decade to support a more active defense concept. The prime minister announced $190 billion in additional defense spending over the next decade, which will include long-range missiles and other capabilities to hold enemies further from its shores. Prime Minister Scott Morrison warned that the post-pandemic world will become more dangerous and announced a renewed focus on Australia’s immediate region, although its military would be open to joining US-led coalitions as it did in Afghanistan and Iraq in campaigns that were in the Australian national interest.

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