Americas
Lockheed won a $13 million modification, which dds scope to provide reach back support for sustainment of all Norway and Italy Reprogramming Laboratory systems, as well as associated consumables and spare material/tooling support in support of the F-35 program for non-US Department of Defense (DOD) participants. Work will be performed in Eglin, Florida (80%); and Fort Worth, Texas (20%), and is expected to be completed in April 2027.
Robertson Fuel Systems won a $9.2 million deal, which provides for the manufacturing and delivery of seven Delta Install kits, seven Tactical Bulk Fuel Delivery System (TBFDS) Forward Area Refueling Equipment kit inserts/Portable Fire Extinguisher kits and one TBFDS B-Kit, as well as associated non-recurring engineering, in support of the CH-53K King Stallion helicopter for the Marine Corps. Work will be performed in Tempe, Arizona and is expected to be completed in April 2025.
The United States Navy is gearing up to enhance its submarine capabilities with ship-targeting versions of the highly versatile Tomahawk missile, marking a strategic move to bolster military strength in the face of growing challenges from Chinese maritime forces, especially in the vicinity of Taiwan. The Maritime Strike version of the Tomahawk, traditionally employed as a ground-attack weapon, is slated for deployment after October 1 next year, as revealed by program manager Captain Jon Hersey in a recent statement. The new models will undergo modifications, incorporating a state-of-the-art guidance system that enables them to effectively engage mobile sea-based targets. Captain Hersey noted that the initial version was received in 2022 for rigorous testing before being declared combat-ready.
Middle East & Africa
The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the United Arab Emirates of AN/TPQ-50 Radar and related equipment for an estimated cost of $85 million. The Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has requested to buy eighteen AN/TPQ-50 Radar Systems – man portable version. Also included are 107mm High Explosive (HE) rockets (for CONUS testing only); Computer Digital Military Laptop Radar Control Display units; 5kW Advanced Medium Mobile Power Source (AMMPS) Trailer-Mounted, Diesel Engine Driven Power Unit PU-2001; spares; mission equipment; communication and navigation equipment; support equipment; repair parts; special tools and test equipment; technical data and publications; site survey; U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics personnel services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
Europe
The UK’s defense department is facing a $21.4 billion shortfall in its equipment budget due to inflation and demands from the government’s updated strategy, the public spending watchdog said Monday. “The Ministry of Defence (MoD) acknowledges that its Equipment Plan for 2023–2033 is unaffordable, with forecast costs exceeding its current budget by £16.9 billion,” the National Audit Office (NAO) said in its annual report.
Asia-Pacific
The US State Department has approved the sale of “AUKUS-related Training and Training Devices and related equipment” to Australia for an estimated cost of up to $2 billion. The decision does not appear to have been publicised by the Australian government. Under the more transparent US system, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency must notify Congress of such sales. According to the US State Department release, Australia has requested to buy articles and services in support of the Trilateral AUKUS Pillar I program: “Included are training devices, personnel training, planning, and Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) services; support equipment; special tools; training software and courseware; design; supply chain and industrial base support; facilities and construction support; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; test and trials support; studies and surveys; other related elements of engineering and repair services for associated equipment and program support; and other related elements of logistic and program support.”
The Indonesian Air Force has taken delivery of eight H225M helicopters manufactured by Airbus to support transport and other military missions. Defense minister Prabowo Subianto led a hand-over ceremony earlier this month, along with representatives from the service and industry partners. The H225Ms will reportedly be assigned to the air force’s Air Squadron 8 to take on special missions, including aerial fire support, combat search and rescue, medical evacuation, and maritime surveillance.
