Americas
The US Army’s Apache helicopter is once again facing public scrutiny after a crash Monday night at a military base in Washington state. A Boeing-made AH-64E attack chopper assigned to the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade plunged to the ground while participating in a routine training exercise, injuring its two pilots. A spokesperson at the base said an “aviation mishap” was the cause of the accident, though he did not elaborate.
Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen signed a letter of intent with his Argentinian counterpart, Luis Alfonso Petri, in Buenos Aires on March 26. This letter paves the way for the potential sale of 24 F-16 fighter jets from Denmark to Argentina. The sale received the green light from the US government, which plays a crucial role in authorizing the export of American-made military equipment. For Denmark, this agreement is part of a broader military modernization program. As Denmark transitions to the F-35 fighter jet, they are phasing out their F-16 fleet. This sale allows Denmark to strategically re-allocate these aircraft while bolstering Argentina’s air defense capabilities.
Middle East & Africa
US Navy destroyers have performed operational tweaks and software updates to counter Houthi missile and drone attacks in the Red Sea. A Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC)-led team recommended the adjustments based on US ship and aircraft engagements with the Yemen-based militant group since October. Data collected from radars, sensors, and combat systems was mined for the recommendations, including modifying a ship’s operational tactics and configurations, such as setting up and operating the SPY radar, Defense News wrote.
Europe
Airbus has officially awarded a deal to procure Saab’s Arexis electronic warfare (EW) suite, signaling the start of its much-awaited integration on German Eurofighters. The selection of the Swedish-made EW system for the Eurofighters was announced in June 2023, but an official deal has just been made following “further negotiations.” Saab did not say how many Arexis suites will be supplied to Airbus, but it noted that 15 of Berlin’s Eurofighter aircraft will receive the sophisticated component.
Asia-Pacific
The Indonesian Army has officially commissioned 10 Turkish-made tanks as part of its efforts to bolster its ground defense capabilities. Known as the Kaplan (Tiger), the armored vehicles were handed over by President-elect Prabowo Subianto during a recent ceremony. According to the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara, the tanks are equipped with 7.62-millimeter machine guns and two-man lightweight turrets.
Boeing Australia is taking a significant step forward in its commitment to the country’s defense industry with the construction of a dedicated production facility for the MQ-28 Ghost Bat unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). Located at Toowoomba’s Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct in Queensland, the new 9,000-square-meter facility is expected to be operational by 2027. Construction has already begun, with the Wagner Corporation leading the project. This facility creation not only strengthens Boeing’s presence in Australia but also creates substantial employment opportunities.
