Americas
Austal USA, Mobile won a $47 million cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price, and cost-only modification for Littoral Combat Ships class design support, and integrated data and product model environment support. Work will be performed in Mobile, Alabama and Pittsfield, Massachusetts and is expected to be completed by June 2025. Fiscal 2019 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funding in the amount of will be obligated at time of award. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC, is the contracting activity.
Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks will deliver over 1,500 Zetros logistics trucks to the Canadian Armed Forces. The delivery includes 1,000 light Zetros (two-axle vehicles with all-wheel drive, 4×4) and approximately 500 heavy Zetros (four-axle vehicles with all-wheel drive, 8×8). The vehicles will be used for off-road transportation of goods and personnel. “This contract reflects the level of confidence one of the largest NATO countries has in our partner network – in our experience, reliability and technical competence,” Head of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks Franziska Cusumano said.
Middle East & Africa
According to Defense News, Virginia-based defense contractor Artis is forming a joint venture with the United Arab Emirates’ company Bin Hilal Enterprises to offer its system overseas. Artis and BHE signed a memorandum of understanding the Eurosatory international defense conference in Paris on June 18.
Europe
The upgrade program for Greece’s F-16 fighter jets is facing delays due to a shortage of qualified personnel. Well-informed sources indicate the program is at a crossroads, with the potential for either significant progress or further setbacks. The primary cause for the delays is the loss of specialized technicians at Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI), the company responsible for the upgrades. These resignations, a near-daily occurrence since 2018 according to sources, have created significant staffing gaps that have hampered progress.
Asia-Pacific
The Indian Armed Forces is planning to procure 10 domestically-built Tapas drones to further boost its surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. A proposal has reportedly been sent to the central government for six Tapas drones for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and four for the Indian Navy. The IAF will serve as the lead agency for the acquisition and induction of the unmanned aerial systems (UAS), according to defense officials.