Americas
Austal USA has received a $113.9 million deal to design the US Navy Auxiliary General Ocean Surveillance Ship (T-AGOS 25). The agreement includes a $3.2 billion option for the design and construction of up to seven T-AGOS vessels. Work on the first T-AGOS will take place at various US locations in partnership with L3Harris Technologies, Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, TAI Engineering, and Noise Control Engineering.
The Vuzix Corporation won contracts to deliver augmented reality (AR) solutions and related engineering services for two defense customers. The first agreement is with a US-based partner specializing in situational awareness and personal protection solutions for defense forces. It seeks projectors and waveguides to integrate “smart” heads-up display technology with the customer’s helmet capability.
Middle East & Africa
Iran said on Sunday it is capable of ensuring the safety of the vital Gulf waters in cooperation with neighboring countries, following maritime tensions with the United States. “The Islamic Republic of Iran and the countries south of the Persian Gulf are capable of cooperating to ensure the security of the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Sea of Oman,” Iran’s Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Mohammad Bagheri said on Sunday.
Europe
According to Jane’s, the Portuguese Air Force (FAP) formally activated its new transport squadron on May 20. Five Embraer KC-390 Millennium multimission transport aircraft will be operated by 506 Squadron at Beja Air Base No 11. The aircraft were acquired in August 2019 under an $894 million contract to replace the C-130H Hercules aircraft of 501 Squadron. The first aircraft, which is undergoing final certification by the Portuguese National Aeronautical Authority, will be formally received in 2023. The final aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2027.
The UK Royal Navy (RN) has revealed plans to install the Lockheed Martin Mk 41 vertical launching system (VLS) into its five new Type 31 Inspiration-class general-purpose frigates. The fit will expand the range of missiles and capabilities the ships can deliver. The Type 31s are already being built with the foundation structural seats for four 8-Cell Mk41 Strike-Length VLS modules.
Asia-Pacific
Thailand’s Defense Technology Institute (DTI) has delivered an unknown number of locally developed 8×8 amphibious armoured personnel carriers (AAPCs) to the Royal Thai Marine Corps (RTMC). The DTI, a research and development (R&D) agency under the Thai Ministry of Defence (MoD), said in a social media post on 19 May that the vehicles were delivered during the RTMC’s Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise (CALFEX) at a Royal Thai Navy (RTN) base in Ban Chanthaklem in Chanthaburi’s Khao Kitchakut district. The DTI has named the amphibious vehicle ‘Sea Tiger’.
Today’s Video
WATCH: 4K – Embraer KC 390 – Portuguese Air Force – OPO/LPPR
