Americas
BAE Systems won a $14.1 million firm-fixed-price contract modification for an upgraded MK45 Mod 4 gun mount. The 5-inch MK 45 light weight gun mount system is fired aboard guided missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke and CG-47 Class ships. The MK 45 gun was developed as a lighter weight, more easily maintained replacement for the MK 42 5″/54 caliber gun mount. It is designed to engage surface and air targets and to provide naval surface fire support for expeditionary operations. The modification also includes for the MK45 associated components. The contract will provide all necessary material and services required to overhaul and upgrade MK 45 gun mounts to support AEGIS Modernization and Arleigh Burke new construction requirements. BAE Systems will perform work in Louisville, Kentucky, and is expected to be finished by October 2023.
Sikorsky will provide engineering services for the H-60 Blackhawk under a $91.3 million hybrid contract. The deal also features other support services for all versions of the Blackhawk four-bladed twin-engine, medium-lift utility helicopter. The Blackhawk is the primary medium lift helicopter for the US Army that performs a wide range of missions encompassing Air Assault, MEDEVAC, CSAR, Command and Control, and VIP transport. The newest version of the Army’s premier combat utility helicopter, the UH-60M, ensures compatibility with the US Army’s Future Force. It aims to improve the Forces’ effectiveness, reduce their vulnerability and allow for future growth, while lowering operating and support costs. At the beginning of the month it was reported that Sikorsky had tested a retrofit technology kit for the first time to operate a Blackhawk helicopter with full-authority, fly-by-wire flight controls. Estimated completion date for work under the new contract is June 27, 2019.
Middle East & Africa
Israeli, US and UK F-35 stealth fighter jets participated in a joint exercise over the eastern Mediterranean Sea on Tuesday, Israel Defense reports. The exercise called „Tri-Lightning“ was a one-day defensive counter air exercise involving friendly and adversary aircraft from the three participating countries and consisted of active and passive air defense operations. The Israeli Defense Forces emphasized that the exercise was pre-scheduled as part of the annual training graph and constitutes a unique opportunity for the joint training of the fifth-generation combat aircraft. Additionally, the exercise enabled the cooperation between the Air Forces and the development of joint capabilities.
Europe
Saab just inked a framework agreement with the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) in order of providing the Swedish Armed Forces with the Carl-Gustaf 84 mm man-portable reusable anti-tank weapon. The FMV can place orders in a ten-year-period under the agreement. It allows FMV to make quick and cost effective purchasing on behalf of the Swedish Armed Forces with a minimum of red tape. In addition, the Estonian and Latvian Armed Forces are also allowed to purchase under this framework agreement. The Carl-Gustaf provides high tactical flexibility through its wide range of ammunition types. It is fully optimized for dismounted soldiers who need a light-weight, and high-impact weapon. Saab unveiled the Carl-Gustaf M4 in October 2014 during AUSA, the Association of the US Army in Washington DC.
Russian company Kalashnikov launched its next-generation kamikaze drone, local reports say. The reconnaissance and attack drone can autonomously locate and destroy hostile targets in the air, on land and in the water. The drone is dubbed „Lancet“. The Lancet was the second high-precision attack drone presented by ZALA AERO, a subsidiary of the Kalashnikov group, this year. According to ZALA, the weapon system has already been tested. Earlier at the IDEX exhibition in Abu Dhabi, the Kalashnikov presented the „Kubik“ kamikaze drone. However, this drone did not have a television channel guidance.
Asia-Pacific
India’s Ministry of Defense has sent Requests for Expression of Interest (REoIs) to local shipyards inviting them to participate in the long-deferred Project-75 India that aims to domestically construct six diesel-electric attack submarines equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems for the Indian Navy. The REoIs were sent out on June 20. The shipyards have two months to respond to the REoI. Project-75I is the second project after the procurement of 111 armed light naval utility helicopters and 24 naval multirole helicopters, under the MoD’s SP model. The Defense Acquisition Council, the Indian MoD’s principal procurement body chaired by the country’s defense minister, has approved the procurement of the six new SSKs back in January.
Today’s Video
Watch: US Military and NATO forces allies crossed Europe For Stability
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjC-rcSLlFg