Americas
Boeing won a $47.7 million contract modification in support of the Apache Attack Helicopter AH-64E production line and Apache Longbow Crew Trainers. The deal provides Version 6/Improved Drive System enhancement cut-in. The AH-64E is a variant of the twin-turboshaft Apache Attack Helicopter. The AH-64E features improved digital connectivity, the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System, more powerful T700-GE-701D engines with upgraded face gear transmission to accommodate more power, capability to control UAVS, and improved landing gear. The Apache is a multi-role helicopter used by the US Army. Boeing has delivered more than 2,200 Apaches to customers around the world since production started. The Longbow Crew Trainer is the centerpiece of Boeing’s AH-64 Apache training. The high-fidelity flight simulator is used by pilots and other personnel to practice aircraft procedures and rehearse missions. Work will take place in Mesa, Arizona, with a scheduled completion date of March 31, 2022.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems won a $22 million modification for support services on the Gray Eagle UAV. The deal calls for procurement of performance based logistics support services for the MQ-1C Gray Eagle drone. The Gray Eagle is a 3,600-pound, 28-foot-long drone with a 56-foot wingspan. It has a range of 2,500 nautical miles and a ceiling of 25,000 feet. Its mission set includes, but is not limited to, wide-area Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), convoy protection, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detection and defeat, close air support, communications relay, and weapons delivery missions. General Atomics will perform work at General Atomics’ facility in Poway, California with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2020.
Middle East & Africa
The US State Department approved a possible FMS to Morocco for continuing sustainment support to its current F-16 fleet for an estimated cost of $250.4 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. Morocco purchased their F-16s in 2011. In late 2014 Morocco sent F-16s into combat in Syria and Iraq. In March 2019, the US State Department has approved the upgrade of 23 Royal Moroccan Air Force F-16 Block 52+ to the F?16V configuration for an estimated cost of $985.2 million.
Europe
The US Army awarded Lockheed Martin $106.1 million for Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor systems, subcomponent production and technical services for the Apache Attack Helicopters. The deal involves Foreign Military Sales to the Netherlands and United Kingdom. The Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS), also known as Arrowhead, is an electro-optical sensor that provides enhanced situational awareness to Apache’s aircrew with greater performance and survivability. It offers long-range, precision engagement and pilotage solution for missions conducted during the day, night or adverse weather conditions. Estimated completion date is March 31, 2023.
The State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Germany, through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency acting as its Agent. The Sale provides for AGM-88 high-speed anti-radiation missiles. Berlin had requested up to 91 AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) Tactical Missiles, and up to 8 AGM-88E AARGM Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM). Also included are up to six telemetry/flight termination systems, Flight Data Recorders (FDR), US Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services and miscellaneous support equipment, and other related elements of logistical and program support.
Asia-Pacific
According to local reports, the Indian Air Force will be participating in its biggest joint air exercise of 2019 with the French Air Force at France from July 1 to 14. The French Embassy in New Delhi said that the Garuda-VI exercise is a tactical Indo-French exercise aimed at enhancing the interoperability level of the French and Indian crews in air defense and ground attack missions as part of the Indo-Pacific cooperation between the two countries. The exercise is alternately held in France and India. The Indian Air Force contingent comprises of 120 air-warriors and four Sukhoi 30 MKI along with an IL-78 flight refueling aircraft.
Today’s Video
Watch: One Dozen F-22 Raptors Sent to Persian Gulf amid Iran Tensions For Stability
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTzQCfnSafM
