Americas
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control won a $130.5 million modification for the Advanced Radar Threat System – Variant 2 (ARTS-V2) systems. The contract modification is to provide for the exercise of Options 3 and 4 for an additional quantity of eight ARTS-V2 systems being produced under the basic contract. Work will take place in Texas. Expected completion date is June 16, 2024. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity.
Jane’s reports that Boeing sees foreign partners as potential customers for its updated MQ-25A Stingray drones. The MQ-25 UAV is designed to refuel carrier-based aircraft. The UK, France, and Italy are among allies with aircraft carriers. However, the UK’s Queen Elizabeth-class carrier uses a ski-jump capability, which the MQ-25 design does not support.
Middle East & Africa
Israel has confirmed that it is part of a regional military partnership focused on addressing Iranian threats. The move is Jerusalem’s effort to bolster its defense ties with Arab nations and recalibrate Middle Eastern alliances. Beyond the US, the other countries involved in the Middle East Air Defense Alliance (MEADA) have yet to be revealed.
Europe
Cyprus will be buying six H145M armed helicopters to replace the 11 Mi-35 attack helicopters that are currently in service with the Cyprus Air Command. Lawmakers approved the down payment of $55 million for the deal in a closed-door session in June 20. Media reports say the deal is worth $147 million and includes weapons for the helicopters. Cyprus has an option to buy six more H145Ms. The eleven Mi-35s will be sold to Serbia, according to news reports.
According to Defense News, the French Army began the process of quickly procuring American-made loitering munitions as part of a longer-term effort to field remotely operated weapon systems, according to officials. The service is looking to add AeroVironment’s Switchblade to its inventory within the next six months, Col. Arnaud Goujon, the Army’s chief of plans, told reporters at the Eurosatory.
Asia-Pacific
The State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of AGM-88E2 AARGM E2 Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $94 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of Australia has requested to buy up to fifteen (15) AGM-88E2 Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) Guidance Sections; up to fifteen (15) AARGM Control Sections; up to fifteen (15) High Speed Anti Radiation Missiles (HARM) Rocket Motors; up to fifteen (15) HARM Warheads; and up to fifteen (15) HARM Control Sections. Also included are AGM-88E2 AARGM All Up Round (AUR) tactical missiles; AGM-88E2 AARGM Captive Air Training Missile (CATM); HARM G-Code AUR; HARM G-Code CATM; M-Code GPS receivers; containers; support and test equipment; EA-18G Growler test support; spare and repair parts; software (Classified and Unclassified); U.S. Government and contractor engineering support; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total value is $94 million.
Today’s Video
WATCH: H145M firing campaign: Spike ER2 missile
