Americas
Boeing won a $22.5 million deal for CH-47 long lead items by the US Army. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of September 30, 2024. The CH-47F is an advanced multi-mission helicopter for the US Army and international defense forces. It contains a fully integrated, digital cockpit.
Northrop Grumman won a $76 million order, which procures spares to support flight test and an initial two year sustainment after the delivery for three unique configuration E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft for the government of France. Work will be performed in Liverpool, New York; Melbourne, Florida; Indianapolis, Indiana; St. Augustine, Florida; Menlo Park, California; Bethpage, New York; Edgewood, New York; Woodland Hills, California; Baltimore, Maryland; Provo, Utah; Valencia, California; Falls Church, Virginia; West Chester, Ohio; Clemmons, North Carolina; various locations within the continental US (CONUS); and various locations outside the CONUS, and is expected to be completed in August 2027.
Middle East & Africa
Morocco is set to receive an unspecified number of Merkava tanks from Israel as part of the African nation’s efforts to bolster its military firepower, European news outlets have reported. The revelation comes after Israeli defense official Yair Koles announced last month that Jerusalem was in talks with two countries for the potential sale of the armored vehicles.
Europe
Austria and Switzerland officially joined the German-led European Sky Shield (ESSI) air defence programme as they signed a declaration of intent on Friday. The ESSI was initiated by Germany in the wake of Russia’s invasion in Ukraine in 2022. Members of the programme declared their intention to jointly purchase defence equipment to protect their airspace. The two new countries bring the number of members up to 19, including Britain and the Netherlands, but not France.
The Czech prime minister said Friday his country would send combat helicopters to Ukraine and train its pilots on US-made F-16 jet fighters to help it battle the Russian invasion. Prime Minister Petr Fiala also endorsed Ukraine’s bid to join NATO following talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Asia-Pacific
The Philippine military will procure US-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and Indian BrahMos anti-ship cruise missiles later this year. The announcement was made by Philippine Army Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. during a recent event in Nueva Ecija province. The planned acquisition is part of the country’s ongoing military modernization.
Today’s Video
WATCH: Gravitas: Switzerland signs up for Sky Shield project | WION
