Americas
Lockheed Martin won a $261.4 million contract modification, which increases scope for the procurement of long lead-time materials, parts, components, and efforts for the production of nine Lot 17 F-35C aircraft for the Navy, 13 Lot 17 F-35A aircraft and two Lot 17 F-35B aircraft for non-US Department of Defense participants. Work will take place in Texas, California, Maryland and Japan. Estimated completion is in May 2026.
Boeing won a $55.5 million deal in support of the KC-46 program. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 US Code 2304 (c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. Boeing will deliver the entire KC-46 tanker fleet by 2027. The programme is expected to generate more than 50,000 jobs and will involve about 800 suppliers. Work under the current deal will be performed in. Missouri. Estimated completion date is April 6, 2025.
Middle East & Africa
Israel Weapon Industry (IWI), a worldwide producer of combat-proven small arms for governments, armies, and law enforcement agencies around the world, announced the launch of the Ace Sniper SA Rifle. Based on the platform of the known Galil-Ace, the semi-automatic rifle with its advanced ergonomics design provides the user with the greatest accuracy and rapid engagement, even in harsh environmental and weather conditions. The innovative rifle empowers sniper proficiency in accurate long-distance firing, while its semi-automatic capability enables multi-target acquisition and fast shooting towards multiple targets.
Europe
Slovakia has donated its S-300 air defense system to Ukraine to help it defend against Russia’s aggression, Slovakia Prime Minister Eduard Heger said Friday. Ukraine has appealed to Western nations for air defense equipment to help repel a Russian military onslaught that is now in its second month.
Asia-Pacific
The first batch of Indian Navy aircrew selected to fly the MH-60R have completed their training. The aircraft is expected to return home to India as early as next month. The MH 60R helicopters will provide the Indian Navy enhanced offensive role including Anti-submarine Warfare, Anti-ship Strike, specialised maritime operations as well as Search and Rescue operations.
The Philippine Marine Corps on April 3 activated the new Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile (SBASM) Battalion at Fort Bonifacio. The new unit will be operating the BrahMos supersonic anti-ship missile and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of BrahMos attended the ceremony along with the commander of the US 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment.
Today’s Video
WATCH: S-300 live-fire drills
