Americas
Boeing has expressed interest in converting its F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet into electronic attack aircraft similar to the EA-18G Growler. Company official Rob Novotny said to Breaking Defense that internal discussions are currently underway whether to proceed with the proposed conversion or not. The F-15EX already boasts an electronic warfare (EW) capability, thanks to its Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System.
Kratos has unveiled a small affordable engine intended for the US Air Force’s futuristic Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). Developed in partnership with GE Aerospace, the GEK800 can reportedly generate up to 3,000 pounds (1,360 kilograms) of thrust, making it “ideally suited” for cruise missiles. But the two companies said it could still be scaled up to meet the requirements of the CCA program.
Middle East & Africa
According to Defense News, Israel Aerospace Industries, the maker of Germany’s future long-range antimissile system, has increased shifts and hired more workers to meet the deadline of setting up an installation in Germany sometime next year, a company executive said. The extra effort follows the national logic of outfitting the Israel Defense Forces as the priority, while also keeping international orders on track, Shay Gal, vice president for external relations, told Defense News at the Farnborough Airshow outside of London.
Europe
ThyssenKrupp segment Atlas Elektronik has delivered the final two Sea-class workboats in Devonport for the UK Royal Navy’s Project Vahana. Project Vahana is a $61-million initiative to employ 35 new vessels for maritime operations, training, driver support, surveillance, and minehunting.
Asia-Pacific
Lockheed Martin won a $12 million deal, which provides program management, logistics, system engineering, country unique requirements, and training in support of new F-35 integration efforts for the Republic of Korea. Work will take place in Texas and Florida and is expected to be completed in July 2027. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.