Americas
Boeing won a $1 billion modification for the Apache AH-64E full-rate production. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Mesa, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of December 31, 2027. The Apache attack helicopter is a combat proven aircraft manufactured by American aerospace and defence company Boeing for the US Armed Forces.
Huntington-Ingalls Industries won a $16 million modification for the procurement of material and labor associated with contractor furnished On-Board Repair Parts (OBRP) for the outfitting of CVN 79. Work will be performed in Newport News, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by June 2024.
Middle East & Africa
Bell Textron has delivered three Bell 505 Jet Ranger X five-seater light helicopters to the Royal Bahrain Air Force. The handover was conducted during an inspection and acceptance ceremony at the firm’s facility in Mirabel, Quebec. Alongside the choppers, Bell provided the air force with related training, spares, and tools. According to Bell, the three Jet Ranger Xs are the first of their type to be integrated into Bahrain’s military.
Europe
Germany’s Defense Ministry is reportedly seeking to replace its existing Tiger combat helicopter fleet by purchasing 82 Airbus H-145M civilian helicopters. According to a recent report by Business Insider, the ministry plans to convert some of these helicopters into combat aircraft and arm them with anti-tank missiles. The H-145M helicopter has been approved for military use but it was not specifically designed for combat use. As a result, the Bundeswehr has expressed concerns over the helicopter’s suitability for combat and its ability to protect crew members. Despite these concerns, the Defence Ministry is reportedly proceeding with the purchase. The ministry has been criticized for ignoring the operational needs raised by the Bundeswehr Technical Service for Aircraft and Aeronautical Equipment and making the purchase a purely political decision.
Slovakia is set to donate 13 Soviet-era MiG-29 warplanes to Ukraine, becoming the second NATO member to announce such a shipment in the last 24 hours, following Poland’s similar move. Slovakia’s Prime Minister Eduard Heger announced the decision at a news conference on Friday, noting that his government was “on the right side of history.” Meanwhile, Poland’s President Andrzej Duda did not specify the total number of MiGs it plans to send, but confirmed that four jets will arrive in Ukraine in the coming days.
Asia-Pacific
The Taiwanese government has been urged to study and adopt Finland’s concept of military reserves to bolster its readiness for a potential Chinese invasion. The suggestion was recently made public by British lawmaker Tobias Ellwood when interviewed by the Central News Agency. He stated that he is aware of the growing pressure Beijing is putting on Taiwan, which the Asian military superpower claims.
Today’s Video
WATCH: Slovakia, Poland to donate MiG-29 jets to Ukraine | Latest English News | WION
