Americas
Boeing won a §200 million modification, which procures critical long lead material and associated efforts in support of maintaining the full rate production timeline for the congressionally added F/A-18E/F aircraft. Work will be performed in El Segundo, California (68.9%); St Louis, Missouri (20.2%); Goleta, California (2.5%); East Aurora, New York (1.7%); Blossom, Texas (1.3%); Longueuil, Québec Canada (1.3%); Vandalia, Ohio (1.1%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (3%), and is expected to be completed in June 2025.
In a move aimed at bolstering flight safety and mission effectiveness, the US Air Force has signed a contract with Thales, a renowned defense technology company, to acquire six man-portable Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) systems. This collaboration marks a significant stride in equipping Air Force pilots with cutting-edge tools for ensuring successful mission outcomes. Under the contract, Thales will supply the U.S. Air Force with man-portable TACAN systems, reaffirming their expertise and commitment to advancing aviation technology. These systems, which act as beacons in the sky, will provide valuable non-precision approach and en route capabilities to enhance the safety and navigation abilities of Air Force aircraft.
Middle East & Africa
Iran said it has successfully tested an indigenously-developed hypersonic ballistic missile and it will soon be unveiled. The missile can penetrate “all air defense missile systems” and detonate the enemy’s anti-missile systems, Tasnim News Agency wrote, citing the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ aerospace force General Amir Ali Hajizadeh. Hajizadeh added that the missile can fly at a speed of Mach 12-13 and “maneuver both in and out of the earth’s atmosphere.”
Europe
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed negotiations with British defense giant BAE Systems to establish a weapons production facility in Kyiv. The factory will facilitate the local manufacture of arms and equipment to build the country’s military arsenal to resist Russian forces. According to Zelensky, the potential venture would help address the continuing need for a wide range of weapons, such as tanks and artillery systems, amid heavy fighting in some strategic locations in Ukraine.
Asia-Pacific
South Korea has concluded developmental trials of its long-range surface-to-air missile (L-SAM) system. Trial conclusion follows the indigenous platform’s third successful trial out of four earlier this week, South Korean media reported, citing the Agency for Defense Development. The final trial included testing the system’s “ground equipment, including multi-function radar and engagement control station, and its interception capabilities,” The Korea Herald explained.
CAE, a global defense and security leader, has delivered the first production Magnetic Anomaly Detection-Extended Role (MAD-XR) system for Japan’s P-1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA). This advanced system marks a significant milestone in strengthening Japan’s maritime defense capabilities. The MAD-XR system, a highly sensitive magnetometer, detects changes in the earth’s magnetic field and plays a vital role in Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations. Built on CAE’s 60-year expertise in MAD sensors, the MAD-XR offers increased range, sensitivity, and reduced size, weight, and power requirements.
Today’s Video
WATCH: TACAN FOR DUMMIES
