Americas
Brazil is in discussions about the possibility of extending its initial order of Saab Gripen E fighter jets from 36 to 40. The Defense Minister, Jose Mucio, confirmed that the Brazilian Air Force has expressed the need for additional aircraft and they are currently studying the matter. The 2014 agreement between Brazil and Saab, the Swedish manufacturer, aimed to modernize Brazil’s Air Force with an order for 36 fighters. The agreement also included the potential for future production of the aircraft locally. Delivery of the jets have already begun with the first aircraft already delivered to Brazil. Negotiations are underway for the potential expansion of the order. According to an anonymous source, the negotiations could involve forgoing some equipment and ammunition in exchange for credit toward the purchase of four additional aircraft. The exact number of additional aircraft to be purchased has not yet been determined.
Leonardo DRS has announced the introduction of its next-generation power conversion technology to provide “available and reliable electrical power” for US Navy ships. According to the company, its new 6KVA Uninterruptible Power Supply represents “the next step in providing conditioned backup power to command, control, and communication systems where a clean, reliable power supply is mission critical.”
Middle East & Africa
According to Politico, China and Russia are in talks with Iran to replenish the Islamic Republic’s supply of a key chemical compound used to propel ballistic missiles. Diplomats say, the move would mark a clear violation of United Nations sanctions and possibly help Moscow replenish its depleted stock of rockets. Reportedly, Teheran has held concurrent negotiations with officials and government-controlled entities from both countries, including the state-owned Russian chemical maker FKP Anozit, to acquire large amounts of ammonium perchlorate, or AP, the main ingredient in solid propellants used to power missiles, said the diplomats, who requested anonymity in order to discuss confidential information.
Lockheed Martin won a $17.8 million modification, which adds scope to provide a depot maintenance activation plan in support of establishing initial depot capability for the F-35 air vehicle for the Government of Israel. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in December 2024.
Europe
Lockheed Martin and the F-35 Joint Program Office have signed a $225 million capability support contract for the UK’s F-35 fleet. BAE Systems will act as subcontractor under the contract, providing most of the personnel at the Royal Air Force (RAF) Marham air base.
Asia-Pacific
On April 10, Rear Admiral Supasit Buranatos, the commander of the Royal Thai Navy’s Air and Coastal Defense Command unit, along with his commanding officers, visited the military training grounds in Sattahip district, Chonburi province to observe the testing and training of the FK-3 medium-range air defense system. The testing and training involved using the FK-3 missile system to test its detection and operational capabilities. This system is linked to the air situation picture from a mobile radar and from the Air Force.
Today’s Video
WATCH: The 8 Fighter Jets that will enter service this year in 2023
