Americas
Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) have commenced midlife upgrade (MLU) studies for the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft. The A-29, currently utilized by the FAB for training, air interception, and surveillance missions, as well as by the renowned Air Demonstration Squadron (EDA), known as the “Smoke Squadron,” will undergo enhancements to meet evolving requirements. The upgrade encompasses a variety of enhancements that can significantly benefit the FAB. These include a fifth-generation avionics system with expansion capacity, upgraded navigation and communication systems, expanded weapons systems, and improved surveillance and self-protection sensors. Additionally, the upgrades will provide increased situational awareness through improved human-machine interface.
The Brazilian Air Force has taken delivery of its sixth C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft from Embraer. The aircraft is the country’s first in the full operational capability (FOC) configuration, confirming that it meets all requirements set by the service. According to the company, the newly-delivered C-390 can now carry out all missions for which it was designed, including cargo transport and aerial refueling.
Middle East & Africa
Israel is negotiating the sale of Merkava main battle tanks with two countries. The negotiations are at an “advanced” stage with the potential customers, including a European country, head of the Defense Export Division at the Ministry of Defense Yair Koles told Calcalist. This could be the tank’s first sale to a European country.
Europe
French President Emmanuel Macron made significant strides in garnering support from France’s European Union allies for a more self-reliant defense strategy in contrast to Germany’s efforts to procure air defense systems from non-European sources. The plan announced by Germany in October, in collaboration with 14 NATO allies, to acquire systems with components from the United States and Israel, had previously sparked tensions between Germany and France. The initiative aimed to protect allied territories from missile attacks in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
German submarine builder ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems has signed a pact with Indian shipyard Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. that would secure local manufacturing in the event the Indian Navy taps the German vendor for new boats, TKMS announced June 7.
Asia-Pacific
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations has moved its first-ever joint drills, Indonesia’s military said Tuesday, edging them away from waters disputed by China. The bloc’s joint exercises were initially slated for the North Natuna Sea, which Indonesia claims as its exclusive economic zone but where Beijing’s ships occasionally patrol.
Today’s Video
WATCH: Mistral MANPADS weapons system
