Americas
Bell Boeing won a $11.5 million modification, which adds scope to procure three shipsets of proprotor gearboxes in support of the Nacelle Improvements Step 2 requirement for CV-22 aircraft. Work will be performed in Amarillo, Texas; Fort Worth, Texas; and Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, and is expected to be completed in January 2026. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
Canada has signed an agreement with the Czech Republic to explore urgent artillery shell procurement for Ukraine. Details are being worked out. However, Ottawa could invest $22 million for the Czech initiative, CBC News revealed, citing sources. Prague has identified non-EU sources for 800,000 shells, including 500,000 155mm rounds. Czech President Petr Pavel proposed the plan at the Munich Security Conference last week, urging partner nations to help secure financing.
Middle East & Africa
Turkey achieved a major milestone in its quest for self-reliance in advanced military technology with the successful maiden flight of its indigenously developed 5th-generation fighter jet, KAAN, on Februay 21. The aircraft, unveiled publicly last year, completed a 13-minute flight reaching 230 knots and 8,000 feet, according to Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), the project’s lead developer. This initial test marks a significant step forward for the ambitious TF-X program launched in 2016. KAAN currently utilizes two U.S.-made General Electric F-110 engines, commonly employed in F-16s. However, the project intends to transition to domestic engines “almost ready” for serial production slated to begin in 2028.
Europe
Saab secured a four-aircraft deal with Hungary, expanding their Gripen fleet and solidifying the partnership between the two nations. This announcement follows an existing contract for 14 Gripen C/D fighters, bringing Hungary’s total to 18. The agreement strengthens the long-standing defense partnership between Sweden and Hungary. This additional acquisition follows the initial deal in 2001 for 14 Gripen C/D jets, highlighting Hungary’s continued confidence in the platform’s capabilities. The newly ordered Gripen Cs boast advanced capabilities like advanced radar systems and beyond-visual-range air-to-air combat missiles, bolstering Hungary’s air defense capabilities.
Asia-Pacific
ST Engineering has introduced an unmanned ground vehicle that can be equipped with a multirotor drone for improved surveillance. Displayed at the Singapore Air Show 2024, the “Taurus” four-wheel drive robotic vehicle features customizable modularity and mobility to address various military needs. It is designed to support manned-unmanned teaming, as it can operate alongside the company’s eight-wheel drive Terrex s5 infantry fighting vehicle.
South Korea will mass produce a recently-developed extended-range 155mm artillery shell this year. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration announcement followed the conclusion of the Poongsan Corporation shell’s development, Yonhap News Agency reported. The shell development project was launched in 2014, with the round pronounced combat-suitable last year.
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