Americas
Lockheed Martin and Airbus have partnered with GE Aerospace to supply engines for a strategic tanker proposal supporting the US Air Force’s KC-135 recapitalization plan. Under the collaboration, GE will provide the team with its CF6-80E1 propulsion system for the LMXT aircraft being developed by Lockheed. The LMXT is based on the Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft (MRTT) and will eventually replace the air force’s existing KC-135 Stratotanker fleet.
Canadian naval engineering firm Vard Marine unveiled its new offshore patrol vessel (OPV) during the CANSEC 2023 global defense and security trade show in Ottawa. Called the “Vigilance,” the next-generation ship is tailored to meet the needs of the Royal Canadian Navy. According to the company, the OPV balances flexibility, modular adaptability, and size.
Middle East & Africa
BIRD Aerosystems, an Israeli provider of innovative defense technology and solutions that protect the air, sea, and land fleets of governments and related agencies, announced the launch of its new ASIO solution, the ASIO Environmental Monitoring System, at this year’s Paris Air Show. In response to the critical challenge of maritime pollution detection and the imperative to prevent costly and ecologically devastating oil spills, BIRD Aerosystems introduces this new solution, based on the company’s renowned ASIO task force.
Europe
NATO will begin the largest air force deployment exercise in Europe in the alliance’s history next week, German and US officials said on Wednesday. “Air Defender 23” led by Germany will take place over around 10 days starting Monday and include some 220 military aircraft from 25 NATO and partner countries.
Asia-Pacific
Japan’s Ministry of Defense announced on June 6 that it was awarded contracts to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries for research development work on new missile technologies. Kawasaki Heavy Industries is tasked with developing a new coastal anti-ship missile. For the first time, a cutaway drawing of the weapon has been released to the public. The air-breathing missile has a pair of wings that swing out and a set of four fins behind. The nose section has two separate sensors, in a top-bottom layout.
Multiple Russian and Chinese military jets entered South Korea’s air defense identification zone on Tuesday, Seoul’s military said, prompting the air force to dispatch fighter planes in response. Four Russian and four Chinese military aircraft entered the zone off South Korea’s east and south coasts around lunchtime Tuesday, Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a statement. An air defense identification zone is an area wider than a country’s airspace in which it tries to control aircraft for security reasons, but the concept is not defined in any international treaty.
Today’s Video
WATCH: Vard Marine launches the Vigilance-Class OPV for Royal Canadian Navy
