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Dec 13, 2019 05:00 UTC
Americas
The US Defense Advanced Research Project Agency awarded BAE Systems to develop new cyber tools designed to help prevent vulnerabilities in electronic files that can lead to cyberattacks. The development ist part of the DARPA’s Safe Documents (SafeDocs) program. Aim of the program is to more effectively identify and reject malicious data in a variety of electronic formats. Every day, individuals and organizations in military, government and commercial industries receive electronic content, such as Portable Document Format (PDF) and digital media files, from unauthorized or potentially compromised sources, which creates security risks. BAE Systems will create two cyber tools. The first tool seeks to recover, simplify, and automatically select safe feature subsets within electronic data formats to help encode the data safely and unambiguously, while the second is a toolkit to help software developers avoid vulnerabilities in the software they create to process complex electronic data.
Bell-Boeing delivered the first MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft to go through the US Department of Defense’s Common Configuration Readiness And Modernization program back to the Marine Corps. The company announced on December 10 that the first of 129 Block B MV-22s to be upgraded to the latest Block C standard was delivered back to Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, from the recently opened production line at its Philadelphia plant in Pennsylvania. As a Block B configuration, this MV-22 was originally delivered to the fleet in 2005. In 2018, the aircraft flew from Marine Corps Air Station New River back to the Boeing Philadelphia facility for modernization. The next CC-RAM delivery is expected in early 2020.
Middle East & Africa
The Israeli Defense Force inducted two configurations of Elbit Systems’ XACT family of Weapon Sights. The IDF recently selected the company to provide thousands of its XACT th65 and XACT th64 uncooled thermal imaging weapon sights to marksmen of both Infantry and Special Operation Forces. Last year, the company concluded delivery of 4,800XACTth65 weapon sights to the Australian Army. In a Clip-on or Stand Alone configuration, the compact XACT weapon sights enable effective operation in day and night. Featuring a high resolution colored OLED display, image processing capabilities and a Region of Interest algorithm, XACT weapon sights enable effective target engagement even under degraded visibility conditions.
Burkina Faso placed an order with Airbus for a single C295W transport aircraft, the company announced on December 11. No specific timeline for delivery was disclosed. The procurement comes under the Burkinabe Military Programming Law covering the period 2018–22, which the country’s parliament approved in 2017 with a budget of $1.2 billion to reform and re-equip the armed forces. The new aircraft will fill a long-standing capability gap within the Burkinabe Air Force, which has lacked a dedicated transport aircraft since its single PTDI NC235-220 was grounded several years ago.
Europe
The French Air Force’s 16th A400M arrived at Orléans-Bricy Air Base on December 4. The arrival followed its acceptance by the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA). The aircraft was the first A400M capable of dropping a 16-tonne load and perform air-to-air refueling. A tactical military transport aircraft with a strategic range, the A400M Atlas has been operational since 2015 and allows the Air Force to carry out regular missions to all overseas operation theaters and overseas locations. It also played a key role during the 2017 airlift following hurricane “Irma.” It is designed to carry up to 37 tons of equipment and carry out all transport missions, including assault landing on semi-prepared strips, parachuting personnel and equipment, in-flight refueling and medical evacuations.
Asia-Pacific
South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) awarded local shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction (HHIC) a $264.5 million contract to build four additional Solgae (LSF-II) Class high-speed hovercraft for the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN). The 90-tonne hovercraft, which have a top speed of 40 kt, will join four similar craft, two of which are already in service with the RoKN, with the other two currently being built at HHIC’s Yeongdo Shipyard in Busan under a $125.9 million contract awarded in 2016. The first pair of hovercraft was delivered in mid-2007 for deployment from RoKS Dokdo, the service’s first landing platform helicopter amphibious assault ship. The other two hovercraft, which are set to be delivered in 2021, are likely to be deployed from Marado , the RoKN’s second Dokdo Class LPH, which was launched in May 2017 and is set to be handed over to the service by the end of 2020.
Today’s Video
Watch: GDA 2019 Web TV Day 1 SSB Turkish defense industry Turkey Gulf defense exhibition in Kuwait
Dec 12, 2019 05:00 UTC
Americas
Raytheon won a $45.1 million delivery order for APG-79 Radar System spare parts. The AN/APG-79 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar is an airborne radar made for F/A-18 E/F aircrafts. It is comprised of numerous solid-state transmit and receive modules to practically eliminate the possibility of mechanical breakdown. With a range of 150 km, the AN/APG-79 provides instantaneous track updates and multi-target tracking capabilities. The AN/APG-79 is strategically valuable because of its active electronic beam scanning. This feature allows the radar beam to be steered at nearly the speed of light, optimizing situational awareness and providing superior air-to-air and air-to-surface capabilities. Performance location will be California. Estimated completion date is December 30, 2022.
Boeing won a $9.5 million delivery order, which provides Harpoon/SLAM-ER missile system and Harpoon launch systems follow-on integrated logistics and engineering services support for the Navy and various Foreign Military Sales customers. The A/U/RGM-84 Harpoon is an anti-ship missile system capable of being launched by aircraft, surface ships, submarines and shore batteries. The Harpoon is a subsonic missile with a range of over 70 miles and a 488-pound blast/fragmentation warhead. It has been in use with upgrades since 1977 and is a standard anti-ship weapon with 28 countries. The AGM-84K Standoff Land Attack Missile-Expanded Response is a longer ranged upgraded version of the original SLAM, which is itself a development of the Harpoon. Work will take place in Missouri and Virginia. Expected completion is February 2022.
Middle East & Africa
The Nigerian Navy ordered a landing ship from Damen. This was confirmed when a ceremony was held at the Albwardy Damen Shipyard in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates to mark the start of construction. The Nigerian Navy released photographs of its commander, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, attending the keel-laying ceremony for an LST 100 and said the ship is expected to be completed in May 2020. The new vessel will replace the landing ships NNS Ambe and NNS Ofiom, which were decommissioned ten years ago. They were Type 502 amphibious vessels built by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) in Germany in 1978. The LST 100 is the 100 m-long version of a new range of landing ships offered by Damen, which says the model has a deadweight displacement of 1,000-1,300 tonnes, a range of 4,000 n miles, and an endurance of 15 days.
Indonesia’s PT Pindad and Ghana’s Ministry of Defense have signed a Letter of Intent as part of efforts exploring the procurement of weapons and equipment. The Letter of Intent was signed in Jakarta, Indonesia, on November 22 by the Managing Director of PT Pindad Abraham Mose with the Ghana Ministry of Defense represented by its Chief Director, Dr Evans A Dzikum. PT Pindad says Ghana “is very interested in defense and industrial products produced by PT Pindad. Ghana’s Defense Minister Dominic BA Nitiwul said he was very interested and committed to buying defense and industrial products produced by Pindad as well as collaborating on joint development of defense products.” Ghana is apparently interested in procuring items including firearms, tactical military vehicles and amphibious vehicles as well as engineering vehicles such as excavators.
Europe
The German Army received its first of seven new Airbus Helicopters H145 rotorcraft on December 10. The H145 Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), one of a batch ordered in late 2018, was handed over some months ahead of schedule. The remaining six will be delivered through to early 2021. The new helicopters will enable the Bundeswehr to begin the process of replacing its aging Bell UH-1D Huey rotorcraft in the domestic search-and-rescue role. The H145 SAR helicopters are equipped with high-performance cameras, searchlights, emergency beacon locator systems, a full suite of medical equipment, and rescue winches and load hooks that can be used for fire-extinguishing buckets.
Asia-Pacific
South Korea is expected to declare initial operating capability (IOC) for its F-35A on December 17. Media reports say the ceremony will be held at 17th Fighter Wing base. So far, 12 aircraft have been delivered. South Korea has so far brought in 10 F-35As, beginning with two in late March, under a plan to deploy a total of 40 fifth-generation jets through 2021. Last month, the Air Force showcased the next-generation fighters to the public for the first time during the Armed Forces Day event. The fighters can fly at a top speed of Mach 1.8 and carry top-of-the-line weapons systems, such as joint direct attack munitions.
Today’s Video
Watch: Indian Defence Updates : TEDBF Air Force Variant,Army Tests Excalibur,India Australia Logistics Pact
Dec 11, 2019 05:00 UTC
Americas
Northrop Grumman Systems won a $9.1 million delivery order in support of the MQ-8C Firescout Unmanned Aircraft System. This order is for the production and delivery of eight AN/ZPY-8 radar modification kits, eight forward access panel modification kits and all associated non-recurring engineering and qualification efforts in support of mission processor unit upgrades. Firescout is an autonomous helicopter system that provides real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Target-acquisition (ISR&T), laser designation, and battle management to tactical users without relying on manned aircraft or space-based assets. It has the ability operate from any air-capable ship or land base in support persistent ISR&T requirements. There are two Fire Scout variants. The smaller MQ-8B Fire Scout has deployed on multiple frigates and is currently deployed on a Littoral Combat Ship. MQ-8B Fire Scout has also deployed to Afghanistan to support counter- improvised explosive device (IED) operations. The MQ-8C Fire Scout is the Navy’s next generation autonomous helicopter. The MQ-8C will be equipped with an upgraded radar that allows for a larger field of view and a range of digital modes including weather detection, air-to-air targeting, and a ground moving target indicator (GMTI). Work will take place in California, Texas, and Philadelphia. Estimated completion will be in April 2021.
Fincantieri Marine Systems won a $18 million modification to provide maintenance support for the Mine Countermeasure-1 Class main propulsion diesel engine and ship service diesel generator. Fincantieri is a leading shipbuilding group dedicated to the construction of cruise ships and large ferries. The Company also specializes in building a wide range of ship types, including frigates, corvettes, patrol vessels and submarines, offshore and mega yachts. Fincantieri has built 70 cruise ships since 1990 and other 14 ships are currently being designed or built in the Group’s yards. In January 2013 Fincantieri acquired STX OSV. The company will perform work in California, Japan and Bahrain. Scheduled completion date is in January 2021.
Middle East & Africa
Israel and the Czech Republic have signed a $125 million government-to-government contract for advanced radar systems from Israel Aerospace Industries subsidiary Elta Systems. The deal provides for the acquisition of eight ELM-2084 Iron Dome Multi-Mission Radars (MMR). The radars, which have air surveillance and air defense capabilities, will be delivered to the Czech defense establishment over a period spanning the years 2021-2023 and will be interoperable with Czech and NATO command and control systems. The government-to-government agreement enables the transfer of cutting-edge technology and know-how from Israel to Czech partners, whose capabilities will be greatly enhanced. Furthermore, the agreement stipulates the involvement of and collaboration with Czech defense industries at 30% of the procurement, indicating that significant parts of the systems will be produced locally.
Europe
Raytheon won a $26 million FMS contract to Poland and Romania for field artillery C3, Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System. The Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFTADS) is employed by the US Army and US Marine Corps units to provide automated support for planning, coordinating, controlling and executing fires and effects. AFTADS supports weapon systems such as mortars, field artillery cannons, rockets, close air support, attack helicopters, and Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) systems. Work will take place in Woburn, Massachusetts, with an estimated completion date of December 19, 2021.
Asia-Pacific
The Korean Airlines won a $213 million contract for A-10 Pacific Air Force depot support. This contract provides depot support for A-10 aircraft that are stationed in South Korea. A-10s deployed to Korea are based at Osan, south of Seoul. KAL-ASD will perform support work at its MRO facility in Busan. The company also supports other USAF aircraft. The US Air Force introduced the A-10 in 1976 as a close air support aircraft. It is heavily armed, with one 30mm GAU-8/A seven-barrel Gatling gun and up to 7,200kg (16,000lb) of mixed ordnance, according to Boeing. Estimated completion date is December 31, 2029.
The Japan Coast Guard will stop purchasing and operate Chinese-made drones starting from fiscal 2020, Nikkei reports. The service currently uses those drones for rescue and surveillance activities. The drones are reasonably priced and perform well but will be replaced by non-Chinese models. The US Defense Department has banned the purchase and use of Chinese-made drones. China`s DJI, the world`s biggest drone maker, is the chief target. Out of consideration of Washington`s position, Tokyo is strengthening its economic security regulations and systems. The Japan Coast Guard`s move is part of these efforts.
Today’s Video
Watch: Strike Brigade: Testing The British Army’s Newest Concept | Forces TV
Dec 10, 2019 05:00 UTC
Americas
Lockheed Martin won a $153.4 million contract modification, which procures special tooling and special test equipment required to meet current and future F-35 Lightning II low-rate initial production as well as full-rate production rates. The modification uses aircraft funds from fiscal 2018, 2019 and 2020 and combines purchasing funds of $55.8 million from the Air Force, $51.9 million from the Navy and $22.2 million from the Marine Corps, as well as $17.6 million from non-US Department of Defense partners and $5.8 million from Foreign Military Sales funds. The F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter. It has three main models: the conventional takeoff and landing F-35A (CTOL), the short takeoff and vertical-landing F-35B (STOVL), and the catapult-assisted take-off but arrested recovery, carrier-based F-35C (CATOBAR). Work on the contract will take place at a variety of locations inside and outside the United States, with the bulk of the work taking place in Rome, Italy, and Redondo Beach, California. Estimated completion will be in December 2023.
Lockheed Martin Rotary Mission Systems won a $21.4 million deal for the procurement of long-lead-time material for two Virginia Block V hulls, one Virginia installation and checkout kit, one pre-production unit and associated hardware assets to support environmental qualification testing. This effort will award the procurement of Navy equipment. On December 2, the US Navy tapped General Dynamics Electric Boat to be the lead contractor for the newest iteration of the Virginia Class Attack submarine. Block V is destined to be a multimission submarine, with a strike capability and the ability to delivery large-diameter unmanned underwater vehicles in addition to the more traditional surveillance mission. Lockheed Martin will perform work in Syracuse, New York. Estimated completion date is in December 2020.
Middle East & Africa
The US Army awarded General Dynamics Land Systems a $21.5 million Foreign Military Sales to Kuwait. The FMS is for contractor logistics services, maintenance training and technical assistance. One bid was solicited via the internet with one bid received. Performance location is Kuwait City, Kuwait. Expected completion will be on December 5, 2023.
BlueForce Inc. won a $15.7 million contract modification for continued support for the Royal Saudi Air Force English language training outside the continental US program. The deal involves 100 per cent FMS To the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Work will take place at King Abdul Aziz Air Base in Saudi Arabia. Estimated completion date is January 3, 2024.
Europe
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic went to Colonel-pilot Milenko Pavlovi? Air Base to inspect the new Mi-35M, Mi-17 and H-145M helicopters that the country acquired recently, local media reports. The president highlighted the multi-functionality of the technologically advanced European and Russian helicopters and their strength in deterrence. “We’ve never had a modern helicopter squadron before… We have implemented difficult reforms and managed to ensure that our military has sufficient strength. These are the keepers of our country and our sky and we are happy and proud to have them in our country,” Vucic said.
Asia-Pacific
South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) signed a contract with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to update the Link 16 tactical datalink system for the Republic of Korea Air Force’s (RoKAF’s) fleet of FA-50 light attack aircraft, according to Jane’s. The FA-50 Link 16 Performance Improvement Project aims to enhance security in the encryption system and harden it against interference. DAPA has also plans to sign contracts in the first half of 2020 for similar updates to be performed on nine other platform types, including E-737 airborne early warning and control aircraft, F-15K fighters and KDX-III Aegis-equipped destroyers.
Today’s Video
Watch: Indian Defence Updates : Arjun MK1A Clears Trials,4 More Apache Delivery,India China Exercise 2019
Dec 09, 2019 05:00 UTC
Americas
General Dynamics won a $145.8 million cost-plus-award-fee modification to exercise an option for Destroyer Designated Guided or Guided Missile Destroyer Planning Yard Services. The modification exercise is for the continuation of integrated planning yard services for Arleigh Burke Class ships. DDG 51 Arleigh Burke destroyers are warships that provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities. Destroyers can operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, amphibious ready groups, and underway replenishment groups. Work will take place in Bath, Maine, and is expected to be finished by January 2021.
For twice a year, a B-25J warbird will travel to the US Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS) at NAS Patuxent River to allow students to broaden their experience by flying the aircraft. Larry Kelley, owner of the B-25J nicknamed “Panchito”, has been doing it for the past 16 years and is only one of three qualified to fly the warbird as part of the school’s Qualitative Evaluation program.
Middle East & Africa
The US Air Force awarded Alliant Techsystems a $37.8 million modification for contractor logistic support for the Iraqi Air Force’s Cessna 208 and 172 fleet. The Cessna 208 is a utility aircraft. The aircraft is in operation in 70 countries worldwide and is known for its capability to use rough fields and airstrips, its economical operation and versatility for high speeds and heavy loads. The Cessna Skyhawk 172 is a high-wing, single-engine piston training aircraft. The Skyhawk 172 will be used to support CAP’s aerial reconnaissance, emergency response, disaster relief, and search and rescue (SAR) missions as well as for glider towing. CAP is a federally-supported non-profit organization and is the auxiliary of the US Air Force. Work will take place in Iraq. Estimated completion will be by December 31, 2020.
South African trade union Solidarity is asking the government to drop mandatory inspections of military exports, on the basis that these measures would damage the national defense industry. Under the National Conventional Arms Control Act (NCACA), which is administered by the government’s National Conventional Arms Control Committee, countries procuring South African-made defense equipment are required to allow inspections, to ensure that controlled items are not sold without permission to third parties. The mandatory inspections were confirmed on November 27 in a statement from the South African Parliamentary Committee on Defense.
Europe
Saab announced that it has delivered the Deployable Maintenance Facility (DAM) to the Hungarian Air Force. DAM is a mobile solution that enables enhanced maintenance capacity for aircraft and other vehicles combined with superior protection. The delivery stems from a contract signed between Saab and the Hungarian Ministry of Defense in December 2018. DAM provides capability equivalent to stationary maintenance infrastructure. The official handover took place at a delivery ceremony at Pápa on December 5. The Hungarian Air Force is currently operating 14 Gripen C/D fighter aircraft on a lease-purchase agreement with the Swedish government. DAM will provide an increased level of flexibility and reduce their dependency on stationary infrastructure for maintenance and protection of their Gripen fleet, Saab said.
Asia-Pacific
Sonardyne International has been awarded a contract by General Electric’s Power Conversion business to provide underwater positioning and tracking technology for the Republic of Korea Navy’s (RoKN’s) future 5,200-tonne auxiliary submarine rescue ship (ASR-II). In a press release the UK-based company said the ASR-II will be fitted with the Ranger 2 Ultra-Short BaseLine (USBL) system, which will interface aboard the vessel with GE’s Seastream Dynamic Position (DP) control system “providing accurate and fast position reference updates during critical station keeping activities”. The Ranger 2 onboard the ASR-II will also be used to simultaneously track the position of, and communicate with, Sonardyne instrumentation fitted to the new, untethered Deep Search and Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) that is being acquired from UK-based subsea engineering, operations, and services group JFD to operate from the ASR-II, which is expected to be delivered to the RoKN by the end of 2022.
Today’s Video
Watch: PEAN19 French Carrier Strike Group Training – Teaser
Dec 06, 2019 05:00 UTC
Americas
Raytheon won a $28.9 million contract modification for fiscal 2020 Standard Missile-2 and Standard Missile-6 repairs and maintenance and support material. The modification combines purchases for the Navy as well as the government of the Kingdom of Spain under the Foreign Military Sales program. The deal will provide for engineering and technical support, depot and intermediate level repair, maintenance and recertification of standard missiles, sections, assemblies, subassemblies, components for fiscal 2020. The Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) is a fleet-area air defense weapon that provides anti-air warfare and limited anti-surface warfare capability against today’s advanced anti-ship missiles and aircraft. The Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) retains the Standard Missile airframe and propulsion elements and incorporates the advanced signal processing and guidance control capabilities of the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). It is the latest addition to the Standard Missile family of fleet air defense missiles and provides Joint Force and Strike Force Commanders fleet air defense against fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and land-attack anti-ship cruise missiles in flight. Work under the modification will take place in Arkansas, Arizona and California and expected completion is in December 2020.
L3 Technologies won a $37.5 million deal with a five-year ordering period for precision aiming lasers (PAL). This is a first-time buy for PAL. The PAL combines a range finder with a ballistics and environmental sensor/processor to provide the operator with a ballistic solution for increased likelihood of first-round hit. This procurement is in support of US Special Operations Command, Visual Augmentation Systems Weapons Accessories Program. The Precision Aiming Laser (PAL) combines the range finder with a ballistics and environmental sensor/processor for the Advanced Sniper Rifle for 50-1500 meter system accuracy. L3 Technologies will perform work in Londonderry, New Hampshire and is expected to be finished by November 2024.
Middle East & Africa
Morocco and Saudi Arabia have discussed closer defense-industrial cooperation within the framework of their existing military relationship. Participants in the second meeting of the Moroccan-Saudi Military Joint Commission discussed areas of common interest, including efforts to improve interoperability between the two countries’ Armed Forces. Officials also pledged to continue cooperation activities in 2020. During the gathering, the joint committee discussed various aspects of military cooperation, welcomed the positiv outcome of the cooperation and praised the partnership between the Armed Forces of the two countries. Under a military and technical cooperation agreement, signed in December 2015, the two countries committed to co-operate on training, industrial development, logistical support and other services.
Europe
Saab inked a deal for a mid-life upgrade program of the German Army’s AGDUS combat vehicle simulators. The contract is valued at $18.9 million. The deal means that the German Army’s AGDUS BT 46 system is being upgraded to the latest generation technology. The upgrade includes high fidelity training, wireless technology and augmented reality injected into sights. It also integrates with fire control systems, provides true vehicle silhouette and full ballistic laser simulation. The system is configurable for different vehicle platforms and fully compatible with previous generations.
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS has secured a contract from Germany to deliver a Counter Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) based on the PROTECTOR Remote Weapon Station. The main sensor will be a Hensoldt Spexer 3rd generation radar and the weapon is a 40 mm Automatic Grenade launcher with airburst ammunition. Germany is the first country to acquire a C-UAS solution with the PROTECTOR as a kinetic effector. The emergence of inexpensive, small unmanned aerial systems (UAS), also referred to as drones, poses a relatively new threat to both military units as well as civilian infrastructure and events, such as airports, government buildings, power plants, political gatherings and sporting events.
Asia-Pacific
Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has told France that New Delhi wants 8-10 Meteor air-to-air missiles delivered with the four Rafale fighters that are scheduled to reach home in May next year, local media reports. The contract for the jets and weapons had stipulated that the missiles were to be delivered several months after the jets are delivered home. An IAF induction team of pilots, engineers and technicians is currently undergoing training in France, which has so far handed over three Rafales to India. Meteor is an active radar guided beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) developed by MBDA.
Today’s Video
Watch: ExpoDefensa 2019 Day 1 International Defense and Security Exhibition in Bogota Colombia Show News
Dec 05, 2019 05:00 UTC
Americas
Huntington Ingalls won an $11.5 million contract to accomplish 12 months of execution planning for the repair and alteration requirements for USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78 – aircraft carrier/nuclear propulsion) planned incremental availability. The contracted requirements include the advance planning, design, documentation, engineering, procurement, ship checks, fabrication and preliminary shipyard or support facility work. USS Gerald R Ford (CVN 78) was delivered to the US Navy in May 2017. CVN 78 will replace USS Enterprise (CVN 65), which entered service in 1961 and decommissioned in 2017. Work will take place in Virginia and is expected to be finished by September 2020.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) tapped BAE Systems to develop software that will enable semi-autonomous multi-domain mission planning. The technology will be designed for military operators to leverage battlespace resources from across various domains, such as space, air, land, and sea, for more effective, efficient missions. Military operators currently use manual processes to assess availability and coordinate use of sensors, communications, weapons, and other assets across domains. DARPA’s Adapting Cross-Domain Kill-Webs program will seek to help operators adapt to dynamic situations with software technology that automatically identifies the best options. BAE Systems will create software called Multi-domain Adaptive Request Service (MARS).
Middle East & Africa
The Saudi International Petrochemical Company (Sipchem) affiliate Wahaj confirmed that it is working with French aircraft equipment company Rafaut to establish local production facilities in Saudi Arabia, with knowledge and technology transfer. Jane’s reports that during the Dubai Air Show last month the two companies signed a co-operation agreement. Wahaj General Manager Ayman Al-Hazmi said the localization deal reflects its development strategy to become a “global supplier of aviation components”. Rafaut designs and develops auxiliary equipment and non-structural components for military aircraft.
Europe
Saab received an order from the Latvian Armed Forces for deliveries of the shoulder-launched disposable AT4 weapon system. Deliveries will take place in 2021. The order is the third placed within the framework agreement signed in 2017 between Saab and the Latvian Armed Forces. The framework agreement allows the Latvian Armed Forces to place orders for AT4 systems. Saab’s single shot AT4 weapon system is combat proven and provides the capabilities required for mission success, including night and confined space capabilities. Since the introduction in the mid 1980’s, the AT4 has been exported to more than 15 countries worldwide.
Asia-Pacific
The city of Kolkata, India might get an Indian Navy Sea Harrier for display. The city is currently preparing to have a museum displaying a retired Tu-142 and the Sea Harrier might join it. The West Bengal government is setting up a museum featuring the ‘Albatross’ and it is likely to be thrown open to the public by mid-2020, Naval Officer-in-charge, Bengal Area, Commodore Suprobho De told reporters. The Navy is also considering to offer a decommissioned Sea Harrier plane to the city during future talks with the state government, he said.
India’s Strategic Forces Command (SFC) test launched a short-range nuclear capable ballistic missiles at night as part of its annual training cycle to validate the combat readiness of the Indian Army’s missile forces. The Prithvi-II tactical surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missiles was test fired from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) on Dr. Abdul Kalam Island in the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Odisha at nighttime on December 3. It was the second test firing of a Prithvi-II ballistic missile at night in less than two weeks.
Today’s Video
Watch: Naval Group IHC Team for the Dutch Walrus Submarine Replacement Program
Dec 04, 2019 05:00 UTC
Americas
General Dynamics won a $22.2 modification for construction of nine Virginia Class submarines, eight with Virginia Payload Module (VPM), from fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2023. The contract modification includes spare material and an option for one additional submarine with VPM. The deal is for the construction of the fifth block of Virginia Class submarines by General Dynamics Electric Boat and major subcontractor Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding division, inclusive of design support and all efforts necessary to test and deliver each submarine. The Block V submarines built from 2019 onward will have an additional Virginia Payload Module. mid-body section, increasing their overall length. The VPM will add four more VPTs of the same diameter and greater height, located on the centerline, carrying up to seven Tomahawk missiles apiece, that would replace some of the capabilities lost when the SSGN conversion Ohio Class subs are retired from the fleet. Work under the modification will take place in Virginia, Rhode Island, Connecticut, California, Pennsylvania and Maryland. Work is scheduled to be complete by August 2029.
The US Navy awarded L-3 Technologies a $10 million modification to procure eight Common Data Link Hawklink AN/SRQ-4 systems for the MH-60R aircraft. AN/SRQ-4 is the shipboard element of a situational awareness system that links the MH-60R helicopter with surface warships in the area. The L3 Technologies’ next-generation AN/SRQ-4 provides Command/Control, sensor data transfer, data link operation and comprehensive built-in test. CDL Hawklink offers real time exploitation of aircraft sensors, extending situational awareness over the horizon. L3 Technologies’ Communication Systems produces network and communication systems, secure communications products, radio frequency components, satellite communication terminals and space, microwave and telemetry products. Work under the contract modification will take place in Salt Lake City, Utah, and estimated completion is in December 2022.
Middle East & Africa
Kellogg Brown and Root Services won a $14.1 contract modification for base operations support services at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Kingdom of Bahrain. Work will provide for, but is not limited to, all management, supervision, tools, materials, supplies, labor and transportation services necessary to perform security operations, galley services, unaccompanied housing, facility management, emergency service requests, urgent service, routing service, facilities investment, custodial, pest control service, integrated solid waste, grounds maintenance, utility management, wastewater, operate reverse osmosis water treatment system, chiller and transportation at NSA Kingdom of Bahrain. Work will take place at NSA Kingdom of Bahrain. Option period is from December 2019 to November 2020.
Europe
Saab inked a contract in support of the German Army. The company will help with the operation of their Combat Training Center Gefechtsübungszentrum Heer (GÜZ). The deal is valued at $91.3 million. Work includes management and maintenance of all live simulation training equipment, communication infrastructure and the exercise control center. Saab will provide additional logistical services such as the servicing of vehicles and radio equipment, storage and handling of weapons and ammunition, transportation of military personnel and the overall sustainment of GÜZ. Saab has partnered once more with Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft mbH (FFG),
Asia-Pacific
A military expert from China said on a China Central Television (CCTV) program that the country has another hypersonic weapon besides the DF-17. The expert says the Xingkong-2 (Starry Sky-2) is still under development and not ready for deployment. Analysts said unlike the DF-17, the Xingkong-2 is protected by fairing during launch. “From the test subjects that were made available to the public, the Xingkong-2 (Starry Sky-2) might use a different flight pattern to the DF-17,” said military expert Ma Jun on Military Time, a China Central Television (CCTV) program on military affairs, on Saturday, without further elaboration. The Xingkong-2 Ma referred to is the first Chinese waverider hypersonic vehicle unveiled by the country, dating a year earlier than the DF-17.
A F-16 pilot assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing was ejected from his aircraft during a routine landing near Kunsan Air Base, South Korea at approximately 3:30 pm local time on December 2. The Wing said in a press release that the pilot suffered minor injuries and has been transported to a medical facility. The pilot was the only person onboard the aircraft. The aircraft was assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base, South Korea.
Today’s Video
Watch: Strike Brigade: Testing The British Army’s Newest Concept | Forces TV
Dec 03, 2019 05:00 UTC
Americas
The United States will reportedly reduce its financial contribution to NATO in a largely symbolic gesture announced a week before the military bloc’s annual summit. Member nations agreed to a new formula for NATO’s common funding, under which the United States will pay about 16 percent of the alliance’s budget, a drop from the current 22 percent. This covers the amount of about $150 million, funding that covers the cost of NATO’s Brussels headquarters and limited military operations. Trump has insisted that other NATO countries pay more for their defense since the 2016 presidential campaign. He has also expressed doubts on NATO’s viability and value as it approaches its 70th year of operation. European members and Canada will now see their cost shares increase while that of the United States will decline, an unidentified NATO official said Wednesday.
The Ecuadorian Air Force ordered six H145M multipurpose helicopters for defense and security missions. Additionally Airbus will provide a training and support package. No contract value or delivery timeline for the helicopters was disclosed. The new helicopters will be assigned to the 22 Fighter Wing at Guayaquil and will be tasked with transport, search and rescue, combat, medical evacuation, surveillance, and security missions. The service is replacing its Indian-built HAL Dhruv helicopters with this new platform. Ecuador bought seven such helicopters a decade ago, four of which were lost in accidents with the remaining three being grounded.
Middle East & Africa
Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed that they have downed a Saudi Apache helicopter and killed its two crewmembers near the Yemeni-Saudi border, Al Jazeera reports. “A Saudi Apache helicopter was shot down by a surface-to-air missile… and its two pilots were killed as it was completely burned,” the group’s military spokesman, Yahya Sarea, said in a Twitter post. There was no Saudi confirmation of the group’s allegation. On Thursday, some 128 Houthi rebels held in Saudi Arabia were released and flown to the Yemeni capital Sanaa. A senior official in Riyadh said it had an “open channel” with rebels to end the five-year conflict.
Europe
General Designer of the Luch Design Bureau in Kiev, Ukraine, Oleh Korostelyov reportedly told Defense Express that development testing phase of the Neptune anti-ship missile is completed and will now move to operational testing. At a recent test on November 28, the missile flew a distance of 250km. The next stages of the testing will be essential to examine the combat characteristics of the missile. The R-360 missile weighs 870 kg; the weight of its warhead is 150 kg; its launch range is up to 280 km and speed is about 900 km/h. It is able to get at a height of from 3 m to 10 m above the surface.
Asia-Pacific
Japan’s Defense Minister disclosed that the Indian Air Force will be sending its Su-30MKI to Japan for training next year. Tar? K?no was saying to reporters at the sideline of the first “two-plus-two” dialog in New Delhi. The meeting in New Delhi took place for about 2 hours and a joint statement was announced centering on the advancement of the Indo-Pacific concept. The countries expressed willingness to continue to strengthen cooperation in the region toward the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
India has carried out the first night launch of its Agni-III intermediate-range ballistic missile on November 30. The missile was fired from a mobile launcher at the Integrated Test Range in Odisha. The flight test of the intermediate-range missile, which has a strike range of over 3,500 km, was part of a user trial by the Army, sources said. The missile, which has a length of 17 m, a diameter of 2 m and launch weight of around 50 tonnes, has been inducted into the Armed Forces. The Strategic Forces Command of the Indian Army with logistic support from the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) carried out the trials at launch complex-4 of the ITR.
Today’s Video
Watch: Naval News Monthly Report – Episode 10 – November 2019
Dec 02, 2019 05:00 UTC
Americas
Bell Boeing won a $218.7 million contract modification for performance based logistics and engineering support for the V-22 platform. Using customers are Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Foreign Military Sales to Japan. The V-22 Osprey was developed to carry troops, ordnance and supplies into the battlefield as a presumed replacement for the aging AV-8b Harrier. It is the world’s only tilt-rotor aircraft, meaning that it can fly in multiple configurations: with the propellers pointing forward in a traditional aircraft stance, or the rotors can be rotated to take off in the same way as a helicopter. Work will take place in Texas and Pennsylvania. Estimated completion date is November 30, 2020.
Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems won a $74.7 million contract or design agent engineering services for networks and network user systems on operational landing platform/dock LPD-17 Class amphibious transport dock ships. LPD-17 or San Antonio Class landing platform dock is the latest class of amphibious force ship for the US Navy. The mission of the San Antonio Class is to transport the US Marine Corps ‘mobility triad’, comprising advanced, amphibious assault vehicles (AAAVs), landing craft air-cushion (LCAC) and the MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft around the world. Construction of the first ship of 12, the San Antonio (LPD 17), began in June 2000. The ship’s keel was laid in December 2000. It was launched in July 2003 and commissioned in January 2006. The San Antonio is home-ported at the Norfolk naval base, Virginia. The vessel achieved initial operating capability (IOC) in May 2008 and made its first deployment in August 2008 as part of the Iwo Jima expeditionary strike group. Work under the deal will take place in California, Virginia and Florida. Expected completion is in December 2024.
Middle East & Africa
Jane’s reports that Iraq received its final Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) T-50IQ Fighting Eagle light fighter and trainer aircraft. This delivery of the 24th T-50IQ marks the end of the six-year procurement process that was launched in December 2013. The Iraq Air Force fields the twin-seat T-50IQ primarily as a lead-in fighter trainer for its 36 Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters. The aircraft can be armed with air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, machine guns and precision-guided bombs.
Europe
Britain’s defense ties with the EU after Brexit are still uncertain, writes Martin Bank for Defense News. EU member states have yet to decide on a legal framework for third-party participation. Adm. Rob Bauer, chief of defense in The Netherlands, told Defense News he believes it is imperative that the UK remains very closely involved in such projects. British future involvement in EU-led initiatives such as the European Defence Fund and PESCO (Permanent Structured Cooperation) remains unclear. Bauer says it would be important for the EU and Britain to work together in the future. In a keynote address, Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, warned that UK involvement in EU defense and security would only become clearer once discussions start on a political agreement between the two sides.
Romania’s Supreme Council for the Country’s Defence approved the purchase of five F-16s. Earlier it was reported that Romania wants to buy another five F-16s from Portugal. The procurement deals in excess of $110.2 million must be endorsed by lawmakers, president Klaus Iohannis explained. The president also informed about the Government’s commitment to stick with the 2 percent-of-GDP budget earmarked for defense spending. The number of military troops approved for missions abroad was also increased by 200 to 2,100, under a CSAT decision. Romania will buy another five F16 jet fighters with the same configuration as the 12 already purchased, former defense minister Gabriel Les announced on July 3.
Asia-Pacific
Footage shows Uzbekistan adopting the Chinese QW-18 MANPADS air defense system, Army Recognition reports. The QW-18 MANPADS has been designed by the China National Precision Machinery Import & Export Corporation and is reported to be a modified copy of the Soviet-designed Igla-1 MANPADS. It weighs 18 kg in combat mode and is armed with a short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) capable of engaging aerial targets flying at a speed of up to 300 m/s at an altitude of up to 4,000 m and at a distance of up to 5,000 m. The Uzbek Ministry of Defense does not specify the type of MANPADS being operated by the country’s military. However, according to the open sources, the UA operates some 150 legacy 9K32 Strela-2 (SA-7 Grail) man-portable air defense weapons.
Today’s Video
Watch: Komodo – The 4×4 Tactical Vehicle Developed And Produced by Indonesian Pindad
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