Americas
General Atomics won a $30 million modification, which exercises options to provide maintenance, supply chain and spares management, logistics, and sustainment support for the MQ-9 Reaper aircraft, and dual control mobile ground control stations to ensure they are mission capable for the Marine Corps. Work will be performed in Oahu, Hawaii (35%); Yuma, Arizona (20%); Patuxent River, Maryland (15%); Poway, California (10%); and various locations outside the US, and is expected to be completed in January 2024.
Collins Aerospace has achieved a pivotal milestone in modern reconnaissance technology. The company announced the successful completion of flight testing for the MS-110 Multispectral Airborne Reconnaissance System, marking a significant step towards bolstering global intelligence capabilities. Following the inaugural flight on an F-16 for an undisclosed international customer in July 2022, Collins Aerospace conducted extensive flight tests and ground activities to validate the system’s wide area, long-range sensor suite for deployment. As part of its commitment to enhancing global reconnaissance capabilities, the company is set to deliver 16 MS-110 sensors to international Fast-Jet operators. Additionally, contractual activities are underway for another 13 pods designated for three additional customers.
Middle East
L3Harris and Israel Aerospace Industries segment ELTA Systems have expanded a teaming agreement to provide US and NATO-interoperable Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) solutions for military customers. Their partnership reportedly aims to provide advanced, open architecture platforms that enhance multi-domain operations while maintaining readiness rates and cost efficiency.
Europe
The UK is set to trial its next-generation Boxer armored vehicle this month to determine if it possesses all the qualities to be named the new British Mechanized Infantry Vehicle (MIV). According to the service, the prototypes will undergo a series of special tests ahead of a separate customer trial to be initiated by the country’s procurement agency. If successful, the vehicles will join the army’s Armored Brigade Combat Teams and be deployed over long distances to support a wide variety of missions “from low intensity peacekeeping to warfighting.”
The Italian Ministry of Defense has decided to acquire Spike LR2 missiles from Israel’s Rafael. This purchase was made through a single-source procurement process without a tender, as reported by Ares Osservatorio Difesa. According to the publication, the contract value signed with Rafael is 143 million euros, and the program will be operational from 2023 until 2030. The new missiles will be integrated into the landing force of the Italian Navy and other units of the Italian Army.
Asia-Pacific
The Australian government has given the initial approval for the LAND 200 Phase 3 Battlefield Command Systems (BCS) project. The next-generation BCS will improve the Australian Army’s tactical communication networks and battle management systems, resulting in better decision-making within the army and between the military’s land, sea, air, space, and cyber elements.
Today’s Video
WATCH: Most Versatile Armored Vehicle Ever Made. Boxer Armored Fighting Vehicle
