Army Copter Buyers Seek to Learn from Ground Vehicle Designers | Report: KAI Winning KF-X Contract

Americas

• Raytheon was awarded a $700 million contract today in support of Norad’s Integrated Tactical Warning/Attack Assessment system, while United Launch Services was awarded a $90.3 million contract for space launch vehicles, including the services in support of Air Force and NRO systems.

• Army helicopter chiefs are reportedly seeking to collaborate with ground vehicle manufacturers in order to develop new technologies to fight in harsh weather conditions. This will principally take the form of the DVE-M, or Degraded Visual Environment-Mitigation, program, which seeks to find ways of allowing rotor wing aircraft to fly in “brown-out” conditions.

• The Navy replenished its AIM-9X stock today, contracting for 648 missile launchers, 40 of which will go to Australia, in a $25 million contract. These launchers – more poetically known as LAU-127s – will enable both the AIM-9X and the AIM-120 missiles to be launched from Super Hornet fighters.

Europe

• The EU today set up a defense research group to advance the Common Security & Defence Policy, drawing together industry leaders, think tankers, academics, politicians and other experts to advance pan-European defense research and policy in the face of falling defense budgets. The advisory group is said to include the heads of Airbus, BAE Systems, Indra, Saab and MBDA.

• Poland is seeking to acquire long-range ground vehicles, launching a tender today. Poland has previously bought German.

Asia

• South Korean manufacturer Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) was selected as preferred bidder today in the country’s indigenousKF-X fighter program, South Korean media reported today, beating a partnership of Airbus and Korean Airlines. KAI are expected to partner with Lockheed Martin for the $7.9 billion program, which will replace the existing Korean fleet of F-4 and F-5 fighters, as well as equip the Indonesian Air Force, which joined the project in 2010.

• South Korea also awarded a $769.4 million contract to Raytheon for upgrades the country’s Patriot systems, including Radar Digital Processors and an open architecture. This builds on a $1.4 billion contract signed last year.

• In further cooperative sentiment between India and Japan to the US-2 talks reported over the weekend, the Indian Defense Minister has “expressed his readiness to consider” acquiring Japanese Soryu-class submarines, despite reports that the Indian Navy may lease an additional Russian sub. The Japanese and Indians have previously spoken about the possibility of procuring submarines, although the possibility of leasing another Russian sub has also been in the cards for a while. Australia is also engaged in talks regarding the Soryu-class.

• India will procure two Airbus A330 aircraft, in order to convert them into AEW&C platforms, Indian media reported Monday. The Defense Research & Development Organization (DRDO) will develop an indigenous AWACS to fit onto the new airframes. India currently operates three Israeli Phalcon systems, based on Russian airframes, alongside smaller EMB-145i platforms.

Today’s Video

• Slow-Mo Javelin…

GD Gives Up on T-X Trainer | Lockheed Cleans Up on Targeting Pods | Thales & BAE Partner for Counter Mine Unmanned Vessels

Americas

• General Dynamics has removed itself as prime contractor for the T-100 trainer, a contender for the T-X requirement to provide next-generation trainer jets to replace the T-38. The Air Force released the final set of requirements for the T-X only a matter of days ago and with GD now withdrawing, the ability of manufacturer Alenia Aermacchi to compete without a US prime is uncertain, especially given the high level of competition for the lucrative program.

• Lockheed Martin was awarded a $485 million IDIQ contract Friday for advanced targeting pods, a portion of which are earmarked for FMS. The Sniper pod is operational on the F-15, F-16, F-18, B-1, B-52 and A-10 platforms. Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Canada, the UK and Belgium are previous export customers. A separate $8.9 million contract will also see Lockheed provide the Jordanian Air Force with 10 of the targeting pods, through the UK as a third party.

• A $28.5 million contract was awarded to Boeing for twenty-five QF-16 target drones, following the delivery of the first initial rate production aircraft on 20 March. The QF-16 is a pilotless version of the F-16 fighter, with the Air Force planning to procure 126 to replace its rapidly diminishing fleet of Phantom-based QF-4 drones.

• The Navy awarded a $51.6 million contract modification as part of the Aegis Modernization program, including Ballistic Missile Defense 4.0.2 equipment. Raytheon was also awarded a $16.7 million contract in support of the Ballistic Missile Defense capabilities of Aegis-equipped Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and Ticonderoga-class cruisers. In a separate contract, Raytheon also won a $16.1 million contract to support the Ship Self Defense System for CVN-68, CVN-72 and LHD-2.

Europe

• A joint Anglo-French mine countermeasure contract was awarded Friday to a team of French Thales and British BAE Systems. The contract will see the development of both subsurface and surface unmanned vehicles, with prototypes due for completion in 2019.

Asia

• German firm Thyssen Krupp Marine Systems is looking to sell the Indian Navy six of its HDW Class 214 subs, with full technology transfer included, according to Indian media.

• Japan and India are in talks to set up a joint venture in order to manufacture the US-2 amphibious plane currently operated by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. India reportedly plans to procure twelve of the aircraft, with ten of these produced in India. These latest reports have reduced the number of aircraft India plans to procure compared to previous media coverage, falling from fifteen.

Today’s Video

• Dual-Mode Brimstone CAS…

Ford-Class Carriers Kick Fixes Down Road to Stay in ‘Budget’ | Turkey’s Air Defense Competition Gets Stranger | China Playing with VTOL

Americas

• The US Navy’s Super Hornets and Growlers can’t carry additional 480-gallon fuel tanks when launched from the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) because of the stress created by the ship’s catapult, manufactured by General Atomics. The GAO has previously stated that other required improvements to the ship are being deferred by the Navy to 2016 in an effort to keep the project within the $12.9 billion cost cap.

• The Navy’s Super Hornets will receive six a href=”http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/580m-subcontract-puts-anapg79-radars-in-production-f18s-0775/”>AN/APG-79 AESA radars in a $16.4 million contract announced today. Raytheon was also awarded a $26 million contract action for sub-assemblies of 300 AIM-9X missiles in the Lot 15 configuration for the both the Navy and the Air Force.

• The Army announced a $9 million contract to convert an unknown number of Stryker MRAPs to the double-V standard.

• Senator John McCain (R-AZ) slammed the Pentagon’s defense acquisition system today, criticizing $46 billion wasted on ditched programs over a ten-year period, calling the waste a “national security crisis”.

Europe

• In a confusing twist in the development of Turkey’s T-LORAMIDS air defense program, defense procurement officials said that the final decision on which contractor will build the system won’t be made until after the election in June. The Chinese previous stated that they had won the competition, beating out rivals Eurosam and Raytheon/Lockheed Martin. In a further complication, the Turkish officials also reportedly hinted at the possibility of allowing the discarded Russian S-400 bid back into the competition, the same system recently procured by the Chinese at $500 million each.

• The UK announced a five-year £580 million ($860 million) support service contract with AgustaWestland today, which will see the company providing maintenance for the Royal Navy’s Merlin Mk2 and Mk3 helicopters. Today’s contract follows from a similar £570 million contract with AgustaWestland in 2011, which covered the 2011-2016 period.

Asia

• Dassault is prepared to cede technology transfers to Indonesia if they purchase the Rafale. The French fighter is competing with the Russian Su-35, Eurofighter Typhoon, Swedish Gripen and modernized F-16 Block 60s to replace the Indonesian Air Force’s aging fleet of F-5 fighters. The Indonesian Air Force wants the Russian fighter, but it will be the Defense Ministry who will make the decision.

• China is reportedly seeking to develop a VTOL fighter capability, according to Taiwanese press. The PLAN has recently been modernizing its naval aviation and releasing photos of J-15s on its Liaoning carrier.

• Japan launched a $272.2 million intelligence satellite into orbit today, replacing an existing optical satellite. The Japanese government said it intends to increase the capitalization of the nation’s space industry by $42 billion over a ten-year period.

Today’s Video

The AIM-9X Sidewinder missile is tested:

F-35 Software Pushing Out Schedule – Except for Flaw-Tolerant Marines | Turkey Throws in With China with $3.4 Billion Purchase

Americas

• Following yesterday’s announcement that the Air Force is to procure one MC-12W ISR aircraft, the Navy is following suit, with a $11.7 million contract announced today for one aircraft in the UC-12W variation. The Navy previously ordered six of the model in 2008 for $48.8 million.

• Northrop Grumman has been awarded a $21.8 million contract modification to provide support to the Space Tracking and Surveillance System, bringing the total cumulative value of the contract to around $2.39 billion. The modification will provide on-orbit operations and sustainment.

• Three firms have been awarded contracts to provide tactical data link systems for research, integration, human and a host of other factors, with the three firms having the option to compete for task orders over an initial one-year period. Tactical Engineering & Analysis Inc. was awarded a $19.7 million contract, Computer Sciences Corp. $17.8 million and Odyssey Systems Consulting Group $16 million, totalling approximately $53.5 million. Each of these come with a two-year option period, which if exercised would total approximately $90.7 million. A separate $23.3 million contract was announced today for 5,000 joint chemical agent detectors.

• The F-35’s 2B software requires a testing extension in order to debug flaws, according to media reports. This extension will likely lead to Lockheed Martin losing a portion of the contract’s $300 million incentive fee. This latest speed bump in the F-35 program will reportedly not delay the Marine Corps’ use of the aircraft, with the Corps planning on steaming ahead with the current software package with a view to modifying and/or restricting the use of the aircraft as appropriate until the patch becomes available.

• The test launch of the Air Force’s Super Strypi rail-guided satellite delivery system, originally planned for October 2013, has now been delayed until this coming October following problems with the rocket’s three-stage motor. With the launch vehicle designed by Sandia National Laboratories, the rocket’s problematic propulsion system is designed and produced by Aerojet Rocketdyne.

Europe

• Airbus is cutting its share in French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation, manufacturer of the Rafale. After dropping its percentage share by 4.2% in November, Airbus announced today that it is selling a further 17.5% of the company. Airbus will still own more than a quarter of Dassault after the transaction.

• Following the news that Turkey is reportedly set to sign a $3.4 billion air defense deal with China, the country’s Prime Minister has called for a focus on developing indigenous missile and space technologies. Turkey’s domestic defense industry is currently involved in several high-profile development programs, including the Altay tank and TF-X fighter projects.

Asia

• Taiwanese media is reporting that Myanmar will purchase the JF-17 (AKA the FC-1 Xiaolong) from Pakistan, the love-child of China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex. Myanmar has pondered the purchase for a while, previously opting for the MIG-29 over the JF-17 in 2009; this change of heart is likely a result of the difficulties involved with keeping MiG-29s in service.

Today’s Video

F-35 trials on the USS Nimitz (CVN-68):

AG: Marines Audit Revoked Due to Links to Slushy Accounts | UK Mulls Falkland Air Defense as Russia Pushes Bombers for Argentina

Americas

• The squeaky-clean audit handed to the Marine Corps in 2013 is being revoked, with the Inspector General’s Office stating that ongoing investigations had uncovered irregularities during the FY 2014 audit, voiding the FY 2012 audit awarded in December 2013. The Treasury discovered that among the disastrously commingled chaos of its “suspense accounts,” there were unattributed Marine FY 2012 transactions. The hope appears to be to unwind those for which they have evidence, restate the figures and re-pass the audit.

• The Air Force today announced that it will purchase one King Air KC-350 ISR aircraft and supporting equipment, having previously divested its fleet to its Special Operations Command and the Army. The KC-350 will likely be heavily modified in order to become a MC-12W Liberty ISR asset. The Air Force is still responsible for the “processing, exploitation and dissemination of information” obtained by the aircraft, with the Army due to take on this role from next year.

• Raytheon received a contract modification today totaling $528.8 million for the production of AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, a portion of which are earmarked for Foreign Military Sales. The company recently announced that it has begun development of an extended-range variant of the missile, with tests scheduled for later this year.

• SOCOM will purchase over 2,000 All-Terrain Vehicles in June, from Minnesota-based company Polaris Industries. The sole-source acquisition will see two models procured, both capable of being transported in the V-22, MH-47 and MH-53 transports.

Europe

• The Netherlands looks set to receive 17 CH-47F helicopters in a $1.05 billion Foreign Military Sale from the US. The new aircraft will replace the Netherlands’s existing fleet of CH-47D variants and will complement a previous sale of CH-47Fs in 2006.

• The UK is looking to bolster the defensive capabilities of its isolated Falkland Islands through the construction of a new air-defense system. Recent reports have stated that the Argentines are in talks with Russia to buy or lease long-range bombers, although this remains unconfirmed. However, Buenos Aires has been desperately seeking new aircraft in recent months. A decision on which contractor has won the competitive tender will occur in May 2016 and the system is estimated to enter service around 2020. Although details have yet to be finalized (or likely begun), the contract is currently estimated to be worth between £100 million ($147 million) and £250 million ($368 million) and will include a five-year support period. Whether this program will survive the post-May election Strategic Defence & Security Review (SDSR) is unclear, given that contract signing will not take place until 2016, however there has been much recent talk of the need to better equip the UK’s Armed Forces.

• The UK’s Ministry of Defence also announced today that it will sign a 13-year logistics contract with US firm Leidos (formerly SAIC) in April, following the company’s selection as preferred bidder in February. The MoD estimates that the deal will lead to savings of £500 million ($735 million) over the lifetime of the contract.

• Russia’s navy will receive an additional ten carrier-based MiG-29K fighters, with these following on to a delivery in November 2013.

Asia

• BAE has signed a contract with Malaysian company SME Aerospace for the manufacture of pylons for the Hawk aircraft. The work is in support of a delivery contract for an undisclosed customer. India is a key operator of the Hawk, with Australia, Indonesia and South Africa also major operators outside BAE’s home nation of Britain.

Today’s Video

• A Russian bomber films an intercepting RAF Typhoon:

Missile Deals | Anti-Nuke Congressmen Eye $100 Billion Patch of Budget | 1 More HC-130J Ordered

Americas

• BAE Systems won a $383 million sole-source contract Monday for the support of multiple weapons platforms, while Raytheon was awarded a $109.6 million procurement contract for Standard Missile-6 and Standard Missile-2 full-rate production requirements and spares.

• Two companies have been awarded separate contracts for the development of interoperable C4I systems. SAIC was awarded a $83.8 million contract, while the Lafayette Group was awarded a parallel $92.7 million contract. The two companies will be able to compete for task orders over a five-year period.

• Northrop Grumman was awarded a $18.1 million contract for the WSN-7 navigation system, with completion estimated for the end of 2021.

• The Air Force is adding one HC-130J to its original 2012 contract, at a cost of $72.7 million.

• A software problem with the Air Force’s GPS IIF system – operated by Lockheed Martin – had cut $ 100 billion from the US’s nuclear weapons budget over the next ten years, including removing the F-35’s nuclear capability and delaying the development of the Air Force’s new bomber.

Europe

• On the same day that Sputnik reported that serial production of the PAK FA/T-50 fifth-generation fighter will take place next year – as per previous coverage – TASS ran an article stating that the Russian Defense Ministry may reduce the number of aircraft it plans to procure, instead opting to favor the SU-30 (recently offered as an alternative to the Rafale in the MMRCA competition, should the deal fall through) and SU-35 models.

• The Russian Air Force is also set to receive 146 Ka-52 helicopters by 2020, with 15 of these reportedly due for delivery this year. 32 helicopters of the same design were previously ordered for service with the Russian Navy’s Vladivostock-Class LHDs in August last year, according to Janes. It is unclear whether these form part of the 146 figure reported today. In other Russian helicopter news, 16 Mi-171s will be delivered to Peru this year, following a $528 million contract for 24 of the helicopters signed in late 2013. The first eight of these were delivered in 2014.

• The UK opened a collaborative hub for research, development and strategy today in an effort to stimulate growth in the UK defense sector and maintain exportability in the face of global competition. Formed as a result of the Defence Growth Partnership, the Defence Solutions Centre will be based in BAE’s home town of Farnborough, England and see industry members working together with the Ministry of Defence to develop solutions for “international customers.”

• The UK’s Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL) also awarded Airbus a £1.4 million ($2.1 million) contract for a cyber protection study today, including the development of a virtual cyber operations center.

• The delivery of two more Turkish A400Ms is delayed, according to officials. Although exactly how delayed remains to be seen, the program is not unaccustomed to falling behind schedule. Turkey signed a contract for ten of the aircraft in 2003 and has previously come into conflict with manufacturer Airbus over slipping deadlines.

Asia

• The Royal Malaysian Navy’s new Littoral Combat Ships will be equipped with European missile systems, with the Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile and MBDA’s Vertical Launch Mica selected to equip the Second Generation Patrol Vessel – Littoral Combat Ship (SGPV-LCS) fleet. Based on the DCNS Gowind 2500 corvette, the contract for the stealthy new ships wasn’t officially announced until October last year. The selection of the MBDA point-defense system is thought to facilitate easier integration into the ships’ SETIS combat management system, beating Raytheon’s Enhanced SeaSparrow Missile System (ESSM).

Today’s Video

• Super Hornets and GoPros…

Navy Hedges to Keep F-18 Line Open | IMI to Be Taken Private | India’s First Scorpene Floats

Americas

• As expected, the Navy included twelve Super Hornets and eight F-35s as part of list of “unfunded priorities” prepared for Congress, according to Reuters. With the manufacturing line of the F/A-18 likely to remain open past the previously-anticipated 2017 cut-off, following a recently-released study.

• Navy commanders are pushing for improved firepower for the Virginia-class submarines through the addition of four vertical launch tubes, representing a 76% increase in strike capability.

• A five-year $430 million contract was announced Friday for robotic surgical systems and associated equipment. A $29 million IDIQ professional services contract was also announced in support of the Navy’s Public Private Venture Program.

• Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point is set to receive $183 million in new construction projects, principally to facilitate the introduction of the F-35 and improved facilities for UAVs. Media reports have also outlined plans for a new $1 billion campus for the US Navy.

• The Army deployed the Patriot system to Poland for a week-long exercise, as part of the US’s hand-holding effort with NATO allies (Operation Atlantic Resolve).

• The Royal Canadian Air Force established a strategy for its future aircraft simulators over the next decade, with the procurement of flight trainers and simulators at the forefront of this, including a networked common synthetic environment.

Europe

• Turkish military and political leaders have agreed to accelerate the country’s meandering TF-X indigenous fighter program, after previous affirmations of their intention to continue with the project. Bids were solicited for the fighter’s engine in June of last year and an RFI for preliminary designs was released earlier this week by the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSM). The project seeks to replace the Turkish Air Force’s fleet of F-16s by 2030 with an entirely new model of fifth-generation fighter.

Middle East

• The privatization of Israel Military Industries will definitely take place by the end of the year, according to the head of Israel’s Government Companies Authority. Up to 90% equity is being offered to foreign investors, with the sale slated for finalization by December. IMI produce the Merkava MBT and the Namer APC.

Asia

• India’s first Scorpene-class submarine – currently under construction in Mumbai – is reportedly afloat after several months of dry-dock construction. The first of six boats, this is a sign of progress for the much-delayed and costly program, although the induction of the first boat is now significantly behind schedule.

Today’s Video

• DARPA’s smart bullets:

F-35 Program Squeezes Rocks, Saves Some | China: Turkey to Buy its Anti-Air

Americas

The Pentagon lowered the forecast procurement cost of the F-35 program by 2 percent today – that’s $7.5 billion in savings over a roughly $400 billion program. The fighters are slated now to cost a mere $159.2 million per copy, if the military does indeed purchase 2,457 of them.

In the midst of the hubbub about what will or won’t fit inside an F-35, program leads stated that the aircraft may receive a pod-mounted cyber-attack capability, according to industry reports. Whether this developmental capability is cyber in the sense of using computer networks to attack targets – or whether it is merely an EW system – remains unclear. One reason the military has been concerned about what fits into the F-35’s petite weapons bay is because the weapons affixed to pylons on the outside tend to ruin the stealth capabilities that explain much of the difference between a $20 million F-18 and a $200 million F-35.

Two US bases are likely to remain open following the withdrawal of thousands of US troops later this year. The bases – in Jalalabad and Kandahar – will remain operational principally to support the Afghan Air Force (in Kandahar) and stem the flow of Taliban fighters from Pakistan (Jalalabad).

In contract news, two power companies – TransGen Energy and New Generation Power – were jointly awarded a $7 billion DoD contract today for power purchase agreement task orders until 2023. Bell Helicopter Textron was also awarded a $32.5 million contract for rotary wing blades in a sole-source acquisition.

Europe

Turkey will receive China’s HQ-9/FD-2000 air defense system, according to a statement by the Chinese Ministry of National Defense today. The other two bidders in the T-LORAMIDS competition –Raytheon/Lockheed Martin’s Patriot system and the Eurosam consortium’s Aster-30 system – are likely to be very displeased, particularly given the calls by North Atlantic Treaty Organization members to discount the Chinese offering on the basis of integration issues and multiple deadline extensions.

The Russian Navy is to receive upgraded submarines, with a flurry of reports from TASS today. Ten existing Project 971 and Project 949A boats are to be upgraded by 2020, with new “fifth-generation” subs under development for manufacture and deployment post-2020. It is unclear whether these upgraded models will form the “new” fifth generation subs or an entirely new design will be developed. Additionally, a fifth Yasen-class is to be laid-down today, according to the same Russian media source.

The European Defence Agency (EDA) and the EU’s Athena mechanism have signed an agreement to facilitate easier defense infrastructure procurement and stimulate cooperation between the two organizations.

Asia

Singapore is reportedly close to signing a contract with Lockheed Martin to upgrade its F-16s, after a cancelled deal with BAE in November. The country initially confirmed its intention to upgrade the fleet in September 2013. Also today, the US Air Force announced that it has budgeted $25 million for radar upgrades for its own F-16s.

India’s Defense Research & Development Organization is to undergo a restructuring, including the creation of seven Technology Domain groups and a commercial arm, likely to be akin to the UK Ministry of Defence’s infamous Defence Equipment & Support entity.

Malaysian company Airod has proposed an upgrade schedule for the country’s Mig-29s, to raise the ten aircraft to the “Mig-29NM” standard. The main attraction would be the potential 30% increase in operational range, as well as improved commonality with the Malaysian Air Force’s fleet of Su-30MKM fighters.

Today’s Video

A BAE-developed 32MJ rail gun is test-fired for the US Navy:

The Expected Air Force Trainer Solicitation Is Out | New JFK to Get New Enterprise’s Radar

Americas

• The Air Force released a solicitation of questions and responses from industry for its Advanced Pilot Training Family of Systems program. More commonly referred to as the T-X, the program has garnered much attention from the likes of Northrop Grumman, Boeing and Saab, as well as General Dynamics and Alenia Aermacchi. The Air Force recently lowered the requirements for the new trainer aircraft, following the original notice in June 2012.

• In more Air Force news, reports have indicated that a draft RFP is to be released next month, seeking to pursue a US-designed rocket engine. Currently reliant on Russian RD-180 for its Atlas 5 rockets, maintaining a sovereign capability in these engines is of a high political priority for the Air Force, particularly given that reports last year highlighted certain companies were making a quick buck marking up imports of these engines.

• A major review has been launched by the Pentagon to assess the current state of play of missile defense systems, capabilities and programs, seeking to update a previous review from 2011. The Patriot is likely to come under scrutiny, as well as the THAAD system. In related news, Raytheon was awarded a $212.6 million contract modification today, for Patriot engineering services for the 2015 calendar year.

• Raytheon was also awarded a $91.6 million modification for 250 Miniature Air Launched Decoy Jammer missiles.

• The USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) will be fitted with a different radar than the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), with the new Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar being brought into the US carrier fleet one ship ahead of original plans. The new Enterprise (CVN-80) was originally to have been the first to sport the EASR; thus the name. The Navy has stated this change will result in a $180 million savings for the program, which had anticipated a later upgrade to the new JFK.

• Argentina is in talks with the Chinese regarding the potential sale of 24 JF-17 fighter aircraft. The Argentines are also discussing bids from the Spanish (with the Mirage F-1) and Israel (with the Kfir Block 60). This is the latest twist in Argentina’s search for new aircraft.

Europe

• Sweden is to get two new subs. The new A26s have seen drama down-under. Swedes were likely looking forward to some post Cold War decades where they didn’t have to throw billions of Krona into the sea just to see out meddlesome Russian submarines. The deal is set to amount to $948 million.

• The Dutch are seeking to develop two counter-IED research and development labs, aiming to have these deployable to theater within five days when complete. The cost is estimated at approximately $10.6 million.

Asia

• Malaysia is set to receive a comparable financial package as Egypt for Rafales. This is to reportedly include a ten-year loan from the French government as the main facilitating factor for the procurement.

• India will receive its first upgraded Mirage 2000 fighters, most likely the two which were in France awaiting certification as of September 2014.

• Following a failed test earlier in the week, the Indian Air Force successfully test-launched its Astra air-to-air missile today, building on another successful test last year.

• Airbus will join with South Korean firm Huneed Technologies to produce an early-warning system for the Surion helicopter. The cooperative deal signed today will see Huneed produce components for the Airbus Missile Launch Detection System.

• Russia began delivering missiles for Malaysia’s fleet of Su-30MKM fighters Sputnik reported today.

Today’s Video

Driverless Trucks…

Black Hawks to Mexico, Tunisia, Maybe Slovakia | Pentagon Stands Up Talk Shop on Electronic Warfare | Turkey Opens Electronic Warfare Manufactory

Americas

• The DSCA notified Congress of the potential sale of three Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawks to Mexico, in a deal potentially worth $110 million. That there are only three Black Hawks in the deal is surprising, as the application appears to have gone in with five requested. Slovakia is also poised to receive nine of the same model.

• In related Black Hawk news, Sikorsky saw a $93.3 million contract modification today for eight “Green” UH-60M helicopters for the Tunisian government.

• In F-35/paint news, the Air Force and Texas Research Institute have developed a new, particularly resistant, coating for combat aircraft, which will reportedly be capable of saving the Lightening II program about $14 million in life cycle cost savings. Every little bit helps in a program slated to cost approximately $1.5 trillion.

• The Pentagon has set up a panel to assess Electronic Warfare requirements across the U.S.’s entire spectrum of military capabilities.

Europe

• Turkish defense manufacturer Aselsan today announced the opening of a $167 million radar and Electronic Warfare manufacturing plant. The company recently contributed sensors to Turkey’s new ATR-72 maritime patrol planes.

• The Netherlands has been experimenting. The Royal Netherland Air Forces has been using “modifications and operational techniques” to convert their fleet of AH-64 Apache helicopters from their traditional ground-attack and CAS roles to a more ISTAR-oriented platform. Details of exactly what these special changes are remain to be seen.

• Russia will upgrade ten Tu-95MS bombers over 2015-2016, following the upgrade of eight last year. The Russian Air Force’s fleet of Tu-95s is set to reach 43 by the end of this year.

• Austria is set to upgrade its fleet of Pandur APCs with a new remote weapon station, with plans outlining the Austrian Ministry of Defense’s intention to field twelve of the upgraded vehicles by August of this year. The modernization contract is reported to amount to €23 million.

• The UK Ministry of Defence announced that it intends to reposition one of its five Skynet 5 communications satellites. The satellite – manufactured by Airbus – is to be repositioned above the eastern Asia-Pacific region.

Middle East

• Harris Corp is to supply software-defined tactical radios to an undisclosed Middle East customer in a $47 million deal announced today. Harris sells most of its hardware in the Middle east to Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and UAE. The firm has received five other major radio orders from the Middle East in the past two years totaling $225 million, none of them attributed to a specific nation.

Asia

• India’s M-MRCA fighter saga remained ambiguous today, with the Indian Defense Ministry confirming that no ‘final decision’ has been made in ongoing negotiations, despite French and Indian Defense Ministers having met last month in an attempt to break the deadlock. The Rafale’s selection in 2012 has since seen significant gridlock, with the latest major sticking point being the workshare between Dassault and HAL.

• In other Indian aerospace news, the Defense Research & Development organization is reportedly seeking to procure a supersonic aircraft to act as a Flying Test Bed for the testing of airborne systems. The move is likely to be a result of testing demands stemming from the M-MRCA program, as well as the future fifth-generation fighter currently under development with Russian fighter house Sukhoi. As yet, a tender has not been released.

• Pakistan is reportedly interested in procuring Russian Mi-35 helicopters, with this model also having seen export success in Brazil and Azerbaijan.

• A Japanese Ground Self Defense Force ScanEagle UAV reportedly was destroyed in a previously-undisclosed crash in November last year. The Japanese Defense Ministry is currently investigating the crash, having grounded the fleet of four ScanEagles immediately following the crash.

Today’s Video

• A Lancer bomber refuels above Iraq, showing off a new sensor…