Navy to Get New G-550 Gulfstream | LM Reopens MK 41 VLS Production | Rolls-Royce Wins Contract to Power Italian Navy LHD

Americas

• The US Navy has awarded Gulfstream a $91 million contract to supply one G-550 Green aircraft. The plane will be equipped with Airborne Early Warning air vehicle modifications. Completion of the contract is expected in December 2018. While the Navy currently operates three G-550s in a VIP transport capacity, it is a popular choice for early warning and special missions for several world air forces. Israel possesses a number of the jets fitted with EL/W-2085 AEW&C systems as well as a model fitted for air-to-air refueling missions.

• Lockheed Martin is to restart production on its MK 41 Vertical Launching System with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned its Middle River plant in Baltimore County, Maryland on March 24. According to an invitation to media, the MK 41 VLS is “the only launching system capable [sic] launching anti-air, anti-submarine, surface-to-surface and strike missiles and can receive orders from multiple weapon control systems to handle every warfighting mission.” The news comes as Lockheed was awarded a potential three-year $197.6 million contract modification to carry out computer program baseline development work on the US Navy’s Aegis combat systems, of which the MK 41 is a core component.

Middle East & North Africa

• Islamic State forces have displayed military equipment captured from a Russian special military advisor killed in fighting near the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra. Among the kit was included an MIB multi-function munition. The “grenade mine” has a design which allows it to be thrown as a hand grenade, or emplaced as an anti-personnel mine. Little information is available about the munition in the public domain. When employed as a hand grenade, it functions with a simple 3-5 second time delay fuse before detonating. When used as a mine, it is similar to that of the US M86 Pursuit Deterrent Munition (PDM) or the Russian POM-2 scatterable AP mine. This is believed to be the first documented instance of the capture of this type of munition by a non-state armed group.

Europe

• Russia has completed the first test of its hypersonic Zircon cruise missile. While little information is known about the missile, it will be mounted on the newest fifth-generation nuclear-powered Husky-class submarines. Earlier in February, it was revealed that the Russian Navy’s nuclear-powered guided-missile cruiser Pyotr Velikiy (Peter the Great) would also be armed with hypersonic cruise missiles by 2022. The cruiser will be refitted with the brand new multirole 3S-14 vertical launch systems, which house three types of anti-ship missiles, including the Zircon, Onyx and Kalibr.

• MBDA will conduct a 1 year feasibility study to see the possibility of integrating its dual-mode Brimstone air-to-surface missile onto the AH-64E Guardian attack helicopter for the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). Live test-firing of the system is expected to take place in third quarter of this year. The testing is expected to be low risk, as the UK-specific AH1 configuration already operates the Lockheed Martin AGM-114 Hellfire as its main air-to-surface missile. The main portion of the work will involve modifying the fire control software.

• Rolls-Royce has won a contract to provide its MT30 gas turbine to power a landing helicopter dock (LHD) for the Italian Navy. Two of the MT30 engines will power the $1.2 billion 20,000-ton warship due to be built by Fincantieri. The contract comes as Rolls-Royce lost out recently to rival General Electric for its LM2500 to power a fleet of multipurpose offshore patrol vessels. At present, the Italian Navy is undergoing a major program to upgrade its fleet, with funding secured for a new logistics support ship, six of the multipurpose offshore patrol vessels, and the LHD.

Asia Pacific

• The Pakistan Armed Forces have commenced trials to help select the replacement of its G3 battle rifle and Chinese Type-56 AK-47 clones. Potential options are the Beretta ARX-200, CZ-806 BREN 2, FN SCAR, Kalashnikov AK-103, and Zastava M21. Modernization efforts are also underway at the state-owned Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF), aimed at enhancing export success in what is a core export defense industry for Pakistan. The selected rifle will likely see orders for at least 500,000, but it is expected that Pakistan will insist on licensed production of the weapons.

• First exports of Thales’ Fulmar UAVs are going to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency. The Malaysian shipbuilder has contracted Thales to deliver six of the mini-UAVs, which will be used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and border control missions, and is expected to cost around $1.1 million. Fulmar works with a catapult-based launcher system and net landing capability. It is available for use with a variety of fuel types such as diesel oil, JP8 and JP5, approved for use on combat ships. Thales are expected to produce up to 25 models over the next two years, with the company pushing its use by Spain’s Military Emergencies Unit and the Naval Infantry Force.

Today’s Video

• A look at the MiG-35 production line:

Raytheon to Supply $573M in AMRAAM to USAF | Finmeccanica Rebrands to Leonardo in 2017 | Test of India’s K-4 SLBM Complete Success

Americas

• The USMC is to receive upgrades to their Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAV) as their replacement, the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV), will not be operational until the 2020s. 392 AAV7A1s are to receive an extensive survivability upgrade in a $194 million contract. The USMC has found that AAVs have been vulnerable to improvised explosive devices (IED) and other weapons when operating in Iraq and elsewhere. Improvements to be made include flat-sided buoyant ceramic armor panels, new shock-mitigation seats, replacing benches in older AAVs, and a new transmission, increasing the vehicle’s top speed.

• Raytheon has been awarded a $573 million contract for the production and supply for Lot 30 of the AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and other AMRAAM system items to the USAF. Work is expected to be completed by February 28, 2019. The USAF contract follows the $95 million Foreign Military Sale of the missile to Indonesia earlier this month, and marks continued sales of the advanced missile for Raytheon. Since December 2014 the Air Force has placed AMRAAM missile orders with Raytheon worth more than $1.5 billion.

• A new weapons kit system for Black Hawk helicopters are in the works according to officials from Sikorsky. The move comes as the company is looking at adding some versatility to the utility helicopter in order to cater to market needs and increase desirability to foreign markets. The US military may not be interested in such kits, instead preferring separate attack and utility helicopter fleets, but the strategy may appeal to global markets looking to get the best value for their money. The announcement marks a proactive move by Sikorsky to exploit potential markets and new opportunities, likely influenced by new parent company Lockheed Martin.

Middle East & North Africa

• Negotiations between Russia and Egypt over communications equipment for the Egyptian Navy’s two new Mistral-class helicopter carriers is progressing well. The French made vessels initially intended for Russia had several armament, command-and-control, navigation systems, as well as radio and electronic equipment taken out in accordance with the terms of the cancellation of the sale. The Egyptians now seem to be turning to Russia to help provide these systems, after purchasing navalized Ka-52 helicopters from Moscow. It’s believed that Cairo is seeking radio and electronic equipment worth at least $1 billion USD to equip and operationalize the carriers, amounting to a nice chunk of money for Russia.

Europe

• The German Air Force may look to acquire additional transport aircraft alongside its procurement of Airbus A400Ms. Sources within the government and military have denied that the new buys are in relation to ongoing problems with the A400M; however, as many as ten new aircraft may be purchased. Potential models for the Germans could be Lockheed’s C130 Hercules, as the A400M is too wide and heavy to land on some runways.

• Norway’s Kongsberg has bought a 49.9% stake in Finnish company Patria in a deal worth $307 million. The new industry partnership will be seen as a significant strengthening of the Nordic defense industry. Kongsberg will benefit from Patria’s 50% stake in the Norwegian ammunition manufacturer Nammo, and Patria’s extensive experience of the aircraft composite industry, namely for their work on the Airbus A400 and the NH Industries NH90 helicopter.

• As of January 2017, Finmeccanica will be known as Leonardo. The rebrand of the Italian aerospace and defense giant was announced alongside a strong financial performance for 2015, ending half a decade of financial and legal turmoil. 2011 saw a net loss of more than $2.6 billion in heavy losses in power and road and rail in addition to an $848 million write-down against defects in fuselage sections and horizontal stabilizers supplied to the Boeing 787. However, for 2015, revenue was up 1.8% to $15.6 billion, and profit before interest and taxes soared 48% to $1.36 billion; return on sales increased by 1.6%, to 9.3%.

Asia Pacific

• The March 7 test by the India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of a K-4 submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM) has been successful. The missile was launched from a submerged pontoon in the Bay of Bengal. The missile was ejected from the launch tube underwater, ignited its engines, and proceeded to hit its target. The 10-metre tall two-stage missile has a launch weight of 20 tonnes can strike a target 3,500 km away. It is capable of carrying more than 2,000 kgs of warhead, both conventional and nuclear.

Today’s Video

• The GaN-based AESA radar technology in Raytheon’s Patriot system:

Old Soldiers: USMC Amtracs Getting Survivability Upgrades

AAV7 to LHD 2

The USMC needs to keep its 40+ year old AAV Amtracs in service, after destroying the EFV amphibious armored personnel carrier replacement program in 2011 with over-ambitious requirements. Iraq taught the USMC that the Amtracs didn’t offer enough protection, and so the latest refurbishment effort plans to improve the AAVP-7A1 personnel carrier’s protection levels. Deliveries are expected to take place between 2018 – 2023…

LM Self-Funding F-16 | US Army Awards Boeing $896M Contract for CH-4Fs | Poland Investing $21B to Replace IFVs

Americas

• Lockheed Martin is using company money to fund suppliers for continued production of the F-16. The move comes as the manufacturer aims to prevent the closure of the jet’s production line, as it awaits the finalized orders from Pakistan and chases new business. Without any new orders, the line will have to close next year after delivering the last of 36 F-16s ordered by Iraq. Lockheed officials have mentioned a number of potential clients including Bahrain, Colombia, Indonesia, and India.

• The second prototype of the CH-53K helicopter made its maiden flight in January according to Lockheed company Sikorsky. In addition, the first aircraft into the test program has achieved flight envelope expansion to 120 knots for the USMC’s CH-53K King Stallion heavy lift helicopter program. The two are the most heavily instrumented of the Engineering Development Models (EDM) and will focus on structural flight loads and envelope expansion. Two more will join the flight line later this year and will focus on performance, propulsion, and avionics flight qualification.

• The US Army has awarded an $896 million contract to Boeing to refurbish 27 CH-47F Chinook military airlift helicopters and to buy an additional 12 units. The CH-27F upgrade of the troop transport aircraft was completed in 2006. The modification to the contract increases the funds initially going to Boeing for the work by $30 million. Completion of the upgrades and delivery of the new units is expected by December 20, 2020.

Middle East & North Africa

• Bell Helicopters are to supply three UH-1H Huey II helicopters to the government of Lebanon. The $18.9 million contract is expected to be completed by March 2017, and is part of an order for 18 Huey II helicopters for Lebanon approved by the US Department of State in September 2014. While initially designed as a troop transport and support helicopter, it has been pressed into service by Lebanon as a bomber. For this role they were fitted with extended undercarriage skids and improvised bomb racks for the delivery of 250 kg (550 lb) and 400 kg (880 lb) bombs.

• Saudi Arabian Royal Airforce has taken delivery of two KC-130J tankers from Lockheed. The aerial refuelers were acquired by the Kingdom through a Foreign Military Sales program with the US government. The delivery comes as the USAF awarded manufacturer Lockheed Martin $106 million modification contract for the continued production of 11 variations of the C-130J aircraft. Work on two C-130J-30, three HC-130J, five MC-130J and one KC-130J is expected to be completed by July 31, 2017.

Europe

• Poland is to invest $21 billion in replacing its Soviet-designed BWP-1 and BWP-2 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). The government is currently looking at options for the replacement with a potential joint procurement with the Czech Republic. Warsaw may also partner with local manufacturer Huta Stalowa Wola who acquired the license for South Korea’s K9 chassis for use with its ASM Krab 155mm self-propelled howitzer.

• The UK government is to cut the baseline profit rate for single source defense contracts. The Single Source Regulations Office has recommended cutting the baseline rate at 8.95% as the Minister of Defence (MoD) attempts to bring Britain in line with defense suppliers in Western Europe and North America. According to Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, the new rate “provides a fair return to industry while delivering savings that will be reinvested in defense.” It is expected the government will save $283 million from the change.

Asia Pacific

• Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has successfully test fired FZ 70mm rockets during weapons trials of its prototype TD-3 Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). The next weapon systems scheduled to be tested on the helicopter are the on board 20 mm Giat-Nexter turret gun and MBDA Mistral-2 air-to-air missile. The Indian Air Force has also announced that the planned testing of Astra’s beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) is on schedule, and the missile is on course to be inducted into the air force next year.

Today’s Video

• EA-6 Prowler Equipped With AGM-88 HARM Anti-Radar Missile:

China Exports to South America Continue | Israel Awaits Multi-Billion US Military Aid Package | 2015 Dassault Exports Increase 12-fold Over 2014

Americas

• The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program will test the new Generation III Helmet-Mounted Display System this month, as it aims to counter problems with the jet’s ongoing ejection seat issues. Since August, a ban has been placed on lightweight pilots from flying the aircraft, as the current helmet may cause neck injury during low-speed ejections. The later version of the helmet is 8 ounces lighter than its predecessor, and is one of several options being worked on to counter potential injuries. The other options involve modifications to the ejector seat, and are scheduled to enter the production line this November.

• The US Navy has announced plans to “descope” the stealth requirement from the development carrier-based aerial system (CBARS). This will allow the tanker to be capable of firing missiles and dropping munitions. Dubbed the MQ-25 Stingray, the descoping marks yet another alteration to the program which had initially started out as the Unmanned Carrier Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) program before a drastic U-turn took it away from ISR activities to that of refueling role. However, according to Vice Adm Joseph Mulloy, deputy chief of naval operations for integration of capabilities and resources, the addition of greater weapons capabilities will not see the Stingray spying, with destroying targets and refueling remaining its main mission.

• China’s defense exports to South America continue with the delivery of six new Hongdu K-8W trainers to Venezuela. Nine of the aircraft were purchased in 2013 with the final three expected to be delivered shortly. 18 K-8Ws were purchased in 2010, however three have been lost due to accidents. Beijing has also renewed ongoing military aid to Bolivia in a deal that will see $7.7 million made available over the next five years to go toward communications equipment, military transport, and technical assistance. China has made available over $8 million in Chinese military donations over the last nine years, which has mainly gone on transport vehicles, munitions, and patrol boats.

Middle East North Africa

• Israel hopes to have finalized details regarding a ten year US military aid package very soon, according to Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon. The package is believed to range between $40-50 billion, and if the higher end is granted, will allow for Israel to increase purchases of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters. Iran, seemingly emboldened by the recent lifting of sanctions from last year’s nuclear deal also seems to be of concern for Israel. The recent launching by Tehran of two Iranian versions of the 2,000-kilometer-range North Korean No Dong, were inscribed with the Hebrew message “Israel must be wiped off the face of the Earth.”

Europe

• Dassault has experienced a 12-fold increase in defense exports in 2015. The defense wing of the company experienced an order intake for the year end (2015) at $9.2 billion compared to only $770 million in 2014. The staggering jump has been attributed to a year that involved the sale of 48 Rafale fighters to Egypt and Qatar, and further by the well publicized ongoing negotiations with India for a further 38 of the aircraft. Adding to the exceptionally good year was upgrade of the Indian Mirage 2000 fighter.

Africa

• Mali’s armed forces are now operating ACMAT’s Bastion armored personnel carriers (APC) after receiving training from Italian experts as part of an EU training mission there. 62 of the French manufactured APCs were purchased by the US in September last year, to be distributed among the armed forces of Cameroon, Ethiopia, Somalia, Tunisia, and Uganda which makes it possible that the APCs sent to Mali may have been donated by the US as well. The vehicles have been sent to help modernize the various armed forces in dealing with regional threats such as growing Islamic insurgencies throughout the continent.

Asia Pacific

• India’s Law Ministry has come out against the country’s Rafale deal, citing several issues in regard to the contract with French manufacturer Dassault and France. While the Defense Ministry has come out in support of the deal, refusing to answer any questions submitted by the media in relation to the issues, it seems that even a preliminary contract has yet to solidified. Costs and pricing still remain an issue, as well as a series of legal issues which are apparently weighted heavily in France’s favor. French liability has been described as “watered down,” with huge payouts not promising actual delivery. Furthermore, the French government continue in their refusal of a bank guarantee, instead offering a “comfort letter” from Prime Minister Manuel Valls.

• The Australian government has announced that it is to invest $4 million to further develop the Pegasus Aircraft Buoyancy System. Designed by Australian company One Atmosphere, the flotation gear aims to provide additional buoyancy to rotary wing aircraft that have crashed or ditched at sea, and potentially provide extra time for the aircrew to escape safely. While the system is to be initially tested on the ADF’s Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter, it could potentially be rolled out onto the Tiger’s replacement when the fleet is retired in 2025.

Today’s Video

• ACMAT’s Bastion APC:

Bell Gets Navy Contract for 25 New Helos | P&W Could Save Money B-21 Program | China’s Y-20 Heavy Transport May Soon Enter Service

Americas

• The US Navy has awarded Bell Helicopters a $461 million contract to supply the force with 12 Lot 13 UH-1Y and 16 Lot 13 AH-1Z helicopters. The contract includes the provision of 16 auxiliary fuel kits. Completion of the sale is expected by February 2019 as part of the Navy’s H-1 upgrade program. Bell Helicopters has also signed a teaming agreement with BAE Systems Australia to offer the AH-1Z as a potential replacment for the Australian Army’s Tiger fleet.

• Pratt & Whitney’s involvement in the new B-21 bomber program may provide cost saving effects for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The engine manufacturer already provides the F135 engine core for the troubled F-35, and the company’s involvement with the B-21 may have enough “benefits” to warrant price reductions according to Lt Gen Christopher Bogdan. The general did not confirm, however, that the F135 engine core is common with the B-21 powerplant. P&W failed to comment on the general’s comments.

• The US Army is looking for a light reconnaissance helicopter to fill the vacant role made by the retirement of Bell’s OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. As a result, it looks likely that they will move quickly on the Future Vertical Lift-Light (FVL-Light) program because it may be more achievable in the near term in terms of cost and timing. While funding is going ahead for a medium FVL program to succeed the Sikorsky UH-60 and Boeing AH-64, nothing has been put in place to replace the Kiowa. If a competition for a light reconnaissance helicopter is to go ahead, Sikorsky says it will offer a version of its experimental S-97 Raider for the role.

Middle East North Africa

• Egypt’s parliament has agreed to $3.7 billion in French loans which will be used to finance armament procurements from France. The money will go toward a variety of equipment and hardware, and will be spread across the Navy, Army, and Air Force. The modernization of Egypt’s armed forces is seen as an integral part of securing the often porous borders in North Africa, and fighting several Islamic militant groups with links to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State in the Sinai Peninsula.

• Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $73 million modification to an existing foreign military sales contract to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The modification allows for the exercising of a PATRIOT option, adding 64 1-pack Missile Segment Enhancement missiles, and reducing 64 Cost Reduction Initiative missiles (CRI). Completion is expected by June 30 2019. Last July, the US State Department approved a massive $5.4 billion foreign military sale for six hundred PAC-3 CRI missiles to the Gulf kingdom as it ramped up its military intervention in Yemen.

Europe

• Portugal’s Tekever has launched a new variant of its AR3 Net Ray fixed-wing unmanned air vehicle (UAV). The UAV comes with a 33% increased payload capacity to enable the carriage of a 25nm (46km)-maritime radar. The upgrades are expected to increase the Net Ray’s maritime capabilities, and have been deployed with the Portuguese Navy undergoing NATO operations in Africa. Alongside these operations, the AR3 will be at the center of a new wildlife protection system that will be used to monitor endangered species and to support anti-poaching efforts.

Asia Pacific

• Despite some protestations from US lawmakers over Pakistan’s planned procurement of eight F-16 fighters, officials in Islamabad have announced their intentions to seek ten additional fighters for their fleet. While no further details on the time frame of the order were given, if approved, the order would bring the total number of F-16C/D Block-52 fleet to 36 aircraft. US Congressional opposition to the sale stems from plans to partly subsidize the sale through the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program. According to some, Pakistan has not done enough to counter Islamic extremists operating in neighboring Afghanistan, who often use Pakistan as a base for operations.

• China’s new Xian Y-20 heavy transport aircraft could be entering service in the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in the near future. With the plane’s first flight in 2013, China is the world’s fourth country, after the US, Russia and Ukraine, to have developed a 200-ton military cargo jet. Its latest prototype has flown in February 2016, and with no apparent issues in development, it is likely that the Y-20 will achieve Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) by the end of this year. Full scale production of the aircraft, however, will not occur for a number of years.

Today’s Video

• The M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System:

USAF Moves from F-22 to New F-X Program | A-10 Warthog Replacements Considered | F-16 Sale to Pakistan Likely to Proceed

Americas

• Despite some interest from the Pentagon, the USAF has reiterated that it is not interested in restarting production of the F-22, instead preferring to move quickly on a new F-X program. Cost has been cited as a factor, with estimations that resuming F-22 production would be $17 billion, or $267 million for 75 more aircraft. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is already working with industry leaders on clean sheet aircraft and engine designs. Boeing, Northrop, and Lockheed have already started releasing artist’s impressions of conceptual “sixth-generation” fighter jets, but none are based on previous aircraft.
  
• The USAF is to look at a variety of options to replace the A-10 Warthog for its Close Air Support (CAS) requirements. A study will investigate whether a new clean-sheet design is required, or if existing aircraft such as the AT-6 or A-29 would be best for continued low-intensity “permissive conflict” like counter-terrorism and regional stability operations. An alternative option could involve a derivative of the T-X Advance Trainer, however with the T-X program not due until 2024, it would miss the A-10’s retirement in 2022.

Middle East North Africa

• ITC Defense Corp is to develop and field a Vehicle Management System for Kuwait to help track their military vehicles. The $7.7 million Foreign Military Sale will see ITC establish a “centralized tracking and secure transmission of GPS data,” develop and test customized vehicle management and tracking software, manage the installation of the GPS units, “integrate communications,” in addition to conducting training and providing support through February 2018. The sale of such systems comes after a number of incidents involving US military hardware surfacing in the wrong hands in the region. One such incident involved footage of a convoy of US vehicles and tanks waving Hezbollah flags as they rolled through the Iraqi desert. The video led to assumptions that US hardware was being utilized by Iranian backed forces.

Europe

• Cost saving measures may see the possibility of joint development and procurement of submarines between Norway and Germany. While Norway’s planned replacement of its Ula-class also has South Korea, Italy, Sweden, France, and Spain in the running as a new supplier, close military links and a history of cooperation in naval construction with Germany may make them the ideal partner. Berlin plans to purchase a number of submarines in the 2020s, and a single design for both nations would cut costs significantly.

Asia Pacific

• The sale of 36 AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) to Indonesia has been cleared by the US State Department. The $95 million Foreign Military Sale will also include one Missile Guidance System, control section support equipment, spare parts, services, logistics, technical contractor engineering and technical support, loading adaptors, technical publications, familiarization training, test equipment, and other related elements.

• China has made an advance payment on its $3 billion purchase of six battalions of the S-400 air defense systems from Russia. According to the head of manufacturer Rostec, Sergei Chemezov, deliveries of the systems could begin in the first quarter of 2017. Despite the payment, Chemezov did highlight that a number of formal procedures still have to be completed between Beijing and Moscow, which should be concluded by the end of the year. China is the first foreign export customer of the S-400 which is currently being rolled out throughout the Russian Armed Forces.

• Pakistan’s efforts to purchase six F-16 fighter jets has survived attempts of being blocked in the US Senate. Efforts led by Senator Rand Paul to cancel the sale lost out 71-24 in a vote on the $700 million deal. Paul’s opposition to military sales to Pakistan stems from what he sees as Islamabad’s “duplicitous” intentions when it comes to counter-terrorism and intelligence sharing, their human rights record, and as he has described the US-Pakistani relationship as “at best, a frenemy.” While US financing for the deal remains on hold, the sale is seen as “as critical to Pakistan’s efforts to deny terrorists a safe haven within its borders.”

• Spanish shipbuilder Navantia has been selected by the Royal Australian Navy to construct two auxiliary oiler and replenishment (AOR) vessels, beating South Korean giant Daewoo. The $907 is being allocated for the contract, and will replace two aging supply ships, the Auxiliary Oiler and Replenishment (AOR) vessel HMAS Success, and the logistics support ship, HMAS Sirius. Further details and conditions of the contracts remain unknown, as the deal has not been officially confirmed yet, but was leaked in the wake of anger from Federal opposition, labor unions, and independent South Australian Sen. Nick Xenophon, that the ships would not be built locally.

Today’s Video

• A look at Turkish artillery in action:

Argentina and Israel Resume Kfir Block 60 Talks | Turkey’s Defense Procurement Gets $5.9B Boost | Production Backlog Delays Indonesia’s Su-35s

Americas

• After the breaking off of talks between Argentina and Israel over the sale of 14 Kfir Block 60 fighters, both parties are to resume negotiations. The deal had initially been called off in October, just before contracts were to be signed, as a result of elections in Argentina. The fighters had been previously used by the Israeli Air Force, but have been upgraded with the latest systems, including the Elta 2032 active electronically scanned array radar. They will also have an open architecture to allow the Argentinian air force to install other systems.

• The USAF’s Cycle Management Center announced that the infrared search and track (IRST) pod for the F-15C must have data sharing capability between 4th & 5th gen. fighters. In a sources-sought notice published on Tuesday, a key requirement for the pod is that it must talk to the F-22’s Intra-Flight Data Link (IFDL) and the F-35’s Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) via Link-16 and create a “Common Tactical Picture (CTP).”

Middle East North Africa

• The Defense Industry Executive Committee, Turkey’s top procurement panel, has approved nearly $5.9 billion in defense programs. Of that funding, $4.5 billion will be earmarked for the country’s own domestic development projects, as they move to increase their own indigenous technology within the armed forces, and for export. Alongside the funding announcement, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu praised Turkey’s efforts for indigenous programs, and said that the serial production of locally developed infantry rifles will take off this year. This follows the first flight of home made Anka UAV last month, and an increase in defense exports by 35% during the first two months of 2016.

Europe

• Airbus has announced that it is to continue operating Germany’s military satellite system for the next seven years. The European defense giant was awarded the $162 million contract by BAAINBw, the German Armed Forces procurement agency. Airbus has been operating the SATCOMBw secure satellite communications system for Germany since 2006, and includes the in-orbit operation of the military COMSATBw1 and COMSATBw 2 satellites, as well as the operation of their teleport and associated networks in Weilheim, Germany.

• The French Air Force has made urgent requests for more new munitions and satellite communications to keep up with operational requirements. Orders for BLU 111 and 126 low-collateral-damage bombs, albeit without guidance kits, have been made and will be adapted and certified for the Rafale and Mirage strike fighters. Other equipment needed include laser-targeting pods for the Rafale and Mirage, and a satellite communications system for the Rafale. The munition and system procurements have also been met with requests for an increase in trained mechanics to keep up with aircraft maintenance requirements.

Asia Pacific

• Indonesia will not see delivery of their first Su-35 before 2018. Large scale orders for both domestic and foreign exports has created a production backlog. The Russian military will receive 50 of the multi-purpose fighters, while China has ordered 24. With Jakarta expecting ten of their own, manufacturer Sukhoi said that Indonesia could expect their first two jets in 2018 in a best case scenario. When they eventually are delivered, the planes will go toward replacing the aging F-5 Tiger fleet.

• A lease for five TC-90 maritime patrol aircraft has been confirmed by Philippine President Benigno Aquino. The Japanese aircraft are part of government efforts to increase air surveillance capabilities, which include the purchase of two C-130 transport planes, the first of which is to arrive next week. The deals come as Aquino moves the country’s defensive focus away from domestic insurgencies and toward territorial security and monitoring which is seeing ongoing encroachment from China. The air force and navy have been allocated $1.77 billion until 2017 to help with modernization efforts.

• The Indian government has announced that all warship requirements for the Indian Navy are being met by domestic shipyards. Both private and state-owned companies have been undergoing modernization efforts to improve infrastructure, increase capabilities and construction speeds, as well as equipping yards with state of the art technology. Currently, the Indian Navy is building 48 warships at domestic shipyards, and by 2027, it plans to have 198 warships compared with its current fleet of 137.

Today’s Video

• Col. Tom McCarthy talks on Air Superiority:

US Army Orders 35 Add’l Battlehawks | UAE to be First to Get Hammerhead UAV | Taiwan Confirms Plans to Develop Indigenous Jet Trainer

Americas

• John McCain’s threats against the next-generation B-21 strategic bomber have received stern warnings from the Pentagon. While McCain has rallied for implementing fixed-price contracts for development programs, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James has said that a new competition for the bomber would bring about $300 million in penalties. If McCain succeeds in cutting off funds for the B-21, the Air Force may be forced to start from scratch with a new competition which could take between 20-30 months. This would be required for Northrop and the losing Boeing/Lockheed Martin team to work on the “fixed-price” development contract McCain so desires.

• The US Army has ordered 35 UH-60M helicopters from Lockheed Martin’s subsidiary Sikorsky. Completion of the $387.2 million contract is expected for the end of December 2016, with work being carried out in Stratford, Connecticut. The award adds to a number of modification contracts for extra helicopters as the Army looks to increase its late-model helicopters for missions like armed reconnaissance and troop transport, medical evacuations, and search and rescue.

Middle East North Africa

• The first export customer of Piaggio Aero’s P.1HH Hammerhead UAV will be the UAE. Contracts signed on March 8 will see eight of the UAVs produced and delivered at a cost of $347 million, and includes the provision of EO/IR (Electro-Optical Infra-Red) cameras, radar, and communications systems. Development of the Hammerhead has been conducted in conjunction with fellow Italian firm Finmeccanica which has provided the mission control system, sensors, data link, and ground control station (GCS).

• Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the Israeli Air Force (IAF) are currently working on improving the Heron TP UAV’s endurance. Now capable of operating for 36 hours, ongoing work for additional sensor capability requires greater endurance capabilities. Upgrades to the Heron TP are part of the IAF’s plan to triple its “White Eagle” squadron of medium-altitude long-endurance UAVs as they transfer more missions from manned intelligence platforms to unmanned systems.

Europe

• A new anti-aircraft competition for the Polish Navy has received three bids according to the Polish Ministry of Defense. Companies announced were Germany’s Rheinmetall, Britain’s BAE Systems, and Poland’s leading defense group, PGZ. The next stage will see them take part in the technical dialogue of the program, which aims to replace the outdated Soviet-designed S-60MB anti-aircraft guns. But Poland’s rapid military modernization programs and reforms have started to come under fire as five key generals handed in their resignation last week. While their reasons remain unknown, it is believed to have been sparked by the government’s attempts to stamp out all traces of the Communist era.

• Britain’s Ministry of Defense has confirmed that it is to invest £642 million (US $908 million) in preparation for the production of its new fleet of Trident missile-armed nuclear submarines. The funding had initially been set out in the government’s 2015 strategic defense and security review (SDSR), and will be spent on upgrading production facilities at BAE Systems’ Barrow-in-Furness nuclear submarine yard, essential long lead items for the submarines, and the nuclear propulsion program being led by Rolls-Royce. In total, the Successor submarine program is estimated to cost around $44 billion, with a contingency fund of $13 billion set aside for any emergencies that arise.

Asia Pacific

• Taiwan’s Defense Minister Kao Kuang-chi has confirmed plans for the government to develop and procure its own indigenous jet trainer. The new aircraft will replace the aging Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation’s (AIDC) AT-3 currently in service. At present, the program is in the RFI stage, but $2.1 billion has been set aside for the trainers development. An increase in defense procurement, and desire to develop indigenous technology, has been on the increase in several Asian and East Asian countries who are responding to ongoing Chinese moderization efforts.

• The Philippine Air Force will receive two more second hand C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft at a cost of $34.1 million. Delivery of the first is expected next week, while the second will follow in September. This brings the total number of C-130 aircraft in their fleet to five. The deal was announced by the outgoing Philippine Air Force (PAF) chief Lt. Gen. Jeffrey F. Hidalgo as part of attempts to modernize the air force’s capability for humanitarian and disaster response, and territorial defense from Chinese expansion.

Today’s Video

• Boeing employee and voice of the cockpit warning system on the F/A-18, Leslie Shook, talks on her role as “Bitchin’ Betty” upon her retirement:

USAF Names Suppliers for NG’s B-21 | Turkey’s TF-X Program Hits Snag | China’s 2nd Carrier to be J-15 Equipped

Americas

• Bugs in the F-35A 3i software are forcing pilots to restart the AESA radars while in flight. The glitch represents one of the greatest threats to the USAF’s initial operational capability (IOC), expected sometime between 1 August and 31 December. The root cause of the problem has been identified by lead contractor Lockheed Martin, now in the process of running the software solution through lab tests. The patch is expected to be delivered to the USAF by the end of March.

• Raytheon’s recent SM-6 anti-air missile test was used to engage the decommissioned USS Reuben James, (FFG 57) made famous for its appearance in the 1990 movie The Hunt for Red October. The test was a demonstration of the Navy’s concept of “distributed lethality,” employing ships in dispersed formations to increase the offensive might of the surface force, and enabling future options for the joint force commander. The USS John Paul Jones fired the SM-6 while another Arleigh Burke-class destroyer was on station as the assist ship.

• The USAF has named seven top-tier suppliers for Northrop Grumman’s B-21 Long-Range Strike Bomber. Announced five months after Northrop was awarded the main contract for the secretive program, sub-contractors include BAE Systems, GKN Aerospace, Janicki Industries, Orbital ATK, Rockwell Collins, Spirit AeroSystems, and engine-maker Pratt & Whitney. Pratt & Whitney’s selection as engine maker is a departure from GE Aviation, who provided the engines for the B-2 stealth bomber. The others will work on airframe or mission systems for the program.

Middle East North Africa

• Turkey’s indigenous next-generation fighter (TF-X) program has hit a number of pre-development issues caused by administrative delays and differences of opinion between procurement and military officials. Plans to have the fighter operational by 2023 are now under scrutiny by some analysts, with major delays potentially on the way. One particular issue surrounding the delays involves their partnership with BAE Systems. While pre-contract negotiations began last year, a deal has not been finalized, and has yet to be authorized by the country’s procurement decision body, the Defense Industry Executive Committee. As a result, design, development, and production of the jet has gone on the back burner indefinitely.

Africa

• The South African-based Paramount Group is to collaborate with Boeing to weaponize and integrate Boeing mission systems and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) payloads for the South African-developed advanced, high-performance, reconnaissance, light aircraft (AHRLAC). An agreement was decided at the Global Aerospace Summit in Abu Dhabi. The five year old AHRLAC program has developed a high-wing, two-seat aircraft designed to incorporate advanced ISR capabilities and weapon systems with a single-pusher-engine configuration, with an aim to claim a portion of the helicopter market.

Europe

• BAE Systems and the UK MoD are currently in discussions to agree on to the next tranche of work, and establish a revised production schedule that could delay the start of building a fleet of new anti-submarine warfare/general purpose frigates. An initial contract under the Type 26 program was to build 13 of the vessels, however this was cut to eight last November by the Conservative government. To fill the capability gap, the Type 31 program looks to build five cheaper, smaller general purpose frigates. The current discussions aim to decide on how these programs will go forward with a revised schedule expected for the early fall.

Asia Pacific

• China’s second aircraft carrier will be larger than its first and equipped with J-15 fighter jets. Construction of the 50,000-tonne vessel was announced by the defense ministry last December, and aims to assert Beijing’s claims to contested islands in the South & East China Seas. The design is based on the operational Liaoning but will also include space to carry more ammunition, fuel, early warning aircraft, anti-submarine aircraft, and health evacuation helicopters aimed to improve its self-sufficiency and combat effectiveness at sea.

• The New Zealand Defence Force has chosen Boeing as the preferred provider of an update of submarine detection sensors on the air force’s P-3K2 Orion surveillance aircraft. The upgrade, yet to be approved by the government, would replace ISR equipment 50 years old and cost in the tens of millions of dollars. Plans for future defence procurement will be announced next month in a government Defense Whitepaper including plans for the Orion fleet.

Today’s Video

• F-35 software engineers giving radar troubleshooting advice to pilots: