Despite Doubts, Canada Still Paying into F-35 Program | Growth in Paveway Sales Boosts Raytheon | Brexit No Impact – BAE Posts Small Revenue Rise

Americas

• While Canada’s government continues to flounder on its CF-18 fighter replacement, it still continues to contribute to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Since the Liberal Party’s campaign promise to ditch the F-35 and launch a new replacement competition, they continued paying $33 million into the program. Meanwhile, consultations have taken place with fighter manufacturers which some see as simply giving the Liberals political cover to buy a plane other than the F-35 without holding a competition. If a fair and free competition were to include Lockheed Martin, a fair bet would be on the F-35 winning.

• Officials from South Korea and the US have met in Washington for their first set of talks to discuss the transfer of technologies for the former’s upcoming KF-X indigenous fighter. Approval had been given for the transfer of 21 technologies as part of Seoul’s commitment to purchase 40 F-35s, however Washington refused on four core technologies, saying they would need to be developed domestically by South Korea. The meeting saw further discussion of the core technologies in question as well as technologies related to the development of the medium-altitude UAV.

• A growth in Paveway guided bomb sales has resulted in Raytheon posting better than expected quarterly revenues for 2016. The sales saw the company’s missile division posting a 6% increase in the second quarter. International sales accounted for a third of all guided munitions with half of exports coming from governments in the Middle East and Africa.

Middle East North Africa

• The Israeli Air Force has announced that its first F-35I “Adir” fighter has flown in the USA and the flight of a second jet is expected shortly. A pilot from lead manufacturer Lockheed Martin will conduct a number of further tests prior to the fighters’ delivery to Israel on December 12. As with its existing fleets of F-15 and F-16s, Israeli F-35As will be heavily customized to suit the IAF’s needs.

Europe

• Despite Bexit, a falling Pound Sterling and a whole lot of uncertainty, BAE Systems has claimed recent events have not resulted in a short-term impact on their business. The company’s statement comes as it rolls out first-half results that show a small rise in revenues compared to 2015. Overall company revenues continued to be dominated by the US with 36 percent of revenues in the first half. Britain and Saudi Arabia remain the company’s other major markets.

Asia Pacific

• Plans for October? Mitsubishi’s X-2 stealth demonstrator is to go on public display at Gifu Air Base, Japan, on October 30. This will be one of the first times regular punters can get up close and personal with the new jet following its maiden flight in April. For those rushing to check those dates, authorities have advised to leave the cars at home and come via rail.

• The Indian government has backtracked on a plan to procure six A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) aircraft for the Indian Air Force. This marks the second time that India has scrapped the aircraft’s tender which is estimated at $2 billion. But Airbus, already in the midst of financial hits due to its A400M transporter, seems to be remaining confident with an official saying the company “will engage with the Indian government in finding a way to bring the A330 MRTT’s capabilities to the IAF.”

• Negotiations continued regarding the modernization of 194 Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force. A visiting delegation from Russia came to New Delhi to explain their “Super Sukhoi” concept, which if implemented, will give the aircraft near-fifth generation capabilities and effectiveness. With the deal expected to be finalized within four to six months, the project is expected to top $8 billion.

Today’s Video

India’s Super Sukhoi upgrade:

USAF T-X Competition Heats Up | Airbus Takes Major Hit for A400M and A350 Problems | Poles Expect Patriot Missile Defense Deal by Year’s End

Americas

• The USAF T-X competition is continuing to heat up with Lockheed Martin announcing the successful maiden flight of its second T-50A aircraft. Developed in conjunction with T-50 manufacturer Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI), testing took place in South Korea one month after first T-50A completed its initial flight tests. The consortium faces a number of clean and off the shelf designs from Boeing/SAAB, Raytheon/Finmeccanica and Northrop Grumman/BAE Systems.

• A US Navy LCS has fired a Harpoon Block IC missile for the first time at this year’s Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. The move comes as part of a drive by the service to implement its distributed lethality concept. While integration only took four months, and gives LCS vessels an increased anti-ship capability, a decision still needs to be made whether or not all LCS platforms will get tricked out with Harpoons.

• Reports that the USAF was proposing a dual procurement to replace the A-10 Warthog have been dismissed by Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James, saying that the funds were not available for two programs, and stating that she had heard of the dual proposal via the news and had not been briefed by anyone within the service, or options or strategy in relation to the new close air support (CAS) A-X program. The stories that the USAF had met with industry officials were initially reported last week.

Middle East North Africa

• Plans are in motion for Israel to examine the contracting out of its F-35 fleet maintenance to domestic firms. Despite Lockheed Martin establishing a European regional maintenance facility at Cameri airbase in Italy, Tel Aviv maintains its desire to conduct as much maintenance as possible in house. Likely beneficiaries to such a move is Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) due to its experience in maintaining and upgrading existing IAF fleets.

• IAI looks set to win a major contract to provide its TopGun precision guidance kit to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Designed to convert standard 155mm artillery shells into precision munitions, the kit is set to earn IAI some $100 million from the IDF over the next ten years, in addition to countless more in international sales.

Europe

• Airbus is to take a $1.5 billion hit for issues involving delays with its A400M transporter and A350 jetliner. The A400s gearbox issues accounted for $1.03 billion of the losses, adding to $5 billion already ready written off during the aircraft’s development. Designed to give some of Europe’s NATO members an independent heavy transport capability, the cost overruns are now being attributed to an overambitious fixed cost with delays and mishaps cutting into a slim profit margin.

• Polish Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz expects to have their Patriot missile-defense system finalized by the end of the year. The $5.5 billion deal could also be joined by more missile-systems as Warsaw accelerates efforts to enhance their missile-defense capability. $15 billion has been earmarked for the modernization with plans to spend some $10 billion on mid-range air- and missile-defense systems, and over $5 billion on short-range air-defense systems.

Asia Pacific

• India is formally adding four more P-8I aircraft to its Navy fleet in order to bolster their maritime surveillance capabilities. Contracts for the $1 billion deal were inked on Wednesday and will be delivered over the next three years. The long-range patrol craft can also carry an anti-submarine Harpoon missile for ASW missions.

Today’s Video

• LCS USS Cole firing a harpoon at RIMPAC 2016:

LM’s Presidential Heli Passes CDR | Greece’s P-3B Gets $142M Mod Program | China Rails At South Korea for THAAD Deployment

Americas

• The US Navy has cleared Lockheed Martin’s VH-92A program Critical Design Review (CDR). Tasked with transporting the president and vice president of the United States and other officials, the VH-92 will see initial fielding in 2020, and production continuing until 2023. First flight is expected next year.

Middle East North Africa

• Two years since the commencement of deliveries, Israel has received the last of its M-346 Lavi jets from manufacturer Leonardo-Finmeccanica. The $1 billion deal sees the 30 jet trainers delivered to replace the 1960s-era Douglas TA-4 Skyhawk. Equipped with the Elbit Systems Targo helmet, the Israeli Air Force can provide synthetic on-board training for pilots transitioning onto the full range of the IAF’s frontline combat aircraft fleets which will soon include the F-35.

• As US and Israeli officials move to finalize talks over the upcoming military aid package, a former IDF general has warned against his government looking to increase the amount sent. Maj. Gen. (Res) Gershon Hacohen called the increased dependence on US financing as suiting and expanding US interests and a reduction in such dependence would be better for all over time. Lamenting what he sees to be an addiction to advanced US platforms, US aid merely institutionalizes IDF reliance on air power, at the expense of innovative and daring ground maneuver warfare.

Europe

• French aerospace laboratory Onera has released details on their test of the A400M transporter. The company had been contacted by manufacturer Airbus to conduct the studies of a new hose and drogue configuration designed to permit helicopter refueling from the airlifter. Customers involved in the A400 program’s development have experienced frustration over the lack of helicopter refueling capabilities, with France having already bought two Lockheed Martin KC-130J tankers to perform the task, and Germany considering a similar acquisition.

• Greece’s P-3B Orion aircraft are to undergo a $142 million mid-life modernization program. Work to be carried out as highlighted in the deal include the reactivation of one of the navy’s P-3Bs and the procurement of software and hardware kits for the upgrade and modernization of a total of four aircraft. Greece operates six of the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) P-3Bs.

• Leonardo-Finmeccanica is expecting to deliver the first of its ATR-72 maritime patrol aircraft to the Italian Navy within the next few weeks. A total of four will be delivered and are to conduct missions including aiding navel vessels searching for migrants crossing the Mediterranean. The $397 million deal does not give the Navy any ASW capabilities, with budget shortfalls after the 2008 economic crash causing Rome to ditch plans to look at Boeing’s P-8 Poseidon.

Asia Pacific

• China has hailed the US deployment of Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) batteries to South Korea as harming the “foundation of their trust.” THAAD’s presence on the Korean peninsula as a counter to North Korean nuclear missile testing also caused Chinese officials to warn that the government in South Korea “should think twice about the deployment and value the good momentum of ties between Beijing and Seoul.” Meanwhile, the North moves ahead with the construction of fortified submarine pens for its ballistic missile submarines.

• Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is to partner with South Korean giant Samsung to produce 100 tracked 155mm howitzer guns at Indian facilities. The contract, at $700 million, constitutes India’s largest ever order for the domestic private sector, and could lead to further orders of wheeled guns for the Indian Army. Offering the K-9 Vajra-T gun, the winning team beat out Rosoboronexport’s MSTA howitzer.

Today’s Video

• Coming soon the the Indian Army, the K-9 Vajra-T:

Trainer Jets for Israel: From the Skyhawk, to the M-346 Lavi

Israeli A-4Ns

After more than 40 years operating the A-4 Skyhawk, a maintenance scandal led Israel to conclude that its remaining Skyhawk’s needed to be replaced as advanced trainers. That triggered a $1 billion advanced trainer competition, and a major geo-political decision.

In 2012, Israel made up its mind. The Italian M-346 “Lavi” will be their new trainer.

MNVR Panned by Pentagon Chief | Afghan Army Cashing in on Ammo Scrap | Largest Amphibious Aircraft (AG600) Rolled Out in China

Americas

• The Pentagon’s chief weapons tester Michael Gilmore has blasted the Army’s Mid-Tier Networking Vehicular Radio (MNVR) just as the service prepares to make a production decision for the system. Gilmore described the MNVR, saying the radio “did not meet commanders’ operational needs for a mid-tier network solution.” and “provided no value added in mitigating the significant impacts to communications and mission execution experienced in a satellite communications (SATCOM)-denied environment.” Only time will tell if the report affects the Army’s production decision.

• Lockheed Martin projects slow but steady growth in the international sale of its missile- and air-defense systems. Products such as the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) and Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC-3) interceptor have all been garnering interest from European and Middle East governments and the company expects to win various competitions over the next few years. Missile and fire control division is responsible for about 50 percent of their international purchases.

Middle East North Africa

• The Algerian Navy has commissioned their third C28A-class corvette after delivery from China. Featuring a displacement of 3,000 metric tons, the 360-foot-long stealth-guided missile ship can conduct offshore defense operations and long-distance combat missions. The three vessels, ordered in 2011, come as part of a wider naval modernization by Algeria which includes orders for two Meko A-200AN frigates, and two Project 636 Varshavyanka (Kilo class) diesel electric submarines from Russia, which are due in 2018.

• Rafael’s SPICE 1000 EO/GPS-guided munitions are to be adopted by the Israeli Air Force as the weapon enters into its final development stage. Integration will take place on all fighter squadrons with F-16C/D “Barak” aircraft first in line. Features of Spice include being camera operated with real time maneuver and response abilities when facing fixed and mobile targets.

Europe

• Thales Deutschland has been contracted to upgrade German Army training simulators. The work, due for completion in 2017, includes all small arms/handheld anti-tank weapons shooting simulator training devices in use with the German army. A total of 185 AGSHP shooting simulators are covered under the $5.5 million contract.

Asia Pacific

• A series of human errors has been blamed for the torpedoing of a fishing vessel by the Taiwanese Navy. A draft report of the investigation seen by media sources found that the patrol vessel was loaded with live missiles, and to enable drills to be carried out, a simulator box was supposed to be installed between the missile control and launch tube. Only two of the four missiles, however, were installed with the simulators. Petty Officer 2nd Class Kao Chia-chun, unsupervised, had selected salvo fire of two missiles and one of those missiles was not connected to a simulator. As a result, the missile fired when activated.

• Policemen and soldiers in the Afghan Army are said to be cashing in spent ammunition to scrap dealers amid corruption, poor pay and conditions experienced. With average pay at around $200 per month, a kilo of scrap can be sold for $2.55 with soldiers happy to spend 5-10 minutes firing until merchants have what they need. Other reports found troops in Helmand and Kunduz provinces firing 7,000 artillery shells in May alone. Commenting on the issue, an Afghan official said “We asked army commanders about it and said if each shell killed only one person, we should have 3,500 Taliban dead in each province….It’s very clear they fire aimlessly and collect the shell casings for copper and sell them.” $300 million worth of ammunition was given by the US to Afghan security forces last year.

• The world’s largest amphibious aircraft has rolled off the production line in China. Developed by state aircraft maker Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the AG600 is about the same size as a Boeing 737, and plans are to use it to perform marine rescue missions and fight forest fires. The aircraft has a maximum flight range of 4,500 km and can collect 12 tons of water in 20 seconds.

Today’s Video

• Rafael’s SPICE munitions:

LM Plans F-35 Production for Turkey Despite Coup Attempt | Germany Leases Israeli Drones for Mali Ops | Dassault Racks Up $662M in New Defense Orders

Americas

• In just six months, Saab has spent almost all of its investment funding for the upcoming USAF T-X trainer program. Partnered with Boeing, little is known about the aircraft’s design except that it is based on a clean sheet design. The team face off against a Lockheed Martin/KAI proposal based on the latter’s T-50, a Raytheon/Leonardo offer of the M-346-derived T-100 and a new platform being developed by Northrop in association with BAE Systems. Formal requirements for the program will be released by the USAF either by year’s end or early 2017.

• Two new close air support aircraft to complement and eventually replace the A-10 are being sought by the USAF. Beechcraft’s AT-6 and Embraer’s A-29 Super Tucano are being looked at for an off the shelf procurement while an initial order of 20 light attack OA-X aircraft could deliver as early as next year. For the OA-X, the service is looking for a medium-altitude aircraft with some level of precision strike capability, such as the BAE Systems Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System laser-guided rocket.

• Boeing has announced the latest in an ongoing saga of cost overruns with the company taking a $393 million hit on the KC-46 tanker program. Well published issues such as the fault with the aircraft’s refueling boom have resulted in delays to the aircraft reaching an important program milestone prior to initial production. The charges are to be formally announced on July 27 and brings the total value of penalties to almost $1.9 billion. Don’t worry Boeing, the next round of drinks are on us.

Middle East North Africa

• Never mind the coup, it’s the F-35! Despite the recent attempt at political overthrow by certain cadres of Turkey’s military, Lockheed Martin is forging ahead with its planned production of the first two F-35As for Turkey. Assembly of the aircraft is expected to commence within the next six to twelve months and delivery scheduled for 2018. But could further political instability in an already volatile region put the deal into doubt, only time will tell.

Africa

• Germany is to lease three Heron 1 UAVs for upcoming operations in Mali. Operated by Airbus, with military missions flown solely by military personnel, the Israeli-built surveillance drones will see operations commence in November and last until February 2018. The deal is worth $100 million.

Europe

• Dassault’s six-month financial review has revealed new defense orders worth $662 million. Of that, almost $500 million has come from the French military’s contract for the Mirage 2000D upgrade with the remainder from international business. The company also announced the delivery of six Rafale fighters and a production backlog of 76 aircraft.

Asia Pacific

• Lockheed Martin and Swiss firm Pilatus have successfully completed the initial production test flight of the first PC-21 aircraft destined for the Australian Defence Force under the AIR 5428 Pilot Training System program. The first of the ordered aircraft is expected to be delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in June 2017 upon the completion of testing. 49 of the turbo-prop trainers were ordered back in September 2015 as part of the RAAF’s new pilot training program.

• Bye-bye Viraat. India’s second aircraft carrier, INS Viraat, left harbor on its last voyage on Saturday under escort from Indian Navy Sea King Helicopters. The “Grand Old Lady” is en route to Kochi for essential repairs and dry docking. Due for decommissioning later this year, Viraat holds the esteemed honor of being the Guinness World record for the oldest serving warship after spending 29 years sailing under the flag of India and 27 years in the British Royal Navy.

Today’s Video

• F-35s at Red Flag for the first time:

Pakistan Looks for 2nd Hand F-16s | SK’s KAI Breaks into African Market | Saab Courts Indonesia with Gripen C/D Fighters to Replace F-5E’s

Americas

• A B-52 has dropped the Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) precision-guided bomb from its internal bomb bay for the first time. The test was carried out to certify the new Conventional Rotary Launcher being developed for the legacy bomber. Following the successful drop, testers will now continue with dropping the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile, Miniature Air Launched Decoy, and the MALD Jammer from the launcher.

• Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $241 million US Navy contract modification for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Under the deal, Lockheed will provide replacement electronic components for the aircraft with work to be completed by December 2018. The contract combines purchases for the USAF, USMC, Navy, foreign military sales customers and international partners.

Middle East North Africa

• Pakistan is looking to secure second-hand F-16 fighters from both Jordan and European nations via the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) route. The renewed searching comes as the deal to secure the planes from the US collapsed after members of Congress opposed to the fighters being procured under the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program to subsidize the deal. Instead, Islamabad is now looking for a Third Party Transfer of the F-16s, if someone is willing.

Africa

• South Korea’s KAI has just broken into the African market with contracts signed to provide four KT-1 trainers to Senegal. The West African nation is the forth export customer for the basic trainer following Turkey, Peru, and Indonesia in adopting the aircraft. A spokesperson for KAI has claimed that the Senegal sale will help make further inroads for the company in the African market.

Europe

• Speculations have arisen over who has ordered a number of MiG-35 jets following an earlier story that 46 turbofan engines were being ordered for the fighter. The contract is worth at least $2 billion. While the customer is being kept a secret, Egypt is being touted as the most likely customer following a string of defense buys from Russia. Further down the list includes Syria, whom Moscow has been aiding in the ongoing civil war, and Iran, although any offensive weapons sold to Iran can be vetoed by the UN Security Council for the next five years.

Asia Pacific

• Saab has sent a proposal to Indonesian authorities to sell Gripen C/D fighters to their air force (TNI-AU). If selected, the Gripens would replace a well-seasoned fleet of Northrop F-5E Tiger II fighters, in service since 1980. The government’s replacement program initially seeks to procure 16 aircraft at a cost of $1.5 billion, but this could be expected to increase if territorial disputes in the region require Indonesia to beef up its capabilities further.

• It’s been reported that restrictions placed on Japan’s RQ-4 by the US is limiting Tokyo’s capabilities. Ideally, Japan wanted the RQ-4 to provide round-the-clock surveillance against neighboring North Korea and China. Now the Defense Ministry has discovered that the drone can only loiter for at most three times a week. Washington is only willing to supply optical sensors for Japanese Global Hawks, AIS tracking of ships and electronic emissions gathering sensors will not be provided at the outset. As a result, Japan may look to Israeli industry to supplement its UAV requirements with the IAI Heron.

• Boeing is to deliver four P-8 Poseidon aircraft to the Australian government. A US Navy contract modification awarded Boeing a $100 million order to produce and deliver the aircraft by June 2017. Once delivered, the P-8s will engage in long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

Today’s Video

• The KT-1 Basic Trainer.:

Bell-Boeing Wins $545M for MV-22s to Japan | US State Dept: Sale of $785M in Bombs to UAE a Go | MiG-35 Trials Late Summer Says UAC

Americas

• Bell-Boeing has been awarded a $545 million deal to manufacture and deliver four MV-22 tilt-rotor aircraft. The July 19 Navy contract will see the USMC variant of the aircraft delivered to the government of Japan, adding to a number of V-22s ordered in 2014. Delivery of the systems is expected for May 2020.

Middle East North Africa

• The US State Department has approved the sale of $785 million in bombs to the United Arab Emirates. Under the proposed sale, the deal will see the provision of 7,700 GBU-10 guidance kits with 7,700 Mk-84/BLU-117 bombs; 5,940 GBU-12 guidance kits with 5,940 Mk-82/BLU-111 bombs; 500 GBU-31V1 guidance kits with 500 Mk-84/BLU- 117 bombs; 500 GBU-31V3 guidance kits with 500 BLU-109 bombs; and 14,640 FMU-152 fuzes. The sale is being sanctioned as the UAE is seen as an important Sunni Arab ally in the fight against the Islamic State.

• Last Friday’s attempted coup in Turkey may have rattled US military and defense interests, but Lockheed Martin is not afraid that the incident will affect ongoing business interests there. The coup by certain elements of the military had caused shock across the world rendering much protestation and worry from Turkey’s allies and neighbors. But while President Erdogan may now be dealing with failed plotters, LM have assured that existing deals will not be in danger.

Africa

• Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh attended their Air Force’s induction ceremony of two Harbin Y-12 transport aircraft into the service. Four Dauphin helicopters were also inspected by Guelleh, which had been acquired with help from Saudi Arabia. The delivery of the Y-12s continue the ongoing support between Chinese industry and the small African nation with the Xian Aircraft Corporation (XAC) delivering a MA60 transport aircraft in 2014 in support of its peacekeepers in Somalia and for VIP transport.

Europe

• Four more A400M cargo aircraft will be delivered to Germany from Airbus by the end of the year. Issues involving the aircraft’s gearbox have resulted in a reduction of unit delivery, with the company now capable of delivering a total of five in 2016 rather than the originally agreed nine. With 53 A400s ordered by Germany, the defense ministry convened a new working group on June 29 to look at the country’s transport needs, including how to bridge the capacity gap caused by delays in the A400M program.

• The MiG-35 is to be tested in trials due to commence by the end of this summer. Manufacturer United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) made the disclosure to press saying that the trialing of the 4th++ generation fighter will last all year. The aircraft is a further development of the MiG-29K/KUB and MiG-29M/M2 combat aircraft with improved combat effectiveness and versatility, as well as improved performance.

Asia Pacific

• Japan has been cleared for the $821 million sale for SM-2 Block IIIB Standard missiles, equipment, and support. The deal will see Tokyo receive up to 246 Standard Missile (SM-2), Block IIIB Vertical Launching Tactical All-Up Rounds, RIM-66M-09. This request also includes MK 13 MOD 0 Vertical Launching System Canisters, operator manuals and technical documentation, US Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services. Japan will use the missiles as part of their anti-air sea defense on four Kongo-class and two Atago-class destroyers which have all been fitted with the Aegis Combat system and SM-2 Block IIIA/IIIB missiles.

• Industry partners already lining up for the Japanese F-3 program include US giants Lockheed Martin and Boeing. The new program is set to replace the existing F-2 fighter with a next generation stealth fighter based on the X-2 Shinshin experimental aircraft. With the F-3 planned for 2027, any partners taken into the development program stand to earn from a $20 billion project.

Today’s Video

• Israeli attempts to intercept a Syrian UAV on the Golan Heights:

AIM-9X Block II Missiles Get Capability Upgrade | Russia’s KA-52K Katran To Be Field Tested in Fall | Brits Overwhelmingly Favor Trident Renewal

Americas

• AIM-9X Block II missiles are getting an air-to-surface mode. Manufacturer Raytheon is currently working on porting the software necessary for the transition following the award of a $291.7 million contract by the US Navy. The deal is for the provision of 660 Lot 16 AIM-9X missiles as well as AIM-9X Block II Captive Air Training Missiles, containers, and spare components for the Navy, USAF, and a number of foreign militaries.

• Following the refueling of an A-10 Thunderbolt, the KC-46 has completed the last in a series of in-flight refueling tests necessary before its Milestone C production decision. A selection of Navy, USAF and USMC aircraft were chosen including the C-17, F-16, F/A-18 and AV-8B. The Milestone C decision to begin low-rate initial production is expected in August.

• The US Army’s Rapid Equipping Force has ordered CyPhy Works’ Persistent Aerial Reconnaissance and Communications (PARC) system. A tethered UAS, PARC provides a continuous eye-in-the-sky capability by flying for days at a time engaging in long-endurance flights, with the tether providing power while also allowing communications and video to flow via the Kevlar-strengthened microfilament tether.

Middle East North Africa

• Russia’s latest KA-52K Katran helicopters are to be tested in the field during upcoming military action in Syria. The helicopters will be on board the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov and will join the Syrian campaign from October 2016 to January 2017. Reasoning behind the deployment, according to Viktor Murakhovsky of Arsenal Otechestva magazine, is that it “is a test of the operational and technical capacity and ability of our air carrier strike group, since previously Russia has never used air carriers in real combat conditions.”

Europe

• British MPs voted overwhelmingly in favor of renewing their aging nuclear submarine fleet by 471 to 117. Opponents to the renewal of the Scottish-based nuclear-armed Trident submarines came from the Scottish National Party (SNP) and parts of the Labour Party, however new PM Theresa May stressed lawmakers to back Trident, not only to protect Britain from growing threats from Russia and North Korea, but also to protect thousands of jobs in Scotland and elsewhere. Critics say that May is using the Trident vote to help unify the Conservative Party after a rather bruising “Brexit” from the European Union.

Asia Pacific

• India is looking into a major purchase of Russian naval, air, and anti-air weaponry. The shopping list includes 12 S-400 “Triumpf” anti-air systems, four Tu-22M3 strategic bombers, 80 Mi-17 helicopters and six IL-76 aircraft which are suitable for the Israeli Phalcon radar. Russia is already in the process of of a $900 million modernization program of India’s MiG-29 fleet.

• North Korea has fired three ballistic missiles in retaliation to the upcoming deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) anti-missile system in South Korea. Believed to be two Scud missiles and one Rodong, the missiles flew between 500 and 600 km (300-360 miles) into the sea off its east coast. The provocations come as a political show of force from Pyongyang rather than as a test aimed at improving missile capability.

• Hyundai is to provide a new naval tanker to New Zealand to replace the replenishment tanker that is nearly three decades old. Powered by diesel engines driving twin props, and capable of refueling two ships at a time while underway, carry and refuel Defense Force helicopters, produce and store water, and store and transport bulk goods. For self-defense, the tanker will operate two mini-typhoons and a Phalanx close-in weapons system (CIWS).

Today’s Video

• CyPhy Work’s PARC UAV:

USN Gives Moniker “Stingray” to MQ-25A | KC-390 Tanker/Transport Embarks on WW Demo Tour | BAE Wins $2.8B Contract for RAF Eurofighter Typhoon Support

Americas

• While speculation over its name has been floated for some time, the US Navy’s first carrier unmanned aerial vehicle has been officially named. Known as the Carrier Based Aerial Refueling System (CBARS) program, the service’s Material Command has now designated the aircraft MQ-25A with the name “Stingray.” Initially conceived as a low observable lethal, and deep penetrating strike platform, the MQ-25A will now focus on refueling with some ISR capabilities and followed up with later weapons installation.

• Following its debut at the Farnborough Air Show last week, Embraer’s KC-390 tanker/transport aircraft is to embark on a worldwide demonstration tour. The specifics of the tour stop offs have not been revealed, although interested parties include the Czech Republic and three stops in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. The Brazilian Air Force will induct the KC-390 in 2018.

• Lockheed Martin has won a $21 million US Navy contract to provide Trident II D5 missiles to the service. The latest submarine-launched fleet of ballistic missiles, Trident II follows the Polaris, Poseidon and Trident I C4 programs. Trident was first deployed in 1990 and is currently deployed on board US Ohio-class and British Vanguard-class submarines.

Middle East North Africa

• Last week Raytheon announced the success of Saudi-operated Patriot batteries in intercepting missiles coming from Yemen, however the system failed to take down a Syrian UAV that ended up in Israeli air space. The intrusion took place over airspace on the Golan Heights, which has been in Israeli possession since its annexation in 1967. While the IDF have often responded to stray rocket fire from the neighboring Syrian Civil War with tank and mortar shells, this marks the first time that Patriot missiles have been brought into play.

Europe

• New UK Prime Minister Theresa May has overseen a vote on the renewal of the Trident nuclear weapons program. The renewal will cost the British taxpayers some $41.1 billion, and has been met with opposition from the Scottish National Party (SNP) and has split the Labour Party on the issue. With four Trident submarines in operation, at any one time the UK has one armed and at sea, one undergoing maintenance and two either at port or on exercises.

• BAE Systems has been awarded a support contract for the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) Eurofighter Typhoon fleet. Over the ten years of the deal, BAE is set to earn some $2.8 billion, and it is being referred to as the Typhoon Total Availability Enterprise (TyTAN) agreement. Italy’s Leonardo has also been enlisted under the Joint Avionics Solution (JAS) initiative, which will leverage a similar support package that it already provides for the Italian air force’s Typhoons. Leonardo estimates it will be worth some $666 million to the company.

Asia Pacific

• Experts have urged the Taiwanese government to commence development of their indigenous jet trainer as many of the engineers behind the IDF fighter are retiring. The advice was given at a forum organized by Taiwan’s MoD on the trainer’s development on July 15. It’s possible that Taiwan will lose the knowledge to build its own indigenous jet aircraft in ten years if nothing is done.

• Iran has received the missile part of the S-300 missile defense system from Russia. The delivery keeps on track Moscow’s aim to have all parts of the system transferred to Iran by the end of the year following earlier shipments of missile tubes and radar equipment. A sale of the system was initially cancelled in 2010 following pressure from Western governments, but was renewed by Vladimir Putin in April 2015 sparking concern from Israel.

Today’s Video

• Sinking of the Perry-class frigate USS Thach during the Rim of the Pacific 2016 exercise: