Focused Lethality: The Mk82 QRC Program

The “Focused Lethality Munition” is a variant of the 250 pound Small Diameter Bomb I that changes its casing and internal fill, in order to produce more devastating effects within a smaller area. A carbon-fiber bomb body disintegrates instead of fragmenting, which adds explosive force nearby, but largely removes sharpnel issues farther away. Inside, metal particles turn the bomb’s explosive material into short-range projectiles. The result is especially useful in urban areas, in situations where friendly elements are close to the impact zone, and in campaigns fought using contemporary American counter-insurgency doctrine.

Now the USA wants a bigger, but still confined, bang. Enter the Precision Lethality MK82 Quick Reaction Capability Program, designed to turn 500 pound bombs into similar but larger weapons.

Raytheon To Produce AN/SPY-6(V) Variants | Trump Says No F-35 Deal For Turkey | British Poseidon makes Inaugural Flight

Americas

Bell Helicopter Textron won a $27.5 million contract modification for stabilizer bar assemblies, pylon mast assemblies, trans case assemblies, quill assemblies and rotary wing blades in support of UH-1N and TH-1H helicopters. The Bell UH-1N Iroquois is a light-lift utility helicopter capable of flight in instrument and nighttime conditions. Its primary missions include airlift of emergency security forces, security and surveillance of off-base nuclear weapons convoys, and distinguished visitor airlift. The UH-1H helicopters are also known as the Huey. They were modified into a new configuration, the TH-1H, in December 2004 to be used as a new training helicopter for student pilots. Bell Helicopter Textron will perform work under the modification in Texas. Estimated completion date is September 30, 2023.

Raytheon won a $40.2 million modification to produce two AN/SPY-6(V) configuration variants – the SPY-6(V)2 Rotator Radar and the SPY-6(V)3 Fixed Face Radar. The AN/SPY-6(V) is an active electronically scanned array air and missile defense radar. The Navy’s next generation radar system will address Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) and Air Defense capability gaps identified in the Maritime Air and Missile Defense of Joint Forces Initial Capabilities Document. AN/SPY-6(V)1 provides surface combatants with the Joint Battlespace Threat Awareness and Defense capability to counter current and future threats in support of joint forces ashore and afloat, providing the combat system with simultaneous sensor support of the IAMD mission with ancillary support of Surface Warfare missions. The single-face rotating array designated AN/SPY-6(V)2 variant is for amphibious assault ships and Nimitz Class carriers. The three fixed-face array designated AN/SPY-6(V)3 variant is for Ford Class aircraft carriers and the future FFG(X) guided missile frigates. Raytheon will perform work in Marlborough, Massachusetts and is scheduled to be finished by June 2020.

Middle East & Africa

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the USA won’t sell F-35 jets to Turkey after the country purchased a Russian Missile Defense System. Turkey had decided to take delivery of nine S-400 Triumph surface-to-air missile defense systems from Russia last week. The US is concerned that deploying the S-400 with the F-35 would allow Russia to gain too much inside information of the stealth system. The S-400 system is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, including medium-range ones. In a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, the president officially said that the US won’t sell any F-35s to Ankara. The United States had also threatened to impose sanctions against Turkey in reaction to the deal. However, Trump didn’t comment on potential sanctions during the Tuesday Cabinet meeting.

Europe

Britain’s first P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft took off in an inaugural flight by Boeing test pilots from Renton, Washington. According to a press release by Boeing, the aircraft took off at 10:00 am Pacific on July 12, marking the first flight of the UK Royal Air Force’s nine Poseidons. Britain is among six international customers for the P-8A Poseidon. The others are Australia, India, Norway, New Zealand and South Korea. During the 90 minute flight, key testing took place before the aircraft touched down and moved to the next phase of preparation before customer delivery, installation of military systems. The plane’s next move will be to Boeing’s facility in Tukwila, Washington, a P-8 installation and checkout facility, where mission systems are installed and further testing happens before final delivery to Britain.

US Air Force fighter and mobility aircraft deployed to bases in Poland, Lithuania and Estonia under the operation Rapid Forge on July 16. F-35s, F-15Es, and C-130Js arrived at Powidz Air Base, Poland, to conduct refueling and re-arming operations using inert munitions. The same refueling and re-arming exercise was carried out at Siauilai Air Base, Lithuania with F-15Es and C-130Js. F-15E Strike Eagles and MC-130J Commando II aircraft arrived at Amari Air Base, Estonia for refueling operations.

Asia-Pacific

Shipbuilding company Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU) launched the second Maya Class guided missile destroyer for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The vessel is named “Haguro“. The destroyer, which will be the eighth JMSDF ship to be equipped with the Aegis Combat System, is 5m longer than the Atago Class destroyers operated by the JMSDF. Haguro will use the Aegis Baseline J7 supported by the Lockheed Martin/Raytheon AN/SPY-1D(V) phased array radar and the Northrop Grumman AN/SPQ-9B X-band high-resolution fire-control radar. DDG-180 Haguro is expected to be commissioned with the JMSDF in 2021. The first ship of the class, JS Maya, commenced her sea trials a month ago.

Today’s Video

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Textron Tapped For Minuteman III Work | Boeing To Provide Apache Logistics Support For The UAE | DoS Approved PAC-3 FMS To Germany

Americas

Textron Defense Systems won a $51.3 million contract modification for the Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Weapon System multiprobe antenna procurement. The Minuteman Intercontinental Ballistic Missile or ICBM is an element of the USA’s strategic deterrent forces under the control of the Air Force Global Strike Command. It is a strategic weapon system using a ballistic missile of intercontinental range. Missiles are dispersed in hardened silos to protect against attack and connected to an underground launch control center through a system of hardened cables. Textron will perform work in Wilmington, Massachusetts, and expected completion date is July 13, 2029.

C&C Power Solutions won a $65 million firm-fixed-price contract to procure, renovate, repower, overhaul, and repair different power systems within its fleet of power equipment services at the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center Mobile Utilities Support Equipment (MUSE). Initial seed task order is being awarded at $2,559,924 for a four, 900-kilowatt generator package at EXWC MUSE Port Hueneme, California. C&C Power Solutions is a company that offers front access, standard, rack mount, and spares battery cabinets, as well as landing boxes, battery monitoring, telecom, commander plus controllers, and integrated distribution systems. Estimated completion date for work under the contract is in July, 2025.

Middle East & Africa

Boeing won a $96.9 million modification to a Foreign Military Sales deal for the United Arab Emirates. The contract provides Apache aircraft integrated logistics support, product assurance and Longbow Crew Trainers. Apache is a twin-turboshaft attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear arrangement and a tandem cockpit for a two person crew. Boeing has made more than 2,200 AH-64 Apache attack helicopter deliveries to the US and other countries such as Egypt, Greece, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the UAE and the UK. Boeing will perform work in Mesa, Arizona and estimated completion is on December 31, 2024.

Europe

The US Army Contracting Command awarded DynCorp International a $29.3 million contract modification for the aviation field maintenance services contract. The deal includes Foreign Military Sales to Slovakia. DynCorp International is a leading global service provider. Work under the services contract involves program management, aircraft and ground support equipment maintenance, as well as aircraft modifications, and other logistical support to aviation customers worldwide. It will take place in Afghanistan, Honduras and Germany. Estimated completion date is September 30, 2019.

The US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Germany for Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) Missiles Segment Enhanced. The deal is estimated at $401 million. Germany had requested to buy 50 PAC-3 Missiles Segment Enhanced (MSE). The prime contractor will be Lockheed Martin. The FMS will also include PAC-3 MSE launcher conversion kits, missile round trainers (MRTs), empty round trainers (ERTs), launcher stations (LS) heater controllers, PAC-3 ground support equipment, and concurrent spare parts. The PAC-3 MSE, which is based on PAC-3 and an increased range, is the primary interceptor for the multi-national medium extended air defense system (MEADS).

Asia-Pacific

According to the South China Morning Post, China is hoping to develop a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier by first putting the reactors on icebreakers. This approach was carried out by the Soviet Union when they wanted to build their own nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Russia has so far been invited by China to develop the latter’s first nuclear-powered icebreaker. “China really needs a more powerful, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to catapult its superheavy carrier-based fighter jet, the J-15,” the SCMP quotes Naval expert Li Jie. Although China already has nuclear submarines, the systems they use are unsuitable for carriers as they are not powerful enough.

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Carrier Signal: China’s Naval Aviation

In 1998, the former Russian carrier Varyag was bought by a Chinese firm for use as a “tourist attraction.” Nobody believed that, and by 2005, she was in drydock for secret refits. Still, a carrier needs planes. Near the end of October 2006, Russia’s Kommersant newspaper revealed that Russian state-run weapon exporter Rosoboronexport was in negotiations with China to deliver SU-33s, a variant of Sukhoi’s SU-27 Flanker with forward canards, foldings wings, an arrester hook, a reinforced structure, and other modifications that help it deal with carrier operations and landings.

By 2009, Russian media were reporting a breakdown of negotiations, citing low order numbers and past pirating of Russian SU-27/30 designs. China built on that prior piracy to produce its SU-33 look-alike “J-15,” with the reported assistance of an SU-33 prototype bought from the Ukraine. It’s now 2012, and China’s myriad deceptions have served their purpose. They don’t have an active carrier force yet, but they’re very close.

Northrop Wins Two Hawkeye Deals | Boeing Tapped For Work on British Poseidons | DoS Approves FMS To Greece

Americas

Northrop Grumman won two delivery orders for the E-2 Hawkeye aircraft. The first deal is for high voltage power supplies and is valued at $17 million. The second contract worth $11 million will provide power amplifier modules. Northrop Grumman’s Hawkeye is an all-weather, carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning aircraft. The Hawkeye is based on the same airframe as the USA’s C-2 Greyhound cargo aircraft, with the addition of the 24 foot diameter, frisbee-shaped, rotating radome on its back. It carries a crew of 5 – pilot, copilot, and 3 mission system operators. In April, Northrop won a potential $3.2 billion contract modification to produce 24 units of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye variant. The Navy intends to finance both purchases with its working capital funds for fiscal 2019 through fiscal 2022.

Boeing selected Raytheon as radar supplier for the B-52 bomber radar modernization program. According to a press release by Raytheon, the company will design, develop, produce and sustain active electronically scanned array radar systems for the entire US Air Force B-52 fleet. The B-52 Stratofortress is the Air Force’s principal strategic nuclear and conventional weapons platform, and supports the US Navy in anti-surface and submarine warfare missions. The aircraft has a length of 159ft 4in (48.5m) and a take-off weight of 488,000lb (220,000kg). The advanced radar upgrade will ensure the aircraft remains mission ready through 2050 and beyond. Low rate initial production is scheduled to begin in 2024. With an AESA radar on board, the B-52 will gain improved navigation reliability to support nuclear and conventional missions, Raytheon says.

Middle East & Africa

Qatar awarded Raytheon two direct commercial sales contracts worth $2.2 billion for additional integrated air and missile defense capability. The awards are part of a larger agreement being pursued by Qatar with the US government. The deals include the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, final certification of the AMRAAM Extended Range missile, and an unspecified number of additional Patriot fire units. The NASAMS is a medium to long-range air defense system that can enhance the air defender’s ability to quickly identify, engage and destroy current and evolving enemy aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicle and emerging cruise missile threats. The AMRAAM Extend Range missile is a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile able to operate in all weather day and night operations. Qatar is the first country to procure AMRAAM-ER. Qatar also becomes the 11th country to procure NASAMS, a medium-range air-defense solution manufactured by Raytheon and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS. NASAMS uses the Raytheon Sentinel radar, and fires multiple interceptors, including AMRAAM-ER.

Europe

Boeing won a $23.4 million order for logistics support on the P-8A Poseidon aircraft sold to Britain’s military. The deal involves initial acceptance and breakdown of four P-8A aircraft and training, with an eight-month detachment to Britain to establish initial operational capability. Subsequent full operational capability, scheduled aircraft maintenance, support equipment maintenance, engineering reach back and technical assistance are also included in the contract. The Boeing P-8 series is developed from the Boeing 737-800 passenger plane and is modified for military use. It is equipped with an early warning self-protection system, which includes torpedoes, Harpoon anti-ship missiles and other weapons. Work will take place in Lossiemouth, Scotland; Seattle, Washington and Jacksonville, Florida. Estimated completion date is in December 2020.

The US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Greece worth $600 million for the MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters. The government had requested to buy up to seven Helicopters. The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems in Oswego, New York. The MH-60R Seahawk is a multi-mission helicopter. It is capable of a range of missions including anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), search-and-rescue (SAR), naval gunfire support (NGFS), surveillance, communications relay, logistics support and personnel transfer and vertical replenishment (VERTREP). The helicopter is fitted with a 2,721.55kg (6,000lb) cargo hook for vertical replenishment missions. Lockheed Martin, Owego, is the mission systems integrator.

Asia-Pacific

Jane’s reports that two warships from the Republic of Singapore Navy have conducted the service’s first passing exercise (PASSEX) with the Myanmar Navy. Singapore’s Victory Class corvettes, RSS Valiant and RSS Valour conducted the activity as the two vessels sailed up the Yangon River after a call at Port Blair in India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands territory. A PASSEX is an exercise between two Navies to ensure that the Navies are able to communicate and cooperate in times of war or humanitarian relief.

Today’s Video

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Raytheon Tapped To Launch Harm | Saab Will Further Self-Fund ARTHUR | MDHI To Bid For Australia Special Force Helicopters

Americas

Raytheon won a $17.8 million firm-fixed-price contract for 114 High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile command launch computers to include two pre-production units, one first article test unit and 111 production units in support of the Navy. The system known as HARM’s primary mission is to suppress or destroy an enemy’s surface-to-air missile radar and radar-directed air defense artillery systems. When it is airborne, the 800-pound missile can operate in preemptive, missile-as-sensor and self-protect modes. The AGM-88 HARM is a joint US Navy and Air Force program developed by the Navy and Raytheon. The company will perform work in Tucson, Arizona, and is scheduled to be finished in October 2021.

The Navy awarded Wyle Laboratories an $81.2 contract for certified and qualified operational contractor support services aircrew to support mission essential testing and evaluation of all manned air vehicles under the operational responsibility of the Naval Test Wing Atlantic/Pacific squadrons. Ninety-four percent of contract work will take place at Naval Air Station in Patuxent River, and the remaining six percent will occur at two naval air stations in California. Expected completion will be in September 2024.

Middle East & Africa

Breaking Defense reports that despite Congress being ill-tempered about Trump’s multi-billion weapons sale to Saudi Arabia earlier this year, it hasn’t yet been able to come up with the votes to block the deal or overcome a presidential veto. Democrats as well as a couple of Republicans have been critical of President Trump’s use of emergency powers to bypass congressional approval of an $8 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia. According to the Article by Breaking Defense, Congress likely won’t get enough votes to block the deal any time soon.

Europe

Saab will continue to self-fund the development of its ARTHUR (Artillery Hunting Radar) Weapon Locating Radar, Jane’s reports. Saab’s ARTHUR is a counter-battery radar system developed for the Swedish and Norwegian Armed Forces. The ARHTUR detects and tracks artillery projectiles and calculate points of origin and points of impact. The current ARTHUR Mod C WLR has an instrumented range of 60 km, operates over an arc of 120 degrees, and can track more than 100 targets per minute. Saab is developing the ARTHUR WLR Mod D. The Mod D leverages a combination of technologies fielded in other systems to reduce development cost and risk, and spiral development would be used for further growth via upgrades or new parts as necessary.

Saab has received an order from the Swedish Armed Forces and the Swedish Defense Material Administration (FMV) for continued technical support on weapons and external stores for Gripen. The order value amounts to $15.1 million. The order is a call-up of an option as part of a previous agreement with FMV for technical support and maintenance of Gripen’s existing weapons and external stores, which was signed in March 2015. Today’s order secures continued technical support for Gripen regarding weapons and external stores.

Asia-Pacific

MD Helicopters Inc (MDHI) has confirmed to Jane’s that it will bid for one single-engined and two twin-engined helicopter types for Australia’s special forces. The company has responded to a Request for Information by submitting its single-engined MD 530G light-attack and observation helicopter for Australia’s Land 2097 Phase 4 requirement, as well as its twin-engined MD 902 and MD 969 rotorcraft. The MD 530G is an armed scout-attack helicopter designed to provide enhanced agility and firepower for the armed forces. The helicopter is 7.76m long and 3m wide and has an overall height of 2.88m. The MD 969 is a new multi-mission combat attack helicopter designed to meet future assault and attack needs with its unmatched maneuverability, extended range, greater safety, and improved open architecture weapon system.

Today’s Video

Watch: F-22 Raptor vs F-35 Lightning | Cost, Performance, Size, Top Speed

Northrop To Update TLMs | Qatar Beefs Up Defense Against Iran | Bulgaria To Buy New F-16s

Americas

QED Systems won a $17.6 million contract for the storage, overhaul, assessment, repair and industrial activity to make ready for issue critical steam plant valves to support Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division engineering, technical, production and subsequent logistic support services. The services are required to develop and integrate technological improvements for Steam Safety and Reliability Program critical spares and 2SCOG program for steam valves installed onboard current LHD-1 Class and LCC-19 Class. The LHD-1or Wasp is an amphibious assault ship class. Its lead ship commissioned on July 29, 1989. The LCC-19 or Blue Ridge Class is a class of amphibious command ships. The lead ship, USS Blue Ridge was put “in commission special” on November 14, 1970. The contract also supports system life cycle requirements required by Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division, Code 412. Work will be performed in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and is expected to be complete by July 2024.

Northrop Grumman will upgrade Target Locator Modules (TLMs) under a $17.6 million award from the US Army announced in a press release on July 9. The TLMs will be retrofitted with high accuracy capability to modernize the Lightweight Laser Designator Rangefinder 2H (LLDR 2H) man-portable targeting system. The LLDR 2H hybrid sensor solution fuses data from a digital magnetic compass and celestial navigation sensors to provide fast and high accuracy target location and long-range imaging for high-value targets. According to Northrop Grumman, more than 2,700 LLDR systems have been delivered and fielded to date.

Middle East & Africa

Qatar is further building up its defense against Iranian missiles, Defense One reports. The country committed to acquiring Patriot interceptors and National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS). The NASAM is a medium-range, network-centric air defense system designed and developed jointly by Raytheon and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. The system can be deployed to identify, engage and destroy aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and drones. In November, the State Department approved a $215 million sale of NASAMS to Qatar. The patriot is a surface-to-air missile manufactured by Raytheon. Qatar already operates Patiots. In 2012, the US DoS approved a sale of the interceptors to the country.

Europe

Bulgaria’s government approved a deal on Wednesday with the United States to buy eight new Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters for its Air Force for $1.3 billion. The NATO member is looking to replace its aging Soviet-made MiG-29s and improve compliance with NATO standards. The decision needs parliament’s approval before it can be completed. It is expected that the deal would easily win parliament’s endorsement in a vote likely to take place next week. Defense Minister, Krasimir Karakachanov, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said there was an option for the US Congress to reduce the price by $60 million due to the cost of adapting an Air Base in southern Bulgaria to the F-16’s requirements.

Asia-Pacific

The US State Department approved two contracts worth $2.2 billion for possible Foreign Military Sales to Taiwan for Abrams tanks and Stinger missiles. On Monday the DoS announced it approved a $2 billion sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the United States for M1A2T Abrams Tanks and related equipment and support. TECRO had requested to buy 108 M1A2T Abrams Tanks. The M1 Abrams is a Main Battle Tank for modern armored ground warfare. Production of the new tanks will be at Anniston Army Depot, and the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center in Lima, Ohio. Also on Monday, the State Department approved a sale to TECRO for Stinger missiles and related equipment and support. The deal is valued at $223.6 million. The Stinger Missile is a Man-Portable Air-Defense System that operates as an infrared homing surface-to-air missile. Raytheon Missile Systems is the primary contractor for the 250 Block I-92F MANPAD Stinger missiles and four Block I-92F MANPAD Stinger Fly-to-Buy missiles, as well as a trainers, parts and other support.

The Australian government has issued a request for information (RfI) for a replacement of the Australian Army’s fleet of Airbus Helicopters ARH Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopters. The Australian Department of Defense’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group is seeking information to acquire a total of 29 airframes under the Land 4503 program. Of these 29, 24 are to be based at a single location, with a further five to be used for training operations. The timelines for the program anticipate an initial operating capability (IOC) of a squadron of 12 aircraft by 2026, with full operational capability (FOC) from 2028.

India received two new heavy-lift Chinook helicopters. The Indian Air Force bought 15 Chinook and 22 AH-64E Apache helicopters from the US’s defense company Boeing. The IAF had placed the order in 2015. The first four helicopters arrived in February. The induction of the two new CH-47F (I) Chinook helicopters took place on Monday. The Chinook has unsurpassed ability to deliver heavy payloads to high altitudes, and is eminently suitable for operations in the high Himalayas. According to Boeing, the aircraft has been battle-tested in diverse, extreme conditions throughout the world, and has proven capability to operate in the wide range of conditions that typify the Indian subcontinent.

Today’s Video

Watch: Alert : Airbus, Boeing May Pull Out of Fighter Jet Race They Say is Rigged for F-35

BAE Systems To Build New Signals Detection Platform | Fire Scout Ready For Fleet Operations | Serbia’s Milos Commenced Trials

Americas

Lockheed Martin won a $41.3 million contract modification for the design, procurement and integration of flight test instrumentation and data processing solutions for F-35 Lightning II development test aircraft to support the Tech Refresh-3 and the Follow on Modernization Block 4 mission systems configuration. The Naval Air Systems Command awarded the contract. The deal, with expected completion date of February 2021, will cater to the US Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and non-US Department of Defense partners. The F-35 Lightning is a supersonic, multi-role fighter jet that represents a quantum leap in air-dominance capability, offering enhanced lethality and survivability in hostile, anti-access airspace environments. The jet is being utilized by the defense forces of the United States and 11 other nations, chiefly owing to its advanced stealth, integrated avionics, sensor fusion, superior logistics support and powerful integrated sensors capabilities.

According to BAE Systems, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency awarded the company funding to integrate machine-learning (ML) technology into platforms that decipher radio frequency signals. The deal is worth up to $4.7 million, depending on successful completion of milestones. The contract includes hardware delivery along with integration and demonstration support. BAE System’s Controllable Hardware Integration for Machine-learning Enabled Real-time Adaptivity (CHIMERA) solution provides a reconfigurable hardware platform for ML algorithm developers to make sense of radio frequency signals in increasingly crowded electromagnetic spectrum environments. The contract is the second BAE has received under the Radio Frequency Machine Learning systems program. The first was a contract to develop data-driven machine learning algorithms.

The MQ-8C Fire Scout Unmanned Helicopter is cleared for fleet operations and training. The Navy declared initial operational capability of the Fire Scout on June 28. According to the Naval Air Systems Command, the MQ-8 Fire Scout is a sea-based, vertical lift unmanned system that is designed to provide reconnaissance, situational awareness, and precision targeting support for ground, air and sea forces. „This milestone is a culmination of several years of hard work and dedication from our joint government and industry team,” said Capt. Eric Soderberg, Fire Scout program manager. The MQ-8C will be equipped with an upgraded radar that allows for a larger field of view and a range of digital modes including weather detection, air-to-air targeting and a ground moving target indicator.

Middle East & Africa

Denel requested a cash injection from the South African government to help it win contracts and aid its financial recovery, Reuters reports. South Africa’s state defense company asked for a $200 million cash injection to help it emerge from a financial crisis and secure lucrative export deals, its chief executive said. Denzel’s CEO, Danie du Toit, said the injection could potentially help the company win an anticipated $2.1 billion worth of contracts over the next two years and support ongoing recovery efforts.

Europe

The US Army awarded Boeing a $21.6 million contract modification for engineering services under a UK Foreign Military Sale. Work locations as well as funding will be determined with each order, according to the DoD. Estimated completion date is August 2, 2022. The contracting activity is the US Army Contracting Command in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.

The Milos unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) has commenced trials at the Serbian Technical Test Center and been demonstrated to local and overseas delegations at the Nikinci Military Test Range, Jane’s reports. Milos is a remotely-operated tracked vehicle powered by an electric drive system. The UGV was developed by the Military Technical Institute (MTI) of Serbia in co-operation with PPT Namenska to meet the requirements of the Serbian Army. It is intended to assist special forces and reconnaissance troops in counter-terrorism missions in urban and cross-country environments. The Milos UGV is armed with a 7.62×54 mm M86 machine gun, which is fed from a box holding 500 rounds of ready-to-use ammunition on the right-hand side. An ammunition counter is also fitted.

Asia-Pacific

According to local reports, the South Korean military plans to deploy an additional naval ship, increase patrol flights by manned and unmanned aircraft and install more radars on and offshore to beef up security of the sea border with North Korea. The measures are set to include boosting co-operation between the Republic of Korea Navy, the Korea Coast Guard, and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, as well as optimizing the use of available assets in the area such as naval vessels, maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Today’s Video

Watch: Alert : New Airbus H145M helicopter delivered to Serbian armed forces 1′ Defense Breaking News

GPS III ready for Take-Off | Israel intercepts Gaza Drone | Polish Reapers relocate to Romania

Americas

DynCorp International won a $306.6 million contract from the US Air Force for aviation command and control and maintenance services. The deal includes air traffic control, airfield management and maintenance support in the Air Force Central Command’s area of responsibility. The Air Force Central Command’s area of responsibility also covers southwest Asia. DynCorp is expected to perform work until July 31, 2024.

Lockheed Martin announced that its second next-generation GPS III satellite is all set and ready for its planned launch on July 25. According to a news release published by the company, Lockheed Martin Space and United Launch Alliance (ULA) technicians completed encapsulating GPS III Space Vehicle 02 in its launch fairings at the company’s Astrotech Space Operations facility, where the satellite has undergone pre-launch processing and fueling since its arrival in March. This final step enclosed GPS III SV02 in a protective, aerodynamic, nose-cone shell. GPS Block III’s purpose is to keep the Navstar Global Positioning System operational. The first satellite in the series launched in December 2018. According to Lockheed, GPS III satellites will have three times better accuracy and up to eight times improved anti-jamming capabilities than its predecessors. Spacecraft life will extend to 15 years, 25 percent longer than the newest GPS satellites on-orbit today. In the next few days the second GPS III satellite will be mounted on a Delta IV rocket to prepare for the launch.

Middle East & Africa

Local news reports that a drone, which infiltrated from the Gaza Strip was intercepted by the Israel Defense Forces on Monday morning. “A short while ago IDF troops spotted a drone entering from the Gaza Strip. The drone was shot down by IDF soldiers and then sent for investigation,” the military said in a statement. Israeli radar systems spotted the drone while it was flying over the border in northern Gaza and then over Kibbutz Zikim. An Israeli Defense System intercepted the UAV. The Defense Forces took pieces to further inspect its origin and what it had been carrying.

Europe

The US Air Force announced in a press release that it temporarily relocated its Polish MQ-9 Reapers to Romania, while the runway at Miroslawiec undergoes construction. The UAVs had begun flying out of Miros?awiec Air Base in northwestern Poland in May 2018. The MQ-9 Reaper is an armed, multi-mission, medium-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft that is employed primarily against dynamic execution targets and secondarily as an intelligence collection asset. With its significant loiter time, wide-range sensors, multi-mode communications suite, and precision weapons, it provides a unique capability to perform strike, coordination, and reconnaissance against high-value, fleeting, and time-sensitive targets. The detachment is a geographically separated unit assigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, whose mission is to conduct Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance in order to meet combatant commander objectives. It has not been revealed how many Reapers had been stationed in Poland and now Romania.

Saab received a $52.8 million order for the Carl-Gustaf man-portable weapon system. The company did not disclose, which customer ordered the weapon system. The Carl-Gustaf is a shoulder-launched weapon system used to destroy armored tanks with add-on armor protection, to neutralize landing craft and bunkers and to clear obstacles. It is also used to engage enemies in buildings. The recoilless 84mm rifle in any case is a lightweight, low cost weapon that uses a wide range of ammunition, which makes it extremely flexible and suitable in a wide variety of roles.

Asia-Pacific

Japan’s Atago Class Guided Missile Destroyer completed its second round of sea trials last month, according to local media reports. The new ship dubbed Maya or PN 179 is right on track for commissioning in 2020. The Maya is the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force’s seventh surface combatant to be equipped with the Aegis combat system. The Atago Class ships are improved versions of the Kongou Class. The Aegis system used on Atago Class ships is more capable than that, used on the previous Kongou Class. The Atago Class has a 127 mm dual-purpose gun in a stealth-shaped mount. For anti-submarine warfare there are 2 triple-tube torpedo launchers for Mk.46 Mod.5 Neartip, or Japanese Type 73 torpedoes.

Today’s Video

Watch: Alert : Boeing Has a Plan to Turn The B-1B Into a Supersonic Gunship

University of Dayton tapped for Studies on F-15 Sustainment | Serbian Army to receive two new Malyutkas | Philippines expect Super Tucanos in February

Americas

The University of Dayton Research Institute won a $28.5 million firm-fixed price contract for studies of the F-15 sustainment engineering. The contract includes systems/structural engineering field and programmed depot maintenance support, reliability and maintainability analysis and aircraft structural integrity program capability development and sustainment. The F-15 Eagle is the Air Force’s primary fighter jet aircraft and intercept platform. The F-15 has electronic systems and weaponry to detect, acquire, track and attack enemy aircraft while operating in friendly or enemy-controlled airspace. The weapons and flight control systems are designed so one person can safely and effectively perform air-to-air combat. Work, performed at Dayton, will approximately be completed by June 28, 2029.

The Navy tapped Lockheed Martin with $175 million for engineering, testing, product support and ancillary support to update the current Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) components and systems required to achieve objective requirements in the Offensive Anti-Surface Warfare Increment 1 Capability Description Document. LRASM is a precision-guided, anti-ship standoff missile based on the successful Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range (JASSM-ER). According to the company, it is designed to detect and destroy specific targets within groups of ships by employing advanced technologies that reduce dependence on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms, network links and GPS navigation in electronic warfare environments. Lockheed will perform work in various places within the continental US and is expected to be finished in November 2022.

Middle East & Africa

The US Air Force awarded AAR Supply Chain a $210 million ceiling contract for contractor logistics support for the Afghanistan Air Force. The contract will provide the Afghanistan Air Force with full C-130H contractor logistics support to include maintenance and repair, as well as on the job training for local Afghan nationals. The C-130H Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft. It features a loading ramp and door in the tail that can accommodate palletized loads, vehicles and troops. The aircraft can airdrop up to 42,000 pound loads or land on short, unimproved airstrips in forward combat zones. Work will take place in Kabul, Afghanistan, and is expected to be completed by January 29, 2025.

Europe

The Serbian Military Technical Institute announced that two new versions of the Malyutka anti-tank guided weapon are to enter service with the Serbian Army by the end of the year, Jane’s reports. The Malyutka or AT-3 Sagger was designed in the early 60s in the Soviet Union. The AT-3 was first deployed in combat by the North Vietnamese Army in 1972, having been supplied to them by the Soviet Union. During the battle for the port of Cua Viet in January 1973, 26 kills of ARVN M48 Patton tanks and M113 APCs were attributed to the system. It is a wire guided missile and its maximum range is 3 km. The first new version to enter Serbian service will be the Malyutka 2F, which is fitted with a thermobaric warhead. The second will be the Malyutka 2T, which is fitted with a tandem high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead. Serbia has deployed earlier versions of these ATGWs on a dedicated BOV 4×4 armored personnel carrier (APC) and BVP M80 series infantry fighting vehicles (IFV).

Asia-Pacific

The Philippines will take delivery of the A-29 Super Tucano in February next year. According to local news, the Air Force (PAF) is set to acquire more air assets and equipment in the coming months. On Tuesday, Philippine Air Force commander, Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez spoke on this matter during the PAF’s 72nd founding anniversary. The commander said, the Super Tucanos “will be a game-changing platform, which will perform surface strike support to ground troops“. They are expected to support the remaining North American Rockwell OV-10 „Bronco“ attack aircraft being used by the PAF in strike missions. The A-29 is an Embraer light attack aircraft, which carries a wide variety of weapons, including precision-guided munitions. It was designed to be a low-cost system operated in low-threat environments.

Lara Seligman from Foreign Policy Magazine reported that Taiwan’s request to buy F-16V jets was expected to move forward this month, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday said that the request is still only being reviewed by the US. According to the article, although the deal for 66 F-16 Block 70 jets has been stalled, it is expected to move forward before the US Congress begins its traditional recess next month. The negotiations over price and configuration of the aircraft had led to the deal taking longer than expected, Seligman wrote. However, Taiwan’s request must still be converted into a formal proposal by the US Department of Defense and Department of State, and then Congress officially notified, after which lawmakers would have 30 days to block the sale if they want.

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