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February
Feb 28, 2020 05:00 UTCAmericas
Raytheon won a $15 million deal for Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II) technical support. The total value of the IDIQ contract will increase from $100,000,000 to $115,000,000. This contract provides for lifecycle technical support throughout engineering and manufacturing development (EMD), production, and sustainment phases. The Small Diameter Bomb II, or SDB II, is designed to destroy moving targets in all kinds of weather, such as small groups of ISIS or terrorist fighters on-the-move in pick-up trucks. The US Air Force Air Armament Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, awarded a $144m contract to Raytheon in April 2006 for risk reduction work of the SDB II bomb, also known as GBU-53 / B. The work was completed in August 2009. Work will take place in Arizona and estimated completion date is July 25, 2024.
Hamilton Sundstrand won an $11.6 million contract to procure recurring and non-recurring engineering associated with the H-53E (aircraft) and T-64 (battle tank) fuel control production line stand-up. In addition, this contract provides for the procurement of special tooling, test equipment and support equipment. The CH-53E Super Stallion is the Marine Corps’ primary heavy lift helicopter and has been in service for over 30 years. There are currently 152 CH-53E aircraft in operation. The Super Stallion incorporates GPS, doppler radar, FLIR, and ANVIS-HUD sensors, and carries 7.62mm and 50 caliber guns (as a mission kit). The T-64 is a Soviet second-generation Main Battle Tank introduced in the early 1960s. A revolutionary feature of the T-64 is the incorporation of an automatic loader for its 125-mm gun, allowing one crew member’s position to be omitted and helping to keep the size and weight of the tank down.
Middle East & Africa
CAS Inc. won a $35.5 million modification for technical engineering services in support of the Lower Tier Project Office. The Lower Tier Project Office (LTPO) performs Army centralized management of the PATRIOT System products that include; the PATRIOT Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) family of interceptors to include PAC-3 Cost Reduction Initiative (CRI) and PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missiles, Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS). Work will take place in Alabama. Estimated completion date is February 28, 2021. Foreign Military Sales to Bahrain, Germany, Greece, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Netherlands, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates are obligated at the time of the award.
The US Department of State approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Jordan of up to seven hundred (700) Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) software license copies and related equipment for an estimated cost of $300 million. The Government of Jordan has requested to buy up to seven hundred (700) Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) software license copies with a tailored, international ballistic kernel. The Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) is the Fire Support Command and Control (C2) system employed by the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps units to provide automated support for planning, coordinating, controlling and executing fires and effects. The upgrade and expansion of the AFATDS fire control system will allow the JAF to defend its borders and ground forces with indirect fire weapon systems. The prime contractors for the AFATDS and supporting equipment include Raytheon Company and the Harris Company. There are no known offset agreements in connection with this potential sale.
Europe
The French military has indicated that it intends to lease some CH-47s before it acquires a heavy lift helicopter from 2025. Combat experience in Central Africa has exposed the need for a heavy lift rotorcraft to support French special forces. It currently relies on three British CH-47s in Mali. France is one of a handful of European countries that do not operate heavy lift helicopters, instead relying on types like the NHIndustries NH90, the Airbus H225M Caracal and Super Puma for troop lift and battlefield support operations. But France’s recent experience in Central Africa has prompted the need for a logistics heavy lifter.
Asia-Pacific
The Indonesian House of Representatives’ committee on defense and foreign affairs has cleared the acceptance of 14 ScanEagle Unmanned Air Vehicles and three Bell 412 helicopters from the United States. Under the country’s law, every grant provided to the Indonesian government needs to first be approved by the House of Representatives. Indonesia, has a defense cooperation with several countries, including the US. In the framework of the cooperation, giving primary weapons defense system as a grant is reasonable.
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Watch: Indian Defence Updates : 1st P18 Next-Gen Destroyer By 2028,Predator ASQR Final,India US FICV Deal
Feb 27, 2020 05:00 UTCAmericas
Boeing won a $7.4 million delivery order, which procures 30 A1 G-Model kits and 66 A3 E-Model kits in support of F/A-18E/F and EA-18G modifications. The US Navy F/A-18 E and F Super Hornet is a maritime strike attack aircraft. The first low-rate initial production aircraft was delivered in December 1998, and all 12 of the first batch were delivered by November 1999. EA-18G Growler is an airborne electronic attack aircraft, which operates from either an aircraft carrier or from land-bases. The Growler was developed as a replacement for the United States Navy EA-6B Prowler aircraft that entered service in 1971 and is approaching the end of operational life. Work will take place in California,Missouri and Texas. Estimated completion is in October 2023.
Tapestry Solutions won a $29.4 million award for the F-15 mission planning software development and maintenance. The deal provides for the F15 software development of the v6.1 Mission Planning Environment and supports the F-15 Organizational Flight Program Suite 9.1 through sustainment of the previously-fielded v5.0 Mission Planning Environment for the Air Force and foreign country specific releases for the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) client nations as well as the in-test v6.0 Mission Planning Environment. The Foreign Military Sales effort allows continued support to incorporate requirements to provide country specific versions of Air Force Mission Planning Environment updates in accordance with each country specific FMS Letters of Acceptance between the US government and the foreign government. The Mission Planning Environment updates will be fielded outside the continental US to the FMS costumers with current Letters of Acceptance in place with the U.S. government. Work will take place in Missouri. Estimated completion date is July 31, 2023.
Middle East & Africa
Leidos won a $19.7 million modification to provide Class V munitions supply support for all ammunition stocks accounted for by 1st Sustainment Command (Theater) to US military/government components, Department of Defense agencies, and, as required, coalition forces in the Central Command Area of Responsibility. Work will take place in Kuwait City, Kuwait. Estimated completion date is February 28, 2021.
Taiwan formally handed over two Bell UH-1H helicopters to the Umbutfo Eswatini Defense Force Air Wing on February 21, the Taiwanese embassy in Eswatini announced. Eswatini media reported that five UEDF Air Wing pilots and five ground technicians were trained by Taiwan to operate the new helicopters. King Mswati III, Eswatini’s current ruler, was reported as saying the aircraft would provide a useful disaster-relief capability that could be used to help neighboring countries. He also said they would support the Royal Eswatini Police Service with air mobility and medical evacuation.
Europe
Meggitt has reported a 10% year-on-year increase in orders in 2019, including a 23% uptake in its defense business. The British aerospace and defense sub-system developer’s annual financial results that cover the period ending December 31, 2019 were released on February 25 and reported $3.15 billion in orders, up on the $3 billion recorded in 2018. Reported revenues, meanwhile, grew by 9% across the company, and 13% in the defense business line. This equates to the defense business accounting for 36% of the company’s revenues in 2019, with 73% of these sales for US customers, 17% for those in Europe, and 10% to the rest of the world.
Asia-Pacific
The Philippine Air Force has deployed three S.211 jet trainers for maritime air patrol duties in Western Command. The jets are stationed at Antonio Bautista Air Base. The West Philippine Sea is site of territorial claims by China which had been insisting that virtually the entire South China Sea belonged to it. Beijing’s based its claims on its mythical nine-dash line which had been rejected in 2016 by an international court in a case filed by the Philippines. Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei also have claims in the area. But China has been putting its military superiority on display, building artificial islands and military outposts, deploying warships and maritime militias to the contested waterways.
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Watch: HAWKEYE 105MM MOBILE WEAPON SYSTEM MAY CHANGE THE WAY US ARMY FIGHTS BATTLES !
Feb 26, 2020 05:00 UTCAmericas
Raytheon won a $8 million contract modification for design agent engineering and technical support services for the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System, SeaRAM, and Land-based Phalanx Weapon System. Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) is a fast-reaction terminal defense against low and high-flying, high-speed maneuvering anti-ship missile threats that have penetrated all other defenses. CIWS is an integral element of the Fleet Defense In-Depth concept and the Ship Self-Defense Program. Operating either autonomously or integrated with a combat system, it is an automatic terminal defense weapon system designed to detect, track, engage and destroy anti-ship missile threats penetrating outer defense envelopes. The Raytheon Phalanx weapon system is a rapid-fire, computer-controlled, radar-guided gun that can defeat anti-ship missiles and other close-in threats on land and at sea. Work will take place in Arizona and estimated completion date is January 2022.
Raytheon announced that it finished the first radar antenna for the US Army’s new missile defense sensor. The company won the contract to build the Lower Tier Air Missile Defense Sensor or LTAMDS in October, following a competition to replace the service’s Patriot Air and missile defense system sensor. The radar will become a part of the service’s future Integrated Air and Missile Defense System that will replace the entire Patriot system. Raytheon also manufactures the Patriot. The contract is worth roughly $384 million to deliver six production-representative units of the LTAMDS.
Middle East & Africa
Following a barrage of dozens of rockets fired at Israel, the IDF retaliated with strikes against the terrorist organization south of Damascus and across the Gaza Strip. According to local media the Israel Defense Forces struck a number of PIJ targets south of Damascus, Syria, and across the Gaza Strip on February 24. According to reports, a number of PIJ members were killed in the Syria strike. The IDF Home Front Command issued instructions to cancel school classes today in several towns. Some roads near the Gaza border fence will also be closed.
Europe
Four Norwegian Air Force F-35 fighter aircraft have arrived at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland. The aircraft are now preparing to for the NATO mission providing intercept capabilities for the country. According to NATO, this is the first NATO mission abroad for Norway’s modern fighter aircraft after reaching initial operational capability in November 2019. The Air Policing mission in Iceland is similar to the one carried out by the Norwegian F-16 Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) interceptors from Bodø in northern Norway. Since the beginning of the NATO mission ten Allies (Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States) have manned the regular peacetime deployment.
An agreement to advance construction of a joint advanced combat aircraft program was ceremonially signed by French and German defense ministers. A contract for the first phase of the program to build the main aircraft of the Future Combat Air System was awarded last week. It covers the plane’s propulsion system, data architecture and simulation environment, the German Defense Ministry said. Airbus, MTU, Safran and Dassault are the lead contractors. Plans for the program include development of a Next-Generation Weapon System whose components include remote carrier vehicles known as “swarming drones” and a sixth-generation fighter plane intended to be ready by 2035 to replace current Rafales, Eurofighters and F-18 Hornet planes. The plane and drones are expected to work in tandem.
Asia-Pacific
Boeing won a $93 million contract, which incorporates the next three planned configurations of the operator flight program/system configuration set into the Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18 F and EA-18G aircraft training systems. Additionally, this contract procures spares, support equipment, technical manual updates and on-site training. The Australian Air Force has 24 Super Hornets. The F/A-18F Super Hornets are based at Number 1 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley. 11 EA-18G Growlers are operated by No. 6 Squadron based at RAAF Base Amberley. The EA-18G Growler is an electronic attack aircraft. It is capable of disrupting, deceiving or denying a broad range of military electronic systems, including radars and communications. Work will take place in Missouri and Australia and estimated completion will be in February 2025.
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Watch: Indian Defence Updates : Russia Offers SHTORM Super-Carrier,16 New Submarines,AK-203 Deal Resolved
Feb 25, 2020 05:00 UTCAmericas
The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory won a $200.7 million contract modification to exercise the optional line item for fiscal 2020 production of TRIDENT II D5 Strategic Weapon System MK6 Guidance Equivalent Units. UGM-133A Trident II, or Trident D5, is a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Sunnyvale, California, and deployed with the American and British navies. The missile has a maximum operational range of over 7,500 miles and a CEP of 90 meters. The missile’s MK 6 Astro-inertial guidance navigation system is also able to receive GPS updates. The missiles deployed on US submarines can be equipped with a Mark 5 MIRV warhead that can carry up to 8 W88 (475 kt) warheads, or a Mark 4 MIRV that can also carry 14 W76 (100 kt) warheads. Work will take place in Massachusetts, Florida, Texas and estimated completion date is in December 2023.
Raytheon won a $17 million order for dual band radar spares in support of USS Gerald R. Ford or CVN 78. According to the company, the dual band radar is the first radar system in the U.S. Navy fleet capable of operating on the S-band and X-band frequency at the same time. DBR systems allow unmanned operation of and uses commercial off-the-shelf technology for signal and data processing. CVN 78 is the lead ship of her class of aircraft carriers. The Ford class carriers are now on the cusp of entering operational service. Work will take place in Massachusetts and is expected to be finished by December 2021.
Middle East & Africa
Science Applications International won a $15.3 million modification for Force Protection Systems (FPS) Integrated Base Defense Operation Inherent Resolve System Engineering, FPS Counter Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (C-VBIED) Systems Engineering, Close Combat Weapon System Foreign Military Sales engineering and analysis, and FPS Combat Outpost Surveillance Force Protection System (COSFPS) System Engineering. Work will take place in Afghanistan, Iraq and Alabama. Estimate completion date is January 30, 2021.
Europe
Serbia has taken delivery of the first shipment of Pantsir-S1 mobile air defense missile system at Colonel-Pilot Milenko Pavlovic airbase on February 22. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic made the announcement on television on February 23 a day after the Defense Ministry confirmed receiving two of the six ordered short-range, rapid-fire antiaircraft systems. “Serbia strengthened its defensive and deterrent capabilities,” the Defense Ministry said in a statement. The delivery comes from a deal made last year that comes with a target detection and designation radar, target and missile tracking radar, and electro-optical sensor systems. Each Panstir system is capable of guiding up to four missiles at a time.
The Latvian National Armed Forces have begun to take delivery of initial consignments of Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Spike precision-guided tactical missiles under the provisions of a $133 million contract signed between the Latvian Ministry of Defense and EuroSpike in February 2018. Based in Röthenbach, Germany, EuroSpike is a joint venture between Rafael, Diehl Defence, and Rheinmetall Electronics, and is responsible for the marketing, and some manufacture, of the Spike family of missiles in Europe. The new contract provides for latest Spike variant effectors, including Spike SR, Spike LR2, and Spike ER2. The Latvian Land Forces already field the man-portable Spike LR1, which it acquired in 2008.
Asia-Pacific
Azerbaijan is the latest operator of the Leonardo M-346 advanced jet trainer. Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov and Leonardo S.p.A Executive Director Alessandro Profumo signed an agreement on February 20. In May 2017 Leonardo showcased its Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master trainer aircraft to top Azeri military officials. While the number of aircraft was not revealed, in July 2019 Leonardo chief executive Alessandro Profumo said that his company had signed a deal for six M-346FA light attack aircraft with a major “international customer”. The M-346 is an advanced jet trainer that comes fitted with nine hardpoints. The M-346 can carry a range of ‘dumb’ and ‘smart’ munitions, such as Mk 82/83/84 unguided bombs and GBU-12/16 and Opher Mk 82 guided bombs.
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Watch: US NAVY HAS A NEW WAY TO COUNTER DRONES -USS DEWEY GETS ODIN !
Feb 24, 2020 05:00 UTCAmericas
Sikorsky won a $12 million contract modification, which provides non-recurring engineering to replace existing subsystems, such as the Data Transfer Unit, Defense Electronic Countermeasure System and ARC-210 radio, with the CH-53K production aircraft. This means Sikorsky is replacing Electronic Counter Measure Systems in the King Stallion. The CH-53K King Stallion is the US Marine Corps’ new-build, heavy-lift replacement for the CH-53E. The CH-53K evolves the CH-53E design to improve operational capability, reliability, maintainability, survivability, and cost of ownership. Work under the contract modification will take place in Iowa, Connecticut and Texas. Estimated completion will be in August 2021.
Middle East & Africa
Russian airstrikes appear to have helped repel a rebel counterattack in Syria’s Idlib province that had extensive Turkish military support. The assault on Al-Nayrab on February 20 involved rebels equipped with Turkish-supplied M113 and ACV-15 armored personnel carriers. Rebels were also seen operating an M114 howitzer, while a Turkish T155 howitzer battery and T-122 Sakarya multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS) were filmed firing. Russian Su-24 jets were filmed dropping bombs on targets northwest of Al-Nayrab around a hill that dominates the approach to the town. Two days before, open-source tracking of aircraft movements indicated additional Su-24s had flown from southern Russia to Syria via Iran.
Europe
Chemring Energetic Devices won a $24 million contract for supply of various Cartridge Actuated Devices/ Propellant Actuated Devices for various US and Foreign Military Sales aircraft. Cartridge Actuated Devices/ Propellant Actuated Devices are commodity items that function as a system component. Managed CAD/PAD items are specific to Army aircraft and have a set shelf life and installed life. Cartridge Actuated Devices and Propellant Actuated Devices play a great role in ensuring safety among equipment, weaponry and personnel. Defective CADs and PADs most likely translate to failed missions and/or loss of lives. The contract involves FMS to Greece, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Uruguay, India, Saudi Arabia, Israel, UAE, Belgium, Denmark,Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Portugal, South Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Romania, Turkey, Singapore, Poland, Bahrain, Tunisia, Egypt as well as the Netherlands.
Asia-Pacific
Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems won a $233 million contract action for the procurement of Mk 41 Vertical Launching System vertical launcher module assemblies, modernization kits and spare components. This contract combines purchases for the Navy as well as the governments of Korea , Finland, and Germany under the Foreign Military Sales program. The Mk 41 has been in US Navy service since 1986. The deal funds procurement of vertical launcher module assemblies, modernization kits and spare components for the launching system, a modular missile launch system capable of launching multiple standard missile variants. Estimated completion date is in March 2025.
The Royal Thai Air Force’s 2020 white paper has called for the replacement of 12 C-130H transport aircraft with a new platform. The first phase to buy 4 aircraft will start from 2022. There are a total of three phases. The winning platform must be able to be integrated with the RTAF Tactical Data Link system. In the RTAF White Paper 2020 the service outlined a number of replacement aircraft that it intends to procure to replace ageing types over the coming decade-or-so. Key programs also include new combat aircraft to replace the service’s F-5 Tiger IIs, F-16 Fighting Falcons, and L-39s; Saab 340B and BT-67; a new VVIP aircraft and helicopter type to serve the royal family, and a VIP aircraft to replace the Airbus ACJ319 used by government officials and as a back-up for the royal family; additional DA-40 trainer aircraft to replace the CT-4B, as well as other types to replace the CT-4E and PC-9; a UAV to replace the current U1 platform; and a new helicopter type to replace the Bell 412.
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Watch: Indian Defence Updates : Su-35 + R-37M Hypersonic Offer,Next-Gen Ramjet By 2023,DRDO Anti-Drone Test
Feb 21, 2020 05:00 UTCAmericas
Sikorsky won a $470.8 million modification, which exercises options to procure six low rate initial production lot II VH-92A aircraft, interim contractor support and six cabin interior reconfiguration kits in support of the Presidential Helicopter Replacement Program. The VH-92 will replace the US Marine Corps VH-3D and VH-60N helicopters that transport the president, while operating under the name of Marine One. The VH-92 will replace the U.S. Marine Corps VH-3D and VH-60N helicopters that transport the president, while operating under the name of Marine One. The Navy awarded a $542 million order to Sikorsky last June for six Lot I VH-92A presidential helicopters. Sikorsky will begin deliveries of the first six VH-92A helicopters in 2021.
The US Navy awarded Sikorsky a $40 million contract modification, which procures organic capability pilot repair material, technical publications, peculiar support equipment re-design and acquisition and logistical support in support of lot 2 CH-53K aircraft. The CH-53K helicopter is a new-build design variant and replacement for the current USMC heavy-lift aircraft, the CH-53E. The CH-53K evolves the CH-53E design to improve operational capability, reliability, maintainability, survivability, and cost of ownership. Work will take place in Connecticut, North Carolina and is expected to be finished by December 2024.
Middle East & Africa
The Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF’s) General Staff will undergo significant structural changes this year as part of the new ‘Momentum’ multi-year program, the IDF Spokesperson Unit announced on February 18. In a response to “the evolving threat from the Iranian arena” a new Iran and Strategy Directorate is being created that combines the existing Strategic and International Cooperation Divisions, the IDF said. It will be headed by a major general and address “two key subjects: planning and incorporating the military strategy with regards to the Iranian arena”. The Strategic Division was previously part of the Planning Directorate (J5), while the International Cooperation Division has been independent since 2018.
Europe
British Army Apache Attack helicopters, Wildcat reconnaissance helicopters and RAF Chinook transport helicopters, will be among more than 2,500 British troops taking part in Exercise Defender Europe 20, say the British Army. The pilots and ground crew of 3 Regt AAC’s 662 Squadron, based at Wattisham Flying Station in Suffolk, have been put through their paces this week ahead of the deployment, which will see them training in Germany and Poland in the spring. Defender Europe 20 is a US Army-led exercise involving 35,000 troops from 18 nations. It aims to demonstrate the ability to rapidly surge combat ready forces into and across Europe to support the NATO alliance.
Asia-Pacific
The Cabinet Committee on Security of India has reportedly approved the procurement of 24 MH-60R multi-role helicopters from the US. The $2.6 billion worth helicopter acquisition is for the Indian Navy and will be done through the US Foreign Military Sales program. In April 2018, the procurement was cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council, while the sale was also approved by the DoS in April last year. US Congress has also been notified about the possible sale. Lockheed Martin was selected to serve as the sale’s principal contractor. The helicopters will replace the Sea King helicopters that were phased out in 2000. According to US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the MH-60R Seahawk helicopters will enhance India’s capability to perform anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare missions.
The Royal Thai Air Force has published its new 10-year white paper and it was disclosed that the service will procure a JAS-39C/D fighter in 2023. The single airframe is expected to replace the JAS-39C that crashed during an airshow in January 2017. It was also announced in the same paper that all existing 11 Gripens will be upgraded to MS 20 software standard from next year.
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Watch: RUSSIAN NAVY’S LEAD WARSHIP ADMIRAL KUZNETSOV MAY NEVER BE MADE OPERATIONAL AGAIN !
Feb 20, 2020 05:00 UTCAmericas
Rolls-Royce won a $62.4 million contract modification, which exercises an option to procure 29 AE1107C engines for the Navy V-22 aircraft. The AE 1107C-Liberty (T406) is a 6,000-shp class turboshaft engine. The two-shaft axial design of the AE 1107C consists of a 14-stage compressor followed by an effusion-cooled annular combustor, a two-stage gas generator turbine, and a two-stage power turbine. The engine features six rows of variable compressor vanes, dual FADEC (controls both engine and propeller), a self-contained oil system that allows for vertical operation, modular construction, and a so-called ‘on-condition’ maintenance capability. Work will take place in Indianapolis, Indiana and expected completion will be in December 2021.
General Atomics won a $25.2 million delivery order, which procures Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) Depot Planning Phase II efforts, including depot level logistics support analysis, engineering support for logistics, supportability analysis, maintenance planning, reliability maintenance, technical manual development and engineering support as it directly correlates to depot planning for the USS Gerald Ford (CVN 78) and USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79). More than 99 percent of the work on this contract will be performed in San Diego, with one-tenth of one percent of work on the contract taking place in Tupelo, Mississippi. Expected completion date is February 2022.
Middle East & Africa
The Armed Forces of Mali deployed reconstituted battalions that include former rebel soldiers to both Kidal and Timbuktu in the north of the country. A battalion arrived in Kidal on February 13, becoming the first FAMa troops based in the city since Azawadi (Tuareg) rebels overran the city after the March 2012 coup in Bamako. United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) facilitated the deployment by escorting the FAMa battalion from Gao to Kidal and refurbishing Camp General Abdoulaye Soumaré, where it is now based. It described the deployment as a “major step forward in the implementation of the peace agreement.” The 2014 Algiers Accord stipulated that former rebel combatants would be integrated into the armed and security forces.
Europe
Boeing has officially launched the flight evaluation phase of its F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft for Finland’s HX fighter replacement program, with three aircraft arriving at Tampere-Pirkkala Airbase north of Helsinki on February 18. The arrival of one single-seat F/A-18E, one twin-seat F/A-18F and one EA-18G in Finland for Boeing’s HX Challenge evaluation followed earlier stints from the Eurofighter Typhoon from 9 to 17 January, the Dassault Rafale from to January 20 to 28, the Saab Gripen E and GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft from January 30 to February 6, and the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) from February 10 to 17. Boeing will conclude proceedings on February 26. While the Super Hornets and the Growler being evaluated are in their current Block 2 and Block 1 configurations respectively, for its offering to Finland Boeing is pitching the Block 3 version of the Super Hornet and Block 2 version of the Growler which will be available to the US Navy from 2023 and 2025.
Asia-Pacific
A recently upgraded Indonesian Air Force (Tentara Nasional Indonesia – Angkatan Udara: TNI-AU) F-16 A/B fighter aircraft has conducted its first flight. The aircraft, with serial number TS-1610, conducted the flight on February 18 from the Iswahyudi Air Force Base in Madiun, East Java. The airframe is the first Indonesian F-16 to undergo the Falcon STAR (Structural Augmentation Roadmap) and enhanced mid-life upgrade programmes, the TNI-AU said in a statement on the same day. The aircraft operates with the service’s Skuadron Udara (Aviation Squadron) 3. As part of the upgrades, the aircraft received structural enhancements, enhanced avionics and weapon systems, and can operate up to 8,000 actual flying hours, said the TNI-AU.
Pakistan announced that it has test-launched a new variant of its Ra’ad II nuclear-capable, air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) with a range of 600 km. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani military, said that the 600 km range of the new missile “significantly enhances” the PAF’s “air-delivered strategic stand-off capability on land and at sea”. The new missile variant, which was shown in a low-resolution video being launched from a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Mirage III fighter aircraft, “is equipped with state-of-the-art guidance and navigation systems ensuring engagement of targets with high precision”, said the ISPR, referring to the weapon system as “a major step towards complementing Pakistan’s deterrence capability”.
Today’s Video
Watch: Indian Defence Updates : More Rafale Confirmed,S400 Massive Delay,NCM Offer,INS Kavaratti Delivery
Feb 19, 2020 05:00 UTCAmericas
According to Jane’s, operators of the Airbus C295 multirole aircraft will soon be presented with options into how existing airframes can be upgraded to the latest standards. The newspaper reports that Airbus is currently studying various upgrade and retrofit possibilities, given how several operators have already indicated interest in upgrade of their existing fleets. The Airbus C295 is a twin turboprop aircraft with a 25 m wingspan. It can be configured for a variety of roles, including maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, airborne early warning, signals intelligence, close-air support, and military transport operations.
The Mexican Navy’s first POLA (Patrulla Oceánica de Largo Alcance) long-range ocean patrol vessel, ARM Reformador, was commissioned, the company announced. Reformador is based on the Damen Shipyards SIGMA 10514 light frigate design, displacing 2,570 tonnes, with a length of 105.1 m, a beam of 14 m, and a draft of 3.7 m. The ship was launched at the end of November 2018 and completed sea acceptance trials in December 2019. Construction was split between Mexico and the Netherlands. Four of the OPV’s six modular sections were built at the Mexican Navy’s ASTIMAR Salina Cruz shipyard in Oaxaca, and two were built by Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding at its yard in Vlissingen.
Middle East & Africa
Israeli defense technology company Rafael Advanced Defence Systems is showcasing a new lightweight airborne EO/IR sensor for wide-area persistent surveillance (WAPS) operations at Singapore Air Show. The MicroLite sensor can be mounted on small airborne platforms including unmanned aerial vehicles, balloons, and manned aircraft to complete EO/IR intelligence, surveillance, targeting and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions. At the show, Rafael said it would showcase the system mounted on an Orbiter-4 UAV made by Rafael-owned Aeronautics. Rafael says the system uses high-resolution mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) and visual HD color sensors to enable persistent wide-area surveillance and can work in tandem with a laser designator to locate and designate possible targets.
Europe
Helicopter Flight Training Systems (HFTS),of which German defense company Rheinmetall is a part, has entered into an agreement to modernize flight simulators for the German Army Aviation Corps’ NH90 helicopters. A contract to this effect was signed at the end of December 2019. Awarded to HFTS, the complete contract encompasses operation, service and maintenance of the simulators through to 2027, with a contractually guaranteed availability rate of at least 98%. The modernization project involves upgrade of simulators to the latest helicopter standard called MR-1. This upgrade is accompanied by a renovation of the computer configurations, the replacement of the instructor station and the tactical situation animation software (CGF) and includes Level C certification with the European authority EASA.
Asia-Pacific
According to Alert5, PT. Dirgantara Indonesia has been directed by the Indonesian government to embark on a program to reverse engineer missiles. Brig. Gen. Aribowo Teguh Santoso from the Directorate General for Defense Potential signed a contract on February 15. It is believed that the Indonesians intend to reverse engineer the C705 anti-ship missile that China had sold to the South East Asia country. These were ordered for the Indonesian Navy’s KCR-40 and KCR 60 warships. Some of those missiles were assembled locally.
Warships of the Royal Australian Navy left the port of Sydney on Monday to conduct ready-to-deploy exercises. The three-week-event is known as the sea phase of Fleet Certification Period 2020. It will verify the capabilities of participating vessels. The destroyers HMAS Hobart and HMAS Arunta, the frigate HMAS Stuart and the fleet replenishment vessel Sirius left Sydney for the Bass Straits, separating Australia from Tasmania, where they will meet five other warships and submarines. Military aircraft, including a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A, a United States Navy P-8, a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K and three Royal Australian Navy MH-60R helicopters, will also participate. Exercises include work by an Australian navy anti-mine unit on the Tasmanian coast.
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Watch: Indian Defence Updates : New VEM Fighter Jet,NASAMS Cancel,Howitzer Sale Saudi Arabia,83 Tejas Final
Feb 18, 2020 05:00 UTCAmericas
Lockheed Martin Space won a $13.9 million contract modification for Trident II (D5) missile production and deployed systems support. The Trident II D5 is one of the most advanced long-range submarine-launched nuclear missiles in the world. It is the primary US sea-based nuclear ballistic missile, and is deployed aboard US Navy Ohio Class ballistic missile submarines. The US Navy operates 14 of these ballistic missile submarines, each of which can carry as many as 24 Trident II missiles. Although the Trident II is designed to carry as many as 12 multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) warheads, current treaties reduce this number to four or five. Work will take place in Florida, California, and other various locations. Work is expected to be finished by September 30, 2024.
The Trump administration plans to shift $3.8 billion away from the military services’ weapons accounts to pay for wall construction along the nation’s southern border despite the Pentagon’s assertion that it needs to focus on a high-end military competition with China and Russia. In a reprogramming notice signed by acting Pentagon comptroller Elaine McCusker on February 13, the department details plans to move dollars out of an array of weapons coffers – including from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and America Class Amphibious Assault Ship – over to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Middle East & Africa
According to Israel Defense that the Israeli Defense Forces will adapt the Spike missile to current threats. A senior officer reportedly told the newspaper: “We will develop a version that is more suitable to urban warfare,” The missile system is important to the IDF, and is expected to remain so in the coming years. However, the IDF understands that the threats are changing and now includes greater emphasis on urban warfare in fighting columns of Syrian, Egyptian or Iraqi armor. “The balance between the need for the anti-tank Spike missile and the need for it as a solution for urban warfare has changed. We are working together with Rafael to develop a more suitable and inexpensive version of the missile for this purpose,” the officer said.
Europe
Oshkosh Defense won a $407.3 million modification to procure Joint Light Tactical Vehicles and associated kits. Oshkosh Defense will deliver JLTVs to the US Marines, Lithuania and Slovenia. On November 21, 2019, the Defense Materiel Agency of Lithuania under the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defense and the US Department of Defense signed the Letter of Offer and Acceptance concerning procurement of 200 units of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle or JLTV. The JLTV was developed by American Company Oshkosh Defense for the US Army and Marine Corps, to replace the aging fleet of High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV/Humvee). The JLTV family now consists of three base vehicle platforms, Utility, Close Combat Weapons Carrier and General Purpose. The Utility base vehicle platform is a two-door configuration, the General Purpose and Close Combat Weapons Carrier base vehicle platforms are a four-door configuration. Work under the modification will take place in Wisconsin. Estimated completion date is January 31, 2022.
Asia-Pacific
Japan is said to be developing an electronic warfare system that will jam the datalink of North Korean ballistic missiles with its ground control stations. The development will start this year and is expected to take five years to complete. The equipment can block North Korean ballistic missiles with radio waves. With this, it will also be possible to deal with missiles immediately after the launch.
Saab has signed an agreement with Australia to provide combat management systems for Navy’s surface ships. According to the agreement, Saab will deliver its Next Generation’ Combat Management System (CMS) to Australia’s new Arafura Class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) and the Supply class auxiliary oiler replenishment (AOR) ships. Saab will also modernize the 9LV CMS currently in use in the Anzac Class frigates and will provide the software for the future tactical interface for the Hobart class air warfare destroyer (AWDs) when their current CMS is modernized.
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Watch: AMERICAN B52 STRATOFORTRESS COMES IN THE WAY OF CHINA’S TAIWAN AMBITION !
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