General Dynamics Missions Systems won a $13.6 million contract modification to exercise an option for engineering support for ongoing development, test and production of the Surface Mine Countermeasure Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (SMCM UUV) program, also known as Knifefish. The Knifefish program will provide persistent volume and bottom mine hunting capability in a contested environment. This option exercise is for engineering support hours to support a number of efforts, including test and evaluation, engineering change proposal development and upgrade initiatives. The Knifefish is an autonomous unmanned water vehicle. It is a propeller-driven minesweeping robot. Work will take place in Massachusetts, North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia and Michigan. Estimated completion will be by September 2021.
Lockheed Martin won an $861.7 million modification, which exercises options to procure eight Lot 14 F-35A Lightning II repositioned aircraft as a result of the Republic of Turkey’s removal from the F-35 program, and six Lot 14 F-35A aircraft for the Air Force. Additionally, this modification establishes undefinitized line items that provides recurring engineering in support of the modification of the eight Lot 14 F-35A Lightning II repositioned aircraft to a full operationally capable F-35A Air Force configuration. Lockheed Martin has marketed the F-35 successfully to 14 countries over nearly 20 years. Subtracting Turkey’s canceled program for 100 jets, Lockheed still boasts commitments from 13 countries to buy nearly 3,220 F-35s, with deliveries projected out to 2046. Work will take place in Texas, California, United Kingdom, Florida, New Hampshire, Maryland, California and various locations within the continental US. Expected completion date will be by May 2026.
Middle East & Africa
According to Elbit Systems, the Israeli Defense Forces recently initiated a series of brigade level exercises in Elbit Systems’ new Brigade and Battlegroup Mission Training Center. The new training center immerses commanders, headquarters staff and two subordinate command levels in high-fidelity combat situations in actual battle zone territory. It presents commanders and their staff with a realistic operational picture, enables them to operate a range of assets, compels them to respond to real-time changes and requires them to cope with tactical communications that are realistically impacted by various effects.
Europe
Britain’s Ministry of Defense finalized a contract for a new Skynet military satellite in a $628.5 million deal with Airbus Defense and Space. The contract calls for launch and ground support of the latest Skynet 6A telecommunications satellite, which is regarded as an improvement of military communications capability — and is an update to the current Skynet 5 system. A new generation of communications spacecraft, a $7.5 billion upgrade, is expected at the end of the decade. The deal has been in the works since 2017, when Airbus was chosen as a preferred supplier and received a preliminary contract for the new system. The satellite will be developed and assembled in Britain, with a planned launch date of 2025.
As a part of Saab’s plan to create a hub for participation in the future Combat Air Systems program (FCAS); Saab will be creating a new FCAS center in the UK. The center forms part of Saab’s long term plans for the UK market to develop indigenous capabilities, invest in research and development and grow intellectual property. Saab is committed to build a long term relationship with the UK related to FCAS by investing initially 50 MGBP. The UK and Sweden signed a MoU on FCAS co-operation in July 2019. Saab is leading Sweden’s FCAS industrial participation in close co-operation with Sweden’s Ministry of Defense.
Asia-Pacific
Japan is reportedly immediately scrambling fighter jets against all Chinese military aircraft taking off from an air base in Fujian Province, as tensions continue between the two countries over the Senkaku Islands. China has escalated its pressure campaign against Japan’s Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea in recent months, using increased maritime and air operations and heightened administrative and enforcement claims. Beijing claims the islands, which Japan administers, as the Diaoyu Islands. Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force planes have been flying above the East China Sea from sunrise to sunset every day to monitor Chinese military aircraft moves, the sources said. Before Japan reviewed its policy early last year, it used to scramble fighter jets against Chinese military aircraft approaching its airspace.
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Lockheed Martin won a $935.5 million deal, which procures support equipment, autonomic logistics information system hardware, training systems, site activations and integrated contractor support for the F-35 Lightning II. Additionally, the contract supports tasking that will result in improvements to the reliability, availability, maintainability and total ownership cost of the F-35 Lightning II for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, non-Department of Defense (DOD) participants and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. The F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter (JSF), is being developed by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company for the US Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps and the UK Royal Navy. It is a stealthy supersonic multirole fighter. The JSF is being built in three variants: a conventional take-off and landing aircraft (CTOL) for the US Air Force; a carrier variant (CV) for the US Navy; and a short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft for the US Marine Corps and the Royal Navy. Work will take place in Florida, Texas, California, New York and the UK. Estimates completion will be in March 2026.
General Dynamic Land Systems won a $44.4 million contract modification to procure improved fire control electronics units in support of the Abrams expedited active protection system-trophy. M1A1/2 Abrams main battle tank is manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS). The first M1 tank was produced in 1978, the M1A1 in 1985 and the M1A2 in 1986. Army and Marine units intend to use Trophy APS-equipped Abrams main battle tanks to disrupt/destroy certain classes of enemy fire while safely maneuvering across the full range of military operations. Work will take place in Tallahassee, Florida. Estimated completion date is October 1, 2022.
Middle East & Africa
An oversight failure left the Pentagon unable to judge if a $174 million Afghan surveillance drone project is effective, an inspector general’s report says. The report notes that at least $174 million was spent between 2015 and 2019 to supply Afghanistan’s security forces with ScanEagle remotely piloted aircraft. It adds, though, that the Defense Department is unable to determine if the project is effective, if the Afghan forces can sustain it or what the immediate and long-term impacts of the investment. The report concludes that whatever benefit the drones offer the Afghan forces is not quantifiable, and that their use has offered few gains in fighting Taliban forces in the country.
Europe
Local media in Austria says Indonesia has written an official letter to buy 15 Eurofighters from Austria. The letter was from Indonesia’s Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto to his Austrian counterpart Klaudia Tanner. The Austria Defense Ministry has confirmed that the letter was received. The letter was dated July 10. Subianto has also stated in his letter that he understands the issue of the Eurofighter in Austria is sensitive due to a corruption probe into the purchase of the 15 aircraft. He added that the sale offers opportunities for both sides. Austria had previously said it wanted to retire those fighters starting from this year and replace them with another type of aircraft such as the Gripen or F-16. Back in 2017, Austria launched a probe into the purchase of the fighters, alleging that Airbus had paid brides during the competition. Indonesia is looking to replacing its F-5 with new fighters and had signaled that it intends to buy the Su-35. However, the deal to buy the Russian fighters has never been signed. The South East Asian nation had also indicated last year that it intends to buy two squadrons of F-16s this year.
Royal Marines responsible for guarding the UK’s nuclear weapons and submarines have been testing drones and robots at Jackton Police College in East Kilbride near Glasgow. The Ministry of Defense says that 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines are the last line of defense protecting the nation’s Trident missiles and the machines which carry them. 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines is a 550-strong unit based at HM Naval Base Clyde in Argyll and Bute.
Asia-Pacific
The US Navy says the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Groups dual carrier operations in the South China Sea are still ongoing. The latest statement said both groups “continued high-end dual-carrier exercises in the South China Sea, July 17.” The Navy had announced on July 6 that both groups had started dual carrier operations in the area on July 6. Nimitz and Ronald Reagan CSGs continue to leverage the teamwork of over 12,000 Sailors and Marines to conduct tactical air defense exercises, in order to maintain warfighting readiness and proficiency.
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Raytheon Missiles and Defense won a $15.3 million contract modification to exercise options for engineering and technical services and obsolescence solution in support of Standard Missile-2/6. The designation refers to the SM-2, or RIM-166 missile, and its new and upgraded version, designated SM-6 or RIM-174. Each is a surface-to-air missile designed to intercept both hostile aircraft and high-performance anti-ship missiles. The SM-6 variant can be used against fixed and rotary wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, land attack cruise missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles. Each is vertically launched and compatible with the Aegis Weapon System. Work will take place in Tucson, Arizona. Estimates completion date will be inJune 2021.
Lockheed Martin won a $15 billion deal for C-130J development, integration, retrofit and production activities for all C-130J variants. The contract provides flexibility to accommodate the broad enterprise of activities associated with the C-130J program. The C-130J can carry tons of supplies more than 3,000 miles, according to the company, and can operate with only two pilots and a loadmaster for most missions. Military operations the aircraft is suited for include weather reconnaissance, electronic warfare, medical evacuation, search and rescue, paradrop, maritime mission, special operations, personnel support, as well as both in-flight and ground fueling. Work will take place in Marietta, Georgia and is expected to be finished on July 16, 2030.
Middle East & Africa
Israel’s RADA Electronic Industries announced it has received $8 million in accumulated new orders since June 1. To date, the aggregate amount of new orders since the beginning of 2020 has reached $49 million, compared to $31 million during the same period in 2019, the company said. Out of the new orders, 70% were for RADA’s software-defined tactical radars for counter UAV and counter rocket, artillery and mortar (C-RAM) operations. The orders are a mix of follow-ons from existing customers, along with orders from new defense customers. Most of these orders are expected to be delivered during 2020. The rest of the orders were for UAV avionics as well as digital video recorders and debriefing stations for fighter aircrafts, according to RADA.
Europe
The Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) has ordered one NS100 radar and seven Scout Mk3 radars for its warships, Thales announced. The NS100 radar will be installed on HNLMS Johan de Witt, a Landing Platform Docks (LPD), and acceptance testing will commence in 2023. One of the Scout Mk3 surveillance radar ordered will be installed on the same ship as well. The Combat Support Ship that is presently being built for the service will get the Scout Mk3 radar as well. The other five sets of radars are for the M-class frigates operated by the RNLN and the Belgian Naval Component.
Russia’s Military Industrial Company (VPK) has developed a concept for a new family of light tactical vehicles on its own initiative. The Strela (Arrow) 4×4 multipurpose air-transportable armored platform can be configured as a command-and-control, protected transport, or patrol vehicle. It carries up to eight servicemen, including the driver, depending on the configuration. The platform uses advanced commercial-off-the-shelf components of the GAZ vehicle family, which Russian industry plans to mass produce. The Strela features a modular design and has only Russian-made subsystems.
Asia-Pacific
A public hearing was organized on July 18 for local residents of Taitung County, Taiwan to discuss the possible deployment of AH-64E attack helicopters at Fengnian. The locals opposed the plan, saying that the rotorcraft will bring additional noise to the area and they are concern over the safety. The Army’s Aviation and Special Forces Command explained that the helicopters generate only 49.1 decibels, while air traffic at Fengnian averages 56.3 decibels. Residents will be compensated for the noise generated as well. However, the majority of the locals attending the hearing still are against the deployment as they have been suffering from noise pollution from Zhihang airbase nearby.
Northrop Grumman won a $35.9 million deal for repair of 174 B-52 Engine Nose Cowls for the B-52 Stratofortress Bomber jet. The B-52H is the US Air Force’s (USAF) long-range, large-payload multirole bomber and is known as the Stratofortress or the Buff (big ugly fat fellow). It is the USAF’s principal strategic nuclear and conventional weapons platform that supports the US Navy in anti-surface and submarine warfare missions. Work will take place in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Expected completion date will be in July 2021.
Testing of the AN/APQ-187 Silent Knight terrain-following/terrain-avoidance K-band radar on the US Air Force’s CV-22B has started last month. The flight took place on June 23 at Eglin Air Force Base. Testing is being performed by 413th Flight Test Squadron. The new radar allows special forces to fly their aircraft at 100ft above ground level in straight and turning flight at speed up to 300kts. It is designed to replace the AN/APQ-174, AN/APQ-186 and AN/APQ-170.
Middle East & Africa
Boeing won a $12.2 million delivery order for the procurement of multiple flight control surfaces in support of the Boeing F/A-18 E-G Super Hornet aircraft. Kuwait funds in the amount of $5,978,490 will be obligated at the time of the award, and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Kuwait funds will be used under the Foreign Military Sales program. In 2018 Boeing won a $1.5 billion contract to build 28 F/A-18E/F Super Hornets for the Kuwait Air Force. The deal was a scaled-down version of the initial purchase announced in 2016 which involved 40 aircraft. At the time, the deal was considered significant by industry analysts and US government officials because it would keep Boeing’s Super Hornet production line operational. Work will take place in St. Louis, Missouri. Estimated completion will be by May 2026.
Europe
Saab received the first order from the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) for the life extension of the heavyweight torpedo system, Saab announced. The order value is approximately 485 MSEK and deliveries will take place during 2020-2024. The order is part of a life extension programme for the heavyweight torpedo and mainly comprises a review of the system, modifications and enhancements. The order also includes preparations for upcoming stages of the life extension program. Torpedo 62 is a heavyweight torpedo system for surface and underwater targets. Torpedo 62 is equipped with an advanced propulsion system with high capacity and long endurance, combined with an advanced target seeker, developed for the Swedish Navy’s operational area.
Asia-Pacific
An Indonesian Navy Frosch I (Type 108) Class amphibious landing craft has sunk after experiencing a hull breach. The 98 m vessel, KRI i, began sending out a distress signal around 8.38 am local time on 14 July about 55 n miles northeast off the Kangean Islands in the Java Sea. It sank about 45 minutes after its first distress call. The 1,900-tonne vessel had a crew complement of 55 onboard. 54 personnel were rescued by a container ship, KM Tanto Sejahtera , while a remaining crew member was retrieved from the water by passenger and cargo liner, KM Dobonsolo. All crew members have since been transferred to the Martadinata (SIGMA 10514)-class frigate, KRI Raden Eddy Martadinata , which was dispatched to the area in response to the first distress call from the ill-fated ship.
South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has outlined a commitment to locally develop a transmission system for Hyundai Rotem’s K2 Black Panther main battle tank (MBT). The commitment, it said, is linked to wider efforts in South Korea to reduce reliance on foreign components and systems, and especially those that are integrated into “critical” military programmes such as the K2. Such efforts have intensified partly in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, which has exposed supply-chain weaknesses in South Korea’s defense industry.
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Latest updates[?]: Testing of the AN/APQ-187 Silent Knight terrain-following/terrain-avoidance K-band radar on the US Air Force’s CV-22B has started last month. The flight took place on June 23 at Eglin Air Force Base. Testing is being performed by 413th Flight Test Squadron. The new radar allows special forces to fly their aircraft at 100ft above ground level in straight and turning flight at speed up to 300kts. It is designed to replace the AN/APQ-174, AN/APQ-186 and AN/APQ-170.
US SOCOM MH-47E
Your mission is to fly from 20-100 feet off the ground, at flight speeds, regardless of rain, snow, or dark of night. These journeys often take place within countries that either don’t want you there, or prefer not to admit that you ever were there. Hostile fire is a distinct possibility. You are very probably a special operations pilot, and the most important tool in whatever aircraft you’re flying is something called a terrain following/terrain avoidance (TF/TA) system that helps keep your plane at the requisite height above ground – without hitting trees, ships, and other obstructions.
As the holiday season approaches, US SOCOM is working on a new present for its future pilots. Raytheon Company Precision Attack and Surveillance Systems in McKinney, TX received a Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) contract with a potential maximum value of $164.2 million for system design and development of the Silent Knight Radar (SKR) in support of the U.S. Special Operations Command. Up to 6 low-rate initial production units are included as an option, and work will be performed in McKinney, TX from Jan. 1, 2007 through Dec. 30, 2013 (H92222-07-C-0041).
Thomas Instrument won a $7.1 million deal for the depot-level overhaul of the C-5 visor door actuator. The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is a large military transport aircraft originally designed and built by Lockheed and now maintained and upgraded by its successor, Lockheed Martin. It provides the USAF with a heavy intercontinental-range strategic airlift capability, one that can carry outsized and oversized loads, including all air-certifiable cargo. The C-5 Galaxy’s development was complicated, including significant cost overruns, and Lockheed suffered significant financial difficulties. Shortly after entering service, cracks in the wings of many aircraft were discovered and the C-5 fleet was restricted in capability until corrective work was completed. The C-5M Super Galaxy is an upgraded version with new engines and modernized avionics designed to extend its service life beyond 2040. Work will take place in Brookshire Texas. Expected completion date is July 13, 2025.
The Air Force hopes to adopt a virtual reality trainer to help B-52 Stratofortress student-pilots train for combat. The Virtual Reality Procedures Trainer, developed by Maj. Mark Budgeon of Air Force Global Strike Command, Maj. Brandon Wolf, 307th Operations Support Squadron, and Maj. Justin Stephenson, 11th Bomb Squadron chief pilot and chief of innovations, along with King Crow Studios was released earlier in July at StrikeWerx in Bossier City, La. A prototype is expected later this year. The VPRT is intended to reduce human bias in instruction, provide better access to training for student pilots and give students immediate feedback — reducing their chances of developing poor habits early in training.
Middle East & Africa
The ST-100 mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle (MRAP) made by the Egypt-based International Marathon United Technologies (IMUT) is available in 10 modular variants, including ones armed with Chinese missiles, according to Jane’s. The magazines reported information released in a video by an unofficial source. The footage included computer-generated imagery (CGI) showing how the different mission modules can be changed in 45–60 minutes, with the powerpack being replaced in 25 minutes. The anti-tank variant has a four-round launcher that raises from the rear compartment and appeared to be armed with the Poly Technologies GAM-102 anti-tank missile that uses an imaging infrared seeker to guide itself to its target. The IMUT video showed the missile being tested from a Dongfeng CSK141 light armored vehicle but not an ST-100.
Europe
A £65 million ($81.8 million) contract has been awarded to build the UK’s first three Protector drones. Protector is the world’s first certified Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS), enabling it to fly in busy, unsegregated airspace, including civilian airspace, thanks to its ground-breaking ‘detect and avoid’ technology. The contract follows the development phase by manufacturers General Atomics Aeronautical Systems which will build the first three Protector aircraft, plus three ground control stations and other associated support equipment. It also includes an option to build 13 more aircraft and four ground control stations, which will complete the current planned fleet of 16 aircraft, more than doubling the capability currently provided by Reaper.
Asia-Pacific
An Egyptian military delegation that traveled to China on two C-130s is in the news in Thailand after a 43 year-old man on the trip had tested positive for COVID-19 while the delegation was on a stay over in Rayong province. Information released by the Thai government said the flights, EGY1245 and EGY1216, arrived at U-Tapao airport in Rayong on July 8 and they left for Chengdu, China on Jul. 9. The two C-130 then return from China on the same day at 11:30 p.m. On July 10, 27 of the 31 people in the delegation went shopping at a mall and only three were wearing masks at that time, including the person who tested positive. The local authorities had to seek help from the embassy of Egypt to get them to undergo swap tests for COVID-19. The two aircraft left Thailand on July 11. Thailand’s Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration admitted that an oversight had allowed the delegation to use U-Tapao airport instead of Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok. Foreign visitors were normally quarantined at Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport hotel. Because of this incident, Egypt’s two military flights on July 17-20 and 25-29 have been cancelled.
Taiwan’s annual Han Kuang wargames has started on July 13, delayed this year due to COVID-19. The exercise saw the military deploying a Patriot air defense missile unit to the carpark of the Taipei City Zoo. The Han Kuang Exercise is designed to maintain Taiwan’s combat readiness against a possible attack from the People’s Republic of China. Starting in 1984, the exercises have been held annually since 2011.
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Boeing won a $22.9 billion deal for the F-15EX system. The delivery order provides for design, development, integration, manufacturing, test, verification, certification, delivery, sustainment and modification of F-15EX aircraft, as well as spares, support equipment, training materials, technical data and technical support. The contract award is a big win for Boeing and gives a second life for the F-15 production line in St. Louis, Mo. After years of urging the Air Force to consider an advanced version of the F-15 as a complementary capability to Lockheed Martin’s F-35, Boeing found an ally in the Defense Department’s Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation office, which in 2019 forced the service to purchase F-15EX planes in order to build capacity. Work will take place in St. Louis, Missouri and at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Expected completion date is December 31, 2023.
Northrop Grumman Systems won an $11.3 million contract for the procurement of transitional development and sustaining engineering services for the Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar (G/ATOR), to include software support activity transition, low/slow/small capability development and ground weapons locating radar improvements. The G/ATOR program is managed within the portfolio of Program Executive Officer Land Systems, Quantico, Virginia. The AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) is the US Marine Corps next generation Air Surveillance/Air Defense and Air Traffic Control Radar. In June last year, Northrop receives a deal worth $958 million to provide an additional 30 gallium nitride-based (GaN) G/ATOR systems. The contract for Lot 6 full-rate production of the systems also included spare parts and retrofit kits. Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment. Work will take place in Linthicum, Maryland and is expected to be finished by July 2021.
Middle East & Africa
An MD-530F helicopter that was delivered to the Kenyan Army’s Joint Helicopter Command in January this year has crashed on July 13, killing two people on board. Six of these helicopters were handed over at Embakasi Barracks on January 23. The country had placed an order for 12 MD-530Fs. The mishap helicopter was on a routine mission when it crashed in Kithyoko, Masinga area around 10 a.m. local time. The helicopters were acquired from the United States through the US Foreign Military Sales program.
Europe
Latvia is prepared to house, and pay for, US troops if they leave Germany, Latvia’s defense minister told a Bookings Institution virtual conference. “We are ready, and this is an official announcement, we are ready to invest to receive a certain amount of American troops on Latvian soil,” Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Artis Pabriks said Friday. A deployment would be the first large-scale housing of US troops in the Baltic country, a part of the former Soviet Union and a NATO member since 2004. Pabriks later said he would welcome negotiations with the United States on a deployment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a NATO force on the border between NATO countries and Russia.
Asia-Pacific
Northrop Grumman won a $7.8 million hybrid contract to provide US Forces Korea with information technology, architecture and engineering, command and control networks and associated systems support services. United States Forces Korea is a sub-unified command of US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM). USFK has Title 10 authority, which means that USFK is responsible for organizing, training and equipping US forces on the Korean Peninsula so that forces are agile, adaptable and ready.
China warned it would place sanctions on Lockheed Martin on Tuesday, following US approval of a Taiwanese purchase of upgrades to Patriot III missiles for about $620 million. Beijing’s defense ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Tuesday at a press briefing the Chinese government could sanction the US defense contractor, less than a week after the United States endorsed the delivery of a package that includes tests of missile capabilities. “China is firmly opposed to U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan,” Zhao said. “The United States must abide by the One-China policy and the Three Joint Communiqués.”
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Lockheed Martin won a $7.3 million contract modification to exercise an option for AEGIS Platform Systems Engineering Agent efforts for the integration and delivery of AEGIS Baseline 9 capabilities. The contract provides for the completion of the development and fielding of the AEGIS Baseline 9 AEGIS Weapon System and integrated AEGIS Combat System on the remaining AEGIS Technical Insertion (TI) 12 configured destroyers as well as TI 12 and TI 08 configured cruisers. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey. Work will take place in Moorestown, New Jersey. Estimated completion will be by July 2021.
Raytheon Integrated won a $9.7 million order for engineering design and component replacement parts to support the Dual Band Radar systems. According to Raytheon, the Dual Band Radar is the first radar system in the US Navy fleet capable of simultaneously operating over two frequency ranges (S-band and X-band), coordinated by a single resource manager. Work will take place in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.Expected completion date will be in November 2022.
Middle East & Africa
The Israeli Air Force inaugurated the new 7th Wing into service on July 12. The new wing puts the 669 rescue unit, Shaldag commando unit and Frontal landing unit under a unified command. An intelligence unit and a joint school for Special Forces will be added to the wing at a later stage. It is located at Palmachim air force base. “A systemic organization of Special Forces, which focuses on unique operational response to the IAF’s challenges, is a dream for the IDF’s Special Forces personnel and in general”, said Commander of the Wing, Col. E.
Europe
The US State Department has approved the possible sale of Mk54 lightweight antisubmarine torpedoes and related equipment to Belgium for an estimated cost of $33.3 million. The Government of Belgium requested to buy twenty-nine All Up Round MK 54 LWT Mod 0. Also included are two Fleet Exercise Section conversion kits, torpedo support equipment, training and publications, US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.
Asia-Pacific
New Zealand’s coalition government announced that it has approved the $7.5 million procurement of 43 Thales Australia Bushmaster 4×4 Protected Mobility Vehicles to replace the New Zealand Army’s armored Pinzgauer Light Operational Vehicles (LOVs). The new fleet of Australian-designed and-built Bushmasters will provide “better protection for personnel and improved carrying capacity”, said Defense Minister Ron Mark, pointing out that the approved funding will deliver “the vehicles, along with training, a desktop simulator, support equipment and infrastructure upgrades at Linton Camp”. Delivery of the multirole vehicles is expected to start in late 2022, with the full fleet scheduled to begin operational introduction in late 2023.
The Philippine Navy intends to arm four of the Shaldag Class patrol boats that it will be acquiring from Israel with the Rafael Spike NLOS missile that has a range of 25km. Some of the Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC) in service with the Philippine Navy already has the shorter-range Spike-ER missile. The new craft will replace the patrol killer medium (PKM) boats that came from South Korea in 1995. Four Shaldags will be built in Israel while the rest will be assembled locally at PN Cavite Naval Yard.
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Lockheed Martin won an $87.5 million deal, which provides non-recurring engineering for the development and maturation of the Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) in support of data migration and transition to the newly developed F-35 Operational Integrated Data Network (ODIN). ALIS and ODIN provide maintenance capabilities to support worldwide F-35 operations. Additionally, this contract provides software and hardware engineering in support of F-35 ODIN development, delivery and associated data management activities for the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and non-Department of Defense participants. ODIN is intended to reduce operator and administrator workload, increase F-35 mission readiness rates, and allow software designers to rapidly develop and deploy updates in response to operator needs. Work will take place in Orlando, Florida and Fort Worth, Texas. Estimated completion will be by June 2022.
Raytheon won a $17.2 million order, which provides non-recurring engineering in support of upgrading the existing Tactical Tomahawk Guidance Test Set (TTGTS) product baseline to eliminate obsolescence and production issues. Additionally, this order provides for the development, test and delivery of six new TTGTSs. Since 1994, RMS (Raytheon Missiles Systems) has been the sole developer, designer, and manufacturer for the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile. RMS solely possesses the current configuration and manufacturing data for the Tomahawk Block IV AUR missile, and is the only source capable of performing the required tasking. RMS maintains and controls both the Level III technical data package (TDP) and the manufacturing documentation for the Block IV AUR. The Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) is an all-weather, long range, subsonic cruise missile used for deep land attack warfare, launched from US Navy surface ships and US Navy and United Kingdom Royal Navy submarines. Work will take place in Arizona, Florida, UK, Ontario, Alabama, Utah and various other locations. Expected completion date will be by December 2022.
Middle East & Africa
An Afghan light attack plane crashed in northern Afghanistan,with its US Air Force pilot safely ejecting before the crash, US and Afghan officials said. The plane, an A-29 Super Tucano, was on a training exercise in Baghlan province when the incident occurred. The pilot’s name was not released, and it is unclear if a second person was aboard the two-seat plane. Preliminary reports from United States Forces Afghanistan indicated that a mechanical issue was the cause of the crash. Support aircraft arrived quickly in the remote valley where the plane crashed to rescue the pilot.
Europe
The DoS approved a possible sale of 64 MK 54 All Up Round Lightweight torpedoes, ten MK 54 Conversion Kits and related equipment to Germany for an estimated cost of $130 million. Also included are torpedo containers; Recoverable Exercise Torpedoes (REXTORP) with containers; Fleet Exercise Section (FES) and fuel tanks to be used with MK 54 conversion kits (procured as MDE); air launch accessories for fixed wing; torpedo spare parts; training, publications, support and test equipment; US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The proposed sale will improve Germany’s capability to meet current and future threats by upgrading the Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities on Germany’s P-3C aircraft.
Asia-Pacific
The State Department approved a possible sale to Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) of Recertification of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missiles for an estimated cost of $620 million. TECRO has requested to buy Recertification of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missiles, including the replacement of expiring Limited Life Components (LLCs) and certification testing in order to support an operational life of thirty years; Test and repair of PAC-3 missiles, including Stockpile Reliability Testing (SRT) and Field Returns; Repair and Return (R&R) of classified and unclassified PAC-3 missile items and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) component level parts; replenishment of classified and unclassified missile spares and GSE spares. This proposed sale will help sustain the recipient’s missile density and ensure readiness for air operations.
The DoS approved a possible FMS to Korea of items and services to extend follow-on support to its Peace Krypton reconnaissance aircraft for an estimated cost of $250 million. The Republic of Korea has requested to buy items and services to extend follow-on support to its Peace Krypton reconnaissance aircraft. Included are Ground System Modernization (GSM) and sustainment of Prime Mission Equipment (PME); Field Service Representatives (FSR); minor modifications and upgrades; Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS); spares and repair and return of parts; publications and technical documentation; US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistical support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The proposed sale will improve Korea’s capability to meet current and future threats by supporting operation of its fleet of Peace Krypton aircraft and enabling continued Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) interoperability with the United States. Korea will have no difficulty absorbing this follow-on support into its armed forces.
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Brazil has officially begun manufacturing fighter jets with the start of production at a new facility that makes sections of the Saab Gripen, Swedish aerospace company Saab announced Tuesday. Saab Aeronáutica Montagens, a new manufacturing plant located near Sao Paulo, has begun producing Gripen E/F aerostructures, including the tail cone and front fuselage for the single-seat Gripen E version of the jet. It will eventually also make the brakes, rear fuselage, wing box and front fuselage for the two-seater “F” model, Saab stated. Those structures will then undergo final assembly at Embraer’s nearby plant in Sao Paulo and Saab’s main Gripen production hub in Linköping, Sweden. Saab won a contract with Brazil in 2014 for 36 Gripen E/F aircraft after a hard-fought competition that included Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet, the Dassault Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon. Technology transfer was a major requirement for all proposals.
Northrop Grumman announced that the US Air Force has placed an initial order for Litening pods with full-color digital video capability and two-color laser spot search and track. The pod includes full-color digital video (with resolution of more than 1k x 1k) and two-color laser spot search and track, the company announced. A color video capability gives aircrew and ground forces ‘more complete situational understanding in less time’, said Ryan Tintner, VP of navigation, targeting and surveillance at Northrop Grumman. Any Litening pod can be upgraded to the color configuration. This upgrade also includes the ability to record simultaneous video feeds from all sensors for post-mission analysis, automatic laser code display and an eye-safe mode that allows for more realistic training while using the laser.
Middle East & Africa
Elbit Systems has integrated a mini-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) onboard the Seagull Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) further enhancing its intelligence gathering capabilities. According to the company, the trials with the mini-UAS were conducted in recent weeks. With this, Elbit Systems is expanding the operational capabilities of the Seagull USV beyond Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Mines Countermeasure (MCM) missions. The shipborne mini-UAS, with a takeoff weight of up to 15kg, is capable of point water recovery. The visual feed generated by the mini-UAS can be transmitted to the land based control unit of the Seagull USV and to the Combat Management System (CMS) of additional vessels.
Europe
Estonian Special Forces deploying to Mali will be loaned four Jackal armored vehicles by the Ministry of Defense. Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey confirmed the loan, plus a three-week training package, for elite soldiers of the Estonian Armed Forces. The loan will equip Estonian troops as they join the fight against Islamic terrorism in the Sahel region of Africa, a further example of the UK’s strong partnership with one of its closest NATO allies, say the MoD.
UAC has delivered another four Su-35 fighters to the Russian Knights aerobatics team, local media reports. This brings the total number of aircraft delivered to 8. The first four were transferred in November last year. These aircraft were manufactured at Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant (KnAAZ).
Asia-Pacific
Polaris has delivered six of its diminutive 4×4 all-terrain vehicles (ATV) to the New Zealand Army, as part of the latter’s Protected Mobility Capability Project. The lightweight four-seat vehicles, which are powered by a turbo diesel engine, are meant to replace quad bikes and other small vehicles operated by the army, and to provide improved mobility, safety, and versatility to rapidly deployable mobile forces.
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