Sikorsky To Build Additional VH-92As | Greece’s 1st F-16V Arrived in Belgium | Kazakhstan Unveiled Chagall UAV

Americas

L3Harris Technologies won a $45.9 million deal, which provides engineering maintenance and repair support services for Advanced Self-Protection Jammer AN/ALQ-165, Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasures AN/ALQ-214, and aircraft self-protection optimization software in support of F/A-18 series aircraft for the Navy and Foreign Military Sales customers. The AN/ALQ-214 is the next-generation radio frequency (RF) integrated countermeasure system. The legacy (V)3 version is currently deployed on the US Navy’s F/A-18E/F aircraft to provide self-protection. Work will take place in Clifton, New Jersey. Estimated completion will be in February 2026.

Sikorsky won a $478.6 million contract modification, which exercises options for the procurement of five Lot Three low rate initial production Presidential Helicopters Replacement Program (VH-92A) aircraft, and associated interim contractor support, two cabin interior reconfiguration kits, support equipment, initial spares, and system parts replenishment. The new Marine One, also referred to as VH-92A, is the next-generation presidential transport helicopter being developed for the US Marine Corps (USMC). It will replace the ageing VH-3D presidential helicopter in service with the USMC. Work will take place in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Arizona and Virginia. Estimated completion will be in December 2023.

Middle East & Africa

Dyncorp International LLC won a $42 million contract modification for aviation maintenance services. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (Army) funds in the full amount were obligated at the time of the award. US Army Contracting Command is the contracting activity. Work will take place in Afghanistan and Iraq. Estimated completion date is August 31, 2021.

Europe

Greece’s first F-16V has arrived in Belgium and the jet is expected to reach Forth Worth, Texas on February 10. The aircraft had its Hellenic Air Force insignias removed and replaced with US Air Force ones. The plane is registered under the US Air Force so that it can fly with US airspace with less restrictions. The flight from Belgium is expected to take approximately 10 hours and three F-16s from other countries will be joining it.

Asia-Pacific

Kazakhstan has unveiled an indigenous unmanned air vehicle (UAV) dubbed Chagall. The drone is developed by the National University of Defense of Kazakhstan. It has a range of 30 kilometers and an endurance of 2.5 hours. It runs on a rechargeable battery that was developed in-house.

The French Navy is sending its Mistral Class amphibious assault helicopter carrier Tonnerre to Japan from this month. It will be accompanied by La Fayette Class frigate Surcouf during this mission to Asia. Both warships are expected to depart on February 18. They are expected to be back home in July.

Today’s Video

Watch: The world’s Top Combat Drones | Ranking the Top Ten