Planned Minuteman III Test Aborted | Germany Dismissed French Atlantique 2 Offer | Sweden Adds To BvS10 Fleet

Americas

American company Lockheed Martin won a $51 million deal in support of the French Air Force for long-term sustainment of C-130 aircraft. This contract provides for the program management, field service representatives, travel and per diem, data, replenishment of spares and other sustainment tasks. The Lockheed Martin C-130 is the US Air Force’s principal tactical cargo and personnel transport aircraft. The C-130J Hercules is the latest model, featuring a glass cockpit, digital avionics and a new propulsion system with a six-bladed propeller. Work will take place in Bae Aerienne, France as well as in Marietta, Georgia. Expected completion date is January 1, 2023.

A planned test of a Minuteman III missile was aborted before the missile left Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, on Wednesday, the US Air Force said. The Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, which can be nuclear-armed but was unarmed for the test, was to be launched within a six-hour window beginning at 12:15 am on Wednesday. The reason for ground abort, defined by the Air Force as prevention of a “crew-ready” aircraft from becoming airborne, was not disclosed.

Middle East & Africa

Iraq’s F-16 program is in jeopardy because US contractors are leaving key Iraqi bases after attacks by Iran-backed militias, a US government report says. The 233-page, quarterly “Operation Resolute Support Lead Inspector General’s Report” to Congress, released this week, cites examples of threats and attacks on contractors supporting Iraq’s F-16 program.

Europe

According to local news, German defense officials have dismissed a French offer of four Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft. The refurbished planes’ expected readiness state would make them unsuitable for service in the German Navy. The Defense Ministry has decided to replace the P-3C Orions with P-8A Poseidon.

BAE Systems announced Monday that it has signed a contract worth around $200 million to produce and deliver 127 BvS10 all-terrain vehicles to the Swedish Army, adding to its existing fleet of BvS10s. The contract signed with the Swedish military procurement agency, FMV, is for both command and control and logistics vehicles. Deliveries of the 127 vehicles are planned to begin in 2022 and be completed in 2024.

Asia-Pacific

A RoCAF twin-seat IDF fighter burst its tire during landing at Penghu airport on May 5. The accident forced the airport to be closed for two hours. The Air Force immediately sent a team to investigate. The two crew members did not need any assistance and were unharmed, reports said.

Today’s Video

Watch: F-16 Vipers Patrol The Sky Near Iraq (2021)