DigiFlight won a $13.8 million contract modification for programmatic support for the Apache Attack Helicopter. The Boeing AH-64 Apache is a twin-turboshaft attack helicopter. It is equipped with two turboshaft engines, each providing 1,265kW. The American AH-64D has General Electric T700-GE-701 engines and the UK Apache is fitted with RTM322 engines from Rolls-Royce / Turbomeca. Work will take place in Maryland. Estimated completion date is May 23, 2022.
The US Army’s 4th Infantry Division participated in a Counter-Small UAS home-station training session at Fort Carson, Colorado, from April 19-May 7. This is the first time such training was held at home-station. Soldiers learn to operate the Mobile-Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Integrated Defeat System (M-LIDS). This will prepare the soldiers ahead of their deployment to the US Central Command region.
Middle East & Africa
Israel’s BlueBird Aero Systems completed delivery of 100 WanderB-VTOL UAVs to a European customer. The vertical takeoff and landing UAVs are part of a transaction involving over 150 WanderB-VTOL and ThunderB-VTOL UAVs. This is the world’s largest number of VTOL UAVs delivered to any customer at one time, and was completed within the agreed timetable despite COVID-19 conditions, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) that owns 50% shares of the BlueBird Aero systems said in a statement.
Europe
The Netherlands MoD approved the purchase of 179 small all-terrain patrol vehicles for the Marine Corps to replace some of the current BV206D, Viking and Landrover vehicles which are at the end of their lifespan. The project will start this year and will last until 2028. The first vehicles are expected to arrive in 2025.
The Polish Air Force celebrates 100,000 flight hours of its F-16 aircraft fleet in May. This year also marks the 20th anniversary of Poland’s decision to buy the F-16. The F-16 is a leading multinational aircraft that has allowed the Polish Air Force to engage in multiple multinational exercises and operational deployments to include Baltic Air Policing and Operation Inherent Resolve.
Asia-Pacific
The Indian Army tested the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) developed by the Indian Railways for faster movement of freight across the country. The army conducted a successful trial by moving a military train loaded with vehicles and equipment from New Rewari to New Phulera validating the efficacy of the DFC. The intricate and synchronised coordination by the Indian Army with Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd (DFCCIL) and Indian Railways will significantly enhance the mobilization capability of the Armed Forces.
Today’s Video
Watch: BlueBird Aero Systems – ThunderB & WanderB VTOL UAS
Leonardo Helicopters handed over the keys to the first operational TH-73A helicopter to the US Navy at its AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corporation (Leonardo) plant in Philadelphia on June 10. Vice Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, Commander, Naval Air Forces, accepts the keys accepted the keys on behalf of the Navy from Bill Hunt, CEO of Leonardo Helicopters. The service placed an order for 130 helicopters with Leonardo in January 2020.
Boeing won an $18.4 million delivery order modification to an existing contract (W91215-16-G-0001) for the procurement of long-lead components and parts in support of the MH-47G Chinook Block II production program. Fiscal 2021 Army aircraft procurement funds in the amount of $18,372,000 are being obligated at the time of award. The majority of the work will be performed in Ridley Park. The Boeing MH-47G is a special operations variant of the CH-47 Chinook multi-role, heavy-lift helicopter. It is in service with the US Army Special Operations Aviation Command (USASOC).
Middle East & Africa
Raytheon won a $78.1 million contract modification for contractor logistic support for the Qatar Early Warning Radar for a period of five years. Raytheon had won a $1.06 billion deal to provide an early warning radar (EWR) to Doha in February 2017. The Qatari radar is supposed to add long-range detection to the country’s layered Integrated Air and Missile Defense architecture, which includes Patriot systems and an Air Defense Operation Center. Work will take place in Massachusetts and Doha, Qatar. Estimated completion date is December 31, 2026.
Iranian Navy inducted locally-manufactured ‘Dena’ destroyer and ‘Shahin’ minesweeper at an event in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas. Dena is the fourth Jamaran Class destroyer manufactured by the Defense Ministry’s naval industries. The Iranian destroyer is “capable of detecting, tracking, and hitting various aerial, surface, and submarine targets. It can carry helicopters on its deck.” the navy said in a statement.
Europe
A new training facility that according to the British Defense Ministry will “secure HMNB Clyde as the central base for submariners in the UK” is taking shape at HMNB Clyde. Last year the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) awarded a contract to Kier Graham Defence Ltd to deliver the works, which are expected to be completed in early 2023. HMNB Clyde in Scotland will host the Submarine Training Facility for the personnel on board the future Dreadnought Class nuclear submarines yet to enter service.
Asia-Pacific
France’s Naval Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) to jointly explore new technologies such as additive manufacturing for naval applications. Under the agreement, the organisations will jointly identify potential use cases of harnessing additive manufacturing. This includes the sharing of production methodology, certification and qualification of additive manufactured components for naval platforms.
Sikorsky won a $9.5 million order, which provides systems engineering and program management services in support of CH-53K low rate initial production Lots 5 and 6 aircraft rate tooling. The CH-53K is the United States Marine Corps’ (USMC) heavy lift replacement for the CH-53E. It is a new-build helicopter that will expand the fleet’s ability to move more material, more rapidly throughout the area of responsibility using proven and mature technologies. Work will take place in the UK, Washington, Connecticut and Spain. Estimated completion is in December 2024.
The American MQ-25 programme has successfully conducted the first ever aerial refueling operations between a crewed receiver aircraft and an uncrewed tanker. According to the US Navy, the successful flight “demonstrated that the MQ-25 Stingray can fulfill its tanker mission using the Navy’s standard probe-and-drogue aerial refueling method”.
Middle East & Africa
Turkey is working on its ambitious TF-X National Combat Aircraft. Temel Kotil, general manager of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), which is the main contractor of the project, told government-owned Anadolu Agency that the production process is progressing well and that the prototype, which includes avionics, control and hydraulic systems, will be unveiled for the first time on March 18, 2023.
Textron won a $12.5 million firm-fixed-price, undefinitized contract action for Tunisia T-6C long lead items procurement and site survey. This contract provides for the procurement of long lead production items and spares to support delivery of eight T-6Cs in 2022 and conducting a site survey in Tunisia. Work is expected to be completed October 2022.
Europe
According to the UK Defence Journal, an F-35B Lightning from British Carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth has conducted the UK Lightning Force’s first ‘austere forward refuellng’ in an overseas environment, whilst operating from the aircraft carrier. The RAF aircraft flew to the Italian island of Pantelleria where it conducted a fast ground refuel from an Italian KC-130J.
Asia-Pacific
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is assembling five more prototypes of its KF-21 fighter jet after the first prototype was rolled-out on April 9. The first prototype is currently in the building opposite the assembly line, where its insides are exposed for ground testing which will take another year or so, a report in South Korean media outlet Hankyoreh, which was granted access to the assembly line, said.
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Watch: T-6A Texan II Inflight Cockpit Vid • 80th Flying Training Wing
The deputy head of Air Mobility Command has revealed that the next Gremlins test flight is set to take place between October to November. Steve Fendley, president of Kratos Unmanned Systems Division, told Military.com that the Pentagon has added a new requirement for the Gremlins to be able to rearm in flight and redeploy out of a C-130. Kratos builds the airframe of the Gremlins. Fendley added that around 20 Gremlins will be deployed on a typical mission.
Northrop Grumman won a $53.7 million deal to provide continuing operator, maintenance, logistics and sustainment engineering support, to include training, supply chain and spares management for peculiar items, peculiar support equipment, and technical publications in support of the RQ-4A Global Hawk Broad Area Maritime Surveillance – Demonstrator (BAMS-D) aircraft being mission-capable for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions for the Navy. Work will take place in Maryland, California, Indiana, Virginia and Utah. Estimated completion date is in April 2022.
Middle East & Africa
Exercise African Lion will take place in Kenitra, Morocco over the two-weeks and three C-130J from the 86th Airlift Wing are participating. The C-130J crews will assist in training their Moroccan counterparts in airdrop, airlift and aeromedical evacuation capacities. While on their way to Kenitra, the C-130s airdrop over 150 U.S. and British paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade, and the 16th Air Assault Brigade over Grier Labouie, Morocco for a joint forcible entry via airborne assault demonstration.
US Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps joint terminal attack controllers participated in a joint training exercise with Italian Air Force Eurofighters at Udairi Range Complex, Kuwait on May 26. Four Italian Eurofighter Typhoon jets are currently stationed in Kuwait, to support OIR (Operation Inherent Resolve), the multinational campaign against Daesh in Iraq and Syria. The F-2000A jets have deployed in April 2021, as part of “Prima Parthica”, as the Italian Armed Forces operation is dubbed at national level, and operate within the Task Group “Typhoon”.
Europe
The authorities of Ukraine’s Mariupol city are reportedly planning to buy the Iron Dome system from Israel to protect its airport. Mariupol International Airport, located just 5km from the city, was closed in June 2014, due to the escalation of an armed conflict. The airport is situated on the extreme south-eastern part of Ukraine near the border with Russia. The Iron Dome reportedly shot down over 90% of the rockets fired by Hamas during the recent bloody 11-day war.
Asia-Pacific
A group of 12 Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) aircrew students have started their training to operate the KC-46 aerial refueling tanker at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma. Lead by Lt. Col. Tetsuji Kamiguchi, 405th Air Refueling Squadron commander, the team consists of six pilots and six boom operators. The three-months conversion course is made up of three phases. The academic phase will have four classes daily before they proceed to the second phase to work on simulators and performed pre-briefs and debriefs. The group will then proceed to fly eight flights and a check ride with one of the 56th Air Refueling Squadron instructors before graduating.
Raytheon won a $3 billion contract for F-15 Radar Eagle Vision. This contract provides for the production, modernization and support of the F-15 APG-82 radar system to rapidly deliver and stay aligned with the F-15 weapon system program. According To Raytheon, the APG-82(V)1 AESA radar is the latest radar advancement for the US Air Force F-15E fleet and optimizes the F-15E jets multirole mission capability. Additionally, with its extensive range and advanced multi-target track and precision engagement capabilities, the APG-82(V)1 offers enhancement in system reliability over the APG-70 radar. Work will take place in California. Expected completion date is June 8, 2036.
The Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) completed initial flight tests equipped with a new brushless generator system, providing over 50% more power than the current system. The tests were held on May 13, 2021, at Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona. The initial flight test of the system marks an important milestone towards upgrading the GE-ER fleet with generators that will significantly improve reliability and dramatically reduce platform sustainment costs. The new generator also provides electrical power to support expanding mission scenarios for the UAS, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. said.
Middle East & Africa
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Tomer, a government-owned company producing rocket propulsion systems, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop projects in rocket propulsion and innovative missiles rocket engines. The MoU includes investment in joint projects, mutual R&D and establishing infrastructure for the companies’ respective R&D departments for the benefit of developing future, advanced technologies in the field of rocket propulsion and innovative rocket motors, at a higher quality and faster than in the past.
Europe
The 50th Baltic Operations (BALTOPS 50) exercise, the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, kicked off on June 6th. Between June 6th and 18th, air and maritime assets from 18 NATO Allies and partner nations will participate in live training events that include air defence, anti-submarine warfare, amphibious operations, maritime interdiction, mine countermeasure operations.
Insitu, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company has collaborated with two Norwegian firms – Robot Aviation and Andøya Space – to promote the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) ecosystem in the Arctic and High North. The alliance will offer products and services optimized for the harsh environments north of the Arctic Circle where many North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO) allies operate.
Asia-Pacific
A mock-up of a fighter, likely the Shenyang FC-31 stealth jet, was seen at a naval test facility in Hubei Province’s Wuhan, fueling speculations that China intends to operate the type on its ships. An unverified photo recently surfaced on social media that, for the first time, showed an FC-31-like model positioned on the “flight deck” of a full-size mock aircraft carrier at the test center. The photo also showed mockups of J-15 carrier fighters, as well as one of a Z-18 series helicopter, a standard heavyweight rotary-wing type in People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) service and a frequent visitor to its carriers.
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Watch: Most Expensive Drone & Scary MQ-1 Gray Eagle in The World
Boeing won a $39.7 million contract modification for new-build AH-64E aircraft. The AH-64 Apache is a twin-engine, four bladed, multi-mission attack helicopter designed as a highly stable aerial weapons-delivery platform. The helicopter is designed as a weapons delivery platform and is equipped with: a M230E1, 30mm automatic gun, aerial rockets system, and point target weapons system. Work will take place in Mesa, Arizona. Estimated completion date is October 31, 2025.
A US Air Force probe into its recent contract award to Boeing for Japan’s KC-46 tankers spare parts has raised concerns about unfair pricing. Service officials reportedly confirmed to Defense News the Air Force’s recent $88 million contract award to Boeing for the spare parts included about $10 million in costs they could not determine to be fair or reasonable.
Middle East & Africa
The Lebanese Navy is set to receive new offshore patrol vessels from the United States and France, Defense News reported. 4 of the 7 vessels will be provided with help from France, while the remaining three Protector-class offshore patrol vehicles (OPVs) will come from the US.
Europe
Swiss newspaper Le Matin says the Dassault Rafale fighter is leading the competition to become the next fighter for Switzerland. The news report says a decision could now be announced on June 23. Le Matin says there are signs that the Swiss government has decided on the Rafale. For example, the head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport, Viola Amherd, had cited the Rafale as an example of how the Swiss military could achieve its strategic objectives.
Saab announced that it would be working with Finnish firm Varjo to integrate the company’s Human eye resolution mixed reality (XR) technology into all simulators for the Saab Gripen E/F aircraft. Saab’s Head of Tactical Environment Simulation and Visualisation Stefan Furenbäck said in a statement, “We are finalising the basic functionalities in our own simulator so that we can use Varjo’s XR-3 headsets in all our flight simulators. We’ve previously carried out smaller, independent prototype-like projects but now we’re integrating them into our actual flight simulators.”
Asia-Pacific
Samsung Heavy Industries Co. said that it teamed up with Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) to develop carbon-free nuclear-powered ships. The project will be based on the so-called molten salt reactor technologies. A molten salt reactor is a kind of small module reactor that utilizes molten fluoride salts as the primary coolant at low pressure. It has been emerging as a carbon-zero nuclear energy source, Yonhap News Agency reported Wednesday.
Today’s Video
Watch: Is the Boeing AH-64 Apache The Ultimate Weapon?| The Ultimates: Combat Helicopters | Spark
Airbus US Space & Defense won a $119.8 million contract modification for an extension of contractor logistics support services for the UH-72 Lakota. The UH-72A Lakota is a light utility helicopter. UH-72A Lakota helicopters were acquired to replace the UH-1H Iroquois and OH-58 A/C Kiowa helicopters. Work will take place in Grand Prairie, Texas. Estimated completion date is June 30, 2022.
The US Marine Corps (USMC) has flown the first AH-1Z flight that has Link-16 capability. Bell says a two-way connection was completed from the helicopter to a ground station. Bell added that the Link-16 package from Northrop Grumman adds a new digital moving map, a new security architecture and Advanced Networking Wideband Waveform (ANW2) datalinks to the helicopter.
Middle East & Africa
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighters operated by the Air Forces of Italy, UK and Israel are set to take part in this year’s edition of Falcon Strike 21 (FS21) exercises. Falcon Strike 21 a joint, multinational exercise involving service members from the US, Israel, Italy and the United Kingdom to integrate 4th and 5th generation fighter capabilities in a large force employment event.
Europe
Welding for the fabrication of prototypes and subsequent series production of the Boxer Mechanized Infantry Vehicle (MIV) programme, under which British Army is procuring over 500 Boxer vehicles started. Under the aegis of Artec GmbH, a joint venture of Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), Rheinmetall will fabricate first prototypes at its plant in Kassel, Germany which will also make the the first series vehicles. The prototypes will have content supplied by the United Kingdom, such as the remotely controlled weapon stations, generic vehicle architecture components, the local situational awareness system or the vehicle emergency lighting system.
Asia-Pacific
Yomiuri Shimbun reports that Japan will budget for the research and development of its loyal wingman in next year’s fiscal budget. The report added that the unmanned air aircraft will be carried aboard the next-generation fighter dubbed F-X. The concept is not new in Japan. The former Fuji Heavy Industries develop the Fuji TACOM unmanned aerial vehicle from 1995 to 2011. The drone was carried on board the F-4E and F-15J. The US Air Force has also integrated the UTAP-22 Mako on the F-15C.
The Indian Navy has started to train its personnel to fly and maintain the MH-60R naval helicopter in the United States. The detachment have started their training at NAS Pensacola. Hindustan Times reports that two MH-60Rs will delivered to the Indian Navy next month and the third helicopter will be delivered by end of the year.
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Watch: Viper AH-1Z attack helicopter air missile capability
Lockheed Martin won a $172.4 million contract modification for procurement of spare hardware in association with Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target (PATRIOT) Advanced Capability (PAC-3) FY21 missiles and command and launch system. The PAC-3 serves as an endoatmospheric point defense system with a capability to intercept short-range tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and military aircraft. Unlike earlier Patriot missile defense systems, the PAC-3 interceptor relies on hit-to-kill technology whereby the interceptor uses kinetic energy to destroy its target on impact. Work will take place in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Texas and Massachusetts. Estimated completion date is December 31, 2024.
According to Oshkosh Defense, the company won a $942.9 million contract to integrate 30mm medium caliber weapons systems onto US Army Stryker vehicles. The upgrade to the Stryker Double V Hull Infantry Carrier Vehicle will provide “precision lethality capability to the Army’s Stryker Brigade Combat Team,” the company said in a press release.
Middle East & Africa
Turkey’s Aselsan has started mass production of tank armor package for integration onto German-origin Leopard 2A4 tanks. The Leopard 2A4 is an upgraded version of the first generation of Leopard 2 MBT including an automated fire and explosion suppression system, an all-digital fire control system able to handle new ammunition types and an improved turret with flat titanium/tungsten armor. This tank is armed with a 120 mm smoothbore gun which has been developed by Rheinmetall. A 7.62mm coaxial machine gun is mounted to the left side of the main armament and one 7.62mm machine gun to the hatch of the loader. Two banks of four 76mm smoke grenade dischargers are mounted to each side of the turret.
Europe
A new ‘light’ Multiple Launch Rocket system (MLRS) based on an 80 mm rocket is being developed in Russia with serial production planned for 2024. The new MLRS will be unveiled at the Army-2021 land forces exhibition which will be held from August 22 to 28 at the Patriot Exhibition Center near Moscow.
Trials of Ajax armoured vehicles were halted at the end of last year to March this year due to excessive vibration and noise, leaving crews suffering from nausea, swollen joints and tinnitus. At the end of May, the Sun reported that General Dynamics built Ajax had encountered significant design problems and cited a leaked document outlining the excessive vibration and other issues. In a statement, the UK’s Ministry of Defense confirmed trials had been halted but have also said that trials had resumed.
Asia-Pacific
South Korean prosecutors have said that they will not press any charges against Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) or the military over the crash of the MUH-1 helicopter that took place on July 18, 2018. Investigations into the crash found that a manufacturing defect lead to cracks in the main rotor mast.
Today’s Video
Watch: South Korean Marine Corps MUH-1 Marineon amphibious helicopter
Latest updates[?]: According to Oshkosh Defense, the company won a $942.9 million contract to integrate 30mm medium caliber weapons systems onto US Army Stryker vehicles. The upgrade to the Stryker Double V Hull Infantry Carrier Vehicle will provide "precision lethality capability to the Army's Stryker Brigade Combat Team," the company said in a press release.
M1126, post-IED
Under current plans, the 8×8 wheeled Stryker armored vehicle will be the future backbone of 8 US Army and 1 National Guard medium armored brigades. The 5th Stryker Brigade from Fort Lewis, WA was the first Stryker unit sent to Afghanistan, deployed in the summer of 2009 as part of a troop level increase. The brigade was equipped with 350 Stryker vehicles. In the first few months of deployment, they lost 21 soldiers, with 40 more wounded, to IED land mines. The losses prompted the Army to examine modifications to their Stryker vehicles, in order to make them more resistant to land mines.
One result is the Stryker hull redesign, creating the v-hulled Stryker DVH. The US Army is now on pace to order 2 brigades worth, as it moves toward the end of Stryker armored vehicle production.
BAE Systems won an $18.7 million delivery order for Virginia Class submarine propulsors. This delivery order does not include options. The Virginia Class new attack submarine is an advanced stealth multimission nuclear-powered submarine for deep ocean anti-submarine warfare and littoral operations. Work will take place in Kentucky. Expected completion date is in April 2025.
Northrop Grumman won a $12 million contract modification, which increases the ceiling to extend services and adds hours increasing the full-scale fatigue repair time to achieve the required simulated flight hours in support of E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft development. The Advanced Hawkeye features a state-of-the-art radar with a two-generation leap in capability and upgraded aircraft systems that will improve supportability and increase readiness. Work will take place in California, Florida and New York. Estimated completion is in June 2023.
Middle East & Africa
Turkey’s Katmerciler said it won a contract from Kenya for 118 H?z?r tactical wheeled armored 4×4 vehicles. Kenya will be the third country in the world to acquire Katmerciler’s armored vehicles. The company aims to complete the delivery over two years, Furkan Katmerci, deputy chairperson of Katmerciler, told media.
Europe
Damen Shipyards Galati performed the keel-laying ceremony of the Combat Support Ship (CSS) Den Helder last week. The keel laying ceremony was performed by the Director Defence Material Organisation (DMO), vice admiral Arie Jan de Waard and vice admiral Rob Kramer, Commander Royal Netherlands Navy. The yard carried out the steel cutting for this new vessel in December last year. Following the keel-laying, all the building blocks for the actual construction of the ship in Romania are now ready. The engineering of the CSS has been largely carried out in the Netherlands.
Asia-Pacific
Japan will allocate funds in 2022 to start the development of a new long-range standoff missile based on the Type 12 missile. The missile can be fired from surface ships and aircraft. Tokyo first indicated that it will acquire a standoff attack capability in 2018. $306 million were allocated this year to conduct feasibility studies on modifying the Type 12. The new missile is anticipated to be ready in 2026. Prototype development and operational testing for surface ships will take five years while the air-launch variant will need seven years of work.
The Biden administration has given its approval to sell 29 AH-64E attack helicopters to Australia that is expected to cost $3.5 billion. Australia has requested to buy 29 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, but also engines, modernized target acquisition and designation sight and pilot night vision sensors and fire control radars with electronic units, a release said.
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Watch: FLOW – The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Enhancement: Refuel in Air
