General Atomics Received Award For Gray Eagle Production | Jordan/US Started Work On Unmanned Task Force | Sweden Inducted PAC-3

Americas

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems won a $103.2 million deal for the production of Gray Eagle unmanned aircraft systems, satellite airborne data terminals, and government furnished equipment maintenance. The MQ-1C Gray Eagle is an extended range / multipurpose (ER/MP) unmanned aircraft system developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems for the US Army. It has an endurance of 25 hours, speeds up to167 KTAS, can operate up to 29,000 feet, and carries 1,075 lb (488 kg) of internal and external payload.

Raytheon won a $63.1 million modification, which exercises options to procure 19 AN/APG-79(V)4 radar systems and associated software in support of radar retrofit and integration into the F/A-18C/D aircraft on behalf of the Marine Corps. The F/A-18 Hornet is an all-weather jet aircraft that is used by the US Navy and Marine Corps as both a fighter and attack platform. The AN/APG-79(V)4 is a scaled version of the AN/APG-79 AESA radar. It provides aircrew situational awareness, near-instantaneous track updates, and multi-target tracking capability. Work will take place California, Mississippi, Massachusetts, Texas. Expected completion date is in March 2023.

Middle East & Africa

The US military and Jordan have started work on unmanned systems and artificial intelligence integration as part of their efforts to establish a new unmanned task force. On November 18, US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) briefed the head of Jordan’s navy on US 5th Fleet efforts to integrate new unmanned systems during a visit to US Naval Support Activity Bahrain, the service announced.

Europe

Sweden officially inducted the PAC-3 air defense missile system into service on November 18. The PAC-3 is designated as air defense system 103 in Swedish service. The ceremony took place at the Air Defense Regiment in Halmstad.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems won a $31.7 million contract action for the Belgium MQ-9B SkyGuardian procurement. This contract provides for one MQ-9B simulator, training, spares and support equipment. In August 2020, General Atomics inked a Foreign Military Sales contract with the US Air Force to deliver the MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft System system.

Asia-Pacific

A AH-1S attack helicopter that Jordan donated to the Philippines has arrived home at Major Danilo Atienza Air Base (MDAAB), Sangley Point on November 18. It was flown over from Clark airbase by Maj. Reese James A Obeso, CO of 20th Attack Squadron, and Capt. Wilmore Kristus A Tañamor.

Today’s Video

Watch: Boeing Extends Production of PAC-3 Missiles, How Missile Systems Work