MQ-25 Unmanned Refueler Completes Carrier Test | Qatar Could Deploy Rafales To Turkey | Egypt Gets New Air Defense Batteries

Americas

Nammo Defense Systems won a $498 million contract for the full rate production of M72 Light Assault Weapon variants and components for shoulder-launched munitions training systems. The M72 LAW is a portable, one-shot 66mm unguided anti-tank weapon and was adopted by the US Army and Marine Corps as their primary individual infantry anti-tank weapon in 1963, Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Estimated completion date is December 19, 2026.

The US Navy and Boeing have successfully maneuvered the T1 test asset on an aircraft carrier for the first time – an early step forward in ensuring the MQ-25 unmanned aerial refueler will seamlessly integrate into carrier operations. During a demonstration aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Navy flight deck directors used standard hand signals to direct T1 just like any other carrier-based aircraft. Instead of a pilot receiving the commands, however, it was a Boeing MQ-25 Deck Handling Operator (DHO) who commanded the aircraft using a new handheld deck control device.

Middle East & Africa

A military agreement between Qatar and Turkey could see the Gulf state deploying its Rafale fighters to Turkey. Turkey hopes that this will bring opportunities for its pilots to train on the Qatari Rafales. Lawmaker Gülüstan Kiliç Koçyi?it was quoted as saying that the agreement allows Qatar to deploy the Rafale in Turkey.

Egypt’s purchase of 16 new air defense batteries, including 10 IRIS-T SLX air defense batteries with a range of 80 km and a height of 30 km, and six IRIS-T SLS batteries with a range of up to 12 km will give it an ability to guard against drones, rockets, aircraft and short range missiles. Made by Diehl Defense of Germany, the IRIS-T sale was approved by the previous Angela Merkel government. The two air defense systems will provide it with capability similar to the ‘Iron Dome’ system in neighbouring Israel.

Europe

Rolls-Royce won an $8.8 million task order for C-130J MissionCare propulsion support. The modification provides for the exercise of option period one for an additional 12 months of performance under the task order. Work will be performed at locations as indicated by task/delivery order, and is expected to be completed by December 31, 2024.

Asia-Pacific

Lockheed Martin won a $21.7 million deal for P3-C aircraft mission system hardware, as well as obsolescence studies and technical support to maintain the P3-C mission systems for the government of Taiwan. The P-3C Orion land-based maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft is operational in the airforces of ten countries. Work will take place in New York and Florida. Estimated completion will be by December 2026.

Today’s Video

Watch: Qatar Emiri Air Force Rafales joining Turkish exercise

UCLASS to be Descoped for CBARS Conversion AKA MQ-25 Stingray

The idea of UAVs with full stealth and combat capabilities has come a long way, quickly. Air forces around the world are pursuing R&D programs, but in the USA, progress is being led by the US Navy.

Their interest is well-founded. A May 2007 non-partisan report discussed the lengthening reach of ship-killers. Meanwhile, the US Navy’s carrier fleet sees its strike range shrinking to 1950s distances, and prepares for a future with fewer carrier air wings than operational carriers. Could UCAV/UCAS vehicles with longer ranges, and indefinite flight time limits via aerial refueling, solve these problems? Some people in the Navy seem to think that they might. Hence UCAS-D/ N-UCAS, which received a major push in the FY 2010 defense review. Now, Northrop Grumman is improving its X-47 UCAS-D under contract, even as emerging privately-developed options expand the Navy’s future choices as it works on its new RFP.

P-3 Orion’s SMIP Program Keeps on Rolling

The P-3 Orion remains the USA’s main maritime patrol aircraft, and is also finding use in overland surveillance roles despite the fleet’s age. Earlier DID articles have noted the extra effort required to preserve the USA’s P-3C Orion maritime surveillance & patrol aircraft, along with radar and weapons upgrades to improve the fleet. Lockheed has even opened a new production line, to deal with planes whose wings that are so aged and worn that they need a full replacement.

The SMIP (Sustainment, Modification, and Installation Program) is intensive depot-level inspection and repair process that includes P-3 airframe and component inspection, identification of problems, and corrective maintenance. The idea is to ensure safe and reliable P-3 use, while trying to get more hours out of each airframe in order to sustain dwindling global fleets. More intensive “MIP” efforts may be launched once inspection results become clear, such as the USA’s P-3 recovery plan and full “ASLEP” re-winging efforts underway in Norway and Canada.