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April
Apr 18, 2022 05:00 UTCAmericas
Toyon Research won a $11.7 million contract modification, which procures the following AN/ALQ-231(V) Intrepid Tiger (IT II) Family of Systems production hardware: 24 (V) 4 maintenance stands; 18 (V) 4 radio frequency (RF) coupler sets (aft); 18 (V) 4 RF coupler sets (forward); seven IT II V3 direction finding array RF coupler sets; and seven IT II V3 RF couplers. Additionally, this contract provides engineering support to include life cycle and incidental engineering support as well as analyses, development, integration, test, documentation, repair/maintenance, and engineering test support for the Electronic Warfare Center and Electronic Attack communications jamming airborne (fixed wing, rotary wing, and unmanned air systems), ground based systems, and laboratories. Work will take place in California, Arizona. Expected completion date is in March 2027.
Sikorsky won a $40.4 million modification, which increases maintenance of the CH-53K low rate initial production configuration aircraft. The Sikorsky CH-53K Super Stallion heavy-lift helicopter is being developed by Sikorsky Aircraft to replace the CH-53E helicopter of the US Marine Corps (USMC). Work will take place in California, Connecticut and various locations within the continental US. Estimated completion is in December 2026.
Middle East & Africa
Rafael and the Israeli Ministry of Defense’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development have successfully completed a series of ground-breaking tests with a high-power laser interception system against steep-track threats. The demonstrator successfully intercepted UAVs, mortars, rockets, and anti-tank missiles in various scenarios. Rafael’s Iron Beam provides Israel with a capability unlike one seen elsewhere in the world by successfully developing a high-power laser technology at an operational standard with operational interception capabilities.
Europe
The Romanian Ministry of Defense has decided to suspend all flight operations of its MiG-21 fighters after a series of fatal accidents. Last month, a MiG-21 crashed killing its pilot. An IAR 330 that was scrambled to search for the fighter also crashed, killing seven on board. Romania says it will now speed up the process to acquire 32 F-16s that are offered for sale by Norway. The country will also rely on its current F-16s to protect its airspace.
AeroVironment won a $19.7 million deal for RQ-20 Puma AE systems, reconnaissance surveillance and target acquisition kits, initial spares package, contractor logistics support and new equipment training for the country of Ukraine. Work will take place in Simi Valley, California. The US Army Contracting Command will be overseeing the implementation of the contract and AeroVironment has to complete deliveries by May 30.
Asia-Pacific
Japan scrambled its second-highest number of fighters on record in FY 2021, the Defense Ministry disclosed on April 15. The highest on record was in 2016 with 1168 scrambles. Last fiscal year was 1004 scrambles. 772 of these scrambles were against Chinese aircraft, 266 were against Russian aircraft.
Today’s Video
WATCH: ‘Iron Beam’ laser defense system succeeds in first test
Apr 15, 2022 05:00 UTCAmericas
The US Air Force (USAF) has told Congress it could use additional dollars for more F-35 Lightning II fighters, hypersonic weapons testing, and munitions if the funds are available in fiscal year (FY) 2023, according to the service’s unfunded priority list. The service said it could use an additional $921 million to buy seven more Lockheed Martin F-35A conventional variant fighters to add to its official request for 33 fighters.
Balfour Beatty Construction LLC won a $697.8 million deal or design and construction of East Campus Building #4 and a 1,186,000 square-foot parking structure at Fort Meade. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed at Fort Meade, Maryland, with an estimated completion date of April 13, 2026.
Middle East & Africa
Turkey has equipped its Anka unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) with a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) to detect naval mines. Turkey is concern over mines that have been found recently in the Black Sea. These mines were deployed after Russia attacked Ukraine. So far three naval mines have been found and defused by the Turkish military.
The US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Nigeria of AH-1Z Attack Helicopter Related FMS Acquisitions and related equipment for an estimated cost of $997 million. The Government of Nigeria has requested to buy twelve AH-1Z Attack Helicopters; twenty-eight (28) T-700 GE 401C engines (24 installed, 4 spares); and two thousand (2,000) Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) guidance sections. Also included is Night Vision Cueing Display (NVCD); commercial variant GPS with Standard Positioning Service (SPS); communication equipment; electronic warfare systems; AN/AVS-9 Aviator’s Night Vision Imaging System; M197 20mm machine gun; Target Sight System (TSS); support equipment; spare engine containers; spare and repair parts; tools and test equipment; technical data and publications; personnel training and training equipment; Mission Planning system; US Government and contractor engineering; technical, and logistics support services; US Government and contractor assistance and oversight of facilities construction to include the provisioning of plans, drawings and specifications; $25M of case funds will be allocated for institutional and technical assistance to the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to continue Air Ground Integration (AGI) program, which includes developing targeting processes that are legally compliant with International Humanitarian Law and the Laws of Armed Conflict; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
Europe
Visiting Italian defense minister Lorenzo Guerini told his Japanese counterpart Nobuo Kishi that Italy is interested in the development of Japan’s next generation F-X fighter program. Both sides have signed an accord on the transfer of defense equipment and technology back in 2017.
Asia-Pacific
Defense News has obtained a spreadsheet detailing the backlogged equipment, which includes Taiwan’s $8 billion purchase of 66 F-16 fighter jets as well as $620 million to replace expiring components of its Patriot missile system. Pandemic-related acquisition issues have sparked a backlog in the US delivering $14.2 billion worth of military equipment to Taiwan that the island has purchased since 2019.
Today’s Video
WATCH: F-X Japanese 6th Generation Fighter Jet
Apr 14, 2022 05:00 UTCAmericas
Lockheed Martin won a $13 million contract modification under the previously awarded Aegis Weapon Systems contract HQ085121C0002. This in scope modification increases the ceiling on Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) 0012. This CLIN and contract modification will be incrementally funded at time of award. Work will take place in New Jersey. Estimated completion is October 31, 2022.
Boeing won a $10.8 million modification, which exercises options to procure 359 Primary Bleed Air Pressure Regulator (PBAR) valves in support of the Environmental Control System PBAR and Shut Off Valve Improvement modifications to the F/A-18 E/F and EA-18G aircraft. Work will take place in Connecticut, California and Missouri. Estimated completion date is in June 2024.
Middle East & Africa
Israeli company BIRD Aerosystems announced it was chosen by the Israeli Ministry of Defense (MOD) through MAFAT – the Defense Ministry’s Directorate of Research and Development, to demonstrate a prototype of a new defense system that will protect ground troops and high-value assets against various kinds of threats and missiles, including anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM).
American International Contractors, Inc. has secured a $26 million contract to build an F-16 maintenance hangar for the Egyptian Air Force at Marsa Matrouh Air Base. With a space of 6,608 square meters, the hangar can service four F-16s at the same time.
Europe
The Royal Navy has pushed two different drone designs ‘to their limits’ in order to see how much utility they might have for front-line operations. The Malloy Aeronautics T-600 quadcopter and Windracers Autonomous Systems’ Ultra drone “proved their abilities to carry heavy payloads of 100kg over long distance and more than 250kg over a shorter distance”.
Asia-Pacific
China has delivered anti-aircraft missile systems to Serbia as part of a deal, which the European nation signed with China that also included drones. Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters Monday the delivery was part of the two countries’ annual cooperation plan, does not target any third parties and “has nothing to do with the current situation.”
Today’s Video
WATCH: Ballistic Missile Defense System AEGIS How it Works
Apr 13, 2022 05:00 UTCAmericas
Leidos won a $12.5 million contract modification for the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory Autonomous Littoral Connector (ALC) project. The ALC project integrates autonomy onto connectors (vessels) to deliver equipment, fuel or supplies from ship-to-shore and throughout the littoral environment; improves autonomous beaching, well deck ops, payload integration; conducts an Amphibious Assault Direction System spiral; and adds autonomous navigation to multiple vessels. This modification provides for the execution of Option 7, Contract Line Item Number 0015, for an additional vessel (AV) and design, build and test of AV #1. Work will take place in Virginia and is expected to be completed by April 10, 2026.
The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) has received Lockheed’s submission for the endurance record in the Group 2 (5 to <25-kilogram) category. The company says the flight was possible due to the installation of an external, wing-mounted fuel tank.
Middle East & Africa
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. released its financial results for the 2021 fiscal year as was approved by the company’s Board of Directors, with a total of $3.075 billion in sales, and a net profit of $133 million. In 2021, Rafael registered over 4.7 billion dollars in orders, and its order backlog was 7.1 billion dollars, equivalent to 2.5 years of sales activity. For the first time, Rafael incorporated the financial reports of its subsidiaries Aeronautics and Controp.
Europe
Slovakia’s Prime Minister Eduard Heger says his country is willing to donate its MiG-29s to Ukraine if an arrangement can be made to secure the country’s own airspace. Currently, the country has placed orders for the F-16s but they are not being delivered until 2024. Slovakia recently donated its S-300P air defense missile system to Ukraine.
Asia-Pacific
South Korea says it will send its first locally-developed spy satellite into space orbit next year using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. There will be a total of four 800kg satellites which will be equipped with infrared sensors or synthetic aperture radars.
The Australian Department of Defense is to fast-track the acquisition of the latest-variant Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA) Naval Strike Missile (NSM) Block 1A to replace the in-service RGM-84 Harpoon Block II anti-ship missile on the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) Anzac-class frigates and Hobart-class destroyers.
Today’s Video
WATCH: F 16 vs MiG 29 – Which would win?
Apr 12, 2022 05:00 UTCAmericas
Lockheed Martin won a $74 million contract modification for the production of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) ground equipment to support the US government. Under this contract modification, Lockheed Martin will provide six launchers, THAAD Fire Control and Communication (TFCC), and associated Peculiar Support Equipment (PSE) under firm-fixed-price and fixed-price incentive (firm target) contract line items. The THAAD terminal (formerly theatre) high-altitude area defense missile system is an easily transportable defensive weapon system to protect against hostile incoming threats, such as tactical and theatre ballistic missiles, at ranges of 200km and altitudes of up to 150km.
The US State Department approved a possible $73 million Foreign Military Salt to Argentina of T-6 Aircraft Sustainment and related equipment. The equipment will improve airframe and avionics improvement for reliability and integration of training munitions and external fuel tanks; aircraft and engine support equipment, components, consumables, spare parts and repair/return; publications and technical documentation; heavy maintenance support; other U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistical support services, and related elements of program support.
Middle East & Africa
Israel and Middle Eastern allies are reportedly working to develop a joint defense system to shield their territories against Iranian missiles and drones. The joint airborne defense agreement comes in the wake of normalisation agreements between Israel and Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
Europe
The UK has taken command of NATO’s air policing mission in Romania. RAF Typhoons, along with their pilots and ground crew, will lead the Enhanced Air Policing mission for the fourth time since it began in 2014 – following Russia’s annexation of Crimea. The UK is taking over from Italy at a time of massive tension across NATO’s eastern flank due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper reports that Germany has almost exhausted its ability to supply Ukraine with weapons from its army reserves, but is working on direct deliveries from the arms industry. “For deliveries coming from the Bundeswehr’s stocks, I have to say honestly that we have reached a limit”, Defense Minister Christine Lamprecht said in an interview.
Asia-Pacific
The Indian Air Force has completed its inquiry into the accidental firing of a BrahMos supersonic cruise missile into Pakistan on March 9. The findings by the Court of Inquiry (CoI) is now under legal vetting before they are submitted to the government.
Today’s Video
WATCH: THAAD Missile Test • Terminal High Altitude Area Defense
Apr 11, 2022 05:00 UTCAmericas
Lockheed Martin won a $261.4 million contract modification, which increases scope for the procurement of long lead-time materials, parts, components, and efforts for the production of nine Lot 17 F-35C aircraft for the Navy, 13 Lot 17 F-35A aircraft and two Lot 17 F-35B aircraft for non-US Department of Defense participants. Work will take place in Texas, California, Maryland and Japan. Estimated completion is in May 2026.
Boeing won a $55.5 million deal in support of the KC-46 program. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 US Code 2304 (c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. Boeing will deliver the entire KC-46 tanker fleet by 2027. The programme is expected to generate more than 50,000 jobs and will involve about 800 suppliers. Work under the current deal will be performed in. Missouri. Estimated completion date is April 6, 2025.
Middle East & Africa
Israel Weapon Industry (IWI), a worldwide producer of combat-proven small arms for governments, armies, and law enforcement agencies around the world, announced the launch of the Ace Sniper SA Rifle. Based on the platform of the known Galil-Ace, the semi-automatic rifle with its advanced ergonomics design provides the user with the greatest accuracy and rapid engagement, even in harsh environmental and weather conditions. The innovative rifle empowers sniper proficiency in accurate long-distance firing, while its semi-automatic capability enables multi-target acquisition and fast shooting towards multiple targets.
Europe
Slovakia has donated its S-300 air defense system to Ukraine to help it defend against Russia’s aggression, Slovakia Prime Minister Eduard Heger said Friday. Ukraine has appealed to Western nations for air defense equipment to help repel a Russian military onslaught that is now in its second month.
Asia-Pacific
The first batch of Indian Navy aircrew selected to fly the MH-60R have completed their training. The aircraft is expected to return home to India as early as next month. The MH 60R helicopters will provide the Indian Navy enhanced offensive role including Anti-submarine Warfare, Anti-ship Strike, specialised maritime operations as well as Search and Rescue operations.
The Philippine Marine Corps on April 3 activated the new Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile (SBASM) Battalion at Fort Bonifacio. The new unit will be operating the BrahMos supersonic anti-ship missile and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of BrahMos attended the ceremony along with the commander of the US 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment.
Today’s Video
WATCH: S-300 live-fire drills
Apr 08, 2022 05:00 UTCAmericas
The US Air Force’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron has started to paint their WC-130J Hurricane Hunters back to the original shiny gray paint scheme and the first repainted aircraft returned back to Keesler Air Force Base on April 5. “Prior to 2007, the squadron’s aircraft all had glossy gray paint, which was used on weather reconnaissance aircraft, primarily for its durability, longevity, and efficiency,” said Lt. Col. Erik Olson, 53rd WRS director of operations.
Martin Defense Group LLC won a $15 million deal for the development of an Amphibious Vehicle for Unmanned Surface Mobility (AVUSM). This contract provides for technology development and maturation with the objective of transitioning the technology /capability to Navy and/or Marine Corps acquisition programs. The AVUSM system provides the capability of autonomously delivering a lay-flat fuel line hose from a floating embarkment platform, through the surf-zone, to above a high water mark line for fuel delivery in support of Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations. This is also known as a Reach-to-the-Beach capability. Work will take place in Hawaii and estimated completion date is April 5, 2025.
Middle East & Africa
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is partnering up with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to convert 767 airliners into airborne refueling tankers in India. Both parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for this endeavor, HAL said in a statement. The Indian Air Force has a long-standing requirement for new aerial refueling tankers and the Indian government stated that it prefers to procure defense equipment locally.
Europe
According to the Austrian newspaper Der Standard, Swedish company Saab is offering its Gripen to Austria through its subsidiary Saab Aeronautics Austria. Austria is currently relying on 15 Eurofighters, which were delivered after a questionable deal at the request of the Social Democratic Party in 2017 without the essential elements of self-defense, night operation capability and long-range weapons. Retrofitting the Eurofighter from tranche one as well as the procurement of spare parts is considered to be extremely expensive, because relevant components are no longer produced for the aircraft of this first series. Enter Saab, which is offering a Gripen solution to the Austrian Army. The company is reportedly betting on a government-to-government deal.
UK Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) has awarded Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) a $28 million contract to design and build a new satellite under project MINERVA, DE&S announced on April 4. The 150kg satellite will be based on SSTL’s Carbonite+ platform and delivered under the three-year build programme.
Asia-Pacific
Two Boeing Super Hornets are set to arrive at INS Hansa, India in the middle of next month to conduct shore-based ski jump testing. According to local news reports, the date is set to be May 21 provided the fighter jets can secure midair refueling services to make the trip.
Today’s Video
WATCH: Saab JAS 39 Gripen Multirole Fighter
Apr 07, 2022 05:00 UTCAmericas
Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States are cooperating on hypersonic weapons and electronic warfare capabilities. This was announced by the leaders of the three countries have said. The move comes amid growing concern by the US and allies about China’s growing military assertiveness in the Pacific. US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the plan after holding a check-in on the progress of AUKUS, the Indo-Pacific alliance that was launched by the three countries in September.
The United States’ next-generation land-based intercontinental ballistic missile system (ICBM) has been designated as the LGM-35A Sentinel. It will replace the aging Minuteman III missiles. The new weapon will incorporate low-risk, technically mature components that allow it to have a modular design that can incorporate new technologies as it operates into the 2070s.
Middle East & Africa
According to Jane’s, the US 5th Fleet has transferred the Cyclone class patrol ships it recently retired to Bahrain. The Bahrain Defense Force reportedly identified the ships as RBNS Al-Gurairiyah, RBNS Al-Sakhir, RBNS Al-Farooq, RBNS Jenan, and RBNS Damsah.
Europe
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) supplied the Czech Republic with the first air defense Multi-Mission Radar (MMR). This is part of a deal signed in December 2019 by the Ministries of Defense of both the Czech Republic and Israel. The radar, which is operational and combat-proven in Israel, provides both surveillance and defense capabilities to customers around the world, and is integrative with NATO systems. The radar detects and classifies threats, and supplies weapons systems with the data necessary to neutralize a number of those threats simultaneously. Thanks to the system’s advanced tracking capabilities, the radar provides situational awareness which is both precise and reliable, and includes the detection and identification of targets having low signatures.
Asia-Pacific
Jane’s reports that Indonesia plans to reverse engineer the Chinese C-705 anti-ship missile and a local consortium has been established to carry out the project. Aerospace company PT Dirgantara Indonesia, defense electronics enterprise PT Len, explosives manufacturer PT Dahana, and heavy vehicles and ammunition producer PT Pindad will be led by Directorate for Technology and Defense Industry from the Ministry of Defense.
The US State Department has approved the potential sale to Taiwan of equipment, training and other items to support the Patriot Air Defense System in a deal valued at up to $95 million, the Pentagon said. Chinese-claimed Taiwan has complained of increased military pressure by Beijing to try and force the democratically ruled island to accept its sovereignty. The package would include training, planning, fielding, deployment, operation, maintenance and sustainment of the Patriot Air Defense System and associated equipment, the Pentagon said, in a notification to Congress.
Today’s Video
WATCH: The Logic Behind the Patriot Missile System
Apr 06, 2022 05:00 UTCAmericas
Raytheon has proven that its High Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS) can pair with the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) to defeat drones. During a demonstration at White Sands, the NASAMS Fire Distribution Center provided cues to the HELWS which then track, identify and quickly take down drones using its electro-optical/infrared sensors. Nine Group 1 and Group 2 drones were taken down in the demonstration.
Northrop Grumman won a $65.3 million contract modification, which exercises options to provide continued operation, logistics and sustainment engineering support, to include training, supply chain and spares management for Global Hawk peculiar items, peculiar support equipment, and technical publications in support of ensuring the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Demonstrator (BAMS-D) aircraft are mission-capable for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Work will take place in Maryland, California and is expected to be completed in April 2023.
Middle East & Africa
Israel and the United Arab Emirates have completed negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement. The issue was discussed by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed at their meeting in Abu Dhabi last December, at which it was agreed to accelerate the contacts ahead of the signing, and at their meeting in Egypt last week, at which the leaders agreed to complete the agreement within days.
Europe
British ship HMS Prince of Wales and frigate HMS Richmond joined Exercise Northern Viking 22. Viking 22 is an exercise practising the defense of the sea routes around Iceland. Among the countries participating in this exercise, which started on April 2, include France, Germany, Iceland, Norway, Portugal, the UK and the US. Their combined forces bring several capabilities to the exercise across the air, land and at-sea domains. HMS Prince of Wales has spent much of the past month taking part in Exercise Cold Response in the Arctic.
The US government cleared a potential Foreign Military Sale package for 8 F-16C/D fighters worth up to $1.673 billion to Bulgaria. Transmittal No 22-14 says the package is for four F-16Cs and four F-16Ds. They will be powered by F100-GE-129D engines which Bulgaria is buying 11 with three being spares.
Asia-Pacific
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), together with India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), successfully completed a series of trials that resulted in four successful interceptions by the jointly-developed MRSAM Air and Missile Defense System. The interceptions were carried out in an operational setting against various scenarios, at different interception ranges, interception heights and challenging angles. The systems were operated by India’s Air Force and Navy, alongside DRDO and IAI engineers.
Today’s Video
WATCH: TThis is the $220 Million US Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk Spy Plane
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