Austal Tapped For Virginia Class | Elbit Received New Mine Disposal System | Raytheon Tapped For Patriot FMS To Romania

Americas

Austal USA and General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) have partnered on production work to support the US Navy’s Virginia-class and future Columbia-class nuclear-powered submarine fleet at Mobile, Alabama. As part of the collaboration, Austal will develop and integrate electronic deck modules and command and control systems for both submarine classes. Work on the sub-surface components is being conducted at Austal’s facility in Mobile, Alabama.

US Marine Corps Systems Command has awarded Silvus Technologies a $5 million contract to provide advanced radios for networking on-the-move (NOTM) capabilities for its joint tactical and amphibious combat vehicles. Under the agreement, the California-based firm will provide its StreamCaster 4400 MANET, which provides a self-organizing mesh network throughout multiple bandwidths with high data rates.

Middle East & Africa

Elbit Systems has taken delivery of a cutting-edge mine disposal system to be installed on the Seagull unmanned surface vessel. Subsea specialist Acteon’s data and robotics division Seatronics revealed it has sent two Mine Identification and Detonation Solutions (MIDS) to the Israeli-based defense firm. The MIDS can detonate multiple charges acoustically using state-of-the-art components.

Europe

Raytheon won a $10 million modification for procurement of the country unique scope of Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target (PATRIOT) technical publications, new equipment training and logistics management information in support of Romania 3-Lot. Work will be performed in Andover, Massachusetts, with an estimated completion date of June 28, 2024. Foreign Military Sale To Romania in the full amount were obligated at the time of the award.

Asia-Pacific

Two Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-15J fighters have deployed to Clark air base, Philippines for the first time. NHK reported that the fighters took off from southwestern Japan and were refueled in mid-air before arriving in Luzon Island. This is likely to be JASDF Ny?tabaru Air Base, based on the tail numbers of the two F-15J fighters. This deployment is called “Pareho-22?, which means “together” in Talago. Clark Air Base was a United States Air Force base on Luzon Island in the Philippines. It was one of the largest American military facilities in the Pacific, and served as the main US base in the Philippines from 1903 until 1991. The base was closed in 1991 due to the eruption of Mount Pinatubo, but was later reopened as Clark International Airport.

The final draft of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act includes up to $12 billion in security assistance to Taiwan over the next five years. The bill includes the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act authorizing up to $2 billion in “security assistance over the next five years to modernize Taiwan’s security capabilities,” Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) wrote in a statement.

Today’s Video

WATCH: $3.6 Billion US Gigantic Submarine – Virginia Class Submarine

Virginia Block III: The Revised Bow

“GDEB Receives $148M as Virginia Class Lead Yard” described changes to the Virginia Class submarine’s design that are expected to reach 20% of the $200 million savings goal by the time orders for the versatile sea attack/ land attack/ special forces submarines rise to 2 per year, in 2012.

The bow changes cover the FY 2009-2013 ships, referred to as Block III. SSN 774 Virginia – SSN 777 North Carolina are Block I, and SSNs 778-783 will be Block II. Block III begins with the 11th ship of class, SSN 784. Long lead time component orders began May 22/08, and the submarine is expected to be ready for delivery around 2015. A fuller explanation of Block III’s extensive bow changes, and an accompanying graphic, may be found below – along with contract updates that include additional improvements and sonar development.