US Army Receives Additional Anti-Drone Systems From Leonardo | Elbit Provides MBT Training Centers For IDF | Aero Vodochody To Upgrade Albatros

Americas

Northrop Grumman won a $15.5 million delivery order for overhaul of power amplifier modules in support of the E-2D aircraft. All work will be completed by September 2025 with no option periods. Work will be performed in Woodland Hills, California; and Liverpool, New York. Annual working capital funds (Navy) in the full amount will be obligated at the time of award and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.

Leonardo DRS has secured a task order to deliver additional counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) to the US Army. The award supports the mobile-Low, slow, small unmanned aircraft system integrated defeat system (M-LIDS) program of the army’s Integrated Fires/Rapid Capabilities Office. Under the agreement, the company will provide kinetic defeat vehicles and related spares to intercept small aerial drones using electronic warfare.

Middle East & Africa

Elbit Systems announced last week that it was awarded a contract valued at approximately $107 million to provide, operate and maintain the new Main Battle Tank (MBT) simulation and training centers of the Israeli Defense Forces’ (IDF) Armored Corps. According to the company, the new training centers will train commanders and soldiers of the Armored Corps and will maintain readiness of both regular and reserve units. The centers will be delivered over a three-year period and the contract includes operation and maintenance services for an additional period of fifteen years.

Europe

The Irish government has made a significant investment in the future capabilities of the Irish Air Corps, with the purchase of a new cargo aircraft. The type of aircraft is believed to be the CASA C-295. The aircraft, which is expected to cost around $53 million, will be used for transporting troops and vehicles on international missions, as well as rescuing stranded Irish citizens. This marks a major step forward for the Irish Defence Forces, which have previously had to rely on the use of French and Finnish aircraft for such operations due to a lack of suitable long-range aircraft of their own.

Bulgaria has awarded Aero Vodochody a contract to upgrade the Bulgarian Air Force’s L-39 Albatros jet trainers. The agreement will see the company overhaul the AI-25TL engines and PBS-built Safir auxiliary launch units of two L-39ZA aircraft. Aero Vodochody will also replace the aircraft’s original Russian avionics with Western identification, navigation, communication, and recording capabilities.

Asia-Pacific

As tensions continue to escalate between North and South Korea, the South Korean military is looking for ways to bolster its defense capabilities and protect its airspace from potential attacks. One solution that is being considered is the acquisition of the Sky Spotter system, a revolutionary air surveillance radar developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. The Sky Spotter system is designed for the early detection and tracking of aerial objects such as drones, balloons, and kites, which can be used for terrorist attacks. It offers a number of advantages over traditional radar systems, including the ability to passively detect and track targets attempting to avoid transmitting radar. This makes it an effective tool for intercepting stealth jets and other low-signature targets.

Today’s Video

WATCH: What is M-LIDS?

E-2D Hawkeye: The Navy’s New AWACS

Northrop Grumman’s E-2C Hawkeye is a carrier-capable “mini-AWACS” aircraft, designed to give long-range warning of incoming aerial threats. Secondary roles include strike command and control, land and maritime surveillance, search and rescue, communications relay, and even civil air traffic control during emergencies. E-2C Hawkeyes began replacing previous Hawkeye versions in 1973. They fly from USN and French carriers, from land bases in the militaries of Egypt, Japan, Mexico, and Taiwan; and in a drug interdiction role for the US Naval Reserve. Over 200 Hawkeyes have been produced.

The $17.5 billion E-2D Advanced Hawkeye program aims to build 75 new aircraft with significant radar, engine, and electronics upgrades in order to deal with a world of stealthier cruise missiles, saturation attacks, and a growing need for ground surveillance as well as aerial scans. It looks a lot like the last generation E-2C Hawkeye 2000 upgrade on the outside – but inside, and even outside to some extent, it’s a whole new aircraft.