TenCate Introduced Its New Body Armour Plate | Jordan To Purchase 12 F-16s | Estonia To Procure New Howitzers

Americas

Raytheon won a $21.6 million modification, which adds hours to finalize the design, integration, and to conduct test and evaluation in support of Phase Two for the Maritime Strike Tomahawk (MST) rapid deployment capability. Additionally, this effort provides for joint flight test to be performed which will provide additional data for MST integration of hardware and software. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, and is expected to be completed in September 2024.

Virginia-based firm TenCate Advanced Armor has introduced its latest body armor plate. The Cratus Wave body armor ballistic insert offers enhanced heat stress reduction upon collision and features the company’s proprietary Trauma Reduction Technology, enabling thinner plates to be effective against rifle ammunition.

Middle East & Africa

The Royal Jordanian Air Force has announced the purchase of 12 Block 70 F-16s from American aerospace giant Lockheed Martin. The US State Department approved the sale in February last year, stating that the agreement could reach $4.21 billion. It included communication systems, targeting pods, and munitions components such as guided missile tail kits.

Europe

The EU launched Monday a civilian mission to help monitor Armenia’s volatile border with Azerbaijan, bolstering the bloc’s role in a region viewed by the Kremlin as Russia’s backyard. The move comes as Moscow — focused on its war in Ukraine — has been losing influence after decades of domination over its neighborhood. Brussels said it hoped to “contribute to stability in the border areas of Armenia, build confidence on the ground, and ensure an environment conducive to normalisation efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan.”

The Estonian Center for Defense Investment has signed a new contract for the procurement of 12 more K9 Thunder 155mm self-propelled howitzers manufactured by the South Korean company Hanwha Defense. This, according to local media. The new K9 Thunder 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers will be deployed with an Estonian Infantry Brigade. The final delivery of these new howitzers is scheduled for 2026. On June 2018, Estonia had already signed a contract with Hanwha to purchase 12 K9 Thunder 155mm self-propelled howitzers for a total amount of €46 million.

Asia-Pacific

Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defense has announced plans to reduce its number of military personnel by a third starting next year. The move aims to slash the operational costs of the armed forces as the country continues to experience a deep economic crisis. The Sri Lankan army, which currently has 200,783 personnel, will be reduced to 135,000 by 2024 and 100,000 by 2030.

Today’s Video

WATCH: K9 Thunder: The howitzer that could replace the British Army’s AS-90