Science Application International won a $102.5 million to exercise options for the production, spares, production support material, engineering support and hardware repair of components for MK 48 Heavyweight Torpedo All Up Round. This modification is in support of the MK 48 Mod 7 Heavyweight Torpedo program. This contract combines purchases to support the Navy, the Royal Australian Navy, and the government of Taiwan under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Work will be performed in Bedford, Indiana; and Middletown, Rhode Island, and is expected to be completed by January 2026.
General Dynamics won a $63.7 million modification for multiple items used in the Abrams Main Battle Tank, Stryker Family of Vehicles, Light Armored Vehicle Family of Vehicles, Cougar, Buffalo and RG-31. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/definite-quantity contract. Location of performance is Florida, with a July 29, 2029, delivery order end date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2027 Army working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Columbus, Ohio.
Middle East & Africa
EDGE Group has announced a $1.1-billion contract to produce and deliver corvettes for the Angolan Navy. The contract was awarded during the International Defense Exhibition 2023 in the United Arab Emirates. As part of the deal, shipbuilder Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) will build a fleet of three 71-meter (233-foot) “best-in-class” Mk II corvettes for the African nation.
Europe
The EU’s judicial cooperation agency on Thursday unveiled what it said was a “game changing” data center to collect and analyze evidence of crimes in Ukraine, invaded by Russia a year ago. The Hague-based body and Ukraine also backed the European Union’s announcement to coordinate a probe into crimes committed after the invasion. “We expect this database to be fully operational by summer this year,” Eurojust president Ladislav Hamran said.
Austrian Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) is apparently considering purchasing more interceptors. The question arises as to “whether we shouldn’t expand the number of our interceptors with the additional budgetary funds,” she said in an interview with the Oberösterreichische Nachrichten”. According to Tanner, the decision on the successor to the Saab 105 training jets should be made in the first half of the year:
Asia-Pacific
Production of the F/A-18 in St. Louis will come to an end in late 2025, Boeing has announced. “We are planning for our future, and building fighter aircraft is in our DNA,” Steve Nordlund, Boeing Air Dominance vice president, said in a statement. “As we invest in and develop the next era of capability, we are applying the same innovation and expertise that made the F/A-18 a workhorse for the US Navy and air forces around the world for nearly 40 years.” However, the line could remain open till 2027 if the Indian Navy selects the Super Hornet for its aircraft carriers.
Today’s Video
WATCH: M1128 Stryker: The 105mm Mobile Gun That Everyone Hates
Lockheed Martin won a $32.5 million modification, which adds scope to design, develop, and establish the F-35 NextGen Open Mission services in support of the Mission Planning Enterprise Software, encompassing the usage of modern cloud-based technologies and modern software methodologies for the Joint Strike Fighter Program. Work will take place in Fort Worth, Texas; and Eglin, Florida, and is expected to be completed in March 2027. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control won a $164.4 million modification for Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target (PATRIOT) Advanced Capability-3 product assurance and launcher recapitalization. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of May 25, 2025. US Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
Middle East & Africa
The United Arab Emirates splashed out billions on arms from home-grown firms at a defense fair in Abu Dhabi this week, underlining a shift away from Western suppliers. As of early Friday, the Gulf state had signed 44 deals worth $5.7 billion, including at least $4.3 billion with local firms, at the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) and the Naval Defense and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX). The figure is expected to rise before the end of the five-day show, which features a host of international exhibitors, later on Friday.
Europe
The United States announced $2 billion in additional security assistance for Kyiv on Friday, the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The aid includes ammunition for the Himars precision rocket system, 155 mm artillery rounds, drone and counter-drone systems, mine clearing equipment, and funding for training and maintenance, the Pentagon said.
Saab, the Swedish aerospace and defense company, has just announced a major win in the form of a framework agreement with an unknown Western government. Under this agreement, Saab will supply a number of defense systems including the Carl-Gustaf® multi-purpose shoulder launched weapon, the RBS 70 NG short-range air defense system, and the Giraffe 1X radar. Deliveries are scheduled to take place between 2023 and 2026. In a statement released to the press, Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, expressed his pride in the company’s ability to provide world-leading defense capabilities to its customers. “With this order,” Johansson said, “we continue our commitment to keep people and society safe.”
Asia-Pacific
Australia’s defense minister aimed to reassure Thailand on Friday that plans to acquire a new fleet of nuclear submarines would enhance “collective security” in the region after neighboring countries voiced concerns. The submarine issue came up during a visit to Manila earlier this week, Defense Minister Richard Marles told AFP in an interview, and was also on the agenda for Friday’s talks with Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha, who is responsible for defense.
Today’s Video
WATCH: SAAB Giraffe 1X Ground Based Air Defence, High Performing 3D Radar For Military
Latest updates[?]: Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control won a $164.4 million modification for Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target (PATRIOT) Advanced Capability-3 product assurance and launcher recapitalization. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of May 25, 2025. US Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
Patriot system
The USA’s MIM-104 Phased Array Tracking Radar Intercept On Target (PATRIOT) anti-air missile system offers an advanced backbone for medium-range air defense, and short-range ballistic missile defense, to America and its allies. This article covers domestic and foreign purchase requests and contracts for Patriot systems. It also compiles information about the engineering service contracts that upgrade these systems, ensure that they continue to work, and integrate them with wider command and defense systems.
The Patriot missile franchise’s future appears assured. At present, 12 nations have chosen it as a key component of their air and missile defense systems: the USA, Germany, Greece, Japan, Israel, Kuwait, The Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan and the UAE. Poland, Qatar, and Turkey have all indicated varying levels of interest, and some existing customers are looking to upgrade their systems.
The US Army has exercised a $76.1-million option to provide extended support for its Shadow tactical aerial drones. Under the agreement, Shadow developer Textron Systems will continue to supply maintenance, logistics, and field services for the fleet through 2023. The effort is being coordinated with the Shadow systems’ ongoing transition to the Block III configuration, providing the drone with an upgraded engine, power, mission processing computer, sensor payload, and communications.
The US Marine Corps has awarded Northrop Grumman the Next Generation Handheld Targeting System (NGHTS) initial production and operations contract. The contract follows the $252-million deal the company clinched last February. The under-10-pound (4.53 kilograms) system provides advanced precision targeting, even in a GPS-denied environment.
Middle East & Africa
China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC) has reportedly sealed the contract to sell the L-15 advanced jet trainer to the UAE. The Gulf state had indicated last year that it wishes to buy 12 L-15s from China. The deal is now confirmed, Global Times reports. Having already successfully signed a contract with the UAE over the L15 project, China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC) again displayed the aircraft at the 16th International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 23), which is being held from Monday to Friday, the Global Times learned on Tuesday from the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China, the maker of the aircraft.
American technology firm Collins Aerospace has inked a partnership agreement with a Saudi Arabian firm to develop combat drones and conduct robotics research. A memorandum of understanding was inked during the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2023 in the United Arab Emirates. As part of the deal, Collins will provide its extensive unmanned aerial system (UAS) integration expertise to SRB Aerial Systems to help develop advanced drones in the Kingdom.
Europe
Finland announced Thursday it will send three Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, the latest Western country to pledge heavier weapons on the eve of the one-year anniversary of the war. “We will send more defence materiel and participate in the Leopard cooperation together with our partners,” Minister of Defence Mikko Savola said in a statement.
Asia-Pacific
Lockheed Martin, the American aerospace and defense company, has delivered the first of five C-130J-30 cargo planes to the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU). The ceremony commemorated a new era in Hercules operations for the long-time C-130 operator, as the new C-130J-30s offer increased cargo capacity, speed, range, power, performance, and lower operating costs. This will support the TNI-AU’s wide range of mission requirements for decades to come. Indonesia has operated C-130s since the 1960s, using its Hercules fleet for critical national and regional missions, such as delivering humanitarian aid and disaster relief and providing military and peacekeeping support around the Pacific Rim.
Raytheon won a $77 million modification, which adds scope to procure five APY-10 Radar System production kits, as well as provide non-recurring engineering to address obsolescence issues within the Receiver Exciter Processors and Radar Data Centers in support of the P-8A Poseidon aircraft for the government of Germany. Work will be performed in McKinney, Texas (85.5%); Andover, Massachusetts (5.1%); Clearwater, Florida (2.4%); Black Mountain, North Carolina (2%); Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1.4%); St Petersburg, Florida (1%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (2.6%), and is expected to be completed in October 2027.
Raytheon won a $44.9 million modification for the Javelin Missile System. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of July 29, 2024. The Javelin is a man-portable anti tank missile. Raytheon is responsible for the command launch unit (CLU), missile guidance electronic unit, system software and system engineering management. Lockheed Martin is responsible for the missile seeker, engineering and assembly. Work will take place in Arizona.
Middle East & Africa
UAE-based defense conglomerate EDGE Group unveiled its new SKYSHIELD multi-layered counter-drone solution during the International Defense Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) 2023 in Abu Dhabi. The system features advanced sensors, 3D radars, and electro-optic cameras to detect enemy drones accurately. Using the company’s unified command and control, SKYSHIELD reportedly provides real-time situational awareness to military units.
Europe
The UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) tested a range of drones to deliver to Ukraine under a clandestine program. Under the program, five firms demonstrated their unmanned aerial systems (UAS), including “C2 [command and control] and sensor payload[s] as well as VTOL [vertical takeoff and landing] UAS and a unique 3D-printed delta-wing ‘suicide’ drone,” The War Zone revealed, quoting one of the participants at QinetiQ. According to the outlet, the UK-based defense technology firm was to demonstrate a series of drones and technologies at the MoD’s Boscombe Down testing site.
Airbus SE’s plans to increase production of its Eurofighter aircraft and other key weapons systems are being hampered due to a lack of commitment from governments to place orders, according to Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space. Despite the expected increase in orders for jets, drones and space-based products in the coming years, Airbus has not received the necessary orders to scale up production.
Asia-Pacific
South Korea’s fourth KF-21 Boramae fighter aircraft prototype has completed its maiden flight test, the South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced. During the trial, the Republic of Korea Air Force 52nd Squadron operated the jet for 34 minutes. The prototype was piloted by an airman from the service’s 3rd Training Wing facility in Sacheon, Seoul.
The US Navy awarded Gibbs & Cox a $39.6 million future surface combatant force (LSCF) design and engineering contract. The contract, through February 2024, supports the next-generation guided-missile destroyer (DDG(X))and other emerging ship concepts. It also includes feasibility studies in support of the broader navy fleet.
President Vladimir Putin announced Tuesday that Moscow would suspend its participation in the last remaining arms control treaty between the world’s two main nuclear powers, Russia and the United States. He spoke ahead of the first anniversary of Moscow’s offensive in Ukraine, and the announcement is expected to be seen by analysts as a major attempt to raise the stakes in Russia’s confrontation with the West.
Middle East & Africa
India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has revealed that it is now in talks with the governments of Egypt and Argentina to supply a large number of Tejas LCA Mk-1A fighter aircraft. The announcement was made by company chairman Shri Ananthakrishnan during the recently held Aero-India 2023. As part of the proposal, HAL would deliver 20 Tejas to Cairo and provide a complete transfer of technology to produce the aircraft locally.
Europe
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded BAE Systems a $1.7 billion Future Combat Air System (FCAS) concept & assessment phase contract. BAE will collaborate with international partners to undertake “concept development, technology maturation, technical demonstration planning & critical program enablers.” As part of the proposal, HAL would deliver 20 Tejas to Cairo and provide a complete transfer of technology to produce the aircraft locally.
Asia-Pacific
Twenty-one Philippine Navy personnel were congratulated by Indian Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar at a valedictory ceremony after completing the operator training for the BrahMos anti-ship missile. Philippines ordered three batteries of the BrahMos shore-base anti-ship missile system in a deal worth $375 million in January 2022. The missiles will be operated by the Philippine Marine Corps.
Taiwan will boost military exchanges with the United States to curb “authoritarian expansionism,” President Tsai Ing-wen said Tuesday after meeting with visiting US lawmakers. The five-day US Congressional visit comes after a top US defense official reportedly made a rare and highly secretive stopover to the self-ruled island as Washington-Beijing tensions flared alleged Chinese spy balloons.
Today’s Video
WATCH: DDG X Destroyer, US Navy’s Next Generation Destroyer Warship Program
Latest updates[?]: The US Navy awarded Gibbs & Cox a $39.6 million future surface combatant force (LSCF) design and engineering contract. The contract, through February 2024, supports the next-generation guided-missile destroyer (DDG(X))and other emerging ship concepts. It also includes feasibility studies in support of the broader navy fleet.
67% of the fleet
DID’s FOCUS Article for the DDG-1000 Zumwalt Class “destroyer” program covers the new ships’ capabilities and technologies, key controversies, associated contracts and costs, and related background resources.
The ship’s prime missions are to provide naval gunfire support, and next-generation air defense, in near-shore areas where other large ships hesitate to tread. There has even been talk of using it as an anchor for action groups of stealthy Littoral Combat Ships and submarines, owing to its design for very low radar, infrared, and acoustic signatures. The estimated 14,500t (battlecruiser size) Zumwalt Class will be fully multi-role, however, with undersea warfare, anti-ship, and long-range attack roles. That makes the DDG-1000 suitable for another role – as a “hidden ace card,” using its overall stealth to create uncertainty for enemy forces.
True, or False?
At over $3 billion per ship for construction alone, however, the program faced significant obstacles if it wanted to avoid fulfilling former Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter’s fears for the fleet. From the outset, DID has noted that the Zumwalt Class might face the same fate as the ultra-sophisticated, ultra-expensive SSN-21 Seawolf Class submarines. That appears to have come true, with news of the program’s truncation to just 3 ships. Meanwhile, production continues.
The US Air Force has contracted Raytheon Technologies to produce new advanced propellers for its C-130 Hercules aircraft. Valued at $135 million, the agreement will require the company to deliver NP2000 propeller systems, including electronic control systems and spare parts. According to Raytheon, the eight composite-bladed propeller system will improve the performance of the military transport aircraft. Its composite blades can be removed individually without removing the entire system, making maintenance work more efficient.
Oshkosh Defense will showcase its upgraded 4-door Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) at the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) 2023 in the United Arab Emirates. The announcement comes after the American firm lost an $8.7 billion decompose deal to supply the US Army with 20,000 JLTVs. According to Oshkosh, the vehicle will be equipped with an Objective Gunner Protection Kit (OGPK).
Middle East & Africa
Burkina Faso announced on Sunday that operations by the French army in the jihadist-hit West African state were officially over, after bilateral relations soured in recent months. Senior officers from Burkinabe and French forces in the country held a flag-lowering ceremony to mark the occasion at a camp on the outskirts of the capital Ouagadougou on Saturday, Burkina’s army said in a statement. Last month France confirmed it would withdraw its contingent of hundreds of troops stationed in Burkina Faso, after the junta ruling the Sahel country demanded the force pull out within four weeks.
Europe
German manufacturer Rheinmetall said Friday it had reached an agreement with US arms company Lockheed Martin to supply components for the F-35 fighter jet, which Germany has chosen to replace its aging Tornado fleet. The two companies have signed a letter of intent for Rheinmetall to produce “centre fuselage” parts for the aircraft, the German group said in a statement. The fuselage is the main body of a plane and the part that normally holds passengers and crew.
The US State Department has approved a possible foreign military sale to the Netherland for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, according to a Thursday statement from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. Under the deal, the Netherlands would purchase 20 Lockheed Martin-made M142 HIMARS launchers, along with 17 Humvees. The package also included support and communications equipment, as well as 29 M30A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System alternative warhead missile pods with the insensitive munitions propulsion system.
Asia-Pacific
The United States on Sunday accused China of considering arming Russia in its war against Ukraine, ratcheting up tensions as the conflict hits its one-year mark this week. Secretary of State Antony Blinken leveled the allegations as US-Chinese relations have been further tested by Washington’s shooting down this month of what it said was a large Chinese spy balloon. The European Union also sounded the alarm over munitions in the Ukraine conflict — saying that severe ammunition shortages facing Ukrainian forces had to be overcome within weeks.
Today’s Video
WATCH: Germany replaced Turkey’s industrial role in building the F-35 body
The Charles Stark won a $95.1 million modification, which exercises fiscal 2023 options to provide technical and engineering services necessary to maintain and sustain the Trident II Strategic Weapon System MK 6 Guidance subsystem. The effort also includes a requirement for strategic guidance, navigation, and control subject matter expertise and resources to plan and implement an advanced development program that explores and evaluates current and maturing concepts and technologies that will enable follow-on, full-scale development of the second life extension of the Navy’s Trident II Strategic Weapons Systems. Work will be performed in Cambridge, Massachusetts (81%); and El Segundo, California (19%), and is expected to be completed September 30, 2024.
DRS Training & Control Systems won an $11.3 million deal for maintenance and overhaul of the AH-64 Apache Digital Captive Boresight Harmonization Kit. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 9, 2028. US Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
Middle East & Africa
The US is considering providing Ukraine with thousands of suspected Iranian weapons and ammunition seized while being delivered to Iran-backed fighters in Yemen. US defense officials are looking at sending more than 5,000 assault rifles and 1.6 million rounds of small arms ammunition to help Kyiv counter Russia’s aggression, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
Europe
The US has given $200 million to the Czech Republic as compensation for sending military weapons and equipment to Ukraine. The donation is on top of the $106 million that Washington pledged last year under Foreign Military Financing. According to the US Embassy in Prague, the money is intended to strengthen the European nation’s defense capabilities amid increasing threats in the region.
The Australian Army is conducting tactical and survivability training for Ukrainian Armed Forces recruits in southern England. The exercise was launched as part of Operation Kudu, an Australian defense initiative to upskill Ukrainian warfighters as they combat Russia’s invasion. Led by the Royal Australian Regiment 5th Battalion, the infantry training focuses on section attacks, patrolling, and ambush techniques.
Asia-Pacific
India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and French Safran Helicopter Engines have inked a work share agreement to develop the engine for the future Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH). The deal follows an agreement signed by the companies in July 2022 , including establishing a production and servicing facility in New Delhi. The deal includes HAL’s involvement in the “design, development, and production of some of the core engine components,” considered a “breakthrough” for the country in engine manufacturing.
Today’s Video
WATCH: AH-64 Apache: A Beast You don’t Want to Mess With
Nuclear tipped missiles were first deployed on board US submarines at the height of the Cold War in the 1960s, to deter a Soviet first strike. The deterrence theorists argued that, unlike their land-based cousins, submarine-based nuclear weapons couldn’t be taken out by a surprise first strike, because the submarines were nearly impossible to locate and target. Which meant that Soviet leaders could not hope to destroy all of America’s nuclear weapons before they could be launched against Soviet territory. SLBM/FBM (Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile/ Fleet Ballistic Missile) offered shorter ranges and less accuracy than their land-based ICBM (Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile) counterparts, but the advent of Trident C4 missiles began extending those ranges, and offering other improvements. The C4s were succeeded by larger Trident II D5 missiles, which added precision accuracy and more payload.
The year that the Trident II D5 ballistic missile was first deployed, 1990, saw the beginning of the end of the missile’s primary mission. Even as the Soviet Union began to implode, the D5’s performance improvements were making the Trident submarine force the new backbone of the USA’s nuclear deterrent – and of Britain’s as well. To ensure that this capability was maintained at peak readiness and safety, the US Navy undertook a program in 2002 to replace aging components of the Trident II D5 missile called the D5 Life Extension (LE) Program. This article covers D5 LE, as well as support and production contracts associated with the American and British Trident missile fleets.
