Lockheed Phased Array Tracking Radar | US Pledged $2B Ukraine Assistance | Australia Reassures Thailand Over Nuclear Subs

Americas

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

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