ThirdEye To Deliver AR/AI To USN | MD Helicopters Ramps Up Production For Nigeria | Ukraine Expressed Interest In MK-20

Americas

Tech firm ThirdEye Gen has received a contract to deliver augmented reality and artificial intelligence (AR/AI) solutions to support US Navy and Marine Corps aviation maintenance operations. According to ThirdEye, AR/AI platforms can yield up to a 40 percent increase in operating efficiencies.

The US Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) has ordered three MQ-9B SkyGuardian remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) from General Atomics. The acquisition makes the service the first US customer for the sophisticated unmanned system. The US military is a known operator of the MQ-9A Reaper, which has supported its missions in harsh environments for more than 14 years.

Middle East & Africa

Israeli firm Elbit Systems has received and order for its 120th Hermes™ 900 Medium-Range Long-Altitude (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The family of the Hermes 900 multi-role MALE UAV is Elbit Systems’ largest unmanned aerial vehicle and is capable of performing a wide range of missions including persistent intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR). The advanced UAV can also can perform ground support and maritime patrol missions, and provides the capabilities for integrated multi-platform, multi-sensor operations.

MD Helicopters is excited to announce that it is increasing production line capabilities and staffing to meet additional sales orders, including the 12 Cayuse Warrior Plus scout/attack helicopters recently awarded by the Nigerian Army. These helicopters will support counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations in Nigeria. To facilitate production, MDH has restructured its production facility and plans to hire more than 120 employees. This expansion will also enable the company to fulfill additional large aircraft orders and seize strategic customer engagement opportunities.

Europe

According to US lawmakers Jason Crow and Adam Smith, Ukraine has expressed interest in obtaining the MK-20 cluster bomb to use its bomblets for dropping on Russian armored units via drones. The Ukrainian military reportedly considers these submunitions to have superior armor-piercing capabilities compared to the current drone weaponry being used.

Asia-Pacific

Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) attended the handover ceremony of the country’s first Lockheed Martin C-130J cargo plane on March 8th at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in East Jakarta. Jokowi arrived around 8:45 am accompanied by Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Marshal TNI Fadjar Prasetyo. Prior to the event, Jokowi first inspected the first of five C-130J that Indonesia has ordered from the United States. Jokowi was then seen entering the cockpit of the aircraft. He also appeared to have a conversation with Prabowo. After inspecting the aircraft, the event continued with the symbolic handover of the aircraft by giving a replica key to Prabowo. Jokowi broke a clay pot filled with water and poured flower water over the aircraft.

Today’s Video

WATCH: MQ-9 REAPER: The Most Dangerous Military Drone on Earth