AFRL Developing Next-Gen Missile Concept | Lockheed Completed F-16 Development For Bahrain | Estonia Able To Re-Export Howitzers

Americas

According to Defense Post, The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is developing a next-generation missile concept with a rapidly pivoting forebody. The missile’s “active morphing” capability increases its range and effectiveness against highly maneuverable targets at a limited cost. The missile’s agility is achieved through the articulation control actuation system (ACAS), a “composite high-strain skin structure that envelops an internal electromagnetic actuation system,” the AFRL explained.

On March 10th, Norwegian Defense Minister Bjorn Arild Gram visited Kyiv, Ukraine, and announced that Norway will be sending two NASAMS air defense systems to Ukraine. Gram noted that Ukraine is in dire need of additional air defense systems and Oslo is providing assistance. The United States also previously announced in January that they will be transferring NASAMS air defense systems to Ukraine as part of a new aid package. The NASAMS missile systems are medium-range complexes developed in the 1990s by the Norwegian company Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace in partnership with the American Raytheon. Norway will be providing Ukraine with two complete NASAMS firing units in cooperation with the United States, which will add to the two firing units that the United States provided last fall.

Middle East & Africa

Lockheed Martin announced Friday that it has completed developing the first export version of its F-16 Block 70 fighter aircraft for the Royal Bahraini Air Force. A ceremony to mark the milestone was held in Greenville, South Carolina, with defense representatives from Bahrain and the US in attendance. According to the company, the advanced aircraft is the first of 16 under order as part of a $1.1 billion deal signed in 2018.

The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) and Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF)have signed an agreement to extend their bilateral Typhoon cooperation for two more years. The partnership comprises 12 Squadron, a British-Qatari Eurofighter Typhoon unit formed in 2018 to serve as the first joint squadron between the nations since World War II.

Europe

The Finnish government has granted Estonia a license to re-export D-30 towed howitzers to Ukraine. The grant includes ammunition. The number of guns to be exported was not revealed.  Estonia announced the delivery of the Soviet gun to Ukraine as part of a weapons package worth 220 million euros ($235 million) in April 2022.

Asia-Pacific

KF-21 Boramae, produced by Korea Aerospace Industry, has successfully completed its first night flight test, following the first prototype’s maiden flight in July of last year, with a gap of seven months. The KF-21 program is a major step forward for South Korea’s domestic aerospace industry, as it aims to develop a domestically produced advanced multi-role fighter aircraft, which can replace its aging fleet of F-4 fighter jets currently in service. KF-21 prototypes 3 and 4 departed from the South Korean Air Force’s 3rd Training Flight Center on the evening of March 9th, flying over the southern region of the Korean peninsula for about an hour. The aircraft maintained an altitude of 20,000 feet and a speed of approximately 248 knots.

North Korea has fired two strategic cruise missiles from the “8.24 Yongung” submarine in the waters off the east coast of the Korean peninsula. This recent act by North Korea has escalated tensions in the region and violates United Nations resolutions banning the country from developing or testing missile technology. North Korea’s state news agency KCNA says the cruise missiles successfully hit their targets after traveling 1,500 kilometers, proving the country’s advanced military capabilities. The missiles are believed to be capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

Today’s Video

WATCH: Big Blow to Russia from Norway! Norway to Send 2 NASAMS Systems to Ukraine!