Latest updates[?]: Lockheed Martin announced that the AEHF-5 protected communication satellite is now in transfer orbit. The launch on August 8 was successful and the AEHF-5 is now responding to the US Air Force's 4th Space Operations Squadron’s commands. According to Lockheed, the squadron began "flying" the satellite shortly after it separated from its United Launch Alliance Atlas V 551 rocket approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes after the rocket's successful 6:13 am ET liftoff. The Advanced Extremely High Frequency 5 or AEHF-5 satellite is the fifth addition to the Air Force’s Advanced Extremely High Frequency constellation. The satellites are built by Lockheed Martin and are used to relay secure communications for the Armed Forces of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Netherlands. The first AEHF satellite was launched in 2006 and the most recent, the AEHF-4 in October 2018. The sixth and final AEHF satellite is expected to launch later this year.
AEHF concept
The USA’s new Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellites will support twice as many tactical networks as the current Milstar II satellites, while providing 10-12 times the bandwidth capacity and 6 times the data rate transfer speed. With the cancellation of the higher-capacity TSAT program, AEHF will form the secure, hardened backbone of the Pentagon’s future Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) architecture, with a mission set that includes nuclear command and control. Its companion Family of Advanced Beyond-line-of-sight Terminals (FAB-T) program will give the US military more modern, higher-bandwidth receiving capabilities, and add more flexibility on the front lines. The program has international components, and partners currently include Britain, Canada, and the Netherlands.
This article offers a look at the AEHF system’s rationale and capabilities, while offering insight into some of the program’s problems, and an updated timeline covering over $5 billion worth of contracts since the program’s inception.
General Electric Aviation won a $683.7 deal for the production and delivery of 169 T408-GE-400 (T408) turboshaft engines, to include 65 full rate production Lot 8 (54: Navy, 11: government of Israel); 51 full rate production Lot 7 (39: Navy, 12: government of Israel); and 53 low rate initial production Lot 6 (36: Navy, 17: government of Israel) in support of CH-53K production helicopter and spare engine inventory. Additionally, this contract provides associated engine, programmatic, and logistics support, as well as cost reduction initiatives. Work will be performed in Lynn, Massachusetts, and is expected to be completed in June 2027.
Northrop Grumman won a $185.1 million deal for Global Hawk (RQ-4) aircraft sustainment. The contract provides for contractor logistics support as well as two engineering change proposals to support diminishing manufacturing sources. Work will be performed in the Republic of Korea and San Diego, California, and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2026. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to the Republic of Korea. This contract was a sole source acquisition.
Middle East & Africa
The Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) T929 Atak-2 attack helicopter has started its engines for the first time. Developed under the Heavy Class Attack Helicopter Project, a collaboration between the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), the T929 chopper is the successor of the T129 Tactical Reconnaissance and Attack Helicopters, or Atak.
Europe
The US State Department has approved the possible sale of six MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters to Norway. The estimated $1 billion sale includes equipment such as engines, sonars, and Global Positioning Systems. The proposed sale would improve the Scandinavian nation’s Coast Guard capabilities, including “secondary missions, including vertical replenishment and communications relay,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated.
The State Department approved a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Norway of sustainment and services for C-130J aircraft beyond Block 6 through 2028 and related equipment for an estimated cost of $166 million. The Government of Norway has requested continued sustainment and associated services for four (4) C-130J aircraft beyond Block 6 through 2028. Included are Joint Mission Planning Systems (JMPS); aircraft components, spare parts, consumables, and accessories; repair and return support; aircraft support and support equipment; unclassified publications and technical documentation; software delivery and support; unclassified Computer Program Identification Number (CPIN) systems; telecommunications support; minor modifications, maintenance and maintenance support; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support.
Asia-Pacific
The Philippine Army (PA) has deployed two Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer Systems (ATMOS) to support counter-terrorism operations in the central Visaya region. The 155mm self-propelled howitzers will be deployed with the Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division. “These assets will bolster our internal security operations and will largely contribute to the dismantling of the CTG (Communist Terrorist Group) in Western and Central Visayas,” Philippine News Agency quoted Third Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Marion Sison as saying.
Today’s Video
WATCH: Turkish Next-Generation New Attack Helicopter-TAI T929 ATAK 2
Latest updates[?]: Northrop Grumman won a $185.1 million deal for Global Hawk (RQ-4) aircraft sustainment. The contract provides for contractor logistics support as well as two engineering change proposals to support diminishing manufacturing sources. Work will be performed in the Republic of Korea and San Diego, California, and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2026. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to the Republic of Korea. This contract was a sole source acquisition.
RQ-4A Global Hawk
Northrop Grumman’s RQ-4 Global Hawk UAV has established a dominant position in the High Altitude/ Long Endurance UAV market. While they are not cheap, they are uniquely capable. During Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), the system flew only 5% of the US Air Force’s high altitude reconnaissance sorties, but accounted for more than 55% of the time-sensitive targeting imagery generated to support strike missions. The RQ-4 Global Hawk was also a leading contender in the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) UAV competition, and eventually won.
The Global Hawk Maritime Demonstration Program (GHM-D or BAMS-D) aims to use the proven RQ-4 Global Hawk airframe as a test bed for operational concepts and technologies that will eventually find their way into BAMS, and contribute valuable understanding to the new field of maritime surveillance with high-flying UAVs. It’s not just a test program, however, as its remaining drones also deploy to assist the fleet in active operations.
Raytheon Technologies has unveiled its next-generation electro-optical intelligent-sensing capability to allow military pilots to detect threats faster and more accurately. Called the RAIVEN, the new threat identification system can identify multiple objects optically and spectrally at once in real time. It uses artificial intelligence (AI), hyperspectral imaging, and light detection and ranging, enabling pilots to see up to five times farther and clearer than other imaging systems.
The US Navy has christened the USS Kingsville (LCS 36) Independence-class littoral combat ship in Mobile, Alabama. The vessel is the 18th of its class and the first to bear the name of Kingsville, Texas. It will be delivered in 2024 and home-ported in San Diego, California. The ceremony was hosted by US Navy representatives, partner shipbuilders, and sub-contractors. Ship sponsor Katherine Kline conducted the ceremonial bottle break on the bow to launch the ship.
Middle East & Africa
Raytheon won a $13.7 million deal for for contractor engineering and technical services in support of the F100-PW-100/220/220E/229 engines for F-15 and F-16 aircraft. F100-PW-100/220/220E/229 are different models of afterburning turbofan jet engines developed by Pratt & Whitney and originally designed to power the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft for the United States Air Force.The Air Force Life Cycle Management is the contracting activity. This contract provides for on-site proficiency training and advice to elevate the technical skill and abilities of personnel responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Raytheon Technologies Corp. equipment and systems to the level of self-sufficiency. The locations of performance include Air National Guard support in Tucson, Arizona; Toledo, Ohio; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Foreign Military Sales support in Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Republic of Korea, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, and Thailand, and is expected to be complete by March 15, 2026. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, South Korea, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, and Thailand.
Europe
Israel will deploy its new missile early warning system in Kyiv next month to detect incoming Russian attacks, according to a report by Walla news outlet, citing Israeli and Ukrainian officials. The move was discussed during meetings in Poland between representatives of the Israel Defense Forces’ Home Front Command and defense officials from Kyiv. They talked about necessary adjustments to the system and several other considerations, such as the country’s size and the number of missiles and drones Russia usually launches.
Asia-Pacific
Vietnam is considering ordering additional L-39NG advanced jet trainers from Czech manufacturer Aero Vodochody, as reported by Reuters. Delivery of the initial 12 aircraft is set to commence this year. During Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s three-day visit to Vietnam last week, security was a primary topic discussed with Vietnamese leaders. The Czech business delegation that accompanied Fiala included four arms dealers. Talks between both parties also involved the L 410 NG cargo aircraft, which is produced by Aircraft Industries.
The Chinese military tested an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered laser-guided artillery shell last year capable of striking human-sized targets 16 kilometers (10 miles) away. The shell’s precision far exceeds that of any operational Chinese artillery round, South China Morning Post reported, citing a team of scientists working on the technology.
Today’s Video
WATCH: The L-39NG Light Attack Jet Aircraft Passed The Strength Test
Lockheed Martin won a $2 billion modification for Phased Array Tracking Radar Intercept on Target (PATRIOT) Advanced Capability-3 missile production. Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas, with an estimated completion date of December 31, 2029. The PATRIOT Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) is a missile defense system developed by the United States, designed to intercept and destroy incoming ballistic missiles. It uses a combination of radar, command and control technology, and high-performance interceptors to detect and track incoming missiles and engage them in flight.
Raytheon won a $13 million order, which provides for sustainment of delivered block fleet releases, as well as ongoing development of flight test and fleet releases and analysis in support of implementation of future sustainment block fleet releases for the V-22 avionics systems. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is expected to be completed in April 2024. The V-22 Osprey is a tiltrotor aircraft that has a unique tiltrotor design, which allows its two rotors to swivel from a vertical position for takeoff and landing to a horizontal position for forward flight.
Middle East & Africa
Iran’s defense ministry has delivered the army with more than 200 new drones equipped with missile capabilities and electronic warfare systems, state media reported on Thursday. In a ceremony broadcast on television, Defense Minister Mohammad-Reza Ashtiani handed over “more than 200 long-range strategic drones” to army chief Abdolrahim Mousavi, the official news agency IRNA said.
Europe
The UK Royal Marines Commando Helicopter Force has completed aerial assistance training in extreme Arctic Circle weather conditions. The Somerset-based group operates at the Norwegian Bardufoss Air Base every winter in the “Clockwork” exercise, upskilling in critical air support with multinational cold weather specialists for emergencies.
Asia-Pacific
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has approved a $419 million deal with the US to provide maintenance services for the island nation’s fighter aircraft fleet. Around $323 million is allotted for spare parts, while the remaining $95.9 million will be used for nonstandard parts and aviation materials.
India flight-tested a sea-based ballistic missile defense (BMD) system on Friday. The endo-atmospheric interceptor’s maiden trial from a vessel elevated “the country into the elite club of nations having naval BMD capability,” the Ministry of Defense stated. Currently, only the US, China, Russia, and Israel have operational sea-based BMD capability.
Lockheed Martin won a $35.7 million modification for AEGIS Combat System Engineering Agent (CSEA) efforts, which include the design, development, integration, test and delivery of Advanced Capability Build 20. CSEA is a software tool that supports the Aegis Combat System. The Aegis Combat System provides advanced defense capabilities for navy ships. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey, and is expected to be completed by December 2023. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Sierra Vista, Arizona, has been awarded a $16,372,416 modification for Global Hawk (RQ-4) aircraft sustainment. The contract modification is for the purchase of replenishment spares for operational use and to support depot repair, as well as two engineering change proposals to support diminishing manufacturing sources being produced under the basic contract. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $250,409,843. Work will be performed in the Republic of Korea, and Sierra Vista, Arizona. This modification involves Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to the Republic of Korea. The work is expected to be completed by Feb. 24, 2028. FMS funds in the amount of $16,372,416 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.
Middle East & Africa
South Korea sent a military transport aircraft and 50 military personnel, including security and medical staff, to evacuate its nationals from Sudan as fighting between the country’s armed forces and paramilitary groups continues to escalate. The evacuation mission was set into motion after the National Security Office reported the worsening situation in Sudan to President Yoon Suk Yeol. President Yoon ordered Seoul’s foreign and defense ministries to undertake swift measures to protect “the safety of our overseas nationals under all circumstances.”
The US State Department has approved upgrades worth $259 million for the Turkish F-16 fleet. The proposed upgrades include “software upgrades of the Operational Flight Program avionics with the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency explained. The upgrades will help improve the aircraft’s safety and interoperability with NATO, the Pentagon agency stated.
Europe
Projekt System & Management has received a $844 million deal to upgrade 143 German Puma infantry fighting vehicles. The agreement with the Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann joint venture builds on a $1.2 billion award signed last year to convert 154 Puma variants to the new S1 standard. The retrofit involves adding MELLS multirole-capable lightweight guided missile systems, high-resolution day/night cameras, and digital radio equipment.
Asia-Pacific
Japan’s military is currently seeking foreign assistance to develop a railgun, a weapon that uses electromagnetic forces to launch projectiles at incredibly high speeds. The technology is still in its early stages of development, but Japan sees it as an important asset for its military to counteract the threat posed by neighboring countries. The primary Japanese contractor on the program is Japan Steel Works, a company that specializes in steel production and heavy machinery manufacturing. However, due to the complexity of the railgun technology, Japan has turned to foreign experts to help with the project.
Today’s Video
WATCH: This is the $220 Million US Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk Spy Plane
Boeing won a $313.4 million modification, which increases the ceiling to provide non-recurring engineering, system engineering program management, and additional aircraft inductions in support of extending the service life for up to 25 F/A-18 E/F Super Hornets from 6,000 flight hours to 10,000 flight hours and incorporating Block III avionics capabilities. Work will take place in Texas and Missouri. Expected completion will be in February 2025.
The US has drastically reduced its RQ-4 Global Hawk drone flights over the Black Sea since a Russian fighter jet collided with a Reaper drone last month causing it to crash into the sea. The US Air Force last flew the reconnaissance drone on March 21, a week after the incident on March 14 , RIA Novosti wrote, citing Flightradar24.
Middle East & Africa
The US Navy sailed its first drone boat through the strategic Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, a crucial waterway for global energy supplies where American sailors often faces tense encounters with Iranian forces. The trip by the L3 Harris Arabian Fox MAST-13, a 13-meter (41-foot) speedboat carrying sensors and cameras, drew the attention of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, but took place without incident, said Navy spokesman Cmdr. Timothy Hawkins. Two US Coast Guard cutters, the USCGC Charles Moulthrope and USCGC John Scheuerman, accompanied the drone.
Europe
Denmark and the Netherlands announced Thursday that they plan to provide Ukraine with at least 14 refurbished German-made Leopard 2 battle tanks, to be supplied from early 2024. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called it “a significant donation” which came on top of a contribution by Denmark, the Netherlands and Germany, announced in February, to supply at least 100 older Leopard 1 A5 tanks.
Rheinmetall recently unveiled a multi-purpose unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with reconnaissance and combat features. The Rheinmetall Combat Drone is based on the German arms maker’s Luna NG reconnaissance drone and can carry the Hero-R type loitering munition, according to Soldat & Technik. “The Rheinmetall Combat Drone is the game changer for protecting your own troops and fighting tactically relevant targets,” the company stated.
Asia-Pacific
Japan’s military is currently seeking foreign assistance to develop a railgun, a weapon that uses electromagnetic forces to launch projectiles at incredibly high speeds. The technology is still in its early stages of development, but Japan sees it as an important asset for its military to counteract the threat posed by neighboring countries. The primary Japanese contractor on the program is Japan Steel Works, a company that specializes in steel production and heavy machinery manufacturing. However, due to the complexity of the railgun technology, Japan has turned to foreign experts to help with the project.
Boeing won an $8.1 million deal, which provides for the manufacture, assembly and delivery of various peculiar support equipment in support of the F/A-18E/F program for the Navy. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Missouri, and is expected to be completed in December 2025.
The US Air Force has announced the selection of new bases to receive its latest fighter jets. Barnes Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts will be the host of the next F-35A squadron. Meanwhile, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans and Fresno Air National Guard Base in California will replace their F-15C/D Eagles with F-15EX Strike Eagles. Each new squadron will consist of 18 aircraft, and the decision to select these respective bases was made after conducting site surveys to ensure that they have the infrastructure capacity to facilitate the mission. The selection process also took into account community support, environmental factors, and cost.
Middle East & Africa
Elbit Systems announced that it was awarded a contract worth approximately $102 million to supply artillery systems to an international customer. The contract will be performed over a period of eight years. Under the contract Elbit Systems will supply a battalion’s worth of ATMOS (Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer) 155mm/52 caliber truck-mounted howitzers systems.
Europe
Poland on Tuesday announced plans to install thousands of cameras and motion sensors along its border with Russia’s Kaliningrad enclave to prevent what Warsaw says are illegal migrant crossings orchestrated by Moscow. Polish Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski said the system would join a barbed wire fence being built on the 200-kilometer (124-mile) frontier.
Asia-Pacific
The Royal Australian Air Force has accepted three defense deployable air traffic management and control systems (DDATMCS) from Indra to improve its international airspace management and deployment. The solutions enable guidance over en-route air traffic and support rapid deployment of aerial vehicles in many domains.
Australia and the US will hold their largest bilateral exercise this year, with approximately 30,000 military personnel expected to participate. The 14-day Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 will be conducted from July 22 to August 4. Drills will be held in Queensland, the Northern Territory, New South Wales, and Western Australia.
Today’s Video
WATCH: 152mm ShKH vz. 77 DANA | The first wheeled self-propelled howitzer
Latest updates[?]: The US Air Force has announced the selection of new bases to receive its latest fighter jets. Barnes Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts will be the host of the next F-35A squadron. Meanwhile, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans and Fresno Air National Guard Base in California will replace their F-15C/D Eagles with F-15EX Strike Eagles. Each new squadron will consist of 18 aircraft, and the decision to select these respective bases was made after conducting site surveys to ensure that they have the infrastructure capacity to facilitate the mission. The selection process also took into account community support, environmental factors, and cost.
F-15C over DC
“Array of Aging American Aircraft Attracting Attention” discusses the issues that accompany an air force whose fighters have an average age of over 23.5 years – vs. an average of 8.5 years in 1967. One of the most obvious consequences is the potential for fleet groundings due to unforseen structural issues caused by time and fatigue. That very fear is responsible for the #1 priority placed on bringing new KC-X aerial tankers into the fleet to complement the USA’s 1960s-era KC-135 Stratotankers.
It can also affect the fighter fleet more directly.
Following the crash of a Missouri Air National Guard F-15C aircraft Nov 2/07 (see crash simulation), the US Air Force suspended non-mission critical F-15 flight operations on Nov 3/07. While the cause of that accident is still under investigation, preliminary findings indicate that a structural failure during flight may have been responsible. In response, Japan suspended its own F-15 flights, which left them in a bit of a bind – even as Israel’s F-15s joined them on the tarmac. As the effects continue to spread and the USAF and others continue to comment on this situation, DID continues to expand its coverage of this bellwether event. A conditional restoration of the American F-15A-D fleet to flight status was soon overturned by the re-grounding of that fleet as a result of the report’s conclusions – a status that remains only been partially lifted. Meanwhile, the accident report has been released (compete with video dramatization) and the status of the remaining aircraft will have significant implications for the USAF’s future F-15 fleet size. Not to mention its other procurement programs.
Then, too, this is America. Now there’s a lawsuit.
Alabama Shipyard won a $22 million deal for a 123-calendar day shipyard availability for the regular overhaul and dry docking of the Military Sealift Command’s dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2). This contract includes a base period and options, which if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $22,163,078. Work will be performed in Mobile, Alabama, beginning June 15, 2023, and is expected to be completed by October 15, 2023.
VMFA-311, also known as the Tomcats, was recently reactivated at US Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, California, on April 14. As the US Marine Corps’ second F-35C squadron, VMFA-311 brings its unique capabilities to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) as a long-range compliment to their existing aviation assets. This reactivation represents a key transition for the squadron to the F-35C Lightning II and supports the Marine Corps’ ongoing modernization efforts across Marine aviation.
Middle East & Africa
Aeronautics, an Israeli designer, developer and manufacturer of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for global defense and HLS markets, announced a contract to supply dozens of its Orbiter 3 systems to the Greek Ministry of Defense. The agreement is part of the large contract between the Israeli and Greek Ministry of Defense, worth approximately €370 million, for the procurement of Rafael’s Spike missiles. While the Orbiter 3 systems detect, recognize and identify (DRI) the target, the Spike missiles, launched from the air, sea, or land can rapidly close the sensor-to-shooter loop, using the “Fire Weaver” C4I system. The rapid Sensor to Shooter process implementing advanced technologies, enables mission success.
Iran will mark its National Army Day on April 18, an annual event that showcases the country’s military progress and capabilities. This year’s parade was marked by the presence of over 40 locally produced and non-locally manufactured fighter jets, including the Saeqeh, Kowsar, F-7, F-14, F-4, MiG-29, and Su-24s, which will perform aerial maneuvers over the capital and other parts of the country. The parade involved units from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Air Defense Force, displaying advanced equipment such as missiles, tanks, armored vehicles, rifles, UAVs, fighter jets, radar systems, and air defense missile systems. The event is seen as an opportunity for the Iranian Army to showcase its latest weaponry and military progress.
Europe
The Russian military has lost more than 10,000 armored vehicles since its invasion of Ukraine, according to a UK intelligence report. Open-source intelligence tracker Oryx said verified losses include 1,900 tanks, 3,500 armored vehicles, and more than 2,400 logistics and supply vehicles. Russia has also lost dozens of high-tech radars and command vehicles, in addition to 78 combat jets.
Asia-Pacific
The US government has sent around 200 soldiers to Taiwan to provide military training amid increasing tensions with China, according to a report by Taiwan News. The announcement was made after Chinese fighter jets and warships simulated strikes on the island nation during a recent military drill.
