Americas
The US Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded a $982 million contract to 49 defense and technology firms to develop systems for its current and future unmanned surface vehicles (USV). Saab, Anduril Industries, Bollinger Shipyards, Teledyne FLIR, and General Atomics headline the list of chosen contractors. Marinette Marine Corp., Honeywell International, Leonardo Electronics, and Microsoft Corp. are also contract recipients.
California Air National Guard’s 144th Fighter Wing (144 FW) recently hosted Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 (VMFA-211) for a joint training exercise focused on fighter integration. The F-35B Lightning IIs from Arizona arrived at Fresno Air National Guard Base on Jun. 7th, to train alongside the 144th FW’s F-15C Eagle fighter jets. This joint exercise capitalized on the opportunity presented by the 144th FW’s drill weekend, allowing for a higher participation rate among Air National Guard pilots. The core focus was on integrating the capabilities of the 4th generation F-15C with the advanced features of the 5th generation F-35B. Pilots from both squadrons honed their skills in executing offensive and defensive counter-air maneuvers in a team environment. The joint training maximized efficiency over the weekend, with a total of five mission sets and 40 sorties flown. Taking off from Fresno Yosemite International Airport, the exercises took place over the Pacific Ocean off the California coast.
Middle East & Africa
Israel’s Aeronautics Group has unveiled a new variant of its renowned Orbiter 2 unmanned aerial system (UAS) that combines surveillance and precision strike capabilities. The Orbiter 2 LM one-way attack platform is designed to neutralize targets with nearby intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) drones. The combination also allows operators to conduct thorough post-strike damage assessments. According to the Aeronautics Group, the LM variant is a new generation of its existing Orbiter 2 drone, offering pinpoint precision attack capability with minimum collateral damage. It features anti-jamming capabilities, encrypted communications, and artificial intelligence (AI) to assist in target recognition.
Europe
Automotive manufacturer AM General is debuting its Joint Tactical Vehicle A2 (JLTV A2) Utility variant at the Eurostratory exhibition in Paris from June 17 to 21. It features FN Firearms’ FNder medium remote weapon station for defense, infantry fire support, and long-range combat missions. According to the firm, the JLTV A2 includes “many significant improvements” over the A1, including better fuel efficiency due to “improved drive gear coding,” an enhanced lithium-ion battery replacing the earlier version’s two lead-acid batteries, improved corrosion protection, and greater accessibility for easier maintenance.
Asia-Pacific
A Philippine ship and a Chinese vessel collided near the Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea on Monday, Beijing’s Coast Guard said. “The Philippine replenishment ship ignored many solemn warnings from the Chinese side,” Beijing’s coast guard said in a statement. It “approached the… Chinese vessel in an unprofessional way, resulting in a collision,” the statement said.
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