Americas
General Atomics’ EagleEye multi-mode radar is being upgraded with the addition of an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) antenna and associated software. The drop-in antenna will more than double the radar’s range of 80 kilometers. “The increased range and optimized multi-mode performance of the radar are perfectly tailored to provide deep sensing capability in multi-domain operations,” General Atomics VP of Agile Mission Systems Jeff Hettick said.
The US Marine Corps has announced a Fusion Center at its base in Quantico, Virginia, aimed at streamlining the service’s capabilities acquisition process. Established a few months ago with little fanfare, the center will bring together officials from the service’s science, technology, requirements, and acquisition offices to help better align under-development technologies with the Marines’ requirements. Its initial focus will be on counter-drone technology following the extensive use of unmanned aerial vehicles in Ukraine and in the Middle East.
Middle East & Africa
The US State Department has given the green light to a $250 million blanket order training sale to Saudi Arabia. The decision is aimed at bolstering the Kingdom’s defence readiness. The proposed sale includes various training and logistical support, primarily geared towards enhancing the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF). The timing of the decision comes amidst heightened tensions in the region, with ongoing conflicts and geopolitical rivalries shaping dynamics across the Middle East.
Europe
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Tuesday he has been encouraging countries with Patriot missile systems to donate them to Ukraine, which has appealed for more of the air defense batteries. “There are countries that have Patriots, and so what we’re doing is continuing to engage those countries,” Austin told a House Armed Services Committee hearing.
Asia-Pacific
The first of eight Hangor II submarines for Pakistan was recently launched at the Wuchang Shipbuilding yard in Wuhan, China, though it’s uncertain what could be powering the boat given Germany’s block on an engine export. The initial Hangor II delivery timetable would have seen the four Chinese-built submarines delivered by 2023. But Germany had refused to approve export licenses for the MTU 396 diesel engine, which the submarine was designed to use.
