Americas
Exercise UNITAS LXV, the 65th iteration of the world’s longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise, took place along the Pacific coast of South America from September 2nd to 12th. Hosted by Chile, the exercise challenged participating forces with unique terrain, pushing them to adapt and refine their skills in a new environment. The United States showcased its commitment to regional stability and security through a strong presence of Marine Corps and Navy assets, including F/A-18C Hornets from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112 (VMFA-112), a KC-130J Hercules from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234 (VMGR-234), and a US Navy P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from Patrol Squadron 5.
MAG DS Corp won a $96.7 million contract, which provides systems engineering, fabrication, integration, modification, system delivery, installation, and systems support leveraging the best available commercial-off-the-shelf, government-off-the-shelf, and tailored command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities for the unique Special Operation Forces community and its partners supporting counterterrorism and integrated deterrence missions. Work is expected to be completed in October 2029. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposal; three offers were received. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
Middle East & Africa
UK armed forces “played their part in attempts to prevent further escalation” after Iran fired a barrage of missiles at Israel, the British government said Wednesday. Two Royal Air Force Typhoon jets and a Voyager air-to-air refueling tanker were involved in the operation to support Israel late Tuesday, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement. “Due to the nature of this attack, they did not engage any targets, but they played an important part in wider deterrence and efforts to prevent further escalation,” it said. The UK performed a similar role in April, when Iran last attacked Israel with missiles and drones, with reports then that Royal Air Force (RAF) jets helped to shoot down some of the drones.
Europe
Franco-German defense group KNDS launched its Ukrainian subsidiary in Kyiv this week. Called KNDS Ukraine LLC, the subsidiary will enable local firms to carry out maintenance, repair, and overhaul of KNDS platforms delivered to Ukraine, increasing their availability. An estimated 800 KNDS systems have either been delivered or are contracted for delivery to Ukraine, including Leopard 1 and 2 main battle tanks, the Caesar truck-mounted artillery system, the PzH 2000 howitzer, and the Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft gun. The subsidiary will use 3D printing for spare parts manufacturing and link up with local firms for the production of 155mm artillery shells for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Asia-Pacific
The US State Department has approved the sale of up to 100 AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles-Extended Range (AARGM-ER) for the Royal Australian Air Force. Australia requested the missiles and related equipment for an estimated $405 million. It is expected to be initially integrated with the Royal Australian Air Force’s EA-18G Growlers, according to Australian Defence Magazine. The potential sale includes up to 24 AGM-88G AARGM-ER guidance sections and up to 24 AGM-88G AARGM-ER control sections.