Americas
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems won a $561 million cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Gray Eagle technical services. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of March 28, 2029. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has tested its Sonobuoy Dispensing System (SDS) using an MQ-9B SeaGuardian unmanned aerial system. During the flight, eight AN/SSQ-53 and two AN/SSQ-62 sonobuoys, deployed to detect underwater threats, were dropped from the drone’s pod through an Aerea advanced pneumatic ejection system and were monitored by the onboard Sonobuoy Monitoring and Control System. An MQ-9B can carry up to four SDS pods on its four wing stations, and each pod can accommodate up to 10 A-size sonobuoys or up to 20 G-size sonobuoys.
Middle East & Africa
According to Military Africa, Hensoldt South Africa’s Radar business unit recently presented its latest development, the Quadome 3D surface and surveillance radar, to the South African Navy. The demonstration, which took place in late February, was attended by a distinguished delegation from the Navy, including Rear Admiral (JG) Tebogo Motsene and Rear Admiral (JG) Handsome Matsane, among others. “We are proud to showcase the Quadome radar to the South African Navy, highlighting the remarkable progress we have made in local development,” said Bennie Langenhoven, Chief Executive of Hensoldt South Africa’s Radar business unit. “This collaboration demonstrates the depth of South African innovation in the defence sector.”
Europe
According to information from Paris, France will deliver “hundreds” of armored personnel carriers and anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine, which is being attacked by Russia. The VAB vehicles are essential for the mobility of troops, said French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu in an interview with the newspaper La Tribune published on Saturday evening. “We’re talking about hundreds of them for 2024 and early 2025.” France is currently replacing its VAB fleet, some of which are more than 40 years old, with new Griffon armored vehicles. However, the older models are still operational, said Lecornu. In addition, Paris will reportedly also supply Kiev with additional Aster-30 anti-aircraft missiles for the SAMP/T air defense system. France has come under criticism in the past for providing significantly less military aid to Ukraine than Germany.
Asia-Pacific
Northrop Grumman won a $22 million contract modification for RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft sustainment, which involves foreign military sales to Japan. The work is expected to be completed by May 31, 2025. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $6,428,583 are being obligated at the time of award. The contracting activity is Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
Boeing will construct a new facility in Australia to support the country’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat unmanned aerial system production. The company plans to establish the center at the Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct in Toowoomba, Queensland, where it is set to operate over the next three years. Boeing wrote that this project will employ additional aerospace technologies and skillsets in the region, specifically in the field of robotics and advanced composites manufacturing.
