Americas
General Dynamics was awarded a $10.6 million modification to exercise options under a previously awarded contract (N0003022C1005) for the US and United Kingdom Trident II (D-5) SSBN Fire Control System and SSGN Attack Weapon Control System support. Work will be performed in Pittsfield, Massachusetts (98%); and Rhode Island. Work is expected to be completed April 30, 2025. Fiscal 2022 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $6,058,308; fiscal 2023 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $3,941,944; and fiscal 2023 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $95,983 are being obligated on this award. Fiscal 2023 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $95,983 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.
XTEND’s autonomous system products have achieved full National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) compliance for the US Department of Defense and other US federal technology segments. The milestone enables the Tel Aviv-based company to expand its US-based drone production to meet the US government’s increasing demand for “revolutionary, robust, affordable” unmanned aerial solutions. NDAA compliance covers all systems under the XTEND family of drones, including the Wolverine small rugged system, the Griffon drone interceptor, and the XTENDER tactical indoor micro-drone.
Middle East & Africa
According to Defense Post, Israel has contracted Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) to supply 2,800 additional Micro-Tavor assault rifles for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The $2.9 million purchase will be delivered to the Nahal, Golani, and Givati infantry brigades by 2024. The IDF has been using the bullpup rifle, in which the cartridge is located behind the trigger, since 2006.
Europe
Poland will buy advanced Patriot missile defense systems worth up to $15 billion in a deal announced Wednesday by the Pentagon. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the sale would involve up to 48 Patriot PAC-3 launchers and up to 644 Patriot PAC-3 MSE missiles, along with radars and control components for the systems. The agency said the State Department, which has authority over US arms export deals, had approved the sale, which will provide Warsaw with some of the most advanced US air defense systems.
The British Army will soon be equipped with cutting-edge weapon sights to identify and track hostile drones. UK Defense Equipment & Support (DE&S) placed an initial order for $5.8 million to Yorkshire-based Viking Arms for hundreds of SMASH Smart Weapon Sight Fire Control Systems. The device reportedly provides dismounted soldiers with a high-probability rate when targeting small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Asia-Pacific
The Indian Air Force is gearing up to host Tarang Shakti, a highly anticipated and significant multilateral air defense exercise, which is scheduled to take place from October to November. This exercise, as reported by Hindustan Times, is set to be the largest of its kind conducted by the Indian Air Force. With participation from a remarkable total of twelve air forces, Tarang Shakti aims to strengthen international collaboration and promote interoperability among nations. While six air forces will actively engage in the exercise, the remaining six will attend as observers, taking the opportunity to witness and learn from the drills and maneuvers.
Today’s Video
WATCH: UP: Meet the Xtender, micro tactical indoor ISR system
