GD Tapped For Virginia Class Support | Estonia To Procure Long-Range Loitering Munitions From IAI | Wombat 23 Takes Place Until June 5
Americas
General Dynamics won a $15.7 million deal for lead yard support and development studies and design efforts related to Virginia class submarines. Work will be performed in the continental US and is expected to be completed by June 2026. Fiscal 2023 research, development, test, and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $15,715,111 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Virginia-class submarine is a class of nuclear-powered fast attack submarines (SSN) in service with the United States Navy. The submarines are designed for a variety of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and mine warfare.
Lockheed Martin won a $1.4 million deal, which provides for the continued development of critical F-35 warfighting capabilities, to include Electronic Warfare Band 2/5 Radar Warning Receiver, Modernized Countermeasure Controller, Multi-ship Infrared Search and Track Increment 2, and Beyond Line of Sight communications, as well as supports required training and combat data systems development for Lots 16 and 17 production aircraft for the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers, and non-Department of Defense (DOD) participants. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (60%); Nashua, New Hampshire (16%); Baltimore, Maryland (9%); Orlando, Florida (5.5%); Torrance, California (2%); San Diego, California (2%); El Segundo, California (2%); Northridge, California (1%); Clearwater, Florida (1%); Buffalo, New York (1%); and Tucson, Arizona (0.5%), and is expected to be completed in March 2028.
Middle East & Africa
The Republic of Estonia has signed an agreement with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to procure advanced long-range loitering munitions, making it the one of the most expensive defense procurement Estonia has ever made. The procurement of long-range loitering munitions aims to strengthen Estonia’s defense capability by significantly increasing its indirect fire capabilities. Along with extended range artillery ammunition, anti-ship missiles, and multiple launch rocket systems, Estonia will have various capabilities to influence the adversary from long distances in the near future.
Europe
The UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) has awarded a deal to Swedish defense firm Saab for 11 Giraffe 1X 3D air surveillance radars. According to the company, all the lightweight radars will be deployed in operational environments except for one mounted on the Royal Navy’s XV Patrick Blackett experimental ship.
Asia-Pacific
Exercise Wombat 23 is taking place in Australia until June 5, and it involves the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) conducting mobility training with the support of the Australian Defense Force. The exercise will involve two C-130H transport aircraft and approximately 100 personnel. The flying activity throughout the exercise will be held over western Sydney, the Blue Mountains, and regional NSW. It will utilize airspace and airfields that are commonly used by Royal Australian Air Force aircraft, and it will involve night-time flying activity and flying at a low level. However, there is no planned weekend flying activity for the exercise.
The US Special Operations Command (USASOC) has conducted its first simulation of Taiwan’s defense against a potential Chinese invasion. According to a report by Military.com, the training was part of this year’s capabilities exercise, which included USASOC’s simulated insertion into Taipei to defend against Beijing’s forces. During the drill, American forces landed several CH-47 Chinook helicopters on a concrete structure that resembled a potential landing zone on the island nation.
Today’s Video
WATCH: The Future of the F-35
