Americas
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GDOTS) has completed the first firing test of the US Army’s 4.75-inch (12-centimeter) solid rocket motor, marking a significant milestone in advancing the service’s long-range precision fires capabilities. Tested at GDOTS’ Camden, Arkansas, facility, the engine delivered performance results within one percent of predicted values, according to the manufacturer. “This successful test reflects the strong partnership between GDOTS and the US Army,” senior vice president and general manager at GDOTS Chris Haynes said.
The US State Department has approved the potential sale of Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) to Canada, valued at an estimated $160 million. The Canadian government requested the purchase of up to 60 JLTVs and nine JLTV cargo trailers. Ottawa has also requested communication and mobility equipment, lethality and survivability upgrades, along with spare and repair parts.
Middle East & Africa
South Korea and the UAE have tested Seoul’s homegrown KF-21 Boramae fighter at Sacheon Air Base in Gyeongsangnam-do, showcasing their growing defense cooperation. At the event, UAE Deputy Minister of Defense Ibrahim Nasser Mohammed Al Alawi rode in the back seat of the jet. It was escorted by an FA-50 piloted by the Republic of Korea Chief of Staff Gen. Lee Yeon-su, Carro e Motos reported.
Europe
Germany’s armed forces, the Bundeswehr, has placed an order with Rheinmetall for around 1, 400 military logistics vehicles, valued at €770 million. The Düsseldorf-headquartered defence firm said in a statement on Monday that the deal includes 963 vehicles with swap-body systems, which have interchangeable containers. It also includes 425 unprotected transport vehicles (UTVs), which are non-armoured trucks used in low-risk areas. As of around 16.00 CEST, Rheinmetall shares were up around 3% on the news.
Asia-Pacific
A Chinese navy vessel collided with one from its own coast guard while chasing a Philippine patrol boat in the South China Sea on Monday, Manila said, releasing dramatic video footage of the confrontation. The incident occurred near the contested Scarborough Shoal as the Philippine Coast Guard escorted boats distributing aid to fishermen in the area, spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela said in a statement. Video released by Manila showed a China Coast Guard ship and a much larger vessel bearing the number 164 on its hull colliding with a loud crash.
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