Americas
General Electric Aviation won a $131.6 million deal for the repair, upgrade or replacement; inventory management; and required supply response times of two T-700 engine components in support of the Navy’s H-60 Seahawk and the Marine Corp’s AH-1 Cobra helicopters. The Navy sought the services from a single vendor in accordance with defense acquisition regulations and will use its annual working capital funds when issuing delivery orders. Work will take place in Massachusetts and Kansas. Estimated completion will be by September 2026.
The US Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory recently purchased several SMASH 2000 fire control systems , through its Rapid Capabilities Office (MCRCO) from Israeli company Smart Shooter for test & evaluation. Smart Shooter has also signed a cooperative research & development agreement with US Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division. Under this agreement, the US Navy will evaluate the use of SMASH technology on ships and vessels for Counter-UAS purposes. This collaboration aims to perform joint integration and evaluation of Smart Shooter’s technology with weapons and ammunition currently supporting the US Navy’s mission.
Middle East & Africa
Glasshouse Systems won a $15.9 million deal for integrated logistics support. This contract provides logistics support updates and maintenance for the Egypt Mobile Surveillance Sensor Security System (MS3). The mobile surveillance sensor security system provides Egypt with advanced capabilities intended to bolster its border surveillance capabilities along its border with Libya and elsewhere. Work will take place in New York and Egypt. Estimated completion date is September 13, 2024.
Europe
The UK has two large aircraft carriers at sea ready for operations after HMS Prince of Wales was recently declared operational. According to the Royal Navy, a fortnight-long international exercise off the Scottish coast “put the stamp on two years of intensive training for the Portsmouth-based warship, 700-plus crew, the Royal Navy and RAF squadrons who will operate aircraft from her flight deck – including the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning stealth fighter – and thousands of military personnel and civilians who support and maintain the endeavor”.
Asia-Pacific
A Philippine Navy AW-109E naval helicopter was involved in a landing accident in the early hours of September 26. There are two versions of what happened to the helicopter. One version said the helicopter, #NH-435, tilted while just three feet above the ground while another version said the rotorcraft had rolled over and destroyed after being swept by strong gusts of wind.
The US government approved the sale of one Boeing EA-18G electronic attack jet to Australia. This new jet will replace A46-311 that was lost in an accident at Nellis Air Force Base on January 27, 2018. Australia will pay up to $125 million for the replacement aircraft, which will come from production Lot 38 or later.
Today’s Video
Watch: HMS Prince of Wales achieves operational status
