Americas
Lockheed Martin won a $79 million contract. This contract procures diminishing manufacturing sources parts required for the production and sustainment in of the F-35 aircraft for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers, and non-US Department of Defense (DOD) participants. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in December 2024. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
The 348th Reconnaissance Squadron at Grand Forks Air Force Base (AFB) has successfully extended the operational range of the unmanned RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft, achieving a record-breaking flight time of 34.8 hours. This accomplishment surpasses both the previous unit record of 34.4 hours and the manufacturer’s record of 30 hours and 24 minutes. This accomplishment wasn’t the result of a new aircraft or advanced technology. Instead, credit goes to innovative tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) developed by Maj. Ryan Blakeney and his team. Over six months, they meticulously analyzed data to understand how factors like weather patterns, wind currents, and even the paint on the aircraft affected fuel consumption.
Middle East & Africa
The US Air Force has for the first time deployed its Unmanned Long-Endurance Tactical Reconnaissance Aircraft (ULTRA) in the Middle East. Images were uploaded on social media showing the glider-like drone preparing for an early morning mission within the US Central Command area of responsibility. Though the exact location was not disclosed, sharp eyes online revealed that the photos were taken from the Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, based on the name of the hangar in the background.
Europe
Lithuania has received a new shipment of Javelin medium-range anti-tank weapon systems from the US for $16.6 million. The missiles will be integrated into the Lithuanian Land Force, bolstering its high-explosive capabilities in support of local defense operations, as well as future Baltic and NATO missions. Lithuanian Defence Minister Laurynas Kas?i?nas stated that the country’s capability update is thanks to the US’ commitment to promoting peace in the region.
Asia-Pacific
Responding to the growing threat of hypersonic weapons in the region, Japan and the United States have signed an agreement to jointly develop a new missile interceptor system. Hypersonic missiles, capable of speeds exceeding Mach 5 and unpredictable flight paths, pose a significant challenge to traditional missile defense systems. Developed by China, Russia, and North Korea, these weapons necessitate new countermeasures.
