Americas
Northrop Grumman won a $3.2 billion order from the US Navy for 24 more E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. The E-2D is the latest variant of the E-2, the Hawkeye carrier-based AEW&C aircraft. It is an all-weather airborne early warning aircraft that provides real-time tactical intelligence in maritime combat zones. The Advanced Hawkeye is assigned aboard aircraft carriers and provides airborne early warning and command and control to carrier air wing. The E-2D can act as a sensor to guide the fleet’s weapons onto targets that other aircraft and ships can not locate. Also it warns of incoming anti-ship missile attacks. The aircraft was approved for full-rate production in 2013. In 2014 the US Navy ordered 25 E-2D aircraft. Work under the modification will take place within the US and France and is scheduled to be completed in August 2026.
The Pentagon awarded the first contracts to build a wall on the border to Mexico. The US Army Corps of Engineers awarded SLCSCO $789 million for wall construction in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. Army funds in the amount of $388.9 million were obligated at the time of the award. Barnard Construction won $187 million for primary pedestrian wall replacement in Yuma, Arizona. Army funds in the amount of $93.5 million were obligated at the time of the award. Work for both contracts is scheduled to be completed in fall next year. The contracts mark the first funds the Pentagon has doled out after Trump declared a national emergency in February to reallocate billions of dollars in federal money to construct additional barriers on the US-Mexico border. Pentagon spokesman Lt. Col. Jamie Davis said, the deal will provide the El Paso sector with 46 miles of “30-foot bollard fencing and a five-foot anti-climb plate.” He added that 11 miles of “18-foot bollard fencing and a five-foot anti-climb plate” will be built at the Yuma sector.
Middle East & Africa
Rockwell Collins won a $30.9 million Foreign Military Sales contract to produce a Transportable Blackhawk Operations Simulator training device for the Saudi Arabian National Guard. The Transportable Blackhawk Operations Simulator is a flight simulator that provides high-fidelity flight training device capability for UH-60L and UH-60M helicopters. The simulator’s cockpit has the identical form, fit and function as the cockpit in the actual aircraft. It flies with the actual aircraft avionics software and flight dynamics data. Back in July 2018, it was reported, that Saudi Arabia was seeking to expand its Blackhawk fleet following the announcement of a $193.8 million firm-fixed-price Foreign Military Sales contract for 17 UH-60Ms in January 2018. Rockwell Collins will perform work in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Israeli defense company Elbit Systems won a $30 million two-year contract to deliver the precise Guided Mortar Munition STYLET to an Asian-Pacific country. The SYTLET is a multi-mode GPS/INS-guided 120mm Guided Mortar Munition designed for tactical combat units and Special Forces. It has a range of 1000-8500m. Elbit Systems introduced the new round into its portfolio in order to meet demands for high-precision guided munitions that are also economically efficient.
Europe
The Romanian Piranha 5 completed a static and dynamics test, according to a General Dynamics European Land Systems press release. The successful live firing test, which took place on March 28, is an important step in the Piranha 5 Program. The company stated that a fully equipped PIRANHA 5 performed a series of static and dynamic shooting tests with a 30 mm system in order to demonstrate its capability. The Mowag Piranha 5 fighting vehicle is armed with the Elbit UT30MK2. The ELBIT unmanned turret exceeded customer requirements and this milestone qualifies the system for Romanian requirements. Earlier this month it was reported that the Piranha 5 Program was facing delays due to General Dynamics not delivering the first batch of 30 vehicles on time.
Asia-Pacific
The Australian Army ordered more Carl-Gustaf ammunition from Saab for $18.1 million. The Carl-Gustaf system is a multi-role, man-portable artillery system that allows the infantryman to defeat armored vehicles with add-on armor protection, destroy landing craft and bunkers, blast breach holes through brick and concrete walls, knock out concealed troops, and deploy a smoke screen. The Australian Army has ordered the newest version of the system – Carl-Gustaf M4. The CGM4 features a lightweight, flexible design incorporating titanium-made components and improved carbon fiber wrapping. The recoilless rifle offers enhanced agility and tactical flexibility, allowing military forces to engage multiple tactical targets. Already in September 2018, the Army ordered the Carl-Gustaf M4 from Saab. Deliveries are expected to take place next year.
Today’s Video
Watch: US Warship Sails Massive Loaded with F-35s Spotted near Disputed reef in South China Sea
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNjR8ymizRI
