Americas
HII, a big shipbuilding company, has sold more than 700 underwater robots called REMUS. These robots work without people inside them and can go deep into the ocean. Many countries have bought these robots. Over 30 countries use them, and 14 of these countries are part of NATO, a group of countries that work together. What’s really impressive is that most of these robots still work well, even after many years. More than 90 out of 100 robots sold in the last 23 years are still doing their job. These underwater robots help navies in many ways. They can gather information, watch what’s happening underwater, find and remove sea mines, help fight against enemy submarines, and do electronic spying. The REMUS robots have special tools like advanced sonar and sensors. These help them “see” things underwater, even when it’s hard to do so.
Lockheed Martin has successfully integrated its AN/TPQ-53 multi-mission radar (MMR) with the US Joint Task Force-Southern Border’s command and control systems. This integration supports US Northern Command’s (USNORTHCOM) operational requirements by enhancing situational awareness and response capabilities against various aerial and ground-based threats. The AN/TPQ-53, also known as the Q-53, is a field-proven, solid-state phased array radar system that offers flexible operational modes, including 360-degree and 90-degree coverage. It can be rapidly deployed, taking less than five minutes to set up, which adds a highly mobile and responsive sensor layer to the Joint Task Force’s defense network. The radar features advanced active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology, enhancing precision and coverage. It is capable of conducting air surveillance alongside counterfire operations, including detection and tracking of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The system’s software-defined architecture enables rapid upgrades and integration of new capabilities, while its open-architecture design ensures compatibility with various sensors and mission systems. The radar’s deployment along the southern border is part of a larger mission involving approximately 10,000 service members. The Joint Task Force-Southern Border coordinates operations along the 2,000-mile border from San Diego, California, to McAllen, Texas, with its headquarters at Fort Huachuca, Arizona.
Middle East & Africa
The LVSS is an advanced mobile surveillance platform that can be integrated into a standard commercial pickup truck. It features a 16-foot mast that can be deployed in less than 30 seconds by a single operator. The system is equipped with Teledyne FLIR’s TacFLIR 380HD long-range thermal camera and Ranger R20SS radar, capable of tracking up to 500 targets at distances greater than 10 miles (16 km). The LVSS offers rapid deployment and high mobility, making it suitable for tactical environments. It utilizes advanced thermal imaging and radar technology to detect both air and ground-based threats. This capability is particularly valuable for tasks such as border security, critical infrastructure protection, and coastal surveillance. The systems are expected to be delivered by the end of 2025. As part of the agreement, METCO, Teledyne FLIR Defense, and the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) are working on an approved localization plan for this project. This contract represents a significant enhancement to Saudi Arabia’s defense capabilities, providing advanced surveillance technology for various military applications.
Europe
The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded Babcock a £1.6 billion ($2.06 billion) contract extension to maintain British Army equipment over the next five years. This includes Challenger 2 tanks, 105mm artillery guns, and Trojan armored vehicles, ensuring they remain combat-ready. The contract covers preventative maintenance, emergency repairs, and spare parts management. It also involves digital transformation to improve fleet management efficiency, keeping more vehicles ready for use. This investment supports national security and boosts the UK economy by maintaining highly skilled jobs and creating apprenticeship opportunities.
Asia-Pacific
Defense officials from South Korea and Indonesia have recently convened in Jakarta in a bid to breathe new life into the troubled KF-21 joint fighter jet development program. The high-level meeting, the first of its kind since a sensitive technology leak incident involving Indonesian engineers came to light, saw Seoul’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) head, Seok Jong-gun, engage with Indonesian Vice Defense Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto to discuss avenues for bolstering defense cooperation, with the KF-21 initiative taking center stage.