Americas
Boeing won a $12 million task order, which procures one wide band satellite communications Radome A-kit, to include installation; one platform integration kit, to include lower lobe structural and electrical (auxiliary bus 1 components) components; and one mission crew workstation floor structural modification in support of P-8 wideband satellite communications upgrades for the Navy. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Florida; and Tukwila, Washington, and is expected to be completed in March 2026.
Huntington Ingall’s won a modification to exercise the fiscal 2023 option for construction of a DDG-51 class ship. This modification also includes options for engineering change proposals, design budgeting requirements, and post-delivery availabilities for the fiscal 2023 option. This contract includes options for construction of additional DDG-51 class ships, which may be subject to future competition in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract.
Middle East and Africa
Brazilian and Saudi defense companies have signed a memorandum of understanding that could lead to joint ventures and technology-sharing agreements. The Saudi businesses involved in the potential effort are Scopa Defense and Alqahtani Holding, and the Brazilian firms are weapon manufacturer Taurus, rocket and missile maker Avibras, aircraft battery producer Ocellott, and aviation specialist Avionics Services, according to the Brazilian industry association FIESP.
Europe
Ukrainian drone developers have transferred one of their recently-developed systems to the Ukrainian Armed Forces for combat trials. The SpyGun’s primary role is reconnaissance. However, it could also be used for fire correction, the country’s Ministry of Defense stated. Local engineers and designers have developed the drone on the initiative of entrepreneur and volunteer Yurii Holyk and serviceman Serhii Stakhovskyi.
Asia-Pacific
Dassault Aviation has announced the activation of the second tranche of a contract signed with Indonesia in February 2022. This contract entails the acquisition of 42 Rafale aircraft, with the latest tranche comprising 18 Rafale jets. This follows the earlier activation of the first tranche in September 2022, which consisted of 6 Rafale aircraft. With this, the total number of Rafale aircraft on order by Indonesia reaches 24.
Indonesia’s latest military aviation milestone has been marked with the arrival of the third C-130J-30 Super Hercules cargo aircraft, as reported by Antara news. Touching down at the Perdanakusuma Air Base on Aug. 9, this significant development underscores the nation’s ongoing efforts to enhance its aerial transport capabilities. The delivery flight of this aircraft, which originated from Lockheed Martin’s factory in Georgia, embarked on a remarkable journey to its new home in Indonesia. Piloted by Indonesia Air Force’s major Aleg Chandra and captain Jatmiko Adi, alongside loadmaster captain Rico Aradea Putra, the aircraft crossed vast distances during its 33-hour-long flight. Joining them were two pilots from Lockheed Martin, Andrew White and Richard Anthony, accompanied by loadmasters Kevin Meadows and William Jeffrey. Upon its triumphant arrival at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, the aircraft was welcomed with a ceremonial water salute, demonstrating the nation’s respect and honor for its new addition to the fleet.
Today’s Video
WATCH: Dassault Rafale – The Sunset Surfers
