Americas
A hypersonic missile data processing center is slated to be established at the Air National Guard base at Hector Field. This announcement was made by Senator John Hoeven, during the Grand Farm Autonomous Nation Conference at the Fargo Microsoft campus on August 29. The data center is a crucial component of the Sky Range hypersonic missile testing program, poised to transform the landscape of missile development and testing. The Sky Range system stands as a game-changer in the realm of hypersonic missile technology. Hypersonic missiles, capable of flying at speeds exceeding Mach 5, are known for their unmatched speed and maneuverability. Sky Range plays a pivotal role in advancing the next generation of these hypersonic missiles, with a specific focus on testing and data collection. A total of 20 RQ-4 Block 30 Global Hawks are being divested by the 319th Reconnaissance Wing and transferred to the Sky Range program.
An innovative artificial intelligence-powered airspace monitoring system is poised to make its mark in a bid to fortify the security of the United States’s capital, Washington, DC. This cutting-edge solution is set to not only enhance protection but also has the potential to be scaled across other crucial installations and systems within the Defense Department and the US government.
Middle East and Africa
The European Union is considering sanctions on Niger, reports Politico. Defense and foreign ministers are discussing the possibility of sanctions at an informal summit in Toledo, Spain, after military forces in Niger last month deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, who was democratically elected in 2021. News also broke Wednesday that military officers in Gabon seized power in a fresh African putsch.
Europe
General Atomics won a $25.4 million deal for United Kingdom MQ-9 contractor logistics support and ground control station to the Royal Air Force. This contract provides for the field service representative, repair and return, and technical support tasks. Work will be performed at an international location and is expected to be completed March 31, 2024.
Asia-Pacific
The US State Department has approved Japan’s request to buy 50 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles with Extended Range (JASSM-ER) and related gear. The estimated $104-million potential purchase announcement follows a reported Japanese Ministry of Defence disclosure that the long-range weapon is one of the two missiles that would be configured to arm military transport aircraft.
Aerobond has signed a contract with Kongsberg Defense Australia to produce Naval Strike Missile (NSM) launcher canisters. Kongsberg is producing the NSM for the Royal Australian Navy as part of a contract inked with the Australian government earlier this year. The anti-ship missile is the intended replacement of the Harpoon.
Today’s Video
WATCH: AGM-158 JASSM: A Large, Stealthy Long-Range Missile
