Americas
Leidos has received a $331-million contract to optimize the US Army’s Global Unified Network (AGUN). AGUN is the service’s standard network capability used to relay classified and unclassified data, voice, video, and other information assets across bases and deployed forces. Under the contract, Leidos will deploy the AGUN to individual sites to maintain a standardized network infrastructure that is “accessible, trusted and interoperable” internationally.
The US military carried out a significant airfield seizure exercise on the island of Palau as part of the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 25-01. The exercise, which took place from October 10–11, involved the airfield seizure of Roman Tmetuchl International Airport in Palau. Phase I saw the 75th Rangers Regiment securing the airfield, a crucial first step in establishing a strategic foothold. Phase II brought the deployment of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) operated by the 17th Field Artillery Brigade.
Middle East & Africa
Turkiye’s leading naval engineering company STM unveiled a new unmanned autonomous underwater vehicle, STM NETA, at the SAHA EXPO 2024 defense industry exhibition in Istanbul. This system, designed using entirely local and national resources, marks a significant milestone in Turkey’s development of naval technologies. The initial version of the UUV, named the STM NETA 300, is intended for mine detection missions and has broad applications in both military and civilian operations.
Europe
RAM-System won a €244.5 million $137.1 million modification to procure additional Rolling Airframe Missile Block 2B Guided Missile Round Pack and special tooling/test equipment. This contract is a 100% purchase for the German Navy under a cooperative Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Work is expected to be completed by November 2031. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC, is the contracting activity.
Asia-Pacific
GE Aerospace’s LM2500 gas turbine engine has been selected to power the Indian Navy’s upcoming Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV). A total of six LM2500 engine kits will be delivered by GE Aerospace for assembly and testing by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Industrial and Marine Gas Turbine Division in Bangalore, India.