Americas
Progeny Systems won an $11.9 million modification to exercise options to provide engineering and technical support including modernizing Virginia Class Block I/II submarines to include the common weapon launcher. Work will be performed in Manassas, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by July 2026. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC, is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall have introduced the product of their year-long collaboration: the Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System (GMARS). Unveiled at Eurosatory 2024 in Paris, the highly-mobile missile artillery system leverages Rheinmetall’s renowned HX 8×8 truck and Lockheed’s two-pod multiple rocket launcher. It can fire a variety of combat-proven weapons, such as the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) family of munitions, the long-range Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), and the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS).
Middle East & Africa
Missiles launched by Hezbollah hit an Israeli defense factory last week, according to the Lebanon-based militant group. The Plasan firm makes vehicle-protection products and components, and it also operates factories in France and the United States. The company reports that a large majority of its wares are exported to the US military.
Middle East & Africa
The Kingdom of Belgium has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters to procure a fleet of H145M multi-role helicopters. Facilitated by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), the deal includes 15 helicopters for the Belgian army and two firm orders with three options for the Federal Police. “We are proud that Belgium is joining the growing community of H145M users,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. The press release emphasizes the H145M’s versatility for missions ranging from tactical airlift and special operations to medical evacuation and external cargo transport. Its modular design allows for rapid reconfiguration between roles, enhancing operational flexibility.
Asia-Pacific
A Philippine ship and a Chinese vessel collided near the Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea on Monday, Beijing’s Coast Guard said. “The Philippine replenishment ship ignored many solemn warnings from the Chinese side,” Beijing’s coast guard said in a statement. It “approached the… Chinese vessel in an unprofessional way, resulting in a collision,” the statement said