Americas
Lockheed Martin has achieved a significant milestone in tactical airlift with the delivery of the 2,700th C-130 Hercules aircraft. This landmark aircraft, a KC-130J Super Hercules tanker variant, joins the U.S. Marine Corps Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252) stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Notably, this delivery coincides with the C-130’s 70th anniversary of first flight this year, further highlighting the enduring legacy of this versatile military transport aircraft. The C-130 Hercules, first introduced in 1954, has become a ubiquitous workhorse in military aviation circles. Renowned for its unmatched versatility and rugged performance, the C-130 operates in over 70 countries, supporting a diverse array of missions ranging from troop transport and cargo delivery to aerial assault and medical evacuation.
The US Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is asking industry partners to provide a kinetic defeat solution for medium-sized hostile unmanned aerial systems (UAS). According to a solicitation published earlier this week, the expected counter-UAS solution should integrate with various naval platforms to support expeditious deployment. It should also be compatible with existing sensors and combat systems onboard US Navy vessels.
Middle East & Africa
The White House has convinced two key Democrats on Capitol Hill to lift their hold on a roughly $18 billion F-15 sale to Israel, even as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu adds to pressure on the Biden administration to release its own pause on a shipment of thousands of heavy bombs to the country. Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York and Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland – the top Democrats on the foreign affairs panels in both chambers – confirmed Monday that they’ve lifted their months-long blockade of 50 Boeing-made F-15 fighter jets; Raytheon-made Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles; and Boeing-made Joint Direct Attack Munitions kits, which convert so-called dumb bombs to precision-guided munitions.
Europe
The Romanian Ministry of National Defence has chosen the K9 Thunder 155 mm self-propelled howitzer for the nation’s armed forces. The country’s military is to receive a total of 54 howitzers with related gear, the ministry said in a statement. The decision to buy the weapon, which is manufactured by Hanwha Aerospace, was announced on June 19 following a meeting held by Romanian National Defence Minister Angel Tîlv?r and his South Korean counterpart, Won-sik Shin. The meeting was part of the Shin’s official visit to Romania.
Asia-Pacific
South Korea has taken a significant step in strengthening its maritime patrol capabilities with the arrival of three P-8A Poseidon aircraft from Boeing. These multi-mission maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft are expected to significantly enhance the South Korean Navy’s ability to detect and deter threats, particularly from North Korea. The South Korean Navy announced the arrival of the first three P-8A Poseidon aircraft at the Pohang Naval Air Command on June 19, 2024, with three more expected by the end of June. The Navy highlighted the P-8A’s advanced capabilities, emphasizing its positive impact on both anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and maritime surveillance operations.
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