Americas
Lockheed Martin has delivered the combat systems software for the future FFG 62 Constellation-class lead warship. Lockheed has customized the Aegis Weapon System Baseline 10 (BL 10) variant software to the guided-missile frigate’s unique requirements, delivering it through the common source library (CSL).
The US State Department has cleared the Canadian government to purchase P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft for $5.9 billion. Ottawa reportedly sent a letter of request to the US government earlier this year for its planned acquisition of up to 16 Poseidon aircraft from Boeing. The warplanes are expected to replace the Royal Canadian Air Force’s current 14 Lockheed CP-140 Aurora patrol aircraft.
Middle East & Africa
The Israeli Ministry of Defense has received its first new Namer 1500 armored personnel carrier (APC). The Namer 1500 was developed as part of Israel’s Merkava and Armored Vehicle Directorate tank flagship project to replace the country’s aging M113 APC vehicles. The vehicle combines the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) existing “Nagmash,” a Namer APC variant launched in 2008, with the capabilities of the Merkava main battle tank.
Europe
The first of two Airbus C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft has arrived at Casement Aerodrome, marking a significant milestone in Ireland’s efforts to bolster its defense capabilities. The arrival of these new aircraft, awarded to Airbus Defence and Space through an open tender competition, signifies a major investment by the Irish Government, with a total cost of $251 million. This contract, the largest equipment acquisition project ever undertaken by the Defense Forces, will replace the existing CASA CN235-100 Maritime Patrol Aircraft purchased in 1994.
The United Kingdom’s Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) is to be re-organized as the Joint Aviation Command (JAC) to better exploit the potential of unmanned aircraft systems (UASs), according to the head of the British Army. General Sir Patrick Sanders, Chief of the General Staff, announced the move at the Royal United Services Institute Land Warfare Conference in London on June 26.
Asia-Pacific
Australia, in collaboration with the United States, is currently engaged in discussions regarding the potential donation of 41 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F/A-18 Hornets to Ukraine, diverting them from their originally planned fate of being scrapped. The move comes in response to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky’s request for fighter jets to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities. Recent reports from the Australia Financial Review shed light on the ongoing negotiations surrounding this significant military endeavor. The retired F/A-18 Hornets, currently stored at the Williamtown RAAF base near Newcastle, face the options of either being scrapped or sold to RAVN Aerospace, a US private sector aviation company, for training purposes, if the negotiations with Ukraine do not succeed. However, RAVN has recently identified 14 of the F/A-18 jets that are in the best condition and could potentially be sold to the Ukrainians as part of a “revitalization and training” program.
Today’s Video
WATCH: UP: Israeli MoD reveals new Namer 1500 APC A Revolution in Tracked Armored Personnel Carrier Vehicles
