Americas
Lockheed Martin won a $15.3 million delivery order that procures four retrofit advanced radar processor systems to include required non-recurring engineering and 16 high-density servers for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is the latest variant of the E-2 Airborne early warning aircraft, replacing the E-2C Hawkeye. The next-generation E-2D Advanced Hawkeye has a new radar system, theater missile defense capabilities, multi-sensor integration and a Northrop Grumman Navigation Systems tactical glass cockpit. Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors developed the AN/APY-9 solid-state, electronically steered UHF radar under the E-2C radar modernization program. Work will take place in Liverpool, New York and Andover, Maine and is expected to be finished in May 2023.
BAE Systems Jacksonville Ship Repair won a $24.6 million contract for the accomplishment of post-shakedown-availability (PSA) for one Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), with options for the accomplishment of PSAs for up to seven additional Freedom-variant LCSs. A post-shakedown availability takes place in a period of about 16 weeks between the transfer of a ship to the Navy and the shipbuilding conversion date. Freedom Class littoral combat ships, which are built by Lockheed Martin, carry a variety of light weapon systems as well as short-range missiles and anti-submarine torpedoes. BAE’s post-shakedown availability will include correction of trial card deficiencies, new work identified between custody transfer and the time of the availability and incorporation incorporation of approved engineering changes not addressed under the building yard’s construction contract. Work will be performed in Mayport, Florida, with an expected completion date of March 2021.
Middle East & Africa
A Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense statement saying that it had refused to receive two Airbus Helicopters H225M Caracal medium-lift rotorcraft on account of technical malfunctions has been denied by the manufacturer. On February 12, the Kuwaiti MoD said that, in response to enquiries made on the issue by national lawmakers, it was forming a “specialized technical committee” to examine the reason why a pair of H225M helicopters could not be accepted from Airbus and “to address the root causes to prevent a repeat. The move was made out of complete concern for the safety of air force pilots and employees.” Kuwait signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters to procure the 30 H225Ms for a reported $1.14 billion at the time, following a type selection that was made in mid-2015, and includes support and services. Of these, 24 will go to the Kuwaiti Air Force and six to the Kuwait National Guard to be used for combat search-and-rescue, naval operations, medical evacuation, and military transportation.
Europe
Cyprus has signed a contract with France for the purchase of military equipment worth $260 million, the country’s Defense Ministry announced, confirming recent reports in French media. The ministry noted that due to the sensitive nature of the matter, which falls under national security, it does not intend to disclose any further information for the time being. According to reports however, Cyprus has signed contracts with the French company MBDA for the purchase of Mistral and Exocet missiles. The Exocet is a French-built anti-ship missile whose various versions can be launched from surface vessels, submarines, helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Exocet are listed as anti-ship missiles and Mistral are surface-to-air missiles. MBDA reportedly works with over 90 armed forces worldwide.
Asia-Pacific
BAE Systems Land & Armaments won a $23.9 million deal for Mk 41 Vertical Launching System canister production, canister renewal, ancillary hardware, spares and associated support equipment.The deal provides for the manufacture and delivery of new Mk 41 Vertical Launching System canisters (Mk 13 Mod 0, Mk 14 Mod 2, Mk 15 Mod 1; Mk 21–Mod 2, Mod 3 and Mod 4; Mk 25–Mod 0 and Mod 1; and Mk 29 Mod 0); ancillary hardware; spares and associated support equipment. Additionally, it provides for the upgrade, renew, refurbish and/or repair of the canisters listed above, as well as Mk 14 Mod 1 and Mk 15 Mod 0. The Mk 41 Vertical Launching System missile canisters are used to store, transport, and launch different kinds of guided missiles from ships. The contract combines purchases for the government of Japan, the government of Denmark, the government of Korea and the Navy under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will take place in South Dakota and Minnesota and is scheduled to be finished by May 2021.
Taiwan media reports that the the Ministry of Defense has revealed a preliminary finding on February 15 into the fatal crash of a UH-60M helicopter on January 2. According to the information given, the pilot was navigating on VFR route C-10 in the direction from Sindian to Yilan. The information published on the AIP for Taipei FIR shows that the route to be taken from Sindian to Yilan is along Highway No.9. This will take the aircraft over the outskirts of Yilan city before the highway turns south for the city center. However, based on the data provided in the report. It shows the pilot did not follow the exact route of Highway No.9 to exit the mountain regions but he had turned south much earlier to track towards Jiaoxi Township.
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Watch: Indian Defence Updates : UK Offers 400Km Meteor BVRAAM,Spectra EW Production,75000 AK-203 Per Year
