Americas
Rockwell Collins won a $16.3 million contract modification, which adds scope to provide for the adoption and application of updated security classification requirements, as well as to provide a preliminary design analysis and solution trade studies for an updated Very Low Frequency receiver solution in support of the developmental design and obsolescence mitigation engineering efforts for the airborne VLF system modernization in order to meet program capability requirements. The modernization effort is required to provide a compatible and producible VLF system to be integrated into a C-130 aircraft. Work will take place in Texas and Iowa. Estimated completion date will be February 2024.
Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission System won an $11.6 million order, which provides non-recurring engineering for implementation of retrofit upgrades into Block 1 MH-60S aircraft to add additional capabilities to reach parity with Block 3 aircraft. These efforts include the design and develop of retrofit kits, preparation and delivery of associated technical directives, and validation/verification (Val/Ver) of the installations and instructions. Additionally, this order procures two Val/Ver kits, installation of the first kit, and support for Navy-led Val/Ver efforts. Work will take place in New York. Expected completion will be by July 2024.
Middle East & Africa
The Israeli Air Force is leading the international Lightning Shield exercise, which began yesterday in Southern Israel, together with the Italian Air Force. IAF’s F-35I “Adir” aircrafts are leading the exercise, alongside four Italian F-35 planes. “This exercise is a major milestone in the continuous collaboration between our militaries, while strengthening the unique bond between our nations,” the IDF tweeted. “This exercise will contribute towards the operational competence of the “Adir” array and will assist in expanding its capabilities.”
Europe
Korea Aerospace Industries is expected to clinch a contract from Poland to supply 48 of its FA-50 light fighter. The deal is expected to be worth $2.9 billion. The Block 15 variant with air refueling probe is expected to be ordered by Poland. Of note, a RoKAF C-130 supporting the Black Eagles aerobatic team flew in from the UK to Poland on July 25. The team is expected to make a stopover in Poland after finishing their airshow tour in Britain.
The Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) has signed a three-year framework agreement with Saab for military training and simulation systems. As part of the agreement, the FMV has placed a preliminary order for simulation equipment from Saab worth $32.6 million, the company announced on July 14.
Asia-Pacific
The Biden administration has cleared the sale of 150 AIM-120C-7/C-8 air-to-air missiles to Japan. The sale is worth up to $293 million and the Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress on July 25 on the potential Foreign Military Sale.
Today’s Video
WATCH: T-50 / FA-50 Golden Eagle | A good trainer and combat jet
