Americas
Lockheed Martin won an $11 million modification for continued flight testing in support of the F-16 Singapore upgrade program. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed by January 29, 2027. FMS funds in the amount of $11,162,208 will be obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.
Textron Aviation has secured a contract to deliver seven Beechcraft King Air 260 multi-engine aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. The planes will replace the military’s Beechcraft King Air C-90B fleet that has been operating for flight practice since 2005. The new systems will be provided with a night vision-compatible cockpit, engineer monitoring, digital audio system, specialized wing angle, full-face oxygen masks, and observer, emergency, and passenger seats.
Middle East & Africa
Israeli sighting specialist Smartshooter has unveiled a portable counter-drone system with an assault rifle as the effector. The rifle is controlled through the Smash Dome’s Smash Hopper remote-controlled weapon station. For greater target engagement accuracy, the station uses a ballistically calculated fire control system.
Europe
The Polish government has signed an agreement with the US to procure over 200 AGM-88G AARGM-ER anti-radiation missiles. Warsaw received the purchase approval from the US in April last year. The $745-million purchase will enhance the Polish Air Force’s capability to target enemy radars and air and missile defense systems from a range of over 200 kilometers. Delivery will take place from 2029 to 2035.
Asia-Pacific
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) is deploying its advanced F-35A stealth fighter jets for a joint training exercise with the United States and Australia near Guam this February. This marks the first time the JASDF has dispatched the F-35A to the Cope North exercise, and is being called the “first gathering of F-35s from all three countries”. Gen. Hiroaki Uchikura, JASDF chief of staff, emphasized the significance of the exercise, stating that it “symbolizes the steady progress in defense cooperation and exchanges among the three nations”. The Cope North exercise is designed to enhance and strengthen both Japan-US bilateral response capabilities and trilateral interoperability. The exercise also aims to contribute to a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”.
Today’s Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChACnH71RyA