Lockheed Tapped For F-35 Capability | Germany Prepares Weapon Package For Ukraine | Indian C295 Has Completed Its Maiden Flight
Americas
Lockheed Martin won a $34.7 million modification, which provides program management, software engineering, software engineering transformation, and cyber support to develop the Beyond Line of Sight F-35 Capability. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (50%); and San Diego, California (50%), and is expected to be completed in February 2026. Fiscal 2023 research, development, test and evaluation (Air Force) funds in the amount of $200,000 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
Huntington-Ingalls Industries won a $9.4 million to procure material in support of planning yard services for Littoral Combat Ships. Work will be performed in San Diego, California, and is expected to be completed by December 2025. Fiscal 2023 other procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $9,445,800 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Gulf Coast, Pascagoula, Mississippi, is the contracting activity.
Middle East & Africa
Israel’s David’s Sling air and missile defense system intercepted a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip on Wednesday afternoon. It was the system’s first operational intercept since its induction in 2017. The rocket was one of three fired at Tel Aviv as Islamic Jihad launched a barrage of projectiles toward Israel in response to an Israeli forces raid a day before, The Times of Israel wrote. The remaining two fell in open areas, including the sea.
Europe
Germany is preparing a new weapons package for Ukraine worth $2.9 billion, reportedly Berlin’s largest since Russia invaded last year, the defense ministry said Saturday. “We all hope for a rapid end to this terrible war by Russia against the Ukrainian people, but unfortunately this is not in sight,” Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said in a statement. “This is why Germany will supply all the help that it can, for as long as necessary,” he said.
In a recent announcement, Czech President Petr Pavel confirmed that the Czech Republic will hand over two SA-6 air defense systems and corresponding missiles to Ukraine. In addition, he suggested that donating Czech L-159 fighter planes to Ukraine would also be appropriate. Pavel highlighted the importance of providing Ukraine with the necessary equipment and ammunition to prepare for the decisive phase of the war. “Securing enough armored vehicles and ammunition is crucial for Ukraine,” he said, adding that “the decisive part of the battle will have to take place on the ground.”
Asia-Pacific
The Indian Air Force has completed the maiden flight of its first C295 tactical transport aircraft. The milestone was announced by aircraft manufacturer Airbus, adding that the C295 undertook a three-hour flight to assess its various onboard systems. The test was reportedly conducted in Spain late last week.
Today’s Video
WATCH: First C295 for India completes its maiden flight
