Americas
Lockheed Martin won a $29.7 million modification, which adds scope to procure training systems and simulation design, development, integration, test, production, deployment, modifications, upgrades and sustainment services to improve and sustain F-35 training devices in support of distributed mission training for the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corp, and non-US Department of Defense (DOD) participants. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida; and Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in July 2026. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
The US Air Force and Navy have tested a QUICKSINK live-fire anti-ship attack with a B-2 Spirit heavy strategic bomber aircraft in the Gulf of Mexico. The event saw techniques for neutralizing surface vessels using precision-guided bombs modified specifically to counter maritime systems at low cost. According to the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), QUICKSINK leverages a guidance kit equipped with a new Weapon Open Systems Architecture seeker solution.
Middle East & Africa
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have added long-range missiles and drones to the force’s navy, official media said Friday, amid heightened regional tensions following Hamas leader’s killing in Tehran blamed on Israel. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the ideological arm of Iran’s military which has links to Tehran-aligned armed groups across the Middle East, played a key part in the Islamic Republic’s first direct attack on Israel in April.
Europe
The US Navy’s Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and the Italian Navy’s Cavour Carrier Strike Group have successfully concluded the first-ever bilateral Multi-Large Deck Event (MLDE) in the Indo-Pacific region on August 9. This groundbreaking exercise brought together over 7,500 personnel from both navies, showcasing advanced maritime integration and combat readiness. The MLDE focused on enhancing interoperability through joint operations, including maritime communication, air warfare, and cross-deck flight operations. Rear Adm. Adan Cruz, commander of Carrier Strike Group 3, emphasized the critical nature of these exercises in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Asia-Pacific
Thailand could become the first foreign operator of China’s QBZ-195T assault rifles after recently signifying its intent to procure the weapons. According to local media reports, Beijing is offering an assault weapon with key modifications to meet the operational needs of the Royal Thai Army. It will be chambered in the widely-used 5.56×45-millimeter NATO caliber, aligning it with available ammunition in Thailand.
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