Americas
Working together with the US Marine Corps, the 163rd Attack Wing has proven that the MQ-9 can be refueled on the ground while connected to an MV-22. The ground-breaking test was carried out in partnership with VMM-764 during Integrated Training Exercise 4-22 at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twenty-nine Palms last month. The refueling exercise was to help the Marines acquire tactics, techniques, and procedures to operate the MQ-9 in the future. The USMC has placed orders for the MQ-9.
The US Navy contracted Schuyler Line Navigation with a $10.5 million deal with reimbursable elements to support Military Sealift Command’s Sealift Program for operation and crewing for the transportation and/or prepositioning of cargo by the shallow draft tanker MT SLNC Pax. This option is the third of the current contract. The current contract includes a one-year firm period of the performance; one one-year option period; and one 11-month option period. Work will take place in the Western Pacific Ocean. Estimated completion date is June 30.
Middle East & Africa
The US State Department has approved the sale of 300 Patriot missiles to Saudi Arabia in a deal worth $3.05 billion. In a statement released by the Pentagon, the US said Riyadh requested Patriot MIM-104E Guidance Enhanced Missile-Tactical Ballistic missiles (GEM-T). The sale will include other tools and test equipment.
The State Department approved a potential sale worth $2.25 billion to the UAE for 96 Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile rounds.The Pentagon said that the UAE requested to buy THAAD missile rounds, two THAAD Launch Control Stations (LCS), and two THAAD Tactical Operations Stations (TOS). Also included are repair and return, system integration and checkout, and spare and repair parts.
Europe
The State Department has approved a $300 million Foreign Military Sale of launcher technology and support services for an anti-tank missile system, manufactured by a partnership between Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, to the British government. The UK asked to procure 513 Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units for use in that country’s homeland defense and regional deterrence efforts, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said Monday. The Javelin Joint Venture equipped its system with the LWCLU to help a gunner to recognize targets and send signals to the missile.
Asia-Pacific
According to Jane’s, the Philippines has scrapped a multimillion-dollar deal with Russia to acquire Mil Mi-17 heavy-lift helicopters. A source in the Philippine Air Force (PAF) confirmed the cancellation and added that the Technical Working Group of the project is now considering other platforms with similar capabilities for acquisition.
Today’s Video
WATCH: Mi-171 Medium Helicopter with 37 Troops Capacity | Philippine Air Force
