Americas
Lockheed Martin won a $22.1 million modification by the US Navy, which adds scope to provide diminishing manufacturing sources (DMS) management to include the ongoing review and identification of actual and potential DMS issues and DMS of components, parts, materials, assemblies, subassemblies, and software items; as well as recommend solutions to mitigate the issues in support of the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Foreign Military Sales customers and non-US Department of Defense (DOD) participants. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in May 2024.
Northrop Grumman won a $20 million order by the US Navy, which provides for non-recurring engineering, hardware qualification, systems integration, safety assessment, retrofit installation, and flight testing of the payload interface unit and vehicle management computer upgrades to include a cyber-intrusion protection system in support of the MQ-8C vertical takeoff and landing tactical unmanned air vehicle system. Work will be performed in San Diego, California; and Mojave, California, and is expected to be completed in May 2026.
Middle East
According to media sources, Morocco is considering the purchase of fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets to enhance its capabilities vis-à-vis its neighbor Algeria. The two countries are engaged in an ongoing dispute concerning the sovereignty of the Western Sahara territory, which Morocco claims as its own. While Algeria upgraded its Air Force with fourth-generation aircraft like the SU-30 and MiG-29, the Moroccan Air Force still operates third-generation planes such as the F-16, F-5, and Mirage F-1.
Europe
Poland’s Ministry of National Defense is going ahead with its planned purchase of two airborne early warning and control aircraft (AEW&C) from Swedish defense manufacturer Saab. The deal, worth $58 million, will see the company deliver its 340 AEW&C aircraft equipped with the cutting-edge Erieye radar to the Polish Air Force. The contract also covers the provision of associated ground equipment and in-country logistics and support services, according to Saab.
Poland has launched negotiations for the acquisition of S-70i Black Hawk helicopters for its armed forces. The number of aircraft to be bought is not disclosed. However, Lockheed Martin told media houses last month that the Polish military is looking to buy around 32 units.
Asia-Pacific
From Aug. 4th to 8th, Komatsu air base in Japan will witness a historic joint exercise, as the Italian Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force come together to improve tactical skills and foster mutual understanding. The Italian Air Force’s redeployment to Japan marks the beginning of a complex and meticulously planned logistical operation. The exercise will serve as a crucial test for their command and control network and expeditionary capabilities, demonstrating their ability to project, support, and operate assets in a distant theater.
Today’s Video
WATCH: Saab Offers GlobalEye AEW&C Aircraft to Replace NATO Boeing E-3A AWACS Aircraft
