Americas
Northrop Grumman was awarded a $16 million deal by the Naval Air Systems Command for non-recurring engineering in support of the redesign of the MQ-4C Triton aircraft Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Airborne Recorder (BAR), the BAR ground station, and the test aircraft radar BAR due to diminishing manufacturing sources for the Navy. Work will be performed in San Diego, California (53%); San Francisco, California (40%); Patuxent River, Maryland (5%); and Chantilly, Virginia (2%), and is expected to be completed in April 2027.
The US Air Force has completed its Functional Configuration Audit (FCA) of the latest Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). The FCA follows the AMRAAM AIM-120D-2’s live test in July last year, bringing the missile closer to fielding by the US Air Force and US Navy. The AIM-120D-3 features redesigned hardware and software, including 15 upgraded circuit cards under the Form, Fit, Function (3F) Refresh program.
Middle East & Africa
CAE USA won a $27.3 million deal for operational flight trainers, instructor pilot, and contractor logistics support services. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Saudi Arabia with an estimated completion date of September 30, 2026. Fiscal 2022 Foreign Military Sales (Saudi Arabia) funds in the amount of $27,300,000 were obligated at the time of the award.
Europe
A UK-led international fund is seeking to procure long-range missiles for Ukraine. The International Fund for Ukraine (IFU) Urgent Bidding Round (UBR) 2 calls for military equipment for the country, including missiles with a range of 100-300 kilometers (62-186 miles). The fund is seeking projectiles that can be launched from land, sea, or air platforms carrying a payload of 20-490 kilograms (44-1,080 pounds).
Asia-Pacific
General Atomics won a $217.6 million contract action for Taiwan MQ-9B SkyGuardian procurement. This contract provides for four MQ-9B unmanned air vehicles, two Certifiable Ground Control Stations, spares and support equipment. Work will be performed in Poway, and is expected to be completed May 5, 2025. The MQ-9B SkyGuardian is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI). It is the latest iteration of the Predator drone series and is designed for long-endurance, high-altitude surveillance and reconnaissance missions. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales to Taiwan and is the result of a sole-source acquisition.
South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) plans to increase its manufacturing capacity for the FA-50 Fighting Eagle by building two additional production lines in 2024. According to local media, the move seeks to meet the apparent high demand for light combat aircraft. Multiple new customers are reportedly considering the Fighting Eagles due to their competitive price and fast delivery timelines. KAI’s production facility is currently assembling FA-50s for Poland and Thailand, and the sixth KF-21 Boramae prototype.
Today’s Video
WATCH: Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton In Detail | MQ-4C Triton Drone | in English
