Americas
The United States and the Philippines vowed Friday to “invigorate” defense cooperation to address shared security concerns including disputes over the South China Sea. Manila hosted a high-level security dialogue with its top defense ally as part of efforts by President Ferdinand Marcos to restore a seven-decade partnership that was unsettled by his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte. The allies agreed “to invigorate defense and security cooperation and ensure the alliance adapts effectively to face new and emerging challenges,” a joint statement said.
The US Army has contracted Oshkosh Defense to deliver over 400 medium tactical vehicles for $141 million. The US Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command Life Cycle Management Command order is for 414 A2 (FMTV A2) Medium Tactical Vehicles and 56 FMTV trailers. The vehicles are expected to be delivered through November 2024.
Middle East & Africa
Kay and Associates won a $115.9 million modification, which exercises an option to provide maintenance, operation, and management support services for the F/A-18 organizational level, intermediate level, and missile maintenance repair and storage facilities for the government of Kuwait. Work will take place in Kuwait and is expected to be finished in January next year.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has unveiled the Point Blank electro-optically guided missile, a precision missile that it is rapidly developing for the Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD) of the US Department of Defense (DoD). The missile is hand-launched, operated by a single soldier, and can take off and land vertically back to the soldier’s hand. The missile can fly at altitudes of about 1,500 feet at a maximum speed of 178 mph. It can also hover or loiter in the air while using electro-optical systems to validate and collect surveillance information in real time and confirm the target’s nature and exact position prior to attack.
Europe
France has awarded Thales and Paris-based Sabena technics a contract to modernize the French Air and Space Force’s CN-235 military transport fleet. Under the agreement, Thales will provide its latest-generation avionics system based on the TopDeck suite used by the ATR 72-600 commercial passenger aircraft. The capability features a radio altimeter that secures a plane from 5G interference.
Asia-Pacific
Australian defense firm NIOA announced Tuesday that it has acquired American weapons supplier Barrett Firearms. The Brisbane-based company is taking over all operations of the American firm in the 100-percent acquisition. NIOA stated that the two family-owned companies came together “out of a shared commitment to quality, innovation, loyalty, and mission.”
Today’s Video
WATCH: U.S Army has signed a deal to buy next generation Medium Tactical Vehicles from the Oshkosh Defense
