Americas
Lockheed Martin has announced the first-ever launch of a Patriot PAC-3 missile segment enhancement (MSE) interceptor using the Virtualized Aegis Weapon System. Conducted in collaboration with various US Department of Defense components, the test saw the advanced missile engage and neutralize a cruise missile target mid-flight. It utilized a ground-based MK-70 containerized launch platform from the US Navy to propel the weapon toward the target.
Canada’s request to purchase Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) tail kits in a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement worth $96.4 million has been approved by the US State Department. Meanwhile, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency has delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on 21 May 2024. Under this new request the Canadian Air Force will be kitted with 690 KMU-572 JDAM kits, 75 KMU-556s and 25 KMU-557s.
Middle East & Africa
The US Army recently demonstrated the effectiveness of its “Dronebuster” portable counter-drone system in the Middle East. American soldiers showcased the weapon’s ability to defeat a representative hostile drone during the Eager Lion 2024 military exercise in Jordan. They also showed more than 30 participating nations the proper form for employing the Dronebuster to achieve a more accurate strike.
Europe
Poland’s Ministry of National Defense announced it has inked a deal to buy four aerostat-based early warning radar systems from the United States under a deal worth almost $1 billion. “Poland will be the second country in the world to use such a system,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said at a press conference today, as quoted in a statement released by his ministry. “These aerostats will be financed by a loan provided by the United States.”
Asia-Pacific
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has formally accepted its final two T-129 ATAK helicopters, marking the completion of a procurement program aimed at bolstering the nation’s air combat capabilities. On May 17, the PAF held a formal ceremony at Major Danilo Atienza Air Base in Cavite to commemorate the arrival of the helicopters, tail numbers 1505 and 1506. The event included a traditional water cannon salute and a blessing for the new aircraft. The T-129 ATAK is a twin-engine attack helicopter renowned for its performance in diverse environments, including hot, high-altitude, and maritime conditions. These helicopters are expected to significantly enhance the PAF’s ability to conduct operations in urban settings.
