Americas
RTX subsidiary Pratt & Whitney has been awarded a $1.3 billion contract to continue maturing the F135 Engine Core Upgrade. The contract includes ”design, analysis, rig testing, engine test preparation, developmental hardware, test asset assembly, air system integration, airworthiness evaluation, and product support planning,” a Department of Defense contract notice stated. Work is expected to be completed in March 2028.
The US Navy has contracted Raytheon to develop an upgraded Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) system. The NGJ-MB Expansion (NGJ-MBX) will provide a greater frequency range to counter additional threats. The $192-million development contract involves upgrades in both software and hardware components and is an engineering change to the existing pod. Work is expected to take place through 2027.
Middle East & Africa
The US State Department has approved the possible sale of 720 Stinger missiles to Egypt for an estimated cost of $740 million. This potential deal includes 720 anti-aircraft Stinger FIM-92 missiles, spare parts, testing equipment, contractor engineering, as well as logistical and program support. The Stinger FIM-92, designed by Raytheon for the US military, is a surface-to-air weapon for targeting low-flying aircraft.
Europe
The Netherlands has officially awarded the French defense company Naval Group to start constructing four new Orka-class submarines to replace its aging Walrus-class submarines. Dutch Command Materiel and IT Commander Jan Willem Hartman said that the Orka-class was chosen as the best replacement via a thorough procurement process. Based on Naval Group’s Barracuda design, the planned subs will be the HNLMS Orka (Orca), HNLMS Zwaardvis (Swordfish), HNLMS Barracuda, and HNLMS Tijgerhaai (Tiger Shark). The first two submarines are expected to be delivered by 2034.
Asia-Pacific
Saab and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have announced a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering South Korea’s airborne surveillance capabilities. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalising their commitment to collaborate on South Korea’s Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) II competition. This agreement highlights Saab’s proposal of their globally recognised GlobalEye system as the optimal solution for South Korea’s AEW&C needs.
Today’s Video