Americas
Raytheon Co. in McKinney, Texas, has received a contract worth $48.5 million to supply JANUS II systems. This contract includes a multi-mission optical sensor, a multi-spectral targeting system pedestal enclosure system, and additional hardware and software needed to support these systems. The contract was awarded as a sole source action, meaning Raytheon was the only company that could meet the Navy’s needs. The work will take place at Raytheon’s facilities in McKinney and is expected to be completed by February 2030. The funding for this contract comes from the Fiscal 2025 operations and maintenance budget for the Navy, with $4,169,000 allocated at the time of the award. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, located in Crane, Indiana, is responsible for overseeing this contracting activity.
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. in Melbourne, Florida, has received an $8 million modification to an existing contract for the E-2D Hawkeye aircraft upgrade program. This modification adds work to integrate a single board computer as part of the Block II upgrade, which involves a complete technology refresh for the cockpit, mission computer, and operations station. The Block II upgrade aims to modernize the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye fleet by reducing pilot workload, improving situational awareness, and enhancing readiness and reliability. It also addresses cybersecurity improvements. The majority of the work will take place in Melbourne, Florida, with additional efforts in various locations across the US. The project is expected to be completed by September 2028. Funding for this modification will come from Fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation funds. This upgrade is part of a broader modernization effort for the E-2D fleet, with the U.S. Navy planning to retrofit its entire fleet of 75 aircraft starting in 2027 and continuing into the 2030s. The Block II upgrades represent the most significant enhancements to this carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning aircraft since it was first introduced.
Middle East & Africa
The United Arab Emirates’ conglomerate Edge Group has announced the expansion of its international multi-domain testing site for weapons, aiming to boost the range’s utility in exercising drone operations. The XRange, of which a mock-up was unveiled at the Dubai Airshow in 2023, is located southwest of Abu Dhabi on the 135-square-mile island of Abu Al Abyad, the equivalent of nearly twice the area of Washington, DC.
Europe
The US Department of State has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Romania of GBU-39B Small Diameter Bombs. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced this. The total value of a possible sale of small-diameter bombs and related equipment is estimated at $84 million. In addition to the bombs, a possible Foreign Military Sale includes technical assistance, training aids, publications and technical data, and other related logistical and software items. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally.
Asia-Pacific
Australia was monitoring the “unusual” presence of three Chinese warships sailing off its eastern coast, the defense minister said. Three Chinese navy vessels — a frigate, a cruiser and a supply tanker — were spotted last week in waters off mainland Australia. They have since charted a course taking them down Australia’s eastern coast. “We are keeping a close watch on them, and we will make sure we are watching every move,” Defence Minister Richard Marles told Sky News.