Americas
Raytheon won a $48.8 million deal for the repair of 10 forward-looking infrared components in support of the V-22 and CH-53 helicopters. This contract includes a five-year base period with no options. Work will take place in McKinney, Texas (40%); El Segundo, California (30%); Jacksonville, Florida (15%); and Goleta, California (15%). Work is expected to be completed by August 2028. Working capital funds (Navy) in the amount of $13,619,694 will be issued for delivery order N00383-23-F-0AP0 that will be awarded concurrently with the contract and will initially be obligated at the time of award, and funds will not expire at end of the current fiscal year.
Textron won a $31 million modification for BPC T-6C Program – Tranche 2. This modification provides for procurement of support and supply of three T-6C aircraft. Total cumulative face value of the contract is $76,931,312. The location of performance is Wichita, Kansas, and is expected to be completed by September 30, 2025. This award is the result of a sole source acquisition.
Middle East and Africa
The Israeli Ministry of Defense has announced the start of test flights for its “most advanced” surveillance aircraft, the Oron. The announcement comes after Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) completed the integration of new, state-of-the-art intelligence systems into the reconnaissance plane after two years. The trials are expected to assess the Oron’s ability to accurately track multiple targets over vast distances and challenging weather conditions.
The first aircraft of Turkey’s indigenous fighter program, the TF-X, sits in a hangar ahead of its maiden flight at the end of the year. But according to Defense News, fiscal problems could stand in the way of its success, according to an analyst, even as the country’s president seeks partners for the program. The Turkish economy is experiencing high inflation, and the country’s external debt reached nearly $476 billion in March. The international insurance company Allianz Trade reported the stock of total external debt due within the next 12 months has risen to about $250 billion.
Europe
Teledyne FLIR Defense has inked a $31-million agreement with Norwegian military solutions developer Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace to provide counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) technology for Ukraine. The project includes the delivery of the Cerberus XL mobile C-UAS, surveillance systems, associated spares, software, support services, and training.
Asia-Pacific
The US military is considering building a Taiwan-facing port in the northernmost islands of the Philippines, according to a report by Reuters, citing government and armed forces officials. The new facility would reportedly allow Washington easy strategic access to the self-ruled island, which China considers a “breakaway province.” The proposed port in the Batanes islands is less than 200 kilometers (125 miles) from Taipei for potential US military intervention in case Beijing invades the island nation.
Today’s Video
WATCH: Train As An Air Force Pilot In The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II
