Americas
Raytheon won a $77 million modification, which adds scope to procure five APY-10 Radar System production kits, as well as provide non-recurring engineering to address obsolescence issues within the Receiver Exciter Processors and Radar Data Centers in support of the P-8A Poseidon aircraft for the government of Germany. Work will be performed in McKinney, Texas (85.5%); Andover, Massachusetts (5.1%); Clearwater, Florida (2.4%); Black Mountain, North Carolina (2%); Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1.4%); St Petersburg, Florida (1%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (2.6%), and is expected to be completed in October 2027.
Raytheon won a $44.9 million modification for the Javelin Missile System. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of July 29, 2024. The Javelin is a man-portable anti tank missile. Raytheon is responsible for the command launch unit (CLU), missile guidance electronic unit, system software and system engineering management. Lockheed Martin is responsible for the missile seeker, engineering and assembly. Work will take place in Arizona.
Middle East & Africa
UAE-based defense conglomerate EDGE Group unveiled its new SKYSHIELD multi-layered counter-drone solution during the International Defense Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) 2023 in Abu Dhabi. The system features advanced sensors, 3D radars, and electro-optic cameras to detect enemy drones accurately. Using the company’s unified command and control, SKYSHIELD reportedly provides real-time situational awareness to military units.
Europe
The UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) tested a range of drones to deliver to Ukraine under a clandestine program. Under the program, five firms demonstrated their unmanned aerial systems (UAS), including “C2 [command and control] and sensor payload[s] as well as VTOL [vertical takeoff and landing] UAS and a unique 3D-printed delta-wing ‘suicide’ drone,” The War Zone revealed, quoting one of the participants at QinetiQ. According to the outlet, the UK-based defense technology firm was to demonstrate a series of drones and technologies at the MoD’s Boscombe Down testing site.
Airbus SE’s plans to increase production of its Eurofighter aircraft and other key weapons systems are being hampered due to a lack of commitment from governments to place orders, according to Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space. Despite the expected increase in orders for jets, drones and space-based products in the coming years, Airbus has not received the necessary orders to scale up production.
Asia-Pacific
South Korea’s fourth KF-21 Boramae fighter aircraft prototype has completed its maiden flight test, the South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced. During the trial, the Republic of Korea Air Force 52nd Squadron operated the jet for 34 minutes. The prototype was piloted by an airman from the service’s 3rd Training Wing facility in Sacheon, Seoul.
Today’s Video
WATCH: KAI KF-21 Boramae
