Americas
Raytheon Technologies has unveiled its next-generation electro-optical intelligent-sensing capability to allow military pilots to detect threats faster and more accurately. Called the RAIVEN, the new threat identification system can identify multiple objects optically and spectrally at once in real time. It uses artificial intelligence (AI), hyperspectral imaging, and light detection and ranging, enabling pilots to see up to five times farther and clearer than other imaging systems.
The US Navy has christened the USS Kingsville (LCS 36) Independence-class littoral combat ship in Mobile, Alabama. The vessel is the 18th of its class and the first to bear the name of Kingsville, Texas. It will be delivered in 2024 and home-ported in San Diego, California. The ceremony was hosted by US Navy representatives, partner shipbuilders, and sub-contractors. Ship sponsor Katherine Kline conducted the ceremonial bottle break on the bow to launch the ship.
Middle East & Africa
Raytheon won a $13.7 million deal for for contractor engineering and technical services in support of the F100-PW-100/220/220E/229 engines for F-15 and F-16 aircraft. F100-PW-100/220/220E/229 are different models of afterburning turbofan jet engines developed by Pratt & Whitney and originally designed to power the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft for the United States Air Force.The Air Force Life Cycle Management is the contracting activity. This contract provides for on-site proficiency training and advice to elevate the technical skill and abilities of personnel responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Raytheon Technologies Corp. equipment and systems to the level of self-sufficiency. The locations of performance include Air National Guard support in Tucson, Arizona; Toledo, Ohio; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Foreign Military Sales support in Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Republic of Korea, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, and Thailand, and is expected to be complete by March 15, 2026. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, South Korea, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, and Thailand.
Europe
Israel will deploy its new missile early warning system in Kyiv next month to detect incoming Russian attacks, according to a report by Walla news outlet, citing Israeli and Ukrainian officials. The move was discussed during meetings in Poland between representatives of the Israel Defense Forces’ Home Front Command and defense officials from Kyiv. They talked about necessary adjustments to the system and several other considerations, such as the country’s size and the number of missiles and drones Russia usually launches.
Asia-Pacific
Vietnam is considering ordering additional L-39NG advanced jet trainers from Czech manufacturer Aero Vodochody, as reported by Reuters. Delivery of the initial 12 aircraft is set to commence this year. During Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s three-day visit to Vietnam last week, security was a primary topic discussed with Vietnamese leaders. The Czech business delegation that accompanied Fiala included four arms dealers. Talks between both parties also involved the L 410 NG cargo aircraft, which is produced by Aircraft Industries.
The Chinese military tested an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered laser-guided artillery shell last year capable of striking human-sized targets 16 kilometers (10 miles) away. The shell’s precision far exceeds that of any operational Chinese artillery round, South China Morning Post reported, citing a team of scientists working on the technology.
Today’s Video
WATCH: The L-39NG Light Attack Jet Aircraft Passed The Strength Test
