Americas
Raytheon Missiles won a $75 million ceiling increase to previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract FA8672-19-D-0001 for StormBreaker Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II, GBU-53/B), Small Diameter Bomb II Life Cycle Support III. StormBreaker bomb (formerly Small Diameter Bomb Increment II (SDB II)) is an air-launched precision strike weapon. Work will take place in Arizona. Estimated completion date is September 30, 2024.
Rolls-Royce won a $20.9 million modification, which exercises an option to provide depot repair of T56-A-427 engines utilized on E-2 Hawkeye aircraft, to include repair of the power section, torque meter, gearbox and accessories in accordance with Navy depot manuals and approved repair practices. Work will take place in Texas, Canada and Indiana. Expected completion will be in December 2023.
Middle East & Africa
Israel weapons manufacturer Rafael has unveiled its Aerospike electro-optical guided missile that has a stand-off range of 30 km. The new internally funded missile development, designated AeroSpike, is a derivative of the ground-launched Spike LR2 multi-purpose surface-to-surface guided missile system, adapted to the air-launched role by Rafael’s Air-to-Surface Directorate.
Europe
The Royal Navy has announced that it has been exploring the idea of NATO naval vessels using commercial tankers to supply fuel to warships “in times of crisis”. Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Tidesurge linked up with the civilian MT Maersk Peary in Lyme Bay to see whether oil could be practically transferred between the two vessels.
Asia-Pacific
South Korea will give Bell a $133 million contract to produce 40 Bell 505 helicopters for training its Army and Navy pilots. Delivery will start next year and all helicopters will be delivered by 2025. Simulators for the helicopter will be built by a local company. Bell succeeded in the third round of bidding after the first two rounds failed to select a winner due to performance and price issues.
According to Defense News, India has suspended negotiations with Russia on a deal to buy Ka-31 early warning helicopters. It is alleged that the government of India has frozen negotiations with Rosoboronexport and aircraft manufacturer Russian Helicopters on the acquisition of the first batch of Ka-31 in the amount of 10 units. The deal’s halt is due to concerns about Russia’s ability to fulfill orders, as well as problems with payment transfers, the unnamed official said.
Today’s Video
WATCH: RAFAEL Unveils the AEROSPIKE Missile – a Lightweight Stand-Off Precision Guided Munition
