Americas
The US Army has awarded RTX, until recently known as Raytheon Technologies, a $118-million contract to deliver a Common Sensor Payload (CSP) for the MQ-1C Gray Eagle drone. The CSP is an “electro-optical/infrared/laser designator sensor,” providing “battlespace awareness, force protection, and net-centric operations.” The CSP version 3 will come equipped with a target location accuracy (TLA) capability.
The F-22 Raptor Combined Test Force has now transformed into the Air Dominance Combined Test Force and has been assigned the crucial responsibility of conducting flight tests for the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Family of Systems, the US Air Force says in a press release. While maintaining the F-22’s lethal capabilities against immediate threats, the Air Dominance CTF will focus on testing enhancements for the F-22 and executing integrated flight test campaigns for the NGAD Family of Systems. The 411th Flight Test Squadron will play a key part in both roles. The squadron was born out of the Advanced Tactical Fighter program flyoff competition between the YF-22 and YF-23.
Middle East & Africa
According to Defense Post, Israeli company SmartShooter has unveiled a new technology combination it says could effectively counter small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS). Presented at the Modern Day Marine 2023 exhibition, the new counter-drone system features the integration of the Hopper Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) with DRS RADA’s MHR radar. Meanwhile, the MHR, or Multi-Mission Hemispheric Radar, can detect drones more than 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) away.
Europe
The US State Department has approved the potential foreign military sale of F-35 Lightning II fighter jets and munition to the Czech Republic. According to a Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announcement, Prague has requested 24 F-35s in the conventional take-off and landing configuration. It also seeks to procure 25 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines, 70 AIM-120C-8 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles, and 86 StormBreaker all-up rounds.
Austria announced on Saturday its intention to join the European Sky Shield initiative, launched in 2022 by Germany against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine. “We must and will take precautions to protect our country against the risk of drone or missile attacks,” Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said in a press release, citing “a threat that has considerably worsened”. He stressed that the decision did not call into question the neutrality of Austria, which has been a member of the European Union (EU) since 1995.
Asia-Pacific
The Philippine government is planning to acquire its first submarine, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. revealed last month. The president said that multiple countries have offered to furnish the underwater vessels to Manila, including building them at Philippine shipyards. However, he added that the acquisition plan is at an initial stage, being studied by the administration.
Today’s Video
WATCH: UP: Europe’s anti-missile shield
