Americas
The US Army and General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems have opened a new load, assemble, and pack facility in Camden, Arkansas, to produce 155mm high-explosive artillery projectiles. The facility will manage the final stage of ammunition production, where two active lines will produce about 50,000 units per month. Advanced automation, digital quality tracking, and more new manufacturing technologies will be incorporated into the new site.
Saft America Inc., based in Valdosta, Georgia, has won a contract worth up to $7. 5 million to provide storage batteries for H1, Seahawk, and CH-53 helicopters. The contract is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity agreement, meaning the price is set but the number of batteries needed can vary. This deal was open to competition, and two companies submitted offers. The agreement covers three years, with the option to extend for two more years if needed. Work must be finished by April 24, 2028. The batteries will be used by the Air Force, Navy, Army, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Funding will come from defense working capital funds for fiscal years 2025 through 2028. The Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime in Columbus, Ohio, is managing the contract.
Middle East & Africa
Gaza mediator Qatar said Sunday there was some progress in talks in Doha this week aimed at securing a new truce in the Israel-Hamas war. Speaking at a news conference, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani reported “a bit of progress,” in response to questions about reports of a Thursday meeting in Doha between Israel’s Mossad spy agency chief David Barnea and the Qatari prime minister.
Europe
The Netherlands has selected Oshkosh Defense to produce 150 Dutch Expeditionary Patrol Vehicles (DXPV) as part of its Future Littoral All Terrain Mobility – Patrol Vehicle (FLATM-PV) program. The DXPV is a variant of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), which Oshkosh designed and manufactured as the replacement for the US military’s High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (Humvee).
Asia-Pacific
North Korea has unveiled a new warship it claims is a destroyer armed with the “most powerful weapons” at a launch ceremony attended by leader Kim Jong Un, state media said Saturday. The announcement comes about a month after Kim oversaw the test of new suicide and reconnaissance drones featuring AI technology, adding to concerns over North Korea’s deepening military cooperation with Moscow.