Americas
The Naval Air Systems Command awarded Lockheed Martin a $12.8 million modification, which adds scope to provide for the integration of the handheld imaging tool into the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter in support of establishing a baseline organic maintainer capability, as well as providing joint technical data, training and services required to allow for the transition to organic maintainer capability for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers and non-Department of Defense participants. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in June 2025.
Shield AI and Kratos have partnered to integrate and market an artificially intelligent pilot with the XQ-58 Valkyrie aerial drone for the US Department of Defense and allied forces. The partnership aims to “unlock” the concept of an efficient, effective manned-unmanned teaming solution to support international military customers. According to Shield AI, an artificial intelligence-native program can control unmanned aerial vehicles to carry out missions without communications or GPS capability.
Middle East & Africa
The US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Kuwait to buy continuation of contractor engineering technical services and contractor maintenance services for an estimated cost of $1.8 billion. The deal, if finalized, will enable Kuwait to strengthen its armed forces by acquiring continuation of contractor engineering technical services and maintenance support. The proposed sale aims to strengthen regional security and support Kuwait’s position as a critical player in the Middle East.
Europe
The US State Department has approved a potential sustainment support contract for France’s E-2C Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft. Valued at $160 million, the deal would see Northrop Grumman supply sustainment items and services, including software updates and engine component improvement. The American defense giant would also provide the French Air Force with technical and product support, as well as logistics services for the Hawkeye aircraft.
Asia-Pacific
Japan is currently contemplating the export of its used Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 turbofan engines to Indonesia, as reported by The Yomiuri Shimbun on June 18. The engines in question will be sourced from Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15s that are scheduled for retirement. The request for the export of these engines came from Indonesia itself, according to the Yomiuri Shimbun. In March 2021, the governments of both Japan and Indonesia signed an agreement pertaining to the transfer of defense equipment and technology, which paves the way for this potential transfer.
Indonesia has ordered 13 long-range military radars from Thales to boost airspace surveillance efforts across its immense archipelago, the French manufacturer and state-owned Indonesian defense firm PT Len Industri said Sunday. The Ground Master 400 Alpha (GM400a) radars will allow the Indonesian military to “benefit from a single air picture integrating the detection of all types of threats, from jets and missiles to hovering helicopters and unmanned air vehicles,” the companies said in a joint statement.
Today’s Video
WATCH: Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie – A Short History
