Americas
Sikorsky won a $72 million delivery order for the procurement of 98 rotary blades in support of the CH-53 K aircrafts. The delivery order does not include an option period. All work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut. Work is expected to be completed by December 2028. This announcement involves Foreign Military Sales (FMS) from Israel. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity.
Northrop Grumman has announced a significant stride in the flight-testing and production of the US Air Force’s futuristic B-21 Raider. Since its unveiling in December 2022, the company reports that the stealth bomber now undergoes up to two test flights per week, demonstrating its commitment to making the warplane operational as soon as possible. Northrop also currently possesses three Raiders in various configurations, of which two are for ground testing and one for flight trials.
Middle East & Africa
US Africa Command confirmed that a small contingent of American personnel remains in Chad, supporting counterterrorism missions.The United States has resumed discussions regarding its military presence in Chad, reflecting a broader trend of African nations reassessing their security relationships with the US In recent weeks, senior officials from the State and Defense departments have visited N’Djamena, Chad’s capital, to engage with Chadian leaders about their security cooperation.
Europe
The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Sweden of Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio Systems and related equipment for an estimated cost of $31.5 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale. The Government of Sweden has requested to buy one hundred twenty (120) AN/USQ-190 Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio Systems (MIDS JTRS).
Asia-Pacific
The US Navy has unveiled “Project 33,” which focuses on seven key areas to prepare for potential conflict with China by 2027 while enhancing long-term advantages. This is part of the 2024 Navigation Plan (NAVPLAN) for America’s Warfighting Navy, which Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti described as “overarching strategic guidance to make our Navy more ready.”
