Americas
Sikorsky won a $35.3 million deal to procure long lead items for full-rate production, Lot 7, CH-53K aircraft. The Ch-53K Super Stallion can be fielded from amphibious assault ships for the transportation of personnel and equipment. It can be operated from austere and remote forward operating bases. Estimated completion is in December 2022. Work will take place in Connecticut.
Raytheon won a contract for the repair of three ALE-50 towed decoy system components in support of the F/A-18E/F aircraft. The deal includes a five-year base period with no options. The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is the US Navy’s primary strike and air superiority aircraft. It is an updated version of the F-18C/D, featuring a 20 percent larger airframe, 7,000 lb heavier empty weight, and 15,000 lb heavier maximum weight than the original Hornet. The Super Hornet carries 33 percent more internal fuel, increasing mission range by 41 percent and endurance by 50 percent over the earlier Hornet. Work will take place in Mississippi and California. Estimated completion is in December 2026.
Middle East & Africa
An Israeli air strike hit a shipment of Iranian weapons in the Syrian port of Latakia on December 7. It was the first such attack on the key facility, according to a war monitor. The Israeli raid “directly targeted an Iranian weapons shipment in the container yard,” the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Syrian state media reported the strike on the container yard at Latakia port without specifying what was targeted.
Europe
French company Safran entered into exclusive discussions to acquire Orolia from Eurazeo. Orolia is a positioning, navigation, and timing product provider. It has a broad portfolio of technologies across the Resilient PNT value-chain with full system capabilities and is a provider of PNT equipment, simulation and test solutions. Orolia is also providing emergency locator beacons for commercial aviation and military applications.
Asia-Pacific
Lockheed Martin has formally recognized Tata-Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) as a potential future co-producer of fighter wings in India’s Hyderabad city. A ceremonial event marking the first fighter wing prototype built at the TLMAL facility in Hyderabad was attended by Shri. K.T. Rama Rao, Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development, Industries and Commerce, and Information Technology of Telangana; along with other government dignitaries; Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and Global Business Development executives; and Tata Advanced Systems Limited and TLMAL leadership.
Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering (KPE), the joint venture between the global aerospace and technology business, Paramount Group and one of Kazakhstan’s leading defense and engineering companies, Kazpetromash, has announced that the company commenced production of the advanced Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), the Barys 6×6. The first deliveries are expected by the end of the year to the Armed Forces Special Units of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Barys 6×6 accommodates two crew members, up to eight troops, and can be utilised for a myriad of defence and security operations, including border patrol, armoured ambulance and infantry fire support.
Today’s Video
Watch: KTR:Speaking at TATA Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited Fighter Wing Qualification Ceremony
