Americas
Sikorsky won a $12 million modification, which provides production systems engineering and program management support for CH-53K full-rate production. The CH-53K is a type of helicopter used by the military. The “K” in CH-53K stands for “King Stallion. It is specifically engineered to perform heavy-lift missions that surpass the capabilities of other helicopters. With its robust design and powerful engines, the CH-53K can efficiently carry heavy loads, including equipment, supplies, and even vehicles, over significant distances. Work will take place in Connecticut. Expected completion will be in May 2024.
Lockheed Martin Space won a $27.1 million modification to provide services and support for Trident II (D5) missile production and deployed systems support. The Trident II (D5) is a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) system developed for the United States Navy’s Ohio-class submarines. Strategic Systems Programs, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Work will take place in Utah and is expected to be finished by September 30, 2027.
Middle East & Africa
Elsight, an Israeli drone connectivity solutions company, has won a multi-year public tender to supply the Israeli police and other government departments with solutions for Communication-on-the-Move (COTM). The solutions will be provided to border patrol, drone, K9 and SWAT police units. According to the company, Elsight’s Halo platform is the first AI-powered connectivity solution for unmanned vehicles to market and ensures businesses have continuous and reliable service and communication with their drones. The difference between regular drone connections and Elsight’s hardware is its beyond-visual line of sight (BVLOS) capability, meaning increased range for long distance applications.
Europe
Ukraine has asked Berlin to provide it with Taurus air-to-surface missiles that have a range in excess of 500 kilometers (310 miles), Germany’s defense ministry told AFP on Saturday. The missiles, produced by a Germany-Swedish joint venture Taurus Systems, would allow Ukraine to strike well inside Russia with their range of more than 500 kilometers (310 miles).
The Romanian parliament has given the approval for the purchase of two new submarines and two second-hand minehunters for the Romanian Navy as well as modernization of the service’s corvettes, local media reported. The Romanian parliament approved a request from the Ministry of National Defence for the procurement of two Scorpène-class conventionally powered diesel-electric submarines (SSKs) from French shipbuilder Naval Group. The programme is estimated at EUR2 billion (USD2.14 billion) and is expected to take place over a period of eight years.
Asia-Pacific
Australia has launched a research center to support warfighters operating in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear environments (OCE). Established at the University of Melbourne, the Center for Advanced Defense Research and Enterprise (CADRE-OCE) will focus on next-generation technologies and concepts to ensure the Australian Defense Force’s safety during hazardous missions.
Today’s Video
WATCH: The Sikorsky CH-53: US Biggest Helicopter Ever Built
