Sikorsky To Replace Counter Measure Systems in The CH-53K | Turkish Backed Counterattack Fails In Idlib | Thailand Calls For C-130H Replacement

Americas

Sikorsky won a $12 million contract modification, which provides non-recurring engineering to replace existing subsystems, such as the Data Transfer Unit, Defense Electronic Countermeasure System and ARC-210 radio, with the CH-53K production aircraft. This means Sikorsky is replacing Electronic Counter Measure Systems in the King Stallion. The CH-53K King Stallion is the US Marine Corps’ new-build, heavy-lift replacement for the CH-53E. The CH-53K evolves the CH-53E design to improve operational capability, reliability, maintainability, survivability, and cost of ownership. Work under the contract modification will take place in Iowa, Connecticut and Texas. Estimated completion will be in August 2021.

Middle East & Africa

Russian airstrikes appear to have helped repel a rebel counterattack in Syria’s Idlib province that had extensive Turkish military support. The assault on Al-Nayrab on February 20 involved rebels equipped with Turkish-supplied M113 and ACV-15 armored personnel carriers. Rebels were also seen operating an M114 howitzer, while a Turkish T155 howitzer battery and T-122 Sakarya multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS) were filmed firing. Russian Su-24 jets were filmed dropping bombs on targets northwest of Al-Nayrab around a hill that dominates the approach to the town. Two days before, open-source tracking of aircraft movements indicated additional Su-24s had flown from southern Russia to Syria via Iran.

Europe

Chemring Energetic Devices won a $24 million contract for supply of various Cartridge Actuated Devices/ Propellant Actuated Devices for various US and Foreign Military Sales aircraft. Cartridge Actuated Devices/ Propellant Actuated Devices are commodity items that function as a system component. Managed CAD/PAD items are specific to Army aircraft and have a set shelf life and installed life. Cartridge Actuated Devices and Propellant Actuated Devices play a great role in ensuring safety among equipment, weaponry and personnel. Defective CADs and PADs most likely translate to failed missions and/or loss of lives. The contract involves FMS to Greece, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Uruguay, India, Saudi Arabia, Israel, UAE, Belgium, Denmark,Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Portugal, South Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Romania, Turkey, Singapore, Poland, Bahrain, Tunisia, Egypt as well as the Netherlands.

Asia-Pacific

Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems won a $233 million contract action for the procurement of Mk 41 Vertical Launching System vertical launcher module assemblies, modernization kits and spare components.  This contract combines purchases for the Navy as well as the governments of Korea , Finland, and Germany under the Foreign Military Sales program. The Mk 41 has been in US Navy service since 1986. The deal funds procurement of vertical launcher module assemblies, modernization kits and spare components for the launching system, a modular missile launch system capable of launching multiple standard missile variants. Estimated completion date is in March 2025.

The Royal Thai Air Force’s 2020 white paper has called for the replacement of 12 C-130H transport aircraft with a new platform. The first phase to buy 4 aircraft will start from 2022. There are a total of three phases. The winning platform must be able to be integrated with the RTAF Tactical Data Link system. In the RTAF White Paper 2020 the service outlined a number of replacement aircraft that it intends to procure to replace ageing types over the coming decade-or-so. Key programs also include new combat aircraft to replace the service’s F-5 Tiger IIs, F-16 Fighting Falcons, and L-39s; Saab 340B and BT-67; a new VVIP aircraft and helicopter type to serve the royal family, and a VIP aircraft to replace the Airbus ACJ319 used by government officials and as a back-up for the royal family; additional DA-40 trainer aircraft to replace the CT-4B, as well as other types to replace the CT-4E and PC-9; a UAV to replace the current U1 platform; and a new helicopter type to replace the Bell 412.

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