Americas
Thomas Instrument won a $9 million firm-fixed-price requirements contract for the remanufacture of the B-1B lower rudder and master pitch/roll servo-cylinder. Work will be performed in Brookshire, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Aug. 22, 2029. This contract was a competitive acquisition, and one offer was received. The Air Force Sustainment Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity.
Technology company Shield AI has conducted a “groundbreaking” demonstration of coordinated autonomous flight on two Kratos MQM-178 Firejets. The planes were flown by the company’s Hivemind artificial intelligence pilots, collaborating to execute coordinated maneuvers under realistic combat scenarios. All computing was executed on board, and communication “seamlessly integrated” on board the aircraft, the San Diego-based firm said.
Middle East & Africa
Europe
The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Norway of Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles–Extended Range and related equipment for an estimated cost of $405 million. The Government of Norway has requested to buy one hundred (100) Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles-Extended Range (AMRAAM-ER) and four (4) AMRAAM AIM-120C-8 guidance sections. The following non-MDE items will also be included: AMRAAM containers and support equipment; spare parts, consumables, accessories, and repair and return support; weapons software and support equipment, and classified software delivery and support; transportation support; classified publications and technical documentation; training equipment and support; studies and surveys; US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $405 million.
Asia-Pacific
The United States has approved a potential sale of anti-submarine warfare equipment to India on August 24. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has given the green light for a Foreign Military Sale of sonobuoys and related gear to India, estimated at $52.8 million. The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of this proposed sale, which includes various types of sonobuoys and associated technical support. The equipment is designed to enhance India’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities, particularly for operations involving its MH-60R helicopters.