Americas
The US Army has awarded Elbit Systems a $28-million contract for additional AN/PVS-14 monocular night vision devices. A helmet-mounted device, the AN/PVS-14 reportedly allows soldiers to move rapidly at night without the need for multiple specialized equipment. It incorporates high-magnification lenses and an infrared illuminator for capturing clear images in low-light conditions.
The US Department of Defense has awarded Battelle a $53-million contract to develop a nerve agent countermeasure solution for soldiers. For the initiative, the firm will create a Reactivating Nerve Agent Treatment System (RNATS) to “enhance the current standard of care” for troops and increase their survivability in chemical warfare. Battelle’s Ohio-based subsidiary CMC Pharmaceuticals will lead the technology’s laboratory production, Good Manufacturing Practice testing, and Contract Manufacturing Organization oversight.
Middle East & Africa
Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed early Sunday they shot down another American-made MQ-9 drone flying over the country, marking potentially the latest downing of the multimillion-dollar surveillance aircraft. The U.S. launched airstrikes over Houthi-controlled territory afterward, the rebels said. The US military told The Associated Press it was aware of the claim but has “received no reports” of American military drones being downed over Yemen.
Europe
Sweden has unveiled a comprehensive military support package that includes substantial provisions for the potential future transfer of JAS 39 Gripen fighters. The Swedish government, recognizing the strategic importance of bolstering Ukraine’s aerial warfare capabilities, has allocated approximately $220.8 million for acquiring materiel parts specific to the JAS 39C/D variants of the Gripen multirole fighter aircraft. The Swedish Defense Materiel Administration will oversee the procurement of JAS 39C/D components, which are currently being repurposed in the production of the advanced JAS 39E model. This strategic acquisition serves a dual purpose: it safeguards a number of JAS 39C/D aircraft from decommissioning and establishes the groundwork for a potential future donation to Ukraine, should the Swedish government deem it appropriate.
Asia-Pacific
The US State Department has given the green light to a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of advanced AIM-120C-8 air-to-air missiles to Singapore, marking a significant development in defense cooperation between the two nations. The proposed deal, which includes 54 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and related equipment, is valued at an estimated $133 million. This sale would bolster Singapore’s air defense capabilities and reinforce its strategic partnership with the United States.
Today’s Video
