Americas
Boeing’s KC-46A Pegasus has encountered some turbulence. Plagued by technical glitches and safety concerns, the aerial refueller has faced a $7 billion headwind. Boeing is taking the Pegasus back to the hangar for a thorough overhaul. Six critical issues stand between the Pegasus and its full potential. Michael Marrow from Breaking Defense toured Boeing’s Seattle-area facilities where the KC-46A is built and officials explained how they plan to tackle each issue. First on the operating table is the Pegasus’s eyesight. The panoramic cameras, vital for spotting approaching aircraft in various weather conditions, were prone to developing a blurry vision. The Remote Vision System (RVS), the eyes directly on the refueling boom, couldn’t handle the dynamic lighting of dawn and dusk, creating a potential for a mid-air collision. Enter RVS 2.0, a complete overhaul of the vision system. New, sharper cameras equipped with powerful processors will replace the old ones, promising a crystal-clear view for pilots and eliminating two major safety concerns. By late 2025, the Pegasus will see the world with newfound clarity.
The US Army flight tested a Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) multimode seeker last year that enables the missile to perform maritime targeting. Following the test, the Land-Based Anti-Ship Missile (LBASM) seeker was transferred for integration with the PrSM, US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center director James Kirsch said in a statement.
Middle-East
The United States has approved a possible foreign military sale of 28 meter patrol craft kits and related equipment to Egypt, according to a statement by the US Defence Security Co-operation Agency (DSCA). The estimated cost of the sale is $129 million, and it includes patrol craft kits, rigid hull inflatable boats, forward-looking infrared systems, computer packages, technical and logistics support services, transportation, spare parts, and other components.
Europe
Germany approved a $1.4 billion deal to develop a new short-range system. This initiative comes amid heightened regional security concerns, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which exposed vulnerabilities in Germany’s existing defenses. The new system aims to fill a critical gap in Germany’s arsenal, replacing its aging Gepard anti-aircraft tanks that were retired in 2010. The consortium chosen for the project, led by Rheinmetall, will develop a multi-layered air defense shield capable of protecting troops at both tactical and strategic levels.
Asia-Pacific
South Korea test-fired an upgraded Korean Tactical Surface to Surface Missile-I (KTSSM-I) last week. Seoul announced the allocation of $218 million last year for the missile’s development, expected to run through 2027. The Chunmoo Multiple Launch Rocket System-mounted KTSSM-2 will have a greater range than its predecessor’s 180 kilometers (112 miles).
Japan has signed a deal with the United States to acquire up to 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles. This significant addition to Japan’s arsenal is part of a broader military buildup aimed at deterring potential adversaries and strengthening the country’s defense capabilities. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s government has committed to doubling Japan’s annual defense spending to around 10 trillion yen ($68 billion) by 2027. This ambitious plan, if realized, would propel Japan to become the world’s third-largest military spender, trailing only the United States and China.
