Americas
The US Army has inked a contract with Bombardier Defense to receive one jet aircraft for its High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program jet plane prototype. Bombardier’s Global 6500 aircraft will serve as the blueprint for the program’s large-cabin business jet unit, fitted with advanced deep-sensing equipment for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
The US Army Applications Laboratory has signed a deal with defense manufacturer Firehawk Aerospace to address critical challenges in rocket propulsion production. Under the Small Business Innovation Research Phase III contract, Firehawk will design, test, and fly motors for the army’s Guided Multiple Launch Rocket, FGM-148 Javelin, and FIM-92 Stinger, eliminating supply chain bottlenecks and bolstering the capabilities’ stability.
Middle East & Africa
The Turkish Aerospace (TA) Anka 3 flying-wing unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) made its maiden flight on December 28. The flight over Ankara lasted for 70 minutes, during which the UCAV reached a height of 8,000 ft and a speed of 150 kt. The existence of a low-observable, jet-powered UCAV was first made public in December 2022. The first taxi tests were performed in April 2023.
Europe
Lithuania has taken a significant step towards strengthening its air defense capabilities with the acquisition of Thales Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission Compact (GM200 MM/C) radars. This collaboration, built on strong NATO cooperation and bilateral ties with the Netherlands, signifies a renewed commitment to regional security in the face of evolving threats. The GM200 MM/C radar system is designed to meet the challenges of modern warfare, offering highly accurate detection, tracking, and classification of all current and future threats, including drones. Its cutting-edge 4D AESA technology provides radar operators with more time to gather crucial information on incoming threats, significantly improving reaction times and decision-making.
Asia-Pacific
Indonesia’s ambitious plan to bolster its airpower with 12 Dassault Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets from Qatar has hit a temporary stop, as the government deals with fiscal constraints. The postponement, announced by a defense ministry spokesperson, comes despite a 20% increase in defense spending and raises questions about the country’s priorities in its military modernization efforts. The decision to put the Mirage acquisition on hold stems from concerns over “limited fiscal capacity,” according to Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, the spokesperson. This suggests that Indonesia’s current financial situation cannot accommodate the $801 million price tag associated with the 12 jets. As an alternative, the government plans to prioritize retrofitting its existing Sukhoi and F-16 aircraft, extending their operational life and squeezing more mileage out of the current fleet.
The Indian Army has deployed armored vehicles in the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region. An unknown number of Armado Armored Light Specialist Vehicles (ALSV) have been deployed in the terror-stricken northern territory bordering Pakistan, Janes reported, citing an Indian Ministry of Defence spokesperson.
