Americas
The US Army is pressing ahead with modernising its fleet of CH-47F Chinook helicopters, with recent contract awards to Boeing for the production of new Block II Chinooks. This latest order underscores the Army’s commitment to upgrading its heavy-lift capabilities for future multi-domain operations. This month, the US Army placed an order for three more CH-47F Block II Chinooks from Boeing, a deal valued at $135 million. This order, designated as Lot 3, follows a previous contract awarded last year for long-lead parts acquisition. These contracts are part of a broader strategy to upgrade up to 465 Chinooks to the advanced Block II configuration.
QinetiQ US has been awarded a $42 million task order to develop and enhance embedded intelligent sensor processing and advanced imaging technologies for the US Army. The US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command C5ISR Center’s Research & Technology Integration Directorate awarded the four-year contract to meet its critical research and development requirements.
Middle East & Africa
Fincantieri has delivered the “Al Fulk” amphibious vessel Landing Platform Dock (LPD) to the Ministry of Defense of Qatar. The craft can perform various missions, including defense operations, support for ground forces, and humanitarian support. The delivery ceremony was attended by several officials, including the Commander of Qatar Naval Forces, Abdullah Bin Hassan Al Sulaiti, the Director of Italian Navy Military Personnel Andrea Gueglio, as well as Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero.
Europe
A Spanish Eurofighter Typhoon jet equipped with the European Common Radar System (ECRS) E-Scan radar has conducted its first test flight. This follows after Airbus integrated the radar into the latest generation of Spain’s Eurofighter “Halcón” fleet to enhance their capabilities in multimode air-to-air and air-to-ground operations.
Asia-Pacific
The Australian Army is embarking on a crucial procurement process to strengthen its long-range strike capabilities, ABC news reports. Project LAND 8113 phase two will see the army evaluate two prominent contenders: the indigenously developed StrikeMaster, offering a cost-effective and sovereign solution, and the American HIMARS, boasting proven combat effectiveness but carrying a higher price tag and reliance on US technology. This decision will shape the future of the Australian Army’s long-range firepower and influence the nation’s broader defence industry.
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