Americas
Insitu Inc. won a $84 million modification, which increases the contract ceiling to procure six RQ-21A and 20 ScanEagle unmanned air vehicles (UAS) including payloads and turrets; support equipment; spares and special tooling. Additionally, this modification procures services to include training, site surveys, engineering and technical and repair of repairable in support of the RQ-21A Blackjack and ScanEagle UAS platforms. Work will be performed in Bingen, Washington (88%); and various locations outside of the continental U.S. (12%), and is expected to be completed in June 2026. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. Naval Air Systems Command Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
The US Army will need to tap into commercial technologies to make its command posts adaptable to modern warfare. This is according to Mark Kitz, the service’s program executive office head for command, control and communications–tactical, in response to Chief of Staff Gen. Randy A. George’s call to prioritize effective command and control capabilities. Command posts are expected to play a pivotal role in case of an armed conflict, likely making them the first targets of enemy attacks.
Middle East & Africa
Europe
Tyvak International, an aerospace subsidiary of Terran Orbital, has been awarded a contract to design a Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) satellite for the European Defense Agency’s (EDA) Hub for EU Defense Innovation (HEDI). The contract will see the company create a proof-of-concept prototype for preliminary design review, which includes leading market analysis, key component identification, and satellite development feasibility studies.
Asia-Pacific
The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) has further strengthened its rotary-wing fleet by placing an order for three additional Airbus H225 helicopters. This latest acquisition brings the JCG’s total H225 fleet to 18, solidifying their position as the leading operator of Super Puma family helicopters in Japan. The new helicopters will be deployed for various missions crucial to Japan’s maritime safety and security. These missions encompass patrolling and protecting Japan’s extensive coastlines and enforcing maritime borders, ensuring adherence to regulations at sea such as fisheries management and anti-smuggling operations. The H225s will also play a vital role in disaster relief efforts, providing critical support with search and rescue operations and logistical assistance during natural disasters.
The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) is deploying a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and crew for the sixth time in support of UN Security Council sanctions enforcement against North Korea. This deployment marks several significant firsts for the RNZAF’s newest maritime patrol platform. This deployment signifies the P-8A Poseidon’s operational debut overseas for the RNZAF. The aircraft will be stationed in Japan throughout the mission, conducting patrols over international waters in the region. This also marks the first time the RNZAF operates in Asia with a Boeing P-8A.
