Americas
AeroVironment won a $12 million deal by the US Army for RQ-20B Puma AE3 UAS systems. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Simi Valley, California, with an estimated completion date of September 30, 2024.
According to Defense News, the US Navy leveraged air and surface drones throughout its two-week UNITAS 2023 naval exercise near Latin America, the first major event since service leadership announced the region would host the sea service’s second unmanned operations hub. Following successful unmanned and artificial intelligence systems’ operations in the Middle East through Task Force 59, the Navy announced in April that a similar construct would come to naval forces in Central and South America — the area of responsibility for US Southern Command.
Middle East
Boeing won a $393 million deal by the SS Army for Apache AH-64E aircraft, supporting services, and equipment. Work will be performed in Mesa, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of December 31, 2027. Fiscal 2023 aircraft procurement, Army funds and Foreign Military Sales (Egypt and Kuwait) funds in the full amount were obligated at the time of the award.
Europe
According to Defense News, the Slovenian Ministry of Defence has amended its acquisition program for the years 2023 to 2026, declaring plans to buy six multipurpose helicopters and a C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft for the country’s military. The planned aircraft purchase is valued at about $176.9 million. Manufactured by Italy’s Leonardo, the new C-27J Spartan will be the second aircraft of this type to be ordered by Slovenia. The forthcoming helo acquisition is estimated to be worth some $217.2 million.
Asia-Pacific
In a move to enhance its defense capabilities, the Albanese Government of Australia has announced the purchase of 20 new C-130J Hercules aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) at a cost of $9.8 billion. The acquisition aims to modernize the Air Force’s fleet, providing state-of-the-art C-130 Hercules to meet the nation’s air transport needs for the future. These new acquisitions will not only replace the current 12 Hercules aircraft operated by the Air Force but also expand the fleet’s size. Delivery of the first aircraft is expected to commence from late 2027, ensuring the RAAF has access to advanced aircraft to carry out vital missions.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is currently evaluating proposals for a Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) to replace its aging fleet of transport planes. The Request for Information (RFI) issued by the IAF seeks a capable MTA with a carrying capacity ranging from 18 to 30 tonnes. The deadline for submissions was extended recently to accommodate potential contenders. Among the aircraft vying for this critical contract are the A400M, C-130J, and C395.
Today’s Video
WATCH: U.S. Marines launch an RQ-20B ‘Puma’ Fixed-wing UAS
