Americas
The US has tested an upgraded satellite communications (SATCOM) capability on an MQ-9 Reaper aerial drone during a multilateral exercise at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. Led by the Air National Guard-Air Force Reserve Test Center (AATC), the demonstration is part of an effort to deploy the drone on future intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions internationally from remote US military bases.
Canada has received its first tranche of C22 full-frame Sig Sauer P320 semi-automatic handguns as part of a contract with MD Charlton. The weapons were distributed to soldiers and training to operate them has begun at Infantry School Gagetown in New Brunswick, according to a social media statement. Awarded in October 2022, the $3.2 million deal ordered approximately 7,000 P320s, including holster, spare parts, and training.
Middle East & Africa
Abu Dhabi Ship Building unveiled the design of its 92-meter corvette, making it the longest vessel designed in the United Arab Emirates. The design is for a low-profile, multi-role and fast vanguard vessel, according to an announcement made by the firm at Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2023). Massey added that his firm is demonstrating “remarkable progress in designing jointly with its strategic partners, building, and exporting world-class vessels.”
Europe
Denmark’s government announced Tuesday that it would triple its defense budget over the next 10 years in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Denmark intends to reach the NATO goal of spending two percent of gross domestic product on the military by 2030 — a target that few of the alliance’s 30 members ever reach. “The government wants to significantly strengthen Danish defense and security with approximately $20.5 billion over the next 10 years,” acting Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said in a statement.
Asia-Pacific
Boeing has recently inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ST Engineering, outlining their intent to collaborate on various fronts for the P-8A maritime patrol aircraft. This strategic partnership aims to bolster systems integration, training, local parts distribution, and support and sustainment work for the renowned military aircraft. Boeing and ST Engineering have identified numerous areas where their collaboration can enhance the P-8’s capabilities even further. One key initiative that both companies plan to delve into is the joint development of a P-8 service center in Singapore. This state-of-the-art facility will not only serve as a maintenance hub but also provide access to skilled engineers and aircraft maintenance technicians, ensuring top-notch maintenance and engineering services for the P-8 fleet.
The Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF) bid to procure the highly sought-after F-35 fighter jets has been met with disappointment as the United States has declined to sell them to Thailand. The decision comes as a result of various factors, including training and technical requirements, according to RTAF spokesperson, ACM Prapas Sornchaidee. In a statement released by the RTAF, it was revealed that the sale of the fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter jets was subject to stringent conditions, such as time constraints, technical specifications, and maintenance compatibility. Unfortunately, the United States was unable to meet these criteria and therefore could not offer the sale to Thailand.
Today’s Video
WATCH: Glock Vs Sig P320: Here is the 9mm Pistol Battle winner
