Americas
The US Air Force is asking industry partners for engines to power its Next-Generation Air Refueling System (NGAS) aircraft. A request for information (RFI) released Monday states that the service will accept new or existing propulsion systems provided that they meet all requirements. It will also consider options to modify or upgrade existing aircraft engines to achieve government and military objectives.
Bell Boeing Joint Program Office won a $19 million order, which provides recurring and non-recurring engineering to complete software upgrades for the government of Japan in support of V-22 aircraft program. Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania; Fort Worth, Texas; Chantilly, Virginia; Tokyo, Japan; Phoenix, Arizona; and Huntsville, Alabama and is expected to be completed in May 2028. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
Middle East & Africa
Iraq is in the process of procuring new anti-aircraft weapons to bolster its air defenses amid escalating threats in the region. Spokesperson Major General Yehia Rasool said the country has sent military and technical delegations to several countries “to explore its options.” Offers have also reportedly been made, but he did not disclose any particular vendors. It remains unclear how much Baghdad is earmarking for the initiative or if it has already decided on what to purchase.
Europe
The Washington Post has a report on a remarkable transformation in Ukraine. Prior to the February 2022 Russian invasion, Ukraine relied heavily on foreign suppliers for its weapons. Years of neglect and an industry focused on the Russian market left the nation with limited domestic production capabilities. However, the harsh realities of war have spurred a dramatic shift, with Ukraine’s aerospace and defense sectors undergoing a rapid transition towards self-sufficiency. This domestic production boom is a critical pillar of Ukraine’s war effort. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal reported a tripling of arms production in 2023, with a projected sixfold increase anticipated for 2024. This surge is vital as international support, particularly weapons deliveries from the United States, faces potential delays due to a stalled $60 billion aid package.
Asia-Pacific
The Indian Army has created its first AH-64E attack helicopter squadron in preparation for the arrival of six Apaches from the US. The squadron was raised at a military base along the western front with Pakistan, with Army Aviation Corps director general Ajay Suri and other officials in attendance. Regarded as a “crucial milestone,” the move is expected to enhance the country’s aerial firepower and fortify ground operations. It also reportedly underscores India’s commitment to bolstering its capabilities in the face of evolving security threats.
The AUKUS trilateral program to equip Australia with nuclear submarines moved ahead on March 21 with an announcement that BAE Systems and ASC Pty will lead the industrial team being formed to build the boats. The mega deal involving the two companies is slated to produce a BAE-designed fleet of nuclear attack submarines for Australia by the early 2040s under the Australian-British-US initiative.
