Americas
Mid-Atlantic Technical and Executive Consulting LLC won a $10.4 million firm-fixed modification to a previously awarded contract. This modification adds scope through additional contract line-item numbers for technical evaluation, proposal evaluation, cost analysis, price analysis, and negotiation support services in support of the air vehicle production and sustainment efforts for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft. Work will be performed in Arlington, Virginia; Fort Worth, Texas; and various locations within the continental US, and is expected to be completed in March 2025.
The US Air Force is asking industry partners for engines to power its Next-Generation Air Refueling System (NGAS) aircraft. A request for information released Monday states that the service will accept new or existing propulsion systems provided they meet all requirements. It will also consider options to modify or upgrade existing aircraft engines to achieve government and military objectives.
Middle East & Africa
The US military is tinkering with high-energy lasers in Iraq as part of a broader effort to refine directed-energy weapons and more effectively counter drones, according to the leader of Central Command. The Army earlier this year sent several laser weapons mounted to Stryker combat vehicles to the Middle East. It was unclear at the time exactly where the prototypes were stationed, but the move was in advancement of the service’s short-range air defense goals.
Europe
Rheinmetall has signed a $3 billion deal to supply the German Armed Forces with up to 123 Heavy Weapon Carriers. The 8×8 carriers will replace the force’s Wiesel tracked vehicles, taking on the role of direct tactical fire support. They will be based on Rheinmetall’s Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV) and will be equipped with an MK30-2 ABM automatic cannon as its main weapon. Additionally, they will be fitted with anti-tank defense through the Multi-Role Guided Missile System.
Asia-Pacific
The Australian government has selected BAE Systems to build its new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines as part of the AUKUS trilateral security pact with the US and the UK. Dubbed the SSN-AUKUS, the submarine will be based on next-generation British design but will incorporate cutting-edge systems from the US. To ensure smooth construction and timely delivery, Canberra will earmark $3 billion for the program.
A US military commander has claimed that China is on track in its preparations for a potential invasion of Taiwan by 2027. Speaking before the US House Armed Services Committee, Admiral John Aquilino said the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has been ramping up activities and nuclear capabilities “to levels unseen since World War II.” He also said Beijing has increased its defense budget by 16 percent over recent years, making it the second highest behind the US at $222 billion.
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