Americas
Northrop Grumman Systems won an $8 million order provides engineering and logistics sustainment support in support of the E-2D Hawkeye aircraft transition from production to sustainment. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Florida and is expected to be completed in April 2025. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
The US Air Force recently conducted a training exercise focused on Independent Pilot Off-Station Procedures (IPOP) for the F-35 Lightning II aircraft. Held at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, on April 1st, the exercise aimed to equip F-35 pilots with the skills necessary to operate in austere environments with limited support personnel. Pilots from the 422nd and 59th Test and Evaluation Squadrons (TES) participated in the IPOP training. The exercise curriculum included practicing basic maintenance procedures, such as post-flight inspections, and refueling techniques. By mastering these skills, F-35 pilots can potentially extend the operational range of their aircraft and improve mission flexibility, particularly when deployed to locations with limited ground crew support.
Middle East & Africa
Saab achieved a significant accomplishment in its GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) program on April 18, 2024, with the delivery of the fourth aircraft to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This latest delivery comes just four years after the UAE received their first GlobalEye, showcasing the program’s efficient execution. The UAE holds the distinction of being the launch customer for the GlobalEye program, having signed the initial contract for five aircraft in 2015. Their commitment was further solidified in 2021 with an additional order for two more GlobalEyes.
Europe
The Croatian Air Force officially received its first six Rafale fighter jets in a ceremony held on April 25, at the 91st operational base near Zagreb. This marks a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing military modernization efforts. The ceremony was attended by top Croatian officials, including President Zoran Milanovi?, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovi?, and Defense Minister Ivan Anuši?. The arrival of the French-built aircraft, piloted by Croatian crews, was hailed as a historic moment for Croatia.
Sweden has contracted local mobility supplier Swecon to deliver 81 Volvo-made wheel loaders in different variants for the army. The 1.2-billion Swedish krona ($110-million) agreement orders 24 L110H, 26 L60H, and 31 of the recently introduced L35H platform. The project will also supply spare parts and tools to support the fleet’s operability. According to Swecon, each vehicle will incorporate “special adaptations” to meet the requirements of the Swedish Army.
Asia-Pacific
The Indian Army has reportedly contracted two local firms to develop a Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) system prototype. The potentially $580 million project includes the production of 200 launchers and 1,200 missiles by a Hyderabad-based public sector company and a Pune-based private firm, Asian News International revealed, citing sources.
