Americas
The US Air Force has reached a significant milestone in its efforts to bring zero-emissions aviation into the military. Recently, Air Force pilots remotely flew a Joby electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at the company’s Marina, California, manufacturing facility. During the flights, the pilots assumed remote pilot-in-command responsibilities and transitioned the flight for the eVTOL. The goal was to prepare the Air Force for delivery of aircraft to Edwards Air Force Base, California. The first two Joby aircraft are expected to be delivered to Edwards in early 2024.
The US Army has awarded Albany Engineered Composites (AEC) a $4 million contract to support the service’s hypersonic development. Under the agreement, the Rochester, New Hampshire-based company will use its proprietary near-net shape 3D weaving technology to further advance thermal protection for hypersonic applications.
Middle East & Africa
Northrop Grumman won a $25 million modification, which exercises an option to provide sustainment and technical support in support of E-2C/D aircraft common and unique requirements for the Governments of France, Japan, Taiwan, and Egypt. Work will be performed in Florida, Japan, Ohio, Florida and various locations within the continental US, and is expected to be completed in April 2026. Foreign Military Sales customer funds in the amount of $14,384,000 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.
Europe
Romania has awarded Turkish company Baykar a $321 million deal to deliver Bayraktar TB2 medium-altitude, long-endurance combat drones for the Romanian Land Forces. The agreement builds on the Romanian defense’s $300 million parliamentary request submitted last year seeking to acquire the system. Under the contract, the TB2 drones will be delivered to the Romanian Air Force’s 93rd Air Base in Timisoara.
Asia-Pacific
Indonesia will order 18 additional Rafale fighter jets from France as part of a $2.3-billion deal, according to a report by La Tribune, citing procurement sources. The order is part of 42 aircraft Jakarta plans to purchase to modernize its air force. According to the report, the Southeast Asian nation has already secured funding for the additional Rafales and to arm them with air-to-air missiles.
The Indian Army has struck a deal with a local company to procure 450 loitering munitions. Solar Industries Nagpur beat out Polish and Israeli firms to clinch the $25 million contract to supply Nagastra-1 kamikaze drones. “Economic Explosives Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, has signed a contract for the supply of loitering munitions with the Ministry of Defense,” PSU Watch reported, citing a Solar Industries regulatory filing.
Today’s Video
WATCH: How does the Turkish drone bayraktar tb2 work
