Americas
The US Navy has taken delivery of the second John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler, the USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO 206), from General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company. The handover follows the completion of acceptance trials to assess the vessel’s readiness and overall capability.
The Brazilian Air Force 1st Air Defense Group (1st GDA) has completed training on the JAS 39 Gripen multirole fighter jet in Sweden. Facilitated in partnership with Saab and the Swedish Air Force’s Phoenix Squadron, the course involved two phases focusing on the aircraft’s basic operations and combat capabilities. The Conversion Training covered Gripen’s deployment for solo and formation in day and night scenarios for 11 weeks with 50 flights per pilot.
Middle East
The British government has awarded Rafael a £20 million contract in order to purchase hardware for the Trophy Active Protection System, for its Challenger 3 tanks, says a UK Defense Journal report. The contract will allow the acquisition of multiple systems, countermeasures, and testing equipment required for certification and integration activities for the upcoming demonstration phase. The tank is expected to enter service in 2027.
Europe
Italy is planning to purchase the German Leopard 2 Main Battle Tanks for its army, in response to the army’s needs that arose due to the war in Ukraine. Responding to a question posed to her in the lower house defense committee, Undersecretary of Defense Isabella Rauti said that the process of purchasing the German tank, probably a 2A7 or 2A8 configuration, with a budget of approximately $4.5 billion, has now begun.
The Slovakian government approved the purchase of 160 JTLV 4×4 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles manufactured by American Oshkosh Defense worth almost $190 million as part of a US Foreign Military Sale (FMS). Deliveries of the JLTVs to the Slovak Armed Forces are due to take place throughout 2025. Defense Minister Martin Sklenár made clear that the US Government’s FMS proposal fully meets the requirements of the Slovak Armed Forces, saying: “These 4×4 vehicles are a platform with exceptional mobility and ballistic protection for lighter combat and support units.
Asia-Pacific
Perth-based company Airflite has received a deal to supply Aeronautical Life Support Equipment (ALSE) for Australian Defence Forces aircraft. The $10.67 million agreement covers the ALSE life cycle across the military and will include design, manufacturing, operation, maintenance, and disposal. Once deployed, the critical platforms are expected to bolster defense force aviators’ readiness during operations.
Today’s Video
WATCH: Meet the JLTV: America’s $333K Badass Military Vehicle!
