Americas
The US Navy’s MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system has reached a new milestone by establishing a third operational orbit, solidifying its global surveillance capabilities. The Triton, operated by Unmanned Patrol Squadron (VUP) 19 out of NAS Jacksonville, Florida, reached this accomplishment just over a year after its initial operational capability debut in August 2023. An “orbit” signifies a geographically defined area where the MQ-4C Triton UAS maintains a persistent presence, providing uninterrupted surveillance and intelligence gathering. This third orbit, located within the US 5th Fleet area of operations in the US Central Command, joins existing orbits at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam and Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella in Italy. This strategic positioning considerably enhances maritime domain awareness for the U.S military.
General Dynamics Electric Boat won a $243.8 million cost-plus-fixed-fee undefinitized order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement for Virginia-class submarines. Work will be performed in Groton, Connecticut, and is expected to be completed by September 2028. Fiscal 2024 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $243,799,854 will be obligated at time of award, and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This order was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(1), only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements). Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC., is the contracting activity.
Middle East & Africa
The US has strengthened its military posture consistently in the Middle East over the last year following the breakout of the war between Israel and Hamas, with tensions increasing further in the days after Israel launched its operation against Hezbollah. Twice this year, US forces in the region have assisted Israel in intercepting an attack by Iran. On October 1, two Navy destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean shot off roughly 12 interceptors against Iranian missiles — of which officials said approximately 200 were fired toward Israel.
Europe
NATO reinforced Romania’s airspace surveillance after a Russian drone might have crossed into Romanian airspace on its way to Ukraine last week. An Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft has begun patrols over Romania to “support the Alliance’s reinforced presence in the region and monitor Russian military activity,” NATO stated. NATO reported that flights will pass solely over alliance countries’ territories, and will be conducted from Greek and German air bases.
Asia-Pacific
Saab has entered into a cooperative agreement with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to strengthen its bid for South Korea’s new Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft. The Swedish firm is competing to supply Seoul with a state-of-the-art AEW&C platform, proposing its multi-domain GlobalEye aircraft.
