Defence`s Feeds

The first six of a dozen U.S. Air Force F-15Es have returned to their homebase at RAF Lakenheath, once again sporting unique nicknames and some interesting markings. On Dec. 17, 2024, the first six of 12 F-15E Strike Eagle jets, belonging to the 492nd Fighter Squadron/48th Fighter Wing, returned to RAF Lakenheath, UK, after a […]

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Americas Lockheed Martin won a $33.8 million contract modification for the procurement of four test controller processors and ten infrared receivers in support of the F/A-18 aircraft. All work will be performed in Orlando, Florida, and work will be completed by November 2025.  Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. The US Air Force’s Tyndall Air Force Base is equipping aircrew with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) gear for enhanced combat readiness. All current and new pilots of the 325th Operations Support Squadron Aircrew Flight Equipment Flight (AFE) will be fitted and trained to wear the newly-developed specialized equipment by February 2025. The squadron supports F-35 pilots and is part of the 325th Operations Group, the Florida base’s operating unit and host wing. Middle East & Africa MVL Saudi Builders won a $29.4 million firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of shore-to-ship utilities. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Lebanon, with an estimated completion date of December 29, 2029. Fiscal 2025 Foreign Military Sales (Lebanon) funds in the amount of $29,363,739 were obligated at the time of the award. US Army Corps of Engineers, Winchester, […]

Finnish, Swedish, and Dutch fighter aircraft were scrambled on Tuesday Dec. 17, 2024 to identify and monitor Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea, which turned out to be carrying inert supersonic cruise missiles. The first intercept was made by F/A-18 Hornets from the Finnish Air Force, which were met by Dutch F-35A Lightning IIs deployed […]

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The $451 million contract will support the upgrade of 68 JASDF F-15Js as part of the Japan Super Interceptor program, introducing some capabilities currently being fielded on the U.S. Air Force F-15EX Eagle II. The U.S. DoD (Department of Defense) announced on Dec. 10, 2024, that the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center awarded Boeing […]

The post Boeing Awarded Contract To Support the F-15 Japan Super Interceptor Program appeared first on The Aviationist.

Argentina and Denmark sealed a $300 million contract in April for 24 second-hand F-16 jets. The Fuerza Aérea Argentina has been without a supersonic fighter since 2015, following the retirement of its last Dassault Mirage IIIs. Argentina’s first F-16B, purchased from Denmark, landed in the country on Dec. 16, 2024, after being transported disassembled inside […]

The post Argentina Receives First Ex-Danish F-16B, Flown Disassembled in KC-130H appeared first on The Aviationist.

The VAQ-133 “Wizards” have completed the first ALQ-249 Next Generation Jammer Deployment. On Dec. 14, 2024, Electronic Attack Squadron 133 (VAQ-133), assigned to Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW) 9, returned to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, from its five-month deployment to the Middle East and Eastern Pacific aboard USS Abraham Lincoln. A total of 153 […]

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The second phase of a project to develop underwater surveillance technology is now underway, after the European Defence Agency (EDA) launched the ‘Evaluation of State-of-the-Art Thin Line Array Technology II’ (ETLAT II) over two days from 11 December. With Italy as the lead nation and Leonardo as the lead company, nine members from six European Union Member States are part of the three-year, nearly €4 million project, which aims to strengthen the EU's capabilities in maritime defence.

The project, which launched at Leonardo’s premises in Livorno, aims to enhance ‘Thin Line Array’ technologies for underwater surveillance and anti-submarine warfare. Thin Line Array technologies are underwater acoustic measurement devices used in maritime static and low-speed towed surveillance and monitoring.

Building upon the initial ETLAT project (2015–2018), ETLAT II aims to refine and advance prototypes by addressing unresolved technical problems identified in the first phase. The project focuses on improving operational readiness and finding solutions for the Thin Line Array systems. ETLAT II will draw on advanced numerical models, experimental data, and innovative designs.

Technical objectives: from vibration isolation to testing

Vibration Isolation Systems:

Studying vibrations that affect towing systems, as well as designing isolation solutions to mitigate mechanical disturbances and flow-induced noise, to improve the stability and sensitivity of Thin Line Array systems.

Advanced Numerical Modelling:

Enhancing computational models to predict hydrodynamic behaviour, flow noise, and acoustic performance under various operational conditions, including simulations for different towing speeds and angles.

Experimental Evaluation:

Conducting rigorous prototype testing in controlled environments such as towing tanks and the Lake Nemi acoustic test range – a specialised underwater testing facility near Rome – to validate numerical models and optimise system designs using real-world data.

By integrating numerical simulations with experimental evaluations, ETLAT II aims to increase the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of Thin Line Array technologies so that they can be reliably deployed in demanding maritime defence applications.

 Consortium and Collaboration

• Germany: Bundeswehr Technical Centre for Ships and Naval Weapons, Maritime Technology and Research (WTD 71).
• Finland: Finnish Naval Academy (FNA) and Patria Aviation Oy (Patria).
• Italy: Institute of Marine Engineering - National Research Council (INM-CNR) and Leonardo Spa.
• The Netherlands: Dutch Command Materiel and IT Agency (NL-COMMIT) and Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN).
• Norway: Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI).
• Sweden: Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI).

  European Defence Agency’s role

The ETLAT II project is conducted within the framework of EDA. Established in 2004, EDA supports Member States in developing collaborative defence capabilities to enhance interoperability and innovation across Europe. By facilitating cooperative initiatives such as ETLAT II, EDA reinforces Europe’s technological edge and maritime security readiness.

The European Defence Agency (EDA), the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), and the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) convened in Brussels for a trilateral meeting aimed at deepening their collaboration in support of European and transatlantic security.

The meeting, hosted by EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý, was a continuation of a first trilateral held in Luxembourg in December 2023. The gathering brought together senior leadership from the three organisations to explore ways to deepen cooperation, enhance efficiency, and capitalise on their complementary strengths.

In light of the challenging security landscape, the three organisations reaffirmed their commitment to a joint effort, engaging in a dynamic exchange on collaboration and synergies, and exploring how their respective roles can better align to meet the rapidly changing demands of member nations. Discussions centered on addressing shared challenges, and identifying strategic opportunities to reinforce their collective impact.

The meeting highlighted the importance of clear messaging when engaging with stakeholders and explore further alignment and opportunities for enhanced cooperation. 

EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý underscored the importance of such trilateral engagements, and the subsequent discussions that will take place at working level with respectively NSPA and OCCAR, stating: “By coming together at this pivotal moment, we worked on identifying synergies that could deliver real results. One example of a successful collaboration is the multinational MRTT fleet, which illustrates how our organisations can work seamlessly across the acquisition, management, and operational phases to support member nations’ capability needs.”

“Although our organisations have distinct mandates and missions, we share a common goal: supporting our member states in navigating a complex and fast-changing security environment,” he added.

“The current security environment demands agility, innovation, and cooperation,” said Stacy Cummings, General Manager of NSPA. “By pooling our resources and leveraging our respective expertise, NSPA, EDA, and OCCAR are paving the way for stronger, more effective collaboration. This meeting reflects our shared vision to build on past successes and tackle emerging challenges together.”

OCCAR-EA Director, Joachim Sucker, echoed these sentiments: “In a world where disconnection often prevails, this meeting exemplifies the power of cooperation. By combining our efforts, we enhance our ability to deliver vital defence capabilities. I deeply appreciate the opportunity to engage trilaterally with Ms Cummings and Mr Šedivý to explore how our unique strengths can complement each other and yield greater outcomes for the nations we all support.”

This trilateral meeting underscored the collective determination of EDA, NSPA, and OCCAR to work more closely together in addressing NATO and Europe’s pressing defence and security challenges. By strengthening their partnership, the three organisations are laying the groundwork for enhanced collaboration and a more robust response to the needs of both NATO and Europe.

 

The Eurofighter Consortium has awarded BAE Systems a contract worth £133 million to further develop its Striker II Helmet Mounted Display (HMD). BAE Systems announced on Dec. 11, 2024, that it has been awarded a new £133 million contract to further develop its Striker II Helmet Mounted-Display (HMD).  Under this new contract, awarded by the […]

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The fifth and final EMD aircraft will now join the test fleet assigned to the T-7 Integrated Test Force and continue to validate the Red Hawk’s capabilities ahead of the Milestone C and the LRIP contract expected in 2025. The final Engineering Manufacturing Development (EMD) T-7A Red Hawk flew for the first time from Boeing’s […]

The post Final Boeing T-7A Red Hawk Engineering Manufacturing Development Jet Flies for the First Time appeared first on The Aviationist.

BAE Systems, Leonardo and JAIEC reached an agreement to form a new company under a business joint venture for the GCAP, building on the trilateral cooperation started in 2022. The three national industry leads participating to the Global Combat Aircraft Programme (GCAP), BAE Systems, Leonardo and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co (JAIEC), have reached an […]

The post UK, Italy and Japan Reach Landmark Agreement for GCAP Program appeared first on The Aviationist.

Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

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The Consultation Forum for Sustainable Energy in the Defence and Security Sector (CF SEDSS) has entered its fourth phase (2024-2028), marking a new push in the European Union’s energy and climate objectives to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

On 11 December, the European Defence Agency (EDA) and the European Commission signed the grant agreement in a ceremony at the European Commission Directorate-General for Energy, underscoring the project’s importance in supporting the defence energy transition and the preparedness goals. The CF SEDSS is an EU-funded initiative managed by EDA, comprising Europe’s largest defence energy community. It is now entering its fourth phase, called Phase IV, funded by the LIFE Clean Energy Transition sub-programme.

The global defence sector consumes a significant amount of energy and is estimated to be responsible for up to 5.5% of the world’s total CO2 emissions. The Consultation Forum’s efforts spanning almost a decade have been instrumental in supporting EU Ministries of Defence in developing sustainable, efficient, and resilient energy models in line with the EU’s climate ambitions. Phase IV of the project was officially launched on 1 October 2024.

In the next four years, Phase IV will continue supporting European defence ministries to achieve energy sustainability and meet ambitious climate goals. Building on the EU legal framework and previous project phases, Phase IV will focus on knowledge sharing, collaborative project ideas, studies and policy roadmaps to tackle emerging challenges in energy efficiency, renewables, and energy security within the defence and security sector.

Phase IV will also coordinate the organisation of high-level conferences, thematic workshops and a table-top exercise, with a view to exploring new trends such as digitalisation, electrification, high-density/high power storage, low carbon energy and propulsion systems, smart buildings, artificial intelligence, integrated energy management systems and threats to the critical energy infrastructure.

Nathalie Guichard, EDA’s Director of Research, Technology, and Innovation (RTI), Hans Rhein, Head of Unit LIFE Energy and LIFE Climate, CINEA, and Alejandro Ulzurrun, Acting Director, DG ENER, were present at the signing of the project’s grant agreement.

“The continuation of the forum shows that energy remains a priority for the EU and defence ministries,” Nathalie Guichard said. She highlighted the collaboration between the EDA and the European Commission over nearly a decade. “This is the largest defence energy community, and a unique platform for dialogue which continues addressing the common energy considerations of the defence ministries.” Concluding her address, Guichard said: “Together, we are forging a path towards more energy efficient, sustainable and resilient armed forces.”

Alejandro Ulzurrun, European Commission, DG Energy acting Director for Just Transition, Consumers, Energy Efficiency and Innovation said: “The Consultation Forum is well placed to contribute to the new Commission’s agenda on energy and defence. We count on this Forum to deepen the collaboration between the energy and defence communities to support the energy transition in the defence sector, and, in particular, to identify dual-use solutions to common challenges, from energy efficiency to enhancing the use of renewable energy”.

Hans Rhein, Head of Unit LIFE Energy and LIFE Climate, European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), said: “We are very pleased to continue our collaboration with the European Defence Agency and build on the results achieved. The Commission has granted close to €10 million to EDA over the past seven years to assist the European defence sector in addressing sustainable energy. The contribution by the defence and security sector is crucial to achieving the decarbonisation of the economy by 2050”.

Background information

• EDEN Phase IV
• Consultation Forum for Sustainable Energy in the Defence and Security Sector IV (CF SEDSS IV)
• EDEN Deliverables Phase III
• EU Defence Industry - European Commission
• Communication on climate and defence
• Safer together: A path towards a fully prepared Union - European Commission
• LIFE Programme