Defense Industry Daily

Americas Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. has received a $100 million contract modification to improve and maintain H-53 helicopters. The work includes software updates, cost reduction analysis, and extending the helicopters’ service life. This project will benefit the Marine Corps, Navy, and foreign military customers. The work will mainly take place in Stratford, Connecticut, and is set to finish by March 2028. Tyonek Technical Services LLC has been awarded a $46 million contract to provide on-site depot maintenance for Air Force Special Operations Command’s C-130 fleet. The work, which includes support for weapons systems and subsystems, will take place at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The contract is set to run until March 30, 2035, with initial funding of $4.8 million already allocated. This agreement will help ensure the continued readiness and availability of these specialized aircraft, which are crucial for tactical airlift missions and can operate from rough, unprepared airstrips. Middle East & Africa Two Israeli companies have announced plans to set up defense factories in the United States to produce jet and rocket engines for the US military. Bet Shemesh Engines, known for civilian jet engines, is expanding into the military market. Another company, Rafael, is partnering with Kratos to build a rocket […]

Americas The US Navy Reserve’s KC-130T Hercules fleet, upgraded with the NP2000 propeller system, is now cleared to aerially refuel a significantly wider range of aircraft across the carrier airwing following envelope expansion testing at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) which concluded in early 2025. Originally, the KC-130T aircraft were primarily used for cargo missions. However, recognising the increasing need to refuel more assets in the air, the Navy initiated a project to regain aerial refuelling capabilities across the fleet. Kira AAR Logistics Services JV LLC has been awarded a contract worth up to $98 million to provide in-flight training for Naval Aviators on the E-6B Mercury aircraft. The work will be done in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and is expected to be completed by March 2027. This training supports the Navy’s efforts to maintain pilot proficiency and is crucial for the E-6B’s strategic communications and airborne command post missions. The contract was not competitively bid, and funds will be allocated as specific orders are issued. Middle East & Africa Arab leaders gathered in Cairo to discuss an alternative plan for rebuilding Gaza, opposing US President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal. The summit aimed to present a comprehensive vision […]

Americas The US military is looking for new ways to navigate without using GPS. A company called Xona might have a good solution. Xona just got $4.6 million from the Air Force to show how their navigation system could help the military. Xona’s system, called PULSAR, uses small satellites that orbit close to Earth. It can help with navigation when GPS doesn’t work or when someone is trying to block GPS signals. Saab has secured a contract to equip the Colombian Navy’s new frigate with advanced systems. The deal includes Saab’s 9LV Combat Management System, 9LV Fire Control System, and cutting-edge sensors and radars like the Ceros 200 radar and Sea Giraffe 4A radars. The frigate will be built by Colombian shipbuilder COTECMAR, with Damen Naval providing engineering and technical support. The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2030. This project is part of Colombia’s efforts to modernize its naval capabilities and develop its maritime industry. Middle East & Africa Israel said Sunday that it was suspending the entry of supplies into Gaza, with deadly attacks reported in the territory after it and Hamas hit an impasse over how to proceed with their fragile ceasefire. As the 42-day first phase […]

Americas Lockheed Martin won a $19.9 million contract for PATRIOT missile software support services. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas, with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2028. Fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation, Army funds in the amount of $4,000,000 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Airtronics LLC in Tucson, Arizona, has been awarded a $7,941,037 contract to overhaul UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter modulating valves. The Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, awarded the contract after receiving three bids online. Work locations and funding will be decided with each order, with an estimated completion date of February 27, 2030. The contract number is W58RGZ-25-D-0018. Middle East & Africa The US on Friday approved potential foreign military sales to Israel worth $3 billion, according to the State Department. The sales include munitions, guidance kits, and Caterpillar D9 bulldozers, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement. The agency stated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined an “emergency exists,” requiring the immediate sales to Israel, waiving the Congressional review requirement. The largest portion […]

Americas The recent opening of the US Army’s Theater Readiness Monitoring Facility (TRMF) at the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant (MCAAP) has shed light on the extensive efforts to inspect HAWK missiles for the support of Ukraine’s war efforts. A key revelation from the opening is the sheer scale of HAWK missile inspections being undertaken. As of 2025, MCAAP has inspected a total of 2,751 HAWK missiles. Furthermore, the facility has received 825 missiles and other equipment donations from six countries. These missiles and equipment are likely to be transferred to Ukraine. The US Coast Guard received its 18th HC-130J Combat King II airplane from Lockheed Martin. This is part of a plan to improve their long-range patrol planes. The plane will spend a year in Georgia getting special equipment to make it better at watching the sea and carrying heavy things. It will get a system called Minotaur, which helps gather and send information using radar and other tools. This will make the plane much better at its job. Middle East & Africa The Royal Navy has used its S-100 Peregrine rotary-wing unmanned aerial system for the first time in the Middle East. It was deployed from aboard the HMS […]

Americas According to Breaking Defense, Pentagon leaders are planning to change how they buy and use technology. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth might make the Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP) the main way to develop software. The SWP is a faster method created in 2020 to speed up software development by using ideas from private companies. It helps the Department of Defense (DoD) get custom software quickly, aiming to deploy new features in hours or days instead of months. RTX has introduced its first aircraft radar warning receiver (RWR) with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities. This technology uses the Cognitive Algorithm Deployment System (CADS), which integrates AI/ML models into existing RWR systems. CADS combines advanced computing with sensor-level threat processing, allowing the RWR to detect, classify, and prioritize threats more effectively. This enhances survivability by quickly identifying and prioritizing threats, reducing the workload on pilots. The system is designed to improve threat analysis and resistance to spoofing, making it more reliable in combat scenarios. Middle East &Africa The UAE military is focusing on autonomy and investing heavily in naval assets, particularly unmanned maritime systems. This strategy aims to address two key challenges: The UAE Navy is the smallest branch […]

Americas Lockheed Martin won an $11 million modification for continued flight testing in support of the F-16 Singapore upgrade program. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed by January 29, 2027. FMS funds in the amount of $11,162,208 will be obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. Textron Aviation has secured a contract to deliver seven Beechcraft King Air 260 multi-engine aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. The planes will replace the military’s Beechcraft King Air C-90B fleet that has been operating for flight practice since 2005. The new systems will be provided with a night vision-compatible cockpit, engineer monitoring, digital audio system, specialized wing angle, full-face oxygen masks, and observer, emergency, and passenger seats. Middle East & Africa Israeli sighting specialist Smartshooter has unveiled a portable counter-drone system with an assault rifle as the effector. The rifle is controlled through the Smash Dome’s Smash Hopper remote-controlled weapon station. For greater target engagement accuracy, the station uses a ballistically calculated fire control system. Europe The Polish government has signed an agreement […]

Americas Textron Aviation has secured a contract to deliver seven Beechcraft King Air 260 multi-engine aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. The planes will replace the military’s Beechcraft King Air C-90B fleet that has been operating for flight practice since 2005. The new systems will be provided with a night vision-compatible cockpit, engineer monitoring, digital audio system, specialized wing angle, full-face oxygen masks, and observer, emergency, and passenger seats. The Pentagon’s fleet of F-35 fighter jets may not receive the full, combat-ready version of the TR-3 upgrade this year, Lockheed Martin executives acknowledged today. The upgrade, formally called Technology Refresh-3, was originally supposed to be ready in April 2023, but software-development problems have delayed the effort multiple times. Those delays drove the Pentagon to halt acceptance of new F-35s for a year, a pause that ended in July. The upgrade will equip the jets with the extra computing power needed for Block 4 improvements to sensors and weapons. Middle East & Africa Iran has unveiled a massive, heavy-duty drone with a 22-meter wingspan, reportedly capable of flying up to 4,000 kilometers. The Shahed-149, also known as “Gaza” in reference to the war-torn Gaza Strip, was revealed by the Aerospace Force […]

Americas The US Marine Corps’ 3d Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR) has executed a successful live-fire exercise of the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS), conducted at the Pohakuloa Training Area on January 25. This event, marking the first live-fire of MADIS on a Hawaiian island since its introduction in December, underscores a critical step in the Corps’ Force Design modernisation efforts. The MADIS, a mobile, short-range, surface-to-air defence system, is designed to counter a range of aerial threats, particularly the growing menace of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). As a key component of the Marine Corps’ modernisation strategy, MADIS enhances the 3d MLR’s tactical flexibility, extending the airspace it can sense and defend without reliance on other branches of the United States armed forces. Teledyne FLIR has secured a contract worth up to $74.2 million to provide modernized imaging surveillance systems for the US Coast Guard. Under a five-year contract, the company will deliver more than 125 Electro-Optic Sensor System-Modernized (ESS-M) systems for use on Coast Guard rotary-wing aircraft. The system will be integrated into the MH-60 and MH-65 fleets, with delivery scheduled for the end of this year. Middle East & Africa Elbit Systems has secured an $80 million contract with […]

Americas SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace have procured three De Havilland Dash 8-400 regional airliners for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. Upon arrival, the planes will have their cabins reconfigured and fitted with solutions to be used for Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator and Air Combat Systems Officer courses. The selection of the locally-built systems was driven by the Dash family of aircraft’s proven performance under the Canadian Air Force, particularly the older Dash 8-100 models, the consortium explained. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has received a $34.8-million contract to continue its support services for the US Marine Corps’ XQ-58A Valkyrie unmanned aerial system development. The deal will extend the company’s assistance to the mission systems and subsystem integrations under the Penetrating Affordable Autonomous Collaborative Killer – Portfolio, which is transitioning into the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Unmanned Aerial System Expeditionary Tactical Aircraft program this year. Middle East & Africa Israel’s Ministry of Defense has finalized a procurement agreement with state-owned Rafael for additional Iron Dome interceptors, enhancing the country’s multi-layered air defense capabilities. The funding for the new contract will be sourced from the $8.7 billion US aid package approved for Israel in April 2024. This deal will enable Rafael to ramp […]

Iron Dome concept (click to view full) On August 16, 2011, Rafael and Raytheon announced a partnership to market the Iron Dome system in the United States. This rocket interception system developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has an all-weather range of up to 70 km (43.5 miles). To make the system mobile, the detection/tracking radar and battle management/control parts of the system are carried on trucks, while the missile firing unit is mounted on a trailer. Then in November 2011 the Jerusalem Post reported that the US Army had expressed interest to protest its bases in Iraq and Afghanistan. South Korea is also reportedly interested. While exports remain tentative as of the end of 2011, several systems have been fielded in Israel in recent years. Israeli Deployment Iron Dome was selected by Israel’s government as its short range defensive solution back in 2007. At the time other options were also on the table such as the THEL/Skyguard laser-based system. In February 2010 IAI announced a $50 million export contract for the radar component of the Iron Dome system. After the US Congress approved $205M in military aid to procure 9 Iron Dome batteries, Israel said that it would start […]

Americas Sikorsky Aircraft won a $64 million order, which provides for updated logistics analysis and products required to support configuration changes on the CH-53K as well as provides for development and delivery of new intermediate and depot component repair capability for the Navy and Marine Corps. Work is expected to be completed in January 2030. Fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $64,881,720 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace have procured three De Havilland Dash 8-400 regional airliners for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. Upon arrival, the planes will have their cabins reconfigured and fitted with solutions to be used for Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator and Air Combat Systems Officer courses.  The selection of the locally-built systems was driven by the Dash family of aircraft’s proven performance under the Canadian Air Force, particularly the older Dash 8-100 models, the consortium explained. Middle East & Africa Plasan Sasa, an Israeli manufacturer specializing in survivability solutions for land, air, and naval platforms in the […]

Americas Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) has christened the US Navy’s 14th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock vessel, the USS Harrisburg, in Pascagoula, Mississippi. The hull was named after Pennsylvania’s capital city to honor the region’s continuous support for the US armed forces as well as its critical role in the country’s industrial history. Notable contributions by the Harrisburg were recorded throughout the Westward Migration, the American Civil War, and the Industrial Revolution. At the ceremony in Pascagoula, US Navy Ships Program Executive Officer Rear Admr. Tom Anderson provided the keynote address for the event. The first F-15E Strike Eagles equipped with the advanced Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System (EPAWSS) have touched down at RAF Lakenheath, marking a significant leap in electronic warfare capabilities for the US Air Force in Europe. The arrival of these upgraded aircraft on January 16, signals a major step in the Air Force’s modernization efforts to ensure the F-15 fleet remains effective against evolving threats. Europe The US military has begun deploying upgraded B61-12 nuclear bombs at its bases in Europe, further enhancing its strategic deterrence capabilities. The deployment follows the completion of a $9-billion upgrade to the so-called “gravity bombs,” which extends their service life by at least 20 […]

Americas Lockheed Martin won a $92 million modification for AEGIS combat system configurations. This contract combines purchases for the governments of Japan, South Korea and Australia under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey, and is expected to be completed by December 2025. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC, is the contracting activity. L-3 Harris Technologies won an $8.8 million for the procurement of spares for the MK 20 Electro-Optical Sensor System (EOSS), MK 46 Optical Sight System (OSS), and associated the MK 48 and MK 34 Gun Weapon Systems. Work will be performed in Northampton, Massachusetts; Orlando Florida; Moonachie, New Jersey; Keene, New Hampshire; and Radford, Virginia and is expected to be completed by April 2027. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC, is the contracting activity. Middle East & Africa Israeli firms SMARTSHOOTER and HevenDrones have announced a strategic partnership to equip logistics drones with advanced robotic weapon systems. As part of the collaboration, the two companies will integrate the cutting-edge SMASH Dragon weapon into HevenDrones’ H100 and Urban drone platforms. This integration will enable the unmanned aerial systems to conduct combat missions against ground and aerial targets. Europe Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense […]

Americas According to Defense Post, AeroVironment has been contracted to deliver Switchblade loitering munitions as part of the US Army’s Directed Requirement for Lethal Unmanned Systems (LUS). The $55.3-million contract is the second order of the 5-year contract awarded to the company in August with a ceiling of $900 million. The LUS requirement is intended to enhance infantry soldiers’ ability to neutralize fortified targets such as armored vehicles and tanks. The US Army has approved the full-rate production of its M1147 120mm Advanced Multi-Purpose (AMP) round, designed to provide next-generation firepower to M1 Abrams main battle tanks. Announced on Friday, the decision moves the M1147 program beyond low-rate initial production, providing a critical capability to meet the needs of both the US Army and its international partners. Middle East & Africa The Turkish navy wrapped up the weeklong Mavi Vatan 2025 exercise, a large-scale operation meant to showcase Ankara’s strategic maritime ambitions in the region and beyond. The Mavi Vatan (Blue Homeland) doctrine, introduced in 2019, symbolizes the country’s shift from a land-focused power to a maritime force, prioritizing the protection of its maritime zones. It reflects a broader transformation of the Turkish navy into a high-seafaring force capable of extended operations. […]

Americas After years of testing and refinement, the US Air Force’s microvane program is nearing full implementation across it’s C-17 fleet. These small, strategically placed devices are set to reduce aerodynamic drag and increase fuel efficiency by redirecting airflow around the aircraft’s fuselage, proving that even the most mature aircraft designs can be enhanced. Air Force Operational Energy and Air Mobility Command are now in the final stages of evaluating the microvane technology. The microvanes themselves are deceptively simple: small, 3D-printed devices, measuring approximately 4 x 16 inches, and shaped like a thin blade. These are attached to the rear of the C-17’s fuselage using strong adhesive bonding. The Peruvian Navy has christened and launched two Pativilca-class offshore patrol vessels as part of its effort to strengthen national maritime operations. The BAP Río Huarmey (PM 210) and BAP Río Nepeña (PM 211) are two of 10 boats planned under the program for surveillance, anti-piracy, environment response protection, and search and rescue tasks. Middle East & Africa The US announced Saturday it would donate more than $117-million in security assistance for Lebanon’s armed forces, as the crisis-hit country seeks to implement a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. The State Department said […]

Americas Lockheed Martin won a $280.4 million for combat systems engineering efforts of the planned modernization and new combat system capabilities selection for international partner Canadian Royal Navy ships operating AEGIS. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey and is expected to be completed by January 2028. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC is the contracting activity. Mustang Advanced Engineering won an $11.3 million contract for a test stand capable of testing both left-hand and right-hand V-22 PropRotor Gearbox Input Quill assemblies for the V-22 aircraft. This includes all mechanical, electrical, software, and control systems, as well as ancillary subsystems required to test either PropRotor Gearbox Input Quills. This contract was competed as a small business set aside with four offers received. Naval Air Systems Command, Commander Fleet Readiness Center, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Middle East & Africa The naval arm of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards unveiled an underground base housing dozens of assault boats equipped with missile launchers in footage aired by state television on Saturday. The broadcaster did not reveal the location of the base, saying only that it served Iran’s strategic “southern waters” — the Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of […]

Americas The Uruguayan Air Force (FAU) has acquired five A-29 Super Tucano aircraft from Brazilian firm Embraer. The deal includes mission equipment, integrated logistics services, and a flight simulator. “We are ready to offer the best multimission aircraft to the FAU as well as our full support to increase their operational readiness and to enhance their capabilities to accomplish strategic missions such as border surveillance,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer. Boeing won an $18.5 million delivery order for the repair of R2 trailing edge flaps used on the F/A-18 E/F aircraft. The delivery order does not include an option period. All work will be performed in Jacksonville, Florida and work is expected to be completed by January 2027. Annual working capital (Navy) funds in the amount of $9,055,200 will be obligated at the time of award, and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One company was solicited for this sole-source requirement pursuant to the authority set forth in 10 US Code 2304 (c)(1), with one offer received. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. Africa The Republic of Zambia is set to enhance its air capabilities […]

Americas The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) seeks to develop quantum sensors for moving military platforms. Quantum sensors use quantum mechanics to sense minute variances in motion and electric and magnetic fields, achieving greater accuracy than conventional sensors. In technical terms, they extract information from individual atoms rather than from a collection of atoms and are less vulnerable to signal jamming and other electromagnetic interference that traditional light- and sound-based data sensors are vulnerable to. The Marine Corps has awarded Forterra a contract to integrate its autonomy package on the Remotely Operated Ground Unit for Expeditionary Fires ground vehicle, the Pentagon’s first-ever production contract for off-road autonomous driving capability. The company’s advanced stack and AutoDrive system gives the ROGUE Fires vehicle – built by Oshkosh Defense – off-road, self-driving technology in “nearly any environment,” which moves “beyond Leader-Follower capabilities,” Forterra said in a Jan. 13 statement. Leader-Follower technology uses a lead vehicle to guide other unmanned vehicles behind it. Middle East & Africa Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has introduced a new loitering munition, reportedly capable of reaching a range of 20 kilometers. Dubbed the “Razvan,” the kamikaze drone was unveiled during the recent Payambar-e Azam (The Great Prophet) 19 […]

Americas The US Army is seeking industry input on a spy aircraft that can launch unmanned aerial systems. The aerial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platform will be based on an executive jet aircraft, such as a Bombardier G6500, and operate at medium to high altitudes. This announcement seems to attempt to expand the capabilities of the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program, which is also based on the Global 6500 and operate at medium to high altitudes. The US Air Force has enhanced its forward posture in the Indo-Pacific with the deployment of F-35A Lightning IIs from the Vermont Air National Guard’s 134th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron (EFS) to Kadena Air Base, Japan, on Jan. 13. The move comes as the service begins to retire its ageing fleet of F-15C/D Eagles in Japan, some of which have been in service for more than four decades. The US Air Force is retiring its fleet of F-15C/D Eagle aircraft, which have been operational for over 40 years, and the 18th Wing, formerly the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing, first received the F-15C on 29 Sept. 1979. The 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron was the first to be fully operational with the Eagle in the […]