Defense`s Feeds

Americas Lockheed Martin got an extra $18.8 million to keep providing engineering and maintenance at Pearl Harbor for MK48 torpedoes. This is an addition to an existing contract. The work should be done by February 2026. The Navy is paying for it with $3.3 million in funds that must be used this year. The Naval Sea Systems Command is in charge of the contract. The  Intermediate Maintenance Activity at Pearl Harbor typically processes about 300 torpedo maintenance actions per year. These maintenance activities include failure analysis, cleaning, rebuilding components, testing, and configuration changes to ensure the torpedoes meet reliability and availability standards for the submarine fleet. General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) is set to provide enhanced armor protection to the US Army’s Stryker armored fighting vehicle. A functional review of the technology will be performed by the company on a Stryker platform over the next six months, using DEVCOM Ground Systems Center (GVSC) provided armor designs, integration schemes, and durability test data. It is part of GVSC’s Stryker Enhanced Armor (SEA) program, which was conceived to provide increased protection for the platform’s future armor kits. Middle East & Africa Israel’s defense ministry said Sunday that a shipment of “heavy” US-made […]

Americas Raytheon won an $18.7 million modification to exercise options for design agent and engineering support services for the Rolling Airframe Missile. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, and is expected to be completed by March 2028. Federal Republic of Germany funds in the amount of $22,471,090 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC, is the contracting activity. The US Army is conducting tests for the M10 Booker armored infantry support vehicle at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. Testing includes firing trials as well as performance and maintainability assessments. Personnel from different US Army divisions are trialing the vehicles on rough terrain, steep slopes, and water obstacles. Operations also evaluate durability and performance in extreme weather conditions. Furthermore, cold-weather testing is underway at Fort Greely in Alaska to assess its capability in sub-zero temperatures. Middle East & Africa A shipment of heavy US-made bombs, specifically MK-84 munitions, arrived in Israel overnight. This delivery coincided with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s first visit to the country in his new role. The Israeli Defense Ministry confirmed that the bombs were unloaded at […]

Americas Bell Boeing Joint Project Office in Amarillo, Texas, has been awarded a $23 million contract modification to continue flight test support for the V-22 Osprey aircraft. This modification extends the existing contract to provide ongoing support for the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and the government of Japan.The work will be distributed across multiple locations, with the majority of work (70%) performed in Patuxent River, Maryland, followed by Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (15%), Fort Worth, Texas (10%), and Hurlburt Field, Florida (5%). The project is expected to be completed in January 2026. Anduril Industries has taken over the development of the US Army’s Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) from Microsoft. This transition comes after a series of challenges and delays in the program, which was initially awarded to Microsoft in 2021 with a budget of $21.9 billion.The IVAS program aims to provide soldiers with augmented reality headsets to enhance combat effectiveness, situational awareness, and decision-making on the battlefield Europe The Dutch Ministry of Defense has announced the delivery of 25 YPR armored vehicles to Ukraine. These vehicles are specifically configured for medical evacuation purposes, designed to transport wounded soldiers from the frontlines. This announcement was made by Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans […]

The European Defence Agency (EDA) launched its first-ever European Defence Innovation Operational Experimentation (OPEX) campaign on 28 January 2025. The campaign was launched under the umbrella of EDA’s Hub for EU Defence Innovation (HEDI) and hosted at the Italian Army’s Multifunctional Experimentation Centre (CEPOLISPE) in Montelibretti, Italy. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between technological innovation and operational deployment of future capabilities.  

Managed in close partnership with the Italian Army and supported by the Italian National Armaments Directorate, the OPEX campaign focuses on testing future capabilities in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Unmanned Ground Systems (UGS). The principle behind this initiative is to take next-generation technology, which is already at an advanced stage in development, and place it in an operational setting to support the rapid adoption of emerging capabilities that are likely to shape the future of EU defence.  

The new framework provides a unique opportunity for experimentation in a realistic operational environment, allowing those involved to collaboratively test, refine, and adapt emerging technologies under real-world conditions. Through this campaign, EDA helps Member States and industry to bridge what defence specialists refer to as the “valley of death” in development, where promising new technologies fail to transition into defence programs.  

During the campaign’s launch, Nathalie Guichard, EDA’s Director for Research, Technology, and Innovation, said: “We are embarking on a ground-breaking initiative that will shape the future of European defence innovation. For the first time, Europe is providing a collaborative and agile environment for field-testing emerging disruptive technologies." 

Tests in June and July 

Now that it has launched, the OPEX campaign will run across two test locations in Italy between June and July 2025. These varied environments will rigorously assess how proposed autonomous logistics solutions meet military requirements and explore disruptive concepts of operation beyond traditional defence applications.  

The campaign is also supported by an expert working group of 76 UAS and UGS experts from 14 EU Member States, Switzerland, and Ukraine. This working group will provide technical and operational guidance for the development of the OPEX campaign, ensuring it aligns with Europe’s current defence needs while considering possible future operational realities. 

What makes this campaign work is the close collaboration with the Defence Test and Evaluation Base (DTEB), which plays a pivotal role in connecting European test and evaluation centres into a so-called network of excellence. The DTEB strategy further strengthens these efforts by aiming to harmonise test and evaluation procedures, addressing challenges stemming from emerging technology, as well as fostering interoperability across Europe.  

Embedded in EDA’s broader defence innovation framework, this initiative complements activities such as the Strategic Research and Innovation Agendas, the Action Plan on Autonomous Systems, and the Emerging Disruptive Technologies’ Capability-Driven Action Plan.  

Areas to be tested 

• Following a competitive procurement process launched in July 2024, EDA awarded contracts across six specialised categories so that a diverse range of solutions are rigorously field-tested. These are:  
• Low-Cost Attritable UAS – BEYOND VISION (Portugal)  
• Vertical Take-Off and Launch (VTOL) UAS – ALTUS LSA (Greece)  
• Heavy Lift VTOL UAS – SCHIEBEL (Austria)  
• Low-Cost Attritable UGS – ALYSIS (Spain)  
• Medium Wheeled Logistical UGS – PIAP (Poland) 
• Medium Tracked Logistical UGS – ARX ROBOTICS (Germany)  

The OPEX support team is a consortium led by French company EXTENSEE. It will help in the design, execution, and evaluation of the OPEX campaign in collaboration with EDA and the Italian authorities. 

EDA’s broader role 

Founded in 2004, the Agency helps foster defence cooperation across Europe. It serves as the central hub for EU countries aiming to develop their defence capabilities together. EDA’s activities span from harmonising requirements and developing operational capabilities to research, technology, innovation, training, and supporting Common Security and Defence Policy operations. The agency also works closely with the European defence industry to strengthen Europe’s technological and industrial base. 

Americas Lockheed Martin and Boeing are in a competition to build new military communication satellites for the US Space Force. Both companies have successfully passed early design reviews, allowing them to proceed to the next stage. Lockheed Martin emphasized its use of advanced digital technology and collaboration, creating a reprogrammable payload processor, and its design surpassed expectations. Boeing completed its design review in December 2024, leveraging its existing 702MP satellite platform used by the Space Force. The goal is to expand the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) with two new satellites by 2030, enhancing secure military communications. Momentus has secured a $3.5 million contract from DARPA to support the NOM4D program, which focuses on building large-scale structures in space. The company will use its Vigoride Orbital Service Vehicle to demonstrate in-orbit assembly technologies in low-Earth orbit. This mission, scheduled for early 2026, aims to validate the performance of space-optimized structures like antennas and solar arrays, advancing capabilities for future Department of Defense systems. Middle East & Africa A tragic accident has claimed the life of an Air Force of Zimbabwe student pilot during a training mission near Gweru. Air Lieutenant Nesbert Tambudza was killed when his Karakorum-8 (K-8) jet trainer […]

Senior European Defence Agency (EDA) officials briefed members of the defence industry community on 11 February 2025, ahead of a new European strategy to strengthen the European Union’s defence industrial base.  

The forum, hosted at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), came as the EU institutions, with input from EDA, prepare a ‘White Paper on the Future of European Defence’, which is expected in mid-March 2025. The EESC, as the voice of organised civil society, ensures that economic and social considerations are integrated into EU policymaking, and fosters dialogue between institutions and stakeholders. 

“The European defence base remains fragmented, characterised by a lack of joint procurement and national preferences for defence spending.  This results in small, localised markets with relatively low production numbers,” EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý said. “It is only by cooperating more that Member States can strengthen the defence technological and industrial base, create economies of scale, and develop the defence capabilities our Member States need.” 

Call for 100-billion-euro budget

The white paper will outline strategies for funding, improving industrial competitiveness, supporting Ukraine, and addressing critical investment needs. Negotiations over the EU's next long-term budget, the EU Multiannual Financial Framework, are also due to start at the end of 2025.  Pietro de Lotto, President of the EESC Consultative Commission on Industrial Change, said: “We need to come together to protect our common security, common values and common future.” De Lotto called for a dedicated €100 billion in the next seven-year MFF and stressed the need for public understanding and support, noting that a strong defence strategy in a democratic society requires citizens to see the European defence industry as a force for peace and security, not conflict. 

Katarzyna Ananicz, the European Council’s chairwoman of the Council’s working party on defence industry, said that the current interpretation of defence investment in the EU fiscal rules governing national budgets was too narrow. Ananicz stresssed that investment should not only include the purchase of military equipment but capital support for arms, ammunition factories, investment in infrastructure used by the armed forces and the construction of shelters. 

In 2024, Member States are projected to have spent €326 billion on defence, equivalent to 1.9% of the EU’s GDP. EDA officials warned that it is still insufficient to meet security threats. Countries must work together to develop the European defence industrial base. “The defence industry is our partner, and we cannot develop military capabilities without industry,” said Baudouin Heuninckx, EDA’s deputy director for industry. 

Obstacles to financing

EDA briefed the EESC on some of the obstacles, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the defence sector. These companies face significant barriers to financing, despite the Union’s efforts to boost military spending, Šedivý told the forum. De Lotto warned that sidelining SMEs would weaken the EU and stressed the need to better integrate them into future defence projects and funding. The Commission’s Fabio Liberti, giving an update on industry support, urged that joint procurement is the best way forward.  

EDA outlined its 18 collaborative opportunities that were identified in its 2024 Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD), the EU’s ‘State of the Union’ on defence. Four of these projects have already won political backing, including initiatives on integrated air and missile defence and electronic warfare. 

EDA’s Federica Valente also briefed the forum on EDA’s Hub for EU Defence Innovation (HEDI). HEDI is helping to identify and address future technological and operational needs of European armed forces, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of innovation and preparedness. EDA explained its revised Memorandum of Understanding with the European Investment Bank, which aims at improving financing access for defence projects. “They have financial knowledge; we have military expertise. This collaboration can help identify projects needing investment,” Šedivý said.

Americas Detyens Shipyards Inc., located in North Charleston, South Carolina, has been awarded a $21.1 million fixed-price contract to perform maintenance and dry-docking on the Military Sealift Command’s fleet replenishment oiler, USNS John Lenthall (T-AO 189). The project will last 180 days, starting March 23, 2025, and ending September 18, 2025. The contract includes additional options that could increase its total value to $21.8 million. The funding for this work comes from the Navy’s fiscal year 2025 budget and will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, and three proposals were submitted. Military Sealift Command, based in Norfolk, Virginia, is managing the contract. The US Navy is upgrading its mine-hunting tech. Raytheon got $18.3M to build mine-detecting gear for unmanned boats. Textron got $12.1M to build mine-sweeping gear for the same boats. Bollinger Shipyards got $7.7M to improve the boats themselves. These upgrades will help the Navy find and get rid of underwater mines more safely and efficiently. Middle East & Africa The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Kuwait of Design and Construction Services and related equipment for […]

The European Defence Agency (EDA) has launched a new research project to monitor and predict the health of batteries in aircraft, which is known as Prognostic Health Management (PHM). Led by Italy and involving Belgium, Greece, the Netherlands, and Germany, this three-year project aims to innovate aircraft power systems, with a focus on hybrid-electric aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for defence. The EDA project kicked off on 4 February 2025 and focuses on a type of rechargeable battery used in aircraft called structural Li-Ion/Po batteries.  

Unlike traditional batteries, structural batteries not only store energy but also help support the structure of the aircraft, which can reduce the overall weight. This is especially important for aircraft, as every kilogram saved helps improve fuel efficiency and performance. By developing advanced systems to monitor the health of these batteries, the project aims to ensure they last longer and perform reliably. These systems will help predict how long the batteries and the materials that make up the aircraft can be safely used, reducing the risk of failure and increasing the safety of flights, especially for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) that are used in defence operations. The project is known as BATTAGE, combining BATT from batteries, and AGE, referring to the battery’s lifetime.  

Project objectives: from design to testing 

• Sensor network and battery management system design, with the creation of a multifunctional, advanced battery management system that meets structural battery construction standards. 
• Diagnostic and prognostic algorithm implementation, with the development of algorithms for early anomaly detection, enhancing safety and operational efficiency of aircraft. 
• Experimental validation, with laboratory testing on structural batteries and UAV components under realistic operational conditions to evaluate durability and performance. 
• Scaling PHM systems and extending methodologies from testing to full UAV component-level validation.

These efforts bring together Member States’ expertise and testing facilities, reducing financial burdens and aiming to accelerate innovation. The project seeks to lay the foundation for research applicable to both civil aeronautics and the automotive industry, raising the possibility of a broad application of the technologies developed. Conducted under the framework of the EDA’s CapTech Aerial Systems, BATTAGE reinforces the European Union’s commitment to advancing defence and aeronautical technologies, while promoting collaboration between Member States. BATTAGE meets with European goals in defence and aeronautics to enhance air-domain capabilities across several areas, including: Air combat, supporting armed Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS); Airborne command and control (C2): Multi-Mission/Reconfigurable UAV systems; and Air Transport with tactical cargo UAVs for defence. The project will aim for a Technology Readiness Level of up to five, meaning that PHM technology is safe for environments where it might be potentially deployed. 

A European consortium 

The BATTAGE project brings together a consortium of leading institutions from five European countries: 

• Italy: Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI), National Research Council (CNR) 
• Belgium: Centre de Recherche en Aéronautique (CENAERO) 
• Germany: German Aerospace Center (DLR) 
• Greece: University of Patras (UPATRAS) 
• The Netherlands: Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR), Tulip Tech (TULIP) 

  EDA’s broader role 

Founded in 2004, the Agency helps foster defence cooperation across Europe. It serves as the central hub for EU countries aiming to develop their defence capabilities together. EDA’s activities span from harmonising requirements and developing operational capabilities to research, technology, innovation, training, and supporting Common Security and Defence Policy operations. The agency also works closely with the European defence industry to strengthen Europe’s technological and industrial base. 

Americas Canada has opened a rebuilt pier at its Esquimalt naval base in British Columbia. This project cost 1.1 billion Canadian dollars and is part of a larger plan to upgrade the harbor. The new pier will be able to handle the Royal Canadian Navy’s new ships, like the Joint Support Ships and Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessels, which are being built as part of the country’s National Shipbuilding Strategy. This upgrade will allow the base to support these larger, modern vessels. GM Defense has been awarded a $44.8 million contract to provide its Infantry Squad Vehicles (ISV) to the US Army. The exact number of vehicles to be supplied hasn’t been specified, and work locations and funding will be determined as orders are placed. Deliveries are expected to continue through December 2025. This deal will provide the Army with vehicles designed to improve troop mobility, based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 platform and able to carry nine soldiers. Middle East & Africa The US government has agreed to sell $7.4 billion worth of weapons to Israel. This includes $6.75 billion for bombs and related equipment, and $660 million for Hellfire missiles– The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency says these weapons […]

Americas Raytheon received a $52.2 million contract to produce 18 advanced camera systems for military helicopters (MH-60 aircraft) used by Saudi Arabia (1), South Korea (1), Norway (8), Spain (4), and India (4). The majority of the work will be conducted in Texas, with additional parts manufactured in other US states, and is expected to be completed by February 2028. The funding for this project originates from foreign countries through the Foreign Military Sales program, and the US Navy is overseeing the contract. The US Navy is spending money on new tools to find and remove underwater mines. They’re focusing on improving unmanned boats that can be launched from ships or the shore. These boats are designed to find, track, and destroy mines without putting sailors in danger. The Navy has given out several contracts to different companies to make these tools better. They want to make sure their ships, especially the Littoral Combat Ships, have the latest equipment to deal with mines in shallow waters near coastlines.These new tools will help the Navy replace its older mine-hunting ships and helicopters. The goal is to make it safer and more efficient to clear mines from important areas where ships need […]

Americas The US government has given Lockheed Martin a big job worth up to $2.81 billion to improve the THAAD missile defense system. This work will continue for 10 years, from February 2025 to January 2035. The company will upgrade THAAD’s hardware and software, test these improvements, and start putting them into use.Most of this work will happen in Sunnyvale, California, and Dallas, Texas. THAAD is a powerful weapon that can stop different types of incoming missiles. It works by hitting these missiles directly, destroying them before they can reach their targets. This system is important for protecting areas from missile attack. The US Air Force has given BioFlyte, a company from New Mexico, a job to test their new safety device called BioTOF z200. This device is special because it can spot dangerous things in the air that might harm people or buildings. The BioTOF z200 uses smart computer programs to quickly figure out if there are any bad chemicals or germs in the air.. The Air Force wants to see if this device can help keep military bases and soldiers safe from harmful substances that enemies might use.The Air Force is working with BioFlyte through a program that helps small companies […]

A German Heron TP drone flew in military- and civilian-controlled airspace between Germany and the Netherlands on 3 February 2025, marking another step towards remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) being allowed to fly safely alongside commercial airlines and other manned aviation. 

The round-trip test flight built on previous work by the European Defence Agency (EDA), which has been supporting its Member States in the safe integration of RPAS into general air traffic (GAT) airspace. It follows a similar milestone flight between France and Spain in December 2021. But this year, the flight took place in upper airspace for the first time.  

EDA initiated the project through a call for tender, which was awarded to a consortium led by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) together with the Netherlands Aerospace Centre (Royal NLR) and the German armed forces. The German air force provided the Heron TP drone for testing and the project also received the support of the German military aviation authority. 

The Heron TP, which with its 26-metre wingspan can fly for more than 24 hours, took off from Schleswig in northern Germany, initially climbing in military-controlled airspace. From there, it was handed over to German air traffic control and EUROCONTROL Maastricht Upper Area Control Centre, before transitioning into Dutch airspace at more than 8,500 metres (28,000 feet) above sea level, a region primarily occupied by commercial aircraft. 

The German Heron TP drone is a joint Israeli-German project developed by Airbus and Israel Aerospace Industries, designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). 

More test flights planned 

One of EDA’s goals, along with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), is to enable the full integration of large RPAS into general air traffic airspace. By testing, evaluating, and refining the procedures, the project is helping to bridge the gap between ‘accommodation’ or ‘mitigation’ measures and full integration. EDA, working closely with EASA and EUROCONTROL, as well as national aviation authorities, is laying the foundation for a more secure and efficient airspace across Europe. 

The German-Dutch mission implemented lessons learned to further refine the procedures to make such cross-border flights more commonplace. With two more test flights planned in the coming weeks, the focus is on demonstrating that mitigation measures developed so far are ‘aircraft agnostic’ — meaning that they work across different RPAS platforms, including civilian drones. The aim is that the full integration of RPAS into shared airspace will soon be possible. Unlike the previous mission between France and Spain, which used a different drone model, February's test helped confirm that integration procedures work across various aircraft, not just a single RPAS design. 

Another objective of the test flights is to trial procedures in the event of a loss of communication between the remote pilot and the aircraft and to operate the drone at its maximum altitude. These flights are planned to take place over the coming weeks.  

EDA’s broader role 

Founded in 2004, the Agency helps foster defence cooperation across Europe. It serves as the central hub for EU countries aiming to develop their defence capabilities together. EDA’s activities span from harmonising requirements and developing operational capabilities to research, technology, innovation, training, and supporting Common Security and Defence Policy operations. The agency also works closely with the European defence industry to strengthen Europe’s technological and industrial base. 

Americas The United States Marine Corps is undergoing a significant transformation of its aviation assets, as detailed in the recently released 2025 Marine Aviation Plan. The plan aims to maintain a lethal and responsive Aviation Combat Element (ACE) by transitioning to an all-5th generation tactical aircraft fleet and modernising all other aspects of the ACE. The plan encompasses a wide range of updates across fixed-wing, tiltrotor, rotary-wing, unmanned, and support aircraft, each playing a crucial role in the Corps’ future warfighting capabilities. L3Harris has successfully tested its new Viper Shield system on an F-16 fighter jet for the first time. This test took place at Edwards Air Force Base in California.The Viper Shield is a advanced electronic warfare system that helps protect the F-16 from enemy threats. During the test flight, they checked if the system worked well with the plane’s computer and other equipment. They also made sure the Viper Shield could work together with a new radar called APG-83, which was made by another company, Northrop Grumman, to make the F-16 better.The US Air Force’s 412th Test Wing, which is in charge of testing new aircraft equipment, helped with this first flight. Middle East & Africa Iran has […]

Americas Lockheed Martin won a $25 million modification to keep working on the AEGIS system for ships. This work includes keeping the system running well, making sure all parts work together, writing instructions and helping people use it. The Navy office in Washington, D.C. that handles ship-related contracts gave them this extra work on January 30, 2025. Lockheed Martin got $383 million to make a new version of the Trident II D5 for the US Navy. This new missile, called D5LE2, is supposed to work until 2084. It will be used on new submarines called Columbia-class, which will replace older Ohio-class submarines. Jerry Mamrol, Lockheed Martin VP, said this upgraded missile will help both the US and UK keep their ability to defend themselves from threats using submarines. The D5LE2 is an improvement on the current Trident II D5 missile, which is already used by both US and UK navies on their submarines. Middle East & Africa The Washington Post has published an investigation revealing that Google has been providing artificial intelligence (AI) tools to Israel’s military. The report highlights the ongoing support from Google’s technology divisions to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel’s Defense Ministry. Records from 2024 […]

Americas Moog Military Aircraft won a $13 million contract for B-2 flight control actuators. This deal provides for the remanufacturing of the B-2 flight control actuators. The B-2 Spirit, also known as the Stealth Bomber, is a US military aircraft designed for long-range strategic missions. It’s a revolutionary bomber with several key characteristics:Work will be performed at Elma, New York, and is expected to be completed by November 27, 2027. The Air Force Sustainment Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity. Kay and Associates, a company from Illinois, has been awarded $79.3 million to continue their work in Kuwait. They will keep helping with the maintenance and support of Kuwait’s F/A-18 fighter jets and missile repair facilities. This new deal adds $79,368,571 to their existing contract. The work will be done in Kuwait and should be finished by January 2026. The money for this comes from Foreign Military Sales funds. The US Navy’s aircraft division in Maryland is managing this contract. Middle East & Africa Dassault Aviation, a French company, has shown off the first new F4 Rafale fighter jet for the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This is a big step in a deal the two countries made […]

Americas The US Navy is paying BAE Systems $70 million to improve their Mk 45 ship guns. This includes $47 million they agreed to earlier, plus $23.5 million more just added. The improved guns will be able to fire stronger bullets, making them 50% more powerful. BAE will do this work at their factory in Louisville, Kentucky, and finish by the end of 2028. The US Air Force is testing small, 3D-printed parts called microvanes on their big C-17 cargo planes. These microvanes are thin, blade-like pieces about 4 inches wide and 16 inches long. By putting many of these blades on the plane, they change the plane’s aerdynamic profile. This helps the plane fly more smoothly, using 1% less fuel. The Air Force is now in the last stage of checking if these parts work well enough to use on all their C-17 planes. Middle East & Africa The US military recently attacked Islamic State (IS) fighters in Somalia. This was the first time they did this since Donald Trump became president again. Trump ordered the attacks, and the US worked together with Somalia’s government. The US military used planes to bomb IS hideouts in northern Somalia. Trump, in […]

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 […]