Defense`s Feeds

Americas The US Air Force has announced a milestone for its MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The drone completed its first landing on a dirt landing strip, proving its enhanced operational capabilities and potential for future combat scenarios. The trial, conducted at a remote air strip in West Texas, was held by the 26th […]

NEW ISSUE  "Broader Horizons – Strong partners for European and transatlantic security"  

 

The summer issue of European Defence Matters - the European Defence Agency's flagship magazine - is here! Read our digital magazine, as both a Webzine with a selection of articles, and the full PDF online.

With no let-up in Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, Edition 25 of European Defence Matters looks at how European and Western countries are coming together to deepen their relationships in defence.

As EDA welcomes Denmark as its 27th Member State, so this edition of European Defence Matters highlights the ties that unite us. Call it broader horizons, or something more prosaic, the enduring support to Ukraine is intensifying.

The EU-U.S. summit of June 2021 marked the beginning of a renewed transatlantic partnership. We discuss with our Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý and U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment William LaPlante what the new EDA-U.S. DoD Administrative Arrangement (AA) brings. We hear, too, from Norway’s defence minister about the benefits of its AA. 

 

Lessons from Ukraine, joint procurement

EDA’s Head of Agency, High Representative Josep Borrell, underscores the need for the collaborative procurement of ammunition. As the outgoing EU presidency chair, Sweden has been at the centre of the European jigsaw to improve defence cooperation. We hear from the country’s Minister for Defence, Pål Jonson.

As Portugal’s Minister of Defence Helena Carreiras explains, the EU needs a defence industrial base that is greater than the sum of its national parts.

Picking up on that point, EDA’s Capability, Armament & Planning Director Stefano Cont draws lessons from the war in Ukraine and suggests that a real defence-industrial capacity is a capability in itself. Enzo Benigni, President and Chief Executive of Elettronica Group, looks at another aspect seen in Ukraine: electronic warfare, his company’s speciality. 

Do have a look too at our timeline graphic on join procurement. 

Enjoy the read! 

Robin Emmott, Editor-in-Chief  

 

Americas The US Army has awarded RTX, until recently known as Raytheon Technologies, a $118-million contract to deliver a Common Sensor Payload (CSP) for the MQ-1C Gray Eagle drone. The CSP is an “electro-optical/infrared/laser designator sensor,” providing “battlespace awareness, force protection, and net-centric operations.” The CSP version 3 will come equipped with a target location […]

After two weeks of intense training, Hot Blade 2023, EDA’s final multinational helicopter exercise, has drawn to a close. This year's iteration, the 17th edition of the Blade series and the sixth time held in Portugal, has once again showcased the European Defence Agency's (EDA) commitment to enhancing helicopter capabilities and preparing military personnel for future operational challenges. 

Since its inception in 2009, EDA has been actively engaged in organising multinational helicopter training activities, fostering cooperation among European nations and achieving substantial advancements in helicopter capabilities. Over the years, these exercises have played a crucial role in honing the skills of hundreds of crews and thousands of other military personnel, ensuring their readiness for multinational operations. 

Beja Air Base: hot and dusty

Hot Blade 2023 featured the participation of 25 air assets and approximately 1,100 military personnel from six countries, including Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Slovakia, Switzerland, and the host nation, Portugal. The assets comprised 15 helicopters (3 AB-212, 2 NH-90, 3 AS532, 3 Mi-171, 1 UH-60, 1 EH101 and 2 AW119) and 10 fixed-wing aircraft (3 PC-7, 6 F-16 and 1 P3C), providing a diverse training environment for the crews involved. In addition, Slovenia provided an air defence emulator and Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden participated with staff in different roles. Italy and Greece also sent observers to the exercise. 

The primary focus of the exercise was to enable crews to practice operations in various challenging environments, both during daylight and night-time sorties. These realistic scenarios aimed to replicate the conditions that participants would encounter in different operational theatres. 

Hot Blade 2023 pursued several key objectives, including enhancing tactical interoperability among participating countries' helicopter units, training and common practicing tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) with fighter jets and electronic ground warfare threats, and improving interoperability with ground forces in various training and operational tasks. 

Held at Beja Air Base, the exercise's comprehensive program included missions such as air assault, air interdiction, special operations aviation, combat service support, close air support, reconnaissance and surveillance, combat search and rescue, personnel recovery, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Special procedures, including fast rope and abseiling techniques, air-to-surface live firing, and training with special operations forces from the air force, army and navy, were also practiced, highlighting the exercise's commitment to fostering joint and multinational interoperability. 

The multinational crews received invaluable support from an experienced mentor team comprising instructors from Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and EDA's Chief Instructor. Drawing on lessons learned from previous "Blade" exercises and operational experience, the mentor team played a vital role in preparing and guiding the crews through the challenging Composite Air Operations (COMAO) missions. 

To showcase the exercise's achievements, a Distinguished Visitors Day was held on June 15, 2023 with the participation of Vice-admiral Jorge Manuel Nobre de Sousa, Chief-of-Staff of the Joint Operations Command of the Portuguese Armed forces, and Lt General José Barros Ferreira, Vice Chief of Staff of the Portuguese Air Force. Representatives from participating EDA Member States, as well as other national and international authorities, witnessed live training sessions, underscoring the significance of this collaborative effort. 

New home, same spirit  

Looking ahead, Hot Blade 2024 will mark a significant transition as the Multinational Helicopter Training Centre (MHTC) assumes responsibility for delivering the exercise, along with all the EDA helicopter training programs. This transition will mark the beginning of the second life of this dynamic and long-lasting project, which will surely continue support to improving European helicopter capabilities, maintaining the Blade spirit, and keeping its outstanding reputation among the European helicopter community.  

With an agreed plan of activities spanning the next decade and involving 14 European countries, the MHTC is poised to become a reference in helicopter military training throughout Europe. 

The MHTC will formally assume the responsibility over all the EDA helicopter training activities on the 1st of January 2024. The 1st MHTC Blade exercise (Hot Blade 2024) is expected to commence on the 22nd of May 2024, also at Beja Air Base.  

The European Defence Agency (EDA) and the European Network of National Safety Authorities on Ammunition (ENNSA) have kicked- off their latest ‘Round Robin Test’, focusing on ammunition monitoring for low velocity 40x46mm grenades. The initiative is designed to compare test results obtained in different Member States’ laboratories working on ammunition safety. A Round Robin Test is an important tool to ensure ammunition's safety and reliability, especially after being in storage for many years. 

Seven nations, namely Austria, Belgium, Germany, Finland, Netherlands, Norway and Poland as lead nation, are cooperating in this project by performing real fire testing and chemical testing. This collaborative effort focuses on examining the properties of crucial elements such as propellant and explosive materials, with a specific goal of verifying potential degradation due to ageing. Simultaneously, the results obtained will serve as a basis for comparing testing procedures across different laboratories in these nations and ensure the safety and reliability of this ammunition. 

The importance of ammunition degradation has become more pronounced as Member States donate arms to Ukraine, making it all the more vital to gather valuable insights and ensure the reliability of ammunition materials. By pooling resources and expertise, these nations are actively working together to address this critical concern. 

Round Robin and fire testing

In a Round Robin Test, the results from various laboratories are treated equally, focusing on the consistency of data and the establishment of reliable standards across different conditions. This approach helps ensure that reliable outcomes can be achieved consistently, regardless of the testing environment. 

This test includes real fire testing by three participating nations, where muzzle velocity, chamber pressure, action time, dispersion and self-destruction time will be assessed.

This project has an estimated duration of eight months, and the outcome will be an important step to harmonise ammunition safety requirements, procedures and improve interoperability. Additionally, it is an excellent opportunity for ammunition laboratory benchmark procedures and best practices.  

Background 

In 2010 the EDA Steering Board approved the establishment of ENNSA with the primary task to facilitate communication among the national bodies which are in charge of ammunition safety. 

The focus of ENNSA, as agreed by its members, was to explore the harmonisation of ammunition qualification to improve interoperability and increase cooperation among Member States, in parallel with achieving savings across the ammunition production/procurement cycle.

One of the basic tools designed for this purpose is the Round Robin Test programme. It serves to compare and validate test results obtained in different laboratories of the Member States working within the area of ammunition safety. 

The Endorsement of Test Houses (ETH) is also a complementary activity to the test where participating Member States can visit different test and evaluation facilities and discuss requirements and qualification processes. These activities are promoted by EDA Defence Test and Evaluation Area as a Critical Enabler of Member States'  capability development.

Americas General Dynamics was awarded a $10.6 million modification to exercise options under a previously awarded contract (N0003022C1005) for the US and United Kingdom Trident II (D-5) SSBN Fire Control System and SSGN Attack Weapon Control System support. Work will be performed in Pittsfield, Massachusetts (98%); and Rhode Island. Work is expected to be completed […]

Americas Lockheed Martin has delivered the combat systems software for the future FFG 62 Constellation-class lead warship. Lockheed has customized the Aegis Weapon System Baseline 10 (BL 10) variant software to the guided-missile frigate’s unique requirements, delivering it through the common source library (CSL). The US State Department has cleared the Canadian government to purchase […]

The inaugural event promoting co-existence between defence activities and offshore renewable energy installations was held on 28 June 2023, in Brussels. The first plenary conference of the Symbiosis project, marks a significant milestone following its launch last October. As the first EDA Horizon Europe-funded project, Symbiosis enhances defence energy resilience and charts a path for future cooperation, amplifying the potential of offshore renewable energy within the European Union.

Symbiosis conference: harnessing offshore energy for sustainable energy

As the EU prioritises offshore renewable energy to achieve climate neutrality, it is  essential for the defence sector to adapt and contribute to energy resilience and sustainability efforts. The Symbiosis – Offshore Renewable Energy for Defence project, funded under Horizon Europe, aims to identify and present the conditions to promote the co-existence between offshore renewable energy projects and defence activities and systems in European maritime spaces.

Gathering more than 100 participants, and opened by Jean-François Ripoche, Director Research, Technology and Innovation with a keynote speeh by Hans Van Steen, Principal Advisor to DG ENER of the European Commission, the conference spotlighted Europe’s offshore wind sector, highlighting its potential and challenges while emphasising the EU’s role in promoting energy development and maritime security. The event also underscored the importance of developing synergies between offshore energy and defence and the need for a collaborative approach towards a sustainable future. Attendees delved into the Symbiosis project’s scope, objectives, and prospects.

Upscaling offshore

In his welcome address, the EDA Director Research, Technology and Innovation, Jean-François Ripoche, underlined that the “Symbiosis project was built on the extensive work carried out as part of the Consultation Forum for Sustainable Energy in the Defence and Security Sector, demonstrating EDA’s and Commission commitment for ensuring coherence of activities and turning ideas to real projects.” Ripoche acknowledged that “EDA has been identified as the most suitable actor in the EU defence landscape to act as the interface between the MoDs and the wider EU public, private and industrial communities to create viable conditions for co-existence”. In this regard, he encouraged all the relevant stakeholders to support EDA’s work stressing that this project aims to spur innovation and provide modelling solutions with mutual benefits.

In his keynote speech, Hans Van Steen, Principal Advisor to DG ENER, emphasised that the European Commission as well as the EU Member states have very ambitious plans for the upscaling of offshore energy in the years to come. Energy from offshore renewable sources is indispensable to avoid climate change and secure our energy supply. However, the maritime space is not infinite and the right compromises and solutions need to be found. For this co-existence is the keyword. To reach the offshore ambitions for 2030 and 2050 we need all actors involved: Industry, academia, spatial planners and of course defence.

Symbiosis project - scope

The project will map the maritime defence areas, assess their suitability for deploying offshore renewable projects, and identify hurdles and risks that constrain their exploitation. Managed by the Symbiosis project management team and guided by an expert Advisory Board, the project aims at securing relevant, high-quality outcomes. Regular interactions with relevant Commission entities (DG ENER and DG MARE), alongside collaboration with the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), will ensure adherence to project’s key objectives.

Symbiosis project - activities

Defence and civilian user communities are established to comprehend and address obstacles to deploying offshore renewables. Conferences, involving these communities and the advisory board, aim to facilitate networking between MoDs and the civil sector while raising awareness of the project’s main scope and goals. To enable targeted discussions on the technical aspects of the project, regional workshops and ad-hoc expert meetings are planned. Through research, simulation-modelling, and evaluation-testing, the project, with an external contractor's support, will formulate regulatory, technological, and operational solutions addressing concerns in European maritime spaces.

Background

On 1 October 2022, EDA launched the Symbiosis – Offshore Renewable Energy for Defence project, which will run for 30 months. Its name signifies the mutually beneficial relationship between the interdependent civilian and military sectors, enabling co-existence. The Symbiosis project builds on the extensive work carried out as part of the Consultation Forum for Sustainable Energy in the Defence and Security Sector (CF SEDSS) - a Commission-funded initiative managed by EDA since 2015.

For more information

• Symbiosis (europa.eu)
• eda-symbiosis_factsheet---v4.pdf (europa.eu)
• Spotlight of the month (europa.eu)
• CF SEDSS website
• Energy (europa.eu)
• European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (europa.eu)
• Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (europa.eu)

Americas Northrop Grumman won a $15.6 million deal for the repair and overhaul of 270 power amplifier modules in support of the E-2D aircraft used in the Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Weapon Systems Support (WSS) Integrated Weapon Support Team’s program. The delivery order does not include an option period. Work will be performed in […]

Americas Lockheed Martin has selected Aerojet Rocketdyne to develop an advanced propulsion solution for the US Army’s future Long Range Maneuverable Fires (LRMF) missile. The LRMF is a precision-fire missile that can deploy from existing US Army launchers, including the battle-proven High Mobility Artillery Rocket System or HIMARS. Lockheed Martin has awarded Aerojet Rocketdyne a […]

Reposting an article that was published today on War on the Rocks. Co-authored with Elizabeth Wishnick, Paul Schwartz, and Brian Waidelich.

There is widespread consensus among analysts that, although Russia and China have been moving toward closer cooperation through the entire post-Soviet era, the trend has accelerated rapidly since 2014. The specter of a Russian-Chinese partnership is deeply threatening to the United States, not only because it makes U.S. military planning more challenging, but also because it raises the possibility of two formidable adversaries joining forces to counter U.S. interests and potentially working in concert to attack U.S allies.

The strategic partnership, first established in 2001, was boosted in the mid-2010s by Russian leaders’ belief that Russia needed to seek out alternative relationships to survive its sudden confrontation with the West. China was the obvious candidate because it had a suitably large economy, was friendly to Russia, and was not planning to impose sanctions in response to the 2014 invasion of Ukraine. Xi Jinping’s rise to power also has contributed to a deepening of the partnership, as China under Xi shares President Vladimir Putin’s concern with regime security and the two leaders increasingly align on issues of global and regional security. Moreover, the two countries had a record of cooperation dating back to the early 1990s that could serve as a basis for expanded cooperation.

This article summarizes a CNA report that tested this proposition. To do so, we focused on measuring military cooperation, specifically on military diplomacy and other political aspects of the defense relationship, military-technical cooperation, and exercises and joint operations. Our goal is to provide an analysis of the dynamic of the cooperative relationship in the period since 2014, including a discussion of what the relationship allows the two partners to accomplish together that they cannot do alone, and what analysts can infer about where this bilateral relationship is headed.

To read the rest of the article, please click here.

Americas Boeing won an $11.6 million modification, which adds scope to provide continued aircraft integration and engineering manufacturing development software development in support of Engineering Change Proposal 6472, integration of Next Generation Jammer on EA-18G aircraft. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Missouri (90%); Whidbey Island, Washington (8%); and Patuxent River, Maryland (2%), and […]

Americas The US House Foreign Affairs Committee passed a resolution Wednesday calling on the administration of President Joe Biden to immediately send long-range missiles to Ukraine. The resolution specifically mentioned Lockheed Martin’s Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), which would allow Kyiv’s forces to strike Russian targets at distances up to 321 kilometers. Raytheon Technologies won a $293.7 […]

The European Defence Agency (EDA) has launched a new research and technology project aimed at improving new armament-related capabilities by enhancing camouflage and decreasing the signature of ground systems. The Advanced Solutions for Camouflage of Land Systems using smart and adaptive materials (ASCALS) - project aims at finding new materials and their application processes for active and adaptive camouflage in the visible, infrared and radar ranges.

In the face of highly sophisticated modern detection systems, the development of advanced materials and techniques to improve camouflage and decrease the signature of military ground systems is increasingly important. Effective concealment prevents ground systems from being detected, identified and observed, and in this way provide additional protection without affecting weight and mobility. Consequently, effective concealment improves stealth reconnaissance capability and surprise factor for ground systems. The wide variety of operational environments of modern ground systems creates a need for active and adaptive camouflage concepts that reduce optical and thermal signature under a variety of possible terrain and weather conditions.

ASCALS intends to address these challenges and pursue the advantages of smart and adaptive camouflage. The project will focus on the development of advanced materials for absorption and obscuring techniques. Whereas ASCALS will specifically investigate the feasibility of application to selected military ground platforms, the results of the project can be expected to bear potential for usage in the maritime and air domain as well.

ASCALS will run for 18 months with a budget of 1,3 M euros and brings together ten partners from six Member States. A follow-on phase (ASCALS II) is already envisioned to optimise the most promising routes identified in ASCALS I and develop several demonstrators. These demonstrators shall be assembled in land platforms and tested in a relevant environment, within an expected timeframe of 2027.

Ten partners from six Member States

The first phase of the project has officially started and is funded by Greece (lead Nation), Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and Sweden. Within EDA, ASCALS is a cross-Capability and Technology Group (CapTech) project prepared in the CapTech Ground Systems and CapTech Materials and Structures within EDA’s Research, Technology and Innovation Directorate.

The project will be implemented by a consortium led by Adamant Composites (Greece) and comprising ten more industrial and research entities:  University of Luxembourg; TNO, MIS7 and Bolidt (The Netherlands); Military Institute of Engineer Technology and LUBAWA S.A. (Poland); CITEVE, INEGI and Military Research Academy (Portugal); Swedish Defence Research Agency.

 

Further information

• CapTech Ground Systems webpage
• CapTech Materials and Structures webpage

Americas The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) has upheld the army’s decision to award a $9.7-billion Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) production contract to AM General instead of incumbent contractor Oshkosh Defense. The decision was released three months after the Wisconsin-based firm filed a protest, citing “significant concerns” about how competing proposals were evaluated. Leidos […]

Americas Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) have commenced midlife upgrade (MLU) studies for the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft. The A-29, currently utilized by the FAB for training, air interception, and surveillance missions, as well as by the renowned Air Demonstration Squadron (EDA), known as the “Smoke Squadron,” will undergo enhancements to meet evolving […]

Americas The Naval Air Systems Command awarded Lockheed Martin a $12.8 million modification, which adds scope to provide for the integration of the handheld imaging tool into the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter in support of establishing a baseline organic maintainer capability, as well as providing joint technical data, training and services required to allow for […]

TALOS (Tactical Advanced Laser Optical System), a major collaborative defence research project launched under the European Commission’s Preparatory Action on Defence Research (PADR), has successfully closed. The final event took place online on 23 May 2023, with the participation of the members of the consortium, representatives of the European Defence Agency, Ministries of Defence, industry and academia.

The TALOS project aimed to develop a compact design laser able to quickly and precisely neutralise an agile target (i.e. Rocket Artillery and Mortar - RAM, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle - UAV), while significantly minimising collateral damage.  

The TALOS project achieved its objectives and developed a compact laser technology for neutralisation of agile targets, while significantly minimising collateral damage. The main results obtained addressed the following areas: CONOPS (Concept of Operations), target vulnerability, laser developments at 2 μm, laser combining technology, ethics and safety, roadmap for European LDEW (Laser Directed Energy Weapon) systems.  

The project implementation culminated in the development of two demonstrators: a high power amplifier at eye-safer wavelength and an innovative propagation demonstrator allowing highly efficient coherent combining on target. The results of the project will contribute significantly to enhancing EU Member States’ defence capabilities in critical laser effector technologies.  

About TALOS  

TALOS brings together 16 beneficiaries from 9 European countries. Led by CILAS (France), it also includes TNO (Netherlands), Leonardo (Italy), DLR, Airbus Defence and Space, Stelar (Germany), MBDA France, Erdyn Consultants, Université de Limoges, ONERA (France), Ustav Fotoniky a Elektroniky (Czech Republic), Wojskowa Akademia Techniczna, AMS Technologies (Poland), QinetiQ (UK), John Cockerill Defense (Belgium) and AERTEC Solutions (Spain). 

 

Americas Lockheed Martin won a $50 million to provide associated engineering support for Terminal High Altitude Air Defense 5.0 Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missile segment enhancement component development. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2025. The 71st […]

The European Defence Agency (EDA) and the Multinational Logistics Coordination Centre (MLCC) have established a cooperative framework through an Exchange of Letters (EoL). Cooperation was formalised with a signing ceremony during the Distinguished Visitors Day of the first Additive Manufacturing Village capability workshop in Ede, the Netherlands, on 14 June 20203. The EoL was signed by EDA Deputy Chief Executive, André Denk, on behalf of Chief Executive, Jiří Šedivý, and MLCC Director, Col. Jakub Hrdina.

Cooperation between EDA and MLCC will focus on activities of mutual interest, such as logistics meetings, workshops, conducting studies, projects, exercises, exhibitions, conferences, training and education activities. EDA and MLCC intend to interact closely and to co-ordinate their work on the development of logistic capabilities to make a coherent contribution to multinational logistics transformational activities. The identification of common activities should focus on supporting EDA and MLCC participating Member States.

EDA Deputy Chief Executive, André Denk, said; “The long and fruitful relationship between our two organisations, EDA and MLCC, culminates in the signature of an Exchange of Letters. 12 MLCC members are also EDA Member States. We follow the same objectives. We serve our Member States to build up and enhance our logistic capabilities. We address their critical capability shortfalls. The logical next step is to underpin our common future cooperation.”

MLCC Director, Col. Jakub Hrdina, said; “It is my pleasure and honour that we will promote our long-lasting exceptional collaboration with EDA signing such a cooperation arrangement. MLCC Vision is: To be a centre of expertise for the development, coordination and provision of efficient and effective multinational military logistics solutions. Without close cooperation with strong multinational logistics stakeholders, which EDA definitely is, it wouldn’t be possible to achieve this goal and fulfil the vision.”

Enhancing cooperation in logistics

Logistic capabilities are a necessary asset to support and contribute to the success of military operations. The development and improvement of logistic capabilities is challenging, especially to ensure interoperability. Both EDA and MLCC are active in logistics, sharing similar objectives to improve and develop capabilities for their respective Member States. 

Areas for cooperation could include the following:

• Logistic capabilities, logistic procedures, logistic concepts as well as joint enabling activities to enhance interoperability;
• Logistic exercises, training, and other logistic events;
• Mutual Logistic Support and used IT-application;
• Exploring the use of new technologies, e.g., additive manufacturing.

In keeping with the activities of the AM Village, the EoL was signed by pens which had been printed using additive manufacturing materials during the capability workshop. 

Background

EDA supports all EU Member States in improving their defence capabilities through European cooperation. Acting as an enabler and facilitator for Ministries of Defence willing to engage in collaborative capability projects, the Agency has become the hub for European defence cooperation with expertise and networks spanning the whole spectrum of defence capabilities.

Member States use EDA as an intergovernmental expert platform where their collaborative projects are supported, facilitated, and implemented.

The MLCC was established in 2011 by means of a Memorandum of Understanding and is governed by the MLCC Board of Directors. Currently, MLCC is composed of 20 Member States, 12 of which are EDA’s participating Member States. The MLCC’s mission is to build and enhance logistics capabilities, and to address critical logistics shortfalls of the MLCC Members and non-Members by providing multinational solutions for the logistic support of the forces in operations and exercises.