Defense`s Feeds

Americas The US and Japan are set to begin a feasibility study to co-produce the American AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile, known as AMRAAM. This follows an agreement made in late July at a “two-plus-two” meeting of foreign and defence ministers in Tokyo, where Japan and the United States agreed to explore “co-production opportunities” for both AMRAAMs and Patriot PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement. This decision, reported by Nikkei Asia, a prominent Asian business publication, stems from concerns over diminishing American stockpiles due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Anduril Industries has just raised the bar—and secured a quarter-billion dollar vote of confidence from the Department of Defense (DoD). The Pentagon recently awarded Anduril a $249,978,466 contract to deliver next-generation air defense capabilities. The deal includes over 500 Roadrunner-M interceptors and additional Pulsar electronic warfare systems, aimed at countering the escalating threat of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) attacks on US forces. Middle East & Africa According to Defense News, Gulf countries are making new investments to increase their undersea warfare capabilities, including Qatar with the purchase of Italian-made mini-submarines and Saudi Arabia with the acquisition of French towed array sonars. The upgrades come as naval threats in the region have proliferated, […]

Americas General Dynamics Electric Boat won an $878 million deal in support of the planned Virginia Class submarines SSN 812 and SSN 813 and in furtherance of the Navy’s commitment to the health and stability of the industrial base. Work is expected to be completed by September 2033. Fiscal 2024 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $658,500,000 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. Dassault Aviation has announced the launch of a new unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) programme as part of the future Rafale F5 standard. The announcement was made by Sébastien Lecornu, French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, on October 8 during a ceremony at the Saint-Dizier air base to mark the 60th anniversary of the French Strategic Air Forces (FAS). The event also marked the 90th anniversary of the French Air and Space Force. The UCAV is expected to enter service after 2030 and will complement the Rafale in collaborative combat. Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO Éric Trappier believes the UCAV will contribute to the technological and operational superiority […]

Americas Northrop Grumman won a $10.7 million contract, which procures a lifetime quantity of 4-inch silicon carbide transistor wafers. The end-of- life buy is required to maintain production, spares, and repairs for the APY-9 RADAR’s primary power supply, power amplifier module in support of the E-2D aircraft. Work will be performed in Durham, North Carolina (90%); and Baltimore, Maryland (10%), and is expected to be completed in February 2027. Fiscal 2023 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $10,768,532 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Embraer quietly introduced a military variant of its E190-E2 commercial jet at the recently concluded Korea Army International Defense Exhibition 2024. The Brazilian aerospace firm showcased a concept image of the aircraft, indicating modifications for specialized military missions. While no technical details were provided, reports suggest that the militarized E190-E2 could be utilized for maritime patrol, airborne early warning, and surveillance missions. With its new role, the aircraft is expected to fill the gap between standard military aircraft and those based on larger […]

Americas After being grounded for over four years, F-15E Strike Eagle 91-0323 has made a triumphant return to operational status. The aircraft, stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, was restored to fighting form thanks to the dedication and tireless work of the 366th Fighter Wing maintenance team. This incredible feat of engineering and teamwork began over 1,500 days ago when the aircraft suffered damage to its landing gear during an incident. Master Sgt. Donald Root, the lead Production Superintendent at the 391st Fighter Generation Squadron, oversaw the initial recovery effort. He recounted the team’s swift action: “We coordinated with the fire squadron to secure the area and ensure safety while we prepared to lift the aircraft off the runway. It was a critical moment that marked the beginning of a long and challenging journey.” The US Air Force has selected seven bases as candidate locations for the KC-46A Pegasus aircraft, with the final decision set for 2027. The main operational site will be chosen from Bangor Air National Guard Base in Maine, Forbes Field Air National Guard Base (Topeka) in Kansas, Key Field Air National Guard Base (Meridian) in Missouri, and McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base (Knoxville) […]

Americas The US Navy’s MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system has reached a new milestone by establishing a third operational orbit, solidifying its global surveillance capabilities. The Triton, operated by Unmanned Patrol Squadron (VUP) 19 out of NAS Jacksonville, Florida, reached this accomplishment just over a year after its initial operational capability debut in August 2023. An “orbit” signifies a geographically defined area where the MQ-4C Triton UAS maintains a persistent presence, providing uninterrupted surveillance and intelligence gathering. This third orbit, located within the US 5th Fleet area of operations in the US Central Command, joins existing orbits at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam and Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella in Italy. This strategic positioning considerably enhances maritime domain awareness for the U.S military. General Dynamics Electric Boat won a $243.8 million cost-plus-fixed-fee undefinitized order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement for Virginia-class submarines. Work will be performed in Groton, Connecticut, and is expected to be completed by September 2028. Fiscal 2024 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $243,799,854 will be obligated at time of award, and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This order was not competitively procured in accordance […]

Americas Exercise UNITAS LXV, the 65th iteration of the world’s longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise, took place along the Pacific coast of South America from September 2nd to 12th. Hosted by Chile, the exercise challenged participating forces with unique terrain, pushing them to adapt and refine their skills in a new environment. The United States showcased its commitment to regional stability and security through a strong presence of Marine Corps and Navy assets, including F/A-18C Hornets from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112 (VMFA-112), a KC-130J Hercules from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234 (VMGR-234), and a US Navy P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from Patrol Squadron 5. MAG DS Corp won a $96.7 million contract, which provides systems engineering, fabrication, integration, modification, system delivery, installation, and systems support leveraging the best available commercial-off-the-shelf, government-off-the-shelf, and tailored command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities for the unique Special Operation Forces community and its partners supporting counterterrorism and integrated deterrence missions. Work is expected to be completed in October 2029. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic […]

The European Defence Agency (EDA) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group have reinforced their partnership to boost financing for Europe’s security and defence capabilities. 

Building on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2018, the updated agreement was signed on 3 October 2024 during an informal meeting of National Armaments Directors at EDA in Brussels.

The enhanced MoU will enable both organisations to identify financing needs for collaborative defence projects involving EU Member States and their defence industries to support capability developments, research, development and innovation (RDI), technology, and infrastructure in the area of security and defence in the EU. It will also better address the financing needs of collaborative defence projects in areas such as RDI, involving EU Member States and their defence industries.

A key feature of the revised agreement is the reinforcement of mechanisms such as the Cooperative Financing Mechanism (CFM), designed to support pan-European defence initiatives with a comprehensive package that includes facilitation, procurement, and funding.

The MoU also promotes greater knowledge-sharing between the EIB, the European Investment Fund (EIF), and EDA, allowing for more robust assessments of market demand and industrial capacities across Member States. Under the new framework, EDA will provide industrial defence advice to the EIB Group, while the EIB will contribute its financial market expertise to support EDA’s objectives.

The right tools

This strengthened collaboration comes at a critical time, as Europe faces increased calls for greater investment in security and defence. The partnership between the EIB Group and EDA aims to provide increased investments to strengthen the EU collective defence capabilities.

EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý said: “European defence spending has been increasing for eight consecutive years and EU Member States are on course to hit collective spending targets. Yet we still need to pull together our resources to finance joint efforts and boost defence capabilities. The updated Memorandum of Understanding with the EIB will give us the right tools to help Member States meet their goals, namely in securing access to financing for Europe’s defence industry."

“The updated Memorandum of Understanding is an important element of our Defence Action Plan, which includes strengthening Europe’s industry through collaborative initiatives,” said EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot. “By partnering with EDA, we leverage the unique expertise of each institution in investing in peace and security across Europe. The EIB Group is implementing its objectives outlined in the Defence Action Plan, and is committed to helping scale up this industry.”

The EIB Group includes the EIF.

“We are committed to continuously adapting our approach to meet the dynamic challenges of the defence sector,” said EIF Chief Executive Marjut Falkstedt. “Our collaboration with EDA will ensure that the EIF is equipped with the expertise necessary to drive impactful initiatives that reinforce our shared goal of enhancing European security.”

Picture: EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý and EIB Vice President Robert de Groot.

Americas RTX subsidiary Pratt & Whitney has been awarded a $1.3 billion contract to continue maturing the F135 Engine Core Upgrade. The contract includes ”design, analysis, rig testing, engine test preparation, developmental hardware, test asset assembly, air system integration, airworthiness evaluation, and product support planning,” a Department of Defense contract notice stated. Work is expected to be completed in March 2028. The US Navy has contracted Raytheon to develop an upgraded Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) system. The NGJ-MB Expansion (NGJ-MBX) will provide a greater frequency range to counter additional threats. The $192-million development contract involves upgrades in both software and hardware components and is an engineering change to the existing pod. Work is expected to take place through  2027. Middle East & Africa The US State Department has approved the possible sale of 720 Stinger missiles to Egypt for an estimated cost of $740 million. This potential deal includes 720 anti-aircraft Stinger FIM-92 missiles, spare parts, testing equipment, contractor engineering, as well as logistical and program support. The Stinger FIM-92, designed by Raytheon for the US military, is a surface-to-air weapon for targeting low-flying aircraft. Europe The Netherlands has officially awarded the French defense company Naval Group to start constructing four new […]

The European Defence Agency (EDA) joined the large-scale military exercise ‘Robotic Experimentation Maritime Unmanned Systems (REPMUS)’ for the first time as a co-organiser, running several initiatives. 

REPMUS, now in its 14th year, took place from 9 to 27 September 2024, with a focus on maritime autonomous systems, testing various types of drones and using artificial intelligence for a range of military applications, such as attacking vessels, detecting mines, and combating submarines. 

The exercise in Portugal, organised by the Portuguese Navy alongside the University of Porto, the NATO Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation, and the NATO Joint Capability Group for Maritime Unmanned Systems, also brought together NATO allies, technology companies, and academic institutions. The gathering was the largest of its kind, with over 2,000 attendees from 23 nations, including seven observer countries. Organisations involved included NATO's Allied Command Transformation, the European Union Satellite Centre (SatCen), Frontex, the European Fisheries Control Agency, and the European Maritime Safety Agency. 

At a time when unmanned systems are gaining growing importance in modern warfare, one of the main goals of REPMUS, an annual exercise, is to ensure autonomous systems can operate together, sharing data between aerial, land, and underwater drones to coordinate operations efficiently. 

The primary focus of REPMUS 2024 was on Maritime Unmanned Systems technology, with an emphasis on multidomain command and control (C2), counter-unmanned systems (C-UxV), and underwater battlespace capabilities. The exercise involved extensive testing and experimentation, culminating in live demonstrations that included kinetic strikes, coordinated manned-unmanned amphibious operations, and advanced sense-and-avoid exercises to showcase maritime drone collaboration. 

'Sense-and-avoid' experimentation 

EDA played a significant role in the exercise, with several initiatives: 

• Sense-and-avoid experimentation with unmanned surface vehicles, conducted in a dedicated experimentation range;
• The 47th CapTech Naval Systems Technologies (CapTech Maritime) meeting was held, bringing together nearly 100 participants from governmental and non-governmental organisations, both in person and online, to discuss the diverse activities undertaken by this EDA working group in the naval domain, including a range of initiatives focused on maritime autonomous systems;
• An experts group meeting on unmanned systems, which outlined implementation roadmaps for capability development and collaborative opportunities for EU Member States;
• An EDA workshop on sense-and-avoid technologies, presenting experimentation results.

 

During the exercise, EDA also hosted a high-level panel discussion on the challenges of protecting critical maritime infrastructure. The panel, moderated by EDA Deputy Chief Executive André Denk, featured speakers from the European Maritime Safety Agency, the European Commission, NATO, and the University of Ghent. The discussion addressed the policy, operational, and legal aspects of protecting infrastructure. 

A deployable military facility to help counter improvised explosive devices (IEDs) is celebrating 10 years of operations in the Netherlands. First conceived during multinational land operations in Afghanistan, the Joint Deployable Exploitation and Analysis Laboratory (JDEAL) has trained more than 900 personnel from 14 European Union Member States. Now, the facility and its expertise could potentially be used in a much broader context, including Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) or Unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV), in Ukraine or for any potential threat in Europe. 

JDEAL, which has been managed by the European Defence Agency (EDA) and lead nation the Netherlands, also brings together Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and Sweden – as well as Norway. The United States, the United Kingdom, and the NATO Counter-IED Centre of Excellence have also sent observers over the project’s lifetime. JDEAL began operating in mid-2014.

JDEAL, which built on EDA’s temporary lab deployed to Kabul in September 2011, comprises a permanent joint training facility in the Dutch town of Soesterberg, and two deployable laboratories equipped with tools such as a Rapid DNA machine. They can be deployed on five days’ notice, either as a container or a tent, depending on conditions in the field.

The Netherlands is now donating one of the deployable laboratories to Ukraine and will partly finance the cost of its replacement to ensure two laboratories for the Member States once again.

Fit for new threats

At a ceremony at JDEAL’s permanent technical exploitation training facility on 11 September 2024, Rear Admiral Ad van de Sande of the Royal Netherlands Navy said the project was a testament to what Member States can achieve together.

He urged countries to develop military capabilities and cooperation further to keep Europeans safe. “In the past 10 years, our geopolitical context has changed considerably. We have war in Europe. We are facing the most serious threats to global security in decades, and because of this, we are shifting from wars of choice to wars of necessity.”

 

He said the work of EDA was vital, citing the Agency’s work on the 2023 Capability Development Priorities (CDP). “Our transatlantic alliance is a cornerstone of European security. But Europe needs to take more responsibility. This means building credible deterrence and collective defence ... strengthening our position in NATO and fostering more European cooperation, with the help of the European Defence Agency,” van de Sande told the gathered military personnel and IED experts.

Paul Vos, Chairman of the JDEAL Management Committee, said the facility would need to keep innovating, and could be used to study aerial and possibly maritime IEDs to help protect against hostile drones. “Through JDEAL, we can potentially study radio techniques and frequencies used in UAVs, the types of explosives they carry, their chemical substances – and which country they come from.” 

Giuseppe Dello Stritto, EDA’s Head of Unit for Land and Logistics at the Agency’s Capability Directorate, said that JDEAL needs to stay ahead of the challenges in a fast-changing operational environment. “Counter-IED has evolved as a threat, and our military capabilities and postures need to evolve as well. So JDEAL may need to be adapted.”

 

 

More information 

CDP: qu-03-23-421-en-n-web.pdf (europa.eu) 

JDEAL: Activities Search (europa.eu) 

JDEAL in 2014: New facility to help in fight against IEDs opens in the Netherlands (europa.eu)    

Americas Northrop Grumman’s AN/ALQ-257 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) for the F-16 fighter jet has successfully completed testing at the US Air Force’s Joint Preflight Integration of Munitions and Electronic Sensors (J-PRIMES) facility, paving the way for flight testing on Air Force F-16 aircraft. The J-PRIMES testing, conducted in an anechoic chamber, subjected the IVEWS to complex radio frequency spectrum threats, simulating real-world combat scenarios. The system demonstrated its capability to detect, identify, and counter advanced RF threats while maintaining compatibility with other F-16 systems. Austal has rolled out the US Navy’s 15th Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport vessel in Mobile, Alabama. During the ceremony, the USNS Point Loma (EPF 15) was lifted via a self-propelled modular platform three feet (approximately 1 meter) above ground a distance of 400 feet (121.9 meters) to a deck barge adjacent to the final assembly bay. The barge moved the vessel to the firm’s West Campus repair yard where it was submerged via a floating dry dock to complete its first float. Middle East & Africa A war monitor said a senior commander from the security forces in northeast Syria’s semi-autonomous Kurdish-led administration was killed on Tuesday in a blast near a prison in […]

Americas Canada’s procurement of National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) is showing signs of advancement following earlier setbacks. The $406 million purchase, initially announced in January 2023, is now on track for delivery in early 2025, marking a significant step forward in bolstering Ukraine’s defensive arsenal. Defense Minister Bill Blair recently provided an optimistic update on the situation, highlighting that despite initial delays in fund transfer, the procurement process is now moving ahead steadily. The minister emphasized that the four-month lag between the announcement and the execution of funds did not materially impact the overall timeline for delivery. US Air Force’s Air Combat Command (ACC) received its first EA-37B Compass Call aircraft at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, on August 23, 2024. The delivery of aircraft 19-5591 marks the introduction of an advanced electronic warfare platform, upgrading from the legacy EC-130H. This new addition to ACC’s fleet brings enhanced electromagnetic attack capabilities to the US Air Force, designed to meet evolving challenges in the electromagnetic spectrum. The decision to transition to the EA-37B platform dates back to Oct. 23, 2018, when then-Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson approved ACC’s request to replace the EC-130H Compass Call aircraft operated by […]

Americas Vectrus Systems won a $7 million modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-reimbursable contract. This modification exercises an option to provide case/project, program, financial management, and engineering and technical support for the MH-60R Multi-Mission helicopter, subsystems, armament, engines, airborne weapons, spares, and support equipment for the government of Australia. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland, and is expected to be completed in September 2025. Foreign Military Sales customer funds in the amount of $7,709,869 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin JV won a $12 million cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the Javelin Weapon System. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of August 31, 2027. US Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Middle East & Africa Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Sunday to “settle the score” with Hamas after the military had recovered the bodies of six hostages from a Gaza tunnel. “Those who kill hostages do not want an agreement” for a Gaza truce, Netanyahu said in a statement, […]

Americas Raytheon won a $1 billion contract for Group B hardware, spares, and support equipment. This contract provides for the F-22 sensor enhancements program that is designed to improve the F-22 sensor capabilities. Work will be performed in McKinney, Texas, and is expected to be completed by May 8, 2029. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. The Idaho Air National Guard’s 124th Fighter Wing recently hosted German armed forces joint terminal attack controllers (JTACs) for a joint training exercise. This marks the second time this year that the two nations have collaborated on training. The training focused on validating standard operating procedures across five warfighter pillars: communications, mobility, tactical combat casualty care, shooting, and fitness. Members of the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) worked alongside their German counterparts, focusing on scenarios designed to maximize safety, efficiency, and lethality in joint combat environments. Middle East & Africa The US has restarted talks over the future of its armed forces in Chad — the latest African country to express doubt over its relationship with the American military. In the last month, senior leaders from the […]

Americas Defense Maritime Solutions won a $16 million contract for the manufacture of 12 main shaft seal assemblies in support of the submarine main propulsion system on Virginia-class submarines. The contract has no options. All work will be performed in Havant, Hampshire, United Kingdom, and is expected to be completed by June 2026. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. Sikorsky won a $11 million deal for the procurement of 30 main generators, 54 stators, 58 rotors, 31 power distribution panels, and five generators in support of the CH-53K aircrafts. All work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut. There are no options, and work will be completed by March 2027. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. Middle East & Africa The Iraqi military said it downed a Turkish drone over the northern city of Kirkuk on Thursday as Ankara kept up its operations against Kurdish militants inside Iraq. Falling debris damaged a house in the city center, police and army officials told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity. There were no reports of any direct casualties but the police official said a carpenter working on a nearby building […]

Americas Saab has won a $494-million contract to supply the US Army with XM919 Individual Assault Munitions (IAM). According to the US Department of Defense, the Swedish company’s proposal bested two others, but it did not reveal the names of the losing firms. Several reports indicate that General Dynamics and Norwegian-Finnish defense conglomerate Nammo also submitted bids. Lockheed Martin won a $3 billion deal, which procures training system and simulation design, development, integration, test, production, deployment, modifications/upgrades, and sustainment in support of the F-35 Lightening II aircraft for the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, non-US Department of Defense Participants, and Foreign Military Sales countries. Work is expected to be completed by September 2028. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Middle East & Africa The Iraqi military said it downed a Turkish drone over the northern city of Kirkuk on Thursday as Ankara kept up its operations against Kurdish militants inside Iraq. Falling debris damaged a house in the city center, police and army officials told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity. There were no reports of […]

Americas The Mayor of Iwakuni, Yoshihiko Fukuda, has agreed to the US Navy’s deployment of CMV-22 Osprey aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, marking the first stationing of this tilt-rotor variant in his city. The decision aligns with a broader realignment of U.S. military assets in the region, which includes the rotation of aircraft carriers and the introduction of F-35C stealth fighter jets. This deployment will add to the existing Osprey presence in Japan, complementing the Marine Corps’ MV-22s at Futenma air base in Okinawa and the Air Force’s CV-22s operating from Yokota base near Tokyo. Mayor Fukuda’s acceptance comes amid lingering safety concerns surrounding the Osprey platform, which has been involved in several incidents both in Japan and abroad. The mayor cited assurances from Japanese and U.S. officials regarding the aircraft’s safety as a key factor in his decision. He also noted that the overall number of aircraft at the base is expected to decrease by approximately 10 following the deployment, potentially mitigating environmental impacts such as noise levels. The US Army has awarded General Dynamics Land Systems another low-rate initial production contract for the M10 Booker Combat Vehicle. The $322.7-million contract modifies an identical contract awarded in June, […]

Asia-Pacific L3 Technologies won a $587.4 million contract for the design, production and delivery of electronic warfare test articles and fleet prototypes to include 11 pod simulators, eight operational prototype pods, four jettison mass model pods, two captive mass models, two mission system prototypes, and two technique development systems as well as engineering support, integration, test and maintenance resulting in a low-band capability in support of engineering and manufacturing development of the Next Generation Jammer Low Band program for the Navy EA-18G Growler and Royal Australian Air Force. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. A Cessna 208B utility aircraft flew more than 3,900 miles without a pilot during a recent US Air Force demonstration. Part of the Agile Flag military exercise, the demo allowed the plane to showcase Joby Aviation’s autonomy system in conducting a remote cargo transport operation. According to the company, the aircraft traversed various military bases and public airports across California and Nevada while being monitored by a “safety pilot.” It also completed an autonomous taxi, take-off, and landing at nine different locations, including those it had not visited before. Middle East & Africa The White House said Monday that Gaza truce talks […]

Americas Technology company Shield AI has conducted a “groundbreaking” demonstration of coordinated autonomous flight on two Kratos MQM-178 Firejets. The planes were flown by the company’s Hivemind artificial intelligence pilots, collaborating to execute coordinated maneuvers under realistic combat scenarios.  All computing was executed on board, and communication “seamlessly integrated” on board the aircraft, the San Diego-based firm said. The US Army has awarded Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) a $93.5-million contract to lead systems integration for the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program. The deal supports the service’s efforts to employ a next-generation intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (IRS) aircraft with improved geographical coverage and faster global deployment capabilities. SNC will take on the role for 12 years, with the agreement amounting to $991.3 million if all options are exercised. Middle East & Africa South Africa’s government has halted the supply of artillery shells from Rheinmetall’s plant to Poland. According to Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita, South Africa’s National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) indefinitely suspended the approval of an export permit to Poland, leading to the cancellation of Poland’s order for 155 mm artillery ammunition from Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM). Europe Denmark has finalized the procurement of over 100 CV9035 MKIIIC infantry fighting […]

Americas Thomas Instrument won a $9 million firm-fixed-price requirements contract for the remanufacture of the B-1B lower rudder and master pitch/roll servo-cylinder. Work will be performed in Brookshire, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Aug. 22, 2029. This contract was a competitive acquisition, and one offer was received. The Air Force Sustainment Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity. Technology company Shield AI has conducted a “groundbreaking” demonstration of coordinated autonomous flight on two Kratos MQM-178 Firejets. The planes were flown by the company’s Hivemind artificial intelligence pilots, collaborating to execute coordinated maneuvers under realistic combat scenarios.  All computing was executed on board, and communication “seamlessly integrated” on board the aircraft, the San Diego-based firm said. Middle East & Africa Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel early on Sunday, as Israel’s military said it struck Lebanon with around 100 jets to thwart a larger attack, in one of the biggest clashes in more than 10 months of border warfare. Missiles were visible curling up through the dawn sky, dark vapour trails behind them, as an air raid siren sounded in Israel and a distant blast lit the horizon, while smoke rose over houses in […]