Defense`s Feeds

Americas HDT Global has confirmed the selection of its Hunter Wolf 6×6 unmanned ground system for trials under the US Army’s Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport (S-MET) program. S-MET is an ongoing effort to integrate modern autonomous platforms into service, decreasing risks to warfighters deployed in austere environments. Austal USA has launched the construction of a new submarine module production center in Mobile, Alabama, to further support the US Navy’s submarine programs. The future indoor facility will support the US Navy’s plan to obtain one Columbia-class and two Virginia-class submarines annually, according to the company. It will encompass 369,600 square feet (34,337 square meters) at the site and incorporate a material storage area, machine shops, assembly area, and improved waterfront capabilities for the logistics of completed modules via barge. Middle East & Africa Israeli communication solutions provider Gilat Satellite Networks has received a $4-million contract to deliver portable satellite communication (SATCOM) terminals for the US Department of Defense. The deal covers the DKET 3421 developed by Gilat’s American subsidiary Data Path, which supports multi-band connectivity, fiber optic linking, and 32-modem compatibility. The 5,000-pound (2,268-kilogram) terminal is deployable in less than three hours in environments above 55 degrees Celsius (131 degrees Fahrenheit) and can […]

Americas California-based Aerospike has joined BAE Systems’ Mission Advantage technology partnership to enhance operational efficiency and decision-making capabilities for the US Army and other defense programs. Together with BAE, Aerospike will advance data mesh solutions using its real-time database to support the Army’s Unified Network, Army Data Platform, and other data-centric mission requirements. The Argentine government is moving closer to buying new submarines, eying the acquisition of three Scorpene boats from France’s Naval Group that could cost $2 billion, according to military sources in Buenos Aires. The latest development in the procurement saga is that a Letter of Intention (LoI) was expected to be signed by middle of October, but negotiations over the financial details are taking more time, these sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive deliberations. Middle East & Africa Israel’s defense ministry said on Monday it had earmarked $530 million to accelerate the development of the laser air defense system known as “Iron Beam.” “The Ministry of Defence has signed a major deal worth approximately 2 billion shekels to significantly expand procurement of the laser interception systems, ‘Iron Beam,’” a statement said. The system is aimed at improving the interception of drones and other projectiles, which Hezbollah in Lebanon has […]

Americas Lockheed Martin won a $21 million contract for in-Service AEGIS combat system baseline sustainment, Baseline 10 System Integration and Fielding, and product documentation. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey, and is expected to be completed by December 31, 2024. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington DC, is the contracting activity. The US will receive a weapon next year designed to jam Chinese and Russian satellites in the early stages of a potential conflict, the US Air Force told Bloomberg. The technology — a L3Harris-developed electronic warfare system called “Meadowlands” — was originally scheduled for delivery in 2022. Meadowlands can jam transmissions from satellites in orbit by using ground-based radio frequency units. Middle East & Africa UAE firm EDGE has signed three agreements with Turkish ammunition manufacturer ASSAN to supply MK aerial munitions components. MK munitions, used in air-dropped bombs, are compatible with various guidance kits. Under the first agreement, EDGE subsidiary LAHAB will supply MK munitions to ASSAN, enhancing availability for customers across Africa. This partnership aims to promote mutual growth through an exchange of resources and technical expertise. Europe Sikorsky won a $1 billion modification for UH-60M aircraft. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut, with an estimated completion date […]

In October, maritime security experts, military leaders, and industry professionals gathered to enhance international cooperation and expertise in defending maritime infrastructure.

The Naval Station of La Algameca, in Cartagena, hosted the first "Harbour Protection Seminar-Exercise" from 7 to 18 October. Organized by the Spanish Navy's Unit of Countermine Measures Divers (UBMCM) in collaboration with the European Defence Agency (EDA), the exercise gathered over 100 experts and professionals from 10 different countries: Spain, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Ukraine, Greece, Estonia, Ireland, Latvia, Romania, and Belgium. The event underscored the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding harbors and critical maritime infrastructures.

The main objective of the seminar was to update participants on the latest technologies, tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) related to maritime infrastructure protection, with a special focus on the threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

During the first week, presentations were given by experts from renowned institutions, such as the National Geographic Institute and the IED Centre of Excellence in Countermeasures (COE-CIED).

Industry was also present and several companies from the defence sector presented cutting-edge technological innovations in this field.

The most relevant innovations included the Bayonet tracked underwater robot, an aerial drone equipped with a LIDAR with bathymetric sensor, and software for the creation of 2D models from sonar images. A 5G remote device control system was also presented.

The second phase of the seminar consisted of simultaneous practical exercises in various maritime scenarios, including port areas, shallow waters and a simulated gas pipeline. During these exercises, limpet mines and over 100 kg of explosives were used, where teams worked on the identification and neutralisation of mines and explosive ordnance, covering all stages of the explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and incident management (WIT) process.

The ‘Harbour Protection Seminar-Exercise 2024’ has proven to be an invaluable platform for the improvement of tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP) and interoperability between the various participating Armed Forces. It highlighted the importance of continuous readiness and learning in a constantly evolving technological and threat environment.

 

 

Americas General Electric Aviation won a $77. 5 million deal for repair; and 220 spare components for the stores management system, stores management upgrade, and converter signal control components for the F/A-18, AV-8B, and H1 aircrafts. This contract includes a five-year base with no options. All work will be performed in Clearwater, Florida, and work is expected to be completed by October 2029. Funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. Individual delivery orders will be subsequently funded with appropriate appropriations at the time of their issuance. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. The United States Navy successfully launched a Naval Strike Missile (NSM) from a destroyer during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024. This significant event marks a key advancement in the Navy’s capabilities. While the NSM has been integrated onto several Littoral Combat Ships, this firing represents a crucial expansion of the weapon system. The launch, a live firing against a decommissioned amphibious ship almost 50 nautical miles off the coast of Kauai, was the culmination of a fast-tracked integration effort by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD). The team was tasked in […]

Americas Hydronalix won a $42 million contract for assets and technical support services of specialized technology supporting the Littoral Explosive Ordnance Neutralization program of record, a component of Force Design 2030, which aims to improve integrated warfighting capabilities using unmanned vehicles. The period of performance of the base award is October 24, 2024, through October 23, 2029. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. This contract was awarded as a sole-source acquisition pursuant to 15 US Code 638(r)(4). Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity. The US military carried out a significant airfield seizure exercise on the island of Palau as part of the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 25-01. The exercise, which took place from Oct. 10–11, involved the airfield seizure of Roman Tmetuchl International Airport in Palau. Phase I saw the 75th Rangers Regiment securing the airfield, a crucial first step in establishing a strategic foothold. Phase II brought the deployment of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) operated by the 17th Field Artillery Brigade. Middle East & Africa Italian firm Fincantieri has signed a memorandum of understanding with Qatari Barzan Holdings to jointly develop a short-range anti-drone radar. Dubbed […]

Americas Leidos has received a $331-million contract to optimize the US Army’s Global Unified Network (AGUN). AGUN is the service’s standard network capability used to relay classified and unclassified data, voice, video, and other information assets across bases and deployed forces. Under the contract, Leidos will deploy the AGUN to individual sites to maintain a standardized network infrastructure that is “accessible, trusted and interoperable” internationally. The US military carried out a significant airfield seizure exercise on the island of Palau as part of the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 25-01. The exercise, which took place from October 10–11, involved the airfield seizure of Roman Tmetuchl International Airport in Palau. Phase I saw the 75th Rangers Regiment securing the airfield, a crucial first step in establishing a strategic foothold. Phase II brought the deployment of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) operated by the 17th Field Artillery Brigade. Middle East & Africa Turkiye’s leading naval engineering company STM unveiled a new unmanned autonomous underwater vehicle, STM NETA, at the SAHA EXPO 2024 defense industry exhibition in Istanbul. This system, designed using entirely local and national resources, marks a significant milestone in Turkey’s development of naval technologies. The initial version of […]

Americas The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report that reviewed operation and maintenance (O&M) funding and readiness for fighter aircraft. The report found that while O&M funding execution from fiscal years 2018 to 2023 was generally consistent with requests, tactical aircraft mission capable rates have generally not met service goals. The report attributes this to several factors, including ageing aircraft, maintenance challenges, and issues with supply support. The report highlights the F-35 programme as an example where significant investment has not translated to mission readiness. Despite increased O&M funding for the F-35A between fiscal years 2018 and 2023, the aircraft did not meet its mission capable goals in any of the years reviewed. The Navy and Marine Corps also saw increased O&M funding execution for the F-35B/C variant between fiscal years 2018 and 2023, but similarly, the aircraft did not meet its mission capable goals. Canada is investing $46.8 million in military aid to support Ukraine against Russia’s continuing invasion. Approximately $19.7 million of the package will be used to source small arms and ammunition from Canadian industry. Another $14.4 million will be for military uniforms and personal protective equipment for about 30,000 Ukrainian Armed Forces women servicemembers. […]

Americas Northrop Grumman unveiled a turbojet-powered precision strike missile last week. The multi-purpose Jackal missile can accommodate both lethal and nonlethal payloads for a range of functions such as electronic warfare and ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance). It combines range, speed, endurance, precision, and payload capability, enabling extended duration ISR missions to gather critical information before launching a lethal strike. Defense News reports, that the Brazilian Army announced its decision to buy howitzers from Israel’s Elbit Systems, the project remains suspended over Brazilian President Inazio “Lula” da Silva’s criticism of Israel’s actions against Hamas in Gaza. According to military sources in Brasilia, who spoke to Defense News on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, the project remains “frozen” but not formally canceled. Middle east & Africa Israel-based SpearUAV recently unveiled the latest in its Viper family of loitering munitions designed to protect land vehicles and installations from top-attack weapons. It is designed to neutralize a variety of aerial threats such as strike drones and loitering munitions. The VIPER I (Interceptor) features a modular design that allows integration of third party sensors and warheads for precise detection, verification, and neutralization of threats. Europe The State Department approved a possible Foreign Military […]

Americas Epsilon Inc. won a $184.5 million deal to procure IT and cyber security (CS) support for the classified IT networks to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity of the F-35 Joint Program Office ensuring the range of IT and CS are maintained within Department of Defense (DOD), Special Access Programs, and US Cyber Command security standards and mandates. Work is expected to be completed in October 2029. This contract was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin has announced an increase in the production of key equipment across its facilities in the US. In particular, the company will focus on scaling up the production capacity of its Javelin, HIMARS, GMLRS, and PAC-3 MSE systems. Lockheed Martin President Tim Cahill said that “by bringing advanced processes and tools to production lines, we are ensuring the delivery of capabilities that address emerging threats across all domains.” Middle East & Africa Saudi Arabia is in talks with Leonardo to expand their collaboration by localizing the production of helicopter components. Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef, and Leonardo Chairman Stefano Pontecorvo met in Milan to discuss a deal to support manufacturing aircraft structures, propellers, and advanced electronic […]

The European Defence Agency (EDA) brought together military experts, researchers, and industry professionals in October to shape the future of testing and evaluation of military capabilities. 

The development of testing and evaluation (T&E) centres for defence systems has been a priority for the EDA since its inception in 2004. Ensuring that testing across the EU follows the same procedures is crucial for interoperability among European forces and for equipment, where interoperability must be established from the ground up.

Over the three days of the conference from 8 October 2024, more than 100 participants from 18 EU Member States, EDA partner countries, EU institutions, and other relevant stakeholders gathered for the Fourth Test and Evaluation Community Days Conference in Linköping, Sweden.

In Linköping, delegates reflected on lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on defence testing capabilities, the influence of big data on decision-making within T&E organisations, and what testing and evaluation may mean for a new generation of experts.

As multidomain operations become a crucial element of modern warfare, understanding the interplay between air, land, maritime, space, and cyber operations is essential for building interoperability. In Sweden, experts shared case studies on international cooperation, illustrating how countries can collaborate to overcome common challenges, such as differing testing requirements and procedures across jurisdictions.

Part of the discussions was the IT platform developed for the European Defence Test and Evaluation Base (DTEB). This platform aims to identify test centres across EU Member States, highlighting available resources and challenges in the domains of land, maritime, air, space, and cyber defence. This initiative could play a pivotal role in addressing gaps in testing and evaluation resources across Europe, leading to more integrated and efficient efforts.

The event was co-organised with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, and delegates visited two test centres, one for land in Karlsborg and the other for air in Linköping. 

Americas BAE Systems has entered into a teaming agreement with Norway’s Kongsberg to introduce the Integrated Combat Solution (ICS) to the US military. The ICS is designed to significantly improve the battlefield situational awareness of combat vehicles, thereby increasing the survivability of soldiers on board. It allows the crew to share target information, slew-to-cue commands, and video streams of the surroundings to streamline threat response and decision-making. August Schell Enterprises won a $29 million deal, which procures tool requirements to include software licenses and commercial software applications to construct secure and reliable IT systems to facilitate the development, security, and operations systems development life cycle, critical to the successful fielding of information technology capabilities for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program in support of the Joint Strike Fighter Program for the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corp, and non-US Department of Defense participants. Work will be performed in Arlington, Virginia, and is expected to be completed in October 2026. This contract was competed, one offer was received. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Middle East & Africa RTX Corporation, the defense contractor formerly known as Raytheon, agreed Wednesday to pay more than $950 million to resolve […]

The European Defence Agency began implementing three new projects, ARMETISS, EC2 and TIRESYAS, that were selected under the European Defence Fund (EDF) 2022 call for proposals.  

The EDF incentivises cooperation and supports the competitiveness of the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base. It aims at providing financial support to defence research and capability development. Following the signature of the Contribution Agreement by the European Commission, EDA is responsible for the indirect management of the projects.

ARMETISS

The project 'smARt Multifunction tExtiles for integrated Soldier Systems' has a duration of 36 months and will receive an EU grant of €20 million. Coordinated by NFM Group (Norway), the consortium encompasses a total of 20 participants from seven countries.

The project will develop smart clothes and equipment for soldiers by using innovative textile technologies with smart functionalities that will enhance soldiers’ protection and improve their performance, as well as their operational capabilities during military operations.  

Find more information about the ARMETISS project and the consortium here. 

EC2

The project 'European Command and Control System' will be a continuation of the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) project ESC2. With an EU grant of roughly €30 million, the project will last 24 months. Led by Indra (Spain), the consortium encompasses 19 participants from 13 countries.  

EC2 will develop a multi-domain command and control solution for the full spectrum of Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions and operations. The project will contribute to enhancing the interoperability with all government actors, ensuring a proper level of security to increase the exchange of information. It will centralise all operational capabilities by creating a single access point for command and control (C2).  

Find more information about the EC2 project and the consortium here.  

TIRESYAS

The project 'Technology Innovation for Radar European SYstem ApplicationS' will complement the project ARTURO (Advanced Radar Technologies in eUROpe) that was selected in the EDF 2021 call. The €15 million project will last 36 months. The consortium is led by Leonardo (Italy), bringing together 29 entities from 11 countries.  

TIRESYAS will explore innovative technologies to enhance radar performance and sensors’ resilience, with a view to advancing towards a disruptive multi-function radar system and counteracting challenging emerging threats and hypersonic missiles.  

Find more information about the TIRESYAS project and the consortium here. 

Americas Raytheon and Lockheed have received $267-million in contracts for a full-rate production of the Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLU) for the US Army and foreign military sales programs with Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia. The LWCLU is part of the man-portable Javelin anti-tank weapon system used to survey and scan targets on sight. The US Army has selected five companies to demonstrate their existing self-propelled howitzers, which could potentially fill the gap left by the discontinued Extended-Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) program. BAE Systems, Hanwha Defense, Rheinmetall, Elbit Systems, and General Dynamics have received contracts totaling $4 million to prepare their artillery weapons for demonstrations beginning next month. According to Maj. Gen. Glenn Dean, program executive officer for ground combat systems, the demonstrations will guide the army’s shift from development to the procurement of a mature and readily available artillery system. They will also inform the service’s Cannon Transformation Strategy, aimed at addressing current capability gaps. Middle East & Africa The Biden administration sent a letter to the Israeli government demanding it act to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza within the next 30 days or risk violating US laws governing foreign military assistance, suggesting US military aid could be in jeopardy. The Sunday letter, jointly written by US Secretary of […]

Americas The US Air Force has awarded Conti Federal a $31.7-million deal to establish a B-21 Raider stealth bomber fuel cell hangar at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota. The project will convert the installation’s existing Dock 81 to Fuel Cell Hangar B7242, comprising fuel systems maintenance supporting the precision strike aircraft. At approximately 26,000 square feet (2,415 square meters), the site will include a fuel cell bay to fit one aircraft, sustainment storage spaces, and service utility divisions. Renovations will deliver a corridor connecting the hangar to the Fuels Systems Maintenance Dock currently under construction by the company. The US Air Force has accepted three A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft in California to expand training and test capabilities under the service’s Test Pilot School program. The fleet, stationed at Edwards AFB, will support the agency’s key missions, including staff development, growth of test managers, and research on innovative solutions. Middle East & Africa The United States will send a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery to Israel, along with the troops needed to operate it, the Pentagon said Sunday, even as Iran warned Washington to keep American military forces out of Israel. Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon spokesman, said in a statement that Defense […]

Americas Boeing’s Compact Laser Weapon System (CLWS) has engaged and neutralized Group 3 Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UASs) for the first time. This is a significant development in counter-drone technology as Group 3 UASs, which can weigh up to 1,320 pounds, present a greater threat due to their capacity to carry heavier and more sophisticated payloads. The successful demonstration took place at the Red Sands Integrated Experimentation Center in Saudi Arabia, where the CLWS, equipped with a 5-kilowatt laser, effectively neutralized the Group 3 drones. A Breaking Defense exclusive reveals that the partnership between American defense contractor L3Harris and Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer to introduce the C-390 Millennium to the US Air Force has come to an end. The partnership, announced in 2022, initially planned for L3Harris to act as the prime contractor and equip the aircraft with US mission systems, including a refuelling boom, creating the American KC-390. Middle East & Africa The Biden administration has approved the sale of weapons worth $2.2 billion to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), reinforcing its commitment to key allies in the Middle East. The State Department informed Congress of the deals, which include advanced missile systems, artillery and ammunition, as […]

USN MH-60S test (click to view full) Hellfire I/II missiles are the USA’s preferred aerial anti-armor missile, and are widely deployed with America’s allies. They equip America’s helicopter fleets (AH-64, AH-1, OH-58D, MH-60S/R), AH-64 and S-70 helicopters flown by its allies, and even Australia and France’s Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopters. Range is officially listed as 9 km/ 5.6 miles. While Hellfires lack the fast-jet launch capabilities – and correspondingly extended maximum range – of the UK’s MBDA Brimstone missiles, Lockheed Martin’s missile has made big inroads as the world’s high-end helicopter-launched missile. It has also carved out unique niches as tripod-launched coastal defense assets, as the guided missile integrated into American UAVs like the MQ-1 Predator family, and even as a missile option for transport aircraft like the AC-208B Combat Caravan and C-130J/W Hercules. Lockheed Martin’s Hellfires AGM-114K-A warhead (click to view full) Hellfire II missiles comes in several variants. The AGM-114K is the basic Hellfire II missile, with the standard semi-active laser guidance that allows for flexible designation of targets, and flexible missile attack profiles. It uses a shaped-charge HEAT(High Explosive Anti-Tank) warhead that can destroy armored vehicles, or punch into buildings. The recently-introduced AGM-114K-A variant adds a blast […]

Americas Boeing won a $24.5 million contract for C-17 Globemaster III Global Enhancements. This contract provides for studies and quick reaction tasks, integrated software and hardware upgrades, and other required services. Work will be performed at Edwards Air Force Base, California, and is expected to be completed by December 1, 2031. This contract was a sole source acquisition. The US Navy has awarded Raytheon a $736-million contract to produce AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles in the upgraded Block II variant. The latest variant features enhanced hardware for improved performance and long-term reliability.  Work will be carried out at various locations across the US and is expected to be completed by 2029. Middle East & Africa The Royal Saudi Air Force has deployed six Panavia Tornado fighter jets for the Indus Shield 2024 air exercise in Pakistan, where Turkey and Egypt also showcased their military capabilities and explored opportunities for enhanced cooperation. The drill allowed each nation to discuss and exchange best practices on the latest technologies, strategies, and operations. Europe According to Defense News, Italy’s biggest rocket and missile motor manufacturer, Avio, is set to triple production within five years as the American military and industry look to it to ease a chronic production […]

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 […]