Defense`s Feeds

DARPA’s Operational Fires (OpFires) ground-launched hypersonic missile system has successfully executed its first flight test at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. Lockheed Martin built the system, which includes a Northrop Grumman rocket motor, and conducted the test.

Lockheed Martin won a $23.4 million contract modification to exercise options for the engineering, design, and technical services in support of the MK 41 Vertical Launching System electronic systems and computer programs. The deal combines purchases by the US and the governments of Japan, Spain, Canada, and Chile under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will take place in Maryland, New Jersey, Washington and California. Estimated completion will be by July 2023.

US President Joe Biden wants a Middle East Air Defense. This has been discussed in the recent weeks, leading up to US President Joe Biden’s visit to Israel and Saudi Arabia. The Biden administration is urging Arab nations to team up with Israel to counter Iranian missiles. The “MEAD,” as Israels Defense Minister Benny Gantz calls it, has already been operational and has successfully intercepted aerial threats. The alliance has reportedly brought together Israel and Arab states in the Middle East around a shared table in order to defend their countries from Iran and its proxies, which have increased their attacks, some of them deadly, in recent years.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a potential foreign military sale (FMS) of AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAMs) to Norway. The estimated $950m FMS has been approved by the US State Department and includes associated equipment and support. As part of this deal, the Norwegian Government has requested up to 205 AIM-120 D-series AMRAAMs, 60 AIM-120C-8 or D-series AMRAAMs, and four AIM-120D AMRAAM guidance sections.

The US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) of Blanket Order Contractor Technical Assistance Support and related equipment for an estimated cost of $108 million. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) has requested to buy Blanket Order Contractor Technical Assistance support consisting of unclassified spare and repair parts and assembly for tanks and combat vehicles; logistical technical assistance; US Government and contractor representative technical and logistical support; and other related elements of logistical and program support.

The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a potential foreign military sale (FMS) of MK 54 lightweight torpedoes to South Korea. The FMS has an estimated value of $130m, which includes delivery of related equipment. Approved by the US State Department, the proposed sale includes 31 MK 54 all up round lightweight torpedoes along with recoverable exercise torpedo, storage and issue facility, torpedo containers, air launch accessories for rotary wing along with classified and unclassified torpedo spare parts.

WATCH: AIM-120 AMRAAM Air-To-Air Missile Live Launch

Boeing won an $18.6 million delivery order to procure the long lead components and parts in support of MH-47G rotary wing aircraft. The MH-47G aircraft provides US Special Operations Forces (SOF) heavy assault, rotary wing aircraft support. This contract action supports a requirement for replacement of the aging fleet of remanufactured MH-47G aircraft that has airframe components dating back more than 45 years and maximize commonality with the US Army’s CH-47F Block II aircraft. The Boeing MH-47G is a special operations variant of the CH-47 Chinook multi-role, heavy-lift helicopter. It is in service with the US Army Special Operations Aviation Command. The majority of the work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania. US Special Operations Command headquarters, Tampa, Florida, is the contracting activity.

Canada has awarded a contract to International AirFinance Corporation for the conversion of two A330-200 airliners into Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft. The value of the deal is $102 million and the planes will be delivered in winter of 2023. “The Government of Canada is committed to providing the Canadian Armed Forces with the equipment they need at the best value for money. We look forward to accepting these two aircraft as they represent an important first step in eventually replacing the capability currently provided by the CC150 Polaris fleet,” Defense Minister Anita Anand said.

General Dynamics Information Technology won a $908 million deal for the US Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa information technology and enterprise network services. Work will take place at various locations in Germany, Italy, Turkey, the United Kingdom and other locations throughout Europe, and is expected to be completed by July 13, 2027, with an optional three-year ordering period ending July 13, 2030, and the ability for performance at the order level through July 13, 2032.

Airbus is proposing the H175M helicopter for Britain’s New Medium Helicopter (NMH) requirement and has announced the first UK-based members of H175M Task Force. The team members are: Babcock International, Martin-Baker, Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) and Spirit AeroSystems.

The State Department of the United States has approved to sell Estonia the M142 high mobility artillery rocket system – known as HIMARS – and related equipment for an estimated cost of up to $500 million. According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the Estonian government had requested to purchase up to six M142 HIMARS launchers and equipment related to them. The total estimated cost is USD500 million. The M142 HIMARS is a light multiple rocket launcher developed in the late 1990s for the United States Army.

North Star Scientific Corp. won a $14.4 million order, which provides for the production and delivery of 41 high power amplifier (HPA) units: six HPA units for System Configuration Set-11 E-2C aircraft; nine HPA units for E-2D crypto modernization and frequency remapping aircraft retrofits; 11 spare HPA units; and 15 HPA units for the government of Australia.  Additionally, this order provides for the production and delivery of 19 HPA units and vibration isolating tray assemblies with integral air plenums: 14 that are Multi-functional Information Distribution System – Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS-JTRS) compatible, and five that are MIDS-JTRS Link-16 compatible. As well, as provides engineering and engineering data support for HPA units kitting, installation, and testing. Work will take place in Hawaii and California. Expected completion will be in July 2024.

The United States is set to deploy eight MQ-9 unmanned air vehicles to Kanoya Air Base, Japan this month after the mayor of Kanoya reluctantly accept the deployment. Mayor Nakanishi Shigeru told the city assembly that he had little choice after the Japanese Defense Ministry presented measures to deal with possible accidents that may arise.

WATCH: H175M in action

Lockheed Martin won a $70.9 million contract modification, which increases scope to provide Reliability and Maintainability Improvement Program implementation and the Anomaly Failure Resolution System backlog in support of establishing improvements to the reliability, availability, and maintainability to the F-35 and continued improvements to the F-35 total ownership costs for the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Foreign Cooperative Program partners, and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Work will take place in Texas. Estimated completion will be in July 2025.

General Dynamics-OTS won a $7.8 million contract action for the 40mm MK47 MOD0 Advanced Lightweight Grenade Launcher (ALGL) Weapon System sustainment parts, spares, and associated sub-assemblies for US Special Operations Command, Special Operations Forces, and other warfighting commands. The MK47 is a portable 40mm grenade launcher suited for light infantry vehicles and tripod applications. Work will take place in Saco, Maine. Expected completion will be by December 2023.

Nigerian automotive manufacturer Proforce Limited has unveiled a lightweight combat vehicle for Nigeria’s infantry and special operations forces. Named the PF Fury, the new vehicle was introduced to the public during the Nigerian Army Research and Development exhibition earlier this month.

A former UK Royal Navy Hunt-class mine-countermeasures vessel is to undergo a regeneration and upgrade at the Harland & Wolff-owned Appledore shipyard in southwest England ahead of a new career with the Lithuanian Navy. The UK Ministry of Defense revealed on July t13 hat Harland & Wolff (Appledore) had been awarded a $65.4 million contract to return ex-HMS Quorn to service under the M55 Regeneration Project.

Britain’s Royal Air Force Typhoons have been conducting combat air training with Rafale fighter jets from the French Air and Space Force, flying from their base locations around the Eastern Mediterranean. Carrying out bilateral air-to-air combat training over the Eastern Mediterranean, the fighters were supported by air-to-air refuelling from an RAF Voyager.

Local media has reported that the country’s H-20 long-range stealth bomber will soon conduct its first test flight. The test flight has been linked to comments by a senior official about the maiden flight of an aircraft of “historic and strategic significance”.

WATCH: JThe Xian H-20 Bomber | Approaching the first test flight

The US Navy and Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) are wrapping up a five-year joint effort to develop high-power microwave technology capable of knocking out adversary electronics. The High-Powered Joint Electromagnetic Non-Kinetic Strike (HiJENKS) weapon is undergoing a two-month test at Naval Air Station China Lake, California.

The Royal Canadian Navy will have to continue relying on allies and a private firm to refuel its ships at seas after a project to build a new fleet of supply vessels was hit with more delays. The service was supposed to receive its first joint support ship next year, but that delivery is delayed because of pandemic-related work issues and technical challenges.

KBR Wyle Services LLC won a $9.6 million contract modification, which exercises an option to provide F/A-18 program management, engineering, financial and logistics support for the governments of Finland and Kuwait. Work will take place in Kuwait and Maryland. Expected completion will be in August 2023.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has announced plans to unveil this month a new air-launched missile that can operate at a standoff range of up to 186 miles. The Ice Breaker, which the Israeli company said will make its public debut at the July 18-22 farnborough Airshow, is part of a missile family that includes the Sea Breaker.

Germany has received its first batch of anti-spoofing, anti-jamming military-code GPS equipment, in the first non-US sale of this equipment, manufacturer BAE Systems announced. The advanced M-code GPS receivers will be used for ground-based missions, BAE said in a statement

BAE Systems won a $40.5 million deal for M88 recovery vehicles. The M88A2 Hercules (heavy equipment recovery combat utility lift and evacuation system) is a self-supportive armoured recovery vehicle used in battlefield rescue and recovery missions. Work will take place in Pennsylvania. Estimated completion date is April 30, 2024. Fiscal 2020 Foreign Military Sales to Taiwan funds in the full amount were obligated at the time of the award.

WATCH: Just Unveiled: RAFAEL’s ICE BREAKER – 5th Generation, Air-Launched Long-Range Attack Weapon System

L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace won a $23.5 million modification, which extends services and adds hours for continued depot level maintenance, logistics, and sustaining engineering services in support of the C-12 Navy aircraft and the C-12 Marine Corps Reserve aircraft. The Beechcraft C-12 Huron is based on the Super King and 1900 series platforms and serves with the United States military as a utility transport among other roles. Work will take place in Louisiana, Japan, Bahrain, Cuba, North Carolina and Maryland. Estimated completion will be in January 2023.

Boeing won an $18.7 million modification, which exercises options to procure the following aircraft armament equipment for F/A-18E/F production aircraft: SUU-79C/A wing pylons for 10 aircraft, SUU-80A/A low drag pylons for 4 aircraft, and ADU-773A/A adapters for 22 aircraft, as well as provide sustaining engineering. Work will take place in Arizona and Missouri. Estimated completion will be in August 2028.

The Biden administration is reportedly discussing the possible lifting of its ban on US sales of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia, but any final decision is expected to hinge on whether Riyadh makes progress toward ending the war in neighboring Yemen, according to four people familiar with the matter.

BIRD Aerosystems has announced that the company has completed an installation of its AMPS-MV Airborne Missile Protection System, which includes the MACS sensor, on UN Air Operations Mi-17 helicopters. The AMPS-MV systems is to protect the UN Air Operations VIPs when flying in Africa. This follow-on order comes after several previous installations of Bird’s products on UN Air Operations aircraft in recent years.

F-15Es and F-35As from Royal Air Force Lakenheath are now in Souda Air Base, Greece for Exercise Poseidon’s Rage. The exercise will take place from July 11-22 and Hellenic Air Force’s 115 Combat Wing will be the exercise’s host. This exercise is the first concurrent deployment of F-15Es and F-35As from USAFE to the same forward operating location. It is also the first time the F-35A from Lakenheath is deployed to Souda.

The Taiwanese Air Force has demonstrated its new T-5 Brave Eagle advanced jet trainer at Chihhang air base in Taitung. The aircraft is a product of the country’s push to prioritize indigenous development of advanced military equipment amid increasing pressure from China. Developed by the state-owned Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation, the T-5 Brave Eagle is suitable for air-to-air and air-to-ground combat training missions.

WATCH: Taiwan bolsters defense as China increases military presence | DW News

Sikorsky Aircraft won a $32.6 million order, which procures one CH-53K containerized flight training device based on low-rate initial production Lot 4 configuration in support of CH-53K phase II training system efforts. The CH-53K  King Stallion is a new-build helicopter that will expand the fleet’s ability to move more material, more rapidly throughout the area of responsibility using proven and mature technologies. There are four System Development Test Article CH-53K with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1). The squadron completed Initial Operational Test and Evaluation of the aircraft in 2022. There are 46 aircraft on contract, including four heavy lift helicopters for the government of Israel. Designed to lift nearly 14 tons (27,000 lbs/12,247 kg) at a mission radius of 110 nautical miles (203 km), in Navy high/hot environments, the CH-53K is capable of lifting almost triple the baseline CH-53E lift capability. Work will take place in Virginia, Connecticut and Florida. Estimated completion will be in December 2024.

A B-2 stealth bomber recently tested dropping a production unit of the B61-12 Joint Test Assembly using the Radar Aided Targeting System (RATS). The capstone test was carried out at the Tonopah Test Range on June 14. The 72d Test and Evaluation Squadron also took the opportunity to test the RATS Application Tool. The software allows pilots in the cockpit to verify that the RATS is operating correctly prior to weapon release.

Elbit Systems announced the launch of a new range of vision systems for military helicopters, integrating sensor array, an artificial intelligence (AI) powered mission computer, and a Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) system. The technology is designed to enable helicopter pilots to see through the body of the aircraft, offering real-time, clear, coloured wide field of view during day and night operations.

According to Defense News, the Turkish government has officially launched a competition for the local development of a turbofan engine that will power the country’s national fighter jet in the making, the TF-X. Reportedly,  two Turkish engine makers, Tusas Engine Industries and TRMotor, have replied to the RFP.

The Norwegian Defense Material Agency has awarded a $15.2 million contract to German firm Hensoldt for upgraded Identification Friend-or-Foe (IFF) technology. Under the contract, the company will deliver Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radars and LTR400 DNG transponders to the Norwegian military.

France and India have agreed to co-develop a new engine for the Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) project. The 13–16 tonne IMRH is being conceived as a replacement for Mil Mi-17 utility helicopters, which form the mainstay of the Indian military’s heavy-utility rotorcraft fleet. IMRH will be capable of carrying out a wide variety of missions, including transporting troops, conducting assault operations, air maintenance and anti-submarine warfare.

South Korea will establish a strategic command by 2024 to oversee the country’s preemptive strike strategy and the assets to execute it, the Defense Ministry said. During a July 6 seminar led by President Yoon Suk Yeol, the ministry discussed key defense policies meant to counter the threat of North Korean nuclear missiles, including the Kill Chain strategy and well as more efficient efforts to develop defense capabilities.

WATCH: Indian AMCA VS Turkish TF-X Fifth Generation Stealth Fighter

On 28 June, another major step was taken towards the establishment of the Multinational Helicopter Training Centre (MHTC) at Sintra Airbase in Portugal when the Technical Arrangement (TA), which defines the organisation, missions and responsibilities of the Centre was signed by 14 founding countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, and Sweden. The signing marks the start of the technical and logistical buildup of the centre which is expected to become a reference for multination military helicopter training.

For an initial period of 15 years, the MHTC will take over the management of EDA’s current three helicopter training programmes: the Helicopter Exercise Programme (HEP), the Helicopter Tactics Course (HTC) programme and the Helicopter Tactics Instructor Course (HTIC) programme, which have been managed by the Agency for almost a decade. Those programmes are not only among the most long-lasting, recognised, and successful ever managed by the Agency, but also highly appreciated and reputed among the rotary wing community.

The MHTC will be built in the same location as the current EDA helicopter training centre, but with a fully renewed infrastructure and permanently manned with a team of 10 international staff, supervised by the MHTC Steering Board. The MHTC is planned to deliver at least 37 weeks of helicopter tactics training per year, including a multinational “Blade” helicopter exercise, a helicopter tactics symposium, and several basic and advance courses with the aim to enhance the tactical knowledge of military helicopter crews, and improve their interoperability levels, facilitating their preparation for international deployments.

Since the launch of the MHTC project in August 2019, EDA has played an active role in coordinating the harmonisation of the different agreements which form the legal, operational, and financial basis of the MHTC and its working processes. From now on, and until the MHTC Initial Operational Capability (IOC) is reached by the end of 2023, EDA will progressively transfer this role to Portugal, as the MHTC host nation, which will take over the activities under the supervision of the MHTC Steering Board, and with the support of EDA.

Among the main upcoming tasks in the process of setting up the MHTC are the buildup of the infrastructure in Sintra and the establishment of a contract with a service provider for the provision of a training simulator and instructor capacities to support the Centre’s activities.

• MHTC factsheet
• EDA's Helicopter Initiatives
• Multinational Helicopter Training Centre (MHTC) sets course for Sintra
• New EDA helicopter training simulator inaugurated

The US Navy’s MQ-8C has tested the Single System Multi-Mission Airborne Mine Detection (SMAMD) system for the first time. Testing took place at Eglin Air Force Base in May, according to Naval Air System Command. “The team successfully demonstrated that the prototype SMAMD System effectively operates as designed aboard the MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter in relevant real world environments,” said Capt. Thomas Lansley, Fire Scout program director. “This cutting-edge technology could really enhance Fire Scout’s capability going forward.” Carrying out the tests in day and night, the team gathered data on drifting, tethered, and moored mines throughout beach zone to deep waters.

The F-16 Block 30 employed by 7 US Air Force guard units and 2 reserve units are now capable of firing the AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM). This was made possible by a team from the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command Test Center (AATC).

The Qatar Emiri Naval Forces (QENF) received a landing ship and three landing craft in a ceremony held at Anadolu Shipyard’s Tuzla facility, the Qatari Ministry of Defense and the Turkish company announced. The vessels were identified as the 80 m landing ship tank (LST) Fuwairit (QL 80), the two 40 m landing craft mechanised (LCMs) Ishat (QL 40) and Broog (QL 41), and the 15.7 m landing craft vehicle and personnel (LCVP) Al-Aaliya (QL 15).

The United States is sending to Ukraine up to $400 million in additional military equipment and supplies, including four more medium-range rocket systems and ammunition, as the embattled nation tries to repel Russia’s advances in the Donbas region. Speaking to reporters on condition of anonymity on Friday, the official said the new US arms package would include four additional HIMARS and more ammunition, bringing the total number of these systems to 12.

Ukraine purchased 2,900 RGW 90 Matador portable anti-tank weapons manufactured by the German company DND, a subsidiary of Israeli Rafael Systems, according to German media). The RGW 90 Matador (also called Panzerfaust 3 in the German army) is a man-portable anti-tank rocket launcher weapon developed between 1978 and 1985 and first entered into service with the German army in 1987.

Israel’s Elbit Systems announced on July 5 that it has been awarded a contract to provide direct infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) and airborne electronic warfare (EW) systems worth up to US$80 million for a country in Asia-Pacific. It will supply its C-Music DIRCM systems, as well as Infrared-based Passive Airborne Warning Systems (IR-PAWS) for different types of aircraft.

WATCH: U.S. Navy MQ-8C Fire Scout Takes Off and Flight

General Dynamics Land Systems won a maximum $145.5 million deal for multiple spare parts in the Abrams Main Battle Tank, Stryker Family of Vehicles, Light Armored Vehicle Family of Vehicles, Cougar, Buffalo and RG-31. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 US Code 2304(c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. The M1 Abrams entered service in 1980 and currently serves as the main battle tank of the United States Army and formerly the Marine Corps.  Work will take place in Florida. Estimated completion date is July 29, 2029.

Booz Allen Hamilton won a $15.5 million contract modification to exercise Option Year Four for analysis support services for III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Installations Pacific (MCIPAC). Work will be performed in Okinawa, Japan, and is expected to be completed July 7, 2023. The MCIPAC Regional Contracting Office, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Okinawa, Japan, is the contracting activity.

The Algerian People’s National Army (ANP) unveiled the T-62 tanks that it has converted into fire-support vehicles during the parade marking the 60th anniversary of the country’s independence on July 5. The parade included 10 of the conversions, which involved replacing the tank’s original turrets with the Russian-made Berezhok turret that has been used to upgrade many of the ANP’s BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles. This involved fitting an additional armoured collar around the T-62’s turret ring to accommodate the smaller diameter of the Berezhok.

Ultra Electronics Ocean Systems won a $42 million deal supporting the production and delivery of Acoustic Device Countermeasure (ADC) MK 2 and ADC MK 2 training devices used on surface vessels and submarines. This contract has a five-year ordering period from fiscal years 2022 to 2027, and potential deliveries of Foreign Military Sales units and services in support of the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Work will take place in Massachusetts, Virginia and North Carolina. Estimated completion will be in July 2027.

Germany’s federal government approved the draft 2023 federal budget, as well as finance plan 2022?26 and the Bundeswehr special fund announced following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Military spending for the next four years reflects the benchmarks decided by the federal cabinet in March, having been revised upwards by only a few million euros. Core defence spending in 2023 will amount to $55.4 billion, a 0.6% nominal decrease from 2022 but a EUR2.76 billion increase compared with the estimate in the finance plan approved in June 2021. The core allocation to defence is set to remain flat in nominal terms until 2026.

Royal Thai Navy spokesman Vice Adm Pokkrong Monthatphalin announced that the service has selected the Israeli Hermes 900 after closing an international bid. The contract is worth around $110 million and the contract is expected to be signed this month. According to the news report, vendors from China, Turkey and United States also bid in the competition.

WATCH: Elbit Systems / HERMES 900 MCA DEMO

EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý was in the Netherlands today for high-level talks with Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren, Chief of Defence (CHOD) General Onno Eichelsheim, National Armaments Director (and current Chair of EDA’s Steering Board in NAD composition) Vice Admiral Arie Jan de Waard, as well as other high-level decision makers at the Ministry of Defence. He also met with industry representatives. The trip to The Hague was part of Mr Šedivý’s ‘tour des capitales’ that sees him visiting all EDA Member States.

The discussions with Minister Ollongren mainly focused on the Netherland’s strong involvement in EDA’s current activities the war in Ukraine and its potential impact on EU defence cooperation and spending, future defence investment programmes and cooperation opportunities (including joint procurement and acquisition) to mitigate the current defence gaps. EDA’s role in the implementation of the Strategic Compass as well as the initial phase of the new Hub for European Defence Innovation (HEDI) within EDA, were also discussed. 

To date, the Netherlands participates in a total of 63 EDA projects and programmes of which 19 are even led by the country. The latter include crucial cooperation domains such as the EU Multimodal Transport Hub Network, the Sharing of Spare Parts (SoSP), the Joint Deployable Exploitation and Analysis Laboratory (JDEAL) or the planning and organisation of future ‘Bison Counter’ exercises in the countering of Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IED) domain. The total value of EDA programmes and projects in which the Netherlands is involved and where a project arrangement has been agreed currently stands at roughly €138 million. The Netherlands also participates in 12 PESCO projects, one of which is led by it (Military Mobility). 

“I am grateful to the Netherlands for being a driving force behind European defence cooperation in general, and EDA’s activities in particular. For proof, it is the third most active EDA Member State when it comes to participation in Agency projects and programmes. More than that: crucial work strands to collaboratively develop new defence enablers and capabilities - such as the PESCO project on Military Mobility, EDA’s Sharing of Spare Parts project or joint European efforts to counter Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) - are led by the Netherlands which is also the host of important cooperation facilities, such as the Multinational Multirole Tanker and Transport Fleet (MMF) and the European Air Transport Command (EATC) in Eindhoven, or the Joint Deployable Exploitation and Analysis Laboratory (JDEAL) in Soesterberg. I can only thank the Dutch authorities for their strong commitment to EDA’s work and European defence, and encourage them to pursue on this path”, Mr Šedivý commented.

• The Netherlands at EDA (July 2022 factsheet)
• EDA at a glance (in Dutch)

Lockheed Martin won a $22.6 million contract modification, which adds scope to procure 22 Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System shipsets for Distributed Aperture System for Technology Refresh-3 developmental and operational testing, Block 4 testing, the Electromagnetic Environmental Effects aircraft, and a spare sensor set provision in support of F-35 Lightning II next generation capabilities. Work will take place in Texas. Estimated completion will be by July 2023.

MH Systems won a $24.7 million deal for the purchase of aircraft painters manpower support. This contract provides for the augmentation of 402d Aircraft Maintenance Group organic forces for depot paint and de-paint operations for current and incoming workload for C-5, C-17, C-130, F-15, Global Hawk and JSTARS weapon systems. Work will take place in Georgia. Expected completion date is July 17, 2027.

Qatar has given Lebanon’s cash-strapped armed forces $60 million, the foreign ministry in Doha announced. “The announcement comes within the framework of the State of Qatar’s firm commitment to support the Republic of Lebanon,” the ministry said in a statement. Lebanon defaulted on its debt in 2020, the local currency has lost around 90 percent of its value on the black market, and the UN now considers four in five Lebanese to be poor.

The Finnish Border Guard has awarded a contract to Meyer Turku for two new liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered offshore patrol vessels (OPVs). The new vessels will be an improved variant of the OPV Turva, which was commissioned into FBG service in 2014 as the world’s first LNG coastguard ship.

The contract will provide post-design services for armoured platforms including Bulldog, Warrior, Challenger 2, Challenger 3 when in service and other vehicles. According to a contract award notice, the Land Equipment Vehicle Support Team, part of the Ministry of Defence, intends to award a single-source contract for up to 5 years plus two option single years (total maximum contract duration including options is 7 years) to Rheinmetall BAE Systems (RBSL) for provision of Post Design Services (PDS) activity for current in-service armoured platforms.

The Indian Army has issued a tender to local defense firms for 30,000 night sights for its US-made rifles. The sights will be installed on the country’s American SiG Sauer assault rifles to support soldiers patrolling its borders with China and Pakistan. The new device must reportedly have an adjustable illuminated Bullet Drop Compensator reticle pattern to enable target detection up to 600 meters.

WATCH: C-5 Galaxy – the story of a flying whale

The Iowa Air National Guard has repainted an F-16A static display in a gold paint scheme. This scheme replicates the F-16C that was painted in gold back in 1996 to commemorate the 185th Fighter Wing’s 50th anniversary back then. The original F-16C #85-1565 is now a QF-16 and will eventually be destroyed during live-fire training exercise.

Northrop Grumman won a $337.9 million deal, which provides researching alternatives, investigating and documenting new capabilities and anomalies related to H-1 avionics and weapons; and the development, integration, verification, validation, and testing of H-1 Integrated Avionics Systems, as well as identifies maintenance capabilities, upgrading and/or updating test equipment and other support equipment required to support the systems. Work will take place in California. Estimated completion will be in June 2027.

The Israeli Air Force has wrapped up its investigations into an AS565 naval helicopter crash that killed both pilots on January 3. Investigators found that aluminum parts deep inside the helicopter’s engine had corroded and a turbine blade had broken off while leading to a fire. The manufacturer does the inspection of the components and this component is not part of routine checks stipulated by the helicopter’s manufacturer.

Amentum Services won a $16.9 million modification for maintenance, supply and transportation logistics support services for Army Prepositioned Stocks-5. The Army Prepositioned Stock program is a cornerstone of the Army’s ability to rapidly project power and send a clear signal of U.S. commitment. Sets of equipment, such as all the tanks and wheeled vehicles of an armored brigade combat team, are strategically prepositioned in climate controlled facilities worldwide. Work will take place in Kuwait. Estimated completion date is January 2, 2023.

Jane’s reports that France, Germany, and Sweden have agreed development of a new fixed-wing medium-lift transport aircraft. The French Ministère des Armées reported the agreement, saying that the three countries launched the Future Mid-Size Tactical Cargo (FMTC) programme during the Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace (AAE)-hosted French Presidency of the Council of the European Union (PFUE) European Wings event.

A KF-21 fighter prototype was spotted undergoing ground tests at Korea Aerospace Industries’ facility near Sacheon airport, South Korea.  Located south of the country, Sacheon Airport (HIN) houses the headquarters of Korea Aerospace Industries, which develops and manufactures the upcoming 4.5 generation fighter jet. The 3rd Flying Training Wing of the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) is also based in the vicinity of the airport.

WATCH: KF-21 Boramae undergoing ground test (higher quality)

FIRE BLADE 2022 (FB22), the 16th Blade exercise performed under the frame of EDA’s Helicopter Exercise Programme (HEP), was hosted at Pápa Airbase, Hungary, from 7-24 June 2022. The exercise, which marked the 10th anniversary of the creation of the Agency’s HEP, achieved all expected national and multinational objectives, including the preparation of aircrews and units for the challenges of modern military operations.  

The main objective of FB22 was to improve European interoperability and prepare participating Member States’ helicopter crews for joint and combined military operations in complex and congested environments. For this purpose, 8 Composite Air Operations (COMAO) missions were carried out in a realistic, harsh, and complex environment that included live firing at shooting ranges and employing all available assets. 

Furthermore, the participants performed other national and multinational training activities, which included Air Assaults, Special Operation Forces (SOF) training (fast rope and abseiling techniques), Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction (SPIE) training, pick-up and drop off procedures, air-to-surface live firing (helicopter door gunnery and sniper training), combat service support, close air support, convoy/helicopter escorts, reconnaissance and surveillance, combat search and rescue, personnel recovery, medical evacuation and casualty evacuation. In addition, the participants had the opportunity to carry out evasion training against air and ground threats. 

Altogether, the exercise accounted for 730 sorties, 425 flight hours and the shooting of 15.700 rounds of ammunition. 

This exercise involved a total of 25 air assets from Austria (3x OH-58, 2x AB-212 and 3x PC-7), Belgium (3x A-109 and 2x NH-90), Slovakia (1x UH-60), Slovenia (1x AS-532) and Hungary with (5x H145M, 2x Mi-24, 1x Mi-17, 2x JAS-39) and around 1,000 military personnel. Hungary, as the host nation, provided ground troops which were involved in the planning process and performed their own training using the support of the air assets. In addition, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Greece, Italy and Switzerland sent observers.  

A multinational Joint Tactical Air Controller (JTAC) team and Electronic Warfare (EW) emulator systems from Austria and Slovenia were also involved. Furthermore, the European Air Group (EAG) successfully delivered a Forward Arming Refuelling Point (FARP) Force Integration Training. 

Additionally, an international Mentor Team involving Helicopter Tactics Instructors (HTI) from Austria, the Netherlands and Sweden, provided expertise, standardisation and mentoring during the planning and execution of all COMAO missions.  

A Distinguished Visitors Day was organized on the 21June, with the participation of military and civilian authorities from the participating countries. It was also an opportunity for media to witness a COMAO mission demonstration, showcasing the capabilities of the assets involved and the outcome of a well-prepared mission. This event was highly appreciated by all the participants, which included several Hungarian and international journalists. 

During the closing ceremony, EDA Project Officer Rotary Wing, José Pablo Romera, highlighted the importance of EDA helicopter training activities, and in particular the “Blade” exercises, to improve the European helicopter capabilities to support building a more capable and stronger Europe. He also thanked the Hungarian Defence Forces, including Pápa Airbase, the Hungarian Exercise Control team, and combat and support elements, for the outstanding organisation and execution of the exercise and to all the participants for their proactive involvement and cooperative mindset which resulted in the achievement of the expected training objectives.  

The next EDA helicopter exercise, the Hot Blade 2023, will take place from 7th to 23rd of June 2023 and will be hosted by Portugal, in Beja Air Base No. 11. 

Since 2009, 16 Blade exercises have been performed in 8 different European countries (France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Finland, Hungary, Czech Republic and Portugal). In addition, 12 helicopter tactics symposiums, 74 Helicopter Tactics Courses, 7 Helicopter Tactics Instructors Courses and several other training activities, as Composite Air Operations (COMAO) planning courses and Electronic Warfare (EW) courses have been carried out under EDA management and involved 15 EDA Member States. 

The outcome is a high level of operational interoperability and helicopter cooperation among a large number of EDA MS, and the increase of readiness of European helicopter units to operate together anywhere in the world. Those activities are part of three long lasting, mature and dynamic programmes (HEP, HTC and HTIC) which will be transferred to the future Multinational Helicopter Training Centre (MHTC) starting by end of 2023. 

On 30 May 2022, the European Medical Command, a Germany-led PESCO project launched in March 2018, reached Full Operational Capability (FOC). Supported by 18 countries, it will benefit the EU and NATO with an enduring medical capability to increase medical operational readiness and interoperability for future joint and combined operations.

Read full news on the PESCO website

The US Air Force contracted Boeing with $14.5 million for KC-135 engineering sustainment services. The contract modification provides for recurring engineering services for sustainment of the KC-135 aircraft for one option year. Work will take place in Oklahoma, Texas, Alabama and Florida. Estimated completion date is March 31, 2022.

Tactical Air Support won a $265.3 million deal, which provides non-recurring engineering, inspection, modification, and block upgrade efforts for 16 F-5E and six F-5F Tiger II aircraft from a Swiss Confederation configuration to a Navy/Marine Corps N+/F+ configuration. Additionally, this contract procures eight block upgrade retrofits to existing fleet aircraft. Estimated completion will be in June 2027.

Turkey’s landmark Bayraktar Akinci attack drone successfully fired a new laser-guided missile in a recent trial. During the test, the drone took off from Corlu airfield in northwestern Turkey and flew at an average altitude of 30,000 feet (9.1 kilometers). It struck a floating target laser-marked by another Bayraktar drone flying below cloud-level.

Slovakia will sign a government-to-government deal to purchase 152 CV90 MkIV tracked infantry fighting vehicles fitted with 35mm cannons by BAE Hägglunds, the country’s ministry of defense has announced. Bratislava plans to acquire the vehicles from Sweden in an “effort to build [a] heavy mechanized brigade, and reinforce its defense and support local industry,” Slovakia’s Defence Minister Jaroslav Na? said in a tweet.

Lockheed Martin won a $192.4 million contract modification for technical engineering and management efforts for the Australia Surface Combatant program. The deal involves Foreign Military Sales to the government of Australia. Work will take place in New Jersey and Australia.

India’s Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) has successfully flown for the first time. In a statement, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) said that the UCAV was flown by the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) from its Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga, in the southern state of Karnataka, the same day.

WATCH: F5E Tiger II Best of Aviation Documentary

The first Energy Technology Solutions (ETS) conference and exhibition were organised last week by EDA, hosted in Bordeaux by the French Ministry of Armed Forces and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA).  

Both events, the conference and the exhibition, were held in the framework of the Consultation Forum for Sustainable Energy in the Defence and Security Sector (CF SEDSS III) the plenary conference of which also took place this week in Bordeaux (Consultation Forum concludes first round of defence energy deliverables (europa.eu). 

Entitled “Strategic autonomy in the defence energy sector”, the first ETS conference allowed the CF SEDSS community to engage with the industry, academia, and other research and technology organisations to discuss ideas on how to make defence more energy-efficient and robust. The event was opened by Jean-François Ripoche, EDA Director of Research, Technology and Innovation, and Hélène Burlet (CEA). Christophe Poinssot, General Director of the French Geological Survey (BRGM), delivered the keynote speech.  

In his address, Mr Ripoche noted in particular that the Agency had already been engaged in collaborative innovation for many years and recently established a Hub for EU Defence Innovation (HEDI), which will act as a platform to stimulate, facilitate and support collaboration on defence innovation, including energy foresight. 

Ms Hélène Burlet, in her welcome speech, underlined the potential of synergies in research to address the key challenges of the energy transition, both for civil and military applications.  

In his keynote speech, Mr Poinssot underlined the increasing need in strategic materials for feeding the energy and numeric transitions and the complexity of the minerals value chains. A national "observatory" dedicated to strategic mineral resources is under development in BRGM (OFREMI) to better know the global mineral value chains and assess/mitigate the potential risk.  

The ETS exhibition featured several stands where companies showcased innovative sustainable energy technologies, services and products suitable for the defence sector.  Custom-made photovoltaic solar panels, modular and scalable green hydrogen generators for decentralised energy generation for multiple purposes, electric and hybrid transmission technologies, virtual platforms for the management of defence energy data, energy-efficient and resilient military camps, electricity storage, micro-grids, hybrid and hydrogen solutions for mobility, wind powers and arctic solutions and radar interference mitigation measures were among the applications presented.

Next CF SEDSS III conference in December 

 The 5th CF SEDSS III Conference is scheduled to take place in Prague, Czech Republic, on 30 November and 1 December 2022 under the auspices of the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU and hosted by the Czech Ministry of Defence.

More information:

• CF SEDSS website 

• Consultation Forum concludes first round of defence energy deliverables (europa.eu) 

• New Energy Consultation Forum project to promote low carbon military camps (europa.eu) 

• Energy Defence Consultation Forum gains momentum (europa.eu) 

• First High-Level Joint Defence and Energy Meeting (europa.eu)  

• Energy Defence Consultation Forum gains momentum (europa.eu)  

• First Energy Consultation Forum project to receive EU funding 

Federal Contracting won a $92.4 million deal for a B-21 Combined Mission Operations Planning Facility and Field Training Detachment Facility. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. The B-21 is a new high-tech bomber slated to replace or complement the US Air Force’s aging fleet of B-52s, B-1s, and B-2 bombers, and represents the first new US bomber design in 30 years. As with its predecessors, it is designed to be long-range, highly survivable and capable of carrying a mix of conventional and nuclear ordnance and be a key part of the US nuclear triad. Work will take place in South Dakota. Estimated completion date is September 7, 2024.

Edwards Air Force Base will hold its first airshow for the first time in 13 years on October 15 and 16. Besides the US Air Force, NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center will be participating as well. To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the first supersonic flight, jets from the USAF and NASA will compete to determine which will be first to go supersonic during the airshow.

Israel’s Defense Attaché to Morocco, in addition to two IDF officers, participated as viewers in an international military exercise held in Morocco this past week. The “African Lion 2022” exercise, led by the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) and the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR), is the largest annual exercise held by both armies in Africa. Israel’s participation in the exercise is an additional step in strengthening the security relations between the two countries’ Defense Ministries and militaries. In addition, it constitutes a continuation of the FAR’s Counterterrorism Unit’s participation in the multinational exercise, which was held in Israel last year.

Oshkosh Defense won a $216.7 million contract modification to support fielding the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Family of Vehicles for Foreign Military Sales. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with an estimated completion date of November 30, 2023. Fiscal 2020 Air Force procurement, Air Force procurement Operation Inherent Resolve, Navy procurement, United States Marine Corps procurement and other procurement, Army funds; fiscal 2021 Air Force procurement Operation Inherent Resolve, Office of the Chief of Army Reserve, and operation and maintenance, Army funds; and fiscal 2022 Air Force procurement European Deterrence, Air Force procurement Operation Inherent Resolve, Navy procurement, United States Marine Corps procurement, Foreign Military Sales (Brazil, Lithuania and Montenegro), other procurement, Army, and research, development, test and evaluation, Army funds in the full amount were obligated at the time of the award.

Greece has signed the Letter of Request (LoR) to buy the F-35 fighter, local media reports. The letter was sent by the Greek defense ministry to Washington on June 29. Athens hopes to buy 20 aircraft with options for another 20.

Lockheed Martin was awarded a $307.1 million deal by the US Army for repair and recertification of Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target Advanced Capability-3 missiles. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2027. Fiscal 2022 Foreign Military Sales (Taiwan) funds in the amount of $150,400,000 were obligated at the time of the award.

WATCH: New B-21 Raider: The Most Feared Bomber Ever Ready to Fly

Sikorsky won a $429.2 million deal from the US Army for maintenance and overhaul of UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of June 28, 2027.

Raytheon won a $57.9 million contract modification to exercise options and incrementally fund existing contract line items for fiscal 2022 Standard Missile-2 Block IIIC low rate initial production and spares. The SM-2 missile is a surface-to-air missile primarily intended for fleet area air defence and ship self-defense. Work will take place in Alabama and Arizona. Expected completion will be by December 2024.

The Turkish Navy’s landing platform dock (LPD) Anadolu has started its official sea acceptance tests. Following the completion of its SATs, the future flagship of the Turkish Navy and the largest ship to be operated by the service is scheduled for commissioning in December 2022.

The Swedish government has inked a contract with Saab for two GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft. The contract is worth $714 million and Sweden has the option to purchase another two GlobalEye. The delivery of the aircraft is expected to be in 2027.

The Swedish ambassador to Czech Republic Fredrik Jörgensen said in an interview with Seznam Správy that Czech can keep the Gripens that it leased from Sweden for free. The news comes as Czech is looking into buying 24 fighters as the lease for the Gripens will expire in 2027. According to the news report, the F-35 is the leading contender.

India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) has successfully sent three satellites from Singapore into space. The main satellite is the 365 kg DS-EO satellite which has an electro-optical digital imaging payload capable of 0.5 m resolution imaging capability.

WATCH: Turkish First Amphibious Assault Ship TCG Anadolu has Begins Sea Tests

The new European Defence Matters magazine (N°23) is now available, with a special focus on the EU’s Strategic Compass approved in March. The magazine features exclusive articles by the Head of EDA, HR/VP Josep Borrell, the French Chief of Defence, General Thierry Burkhard, and the new Chairman of the EU’s Military Committee (EUMC), General Robert Brieger. Our bi-annual publication also puts a spotlight on two EDA projects offering pragmatic solutions for specific problems faced by our Armed Forces: the sharing of spare parts and the organisation of collaborative Personnel Recovery training.

You can read the new magazine in PDF or in a slightly shorter digital (webzine) format.

In the cover story, the Head of our Agency, Josep Borrell, lays out why the Strategic Compass is essential for the EU’s security and defence ambitions, notably in times of instability and war, and how its implementation will boost defence cooperation and strengthen Europe’s military clout. We also analyse the Compass’ proposed measures and guidelines, before giving the floor to the French Chief of Defence, General Thierry Burkhard, and General Brieger (EUMC Chairman), to comment on the operational aspects. The academic views of Dr Jana Puglierin (senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations) round off this cover story.  

This magazine has even more on offer, though. We sat down for interviews with the Director of the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), Matteo Bisceglia, and the CEO of Finnish defence company Patria, Esa Rautalinko. Articles on the European Medical Command, a PESCO project which reached full operational capacity, as well as on EDA’s Sharing of Spare Parts (SoSP) and Tactical Personnel Recovery Mission Simulator (TPRMS) projects also provide for an interesting read.

Have a look immediately – and enjoy!

• EDM Magazine Nr.23 (PDF)
• Digital (webzine) version of EDM Magazine Nr.23

More than 150 experts from 26 European countries and different institutions and organisations participate in the 4th  Conference of the third phase of the Consultation Forum for Sustainable Energy in the Defence and Security Sector (CF SEDSS III) which opened today. 

EDA is organising the 4th CF SEDSS III conference (29/ 30 June) under the auspices of the French EU Presidency and hosted by the Ministry of Armed Forces of France (FR MoD) and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). For the first time since the project's inception in 2015, the plenary conference is combined with an Energy Technology Solutions (ETS) Conference on 1 July 2022 and an onsite exhibition on 30 June and 1 July.

The two-day CF SEDSS plenary conference takes place at a very challenging geopolitical moment, with energy prices skyrocketing and many countries reconsidering their energy supplies and routes as a result of the Russian war in Ukraine. Consequently, the conference presents an opportunity for participants to finalise the first cycle of the project deliverables and explore new areas for strengthening the defence energy resilience and autonomy. The conference will also present an update on the European Commission’s 'Fit for 55’ package and the state of implementing of the EU's Climate Change and Defence Roadmap concerning the CF SEDSS associated work strands. During the separate working group sessions, delegates will share their expertise and insights on the group's work plan and support the development of the key deliverables.

In his opening speech, delivered via video message, EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý emphasised that "now more than ever, the EU needs to fast track the green transition to avoid being held energy hostage. Similarly, in the spirit of the Versailles declaration and the REPowerEU Plan, the EU needs to increase its energy security by improving energy efficiency, diversifying its energy supplies and substituting fossil fuels by renewables". Despite this political momentum, "the green transition will only be successful if we bring fully on board the defence sector, which is an energy-intensive and large consumer of fossil fuel", he said. This becomes increasingly imperative as EU member states agreed in the Strategic Compass to develop national strategies to prepare the armed forces for climate change. Mr Šedivý expressed his satisfaction with the outstanding result of the Forum's first cycle of deliverables, including more than fifteen project ideas on defence energy-related projects, analyses of six research areas in sustainable energy and initial contributions to the Guidance Document on Sustainable Energy. He also commended the Forum’s substantial input to the EU's Climate Change and Defence Roadmap and reiterated the Agency's commitment to support the Ministries of Defence in advancing sustainable and circular energy models via EDA's key channels, namely the Energy Consultation Forum, the Energy and Environment Capability Technology Group and the Incubation Forum for Circular Economy in European Defence.

In his keynote address, General Francois-Alain Serre, general officer for sustainable development at the Joint Staff of the French Ministry of Defence, expressed his appreciation  for hosting this conference under the auspices of the French EU Presidency. He said the event offered an opportunity to "focus on EU sovereignty and strategic autonomy in two extremely vital sectors: energy and defence." Consequently, several topics will be addressed, including energy efficiency and building performance, renewable energy sources, resilience of defence-related critical energy infrastructure, and innovative energy technologies. He stressed that "energy and climate security are fields with a high potential for cooperation, both at the European and international levels, and that the Consultation Forum plays a major role in fostering this collaboration".

The 5th CF SEDSS III Conference is scheduled to take place in Prague, Czech Republic, on 30 November and 1 December 2022 under the auspices of the upcoming Czech EU Presidency.

The Consultation Forum for Sustainable Energy in the Defence and Security Sector (CF SEDSS) is a European Commission funded initiative managed by the EDA. This Forum was established with the primary goal to create a defence energy-related community to share information, knowledge and best practices on improving energy management, increasing energy efficiency and buildings performance, utilising renewable energy sources in the defence sector and enhancing the resilience of defence-related critical energy infrastructure. To address these objectives, and with the support of the European Commission, EDA has implemented two phases: the first phase took place from October 2015 to October 2017 and the second one from October 2017 to August 2019. Building on the successful outcome of these two phases and to address emerging and future challenges in the field of energy, EDA and the European Commission launched on 1 October 2019 the third phase, which will run over a period of four ears until 30 September 2023. CF SEDSS phase III is funded by the European Union's (EU) horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the grant agreement No. 882171.

• CF SEDSS website 

• New Energy Consultation Forum project to promote low carbon military camps (europa.eu) 

• Energy Defence Consultation Forum gains momentum (europa.eu) 

• First High-Level Joint Defence and Energy Meeting (europa.eu)  

• Energy Defence Consultation Forum gains momentum (europa.eu)  

• First Energy Consultation Forum project to receive EU funding