Defense`s Feeds

Americas

Bath Iron Works won a $54.6 million contract modification to exercise options for accomplishment of lead yard support for the DDG 51 class guided missile destroyer program. The DDG 51 class guided missile destroyers are warships that provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities. The majority of work will take place in Maine. Estimated completion will be by June 2023.

Vice Adm. John B. Mustin, chief of US Navy Reserve, told the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Defense subcommittee that the Reserve’s number one equipment priority is to buy the C-130J to replace the aging C-130T. The Reserve now operates 19 C-130Ts and 11 KC-130Ts in five fleet logistics support squadrons and the average age is about 30 years.

Middle East & Africa

General Robotics, an Israeli developer of light and smart remote control weapon stations is set to introduce the latest version of its PITBULL Remote Control Weapons Stations (RCWS), with enhanced AI-driven capabilities, which will enable armored vehicles and unmanned platforms to gain substantial improvement in situational awareness, response rate, and firepower. The new system will be revealed at the Eurosatory 2022 Exhibition, which will take place at Paris in mid-June.

Europe

The Portuguese Navy is planning to design and build an offshore multi-purpose surface ship dedicated to deploying unmanned surface vessels (USVs), unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The local development and construction of the multifunctional naval platform was formally approved by the Council of Ministers on for a maximum amount of $101 million between 2023 and 2025, with funding from the Recovery and Resilience Plan of the European Union.

Asia-Pacific

The Pacific Air Forces announced that Cope West 22 will take place from June 17-24 at Abdulrachman Saleh Air Force Base, Malang, Indonesia. The 374th Airlift Wing will send two C-130s from Yokota Air Base, Japan. Indonesia will be represented with two C-130s and its crew.

According to Nikkei, Japan plans to work with the United States to develop an armed drone for flights along with manned aircraft. The drone will fly in front of the manned aircraft, receiving instructions from the pilot or remote command center and receiving terrain and weather estimates from its artificial intelligence. It will be equipped with early detection technology for missiles and aircraft and anti-missile weapons.

Today’s Video

WATCH: Nothing Can Kill the Arleigh Burke-class Destroyer

Americas

Raytheon won a $52 million delivery order for the improved Bradley acquisition system Commander’s Viewer Unit. The Bradley fighting vehicle system is manufactured by BAE Systems Land & Armaments (formerly United Defence) and includes the M2 infantry fighting vehicle and the M3 cavalry fighting vehicle. The new Improved Bradley Acquisition System (IBAS) Block 2 includes enhanced capabilities to improve operational efficiencies and lethality and provides life-cycle cost and reliability improvements. The most notable enhancement to IBAS is the high definition high resolution color imagery. The performance completion date is March 31, 2026. Using military service is Army.

Army soldiers in Alaska were issued new unit patches Monday as the service activated the long-dormant 11th Airborne Division, part of a sweeping reorganization aimed at prioritizing operations in the Arctic Region. The new division — led by the former Army Alaska commander Maj. Gen. Brian Eifler — will focus almost solely on Arctic and cold-weather combat operations amid the Pentagon’s renewed interest in challenging Russian and Chinese ambitions in the far North.

Middle East & Africa

Turkey showcased its Karg? kamikaze drone for the first time during exercise EFES-2022. The drone is a product made by Lentatek. Powered by a PG50 engine from TUSA? Engine Industries (TEI), it is expected to replace the IAI Harpy. The ground systems, navigation and automatic flight control system design and production were all developed domestically, as was the system’s software.

Israeli company Aeronautics Group introduced the Trojan, an Unmanned Hover Plane (UHP), which bridges the gap between the need to hover and the need to reach long ranges. According to Aeronautics, the system’s capabilities support challenging operational missions while simultaneously performing point-to-multipoint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), thereby creating a solution for versatile and dynamic environments, and achieving Wide-Area-Persistent-Surveillance (WAPS). The system’s multi-platform architecture utilizes multiple sensors, together with advanced analytics capabilities, to ensure accurate, reliable, real-time situational awareness.

Europe

The French Navy’s first Suffren Class (Barracuda) nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN), Suffren (S 635) , was commissioned into service during a ceremony held in Brest on June 3. This was disclosed by French Minister of Defense Sébastien Lecornu has announced on his official Twitter account.

Asia-Pacific

The government of India has approved the procurement of military equipment and state-of-the-art platforms worth $9.8 billion from local defense firms. The country’s top procurement body issued an acceptance of necessity (AoN) for the multibillion-dollar military equipment proposal. India’s procurement rules indicate that the AoN is the first step towards buying military hardware.

Today’s Video

WATCH: Barracuda ClassSubmarine vs Astute Class Submarine Comparison

FIRE BLADE 2022, the 16th helicopter exercise organised under the umbrella of the European Defence Agency’s Helicopter Exercise Programme (HEP), kicked off today at Pápa airbase in Hungary. It will last until 24 June. 

A total of 25 air assets (20 helicopters + 5 aircrafts) and some 550 military personnel from five countries – Austria, Belgium, Slovakia, Slovenia and Hungary – will participate in this exercise hosted by the Hungarian Defence Forces. In addition, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Greece, Italy, Switzerland, and several international organisations will participate with exercise observers.

The exercise’s main focus will be on enhancing interoperability at the tactical level between helicopter units by using the Composite Air Operations (COMAO) concept in a joint, combined, realistic and challenging environment, in order to enable proper preparation for future international deployed operations.

Objectives

The objectives of Fire Blade 2022  are manifold, notably: 

• enhance standardisation and improve tactical interoperability between helicopter units from the participating countries by using the COMAO concept and to learn and practice common helicopter Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs). 
• train and practise TTPs with and against fighter jets and electronic warfare threats;
• improve interoperability in training and operational tasks with ground forces involvement during day and night in a live and full spectrum environment. 

Programme 

Participating crews will fly diverse day and night COMAO missions and execute, among others, Air Assault (AA), Special Operations Aviation (SOA), Combat Service Support (CSS), Close Air Support (CAS) including Urban CAS and Emergency CAS, Convoy/helicopter escorts, Reconnaissance and Surveillance (R&S), Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), Personnel Recovery (PR), Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) and Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC). This will include live firing drills.

It will also provide opportunities for attack operations, Special Operation Forces (SOF) training, and the possibility to train special procedures like fast rope and abseiling techniques, Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction (SPIE), pick-up and drop off procedures and air-to-surface live firing (helicopter door gunnery and sniper training). Finally, the European Air Group (EAG) will deliver a Forward Arming Refuelling Point (FARP) Force Integration Training.

FIRE BLADE 2022 will also provide opportunities to practice multinational and national formation and training with SOF units and to enhance crews’ skills in using the HEP Standard Operating Procedures (HEP SOP) and COMAO planning procedures in the conduct of flight planning and operations, also supported by the ATP-49.

Distinguished Visitors Day 

A Distinguished Visitors Day (DVD) is planned for 21 June 2022 when representatives from EDA participating Member States as well as Switzerland and Slovakia will attend and observe a live training session. The Joint Air Power Competence Centre (JAPCC), the NATO Special Operations Headquarters (NSHQ) and the European Air Group (EAG) are also invited to the DVD.

Background 

The Helicopter Exercise Programme (HEP) is part of EDA’s wider helicopter portfolio aimed at providing Member States with a joint European framework to develop, consolidate and share best practices to meet the challenges of flying helicopters in a modern operational environment. Other components of this portfolio are the Helicopter Tactics Course (HTC) programme, the Helicopter Tactics Instructor Course (HTIC) programme and the future Multinational Helicopter Training Centre (MHTC) which is currently being established at Sintra Airbase in Portugal.

More information

• Fire Blade factsheet

 

Americas

The United States intends to test-fire the Patriot air defense missile system in Palau on June 15, the island’s ambassador to Washington D.C. has disclosed. The 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, from Okinawa will be deployed to Palau for this event. The firing is part of Exercise Valiant Shield which will involve Palau and Micronesia for the first time this year. The Patriot unit is to be deployed at Airai, according to Island Times.

Laurel Technologies Partnership won an $12 million deal for production of Launch Control Unit (LCU) MK 235 Mod 17 and Mod 18 and associated components in support of the MK 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS). The LCUs are used to select and issue prelaunch and launch commands to selected missiles in the VLS. Work will take place in Pennsylvania. Expected completion will be by July 2023.

Middle East & Africa

Gürcan Okumu?, manager of Tubitak SAGE, says mass production of the company’s Bozok laser-guided munition has started. He added that a new penetrating warhead has been developed for Bozok and will undergo testing. The range of the weapon has been extended from 8 to 15km.

Europe

Britain said it will mirror the United States and send long-range missile systems to Ukraine, defying warnings from Russian President Vladimir Putin against supplying Kyiv with the advanced weapons. The UK Ministry of Defence said London had coordinated closely with Washington over its gift of the multiple-launch rocket systems, known as MLRS, to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression.

Sweden has joined Finland and Latvia in the research and development of 6×6 armored vehicles based on shared requirements of the participating countries. The participation of Sweden in the initiative will allow the country to have access to the work results.

Asia-Pacific

The Azerbaijani Armed Forces will adopt cutting-edge technologies developed by Turkish software company HAVELSAN. The development was announced following the TEKNOFEST Azerbaijan Aerospace and Technology Festival conducted in Baku last week. According to HAVELSAN official Mehmet Akif Nacar, the company has been doing business in Azerbaijan over the last two years, which includes providing support to the modernization efforts of the country’s military.

Today’s Video

WATCH: MiG 41 fighter jet | How far has it been built?

Americas

C4 Planning Solutions won a $236.7 million contract for the procurement of services to support Tactical Systems Support 3 (TSS-3). The TSS-3 contract will be used to issue task orders to provide professional engineering support services to provide US forces worldwide with continuous support of fielded tactical command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I) programs of record to ensure that Marines can successfully set up and operate fielded C4I tactical systems. Work will take place in California, Japan, North Carolina, Germany, Washington DC and Louisiana. The period of performance for the base award is from June 23, 2022, through March 6, 2027.

A-10s will be landing on a highway in Michigan on June 28 as part of Exercise Northern Agility 22-1. The Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) will also land an MC-12W and one U-28A aircraft during the event. An MQ-9 from the North Dakota ANG’s 119th Wing will be flying overhead to provide overwatch. Last year, A-10s from Michigan ANG landed on M-32 near Alpena as part of Exercise Northern Strike. This year, the A-10s will practice hot refueling and weapons loading while on the ground.

Middle East & Africa

Israeli company BIRD Aerosystems will unveil two new products at the Eurosatory 2022 exhibition, which will take place on Mid-June in Paris: Hybrid-Eye, an advanced hybrid detection system that enhances the protection of armored vehicles and µMPR, a miniature airborne radar for ground and maritime border surveillance.

Europe

A series of “first-ever” events took place during the recently concluded Neptune Shield 2022 exercise. The Super Hornet from USS Harry S. Truman carried out the first aerial refueling of a Spanish AV-8B and Italian F-35B.

Asia-Pacific

The Australian Department of Defence has released a press statement on June 5 saying that a Chinese J-16 fighter carried out a dangerous maneuver to a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8 maritime patrol aircraft in South China Sea on May 26. Media reports in Australia provided more details on the incident. The fighter first approach the side of the P-8 and release flares. It then cut across the nose of the P-8 and release chaff. Some chaff were sucked into the engines of the P-8. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he is aware of the incident and the government is concerned about this incident.

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has inked a deal with Hyundai Rotem to acquire an unspecified number of wheeled command post vehicles (CPVs). The contract worth $44.7 million – enables Hyundai Rotem to start mass-producing the CPVs, with deliveries to battalion and higher-level units within the Republic of Korea Army (RoKA) and Republic of Korea Marine Corps (RoKMC) to start from 2023.

Today’s Video

WATCH: China’s New J-16 Electronic Warfare Fighter Shocked The World

Americas

South-east Welding & Manufacturing won a $1.2 billion deal for complex repair, maintenance and modernization requirements of non-nuclear Navy Surface Combatant (CG, DDG, and AMPHIB) class ships homeported in or visiting San Diego, California, homeport. These efforts consist of Chief of Naval Operations-scheduled docking and non-docking; continuous maintenance; and emergent maintenance availabilities of Surface Combatant class ships to be performed in the San Diego, California, port. Delivery orders will be competitively awarded under these contracts, which are to be performed in San Diego, California. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC, is the contracting activity.

FEW Inc. won a $49.2 million contract to manufacture, produce, inspect, store, stage and ship mortar systems. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of May 28, 2027.

Middle East & Africa

Israeli company DSIT Solutions has unveiled its task force underwater security system KnightShield, at the UDT 2022 Exhibition in the Netherlands. The system supports task force underwater protection, simultaneously protecting multiple ships anchored at ports, port entrances, and designated areas of port basins from swimmers, UAVs, SDVs and sabotage attempts. According to DSIT, based on the sophisticated technology implemented in PointShield, the company’s advanced Diver Detection Sonar (DDS) Systems, KnightShield covers medium ranges in ports, delivering exceptional reliability and precision.

Europe

The Royal Navy’s current stock of Tomahawk cruise missiles will be upgraded to the Block V standard. The weapon will arm the Royal Navy’s Astute-Class submarines, allowing them to strike targets at a range of up to 1,000 miles. The Foreign Military Sale contract, worth $333 million, will commence in July and BAE Systems, Babcock International and Lockheed Martin will provide technical and maintenance support. The contract includes spares, operational flight testing, software, hardware and training provisions. The first Block V missile will be ready in 2024.

The US and Germany pledged Wednesday to equip Ukraine with some of the advanced weapons it has long desired for shooting down aircraft and knocking out artillery, as Russian forces closed in on capturing a key city in the east. Germany said it will supply Ukraine with up-to-date anti-aircraft missiles and radar systems, while the US announced it will provide four sophisticated, medium-range rocket systems and ammunition.

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration has contracted Saab to conduct studies related to the development of future fighter aircraft technologies. The aircraft manufacturer announced the $25. million deal on June 1, saying that the study will be “preparatory in nature, and its purpose is to widen the work on how future combat air capabilities can be developed and realised”

Asia-Pacific

Two private-sector Indian defense firms have announced that they will co-operate in the research and development of a submarine-launched unmanned aerial system (UAS). According to an industry source, the UAS will comprise the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) plus a specialised underwater launch canister.

Today’s Video

WATCH: Tomahawk vs. Kalibr Cruise Missile

In the framework of the EU’s Capability Development Plan (CDP), EDA organised a Tabletop Exercise in Helsinki on 1/2 June 2022, hosted by the Finnish Ministry of Defence.  The aim of the exercise, which gathered about 40 experts and defence capability planners from EDA participating Member States, was to identify the long-term capability trends and needs beyond 2040 based on potential future generic conflict scenarios and impact of expected technological innovation suitable for military capabilities at this timeframe. The findings and conclusions of the exercise will nourish the so-called ‘Strand B’ (long-term) input for the CDP revision. 

The focus was on assessing the long-term capabilities trends and requirements expressed according to the Generic Military Task List (GMTL) organised in six main capabilities areas which structures the CDP.

For this purpose, the Tabletop Exercise (TTX) was conducted based on a specific scenario designed to address the full spectrum of conventional military capabilities. The scenario was based on a general context derived from official Foresight Analyses, and on specific military trends, taking into account the technological impact on future warfare, in particular the Emerging Disruptive Technologies (EDT) and innovative warfare. This fictitious environment took place in the year 2040+ and referred to a generic EU Member State having to face external and hostile actions which, eventually, escalated to a full-scale armed conflict. The scope of the state and non-state actors, the geographic background and the specific events were to highlight the capabilities needed in the timeframe of 20 years + ahead to face such a threat, both from a material and non-material perspective.

The TTX stretched over two full working days and involved the participation of Member States’ representatives, EDA subject matter experts and other experts from EU defence and security entities. The audience represented a mix of defence planners, technology/innovation experts, and foresight analysts, enhancing the integrated approach needed to balance the “Capability Pull” and the “Technology Push” of military capability development. Furthermore, NATO Allied Command Transformation (ACT) also attended the TTX, as observers. The exercise entailed both plenary sessions as well as split sessions in which 3 different groups of experts addressed specific capability areas. Moreover, they discussed the implications of the possible future threats, encompassing all military domains, and considering, among others, the impact of the hybrid warfare and the cognitive dimension. All the findings of the working sessions and the trends identified will be considered to assess the level of importance of the generic military tasks (GMTL), in order to anticipate and prioritise the future military requirements. 

Background

The EU Capability Development Priorities derived from the Capability Development Plan (CDP) provide a key reference for Member States' capability development endeavours and EU defence initiatives such as the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) and the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO). These priorities are based on the input from the four strands of the CDP:

• Strand A – CSDP military capability shortfalls derived from the EU Headline Goal Process;
• Strand B – Long-term capability development trends;
• Strand C – Member States’ defence plans and programmes;
• Strand D – Lessons learned from missions and operations.

Strand B identifies future capability requirement based on key strategic factors, and expected technological innovation, that may be relevant to support the development of defence and security capabilities in the timeframe of 20+ years ahead. The aim of Strand B is not to predict the future, but to anticipate defence capability needs, and related development, resulting from an assessment of various possible factors, including best use of technological progress, when it will be available. Subsequently, the CDP Strand B informs R&T work and long-term capability activities in the EDA framework and facilitates the linkage of the R&T activities to capability development. The resulting Strand B long-term capability assessment, with the impact of technology on future military requirements, will feed the CDP prioritisation mechanism, providing future level of importance of military tasks in the timeframe of 20+ years ahead. 

The Strand B work is benefiting from the EDA Technology Foresight Exercise 2021, which provides technology trends with an outlook to 2040+, and from the Technology Themes assessment updated with the contribution of EDA’s Capability and Technology Groups (CapTechs). 

 

Americas

The Government of Canada has awarded Bell Textron Canada Limited (BTCL) of Mirabel, Quebec, a contract valued at nearly $800 million for the extension of the life of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CH-146 Griffon helicopter fleet into the mid-2030s. The contract affects 85 helicopters. According to the contract, BTCL will modify the first 9 helicopters and then manage a competitive process to award subcontracts to suppliers to modify the remaining 76 helicopters.

Lockheed Martin won a $34.7 million contract modification for the C-5 Super Galaxy Replacement Multi-Functional Control Display Program. The modification provides for engineering and technical services to produce a hardware and software prototype architecture for transition into the engineering and manufacturing development phase. Work will take place Texas. Expected completion date will be by May 31, 2025.

Middle East & Africa

General Dynamics Land Systems won a $38.9 million modification for Abrams Systems technical support. Work will take place in Michigan. Estimated completion date is April 30, 2023. Fiscal 2020 Foreign Military Sales (Kuwait) funds; fiscal 2022 other procurement, Army funds; and fiscal 2022 operation and maintenance, Army funds in the full amount were obligated at the time of the award.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. is showcasing a diverse array of defense solutions and systems at the Hemus International Defense and Services Exhibition in Bulgaria from June 1-4. At Hemus 2022, RAFAEL will exhibit a variety of its solutions, for air, land and naval applications, with a special focus on Bulgaria’s defense programs and requirements. This includes the country’s 8X8 combat vehicle program, where RAFAEL offers a complete package of systems to enable and enhance full ground combat vehicle survivability, maneuverability and lethality.

Europe

German government and opposition party leaders are lobbying their members to approve a constitutional change that would secure a $108 billion defense fund announced by Chancellor Olaf Scholz in late February, days after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The fund, which is meant to plug holes in equipment and ammunition, will be key to setting Germany on course for the NATO-agreed goal of spending 2% of gross domestic product on defense.

Asia-Pacific

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) declared that the two T129 attack helicopters that were delivered in March this year are now fully mission capable. The declaration came just after the crews had completed a gunnery competition dubbed Sanay Tudla 2 last month.

Today’s Video

WATCH: Just How Big is America’s C-5M Super Galaxy

Brussels, 1 June 2022. “We must invest more in defence and make up for years of budget cuts and underinvestment. The message is clear: we need to reduce fragmentation and invest more together, starting now”, said High Representative/Head of the European Defence Agency, Josep Borrell, during the first European Defence Innovation Day – organised by the European Defence Agency under the auspices of the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The event displayed how greater investment and cooperation in defence innovation is crucial to maintain and drive European technological sovereignty.

A first for the European Defence Innovation Hub (HEDI)

The Defence Innovation Day marks the official launch - and first activity - of the Hub for European Defence Innovation (HEDI) which was established within EDA following a decision by Member States’ Defence Ministers on 17 May. The launch of HEDI is not only an important first delivery of the Strategic Compass, but also a crucial step towards a more innovative European defence.

The Head of Agency, Josep Borrell said: “EDA certainly has a key role to play in defence innovation. It has been dealing with innovation since its creation in 2004. And it has already delivered. Successful examples include projects on drone swarms; technologies for electromagnetic railguns; or new clean energy technologies to lower the carbon footprint and decrease energy dependencies in the defence sector. These are all initiatives developed at EDA”.

Speaking at the opening of the event, EDA Chief Executive, Jiri Šedivý said: “The creation of the Hub for European Defence Innovation in EDA is an additional sign that Member States are ready to take European defence innovation to the next level, in cooperation with the European Commission but also with NATO”.

Showcasing European Excellence in Innovation

The European Defence Innovation Day also extended to an exhibition highlighting cutting-edge defence innovations developed at national and European level. The exhibition gathered innovators from 19 Member States and 9 developed within the framework of the European Defence Agency. “I’m proud” of EDA’s work on innovation so far, “but we have to do more”, the Head of the Agency Josep Borrell said, insisting on a close cooperation with the European Commission and its European Defence Fund (EDF), as well as with NATO “because we have the same purpose”.

The event gathered defence experts and innovators from EU institutions, Member States’ Defence Ministries, armed forces and innovation agencies, NATO, media, research institutes, industry and academia. A summary of the discussions during the event are available here.

 

More information

Event summary : First European Defence Innovation Day marks launch of HEDI (europa.eu)

Factsheet: https://eda.europa.eu/publications-and-data/factsheets/factsheet-hub-for-eu-defence-innovation-(hedi)

Press release: Hub for EU Defence Innovation Established within EDA (europa.eu)

Americas

According to sources and an Army document viewed by Defense News, the Brazilian Army has written out requirements for its next eight-wheel drive armoured reconnaissance vehicle, after authorization for the service to buy up to 221 of the platforms, each armed with a 105mm or 120mm gun. The VBC Cav-MSR procurement attempt will take the role of the VBR-MR programme. The Army’s General Staff is currently waiting for permission to publish the rules and schedule for industry bids.

According to Jane’s, Information and network technology specialists at the US Department of Defense (DoD) want to evaluate potential solutions to meet multi-input, multi-output (MIMO) requirements for on-the-move tactical communication networks. Industry submissions for the distributed MIMO (D-MIMO) development effort are due to the department’s Research and Engineering directorate by the end of June, according to the request for sources (RFS) solicitation issued in April. The D-MIMO programme is part of a larger DoD-led advanced mobile communications development effort known as the Innovate Beyond 5G (IB5G) programme.

Middle East & Africa

NNS Kada, the Nigerian Navy’s new landing ship tank (LST 1314) has arrived Nigeria, on May 27 and is currently berth at its new home port in Apapa, Lagos. Kada was ordered from Damen Group in 2019 and built at Albwardy Damen shipyard in Sharjah, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It was laid down in December 2019, launched in June 2021, and handed over to the NN in Sharjah on 30 March. The vessel departed for Nigeria on 1 April and prior to its arrival in Lagos, made stopovers in five countries: Angola (Luanda), Gabon (Port Gentil), Kenya (Mombasa), Oman (Port of Duqm), and South Africa (Cape Town).

Two previously unseen types of air-breathing missile were displayed during an event intended to showcase Iran’s unmanned aircraft capabilities on May 28. The missiles were seen in media coverage of a visit by Major General Mohammad Bagheri, chief of the general staff of the armed forces, to an underground facility identified as Strategic Base 313, which is operated by Iran’s regular military rather than the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), where he inspected dozens of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Europe

Finland will initially bed down its F-35As at Rovaniemi airport in 2026, the country declared on May 26. It is Finland’s most northern air base and lies within the Arctic Circle. The country ordered 64 F-35As and will be operational with the aircraft by 2030.

Asia-Pacific

South Korea’s Defense Project Promotion Committee has approved a $605 million project to buy PAC-3 missile interceptors and upgrade its existing PAC-2 launchers so that it can launch the PAC-3 missiles. Seoul will also spend $783 million to develop a mine-sweeping helicopter.

Today’s Video

WATCH: Patriot Missile Defense System Overview

The first ever European Defence Innovation Day, organised by the European Defence Agency (EDA) under the auspices of the French EU Presidency, took place today in Brussels. The event allowed a 500-strong audience - in the conference room and remotely - to listen to interesting and lively speeches and panel discussions, to visit the onsite European Defence Innovation Exhibition, and to take part in a series of separate thematic ‘Tech-Talks’. The Defence Innovation Day marks the official launch - and first activity - of the Hub for European Defence Innovation (HEDI) which was established within EDA following a decision by Member States’ Defence Ministers on 17 May. 

 

Jiří Šedivý, EDA’s Chief Executive, welcomed the conference speakers and attendees by thanking the French EU Presidency for supporting and co-organising this “landmark event” which is meant to be the first of a long series of future European Defence Innovation Days to come. He reminded the audience of the strategic importance of disruptive defence technologies which, he said, has made of defence innovation “a factor that shapes the international security environment” and the balance of power: “The brutal Russian war of aggression in Ukraine vividly shows why we need to urgently strengthen European defence, and also why defence innovation is essential”. While innovation has always been a centrepiece of EDA’s activities, the EU and its Member States “need to do more, and more together” because joint innovation activities, done in collaboration, “provide better value for money than today’s fragmented efforts”, said Mr Šedivý. The creation of the Hub for European Defence Innovation in EDA is an additional sign that Member States are ready to take European defence innovation to the next level, in cooperation with the European Commission but also NATO. “EDA’s collaboration with NATO, were both organizations are engaging each other in Innovation Prizes and Challenges events, will continue to expand in pace with developments in both organisations”, he concluded. 

Bertrand Le Meur: “France will work side by side with EDA to raise up HEDI” 

Representing the French EU Presidency, Bertrand Le Meur (Director for Defence Strategy, Counter-Proliferation and Strategic Foresight at the Directorate General for International Relations and Strategy of the French Ministry for the Armed Forces) stressed the strategic importance of defence innovation and the capacity to develop and produce high-end capabilities which, especially in the current times of conflicts and uncertainties, “play a central role in preserving our interests”. “Innovation is essential for improving our defence capabilities and keeping military superiority (…) Therefore, remaining competitive in innovation is a key for the credibility and efficiency of our defence”, he said. The challenges in this domain are manifold, Mr Le Meur continued. First, the defence sector needs to open to civil, non-traditional tech players and companies which are essential for new defence applications. Second, the public-private cooperation must become leaner and smoother than it is today. Third, developers and producers need to consider the end-users’ perspective from a very early stage of the innovation process.  And finally, there needs to be a culture-change in the Ministries of Defence who need to adapt to much shorter and quicker innovation and development cycles than they are used to so far. On all those challenges, Member States’ national innovation stakeholders and agencies need to work together, “not in competition one against each other, but in complementarity”.  HEDI, EDA’s Defence Innovation Hub, will have an important network function to play in this context by connecting the dots between Member States and being a “catalyst and amplifier” of national innovation efforts. France, a strong supporter of HEDI, “will be side by side with EDA to raise up this Hub” and make it a success, Mr Le Meur concluded. 

Defence Innovation Exhibition: 26 stands to showcase national and EDA projects 

The keynote speech was followed by the official opening, by EDA Research, Technology & Innovation Director Jean-François Ripoche, of the first European Defence Innovation Exhibition which was accessible to all conference attendees onsite. The exhibition featured a total of 26 stands of which 19 were sponsored by Member States to showcase national innovation strategies and projects, while 9 were representing the results of projects developed in EDA’s capability technology groups (‘CapTechs’). Two stands were informing visitors about other innovation activities underway at EDA.  The exhibition topics ranged from Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in defence and new developments in the cyber defence domain to space-based innovative technologies and the use of 3-D-printing (additive manufacturing) in the defence supply chain.   

Keynote speech and panel discussions

The afternoon session was opened by a technical keynote speech on ‘Quantum Technologies’, delivered by Tommaso Calarco who is the Head of the Institute Quantum Control at University of Cologne.   

It was followed by a first panel discussion, moderated by Daniel Fiott (Defence Editor at the EUISS) on ‘How to bridge civil and military worlds in innovation?’. The session featured François Arbault (Director of Defence Industry, Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space, European Commission), Petter Bedoire (Chief Technology Officer, Saab), Marja Eijkman (Managing Director Defence, Safety & Security, TNO), Brigadier General Dieter Kohl (Special Advisor, NATO Allied Command Transformation) and Olli Ruutu (EDA’s Deputy Chief Executive).  

“How to cultivate a European defence innovation ecosystem?” was then the topic of a catching ‘Fireside chat’, moderated by Panagiotis Kikiras, EDA’s Head of Technology and Innovation, that brought together Emmanuel Chiva, the Director of the French Defence Innovation Agency, and EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý. There was a general agreement among the speakers on the need to enhance cooperation in defence innovation across Europe and increase uptake of innovation to ensure long-term effectiveness and resiliency of the Armed Forces.   

Josep Borrell: “EDA has a key role to play in defence innovation”

High Representative Josep Borrell, the Head of EDA, closed the event by recalling that the war in Ukraine, “a tough wake-up call”, has dramatically demonstrated why our Armed Forces must be always ready to defend our citizens, values and interests. To ensure that, “we must invest more in defence and make up for years of budget cuts and underinvestment (…) The message is clear: we need to reduce fragmentation and invest more together, starting now”, he said. Member States now clearly acknowledge the importance of it, as today’s European Council meeting in Brussels (30/31 May) has shown, where leaders discussed European defence, based on the defence investment gaps analysis the HRVP/Head of EDA presented together with the Commission on 18 May. While the focus of the EU leaders’ discussion was mainly on the short-term needs, i.e. the replenishment of stockpiles, “we should also look at the future and longer-term needs. For this we need innovation to modernise our armed forces. We either innovate or we risk becoming irrelevant in the field of security and defence”, Mr Borrell said. To retain an edge over competitors and potential adversaries, Europe must make full use of emerging and disruptive technologies to develop capabilities across the full spectrum. “EDA certainly has a key role to play in defence innovation. It has been dealing with innovation since its creation in 2004. And it has already delivered. Successful examples include projects on drone swarms; technologies for electromagnetic railguns; or new clean energy technologies to lower the carbon footprint and decrease energy dependencies in the defence sector. These are all initiatives developed at EDA”. “I’m proud” of EDA’s work on innovation so far, “but we have to do more”, the Head of the Agency said, insisting on a close cooperation with the European Commission and its European Defence Fund (EDF), as well as with NATO “because we have the same purpose”. Today’s official launch of HEDI is not only an important first delivery of the Strategic Compass, but also a crucial step towards a more innovative European defence, Mr Borrell concluded.  

 

Americas

Raytheon won a $624.6 million contract modification for the procurement of Stinger missiles and associated equipment for the US Army. The Stinger missile is a lightweight, self-contained air defense system that can be rapidly deployed by ground troops. Its supersonic speed, agility and highly accurate guidance and control system give the weapon an operational edge against cruise missiles and all classes of aircraft. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2026.

Northrop Grumman won a $13 million order, which provides for the procurement for depot maintenance for the TE-6B in-flight trainer aircraft. Work will be performed in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Expected completion will be in August 2023. Fiscal 2022 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the full amount will be obligated at the time of award.

Middle East & Africa

Rolls-Royce won an $8.4 million contract modification, which increases the scope to procure original equipment manufacturer engineering and logistics support for KC-130J aircraft AE2100D3 engines for the Marine Corps and the government of Kuwait under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will take place in Indiana, Japan, North Carolina, California, Texas and New York. Estimated completion will be in November 2022.

12 Squadron, a joint squadron by the Qatar Emiri Air Force and the British Royal Air Force, will secure the airspace during World Cup 2022 in Doha. The British Ministry of Defense says the World Cup deployment co-insides with a pre-planned deployment.

Europe

According to Reuters, President Joe Biden said that the US won’t supply Ukraine with long-range rocket systems that can hit Russian territory. Several news reports from last week said that US was preparing to approve the transfer of MLRS rocket launchers to Ukraine, which have a maximum range of more than 180 miles.

Asia-Pacific

The Philippine Air Force organized a gunnery competition from May 16 to 24 at Col. Ernesto Rabina Air Base and the newly-delivered T-129 attack helicopter participated as well. Through live voice, video, and data feeds from sensors, shooters and decision makers were provided with a “common operational picture” in near-real time.

Today’s Video

WATCH: Ukraine’s MiG Killer: How the Stinger Missile Works

Americas

Bell Boeing Joint Project Office won a $61.1 million contract modification, which adds scope to provide additional non-recurring engineering to support the production line incorporation of nacelle improvements for the CV-22 aircraft. Additionally, this modification exercises an option to procure 14 nacelle improvements kits in order to accelerate the CV-22 installation schedule, as well as procure an additional six brackets to support the kit installation. Work will take place in Texas and Pennsylvania. Estimated completion is in December 2025.

L3Harris Technologies has been chosen by Tactical Air Support to upgrade the F-5AT. L3Harris will provide GH-4001 Electronic Standby Instruments and Tactical Airborne Navigation Systems (TACAN+) for this contract.

Middle East & Africa

An adviser for the British defense ministry, Air Marshal Martin Elliot Sampson, told Qatar’s state news agency (QNA) on Monday that the first delivery of typhoon jets will be delivered to Qatar in August. In 2017, BAE Systems and Qatar entered into a contract valued at around 5 billion pounds ($6.7 billion) for the country to buy 24 Typhoon combat aircraft.

Europe

Romania’s Ministry of Defense announced on May 24 that the country’s MiG-21 flight has resumed flying a day earlier. However, this will be a temporary measure as the fighters will be retired from service in one year’s time on May 15, 2023.

Sweden’s Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) has contracted Saab Dynamics to supply new 400 mm diameter torpedo launcher systems for Royal Swedish Navy (RSwN) surface combatants. The approximately $15.3 million order covers the delivery of the new Tub m/20 launch tube previously developed for the Finnish Navy’s four new Pohjanmaa-class corvettes. Deliveries are set to start in 2023.

Asia-Pacific

Raytheon won a $9.7 million modification to exercise options and incrementally fund existing contract line items for engineering and technical support of Standard Missiles 2 and 6 (SM-2/6). This contract combines purchases for the U.S. government (23%); and the governments of Japan, Germany, Spain, Denmark, South Korea, and Chile (77%) under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Work will take place in Arizona, Alabama, Missouri, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Maryland. Expected completion will be by February 2025.

Today’s Video

WATCH: MiG-21 | The Soviet Fighter that Flew EVERYWHERE!

Americas

Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin JV won a $10 million contract modification to support the Javelin Engineering Services contract. Javelin is a versatile one-man-portable anti-tank weapon, manufactured by the Raytheon/ Lockheed Martin Javelin joint venture. Work will take place in Arizona. Estimated completion date is November 30, 2023.

Sierra Nevada won a $34 million contract modification for the MC-130J Airborne Mission Networking program low rate initial production. This order provides for the procurement of production kits, spares, interim contractor support and weapon system trainer support. Work will take place in Colorado. Expected completion date is January 19, 2023.

Middle East & Africa

An Iranian Air Force FT-7 jet trainer crashed on May 24 in Iran’s Isfahan province and both pilots did not survive in the accident. A local official identifies the crew as Maj. Qasem Zamani and trainee Mohammad Javad Bai.

Europe

The British government will commit $375 million to give the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyers a Maritime Ballistic Missile Defense capability. The warships will be equipped with the ASTER 30 Block 1 missile interceptor and SAMPSON Multi-Function Radar (MFR) will be updated, along with the Sea Viper command and control missile system.

Polish Defense Minister Mariusz B?aszczak has announced his country is launching the second phase of its mid-range air defense program by requesting the US government to sell it six Patriot batteries with related gear. These would be in addition to the $4.7 billion order for the first two Patriot Configuration 3+ batteries that are scheduled for delivery this year.

Asia-Pacific

It was reported earlier this year that the United States intends to deploy the MQ-9 to Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Kanoya airbase in Kagoshima Prefecture. The latest information from Asahi news is that the deployment will take place in July. Parliamentary Vice Minister Tsuyohito Iwamoto briefed Kanoya Mayor Shigeru Nakanishi and Kagoshima Governor Koichi Shiota on May 23 on the deployment. The deployment is expected to last for one year, the exact number of aircraft and personnel was not disclosed.

Today’s Video

WATCH: Boeing T-7A: Advanced American Trainer Aircraft for US Air Force pilots

The Cyber Defence Training & Exercise Coordination Platform (CD TEXP), a web-based tool developed at EDA over the last years to support, coordinate and deliver joint cyber training courses and exercises, was handed over today to the Ministry of Defence of Portugal which will host the new collaborative asset.

It means that from now on, all common European cyber defence courses and exercises - be they organised by EDA, the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) or individual Member States - can be integrated and handled through the CD TEXP platform to allow for the joint and remote (virtual) participation of all Member States involved. CD TEXP can also serve as a booking tool for EDA Cyber Ranges Federation exercises and will be an important platform for the implementation of the PESCO project related to ‘EU Cyber Academia and Innovation Hub’ (CAIH).

The handover between EDA and the Portuguese MoD took place today during the Cyber PESCO Projects Conference “The EU Cyber resilience Challenge: a Joint PESCO Cooperative Approach”, organised by Portugal in Lisbon (24/25 May), in the presence of EDA’s Capability Director, Stefano Cont, and Portugal’s Deputy Director for Defence Resources, Major-General Côrte-Real Andrade.

Already from an early stage of the CD TEXP development, Portugal had expressed its willingness to host and operate the new capacity. This served as an additional incentive for EDA and its participating Member States to push forward with the project, go beyond the demonstration phase and produce a fully operational tool usable by Member States’ Armed Forces.

EDA Director Cont thanked the Portuguese authorities for their outstanding cooperation and willingness to support EU Member States with operating the CD TEXP. 

More information:

• EDA Cyber Defence activities
• EDA brochure on Cyber Defence
• EDA Cyber Defence research

 

Americas

Lockheed Martin won a $13.3 million deal, which provides for engineering, development and production of Operational Test Program Sets (OTPS) to support AN/APY-9 Radar Avionics Line Replaceable Modules (LRMs). These OTPSs will provide support for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye program and will be used at the depot level to provide test and repair capabilities for the LRMs. Work will take place in New York. Expected completion date will be in September 2025.

Raytheon won a $422.6 million modification to previously awarded contract N00024-22-C-5500 to exercise options for hardware production of the AN/SPY-6(V) Family of Radars. Work will take place in Massachusetts, California, Maryland, New York, Alabama, Rhode Island, Texas, Oklahoma and Wisconsin. Estimated completion will be by September 2025.

Middle East & Africa

The US State Department has approved a possible foreign military sale of TOW 2A radio frequency missiles, support, and related equipment to Egypt for $691 million. Egypt has requested more than 5,000 TOW 2As, including support equipment, spare parts, training, and technical and logistical support.

Europe

France will deploy the MAMBA anti-missile system to Romania. The deployment of the French state-of-the-art MAMBA weapons system and an air defense command post to Romania is designed to “augment NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence”. The MAMBA surface-based air and missile defence system is operated by the French Air and Space Force as a theatre antimissile system to protect tactical sites against airborne threats, including cruise missiles, tactical ballistic missiles, manned and unmanned aircraft.

Denmark will arm Ukraine with with a modern Harpoon anti-ship launcher and missiles to protect its coasts, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Monday after concluding the latest US-led meeting of international defense chiefs to coordinate military aid for Ukraine. The announcement came as Russia’s blockade of Odessa, Ukraine’s largest port on the Black Sea, which is threatening global food supplies.

Asia-Pacific

Bell Boeing won a $9.5 million firm-fixed-price order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001922G0002). This order provides for the upgrade and delivery of the V-22 Half Wing Part Task Trainer in support of executing training for the government of Japan. Work will take place in Texas and Japan. Expected completion date is in January 2027.

Today’s Video

WATCH: TOW Missile & How BGM-71 TOW Anti-Tank Guided Missiles Work?

Americas

Airbus US Space & Defense won a $14.3 million deal for UH-72 Lakota helicopter contractor logistics support and engineering services. The UH-72 Lakota is the US Army’s multi-mission helicopter, which acts as the key platform for the US Army, Navy and National Guard in their mission of protecting and serving communities across America. It combines operational capability, reliability and affordability, fulfilling all the Army’s requirements for speed, range, endurance and overall performance. Work will take place in Texas. Estimated completion date is December 31, 2026.

The US Navy’s Airborne Command & Control and Logistics Wing (ACCLOGWING) achieved a new milestone on May 6 when it was able to generate 23 Fully Mission Capable (FMC) E-2Ds, surpassing a record of 22 aircraft set in April 29, 2022. “Attaining 23 FMC, above our target of 22, is a huge accomplishment not only for our community but for Naval Aviation,” said Capt. Chris “Mullet” Hulitt, ACCLOGWING commodore. “We’re embracing the Chief of Naval Operations’ ‘Get Real, Get Better’ guidance to take hard, honest looks at our efforts to make sure we have the right plan. We achieved this through unwavering determination and superb teamwork across an entire team of teams in the NAE.”

Middle East & Africa

Epsilor, an Israeli developer and manufacturer of mobile energy products for defense and aerospace applications, will reveal its NATO 6T Li-Ion rechargeable battery in a metal-case that meets the safety requirements of MIL-PRF-32565C (the US Army Performance Specification) at  Eurostory 2022 show, which will take place on mid-June in Paris. Epsilor’s 6T battery is equipped with a smart Battery Management System (BMS) with self-charging and self-balancing.

Europe

Two French Air Force Rafale fighters had a mid-air collision during an airshow demonstration on May 22. Both jets landed safely and one piece of the debris landed in the town of Gensac-la-Pallue. Photos online showed that the jet damaged was a Rafale in black livery that recently participated in NATO Tigers Meet. The aircraft from EC 3/30 had won an award for the best painted aircraft. EC 3/30 had also won the Silver Tiger award at the exercise in Greece.

Asia-Pacific

Subaru has flown the first production UH-2 helicopter at Utsunomiya Air Field on May 20. The helicopter, based on the Bell 412EPX, is ordered by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The pilot flew the aircraft for 30 minutes during the flight.

According to news reports, New Zealand’s government unveiled plans to train a small number of Ukrainian soldiers in using field artillery guns, deepening the country’s involvement in a conflict on the other side of the world. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said her cabinet agreed to deploy up to 30 members of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) to Britain to train Ukrainian forces in the use of L119 105mm howitzers. The deployment will run until the end of July and Chief of Defense Force Air Marshal Kevin Short said his personnel expected about 230 Ukrainian soldiers to be trained.

Today’s Video

WATCH: UH-72B Lakota : The next generation helicopter of U.S. Army

Americas

Raytheon won a $10.8 million delivery order for deploy and retrieve systems in support of the AN/AQS-20 mine-hunting program. The AN/AQS-20C sonar mine-hunting system is the U.S. Navy’s latest mine-hunting technology, which is integrated into the littoral combat ship mine countermeasures mission package. Work will take place in Washington and Those Island. Estimated completion will be by December 2023.

DARPA has announced its new X-plane concept, a low-cost long-range seaplane that can fly up to 10,000ft. However, the aircraft will utilize the “wing-in-ground effect” to extend its range so that it can serve as a strategic or tactical transport.

Middle East & Africa

Ugandan troops sent to Democratic Republic of Congo last year will withdraw by May 31 unless the two countries strike a new agreement, Ugandan military officials said. Uganda joined Congolese forces on November 30 in a fight against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), accused of massacres in eastern DR Congo and bombings in Uganda.

Europe

General Dynamics Electric Boat won a $313.9 million modification for additional United Kingdom (UK) Strategic Weapon Support System kit manufacturing, and submarine industrial base development and expansion, as part of the Integrated Enterprise Plan supporting Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines and the nuclear shipbuilding enterprise (Virginia-class and Ford-class). The industrial base development work is for the furtherance of the Fiscal 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (Public Law 117-81) which authorized, and the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103) which appropriated, additional funds for submarine industrial base development and expansion to ensure second- and third-tier contractors are able to meet increased production requirements. Work will take place in Rhode Island and Virginia. Estimated completion will be by September 2029.

Asia-Pacific

India’s Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) carried out the first test-firing of its Naval Anti-Ship Missile on May 18. The weapon was released from a Seaking helicopter off Odisha coast.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has secured a contract to supply its MiniPOP electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems for the Philippine Navy’s patrol vessels, the company announced in a media release. This particular MiniPOP system that is focused on maritime applications has been developed by IAI’s Tamam Division, and is “designed to operate during both day and night, and meet harsh environmental conditions such as shock, vibration from waves, and extreme temperatures”, the company said.

Today’s Video

WATCH: Liberty Lifter

Americas

Lockheed Martin won a &632.1 million deal, which provides engineering, maintenance, logistics and material support to continue to develop, sustain and produce software builds, as well as carryout developmental flight tests in support of the F-35 Lightning II aircraft for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Foreign Military Sales customer, and non-US Department of Defense (DOD) participants’ funds. The deal also provides unique sea trials on aircraft carriers for the government of the United Kingdom. Work will take place in Texas, Florida, Maryland, New Hampshire, California, United Kingdom and Canada. Expected completion is in March 2024.

A 50kW-class high energy laser integrated on a Stryker has shown that the weapon can defeat 60mm mortar rounds and drones during four weeks of continuous live-fire exercises at White Sands Missile Range. The laser system is part of the US Army’s Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (DE M-SHORAD) effort. The system is provided by Raytheon Intelligence & Space and the integrator is Kord, a wholly-owned subsidiary of KBR.

Middle East & Africa

According to Israel Defense, Israeli company Mobius Protection Systems announced it has secured a new order from Leonardo, for the production of its energy-absorbing seat systems. The value of the order has not been disclosed. Mobius will supply its energy-absorbing seats to Leonardo for installation in the manned turret of the Centauro II vehicle.

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has laid the keel for the landing platform dock (LPD) amphibious assault ship on order for the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces. An official keel-laying ceremony was held at the shipbuilder’s yard in Palermo on May 17. Fincantieri is building the LPD for Qatar under a contract awarded in 2016.

Europe

Belgium is to acquire nine CAESAR NG (new generation) self-propelled howitzers (SPHs) under the expansion of the Capacité Motorisée (Motorized Capability, CaMo) programme with France, the ministries of defense (MoDs) of the two countries announced. Belgian Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder and her French counterpart, Florence Parly, signed the CaMo 2 intergovernmental agreement on the $65 million procurement of the SPHs for delivery in 2027. The French and Belgian MoDs expected the Direction générale de l’armement (DGA), France’s defense procurement agency, to announce the contract in the coming weeks.

Asia-Pacific

The US Army activated a new air cavalry squadron tasked with providing permanent reconnaissance support to US forces in South Korea. The 5th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade was activated in a ceremony on Camp Humphreys, the largest US military base overseas. The new squadron consists of roughly 500 soldiers and 24 AH-64E Apaches, the latest version of the Army’s attack helicopter. The 5-17th air cavalry squadron also includes RQ-7B Shadows, unmanned aircraft systems that provide reconnaissance and surveillance assistance to aviation brigades.

Today’s Video

WATCH: Belgium acquires nine Caesar NG 155 mm from France

Meeting today at EDA’s ministerial Steering Board, Defence Minister discussed the “Scoping EU defence investment gaps” analysis the Agency has produced and transmitted to the European Commission as its contribution to the tasking given by the Heads of State or Government at their informal meeting in Versailles on 10/11 March. 

At that meeting, EU leaders had “invited the Commission, in coordination with the European Defence Agency, to put forward an analysis of the defence investment gaps by mid-May and to propose any further initiative necessary to strengthen the European defence industrial and technological base”.

 EDA’s analysis is notably built on the Invest chapter of the Strategic Compass, the Capability Development Plan (CDP) and the detailed findings of the first Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) presented in November 2020. 

The findings of the analysis, which will feed and be integrated into the European Commission’s document/proposals to the European Council, cover three partially overlapping time horizons:

• an immediate step should be to work on combat readiness of forces and capabilities; 
• starting in 2022-23 with an impact within the next five years, the focus should be placed on augmenting the mass and volume of existing capabilities; 
• in the mid-to-long term (10 years and beyond) the focus should be put on a structural reinforcement and modernisation of capabilities.

Hub for EU Defence Innovation established

The Steering Board also approved the establishment of a Hub for EU Defence Innovation (HEDI) within EDA. HEDI will strengthen the Agency’s existing innovation activities but also initiate new ones, in close cooperation with Member States and other EU stakeholders to ensure synergies and complementarity, as well as coherence with NATO innovation initiatives.  More information here.

The Netherlands to lead focus area ‘Enhanced Military Mobility’

At the Steering Board, the Dutch Minister also announced that the Netherlands will take up the role of facilitator for developing the so-called ‘focus area’ on Enhanced Military Mobility. In the first CARD report presented by EDA in November 2020, Member States are recommended to concentrate their cooperation efforts on six specific focus areas: Main Battle Tanks (MBT); Soldier Systems; Patrol Class Surface Ships; Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (Counter-UAS); Defence applications in Space; Military Mobility. As facilitator, the Netherlands intents to connect the dots on a number of topics that are part of military mobility, with a specific focus on capability development.

More information:

• Press release on establishment of Hub for European Defence Innovation (HEDI)
• HEDI factsheet