Defense`s Feeds

Americas

General Dynamics won a $47.7 million deal for a dry-docking selected restricted availability in support of the USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG-54) to accomplish maintenance, repair, and modernization of the ship prior to the its next deployment. The USS Curtis Wilbur is the 4th Arleigh Burke Class missile destroyer. The Arleigh Burke class of guided missile destroyers is the USN’s first class of destroyers built around the Aegis Combat System and the SPY-1D multi-function phased array radar. Work will take place in California. Estimated completion will be by September 2023.

Raytheon Missiles and Defense won a $92 million contract modification for StormBreaker (SDBII, GBU-53/B) production all up rounds and containers. The StormBreaker bomb is an air-launched precision strike weapon manufactured by Raytheon Missile Systems for the US Air Force (USAF) and the US Navy. It is planned for integration on the F-15E Strike Eagle twin-engine aircraft. Raytheon Missile Systems is the prime contractor for the joint USAF and Navy SDB II programme. Work will take place in Arizona. Estimated completion date ist February 28, 2026.

Middle East & Africa

Jane’s reports that Boeing has handed over the first CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters for Saudi Arabia. The US government approves a Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia for CH-47F Chinook Cargo Helicopters and related equipment, training, and support back in 2016.

Europe

Italy’s Leonardo said it is not subject of a judicial investigation in relation to the Kuwait Eurofighter program. The country signed a $9 billion order with Leonardo in 2016 for 28 Eurofighter Typhoon fighters. On Monday, Kuwait’s Anti-Corruption Authority said that a major general and colonel in the Army would face prosecutors in a major corruption case related to this purchase.

NATO said that its members are putting forces on standby and sending additional ships, fighter jets and personnel to eastern Europe as Russia continues its military build-up in and around Ukraine. The US Department of Defense in Washington said about 8,500 American troops were put on heightened alert and were awaiting orders to deploy to the region, should Russia invade Ukraine.

Asia-Pacific

The first Red Flag-Nellis exercise has started on January 24 and E-7A from Australia are participating. About 2,900 participants from the US Air Force, Navy, Marines, Space Force, Air National Guard, US Air Force Reserves, the Royal Air Force (UK) and the Royal Australian Air Force will fly a variety of aircraft in complex mission scenarios. The 388th Fighter Wing from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, will be in the lead wing position.

Today’s Video

Watch: US successfully tests GBU-53/B StormBreaker smart bomb: All of enemy stronghold within range

Americas

Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group ships are heading to the Mediterranean Sea for exercise Neptune Strike ’22, the Pentagon said. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby says the deployment is not a response to increased tensions with Russia. He stressed that planning for Neptune Strike ’22 began in 2020. “The exercise itself is not designed against the kinds of scenarios that might happen with respect to Ukraine. It really is a NATO maritime exercise to test … really a wide range of maritime capabilities that we want to make sure we continue to improve.”

The US Army Contracting Command Issued a Sources Sought notification for an organic small unit-level Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile System (LMAMS) precision guided loitering weapon system. The LMAMS is expected to be capable of either automatically locking on both stationary and moving targets or manually controlled by one operator during the weapon’s terminal engagement phase, according to a sources sought notice on SAM.gov.

Middle East & Africa

The UAE Army’s Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system destroyed a ballistic missile fired by Iran-backed Houthi militants last Monday, marking its first known use in a military operation. The THAAD took out the midrange ballistic missile used to attack an Emirati oil facility near Al-Dhafra Air Base that hosts US and French forces, Defense News reported.

Europe

Russia is sending Su-35 fighters to Belarus for military drills. Previous reports state that 12 aircraft are being dispatched. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation said that the crews will work out flights to the maximum range, landing on Belarusian airfields, and also joint preparations with Belarusian specialists for re-flights.

Belgium Naval & Robotics (BNR) and Naval Group-ECA consortium tested the solution for rallying, recovering, maintaining and launching surface drones (Launch And Recovery System or LARS) in Toulon recently. On January 13, a demonstration of the deployment and recovery operation of the fully remotely operated USV (Unmanned Surface Vehicle) and a presentation of the test results took place in the presence of the Royal Belgian and Dutch navies as part of the rMCM (Replacement Mine Counter Measure) program.

Asia-Pacific

Upmedia reports that Taiwan will begin the development of an air-launched variant of the HF-3 supersonic anti-ship missile. The weapon will be carried by the indigenous IDF fighter and around $314 million has been allocated for the project which will be called Hsiung Chih. This will be Taiwan’s first anti-ship missile that can be fired from land, sea and air.

Today’s Video

Watch: Russia: Russian Su-35S fighter jets begin re-deployment to Belarus

Americas

Rolls Royce won a $96.3 million vehicle requirements contract modification. The modification incorporates an additional five-month option period to maintain continuity of services for the C-130 engine repairs. The contract modification incorporates an additional five-month option period to maintain continuity of services for the C-130 engine repairs.  The C-130 operates throughout the US Air Force, serving with Air Mobility Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, Air Combat Command, US Air Forces in Europe, Pacific Air Forces, Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve Command, fulfilling a wide range of operational missions in both peace and war situations. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is the contracting activity. Work will take place in Indiana. Expected completion date will take place in June 30, 2022.

Boeing won a $21 million contract modification by the US Navy, which increases the contract ceiling to provide post-production engineering and logistics support for the T- 45 aircraft. The T-45A/C Goshawk is the US Navy’s two-seat advanced jet trainer. The aircraft is jointly manufactured by Boeing and BAE Systems. Work will take place ein Missouri, the UK and Georgia. Estimated completion will be in January 2025.

Middle East & Africa

American International Contractors won a $64 million deal to dredge the harbor at King Abdulaziz Naval Base. Work will take place in Saudi Arabia. Estimated completion date is June 26, 2023. The US Army Corps of Engineers, Middle East District, is the contracting activity.

Europe

France and Greece signed the roadmap for the ‘strategic partnership’ deal forging deeper military relationship between the two countries to defend shared interests in the Mediterranean. As part of the commitments made to the EU and NATO, this partnership agreement aims to strengthen and structure long-term military defense relations between our two countries.

Boeing and the UK Ministry of Defense inked a $348 million contract for the provision of long-term training, support and sustainment for the British Army’s new fleet of 50 Apache AH-64E helicopters. The announcement was made by Minster for Defense Procurement, Jeremy Quin MP, as he visited Wattisham Flying Station to see the Apache AH-64E.

Asia-Pacific

BrahMos Aerospace test-fired BrahMos supersonic cruise missile with increased indigenous content and improved performance from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha on Thursday morning. The launch was conducted by Brahmos Aerospace in close coordination with the teams of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). In this text-book flight, the missile followed the predicted trajectory meeting all mission objectives, the Indian defense ministry said in a statement.

Today’s Video

Watch: Brahmos Missile’s New Version Has Been Successfully Tested

USAF Gets Upgraded 105mm For The AC-130 Gunship | Arrow-3 Successfully Flight Tested | Saab To Deliver New Camouflage System To French DGA

Americas

Rockwell Collins won a $32.4 million deal for the manufacture of ballistic signal transmission devices and canopy severance assemblies in support of the egress system of the V22 aircraft. The V-22 Osprey is a joint-service, medium-lift, multimission tilt-rotor aircraft. The aircraft operates as a helicopter when taking off and landing vertically. The nacelles rotate 90° forward once airborne, converting the aircraft into a turboprop aircraft. Work will take place in Iowa. Fiscal 2022 procurement of aircraft (Navy) funds; FMS Japan funds; fiscal 2020 procurement of aircraft (Air Force) funds; and fiscal 2021 procurement of aircraft (Air Force) funds will be used to fund requirements.

An upgraded 105mm for the AC-130 gunship has been designed, developed and delivered by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) to the US Air Force. The previous 105mm gun uses components from the M102 Howitzer and M137A1 recoil mechanism, which are no longer supported by the US Army.

Middle East & Africa

Israel and the US have completed a successful flight test of the Arrow-3 ballistic missile interceptor, the Israeli Ministry of Defense. At a test site in central Israel, the ballistic missile interceptor detected and destroyed a target in outer space, the ministry said in a statement. The Arrow 3 weapon system is designed to shoot down ballistic missiles while the incoming projectile is still outside the earth’s atmosphere.

Europe

Saab has signed a framework contract for the supply of its Barrakuda camouflage with the French defense procurement agency (DGA). The contract includes the delivery of new camouflage systems as well as a system adaptation phase in cooperation with the DGA. The contract is for eight years and provides for annual deliveries.

The Hellenic Air Force (HAF) welcomed the first six of a total of 18 Rafale aircraft at the Tanagra Air Base in the presence of  the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation. The newly inducted aircraft are said to be entering the Hellenic Air Force’s 332 Squadron. These aircrafts are a part of the 18 aircraft deal signed last year between Greece and France.

Asia-Pacific

Indian state-run firm Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) has signed contracts to export its Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv aircraft to Mauritius. The ALH Mk III is a multi-role, multi-mission versatile helicopter in 5.5 tonne category. It has proven its mettle in various utility role including numerous lifesaving missions during natural calamities in India and abroad. HAL also ensures technical assistance and product support to the customer to ensure healthy serviceability of the helicopter.

Today’s Video

Watch: Israel Tests Anti-Ballistic Missile System Capable of Downing Satellites!

CNA’s Russia Studies Program is pleased to announce a new biweekly newsletter that analyzes Russian perspectives on Western military activities. The newsletter examines how US and NATO actions are perceived and described by Russian officials and experts. I’ll be posting the abstracts from each issue here. Full text of all issues will always be available on the newsletter webpage and through the CNA Russia Studies Program website.

Here are the abstracts and a direct link to the full text of the most recent issue.

1. The crisis in US-Russia relations

Russian media devoted extensive coverage to the crisis in relations between Russia and the West. Discussion of the Russian set of proposals for a new security agreement for Europe, and the subsequent videoconference between presidents Putin and Biden, was a major aspect of the coverage. Russia’s publication of a draft agreement is seen as a show of strength by President Putin, though most authors believe that the United States will reject the proposal. The December 30 conversation is portrayed primarily as a way for the two principals to clearly define their positions prior to the start of bilateral talks in mid January.

2. Perceptions of US and NATO strategy

Several long articles published in late December 2021 describe Russian perceptions of the strategy being pursued by the United States and NATO to contain and weaken Russia. Several articles highlight Russian perceptions that the United States is focused on organizing regime change in Russia and its allies, including through hybrid warfare. Other articles discuss the US shift to Asia as part of a continuing effort to preserve US hegemony in the world.

3. In year-end speeches, Putin and Shoigu articulate concerns about US and NATO threats

In a December 21 speech and in his December 23 annual press conference, Putin expressed frustration at what he describes as the persistent disregard by the US and NATO of Russian concerns about NATO expansion, alleging that the US supported “terrorist organizations” in the North Caucasus against Russia, and argued that the US and NATO are aiming to weaken and collapse Russia. In a December 21 speech, Russian defense minister Sergey Shoigu summed up annual results of modernization and activities in the Russian armed forces, according to Krasnaya Zvezda. Shoigu also extensively discussed Western activities and the political-military and threat environment around Russia.

4. The situation in Ukraine

Coverage on Ukraine remains a key area of focus in Russian media. Several articles address the January 2 Biden-Zelensky call in which President Biden pledged to “respond decisively” should Russia invade, and to keep Ukraine fully involved in the ensuing effort to resolve the crisis. Meanwhile, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov expressed concerns about military developments in Ukraine. Several articles also address Defense Minister Shoigu’s recent allegations of nefarious US military actions in the region, including the transfer of chemical weapons and provocations from private military contractors.

5. European reaction to Russia’s position

Several articles highlight European reactions to the growing confrontation with Russia. The dominant perspective is that the EU and its member states want to make sure they are included in high-level discussions and that the US and Russia do not make any decisions without their input. Other articles highlight NATO efforts to heighten military readiness in response to Russia’s arms build-up near Ukraine and note that Russia is acting to counter NATO threats on its border.

6. Russian reactions to Finland’s military role

Several articles address developments in Finland’s force structure. One article calls for a realistic assessment of Finland’s military aspirations, referencing Helsinki’s recent purchase of 64 F-35a fifth- generation fighter-bombers from the US. The author characterizes this deal as an “unfriendly step towards Russia.” Several other articles discuss recent statements from senior Finnish officials that reiterate Finland’s right to apply for NATO membership should it choose to. One expert characterizes these statements as “typical rhetoric” that “should not be taken seriously” while another suggests that Russia should strengthen its Baltic Fleet forces if Finland enters the alliance.

7. Russian views of Australian dependence on the US and growing Chinese power

Many Russian writers focused on issues in the Asia-Pacific theater, especially in light of the AUKUS deal, the changing US-Chinese naval balance, and new developments in the Russian-Chinese relationship. Although the articles were disparate in their subject matter and approaches, most took a pessimistic and doubtful view regarding the United States and its efforts in the region, noting the increasing dependence of Australia on American military and economic support, as well as confirming that the rise of China is a key point of interest for Russian observers.

8. Japanese military developments

At least three articles addressed Japanese military developments during this reporting period. One article notes that Japan’s draft budget has increased next year’s military spending by 6.5 percent, to a total of US $51.5 billion. Another article reports that Japan is also interested in hosting a US military base on the Ryukyu Islands to prepare for a possible escalation of the Taiwan conflict. One author notes that while Japan sees China and North Korea as its primary threats, it is increasingly worried about defense cooperation between China and Russia.

9. Fallout from Afghanistan continues

The fallout from the US withdrawal from Afghanistan remains a source of interest for Russian foreign policy commentators. Vladimir Vinokurov asks “what the US defeat in Afghanistan” means nearly half a year on. In a wide-ranging argument, he concludes that the withdrawal represents a significant blow to the hegemon status of the United States and is likely to usher in fully the multipolar world that has been long suggested by commentators. Similarly, Aleksandr Khramchikhin underlines the alliance-disrupting impact of the Afghanistan withdrawal.

10. Democracy summit ridiculed as desperate attempt to bolster an “operetta democracy”

The recent Summit for Democracies was a subject of interest and ridicule by Russian political analysts. An essay by Grigori Nikonorov and Igor Rodionov expresses this framing of the Summit in full form. The authors describe the United States as an “operetta democracy,” due to a “series of failures in domestic and foreign policy.” The authors frame the event as a means for the United States to “consolidate the shaky position of the United States as the leader of the Western world,” but find it not up to the task given the diffuse troubles of the current world order, the rise of China and Russia to international prominence, and the legitimacy crisis besetting Western democracies in particular.

11. US and NATO weapons and threats to Russia

Numerous Russian articles provide overviews of current and emerging Western weapons technologies, including US and NATO missile defense infrastructure, unmanned aircraft that could potentially accompany the B-21 Raider bomber, and missiles and hypersonic systems.

12. Reaction to restrictions on export of US space technologies

Evgeniy Fedorov discusses a bill introduced in December 2021 by Senator Marco Rubio called the Space Protection of American Command and Enterprise (SPACE) Act. He notes that the bill seeks to reduce risks of industrial espionage to the US space industrial base and restrict the export of space technologies to Russia and China.

Americas

General Dynamics Electric Boat won an $11.5 million contract modification to support the Virginia Class Common Weapon Launcher (CWL) technology insertion advanced processor build efforts for all variants. The Virginia Class submarine is the Navy’s latest fast-attack submarine and is capable of targeting, controlling, and launching MK 48 torpedoes and Tomahawk land-attack missiles (TLAMs). Work will take place in Connecticut. Estimated completion will be by September 20, 2022.

The US Navy awarded General Dynamics Electric Boat a $22.2 million deal for additional labor hours for smart start maintenance, repair, and modernization efforts in support of the USS Hartford (SSN 768) engineered overhaul. The USS Hartford is a Los Angeles Class attack submarine. The Los Angeles Class is a class of nuclear-powered fast attack submarines that forms the backbone of the US Navy’s submarine force. Work will take place in Connecticut. Expected completion will be by February 2022.

Middle East & Africa

Science and Engineering Services won a $13.6 million contract modification, which adds scope to provide return to flight repairs and storage for three SH-60F aircraft for the government of Israel. The SH-60F serves as an antisubmarine warfare (ASW) and Search and Rescue (SAR) aircraft. It can carry offensive weapons, primarily on ASW missions. These include Mk 46, Mk 50, or Mk 54 torpedoes. Work under the modification will take place in Alabama. Estimated completion will be in January 2024.

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) will reportedly fully unveil Hürjet advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft in two months. TAI head Temel Kotil told the Turkish website Daily Sabah that the company will build six to seven aircraft in the first year in the mass production phase. “We aim to produce two aircraft per month and 24 aircraft per year from the next year. After 2025, two Hürjets will leave the hangar and will be delivered to the customer every month,” he said.

Europe

The French Ministry of the Armed Forces’ Directorate of Aeronautical Maintenance (DMAé) recently awarded Dassault Aviation a contract to support the Mirage 2000 fleet of the French Air and Space Force (FASF). Covering a period of 14 years, the BALZAC contract includes all maintenance activities for the French Mirage 2000s until their retirement. Engine maintenance and the services provided by the SIAé (Service Industriel de l’Aéronautique) are the subject of separate contracts.

Asia-Pacific

North Korea said that it tested a tactical guided missile on Monday to confirm the accuracy of the weapons system under production. The South earlier suspected Pyongyang to have fired two short-range ballistic missiles eastward from the Sunan airfield. The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said the projectiles fired flew about 380km at an altitude of 42 km, reaching speeds of Mach 5.

Today’s Video

Watch: Kitty Hawk SH-60F Ocean Hawk Build Review – Part 1: Cabin and Cockpit

Americas

The Pentagon’s blue-sky research agency recently announced that it selected 10 organizations to develop enhanced, less bulky night vision goggles to keep the crimp out of servicemembers’ necks. And so they can see better at night. The program, dubbed Enhanced Night Vision in Eyeglass Form (ENVision), will be divided to solve those problems in two separate technical areas. The five organizations selected in the first technical area will try to reduce the size and volume of night vision goggles.

The Netherlands will base its soon-to-be received MQ-9A Reaper medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles in the Caribbean region. The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) is due to receive four MQ-9A Block 5 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from US manufacturer General Atomics next month.

Middle East & Africa

The United Arab Emirates inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with South Korea for the purchase of M-SAM advanced air defense systems for $3.5 billion. The MoU for the surface-to-air missiles was signed on Sunday after the meeting between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Emirati Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in Dubai.

Reportedly three people were killed when drones attacked the Adnoc storage tanks in Abu Dhabi on January 17. A separate attack in the new construction area of Abu Dhabi International Airport caused a minor fire. Houthis rebels from Yemen have claimed responsibility for the attack. Adnoc says the attack took place at approximately 10.00 a.m. local time and six others were wounded when the three transport tankers caught fire.

Europe

Dassault Aviation delivered 55 airplanes in 2021, up from 47 the year before, the French aerospace manufacturer announced. Dassault provided 25 Rafale multirole fighters to export customers in 2021, which met expectations and was up from 13 the previous year. The company also delivered 30 Falcon business jets, up five from an earlier forecast but down four from the previous year.

Asia-Pacific

MD Helicopters (MDHI) has shipped six MD 530G Light Scout Attack helicopters for the Malaysia Ministry of Defense (MoD) via their agent Halaman Optima/ Destini Prima. The 530G for Malaysia is integrated with the Wescam L3 MX10D sensor and the Pathfinder Ares Weapons Management System from Tek Fusion which are used to support the Dillion M134 Mini Gun, FN Herstal Heavy Machine Gun and Rocket Machine Gun pods, and 2.75-inch Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets (guided and unguided).

Today’s Video

Watch: MD 530G Helicopter Power

Americas

General Electric won a $12 million deal for maintenance and overhaul of the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter. The UH-60 Blackhawk is a multi-mission medium lift helicopter. The primary mission of the Blackhawk helicopter is as a troop carrier and logistical support aircraft. The helicopter can also be configured to carry out medical evacuation, command-and-control, search-and-rescue, armed escort, electronic warfare and executive transport missions. Estimated completion date is January 14, 2027.

The Air Force awarded L-3 Communications Integrated Systems a $24 million deal for C-130H program depot maintenance. The deal provides for the services required to complete C-130H PDM actions, perform required aircraft modifications and all transactional sustainment actions associated for the C-130 Foreign Military Sales Directorate. Work will take place in Waco, Texas. Expected completion date is January 31, 2027.

Middle East & Africa

Turkey’s first intelligence ship, TCG Ufuk, was put into service in Istanbul on Friday as part of the country’s efforts to increase its naval power with a warship program. The ship was produced with national resources. Speaking at the delivery ceremony in Istanbul Shipyard, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the ship was built with national engineering capabilities, putting Turkey among the 10 countries in the world that can domestically design, construct and maintain a warship.

Europe

HENSOLDT has won approximately $57 million to equip the German-Norwegian submarine project U212 CD with a fully digital sensor suite. The optronics division of HENSOLDT has now received a corresponding order worth over €50 million from kta naval systems, a consortium of Kongsberg, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systeme (TKMS) and Atlas Elektronik. TKMS was awarded €5.5 billion in July 2021 to build two 212CD submarines for Germany and another four for Norway.

Leonardo has signed over $297 million worth contracts with HENSOLDT to help in the development of the Eurofighter Typhoon Jet’s ECRS Mk1 (European Common Radar System Mk1) E-scan radar, ordered by Germany and Spain. According to a press release, Leonardo will conduct development work on new wideband capabilities and provide core parts of the new radar’s antenna, APSC (Antenna Power Supply & Control) and its processor.

Asia-Pacific

The Philippine government will acquire another 32 S-70i helicopters. A Notice of Award (NOA) has been issued to PZL Mielec of Poland on December 28. The amount of the purchase is valued at $623 million and it comes with training and logistical support. The first five helicopters are to be delivered from 2023. The last aircraft is supposed to be handed over in 2026.

Today’s Video

Watch: ‘Turkey’s eyes, ears at sea’: 1st intelligence ship joins naval fleet

Americas

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) will soon start testing unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) on par with human-piloted vehicles being built under the Robotic Autonomy in Complex Environments with Resiliency (RACER) program. The DARPA RACER program will develop and demonstrate autonomy technologies that enable unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to maneuver in unstructured off-road terrain at the limit of the vehicle’s mechanical systems and at, or beyond, human-driven speeds and efficiencies.

The US Space Development Agency is planning to deploy 144 transport layer satellites and 28 tracking satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO) by 2024 to detect maneuverable hypersonic glide vehicles during flight. Speaking today at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies’ Schriever Spacepower Forum, Derek Tournear said satellites in LEO will make up the tracking layer that will be able to detect hypersonic threats by their heat signatures, eventually on a global scale.

Middle East & Africa

Dyncorp International won a §28.8 million contract modification aviation maintenance support services. Work will take place in Saudi Arabia. Estimated completion date is July 31, 2022.

Europe

A new contract has been signed between Artem State Joint-Stock Company, a subsidiary of Ukroboronprom and the Ukrainian defense ministry for the production of a large batch of unguided RS-80 air-to-air missiles. Under the current contract, the number of missiles is five times higher than the order that Artem fulfilled last year. This volume will allow to load own capacities of the enterprise and its co-executors, the company said in a release.

The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to France of MQ-9 Communications Intelligence Sensor Pod Suites and related equipment. The Government of France has requested to buy up to eight Communications Intelligence Sensor Pod Suites, that will be added to a previously implemented case. The original FMS case and amendments, valued at $71 million, included five Communications Intelligence Sensor Pod Suites, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a release.

Asia-Pacific

According to Defense News, the Republic of China Navy commissioned two new rapid minelaying boats at Zuoying Naval Base in Kaohsiung city. The two boats were delivered in late 2021 but were put into active service on January 14. They will form the first and second Mine Boat Squadrons of the Navy’s 192nd Fleet (Minesweeper Fleet).

Today’s Video

Watch: America DARPA Testing Robotic Autonomy in Complex Environments with Resiliency (RACER)

Americas

A US Navy MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter made a crash landing in coastal Virginia. The incident took place shortly before 11:30 am on January 12. Virginia State Police said the aircraft hit several trees on the way down. The MH-60S was assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26, based out of Naval Station Norfolk, roughly 30 miles southeast of Smithfield.

Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division achieved the Aegis light-off milestone on the US Navy’s first Flight III Arleigh Burke Class guided missile destroyer Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125). The Flight III upgrade incorporates a number of design modifications that collectively provide significantly enhanced capability. Aegis light-off is an important milestone for integrating and activating all of the new electric plant equipment and combat systems.

Middle East & Africa

An Israeli company’s subsidiary in the United Arab Emirates inked a $53 million deal to supply direct infrared countermeasures and airborne electronic warfare systems for A330 tanker aircraft. According to reports, this is the first public deal for the recently established Elbit Systems Emirates Limited. Elbit Systems said the project will take five years.

Europe

The US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Greece of Follow-on Support for F-16 Engine Maintenance and related equipment for an estimated cost of $233 million. Greece had requested to buy parts and services to support follow-on depot level maintenance and sustainment of F100-PW-229 engines to include spare, repair parts, and accessories; repair and return services; publications and technical documentation; US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistical services; and other related elements of logistical and program support.

Saab will be delivering MS20 Block 2 capability upgrades to Hungary’s Gripen fighter aircraft which includes upgrading their radars, enhancing Link 16 functionality and enabling them to carry more weapons, the company announced. Saab said the Hungarian Government Commissioner Office responsible for defence development and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) successfully completed the negotiations for the MS20 Block 2 capability upgrade to the Hungarian fleet of Gripen jets.

Asia-Pacific

Thailand’s cabinet approved a plan to buy four fighter jets starting in the next fiscal year, an air force spokesman said on Wednesday, with a budget of $413.67 million set aside for the procurement. The approval follows a recent expression of interest by the air force chief, Air Chief Marshal Napadej Dhupatemiya, in procuring eight F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin.

Today’s Video

Watch: Nothing Can Kill the Arleigh Burke-class Destroyer

Americas

The Pentagon has assigned BAE Systems to produce and install a new airborne high frequency radio to replace the AN/ARC-190 on various types of aircraft. The press release says approximately 2,500 radios will be installed on Air Force’s HC-130J, KC-135, C-130H, C-130J, C-17, C-5, B-1, B-52, and E4-B, as well as the Navy’s E6-B, the Marine Corps’ KC-130J, and the Coast Guard’s C-130 and C-130J. BAE Systems will be tasked to install 2,000 radios.

The US Army is moving a step towards developing a new wheeled 155 mm howitzer and is asking companies to participate in a multi-year assessment that could lead to the design of a new weapon system. The US Army Contracting Command said that the request would help to do market research and pick candidates for the multiyear capability assessment program.

Middle East & Africa

Algeria has acquired a 120mm Chinese self-propelled mortar, according to information shared on twitter. The new Chinese 120-mm mortar, manufactured by Chengdu Lingchuan Special Industry, is mounted on a Dongfeng Mengshi CSK131 with a 6 × 6 wheel formula. The machine is reportedly equipped with an inertial navigation system and a battlefield control system. The process of aiming by calculating the coordinates of the target, which will be hit by mortar fire, according to the developers, takes 30 seconds.

Europe

Russia’s Tu-160M strategic bomber, the heavily modernized version of the Soviet era Tu-160 long range bomber, today undertook its first flight marking the potential of the aircraft to carry latest weapons such as hypersonic missiles. The aircraft took off from the airfield of the Kazan Aviation Plant, a Tupolev branch of the United Aircraft Corporation. The flight took place at an altitude of 600 meters and lasted about 30 minutes. The crew of test pilots of PJSC “Tupolev” performed maneuvers to check the stability and controllability of the aircraft in the air, Rostec said in a release.

France and Spain has successfully controlled an MQ-9 Reaper drone from the 02/33 “Savoie” drone squadron in the same airspace as commercial aircraft in December of 2021. Since January 2017, the French civil and military authorities have been carrying out an experimentation campaign to explore the operational framework and the changes necessary for the continued integration of MALE (medium altitude long endurance) drones into civil air traffic.

Asia-Pacific

South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD) tested a counter missile system for military aircraft to help dodge enemies’ portable surface-to-air missiles. The directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) system enables aircraft to dodge missiles by emitting a laser beam to the ground, blinding missiles that rely on heat to track targets, the ADD said in a statement Wednesday.

Today’s Video

Watch: Tu-160 Blackjack in Action

Americas

United States Force in South Korea, is being outfitted with newest AH-64 Version 6 (V6) helicopter. “The upgraded aircraft integrates modern technology for both the aviator and maintainers in our battalion,” Capt. Timothy Luchs, D Company commander, said. “For our maintainers, the new systems onboard allows them better diagnostic capability and decreases the downtime of the aircraft. While for the aviator, AH-64E provides an overall increased situational awareness with an upgraded sensor suite, level 4 manned-unmanned teaming, and an upgraded drive system which is a vast improvement over the Delta variant of the model.”

The US Air Force is passing targeting information from A-10 Thunderbolts to the F-35B jets in order for the latter to destroy them. Last week, the Idaho Air National Guard welcomed US Marines from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 225, who fly the F-35B Lightning II, to Gowen Field. The squadron brought four of the fifth-generation fighters to train with A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 124th Fighter Wing’s 190th Fighter Squadron.

Middle East & Africa

Turkey’s Naval Forces Command will receive the country’s first domestically developed intelligence collection ship A-591 Ufuk on January 14. The delivery ceremony to be held in Istanbul Shipyard is expected to be attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an, local media reported.

Europe

BAE Systems announced it signed a new support, sustainment, and readiness agreement with the Norwegian Army for its fleet of 144 CV90 Infantry Fighting Vehicles, securing a new contract model to support the availability and continuous modernization of the fleet. The seven-year agreement with the Norwegian Defence Logistics Organisation governs the purchase of components and equipment, as well as management and engineering work. It includes maintenance of the System Integration Lab, which ensures that both the customer and BAE Systems can monitor vehicles’ current conditions and state of readiness to optimize vehicle performance and capabilities across the fleet.

The United Kingdom has received its ninth and final Boeing P-8A Poseidon MRA1 maritime multimission aircraft (MMA), with ZP809 arriving at Royal Air Force (RAF) Lossiemouth in Scotland on January 11. This brings a two-year delivery run that began with the arrival of ZP801 Pride of Moray in February 2020 to an end. Since then, ZP802 City of Elgin, ZP803 Terence Bulloch DSO DFC, ZP804 Spirit of Reykjavik, ZP805 Fulmar, ZP806 Guernsey’s Reply, ZP807 William Barker VC, and ZP808 have all been received.

Asia-Pacific

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) flight tested the final deliverable configuration of Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM). The present test was to prove the consistent performance for the minimum range. The missile performance has been proven for the maximum range in earlier test trials.

Today’s Video

Watch: Defence Insights: INS Vikrant Sea Trials, Turkish A591 Ufuk, AH-64E in RoK and US F-35 Integration

EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý is in Austria (10-11 January) for high-level talks with Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner, Chief of Defence General Robert Brieger, Defence Policy Director Dr Arnold Kammel as well as the national Capability, Armaments and Research Directors at the Ministry of Defence, Major General Bruno Hofbauer, Major General Harald Vodosek and Colonel Rudolf Zauner. The trip to Vienna is part of Mr Šedivý’s ‘tour des capitales’ that, since last year, sees him visiting all EDA Member States.

Yesterday’s discussions with Minister Tanner mainly focused on Austria’s strong involvement in EDA’s current and future activities, the need to drive defence innovation in Europe and the prospect of reinforcing EDA's role in supporting Member States in this area , the contributions the Armed Forces can make to the EU’s Green Deal policy, the follow-up on the conclusions and recommendations of the first Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) presented in November 2020, the state of play in the PESCO implementation, the functioning of the European Defence Fund (EDF) as well as the preparations for the EU’s Strategic Compass to be approved next March.

A particular focus was put during these talks on two specific Austria-led projects in which the Agency is directly involved: - the Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Surveillance as a Service (CBRN SaaS) project launched under PESCO which, at the request of its participating Member States, is supported by the Agency since 2019 when a dedicated EDA project was established on this topic; - and the Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Reconnaissance Surveillance System (CBRN RSS) project, funded and implemented under the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP), for which EDA has now been tasked to act as the project manager (see related news).

“I am particularly grateful for Austria’s very active involvement in the Agency’s work and, especially, for its leading roles in the Counter-IED area, where it hosts the European Centre for Manual Neutralisation Capabilities (ECMAN), and the CBRN reconnaissance and surveillance domain. Back in 2019, the CBRN SaaS project was the very first PESCO project for which EDA’s direct support was requested by the participating Member States, led by Austria. This served as an important signal and example which, since then, has been followed by the owners and drivers of four other PESCO projects. We hope that many more will follow in the future because the Agency is keen and ready to provide this kind of expertise-based support to its Member States.  I can only thank the Austrian authorities for their strong commitment to EDA’s activities and European defence cooperation in general, and encourage them to pursue on this path”, Mr Šedivý commented.

Austria’s Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner said: “Today I met the Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency Jiří Šedivý to discuss current projects and future cooperation between the European Defence Agency and the Austrian Armed Forces. EDA supports the EU Member States in developing and improving military capabilities through cooperation in the field of R&D. With its network and expertise the EDA is thus an important partner as well as an important instrument of the EU to support smaller member states in European defence cooperation. Austria has been an active and tireless member of the EDA since it began its work in 2004. With more than 30 projects, Austria is one of the most committed member states, ranking sixth next to Poland. For our Ministry of Defence, the PESCO project "CBRN Surveillance as a Service" has become a particular showcase project. It was launched in 2018 and aims to develop the use of unmanned ground systems and drones equipped with sensors to detect CBRN warfare agents in a timely manner. As an intergovernmental agency, the EDA plays a decisive role in promoting innovation both for Austria and other Member States. Concerning the future, we want to focus even more on cooperation and collaboration with the Defence Agency, for the safety of the population in Austria as well as in Europe as a whole”.

Industry event

Today 11 January, Mr Šedivý will meet with the CEO of the Austrian Defence & Security Industry (ASW), Reinhard Marak, and other industry representatives and participate in an industry event.

Americas

Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division launched the amphibious transport dock Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29) being built for the US Navy. Richard M. McCool Jr., the 13th LPD in the San Antonio class of amphibious assault force ships, will support US amphibious assault, special operations and expeditionary warfare missions through the first half of the 21st century.

The Argentinian Ministry of Defense has approved the purchase of two Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King helicopters for the Argentinian Navy. The Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King (company designation S-61) is an American twin-engined anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter designed and built by Sikorsky Aircraft. ASW equipment used on Sea Kings has included the AQS-13A/B/E dipping sonar which included specialized computers for processing sonar and sonobuoy data, various models of sonobuoys, ARR-75 Sonobuoy Receivers, and the ASQ-81 Magnetic Anomaly Detector.

Middle East & Africa

Smart Shooter has unveiled SMASH Dragon, an armed drone system incorporating company-developed SMASH Technology for precise target elimination. SMASH Dragon is an advanced robotic weaponry payload that can be mounted on different drones and other unmanned aerial platforms. It can incorporate various types of assault rifles, sniper rifles, 40mm, and other ammunition with great precision. Extremely lightweight and therefore allowing long mission endurance, SMASH Dragon integrates a unique stabilization concept with the SMASH technology that enables the system to accurately hit static and moving targets while flying.

Europe

Raytheon Systems was awarded a $13.5 million contract by the UK Ministry of Defense for in-service support for the AMRAAM missile system. The AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile), also designated AIM-120, has a 30 to 40 mile range and can reach a speed of Mach 4. The system is a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile capable of all-weather day-and-night operation.

Asia-Pacific

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is confident that the first Tejas MK-2 prototype will be rolled out by end of this year or early next year. R. Madhavan, Chief Managing Director, said that the design has been finalized and some manufacturing activities have started.

Pakistan has decided not to purchase the T129 attack helicopter from Turkey, the director general of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has disclosed. Instead, the country will explore buying the Z-10 attack helicopter from China. The US government had refused to grant an export license for the T129 LHTEC T800 turboshaft engine to Pakistan.

Today’s Video

Watch: Smart Shooter SMASH 2000 system – ‘smart rifle’ that only shoots if the bullet will hit an enemy

EDA has taken over the role of project manager of the Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Surveillance Reconnaissance Surveillance System (CBRN RSS) project which is being funded and implemented under the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP).  

The decision was made following a request by Austria on behalf of the four Member States participating in a related PESCO project, the Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Surveillance as a Service (CBRN SaaS) project, which is already supported by EDA since 2019. In this new role, the Agency will not only manage all CBRN RSS implementation activities with the consortium, but also interact with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) in relation to this project.

With the aim of targeting capability development through the support of innovation and competitiveness of the Union’s defence industry, the EDIDP 2020 calls for proposals, of which CBRN RSS was part of, sought to fund 26 projects from an array of defence domains with a broad geographical coverage. Since the first call in 2019, the EDIDP has shown its success becoming a strategic enabler for Europe’s defence. 

From PESCO to Category B CBRN SaaS project

The CBRN project area can be traced back to 2019 when, for this first time, EDA was chosen to support the CBRN SaaS PESCO project. This decision resulted in the establishment of a so-called ‘Category B’ project within the Agency with four Member States participating (Austria, Croatia, Hungary and Slovenia). Under this new establishment, and as requested by the participants EDA further developed the project with the signature of a contract with the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) as the consortium leader. The aim of the CBRN SaaS project, within the EDA framework, is to develop a technological demonstrator to deliver a recognised CBRN picture that will enhance knowledge-based decision-making for operations. The main deliverable will achieve the Initial Operational Capability of the PESCO project, which is aimed to be attained by the mid-2024. 

From CBRN SaaS to CBRN RSS

In the meantime, a new opportunity arose to even further develop the CBRN SaaS.  Indeed, in 2020, AIT used the EDIDP calls to submit a proposal for expanding the project into a Reconnaissance Surveillance System. With success, because in July 2021,  the CBRN RSS proposal was accepted as eligible. In addition, an EDIDIP Grant Agreement was signed in December 2021 between DG DEFIS and the respective industry consortium – represented by AIT as the consortium leader. Even though CBRN SaaS and CBRN RSS are implemented through different channels (EDIDP and EDA respectively), they are complementary and aligned in such a way that the contract under EDA’s Category B project is set to deliver a basic version of the technological demonstrator, while an enhanced version will be provided by the EDIDP project. In practice, this means that at the end, only one single technological demonstrator will be assembled. The main difference between both projects is therefore the funding schemes under which they fall. Timewise, both projects aim at achieving their expected results by  mid- 2024. 

EDA as project manager

The fact that EDA has been tasked to also manage the CBRN RSS project is testament to the participating Member States’ confidence in the Agency, but it also reflects EDA’s commitment and persistence to further support Member States in developing their capability spectrum. The RSS project will take its first step with the kick-off meeting between the European Commission, Industry Consortium, Member States, and EDA on 13 January.

EDA’s role as project manager of the CBRN RSS EDIDP project is envisaged within two different spheres. On the one hand, and within the EDIDP overall project, EDA will act as the primary interface between Member States, the industry consortium, the European Commission, and third parties. This task will also see EDA  overseeing the implementation of the project on behalf of the participating Member States, including the supervision and validation of work packages as well as the management of schedules. On the other hand, EDA has also been tasked to act as the Programme Security Instruction (PSI) custodian within the security framework of the EDIDP project, which requires not only the coordination of requests by Member States, but also ensuring the compliance of the PSI provisions.

The new project manager role confirms EDA’s willingness to break new ground and take on new functions and responsibilities wherever it helps to bring forward collaborative European defence capability development. 

 

Americas

Bell Boeing won a $1.6 billion deal for the repair, replacement, required availability, configuration management, and inventory management for supply support for 228 MV-22B (Marine); CMV-22 (Navy); and CV-22 (Air Force) Osprey aircraft components. The V-22 Osprey is a family of multi-mission, tiltrotor military aircraft with both vertical as well as short takeoff and landing capabilities. It is designed to combine the functionality of a conventional helicopter with the long-range, high-speed cruise performance of a turboprop aircraft. Work will take place e in Texas and Pennsylvania. Estimated completion will be by December 2026.

Peraton Inc., a company that provides satellite and terrestrial communication, network optimization, and managed security services, was awarded a $18 million contract by the US Air Force to sustain engineering services support for the B-1B Reprogrammable Electronic Warfare Systems test and B-52 Bomber Electronic Attack Systems test facilities and special test equipment. The B-1B Lancer is the US Air Force long-range strategic bomber developed by Rockwell International, now Boeing Defense And Space Group. The B-52H is the US Air Force’s long-range, large-payload multirole bomber and is known as the Stratofortress. Work will take place in Eglin Air Force Base, Florida Estimated completion date is January 10, 2027.

Middle East & Africa

Morocco and Israel Aerospace Industries discussed buying the latter’s Barak-8 MR air defense missile system. IAI sent marketing director Sharon Biton to lead the negotiations, Jerusalem Post reports. The Barak-8 MR-SAM system is able to shoot down enemy aircraft at a range of 50-70 kilometers and is designed to defend naval vessels against a myriad of short-to-long-range airborne threats.

Europe

The US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the France. The sale would be for the MQ-9 Follow-on Contractor Logistics Support and related equipment for an estimated cost of $300 million. France had requested to buy follow-on Contractor Logistics Support to include contractor provided MQ-9 aircraft components, spares and accessories; repair and return; software and software support services; simulator software; personnel training and training equipment; publications and technical documentation; US Government and contractor provided engineering, technical and logistical support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $300 million, Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a release Friday.

Asia-Pacific

Turkish Aerospace Inc. (TAI) is said to have delivered two T129 attack helicopters to the Philippines on January 8. The South East Asian country has ordered six helicopters and two more are set to arrive next year while the last two will reach home in 2024. In November, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) commander Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes disclosed that the six helicopters would be in the country as soon as December. The T129 is a twin-engine, tandem seat, multi-role, all-weather attack helicopter based on the Agusta A129 Mangusta platform and is designed for advanced attack and reconnaissance missions in hot and high environments and rough geography in both day and night conditions.

The United States and Japan will soon sign a deal on collaborating more closely in R&D of defense-related technologies, including ways to counter threats from hypersonic weapons. This was announced ahead of January 6-7 virtual US-Japan Security Consultative Committee meeting between Secretary of State Blinken, Secretary of Defense Austin, Minister for Foreign Affairs Hayashi, and Minister of Defense Kishi. Blinken said the two countries would sign a new deal designed to counter emerging threats such as hypersonic and space-based weaponry, days after North Korea tested what it claimed to be a hypersonic missile. Some Japanese media reports said the projectile fell close to its Exclusive Economic Zone.

Today’s Video

Watch: T129 ATAK – Turkish Attack Helicopter in Action

Americas

One of two missile tracking ships operated by the Military Sealift Command was recently retired at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on December 15, 2021. The white hulled-ship was used previously to track ballistic missile activity in the Middle East using the GRAY STAR radar. The radar system will be repurposed by the Air Force Research Laboratory to conduct testing and evaluation of advanced radar technologies, says Air Force Technical Applications center.

Elbit Systems’ Brazilian subsidiary, AEL Sistemas S.A. won a contract to supply additional Hermes 900 UAS to the Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira). The contract is in an amount that is not material to Elbit Systems and will be performed over a period of 16 months.

Middle East & Africa

Aselsan has been adapting the Sarp remote weapon station (RWS) with the capability to fire the Atom 40 mm high-velocity airburst munition, the company reported in its January 2022 bulletin. Atom Sarp was test-fired in June 2021 against dummies representing dispersed insurgents under cover, inside buildings, and in the field.

Europe

The Hellenic Air Force will begin operating its Rafale fighters after January 19 when six aircraft arrive home at Tanágra airbase.Two dual-seat Rafales will be joined by four single-seat Rafales for the ferry flight home.

Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services (KAMS) signed an agreement with Leonardo to provide maintenance services for the Norwegian fleet of SAR Queen / AW101 Search & Rescue helicopters. The contract will be performed in the period 2022-2026.

Asia-Pacific

North Korea said it conducted tests of a hypersonic missile on Wednesday, three months after it launched a similar missile. The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the Central Committee of the ruling Workers’ Party expressed “great satisfaction” at the results of the missile test observed by leading weapons officials. The KCNA had reported in September that the North fired a “hypersonic gliding warhead” which made a 120km-long lateral movement before hitting a target 700km away. It wasn’t immediately known if both are the same type of hypersonic missile.

Today’s Video

Watch: AW101

Americas

BAE Systems won a $24.6 million deal for the Military Global Positioning System User Equipment (MGUE) Increment 2 Miniature Serial Interface (MSI) contract. The modification incorporates MSI Engineering Change Proposal-1 into the baseline and provides continued MSI with Next Generation Application-Specific Integrated Circuit Technology Development capabilities. The goal of MGUE Inc 2 is to develop, integrate, and produce M-Code capable, GPS receivers for the service requirements specified in the Joint Requirements Oversight Council approved MGUE Inc 2 Capability Development Document.  Work will take place in Iowa. Estimated completion date is August 31, 2025.

The MQ-8C is now in the US 7th Fleet area of operations, which spans from the International Date Line to the India/Pakistan border. Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Langholf posted photos of the unmanned aerial vehicle on the flight deck of USS Jackson (LCS 6) while they were in Guam on December 22. The helicopter is assigned to HSC-23.

Middle East & Africa

The Qatar Air Force took delivery of the first NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) recently, manufacturer Leonardo has announced. The first TTH version helicopter for land-based tasks was delivered on 11 December, in line with contractual commitments, and will be followed in the coming months by the first NFH, dedicated to naval operations, after qualifications. Deliveries will continue until 2025.

Europe

The British Ministry of Defense announced, that a logistics system critical to British military operations around the world will be supported under a new five-year, $625 million contract with Boeing Defence UK. The contract supports implementation of the Integrated Review and Defence Command Paper, published last year, which placed an emphasis on more productive, active and globally deployed Armed Forces.

Leonardo completed the acquisition of 25.1 per cent of the shares in HENSOLDT AG, a leading German player in the field of sensors for defense and security applications, with an expanding portfolio in sensors, data management and robotics, for a cash consideration of €606 million. According to a news release, the transaction is a step forward in helping to achieve Leonardo’s strategic objective of acquiring a leadership position in the European Defence Electronics market, as defined by the “Be Tomorrow – Leonardo 2030” Plan, and reflects Leonardo’s determination to play an active role in the consolidation process underway, also in the light of future cooperation programmes in continental Europe.

Asia-Pacific

North Korea has carried out its possible first ballistic missile test in 2022 by launching one into the East Sea shortly after 8 am local time today. The country has fired an unidentified projectile into waters off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said. According to the Japanese government, the projectile may have been a “ballistic missile”.

Today’s Video

Watch: The Qatar Air Force Takes Delivery of First NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter!

Americas

Bell-Boeing won a $7.9 million contract modification, which provides for additional post-production repairs and related system engineering and program management support for the MV-22B Common Configuration Readiness and Modernization retrofit program. The V-22 Osprey is a joint-service, medium-lift, multimission tilt-rotor aircraft. The Marine Corps variant, MV-22B, provides reliable and safe transportation of personnel, supplies, and equipment. Work will take place in Pennsylvania and Texas. Estimated completion will be in March 2023.

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway for a patrol of the Indo-Pacific and this deployment notes a number of firsts. The Marine Corps is sending its F-35C out to sea for its first operational deployment by bringing VMFA-314 aboard the carrier. VRM-30 will also deploy for the first time along with its CMV-22B. The squadron was established at NAS North Island in 2018.

Middle East & Africa

According to Elbit Systems, the UAE Air Force’s Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft will soon be fitted with Direct Infrared Countermeasures and airborne Electronic Warfare systems supplied by Elbit Systems Emirates Limited in a $53 million contract. The contract runs for five years.

Europe

Norwegian F-16s will fly their last mission out of Bodø Air Base on January 6 and the base will end all fighter operations after that. Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duties in the Artic area will be taken over by fighters stationed at Evenes Air Station. Two F-16s will launch from Bodø on Jan. 6 but one will land back at the base to be retired as an exhibit in the local museum.

Asia-Pacific

South Korea started constructing the second KSS-III Batch-II submarine. The boat, built by local shipbuilder Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME), will be completed by 2026 and delivered to the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) in 2028 after undergoing sea trials.

According to local news, an F-35A fighter operated by the Republic of Korea Air Force made an emergency landing during a training session Tuesday due to avionic system issues. The radar-evading jet made the belly landing on a runway at an air base in Seosan, 151km south of Seoul, at 12:51 pm after the issues caused the landing gear to momentarily malfunction, officials were quoted as saying by Yonhap News Agency.

Today’s Video

Watch: Airbus A330 SMART MRTT Reveal | Next Level Multi Role Tanker Transport Aircraft

Americas

The Air Force awarded Canadian Commercial a $70 million deal for the Wescam Aggregate Services Plan. This contract provides for the continuation of contractor logistics support for the three configurations of L-3 Communications/Wescam MX Electro/Optical Infrared (EO/IR) Sensor System line replaceable units installed on the AC-130U/W/J. The AC-130U Spooky is the third generation of C-130 gunships. All gunships evolved from the first operational gunship, the AC-47, to the AC-119, and then the AC-130A which was the basis for the modern C-130 Hercules gunship. Work under the contract will take place in Florida and New Mexico. Estimated completion date is December 31, 2028.

Raytheon won a $55 million contract modification for engineering and technical services in support of the Evolved Seasparrow Missile and NATO Seasparrow Missile Systems programs. The deal combines purchases for the US government and the governments of Japan and United Arab Emirates under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. The Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) or RIM-162 is a medium-range, surface-to-air missile. The missile is currently in service with the US Navy and some of the 12 Nato Sea Sparrow consortium nations. Work will take place in Arizona, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Spain, Australia and Greece. Estimated completion date will be in December 2022.

Middle East & Africa

Spanish news Larazon reports that Morocco will soon be taking delivery of the MBDA VL MICA ground based air defense missile system. The new system will complement the Chinese-made FD-2000 air defense system protecting Morocco.

Europe

First of Russia’s new S-550 air defense systems have entered combat service after clearing state trials. “The S-550 air defense system has successfully completed state trials. The first S-550 brigade has entered combat duty,” a source close to the Russian defense ministry was quoted as saying by government-owned TASS.

Asia-Pacific

Boeing won a $471.3 million contract action for the F-15 Japan Super Interceptor Program. The contract action provides for the design and development of an integrated suite of aircraft systems to support modification of the Japan Air Self Defense Force F-15MJ aircraft and the development, test, and delivery of four Weapon System Trainers. Work will take place in Missouri. Estimated completion date is December 31, 2028.

Hindustan Times reports that French Navy Rafale M fighter will be at INS Hansa to carry out suitability trials with the ski jump there. The trials, which begins on January 6, is to determine whether the French fighter is a good fit for Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. Testing will last 12 days. The same article says India might lease up to five Rafale Ms when INS Vikrant is commissioned later this year.

Today’s Video

Watch: URafale M to be tested in India for STOBAR take off | Will it fit the Vikrant’s hanger?