Defense`s Feeds

Following the opening speeches by Head of Agency HR/VP Borrell and European Council President Michel (see previous news), EDA’s Annual Conference 2021 continued this morning with a first high-level conference panel moderated by EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý and featuring no less than three Defence Ministers: Belgium’s Ludivine Dedonder, Slovenia’s Matej Tonin, and Poland’s Marcin Ociepa (Deputy Defence Minister).  

Belgian Minister Ludivine Dedonder said defence innovation should have three main characteristics: “It should be collaborative, capability-driven and, at the same time, adaptive and continuous”. Collaboration is crucial especially for countries of moderate sizes such as Belgium because for them, it is not possible to analyse, evaluate, develop and finance all new defence innovations on their own, the Minister stressed. At the same time, avoiding duplication is also imperative “because we cannot afford to finance duplicative programmes”.  Innovation must remain capability-driven, she added, “as one of its goals is to deliver top-notch military capabilities in support of the security and defence policies of our nations and the EU”. And it must be constantly adapted to the changing operational needs of the Armed Forces, Ms Dedonder insisted. EDA has a pivotal role to play “as it brings together research, technology watch, innovation, capability development and wider links with industry”. Creating synergies with other actors, including NATO, is also a role the Agency can take on, avoiding unnecessary duplication, the Belgian Minister said. “Innovation is key to make our Armed Forces more robust, more resilient, more agile and more precise in their engagements. In short: to build a better European military instrument of power”, she concluded.

Slovenian Minister Matej Tonin said that for ensuring its strategic autonomy and upholding the credibility of its security and defence policy, Europe needs “fresh, cutting-edge ideas and innovative thinking” in order to be able to face today’s new threats and keep up with the technological developments that are driving both the civil and military world. “In this respect, I want to put a special emphasis on the small and medium-sized enterprises, the SME’s, which can be vehicles for development because they are able to adapt and respond rapidly to innovative ideas”, he stressed.  Mr Tonin also underlined the need for Europe to cooperate also with its allies, especially NATO.   He expressed Slovenia’s support and appreciation for NATO’s work, especially the recent efforts to establish a Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) and a NATO innovation Fund, stressing the need of avoiding duplication with those initiatives. Creating a European Defence Innovation Hub within EDA is “a step in the right direction”, the Minister said, “but it should not create additional layers of administrative and financial burden” for Member States: “Complementarity and non-duplication between the EU and NATO are key”.

The Polish Deputy Minister, Marcin Ociepa, called on Europe and its Member States to be “open” to all types of stakeholders and innovation players, inside and outside Europe, “because the broad spectrum of threats and challenges today requires a broad-spectrum response”. “We are all witnessing today the power and unpredictability of hybrid warfare. Therefore it is crucial to enhance cooperation on developing creative and innovative defence capabilities to protect our citizens, borders and values”. In this respect, the technological independence of Europe is of great importance, Mr Ociepa pursued: “By all means, we should continue to develop the mechanisms facilitating the cooperation and protecting the European innovations and technologies. We cannot, however, curb the collaboration opportunities with other like-minded partners such the US, South Korea, Japan, Australia to just name a few (…) we all face the same challenges and threats. Defence innovation is a team game”. We also have to invest in defence innovation, “but in a smart manner”, the Deputy Minister said: “Increasing our defence budgets is not always the only answer. We have to make sure that each and every mechanism is complementary and coherent with existing EU funding instruments, namely the European Defence Fund, Horizon Europe or the European Innovation Council. We cannot afford to duplicate our efforts”. With NATO doing its work through the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) and a NATO innovation Fund, “EDA, as the potential host of the European Defence Innovation Hub, could and should facilitate EU-NATO cooperation in this domain and create interlinks between the instruments of both organisations”. And Mr Ociepa to conclude: “You can count on our support on this and on other topics”.  

 

The European Defence Agency’s Annual Conference 2021 entitled 'Innovation in European Defence’ was opened this morning with speeches by the Head of the Agency, HR/VP Josep Borrell, and the President of the European Council, Charles Michel. With Covid still around, this year’s conference is held in hybrid format with a vast audience representing the whole European defence spectrum (governments, armed forces, industry, EU institutions, NATO, think tanks and media) either connected remotely or physically present to listen to speeches and panel discussions and also actively take part in debates through Q&A sessions. 

Following a brief welcome word by EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý, it was up to the Head of Agency, HR/VP Josep Borrell, to formally open the conference. In his opening speech, Mr Borrell expressed gratitude for this year’s choice of the conference theme because, he said, “our collective ability to innovate, both at EU and at national level, will determine the position of the EU on the global stage in the years to come”. However, the current situation leaves room for improvement as the EU and its Member States need to do “much more” in this field: “We need to do much more together and we need to do it now. We cannot wait. The choice for the EU is simple but a crucial one: either we invest in defence innovation or we will become irrelevant!”.

Mr Borrell insisted on the strategic importance of innovation, not only as an accelerator of economic competition but also as a key tool in the global competition that re-structures the international security environment. “Today, innovation is front and centre in the global strategic competition because it will restructure the international security environment (…) Those who gain a technological edge and set the standards today will dominate the future”, Mr Borrell said. This is also the case at the military level, with emerging disruptive technologies (EDTs), such as Artificial Intelligence. Often dual-natured, impacting both civilian and military domains, such technologies have the potential to alter the character of warfare, he explained: “To retain an edge over competitors and potential adversaries, we must use the potential of emerging technologies and develop high-end capabilities to equip our military forces across the full spectrum”.

“EU and Member States need to do more, together”

Being at the forefront of defence innovation requires that Armed Forces and Ministries of Defence have close cooperation with the civil sector which nowadays is driving both pure technological innovations and innovative uses: “With the rapid development of new technologies in the civilian sphere and their fast weaponization, today, more than ever before, innovation is shaping the global balance of power”. 

When comparing the EU and its Member States with other global actors, it is obvious Europe lags far behind in terms of investing in defence innovation, Mr Borrell said, “and the gap is widening”. For proof, “latest EDA data suggest that in 2020 EU Member States spent roughly €2.5 billion on Research & Technology – only 1,2% of the total defence expenditure, with a tendency for further decrease in the next two years, even though the related PESCO commitment sets the bar at 2% of the defence budgets”. Meanwhile, the US Department of Defence invests at least $14 billion each year in research and innovation, around 2% of the whole US defence budget, while Google spends on Research & Development almost 10 times more than what EU defence ministries spend together on Research & Technology. “We can no longer afford to sit on the side-line and watch the others doing. The EU and its Member States need to do much more on defence innovation. And they must do it more together”, he insisted. 

Towards a Defence Innovation Hub within EDA 

“EDA, as an intergovernmental Agency, has a crucial role to play in defence innovation” as technological innovation has been part of the Agency´s DNA since its creation in 2004, the Head of Agency pursued. Furthermore, there is the idea of establishing a Defence Innovation Hub within the Agency. “This is also one of the deliverables I have put forward in the context of the Strategic Compass”, said Mr Borrell: “By creating a network of defence innovation centres around Europe, this Defence Innovation Hub would promote synergies with the industrial sector; foster an ecosystem of Research & Development in defence and get innovative solutions closer to the military user. I hope this hub will soon be in place!”.      

And the Head of Agency to conclude: “Innovation in defence must be anchored in research & technology investments, but also in capability development, concepts and doctrines across all EU Member States (...) EDA is a great example of this integrated approach. Working together with the Commission and with Member States, EDA must ensure that defence innovation is not just an ambition on paper, but a reality!”.

Charles Michel: Support for Defence Innovation Hub within EDA

 

European Council President Charles Michel said in his keynote speech (via video message, see link above) that the EU’s strategic objective was to increase its ability “to act autonomously to safeguard our interests, uphold our values and way of life, and shape the global future”. “That’s why Europe’s strategic autonomy and our capacity to act alone, if so needed, is high on the agenda of the Heads of State and Governments. In this respect, the upcoming Strategic Compass is of utmost importance as he is meant to provide a vision for Europe’s security and defence policy in the future”, he said. Work on the Compass is progressing well, based on Mr Borrell’s initial proposal presented in November. Further input to the discussions is expected from the December European Council before EU leaders will then adopt the Strategic Compass in March when defence will again be a topic at the European Council.  

Europeans have also agree to work on a third EU-NATO declaration “because NATO is the cornerstone of Europe’s security and defence”, Mr Michel stated praising the “unique and essential cooperation” between the two organisations.  “We want to deepen this relationship and adapt it to today’s geo-political reality”, he said. However, Europe’s security and defence do not exist “in a vacuum” but are linked to its policies and achievements in other domains too, such as climate change or the digital transition. Through its regulatory power in those domains, Europe could strengthen its clout in the security domain too.  “We could take fuller advantage of our instruments if we used them in a more coordinated manner to achieve our strategic goals, for example in trade, development, neighborhood policy, climate policy, visa policy or humanitarian aid. Greater coordination means greater impact”. “We, Europeans, must take our destiny in our own hands, cooperating with our partners when needed and acting autonomously when necessary, to be a credible and efficient global security provider and a soft geopolitical influencer”.

To achieve this, Europe needs more defence innovation, and EDA has a key role to play: “The next 10 years will be crucial for our capability development, and EDA has a unique role to play combining lessons learned from missions and long term technology trends and then integrating this concrete know-how into national defence plans (…) We must continue to link innovative technologies with their possible defence applications. And I know that we can count on you, the European Defence Agency and your unique experience and expertise. Your work is key to facilitating the uptake of defence innovation by our Member States”, Mr Michel stressed.  

And the President of the European Council to conclude: “We must also avoid duplication our efforts and wasting our resources. You, the EDA, can help link Member States’ national authorities with each other, and with EU institutions, agencies and bodies. You help identify defence-related technologies point to opportunities and provide a platform for cooperation. And you need a budget to fulfil your growing role. I am in favour of the creation of a European defence innovation network. I also support the creation of a European Defence Innovation Hub inside EDA”.

More information

• Welcome word by EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý

 

Americas

Cracks have been found on the tails of Canada’s CH-148 fleet, the problem affects 19 out of the 23 helicopters. The issue surfaced on November 26 when one of the helicopter underwent scheduled maintenance and the cracks were discovered. Subsequent checks on three more rotorcraft also found cracks on those aircraft. So far only two were unaffected and two more are yet to be inspected.

Segers Aero won a $9.6 million contract action for the establishment of the T-56 Engine and Quick Engine Change Intermediate Level Maintenance Facility. The deal provides for training for the maintenance, repair and overhaul repairs of the T-56 engine. Work will take place Alabama and the Philippines. Estimated completion date is December 31, 2026.

Middle East & Africa

UK Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoons from 12 Squadron arrived in Qatar for their joint Exercise Fox Defender. Pilots and engineers from both nations will fly and maintain the Typhoon throughout the exercise. The pilots will be challenged to a range of air to air and ground to air training serials to further enhance interoperability with the Qatar Emiri Air Force, RAF said in a statement.

Europe

Italy and Austria have entered into a government-to-government agreement for the sale and procurement of 18 Leonardo AW169 multirole helicopters for the Austrian Bundesheer. Inked on December 2 at the Italian Ministry of Defense in Rome between Defense Minister Lorenzo Guerini and Austrian Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, the implementation phase of the agreement paves the way for a formal contractual agreement by 20 December and acquisition signature in mid-January 2022. Austria has earmarked between $340 million and $451 million for the programme.

Asia-Pacific

An H-6J bomber of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy participated in a live-fire exercise in the South China Sea. It practiced bomb dropping on islands and sea mine-laying. This type of aircraft was officially revealed by China’s Defense Ministry only last year. Affiliated with the Naval Aviation Force under the PLA Southern Theater Command, a regiment based in South China’s Hainan Province reportedly organized a drill involving the actual use of high-explosive aerial bombs and sea bottom mines.

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) launched ‘Sandhayak’, the first of the four Survey Vessels (Large) project being built for the Indian Navy, in Kolkata. The contract for building four survey ships was signed between MoD and GRSE in October 2018 at a total cost of INR 2435 Crore (around $300 million).

Today’s Video

Watch: First AW169 Training Helicopter for Italian Army

The European Defence Agency (EDA) will make available various IT equipment that is no longer used by the Agency (see list here) to non-profit organisations, local community centres or schools officially based in Belgium to support local activities. EDA invites interested parties to submit their application for this equipment in accordance with rules governing the donation laid down in the present invitation. A French translation of this invitation to apply is available here.

Donations of decommissioned IT equipment are made at the discretion of the EDA and decided on a case by case basis. The hard-drives and -discs of all equipment will be removed before being donated.

How to apply?

• Applications must be completed using this application form. The completed application form should be submitted by email to infrastructure@eda.europa.eu before 25 February 2022
• Please note that only application forms in English/French will be accepted
• Applications must be signed.

Eligibility Criteria

• To be eligible, applicants must be either a non-profit organisation operating in a social or educational field, a local community centre, or a public or not-for profit private educational establishment such as a school
• Applications in the name of individuals will not be accepted. The Agency retains full discretion to assess whether applicants meet these eligibility requirements and may reject applications
• Schools must be licensed by the competent local authorities. Accordingly, the application must include evidence that they are licensed schools (e.g. registration in the Ministry of Education, Government Official Journal etc.) Non-profit organisations must provide evidence that they are registered in Belgium (e.g. legal status, registration ASBL etc.)
• Eligible applications will be evaluated by the EDA Disposal Committee and equipment will be divided between applicants, based on the motivation for the use of the equipment. 

Successful applicants

• Successful applicants will be fully responsible for organising and paying the shipping from EDA facilities in Brussels to the final destination of the IT equipment, or for picking up the equipment from EDA's facilities in Brussels within 2 months of receipt of the confirmation letter from the Agency. The EDA does not have the resources to prepare and dispatch the IT equipment
• Where a 3rd party is to pick up the equipment, the applicant should notify EDA of the name and details of the person(s) picking up the equipment, specifying the date and time of pick up (in agreement with EDA). Equipment will only be released upon signature and verification of documents.
• Successful applicants will be asked to sign a letter upon reception of equipment, stating among others that the applicants:

1. must accept EDA’s right to visit the project for which IT equipment has been donated
2. must accept the right of EDA to publish details of the donation and the identity and location of the recipient on its website
3. must accept that EDA will not provide any kind of support and guarantees for the equipment donated
4. must agree to settle any taxes or duties payable for importing of the IT equipment in the country of destination
5. shall make the shipping arrangements themselves and pay for all transport costs of the IT equipment from EDA's premises in Brussels to the final destination in Belgium; and
6. shall ensure that the equipment is disposed of at the end of its life cycle in an environmentally responsible manner.

Data Protection 

The European Defence Agency is committed to the protection of personal data. Personal data collected by EDA will be processed pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2018/1725. For more details, please consult the Privacy Statement: EDA Privacy Statement Donations IT Equipment 2021.pdf

Vous préférez le Français?

• La traduction française de cette invitation est disponible ici.
• La liste du matériel disponible peut être consultée ici.
• Le formulaire de demande est disponible ici. 

Today, the European Defence Agency (EDA) published its annual Defence Data report for 2019-2020, detailing defence spending by the 26 EDA Member States. In 2020, total defence spending stood at €198 billion, marking a further 5% increase on 2019, and making it the highest level ever recorded by EDA since it began collecting data in 2006. EDA’s report also finds that 19 Member States increased their overall defence spending in 2020, with 6 raising spending by over 10%.

Sustained Rise in Defence Expenditure and Investment

At €198 billion, total defence expenditure corresponds to 1.5 % of the 26 EDA Member States’ gross domestic product (GDP) and marks the sixth year of consecutive growth. For the second year in a row EDA has recorded a 5% rise in defence spending, despite the economic impacts of COVID-19.

EDA’s Defence Data report finds that the sustained increase in overall spending is also reflected in national numbers. In 2020, of the 19 Member States who increased spending, 13 raised spending by 5% or more. 6 Member States raised it by 10% or more.  7 Member States reduced spending, up from 3 in 2019, for a combined total reduction of €1.42 billion.

Increased spending was also recorded in a variety of areas, with defence investments in research, development and procurement of new equipment continuing to grow. Defence investments by Member States hit EDA’s high-ever recorded figure of €44 billion, representing a 5% increase on 2019.

When combined, Member States have achieved the 20% benchmark of defence investment as a percentage of total defence expenditure, with 14 Member States allocating 20% or more, while a joint EDA recorded low of only 3 states spent less than 10% in this area.

New low in collaborative European defence spending

Despite the sustained rise in total defence expenditure, collaborative defence spending has continued to trend downward. In 2020, Member States spent a total of €4.1 billion on the procurement of new equipment in cooperation with others, a fall of 13% compared to 2019. The data submitted to EDA shows a significant reduction in European collaborative defence equipment procurement since 2016. Member States conducted just 11% of their total equipment procurement in cooperation with other EU Member States in 2020, falling well short of the 35% collective benchmark, which is also a commitment under Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO).

European Defence Spending - 2020 Key Findings

EDA’s report, based on data voluntarily provided by Ministries of Defence, also finds that total defence expenditure represented 2.8% of total government expenditure. Additional findings include:

• Of the €44 billion spent on defence investments, 83% or €36 billion were used for equipment procurement and 17% or €8 billion for research and development. The same percentage split as in 2019.
• Procurement of new equipment has benefited most from increased spending with a record €36 billion allocated in 2020, compared to the recent low of €21 billion in 2014.
• A record €2.5 billion was allocated to defence research and technology in 2020. The increase is driven by two Member States – France and Germany – who together provide more than 90% of the increase in R&T.

EDA Chief Executive, Jiří Šedivý said: “The sustained rise in European defence spending is a positive development and 2020’s figures show that the errors of deep defence cuts following the 2007-2008 financial crisis are unlikely to be repeated. I particularly welcome the record €2.5 billion allocated to defence research and technology as a positive sign for the long-term, but equally hope to see more Member States invest in this key domain for European competitiveness and autonomy.

Through EDA’s work on European defence cooperation, I remain convinced that spending better means spending together. Based on the data we received, the downward trend on European collaborative spending is particularly concerning. There are reasons to be optimistic that this trend will be reversed in the years to come as PESCO projects mature, CARD focus areas are taken forward and the European Defence Fund is launched. It is now time for Member States to firmly move European defence collaboration from process to projects.”

Uneven Investment in Defence Research & Technology

In 2020, defence Research and Technology (R&T) spending amounted to €2.5 billion, marking a massive 46% increase compared to 2019 and an EDA recorded high. This brings defence R&T expenditure as a percentage of total defence expenditure above 1% for the first time since 2014.

The trend of running defence projects predominantly nationally rather than collectively also applies to defence R&T. In 2020, Member States spent €143 million on defence R&T projects in cooperation with other EU states, representing 6% of Member States total defence R&T expenditure. This marks the lowest share recorded by EDA since it started collecting data in 2005 and is far below the benchmark of 20%. Uneven R&T investment is also evident here as 6 Member States – Croatia, Estonia, Italy, Poland, Portugal and Spain – do achieve the 20% benchmark, of which 3 spend more than 50% of their defence R&T expenditure with others.

Background

EDA collects defence data on an annual basis, and has done so since 2006, in line with the Agency’s Ministerial Steering Board Decision of November 2005. The Ministries of Defence of the Agency’s 26 Member States provide the data. EDA acts as the custodian of the data and publishes the aggregated figures in its booklets.

All data is collated (“total incorporates 26 EDA Member States”), and it has been rounded. Defence expenditure figures are provided in constant 2020 prices, to take inflation into account and allow for a comparison across years.

• EDA Defence Data Report 2019-2020

 

Americas

Bell Boeing won a $9.3 million contract modification, which exercises an option to procure 68 Conversion Area Harness (CAH) base kits, 53 CAH supplemental kits, two hardware kits and two consumable kits in support of the Marine Corps MV-22 aircraft, the Air Force CV-22 aircraft, the Navy CMV-22 aircraft, and the government of Japan V-22 aircraft. Additionally, this modification provides for electrical wiring interconnect system assessments for the CV-22 fleet 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 South Carolina, Texas and California. Estimated completion date is in January 2026.

Boeing won a $28.5 million deal for F-15 Advanced Display Core Processor II (ADCPII) interim contractor support. The ADCPII provides mission processing for new advanced capabilities such as Eagle Passive/Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS), long-range infrared search and track capability (IRST), high-speed radar communications, and future software suite upgrades. Work will take place ein Missouri and the UK. Estimated completion will be by April 30, 2023.

Middle East & Africa

Egypt revealed details about first of its domestic naval vessels projects for surface combatants and Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) at the EDEX 2021 exhibition in Cairo. According to Egyptian Defense Blog, the First naval vessel is a 60-meter Compact Combatant CC-60 which has a full load displacement of approximately 750 tons. The second one is a PV-43 HRM 43-meter OPV which has a displacement of 270 tons. The vessels are built by Egypt in cooperation with Germany’s Naval Vessels Lurssen (NVL) shipbuilding Group. The latter has opened recently a regional branch in Egypt under the name of NVL Egypt.

The United Arab Emirates has entered into a contract with Dassault Aviation for the acquisition of 80 Rafale F4 fighters on December 3. The deal was signed in the presence of the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, and Sheikh Mohammed ben Zayed Al Nahyane, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Vice-Commander of the Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, signed a historical contract with Tareq Abdul Raheem Al Hosani, CEO of Tawazun Economic Council.

Europe

Rheinmetall announced it is supplying new simulation technology for the German Army’s Combat Training Center. Earlier this year, the Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) awarded Rheinmetall a procurement contract for 440 “Training Device, Duel Simulator (AGDUS), Passive Vehicle” systems. The contract is worth a figure in the upper single-digit million-euro range.

Asia-Pacific

Media reports from India suggest India might scale down its order for the Ka-226T light utility helicopter. Instead, New Delhi will only buy a small number of rotor craft to meet urgent demands. It will instead turn to the HAL Light Utility Helicopter to fulfill its operation needs.

Today’s Video

Watch: F-15EX for the U.S. Air Force

EDA Chief Executive, Jiří Šedivý, visited Croatia this week (2-3 December) for high-level talks with Minister of Defence Mario Banožić, Chief of Defence Vice Admiral Robert Hranj, Defence State Secretary Zdravko Jakop, as well as the country’s national policy, capability, armaments and research directors. Mr Šedivý also met with Political Director Petar Mihatov (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and representatives of Croatian Defence Industry Competitiveness Cluster.

Discussions with Minister Banožić focused on the potential and opportunities for Croatia to grow its engagement with EDA. Mr. Šedivý took the opportunity to further present EDA’s work and projects, with a special focus on the cooperation opportunities identified in the first Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) and the state of play in the PESCO implementation where Croatia is participating in seven projects.  Defence innovation, and EDA’s crucial role in it, were also raised with the minister, following up on the recent debate at EDA’s ministerial Steering Board. Several options for EDA’s future role are currently being discussed, including that of establishing a Defence Innovation Hub within the Agency. The ongoing work on the EU’s Strategic Compass was another agenda point. Mr Mr. Šedivý explained how the Agency contributes to the capability and technology dimensions (Invest chapter) of the Compass while insisting on the need for developing full spectrum, high-end capabilities by using the existing prioritisation and implementation tools such as the CARD, PESCO and the European Defence Fund (EDF).

“I am delighted to have had the opportunity to personally present EDA’s work and role to Croatia. This visit also allowed me to thank Croatia for its continuous support to the Agency and the different EU defence initiatives, including CARD and PESCO, which are crucial for bringing defence cooperation forward. I believe with the challenges that Europe is facing, cooperation remains the best and most effective way of addressing them. There is much potential in defence cooperation and the EDA for Croatia to exploit. I particularly welcome the opportunity to encourage the Croatian authorities to benefit further from collaborative opportunities in defence, especially using the Agency to their full potential”, Mr Šedivý commented.

Croatian Defence Minister Mario Banožić said: “The participation of Croatian companies in projects co-financed by the EDF opens up numerous opportunities. Certain amount of financial resources will need to be invested and this fact should also be considered when planning activities in the coming years. From the very beginning, Croatia has supported the establishment of the European Defence Fund and one of the priorities in the field of defence and security during the Croatian Presidency of the Council of the EU was to support strengthening the competitiveness of the defence industry. Therefore, Croatia supported the initial proposal of 13 billion euros for EDF and also regarding the cooperation - we supported the requirement of having minimum 3 entities from at least three Member States”.

Croatia is involved in several major EDA projects and programmes, such as Military Mobility (under which two technical arrangements for air and surface cross border movement permissions were signed by Croatia on 16 Nov.), the Chemical, Biological, Radiological Nuclear Surveillance as Service (CBRN SaaS) project where a Croatian company (Dok-Ing) is a member of the consortium implementing the project, or the Maritime Surveillance Network (MARSUR) which Croatia joined last year. Yet, the list of opportunities for additional involvement in EDA’s work is long.

The Chief Executive began his trip to Zagreb with a visit to the afore-mentioned Croatian defence company Dok-Ing where he stressed EDA’s industry engagement and the existing opportunities for industry to participate in and benefit from EDA’s activities, especially in the R&T domain.

 

Americas

Aechelon Technology won a $7.8 million order, which provides for the production, delivery and integration of four P8 Advanced Airborne Sensor (AAS) next generation databases on to four AAS Weapons Tactic Trainers. Work will take place in California. Estimated completion date will be in October 2022.

The US Air Force has ordered 15 Silent Arrow Precision Guided Bundle (SA-PGB) for testing. They will be shipped to Pendleton UAS Test Range for flight testing in 2022. The SA-PGB is based on the Silver Arrow’s GD-2000 cargo delivery unmanned air system (UAS). It has been scaled down to deliver a 350-pound payload after being dropped from an aircraft, that could range from the Cessna Caravan to the C-17.

Middle East & Africa

Egypt showcased its first two homegrown drones – Neuth drone and EJune-30 SW. The unveiling took plate at EDEX-2021 exhibition in Cairo. The Neuth drone is named after Egyptian goddess of the sky. It is produced jointly by the Arab Organization for Industrialization and the Military Technical College. Designed for reconnaissance missions, it can reportedly carry up to a 50kg payload. The drone has an endurance of 10 hours and satellite integration capabilities, local media reported.

Europe

Airbus revealed for the first time the upgrade of the Tiger Mk III upgrade it plans to roll out to France, Germany, and Spain. France is expected to finalize a deal for up to 180 H160M helicopters for its army, navy and air force by the end of the year. Beyond that, Airbus expects to sell as many as 400 helicopters through 2030, according to Matthieu Louvot, executive vice president of Airbus Helicopters programs.

Airbus also announced that it expects to finalize the contract to build the Eurodrone in the next couple of months. The Eurodrone is powered by two turboprop engines. The manufacturer of the engines has not yet been revealed. The Eurodrone is set to be huge, with a wingspan of 16 meters (52 feet) and a payload capacity of 2,300 kilograms. Its weight should reach approximately 11 tons when fully armed (against 4 for the Reaper).

Asia-Pacific

A US Air Force F-16 made an emergency landing at Aomori Airport in northeastern Japan on Nov. 30 after the pilot reported experiencing technical issues with the jet. During the emergency landing, the pilot jettisoned two drop tanks, at least one landed near a residential area. The incident forced the airport to shutdown the runway, canceling domestic flights.

Today’s Video

Watch: New Airbus H160 – Top helicopter

Americas

Boeing won an $85 million deal for overhaul of 40 ship-sets for the F-18 landing gear system, which includes a left side and right side main landing gear and nose landing gear assembly in support of the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircrafts. The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is the Navy’s highest priority aviation modernization program. It is replacing Navy F/A-18C/D Hornet combat aircraft. The Growler is a derivative of the two-seat F/A-18 Hornet, the US Navy’s maritime strike aircraft. Its primary missions are are electronic attack (EA) and suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD), particularly at the start and ongoing early stages of hostilities. Work will take place in Canada, Missouri, California and Washington.

Raytheon Technologies won $447.6 million modification, which provides for the procurement of recurring sustainment support activities including maintenance of support equipment, common program activities, unique and common base recurring sustainment, repair of repairables, field service representatives, common replenishment spares, conventional take-off and landing/carrier variant F-135 unique maintenance services, and short take-off and landing F-135 unique services in support of the F-35 Lightning II F135 propulsion system for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Air National Guard, non-Department of Defense (DOD) participants, and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Estimated completion date is in May 2022.

Middle East & Africa

Israel Aerospace Industries or IAI supplied the Israeli Air Force with an innovative air combat training system that enables debriefing of flight training exercises to be completed faster than before. The unique air combat maneuvering instrumentation (ACMI)-based analysis system was upgraded ahead of the Blue Flag 2021 exercise that took place in Israel in October 2021, the largest and most advanced air exercise ever held in the country, with participation from air forces including Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Greece, India, United States and more.

Europe

Saab has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Nammo and Nordic Shelter to support the ongoing GLSDB (Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb) campaign. The new agreement was announced during a signing 23 November 2021 in Oslo, Norway. Nammo will contribute with its expertise in rocket motor development and production as part of the GLSDB propulsion sub-system. Nordic Shelter brings the knowledge and experience needed for the development and production of a modular GLSDB launcher, based on a purpose built 20-foot ISO-container.

Asia-Pacific

The first-ever military exercise involving Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) opened in Indonesia. According to Tass, the ceremony was attended by Russian Ambassador to ASEAN Alexander Ivanov and Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Lyudmila Vorobyeva.

Ajai Shukla from the Business Standard reports that the Philippines is keen to acquire Dhruv helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL). Manila is said to be looking at the maritime variant that is in use with the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. The information first came up in September when HAL published its annual report. In it, the aerospace firm said it had received interest from the Philippines Coast Guard for procurement of 7 ALH and 8 Do-228 aircraft through Government of India Line of Credit.

Today’s Video

Watch: How does the F-35 engine work

Americas

Bell Boeing won a $149.1 million contract modification for performance-based logistics and engineering support for the V-22 platform. This is a firm-fixed-price requirements contract. The V-22 Osprey is a joint-service, medium-lift, multimission tilt-rotor aircraft developed by Boeing and Bell Helicopters. Boeing is responsible for the fuselage, landing gear, avionics, electrical and hydraulic systems, performance and flying qualities. Work will take place in Texas and Pennsylvania. Estimated completion date is November 30, 2022.

Embraer signed a memorandum of understanding with Pratt & Whitney to collaborate on studies of 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Technical teams from the two companies will engage to define an integrated ground and flight test plan for 100% SAF in a GTF-powered Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. The initiative reflects the companies’ commitment to supporting the aviation industry’s environmental goals, including the goal of reaching net zero CO2 emissions for air travel by 2050. Alongside efforts to continually improve aircraft and engine efficiency, SAFs have a critical role to play towards decarbonizing air travel, by reducing dependence on fossil-based fuels.

Middle East & Africa

The US Army announced a contract valued $94 million to Lockheed Martin for technical assistance support for the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missile segment. Patriot (MIM-104) is a long-range, all-altitude, all-weather air defense system to counter tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and advanced aircraft. Work will be performed in Sweden, Kuwait, Poland, South Korea, Romania, United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Orlando, Florida, with an estimated completion date of November 30, 2024.

South Korea and Egypt are negotiating the latter’s purchase of K-9 self-propelled howitzers. The negotiations are under way at the EDEX 2021 exhibition taking place in Cairo, industry officials told Yonhap News Agency. Egypt is also eyeing K-10 ammunition resupply vehicles. These contracts could include a technological transfer for the local production of the artillery system, the officials said.

Europe

General Atomics won a $10.4 million modification for the Netherlands MQ-9 update. MQ-9A Block 5 has endurance of over 27 hours, speeds of 240 KTAS and can operate up to 50,000 feet. It has a 3,850 pound payload capacity that includes 3,000 pounds (1,361 kg) of external stores. Work will take place in California. Estimated completion date is December 31, 2021.

Asia-Pacific

Aero Vodochody and OMNIPOL handed over four overhauled L-39C aircraft to the Kazakh Air Force. The overhaul included an extensive modernization of the avionics. The handing over of the aircraft took place in October, the company said in a recent release.

Today’s Video

Watch: Patriot One Technologies NCS4 Webinar Hints at Huge Potential for PAT Stock / PTOTF Stock

Americas

The Brazilian Air Force achieved a major milestone in the effort to modernize its air combat capability with the beginning of the delivery phase of Saab F-39E Gripen multimission fighters.  The first six series-produced Gripen E aircraft have left the factory to begin the delivery phase. The aircraft were unveiled on Wednesday, November 24 at Saab’s facilities. The aircraft for the Brazilian Air Force will arrive in Brazil by sea at the port of Navegantes in the middle of December.

Boeing won a $212.6 million contract modification for six MH47-G renew rotary wing aircraft and eight spare shipsets in support of US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). The Boeing MH-47G belongs to the family of CH-47 Chinook multi-role heavy lift helicopters. The FY2022 budget request for USSOCOM sees the procurement of an extra MH-47G for $135.48 million, bringing its total aircraft inventory to 68. Work will take place in Ridley Park.

Middle East & Africa

Iran’s Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani claimed that Russia and China have indicated their readiness to hold joint naval maneuvers with Iran. “We have invited different countries to take part in the drills, and Russia and China have so far voiced their readiness to do so,” Irani said. The three countries staged a four-day joint maritime exercise dubbed ‘Marine Security Belt’ in the Indian Ocean and the Sea of Oman area in December 2019.

Europe

Naval Group announced the creation of the Mine CounterMeasures R&D center within its subsidiary, Naval Group Belgium last week. According to the company, the center will work jointly with Belgian partners in a collaborative laboratory called the MCM Lab. Coordinated by Naval Group Belgium, the MCM Lab was launched on November 25 with a first official meeting and the exchange of the signed convention

The French armament procurement agency took delivery of first two new generation landing craft known as EDA-S last week. The craft, Arbalette and Arquebuse, were ordered back in 2019 from the company CNIM for the benefit of the French Navy and the Army. Deliveries of the next twelve EDA-S will run until 2025, the French defense ministry announced. The EDA-S program is part of the renewal of the military’s capabilities included in the 2019-2025 Military Programming Law (LPM) carried by the Ministry of the Armed Forces.

Asia-Pacific

China’s Yunzhou Tech has developed an unmanned high-speed vessel that has achieved a breakthrough in its dynamic cooperative confrontation technology, which could quickly intercept, encircle and expel invasive targets. Compared with manned vessels, ship drones have the advantages of low cost, multiple functions, strong scalability, high mobility and long duration.

Today’s Video

Watch: Brazil Receives Series-production F-39 Gripen Fighters…

Americas

According to Bloomberg News, a Pentagon testing report dated September 28 for the VH-92A Marine One helicopter says the helicopter is not effective for “contingency operation mission,” which means the rotor craft cannot be used during an emergency. For administrative missions, the helicopter is still operational effective, the internal memo said.

The Canadian government informed Boeing that its Super Hornet does not meet the country’s requirements for the fighter competition to replace the F/A-18 legacy Hornet. Three anonymous sources said that the American aerospace company was informed of the decision on November 24.

Middle East & Africa

NATO’s Operation Sea Guardian current task group arrived at the port city of Haifa in northern Israel under a Greek-led flagship for a joint exercise with the Israeli navy. Navyrecognition reported that Hellenic Navy frigate HS Spetsai and Bulgarian Navy frigate Drazki paid a visit to Haifa during their focused patrols in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. For the fourth consecutive year, NATO’s Operation Sea Guardian (OSG) held exercises with the Israeli Navy to develop interoperability and to reinforce its cooperation around maritime security.

Europe

Russia has been testing a fly-by-wire flight control system on the MiG-31, it was disclosed during Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko visit to the Sokol aviation plant. The interceptor will also be getting a new canopy that will allow it to reach higher speeds. The current canopy will start melting at high Mach numbers. The plant will also replace all wiring and rubber parts during the modernization of the fighter.

Croatian Republic placed an order for a dozen Rafale fighters previously operated by the French Air Force to replace its aging MiG-21s. The selection of the Rafale by Croatia was first announced on May 28. Two contracts for the acquisition of Rafales and associated logistics support were signed at a ceremony held on November 25 in Zagreb. The ceremony was attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister of the Croatian Republic Andrej Plenkovi?, French Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly and CEO of Dassault Aviation Eric Trappier.

Asia-Pacific

Turkish Aerospace Industries will hand over the first batch of T-129 Tactical Reconnaissance and Attack Helicopter (ATAK) to the Philippines next month. Manila has six T-129s on order. These rotorcraft were purchased for a total contract price of $270 million from TAI through a government-to-government mode of procurement under Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana signed the contract for the acquisition of the Turkish attack helicopters in July last year.

Today’s Video

Watch: Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 “Fishbed” | SOVIET LEGACY FIGHTER

Croatia's purchase of Rafales aircraft appears to be a hallmark of an important new geopolitical alliance. The strengthened Franco-Croatian cooperation has 6 pillars and is organized by three-year projects

1.) The first pillar deals with strengthening political cooperation and partnership at bilateral and European level.
2.) The second pillar deals with enhanced dialogue and a privileged relationship with South-Eastern Europe.
3.) The third part is devoted to joint cooperation in the environment and international organizations, France's support for Croatia's path to Schengen, the euro zone, the OECD.
4.) The fourth pillar concerns the strengthening of military cooperation, which provides an opportunity to make better use of the funds available within the EU to strengthen military capabilities and the military industry.
5.) The fifth pillar concerns the strategic partnership linked to the strengthening of economic, cultural, scientific and university cooperation.
6.) The sixth part concerns administrative cooperation.

Tag: FranceCroatieRafale

EDA’s project on Prediction Models for the Implementation of Munition Health Management (PREMIUM), launched in May of this year with Italy, Sweden and the Netherlands as participating countries, has gained traction last week with three additional Member States joining: Germany, Poland and Portugal have become full members of the 4-year project which aims to improve Member States’ Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS) based management of munition by developing models for the estimation of remaining life and health status. 

The project is meant to tackle the problem of inadequate models used by Member States to predict the life cycle and functional reliability of  materials used in munitions and missiles, or of newly developed materials. A better assessment and prediction of the materials’ ageing status and process can be achieved through accurate prediction models and corresponding sensors to measure the environment and change of material. 

More concretely, the objectives of the project are to: 

• collect information, develop know-how and predictive models about the health status of munition for an efficient life cycle management;
• develop more reliable ageing models at material (energetic and non-energetic) or component level to customise and integrate them into improved HUMS units;
• harmonise the management approach across Europe and develop in Member States a common method for the surveillance of munitions and missiles.

The project is expected to perform analyses of ammunition life-cycle stored in mainland depots, on board of a ship, a fighter jet and an armoured vehicle, both in Europe and outside in operations. 

The expected military benefits of the project are improved missiles and munitions reliability and safety and reduced costs. 

The project is implemented by a consortium composed by 13 European organisations, namely: MBDA Italy, Italian National Research Council (CNR), The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), The Swedish Defense Research Agency (FOI), BAE Systems Bofors AB, Polish Military Institute of Armament Technology (MIAT), Polish Military University of Technology (MUT), Research Network Łukasiewicz - Institute of Aviation (Ł-IoA), MESKO SA, Portugal LAETA-ADAI, CINAV, CINAMIL and CIAFA.

Background

The PREMIUM Project started in May 2021 and builds upon  previous project called Munition Life Management or MLM (2015-2018), developed by EDA Capability and Technology group on Missiles and Munitions technologies.

MLM aimed to quantify and predict the influence of extreme conditions during Out of Area operations on safe and reliable use of ammunition. The participating Member States exchanged information concerning experiences of logistical and operational use of ammunition in Out of Area operations, on whole-life-assessment (incl. analysis on returned ammunition), data monitoring during storage and operational use, selection or development of models for predicting the environmental impact on safety and reliability.

More information:

• EDA CapTech Ammunition Technologies

Americas

Huntington Ingalls won an $18 million contract modification for the advance planning requirements to support the refueling complex overhaul of the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). The USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) is the eighth Nimitz class aircraft carrier in service with the United States Navy. She was launched on September 7, 1996 by Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, Virginia, and commissioned on July 25, 1998. Work will take place in Virginia. Estimated completion is in November 2022.

Sikorsky won a $31.2 million modification, which exercises an option to provide non-recurring engineering to include, investigation, systems engineering support, risk analysis and integration development in support of the Data Transfer Unit and Defensive Electronic Countermeasure System replacement within the CH-53K Super Stallion production aircraft. The Super Stallion can be fielded from amphibious assault ships for the transportation of personnel and equipment. It will also be used to carry external cargo loads. The aircraft can be operated from austere and remote forward operating bases. Work will take place in Connecticut, Maryland, Iowa, Texas, Florida and Vermont. Estimated completion will be in March 2025.

Middle East & Africa

Boeing won a $16.3 million modification for GOLDesp enterprise resource planning, Delta support equipment sustainment and survival radios sustainment in support of the 36 F-15QA aircraft. Work will be performed in Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, and is expected to be completed by November 30, 2024. Qatar signed a deal to buy 36 F-15QAs in June 2017, and in April 2020 the first jet took its maiden flight.

Europe

PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company will build components and assemblies for the latest generation F-16 Block 70/72 starting next year. This will sustain around 200 jobs, with approximately 60 new jobs being created. This development marks a significant new milestone for PZL Mielec, which was last involved in the production of fighter aircraft in the 1960s, Lockheed Martin said in a release today.

MBDA Germany signed an agreement with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to cooperate in the field of ground-based air defense system. Under the agreement, which was announced on November 24 at the Berlin Security Conference 2021, both companies will explore offering joint solutions in accordance with the needs of the German armed forces.

Asia-Pacific

The Philippine Air Force will have six T129 attack helicopters in the country next month. This was disclosed by Philippine Air Force (PAF) commander Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes. 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.

Today’s Video

Watch: The Philippines to deploy T129 ATAK Helicopter at Trojans

Americas

Rolls-Royce won a $23.3 million deal, which provides for the depot repair of T56-A-427A engines installed on E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft for the Navy. The Allison T56 is a single shaft, modular design military turboprop with a 14-stage axial flow compressor driven by a four-stage turbine. The E-2D is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft. Work will take place in Texas, Canada and Indiana. Estimated completion date is in November 2022.

The MQ-25 has been undergoing ground testing at Naval Station Norfolk as the unmanned aircraft prepares to embark on board an aircraft carrier next month. The MQ-25 Stingray introduces unmanned aerial refueling and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to the air wing that will extend the range, operational capacity and lethality of the Carrier Air Wing and Carrier Strike Group.

Middle East & Africa

Turkey could become the first country to develop an aircraft carrier specifically designed for drones. “We see that the concept of an aircraft carrier is starting to change as Turkey also brought about a new concept of an ‘unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) aircraft carrier’– that has attracted global attention,” Ismail Demir, head of the Presidency of Defense Industries,  told media.

Europe

Italy’s Air Force Chief of Staff told members of parliamentary defense committees that Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and Tempest fighter programs will have to merge into one project eventually. “But it is natural that these two realities will merge into one because investing huge financial resources in two equivalent programs is unthinkable,” Gen. Luca Goretti was quoted as saying. He also explained that Italy joined the Tempest program as it offers a larger share of work compared to the FCAS.

Asia-Pacific

Science Applications International Corp. won a $123.7 million contract for the production of MK 48 Mod 7 heavyweight afterbody/tailcones and warshot fuel tank torpedo equipment and support. The MK 48 heavyweight torpedo is equipped with advanced commercial-off-the-shelf technologies to provide superior reliability and performance against challenging threats in both littoral and blue water environments, and can support multi-band operation. Work will take place in Indiana and Rhode Island. Expected completion date is in July 2025.

South Korea’s National Defense Committee has cut back next year’s defense budget by $375 million. The budget of $12 million for the program to buy new attack helicopters was crossed out. It was reported in April that the defense project promotion committee has approved the purchase of around 36 attack helicopters. The committee also cut $279 million from the budget to buy more airborne early warning aircraft. The project to upgrade the F-35A lost $16.9 million in funding.

Today’s Video

Watch: Turkey could become the first country to develop an aircraft carrier specifically designed for drone

An improved, upgraded 2.0 version of EDA’s ‘IdentiFunding’ tool, an online platform that enables defence-related stakeholders (Ministries of Defence, institutes, industry, research-and-technology organisations, etc.) to easily and swiftly check if their defence-related projects and activities are eligible for existing EU funding schemes, has just been made available on the Agency’s website.

The tool is available since 2019 and was run under its 1.0 version until the end of 2020 by when it had been used by several hundreds of defence stakeholders. It then underwent the required technical maintenance work and is now back online in an enhanced, user-friendly 2.0 version on eda.europa.eu/eufunding.

Covering the EU’s multiannual budget (2021-2027)

The revised tool covers the full EU multiannual budgetary framework 2021-2027, including its related funding programmes. It encompasses 25 funding windows potentially accessible to defence actors, under the European Defence Fund (EDF), the Space Programme, Digital Europe, the Structural Funds, InvestEU, the Connecting Europe Facility (namely the Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research - SESAR - and the European Military Mobility windows), European Investment Bank (EIB) loans, Horizon Europe and many other funding schemes, including programmes supporting the EU Green Deal (for e.g. energy, environmental and circular economy projects in defence).

‘IdentFunding’ is free-of-charge and allows to easily identify, in a confidential and in tailored manner, which funding sources at European level may be eligible for defence-related project ideas and activities.

Try it yourself at eda.europa.eu/eufunding

For further questions: identifunding@eda.europa.eu

 

Americas

Lockheed Martin won a $114.6 million modification to exercise an option for AEGIS Combat System Engineering Agent efforts for the design, development, integration, test and delivery of Advanced Capability Build 20. The Aegis Combat System is the Navy’s most modern surface combat system. It was designed as a complete system: the missile launching element, the computer programs, the radar and the displays are fully integrated to work together. This makes the Aegis system the first fully integrated combat system built to defend against advanced air and surface threats. The word “aegis” comes to use from classical mythology.  Aegis is the name of the shield of the sky god and war goddess of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Work will take place in New Jersey. Expected completion will be by December 2022.

Jo-Kell won a maximum $11.1 million deal for UH-60A helicopter special purpose electrical cable assembly spare parts. The UH-60 is a twin-engined medium-lift utility helicopter. It is  the US Army’s primary medium-lift utility transport and air assault aircraft. The UH-60A was designed to carry 11 combat troops in addition to a crew of three.Work will take place in Virginia. Estimated completion date is November 29, 2026.

Middle East & Africa

The Moroccan military has acquired the Skylock Dome System from Israel to bolster its defense capabilities against enemy drones. Developed by Skylock Systems, the weapon can detect, verify, and neutralize unauthorized drones. It will reportedly be used to protect the country’s critical civilian and military facilities.

Europe

The French Navy has commissioned the first FREMM-DA multi-mission frigate with enhanced air defense capability, Alsace. Alsace was handed over to the Navy by French shipbuilder Naval Group in April. It is the first of the two air defense frigates with enhanced air defense capability and the seventh FREMM multi-missions frigate ordered by OCCAr for the French defense procurement agency.

Russia will finish state trials of T-14 Armata tank next year. “The annual Army arms show features the T-14 tank, the T-15 infantry fighting vehicle and the T-16 armored repair and evacuation vehicle being developed under the Armata project. This year, it has entered its final stage. The tank’s state trials are due to be completed in 2022,” acting Chief of the Defense Ministry’s Main Automotive and Armor Department Major-General Alexander Shestakov was quoted by the Defense Ministry’s newspaper on November 22.

Asia-Pacific

Australia formally started a programme to equip its navy with nuclear-powered submarines in a new defense alliance with the UK and the US. It is the first agreement on the technology to be publicly signed since the three countries announced in September the formation of a defense alliance, AUKUS, to confront strategic tensions in the Pacific where China-US rivalry is growing.

Today’s Video

Watch: Onboard the FREMM DA Alsace, first multimissions frigate with enhanced air defence capability

More than 170 experts from 30 European countries and different institutions and organisations participate in the 3rd Conference of the third phase of the Consultation Forum for Sustainable Energy in the Defence and Security Sector (CF SEDSS III) which opened today.

 The two-day online event (23-24 November), held under the auspices of the Slovenian EU Presidency and hosted by the Slovenian Ministry of Defence (MoD), will review and discuss the Energy Consultation Forum’s ongoing work (now in Phase III) to support the EU Member States' Ministries of Defence and partners in embracing sustainable energy models. The Conference will, in particular, showcase how the Forum, the largest European defence energy community, promotes innovative clean technologies, such as hydrogen, to help the defence sector in its energy transition. At the same time, the Consultation Forum also serves as the gateway for the defence community to identify and access EU funding opportunities for energy-related topics. Through the Forum, Ministries of Defence also share knowledge and national best practices in the defence energy and climate-related fields. During the Conference, participants are also updated on the latest developments regarding the EU’s objective to reach climate neutrality by 2050 and the progress made in implementing the EU's Climate Change and Defence Roadmap.

Defence needs to transition to become resilient

 The Conference was opened with speeches by Uroš Lampret, State Secretary of the Republic of Slovenia, Jiří Šedivý, EDA Chief Executive, and Jerneja Jug Jerše, Head of the European Commission Representation in Slovenia. Bart Biebuyck, Executive Director of the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU), gave a keynote speech.

In his intervention, Mr Lampret highlighted that Slovenia actively supports the EU's efforts to increase the sustainability of the energy sector. Particularly, the Slovenian MoD focuses on sustainable mobility projects and investments, energy rebuilding of infrastructure capabilities, and environmental protection. He emphasised that the Ministry recognises "hydrogen as an alternate fuel and energy carrier in the defence sector that will multiply the national efforts to decrease fossil fuel dependency". He also stressed that "it is important to raise awareness in the defence sector to adapt to climate change effects without compromising the effectiveness of armed forces". In this context, he noted that the "EU defence sector would not have such important impact on energy efficiency overall without EDA activities".

In his speech, Mr Šedivý highlighted some important international events, such as COP26 in Glasgow, which show "a high political momentum for energy and climate" and underlined that climate change significantly impacts our society and also "presents a risk for defence infrastructure and capabilities and the operational effectiveness of our armed forces." Mr Šedivý also stressed that "defence needs to transition to ensure resilience and avoid becoming obsolete", and move away from reliance on fossil fuels and outdated technologies and equipment. He provided examples of how EDA helps MoDs improve their energy sustainability and concluded that EDA would continue supporting the MoDs work and act as their "green ambassador". He called on MoDs to actively participate in helping EDA identify gaps "and address them through collaboration, share the word, and multiply our common success."

Ms Jug Jerše focused on the security of energy supplies, clean energy transition, and energy efficiency as the cornerstones of the EU’s energy policy. A fair and just transition towards a more sustainable energy system has been “the central issue of the recent COP26 Glasgow conference”, which “achieved some remarkable results” considering the complexity of negotiations. Ms Jug Jerše stressed the importance of the European Green Deal and the recently proposed Fit for 55 package, featuring a number of legislative initiatives where the public sector, and the defence and security sector as part of it, will play an important role. “We are advancing in the process of transforming both the energy and the defence sectors in Europe” and “we are encouraged by the increased public perception of the nexus between the two.”

Bart Biebuyck, in his keynote speech, said: “As a number of hydrogen and fuel cells technologies are entering the industrialisation stage, Europe is now ready to accelerate the deployment of solutions across different applications. Over the last years, we have been in close contact with colleagues at the European Defence Agency and Ministries of Defence across Europe to raise awareness of the potential of FCH technologies for decarbonising civil applications within the defence sector. We hope to continue with this successful collaboration in our oncoming partnership and to extend it to the wider FCH community”.

Next Conference in 2022

 The 4th CF SEDSS III Conference and 1st back-to-back CF SEDSS III Energy Technology Solutions Conference is scheduled to take place in Grenoble, France, on 8-10 November 2022 under the auspices of the French EU Presidency and hosted by the Ministry of Armed Forces of France and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA).

About the CF SEDSS

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

More information:

• CF SEDSS website
• Energy Defence Consultation Forum gains momentum (europa.eu)
• First High-Level Joint Defence and Energy Meeting (europa.eu)
• Energy Defence Consultation Forum gains momentum (europa.eu)
• First Energy Consultation Forum project to receive EU funding

 

 

 

Americas

Sikorsky Aircraft won a $21.2 million contract modification, which increases scope and provides aircraft maintenance in support of the CH-53K data transfer unit and defensive electronic countermeasure system replacement phase three flight test. The CH-53K will replace the CH-53E, and its job with the Marines will include moving heavy equipment and supplies from ship-to-shore in support of amphibious assault and subsequent operations ashore, as well as lifting troops. Work will take place in Maryland, Florida and Virginia. Estimated completion is in June 2022.

Lockheed Martin won a $584.8, which adds scope to provide system integration engineering for the development of new ASQ-239 electronic warfare/counter measure hardware in support of the F-35 aircraft for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, and non-US Department of Defense participants. The ASQ-239 system can provide fully integrated radar warning, targeting support, and self-protection capabilities that will enable pilots to engage, counter, jam, or evade threats to improve survivability and mission effectiveness. Work will take place in New Hampshire, Texas, Maryland and the UK. Estimated completion is in April 2026.

Middle East & Africa

During an exercise in Qatar, Qatari Rafale jets have conducted air-to-air refuelling sorties with a British Voyager tanker. It is the first time for the British Air Force to conduct AAR with the Qatar Emiri Air Force. The Voyager Tanker that refuelled the Rafale fighter jets of QEAF during the exercise is from the RAF’s 83 Expeditionary Air Group (EAG).

Europe

Navantia Shipyard started the diesel engine of S-81 Isaac Peral submarine being built for the Spanish Navy. Isaac Peral is the first S-80 submarine. It successfully passed the safety milestone of starting its diesel engines, which is part of its port testing process, Navantia said in a statement. The S-80 program follows a regulated Systems Engineering process, by means of which it is necessary to pass a series of technical reviews or quality doors in which it must be demonstrated that the submarine is ripe to move on to the next phase.

Asia-Pacific

Japan will proceed with a plan to launch three small satellites into space by this decade for the detection of hypersonic glide vehicle. The government is expected to spend $525 million to send these satellites into space. They are expected to orbit around 400 km above the ground and each satellite weighs between 100 to 500 kg.

The Indian Navy commissioned the first Project 15B stealth guided-missile destroyer, INS Vishakhapatnam, on November 21. In 2011, the government sanctioned four 15B ships at the cost of $4.4 billion. Visakhapatnam has been constructed using indigenous steel DMR 249A and is amongst the largest destroyers constructed in India with an overall length of 163m and displacement of over 7400 tons.

Today’s Video

Watch: Electronic warfare for the F-35