Defense`s Feeds

Americas

The US Air Force (USAF) has told Congress it could use additional dollars for more F-35 Lightning II fighters, hypersonic weapons testing, and munitions if the funds are available in fiscal year (FY) 2023, according to the service’s unfunded priority list. The service said it could use an additional $921 million to buy seven more Lockheed Martin F-35A conventional variant fighters to add to its official request for 33 fighters.

Balfour Beatty Construction LLC won a $697.8 million deal or design and construction of East Campus Building #4 and a 1,186,000 square-foot parking structure at Fort Meade. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed at Fort Meade, Maryland, with an estimated completion date of April 13, 2026.

Middle East & Africa

Turkey has equipped its Anka unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) with a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) to detect naval mines. Turkey is concern over mines that have been found recently in the Black Sea. These mines were deployed after Russia attacked Ukraine. So far three naval mines have been found and defused by the Turkish military.

The US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Nigeria of AH-1Z Attack Helicopter Related FMS Acquisitions and related equipment for an estimated cost of $997 million. The Government of Nigeria has requested to buy twelve AH-1Z Attack Helicopters; twenty-eight (28) T-700 GE 401C engines (24 installed, 4 spares); and two thousand (2,000) Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) guidance sections. Also included is Night Vision Cueing Display (NVCD); commercial variant GPS with Standard Positioning Service (SPS); communication equipment; electronic warfare systems; AN/AVS-9 Aviator’s Night Vision Imaging System; M197 20mm machine gun; Target Sight System (TSS); support equipment; spare engine containers; spare and repair parts; tools and test equipment; technical data and publications; personnel training and training equipment; Mission Planning system; US Government and contractor engineering; technical, and logistics support services; US Government and contractor assistance and oversight of facilities construction to include the provisioning of plans, drawings and specifications; $25M of case funds will be allocated for institutional and technical assistance to the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to continue Air Ground Integration (AGI) program, which includes developing targeting processes that are legally compliant with International Humanitarian Law and the Laws of Armed Conflict; and other related elements of logistics and program support.

Europe

Visiting Italian defense minister Lorenzo Guerini told his Japanese counterpart Nobuo Kishi that Italy is interested in the development of Japan’s next generation F-X fighter program. Both sides have signed an accord on the transfer of defense equipment and technology back in 2017.

Asia-Pacific

Defense News has obtained a spreadsheet detailing the backlogged equipment, which includes Taiwan’s $8 billion purchase of 66 F-16 fighter jets as well as $620 million to replace expiring components of its Patriot missile system. Pandemic-related acquisition issues have sparked a backlog in the US delivering $14.2 billion worth of military equipment to Taiwan that the island has purchased since 2019.

Today’s Video

WATCH: F-X Japanese 6th Generation Fighter Jet

I was back on the Blog Talk Radio show Midrats this week, talking about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Russia’s strategy, what might happen next, and consequences for Russia’s domestic politics. The recording is now available on the show’s website. The show description is as follows:

Episode 621: Russian Military SITREP with Dr. Dmitry Gorenburg

For over 11-years, once a year or so today’s guest has joined us on Midrats to discuss the latest military and national security developments with Russia.

With the war waging in Ukraine and in the process of transitioning to a new phase, there couldn’t be a better time to hear from Dr. Dmitry Gorenburg who will be with us for the full hour in a wide ranging discussion about the buildup to war, and the important takeaways so far.

Americas

Lockheed Martin won a $13 million contract modification under the previously awarded Aegis Weapon Systems contract HQ085121C0002. This in scope modification increases the ceiling on Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) 0012. This CLIN and contract modification will be incrementally funded at time of award. Work will take place in New Jersey. Estimated completion is October 31, 2022.

Boeing won a $10.8 million modification, which exercises options to procure 359 Primary Bleed Air Pressure Regulator (PBAR) valves in support of the Environmental Control System PBAR and Shut Off Valve Improvement modifications to the F/A-18 E/F and EA-18G aircraft. Work will take place in Connecticut, California and Missouri. Estimated completion date is in June 2024.

Middle East & Africa

Israeli company BIRD Aerosystems announced it was chosen by the Israeli Ministry of Defense (MOD) through MAFAT – the Defense Ministry’s Directorate of Research and Development, to demonstrate a prototype of a new defense system that will protect ground troops and high-value assets against various kinds of threats and missiles, including anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM).

American International Contractors, Inc. has secured a $26 million contract to build an F-16 maintenance hangar for the Egyptian Air Force at Marsa Matrouh Air Base. With a space of 6,608 square meters, the hangar can service four F-16s at the same time.

Europe

The Royal Navy has pushed two different drone designs ‘to their limits’ in order to see how much utility they might have for front-line operations.  The Malloy Aeronautics T-600 quadcopter and Windracers Autonomous Systems’ Ultra drone “proved their abilities to carry heavy payloads of 100kg over long distance and more than 250kg over a shorter distance”.

Asia-Pacific

China has delivered anti-aircraft missile systems to Serbia as part of a deal, which the European nation signed with China that also included drones. Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters Monday the delivery was part of the two countries’ annual cooperation plan, does not target any third parties and “has nothing to do with the current situation.”

Today’s Video

WATCH: Ballistic Missile Defense System AEGIS How it Works

Americas

Leidos won a $12.5 million contract modification for the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory Autonomous Littoral Connector (ALC) project. The ALC project integrates autonomy onto connectors (vessels) to deliver equipment, fuel or supplies from ship-to-shore and throughout the littoral environment; improves autonomous beaching, well deck ops, payload integration; conducts an Amphibious Assault Direction System spiral; and adds autonomous navigation to multiple vessels. This modification provides for the execution of Option 7, Contract Line Item Number 0015, for an additional vessel (AV) and design, build and test of AV #1. Work will take place in Virginia and is expected to be completed by April 10, 2026.

The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) has received Lockheed’s submission for the endurance record in the Group 2 (5 to <25-kilogram) category. The company says the flight was possible due to the installation of an external, wing-mounted fuel tank.

Middle East & Africa

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. released its financial results for the 2021 fiscal year as was approved by the company’s Board of Directors, with a total of $3.075 billion in sales, and a net profit of $133 million. In 2021, Rafael registered over 4.7 billion dollars in orders, and its order backlog was 7.1 billion dollars, equivalent to 2.5 years of sales activity. For the first time, Rafael incorporated the financial reports of its subsidiaries Aeronautics and Controp.

Europe

Slovakia’s Prime Minister Eduard Heger says his country is willing to donate its MiG-29s to Ukraine if an arrangement can be made to secure the country’s own airspace. Currently, the country has placed orders for the F-16s but they are not being delivered until 2024. Slovakia recently donated its S-300P air defense missile system to Ukraine.

Asia-Pacific

South Korea says it will send its first locally-developed spy satellite into space orbit next year using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. There will be a total of four 800kg satellites which will be equipped with infrared sensors or synthetic aperture radars.

The Australian Department of Defense is to fast-track the acquisition of the latest-variant Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA) Naval Strike Missile (NSM) Block 1A to replace the in-service RGM-84 Harpoon Block II anti-ship missile on the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) Anzac-class frigates and Hobart-class destroyers.

Today’s Video

WATCH: F 16 vs MiG 29 – Which would win?

MiG-29SMT
(click to view full)

RIA Novosti reports that Russia is buying another 16 MiG-29SMT multi-role fighters, in order to help keep MiG-related technical expertise and infrastructure active until 2016. In August 2013, Russia’s VVS was forced to postpone its planned $1.1 billion MiG-35 buy from state-owned United Aircraft Corp. The new fighter just wasn’t ready, but MiG is a bit squeezed these days. Its main sources of work include carrier-based MiG-29K orders from Russian naval aviation (AVFR) and India, and ongoing upgrades to India’s land-based MiG-29 fleet. Other potential customers could add new orders, including a likely Serbian buy, but Russia needs more fighters, and UAC needs more certainty.

The MiG-29SMT is fully multi-role, unlike early MiG-29 models, and carries extra fuel in an expanded spine. The most prominent differences between it and the MiG-35 are the latter’s addition of an AESA radar, and in-flight thrust vectoring. Sources: RIA Novosti, “Russian Military to Buy 16 MiG-29SMT Fighter Jets – Report” and “MiG-35 Deal Delayed Amid Defense Industry Problems – Minister” | InSerbia, “Serbia to get “invisible” MiG 29M2 soon” | UAC, MiG-29SMT and MiG-35.

Updates

April 13/22: Slovakia To Ukraine Slovakia’s Prime Minister Eduard Heger says his country is willing to donate its MiG-29s to Ukraine if an arrangement can be made to secure the country’s own airspace. Currently, the country has placed orders for the F-16s but they are not being delivered until 2024. Slovakia recently donated its S-300P air defense missile system to Ukraine.

January 7/16: Russia has taken delivery of sixteen new MiG-29SMT multi-role fighters completing a 2014 order of the aircraft. The jets were delivered to the Astrakhan-Privolzhskiy airbase and it is believed that the order was split between fourteen MiG-29SMT fighters and two MiG-29UB trainers. The order was put in place as a stop gap measure to fill demand while Russia awaits the completion of the development of the MiG-35, but the program has been hampered by delays and not expected to enter service until 2018.

EDA today issued a call for applications from parties interested in participating in the ‘EDA Defence Innovation Prize 2022’ which, in close cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA), is dedicated this year to the following topic: Space-based surveillance and reconnaissance defence technologies (space domain) focusing on debris and artificial orbiting objects. 

Applicants are called to submit stimulating innovative solutions & technologies on Space-based surveillance and reconnaissance defence technologies (space domain) focusing on debris, artificial orbiting objects, and man-made objects with unexpected behaviour. The topic was chosen against the background of an increasingly crowded space environment which makes it necessary for military users to address the issue of identifying and tracking debris and man-made objects in all orbital regions. In this context, satellite operators - including military ones – are urgently looking for collision avoidance tools and solutions to support their decision-making for dedicated manoeuvres.

The proposed technologies and innovative solutions are thus expected to focus on:

• Enhanced Space Traffic Management (STM) capabilities for military purposes and dual-use, for instance: tracking in all orbital regions for orbit refinement; safe deorbiting and rapid manoeuvring of military satellites; predicting and avoiding potential collisions, among others.
• Awareness and tracking of debris and artificial objects, for instance: tracking in all orbit regions for natural and artificial objects; tracking and identifying of objects and threats in space; enhanced ability to maintain real-time awareness of the space domain; space debris detection and tracking through satellite grids; detection of very small LEO debris; space-based telescopes and radars, among others.

The winning idea/concept will be awarded 30,000€.

For the evaluation of ideas, ESA’s Space Debris Office will provide its expertise on space debris environment modelling, technologies for observation and mitigating space debris, as well as from its experience in collision avoidance for ESA’s missions.

How to apply?

The deadline for submitting applications is 9 September 2022.

The contest rules and application criteria/details can be found here, (plus the annexes to the call for applications here).

The prize will be handed over during the 2022 EDA Annual Conference in Brussels later this year.

Submitted innovations must be the applicants’ own intellectual property. However, submissions may include improvements of already existing ideas, new combinations or adaptations of them applicable in a different context. The applicants must demonstrate the innovative added value of their ideas, compared to what exists already. Proposals must be innovative, implementable through a collaborative project and financially affordable in terms of future development and exploitation.

Who can apply?

The contest is especially (but not exclusively) aimed at non-traditional defence industries (civil or dual-use producers) and researchers as they play a growing role in inventing and creating the disruptive capabilities that Member States’ Armed Forces will need tomorrow. The contest also provides a good opportunity for small and medium sized enterprises, research organisations and universities involved in defence R&D activities to demonstrate their know-how, maximize dual-use synergies and create partnerships with key players in the defence field.

Background

Since 2018, the Agency organises the 'EDA Defence Innovation Prize' which rewards companies and research entities who come up with ground-breaking technologies, products, processes, or services applicable in the defence domain. The contest aims to stimulate defence innovation in Europe and provide non-traditional defence stakeholders (civil industries, SMEs, research organisations, universities, etc.) with an opportunity to showcase their know-how in domains relevant for defence.

 

More information

• Call for applications
• Annexes to call for applications
• Rules and application criteria/details
• EDA Defence Innovation Prize Work Programme 2022
• EDA Defence Innovation Prize webpage
• 2021 EDA Defence Innovation Prize Winners

Americas

Lockheed Martin won a $74 million contract modification for the production of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) ground equipment to support the US government.  Under this contract modification, Lockheed Martin will provide six launchers, THAAD Fire Control and Communication (TFCC), and associated Peculiar Support Equipment (PSE) under firm-fixed-price and fixed-price incentive (firm target) contract line items.  The THAAD terminal (formerly theatre) high-altitude area defense missile system is an easily transportable defensive weapon system to protect against hostile incoming threats, such as tactical and theatre ballistic missiles, at ranges of 200km and altitudes of up to 150km.

The US State Department approved a possible $73 million Foreign Military Salt to Argentina  of T-6 Aircraft Sustainment and related equipment. The equipment will improve airframe and avionics improvement for reliability and integration of training munitions and external fuel tanks; aircraft and engine support equipment, components, consumables, spare parts and repair/return; publications and technical documentation; heavy maintenance support; other U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistical support services, and related elements of program support.

Middle East & Africa

Israel and Middle Eastern allies are reportedly working to develop a joint defense system to shield their territories against Iranian missiles and drones. The joint airborne defense agreement comes in the wake of normalisation agreements between Israel and Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

Europe

The UK has taken command of NATO’s air policing mission in Romania. RAF Typhoons, along with their pilots and ground crew, will lead the Enhanced Air Policing mission for the fourth time since it began in 2014 – following Russia’s annexation of Crimea. The UK is taking over from Italy at a time of massive tension across NATO’s eastern flank due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper reports that Germany has almost exhausted its ability to supply Ukraine with weapons from its army reserves, but is working on direct deliveries from the arms industry. “For deliveries coming from the Bundeswehr’s stocks, I have to say honestly that we have reached a limit”, Defense Minister Christine Lamprecht said in an interview.
Asia-Pacific

The Indian Air Force has completed its inquiry into the accidental firing of a BrahMos supersonic cruise missile into Pakistan on March 9. The findings by the Court of Inquiry (CoI) is now under legal vetting before they are submitted to the government.

Today’s Video

WATCH: THAAD Missile Test • Terminal High Altitude Area Defense

Americas

Lockheed Martin won a $261.4 million contract modification, which increases scope for the procurement of long lead-time materials, parts, components, and efforts for the production of nine Lot 17 F-35C aircraft for the Navy, 13 Lot 17 F-35A aircraft and two Lot 17 F-35B aircraft for non-US Department of Defense participants. Work will take place in Texas, California, Maryland and Japan. Estimated completion is in May 2026.

Boeing won a $55.5 million deal in support of the KC-46 program. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 US Code 2304 (c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. Boeing will deliver the entire KC-46 tanker fleet by 2027. The programme is expected to generate more than 50,000 jobs and will involve about 800 suppliers. Work under the current deal will be performed in. Missouri. Estimated completion date is April 6, 2025.

Middle East & Africa

Israel Weapon Industry (IWI), a worldwide producer of combat-proven small arms for governments, armies, and law enforcement agencies around the world, announced the launch of the Ace Sniper SA Rifle. Based on the platform of the known Galil-Ace, the semi-automatic rifle with its advanced ergonomics design provides the user with the greatest accuracy and rapid engagement, even in harsh environmental and weather conditions. The innovative rifle empowers sniper proficiency in accurate long-distance firing, while its semi-automatic capability enables multi-target acquisition and fast shooting towards multiple targets.

Europe

Slovakia has donated its S-300 air defense system to Ukraine to help it defend against Russia’s aggression, Slovakia Prime Minister Eduard Heger said Friday. Ukraine has appealed to Western nations for air defense equipment to help repel a Russian military onslaught that is now in its second month.

Asia-Pacific

The first batch of Indian Navy aircrew selected to fly the MH-60R have completed their training. The aircraft is expected to return home to India as early as next month. The MH 60R helicopters will provide the Indian Navy enhanced offensive role including Anti-submarine Warfare, Anti-ship Strike, specialised maritime operations as well as Search and Rescue operations.

The Philippine Marine Corps on April 3 activated the new Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile (SBASM) Battalion at Fort Bonifacio. The new unit will be operating the BrahMos supersonic anti-ship missile and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of BrahMos attended the ceremony along with the commander of the US 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment.

Today’s Video

WATCH: S-300 live-fire drills

Americas

The US Air Force’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron has started to paint their WC-130J Hurricane Hunters back to the original shiny gray paint scheme and the first repainted aircraft returned back to Keesler Air Force Base on April 5. “Prior to 2007, the squadron’s aircraft all had glossy gray paint, which was used on weather reconnaissance aircraft, primarily for its durability, longevity, and efficiency,” said Lt. Col. Erik Olson, 53rd WRS director of operations.

Martin Defense Group LLC won a $15 million deal for the development of an Amphibious Vehicle for Unmanned Surface Mobility (AVUSM). This contract provides for technology development and maturation with the objective of transitioning the technology /capability to Navy and/or Marine Corps acquisition programs. The AVUSM system provides the capability of autonomously delivering a lay-flat fuel line hose from a floating embarkment platform, through the surf-zone, to above a high water mark line for fuel delivery in support of Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations. This is also known as a Reach-to-the-Beach capability. Work will take place in Hawaii and estimated completion date is April 5, 2025.

Middle East & Africa

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is partnering up with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to convert 767 airliners into airborne refueling tankers in India. Both parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for this endeavor, HAL said in a statement. The Indian Air Force has a long-standing requirement for new aerial refueling tankers and the Indian government stated that it prefers to procure defense equipment locally.

Europe

According to the Austrian newspaper Der Standard, Swedish company Saab is offering its Gripen to Austria through its subsidiary Saab Aeronautics Austria. Austria is currently relying on 15 Eurofighters, which were delivered after a questionable deal at the request of the Social Democratic Party in 2017 without the essential elements of self-defense, night operation capability and long-range weapons. Retrofitting the Eurofighter from tranche one as well as the procurement of spare parts is considered to be extremely expensive, because relevant components are no longer produced for the aircraft of this first series. Enter Saab, which is offering a Gripen solution to the Austrian Army. The company is reportedly betting on a government-to-government deal.

UK Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) has awarded Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) a $28 million contract to design and build a new satellite under project MINERVA, DE&S announced on April 4. The 150kg satellite will be based on SSTL’s Carbonite+ platform and delivered under the three-year build programme.

Asia-Pacific

Two Boeing Super Hornets are set to arrive at INS Hansa, India in the middle of next month to conduct shore-based ski jump testing. According to local news reports, the date is set to be May 21 provided the fighter jets can secure midair refueling services to make the trip.

Today’s Video

WATCH: Saab JAS 39 Gripen Multirole Fighter

Americas

Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States are cooperating on hypersonic weapons and electronic warfare capabilities. This was announced by the leaders of the three countries have said. The move comes amid growing concern by the US and allies about China’s growing military assertiveness in the Pacific. US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the plan after holding a check-in on the progress of AUKUS, the Indo-Pacific alliance that was launched by the three countries in September.

The United States’ next-generation land-based intercontinental ballistic missile system (ICBM) has been designated as the LGM-35A Sentinel. It will replace the aging Minuteman III missiles. The new weapon will incorporate low-risk, technically mature components that allow it to have a modular design that can incorporate new technologies as it operates into the 2070s.

Middle East & Africa

According to Jane’s, the US 5th Fleet has transferred the Cyclone class patrol ships it recently retired to Bahrain. The Bahrain Defense Force reportedly identified the ships as RBNS Al-Gurairiyah, RBNS Al-Sakhir, RBNS Al-Farooq, RBNS Jenan, and RBNS Damsah.

Europe

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) supplied the Czech Republic with the first air defense Multi-Mission Radar (MMR). This is part of a deal signed in December 2019 by the Ministries of Defense of both the Czech Republic and Israel. The radar, which is operational and combat-proven in Israel, provides both surveillance and defense capabilities to customers around the world, and is integrative with NATO systems. The radar detects and classifies threats, and supplies weapons systems with the data necessary to neutralize a number of those threats simultaneously. Thanks to the system’s advanced tracking capabilities, the radar provides situational awareness which is both precise and reliable, and includes the detection and identification of targets having low signatures.

Asia-Pacific

Jane’s reports that Indonesia plans to reverse engineer the Chinese C-705 anti-ship missile and a local consortium has been established to carry out the project. Aerospace company PT Dirgantara Indonesia, defense electronics enterprise PT Len, explosives manufacturer PT Dahana, and heavy vehicles and ammunition producer PT Pindad will be led by Directorate for Technology and Defense Industry from the Ministry of Defense.

The US State Department has approved the potential sale to Taiwan of equipment, training and other items to support the Patriot Air Defense System in a deal valued at up to $95 million, the Pentagon said. Chinese-claimed Taiwan has complained of increased military pressure by Beijing to try and force the democratically ruled island to accept its sovereignty. The package would include training, planning, fielding, deployment, operation, maintenance and sustainment of the Patriot Air Defense System and associated equipment, the Pentagon said, in a notification to Congress.

Today’s Video

WATCH: The Logic Behind the Patriot Missile System

Americas

Raytheon has proven that its High Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS) can pair with the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) to defeat drones. During a demonstration at White Sands, the NASAMS Fire Distribution Center provided cues to the HELWS which then track, identify and quickly take down drones using its electro-optical/infrared sensors. Nine Group 1 and Group 2 drones were taken down in the demonstration.

Northrop Grumman won a $65.3 million contract modification, which exercises options to provide continued operation, logistics and sustainment engineering support, to include training, supply chain and spares management for Global Hawk peculiar items, peculiar support equipment, and technical publications in support of ensuring the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Demonstrator (BAMS-D) aircraft are mission-capable for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Work will take place in Maryland, California and is expected to be completed in April 2023.

Middle East & Africa

Israel and the United Arab Emirates have completed negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement. The issue was discussed by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed at their meeting in Abu Dhabi last December, at which it was agreed to accelerate the contacts ahead of the signing, and at their meeting in Egypt last week, at which the leaders agreed to complete the agreement within days.

Europe

British ship HMS Prince of Wales and frigate HMS Richmond joined Exercise Northern Viking 22. Viking 22 is an exercise practising the defense of the sea routes around Iceland. Among the countries participating in this exercise, which started on April 2, include France, Germany, Iceland, Norway, Portugal, the UK and the US. Their combined forces bring several capabilities to the exercise across the air, land and at-sea domains. HMS Prince of Wales has spent much of the past month taking part in Exercise Cold Response in the Arctic.

The US government cleared a potential Foreign Military Sale package for 8 F-16C/D fighters worth up to $1.673 billion to Bulgaria. Transmittal No 22-14 says the package is for four F-16Cs and four F-16Ds. They will be powered by F100-GE-129D engines which Bulgaria is buying 11 with three being spares.

Asia-Pacific

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), together with India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), successfully completed a series of trials that resulted in four successful interceptions  by the jointly-developed MRSAM Air and Missile Defense System. The interceptions were carried out in an operational setting against various scenarios, at different interception ranges, interception heights and challenging angles. The systems were operated by India’s Air Force and Navy, alongside DRDO and IAI engineers.

Today’s Video

WATCH: TThis is the $220 Million US Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk Spy Plane

Over 30 experts from across Europe met on 1 April for a workshop organised under the EDA-managed Incubation Forum for Circular Economy in European Defence (IF CEED) to discuss the crucial question of green procurement potential for the defence sector.

The meeting built on the results of a questionnaire distributed last December to EDA participating Member States’ (pMS) procurement experts about potential actions that could be taken to exploit the potential of green defence procurement to support the EU Green Deal. 

During the workshop, participants from 14 Member States’ Ministries of Defence (MoDs) shared experiences and lesson learned in applying green and circular criteria in defence procurement, and discussed potential needs and required actions for further improvement of green procurement in MoDs. Specific contributions were made by experts from the Dutch MoD and from the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO), as well as by the Consultation Forum for Sustainable Energy in the Defence and Security Sector (CF SEDSS). The idea is that the IF CEED’s joint discussions and activities will help trigger concrete collaborative actions and projects aiming at strengthening the green/circular procurement in the defence area.

The Incubation Forum for Circular Economy in European Defence (IF CEED is co-funded by the European Union (under the LIFE programme) and the Luxembourg’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs - Directorate of Defence.

 

More info:

• IF CEED

Americas

Lockheed Martin won a $23 million contract modification adds scope for the development and stand up of the initial F-35 Joint Strike Fighter depot repair capability for the Weapon Bay Door Drive System and Hydraulic Power Generation System, as well as provides increased repair capacity for the Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System. Work will take place in the UK, California, Texas and Illinois. Estimated completion will be in April 2025.

The US Air Force’s Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) has started testing its first adaptive cycle engine, the XA100 from General Electric. This is part of the Phase 2 testing program and the first phase was carried out in Evendale, Ohio last November. GE claims fuel efficiency improvements by 25 percent while 10 percent more thrust when the XA100 is mounted on the F-35A or C model.

Middle East & Africa

Dyncorp International won an $11.3 million contract modification for aviation maintenance services. Work will take place in New York and Kuwait. Estimated completion date is November 28, 2022. Estimated completion date is November 28, 2022. US Army Contracting Command is the contracting activity.

Dari Concepts LLC won a $10 million contract for labor, materials and supplies to acquire, deliver and install security systems along the perimeter of the International Zone in Baghdad, Iraq. Bids were solicited via the internet with eight received. Work will take place in Baghdad, Iraq. Estimated completion date is December 27, 2022.

Europe

Lockheed Martin Space won a $68.3 million deal to provide the United Kingdom (UK) with engineering, technical support services, and deliverable materials for the UK Fleet Ballistic Missile Program requirements that are identified and integrated to support planned milestone schedules and emergent requirements. UK resident technical support, operational support hardware, and consumable spares are also provided. Work will take place in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Florida, California, Scotland and Washington.

Asia-Pacific

South Korea will develop stealth drones, satellites, and other cutting-edge military equipment to address evolving threats, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced. The plan is part of the country’s policy priorities to bolster its defense and security capabilities as North Korea continues developing nuclear weapons and high-powered missiles.

Today’s Video

WATCH: The World Loves The F-35

Americas

Lockheed Martin won a $1.4 billion contract modification for the production of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Interceptors and associated one-shot devices to support the US government and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Foreign Military Sales case requirements. The THAAD Interceptors and associated one-shot devices will be procured under fixed-price incentive (firm target) contract line items. Work will take place in Texas, California, Arkansas and Alabama. Estimated completion date is August 1, 2027.

Lockheed Martin Space won a $18.6 million contract modification for Trident II (D5) missile production and deployed systems support. Trident II D-5 is the sixth generation member of the US Navy’s Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) program which started in 1956. Systems have included the Polaris (A1), Polaris (A2), Polaris (A3), Poseidon (C3), and Trident I (C4). The first deployment of Trident II was in 1990 on the USS Tennessee (SSBN 734). Work will take place in Florida, Utah, Maryland, Colorado, California, Arkansas and Florida. Estimated completion date is September 30, 2026.

Middle East & Africa

Turkish Aerospace Industries is offering Malaysia joint production on several front-line military aircraft, the company said at the Defence Services Asia 2022 exhibition in Kuala Lumpur. TAI president and CEO Temel Kotil told journalists that the joint production commitment is supported through TAI’s investment in the Southeast Asian country. He said TAI has recently established a Malaysian engineering facility, which it wants to develop as an avionics hub.

Europe

The Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) has awarded a contract to Saab for the mid-life upgrade (MLU) of the Royal Swedish Navy’s (RSwN’s) third Gotland (Type A19)-class diesel-electric submarine (SSK), HSwMS Halland. The scope of the award, valued at $116 million, includes a major platform overhaul and upgrade of the combat system that will enable Halland to remain in service to around 2030.

HMS Belfast, a Second World War cruiser turned museum ship, is to be reactivated and renamed by the end of this month in order to patrol the English Channel. The vessel’s current name has been taken by a new frigate under construction on the Clyde so it’s understood that the Prime Minister is renaming the vessel HMS Boris Johnson. This comes after claims that the Royal Navy, is already over-stretched and under-resourced.

Asia-Pacific

Australia has scrapped its Project Air 7003, a multimillion-dollar programme, which was conceived to strengthen the country’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities across land and maritime environments. The $1.3 billion programme was on schedule to deliver 12–16 armed, medium-altitude, long-endurance MQ-9B SkyGuardians to Australia. The aircraft were to have been in service by the mid-2020s.

Today’s Video

WATCH: The Gotland-class Submarine – one of the most silent submarines in the world

Major General Stefano Cont has been appointed EDA Capability, Armament and Planning (CAP) Director as of 1 April 2022. He previously held the position of Italian Defence Cooperation Attaché in Washington where his primary duties were to promote bilateral military relations and enhance cooperation in research and development of defence programmes. 

“I am honoured to join the European Defence Agency at a crucial moment for European defence in general, and for the Agency in particular. At a time when defence expenditure is expected to increase significantly throughout Europe because of the war in Ukraine and heightened global security threats, European cooperation and collaborative capability development will be key to make sure the money is spent well and efficiently. EDA will have a central role to play in making this cooperation possible, and I look forward to contributing to this important work as the Agency’s Capability, Armament and Planning Director, together with its highly qualified and experienced staff”, Stefano Cont stated when he took up his new post.

As Capability, Armament & Planning Director, Stefano Cont will lead a key directorate that has a crucial function in EDA’s overall mission because it prepares the programmes of tomorrow by maximising synergies between capabilities, armaments and research & technology. The Agency’s main capability programmes are all under the responsibility of this directorate - from military mobility and air-to-air refueling (AAR) to satellite communications and cyber defence. Mr Cont’s directorate also leads the Agency’s work on the EU’s Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD – for which the second report will be presented by the Agency in November) and plays a central role in the upcoming review of Member States’ Capability Development Plan (CDP). Both tools are central for steering and guiding collaborative and coherent capability development in Europe.

Mr Cont holds degrees in Aeronautical Sciences and Political and Military Sciences from Federico II University in Naples, and Midwestern State University (USA). He also has Masters in International and Military’s Strategic Studies (Rome), Public Management (MSU-USA) and National Security Strategy (National Defense University-USA) and a doctor title in International and Diplomatic Sciences from the University of Trieste.

More information

• CV Stefano Cont 

 

Americas

DynCorp International won a $100 million deal, which provides organizational, selected intermediate, and limited depot level maintenance, as well as logistics support services for the Navy F/A-18C/D/E/F, EA-18G, MH-60S, E-2C, and F-16A/B/C/D aircraft. Work will take place in Nevada. Estimated completion will take place in September 2023.

The South Carolina National Guard’s 1-151st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion recently took delivery of five AH-64E V6 attack helicopters. These helicopters arrived at McEntire Joint National Guard Base on March 24. “The arrival of the AH-64E model Apache Guardian to the South Carolina Army National Guard is a vast technological step forward for South Carolina,” said US Army Col. Jay McElveen, 59th Aviation Troop Command commander, South Carolina National Guard.

Middle East & Africa

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has launched the fourth Al Zubarah-class corvette on order for Qatar. The ship Sumaysimah was launched during a ceremony held at Fincantieri’s Muggiano shipyard in La Spezia on March 29. Sumaysimah is the final ship of the class to be built by Fincantieri under a contract awarded in 2016. The multiship order, worth $4.47 billion, also includes the delivery of a landing platform dock (LPD) and two offshore patrol vessels (OPVs).

According to Defense News, Turkey is in negotiations to acquire up to 100 people to power its first indigenous tank, the Altay. Turkey’s highest defense procurement official, Ismail Demir, said the charges against the organization are focused on the quantity of power packs (which the engine and transmission make up) that would be pumped for the Altay program.

Europe

In a Norwegian fjord inside the Arctic Circle, the ‘Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron’ launched small teams from an Astute class submarine for ‘subsurface insertion’ missions. Their aim was to undergo reconnaissance missions on the rocky, icy shoreline in sub-zero temperatures while avoiding the multi-national ‘enemy’ force hunting them.

Asia-Pacific

India is getting a batch of JDAMs and these will be used to arm the indigenous Tejas fighter. Besides the JDAM, India is also procuring the French-made Armement Air-Sol Modulaire (AASM) precision-guided munition for the Tejas.

Today’s Video

WATCH: Al Zubarah-class: The New Power of Qatari Emiri Navy

Americas

Boeing won a $16 million delivery order for the repair of various avionics equipment used on the F/A-18 aircraft. The F/A-18 Hornet is an all-weather jet aircraft that is used by the US Navy and Marine Corps as both a fighter and attack platform. In its fighter mode, the F/A-18 is used primarily as a fighter escort and for fleet air defense; in its attack mode, it is used for force projection, interdiction and close and deep air support. The single-seat F/A-18/E and the two-seat F/A-18/F fly greater ranges with heavier payloads, have more powerful engines and provide greater survivability than its predecessor. Work will take place in California and Pennsylvania. Estimated completion date is March 2022.

Columbia Helicopters won a $8.8 million deal for overhaul/repair of the rotary wing head for the CH-47 Chinook. The Chinook CH-47F is an advanced multi-mission helicopter manufactured by American aerospace and defense firm Boeing for the US Army and international defense forces. Estimated completion date is October 31, 2024.

Middle East & Africa

Globes reports that Bahrain and UAE are keen on acquiring the IAI Arrow 3 ballistic missile defense system. The potential purchase was discussed at the Negev Summit in Israel. Besides the Arrow 3, both countries and Morocco are keen on purchasing the Iron Dome as well.

Europe

The State Department has approved a potential $368.5 million Foreign Military Sale, which could provide follow-on support services and related equipment for the UK’s Tomahawk Weapon System. Raytheon’s missile and defense business in Tucson, Arizona, will be the prime contractor on the proposed sale, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said. The deal will cover all three TWS segments: all-up-round missiles, the tactical Tomahawk weapon control system and the theater mission planning center.

Joint Expeditionary Force naval vessels escorted Danish and British supply ships as they delivered military vehicles and equipment to resupply the UK-led NATO Battlegroup in Estonia. The Ministry of Defense, that Royal Navy vessels have joined ships, aircraft and personnel from six Joint Expeditionary Force nations to provide support to NATO and bolster security in the Baltic Sea.

Asia-Pacific

The Philippine Air Force’s first C295 transport aircraft that it ordered has arrived home after a ferry flight from Spain. The aircraft landed at Clark Air Base just before sunset on March 28. The Philippines has ordered a total of three C295s. The three aircraft will join four other C295s that were ordered in the last decade and enter service with the 220th Airlift Wing.

Today’s Video

WATCH: The Boeing CH-47 Chinook

Americas

Lockheed Martin won a $92.5 million contract modification 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 an American integrated naval weapons system. It uses powerful computers, radar and digital signal processing algorithms to track and guide weapons to destroy enemy targets. Work will take place in New Jersey. Expected completion is by December 2022.

The Canadian government has decided that it will buy the Lockheed Martin F-35 to replace its CF-18s, in a joint announcement by Public Services and Procurement Minister Filomena Tassi and Defense Minister Anita Anand. Opposition Conservatives pour cold water on the announcement as the ruling Liberal government had pledged back in 2015 not to buy the F-35.

Middle East & Africa

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the aeronautics sector was inked during the meeting between the Minister of Industry and Trade, Mr. Ryad Mezzour, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Mr. Amir Peretz. This partnership is part of the implementation of the Joint Declaration between Morocco and Israel signed on December 22, 2020 in Rabat, in which the two countries expressed their willingness to promote dynamic and innovative bilateral economic cooperation in the fields of investment and technology.

Europe

According to the British Army, ‘Wildcat’ reconnaissance helicopters arrived at Siauliai Air Base in Lithuania earlier this month. The 1,500-mile journey from Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, Somerset took the four Wildcat Mk1 helicopters over some notable landmarks including the airfield and camp in Gutersloh, where 1AAC had been stationed 1993-2016.

Asia-Pacific

The Indian Navy commissioned the Indian Naval Air Squadron 316 (INAS 316), the service’s second P-8I aircraft squadron. A ceremony was held at INS Hansa, Goa on 29 March 2022. INAS 316 has been christened ‘Condors’ which are one of the largest flying land birds with a massive wingspan. The insignia of the squadron depicts a ‘Condor’ searching over the vast blue expanse of the sea.

The Thai government is planning to relocate Royal Thai Air Force fighters and Singapore F-16s based at Udon Thani airbase to Nam Phong airbase in the south. Bangkok Post quoted Gp Capt Wisarut Chanthapradit as saying that the relocation of training to Nam Phong will take place in the next three to four years.

Today’s Video

WATCH: British Army Deploy Four Super-Wildcat in Lithuania

Americas

Following the closure of the F-15C Weapons Instructor Course at Nellis Air Force Base, the Eagles assigned to the base have started to depart for other bases. The final course, Weapons Instructor Course 21-B, flew its last flights on December 8, 2021.

Sikorsky won a $25.6 million order, which provides non-recurring engineering efforts to integrate, test, and qualify re-designed data concentrator and blade fold distributor units that will mitigate component obsolescence and outdated test equipment used for the CH-53K aircraft. The CH-53K is the United States Marine Corps’ heavy lift replacement for the CH-53E. It 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 California, Connecticut, Texas and New York. Estimated completion will be in June 2023.

Middle East & Africa

Elbit Systems was awarded contracts with an aggregate value of approximately $130 million to deliver an artillery munitions production line in a country in Asia-Pacific. The contracts will be performed over a period of 2.5 years, the company said. Under the contracts, Elbit Systems will build an industrial complex for enhanced manufacturing of artillery munitions.

Europe

Serbian Armed Forces recently inducted new Nora self-propelled howitzers as well as two different types of armored vehicles- Lazars and Miloš. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Nebojša Stefanovi?, PhD, visited the “Complex Combat Systems” factory in Velika Plana on March 23. He said the military would induct six Nora howitzers as well as six Lazar and few more Milos armored vehicles in that week.

Berlin is reportedly looking at the possibility of acquiring the IAI Arrow 3 exoatmospheric anti-ballistic missile system to defend the country from potential ballistic missile attacks from Russia. The discussions took place when chief of defense, Gen. Eberhard Zorn, spoke to Chancellor Olaf Scholz last week. According to German media, the system will costs $2.2 billion and three Green Pine radars will provide all-round coverage. The radar coverage is wide enough that neighboring countries such as Poland will need only to buy Arrow 3 interceptors and Germany’s radars can supply the necessary targeting information.

Asia-Pacific

India has announced the opening of a Flight Control System integration facility to support research and development for a new range of military aircraft. The new facility, constructed at the Aeronautical Development Establishment in Bengaluru, will help centralize the integration of avionics and hardware, which has been scattered across multiple manufacturers and research centers across the country.

Today’s Video

WATCH: Why Israel’s Arrow 3 Anti-Ballistic Missile System Test Is A Big Boost Amid Threat From Iran

Here are the abstracts from the latest issue of our Russian Media Analysis newsletter. You can also download the full text PDF version.

1. INVASION OF UKRAINE: NATO STRATEGY

Russian analysts are still focusing on the issue of NATO membership for Ukraine. Many point out that the ongoing war, while leading to a de facto defense arrangement between the “collective West” and Ukraine, has also hindered it from formally joining the alliance. Many authors believe that this is a benefit to Russia, although it has come at the cost of NATO unity and an amplification of arms supplies to Ukraine.

2. INVASION OF UKRAINE: EU STRATEGY

Connected to, although distinct from, the issue of Ukraine’s NATO ambitions, is the desire by its political leadership to join the EU. While Russian commentators are broadly pessimistic about how much defense cooperation there now is between Ukraine and the West, they are more optimistic that Ukraine’s EU bid will remain stalled for the foreseeable future. Although both sides have made many symbolic gestures to signal an agreement for membership down the road, concrete steps are harder to find, and the internal political machinations of the EU will further slow down integration.

3. INVASION OF UKRAINE: RESPONSES TO WESTERN SANCTIONS

More than a dozen articles offer responses to international sanctions against Russia, featuring reactions ranging from optimism to pessimism, and including skepticism and determination to wreak economic havoc on the West. Some serve to reassure the Russian public that even though foreign industries are leaving, they will still be able to access certain goods. Others discuss the prospect of more serious sanctions, such as EU bans on Russian oil and gas imports, or a U.S. sea-route trade embargo against Russia. The authors argue that such measures would introduce a number of cascading effects that would harm countries “hostile to Russia.”

4. INVASION OF UKRAINE: RESPONSES TO NATO MILITARY AID

The details and implications of NATO and U.S. military aid and efforts to arm Ukraine are the subject of several articles. It is evident that there is concern for the unified support that Ukraine is getting from the West, but there remains a confidence in the narrative surrounding Russian capabilities against the perceived lackluster quality of provisions going to Ukraine.

5. INVASION OF UKRAINE: U.S. NUCLEAR WEAPONS

Several articles address U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s decision to cancel a Minuteman III missile test following President Putin’s announcement that Russia put its nuclear forces on a “special combat regime duty.” While some experts characterize the test cancellation as an effort to avoid nuclear escalation, one article suspects that it helped avoid drawing attention to the stagnant U.S. nuclear modernization process. An additional article takes issue with the optics and messaging that the U.S. is responsibly conducting nuclear policy, when it has conducted “mock nuclear strikes” in recent exercises and increased the frequency of nuclear-capable aircraft flights near Russia’s border.

6. INVASION OF UKRAINE: PERCEPTIONS OF A NO-FLY ZONE

As Ukraine’s request for a West-enforced no-fly zone remains unmet, Russian commentators caution against the implementation of anything remotely close to it and highlight the escalatory nature of such potential actions by NATO and the U.S..

7. INVASION OF UKRAINE: UKRAINE AND NUCLEAR WEAPONS CONSPIRACY

A recent issue of the Ministry of Defense newspaper posits the conspiracy theory that “Ukraine’s scientific establishment has sufficient competencies to create a nuclear explosive device.” The content of this article appears to be drawn from a TASS report that cites the Russian intelligence agency SVR as a source of claims that Ukraine had an advanced missile and nuclear weapon program.

8. INVASION OF UKRAINE: THE BIOLABS CONSPIRACY

Coverage of the conspiracy theories about U.S. DTRA reference laboratories in Ukraine continues to proliferate across Russian media sources. It now includes official newspapers as well as MOD and MFA officials. Coverage has also begun to note statements made by Chinese government officials on this issue.

9. CHINESE-RUSSIAN RELATIONS

A number of articles in the Russian press assess the state of the Russian-Chinese relationship as well as China’s diplomatic and economic relations with the United States and the broader West. Many commentators are quick to point out that China is resistant to following along with the West’s sanctions regime against Russia, although also acknowledging that there remains much to be desired in terms of China’s closeness to Russia itself.

10. SCANDINAVIAN COUNTRIES AND NATO

The ambitions of Scandinavian countries to join NATO continue to be a worry for Russian commentators. Yet given the scale of hostilities in Ukraine, experts are quick to note that parallels with Ukraine-and any potential Russian reaction to new Scandinavian member-states-are improper. Although Russia assesses the membership of Sweden and Finland to NATO in a very negative light, it is clear that this issue is not an existential one compared to Russian perceptions of Ukraine’s or Georgia’s entrance into the alliance.

11. IRAN AND THE JCPOA

Russian commentators have maintained a close watch over U.S. actions and engagement with other OPEC+ and oil suppliers ever since the U.S. sanctioned Russian oil. Analysts have focused on the U.S.-Iran relationship and the relevance of Iranian oil to the JCPOA negotiations. They remain critical of U.S. moral flexibility and assert that the “special military operation” in Ukraine has had a profound impact on long-term global security, as is evidenced by the changing oil environment around the globe.

12. FOREIGN ACQUISITION OF U.S. ARMS

Several articles focus on and are critical of the proliferation of U.S. weaponry abroad. They include the legal sale of arms to Egypt and the resulting arms capabilities of the Taliban after the U.S. exit from Afghanistan.

13. U.S. STRATEGY IN THE ASIA PACIFIC

Amidst the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Russian media maintain a close watch on U.S. policy developments in other areas of the world, especially the Indo-Pacific region.

14. INFORMATION WARFARE

Two articles address alleged acts of “information warfare” against Russia, tending to take on a defensive tone about Moscow’s leadership and the progress of the “special military operation.” The first article responds to recent quotes from U.S. Department of Defense spokesman John Kirby, who noted Russia’s history of use and potential future use of chemical and biological weapons. The second article details alleged activities from the 72nd Center for Information and Psychological Operations (CIPO) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which the article claims was trained by the UK.

15. U.S. AND EUROPEAN MILITARY CAPABILITIES

Several articles report on developments of U.S. and NATO capabilities and weapons systems. One article reports on funding cuts to the U.S. Air Force’s first hypersonic missile, the AGM-183A Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW). A second article reports on a reorganization of the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment that puts combat groups on the first and second island chains of the Pacific at a moment’s notice. A third article reports on Germany’s decision to purchase 35 American F-35A fighter jets to replace the Tornado fighter-bombers it uses to carry American B61 nuclear weapons.