Defense`s Feeds

Americas Lockheed Martin won a $33.8 million contract modification for the procurement of four test controller processors and ten infrared receivers in support of the F/A-18 aircraft. All work will be performed in Orlando, Florida, and work will be completed by November 2025.  Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. The US Air Force’s Tyndall Air Force Base is equipping aircrew with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) gear for enhanced combat readiness. All current and new pilots of the 325th Operations Support Squadron Aircrew Flight Equipment Flight (AFE) will be fitted and trained to wear the newly-developed specialized equipment by February 2025. The squadron supports F-35 pilots and is part of the 325th Operations Group, the Florida base’s operating unit and host wing. Middle East & Africa MVL Saudi Builders won a $29.4 million firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of shore-to-ship utilities. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Lebanon, with an estimated completion date of December 29, 2029. Fiscal 2025 Foreign Military Sales (Lebanon) funds in the amount of $29,363,739 were obligated at the time of the award. US Army Corps of Engineers, Winchester, […]

The second phase of a project to develop underwater surveillance technology is now underway, after the European Defence Agency (EDA) launched the ‘Evaluation of State-of-the-Art Thin Line Array Technology II’ (ETLAT II) over two days from 11 December. With Italy as the lead nation and Leonardo as the lead company, nine members from six European Union Member States are part of the three-year, nearly €4 million project, which aims to strengthen the EU's capabilities in maritime defence.

The project, which launched at Leonardo’s premises in Livorno, aims to enhance ‘Thin Line Array’ technologies for underwater surveillance and anti-submarine warfare. Thin Line Array technologies are underwater acoustic measurement devices used in maritime static and low-speed towed surveillance and monitoring.

Building upon the initial ETLAT project (2015–2018), ETLAT II aims to refine and advance prototypes by addressing unresolved technical problems identified in the first phase. The project focuses on improving operational readiness and finding solutions for the Thin Line Array systems. ETLAT II will draw on advanced numerical models, experimental data, and innovative designs.

Technical objectives: from vibration isolation to testing

Vibration Isolation Systems:

Studying vibrations that affect towing systems, as well as designing isolation solutions to mitigate mechanical disturbances and flow-induced noise, to improve the stability and sensitivity of Thin Line Array systems.

Advanced Numerical Modelling:

Enhancing computational models to predict hydrodynamic behaviour, flow noise, and acoustic performance under various operational conditions, including simulations for different towing speeds and angles.

Experimental Evaluation:

Conducting rigorous prototype testing in controlled environments such as towing tanks and the Lake Nemi acoustic test range – a specialised underwater testing facility near Rome – to validate numerical models and optimise system designs using real-world data.

By integrating numerical simulations with experimental evaluations, ETLAT II aims to increase the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of Thin Line Array technologies so that they can be reliably deployed in demanding maritime defence applications.

 Consortium and Collaboration

• Germany: Bundeswehr Technical Centre for Ships and Naval Weapons, Maritime Technology and Research (WTD 71).
• Finland: Finnish Naval Academy (FNA) and Patria Aviation Oy (Patria).
• Italy: Institute of Marine Engineering - National Research Council (INM-CNR) and Leonardo Spa.
• The Netherlands: Dutch Command Materiel and IT Agency (NL-COMMIT) and Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN).
• Norway: Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI).
• Sweden: Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI).

  European Defence Agency’s role

The ETLAT II project is conducted within the framework of EDA. Established in 2004, EDA supports Member States in developing collaborative defence capabilities to enhance interoperability and innovation across Europe. By facilitating cooperative initiatives such as ETLAT II, EDA reinforces Europe’s technological edge and maritime security readiness.

The European Defence Agency (EDA), the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), and the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) convened in Brussels for a trilateral meeting aimed at deepening their collaboration in support of European and transatlantic security.

The meeting, hosted by EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý, was a continuation of a first trilateral held in Luxembourg in December 2023. The gathering brought together senior leadership from the three organisations to explore ways to deepen cooperation, enhance efficiency, and capitalise on their complementary strengths.

In light of the challenging security landscape, the three organisations reaffirmed their commitment to a joint effort, engaging in a dynamic exchange on collaboration and synergies, and exploring how their respective roles can better align to meet the rapidly changing demands of member nations. Discussions centered on addressing shared challenges, and identifying strategic opportunities to reinforce their collective impact.

The meeting highlighted the importance of clear messaging when engaging with stakeholders and explore further alignment and opportunities for enhanced cooperation. 

EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý underscored the importance of such trilateral engagements, and the subsequent discussions that will take place at working level with respectively NSPA and OCCAR, stating: “By coming together at this pivotal moment, we worked on identifying synergies that could deliver real results. One example of a successful collaboration is the multinational MRTT fleet, which illustrates how our organisations can work seamlessly across the acquisition, management, and operational phases to support member nations’ capability needs.”

“Although our organisations have distinct mandates and missions, we share a common goal: supporting our member states in navigating a complex and fast-changing security environment,” he added.

“The current security environment demands agility, innovation, and cooperation,” said Stacy Cummings, General Manager of NSPA. “By pooling our resources and leveraging our respective expertise, NSPA, EDA, and OCCAR are paving the way for stronger, more effective collaboration. This meeting reflects our shared vision to build on past successes and tackle emerging challenges together.”

OCCAR-EA Director, Joachim Sucker, echoed these sentiments: “In a world where disconnection often prevails, this meeting exemplifies the power of cooperation. By combining our efforts, we enhance our ability to deliver vital defence capabilities. I deeply appreciate the opportunity to engage trilaterally with Ms Cummings and Mr Šedivý to explore how our unique strengths can complement each other and yield greater outcomes for the nations we all support.”

This trilateral meeting underscored the collective determination of EDA, NSPA, and OCCAR to work more closely together in addressing NATO and Europe’s pressing defence and security challenges. By strengthening their partnership, the three organisations are laying the groundwork for enhanced collaboration and a more robust response to the needs of both NATO and Europe.

 

Americas Systems Planning and Analysis won a $7 million modification to exercise fiscal 2025 options to provide support services for the Trident II Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile Strategic Weapons System. Tasks to be performed include technical services, program support, assessments, and special studies and systems engineering. Work is expected to be completed September 30, 2025. This contract was awarded as a sole source acquisition with the authority of 10 US. Code 3204(a)(1). SSP, Washington, DC, is the contracting activity. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems won a $48 million modification to exercise an option for continued sustainment of the French Air Force MQ-9 unmanned aerial system program fleet. Work will be performed in Poway, California; and France, and is expected to be completed by December 31, 2025. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to France. FMS funds in the amount of $48,482,812 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. Middle East & Africa The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has contracted three more Avante 2200 corvettes from Spanish firm Navantia to serve with the royal navy, according to the Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense. The three new […]

Americas The US Department of Defense has contracted BAE Systems Land & Armaments to produce more Bradley armored fighting vehicles for the army. The $656.2-million award stipulates the vehicles in their M7A4 and M2A4 variants, which have been supporting American land forces since the 1980s. Location and funding for the manufacturing will be determined on each order, according to the Pentagon’s notice, with BAE to continue the project until November 2027. The US Department of Defense has announced the creation of a new office dedicated to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into military systems. Named the Artificial Intelligence Rapid Capabilities Cell (AI RCC), the office is expected to play a key role in advancing the nation’s defense capabilities, particularly in preparation for potential conflicts in the Pacific. A primary focus of the AI RCC will be exploring the applications of generative AI in enhancing autonomous weapons and improving command-and-control systems. Middle East & Africa Kurdish-led forces in Syria, allied with the United States, shot down an Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone on Monday after mistakenly identifying it as a threat. Troops from the Syrian Democratic Forces, a key ally for the United States in its fight against the Islamic State, were conducting operations in […]

Americas Sikorsky won a $375.9 million modification to provide full funding for UH-60M and HH-60M aircraft. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2027. Fiscal 2025 aircraft procurement, Army funds in the amount of $375,937,755 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin has announced that its new Tactical Satellite, dubbed “TacSat,” will be launched in 2025 aboard a Firefly Aerospace Alpha rocket. The company plans to test TacSat in several exercises scheduled for next year, evaluating its performance for rapid deployment in tactical space missions. The TacSat spacecraft is designed to serve as an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platform, providing advanced sensing and communication capabilities in orbit. Middle East & Africs The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Kuwait of Maintenance Repair Sustainment Capability and related equipment for an estimated cost of $300 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale. The Government of Kuwait has requested to buy equipment and services required to refurbish existing maintenance facilities in Kuwait, including sustainment maintenance; special […]

Americas In an effort to attract US customers, Anduril Industries recently showcased the capabilities of its Dive Extra-Large Autonomous Undersea Vehicle (XL-AUV) off the coast of California. The autonomous submarine reportedly completed a 100-hour single voyage — the “longest for a vehicle of this class.” While the company views it as a significant milestone, it emphasized that this achievement is just a precursor to an upcoming demonstration, where the Dive-XL will attempt to complete a 1,000-nautical-mile (1,852-kilometer) mission in a single trip. Northrop Grumman has secured a contract to integrate advanced tactical data links into the US Marine Corps’ F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft. The data links will be incorporated into the fighter jet’s LITENING electro-optical/infrared targeting pods, significantly enhancing its ability to communicate and share information with other military platforms. Middle East & Africa Tehran received its first two Russian SU-35 SE fighter jets this week, part of an order for 50 aircraft intended to replace its aging fleet of F-14s and Phantoms. According to reports from FLUGREVUE, the initial jets were officially delivered to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. The jets were dismantled and transported to Iran aboard a Russian Antonov AN-124 transport plane, where they were reassembled at Mehrabad Airport. Initially, Tehran […]

The Consultation Forum for Sustainable Energy in the Defence and Security Sector (CF SEDSS) has entered its fourth phase (2024-2028), marking a new push in the European Union’s energy and climate objectives to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

On 11 December, the European Defence Agency (EDA) and the European Commission signed the grant agreement in a ceremony at the European Commission Directorate-General for Energy, underscoring the project’s importance in supporting the defence energy transition and the preparedness goals. The CF SEDSS is an EU-funded initiative managed by EDA, comprising Europe’s largest defence energy community. It is now entering its fourth phase, called Phase IV, funded by the LIFE Clean Energy Transition sub-programme.

The global defence sector consumes a significant amount of energy and is estimated to be responsible for up to 5.5% of the world’s total CO2 emissions. The Consultation Forum’s efforts spanning almost a decade have been instrumental in supporting EU Ministries of Defence in developing sustainable, efficient, and resilient energy models in line with the EU’s climate ambitions. Phase IV of the project was officially launched on 1 October 2024.

In the next four years, Phase IV will continue supporting European defence ministries to achieve energy sustainability and meet ambitious climate goals. Building on the EU legal framework and previous project phases, Phase IV will focus on knowledge sharing, collaborative project ideas, studies and policy roadmaps to tackle emerging challenges in energy efficiency, renewables, and energy security within the defence and security sector.

Phase IV will also coordinate the organisation of high-level conferences, thematic workshops and a table-top exercise, with a view to exploring new trends such as digitalisation, electrification, high-density/high power storage, low carbon energy and propulsion systems, smart buildings, artificial intelligence, integrated energy management systems and threats to the critical energy infrastructure.

Nathalie Guichard, EDA’s Director of Research, Technology, and Innovation (RTI), Hans Rhein, Head of Unit LIFE Energy and LIFE Climate, CINEA, and Alejandro Ulzurrun, Acting Director, DG ENER, were present at the signing of the project’s grant agreement.

“The continuation of the forum shows that energy remains a priority for the EU and defence ministries,” Nathalie Guichard said. She highlighted the collaboration between the EDA and the European Commission over nearly a decade. “This is the largest defence energy community, and a unique platform for dialogue which continues addressing the common energy considerations of the defence ministries.” Concluding her address, Guichard said: “Together, we are forging a path towards more energy efficient, sustainable and resilient armed forces.”

Alejandro Ulzurrun, European Commission, DG Energy acting Director for Just Transition, Consumers, Energy Efficiency and Innovation said: “The Consultation Forum is well placed to contribute to the new Commission’s agenda on energy and defence. We count on this Forum to deepen the collaboration between the energy and defence communities to support the energy transition in the defence sector, and, in particular, to identify dual-use solutions to common challenges, from energy efficiency to enhancing the use of renewable energy”.

Hans Rhein, Head of Unit LIFE Energy and LIFE Climate, European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), said: “We are very pleased to continue our collaboration with the European Defence Agency and build on the results achieved. The Commission has granted close to €10 million to EDA over the past seven years to assist the European defence sector in addressing sustainable energy. The contribution by the defence and security sector is crucial to achieving the decarbonisation of the economy by 2050”.

Background information

• EDEN Phase IV
• Consultation Forum for Sustainable Energy in the Defence and Security Sector IV (CF SEDSS IV)
• EDEN Deliverables Phase III
• EU Defence Industry - European Commission
• Communication on climate and defence
• Safer together: A path towards a fully prepared Union - European Commission
• LIFE Programme

 

 

If you think hybrid technology is just for saving fuel on your morning commute, think again. Europe’s armed forces are making significant strikes in this field, and it’s not just about fuel efficiency.  

Imagine infantry vehicles gliding across the terrain, whisper-quiet, with meanwhile reduced fuel consumption. That is the promise of hybrid military tech. 

Over the past 15 months, the second phase of the Hybrid Drive Train Demonstrator (HybriDT II) project has been seeking to turn this vision into reality. On 26 November, the project successfully concluded with a final meeting at the Dutch Army base in Oirschot. The research focused on both wheeled vehicles, specifically 8×8 and 6×6 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), and tracked vehicles. 

Launched under the CapTech Ground Systems framework of the EDA’s Research and Innovation Directorate, HybriDT II, aims to enhance maneuverability, improve energy efficiency, cut fuel consumption, and lower emissions.  
EDA as Hub for EU Defence Cooperation  HybriDT II brought together several Member States, with Germany leading the initiative. Austria, the Netherlands, Poland, and Slovenia also participated. The project was carried out by a consortium of 13 industrial and research entities, including AVL List as the project leader and General Dynamics European Land Systems – Steyr from Austria. Other contributors included Germany’s AVL Schrick, AVL Software and Functions, and the Institute for Chemical Technology Fraunhofer; the Dutch firms DNV, TNO, and VDL; Poland’s Military University of Technology and Huta Stalowa Wola Ironworks; and Slovenia’s AVL Slovenia, Elaphe Propulsion Technology, and the University of Ljubljana. 
What’s next?  HybriDT II’s journey is far from over. The next phase, HybriDT III, will tackle the remaining challenges and further advance hybrid technology for military applications. 
A glimpse into the future  At the final meeting, attendees had a chance to witness the future firsthand. Dutch defence companies showed important advancements in hydrogen-based propulsion systems for heavy-duty vehicles and mobility technologies. 

Americas The Pentagon has once again grounded its entire fleet of V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. This comes after a worrying incident at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico on November 20, where a CV-22 Osprey experienced a near-crash shortly after takeoff. Initial investigations suggest that weakened metal components in a critical part may have been a contributing factor. The decision to pause all Osprey flights came as a recommendation from Vice Adm. Carl Chebi, the head of Naval Air Systems Command, which oversees the Osprey program for the military. This incident bears a striking resemblance to a fatal crash off the coast of Japan in November of the previous year. In that crash, eight Air Force Special Operations Command personnel lost their lives when similar weakened metal components caused the Osprey’s transmission to fail catastrophically in mid-flight. Saab has snagged a noteworthy contract, worth $48 million, to supply its cutting-edge Giraffe 4A radar systems to the U.S. Air Forces in Europe. Deliveries of these mobile, multi-function radar systems are expected to commence in 2027 with BAE Systems Technical Solutions & Services Inc. serving as the prime contractor for this award. The Giraffe 4A is set to play a crucial […]

Americas The US Department of Defense has introduced a new strategy aimed at enhancing the protection of military facilities and personnel from the growing threat of drones. While the strategy itself is classified, an unclassified fact sheet details its broader scope, including expanding the Pentagon’s knowledge of emerging drone threat patterns. The strategy also emphasizes stronger collaboration with allies and industry partners to ensure the rapid, large-scale deployment of counter-drone solutions. Northrop Grumman has been tapped to provide a significant upgrade to the US Marine Corps’ F/A-18 fleet, enhancing the aircraft’s targeting capabilities with its Advanced Tactical Data Links (ATDL) technology integrated into the LITENING targeting pods. This move marks a major leap forward in data transfer speeds, equipping Marine aviators with the ability to make decisions more swiftly and effectively in the heat of battle. The LITENING pod, a mainstay in various militaries worldwide, is an advanced electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) system designed for precision targeting and surveillance. The incorporation of ATDL elevates the pod’s capabilities by providing a secure, two-way, multi-band link for transmitting critical data, encompassing live video feeds, still imagery, and essential metadata. Middle East & Africa The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale […]

Americas Canada will boost its military and diplomatic presence in the Arctic to counter what it calls threats from Russia and others seeking a foothold in the far north, as part of a new doctrine unveiled Friday. The government envisions the deployment of new patrol ships and navy destroyers, ice breakers and submarines capable of operating beneath ice sheets, as well as more aircraft and drones. The US Navy has awarded Raytheon a $590-million contract for continued work on the Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) system. This is part of a follow-on production effort to enhance the electronic warfare capabilities of the EA-18G Growler aircraft used by the US Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Raytheon will provide shipsets, support equipment, spares and non-recurring engineering support. Middle East & Africa The Israeli military said Sunday it had deployed forces to a demilitarized buffer zone in southwest Syria abutting the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights after Damascus fell to rebel forces. Israel had already said the day before, as the Islamist-led rebels swiftly advanced across Syria, that its soldiers had entered the UN-patrolled buffer zone to assist peacekeepers in repelling an attack. On Sunday, the army announced a troop deployment there, citing “the possible entry of armed individuals into the buffer zone.” Europe […]

Americas The US Army is pressing ahead with modernising its fleet of CH-47F Chinook helicopters, with recent contract awards to Boeing for the production of new Block II Chinooks. This latest order underscores the Army’s commitment to upgrading its heavy-lift capabilities for future multi-domain operations. This month, the US Army placed an order for three more CH-47F Block II Chinooks from Boeing, a deal valued at $135 million. This order, designated as Lot 3, follows a previous contract awarded last year for long-lead parts acquisition. These contracts are part of a broader strategy to upgrade up to 465 Chinooks to the advanced Block II configuration. QinetiQ US has been awarded a $42 million task order to develop and enhance embedded intelligent sensor processing and advanced imaging technologies for the US Army. The US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command C5ISR Center’s Research & Technology Integration Directorate awarded the four-year contract to meet its critical research and development requirements. Middle East & Africa Fincantieri has delivered the “Al Fulk” amphibious vessel Landing Platform Dock (LPD) to the Ministry of Defense of Qatar. The craft can perform various missions, including defense operations, support for ground forces, and humanitarian support. The delivery ceremony was attended […]

Americas Argon St Inc. won a $18 million deal for the repair of the communications interface unit for the support of operations of the MQ-4C Triton aircraft. All work will be performed in Fairfax, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by November 2026. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. Raytheon Technologies Corp’s Pratt and Whitney Military Engines has secured a substantial contract modification valued at up to $1.3 billion to support the F-35 Lightning II aircraft’s propulsion systems. The contract amends a prior agreement, extending services such as depot level maintenance, repair, and various forms of management support for the F135 engines that power the advanced fighter jets. This contract option covers a range of activities, including program and financial management, propulsion integration, spare parts procurement, engineering, material and product management, software maintenance, security, and technical data updates. It also includes support equipment management and training for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Foreign Military Sales customers, and non-US Department of Defense participants. Middle East & Africa Elbit Systems will supply the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) with advanced drones and autonomous systems as part of multiple signed deals amounting to around $40 million. […]

The European Defence Agency (EDA) has today published its annual Defence Data report for 2023, detailing defence spending from all 27 EU Member States. At a record €279 billion [1], 2023 European defence spending increased by 10% on the previous year, marking the ninth year of consecutive growth. Twenty-two of the Member States increased defence expenditure, with 11 increasing spending by over 10%.

2024 Forecast

Separately, the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) report, which provides an overview and analysis of the EU defence landscape for Member States, forecasts the following spending for 2024:

• EU defence spending is projected to reach €326 billion in 2024

• Defence investments are expected to hit a record 31% of total defence expenditure, with research and technology (R&T) spending increasing to €5 billion in 2024
• Procurement spending is seeing sustained growth and could increase beyond €90 billion in 2024

2023 European Defence spending - Key findings

The return of full-scale war to Europe and efforts by Member States to strengthen their military capabilities led to a noticeable jump in defence spending in 2023.      

• A record €72 billion was allocated to defence investments accounting for 26% of total defence expenditure, the largest share recorded by EDA since data collection began in 2005.  This allocation was overwhelmingly directed towards the procurement of new equipment, which increased by 19% on the previous year.

• In 2023, total funding for collaborative research and technology (R&T) projects initiated under the European Defence Fund (EDF), in calls 2021 and 2022, reached approximately €100 million for projects, marking the first year that the EDF had such a significant financial impact on the European defence landscape.

Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency Jiří Šedivý said: “The European Union is making strides in defence investments, spurred by the urgency of the threats we face. Still, a large proportion is spent on off-the-shelf equipment from outside the EU, highlighting the need to fortify the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base. Buying together saves money, while developing assets together makes us more independent.

I welcome rising research spending. But Europe lags behind the United States and China in defence research and technology investment. To secure Europe’s future, we must prioritise innovation and unity."

Commitment to investment 

The allocation of €72 billion of total defence expenditure to defence investment by Member States marks robust growth of 17%.

The agreed benchmark of 20% total expenditure in this area is surpassed for the fifth year running, reaching 26% across the EU. Twenty Member States reached this collectively agreed benchmark, with Luxembourg (59%), Estonia (49%), Finland (45%) and Poland (45%) having the highest allocation of their overall defence expenditure to investment.

Research spending slips 

Despite increased spending dedicated to defence research and technology, Member States are still failing to reach the 2% benchmark of defence expenditure dedicated to R&T activities with two countries accounting for more than 80% of R&T spending at EU level. EU collaborative endeavours such as EDA’s ad hoc frameworks and funding via the EDF can collectively bring the EU closer to achieving the benchmark for defence spending allocated to R&T activities.

European Collaborative Defence R&T by funding source 

Figure 12, page 17 of the report

  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 27 Member States provide the data. EDA acts as its custodian and publishes the aggregated figures in its “Defence data” booklets and on its website. Datasets of MS are available since 2006 on the Defence Data Portal on EDA’s website.

 

[1] Figures are expressed in 2023 constant prices.

Americas Electra has tested its EL2 ultra-short takeoff and landing (STOL) prototype aircraft for a Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering event focusing on expeditionary capabilities. The three-day, invitation-only field activity saw the system perform live overflights with low acoustic signatures across multiple intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) simulations. The US 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR) has received the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) in a ceremony at Dewey Square on Marine Corps Base Hawaii. NMESIS is a mountable, ground-based anti-ship missile launcher that will be operated by the Medium-Range Missile Battery under the 3rd Littoral Combat Team (LCT). Both are components of the 3rd MLR specializing in amphibious and littoral warfare operations in the Indo-Pacific region. Middle East & Africa According to a new report by Technavio, a global technology research and advisory company, the market is estimated to grow at an annual rate of 12.21% during the forecast period. Key market players listed in the report include AeroVironment, BAE Systems, Boeing General Atomics, Leonardo, Northrop Grumman, and others – and also Israel’s three leading defense companies: Elbit Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Europe The US State Department has authorized a potential $125 million foreign […]

Americas Elbit Systems of America has scored a major win with the US Air Force, securing an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract with a ceiling of $89 million for replacing outdated Head-Up Displays (HUDs) in the service’s F-16 Block 40/42 fleet. The contract, announced on November 21, calls for the installation of Elbit’s Wide-Angle Conventional Head-Up Display (WACHUD) in place of the existing Diffractive Optic HUDs currently in use. The first delivery order, worth over $57.5 million, was placed in September 2024, with work scheduled to be carried out at Elbit America’s Talladega, Alabama facility and systems expected to be delivered by September 2027. CAE and KF Aerospace’s Ontario-based joint venture SkyAlyne has contracted Grob and Pilatus to deliver 32 training aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Under the project, the service will receive 23 G 120TP systems from Grob and 19 PC-21s from Pilatus, with deliveries to start in 2025 and 2026, respectively. The incoming fleet will be stationed at the Moose Jaw RCAF Base in Saskatchewan, where they will be operated by SkyAlyne as part of Canada’s 25-year Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program to bolster its tactical aerial capabilities in response to emerging threats. Middle East & Africa According […]

Dassault Rafale (click for cutaway view) Will Dassault’s fighter become a fashionably late fighter platform that builds on its parent company’s past successes – or just “the late Rafale”? It all began as a 1985 break-away from the multinational consortium that went on to create EADS’ Eurofighter. The French needed a lighter aircraft that was suitable for carrier use, and were reportedly unwilling to cede design authority over the project. As is so often true of French defense procurement policy, the choice came down to paying additional costs for full independence and exact needs, or losing key industrial capabilities by partnering or buying abroad. France has generally opted for expensive but independent defense choices, and the Rafale was no exception. Those costs, and associated delays triggered by the end of the Cold War and reduced funding, proved to be very costly indeed. Unlike previous French fighters, which relied on exports to lower their costs and keep production lines humming, the Rafale has yet to secure a single export contract – in part because initial versions were hampered by impaired capabilities in key roles. The Rafale may, at last, be ready to be what its vendors say: a true omnirole aircraft, […]

Americas Dynetics has received a $670.5-million contract to build the common hypersonic glide body (C-HGB) and thermal protection system for the US Army. A total of $65.8 million has already been allocated from the overall amount to the Leidos subsidiary for fiscal 2024 research, development, testing, and evaluation. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Alabama, with an estimated completion date of October 2029. Teledyne FLIR has been selected by Red Cat Holdings to provide advanced thermal imaging cameras for the US Army’s new short-range reconnaissance (SRR) drone. Under the agreement, Teledyne will integrate its Hadron 640R+ longwave infrared camera module into the Black Widow unmanned aircraft system (UAS), the army’s newly-chosen SRR platform. The Hadron camera will enhance the Black Widow’s night-time capabilities with its 640×512 resolution and industry-leading thermal sensitivity. Middle East & Africa The European Council has approved a $13.9 million assistance package for the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) under the European Peace Facility. The funding aims to boost detection and countermeasure systems, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, and mobility and engineering equipment. Amid rising regional tensions in the Middle East, the initiative “will contribute to strengthening the capacities of JAF, to increase their ability to ensure Jordan’s stability and national security, […]

Americas Mercury Mission won a $14 million modification, which exercises an option for the production and delivery of 121 high-definition video recorders (109 for the Navy and 12 for Australia), in support of F/A-18C-F and EA-18G aircraft retrofit efforts. Work will be performed in Torrance, California, and is expected to be completed in July 2027. The contract being modified was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin won a $16 million modification, which increases the contract ceiling to provide overrun funding for diminishing manufacturing sources non-recurring engineering and associated materials in support of a redesigned panoramic cockpit display electronic unit video mixer in support of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter production aircraft for the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and non-Department of Defense (DOD) participants. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in January 2029. Middle East & Africa A Syria war monitor on Thursday said clashes between the army and jihadists killed more than 130 combatants in the worst fighting in the country’s northwest in years, as the government also reported fierce battles. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said jihadist group Hayat Tahrir […]