Defense`s Feeds

Americas

Swedish company Saab submitted its proposal for the Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP) to Canada. The proposal comprises 88 Gripen E fighter aircraft, with a comprehensive support and training package and an industrial and technological benefits program. The submission is a formal response to the Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) on July 23, 2019. Saab is committing to deliver an industrial program that has been designed to generate long-lasting, high-tech employment opportunities, and business opportunities across all regions of Canada. “Saab’s Gripen fighter is designed to operate in harsh environments and defeat the most advanced global threats. The system meets all of Canada’s specific defence requirements, offering exceptional performance and advanced technical capabilities. A unique element of the avionics design is that Gripen E’s system can be updated quickly, maintaining technological superiority against any adversary,” says Jonas Hjelm, Senior Vice President and head of Saab business area Aeronautics. Meanwhile, the deadline for Canada’s fighter competition has now closed and only three companies have submitted their bids. Boeing will enter the competition with its Super Hornet while Lockheed Martin will compete with the F-35. Europe’s only entrant in the competition is the Saab JAS-39. The winner will be decided in 2022, with the first aircraft delivery projected in 2025. The tender is worth approximately $14 billion.

Walsh Federal LLC won a $37.3 million deal for the construction of an F-35 Lightning II combat aircraft training and simulator facility, Marine Corps Air Station, New River, North Carolina. According to the DoD, the work to be performed will provide a one story simulator facility that will support six mission rehearsal trainers and full mission simulators, six deployable mission rehearsal trainers and support spaces which will include administrative, classroom and conference space. The facility will also include space for a Marine aviation training systems site and a night imaging and threat evaluation lab. The facility will be a reinforced concrete masonry unit building with seismic upgrades. It will be located on a pile of supported and reinforced concrete slabs on grade foundation with structural steel framing and a pre-finished insulated roof system with renewable energy features. Structural elements will allow for the expansion of the facility in the future if required. The facility will be constructed and certified for secure handling and storage of classified material and components to meet top secret/special access program facility classifications. Work will take place in New River, North Carolina. Estimated completion is in April 2022.

Middle East & Africa

Turkey has deployed its combat helicopters to Azerbaijan for a live-fire exercise. According to local media, a group of servicemen and the aircraft of the Turkish Armed Forces participating in the Azerbaijani-Turkish Live-Fire Joint Large-Scale Tactical and Flight-Tactical Exercises arrived in Nakhchivan. Military, attack and combat helicopters of the Turkish Armed Forces arrived on a military transport aircraft, are brought to a state of readiness for Live-Fire Flight-Tactical Exercises at the military airfield of the Combined Arms Army.

Europe

Lockheed Martin has secured an order from the Swiss Army for its Indago small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The aerospace giant will customize the Indago to meet Swiss requirements by fitting a transponder for sense and avoid; install a Silvus Technologies’ radio; and provide the VCSi Touch SUAS Ground Control System software that includes access to Swiss maps, with digital terrain elevation data (DTED), and Geofencing.

Asia-Pacific

The US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Philippines of scout, assault, and light support boats with armaments and related equipment for an estimated cost of $126 million, US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said. US DSCA also said the the required certification notifying US Congress was delivered.The possible sale includes thirty-six 9M Scout Boats (SB); thirty-six 10M Assault Boats (AB); eighteen 16M Light Support Boats (LSB); and 156 M240B 7.62x51mm machine guns.

Lockheed Martin won a $34.2 million contract modification for the Service Life Extension Program for the Republic of Korea’s F-16 aircraft. In December of 1981, the Republic of Korea signed a letter of agreement for the purchase of 36 F-16C/D block 32 Fighting Falcons under the Peace Bridge I Foreign Military Sales program. This made the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) the first foreign operator of the F-16C/D model of the Fighting Falcon. Work will take place in the Republic of Korea. Estimated completion date is August 15, 2026.

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Americas

Boeing won an $11.3 million contract modification to update critical safety items for the Apache attack helicopter (AH-64E). The Apache attack helicopter was developed by McDonnell Douglas, which is now Boeing, for the US armed forces. It entered service with the US Army in 1984. The AH-64 Apache is a twin-engine, four bladed, multi-mission attack helicopter designed as a highly stable aerial weapons-delivery platform. With a tandem-seated crew consisting of the pilot, located in the rear cockpit position and the co-pilot gunner (CPG), located in the front position. Work will take place in Mesa, Arizona. Estimated completion is December 31, 2014.

Raytheon won a $47.3 million modification for full rate production of the Javelin weapon system. Javelin is an anti-tank guided munition that can be carried and launched by a single person. It is made by the Javelin Joint Venture, a partnership between Raytheon Missiles & Defense and Lockheed Martin. The weapon can be deployed from multiple platforms and used during the day, at night and in any kind of weather. Work will take place in Tucson, Arizona. Estimated completion date is August 31, 2023.

Middle East & Africa

The US Air Force’s 378th Air Expeditionary Logistics Squadron was able to set up an R-20 refueling station next to a taxiway at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia in 48 hours after getting the call. F-15s from the 44th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and a KC-135 landed at the air base to refuel and turnaround for another mission on Jul. 14 to test out the new refueling station. 1st Lt. McDaniel, 349th EARS, KC-135 Stratotanker pilot, said: “With the rapid refueling process, it was a lot faster. We took 85,000 pounds of fuel in less than an hour. This will allow us to get off the ground, provide the fueling capability in the (area of responsibility) and sustain combat operations.”

Europe

Defense Secretary Mark Esper revealed plans for US Forces in Europe on Wednesday, prior to an announced troop withdrawal from Germany. Speaking at the Pentagon, Esper announced the start of plans for repositioning US Forces in Europe, known as the European Command or EUCOM. The plan includes five goals: deterrence of Russia, strengthening NATO, reassuring allies, improvement of US strategic flexibility and EUCOM operational flexibility and care of US service members and their families. He noted that 11,900 U.S. troops will be withdrawn from Germany, leaving about 24,000, but about half of those removed will be placed in other NATO countries. The move, objected to by Republicans in Congress, was widely expected.

Asia-Pacific

The Philippine Air Force will now have to wait until October to take delivery of a C-130 after the United States informed Manila that it is not possible to fly the aircraft over to Philippines this month due to COVID-18. Another C-130 scheduled to be delivered at the end of the year will only be going home on 2021 instead. The coming C-130s were procured through the US foreign military financing program. Both planes cost $50.9 million but the Philippines would pay only $31.6 million, while the US would bankroll the rest of the amount.

The first five of 36 Dassault Rafale multirole fighter aircraft ordered for the Indian Air Force in late 2016 for $9.27 billion landed at Ambala Air Force Station (AFS) in northern India on July 29. The aircraft are part of a purchase to upgrade India’s military, as it contends with Pakistan on its west and China on its east, officials have noted. The Indian government discouraged media coverage or celebration, opting instead for a “final induction ceremony” in August.

Today’s Video

Watch: Indian Defence Updates : 5 Rafale Arrive,2 Tankers Lease,AON For INS Vishal,5 FFS Deal,New Al-Khalid

PAF C-130H
(click to view full)

The Philippine Air Force has devolved in many ways since the 1980s, but China’s ongoing pressure is finally focusing high-level attention on the need to rebuild it. A country of islands means a special premium for sea and air transport, but the country’s aerial transport fleet has declined especially badly. At the high end, it has crashed from a high of 18 C-130 medium transports to just 3 aged C-130B and L-382 (converted civil C-130H) aircraft. Poor storage and practices mean that only 3 other PAF airframes can even hope for refurbishment now, and the country is also looking to buy second-hand C-130s from the United States.

Contracts & Key Events

C-130T
(click to view full)

July 31/20: Delay The Philippine Air Force will now have to wait until October to take delivery of a C-130 after the United States informed Manila that it is not possible to fly the aircraft over to Philippines this month due to COVID-18. Another C-130 scheduled to be delivered at the end of the year will only be going home on 2021 instead. The coming C-130s were procured through the US foreign military financing program. Both planes cost $50.9 million but the Philippines would pay only $31.6 million, while the US would bankroll the rest of the amount.

April 8/16: The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has taken delivery of the first of two ordered C-130 cargo aircraft acquired through the excess defense articles (EDA) program. It is expected that the second C-130 will be delivered in the third of forth quarter of this year. Originally configured for tanker missions, the two aircraft have been converted for transport missions, and will significantly boost the PAF’s heavy lift capabilities. At present, the air force operates three Airbus Military C-295 medium, and three Fokker F-27 transports for its logistics and lift missions.

March 10/16: The Philippine Air Force will receive two more second hand C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft at a cost of $34.1 million. Delivery of the first is expected next week, while the second will follow in September. This brings the total number of C-130 aircraft in their fleet to five. The deal was announced by the outgoing Philippine Air Force (PAF) chief Lt. Gen. Jeffrey F. Hidalgo as part of attempts to modernize the air force’s capability for humanitarian and disaster response, and territorial defense from Chinese expansion.

July 24/14: The US DSCA announces the Philippines official request for 2 ex-US Navy C-130T Hercules medium tactical transports, 10 T56-16 engines (8 installed and 2 spares), 3 years of sustainment and support, modification equipment and labor costs, spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, aircraft ferry support, personnel training and training equipment, and other US Government and contractor support. The estimated cost is $61 million.

“Contractor requirements are still being researched, and will be fulfilled through open competition. Should USG representatives or contractor support in-country be required in support of the case, length of time in-country will be minimized to the maximum practical extent. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.”

C-130Ts are US NAVAIR’s designation for planes the USAF would classify as C-130H models, with some changes. the Navy bought 20, and the type reached Initial Operating Capability in 1991. They, and their dual-role KC-130T counterparts, are being replaced by new KC-130J transport/ tankers. Sources: US DSCA #14-24, “Government of the Philippines – C-130T Aircraft”.

Nov 27/13: Will buy 2. Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin says that they’ll buy 2 used C-130s from the USA:

“He said the current C-130s are overused given the scale of the operations in Visayas–particularly Leyte and Samar–the region that was battered by Yolanda and a 7.2 magnitude quake in October. The secretary said buying brand-new planes is not a priority at this time because the country cannot afford the tag price…. The Air Force is down to three functioning C-130 from a high of 18. It will cost around P500 million [DID: $11.5 million] to fix the non-functioning planes.”

Sources: “Philippines to buy 2 used C-130s”

June 10/13: Fleet to 9? The Philippine blog MaxDefense says that the country could have as many as 9 C-130s again by 2015:

“For those who passed by the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, you may have seen three parked C-130s on the apron. These three aircraft are currently not operational, and are the only units found by PAF and Lockheed Martin specialists as acceptable for re-commissioning after extensive refurbishment and repair… According to MaxDefense sources, these 3 units (2 C-130B and an L-100 civilian version) will undergo in-house refurbishing and repair similar to what was done last year to C-130B tail no. 3633. It will be done by the PAF’s 410th Maintenance Wing…. Information given to MaxDefense regarding these 3 C-130s is not yet final though…. According to MaxDefense sources, the DND and PAF are in talks with the US government to get at least 3 units of “H” models from US EDA stocks.”

Sources: MaxDefense, “More C-130 Hercules transport planes for the PAF staring 2014”.

Aug 10/12: 1 operational. PH Defense Today is still on top of key RFPs, and places them in the context of the fleet’s current condition. When this RFP is done, the country’s fleet will rise to 3 C-130s in service:

“An unidentified Philippine Air Force C-130 is due to undergo its 24th Year Scheduled Maintenance Program (SMP). On August 1, 2012, the PAF Bids and Awards Committee invited suppliers to bid for tools and equipment related to the SMP on PhilGEPS…. as of writing, the Air Force only had one operational Hercules: #4726, making it the logical object of this effort.

Two other PAF C-130s are undergoing maintenance programs. The long suffering #4704, which had been the AFP’s lone operational C-130 for years, is currently in the United States for a protracted repair effort. The second, #3633, is nearing the end of its maintenance cycle at the 410th maintenance wing…. The text of the bid invitation appears below…”

Sources: PH Defense Today, “Another PAF C-130 due to undergo Scheduled Maintenance Program (SMP)”.

Jan 6/12: PH Defense Today pulls some official data to illustrate a problem:

“The 305th Contracting Office of the AFP Procurement Service currently has P7,928,421.13 [DID: about $181,000] worth of bid invitations on PhilGEPS that dramatically illustrate the challenges that AFP logisticians face. Instead of establishing service support agreements with aircraft suppliers, the service is inviting potential suppliers to 18 individual bids for C-130 components. These appear in the table below…”

Sources: PH Defense Today, “The PAF’s piecemeal acquisitions”.

Additional Readings

• US NAVAIR – C/KC-130T Hercules.

Having to let go of something close, doesn’t need to have a sense of loss. When the European Defence Agency (EDA) sees its home-grown Helicopter Exercise Programme, its Helicopter Tactics Course and its Helicopter Tactics Instructors Course move to the new permanent Multinational Helicopter Training Centre (MHTC) in Portugal by the end of 2022, after many successful years at EDA, it does so with a feeling of ‘mission accomplished’.  

This article as well as the following interview with João Gomes Cravinho, the Defence Minister of Portugal, have first been published in EDA's 'European Defence Matters' magazine N° 19 published in June 2020. 

It is a basic principle underlying all training activities run by EDA: as soon as a programme reaches a sustainable level of support, maturity and output, the aim becomes to transfer it to a permanent facility hosted and managed by one of Member States involved. For the Agency’s ambition is not to become a permanent training institute but to serve as a catalyst and facilitator for collaborative training activities which later on will be taken care of by a Member State or an organisation – allowing the Agency to free resources and engage in other training projects.   The move in June 2017 of EDA’s European Air Transport Fleet training programme to the new permanent European Tactical Airlift Centre (ETAC) in Zaragoza/Spain, after six years of busy activities at EDA – 87 aircrews trained, 50 tactical instructor pilots graduate, 94 European transport aircraft involved – stands out as a shining example of this policy.   It will be followed soon by the Agency’s three multinational rotary-wing training programmes: the Helicopter Exercise Programme (HEP), the Helicopter Tactics Course (HTC) and the Helicopter Tactics Instructors Course (HTIC). Launched in 2009 and supported by 15 countries (Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Finland, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, Slovenia, Norway as well as the United Kingdom – up till Brexit), this trio has since become one of EDA’s most dynamic and successful training activities, highly appreciated in Europe’s rotary wing community.   By the end of 2022, their new home will be Sintra/Portugal: that’s what the Agency’s Steering Board decided in August 2019 when it green-lit the setting-up of a new Multinational Helicopter Training Centre (MHTC). 

 

A new permanent home 

The objective is to make this MHTC a permanent European centre of excellence for advanced helicopter training. It will deliver administrative and training functions to serve both as a central hub for the coordination of helicopter training across Europe, but also as the provider of the next iteration of the HEP, HTC and HTIC programmes currently run by the Agency.   

The centre is expected to reach initial operational capability (IOC) by the end of 2022, although the Covid-19 crisis impact may alter this date, and it is estimated it will operate for a period of 15 years, which can be extended to 30 years following the agreement of its contributing Member States. 

The next major milestone in the preparation is the harmonisation of the MHTC Technical Agreement, expected by the beginning of 2021, and the build-up of the infrastructures in Sintra which should be finished before the IOC MHTC. 
 

Gradual hand-over starting this summer 

The move to Sintra will be gradual, starting soon – this summer with the transfer of EDA’s helicopter training centre from its traditional location, RAF airbase Linton-on-Ouse in the United Kingdom (in the process of being dismantled), to Sintra Air Force airbase which will already be operational, on a provisional basis, between mid-2020 and the end of 2022 when it will fully take over its new MHTC role. The full set of training equipment will be moved from Linton-on-Ouse to Sintra, except the helicopter simulator which is being replaced with a new one.  

  

"An opportunity to strengthen European cooperation" 

Portugal is actively preparing to host the MHTC which it considers a priority and “strategic investment”, says the country’s Minister of Defence, João Gomes Cravinho, in an exclusive interview with European Defence Matters. 
 

How are preparations going for the transition of the current EDA helicopter programmes to Sintra in 2020 and for the creation of the MHTC in 2022? 

Currently, and until 2023, EDA helicopter programmes will take place in Sintra as part of a transition process for MHTC while ensuring the continuity of all EDA helicopter training. Portugal has received the helicopter simulator formerly based in the UK and will provide support for academic and simulator courses in existing infrastructures, specially adapted for that purpose, while the MHTC project is under development. Since November, multiple site surveys have been made in Sintra to check the current infrastructures. The flight simulator hardware is already in Portugal, waiting for INZPIRE representatives to be able to travel to Portugal and start the required assembly as soon as possible. Of course, we and all the other countries involved in the Agency’s helicopter training have also been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic which has required partial and full lockdowns, including in Portugal. This resulted in the cancellation of two courses, planned for May and June 2020. Nevertheless, Portugal has been actively engaged with EDA and Member States to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 in the helicopter programmes. In close coordination with Member States a contingency plan has been agreed that should allow these courses to take place in the future.  
 

What makes Sintra the perfect site for it? 

Sintra is being turned into the rotary wing hub of the Portuguese Air Force that is expected to be fully operational by 2023. We hope this will provide relevant synergies, and this is in itself proof that we believe Sintra is indeed a great location for this type of infrastructure. There are large modular spaces adapted to the needs of a structure like this. The accommodation, the courses and the simulator area will, of course, be in accordance with EDA’s requirements and will all be within easy walking distance of catering and leisure spaces. Additionally, because there is more to life than work, the air base is very close to the historic town of Sintra, to Lisbon and to the beaches of Cascais, meaning there is no lack of opportunities for leisure or physical exercise in the vicinity. 
 

How big an effort (infrastructure, staff, budget, etc.) is this for Portugal to become the host nation of this important training activity? 

The Portuguese government is committed to a responsible management of the State budget, but we are also committed to strategic investments. We see the MHTC project as an opportunity to strengthen European cooperation in addressing a key operational capability that has often been found lacking and is vital to provide support to ongoing and future CSDP missions. Once Full Operational Capability is achieved, Portugal has committed, through the Portuguese Air Force, to support not only the infrastructure exclusively dedicated to the MHTC academic and simulator courses, but also all student logistical support (lodging, meals). Regarding staff, the MHTC will have ten permanent positions, plus temporary personnel responsible for the academic and simulator courses. In principle, the Portuguese Air Force will be responsible for about 50% of these permanent posts, with full time dedicated personnel. We are currently assessing the best options for hosting our foreign partners involved in permanent posts in the MHTC. In conclusion, this is a significant effort, but we see it as a priority, as a strategic investment. 
 

How will this influence Portugal’s own involvement in EDA’s helicopter programme where it currently participates in the Helicopter Exercise Programme (HEP) and the Helicopter Tactics Course (HTC). Any plan to join the Helicopter Tactics Instructors Course (HTIC)? 

The involvement of the Portuguese Air Force in EDA’s helicopter programmes (HEP and HTC) has been very successful in developing and consolidating rotary wing operational capabilities. Portugal is currently not involved in the HTIC, but this is an interesting programme and will be considered in future discussions regarding available investment in this area.  
 

Portugal is a very regular host of the BLADE multinational helicopter exercises, at least during the 2012-2022 period. Will you remain central and host of this exercise even beyond 2022? 

We are working on it. As you know, we are the organiser of the BLADE exercise in 2021. And Portugal in fact holds the record as the host country for BLADE exercises. I believe this is the result of Portugal’s ability to organise these exercises effectively, as well as the fact that it has, in relative terms, a very flexible airspace and ideal meteorological conditions. Portugal has made clear its availability for hosting the BLADE helicopter exercises in 2024, 2027 and 2030. Now it is up to EDA and the other Member States to decide, but Portugal is very committed to continuing to invest in cooperation with its European allies and partners in this vital operational capability. 

 

 

 

Americas

L-3 Communications Integrated Systems won a $20.7 million contract modification for the installation of auxiliary power units, digital red switch systems and Family of Beyond Line-of-Sight Terminals/Presidential National Voice Conferencing modifications and associated support on two E-6B Mercury aircraft. The Boeing E-6 Mercury is a command post and communications relay aircraft manufactured by Boeing for the US Navy. The aircraft relays communications for ballistic missile submarine forces and provides airborne command and control for strategic forces. The E-6B features battle staff positions and an airborne launch control system equipped with land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles. Work will take place in Waco, Texas. Estimated completion date will be in July 2021.

American company Boeing announced that it had signed a Direct Commercial Sale agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to upgrade Japan’s F-15J to the F-15JSI. The rendering by Boeing shows the jet carrying a JASSM or LRASM cruise missile on station 5 on the centerline. The aircraft is believed to be armed with the AAM-4 air-to-air missiles as well. The medium-range active radar homing is made by Mitsubishi. Besides having new air-to-ground weapon, the F-15JSI will have a new cockpit system along with a powerful mission computer. The electronic warfare system will be state-of-the-art, Boeing said in the press release. On October 30, 2019, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency cleared the upgrade of 98 F-15J aircraft to the Japanese Super Interceptor (JSI) configuration. The fighter will be equipped with APG-82(v)1 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and a Advanced Display Core Processor II (ADCP II) Mission System Computer.

Middle East & Africa

The State Department approved a possible $59.6 million deal to sell various M1A2K training ammunition and related equipment to Kuwait, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced Tuesday. According to DSCA, Kuwait asked to buy 10,260 120MM M865 Target Practice Cone Stabilized Discarding Sabot Tracer Cartridges and 9,810 120MM M1002 Target Practice Multipurpose Tracer (TPMP-T) Cartridges. The sale would also include 600,000 linked cartridges, containers, munitions, support and test equipment and technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support.

Europe

The Dwight D. Eisenhower (IKE) Carrier Strike Group is currently participating in a joint exercise with the Air Force and Navy of Greece in the Mediterranean Sea. The joint operations started on July 24 and will end today. Hellenic Navy frigate HN Aegean (FFGH 460) joined the CSG as an air defense unit, locating and identifying air contacts around the task force. Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3) conducted day and night bombing practices at the Greek Karavia Range. Aircrews were able to fire unguided and guided rockets and drop laser training rounds at the range. To make the training more realistic, the navy fighters had to fight their way to the target against Hellenic F-16s. “Being able to practice air-to-air combat with a foreign partner and then immediately transition to an air-to-ground weapons release is what flying the F/A-18 is all about,” said a CVW-3 department head.

Asia-Pacific

Lockheed Martin won an $18.1 million modification, which provides non-recurring efforts and modifies three Lot 14 MH-60R helicopters to the initial India configuration in support of the MH-60R modification program for the government of India. The R-model Seahawks primarily provide maritime anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities to India, with secondary missions including cargo and utility, search-and-rescue, and communications relay. In May, Sikorsky finalized a $905 million deal to build two dozen MH-60R maritime utility helicopters for India, the largest defense contract that parent company Lockheed Martin has signed with the country. Work will take place in Owego, New York and Stratford, Connecticut. Expected completion will be by March 2022.

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Americas

SCD.USA Infrared LLC won a $17.4 million contract for sustainment support services for the AN/VSQ-6B Vehicle Optics Sensor system. The AN/VSQ-6B Vehicle Optics Sensor System is a surveillance system designed for vehicles supporting route and area clearance of explosives, ordnance and other threats. It is a gyrocam system that uses gyro-stabilized electro-optical sensors and night vision devices designed for bad weather and completely dark nights. It can be used by ground vehicles, aircraft and ships, as well as in static positions for area security. Estimated completion date is July 27, 2030.

The Pentagon has not taken contractors’ risks because of climate change into account, a Government Accountability Office report says. The reports says that the Defense Department has regarded climate change as a threat to operations since 2010. The report details a review of acquisition and supply processes, as well as mission assurance processes, to protect or ensure the function of capabilities and assets critical to the department’s missions. The review found that the Defense Department “has not routinely assessed climate-related risks faced by its contractors as part of its acquisition and supply processes,” and that typical processes to spot potential supply chain problems “do not systematically identify and consider climate-related risks to materiel acquisition and supply or the acquisition of weapon systems.”

Middle East & Africa

Vectrus Systems Corp. won a $529.1 million contract modification for Kuwait base operations and security support services. The Kuwait-Base, Operations and Security Support Services program supports key US Army installations across Kuwait including Camp Arifjan, Camp Buehring, Udairi Range Complex, Camp Patriot on the Kuwait Naval Base and sites at Kuwait City International Airport and the Port of Shuaiba. Work will take place in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Estimated completion is September 28, 2021.

An unmanned aerial vehicle made in Israel for Germany’s Defense Ministry completed its first successful flight, builder Israel Aerospace Industries announced. The Heron TP, modified to the specifications of the German Defense Ministry, completed its first flight on July 26 in Israel, the company said. The medium altitude, long endurance Heron TP, regarded as the company’s most advanced drone, can be used for reconnaissance and support roles, and can fire air-to-ground missiles. With a maximum takeoff weight of 11,365 pounds, the vehicle has a 54-foot wingspan and can carry a payload of over 2,200 pounds. It is based on the Eitan UAV in use by the Israel Air Force. The German and Israeli defense ministries signed a nine-year, $600 million agreement in 2018 to lease an unknown number of UAVs. The contract covers training, support and maintenance, with 35 two-man teams from Germany training in Israel to operate the drones.

Europe

Netherlands has been given the green light to buy 16 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) for $39 million. The deal includes containers, weapon systems support and support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, US Government and contractor engineering, logistics, and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The proposed sale will improve the Netherlands’ capability to meet current and future threats by deterring regional threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and enable interoperability and standardization between the armed forces of the Netherlands and the United States. The Netherlands, which already maintains AMRAAM missiles, will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and support into its armed forces.

Asia-Pacific

Taiwan has decided to add another $1 billion to acquired the Boeing Harpoon Coastal Defense system. This will force the Navy to delay the purchase of 10 MH-60R naval helicopters in 2021 due to a shortfall in budget. According to the news report, the number of vehicles for the system remains the same. However, the island will be buying more Harpoon missiles instead. The move has created some resistance in the military as Taiwan has been trying to increase its anti-submarine capability, the delay in purchasing the naval helicopters will lead to a capability gap in undersea warfare in the short term.

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Americas

Curtiss-Wright Defense Systems won a maximum $7.6 million deal for an advanced mission management system in support of the MQ4-C Triton aircraft program. The MQ-4C Triton is a broad area maritime surveillance (BAMS) unmanned aircraft system (UAS) unveiled by Northrop Grumman for the US Navy. The MQ-4C Triton is based on the RQ-4N, a maritime variant of the RQ-4B Global Hawk. The main aluminum fuselage is of semi-monocoque construction, while the V-tail, engine nacelle and aft fuselage are made of composite materials. The MQ-4C Triton program is managed by the Persistent Maritime Unmanned Aircraft Systems Programme Office. Work will take place California. Estimated completion date is February 28, 2022.

Sikorsky won a $19.5 million contract for overhaul and repair of the tail rotor blade with pitch horn replacement for UH60 Blackhawk aircraft. The Black Hawk is the Army’s front-line utility helicopter used for air assault, air cavalry, and aeromedical evacuation units. It is designed to carry 11 combat-loaded, air assault troops, and it is capable of moving a 105-millimeter howitzer and 30 rounds of ammunition. First deployed in 1978, the Black Hawk’s advanced technology makes it easy to maintain in the field. Estimated completion date of work is July 23, 2025.

Middle East & Africa

The Turkish Navy’s first dedicated intelligence-gathering ship has started sea acceptance tests. Ufuk was observed sailing in the Gulf of Izmit. The new ship was designed by STM and built at Istanbul Shipyard under a contract awarded in 2017. The vessel was laid down in 2018 and launched on 9 February 2019. Ufuk is derived from the MilGem corvette design, but features a different main propulsion system and changes to the superstructure. It features the same hull dimensions as the Ada class, with an overall length of 99 m, a beam of 14.1 m and a draught of 3.6 m. However, Ufuk is expected to be at least 100 tonnes heavier than the Ada corvettes at around 2,400 tonnes.

Europe

GKN Aerospace Sweden announced that it is to participate with partner industries in Italy and the UK in feasibility studies on future fighter engine technology development. The announcement, made during the virtual Farnborough International Air Show, is part of a wider firming-up of Sweden’s memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the UK on the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program that was signed in July 2019.

Asia-Pacific

The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has confirmed to Yomiuri Shimbun by email that there are talks with Japan on how Tokyo can join the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) program. The HBTSS is a new space-based sensor that can detect and track hypersonic weapons. Data collected will be feed to fire control systems for engagement.

Taiwan has decided to add another $1 billion to acquired the Boeing Harpoon Coastal Defense system. This will force the Navy to delay the purchase of 10 MH-60R naval helicopters in 2021 due to a shortfall in budget. According to the news report, the number of vehicles for the system remains the same. However, the island will be buying more Harpoon missiles instead. The move has created some resistance in the military as Taiwan has been trying to increase its anti-submarine capability, the delay in purchasing the naval helicopters will lead to a capability gap in undersea warfare in the short term.

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Watch: Indian Defence Updates : New Predator-C For India,Twin Dhruvastra On LCH,F/A-18 Test For INS Vikrant

Americas

AHI, Grand Prairie won a $74 million contract modification for 15 UH-72 D-2 production aircraft and options to procure three additional D-2 production aircraft, 18 jettisonable cockpit doors, 14 engine inlet barrier filters and 14 environmental control units. The UH-72A Lakota is the US Army’s multi-mission helicopter. Selected in June 2006 following a rigorous evaluation, it combines operational capability, reliability and affordability, fulfilling all of the Army’s requirements for speed, range, endurance and overall performance. Work will take place in Grand Prairie, Texas. Estimated completion date is August 31, 2022.

The US State Department has cleared Chile to purchase modernization upgrades for its F-16 fleet, with a potential $634 million price tag. Chile currently operates 44 F-16s. That includes 10 Block 50 models purchased in the early 2000s, as well as 36 older models bought second-hand from the Netherlands. The upgrades included in this potential sale include 19 Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS); six inert MK-82 (500LB) general purpose bomb bodies; two MXU-650KB Air Foil Groups (AFG); 44 LN-260 Embedded GPS/INS (EGI) and 49 Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radios (MIDS JTRS). Also included are avionics equipment and software upgrades, new radios, upgraded IFF transponders, secure communications equipment and other parts. The upgrades are expected to go across the 44 plane fleet.

Middle East & Africa

The United Arab Emirates defense industrial conglomerate Edge announced that it was buying out the 40% stake in aircraft maintenance joint venture AMMROC from Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky. Under a conditional agreement between the two companies, Edge will acquire the stake for $307 million. Edge CEO and Managing Director Faisal Al Bannai, said in a statement that, “Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky have played a pivotal role in developing the UAE’s MRO capabilities. As Edge assumes full ownership of AMMROC and continues to pursue the military and civil MRO market with specialist skills, we recognise that such achievements are the outcome of our international partnerships. Going forward, we will continue to explore emerging business opportunities with Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky to further strengthen our relationship”.

Europe

Facilities to house the Poseidon MRA Mk1 fleet have been handed over to Defense Equipment and Support (DE&S), marking a major milestone in the Poseidon program. DE&S, the MoD procurement arm, say they will take control of the $127.9 million strategic facility at RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland. In the coming months, DE&S will oversee the installation of computers, audio-visual technology and the IT network to ensure the facility meets the RAF’s requirements, say the MoD. Once operational in the autumn, the facility will take the total number of people working out of the coastal base in the north of Scotland to about 2,200. All nine Poseidon aircraft, which are based on the Boeing 737 Next-Generation airliner, are expected to be in the UK by the end of 2021

Construction has begun on the 57th segment of the 8,000-tonne HMS Glasgow, the first of eight Type 26 Frigates to be built on the Clyde. According to the British Royal Navy, it’s almost two years to the day that work on Glasgow began in the yard on the Clyde, with many of the completed sections pieced together in one of BAE’s assembly halls. The eight ships will replace the eight dedicated anti-submarine Type 23 frigates which will reach the end of their active lives by the mid 2030s. In addition five Type 31 general purpose frigates are intended to replace the general-duty Type 23s currently in service and also coming towards the end of their long careers.

Asia-Pacific

Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) is under pressure from the military to complete the Initial Operational Test & Evaluation of its Hai Chien 2 anti-air missile by this year. The Navy wants to start limited production of the missile from March next year so that the Tuo Chiang Class corvettes can have an anti-air capability. Unfortunately for NCSIST, the institute has run into problems integrating the missile with air defense radar. To meet the deadline by next year, it has to start shipborne testing in the next few months. So far, the missile has only been fired at sea once in 2014. Another effort to have the missile fired from the Mk 41 VLS is also delayed as the indigenous Hsun Lien naval combat systems is behind schedule.

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Watch: JAPAN’S AIR TO SURFACE (ASM 3) ANTI SHIP MISSILE IS READY TO TAKE ON CHINESE WARSHIPS !

Americas

Northrop Grumman won a $16.3 million task order under the ground subsystems sustainment contract for the Minuteman III general sustainment. The LGM-30G Minuteman III is a three-stage, solid-fueled, intercontinental-range ballistic missile. The Minuteman III is the sole land-based component of the US nuclear triad. The Minuteman III has a fast launch time, nearly 100 percent testing reliability, and backup airborne launch controllers to preserve retaliatory capabilities. The Minuteman missile program began in 1958 and the first missile in the series, Minuteman I, was test-launched in February 1961. Minuteman II, the second version in the series, was launched in 1964. Unlike its predecessor, the missile was considerably advanced to strike multiple targets with high accuracy. Work will take place in Layton, Utah and is estimated to be finished by August 31, 2021.

Lockheed Martin won a $7.6 million contract modification for the production and delivery of AEGIS weapon system MK 6 MOD 1 spares for new construction and AEGIS modernization guided missile destroyers. The AEGIS Weapon System is a centralized, automated, command-and-control (C2) and weapons control system that was designed as a total weapon system, from detection to kill. The heart of the system is the AN/SPY, an advanced, automatic detect and track, multi-function phased-array radar. This high-powered radar is able to perform search, track and missile guidance functions simultaneously, with a track capacity of more than 100 targets.

Middle East & Africa

Israel is combining the capabilities of several elite units under one roof as part of its multiyear plan to prepare the military for future warfare. Israel announced the creation of the 7th Wing under the Israeli Air Force earlier this month. The move is part of a larger reorganization effort, known as Momentum for the Israel Defense Forces. The effort foresees more combinations of units, pushing intelligence and digitization to front-line forces and using fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets, future combat vehicles and air defense capabilities. In recent years, Israel has been concentrating many of its efforts against threats from the north, including Hezbollah and Iranian entrenchment in Syria during the course of the Syrian civil war. Israel fought three conflicts in Gaza with Hamas between 2009 and 2014, but relations are less tense.

Europe

BAE Systems has awarded a further five contracts to suppliers worth more than $127.4 million, as progress on the Type 26 frigate program continues apace at the company’s shipyards in Glasgow. The new contracts will support 250 jobs, with the Type 26 program sustaining more than 4,000 jobs in total across the UK, helping to support the nation’s economic recovery by maintaining much-needed skills and capabilities. More than $1.3 billion has been invested across the program’s supply chain to date, with more than 100 suppliers globally. Designed and built by BAE Systems in Glasgow, the Type 26 frigate is an advanced anti-submarine warship, which will deliver critical protection of the Royal Navy’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent and Carrier Strike Group.

The British, Swedish and Italian defense industries are in discussion to collaborate on air combat capability, defense contractor BAE Systems said. The framework was promoted Wednesday as a means to employ tens of thousands of skilled workers in those countries’ leading defense industry companies, a BAE statement said. The announcement mentioned Britain’s BAE, Leonardo UK, Rolls-Royce and MBDA UK; Italy’s Leonardo Italy, Elettronica, Avio Aero and MBDA Italia, and Sweden’s Saab and GKN Aerospace. The companies would reportedly also work, in part, within Britain’s Future Combat Air System project, a $24 billion plan by Britain to build the next-generation fighter plane, now known as Tempest, by 2035. While the Tempest would replace France’s Rafale and Britain’s Typhoon planes, it is expected to be an advancement over the F-35 of the United States, which is flown by several countries in Europe. European defense industry leaders were enthusiastic on Wednesday of the prospective collaboration.

Asia-Pacific

India could send the Navy’s MiG-29Ks to an air force base in the northern sector, local media reports. “It is being planned to deploy the MiG-29K fighter aircraft at an IAF base in the northern sector. They might be used for carrying out operational flying in the eastern Ladakh along the Line of Actual Control,” local media quoted government sources. The news report also added that some of those fighters could replace air force fighters at bases in western India as those are being moved to the northern sector facing China. India has 45 MiG-29Ks but lost three so far in accidents.

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Watch: U.S. NAVY HAS COMMISSIONED USS TRIPOLI – CAN CARRY F-35B LIGHTNING STEALTH FIGHTER !

Americas

The Sixteenth Air Force, also known as Air Forces Cyber, is now at full operating capacity, officials announced this month. According to the Air Force, the declaration means the Air Force’s Information Warfare organization “met a rigorous set of criteria, including an approved concept of operations and demonstrated performance of mission under stress in simulated and real-world conditions.” Gen. Mike Holmes, Air Combat Command commander and Lt. Gen. Timothy D. Haugh, Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces Cyber) commander made the announcement during a virtual ceremony held at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland July 14.

Raytheon announced Tuesday that it has delivered the first AN/SPY-6(V)1 radar array to Huntington Ingalls for installation on the Navy’s future USS Jack H. Lucas guided-missile destroyer. “SPY-6 will change how the Navy conducts surface fleet operations,” said Capt. Jason Hall, program manager for Above-Water Sensors for the US Navy’s Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems in a press release. The first 14-foot-by-14-foor modular array was transported from Raytheon’s Radar Development Facility in Andover, Mass., to the Huntington Ingalls shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., company officials said. In November 2019, Raytheon received a $97.3 million contract modification for integration and maintenance of the AN/SPY-6(V) air and missile defense radar system on Navy vessels.

Middle East & Africa

Israeli Xsight Systems, a global provider of advanced runway safety solutions, announced that it will deliver an intelligent Runway Debris Monitoring System to Qatar’s Hamad International Airport (HIA) as part of the airport’s plan to upgrade its safety measures and acquire the latest and most advanced runway technologies. The RunWize system will be deployed on the airport’s two parallel runways, including a 4,850 meter runway that is one of the longest in the world. The installation is to be carried out by local company Bayanat Engineering Qatar (BEQ), a leading airport systems integrator in the Gulf and North Africa. RunWize provides real-time, automated foreign object debris (FOD) detection, location, identification and classification, chosen and defined by HIA as a Tier 1 system to take a major part in the airport’s robust eco-system harmonized with other critical interfaces.

Europe

Marshall Advanced Composites has received an order worth £890,000 from Honeywell for sonobuoy launch carousel assembly units. The order was received from Honeywell in Yeovil, UK and will be delivered throughout 2021 and 2022. The carousel assembly was originally designed for use on the Nimrod aircraft and is used to drop submarine-seeking sonobuoys. Each carousel holds 10 sonobuoys, which are dropped through apertures in the aircraft floor and can be reloaded in-flight. Marshall says it has been supplying sonobuoy carousel units to Honeywell for a number of years and delivered its 100th unit to the company in December last year. During that time Marshall updated the design so they could be installed on the S-92 and Wildcat helicopters.

Asia-Pacific

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is expecting delivery of the first five of 36 Dassault Rafale multirole fighter aircraft before the end of July, according to a 20 July statement by the Ministry of Defense (MoD) in New Delhi. The aircraft are expected to be inducted at Ambala Air Force Station (AFS) in northern India on July 29 “subject to [the] weather”, said the MoD, adding that no media coverage is planned on arrival. The final induction ceremony will take place in the second half of August.

SpaceX launched South Korea’s first communications satellite to be dedicated for military use Monday evening from Florida. A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off as planned at 5:30 pm from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station into a partly cloudy sky and headed over the Atlantic Ocean. The mission had been postponed twice over the last week. SpaceX confirmed the satellite deployed at 32 minutes, 49 seconds into the flight. SpaceX successfully recovered the first stage booster of rocket, which landed on a barge in the ocean about 350 miles east of the launch site. The booster is the same one that launched astronauts to the International Space Station on May 31.

Today’s Video

Watch: India Will Receive Six Rafale Aircraft To Guard Against China

Americas

General Dynamics Missions Systems won a $13.6 million contract modification to exercise an option for engineering support for ongoing development, test and production of the Surface Mine Countermeasure Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (SMCM UUV) program, also known as Knifefish. The Knifefish program will provide persistent volume and bottom mine hunting capability in a contested environment. This option exercise is for engineering support hours to support a number of efforts, including test and evaluation, engineering change proposal development and upgrade initiatives. The Knifefish is an autonomous unmanned water vehicle. It is a propeller-driven minesweeping robot. Work will take place in Massachusetts, North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia and Michigan. Estimated completion will be by September 2021.

Lockheed Martin won an $861.7 million modification, which exercises options to procure eight Lot 14 F-35A Lightning II repositioned aircraft as a result of the Republic of Turkey’s removal from the F-35 program, and six Lot 14 F-35A aircraft for the Air Force.  Additionally, this modification establishes undefinitized line items that provides recurring engineering in support of the modification of the eight Lot 14 F-35A Lightning II repositioned aircraft to a full operationally capable F-35A Air Force configuration. Lockheed Martin has marketed the F-35 successfully to 14 countries over nearly 20 years. Subtracting Turkey’s canceled program for 100 jets, Lockheed still boasts commitments from 13 countries to buy nearly 3,220 F-35s, with deliveries projected out to 2046. Work will take place in Texas, California, United Kingdom, Florida, New Hampshire, Maryland, California and various locations within the continental US. Expected completion date will be by May 2026.

Middle East & Africa

According to Elbit Systems, the Israeli Defense Forces recently initiated a series of brigade level exercises in Elbit Systems’ new Brigade and Battlegroup Mission Training Center. The new training center immerses commanders, headquarters staff and two subordinate command levels in high-fidelity combat situations in actual battle zone territory. It presents commanders and their staff with a realistic operational picture, enables them to operate a range of assets, compels them to respond to real-time changes and requires them to cope with tactical communications that are realistically impacted by various effects.

Europe

Britain’s Ministry of Defense finalized a contract for a new Skynet military satellite in a $628.5 million deal with Airbus Defense and Space. The contract calls for launch and ground support of the latest Skynet 6A telecommunications satellite, which is regarded as an improvement of military communications capability — and is an update to the current Skynet 5 system. A new generation of communications spacecraft, a $7.5 billion upgrade, is expected at the end of the decade. The deal has been in the works since 2017, when Airbus was chosen as a preferred supplier and received a preliminary contract for the new system. The satellite will be developed and assembled in Britain, with a planned launch date of 2025.

As a part of Saab’s plan to create a hub for participation in the future Combat Air Systems program (FCAS); Saab will be creating a new FCAS center in the UK. The center forms part of Saab’s long term plans for the UK market to develop indigenous capabilities, invest in research and development and grow intellectual property. Saab is committed to build a long term relationship with the UK related to FCAS by investing initially 50 MGBP. The UK and Sweden signed a MoU on FCAS co-operation in July 2019. Saab is leading Sweden’s FCAS industrial participation in close co-operation with Sweden’s Ministry of Defense.

Asia-Pacific

Japan is reportedly immediately scrambling fighter jets against all Chinese military aircraft taking off from an air base in Fujian Province, as tensions continue between the two countries over the Senkaku Islands. China has escalated its pressure campaign against Japan’s Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea in recent months, using increased maritime and air operations and heightened administrative and enforcement claims. Beijing claims the islands, which Japan administers, as the Diaoyu Islands. Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force planes have been flying above the East China Sea from sunrise to sunset every day to monitor Chinese military aircraft moves, the sources said. Before Japan reviewed its policy early last year, it used to scramble fighter jets against Chinese military aircraft approaching its airspace.

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Watch: INDIAN NAVY HOLDS NAVAL EXERCISE WITH ‘USS NIMITZ’ CARRIER STRIKE GROUP- CLEAR MESSAGE TO CHINA !

Americas

Lockheed Martin won a $935.5 million deal, which procures support equipment, autonomic logistics information system hardware, training systems, site activations and integrated contractor support for the F-35 Lightning II. Additionally, the contract supports tasking that will result in improvements to the reliability, availability, maintainability and total ownership cost of the F-35 Lightning II for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, non-Department of Defense (DOD) participants and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. The F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter (JSF), is being developed by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company for the US Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps and the UK Royal Navy. It is a stealthy supersonic multirole fighter. The JSF is being built in three variants: a conventional take-off and landing aircraft (CTOL) for the US Air Force; a carrier variant (CV) for the US Navy; and a short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft for the US Marine Corps and the Royal Navy. Work will take place in Florida, Texas, California, New York and the UK. Estimates completion will be in March 2026.

General Dynamic Land Systems won a $44.4 million contract modification to procure improved fire control electronics units in support of the Abrams expedited active protection system-trophy. M1A1/2 Abrams main battle tank is manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS). The first M1 tank was produced in 1978, the M1A1 in 1985 and the M1A2 in 1986. Army and Marine units intend to use Trophy APS-equipped Abrams main battle tanks to disrupt/destroy certain classes of enemy fire while safely maneuvering across the full range of military operations. Work will take place in Tallahassee, Florida. Estimated completion date is October 1, 2022.

Middle East & Africa

An oversight failure left the Pentagon unable to judge if a $174 million Afghan surveillance drone project is effective, an inspector general’s report says. The report notes that at least $174 million was spent between 2015 and 2019 to supply Afghanistan’s security forces with ScanEagle remotely piloted aircraft. It adds, though, that the Defense Department is unable to determine if the project is effective, if the Afghan forces can sustain it or what the immediate and long-term impacts of the investment. The report concludes that whatever benefit the drones offer the Afghan forces is not quantifiable, and that their use has offered few gains in fighting Taliban forces in the country.

Europe

Local media in Austria says Indonesia has written an official letter to buy 15 Eurofighters from Austria. The letter was from Indonesia’s Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto to his Austrian counterpart Klaudia Tanner. The Austria Defense Ministry has confirmed that the letter was received. The letter was dated July 10. Subianto has also stated in his letter that he understands the issue of the Eurofighter in Austria is sensitive due to a corruption probe into the purchase of the 15 aircraft. He added that the sale offers opportunities for both sides. Austria had previously said it wanted to retire those fighters starting from this year and replace them with another type of aircraft such as the Gripen or F-16. Back in 2017, Austria launched a probe into the purchase of the fighters, alleging that Airbus had paid brides during the competition. Indonesia is looking to replacing its F-5 with new fighters and had signaled that it intends to buy the Su-35. However, the deal to buy the Russian fighters has never been signed. The South East Asian nation had also indicated last year that it intends to buy two squadrons of F-16s this year.

Royal Marines responsible for guarding the UK’s nuclear weapons and submarines have been testing drones and robots at Jackton Police College in East Kilbride near Glasgow. The Ministry of Defense says that 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines are the last line of defense protecting the nation’s Trident missiles and the machines which carry them. 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines is a 550-strong unit based at HM Naval Base Clyde in Argyll and Bute.

Asia-Pacific

The US Navy says the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Groups dual carrier operations in the South China Sea are still ongoing. The latest statement said both groups “continued high-end dual-carrier exercises in the South China Sea, July 17.” The Navy had announced on July 6 that both groups had started dual carrier operations in the area on July 6. Nimitz and Ronald Reagan CSGs continue to leverage the teamwork of over 12,000 Sailors and Marines to conduct tactical air defense exercises, in order to maintain warfighting readiness and proficiency.

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Watch: Eurofighter Typhoon vs Dassault Rafale – Which would win?

Americas

Raytheon Missiles and Defense won a $15.3 million contract modification to exercise options for engineering and technical services and obsolescence solution in support of Standard Missile-2/6. The designation refers to the SM-2, or RIM-166 missile, and its new and upgraded version, designated SM-6 or RIM-174. Each is a surface-to-air missile designed to intercept both hostile aircraft and high-performance anti-ship missiles. The SM-6 variant can be used against fixed and rotary wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, land attack cruise missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles. Each is vertically launched and compatible with the Aegis Weapon System. Work will take place in Tucson, Arizona. Estimates completion date will be inJune 2021.

Lockheed Martin won a $15 billion deal for C-130J development, integration, retrofit and production activities for all C-130J variants. The contract provides flexibility to accommodate the broad enterprise of activities associated with the C-130J program. The C-130J can carry tons of supplies more than 3,000 miles, according to the company, and can operate with only two pilots and a loadmaster for most missions. Military operations the aircraft is suited for include weather reconnaissance, electronic warfare, medical evacuation, search and rescue, paradrop, maritime mission, special operations, personnel support, as well as both in-flight and ground fueling. Work will take place in Marietta, Georgia and is expected to be finished on July 16, 2030.

Middle East & Africa

Israel’s RADA Electronic Industries announced it has received $8 million in accumulated new orders since June 1. To date, the aggregate amount of new orders since the beginning of 2020 has reached $49 million, compared to $31 million during the same period in 2019, the company said. Out of the new orders, 70% were for RADA’s software-defined tactical radars for counter UAV and counter rocket, artillery and mortar (C-RAM) operations. The orders are a mix of follow-ons from existing customers, along with orders from new defense customers. Most of these orders are expected to be delivered during 2020. The rest of the orders were for UAV avionics as well as digital video recorders and debriefing stations for fighter aircrafts, according to RADA.

Europe

The Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) has ordered one NS100 radar and seven Scout Mk3 radars for its warships, Thales announced. The NS100 radar will be installed on HNLMS Johan de Witt, a Landing Platform Docks (LPD), and acceptance testing will commence in 2023. One of the Scout Mk3 surveillance radar ordered will be installed on the same ship as well. The Combat Support Ship that is presently being built for the service will get the Scout Mk3 radar as well. The other five sets of radars are for the M-class frigates operated by the RNLN and the Belgian Naval Component.

Russia’s Military Industrial Company (VPK) has developed a concept for a new family of light tactical vehicles on its own initiative. The Strela (Arrow) 4×4 multipurpose air-transportable armored platform can be configured as a command-and-control, protected transport, or patrol vehicle. It carries up to eight servicemen, including the driver, depending on the configuration. The platform uses advanced commercial-off-the-shelf components of the GAZ vehicle family, which Russian industry plans to mass produce. The Strela features a modular design and has only Russian-made subsystems.

Asia-Pacific

A public hearing was organized on July 18 for local residents of Taitung County, Taiwan to discuss the possible deployment of AH-64E attack helicopters at Fengnian. The locals opposed the plan, saying that the rotorcraft will bring additional noise to the area and they are concern over the safety. The Army’s Aviation and Special Forces Command explained that the helicopters generate only 49.1 decibels, while air traffic at Fengnian averages 56.3 decibels. Residents will be compensated for the noise generated as well. However, the majority of the locals attending the hearing still are against the deployment as they have been suffering from noise pollution from Zhihang airbase nearby.

Today’s Video

Watch: REVELATION : AGM-183A AIR-LAUNCHED RAPID RESPONSE WEAPON (ARRW) IS TESTED & REACHED MACH 17 !

However disruptive the economic and financial impact of Covid-19 might be, it will not not obscure the need for Member States to strengthen Europe’s full spectrum of defence capabilities, and to do it through cooperation. On the contrary: this crisis makes collaborative capability development even more indispensable and urgent, argues Jiří Šedivý, the European Defence Agency’s (EDA) new Chief Executive, in the following opinion editorial.

This pandemic is far from over and the full scale of its repercussions still unpredictable. Yet, there are lessons to be learned already now as Europe must adjust to a new post-Covid reality. Defence is no exception. The budgetary shockwave caused by the pandemic may heavily weigh on some Member States’ ability to sustain existing national defence programmes, let alone launch new ones. Which in turn threatens to further curtail Europe’s security and defence clout. 

There could be a plus side to the crisis as well, though: some of its effects might help speed up the process towards genuine EU defence cooperation. Looked at from this angle, this emergency offers a unique and unexpected opportunity for making collaborative capability development the new norm in Europe. Rather than weakening national defence forces one by one, the new reality imposed by Covid-19 could advance advance the Europe of Defence as a whole.
 

Making a virtue of (budgetary) necessity

The follow-up costs of the pandemic are likely to squeeze national public spending across the board and for years to come, including spending on defence. What’s more, the fiscal downturn hits at a time when Europe needs to invest more and better in its security and defence. The many good reasons that led the EU and its Member States to raise the Union’s level of ambition on security and defence in 2016 and to work towards European strategic autonomy as a long-term goal, are still valid. To drop or even lower this ambition is not an option, even under today’s exceptional circumstances, as this would seriously undermine Europe’s security role in the world.
 

How to square this circle?

Defence cooperation is the answer. Europe needs more joint defence planning and capability development. The call for Pooling & Sharing of resources and capabilities is not new, but it has become more pressing today. When defence budgets come under pressure, the smartest way for Member States to safeguard or even increase their military resilience is to plan, develop, procure, maintain and operate their defence equipment together. Multinational capability development – be it under PESCO, EDA or any other format involving several EU countries – is more cost-efficient and impactful than national solo efforts done in isolation. Money saved through EU cooperation can compensate for expected cuts in defence spending, at least in the long run. Beyond the financial benefits, cooperation also pays off thanks to increased operational effectiveness and interoperability, for the benefit of EU, NATO or other multinational operations. Joining forces will allow those Member States under budgetary strain to do more, for their own defence and that of Europe.
 

Tools ready and fit for purpose

The other good news is that we don’t have to start from scratch. All instruments and processes needed to enable and manage EU defence cooperation are already in place and ready to be used: updated European Capability Development Priorities, the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD), the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) and the European Defence Fund (EDF). If Member States don’t use the toolbox’ full potential now, then when will they?

The same applies to EDA, the EU hub for collaborative research and capability development which currently hosts more than 110 research and capability programmes as well as some 200 other activities. Here too, Member States still have some leeway available if they want to use EDA’s expertise and potential to the full extent.
 

Stronger emphasis on CBRN 

The Covid-19 pandemic has also brought to light, indirectly of course, the enormous disruptive potential of biological substances. Although Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) threats have been on our radar for some time – the European Capability Development Priorities reviewed in 2018 under EDA guidance explicitly refer to the need to strengthen European capabilities in the CBRN domain – this crisis has nevertheless highlighted the urgent need to do more in order to be better prepared and equipped to deal with these kind of threats in the future. This is another important lesson to be learned from this dramatic experience. Given the magnitude of the challenge, it can only be mastered together, i.e. through cooperation. Another example of why EU defence cooperation matters now more than ever. The same is true for other military assets which proved extremely helpful for our Member States during the most acute phase of the pandemic, such as medical and logistics support or cybersecurity. They, too, must stay high on our priority list for future cooperation.
 

A fresh look at strategic autonomy

Finally, and this is a third lesson, Covid-19 has shown the importance of maintaining strategic local production capacities able to provide critical material of high quality and in sufficient quantities when crises hit – in this case relatively basic commodities such as masks or other protection utilities. This has served as a reminder to all of us, including the defence sector, that European strategic autonomy cannot only refer to high-tech, high-end capabilities but also to basic but indispensable industrial expertise and production capacities. Maintaining critical industrial production capacities in Europe is thus a crucial prerequisite for building a Europe of defence and moving towards strategic autonomy. Here too, cooperation is the way forward as Europe’s key strategic activities can only be sustained together.
 

Special Report in European Defence Matters.

Our latest edition of European Defence Matters has a special report on the impact of COVID-19 on defence with contributions from Croatian State Secretary for Defence, Tomislav Ivić, Timo Pesonen, Director General of the European Commission’s DG Defence Industry and Space (DEFIS),  Daniel Fiott, Security and Defence Editor at the EU Institute for Security Studies (EUISS) and Jan Pie, Secretary General of the AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD). EDM19 is available now.
 

More information

• Interview with the Parliament Magazine
• Interview with Defense News
• Interview with Shepard Media
• Interview with DEFAERO Report Daily Podcast

 

Americas

Northrop Grumman won a $35.9 million deal for repair of 174 B-52 Engine Nose Cowls for the B-52 Stratofortress Bomber jet. The B-52H is the US Air Force’s (USAF) long-range, large-payload multirole bomber and is known as the Stratofortress or the Buff (big ugly fat fellow). It is the USAF’s principal strategic nuclear and conventional weapons platform that supports the US Navy in anti-surface and submarine warfare missions. Work will take place in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Expected completion date will be in July 2021.

Testing of the AN/APQ­-187 Silent Knight terrain-following/terrain-avoidance K-band radar on the US Air Force’s CV-22B has started last month. The flight took place on June 23 at Eglin Air Force Base. Testing is being performed by 413th Flight Test Squadron. The new radar allows special forces to fly their aircraft at 100ft above ground level in straight and turning flight at speed up to 300kts. It is designed to replace the AN/APQ-174, AN/APQ-186 and AN/APQ-170.

Middle East & Africa

Boeing won a $12.2 million delivery order for the procurement of multiple flight control surfaces in support of the Boeing F/A-18 E-G Super Hornet aircraft. Kuwait funds in the amount of $5,978,490 will be obligated at the time of the award, and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  Kuwait funds will be used under the Foreign Military Sales program. In 2018 Boeing won a $1.5 billion contract to build 28 F/A-18E/F Super Hornets for the Kuwait Air Force. The deal was a scaled-down version of the initial purchase announced in 2016 which involved 40 aircraft. At the time, the deal was considered significant by industry analysts and US government officials because it would keep Boeing’s Super Hornet production line operational. Work will take place in St. Louis, Missouri. Estimated completion will be by May 2026.

Europe

Saab received the first order from the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) for the life extension of the heavyweight torpedo system, Saab announced. The order value is approximately 485 MSEK and deliveries will take place during 2020-2024. The order is part of a life extension programme for the heavyweight torpedo and mainly comprises a review of the system, modifications and enhancements. The order also includes preparations for upcoming stages of the life extension program. Torpedo 62 is a heavyweight torpedo system for surface and underwater targets. Torpedo 62 is equipped with an advanced propulsion system with high capacity and long endurance, combined with an advanced target seeker, developed for the Swedish Navy’s operational area.

Asia-Pacific

An Indonesian Navy Frosch I (Type 108) Class amphibious landing craft has sunk after experiencing a hull breach. The 98 m vessel, KRI i, began sending out a distress signal around 8.38 am local time on 14 July about 55 n miles northeast off the Kangean Islands in the Java Sea. It sank about 45 minutes after its first distress call. The 1,900-tonne vessel had a crew complement of 55 onboard. 54 personnel were rescued by a container ship, KM Tanto Sejahtera , while a remaining crew member was retrieved from the water by passenger and cargo liner, KM Dobonsolo. All crew members have since been transferred to the Martadinata (SIGMA 10514)-class frigate, KRI Raden Eddy Martadinata , which was dispatched to the area in response to the first distress call from the ill-fated ship.

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has outlined a commitment to locally develop a transmission system for Hyundai Rotem’s K2 Black Panther main battle tank (MBT). The commitment, it said, is linked to wider efforts in South Korea to reduce reliance on foreign components and systems, and especially those that are integrated into “critical” military programmes such as the K2. Such efforts have intensified partly in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, which has exposed supply-chain weaknesses in South Korea’s defense industry.

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Americas

Thomas Instrument won a $7.1 million deal for the depot-level overhaul of the C-5 visor door actuator. The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is a large military transport aircraft originally designed and built by Lockheed and now maintained and upgraded by its successor, Lockheed Martin. It provides the USAF with a heavy intercontinental-range strategic airlift capability, one that can carry outsized and oversized loads, including all air-certifiable cargo. The C-5 Galaxy’s development was complicated, including significant cost overruns, and Lockheed suffered significant financial difficulties. Shortly after entering service, cracks in the wings of many aircraft were discovered and the C-5 fleet was restricted in capability until corrective work was completed. The C-5M Super Galaxy is an upgraded version with new engines and modernized avionics designed to extend its service life beyond 2040. Work will take place in Brookshire Texas. Expected completion date is July 13, 2025.

The Air Force hopes to adopt a virtual reality trainer to help B-52 Stratofortress student-pilots train for combat. The Virtual Reality Procedures Trainer, developed by Maj. Mark Budgeon of Air Force Global Strike Command, Maj. Brandon Wolf, 307th Operations Support Squadron, and Maj. Justin Stephenson, 11th Bomb Squadron chief pilot and chief of innovations, along with King Crow Studios was released earlier in July at StrikeWerx in Bossier City, La. A prototype is expected later this year. The VPRT is intended to reduce human bias in instruction, provide better access to training for student pilots and give students immediate feedback — reducing their chances of developing poor habits early in training.

Middle East & Africa

The ST-100 mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle (MRAP) made by the Egypt-based International Marathon United Technologies (IMUT) is available in 10 modular variants, including ones armed with Chinese missiles, according to Jane’s. The magazines reported information released in a video by an unofficial source. The footage included computer-generated imagery (CGI) showing how the different mission modules can be changed in 45–60 minutes, with the powerpack being replaced in 25 minutes. The anti-tank variant has a four-round launcher that raises from the rear compartment and appeared to be armed with the Poly Technologies GAM-102 anti-tank missile that uses an imaging infrared seeker to guide itself to its target. The IMUT video showed the missile being tested from a Dongfeng CSK141 light armored vehicle but not an ST-100.

Europe

A £65 million ($81.8 million) contract has been awarded to build the UK’s first three Protector drones. Protector is the world’s first certified Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS), enabling it to fly in busy, unsegregated airspace, including civilian airspace, thanks to its ground-breaking ‘detect and avoid’ technology. The contract follows the development phase by manufacturers General Atomics Aeronautical Systems which will build the first three Protector aircraft, plus three ground control stations and other associated support equipment. It also includes an option to build 13 more aircraft and four ground control stations, which will complete the current planned fleet of 16 aircraft, more than doubling the capability currently provided by Reaper.

Asia-Pacific

An Egyptian military delegation that traveled to China on two C-130s is in the news in Thailand after a 43 year-old man on the trip had tested positive for COVID-19 while the delegation was on a stay over in Rayong province. Information released by the Thai government said the flights, EGY1245 and EGY1216, arrived at U-Tapao airport in Rayong on July 8 and they left for Chengdu, China on Jul. 9. The two C-130 then return from China on the same day at 11:30 p.m. On July 10, 27 of the 31 people in the delegation went shopping at a mall and only three were wearing masks at that time, including the person who tested positive. The local authorities had to seek help from the embassy of Egypt to get them to undergo swap tests for COVID-19. The two aircraft left Thailand on July 11. Thailand’s Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration admitted that an oversight had allowed the delegation to use U-Tapao airport instead of Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok. Foreign visitors were normally quarantined at Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport hotel. Because of this incident, Egypt’s two military flights on July 17-20 and 25-29 have been cancelled.

Taiwan’s annual Han Kuang wargames has started on July 13, delayed this year due to COVID-19. The exercise saw the military deploying a Patriot air defense missile unit to the carpark of the Taipei City Zoo. The Han Kuang Exercise is designed to maintain Taiwan’s combat readiness against a possible attack from the People’s Republic of China. Starting in 1984, the exercises have been held annually since 2011.

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I was recently a guest on Kevin Rothrock’s Naked Pravda podcast on Meduza.io, talking about the role of military journalism in Russia and the potential impact of the arrest and prosecution of Ivan Safronov. Here’s the description of the show from the Meduza.io website, where you can also hear the full interview.

On the morning of July 7, federal agents arrested Ivan Safronov, a longtime journalist who recently took a job as a communications adviser to Roscosmos head Dmitry Rogozin. Safronov is being charged with treason and faces up to 20 years in prison. 

His lawyers have been granted limited access to the case file compiled by the Federal Security Service, which indicates that Safronov is suspected of selling secret information to Czech intelligence agents about Russian military cooperation with an unnamed African Middle Eastern country. The Czechs supposedly recruited him in 2012 and he allegedly sent them the data over the Internet five years later in 2017.

Outside the FSB’s headquarters in Lubyanka Square, during Safronov’s arraignment hearing on July 7, dozens of journalists picketed, each taking turns holding up signs in his defense, and police officers arrested them, one by one, for an unlawful assembly. 

Americas

Boeing won a $22.9 billion deal for the F-15EX system. The delivery order provides for design, development, integration, manufacturing, test, verification, certification, delivery, sustainment and modification of F-15EX aircraft, as well as spares, support equipment, training materials, technical data and technical support. The contract award is a big win for Boeing and gives a second life for the F-15 production line in St. Louis, Mo. After years of urging the Air Force to consider an advanced version of the F-15 as a complementary capability to Lockheed Martin’s F-35, Boeing found an ally in the Defense Department’s Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation office, which in 2019 forced the service to purchase F-15EX planes in order to build capacity. Work will take place in St. Louis, Missouri and at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Expected completion date is December 31, 2023.

Northrop Grumman Systems won an $11.3 million contract for the procurement of transitional development and sustaining engineering services for the Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar (G/ATOR), to include software support activity transition, low/slow/small capability development and ground weapons locating radar improvements. The G/ATOR program is managed within the portfolio of Program Executive Officer Land Systems, Quantico, Virginia. The AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) is the US Marine Corps next generation Air Surveillance/Air Defense and Air Traffic Control Radar. In June last year, Northrop receives a deal worth $958 million to provide an additional 30 gallium nitride-based (GaN) G/ATOR systems. The contract for Lot 6 full-rate production of the systems also included spare parts and retrofit kits. Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment. Work will take place in Linthicum, Maryland and is expected to be finished by July 2021.

Middle East & Africa

An MD-530F helicopter that was delivered to the Kenyan Army’s Joint Helicopter Command in January this year has crashed on July 13, killing two people on board. Six of these helicopters were handed over at Embakasi Barracks on January 23. The country had placed an order for 12 MD-530Fs. The mishap helicopter was on a routine mission when it crashed in Kithyoko, Masinga area around 10 a.m. local time. The helicopters were acquired from the United States through the US Foreign Military Sales program.

Europe

Latvia is prepared to house, and pay for, US troops if they leave Germany, Latvia’s defense minister told a Bookings Institution virtual conference. “We are ready, and this is an official announcement, we are ready to invest to receive a certain amount of American troops on Latvian soil,” Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Artis Pabriks said Friday. A deployment would be the first large-scale housing of US troops in the Baltic country, a part of the former Soviet Union and a NATO member since 2004. Pabriks later said he would welcome negotiations with the United States on a deployment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a NATO force on the border between NATO countries and Russia.

Asia-Pacific

Northrop Grumman won a $7.8 million hybrid contract to provide US Forces Korea with information technology, architecture and engineering, command and control networks and associated systems support services. United States Forces Korea is a sub-unified command of US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM). USFK has Title 10 authority, which means that USFK is responsible for organizing, training and equipping US forces on the Korean Peninsula so that forces are agile, adaptable and ready.

China warned it would place sanctions on Lockheed Martin on Tuesday, following US approval of a Taiwanese purchase of upgrades to Patriot III missiles for about $620 million. Beijing’s defense ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Tuesday at a press briefing the Chinese government could sanction the US defense contractor, less than a week after the United States endorsed the delivery of a package that includes tests of missile capabilities. “China is firmly opposed to U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan,” Zhao said. “The United States must abide by the One-China policy and the Three Joint Communiqués.”

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Americas

Lockheed Martin won a $7.3 million contract modification to exercise an option for AEGIS Platform Systems Engineering Agent efforts for the integration and delivery of AEGIS Baseline 9 capabilities. The contract provides for the completion of the development and fielding of the AEGIS Baseline 9 AEGIS Weapon System and integrated AEGIS Combat System on the remaining AEGIS Technical Insertion (TI) 12 configured destroyers as well as TI 12 and TI 08 configured cruisers. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey. Work will take place in Moorestown, New Jersey. Estimated completion will be by July 2021.

Raytheon Integrated won a $9.7 million order for engineering design and component replacement parts to support the Dual Band Radar systems. According to Raytheon, the Dual Band Radar is the first radar system in the US Navy fleet capable of simultaneously operating over two frequency ranges (S-band and X-band), coordinated by a single resource manager. Work will take place in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.Expected completion date will be in November 2022.

Middle East & Africa

The Israeli Air Force inaugurated the new 7th Wing into service on July 12. The new wing puts the 669 rescue unit, Shaldag commando unit and Frontal landing unit under a unified command. An intelligence unit and a joint school for Special Forces will be added to the wing at a later stage. It is located at Palmachim air force base. “A systemic organization of Special Forces, which focuses on unique operational response to the IAF’s challenges, is a dream for the IDF’s Special Forces personnel and in general”, said Commander of the Wing, Col. E.

Europe

The US State Department has approved the possible sale of Mk54 lightweight antisubmarine torpedoes and related equipment to Belgium for an estimated cost of $33.3 million. The Government of Belgium requested to buy twenty-nine All Up Round MK 54 LWT Mod 0.  Also included are two Fleet Exercise Section conversion kits, torpedo support equipment, training and publications, US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.

Asia-Pacific

New Zealand’s coalition government announced that it has approved the $7.5 million procurement of 43 Thales Australia Bushmaster 4×4 Protected Mobility Vehicles to replace the New Zealand Army’s armored Pinzgauer Light Operational Vehicles (LOVs). The new fleet of Australian-designed and-built Bushmasters will provide “better protection for personnel and improved carrying capacity”, said Defense Minister Ron Mark, pointing out that the approved funding will deliver “the vehicles, along with training, a desktop simulator, support equipment and infrastructure upgrades at Linton Camp”. Delivery of the multirole vehicles is expected to start in late 2022, with the full fleet scheduled to begin operational introduction in late 2023.

The Philippine Navy intends to arm four of the Shaldag Class patrol boats that it will be acquiring from Israel with the Rafael Spike NLOS missile that has a range of 25km. Some of the Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC) in service with the Philippine Navy already has the shorter-range Spike-ER missile. The new craft will replace the patrol killer medium (PKM) boats that came from South Korea in 1995. Four Shaldags will be built in Israel while the rest will be assembled locally at PN Cavite Naval Yard.

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Americas

Lockheed Martin won an $87.5 million deal, which provides non-recurring engineering for the development and maturation of the Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) in support of data migration and transition to the newly developed F-35 Operational Integrated Data Network (ODIN). ALIS and ODIN provide maintenance capabilities to support worldwide F-35 operations. Additionally, this contract provides software and hardware engineering in support of F-35 ODIN development, delivery and associated data management activities for the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and non-Department of Defense participants. ODIN is intended to reduce operator and administrator workload, increase F-35 mission readiness rates, and allow software designers to rapidly develop and deploy updates in response to operator needs. Work will take place in Orlando, Florida and Fort Worth, Texas. Estimated completion will be by June 2022.

Raytheon won a $17.2 million order, which provides non-recurring engineering in support of upgrading the existing Tactical Tomahawk Guidance Test Set (TTGTS) product baseline to eliminate obsolescence and production issues. Additionally, this order provides for the development, test and delivery of six new TTGTSs. Since 1994, RMS (Raytheon Missiles Systems) has been the sole developer, designer, and manufacturer for the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile. RMS solely possesses the current configuration and manufacturing data for the Tomahawk Block IV AUR missile, and is the only source capable of performing the required tasking. RMS maintains and controls both the Level III technical data package (TDP) and the manufacturing documentation for the Block IV AUR. The Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) is an all-weather, long range, subsonic cruise missile used for deep land attack warfare, launched from US Navy surface ships and US Navy and United Kingdom Royal Navy submarines. Work will take place in Arizona, Florida, UK, Ontario, Alabama, Utah and various other locations. Expected completion date will be by December 2022.

Middle East & Africa

An Afghan light attack plane crashed in northern Afghanistan,with its US Air Force pilot safely ejecting before the crash, US and Afghan officials said. The plane, an A-29 Super Tucano, was on a training exercise in Baghlan province when the incident occurred. The pilot’s name was not released, and it is unclear if a second person was aboard the two-seat plane. Preliminary reports from United States Forces Afghanistan indicated that a mechanical issue was the cause of the crash. Support aircraft arrived quickly in the remote valley where the plane crashed to rescue the pilot.

Europe

The DoS approved a possible sale of 64 MK 54 All Up Round Lightweight torpedoes, ten MK 54 Conversion Kits and related equipment to Germany for an estimated cost of $130 million. Also included are torpedo containers; Recoverable Exercise Torpedoes (REXTORP) with containers; Fleet Exercise Section (FES) and fuel tanks to be used with MK 54 conversion kits (procured as MDE); air launch accessories for fixed wing; torpedo spare parts; training, publications, support and test equipment; US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The proposed sale will improve Germany’s capability to meet current and future threats by upgrading the Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities on Germany’s P-3C aircraft.

Asia-Pacific

The State Department approved a possible sale to Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) of Recertification of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missiles for an estimated cost of $620 million. TECRO has requested to buy Recertification of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missiles, including the replacement of expiring Limited Life Components (LLCs) and certification testing in order to support an operational life of thirty years; Test and repair of PAC-3 missiles, including Stockpile Reliability Testing (SRT) and Field Returns; Repair and Return (R&R) of classified and unclassified PAC-3 missile items and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) component level parts; replenishment of classified and unclassified missile spares and GSE spares. This proposed sale will help sustain the recipient’s missile density and ensure readiness for air operations.

The DoS approved a possible FMS to Korea of items and services to extend follow-on support to its Peace Krypton reconnaissance aircraft for an estimated cost of $250 million. The Republic of Korea has requested to buy items and services to extend follow-on support to its Peace Krypton reconnaissance aircraft. Included are Ground System Modernization (GSM) and sustainment of Prime Mission Equipment (PME); Field Service Representatives (FSR); minor modifications and upgrades; Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS); spares and repair and return of parts; publications and technical documentation; US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistical support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.  The proposed sale will improve Korea’s capability to meet current and future threats by supporting operation of its fleet of Peace Krypton aircraft and enabling continued Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) interoperability with the United States.  Korea will have no difficulty absorbing this follow-on support into its armed forces.

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