Defense Industry Daily

Americas Roshel has introduced a new counter-drone version of its Senator vehicle, pairing armored mobility with advanced aerial threat detection to stay ahead of evolving threats. The system, built entirely in Canada, is based on the company’s field-tested Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle and now comes fitted with Leonardo’s Falcon Shield, a sophisticated counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS). Able Aerospace Service won a $10,553,162 firm-fixed-price, requirements contract for UH-1N helicopter maintenance. This contract provides repair and overhaul services for the UH-1N helicopter’s main rotor hub assembly. Work will be performed in Mesa, Arizona, and is expected to be complete by May 27, 2028. This contract was a competitive acquisition, and two responsive offers were received. No funds will be obligated at the time of award as funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. The Air Force Sustainment Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is the contracting activity. Middle East & Africa Germany will keep supplying weapons to Israel despite its intensified offensive in Gaza that has sparked international outcry, the foreign minister said on Monday, snubbing Spanish calls for an embargo. “As a country that understands Israel’s security and existence as a core principle, Germany is always […]

Americas Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $214-million contract for the continued upgrade of M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) into the latest A2 configuration. Work will take place in Texas and Arkansas, with an estimated completion date of December 30, 2030. Apart from the US Army, the upgrade has been funded by the UK, Finland, and Italy. The US Army wants to upgrade 225 existing M270A1 and 160 decommissioned M270A0 launchers to the A2 standard, extending their service life for another 30 years. Dragoon Technology has selected Teledyne FLIR OEM’s Prism Supervisor and Prism SKR software for its long-range unmanned platform prototypes. The software will support artificial intelligence (AI)-based object detection, tracking, real-time autonomous flight control, and mission planning. Middle East & Africa The US State Department has approved the possible sale of Javelin anti-tank missile systems to Estonia, with an estimated cost of $296 million, the Pentagon announced Thursday. The primary partner in the deal on the U.S. side is the Javelin Joint Venture, a consortium comprising RTX Corp and Lockheed Martin. The Javelin is a portable anti-tank missile system developed in the United States, primarily designed to destroy armored vehicles and tanks. Its effective range is between two and […]

Americas Raytheon won a $18 million deal that provides non-recurring engineering in support of providing a comprehensive and cost-effective redesign of the Tomahawk Fin Controller Electronics Unit Circuit Card Assemblies, as well as addressing parts obsolescence for the Navy and Foreign Military Sales customers. Work is expected to be completed in August 2028. This order was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman won an $8.3 million deal for the procurement of 50 rudders in support of the F/A-18 aircraft. The delivery order does not include an option period. All work will be performed in El Segundo, California, and work is expected to be completed by December 2027. NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. Middle East & Africa Iran has pulled the curtain back on three new combat drones: Homa, Dideban, and Shahin-1, each designed to bolster its growing fleet of domestically built unmanned systems. Revealed at a drone base in southeastern Iran, the trio adds new capabilities ranging from vertical take-off to kamikaze strikes and electronic warfare. Homa is a VTOL drone that can climb to 12,000 feet (3,657 meters) and is fitted with night vision gear. […]

Americas Mass Virtual Inc. has launched an extended reality (XR) solution at Fort Bliss to optimize the training of US Army aerial intelligence units. The project covers the installation of the Florida-based company’s proprietary MassXR simulator, which provides “high-fidelity” and “repeatable” virtual lessons on the operation and sustainment of critical sensors and surveillance aboard an aircraft. It’s now part of the Virtual Aerial Systems Trainer (VAST) program, which trains future aircrews for ATHENA and HADES surveillance aircraft. The US Air Force is bringing cutting-edge helmet display technology to its veteran fighter fleet, announcing a contract with Thales for Scorpion Helmet Mounted Display systems for active duty F-16s. This latest procurement through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) completes a multi-year effort to standardize advanced helmet displays across all service branches, having previously introduced the technology to Air National Guard and Reserve units. Middle East & Africa Thales has inked a strategic cooperation agreement with the Tawazun Council to produce its Ground Master air surveillance radars in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Signed during the “Make it in the Emirates 2025” event, the deal supports the UAE’s initiative to boost domestic defense manufacturing and international exports while reinforcing national defense capabilities. The future production facility, […]

Americas The US has completed assembly of its first B61-13 nuclear gravity bomb, almost a year ahead of its scheduled production and about two years after the program was launched. Its production timeline was accelerated by more than 25 percent, “while maintaining the highest standards of safety and security, and without disrupting our other six modernization programs,” said Acting Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs David Hoagland. General Dynamics NASSCO won a $199 million firm-fixed-price contract action for maintenance, modernization, and repair of USS America (LHA 6) Fiscal 2026 Docking Selected Restricted Availability. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $209,233,949. Work will be performed in San Diego, California, and is expected to be completed by July 2027. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC, is the contracting activity. Middle East & Africa Turkish defense firm STM unveiled a model for its Multi-Role Support Ship (MRSS) for the first time in Malaysia. In a statement, STM said the vessel is designed to “support amphibious operations” through armored unit transportation, to deliver logistical support and can be used for search and rescue operations. Europe Austria and Italy have finalized the Government-to-Government agreement for the […]

Americas The US has selected a design for the futuristic “Golden Dome” missile defense system, says President Donald Trump, adding that it will be operational by the end of his time in office. Just days after returning to the White House in January, Trump unveiled his intentions for the system, aimed at countering “next-generation” aerial threats to the US, including ballistic and cruise missiles. An initial sum of $25billion has been earmarked in a new budget bill – although the government has estimated it could end up costing 20 times that over decades. The Rock Island Arsenal Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center (RIA-JMTC) plans to ramp up production of 3D-printed drones for the US Army. This is part of the Army’s Transforming in Contact initiative, introducing new technologies directly into operational environments for field testing and evaluation. The program’s goal is to gather direct feedback from soldiers and assess the drones’ technical and operational capabilities under real operational conditions. Middle East & Africa Sweden’s foreign minister on Monday condemned Israel’s plans to “take control” of the Gaza Strip, saying the move would violate international law. Israel earlier this month approved plans for the expanded offensive currently under way and said it was aimed […]

Americas BAE Systems Technology Solutions and Services won a $138.5 million deal, which provides engineering services, installation engineering, equipment integration, overhauls, design engineering for airborne capabilities, test and evaluation, user and maintainer training, and on-demand operational support in support of various airborne capabilities for a variety of manned and unmanned airborne platforms for the Navy. Work will be performed in St. Inigoes, Maryland, and is expected to be completed October 2030. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was competed; one offer was received. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Anduril just gave the world a closer look at “Fury,” its next-generation uncrewed fighter jet built to team up with human pilots in the skies. An episode of CBS’s 60 Minutes aired Sunday featured Anduril founder Palmer Luckey walking viewers through the aircraft’s development, offering a rare look inside the hangar where the drone is being pieced together. Middle East & Africa The UK, France and Canada have warned Israel they will take “concrete actions” if it continues an “egregious” expansion of military operations in Gaza. Sir Keir Starmer joined the French […]

Americas Northrop Grumman won a $188.5 million modification, which exercises options to provide continued logistics and test support, and continued field service representatives technical support, as well as supports reach-back engineering support to ensure that the MQ-4C Triton air vehicle are mission-capable for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions in support of the Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Work is expected to be completed in May 2026. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. The US Army has teamed with Uber and Lyft for a ride-sharing program to boost transportation access for soldiers and their families living on base. The initiative covers six in-country installations and is expected to promote additional transport options for over 600,000 service members, veterans, and civilians. Among the bases included are Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Fort Bliss, Fort Bragg, Schofield Barracks, Fort Shafter, and Tripler Army Medical Center. Middle East & Africa Raytheon has inked a $1-billion agreement with Qatar to deliver the Fixed Site – Low, Slow, Integrated Defeat System (FS-LIDS), making Doha the system’s first international customer. The agreement includes production work in the US, contributing to engineering and advanced manufacturing. The technology is designed to detect, track, and neutralize […]

Americas Raytheon won a $1 billion deal to procure and deliver a quantity up to 55 SM-3 Block IB All-Up Rounds that are manufactured, assembled, and tested in accordance with the SM-3 Block IB specifications. The work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona and Huntsville, Alabama with an expected completion date of March 31, 2031. The period of performance is from May 16, 2025, through March 31, 2031. The Missile Defense Agency, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Atlantic Diving Supply,  ASRC Federal Facilities Logistics LLC, Culmen International LLC, Fairwinds Technologies LLC, S&K Aerospace LLC and SupplyCore LLC won a $5 billion firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract under solicitation SPRMM1-25-R-T001 for various integrated weapons systems equipment and services in support of Virginia-class submarines and active surface ships. This contract vehicle will expedite the procurement process for high-priority requirements, ensuring the timely delivery of essential resources to Virginia-class submarines and active Surface ships. This is a competitive acquisition with nine responses received. These are five-year base contracts with five one-year option periods. Locations of performance are inside and outside the continental US, with a March 30, 2029, performance completion date. Using customers are Navy, Defense Logistics Agency, Defense Department, and federal civilian agencies. […]

Americas Northrop Grumman  won a $60.2 million modification, which is to procure the non-recurring engineering, material, tooling, and labor required to complete the Integrated Functional Capability 4 change requests and engineering change proposals in support of the MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System air vehicle B11 for the Navy. Work is expected to be completed February 2029. Fiscal 2025 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $60,249,668 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. The US Army is rethinking how it uses tanks on the battlefield, adapting to the growing threat posed by loitering munitions and low-cost drones in modern warfare. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, speaking on the War on the Rocks podcast, said the surge of inexpensive drones capable of striking tanks’ most vulnerable points demands a major change in how armored units are deployed. Pointing to the M1 Abrams as an example, Driscoll explained that tanks can no longer rely on traditional frontal assault tactics and must instead operate from more protected, defended positions. Middle East & Africa Saudi Arabia has produced the first locally made parts […]

Americas AeroVironment has introduced “Titan 4,” a new version of its counter-drone system designed to use radio frequencies (RF) to monitor and disrupt hostile drone activity. The system is 17 percent lighter and 73 percent smaller than its previous dual-chassis version, now built into a single portable unit. Titan 4 can be set up in less than five minutes and is adaptable for mobile operations, establishing a protective dome around personnel and key infrastructure. The US Navy has announced the renovation of a noise-suppressed aircraft cell engine testing facility in Patuxent River, Maryland. The center, which had been closed for more than a decade, houses the Naval Air Systems Command’s Engine Test Instrumentation Replacement System (ETIRS), which is used to optimize propulsion validations for military planes. Middle East & Africa The United States has greenlit a significant arms sale to the United Arab Emirates, approving the delivery of six advanced CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters and sustainment components for the UAE’s fleet of F-16 fighter jets, according to a statement from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency released on Monday. Valued at a combined $1.4 billion, the deal underscores the UAE’s ongoing efforts to enhance its military capabilities amid a complex security […]

Americas Airbus and Shield AI have signed an agreement to integrate autonomous pilot technology into the MQ-72C Logistics Connector unmanned aerial system. The teaming includes compatibility trials of Shield AI’s flagship artificial intelligence software “Hivemind” with Airbus’ Helionix advanced avionics suite to operate the MQ-72C. The evaluation will focus on levels of autonomy to deploy the aircraft with minimal human intervention, with the tests to include complex unmanned operations in contested logistics settings. The Golden Dome missile-defense vision is turning up the heat on a long-running fight between the Pentagon and the telecommunications industry for control of certain radio frequencies. “That area of the spectrum is golden, and we need to protect it to maintain national security. And I use the word golden specifically, because the only way we can achieve Golden Dome” is by using frequencies around 3 gigahertz, Katie Arrington, who is performing the duties of the Pentagon chief information officer, told lawmakers Thursday at a hearing of the House Armed Services’ panel on cyber, information technologies, and innovation. “It is critical for national security.” Europe The UK Ministry of Defense has revealed it will send five additional Raven air defense systems to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The project, which will […]

Americas The US has inked a deal with Italy to expand mutual collaboration in the space security sector. The agreement will strengthen interoperability between the US Space Force (USSF) and the Italian Air Force, bolstering its services and improving on its missions and activities through space security updates. USSF Chief of Space Operations General Chance Saltzman and Italian Air Force Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Luca Goretti signed the statement in Rome, with the aim to protect and defend the space domain in shared recognition of its relevance to defense and deterrence. Lockheed Martin won a $742.2 million deal for production of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2027. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Middle East & Africa Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that the release of a US-Israeli hostage announced by Hamas would not lead to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip or the release of Palestinian prisoners. Negotiations for a possible deal to secure the release of all hostages in Gaza would continue “under fire, during preparations for an intensification of […]

Americas Northrop Grumman Systems won a $25.7 million modification to previously awarded contract to manufacture and provide target systems for Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBM) and Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM), including the necessary execution, analysis, services and support thereof. Under this modification, this period will include the completion and execution of flight tests, planning and analysis for new test object development, and integration of the IRBM/ICBM targets and integrated logistics support. The work will be performed in Chandler, Arizona; and Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. The performance period is from Jan. 1, 2026, to Sept. 30, 2026.  Fiscal 2026 research, development, test and evaluations funds will be used on this effort. A Justification and Approval (J&A) for other than full and open competition was approved by the Head of the Contracting Agency (HCA) on July 21, 2023.  An Amended J&A for this effort was approved by the HCA on Feb. 14, 2025, that authorized this modification to contract HQ0147-11-C-0006.  The Missile Defense Agency, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. The US Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) has awarded a $30.3-billion pharmaceutical prime vendor (PPV) contract to support medicinal supplies for warfighters. The PPV program, established in the early 1990s, covers approximately $2.6 billion […]

Americas Rolls-Royce Marine North America won a $23.5 million firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for highly specialized design agent engineering and technical services for the LCS, Freedom variant, machinery plant control and monitoring system, and control area network and monitoring ships control system, DDG-51 class machinery control system, and LSD 41/49 propulsion logic management units. Work will be performed in Walpole, Massachusetts (80%); Mayport, Florida (6%); Norfolk, Virginia (4%); San Diego, California (4%); and various locations outside and across the continental US, each less than 1% (6%). Work will be completed by May 2030. Fiscal 2024 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $149,183 will be obligated for the minimum guarantee. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. A US Army infantry officer has criticized the service’s new XM7 assault rifle, claiming the Sig Sauer-made weapon falls short as a modern frontline firearm. Chosen alongside the XM250 light machine gun as the army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW), the XM7 is intended to replace the aging M4 automatic rifle. However, Capt. Braden Trent, citing his independent research, argued that the new rifle is inferior to the M4. Middle East & Africa Sudan’s army-aligned government severed diplomatic ties […]

Americas Northrop Grumman has inked a $244-million deal with the US Space Force (USSF) to build advanced relay ground stations in the US and UK to expand the coverage of critical missile warning and tracking satellites. The ground stations will support the Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) program, which seeks to establish satellite constellations that detect and track missile launches and potential attacks. The US Army has taken delivery of its fourth CH-47F Chinook Block II heavy-lift helicopter from Boeing as part of a contract signed in 2021. The deal, which ordered nine aircraft, is part of the army’s goal to modernize its airborne transport capabilities for evolving mission requirements. Middle East & Africa A senior Hamas official said Tuesday the group was no longer interested in truce talks with Israel and urged the international community to halt Israel’s “hunger war” against Gaza. “There is no sense in engaging in talks or considering new ceasefire proposals as long as the hunger war and extermination war continue in the Gaza Strip,” Basem Naim told AFP. Europe The Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic is moving forward with plans to acquire a package of NATO-standard communications equipment from American defense contractor L3Harris Technologies. The potential […]

Americas Huntington Ingalls Industries – Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, has received an $81.2 million contract modification from the USNavy. This funding continues previous work to support and maintain several types of Navy ships, including amphibious transport docks (LPD 17), amphibious assault ships (LHD 1 and LHA 6), dock landing ships (LSD 41 and 49), and an amphibious command ship (LCC 19). Most of the work (75%) will take place in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Additional technical support will be provided in Norfolk, Virginia (24%), with very small portions in San Diego, California, and Sasebo, Japan. The project is expected to be completed by May 2026. No money is being paid upfront, and the contract was awarded through a competitive process by the Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, DC. Bollinger Shipyards has received approval to begin full production of the US Coast Guard’s Polar Security Cutter (PSC). This initiative replaces the force’s aging icebreaker ships operational since the 70s with new vessels, all of which are to cover maritime security and logistics support across the Arctic, Antarctic, and similar domains. Middle East & Africa The US Army has deployed its Avenger air defense system to the African continent for the first time, joining […]

Americas The US Air Force has begun ground testing for two unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) developed under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. The air force revealed that the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A test vehicles are currently undergoing tests for their propulsion systems, avionics, autonomy integration and ground control interfaces to prepare the systems for flight testing later this year. All tests are currently taking place at the Beale Air Force Base in California, hosted by the CCA Aircraft Readiness Unit. The aircraft will be flown minimally and maintained at a flight-ready status. Textron Systems has hit a major milestone with its XM204 top attack munition, successfully completing first article testing with the US Army. The evaluation took place at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, where the munition underwent a series of trials to assess its target engagement and self-destruct capabilities. Middle East & Africa Iraq has received two H225M Caracal medium-lift helicopters from Airbus as part of a 14-helicopter deal signed last year. The helicopters were delivered to the Iraqi Ministry of Defense in Baghdad and are scheduled to be handed over to the Iraqi Air Force within the month. Both aircraft are set to enter service in June. The next […]

Americas Aerospace giants Bell and Boeing have announced that the final CV-22 Osprey military transport and cargo aircraft has entered production, with the project’s Program of Record (POR) completion coming in the next few months. The final CV-22 will be completed at Bell’s assembly center in Amarillo, Texas, where it will roll out for future special operations missions that require advanced speed and range capabilities deemed too complex for other military aircraft. Following the completion of the POR, the companies’ Team Osprey is scheduled to continue support for the army by implementing sustainment and upgrades for the variant. The US Air Force’s Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) has completed its Operational Assessment flight testing, according to Northrop Grumman. Flight tests for the IVEWS took place in Florida and Nevada, where two F-16 Block 50s installed with the suite demonstrated stable performance over more than 70 sorties. Simulations included in the test covered a wide range of environmental conditions and mission scenarios, including air-to-air, air-to-ground, and mixed threat engagements. Middle East & Africa The Maldives has unveiled its new Ajban 4×4 light armored vehicles to the public for the first time. The presentation, held during the military’s 133rd anniversary parade in Malé, involved […]

Americas Bell Boeing Joint Project Office in Amarillo, Texas, has received an $18.3 million contract change to support additional repairs and upgrades for the Marine Corps’ MV-22 Osprey aircraft. The work is part of a program to modernize and maintain the aircraft’s readiness. Repairs will be carried out in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, and are expected to finish by July 2026. The funding includes money from both the Navy’s 2024 and 2025 aircraft procurement and operations budgets. A total of $226,800 from this year’s budget will expire if not used by the end of the fiscal year. The contract was awarded without competition by the Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, Maryland. The US Army will deploy 3D-printed drones in a military exercise in Poland next month to test their ability to detect potential threats beyond soldiers’ capabilities. Troops from the 2nd Multi-Domain Effects Battalion based in Germany plan to use up to two 3D-printed small drones to look for cell phones, routers, WiFi, radars, and other electromagnetic signatures that cannot be detected with a camera alone. The drones are equipped with sophisticated sensors to scan the electromagnetic spectrum, mapping out invisible signals and identifying possible sources of hostile activity. […]