Defense Industry Daily

Americas Epsilon Inc. won a $184.5 million deal to procure IT and cyber security (CS) support for the classified IT networks to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity of the F-35 Joint Program Office ensuring the range of IT and CS are maintained within Department of Defense (DOD), Special Access Programs, and US Cyber Command security standards and mandates. Work is expected to be completed in October 2029. This contract was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin has announced an increase in the production of key equipment across its facilities in the US. In particular, the company will focus on scaling up the production capacity of its Javelin, HIMARS, GMLRS, and PAC-3 MSE systems. Lockheed Martin President Tim Cahill said that “by bringing advanced processes and tools to production lines, we are ensuring the delivery of capabilities that address emerging threats across all domains.” Middle East & Africa Saudi Arabia is in talks with Leonardo to expand their collaboration by localizing the production of helicopter components. Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef, and Leonardo Chairman Stefano Pontecorvo met in Milan to discuss a deal to support manufacturing aircraft structures, propellers, and advanced electronic […]

Americas BAE Systems has entered into a teaming agreement with Norway’s Kongsberg to introduce the Integrated Combat Solution (ICS) to the US military. The ICS is designed to significantly improve the battlefield situational awareness of combat vehicles, thereby increasing the survivability of soldiers on board. It allows the crew to share target information, slew-to-cue commands, and video streams of the surroundings to streamline threat response and decision-making. August Schell Enterprises won a $29 million deal, which procures tool requirements to include software licenses and commercial software applications to construct secure and reliable IT systems to facilitate the development, security, and operations systems development life cycle, critical to the successful fielding of information technology capabilities for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program in support of the Joint Strike Fighter Program for the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corp, and non-US Department of Defense participants. Work will be performed in Arlington, Virginia, and is expected to be completed in October 2026. This contract was competed, one offer was received. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Middle East & Africa RTX Corporation, the defense contractor formerly known as Raytheon, agreed Wednesday to pay more than $950 million to resolve […]

Americas Raytheon and Lockheed have received $267-million in contracts for a full-rate production of the Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLU) for the US Army and foreign military sales programs with Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia. The LWCLU is part of the man-portable Javelin anti-tank weapon system used to survey and scan targets on sight. The US Army has selected five companies to demonstrate their existing self-propelled howitzers, which could potentially fill the gap left by the discontinued Extended-Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) program. BAE Systems, Hanwha Defense, Rheinmetall, Elbit Systems, and General Dynamics have received contracts totaling $4 million to prepare their artillery weapons for demonstrations beginning next month. According to Maj. Gen. Glenn Dean, program executive officer for ground combat systems, the demonstrations will guide the army’s shift from development to the procurement of a mature and readily available artillery system. They will also inform the service’s Cannon Transformation Strategy, aimed at addressing current capability gaps. Middle East & Africa The Biden administration sent a letter to the Israeli government demanding it act to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza within the next 30 days or risk violating US laws governing foreign military assistance, suggesting US military aid could be in jeopardy. The Sunday letter, jointly written by US Secretary of […]

Americas The US Air Force has awarded Conti Federal a $31.7-million deal to establish a B-21 Raider stealth bomber fuel cell hangar at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota. The project will convert the installation’s existing Dock 81 to Fuel Cell Hangar B7242, comprising fuel systems maintenance supporting the precision strike aircraft. At approximately 26,000 square feet (2,415 square meters), the site will include a fuel cell bay to fit one aircraft, sustainment storage spaces, and service utility divisions. Renovations will deliver a corridor connecting the hangar to the Fuels Systems Maintenance Dock currently under construction by the company. The US Air Force has accepted three A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft in California to expand training and test capabilities under the service’s Test Pilot School program. The fleet, stationed at Edwards AFB, will support the agency’s key missions, including staff development, growth of test managers, and research on innovative solutions. Middle East & Africa The United States will send a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery to Israel, along with the troops needed to operate it, the Pentagon said Sunday, even as Iran warned Washington to keep American military forces out of Israel. Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon spokesman, said in a statement that Defense […]

Americas Boeing’s Compact Laser Weapon System (CLWS) has engaged and neutralized Group 3 Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UASs) for the first time. This is a significant development in counter-drone technology as Group 3 UASs, which can weigh up to 1,320 pounds, present a greater threat due to their capacity to carry heavier and more sophisticated payloads. The successful demonstration took place at the Red Sands Integrated Experimentation Center in Saudi Arabia, where the CLWS, equipped with a 5-kilowatt laser, effectively neutralized the Group 3 drones. A Breaking Defense exclusive reveals that the partnership between American defense contractor L3Harris and Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer to introduce the C-390 Millennium to the US Air Force has come to an end. The partnership, announced in 2022, initially planned for L3Harris to act as the prime contractor and equip the aircraft with US mission systems, including a refuelling boom, creating the American KC-390. Middle East & Africa The Biden administration has approved the sale of weapons worth $2.2 billion to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), reinforcing its commitment to key allies in the Middle East. The State Department informed Congress of the deals, which include advanced missile systems, artillery and ammunition, as […]

USN MH-60S test (click to view full) Hellfire I/II missiles are the USA’s preferred aerial anti-armor missile, and are widely deployed with America’s allies. They equip America’s helicopter fleets (AH-64, AH-1, OH-58D, MH-60S/R), AH-64 and S-70 helicopters flown by its allies, and even Australia and France’s Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopters. Range is officially listed as 9 km/ 5.6 miles. While Hellfires lack the fast-jet launch capabilities – and correspondingly extended maximum range – of the UK’s MBDA Brimstone missiles, Lockheed Martin’s missile has made big inroads as the world’s high-end helicopter-launched missile. It has also carved out unique niches as tripod-launched coastal defense assets, as the guided missile integrated into American UAVs like the MQ-1 Predator family, and even as a missile option for transport aircraft like the AC-208B Combat Caravan and C-130J/W Hercules. Lockheed Martin’s Hellfires AGM-114K-A warhead (click to view full) Hellfire II missiles comes in several variants. The AGM-114K is the basic Hellfire II missile, with the standard semi-active laser guidance that allows for flexible designation of targets, and flexible missile attack profiles. It uses a shaped-charge HEAT(High Explosive Anti-Tank) warhead that can destroy armored vehicles, or punch into buildings. The recently-introduced AGM-114K-A variant adds a blast […]

Americas Boeing won a $24.5 million contract for C-17 Globemaster III Global Enhancements. This contract provides for studies and quick reaction tasks, integrated software and hardware upgrades, and other required services. Work will be performed at Edwards Air Force Base, California, and is expected to be completed by December 1, 2031. This contract was a sole source acquisition. The US Navy has awarded Raytheon a $736-million contract to produce AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles in the upgraded Block II variant. The latest variant features enhanced hardware for improved performance and long-term reliability.  Work will be carried out at various locations across the US and is expected to be completed by 2029. Middle East & Africa The Royal Saudi Air Force has deployed six Panavia Tornado fighter jets for the Indus Shield 2024 air exercise in Pakistan, where Turkey and Egypt also showcased their military capabilities and explored opportunities for enhanced cooperation. The drill allowed each nation to discuss and exchange best practices on the latest technologies, strategies, and operations. Europe According to Defense News, Italy’s biggest rocket and missile motor manufacturer, Avio, is set to triple production within five years as the American military and industry look to it to ease a chronic production […]

Americas The US and Japan are set to begin a feasibility study to co-produce the American AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile, known as AMRAAM. This follows an agreement made in late July at a “two-plus-two” meeting of foreign and defence ministers in Tokyo, where Japan and the United States agreed to explore “co-production opportunities” for both AMRAAMs and Patriot PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement. This decision, reported by Nikkei Asia, a prominent Asian business publication, stems from concerns over diminishing American stockpiles due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Anduril Industries has just raised the bar—and secured a quarter-billion dollar vote of confidence from the Department of Defense (DoD). The Pentagon recently awarded Anduril a $249,978,466 contract to deliver next-generation air defense capabilities. The deal includes over 500 Roadrunner-M interceptors and additional Pulsar electronic warfare systems, aimed at countering the escalating threat of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) attacks on US forces. Middle East & Africa According to Defense News, Gulf countries are making new investments to increase their undersea warfare capabilities, including Qatar with the purchase of Italian-made mini-submarines and Saudi Arabia with the acquisition of French towed array sonars. The upgrades come as naval threats in the region have proliferated, […]

Americas General Dynamics Electric Boat won an $878 million deal in support of the planned Virginia Class submarines SSN 812 and SSN 813 and in furtherance of the Navy’s commitment to the health and stability of the industrial base. Work is expected to be completed by September 2033. Fiscal 2024 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $658,500,000 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC, is the contracting activity. Dassault Aviation has announced the launch of a new unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) programme as part of the future Rafale F5 standard. The announcement was made by Sébastien Lecornu, French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, on October 8 during a ceremony at the Saint-Dizier air base to mark the 60th anniversary of the French Strategic Air Forces (FAS). The event also marked the 90th anniversary of the French Air and Space Force. The UCAV is expected to enter service after 2030 and will complement the Rafale in collaborative combat. Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO Éric Trappier believes the UCAV will contribute to the technological and operational superiority […]

Americas Northrop Grumman won a $10.7 million contract, which procures a lifetime quantity of 4-inch silicon carbide transistor wafers. The end-of- life buy is required to maintain production, spares, and repairs for the APY-9 RADAR’s primary power supply, power amplifier module in support of the E-2D aircraft. Work will be performed in Durham, North Carolina (90%); and Baltimore, Maryland (10%), and is expected to be completed in February 2027. Fiscal 2023 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $10,768,532 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Embraer quietly introduced a military variant of its E190-E2 commercial jet at the recently concluded Korea Army International Defense Exhibition 2024. The Brazilian aerospace firm showcased a concept image of the aircraft, indicating modifications for specialized military missions. While no technical details were provided, reports suggest that the militarized E190-E2 could be utilized for maritime patrol, airborne early warning, and surveillance missions. With its new role, the aircraft is expected to fill the gap between standard military aircraft and those based on larger […]

Americas After being grounded for over four years, F-15E Strike Eagle 91-0323 has made a triumphant return to operational status. The aircraft, stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, was restored to fighting form thanks to the dedication and tireless work of the 366th Fighter Wing maintenance team. This incredible feat of engineering and teamwork began over 1,500 days ago when the aircraft suffered damage to its landing gear during an incident. Master Sgt. Donald Root, the lead Production Superintendent at the 391st Fighter Generation Squadron, oversaw the initial recovery effort. He recounted the team’s swift action: “We coordinated with the fire squadron to secure the area and ensure safety while we prepared to lift the aircraft off the runway. It was a critical moment that marked the beginning of a long and challenging journey.” The US Air Force has selected seven bases as candidate locations for the KC-46A Pegasus aircraft, with the final decision set for 2027. The main operational site will be chosen from Bangor Air National Guard Base in Maine, Forbes Field Air National Guard Base (Topeka) in Kansas, Key Field Air National Guard Base (Meridian) in Missouri, and McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base (Knoxville) […]

Americas The US Navy’s MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system has reached a new milestone by establishing a third operational orbit, solidifying its global surveillance capabilities. The Triton, operated by Unmanned Patrol Squadron (VUP) 19 out of NAS Jacksonville, Florida, reached this accomplishment just over a year after its initial operational capability debut in August 2023. An “orbit” signifies a geographically defined area where the MQ-4C Triton UAS maintains a persistent presence, providing uninterrupted surveillance and intelligence gathering. This third orbit, located within the US 5th Fleet area of operations in the US Central Command, joins existing orbits at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam and Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella in Italy. This strategic positioning considerably enhances maritime domain awareness for the U.S military. General Dynamics Electric Boat won a $243.8 million cost-plus-fixed-fee undefinitized order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement for Virginia-class submarines. Work will be performed in Groton, Connecticut, and is expected to be completed by September 2028. Fiscal 2024 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $243,799,854 will be obligated at time of award, and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This order was not competitively procured in accordance […]

Americas Exercise UNITAS LXV, the 65th iteration of the world’s longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise, took place along the Pacific coast of South America from September 2nd to 12th. Hosted by Chile, the exercise challenged participating forces with unique terrain, pushing them to adapt and refine their skills in a new environment. The United States showcased its commitment to regional stability and security through a strong presence of Marine Corps and Navy assets, including F/A-18C Hornets from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112 (VMFA-112), a KC-130J Hercules from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234 (VMGR-234), and a US Navy P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from Patrol Squadron 5. MAG DS Corp won a $96.7 million contract, which provides systems engineering, fabrication, integration, modification, system delivery, installation, and systems support leveraging the best available commercial-off-the-shelf, government-off-the-shelf, and tailored command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities for the unique Special Operation Forces community and its partners supporting counterterrorism and integrated deterrence missions. Work is expected to be completed in October 2029. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic […]

Americas RTX subsidiary Pratt & Whitney has been awarded a $1.3 billion contract to continue maturing the F135 Engine Core Upgrade. The contract includes ”design, analysis, rig testing, engine test preparation, developmental hardware, test asset assembly, air system integration, airworthiness evaluation, and product support planning,” a Department of Defense contract notice stated. Work is expected to be completed in March 2028. The US Navy has contracted Raytheon to develop an upgraded Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) system. The NGJ-MB Expansion (NGJ-MBX) will provide a greater frequency range to counter additional threats. The $192-million development contract involves upgrades in both software and hardware components and is an engineering change to the existing pod. Work is expected to take place through  2027. Middle East & Africa The US State Department has approved the possible sale of 720 Stinger missiles to Egypt for an estimated cost of $740 million. This potential deal includes 720 anti-aircraft Stinger FIM-92 missiles, spare parts, testing equipment, contractor engineering, as well as logistical and program support. The Stinger FIM-92, designed by Raytheon for the US military, is a surface-to-air weapon for targeting low-flying aircraft. Europe The Netherlands has officially awarded the French defense company Naval Group to start constructing four new […]

Americas Northrop Grumman’s AN/ALQ-257 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) for the F-16 fighter jet has successfully completed testing at the US Air Force’s Joint Preflight Integration of Munitions and Electronic Sensors (J-PRIMES) facility, paving the way for flight testing on Air Force F-16 aircraft. The J-PRIMES testing, conducted in an anechoic chamber, subjected the IVEWS to complex radio frequency spectrum threats, simulating real-world combat scenarios. The system demonstrated its capability to detect, identify, and counter advanced RF threats while maintaining compatibility with other F-16 systems. Austal has rolled out the US Navy’s 15th Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport vessel in Mobile, Alabama. During the ceremony, the USNS Point Loma (EPF 15) was lifted via a self-propelled modular platform three feet (approximately 1 meter) above ground a distance of 400 feet (121.9 meters) to a deck barge adjacent to the final assembly bay. The barge moved the vessel to the firm’s West Campus repair yard where it was submerged via a floating dry dock to complete its first float. Middle East & Africa A war monitor said a senior commander from the security forces in northeast Syria’s semi-autonomous Kurdish-led administration was killed on Tuesday in a blast near a prison in […]

Americas Canada’s procurement of National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) is showing signs of advancement following earlier setbacks. The $406 million purchase, initially announced in January 2023, is now on track for delivery in early 2025, marking a significant step forward in bolstering Ukraine’s defensive arsenal. Defense Minister Bill Blair recently provided an optimistic update on the situation, highlighting that despite initial delays in fund transfer, the procurement process is now moving ahead steadily. The minister emphasized that the four-month lag between the announcement and the execution of funds did not materially impact the overall timeline for delivery. US Air Force’s Air Combat Command (ACC) received its first EA-37B Compass Call aircraft at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, on August 23, 2024. The delivery of aircraft 19-5591 marks the introduction of an advanced electronic warfare platform, upgrading from the legacy EC-130H. This new addition to ACC’s fleet brings enhanced electromagnetic attack capabilities to the US Air Force, designed to meet evolving challenges in the electromagnetic spectrum. The decision to transition to the EA-37B platform dates back to Oct. 23, 2018, when then-Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson approved ACC’s request to replace the EC-130H Compass Call aircraft operated by […]

Americas Vectrus Systems won a $7 million modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-reimbursable contract. This modification exercises an option to provide case/project, program, financial management, and engineering and technical support for the MH-60R Multi-Mission helicopter, subsystems, armament, engines, airborne weapons, spares, and support equipment for the government of Australia. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland, and is expected to be completed in September 2025. Foreign Military Sales customer funds in the amount of $7,709,869 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin JV won a $12 million cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the Javelin Weapon System. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of August 31, 2027. US Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Middle East & Africa Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Sunday to “settle the score” with Hamas after the military had recovered the bodies of six hostages from a Gaza tunnel. “Those who kill hostages do not want an agreement” for a Gaza truce, Netanyahu said in a statement, […]

Americas Raytheon won a $1 billion contract for Group B hardware, spares, and support equipment. This contract provides for the F-22 sensor enhancements program that is designed to improve the F-22 sensor capabilities. Work will be performed in McKinney, Texas, and is expected to be completed by May 8, 2029. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. The Idaho Air National Guard’s 124th Fighter Wing recently hosted German armed forces joint terminal attack controllers (JTACs) for a joint training exercise. This marks the second time this year that the two nations have collaborated on training. The training focused on validating standard operating procedures across five warfighter pillars: communications, mobility, tactical combat casualty care, shooting, and fitness. Members of the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) worked alongside their German counterparts, focusing on scenarios designed to maximize safety, efficiency, and lethality in joint combat environments. Middle East & Africa The US has restarted talks over the future of its armed forces in Chad — the latest African country to express doubt over its relationship with the American military. In the last month, senior leaders from the […]

Americas Defense Maritime Solutions won a $16 million contract for the manufacture of 12 main shaft seal assemblies in support of the submarine main propulsion system on Virginia-class submarines. The contract has no options. All work will be performed in Havant, Hampshire, United Kingdom, and is expected to be completed by June 2026. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. Sikorsky won a $11 million deal for the procurement of 30 main generators, 54 stators, 58 rotors, 31 power distribution panels, and five generators in support of the CH-53K aircrafts. All work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut. There are no options, and work will be completed by March 2027. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. Middle East & Africa The Iraqi military said it downed a Turkish drone over the northern city of Kirkuk on Thursday as Ankara kept up its operations against Kurdish militants inside Iraq. Falling debris damaged a house in the city center, police and army officials told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity. There were no reports of any direct casualties but the police official said a carpenter working on a nearby building […]

Americas Saab has won a $494-million contract to supply the US Army with XM919 Individual Assault Munitions (IAM). According to the US Department of Defense, the Swedish company’s proposal bested two others, but it did not reveal the names of the losing firms. Several reports indicate that General Dynamics and Norwegian-Finnish defense conglomerate Nammo also submitted bids. Lockheed Martin won a $3 billion deal, which procures training system and simulation design, development, integration, test, production, deployment, modifications/upgrades, and sustainment in support of the F-35 Lightening II aircraft for the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, non-US Department of Defense Participants, and Foreign Military Sales countries. Work is expected to be completed by September 2028. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Middle East & Africa The Iraqi military said it downed a Turkish drone over the northern city of Kirkuk on Thursday as Ankara kept up its operations against Kurdish militants inside Iraq. Falling debris damaged a house in the city center, police and army officials told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity. There were no reports of […]