Defence`s Feeds

Americas Collins Aerospace, a company based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has won a contract worth about $80 million to create a new avionics system for the Army’s H-60M helicopters. The new system will use a Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA), which means it will be easier to upgrade and modify in the future. The contract was awarded by the Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama. Only one company submitted a bid for this project, which was advertised online. The work is expected to be completed by March 7, 2029. The H-60M is a newer version of the Black Hawk helicopter, used by the Army for various missions. This upgrade will improve the helicopter’s electronic systems, potentially enhancing its capabilities and making it easier to maintain. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) recently showcased the advanced autonomy capabilities of its MQ-20 Avenger drone during a flight test. The demonstration involved sequential use of two autonomy software systems, highlighting significant advancements in unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) technology. The initial phase of the flight was controlled by the U.S. government’s reference autonomy stack, focusing on air-to-air combat scenarios. A government-provided Pilot Vehicle Interface (PVI) enabled seamless control and monitoring of the system. Mid-flight, […]

Americas Donald Trump has vowed to construct a ‘Golden Dome’ – similar to Israel’s ‘Iron Dome’ missile defense – as he build :”the most powerful military of the future”. The first step, he told a joint sitting of the United States Congress is to fund a “state-of-the-art missile shield to protect our homeland”. The initiative aims to shield US from a rapidly evolving array of aerial threats, including a range of ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles. Trump’s latest announcement to the Congress is being seen as the official renaming of the US’ flagship security initiative, initially launched as the “Iron Dome for America”. Researchers at the Purdue Applied Research Institute (PARI) are developing 3D-printed dark ceramics for hypersonic missiles and aircraft. These materials are ideal for withstanding extreme conditions due to their durability and resistance to degradation. Using digital light processing (DLP) 3D printers, the team can create complex shapes with high precision, allowing for intricate designs with smooth surfaces. This technology is crucial for producing components like sharp cones and hemispheres, which are essential for hypersonic vehicle construction. The 3D-printed dark ceramics can withstand extremely high temperatures and intense pressures, making them a significant advancement in hypersonic technology. This breakthrough could […]

Americas Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. has received a $100 million contract modification to improve and maintain H-53 helicopters. The work includes software updates, cost reduction analysis, and extending the helicopters’ service life. This project will benefit the Marine Corps, Navy, and foreign military customers. The work will mainly take place in Stratford, Connecticut, and is set to finish by March 2028. Tyonek Technical Services LLC has been awarded a $46 million contract to provide on-site depot maintenance for Air Force Special Operations Command’s C-130 fleet. The work, which includes support for weapons systems and subsystems, will take place at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The contract is set to run until March 30, 2035, with initial funding of $4.8 million already allocated. This agreement will help ensure the continued readiness and availability of these specialized aircraft, which are crucial for tactical airlift missions and can operate from rough, unprepared airstrips. Middle East & Africa Two Israeli companies have announced plans to set up defense factories in the United States to produce jet and rocket engines for the US military. Bet Shemesh Engines, known for civilian jet engines, is expanding into the military market. Another company, Rafael, is partnering with Kratos to build a rocket […]

Just days after starting her role as the CIA's new director of public affairs, Liz Lyons provided an indication of how she planned to communicate on the agency's behalf in support of the new US administration's stance.Lyons was quick to [...]

Paris - Roux de Bézieux promotes economic securityGeoffroy Roux de Bézieux, who headed the French employer's association Medef from 2018 [...]

This week, the French National Assembly's law committee began examining a bill "aimed at freeing France from the drug-trafficking trap", [...]

Emirati defence conglomerate EDGE Group's shipyard, Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), unveiled its first Falaj 3-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV), [...]

Following Intelligence Online's revelations about the arrest of a number of cyber specialists in Dubai (IO, 03/02/25, 04/02/25 and 26/02/25), more [...]

Americas The US Navy Reserve’s KC-130T Hercules fleet, upgraded with the NP2000 propeller system, is now cleared to aerially refuel a significantly wider range of aircraft across the carrier airwing following envelope expansion testing at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) which concluded in early 2025. Originally, the KC-130T aircraft were primarily used for cargo missions. However, recognising the increasing need to refuel more assets in the air, the Navy initiated a project to regain aerial refuelling capabilities across the fleet. Kira AAR Logistics Services JV LLC has been awarded a contract worth up to $98 million to provide in-flight training for Naval Aviators on the E-6B Mercury aircraft. The work will be done in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and is expected to be completed by March 2027. This training supports the Navy’s efforts to maintain pilot proficiency and is crucial for the E-6B’s strategic communications and airborne command post missions. The contract was not competitively bid, and funds will be allocated as specific orders are issued. Middle East & Africa Arab leaders gathered in Cairo to discuss an alternative plan for rebuilding Gaza, opposing US President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal. The summit aimed to present a comprehensive vision […]

According to Intelligence Online sources, the French defence attaché in Islamabad, Jérôme Mancel, visited arms manufacturer Daudsons Armoury factories in Peshawar in early February. More than just a courtesy call, the visit was to find out about the Pakistani firm's [...]

Engineers from the Armenian defence ministry's armament and technical support department have for the last few weeks been testing new [...]

France's equivalent to the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) is set to become operational in July, Intelligence Online has [...]

Americas The US military is looking for new ways to navigate without using GPS. A company called Xona might have a good solution. Xona just got $4.6 million from the Air Force to show how their navigation system could help the military. Xona’s system, called PULSAR, uses small satellites that orbit close to Earth. It can help with navigation when GPS doesn’t work or when someone is trying to block GPS signals. Saab has secured a contract to equip the Colombian Navy’s new frigate with advanced systems. The deal includes Saab’s 9LV Combat Management System, 9LV Fire Control System, and cutting-edge sensors and radars like the Ceros 200 radar and Sea Giraffe 4A radars. The frigate will be built by Colombian shipbuilder COTECMAR, with Damen Naval providing engineering and technical support. The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2030. This project is part of Colombia’s efforts to modernize its naval capabilities and develop its maritime industry. Middle East & Africa Israel said Sunday that it was suspending the entry of supplies into Gaza, with deadly attacks reported in the territory after it and Hamas hit an impasse over how to proceed with their fragile ceasefire. As the 42-day first phase […]

On 25 February, officers from the French financial crime brigade, the Office Central de Lutte contre la Corruption et les [...]

In late January, Nicolas Lerner, the head of France's foreign intelligence agency, the DGSE, travelled to Abidjan to meet with his Ivorian counterpart Vassiriki Traoré and other Ivorian security officials. That kind of real life situation could serve as inspiration [...]

The former chairman of the Democratic Party of Albania, Lulzim Basha, has signed a pro-bono lobbying agreement with Stryk Global [...]

France - National intelligence coordinator post not up for grabsIntelligence Online understands that Pascal Mailhos, 66, who was appointed head [...]

Rapidev is winning more and more contracts in Saudi Arabia. According to Intelligence Online sources, the Pakistani firm has sold [...]

With negotiations between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, on the one hand, and Volodymyr Zelensky, on the other, for a [...]

Americas Lockheed Martin won a $19.9 million contract for PATRIOT missile software support services. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas, with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2028. Fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation, Army funds in the amount of $4,000,000 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Airtronics LLC in Tucson, Arizona, has been awarded a $7,941,037 contract to overhaul UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter modulating valves. The Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, awarded the contract after receiving three bids online. Work locations and funding will be decided with each order, with an estimated completion date of February 27, 2030. The contract number is W58RGZ-25-D-0018. Middle East & Africa The US on Friday approved potential foreign military sales to Israel worth $3 billion, according to the State Department. The sales include munitions, guidance kits, and Caterpillar D9 bulldozers, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement. The agency stated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined an “emergency exists,” requiring the immediate sales to Israel, waiving the Congressional review requirement. The largest portion […]