Defense`s Feeds

Several EU Member States have signed the European Defence Agency (EDA) project arrangements for the collaborative procurement of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) equipment, and for soldier equipment. 

The signing of the two project arrangements in late July – by eight EU states in each case – allows them to come into effect. They lay the basis for Member States to buy together such CBRN equipment such as masks, filters and suits, and also to jointly purchase soldier equipment such as helmets and ballistic vests.  

EDA’s project arrangements, and Member States’ interest, send an important signal to industry about the European Union’s commitment to meeting critical military needs. Following competitive tendering, companies or consortia will be able to bid for contracts.  

The two new project arrangements follow the signing in March of EDA’s arrangement for joint procurement of 155mm ammunition, which was based on the work of the Defence Joint Procurement Task Force – composed of EDA, the European External Action Service, the EU Military Staff, and the European Commission – along with Member States, to identify critical shortfalls.  

The procurement process, where EDA will act as the contracting authority, management body and ordering entity in the context of collaborative procurement procedures, should culminate with the first framework contracts with industry, allowing Member States to place orders from then on. 

Collaborative procurement is the best option to achieve cost reduction from economies of scale, while allowing Member States to purchase ammunition and military equipment according to their national needs and supporting Ukraine. The arrangements, which are flexible and inclusive in nature, allow all Member States to join the initiatives at a later stage. 

EDA’S wider role 

EDA supports all EU Member States in improving their defence capabilities through European cooperation. Acting as an enabler and facilitator for Ministries of Defence willing to engage in collaborative capability projects, the Agency has become the hub for European defence cooperation with expertise and networks  spanning the whole spectrum of defence capabilities. 

Member States use EDA as an intergovernmental expert platform where their collaborative projects are supported, facilitated, and implemented. For more details, please see here. 

Americas Alabama Shipyard won a $19.7 million deal for 120-calendar day shipyard availability for the mid-term availability of Military Sealift Command’s hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20). This contract includes a base period and options, which if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $19,927,348. Work will be performed in Mobile, Alabama, beginning September15, 2023, […]

Americas AeroVironment won a $12 million deal by the US Army for RQ-20B Puma AE3 UAS systems. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Simi Valley, California, with an estimated completion date of September 30, 2024. According to Defense News, the US Navy leveraged air and surface drones […]

Americas Pacific Propeller International won a $22.8 million modification by the US Air Force for the overhaul support for the C-130 54H60 series propeller. This contract provides for the overhaul and repair of the C-130 54H60 series propeller for the Air Force and multiple countries. All work will be performed in Kent, Washington, and individual […]

Americas Bath Iron Works was tapped for shipbuilder engineering and design analysis in order to produce design products in support of the Guided Missile Destroyer (DDG(X)) preliminary design and contract design. The modification to the contracts will be awarded without full and open competition pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(3), Industrial mobilization; engineering, development, or […]

Americas Raytheon won a $10 million spares delivery order for the procurement of one APY-10 radar system weapon repairable assemblies (WRAs), for a total quantity on 11 WRAs, in support of the P-8A aircraft. The delivery order does not include an option period. All work will be performed in McKinney, Texas, and work is expected […]

Americas General Atomics won a $30 million modification, which exercises options to provide maintenance, supply chain and spares management, logistics, and sustainment support for the MQ-9 Reaper aircraft, and dual control mobile ground control stations to ensure they are mission capable for the Marine Corps. Work will be performed in Oahu, Hawaii (35%); Yuma, Arizona […]

Americas The US Navy has taken delivery of the second John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler, the USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO 206), from General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company. The handover follows the completion of acceptance trials to assess the vessel’s readiness and overall capability. The Brazilian Air Force 1st Air Defense Group (1st GDA) […]

Americas Lockheed Martin won a $99.5 million modification, which procures long lead time materials, parts, components, and efforts in support of maintaining on-time production and delivery of 147 Lot 18 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers, and non-US Department of Defense (DOD) participants. Work […]

Americas Raytheon won a $28 million deal for design agent and engineering support services for the Rolling Airframe Missile upgraded MK 31 Guided Missile Weapon System Improvement Program. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $282,551,290. This contract combines purchases for the Navy (74%); and the […]

The OPTIMISE project has proposed a combination of technologies to provide alternative positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) systems for military navigation when Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are disrupted. 

With funding from the European Commission’s Preparatory Action for Defence Research (PADR), the OPTIMISE project - innOvative PosiTIoning systeMfor defence In gnSs-denied arEas – is part of broader initiatives to explore alternatives to GPS and Galileo for military navigation. OPTIMISE focused principally on aircraft navigation scenarios in GNSS-denied environments.  

GNSS refers to a constellation of satellites providing signals from space that transmit positioning and timing data to GNSS receivers. The receivers then use this data to determine location. However, if such systems, which include Europe’s Galileo, were jammed by an adversary, the need for flexible and reliable alternatives would be crucial. 

OPTIMISE, which had a budget of approximately €1.5 million, trialed reliable and secure ways to allow data from different sensors and signals to work together and achieve the integration of different positioning, navigation and timing technologies. Those included relying on star sensors, radars, ground antennae such as telephone masts, atomic clocks and data fusion software.   

 

Real-time Demonstration

At the final session of the 28-month project at the European Defence Agency (EDA) in Brussels, OPTIMISE detailed the scenarios and requirements, and the developed technologies and validation activities including ground and flight tests. The technology integration, testing and operation of the different types of OPTIMISE sensors were showcased together with a detailed analysis of the data, via a multi-sensor/multi-platform software architecture for navigation.   

The OPTIMISE demonstration showcased the systems integration and data collection during ground and flight tests hosted by the University of Žilina; such tests were complemented with simulations using the information from a reference flight trajectory. 

OPTIMISE also elaborated, within its exploitation plan, a roadmap for the further development of the individual technologies and the overall project integrated system. The follow-up of part of the work within OPTIMISE will be continued in a EDA Category B (Cat. B) project. The project is also related to the work conducted under the Capability Technology Groups of EDA (namely CapTech Guidance, Navigation and Control and CapTech Space). 

OPTIMISE brought together nine beneficiaries from four countries. Led by Skylife Engineering SL of Spain, it also includes MBDA ITALIA SPA of Italy, SENER Aeroespacial Sociedad Anonima, also of Spain, France’s Office National D’Etudes et de Recherches Aerospatiales, Syrlinks SAS, STAR NAV and SYSNAV SAS, Zilinska Univerzita v Ziline of Slovakia, and Spain’s La Asociación de Investigación y Cooperación Industrial de Andalucía "F. de Paula Rojas". 

OPTIMISE was selected under the 2019 call for proposals for the EU Preparatory Action on Defence Research (PADR) managed by the European Defence Agency.  

OPTIMISE was selected following an EU-wide PADR call for proposals on the topic of ‘Future Disruptive Defence Technologies - Emerging Game-changers’, in the sub-topic related to autonomous positioning, navigation and timing.  

OPTIMISE and the PADR 

The OPTIMISE project is part of the Preparatory Action on Defence Research (PADR) launched by the European Commission in 2017 to assess and demonstrate the added-value of EU supported defence research and technology (R&T). It paved the way for a proper European Defence Programme to come as part of the European Defence Fund (EDF), under the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (2021-2027). 

The PADR implementation is run by EDA following the mandate via a Delegation Agreement between the European Commission and EDA signed on 31 May 2017. By this agreement the Commission entrusts EDA with the management and implementation of the research projects launched within the PADR.   

 

 

Americas Bay Marine won a $10 million deal for a 95-calendar day shipyard availability for the mid term availability of Military Sealift Command’s fleet replenishment oiler USNS Joshua Humphreys (T-AO 188). This contract includes a base period and three unexercised options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $10,746,650. Work […]

A project managed by the European Defence Agency (EDA), which aims to create a basis for a European interoperability standard for military unmanned systems, has presented its recommendations after more than two years of work. The project INTERACT (Interoperability Standards for Armed Forces Unmanned Systems) would allow better use of a variety of unmanned assets and control stations across operational modes. By sticking to the same standards, different military units or even different allied armed forces could use such drones, whether they are in the air, land or maritime domains.  

The interoperability standard under development within INTERACT should allow unmanned assets to be deployed in flexible and varied configurations. It includes singular deployment, manned and unmanned teaming, in handovers or autonomous swarms -and independent of organisational or national provenance. An enhanced level of interoperability will greatly increase responsiveness and flexibility, and with it the warfighting capability of European armed forces.

INTERACT was coordinated by Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB. The consortium consists of 18 other members, including research centres, small- and medium-sized enterprises and major defence companies.

Standardisation of systems, interfaces

Interoperability is key. The development of unmanned systems has increased in the past few years. Operations are also becoming more complex. For example, swarms of systems, control stations for the same vehicle that require handovers between them - and a mix of air and surface unmanned systems - are all important factors.

However, every manufacturer has used its own standards. Operational requirements can only be met by standardising the systems and their interfaces. 

Given that a long list of standards already exist, INTERACT's project recommendations lay the basis for a drone made by one defence contractor to be operated from a control station of another company, for instance.

Tabletop exercise

In March 2023, the consortium recommendations were tested in a tabletop exercise, showing their reliability. The project has now culminated in a roadmap that will pave the way to validate a complete standard in this area, once some follow-on actions are made.

Taking into account the wide range of unmanned systems, the European Defence Standardisation Management Group, NATO's standardisation office and the European Organisation for Civil Aviation Equipment (EUROCAE) have all been kept abreast of developments. 

 INTERACT and PADR

INTERACT received €1.5 million for a study from the PADR (Preparatory Action for Defence Research) in its 2019 call for projects. PADR is managed by the European Defence Agency, a role delegated by the European Commission.  

The Netherlands’ Organisatie Voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek (TNO) and Greece’s Institute of Communication and Computer Systems and Sweden’s FOI, were the main beneficiaries of this project under the coordination of Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB. They were aided by the main European manufacturers of unmanned systems in the domains of air, land and sea, along with leading research organisations. 

Americas The Science Applications International Corp. won a $19 million deal for B-52H software engineering services. This contract provides engineering expertise for the software on the B-52 aircraft.  Work will be performed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and is expected to be completed by July 10, 2028. This award is the result of a sole source […]

Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), the EU’s flagship initiative to drive greater defence cooperation among 26 EU Member States, reports visible progress across projects in all military domains in 2022. A new report finds that the changing security environment is impacting many PESCO projects’ scope and timelines, with work on key defence capabilities being expedited and expanded. The annual Projects Progress Report finds that many projects are successfully transitioning from one phase to the next, with a marked uptick in progress in response to pressing security concerns.

In 2022, PESCO projects showed significant advances across their lifecycle phases. Out of the total 60 projects under review from the first to the fourth waves, a promising upward trend is evident. Twelve projects have successfully moved forward to the next lifecycle phase, while three are in the final completion phase, marking substantial achievements. Furthermore, 43 projects have made significant strides by meeting their interim objectives, indicating notable progress despite remaining in the same lifecycle phase.

Adapt and Strengthen in Response to Aggression

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has significantly impacted the European security environment, with Member States evaluating the lessons learned from the ongoing war and reshaping their defence capability development needs accordingly. The report finds that these developments are exerting significant influence on ongoing PESCO projects, manifested in key areas:

• Expanded Project Scope: PESCO projects have demonstrated remarkable adaptability by broadening their scope and objectives to proactively address the wider challenges stemming from Russia's aggression. For instance, in the maritime domain, a project has been expanded to tackle the challenge of drifting mines at sea.
• Adjusted Timelines: Recognising the urgency and criticality of certain capabilities, project timelines have been expedited. This acceleration can be observed in projects related to capabilities that address more complex and evolving air threats, including the missile domain, due to pressing air defence needs.
• Resource Planning: The ongoing war has resulted in increased defence spending and project funding, while human resources remain largely unchanged with personnel navigating the challenges of increased demands.
• Strengthened Partnerships: The war has prompted closer cooperation among PESCO member states, NATO Allies, and Ukraine. With some capabilities of PESCO projects used or activated in support of Ukraine.
• Enhanced Interoperability: The ongoing war of aggression has further underscored the criticality of interoperability and exchangeability among member states. For instance, ongoing PESCO projects are adapting their scope and timelines and are considering synergies to better respond to the shifting security landscape.

The year 2022 was a milestone for PESCO, as the highest number of projects—18 in total—reached their project execution year. In total, 22 projects are slated to reach full operational capability (FOC) in 2025, highlighting the steady pace of progress within the PESCO initiative. However, eight projects require special attention or scrutiny as fundamental project management elements need to be addressed.  

PESCO projects are already producing deliverables and enhancing European capabilities in areas such as cyber defence, unmanned systems, medical services, and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) surveillance. Some of the capabilities of PESCO projects, such as 'Cyber Rapid Response Teams and Mutual Assistance in Cyber Security’ (CRRT) and ‘European Medical Command’ (EMC), have already been used or activated in support of EU CSDP missions and operations as well as EU partners, including Ukraine, with CRRT testing the capability in support of EU Partners and EMC acting as a coordinating and supporting body.

PESCO Projects Showcase Progress in Key Defence Areas

Within the realm of PESCO projects, several initiatives are already yielding fruitful results, bolstering Member States' capabilities. One notable project from the first wave, the EMC, has set up a coordinating entity to efficiently manage scarce European medical services in terms of planning, coordination, and management. Achieving full operational capability in 2022, this project played a pivotal role in successfully leading the Pandemic Response Exercise, RESILIENT RESPONSE, in 2023. Amid the ongoing war on Ukraine, the importance of robust military medicine capabilities in protracted, high-intensity operations has become evident.

Another project, ‘CBRN Surveillance as a Service’ is focused on establishing a persistent and distributed manned-unmanned sensor network utilising unmanned aerial and ground systems, providing comprehensive CBRN situational awareness. The project is set to deliver a technical demonstrator in 2023, followed by the establishment of a multinational CBRN unit.

The CRRT project developed a cooperation framework to respond to major cyber incidents through mutual assistance, joint training, operational support, and the creation of joint capabilities. Eight project members have formed Cyber Rapid Response Teams, actively refining their skills through regular exercises. These teams were activated in support of Ukraine and Moldova in 2022, demonstrating their operational value. The project is currently defining the next steps forward.

The Integrated Unmanned Ground System project, brings together 10 members to develop an unmanned ground system (UGS) capable of collaborating with other unmanned platforms and manned vehicles to provide combat support and service to ground forces. The project is progressing towards the design, prototyping, and testing of an integrated modular UGS platform by 2023, which could set the standard for future projects. In May 2023, a follow-on project (iUGS2) was established, reflecting the increasing importance of unmanned systems, as highlighted by lessons learned from the war against Ukraine.

Future capability needs moving forwards

The report also finds that many of the projects set up to address future capability needs have also moved forward. The European Patrol Corvette (EPC) project is on the cusp of achieving harmonised requirements, a significant milestone that will contribute to heightened maritime security and safeguarding critical infrastructure.

Similarly, the Maritime (semi) Autonomous Systems for Mine Countermeasures project has finalised the harmonisation of requirements and engaged an industrial consortium to develop underwater autonomous vehicles. Additionally, the Defence of Space Assets project aims to define crucial blocks that will bolster the safety and resilience of space assets, with the first joint exercise in this domain slated for 2024.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. All data and findings are from the PESCO Secretariat’s – the European Defence Agency (EDA), the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the European Union Military Staff (EUMS) – Annual Projects Progress Report. The report is not publicly available.
2. PESCO Project Spokespersons
3. PESCO Factsheet
4. PESCO Website
5. On 11 December 2017, the Council adopted a decision establishing Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO). PESCO enables participating member states to work more closely together in the area of security and defence. This permanent framework for defence cooperation allows willing and able member states to develop jointly defence capabilities, invest in shared projects, and enhance the operational readiness and contribution of their armed forces.
6. PESCO projects have been adopted by the Council and launched across five different waves;
   • 6 March 2018 – 17 projects
   • 19 November 2018 – 17 projects
   • 12 November 2019 – 13 projects
   • 16 November 2021– 14 projects
   • 23 May 2023 – 11 projects
7. Each of the projects is carried forward by varying groups of PESCO participating Member States (project members) and is coordinated by one or more of them (project coordinators). The project members may agree among themselves to allow other participating Member States to join as project members or to become observers to the project.
8. The key difference between PESCO and other forms of cooperation is the legally binding nature of its 20 binding commitments undertaken by participating Member States to one another. These include increasing defence spending, planning and developing defence capabilities together and improving the interoperability of forces and joint use of existing and future capabilities.
9. 26 states participate in PESCO, the EU 27 with the exemption of Malta. There are 22 common members in the EU and NATO, and all of them are also participating in PESCO.

Americas Areté Associates won a $13 million order for integration of the Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis (COBRA) Block I-3A System into the MQ-8C unmanned aerial system. This delivery order is for 19 months. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona; and Valparaiso, Florida (50%), and is expected to be completed by February 2025. Fiscal […]

Americas Boeing won a $22.5 million deal for CH-47 long lead items by the US Army. 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 September 30, 2024. The CH-47F is an advanced multi-mission helicopter for the US Army and international […]

The European Defence Agency (EDA) will support two new projects developing the next generation of systems for European defence under the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) initiative. In the air domain, the Next Generation Small RPAS (NGSR) project will pave the way for an advanced unmanned aerial system (UAS) prototype by 2027, while in maritime, the Essential Elements of European Escort (4E) project, sets out to identify and detail the essential elements of future surface warships within the EU from 2030 to 2045. EDA’s Steering Board recently approved the launch of specific EDA ad hoc projects for both, following a request from the participating Member States (pMS) involved.   

Next Generation of Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems – Towards a prototype 

The goal of this project is to develop a new generation of tactical UAS with versatile capabilities. It aims to serve various purposes, such as supporting army units, maritime and air operations, and civilian activities. The war against Ukraine demonstrates the importance of persistent surveillance provided by unmanned systems. The UAS will be designed to be adaptable to different mission requirements and will incorporate autonomous features to ease pilot and operator workload. NGSR project is led by Spain, in collaboration with Germany, Slovenia, Portugal, Romania, and Hungary. 

Running for four years, EDA’s NGSR ‘Category B’ Project has a twofold objective. Firstly, it aims to harmonise the requirements among pMS, ensuring a unified approach to the UAS's development. Secondly, the project will support the development of the prototype through a contract with industry.

The tactical UAS that will be developed under this project will meet common requirements and be versatile enough to undertake various missions, ranging from high-intensity conflicts to peace enforcement and support to civilian authorities. It will have the ability to take off and land without a runway, cover medium ranges (up to 200 km), and sustain missions for 5-10 hours. The use of advanced technology will allow for flexibility, modular payloads, and interoperability to maximise effectiveness.

To facilitate the smooth execution of the project, EDA will play a crucial role. The Agency will provide overall coordination, administration, and management of the project. Furthermore, the EDA will lend its expertise to the requirements developed by pMS, supporting their harmonisation. The Agency also stands ready to facilitate the engagement with industry based on pMS requirements.

In addition, the EDA will negotiate, conclude, and manage the contract with the industry on behalf of the pMS, ensuring timely reporting and payments throughout the project's duration. The Agency will work closely with the pMS and industry to coordinate the development of the prototype. By offering next generation ISR capabilities, the NGSR project aims to improve crisis response capabilities and enhance the effectiveness of European armed forces in various operational environments.

4E– Essential systems for the 2040s 

Essential Elements of European Escort (4E) aims to develop the most important systems of any surface combatant that may be built in Europe from 2035 to 2045 covering five areas: combat system, communication and information system, navigation system, platform management system and Integration of System of Systems. 4E project is led by Spain, in collaboration with Italy and Portugal.  

EDA’s ‘Category B’ project, which will run for two years, aims to support the 4E PESCO project by offering invaluable assistance in its initiation and execution. EDA’s responsibilities encompass drafting the Project Initiating Document, which defines the project's scope, working procedures, and strategic communication plan. The agency will coordinate pMS cooperation, including facilitating negotiations, staffing, and signature processes, as well as overseeing contributions, reporting, and procurement. Moreover, the Agency will facilitate the formulation of the High-Level Requirements Document and initiate feasibility and de-risking studies to ensure a seamless and efficient project implementation. Leveraging their expertise, the EDA will contribute to defining project objectives, harmonising working processes, and drafting the deliverables in collaboration with the pMS. This will serve as a steppingstone for further activities of the projects, notably related to the development of specific systems. 

The PESCO 4E project aligns with the EU Capability Development Priority Naval Manoeuvrability, aiming to foster collaboration among pMS in shaping the future of surface ships within the EU. Its goals encompass enhancing pMS adaptability to evolving operational environments, reducing fragmentation, and improving the coherence of the EU's capability landscape.

PESCO moving forward and supported by EDA 

EDA, as the EU’s hub for defence cooperation, has launched several dedicated projects to support moving a variety of ambitious PESCO projects forward. NGSR and 4E, launched under the fourth wave of PESCO projects in November 2021, are the 11th and 12th projects currently supported by the Agency.

EDA’s support has since grown from initial modest administrative support to a couple of PESCO’s smaller-scale projects to include major weapons platforms, such as the Future Medium Tactical Cargo (FMTC) and European Patrol Corvette (EPC).

EDA offers several forms of support to PESCO projects. One of them is consultancy and expertise, allowing the Agency and the PESCO project members to agree on the specific tasks EDA will carry out for a project. This could entail support in capturing the detailed operational and technical requirements, as well as developing its concept of operations or defining specifications for its technical study.

Another form of EDA support is when pMS of a PESCO project choose to establish their project at the Agency and use EDA’s project management tools, which means other Member States can choose to opt into, or join, the endeavour at a later stage, with EDA serving as project manager. To date, six PESCO projects are being taken forward within the Agency; CBRN Surveillance as a Service (CBRN SaaS); Deployable Modular Underwater Intervention Capability Package (DIVEPACK);  European Patrol Corvette (EPC); CIDCC (Cyber and Information Domain Coordination Center); Next Generation Small RPAS (NGSR) and Essential Elements of European Escort (4E).

• PESCO Website 

 

Americas The US Army recently launched a Tomahawk cruise missile from the Mid-Range Capability (MRC) system. The live-fire test follows the Lockheed Martin system launching an SM-6 missile earlier this year, confirming its full operational capability, the US Army revealed. Lockheed delivered the first of four MRCs, also called the Typhoon Weapon System, in December […]

Americas BAE Systems recently demonstrated the teaming of the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) C4/UAS variant with an IAI/ELTA Systems Rex MK infantry combat support system. The manned-unmanned pairing enhances the platform’s “mission parameters and tactical sphere” while decreasing the risk to human life in an uncertain environment, according to BAE Systems. CAE Usa won a […]