Defense`s Feeds

The Cyber Defence Training & Exercise Coordination Platform (CD TEXP), a web-based tool developed at EDA over the last years to support, coordinate and deliver joint cyber training courses and exercises, was handed over today to the Ministry of Defence of Portugal which will host the new collaborative asset.

It means that from now on, all common European cyber defence courses and exercises - be they organised by EDA, the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) or individual Member States - can be integrated and handled through the CD TEXP platform to allow for the joint and remote (virtual) participation of all Member States involved. CD TEXP can also serve as a booking tool for EDA Cyber Ranges Federation exercises and will be an important platform for the implementation of the PESCO project related to ‘EU Cyber Academia and Innovation Hub’ (CAIH).

The handover between EDA and the Portuguese MoD took place today during the Cyber PESCO Projects Conference “The EU Cyber resilience Challenge: a Joint PESCO Cooperative Approach”, organised by Portugal in Lisbon (24/25 May), in the presence of EDA’s Capability Director, Stefano Cont, and Portugal’s Deputy Director for Defence Resources, Major-General Côrte-Real Andrade.

Already from an early stage of the CD TEXP development, Portugal had expressed its willingness to host and operate the new capacity. This served as an additional incentive for EDA and its participating Member States to push forward with the project, go beyond the demonstration phase and produce a fully operational tool usable by Member States’ Armed Forces.

EDA Director Cont thanked the Portuguese authorities for their outstanding cooperation and willingness to support EU Member States with operating the CD TEXP. 

More information:

• EDA Cyber Defence activities
• EDA brochure on Cyber Defence
• EDA Cyber Defence research

 

Americas

Lockheed Martin won a $13.3 million deal, which provides for engineering, development and production of Operational Test Program Sets (OTPS) to support AN/APY-9 Radar Avionics Line Replaceable Modules (LRMs). These OTPSs will provide support for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye program and will be used at the depot level to provide test and repair capabilities for the LRMs. Work will take place in New York. Expected completion date will be in September 2025.

Raytheon won a $422.6 million modification to previously awarded contract N00024-22-C-5500 to exercise options for hardware production of the AN/SPY-6(V) Family of Radars. Work will take place in Massachusetts, California, Maryland, New York, Alabama, Rhode Island, Texas, Oklahoma and Wisconsin. Estimated completion will be by September 2025.

Middle East & Africa

The US State Department has approved a possible foreign military sale of TOW 2A radio frequency missiles, support, and related equipment to Egypt for $691 million. Egypt has requested more than 5,000 TOW 2As, including support equipment, spare parts, training, and technical and logistical support.

Europe

France will deploy the MAMBA anti-missile system to Romania. The deployment of the French state-of-the-art MAMBA weapons system and an air defense command post to Romania is designed to “augment NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence”. The MAMBA surface-based air and missile defence system is operated by the French Air and Space Force as a theatre antimissile system to protect tactical sites against airborne threats, including cruise missiles, tactical ballistic missiles, manned and unmanned aircraft.

Denmark will arm Ukraine with with a modern Harpoon anti-ship launcher and missiles to protect its coasts, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Monday after concluding the latest US-led meeting of international defense chiefs to coordinate military aid for Ukraine. The announcement came as Russia’s blockade of Odessa, Ukraine’s largest port on the Black Sea, which is threatening global food supplies.

Asia-Pacific

Bell Boeing won a $9.5 million firm-fixed-price order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001922G0002). This order provides for the upgrade and delivery of the V-22 Half Wing Part Task Trainer in support of executing training for the government of Japan. Work will take place in Texas and Japan. Expected completion date is in January 2027.

Today’s Video

WATCH: TOW Missile & How BGM-71 TOW Anti-Tank Guided Missiles Work?

Americas

Airbus US Space & Defense won a $14.3 million deal for UH-72 Lakota helicopter contractor logistics support and engineering services. The UH-72 Lakota is the US Army’s multi-mission helicopter, which acts as the key platform for the US Army, Navy and National Guard in their mission of protecting and serving communities across America. It combines operational capability, reliability and affordability, fulfilling all the Army’s requirements for speed, range, endurance and overall performance. Work will take place in Texas. Estimated completion date is December 31, 2026.

The US Navy’s Airborne Command & Control and Logistics Wing (ACCLOGWING) achieved a new milestone on May 6 when it was able to generate 23 Fully Mission Capable (FMC) E-2Ds, surpassing a record of 22 aircraft set in April 29, 2022. “Attaining 23 FMC, above our target of 22, is a huge accomplishment not only for our community but for Naval Aviation,” said Capt. Chris “Mullet” Hulitt, ACCLOGWING commodore. “We’re embracing the Chief of Naval Operations’ ‘Get Real, Get Better’ guidance to take hard, honest looks at our efforts to make sure we have the right plan. We achieved this through unwavering determination and superb teamwork across an entire team of teams in the NAE.”

Middle East & Africa

Epsilor, an Israeli developer and manufacturer of mobile energy products for defense and aerospace applications, will reveal its NATO 6T Li-Ion rechargeable battery in a metal-case that meets the safety requirements of MIL-PRF-32565C (the US Army Performance Specification) at  Eurostory 2022 show, which will take place on mid-June in Paris. Epsilor’s 6T battery is equipped with a smart Battery Management System (BMS) with self-charging and self-balancing.

Europe

Two French Air Force Rafale fighters had a mid-air collision during an airshow demonstration on May 22. Both jets landed safely and one piece of the debris landed in the town of Gensac-la-Pallue. Photos online showed that the jet damaged was a Rafale in black livery that recently participated in NATO Tigers Meet. The aircraft from EC 3/30 had won an award for the best painted aircraft. EC 3/30 had also won the Silver Tiger award at the exercise in Greece.

Asia-Pacific

Subaru has flown the first production UH-2 helicopter at Utsunomiya Air Field on May 20. The helicopter, based on the Bell 412EPX, is ordered by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The pilot flew the aircraft for 30 minutes during the flight.

According to news reports, New Zealand’s government unveiled plans to train a small number of Ukrainian soldiers in using field artillery guns, deepening the country’s involvement in a conflict on the other side of the world. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said her cabinet agreed to deploy up to 30 members of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) to Britain to train Ukrainian forces in the use of L119 105mm howitzers. The deployment will run until the end of July and Chief of Defense Force Air Marshal Kevin Short said his personnel expected about 230 Ukrainian soldiers to be trained.

Today’s Video

WATCH: UH-72B Lakota : The next generation helicopter of U.S. Army

Americas

Raytheon won a $10.8 million delivery order for deploy and retrieve systems in support of the AN/AQS-20 mine-hunting program. The AN/AQS-20C sonar mine-hunting system is the U.S. Navy’s latest mine-hunting technology, which is integrated into the littoral combat ship mine countermeasures mission package. Work will take place in Washington and Those Island. Estimated completion will be by December 2023.

DARPA has announced its new X-plane concept, a low-cost long-range seaplane that can fly up to 10,000ft. However, the aircraft will utilize the “wing-in-ground effect” to extend its range so that it can serve as a strategic or tactical transport.

Middle East & Africa

Ugandan troops sent to Democratic Republic of Congo last year will withdraw by May 31 unless the two countries strike a new agreement, Ugandan military officials said. Uganda joined Congolese forces on November 30 in a fight against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), accused of massacres in eastern DR Congo and bombings in Uganda.

Europe

General Dynamics Electric Boat won a $313.9 million modification for additional United Kingdom (UK) Strategic Weapon Support System kit manufacturing, and submarine industrial base development and expansion, as part of the Integrated Enterprise Plan supporting Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines and the nuclear shipbuilding enterprise (Virginia-class and Ford-class). The industrial base development work is for the furtherance of the Fiscal 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (Public Law 117-81) which authorized, and the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103) which appropriated, additional funds for submarine industrial base development and expansion to ensure second- and third-tier contractors are able to meet increased production requirements. Work will take place in Rhode Island and Virginia. Estimated completion will be by September 2029.

Asia-Pacific

India’s Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) carried out the first test-firing of its Naval Anti-Ship Missile on May 18. The weapon was released from a Seaking helicopter off Odisha coast.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has secured a contract to supply its MiniPOP electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems for the Philippine Navy’s patrol vessels, the company announced in a media release. This particular MiniPOP system that is focused on maritime applications has been developed by IAI’s Tamam Division, and is “designed to operate during both day and night, and meet harsh environmental conditions such as shock, vibration from waves, and extreme temperatures”, the company said.

Today’s Video

WATCH: Liberty Lifter

Americas

Lockheed Martin won a &632.1 million deal, which provides engineering, maintenance, logistics and material support to continue to develop, sustain and produce software builds, as well as carryout developmental flight tests in support of the F-35 Lightning II aircraft for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Foreign Military Sales customer, and non-US Department of Defense (DOD) participants’ funds. The deal also provides unique sea trials on aircraft carriers for the government of the United Kingdom. Work will take place in Texas, Florida, Maryland, New Hampshire, California, United Kingdom and Canada. Expected completion is in March 2024.

A 50kW-class high energy laser integrated on a Stryker has shown that the weapon can defeat 60mm mortar rounds and drones during four weeks of continuous live-fire exercises at White Sands Missile Range. The laser system is part of the US Army’s Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (DE M-SHORAD) effort. The system is provided by Raytheon Intelligence & Space and the integrator is Kord, a wholly-owned subsidiary of KBR.

Middle East & Africa

According to Israel Defense, Israeli company Mobius Protection Systems announced it has secured a new order from Leonardo, for the production of its energy-absorbing seat systems. The value of the order has not been disclosed. Mobius will supply its energy-absorbing seats to Leonardo for installation in the manned turret of the Centauro II vehicle.

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has laid the keel for the landing platform dock (LPD) amphibious assault ship on order for the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces. An official keel-laying ceremony was held at the shipbuilder’s yard in Palermo on May 17. Fincantieri is building the LPD for Qatar under a contract awarded in 2016.

Europe

Belgium is to acquire nine CAESAR NG (new generation) self-propelled howitzers (SPHs) under the expansion of the Capacité Motorisée (Motorized Capability, CaMo) programme with France, the ministries of defense (MoDs) of the two countries announced. Belgian Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder and her French counterpart, Florence Parly, signed the CaMo 2 intergovernmental agreement on the $65 million procurement of the SPHs for delivery in 2027. The French and Belgian MoDs expected the Direction générale de l’armement (DGA), France’s defense procurement agency, to announce the contract in the coming weeks.

Asia-Pacific

The US Army activated a new air cavalry squadron tasked with providing permanent reconnaissance support to US forces in South Korea. The 5th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade was activated in a ceremony on Camp Humphreys, the largest US military base overseas. The new squadron consists of roughly 500 soldiers and 24 AH-64E Apaches, the latest version of the Army’s attack helicopter. The 5-17th air cavalry squadron also includes RQ-7B Shadows, unmanned aircraft systems that provide reconnaissance and surveillance assistance to aviation brigades.

Today’s Video

WATCH: Belgium acquires nine Caesar NG 155 mm from France

Meeting today at EDA’s ministerial Steering Board, Defence Minister discussed the “Scoping EU defence investment gaps” analysis the Agency has produced and transmitted to the European Commission as its contribution to the tasking given by the Heads of State or Government at their informal meeting in Versailles on 10/11 March. 

At that meeting, EU leaders had “invited the Commission, in coordination with the European Defence Agency, to put forward an analysis of the defence investment gaps by mid-May and to propose any further initiative necessary to strengthen the European defence industrial and technological base”.

 EDA’s analysis is notably built on the Invest chapter of the Strategic Compass, the Capability Development Plan (CDP) and the detailed findings of the first Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) presented in November 2020. 

The findings of the analysis, which will feed and be integrated into the European Commission’s document/proposals to the European Council, cover three partially overlapping time horizons:

• an immediate step should be to work on combat readiness of forces and capabilities; 
• starting in 2022-23 with an impact within the next five years, the focus should be placed on augmenting the mass and volume of existing capabilities; 
• in the mid-to-long term (10 years and beyond) the focus should be put on a structural reinforcement and modernisation of capabilities.

Hub for EU Defence Innovation established

The Steering Board also approved the establishment of a Hub for EU Defence Innovation (HEDI) within EDA. HEDI will strengthen the Agency’s existing innovation activities but also initiate new ones, in close cooperation with Member States and other EU stakeholders to ensure synergies and complementarity, as well as coherence with NATO innovation initiatives.  More information here.

The Netherlands to lead focus area ‘Enhanced Military Mobility’

At the Steering Board, the Dutch Minister also announced that the Netherlands will take up the role of facilitator for developing the so-called ‘focus area’ on Enhanced Military Mobility. In the first CARD report presented by EDA in November 2020, Member States are recommended to concentrate their cooperation efforts on six specific focus areas: Main Battle Tanks (MBT); Soldier Systems; Patrol Class Surface Ships; Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (Counter-UAS); Defence applications in Space; Military Mobility. As facilitator, the Netherlands intents to connect the dots on a number of topics that are part of military mobility, with a specific focus on capability development.

More information:

• Press release on establishment of Hub for European Defence Innovation (HEDI)
• HEDI factsheet 

 

EDA Defence Ministers, meeting today at the Agency’s ministerial Steering Board, have approved the establishment of a Hub for EU Defence Innovation (HEDI) within EDA. The Hub will strengthen the Agency’s existing innovation activities but also initiate new ones, in close cooperation with Member States and EU stakeholders. Today’s decision comes after the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence, approved in March, called for the creation of such a Hub in 2022.

HEDI will act as a platform to stimulate, facilitate and support cooperation on defence innovation among Member States while ensuring synergies with related European Commission activities, notably the EU defence innovation scheme, and coherence of output with NATO innovation initiatives such as the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA).

HEDI will operate at the intersection of EDA’s already existing innovation activities, serving as a catalyst and amplifier. The existing Innovation Framework in EDA contains the necessary tools to support collaborative defence innovation and is based on three pillars: - identification of innovative ideas and innovators; - implementation of these ideas; - outreach to increase the awareness of the solutions produced and their application to the defence domain. HEDI’s activities will be focused on the agreed EU priorities for capability development (Capability Development Plan), defence research (Overarching Strategic Research Agenda) as well as industrial capabilities (Key Strategic Activities).

The Head of EDA, HR/VP Josep Borrell, said: “Less than two months after the adoption of the EU’s Strategic Compass, we deliver on one of the Compass’ main priorities by establishing the European Defence Agency’s Defence Innovation Hub. Working closely with the Commission, the Hub will help our Armed Forces to step up their innovation efforts to be better prepared for the future battlefield and the next generation technologies”.

EDA Chief Executive, Jiří Šedivý said: “With the rapid development of new and often disruptive technologies and their fast weaponisation, innovation has become a geostrategic factor shaping the international security environment and the global balance of power. The establishment of HEDI is a clear signal that our Ministries of Defence take innovation seriously and that they want to invest more in it, and act together. HEDI will help develop the synergies needed to connect existing innovation efforts and stimulate the launch of new ones, for the benefit of European Defence”.

THREE STEP APPROACH

Three steps have been defined for the Hub to progressively grow and fulfil its role:

• Step 1: inspiring and promoting innovation at EU level. During this ramp-up phase, the Hub will focus on networking and situational awareness activities, making the most of existing EDA resources. Activities to be deployed during this initial phase include the exchange of best innovation practices across the EU and the organisation of a first European Defence Innovation Day on 31 May 2022.  HEDI will also contribute to creating a ‘common picture’ of defence innovation in Europe. For this purpose, it will organise stakeholder groups and workshops and set up and manage networks of defence innovation organisations and researchers who will be invited to exchange views on these topics once or twice a year.
• Step 2: facilitating innovation across Member States and EU institutions.  This second phase will see HEDI drive activities such as the upgrade of the existing EDA Defence Innovation Prize (increase in the number of prizes awarded and of domains covered), the funding of proof-of-concept of innovative ideas, the organisation of European Defence Innovation Shows, the launch in cooperation with partners of so-called Innovation Challenges (a specific R&T methodology targeting short cycles of development from proof-of-principle to minimum viable product), as well as specific actions to support the uptake of innovation ideas/concepts towards capability development.
• Step 3: making of HEDI an EU-wide platform for cooperative design and experimentation embedded in the EU capability development process. The activities to be undertaken will be decided by Member States at a later stage.  

EMBEDDED IN EDA

HEDI will be embedded within the existing EDA framework and staffed by EDA personnel. According to guidelines approved today, the launch of the new Hub should not come at the expense of existing EDA activities. It will function under EDA’s 3-Year Planning Framework with a yearly reporting and evaluation in the starting phase. EDA shall regularly report to the Steering Board on the progress and way ahead, specifically on the impact, lessons learned, and possible updates of the stepped implementation plan. The Steering Board will evaluate the progress of the HEDI and its proposed activities for the next year. 

BACKGROUND

The work that led to the creation of HEDI initially started in May 2021 when the Foreign Affairs Council called for reinforcing EDA’s role in fostering defence innovation and tasked the HR/VP and Head of EDA, Josep Borrell, to present options by the end of 2021. Among the options put on the table (and now approved) was that of establishing a Hub for EU Defence Innovation within EDA.

Americas

Black Construction won an $83.7 million deal for design and construction of wharf improvements at Naval Base Guam. The work to be performed includes the renovation and modernization of Berth 2 to provide full capability to support two loaded T-AKE vessels with the proper depth of water, sufficient wharf length, and power and utilities. The Lewis and Clark Class T-AKE is a dry cargo/ammunition ship, totaling 14 ships. Designed to operate independently for extended periods at sea while providing underway replenishment services, the T-AKE directly contributes to the ability of the Navy to maintain a forward presence. Work will take place in Guam. Expected completion date is in September 2024.

Deloitte Consulting won an estimated $12.5 million contract modification for a training virtual environment (TVE) that will host the Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES) training curriculum and deliver curriculum packages for CANES baselines. The TVE is a virtualized computing environment that fully replicates the functionality of CANES that provides realistic and testable training and scenarios. The TVE provides a centrally located and integrated learning management system that allows for rapid curriculum updates and configuration changes. Work will take place on California, Arizona, Florida and Virginia. Estimated completion will be by December 2023.

Middle East & Africa

Israeli defense firm XTEND has inked an agreement with the US Department of Defense to supply hundreds of new Wolverine Gen2 drones to the US military. The unmanned system will be used to protect ground troops, particularly on dangerous missions.

Europe

UK shipbuilder Babcock has inked a $36.7 million contract to conduct the routine dry-dock maintenance periods of the UK Royal Navy’s (RN’s) two Queen Elizabeth-class (QEC) carriers for the next decade at its dockyard in Rosyth, Fife. Babcock said the 10-year contract also includes the provision of any contingency dockings that may be required over the timeframe of the agreement. Scheduled dockings will be conducted over a six-week period and will include all routine maintenance and repairs that cannot be done when the carriers are afloat. The UK government said the latest contract would help sustain 300 jobs at the yard and the wider supply chain.

Asia-Pacific

According to Japan’s Sankei news, Tokyo has decided to switch its partner for developing the F-X fighter from Lockheed Martin to BAE Systems. Both countries had announced plans to develop a future fighter aircraft engine demonstrator in December 2021. The aircraft was supposed to be develop by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries with assistance from Lockheed Martin. However, talks on how to carry out the development work have run into roadblocks. This prompted Japan to switch the main partner to BAE Systems.

Kazakhstan will be able to assemble the ANKA unmanned air vehicle in the future as state-owned Kazakhstan Engineering as it signed a memorandum of understanding with Turkish Aerospace Industries for the production. The memorandum of understanding also covers the repair and maintenance of the ANKA in Kazakhstan. Turkish Aerospace Industries General Manager Prof. Dr. Temel Kotil said, “We are very excited to sign a new production base for our ANKA.

Today’s Video

WATCH: Meet the XTEND Wolverine, Multi-mission UAS

Americas

General Dynamics Land won a $29 million deal for Abrams Systems technical support. The M1 Abrams is a third generation main battle tank. Work will take place in Sterling Heights, Michigan, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2023.

The first C-130H with eight-bladed propellors assigned to the 133rd Airlift Wing has returned home after modifications. The aircraft arrived home on May 11 at Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport. Another seven C-130Hs are undergoing the modifications with a completion date by the end of September 2023. After which the cargo planes will get new T56 3.5 turboprop engines.

Middle East & Africa

SpearUAV, an Israeli company which develops autonomous, AI-based technology for encapsulated SWARM-based UASs, announced last week the completion of a $17 million funding round. The round was led by Israel’s UVision Air, which specializes in aerial loitering munition systems, and a number of other investors. Air UVision stated that following its investment in SpearUAV, it would become a minority shareholder in the company.

Europe

Ukraine could be operating its most sophisticated air defense missile system in November if a plan by Germany to supply the country with the IRIS-T SLM goes ahead. German media says training of Ukrainian solidiers could start as soon as the German government has approved the plan.

Asia-Pacific

Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin JV won a $71.4 million contract modification for the Javelin Missile System. Javelin is a man-portable anti-tank guided weapon. The F-Model of the Javelin missile first entered production in 2020 and includes improvements to the missile’s warhead to defeat reactive armor as well as improved case fragmentation that enables the user to strike lightly armored or unarmored targets. Work will take. Place in Arizona. Estimated completion date is February 28, 2025. Fiscal 2022 missile procurement, Army funds; and Foreign Military Sales (Thailand, Norway, Albania and Latvia) funds in the full amount were obligated at the time of the award.

Taiwan is scheduled to unveil the design of its new fighter in 2024 and make its first flight in 2025, Up Media reports. The F414-GE-400 has been selected as the power plant while L3Harris will be supplier of the avionics. Ejection seat will be provided by Martin-Baker. Decisions will be made by end of the month to select companies to supply the AESA radar and cockpit displays.

Today’s Video

WATCH: Germany intends to transfer NATO air defense systems IRIS-T to Ukraine

Americas

Lockheed Martin won a $43.6 million order, which provides for diminishing manufacturing sources non-recurring engineering in support of a redesigned panoramic cockpit display electronic unit video mixer for F-35 Lightning II production aircraft for the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers, and non-US Department of Defense participants. Work will take place in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in January 2029.

Lockheed Martin Sippican won a $14 million contract modification to exercise options for engineering and maintenance services for the Heavyweight MK48 Torpedo Program at the Intermediate Maintenance Activity (IMA) Pearl Harbor. Work will take place in Hawaii. Expected completion will be by March 2023.

Middle East & Africa

It was announced that earlier this year, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems alongside the Israeli Navy and Ministry of Defense Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) successfully completed a series of tests on Rafael’s C-GEM naval system. C-GEM is an innovative shipborne off-board RF Active Decoy (RFAD) system protecting naval vessels from anti-ship missiles through electromagnetic spectrum manipulation. C-GEM jams and deceives threats from multiple directions, independent of ship maneuvers.

Europe

According to the British Royal Air Force, two C-130J Hercules aircraft out of RAF Brize Norton have conducted a low level formation training sortie across the South West of England. the aircraft, after departing Brize Norton, practiced low-level altitude flying near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.  The pair then climbed before practising close-formation airdrop procedures over land.

Asia-Pacific

The annual migration of Global Hawks based in Andersen Air Force Base, Guam to Japan has started this year. Aircraft from the 4th Reconnaissance Squadron cross the Pacific Ocean on May 11.

Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) – the country’s primary military research and development (R&D) organisation – has conducted a series of missile tests from a military base in the southern county of Pingtung. The trials are aligned with Taiwan’s growing efforts to expand its missile development and production capacity in the face of growing tensions with China.

Today’s Video

WATCH: U.S. Air Force UAV RQ-4 Global Hawk : using a modernised ground control station

Americas

General Atomics has announced the availability of a short takeoff and landing (STOL) wing and tail kit for the MQ-9B. The American company had demonstrated STOL capability on a modified Gray Eagle Extended Range platform last year under its Mojave initiative. The new MQ-9B STOL kit can fold upwards so that the unmanned air vehicle can be parked on the deck or in the hangar bay, of an aircraft carrier or amphibious assault ship.

Raytheon won a $272.7 million performance-based logistics requirements contract to provide logistics, repair, and upgrade support for 15 Multi-Spectral Targeting System Forward-Looking Infrared components in support of MH-60R and MH-60S helicopters. The deal will include a five-year base period with one two-year option period which if exercised, will bring the total estimated value to $376,414,525. Work will take place in Florida and Texas. Expected completion will be by May 2027; if the option is exercised, work is expected to be completed by May 2029.

Middle East & Africa

The Morganti Group won a $14.7 million deal to construct an air traffic control tower. Work will take place in Azraq, Jordan. Estimated completion date is June 18, 2024. US Army Corps of Engineers, Middle East District, is the contracting activity

Europe

Multinational defense firm Elbit Systems has been chosen to provide training technologies for the UK navy’s future Dreadnought-class submarines. The solution will reportedly be provided to British soldiers prior to the deployment of the submarine to ensure “safe and competent” operations.

Asia-Pacific

Anduril Industries will develop three Extra Large Autonomous Undersea Vehicles (XL-AUVs) for the Royal Australian Navy. The three-year, 140 million Australian dollars ($100 million) co-funded program will see long-endurance AUVs integrated with multi-mission payloads for military and non-military missions such as “advanced intelligence, infrastructure inspection, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting,” the company stated.

South Korea’s new President Yoon Suk-yeol called for the “complete denuclearization” of the North at his swearing-in on Tuesday, describing Pyongyang’s weapons as a threat to regional and global security. Yoon, 61, who started work in an underground bunker with a security briefing on North Korea, took office at a time of high tensions on the peninsula, with Pyongyang conducting a record 15 weapons tests since January.

Today’s Video

WATCH: BAE System Build Most Powerful Dreadnought Class Submarine for UK

Americas

A US Air Force KC-46A crew has flown the aerial refueling aircraft for 24.2 hours in a mission to gather human factors data on long-duration flights. The aircraft was flown by four pilots working on four-hour shifts with another two pilots acting as backup. They were joined by three boom operators, a photojournalist, and a physician assistant. Taking off from McConnell Air Force Base on May 5, the jet landed back at McConnell Air Force Base the next day with just one refueling from a KC-46A.

Korte Construction Co., doing business as The Korte Co. won $37 million firm-fixed-price contract to design and construct an operations and test facility. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work will take place at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, with an estimated completion date of May 5, 2024. The US Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles, California, is the contracting activity.

Middle East & Africa

Iran has claimed that the production of two indigenous destroyers, the Zagros and Damavand-2, has made significant progress and that they will join the country’s navy “in the near future.” As per the Iranian Navy, the studies related to the manufacturing of the destroyers have been completed and they are soon expected to enter the production phase.

Europe

According to Defense News, US Pentagon leaders are asking Congress for new authorities when it comes to cooperative defense programs with the European Union, a prospect officials on both sides of the Atlantic have said will complement traditional NATO processes. Defense officials circulated legislative language to that effect on Capitol Hill this month in hopes of having it included in the annual defense policy bill now on the congressional docket.

German defense manufacturer Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) announced that it has delivered 3,000 unprotected transport vehicles (UTVs) to the German military. The delivery was part of a 2017 contract to produce 2,000 UTVs capable of carrying up to 15 tons (30,000 pounds) of payload.

Asia-Pacific

Australia has announced plans to acquire 12 more MH-60R naval helicopters and 29 AH-64E attack helicopters. The MH-60R contract will include a 13th aircraft to replace one that was lost in 2021. All will be based at HMAS Albatross. Boeing says it welcomes Australia’s decision as the AH-64E Apache provides Australia with a low-risk, fully-integrated, battle-proven capability.

Today’s Video

WATCH: MH-60R Seahawk Best Anti Submarine Helicopter

Americas

Lockheed Martin won a $14.5 million contract modification to exercise options for Machinery Control System production shipsets in support of both the DDG 51 modernization program and the DDG 51 new construction program. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida, and is expected to be completed by June 202. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington DC, is the contracting activity.

Sikorsky Aircraft won a $12.3 million modification, which exercises an option to provide production system engineering and program management support in support of CH-53K low-rate initial production. Work will take place in Connecticut. Expected completion will be in May 2023. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

Middle East & Africa

The Iraqi Ministry of Defense announced that it has signed contracts with the US and France to import advanced military weapons and equipment. According to senior military commander Major General Abd Al-Ardawi, the agreements include the supply of high-powered artillery systems that have recently proven effective in fighting extremist groups.

Europe

The British Army will reportedly soon see its Coyote six-wheeled tactical vehicles equipped with 105-millimeter Howitzer weapon systems. The Coyote is currently equipped with the Next-generation Light Anti-tank Weapon, currently used by Ukraine to destroy Russian tanks. Although the armored vehicle already has a powerful weapon, British Army experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria reportedly highlighted the need for the Coyote to have additional firepower.

The joint venture of Nexter and Texelis has handed over the first SERVAL 4×4 light armoured multi-role vehicles (véhicule blindé multi-rôles, VBMR) to the French Ministry of Defence. The companies have announced that a total of 70 vehicles will be delivered this year. The French procurement agency had ordered a first batch of 364 SERVALs in early 2021. The SCORPION programme, the objective of which is to renew the French Army’s medium armoured vehicles, foresees 689 vehicles in the first phase

Asia-Pacific

The militaries of Britain and Japan will “work more closely together” under a defense deal that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced during talks with his Japanese counterpart on May 5. Johnson hosted Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio at 10 Downing Street. He commented on the “strong stance” Japan has taken “against the Russian aggression in Ukraine” and drew a parallel with the security situation in Asia.

Today’s Video

WATCH: Inside The Largest Marine Helicopter | CH-53K King Stallion

Americas

Lockheed Martin won a $372.4 million modification, which adds scope to procure F-35 Lightning II Lots 15-16 ancillary mission equipment requirements for the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. Additionally, this modification adds scope to procure F-35 Lightning II initial spares for the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers, and non-US Department of Defense (DOD) participants. Work will take place in Texas. Expected completion will be in December 2024.

The US Marine Corps will have a second aggressor squadron by 2024 when VMFT-402 is declared safe for flight in 2024 at MCAS Beaufort. VMFT-402 will initially have three F-5N+ fighters before growing to a fleet comprising of eight F-5N+ and two F-5F+ aircraft. These jets will be ex-Swiss Air Force aircraft. According to the 2022 Marine Corps Aviation Plan, the service has a 15,000 sorties requirement for adversary training this year, but the existing VMFT-401 aggressor squadron can only generate 3,300 sorties per year.

Middle East & Africa

Morocco is in talks to acquire the Delilah cruise missile to equip its F-5 fighters.The F-5 is a a supersonic light fighter jet. The missile system is developed by Israeli weapon manufacturer Elbit Systems. Morocco intends to use the Delilah cruise missiles to upgrade its already-existing fleet of  F-2 fighter jets.

Europe

Training is set to begin in Germany next week for Ukrainian soldiers on the Panzerhaubitze 2000 howitzer, after officials confirmed Friday that the Dutch and German governments approved sending 12 of the heavy weapons to the fight. Friday’s announcement came a week after the German parliament voted to send “heavy weapons” to Ukraine following weeks of intense debate in Germany on whether that would be a step too far, escalating the war Russian President Vladimir Putin started in February.

Serbia displayed a recently delivered Chinese anti-aircraft missile system HQ-22, raising concerns in the West and among some of Serbia’s neighbors that an arms buildup in the Balkans could threaten fragile peace in the region. The Chinese missile system has been widely compared to the American Patriot and the Russian S-300 surface-to-air missile systems, although it has a shorter range than more advanced S-300s. Serbia is the first operator of the Chinese missiles in Europe.

Asia-Pacific

India’s indigenous Astra Mk. 2 long-range air-to-air missile will be fired from the Su-30MKI fighter for the first time this year, a Times of India report says. Utilizing a dual-pulse solid rocket motor, the Astra Mk. 2 has 60 percent more range than the Astra Mk. The Astra Mk. 3 with solid fuel-based ducted ramjet will also be tested for the first time since 2019. This variant is reported to have a range of 350km.

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WATCH: All facts about, China’s New HQ-22 Long-Range Air Defense Missile System

Americas

Sierra Nevada won a $34 million contract modification for the MC-130J Airborne Mission Networking program low rate initial production. This order provides for the procurement of production kits, spares, interim contractor support and weapon system trainer support. Work will take place in Colorado. Estimated completion date is January 19, 2023.

Boeing won a $16.3 million deal for the E-3 Replacement Studies and Analysis. This contract provides for studies and analysis for the replacement of the E-3. Work will take place in Oklahoma. Estimated completion will be by July 31, 2022.

Middle East & Africa

The US Army is considering acquiring the Spike FireFly tactical mini-drone developed by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, according to a report by Breaking Defense. Described as a “miniature electro-optical tactical loitering munition,” the drone was among the cutting-edge technologies demonstrated during Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiment 2022.

Europe

Two-week long training exercise “Arrow” started. It aims to develop Finnish Defense Forces’ ground combat capabilities and the ability to operate joint fires, alongside international allies. According to the British Army, the exercise will test and develop mechanized units operating in a multinational environment, with more than 3,000 soldiers in total taking part.

Asia-Pacific

The South Korean legislative assembly organized a conference on airpower development on May 4 and Maj. Gen. Choi Chun-song, head of the planning and management staff of the Air Force Headquarters, briefed participants on a proposal to shorten the timeline for the replacement of legacy fighters. Choi said 60 fighters aircraft manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industry should be acquired to replace the F-4s and F-5s in service with the Republic of Korea Air Force. Choi says 20 FA-50s, 20 KF-21s and 20 F-35s can be bought to trim the time frame by 3 to 5 years. At the same conference, a representative from LIG Nex1 spoke about a proposal to Malaysia to equip the FA-50 with a new radar and electronic warfare system from his company to sweeten the deal to sell the light fighter to the South East Asia nation. Currently, the FA-50 uses a radar from Israel, a state from which Malaysia does not have diplomatic recognition.

Raytheon Australia has teamed up with shipbuilder Austal and maritime systems designer BMT in its bid to supply the Australian Army with a new amphibious landing craft. The proposal, presented by the teaming, is known as the Independent Littoral Manoeuvre Vessel (ILMV) and it seeks to fulfil Canberra’s Land 8710 Phase 1A requirement, which will enhance the Australian Army’s amphibious assault capabilities.

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WATCH: Inside the Flying Control Tower | Air Force E-3 Sentry

Americas

Toyon Research won a $9.1 million ordering agreement, which provides for analysis tools and performance analysis to support the E-2D aircraft and provide support equipment for E-2D performance analysis. Additionally, this order provides two E-2D Delta System Software Configuration (DSSC)-4 mission computer upgrade kits to support analysis of E-2D DSSC-4 in an operational environment, as well as develop system requirements to update the E-2D All-source Track and ID Fuser data fusion engine to accept data from tactical information web services. This order continues efforts in support of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Topic N111-016 titled, “Optimizing Track-to-Track Data Fusion for Variable Cases”, which seeks to develop a method that would analyze different approaches of combining tracks from multiple disparate data sources and identify the approach that results in the best overall track accuracy within the processing and time constraints available. Work will take place in California, Florida, Texas and New Hampshire. Estimated completion will be by July 2024.

F-15s assigned to the 144th Fighter Wing, California, carried out Alaska Dissimilar Aircraft Combat Training exercise with F-22s from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson last month. There were two objectives in this exercise: one is to free up F-22s to allow them to be deployed in the Pacific and the second is to improve interoperability between the two different generations of fighters.

Middle East & Africa

Senegal has ordered eight LG1 105 mm howitzers and ammunition from Nexter. The contract for the Senegal Armed Forces entered into effect on April 20. A unit cost of the 105 mm LG1 howitzer is $2.08 million, indicating that the Senegal procurement is worth more than $16.6 million. Senegal is the eighth customer for the LG1, which has also been bought by Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.

Europe

UK shipbuilder Babcock has laid down the keel for the first of five new Type 31 Inspiration-class general-purpose frigates on order for the Royal Navy (RN). The keel laying ceremony for the first in class, to be named HMS Venturer , was held at Babcock’s Rosyth dockyard in Scotland on April 26.

Asia-Pacific

South Korea and the United States will hold air and naval anti-submarine exercises in South Korea next week. Korea Flying Training exercise will kick off on May 9 while the Ship Anti-Submarine Warfare Readiness and Evaluation Measurement (SHAREM) exercise will commence on May 10. The two-week Korea Flying Training exercise is a scale-down version of the Max Thunder exercise that used to be stage back both sides since 2009.

According to Jane’s, the Australian Department of Defence has selected Schiebel’s S-100 Camcopter for an initial phase of the Royal Australian Navy’s programme to acquire a maritime unmanned aircraft system. The Camcopter is already in service with the RAN’s 822X squadron in a trial capacity under the long-running Navy Minor Program (NMP)1942 effort that was designed to inform SEA 129 Phase 5’s requirements. Five systems were shortlisted in March 2021 under an invitation to respond (ITR) to the requirement, and limited request for tender (RFT) was due to have been issued in early 2022.

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WATCH: Finally! HMS Venturer Type 31 Inspiration-class Frigate take shape

Americas

The US Air Force’s secretive Next Generation Air Dominance future fighter program could be the most expensive aircraft program in history, with each piloted, sixth-generation aircraft expected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars. When asked about the price tag, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall did not specify exactly how much an individual aircraft could cost, but said the service was talking about “multiple” hundreds of millions.

Huntington Ingalls won an $11 million contract modification to extend the delivery date for vessel storage and towing preparation services of the aircraft carrier ex-USS Enterprise (CVN-65). Work will take place in Virginia. Expected completion will be by September 2024.

Middle East & Africa

Mali’s ruling military has announced it is breaking its defense accords with former colonial ruler France, condemning “flagrant violations” of its national sovereignty by the French troops stationed there. The announcement was the latest sign of deteriorating relations between Mali and France.

Europe

Lockheed Martin is planning to ramp up Javelin anti-tank missile system production, expecting a surge in demand from Ukraine, chief executive James Taiclet announced. Taiclet said the company is ready to invest in further production of the Javelin, the Patriot, and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system and requested the Pentagon help provide “future contracts to make up the difference.”

The sudden elevation in intensity of top-level talks between Finland and Sweden has raised the bar on the expectation that the two unaligned Nordic states will jointly announce their decisions to join NATO by May 16. The possibility of Sweden and Finland joining NATO was discussed when the prime ministers of both countries, Magdalena Andersson and Sanna Marin, meet at Schloss Meseberg castle, near Berlin, to discuss security issues with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on May 3.

Asia-Pacific

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said it was considering alternative weapons options after the United States informed it that the delivery of an artillery system would be delayed due to a “crowded” production line. The two allied nations signed an agreement last year to deliver 40 M109A6 medium self-propelled howitzers for $750 million. Taiwan had expected eight Paladin howitzers next year, and 16 each in 2024 and 2025.

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WATCH: How Powerful is America’s Paladin Howitzer

Americas

Lockheed Martin Corporation won a $204.7 million deal for production of High Mobility Artillery Rock Systems M142 launchers and support requirements. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. HIMARS carries a single six-pack of rockets or one ATACMS missile on the Army’s Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) 5-ton truck, and can launch the entire MLRS family of munitions. Work will take place in Texas, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Florida, Alabama, New Jersey and Mississippi. Estimated completion date is April 29, 2025.

Bell Boeing won a $302.2 million contract modification by the US Navy. The modification provides for the production and delivery of four MV-22B variation in quantity aircraft for the Marine Corps. Work will take place in Texas, Pennsylvania, New York and Utah. Estimated completion date is in November 2025.

Middle East & Africa

Israeli newspaper “The Jerusalem Post” said that huge cargo planes belonging to the UAE Air Force landed in Israel several times during the past two weeks. According to the paper, the reason for these flights is not yet clear, but it is suspected that they are transporting security and military equipment under a joint defense agreement signed by the two sides recently.

Europe

Serbia has shown its newly-acquired FK-3 air defense missile system that it bought from China to the media for the first time. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic attended the Shield 2022 airpower demonstration at Colonel-pilot Milenko Pavlovic airbase in Batajnica. The FK-3 was displayed alongside other weapons such as helicopters and MiG-29s.

According to the “UK Defence Journal”, the head of the Royal Air Force has confirmed plans to purchase 74 F-35B jets adding that it is “possible” the UK may eventually have a fleet of 138 F-35s. The specific number was apparently revealed by Air Marshal Knighton during a Defense Select Committee meeting.

Asia-Pacific

For the first time, the Royal Australian Air Force has conducted air-to-air refuelling flight testing with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Conducted from April 4 to 27, the flight test engineering program in Japan involved a RAAF KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) and Mitsubishi F-2 aircraft of the JASDF.

An Australian tanker has refueled a Japanese fighter jet in the air for the first time as part of interoperability trials between the two Asia-Pacific nations. A Royal Australian Air Force KC-30A tanker aircraft was deployed to Japan April 4-27, during which it participated in a flight test engineering program with Japan Air Self-Defense Force Mitsubishi F-2 jets.

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Under the EDA-managed Incubation Forum for Circular Economy in European Defence (IF CEED), more than 30 experts from 13 countries across Europe met on 26 April 2022 to prioritise the way forward on the role of data for circular economy in European Defence.

Experts from EDA’s participating Member States, defence-related industry and Research-and-Technology Organisations (RTOs) gathered in two sessions of IF CEED working groups (so-called ‘Project Circles’). The core of the discussion covered how to improve circularity by information sharing across the defence-related value chain, while protecting classified or business-sensitive data.

The Project Circle ‘WFD’ discussed the implementation of the article 9(1)(i) of the Waste Framework Directive regarding the reporting of substances of very high concern. It focused on the associated ‘SCIP’ (Substances of Concern In Product) database, its use within the defence supply chain, the implementation of the Directive’s provisions across Member States and issues related to compliance with defence-specific requirements, such as rules on export of military systems.

Then, the Project Circle ‘Circular Data’ started its work on the broader use of data as an enabler for circularity in Defence. Presentations explored the potential uses of data and the concept of ‘Digital Product Passport’, by building on recent initiatives in civilian applications able to cross-fertilise and transfer innovative technologies to the defence sector. Participants shared experiences and views on the needs, benefits and barriers of the implementation of a data-sharing scheme in the military context. They discussed topics such as higher standards of data protection needed for classified information and the relevant scope of data to be shared across supply chains.

Both Project Circles established first priorities, aiming at making the most of data management to develop circularity principles in the defence sector.

The Incubation Forum for Circular Economy in European Defence (IF CEED) is co-funded by the European Union (under the LIFE programme) and the Luxembourg’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs - Directorate of Defence.

More info:

• IF CEED website

Americas

Lockheed Martin won a $93 million contract modification, which adds scope to procure special tooling and test equipment in support of electronic warfare capabilities for F-35 Lightning II low rate initial production for the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers, and non-US Department of Defense (DOD) participants. Work will take place in New Hampshire, Maryland and expected completion date is in November 2024.

Lockheed Martin won a $304.9 million modification. Under it, the contractor will produce and deliver Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Interceptors and associated one-shot devices to support US government requirements. Work will take place in Texas, California, Alabama, Arkansas. Estimated completion date is December 1, 2027.

Middle East & Africa

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Hyundai Heavy Industries have inked an agreement to supply the Philippine Navy with IAI’s ALPHA 3D Radar Systems. The ALPHA 3D Radar will be integrated into the new ships of the Philippine Navy. IAI is a global leader in the development of advanced naval technologies. Developed by IAI’s ELTA Division, the ALPHA 3D Radar System is a lightweight, multi-function 3D AESA radar that shares technology with its larger sibling, the MF-STAR radar.

Europe

Raytheon Missiles and Defense won a $55.4 million modification to exercise options for fiscal 2022 US and German Navy German Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Mod 5 Guided Missile Launching System (GMLS) requirements and spares. Work will take place in Germany, Kentucky, California, Alabama, Arkansas and other US locations. Expected completion will be by February 2025.

The 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron has deployed six F-16s from Italy to Romania to relief the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron for the support of NATO’s Enhanced Air Policing mission in the Black Sea region. They are based at Fetesti air base and the 510th EFS will work with Italian Eurofighters for this mission.

Asia-Pacific

Lockheed Martin won a $9.8 million order for the procurement of Combat System Ship Qualification (CSSQT) Trials planning support services for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Japan. Work will take place in Hawaii, California, New Jersey and Japan. Expected completion will be by July 2023.

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