Defense`s Feeds

Americas

The Vanilla unmanned aircraft system has set a new world record for unrefueled, internal combustion endurance of an unmanned aircraft on October 2. The drone took off from Edwards Air Force Base and flew for 8 days, 50 minutes, and 47 seconds. The distance covered was 12,200 miles. The Vanilla is designed as a cost-effective, airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform that can be launched immediately to provide persistent coverage.

The US Army wants to perform a test launch of its Precision Strike Missile, or PrSM, later today, with the goal of seeing just how far the Lockheed Martin-made weapon can go. The launch is planned from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The goal is for the weapon to hit a target 499km away — roughly 310 miles or around the distance between Washington, DC, and Hartford, Conn. — in what is being described by Lockheed executives as a “max-range” test.

Middle East & Africa

Israel’s Rafael unveils its newly enhanced SAMSON 30mm Integrated RWS for light vehicles, designed to meet the threats of the modern battlefield, this week at AUSA 2021 in Washington, DC. The RWS features hostile fire detection capabilities and the ability to rapidly and effectively return fire via a fast, accurate slew-to-cue mechanism. It also includes a unified user interface for all subsystems, an inherent hatch for close situational awareness, and under-armor ammunition loading that increases lethality. These capabilities enable the SAMSON to turn light vehicle into powerful assets.

Europe

British rocket company Skyrora has inked a multi-launch deal with the SaxaVord spaceport on Unst, the most northerly of the Shetland Islands, as it moves closer to launching its XL rocket in 2022. The multi-launch agreement with SaxaVord will run for the next decade.

The UK deployed a Boeing P-8A Poseidon MRA1 maritime multimission aircraft to Iceland for the type’s first overseas visit. The deployment was part of increased cooperation between the UK and Iceland. After a training sortie in the Greenland, Iceland and UK Gap, the maritime patrol aircraft flew into Keflavik airbase.

Asia-Pacific

HSM-51 and VX-51 of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) carried their first joint training exercise on September 14. A MH-60R Seahawk from HSM-51 and an SH-60K from VX-51 flew a Tactical Formation (TACFORM) flight, and a dual helicopter Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) tracking exercise over the Philippine Sea.

Today’s Video

Watch: Vanilla Unmanned has big plans for the US Navy | Vanilla Unmanned

Americas

The F-15E has a new bunker buster added to its arsenal, the GBU-72 Advanced 5K Penetrator. The new weapon was tested at the Eglin Air Force Base range by the 96th Test Wing. A joint-direct-attack-munition (JDAM) tail kit from a GBU-31 was modified so that it would fit and guide the 5,000-pound weapon. The first weapons load, flight and release took place on July 23. The Strike Eagle’s existing bunker busting weapon is the laser-guided GBU-28.

According to Defense News, the US Army and Lockheed Martin have worked out a way to accelerate the delivery of the latest variant of Sentinel air and missile defense radar by six months. At the AUSA 2021 annual conference on October 11, Lockheed unveiled its A4 version of the radar. The Sentinel A4 active electronically scanned array is the next-generation radar planned to replace the current phase and frequency scanned array in Sentinel A3 and earlier versions. It can detect cruise missiles, unmanned aircraft systems, rockets, artillery and mortars.

Middle East & Africa

Netline Communications Technologies Ltd. – a leading developer and manufacturer of high-end electronic warfare and spectrum dominance systems for defense forces and homeland security agencies – has unveiled the new C-Guard Micro system. This compact, portable, full-coverage Explosive Ordnance Disposal jamming unit has been designed for use by military forces and law enforcement personnel, to support bomb disposal squads during EOD missions and roadblocks, and anti-terror missions. It is based on the advanced technology of the C-Guard family,

Europe

Serbia has unveiled Lazanski, a new armored vehicle equipped with Russian-made 57 mm AU-220M Automatic Weapon Station. The vehicle was presented for the first time on October 12 at the “Partner 2021” military exhibition being in Belgrade. Lazanski is armed with an Automatic cannon 57 mm, Machine gun 7.62 mm. It can shoot 80 bullets per minute, Serbian state media reported today.

Rheinmetall and Israeli company UVision have inked a strategic partnering agreement to market Hero series of loitering munitions to the armed forces of Europe. The German company will take the industrial, technological and commercial lead for enhancing the capabilities of the weapon system; while UVision will make available the Hero loitering munitions.

Asia-Pacific

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-2 that scrambled from Tsuiki Airbase on Octpber 10 lost its canopy inflight while the jet was over the vicinity of Asakura city. The aircraft was airborne at 12:45pm local time and the incident happened five minutes later. The pilot recovered back to base safely and a search is underway for the 90kg canopy.

Today’s Video

Watch: Israeli firm to arm wheeled armored vehicles with loitering strike munitions!

EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý was in Cyprus this week (11-12 October) for meetings with Defence Minister Charalambos Petrides and Chief of Defence, Lieutenant General Dimokritos Zervakis. He also had talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikos Christodoulides. The visit was part of the CE’s ongoing ‘tour des capitales’ which has him visiting all 26 EDA Member States.  

The ongoing work on the EU’s Strategic Compass, the implementation of the recommendations made in the first Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD), the state of play of the various PESCO projects with Cypriot participation, EDA’s current and future role as the European hub for collaborative capability development and driver of defence innovation, Cyprus’ involvement in EDA projects and programmes as well as EU-NATO cooperation were among the main topics discussed. The Agency’s practical support to CSDP missions and operations was also discussed, with a particular focus on maritime surveillance (MARSUR project).  

Mr Sedivy also had a discussion with representatives from Cypriot R&D companies and entities involved in EDA and EDIDP projects. He also visited the KIOS Centre of Excellence at the University of Cyprus. 

“I had the opportunity to express to Minister Petrides and Chief of Defence Lt General Zervakis my sincere appreciation for the fact that Cyprus is not only a very active stakeholder and contributor to EDA projects and programmes, but also a constant and committed supporter of deeper European defence cooperation. I am thankful for the good and positive talks I had over the past two days with all my interlocutors and look forward to continuing the Agency’s close cooperation with Cyprus”, Mr Šedivý commented. 

“Jiří Šedivý’s visit to Cyprus was really timely in the midst of the ongoing discussions and deliberations on the various defence related European initiatives. We had the chance to exchange views on an array of issues of mutual interest, including on Cyprus’ contribution and active engagement with the EDA and in a number of defence capabilities projects. I also highlighted the important role and contribution of the EDA to this end and the significant added value and experience that the Agency to the benefit of the European defence industry, research and technology. Following our joint meeting with Cypriot companies and research centres involved in EDA and EDIDP projects, I am confident that we will be able to increase Cypriot participation in future projects”, Minister Petrides added. 

Climate Change and Security Conference

On Monday (11 October), Minister Petrides and the EDA Chief Executive jointly inaugurated the Climate Change and Security Conference organised by the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) and the Cyprus Institute.  

Americas

General Atomics together with the US Army ist working on developing a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) for the Multi-Domain Operations-capable Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) Unmanned Aircraft System. Incorporating MOSA on GE-ER Increment 2 spans the entire system, including the aircraft and the Command and Control software suite. The implementation of MOSA will provide multiple new standards for C2, Future Airborne Capability Environment, Open Mission Systems, Universal Armament Interface (UAI), as well as further segregating the Flight/Mission systems’ hardware and software.

The US Army’s 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command (94th AAMDC) is deploying a set of Iron Dome air defense system to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam for operational testing. The 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment will be responsible for operating the unit.

Middle East & Africa

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has been chosen as the prime contractor for developing the concept and technologies for the Israel Defense Force’s (IDF) future Armored Fighting Vehicle called the Carmel. This solution is based on automatic and autonomous systems that complement the two-man team, and operate the central subsystems – the vehicles’ mission planning and management, situational awareness, driving and lethality.

Europe

BAE Systems has successfully demonstrated that its Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guided rocket can shot down Class 2 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The company said in its press release that the testing was carried out at Yuma Proving Grounds using standard 2.75? test rockets combined standard M151 warheads and Mk66 motors. The only new component that was developed for this task is a new proximity fuze.

According to local news, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Penagiotopoulos has said that Athens and the United States will likely modernize its existing military bases being used by the US military. Earlier, Greece was expected to build new bases through the renewal of the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (MDCA).

Asia-Pacific

According to PNA, Philippine Navy has taken delivery of a batch of Mistral 3 short-range air defence (SHORAD) missiles for the Jose Rizal Class frigates. The weapons were delivered to the Subic Bay International Airport on October 8.

Today’s Video

Watch: Jose Rizal Class Multi-Role Guided Missile Frigate with Advance Systems | Philippine Navy

Americas

During a ceremony held on October 6 at the Pennsylvania National Guard’s Eastern Army National Guard Aviation Training Site, the US Army unveiled the newest variant of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, the UH-60V. As part of their preparation for beginning instruction, EAATS instructor pilots have been training on six UH-60Vs they received from the Utility Helicopter Program Office in July.

General Dynamics won a $482.1 million contract modification for lead yard support and development studies and design efforts related to Virginia Class submarines. The Virginia Class new attack submarine is an advanced stealth multimission nuclear-powered submarine for deep ocean anti-submarine warfare and littoral operations. Work will take place in Connecticut, Virginia and Rhode Island. Estimated completion will be by October 2022.

Middle East & Africa

Reuters reports that Turkey has sought 40 new F-16 Fighter Jets from the US plus modernization kits for its existing F-16s even as the conflict with Washington over the purchase of Russian S-400 Air Defense System continues.The deal has yet to be approved by the US State Department and the Congress. It is still working its way through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process.

Europe

The Polish Ministry of Defense (MoD) has commenced preparing infrastructure to receive PATRIOT missile battery from the US, which is expected to arrive at the end of 2022. In March 2018, Poland signed a $4.75 billion agreement with the US for two Patriot Configuration 3+ batteries. The purchase includes Northrop Grumman’s IBCS Battle Command System and four fire units equipped with four AN/MPQ-65 radars, 16 launchers, four Engagement Control Stations, six Engagement Operation Centers, 12 IFCN Relays and 208 PAC-3 MSE missiles.

Greece has decided to lease another two Heron TP unmanned air vehicles, bringing the total number to four. Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos disclosed the information to Parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on October 6.

Asia-Pacific

Australia has been given clearance by the US State Department to purchase 12 MH-60R naval helicopters. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency says in Transmittal No 21-61 that the Foreign Military Sales package is worth up to $985 million.

Today’s Video

Watch: Eastern Army National Guard present new UH-60V Black Hawk helicopter

Americas

The US Air Force announced that two F-35A Lightning II aircraft recently released B61-12 Joint Test Assemblies, or JTAs, during the F-35A’s first Full Weapon System Demonstration, completing the final flight test exercise of the nuclear design certification process. The 422nd and 59th Test and Evaluation Squadrons led Air Combat Command’s portion of the test effort, with Airmen from the 57th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 926th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and Bolt Aircraft Maintenance Unit leading all maintenance efforts.

Thales has unveiled a new ground-based multi-mission radar with simultaneous ground and low-level air surveillance, providing early UAV detection, in particular of micro-drones. The Ground Observer 20 Multi-Mission (GO20 MM) is a single mode multi-mission radar for continuous 360° 3D detection, tracking and automatic classification of the full threat spectrum. From UAVs and helicopters in the low- level airspace, to insurgents by foot or armed vehicles– simultaneous detection of all threats.

Middle East & Africa

Turkey’s Havelsan and Transvaro are testing Fedai, a Kamikaze drone they developed to neutralize other drone-borne threats. The was exhibited at the 3rd Military Radar and Border Security Summit, organized by the Independent Industrialists and Businesspersons Association.

Europe

Greece has decided to equip its AH-64D attack helicopter with the Israeli-made Spike NLOS missile. The missiles will also be installed on the Machitis Class gunboat and the Mark V Special Operations Craft.

Proteus Advanced Systems Pte. Ltd., a joint venture company of IAI and ST Engineering, has secured a contract to deliver the Blue Spear coastal anti-ship missile system to the Estonian Defence Forces. Commander of the Estonian Navy commodore Jüri Saska said: “The chosen weapon system will form the cornerstone of Estonian naval defence for decades to come. Estonian Navy will be able to contribute significantly both to national, regional and collective defence effort.”

Asia-Pacific

The Chinese military has for the first time revealed details on the latest variant of the JH-7 fighter bomber, the JH-7A2, at the Airshow China 2021 event in Zhuhai. According to the Global Times, it has better surface attack capability as it is built to carry extra surface attack weapons including stand-off air-to-surface missiles, laser-guided bombs and munitions dispensers.

Today’s Video

Watch: PLA Revealed Latest Variant Fighter Bomber JH-7A2

The ‘European Spartan Exercise’ 2021, an annual flying exercise organised by the C-27J community with the support of EDA and hosted this year by the Bulgarian Air Force, is currently underway at Plovdiv (27 Sep.-8. Oct). The aim of the exercise is to increase interoperability among European countries operating the C-27J Spartan military aircraft. It is one of the concrete outcomes of the European Air Transport Fleet (EATF) partnership signed in 2011 by 20 EDA Member States.
 
Five countries (Bulgaria, Italy, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia) are participating in this year’s event, with four aircraft. The exercise is part of EDA’s dedicated C-27J project (Cat.B) where the five participating Member States C-27J users identify and develop common projects in the domains of operations, training, logistics, procurement, airworthiness and SESAR (Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research) to achieve a high level of interoperability and cost-efficient operating and maintenance models. It’s the 5th edition of the exercise the last of which took place in Romania in 2019 (the 2020 edition was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic).

Tactical training

The C-27J Spartan aircraft is designed to perform tactical missions in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, providing direct air transport to the theatre, day and night. The Spartan Exercise is also focused on those types of operations, training C-27J crews to fly low level, tactical navigations in different scenarios. Several airfields in Bulgaria have been chosen for training: at Cheshnegirovo airfield, crews are performing Tactical Approaches, Personnel Airdrops and Aerial Cargo Delivery, whereas Bezmer Air Base was chosen to simulate EROs (engine running operations) for medical evacuations. Operators from the Bulgarian Joint Special Operation Command as well as a Combat Control Team from the Special Forces of the Italian Air Force also take part in the exercise. 

More information

• EDA’s C-27J cooperation concept 

 

Americas

Northrop Grumman won a $8.4 million delivery order for support of the E2-D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft program avionics flight management computers. The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (AHE) is the newest variant of the E-2 aircraft platform. In December 2020, Northrop Grumman was awarded a $13.1 million order to provide new computers and displays for the E2-D Hawkeye. The new contract is a 42-month contract with no option periods. Work will take place in California. Estimated completion date is February 5, 2025.

Boeing won a $26.8 million delivery order for F/A-18 aircraft spare parts, according to the Defense Department. Work will take place in Missouri. Estimated completion date is October 31, 2027. According to the Navy Times, the Department of the Navy also spent more than $2 billion because of metal corrosion on F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets from fiscal 2017 to 2020. However, according to a report, the Department of the Navy maintainers did not complete mandatory 84-day inspections for a percentage of the 151 aircraft sampled in FY20.

Middle East & Africa

The last A-29 conversion course for the Nigerian Air Force at Moody Air Force Base has graduated on September 2. The aircraft subsequently left on September 15. Training takes nine months and covers subjects such as ground mechanics, aircraft familiarization, and piloting the aircraft.

Europe

BAE Systems will deliver the five year Future Maritime Support Programme (FMSP) alongside the Ministry of Defence for the Royal Navy in Portsmouth. According to the company, BAE Systems was selected by the MOD to deliver the Ship Engineering Delivery & Management contract at Portsmouth Naval Base.

Asia-Pacific

The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) conducted verification landing of the US Marine Corps F-35B Short Take Off and Vertical Landings (STOVL) fighter on its JS Izumo aircraft carrier for the first time on October 3. “This verification is the first time for an F-35B to land on a JMSDF vessel, and Japan is working to improve its capabilities in the maritime and air domains,” JMSDF announced.

India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is receiving export queries for Indian-built Dornier 228 aircraft from Sri Lanka, Mauritius and the Philippines. The aircraft is now rechristened as Hindustan 228. In an interview with the Times of India, R Madhavan, HAL’s CMD, said the aircraft could be exported to the two interested countries.

Today’s Video

Watch: USMC F-35B aboard Japan’s Helicopter Carrier JS Izumo

Americas

Lockheed Martin won an $80 million contract modification to exercise options for littoral combat ship class design services and integrated data and product model environment support. According to the Defense Department, The US Navy plans to build a fleet of 33 literal combat ocean going warships that are also capable of operating in shallow coastal waters. Work will take place in New Jersey, Washington DC and Wisconsin. Estimated completion will be by October 2022.

The US Military Sealift Command announced it has tested the new BQM-177A Sub-Sonic Aerial Target (SSAT) in the Western Pacific. Testing took place from September 9-10 using USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3). The BQM-177A is capable of flying at a height of 2 meters and at speeds in excess of Mach 0.95.

Middle East & Africa

In late September, Oshkosh Defense won a $16 million deal to provide three types of Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks as well as Heavy Equipment Transporters to Lebanon, Iraq and Malaysia. The contract is for M1120A4 Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTTs), M977A4 HEMTTs, M978A4 HEMTTs, and M1070A1 Heavy Equipment Transporters. M1120A4?s load-handling system is capable of transporting 11 tons; M977A4 has a 10-ton payload capacity; the fuel-servicing M978A4 tanker can transport 2,500 gallons of fuel; and the M1070A1 tank transporter has a 75-ton maximum payload. Work will take place in Wisconsin. Estimated completion date is January 31, 2022.

Europe

After the successful surface launch of the Tsirkon (Zircon) hypersonic cruise missile from a Russian nuclear-powered submarine on Sunday, a second launch was conducted on Monday; this time from 40 meters underwater signalling a new capability for the country’s navy. “The second test firing of the hypersonic cruise missile Tsirkon was carried out by the crew of the nuclear submarine missile cruiser Severodvinsk for the first time from an underwater position, from a depth of 40 meters, in the waters of the White Sea at a conditional sea target in the Barents Sea”, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

The US Air Force 48th Fighter Wing has reactivated the 495th Fighter Squadron, known as the “Valkyries”. It is the first USAF F-35A squadron in Europe. RAF Lakenheath will receive the squadron’s aircraft when they begin to arrive later this year.

Asia-Pacific

Turkmenistan unveiled its Bayraktar TB2 combat drones during a September 27 military parade marking the country’s 30th anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union. The TB2 on display was armed with MAM-L and MAM-C munitions, manufactured by Turkish firm Roketsan, and the Argos-II HD/HDT camera system by Germany’s Hensoldt.

Today’s Video

Watch: How Bayraktar TB2 has become one of the most feared drones in the world

Cyber Phalanx 2021 a one-week combined course and exercise for operations planners has successfully concluded in Lisbon, Portugal. Co-organised by EDA and Portugal, the training aims to raise the awareness of cyber and hybrid threats among operation planners, in the Operations Planning Process (OPP) on both the strategic and operational levels. 

During the week, more than 130 operations planners, cyber and hybrid experts from 15 EDA Member States as well as Switzerland, EU institutions, partners  and NATO were challenged to plan an EU CSDP operation based on a fictitious scenario, taking cyber and hybrid attacks into account during the Operations Planning Process.

 

The training focused on the cyber implications in the OPP, including military cyber and hybrid threat awareness, countering hybrid threats, EU cyber diplomacy toolbox, EU military strategic planning and the legal context of cyber operations. Cyber Phalanx 21 underscored the importance of cross-interaction and communication between cyber/hybrid threat experts and operations planners. The exercise also confirmed the necessity and value of cross-domain thinking, including cyber and information environments, in synchronised operations planning.

Addressing the opening of the exercise, EDA Deputy Chief Executive, Mr Olli Ruutu said; “Cyber Phalanx 2021 will play an important role as a final proof-of-concept and for evolving Cyber Phalanx further, covering the full operational military planning cycle towards a series of operations planning exercises, be it at EU level, at Headquarters level (OHQ/FHQ) or as national exercises in Member States.”   Originally launched in 2018, Cyber Phalanx 2021 was the second and enhanced iteration of the exercise. Cyber Phalanx 2021  demonstrated again that this type of training in a course-exercise combination enables targeted and operations-oriented training of EU armed forces on a strategic (OHQ) and operational (FHQ) level. 

 

Going forward, national preparatory training courses will also benefit from Cyber Phalanx based training and foster a cross-domain-approach, including within the cyber domain and the information environment in operations planning.   During the Distinguished Visitors Day on 30 Sep 2021, Vice Admiral António Henrique Gomes, acting head for Planning and Coordination of the General Staff of the Portuguese Armed Forces pointed out that “Member States can make better use of Cyber Phalanx by targeting operations planners instead cyber personnel to the exercise.”  

MULTINATIONAL AND INTERAGENCY TRAINING   
One of the unique aspects of CYBER PHALANX was the diversity of Member States and organisations present among the 130 participants. 15 EU Member States  (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Germany, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Hungary, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania) plus Switzerland were represented. Officials from EU institutions and organisations; such as EDA, EEAS, EUMS, MPCC, ESDC, EU OHQ Rome, EU Hybrid CoE were also joined by NATO (ACT, HQ & CCDCOE) colleagues. 

MORE INFORMATION 

Fact sheet 
Cyber defence brochure 
EDA Cyber Programme video 

   

Americas

General Electric Aviation won a $131.6 million deal for the repair, upgrade or replacement; inventory management; and required supply response times of two T-700 engine components in support of the Navy’s H-60 Seahawk and the Marine Corp’s AH-1 Cobra helicopters. The Navy sought the services from a single vendor in accordance with defense acquisition regulations and will use its annual working capital funds when issuing delivery orders. Work will take place in Massachusetts and Kansas. Estimated completion will be by September 2026.

The US Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory recently purchased several SMASH 2000 fire control systems , through its Rapid Capabilities Office (MCRCO) from Israeli company Smart Shooter for test & evaluation. Smart Shooter has also signed a cooperative research & development agreement with US Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division. Under this agreement, the US Navy will evaluate the use of SMASH technology on ships and vessels for Counter-UAS purposes. This collaboration aims to perform joint integration and evaluation of Smart Shooter’s technology with weapons and ammunition currently supporting the US Navy’s mission.

Middle East & Africa

Glasshouse Systems won a $15.9 million deal for integrated logistics support. This contract provides logistics support updates and maintenance for the Egypt Mobile Surveillance Sensor Security System (MS3). The mobile surveillance sensor security system provides Egypt with advanced capabilities intended to bolster its border surveillance capabilities along its border with Libya and elsewhere. Work will take place in New York and Egypt. Estimated completion date is September 13, 2024.

Europe

The UK has two large aircraft carriers at sea ready for operations after HMS Prince of Wales was recently declared operational. According to the Royal Navy, a fortnight-long international exercise off the Scottish coast “put the stamp on two years of intensive training for the Portsmouth-based warship, 700-plus crew, the Royal Navy and RAF squadrons who will operate aircraft from her flight deck – including the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning stealth fighter – and thousands of military personnel and civilians who support and maintain the endeavor”.

Asia-Pacific

A Philippine Navy AW-109E naval helicopter was involved in a landing accident in the early hours of September 26. There are two versions of what happened to the helicopter. One version said the helicopter, #NH-435, tilted while just three feet above the ground while another version said the rotorcraft had rolled over and destroyed after being swept by strong gusts of wind.

The US government approved the sale of one Boeing EA-18G electronic attack jet to Australia. This new jet will replace A46-311 that was lost in an accident at Nellis Air Force Base on January 27, 2018. Australia will pay up to $125 million for the replacement aircraft, which will come from production Lot 38 or later.

Today’s Video

Watch: HMS Prince of Wales achieves operational status

Americas

Rolls Royce won a $9.3 million deal for Virginia Class submarine propulsors. The deal shall provide a maximum of seven Virginia Class propulsor rotor assemblies, scoop bar sets, and associated engineering support services. The Virginia Class attack submarine is the US Navy’s newest undersea warfare platform and incorporates the latest in stealth, intelligence gathering and weapons systems technology. Work will take place in Mississippi and Massachusetts. Expected completion will be by May 2025.

Boeing won a $391.4 million deal for up to five CH-47F renew aircraft. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. The CH-47 is an American twin-engined, tandem rotor, heavy-lift helicopter. Estimated completion date is September 30, 2025.

Middle East & Africa

Morocco and Israel are expected to sign a deal that would see the two countries co-produce kamikaze drones, according to a Moroccan military and security affairs expert with knowledge of the plans. Israel’s defense minister is expected to visit the African country and sign defense cooperation agreements that would launch the drone production, among other efforts.

Europe

Czech Defense Minister Lubomír Metnar signed a contract for the acquisition of 52 CAESAR self-propelled artillery guns in an eight-wheel drive (8×8) version, in the presence of French Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly and Nicolas Chamussy, CEO of Nexter Group on September 30 in Prague.

Asia-Pacific

Lockheed Martin won a $28.7 million contract for engineering and technical services for land based test site support for the Australia Surface Combatant Program AEGIS Combat and Weapon System baseline development. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales to the government of Australia. Work will take place in New Jersey, Ohio, Maryland and Florida. Estimated completion will be by September 2025.

China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) has unveiled HT-1E, the new made-for-export ship-borne vertical launch system that is suitable for all types of seagoing vessels, at Airshow China 2021. The system can boost a warship’s multirole capabilities in carrying out multidirectional, large area and saturation attack and defense missions.

Today’s Video

Watch: US Army Boeing CH-47F Chinook at ZRH (with live ATC)

Americas

General Electric won a $483.1 million contract, which procures spare F414 engines and various spare engine modules in support of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler production aircraft. Boeing announced the delivery of the first two operational F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jets in the Block III configuration to the US Navy on September 27. The service will use these aircraft to help complete an ongoing test and evaluation program for these updates, as well as support the development of new tactics, techniques, and procedures to go with them. Work will take place in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Kentucky, Canada, Germany and North Carolina. Estimated completion will be in January 2026.

Raytheon won a $358 million contract in support of the fiscal 2021-2023 Evolved Seasparrow Missile (ESSM) Block 2 full rate production requirements. The ESSM program is an international cooperative effort to design, develop, test, and procure ESSM missiles. The ESSM provides enhanced ship defense. The ESSM program is an international cooperative effort to design, develop, test, and procure ESSM missiles. The ESSM provides enhanced ship defense. This contract combines purchases for the Navy and the governments of Canada, Australia, Greece, Germany, Norway, Turkey, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark under the NATO Seasparrow Consortium. Estimated completion will be by March 2025.

Middle East & Africa

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey may still purchase a second Russian S-400 air defense system despite US warnings of the potential consequences. Washington states the S-400s pose a threat to its F-35 fighter jets and to NATO’s broader defense systems. Turkey says it was unable to procure air defense systems from any NATO ally on satisfactory terms.

Europe

The Latvian Ministry of Defense has placed an order for telemax EVO HYBRID and tEODor EVO unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) manufactured by Telerob, an Aerovironment company. The order was received on July 8, 2021. Delivery is scheduled to be completed in late 2021, the company announced.

An MQ-9B SkyGuardian was over Scotland and flown to demonstrate its “capability in a maritime environment”. The drone is taking part in Joint Warrior, a twice-yearly UK-led NATO exercise.

Asia-Pacific

North Korea’s first hypersonic missile flight tested on Tuesday reportedly met key technical requirements set out by scientists, including launch stability, maneuverability and gliding flight characteristics of the “detached hypersonic gliding warhead.” Pyongyang’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) claimed the test-launch confirmed “the navigational control and stability of the missile,” the “guiding maneuverability and the gliding flight characteristics of the detached hypersonic gliding warhead,” and the engine.

Today’s Video

Watch: Here’s Evolved SeaSparrow Missile designed to counter supersonic maneuvering anti-ship missiles

Americas

Boeing won a $17.3 million contract modification for the US and United Kingdom to provide Strategic Weapon System Trident II (D5) Inertial Navigation equipment technical engineering support services. The Trident II D5 fleet ballistic missile (FBM) is a three-stage, solid-propellant, inertial-guided ballistic missile. In September 2021 the US Navy test-fired two unarmed Trident II missiles off the coast of Cape Canaveral, dubbing the launches a successful test of the operational readiness of the weapons system. Work will take place in California, Ohio, Washington, New York, Virginia, Georgia, Florida and Scotland. Estimated completion date is September 30, 2022.

Boeing won a $15.3 million contract, which provides systems engineering, technical, logistics support and retrofit of the Miniaturized Airborne Global Positioning System Receiver 2000 for integration onto the V-22 Osprey aircraft. The V-22 Osprey is a joint-service, medium-lift, multimission tilt-rotor aircraft. Work will take place in Pennsylvania and Texas. Estimated completion will be in November 2024.

Middle East & Africa

The Moroccans have started their flight training to operate the AH-64. The training is taking place in Utah with the 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment. The unit says Cpt. Harbouli and Cpt. Ezhari are to first two Moroccans to undergo training in the simulator.

Europe

Lockheed Martin has won a $21 million contract to customize four MH-60R helicopters ordered by the Hellenic Navy from standard export configuration. The order provides non-recurring engineering and field service representative support in support of configuration efforts for four MH-60R aircraft from standard Foreign Military Sales (FMS) configuration to the government of Greece configuration. Work will take place in New York, Greece and Connecticut. Estimated completion will be in September 2027.

Asia-Pacific

China has revealed a range of weapons it has developed for stealth fighters at the ongoing Airshow China event in Zhuhai, South China’s Guangdong Province. According to the Global Times, a scale model of the country’s second stealth fighter jet, the FC-31, was displayed together with armament including the powerful PL-15E beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile which is also used by China’s first stealthy jet, the J-20. The PL-15E is announced to be available for export for the first time. It is an air-to-air missile with a maximum range of 145km guided with a combination of inertial, satellite navigation, datalink and active radar.

Boeing won a $220 million contract, which provides non-recurring engineering in support of configuration efforts for the Harpoon Coastal Defense System (HCDS), to include the Harpoon Block II Update Grade B Canister Launch All Up Round Missiles, the HCDS launch system, and Harpoon weapon station test and production equipment for the government of Taiwan. Work will take place in Texas, South Dakota, Michigan, Connecticut, Maryland, Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas and Alabama. Estimated completion will be in July 2023.

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Watch: Is Boeing AH-64 Apache The Ultimate Weapon?| The Ultimates: Combat Helicopters | Spark

Americas

Boeing won a $3.5 billion deal for the C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Program. The contract will provide support and sustainment services to the government product support manager/product support integrator for the C-17 weapon system. The contract involves Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, NATO Airlift Management Program Office, India, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Support includes: program management; sustaining logistics; material and equipment management; sustaining engineering; quality assurance; depot level aircraft maintenance and modifications; F117 propulsion system management; long-term sustainment planning; field services, unique foreign military customer services and Air Logistics Center partnering support for the worldwide fleet of the C-17 aircraft. Estimated completion date is May 30, 2031.

Boeing won a $9.3 million contract modification for F-15C and F-15E mission training centers (MTC). The modification provides for updates to the F-15 MTC training systems to achieve service objectives associated with implementation of F-15C/E Aircraft Mission Package-20. Work will take place in Idaho, North Carolina, the UK and Japan.

Middle East & Africa

Iraq is planning to acquire a dozen JF-17 fighter aircraft from Pakistan and has reportedly set aside $600 million for the procurement, as per local media reports. Unconfirmed reports claimed that a delegation from Iraq’s Ministry of Defense recently visited Pakistan, while a formal agreement is expected to be signed in the country’s federal capital in October. The deal was reportedly made during the visit of Deputy Commander of Iraqi Air Force Major General (Pilot) Muhammad Majeed Mahdi Mahmood’s to Pakistan.

Europe

Boeing won a $756.6 million contract modification, which exercises an option for the production and delivery of five Lot 12 P-8A aircraft for the government of Germany. Work will take place in Washington, California and other locations within the US. Estimated completion will be in February 2025. In July 2021, Berlin signed a letter of offer and acceptance for five Boeing P-8As under the U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process.

France’s Naval Group is likely to bag a contract valued approximately €5 billion to provide FDI (Belharra) frigates and Gowind corvettes to the Hellenic Navy. According to La Tribune, the deal will include delivery of three each of FDI and Gowind warships with an option for one more.

Asia-Pacific

A new version of the Akash Missile – ‘Akash Prime’ developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been flight tested from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha on September 27. The missile intercepted and destroyed an unmanned aerial target mimicking enemy aircrafts, in its maiden flight test after improvements.

Today’s Video

Watch: US P-8A Poseidon Aircraft Conduct Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercise

Americas

Boeing won a $16 million deal for spare parts in support of the AH-64 Apache weapon system. The Apache is a twin-engined army attack helicopter. The Apache attack helicopter can be equipped with air-to-air missiles (Stinger, AIM-9 Sidewinder, Mistral and Sidearm) and the advanced precision kill weapon system (APKWS), formerly known as Hydra, family of guided and unguided 70mm rockets.

Boeing won a $158.3 million contract modification for VC-25B Spares Phase 1 – Long Lead Parts. This contract modification is for the VC-25B initial spares with a production lead time of greater than 12 months that are required for the initial support period, which is the first 18 months beginning at initial operational capability. VC-25B, the next “Air Force One,” is a program to design, modify, test, and deliver two aircraft replacing the current VC-25A and will serve as a flying White House for the next thirty years. Work will take place in Maryland. Estimated completion date is January 15, 2025.

Middle East & Africa

According to some press reports, Morocco is set to be the newest operator of the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW). The reports further added that the weapons have been delivered to the country.

Europe

The US Air Force has awarded Rolls-Royce a $2.6 billion contract to replace the engines on its B-52H Stratofortress bomber fleet. The F130 engine for the B-52, which produces 17,000 pounds of thrust, is a variant of the Rolls-Royce BR725 commercial engine.

Russian company Rostec-owned Central Research Institute of Precision Engineering has begun mass production of unified systems designed to protect latest military equipment against high-precision weapons. The product is designed to protect the TOS-2 heavy flamethrower system, the PRP-5 reconnaissance vehicle, as well as the Zavet-D automated artillery control systems, the state-owned company said in a statement.

Asia-Pacific

PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero) (PTDI) and Turkish company Hava Elektronik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.?. (HAVELSAN) agreed to jointly develop a simulator for N219 aircraft. A Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to the same was signed during Teknofest 2021 in Istanbul by the President Director of PTDI, Dr. Ir. Elfien Goentoro, MBA and CEO of HAVELSAN, Dr. Mehmet Active Nacar.

Today’s Video

Watch: The Next Presidential Jet: The New $5B “Biden Force One”

Americas

Lockheed Martin won a $14.8 million contract modification, which is adding scope to provide depot level repair capabilities for the F-35 gun system in support of F-35 Lightning II low-rate initial production Lot 11 aircraft for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, and non-US Department of Defense (DOD) participants. F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter (JSF) is a stealthy, supersonic multirole fighter developed by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company for the US Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps and programme partners from the NATO and US allies. Work will take place in Varmint, Texas and Maine. Expected completion will be in November 2024.

AAR Services won a $14.2 million deal for maintenance and overhaul of the CH-47. The Chinook CH-47F is an advanced multi-mission helicopter manufactured by American aerospace and defense firm Boeing for the US Army and international defense forces. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of September 23, 2026.

Middle East & Africa

Turkish engine producer Erin Motor on Thursday introduced a new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) while drone-maker Baykar launched a Vertical take-off drone at the Teknofest event in Istanbul. The company showcased two types of UAV engines, 6-hp and 11-hp, which can be used in vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAVs with wingspans of up to five meters (16.4 feet) for a wide range of drones and related payloads.

Europe

Secretary of State for Defense Ben Wallace has cut the first steel for the first of the Royal Navy’s five new Type 31 frigates, HMS Venturer. Hosted at Babcock’s facility in Rosyth, Scotland, where the Type 31 Inspiration class ships are being built, representatives from across UK and international industry and public service, witnessed the historic ceremony signalling the official start of the build programme alongside employees and representatives from the local community.

Asia-Pacific

The Republic of China Army (ROCA) Aviation and Special Forces Command announced officially on September 25 that the plan to deploy AH-64Es at Taitung’s Fengnian airport has been abandoned. This is due to opposition from the local populace over noise issues. The residents were also concern over the safety of the rotor craft. The Army wants its AH-64E pilots to familiarize themselves with the terrain on the east side of the island. By stationing at Fengnian, the helicopters can be serviced there.

Indian Ministry of Defense signed a contract with Airbus Defense and Space, Spain for acquisition of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft on September 24, 2021. The MoD has also signed an Offset Contract with Airbus through which the company will discharge its offset obligations through direct purchase of eligible products and services from Indian Offset Partners. These contracts were signed following the approval accorded by the Cabinet Committee on Security earlier this month.

Today’s Video

Watch: UK’s First Type 31 frigate, first steel cut for HMS Venturer the royal navy’s newest warship

Americas

Oshkosh Defense won a $10 million contract modification for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Family of Vehicles. The JLTV Family of Vehicles (FoV) is the Marine Corps and Army partial replacement for the High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) fleet. Work will take place in Wisconsin. Estimated completion date is November 30, 2022.

Raytheon Intelligence & Space has introduced a lightweight, affordable AESA radar in its lightest form factor ever. In addition to being a third of the weight of most modern AESA radars, the new compact radar also costs about half as much as typical fire control radars. Gallium Nitride technology is combined with an innovative packaging of its digital receiver/exciter and processor called CHIRP, and a unique air-cooled design.

Middle East & Africa

IMCO Group acquired Innocon Ltd., a company that manufactures Micro, Mini and Tactical unmanned aerial systems (UAS) as well as mission systems for manned light airplanes. IMCO Group’s subsidiary acquired Innocon’s assets and activities for $938,000, plus an additional amount equal to 25% of the subsidiary’s net profit during 72 months from January 1, 2022, and up to a total and cumulative ceiling of $547,000.

Turkey reportedly handed over first units of Bayraktar TB2 combat drones to Morocco last week. The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (Far-Maroc) signed an agreement with Turkish drone maker Baykar Savunma for 13 Bayraktar TB2s in April. The contract was worth $70 million.

Europe

Norwegian mechanical engineering company Ritek has agreed to perform vehicle integration of Ground Master 200 multi-mission compact radars (GM200 MM/C) under an agreement signed with Thales. The Norwegian Defense Material Agency (NDMA) signed an agreement with the Netherlands Defense Material Organisation (DMO) for the five counter-battery radars in May 2021. Ritek will perform the vehicle integration of these radars, Thales said in a statement today.

Asia-Pacific

General Dynamics Land Systems won a $13.8 million contract modification for Abrams systems and technical support. The first M1 Abrams battle tanks were delivered to the US Army in 1980. The M1 is equipped with a Honeywell AGT 1500 gas turbine engine. The Allison X-1100-3B transmission provides four forward and two reverse gears. Fiscal 2020 and 2021 other procurement, Army funds; fiscal 2021 Foreign Military Sales (Australia) funds; and fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $13,743,076 were obligated at the time of the award. Work will take place in Michigan. Estimated completion date is September 30, 2022.

Today’s Video

Watch: The Ground Master 200 (GM200) – Thales

Americas

Vertex Aerospace won a $96.5 million contract modification, which increases the contract ceiling to extend organizational, intermediate, and depot level maintenance, logistics, and engineering support, to include support of equipment, tools, direct and indirect material for the T-45 aircraft, associated systems, and related support equipment to maintain all flight and test and evaluation operations for the Navy. Work will take place in Texas, Mississippi, Florida and Maryland. Estimated completion will be in December 2021.

Northrop Grumman won a $30.9 million deal to procure 25 Link 16 B kits; three Link 16 B kit spares; and two Link 16 flight training device B kits in support of UH-1Y and AH-1Z helicopter modification efforts for the Navy.  This contract also provides Link-16 systems engineering, program management, and logistics support. Work will take place in California. Estimated completion will be in September 2023.

Middle East & Africa

Sudanese authorities said they thwarted a coup attempt on Tuesday by a group of soldiers. The authorities accused plotters loyal to the country’s longtime autocratic ruler Omar al-Bashir of a failed bid to derail the revolution that removed him from power in 2019. The plotters allegedly used tanks to close a bridge connecting Khartoum with Omdurman, just across the River Nile. They also reportedly tried to take control of state radio in Omdurman.

Europe

The UK Government approved the support through the ‘Military Assistance to the Civil Authority’ process, following a request from the Scotland Office, working with Scottish Government. The Ministry of Defense will provide 114 people to augment ambulance drivers and a further 111 personnel who will operate Mobile Testing Units which the military previously supported in 2020.

Asia-Pacific

UDN reports that Taiwan is preparing to publicly unveil the Lieh-Sun or Hunt Falcon mobile short-range air defense system during the National Day parade on October 10. The system uses the Tien Chien Two air-to-air missile.
Boeing selected Toowoomba in Queensland, Australia to set up the company’s first aircraft assembly facility of its kind outside of North America to produce the Boeing Airpower Teaming System drones (also known as Loyal Wingman). The announcement comes days after Australia abrogated a deal with France to build conventionally-powered submarines opting instead to build nuclear-powered submarines in partnership with the US and the UK.

Today’s Video

Watch: The Bell UH-1Y Venom Utility helicopter

Americas

Lockheed Martin won a $49.3 million deal. The contract provides for overhaul of the B-52 Counter Measure Receiver. The B-52H is the US Air Force’s long-range, large-payload multirole bomber. The B-52H Stratofortress is equipped with a range of electronic warfare equipment. The ITT AN/ALQ-172(V)2 electronic countermeasures system features multi-band threat recognition and multiple threat jamming. Work will take place ein New York. Estimated completion date is September 19, 2026.

The US Air Force has started flying operational missions with the Collins Aerospace’s MS-177 multi-spectral imaging (MSI) sensor on the RQ-4B Block 30 aircraft. The MS-177 is derived from the Senior Year Electro-optical Reconnaissance System (SYERS)-2C flown on the U-2.

Middle East & Africa

With the Ongoing discussions on the new Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (MDCA) between Athens and Washington, Greece has insisted on creating a naval base at Souda on Crete. The new base is to a part of the efforts of Greece to establish a more permanent presence in the Eastern Mediterranean, Kathimerini reported.

Europe

Babcock won the first export contract for its Arrowhead 140 frigate through a design license agreement with PT PAL Indonesia, a state-owned enterprise that builds and maintains ships for military and commercial use from its facilities in Surabaya, Indonesia. The UK is using a similar design, basing its Type 31 Frigates on the Arrowhead 140 design, being built by Babcock at Rosyth.

Germany’s Krauss-Maffei Wegmann partnered with Dutch company Defenture to build new tactical vehicles to replace the German Army’s two decades-old vehicles. Both companies signed a letter of intent. The companies plan to develop a vehicle based on Defenture’s VECTOR (Versatile Expeditionary Commando Tactial Off Road) light all-terrain tactical vehicle.

Asia-Pacific

The twin surface-to-surface missile launches by North Korea on September 15 were made from a train, the country’s media has revealed. Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the state news agency of North Korea, confirmed a day later that those missiles came from the country’s test of its new “railway-borne missile system.” The report claimed that the missiles flew 800 km (~500 miles) before striking a target in the sea off North Korea’s east coast.

Today’s Video

Watch: Detailed tour through a B-52 Stratofortress!!