Defense`s Feeds

Americas

Huntington-Ingalls Industries won a $115 million contract modification for engineering and technical support for USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79). The USS John F. Kennedy is the second Gerald R. Ford Class aircraft carrier. The ship was launched on October 29, 2019. Work will take place in Newport News, Virginia. Expected completion will be by June 2024. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC, is the contracting activity.

According to Defense News, the Missile Defense Agency aims to get the first one Next Generation Interceptor by 2028. It will replace the current ground-based interceptors that make up the ballistic missile defense system of the United States’ homeland, but the director of the agency expects to be able to move faster. “If you look at the timeline to get to the first emplacement in 2028,” which is the government’s schedule, “through competition, we know that date is going to come to the left,” Vice Adm. Jon Hill, said at the McAleese and Associates conference May 12.

Middle East & Africa

Israel Shipyards announced that it has won a tender to supply Shaldag Mk V fast patrol boats to the navy of an East Asian country. The agreement was signed between Israel Shipyards, the Israeli Ministry of Defense, and the customer. According to Israel Shipyards, the deal includes a knowledge transfer and training regarding the construction and maintenance of the 32.65 m-long vessels, as well as an upgrade of the customer’s shipyard for this purpose.

Europe

A Litening III targeting pod on a Royal Air Force Eurofighter was damaged beyond repair after it dropped from the jet during testing. The Telegraph reported on the news, but did not mention if the accident happened in the air or on the ground. The damage was worth $847,260.

The UK signed a contract worth $1.9 billion for the purchase of 14 new Chinook aircraft over the next 10 years. According to a press release by the Royal Air Force, the helicopter can operate in a diverse range of environments, from the desert to the arctic, and transport up to 55 personnel or ten tonnes of cargo.

Asia-Pacific

Exercise Arnhem Thunder 21 is taking place at RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal with the F-35A deploying to Darwin for the first time. Approximately 40 aircraft, and over 500 personnel from the Royal Australian Air Force will be participating in the largest air exercise in Australia for 2021.

Today’s Video

Watch: Shaldag MK V FAIC with a high firepower-to-displacement ratio | Philippine Navy

Americas

Sikorsky won a $17.3 million contract modification, that adds scope to provide production system engineering and program management support in support of CH-53K aircraft low-rate initial production. The CH-53K is the United States Marine Corps’ (USMC) heavy lift replacement for the CH-53E. The CH-53K is a new-build helicopter that will expand the fleet’s ability to move more material, more rapidly throughout the area of responsibility using proven and mature technologies. Work will take place in Stratford, Connecticut and is expected to be finished in June 2022.

The US Navy issued Northrop Grumman with a prototype and risk reduction contract for the development of a sense-and-avoid (SAA) capability for the MQ-4C Triton high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) UAV. SAA is geared at enabling the Triton to operate in controlled airspace and is a focus of the next developmental increment of the co-operative development programme for the USN and RAAF.

Middle East & Africa

According to Africa News, the defense ministers of Burkina Faso and neighbouring Ivory Coast said they would step up their fight against Islamists ravaging the region. A jihadist conflict in the Sahel nations of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso has left vast swathes of territory outside of state control, and thousands of people dead. More than 1,300 people have been killed in Burkina Faso and one million have fled violence since 2015, when jihadists emerged in the formerly tranquil West African nation.

Europe

According to a notice by the Ministry of Defense, it is launching a competition that aims to develop alternative future concepts for the Early Warning systems currently deployed in Maritime Task Groups. Current early warning maritime capabilities are delivered by sensors mounted aboard airborne platforms, with the current assumption for a follow-on for Crowsnest (an airborne early warning system fitted to the Merlin Mk2 helicopter) being a singular large radar sensor mounted on an uncrewed air platform. According to the notice, the Defense and Security Accelerator (DASA) “welcomes alternatives that are not based on this approach and match or exceed current airborne capabilities. We are seeking a potential successor to Crowsnest, which has a planned out-of-service date of 2029.”

Asia-Pacific

Japanese ground troops joined American and French counterparts in their first three-way exercise on Japanese land, as they seek to strengthen military ties amid growing Chinese assertiveness in the region. The “ARC21” exercise started on May 11 at the Ground Self-Defense Force’s Ainoura base in Nagasaki prefecture. Japan is seeking to expand its military ties beyond its alliance with the United States to include “like-minded” countries such as France, Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi told reporters.

Chengdu J-10 jets powered by indigenous engines have entered operational service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force. This represents China’s confidence in the local technology to equip the single-engine, multirole aircraft. According to Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation officials the J-10 uses a multi-mode fire-control radar designed in China. The radar has a mechanically scanned planar array antenna and is capable of tracking 10 targets.

Today’s Video

Watch: CH 53E Super Stallion Big Helicopter in Action at Japan • Hagåtña Fury 21

The European Defence Agency will organise next week (17-25 May) the first virtual event of the Technology Foresight Exercise in which will participate more than 160 experts from EDA Member States (and the countries associated with the Agency) as well as from governmental and international organisations, research centres, academia, and industry. The event is part of a wider defence technology foresight exercise which was launched by the Agency in January and will run until the end of this year. The results and findings will inform the future revision of the European research and capability development priorities as well as the work on the EU’s Strategic Compass.

The discussions and activities of next week’s exercise will build on ‘Futures Narratives’, produced by EDA with a core team of experts, so-called ‘Future Tellers’, and on a new emerging technologies report EDA has produced in collaboration with the Joint Research Centre (JRC). The event will include online meetings, discussions, speeches and brainstorming sessions.

The exercise is innovative in that it will combine different methodologies and processes, along with best practices and lessons learned gather from the wider EDA community of foresight practitioners. In addition, the ‘Future Tellers’ have been appointed to facilitate the outside-the-box thinking this exercise will need to be successful. The Future Tellers are experts from a diverse set of technological and non-technological domains, with civil and military background.

Expected exercise outcome

The expected outcome of the 2021 Technology Foresight Exercise is to provide a high-level, long-term vision on all possible future technologies which could have an impact or become relevant for defence by 2040+. This, in turn, will then help inform the next revision of EDA’s Capability Development Plan (CDP), which defines the European capability development priorities, as well as the Overall Strategic Research Agenda (OSRA) which contains EDA Member States’ jointly agreed defence research priorities. In addition to that, the outcome of the Agency’s technology foresight activities this year will also flow into the ongoing preparations for the EU’s Strategic Compass, supporting resilience-building and strategic autonomy.

Workshop held in April

 As part of the Agency’s initiatives on this domain, the 8th Annual Workshop on Technology Watch and Foresight took place remotely on 29 April, bringing together 56 experts and professionals from 16 participating Member States’ Ministries of Defence, the European Commission and its Joint Research Centre, EISMEA, Frontex, NATO ACT and STO, as well as public and private entities. An intense exchange and discussion on new methodologies, best practices and lessons learned took place within the community of practitioners.

New website page

Meanwhile, a new section on Technology Watch and Foresight activities has been published on EDA website. It offers plenty of information about EDA’s activities in this domain, as part of the Agency’s R&T planning process, the Overarching Strategic Research Agenda (OSRA) tool chain, and in support of the CapTechs.

Americas

According to a statement, the US Army awarded FLIR Systems a $15.4 million contract to procure Black Hornet 3 palm-sized unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The army has placed several orders for the Black Hornet 3 totalling more than $85 million, FLIR Systems said. These include the first order, a $2.6 million contract awarded in 2018.

US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. told the House Appropriations defense subcommittee on May 7 that his service now has more F-35As compared to the A-10, F-15C/D and F-15E fleet. With 283 jets delivered, the fleet of stealth fighters is second only to the F-16.

Middle East & Africa

Israel’s army said that it had hit 130 “military targets” in Gaza, killing 15 “Hamas and Islamic Jihad operatives” in retaliatory strikes after Palestinian militant groups launched a flurry of rockets towards Israel. “We have struck 130 military targets belonging mostly to Hamas,” the Islamist group that controls the blockaded Gaza strip, Israeli army spokesman Jonathan Conricus told reporters.

Europe

Sweden has taken delivery of the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors in April, Lockheed Martin said. Sweden selected the PAC-3 MSE in August 2018. Building on the combat-proven PAC-3 Cost Reduction Initiative (CRI), the PAC-3 MSE expands the lethal battlespace with a two-pulse solid rocket motor, providing increased performance in altitude and range, according to Lockheed.

The Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) extended the Gripen future development support services contract with Saab. The order is valued at approximately $118 million and is valid from April 1 this year until December 31 next year. Serving as an extension of an existing contract, the latest contract supports the future development of the Swedish Air Force’s Gripen and other users of the aircraft.

Asia-Pacific

Australia has handed over the second and final Guardian Class patrol boat built for the government of the Solomon Islands. The vessel, which has been named RSIPV Taro, was formally accepted by the High Commissioner for Solomon Islands, Robert Sisilo, in a ceremony held on May 7 at the facilities of shipbuilder Austal in Henderson, Western Australia. The move follows the handover of the first boat, RSIPV Gizo (05), in November 2019.

Today’s Video

Watch: Jas 39 Gripen E – What Makes Gripen So Special

Americas

Sikorsky won a $22.5 million contract modification, which adds scope for the procurement of four VH-92A aircraft MT-1 cabin interiors and MT-1 spares in support for depot level stand up for the Presidential Helicopters Replacement Program. The new Marine One, also referred to as VH-92A, is the next-generation presidential transport helicopter being developed for the US Marine Corps (USMC). Sikorsky Aircraft, a Lockheed Martin company, is responsible for the production of the VH-92A helicopter. Work will take place in Washington, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Connecticut. Expected completion will be in July 2022.

Argentinian media reported that a Chinese team is in the country for sales discussion of the JF-17 to the local air force. The team from China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC) is negotiating the sale of 12 fighters.

Middle East & Africa

The Pakistan Navy (PN) announced that keel-laying ceremonies were recently held for both the third Type 054A/P frigate and the third Milgem Class corvette on order for the service. The keel for the frigate, which is one of four vessels of the class being acquired from China, was laid in late April at the Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai: about three months after the same yard launched the second Type 054A/P frigate for the service. The keel laying ceremony for Pakistan Navy’s third Jinnah Class (MILGEM type) corvette was held on May 1st at Istanbul Naval Shipyard (INSY), Turkey. In July 2018, a contract was signed between Military Factory and Shipyard Management Corporation (ASFAT) of Turkey and the Pakistani National Defense Ministry Ammunition Production and Karachi Shipyard for the construction of four Milgem Class vessels.

Europe

The Royal Air Force is preparing to send its Eurofighters and Voyager aerial refueling tanker to South East Asia for Exercise Bersama Lima 2021 in October. The British government had earlier announced that the Carrier Strike Group will be participating in the same exercise as well. This marks the second time that a RAF contingent is joining a British aircraft carrier for the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) exercise, usually carried out off Peninsular Malaysia in the South China Sea. The first was back in 1988 when HMS Ark Royal came to the Far East for Exercise Lima Bersatu.

A press release issued last week by the Swedish Ministry of Defense revealed that Sweden and its neighbor Finland intend to jointly procure a new type of service rifle for their armies. The Firearm Blog website, which reported the news, said that Sweden currently uses the AK5, a Swedish version of the FN FNC that uses 5.56x56mm NATO ammunition, while Finland uses a variety of RK 62 and RK 95 (7.62x39mm) rifles. The question remains which rifle will be procured, and what caliber of ammunition will be used.

Asia-Pacific

The sixth batch of three more Rafale fighter jets took off from France for India last week, the Indian embassy in France said. They will be part of the Indian Air Force’s second squadron of the Rafale jets. This boosts the Indian Air Force’s Rafale count to 21. The first Rafale squadron is based in Ambala air force station. A squadron comprises around 18 aircraft.

Today’s Video

Watch: Which Countries are Buying JF-17 Fighter

Americas

The Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile – Extended Range (AARGM-ER) carried out a captive carry flight on an F/A-18F on April 22 and the missile was able to communicate with the host aircraft for the first time. This flight is in support of the first live fire test of the AARGM-ER that is scheduled this spring. A series of aerial maneuvers done during the flight validated the compatibility of the missile with the F/A-18E/F.

The first two F-15EX fighter planes of the US Air Force are participating in an Alaska training exercise, the Air Force said. Two of the new-model aircraft have been built, and both are elements of the Northern Edge 21 exercise underway until May 14 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, the branch said in a press release. The planes are variants of the F-15C, and are equipped with improved maneuverability, acceleration, durability, computer power and armament, according to their manufacturer, Boeing.

Middle East & Africa

A news report from Nigeria says the country will take delivery of the first 6 M346FA jets from Italy before the third quarter of this year. The African nation is said to have bought 24 of the advanced jet trainers last year.
Relyant Global LLC won a $19.6 million deal for construction of a new airfield, security fencing and other facilities at Kainji Air Base. Bids were solicited via the internet with six received. Work will take place in Nigeria. Estimated completion date is August 1, 2023.

La Tribune reports that Egypt is preparing to buy a spy satellite and two MRTT tankers from France. La Tribune says Paris agreed to provide a $6.5 billion loan to Egypt and only $4.5 billion will go towards the purchase of 30 Rafale fighters that was recently announced.

Europe

Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land has signed a deal with the British Defense Ministry to upgrade Challenger 2 main battle tanks. The $1 billion contract has been agreed to supply the Army with 148 upgraded, fully-digitised tanks as part of a major overhaul of the armed forces. The Challenger 3 tanks will replace the existing Challenger 2 vehicles, which have been in use since 1998. Under the military restructure the overall number of tanks will be cut from 227.

Asia-Pacific

China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG) has signed a deal with the provincial government of Sichuan to develop an industrial park in the region, dedicated to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). A statement by the Sichuan government said the new facility will be located in Zigong, in the center of the province, and will focus on both military and commercial UAVs. “We will develop a world-class manufacturing industry cluster,” said the statement.

Today’s Video

Watch: M-346FA

More than 350 participants from Member States, EU institutions, industry, academia and think tanks joined the high-level online symposium on ‘Military Mobility - Transforming Ambition into Reality’, co-organised by the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the European Union and EDA. After 2018, it was the second European conference specifically devoted to Military Mobility.   

In his opening remarks, EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý recalled the impressive progress made on this important topic over the past three years, especially as regard the implementation of the EU Action Plan on Military Mobility (launched in March 2018) whose main action points - stretching from transport infrastructure and regulatory issues to cross-border movement permissions and diplomatic clearances - are either already completed or at the verge of completion. EDA is also contributing to this common effort with two major programmes successfully underway: one aimed at harmonising military requirement related to customs and one that aims to optimise cross-border movement permission procedures in Europe.   

“Still, there is more to be done in transforming this ambition into reality. The challenges that lay ahead of us are the full implementation of these achievements in our day-to-day practice and addressing the way forward to the next stage of an Enhanced Military Mobility”, Mr Šedivý said.  Referring to the new impetus that last year’s first Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) has given to the topic, by making Enhanced Military Mobility one of the six ‘focus areas’ identified for future European cooperation, the EDA Chief Executive called for “sustaining this political momentum” and using the potential this focus area has “to form clusters of projects and activities in capability development and research and technologies”. Military Mobility has also been taken up under a Dutch-led PESCO (Permanent Structured Cooperation) project, as well as (more indirectly) under a German-led ‘Network of Logistic Hubs in Europe and Support to Operations’ (Loghubs) project. EDA has supporting roles in both PESCO projects and “will continue its efforts and contribute its part to this important joint endeavour”, Mr Šedivý said. He also praised Military Mobility is a “flagship project of EU-NATO cooperation” and a “prime example of effective interactions between the EU and NATO”. 

In his speech, Mircea Geoana, NATO’s Deputy Secretary General, stressed the need for cooperation and symbiosis between NATO and the EU, and said the cooperation on Military Mobility, a crucial aspect of European and transatlantic defence, was testimony to that. NATO welcomes the EU’s decision, announced the same day at the EU Foreign Affairs/Defence Council, to allow the participation of the US, Canada and Norway in the Dutch-led PESCO Military Mobility project because “non-EU allies make an essential contribution to the defence and security of Europe”, he said. Military Mobility is essential to move troops across the Atlantic and across Europe, making it a crucial element of deterrence, he added. Therefore, NATO appreciates the fact that Military Mobility has become a flagship project of EU/NATO cooperation, based on Joint Declarations of 2016 and 2018. ”Our respective efforts must be mutually reinforcing and benefit all EU and NATO members alike”, Mr Geoana said. 
High-level debate among Ministers  Conference participants then witnessed an interesting high-level panel debate featuring four acting Defence Ministers: Portugal’s João Gomes Cravinho, the Netherland’s Ank Bijleveld, Germany’s Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, and Slovenia’s Matej Tonin.  

João Gomes Cravinho (Portugal) emphasised the wider strategic importance of Military Mobility, not also for the EU but also for NATO and the wider transatlantic relationship. If we are successful in this project, it will make a major contribution to Europe’s transatlantic relations and to the EU/NATO relationship, he said. The strategic relevance of Military Mobility is not to be underestimated, its importance and implications go beyond just military considerations. “We see a lot of technical work going on (between EU and NATO), but the result of this technical work will be a political result because, at the end of the day, it is a political project. I hope that Military Mobility will open the door to deeper cooperation between the EU and NATO in a wider range of areas. I hope that in 2035, we can look back and say: the Military Mobility project was the pioneer project” for this enhanced EU/NATO cooperation, the Portuguese Minister said.  

Ank Bijleveld (Netherlands) said it was a “big day” for Military Mobility given that the Council had given its green light to the participation of the US, Canada and Norway in the related (Dutch-led) PESCO project. Those three countries “will provide much added value to the project with their expertise and know-how” and it will also “give a boost to increase EU/NATO cooperation”, the Minister stated. “Cooperation between the EU and NATO in this matter is crucial. We look forward to working with all relevant actors: the European External Action Service, the European Commission, the EU Military Staff, the European Defence Agency, NATO and others to further bring forward Military Mobility” which, at the end of the day, will have to be “simple, secure and digital”, she stressed.  

Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer (Germany) also welcomed the participation of the US, Canada, and Norway in the PESCO project, saying it “adds great value to our efforts” in the Military Mobility domain which, she felt, had been “ignored” for too long.  A lot of work remains to be done as Military Mobility is “one of the most complex issues we are dealing with”. The German Minister also praised Military Mobility as a “prime example of better EU-NATO alignment” and enhanced cooperation. “Later this year, NATO’s new Multinational Joint Support and Enabling Command (JSEC), based in Ulm/Germany, will be fully operational. This reflects the key role Germany plays as the centrally-located mobility hub for Alliance logistic”. The Minister also announced Germany’s intention to pursue a “new project” with the Netherlands: the two Ministries of Defence are currently preparing the establishment of a “Dutch-German office for coordination and alignment of Military Mobility”. “We hope other countries will join this innovation incubator once it is established”, Mrs Kramp-Karrenbauer said. 

Slovenian Defence Minister Matej Tonin, whose country will take over the rotating EU Presidency in the second half of this year, said that one of his priorities would be to bring forward EU-NATO cooperation. “As Military mobility represents a project which is key for EU and NATO, it is important that the dialogue between the EU and NATO in field of military mobility, as in many other areas, continues”, he stated. Furthermore, during the upcoming EU Presidency, Slovenia intends to bring forward the collective work on the CARD’s ‘Enhanced Military Mobility’ focus area. “I believe that combining different projects and initiatives into single focus area will improve coordination and facilitate implementation of new capabilities and procedures in the field. Rest assured that Slovenia is supporting it and looking forward to participating in this focus area”, the Minister stressed. Mr Tonin also welcomed today’s Council decision on the participation of Canada, the US and Norway in the PESCO project: “We strongly believe that non-EU Member States and other partner countries should also have the opportunity to participate as their forces and capabilities can potentially be an integral part of our joint defence efforts when necessary”.   US welcomes PESCO decision 

Gregory Kausner, acting Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment in the US Department of Defence, said the US welcomed the decision on third-country participation in the Military Mobility PESCO project. “This decision demonstrates the EU’s commitment to transatlantic security and enhances cooperation and interoperability. We see our participation in this PESCO project as the next step in closer cooperation between NATO, the EU and the United States”, he said.  

EEAS: Military Mobility also part of work on EU Strategic Compass 

Pawel Herczynski, Managing Director at the European External Action Service (EEAS), said Military Mobility would also be part of the wider (ongoing) work on the EU’s Strategic Compass.  “We are currently in the brain-storming phase among EU Member States on what goals and objectives Member States want to set in the field of security and defence, including on Military Mobility”, he said. “We look forward to concrete and actionable ideas which can guide our work in the years to come” with a view to operationalising the Military Mobility measures taken so far.  One thing is sure, Mr Herczynski stressed: “the relevance of Military Mobility will only grow”. 

Americas

American company Lockheed Martin won a $51 million deal in support of the French Air Force for long-term sustainment of C-130 aircraft. This contract provides for the program management, field service representatives, travel and per diem, data, replenishment of spares and other sustainment tasks. The Lockheed Martin C-130 is the US Air Force’s principal tactical cargo and personnel transport aircraft. The C-130J Hercules is the latest model, featuring a glass cockpit, digital avionics and a new propulsion system with a six-bladed propeller. Work will take place in Bae Aerienne, France as well as in Marietta, Georgia. Expected completion date is January 1, 2023.

A planned test of a Minuteman III missile was aborted before the missile left Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, on Wednesday, the US Air Force said. The Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, which can be nuclear-armed but was unarmed for the test, was to be launched within a six-hour window beginning at 12:15 am on Wednesday. The reason for ground abort, defined by the Air Force as prevention of a “crew-ready” aircraft from becoming airborne, was not disclosed.

Middle East & Africa

Iraq’s F-16 program is in jeopardy because US contractors are leaving key Iraqi bases after attacks by Iran-backed militias, a US government report says. The 233-page, quarterly “Operation Resolute Support Lead Inspector General’s Report” to Congress, released this week, cites examples of threats and attacks on contractors supporting Iraq’s F-16 program.

Europe

According to local news, German defense officials have dismissed a French offer of four Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft. The refurbished planes’ expected readiness state would make them unsuitable for service in the German Navy. The Defense Ministry has decided to replace the P-3C Orions with P-8A Poseidon.

BAE Systems announced Monday that it has signed a contract worth around $200 million to produce and deliver 127 BvS10 all-terrain vehicles to the Swedish Army, adding to its existing fleet of BvS10s. The contract signed with the Swedish military procurement agency, FMV, is for both command and control and logistics vehicles. Deliveries of the 127 vehicles are planned to begin in 2022 and be completed in 2024.

Asia-Pacific

A RoCAF twin-seat IDF fighter burst its tire during landing at Penghu airport on May 5. The accident forced the airport to be closed for two hours. The Air Force immediately sent a team to investigate. The two crew members did not need any assistance and were unharmed, reports said.

Today’s Video

Watch: F-16 Vipers Patrol The Sky Near Iraq (2021)

Defence Ministers met today at EDA’s Ministerial Steering Board under the chairmanship of the Head of the Agency, High Representative Josep Borrell.

Ministers discussed the progress made so far as well as the way ahead in the implementation of the recommendations made in the first Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) report.  Presented by EDA to Defence Ministers in November 2020, the report drew for the first time a comprehensive picture of the European defence landscape and identified more than 100 collaborative opportunities to be taken up by Member States in six main focus areas: Main Battle Tank, Soldier Systems, European Patrol Class Surface Ship, Counter-UAS – Anti-Access/Area-Denial, Defence in Space, Enhanced Military Mobility.

Ministers welcomed the first steps taken by Member States to implement the recommendations, including the interest expressed by them in taking forward concrete collaborative opportunities and cooperating in focus areas. They called on Member States to further declare their interest in participating and contributing to projects in the focus areas and, if possible, facilitate cooperation in those domains.

In this context, the Steering Board welcomed the willingness expressed by France to facilitate cooperation in the focus area ‘Defence in Space’. Many Member States confirmed their interest in discussing further and engaging in specific focus areas.

EDA was invited by Ministers to make the best possible use of its existing working bodies and, if need be, establish new ones to even better support the CARD implementation.

Background

In 2019-2020, the first full CARD cycle took place with EDA acting as the CARD penholder. The final CARD report finds that the European defence landscape is characterised by high levels of fragmentation and low investment in cooperation, and recommends to overcome this fragmentation through coordinated and continuous efforts among Member States in three major areas which are interlinked: defence spending, defence planning and defence cooperation. To support this renewed cooperation effort, the CARD report also identifies a total of 55 collaborative opportunities throughout the whole capability spectrum, considered to be the most promising, most needed or most pressing ones, also in terms of operational value. Based on this catalogue of identified opportunities, Member States are recommended to concentrate their efforts on the above-mentioned six specific ‘focus areas’ which are also covered by the EU Capability Development Priorities agreed in 2018. In addition to that, 56 options to cooperate in R&T have been identified. They span from Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cyber defence, to new sensor technologies, emerging materials and energy efficient propulsion systems as well as unmanned systems and robotics. 

More information

• First CARD report
• CARD factsheet
• CARD video

Americas

The State Department announced it has reached a $13 million settlement with US defense contractor Honeywell International over allegations it exported technical data concerning fighter jets and other military vehicles to foreign countries, including China. The settlement resolves 34 charges the State Department leveled against the company for disclosing dozens of engineering prints showing dimensions, geometries and layouts for manufacturing parts for aircraft, gas turbine engines and military electronics.

The 174th Attack Wing is working with multiple Pentagon contractors and academic researchers to establish new capabilities for the MQ-9 Reaper drone aircraft, the Air National Guard announced. According to a press release from the wing, the new capabilities include battlefield and airspace communications enhancements as well as target identification tracking and processing.

Middle East & Africa

The US Marine Corps Systems Command is working toward the next phase of replacing its legacy armored vehicle with an advanced, modern reconnaissance vehicle called the ARV. Elbit and Textron are jointly offering a prototype. Elbit Systems will provide a 360-degree situational awareness system, based on the company’s IronVision solution, for the vehicle. The Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle, or ARV, is intended to replace all of the LAV-25 light armored vehicles built by General Dynamics Land Systems that have been in use since the 1980s.

Europe

IMENCO UK Ltd, a supplier of marine and naval visual surveillance systems based in Aberdeen and Wick, Scotland, announced a major contract win from Babcock International Group for the supply of CCTV systems for the Royal Navy’s Type 31 programme. The contract covers five Type 31 general purpose frigates being constructed at Babcock’s Rosyth facilities.

Asia-Pacific

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has defended its decision to buy four Mi-171 helicopters from Russia. Opposition politicians and social media activists have criticized the purchase during the current pandemic. The SLAF argued that the new helicopters are needed to replacing aging rotorcraft that the island had sent to Africa as part of its United Nations peacekeeping commitment.

The Sankei of Japan says the United King Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is expected to reach Sasebo or Yokosuka in July. The flotilla will make port calls in India and Singapore before proceeding to Japan.

Today’s Video

Watch: British Babcock will built five new Type 31 Frigates in Rosyth Dockyard Scotland

Americas

Oshkosh Defense announced a three-year extension of its contract with the US Army on Monday to build heavy vehicles, valued at $146.8 million. The deal calls for modernization of vehicles in the US Army and US Army Reserve Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicle, also known as FHTV, fleets, which include 354 Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks, or HEMTT, and Palletized Load System, or PLS, trucks, as well as the construction of new PLS trailers. The FHTV fleet is designed to accommodate many mission packages, allowing it to support multi-domain operations as the battlefield continues to evolve, according to the company.

Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems won a $15.6 million contract modification for the implementation of configuration management changes on select Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ships (LCS). The LCS new construction contract provides for the design, construction, integration, and testing of the Littoral Combat Ship, which operates with focused-mission packages that deploy manned and unmanned vehicles to execute a variety of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, and mine countermeasures. Work will take place in Marinette, Wisconsin. Estimated completion will be by May 2022.

Middle East & Africa

The US Army Corps of Engineers, Europe District has completed a Hardened Hangar project in Israel to support the latter’s F-35 fleet. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on March 10 to mark the handover. US Army Corps of Engineers, Europe District Commander Col. Patrick Dagon said the hardened hangars and operations facilities will house a squadron of F-35s. Work is already underway for multiple additional similar facilities to be constructed in the coming years, says the news release.

Egypt has confirmed that it will buy another 30 Rafale fighters from France, after the deal was disclosed by investigative website Disclose on May 3. Disclose had said that the deal is worth $4.5 billion. Egypt revealed that it will take a 10-year loan for the purchase.

Europe

The F-35Bs assigned to the Royal Air Force’s 617 Squadron will carry out airstrikes in Iraq and Syria during the maiden deployment of the UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG21). There are eight F-35Bs from 617 Squadron. They are joined by 10 F-35Bs from the U.S. Marine Corp’s VMFA-211.

Asia-Pacific

A man portable air defence system (MANPADS) fired by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) shot down a Myanmar military helicopter on May 3. Military tensions have been running high between Myanmar’s military junta and the ethnic Kachin armed group in Momauk since April 11, with the former using aircraft to bomb KIA outposts.

Today’s Video

Watch: Here’s How We Build a Littoral Combat Ship

Americas

A former US Marine Corps (USMC) V-22 test pilot has urged the US Army to select the Defiant-X as its next helicopter instead of the V-280. Scott Trail says based on the Army’s mission objectives, the compound helicopter is the better choice and cheaper solution.

Lockheed Martin won a $663.7 million contract modification for Hellfire II missile production. The Hellfire II air-to-ground missile system (AGMS) provides heavy anti-armor capability for attack helicopters. It is a 100lb class air-to-ground precision weapon delivering multi-target capability and precision strike lethality. The Hellfire II missile is in service with the armed forces of the US and 16 other nations. Work will take place in Orlando, Florida. Estimated completion date is September 30, 2024.

Middle East & Africa

The US Coast Guard cutter USCGC Hamilton conducted exercises with the Turkish Navy in the Black Sea, the US Navy Sixth Fleet said. The Legend-class cutter, which entered the Black Sea this week after transiting the Atlantic Ocean earlier in April, conducted a passing exercise and cross-platform helicopter operations with the Turkish Navy’s Yavuz-class TCG Turgutreis.

Europe

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, has deployed to Greece to carry out essential pre-season training. The Royal Air Force say that the five-week visit, which has recently got underway, is known as Exercise Springhawk and concludes at the end of May.

The hull of Type 26 Frigate HMS Glasgow now sits as part of the Glasgow city skyline, BAE Systems said. The aft block of HMS GLASGOW, the first City Class Type 26 frigate being built for the Royal Navy, has been rolled out of the build hall to join the forward block at the BAE Systems shipyard on the River Clyde. The aft block contains the versatile mission bay and hangar which is capable of supporting helicopters, boats, mission loads and disaster relief stores, while the flight deck is capable of landing a Chinook helicopter for transport of embarked forces.

Asia-Pacific

Northrop Grumman Defense Services won a $58.6 million deal for the Japan Global Hawk program. This contract provides for contractor logistics support services to include, but not limited to, in-country personnel, mission planning, contractor field teams, contractor inventory control, reach back support and software maintenance. Work will take place in Misawa Air Base, Japan. Estimated completion will take place in September 30, 2022.

Today’s Video

Watch: Why AGM 114 Hellfire missile becomes one of America’s favorite missiles

Americas

The project manager for the US Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft(FLRAA) says the final request for proposal is to be released this summer. Col. David Phillips said the final document will not have any major changes relative to the draft proposal that was release late last year.

Raytheon won a $16.5 million deal for the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) program for Gordian Knot (GK) application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) life-of-type buy. This effort provides for a life-of-type procurement of GK ASIC in support of production and sustainment through the AMRAAM program of record. The AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, or AMRAAM is an American beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) capable of all-weather day-and-night operations. Work will take place in Arizona. Estimated completion date is May 31, 2023.

Middle East & Africa

Sallyport Global Holdings won a $240 million contract action to provide base operations support, base life support, and security services in the support of the Iraq F-16 program. This contract is the result of a sole-source acquisition and involves Foreign Military Sales to Iraq. Work will take place at Balad Air Base, Iraq. Expected completion date is January 30, 2022.

Europe

Four Italian F-35As have deployed from Amendola Air Base, Italy to Ämari Air Base, Estonia to augment the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission. This marks the first time the F-35 is used for this mission. As part of the “Baltic Eagle II” mission, the Italian F-35A aircraft, operating within the Task Group Falco of the Task Force Air Estonia will replace the German Air Force Eurofighters which have been deployed to Amari since late August.

Asia-Pacific

A Royal Australian Air Force E-7A early warning aircraft flew to Hawaii for the inaugural exercise Pacific Edge last month. The E-7A were joined by F-22s from the Hawaii Air National Guard as blue force. The red force was played by F-16s from the 442nd Training and Evaluation Squadron. Seventeen F-22 pilots also flew inside the E-7A during the three-week exercise to provide real-time feedback to the E-7A on what is happening inside the F-22 cockpit during air-to-air engagements.

The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale of six P-8I maritime patrol aircraft to India for an estimated cost of $2.42 billion. In November 2019, the Defense Acquisition Council, chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, approved the procurement of the long-range maritime surveillance aircraft manufactured by Boeing. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship and improve the security of a major defensive partner.

Today’s Video

Watch: The AMRAAM®-ER Missile Goes Long and Flies High

Americas

Saguaro Business Solutions won a $67.3 million contract for aircrew training and courseware development. This contract provides all personnel, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, and all other items and services that are required to perform 552 Air Control Wing E-3 Aircrew Training and 752nd Operations Support Squadron and Reporting Center support at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. Estimated completion date is April 30, 2026.

Bell Textron won a $8 million deal, which provides engineering and technical field services for the H-1 aircraft to include airframes, avionics, electrical power plant systems and associated equipment, on and off-site proficiency training, technical and unusually complex technical guidance in support of the Naval Air Technical Data and Engineering Service Center. The UH-1Y Venom and the AH-1Y Viper hare 85 percent parts commonality, designed to significantly reduce life-cycle costs and the aircraft’s logistical footprint, while increasing the maintainability and deployability. The AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter provides rotary wing close air support, anti-armor, anti-air, armed escort, armed/visual reconnaissance and fire support coordination capabilities under day/night and adverse weather conditions for the USMC. The UH-1Y Venom multi-role utility helicopter is equipped with a wide range of weapons and mission support configurations to also perform close air support missions, along with combat assault support, search and rescue/causality evacuation, armed escort/reconnaissance, command and control, and special operation support. Work will take place in New Jersey, Louisiana and Hawaii. Estimated completion will be in April 2026.

Middle East & Africa

Six F-15Es from the 494th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron arrived at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, April 25 ferrying live bombs from Jordan. This is the first combat tactical ferry mission for the F-15E as part of an Agile Combat Employment operation. Each fighter is carrying more bombs than it can drop in combat. The purpose is to ferry the live bombs to a location without having to use a cargo plane to do so.

Europe

Romania signed the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) contract for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) Coastal Defense Systems (CDS). The General Directorate for Armaments of the Ministry of National Defense signed the contract on behalf of the government. The costs of the systems, which includes four mobile launchers, is about $286 million. Delivery will take place in the last quarter of 2024.

Asia-Pacific

India is to lease a A330 MRTT from France under government-to-government basis, Hindustan Times reports. The Indian Air Force has issued a request for information (RFI) for this purpose. Another request for proposal will be release in the future to lease another five tankers. The proposal was discussed during Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria’s visit to France last week.

Japan is exploring the use of a multihull design for the two vessels that are to be equipped with the Aegis missile defense system that replaces the Aegis Ashore program. Japan’s Hibiki Class ocean surveillance ships uses the small-waterplane-area twin hull (SWATH) design. Such a configuration offers stability in rough seas. According to the news report, a civilian company will be contracted to develop a potential design.

Today’s Video

Watch: Japan commissions new ocean surveillance ship ” JS Aki Hibiki-class vessels”

The implementation of PILUM, a project selected under the 2019 call for proposals for the EU Preparatory Action on Defence Research (PADR) managed by EDA, was officially launched at an online kick-off meeting on 23 April 2021. 

PILUM stands for ‘Projectiles for Increased Long-range effects Using electroMagnetic railgun’. The project, with a budget of approximately €1.5 million, was selected following an EU-wide PADR call for proposals on the topic of ‘Future Disruptive Defence Technologies - Emerging Game-changers’, sub-topic ‘Long-range effects’. 

The main objective of PILUM is to investigate, both theoretically and experimentally, the feasibility of the electromagnetic railgun (EMRG) and its hypervelocity projectiles. The project will address critical scientific and technological gaps and will provide a first proof-of-concept of the electromagnetic railgun as a long-range artillery system.

The PILUM consortium is led by the French-German Research Institute of Saint-Louis (ISL) and encompasses renown RTOs, system integrators, global players in defence systems and SMEs from France, Germany, Poland and Belgium. The project has a duration of 24 months. More information on the consortium can be found on the PILUM project page.

Being part of the PADR programme, PILUM outcomes shall support the European Commission, EDA and Member States for the preparation of the Research Dimension of the European Defence Fund. The project is also closely linked to the activities conducted under EDA’s Capability Technology Groups (CapTech Missiles and Munitions and CapTech Components)

About the PADR

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

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

 

Americas

Lockheed Martin won a $22.5 million contract modification, which adds scope to provide support required to establish the common reprogramming tool development network and selection of a service-oriented architecture for the development of enhanced reprogramming tools. This is essential for all standing labs in support of the F-35 aircraft for the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and non-Department of Defense participants. Work will take place in Texas and Florida. Estimated completion is in December 2021.

The US Navy has demonstrated that it can use a swarm drone to destroy a surface target during the recently concluded Unmanned Systems Integrated Battle Problem (UxS IBP) 21 conducted off the coast of California. Flag officers made the disclosure to reporters during a teleconference on April 26. An Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) detected the location of the surface target using its on board Electronic Support Measures (ESM) system and transmitted the coordinates to the surface warfare commander who then attack it with a swarm drone.

Middle East & Africa

Israel’s Elbit Systems announced that it successfully completed the testing of its combat suites integrated into new patrol vessels of the Hellenic Coast Guard (HCG). The trials conducted in the Aegean Sea included testing of the integration level of the combat systems and subsystems as well as live fire testing of the onboard remote controlled weapon stations.

Europe

Germany contracted Top Aces to deliver fast jet adversary air training services to its armed forces from January 1, 2022. Announced by the Canadian-based contractor owned and contractor operated (COCO) company, the deal is a follow-on award for Top Aces, which has been providing its services to the German armed forces over the previous six years.

It was announced that a further sub-contract has been awarded for the UK Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicle Programme. Horstman UK will supply over 250 angular gear boxes and control units for the British Army’s Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicle programme.

Asia-Pacific

HMLA-267 will be replaced by HMLA-169 as the Unit Deployment Program (UDP) squadron at MCAS Futenma, Japan this week. Before departing home for Camp Pendleton, HMLA-267 carried out a Mission Rehearsal Exercise on and around the island of Okinawa, Japan. The unit practice Close Air Support, escort and combat assault transport missions in support of the III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Today’s Video

Watch: British Army’s latest generation multi-role armored fighting vehicle

Americas

Rolls-Royce won a $21.8 million contract modification, which exercises an option to provide depot repair of T56-A-427 engines utilized on E-2 Hawkeye aircraft, to include repair of the power section, torque meter, gearbox and accessories in accordance with Navy depot manuals and approved repair practices. The Hawkeye is an s an American all-weather, carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft. Work will take place in Texas, Canada and Indiana. Expected completion date is January 2022.

The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford completed Combat Systems Ship’s Qualifications Trials, a milestone in validating its defenses, the US Navy said. The five-phase trials began in February in the Atlantic Ocean, and followed an assortment of post-delivery tests and trials performed since the vessel’s 2017 commissioning. The CQSST, which wrapped up earlier this month, is a test of safe and effective use of the ship’s firepower and defenses, according to the Navy.

Middle East & Africa

Turkish Aerospace Industries found an export customer for its armed Hürku?-C single-engine, turboprop aircraft. This was disclosed by TAI General Manager Temel Kotil to private broadcaster CNN Türk. A total of 12 aircraft will be sold but the contract has not been signed yet.

A news release from NAVIR’s Air-to-Air Missiles Program Office (PMA-259) International Programs team disclosed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had “finalized an agreement with the US this March to procure the F-35.” The country also requested to buy additional AIM-9X missiles for its F-35 fleet.

Europe

According to a press release from the British government says ships from the UK Carrier Strike Group will “participate in Exercise Bersama Lima to mark the 50th anniversary of the Five Powers Defence Agreement between Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.” Exercise Bersama Lima is held yearly in October each year, naval vessels usually deploy to South China Sea off Malaysia for the war game. Defense Secretary Ben Wallace told lawmakers that all Royal Navy sailors will be Covid vaccinated and will have received two Covid-19 jabs by the time the group reaches the Mediterranean.

Asia-Pacific

The South Korean government has given the green light to proceed with the development for an armed variant of the MUH-1 Marineon helicopter. The indigenous rotorcraft is made by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). The MUH-1 is based on the KUH-1 Surion with modifications for the South Korean Marine Corps.

Today’s Video

Watch: UK carrier strike group will sail to India on its maiden deployment

Americas

The Canadian government has taken the first step in allocating funds for modernizing the North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD). “This funding will enable the enhancement of all-domain surveillance of our northern approaches and renewed investment in continental defence more broadly,” said the spokesperson for Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan. The US and Canada created NORAD in the 1950s to protect North America from a Soviet nuclear attack. Strings of radars and air bases were built to detect and stop incoming missiles and bombers, and placed under a unique joint command.

All of the 57 active US Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers were indefinitely grounded this week after a fuel filter problem was discovered. Gen. Tim Ray, Air Force Global Strike Command chief, ordered the stand down after one B-1 experienced an emergency relating to its augmenter fuel pump filter housing at Ellsworth Air Force Base earlier in April. A large hole was discovered in the plane’s filter housing after it landed, which could cause a pressurized fuel leak and a pilot’s inability to utilize the plane’s afterburners, known as augmented thrust,

Middle East & Africa

According to “Israel Defense”, three F-35 “Adir” stealth fighters landed at the Nevatim base in southern Israel and joined the 116th Squadron, named “the Lions of the South”, the IAF’s second squadron of Adirs. The IAF now has reportedly 27 F-35s. The planes flew to Israel from Lockheed Martin facilities.  As of the beginning of April, 625 F-35s in nine countries had flown 380,000 cumulative flight hours. They operate from 27 bases, with more than 1,300 pilots and more than 10,000 maintainers.

Israel’s Rafael is reportedly on the verge of acquiring Bavarian drone producer EMT, which is in the process of bankruptcy. In response to a question from a Green party lawmaker, the parliamentary state secretary in the Defense Ministry, Thomas Silberhorn, said that Rafael informed Germany’s defense procurement agency BAAINBw that they had an exclusive agreement with the current general representative in the insolvency proceedings to take over the company.

Europe

Three new helicopters join the QinetiQ fleet at MOD Boscombe Down to expand the fleet of aircraft available to customers. Due to achieve initial operating capability this summer, the new aircraft comprise two Agusta A109S Grand helicopters and a Leonardo AW139 helicopter fitted with an integrated Electro-Optical and Infra-Red (EO/IR) camera turret and a modern, complex avionics suite.

Asia-Pacific

Taiwan’s new Brave Eagle advanced jet trainer has been tested at Taitung’s Chihhang air base on April 21. It departed the next day. The AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle (Y?ngy?ng) is a supersonic advanced jet trainer under development by the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) of Taiwan. It has been reported that the aircraft was designed from the beginning to serve dual peacetime training and wartime combat roles. The new jets will start being deployed at the base by the end of the year, with the full order of 66 scheduled for delivery by the end of 2026. The planes will replace the US-built F-5s, which have served Taiwan for some 35 years and have been plagued by fatal accidents.

Today’s Video

Watch: Brave Eagle indigenous advanced jet trainer spotted in Taitung

EUROCONTROL and the European Defence Agency (EDA) have today signed an agreement updating their complementary activities in support of the military in the context of the Single European Sky (SES) and SESAR.  
 
Eamonn Brennan, Director General EUROCONTROL said “As a civil-military organisation representing 41 Member States, our aim is to ensure that the military are fully involved and represented in all relevant SES/SESAR matters from the outset. Our focus is very much on ensuring that we deliver technical and operational solutions that are aligned with military needs and reflect national considerations.”  
 
Jiří Šedivý, Chief Executive, European Defence Agency said “In the framework of SES/SESAR, the Agency acts as interface between the military and the European bodies involved in SES/SESAR. Complementary to the work of EUROCONTROL, our aim is to ensure that security and defence needs are appropriately considered in EU regulations relating to SES/SESAR by providing common military views and requirements upfront.”  
 
EUROCONTROL and the EDA have been working closely in the context of the SES since June 2013 when a first agreement was signed. This new agreement updates the set of joint activities to be carried out over the coming 2 years, aiming to ensure that the SES and SESAR accommodate military requirements to the extent necessary to fulfil national security and defence needs.

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On 22 April 2021, the implementation of OPTIMISE was officially launched at an online kick-off meeting. The project was selected under the 2019 call for proposals for the EU Preparatory Action on Defence Research (PADR) managed by EDA. 

OPTIMISE (innOvative PosiTIoning systeM for defence In gnSs-denied arEas) was selected following an EU-wide PADR call for proposals on the topic of ‘Future Disruptive Defence Technologies - Emerging Game-changers’, in the sub-topic related to Autonomous positioning, navigation and timing (PNT). 

The project’s main objective is to improve positioning, navigation and timing in areas without access to Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). OPTIMISE will develop a novel architecture to fuse data from different sensors and signals and achieve integration of different PNT technologies. The project can thus have a significant impact on a large number of military tasks which are currently dependent solely on GNSS.

The consortium is coordinated by Skylife Engineering (Spain) and comprises research centres, high-tech SMEs, system integrators and a university from Spain, Italy, France and Slovakia. The project has a duration of 24 months and a budget of approximately €1.5 million. More information can be found on the OPTIMISE project page.

Being part of the PADR programme, the project outcomes shall support the European Commission, EDA and Member States for the preparation of the Research Dimension of the European Defence Fund. The project is also related to the work conducted under the Capability Technology Groups of EDA (CapTech Guidance, Navigation and Control and the Ad Hoc Working Group Space).
About the PADR The OPTIMISE project is part of the Preparatory Action on Defence Research (PADR) launched by the European Commission in 2017 to assess and demonstrate the added-value of EU supported defence research and technology (R&T). It paved the way for a proper European Defence Programme to come as part of the European Defence Fund (EDF), under the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (2021-2027).
The PADR implementation is run by EDA following the mandate via a Delegation Agreement between the European Commission and EDA signed on 31 May 2017. By this agreement the Commission entrusts EDA with the management and implementation of the research projects launched within the PADR.