Defense Industry Daily

Puma HC1
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In 2006 Britain considered one of the most unusual public-private proposals ever seen. The question before the Ministry of Defense was how to replace Britain’s remaining H-3 Sea Kings, and its 34 AS330 Puma HC1 medium helicopters, all of which entered service during the 1960s and 1970s. Eventually, Britain formally abandoned its public-private partnership proposal in favor of an upgrade contract for its old AS330 Pumas, which narrowly survived cancellation.

Refurbishments and the Roadmap

Puma Mk.2
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Enhancements for the Puma Mk.2 include uprated Makila 1A1 turboshaft engines. They’re a slightly lower-performing option than the similar Makila 1A2, but still offer 35% more power and 25% better fuel efficiency than the Puma HC1’s Turbomeca Turmo 3-C4s. Other upgrades include a full glass (digital displays) cockpit incorporating a flight management system; a digital automatic flight control system; a secure communications suite, SELEX Galileo’s HIDAS defensive systems, and ballistic protection for crew and passengers.

The upgraded helicopters will combine greater onboard fuel capacity with lower fuel consumption, leaving the Mk2s able to carry twice the payload over 3 times the range of its AS330 predecessor, and operate in all environmental conditions.

As of June 2013, 8 upgraded Puma Mk.2s have been delivered to the RAF, and the helicopters are envisioned to serve until 2025.

HC1s: Wear & tear
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Meanwhile, there United Kingdom’s armed forces have been fighting a war or two. Between 2006 and 2013, complaints about the lack of battlefield helicopter support became acute, resulting in temporary fixes like buying 6 operational Danish EH101 helicopters, and paying the about GBP 176 million cost of refit plus future replacements.

The longer term roadmap was clarified by the UK’s December 2009 CH-47F purchase, which was released in conjunction with a wider plan that set force levels for all sizes of British battlefield helicopter support. About 60 heavy-lift Chinook helicopters, and 28 AW101 medium-heavy AW101 Merlin HC3s, comprise the high end. The 24 upgraded Puma Mk.2s will provide a medium lift option, above Britain’s planned 28 AW159 Wildcat Mk.1 battlefield utility helicopters.

Contracts & Key Events 2020

June 25/20: GECO The United Kingdom has renewed for a further five years its Graphical Electronic Cockpit Organizer (GECO) Mission Support System (GECO MSS) contract for the Royal Air Force (RAF’s) Puma Force. This contract extension with Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) will see RAF Benson’s 33 and 230 squadrons equipped with the system until 2025, with the Westland-Aerospatiale SA 330E Puma HC2 fleet using GECO MSS on all flying operations in the UK and internationally. GECO Air, as the system is known in its airborne configuration, is designed to complement an aircraft’s existing onboard avionics systems by bringing commercial off-the-shelf hardware technology to the cockpit.

2015

 

June 6/13: Deployment. The Royal Air Force saw the first deployment of new Puma Mk2 helicopters to Afghanistan, three weeks after achieving Initial Operating Capability.

2010 – 2013

Program avoids cancellation, but reduced from 30 – 24; 1st delivery; Training & Support contracts.

Puma Mk2 flies
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June 6/13: Support. Eurocopter receives a 3-year, EUR 60 million (about $78.5 million/ GBP 51.14 million) support award for the 24 Puma Mk.2s they’re contracted to upgrade.

At present, all 24 Pumas slated for the program have been inducted. Deliveries of qualified helicopters under the 2009 upgrade contract began in 2012, with 8 helicopters received as of June 2013. Formal fielding is set to begin this year. Eurocopter.

3-year Support deal

Sept 13/12: Delivery. Eurocopter hands over its first Puma Mk2, which will fly from Oxford into QinetiQ’s Boscombe Down facility for support trials. To date, Eurocopter has completed the initial upgrade process on 3 of 24 Puma helicopters, all of which are now involved in flight testing. Eurocopter.

Delivery

July 6/12: Eurocopter’s first internal qualification of the Puma Mk2 is achieved, concluding the first phase, with further enhancements to its mission capabilities planned over the coming months. Source.

June 12/12: Minister for the Armed Forces Nick Harvey enters the following statement into the UK House of Commons Hansard:

“The Defence Rotary Wing Capability Study… is now complete… the findings include no major changes to our previously announced plans… The study confirmed the following plans:

to move the MOD’s rotary wing capability to four core fleets, the [CH-47] Chinook, [AW159] Wildcat, [AW101] Merlin and [WAH-64D] Apache helicopters… to complete the Puma life extension programme, which extends the out of service date for Puma Mk2 to 2025; this offers resilience to the Department’s lift capability as it transitions to the four core fleets;”

Go-ahead

May 2012: Reduction. After an UK MoD review of overall helicopter requirements, but before the public announcement, a contract amendment drops the total number of refurbished helicopters from 30 to 24. The change was a reduction, not a conversion to options. If Britain wants more later, they will have the donor airframes for conversion if they choose to preserve them. Source: Eurocopter.

Down to 24

Jan 11/12: Canceled? Britain’s tabloid The Sun reports that The RAF’s fleet of Puma helicopters is about to be canceled, as a way to free up some money for other programs:

“…last night a military insider said: “The upgrade is officially ongoing, but the word is that actual work has ground to a halt. The loss of the Puma would be a huge blow. The decision will be made this month, but the signs aren’t good.” …An MoD source said: “There is a military proposal to spend money on other projects instead of the Puma, which is seen as a low priority as it’s not due to serve in Afghanistan.”

The UK MoD responds with a non-answer on the same day, but note the emphasis at the end:

“The Sun reports that the fleet of Puma helicopters, due to provide security for the Olympics, are to be cut amid defence savings. Each year we review our procurement plans to take account of changes over the previous 12 months… Final decisions have yet to be taken, but this annual process rightly considers the status of all our key programmes… Afghanistan remains the top priority…”

See Sept 29/09 entry, below – with 14 Pumas scheduled for delivery this year, and expected contractual penalties for cancellation, the question is how much money this move would actually save.

June 16/10: Training. CAE in Montreal, QB, Canada announces that the UK Ministry of Defence (UK MoD) has bought a major upgrade to their Puma helicopter simulator and training services. That package must be upgraded to remain faithful to the upgraded helicopters, reflecting different performance in flight thanks to the new engines, and mirroring the new cockpits and communications gear.

Work will proceed at CAE’s Medium Support Helicopter Aircrew Training Facility, housed at Royal Air Force Base Benson. The UK upgrades are presented as one of 2 projects highlighted, in reference to “recent military contracts valued at more than C$100 million” ($97.5 million). The other contract mentioned is a new full mission C-130H simulator, a product CAE has lots of experience with.

2007 – 2009

OK, public-private partnership was a bad idea; Assessment phase leads to contract for 28 + 2 upgrades; HIDAS ECM contract.

Puma HC1s
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Oct 13/09: ECM. As part of their modernization, Britain’s 28 upgrades Pumas will receive a defensive suite from Finmeccanica subsidiary SELEX Galileo. The upgrade will be based on the firm’s HIDAS system. Their Defensive Aids Suite controller (also known as Aircraft Gateway Processor) has been installed in the RAF’s CH-47 Chinooks, and equips AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters operated by the USA and allies, including Britain. A multi-function color display will warn crews of threats, increasing situational awareness, and will have the ability to record mission data for post-flight analysis. Shephard Rotorhub | HIDAS datasheet [PDF].

Sept 29/09: The UK Ministry of Defence announces GBP 300 million (currently $476 million) in contracts to upgrade 28 of the RAF’s Puma HC1 helicopters, with options for another 2, for up to 30/34 existing helicopters. Deliveries are due to start in 2011, and the first 14 aircraft are planned to be in service by the end of 2012. The overall contract will run until 2014.

EADS’ Eurocopter UK is the prime contractor for the Puma Life Extension Programme, and their release lists its total value to them as GBP 220 million. UK sub-contractors include:

• Chelton at Yatton near Bath
  
• QinetiQ at Boscombe Down, Wiltshire
  
• Rockwell Collins in South Wales
  
• Selex at Luton
  
• Smiths in Gloucester
  
• Thales UK at Raynes Park, London and Leicester
  
• Turbomeca

Around GBP 45 million will be spent on new Turbomeca Makila 1A1 engines, which power AS 332/532 Super Pumas. It’s a slightly lower-performing option than the similar Makila 1A2, but still offers 35% more power and 25% better fuel efficiency than the Puma fleet’s current Turbomeca Turmo 3-C4s. A GBP 220 million contract to Eurocopter will refurbish the fleet for at least 10 years’ further service, including new flight control equipment and modern cockpit and communications technology. The remaining GBP 35 million will be spent on other contracts in support of the upgrade.

Puma Life Extension contract

Nov 22/07: OK, bad idea. Britain formally withdraws the public-private partnership proposal for battlefield support helicopters [PDF]. This paragraph from the EDA bulletin board solicitation may offer some clarity re: likely foci for future Puma upgrades and support measures, however:

“The primary task is Battlefield Lift, with the contractor being expected to provide, install, modify and certify the aircraft with necessary role equipment, including a Defensive Aids System, Ballistic Protection and Military Communications before the operational ISD and then (at the end of the lease period) remove such modifications. The aircraft will also be expected to undertake medical evacuation and communication support duties overseas and in the UK. The aircraft will need to be capable of single pilot IFR operations including within civil controlled airspace, and be fully compatible with UK Night Vision Goggles. The aircraft will be operated by military crews in accordance with JSP550. Prior to the In-Service Date and during the life of the requirement the contractor shall be responsible for Aircrew Conversion to Type training, familiarisation training for surveillance operators and training of the Authority’s maintainers.”

PPP idea withdrawn

Sept 27/07: Program set up. Eurocopter and the UK MoD formally opened a Joint Project Office (JPO) to manage the Puma life extension program, located adjacent to MOD Abbey Wood in Bristol. The JPO is staffed by personnel from Eurocopter and the MoD’s Defence Equipment and Support organization. Subject to satisfactory completion and approval, will move on to manage the Development and Manufacture phase in 2008.

The JPO will also manage the Puma and Gazelle Through-Life Support (TLS) program. EADS release.

Program begins

Sept 12/07: Assessment phase. “Eurocopter leads Homeland Security Market in the United Kingdom and strongly supports the British Armed Forces” covers a number of related subjects:

“Under contract to the UK Ministry of Defence, Eurocopter is carrying out the assessment phase for the life extension programme for the RAF’s fleet of Puma Mk1 helicopters with the aim of enhancing the British Armed Forces’ much-needed medium-lift capability. It is managed by a Eurocopter/Ministry of Defence Joint Project Office, already in operation in Bristol since August 20, 2007. The programme will be based on comprehensive upgrades, including new Turbomeca Makila engines, glass cockpits, and new communications, navigation and defensive systems for up to 35 of the RAF’s Pumas.

The Assessment Phase, scheduled for a period of one year, will consider the detailed technical, operational and cost implications of the upgrade and will lead, upon successful completion, to a full development and manufacture contract for delivery of the main programme.

The new Pumas, which will be designated Puma HC Mk2, will consequently be capable of remaining in service until around 2022. Their performance and payload will be significantly enhanced, particularly in hot and high conditions. As the backbone of the RAF’s fleet of medium-lift helicopters, the Pumas will continue to play a vital role in operational theatres such as Iraq and Afghanistan.”

Additional Readings

• RAF – Puma HC1

Americas

General Atomics won a $26.9 million deal that procures two MQ-9A Reaper unmanned air systems (UAS); one dual control mobile ground control station; one modular data center; and one mobile ground control station for Group 5 UAS intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance services/persistent strike efforts. The MQ-9 Reaper is a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle used for surveillance and strike operations. The Reaper is a battle-proven development of the RQ-1 Predator, upgraded for longer endurance, a heavier payload, and the ability to launch heavier precision munitions in a benign aerial environment. The Marine Corps selected the Reaper in 2018 to fill an urgent needs request for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) in support of forward operations in Southwest Asia. Work will take place in Yuma, Arizona as well as various locations outside the continental US. Estimated completion will be by December 2020.

The Navy awarded Boeing a $12.5 million order, which procures non-recurring engineering in support of establishing a functional configuration baseline in support of the production and delivery of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Out (ADS-B Out) A-kits and B-kits for the T-45 Training System. The deal provides for the procurement of B-kits, to include air data computers and A-kits, which consist of associated wiring, splitters and filters and spares. This order also provides kit integration, follow-on analysis and engineering in support of issues that may arise during kit production and installation. The T-45A/C Goshawk is the US Navy’s two-seat advanced jet trainer. The aircraft is jointly manufactured by Boeing and BAE Systems. Work will take place in St. Louis, Missouri and Mesa, Arizona as well as various locations within the continental US. Estimated completion will be by January 2023.

Middle East & Africa

Israel’s Elbit Systems announced that it was awarded a contract valued at approximately $38 million from the Israeli Ministry of Defense to provide operation, maintenance and logistic services for the Textron T-6 trainer aircraft fleet of the Israeli Air Force. This contract award follows a decade during which Elbit Systems has provided the IAF with operation and maintenance services for the T-6 fleet, meeting the IAF’s standards of service, availability and flight safety. The contract will be executed over a five-year period, with an option for an additional five-year period.

Europe

Oshkosh Defense won a $10.6 million contract for field service representatives to provide maintenance to Joint Light Tactical Vehicles during an exercise being conducted by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense. A JLTV trailer can accommodate more than 5K pounds of payload, travel at a speed of up to 70 miles per hour and operate with older Army ground vehicles such as Humvees. The platform also features an anti-lock braking system. Work will take place in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Estimated completion date is January 31, 2023.

Asia-Pacific

South Korea will start operating its three RQ-4 unmanned air vehicles from as early as next month, Yonhap reports. “We are going to field Global Hawk for actual operations within the second half of this year. They will be put into service after the one remaining unit arrives here, which will take place soon,” an anonymous source was quoted as saying. South Korea was cleared to buy 4 RQ-4s in 2013. The first aircraft was delivered in December 2019. So far, it has been making local training flights.

The USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and USS Nimitz (CVN 68) carrier strike groups commenced dual carrier flight operations in the Philippine Sea on June 21. The ships and aircraft assigned to both strike groups began coordinated operations in international waters demonstrating the United States’ unique capability to operate multiple carrier strike groups in close proximity. While at sea, the strike groups will support air defense drills, sea surveillance, replenishments at sea, defensive air combat training, long-range strikes, coordinated maneuvers and other exercises. “This is a great opportunity for us to train together in a complex scenario,” said Rear Adm. Doug Verissimo, commander of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9. “By working together in this environment, we’re improving our tactical skills and readiness in the face of an increasingly pressurized region and COVID-19.”

Today’s Video

Watch: DEFENSE UPDATES WEEKLY NEWS ROUND-UP 21st JUNE – CHINA MAY HAVE LOST MORE TROOPS IN CLASH VS INDIA !

Americas

Northrop Grumman won an $18.7 million contract for active electronically scanned array radars of Air Force F-16 aircraft. The contract modification is for definitization of the Radio Frequency Target Generator, additional support equipment and software development to support Phase Two. The F-16 Fighting Falcon has been the mainstay of the Air Force aerial combat fleet. With over 1,000 F-16s in service, the platform has been adapted to complete a number of missions, including air-to-air fighting, ground attack and electronic warfare. Work will take place in Linthicum Heights, Maryland. Estimated completion will bet by April 2023.

General Electric won a $37.1 million contract for support of the T700 series engine program. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. The General Electric T700 and CT7 are a family of turboshaft and turboprop engines in the 1,500–3,000 shp (1,100–2,200 kW) class. The T700 turboshaft engines can be found on 15 different types of rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft, including the Sikorsky Black Hawk, the Boeing AH-64 Apache, as well as the Bell UH-1Y Huey. Work location and funding will be determined with each order. Estimated completion date is December 31, 2025.

Middle East & Africa

Despite its distance from Israel, Iran is the most dangerous country in the Middle East, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi said. “Iran has become the most dangerous country in the Middle East,” Kohavi says at a ceremony marking Strategy and Third-Circle Directorate, an entirely new position on the General Staff, which will focus principally on Israel’s fight against Iran. “It’s made significant progress with its nuclear program, but the nuclear [threat] is no longer the only threat. Iran also possesses conventional weapons,” Kochavi said, adding that while “it is located in the third circle, but is highly effective in influencing the first and second circle,” he said referring to financing terror groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria as well as Hamas and Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip.

Europe

The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense announced that the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) has been delivered from Norway. Lithuania signed a contract for two National Advanced Surface-to-Air System (NASAMS) air defense missile batteries on October 26, 2017. The $127 million contract includes training and a logistical maintenance package. Airmen from the Lithuanian Air Force started testing the NASAMS at the Kongsberg factory in Norway in October 2019.

Asia-Pacific

An executive from Korea Aerospace Industries’ (KAI) marketing department told reporters that the aerospace company is in talks with the Philippines on the purchase of KT-1 basic trainer. KAI had organized a promotional event held in Sacheon on June 17 whereby diplomats from the 16 countries attended. The focus of the event was to promote the KUH-1 helicopter.

Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) has recently tested its Wing Loong-1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) as a communications base station for use during disasters. The aircraft was installed with communication equipment for support mobile signals and flown up to an altitude of 16,000 ft. The signal coverage was over 50 square km, a domestic record for an airborne base station. AVIC says when paired with satellite communication (SATCOM) equipment, the platform is capable of providing space-air-ground emergency communication support during disasters for up to 35 hours.

Today’s Video

Watch: NEW ADVANCED BOMB ‘STORMBREAKER’ SUCCESSFULLY TESTED FROM F/A-18E/F SUPER HORNET !

T700 engine
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GE’s T700 family powers a number of helicopters, from Army UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache helicopters to the USAF’s HH-60 Pave Hawks, naval SH/MH-60 Seahawks, and even the US Marines’ H-1 Hueys and AH-1 Cobras.

In 2004, the US military placed a multi-year production contract to cover engines and spares for its H-60 family helicopters, covering up to 1,200 engines. That contract has now been extended to cover up to 4,900 T700-401C (Coast Guard HH-60J, Navy SH-60/MH-60 Seahawks), T700-701D (UH-60A/L/ early-build M), and T700-701E (new UH-60M) engines for the US Army and Navy through 2014. Each helicopter requires 2 engines…

Contracts and Key Events

MH-60S, giving a lift
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June 23/20: Support General Electric won a $37.1 million contract for support of the T700 series engine program. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. The General Electric T700 and CT7 are a family of turboshaft and turboprop engines in the 1,500–3,000 shp (1,100–2,200 kW) class. The T700 turboshaft engines can be found on 15 different types of rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft, including the Sikorsky Black Hawk, the Boeing AH-64 Apache, as well as the Bell UH-1Y Huey. Work location and funding will be determined with each order. Estimated completion date is December 31, 2025.

August 25/16: The US Army awarded a series of contracts as part of the preliminary design review for the replacement of General Electric’s T700 engine. General Electric and Advanced Turbine Engine were awarded $102 million and $154 million contracts respectively, with the winner getting to provide engines for a wide variety of military helicopters including the UH-60 Blackhawk and AH-64E Apache. The Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP) plans to deliver an engine early in the next decade that will replace the T700 with a new design that delivers more power and consumes less fuel, yet fits into the same space reserved for current engines.

September 29/15: The Army has launched its T700 engine replacement competition, with the program set to deliver 3,000 new helicopter engines after production begins in 2019. Two companies will be awarded development contracts for the new engine design, with GE Aviation and a Honeywell/Pratt & Whitney team appearing as the most likely candidates, although Turbomeca could also participate in the competition.

May 11/15: General Electric Aviation was awarded a $2 billion IDIQ contract Friday in part to fulfill a Foreign Military Sale to Taiwan for the company’s T700 engine, with the contract stretching to 2020. The T700 engine family powers a number of US-manufactured helicopters, including the UH-60 Black Hawk, which Taiwan purchased 60 of in 2010. GE Aviation is not unaccustomed to significant contracts, with the company awarded a major multi-year contract extension in 2009. Friday’s contract covers not only the Taiwanese FMS but also US defense and other government agency requirements.

April 14/09: GE announces the 5-year extension of its contract for H-60 family engines, which adds up to 3,700 more engines to the contract.

Under this arrangement, GE will provide new engines to upgrade existing helicopters, and also ship engines for Sikorsky’s manufacturing lines. These order covers T700 series engines for the US Army (UH-60), Navy (SH/MH-60), Coast Guard (HH-60), and foreign military sales (other mentioned, plus S-70). A portion of these engines will also serve as spares for aircraft currently operating in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Their release notes that 3 more orders have been received since September 2008 for a total of 211 more engines, to be delivered between 2009-2011. According to GE, this brings the total number of engines ordered under this contract to 1,704.

Price is not specified, but it’s a firm-fixed price contract, and 293 engines cost $96.2 million (about $328,000 each). As such, the cost if all 3,700 extra engines are awarded would be about $1.215 billion.

Sept 11/08: General Electric Aircraft Engines in Lynn, MA received a $96.2 million order for 293 engines, as part of a 5-year firm-fixed-price contract extension. Deliveries will take place in Q4 2008 and Q1 2009.

Work will be performed in Lynn, MA, with an estimated completion date of Dec 31/14. Since GE is the designated engine manufacturer for H-60 helicopters, one bid was solicited and one bid was received by the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile command (AMCOM) in Redstone Arsenal, AL (W58RGZ-04-D-0037).

Jan 15/04: General Electric Aircraft Engines in Lynn, MA received an $824 million firm-fixed-price, 5-year contract for T700 series helicopter engines to equip US Army, Coast Guard, Navy, and foreign sales H-60 family helicopters.

They also receive the first deliver order: $22.75 million for 74 T700-701C spare engines (incomplete without hydro mechanical control units and digital electronic control units) and 74 containers.

Work will be performed in Lynn, MA, and is expected to be complete by Dec 31/09. since the T700 family are the only engines certified for the H-60 helicopters, this was a sole source contract initiated on June 11/02 by the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command in Redstone Arsenal, AL (W58RGZ-04-D-0037).

Americas

Lockheed Martin won a $25.1 million contract modification to exercise an option for Aegis Combat System Engineering Agent (CSEA) efforts for the design, development, integration, test and delivery of Advanced Capability Build 20. The Aegis CSEA is responsible for combat system engineering services, including the design, development and life cycle support, for all AEGIS-equipped ships. The deal also includes a replacement or upgrade of combat system computing hardware and associated middleware/firmware. The design development and develops engineering products support ship integration, developmental test and operational test events, develops training and logistics products and provides field technical support for designated Aegis baselines.  The systems engineering, development and integration work under this contract begins with ACB 16 and TI 16, and continues with a future ACB/TI through the period of performance of the contract. Work will take place in Moorestown, New Jersey. Work is expected to be complete by December 2020.

The Pentagon’s strategy for defense in space treats the environment as a warfighting domain, a Defense Department report says. The Defense Space Strategy calls for maintenance of space superiority, support to national, joint and combined operations on earth,and assurance of space stability, the Pentagon said this week. The report identified what officials call four priority lines of effort: building a comprehensive military advantage in space; integration of power in space into the military; shaping the strategic environment; and cooperation with allies, partners, and other US government departments and agencies.

Middle East & Africa

Raytheon won a $29.2 million contract for procurement of Jordan’s Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System. According to the company, the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) is the Fire Support Command and Control (C2) system employed by the US Army and US Marine Corps units to provide automated support for planning, coordinating, controlling and executing fires and effects. AFATDS prioritizes targets received from various sensors and performs attack analysis using situational data combined with commander’s guidance. Work will take place in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with an estimated completion date of October 31, 2024.

BAE Systems won an $18.8 million contract modification for the fiscal 2017-2020 production of the MK 38 MOD 3 machine gun system (MGS) and associated spares. The production of the MGS is derived from the application of an ordnance alteration to the MK 38 MOD 1 25mm MGS. Once installed, this version will incorporate two-axis stabilizations, an improved electro-optical sight system, improved multi-function display, a modified main control panel, a new main computing unit, a 7.62mm machine gun and remote control operation. The Mk 38 MGS is a low cost, stabilized self-defense weapon system that dramatically improves ships’ self-defense capabilities in all weather conditions, day or night. Installed aboard 14 different classes of US Navy ships and US Coast Guard cutters, it is used extensively by the US military as well as by NATO forces. Work will take place in Haifa, Israel and Louisville, Kentucky. Estimated completion date will be by November 2021.

Europe

The German Bundestag approved funding to develop, build, and integrate a new active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar system for the Luftwaffe’s Eurofighter combat aircraft fleet. The approval by the Bundestag’s Budget Committee will see national sensor-house Hensoldt lead the effort to equip the Luftwaffe’s 79 Tranche 2 and 31 Tranche 3A Eurofighters with an updated AESA (also known as electronically scanned [E-Scan]) radar system. The Eurofighter consortium that comprises Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK is already developing an AESA/E-Scan radar through the Euroradar consortium. This effort, led by Leonardo UK, builds on the aircraft’s existing Captor mechanically scanned (M-Scan) radar, and is known as Captor E-Scan and/or Captor AESA (CAESAR).

Asia-Pacific

A foreign submarine, believed to be from China, was discovered near Amami Oshima Island, Japan on June 18. This prompted Japan to dispatch JS Kaga, a helicopter destroyer carrying anti-submarine warfare helicopters and P-1 aircraft to the area to monitor the underwater vessel. The submarine was observed west of Yokoate Island on June 20 and it passed through a narrow strip of waters between Tokara island chain and Amami Oshima.

Today’s Video

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Americas

Lockheed Martin won a $16 million contract modification, which procures support to manage diminishing manufacturing sources in support of the F-35 Program for the Air Force, Navy and non-Department of Defense (DOD) participants. The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is an American family of single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multirole combat aircraft. In a recent statement from Lockheed, the defense and aerospace company announced plans to whittle back the number of jets produced this year, as well as a temporary restructuring of their workforce. The company said that it will likely miss its production targets this year due to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. Originally, Lockheed Martin had planned to produce 141 of the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter across the year. Work under the current modification will take place in Fort Worth, Texas. Estimated completion will be by June 2021.

The US State Department approved a possible FMS to Canada of 50 Sidewinder AIM-9X Block II tactical missiles and related equipment for $862.3 million. The deal also includes 50 AIM-9X Block II Captive Air Training Missiles, 10 Special Air Training Missiles, 10 Tactical Guidance Units, 10 Sidewinder AIM-9X Block II CATM Guidance Units; 38 APG-79(V)4 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar units; 38 APG-79(V)4 AESA Radar A1 kits; 20 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) C, AGM-154C; 46 F/A-18A Wide Band RADOMEs. Until the Royal Canadian Air Force makes a decision on its next-generation fighter aircraft, it will have to rely on its ageing fleet of classic Boeing F/A-18A Hornets; a type known in Canada as the CF-18. To keep those fighters relevant for air-to-air combat, Ottawa had requested to buy 50 examples of the Raytheon AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missile. Canada is hosting the Future Fighter Capability Project to pick an advanced type to replace its CF-18 Hornets. The country wants to buy 88 fighters. Boeing is offering the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Lockheed Martin the F-35, and Saab the Gripen E.

Middle East & Africa

Urban Aeronautics inked a VTOL Fuel Cell Deal with HyPoint. Under the agreement, next-generation hydrogen fuel cells are to be integrated into the Israeli company’s vertical takeoff and landing systems. Urban Aeronautics, which is pioneering the next generation of eVTOL aircraft for commercial air taxi and air rescue roles, and HyPoint, a leader in next generation, high power hydrogen fuel cell systems, will explore the development of an advanced version of Urban Aeronautics’ CityHawk eVTOL powered by HyPoint’s cutting-edge, hydrogen fuel cell stack technology. As currently designed, CityHawk relies on hybrid propulsion. CityHawk is a six-seat eVTOL, with a uniquely compact footprint and no external wings or rotors. Its small footprint/high payload configuration is optimized for urban transportation and emergency response.

Europe

The DoS approved a Foreign Military Sale of up to 16 armed patrol boats to the Ukrainian military at an estimated cost of $600 million. The Government of Ukraine had requested to buy up to 16 Mark VI Patrol Boats; 32 MSI Seahawk A2 gun systems; 20 Electro-Optics-Infrared Radar (FLIR) (16 installed and 4 spares); 16 Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) 5km loudspeaker systems; 16 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems; 40 MK44 cannons; communication equipment; support equipment; spare and repair parts; tools and test equipment; technical data and publications; personnel training and training equipment; US government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics support.

Russia is phasing out its Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) which has Ukrainian parts and will replace them with ones made by Electroautomatics Experimental Design Bureau. Electroautomatics First Deputy CEO Anatoly Shukalov says fighters from Sukhoi had their HMDs already swapped out and the MiGs will get new HMDs next year. He added that only the algorithms need to be develop to integrate with the aircraft’s fire control system.

Asia-Pacific

KAI Vice President and General Manager Lee Bong-keun told reporters on June 17 that his company is stepping up efforts to sell the KUH-1 helicopter to Indonesia. He was speaking at a promotional event held in Sacheon whereby diplomats from the 16 countries attended. The focus of the event was to promote the KUH-1. The first secretary of the Indonesian Embassy in Korea told reporters Jakarta will evaluate KAI’s proposal. Bangladeshi ambassador to Korea says his country is considering to buy the KT-1.

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Americas

Austal USA won a $43.4 million contract modification to exercise options for Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) class design services and Integrated Data and Product Model Environment (IDPME) support. Austal USA will provide class design services, including but not limited to, technical analyses, non-recurring engineering, configuration management, software maintenance, production assessments, diminishing manufacturing sources analysis, root cause analysis and sea frame reliability analysis. Austal USA will also maintain an IDPME that provides the Navy access to enterprise data management, visualization, program management applications, network management and control. The LCS is a family of surface ships for the US Navy. The LCS is a fast, highly maneuverable, networked surface combat ship, which is a specialized variant of the family of US future surface combat ships known as DD(X). Work will take place in Mobile, Alabama and Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Estimated completion will be by June 2021.

Viasat won a maximum $8.9 million deal for AV-8B spare parts. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 US Code 2304 (c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This is a three-month contract with no option periods. Using military service is Navy. The Harrier II Plus (AV-8B), manufactured by BAE Systems and Boeing, is a VSTOL fighter and attack aircraft operational with the US Marine Corps, the Spanish Navy and the Italian Navy. The Harrier II Plus extends the capabilities of the Harrier with the introduction of a multi-mode radar and beyond-visual-range missile capability. Location of performance is California, with a September 30, 2020, performance completion date.

Middle East & Africa

The US Air Force awarded a $524 million contract to a joint venture between Bahadir Construction Engineering Contracting and Trading Company & Impresa Costruzioni Giuseppe Maltauro to begin constructing an operational fighter wing for the F-15QA beddown at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, in 2022. The 650 acre complex will support 3 squadrons of 48 F-15QAs. It will have approximately 35 buildings to include training, simulators, maintenance, supply, administrative facilities, and a mosque.

Europe

According to Reuters, the naval air arm of the German Navy will look for a replacement of its P-3C. The service has decided against upgrading the aircraft in favor of buying a new platform, a confidential ministry document reviewed by Reuters showed. It has become expensive to maintain the Orion. The alternatives being evaluated are the C295, RAS 72 and P-8A.

The Czech Republic government is offering to let Slovakia participate in the L-39NG program for the long-term if the latter opts to buy eight trainers. Slovakia’s Jaroslav Nad welcomed the proposal, saying the offer will be seriously considered. As part of the deal, Slovak instructors would train at the state-owned Czech tactical training centre LOM, in Prague, to which Aero Vodochody will supply an initial four L-39NGs, subject to final government approval. Further pilot training will take place in Slovakia.

Asia-Pacific

North Korea announced, it would deploy troops to the Kaesong Industrial Zone and Mt. Kumgang tourist area. These locations were once the sites of joint economic ventures with South Korea, as Pyongyang continued to ratchet up tensions a day after it demolished an inter-Korean liaison office. Reportedly, the North will also reinstall guard posts that had been removed from the Demilitarized Zone and conduct military drills in border areas,

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Lockheed Martin won a $7.3 million deal for Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) Operational Realtime Combat Analysis (ORCA) Increment Two. The deal provides for enhancements to the software package known as the JASSM ORCA Increment Two. The JASSM is an autonomous, long-range missile developed and produced by Lockheed Martin. This conventional, air-to-ground and precision standoff missile was designed primarily for the US Air Force (USAF). The 2,000lb class weapon offers high capability and precision in destroying stationary as well as relocatable targets. Work will take place in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Expected completion date will be by June 14, 2021.

Honeywell International won a $27.3 million deal for aircraft generator auxiliary power units in support of the Blackhawk helicopter platform. This was a limited acquisition as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1 (a)(2). The Blackhawk, developed by Sikorsky, has been operational in the US Army since 1978. The helicopter is qualified as a launch platform for the laser-guided Hellfire anti-armor missile. The Black Hawk can carry 16 Hellfire missiles using the external stores support system (ESSS). The ESSS has the capability of carrying a 10,000lb payload of missiles, rockets, cannons and electronic countermeasures pods. The helicopter can also accommodate additional missiles, supplies or personnel inside the cabin. Work will take place in Arizona. Estimated completion date is June 15.

Middle East & Africa

South Korea will be dispatching its KC-330 for its first overseas mission this month when one aircraft will be used to rotate the 707th Special Mission Group contingent in United Arab Emirates. The 707th Special Mission Group is an elite counter-terrorism unit of the Republic of Korea Army Special Warfare Command. Since 2011, the 707th Special Mission Group has maintained a 170-strong Akh unit in the UAE to help train local troops. This upcoming deployment is to bring the 17th batch there. South Korea bought 4 A330s Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) in 2015 and induct the first into service in January 2019.

The Israeli Ministry of Defense and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) recently produced the country’s first 3D-printed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The joint program by the MoD’s Flight Technologies Department, part of the Directorate for Defense Research and Development, and IAI has seen the production of the SkysPrinter UAV and a successful test flight in December 2019. The UAV is electrically powered. It was made from 26 parts printed using metal, nylon, carbon, and complex materials. These were assembled together with glue and fasteners without the need for specialized tools. SkysPrinter’s body is 1.65 m-long, has a wingspan of 1.5 m, and a take-off weight of 7 kg, according to the Ministry of Defense.

Europe

The Belarus Ministry of Defense has inducted two Rosa-RB active phased array radars into service. The unit is able to function even if the enemy active and passive jamming. Military experts from the defense Ministry of Belarus explained that precision missiles are considered a serious striking force among the armies of the world. These shells capable of hitting a target, avoiding obstacles created by the natural terrain. Developer “Rosa-RB-M” made “KB Radar”.

Asia-Pacific

Japan abruptly suspended plans to deploy its US-developed Aegis Ashore missile defense system on Monday, citing technical issues and mounting costs. “In view of the cost and time for the deployment, we will halt the process,” Defense Minister Taro Kono said to reporters. The system uses the Lockheed Martin Aegis Weapon System and the Raytheon Standard Missile for tracking and defending against incoming threats. Japan intended to deploy it to counter threats from North Korean missiles, but increasing problems raised the $2.15 billion estimated cost to over $4 billion, including purchase cost and an expected 30-year use.

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The US Navy awarded BAE Systems a contract to produce multiple types of Vertical Launching System (VLS) canisters for $955 million. “The new five-year VLS contract has a total lifetime maximum value of $955 million. The initial contract was awarded in February with $24 million funded, followed by contract modifications of $99 million and $43 million received in March and May respectively. Options on the contract include additional canister types for future Navy production requirements,” the company said in a statement. VLS canisters serve in a multifaceted role as containers for missile shipping and storage as well as launch tubes when loaded into the VLS. They also provide identification and firing support to multiple missile types, including the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile, Standard Missile-2, Standard Missile-3, Standard Missile-6, and the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile. Under this latest contract, BAE Systems will produce canisters not only for the US fleet but also for allied nations under a Foreign Military Sales program.

Last month, the 576th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron applied the popular “ghost” paint scheme to another F-16C assigned to the 64th Aggressor Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base. Joining #84-1220, which was the first jet to get the new scheme, is #86-0299. This jet is a newer Block 32D aircraft. Whereas a typical F-16 paint job would take 12 days, this ghost scheme took 12 people working over 18 days on three different shifts to apply blue, black, two different grays and red paint to the aircraft.

Middle East & Africa

A leaked video confirmed that personnel from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are operating Russian-made Pantsir-S1 air defense systems in Libya, according to Operation Burkan al-Ghadab, the co-ordinating body for forces fighting for the internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) against the rival Libyan National Army (LNA). The Free Libya channel broadcast the short video, which appears to show an Emirati officer, instructing forces from the self-styled Libyan National Army, led by renegade commander Khalifa Haftar , to bomb a GNA target. The recording also shows the Emirati officer inside the Russian-made Pantsir S1 air defense system in eastern Libya.

Europe

A plan to remove one-third of US soldiers currently stationed in Germany was confirmed by the outgoing US ambassador to Germany. “American taxpayers no longer feel like paying too much for the defense of other countries,” said Ambassador Richard Grenell in an interview. He added that plans include US troop reductions in Japan and South Korea. Earlier this month Grenell formally resigned as ambassador to join Trump’s 2020 reelection campaign. There are more than 34,000 U.S. military personnel stationed in Germany, including 20,000 from the Army and 13,000 from the Air Force, a Pentagon deployment report indicated.

Saab has together with the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) and Swedish Armed Forces have conducted the first tests with the Saab Lightweight Torpedo (SLWT) from a corvette and a submarine. The tests are the first of its kind for the new torpedo and were undertaken during February and March 2020 at sea ranges outside Karlskrona, on Sweden’s east coast in the Baltic Sea. The tests were conducted from a Gotland-class submarine and from a Visby-class corvette. The purpose of the firings was to verify that the torpedo can be safely launched from the vessels, which also included verification of the integration on the vessels as well as SLWT’s target seeker.

Asia-Pacific

Japan has finished the deployment of the PAC-3 MSE interceptors at four of its bases between March and June this year. This was disclosed by General Yoshinari Marumo, Chief of the Air Staff of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, during a press briefing on June 12. The four locations are: JGSDF Camp Narashino; JASDF Hamamatsu Base; JASDF Ashiya Base and JASDF Tsuiki base. The deployment of the new missile interceptors were supposed to coincide with the Tokyo Olympics, previously scheduled to be held this year.

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Watch: Indian Defence Updates : 7 Rafale By July End,Kaveri Engine By Kalyani,DSRV Complex,21 MH-60 Starts

Americas

Scientific Systems won a $9.6 million order, which provides for continuing improvement of the software development processes to enhance cybersecurity and software safety for the Image Based Navigation for Vertical Take-off and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Shipboard Landing program in support of the MQ-8 Fire Scout Unmanned Air Vehicle. This is a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III for research and development performed under the SBIR topic numbers N112-127, N03-025 and AF06-149. The MQ-8 Fire Scout Vertical Takeoff and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle system is comprised of ground control stations, up to three MQ-8B Fire Scout air vehicles, and associated control handling and support equipment. The VTUAV system is designed to operate from air-capable ships with initial deployment on the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and will provide a significant improvement to organic surveillance capability. Work will take place in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Estimated completion date is June 2023.

Harper Construction won a $65.2 million contract for the design and construction of a high-bay maintenance hangar for the Bell Boeing V-22 aircraft at Naval Base Coronado. The contract also contains one unexercised option and two planned modifications, which will increase the cumulative contract value to $66,148,955, if exercised. The work to be performed provides for the design and construction of a steel-framed and high-bay maintenance hangar for aircraft, to include one and a half modules of hangar space and associated airfield pavement for aircraft ingress and egress to hangars. The new facility will contain high-bay space, shops and maintenance space, operation, training, administrative space and supporting site infrastructure improvements. The project also includes construction of a hangar access apron. The option, if exercised, provides for reconstruction of the existing north parking lot. The planned modifications, if issued, provide for furniture, fixtures and audiovisual equipment. The V-22 Osprey is a joint-service, medium-lift, multimission tilt-rotor aircraft developed by Boeing and Bell Helicopters. Boeing is responsible for the fuselage, landing gear, avionics, electrical and hydraulic systems, performance and flying qualities. Bell Helicopter Textron is responsible for the wing and nacelle, propulsion, rotor, empennage (complete tail system), ramp, overwing fairing and the dynamics. Work will take place in San Diego, California. Expected completion date will be in January, 2023.

Middle East & Africa

Eight Israeli F-16s were damaged in a flood this January, while five were quickly brought back to service, repairs to 3 aircraft took longer. On June 12, the Israeli Air Force declared that all three aircraft are now serviceable. The commander of AMU (Aerial Maintenance Unit), tasked with repairing the jets, said Lockheed Martin could not provide instructions on how to repair those planes. His men had to come up with the repair procedures based on the unit’s comprehensive knowledge and experience.

Europe

The French Navy on Friday announced the test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile on Friday by the last submarine in its fleet to receive a missile upgrade. Reportedly, the missile crossed the Atlantic Ocean, striking an area at sea nearly 400 miles east of Puerto Rico. The launch, from the submarine Le Temeraire in Audierne Bay, off the coast of Brittany near western France, was conducted in relative secrecy. Congratulations later were announced by French Defense Secretary Florence Parly and French Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Christophe Prazuck. The sub is one of four in the French Navy with the “SSBN” classification, indicating the capability of firing nuclear ballistic missiles underwater.

Asia-Pacific

Lockheed Martin won a $183.8 million contract modification, which incorporates additional operation, security and technical services in support of the F-35 Lightning II program for the Republic of Korea. Seoul inked a $6.4 billion deal for 40 F-35A jets in 2014, of which it has received eight until now. According to reports, the country is planning to add 20 more F-35 jets to its fleet of fighter planes. Work will take place in Fort Worth, Texas. Expected completion will be by January 2021.

Lockheed Martin won a $375.5 million contract modification, which provides non-recurring efforts to design and develop unique hardware and software for the Multi-Role Helicopter MH-60R development program for the government of India. The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is a four-blade, twin-engine, medium-lift utility helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft. The MH-60R Seahawk is the Royal Australian Navy’s next generation submarine hunter and anti-surface warfare helicopter. In May, Sikorsky has finalized a $905 million deal to build two dozen MH-60R maritime utility helicopters for India, the largest defense contract that parent company Lockheed Martin has signed with the country. Work will take place in Owego, New York and Stratford, Connecticut. Expected completion date will be by June 2025.

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BAE Systems won a $58.7 million contract, which provides for the manufacture, test and delivery of 239 Mode 5 capable RT-1763C/D AN/APX-111(V) combined interrogator transponders and 397 spare shop replaceable assemblies for the F/A-18 Super Hornet series and Boeing EA-18G Growler warfare aircraft for the Navy and the government of Canada. The US Navy F/A-18 E and F Super Hornet maritime strike attack aircraft, manufactured by Boeing, flew for the first time on November 29 1995. The Super Hornet is about 25% larger than its predecessor, the F/A-18C/D, but contains 42% fewer structural parts. EA-18G Growler is an airborne electronic attack aircraft, which operates from either an aircraft carrier or from land-bases. The Growler was developed as a replacement for the United States Navy EA-6B Prowler aircraft that entered service in 1971 and is approaching the end of operational life. Work will take place in New York and Texas. Estimated completion date will be by December 2025.

The 400th V-22 Osprey was delivered to the Department of Defense, manufacturer Bell Textron Inc. announced on Wednesday. The newest tiltrotor VTOL, or vertical takeoff and landing, CV-22 variant for Special Operations Forces was received by the US Air Force at Hurlbut Field, Florida., home of the 1st Special Operations Group, on June 2. The first V-22 Osprey flight occurred in 1989. The Army, Marines, Navy and the Japan Self-Defense Forces use the aircraft, and Israel, India, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates are considering purchase.

Middle East & Africa

Lockheed Martin won a $1 billion contract modification for incidental services, hardware, facilities, equipment, and all technical, planning, management, manufacturing, and testing efforts to produce Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target Advanced Capability-3 missiles. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. The modification includes foreign military sales to Bahrain, Germany, Poland, Qatar, Romania, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates. Lockheed received a $6 billion deal in late April to deliver PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement interceptors and related equipment across fiscal years 2021, 2022 and 2023. Work will take place in Alabama, Arkansas, Massachusetts, Texas. Estimated completion date is October 31, 2024.

Europe

General Dynamics Mission Systems won a $104.2 million deal for fiscal 2020-2023 Columbia (US01) and Dreadnought ballistic missile submarine class development, production and installation requirement. The Columbia Class program is meant to design and build 12 new ballistic missile submarines to replace the Navy’s current force of 14 aging Ohio Class boats. Dreadnought Class nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarines are being constructed by BAE Systems at its Barrow-in-Furness shipyard in Cumbria, UK, for the UK Royal Navy.The Dreadnought class will replace the Vanguard class submarines from 2028 onwards and will host the United Kingdom’s nuclear deterrent. Work will take place in Massachusetts, the UK, Rhode Island and Connecticut. Work is expected to be complete by November 2024.

Six Italian Air Force F-35 fighter aircraft have landed at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, for a six-week NATO deployment. “Air Policing is a very important duty for the Alliance. In that regard, even in these difficult times, Italy is deploying F-35 fighters to Iceland to fulfil its task,” said Colonel Michele Cesario, Commander of the Italian F-35 detachment in Iceland after the arrival of the fighter aircraft at Keflavik Air Base. This is the second time after the spring of 2019, that Italy has deployed its fifth generation fighter aircraft to the Allied mission providing interceptor capabilities to safeguard Icelandic airspace.

Asia-Pacific

Taiwan has flown the T-5 Yung Yin or Brave Eagle advanced jet trainer and light fighter aircraft that it has indigenously developed to equip the Republic of China Air Force (RoCAF). The milestone saw the supersonic twin-seat Taiwan Aerospace Industrial Development Corp (AIDC) aircraft depart Ching Chuan Kang Air Base and fly for approximately 20 minutes. The first flight came about nine months after the new aircraft was rolled out in September 2019. At that time, it was referred to as Blue Magpie rather than Brave Eagle.

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General Dynamics won a $17.7 million contract modification for the US Ship Harry S Truman (CVN-75) fiscal 2020 extended continuous incremental availability. The USS Harry S. Truman is the eighth Nimitz Class aircraft carrier of the US Navy. The Truman will be returning home mid-month after remaining at sea the past few months to protect the crew from COVID-19 following a deployment to the Middle East. In early April, the Navy decided to keep the Truman Carrier Strike Group at sea in the Atlantic for the “sustainment phase” where the group would remain safe from COVID-19 and in a high readiness state in case they were called upon to quickly deploy again. An extended continuous incremental availability (ECIA) includes the planning and execution of depot-level maintenance, alterations and modifications that will update and improve the ship’s military and technical capabilities. The fiscal 2020 U.S. Ship Harry S. Truman ECIA is comprised of 117 total work items. The nuclear aircraft carrier’s (CVN) private sector maintenance addresses the maintenance, repair and modernization efforts for CVN 68 Class home, ported-in and visiting the Hampton Roads, Virginia, area, as well as for selected non-nuclear propulsion plant repairs while coordinating with the Naval Supervising Activity, Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), to properly integrate their efforts with nuclear propulsion plant work conducted by NNSY. Work will take place in Portsmouth, Virginia. Estimated completion will be by January 2021.

On Twitter, Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Michael Gilday, announced that he has directed staff to begin preparing an order that would prohibit the Confederate battle flag from all public spaces and work areas aboard Navy installations, ships, aircraft and submarines. Also on Tuesday, Army leadership expressed an openness to renaming posts named in honor of the Confederacy. “The order is meant to ensure unit cohesion, preserve good order and discipline, and uphold the Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment,” Gilday wrote. The Navy told Politico that the service is “open” to renaming the service’s 10 bases and facilities that are named after Confederate leaders. Installation and symbols like statues of Confederate leaders have come under renewed national scrutiny in the last five years and again in the two weeks since the death of George Floyd.

Middle East & Africa

Turkey agreed in principle with Russia to procure a second batch of S-400 air defense systems, local news reports. This will include a road map for achieving joint production and technology transfer to Turkey. The deployment of the first batch of S-400 air defense systems was delayed due to the global pandemic and was not complete by April 2020 as previously planned. Despite this setback, Turkey assured that eventually the systems will be deployed and used in spite of the US threats of sanctions against the country.

Europe

The United Kingdom deployed operational Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning Strike Fighters aboard the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier for the first time. Four aircraft from the Royal Air Force’s 617 Squadron, known as ‘the Dambusters’, arrived on HMS Queen Elizabeth on June 9 following the earlier embarkation of support personnel from the unit. As noted by Commander Air on board Queen Elizabeth, Commander Ed Phillips, the arrival of the first operational jets marks a major milestone in the standing-up of the UK’s carrier strike capability ahead of the ship’s first operational deployment in 2021. According to the RN, Queen Elizabeth will now enter an intense period of flying having just successfully completed four weeks of basic sea training. The aim is to demonstrate that the F-35Bs can successfully defend the aircraft carrier by delivering combat air patrols and being ready to launch at short notice.

Asia-Pacific

Lockheed Martin won a $70.2 million contract to support Aegis development for the Navy, as well as the governments of Japan, South Korea and Norway. The deal funds Aegis weapon system upgrades to the USS Ticonderoga and USS Arleigh Burke as well as Aegis ballistic missile defense and foreign military sales requirements. It also supports continued technical engineering, configuration management, associated equipment/supplies, quality assurance, information assurance and other operations and maintenance efforts required for the Aegis development and test sites. The Aegis combat system is capable of simultaneous operations against multi-mission threats: anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare. It was first installed on the USS Ticonderoga, which was commissioned in 1983, and is still used on Ticonderoga and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. Work will take place in Moorestown, New Jersey. Expected completion date is in June 2021.

An An-124 cargo plane has delivered an Anasis 2 communications satellite on June 8 to Cape Canaveral. The military communications satellite will be launched into space aboard a Falcon 9 rocket next month. The satellite was previously designated as KMilSatCom 1 and is owned by the South Korean government. Seoul bought the satellite as part of the offset arrangements for its purchase of F-35As. Lockheed Martin subcontracted the manufacture of the satellite to Airbus. Anasis 2 is based on the Eurostar E3000 spacecraft platform.

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Americas

Bath Iron Works won a $42.7 million contract modification to exercise options for the accomplishment of lead yard class services for the DDG 51 Class destroyer program. DDG 51 Arleigh Burke destroyers are warships that provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities. Destroyers can operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, amphibious ready groups, and underway replenishment groups. This option exercise is for lead yard services (LYS) for the DDG 51 Class destroyer program. LYS provides necessary engineering, technical, material procurement and production support; configuration; class flight and baseline upgrades and new technology support; data and logistics management; lessons learned analysis; acceptance trials; post-delivery test and trials; post shakedown availability support; reliability and maintainability; system safety program support; material and fleet turnover support; shipyard engineering team; turnkey; crew indoctrination, design tool/design standardization, detail design development, and other technical and engineering analyses for the purpose of supporting DDG 51 Class ship construction and test and trials. In addition, DDG 51 Class LYS may provide design, engineering, procurement and manufacturing/production services to support design feasibility studies and analyses that modify DDG 51 Class destroyers for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programs sponsored by the Department of the Navy and the Department of Defense. Work will take place in Maine and other locations. estimated completion date is in June 2021.

A fault in the launch system kept planes from launching from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford during a five-day test, the Navy said. The Ford was at sea for testing of communications and data systems, as well as flight operations, over the weekend, but was unable to launch planes for five days. A fault in the power-handling system connecting the ship’s turbines to its EMALS — Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System — was discovered on June 2 and not rectified until June 7, allowing flyoffs by the Carrier Air Wing. The cause of the fault remains under investigation.

Middle East & Africa

Iran has continued to increase its stockpiles of enriched uranium and remains in violation of its deal with world powers, the United Nations’ atomic watchdog said Friday. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported the finding in a confidential document distributed to member countries and seen by The Associated Press. Accordingly, Iran’s total stockpile of low-enriched uranium amounted to 1,571.6 kilograms (1.73 tons), up from 1,020.9 kilograms (1.1 tons) on February 19. Iran signed the nuclear deal in 2015 with the United States, Germany, France, Britain, China and Russia. Known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA, it allows Iran only to keep a stockpile of 202.8 kilograms. The IAEA reported that Iran has also been continuing to enrich uranium to a purity of 4.5 percent, higher than the 3.67 percent allowed under the JCPOA. It is also above the pact’s limitations on heavy water.

Europe

Georgia’s Defense Minister Irakli Garibashvili says his country is capable of producing and selling the Su-25 attack jet. “We have absolutely all the resources, technical, intellectual or human, to be able to restore, produce, and sell the Su-25,” Garibashvili said in an interview on Palitranews tv channel. The majority of Su-25 in service were produced by Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing in Georgia before the end of the Soviet Union.

Asia-Pacific

Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems won a $37.5 million contract modification for additional Aegis combat system engineering, computer program maintenance, in-country support, staging support and implementation studies in support of current and future Foreign Military Sales Aegis shipbuilding programs in support of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Republic of Korea Navy, Spanish Armada, Royal Australian Navy and Royal Norwegian Navy, with scope available to support other potential FMS customers. This modification will provide for additional Aegis combat system engineering, computer program maintenance, in-country support, staging support and implementation studies in support of current and future shipbuilding programs for Japan, Korea, Spain, Australia, Norway and other potential FMS customers. The Aegis FMS programs that will be supported include the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kongo and Atago Class ships, Republic of Korea Navy KDX III Class ships, Spanish Armada F-100 and F-110 program, Royal Norwegian Navy F310 Class ships and Royal Australian Navy Hunter and Hobart Class ships. Work will take place in New Jersey, Japan, South Korea, Norway and Australia. Expected completion will be by September 2020.

An engine issue that emerged last year on the Kawaski T-4 jet trainer has yet to be fully rectified, leaving the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) with insufficient numbers of training aircraft. This has forced the Blue Impulse aerobatic team to fly only 4-ship formations as the other serviceable aircraft had to be made available for training of pilots. The root cause was a baffle on the Ishikawajima-Harima F3-IHI-30 turbofan engine, which needs to be replaced. A T-4 from Misawa was forced to shutdown an engine in-flight last year after severe vibrations occurred. Investigators determined that the baffle needs to be switched out but the process of replacing 200 engines in service takes a long time.

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Americas

Northrop Grumman Systems won a ceiling $11.4 million contract modification for left-hand and right-hand wing tips for the T-38 weapon system. The T-38 Talon is a twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer used in a variety of roles because of its design, economy of operations, ease of maintenance, high performance and exceptional safety record. Work will take place in Stockton, California. Expected completion is in July 2027.

The strike group led by aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman will return to Norfolk, Virginia after several months at sea, the Navy announced on Friday. The vessel left Norfolk, its home port, in November for deployment to the Middle East. Several ships in its strike force, which includes the Ticonderoga Class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy and the Arleigh Burke Class guided missile destroyers USS Lassen, USS Forrest Sherman and USS Farragut, have been at sea longer through multiple extensions of their deployment. In April, the strike group was kept at sea in the Atlantic Ocean for a “sustainment phase” in which crew members could remain safe from the pandemic but in a high readiness state. Sustainment phases are generally conducted pierside.

Middle East & Africa

The Air Force announced that it has deployed troops from the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings, flying F-35A aircraft, into combat to support the United States in the Middle East. The 421st Fighter Squadron departed Utah’s Hill Air Force Base on May 20 for Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates to support Central Command in the region, the Air Force said. This marks the third deployment for the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings in about 12 months.

Europe

For the first time American B-1B Bombers conducted a joint training with Norwegian and Swedish fighter jets in Swedish airspace. Norway said that the exercise is “one of the largest of its kind, and several allied and partners trained along with the US B-1B”. The Norwegian military says such joint flight missions are of high priority. “Today we have conducted complex flight operations with advanced systems, both on the ground and in the air,” says Lieutenant Colonel Ståle Nymoen. He is the commander of the 332 squadron which operates the F-35s from Ørland airbase. Norway, as one of NATO’s founding members, points to the United States as the most important ally for defending Norway in case of a crisis or conflict.

Asia-Pacific

The Navy destroyer USS Russell completed a transit of the Taiwan Strait, the waterway between China and Taiwan, on Thursday and Friday, officials said. The Arleigh Burke Class guided missile destroyer made the voyage days after China’s newest aircraft carrier, Shangdong, left the area and sailed northward for sea trials in the Yellow Sea. “The ship’s transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The US Navy will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows,” Cmdr. Reann Mommsen, US 7th Fleet spokesperson told USNI.

A delivery contract for 1,500 tons of steel plate, for prototypes of the Australian Navy’s Hunter Class frigates was signed, BAE Systems announced. BlueScope Steel AIS will supply the steel to ASC Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of BAE Systems Australia, to construct five ship blocks in the prototyping phase of the program. The blocks will then test processes, systems, tools, and facilities before the start of construction, in 2022, of the first of nine planned frigates.

According to media reports, South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has approved the development of a new close in weapon system for the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy. The CIWS-II program will defend ROK Navy surface vessels against anti-ship missiles and fast attack craft. The Close-in Weapon System (CIWS)-II is set to be developed between 2021 and 2030 for $289 million. It will reportedly feature a 30 mm Gatling-type gun and a new active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.

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Americas

Austal won a $7.7 million contract for the accomplishment of post shakedown availability (PSA) for the littoral combat ship (LCS) US Ship Oakland (LCS-24). Work includes correcting government-responsible trial card deficiencies, new work identified between custody transfer and the time of PSA and incorporating the approved engineering changes that were not incorporated during the construction period (which are not otherwise the building yard’s responsibility under the ship construction contract). The LCS is a set of two classes of relatively small surface vessels designed for operations near shore by the US Navy. LCS-24 is the 12th Independence-variant littoral combat ship. Last month, the ship successfully completed acceptance trials in the Gulf of Mexico. Work will take place in San Diego, California. Estimated completion date will be by December 2021.

General Electric won a $180.6 million firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract, which procures commercial depot level services for the repair and overhaul of T700-GE-401/401C turbo shaft engines, cold section modules and power turbine modules for the Navy H-60 Seahawk helicopter as well as the Marine Corps H-1 Cobra and Bell UH-1 Huey aircraft. The General Electric T700-GE-401 was the first engine qualified under the rigorous US Navy salt ingestion tests, where it proved its suitability for naval operation. The Sea Hawk is a twin-engine helicopter. It is used for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, drug interdiction, anti-ship warfare, cargo lift, and special operations. The H-1 Cobra is a two-blade rotor, single-engine. Th Huey is a utility military helicopter. Work will take place in Wingsfield, Kansas. Expected completion will be by June 2025.

Middle East & Africa

France says it has killed the leader of al-Qaeda in North Africa, Abdelmalek Droukdel, in an operation in Mali. Defense Minister Florence Parly said Droukdel along with members of his inner circle had been killed in the north of the country on Wednesday. French forces had also captured a senior Islamic State group commander in Mali in an operation in May, she said. As head of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Droukdel was in charge of all affiliates in North Africa and also commanded al-Qaeda’s Sahel affiliate, Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM).

Europe

According to media outlets quoting an anonymous senior defense official report that Trump has ordered the Pentagon to withdraw 9,500 of the 34,500 troops permanently assigned to Germany as part of a longstanding arrangement between the two countries. Defense officials said they had no immediate comment on the subject and referred questions to the White House National Security Council, which did not respond to queries. The reduction plan, pushed by US Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell, has been closely held within the White House. Grenell has also served for the past several months as acting director of national intelligence, following Trump’s firing of his predecessor, acting director Joseph Maguire, over concerns about Maguire’s staff’s loyalty.

Asia-Pacific

A Indonesian Army Mi-17V5 helicopter has crashed on June 6 in Kendal district. The helicopter is assigned to the Army Aviation Education Center and was on a training flight. Four out of the nine people on board were killed. “The helicopter was flying very low and getting lower until it crashed with a very loud sound,” said Eka, a witness quoted by Kompas TV. “Two passengers escaped before it crashed and after that there were three or four explosions.”

A former Air India 777-300ER airliner that is slated to be the VVIP transport for the Indian government has arrived at Fort Worth. The aircraft was photographed in its new official livery. The plane will be used to ferry the President and the Prime Minister of the country. It will arrive in India and will be put out on the field this year. The Indian Air Force has made several visits to the Boeing facility where they frequently contributed with the progress and development of the aircraft.

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Americas

Sikorsky won a $7.7 million order, which procures support to update existing CH-53K system/subsystem specifications produced by the original equipment manufacturer. The Sikorsky CH-53K Super Stallion heavy-lift helicopter is being developed by Sikorsky Aircraft to replace the CH-53E helicopter of the US Marine Corps. The Super Stallion can be fielded from amphibious assault ships for the transportation of personnel and equipment. It will also be used to carry external cargo loads. The aircraft can be operated from austere and remote forward operating bases. Work will take place in Stratford, Connecticut. Estimated completion will be by October 2022.

Boeing announced that it delivered the first Super Hornet test aircraft for the US Navy’s Blue Angel flight demonstration squadron. The jet is now at NAS Patuxent River. Boeing says the jet comes with an oil tank for the smoke-generation system, fuel systems that enable the aircraft to fly inverted for extended periods of time, civilian-compatible navigation equipment, cameras and adjustments for the aircraft’s center of gravity. The Blue Angels, whose demonstrations this year have been limited to salutes to COVID-19 workers in US cities, have flown F/A-18 Hornets, referred to as Legacy Hornets, for the past 34 years. Super Hornets are about 20 percent larger, faster and more advanced variants of the planes they replace.

Middle East & Africa

GeoSpectrum Technologies, a subsidiary of Israel’s Elbit Systems, announced on June 2 that it was selected to deliver its Long-Range Acoustic Messaging (LRAM) system to a Western customer, marking the company’s latest sale of the long-range underwater communication technology. Nova Scotia, Canada-based GeoSpectrum recently delivered LRAM equipment to the Canadian government. The LRAM system is designed to send acoustically encoded tactical messages from a user-controlled station to a submerged asset such as a submarine. Two-way communication can also be provided.

Europe

Lockheed Martin won an $18.7 million contract for the procurement of maintenance and sustainment operations support for the Norway Italy Reprogramming Laboratory systems and consumables in support of the Joint Strike Fighter aircraft for the governments of Norway and Italy. The F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter (JSF), is being developed by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company for the US Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps and the UK Royal Navy. The stealthy, supersonic multirole fighter was designated the F-35 Lightning II in July 2006. The JSF is being built in three variants: a conventional take-off and landing aircraft (CTOL) for the US Air Force; a carrier variant (CV) for the US Navy; and a short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft for the US Marine Corps and the Royal Navy. Work will take place at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Expected completion will be by December 2022.

The third of nine british P-8 Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft has been named after the highest scoring pilot in Coastal Command in the Second World War. Poseidon MRA1 tail number ZP803 is currently being completed in the USA and sports the name ‘Terence Bulloch DSO

• DFC* RAF’ in recognition of the pilot who made the greatest number of attacks against submarines in the Battle of the Atlantic. In April this year, the RAF has formally declared Initial Operating Capability for its brand-new P-8 Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

Asia-Pacific

The Philippine president has suspended his decision to terminate a key defense pact with the United States, at least temporarily avoiding a major blow to one of America’s oldest alliances in Asia. Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said Tuesday he dispatched a diplomatic note to the US ambassador in Manila informing the US government that the Philippines is delaying its decision to abrogate the Visiting Forces Agreement by at least six months.

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Americas

Northrop Grumman won a $79.1 million contract modification, which increases the ceiling for the research and development of AH-1Z and UH-1Y system configuration set mission computers in support of the Marine Corps. Efforts include researching alternatives, investigating and documenting new capabilities and anomalies related to avionics and weapons, designing, developing, integrating, verifying, validating and testing upgrades to existing mission computer software and ancillary hardware and/or improved functionality and obsolescence management of the mission computer. This modification also includes the logistics requirements to support the system. The Northrop Grumman mission computers are the heart of the company’s integrated avionics system that powers the glass cockpit avionics of the UH-1Y and AH-1Z helicopters. The mission computer has a ruggedized 6U VME PowerPC-based single board computer. Interfaces include Fast Ethernet, four serial ports, parallel I/O, and built-in-test. FlightPro has a standard partitioned real-time operating system called INTEGRITY-178 tuMP for multicore architectures from Green Hills Software in Santa Barbara, Calif., with ARINC 653 and POSIX support. Work will take place in California, Utah and Maryland. Estimated completion will be by April 2021.

Northrop Grumman is contracted a $7.8 million modification to provide equitable adjustments for engineering change proposals for Increment One Block One (I1B1) Systems low rate initial production in support of the Expeditionary Warfare Program Office. It provide for an equitable adjustment for already completed engineering work for Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Devises Electronic Warfare (CREW) systems that provide combat troops protection against Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Devices (RCIEDs). CREW systems are designed to provide protection for foot soldiers, vehicles and permanent structures. The Joint CREW (JCREW) I1B1 system is the first generation system that develops a common open architecture across all three capabilities and provides protection for worldwide military operations. The modification is issued to ensure JCREW systems are viable for future production and maintain operational readiness for the field. Work will take place in San Diego, California.

Middle East & Africa

IAI (Israel Aerospace Industries) successfully completed an operational dual firing trial with the Long-Range Artillery (LORA) Weapon System. The trial was held in the open sea to demonstrate LORA’s capabilities to an IAI customer. “The complex trial included two scenarios to test and demonstrate LORA’s advanced capabilities. The first scenario involved a short-range launch to 90 km and the second to a long range of 400 km,” the company said in a statement. Both targets were accurately hit, it added. Developed by IAI’s MALAM division, the LORA is a surface-to-surface missile that IAI says “provides ballistic assault capabilities for multiple ranges with a precision level of 10 m circular error probable”. The missile can be fitted with a penetration or fragmentation warhead, usually one that weighs more than 200 kg, and uses GPS/inertial navigation system (INS) guidance.

Europe

Italian defense firm Leonardo announced that a flight test campaign dedicated to the configuration chosen by Kuwait is proceeding at pace. According to the company, Leonardo ISPA 6 (Instrumented Series Production Aircraft) is the most advanced Eurofighter Typhoon test aircraft with E-SCAN radar and it recently joined the other Typhoon test aircraft after the successful completion of an important lay-up in November last year. ISPA6 has completed the overall P3Eb Flight Test campaign, which represents a significant step forward to allow the delivery of the Eurofighter to the Kuwait Air Force. ISPA 6 is one of the three EF Typhoon test aircraft equipped with the Electronic Scan Radar made by the EuroRadar Consortium, led by Leonardo UK in Edinburgh, and it’s currently allocated to the EF/NETMA P3Eb (Eurofighter Consortium/NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency – Phase 3 Enhancements Package b) development programme to perform E-SCAN Entry Into Service flight tests and provide final clearance to the Kuwait customer.

Asia-Pacific

Taiwan’s new Brave Eagle advanced jet trainer has been spotted making taxi tests at Ching Chuan Kang Air Force Base in Taichung. The jet is expected to fly for the first time this month. Manufactured by AIDC, the AT-5 is scheduled to undergo flight testing at about the time of the Dragon Boat Festival, said a Ministry of National Defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. AIDC plans to deliver 66 AT-5s to the air force by 2026 to replace the AT-3s, which the air force plans to retire.

According to China’s Defense Ministry, the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s only entirely home-built aircraft carrier is performing sea trials to test weapons and equipment as well as enhance training of the crew. Exercises were being conducted as planned, apparently unaffected by the country’s coronavirus outbreak. The Shandong’s commissioning last year by Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored the country’s rise as a regional naval power at a time of tensions with the US and others over trade, Taiwan and the South China Sea. It is the second Chinese aircraft carrier to enter service after the Liaoning, which was originally purchased as a hull from Ukraine and entirely refurbished.

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Americas

Northrop Grumman won a $27.6 million contract modification, which provides recurring production and non-recurring engineering in support of the incorporation of beyond line of sight, tactical targeting network technology, navigation warfare and electronic support measures cable modifications into full rate production Lots 7-11 of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. The E-2 Hawkeye is an american all-weather, carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning aircraft. The next-generation E-2D Advanced Hawkeye has a new radar system, theatre missile defense capabilities, multi-sensor integration and a Northrop Grumman Navigation Systems tactical glass cockpit. Work will take place in Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Colorado, California, New York, Maryland, Arizona and various locations within the continental US. Expected completion will be by September 2026.

Lockheed Martin won a $26.8 million contract modification that supports non-recurring engineering efforts to develop and certify a retrofit solution to support the structural requirements for full-up destruction and suppression of enemy air defenses capabilities for Lot 14 and Lot 15 F-35A Lightning II combat aircraft for the Air Force and non-Department of Defense participants. The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is an American family of single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multirole combat aircraft. The F-35 Lightning II is a strike fighter aircraft being procured in different versions for the United States Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy. Current DOD plans call for acquiring a total of 2,456 F-35s. Allies are expected to purchase hundreds of additional F-35s, and eight nations are cost-sharing partners in the program with the United States. Work will take place in Texas and California. Expected completion by August 2022.

Middle East & Africa

Vectrus Systems is contracted $27.2 million or base operations support (BOS) services at Isa Air Base, Bahrain, and its outlying support sites including the Patriot Battery Site, Riffa, Bahrain. The maximum dollar value, including the base period and seven option periods, is $210,090,820. The BOS services to be performed include general information, management and administration, fire and emergency services, safety, supply, housing (bachelor/unaccompanied housing), force protection, galley, facilities investment, custodial, pest control, integrated solid waste management, grounds maintenance and landscaping, utility management, electrical, wastewater, water, transportation and environmental. Work will take place in Riffa, Bahrain. Estimated completion will be by August 2028.

Europe

Rolls-Royce is to supply complete MTU propulsion systems for five new Type 31 general-purpose frigates for the Royal British Navy. The order comprises of 40 engines and generator sets to be used for main propulsion and on-board power generation, the MTU Callosum propulsion control and monitoring system, and Integrated Logistics Support. In September 2021, Rolls-Royce will deliver the first shipset comprising four main propulsion engines and four generator sets to prime contractor Babcock International Group. Integrated Logistics Support for propulsion and onboard power systems will ensure efficient and cost-effective maintenance throughout their entire service life. It is expected that the MTU Callosum propulsion control and monitoring system will be officially added to the supply contract very shortly.

Asia-Pacific

Lockheed Martin won a $37.8 million order, which provides for retrofits from the Generation III, V and VI Mission Computer configuration to the Generation 3i and 5i MC configuration on the MH-60R/S Seahawk helicopter (186 for the Navy, seven for the government of Australia, five for the government of Denmark, and two for the government of Saudi Arabia). MH-60R Seahawk is a multi-mission helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft. The rotorcraft replaces the SH-60B and SH-60F helicopters in the US Navy’s fleet and combines the capabilities of these aircraft. The MH-60R is also referred to as ‘Romeo’. The helo is equipped for a range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search-and-rescue, naval gunfire support, surveillance, communications relay, logistics support and personnel transfer, and vertical replenishment. Work will take place in New York and Florida. Estimated completion date is in May, 2023.

JoongAng Ilbo has found out that the recent equipment upgrades at the THAAD site in Seongju, South Korea was to allow its AN/TPY-2 radar to guide PAC-3 interceptors launched remotely. The South Korean government had said the upgrading exercise was merely to replace old THAAD missiles with new ones. With the upgrade, 100 Patriot launchers in South Korea can be directed by the THAAD’s radar. It was reported a few days ago that the United States Forces Korea have shipped a new batch of THAAD interceptors to the site at Seongju on May 28. These missiles are of the same type as existing ones which require replacement as the internal components are expiring soon. The operation took nearly one day and ended on Friday. Usually, parts were flown in but this time, the equipment were too heavy to be airlifted. The THAAD site in South Korea has six launchers with eight interceptors each.

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Americas

Digiflight won an $18.2 million contract modification for programmatic support services for the Apache attack helicopter project office. Digiflight Incorporated provides information technology services. The Company offers material solution analysis, production and deployment, technology development, updating legacy technology, engineering, operations, cyber security, and support services. The firm serves government and commercial sectors in the States of Maryland and Alabama. The Apache attack helicopter was developed by Boeing for the US armed forces. It entered service with the US Army in 1984 and has been exported to Egypt, Greece, Israel, the Netherlands, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and the UK. Work will take place in Columbia, Maryland. Estimated completion date is November 30, 2021.

The US Northern Command announced an Atlantic Ocean exercise involving four other combatant commands and led by the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. The unprecedented, large-scale exercise involves homeland defense operations and the involvement of the US Northern Command, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, the US Transportation Command, the US Strategic Command and the US Space Command. With Canadian fighter planes also participating, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, is also involved. The exercise, which started Friday, is the first time that four US combatant commands have worked together in a military exercise.

Middle East & Africa

General Dynamics Land Systems won a $7.7 million contract modification to provide logistics support and training services to the Iraqi Army. Fiscal 2010 Iraq train and equip (Army) funds in the full amount were obligated at the time of the award. The US Army Contracting Command is the contracting activity. Work will take place in Taji, Iraq, with an estimated completion date of December 31, 2020.

Europe

The Russian Armed Forces received their first Koalitsiya-SV 152 mm self-propelled howitzer, TASS reported. The report added that the vehicle’s trials are expected to be concluded in 2022, a significant revision of the original timelines various Russian sources reported when the vehicle first emerged in 2015. Russia’s Central Military District reported on the Ministry of Defense website that it had received eight 2S35s, which would be distributed among the Russian Ground Forces. The vehicles are fitted with the 6S21 remote-controlled turret carrying a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun.

Asia-Pacific

Northrop Grumman won a $12.6 million contract modification for initial aircraft spares to assist in sustainment purposes of the Global Hawk in the Republic of Korea. The RQ-4 Global Hawk is a high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft system with an integrated sensor suite that provides intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, capability worldwide. Global Hawk’s mission is to provide a broad spectrum of ISR collection capability to support joint combatant forces in worldwide peacetime, contingency and wartime operations. The South Korean Air Force had receives its second Global Hawk high-altitude unmanned reconnaissance drone in April. Work will take place in San Diego, California. Estimated completion date is May 30, 2022.

Officials from Japan’s Ibaraki Prefecture are recommending to the governor that the civilian side of Hyakuri Air Base, Ibaraki Airport, be nicknamed as Tokyo Ibaraki International Airport. The committee argued that adding Tokyo to the airport’s name will help boost its awareness overseas. The governor is expected to make a decision this month, so far, the name has been used in overseas marketing material.

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Americas

Sikorsky won a $17.9 million contract modification, which provides logistics, program management, training, configuration management and sustaining engineering support for the H-53K system demonstration and test article aircraft. This modification includes pre-initial operational test and evaluation scheduled and unscheduled maintenance and software updates as well as product support packages, repair of repairable analysis and identification and interim supply support provisioning. Additionally, various pieces of peculiar support equipment and common support equipment may be identified and procured under this modification. The Sikorsky CH-53 Super Stallion heavy-lift helicopter first flew in 1974 and entered service with the US Marine Corps in 1981. A total of 172 Super Stallions have been delivered and 165 are in service with marine corps squadrons in the Pacific Fleet and in the Atlantic Fleet.

Thomas Instrument won a $25.3 million contract for remanufacture of B-1B left/right-hand hydraulic heat exchanger. The B-1 Lancer is a supersonic variable-sweep wing, heavy bomber used by the United States Air Force. It is also called the “Bone” (from “B-One”). It is one of three strategic bomber in the USAF as of 2020, the other two being the B-2 Spirit and the B-52 Stratofortress. Work will take place in Brookshire, Texas. Expected completion date is September 21, 2025.

Middle East & Africa

Kellogg Brown and Root Services won a $9.9 million modification for the exercise of bridge Option Two under an IDIQ contract for base operations support services at Isa Air Base, Kingdom of Bahrain. Work provides for but is not limited to all management, supervision, tools, materials, supplies, labor and transportation services necessary to perform galley services, bachelor quarters and laundry services, facility management, emergency service requests, urgent service, routing service, facilities investment, custodial, pest control service, integrated solid waste, grounds maintenance, wastewater, operate reverse osmosis water treatment system and base support vehicles, environmental, fire emergency services and explosive safety officer services. Work will take place at Isa Air Base, Kingdom of Bahrain. Estimated completion date will be by August, 2020.

The US State Department has approved a possible $1.4 billion sale of Patriot air and missile defense system components and upgrades to Kuwait, the Pentagon said on Thursday after notifying Congress of the certification. The three packages, announced on the website of the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, include $425 million for sustainment and technical assistance, $200 million for a repair and return program, and $800 million for 84 Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC-3) missile segment enhancements. Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies are the main contractors for the radars, launchers and interceptors that comprise the Patriot system. The notification process alerts Congress that a sale to a foreign country has been approved, but it does not indicate that a contract has been signed or negotiations have concluded.

Europe

The Russian government has renegotiated its contract with Aviastar for the production of the Il-76MD-90A cargo jet, Kommersant reports. The newspaper said the new contract till run from 2021 to 2027 for 14 aircraft to be deliver at two per year. The original contract was signed in 2012 for 39 aircraft. So far, only six have been delivered and seven more planes will be delivered under the old agreement. The article said the plant was making a loss of $14.5 million per manufactured aircraft. The first contract was negotiated under specifications set by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, however, the planes were later required to be built under Ministry of Defense’s requirements.

Asia-Pacific

United States Forces Korea has shipped a new batch of THAAD interceptors to the site at Seongju on May 28. These missiles are of the same type as existing ones which require replacement as the internal components are expiring soon. The operation took nearly one day and ended on Friday. Usually, parts were flown in but this time, the equipment were too heavy to be airlifted. The THAAD site in South Korea has six launchers with eight interceptors each.

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