Defense`s Feeds

Americas

The F-15EX variant of the F-15 series of US Air Force fighter planes, was renamed the Eagle II in a ceremony on Wednesday at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Lt. Gen. Duke Richardson announced the official designation in a rollout of the plane, which will replace the aging F-15C/D fleet. The US Air Force accepted its first F-15EX from manufacturer Boeing on March 11.

The US Air Force (USAF)/Lockheed Martin AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) conventional hypersonic glide weapon prototype failed its first booster vehicle flight test on April 5, according to a statement. The ARRW failed to complete its launch sequence and did not deploy from its Boeing B-52H Stratofortress heavy bomber carriage aircraft. The B-52H flew over the Point Mugu Sea Range near California, intending to fire the ARRW booster test vehicle. Instead, the weapon returned with the B-52H to Edwards Air Force Base (AFB), California.

Middle East & Africa

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) announced the arrival of its new Oron intelligence-gathering aircraft after it landed at Nevatim Air Base. The Oron is a Gulfstream G550 business jet that will have its mission systems installed over the next two years, the IAF said. This process will be led by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), the IAF, the Intelligence Directorate, and the Israeli Navy.

Europe

Four Greek pilots have started their training on flying the Rafale. Three of them flew the Mirage 2000 previously while the other one flies the F-16. The four of them will later become instructors to help train the next batch of eight pilots.

The Cyprus National Guard carried out a joint training exercise with Israel on April 5 to April 6. Exercise ONISILOS GEDEON 2021 involves the Tor M1 air defense missile system and Israeli F-15s and F-35s.

Asia-Pacific

According to Reuters, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported a new incursion by China’s air force into the island’s air defense identification zone, made up of eight fighter jets and two other aircraft, one of which flew through the strategic Bashi Channel. Taiwan has complained over the last few months of repeated missions by China’s air force near the island, concentrated in the southwestern part its air defense zone near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands.

Today’s Video

Watch: Shocking! Massive revamp Type 23 Frigate and back to sea with full power

Americas

Universal Propulsion Company won a $10.9 million contract for the manufacture of up to 5,000 cartridge initiators and thrusters used in V-22 and CV-22 aircraft. This contract includes a five-year base period with no options. 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. Work will take place in California. Estimated completion will be by March 2026.

The XQ-58A flew its sixth flight on March 26 and this time the drone opened its weapons bay door in-flight for the first time. A ALTIUS-600 small drone was then released from the weapons bay. Alyson Turri, demonstration program manager, added that the XQ-58A flew higher and faster during this flight.

Middle East & Africa

The UK has confirmed it is to establish a joint operating unit with Qatar for the BAE Systems Hawk advanced jet trainer (AJT) aircraft as part of a wider military co-operation agreement signed by the two countries on April 1. The unit, which will be based at Royal Air Force (RAF) Leeming in England, will operate the Mk 167 (T2 in RAF nomenclature) variant of the Hawk recently acquired by the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) in support of its Eurofighter Typhoon procurement. The updated defense agreement will also see the RAF deploy a Voyager aircraft to Qatar to periodically provide air-to-air refuelling training for the Qatari Emiri Air Force.

Europe

BAE Systems won a $21 million contract from the UK Ministry of Defense. The contract is to support the Common Missile Warning System (CMWS) over the next four-and-a-half years. “The UK Ministry of Defence has been a key partner on CMWS for decades,” said Christopher Austin, BAE Systems’ director of Threat Detection Solutions. According to the company, the system alerts crews to incoming threats and commands automated countermeasure dispensing, ensuring survivability of the aircraft and its crews.

The Pentagon said that it’s aware of Russian military activity in the Arctic and that it is committed to protecting US interests in the region. “Without getting into specific intelligence assessments, obviously we’re monitoring it very closely,” John F. Kirby, the Department of Defense press secretary, said during a press conference. “Obviously, no one wants to see the Arctic as a region become militarized.” One day prior, CNN had reported on satellite images by space technology company Maxar that document Russia’s build-up of military equipment and the testing of weapons, including that of a Poseidon 2M39 torpedo, in the Arctic.

Asia-Pacific

The runway reconstruction project at Hsinchu air base, Taiwan is progressing ahead of schedule and the Mirage 2000 jets can return to their home base after May. The air force says the project is now 83.9 percent completed and 7.67 percent ahead of schedule.

Today’s Video

Watch: America’s New Stealthy Drone Fighter Is Back: XQ-58 Valkyrie Makes a 2nd Test Flight

Americas

Raytheon won a $79.4 million deal for Small Diameter Bomb Increment II (SDB II) lot integration and test. This contract effort will deliver all-up round (AUR) test vehicles, perform AUR-level assembly, checkout, testing and systems integration testing; and prepare for production cut-in and fielding for the multiple engineering changes needed, including National Security Agency (NSA) cryptographic modernization, Global Positioning System (GPS) military code, mitigation of part obsolescence, and design changes evolving from production and/or operations. SDB II’s capabilities include the ability for the weapon to be employed in three primary attack modes, each with a subset mode, for a total of six engagement modes. A dual band, two-way weapon data link for in-flight target updates and status reporting allows post-launch control of the weapon by the launching aircraft, a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC), or a third party. Work will take place in Arizona. Estimated completion is April 1, 2023.

Argent Technologies won a $8 million deal for engineering, technical, administrative and programmatic management support for total life cycle management of the various aircrew escape systems managed under the Joint Program Office for Cartridge Actuated Device/Propellant Actuated Device tri-service charter. Work will take place in Texas and is expected to be finished by September 2025.

Middle East & Africa

The eighth edition of Cybertech Global, an international cyber event that that until now had only been held in Tel Aviv, will take place this week in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The event on April 5-7, which begins this morning and ends on Wednesday, will be held under the sponsorship of the local government, and be attended by senior officials from the highest level. Delegations from more than 50 countries will participate in the event, as will hundreds of Israelis. Thousands of visitors are expected to come to Cybertech Global Dubai, which will include a conference and exhibition of the global cyber industry that will be the largest of its kind ever held in the Gulf region. Among the participants will be the Director of the Israel National Cyber Directorate, Yigal Unna, and his Emirati counterpart, Dr. Mohamad al-Kuwaiti. The Acting Director of the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Brandon Wales, will also participate.

Europe

The UK’s New Medium Helicopter Programme will see four of the medium-sized helicopters currently in service across the armed forces replaced by one new helicopter. It is understood that the helicopters will be operated jointly by the Army and RAF under Joint Helicopter Command. Work on the programme is at an early stage with effort primarily focused on developing and refining key user requirements.

Asia-Pacific

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) had a press conference last week and the company revealed that it hopes to export two T-50TH advanced jet trainers to Thailand this year. President and CEO Ahn Hyun-ho made the revelation. Thailand had declared last year that it will not buy two more T-50TH jets to increase its fleet to 14 aircraft. He added that an export of three Surion helicopters to Indonesia was scuttled after Jakarta slashed its military budget due to COVID-19.

Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has concluded an agreement with Mitsui E&S Holdings to take over the latter’s ‘naval and governmental ships business’, which includes the development and construction of autonomous underwater and autonomous surface vehicles (AUVs and ASVs). The deal, which was announced on March 29, is the result of formal negotiations between the two companies that began in June 2020. Both firms said they want to complete the transfer by October after getting approval from regulators.

Today’s Video

Watch: MQ-9 Reaper: The Most Feared U.S. Air Force Drone in Action

Americas

The US Navy will establish its second CMV-22B unit and the first squadron for the East Coast, at NAS North Island this fall. The squadron will eventually relocate Naval Station Norfolk in 2023. So far, 18 C-2A pilots have completed their transition to the CMV-22B. The goal is to have 115 C-2A pilots eventually.

A new effort at synchronizing US Air Force maintenance and fighter squadrons is paying dividends, according to the branch’s Air Combat Command. The Combat Oriented Maintenance Organization, attempted first at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., in 2020, reduces the maintenance organizational structure, among other benefits, it said in a press release.

Middle East & Africa

The 9th Air Expeditionary Task Force-Levant was formally inactivated in a ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, the US Air Force announced on Friday. The ceremony on Thursday ended the involvement of the task force in the air campaign against Islamic State forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, with NATO and other allied partners.

Europe

The UK-led Typhoon proposal being prepared for Finland’s HX contest pledges to add the nation to the Eurofighter industry consortium, while offering in-country final assembly, engine production and sovereign control over mission data, Jane’s reports. Speaking during a 31 March media briefing outlining the campaign’s key points, UK minister for defence procurement Jeremy Quin said the four-nation Eurofighter group discussed Helsinki’s potential inclusion during a meeting earlier in the month.

Asia-Pacific

Japan has decided to bed down its F-35Bs at Nyutabaru Air Base in Miyazaki Prefecture, Yomiuri reports. The jets will train at a Field Carrier Landing Practice facility that Japan is building for the US military at Mageshima island. Just south of Nyutabaru Air Base.

India’s Economic Times reports that a team from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) will be visiting Bengaluru within the next two months to evaluate the Tejas fighter. According to inside sourced, the Indian LCA has emerged as a top contender for the Malaysian Air Force since it is being offered at cheaper rates than the Swedish Saab Gripen and is more modern and capable than the China-Pakistan origin JF 17.

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Watch: British Babcock New Frigate Warship for Hellenic Navy

Americas

Northrop Grumman Systems won a $195 million contract modification to a previously awarded fixed-price incentive (firm-target) contract (N0001918C1037). This modification exercises options to provide support services to include non-recurring engineering, software support activity and product support in support of E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (AHE) Lot 9 full rate production (FRP) aircraft. In addition, this modification adds scope to procure one E-2D AHE CV-22B variation in quantity aircraft Lot 10 FRP aircraft. The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (AHE) is the newest variant of the E-2 aircraft platform. It features a state-of-the-art radar with a two-generation leap in capability and upgraded aircraft systems that will improve supportability and increase readiness. Work will take place in Florida, New York, California, Indiana, Illinois, France, and Massachusetts. Estimated completion date is in February 2026.

General Electric Aviation won a $21.6 million deal, which provides for 10 T-64 engine cores for the CH-53E aircraft as part of the T-64 Engine Reliability Improvement Program. The T64 is a turboshaft engine with a maximum power of 3,229 kW (T64-100) for applications on medium-size transport helicopters, such as the Sikorsky CH-53. Work will take place in Massachusetts, Vermont, North Carolina, Kentucky and Ohio. Estimated completion will be in December 2022.

Middle East & Africa

The USS Dwight. D Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is participating in Operation Inherent Resolve with new airstrikes, the Navy said on Wednesday. Missiles were launched by Carrier Air Wing 3 against Islamic State positions in Iraq and Syria from the strike group’s position in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, the Navy statement said. The air launches came after IS took responsibility for an attack this week at Palma, Mozambique. “Our Strike Group is ready and capable of providing direct, long-range combat operational air support from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea,” Rear Adm. Scott F. Robertson, commander of Carrier Strike Group 2, said in a statement.

Europe

A Dutch frigate will join the UK Carrier Strike Group for its initial deployment in May, the British Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday. Led by the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, the strike group will travel from the North Atlantic Ocean, to the Mediterranean Sea and through the Suez Canal to the Indian Ocean and then the Indo-Pacific region.

Asia-Pacific

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) says the defense project promotion committee has approved the purchase of around 36 attack helicopters. The budget allocated is $2.81 billion and the deal will be concluded by 2028.

Boeing won a $1.6 billion modification that provides for the production and delivery of 11 P-8A Lot 12 production aircraft; nine for the Navy and two for the government of Australia. The P-8 has two variants: The P-8I, flown by the Indian Navy, and the P-8A Poseidon, flown by the U.S. Navy, the Royal Australian Air Force and the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force. The RAAF has acquired the Boeing aircraft through the Foreign Military Sales process and will receive a variant designed and produced for the U.S. Navy called the P-8A Poseidon. Work will take place in Washington and California. Estimated completion date is in September 2024.

Today’s Video

Watch: CH-53E Super Stallions Load and Relocate Tactical Vehicles & Equipment

Americas

During a virtual Navy League event, Rear Adm. Gregory Harris, who heads the Air Warfare Division, said the service is unlikely to adopt the small aircraft carrier concept. “I believe the L Class ships operating with the F-35B fit that bill,” Harris was quoted as saying. L-class ships include the Wasp- and America-class amphibious assault ships (LHDs and LHAs). The Navy is preparing to launch a formal review — called an analysis of alternatives — that will look at options for a light aircraft carrier and the type of ship that replaced the Ford Class.

The USS Gabrielle Giffords successfully launched the Naval Strike Missile earlier this month, the Navy announced on Tuesday. According to a Navy press release, the Giffords launched the missile as part of shipboard operational testing and evaluation March 19. “The recent missile launches were a great accomplishment for Gabrielle Giffords and the LCS community,” Cmdr. Michael Piano, commanding officer of Gabrielle Giffords’ Blue Crew, said in the release.

Middle East & Africa

According to Jane’s, the Turkish Ministry of National Defense has supplied US-made M60 tanks to the forces that were loyal to Libya’s Government of National Accord (GNA), which has now been superseded by the Government of National Unity that was endorsed on March 10 in key milestone for the country’s peace process. The Libyan military never operated the M60 but Turkey, the main supporter of the GNA in its war with the rival Libyan National Army (LNA), has large numbers of M60A1s and M60A3s.

Europe

General Atomics Aeronautical won a $13 million deal for the United Kingdom MQ-9 Second Operating Location Alternate Reaper (SOLAR). Production of one MQ-9 Reaper Block 1, Lynx Synthetic Aperture Radar, Embedded Global Positioning System Inertial Navigation System, and United Kingdom specific modifications will be performed stateside and is expected to be completed July 1, 2021.

Britain’s defense ministry announced plans this week to reduce emissions, scale up its transition to renewables and to prepare for geopolitical threats posed by climate change. The department put out a press release Tuesday detailing several steps to address climate change, on the heels of a report outlining its climate change and stability approach. The Ministry of Defense wants to contribute to Britain’s goal to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and to increase use of recycled materials for fuel and components as well as advancing maintenance methods to reduce waste and its carbon footprint.

Asia-Pacific

Raytheon Missiles and Defense won a $130 million contract modification to exercise options for fiscal 2021 for the Rolling Airframe Missile Block 2/2A Guided Missile Round Pack, spare replacement components and recertification. The RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) is a small, lightweight, infrared homing surface-to-air missile in use by the German, Japanese, Greek, Turkish, South Korean, Saudi Arabian, Egyptian, Mexican and US Navies. This deal combines purchases for the U.S. government (66%); and the governments of Japan, Turkey and United Arab Emirates (34% combined) under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

Today’s Video

Watch: MQ-9 Reaper: The Most Feared U.S. Air Force Drone in Action

Americas

Lockheed Martin won a $67.5 million contract modification to exercise an option for the Advanced Electronic Guidance and Instrumentation System (AEGIS) — Combat System Engineering agent efforts for the design, development, integration, test, and delivery of the Advanced Capability Build 20. The Aegis Combat System is an American integrated naval weapons system developed by the Missile and Surface Radar Division of RCA, and now produced by Lockheed Martin. Work will take place in New Jersey. Estimated completion date is December 31, 2021.

Rolls-Royce won a $26.5 million modification, which exercises an option that provides for the production and delivery of eight AE1107C engines for the Navy and four for the Air Force in support of the V-22 Osprey. 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. Work will take place in Indiana. Estimated completion will be in December 2022.

Middle East & Africa

According to Defense News, Lebanon is putting up five Hawker Hunters for sale and Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC) is one of the three companies that have indicated their interest. These jets have been withdrawn from service since 2010. Brig. Gen. Ziad Haikal, told Defense News that the sale is to restructure the training fleet.

Europe

The Royal Air Force has temporarily halted Hawk T1 operations while an investigation is carried out into a recent crash. The MoD said the pause in operations was a “precautionary measure while investigations were ongoing”. Earlier this week it was announced the RAF would retire its fleet of 76 T1 jets as part of a defence review.

Asia-Pacific

Taiwan will resume flights for the Northrop F-5 fighter next week, Air Force chief of staff Huang Chih-Wei told legislators. The fleet was grounded after two jets collided in mid-air on March 22.

Airbus has delivered Singapore’s first H225M helicopter and flight tracking information shows the rotorcraft arrived at Paya Lebar airbase on the morning of March 22. It was loaded on board the cargo plane at Marseille on March 20 and made a stop in Mumbai before proceeding to Singapore.

Today’s Video

Watch: Autonomous vessel ‘Madfox’ joins Royal Navy

Marked by the Covid-19 pandemic, 2020 was an unusual yet productive year for the European Defence Agency, one worth to be looked back at. The 2020 Annual Report, published today, provides a comprehensive overview of the work accomplished in EDA’s various activity domains throughout the past year.

The report reflects the progress made in the wide spectrum of the Agency’s activities, from its central role in the implementation of the EU defence initiatives (CARD, PESCO, EDF) and the increasing number of defence research and capability development projects and programmes, to the launch of new enablers and incentives for defence cooperation and EDA’s growing interface role towards wider EU policies. 

The PDF version of the 2020 Annual Report can be downloaded here.
 

Last week, EDA has supervised the third and last simulation session of the OCEAN2020 project: 12 simulations centers from research centers, universities, small and major industries in several different countries across Europe were linked together using the High-Level Architecture standards to run specific scenarios in real time.

The simulation highlighted the central role of unmanned systems in various complex situations such as jamming or bad weather conditions, the use of small swarm of unmanned air and/or surface systems for coordinated research paths, the use of unmanned surface and underwater systems working in a squad for anti-mine warfare or the use of gun and missile systems on unmanned air and surface vehicles. The whole session was monitored by EDA from Brussels using video conference systems. The results and main takeaways will be discussed at a project webinar on 30th March.

Overall, the three simulation sessions proved crucial in preparing the two live sea demonstrations - one held in the Mediterranean Sea in November 2019 and one that is scheduled to take place in the Baltic Sea in August of this year - but also to play complex scenarios almost impossible to execute in real-life.

Although the two demonstrations remain key objectives, the simulation in this project has also allowed the development of new and innovative models for unmanned sensors and platforms in the different simulation centers of this wide consortium which entails 43 entities including large defence industries, small and medium enterprises, universities, research institutes and end users from 15 countries across Europe.

Background

OCEAN2020 is so far the largest project financed by the Preparatory Action on Defence Research (PADR) managed by the European Defence Agency on behalf of the European Commission. Its main objective is to demonstrate the improvement of maritime situational awareness by the coordinated use of multiple unmanned systems in the three domains (air, surface, subsurface).

 More information can be found on the OCEAN2020 website and in the factsheet

Americas

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control won a $2.8 billion contract for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) Alternative Warhead rocket pods, GMLRS Unitary Warhead rocket pods, Low-Cost Reduced Range Practice rocket pods, cybersecurity services, integrated product support and other services. The company describes the Guided MLRS as a “rapidly-deployable, long-range, surface-to-surface, precision-strike capability.” It is fired from both the MLRS M270 family of launchers and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers. Six Guided MLRS rockets per launch pod, with 2 pods carried by the M270 launchers and 1 pod carried by the HIMARS launchers. Estimated completion date for work under the contract is October 31, 2024.

Northrop Grumman Systems won a $98.9 million contract modification, which increases the scope and provides for one additional low rate initial production Lot Five MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system. The order brings LRIP Lot 5 to three Tritons and, counting orders of the four previous LRIP lots, the Navy has ordered a total of 15. The service plans to procure a total of 68 production Tritons. The Navy has taken delivery of three LRIP 1 Tritons so far, in addition to its two prototypes used for development and testing.  Work will take place in California, Texas, Maryland, Utah, West Virginia, Mississippi and North Dakota. Estimated completion will be in January 2025.

Middle East & Africa

Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) Tornado fighters have deployed to Pakistan for exercise Aces Meet 2021-1. The US Air Force will participate in the exercise, which takes place over a two-week period at Mushaf air base.

Europe

The final Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon combat aircraft acquired by Romania from Portugal was delivered to the eastern European nation on March 25. NATO’s Allied Air Command announced that the 17th aircraft was delivered to Borcea Air Base. This completed an order that commenced in 2016 when Romania acquired 12 F?16AM/BM Block 15 fighters (nine single-seat and three twin-seat), with a further five F-16s (four single-seat and one twin-seat) following for a final tally of 17.

The Italian Air Force is arming its Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets with new GBU-48 bombs, AMRAAM 120 missiles, and IRIS-T missiles, as well as Litening pods made by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, to locate targets and direct guided munitions. The Aviationist website reported that the GBU-48 Paveway is a new 454kg GPS and laser-guided munition. Italian Air Force commanders said that Eurofighter Typhoons were originally intended mainly for missions to maintain aerial superiority, but starting from last year the planes were equipped with new and advanced software enabling them to carry out air-to-ground attacks.

Asia-Pacific

Indian Air Force fighters participated in a Passage Exercise between the Indian Navy and Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (CSG) on March 28. “In a first, enhancing Jointmanship, Indian Air Force fighters were also included in the Exercise affording IAF an opportunity to practice Air Interception / Air Defence with US Navy close to Indian Coast,” Indian Navy said.
Today’s Video

Watch: Romanian Air Force F-16 Aerial Refueling

Americas

Sikorsky won a $94.3 million deal to support an option exercise of six Program Year 5, Lot 45 HH-60M aircraft. The HH-60M Black Hawk features an integrated MEDEVAC equipment package kit intended to support casualty evacuation missions at daytime or nighttime or even in extreme weather conditions, according to the service branch. The branch exercised an option under a previously awarded contract to procure lot 45 HH-60M choppers for the fifth year of the aircraft procurement effort. Work will take place in Connecticut. Estimated completion date is July 31, 2022.

Rockwell Collins won a $16.9 million order, which upgrades the E-6B Mercury mission computer from a 32-BIT to a 64-BIT Linux-based operating system, resulting in an increase to capability and reduced threat vulnerabilities. The principle mission of the E-6 Mercury is to connect the national command authority with the US Navy’s nuclear missile force carried aboard at-sea ballistic missile submarines. The E-6 is a militarized version of the commercial 707 civilian airliner and carries a very low frequency communication system with dual trailing wire antennas. Work will take place in Richardson, Texas and is expected to be finished in March 2023.

Middle East & Africa

A video circulating online shows a JF-17 being unloaded from a Pakistan Air Force Il-76. The fighter is believed to have been delivered to Makurdi. The Nigerian Air Force has ordered three JF-17s from Pakistan and these have been manufactured, with registrations NAF-720, NAF-721 and NAF-722. In 2018 Pakistan’s Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) approved a $184.3 million sovereign guarantee for the production of three Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC)/Chengdu JF-17 fighters, according to the Pakistan Express Tribune.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Friday that Eritrean forces agreed to withdraw troops from the Ethiopian border after five months of conflict. “The Ethiopian National Defense Force will take over guarding the border areas effective immediately,” he wrote in an official statement posted on Twitter. “Eritrean troops fighting in Ethiopia’s Tigray state systematically killed hundreds of unarmed civilians in the northern city of Axum on 28-29 November 2020, opening fire in the streets and conducting house-to-house raids in a massacre that many amount to a crime against humanity,” reported Amnesty International in February.

Europe

The Royal Navy has officially welcomed a new autonomous vessel named Madfox into the fleet. The vessel is operated by ‘NavyX’, the Royal Navy’s experimentation group. Over the next few months, the Royal Navy says that NavyX will carry on its work with the Uncrewed Surface Vessel, while also examining how these vessels can deliver across the range of military operations including surveillance and force protection.

Asia-Pacific

Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement late on March 27 that he will be sending the FA-50 to fly over hundreds of Chinese vessels anchored at Whitsun Reef in South China Sea. “Our air and sea assets are ready to protect our sovereignty and sovereign rights,” Lorenzana said.

Today’s Video

Watch: Autonomous vessel ready for operations | Royal Navy

Americas

HMX-1 and the White House Military Office is testing the VH-92A at Joint Base Charleston this week. The military says this is part of operational testing for Marine Helicopter Squadron One. It is unknown how much longer the process will last. The new Marine One, also referred to as VH-92A, is the next-generation presidential transport helicopter being developed for the US Marine Corps (USMC). Scheduled to enter service this year, the VH-92A helicopter will provide safe and reliable helicopter transportation for the US president and vice president.

Raytheon won a $35.9 million deal, which provides for the procurement of follow-on software system architecture and design, software analysis, coding, integration and testing, and associated software and systems engineering in support of the MQ-8 tactical control system. The Fire Scout air vehicle is a Schweitzer 333 helicopter based on the proven design of the Schweitzer 330 commercial lightweight manned utility helicopter. A benefit of selecting the commercially available design is that Schweitzer company based in Elmira, New York has an established worldwide spares and support infrastructure. Work will take place in Virginia and California. Estimated completion is in March 2026.

Middle East & Africa

Sikorsky won a $99.9 million contract modification for 25 modified UH-60M Black Hawk aircraft in support of the Saudi Arabian National Guard. As with a previous order for 17 UH-60Ms for the SANG and Royal Saudi Land Forces Airborne Special Security Forces (RSLFASSF) announced in January 2018, it is unclear if this deal represents additional or previously announced platforms. Work will take place in Connecticut. Estimated completion date is October 31, 2024.

Europe

France will offer its anti-air frigate Jean Bart and anti-submarine destroyer Latouche-Tréville if the French naval industry is select by Greece to build new warships for the Hellenic Navy. This will be a stop-gap solution that Team France – Naval Group, Thales, MBDA – is offering to Greece while it waits for the new frigates to be built.

According to Defense News, the Czech Air Force has selected the Airborne Missile Protection System from Bird Aerosystems to protect its Mi-17 fleet. Under the contract, of which the value was not disclosed, Bird Aerosystems will provide additional AMPS missile verification systems with the MACS. The contract builds on a different deal announced in September 2020 for the company to upgrade the AMPS previously provided to the Czech Air Force and prepare it for future installation of the MACS.

Asia-Pacific

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) commissioned its 12th and final Soryu Class diesel-electric attack submarine (SSK) in a ceremony held on March 24 in Hyogo Prefecture in west-central Japan. Named JS Toryu (with pennant number SS 512), the 84-m-long boat was inducted into the Escort Division 6 of Escort Flotilla 2, which is homeported at the Yokosuka naval base in Kanagawa Prefecture, shortly after being handed over by shipbuilder Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) at its facility in Kobe.

Today’s Video

Watch: Kawasaki Presents the Twelfth Soryu Class Submarine to the Japanese Navy!

EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý is currently holding a series of bilateral consultations with Member States’ Brussels-based permanent Military Representatives (MilReps). The aim of the meetings is to ensure the best possible exchange of information between the capitals and the Agency and to listen to the advice of Member States’ military end-users.
 
The latest of those meetings took place this week (23 March) with the Swedish MilRep, Rear Admiral Jens Nykvist (picture above). It will be followed by several others in the coming weeks and months. The meetings are part of a wider outreach to Member States which started last summer when the Chief Executive kicked off a ‘tour des capitales’ – currently suspended by the Covid-19 pandemic – which will see him visit all remaining Member States as soon as conditions will allow.   

“It is important that EDA, as an intergovernmental Agency at the service of its Member States, listens carefully to what our stakeholders’ military representatives have to say. They are the end-users of the capabilities we try to develop together in Europe. Their advice, views and aspirations are absolutely crucial to making defence cooperation and European collaborative capability development a success”, Mr Šedivý commented. 

Besides specific country-related topics such as the involvement in EDA projects & programmes and a general update on key Agency activities, the meetings with the MilReps also address the implementation of the EU defence initiatives (CARD, PESCO, EDF) and the ongoing preparations for the Strategic Compass.

 

Americas

The Department of Defense awarded contract options this week to two companies to create a final prototype for a transportable advanced nuclear microreactor. BWXT Advanced Technologies and X-energy, both of which won contracts last year to develop portable nuclear reactors, will continue that work under the new options, according to a Pentagon press release. The teams are working under a Strategic Capabilities Office initiative called Project Pele. One of the two companies may be selected by the Pentagon to build and demonstrate a prototype once design review and environmental analysis are finished early next year, according to the Pentagon.

The Missile Defense Agency on March 23 awarded Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin contracts worth a total of $7.6 billion to develop technology for the Next Generation Interceptor, which will replace aging ground-based interceptors and serve as the first layer of defense against intercontinental ballistic missiles aimed at the homeland. Lockheed Martin received a total of $3.693 billion with a performance period through August 2025, while Northrop Grumman was awarded a total of $3.932 billion with a performance period through May 2026. The funding for the contract is limited to $1.6 billion through fiscal 2022.

Middle East & Africa

According to Defense News, two Saudi companies, Intra Defense Technologies and Advanced Electronics Company, are developing the medium-altitude, long-endurance drone under license from the Ankara-based defense company Vestel Savunma. EurAsian Times could not independently confirm the reports. Karayel is a surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat UAV system designed and developed by Vestel for the Turkish Armed Forces. After the co-production, the Karayel drones will be renamed ‘Haboob’ in Saudi Arabia.

Europe

Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation has awarded the development of the SAMP/T NG (New Generation) for France and Italy. The new ASTER Block 1 NT missile which as a new seeker and computer will be used. It will be fired from a new launcher and the system will use a new multifunction rotating Active Electronically Scanned Array radar for detection. OCCAR has awarded the contract, by delegation of DGA and SGD, to the Franco-Italian consortium eurosam; backed by its three shareholders MBDA France, MBDA Italy and Thales.

Asia-Pacific

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has denied that it had informal talks with the British government on the transfer of aircraft carrier technology. The Telegraph had earlier reported that Babcock, BAE Systems and Thales held informal talks on the transfer of Queen Elizabeth-class technology to South Korea to help Seoul build its first aircraft carrier. Another anonymous official to Yonhap that the talks could have been between companies from both countries. He added that the carrier project is yet to select companies to participate.

Japan is preparing to have its F-35A fleet take up scramble duty. A pair of F-35As were seen entering the alert shed that is located next to Misawa airport on March 22, according to news reports. #09-8722 and #89-8708 landed after their flight and both taxi to the shelter on a YouTube video that was taken on March 15.

Today’s Video

Watch: Protecting the Nation | Layered Missile Defense

The European Union Satellite Centre (SatCen) has issued a call for tenders for a landscape study on Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions for Imagery Intelligence (IMINT) processes and a common framework for AI knowledge-sharing within the user community.

The study is part of a joint project between EDA and SatCen named MATRIX (Machine-based Algorithms and Tools for enRiched IMINT eXploitation) which aims to foster the creation of a common framework for addressing AI applications that can effectively and efficiently support the needs of the IMINT community, paving the way for future developments. The contractor will perform a study that should serve as a basis for identifying and developing potential AI applications in the IMINT domain.

More information here. 

 

Americas

Boeing won a $9 million deal, which provides correction of deficiency software builds for increment three acoustics integration and testing for the P-8A aircraft. The P-8A Poseidon, the US Navy’s maritime patrol aircraft, is capable of broad-area, maritime and littoral operations, and is also successful at search and rescue. Equipped with state of the art radars, sensors and a new air-to-air refuel capability, the P-8A is scheduled to receive periodic future enhancements to keep pace with the ASW threat. The P-8A Poseidon is responsive and interoperable with traditional manned forces and evolving unmanned sensors. Work under the new contract will take place in California and Maryland. Estimated completion will be in February 2024.

Sikorsky Aircraft won a $90,7 million cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for engineering, analysis, test, and technical support services for the H-60 product line. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. The Black Hawk is the Army’s front-line utility helicopter used for air assault, air cavalry, and aeromedical evacuation units. It is designed to carry 11 combat-loaded, air assault troops, and it is capable of moving a 105-millimeter howitzer and 30 rounds of ammunition. Work locations as well as funding will be determined with each order. Estimated completion date is March 25, 2026.

Middle East & Africa

Jordan made public a defense agreement with the United States that allows free entry of US forces, aircraft and vehicles onto the kingdom’s territory. Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi told parliament that the defense accord was “the fruit of long negotiations”, according to AFP. The agreement was signed in January and the government approved it last month, but in an exceptional move it bypassed parliament. The royal decree was published in the official journal this week. The terms of the agreement, published on Jordanian news site Ammon, stipulate that “US forces may possess weapons and circulate with them on Jordanian territory while exercising their duties”.

Europe

The UK Royal Air Force will retire its fleet of Lockheed Martin C-130J/C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft earlier than planned, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) disclosed on March 22. According to the Defense Command Paper released the week after the UK’s Integrated Review, the RAF’s one remaining short-bodied C-130J C5 and 13 long-bodied C-130J-30 C4 variant Hercules airlifters are to be withdrawn from service in 2023, some 12 years earlier than planned.

Asia-Pacific

Taiwan disclosed on March 22 that it will be fitting teh Martin Baker Mk16 ejection seat on its F-5 Tiger fleet. The information was given to local reporters during a press briefing by the Air Force on the fatal collision of two F-5Es that day. Maj. Gen. Lin Chih-Hung, head of Air Force Logistic Command, said the new seats will be arriving to the island by end of the year. Media outlets in Taiwan also reported that one of the F-5E pilots who ejected during the Mar. 22 accident had suffered head injuries which lead to internal bleeding. An earlier crash of the F-5E in October last year killed Capt. Lo Shang-hua. It was found that he had suffered injuries from the ejection. This lead to calls to replace the ejection seat on the F-5.

According to local media, the Indian Navy commissioned its eighth and final Mk IV landing craft utility (LCU) platform ordered from state-owned shipyard Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in September 2011. Named IN LCU L58, the 62.8 m vessel entered service in a ceremony held on 18 March at Port Blair, the capital of India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands and headquarters of the IN-headed tri-service command.

Today’s Video

Watch: Made In India Landing Craft Utility Ship Commissioned Into Indian Navy At Port Blair| Defence Update

Americas

General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp. won a $2.4 million contract modification to exercise an option for the construction of one Block V Virginia Class submarine with Virginia Payload Module. Electric Boat Corp. will continue to subcontract with Huntington Ingalls Industries – Newport News Shipbuilding. The Virginia-class is a nuclear-powered cruise missile fast-attack submarines (NSSN New SSN), currently in service in the United States Navy. Designed by General Dynamics’s Electric Boat (EB) and Huntington Ingalls Industries. The US Navy has been procuring Virginia (SSN-774) class nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) since FY1998, and a total of 34 have been procured through FY2021 (FY Fiscal Year). Since FY2011, Virginia-class boats have been procured at a rate of two per year. Contract work will occur in Virginia, Rhode Island, California, Connecticut, Maryland, Arizona, Pennsylvania and other areas within and outside the US through February 2030.

Boeing has inducted the first US Navy (USN) EA-18G Growler electronic attack (EA) aircraft earmarked for the Block 2 upgrade process. Announced by the manufacturer on 19 March, the milestone saw the first Growler enter the modernization programme at Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island in Washington state. Previously known as the Advanced Growler, the Growler Block 2 enhancement is based on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Block 3 upgrade that is now in its early stages. Features common to both aircraft comprise 10 × 19 inch large-area display (LAD) cockpits and conformal fuel tanks (CFTs), while the Growler will also receive enhancements to the mission systems including the Next-Generation Jammer (NGJ) and EA sensors improvements related to the Electronic Attack Unit (EAU) Surrogate Processor (ESP), AN/ALQ-218(V)4 RF receiver system, and AN/ALQ-227(V)2 communication countermeasures. There will also be networking and crew-interface improvements.

Middle East & Africa

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) completed a series of successful live-fire tests of the Barak air defense system. The tests were carried out to evaluate the system’s capability to deal with a range of scenarios and threats, including the interception of a ballistic target by the Barak ER (extended range) interceptor. The Barak ER missile, part of the Barak family of interceptors developed by IAI, is capable of intercepting ballistic and non-ballistic threats at a range of 150 kilometers. The extended range is made possible in part by adjusting the interceptor and the missile system’s MMR radar to a 150 km range, according to the company.

Europe

The size of the British Army will be reduced as part of a move towards automation and cyber warfare. The downsizing will leave the British Army at 70,000 troops. Numbers in the regular Army will be reduced to about 70,000 soldiers, but it is understood that this will be achieved as people leave the forces, rather than redundancies. Defense Secretary Ben Wallace told BBC One’s Andrew Marr Show he was making decisions in the context of an increased defense budget. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said overhauling the armed forces would make them “more valuable” to the UK’s allies and act as a deterrent to the nation’s “foes”.

Asia-Pacific

The Telegraph reports that Babcock, BAE and Thales are hoping to sell their aircraft carrier technology to South Korea. According to the article, officials from the UK’s Department for International Trade have begun informal discussions with their South Korean counterparts on which areas Britain could participate in. The Aircraft Carrier Alliance is a partnership of BAE, Babcock, Thales and British Ministry of Defense which built the two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers for the Royal Navy.

Two F-5Es had a mid-air collision off Taiwan’s Pingtung County at around 15:06 local time on March 22. The crash on Monday was the third such incident in the past half-year, at a time when the island’s armed forces are having to intercept Chinese aircraft on an almost daily basis. One of the pilots was found unconscious in the sea but could not be resuscitated and was pronounced dead at the hospital. Rescuers were still searching for the remaining pilot.

Today’s Video

Watch: Virginia-Class Attack Submarines: Now a Spy Sub?

Americas

The US Air Force has decided to add an active duty component to the 168th Air Refueling Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base. The move will add four additional KC-135s and up to 220 additional active duty personnel. This will make the squadron a total force unit as it increases the total KC-135 aircraft to 12. The personnel will be reassigned from within the Air Force.

F-35A, AF-1, has successfully carried out the in-flight release of the Joint Strike Missile (JSM) over at Edwards Air Force Base last month. Forsvarsmateriell, the Norwegian Defense Material Agency, was responsible for conducting successful test drops of the JSM missile from the F-35A in the desert at Edwards Air Force Base in California in February. Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace (KDA) is developing the JSM. The testing took place as part of the programme to integrate the JSM into the F-35, under the JPO (Joint Program Office) which is responsible for the F-35 cooperation programme, and is carried out in close cooperation with US authorities.

Middle East & Africa

According to Israel Defense, Israeli company Mobius Protection Systems, which specializes in the design, development and manufacturing of life-saving, energy-absorbing systems for military vehicles, announced that earlier this year it received another order from the IDF to supply its seats for the new Ofek armored personnel carrier.
The Israeli heavy APC is based on the chassis of the Merkava Mk.2 and Merkava Mk. 3 main battle tanks.

Europe

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower arrived in Souda, Crete on March 20 and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will board the ship on March 23. The vessel approached pier K14 with the help of four tug boats at about 11 a.m. According to press reports, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to visit the US aircraft carrier on Tuesday.

Asia-Pacific

The US Department of Defense announced an $11.4 million contract to Foster-Miller for MK 2 Man Transportable Robotic System series systems and Talon systems to Australia.The services under this contract cover the production of systems, depot level repair parts, initial spares kits, consumables, repair parts and approved accessories. The MTRS provides a stand-off capability to locate, identify and clear landmines, unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices. It can also be equipped with chemical or biological weapons sensors as a scanning device. It is controlled by a remote handheld device and can be integrated with several platforms, allowing commanders to coordinate a larger search for threats.

The Republic of Korea has decided to buy a batch of US-made AGM-114R multi-purpose Hellfire II missiles. The US military’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency issued a press release on March 19, 2021, that announced that the State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea of AGM-114R Hellfire missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $36 million. The potential sales, announced on the website of the DSCA, involve hundred eighty-eight AGM-114R Hellfire missiles. Also included are AGM-114R spare parts; US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; repair and return; storage; and other related elements of logistical and program support.

Today’s Video

Watch: Know Your Aircraft: The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker

Americas

Northrop Grumman won an $11.4 million contract modification for the exercise of Options Two, Three and Four of the Minuteman III Launch Control Center Block Upgrade production program. The LGM-30G Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missile, or ICBM, is an element of the nation’s strategic deterrent forces under the control of the Air Force Global Strike Command. Work will take place in Utah. Estimated completion date is July 17, 2023.

The US Marine Corps is now able to download data from an airborne RQ-4 unmanned aerial vehicle after verifying the capability during a field exercise held at Bouge, North Carolina last month. The 2nd Intelligence Battalion of the II Marine Expeditionary Force overcame a hardware failure to obtain the information in a communications denied or degraded environment.

Middle East & Africa

Textron Aviation Defense LLC won a $12.5 million for the Iraq Air Force Peace Dragon Program. This modification adds the six months to Option Year Three of the multi-year basic contract.  Work will take place in Wichita, Kansas and is expected to be completed March 31, 2021. The modification involves Foreign Military Sales to Iraq.

Europe

The Italian Navy is replacing its Teseo or OTOMAT Mk2/A anti-ship missile with a new design designated as Teseo Mk2/E. This new missile is also capable of attacking land targets and the Italian Navy will Mk2/A version onboard FREMM and Horizon class frigates with the Mk2/E. The new multi-purpose Offshore Patrol Vessels being build will be armed with this missile.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on March 16 that the State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Norway of Javelin FGM-148 Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $36 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on March 16. The Government of Norway has requested to buy 120 Javelin FGM-148 missiles, and 2 Javelin FGM-148 Missiles Fly to Buy. Also included are 24 Javelin Block 1 Command Launch Units (CLUs) retrofit kits; spare parts; publications and technical documentation; personnel training; US Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $36 million.

Asia-Pacific

Taiwan is preparing to induct the F-16V into service with a ceremony later this month. The event will invite President Tsai Ing-wen as guest-of-honor. The ceremony will be held at Chiayi air base and so far, the base has more than 22 F-16Vs.

Today’s Video

Watch: Here Comes the F-16V (Thanks to F-35 & F-22 DNA)

Americas

Sikorsky Aircraft won a $9.8 million order, which provides for modifications and updates to the CH-53K 2F243-1 Containerized Flight Training Device. Additionally, this order provides flight test data analysis required to update and validate the CH-53K flight model with available flight test data; produces materials focused on pilot and aircrew conversion courseware and maintainer conversion courseware; and trains the schoolhouse instructors at the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Marine Unit, New River, North Carolina; and Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron 302, in order to support initial operational capability. Work will take place in North Carolina, Virginia, Florida, Connecticut and New York. Estimated completion will be in September 2022.

According to a strategy the services released on March 16, the Navy and the Marine Corps plan to build a digital infrastructure to integrate drone capabilities. In addition to drone-specific infrastructure plans, the 40-page Unmanned Campaign Plan includes plans to incentivize rapid development and testing of unmanned systems and advance manned-unmanned teaming effects across naval and joint operations.

Middle East & Africa

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the Israel Missile Defense Organization in the Israeli Ministry of Defense have successfully completed the third series of tests of the Iron Dome system over the last few months, demonstrating a significant upgrade of the system’s technological capabilities. During the tests, the Iron Dome operated successfully in a range of complex scenarios and intercepted and destroyed targets that simulated existing and emerging threats, including the simultaneous interception of multiple UAVs, as well as a salvo of rockets and missiles.

Europe

The US State Department approved two Foreign Military Sales to the Netherlands. The first deal is for CH-47 Pilot Training and Logistics Support and related equipment for an estimated cost of $125 million. The Government of the Netherlands has requested support for the Royal Netherlands Air Force CH-47 training program, to include fuel; base operating support; facilities; publications and technical documentation; pilot training; personnel training and training equipment; weapon system and software support; US Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics personnel services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The second FMS is for AH-64 Pilot Training and Logistics Support and related equipment for an estimated cost of $190 million. The Government of the Netherlands has requested support for the Royal Netherlands Air Force AH-64 training program, to include fuel; base operating support; facilities; publications and technical documentation; pilot training; AH-64D to AH-64E conversion training support; personnel training and training equipment; weapon system and software support; US Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics personnel services; and other related elements of logistical and program support.

The US State Department approved a Foreign Military Sale to North Macedonia for Stryker Vehicles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $210 million. The Government of North Macedonia has requested the possible sale of fifty-four (54) Stryker Vehicles, to include M1126 Infantry Carrier Vehicles (ICV), M1130 Command Vehicles (CV), and M1129 Mortar Carrier Vehicles (MCV). Also included are Also included are M2A1 .50 cal machine guns; M6 Smoke Grenade launchers and associated spares; Harris radios; Common Remote Operated Weapons Station (CROWS); Defense Advanced GPS Receiver; AN/VAS-5 Driver’s Vision Enhancer; spare parts and components; special tools and test equipment; publications and technical manuals; training; field service representatives; US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistical support services, and other related elements of program and logistical support.

Asia-Pacific

The government has advised the parliamentary standing committee on data know-how that it has the leading edge know-how, commonplace working procedures and processes to sort out any cyber-attack that will come India’s manner. Appearing earlier than the Shashi Tharoor-led House panel on Tuesday, IT secretary Ajay Prakash Sawhney advised the committee that India has sturdy cyber safety mechanisms in place and that it’s properly ready to counter and quell any assaults.

Today’s Video

Watch: Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion is The Most Powerful Helicopter America