Defense Industry Daily

Sikorsky won a $676.7 million deal for the supply chain management that includes 196 weapon replaceable assemblies/shop replaceable assemblies in support of the CH-53E and MH-53E helicopters. The contract will include a five-year base period with one two-year option. If the option is exercised, the contract will be a not-to-exceed amount of $752,324,052. Work will be performed in North Carolina Connecticut. Work is expected to be completed by December 2027.

Bell-Boeing won a $18 million deal, which provides technical analysis, engineering, and integration support for the V-22 aircraft program. Work will be performed in Texas and Pennsylvania and is expected to be completed in December 2023. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued.

The Turkish government has completed a “successful” test-firing of its first domestically-developed air-to-ground ballistic supersonic missile. Turkey’s Bayraktar Ak?nc? unmanned combat aerial vehicle struck a target at 100 kilometers (62 miles) with the TRG-230 missile, Daily Sabah reported. The 12-meter (39-foot) aircraft took off from a base in Tekirdag province, traveling 700 kilometers (434 miles) to the northern Black Sea province of Sinop.

Italian aerospace firm Leonardo has finished the delivery of M-346 advanced trainer aircraft to the Polish Air Force, boosting Poland’s fleet to 16. The third and final delivery of four advanced jet trainers last week made the Polish Air Force’s the second largest fleet of M-346 aircraft in Europe. “We are very proud to have equipped the Polish Air Force with an advanced training system based on our M-346,” Senior Vice President Dario Marfè said.

The Japanese government has decided to acquire submarine-launched long-range missile capability, The Mainichi reported. The decision, to be detailed in three security documents, will be approved soon. The underwater capability is part of Tokyo’s “counter-strike” strategy to take out enemy missile launch sites before attack.

Indian armed forces are set to acquire a tactical surface-to-surface ballistic missile capable of striking targets up to 500 kilometers (311 miles) away. The military’s proposal to acquire the conventionally-armed Pralay missile could be approved at a meeting this week, Asia News International revealed, citing sources. The Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) completed flight tests of the missile in December 2021 following four years of development.

WATCH: A Day in the Life of the Most Feared US Drone

The Saab Gripen E was inducted into operational service at Anápolis Air Base, Brazil on December 19. Brazil marked the milestone during a 19 December ceremony at Anapolis air base, the home to its First Air Defense Group. During the event, two of its locally designated F-39Es (registrations 4103 and 4104) were displayed before being parked alongside a Dassault Mirage 2000C – the already retired type that they are replacing.

Northrop demonstrated the inflight integration of two of its most advanced sensor and communication systems, enhancing the survivability and lethality of the US Army’s Future Vertical Lift (FVL) platforms. The demonstration saw a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter transmitting sensor data and communications to the ground through the Re Scalable Aperture for Precision Targeting Radar and Mini-Communications, Navigation, Identification systems.

Raytheon Missiles won a $20.8 million contract modification for fiscal 2022 Egyptian Navy Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Mod 5 Guided Missile Launching System (GMLS) requirements and German Navy power supply spares. Work will be performed in in Germany, Arizona, Kentucky, Alabama, Arkansas, California, Texas and various other US locations. Expected completion date will be March 2025.

The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has delivered virtual battlespace (VBS) software to the Belgian Directorate General Material Resources. The handover builds on a deal awarded to Bohemia Interactive Solutions to integrate the Spike LR Anti-Tank Guided Missile’s visual representation and associated features into the VBS. The delivery followed the software’s acceptance phase conducted by the company and NSPA at the Belgian Army Simulation Center.

The Philippine Army will receive a donation of UH-1J helicopters from Japan as part of a grant, according to Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Army chief. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) has agreed to transfer the Japanese-made helicopters to the Army Aviation Regiment of the Philippine Army (PA) to enhance the PA’s disaster response capabilities. The transfer will be made through a government grant, according to a statement by Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad.

Moscow announced Monday that several of its warships were participating in naval exercises starting this week with Beijing’s navy, as Russia and China deepen ties amid pressure from the West. The Russian defense ministry said the drills would take place between December 21 and 27 in the East China Sea, with the aim of “strengthening naval cooperation” between Moscow and Beijing.

WATCH: Japan Ground Self Defense Force UH-1J hover taxi and take off at Ustunomiya Air field

General Atomics won a $65.5 million order, which provides for the procurement, transportation, and installation of Ground Control Stations (GCSs), materials, support equipment, as well as associated training, engineering, non-recurring engineering, and integrated logistics support. Additionally, this order procures 18 mission kits, spares, ground support equipment, and communications gear for site setup in support of the operational capability of the Marine Air Ground Task Force Unmanned Aircraft System Expeditionary Medium Altitude Long Endurance MQ-9A Block 5 Reaper air vehicles and GCSs for the Navy. Work will take place in California. Expected completion will be in November 2024.

US Naval Air Systems Command has awarded Raytheon a $171 million contract modification to a previous Tomahawk missile deal.  The modification exercises the option to deliver 111 full-rate production Tomahawk Block V missiles to the US military: 50 to the US Army, 48 to the US Navy, and 13 to the US Marines by November 2025. This army and the marines will receive the missiles for the first time.

Turkey has developed a supersonic missile called the TRG-230-?HA, which was produced by the defense company Roketsan. It was launched from Baykar’s Ak?nc? unmanned air vehicle and successfully struck its target with full accuracy at a range of over 100 kilometers The TRG-230-?HA is the air-to-surface version of the TRG-230. The TRG-230 is designed to be launched from tubes that are 230 millimeters wide and can travel a distance of between 20 and 70 kilometers.

Saab and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) inked a contract on December 16 for Saab to conduct upgrades to Swedish JAS-39C/D fighters. The contract is valued at approximately $414 million and will run from 2023 to 2029. The contract also includes options for FMV to place additional orders for capability enhancements during 2023. The upgrade to the JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter aircraft will include installing a new engine version to improve flight performance and a more effective electronic warfare system.

Lithuania has ordered 18 Caesar Mark II wheeled artillery guns from Nexter, French news outlet La Tribune reported. A formal announcement is expected shortly, according to the outlet. The development comes after the Baltic nation inked a letter of intent in June, joining the Mark II development program with France.

Since 2015, the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) has had 92 of its P-3K2 missions intercepted by foreign jets in the Middle East and East Asia regions, according to information provided by the RNZAF’s Chief of Staff, Air Commodore AJ Woods. The exact locations and identities of the foreign powers involved in the intercepts have been withheld by the RNZAF due to national security concerns under the Official Information Act. In June, the Herald requested information from the New Zealand Defence Force (Defence) about all intercepts of their aircraft in recent years. The request was prompted by an incident in May when a Chinese J-16 fighter jet intercepted a Royal Australian Air Force P-8 maritime surveillance aircraft in international airspace, leading to a deterioration of relations between China and Australia. In July, Defence denied the request in full, citing national security concerns. The Herald appealed the decision to the Ombudsman and asked for at least some broad details to be released, even if the exact locations were withheld. The Ombudsman conducted an investigation, but ultimately upheld Defense’s decision to keep the information confidential.

WATCH: The Best JAS 39 Gripen Demo I’ve Ever Seen [4K]

Bell Textron won a $48.3 million deal, which provides for the installation of Structural Improvements and Electrical Power Upgrades Phase II Part 3 kits, as well as ground and flight test for one AH-1Z and one UH-1Y aircraft for the Navy. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland; Fort Worth, Texas; and Amarillo, Texas, and is expected to be completed in August 2025. The AH-1Z Viper is a twin-engine attack helicopter based on the AH-1W SuperCobra that features a four-blade rotor system, uprated transmission, and a new target sighting system. It has upgraded avionics, weapons, and electro-optical sensors designed to find targets at long ranges and attack them with precision weapons.

Lockheed Martin won a $302 million contract action for the proof of manufacture, production, spares, production support material, and engineering support for components related to the MK 48 heavyweight torpedo all up round. This contract combines purchases for the Navy; and the Royal Australian Navy. Work will be performed in Liverpool, New York; Clearwater, Florida; and Braintree, Massachusetts, and is expected to be completed by October 2026.

The Nigerien Air Force (Armée de l’Air du Niger) has taken delivery of the third and final C-130H from the United States. On December 12, the aircraft completed an extensive four year overhaul with Sabena Aerospace in Brussels and departed for its delivery flight to Base Aérienne 101 (BA101) in Niamey/Diori Hamani, Niger. The C-130H, formerly designated as a WC-130H with the United States Air Force with the serial number 65-0985 and construction number 382-4140, will now be known as 5U-MTU within the Nigerien Air Force. It was a HC-130H that was converted into a WC-130H and had served with the 169th Operations Group of the South Carolina Air National Guard.

The French army on Friday officially awarded the contract to develop a new European combat jet, a key project in the push to integrate the continent’s military capabilities and reduce its reliance on American equipment. French and German officials announced the deal last month, burying the hatchet after months of dispute over how the industrial work would be shared out for the stealth delta-wing aircraft. European planemaker Airbus and France’s Dassault Aviation, joined by Spain’s Indra and a host of subcontractors, will collaborate on the so-called Future Combat Air System against a rival project, Tempest, pursued by Britain, Italy, Sweden, and Japan.

Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has received a $137-million contract to deliver Naval Strike Missile (NSM) coastal defense systems to Romania. The contract award follows the signing of a letter of acceptance for the weapon system between Bucharest and the US government. According to Kongsberg president Eirik Lie, the selection of its NSM defense system is an important milestone for the company and the Eastern European nation.

The relocation of around 4,000 Okinawa-based Marines to Guam is on course for 2024 as construction of the military base in the US Pacific territory is proceeding at “full steam again,” Marine Commander Benjamin Nicholson said. Japanese media outlets reported that US base Camp Blaz is halfway complete following a two-year construction slowdown due to COVID-19 restrictions.

WATCH: The AH-1Z Viper: Most Advanced Attack Helicopter in the World

Boeing won a $255 million modification by he Defense Logistics Agency Aviation for the F-15 depot program. This is a fixed-price-incentive and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. The ordering period end date is May 17, 2027. Using military service is Air Force.

The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has announced it is funding Aurora Flight Sciences’ active flow control (AFC)-based aircraft development phases 2 and 3. Aurora will perform “detailed engineering design work” for a full-scale version of its experimental aircraft (X-plane) under the Control of Revolutionary Aircraft with Novel Effectors (CRANE) program phase 2.

The Baykar Bayraktar K?z?lelma, also known as the “Red Apple,” is an unmanned fighter aircraft currently under development by Turkish defense company Baykar. The jet took off for the first time on December 14. The airframe of the K?z?lelma features a canards-delta configuration, which is similar to that of the Chinese Chengdu J-20 fighter. This type of configuration, which is also known as a “delta-canard,” combines the benefits of both delta wings and canard foreplanes. Delta wings are characterized by their triangular shape and are known for their high lift and low drag properties, making them well-suited for supersonic flight. Canard foreplanes, on the other hand, are small winglets located near the nose of the aircraft that help to improve stability and control. The combination of these two wing types allows the K?z?lelma to achieve high maneuverability and agility while also maintaining good stability and low drag.

A team led by MBDA and the European Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) has signed a contract amendment to produce Aster 30 surface-to-air missiles for the UK Ministry of Defense. The agreement follows an initial contract for $371 million inked by the UK, France, and Italy in May. Used by French and Italian forces, the Aster weapon system will be converted into maritime missile variants for the UK Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyers, enhancing the fleet’s capability to identify and engage anti-ship ballistic threats.

A team led by Airbus has carried out Europe’s first large-scale multi-domain flight demonstration supporting the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program at Rovajärvi artillery practice range in Finland. Funded by the German BAAINBw procurement agency, the test was conducted to develop a remote flying carrier that will operate alongside German Eurofighters and New Generation Fighters. The demonstration involved manned and unmanned aircraft in realistic scenarios against a rogue adversary.

The government of Japan has decided to build a submarine with a vertical launcher (VLS) capable of launching long-range missiles from underwater. The improved version of the domestically-produced Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which has a range of more than 1,000 kilometers, as well as foreign-made missiles such as the Tomahawk cruise missile purchased from the United States will be installed on the VLS. The VLS system will allow for more missiles to be launched than the traditional torpedo launcher method.

WATCH: What is Europe’s new MEGA Air Defense Project?

Lockheed Martin win a $24.4 million contract modification, which adds scope for maintenance and support of F-35 chase aircraft necessary to support F-35 aircraft acceptance and delivery, including all pre and post-flight activities, the removal and replacement of failed components, and return the aircraft to a clean and compliant condition suitable for first-time delivery of F-35 Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, non-US Department of Defense participants, and Foreign Military Sales customer’s operational aircraft. Work will take place in Texas. Estimated completion will be in December 2023.

The Pentagon has delivered “threat emitters” to Ukraine to help deceive Russian fighter jets. The training tool emits radio frequency signals, imitating air-defense and anti-aircraft artillery radar systems, helping pilots identify hostile signatures and hone their skills to defeat them. In a real-life scenario, the emitters confuse pilots as to which is a real electromagnetic signal and which is fake.

The US warrant and 2017 indictment of a former US Marine Corps Harrier pilot accused of helping China to train its military pilots have been unsealed by the District of Columbia court. According to information in the indictment of Daniel Duggan, the US government had allowed a T-2 Buckeye trainer to be exported to South Africa due to false information given. The North American T-2 was used extensively by the US Navy to train pilots on landing and taking off from aircraft carriers.

The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded Aeralis a $11 million contract to deliver an integrated digital enterprise capability for the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP). Called “Digital Aviation Learning from Experience,” the system will digitally design, engineer, and certify fixed-wing aircraft under UK military standards. Furthermore, the capability’s cost-effective, risk-reduction approach will be integrated with other ministry projects, including the UK Future Combat Air System (FCAS).

The Royal Dutch Navy will receive new naval strike missiles (NSM) from Norwegian aerospace firm Kongsberg, replacing its current Boeing-made Harpoon anti-ship missiles. Under the agreement, Kongsberg will supply an undisclosed number of missiles for the navy’s Air Defence & Command Frigate fleet.

Boeing has awarded Lufthansa Technik a contract to support sustainment services for the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s future P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft fleet. The agreement stipulates the provision of Boeing’s Total Component Support (TCS), a service program that covers over 400 common parts and configurations intended for the P-8A commercial variant 737. By leveraging TCS, Boeing expects to enhance the air force’s readiness rates. The approach will also expand market support and provide easier access to the global supply chain dedicated to more than 4,000 737 planes for customers with smaller P-8A fleets.

WATCH: T-2 Buckeye / T-45 Goshawk Legacy Flight – EAA AIrVenture Oshkosh 2019

Rolls-Royce won a $31 million modification, which exercises an option for the depot repair of T56-A-427A engines utilized on E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft for the Navy. The depot repair includes the repair of the power section, torque meter, gearbox, accessories and all related over and above and material support. Work will take place in Texas, Canada, Indiana. Estimated completion will be in December 2023.

Lockheed Martin won a $14 million deal for AEGIS Combat System Engineering Agent efforts, which include the design, development, integration, test and delivery of Advanced Capability Build 20. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey, and is expected to be completed by May 2023.

A contract has been entered into by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace with the Netherlands Ministry of Defence to supply the fleet of Air Defence & Command Frigates with the Naval Strike Missile. Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, said, “We are very proud to have been chosen by the Netherlands Ministry of Defence to supply the NSM to the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) Air Defence & Command Frigates. This is another fantastic accomplishment for the NSM program and we are delighted to welcome the RNLN as a member of the NSM User Group.”

The Ukrainian Army has apparently received Titan-S armored personnel carriers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Ukraine’s weapons tracker uploaded a short video showing Kyiv’s forces maneuvering several Titan-S vehicles in the abandoned city of Pripyat, near the Ukraine-Belarus border. The account did not specify how many of the UAE-made personnel carriers were delivered to the war-torn nation or show supplied them.

As numerous Eastern European allies are accelerating acquisitions of weaponry in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Croatia’s announced an “urgent procurement of short-range anti-aircraft missile systems.” The acquisition of Mistral surface-to-air missiles, made by MBDA Missile Systems, is valued at close to $76 million. It is to be financed from the Croatian budget in the 2024 to 2026 period, the government said in a statement.

The Japanese government is considering a Patriot missile system radar upgrade with counter-hypersonic capabilities. Tokyo is planning to upgrade some Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC) – 3 radars with the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS), The Yomiuri Shimbun reported, citing sources. The US Army purchased six LTAMDS in 2019 for $384 million and accepted the first of the lot in May for operational testing.

WATCH: Mistral – Air Defence Missile System

General Atomics Aeronautical won an $8.5 million deal for MQ-9 Reaper launch and recovery services by the US Army. The MQ-9 Reaper provides Marines with a long-range ISR capability in support of maritime domain awareness and expeditionary advanced based operations in contested environments. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of September 1, 2023.

Textron Systems has delivered the first Cottonmouth advanced reconnaissance vehicle (ARV) prototype to the US Marine Corps at Silver Springs, Nevada. The handover follows the completion and contract verification testing of the vehicle last August in New Orleans, Louisiana. It will now enter the government evaluation phase that will run throughout 2023.

The United States on Friday expressed alarm over a “full-scale defense partnership” between Moscow and Tehran, describing it as “harmful” to Ukraine, Iran’s neighbors, and the world. Iran stands accused by Western powers of supplying drone to Russia – which rejected the US allegations – as Moscow batters Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in search of an advantage in the bloody conflict.

Finland is spending $235 million to procure additional Spike SR, LR2, and ER2 missiles from Rafael. The acquisition of the additional missile systems will be carried out through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) and the Land Combat Missiles partnership program, Finland’s Ministry of Defense said in a press release on December 9.

Textron Aviation won a $12.5 million deal for AT-6 components. This contract provides for the procurement of components not included in the original Thailand AT-6 direct commercial sale contract. AT-6 Wolverine is a new light-attack and armed reconnaissance aircraft designed and manufactured by Beechcraft, a brand of Textron Aviation. The location of performance is in Wichita, Kansas, and is expected to be completed by February 28, 2024.

The Japanese government is planning to enhance its PAC3 air defense missile systems to intercept hypersonic threats by acquiring the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) made by Raytheon. The government plans to include the modifications to the PAC3 in its defense buildup plan, which will be approved by the Cabinet on December 16. Tokyo also intends to improve the capabilities of existing fixed warning and control radars and develop next-generation warning and control radars to deal with hypersonic threats. The LTMADS has a longer detection range and can better identify high-speed and irregular trajectory missiles. The radar system has three antenna arrays: a primary array on the front and two secondary arrays on the back. These arrays work together to detect and engage multiple threats from any direction at the same time. This allows the LTAMDS to provide comprehensive coverage and protection against a wide range of air and missile threats, including hypersonic weapons.

WATCH: Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine light attack at RIAT 2022

Airbus US Space & Defense won a $297.5 million modification for UH-72 Lakota contractor logistics support and engineering services. Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas, with an estimated completion date of December 31, 2023. The UH-72A Lakota is a light utility helicopter specifically designed to meet the requirements of the US Army. The UH-72A Lakota helicopters were acquired to replace the UH-1H Iroquois and OH-58 A/C Kiowa helicopters.

A B-2 stealth bomber had an in-flight malfunction on December 10 and the aircraft made an emergency landing at Whiteman Air Force Base. During the landing, the runway of the base was damaged and a fire broke out, which was extinguished by Whiteman’s fire department. No one was injured in the accident. Whiteman Air Force Base is located in western Missouri, near the city of Knob Noster. The base is home to the 509th Bomb Wing, which operates the B-2 stealth bomber.

Russia has provided flying training for the Su-35 fighter to Iranian pilots this spring, the Biden administration said. Russia is providing Iran with military support in exchange for weapons to be used in the war in Ukraine. Russia may also be looking to collaborate with Iran on weapons development and potentially establish a joint production line for drones in Russia. Since the invasion of Ukraine, Iran has been providing significant military support to Russia, including the sale of several hundred drones since August. These drones have been used by Russia to attack Ukraine’s critical infrastructure and energy facilities, causing civilian casualties.

The UK Ministry of Defense has awarded Saab a $278 million contract to provide next-generation light anti-tank weapons  (NLAW) for the British Army. Delivery will take place between 2024 and 2026. Thales will then assemble them at its facility in Belfast, Northern Ireland. “Demand is increasing for anti-tank systems such as NLAW. We look forward to further strengthening our close relationship with the UK and are proud to continue delivering our proven and trusted anti-tank capability,” Saab CEO and President Micael Johansson said.

Lockheed won a $328.5 million deal for the US and United Kingdom to provide Strategic Weapon System Trident Fleet support, Trident II Shipboard Integration Increment 8, and navigation subsystem development efforts. The contract award also benefits a foreign military sale to the United Kingdom. Work will take place in New York, California, Florida, Massachusetts and Virginia.

Northrop Grumman won a $32.5 million order, which procures spare Wet Outer Wing Panels for the government of Japan’s configuration of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. An additional two E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) arrived by ship on 18 October, bringing to six the number of these aircraft completed for Japan to date. Work will take place in New York, Florida, North Carolina, California, Oklahoma, Utah and various other locations within the continental US. Expected completion will be in July 2027.

WATCH: Su-35: a guest from the future. The fastest and the most maneuverable fighter of the Air Force

Austal USA and General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) have partnered on production work to support the US Navy’s Virginia-class and future Columbia-class nuclear-powered submarine fleet at Mobile, Alabama. As part of the collaboration, Austal will develop and integrate electronic deck modules and command and control systems for both submarine classes. Work on the sub-surface components is being conducted at Austal’s facility in Mobile, Alabama.

US Marine Corps Systems Command has awarded Silvus Technologies a $5 million contract to provide advanced radios for networking on-the-move (NOTM) capabilities for its joint tactical and amphibious combat vehicles. Under the agreement, the California-based firm will provide its StreamCaster 4400 MANET, which provides a self-organizing mesh network throughout multiple bandwidths with high data rates.

Elbit Systems has taken delivery of a cutting-edge mine disposal system to be installed on the Seagull unmanned surface vessel. Subsea specialist Acteon’s data and robotics division Seatronics revealed it has sent two Mine Identification and Detonation Solutions (MIDS) to the Israeli-based defense firm. The MIDS can detonate multiple charges acoustically using state-of-the-art components.

Raytheon won a $10 million modification for procurement of the country unique scope of Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target (PATRIOT) technical publications, new equipment training and logistics management information in support of Romania 3-Lot. Work will be performed in Andover, Massachusetts, with an estimated completion date of June 28, 2024. Foreign Military Sale To Romania in the full amount were obligated at the time of the award.

Two Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-15J fighters have deployed to Clark air base, Philippines for the first time. NHK reported that the fighters took off from southwestern Japan and were refueled in mid-air before arriving in Luzon Island. This is likely to be JASDF Ny?tabaru Air Base, based on the tail numbers of the two F-15J fighters. This deployment is called “Pareho-22?, which means “together” in Talago. Clark Air Base was a United States Air Force base on Luzon Island in the Philippines. It was one of the largest American military facilities in the Pacific, and served as the main US base in the Philippines from 1903 until 1991. The base was closed in 1991 due to the eruption of Mount Pinatubo, but was later reopened as Clark International Airport.

The final draft of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act includes up to $12 billion in security assistance to Taiwan over the next five years. The bill includes the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act authorizing up to $2 billion in “security assistance over the next five years to modernize Taiwan’s security capabilities,” Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) wrote in a statement.

WATCH: $3.6 Billion US Gigantic Submarine – Virginia Class Submarine

Raytheon won a $59.3 million by the US Navy for the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS), SeaRAM, and Land-based Phalanx Weapon System. Work will be performed in Arizona, California, Mississippi, Texas and New Jersey and is expected to be completed by January 2024.

Sikorsky won a $30 million contract modification, which exercises an option to provide technical publications, logistics support analysis and logistics product data resulting from production engineering changes, diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages in support of CH-53K aircraft production and fielding. Work will take place in Connecticut and New York. Estimated completion will be in December 2023.

Lockheed Martin and Israeli Rafael have signed a deal to develop a high-powered laser interception system. Under the agreement, the companies will develop, test, and manufacture a variant of Israel’s 100-kilowatt high-energy laser weapon system Iron Beam. “This strategic teaming agreement serves as a force multiplier for Rafael and the Israeli market. We are working to ensure our customers receive the most advanced, effective, and best in class systems,” Rafael Chief Executive Officer Yoav Har-Even said.

The US State Department has approved a potential sale of 116 General Dynamics made M1A1 Abrams tanks, other vehicles and munitions to Poland in a deal valued at up to $3.75 billion, the Pentagon said on Tuesday. The sale comes just months after Poland was authorised to buy 250 M1A2 tanks by the same maker. With this new option, Poland could elect to buy a mix of the two tank versions as it seeks to modernize its military and adjust to new geopolitical realities following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a $1.5 billion potential Foreign Military Sale  of CH-47F Chinook helicopters to South Korea. It has already been approved by the US State Department. Under this FMS, the US will provide 18 CH-47F helicopters,along with associated equipment including AN/APR-39 radar warning systems, AN/ARC-220 HF airborne communications systems, and 42 T55-GA-714A engines, of which 36 will be installed and six as spares.

The US approved a $330 million sale of aircraft standard parts and equipment as well as a $98 million sale of non-standard spare parts and related equipment. This proposed sales serves US national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient’s continuing efforts to maintain a credible defensive capability. The proposed sale will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region.

WATCH: Just How Powerful is USA 20mm Phalanx CIWS

The US Navy awarded a $75 million modification to Bell Boeing, which exercises options to procure 12 Nacelle improvements kits, rotable pool components and interim spares. Additionally, this modification provides for the installation of 29 kits in conjunction with conversion area harness, electrical wiring interconnect system assessments, sustaining engineering, and over and above requirements for the CV-22 fleet aircraft. Work will take place in Texas and Pennsylvania. Estimated completion date will be in June 2025.

Loading procedures of the AGM-183 ARRW (Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon) on the B-52 bomber have been validated by airmen from the Barksdale Air Force Base. The ARRW is a hypersonic missile being developed by the United States Air Force. It is designed to be launched from a fighter aircraft and travel at speeds of up to Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound) to engage and destroy high-value targets in enemy territory. The weapon is now scheduled to be operational as early as fall 2023. Ways to load and unload the missile on the external pylon of the B-52H bomber were found using trial and error by airmen from the 2nd Maintenance Group, 307th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and civilians from the ARRW and B-52H Stratofortress Systems Programs Office.

Turkish defense firm Baykar Technology is set to launch the inaugural flight of the country’s first unmanned fighter jet following a takeoff test in late November. The fast drone jet Kizilelma recently completed runway and autonomous taxiing trials at an air base in northwestern Tekirdag province. Turkey’s first unmanned fighter jet is capable of fully autonomous takeoff and landing, even on short-runway aircraft carriers, including the country’s future flagship drone carrier TCG Anadolu.

Germany will match NATO’s target to spend two percent of GDP on defense by 2025, a government spokesman said on Monday, as Berlin looks to make up for years of underinvestment. Germany was “determined to come as close to the two-percent target as possible with the options we have and to reach the two-percent target in this legislative period,” ending in 2025, Chancellor Olaf Scholz‘s spokesman Steffen Hebestreit told a regular press conference.

Elbit Systems Germany and Munich-based arms firm KMW have agreed to enhance rocket artillery cooperation for entirely local rocket production in Europe. The companies have expressed a shared vision of ensuring Europe’s independence through locally produced future rocket artillery systems.

North Korea fired a barrage of artillery shells into a maritime buffer zone on Monday, Seoul’s military said, the latest in a series of launches by an increasingly belligerent Pyongyang. About 130 artillery rounds were simultaneously fired at 2:59 pm (0559 GMT) from two separate sites, one on North Korea’s east coast and one on the west coast, the South’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

WATCH: Türkiye’s maiden unmanned fighter jet, Bayraktar Kizilelma flies for the first time

APKWS guidance kits have been successfully used by BAE Systems to guide 70mm rockets against Class-2 unmanned aerial systems (UAS) that weigh approximately 25-50 pounds and are capable of traveling at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. Fast-moving drones were destroyed during the demonstration in Southern Arizona using APKWS-guided rockets.

The United States on Friday unveiled the B-21 Raider, a high-tech stealth bomber that can carry nuclear and conventional weapons and is designed to be able to fly without a crew on board. The slickly choreographed ceremony at B-21 manufacturer Northrop Grumman’s facility in Palmdale, California opened with the US national anthem as older bombers roared over a crowd that included top US officials.

Turkey’s indigenous vertical launch system (VLS) dubbed MIDLAS has carried out its first successful live firing of a HISAR missile. The MIDLAS is designed to be installed on the Istanbul-class frigate. It is a below-deck vertical launch launcher system.

Pelegrin Limited has delivered two Pelegrin Tarragon light trainers at ?daži airfield to the Latvian Air Force on December 2. The indigenous ultralight aircraft will be used by military to train pilots and to maintain flying qualifications. The tandem-seat aircraft is designed to meet Fédération Aéronautique Internationale microlight rules.

Canadian engineering firm Vard Marine has been awarded a contract to design Bangladesh Navy’s new landing craft tank (LCT). The ship design will be based on the company’s 7 507 landing craft series and meet wartime and peacetime requirements. Additionally, the LCT will be suitable for amphibious operations, including transporting military personnel, tanks, equipment, and supplies in Bangladesh’s coastal areas.

WATCH: Ground-launched precision with the APKWS® laser-guided rocket l BAE Systems

Lockheed Martin won a $430 million deal for full-rate production of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and support services to satisfy an urgent need to support the Army and various Foreign Military Sales partners. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Brownsboro, Alabama; Camden, Arkansas; Boca Raton, Clearwater and Palm Bay, Florida; Whippany, New Jersey; Archbald and York, Pennsylvania; and Dallas and Grand Prairie, Texas, with an estimated completion date of December 31, 2025.

Boeing won an $8.7 million modification, which exercises options to provide continued integrated logistics support and engineering services in support of the Harpoon and Standoff Land-Attack Missile-Expanded Response Missile Systems and Harpoon Launch Systems for the Navy and various Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Work will be performed in St. Charles, Missouri (91.89%); St. Louis, Missouri (5.47%); and Yorktown, Virginia (2.64%), and is expected to be completed in February 2024.

The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Defense and Navantia have signed a memorandum of understanding to construct multi-mission combat ships for the Royal Saudi Naval Force (RSNF). The agreement will see the Spanish shipbuilder transfer related technologies to Saudi experts in support of the country’s Vision 2030 program, which seeks to enhance domestic construction, combat system integration, design, and ship maintenance.

The German government will send an additional seven Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG) to Ukraine. Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) in Munich is repairing the seven Gepards, which were initially intended for scrapping. They should arrive in Ukraine in Spring 2023. Government officials did not specify when the tanks would be delivered. They said the tanks had come from manufacturers’ stocks and deliveries were dependent on repairs or production still in progress.

The US State Department has approved the potential sale of 350 portable surface-to-air Stinger missile systems and related gear to Finland, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on Thursday. The equipment deal is valued at an estimated $380 million. The FIM-92K Stinger Man Portable missile systems are manufactured by Raytheon Missiles & Defense, based in the US state of Arizona.

Indian Navy chief Adm. R Hari Kumar said on December 3 that his service is happy with IAC-1 aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and could buy another carrier based on it instead of the newer IAC-2 CATOBAR aircraft carrier. “We are still working on what size it should be and what its capabilities should be. Right now, we have put a hold on it because we have just commissioned INS Vikrant (IAC-I). We are quite happy with the ship. The way the ship performed in the trial,” Adm. Kumar was quoted as saying. This aircraft carrier is known as the IAC-2 and is scheduled to be built by the Cochin Shipyard Limited for the Indian Navy. This will be the second aircraft carrier to be built in India after the INS Vikrant (IAC-1) which was launched in 2013. The proposed design for the second carrier class will be a new one, featuring significant changes from Vikrant, including a significant increase in size and displacement over the INS Vikrant design.

WATCH: Finland To Buy 350 Pieces FIM-92K Stinger missiles

The US Army awarded a $1.2 billion contract to Raytheon Technologies Co for six National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) for Ukraine on Wednesday, the Pentagon said. The United States has approved sending Ukraine a total of eight NASAMS to help fend off Russian missile and drone attacks. Ukraine received its first delivery of two NASAMS air defense systems in November. Others will be delivered in future months once they are built.

Thales has announced its plan to collaborate with Epic Games to bring the latter’s Unreal Engine 5 3D creation tool to its simulators. “We are very pleased to be working in collaboration with the Unreal Engine team at Epic Games. Their focus on providing advanced tools and technologies that have been adopted in industries beyond games matches our ambitions for taking professional simulation to the next level. Rapid insertion of Unreal Engine into our product lines gives us opportunities to delight our customers, particularly in the land training market where high-quality, densely populated synthetic environments help produce the best training outcomes,” said Peter Hitchcock, Vice President of the Training and Simulation business at Thales.

Israeli-based tech startup CyberBee and California-based AI developer EyeCloud were awarded a $1.75-million grant to produce an indoor mini-drone for first responders deployed in GPS-denied interior spaces. The autonomous indoor drone would enhance Israeli and American first responders’ ability to efficiently locate and rescue victims in emergencies such as earthquakes, fires, or terror attacks.

Ukraine on Thursday urged the European Union to include in its new sanctions package measures that would target Russia’s missile industry, after Moscow’s systematic strikes on the country’s energy grid. Following military defeats on the ground, Russia began targeting Ukrainian energy facilities, causing severe damage and power shortages ahead of winter.

Norway and Polish firm Mesko have signed a $35.6 million contract to deliver man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) to the Norwegian Army. The agreement is part of Norway’s plans to integrate the latest, upgraded missiles into the armed forces. The Piorun MANPADS will cover the lowest elevation level with their fire-heat-seeking missiles.

Up to 500 Tomahawk cruise missiles produced in the United States are being considered by the Japanese Ministry of Defense for purchase by fiscal 2027, The Yomiuri reports. In his summit meeting with US President Biden on the November 13, Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida confirmed the intention to advance talks on the purchase and to accelerate preparations toward the acquisition of “counterattack capability.” It is possible that the size of the purchase will change in the future because of factors such as the manufacturing capacity in the US.

WATCH: NASAMS vs IRIS-T SLM | Best Ukrainian Air Defense Systems.

The US Air Force has awarded engineering firm KBR a $69.2 million contract to support the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane and Naval Air Systems Command all-weather airborne early-warning fleet. Work for the program will focus on the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, E-2C Hawkeye and C-2A Greyhound aircraft. Under the agreement, KBR will develop and integrate new intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting (ISR&T) capabilities for the fleet.

The US Army Civilian Career Management Activity and Lockheed Martin have teamed up to deliver web-based cyber training for 17,000 US Army personnel. For the program, the company will provide its latest Mission Readiness & Reporting (MR2) cyber management solution. The platform enables governments and organizations that need training and workforce management capabilities to select, evaluate, and hone the skills of their employees to meet monitoring and proficiency requirements.

Raytheon has secured a potential export order from Qatar to supply a Fixed Site-Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft System Integrated Defeat System (FS-LIDS) System comprising of 10 sets. The FS-LIDS uses the Coyote Block 2 interceptor to defeat unmanned aircraft. The Pentagon says the deal is worth up to $1 billion. The system will utilize the Counter Unmanned Electronic Warfare System (CUAEWS) as well as Ku Band Multi-function Radio Frequency System (KuMRFS) radars.

The US Navy awarded Rolls-Royce a $228 million, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This contract provides for sustaining engineering and logistics support services for the KC-130J aircraft propulsion system for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Foreign Military Sales customers. Work will take place in Indiana, Japan, Kuwait, North Carolina, California, Hawaii and Texas. Estimated completion will be in November 2027.

The US is considering sending the Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine, a US defense official revealed at a press conference Tuesday. The Raytheon system is one of the capabilities “being considered with all others,” the official said regarding potential steps to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense against persistent Russian missile and drone attacks.

Boeing won a $398 million contract modification for KC-46A Japan aircraft under the FA8609-18-G-0002 basic ordering agreement contract vehicle. The contract modification is for the procurement of two aircraft for the Japan fleet. Work will be performed in Everett, Washington, and is expected to be completed June 30, 2025. Boeing delivered the first KC-46 tankers to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force in 2021, marking the program’s first delivery to a customer outside the United States.

WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrRScxnDfrk

Lockheed Martin Space won a $49.9 million modification for Trident II (D5) missile production and deployed systems support. The contract award also benefits a foreign military sale to the United Kingdom. Work will take place in Arkansas, California, Massachusetts, Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Maryland and various other locations. Work is expected to be completed on September 30, 2027. Fiscal 2023 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $49,942,303 will be obligated. No funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.

Raytheon won a $397.7 million modification from the US Navy to exercise options for fiscal 2023 guided missile assemblies, shipping containers, and spare parts in support of the fiscal 2021-2023 Evolved Seasparrow Missile Block 2 full-rate production requirements. Work will take place in Arizona, Australia, California, Norway, Netherlands, Greece, New York, Turkey, Denmark and other locations. Expected completion will be by March 2027.

Israel’s Elbit Systems transformed its OneSim simulation software infrastructure to be cloud native, and its services can now be delivered to authorized users from a Microsoft Azure cloud. Working closely with Microsoft engineers, Elbit Systems redesigned the architecture of the OneSim infrastructure to meet the requirements of cloud solutions and upload the OneSim to the Microsoft Azure cloud. OneSim is Elbit Systems’ platform-agnostic simulation software infrastructure that provides land, air and marine users a complete solution for training systems, from a stand-alone simulator and up to multi-platform Mission Training Centers.

The US Defense Department on Monday announced the approval of a $323 million sale of AIM 9X Block II tactical missiles and AGM-154 Joint Stand Off Weapons to Finland. “The proposed sale will improve Finland’s air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons capabilities and will positively impact US relations with countries in the Nordic region,” the Pentagon said in a statement. The announcement on the sale of 40 AIM 9Xs and 48 AGM-154s comes more than nine months into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which pushed both Finland and Sweden to seek NATO membership.

Finland’s Ministry of Defense plans to sign a $13.1 million contract with BAE Systems Bofors to procure 57-millimeter naval guns for the Finnish Navy’s future Pohjanmaa-class multirole corvettes. According to the ministry, the agreement was coordinated with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration to cut costs, enabling the Finnish and Swedish navies to simultaneously acquire the same 57-millimeter variants at a lower price. The latest contract follows Finland and BAE Systems’ previous partnership that delivered 57-millimeter artillery systems such as 57Mk3 and 57A to the Finnish Navy.

According to the Nikkei, the Japanese Ministry of Defense is giving consideration to a submarine-launch variant of the new long-range stand-off missile being developed. Japan’s submarines are difficult to detect and this will be a deterrent factor.

WATCH: Hamina-class missile boat | The protector of the Finnish coasts

Lockheed Martin has awarded Magellan Aerospace a contract to provide machine titanium components for its F-35 Lightning II Fighter Aircraft. The agreement covers the development of machined wing tie bars for the plane’s flap. Tie bars are placed on an aircraft’s joints, curb, or shoulder parts, connecting bordering or adjoining portions to prevent separation and damage in flight.

A bipartisan group of US senators has asked Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to explain the reasons behind not sending the MQ-1C Gray Eagle drones to Ukraine. The 16 lawmakers demanded the explanation in a letter following the Pentagon’s reported refusal to send the General Atomics platform for fear of technology theft.

Rheinmetall has delivered the first tranche of Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) to the Hellenic Armed Forces as part of a military “backfill” initiated by the German government. Following the delivery, the Hellenic Armed Forces featured the IFVs on parade in Thessaloniki. In exchange for the Marders, Greece will provide Ukrainian forces with Soviet-made IFVs and other military equipment to support the country in its ongoing struggle to repel the Russian invasion.

Rheinmetall has delivered the first tranche of Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) to the Hellenic Armed Forces as part of a military “backfill” initiated by the German government. Following the delivery, the Hellenic Armed Forces featured the IFVs on parade in Thessaloniki. In exchange for the Marders, Greece will provide Ukrainian forces with Soviet-made IFVs and other military equipment to support the country in its ongoing struggle to repel the Russian invasion.

NATO allied and partner forces have trialed the French Air Force’s Mamba surface-to-air missile defense system in a live-fire exercise in Romania. The activity was conducted to prove NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) System capabilities in guarding and protecting allied airspace. Multinational aircraft tested the missile system, including Turkish F-16 Fighting Falcons and Spanish Eurofighters currently deployed on a separate NATO mission in Bulgaria.

The Indian Navy has received its second P15B stealth guided-missile destroyer from local firm Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. The delivery, which took place on Thursday, was part of a 2011 agreement to develop four ships under the navy’s Project 15B. The first ship in the project, INS Visakhapatnam, has been in service with the Indian Navy since last year.

WATCH: Marder 1A3: Discover Germany’s IFV Sent to Greece

Northrop Grumman won an $99.4 million modification from the US Air Force for Active Electronically Scanned Array radars of Air Force F-16 aircraft. This modification is for the exercise of options to include 42 production radars, one initial spare kit, and two readiness spare kits. This modification does not involve Foreign Military Sales. Work will take place in Maryland. Expected completion will be on July 31, 2025.

The US Army has completed a test run of the newly-developed missile communication technology, remote interceptor guidance (RIG)-360, from aerospace firm Lockheed Martin. The integrated flight test assessed the data link capabilities of Lockheed’s prototype missile communication device to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC)-3 missiles. The RIG-360, designed to leverage target data from different sensors, offers a 360-degree engagement capability for a missile interceptor.

Kellogg Brown and Root Services won a $24.8 million deal from the Navy to exercise the fifth option period for base operations support services at Naval Support Activity (NSA), Kingdom of Bahrain. This award brings the total cumulative value of the contract to $139,198,905. Work will be performed at NSA, Kingdom of Bahrain, and completed by November 2023. Work will take place in Bahrain. Estimated completion date is in November 2023.

An attack helicopter from Pakistan will be attached to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali. The helicopter will join the MINUSMA mission in March next year. India will contribute one utility helicopter for MINUSMA as well. MINUSMA was established in 2013 to support foreign and local troops battling militants, but in recent months there have been repeated instances of tensions between the Malian authorities and the mission.

Media reports from Greece say Athens will hold crucial talks with Israel over the supply of Spike NLOS anti-tank missiles. Greece wants to equip its AH-64D attack helicopter, Machitis-class gunboat and Mark V Special Operations Craft with the missile. It is said that Greece’s General Directorate For Defense Investments And Armaments is against buying the NLOS. The talks, lead by a permanent director general of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, ll decide whether the project will proceed or delayed indefinitely.

The Indian Air Force is seeking $171 million to buy the indigenous Rudram-1 new generation anti-radiation missile (NGARM). Cleared to be fired from the Su-30MKI or Mirage 2000, the proposal to buy the weapon will soon be discussed within the Ministry of Defense.

WATCH: See it in action: SPIKE NLOS exceptional performance Live

Raytheon Intelligence and Space won a $34.2 million order by the US Navy, which of the ethernet expansion devices and the platform data server in support of integration of the MV-22 Helmet Mounted Display/Degraded Visual Environment program aboard V-22, and establish a baseline for a common software interface for integration of future capabilities on all V-22 platforms. Work will take place in Indiana and California. Estimated completion will be in July 2027.

Lockheed Martin rolled out the first F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft this week from its Greenville, South Carolina, production line. The fighter completed final assembly, checkout, and painting at Greenville on November 21 and is expected to undergo flight trials at Edwards Air Force Base, California, early next year. The F-16 Viper is one of 16 the company is building for Bahrain as part of a $1.1 billion deal inked in 2018.

The Emirati Air Force led its biannual training exercise advanced tactical leadership course (ATLC) attended by the air forces of seven other nations at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates. The multinational air warfare training was held to increase the collective proficiency of participating countries in joint mission planning and tactical leadership.

The Royal Navy has chosen the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) to replace the Harpoon anti-ship missile for its warships. To be operational in less than 13 months, the missile from Norway will be fitted eleven Type 23 frigates and Type 45 destroyers. Babcock and BAE will be integrating the missile with support from Norway.

The Bulgarian government is poised to sign an agreement with Sweden and France to lease their second-hand fighter aircraft amid delays in the delivery of American F-16s. Sofia needs an immediate replacement for its aging fleet of MiG-29s, which are expected to be unserviceable by late 2023 due to maintenance issues. Talks about leasing French and Swedish jets started when Bulgaria sent a letter of request to seven countries (including the US) to temporarily lease their used fighter jets.

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) will dispatch two F-15J fighters to Clark Air Base, Philippines on November 27. Along with 60 personnel, the jets will be there till Dec. 11 for join training with the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

WATCH: V-22 Osprey: More than Meets the Eye