Defense Industry Daily

The US Air Force’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron has started to paint their WC-130J Hurricane Hunters back to the original shiny gray paint scheme and the first repainted aircraft returned back to Keesler Air Force Base on April 5. “Prior to 2007, the squadron’s aircraft all had glossy gray paint, which was used on weather reconnaissance aircraft, primarily for its durability, longevity, and efficiency,” said Lt. Col. Erik Olson, 53rd WRS director of operations.

Martin Defense Group LLC won a $15 million deal for the development of an Amphibious Vehicle for Unmanned Surface Mobility (AVUSM). This contract provides for technology development and maturation with the objective of transitioning the technology /capability to Navy and/or Marine Corps acquisition programs. The AVUSM system provides the capability of autonomously delivering a lay-flat fuel line hose from a floating embarkment platform, through the surf-zone, to above a high water mark line for fuel delivery in support of Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations. This is also known as a Reach-to-the-Beach capability. Work will take place in Hawaii and estimated completion date is April 5, 2025.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is partnering up with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to convert 767 airliners into airborne refueling tankers in India. Both parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for this endeavor, HAL said in a statement. The Indian Air Force has a long-standing requirement for new aerial refueling tankers and the Indian government stated that it prefers to procure defense equipment locally.

According to the Austrian newspaper Der Standard, Swedish company Saab is offering its Gripen to Austria through its subsidiary Saab Aeronautics Austria. Austria is currently relying on 15 Eurofighters, which were delivered after a questionable deal at the request of the Social Democratic Party in 2017 without the essential elements of self-defense, night operation capability and long-range weapons. Retrofitting the Eurofighter from tranche one as well as the procurement of spare parts is considered to be extremely expensive, because relevant components are no longer produced for the aircraft of this first series. Enter Saab, which is offering a Gripen solution to the Austrian Army. The company is reportedly betting on a government-to-government deal.

UK Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) has awarded Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) a $28 million contract to design and build a new satellite under project MINERVA, DE&S announced on April 4. The 150kg satellite will be based on SSTL’s Carbonite+ platform and delivered under the three-year build programme.

Two Boeing Super Hornets are set to arrive at INS Hansa, India in the middle of next month to conduct shore-based ski jump testing. According to local news reports, the date is set to be May 21 provided the fighter jets can secure midair refueling services to make the trip.

WATCH: Saab JAS 39 Gripen Multirole Fighter

Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States are cooperating on hypersonic weapons and electronic warfare capabilities. This was announced by the leaders of the three countries have said. The move comes amid growing concern by the US and allies about China’s growing military assertiveness in the Pacific. US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the plan after holding a check-in on the progress of AUKUS, the Indo-Pacific alliance that was launched by the three countries in September.

The United States’ next-generation land-based intercontinental ballistic missile system (ICBM) has been designated as the LGM-35A Sentinel. It will replace the aging Minuteman III missiles. The new weapon will incorporate low-risk, technically mature components that allow it to have a modular design that can incorporate new technologies as it operates into the 2070s.

According to Jane’s, the US 5th Fleet has transferred the Cyclone class patrol ships it recently retired to Bahrain. The Bahrain Defense Force reportedly identified the ships as RBNS Al-Gurairiyah, RBNS Al-Sakhir, RBNS Al-Farooq, RBNS Jenan, and RBNS Damsah.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) supplied the Czech Republic with the first air defense Multi-Mission Radar (MMR). This is part of a deal signed in December 2019 by the Ministries of Defense of both the Czech Republic and Israel. The radar, which is operational and combat-proven in Israel, provides both surveillance and defense capabilities to customers around the world, and is integrative with NATO systems. The radar detects and classifies threats, and supplies weapons systems with the data necessary to neutralize a number of those threats simultaneously. Thanks to the system’s advanced tracking capabilities, the radar provides situational awareness which is both precise and reliable, and includes the detection and identification of targets having low signatures.

Jane’s reports that Indonesia plans to reverse engineer the Chinese C-705 anti-ship missile and a local consortium has been established to carry out the project. Aerospace company PT Dirgantara Indonesia, defense electronics enterprise PT Len, explosives manufacturer PT Dahana, and heavy vehicles and ammunition producer PT Pindad will be led by Directorate for Technology and Defense Industry from the Ministry of Defense.

The US State Department has approved the potential sale to Taiwan of equipment, training and other items to support the Patriot Air Defense System in a deal valued at up to $95 million, the Pentagon said. Chinese-claimed Taiwan has complained of increased military pressure by Beijing to try and force the democratically ruled island to accept its sovereignty. The package would include training, planning, fielding, deployment, operation, maintenance and sustainment of the Patriot Air Defense System and associated equipment, the Pentagon said, in a notification to Congress.

WATCH: The Logic Behind the Patriot Missile System

Raytheon has proven that its High Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS) can pair with the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) to defeat drones. During a demonstration at White Sands, the NASAMS Fire Distribution Center provided cues to the HELWS which then track, identify and quickly take down drones using its electro-optical/infrared sensors. Nine Group 1 and Group 2 drones were taken down in the demonstration.

Northrop Grumman won a $65.3 million contract modification, which exercises options to provide continued operation, logistics and sustainment engineering support, to include training, supply chain and spares management for Global Hawk peculiar items, peculiar support equipment, and technical publications in support of ensuring the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Demonstrator (BAMS-D) aircraft are mission-capable for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Work will take place in Maryland, California and is expected to be completed in April 2023.

Israel and the United Arab Emirates have completed negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement. The issue was discussed by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed at their meeting in Abu Dhabi last December, at which it was agreed to accelerate the contacts ahead of the signing, and at their meeting in Egypt last week, at which the leaders agreed to complete the agreement within days.

British ship HMS Prince of Wales and frigate HMS Richmond joined Exercise Northern Viking 22. Viking 22 is an exercise practising the defense of the sea routes around Iceland. Among the countries participating in this exercise, which started on April 2, include France, Germany, Iceland, Norway, Portugal, the UK and the US. Their combined forces bring several capabilities to the exercise across the air, land and at-sea domains. HMS Prince of Wales has spent much of the past month taking part in Exercise Cold Response in the Arctic.

The US government cleared a potential Foreign Military Sale package for 8 F-16C/D fighters worth up to $1.673 billion to Bulgaria. Transmittal No 22-14 says the package is for four F-16Cs and four F-16Ds. They will be powered by F100-GE-129D engines which Bulgaria is buying 11 with three being spares.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), together with India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), successfully completed a series of trials that resulted in four successful interceptions  by the jointly-developed MRSAM Air and Missile Defense System. The interceptions were carried out in an operational setting against various scenarios, at different interception ranges, interception heights and challenging angles. The systems were operated by India’s Air Force and Navy, alongside DRDO and IAI engineers.

WATCH: TThis is the $220 Million US Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk Spy Plane

Lockheed Martin won a $23 million contract modification adds scope for the development and stand up of the initial F-35 Joint Strike Fighter depot repair capability for the Weapon Bay Door Drive System and Hydraulic Power Generation System, as well as provides increased repair capacity for the Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System. Work will take place in the UK, California, Texas and Illinois. Estimated completion will be in April 2025.

The US Air Force’s Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) has started testing its first adaptive cycle engine, the XA100 from General Electric. This is part of the Phase 2 testing program and the first phase was carried out in Evendale, Ohio last November. GE claims fuel efficiency improvements by 25 percent while 10 percent more thrust when the XA100 is mounted on the F-35A or C model.

Dyncorp International won an $11.3 million contract modification for aviation maintenance services. Work will take place in New York and Kuwait. Estimated completion date is November 28, 2022. Estimated completion date is November 28, 2022. US Army Contracting Command is the contracting activity.

Dari Concepts LLC won a $10 million contract for labor, materials and supplies to acquire, deliver and install security systems along the perimeter of the International Zone in Baghdad, Iraq. Bids were solicited via the internet with eight received. Work will take place in Baghdad, Iraq. Estimated completion date is December 27, 2022.

Lockheed Martin Space won a $68.3 million deal to provide the United Kingdom (UK) with engineering, technical support services, and deliverable materials for the UK Fleet Ballistic Missile Program requirements that are identified and integrated to support planned milestone schedules and emergent requirements. UK resident technical support, operational support hardware, and consumable spares are also provided. Work will take place in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Florida, California, Scotland and Washington.

South Korea will develop stealth drones, satellites, and other cutting-edge military equipment to address evolving threats, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced. The plan is part of the country’s policy priorities to bolster its defense and security capabilities as North Korea continues developing nuclear weapons and high-powered missiles.

WATCH: The World Loves The F-35

Lockheed Martin won a $1.4 billion contract modification for the production of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Interceptors and associated one-shot devices to support the US government and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Foreign Military Sales case requirements. The THAAD Interceptors and associated one-shot devices will be procured under fixed-price incentive (firm target) contract line items. Work will take place in Texas, California, Arkansas and Alabama. Estimated completion date is August 1, 2027.

Lockheed Martin Space won a $18.6 million contract modification for Trident II (D5) missile production and deployed systems support. Trident II D-5 is the sixth generation member of the US Navy’s Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) program which started in 1956. Systems have included the Polaris (A1), Polaris (A2), Polaris (A3), Poseidon (C3), and Trident I (C4). The first deployment of Trident II was in 1990 on the USS Tennessee (SSBN 734). Work will take place in Florida, Utah, Maryland, Colorado, California, Arkansas and Florida. Estimated completion date is September 30, 2026.

Turkish Aerospace Industries is offering Malaysia joint production on several front-line military aircraft, the company said at the Defence Services Asia 2022 exhibition in Kuala Lumpur. TAI president and CEO Temel Kotil told journalists that the joint production commitment is supported through TAI’s investment in the Southeast Asian country. He said TAI has recently established a Malaysian engineering facility, which it wants to develop as an avionics hub.

The Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) has awarded a contract to Saab for the mid-life upgrade (MLU) of the Royal Swedish Navy’s (RSwN’s) third Gotland (Type A19)-class diesel-electric submarine (SSK), HSwMS Halland. The scope of the award, valued at $116 million, includes a major platform overhaul and upgrade of the combat system that will enable Halland to remain in service to around 2030.

HMS Belfast, a Second World War cruiser turned museum ship, is to be reactivated and renamed by the end of this month in order to patrol the English Channel. The vessel’s current name has been taken by a new frigate under construction on the Clyde so it’s understood that the Prime Minister is renaming the vessel HMS Boris Johnson. This comes after claims that the Royal Navy, is already over-stretched and under-resourced.

Australia has scrapped its Project Air 7003, a multimillion-dollar programme, which was conceived to strengthen the country’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities across land and maritime environments. The $1.3 billion programme was on schedule to deliver 12–16 armed, medium-altitude, long-endurance MQ-9B SkyGuardians to Australia. The aircraft were to have been in service by the mid-2020s.

WATCH: The Gotland-class Submarine – one of the most silent submarines in the world

DynCorp International won a $100 million deal, which provides organizational, selected intermediate, and limited depot level maintenance, as well as logistics support services for the Navy F/A-18C/D/E/F, EA-18G, MH-60S, E-2C, and F-16A/B/C/D aircraft. Work will take place in Nevada. Estimated completion will take place in September 2023.

The South Carolina National Guard’s 1-151st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion recently took delivery of five AH-64E V6 attack helicopters. These helicopters arrived at McEntire Joint National Guard Base on March 24. “The arrival of the AH-64E model Apache Guardian to the South Carolina Army National Guard is a vast technological step forward for South Carolina,” said US Army Col. Jay McElveen, 59th Aviation Troop Command commander, South Carolina National Guard.

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has launched the fourth Al Zubarah-class corvette on order for Qatar. The ship Sumaysimah was launched during a ceremony held at Fincantieri’s Muggiano shipyard in La Spezia on March 29. Sumaysimah is the final ship of the class to be built by Fincantieri under a contract awarded in 2016. The multiship order, worth $4.47 billion, also includes the delivery of a landing platform dock (LPD) and two offshore patrol vessels (OPVs).

According to Defense News, Turkey is in negotiations to acquire up to 100 people to power its first indigenous tank, the Altay. Turkey’s highest defense procurement official, Ismail Demir, said the charges against the organization are focused on the quantity of power packs (which the engine and transmission make up) that would be pumped for the Altay program.

In a Norwegian fjord inside the Arctic Circle, the ‘Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron’ launched small teams from an Astute class submarine for ‘subsurface insertion’ missions. Their aim was to undergo reconnaissance missions on the rocky, icy shoreline in sub-zero temperatures while avoiding the multi-national ‘enemy’ force hunting them.

India is getting a batch of JDAMs and these will be used to arm the indigenous Tejas fighter. Besides the JDAM, India is also procuring the French-made Armement Air-Sol Modulaire (AASM) precision-guided munition for the Tejas.

WATCH: Al Zubarah-class: The New Power of Qatari Emiri Navy

Boeing won a $16 million delivery order for the repair of various avionics equipment used on the F/A-18 aircraft. The F/A-18 Hornet is an all-weather jet aircraft that is used by the US Navy and Marine Corps as both a fighter and attack platform. In its fighter mode, the F/A-18 is used primarily as a fighter escort and for fleet air defense; in its attack mode, it is used for force projection, interdiction and close and deep air support. The single-seat F/A-18/E and the two-seat F/A-18/F fly greater ranges with heavier payloads, have more powerful engines and provide greater survivability than its predecessor. Work will take place in California and Pennsylvania. Estimated completion date is March 2022.

Columbia Helicopters won a $8.8 million deal for overhaul/repair of the rotary wing head for the CH-47 Chinook. The Chinook CH-47F is an advanced multi-mission helicopter manufactured by American aerospace and defense firm Boeing for the US Army and international defense forces. Estimated completion date is October 31, 2024.

Globes reports that Bahrain and UAE are keen on acquiring the IAI Arrow 3 ballistic missile defense system. The potential purchase was discussed at the Negev Summit in Israel. Besides the Arrow 3, both countries and Morocco are keen on purchasing the Iron Dome as well.

The State Department has approved a potential $368.5 million Foreign Military Sale, which could provide follow-on support services and related equipment for the UK’s Tomahawk Weapon System. Raytheon’s missile and defense business in Tucson, Arizona, will be the prime contractor on the proposed sale, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said. The deal will cover all three TWS segments: all-up-round missiles, the tactical Tomahawk weapon control system and the theater mission planning center.

Joint Expeditionary Force naval vessels escorted Danish and British supply ships as they delivered military vehicles and equipment to resupply the UK-led NATO Battlegroup in Estonia. The Ministry of Defense, that Royal Navy vessels have joined ships, aircraft and personnel from six Joint Expeditionary Force nations to provide support to NATO and bolster security in the Baltic Sea.

The Philippine Air Force’s first C295 transport aircraft that it ordered has arrived home after a ferry flight from Spain. The aircraft landed at Clark Air Base just before sunset on March 28. The Philippines has ordered a total of three C295s. The three aircraft will join four other C295s that were ordered in the last decade and enter service with the 220th Airlift Wing.

WATCH: The Boeing CH-47 Chinook

Lockheed Martin won a $92.5 million contract modification for Aegis Combat System Engineering Agent efforts for the design, development, integration, test and delivery of Advanced Capability Build 20. The Aegis Combat System is an American integrated naval weapons system. It uses powerful computers, radar and digital signal processing algorithms to track and guide weapons to destroy enemy targets. Work will take place in New Jersey. Expected completion is by December 2022.

The Canadian government has decided that it will buy the Lockheed Martin F-35 to replace its CF-18s, in a joint announcement by Public Services and Procurement Minister Filomena Tassi and Defense Minister Anita Anand. Opposition Conservatives pour cold water on the announcement as the ruling Liberal government had pledged back in 2015 not to buy the F-35.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the aeronautics sector was inked during the meeting between the Minister of Industry and Trade, Mr. Ryad Mezzour, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Mr. Amir Peretz. This partnership is part of the implementation of the Joint Declaration between Morocco and Israel signed on December 22, 2020 in Rabat, in which the two countries expressed their willingness to promote dynamic and innovative bilateral economic cooperation in the fields of investment and technology.

According to the British Army, ‘Wildcat’ reconnaissance helicopters arrived at Siauliai Air Base in Lithuania earlier this month. The 1,500-mile journey from Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, Somerset took the four Wildcat Mk1 helicopters over some notable landmarks including the airfield and camp in Gutersloh, where 1AAC had been stationed 1993-2016.

The Indian Navy commissioned the Indian Naval Air Squadron 316 (INAS 316), the service’s second P-8I aircraft squadron. A ceremony was held at INS Hansa, Goa on 29 March 2022. INAS 316 has been christened ‘Condors’ which are one of the largest flying land birds with a massive wingspan. The insignia of the squadron depicts a ‘Condor’ searching over the vast blue expanse of the sea.

The Thai government is planning to relocate Royal Thai Air Force fighters and Singapore F-16s based at Udon Thani airbase to Nam Phong airbase in the south. Bangkok Post quoted Gp Capt Wisarut Chanthapradit as saying that the relocation of training to Nam Phong will take place in the next three to four years.

WATCH: British Army Deploy Four Super-Wildcat in Lithuania

Following the closure of the F-15C Weapons Instructor Course at Nellis Air Force Base, the Eagles assigned to the base have started to depart for other bases. The final course, Weapons Instructor Course 21-B, flew its last flights on December 8, 2021.

Sikorsky won a $25.6 million order, which provides non-recurring engineering efforts to integrate, test, and qualify re-designed data concentrator and blade fold distributor units that will mitigate component obsolescence and outdated test equipment used for the CH-53K aircraft. The CH-53K is the United States Marine Corps’ heavy lift replacement for the CH-53E. It can be fielded from amphibious assault ships for the transportation of personnel and equipment. It will also be used to carry external cargo loads. The aircraft can be operated from austere and remote forward operating bases. Work will take place in California, Connecticut, Texas and New York. Estimated completion will be in June 2023.

Elbit Systems was awarded contracts with an aggregate value of approximately $130 million to deliver an artillery munitions production line in a country in Asia-Pacific. The contracts will be performed over a period of 2.5 years, the company said. Under the contracts, Elbit Systems will build an industrial complex for enhanced manufacturing of artillery munitions.

Serbian Armed Forces recently inducted new Nora self-propelled howitzers as well as two different types of armored vehicles- Lazars and Miloš. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Nebojša Stefanovi?, PhD, visited the “Complex Combat Systems” factory in Velika Plana on March 23. He said the military would induct six Nora howitzers as well as six Lazar and few more Milos armored vehicles in that week.

Berlin is reportedly looking at the possibility of acquiring the IAI Arrow 3 exoatmospheric anti-ballistic missile system to defend the country from potential ballistic missile attacks from Russia. The discussions took place when chief of defense, Gen. Eberhard Zorn, spoke to Chancellor Olaf Scholz last week. According to German media, the system will costs $2.2 billion and three Green Pine radars will provide all-round coverage. The radar coverage is wide enough that neighboring countries such as Poland will need only to buy Arrow 3 interceptors and Germany’s radars can supply the necessary targeting information.

India has announced the opening of a Flight Control System integration facility to support research and development for a new range of military aircraft. The new facility, constructed at the Aeronautical Development Establishment in Bengaluru, will help centralize the integration of avionics and hardware, which has been scattered across multiple manufacturers and research centers across the country.

WATCH: Why Israel’s Arrow 3 Anti-Ballistic Missile System Test Is A Big Boost Amid Threat From Iran

Boeing won a $71.8 million contract modification, which adds scope to provide segregable effort support, unknown obsolescence, Class I change assessments and obsolescence monitoring in support of the P-8A Multi-mission Maritime aircraft Lot 12 production line. Work will take place in Washington, California and Colorado. Estimated completion will be by April 2025.

Raytheon won a $40.4 million contract modification. This modification exercises an option to integrate, produce, qualify, test and field 29 Lot Two low-rate production Maritime Strike Tomahawk seeker suites and all subsystems required to provide midcourse and terminal guidance to a modernized Tactical Tomahawk missile for prosecution of maritime targets from surface and subsurface platforms. The seeker suites will be installed in recertified Tomahawk missiles for the Navy. Work will take place in Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Utah and Michigan.

Contrack won a $34 million deal for the design bid-build construction of an electrical system upgrade at the Naval Support Activity in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Work will take place in Bahrain. Estimated completion date is October 19, 2024. The US State Department also has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Bahrain of M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) Upgrade and related equipment for an estimated cost of $176 million. Bahrain had requested to buy upgrades to 9 M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) to a M270 A1 minimum configuration. The upgrade will include: the Common Fire Control System (CFCS); Improved Launcher Mechanical System (ILMS); 600h Engine and associated engine compartment modifications; Improved Electronics Distribution Box (IEDB); fan speed control valve; cables and mounting hardware, Power Take Off (PTO) and BOO series transmission; the Digital Communication Systems (DCOMMS); Vehicular Intercom System (AN/VIC-3); and related support and equipment.

American International Contractors won a $24.8 million deal to construct an F-16 maintenance hangar at Marsa Matrouh Air Base in Egypt. US Army Corps of Engineers, Middle East District, is the contracting activity. Work will take place in Egypt. Estimated completion date is September 30, 2024.

Greece signed a deal for the procurement of six additional Rafale combat jets and three Belharra frigates with France. Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, and Vice-Admiral Aristidis Alexopoulos, Director General of Armaments and Investments of the Greek Ministry of Defence, signed in Athens, in the presence of Florence Parly, French Minister of the Armed Forces, and Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, Greek Minister of National Defence, a contract for the acquisition of six additional new Rafale aircraft, Dassault Aviation confirmed.

South Korea’s Defense Project Promotion Committee has approved a $580 million project to buy new transport planes by 2026. Yonhap reports that the contenders are likely to be the Airbus A400M, Embraer C390 and Lockheed Martin C-130J. The committee also approve the upgrade of the Cheolmae-2 air defense interceptor with $591 million of funding. The upgrade will take place next year and runs till 2029. The Cheolmae-2 will have the ability to intercept ballistic missiles after the upgrade.

WATCH: Tomahawk vs. Kalibr Cruise Missile

The United States aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk headed to a scrapyard in Texas and too large to slip through the Panama Canal, reports MercoPress. The ship must sail around South America. In her 16,000-mile trip this weekend the impressive vessel “rested” for a few hours in Punta Arenas, extreme south of Chile as she was crossing the Magellan Strait towed by a couple of tugs.

Jane’s reported, that the Brazilian Navy is in the process of receiving its seventh and final modernised Skyhawk fighter jet. The acceptance of the AF-1B jet, tail number N-1004, was initiated on March 7 and is expected to take three to four weeks. Five AF-1 single-seat and two AF-1A twin-seat aircraft from Squadron Falcão based at the Naval Air Base of São Pedro da Aldeia were modernised to the AF-1B and AF-1C standard, respectively, since 2015. One AF-1B crashed in July 2016.

Pakistan Navy’s Agosta 90B Class Submarine PNS/M HAMZA (S-139), modernized by Turkish firm STM managed to hit and sink a decommissioned frigate with a single torpedo shot. The trial was conducted during the SEASPARK-2022 Tactical Exercise, which was held biennially by the Pakistan Naval Forces Command. PNS/M HAMZA (S-139) destroyed a TARIQ class ship (Type 21 frigate) decommissioned with a DM-2A4 torpedo shot.

Lockheed Martin won a $16.6 million contract modification, which adds scope to provide for the development, integration, and testing of the Israel unique software data load in support of integration of Technology Refresh 3 (TR3) onto the F-35 Lot 15 Israel production aircraft. The integration efforts will include reverification of a select subset of the 3F+ software capability captured in the Israel System Development and Demonstration TR-3 reverification systems requirements document, airworthiness related flight testing of 3F+ software on TR-3 enabled aircraft, and weapons certification updates for use with TR-3 aircraft. Work will take place in Texas, California, Missouri, Arizona, Florida and Israel. Expected completion date is in March 2024.

The US State Department gave the green light for a potential Foreign Military Sale to the government of the United Kingdom of Ballistic Missile Defense Radar (BMDR) and Command and Control Battle Management and Communications (C2BMC) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $700 million. The government of the United Kingdom (UK) had requested to buy one (1) Ballistic Missile Defense Radar (BMDR); and two (2) Command and Control Battle Management and Communications (C2BMC) user nodes (with network capability required to connect to the C2BMC System to support radar operations).  Also included are design and construction of a combined radar-equipment shelter;  encryption devices, secure communication equipment, and other required COMSEC equipment to support radar operations; spare and repair parts, support and testing equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, US Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support.

According to the website “Soldat und Technik”, German small arms manufacture Heckler & Koch recently received a number of orders from the Baltic States. The Latvian Army ordered additional HK417 sniper rifles worth 3,433,878 euros. Latvia already uses the HK417 in a semi-automatic version as a sniper rifle, equipped with a Schmidt & Bender ZF 3-20 x 50 PMII.

Pakistan showcased its latest defense equipment at its annual Pakistan Day Parade on Wednesday. This highlighted ongoing efforts to maintain a credible conventional deterrent against India. One notable element of the parade including aerial displays, which this year began with an F-16C Block 52 escorted by a pair of newly inducted Chinese J-10C Firebird fighters.

WATCH: Brazilian Navy A 4 Skyhawks

The US Space Force wants to send a satellite to the moon in order to help detect, track and identify artificial objects operating there. A draft Request for Proposals was published recently for the spacecraft, called the Cislunar Highway Patrol System (CHPS) satellite. The satellite will expand the Space Force’s space domain awareness by one thousand times. The Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) Space Vehicles Directorate will be in charge of developing CHPS.

The Defense Department (DoD) is ending a study on how to streamline and better protect its vast array of often incompatible ground terminals for satellite communications to introduce some changes next year, the DoD’s SATCOM chief was quoted by Breaking Defense.

Lockheed Martin and IAI partnered up to jointly promote a Ground Based Air Defense (GBAD) system, which is centered around the Lockheed Martin United Kingdom SkyKeeper and the BARAK MX system. As part of the partnership, Lockheed Martin and IAI will promote their technological and manufacturing expertise in air defense solutions that protect military forces and high value assets from missile threats around the world.

Thales has demonstrated its anti-drone system, Horus Shield, to the Spanish Army a few weeks ago at the airfield of the Segovia town of Marugán. The demonstration was part of the Spanish Army’s Fuerza 2035/BRIEX 2035 initiative and was coordinated and supervised by the Spanish Army’s Head of Information Systems, Telecommunications and Technical Assistance (JCISAT).

The US State Department approved the sale of up to eight MH-60R multi-mission helicopters to Spain in a deal potentially worth $950 million. The deal would also include a range of weapons and systems — Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II guidance sections, communications equipment, Airborne Low Frequency Sonars, sonobuoys and more — to enable surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare and electronic warfare by these ship-based helicopters.

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) launched a new 2,800-ton frigate with enhanced anti-submarine capabilities. Launching ceremony for the Chuncheon took place at the shipyard of Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. in Ulsan, some 410 km southeast of Seoul, according to the state arms procurement agency.

WATCH: HUNTER C-UAS in SPAIN

Foster Miller won a $10.7 million contract modification to exercise Option Year One for production, engineering support and post production support of the MK 2 Man Transportable Robotic System (MTRS) series systems and Talon systems. The services under this contract cover the production of systems, depot level repair parts, initial spares kits, consumables, repair parts and approved accessories. Engineering support services such as configuration management, engineering enhancements, reviews, reporting and shipping are also included. The MTRS MK2 provides a man-transportable capability to remotely perform reconnaissance. Estimated completion will be by March 2026.

Boeing won a $95 million contract modification, which increases the contract ceiling to provide depot level maintenance and modification efforts support for F/A-18 E/F and EA-18G aircraft inspections, modifications, and repairs, as well as F/A-18 E/F and EA-18G inner wing panel modifications and repairs. Work will take place in Florida, California, Missouri, Washington and California. Estimated completion will be by December 2022.

It has been disclosed that Uganda has chosen India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to provide maintenance and technical support for its fleet of five Su-30 fighters. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Uganda Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Charles Lutaaya at the Indian High Commission in Kampala on March 4.

Hungarian Defense Ministry Undersecretary Gaspar Maroth said that 40 units of Turkish-built ‘Gidran’ tactical wheeled armored vehicles were delivered to the country’s Armed Forces. Gidran is the name given to Turkish company Nurol Makina’s Ejder Yalç?n 4×4 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, which are being produced under licenses.

Hanwha Defense partnered with Lockheed Martin UK bidding on a key British Army artillery program. The South Korean defense contractor announced March 21 that Lockheed had become the latest industry member to join Team Thunder, the group bidding to secure a $1 billion) deal to supply 155mm self-propelled howitzers to the Army.

Boeing subsidiary Insitu Pacific has been selected by Australia’s Department of Defence to supply the Australian Army with 24 Integrator unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) under an A$650 million investment programme aimed at addressing LAND 129 Phase 3 project requirements. According to the DoD, the initial contract period with Insitu Pacific – which includes deliver and support of the UASs as well as associated ground systems and prime systems integrator services – will be worth A$307 million. Production has already commenced, with delivery expected between 2023 and 2024.

WATCH: Turkey deploys Gidran armored vehicles in Hungary

Northrop Grumman won a $17.3 million deal for depot level repair.  This follow-on contract includes: maintenance, modifications, repairs, alteration, upgrades of systems and spares for the AN/AQS-24 Sonar Detecting Set (all variants), Common Post Mission Analysis and Intermediate Level Test Equipment to support the Navy for the currently deployed airborne mine countermeasures legacy systems. The AQS-24A is a helicopter towed airborne Sonar mine countermeasure detection system equipped with a side scan sonar to detect and classify underwater mines. Work will take place in Maryland. Expected completion is in October 2026.

The UH-60V variant has been inducted into service with the 106th Aviation Regiment at the Illinois Army National Guard. Around 60 pilots were trained to operate the V variant and they did that by first undergoing six weeks of training on the UH-60M before spending another two weeks for a training support plan to be qualified.

Israeli Steadicopter and Smart Shooter have unveiled the Golden Eagle – an unmanned helicopter with precise hit capabilities. Based on the Black Eagle 50E platform, the Golden Eagle incorporates AI-based technology and Smart Shooter’s SMASH Dragon system. The AI-based technology enables superior situational awareness and autonomous multi-target classification and tracking. The SMASH Dragon, a remotely-operated robotic weaponry payload, locks on the target, tracks it and ensures precise target hit.

UAE Minister of State for Defense Affairs, Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi, visited South Korea and the UAE has expressed interest in KAI’s T-50. The UAE had recently announced its decision to buy the L-15 advanced jet trainer from China.

Defense News reports that according to Defense Minister Jana Ernochová, the Czech Republic plans to buy more UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper helicopters for the military because Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shown that the country’s current fleet is “insufficient.” “At the Ministry of Defence, we have all the prerequisites to catch up as soon as possible in terms of defence spending,” ernochová was cited as saying in a statement released by the ministry. The minister was alluding to Prague’s ambitions to increase military spending to 2% of GDP in order to meet its NATO obligation.

Australia will designate the Boeing Loyal Wingman unmanned aircraft as the MQ-28A Ghost Bat, Defense Minister Peter Dutton announced. “The introduction of the new popular name is a rare and special moment in aviation history for our RAAF partners and industry team of over 35 Australian suppliers,” said Glen Ferguson, director Airpower Teaming System Australia and International.

WATCH: UH-60 Black Hawk: The Front Line Utility Helicopter

The Lockheed LC-130 is a ski-equipped aircraft that supports US missions in the Arctic and Antarctic. The aircraft requires rocket-assisted-takeoff (RATO) rockets for take-off when carrying heavy loads over snow or ice. However, the LC-130 was upgraded with T56-8-15A 3.5 engines that negate the need for RATO rockets.

FLIR Systems won a $19.3 million deal for maintenance and overhaul of the UH-60 turret. The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is a four-blade, twin-engine, medium-lift utility helicopter. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order. Estimated completion date is March 16, 2027.

Sikorsky won a $52.5 million contract modification, which adds scope to procure long lead items in support of full rate production, Lot 7, CH-53K aircraft for the government of Israel. In February 2021, the Israel Ministry of Defense announced that it chose CH-53K as its next heavy-lift helicopter, over Boeing’s CH-47 Chinook. The new chopper will replace the country’s five decades-old CH-53D Sea Stallion Yasur helicopter. Work under the modification will take place in Connecticut. Estimated completion date is in December 2022.

Russia’s military has reportedly fired a hypersonic ballistic missile into Ukraine. The defense ministry in Moscow said, that it destroyed a big underground arms depot in western Ukraine. If confirmed it would be Russia’s first use in this war of the Kinzhal, or Dagger, ballistic missile launched from the air, most likely by a MiG-31 warplane.

Fincantieri said it delivered the first of seven Multipurpose Offshore Patrol ships (PPA – Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura) “Paolo Thaon di Revel.” The PPAs are built at the Integrated Shipyard of Riva Trigoso and Muggiano, with deliveries expected until 2026, and they are part of the renewal plan of the operational lines of the Italian Navy vessels, approved by the Government and Parliament and started in May 2015 (“Naval Act”) under the aegis of OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Cooperation sur l’Armement, the international organization for cooperation on arms).

Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems have laid the keel beam for New Zealand’s first P-8A maritime patrol aircraft. This process, also called ‘keeling,’ was done at the Spirit AeroSystems facility where all Boeing 737 fuselages, nacelles and pylons are designed and built.

Srinjoy Chowdhury of Times Now says the Indian government will soon place an order with Russia for 12 new Su-30 fighters. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to approve the purchase during a meeting of the Defense Acquisition Council next week.

WATCH: Russia Fires Kinzhal Hypersonic Missiles in Ukraine

The US Air Force is proceeding to install the AN/ALQ-257 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) on several F-16s for flight testing. Northrop Grumman was selected last year to deploy a new electronic warfare suite for the F-16. The new contract, awarded on Mar. 10, will allow the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD), Developmental Test/Operational Test (DT/OT), and Operational Assessment (OA) phases to be carried out in early 2023.

The US Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) and Boeing recently completed a critical design review for the Protected Tactical SATCOM Prototype (PTS-P). PTS-P features an on-board processor of the US military’s jam-resistant Protected Tactical Waveform (PTW), providing users in-theater anti-jam capability with network routing.

Italian company Beretta has won, through Saudi General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), a contract to supply 3,500 PMX submachine guns in 9×19 mm caliber to the Saudi Royal Guard. According to Beretta, this follows two years of tests that led to the qualification of the PMX both by GAMI. The contract also includes a small batch of accessories.

General Dynamics European Land Systems` local company GDELS-Romania (GDELS-RO) signed an agreement for the creation of an industrial consortium with C.N. ROMARM Uzina Mecanica Bucuresti (UMB) for the production of wheeled armored vehicles in Romania. The signing ceremony took place on March 15 in the newly established vehicle production facility at UMB in Bucharest. The event was attended by the Prime Minister of Romania, Nicolae Ciuca, the Minister of National Defence, Vasile Dancu, the Minister of Economy, Florin Sp?taru, as well as the United States Charge D’ Affairs to Romania, David Muniz and GDELS President, Alfonso Ramonet.

Indonesia’s military took delivery of the first batch of Kaplan MT/Harimau medium-weight tanks jointly produced by Ankara-based FNSS and Indonesian company PT Pindad. This marks the first export of Turkish-developed tank. Ismail Demir, head of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) of Turkey said the tanks will be produced in both countries and that the contract included technology transfer. He revealed that mass production of Kaplan MT has begun and will continue.

Boeing won a $55.4 million order, which procures P-8A training systems hardware for the government of Korea. Specifically, this order provides for the production and delivery of one Operational Flight Trainer with Brief/Debrief Station, one Weapons Tactics Trainer with Brief/Debrief Station, one Virtual Maintenance Trainer, one Maintenance Support Cabinet, one 10-seat plus one instructor seat Maintenance Electronic Classroom (EC), one Training System Support Center, one 10-seat plus one instructor seat Mission Systems Desktop Trainer EC, one 10-seat plus one instructor seat Flight Management Systems Trainer EC, and one 10-seat plus one instructor seat Aircrew EC. Additionally, this order provides contracts, logistics, engineering and management technical expertise required for the procurement, build, inspection and acceptance of the Phase 1 hardware for the P-8A training system for the government of Korea. Work will take place in Missouri and Florida. Estimated completion is in July 2025.

Rolls-Royce won an $8.6 million ordering agreement, which provides for sovereign repair capability development as well as facility standup for the V-22 AE 1107C engine to include establishment of an indigenous depot-level maintenance and repair capability for the Rolls-Royce AE 1107C engine and integration of an AE 1107C engine test cell into existing Kawasaki Heavy Industries facilities in  support of the government of Japan. Work will take place in Indiana and Japan. Estimated completion will be in June 2024.

WATCH: Harimau Hitam / Kaplan MT, the new face of the medium tank.

The 40th Flight Test Squadron had the rare opportunity to fly five different types of aircraft assigned to the unit all together for one time on January 31. The F-15EX, F-15C, F-15E, F-16, and A-10 were all at Eglin Air Force Base for testing of upgraded systems. The formation represented for the first and last time, all five fighters in the 96th Test Wing inventory.

Speaking at a Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies event on March 14, the US Pacific Air Forces commander said new weapon systems such as the F-15EX are required in order to prepare for Indo-Pacific conflict. Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach said the aging F-15C, now based in Japan, needs to be replaced with the newer F-15EX. The new fighter is able to stay airborne for up to four hours without aerial refueling and can carry hypersonic weapons in future, Wilsbach added.

The Navy of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) received new smart sub-surface vessels along with missiles and speedboats. The new equipment were handed over to the IRGC’s naval forces during a ceremony in Iran’s southern port city of Bandar Abbas on March 15, Iranian state-owned media reported.

The Irish Ministry of Defense (MoD) has confirmed the acquisition of two second-hand Lake-class inshore patrol vessels (IPVs) from New Zealand to equip its naval service. The two ships, the former HMNZS Rotoiti and HMNZS Pukaki, are intended to replace the Irish Naval Service’s (INS’s) Peacock (P 41)-class coastal patrol ships LÉ Orla (P 41) and LÉ Ciara (P 42) following their planned withdrawal from service.

Ukraine’s military has claimed that a Russian surveillance drone crossed into Polish airspace before reentering Ukrainian airspace, where it was shot down. The destroyed Russian drone is believed to be Forpost UAV, a license-produced version of the IAI Searcher II reconnaissance drone, built by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). Licenses were sold to Russia in 2015, and the country is now believed to operate several dozens of such drones.

A North Korean projectile, likely a ballistic missile, fired Wednesday exploded mid-air at an altitude of below 20km, the South’s military claimed. The projectile is said to have been shot from the Sunan area in Pyongyang at around 9:30 a.m., South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said.

WATCH: F-15EX – Is the most heavily armed USAF jet worth it?

The US Navy took delivery of the newest Virginia-class fast-attack submarine Montana (SSN 794) on Monday. Montana (SSN 794) completed sea trials last month. It is the third of the 10-ship group of Virginia-class submarines known as Block IV. Virginia-class submarines displace 7,835 tons, with a hull length of 377 feet and a diameter of 34 feet. They are capable of speeds in excess of 25 knots and can dive to a depth greater than 800 feet, while carrying Mark 48 advanced capability torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Overhaul Support Services LLC won two contracts in support of the CH-47 Chinook. swashplates. A $15.8 million deal ist to overhaul aft control swashplates for the helicopter. A $12.5 million contract provides the overhaul of forward control swashplates. Estimated completion date is March 13, 2027. The CH-47 Chinook helicopter transports troops, artillery, supplies and equipment to the battlefield with other applications ranging from medical evacuation, aircraft recovery, parachute drop, search and rescue to disaster relief, firefighting and heavy construction.

Israel Shipyards, which manufactures vessels, announced Sunday that it has won an agreement to supply two vessels and various services to a government customer in Africa. The value of the deal, in which Israel Shipyards will supply the vessels over a period of about 22 months, is about 10.7 million euros. The company does not specify the model of the vessel, but Israel Defense has learned it is a new model made by Israel Shipyards that is being sold for the first time.

Latvian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Artis Pabriks has confirmed the country’s interest in buying Bayraktar TB2 combat drones from Turkey, which have been used on battlefields in Syria, Libya, Azerbaijan, Ethiopia, Iraq; and now in Ukraine. In an interview with Nikkei Asia on March 12, Pabriks said Latvia “is interested in acquiring from Turkey the kind of armed drones Ukraine’s military has been using against invading Russian forces.”

Germany will buy up to 35 copies of the F-35 fighter jet, reversing years-long plans that saw the fifth-generation warplane eliminated from consideration, defense leaders announced Monday. The planes will take over by 2030 the nuclear-weapons mission from the aging fleet of Tornado aircraft, Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht said during a joint statement with Air Force Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Ingo Gerhartz in Berlin.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is expected to begin receiving the first tranche of 17 new Mil Mi-17 twin-engine multirole transport helicopters from Russia by the end of 2023, amid the continuing Ukrainian conflict. Philippines Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement to the media that the contract and the initial down payment for the Mi-17 acquisition project had been completed before Russia began its military operations in Ukraine.

WATCH: C-130 Hercules | What It’s Like To Fly Inside

Northrop Grumman won a $17 million modification, which adds scope to provide for the production, delivery, and installation of Link 16 Crypto-Modernization/Hybrid Beyond Line of Sight capabilities on 15 E-2D Advanced Hawkeye 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, Virginia, Illinois, California and New York. Estimated completion date is May 2023.

The US Air Force, the US Navy, and the US Marine Corps will have an autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle that will need to increase the combat capability, accuracy, and concentration of the US military during air battles. The ‘Aggressor’ aircraft, dubbed Bandit, is a training UAV and its construction has been given the green light, Jane’s reports.

Saudi Arabia’s Advanced Communications and Electronics Systems (ACES) inked an agreement with a Chinese defense firm to design and manufacture military drones in the kingdom. The joint venture is called “Aerial Solutions”. It was announced during the World Defense Show 2022, held from March 6 to 9 in Riyadh.

Israeli small arms manufacture Emtan has won the Spanish Civil Guard contract for the supply of a new MZ-4P 5.56 x 45 mm caliber assault rifle to equip personnel from various units worth almost six million euros – 5,929,000 euros. According to Infodefensa.com, the price offered per unit is 850 euros, without VAT. The contract initially contemplates the supply of a minimum of 3,500 units over the next two years, although everything indicates that the final order will be considerably higher.

During the acquisition of three Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 and KC-130J “Super Hercules” aircraft each, the German Air Force decided to equip all aircraft with HENSOLDT’s latest generation of defence sensor technology. With MILDS Block 2, the company is supplying a total of 35 sensors (five per aircraft and five units for lab use) to Danish company Terma A/S, which is managing the integration of the systems at Lockheed Martin through Terma Inc. The contracts were signed in 2020. So far, 20 sensors and the ordered desiccant-kits have already been delivered. By January 2023, the remaining 15 sensors will be delivered. The first “Hercules” for the German Air Force was handed over in Évreux/Fauville (France) on February 19, 2022 to the Franco-German air-transport squadron. With MILDS Block 2, HENSOLDT is also helping to close the capability gap created by the retirement of the C-160 “Transall”.

A Global Hawk acquired by Japan has arrived home at Misawa Air Base on the morning of March 12. It is the first of three unmanned aerial vehicles ordered by Japan. The Global Hawk’s mission is to provide a broad spectrum of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance collection capabilities to support joint combatant forces in worldwide peacetime, contingency and crisis operations. The system can be used to cooperatively address common regional challenges such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, piracy, terrorism and other issues affecting the region.

WATCH: First Flight of 1st Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules for the Luftwaffe (German Air Force)

Bell Boeing won a $24.3 million contract modification, which increases scope to provide additional MV-22 Common Configuration Readiness and Modernization in-service and over and above repair support. 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 Pennsylvania and Texas. Estimated completion will be in June 2023.

General Dynamics won a $12.3 million contract modification for Abrams systems technical support. The M1 Abrams is a third generation American main battle tank. An upgrade of the Abrams M1A1 main battle tank, the M1A2 features an improved commander’s weapon station, independent thermal viewer, an inter-vehicular information system, and an enhanced position/navigation system. Work under the modification will take place in Michigan. Estimated completion date is February 28, 2023.

Aviation won a $13 million deal, which provides pilot, enlisted aircrew, and maintenance training support services as well as program management and administrative support services for the government of Kuwait. Work will take place in Oklahoma and Kuwait. Estimated completion date is in March 2025.

The Defense Ministry of Slovakia has received word from the United States that the delivery of F-16s that it has ordered will be delayed by 12 to 14 months. The Pentagon awarded a $799 million contract to Lockheed Martin for the production of 14 F-16 Block 70 fighters back in 2019. The jets will now arrive home in 2024.

A foreign company has approached Ukraine’s state-owned Ukroboronprom to provide the country’s Air Force with six Antonov AN-158 twin-engine passenger aircraft. Although these aircraft cannot participate in combat, they can perform special flights to deliver everything the Air Force needs under wartime conditions, Ukroboronprom’s head Yuriy Husyev said in a statement. The aircraft will first undergo maintenance and repair.

India has admitted that one of its BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was accidentally fired into Pakistan on March 9. The missile was fired due to a technical malfunction during routine maintenance. According to Pakistan, the missile landed in an area called Mian Channu. No one was hurt in the incident.

WATCH: Slovak Air Force student pilots training in Tucson for transition to the new Block 70 F-16s.