Defense Industry Daily

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics won a $9.3 million contract modification, which increases the ceiling to partially definitize fiscal 2021 air vehicle initial spares, to include global spares packages, base spares packages, deployment spares packages, and afloat spares packages in support F-35 Lightning II Air Vehicle deliveries for the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, non-US Department of Defense participants, and Foreign Military Sales customers. Work will take place in Texas. Estimated completion is in December 2021.

Raytheon won a $13.9 million deal to procure contractor logistics support maintainers and engineering reach back support of the AN/ALQ-249(V)1 Next Generation Jammer-Mid Band (NGJ-MB) during development, test and evaluation. The AN/ALQ-249(V)1 Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band system is part of a larger NGJ system that will augment, and ultimately replace the legacy ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System currently used on the EA-18G Growler aircraft for Airborne Electronic Attack. Work will take place in Maryland and California. Estimated completion date is in June 2023.

BIRD Aerosystems, a global provider of defense technology and solutions for air, sea, and land fleets of governments and related agencies, has received a Supplemental Type Certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel for its Cessna CJ3 ASIO Special Mission Aircraft. The granted STC follows a modification of the aircraft into a special mission configuration and includes all the structural and electrical changes to the aircraft to support the installation of the airborne surveillance sensors (Radar, EOP, AIS), multiple communication equipment, and BIRD’s operator workstations and pilot display.

The first two Eurofighter Typhoons out of an order for 28 aircraft for the Air force of Kuwait landed in Kuwait City. The Eurofighter Typhoon for the Kuwait Air Force feature a wide range of operational capabilities, built by Leonardo according to the specific requirements of the Kuwaiti Air Force.

The German representative on the supervisory board of the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has blocked the delivery of anti-drone jamming guns to Ukraine which were already paid for by Kiev. The shipment of these anti-drone mitigation systems was being procured from Lithuania, according to Ukrainian newspaper Dzerkalo Tyzhnia.

South Korea’s Hanwha Defense inked a contract to supply the Australian Army with advanced self-propelled howitzers and ammunition resupply vehicles. The deal is worth about $730 million, representing the highest-valued export of Hanwha’s K9 self-propelled howitzer, nicknamed Thunder and known in Australia as the AS9.

Watch: Ultra Powerful South Korean K9 Thunder Artillery Mass Live Fire vs Mountain

Bell Boeing won a $18 million contract modification, which exercises an option to provide systems integration, technical analysis, and engineering support for the V-22 aircraft. The V-22 Osprey is a joint-service, medium-lift, multimission tilt-rotor aircraft, which operates as a helicopter when taking off and landing vertically. The nacelles rotate 90° forward once airborne, converting the aircraft into a turboprop aircraft. Work will take place in Texas and Pennsylvania. Estimated completion is in December 2022.

The Pentagon has given Northrop Grumman Corporation a task order to start engineering and planning work to reconfigure four EQ-4 Block 20 aircraft for the SkyRange program. These four aircraft will be fitted with sensors to collect data in order to support the testing of US hypersonic systems. Conversion will take place at Northrop Grumman’s Grand Sky facility near Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Israeli media says Tel Aviv asked Washington for the immediate delivery of two KC-46A aerial refueling tankers. The original schedule is for Israel to receive the first two tankers in 2023. However, the United States reportedly denied the request. Back in July 2020, it was reported that Israel had also asked for the delivery of the planes to take place this year.

The Royal Moroccan Air Force is reportedly planning to buy 8 H225M Caracal helicopter from France. Morocco is currently negotiating with Airbus for eight H225Ms, as per reports. A dozen of these helicopters along with 80 Rafale fighter jets were purchased by the United Arab Emirates recently.

Greece’s Hellenic Air Force will commence operations with the first six Rafale fighters next month. The jets will be ready for operational missions immediately after arriving at 114th Combat Wing as the crew have completed their training.

China’s J-20 stealth jet has reportedly entered mass production after all technical issues concerning the domestically-made WS-10 engine having been solved; state-media reported quoting a statement from Chengdu Aircraft Industrial Group Co. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force displayed J-20s equipped with domestically developed engines at Airshow China 2021.

Watch: The Good News about the KC-46 Tanker

General Dynamics won a $93.5 million deal for M1A2 Abrams engineering, manufacturing, design and production. The M1A2 is an improvement of the Abrams M1A1 main battle tank. It includes a commander’s independent thermal viewer, weapon station, position navigation equipment, and a full set of controls and displays linked by digital data bus. Work will take place in Ohio. Estimated completion date is September 30, 2025.

General Dynamics Bath Iron Works won a $12.9 million modification for the accomplishment of planning yard efforts such as engineering, technical, planning, ship configuration, data and logistics efforts for DDG-1000 class destroyers post-delivery and in-service life-cycle support. The DDG-1000 or Zumwalt class destroyers provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities. A few days ago the lead ship, USS Zumwalt, caught media attention due to noticeable rust all over its exterior. Work under the modification will take place in Maine and California. Estimated completion will be by December 2022.

Egypt will be hosting its first naval defense exhibition in September 2022, dubbed “Naval Power,” according Defense News quoting the commander of the Navy. Lt. Gen. Ahmed Khaled Hassan Said Ahmed announced this during the Egypt Defence Expo, which was held from November 29 to December 2. “After hitting its goal with more than 400 exhibitors at EDEX 2021, Egypt is moving to more specialized defense exhibitions, and the naval expo to be held is in accordance with all the country’s efforts to boost its naval and maritime capabilities,” Ahmad Eliba, a defense expert at the Egyptian Center for Strategic Studies, told Defense News.

Finland chose the F-35A to replace its ageing F/A-18 fleet and will order 64 of the jets and their support equipment in a $9.4 billion deal. The government of Finland authorized the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command to sign a procurement contract with the Government of the United States on Finland’s next multi-role fighter. The procurement includes 64 F-35A Block 4 multi-role fighters, substantial and versatile weaponry tailored for the operating circumstances, required training and sustainment solutions, other related systems as well as sustainment and maintenance services until the end of 2030.

A multirotor mini-UAV developed by Turkey’s Zyrone Dynamics is ready to be exported to India’s DCM Shriram which has a 30% stake in the Ankara-based company. Zyrone Dynamics is preparing for the first product delivery to its Indian partner. Thirty percent of the company was sold to India-based DCM Shriram Industries for $3.5 million with the agreement made at the 15th International Defense Industry Fair in August this year.

India’s Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Air Force (IAF) flight-tested the indigenously developed Helicopter launched Stand-off Anti-tank (SANT) Missile from Pokhran ranges on December 11. The flight-test was successful in meeting all its mission objectives. The release mechanism, advanced guidance and tracking algorithms, all avionics with integrated software, performed satisfactorily and tracking systems monitored all mission events.

Watch: Finland Chooses the F-35 | Breaking News

Lockheed Martin won a $20.5 million contract modification, which adds scope to provide non-recurring engineering for the selected F-35 “Out the Window” replacement solution in support of full mission simulator production for the Air Force, Navy, and non-US Department of Defense participants. The F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter (JSF) is a stealthy, supersonic multirole fighter. Its advanced sensor package is designed to gather, fuse and distribute more information than any fighter in history, giving operators a decisive advantage over all adversaries. The F-35’s engine produces 43,000 lbs of thrust and consists of a three-stage fan, a six-stage compressor, an annular combustor, a single-stage high-pressure turbine, and a two-stage low-pressure turbine. Work will take place in Florida. Estimated completion is in March 2024.

The USS Oakland (LCS 24) is ready to be armed with the Naval Strike Missile (NSM), the US Navy announced in a press release on December 10. The launch module was installed at Naval Base San Diego. Besides LCS 24, USS Jackson (LCS 6), USS Charleston (LCS 18), USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS-10), USS Tulsa (LCS-16) are the other Independence-variant littoral combat ships (LCS) that have the NSM installed.

According to Jane’s, the Malian Armed Forces received several Chinese-made Norinco VN2C 6×6 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) recently. The new armored and unprotected vehicles were handed over by the military in a ceremony held at the Kati military camp on December 3. The VN2C is an improved variant of the VN2, itself a derivative of Norinco’s WZ551 armored personnel carrier with increased protection against improvised explosive devices. It has a gross vehicle weight of 19 tonnes, a 402 hp diesel engine, and armour that provides STANAG 4569 Level 3a/3b protection.

The US transferred three C-130 transport aircraft to Jordan under its C-130 Ramp-to-Ramp (R2R) transfer program. The Royal Jordanian Air Force accepted two aircraft on December 9. The planes had arrived in September. The final aircraft will arrive in January. The R2R program transfers active C-130s to key partners. So far, eight aircraft have been transferred.

The US State Department Approved Two Sales to Greece’s Hellenic Navy. The Hellenic Navy could soon finalize a $6.9 billion deal for four Multi-Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC) ships besides another $2.5 billion contract for MEKO-class frigate modernization, The Government of Greece requested to buy equipment and services to repair, update, and enhance their four (4) existing Hellenic Navy (HN) MEKO Class frigates. Greece also plans to acquire four MMSC ships that are similar to the 370-plus-foot-long Littoral Combat Ships used by the US Navy; five COMBATSS-21 Combat Management Systems; five Vertical Launch Systems; 200 Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) and related equipment and support. The Pentagon said Lockheed Martin was the prime contractor for the ships.

Japan will proceed with the F-15JSI (Japan Super Interceptor) upgrade program by allocating funds for the program in next year’s budget. According to local media, the final price of the program is now agreed at $3.5 billion after negotiations with the Americans. Tokyo will drop the integration of the LRASM on the Japanese Eagle in order to reduce costs.

Watch: USS Oakland (LCS 24) Joins the Fleet

Boeing won a $366 million contract modification, which increases the ceiling to extend the service life for up to 32 F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft. Boeing delivered the first Super Hornet to the US Navy in February 2020 under the Service Life Modification (SLM) Block III conversion programme. The initial Super Hornets delivered under SLM extended the aircraft’s service life from 6,000 to 7,500 flight hours. Work under the modification will take place in Texas and Missouri. Estimated completion is in May 2024.

The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has awarded a research contract to Stratolaunch for rapid-turnaround hypersonic flight testing. The company will use its Talon-A hypersonic vehicles to act as a threat-representative and threat-replicating target. Talon-A testing will commence in 2022 and government and commercial customers can procure its services in 2023.

Boeing won a $93 million contract modification for the Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA Original Equipment Manufacturer Training Program. Saudi Arabia’s F-15SA Advanced Eagle includes Raytheon’s APG-63(V)3 AESA radar, fly-by-wire control systems and two additional underwing weapons stations. It features upgraded avionics, more powerful engines, and the BAE Systems Digital Electronic Warfare System/Common Missile Warning System (DEWS/CMWS). Work will take place in Saudi Arabia. Estimated completion date is December 31, 2023.

USAFE-AFAFRICA delivered the second of three C-130H transport aircraft to Niger. The transfer took place at Nigerien Air Base 101 in Niamey on December 7. The first cargo plane was delivered in January and has since been involved in various humanitarian assistance operations and United Nations troop and vehicle movements. Besides providing aircraft, the US has help to refurbished a hangar and is in the process of building a second one.

The UK’s HMS Queen Elizabeth aka Big Lizzie returned home to Portsmouth after completing a massive global deployment leading her Carrier Strike Group to the Pacific and back. The carrier had been deployed to its maiden deployment in the Far East. It involved the loss of a £100 million fighter jet at sea, a stand-off with the Russian navy, and a Covid-19 outbreak.

The Indonesian Navy took delivery of two Bell 505 helicopters today. The newly acquired helicopters will be utilized as basic helicopter trainers. This delivery brings the Indonesian Navy’s Bell fleet to five aircraft, which already includes three Bell 412 helicopters. The Bell 505 is Bell’s newest five-seat aircraft designed for safety, efficiency and reliability. With the latest Garmin avionics and dual channel FADEC-controlled engine, the Bell 505 is the most advanced short light single aircraft on the market.

Watch: Take a look at the Bell 505 and learn more about its wide range of capabilities

L3Harris Technologies won a $45.8 million deal for development to integrate the AN/PRC-160 high frequency manpack radio in the MH-47 and MH-60 aircraft. The Boeing MH-47G is a special operations variant of the CH-47 Chinook multi-role, heavy-lift helicopter. It is in service with the US Army Special Operations Aviation Command (USASOC). The MH-60R Seahawk missions are Anti-Submarine Warfare, Anti-Surface Warfare, Surveillance, Communications Relay, Combat Search and Rescue, Naval Gunfire Support and logistics support. The MH-60S Seahawk missions are Anti-Surface Warfare, combat support, humanitarian disaster relief, Combat Search and Rescue, aero medical evacuation, SPECWAR and organic Airborne Mine Countermeasures. Work will take place in New York.

The US Air Force Air Mobility Command approved the operation of KC-46A Pegasus to refuel five more aircraft: AC-130J Ghostrider, HC-130J Combat King II, MC-130J Commando II, C-5M Super Galaxy and E-3G Sentry. On December 6, Gen. Mike Minihan, commander of Air Mobility Command, approved a fourth Interim Capability Release (ICR) mission set for the KC-46A allowing it to refuel five types of aircraft.

Saudi Arabia is reportedly running low on its stock pile of Patriot missile interceptors and has reached out to the United States and allies in Europe and Gulf for resupplies. Houthi rebels based in Yemen have been launching ballistic missiles and drones into Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom has been using the interceptors to defeat those attacks over the past several months.

The UK’s 16 Regiment Royal Artillery accepted into service the first tranche of Sky Sabre air defense systems. According to the Ministry of Defence, “unprecedented in speed, accuracy, performance and target acquisition, Sky Sabre will be able to hit a tennis ball-sized object travelling at the speed of sound”.

Air version of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was successfully test fired from the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter jet today, clearing the weapon for serial production. The missile was tested at Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.

Rheinmetall announced today the delivery of three HX 8×8 Heavy Recovery Vehicles to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) at an official ceremony on November 25th 2021 at the Trentham Military Camp in Wellington, New Zealand. The purchase of the HX 8×8 adds to the in-service medium and heavy operational vehicle fleet with NZDF. The Medium-heavy Operational Vehicles (MHOV) has been used by the military in training, operations and disaster relief both in New Zealand and offshore.

Watch: UK Deployed Sky Sabre Air Defense System to Counter Aircraft, Drones and Laser Guided Smart Bombs

Sikorsky won a $35.3 million deal to procure long lead items for full-rate production, Lot 7, CH-53K aircraft. The Ch-53K Super Stallion can be fielded from amphibious assault ships for the transportation of personnel and equipment. It can be operated from austere and remote forward operating bases. Estimated completion is in December 2022. Work will take place in Connecticut.

Raytheon won a contract for the repair of three ALE-50 towed decoy system components in support of the F/A-18E/F aircraft. The deal includes a five-year base period with no options. The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is the US Navy’s primary strike and air superiority aircraft. It is an updated version of the F-18C/D, featuring a 20 percent larger airframe, 7,000 lb heavier empty weight, and 15,000 lb heavier maximum weight than the original Hornet. The Super Hornet carries 33 percent more internal fuel, increasing mission range by 41 percent and endurance by 50 percent over the earlier Hornet. Work will take place in Mississippi and California. Estimated completion is in December 2026.

An Israeli air strike hit a shipment of Iranian weapons in the Syrian port of Latakia on December 7. It was the first such attack on the key facility, according to a war monitor. The Israeli raid “directly targeted an Iranian weapons shipment in the container yard,” the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Syrian state media reported the strike on the container yard at Latakia port without specifying what was targeted.

French company Safran entered into exclusive discussions to acquire Orolia from Eurazeo. Orolia is a positioning, navigation, and timing product provider. It has a broad portfolio of technologies across the Resilient PNT value-chain with full system capabilities and is a provider of PNT equipment, simulation and test solutions. Orolia is also providing emergency locator beacons for commercial aviation and military applications.

Lockheed Martin has formally recognized Tata-Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) as a potential future co-producer of fighter wings in India’s Hyderabad city. A ceremonial event marking the first fighter wing prototype built at the TLMAL facility in Hyderabad was attended by Shri. K.T. Rama Rao, Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development, Industries and Commerce, and Information Technology of Telangana; along with other government dignitaries; Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and Global Business Development executives; and Tata Advanced Systems Limited and TLMAL leadership.

Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering (KPE), the joint venture between the global aerospace and technology business, Paramount Group and one of Kazakhstan’s leading defense and engineering companies, Kazpetromash, has announced that the company commenced production of the advanced Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), the Barys 6×6. The first deliveries are expected by the end of the year to the Armed Forces Special Units of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Barys 6×6 accommodates two crew members, up to eight troops, and can be utilised for a myriad of defence and security operations, including border patrol, armoured ambulance and infantry fire support.

Watch: KTR:Speaking at TATA Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited Fighter Wing Qualification Ceremony

Cracks have been found on the tails of Canada’s CH-148 fleet, the problem affects 19 out of the 23 helicopters. The issue surfaced on November 26 when one of the helicopter underwent scheduled maintenance and the cracks were discovered. Subsequent checks on three more rotorcraft also found cracks on those aircraft. So far only two were unaffected and two more are yet to be inspected.

Segers Aero won a $9.6 million contract action for the establishment of the T-56 Engine and Quick Engine Change Intermediate Level Maintenance Facility. The deal provides for training for the maintenance, repair and overhaul repairs of the T-56 engine. Work will take place Alabama and the Philippines. Estimated completion date is December 31, 2026.

UK Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoons from 12 Squadron arrived in Qatar for their joint Exercise Fox Defender. Pilots and engineers from both nations will fly and maintain the Typhoon throughout the exercise. The pilots will be challenged to a range of air to air and ground to air training serials to further enhance interoperability with the Qatar Emiri Air Force, RAF said in a statement.

Italy and Austria have entered into a government-to-government agreement for the sale and procurement of 18 Leonardo AW169 multirole helicopters for the Austrian Bundesheer. Inked on December 2 at the Italian Ministry of Defense in Rome between Defense Minister Lorenzo Guerini and Austrian Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, the implementation phase of the agreement paves the way for a formal contractual agreement by 20 December and acquisition signature in mid-January 2022. Austria has earmarked between $340 million and $451 million for the programme.

An H-6J bomber of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy participated in a live-fire exercise in the South China Sea. It practiced bomb dropping on islands and sea mine-laying. This type of aircraft was officially revealed by China’s Defense Ministry only last year. Affiliated with the Naval Aviation Force under the PLA Southern Theater Command, a regiment based in South China’s Hainan Province reportedly organized a drill involving the actual use of high-explosive aerial bombs and sea bottom mines.

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) launched ‘Sandhayak’, the first of the four Survey Vessels (Large) project being built for the Indian Navy, in Kolkata. The contract for building four survey ships was signed between MoD and GRSE in October 2018 at a total cost of INR 2435 Crore (around $300 million).

Watch: First AW169 Training Helicopter for Italian Army

Bell Boeing won a $9.3 million contract modification, which exercises an option to procure 68 Conversion Area Harness (CAH) base kits, 53 CAH supplemental kits, two hardware kits and two consumable kits in support of the Marine Corps MV-22 aircraft, the Air Force CV-22 aircraft, the Navy CMV-22 aircraft, and the government of Japan V-22 aircraft. Additionally, this modification provides for electrical wiring interconnect system assessments for the CV-22 fleet aircraft. The V-22 Osprey is a joint-service, medium-lift, multimission tilt-rotor aircraft. The aircraft operates as a helicopter when taking off and landing vertically. The nacelles rotate 90° forward once airborne, converting the aircraft into a turboprop aircraft. Work will take place in South Carolina, Texas and California. Estimated completion date is in January 2026.

Boeing won a $28.5 million deal for F-15 Advanced Display Core Processor II (ADCPII) interim contractor support. The ADCPII provides mission processing for new advanced capabilities such as Eagle Passive/Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS), long-range infrared search and track capability (IRST), high-speed radar communications, and future software suite upgrades. Work will take place ein Missouri and the UK. Estimated completion will be by April 30, 2023.

Egypt revealed details about first of its domestic naval vessels projects for surface combatants and Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) at the EDEX 2021 exhibition in Cairo. According to Egyptian Defense Blog, the First naval vessel is a 60-meter Compact Combatant CC-60 which has a full load displacement of approximately 750 tons. The second one is a PV-43 HRM 43-meter OPV which has a displacement of 270 tons. The vessels are built by Egypt in cooperation with Germany’s Naval Vessels Lurssen (NVL) shipbuilding Group. The latter has opened recently a regional branch in Egypt under the name of NVL Egypt.

The United Arab Emirates has entered into a contract with Dassault Aviation for the acquisition of 80 Rafale F4 fighters on December 3. The deal was signed in the presence of the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, and Sheikh Mohammed ben Zayed Al Nahyane, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Vice-Commander of the Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, signed a historical contract with Tareq Abdul Raheem Al Hosani, CEO of Tawazun Economic Council.

Rheinmetall announced it is supplying new simulation technology for the German Army’s Combat Training Center. Earlier this year, the Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) awarded Rheinmetall a procurement contract for 440 “Training Device, Duel Simulator (AGDUS), Passive Vehicle” systems. The contract is worth a figure in the upper single-digit million-euro range.

Media reports from India suggest India might scale down its order for the Ka-226T light utility helicopter. Instead, New Delhi will only buy a small number of rotor craft to meet urgent demands. It will instead turn to the HAL Light Utility Helicopter to fulfill its operation needs.

Watch: F-15EX for the U.S. Air Force

Aechelon Technology won a $7.8 million order, which provides for the production, delivery and integration of four P8 Advanced Airborne Sensor (AAS) next generation databases on to four AAS Weapons Tactic Trainers. Work will take place in California. Estimated completion date will be in October 2022.

The US Air Force has ordered 15 Silent Arrow Precision Guided Bundle (SA-PGB) for testing. They will be shipped to Pendleton UAS Test Range for flight testing in 2022. The SA-PGB is based on the Silver Arrow’s GD-2000 cargo delivery unmanned air system (UAS). It has been scaled down to deliver a 350-pound payload after being dropped from an aircraft, that could range from the Cessna Caravan to the C-17.

Egypt showcased its first two homegrown drones – Neuth drone and EJune-30 SW. The unveiling took plate at EDEX-2021 exhibition in Cairo. The Neuth drone is named after Egyptian goddess of the sky. It is produced jointly by the Arab Organization for Industrialization and the Military Technical College. Designed for reconnaissance missions, it can reportedly carry up to a 50kg payload. The drone has an endurance of 10 hours and satellite integration capabilities, local media reported.

Airbus revealed for the first time the upgrade of the Tiger Mk III upgrade it plans to roll out to France, Germany, and Spain. France is expected to finalize a deal for up to 180 H160M helicopters for its army, navy and air force by the end of the year. Beyond that, Airbus expects to sell as many as 400 helicopters through 2030, according to Matthieu Louvot, executive vice president of Airbus Helicopters programs.

Airbus also announced that it expects to finalize the contract to build the Eurodrone in the next couple of months. The Eurodrone is powered by two turboprop engines. The manufacturer of the engines has not yet been revealed. The Eurodrone is set to be huge, with a wingspan of 16 meters (52 feet) and a payload capacity of 2,300 kilograms. Its weight should reach approximately 11 tons when fully armed (against 4 for the Reaper).

A US Air Force F-16 made an emergency landing at Aomori Airport in northeastern Japan on Nov. 30 after the pilot reported experiencing technical issues with the jet. During the emergency landing, the pilot jettisoned two drop tanks, at least one landed near a residential area. The incident forced the airport to shutdown the runway, canceling domestic flights.

Watch: New Airbus H160 – Top helicopter

Boeing won an $85 million deal for overhaul of 40 ship-sets for the F-18 landing gear system, which includes a left side and right side main landing gear and nose landing gear assembly in support of the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircrafts. The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is the Navy’s highest priority aviation modernization program. It is replacing Navy F/A-18C/D Hornet combat aircraft. The Growler is a derivative of the two-seat F/A-18 Hornet, the US Navy’s maritime strike aircraft. Its primary missions are are electronic attack (EA) and suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD), particularly at the start and ongoing early stages of hostilities. Work will take place in Canada, Missouri, California and Washington.

Raytheon Technologies won $447.6 million modification, which provides for the procurement of recurring sustainment support activities including maintenance of support equipment, common program activities, unique and common base recurring sustainment, repair of repairables, field service representatives, common replenishment spares, conventional take-off and landing/carrier variant F-135 unique maintenance services, and short take-off and landing F-135 unique services in support of the F-35 Lightning II F135 propulsion system for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Air National Guard, non-Department of Defense (DOD) participants, and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Estimated completion date is in May 2022.

Israel Aerospace Industries or IAI supplied the Israeli Air Force with an innovative air combat training system that enables debriefing of flight training exercises to be completed faster than before. The unique air combat maneuvering instrumentation (ACMI)-based analysis system was upgraded ahead of the Blue Flag 2021 exercise that took place in Israel in October 2021, the largest and most advanced air exercise ever held in the country, with participation from air forces including Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Greece, India, United States and more.

Saab has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Nammo and Nordic Shelter to support the ongoing GLSDB (Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb) campaign. The new agreement was announced during a signing 23 November 2021 in Oslo, Norway. Nammo will contribute with its expertise in rocket motor development and production as part of the GLSDB propulsion sub-system. Nordic Shelter brings the knowledge and experience needed for the development and production of a modular GLSDB launcher, based on a purpose built 20-foot ISO-container.

The first-ever military exercise involving Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) opened in Indonesia. According to Tass, the ceremony was attended by Russian Ambassador to ASEAN Alexander Ivanov and Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Lyudmila Vorobyeva.

Ajai Shukla from the Business Standard reports that the Philippines is keen to acquire Dhruv helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL). Manila is said to be looking at the maritime variant that is in use with the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. The information first came up in September when HAL published its annual report. In it, the aerospace firm said it had received interest from the Philippines Coast Guard for procurement of 7 ALH and 8 Do-228 aircraft through Government of India Line of Credit.

Watch: How does the F-35 engine work

Bell Boeing won a $149.1 million contract modification for performance-based logistics and engineering support for the V-22 platform. This is a firm-fixed-price requirements contract. 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 Texas and Pennsylvania. Estimated completion date is November 30, 2022.

Embraer signed a memorandum of understanding with Pratt & Whitney to collaborate on studies of 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Technical teams from the two companies will engage to define an integrated ground and flight test plan for 100% SAF in a GTF-powered Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. The initiative reflects the companies’ commitment to supporting the aviation industry’s environmental goals, including the goal of reaching net zero CO2 emissions for air travel by 2050. Alongside efforts to continually improve aircraft and engine efficiency, SAFs have a critical role to play towards decarbonizing air travel, by reducing dependence on fossil-based fuels.

The US Army announced a contract valued $94 million to Lockheed Martin for technical assistance support for the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missile segment. Patriot (MIM-104) is a long-range, all-altitude, all-weather air defense system to counter tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and advanced aircraft. Work will be performed in Sweden, Kuwait, Poland, South Korea, Romania, United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Orlando, Florida, with an estimated completion date of November 30, 2024.

South Korea and Egypt are negotiating the latter’s purchase of K-9 self-propelled howitzers. The negotiations are under way at the EDEX 2021 exhibition taking place in Cairo, industry officials told Yonhap News Agency. Egypt is also eyeing K-10 ammunition resupply vehicles. These contracts could include a technological transfer for the local production of the artillery system, the officials said.

General Atomics won a $10.4 million modification for the Netherlands MQ-9 update. MQ-9A Block 5 has endurance of over 27 hours, speeds of 240 KTAS and can operate up to 50,000 feet. It has a 3,850 pound payload capacity that includes 3,000 pounds (1,361 kg) of external stores. Work will take place in California. Estimated completion date is December 31, 2021.

Aero Vodochody and OMNIPOL handed over four overhauled L-39C aircraft to the Kazakh Air Force. The overhaul included an extensive modernization of the avionics. The handing over of the aircraft took place in October, the company said in a recent release.

Watch: Patriot One Technologies NCS4 Webinar Hints at Huge Potential for PAT Stock / PTOTF Stock

The Brazilian Air Force achieved a major milestone in the effort to modernize its air combat capability with the beginning of the delivery phase of Saab F-39E Gripen multimission fighters.  The first six series-produced Gripen E aircraft have left the factory to begin the delivery phase. The aircraft were unveiled on Wednesday, November 24 at Saab’s facilities. The aircraft for the Brazilian Air Force will arrive in Brazil by sea at the port of Navegantes in the middle of December.

Boeing won a $212.6 million contract modification for six MH47-G renew rotary wing aircraft and eight spare shipsets in support of US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). The Boeing MH-47G belongs to the family of CH-47 Chinook multi-role heavy lift helicopters. The FY2022 budget request for USSOCOM sees the procurement of an extra MH-47G for $135.48 million, bringing its total aircraft inventory to 68. Work will take place in Ridley Park.

Iran’s Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani claimed that Russia and China have indicated their readiness to hold joint naval maneuvers with Iran. “We have invited different countries to take part in the drills, and Russia and China have so far voiced their readiness to do so,” Irani said. The three countries staged a four-day joint maritime exercise dubbed ‘Marine Security Belt’ in the Indian Ocean and the Sea of Oman area in December 2019.

Naval Group announced the creation of the Mine CounterMeasures R&D center within its subsidiary, Naval Group Belgium last week. According to the company, the center will work jointly with Belgian partners in a collaborative laboratory called the MCM Lab. Coordinated by Naval Group Belgium, the MCM Lab was launched on November 25 with a first official meeting and the exchange of the signed convention

The French armament procurement agency took delivery of first two new generation landing craft known as EDA-S last week. The craft, Arbalette and Arquebuse, were ordered back in 2019 from the company CNIM for the benefit of the French Navy and the Army. Deliveries of the next twelve EDA-S will run until 2025, the French defense ministry announced. The EDA-S program is part of the renewal of the military’s capabilities included in the 2019-2025 Military Programming Law (LPM) carried by the Ministry of the Armed Forces.

China’s Yunzhou Tech has developed an unmanned high-speed vessel that has achieved a breakthrough in its dynamic cooperative confrontation technology, which could quickly intercept, encircle and expel invasive targets. Compared with manned vessels, ship drones have the advantages of low cost, multiple functions, strong scalability, high mobility and long duration.

Watch: Brazil Receives Series-production F-39 Gripen Fighters…

According to Bloomberg News, a Pentagon testing report dated September 28 for the VH-92A Marine One helicopter says the helicopter is not effective for “contingency operation mission,” which means the rotor craft cannot be used during an emergency. For administrative missions, the helicopter is still operational effective, the internal memo said.

The Canadian government informed Boeing that its Super Hornet does not meet the country’s requirements for the fighter competition to replace the F/A-18 legacy Hornet. Three anonymous sources said that the American aerospace company was informed of the decision on November 24.

NATO’s Operation Sea Guardian current task group arrived at the port city of Haifa in northern Israel under a Greek-led flagship for a joint exercise with the Israeli navy. Navyrecognition reported that Hellenic Navy frigate HS Spetsai and Bulgarian Navy frigate Drazki paid a visit to Haifa during their focused patrols in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. For the fourth consecutive year, NATO’s Operation Sea Guardian (OSG) held exercises with the Israeli Navy to develop interoperability and to reinforce its cooperation around maritime security.

Russia has been testing a fly-by-wire flight control system on the MiG-31, it was disclosed during Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko visit to the Sokol aviation plant. The interceptor will also be getting a new canopy that will allow it to reach higher speeds. The current canopy will start melting at high Mach numbers. The plant will also replace all wiring and rubber parts during the modernization of the fighter.

Croatian Republic placed an order for a dozen Rafale fighters previously operated by the French Air Force to replace its aging MiG-21s. The selection of the Rafale by Croatia was first announced on May 28. Two contracts for the acquisition of Rafales and associated logistics support were signed at a ceremony held on November 25 in Zagreb. The ceremony was attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister of the Croatian Republic Andrej Plenkovi?, French Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly and CEO of Dassault Aviation Eric Trappier.

Turkish Aerospace Industries will hand over the first batch of T-129 Tactical Reconnaissance and Attack Helicopter (ATAK) to the Philippines next month. Manila has six T-129s on order. These rotorcraft were purchased for a total contract price of $270 million from TAI through a government-to-government mode of procurement under Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana signed the contract for the acquisition of the Turkish attack helicopters in July last year.

Watch: Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 “Fishbed” | SOVIET LEGACY FIGHTER

Huntington Ingalls won an $18 million contract modification for the advance planning requirements to support the refueling complex overhaul of the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). The USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) is the eighth Nimitz class aircraft carrier in service with the United States Navy. She was launched on September 7, 1996 by Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, Virginia, and commissioned on July 25, 1998. Work will take place in Virginia. Estimated completion is in November 2022.

Sikorsky won a $31.2 million modification, which exercises an option to provide non-recurring engineering to include, investigation, systems engineering support, risk analysis and integration development in support of the Data Transfer Unit and Defensive Electronic Countermeasure System replacement within the CH-53K Super Stallion production aircraft. The Super Stallion can be fielded from amphibious assault ships for the transportation of personnel and equipment. It will also be used to carry external cargo loads. The aircraft can be operated from austere and remote forward operating bases. Work will take place in Connecticut, Maryland, Iowa, Texas, Florida and Vermont. Estimated completion will be in March 2025.

Boeing won a $16.3 million modification for GOLDesp enterprise resource planning, Delta support equipment sustainment and survival radios sustainment in support of the 36 F-15QA aircraft. Work will be performed in Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, and is expected to be completed by November 30, 2024. Qatar signed a deal to buy 36 F-15QAs in June 2017, and in April 2020 the first jet took its maiden flight.

PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company will build components and assemblies for the latest generation F-16 Block 70/72 starting next year. This will sustain around 200 jobs, with approximately 60 new jobs being created. This development marks a significant new milestone for PZL Mielec, which was last involved in the production of fighter aircraft in the 1960s, Lockheed Martin said in a release today.

MBDA Germany signed an agreement with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to cooperate in the field of ground-based air defense system. Under the agreement, which was announced on November 24 at the Berlin Security Conference 2021, both companies will explore offering joint solutions in accordance with the needs of the German armed forces.

The Philippine Air Force will have six T129 attack helicopters in the country next month. This was disclosed by Philippine Air Force (PAF) commander Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes. The T129 is a twin-engine, tandem seat, multi-role, all-weather attack helicopter based on the Agusta A129 Mangusta platform and is designed for advanced attack and reconnaissance missions in hot and high environments and rough geography in both day and night conditions.

Watch: The Philippines to deploy T129 ATAK Helicopter at Trojans

Rolls-Royce won a $23.3 million deal, which provides for the depot repair of T56-A-427A engines installed on E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft for the Navy. The Allison T56 is a single shaft, modular design military turboprop with a 14-stage axial flow compressor driven by a four-stage turbine. The E-2D is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft. Work will take place in Texas, Canada and Indiana. Estimated completion date is in November 2022.

The MQ-25 has been undergoing ground testing at Naval Station Norfolk as the unmanned aircraft prepares to embark on board an aircraft carrier next month. The MQ-25 Stingray introduces unmanned aerial refueling and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to the air wing that will extend the range, operational capacity and lethality of the Carrier Air Wing and Carrier Strike Group.

Turkey could become the first country to develop an aircraft carrier specifically designed for drones. “We see that the concept of an aircraft carrier is starting to change as Turkey also brought about a new concept of an ‘unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) aircraft carrier’– that has attracted global attention,” Ismail Demir, head of the Presidency of Defense Industries,  told media.

Italy’s Air Force Chief of Staff told members of parliamentary defense committees that Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and Tempest fighter programs will have to merge into one project eventually. “But it is natural that these two realities will merge into one because investing huge financial resources in two equivalent programs is unthinkable,” Gen. Luca Goretti was quoted as saying. He also explained that Italy joined the Tempest program as it offers a larger share of work compared to the FCAS.

Science Applications International Corp. won a $123.7 million contract for the production of MK 48 Mod 7 heavyweight afterbody/tailcones and warshot fuel tank torpedo equipment and support. The MK 48 heavyweight torpedo is equipped with advanced commercial-off-the-shelf technologies to provide superior reliability and performance against challenging threats in both littoral and blue water environments, and can support multi-band operation. Work will take place in Indiana and Rhode Island. Expected completion date is in July 2025.

South Korea’s National Defense Committee has cut back next year’s defense budget by $375 million. The budget of $12 million for the program to buy new attack helicopters was crossed out. It was reported in April that the defense project promotion committee has approved the purchase of around 36 attack helicopters. The committee also cut $279 million from the budget to buy more airborne early warning aircraft. The project to upgrade the F-35A lost $16.9 million in funding.

Watch: Turkey could become the first country to develop an aircraft carrier specifically designed for drone

Lockheed Martin won a $114.6 million modification to exercise an option 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 the Navy’s most modern surface combat system. It was designed as a complete system: the missile launching element, the computer programs, the radar and the displays are fully integrated to work together. This makes the Aegis system the first fully integrated combat system built to defend against advanced air and surface threats. The word “aegis” comes to use from classical mythology.  Aegis is the name of the shield of the sky god and war goddess of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Work will take place in New Jersey. Expected completion will be by December 2022.

Jo-Kell won a maximum $11.1 million deal for UH-60A helicopter special purpose electrical cable assembly spare parts. The UH-60 is a twin-engined medium-lift utility helicopter. It is  the US Army’s primary medium-lift utility transport and air assault aircraft. The UH-60A was designed to carry 11 combat troops in addition to a crew of three.Work will take place in Virginia. Estimated completion date is November 29, 2026.

The Moroccan military has acquired the Skylock Dome System from Israel to bolster its defense capabilities against enemy drones. Developed by Skylock Systems, the weapon can detect, verify, and neutralize unauthorized drones. It will reportedly be used to protect the country’s critical civilian and military facilities.

The French Navy has commissioned the first FREMM-DA multi-mission frigate with enhanced air defense capability, Alsace. Alsace was handed over to the Navy by French shipbuilder Naval Group in April. It is the first of the two air defense frigates with enhanced air defense capability and the seventh FREMM multi-missions frigate ordered by OCCAr for the French defense procurement agency.

Russia will finish state trials of T-14 Armata tank next year. “The annual Army arms show features the T-14 tank, the T-15 infantry fighting vehicle and the T-16 armored repair and evacuation vehicle being developed under the Armata project. This year, it has entered its final stage. The tank’s state trials are due to be completed in 2022,” acting Chief of the Defense Ministry’s Main Automotive and Armor Department Major-General Alexander Shestakov was quoted by the Defense Ministry’s newspaper on November 22.

Australia formally started a programme to equip its navy with nuclear-powered submarines in a new defense alliance with the UK and the US. It is the first agreement on the technology to be publicly signed since the three countries announced in September the formation of a defense alliance, AUKUS, to confront strategic tensions in the Pacific where China-US rivalry is growing.

Watch: Onboard the FREMM DA Alsace, first multimissions frigate with enhanced air defence capability

Sikorsky Aircraft won a $21.2 million contract modification, which increases scope and provides aircraft maintenance in support of the CH-53K data transfer unit and defensive electronic countermeasure system replacement phase three flight test. The CH-53K will replace the CH-53E, and its job with the Marines will include moving heavy equipment and supplies from ship-to-shore in support of amphibious assault and subsequent operations ashore, as well as lifting troops. Work will take place in Maryland, Florida and Virginia. Estimated completion is in June 2022.

Lockheed Martin won a $584.8, which adds scope to provide system integration engineering for the development of new ASQ-239 electronic warfare/counter measure hardware in support of the F-35 aircraft for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, and non-US Department of Defense participants. The ASQ-239 system can provide fully integrated radar warning, targeting support, and self-protection capabilities that will enable pilots to engage, counter, jam, or evade threats to improve survivability and mission effectiveness. Work will take place in New Hampshire, Texas, Maryland and the UK. Estimated completion is in April 2026.

During an exercise in Qatar, Qatari Rafale jets have conducted air-to-air refuelling sorties with a British Voyager tanker. It is the first time for the British Air Force to conduct AAR with the Qatar Emiri Air Force. The Voyager Tanker that refuelled the Rafale fighter jets of QEAF during the exercise is from the RAF’s 83 Expeditionary Air Group (EAG).

Navantia Shipyard started the diesel engine of S-81 Isaac Peral submarine being built for the Spanish Navy. Isaac Peral is the first S-80 submarine. It successfully passed the safety milestone of starting its diesel engines, which is part of its port testing process, Navantia said in a statement. The S-80 program follows a regulated Systems Engineering process, by means of which it is necessary to pass a series of technical reviews or quality doors in which it must be demonstrated that the submarine is ripe to move on to the next phase.

Japan will proceed with a plan to launch three small satellites into space by this decade for the detection of hypersonic glide vehicle. The government is expected to spend $525 million to send these satellites into space. They are expected to orbit around 400 km above the ground and each satellite weighs between 100 to 500 kg.

The Indian Navy commissioned the first Project 15B stealth guided-missile destroyer, INS Vishakhapatnam, on November 21. In 2011, the government sanctioned four 15B ships at the cost of $4.4 billion. Visakhapatnam has been constructed using indigenous steel DMR 249A and is amongst the largest destroyers constructed in India with an overall length of 163m and displacement of over 7400 tons.

Watch: Electronic warfare for the F-35

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems won a $103.2 million deal for the production of Gray Eagle unmanned aircraft systems, satellite airborne data terminals, and government furnished equipment maintenance. The MQ-1C Gray Eagle is an extended range / multipurpose (ER/MP) unmanned aircraft system developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems for the US Army. It has an endurance of 25 hours, speeds up to167 KTAS, can operate up to 29,000 feet, and carries 1,075 lb (488 kg) of internal and external payload.

Raytheon won a $63.1 million modification, which exercises options to procure 19 AN/APG-79(V)4 radar systems and associated software in support of radar retrofit and integration into the F/A-18C/D aircraft on behalf of the Marine Corps. 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. The AN/APG-79(V)4 is a scaled version of the AN/APG-79 AESA radar. It provides aircrew situational awareness, near-instantaneous track updates, and multi-target tracking capability. Work will take place California, Mississippi, Massachusetts, Texas. Expected completion date is in March 2023.

The US military and Jordan have started work on unmanned systems and artificial intelligence integration as part of their efforts to establish a new unmanned task force. On November 18, US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) briefed the head of Jordan’s navy on US 5th Fleet efforts to integrate new unmanned systems during a visit to US Naval Support Activity Bahrain, the service announced.

Sweden officially inducted the PAC-3 air defense missile system into service on November 18. The PAC-3 is designated as air defense system 103 in Swedish service. The ceremony took place at the Air Defense Regiment in Halmstad.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems won a $31.7 million contract action for the Belgium MQ-9B SkyGuardian procurement. This contract provides for one MQ-9B simulator, training, spares and support equipment. In August 2020, General Atomics inked a Foreign Military Sales contract with the US Air Force to deliver the MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft System system.

A AH-1S attack helicopter that Jordan donated to the Philippines has arrived home at Major Danilo Atienza Air Base (MDAAB), Sangley Point on November 18. It was flown over from Clark airbase by Maj. Reese James A Obeso, CO of 20th Attack Squadron, and Capt. Wilmore Kristus A Tañamor.

Watch: Boeing Extends Production of PAC-3 Missiles, How Missile Systems Work

Lockheed Martin won a $19 million contract modification, that adds scope to provide delivery and installation of a multispectral database and delivery of crypto ignition keys in support of F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter in support of the Air Force and the government of the Republic of Korea. Work will take place in Wisconsin and. Texas. Estimated completion will be in September 2023.

The US Navy awarded Lockheed Martin a $15.9 million contract modification, which exercises an option to procure seven retrofit advanced radar processor systems for the E-2D aircraft. The E-2D Hawkeye 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 New York and Massachusetts. Estimated completion will be in February 2026.

According to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the country is in the final stage of negotiations with South Korea to buy the M-SAM air defense missile system. Tariq Abdul Rahim Al Hosani, CEO of the Tawazun Economic Council, confirmed to Gulf Today that the both sides are “close to concluding a final agreement.”

The Somali National Army (SNA) received a donation of military vehicles including trucks and ambulances from Turkey. Senior military officials received the donation after a ceremony at the Turkish Embassy in the capital of Mogadishu. Officials from Turkey’s military mission, Turk-Som, also attended the ceremony, Turkey’s government-owned Anadolu Agency reported.

Rheinmetall completed demonstration trials of the Soucy Composite Rubber Track (CRT) system on the Lynx KF41 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). Rheinmetall Managing Director Gary Stewart said the CRT demonstration confirmed the Lynx IFV was capable of utilising both steel and composite rubber tracks.

Thales Australia announced a $6 million investment in advanced manufacturing equipment at the Commonwealth owned Mulwala facility in regional New South Wales1, to accelerate sovereign guided weapons manufacturing capability. Thales’s investment in new large-scale preparation and mixing equipment will enable a 500% increase in the size of rocket motors able to be manufactured at Mulwala, supporting production of advanced guided weapons and hypersonic weapons.

Watch: Rheinmetall – The making of Lynx Combat Support Vehicle