Defense Industry Daily

Vertex Aerospace won an $8.7 million contract modification, which adds scope to provide intermediate-level maintenance and repair services and logistics support for the T-45 aircraft and T-45 support equipment in support of the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department for Chief of Naval Air Training aircraft, tenant activities, and transient aircraft. Work will take place in Texas, Florida and Mississippi. Expected completion is in September 2022.

The Boeing-made KC-46A Pegasus multirole tanker has been given the green light to refuel all versions of F-15 and F-16 fighter jets. Gen. Mike Minihan, commander of Air Mobility Command, approved a third Interim Capability Release (ICR) mission set for the KC-46A Pegasus, on October 13. This ICR decision allows the KC-46 to refuel all variants of the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon during US Transportation Command tasked missions.

Turkish defense company Otonom Teknoloji has said it signed a deal with the Iraqi government for supplying aerostat and airship systems. The company said on October 17 that the deal would also involve technological know-how transfer and co-production options in the future. No financial details of the sale were disclosed.

UMS Skeldar’s V-200 medium-range VTOL UAV has completed five-day long surveillance flight trial demonstrations aboard the OPV Turva as part of the Valvonta2 project led by the Finnish Border Guard and funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. The project aims to achieve an understanding of how authorities could use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for diverse and demanding operations at sea both now and in future scenarios.

The Philippine Air Force is looking at acquiring heavy-lift helicopters and the technical working groups within the service are carrying out studies. PAF spokesperson Lt. Col. Maynard Mariano declined to identify what models of helicopter are being considered but there have been reports that the service is interested in the CH-47.

Austal has launched the first of six Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats (CCPBs) ordered by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Construction has commenced on the remaining five patrol boats. The first boat will be handed over to the Navy early next year.

Watch: Australia Launches 1st of New “Evolved” Cape-class Patrol Boats…

Lockheed Martin won a $79.9 million contract modification to definitize the task order for the fire control components development and flight test support for Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System, PATRIOT advanced capability and PAC-3 missile segment enhancement integration with lower tier air and missile defense sensor. Work will take place in Texas. Estimated completion date is December 31, 2023.

Safran has opened a second assembly line at their facility in Grand Prairie, Texas, for the Arriel 2E engine. The first assembled and tested Arriel 2E engines have been delivered to Airbus. These engines power the UH-72B delivered to the US Army as part of the newest Lakota helicopter. Also installed in the H145, the Arriel 2E was until now produced in France.

The Israel government has reportedly approved a budget of $1.5 billion to strengthen the military against Iranian attacks, according to local media. Some $900 million from this year’s budget and $600 million from next year’s budget will be spent on military procurement and intelligence gathering.

According to The Print, Dassault hopes to bring its Rafale M carrier-borne fighter to the shore-based test facility (SBTF) at INS Hansa, India to prove that the jet can take off from a ski-jump. India is shopping for new fighters to equip its STOBAR carriers and so far, Boeing has demonstrated that its Super Hornet can operate from a ski-jump during tests at NAS Patuxent River last year.

China tested a domestically developed solid rocket engine, with a thrust of more than 500 tons. The test was conducted in Xi’an, capital of Northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, setting a world record in the field. The successful test signals significant progress in China’s solid carrier rocket technology and lays the foundation for the development of large-scale, heavy-lift launch vehicle technology.

North Korea might have tested a Submarine Launch Ballistic Missile (SLBM) from the vicinity of Sinpo. According to Reuters, the US military’s Indo-Pacific Command condemned the launch as destabilising, but judged it did not pose an immediate threat to the United States or its allies.

Watch: French Navy Dassault Rafale M

General Dynamics won a $269 million contract for lead yard support and development studies and design efforts related to Virginia Class submarines. The Virginia Class new attack submarine is an advanced stealth multimission nuclear-powered submarine for deep ocean anti-submarine warfare and shallow water operations. Work will take place in North Carolina and Virginia. Estimated completion date is October 16, 2022.

Boeing won a $14.5 million contract modification, which adds scope to provide test and engineering support necessary to complete the development of the Next Gen Jammer-Mid Band system in support of the phased replacement of the AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System currently mounted to the EA-18G aircraft. Work will take place in Maryland and Missouri. Estimated completion will be in September 2022.

British Typhoon jets currently deployed as part of 903 Expeditionary Air Wing joined Egyptian Air Force F-16s during an exercise called Bright Star. According to the Royal Air Force that this was the first time since 2001 that the RAF have flown with the Egyptian Air Force. The Typhoons were also joined on the exercise by F-16s from the Greek Air Force and US Air Force F-15s and F-16s together with C-130 Hercules and B-52s.

The Netherlands agreed to send a C-130 transport aircraft to Mali to support the UN mission MINUSMA. The aircraft and personnel will leave the country in November and stay there for six months. They will operate from Bamako to transport people and cargo.

Saab continues to expand research and development operations in Finland, now into the fields of data-link communication technology as well as Virtual and Extended Reality (VR/XR) technology. The expansion will lead to the creation of 30-50 new jobs at Saab in Tampere and Helsinki in the near future, a press release said.

The Indian Navy took delivery of its 11th P-8I Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft manufactured by American company Boeing. The patrol aircraft is an integral part of the Indian Navy’s fleet and has surpassed 30,000 flight hours since it was inducted in 2013. This is the third aircraft to be delivered under an option contract for four additional aircraft that the Indian Ministry of Defense awarded in 2016.

Watch: WHY did America Build the Virginia Class??

The US Navy’s Amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) arrived in San Diego October 15, after a decade of forward-deployed service in the Indo-Pacific region operating out of Japan. Germantown sailed from San Diego on January 5, 2011, replacing USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49). USS Rushmore (LSD 47) will replace Germantown later this year.

The US Army’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) has completed its longest flight to date, exceeding maximum threshold, at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), California, on Wednesday. This marks the fifth consecutive successful flight test for the missile.

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) will open a new flight control system integrated test facility called “Iron Bird” to accelerate the pace of its defense projects, including the one to build a fifth-generation indigenous stealth fighter jet. The facility is supposed to speed up the development, certification and production processes of domestic defense products. According to TAI, the Iron Bird will provide infrastructure for the integrated testing and verification of critical systems in National Combat Aircraft (MMU) as well as Hürjet, Turkey’s advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft and its different configurations.

Rheinmetall developed a new high-roof version of the 6×6 Fuchs/Fox wheeled armoured transport vehicle. The vehicle can serve in roles ranging from tactical operations centre to armoured field ambulance. The high-roof Fuchs/Fox demonstrator’s modernized exterior design and greater height are particularly striking. The interior volume now measures twelve cubic metres, with headroom increased to 1.60 metres from the previous 1.26 meters.

Boeing won a $131 million contract modification, which exercises an option to provide P-8A Poseidon engine depot-level maintenance and repair in support of the Navy, the government of Australia, and Foreign Military Sales customers. The P-8A Poseidon, the US Navy’s maritime patrol aircraft, is capable of broad-area, maritime and littoral operations, and is also successful at search and rescue. Work will take place in Georgia and Washington. Expected completion date is in October 2022.

The Pakistan Army Air Defense commissions HQ-9/P air defense missile system into service on October 14. The commissioning ceremony was witnessed by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Watch: Rheinmetall Presents Fuchs/Fox Wheeled Armoured Vehicle’s High Roof Variant!

Swedish company has opened a new 100,000-square-foot production facility in West Lafayette, Indiana, to build T-7A Red Hawks. The Boeing-Saab team is producing the new advanced trainer for the US Air Force, with Saab providing the aft section to Boeing’s forward fuselage. Currently the aft section is built at Saab’s factory in Linköping, Sweden, then shipped to the United States.

Raytheon has presented GhostEye MR, a new medium-range radar for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, or NASAMS. GhostEye MR was displayed at the Association of the US Army’s annual meeting and exhibition, held last week.

In the first bilateral meeting between the Philippine Secretary of National Defense (SND) Delfin Lorenzana and his Turkish counterpart Minister of National Defence Hulusi Akar discussed the latest developments and way forward for Philippines-Turkey defense and military relations, in a phone call on 01 October 2021.

MiG Corporation, part of state-owned Rostec has completed delivery of MiG-29 components to Bulgaria ahead of scheduled. “During the negotiations, which took place in August, the Leadership of Bulgarian Air Force (BAF) and ‘MiG’ Corporation agreed upon the delivery of component parts for MiG-29 aircraft ahead of schedule. Last week we dispatched a final batch of air-technical equipment under valid contracts,” the company said in a recent press release.

BAE Systems has unveiled “Hawkeye” HWK1411 ultra low-light image sensor that enables night vision in overcast starlight conditions. The 1.6 megapixel “Hawkeye” sensor provides good imaging capabilities in all light conditions, and is optimal for battery-powered soldier systems, unmanned platforms, and targeting and surveillance applications.

On October 5, the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) awarded Naval Group the contract for the preliminary and detailed design of the Ocean Patrol Vessel program. This award follows on from the signature of the framework agreement carried by the French Defence Procurement Agency on 23 October 2020 for the study, development, production and initial operational maintenance of ten ocean patrol vessels for the French Navy.

The US government has given four ScanEagle unmanned air vehicles to the Philippine Air Force on October 13. The ceremony was attended by Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim (CDA) Heather Variava and Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command Adm. John Aquilino. Representing the Philippine government at Clark airbase was Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana and Philippine Air Force Commanding General Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes.

Watch: T-7A Red Hawk Digitally Connected

The Vanilla unmanned aircraft system has set a new world record for unrefueled, internal combustion endurance of an unmanned aircraft on October 2. The drone took off from Edwards Air Force Base and flew for 8 days, 50 minutes, and 47 seconds. The distance covered was 12,200 miles. The Vanilla is designed as a cost-effective, airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform that can be launched immediately to provide persistent coverage.

The US Army wants to perform a test launch of its Precision Strike Missile, or PrSM, later today, with the goal of seeing just how far the Lockheed Martin-made weapon can go. The launch is planned from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The goal is for the weapon to hit a target 499km away — roughly 310 miles or around the distance between Washington, DC, and Hartford, Conn. — in what is being described by Lockheed executives as a “max-range” test.

Israel’s Rafael unveils its newly enhanced SAMSON 30mm Integrated RWS for light vehicles, designed to meet the threats of the modern battlefield, this week at AUSA 2021 in Washington, DC. The RWS features hostile fire detection capabilities and the ability to rapidly and effectively return fire via a fast, accurate slew-to-cue mechanism. It also includes a unified user interface for all subsystems, an inherent hatch for close situational awareness, and under-armor ammunition loading that increases lethality. These capabilities enable the SAMSON to turn light vehicle into powerful assets.

British rocket company Skyrora has inked a multi-launch deal with the SaxaVord spaceport on Unst, the most northerly of the Shetland Islands, as it moves closer to launching its XL rocket in 2022. The multi-launch agreement with SaxaVord will run for the next decade.

The UK deployed a Boeing P-8A Poseidon MRA1 maritime multimission aircraft to Iceland for the type’s first overseas visit. The deployment was part of increased cooperation between the UK and Iceland. After a training sortie in the Greenland, Iceland and UK Gap, the maritime patrol aircraft flew into Keflavik airbase.

HSM-51 and VX-51 of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) carried their first joint training exercise on September 14. A MH-60R Seahawk from HSM-51 and an SH-60K from VX-51 flew a Tactical Formation (TACFORM) flight, and a dual helicopter Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) tracking exercise over the Philippine Sea.

Watch: Vanilla Unmanned has big plans for the US Navy | Vanilla Unmanned

The F-15E has a new bunker buster added to its arsenal, the GBU-72 Advanced 5K Penetrator. The new weapon was tested at the Eglin Air Force Base range by the 96th Test Wing. A joint-direct-attack-munition (JDAM) tail kit from a GBU-31 was modified so that it would fit and guide the 5,000-pound weapon. The first weapons load, flight and release took place on July 23. The Strike Eagle’s existing bunker busting weapon is the laser-guided GBU-28.

According to Defense News, the US Army and Lockheed Martin have worked out a way to accelerate the delivery of the latest variant of Sentinel air and missile defense radar by six months. At the AUSA 2021 annual conference on October 11, Lockheed unveiled its A4 version of the radar. The Sentinel A4 active electronically scanned array is the next-generation radar planned to replace the current phase and frequency scanned array in Sentinel A3 and earlier versions. It can detect cruise missiles, unmanned aircraft systems, rockets, artillery and mortars.

Netline Communications Technologies Ltd. – a leading developer and manufacturer of high-end electronic warfare and spectrum dominance systems for defense forces and homeland security agencies – has unveiled the new C-Guard Micro system. This compact, portable, full-coverage Explosive Ordnance Disposal jamming unit has been designed for use by military forces and law enforcement personnel, to support bomb disposal squads during EOD missions and roadblocks, and anti-terror missions. It is based on the advanced technology of the C-Guard family,

Serbia has unveiled Lazanski, a new armored vehicle equipped with Russian-made 57 mm AU-220M Automatic Weapon Station. The vehicle was presented for the first time on October 12 at the “Partner 2021” military exhibition being in Belgrade. Lazanski is armed with an Automatic cannon 57 mm, Machine gun 7.62 mm. It can shoot 80 bullets per minute, Serbian state media reported today.

Rheinmetall and Israeli company UVision have inked a strategic partnering agreement to market Hero series of loitering munitions to the armed forces of Europe. The German company will take the industrial, technological and commercial lead for enhancing the capabilities of the weapon system; while UVision will make available the Hero loitering munitions.

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-2 that scrambled from Tsuiki Airbase on Octpber 10 lost its canopy inflight while the jet was over the vicinity of Asakura city. The aircraft was airborne at 12:45pm local time and the incident happened five minutes later. The pilot recovered back to base safely and a search is underway for the 90kg canopy.

Watch: Israeli firm to arm wheeled armored vehicles with loitering strike munitions!

General Atomics together with the US Army ist working on developing a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) for the Multi-Domain Operations-capable Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) Unmanned Aircraft System. Incorporating MOSA on GE-ER Increment 2 spans the entire system, including the aircraft and the Command and Control software suite. The implementation of MOSA will provide multiple new standards for C2, Future Airborne Capability Environment, Open Mission Systems, Universal Armament Interface (UAI), as well as further segregating the Flight/Mission systems’ hardware and software.

The US Army’s 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command (94th AAMDC) is deploying a set of Iron Dome air defense system to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam for operational testing. The 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment will be responsible for operating the unit.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has been chosen as the prime contractor for developing the concept and technologies for the Israel Defense Force’s (IDF) future Armored Fighting Vehicle called the Carmel. This solution is based on automatic and autonomous systems that complement the two-man team, and operate the central subsystems – the vehicles’ mission planning and management, situational awareness, driving and lethality.

BAE Systems has successfully demonstrated that its Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guided rocket can shot down Class 2 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The company said in its press release that the testing was carried out at Yuma Proving Grounds using standard 2.75? test rockets combined standard M151 warheads and Mk66 motors. The only new component that was developed for this task is a new proximity fuze.

According to local news, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Penagiotopoulos has said that Athens and the United States will likely modernize its existing military bases being used by the US military. Earlier, Greece was expected to build new bases through the renewal of the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (MDCA).

According to PNA, Philippine Navy has taken delivery of a batch of Mistral 3 short-range air defence (SHORAD) missiles for the Jose Rizal Class frigates. The weapons were delivered to the Subic Bay International Airport on October 8.

Watch: Jose Rizal Class Multi-Role Guided Missile Frigate with Advance Systems | Philippine Navy

During a ceremony held on October 6 at the Pennsylvania National Guard’s Eastern Army National Guard Aviation Training Site, the US Army unveiled the newest variant of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, the UH-60V. As part of their preparation for beginning instruction, EAATS instructor pilots have been training on six UH-60Vs they received from the Utility Helicopter Program Office in July.

General Dynamics won a $482.1 million contract modification for lead yard support and development studies and design efforts related to Virginia Class submarines. The Virginia Class new attack submarine is an advanced stealth multimission nuclear-powered submarine for deep ocean anti-submarine warfare and littoral operations. Work will take place in Connecticut, Virginia and Rhode Island. Estimated completion will be by October 2022.

Reuters reports that Turkey has sought 40 new F-16 Fighter Jets from the US plus modernization kits for its existing F-16s even as the conflict with Washington over the purchase of Russian S-400 Air Defense System continues.The deal has yet to be approved by the US State Department and the Congress. It is still working its way through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process.

The Polish Ministry of Defense (MoD) has commenced preparing infrastructure to receive PATRIOT missile battery from the US, which is expected to arrive at the end of 2022. In March 2018, Poland signed a $4.75 billion agreement with the US for two Patriot Configuration 3+ batteries. The purchase includes Northrop Grumman’s IBCS Battle Command System and four fire units equipped with four AN/MPQ-65 radars, 16 launchers, four Engagement Control Stations, six Engagement Operation Centers, 12 IFCN Relays and 208 PAC-3 MSE missiles.

Greece has decided to lease another two Heron TP unmanned air vehicles, bringing the total number to four. Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos disclosed the information to Parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on October 6.

Australia has been given clearance by the US State Department to purchase 12 MH-60R naval helicopters. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency says in Transmittal No 21-61 that the Foreign Military Sales package is worth up to $985 million.

Watch: Eastern Army National Guard present new UH-60V Black Hawk helicopter

The US Air Force announced that two F-35A Lightning II aircraft recently released B61-12 Joint Test Assemblies, or JTAs, during the F-35A’s first Full Weapon System Demonstration, completing the final flight test exercise of the nuclear design certification process. The 422nd and 59th Test and Evaluation Squadrons led Air Combat Command’s portion of the test effort, with Airmen from the 57th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 926th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and Bolt Aircraft Maintenance Unit leading all maintenance efforts.

Thales has unveiled a new ground-based multi-mission radar with simultaneous ground and low-level air surveillance, providing early UAV detection, in particular of micro-drones. The Ground Observer 20 Multi-Mission (GO20 MM) is a single mode multi-mission radar for continuous 360° 3D detection, tracking and automatic classification of the full threat spectrum. From UAVs and helicopters in the low- level airspace, to insurgents by foot or armed vehicles– simultaneous detection of all threats.

Turkey’s Havelsan and Transvaro are testing Fedai, a Kamikaze drone they developed to neutralize other drone-borne threats. The was exhibited at the 3rd Military Radar and Border Security Summit, organized by the Independent Industrialists and Businesspersons Association.

Greece has decided to equip its AH-64D attack helicopter with the Israeli-made Spike NLOS missile. The missiles will also be installed on the Machitis Class gunboat and the Mark V Special Operations Craft.

Proteus Advanced Systems Pte. Ltd., a joint venture company of IAI and ST Engineering, has secured a contract to deliver the Blue Spear coastal anti-ship missile system to the Estonian Defence Forces. Commander of the Estonian Navy commodore Jüri Saska said: “The chosen weapon system will form the cornerstone of Estonian naval defence for decades to come. Estonian Navy will be able to contribute significantly both to national, regional and collective defence effort.”

The Chinese military has for the first time revealed details on the latest variant of the JH-7 fighter bomber, the JH-7A2, at the Airshow China 2021 event in Zhuhai. According to the Global Times, it has better surface attack capability as it is built to carry extra surface attack weapons including stand-off air-to-surface missiles, laser-guided bombs and munitions dispensers.

Watch: PLA Revealed Latest Variant Fighter Bomber JH-7A2

Northrop Grumman won a $8.4 million delivery order for support of the E2-D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft program avionics flight management computers. The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (AHE) is the newest variant of the E-2 aircraft platform. In December 2020, Northrop Grumman was awarded a $13.1 million order to provide new computers and displays for the E2-D Hawkeye. The new contract is a 42-month contract with no option periods. Work will take place in California. Estimated completion date is February 5, 2025.

Boeing won a $26.8 million delivery order for F/A-18 aircraft spare parts, according to the Defense Department. Work will take place in Missouri. Estimated completion date is October 31, 2027. According to the Navy Times, the Department of the Navy also spent more than $2 billion because of metal corrosion on F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets from fiscal 2017 to 2020. However, according to a report, the Department of the Navy maintainers did not complete mandatory 84-day inspections for a percentage of the 151 aircraft sampled in FY20.

The last A-29 conversion course for the Nigerian Air Force at Moody Air Force Base has graduated on September 2. The aircraft subsequently left on September 15. Training takes nine months and covers subjects such as ground mechanics, aircraft familiarization, and piloting the aircraft.

BAE Systems will deliver the five year Future Maritime Support Programme (FMSP) alongside the Ministry of Defence for the Royal Navy in Portsmouth. According to the company, BAE Systems was selected by the MOD to deliver the Ship Engineering Delivery & Management contract at Portsmouth Naval Base.

The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) conducted verification landing of the US Marine Corps F-35B Short Take Off and Vertical Landings (STOVL) fighter on its JS Izumo aircraft carrier for the first time on October 3. “This verification is the first time for an F-35B to land on a JMSDF vessel, and Japan is working to improve its capabilities in the maritime and air domains,” JMSDF announced.

India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is receiving export queries for Indian-built Dornier 228 aircraft from Sri Lanka, Mauritius and the Philippines. The aircraft is now rechristened as Hindustan 228. In an interview with the Times of India, R Madhavan, HAL’s CMD, said the aircraft could be exported to the two interested countries.

Watch: USMC F-35B aboard Japan’s Helicopter Carrier JS Izumo

Lockheed Martin won an $80 million contract modification to exercise options for littoral combat ship class design services and integrated data and product model environment support. According to the Defense Department, The US Navy plans to build a fleet of 33 literal combat ocean going warships that are also capable of operating in shallow coastal waters. Work will take place in New Jersey, Washington DC and Wisconsin. Estimated completion will be by October 2022.

The US Military Sealift Command announced it has tested the new BQM-177A Sub-Sonic Aerial Target (SSAT) in the Western Pacific. Testing took place from September 9-10 using USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3). The BQM-177A is capable of flying at a height of 2 meters and at speeds in excess of Mach 0.95.

In late September, Oshkosh Defense won a $16 million deal to provide three types of Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks as well as Heavy Equipment Transporters to Lebanon, Iraq and Malaysia. The contract is for M1120A4 Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTTs), M977A4 HEMTTs, M978A4 HEMTTs, and M1070A1 Heavy Equipment Transporters. M1120A4?s load-handling system is capable of transporting 11 tons; M977A4 has a 10-ton payload capacity; the fuel-servicing M978A4 tanker can transport 2,500 gallons of fuel; and the M1070A1 tank transporter has a 75-ton maximum payload. Work will take place in Wisconsin. Estimated completion date is January 31, 2022.

After the successful surface launch of the Tsirkon (Zircon) hypersonic cruise missile from a Russian nuclear-powered submarine on Sunday, a second launch was conducted on Monday; this time from 40 meters underwater signalling a new capability for the country’s navy. “The second test firing of the hypersonic cruise missile Tsirkon was carried out by the crew of the nuclear submarine missile cruiser Severodvinsk for the first time from an underwater position, from a depth of 40 meters, in the waters of the White Sea at a conditional sea target in the Barents Sea”, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

The US Air Force 48th Fighter Wing has reactivated the 495th Fighter Squadron, known as the “Valkyries”. It is the first USAF F-35A squadron in Europe. RAF Lakenheath will receive the squadron’s aircraft when they begin to arrive later this year.

Turkmenistan unveiled its Bayraktar TB2 combat drones during a September 27 military parade marking the country’s 30th anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union. The TB2 on display was armed with MAM-L and MAM-C munitions, manufactured by Turkish firm Roketsan, and the Argos-II HD/HDT camera system by Germany’s Hensoldt.

Watch: How Bayraktar TB2 has become one of the most feared drones in the world

General Electric Aviation won a $131.6 million deal for the repair, upgrade or replacement; inventory management; and required supply response times of two T-700 engine components in support of the Navy’s H-60 Seahawk and the Marine Corp’s AH-1 Cobra helicopters. The Navy sought the services from a single vendor in accordance with defense acquisition regulations and will use its annual working capital funds when issuing delivery orders. Work will take place in Massachusetts and Kansas. Estimated completion will be by September 2026.

The US Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory recently purchased several SMASH 2000 fire control systems , through its Rapid Capabilities Office (MCRCO) from Israeli company Smart Shooter for test & evaluation. Smart Shooter has also signed a cooperative research & development agreement with US Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division. Under this agreement, the US Navy will evaluate the use of SMASH technology on ships and vessels for Counter-UAS purposes. This collaboration aims to perform joint integration and evaluation of Smart Shooter’s technology with weapons and ammunition currently supporting the US Navy’s mission.

Glasshouse Systems won a $15.9 million deal for integrated logistics support. This contract provides logistics support updates and maintenance for the Egypt Mobile Surveillance Sensor Security System (MS3). The mobile surveillance sensor security system provides Egypt with advanced capabilities intended to bolster its border surveillance capabilities along its border with Libya and elsewhere. Work will take place in New York and Egypt. Estimated completion date is September 13, 2024.

The UK has two large aircraft carriers at sea ready for operations after HMS Prince of Wales was recently declared operational. According to the Royal Navy, a fortnight-long international exercise off the Scottish coast “put the stamp on two years of intensive training for the Portsmouth-based warship, 700-plus crew, the Royal Navy and RAF squadrons who will operate aircraft from her flight deck – including the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning stealth fighter – and thousands of military personnel and civilians who support and maintain the endeavor”.

A Philippine Navy AW-109E naval helicopter was involved in a landing accident in the early hours of September 26. There are two versions of what happened to the helicopter. One version said the helicopter, #NH-435, tilted while just three feet above the ground while another version said the rotorcraft had rolled over and destroyed after being swept by strong gusts of wind.

The US government approved the sale of one Boeing EA-18G electronic attack jet to Australia. This new jet will replace A46-311 that was lost in an accident at Nellis Air Force Base on January 27, 2018. Australia will pay up to $125 million for the replacement aircraft, which will come from production Lot 38 or later.

Watch: HMS Prince of Wales achieves operational status

Rolls Royce won a $9.3 million deal for Virginia Class submarine propulsors. The deal shall provide a maximum of seven Virginia Class propulsor rotor assemblies, scoop bar sets, and associated engineering support services. The Virginia Class attack submarine is the US Navy’s newest undersea warfare platform and incorporates the latest in stealth, intelligence gathering and weapons systems technology. Work will take place in Mississippi and Massachusetts. Expected completion will be by May 2025.

Boeing won a $391.4 million deal for up to five CH-47F renew aircraft. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. The CH-47 is an American twin-engined, tandem rotor, heavy-lift helicopter. Estimated completion date is September 30, 2025.

Morocco and Israel are expected to sign a deal that would see the two countries co-produce kamikaze drones, according to a Moroccan military and security affairs expert with knowledge of the plans. Israel’s defense minister is expected to visit the African country and sign defense cooperation agreements that would launch the drone production, among other efforts.

Czech Defense Minister Lubomír Metnar signed a contract for the acquisition of 52 CAESAR self-propelled artillery guns in an eight-wheel drive (8×8) version, in the presence of French Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly and Nicolas Chamussy, CEO of Nexter Group on September 30 in Prague.

Lockheed Martin won a $28.7 million contract for engineering and technical services for land based test site support for the Australia Surface Combatant Program AEGIS Combat and Weapon System baseline development. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales to the government of Australia. Work will take place in New Jersey, Ohio, Maryland and Florida. Estimated completion will be by September 2025.

China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) has unveiled HT-1E, the new made-for-export ship-borne vertical launch system that is suitable for all types of seagoing vessels, at Airshow China 2021. The system can boost a warship’s multirole capabilities in carrying out multidirectional, large area and saturation attack and defense missions.

Watch: US Army Boeing CH-47F Chinook at ZRH (with live ATC)

General Electric won a $483.1 million contract, which procures spare F414 engines and various spare engine modules in support of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler production aircraft. Boeing announced the delivery of the first two operational F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jets in the Block III configuration to the US Navy on September 27. The service will use these aircraft to help complete an ongoing test and evaluation program for these updates, as well as support the development of new tactics, techniques, and procedures to go with them. Work will take place in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Kentucky, Canada, Germany and North Carolina. Estimated completion will be in January 2026.

Raytheon won a $358 million contract in support of the fiscal 2021-2023 Evolved Seasparrow Missile (ESSM) Block 2 full rate production requirements. The ESSM program is an international cooperative effort to design, develop, test, and procure ESSM missiles. The ESSM provides enhanced ship defense. The ESSM program is an international cooperative effort to design, develop, test, and procure ESSM missiles. The ESSM provides enhanced ship defense. This contract combines purchases for the Navy and the governments of Canada, Australia, Greece, Germany, Norway, Turkey, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark under the NATO Seasparrow Consortium. Estimated completion will be by March 2025.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey may still purchase a second Russian S-400 air defense system despite US warnings of the potential consequences. Washington states the S-400s pose a threat to its F-35 fighter jets and to NATO’s broader defense systems. Turkey says it was unable to procure air defense systems from any NATO ally on satisfactory terms.

The Latvian Ministry of Defense has placed an order for telemax EVO HYBRID and tEODor EVO unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) manufactured by Telerob, an Aerovironment company. The order was received on July 8, 2021. Delivery is scheduled to be completed in late 2021, the company announced.

An MQ-9B SkyGuardian was over Scotland and flown to demonstrate its “capability in a maritime environment”. The drone is taking part in Joint Warrior, a twice-yearly UK-led NATO exercise.

North Korea’s first hypersonic missile flight tested on Tuesday reportedly met key technical requirements set out by scientists, including launch stability, maneuverability and gliding flight characteristics of the “detached hypersonic gliding warhead.” Pyongyang’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) claimed the test-launch confirmed “the navigational control and stability of the missile,” the “guiding maneuverability and the gliding flight characteristics of the detached hypersonic gliding warhead,” and the engine.

Watch: Here’s Evolved SeaSparrow Missile designed to counter supersonic maneuvering anti-ship missiles

Boeing won a $17.3 million contract modification for the US and United Kingdom to provide Strategic Weapon System Trident II (D5) Inertial Navigation equipment technical engineering support services. The Trident II D5 fleet ballistic missile (FBM) is a three-stage, solid-propellant, inertial-guided ballistic missile. In September 2021 the US Navy test-fired two unarmed Trident II missiles off the coast of Cape Canaveral, dubbing the launches a successful test of the operational readiness of the weapons system. Work will take place in California, Ohio, Washington, New York, Virginia, Georgia, Florida and Scotland. Estimated completion date is September 30, 2022.

Boeing won a $15.3 million contract, which provides systems engineering, technical, logistics support and retrofit of the Miniaturized Airborne Global Positioning System Receiver 2000 for integration onto the V-22 Osprey aircraft. The V-22 Osprey is a joint-service, medium-lift, multimission tilt-rotor aircraft. Work will take place in Pennsylvania and Texas. Estimated completion will be in November 2024.

The Moroccans have started their flight training to operate the AH-64. The training is taking place in Utah with the 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment. The unit says Cpt. Harbouli and Cpt. Ezhari are to first two Moroccans to undergo training in the simulator.

Lockheed Martin has won a $21 million contract to customize four MH-60R helicopters ordered by the Hellenic Navy from standard export configuration. The order provides non-recurring engineering and field service representative support in support of configuration efforts for four MH-60R aircraft from standard Foreign Military Sales (FMS) configuration to the government of Greece configuration. Work will take place in New York, Greece and Connecticut. Estimated completion will be in September 2027.

China has revealed a range of weapons it has developed for stealth fighters at the ongoing Airshow China event in Zhuhai, South China’s Guangdong Province. According to the Global Times, a scale model of the country’s second stealth fighter jet, the FC-31, was displayed together with armament including the powerful PL-15E beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile which is also used by China’s first stealthy jet, the J-20. The PL-15E is announced to be available for export for the first time. It is an air-to-air missile with a maximum range of 145km guided with a combination of inertial, satellite navigation, datalink and active radar.

Boeing won a $220 million contract, which provides non-recurring engineering in support of configuration efforts for the Harpoon Coastal Defense System (HCDS), to include the Harpoon Block II Update Grade B Canister Launch All Up Round Missiles, the HCDS launch system, and Harpoon weapon station test and production equipment for the government of Taiwan. Work will take place in Texas, South Dakota, Michigan, Connecticut, Maryland, Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas and Alabama. Estimated completion will be in July 2023.

Watch: Is Boeing AH-64 Apache The Ultimate Weapon?| The Ultimates: Combat Helicopters | Spark

Boeing won a $3.5 billion deal for the C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Program. The contract will provide support and sustainment services to the government product support manager/product support integrator for the C-17 weapon system. The contract involves Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, NATO Airlift Management Program Office, India, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Support includes: program management; sustaining logistics; material and equipment management; sustaining engineering; quality assurance; depot level aircraft maintenance and modifications; F117 propulsion system management; long-term sustainment planning; field services, unique foreign military customer services and Air Logistics Center partnering support for the worldwide fleet of the C-17 aircraft. Estimated completion date is May 30, 2031.

Boeing won a $9.3 million contract modification for F-15C and F-15E mission training centers (MTC). The modification provides for updates to the F-15 MTC training systems to achieve service objectives associated with implementation of F-15C/E Aircraft Mission Package-20. Work will take place in Idaho, North Carolina, the UK and Japan.

Iraq is planning to acquire a dozen JF-17 fighter aircraft from Pakistan and has reportedly set aside $600 million for the procurement, as per local media reports. Unconfirmed reports claimed that a delegation from Iraq’s Ministry of Defense recently visited Pakistan, while a formal agreement is expected to be signed in the country’s federal capital in October. The deal was reportedly made during the visit of Deputy Commander of Iraqi Air Force Major General (Pilot) Muhammad Majeed Mahdi Mahmood’s to Pakistan.

Boeing won a $756.6 million contract modification, which exercises an option for the production and delivery of five Lot 12 P-8A aircraft for the government of Germany. Work will take place in Washington, California and other locations within the US. Estimated completion will be in February 2025. In July 2021, Berlin signed a letter of offer and acceptance for five Boeing P-8As under the U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process.

France’s Naval Group is likely to bag a contract valued approximately €5 billion to provide FDI (Belharra) frigates and Gowind corvettes to the Hellenic Navy. According to La Tribune, the deal will include delivery of three each of FDI and Gowind warships with an option for one more.

A new version of the Akash Missile – ‘Akash Prime’ developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been flight tested from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha on September 27. The missile intercepted and destroyed an unmanned aerial target mimicking enemy aircrafts, in its maiden flight test after improvements.

Watch: US P-8A Poseidon Aircraft Conduct Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercise

Boeing won a $16 million deal for spare parts in support of the AH-64 Apache weapon system. The Apache is a twin-engined army attack helicopter. The Apache attack helicopter can be equipped with air-to-air missiles (Stinger, AIM-9 Sidewinder, Mistral and Sidearm) and the advanced precision kill weapon system (APKWS), formerly known as Hydra, family of guided and unguided 70mm rockets.

Boeing won a $158.3 million contract modification for VC-25B Spares Phase 1 – Long Lead Parts. This contract modification is for the VC-25B initial spares with a production lead time of greater than 12 months that are required for the initial support period, which is the first 18 months beginning at initial operational capability. VC-25B, the next “Air Force One,” is a program to design, modify, test, and deliver two aircraft replacing the current VC-25A and will serve as a flying White House for the next thirty years. Work will take place in Maryland. Estimated completion date is January 15, 2025.

According to some press reports, Morocco is set to be the newest operator of the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW). The reports further added that the weapons have been delivered to the country.

The US Air Force has awarded Rolls-Royce a $2.6 billion contract to replace the engines on its B-52H Stratofortress bomber fleet. The F130 engine for the B-52, which produces 17,000 pounds of thrust, is a variant of the Rolls-Royce BR725 commercial engine.

Russian company Rostec-owned Central Research Institute of Precision Engineering has begun mass production of unified systems designed to protect latest military equipment against high-precision weapons. The product is designed to protect the TOS-2 heavy flamethrower system, the PRP-5 reconnaissance vehicle, as well as the Zavet-D automated artillery control systems, the state-owned company said in a statement.

PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero) (PTDI) and Turkish company Hava Elektronik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.?. (HAVELSAN) agreed to jointly develop a simulator for N219 aircraft. A Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to the same was signed during Teknofest 2021 in Istanbul by the President Director of PTDI, Dr. Ir. Elfien Goentoro, MBA and CEO of HAVELSAN, Dr. Mehmet Active Nacar.

Watch: The Next Presidential Jet: The New $5B “Biden Force One”

Lockheed Martin won a $14.8 million contract modification, which is adding scope to provide depot level repair capabilities for the F-35 gun system in support of F-35 Lightning II low-rate initial production Lot 11 aircraft for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, and non-US Department of Defense (DOD) participants. F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter (JSF) is a stealthy, supersonic multirole fighter developed by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company for the US Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps and programme partners from the NATO and US allies. Work will take place in Varmint, Texas and Maine. Expected completion will be in November 2024.

AAR Services won a $14.2 million deal for maintenance and overhaul of the CH-47. 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. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of September 23, 2026.

Turkish engine producer Erin Motor on Thursday introduced a new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) while drone-maker Baykar launched a Vertical take-off drone at the Teknofest event in Istanbul. The company showcased two types of UAV engines, 6-hp and 11-hp, which can be used in vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAVs with wingspans of up to five meters (16.4 feet) for a wide range of drones and related payloads.

Secretary of State for Defense Ben Wallace has cut the first steel for the first of the Royal Navy’s five new Type 31 frigates, HMS Venturer. Hosted at Babcock’s facility in Rosyth, Scotland, where the Type 31 Inspiration class ships are being built, representatives from across UK and international industry and public service, witnessed the historic ceremony signalling the official start of the build programme alongside employees and representatives from the local community.

The Republic of China Army (ROCA) Aviation and Special Forces Command announced officially on September 25 that the plan to deploy AH-64Es at Taitung’s Fengnian airport has been abandoned. This is due to opposition from the local populace over noise issues. The residents were also concern over the safety of the rotor craft. The Army wants its AH-64E pilots to familiarize themselves with the terrain on the east side of the island. By stationing at Fengnian, the helicopters can be serviced there.

Indian Ministry of Defense signed a contract with Airbus Defense and Space, Spain for acquisition of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft on September 24, 2021. The MoD has also signed an Offset Contract with Airbus through which the company will discharge its offset obligations through direct purchase of eligible products and services from Indian Offset Partners. These contracts were signed following the approval accorded by the Cabinet Committee on Security earlier this month.

Watch: UK’s First Type 31 frigate, first steel cut for HMS Venturer the royal navy’s newest warship

Oshkosh Defense won a $10 million contract modification for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Family of Vehicles. The JLTV Family of Vehicles (FoV) is the Marine Corps and Army partial replacement for the High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) fleet. Work will take place in Wisconsin. Estimated completion date is November 30, 2022.

Raytheon Intelligence & Space has introduced a lightweight, affordable AESA radar in its lightest form factor ever. In addition to being a third of the weight of most modern AESA radars, the new compact radar also costs about half as much as typical fire control radars. Gallium Nitride technology is combined with an innovative packaging of its digital receiver/exciter and processor called CHIRP, and a unique air-cooled design.

IMCO Group acquired Innocon Ltd., a company that manufactures Micro, Mini and Tactical unmanned aerial systems (UAS) as well as mission systems for manned light airplanes. IMCO Group’s subsidiary acquired Innocon’s assets and activities for $938,000, plus an additional amount equal to 25% of the subsidiary’s net profit during 72 months from January 1, 2022, and up to a total and cumulative ceiling of $547,000.

Turkey reportedly handed over first units of Bayraktar TB2 combat drones to Morocco last week. The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (Far-Maroc) signed an agreement with Turkish drone maker Baykar Savunma for 13 Bayraktar TB2s in April. The contract was worth $70 million.

Norwegian mechanical engineering company Ritek has agreed to perform vehicle integration of Ground Master 200 multi-mission compact radars (GM200 MM/C) under an agreement signed with Thales. The Norwegian Defense Material Agency (NDMA) signed an agreement with the Netherlands Defense Material Organisation (DMO) for the five counter-battery radars in May 2021. Ritek will perform the vehicle integration of these radars, Thales said in a statement today.

General Dynamics Land Systems won a $13.8 million contract modification for Abrams systems and technical support. The first M1 Abrams battle tanks were delivered to the US Army in 1980. The M1 is equipped with a Honeywell AGT 1500 gas turbine engine. The Allison X-1100-3B transmission provides four forward and two reverse gears. Fiscal 2020 and 2021 other procurement, Army funds; fiscal 2021 Foreign Military Sales (Australia) funds; and fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $13,743,076 were obligated at the time of the award. Work will take place in Michigan. Estimated completion date is September 30, 2022.

Watch: The Ground Master 200 (GM200) – Thales