UNITED KINGDOM
AIR
25 Aug 23. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has disclosed its intention to award an exclusive contract to Data Link Solutions LLC, based in New Jersey. This contract, worth an estimated £4.5m, is related to the “Provision of MIDS BU2 In-Service Support and I-Level Repair for Typhoon.” The formal announcement was made on 23rd August 2023. In the notice, the Situational Awareness Command and Control (SACC) Team, part of the MOD, confirmed that the contract’s span would be three years, centred on the MIDS BU2 Terminals within the UK. Further specifying, the notice reads, “The estimated value is £4.5m ex VAT.” (Source: ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)
29 Aug 23. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., Poway, California, was awarded a $25,396,875 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for United Kingdom MQ-9 contractor logistics support. This contract provides contractor logistics support for the MQ-9A and ground control station to the Royal Air Force. This contract provides for the field service representative, repair and return, and technical support tasks. Work will be performed at an international location and is expected to be completed March 31, 2024. This contract involves foreign military sales to the United Kingdom. This contract was a sole-source acquisition. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $25,396,875 are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-19-C-2003).
TECHNOLOGY
30 Aug 23. CPI TMD Technologies Awarded contract. A team of industry and research partners led by the TMD Technologies Division of Communications & Power Industries (CPI) has been awarded more than £4 m by Innovate UK’s SBRI Quantum-enabled positioning, navigation and timing systems competition, which issues contracts for pre-commercial procurement of innovative solutions, enabled by quantum technologies, to public sector challenges. Under this contract, CPI TMD Technologies and its partners will develop exceptionally high-precision quantum-enabled positioning, navigation and timing systems that can be used to identify an object’s exact position in time and space without the use of satellite signals. (Source: PR Newswire)
EUROPE
SEA
31 Aug 23. Thales and Naval Group to provide through-life support for France’s multi-mission frigates. The FREMM through-life support contract, which came into effect in January 2023, is one of the largest support contracts awarded to Thales by Naval Group since the creation of the French Navy’s Fleet Support Service (SSF). It will guarantee the at-sea availability of the Navy’s eight multi-mission frigates based in Brest and Toulon. Thales will draw on its industrial resources and product expertise to support the warships, ensure the day-to-day availability of their on-board systems and sustain their operational capabilities over the long term.
AIR
27 Aug 23. Airbus Helicopters has been chosen to provide the Dutch Ministry of Defence with 14 H225M helicopters specifically designed for special operations. This milestone was solidified through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Airbus Helicopters and GKN Aerospace. The partnership aims to cooperate on various areas such as engineering, electrical wiring interconnection systems design and manufacturing, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul projects. To further advance sustainable aerospace technology, GKN Aerospace recently established a Global Technology Centre in Hoogeveen, the Netherlands. This center will contribute to the growth of the aerospace industry in the country and foster a culture of innovation in the Dutch Aerospace ecosystem. The MoU signed between Airbus Helicopters and GKN Aerospace marks an important milestone in their collaboration, strengthening their partnership and creating opportunities for future joint industrial participation. With their combined expertise and dedication, they aim to deliver advanced solutions and exceptional support to the Netherlands’ helicopter fleet. (Source: Google/https://fagenwasanni.com/)
28 Aug 23. The Nato Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has awarded a contract to Indra for upgrading the Spanish Air and Space Force’s C295 military transport aircraft. The Spanish company will be responsible for renewing the radar warning and self-protection controller system of the entire C295 or T.21 fleet deployed under the 35th Spanish Air and Space Force Wing. Indra will equip the transport aircraft with ALR-400 radar warning receiver as well as electronic warfare (EW) controller. It will enhance the analysis capabilities of the Spanish Air and Space Force to detect threats and adversary signals in real-time. Besides, the Spanish forces will use the upgraded systems to get a more precise understanding of their pilots and crews’ safety, while contributing to strengthen the overall situational awareness. Apart from detecting threats, the ALR-400 provides specific guidance on the position of the transmitter as well as the type of aircraft/radar from where the signal has originated. This radar can further process complex waveforms, such as doppler radars and threats that utilise frequency agility and low probability of interception techniques to ensure that they are not detected by any radar. Once upgraded, the C295 military transport aircraft will provide enhanced capabilities to the 35th Spanish Air and Space Force Wing for undertaking aircraft protection missions in conflict zones. The Nato agency in (Source: airforce-technology.com)
USA
LAND
31 Aug 23. BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P., York, Pennsylvania, was awarded a $274,100,716 hybrid (cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price, fixed-price incentive) contract to produce M2A4 and M7A4 vehicles from various inducted legacy source variants. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in York, Pennsylvania, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2026. Fiscal 2023 procurement of weapons and tracked combat vehicles, Army funds in the amount of $274,100,716 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-23-F-0395).
30 Aug 23. Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions Division today announced it has been selected by the Air National Guard (ANG) to provide Tactical Data Link (TDL) test and training solutions in support of the DoD’s Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) program. Under the contract, for which Atlantic Diving Supply (ADS) is acting as prime contractor, Curtiss-Wright will provide the ANG with its TCG BOSS (Battlefield Operations Support System) TDL testing, simulation, and training solution. TCG BOSS will be used to accelerate the implementation of TDLs, such as Link 16. The TDLs serve as the communications backbone of the JADC2 program, throughout the ANG. TCG BOSS will also be used to train ANG personnel on the correct and optimal usage of TDLs during peacetime and conflict. The lifetime value of the contract, which began in May 2023, is estimated to be $3.5m. It is scheduled to run through 2026. This contract represents the first major upgrade to ANG training centers in recent years, as well as the first time that TCG TDL solutions have been selected to support this ANG program. The products covered under this agreement are produced in Tewksbury, MA and will be shipped to 10 different ANG sites throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
30 Aug 23. Danbury Mission Technologies LLC,* Danbury, Connecticut, was awarded a $136,498,737 hybrid (cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price) contract for AN/VVR-4 laser detecting sets, laser diode pulsers and support services. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 28, 2028. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-23-D-0066).
30 Aug 23. Raytheon, an RTX business, has been awarded $7 m to advance development and assessment of the company’s GhostEye® MR radar, an advanced medium-range sensor for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, or NASAMS. These are the first government contracts for GhostEye MR, a multi-mission radar designed and developed by Raytheon via internal research and development investments. Funding will support continued radar development and then an operational assessment at White Sands Missile Range later this year.
30 Aug 23. Raytheon Co. Missile Systems, Tucson, Arizona, was awarded a $276,536,844 modification (P00030) to contract W15QKN-19-C-0017 for procurement of 155 mm projectiles. Work will be performed in Healdsburg California; Karlskoga, Sweden; East Camden, Arizona; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Southway, England; Cincinnati, Ohio; Glenrothes, Scotland; Salt Lake City, Utah; Joplin, Missouri; Gilbert, Arizona; Lansdale, Pennsylvania; Santa Clara, California; Woodridge, Illinois; Trenton, Texas; Valencia, California; Cookstown, New Jersey; Tucson, Arizona; Phoenix, Arizona; Anniston, Alabama; Chino, California; Inglewood, California; McAlester, Oklahoma; and Farmington, New Mexico, with an estimated completion date of April 29, 2024. Fiscal 2023 procurement of ammunition, Army funds in the amount of $276,536,844 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity.
29 Aug 23. Ricardo Defense Inc., Troy, Michigan, was awarded a $385,554,528 modification (P00002) to contract W56HZV-21-D-0008 for High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle Anti-Lock Brake System with Electronic Stability Control retrofit kit production. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of March 15, 2026. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity.
29 Aug 23. Science Applications International Corp., Reston, Virginia, was awarded a $574,527,416 cost-plus-incentive-fee ground based radar maintenance and sustainment services support task order. This contract provides for continued sustainment and modification of the ground-based radar sensor systems. Work will be performed in Colorado Springs, Colorado; and other locations, and is expected to be completed by March 24, 2030. This contract was a competitive acquisition and four offers were received. Fiscal 2023 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $43,836,709 are being obligated at the time of award. Space Systems Command Acquisitions, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, is the contracting activity (TO FA8723-23-F-9010).
SEA
31 Aug 23. BAE Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc., Totowa, New Jersey, has been awarded a maximum $100,918,625 modification (P00030) against a 10-year subsumable contract (SPE4AX-15-D-9441), with two one-year ordering periods for ALR-56M radar warning receiver shipsets. This is a firm-fixed-price requirements contract. Location of performance is New York, with a March 31, 2024, ordering period end date. Using military service is Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Columbus, Ohio.
29 Aug 23. Huntington Ingalls Inc., Pascagoula, Mississippi, was awarded a $154,818,890 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to previously awarded contract N00024-23-C-2324 for the DDG 1000 Modernization Period execution. Work will be performed in Pascagoula, Mississippi (95%); and other locations below 1% (collectively totaling 5%), and is expected to be completed by September 2025. Fiscal 2023 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $152,518,544 (99%); and fiscal 2023 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,300,346 (1%), will be obligated at time of award, of which $2,300,346 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-23-C-2324). (Awarded Aug. 25, 2023)
29 Aug 23. Saab Inc., East Syracuse, New York, is awarded a $36,776,321 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to procure two SPN-50(V)1 shipboard air traffic radars, one initial checkout kit, two onboard repair parts kits, and two depot spares kits, as well as associated sustainment requirements for two Navy aircraft carriers. Work will be performed in Syracuse, New York, and is expected to be completed in August 2025. Fiscal 2023 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $36,776,321 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001923C0049).
AIR
20 Aug 23. Contracts awarded by SDA to three companies. SDA issued awards totaling $1.6m for a study to be completed over 90 days that will examine and analyze potential, LEO, backhaul capabilities. This award was received by Aalyria Technologies, Inc. (a spin-off from Google); Kuiper Government Solutions, LLC; and Space Explorations Technology Corp (SpaceX). The studies will examine connecting commercial or other existing LEO systems to the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) to provide further resiliency by quickly moving broadband data between edge and main networks worldwide and to give the PWSA Transport Layer the greater ability to transmit and receive general, high-bandwidth data across its systems. These awards were made under the Space Development Agency’s System, Technologies, and Emerging Capabilities (STEC) Broad Agency Announcement that are based on a special notice that was posted in late May of this year by the agency. (Source: Satnews)
31 Aug 23. The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, is being awarded $173,612,000 for delivery order N00383-23-F-YY2J under a previously awarded basic ordering agreement (N00383-22-G-YY01) for the repair of landing gear used on the F/A-18 E/F aircraft. Work will be performed in Quebec, Canada (37%); St. Louis, Missouri (21%); Fort Walton Beach, Florida (18%); Ontario, Canada (12%); San Diego, California (6%); and various other external suppliers that cannot be determined at this time (6%). Work is expected to be completed by August 2026. Working capital funds (Navy) in the amount of $85,069,880 will be obligated at time of award and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One company was solicited for this sole-source requirement pursuant to the authority set forth in 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), with one offer received. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity.
31 Aug 23. QinetiQ Group plc (QinetiQ) has won a five year $224m firm-fixed-price contract to provide mission support to the US Space Development Agency (SDA). This contract builds on an existing strong customer relationship with the SDA, generating incremental growth on previous work. Under the 5-year contract, QinetiQ will deliver management and professional services, acquisition support, engineering and technical assistance needed to deliver the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture programme. The QinetiQ team, along with its strategic partners, provide engineering services in support of SDA’s most critical space missions. This contract is the largest competitive win for the Avantus business since QinetiQ’s acquisition in November last year and underpins our target of greater than 10% annual revenue growth from Avantus.
29 Aug 23. Rapid Response Defense Systems, Inc. (“RRDS”), a federal contractor and solution-based systems integrator, today announced that Quantum-Systems Inc., a leader in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aerial intelligence solutions, has been selected as the subcontractor for the $30,000,000 indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract awarded to RRDS by the U.S. Department of State to provide mid-range unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The RRDS and Quantum-Systems team will deliver Vector fixed-wing eVTOL sUAS over the course of 5 years and will provide operator training to end users. (Source: PR Newswire)
30 Aug 23. Textron Aviation Defense LLC, Wichita, Kansas, has been awarded a $31,094,855 modification (P00003) to incorporate additional work to a previously awarded contract (FA8617-22-C-6238) for BPC T-6C Program – Tranche 2. This modification provides for procurement of support and supply of three T-6C aircraft. Total cumulative face value of the contract is $76,931,312. The location of performance is Wichita, Kansas, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2025. This award is the result of a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2022 and 2023 Building Partnership Capacity funds in the amount of $31,094,855 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.
TECHNOLOGY
31 Aug 23. Leidos Inc., Reston, Virginia, was awarded a $7,900,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for hardware systems, system management solutions, components, customizable sustainment strategies, non-personal services and continuous technology upgrades. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 30, 2033. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W15P7T-23-D-0003).
REST OF THE WORLD
LAND
25 Aug 23. BEML receives order for command post vehicles from Indian Army. Indian state-owned company BEML Limited, formerly Bharat Earth Movers Limited, has received a contract worth INR1.01bn (USD12.2m) from the Indian Army to supply an unknown number of command post vehicles (CPVs), BEML announced on 22 August. According to BEML, the CPV is a fully enclosed metallic container mounted on a BEML 8×8 high-mobility vehicle (HMV). The CPV is authorised to conduct reconnaissance and support battalions of mechanised infantry to control the surveillance grid, collect surveillance inputs from radars, and collate and disseminate data. Apart from the CPV, BEML secured an order worth INR4.23 bn in late June from the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) to supply an unknown number of HMVs to the Indian Armed Forces. The company also received HMV orders worth INR3.85 bn in late June from Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). (Source: Janes)
21 Aug 23. Creomagic Ltd., a pioneering communications manufacturer based in Israel, has been awarded a significant contract by an undisclosed Tier-1 defence customer to provide lightweight tactical video and communication kits tailored for K9 operations. The contract is estimated at hundreds of units worth several millions of US Dollars. Creomagic will showcase its communication technology portfolio, including its newly released CreoHub HP man-portable radio, at the upcoming Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition in London. The new K9 systems will enable live video and voice transmission from K9 dogs to their human handlers and team leaders, ensuring uninterrupted near-real-time footage and voice in hostage release situations, search and rescue missions and other complex operational scenarios. The contract is a result of a competitive test campaign conducted in various operational settings, ranging from private houses and public buildings to city markets, forestry, basements, and mountainous areas. Throughout these tests, Creomagic’s communication systems demonstrated law latency video transmission, telemetry and voice commands. (Source: joint-forces.com)
31 Aug 23. India orders Spike ATGMs. The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract worth INR2.87bn (USD34.7m) with Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems Pvt Ltd (KRAS) to deliver an unknown number of Spike anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) to the Indian Armed Forces, Rudra B Jadeja, managing director and CEO of KRAS, told Janes on 31 August. According to a press statement by KRAS on 28 August, the order is expected to be “executed over the next 12 months”. KRAS is a joint venture (JV) company between Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (KSSL) – defence subsidiary of Bharat Forge Ltd – and Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (Rafael) Ltd. KSSL owns 51% of the group and the latter 49%. Jadeja did not specify the version of Spike ATGMs that would be delivered to the Indian Armed Forces, but Janes assesses it to be Spike SR ATGMs. KRAS commissioned a INR700 m Spike SR ATGM production facility in Hyderabad in July 2018. (Source: Janes)
29 Aug 23. Serco has secured a AU$107m contract renewal to provide support as part of the Middle East Logistics and Base Support Services (MELABS) contract. The new contract will commence on 1 January 2024, continuing Serco’s commitment to delivering this key support capability for an initial term of three years, with the contract allowing for two further one-year extensions. Serco initially secured the contract to provide support for ADF operations in the Middle East region in 2011. Serco will continue to deliver 26 different service lines under the new contract. There is a comprehensive range of logistical, hospitality, estate operations and facilities maintenance, transportation, and asset hire services. Serco’s contract also includes an emergency structural and airfield rescue and firefighting response capability to support the ADF’s main operating base in the Middle East, which was added in 2020. (Source: Defence Connect)
28 Aug 23. Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), has signed a contract with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Norway, valued at roughly $31m to provide its Cerberus® XL mobile counter-unmanned aerial system (UAS) as part of a total C-UAS solution for Ukraine. The agreement includes delivery of the surveillance platforms as well as software, spares, support and training. Kongsberg recently signed an agreement with the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU) to deliver counter-drone systems that will be donated to the war-torn nation. The IFU was established by the UK and international partners to identify and procure critical capabilities and deliver them quickly to Ukraine. Norway and the UK are among many nations that have contributed to the fund. Cerberus XL combines an advanced thermal/visual imaging system with highly sensitive radar sensors onto a mobile platform to rapidly locate and track UAS targets. Kongsberg then feeds information from Cerberus into its remote weapons station to disable and defeat the threat. (Source: Google/BUSINESS WIRE)
SEA
28 Aug 23. The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded a contract to Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam to deliver five Fleet Support Ships (FSS). Under the contract, which has an overall value of about INR190bn ($2.30bn), HSL will indigenously design and construct the 44,000t FSS for the Indian Navy. The fleet support ships will be the first-of-its kind to be built by an Indian Shipyard in the country. The MoD said the contract will contribute to the country’s efforts to achieve the goal of self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The project will support ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives. In a press statement, the ministry said: “This project will generate employment of nearly 16.88m mandays over a period of eight years. The construction of these ships will provide a new dimension to the Indian shipbuilding Industry and encourage active participation of associated industries, including MSMEs.” The MoD said that these five FSS will support the Indian Naval Fleet to conduct missions for a longer time by providing with fuel, water, ammunition, stores and other replenishment at sea. This will enhance the service’s strategic reach and mobility. Built to improve the Navy’s capability to deploy task force across the open ocean, the FSS can also support people and human assistance and disaster relief operations. The ministry said most of the equipment and systems for the new ships are planned to be sourced from indigenous manufacturers. In March 2023, the Indian MoD selected HSL, Visakhapatnam for the normal refit of the Sindhukirti, a 3rd Kilo-class diesel-electric submarine. (Source: naval-technology.com)
29 Aug 23. Rheinmetall wins multimillion-euro order from Australia for strategic naval warfare systems. RWM Italia S.p.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of Rheinmetall AG in Italy, has won an order from the Commonwealth of Australia to deliver a significant quantity of smart sea mines. For Rheinmetall, the order is worth a figure of low three-digit m-euro range with potential growth in the coming years. This important contract underscores once again the great trust the Commonwealth of Australia places in Rheinmetall and its products. The Australian Defence Forces have purchased latest generation of Rheinmetall smart sea mines, which will strengthen the Australian maritime Defence capabilities, with mines able to be deployed from several platforms. Defence evaluated market options last year, and has selected RWM Italia to provide the capability. RWM Italia was assessed by the Commonwealth of Australia to possess both the technology to meet ADF strategic objectives and the ability to produce the quantities of mines required. The types and numbers of sea mines to be provided are classified, but delivery is expected to commence this year. Rapidly deployable and technologically sophisticated, the RWM Italia smart mines will provide a new level of deterrence to any potential adversary. Australian Industry will be engaged in the ongoing sustainment of the capability. The Group’s centre of excellence for underwater defence systems, RWM Italia is a leader in the strategic domain of multi-influence naval mines and mine-clearing systems, with a presence in over 20 countries.
About RWM Italia:
RWM Italia, the Group’s centre of excellence for underwater defence systems, is a leader in the strategic field of multi-influence mines and minesweeping systems, with a presence in over twenty countries. Together with Rheinmetall Defence Australia Pty Ltd, Rheinmetall’s lead unit in Australia, RWM Italia is committed to supporting the ADF in the long-term use of these systems.
28 Aug 23. The Indian Navy has signed a contract with ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems to extend the service life of the INS Shankush HDW Class-209 Type 1500 submarine, in close partnership with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, which is acting as a general contractor up till on-time delivery of the submarine. Over the next three years the Shankush, the second of India’s four in-service HDW submarines, will undergo overhaul and modernisation, with ThyssenKrupp responsible for selected material packages, onsite technical support and a pressure hull inspection. The Indian Navy’s fleet of conventional submarines has been shown in dire need of modernisation after the Pakistan Navy’s acquisition of 8 Yuan class submarines, which are expected for delivery by the end of 2023. The services contract for the Shankush, announced 27 August, follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ThyssenKrupp and Mazagon in June this year for the local construction of six new Indian Navy submarines – a tender won by ThyssenKrupp in close competition against the partnership of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering and Hyundai Heavy Industries. In an earlier contract between ThyssenKrupp and Mazagon, a medium refit cum life certification signed in 2018, extended the service life of India’s first HDW submarine, the INS Shishumar, by ten years. That modernisation will be completed this year, after sea trials. The HDW submarines were built in the 1980’s as part of German-Indian cooperation, when Thyssenkrupp and Mazagon partnered for the construction of the four Indian Navy diesel-electric submarines, building the Shishumar and Shankush in Germany and the remaining two boats in India. (Source: naval-technology.com)
AIR
01 Sep 23. KAI-Airbus sign initial production contract for helicopters. Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has signed a pre-emptive integrated procurement contract with Airbus Helicopters for the production of its Light Armed Helicopter (LAH) and the KUH-1 Surion. The contract, which was signed on 30 August, covers the production of 300 helicopters in total over a period of 10 years, according to KAI. The company added that it covers not only the mass production of the LAH but also derivatives and exports of the KUH-1. According to KAI, the pre-emptive integrated procurement contract intends to “overcome the unstable global supply chain through co-operation between the two companies”. This will “enhance competitiveness in the global market based on securing mutually stable volumes”, KAI added. The LAH is a five ton-class twin-engine helicopter that is based on the Airbus H155 (formerly known as the EC155 B1). The development of the helicopter began in 2012. In 2015 Airbus Helicopters and KAI signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), which led to the “transfer of the company’s technical know-how” to improve development of the helicopter, according to Airbus Helicopters. (Source: Janes)
29 Aug 23. The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan of Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles with Extended Range (JASSM-ER) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $104m. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of Japan has requested to buy up to fifty (50) AGM-158B/B-2 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles with Extended Range (JASSM-ER). Also included are JASSM Anti-jam Global Positioning System Receivers (JAGR), training missiles, and missile containers; munitions support and support equipment; spare parts, consumables, accessories, and repair/return support; integration and test support and equipment; personnel training and equipment; classified and unclassified software delivery and support; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; transportation support; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; studies and surveys; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $104m. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region. The proposed sale will improve Japan’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing stand-off capability via advanced, long-range strike systems for employment on Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) fighter aircraft including but not limited to the F-15J. Japan will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin, Orlando, FL. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/DCSA)
31 Aug 23. Longbow LLC, Orlando, Florida, was awarded a $156,372,092 modification (P00011) to contract W58RGZ-20-F-0464 for procurement of Apache Attack Helicopter Fire Control Radar and other support hardware and auxiliary services. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida; and Linthicum Heights, Maryland, with an estimated completion date of April 30, 2027. Fiscal 2023 Foreign Military Sales (Australia) funds in the amount of $156,372,092 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
31 Aug 23. Raytheon Missiles and Defense, Tucson, Arizona, was awarded a $192,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for purchase of Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM). This contract provides for Raytheon purchasing fielded AMRAAM weapons from various sources. Work will be performed at Tucson, Arizona, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 29, 2024. This contract was a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2023 Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funds in the amount of $7,688,220 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Air Dominance Division, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity (FA8675-23-D-0001).