UNITED KINGDOM
LAND
20 Sep 23. Lincad has signed a new contract with Marshall Aerospace to develop its lithium-ion battery technology for an airborne application. Lincad’s batteries will power sensors for intelligence and surveillance applications to support the expansion of the Adaptable Role fit Capability (ARC) family of products. The Marshall ARC Radar is a modular sensor suite that allows operators of tactical transport aircraft to rapidly and temporarily outfit their fleet for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Lincad’s industry-leading range of specialist lithium-ion power system (LIPS) batteries are used across a range of military applications and continue to evolve through advancements in cell technology and electronic design. The new battery system is bespoke to Marshall Aerospace, but draws on the fundamental principles of the LIPS battery range. Marshall Aerospace offers a vast range of services to global aerospace customers. From routine maintenance, repair and overhaul to complex aircraft modifications, upgrades and deep engineering capability, Marshall Aerospace delivers solutions to ensure aircraft fleets are mission-ready and mission-capable.
SEA
21 Sep 23. BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services Inc., Rockville, Maryland (N00030-24-C-6007), is awarded a $23,548,881 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for logistics engineering and integration support services for Trident II Strategic Weapon System and the Submarine Submersible Guided Missile Attack Weapon System. This contract award also benefits a foreign military sale to the United Kingdom. Work will be performed in Kings Bay, Georgia (40.1%); Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania (35.2%); Rockville, Maryland (17.3%); Bremerton, Washington (1.7%); and various other locations (less than 1% each, 5.7% total). Work is expected to be completed Sept. 30, 2024. Fiscal 2023 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,244,147; and United Kingdom funding in the amount of $3,051,000 will be obligated upon award. Subject to the availability of funds, fiscal 2024 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $17,724,388 will be later obligated. No funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was a sole source acquisition in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(1). Strategic Systems Programs, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
AIR
19 Sep 23. RAF Invest In Futuristic Fighter Jet Helmet Development for Typhoon. The UK MOD has invested £40 m with the intention of developing a cutting-edge fighter jet helmet for pilots within the Typhoon fleet. Striker II is considered one of the world’s most advanced helmets and displays all mission-critical data in colour on a pilot’s visor for enhanced situational awareness. The helmet will provide pilots with an all-digital night vision system, reduced noise, unparalleled comfort and can be upgraded to meet new battlespace demands, all critical in what can be a highly complex and pressurised environment. Under the £40m contract with BAE Systems, specialist engineers are developing the helmet’s capabilities to produce a set of assets to undertake testing on at the company’s combat air site based in Warton in Lancashire. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/RAF)
EUROPE
LAND
18 Sep 23. Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:ESLT and TASE: ESLT) (“Elbit Systems” or the “Company”) was awarded a $95m contract to supply SkyStriker loitering munitions (LM) to a European country. The contract will be carried out over a period of two years. As part of the contract Elbit Systems will provide several hundred SkyStriker units. Elbit Systems’ SkyStriker LM is a fully autonomous loitering munition that can locate, acquire and engage operator designated targets with a warhead of up to 10 Kg, enabling high-precision performance. SkyStriker can be launched from a variety of ground and aerial platforms, including from a dedicated canister on Elbit Systems’ PULS™ (Precise and Universal Launching System) rocket artillery systems. Equipped with an electrical engine, the SkyStriker enables covert operations of up to 2 hours and with a range of 100km. The system can precisely strike targets while maintaining a “man in the loop” even in GPS and communication denied environments. The Skystriker can use a number of warhead types and thanks to its modular design, it can be interchanged in the field during pre-flight according to the operational requirement.
18 Sep 23. MKU Chosen to Supply Ballistic Helmets for Lithuania‘s Border Security. In response to growing security concerns in Lithuania due to evolving geopolitical dynamics, MKU, a leading provider of advanced defence solutions, has secured a strategic collaboration with Lithuania’s State Border Guard Services. The collaboration aims to bolster Lithuania’s border defenses amid escalating threats and potential provocations. As Lithuania adapts to an evolving security landscape, preparations are underway to address various contingencies, including hostile migrant infiltrations, cross-border incidents, and recent airspace incursions. In accordance with these preparations, select border crossings are being considered for temporary closure to enhance security measures. The decision to select MKU as the supplier of tactical ballistic helmets aligns with Lithuania’s commitment to strengthening its border protection strategies. Lithuania, flanked by Poland and Latvia, views border security as crucial, given its position as an external frontier of both the European Union and NATO.
AIR
20 Sep 23. The Austrian Ministry of Defense announced today the decision to select the C-390 Millennium aircraft as its new tactical transport solution. Embraer is honored to be chosen to support this important Air Force in Europe. Austria joins Brazil, Portugal, Hungary and the Netherlands as future operator of the C-390 Millennium multi-mission platform, an aircraft that is rapidly redefining the standards of tactical transport in the world defense market. Embraer is ready to support the Austrian Ministry of Defense and Air Force in order to meet the demanding requirements of their acquisition process and prepared to further strengthen the relationship with this nation.
18 Sep 23. Spain orders new Eurofighters. Under the Halcon II programme, Spain ordered 25 additional Eurofighter aircraft to replace the EF-18AM/BM Hornet currently in use with Ala 12 at Madrid/Torrejón Air Base and Ala 15 at Zaragoza Air Base. The Hornets will start to be decommissioned from 2030. The new Eurofighters, all Tranche 4, incorporate major software upgrades, a redesigned cockpit dominated by a large color touch screen and the CAPTOR AESA E-Scan Mk1 radar. The proposed armament for the new fighters includes the GBU-31v1 JDAM INS/GPS-guided bomb, the German Taurus KEPD 350 long-range cruise missile, the AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) and the dual-guided Brimstone ground attack missiles. (Source: News Now/https://www.scramble.nl/)
20 Sep 23. The Minister of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia, Marjan Šarec, and the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Italy, Guido Crosetto, have signed an amendment to the Implementing Agreement between the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Italy and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia on cooperation in the field of military aviation (hereinafter: the Implementing Agreement), signed on 17 November 2021, which defines the purchase of a second C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft, based on the Government-to-Government model. The acquisition of the second tactical transport aircraft will ensure the continued operational capability of the SAF to provide tactical air transport of SAF personnel and cargo for its own needs, the needs of the State for the transport of people and cargo in the event of natural and other disasters, and to assist in the fighting of wildfires. The two aircraft will thus provide capacity and fill the gaps when one aircraft is unavailable due to maintenance.
The aircraft will enable:
— Providing a national vertical lift capability with a primary focus on the SAF’s independence, self-sustainment and self-sufficiency in international operations and missions;
— Movement to and from the SAF area of operations, ensuring endurance in the SAF area of operations and evacuation of SAF personnel;
— Continuous availability of at least one aircraft, based on 80% availability when only one aircraft is acquired;
— support to other State authorities in the Republic of Slovenia;
— support within NATO and the European Union;
— support to Civil Protection in the event of natural and other disasters;
— support to other State authorities;
— support to partner countries lacking such capabilities;
— active participation in international air transport programmes such as ATARES.
Despite a two-year gap since the signing of the Implementing Agreement under which we purchased the first C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft, we managed to negotiate a price reduction of almost €3.5 m for the same configuration of the second aircraft. The firefighting and passenger transport modules already purchased will be able to be used interchangeably by both aircraft. The signed amendment to the Implementing Agreement provides for the purchase of a second C-27J aircraft with the same configuration as the first aircraft and including a two-year warranty for a value of €45,408,679.04 exclusive of VAT. The value of the first C-27J aircraft, including certification, MEDEVAC standard and special modules, biological decontamination module, ballistic module, and including a two-year warranty, is €48,854,759.25 exclusive of VAT. In addition to the above costs for the purchase of the first and second aircraft, the costs of ground support equipment, integral logistics support, training, spare parts and additional transport material, and the purchase of a fire fighting system and a passenger transport module must be added. Part of the cost of the purchase of the two aircraft also includes the costs of the Italian Military Aviation Authority and the administrative costs of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Italy for the duration of the Implementing Agreement. The total cost of the purchase of the two C-27J tactical cargo aircraft, including all modules and logistic support, insurance, certification and management costs, amounts to €128,911,575.43 excluding VAT. The first C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft has already been built, it is currently undergoing certification, and is expected to arrive in Slovenia in December 2023, and the second one is expected in December 2024. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/)
USA
LAND
20 Sep 23. Armtec Defense Products Co., Coachella, California, was awarded a $691,628,515 modification (P00003) to contract W15QKN-21-D-0005 for artillery charge systems and combustible case assemblies. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of March 4, 2026. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity.
19 Sep 23. BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P., York, Pennsylvania, was awarded a $128,730,498 modification (P00003) to contract W56HZV-23-F-0395 to produce M2A4 and M7A4 vehicles. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2026. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting authority.
18 Sep 23. General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), announced today that it swept all initial task orders on the $4.5bn Department of the Air Force Security Support Services indefinite-delivery/indefinite quantity contract. The value of these task orders cannot be disclosed due to program sensitivities. GDIT won all initial task orders on a $4.5 bn Air Force security support services contract following multiple protests by a competitor. The multiple-award, indefinite-delivery-indefinite quantity contract, initially awarded in February 2021, includes a five-year base period and a five-year option. Following multiple protests by a competitor, the Air Force notified GDIT in August 2023 that all protests were resolved. Under the contract, which is expected to start on Nov. 15, GDIT will implement comprehensive security services including information, personnel and communications security as well as counterintelligence analysis and cybersecurity assessments. (Source: ASD Network)
19 Sep 23. Leidos will provide the Army with tactical information technology (IT) hardware solutions to help build out a unified network and support its Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) efforts under a new contract worth up to $7.9bn, the company announced today. Under the Common Hardware Systems 6th Generation contract, awarded by Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground, the company “will enhance mission readiness through the Leidos Intelligent Logistics Platform.” “This will help enable better-informed, timely decision-making throughout the [command, control, computers, communications, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance] and mission IT lifecycle in support of more than 120 Army, DoD and federal government program offices and agencies,” according to the announcement. “Equipment and services procured under the terms of this contract will be used to support a unified network for Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) and JADC2.” (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Breaking Defense.com)
19 Sep 23. Marvin Land Systems Inc., Inglewood, California, has been awarded a maximum $104,481,720 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/definite-quantity contract for auxiliary power units with containers. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. The performance completion date is Sept. 30, 2028. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2028 Army working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Warren, Michigan (SPRDL1-23-D-0045).
18 Sep 23. The U.S. Army selected a CACI International-owned company to prototype a jammer that soldiers can carry and use on foot to spy on electronic signals. The preliminary deal with Mastodon Design for the Terrestrial Layer System-Brigade Combat Team Manpack effort is worth $1.5 m and runs for nine months, the service’s Program Executive Office for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors said Sept. 15. The contract award follows a half-year of white paper submissions and technical evaluations. The TLS-BCT Manpack is meant to give troops on the move a means of conducting electronic warfare and signals intelligence. It is a smaller offshoot of the TLS-BCT, to be installed aboard Stryker combat vehicles, and the even beefier TLS-Echelons Above Brigade, envisioned for use by larger formations including divisions and corps. The fledgling kit complements TLS-BCT and -EAB “with a shared and open systems approach that creates the flexibility and efficiencies needed against a highly adaptive threat,” according to Kenneth Strayer, project manager for electronic warfare and cyber at PEO IEW&S. The Army is reinvesting in electronic warfare — and manipulation of the electromagnetic spectrum — after years of divestment. Contracts for the TLS family have so far totaled tens of ms of dollars. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
20 Sep 23. QinetiQ Inc., Lorton, Virginia, was awarded an $84,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for first article testing and production of next-generation advanced bomb suits. Bids were solicited via the internet with seven received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 20, 2028. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W91CRB-23-D-0021).
18 Sep 23. Swedish defence equipment maker Saab (SAABb.ST) said on Monday the U.S. Department of Defense has expanded a framework deal for AT4 anti-armour systems and Carl-Gustaf ammunition, and placed a new order worth $104.9m for delivery from 2024 to 2026. The extension of the agreement, which was originally signed in 2019, will allow the U.S. to buy Saab’s close combat solutions for up to $422 m, including the new order announced on Monday, Saab said. The latest order will support the U.S. army, U.S. Special Operations Command and the U.S. Marine Corps, Saab said. (Source: Reuters)
20 Sep 23. Taylor Defense Products LLC, Louisville, Mississippi, was awarded a $96,851,697 hybrid (firm-fixed-price, fixed-price with EPA) contract for the Rough Terrain Container Handler modernization program. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 19, 2028. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-23-D-0076).
SEA
18 Sep 23. EnerSys (NYSE: ENS), the global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications, has recently been selected to supply its proprietary Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) batteries to the United States Navy (USN) as main storage batteries on all four classes of USN Nuclear Submarines. The contract has a maximum value of $91.8m over its multi-year duration. This production contract is a continuation of a supplier relationship in which EnerSys has supplied its TPPL batteries for US Navy submarines for over fifteen years from its highly automated facility in Warrensburg, Missouri. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
21 Sep 23. Teledyne FLIR Detection Inc., Stillwater, Oklahoma, is awarded a $21,700,559 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract N00174-22-D-0027 to exercise Option Year I for the procurement of R400 and R425 IdentiFINDER systems and accessories for all IdentiFINDER components as well as maintenance, calibration and repair support for the IdentiFINDER R400, R425, and other series IdentiFINDERs. The work will be performed in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and is expected to be completed by September 2027. No funds are being obligated at the time of modification award. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division, Indian Head, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
21 Sep 23. Teledyne FLIR Surveillance Inc., North Billerica, Massachusetts, was awarded a $34,393,346 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the test, teardown, evaluation and repair of lowest replaceable units in the following electro-optic, infrared (EO/IR) systems: combatant craft forward looking infrared (CCFLIR); CCFLIR Increment 2; shipboard infrared visual sensor system; Sea FLIR II System; Patrol Boat-Electro-Optic System; Maritime Forward Looking Infrared (MARFLIR) II; and SeaFLIR 280HD; and all variants thereof. The programs requiring repair support include the Coast Guard; mine counter measures; Patrol Coastal Electro Optics; Scoutmaster; Navy Expeditionary Combat Command; Special Operations Command; U.S. Strategic Systems Program; Navy ships; and other maritime platforms. The contract also includes spare parts and engineering services in support of the Teledyne FLIR Surveillance Inc., EO/IR systems. Work will be performed in North Billerica, Massachusetts, and is expected to be completed by December 2028. Fiscal 2023 defense-wide operations and maintenance appropriation account funds in the amount of $40,198 will be obligated at time of award; these funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured via the SAM.gov website, with one offer received. This is a sole source action in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1, only one responsible source. Teledyne FLIR Surveillance Inc., is the original equipment manufacturer of the systems and the only company who can perform the required repairs and provide the required system support. No other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Indiana, is the contracting activity (N0016423DJQ05). (Awarded Sept. 18, 2023)
AIR
18 Sep 23. Kopin Corporation (NASDAQ: KOPN), a leading provider of application specific optical systems and high performance micro-displays for defense, enterprise, consumer and medical products, today announced it has received a $3.4m follow-on order for its high-brightness liquid crystal display for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. With the F-35 scheduled for production through 2030, Kopin expects additional orders over the life of the program. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
19 Sep 23. Lockheed Martin Corp. Rotary and Mission Systems, Liverpool, New York, is awarded a $46,415,206 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the digital expanded ultra-high frequency multiple input multiple output optimized radar. This contract provides for the development of advanced radar technology solutions applicable to both next generation platforms and current generation platforms (such as the E-2D). To support a rapid pace of development, the contractor will leverage, build-upon, and/or integrate available technologies from other programs including the Office of Naval Research (ONR). This effort centers on maturing high value radar technologies to a state enabling transfer to one or more programs of record for integration onto naval airborne platforms. Work will be performed in Liverpool, New York, and is expected to be completed in September 2027. The total cumulative value, including a 48-month base period and three 28-month option periods that, when exercised, will run concurrently with the base period, is $46,415,206. Fiscal 2023 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $8,439,900 are obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under N00014-23-S-B001 entitled “Long Range Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for Navy and Marine Corps Science and Technology.” Since proposals are received throughout the year under the long range BAA, the number of proposals received in response to the solicitation is unknown. ONR, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N00014-23-C-1037).
21 Sep 23. Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat” or the “Company”), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government and commercial operations, today announces that subsidiary Teal Drones has signed $1.8 million in contracts with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to provide Teal 2 systems to U.S. Border Patrol. Teal will deliver 106 Teal 2 drones plus spare parts and training. Border Patrol is using the Teal 2 to provide supplemental airborne reconnaissance, surveillance and tracking capability, enhancing situational awareness for U.S. field commanders and agents. The single-source contract is part of a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) between CBP and five drone companies, announced in December 2021, with a total estimated value of $90 million over a five-year period. Last October, CBP had initially ordered 54 Teal drones for U.S. Border Patrol in a contract worth just over $1m. (Source: ASD Network)
TECHNOLOGY
20 Sep 23. Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks Announces $238m CHIPS and Science Act Award. Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks announced the award today of $238m in “Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act” funding for the establishment of eight Microelectronics Commons (Commons) regional innovation hubs. This is the largest award to date under President Biden’s CHIPS and Science Act. The eight awardees are:
- Northeast Microelectronics Coalition (NEMC) Hub
Awardee (Hub Lead): The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech)
Hub Lead State: Massachusetts
FY23 Award: $19.7m
90 Hub Members
- Silicon Crossroads Microelectronics Commons (SCMC) Hub
Awardee: The Applied Research Institute (ARI)
Hub Lead State: Indiana
FY23 Award: $32.9m
130 Hub Members
- California Defense Ready Electronics and Microdevices Superhub (California DREAMS) Hub
Awardee: The University of Southern California (USC)
Hub Lead State: California
FY23 Award: $26.9m
16 Hub members
- Commercial Leap Ahead for Wide Bandgap Semiconductors (CLAWS) Hub
Awardee: North Carolina State University (NCSU)
Hub Lead State: North Carolina
FY23 Award: $39.4m
7 Hub members
- Southwest Advanced Prototyping (SWAP) Hub
Awardee: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
Hub Lead State: Arizona
FY23 Award: $39.8 M
27 Hub members
- Midwest Microelectronics Consortium (MMEC) Hub
Awardee: MMEC
Hub Lead State: Ohio
FY23 Award: $24.3m
65 Hub members
- Northeast Regional Defense Technology Hub (NORDTECH)
Awardee: The Research Foundation for the State University of New York (SUNY)
Hub Lead State: New York
FY23 Award: $40.0m
51 Hub members
- California-Pacific-Northwest AI Hardware Hub (Northwest-AI Hub)
Awardee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
Hub Lead State: California
FY23 Award: $15.3m
44 Hub members
In all, over 360 organizations from over 30 states will be participating in the Commons. (Source: U.S. DoD)
21 Sep 23. BAE JV Promoveo Solutions Awarded Multiple Award Schedule Contract to Provide IT Services to Federal, State, and Local Governments. Promoveo Solutions JV LLC has been awarded a contract on the U.S. General Services Administration’s Multiple Award Schedule. Promoveo Solutions JV LLC, a BAE Systems and Purisolve, Inc. joint venture (JV), has been awarded a contract on the U.S. General Services Administration’s (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule (MAS). Under a five-year contract, Promoveo Solutions will provide a broad array of IT services to federal, state, and local governments. (Source: ASD Network)
20 Jul 23. MACOM Technology Solutions Inc., a leading supplier of semiconductor products, announced that it has been awarded a contract from the United States Air Force Research Laboratory (“AFRL”) to develop advanced semiconductor process technology related to Gallium Nitride-on-Silicon Carbide (“GaN-on-SiC”). Under the contract, MACOM will conduct research and development on GaN-on-SiC semiconductor process technologies used in millimeter-wave Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (“MMIC”) products. The contract, valued at approximately $4.0M USD, will have a multi-year period of performance. (Source: Google/https://iconnect007.c)
REST OF THE WORLD
LAND
19 Sep 23. The UK Government has announced a further £5m in funding for the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) Trust Fund to support Somalia’s Security Forces. The new funding was announced during a meeting between Somalia’s National Security Advisor, Hussein Sheikh Ali, and the UK’s Deputy National Security Adviser for International Affairs, Dame Sarah MacIntosh during her visit to Somalia last week. The funding builds on the UK’s substantial contributions to date through the UNSOS Trust Fund, which provides non-lethal logistical support to the SSF, which will include food, shelter and lifesaving medevac support. UK funding will provide ongoing support to the operations against al-Shabaab, but also assist Somalia Security Forces to build capacity as they take on greater responsibility for security. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
18 Sep 23. Turkish defence firm Asisguard signed a $36.5m contract with Nigeria to supply a border and internal security system. The contract was inked in May and covers armed UAVs, vehicles, surveillance cameras and related technology. Other Turkish defence companies are involved in the project, including Havelsan, STM, and Nurol Makina. Asisguard is providing Installation and systems integration while Havelsan is providing command and control software and BAHA UAVs; Nurol Makina is supplying Yoruk 4×4 armoured vehicles; and STM is supplying its TOGAN UAVs. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
20 Sep 23. Kuwait – Repair and Recertification of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missiles.
The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Kuwait of Repair and Recertification of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missiles and support for an estimated cost of $150m. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
The Government of Kuwait has requested the replacement of expiring limited life components and certifications testing in order to support an operational life of thirty (30) years for Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missiles. Included in this potential sale are: test and repair of PAC-3 missiles; stockpile reliability testing and field returns; repair and return of classified and unclassified PAC-3 missile items and ground support equipment (GSE) component level parts; replenishment of classified and unclassified missile spares, GSE spares, and seeker spares; tools to improve the turnaround time of the repair and recertification efforts; air transportation services for missile processing; U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics support; training devices; organizational equipment; support equipment; test equipment; technical data and publications; personnel training and training equipment; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $150m.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the infrastructure of a Major Non-NATO ally that has been an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.
This proposed sale will improve Kuwait’s capability to sustain their missile density and ensure readiness for air operations. Kuwait will use this capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen homeland defense. Kuwait will have no difficulty absorbing this infrastructure, support, and associated 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 the Lockheed Martin Corporation, Camden, Arkansas. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
(Source: ASD Network)
SEA
21 Sep 23. The Australian Department of Defence has announced awarding an A$328m ($210m) contract to L3Harris Technologies. The contract will see the delivery of advanced maritime underwater tracking ranges (MUTR) for the Royal Australian Navy, marking a phase in the SEA1350 programme. This initiative is set to fortify Australia’s undersea warfare support capabilities, enhance readiness, and play a role in safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests. Under the SEA1350 Phase 3 MUTR programme, L3Harris Technologies will provide a sub-surface tracking capability, supporting current and future Australian Defence Force assets. These tracking ranges, equipped with sensors, will capture and relay information regarding the location and movement of assets operating within their coverage areas. This development hopes to change warfighting tactics and proficiency, contributing to Australia’s strategic shipbuilding programme. (Source: naval-technology.com)
AIR
15 Sep 23. The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Canada of munitions and other systems to be integrated into MQ-9Bs for an estimated cost of $313.4m. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
The Government of Canada has requested to buy munitions and other systems to be integrated into MQ-9Bs purchased through Direct Commercial Sales, to include:
— twelve (12) AN/APY-8 Lynx Synthetic Aperture radars;
— two hundred nineteen (219) AGM-114R2 Hellfire II missiles;
— eighteen (18) KMU-572 tail kits for the GBU-38 Joint Direct-Attack Munition (JDAM) and GBU-54 Laser JDAM (LJDAM);
— twelve (12) Mk82 500-lb General Purpose (GP) bombs; and
— six (6) Mk82 Filled Inert bombs.
Also included are Due Regard Radars; SAGE 750 and SNC 4500 Electronic Surveillance Measures Systems; AN/ARC-210 radios; Compact Multi-Band Data Link (CMDL); KY-100M Narrowband/Wideband Terminals; KOR-24A Small Tactical Terminals; High-Bandwidth Compact Telemetry Modules (HCTM); KIV-77 cryptographic appliques and other Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) equipment; AN/PYQ-10C Simple Key Loaders (SKL); Common Munitions Built-In-Test/Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE); FMU-139 Joint Programmable Fuses (JPF); M299 Hellfire launchers and training missiles; DSU-38 Precision Laser Guidance Sets; classified publications and technical documentation; munitions support and support equipment; secure communications, precision navigation, and cryptographic equipment; spare and repair parts, consumables, accessories, and repair and return support; unclassified software delivery and support; testing and integration support and equipment; maps and charts; personnel training and training equipment; transportation support; warranties; studies and surveys; Contractor Logistics Support (CLS); U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
The estimated total cost is $313.4m.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the military capability of Canada, a NATO ally that is an important force for ensuring political stability and economic progress, and a contributor to military, peacekeeping and humanitarian operations around the world.
The proposed sale will improve Canada’s capability to meet current and future threats by enabling unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols of its northern arctic territories. It will also enable Canada to optimally fulfill its North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD) and NATO missions while increasing interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces. Canada 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 General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Poway, CA. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/DoD)
20 Sep 23. Australia Commits to Additional MQ-4C Triton. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) will produce an additional MQ-4C Triton multi-intelligence uncrewed aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) following the Australian government’s decision to provide funding. The contract award will bring the total fleet size in Australia to four aircraft. Additionally, Northrop Grumman Australia has been selected by the Australian government to maintain the Triton fleet from two locations: RAAF Edinburgh, South Australia, and RAAF Tindal, Northern Territory. (Source: ASD Network)
20 Sep 23. The Democratic Republic of Congo has ordered “several” Mwari aircraft from the South African defense firm Paramount Group, according to a Sept. 13 company news release. The purchase follows Paramount’s delivery of equipment to Mozambique, where the Mwari is already operational. According to the firm, the aircraft is designed for a wide range of missions, such as counterinsurgency, border patrol, precision strike, reconnaissance and surveillance. The company did not respond to Defense News about how many Mwari were on order by the DRC and the contract value. Defense News has contacted the DRC consulate in Lebanon for additional information. (Source: Defense News)