BATTLESPACE Updates

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CONTRACT NEWS IN BRIEF

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UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO

 

LAND

 

27 Sep 23. Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:ESLT and TASE: ESLT) (“Elbit Systems” or the “Company”) announced today that it was awarded a contract worth approximately $115m to supply tank ammunition to a NATO country. The contract will be performed over a period of three years and includes options for further extensions.

 

TECHNOLOGY

 

26 Sep 23. Infleqtion, the world’s quantum information company, is delighted to announce their successful bid for Q-CALC (Quantum Contextual Artificial Intelligence for Long-range Correlations). Q-CALC represents a bold initiative at the intersection of quantum computing and artificial intelligence, with the goal of advancing the capabilities of AI and machine learning systems in handling datasets with complex correlations. This project, supported by Innovate UK, promises to revolutionise data analysis within the defence industry. Infleqtion will partner with QinetiQ, a leading defence company, on the project. Q-CALC will provide the UK with a powerful sovereign capability in quantum machine learning that has a clear line-of-sight to improved prediction and decision-making for defence applications. During US trade delegation meetings in July, Infleqtion announced the expansion of its quantum software presence to the UK, alongside the launch of QECCO, an award for quantum optimization.

 

EUROPE

 

LAND

 

28 Sep 23. Lockheed Martin Global Inc., Liverpool, New York, was awarded a $52,613,273 firm-fixed-price contract for the Lithuania Air Force AN/TPS-77 Multi Role Radar Program. This contract provides for three radars, training, spares, and interim contractor support. Work will be performed at Liverpool, New York, and is expected to be completed by Feb. 28, 2027. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to Lithuania.  This contract was a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2023 Building Partner Capacity Funds in the amount of $29,364,238; and fiscal 2023 Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $23,249,035, are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity (FA2383-23-C-B-001).

 

27 Sep 23. Spanish Cabinet Approves €324m Purchase of Mistral 3 Manpads. The Council of Ministers has approved the Agreement authorizing the conclusion of the contract for the modernization of the Mistral anti-aircraft artillery weapons system. With the modernization of this light short-range missile system, which provides highly-effective defense against an extended range of aerial targets (fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, anti-ship missiles or different types of drones or Unmanned Aircraft Systems – UAS). This includes the acquisition of 522 Mistral III missiles and the equipment associated with their management, the necessary anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense capacity of the Armed Forces will be updated, improved and enhanced. The Framework Agreement has an estimated value of €324,664,793. (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Spanish Cabinet Office)

 

AIR

 

27 Sep 23. Czech government approves plan to buy 24 F-35 jets. The Czech government has approved a plan to buy 24 F-35 fighter jets, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on Wednesday, as the army seeks to boost its capabilities and work more easily alongside NATO allies. Fiala said the first aircraft would be ready in 2029 and the rest by 2035. Defence Minister Jana Cernochova said the state will pay 150bn crowns ($6.47bn) by 2034, which includes 44 bn for base upgrades in the Czech Republic along with fuel, staff training and taxes. In June, the U.S. State Department approved the sale of F-35 jets, munitions and related equipment to the Czech Republic, which is due to replace leased Gripen fighters from Sweden’s Saab AB (SAABb.ST). (Source: Reuters)

 

26 Sep 23. The Finnish Defence Forces and Patria signed a procurement contract for the implementation of Hawk Full Mission Simulator (FMS). The simulator will be delivered to the Finnish Air Force in 2026 for pilot training use and will be an integral part of the Hawk’s type training phase as well as tactical training phase. Hawk FMS will be networked as a part of the Finnish Air Force’s Hawk LVC (Live Virtual Constructive) training environment implemented by Patria in which Live means that the training is done on the actual aircraft. ‘Virtual’ involves the integration of simulators with the same training environment. ‘Constructive’ brings a third dimension to the training when computers generate key actors in the scenario being rehearsed, which proactively adjust their behavior in line with programmed models or artificial intelligence. With LVC training, it is possible to cost-effectively offer pilot students the most realistic and extensive training possible and to support their transition to fighter fleet. (Source: ASD Network)

 

29 Sep 23. Quantum-Systems GmbH, Munich-based manufacturer of dual-use reconnaissance drones that use multi-sensor technology to collect data for government agencies and commercial users, on September 26  signed a framework agreement with the BAAINBw for the delivery of Vector reconnaissance drones. In November 2022, the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) published the project under the name “Framework contract for the procurement of remotely piloted reconnaissance systems, airborne, short range” – “FALKE” for short. The complex performance specifications of the competitive award procedure placed numerous requirements on the future supplier of the unmanned systems. Quantum Systems successfully submitted a bid and was able to conclude the framework agreement with the BAAINBw on September 26, 2023.  Delivery of the first 14 systems is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024. In the future, the Bundeswehr will thus have a system for precise reconnaissance that can be deployed quickly and independently. (Source: UAS VISION)

 

28 Sep 23. Rheinmetall wins Bundeswehr order to supply LUNA NG air-supported reconnaissance system The German Bundeswehr has contracted with Rheinmetall to supply the new LUNA NG air-supported reconnaissance drone. The amendment contract signed on 28 September 2023 by the President of Germany’s Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support, or BAAINBw, Annette Lehnigk-Emden, serves to continue the project with the new contractor Rheinmetall following the insolvency of the original system manufacturer. The amendment contract concretises the measures resulting from the takeover of the procurement contract by Rheinmetall. The takeover contract was already concluded in 2022. The LUNA NG, a German acronym standing for “Air-supported Unmanned Short-range Reconnaissance Equipment, Next Generation”, will be known in the German armed forces as HUSAR. In all, twelve production systems have been ordered as well as a pilot system. The order is worth around €200 m (without value added tax). The first production system is due to be delivered in the second quarter of 2025. Also included in the order are a spare parts package and training support. The HUSAR – as the name suggests – will be assigned to the German Army’s reconnaissance branch and also to the artillery. Another German acronym, HUSAR stands for “High-Efficiency Unmanned System for Medium-Range Reconnaissance”. Each system consists of five reconnaissance drones, two ground control systems, two launcher vehicles, two antenna masts, a repair shop and three transport platforms.

 

USA

 

LAND

 

27 Sep 23. American Ordnance LLC, Middletown, Iowa (W15QKN-23-D-0056); and General Dynamics OTS Inc., Niceville, Florida (W15QKN-23-D-0057), will compete for each order of the $974,359,955 firm-fixed-price contract for 155 mm M1128 load, assemble and pack requirements. 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. 26, 2028. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity.

 

27 Sep 23. BAE Systems Land & Armaments LP, York, Pennsylvania, was awarded a $288,246,807 modification (P00004) to contract W56HZV-23-F-0395 for production of M2A4 and M7A4 vehicles from legacy source variants. 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 activity.

 

22 Sep 23. Comtech Satellite Network Technologies Inc., Tempe, Arizona, was awarded a $48,567,161 firm-fixed-price contract for developing and testing modems, developing engineering and logistics support documentation, and hardware and software development support. 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. 22, 2028. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity (W519TC-23-D-0039).

 

28 Sep 23. Day & Zimmermann Lone Star LLC, was awarded a $966,745,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the manufacturing, assembly, inspection, packaging and delivery of 155 mm Modular Artillery Charge System M231/M232-series combustible cartridge cases. 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 Sept. 27, 2028. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W15QKN-23-D-0064).

 

25 Sep 23. Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS (KONGSBERG) has received an order from the US Army to deliver an additional 409 CROWS remote weapon stations, spares and support. The order has a value of USD 94m or approximately NOK 1bn. The order is part of the IDIQ frame contract awarded in October 2022, the fourth consecutive five-year contract awarded to KONGSBERG for the delivery and support of the US Army Commonly Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS). The deliveries will be manufactured and assembled at the KONGSBERG facility in Johnstown PA.

 

21 Sep 23. Leidos (NYSE:LDOS), a FORTUNE® 500 science and technology leader, was recently awarded a new prime contract to provide combined joint all-domain command and control (CJADC2) analysis and support to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Joint Staff (JS) J6 Joint Assessment Division (JAD). The cost-plus-fixed-fee, single-award contract has a period of performance of five years and six months. The contract has an approximate value of $74m. Leidos will provide analytical, engineering and deployable services to support JAD’s operational analysis. This will include demonstration, experimentation and assessment of both emerging and fielded command and control (C2) information systems and procedures. Leidos will assist JAD by producing decision-quality data to improve Joint C2 interoperability on various automation and cloud platforms. (Source: ASD Network)

 

28 Sep 23. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Linthicum Heights, Maryland, is awarded a $513,035,458 modification to previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract M67854-19-C-0043 for Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) systems. The contract modification provides for the procurement of up to an additional 14 full rate production G/ATOR systems via the incorporation of Lot Five for 10 G/ATOR systems and optional Lot Six for up to four G/ATOR systems. Work will be performed at Linthicum Heights, Maryland (35%); East Syracuse, New York (19%); Stafford Springs, Connecticut (6%); Tulsa, Oklahoma (4%); Hampstead, Maryland (3%); Santa Clarita, California (3%); Rochester, New York (2%); Atlanta, Georgia (2%); San Diego, California (2%); and various places at 1% (24%), with an expected completion date of October 2028. Fiscal 2023 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $311,411,138 are being obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Fiscal 2023 research, development, test and evaluation relocation (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $34,510,371 are being obligated at the time of award and the funds do not have an expiration date. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity.

 

27 Sep 23. Oshkosh Defense LLC, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, is awarded a $39,604,838 hybrid firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order for the procurement of Remotely Operated Ground Unit for Expeditionary Fires carriers for use in the Navy and Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System. Work will be performed in Alexandria, Virginia (18%); Gaithersburg, Maryland (15%); and Oshkosh, Wisconsin (67%). Work is expected to be completed in September 2025. Fiscal 2023 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $35,700,458 will be obligated at the time of the award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Fiscal 2023 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $3,625,745 will be obligated at the time of award and will expire on at the end of the current fiscal year. This action is a negotiated delivery order in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 3403(c). Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M67854-22-F-1005).

 

22 Sep 23. Sierra Nevada Corp., Sparks, Nevada, is being awarded a single award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (H92401-23-D-0003) with a $134,000,000 maximum ceiling and $1,200,000 minimum guarantee for the Program Executive Office of Tactical Information Systems (PEO-TIS), Tactical Communications Systems, in support of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). The PEO-TIS Tactical Communications Systems contract procures TRAX software, as well as software assurance, maintenance, integration, training, aircraft demonstrations, exercise support for the fielded systems, and Field Support Representative support. Fiscal 2023 operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $5,181,806 are being obligated at time of award. There will be five one-year ordering periods. The work will be performed primarily in Sparks, Nevada, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 22, 2028. This contract was awarded through Other than Full and Open Competition in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. USSOCOM, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity.

 

26 Sep 23. Smiths Detection, a global leader in threat detection and security screening technologies, today announces that the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has selected Smiths Detection to supply 122 portable Aerosol and Vapor Chemical Agent Detectors (AVCAD). This follows the successful development and testing of a next generation field based AVCAD system by Smiths Detection after an award in 2018. The systems, which have been developed in collaboration with 908 Devices, are a chemical detector designed to detect, identify, alarm and report the presence of traditional and advanced chemical threat vapors and aerosols. Using a wireless remote alarm capability, the AVCAD, which can be mounted or portable, will support missions for the U.S. Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. The systems rely on Smiths Detection’s expertise in packaging leading commercial technology to meet specific military requirements. As part of the AVCAD scope, the award will include 5 fixed systems for ships (including detectors, control display units, and remote display units) and 8 kits for mounting detectors on vehicles. This award continues a Smiths Detection legacy of providing the US Department of Defense with chemical detection solutions, and follows the successful deployment of tens of thousands of detectors over the three decades.

 

SEA

 

22 Sep 23. Fluor Marine Propulsion LLC, Arlington, Virginia, is awarded a $1,362,922,002 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract N00024-18-C-2130 to exercise the fiscal 2024 options for Naval Nuclear Propulsion work at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory. Work will be performed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (46%); Schenectady, New York (45%); and Idaho Falls, Idaho (9%), and is expected to be completed by September 2024. Fiscal 2023 other procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $6,000,000 (50%); fiscal 2021 other procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $3,019,658 (25%); fiscal 2023 operations and maintenance (Navy) in the amount of $2,300,000 (19%); and fiscal 2022 research, development, test and evaluation in the amount of $673,049 (6%), will be obligated at time of award and $3,692,707 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

 

28 Sep 23. Huntington Ingalls Industries, Unmanned Systems, Pocasset, Massachusetts, is awarded a $19,826,155 firm-fixed-price contract for Lionfish Small Unmanned Undersea Vehicle production, training, and engineering support. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $347,861,058. Work will be performed in Pocasset, Massachusetts (99%); and Hampton, Virginia (1%), and would conclude at the end of September 2024. If all options are exercised, work will continue through September 2028. Fiscal 2023 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $16,155,801 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 4022. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-23-C-6308).

 

25 Sep 23. Sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT is equipping the US Coast Guard’s “Legend” class National Security Cutter (NSC) with its proven TRS-3D multi-mode naval radar. The US Coast Guard awarded HENSOLDT a follow-on contract worth approximately 10 Mio. $ to deliver a further radar in its latest ‘Baseline D’ version to be installed at the Coast Guard training center (TRACEN), Petaluma/CA. Up to now, HENSOLDT has delivered 12 radars to the US Coast Guard’s NSC program. The TRS-3D Baseline D, with the US designation AN/SPS-75, utilizes gallium nitride (GaN) and solid-state emitter technology to deliver traditional TRS-3D robust performance while improving reliability and options for future development. HENSOLDT’s TRS-3D radars have been aboard every NSC since the program’s inception. TRS-3D is a three-dimensional, multi-mode naval radar for air and surface surveillance, target acquisition, self-defense, gunfire support and aircraft control. It automatically detects and tracks all types of air and sea targets, alleviating crew workload requirements.

 

22 Sep 23. Rohde & Schwarz USA Inc., Columbia, Maryland, is awarded a $62,202,863 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N66001-23-D-0022) for production, integration support, production training support, and life cycle support for modern high frequency radio transceivers and associated hardware and software components. The contract includes a single five-year ordering period and a five-year option period. The option period, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $91,072,426. The period of performance of the base award is from Sept. 22, 2023, through Sept. 21, 2028. If all options are exercised, the period of performance would extend through Sept. 21, 2033. Work will be performed in Columbia, Maryland (98%); and, on a temporary basis, at DOD facilities (2 %, if applicable), and will be annotated at the delivery order level. Funding will be obligated via delivery orders. The predominant types of funding anticipated to be obligated on delivery orders are other procurement (Navy); and operations and maintenance (Navy). This single-award contract was not competitively procured due to circumstances permitting other than full and open competition pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(5), Authorized or required by statute, as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-5; and 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(1), Only One Responsible Source, as implemented by FAR 6.302-1. Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity.

 

22 Sep 23. Viasat Inc., Carlsbad, California, is awarded a firm-fixed-price, definitization modification to existing contract N00039-16-D-0010 with an increased value of $57,451,770. This modification is for production of the VM300-M cards. This is an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a three-year ordering period remaining. Work will be performed in San Diego, California, with an expected completion date of September 2026. Funds will be obligated by delivery order. The first delivery order is to procure 79 VM300-M with operations and maintenance, Navy funds in the amount of $4,210,700. This contract is awarded as a sole source under the authority of 10 U.S. Code 2304(c) (1), Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N00039-16-D-0010).

 

AIR

 

26 Sep 23. BAE Systems has received a five-year contract from Lockheed Martin to sustain the AN/ALR-94 advanced digital electronic warfare (EW) system for the F-22 Raptor. Under the contract, BAE Systems will continue to manage EW system repairs and upgrades, supplier logistics, test equipment maintenance, and provide depot-level spares and engineering support to maintain F-22 EW readiness and relevancy for today’s air dominance mission. As the original manufacturer of the complex AN/ALR-94 EW system, BAE Systems has provided life cycle management of the system since the program’s inception. In collaboration with Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force, BAE Systems delivers innovative, cost-effective EW mission system support, enabling the F-22 warfighter to execute critical missions in contested airspace. (Source: ASD Network)

 

22 Sep 23. Collins Aerospace, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is awarded a $280,444,867 modification (P00005) to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N0042123D0001). This modification exercises an option to procure an additional 8,490 AN/ARC-210(v) radios, and associated ancillary equipment and support for installation in over 400 strategic and tactical airborne, seaborne, and land based (mobile and fixed) platforms for the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Coast Guard, other Department of Defense agencies, and Foreign Military Sales customers. Work will be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is expected to be completed in September 2026. No funds are being obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual delivery orders as they are issued. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

 

27 Sep 23. General Atomics, San Diego, California, was awarded a $14,212,602 firm-fixed-price contract to provide demonstration of the Manhattan Spacecraft Optical Communication Terminal (OCT) to the Space Development Agency (SDA). This contract provides for the demonstration of the capability of an OCT that meets the SDA OCT standard to provide communications in degraded environments. Work will be performed at San Diego, California; Huntsville, Alabama; and Tupelo, Mississippi, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2024. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2022 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $6,000,000 are being obligated at time of award. SDA, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (FA2401-23-C-0013)

 

22 Sep 23. Norwegian defence equipment maker Kongsberg Gruppen (KOG.OL) said on Friday it has signed an agreement with Lockheed Martin (LMT.N) worth 1.2bn Norwegian crowns ($112m) to supply parts for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. The agreement covers Lockheed’s production lots 18-19 for rudders, vertical leading edges and main landing gear closeout panels for the three versions of the F-35, totalling more than 300 aircraft, Kongsberg said. (Source: Reuters)

 

28 Sep 23. L3Harris Technologies Inc., Colorado Springs, Colorado, has been awarded a $54,681,433 contract modification (P00225) to a previously awarded contract (FA8823-20-C-0004) for the Ground Bass Optical Sensor System modification for the Ground Based Electro-Optical Space Surveillance System. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $740,237,085. Work will be performed at Colorado Springs, Colorado; White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico; Yoder, Colorado; and Maui, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 27, 2028. No funding is being obligated at time of award. The Space Systems Center Directorate of Contracting, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, is the contracting activity.

 

27 Sep 23. Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $188,022,681 fixed-price incentive (firm-target), cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00002) to a previously awarded undefinitized indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N0001922D0004). This modification definitizes and increases the contract ceiling for the production of the F-35 Logistics Information Systems to include Autonomic Logistics Information System and Operational Data Integrated Network (ODIN), and Mission Planning Environment (MPE) hardware, as well as associated contract management, planning and readiness reviews, and non-recurring introduction to service activities necessary to field the F-35 ODIN, MPE, and components of any future ODIN and MPE retrofits for the F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C aircraft in support of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Foreign Military Sales customers, and non-Department of Defense participants. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida (95%); and Fort Worth, Texas (5%), and is expected to be completed in December 2026. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

 

27 Sep 23. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $175,898,921 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00008) to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N0001921D0001). This modification adds scope to procure initial spares, to include global spares packages, base spares packages, deployment spares packages, and an afloat spares package in support of F-35 Lightning II Lots 15-17 deliveries for the Foreign Military Sales customers and non-U.S. Department of Defense participants. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in December 2023. No funds will be obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

 

22 Sep 23. Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded an $98,000,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide for the development of production engineering change proposals, retrofit engineering release reports, investigations and subcontractor support for investigations and qualifications in support of increasing the life of F-35 aircraft parts for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, and non-Department of Defense participants. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (58%); El Segundo, California (21%); and Samlesbury, United Kingdom (21%), and is expected to be completed in February 2026. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001923D0022).

 

25 Sep 23. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) announced today the U.S. Air Force has awarded the company an approximately $705m contract to deliver the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW), an air-to-ground weapon that accelerates the pivot to a new generation of air power.

  • Northrop Grumman’s SiAW leverages the company’s weapons systems design, development and production expertise to deliver on the Air Force’s digital engineering priorities and accelerate capability for the warfighter.
  • During the next 36 months, Northrop Grumman will further develop the weapon, conduct platform integration and complete the flight test program for rapid prototyping in preparation for rapid fielding. Work will be performed at the company’s Northridge, California facility and its factory of the future for missile integration at Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in West Virginia.

Details on SiAW and Phase 2 Development:

SiAW is an air-to-ground weapon that will provide strike capability to defeat rapidly relocatable targets as part of an enemy’s anti-access/area denial environment. To adapt to ever-changing threats, the missile design features open architecture interfaces that will allow for rapid subsystem upgrades to field enhanced capabilities to the warfighter. Phase 2 development is a continuation of the Air Force requirement for this first-of-its-kind Middle Tier Acquisition large weapon program focused on digital engineering, Weapon Open System Architecture and agility. The Air Force is targeting an initial operational capability by 2026. Phase 2 consists of two primary increments:

  • Phase 2.1 concludes with a guided vehicle flight test.
  • Phase 2.2 concludes with three additional flight tests and the delivery of SiAW leave-behind prototype missiles and test assets.

The development of SiAW is part of Northrop Grumman’s broad offerings in advanced weapons, including armaments, components, missiles, electronics and interceptors to defeat and deter threats.

 

25 Sep 23. Raytheon Technologies Corp., doing business as Pratt and Whitney Military Engines, East Hartford, Connecticut, is awarded a $163,260,473 cost-plus-incentive-fee, fixed-price incentive (firm-target) modification (P00020) to a previously awarded contract (N0001920C0011). This modification exercises options to procure spare engines, power modules, special test equipment, and special tooling in support of Lot 17 F135 propulsion systems for the F-35 Lighting II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, non-U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) participants, cooperative program partners, and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Work will be performed in East Hartford, Connecticut (17%) (labor surplus area); Indianapolis, Indiana (10%); Middletown, Connecticut (8%); Kent, Washington (7%); North Berwick, Maine (4%); El Cajon, California (3%) (labor surplus area); Cromwell, Connecticut (3%); Whitehall, Michigan (3%); Portland, Oregon (2%); San Diego, California (2%); South Bend, Indiana (2%); Columbus, Georgia (2%); Hampton, Virginia (1%); Manchester, Connecticut (1%); Cheshire, Connecticut (1%); Elmwood Park, New Jersey (1%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (33%), and is expected to be completed in December 2025. Fiscal 2023 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $95,999,078; fiscal 2023 (Air Force) funds in the amount of $52,064,065; fiscal 2022 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $12,403,648; and non-U.S. DOD participant funds in the amount of $2,793,681, will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

 

28 Sep 23. Raytheon Technologies Corp., doing business as Pratt and Whitney Military Engines, East Hartford, Connecticut, is awarded a $305,612,870 fixed-price incentive (firm-target), cost-plus-incentive-fee advanced acquisition contract. This contract procures long-lead time materials for the low-rate initial production Lot 18 F135 propulsion systems for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft in support of the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers, and non-U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) participants. Work will be performed in East Hartford, Connecticut (11.2%) (labor surplus area); Indianapolis, Indiana (6.6%); Middletown, Connecticut (5.3%); Kent, Washington (4.6%); North Berwick, Maine (2.6%); El Cajon, California (2%) (labor surplus area); Cromwell, Connecticut (2%); Whitehall, Michigan (2%) Portland, Oregon (1.3%); San Diego, California (1.3%); South Bend, Indiana (1.3%); various locations within the continental U.S. (3.5%); and various locations outside the continental U.S. (56%), and is expected to be completed in July 2026. Fiscal 2023 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $63,758,655; fiscal 2023 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $39,297,196; FMS customer funds in the amount of $177,065,642; and non-U.S. DOD participant funds in the amount of $25,491,377, 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 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(1). Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001923C0030).

 

26 Sep 23. X-Bow Launch Systems Inc., Albuquerque, New Mexico, was awarded a $17,827,789 firm-fixed-price contract for designing, developing, and demonstrating propulsion technologies for advanced missiles and space launch vehicles. This contract will mature the Additive Manufacture Solid Propellant technology within Rapid Energetic and Advanced Rocket manufacturing (RE-ARM) objectives, producing the next version of the RE-ARM system. Work will be performed at Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 27, 2026.  This contract was a competitive acquisition and one offer was received. Fiscal 2023 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $1,550,860 are being obligated at time of award.  The Air Force Research Laboratory, Edwards Air Force Base, California, is the contracting activity (FA9300-23-C-6014).

 

TECHNOLOGY

 

25 Sep 23. DoD Approves $30m in Grants Under Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program. Today, the Department of Defense awarded six Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program grants totaling approximately $30m from the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation. The DMCSP makes long-term investments in critical skills, facilities, workforce development, research and development, and small business support to strengthen the national security innovation base.

On August 16, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy designated six consortia as Defense Manufacturing Communities and instructed the OLDCC to invite them to submit grant applications based upon the competitiveness of their respective scopes and funding in response to the April 24, DMCSP Notice of Funding Opportunity.

The awards derive from Fiscal Year 2023 appropriated funding and leverage an additional $10,934,491 in non-Federal funds for a total investment of $40,759,243.

“Delivering capabilities to our warfighters at scale depends on a resilient and robust manufacturing base,” said Dr. William L. LaPlante, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. “This year’s awards will strengthen advanced manufacturing capabilities in defense-critical sectors while cultivating our most important resource: our people. I am confident that the collaboration with public, private, and academic partners fostered by the Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program will have a lasting impact not only on our defense industrial base, but on our national security for years to come.”

“These grant awards are focused in defense-critical sectors, from battery and energy storage to microelectronics and castings and forgings,” said Dr. Laura Taylor-Kale, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy. “These projects highlight the important innovation ecosystem that exists between public, private and academic partners, and DoD looks forward to following the progress on each of these initiatives.”

The grant awards are as follows:

  • $4,997,965 to the Michigan Defense Resiliency Consortium to undertake a $6,302,965 project to create the critical foundation for energy storage and battery manufacturing necessary to support the Department of Defense’s rapid transformation from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles and beyond by leveraging federal and state investments, and providing a series of technical assistance, technology acceleration, and workforce training initiatives.
  • $4,999,950 to the Missouri Defense Manufacturing Community Consortium to undertake a $7,875,486 project to create a pipeline of engineers and tradespeople skilled in the usage of modern digital advanced manufacturing technologies applied to the Department of Defense priority area of castings and forgings.
  • $5,000,000 to the New York Consortium for Space Technology Innovation and Development to undertake a $6,814,586 project to address the need for advanced defense space technology manufacturing and supply-chain capabilities by fostering collaboration among universities, research institutions, industry experts, and government agencies in New York State for the space technology sector.
  • $5,000,000 to the New York State Microelectronics Defense Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Workforce consortium to undertake a $7,809,500 project to address challenges in the microelectronics industry by strengthening talent pipelines, cultivating an innovation ecosystem, and enhancing local supplier resilience in New York State.
  • $4,908,960 to the Central Pennsylvania Defense Shipbuilding Talent and Innovation Defense Ecosystem to undertake a $6,137,444 project to support the U.S. Navy’s national security goal of increasing production from one to three submarines annually by supporting a sustainable pipeline of skilled defense specific talent and increasing adoption of production automation by the submarine industrial base.
  • $5,000,000 to the America’s Additive Foundry Consortium to undertake a $7,526,385 project to secure a U.S. supply of tactical alloys through additive, hybrid, and intelligent manufacturing to address casting and forging supply chain issues facing the U.S. military by developing and providing technical support for novel materials and processes, offering certificate/training programs, and serving as a regional tech demonstration hub.

The Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program is authorized by Section 846 of Public Law 115-232, which enabled the Secretary of Defense to establish a program to designate and support consortiums as Defense Manufacturing Communities to strengthen the national security industrial base.

For additional information about these programs visit the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation website at https://oldcc.gov/defense-manufacturing-community-support-program. (Source: US DoD)

 

22 Sep 23. DoD Approves $100m in Grants Under the Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot Program. Today, the Department of Defense awarded seventeen Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot Program (DCIP) grants from the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, totaling approximately $100m. DCIP is a competitive program for states and communities to undertake infrastructure enhancements to support military value, the training of cadets at independent cover educational institutions, installation resiliency, and/or family quality of life that benefits their local installations.

On August 7, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment instructed the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation to invite grant applications for seventeen projects based on a competitive ranking of all proposed projects in response to a March 24, DCIP Notice of Funding Opportunity.

These awards derive from Fiscal Year 2023 appropriated funding and leverage an additional $39.8m in non-federal and other federal funding for a total investment of $139.5m.

“The Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot Program continues to be a critical program that demonstrates the importance of the relationship between installations and their surrounding communities in delivering critical infrastructure needs to support military service members, their families, and their communities,” said Dr. William A. LaPlante, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.

“Executing the mission during an emergency is only possible if our service members and civilians can get to their base.  Since 2020, DCIP has leveraged partnerships at the local level to build a ‘one community’ approach to delivering infrastructure that enables the Department of Defense to execute its mission, supports our service members, their families, and civilians, and improves the resilience of the communities that our installations rely on,” said Brendan Owens, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment.

The grant awards are as follows:

  • $10,858,588 to the Municipality of Anchorage – Port of Alaska to undertake a $15,512,268 project to replace aged stormwater management infrastructure in support of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, alleviating flood and soil erosion issues.
  • $8,959,097 to the Northern California Power Agency, California, to undertake a $27,383,362 project to construct a new electric transmission line and substation upgrades in support of Sierra Army Depot, reducing the installation’s energy vulnerabilities and increasing its grid capacity.
  • $5,979,060 to Jacksonville Port Authority, Florida, to undertake $11,958,120 a project to construct a new fire station in support of Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island and the Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Southeast Regional Fuels Depot, reducing flood threats and emergency response times, and increase capacity to house modern fire and emergency response equipment.
  • $4,952,000 to the City of Pensacola, Florida, to undertake a project to construct a parking apron at the Pensacola International Airport in support of Naval Air Station Pensacola and Naval Air Station Whiting Field to park Navy training aircraft and promote mission sustainment across several aviation-training platforms.
  • $6,439,954 to Santa Rosa County, Florida, to undertake a $9,189,259 project to construct a taxiway to an aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility in support of Naval Air Station Whiting Field, reducing aviation down time and eliminating the need to move military aircraft over civilian roadways.
  • $861,025 to Lowndes County Board of Commissioners, Georgia, to undertake a project in support of Moody Air Force Base and its connection to the County’s public drinking water system, providing a redundant and more reliable water supply and expanding adequate water capacity to support modern firefighting systems implemented by the Air Force.
  • $6,886,183 to the State of Hawaii Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to undertake a $8,386,183 project to construct an emergency operations facility in support of the Pohakuloa Training Area, increasing the capacity for Army personnel, first responders, and community members to maximize resources and coordination when responding to emergency situations.
  • $900,000 to the Bayview Water and Sewer District, Idaho, to undertake a project in support of Naval Station Everett – Acoustic Research Detachment, improving a concrete water supply tank to improve the reliability and quality of local drinking water and expand availability for local fire suppression.
  • $4,930,000 to the City of Leesville, Louisiana, to undertake a project to extend a runway at the Leesville Airport in support of the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Johnson, providing the airfield redundancy and additional capabilities for the execution of missions at the installation.
  • $5,793,200 to Plaquemines Parish Government, Louisiana, to undertake a project in support of Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, rehabilitating a flood control basin and related stormwater management infrastructure to control flooding and improve airfield operability during severe weather.
  • $13,725,400 to Plaquemines Parish Government, Louisiana, to undertake a project to construct a joint multi-use facility in support of Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, providing a multi-agency emergency command center, an emergency provisions assembly staging and issuance point, and an early childhood healing and resiliency area.
  • $1,093,251 to Harrison Charter Township, Michigan, to undertake a $1,366,576 project in support of Selfridge Air National Guard Base, upgrading wastewater systems to handle higher wastewater flow rates from the installation and ensuring the station remains operational during power outages.
  • $9,285,576 to the Town of New Boston, New Hampshire, to undertake a project to construct a new fire station in support of New Boston Space Force Station, providing a modern fire station for the Town of New Boston to support fire, emergency, and HAZMAT services at the installation.
  • $8,028,000 to the Western Reserve Port Authority, Ohio, to undertake a $8,920,000 project to support Youngstown Air Reserve Station, resurfacing taxiways used by the installation for its mission and enabling improved training exercises, safer deployments, and more rapid emergency response.
  • $643,300 to the City of San Antonio, Texas, to undertake a $919,000 project to support Texas Army National Guard Martindale Army Heliport, reconstructing access to a main gate for safe and efficient access to the installation.
  • $2,369,284 to the City of Norfolk, Virginia, to undertake a $3,723,160 project to construct stormwater management system improvements on a main access road to Naval Station Norfolk, reducing flood constraints to allow better military and civilian personnel access for the local mission.
  • $8,007,388 to the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia, to undertake a $11,439,126 project to support Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story to replace deteriorated infrastructure at Creeds Law Enforcement Training Facility, enabling a modern training environment for civilian and military police and Navy forces, enhancing operational readiness, training efficiency, and the ability to accommodate total force requirements.

Groundbreaking on these projects may commence once all environmental requirements have been met.

The Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot Program is authorized under 10 U.S. Code § 2391. (Source: US DoD)

 

25 Sep 23. BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc., Navigation & Sensor Systems, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was awarded a non-competitive single award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract for Army MPE-M Cards (DAPS and MAPS) and incidental software updates. The contract ceiling is approximately $319,000,000 and the minimum guarantee is for 50 MPE-M Cards. The period of performance is a two year base with three one year options.  Performance will be at the contractor’s facility until the M-Code Cards are delivered to the U.S. government.  The total value of Delivery Order 1 is $494,270, funded by fiscal 2023 other procurement, Army; and research, development, test and evaluation funds. The period of performance for the base period is Sept. 30, 2023 – Sept. 29, 2025. If all options are exercised, the contract performance will end Sept. 29, 2028. The Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity.

 

28 Sep 23. IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), an industry leader in quantum computing, today announced an expanded relationship with the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) to deploy two barium-based trapped ion quantum computing systems for quantum networking research and application development. The deal comes one year after IonQ announced an agreement with AFRL to provide access to the company’s trapped ion systems, and will further enhance AFRL’s research mission. As part of the contract, IonQ will deliver and set up systems at AFRL’s location in Rome, N.Y. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

28 Sep 23. L3Harris Technologies Inc., Palm Bay, Florida, was awarded a $112,668,576 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for artificial intelligence and machine learning platform research and development. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Palm Bay, Florida, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 28, 2028. Fiscal 2023 research, development, test, and evaluation, defense-wide funds in the amount of $3,810,000 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W911QX-23-C-0028).

 

26 Sep 23. Palantir USG Inc., Paolo Alto, California, was awarded a $250,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract to conduct research and development services in the area of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 25, 2026. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W911QX-23-D-0012).

 

28 Sep 23. Sarcos Defense, a subsidiary of Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corporation (“Sarcos”) (NASDAQ: STRC and STRCW), a leader in the design, development, and manufacture of advanced robotic systems, solutions, and software that redefine human possibilities, announced today that it has received a $13.8m USD contract from Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. The award results from an innovative AFWERX AFVentures opportunity for its Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) program. This contract will support development, integration, and validation of Sarcos’ artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) software framework, the AI Computational Service, for success-based reinforcement learning in the Sarcos Guardian® line of robotic systems. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

REST OF THE WORLD

 

LAND

 

21 Sep 23. Saudi Arabia – CLSSA Program, Foreign Military Sales Order (FMSO) II. The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of Cooperative Logistics Supply Support Arrangement (CLSSA) Program, Foreign Military Sales Order (FMSO) II and related equipment for an estimated cost of $500m. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has requested to buy a Foreign Military Sales Order (FMSO) II to provide funds for blanket order requisitions under a Cooperative Logistics Supply Support Agreement (CLSSA) for common spares/repair parts to support the Royal Saudi Land Force’s (RSLF) fleet of Abrams tanks, M-60 tanks, Bradley Fighting Vehicles, mortar carriers, Combat Engineer Vehicles, High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs), Mine Resistance Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, Light Armored Vehicles (LAVs), howitzers, additional support vehicles, components & accessories, pistols, rifles, crew-served weapons, recoilless rifles, mortars, vehicle periscopes, night vision devices, TOW launchers and missile parts, computer units, radar sets, generators, testing/calibration equipment, communication equipment and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated program cost is $500m. This proposed sale will support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by supporting a strategic partner’s self-defense and promoting stability in the Middle East. The proposed sale will maintain Saudi Arabia’s capability to meet current and future threats by allowing the RSLF to continue to purchase needed spare/repair parts, through their current CLSSA program, to replenish in-country stocks required for general maintenance and sustain the operability of RSLF equipment. The RSLF has participated in the CLSSA program since 1965 and will have no difficulty absorbing these items into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. There are no principal contractors involved with this potential sale. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: ASD Network)

 

18 Sep 23. IMCO Group’s subsidiary, Nir-Or, which designs, develops, manufactures, and integrates innovative electro-optic and power management systems for a vast range of military applications, was chosen to provide their cutting-edge situational awareness system to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for their armoured bulldozers. The system includes a video matrix, operator display, and hatch controller, and it is designed to improve the bulldozers’ operational capabilities. Nir-Or’s advanced video management system incorporates a state-of-the-art video aggregator, seamlessly integrating various video feeds from the vehicle’s systems. This integration provides operators with a consolidated and clear view of the surroundings, enhancing their situational awareness while they are inside the armoured vehicle. With touch-screen technology, Nir-Or’s Video Management System empowers operators with complete control over the vehicle’s actions within its environment. This feature not only optimises operational efficiency but also strengthens the safety of the vehicle’s operation. Nir-Or will conduct the development and manufacturing process in collaboration with its American sister company, ADTi, a prominent US-based manufacturer of advanced electronic solutions for the military sector. Commencing in 2024, the deliveries are expected to continue until 2025, ensuring a gradual implementation and integration of the advanced situational awareness systems across the IDF’s armoured bulldozer fleet. The total value of this significant transaction is estimated to be approximately 10.8m NIS. IMCO Group anticipates securing future orders for comparable systems tailored to additional armoured military bulldozers, with an approximate value of 4m NIS. (Source: www.joint-forcescom)

 

SEA

 

22 Sep 23. Lockheed Martin, Rotary and Mission Systems, Moorestown, New Jersey, is awarded a $26,924,626 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously-awarded contract N00024-21-C-5127 for Australia Surface Combatant system design, analysis, computer program software development, and integrated logistics support. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to Australia. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey, and is expected to be completed by March 2028. FMS (Australia) funds in the amount of $6,000,000 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

 

26 Sep 23. Raytheon Missiles and Defense, Marlborough, Massachusetts, is awarded a $76,390,495 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-no-fee modification to previously-awarded contract N00024-19-C-5112 for the production of the MK 99 Fire Control Systems (FCS), associated hardware, and engineering support. This procurement provides MK 99 FCS units in support of DDG-51 class ships and the Missile Defense Agency, as well as FCS hardware for the government of Australia under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Work will be performed in Andover, Massachusetts (84%); Marlborough, Massachusetts (10%); Chesapeake, Virginia (5%); and Burlington, Massachusetts (1%), and is expected to be completed by December 2025. Fiscal 2022 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $44,602,762 (59%); fiscal 2022 defense-wide procurement funds in the amount of $28,146,836 (37%); and FMS (Australia) funds in the amount of $3,329,467 (4%), will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

 

AIR

 

26 Sep 23. Argentina’s Defense Ministry has signed a letter of intention for the procurement of eight AW109M lightweight helicopters from Italian firm Leonardo. The agreement was signed Sept. 21 as Argentine Defense Minister Jorge Taiana visited Italy to see the aircraft’s production line. The AW109Ms would be used by the Argentine Navy in a seagoing role aboard French-built Bouchard-class offshore patrol vessels, acquired between 2019 and 2022 to patrol the country’s exclusive economic zone to deter and prevent illegal exploitation of fishing resources. (Source: Defense News)