UNITED KINGDOM
AIR
27 Oct 23. Airbus has been awarded the Skynet Design Support Contract (SDSC) to provide design authority services support for the UK’s SKYNET military satellite communications systems. The contract will provide post-design services to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and its future service providers to support the transition from SKYNET 5, which was procured under a PFI arrangement that began in 2003, towards an MOD-owned, contractor-operated system under SKYNET 6. This includes SKYNET 6A, which Airbus is currently developing.
23 Oct 23. United Kingdom – Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM). The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the United Kingdom of Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM) for an estimated cost of $957.4m. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of the United Kingdom has requested to buy three thousand (3,000) Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM), AGM-179A. Also included are dummy missiles; technical assistance; publications; integration support; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated program cost is $957.4m. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe. The proposed sale will improve the United Kingdom’s capability to meet current and future threats. The United Kingdom will use the enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats. The United Kingdom will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment 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 the Lockheed Martin Corporation, Orlando, FL. (Source: ASD Network)
21 Oct 23. UKSA And JAXA Confirm Bilateral Collaboration For Viasat And MHI To Develop Inrange Satellite-Based Launch Telemetry System For Japanese H3 Launch Vehicle. The UK Space Agency (UKSA) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) have agreed to start bilateral collaboration to develop an in-orbit telemetry relay service, called “InRange”, which will be demonstrated on the H3 launch vehicle. The bilateral collaboration for InRange builds upon the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed between both space agencies in 2021. Under this framework, InRange is jointly funded through UKSA’s International Bilateral Fund for the development of a new in-orbit telemetry relay service for space launch vehicles using Inmarsat-Viasat ’s global L-band network in geosynchronous orbit by Viasat and through JAXA for the transmitter and antenna development for the H3 launch vehicle by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI). The UKSA contract announced today for Viasat is valued at £1.7m. (Source: ASD Network)
EUROPE
LAND
26 Oct 23. Elbit Systems Sweden AB (Elbit Systems Sweden) was awarded a contract worth approximately $170m to become the integration partner for the Swedish Army digitalization program LSS Mark. The contract will be performed over a ten year period. As the integration partner, Elbit Systems Sweden will lead the roll-out of the Swedish Armed Forces digitization program for the army and integrate, install, maintain and upgrade command and control systems on a variety of platforms from command posts, vehicles, through to dismounted systems, and as such both support the growth of Swedish army as well as capability enhancements. The work will take place at Elbit Systems Sweden’s facilities, increasing the local footprint, employing dozens of system engineers, technicians and field support engineers over the next few years, enhancing Elbit Systems’ commitment to grow and expand local know-how and capabilities of Elbit Systems Sweden. (Source: ASD Network)
25 Oct 23. Latvia – M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems. The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Latvia of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and related equipment for an estimated cost of $220m. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of the Republic of Latvia has requested to buy six (6) M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS); twelve (12) M30A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Alternative Warhead (AW) Pods with Insensitive Munitions Propulsion System (IMPS); twelve (12) M31A2 GMLRS Unitary (GMLRS-U) High Explosive Pods with IMPS; and ten (10) M57 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) Pods. Also included are Reduced Range Practice Rocket (RRPR) Pods; intercom systems to support the HIMARS Launcher; ruggedized laptops; training; training equipment; publications for HIMARS, munitions, and spares; services; other support equipment; and other related elements of program and logistic support. The estimated total program cost is $220m. The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin, Grand Prairie, TX. There are no known offset agreements in connection with this potential sale. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Defense Security Cooperation Agency)
26 Oct 23. Czech Cabinet Approves Order for 48 Derby Long-Range Anti-Aircraft Missiles. At its meeting on Wednesday, the government cabinet was informed about the public contract for the procurement of 48 I-Derby Long Range anti-aircraft missiles from the government of Israel. Thanks to these missiles, which the Czech Republic will receive by October 2027, the Army 9ill acquire the ability to destroy unmanned air vehicles, helicopters, airplanes and guided missiles at ranges of up to 80 km and an altitude of 20km. I-Derby Long-Range missiles will be used as part of the anti-aircraft complex of four batteries of SPYDER CZE air-defense missiles, which will be delivered to the Czech Republic by 2026. The agreed value of the order for these missiles is CZK 2.8bn (approx. $119.8m) before VAT, and the contract is to be signed by the end of October this year. “Just as with other contracts, in this case too I consider it important that Czech companies be involved,” the minister said, adding that the supplier has committed to invest at least the equivalent of USD 14m in the Czech Republic, and that the companies RETIA and VTÚ sp, be involved in the production of missile containers, the provision of integrated logistic support and the integration of information systems. A so-called option is part of the proposed contract. In case of its activation, it will be possible to purchase in the order of hundreds of additional missiles in six categories, with a maximum financial envelope of up to 12.6bn CZK ($539m) before VAT. (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com)(Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Czech Ministry of Defence; issued Oct. 25, 2023)
SEA
25 Oct 23. Contract Launches European Patrol Corvette Program. Signature of Modular and Multirole Patrol Corvette Contract. On 24 October 2023, with a ceremony held at OCCAR premises in Rome, OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation) signed with a consortium coordinated by Naviris and comprising Fincantieri (Italy), Naval Group (France), Navantia (Spain) and other participants from Greece, Denmark and Norway (*) all the Modular and Multirole Patrol Corvette (MMPC) contractual documents for the implementation of the first phase of the European Patrol Corvette (EPC) project. The overall value of this first phase is 87m€ and is strongly supported by the European Commission (EC) through the European Defence Fund (EDF). Indeed, 60m€ will be funded by the EC in the form of “grants” while the remaining 27 M€ will be funded by the Member States (Italy, France, Spain, Denmark, Greece and Norway) who decided to support the project. OCCAR will manage the full scope of the project, acting as Granting Authority, on mandate of the EC, and Contracting Authority, on mandate of the above-mentioned Member States. On the same day, the Delegates of the companies signed a consortium agreement, whose objective is to rule the execution of the project, maximizing synergies and collaboration among European shipbuilding industries. With a duration of 24 months, this MMPC first contract aims to provide the initial design of a next generation class of naval vessel, the European Patrol Corvette (EPC), launched in the context of a PESCO project (1). (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Naviris Consortium)
23 Oct 23. HENSOLDT Nexeya France is supplying the LYNCEA® combat system to the French Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV). Following the delivery at the end of 2022 of the ‘Auguste Bénébig’, the first OPV ordered by the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA), the SOCARENAM shipyard and the French Navy held in Calais the christening ceremony for the ‘Teriieroo a Teriierooiterai’, the second of the six OPVs ordered by the DGA and which will be based in Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia. The six OPVs will be directly involved in defending the interests of the French State in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) overseas. HENSOLDT Nexeya France involved in this project as a supplier of the LYNCEA® combat system, which provides a tactical situation integrating data merged from the ship’s various sensors (IFF, radar, EOTS observation camera, ship inertial unit, etc.) and effectors (FCS, Canon). To enhance the patrol vessel’s mission system, the HENSOLDT group has supplied two sensors: the SHARPEYE MK11 surveillance radar from HENSOLDT UK and the IFF MSSR2000 encrypted interrogator from HENSOLDT AG. A wireless version of the mission system has also been installed using the LYNCEA® Mobile solution. This enables the marine riflemen on board the RHIBs to access the same tactical situation as the ship’s crew on a mobile tablet, and to share with them an audio/video stream of the operation in real time. A real asset for decision-making in operations.
AIR
23 Oct 23. Airbus Defence and Space has signed two contracts valued at € 1.2bn in total with France’s Direction générale de l’armement (DGA) and Direction de la Maintenance Aéronautique (DMAé) for the Capability Enhancement and the In-Service Support of the French A330 MRTTs (Multi Role Tanker Transport) fleet. The Standard 2 contract provides for the capability extension of the French MRTTs, focused on connectivity as a key pillar and also self-protection capabilities. With the aim of being connected in all circumstances, including jammed environments and extreme weather conditions, the aircraft will be equipped with the MELISSA satcom station. These new capabilities will convert the French A330 MRTT into a high bandwidth communication relay node, with command and control capabilities, and will build the stepping stone of the A330 MRTT’s integration into the future air combat cloud within the FCAS. The first aircraft to have the Standard 2 will be A330 MRTT No. 15, whose conversion will be carried out at Airbus’ military facilities in Getafe. It is expected to be qualified for the French Air Force in 2028. Thereafter, the upgrade to Standard 2 of the remaining 14 French A330 MRTTs will take place at the Istres Air Base in France.
26 Oct 23. Lockheed Martin Corp., Owego, New York, is awarded a $364,312,098 firm-fixed-price order (N0001924F5567) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001921G0017). This order is for the production and delivery of six MH-60R aircraft for the government of Norway. Work will be performed in Owego, New York (52%); Stratford, Connecticut (40%); and Troy, Alabama (8%), and is expected to be completed in July 2027. Foreign Military Sales customer funds in the amount of $364,312,098 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.
23 Oct 23. Finland – Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles-Extended Range (AARGM-ER). The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Finland of Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles-Extended Range (AARGM-ER) 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 Government of Finland has requested to buy up to one hundred fifty (150) AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles-Extended Range (AARGM-ERs). Also included are Dummy Air Training Missiles (DATM); missile containers; software; training; support equipment; spare and repair parts; publications and technical documentation; transportation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering; technical and logistical support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $500m. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe. The proposed sale will improve Finland’s capability to meet current and future threats by strengthening its self-defense capabilities and ensuring interoperability with United States and other allied forces. Finland will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment 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 Northrop Grumman Systems, Falls Church, VA. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: ASD Network)
23 Oct 23. Lithuania – AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM). The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Lithuania of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $100m. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of Lithuania has requested to buy thirty-six (36) AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM); and one (1) AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM Guidance Section. Also included are Common Munitions Built-In-Test (BIT)/Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE); ADU-891/E adapter group computer test sets; AIM-120 spare control sections and containers; other spare parts, consumables, accessories, and repair/return support; munitions support and support equipment; classified software delivery and support; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; contractor logistics support (CLS); personnel training and training equipment; studies and surveys; transportation support; 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 $100m. The principal contractor will be Raytheon Missiles and Defense, Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: ASD Network)
24 Oct 23. Saab, will provide upgrades and services to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration’s (FMV) fleet of JAS 39 Gripen C/D multi-role aircraft. In a deal worth SKr579m ($52.6m), the order will see the contractor design new development and simulation environments for the aircraft, while also developing new support systems that will harmonise the FMV’s Gripen C/D units with the latest E variant. Saab will also deliver supplementary equipment and hardware for the aircraft. This is an additional order that comes after the FMV’s contract to develop and test its Gripen C/D rear maintenance and bring C, D and E variants together six months ago. Saab’s Gripen C/D is a light single-engine multi-role fighter aircraft that performs various combat roles, including air-to-air, air-to-ground, and reconnaissance missions. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
25 Oct 23. Terran Orbital Corporation (NYSE: LLAP) (“Terran Orbital” or the “Company”), a global leader in satellite-based solutions primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries, today announced its wholly-owned international subsidiary, Tyvak International s.r.l., has been chosen as a prime contractor under a $4.7m or €4.5m contract by the European Space Agency (ESA) for a proximity operations and in-orbit servicing mission that will deploy a nanosatellite spacecraft from Space Rider, the European uncrewed robotic laboratory. The deployed nanosatellite will perform proximity operations maneuvers around Space Rider, demonstrating unprecedented in-orbit servicing capabilities. Space Rider will allow technology demonstration, and benefit research in pharmaceutics, biomedicine, biology, and physical science. At the end of its mission, Space Rider will return to Earth with its payloads and land on a runway to be unloaded and refurbished for another flight. Tyvak International develops the nanosatellite to be onboarded and deployed at any time during the experimental Phase in orbit, on one of the ESA’s Space Rider flight missions, paving the way for future recurring servicing missions. This contract is in partnership with a consortium of Italian industries and research institutions, including Polytechnic University of Turin, the University of Padova, and StellarProject SRL. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
USA
LAND
26 Oct 23. Kromek Group plc (AIM: KMK), a leading developer of radiation and bio-detection technology solutions for the advanced imaging and CBRN detection segments, has been awarded a $5.9m contract from the US Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (“CWMD”) Office for the research and development of technologies focusing on an agent agnostic bio-detection system. The contract has been awarded under a four-year programme, which commences immediately, and the Group expects to receive $874k during the first year base period.
24 Oct 23. 908 Devices Inc. (Nasdaq: MASS), a pioneer of purpose-built handheld and desktop devices for chemical and biochemical analysis, announces today that it has been awarded a total of $10.4m in purchase orders from the United States Air Force and Air National Guard Fire & Emergency Services Program for its MX908 handheld mass spectrometry device with Aero module. Approximately a third of the orders include Aero module upgrades, training, and support for existing MX908 devices previously deployed to the Air National Guard. The Aero module delivers additional capability to the MX908, enabling response teams to quickly detect and identify aerosolized chemical threats, such as Novichoks, pharmaceutical based agents and opioid analogs. With this award, the U.S. Air Force has broadened its adoption of the MX908 device and Aero module to encompass both the Active and Reserve components of the service, along with the Air National Guard. These devices will now be stationed at over 130 installations, paving the way for enhanced emergency medical response and hazardous materials operations. (Source: PR Newswire)
SEA
26 Oct 23. BAE Systems – Jacksonville Ship Repair LLC, Jacksonville, Florida, is awarded a $82,980,622 firm-fixed-price contract action for maintenance, modernization and repair of USS Ramage (DDG 61) fiscal 2024 docking selected restricted availability. The scope of this acquisition includes all labor, supervision, equipment, production, testing, facilities, and quality assurance necessary to prepare for, and accomplish, the Chief of Naval Operations Availability for critical modernization, maintenance and repair programs. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $92,995,634. Work will be performed in Mayport, Florida, and is expected to be completed by April 2025. Fiscal 2024 other procurement, Navy funds in the amount of $81,611,583 (98.3%); fiscal 2024 operations and maintenance, Navy funds in the amount of $1,221,794 (1.5%); fiscal 2023 other procurement, Navy funds in the amount of $147,245 (0.2%). Fiscal 2024 operations and maintenance, Navy will be obligated at the time of award, of which $1,221,794 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured using full and open competition via the System for Award website, with three offers received. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N0002424C4417).
20 Oct 23. Raytheon Co., Largo, Florida, is awarded a $96,333,349 cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to previously awarded contract N00024-19-C-5200 for design agent and engineering support, and to exercise options for other direct costs for the Cooperative Engagement Capability program. Work will be performed in St. Petersburg, Florida (70%); and Largo, Florida (30%), and is expected to be completed by May 2024. Fiscal 2024 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $8,701,117 (39%); fiscal 2023 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $5,111,228 (23%); Foreign Military Sales (FMS) (Australia) funds in the amount of $3,205,000 (15%); FMS (Japan) funds in the amount of $1,360,000 (6%); fiscal 2023 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,097,068 (5%); FMS (Canada) funds in the amount of $800,000 (4%); fiscal 2023 research, development, test and evaluation (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $800,000 (4%); fiscal 2024 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $500,000 (2%); fiscal 2023 research, development, test and evaluation (Department of Defense) funds in the amount of $336,081 (1%); and fiscal 2024 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $50,000 (1%), will be obligated at time of award, of which $6,297,309 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
AIR
25 Oct 23. BlackSky Technology Inc. (NYSE: BKSY) won two back-to-back contracts from a legacy international defense ministry customer to continue on-demand, real-time high-frequency imagery and analytics services and conduct research on future multi-sensor space capabilities. BlackSky delivers thousands of high-resolution images and analytics every month to organizations worldwide, delivering transparency and insights into border crossings, nuclear and port facilities, and other economically critical infrastructure at scale. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
25 Oct 23. CAES, a leading provider of mission-critical advanced electronics, has been awarded a contract from the U.S. Navy for production of the AN/ALQ-99 Low Band Consolidation (LBC) transmitter. Total funding through 2025 to support both the U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is expected to exceed $55m, if all options are exercised. This award also includes new special test equipment and follows a contract for the initial pre-production phase of the LBC. The LBC is a modification to the AN/ALQ-99 LBT. CAES has a proven history of developing, producing and delivering LBTs. CAES provides these components for the U.S. Navy and RAAF EA-18G Growler Airborne Electronic Attack fleets. These transmitters played a critical role in protecting the lives of U.S. and coalition forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and across the Global War on Terror. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
20 Oct 23. L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) received two contracts worth up to $134m to update portions of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) space domain awareness mission. The Ground Based Optical Sensor System (GBOSS) and Space Fence Sustainment (Option Year 4) contracts support the U.S. Space Force’s Maintenance of Space Situational Awareness Integrated Capabilities (MOSSAIC) program. Under the GBOSS contract, L3Harris will design and develop technology to upgrade the existing Ground-Based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance telescopes at the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, and Maui, Hawaii, sites. The upgrade will increase GBOSS resiliency and facilitate more persistent coverage supporting space domain awareness across the DoD. Space Fence is a vital component of the space domain awareness architecture. The Space Fence sustainment program will enable tracking of the objects orbiting Earth, monitoring space weather and assessing foreign launches. L3Harris provides advanced space domain awareness capabilities to help the warfighter detect and attribute potential threatening behavior. (Source: ASD Network)
25 Oct 23. Mayman Aerospace, the US-based manufacturer of the innovative dual-use Speeder Air Utility Vehicle (AUV), has been awarded a US$2m grant via an Other Transaction Authority from the US Department of Defense. Mayman Aerospace was also a previous recipient of a $1.25m US Air Force Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Direct to Phase II (D2P2) grant under the AFWERX/Agility Prime innovation initiative. This new round of OTA funding will initially support further Speeder R&D under the auspices of the United States Department of Defense. The work will progress the development of the Speeder and associated technologies, specifically in the context of DOD missions. The initial contract term is 18 months, although the OTA framework enables access to additional funding increments through a streamlined process within this time frame. Other Transactions are research and development agreements enabling flexible business arrangements to support technology advancement and rapid prototyping. They have the particular benefit of enabling the Department of Defense to engage more easily with smaller, non-traditional companies and contractors to access their unique technology for military purposes. Taking off and landing vertically, the Speeder achieves previously impossible speed, payload, and range performance thanks to vectored thrust from its gimbaled turbine engines. Building on this unique performance, this new round of Defense Department R&D will investigate advanced Speeder technologies, including autonomous navigation. It also aims to deliver a flying prototype aircraft delivering transformative capabilities from an entirely new class of high-performance VTOL aircraft.
20 Oct 23. SES Space & Defense, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SES, has been awarded a five-year, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) satellite-based services (SBS). The IDIQ vehicle was awarded through the Defense Information Systems Agency’s (DISA) Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization (DITCO) by the U.S. Space Force. Under the multi-award contract, valued at up to USD 900m, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), federal agencies, and international coalition partners can acquire fully managed low-latency LEO SBS from 16 selected awardees, including SES Space & Defense. As the industry’s leading COMSATCOM operator and integrator, SES Space & Defense possesses distinct advantages in providing the U.S. DoD with value-added solutions at the tactical edge. The company leverages SES’s global fleet of more than 70 Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites, coupled with LEO partnerships, to create a fully managed and integrated terrestrial and space network. Satellite services delivered via multiple orbits enable a comprehensive range of new connectivity capabilities for the U.S. DoD. Non-geostationary satellite orbits (NGSO) – LEO and MEO – provide low-latency and flexible, fiber-like connectivity ideal for high-bandwidth, real-time applications, while GEO satellites enhance global resiliency and redundancy enabling a broader scope of government use cases. SES Space & Defense also offers enterprise management and control (EM&C) capabilities, facilitating a seamless, integrated network of COMSATCOM and MILSATCOM systems and extensive experience in building and operating global networks. This enables DoD users to enjoy resilient, redundant, and secure multi-orbit, multi-band network solutions. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
24 Oct 23. Lockheed Martin has awarded Terran Orbital Corporation (NYSE: LLAP) a contract to build 36 satellite buses for the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Tranche 2 Transport Layer (T2TL) Beta constellation. Terran Orbital will deliver the buses to Lockheed Martin, which will conduct payload integration and jointly operate the satellites with SDA. SDA’s T2TL Beta constellation will advance the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture’s (PWSA) initial warfighting capability with targeted technology enhancements, mission-focused payload configurations, and increased integration. The PWSA provides a resilient, low-latency communication system to connect warfighter platforms worldwide and help the military target threats and detect and track missiles. Terran Orbital is currently building 42 buses for Lockheed Martin to help the company fulfill its $700 m contract for the SDA’s Tranche 1 Transport Layer (T1TL), currently scheduled for a late 2024 launch. Last spring, Terran Orbital completed a successful Critical Design Review and Manufacturing Readiness Review for the T1TL satellite buses, which are manufactured in the company’s small satellite production facilities in Irvine, California. The MRR confirmed Terran Orbital’s readiness to manufacture and deliver all 42 T1TL satellite buses.
26 Oct 23. Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Mississippi, is awarded a $458,183,641 firm-fixed-price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide new depot site stand up, as well as organizational, selected intermediate and limited depot level maintenance, and logistics support services for the F-5 Adversary aircraft for the Navy and Marine Corps. Work will be performed in Key West, Florida (36%); Yuma, Arizona (24%); New Orleans, Louisiana (19%); Beaufort, South Carolina (17%); and Fallon, Nevada (4%), and is expected to be completed in November 2028. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposal; four offers were received. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0042124D0003).
TECHNOLOGY
24 Oct 23. Cubic Defense, a technology-driven, market-leading provider of integrated solutions, has secured a Multiple Award Contract–Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (MAC ID/IQ) from the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Architecture & Integration Directorate (AFLCMC/XA). Cubic Defense’s exceptional expertise and track record ensure a comprehensive and effective approach to fulfilling contract requirements. The project scope includes capability planning, systems and synthetic environment development. Cubic’s solutions fill warfighting gaps with secure capabilities, delivering adaptive and intelligent spectrum dominance. This award allows the AFLCMC/XA access to Cubic’s expertise in mission analysis and systems architecture planning and management. Cubic’s extensive experience in Modeling, Simulation & Analysis (MS&A), assured communications architectures, and Capability Development/Development Planning (CD-DP) will help the AFLCMC/XA develop and launch programs to meet the needs of the modern-day warfighter.
19 Oct 23. LM Selected to Support National Cyber Range Complex Charleston. The U.S. Army Contracting Command – Orlando, on behalf of the Test Resource Management Center and Program Executive Office Simulation, Training and Instrumentation, has selected Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) for Event Planning, Operations and Support (EPOS) at the National Cyber Range Complex (NCRC) site at Joint Base Charleston in Hanahan, South Carolina. This effort, which is one of five tasks orders on the NCRC program, will provide realistic cybersecurity environments to enable test and evaluation of major Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition programs and realistic training and certification for the DoD Cyber Mission Force. NCRC EPOS Charleston site, collocated with the Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic, will leverage Lockheed Martin’s extensive experience in cyber defense, readiness, testing and training. This NCRC Charleston site will support DOD and serve as the principle range support site for Naval / Special Operations afloat and ashore communities to include surface platforms, undersea platforms, and ground/expeditionary, and ashore platforms. Platforms include autonomous and manned systems. The services of the site will enhance platform resilience and help build cyber hardened systems for the naval and expeditionary communities. The NCRC Charleston facility will also serve federal agencies, industry, academia and international partners. (Source: ASD Network)
REST OF THE WORLD
LAND
19 Oct 23. Saab Receives Carl-Gustaf Order from Japan. Carl-Gustaf is a man-portable multi-role weapon system that provides high tactical flexibility through its wide range of ammunition types. It is extremely light-weight, and has established itself as the main shoulder launched weapon in many countries. It has been in use with the Japan Self-Defense Forces since 1979. (Source: ASD Network)
23 Oct 23. The Australian federal government has agreed to sell 14 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles to Fiji as part of a new “elevated” Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership agreement. Australian Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy and Prime Minister of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka were both able to see Australian-made Bushmasters in action and attend Gallipoli Barracks in Queensland. Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles can deploy up to 10 battle-ready troops, are blast resistant, fully air-conditioned, protected against small arms fire, and have an armoured V-shaped hull to protect its passengers from landmines and other explosive devices. Each vehicle is usually armed with 5.56 millimetre and 7.62-millimetre machine guns. (Source: Defence Connect)
SEA
23 Oct 23. OSI Maritime Systems (OSI) announced a contract to support the Chilean Navy’s Scorpene-class upgrade program. The contract includes the delivery of OSI’s Tactical Dived Navigation System D-MOP system and has been facilitated through a government-to-government (G2G) contract between CCC and the Chilean Navy. The first contract, signed in 2020, provided upgrades to the navigation capability of two Thompson-class submarines. Part of the design includes a Digital Maritime Operations Plot (D-MOP) with advanced ECPINS Submarine software to deliver a state-of-the-art tactical navigation advantage. In a submarine, where operating space is confined, the D-MOP’s hardware and flexible system architecture are fitted to maximize and efficiently deliver navigational and tactical advantage to the crew. (Source: ASD Network)
25 Oct 23. Japan is set to acquire 63 advanced Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) Block 2B Tactical Missiles. The US State Department’s approval of this $74.6m deal underscores the commitment to reinforcing regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. The Government of Japan’s pursuit of 63 Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) Block 2B Tactical Missiles and ancillary equipment and support have catapulted the bilateral security alliance between the two nations to new heights. Japan previously purchased 51 RAM Block 2 Tactical Missiles in 2020. The acquisition includes the RAM missiles and supplementary components such as RAM Guided Missile round pack tri-pack shipping and storage containers, training equipment, operator manuals, and technical documentation. Additionally, the agreement encompasses an array of support services, ranging from engineering and logistics to establishing an Intermediate Level Maintenance Facility. This deal serves as a testament to the United States’ dedication to enhancing the security of its strategic ally in the Indo-Pacific region. By equipping Japan with advanced RAM Block 2B Tactical Missiles, the US aims to empower the nation to effectively navigate and safeguard air and sea lines of communication, thus bolstering its self-defence capabilities. The Raytheon Missiles and Defense Company, headquartered in Tucson, AZ, will serve as the principal contractor for this endeavour. (Source: naval-technology.com)
AIR
20 Oct 23. Ecuador signs contract with Airbus for two C295s. The government of Ecuador announced the acquisition of two Airbus C295 aircraft on 18 October. President Guillermo Lasso revealed the deal on social media platforms, highlighting the security and emergency response roles the aircraft are set to play. (Source: Janes)