UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO
LAND
31 Oct 23. Anduril Industries Awarded GBP17m MoD Force Protection Technology Contract. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded defense technology company Anduril Industries a 31-month contract, initially worth £17m, to explore future capabilities for fixed installation Force Protection and Counter Intrusion, and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems for the Royal Air Force and Strategic Command on Permanent Joint Operating Bases (PJOBs). The £17m contract, with the potential to rise to £24m, represents the third phase of Programme TALOS, Anduril’s engagement with jHub – the MoD and Strategic Command’s joint innovation team – which connects world-class technology and talent with users across UK Defence. Programme TALOS aims to accelerate a defence-wide approach to Integrated Command and Control (C2) for Force Protection.Anduril’s Lattice software platform leverages advancements in key technologies such as autonomy, edge processing, big data and AI to a degree where it is possible to fundamentally reimagine Defence’s approach to C2. The ability to harness machine-speed in decision-making and support; integrate all defence-wide platforms, sensors, and effectors into a single network; and use distributed and resilient systems capable of operating under machine control will have far-reaching implications for the UK’s Defence capability. Phase 3 of Programme TALOS – ENTRELAZAR will experiment and explore advancements in these key technologies that could inform decisions on the integration of future capabilities into defence-wide platforms. Phase 1 of Programme TALOS delivered an initial understanding of Anduril’s autonomous Sentry Towers and their utility at active RAF air bases, and Phase 2 introduced the assurance of multiple Force Protection layers at multiple locations across the MOD estate. This contract focuses on continuing the capability layering in Phase 2 and informing the requirements across multiple MoD sites. It will progress and expand experimentation with mature integrated technologies, and enable further understanding of the various options available in the wider C2 network that can provide end-to-end solutions. (Source: ASD Network)
SEA
30 Oct 23. Babcock awarded three-year Phalanx support. Babcock International (Babcock) has been awarded a three-year contract worth £17.9m to continue providing critical support for the Royal Navy’s Phalanx Close-In Weapon Support System (CIWS). The Phalanx CIWS is a rapid-fire, computer-controlled, radar-guided gun that can defeat anti-ship missiles and other close-in threats. It features a 20mm gun capable of firing armour-piercing bullets at up to 4,500 rounds per minute – and is found on multiple Royal Navy platforms, including the Albion-class landing platform dock, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Type 45 Class destroyer and Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers. Babcock, which has provided Phalanx in-service support since 2006, was awarded the contract by the UK Ministry of Defence’s Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) organisation to provide support for up to 41 systems, including nine overhauls and upgrades. It will also be responsible for logistics management, obsolescence management, availability, and reliability of the Phalanx.
03 Nov 23. Terma is set to supply ten SCANTER 6000 radars to equip five Royal Navy Type 26 frigates. Terma, a Danish leader in advanced technology solutions for defense, is thrilled to announce its significant contribution to the second batch of Type 26 frigates for the Royal Navy. Terma will be providing ten SCANTER 6000 radars to equip five state-of-the-art Royal Navy Type 26 frigates, bolstering their capabilities for the future. The agreement on the delivery of the radars has been contracted with German marine navigation manufacturer Anschütz, who is providing the complete Integrated Bridge System (IBS). The SCANTER 6000 radar systems, to be supplied by Terma, are renowned for their exceptional performance in naval applications. These radars offer simultaneous detection capabilities for small targets, helicopter guidance, and large and small target detection at various ranges, including close and maximum distances. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/Terma)
TECHNOLOGY
01 Nov 23. SteelCloud LLC, a leading STIG and CIS compliance automation software developer, announced today that a NATO Ministry of Defense has licensed its ConfigOS STIG compliance automation software. This is the first expansion of the implementation of ConfigOS into a European defense organization. STIGs (Security Technical Implementation Guides), published by the DoD’s Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), are the system-level cyber control foundation for security computer infrastructures. The ConfigOS compliance software suite will address hardening and continuous compliance for both Windows and Linux-based computer assets. The European implementation will begin before the end of this year. (Source: PR Newswire)
01 Nov 23. Systematic announced the expansion of its partnership with the British Army, with the signing of a contract for 1,400 new licences for SitaWare. The contract will allow for the acquisition of SitaWare Headquarters for use by all the British Army’s brigades and divisions, in additions to those formations such as the Corps headquarters that are already using it.
EUROPE
LAND
01 Nov 23. Switzerland selects the PAC-3 MSE missile, the fifteenth nation to do so. Under its Air2030 modernisation, the Swiss Government will benefit from the dual-pulse solid rocket motor of the latest Patriot missile to boost its air defence. US and Swiss officials have signed an agreement to procure Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missiles, the latest variant in the Patriot family. Switzerland will be the 15th country to use Lockheed Martin’s advanced projectile. (Source: army-technology.com)
27 Oct 23. On October 26, the PIT-RADWAR and Wojskowe Zakłady Elektroniczne subsidiaries of the Polish Armaments Group signed additional contracts with the Norwegian concern Kongsberg Defense & Arerospace (KDA) for the construction and delivery of two Naval Missile Units as well as the servicing and production of NSM missiles. The contract for two Naval Missile Units for the Polish Navy, signed by PIT-RADWAR SA, follows on from the contract concluded on September 5, 2023 between the Armament Agency and Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace for the supply of Naval Strike Missile (NSM) coastal missile systems. Currently, the Polish Navy has two NDR systems. One was purchased in 2008 and delivered from 2012, the other was ordered in 2014 and handed over to the army in 2017. PIT-RADWAR cooperated with KDA in the implementation of both contracts. The second agreement, concluded on behalf of PGZ by Wojskowe Zakłady Elektroniczne SA, stipulates the transfer of knowledge and technology regarding the servicing and production of NSM missiles. For WZE SA, it is an extension of its existing competences in the field of rocket technology to the highest possible level permitted for export. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/Polish Armaments Group, PGZ)
01 Nov 23. Denmark and the Netherlands have inked an agreement with Thales to acquire advanced GM200 radars. In a development that shows the growing importance of modern radar technology in defence, the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) has signed an agreement with the Netherlands Defence procurement agency COMMIT (Commando Materieel en IT) for the acquisition of five Thales Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission Compact radars (GM200 MM/C). These radar systems have been acquired to improve Denmark’s air surveillance and defence capabilities. (Source: army-technology.com)
AIR
03 Nov 23. The Swedish Defense Materiel Administration has, on behalf of the Armed Forces, signed an agreement with the USA for the purchase of Jaktrobot 99 AMRAAM as well as equipment for integration, evaluation, testing and handling. On the US side, the agreement was signed by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, DSCA. Sweden received early permission from the US to purchase the AMRAAM, designated in Sweden the Rb 99, which was originally integrated on the JA37 Viggen fighter jet. Sweden has long had AMRAAM integrated into JAS39. AMRAAM has since been upgraded and improved several times. The radar hunting robot now procured is the latest version, with improved system performance. It also replaces the older hunting robots that Sweden sold to the USA for onward donation to Ukraine. The acquisition strengthens the Armed Forces’ ability to combat air targets against current and future threats in the immediate area. The procurement takes place as Foreign Military Sales, which means that the Defense Materiel Administration buys the materiel from the US government and DSCA as approved sales of AMRAAM to Sweden up to a value of 605m USD. With the integration of the new version of AMRAAM, JAS39’s already good ability to cooperate with NATO/USA is also strengthened. (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com)(Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/Swedish Defense Materiel Agency, FMV; issued Nov.02, 2023)
01 Nov 23. TelePIX, a pioneering South Korean space startup, announces its recent agreement with Polish space company, SatRev, to supply satellite imagery data. This groundbreaking deal marks the first time that South Korea is exporting observational imagery data from its proprietary satellite. The contract was formalized during a ceremony held at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) held in Baku, Azerbaijan, on October 6. The event saw participation from both companies and prominent representatives from the South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT, the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, the Polish Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, and the Polish Space Agency.
The core of this agreement is TelePIX’s commitment to provide satellite imagery data, specifically focusing on “Blue Carbon” from its in-house designed and built satellite, the “BlueBon.” This compact 6U-class nanosatellite is scheduled to launch in 2024, delivering 3.8-meter optical observation satellite imagery data. (Source: PR Newswire)
TECHNOLOGY
27 Oct 23. NGWS Research Contract for Industrial Consortium. After the contract was signed yesterday at the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw), an industrial consortium consisting of Airbus Defense and Space, German FCMS GbR and MBDA Deutschland will work on key technologies for the Next Generation Weapon System on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Defense. As a central element of the Future Combat Air System, the NGWS includes a next-gener tion combat aircraft (New Generation Fighter) and drones (Remote Carrier), which are connected via a data cloud (Multi-Domain Combat Cloud) to other systems on the ground, at sea, in the air, space and cyberspace. The national research and technology (R&T) project complements the tri-national NGWS program and is intended to develop and demonstrate complementary basic technologies and partial functionalities for the networked use of the NGWS from 2040. In the first phase that has now been contracted, the consortium will bring innovations and cutting-edge technologies to maturity by 2025 and prepare them for subsequent demonstrations. The aim is also to ensure that the Bundeswehr’s existing platforms and aircraft are “FCAS-ready”. In total, the industrial consortium is driving forward eight R&T projects, in which over 30 other partners from industry and research are also involved:
- Chief Engineering
- Mission planning
- Sensor data fusion and management
- Human-machine interface
- Integrated modular avionics
- Robust Communication
- Electronic warfare
- Networked weapons and Direct Energy Weapons (DEW
(Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ MBDA Deutschland; issued Oct. 27, 2023)
02 Nov 23. Poland bolsters C4ISR capabilities for armoured forces with SitaWare. SitaWare to be deployed as part of Poland’s acquisition of M1 Abrams main battle tanks and support vehicles, providing comprehensive C4ISR capabilities to the 18th Mechanised Division’s battalions and boosting advanced armoured and battlefield engineering operations. Poland is to deploy Systematic’s market leading SitaWare suite of C4ISR technology through its acquisition of M1 Abrams main battle tanks and support vehicles from the United States. Systematic’s mounted battle management system (BMS) software, SitaWare Frontline, will be installed in all of the M1A1 Abrams and M1A2 SEP V3 Abrams main battle tanks, as well as a variety of support vehicles that will also form part of Poland’s armoured capability. The acquisition of SitaWare Frontline will provide comprehensive command-and-control, friendly force tracking, intelligence dissemination, and advanced tactical communications capabilities to the Polish Land Forces’ 18th Mechanised Division.
USA
LAND
31 Oct 23. Accuracy International of North America, Inc., have been selected to supply the Modular Precision Weapon Platform (MPWP). This was in response to a solicitation from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The MPWP is a multi-caliber, bolt action, AT-X with short forend, folding stock, AI trigger and other accessories. This is a single-award, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract.
03 Nov 23. BAE Systems Land & Armaments LP, Sterling Heights, Michigan, is awarded a $211,477,415 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded contract (M67854-16-C-0006) for Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACV). The total cumulative face value of the contract is $2,552,695,877. This contract modification provides for the exercise of options for the procurement of 40 full rate production ACV Personnel variants and associated production, fielding and support costs, and support & test equipment. Work will be performed in York, Pennsylvania (60%); Aiken, South Carolina (15%); San Jose, California (15%); Sterling Heights, Michigan (5%); and Stafford, Virginia (5%), with an expected completion date of February 2026. Fiscal 2024 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $211,477,415 will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M67854-16-C-0006).
01 Nov 23. Global Military Products Inc.,* Tampa, Florida (W15QKN-24-D-0001); Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Radford, Virginia (W15QKN-24-D-0002); and Blane International Group Inc.,* Cumming, Georgia (W15QKN-24-D-0003), will compete for each order of the $490,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for procurement of special ammunitions and weapons systems. Bids were solicited via the internet with six received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2028. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity.
31 Oct 23. The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has contracted HII’s Mission Technologies division, an integrated solutions provider, under a $79m deal to develop, test and field a future missile defence system that will protect the US and its allies from ballistic missile threats. HII’s team will support MDA leadership on strategic, technical, programmatic, operational, policy and organisational matters regarding the integrated, layered missile defence system. “Rogue state adversaries like North Korea and Iran seek dangerous capabilities, including long-range ballistic missiles that can threaten the US homeland, support regional aggression, and deter potential US responses,” the US Department of Defense stated. The team will also provide engineering and technical support; management and professional services; and studies, analyses and evaluations. The contract has a seven-year period of performance with a two-year base. The work will be performed in Fort Belvoir, Virginia; Huntsville, Alabama; and Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Source: army-technology.com)
02 Nov 23. L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) has received contracts to develop and modernize fire control systems on rocket launch vehicles that help the U.S. Army and allied forces around the world establish battlefield dominance. Under contracts totaling up to $124m, L3Harris will provide the Common Fire Control System (CFCS) on both the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) vehicles produced by Lockheed Martin. The upgraded fire control units provide enhanced digital processing power and modernized computing infrastructure while eliminating difficult hand assembly and component preparation. L3Harris is increasing CFCS production rates through streamlined supply chain and manufacturing processes to support increased demand driven by the Ukraine conflict. The L3Harris CFCS combines three vital capabilities for fire control – the Common Launcher Control Unit, Weapon Control Unit and Power Switching Unit. The components are key to allowing operators to control weapons, regulate power and ultimately launch the rockets from the vehicle. The systems are compatible with the M142 HIMARS, a wheeled vehicle, and the tracked M270 MLRS. Providing a common solution for both vehicles reduces lifecycle costs compared to separate systems for each and simplifies production, maintenance, logistics and training. L3Harris began delivering fire control units for U.S. Army precision ground fire vehicles more than 20 years ago, and the recent agreements are a combination of follow-on orders and new contracts. (Source: ASD Network)
30 Oct 23. Leonardo DRS, Inc. (NASDAQ: DRS) announced today that it has been awarded a contract to produce a prototype of the next-generation Joint Effects Targeting System II (JETS II) multi-sensor targeting technology for Forward Observers. The 30-month performance protype contract was awarded by the U.S. Army. The updated JETS II hand-held precision laser targeting system provides Forward Observers the capability to call in precision munitions in a wide range of combat scenarios, leading to higher target success rates and greater protection for our warfighters on the ground. The system improves upon and adds enhanced technologies for the users, significantly reducing weight and improving precision accuracy making the system a battlefield multiplier.
03 Nov 23. Oshkosh Defense, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was awarded a $208,890,089 modification (P01111) to contract W56HZV-15-C-0095 for Joint Light Tactical Vehicles. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 25, 2025. Fiscal 2023 Air Force European Deterrence Initiative funds; fiscal 2023 and 2024 procurement, Air Force funds; fiscal 2023 and 2024 procurement, Marine Corps funds; and fiscal 2024 other procurement, Army funds in the amount of $208,890,089 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit, Michigan, is the contracting activity.
31 Oct 23. Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH, Trittau, Germany, was awarded a $9,400,000 firm-fixed-price contract for high-energy cannon system parts and maintenance. 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 Oct. 30, 2028. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity. (Source: www.joint-forcescom)
03 Nov 23. Trijicon Inc.,* Wixom, Michigan, has been awarded a maximum $13,393,381 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for bore-sight optic riflescopes. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. The performance completion date is Oct. 27, 2028. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2029 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Warren, Michigan (SPRDL1-24-D-0002).
SEA
02 Nov 23. Kraken Robotics announced an initial order of its AquaPix® Miniature Synthetic Aperture Sonar (MINSAS) System for HII’s new REMUS 620 Medium Class UUV. Synthetic Aperture Sonar is quickly becoming the tool of choice for mine countermeasure (MCM) operations due to its significantly increased resolution and higher area coverage rates compared to legacy side scan sonar. This order is valued at $1m and will be fulfilled in 2024. The end users of these new REMUS 620 systems with Kraken MINSAS are teams led by NOAA working to identify areas of deep water corals and other sensitive habitats for restoration activities following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Over the last year, Kraken has been working with NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) to integrate and deploy a MINSAS 120 system on a legacy REMUS 600 and to conduct high-resolution habitat mapping. Mapping these habitats directly through the high-resolution Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) data greatly increases efficiency over traditional ROV surveys. Kraken is looking forward to supporting NOAA with their cutting-edge survey technology and methods. This order follows Kraken’s recent onsite support team throughout the NATO REPMUS exercise in Portugal, where Kraken worked closely with three NATO navy teams (the US, UK, and Netherlands) utilizing three generations of HII’s REMUS unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). These three generations of HII UUVs were retrofitted with Kraken’s Man-Portable Synthetic Aperture Sonar (MP-SAS). The UUVs included MK18 Mod 1, REMUS 100 NGR, and REMUS 300 underwater vehicles, showing the versatility of MP-SAS and its capability to be used across multiple platforms. Higher resolution imagery directly correlates to the reduction of false positives by both human operators and Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) software, which through advanced capabilities provided by the collaboration of the REMUS 620 and MINSAS Synthetic Aperture Sonar reduces the number of contacts required to be verified. The result is the potential for a significantly reduced MCM timeline. Kraken’s SAS products have been integrated into HII Unmanned Systems range of small, medium, and large AUVs, offering many opportunities to increase the Mine Hunting and MCM Capabilities of many NATO nations. (Source: ASD Network)
01 Nov 23. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Orlando, Florida, has been awarded a $176,198,704 firm-fixed-price contract modification (P00002) to previously awarded contract FA8682-23-C-B001 for the exercise of options for an additional 61 Lot 8 Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles with containers being produced under the basic contract, and initial spares. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $621,381,541. Work will be performed at Orlando, Florida; and Troy, Alabama, and is expected to be completed by July 18, 2027. Fiscal 2024 U.S. Air Force missile procurement funds in the amount of $78,278,704; and Navy weapons procurement funds in the amount of $97,920,000, are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity.
AIR
31 Oct 23. CodeMettle, an innovative developer of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) network operations (NetOps) software, as part of its partnership with Lite Coms, has been awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract to supply the USMC with a new Terminus software solution to efficiently and reliably configure, manage, monitor, and control new satellite communications (SATCOM) kits. CodeMettle’s Terminus solution standardizes and simplifies the NetOps user experience across a new family of terminals, further reducing cognitive load and training burden for operators. The Terminus software delivered over the life of the new five-year MCWS-L/H contract is part of a larger modernization effort. Terminus is currently used to manage, monitor, and control more than 400 legacy VSATs, so users are already familiar with the software and many of the baseband terminal management capabilities it delivers. (Source: PR Newswire)
31 Oct 23. HawkEye 360 Inc., the world’s leading defense technology company for space-based radio frequency (RF) data and analytics, announced today it has been awarded a $12.25m contract by Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific to share satellite RF data, analytics and training with partner nations in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands using SeaVision, a multinational data-sharing platform that is used by the U.S. and its allies and partners to share unclassified information to improve maritime domain awareness. This phase II contract reflects HawkEye 360’s continued work with the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA), which was endorsed by leaders of the Quad nations—Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. HawkEye 360 has served as a commercial partner to the IPMDA program since late 2022. The program focuses on providing shared technology, training, and insight into maritime activity across the Indo-Pacific region to support an open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (Source: PR Newswire)
03 Nov 23. L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) won a contract from the U.S. Navy to continue developing advanced systems to modernize electronic warfare (EW) capabilities on F/A-18 aircraft, enhancing pilot protection against emerging and future threats. L3Harris will develop a next-generation EW system under the $80m contract for the Navy’s F/A-18 fleet. It is one of two companies down-selected for the initial prototype contract. The final decision for follow-on development and production contracts is expected in 2026. The advanced L3Harris system will feature an integrated electronic support measure and electronic attack system, providing prompt threat detection across all relevant radio frequency bands. With a modular open systems approach and open mission systems compliant design, this innovation allows crews to easily insert new and upgraded technology, saving time and reducing costs. L3Harris has been providing innovative EW capabilities for F/A-18s for more than two decades. The company has also been providing these capabilities for more than 60 years to the U.S. Air Force and to other allied air services around the world. (Source: ASD Network/
30 Oct 23. Lockheed Martin Corp., King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, was awarded a $996,215,214 contract for the MK21A Reentry Vehicle (RV) program. This contract provides for conducting engineering, manufacturing, and design to provide a low technical risk and affordable RV for Sentinel. Work will be performed in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, and other various locations, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 20, 2039. This contract is a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2024 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $26,612,031 are being obligated at time of award. Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8219-24-C-0001).
31 Oct 23. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., San Diego, California, is awarded a $542,926,499 cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price, fixed-price incentive (firm-target) modification (P00046) to a previously awarded contract (N0001919C0008). This modification provides for the production and delivery of MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System Low-Rate Initial Production Lot Six, to include three unmanned aircraft (UA) for the Navy; one UA for the government of Australia; and one main operating base for the Navy, as well as associated support and related technical and administrative data. Work will be performed in San Diego, California (25.7%); Palmdale, California, (18.4%); Red Oak, Texas (10.1%); Linthicum, Maryland (9.5%); Grand Rapids, Michigan (5.1%); Bridgeport, West Virginia (5.1%); Indianapolis, Indiana (4.3%); Rolling Meadows, Illinois (2.5%); Moss Point, Mississippi (2.5%); Chantilly, Virginia (1.7%); Longueil, Quebec, Canada (1.1%); San Clemente, California (1.1%); various locations within of the continental U.S. (CONUS) (12.1%); and various locations outside of the CONUS (0.5%), and is expected to be completed in January 2028. Fiscal 2023 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $411,380,298; fiscal 2022 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $971,678; and Royal Australian Air Force cooperative funds in the amount of $40,000,000 will be obligated at the time of award, $971,678 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
02 Nov 23. nLIGHT, Inc. (Nasdaq: LASR), a leading provider of high-power semiconductor and fiber lasers, today announced the award of additional options that more than double the previously-announced contract to produce a High Energy Laser (HEL) prototype as part of the second phase of the DoD’s Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, Research & Engineering (OUSD (R&E)) High Energy Laser Scaling Initiative (HELSI). The original phase two award announced in May 2023 was for $86m, and the exercise of the additional options announced today brings the total value of the award to nLIGHT to $171m. In the first phase of the HELSI program, nLIGHT utilized its coherent beam combined (CBC) architecture to demonstrate a 300 kilowatt (kW) class high energy laser with power and brightness that exceeded program objectives. In the second phase of the HELSI program, which is expected to be executed over the next three years, nLIGHT will build upon its proven modular CBC architecture to scale laser source power to the megawatt-class with improved beam quality, size and weight. This laser will be delivered in a rugged conex-compatible form factor with optional space allocations to upgrade with precision long range tracking and adaptive optics technology. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
30 Oct 23. The Space Development Agency (SDA) awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) an agreement with a total potential value of approximately $732m to design and build 38 data transport satellites. These satellites will support Tranche 2 Transport Layer – Alpha (T2TL-Alpha), the latest iteration of SDA’s low-Earth orbit Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).
01 Nov 23. Red Cat announced a USD2.6m purchase order to supply 172 Teal 2s to the US Defense Logistics Agency on 23 August. The company had announced an initial order for the same number of systems on 8 August. The small unmanned aircraft systems (sUASs) are to be operated by the US Air Force (USAF). Red Cat is one of three companies shortlisted for the US Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) programme intended to procure inexpensive, rucksack-portable sUASs. An award is expected in the October–December 2024 timeframe, Stan Nowak, Red Cat’s vice-president of marketing, told Janes on the sidelines of the Association of the United States Army conference on 11 October. Teal 2, built by Red Cat subsidiary Teal Drones, is designed for night-time operations. The rotors can fold up to minimise space requirements. If broken, the rotors and gimbal assembly can “easily pop out and be replaced”, Nowak said. The executive noted that the system, which includes the drone, four batteries, two battery chargers, control unit, spare parts, and field repair kit, costs around USD17,000, “making it cost-effective for military use”. (Source: Janes)
TECHNOLOGY
30 Oct 23. The Department of Defense released today the Military Intelligence Program appropriated top line budget for FY 2023. The total MIP budget was $27.9bn and is aligned to support the National Defense Strategy. The department has determined that releasing this top line figure does not jeopardize any classified activities within the MIP. No other MIP budget figures or program details will be released, as they remain classified for national security reasons.
30 Oct 23. The Department of Defense today announced award of $12.7m via the Defense Production Act Investment (DPAI) Program to IperionX Technology, LLC to increase titanium powder production for defense supply chains. The award is to commission and scale up IperionX’s facility in Virginia to a demonstration plant, increasing the company’s titanium powder production to 125 metric tons (MT) annually. IperionX’s goal is to produce 10,000 MT of titanium metal powder per year within five years. The company produces titanium alloys from either titanium minerals or 100% recycled material. To date in calendar year 2023, the DPAI Program has made 21 awards totaling $674 m. DPAI is overseen by the ASD(IBP)’s Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Program (MCEIP), in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Resilience. For more information on MCEIP, please visit: https://www.businessdefense.gov/ibr/mceip/index.html
REST OF THE WORLD
LAND
29 Oct 23. Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT and TASE: ESLT) (“Elbit Systems” or the “Company”) announced today that it was awarded a $135m contract to establish an artillery ammunition factory for an international customer. The contract will be performed over a period of two years. This contract will leverage the significant technical and operational knowledge that Elbit Systems has accumulated, as well as decades of ammunition production experience. Elbit Systems builds and operates ammunition factories and production lines in multiple sites. The Company’s experience covers the entire product cycle, from design to production as well as maintenance and after sales support.
31 Oct 23. Kromek receives additional $1m in CBRN orders. Kromek Group plc (AIM: KMK), a leading developer of radiation and bio-detection technology solutions for the advanced imaging and CBRN detection segments, announces that it has secured three further orders totalling over $1m in the CBRN detection segment. This includes two orders in nuclear security, with one order for the further development of the Group’s bio-security technology. The majority of the revenue will be recognised in the current financial year, which helps to underpin forecasts along with the recent $5.9m contract from the US Department of Homeland Security.
26 Oct 23. Meprolight (1990) Ltd. – a member of the SK Group (founded by Mr. Samy Katsav) and a leading manufacturer of electro-optical systems, thermal and night vision equipment, as well as self-illuminated sights for military, law enforcement and civilian applications, has announced the sale of tens of thousands of its MEPRO MOR sights to a South American country. The MEPRO MOR sights effectively address three distinct needs within a single, sophisticated product – functioning as a battery-free passive reflector sight, a visible pointer, and an invisible IR pointer. Consequently, this advanced solution yields substantial cost savings, enveloping operational and maintenance expenses that would otherwise be incurred by deploying three separate sights. Additionally, the MEPRO MOR sights enhances mission flexibility, further elevating its utility and adaptability. The sight’s battery-free reticule system enables accurate, fast, and instinctive firing at all times without the need to turn the sight ON; even if the sight is switched to OFF or has no batteries, its light-collecting fibre-optic and a tritium capsule ensure full day and night reticule availability. (Source: www.joint-forcescom)
31 Oct 23. Savox Communications’ Asian Success Continues with a 5m Euro Order for Trics Hub and NC-100 Headsets. Savox Communications, the leading provider of mission-critical hearing protection and communication solutions, is delighted to announce yet another milestone in our ongoing success in the Asian market. As the premier provider of these hearing protection and communication solutions, we take pride in sharing that we have recently secured a substantial order worth 5m euros. This order encompasses Savox tactical communication solutions, specifically the Savox Trics communication Hub and Savox NC-100 Headsets. This reaffirms our commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology that supports professionals working in high-stakes environments.
01 Nov 23. SkySafe Continues to Secure Counter-Drone Contracts in Asia. SkySafe, a global leader in drone airspace management and awareness, today announced that it has once again been selected as the preferred vendor for counter-drone technology by a major U.S. military ally in Asia. This is the sixth multi-m dollar contract win in the region for SkySafe. SkySafe’s core technology is built on a deep understanding of drone communication protocols, having tested and deployed counter-drone capabilities to domestic and foreign military customers since 2015. SkySafe offers comprehensive defense against the threat of drones by applying advanced radio frequency (RF) technology, reverse engineering, and deep threat analysis, including the collection of metadata to enhance threat analysis and assessment. (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
01 Nov 23. The UAE Armed Forces awarded Thales a contract worth €300m ($315m) for 17 Ground Master 200 (GM200) radars. (Source: army-technology.com)
AIR
02 Nov 23. Iraq – Bell Helicopter Contracted Logistics Support (CLS). The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Iraq of Bell Helicopter Contracted Logistics Support (CLS) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $300m. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of Iraq has requested to buy additional services, as indicated below, that will be added to a previously implemented case whose value was under the congressional notification threshold. The original FMS case, valued at $28m, included a Bell Contracted Logistics Support (CLS) and Field Service Representative (FSR) contract. This notification is for the combined CLS and FSR maintenance support for the following Bell aircraft: three (3) 407 variants, 206B3, OH-58A/C Kiowa, Huey II and 505. Also included is U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; studies and surveys; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $300m. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner. The proposed sale will improve the Republic of Iraq’s capability to meet current and future threats by enhancing the strength of its homeland defense. The Republic of Iraq will have no difficulty absorbing these 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 Bell Helicopter Company, Fort Worth, TX. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of four (4) additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Iraq for a duration of one (1) year to support CLS for Bell 505 aircraft. There are currently seven (7) U.S. Government or contractor representatives in Iraq that will stay an additional two (2) years to provide support for the contract option years for CLS and FSR service support for the three (3) 407 variants, 206B3, OH-58A/C and Huey II aircraft. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Defense Security Cooperation Agency)
31 Oct 23. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded a $177,048,070 firm-fixed-price and a maximum amount to include a time and material ceiling amount of $100,000 on contract for F-16 Systems Program Office Foreign Military Sales support. This contract provides for Foreign Military Sales support to Chilean/Fuerza Aérea de Chile F-16 M6.6 Operational Flight Program and Systems Upgrade. Work will be performed at Fort Worth, Texas; Greenville, South Carolina; and Chile, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2032. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales to Chile. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $177,148,070 are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8232-24-C-0001).