UNITED KINGDOM
LAND
23 Nov 23. Hanwha Aerospace contracts with BAE Systems to supply 155mm artillery propelling charges. Hanwha Aerospace has been awarded a contract to supply 155mm artillery bi-modular charge systems to BAE Systems. BAE Systems is a long term strategic supply partner to the UK Ministry of Defence. The contract is worth around $130M, providing critical components of the artillery operation. Hanwha Aerospace’s Bi-Modular Charge System, HW70 and HW50, were developed using NATO standard 39/52 caliber 155mm guns and BAE Systems’ NATO standard ammunition, L15, to meet the Joint Ballistic Memorandum of Understanding (JBMoU), and have been verified for performance, safety, and compatibility. It also incorporates performance enhancements over its predecessor, including increased robustness of the Combustible Cartridge Case (CCC) to maximize operability with Automated Turrets, which are expected to be increasingly deployed in the future, and an improved ignition system for fast and uniform propellant ignition. (Source: PR Newswire)
22 Nov 23. New telescope to provide UK with crucial space awareness. UK Space Command and the UK Space Agency have announced the award of a contract to Spaceflux to build a new ground-based space camera-telescope system in Cyprus. Known as Project ‘Nyx Alpha’, the telescope will monitor objects in geostationary orbit, approximately 36,000km above Earth’s equator. Its primary mission will be to provide position information on UK satellites, helping to prevent collisions, protect critical space assets, and enhance the UK’s Space Domain Awareness (SDA). The contract brings another boost to the UK’s growing space industry, supporting existing jobs and creating opportunities in the sector. The system has also been designed to allow for the sharing of data with partner organisations and international allies, improving the UK’s contribution to strategic space relationships, and increasing opportunities for collaboration in the space domain. Spaceflux, a UK space technology company, will build, maintain, and routinely operate the system. It will be tasked by UK Space Agency and UK Space Command analysts from the UK Space Operations Centre at RAF High Wycombe. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
AIR
21 Nov 23. A UK team has been awarded more than £10m to replace Russian components in the Rosalind Franklin Mars Rover. Mission to explore life on Mars receives £10 million funding to build key instruments
- Key instrument for the £10m Rosalind Franklin Mars Rover will now be built in UK
- the Mars Rover, which will search for signs of life on the Red Planet, aims to launch to Mars in 2028
- comes as Chancellor commits up to £47m to grow UK Earth observation sector and confirms initial £15m to develop satellites connecting rural areas
A European mission to explore life on Mars has been given a major boost after a UK firm was awarded more than £10m to replace Russian components in the Rosalind Franklin Mars Rover, Space Minister Andrew Griffith announced today (Thursday 23 November). The rover, which was built by Airbus in Stevenage as part of a European Space Agency programme, was due to launch in 2022 before collaboration with Russia’s space agency was cancelled following the illegal invasion of Ukraine. Now, the UK Space Agency will provide an additional £10.7m to a UK team to replace a Russian-made instrument on the Rosalind Franklin rover, with the aim of launching to Mars in 2028. It brings the total government investment in the Rosalind Franklin, through the UK Space Agency, to £377m. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
21 Nov 23. New UK funding for space technology projects. The UK Space Agency has announced 23 ground-breaking projects that could boost UK leadership in new space technologies and applications around the world. The Enabling Technologies Programme (ETP) provides opportunities for the UK space sector to accelerate the development of leading-edge technologies that could be used to tackle global problems and benefit the work of space organisations internationally. The total government funding is £4 m – made up of £3.2m from the UK Space Agency with £800,000 contributed by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The projects from academia and industry explore how space can be used more efficiently for purposes such as weather prediction, climate-change monitoring, and space debris removal through methods of propulsion, sterilisation, in-orbit servicing, imaging, and more. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
16 Nov 23. BAE Selected to Enhance GPS Technology on Eurofighter Typhoon. Following successful activity to demonstrate functional compatibility and physical installation feasibility, BAE Systems Digital GPS Anti-jam Receiver (DIGARTM) has been selected to continue into the next phase of the Phase 4 Enhancements (P4E) capability program on the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. DIGAR will boost the protection of the aircraft from GPS signal jamming, spoofing, and Radio Frequency (RF) interference, so that pilots can execute their missions in the most heavily contested RF environments. DIGAR uses advanced antenna electronics, high-performance signal processing, and digital beamforming for significantly improved GPS signal reception and superior jamming immunity. These capabilities considerably increase the level of GPS jamming protection and are critical for combat aircraft as they maneuver through a contested battlespace. The fighter will also receive BAE Systems’ new GEMVII-6 airborne digital GPS receiver which, when coupled with the DIGAR antenna electronics unit, enables the platform to conduct high-capability digital beamforming anti-jamming. (Source: ASD Network)
TECHNOLOGY
17 Nov 23. Team of UK Companies Secure Contract to Trial 5G Infrastructure from the Sky. A team of UK companies led by Stratospheric Platforms Limited (SPL), a Non-Terrestrial Networks telecoms developer, has won a significant contract trialling advanced airborne 5G connectivity from a Britten-Norman Islander. Aircraft manufacturer Britten-Norman will be providing key design and trials support for the project, with Marshall Futureworx providing important cooling systems technology. SPL is pioneering the concept of using a High-Altitude Platform (HAP) with airborne antenna to provide widescale coverage of high performance 5G from the stratosphere. The first phase of the contract will see SPLs 5G airborne phased array integrated to a Britten-Norman Islander, with flight trials due to begin in July 2024. The turbine-powered BN2T-4S Islander variant has been selected for the programme due to its performance and payload capacity and the simplicity with which it can be modified to accommodate the equipment. The trial will be conducted under Britten-Norman’s Civil Aviation Authority test conditions. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Britten Norman)
EUROPE
LAND
21 Nov 23. Babcock International Group (Babcock), the defence company, has been awarded a new contract to provide in-service support to airfield GSE (Ground Support Equipment) throughout military bases in France’s mainland and overseas bases. The seven-year contract, awarded by the French Ministry of Defence’s Directorate of Aeronautical Maintenance (DMAé), comprises the management and maintenance of a fleet of more than 2,500 pieces of equipment that are critical to airfield operations, and the provision of 1200 spare parts. The contract covers equipment for the Armed Forces. The contract will see Babcock investing in key systems, infrastructure, and human resources, reinforcing the increasing importance of its position in France. It follows the successful completion of the transition of the 10-year ground support equipment contract awarded in December 2022 to support around 1000 equipments and 4000 spare parts for the French Army, Navy and Air Force at 44 sites worldwide.
20 Nov 23. Procurement of New Dingoes and Maritime Patrol Aircraft Approved. On November 16, the Budget Committee of the German Bundestag released funds for the procurement of Dingo 2A4.1 protected command and function vehicles (GGF) and additional maritime patrol aircraft P-8A Poseidon. The green light was specifically given for the purchase of 50 protected command vehicles of the Dingo 2 A4.1 type for a total of around 150 m euros. They are financed through the so-called strengthening title, as the Bundeswehr has given its own Dingoes to Ukraine to support the country in its defense against Russian aggression. (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ German Ministry of Defense; issued Nov 17, 2023)
17 Nov 23. Saab received an order from a Government of a Western country for a number of defence systems and equipment. The order value is approximately SEK 4.3bn with deliveries planned 2025-2027. The order includes systems and equipment from Saab’s business areas Dynamics and Surveillance.
SEA
24 Nov 23. DGA Orders First Seven Ocean-Going OPVs for French Navy. On November 17, 2023, the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) ordered seven offshore patrol vessels intended for the French Navy. This order is the subject of three contracts for a total amount of 900m euros:
— The production contract was awarded to the temporary group of companies composed of CMN, PIRIOU and SOCARENAM.
— A contract for project management assistance and construction of the combat management system was awarded to Naval Group.
— THALES has also been awarded a contract to equip the first seven offshore patrol vessels with the latest generation of maritime surveillance equipment (Bluewatcher hull sonar, compact multi-mission surveillance radar and IFF – (friend or foe identification system) .
In accordance with the 2024-2030 military programming law, ten offshore patrol vessels are expected to be in service by 2035, with a first delivery planned for 2026. They are intended to replace the offshore patrol vessels (PHM) based in Brest and Toulon. , as well as the Cherbourg public service patrollers.
Positioning itself as overall project manager of the program, the DGA has chosen an innovative acquisition strategy making it possible to make the most of national skills in the field of development, construction and construction. supply of naval equipment and systems. (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ French Directorate General of Armament; issued Nov. 23 2023)
AIR
21 Nov 23. Space for Our Future: UK aims to join Atlantic Constellation with funding for new Earth observation satellite The UK is aiming to join Portugal and Spain as a member of the Atlantic Constellation and is contributing a new pathfinder satellite designed and built by a UK-based company adding to the innovative Earth and coastal monitoring and data sharing network. This new commitment, announced on the opening day of the UK Space Conference in Belfast, will further strengthen the UK’s national capabilities in Earth observation technology and complement the UK’s contributions to the EU Copernicus programme, European Space Agency and bilateral missions. The UK Space Agency is providing £3m to support the build of the new pathfinder satellite, intended to be one of the first in the Constellation, with co-funding from Open Cosmos, based on the Harwell Space Campus in Oxfordshire. The Atlantic Constellation is a flagship, global project for the development of a constellation of small satellites for Ocean, Earth and Climate monitoring. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
21 Nov 23. Leonardo and the Air Armaments and Airworthiness Directorate of the Secretariat General of Defence / National Armaments Directorate signed a purchase contract to supply the Slovenian Defence Ministry with a second C-27J Spartan aircraft and related logistics and training services. The contract follows the Italy-Slovenia Government-to-Government agreement (G2G) signed on 17 November 2021, aiming to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The C-27J Spartan Next Generation features new avionics in a glass cockpit with five multi-functional colour screens, a radar system for tactical transport missions and advanced communication systems. The system architecture ensures interoperability with other transport aircraft. It is easy to integrate with in-flight refuelling, self-protection, secure communications and ballistic protection systems to operate in high-threat environments, transporting materials, light vehicles and personnel wherever needed. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/)
21 Nov 23. TEKEVER has signed a contract worth up to €3.2m to provide satellite communications technology for the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Comet Interceptor mission. The contract comes as TEKEVER opens a new site in Toulouse, France, dedicated to building the company’s capabilities in satellite communications and space technology. TEKEVER will provide GAMALINK, its advanced Inter-Satellite Link (ISL) technology, to OHB Italy, which will enable communication and the transfer of data between satellites and ground stations involved in the Comet Interceptor mission launching in 2028. The mission, comprising three spacecraft, will observe a long-period comet as it approaches the sun for the first time, which will improve understanding of the origins of the solar system and the universe. (Source: UAS VISION)
TECHNOLOGY
20 Nov 23. German Navy’s future frigates bolstered by Systematic’s maritime solution. Systematic has been selected to provide the command and control (C2) for the German Navy’s future F126 frigate programme. As part of a contract with DXC Technology Deutschland GmbH, Systematic will supply the warships with what is known as the National Maritime C2 Service Bundeswehr (NMC2S Bw).
USA
LAND
22 Nov 23. BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P., York, Pennsylvania, was awarded a $36,390,000 modification (P00001) to contract W56HZV-23-C-0078 for M88A2 Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift and Evacuation System vehicles. Work will be performed in York, Pennsylvania, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2025. Fiscal 2023 weapons and tracked combat vehicle procurement, Army funds in the amount of $36,390,000 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity.
22 Nov 23. Oshkosh Defense LLC, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was awarded a $341,201,903 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract for medium equipment trailers. 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, 2030. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-24-D-0001).
20 Nov 23. QinetiQ Group plc (“QinetiQ”) has won a 5-year $170m contract with the US Department of Homeland Security for the Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS). TARS is the largest new business competitive win for Avantus since our acquisition last year and builds on recent significant contract awards, reported in our Interim Results last week. This win takes the total new contract awards this year for Avantus to $827m, equivalent to more than 2.5x years of revenue cover. These major contract wins deliver new incremental business, building momentum to deliver strong revenue growth in the second half of this year and beyond, underpinning our confidence that Avantus will deliver double-digit revenue growth at stable margin into the medium term. Avantus has transformed our customer access in the US, expanding our customer base and creating a disruptive mid-tier business in the US. During the first half of the year, we have also identified new business opportunities worth an additional $1.5bn over the next five years, created through the combination of capabilities across the US and our other markets to drive our future growth plan. TARS provides detection, tracking and monitoring capabilities in diverse environments at and beyond the US borders. Under this 5-year contract, QinetiQ will deliver aerostat operations, air-surface radar operations, ground control and data networking systems monitoring, and data analysis in support of border security and air sovereignty missions. The programme will be delivered through the provision of mission support, operations and maintenance, and lifecycle and programme management.
SEA
22 Nov 23. Huntington Ingalls Industries Unmanned Systems, Pocasset, Massachusetts, is awarded a $23,004,606 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract N00024-23-C-6308 to exercise options for Lionfish Small Unmanned Undersea Vehicle production, support equipment, and ancillary equipment. Work will be performed in Pocasset, Massachusetts (99%); and Hampton, Virginia (1%), and is expected to be completed by September 2025. Fiscal 2022 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $2,783,529 (12%); fiscal 2023 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $11,835,905 (52%); fiscal 2024 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $4,673,082 (20%); and fiscal 2024 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $3,712,090 (16%), will be obligated at time of award. Funds in the amount of $2,783,529 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
AIR
17 Nov 23. Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing Company, has been selected for phase 1 of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) SPeed and Runway INdependent Technologies (SPRINT) X-Plane Demonstration Project. This project aims to design, build, and fly an X-Plane to demonstrate technologies and integrated concepts necessary for a transformational combination of aircraft speed and runway independence. This initial award funds work to reach a conceptual design review and includes an executable option to continue work through preliminary design review. Under this award, Aurora is designing a high lift, low drag fan-in-wing (FIW) demonstrator aircraft that integrates a blended wing body platform, with embedded engines and moderate sweep, with a vertical flight design comprised of embedded lift fans linked to the engines via mechanical drives. The aircraft would deliver game-changing air mobility capability by combining cruise at over 450 KTAS with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) in a single platform. The combined Aurora and Boeing team brings deep experience in agile vehicle prototyping, vertical lift and cruise transition technology, and blended wing body aero performance. The program will build on past flight programs like the Boeing X-48 blended wing body aircraft and the Aurora Excalibur UAS that combined jet-borne vertical lift with three electric, louvered lift fans that would retract into the wing in forward flight. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Aurora Flight Sciences)
22 Nov 23. Piasecki Aircraft Corporation, a global supplier of rotorcraft and aerial vehicles, announced that it has been awarded a $37m multi-year contract by AFWERX, the Air Force’s innovation arm in conjunction with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), as part of its Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) program. The award will enable Piasecki to flight demonstrate its Aerial Reconfigurable Embedded System (ARES) tilt-duct vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial system (UAS) as well as industry-leading hydrogen fuel cell propulsion technologies for VTOL and other aviation applications.The funding will support Piasecki R&D programs, including:
- Aerial Reconfigurable Embedded System (ARES) — ARES is a modular multi-mission tilt duct VTOL vehicle that can be operated unmanned (UAS) or with an optional manned flight module. ARES is designed with a small landing footprint to enable shipboard and expeditionary operations as well as provide embedded multi-mission C4I, ISR, combat, and logistics support to small distributed combat forces operating over extended distances and in complex terrain. Rapidly-reconfigurable Mission Payload Modules deliver mission flexibility that significantly reduces overall logistics footprint and cost. The ARES Demonstration Vehicle was produced in partnership with Lockheed Martin with funding from DARPA. With follow-on funding from the U.S. Air Force and Army, Piasecki and Honeywell are integrating a triplex fly-by-wire flight control system to initiate ARES flight testing by the end of this year.
- Hydrogen Fuel Cell Propulsion System — Piasecki is collaborating with ZeroAvia, a leader in hydrogen-electric aviation, to develop and implement its revolutionary High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (HTPEM) hydrogen fuel cell technology for PA-890 and other VTOL applications. The PA-890 eVTOL aircraft is expected to be the first zero-emission hydrogen-powered compound helicopter. The slowed-rotor winged helicopter is intended for use in a variety of missions including Emergency Medical Services (EMS), delivery of high-value On-Demand Logistics (ODL), On-Demand Mobility (ODM) personnel air transport, and many other commercial applications across the $40 bn commercial light helicopter market. In addition to zero carbon emissions, the PA-890 eVTOL enables up to a 50% reduction in direct operating cost and reduced noise compared with today’s fossil fuel turbine helicopters — and significantly greater range compared with all-electric helicopters. (Source: UAS VISION)
TECHNOLOGY
17 Nov 23. Pacific Defense Strategies, Inc., El Segundo, California, was awarded a $31,256,281 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for a Sensor Open System Architecture aligned solution for a reconfigurable radio frequency sensing payload. Work will be performed in El Segundo, California, and is expected to be completed by October 2027. This was a competitive solicitation with one offer received. Fiscal 2024 research, development, test, and evaluation (3620) funds in the amount of $9,446,815 are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, is the contracting activity (FA9453-24-C-X009).
17 Nov 23. Raytheon, an RTX business, has been awarded a four-year, $15m contract from DARPA to increase the electronic capability of radio frequency sensors with high-power-density Gallium Nitride transistors. The improved transistors will have 16 times higher output power than traditional Gallium Nitride with no increase in operating temperature. Raytheon is the world’s leading manufacturer of military-grade Gallium Nitride, a cutting-edge semiconductor technology that, when used in radar systems, improves range and radar resource management handling. This new prototyping work is being performed under DARPA’s Technologies for Heat Removal in Electronics at the Device Scale program, known as THREADS. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ RTX)
REST OF THE WORLD
SEA
20 Nov 23. Singapore signs contract with Fr. Fassmer GmbH & Co. KG (Fassmer) to Acquire Offshore Patrol Vessels. The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has signed a contract with Fr. Fassmer GmbH & Co. KG (Fassmer) to acquire four new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) to replace the existing Sentinel-class Maritime Security Response Vessels (MSRVs). The ships are based on a proven OPV design operated by the German Bundespolizei (Federal Police), and are designed with high manoeuvrability to operate in Singapore’s congested waters, and equipped with a suite of lethal and less-lethal capabilities to provide flexibility and calibrated response against a wide spectrum of maritime threats. The four OPVs will be delivered progressively from 2028 onwards. The MSRVs will remain in operational service until the OPVs are delivered and operationalised. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Singapore Ministry of Defence)
23 Nov 23. Fincantieri has signed with the Armament Authority formally representing the Ministry of Defense of the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt, a 10-year contract related to two Fremm vessels of In-Service Support and Integrated Logistic Support, i.e., preventive maintenance services, logistic studies and corrective maintenance on demand, with a value of about €260m. The contract is subject to the fulfillment of customary conditions precedent for the sector. The total value of the contract includes the portion that will be allocated to Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN) – the joint venture owned by Fincantieri and Leonardo with stakes of 51% and 49%, respectively – as a sub-supplier. The sub-supplier agreement between Fincantieri and OSN constitutes a transaction between related parties of greater significance defined in compliance with the relevant applicable regulations. The transaction benefits from the exclusion from the procedural regime provided for transactions with subsidiaries (including jointly). (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/)
20 Nov 23. Japan – Tomahawk Weapon System. The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan of Tomahawk Weapon System and related equipment for an estimated cost of $2.35bn. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of Japan has requested to buy up to two hundred (200) Tomahawk Block IV All Up Rounds (AURs) (RGM-109E); up to two hundred (200) Tomahawk Block V AURs (RGM-109E); and fourteen (14) Tactical Tomahawk Weapon Control Systems (TTWCS). Also included is support for the Tomahawk Weapon System (TWS) (the All Up Round, the Tactical Tomahawk Weapon Control Systems (TTWCS) and the Mission Distribution Software Suite Centers (MDSSC)), as well as containers; feasibility studies; software; hardware; training; unscheduled missile maintenance; spares; in-service support; communication equipment; operational flight test; publications; engineering and technical expertise to maintain the TWS capability; non-recurring engineering; transportation; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $2.35bn. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region. The proposed sale will improve Japan’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing a long range, conventional surface-to-surface missile with significant standoff range that can neutralize growing threats. Japan will have no difficulty absorbing these articles 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 Raytheon, Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: ASD Network)
22 Nov 23. Australia has revealed its partner of choice for the seven-year, $2bn contract to maintain and sustain the Royal Australian Navy fleet at Garden Island. Thales Australia has been appointed Regional Maintenance Provider for Defence’s new Regional Maintenance Centre East at Garden Island. Defence has outlined that the centre will be used to support the sustainment of the Royal Australian Navy’s Canberra Class landing helicopter docks, Hobart Class guided missile destroyers and the HMAS Choules landing ship dock. Defence explained that the announcement forms part of a new approach to maritime sustainment. The approach includes establishing a network of maintenance centres around Australia to support continuous naval shipbuilding and enhance contingency response capabilities as part of Plan Galileo. (Source: Defence Connect)
AIR
17 Nov 23. Edge announces Emirati UAV orders. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces have ordered both Reach-S unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and Garmoosha rotary UAVs, local defence company Edge announced during the Dubai Airshow on 16 November. It said the Reach-S order covers the delivery of 100 UAVs without specifying the value of the contract, while the contract for an unspecified number of Garmoosha UAVs is worth AED239m (USD65m). Tawazun Council, which manages procurement for the UAE Armed Forces, appeared to confirm the Garmoosha order in its contract announcements on day four of the Dubai Airshow, saying one worth AED239m had been awarded to ADASI, Edge’s unmanned systems subsidiary, for helicopters it did not identify. It made no apparent reference to a Reach-S order. The Garmoosha is listed as having a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 550 kg with a 120 kg payload, making it more than twice as heavy as the Schiebel S-100 rotary UAV currently used by the UAE Armed Forces. (Source: Janes)
17 Nov 23. The Argentina Air Force chose its new interim fighter aircraft – the Korean Aerospace Industries FA-50 Fighting Eagle. Jane’s reports that a senior FAA officer with direct knowledge of the planned procurement said that the supersonic, twin-seat light fighter and attack aircraft has been selected following an evaluation. The Air Force has to replace the Dassault Mirage III and Mirage 5 fleets that were retired in late 2015, and the aging Douglas A-4R Fighting Hawk fleet that is increasingly difficult and costly to maintain. The FA-50 is a light combat version of the T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft. The T-50 is South Korea’s first indigenous supersonic aircraft and one of the world’s few supersonic trainers. (Source: News Now/Defense Industry Daily)
17 Nov 23. MDA Ltd. (TSX: MDA), a leading provider of advanced technology and services to the rapidly expanding global space industry, announced today that it has received an Authorization to Proceed (ATP) contract from an undisclosed customer to start work on a new Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO)* satellite constellation. The ATP, valued at approximately $180m, is to immediately commence engineering and programmatic activities, including the procurement of long-lead items. The full constellation, valued at a minimum of $750m, is expected to include a minimum of 36 MDA software-defined digital satellites, a new MDA product recently introduced to the market. The definitive contract for the full constellation, for which MDA would be the prime contractor, is expected in 2024, subject to contract finalization. The ATP contract will be added to MDA’s backlog in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. *Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) includes Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). (Source: PR Newswire)
20 Nov 23. STM Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.Ş. a developer of national and modern systems within the Turkish defence sector, has recorded another major export success in the field of tactical mini-UAVs, further cementing its pioneering position in Türkiye. A contract has been signed for the first export of the fixed-wing national attack UAV system Alpagu, developed by STM based on wholly indigenous and national resources, and widely known as a “kamikaze UAV”. Having successfully passed all field tests, the first batch of Alpagu has now been delivered to the undisclosed user country. This adds another domestically-manufactured system to the list of systems that have achieved export successes without yet entering the inventory in Türkiye. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/STM)