UNITED KINGDOM
SEA
28 Nov 23. Babcock has been awarded a contract worth £66m to provide in-service submarine support expertise into the development of the UK’s Dreadnought Class submarines – the future of the UK’s nuclear deterrent. Covering the next 4.5 years, the contract will see Babcock provide the Ministry of Defence with technical and management support, engineering best practice and submarine maintenance achievability. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
28 Nov 23. Babcock has been awarded a £55m contract by BAE Systems for Weapon Handling and Launch System (WHLS) and Submerged Signal Ejector equipment for boats 2-4 of the Dreadnought Class. The contract will support a further 100 jobs across the UK and will see Babcock work with BAE Systems and the MOD together to ensure the Dreadnought Class is delivered on time. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
AIR
23 Nov 23. Airbus Defence and Space in the UK has been awarded £3.9m from the UK Space Agency (UKSA) to create a space and connectivity catalyst at its headquarters in Stevenage. Airbus will create a range of facilities at its 14 acre site available to new and existing space players to encourage growth in the wider space ecosystem. The new Space Catalyst will be part of Airbus’ Community for Space Prosperity (CUSP) programme which aims to grow the activity of the UK space supply chain, research and outreach activities. (Source: ASD Network)
01 Dec 23. The UK Ministry of Defence has chosen the UK-manufactured Sting Ray Torpedo as its future torpedo capability alongside continued use of the United States Navy Mk54 weapon on the RAF’s Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The programme to integrate Sting Ray Mod 1 on to Poseidon is now under way, and it will give the UK a potent and sovereign torpedo capability, providing flexibility to the Poseidon fleet. In-service with the Royal Navy, Sting Ray Mod 1 is capable of integration into surface and air platform mission systems. Sting Ray Mod 1 is an air-launched Anti-Submarine Warfare lightweight torpedo launched from frigates, helicopters, and maritime patrol aircraft against submarine targets of all types. (Source: News Now/https://www.navalnews.com/)
TECHNOLOGY
27 Nov 23. 4GD has been awarded a contract by the Defence and Security Accelerator to integrate the ChatGPT language model into its SimStriker robotic targets. The integration will allow soldiers to have “dynamic conversations with the target”, according to 4GD, which will work with its partners NIAXO, a software solutions company, to create varied military training scenarios. SimStriker, which started development in 2020, is used at 4GD’s SmartFacility, which is currently in service with the British Army’s 16 Air Assault Brigade in Colchester, UK. In 2022, the facility was used for more than 1,200 hours by the British Army Air Assault Brigade, the Ministry of Defence police, and civilian users. (Source: army-technology.com)
30 Nov 23. Goldilock, British cybersecurity company and creator of the unique physical network isolation solution “Drawbridge”, has today announced that it has been selected as one of 30 participants out of 1,300 applicants, to be accepted into the NATO DIANA accelerator programme, on merit of its unique physical disconnection solution. The DIANA accelerator programme is designed to equip businesses with the skills and knowledge to navigate the world of deep tech and dual-use innovation. It provides an immersive curriculum that integrates the NATO innovation network and strategic business partners from the commercial and defence markets. The six-month programme consists of ten modules meticulously crafted to empower participants to develop into viable dual-use ventures, building on Goldilock’s innovative technology which is already available in the civilian sphere. The team will gain a comprehensive understanding of the dual-use landscape, leveraging insights and experience gained via Defence and Security Accelerator, National Cyber Security For Startups and Department for Business and Trade programs, acquiring the expertise to navigate both commercial and defence markets with success. Companies accepted into the DIANA accelerator programme gain access to several opportunities: grants to support technology development and demonstration, 10+ accelerators and 90+ test centres across the Alliance, mentoring from scientists, engineers, industry partners, end users, and government procurement experts, and pathways to market within the NATO enterprise and 31 Allied markets. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
EUROPE
LAND
27 Nov 23. Israel signs Arrow contract with Germany. The Israeli Ministry of Defense (MoD) announced on X (formerly Twitter) on 23 November that its Director General, Eyal Zamir, signed the final contract for the USD3.6bn sale of the Arrow Weapon System (AWS) to Germany earlier the same day. In addition to the AWS and Arrow 3 missiles, the contract includes an initial package of spare parts and training of Luftwaffe crews. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, signed a joint declaration of intent in Berlin on 28 September on Germany’s AWS procurement for the Luftwaffe. This was followed by approval by the budget committee of the Bundestag, Germany’s parliament, of the procurement of AWS and Arrow 3 missiles, announced by the German MoD on 19 October. The procurement will be funded by the EUR100bn (USD109 bn) Zeitenwende special fund approved by Germany after the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. (Source: Janes)
27 Nov 23. Norway will buy eight Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) launchers and four fire control units from Kongsberg, the manufacturer announced on 24 November, to replace stock deployed to Ukraine earlier in the year. Norway will also buy new missiles for its air defence vehicles along with three different missiles of ‘various range capabilities’ from missile supplier Raytheon. These purchases are still subject to parliamentary approval from Storting, the supreme legislature of Norway, and estimates of the value of the individual contracts have not been announced. (Source: army-technology.com)
SEA
30 Nov 23. Exail has signed a contract with RH Marine NETHERLANDS B.V to provide advanced inertial navigation systems and data distribution units for the Royal Netherlands and Belgian Navies’ Anti-Submarine Warfare Frigates (ASWF). This partnership further reinforces Exail’s position as a trusted provider of navigation solutions for naval applications worldwide. Exail’s track record in naval navigation includes successful programs such as the Spanish Turia M34 minehunter and F110 multi-mission frigates, the US Coast Guard Keeper Class Buoy Tenders, the Norwegian and German Navies U212CD Submarines, as well as the latest French FDI and Spanish and Finland’s Squadron 2020 project featuring four multi-role corvettes. (Source: ASD Network)
27 Nov 23. Thales – Elettronica joint company SIGEN aboard the Horizon frigates for the modernization of the Electronic Warfare system. Following the signing of the contract between OCCAR and Naviris (a Fincantieri and Naval Group joint venture) for the Mid-Life Upgrade of the four Horizon-class units in service with the Italian and French navies, a sub-contract was signed in August 2023 between SIGEN (a consortium between Elettronica and Thales) and Naviris for the modernization of the Electronic Warfare (EW) system. This contract represents a continuation of what has already been successfully initiated in the Horizon and FREMM programs and consolidates the collaborative relationship between the two companies for the supply of cutting-edge EW systems capable of successfully confronting current and future operational needs, with very balanced contributions from both companies
23 Nov 23. Thales, a technology player, has been chosen by the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) to equip the French Navy’s upcoming offshore patrol vessels with maritime surveillance technologies. The sensor suite, featuring Bluewatcher sonar, NS50 radar and the TSA 3522 IFF system, provides active and passive surveillance capabilities to ensure optimal effectiveness in safeguarding French waters and supporting naval missions. These systems will replace the outgoing Estienne d’Orves class and OPV54-class patrol boats. The offshore patrol vessels, set to enter service in 2024, will operate primarily in French metropolitan waters, covering depths ranging from the continental shelf to the continental slope and rise. (Source: naval-technology.com)
AIR
29 Nov 23. Airbus has signed a contract with the Spanish Ministry of Defence for the development and acquisition of SIRTAP, a High Performance Tactical UAS that will reinforce the tactical capabilities of the Spanish Army and the Air and Space Force. This contract includes a total of nine systems, each consisting of three unmanned aerial vehicles and one ground control station. Furthermore, two simulators will be supplied to train the Spanish Armed Forces. SIRTAP, with a payload of more than 150kgs, has been designed for advanced surveillance, intelligence and reconnaissance missions, both over land and at sea. A range of more than 2,000km and an endurance of more than 20 hours will provide high flexibility and reactivity, allowing for day and night operations in the most demanding environments. The system will be certified to fly in segregated airspace. In the future, this tactical UAS will be able to operate jointly with other platforms to be integrated into a system of systems. The development of SIRTAP will bring the national industry key experience and competences in the field of Remote Carriers for FCAS. First flight of the SIRTAP prototype is expected to take place in 2025.
29 Nov 23. Airbus Helicopters and the Lithuanian State Border Guard Service have announced a contract for three five-bladed H145 multi-mission helicopters at the 2023 European Rotors trade show, expanding the service’s fleet. These three additional H145s bring the total number of Airbus helicopters in service with the Lithuanian government to eleven, further strengthening Airbus Helicopters’ position in this mission segment. The helicopters will be operated for a wide range of missions including search and rescue, disaster relief and medevac, border patrol, firefighting, transport of donor organs, and operational deployment of the Lithuanian Special Forces.
23 Nov 23. On 22 November 2023, Centaurium UAS and Thales signed a cooperation agreement which also comprises the delivery of two Thales UAS100 drone systems and ground control stations to the Switzerland-based company ahead of testing in the spring of 2024 and the planned start of commercial operations in 2025. From risk monitoring on large-scale infrastructure to border surveillance, event security, fire detection and location of missing persons, the UAS100 meets the requirements of a wide range of mission scenarios while operating in full compliance with general aviation regulations. Centaurium UAS will operate the drones and offer services tailored to the specific needs of public and private players in Switzerland, with lower operating costs and 90% lower energy consumption than current piloted aircraft. Centaurium UAS is positioned as a service provider for monitoring, surveillance and alert missions. Use cases include inspection of critical infrastructure and industrial installations such as high-voltage lines and transport routes, monitoring of natural disasters, border surveillance and security for major events, as well as flights to locate missing persons and provide situational awareness in support of search and rescue and other emergency operations. Centaurium UAS will rely on Thales’s UAS100 technology for the necessary flight avionics, benefitting from its highly robust design, built-in security, versatility and scalability, and a latest-generation ground control station that meets the criteria for European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification. The avionics of the UAS100 combines the certified levels of flight safety and security of Thales solutions for the aerospace sector with the lightweight and compact design needed for integration on a light UAV. With an aerostructure developed by light aircraft manufacturer Issoire Aviation, the UAS100 concept offers levels of performance, integrity and reliability with no equivalent in Europe. (Source: ASD Network)
29 Nov 23. TEKEVER, the European leader in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and space technology, has secured a contract with the Centre National D’Etudes Spatiales (CNES), the French Space Agency, to test new Inter-Satellite Link (ISL) concepts using GAMALINK, TEKEVER’s software-defined radio, to enhance communication between satellites. The objective of this new contract is to provide engineering models of ISL equipment with ranging and synchronisation capabilities as part of a future space mission. The mission aims to study the interior structure of a geocruiser asteroid. Additionally, these engineering models will support CNES in activities related to swarms of satellites, with the ultimate goal of building distributed sensors for space exploration. This new contract underscores TEKEVER’s continued momentum in the European market, arriving just weeks after the company opened a new space hub in Toulouse, France – the capital of the European space sector – and signed a €3.2 m contract to provide GAMALINK for the European Space Agency’s Comet Interceptor mission. (Source: ASD Network)
22 Nov 23. Thales Alenia Space to provide transponder for Turkey’s 1st lunar mission. The Lunar Research Program (AYAP) is an integral part of the National Space Program led by the Turkish Space Agency, with TÜBİTAK UZAY in charge of the design, development, integration, test, launch and operations of the AYAP-1 spacecraft. With this project, Turkey aims to successfully carry out its first lunar mission and become one of the few countries that can conduct activities on the Moon with its own capabilities. Thales Alenia Space will provide an S-Band TT&C (Tracking, Telemetry and Command) Transponder for the AYAP-1 spacecraft, a key unit to establish a communication link between the spacecraft and the ground station. The TT&C transponder is in charge of receiving the commands sent by the ground station to control the spacecraft, and sending back the telemetry with the vital information on the status of the spacecraft. The TT&C link is also instrumental to monitor the position of the spacecraft by measuring the distance to the ground station. (Source: Satnews)
28 Nov 23. The Minister of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia, Marjan Šarec, and the Minister of Defence of the Italian Republic, Guido Crosetto, signed an amendment to the Implementing Agreement between the Ministry of Defence of the Italian Republic and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia on cooperation in the field of military aviation (hereinafter referred to as the Implementing Agreement), which defines the purchase of additional six Leonardo AW139M multirole helicopters, based on the Government-to-Government model. On the basis of the amendments and modifications to the Development Programmes Plan 2023-2026 adopted by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia on 20 July this year, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia has created the basis for the SAF investments as foreseen in the Resolution on the long-term programme for the development and equipping of the Slovenian Armed Forces (SAF) until 2040. This continues the development and modernisation of the SAF in the light of contemporary security challenges, including those in the field of military aviation. The decision to procure the AW139M multirole helicopters under the Government-to-Government model was taken on the basis of a completed and approved Investment Programme, an expert report on the demonstration of the capabilities of the multirole military helicopters and an economic benefits analysis. The choice to acquire helicopters through the Italian Government is a more economically efficient way for the Contracting Authority compared to purchasing directly from the helicopter manufacturer. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/Slovenian Ministry of Defence)
USA
LAND
27 Nov 23. Elbit Systems of America – Night Vision LLC, Roanoke, Virginia, is awarded a $500,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the procurement of Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggle systems; spare and repair parts; contractor logistics support; and test article refurbishment. Work will be performed in Roanoke, Virginia, and is expected to be completed in November 2028. Fiscal 2022 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $944,730 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year; fiscal 2023 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $46,660,149 that will not expire until fiscal 2025; and fiscal 2024 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $79,287,731 that will not expire until fiscal year 2026, for a total amount of $126,892,610, will be obligated on the first delivery order immediately following contract award. This contract was competitively procured via SAM.gov, with three offers received. Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M67854-24-D-1013).
30 Nov 23. FAUN Trackway USA Inc., Arlington, Virginia, is awarded a $24,169,736 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the production and delivery of up to 54 Vertical Takeoff and Landing Surfacing Systems kits and associated engineering support in support of the Marine Corps Expeditionary Airfield emergent requirements to support Expeditionary Advance Base Operations. Work will be performed in Llangefni, United Kingdom, 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 not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c) (1). Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (N6833524D0003).
30 Nov 23. GM Defense Awarded U.S. Department of State Contract for Next Generation Armored Heavy-Duty Sport Utility Vehicles. The U.S. Department of State has awarded GM Defense LLC, a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), a 10-year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) full-rate production contract to deliver the next generation Heavy-Duty armored Sport Utility Vehicle (HD SUV) in support of the Department’s Diplomatic Security Service. GM Defense will deliver Original Equipment Manufacturer integrated HD SUVs under the contract with a ceiling value of $300m. GM Defense was awarded an initial task order through the IDIQ contract for vehicles, training and engineering services valued at approximately $25m. This contract follows the development and validation contract awarded in 2021 that delivered prototype vehicles for comprehensive testing and evaluation. The newly designed GM Defense HD SUV incorporates protective armor into the original design and manufacturing process, diverging from current after-market, tear-down and rebuild practices. The new approach provides superior vehicle performance while improving efficiencies in build and lead-time, resulting in faster vehicle delivery to the end user. GM Defense also provides additional benefits through a robust manufacturer’s warranty and extended vehicle lifespan that delivers value as compared to the current multi-stage aftermarket armoring process.
30 Nov 23. General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems Inc., Scranton, Pennsylvania (W15QKN-23-D-0025, P00001); and IMT Defense Corp.,* Westerville, Ohio (W15QKN-23-D-0026, P00001), were awarded a modification and will compete for each order of the $654,497,038 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract for M1128 metal parts programs. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of April 12, 2028. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity.
28 Nov 23. Leidos, a Fortune 500® science and technology company, announced it was recently awarded a new $32m contract by the Marine Corps System Command (MARCORSYSCOM) through the Consortium Management Group (CMG). The defense radar systems development contract calls for four Medium Range Air Defense Radar (MRADR) prototype systems within a two-year span. The company’s Dynetics team will be leading the development of the required sensors. Leidos’ Dynetics Group previously developed the Marine Expeditionary Long Range Persistent Sensor (MELPS) assets through the Office of Naval Research Multi-domain Radar in Contested Environments (MuDRaCE) program, which was managed by Leidos’ Innovation Center (LInC). Those sensors provide a 360-degree field of view that combines digitized antennas and receivers with sophisticated signal processing techniques to provide a persistent, high-quality air picture with no detectable electromagnetic footprint. (Source: ASD Network)
27 Nov 23. Lockheed Martin Corp., Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded a $199,154,320 hybrid (cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price) contract for industrial engineering services for the Multiple Launch Rocket System Family of Munitions programs. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas; White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico; Redstone, Alabama; Camden, Arkansas; Lufkin, Texas; Archbald, Pennsylvania; Orlando, Florida; Ocala, Florida; Clearwater, Florida; Vergennes, Vermont; Budd Lake, New Jersey; Camden, Arizona; Palm Bay, Florida; Jackson, Mississippi; and Whippany, New Jersey, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 28, 2028. Fiscal 2010 Foreign Military Sales (Finland); and fiscal 2023 and 2024 other procurement, Army funds in the amount of $6,544,029, were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-24-C-0007).
27 Nov 23. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Linthicum Heights, Maryland, is awarded a modification to increase the maximum ceiling by $265,000,000 of a previously awarded firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee basic ordering agreement (M67854-20-G-0032). The total cumulative ceiling of the agreement is $514,300,000. The additional ceiling provides for sustaining engineering and logistics support services for the Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) program, including engineering changes, contractor logistics support, depot lifecycle support, software support activity support, diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages support, technical refresh, studies and analyses, services for the retrofit of six fielded Gallium Arsenide G/ATOR Low Rate Initial Production systems with Gallium Nitride technology, operational spares buys, software development for current and future radar systems, and the 5G America’s Mid-band Initiative Spectrum accommodation. Work locations will be determined by individual task orders and is expected to be complete by Sept. 28, 2025. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual task orders as they are issued. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity.
SEA
30 Nov 23. Raytheon Missiles & Defense, Marlborough, Massachusetts, is awarded a $225,308,559 cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost-only modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-19-C-5501) to exercise options for continued Air and Missile Defense Radar and Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar integration and production support. Work will be performed in Marlborough, Massachusetts (56%); Pascagoula, Mississippi (14%); Moorestown, New Jersey (9%); Newport News, Virginia (6%); Kauai, Hawaii (5%); Wallops Island, Virginia (4%); Bath, Maine (2%); Chesapeake, Virginia (2%); Portsmouth, Rhode Island (1%); and San Diego, California (1%), and is expected to be completed by November 2024. Fiscal 2018 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $23,159,899 (35%); fiscal 2019 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $19,743,202 (30%); fiscal 2024 research development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $8,659,881 (13%); fiscal 2022 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $4,449,322 (7%); fiscal 2020 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,147,169 (3%); fiscal 2023 research development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $1,788,804 (3%); fiscal 2021 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,445,116 (2%); fiscal 2017 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,427,937 (2%); fiscal 2023 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,405,700 (2%); fiscal 2024 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) in the amount of $983,593 (1%); fiscal 2024 operations and management (Navy) in the amount of $653,000 (1%); and fiscal 2024 other procurement (Navy) in the amount of $593,378 (1%), will be obligated at time of award, of which $2,441,804 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was procured under the statutory authority of 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1), Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
AIR
27 Nov 23. Aerovironment Inc.,* Simi Valley, California, is awarded a $16,098,922 cost-plus-fixed-fee order (N6833524F0020) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N6833519G0059). This order provides for continued research, development, test, and evaluation of advanced image and video analytics capabilities for unmanned system technologies including the optimization of system design through machine learning and techniques to apply to aerial systems, maritime systems, and multi-vehicle coordination and heterogeneous swarming for the Navy. This contract is in support of Small Business Innovation Research Phase III topic N08-077 titled “Automated Entity Classification in Video Using Soft Biometrics.” Work will be performed in Simi Valley, California, and is expected to be completed in November 2026. Fiscal 2023 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $3,710,320 will be obligated at time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, New Jersey, is the contracting activity.
28 Nov 23. Alliant Techsystems Operations LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Northrop Grumman Defense Systems Inc., Northridge, California, is awarded a $235,695,564 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract provides for the production and delivery of 118 low rate initial production Lot Three AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles – Extended Range (AARGM-ER) to include 84 AGM-88G AARGM-ER All Up Rounds (AURs) for the Navy; 34 AGM-88G AARGM-ER AURs for the Air Force; six AGM-88G AARGM-ER Captive Air Training Missiles; eight Telemetry/Flight Termination System kits for the Navy, ten dummy air training missiles for the Air Force, as well as initial spares, special tooling and test equipment kits, and associated supplies and support. Work will be performed in Northridge, California (61%); Rocket Center, West Virginia (32%); and Ridgecrest, California (7%), and is expected to be completed in February 2027. Fiscal 2023 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $167,425,430; fiscal 2023 missile procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $68,254,585; and fiscal 2022 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $15,549 will be obligated at time of award, $15,549 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(1). Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001924C0008).
27 Nov 23. Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has been selected to compete for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) X-Plane program. The SPRINT program intends to design, build, and fly an X-Plane, an experimental aircraft to demonstrate enabling technologies and integrated concepts necessary for a transformational combination of aircraft speed and runway independence for the next generation of air mobility platforms. Phase 1A includes conceptual design, culminating in a formal Conceptual Design Review. Bell plans to leverage its extensive investment in High-Speed Vertical Takeoff and Landing (HSVTOL) technology to demonstrate advanced performance capabilities. Bell is currently conducting risk reduction testing at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico to demonstrate its folding rotor, integrated propulsion, and flight control technologies using a dedicated test article. Bell’s HSVTOL technology blends the hover capability of a helicopter with the speed (400+ kts), range, and survivability of jet aircraft. Bell has developed high-speed vertical lift technology for more than 85 years, pioneering innovative VTOL configurations like the X-14, X-22, XV-3 and XV-15 for NASA, the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, and continues to build on its proven history of fast flight from the Bell X-1.
28 Nov 23. Boeing Defense, Space & Security, a division of The Boeing Co., Seattle, Washington, has been awarded a $2,325,052,415 modification (P00259) to previously awarded FA8625-11-C-6600 for 15 KC-46A Air Force Production Lot 10 aircraft. Work will be performed in Seattle, Washington, and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2027. Fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement funds in the amount of $2,325,052,415 are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.
29 Nov 23. CRL Technologies Inc.,* Alexandria, Virginia, is awarded a $247,671,680 cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost reimbursable, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This contract provides lead systems integrator support, including engineering, technical, prototyping, and project management, for a wide variety of Navy programs and platforms, including new systems and upgrading existing systems within the manned and unmanned aircraft inventory, in support of the Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWCAD) AIRWorks Office. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland, and is expected to be completed in December 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 as a small business set-aside; two offers were received. NAWCAD, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0042124D0005).
29 Nov 23. Raytheon Technologies Corp., Pratt and Whitney Military Engines, East Hartford, Connecticut, is awarded a not-to-exceed $701,923,926 undefinitized modification (P00045) to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost reimbursable, fixed-price incentive (firm-target) contract (N0001921C0011). This modification exercises options to provide continued recurring sustainment, program management (financial and administrative), propulsion integration, engineering, material management, configuration management, software sustainment, security management, equipment management, product management support activities, and spare replenishments. Additionally, this modification provides for continued joint technical data updates, training, and depot level maintenance and repair for all fielded propulsion systems at the F-35 production sites and operational locations for the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, non-U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) partners, and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Work will be performed in East Hartford, Connecticut (40%); Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (21%); Indianapolis, Indiana (12%); West Palm Beach, Florida (6%); Windsor Locks, Connecticut (6%); Brekstad, Norway (4%); Leeuwarden, Netherlands (3%); Iwakuni, Japan (3%); Williamtown, Australia (2%); Cameri, Italy (1%); Marham, United Kingdom (1%); and Fort Worth, Texas (1%), and is expected to be completed in May 2024. Fiscal 2024 operation and maintenance (Air Force) funds in the amount of $40,650,497; fiscal 2024 operation and maintenance (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $37,351,800; fiscal 2024 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $7,135,267; FMS customer funds in the amount of $7,504,760; and non-U.S. DOD participant funds in the amount of $15,753,447 will be obligated at the time of award, $85,137,564 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
27 Nov 23. Stratolaunch, LLC announces the receipt of a flight test contract award from Leidos, the prime contractor for the Navy’s Multiservice Advanced Capability Test Bed (MACH-TB). The contract award is funded by Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Crane Division through the Strategic and Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems (S²MARTS) Other Transaction Agreement (OTA). This contract award funds five Talon-A hypersonic flights and optional payloads. NSWC Crane’s MACH-TB program focuses on hypersonic flight testing using robust, agile, and modular approaches. The Leidos-led team intends to deliver an affordable solution, leveraging commercial launch vehicles, including Stratolaunch’s Talon-A hypersonic vehicle, for flight testing hypersonic payloads. The data collected is designed to provide insight to the DoD on technology improvement and capability validation. Early, affordable, and regular hypersonic flight testing is key to robust and successful developments of hypersonic capabilities. Stratolaunch’s Talon-A, a reusable autonomous hypersonic vehicle, operates as a high-cadence, high-speed testbed to advance the MACH-TB program development. Stratolaunch’s hypersonic contractor-owned and operated flight test service directly complements the goals of MACH-TB. (Source: ASD Network)
TECHNOLOGY
27 Nov 23. The Department of Defense today announced the award of $3.7m via the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program to Qarbon Aerospace to design and manufacture advanced lightweight continuous fiber thermoplastic composite structures for national defense aviation applications. This award will help Qarbon Aerospace focus on the design, development, and manufacture of a thermoplastic composite structure for defense aviation components requiring icing protection. The use of composites eliminates the loss of efficiency typically associated with conventional “bleed-air” systems and provides significant flexibility when optimizing the assembly for different components or aircraft, and offers improved manufacturing, durability, reliability, and ease of repair. To date in calendar year 2023, the Innovation Capability and Modernization (ICAM) office, which manages the IBAS program, has made awards totaling nearly $700m. ICAM is part of the ASD(IBP)’s Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization (MCEIP) directorate, 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
23 Nov 23. IAI has inked two contracts valued at $145m (NIS543.23m) to supply advanced long-range loitering munitions, showcasing the demand for Israel’s industry despite the ongoing Israel-Palestine crisis. IAI has affirmed its position as a defence sector player by signing two agreements worth a combined $145m. The contracts, inked with two undisclosed countries, show the escalating global demand for long-range loitering munitions, marking a shift in modern warfare tactics. The deals come on the heels of a contract earlier this year. (Source: army-technology.com)
23 Nov 23. SIATT, a Brazilian technology company with a 50% stake held by EDGE Group, has been selected for a pilot project to provide secure communication technology for Brazil’s coastal surveillance and protection, the consortium announced on 23 November. The project, named Sistema de Gerenciamento da Amazonia Azul (SisGAAz), is part of Brazil’s maritime protection programme, Blue Amazon. SisGAAz will form a key part of the Blue Amazon Management System tasked with monitoring Brazil’s maritime regions and inland waters. The system aims to protect marine resources, ports, ships and maritime infrastructure from various threats including environmental disasters, emergencies and illegal activities. EDGE’s contribution was a significant factor in SIATT’s selection for SisGAAz, against global industry competitors. The collaboration will focus on advancements in artificial intelligence, data fusion, coastal radar technology, and autonomous systems across air, land and sea. The partnership also includes constructing an integration laboratory, a communication training centre and a simulation centre, with the first communications tower set to be located in Arraial do Cabo, east of Rio de Janeiro. (Source: naval-technology.com)
AIR
30 Nov 23. The Government of Canada has signed a Foreign Military Sales Letter of Offer and Acceptance for up to 16 Boeing [NYSE: BA] P-8A Poseidon aircraft, as part of the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft (CMMA) project. Canada joins eight defense partners, including all of the FIVE EYES allies, the intelligence alliance that also includes the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, and becomes the fifth NATO nation to have selected the P-8 as its multi-mission aircraft. First delivery is expected in 2026. The P-8 acquisition will generate benefits of nearly 3,000 jobs and $358m annually in economic output to Canada, according to a 2023 independent study by Ottawa-based Doyletech Corporation. Team Poseidon forms the cornerstone of Boeing’s P-8 Canadian industry partnership, consisting of CAE, GE Aviation Canada, IMP Aerospace & Defence, KF Aerospace, Honeywell Aerospace Canada, Raytheon Canada, and StandardAero. The team builds on the existing 81 Canadian suppliers to the P-8 platform and to more than 550 Boeing suppliers across all provinces contributing to the company’s annual ~CAD $4bn in economic benefit to Canada, supporting more than 14,000 Canadian jobs.
27 Nov 23. Elbit Systems Ltd. was awarded a contract by Airbus Defense and Space to supply the Direct Infrared Counter Measures (DIRCM) and Infrared (IR) Missile Warning Systems for installation on the MRTT A330 refueling aircraft for Canada. The contract will be performed over a period of five years. Elbit Systems DIRCM laser protection systems have accumulated hundreds of thousands of flight hours on dozens of platforms and provide advanced defensive technology solutions for aircraft operating in modern battlefields.
TECHNOLOGY
28 Nov 23. KBR has announced plans to support mission planning systems for the Australian Defence Force under a two-year contract extension. The subsidiary of US-based engineering services firm KBR Inc is expected to help modernise, integrate, and optimise Australia’s military capability, following work with the Joint Command and Control Systems Program Office. (Source: Defence Connect)