UNITED KINGDOM
AIR
13 Dec 23. Raytheon NORSS, RTX’s UK-based space domain awareness specialist, has been awarded a contract to provide the UK Space Agency with Space Surveillance and Tracking Services Data (SST) in low-Earth orbit (LEO) for Resident Space Objects (RSO). Under this contract, Raytheon NORSS will use its ground-based Low-Earth Orbit Camera Installation sensors, known as LOCI, to routinely collect observation data on objects in LEO, including space debris, defence assets and commercial satellites. This data will help expand and improve the UK’s sovereign space domain awareness capabilities and enhance the UK Space Agency’s ability to keep assets in orbit safe from possible dangers, such as collision or fragmentation events. Raytheon NORSS has recently increased the international deployment of LOCI in order to provide a wider, more comprehensive picture of objects in LEO. The LOCI sensor network will be operated out of multiple locations in the UK, U.S. and Australia. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/)
12 Dec 23. UK Space Agency funding boosts plans for launch from SaxaVord Spaceport and Sutherland Spaceport. Two companies have secured over £6.7m to develop their world-leading launch technologies in a sustainable way and help cement the UK’s position as Europe’s leading destination for commercial spaceflight activities. The funding was awarded using UK Space Agency contributions to the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Boost! Programme which aims to help companies develop world-leading space transportation services and bring them to market. Scottish-based HyImpulse, a launch company working with SaxaVord Spaceport in Unst, Shetland, and Orbex, working with Sutherland Spaceport, on the A’ Mhòine peninsula, will each receive over £3 m to enable spaceflight activities from UK spaceports. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
TECHNOLOGY
13 Dec 23. CGI (NYSE: GIB) (TSX: GIB.A) has been named as a supplier on the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) new Digital and IT Professional Services (DIPS) framework. Crown Commercial Service (CCS) assisted MOD in the production of the DIPS framework and will become the framework authority upon go live, with MOD responsible for all customer engagement. The DIPS framework is due to run for four years and deliver a range of digital and IT specialists professional services to Defence Digital. The new framework will enable the MOD to improve access to key digital and information technology skills required by both military front line and supporting defence services. Crown Commercial Service supports the public sector to achieve maximum commercial value when procuring common goods and services. In 2022/23, CCS helped the public sector to achieve commercial benefits equal to £3.8bn – supporting world-class public services that offer best value for taxpayers. CGI has successfully secured a position as a supplier on DIPS Lot 2: Dev, Apps, UX, Dev Ops, Sys Design & App Support and DIPS Lot 6: Intelligence Solutions. CGI will lead a diverse team comprising of best-in-class partner companies to provide a full range of expert capability, niche skills and resource capacity. The digital and IT skills delivered by CGI and its partners will augment MOD project teams and help accelerate delivery and quality assurance for a range of current and planned Defence Digital projects.
EUROPE
LAND
08 Dec 23. Poland Awards $2.5bn Order for 152 Additional Krab Self-Propelled Howitzers. Today, December 8, the head of the Ministry of National Defense approved an agreement to acquire another 152 KRAB self-propelled howitzers. The value of the contract is approximately PLN 10bn (approx. $2.49bn—Ed.). The funding for the contract was secured in the budget of the Ministry of National Defense. “We are adding another six to the previously ordered six “Regina” divisional fire modules. The order concerns the acquisition of 152 Krab howitzers along with accompanying vehicles, i.e. ammunition vehicles, technical inspection vehicles, vehicles intended for the command of individual units. This is a contract that was signed a moment ago, which is, I repeat once again, an important element of strengthening the Polish Armed Forces,” Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak said during a press conference. The divisional fire module of the 155 mm KRAB self-propelled howitzer is intended to provide fire support at the brigade and division level. Each REGINA divisional fire module includes 24 155 mm KRAB self-propelled howitzers and 18 command and logistics vehicles (2 command and staff vehicles, 9 command vehicles, 6 ammunition vehicles and 1 weapons and electronics repair workshop). (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Polish Ministry of Defence; issued Dec. 08, 2023)
14 Dec 23. Poland – Communications Equipment. The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Poland of Communications Equipment and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $255m. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of Poland has requested to buy communications equipment, including AN/PRC-117G, AN/PRC-152A, AN/PRC-158, AN/PRC-160, AN/PRC-163, and AN/PRC-167 radios; Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers enabled by Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) or M-Code; support equipment; spare parts; technical manuals and publications; new equipment training; U.S. Government and contractor technical engineering, logistics, and personnel services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total program cost is $255mi This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe. The proposed sale will improve Poland’s communications capability and contribute to its military goals of updating capability while further enhancing interoperability with the United States and other allies. Poland will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractor will be L3Harris Technologies, Inc., Melbourne, FL. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Defense Security Cooperation Agency)
13 Dec 23. Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) has signed a contract with the government of Lithuania for the delivery of more NASAMS air defence systems. The EUR 200m (about NOK 2.3bn) contract will provide Lithuania with the latest technology and increased air defence capabilities. As part of the contract, Lithuania will also modernize parts of the NASAMS equipment the country acquired in 2017. With this modernization, Lithuania will have the most modern and efficient configuration of this advanced air defence system. The system consists of Raytheon’s Sentinel radar and three advanced missile variants, as well as KONGSBERG’s Fire Distribution Center (FDC) and multi-missile launchers. Earlier this year, Lithuania’s Ministry of Defence purchased NASAMS missile launchers for donation to Ukraine, where the system has contributed to the protection of people and critical infrastructure. NASAMS’ modularity and open architecture enable the continuous introduction of new technology, which ensures that the system can be adapted to new threats and missions throughout its lifetime. NASAMS is one of the market’s most flexible solutions that covers a wide range of air defence needs. By acquiring more NASAMS, Lithuania consolidates its position in the user group, which now counts 13 nations. (Source: ASD Network)
12 Dec 23. Romania – Javelin Missiles. The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Romania of Javelin Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $80m. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of Romania has requested to buy two hundred sixty-three (263) Javelin FGM-148F Missiles; and twenty-six (26) Javelin Light Weight Command Launch Units (LWCLU). Also included are enhanced producibility basic skills trainers; missile simulation rounds; Security Assistance Management Directorate (SAMD) technical assistance; Tactical Air Ground Missiles (TAGM) Project Office technical assistance; other associated equipment and services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $80m. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO Ally which is an important force for political and economic stability in Europe. The proposed sale will improve Romania’s capability to meet current and future threats by building its long-term defense capacity in line with its national defense requirements. Romania will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The prime contractors will be Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin Joint Venture of Orlando, FL and Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements in connection with this potential sale.
15 Dec 23. Italy – HIMARS The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Italy of M142 HIMARS. The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Italy of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $400m. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of Italy has requested to buy twenty-one (21) M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS); and one (1) M31A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System Unitary (GMLRS-U) High Explosive (HE) Pods with Insensitive Munitions Propulsion System (IMPS). Also included are Universal Fielding Modules; towbar toolkits and sets; crypto-fill cable; AN/PRC-158 Multi-Channel Tactical Radio installation kits; Multi-Channel AN/PRC-158 radios; RF-7800i CU100 radio router; HARRIS installation kits for 160W high frequency (HF) radio system; HF AN/PRC-160W-HF radios; Simple Key Loader (SKL) AN/PYQ-10 (C); RF-7800i Tactical Intercom System installation kit; RF7800i Tactical Intercom System; Fire Control Panel Trainer (FCPT) hardware and software; Missile Common Test Device Trainer (MCTD-T), slim; Panasonic Toughbook ruggedised laptop with 30ft cables and power adapters and internal CD ROM drive; RF-7800i Tactical Intercom System training hardware; RF-7800i and CU100 training rigs, test equipment, and Golden System for operator and maintenance training; Launcher Adapter Group (LAG) and Sling; Launcher Control Unit (LCU); Weapons Control Unit (WCU); MCTD V.4 hardware and spares; MCTD V.4 software and publications; spare parts; Maintenance Support Device (MSD) V.4; Wireless AT-Platform Test Set (WATS); guided missile organisational tool kit; Hydraulic Servicing Unit (HSU); Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM) development; Direct Support (DS)/General Support (GS) tool kits; Gas Particulate Filter Unit (GPFU); Forward Repair System (FRS); Positioning Navigation Assembly (PNA) with Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) Global Positioning System/Precise Positioning Service (GPS/PPS); Common MLRS SPORT Test Program Set (CMST) hardware and software development; mobile Standard Automotive Tool Set (SATS); RF7800i Tactical Intercom System spare package; Technical Manual Unit organisational Repair Parts and Special Tools List (RPSTL); Technical Manual operator’s manual; Launch POD/container (LP/C) trainer M68A2; GMLRS-U flight surveillance kit; and other related elements of program and logistic support. The estimated total program cost is $400m. This proposed sale will support US foreign policy and national security by helping to improve the security of a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Ally which is an important partner for political stability and economic progress in Europe. Italy requests these capabilities to provide for the defence of deployed troops, regional security, and interoperability with the United States. The proposed sale will improve Italy’s capability to meet current and future threats and enhance its interoperability with US and other allied forces. Italy will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin, Grand Prairie, TX. There are no known offset agreements in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of 10 US Government and 10 contractor representatives annually to Italy for a period of one week. US Government or contractor representatives travel to Italy will be required for program management reviews and New Equipment Training. There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale. The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded. (Source: www.joint-forcescom)
14 Dec 23. Poland Awards Contract for Pilica+ Short-Range Air Defense Vehicles. Another Contract in the Pilica+ Program Signed. On December 12, the PGZ-PILICA+ consortium and the Armament Agency concluded another executive agreement as part of the ongoing PILICA+ program. Its subject is the delivery of Jelcz chassis and their integration with iLauncher launchers. Pursuant to the signed contract, Jelcz will provide chassis, which, as part of the consortium, will be properly completed and integrated at the Military Armament Plant with the British iLauncher launchers, which are part of the Pilica+ missile and artillery sets. The value of the contract is approximately PLN 550m gross, and its implementation period is scheduled for 2024-2029. The PGZ-PILICA+ consortium consists of: Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa SA, Zakłady Mechaniczne Tarnów SA, PIT-RADWAR SA, PCO SA, Jelcz sp. z o. o., MESKO SA, Research and Development Center of Maritime Technology Center SA, Wojskowe Zakłady Ujazdenia SA and Wojskowe Zakłady Elektroniczne ARE (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ PGZ Group)
15 Dec 23. Panther ready to pounce – Rheinmetall signs development contract with Hungary for next-generation tank The Hungarian government has joined forces with Rheinmetall to develop the Panther KF51 through to production maturity. A contract to this effect has now been signed in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary. The development contract is worth around €288 million. A demonstrator vehicle will be constructed and qualified, paving the way to full-scale production. Rheinmetall is cooperating in the project with the state-owned Hungarian holding company N7, which also holds a 49 percent stake in the joint venture Rheinmetall Hungary. Moving forward together as partners, Hungary and Rheinmetall will jointly develop and prepare for full production the next-generation tank whose concept Rheinmetall first presented to the world public at Eurosatory 2022 trade fair. Unlike the system demonstrator on show at Eurosatory, the Panther KF51 EVO will be armed with Rheinmetall’s tried-and-tested L55A1 120mm smoothbore gun, which also features in the latest variants of the Leopard 2. This will ensure logistical homogeneity with Hungary’s existing fleet of Leopard 2 tanks. Nevertheless, the Panther KF51 EVO will already be equipped with an autoloader. Moreover, the turret architecture will enable subsequent retrofitting of Rheinmetall’s new 130mm gun. The Panther K51 possesses a high degree of digitalization and networkability. Furthermore, new force protection technologies like the standoff protection system StrikeShield will enable a low aggregate weight. Its chassis is based on the Buffalo armoured recovery vehicle, supplied by Rheinmetall. In combination with the tank’s low total weight, this contributes to the Panther KF51’s high mobility, while simultaneously resulting in synergy effects in logistics, maintenance and training owing to commonalities with the Leopard 2 family. The basic crew of the Panther KF51 consists of three soldiers: the commander, gunner and driver. A fourth station, in front on the lefthand side of the bow, is reserved for a subsystem operator. A company or battalion commander can also use it as a mobile command post.
SEA
15 Dec 23. Poland Awards Final Contract for $3.8bn Frigate Program. Pursuant to the annexed contract signed on July 27, 2021, the production ships — i.e. the second and third frigates — will be additionally equipped with sensors and effectors identical to those contracted for the first prototype vessel, thus allowing for the protection of the air and surface domains. According to the provisions of the annex, the second and third frigates will be equipped with a 76mm OTO Melara Super Rapid Strales medium-caliber cannon, VLS Mk-41 missile launchers, the SeaCeptor CAMM missile system, SM400 series radars and NS50 series radars, as well as electronic and electronic warfare means. defense and self-other identification systems. As a consequence, the contract, the value of which after signing all the annexes to date is approximately PLN 14.8 billion gross, will allow for the acquisition of all three Miecznik frigates within the assumed contractual deadlines, i.e. by 2031, including ships 2 and 3 retrofitted with sensors and effectors, identical to those contracted for the first frigate. The final shape of the equipment of the production ships will result from the conclusions drawn from the tests carried out on the prototype unit No. 1. In accordance with the contract, the MIECZNIK frigates will be equipped with an Integrated Mission System, including an integrated bridge and an integrated communication system, an integrated platform management system and a combat system, i.e. a combat management system, sensors and effectors including anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems. Ultimately, all ships will have VLS Mk-41 vertical missile launchers and CAMM family missiles. Ship-launched missiles will allow engagement of surface and land targets. Artillery armament will include a 76 mm medium-caliber OTO Melara Super Rapid Strales cannon, two 35 mm OSU-35K cannons, remotely controlled weapon modules equipped with large-caliber machine guns and manually guided large-caliber machine guns. Torpedo armament will include two twin torpedo tubes. The ships will have medium- and long-range multi-function radars, fire control radar and imaging means, as well as hull and towed sonars. They will also be equipped with electronic warfare and defense means. (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Polish Armament Agency; issued Dec. 15, 2023)
15 Dec 23. The Spanish Navy has today awarded Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) a contract worth EUR 305m for the delivery of Naval Strike Missiles (NSM). The first ship class to be equipped with NSM is the F-110 class frigate, which is currently under construction by Navantia. The missiles are intended to be deployed on the F-100 frigates during their Mid-Life Update, as well as on future ships. The Spanish Navy, which selected NSM in 2022, is acquiring the missiles through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). This is the first missile contract for Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to be handled by NSPA. KONGSBERG will, in parallel, sign a cooperation agreement Directorate General for the Armament and Material (DiGAM) as a foundation to develop an industrial plan that will maximize Spanish industry cooperation and involvement. This includes the possibility to become part of the global missile supply chain, and a proposal for the establishment of a full life cycle maintenance capacity for NSM at the Rota naval Base, in coordination with local industry. KONGSBERG expects that the contract will provide a regional foothold for their missile programs, and the parties hope that the contract involving Spanish Navy, KONGSBERG and NSPA will contribute to further cooperation between all the NATO members that use NSM. (Source: Google/https://www.navalnews.com/)
09 Dec 23. According to the Latvian Ministry of Defense, the Baltic country has signed agreements to buy the Naval Strike Missile from the United States through Norwegian company Kongsberg and the US manufacturer Raytheon. Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprids made this statement: The total cost of the procurement will be 105M USD with the U.S. government covering 70% of the cost and the Latvian government covering the remaining 30%. These batteries will be delivered by 2028. This transaction signals the importance to the U.S. government of placing capable anti-ship and surface-to-surface missiles in the Baltic Sea, effectively hindering Russian naval operations near St. Petersburg and even Kaliningrad. The Naval Strike Missile (NSM) is an anti-ship and land-attack missile developed by the Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA). Each missile costs about 2.5m USD and has a range about 130 nautical miles. (Source: Google/https://theatlasnews.co/)
07 Dec 23. Germany – MK 54 Lightweight Torpedoes. The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Germany of MK 54 Lightweight Torpedoes 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 Germany has requested to buy up to eighty (80) MK 54 All Up Round Lightweight Torpedoes (LWT). Also included are MK 54 Mod 0 LWT spare parts; Recoverable Exercise Torpedoes (REXTORPs) with containers; handling shapes and containers; torpedo spare parts; tools for mounting and dismounting of Air Launch Accessories (ALAs); equipment for analysis of REXTORP exercise shots; REXTORP maintenance equipment; training; publications; support and test equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total program cost is $300m. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is an important force for political and economic stability in Europe. The proposed sale will improve Germany’s capability to meet current and future threats by upgrading Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities on its P-8A aircraft. Germany will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractor will be Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, Portsmouth, RI. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: ASD Network)
AIR
14 Dec 23. The German Bundeswehr and Airbus Helicopters have signed a contract for the purchase of up to 82 multi-role H145M helicopters (62 firm orders plus 20 options). This is the largest order ever placed for the H145M and consequently the largest for the HForce weapon management system. The contract also includes seven years of support and services, ensuring optimal entry into service. The German Army will receive fifty-seven helicopters, while the Luftwaffe’s special forces will receive five.
10 Dec 23. Italian Leonardo AW139 helicopters will replace the Hellenic Air Force’s (HAF) H215M/AS332 Super Pumas in Search and Rescue (SAR) roles. According to CNN Greece, during a recent meeting of the Greek Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Hellenic Air Force proposed the acquisition of 14 new AW139 SAR helicopters, from the Italian company Leonardo, to gradually replace the 12 Super Puma helicopters it currently operates, as they go out of service. The Italian candidate prevailed over the H175 from European aerospace giant Airbus Helicopters and the UH-60 Black Hawk from U.S. firm Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin. (Source: Google/https://www.aviacionline.com/)
15 Dec 23. The Government of Greece has requested to buy thirty-five (35) UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters; eighty (80) T700-GE 701D engines (70 installed, 10 spares); forty-four (44) AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS) (35 installed, 9 spares); eighty-five (85) H-764U Embedded Global Position Systems with Inertial Navigation (EGI) and country unique selective availability anti-spoofing module (SAASM) (or future replacement) (70 installed, 15 spares); and eighty-five (85) AN/ARC-231A VHF/UHF/LOS SATCOM radio systems. Also included are AN/ARC-231 Receivers/Transmitters RT-1808A (or future replacement); VHF/UHF/LOS SATCOM radios; APR-39C(V)1/4 Radar Warning Receivers; AVR-2B Laser Detecting Sets; APX-123A Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Transponders; ARC-220 High Frequency (HF) radios with KY-100M; VRC-100 Ground Stations; AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders (SKLs); KIV-77 Common IFF Applique Crypto Computers; COMSEC Encryption devices; AN/ARN-147(V) Very High Frequency Omni-Directional Range (VOR)/Instrument Landing System (ILS) Receiver Radios; AN/ARN-149(V) Low Frequency (LF)/Automatic Direction Finder (ADF) Radio Receivers; AN/ARN-153 Tactical Air Navigation System (TACAN) Receiver Transmitters; AN/APN-209 Radar Altimeters; AN/ARC-210 radios; EBC-406HM Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs); Encrypted Aircraft Wireless Intercommunications Systems (EAWIS); Improved Heads Up Displays (IHUD); Signal Data Converters for IHUD; Color Weather Radars; MX-0D EO/IR with Laser Designators; EO/IR Cabin Monitoring Systems; EO/IR Digital Video Recorders; AN/ARC-201D RT-1478D radios; Engine Inlet Barrier Filters (EIBF); Ballistic Armor Protection Systems (BAPS); Internal Auxiliary Fuel Tank Systems (IAFTS); Fast Rope Insertion Extraction Systems (FRIES); External Rescue Hoists (ERH); Rescue Hoist Equipment Sets; Dual Patient Litter System (DPLS) Sets; Martin Baker Palletized Crew Chief/Gunner Seats with crashworthy floor structural modifications; External Stores Support System (ESSS); Integrated Tow Plates Production Assets; Universal Software Loading Kits; 60kVA Generator Kits; Instrument Panels; DF-500 Personal Location Systems; Trakkabeam Searchlights; External Gun Mount Systems; M-134 Mini Gun Systems; M-240 machine guns; 7.62mm Cartridges; 2.75” Rockets; Flare IR Countermeasure M206; Decoy Flare CM M211; CTG Impulse BBU-35/B; CTG, 25.4mm, Decoy, Chaff, M839/RR170/ Series; M255A2 MK-66 Night Reliability Indicator (NRI); Cartridge, Aircraft Fire Extinguisher; Cartridge, Impulse; Thruster Control Unit (TCU) -3/A; Cartridge, Aircraft; Black Hawk Aircrew Trainer (BAT); Black Hawk Maintenance Trainer (BHMT-M); Black Hawk Avionics Trainer; Maintenance Blended Reconfigurable Avionics Trainer (MBRAT); CAPT-E-Visual & Control System (CAPT-E VCS); training devices; helmets; transportation; organizational equipment; spare and repair parts; support equipment; tools and test equipment; technical data and publications; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $1.95bn. The principal contractor will be Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, Stratford, CT. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: glstrade.com)
USA
LAND
13 Dec 23. AeroVironment, Inc. today announced it received a $16,098,922 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract from the U.S. Navy for the advancement of video analytics and computer vision research to support multi-domain robotics initiatives. This contract is in support of the Small Business Innovation Research Phase III “Automated Entity Classification in Video Using Soft Biometrics” and will be managed by the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division in Lakehurst, New Jersey. AeroVironment’s focus is on developing a video analytics software ecosystem for the government that can be used across platforms (both internal and external to AeroVironment) to provide enhanced situational awareness and capabilities for the warfighter in a wide range of mission areas. (Source: ASD Network)
12 Dec 23. BAE Systems Ordnance Systems, Kingsport, Tennessee, was awarded an $8,823,564,140 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract for production of explosives and the operation and maintenance of the Holston Army Ammunition Plant from Jan. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2033. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2033. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity (W519TC-24-D-0001).
07 Dec 23. BAE Systems has been awarded a $211m firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded contract by the U.S. Marine Corps for more Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACVs) under the Marine Corps’ fourth order for full-rate production (FRP). In addition to vehicle production, the award. The world’s most capable amphibious vehicle, the ACV 8×8 platform provides true open-ocean amphibious capability, land mobility, survivability, payload, and growth potential to accommodate the ever-evolving operational needs of the Marine Corps. (Source: ASD Network)
14 Dec 23. BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P., York, Pennsylvania, was awarded a $78,392,392 modification (P00009) to contract W56HZV-23-F-0395 to produce M2A4 and M7A4 vehicles from various inducted legacy source variants. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2026. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity.
15 Dec 23. Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, Moorestown, New Jersey, is being awarded a sole-source hybrid, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and cost-plus-incentive-fee, contract modification (P00089) under Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Weapon Systems contract HQ085121C0002. The total value of this contract modification is $157,151,560, inclusive of all options. The work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey, with period of performance from time of award through June 2025. This modification will extend all current contract line-item numbers for a period of eighteen months. The effort performed in this period will be a continuation of in scope support for the following efforts: Aegis Baseline, BL 9 (BMD 5.1.5) development, future weapon system development support, Aegis BMD in-service support; BMD ground and flight test support; modeling and simulation support; Aegis Ashore Missile Defense Test Complex combat system engineering, testing, site support, modernization, technical and logistics support, glide phase development, and Aegis BMD ship installation and planning. Fiscal 2024 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $19,725,595 will be obligated at the time of award. The value of the contract increases from $1,317,119,744 by $111,402,385 to $1,428,522,130. Missile Defense Agency, Dahlgren, Virginia, is the contracting activity.
12 Dec 23. Oshkosh Defense LLC, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was awarded a $89,634,764 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract for Enhanced Heavy Equipment Transporter System modification kits. 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 Dec. 13, 2031. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-24-D-0011).
AIR
08 Dec 23. The Boeing Co., Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, was awarded a firm-fixed-price modification to an existing delivery order (H92241-22-F-0073) with a value of $271,215,944 for procurement of MH-47G renew build rotary wing aircraft in support of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Fiscal 2023 and 2024 procurement and aircraft procurement, Army (APA) funds in the amount of $271,215,944 are being obligated at time of award. The majority of the work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, and is expected to be completed by May 2027. This contract was awarded through a noncompetitive modification to an existing delivery order in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. USSOCOM, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity.
12 Dec 23. DZYNE Technologies, Inc., Fairfax, Virginia; and Irvine, California, were awarded a $49,000,000 indefinite-quantity/indefinite-delivery, Small Business Innovation Research Phase III contract for advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) research and development. This contract provides for the investigation and development of advanced unmanned aerial systems to improve flight performance, sensor capabilities, and flight endurance of long endurance UAS, expand low-cost precision delivery cargo using improved navigation sensors, propulsion, and other vehicle upgrades, facilitate rapid conversion of manned aircraft to UAS, and develop other advanced UAS upgrades to support operational user needs. Work will be performed in Irvine, California, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 12, 2030. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2023 research, development, test, and evaluation funds in the amount of $700,000; and fiscal 2024 research, development, test, and evaluation funds in the amount of $920,000, are being obligated to the initial task order at time of award. The Air Force Research Laboratory Wright-Site, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA2385-24-D-B001 and FA2385-24-F-B001).
15 Dec 23. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., Poway, California, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (H92403-18-D-0006) ceiling has been increased and now has a potential maximum estimated value of $200,000,000 for integration and testing support for the Medium Altitude Long Endurance Tactical (MALET) MQ-9 and MQ-1C Special Operations Forces peculiar (SOF-p) modifications, procurement of GA-ASI developed and produced aircraft modification kits, and analysis and studies to inform Government decision on potential future MALET MQ-9 and MQ-1C SOF-p modifications. Fiscal 2023 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $5,011,000 are being obligated at time of award. The majority of the work will be performed in Poway, California, and is expected to be completed by March 2024. This is a sole source requirement and was issued under the authority 10 U.S. Code 2304(c) (1), Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements, as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity.
12 Dec 23. Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $174,635,020 firm-fixed-price modification (P00018) to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N0001919D0015). This modification exercises an option to procure Lot 17 helmet mounted display requirements in support of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, F-35 Cooperative Program Partners, and Foreign Military Sales customers. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in February 2028. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
15 Dec 23. Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $663,134,662 modification (P00092) to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee, fixed-price-incentive, cost reimbursable contract (N0001921C0020). This modification adds scope to provide logistics support, to include ground maintenance activities, action request solution, depot activation activities, automatic logistics information system operations and maintenance, reliability and maintainability, supply chain management, pilot training, maintainer training, and training system sustainment in support of delivered F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter Air Systems for the Marine Corps, Navy, Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers, and non-U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) participants. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (57%); Orlando, Florida (26%); Greeneville, South Carolina (11%); Samlesbury, United Kingdom (4%); and El Segundo, California (2%), and is expected to be completed in March 2024. Fiscal 2024 operation and maintenance (Air Force) funds in the amount of $246,914,605; fiscal 2024 operation and maintenance (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $142,762,214; fiscal 2024 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $64,824,767; FMS customer funds in the amount of $63,194,514; and non-U.S. DOD participant funds in the amount of $145,438,562 will be obligated at time of award, $454,501,586 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
15 Dec 23. Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $138,456,123 cost-plus-fixed-fee undefinitized contract to procure various special tooling and special test equipment in support of production, retrofit modifications and flight test instrumentation for the Joint Strike Fighter aircraft for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers and non-U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) participants. Work will be performed in Merrimack, New Hampshire (46%); Fort Worth, Texas (18.3%); Samlesbury, United Kingdom (11.5%); San Diego, California (5.9%); Karmiel, Israel (5.5%); Hoogeveen, Netherlands (2%); Winfield, Kansas (1.9%); Cosgrove Close, Worcester, United Kingdom (1.4%); Wilsonville, Oregon (1.3%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (6.2%), and is expected to be completed in December 2026. Fiscal 2023 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $14,276,162; fiscal 2023 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $13,409,392; fiscal 2023 research, development, test, and evaluation (Air Force) funds in the amount of $5,750,000; fiscal 2023 research, development, test, and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $5,750,000; fiscal 2022 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $1,912,896; fiscal 2022 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,912,896; FMS customer funds in the amount of $1,417,792 and non-U.S. DOD participants funds in the amount of $10,343,897 will be obligated at time of award, $15,325,792 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(a)(1). Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001924C0011).
15 Dec 23. Northrop Grumman, El Segundo, California, has been awarded a maximum $164,200,000 firm-fixed-price, requirements contract for F/A-18 weapon system supplies. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulations 6.302-1. This is a five-year base contract with one five-year option period. The performance completion date is Dec. 31, 2028. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2029 defense appropriated funds and working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Richmond, Virginia (SPE4AX-24-D-9408).
12 Dec 23. SES Space & Defense, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SES, will provide satellite broadcast distribution in support of the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), Global Network Division (GN) for global distribution of video and audio programming. USAGM awarded the five-year Global Satellite Services (GSS) contract through the General Services Administration (GSA) Complex Commercial SATCOM Solutions (CS3) contract vehicle. SES Space & Defense is harnessing SES’s expertise in broadcast services, coupled with the capabilities offered by trusted industry partners, to manage satellite and terrestrial content delivery. This effort supports the USAGM GN division, and is aimed at distributing over 4,000 hours of original programming every week to an audience exceeding 215 m individuals, spanning 100 countries. The comprehensive global support provided by SES Space & Defense to the USAGM network includes transmission to sites worldwide responsible for delivering shortwave Amplitude Modulation (AM), Frequency Modulation (FM), and Television (TV) broadcasts. SES Space & Defense will provide end-to-end managed solutions, including Broadcast Multiplex (MUX), transponder capacity, teleport services, internet connectivity, terrestrial backbone delivery network, continuous 24×7×365 monitoring, and operational support. The managed network services provided are built on both existing and emerging industry standards and best practices, and will enable USAGM with the flexibility to address both current and future program delivery needs effectively. The services delivered by SES Space & Defense will benefit USAGM and the entities they support, including Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB), Radio Free Asia (RFA), and Middle East Broadcasting Network (MBN) for their High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD) video and radio content distribution across the globe. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
15 Dec 23. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a Lockheed Martin Co., Stratford, Connecticut, is awarded a $168,199,286 firm-fixed-price advanced acquisition contract. This contract procures long-lead time materials for 21 full rate production lot 9 CH-53K King Stallion aircraft in support of the Marine Corp. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut and is expected to be completed in March 2025. Fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $168,199,286 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(1). Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001924C0009).
12 Dec 23. Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Co., Stratford, Connecticut, was awarded a $442,956,422 modification (P00035) to contract W58RGZ-22-C-0010 for the Black Hawk helicopter program. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2027. Fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement, Army funds in the amount of $442,956,422 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
08 Dec 23. Textron Aviation Inc., Wichita, Kansas, is awarded a $128,180,782 modification (P00005) to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N0001923C0020). This modification exercises options to provide for the production and delivery of 10 Multi-Engine Training System (METS) aircraft, initial spares, peculiar support equipment, and METS aircraft interim contractor logistics support to provide intermediate and advanced training for accession into P-8, EP-3, KC-130, E-6, E-2, CMV-22 and MV-22 aircraft in support of the mission of Chief Naval Air Training for the Navy. Work will be performed in Wichita, Kansas (99%); and Corpus Christi, Texas (1%), and is expected to be completed in June 2024. Fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $128,180,782 will be obligated at the time if award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
08 Dec 23. Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Mississippi, was awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contractor logistics support services contract with an estimated total value of $299,965,743 for the C-12 fleet used by Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA). The C-12 CLS contract is entering into Option Year VII. Task Order FA8134-24-F-6007 will be issued to fund work performed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; Edwards Air Force Base, California; Joint Base Andrews, Maryland; Madison, Mississippi; Holloman AFB, New Mexico; Okmulgee, Oklahoma; San Angelo, Texas; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Gaborone, Botswana; Brasilia, Brazil; Bogota, Columbia; Cairo, Egypt; Accra, Ghana; Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Budapest, Hungary; Yokota Air Base, Japan; Nairobi, Kenya; Rabat, Morocco; Manila, Philippines; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Bangkok, Thailand; Ankara, Turkey; and Oslo, Norway, and is expected to be completed Dec. 31, 2024. This contract was a competitive acquisition and three offers were received. Fiscal 2024 operation and maintenance funds for AFMC and PACAF, and some DIA and DSCA; fiscal 2024 research, development, test, and evaluation funds for Edwards AFB, California, and Holloman AFB, New Mexico; fiscal 2024 operation and maintenance funds for the remainder of DIA and DSCA; and fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement funds in total amount of $21,249,417 are being obligated at time of task order award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity (FA8106-17-D-0001).
TECHNOLOGY
12 Dec 23. The Department of Defense today announced awards totaling $161m to 281 university researchers under the Defense University Research Instrumentation Program. The grants will support the purchase of major equipment to augment current and develop new research capabilities relevant to the Department at 120 institutions across 39 states in fiscal year 2024. DURIP is a strategic investment through which the DOD champions the country’s scientific ecosystem. The program equips universities to perform state-of-the-art research that boosts the United States’ technological edge, while ensuring that the future science, technology, engineering, and mathematics workforce remains second to none. This year’s awards will accelerate basic research in areas the National Defense Science and Technology Strategy prioritizes, including quantum computing and quantum networks, bioelectronics, hypersonics, autonomy, and the design, development, and characterization of novel materials.
11 Dec 23. BAE Systems has received $35m from the US Department of Commerce as part of the US Chips for America funding scheme. The US CHIPS act, passed in August 2022, saw the Biden administration pledge $280bn to bolster US domestic semiconductor capacity and R&D, as well as improving the country’s STEM workforce. The $35m investment will go towards BAE System’s F-35 Fighter Jet research program. The money is intended to modernise the equipment used by BAE Systems and aims to quadruple the number of chips BAE can manufacture.
12 Dec 23. CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI) announced today that it was awarded a five-year, single-award, task order valued at up to $420 m to support the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center, and the Engineering and Systems Integration (ESI) Directorate. The Replication, Exploitation, and Analysis of Commercial Threats (REACT) task order was awarded under the Responsive Strategic Sourcing for Services (RS3) indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicle. For this contract, CACI provides engineering support, including mechanical, electrical, and modeling and simulation, to counter growing multi- and cross-domain threats at a rapid-fire pace to protect U.S. forces around the world from commercial threats that are no longer just in the aerial domain, but also ground, subterranean, sea, and undersea domains. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
15 Dec 23. Integrated Solutions for Systems Inc., Huntsville, Alabama, was awarded a $29,755,595 second Small Business Innovation Research Phase III cost-plus-fixed-fee contract ($11,937,378 base and $17,818,217 in options). This contract provides for final development of the Common Munitions Software Defined Radio in support of the Government Reference Architecture. Work will be performed at Niceville, Florida, and is expected to be completed by June 18, 2026. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2023 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $2,040,902; and Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies funds in the amount of $9,986,476, are being obligated at time of award for the base period of 24 months. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida is the contracting activity (FA8658-24-C-B001).
13 Dec 23. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) was awarded a contract valued up to $700m to provide the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) with an integrated cloud and sensor solution to provide faster intelligence to the warfighter. Northrop Grumman will rapidly evolve the DIA’s collection, processing, and analytics tools by:
- Leveraging model-based, systems engineering to consolidate and integrate the DIA’s technical capabilities.
- Implementing leading-edge solutions that meet the needs of the rapidly changing intelligence environment.
- Applying digital engineering to produce operational efficiencies and affordability.
11 Dec 23. Perceptronics and Pacific Defense, leading providers of AI and ML enabled Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) products and mission solutions, were recently awarded $9.94m in new contracts by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) to advance and mature modular system capabilities aligned to The Open Group’s Sensor Open Systems Architecture™ (SOSA) technical standard for airborne Electronic Warfare (EW) and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) missions. The award builds on a series of prior Air Force, Navy, and Army awards to deliver a prototype system based on the proposed SOSA small form factor (VNX+) standard, advance SOSA security architectures, and apply artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms and techniques to EW/SIGINT functions. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
12 Dec 23. Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, has received a $10m contract from DARPA to design and develop a wireless airborne relay system to deliver energy into contested environments. The Persistent Optical Wireless Energy Relay program, known as POWER, aims to revolutionize energy distribution by leveraging power beaming for near-instantaneous energy transport in a resilient, multi-path network. Under the two-year contract, Raytheon will create an airborne relay design to enable “webs” capable of harvesting, transmitting and redirecting optical beams. These “webs” will transmit energy from ground sources to high altitude for the precision, long-range operation of unmanned systems, sensors and effectors. Harvesting energy will ultimately reduce the military’s dependence on fuel as well as its delivery and storage. (Source: PR Newswire)
13 Dec 23. Somewear Labs, the technology company enabling critical communications for defense, public safety, and commercial frontline teams, announced it has received a $1.8 m contract from the U.S. Air Force. This award builds on the company’s AFWERX SBIR Phase II contract through the Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) program. This initiative integrates Somewear’s existing commercial capabilities across USAF mounted and dismounted communications and networking systems, enhancing the full spectrum of Special Tactics (ST), Personnel Recovery (PR), and Terminal Attack Control (TAC) operations. The award comes in collaboration with the Special Warfare community across the National Guard and active duty units. New missions and threats will require units to deploy faster, identify threats quicker, and survey areas further. Incorporating Somewear’s advanced technologies into the Department of Defense (DOD) will improve required operational capabilities and enhance integration with coalition forces and foreign partners.
REST OF THE WORLD
LAND
09 Dec 23. Israel – M830A1 120mm Tank Cartridges. The Secretary of State has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Israel of 120mm M830A1 High Explosive Anti-Tank Multi-Purpose with Tracer (MPAT) tank cartridges and related equipment for an estimated cost of $106.5 m. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on December 8, 2023. The Government of Israel has requested to buy thirteen thousand nine hundred eighty-one (13,981) 120mm M830A1 High Explosive Anti-Tank Multi-Purpose with Tracer (MPAT) tank cartridges. Also included are publications and technical documentation; 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 $106.5m. The Secretary of State determined and provided detailed justification to Congress that an emergency exists that requires the immediate sale to the Government of Israel of the above defense articles and services in the national security interests of the United States, thereby waiving the Congressional review requirements under Section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended. The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives. Israel will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense. Israel will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. This will be a sale from U.S. Army inventory. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: ASD Network)
14 Dec 23. Babcock Australasia has announced a $37m, three-year contract extension with the Commonwealth of Australia to provide cutting-edge counter-chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) capabilities. The new three-year contract extension of approximately $37m supports 132 different types of counter-CBRNE equipment, including explosive ordnance disposal equipment, unmanned ground vehicles and chemical detection systems. (Source: Defence Connect)
14 Dec 23. New Zealand MoD Orders Remote Ground Sensors and UAVs. New Zealand has contracted three companies to supply Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Remote Ground Sensor systems for New Zealand Army use from 2024. EPE New Zealand Limited will supply a number of quadcopter Micro UAS, which are backpack portable and can be operational in less than 75 seconds. The company will also supply Remote Ground Sensor systems, which combine seismic, acoustic and infrared sensors to detect and identify moving objects. Both systems will be used by 2/1 Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. United States based Quantum-Systems Inc. will deliver a number of Small UAS for 16 Field Regiment, which are backpack portable, have a wingspan of three metres when assembled, and can be operational within three minutes. Australian company Criterion Solutions PTY will deliver a number of Nano UAS, which can be operational in less than 20 seconds and will be used by 2/1 Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. These UAS have a single rotor air frame and fit into a pouch. The systems will reduce risk to personnel by providing timely and accurate information for operations planning, as well as risk assessment activities. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/)
15 Dec 23. Otokar, the global land systems manufacturer of Türkiye, received an export order for its 4×4 tactical wheeled armored vehicles worth around $136m, including spare parts, maintenance equipment, and training services. The deliveries are planned to be initiated in 2023 and completed within a year. Thanks to Otokar’s combat proven know-how in land systems and related R&D, engineering and testing capabilities, nearly 33 thousand Otokar military vehicles are actively in service in more than 40 countries and nearly 60 end users in different climates and geographies around the world. Being a listed NATO and UN supplier, Otokar armored vehicles are preferred especially for their superior mobility, protection levels and survivability. (Source: ASD Network)
14 Dec 23. India approves procurement of additional SIG716 rifles. India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the procurement of 70,000 additional SIG Sauer’s SIG716 7.62×51 mm rifles worth INR8.4 bn (USD100 m) for the Indian Army, A Bharat Bhushan Babu, principal spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD),told Janes on 14 December. The MoD ordered the first batch of 72,400 SIG716 rifles worth USD90m in 2020 using the Fast Track Procurement procedure, which requires equipment deliveries to be completed within 12 months of the contract being signed. Janes assesses that the additional rifles are also being procured using the Fast Track Procurement procedure to equip front-line infantry troops with new rifles and to replace ageing in-service Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) 5.56 mm assault rifles. To replace INSAS rifles, the Indian Army has also been waiting to induct Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles – manufactured by an Indo-Russian joint venture known as Indo-Russia Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) – since March 2023. (Source: Janes)
SEA
15 Dec 23. Babcock International, the defence company, has been awarded a three-year contract to support and maintain two mine countermeasures vessels ‘Cherkasy’ and ‘Chernihiv’ for the Navy of Ukraine following their transfer from the UK Royal Navy. The two minehunters, essential defence assets for the country’s naval forces that will support activity such as keeping sea lanes open, will undergo planned maintenance and support by Babcock. The contract follows the company’s reconfiguration and recommissioning of the vessels to ready them for the Ukrainian Navy. The Company has also established Babcock Ukraine Ltd and has opened an office in-country, where a dedicated team will focus on support to the Ukrainian customer and industry partners. This move builds on the company’s wider ambitions in the central eastern European region. The Mine Counter Measure Vessels contract is underpinned by the tripartite Memorandum of Implementation signed in Odesa in June 2021 by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, the UK Government and Babcock, and is part of a series of scheduled support to Ukraine’s defence capability. As the prime industrial partner, it is Babcock’s first contract under the Ukraine Naval Capability Enhancement Programme (UNCEP) which includes the enhancement of capabilities on existing naval platforms. A team of mechanical and electrical engineers, working alongside fabricators, will provide preventative maintenance and technical support. Babcock will use its experience working on the Sandown class of mine countermeasure platforms to make improvements to the vessels, enhancing their operational capability and sustainability.
11 Dec 23. The U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified the Congress of the following possible Foreign Military Sales: The Government of Australia has requested to buy articles and services in support of the Trilateral AUKUS Pillar I program. Included are training devices, personnel training, planning, and Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) services; support equipment; special tools; training software and courseware; design; supply chain and industrial base support; facilities and construction support; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; test and trials support; studies and surveys; other related elements of engineering and repair services for associated equipment and program support; and other related elements of logistic and program support. U.S. training of private Australian industry personnel will occur only after explicitly authorized by the U.S. Department of State in accordance with U.S. law. The estimated total program cost is up to $2.0 bn. The principal contractors will be Huntington Ingalls Industries, Newport News, VA; General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, CT; and Systems Planning Analysis, Alexandria, VA. There are no known offset agreements in connection with this potential sale. (Source: glstrade.com)
11 Dec 23. Saab has clinched a contract from the U.S. Navy to deliver a Double Eagle Semi-Autonomous Remotely Operated Vehicle (SAROV) intended for deployment with the Kuwait Naval Force. The undersea drone was procured under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program for Kuwait’s Naval Force. The Double Eagle series, a well-established family of undersea vehicles, stands as a proven and secure remotely operated vehicle (ROV) system utilized by navies globally in support of mine countermeasure (MCM) missions. Configured as SAROV, this versatile vehicle functions both as an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) for detection, classification, and identification and as an ROV for mine disposal. (Source: Google/https://defence-blog.com/)
15 Dec 23. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Plymouth, Minnesota, is awarded an $8,856,018 firm-fixed-price, definite delivery contract for 30mm MK44 Stretch cannons, with associated spares, tools, and gauges as a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract under the Foreign Military Sales program to the Israeli Ministry of Defense. Work will be performed in Mesa, Arizona and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2025. FMS (Israel) customer funds in the amount of $8,856,018 (100%) will be obligated at time of award. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(4), (international agreement or a treaty between the United States and a foreign government or international organization). Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, Crane, Indiana, is the contracting activity (N0016424CJ001).
14 Dec 23. ST Engineering today announced that its subsidiary ST Engineering Marine Ltd. has secured a contract with the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) for the mid-life upgrade of its Formidable-class Frigates for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). ST Engineering will undertake the design and engineering of the Frigate’s marine and electrical systems’ upgrades, including the Ship Management System and Power Generation System. The Frigates will be upgraded progressively, with the first Frigate expected to complete its upgrades from 2028.
AIR
08 Dec 23. Australia has awarded Advanced Navigation $306,631 to help create Australia’s first commercial manufacturing capability for photonic chips. Photonic chips are laser powered and can process information at the speed of light, making them useful for data-intense applications such as AI. Advanced Navigation, meanwhile, is best known for developing technology that makes it safer and easier for lunar landers to touch down on the moon’s surface. Its LUNA sensor takes the guesswork out of navigation by using velocity and altitude information instead of visual references which can fail due to a lack of light or dust. The chips will be used across Advanced Navigation’s navigation systems, including its Boreas X90, which will be used by Space Machines onboard its orbital servicing vehicle, scheduled to launch off the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in early 2024. The business hopes to use the money to eventually manufacture 45,000 photonic chips per year. Advanced Navigation uses photonic chips in its fibre-optic gyroscopes inertial navigation systems in global defence forces as a critical capability for assured positioning, navigation and timing across navy, army, and air force to enable autonomous capability, accurate positioning, and high-value asset tracking. (Source: Space Connect)
15 Dec 23. The Government of Japan has requested to buy forty-four (44) AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Tactical Missiles; and twenty-nine (29) AIM-9X Sidewinder Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM). Also included are missile containers; spare and repair parts; repair of repairables; support and test equipment; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; technical assistance, engineering, and logistics support services; transportation and program support; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total program cost is $59.03m. The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
15 Dec 23. The Government of Japan has requested to buy one hundred twenty (120) AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM); and three (3) AIM-120C-8 guidance sections. Also included are AIM-120 Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM), missile containers, and control section spares; Common Munitions Built-in-Test Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE); ADU-891 Adapter Group Test Sets; munitions support and support equipment; spare and repair parts, consumables, and accessories, and repair and return support; contract logistics support (CLS); classified software delivery and support; classified/unclassified publications and technical documentation; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistical support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $224m. The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
15 Dec 23. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) has requested to buy follow-on life cycle support to maintain Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4) capabilities managed under its Syun An program. The C4 capabilities consisting of previously procured Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems-Low Volume Terminals (MIDS-LVT) and Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) equipment, as well as procurement of spare and repair parts; repair and return of equipment; technical documentation; personnel training; software and hardware; software development; maintenance of Continental United States (CONUS) technical laboratories; U.S. Government and contract engineering and technical support; logistics; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $300m. The principal contractor(s) will be determined through U.S. Government competitive processes. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
TECHNOLOGY
11 Dec 23. Quantx Labs secures $750,000 funding for Quantum-Secured PNT R&D. QuantX Labs has secured $750,000 funding for an innovative research project aimed at revolutionizing a secured Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) capability for defence applications. The project, titled “Quantum-Secured Time Transfer for Resilient PNT,” will receive support from Department of Defence, paving the way for cutting-edge advancements in PNT security. Access to trusted PNT information is of paramount importance for defence operations. Current PNT signals, such as those provided by the Global Positioning System (GPS), are vulnerable to covert spoofing, where malicious actors can transmit false information to disrupt military activities without detection. The project will culminate in a demonstration of quantum-secured time transfer over a free space optical link. This will be used to synchronize small Chip Scale Atomic Clocks that are suited for drone and satellite deployment. This approach will allow us to transfer the performance of a very high-quality ground clock onto these portable platforms. This achievement will mark a significant advancement in defence technology, providing unparalleled security and precision for PNT data. A key partner in this work is Inovor Technologies who will assist in the eventual deployment of this technology onto a satellite. Inovor’s experience in space deployments, particularly in interfacing complex payloads into the space craft will be key to our demonstrator mission. This project aligns perfectly with QuantX Lab’s Kairos Mission a space-based clock that aims at an alternate and sovereign PNT solution for the nation. The company is already well underway to developing a next-generation atomic clock based on optical technology for applications in space. This ground-breaking high-performance clock delivers to a multitude of applications that are of high value to numerous space end-users. This optical atomic clock and quantum secured optical network, represents first steps towards a sovereign and secure alternate architecture for a GPS-like timing and position system. (Source: https://www.ex2.com.au/news/)