UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO
LAND
26 Dec 23. The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), as Lead Nation on behalf of Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, has requested to buy nine hundred forty (940) FIM-92K Stinger Block I Missiles. Also included are Battery Coolant Units (BCU); metal containers; U.S. Government and contractor production, technical, and engineering assistance; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $780m. The prime contractors will be Raytheon, Tucson, AZ, and Lockheed Martin, Syracuse, NY. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: glstrade.com)
AIR
26 Dec 23. NATO Support and Procurement Agency as Lead Nation has requested to buy contractor logistics support for the C-17 Strategic Airlift Capability program; 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 $150m. The principal contractor will be The Boeing Company, Arlington, VA. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: glstrade.com)
18 Dec 23. The Ministry of Defence replaced its fleet of BAe146 transport aircraft with two new Dassault Falcon 900LX business jets; it’s now looking to include a number of military modifications to the aircraft. Phase one of the project was the procurement of the two new civil jets with an in-service support package that runs until Sep 2026. These aircraft are owned by the MoD but operated on the Civil Aircraft Register (CAR) and are being initially operated by a contractor. Phase one also includes the training of military pilots and cabin crew and the use of these service personnel to complement the civilian pilots in the delivery of the service. Phase two is a separate competitive procurement for the embodiment of military modifications onto the aircraft, from 1 Oct 2026 (subject to further take-up of contract options), and provision of in-service support through to Apr 2037, utilising military personnel in the operation of the aircraft, under the Military Aircraft Register (MAR).
The current CSAT fleet consists of 2 x Envoy IV Aircraft (Dassault Falcon 900LX) based at RAF Northolt. Although the Envoy IV are currently operated on the Civilian Aircraft Register (CAR), the intention is to transfer Envoy IV onto the Military Aircraft Register (MAR) prior to the start of the new contract.
Scope comprises two key requirements:
- Provision of a fully inclusive in-service support solution to support and maintain the Envoy IV Aircraft through to planned OSD of Apr 2037, utilising military personnel in the operation of the aircraft.
- Design and embodiment of military modifications onto the aircraft and ensure certification of airworthiness under MAR, to enable the aircraft to be operated in military airspace and in a non-benign environment. The modifications will be subject to the outcome of a requirements review.
The contract shall be for a term of 5 (five) initial years with options to extend by a further 6 (six) years (taken in single or multiple year intervals).” The £135,000,000 to £150,000,000 estimated contract value is inclusive of the above options. (Source: News Now/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)
TECHNOLOGY
18 Dec 23. Systecon UK, an arm of Sweden’s Systecon, has signed a new software training and support deal with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), with the MoD also subscribing to the company’s life cycle management software Opus Suite Connect. According to Systecon UK, Opus Suite Connect works to simplify the task of ingesting data to create and populate Opus Suite Models, reducing data ingestion time by up to 80%. Opus Suite Connect supports multiple standard interfaces for system integration, which supports the UK MoD’s modelling capabilities. Systecon’s Opus Suite, including tools like OPUS10, SIMLOX, and CATLOC, provides the UK MoD data-driven modeling analysis capability, which is a key element of life-cycle management decision support. The contract covers a three-year period from 1 November, 2023, to 31 October, 2026, with the possibility of a further two-year extension until 31 October, 2028. (Source: army-technology.com)
EUROPE
LAND
20 Dec 23. Bittium has received a purchase order from the Finnish Defence Forces for the software-defined radio-based Bittium Tactical Wireless IP Network™ (TAC WIN) system’s products and Bittium Tough Comnode™ communication devices and related accessories. The products will be used by all troops of the Finnish Defence Forces to support the combat doctrine where mobility, leading the troops on the move, and effective communications play a key role. The purchase order is based on a Framework Agreement between Bittium and the Finnish Defence Forces on the purchase of the software-defined radio based Bittium Tactical Wireless IP Network™ (TAC WIN) system’s products and Bittium Tough Comnode™ communication devices and related accessories. Bittium announced the signing of the Frame Agreement with a stock exchange release on November 14, 2023. The Framework Agreement covers the years 2023–2028 and has a total value of EUR 51.6m at the maximum. According to the Framework Agreement, the Finnish Defence Forces will issue separate purchase orders for the products in several batches during the validity period of the Agreement. The value of the purchase order received now is approximately EUR 3.7m. The deliveries of the ordered products start during the year 2023.
19 Dec 23. BlueHalo has been awarded a $30m contract from the Netherlands Ministry of Defense Materiel and IT Command to develop and deliver an Advanced Stinger Trainer (AST) system at Lieutenant General Best Barracks in Vredepeel, Netherlands. The next-generation AST is a fully immersive Man-Portable Air Defense System (MANPADS) operator training system, providing Stinger teams with operational and tactical training in various virtual environments against multiple air threats. (Source: PR Newswire)
21 Dec 23. Armasuisse, the Federal Office for Defence Procurement in Switzerland, signed a contract with Defenture for the delivery of the GRF (Groundforce) for the LAUF20 program. The signed contract is a follow-up of the initial prototype delivery from 2021. The LAUF20 programs foresees in equipping the Swiss Army with state-of-the-art mobility capabilities with the light tactical and air transportable GRF. The LAUF 20 program foresees in the delivery of a batch of a user centric configurated Defenture GRF. The baseline GRF will be equipped with a wide range of sub-systems, e.g. weapon system, communication suite, various (optical) systems, and a mast solution. Defenture as GRF OEM (original equipment manufacturer) will also act as system integrator for the delivery of the complete system. For the delivery of the systems, close collaboration with internationally well-known OEM’s is in place, among others General Dynamics and Comrod. Apart from sub-system integrations, the vehicles will also be delivered in a specific bodywork variant. (Source: ASD Network)
21 Dec 23. The Latvian Ministry of Defense has signed an agreement with the government of the United States of America for the purchase of six HIMARS high-mobility artillery missile systems manufactured by the Lockheed Martin company. HIMARS are high-precision rocket artillery systems with a range of about 300 kilometers using ATACMS missiles that are part of the contract. In addition, the National Armed Forces will be provided with training, as well as ammunition and other support equipment, so that Latvia can fully use the protection functions provided by HIMARS. The decision to purchase HIMARS also takes into account the fact that this artillery missile system has proven itself to be an important element in Ukraine’s fight against the Russian invasion. It is expected that Latvia could receive the high-mobility artillery missile system HIMARS starting from 2027. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/Latvia Ministry of Defence)
19 Dec 23. MilDef has signed a number of new contracts with FMV for ruggedized IT equipment for the Swedish Armed Forces. These include products such as computers, laptops and network equipment. The value of the deliveries, taking place in 2024, amounts to a total of SEK 45 m. The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) procures, develops and delivers equipment and services to the Swedish armed forces. MilDef has collaborated with FMV since 1997 on tactical IT. The latest orders will provide the Swedish Armed Forces with essential parts of the digital infrastructure and include MilDef’s manufactured equipment such as computers and switches.
19 Dec 23. FMV has signed a contract with Nordic Terrain Solutions (NTS) regarding the refurbishment and modification of existing Bandvagn 206 and 208 in the Armed Forces. The contract covers lifetime extension by replacing the engine and gearbox on 800 vehicles, with an option for up to 250 more. “The Remo project on the Bandvagn is something the Armed Forces are in great need of, and which has been long awaited. It feels good to make a difference, and contribute to strengthening of Sweden’s defense capabilities,” says Albin Karlsson, system engineer FMV. The project aims to extend the service life by 15 years and at the same time switch fuel for the entire Bandvagn system fleet to diesel. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/)
20 Dec 23. The P-18PL Delivery Contract Has Been Signed. On December 19, the Armament Agency and the PGZ-NAREW Consortium signed an executive agreement for the delivery and service of 24 P-18PL (UW-10) long-range radar sets. The contract will be implemented in the years 2023-2035 and its value is over PLN 3.1 bn. It includes the delivery of 24 P-18PL radar stations along with a training package and technical assistance services as part of the logistics package. The radar can cooperate with all Air Force and air defense command systems used in the Polish Army. Ultimately, the P-18PL will cooperate with the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS) for the needs of short-range air defense missile sets codenamed NAREW, and with medium-range air defense sets, as part of the second stage of the WISŁA program. P-18PL completed qualification tests with a positive result in December 2022. This opened the door to its orders by the Polish Armed Forces and implementation into series production. (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ PGZ; issued Dec. 19, 2023)
19 Dec 23. Rheinmetall wins follow-up order from Vienna: Austrian Army procuring more trucks – potential additional sales of over €300m. Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) has just scored another significant sales success in Austria, winning a request for tenders for a further lot of logistic vehicles for the Austrian Army. A corresponding enlargement of the existing framework agreement with Bundesbeschaffung GmbH (BGG) of Vienna, the Austrian procurement organization, envisages delivery of up to 300 trucks, primarily from the HX family of vehicles. The expanded contract for the newly won lot runs for 48 months and offers the possibility of flexible call-offs of vehicles with an aggregate value of over €300m.
22 Dec 23. The Romanian ministry of defence has contracted with Rheinmetall to thoroughly modernize the country’s Oerlikon GDF 103 air defence artillery systems. For the Düsseldorf-based technology enterprise, this is the first ever major order from Romania, a NATO and EU member state. Worth around €328 m, the contract encompasses the delivery of four systems as well as training, spare parts and other services. Two systems are to be delivered within the next two years, and two more within three years. Each of the systems ordered consists of an Oerlikon Skymaster TLCN fire control system; an X-Band Tactical Acquisition Radar 3D, or X-TAR3D; six 35mm GDF009 TREO Oerlikon Twin Guns, including autoloader; and two heavy-duty special trucks for transporting the fire control system and the tracking radar. An upgraded Oerlikon anti-aircraft artillery system, the Group’s Skynex air defence solution is a modular, flexible ground-based air defence system for the protection of stationary objects and installations in close and short range. Representing the latest state of the art, it is capable of simultaneously engaging up to four targets at very short range, including ground targets. Cannon-based air defence solutions from the Skynex product family lend themselves especially well to close-range operations where guided missiles are ineffective. The effectors used here are Oerlikon rapid-fire automatic cannon featuring a rate of fire of 1,100 rounds per minute and a maximum effective range of up to 4,000 metres. The recent success of the aging 35mm Gepard antiaircraft tank in Ukraine underscores the remarkable efficiency of cannon-based air defence in countering aerial threats – especially cruise missiles and drones – and the continuing importance of short-range air defence in modern warfare. Compared to the Gepard, Skynex constitutes not only a generational leap in terms of sensor technology, the networked deployment of multiple tactical units and inclusion in higher-echelon command and control systems. Its unique combat effectiveness also results from using Rheinmetall’s programmable time-delayed 35mm Ahead ammunition, assuring maximum effectiveness against small, fast-moving targets.
20 Dec 23. Rheinmetall awarded development contract for Skyranger variant of Lynx in Hungary. The Düsseldorf-based tech enterprise Rheinmetall has scored a significant success in marketing its new Skyranger 30 air defence system as part of the European Sky Shield Initiative: Hungary, a NATO and EU member nation, has awarded Rhein¬metall a contract for the conceptual development of the Skyranger 30 turret for the future Lynx KF41 Mobile Air Defence Vehicle. The contract has been signed on 15th December 2023 in Budapest. For Rheinmetall, the development contract is worth close to €30 m. The customisation development of the Skyranger 30 turret for the Lynx tracked armoured vehicle and the integration of additional effectors responds to Hungary’s need to address the current threat situation, adding a new member to the Lynx family in the process.
21 Dec 23. FMV and Lithuania’s procurement authority for defense equipment, DMA, have today signed a joint purchase agreement for Robot System 70, RBS70 NG. The agreement involves an expansion of an existing joint procurement agreement and development of the strategic defense materiel cooperation between the countries. The agreements signed are partly a joint purchase agreement between FMV and DMA and partly a framework agreement regarding the RBS 70 NG between FMV and Saab. The joint purchase agreement enables DMA to use FMV’s framework agreement with Saab for the procurement of the RBS 70 NG. In this way, we provide both countries with better terms and prices and enable a quick and efficient procurement for DMA. FMV and DMA are discussing further development of this collaboration to include additional strategic materiel systems. (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/Swedish Defense Materiel Agency, FMV; issued Dec 20, 2023)
21 Dec 23. Finland Orders Grenades and Ammunition Procured for the Defense Forces. The Defense Forces has entered into a four-year procurement contract for the procurement of grenade and charge boxes. Framework agreements for grenade boxes 155 TKR and charge boxes are concluded for the years 2024 – 2027. Grenade and charge boxes are made of coniferous wood and are used for 155 TKR grenades and charge storage, field distribution and transport directly to the end user or to various intermediate steps in the logistic chain. Grenade and charge boxes are transported in the cargo spaces of suitable off-road and road trucks and in various trailers. The boxes are handled with the tines of a tractor and a forklift, as well as the carrier lines. The total value of the acquisition without value added tax is a maximum of 10,884,000 euros. The procurement package is delivered by Finnish companies Savopak Oy and Rakennepalvelu Jurva Rinne Oy, each solely responsible for its own contract package. The employment effect of the acquisition in the home country is significant. The capacity of the production volume is not public information. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Finnish Ministry of Defence; issued Dec. 20, 2023) (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com)
SEA
20 Dec 23. Netherlands to Upgrade NH90 Naval Helicopters. Defense will extensively modernize all 19 NH90 maritime combat helicopters. This so-called midlife update (MLU) is necessary to keep the weapon system deployable and operationally relevant for the future. As part of this, the new data link system Link 22 will also be introduced. State Secretary Christophe van der Maat reported this to the House of Representatives today. The armed forces have been using the NH90 since 2010. In two years, the helicopter will have reached half its planned lifespan. Several systems and components date from the 1990s and are now outdated. Defense mainly uses the NH90 to build up a maritime environmental picture of a fleet, for anti-submarine warfare and for amphibious transport. The helicopter can collect large amounts of data with sensors and share it in real time with other units. Due to the unparalleled qualities of this device, there is currently no equivalent workable alternative available. (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Netherlands Ministry of Defense; issued Dec 19, 2023)
AIR
20 Dec 23. The Spanish Ministry of Defence has ordered 16 Airbus C295 aircraft in Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) configuration and Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) configuration. The contract amounts to €1.695bn. These new aircraft will enable the Spanish Air and Space Force and the Spanish Navy to strengthen the national anti-submarine warfare capability as well as increase and enhance its surveillance, reconnaissance and search & rescue units. The contract also includes training systems (Full Flight Simulator and Mission System Simulator) and an initial logistics support package.
TECHNOLOGY
21 Dec 23. MilDef wins cybersecurity contract worth SEK 97m. Clavister, a leader in European cyber security for mission-critical applications, has ordered MilDef’s hardware to a value of 97m SEK. The order follows a previous prototype order for customized and robust network equipment. The product is part of Clavister Cyber Armour, an integrated cyber security system for defense platforms. Deliveries will take place 2024-2029. Clavister is a specialized European cybersecurity provider protecting complex digital businesses. In the current project, MilDef and Clavister have co-developed the combined hardware and software solution for use in leading vehicle platforms, manufactured by a global player.
USA
LAND
21 Dec 23. Aimpoint, the leading manufacturer and innovator of red dot sighting technology, has been chosen by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to supply Aimpoint® Duty RDS and Aimpoint® CompM4s optics for their Red Dot Sights and Mounts Program. Following extensive testing of a broad selection of competitive optics, Aimpoint was awarded a five-year contract with a maximum award amount of $7m for the compact Duty RDS™ sight, and an additional $4 m award for the larger format CompM4s sight. Deliveries of both sights to the FBI began at the end of 2023. Designed to meet the demands facing today’s law enforcement officers, the Aimpoint Duty RDS is a high-performance reflex optic in a compact package. The all-new design offers a pressure-forged aluminum alloy housing, flush mounted windage and elevation adjustments with tactile clicks, and digital intensity adjustments for ease of operation under any conditions or while wearing gloves. The Duty RDS features a one-piece torsion nut mount that attaches to all MIL-STD-1913 picatinny rails and provides an absolute co-witness sight picture with standard height iron sights. The Duty RDS provides 30,000 hours (3 years) of constant-on use using a single CR2032 battery powering a 2 MOA red dot and has 10 operating brightness settings. Compatible with all generations of night vision devices, this sight is also submersible up to 80 feet (25 meters). The Aimpoint CompM4s is currently used and trusted by top-tier professional end users globally and has been type classified as the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force M68CCO (Close Combat Optic) for over two decades. Offering a 2 MOA red dot, the CompM4s is powered by a single AA battery for over 80,000 hours (8 years) of continuous use and over 500,000 hours in the night vision settings.
22 Dec 23. Anduril Industries Inc.,* Costa Mesa, California, was awarded a $31,115,802 firm-fixed-price delivery order for Wide-Area Infrared System for Persistence Surveillance SkyFence. This contract provides for a passive sensing capability, coupled with sensor fusion and artificial intelligence, for use by the 412th Test Wing to provide a complete situational awareness and a multi-mission counter intrusion and counter unmanned aerial systems solution. Work will be performed at Fort Worth, Texas, with delivery to Edwards Air Force Base, California, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 21, 2027. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2023 other procurement, Air Force funds in the amount of $1,705,000 are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Test Center, Edwards AFB, California, is the contracting activity (FA9301-24-D-0003)
18 Dec 23. Kopin Corporation (NASDAQ: KOPN), a leading provider of application-specific optical solutions and high performance micro-displays for defense, enterprise, consumer and medical products, today announced it has received an approximately $6m follow-on order for one of its thermal weapon sight eyepiece subassemblies. The eyepiece subassembly is a critical component provided to a Department of Defense prime contractor that integrates the eyepiece into a sophisticated video “see through” AR optical module using Kopin’s proprietary high-brightness microdisplay and custom-designed Pancake® optics. This additional increase in demand potentially triples our thermal weapon sight production volumes in fiscal year 2024, as compared to 2023. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
27 Dec 23. DRS Sustainment Systems Inc., Bridgeton, Missouri, was awarded a $15,375,000 firm-fixed-price contract for heavy-duty tank trailers. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in West Plains, Missouri, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 22, 2026. Fiscal 2024 Foreign Military Sales (Israel) funds in the amount of $15,375,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-24-C-0020).
19 Dec 23. L3Harris Technologies Inc., Rochester, New York, is awarded a $49,000,000 hybrid, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the purchase of Multiband Radio II waveform porting services. This contract provides waveform porting of Mobile User Objective System 3.2 and Single Channel Ground Air Radio System Frequency Hop 3 to the Multiband Radio II Family of Systems. The contract also requires delivery of the following, as ordered: technical data, logistics data, training data, training, and sustainment services. Work will be performed in Rochester, New York, with an expected completion date of December 2028. The maximum dollar value, including all ordering periods, is $49,000,000. Fiscal 2024 research, development, test, and evaluation (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $2,627,712; and fiscal 2024 operations and maintenance (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $68,868, for a total of $2,696,580, were obligated at the time of award. Contract funds in the amount of $68,868 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Contract funds in the amount of $2,627,712 will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is a sole source acquisition pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1(a) and 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(1). The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M67854-24-D-2072).
22 Dec 23. Lockheed Martin Corp., Orlando, Florida, was awarded a $107,561,001 hybrid (cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price) contract for vehicle base 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. 22, 2025. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-24-D-0016).
19 Dec 23. RTX’s Raytheon to Build Defensive Microwave Antenna Systems for U.S. Military. Raytheon will design, build and test two high-power microwave antenna systems that will use directed energy to defeat airborne threats at the speed of light. The systems are designed to be rugged and transportable for front-line deployment. Under the three-year, $31.3m contract from the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, Raytheon will deliver prototype systems to the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force as part of the Directed Energy Front-line Electromagnetic Neutralization and Defeat (DEFEND) program. Work on this contract is being conducted in Tucson, Arizona in partnership with the U.S. Air Force Research Lab, Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division and the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. Prototypes are expected to be delivered in fiscal years 2024 and 2026. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/RTX)
SEA
21 Dec 23. Austal USA, Mobile, Alabama, is awarded an $867,666,667 fixed-priced incentive (firm-target), undefinitized contract modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-19-C-2227) for the detail, design, and construction of three expeditionary medical ships, an Expeditionary Fast Transport variant. Work will be performed in Mobile, Alabama (87%); Chesapeake, Virginia (2%); Newark, Delaware (2%); Mandeville, Louisiana (2%); Spring, Texas (1%); various locations within the U.S., each accounting for less than one percent (5%); and various locations outside the U.S., each accounting for less than one percent (1%). Work is expected to complete by May 2030. Fiscal 2023 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $149,833,000; and fiscal 2022 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $63,667,000 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
21 Dec 23. BAE Systems Technology Solutions and Services Inc., Rockville, Maryland is awarded an $86,790,235 cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost reimbursable, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This contract provides engineering and technical services to include, planning and analysis, engineering design, assimilation, kitting, production and verification, logistics and in-services support, and technical management in support of new and legacy Mobile Deployable (MD) Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Combat Systems, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) systems and platforms. These services are in support of providing MD C5ISR products comprised of small craft, transportable systems, en-route communication systems, and intra-platform systems for the Navy, Special Operations Forces, Homeland Security, and other Department of Defense (DOD) and non-DOD agencies. Work will be performed in Lexington Park, Maryland (46%); Little Creek, Virginia (32%); and St. Inigoes, Maryland (22%), and is expected to be completed in January 2029. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposal; two offers were received. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0042124D0008).
22 Dec 23. Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc., Monroeville, Pennsylvania, is awarded a $772,299,996 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for naval nuclear propulsion components. Work will be performed in Monroeville, Pennsylvania (50%); and Schenectady, New York (50%), and is expected to be completed by September 2033. Fiscal 2024 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $772,299,996 will be obligated at time of award and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(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 (N00024-24-C-2114).
21 Dec 23. Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc., Monroeville, Pennsylvania, is awarded a $706,099,984 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for naval nuclear propulsion components. Work will be performed in Monroeville, Pennsylvania (75%); and Schenectady, New York (25%), and is expected to be completed by September 2033. Fiscal 2024 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $459,599,992 will be obligated at time of award and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(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 (N00024-24-C-2115).
21 Dec 23. Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc., Monroeville, Pennsylvania, is awarded a $182,807,762 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for naval nuclear propulsion components. Work will be performed in Monroeville, Pennsylvania (91%); and Schenectady, New York (9%), and is expected to be completed by September 2033. Fiscal 2024 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $182,594,582 (99%); and fiscal 2024 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $213,180 (1%), will be obligated at time of award and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(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 (N00024-24-C-2112).
18 Dec 23. Hensoldt Inc., Vienna, Virginia, has be awarded a maximum $55,878,609 firm-fixed-price, long term requirements contract for the ARP/SPS-75 radar system. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This is a six-month base contract with three one-year option period. Location of performance is West Virginia, with a Dec. 31, 2023, performance completion date. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 Navy working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania (SPRMM1-23-D-TD02). (Awarded June 28, 2023)
22 Dec 23. Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, Moorestown, New Jersey, is awarded a $141,510,746 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to previously awarded contract N00024-23-C-5123 to exercise options for capability package development and fielding, system integration and fielding, and in-service sustainment in support of current configurations of the AEGIS combat system. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2024. Fiscal 2024 Research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $56,884,417 (53%); fiscal 2021 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $31,268,284 (29%); fiscal 2020 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $10,294,544 (9%); fiscal 2017 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,627,181 (2%); fiscal 2018 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,487,114 (2%); fiscal 2023 weapon procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,759,660 (2%); fiscal 2024 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $999,926 (1%); fiscal 2022 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $996,312 (1%); and fiscal 2024 weapon procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $616,676 (1%), will be obligated at time of award and funds in the amount of $999,926 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
20 Dec 23. Raytheon Co., Tucson, Arizona, is awarded a $41,109,046 firm-fixed-price delivery order to previously awarded basic ordering agreement N00024-21-G-5421 for production and delivery of Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) Block (BLK) one spare parts for sustainment and support of in-service ESSM BLK 1 Guided Missile Assemblies. This delivery order includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this delivery order to $49,251,821. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. government (85%); and the governments of Japan, UAE, Chile, Spain, and South Korea (15%), under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona (32%); Ottobrunn, Germany (18%); Hengelo, Netherlands (9%); Cincinnati, Ohio (6%); Mississauga, Canada (5%); Raufoss, Norway (4%); Ankara, Turkey (4%); San Jose, California (4%); Toronto, Canada (3%); Grand Rapids, Michigan (3%); Nashua, New Hampshire (3%); Sandy Hook, Connecticut (2%); Joplin, Missouri (2%); Lystrup, Denmark (2%); Columbia, Maryland (1%); Aranjuez, Spain (1%); and Santa Fe Springs, California (1%), and is expected to be completed by May 2025. Fiscal 2021 other customer funds in the amount of $13,812,424 (34%); FMS Japan funds in the amount of $3,514,808 (8%); FMS UAE funds in the amount of $2,006,727 (5%); FMS Chile funds in the amount of $268,899 (1%); FMS Spain funds in the amount of $223,658 (1%); FMS South Korea funds in the amount of $123,015 (less than 1%) (15% combined); fiscal 2024 other customer funds in the amount of $5,837,944 (14%); fiscal 2020 other customer funds in the amount of $5,042,560 (12%); fiscal 2023 weapon procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $4,180,246 (10%); fiscal 2019 other customer funds in the amount of $3,111,747 (8%); fiscal 2023 other customer funds in the amount of $2,075,767 (5%); and fiscal 2022 other customer funds in the amount of $911,252 (2%), will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(4) (International Agreement between the U.S. and a foreign government or international organization). Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-21-G-5421).
18 Dec 23. Saab Inc., East Syracuse, New York, is awarded a $47,533,212 modification (P00002) to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N0001923C0049). This modification exercises an option to procure three AN/SPN-50(V)1 Shipboard low-rate initial production, one installation and check-out kit, three onboard repair parts kits, and one depot kit, in support of new air traffic control surveillance radars, as well as interim sustainment requirements. SPN-50(V)1 is the primary air traffic control surveillance radar for Nimitz Class Aircraft Carriers (CVN) and Amphibious (LHA and LHD(LH)) type ships. Work will be performed in Syracuse, New York, and is expected to be completed in March 2026. Fiscal 2024 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $47,533,212 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
AIR
19 Dec 23. BAE Systems, Nashua, New Hampshire, is awarded a $77,302,342 cost-plus-fixed-fee undefinitized contract to procure various special tooling and special test equipment in support of production and retrofit modifications for the F-35 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 Loveland, Colorado (42%); Amesbury, Massachusetts (13%); Billerica, Massachusetts (5%); Chelmsford, Massachusetts (3%); Irvine, California (3%); Maple Grove, Minnesota (3%); San Jose, California (3%); Fremont, New Hampshire (2%); Linthicum, Maryland (1%); Andover, Massachusetts (1%); Hudson, New Hampshire (1%); Endicott, New York (1%); Melville, New York (1%); Wenatchee, Washington (1%); Wallingford, Connecticut (1%); Eden Prairie, Minnesota (1%); Greeneville, Tennessee (1%); Santa Ana California (1%); Londonderry, New Hampshire (1%); Boise, Idaho (1%); Amherst, New Hampshire (1%); Los Angeles, California (1%); Westbrook, Maine (1%), and various locations within the continental U.S. (11%), and is expected to be completed in December 2027. Fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $9,026,452; fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $9,026,451; fiscal 2023 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $2,408,774; fiscal 2023 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,588,266; fiscal 2022 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $4,529,250; fiscal 2022 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $4,529,250; FMS customer funds in the amount of $1,342,115, and non-U.S. DOD participants funds in the amount of $5,814,104 will be obligated at time of award, $9,058,500 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 (N0001924C0010).
21 Dec 23. Darkhive Inc., San Antonio, Texas, has been awarded a $95,050,000, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract modification (P00001) to previously awarded contract FA8730-23-D-B003 for small unmanned aerial systems, software development and integration for autonomy infrastructures and platforms. The contract modification is to increase the ceiling from $4,950,000 to $100,000,000, and increase the ordering period from three years to five years. Work will be performed at San Antonio, Texas, and is expected to be completed by June 5, 2030. No funds are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, in support of AFWERX Autonomy Prime, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity.
20 Dec 23. Cuashub.com said today that DZYNE Technologies, a leading innovator in autonomous defense technology, announced a $49m contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). This significant contract will support the continued research and development of DZYNE’s cutting-edge long endurance program, which offers a low-cost, military-grade alternative to many legacy crewed and uncrewed autonomous aircraft used by the U.S. Military today. Spearheaded by a dedicated team of engineers and scientists, DZYNE’s long endurance programs have consistently pushed the boundaries of autonomous flight technology. This program has successfully supported ultra-long endurance missions that exceed significant hours of autonomous flight and advanced artificial intelligence command and control integration, offering unparalleled flexibility and adaptability for a variety of demanding military applications. https://cuashub.com/content/dzyne-awarded-49m-advanced-uas-development-contract/?_hsmi=287261995&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9fYlwp-kIgj-kzR-Moa6ubqrbRISl8Bz8l1v0NpXSXc5MqF05sISU8Mouq0UHhtgKA-HlBTO8iKDutRX45AsbP7nkGr6Ar6AV1x9nEFra2rji17QA#utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&utm_content=287261995&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
27 Dec 23. Intelsat General Communications LLC, McLean, Virginia, was awarded a $9,087,138 contract for the Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI). This contract provides for efforts to develop and experimentally test satellite communications (SATCOM) systems capable of operating with multiple commercial space internet constellations operating in low, medium, and geostationary earth orbits offering a new low size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) terminal that easily integrates onto aircraft platforms to provide resilient, high throughput, globally available, and highly reliable SATCOM. Work will be performed in McLean, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 26, 2024. This contract was a competitive acquisition and 11 offers were received. Fiscal 2023 research, development, test, and evaluation funds in the amount of $8,842,797 are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA2385-24-C-B016). (Awarded Dec. 26, 2023)
20 Dec 23. Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $220,744,973 modification (P00004) to a cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price order (N0001923F0002) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001919G0008). This modification exercises options to support calendar year 2024 modification and retrofit activities for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program to include program management, non-recurring engineering, aircraft induction, contractor field, depot site, and laser shock peening site support. Additionally, this modification adds scope for the procurement of material kits as well as special tooling and test equipment necessary to support F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft retrofit and modification efforts for the Air Force, Marines, Navy, Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers, and non-U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) participants. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in January 2026. Fiscal 2022 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $446,744; fiscal 2023 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $151,628; fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $39,627,00; fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $53,968,394; non-U.S. DOD participant funds in the amount of $69,664,330; and FMS funds in the amount of $56,886,874, will be obligated at the time of award, $446,744 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
20 Dec 23. Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas is awarded a $42,037,318 modification (P00076) to a previously awarded fixed-price incentive (firm-target) contract (N0001918C1048). This modification adds scope to procure supplies and support equipment in support of F-35 depot component repair capability activations, associated with the communication, navigation, identification material lay-in 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 Warner Robins, Georgia, and is expected to be completed in April 2027. Fiscal 2022 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $17,728,705; fiscal 2022 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $11,622,151; FMS customer funds in the amount of $4,746,275; and non-DOD participant funds in the amount of $7,940,186, will be obligated at the time of award, $29,350,856 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
20 Dec 23. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Mclean, Virginia, has been awarded an estimated $121,518,957 firm‐fixed‐price, performance-based-logistics requirements contract for B-1 Bomber AN/APQ-164 offensive radar low observable antennas. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302‐1. This is a five-year base contract with one five-year option period. Location of performance is Oklahoma, with a Dec. 31, 2028, performance completion date. Using military service is Air Force. Type of appropriations is fiscal 2024 through 2029 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Ogden, Utah (SPRHA1‐24‐D‐0001).
16 Dec 23. Ovzon has received, via Intelsat General Communications (IGC), an order for continuation of Ovzon’s SATCOM-as-a-Service from the United States Department of Defense (U.S. DOD). The service is renewed for approximately eight months and will start immediately. Ovzon’s SATCOM-as-a-Service is the industry’s leading integrated satellite communication solution for critical missions. It combines Ovzon’s mobile satellite terminals, integrated with resilient and high-performing satellite networks and 24/7/365 service and support. Ovzon SATCOM-as-a-Service delivers an unmatched level of strategic, operational, and tactical agility to the U.S. DOD for their important and critical missions. (Source: ASD Network)
21 Dec 23. Raytheon Missiles and Defense, Tucson, Arizona, has been awarded a $407,599,797 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00016) to previously awarded task order (FA8656-22-F-A071) for Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile-Southern Cross Integrated Flight Research Experiment (HACM-SCIFiRE). Work will be performed at Tucson, Arizona, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2028. Fiscal 2023 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $27,114,155 are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Armament Directorate, Agile Weapons Division, HACM-SCIFiRE Program Office, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity.
22 Dec 23. Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Arizona, is awarded a $155,697,776 firm-fixed-price undefinitized order (N0001924F2560) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001920G0007). This order provides for the production and delivery of 53 Joint Standoff Weapon Air-To-Ground Missiles (AGM-154 Block III C), to include 47 missiles for the government of Bahrain, and six replacement in kind missiles for the Navy, as well as associated training and test supplies and services, containers, technical data, engineering technical services, and inert equipment. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona (65.29%); Monmouthshire, Wales, United Kingdom (7.7%); Vergennes, Vermont (4.66%); Reading, Scotland, United Kingdom (3.01%); Joplin, Missouri (1.74%); Goleta, California (1.59%); Loveland, Colorado (1.58%); Richardson, Texas (1.12%); Tulsa, Oklahoma (1.11%); Minneapolis, Minnesota (1.03%); and various location within the continental U.S. (11.17%), and is expected to be completed in March 2028. Fiscal 2022 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,316,046; and Foreign Military Sales customer funds in the amount of $36,759,997, will be obligated at time of award, $2,316,046 of which will expire at the end of the fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
19 Dec 23. The United States Navy awarded Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) Business, an $80m contract in a down select to prototype Advanced Electronic Warfare, or ADVEW, for the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet. This prototype will be considered as a replacement for the existing AN/ALQ-214 integrated defensive electronic countermeasure and AN/ALR-67(V)3 radar warning receiver with a consolidated solution that will deliver superior electronic warfare capabilities to the backbone of the Navy’s carrier air wing. (Source: PR Newswire)
TECHNOLOGY
18 Dec 23. Aurora Flight Sciences Corp., Manassas, Virginia, has been awarded a $41,421,422 modification (P00006) to cost-plus-fixed-fee contract HR001123C0012 to exercise Option 1 of the Control of Revolutionary Aircraft with Novel Effectors program. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $89,634,375, from $48,212,953. Work will be performed at Manassas, Virginia (20%); Cambridge, Massachusetts (14%); Charleston, South Carolina (6%); Bridgeport, Connecticut (6%); Huntsville, Mississippi (6%); St. Louis, Missouri (6%); Huntington Beach, California (6%); Mesa, Arizona (6%); Fort Worth, Texas (6%); National Harbor, Maryland (6%); and Salt Lake City, Utah (18%), with an expected completion date of October 2025. Fiscal 2024 research and development funds in the amount of $15,786,711 are being obligated at the time of award. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity.
21 Dec 23. The Department of Defense today announced an award of $46.2m to GreenSource Fabrication LLC (GreenSource) via the Defense Production Act Investment (DPAI) Program. The award will enhance existing production capabilities at a manufacturing facility of state-of-the-art integrated circuits (IC) substrate, high-density interconnect (HDI) and ultra-high-density interconnect (UHDI), and advanced packaging. The award will enable GreenSource to scale up engineering, tooling, and manufacturing operations to establish a dedicated facility for IC substrate fabrication for a high-mix, low-volume offering of advanced interconnect solutions. These domestic production capabilities for HDI, UHDI, IC substrates, and advanced packaging are critical enabling technologies for sixth-generation systems and applications, including for radar, electronic warfare, information processing, and communications. (Source: U.S. DoD)
18 Dec 23. KBR (NYSE: KBR) has joined forces with The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) on an important contract to support neuroscience research for service members. This new award will specifically focus on those affected by traumatic brain injuries. Research will be done in collaboration with the Uniformed Services University (the nation’s only federal health sciences university), and the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). Under the terms of the Service Personnel Advancing Research in Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (SPARC) contract, KBR will provide outreach, education and data analytics to support critical neuroscience research for the prevention and treatment of military members with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The cost-plus-fixed-fee contract, with the potential for a term of 52 months, will also assist in the development of therapeutics to treat this serious illness.
19 Dec 23. The US National Security Agency (NSA) has announced a single, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract worth US$700m (AU$1.04bn) to provide prototype and technology development support. As part of this contract, Leidos will provide subject matter expertise to develop and maintain technology, tools and techniques in support of the analyst community. This includes analytic technique and prototype development, forecasting of emerging technology use, and developing prototypes. (Source: Defence Connect)
REST OF THE WORLD
LAND
20 Dec 23. NZ Defence to procure UAS and remote ground sensor systems. Three companies have been selected to deliver uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and remote ground sensor systems for the New Zealand Army. It is hoped that the recent acquisition will improve operations planning and risk assessment, reducing risk to New Zealand military personnel across humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, combat and search and rescue operations. The program was awarded as part of the Networked Enabled Army Programme. As part of the announcement, EPE New Zealand has been selected to supply a number of quadcopter micro UAS as well as remote ground sensor systems for the 2/1 Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. The micro UAS system is backpack portable and deployable in 75 seconds, while the remote ground sensor systems combine seismic, acoustic and infrared sensors to detect and identify moving objects, information unveiled by the NZ Ministry of Defence confirmed. The EPE system is delivered as part of a partnership with US-based UAS manufacturer Skydio. US-based Quantum-Systems was also selected to deliver a number of backpack portable small UAS. The systems, with a three-metre wingspan, will be employed by 16 Field Regiment and can be operational within three minutes. Australia’s Criterion Solutions was selected to deliver the single-rotor nano UAS for the 2/1 Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. The UAS can be operational in less than 20 seconds. The systems are scheduled to enter use in 2024. The systems will not be armed. (Source: Defence Connect)
21 Dec 23. The Canadian Army has awarded four contracts, collectively valued at up to C$1.7bn ($1.2bn), to General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada. These contracts signify a leap in bolstering the land command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) system for the Canadian Armed Forces. The contracts are set to fortify the land command support system (LCSS) and improve the capabilities of the Canadian Army. The four contracts encompass components of the LCSS, addressing the system of systems engineering and integration, core network sustainment services, applications sustainment services, and intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR). This investment marks a step toward equipping the Canadian military with capabilities, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to security and technological advancement. As General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada takes the lead, efforts will be made to ensure readiness in the face of contemporary threats. (Source: army-technology.com)
19 Dec 23. IMCO Group (TASE: IMCO) has received in Q3 an additional 28.5m NIS (more than US$7m) order from the Israel Ministry of Defense Directorate of Production and Procurement (DOPP), for additional electrical and electro-optic sub-systems for the IDF’s newest Eitan (8X8) Armored fighting vehicles (AFVs). Eitan is a new multi-purpose 8×8 wheeled armored personnel carrier (APC) developed by Israel’s Defense Ministry’s Merkava and Armored Vehicles Directorate. It is an advanced, protected combat vehicle with high mobility and firepower capabilities. Combat proven, the Eitan APV is deployed by the IDF in the current war. IMCO Group’s subsidiaries, IMCO Projects, Nir-Or, ADTI, and EMT, will produce the platform electrical & electro optics sub-systems. The sub-systems include IMCO Projects’ electric power and control units, operational control panels, platform interconnection cabling, platform main computing cradle unit, and illumination solutions. It also includes Nir-Or’s various computer units and Video Management System, which provides a full video management suite for the vehicle, including a display with an intuitive control interface. Integrating real-time AI analytics, Nir-Or’s solution presents all the needed information for the commander, driver, and gunner, allowing them to manage the mission smartly and effectively while sharing a joint situational awareness picture. Altogether, IMCO’s sub-systems ensure optimal performance and survivability of the APV, and enhanced situational awareness for the operating crew.
18 Dec 23. Further call-off from Rheinmetall framework agreement: Ukraine receives artillery ammunition – order value in the triple-digit million euro range. The German Bundeswehr has again called off 155 mm artillery ammunition from Rheinmetall under the framework agreement. Rheinmetall has been commissioned to supply a total of several tens of thousands shells of various types for the Ukrainian armed forces. The order is worth a three-digit million euro amount. Delivery is scheduled for the course of 2025. The new call-off continues the series of artillery ammunition orders previously placed by the Bundeswehr for the Ukrainian and German armed forces. In July 2023, Rheinmetall concluded a new framework agreement with the Bundeswehr in the artillery sector. It covers the delivery of several hundred thousand shells, fuses and propelling charges. The new framework agreement runs until 2029 and has a potential gross order volume of around €1.2bn (including VAT). The need to replenish stores of ammunition caused by the war in Ukraine is resulting in major artillery ammunition contracts for Rheinmetall. Rheinmetall’s family of artillery ammunition includes, among other ordnance, the high explosive DM121, the DM125 smoke/obscurant shell, the DM121 SMArt search-fused round (jointly developed with Diehl Defence), as well as the RH68 practice version and the range-optimized RH1901 and RH1902 smoke/obscurant shells. The Group’s product portfolio also encompasses the versatile Assegai family of 155mm artillery ammunition made by Rheinmetall Denel of South Africa. It includes insensitive munitions (IM), conventional high explosive (HE) rounds, as well as smoke/obscurant, illumination, infrared illumination, and other shells. With its boat tail (BT) and base bleed (BB) configurations, the Assegai family displays a ballistic equilibrium, ensuring that the entire ammunition spectrum can be used at its maximum effective range of approximately 40 kilometres. Under the framework contract, the Bundeswehr will be introducing the tried-and-tested Assegai ammunition family. Rheinmetall also offers the artillery family from Rheinmetall Expal Munitions, including the 155mm M107 and 155mm Extended Range.
22 Dec 23. Ventia has confirmed that it has secured a 12-month extension of its Base Services contract with the Australian Department of Defence. Originally announced in late October, the contract will cover estate management, living services and base support capability. Services are set to include asset management and maintenance, ranges and training area management, airfield management, land management and environmental services, project management, hospitality and catering, domestic services and transport services. The contract spans Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Tasmania. (Source: Defence Connect)
SEA
21 Dec 23. India Orders Six New-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels. Ministry of Defence Signs Rs 1,614.89 Crore Contract with Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilders Ltd for Procurement of Six Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels for Indian Coast Guard. The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai, on December 20, 2023 for the procurement of six Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVS) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The contract was made under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category at a total cost of Rs1614.89 Crore. Out of the six vessels being procured, four would replace the existing aging OPVs and the other two would augment the ICG fleet. The acquisition of these major ICG platforms is aimed to boost the ICG’s capability and reinforces the increased focus of the Government towards Maritime Security. These modern and high-tech Ships will play a critical role in enhancing surveillance, Law enforcement, Search and Rescue, Maritime Pollution Response, and other important capabilities including humanitarian assistance by the ICG. Along with several high-tech advanced features and equipment, these 115m OPVS would be equipped with Multipurpose Drones, AI capability, and Wirelessly Controlled Remote Water Rescue Craft Lifebuoy, etc. enabling greater flexibility and operational edge to the ICG to face new age multidimensional challenges. These Multi-role State-of-the-Art vessels will be indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured by MDL, Mumbai, and will be delivered in a total period of 66 months. The contract achieves the objectives of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ to boost the nation’s indigenous shipbuilding capability, bolstering maritime economic activities and fostering the growth of ancillary industries, especially the MSME sector. The project will also generate employment opportunities and expertise development in the country. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Indian Ministry of Defence)
AIR
26 Dec 23. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has requested a continuation of a blanket order training program inside and outside of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that includes, but is not limited to, flight training; technical training; professional military education; specialized training; Mobile Training Teams (MTTs); Technical Assistance Field Team (TAFT); Extended Training Service Specialists (ETSS); and English language training. These blanket order training cases will cover all relevant types of training offered by or contracted through the U.S. Air Force or Department of Defense Agencies (DOD). This training for the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) and other Saudi forces will include such subjects as civilian casualty avoidance; the laws of armed conflicts; human rights; command and control; and targeting via MTTs and/or broader Programs of Instruction (POIs). Program management; trainers, simulators; travel; billeting; and medical support may also be included. The estimated total cost is $1bn. There is no principal contractor for the proposed sale. Training will be provided by the U.S. Government or contract vendors based upon requirements as they are determined. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: glstrade.com)
22 Dec 23. AeroVironment Inc.,* Simi Valley, California, was awarded a $65,402,691 modification (P00036) to contract W31P4Q-20-C-0024 for the Switchblade weapon system. Work will be performed in Simi Valley, California, with an estimated completion date of April 30, 2024. Fiscal 2024 Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $65,402,691 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
19 Dec 23. The Government of Canada has signed a contract to purchase a fleet of MQ-9B SkyGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). The order includes the associated Certified Ground Control Stations and support equipment from GA-ASI. The first delivery is expected in 2028. The SkyGuardian RPAS is interoperable with Canada’s domestic missions and its continental defence missions through NORAD, as well as with Canada’s closest allies – including the Five Eyes Alliance (FVEY) and NATO – for seamless integration with current and future Canadian defence, civil air, and ground assets.
26 Dec 23. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has recently announced a pivotal contract agreement with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). The contract entails the provision of IAI’s Adaptive Defense Antenna (ADA) system for the second phase production of the Light Armed Helicopter (LAH) program in South Korea. The ADA system, renowned for its GPS Anti-Jamming solution capable of neutralizing interferences from multiple jammers across various directions, is set for serial installation on the LAH platforms under this contract. According to a press release from the company, this collaboration marks a continued partnership between IAI and KAI, stemming from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration’s (DAPA) selection of IAI’s ADA system back in 2017. The initial agreement included the installation, testing, and airworthiness certification of the system across different branches of the Republic of Korea’s military, including the Air Force, Navy, and Army. (Source: Google/https://defence-blog.com/)