UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO
LAND
09 Jan 24. The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) will support Night Vision and Optoelectronics (NVO) Support Partnership (SP) member Nations with the supply and in-service support of Riflescopes for NATO 5.56mm and 7.62mm calibre assault rifles through a recently awarded Outline Agreement (OA) to Raytheon ELCAN. This was the outcome of a Specification-Based International Competitive Request for Proposal (RfP), which was processed with an expedited project timeline. This contract fulfils requirements of the Night Vision and Optoelectronics (NVO) Support Partnership (SP) member Nations (Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Norway) for the next 5 years. NSPA placed a large order for Riflescopes on behalf of the Lithuanian Defence Forces, for which Raytheon ELCAN will begin deliveries in 2024. As part of this project, the NSPA Air and Land Combat Systems Programme conducted a field test campaign in Denmark led by the NVO Technical Team, in coordination with the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation. This was the first occasion where a test campaign was included in an RfP for NVO products as part of the Technical Evaluation process. ELCAN’s Specter DR dual field-of-view sights with 1-4x magnification for NATO 5.56mm and 7.62mm caliber rifles were put to the test under a rigorous trial plan. The term “NVO” embraces a large variety of products: stand-alone, integrated or networked thermal imaging equipment, image intensifying, UV, optical and laser systems used for observation, surveillance, target acquisition, aim, location or target designation including their aiming platform or control system, as well as related accessories and support equipment. Through the NVO SP, open to all NATO and partner nations, NSPA provides acquisition and life cycle support for these products to participating countries. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/NSPA)
09 Jan 24. The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) provides ongoing contribution to NATO’s air defence capabilities enhancement through a contract awarded to SAAB for the supply of RBS 70 BOLIDE Missiles, which will be delivered in 2027. The RBS 70 system has an impressive track-record on the market in more than 19 countries, with 1,600 RBS 70 systems and more than 18,000 missiles already delivered. The BOLIDE missile is the 3rd generation all-target very short-range air defence (VSHORAD) missile from Saab. With the BOLIDE missile the RBS 70 system targets a complete threat spectrum. From fixed and rotary wing aircraft down to small targets such as cruise missiles and UAVs, with a range of more than 9 kilometres and with altitude coverage in excess of 5,000 metres. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/NSPA)
EUROPE
LAND
10 Jan 24. Electro Optic Systems (EOS) will supply remote weapon systems under a new $25m contract in Europe. The contract, in addition to an earlier agreement announced on 13 June, will include the remote weapon systems (RWS), spares, training, and related services to be delivered to the Western European government during 2024. The RWS being supplied appear to be the R400 remote weapon station capable of fitting calibre weapons between a 7.62mm machine gun and a 30mm cannon. The system has a gimbal mounting and sensor united and has previously been tested to carry automatic grenade launchers or missile launchers such as Javelin munitions. (Source: Defence Connect)
08 Jan 24. The Ministry of National Defense welcomes the signing by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) of the joint purchase contract of up to 1,000 PAC-2 GEM-T missiles for the PATRIOT surface-to-air missile systems in the inventories of Germany, the Netherlands, Romania and Spain. In this regard, NSPA awarded a contract to the COMLOG Company (Germany), for the manufacture of missiles in Europe, which will be approved by an FMS (Foreign Military Sales) type LOA (Letter of Offer and Acceptance) agreement by the Government of the United States of America. Within this consolidated multinational purchase, which uses the principles of the European Air Defense Initiative ESSI (European Sky Shield Initiative), Romania will acquire a number of 200 PAC-2 GEM-T missiles. The Ministry of National Defense requested and obtained the approval of the Romanian Parliament to participate in this joint procurement program, the estimated total cost for the entire package of 200 missiles intended to complete the combat stocks of our army being EUR 1.09bn, without VAT, in which includes spare parts, related services and FMS costs. Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/Romanian Ministry of National Defense; issued Jan. 04, 2024)
USA
LAND
09 Jan 24. Elbit Systems of America (Elbit America) received an Other Transaction Authority contract from SOSSEC, Inc., through the Sensors, Communication, and Electronics Consortium (SCEC), to produce the Integrated Headborne Sensor System (IHSS) prototype for dismounted Soldiers in the United States Army. Elbit America’s IHSS is a wearable system, allowing Soldiers to remain mobile, while they acquire, share, and utilize critical information on the battlefield. The system fuses a myriad of sensors into a lightweight Head Up Display that provides unprecedented situational awareness. Elbit America’s prototype evolves through three prototype development phases during a 72-month period. Elbit America will iteratively develop and mature a headborne display with superb imaging and augmented reality technology over the next six years under this contract. During the process, the company works directly with Soldiers to gather feedback through multiple touchpoints. These touchpoints are critical to the development and allow the product to advance rapidly, while incorporating Soldier feedback.
08 Jan 24. 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 received an approximate $20.5m contract for a new weapon sight eyepiece configuration. Under the terms of the contract, Kopin is authorized to procure up to approximately $9m of materials until the new weapon sight eyepiece configuration is fully qualified at which time the remaining contract balance will become effective, subject to standard government provisions. The new weapon sight eyepiece configuration is scheduled for deliveries in 2024 and 2025. The weapon sight eyepieces, which includes Kopin’s proprietary high-brightness microdisplay and custom-designed Pancake® optics, are critical components provided to a Department of Defense prime contractor that integrates the eyepiece into a sophisticated video “see through” augmented reality (“AR”) weapon system. The additional demand for Kopin’s existing eye piece and new configuration could more than triple its thermal weapon sight production volumes in fiscal year 2024, as compared to 2023 production. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
04 Jan 24. L3 Fuzing and Ordnance Systems Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio, was awarded an $871,583,197 hybrid (cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price) contract for M762A1/M767A1 electronic timing fuses. 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 Jan. 4, 2029. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity (W519TC-24-D-0003).
10 Jan 24. NanoGraf, the battery material company enabling stronger, lighter, longer-lasting lithium-ion batteries, today announced that it was awarded a contract worth up to $15m to support the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command C5ISR Center. The contract is part of a Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) initiative focused on developing a Family of Advanced Standard Batteries (FAStBat) leveraging commercial technologies. U.S. soldiers are weighed down by more than twenty pounds of lithium-ion batteries when operating in the field, carrying multiple bulky batteries that aren’t compatible with every device in their pack. NanoGraf will use the funds to develop materials and cells for interoperable batteries that work across a variety of military devices and extend operational runtime significantly longer. Ultimately, soldiers will benefit from a lighter load and accessible energy storage that can be produced domestically. The FAStBat project follows the opening of NanoGraf’s new headquarters and manufacturing plant in Chicago, to support the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act and domestic manufacturing agenda. The new facility onshores battery materials production to create a more robust and stable U.S. supply chain. This news follows a series of major announcements from NanoGraf. In December, NanoGraf secured an $8m contract from the U.S. Army. It also completed UL1642 and IEC62133 certifications for their most energy-dense 18650 lithium-ion cell.
10 Jan 24. The U.S. Navy has awarded Science Applications International Corp. (NYSE: SAIC) a $375m contract to continue providing Command, Control, Communications, Computers (C4) Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) fielding and integration on land-based vehicle platforms to support Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic (NIWC Atlantic). Under the five-year contract, SAIC will support NIWC Atlantic with production-engineering, integration, installation, logistical and programmatic support required to enable C4ISR fielding and integration on numerous land-based vehicle platforms across multiple Department of Defense services at both continental U.S. and overseas locations. (Source: ASD Network)
08 Jan 24. Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, has been selected by the U.S. Army as part of its Commercial Satellite High-Throughput, Low Latency assessment (HT-LL). The Army PEO-C3T has ordered Viasat’s High-Throughput Upgrade Kits, which utilize the Army’s HAWKEYE III LITE terminals connected to the Viasat High-Capacity Ka-band network to provide flexible, secure, and resilient communications. The solution will also provide resilient connectivity with a multi-frequency band and multi-waveform modem with the Viasat CBM-400. (Source: ASD Network)
SEA
10 Jan 24. Amentum Services Inc., Chantilly, Virginia, is awarded a $216,000,000 indefinite-quantity/indefinite-delivery, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N6523624D8014) for Submarine Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Collaboration and Intelligence (C5I), Weapons Shipping/Handling/Launcher Integrated Test Team, and Submarine Warfare Federated Tactical Systems (SWFTS) modernization support. The contract covers test and evaluation, engineering, management, technical and logistics support services to Program Executive Office (PEO) Strategic Submarines, PEO Attack Submarines, and PEO Undersea Warfare Systems. This support encompasses engineering and analytical analysis and products, the development and execution of testing and certification, technical, management and logistics support at the platform level for C5I Non-Propulsion Electronic Systems, SWFTS, and Submarine Operating Authority. The contract includes a base five-year ordering period and a two-year option period. The option period, if exercised, would bring the cumulative potential value of this contract to $321,000,000. Fiscal 2024 shipbuilding and conversion, Navy funds in the amount of $10,250,000; fiscal 2024 other procurement, Navy funds in the amount of $3,280,000; and 2024 navy working capital funds in the amount of $600,000, will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Virginia (51.1 %); New London, Connecticut (32.5 %); Honolulu, Hawaii (4.9 %); Bremerton, Washington (4.4 %); Portsmouth, New Hampshire (3.8 %); Washington, D.C., (1.6 %); Syracuse, New York (.6 %); Middleton, Rhode Island (.6 %); and Charleston, South Carolina (.5 %), and is expected to be completed in January 2029. If the option is exercised, work could continue until January 2031. This requirement was solicited using other than full and open competition pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(1) – Only One Responsible Source. Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic, Charleston, South Carolina, is the contracting activity.
10 Jan 24. General Dynamics NASSCO, San Diego, California, is awarded a not-to-exceed $438,524,107 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded undefinitized contract action (N0002423C4424) for the maintenance, modernization, and repair of USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) and USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) fiscal 2024 Depot Maintenance Period availabilities. The scope of this acquisition includes all labor, materials, supervision, equipment, production, testing, facilities, and quality assurance necessary to prepare for and accomplish the Chief of Naval Operations Availabilities for critical modernization, maintenance and repair programs. This contract includes options, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $864,141,048. If all options are exercised, work will continue through November 2030. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Virginia (53%); and San Diego, California (47%), and is expected to be completed by April 2024. This undefinitized contract action obligates a total of $185,946,619 to include: fiscal 2024 other procurement, Navy funds in the amount of $156,691,537 (84.3%); fiscal 2024 operations and maintenance, Navy funds in the amount of $19,603,435 (10.5%); fiscal 2023 other procurement, Navy funds in the amount of $9,564,027 (5.1%); and fiscal 2023 defense-wide, procurement funds in the amount of $87,584 (0.1%), will be obligated at the time of award, of which $18,987,166 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ U.S. DoD)
10 Jan 24. Leonardo DRS, Inc. (NASDAQ: DRS) has been awarded contracts valued at over $3bn, when fully funded, to provide integrated electric propulsion system products for the U.S. Navy’s Columbia-class submarines. This contract solidifies DRS’s position through shipset 12 for the Columbia-class program. This award was previously announced on the DRS 2023 Q3 earnings call. Leonardo DRS was chosen by General Dynamics Electric Boat and the U.S. Navy to design and manufacture the permanent magnet main propulsion electric motor, the propulsion motor drives, switchgear, and the propulsion controls – the heart of the Columbia Electric Drive Propulsion System. These are key components of the primary propulsion system of the next-generation ballistic missile submarine fleet. All prototype components of this system successfully completed full power endurance and other testing at the Navy’s land-based test facility. The Columbia-class submarine is a new class of ballistic missile submarines and is a top priority for the U.S. Navy. They are designed to replace the fleet of Ohio-class submarines. At 560 feet long with displacement of nearly 21,000 tons, the Columbia-class submarines will be the largest ever built by the United States. The integrated electric propulsion components will be manufactured in DRS facilities in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Danbury, Connecticut, and High Ridge, Missouri. “This award is a reflection of our talented workforce and world-class propulsion technology that can provide capability from the power source to the propeller shaft,” said Miller.
09 Jan 24. Lockheed Martin Corp., Rotary and Mission Systems, Moorestown, New Jersey, is awarded a $101,508,183 cost-plus-incentive-fee and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for AEGIS development and test sites operation and maintenance. This contract contains options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $462,441,229. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey and is expected to be completed by January 2028. Fiscal 2020 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $5,571,107 (46%); fiscal 2024 research, development, test and evaluation (MDA) funds in the amount of $2,200,991 (18%); fiscal 2013 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,467,279 (12%); fiscal 2024 operation and maintenance (MDA) funds in the amount of $1,291,886 (11%); fiscal 2022 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $984,009 (8%); fiscal 2015 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $306,711 (2%); fiscal 2017 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $235,627 (2%); and fiscal 2016 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $90,633 (1%), will be obligated at time of award, of which $1,291,886 will 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-5131).
09 Jan 24. Lockheed Martin Corp., Syracuse, New York, is awarded a $311,995,464 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to a previously awarded, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00024-19-D-6200) to exercise options for design, qualification testing, and production of the submarine electronic warfare system, AN-BLQ-10, for Technical Insertion 20, 22, and 24. Work will be performed in Syracuse, New York, and is expected to be completed by February 2029. All funding will be made available at the delivery order level as contracting actions occur. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-19-D-6200).
10 Jan 24. General Dynamics Mission Systems’ Progeny Systems announced today that it was awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract by the U.S. Navy worth up to $108.9m to provide information assurance and reliability monitoring system software builds for the service branch’s submarines. This potential five-year contract has a one-year base period and a base amount of approximately $20.4m. Work will be performed in Virginia and Rhode Island and is expected to conclude in December 2024 and would run through December 2028 if all options are exercised. Progeny Systems was acquired by General Dynamics Mission Systems in 2022. Headquartered in Manassas, Va., Progeny Systems provides a wide spectrum of capabilities and lifecycle support services for U.S. submarines and surface ships. (Source: ASD Network)
AIR
10 Jan 24. CAE announced that CAE Defense & Security is under contract with Bell Textron Inc. to support the U.S. Army Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program. CAE will provide operator and maintenance training aids, devices, simulators, and simulations (TADSS), including advanced maintenance training systems and display and simulation effects for operator training. This initial contract award includes virtual prototyping and developing visual display systems and radio simulations for portable flight trainers. Future efforts will provide the opportunity to develop and deliver a next-generation virtual maintenance training system (VMTS) and hardware-based maintenance trainers. The U.S. Army selected Bell’s tiltrotor as the next-generation assault aircraft under the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) program. The aircraft offers unmatched maneuverability, reduced downtime, and elevated mission safety and is purpose-built to revolutionize the reach and effectiveness of each mission. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/)
10 Jan 24. Draper announced it has been awarded a $26m (all options) contract by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to further expand the capabilities of its unmanned autonomous systems (UAS) software to perform chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance missions in collaborative teams and in degraded operating environments. The Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement was awarded through the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND). Draper will integrate flight software and sensor-driven algorithms that enable teams of unmanned systems to autonomously conduct CBRN missions currently performed by single UASs or in environments where one or more inputs are unavailable or unreliable, such as areas without GPS and zones where GPS may be spoofed. Blending the new technology with Draper’s existing capabilities will allow the warfighter to gain a major tactical advantage—situational awareness—while remaining at a safe distance. Draper will advance its system under an effort at JPEO-CBRND called CSIRP, which stands for CBRN Sensor Integration on Robotic Platforms. Additional enhancements to the system will include advances in CBRN sensors and further customization of Draper’s All Domain Execution and Planning Technology (ADEPT) autonomy framework. (Source: UAS VISION)
09 Jan 24. Muon Space, a LEO satellite constellation company revolutionizing the way Earth is monitored from space, has been selected by AFWERX for a SBIR Phase I contract focused on weather intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and operational mission planning. Muon Space will perform a feasibility study to determine the benefit of modifying its multispectral Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) instrument to support the Department of Defense’s (DoD) cloud characterization observation capability. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution. The Department of the Air Force (DAF) began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018 that expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded and now Muon Space will continue its journey to create and provide innovative EO/IR cloud characterization capabilities. (Source: PR Newswire)
10 Jan 24. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Rolling Meadows, Illinois, was awarded a $16,497,388 firm-fixed-price delivery order for the KC-135 Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) Generation 3 Pods. This effort supports the production of the LAIRCM pod for the KC-135 aircraft. Work will be performed in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, and is expected to be completed by March 23, 2026. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2022 National Guard and Reserve Equipment Appropriations funds in the amount of $16,497,388 are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8638-24-F-0016).
10 Jan 24. Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a leading provider of space launch services and advanced satellite technology, today announced it has been selected by and is under contract with the Space Development Agency (SDA) to design and build 18 Tranche 2 Transport Layer-Beta Data Transport Satellites (T2TL – Beta). Rocket Lab will act as prime contractor for the $515m USD firm-fixed price agreement, leading the design, development, production, test, and operations of the satellites, including procurement and integration of the payload subsystems. The contract establishes Rocket Lab’s position as a leading satellite prime contractor, providing supply chain diversity to the Department of Defense (DoD) through vertical integration. The contract comprises $489m base plus $26m of incentives and options and will be carried out by Rocket Lab National Security (RLNS), the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary created to serve the unique needs of the U.S. defense and intelligence community and its allies. The SDA is procuring satellites in two-year “tranches” to build out a proliferated constellation in LEO to deliver needed space-based capabilities to the joint war fighter. The T2TL – Beta satellites, part of the Tranche 2 program, will be integrated into SDA’s Transport Layer to provide assured, resilient, low-latency military data and connectivity worldwide to meet DoD needs. (Source: ASD Network)
09 Jan 24. Sidus Space (NASDAQ: SIDU) (the “Company” or “Sidus”), a multi-faceted Space and Data-as-a-Service company, achieves critical Artificial Intelligence (AI) and hardware contract milestones as the Company prepares for the commencement of its satellite constellation scheduled for launch in March 2024 with LizzieSat-1 as part of SpaceX’s Transporter-10 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. Notable recent achievements include the successful delivery of an engineering unit supporting methane detection, day-in-the-life testing for hardware, and the launch of a beta-version vessel detection platform. Additionally, the successful completion of a Critical Design Review for hardware under a NASA Phase 2 Sequential award demonstrates Sidus Space’s experienced adherence to and understanding of NASA standards. Future plans include delivering FeatherBox flight units to support methane detection, delivering engineering units for continued testing under the NASA Phase 2 Sequential Award, and conducting essential ground testing of pre-processing algorithms for Near-Infrared (NIR) and Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) sensors. (Source: ASD Network)
TECHNOLOGY
11 Jan 24. Australian artificial intelligence system developer Athena AI has announced the signing of three purchase orders with original equipment manufacturers supplying the US Department of Defense. The Brisbane-based company has implemented advancements in unmanned aerial systems, unmanned ground vehicles and battlefield management, according to the announcement made on 10 January. The company is promoting uptake of pre-mission planning, multispectral sensing, and aided target recognition for unmanned aerial systems. Artificial intelligence enables route planning, aids target recognition, provides slew to cue capability for remote weapons on manned and unmanned ground assets, common control architecture with integration to third-party radios, common messaging with TAK integration, pre-populate SITREPS and use data analytics tools, fusion with additional sensors and battlefield command system networking for C2 node and battle tracking for battlefield management. (Source: Defence Connect)
10 Jan 24. General Dynamics Information Technology Inc., Falls Church, Virginia, was awarded a $170,804,280 task order for Air Force Civil Engineer Center Control System cybersecurity services. This task order provides the capability to research and develop new Civil Engineer Control System lifecycle strategies and methods to result in less vulnerable and more cost-effective Civil Engineer Control System deployments worldwide. Work will be performed at 188 Air Force installations worldwide and is expected to be completed by Feb. 9, 2029. This contract was a competitive acquisition, and five offers were received. Fiscal 2024 operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $31,135,408 are being obligated at time of award. The 772nd Enterprise Sourcing Squadron, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity (FA8051-24-F-0013).
09 Jan 24. Mattermost, Inc., the leading secure collaboration platform for technical teams, announced today that it has been awarded an Air Force SBIR Phase II contract in partnership with goTenna, the world’s leading mobile mesh networking platform. This award enables Mattermost Government Solutions and goTenna to work closely with the Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) Information Directorate (RI) and the Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) Product Center (TPC) to improve distributed collaboration and enhance warfighter efficiency, safety and accuracy. The Mattermost secure collaboration platform enables federal civilian agencies and organizations across the Department of Defense to exchange mission-critical information through its highly customizable environment. Mattermost’s open source nature supports public cloud, private cloud, on-prem and “data-center-in-a-box” deployments while offering full data control and custody to maintain the required level of communications security (COMSEC). The primary objectives for this SBIR Phase II award require Mattermost developers to create a Mattermost plugin that functions across TAK servers and Mattermost channels with an integration for ATAK operating systems to allow near-real-time tactical-enterprise collaboration. Working closely with goTenna, Mattermost will also create transmission layer integrations for data passage within TAK, delivering a proof-of-concept leveraging goTenna’s mesh radios in low-bandwidth environments. Successful adoption of the Mattermost plugin for TAK will empower thousands of airmen and TAK users across sectors to coordinate mission-critical information effectively and securely.
09 Jan 24. Peraton has won a competitive award to provide cyberspace operations support to U.S. Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER) headquarters, ARCYBER subordinate components, service component partners of USCYBERCOM, and other mission partners. Peraton’s ability to leverage the experience and capacity of its entire team has helped operationalize capabilities and deliver combat multiplying advantages against our adversaries in a challenging global cyberspace operations environment. Under the leadership of 2023 Cyber Defender awardee and program manager, Michelle Clays, Peraton has helped ARCYBER transform by developing mission capacity during a global pandemic without any degradation to operations, conceptualizing Information Advantage and helping to develop new IA Doctrine and new IA Formations, standing up the Information Warfare Operations Center (IWOC), and placing senior staff during the organizational and physical transition from Ft. Belvoir, Va. to Ft. Eisenhower, Ga., (formerly Ft. Gordon). Clays will now lead the Information Advantage Enterprise contract for Peraton. The new work includes performing overall program management; operations and planning; intelligence support; cyber operations support; plans and policy support; information advantage operations support; media relations support; security operations; and training exercises. This key win includes operationalizing information advantage capabilities for the Army and broader Department of Defense. Peraton will help ARCYBER gain information advantage that enables decision dominance in and through the cyberspace domain and the information dimension. (Source: ASD Network)
11 Jan 24. Sentar, Inc. (Sentar), a women-owned small business specializing in advanced cyber intelligence solutions and technology, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). This contract will enable Sentar to integrate cyber attack protection technology into Digital Twin architectures to enhance operational resiliency and protect against emerging cyber threats in operational technology (OT) systems. Under the SBIR Phase I Proof of Concept, Sentar will leverage its expertise in cybersecurity and innovative technologies to analyze, map, and predict cyber attacks against the Digital Twin of a small manufacturing system. By utilizing synthetic data on potential cyberattack vectors, Sentar aims to identify and counter cyberattacks at the intrusion detection layer before they can infiltrate the OT system. This groundbreaking approach will enable DLA to proactively defend against known and unknown vulnerabilities, ensuring the protection of critical network infrastructure, systems, and data. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
REST OF THE WORLD
LAND
11 Jan 24. Egypt – Light Tactical Vehicle Chassis and Fleet Build. The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Egypt of Light Tactical Vehicle Chassis and Fleet Build and related equipment for an estimated cost of $200m. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of Egypt has requested to buy additional light tactical vehicle chassis and fleet build that will be added to a previously implemented case. The original Foreign Military Sales case, valued at $41.9m, included 4-Man REV1-B Rolling Chassis with 190 horsepower (HP) diesel engines upgraded to 205HP turbocharged engines; training for chassis assembly process, operations, and maintenance; spare and repair parts; testing equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $200m. This proposed sale will support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by helping to improve the security of a Major Non-NATO Ally that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic growth in the Middle East. The proposed sale will contribute to the modernization of Egypt’s Light Tactical Vehicle fleet, enhancing its ability to meet current and future threats. These chassis will contribute to Egypt’s goal of updating its military capability while further enhancing interoperability with the United States and other allies. Egypt will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and services into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractor will be AM General, LLC, of Mishawaka, IN. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of up to five (5) additional U.S. Government and three (3) contractor representatives to Egypt for a duration of five (5) years to support fielding and training for the program. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense 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: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Defense Security Cooperation Agency)
SEA
08 Jan 24. Acacia Systems to lead $1.6m project to boost undersea surveillance. Adelaide-based defence SME Acacia Systems will lead a $1.6m project designed to increase the accuracy and range of undersea surveillance systems. The project – Enhancing the RAN’s Undersea Surveillance Minimum Viable Capability – aims to improve operational performance by increasing the accuracy of automatic detection, tracking, and localisation of undersea threats. The project is funded by a grant from the Adelaide-based Defence Innovation Partnership’s (DIP) Activator Fund and run in collaboration with Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG). Other team members are the University of Adelaide, University of South Australia, Curtin University and DSTG. Undersea surveillance operates in challenging ocean environments and with an increasing number of advanced undersea vessels in operation, it’s imperative the RAN has the best possible systems in place, says the DIP. (Source: https://www.ex2.com.au/news/)
08 Jan 24. BAE Systems was awarded a contract by the Commonwealth of Australia to upgrade existing Mk 45 Mod 2 naval gun systems on Anzac class frigates with a Common Control System (CCS). The upgrade modifies existing Mk 45 systems to eliminate obsolescence issues and extend the life of the gun system. (Source: PR Newswire)
11 Jan 24. The US State Department accepted a request from the Australian Government for support services to its Tomahawk missile systems on 10 January 2024. Australia originally expressed interest in acquiring 200 Tomahawk cruise missiles for its Hobart-class air warfare destroyers in September 2023 in a deal worth A$1.3bn ($872m), making the commonwealth the third operator after the UK and US navies. At the time of the announcement, these destroyers emerged from a 20-week-long maintenance period as part of the ships’ upkeep cycle. Under the latest $250m Foreign Military Sales agreement, certified by the Defense Security Co-operation Agency, Australia will receive general weapons support services; logistics support management; material support; engineering technical support; management of technical data. The principal contractor will be determined as the Government of Australia identifies its specific annual and quarterly requirements for weapons uplift support. There are no known offset agreements in connection with this potential sale. Originally produced by General Dynamics, Tomahawk is currently manufactured by Raytheon, an RTX subsidiary. The Tomahawk is designed to operate at very low altitudes while maintaining high-subsonic speeds. Its modular design enables the integration of numerous types of warheads, guidance and control systems. (Source: naval-technology.com)
10 Jan 24. Egypt – 28-Meter Patrol Craft Kits. The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Egypt of 28-Meter Patrol Craft Kits and related equipment for an estimated cost of $129m. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of Egypt has requested to buy additional non-Major Defense Equipment (MDE) 28-meter patrol craft production kits and technical support. The kits consist of Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats, forward-looking infrared systems, and computer packages; technical and logistics support services; transportation; spare parts, materials, equipment, and components; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $129m. This proposed sale will support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by helping to improve the security of a Major Non-NATO Ally that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic growth in the Middle East. The proposed sale will improve Egypt’s capacity to sustain security operations and strengthen its internal and external defense capabilities. The proposed sale will assist the Government of Egypt’s maritime patrol and interdiction efforts to contribute to regional maritime security efforts in the Mediterranean and Red Sea. Egypt will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and services into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractor will be Swiftships, of Morgan City, LA. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips to Egypt involving one (1) U.S. Government representative and three (3) contractor representatives for approximately three (3) years for program management, program and technical reviews, training, maintenance support, and site surveys. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. (Source: ASD Network)
AIR
11 Jan 24. BlackSky Technology Inc. (NYSE: BKSY) won a multi-year contract from PT Len exceeding $1m supporting the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia to provide immediate access to subscription-based real-time, high-frequency imagery and analytics services. The Assured access program gives customers guaranteed capacity within a predefined area of interest. Within this area of interest, an Assured customer’s tasking requests are given the highest priority and cannot be preempted by other customers. The Assured program is commercially available and powered by the BlackSky Spectra® tasking and analytics platform. Assured customers receive high-resolution imagery and automated detection analytics seamlessly and securely in less than 90 minutes within their current workflow environment. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
08 Jan 24. Australia announced a $600m contract to sustain and upgrade the F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler fleets for the Royal Australian Air Force. The five-year contract extension, awarded to Boeing Defence Australia will support more than 350 Queensland jobs and will see support for the Super Hornet and Growler programs continue until 2030, ensuring the long-term retention of a highly skilled expert workforce at RAAF Base Amberley. The Air Combat and Electronic Attack Sustainment Contract with Boeing Defence Australia commenced on 1 July 2016 for an initial period of 5 years, this is the second contract extension, taking the overall contract value to $1.2bn. (Source: Defence Connect)
10 Jan 24. L3Harris has signed a deal to provide electro-optical and infrared sensors for Canada’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones. Delivery of the 11 WESCAM MX™-20D sensor systems is expected to start this year, with the first aircraft delivery to the Royal Canadian Air Force estimated to be in 2028. The sensor will support the unmanned aerial vehicles’ intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in the country’s harsh environments, including the Arctic region. The deal underscores the importance of Canada’s Strong, Secure, Engaged defense policy, which seeks to bolster the country’s remotely piloted aircraft systems with ISR capabilities. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/https://www.thedefensepost.com/)
11 Jan 24. Tanzania orders C-27J airlifters from Italy. Tanzania has ordered two Leonardo C-27J Spartan transport aircraft, the Italian government announced on 9 January. Signed by the Tanzanian Minister of Defence and National Service, Stergomena Tax, and the Italian Ambassador to Tanzania, Marco Lombardi, the deal will see the Tanzanian Ministry of Defence (MoD) use the aircraft primarily for civil support duties. “Equipped with kits for humanitarian, search-and-rescue, and firefighting missions, the new aircraft will be used by the Tanzanian authorities for firefighting operations on Mount Kilimanjaro and in the East African region,” the announcement said. No details related to the contract value or the delivery timeline were disclosed. The standard Spartan has an 11 tonne payload and a 3,070 n mile (5,685 km; 3,532 mile) ferry range. Leonardo recently revealed the C-27J Next Generation (NG), which includes new cockpit displays, weather radar, modern navigation, and communications equipment, as well as “advanced aerodynamic features”, as described by Leonardo. (Source: Janes)
12 Jan 24. Jordan places new F-16s under contract. Jordan has signed for new F-16 Fighting Falcon combat aircraft, with Lockheed Martin telling Janes that the previous letter of acceptance (LOA) has now been firmed up into a contract. With Jordan signing its LOA for eight Block 70/72 aircraft in June 2022, Lockheed Martin said on 11 January that this had now become a contract for 12 Block 70 aircraft (the Block 70 is powered by the General Electric F100-GE-129D engine rather than the Pratt & Whitney F100-PW229EEP engine of the Block 72). While the original February 2022 US State Department approval was for 12 single-seat F-16Cs and four twin-seat F-16Ds, Lockheed Martin did not break down the split of the 12 contracted F-16C/D aircraft. The F-16 is the core of Jordan’s combat aviation capabilities, having received its first second-hand aircraft from the United States in 1997. As noted by Janes World Air Forces, the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) fields 43 F-16A and 18 F-16B Fighting Falcons. (Source: Janes)
10 Jan 24. Israel has purchased logistics and airworthiness support for its CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter fleet to accommodate the latest configuration changes. Under an $18.4m (NIS68.8m) Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract announced on 8 January 2024, by the US Department of Defense (DoD), Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, will perform the appropriate services as the original equipment manufacturer of the 50-year-old rotorcraft. The contractor will complete its work in Stratford, Connecticut and is expected to be completed in February 2026. According to intelligence from GlobalData, a leading data and analytics consultancy, the Israeli Air Force operates 22 CH-53K helicopters, acquired between 1969 and 1991. In 2021, the Government increased its fleet by an additional 18 units under an FMS agreement worth $3.4bn. Another deal was made later under a joint procurement deal with the US Marine Corps for a total of 35 platforms worth $2.7bn in August 2023; eight of which are due be delivered to the Israeli fleet in 2026. (Source: airforce-technology.com)