UNITED KINGDOM
LAND
18 Jan 24. Kromek receives $1.6m in advanced imaging orders. Kromek Group plc (AIM: KMK), a leading developer of radiation and bio-detection technology solutions for the advanced imaging and CBRN detection segments, announces that it has secured four orders totalling $1.63m in the advanced imaging segment. The orders, which are all from existing OEM customers, are for the provision of the Group’s detector components, based on its core CZT platform, for computed tomography (“CT”) and gamma imaging applications and gamma probes. Two of the orders are for delivery in the current financial year and two are for delivery over the next 12 to 24 months.
19 Jan 24. DE&S has awarded a contract to deliver a new modular armour system for the Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank to Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL). Designed by world leading armour experts at Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), and jointly developed with RBSL, the new modular armour provides a step change in survivability for the Main Battle Tank. With initial integration trials conducted in 2023, RBSL will now test, manufacture and integrate the new armour onto the Challenger 3 tanks. The enhanced survivability will provide enhanced protection for our soldiers against the most dangerous threats Challenger 3 will face. The investment in this critical capability will deliver for the British Army now and into the future. Challenger 3 will be a key component of the Army’s Future Armoured Brigade Combat Teams and the UK’s contribution to NATO deterrence. The investment in this critical capability will ensure that Challenger 3 is a key component of the Army’s future Armoured Brigade Combat Teams and the UK’s contribution to NATO deterrence now and into the future. This contract is a key part of the Land Industry Strategy. It is generating British intellectual property, maintaining the national supply chain and securing skills in the UK. It will support up to 58 jobs in Newcastle and Telford during the initial manufacturing and beyond if export orders are secured. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/UK MoD)
SEA
16 Jan 24. GE Vernova’s Power Conversion business in the UK has been chosen by Team Resolute to supply advanced hybrid propulsion technology for three Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships for the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD). This collaboration underscores the UK’s commitment to enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of its naval operations. Team Resolute is a consortium created by Spanish shipbuilder and defense company Navantia, shipbuilder Harland & Wolff and naval architects BMT to deliver the FSS program, for which Navantia UK, the UK subsidiary of Navantia, is prime contractor. The 216-meter-long ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) will be designed with an emphasis on minimizing carbon emissions. Equipped with energy-efficient technologies to decrease power consumption, they will be adaptable to use low-carbon, non-fossil fuels and future sustainable energy sources. GE Vernova’s advanced hybrid-electric propulsion technology will play a pivotal role in realizing these objectives by helping to optimize energy efficiency, power utilization, and power availability for the UK’s new ship class and their multirole missions. Under the contract, GE Vernova will design and manufacture SeaPulse* Active Front-End (AFE) power converters and Power Take-Off/Power Take-In (PTI/PTO) hybrid electric induction motor-generators with resilient shock mounts and flexible coupling and hosing. The scope of GE Vernova’s contract also includes commissioning, testing, sea trials, certification, and integrated logistics support (ILS) services to help ensure the seamless integration of the hybrid-electric propulsion technology into the FSS ships.
21 Jan 24. MBDA has received three contracts worth around £400m to boost and sustain the Sea Viper principal area air defence system of the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyers. Two contracts, called Sea Viper Evolution, will enable the Type 45 Destroyers to defend the Carrier Strike Group against anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs). Meanwhile, another contract will provide extended and enhanced in-service support (ISS) contract for Sea Viper for a further five years. MBDA is the prime contractor and design authority for the Sea Viper weapon system, including the sensor (radar), the command and control system, and the missile.
TECHNOLOGY
15 Jan 24. Digital services across Defence will be transformed in a £150m contract awarded to UK-based technology services provider, Computacenter. The four-year contract will support tens of thousands of laptops and desktop computers used by MOD personnel worldwide, from head office to the front line, as well as creating additional jobs at Computacenter’s Hatfield and Nottingham sites. Reducing operating costs by around £84m, the new services will provide a high-quality, secure and sustainable service to defence personnel, enabling defence to more rapidly respond to changing needs and market conditions. The contract represents a wider MOD move away from large, aggregated contracts to smaller, more measurable contracts that will improve organisational flexibility. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
EUROPE
LAND
11 Jan 24. Kosovo – Javelin Missiles. The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Kosovo of Javelin Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $75m. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Republic of Kosovo has requested to buy two hundred forty-six (246) Javelin FGM-148F missiles (includes six (6) fly-to-buy missiles); and twenty-four (24) Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLU). Also included are Javelin LWCLU Basic Skills Trainers; Javelin Outdoor Trainers; Missile Simulation Rounds; Outdoor Training Instructor Stations (OTIS); Battery Coolant Units (BCUs); System Integration and Check out (SICO); Life Cycle Support (LCS); Javelin Restricted Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM); Javelin Operator Manual and Technical Assistance (TAGM); tools; Javelin gunner training; Ammunition Technical Officer (ATO) training; Javelin maintenance training; and other elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated cost is $75m. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security of the United States by improving the security of a European partner which is an important force for political and economic stability in Europe. The proposed sale will improve Kosovo’s long-term defense capacity to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity to meet its national defense requirements. Kosovo will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The prime contractors will be the Javelin Joint Venture between Lockheed Martin in Orlando, FL and Raytheon Missiles and Defense in Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Kosovo. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. (Source: ASD Network)
17 Jan 24. Spain has answered the urgent call for European nations to ramp up ammo production by awarding local defense contractor Rheinmetall Expal Munitions a multimillion-dollar contract for 120mm munitions and issuing tenders for 155mm artillery shells. For months, defense officials across the continent have urged European Union members to pressure their arms industries to increase munitions production to alleviate the supply chain crisis. (Source: Defense News)
17 Jan 24. Bundeswehr procuring medium-calibre ammunition for Puma infantry fighting vehicle; order worth a triple-digit million-euro figure. The German Bundeswehr has contracted with Rheinmetall to produce and supply medium-calibre ammunition for the Puma infantry fighting vehicle. A call-off from an existing framework agreement, the order encompasses several hundred thousand rounds of 30mm x 173 DM21 service ammunition. The order is worth over €350m, including value added tax. Once perfect functionality has been demonstrated, delivery will begin this year and continue through to 2027. On 30 November 2022 the budget committee of the German Parliament approved a bill for the large-scale procurement of 30mm medium-calibre ammunition. Awarded back in December 2022, the framework contract for the supply of medium-calibre ammunition for the Puma infantry fighting vehicle worth up to €576m. Follow-up call-offs are therefore expected. A first call-off of DM21 automatic cannon ammunition under the existing framework contract was already issued in late 2022. Furthermore, a call-off for 2023 followed in mid-2023. The Puma infantry fighting vehicle is armed with a Rheinmetall MK30-2/ABM, specifically designed to fire airburst ammunition. Combining a high rate of fire with cutting-edge ammunition technology, the MK30-2/ABM is an uncompromisingly excellent, extremely reliable weapon system, perfect for engaging ground, air and maritime targets. Rheinmetall is a vital supplier of ammunition for the Bundeswehr’s Puma infantry fighting vehicles. The Group produces and supplies two main types of 30mm x 173 service ammunition: the KETF DM21 (airburst) and the KE DM33 (armour-piercing) as well as the DM58 practice round. Developed and qualified in line with the latest standards, they are unrivalled worldwide in terms of reliability, lethality, penetrating power and precision. Extremely reliable programming of the KETF DM21 – the abbreviation stands for Kinetic Energy Time Fuse – enables the Puma to engage larger soft targets and semi-hard area targets. The KE DM33 belongs to the new generation of subcalibre Armour Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot – Tracer (APFSDS-T) ammunition. Its penetrator punches through modern armour even at remarkably small angles of impact and at long engagement ranges. Thanks to these two types of service ammunition, the Puma can successfully take on a wide spectrum of armoured, semi-hard, soft point and area targets.
17 Jan 24. Saab has received an order for its Mobile Short Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) solution from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV). The contract period is 2024-2026 and the order value is approximately SEK 300m. Saab booked the order in the fourth quarter 2023. FMV and the Swedish Armed Forces will use the acquired solution for two configurations, both integrated on the BvS10 armoured vehicle, to further define Sweden’s future mobile air defence requirements. Saab’s MSHORAD is a vehicle-integrated solution that can identify, counter and neutralise air threats, including UAVs and armoured helicopters, quickly and effectively. The system consists of a mobile radar unit, based on the Giraffe 1X radar and a mobile firing unit, based on RBS 70 NG, all connected with Saab’s ground-based air defence command and control solution, GBAD C2.
17 Jan 24. The Swedish Defense Materiel Administration, FMV, has ordered a new air defense system from Saab. It will be tested to provide knowledge and experience before a larger procurement of short-range air defense systems for the army. The new anti-aircraft system consists of two parts, sensor unit and fire unit, mounted on Swedish-made tracked vehicle 410. One tracked vehicle has a radar unit based on Saab’s model Giraffe 1X, the other tracked vehicle has a fire unit with the RBS 70 NG missile. Deliveries will take place continuously starting at the beginning of 2025. (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/Swedish Defence Force; issued Jan 17, 2024)
SEA
15 Jan 24. Avon Protection, the leading global provider of mission-critical underwater protection and CBRN systems, has been selected by the German Navy to supply its Multi-Role Rebreather for military diving operations. The contract includes the supply of Avon’s market-leading rebreather and ongoing technical support to ensure complete, sustained operation of the system’s advanced safety features and capability. The multi-m Euro award was made following the completion of the competitive public tender process and a full test programme by the German Navy.
12 Jan 24. MBDA has been awarded a contract by Poland to equip the Polish Navy’s three new Miecznik-class frigates with MBDA’s Sea Ceptor naval air defence system. Sea Ceptor is a latest generation naval air defence system that protects naval vessels and consorts from modern air and surface threats, such as supersonic anti-ship missiles and unmanned surface vessels. The contract builds upon a series of strategic agreements between MBDA and Poland around MBDA’s CAMM family of air defence missiles. Poland will take advantage of the interoperability of CAMM, designed specifically for both land and maritime domains, by utilising its already procured CAMM missiles stockpiles to equip Miecznik. CAMM will be efficiently installed on board with a quadpacking solution in Mk41 VLS (Vertical Launching System) enabling a high load-out and increasing platform survivability. MBDA is working with PGZ to create a sovereign missile capability in Poland through the NAREW programme backed by unprecedented transfer of knowledge and technology from MBDA. The use of the CAMM family for PILICA+, NAREW and MIECZNIK programmes will drive significant efficiencies for Poland while boosting Polish industry and providing high-skilled jobs. The contract for Miecznik further demonstrates the strategic relationship between MBDA and PGZ, which includes also joint work on a future medium range CAMM missile, and the strength of the UK-Polish defence co-operation.
AIR
12 Jan 24. France has ordered 42 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation in a deal worth more than €5bn (U.S. $5.5bn), the Armed Forces Ministry announced Friday. The purchase comes as French lawmakers express concerns about the Franco-German project to develop a successor to the Rafale. The Future Combat Air System, as it’s known, isn’t expected to enter service before 2045 or 2050, according to the French Senate’s defense committee. (Source: Defense News)
15 Jan 24. The Bundeswehr has awarded Rheinmetall a substantial order for decoy flares for protecting aircraft. The German military can now procure over 470,000 decoys from Rheinmetall’s tried-and-tested Birdie product line. Covering the period December 2023 to December 2029, the contract is worth nearly €50m. Birdie is an acronym standing for “Bispectral Infrared Decoy Improved Efficiency”. Marketed by Rheinmetall Waffe & Munition GmbH of Fronau, these infrared decoys, or ‘flares’, are ejected from helicopters, transport planes and jets to distract oncoming infrared-homing guided missiles. The flares simulate the heat signature of exhaust gases emitted by the aircraft engine. The current contract specifies delivery of two different Birdie products: IR-Birdie 118 BS and IR-Birdie 218 BS. Both are already in service with the Bundeswehr, which refers to them as “Decoy, Aircraft, DM189A1, PT” and “Decoy, Aircraft, DM169A1, PT”, respectively. Owing to the current security situation, aircraft self-defence has come sharply back into focus again. Decoys are one way of accomplishing this. Among other things, these include pyrotechnic flares, i.e., products designed to distract infrared search head-equipped surface-to-air missiles (SAM) and air-to-air missiles (AAM). Other techniques include chaff for thwarting enemy radar, and smoke-obscurant munitions such as Rheinmetall’s fast-acting ROSY smoke screen.
TECHNOLOGY
17 Jan 24. The Land Tactical Collaborative Combat (LATACC) project accelerates the introduction of collaborative combat by European coalition forces.
• The European Commission signed a Grant Agreement to launch the LATACC project (Land Tactical Collaborative Combat) coordinated by Thales to improve the collaborative capabilities of European coalition forces.
• The LATACC project brings together 34 industry players and research institutes (including core team members Thales, Rheinmetall, Leonardo, Indra, Saab, ISD and John Cockerill Defense) from 13 European countries. The project is financed by the European Commission with €49m of funding from the European Defence Fund.
USA
LAND
18 Jan 24. Allison Transmission, the largest global manufacturer of medium- and heavy-duty fully automatic transmissions for commercial and defense vehicles, received an $83.3m contract to provide upgraded and new X1100 transmissions supporting Abrams Main Battle Tank variants used by the U.S. Army and Foreign Military Sales customers. Allison will deliver upgraded and new transmissions to meet performance demands of the Abrams tank. The Allison upgrade program combines new content with existing customer hardware to provide a zero-mileage transmission to support the Abrams System Enhancement Package version 3 tanks at significant customer savings. Deliveries under this contract begin in January 2024 and continue through December 2024. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
18 Jan 24. Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, Liverpool, New York, was awarded a $65,105,306 modification (P00025) to previously awarded FA8730-21-C-0022 to for exercise of options for three, Three-Dimensional Expeditionary Long-Range Radar systems, and associated Production Management, travel and other direct costs, and data under the basic contract. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $260,615,282. The location of performance is Liverpool, New York, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2026. Fiscal 2024 other procurement funds in the amount of $65,055,306 are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity.
AIR
12 Jan 24. Amentum was awarded a $946m contract to provide complete system maintenance and modernization solutions for the U.S. Army’s government-owned fixed wing transport aircraft fleet. Leveraging advanced technologies and best practices, the company will provide life-cycle transport aircraft system modernization, integration, logistical and operational solutions, as well as pilot services and management processes. Under this contract, Amentum performs life-cycle services including sustainment, modernization, and logistics for a combined fleet of 150 aircraft. The Army’s transport fleet includes C-12, C-26, T-6, and UC-35 aircraft. Amentum has teamed with Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems of Greenville, South Carolina as the primary depot maintenance facility. To ensure a technical advantage, Amentum can incorporate the use of its Augmented Reality Remote Expert™ offering and other maintenance-augmenting technologies. Advanced technologies like augmented reality headsets can connect resources at the work location with off-site subject matter experts such as engineers, safety experts, program management offices and other government points-of-contact in real time. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
17 Jan 24. Cuashub.com said today that Kratos Receives $50m in Awards for C-UAS and Air Defense Tech. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., a technology company specializing in defense, national security, and global markets, has announced the reception of approximately $50m in recent awards for products and hardware. These awards include support for Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), Air Defense, and Radar Systems. The total value encompasses contracts and programs granted to Kratos on a single award or sole source basis. Kratos is a leading industry player in systems, hardware, and microwave electronics, particularly for CUAS, unmanned aerial drones, missiles, radar, and air defense systems. The company prioritizes affordability as a key technology, with offerings designed for rapid, cost-effective manufacturing and production at scale. The work for these awards will take place at secure Kratos manufacturing facilities and customer locations. Due to security, competitive, and other considerations, no further information will be disclosed.
https://d2gg3k04.na1.hubspotlinks.com/Ctc/W4+113/d2GG3k04/DVH3r2jCt8W1SZBKK8vYxfTW1qZjFf58nMMrN2SX22Y5nXHsW50kH_H6lZ3kSW6_gR6Q20RzrjW9kmgzf2Pcgd_W5hfDRB3JMVgqW1Q9KbG570hvxW1TDk1S6BHw6nN8Nh-lq_WzPdW6v-Prt3dfhNHW8K4t6H5WcfK_W7wtDb-8pVJMnW3jsFzf92Zxr2W39H-MV3QWvcVW7R-bLH7p8c_tW1LDnlp1XhrXMW4GDDl497CCVHW7sn-M04zkMT4W7Y0wJG2H21llW8txhxB8kYQnBW257J555kVxtgW8ZyHXn6NSXpMW4d7BlL5Ksv9-W5ZWj1D7QctDXN8gXXY5Tz9QlW8gMyMc2Qg3W9W7J_s906_7XW1W7FtWN-7gRBwyW87Htgc8M-qXxW6cn_dt3CnRnLW7NVY3B37NtkfW6xmWxp7jsx6lW6zt8l71WjKcMW1WYKjf4sQt55W2BttWR864tBZdX7yrv04 (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
16 Jan 24. L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) received a contract with a potential value of up to $919m to design and build 18 infrared space vehicles for the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Tranche 2 (T2) Tracking Layer program that will provide near-global missile warning and tracking coverage. L3Harris designed the missile defense solutions to support the U.S. military’s ongoing effort to build a robust constellation of satellites to protect against a new generation of hypersonic weapons that have increased speed, unpredictable flight trajectories and faint heat signatures. The company’s technology will also support preliminary fire control capability for the SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). In advance of this T2 Tracking Layer program win, L3Harris designed, developed and built four satellites in less than three years for the SDA’s Tranche 0 (T0) Tracking Layer program. Those T0 satellites will launch together with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) satellite. With an anticipated launch in early 2024, the DoD will be able to warn, track and target advanced threats concurrently by launching the T0 and HBTSS satellites together. L3Harris is also building a 16-vehicle satellite constellation for SDA’s Tranche 1 Tracking Layer program, which follows the T0 Tracking Layer capabilities with targeted technology enhancements, expanded coverage, increased integration and greater production efficiencies, which will begin to build out the operational space-based constellation and be used to inform future capabilities of the PWSA. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
16 Jan 24. The Space Development Agency (SDA) has awarded Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) a contract to build 18 space vehicles as part of its Tranche 2 Tracking Layer constellation. Lockheed Martin will provide 16 wide field of view missile warning/missile tracking space vehicles with infrared sensors and two space vehicles with missile defense infrared sensors that can generate fire control-quality tracks to provide preliminary missile defense mission capabilities. This firm-fixed price, other transaction agreement has a total potential value of $890m.
The T2 Tracking Layer will accelerate the capability to provide global, persistent indications, detection, warning, tracking, and identification of conventional and advanced missile threats, including hypersonic missile systems. It will also deliver preliminary missile defense capability by incorporating fire control quality sensors in the constellation. Each Lockheed Martin-built T2 Tracking Layer satellite will incorporate a Terran Orbital bus and an infrared missile tracking payload provided by General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems – Optical Sensor Systems. The satellites also will be equipped with SmartSat™, Lockheed Martin’s software platform that makes it easier to dynamically add and quickly change missions in orbit through simple application uploads. The 18 T2 spacecraft will be assembled, integrated, and tested in Lockheed Martin’s new small satellite Colorado-based processing facility, designed for the high-volume delivery of complete satellites. (Source: ASD Network)
12 Jan 24. Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a modification (P00004) to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus-incentive-fee, not-to-exceed $97,357,812 undefinitized contract (N0001923C0009). This modification exercises options to provide for the early development of AGM-88G High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile integration on the F-35A/B/C aircraft, to include procuring associated incidental hardware for the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers, and non-Department of Defense (DOD) participants. Additionally, this modification provides for Lot 17 U.S. Reprograming Lab development; Lot 17 Australia, Canada, and United Kingdom Reprogramming Lab development; Lot 17 Norway and Italy Reprogramming Lab development; and Lot 17 mission data files updates for the governments of Denmark, the Netherlands and FMS customers. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (60%); Nashua, New Hampshire (16%); Baltimore, Maryland (9%); Orlando, Florida (5.5%); Torrance, California (2%); San Diego, California (2%); El Segundo, California (2%); Northridge, California (1%); Clearwater, Florida (1%); Buffalo, New York (1%); and Tucson, Arizona (0.5%), and is expected to be completed in March 2026. Fiscal 2024 research, development, test, and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $5,336,306; fiscal 2024 research, development, test, and evaluation (Air Force) funds in the amount of $836,307; FMS customer funds in the amount of $772,892; and non-DOD participants funds in the amount of $11,822,289, 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.
16 Jan 24. Sierra Space, a leading commercial space company building the first end-to-end business and technology platform in space, announced today that it has won a significant contract award by the Space Development Agency (SDA) for 18 missile warning and tracking satellites. The prime contract, valued at $740m and awarded through an Other Transaction Authority (OTA), is for the design, production, delivery, operations and sustainment of 16 missile warning and tracking satellites and two (2) satellites for missile defense and fire control. The contract includes two operational ground segments as well. The satellites are for the portion of SDA’s proliferated space warfighting architecture known as Tranche 2 Tracking Layer, part of the Defense Department’s Low Earth Orbit constellation. Sierra Space’s solution will accelerate the capability to provide global, persistent indications, detection, warning and tracking of conventional and advanced missile threats, including hypersonic missile systems. The company’s solution also delivers preliminary missile defense capability by incorporating fire control quality sensors into the constellation; it will generate fire control quality tracks that enable missile defense kill chains, a critical defense capability, to the warfighter. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
TECHNOLOGY
07 23. Advanced Navigation, a global leader in AI robotics and navigation technology, has been awarded a grant by the Australian Department of Defence to advance the nation’s domestic manufacturing capability for photonic chips. Currently, Australia does not have commercial manufacturing capability for photonic chips. Advanced Navigation is the first and only company to produce this technology in the country. The company plans to manufacture 45,000 photonic chips per year. As part of the Sovereign Industrial Capability Priority grant, the Department of Defence has awarded Advanced Navigation $306,631 AUD (approx. $200,000 USD). The award, one of several received by Advanced Navigation, further underscores and validates the earned trust between the Department and Advanced Navigation’s capability to deliver innovative solutions addressing the sector’s most critical and emerging needs.
16 Jan 24. CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI) has been awarded an eight-year, single-award task order to provide technology to the Defense Intelligence Agency’s (DIA) office of the Chief Information Officer (CIO). The Enterprise Communications Services (ECS3) task order was awarded under DIA’s Solutions for the Information Technology Enterprise III (SITE III), a multiple-award, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract vehicle. CACI will provide global enterprise network modernization support for various intelligence activities across the defense intelligence enterprise, including global operating locations. DIA’s core network infrastructure requirements include system design, engineering, implementation, and operation/maintenance support. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
19 Jan 24. Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA), Alexandria, Virginia, is awarded a $180,000,000 modification (P00005) to increase the ceiling on a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (HQ003419D0001) from $950,668,589 to $1,130,668,589. No funds are being obligated at the time of the ceiling increase. The cumulative total of the contract is $1,130,668,589. The total if all options are exercised is $1,130,668,589. The purpose of this contract is to provide research, analyses, technical evaluation, and test and evaluation support to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Staff, the combatant commands, and the defense agencies. This work will involve the comprehensive evaluation of national security issues, including systems and technologies at all stages of development, deployment, and use. This research will require a deep understanding of performance, mission capabilities and costs, the underlying technologies, the information environment, the supporting infrastructure, and related intelligence matters. It also will require a thorough knowledge of the national security policies, strategies, organizational structures and relationships, and force employment concepts that help determine which capabilities are needed and how they will be used. The work will be performed at IDA Headquarters, Alexandria, Virginia. The estimated completion date is June 30, 2024. Washington Headquarters Services, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity.
15 Jan 24. QuSecure™, Inc., a leader in post-quantum cryptography (PQC), today announced it has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract by AFWERX to address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF). DAF will use QuSecure’s QuProtect™, the industry’s first end-to-end PQC software-based solution uniquely designed to protect encrypted communications and data with quantum-resilience using quantum secure channels. The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the 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. This Air Force SBIR contract award follows similar SBIR contract awards QuSecure has won from the U.S. Army 2023 (Phase II SBIR) and the U.S. Government in 2022 (Phase III SBIR). (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
19 Jan 24. SERCO Inc., Herndon, Virginia, has been awarded a one-year urgent undefinitized letter contract estimated at $17,635,554 for contractor support services, studies and analysis to the Global Positioning System user equipment systems, and Assured Position, Navigation and Timing related programs, for the Joint Service System Management Office which includes the PNT Program Offices. Work will be performed at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia; and Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 22, 2025. This urgent award was the result of a non-competitive acquisition. Fiscal 2024 research, development, test, and evaluation funds in the amount of $6,168,882 obligated at time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Robins AFB, Georgia, is the contracting activity. (FA8576-24-C-0001)
16 Jan 24. SRC Inc., Syracuse, New York, has been awarded a $400,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Sensor Beam 24. This contract provides engineering services for a wholly self-contained, end-to-end U.S. Electromagnetic systems and combat support database intelligence mission data production process using various tools including relational database management systems. Support includes research, analysis, technical documentation and review of electromagnetic systems, events, and signatures development in support of the 57th Intelligence Squadron. Work will be performed in San Antonio, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2034. This contract was a competitive acquisition, and one offer was received. Fiscal 2024 operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $3,000 are being obligated at time of award. The Air Combat Command Acquisition Management and Integration Center, Detachment 2, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, is the contracting activity. (FA7037-24-D-0001).
REST OF THE WORLD
LAND
18 Jan 24. IMCO Group (TASE: IMCO) has received a follow-on order from the IMOD Directorate of Production and Procurement (DOPP) for the supply of spare parts for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) armored fighting vehicles (AFVs). These spare parts are essential for the ongoing maintenance and operational readiness of the IDF’s AFVs in routine and during the “Swords of Iron” war. The order, valued at approximately 30 m NIS (about 8 m USD), is scheduled for delivery throughout 2024. IMCO Group is a key supplier of the IMOD MANTAK (Merkava and Armored Vehicles Directorate). The company has an integral part in the development and manufacturing of all IMOD armored fighting vehicles, including the Merkava tank and Namer and Eitan armored personnel carriers (APCs). Through its subsidiary companies in the defense division, IMCO Group provides a large set of sub-systems for the IDF’s AFVs. These include electric power and control units, platform interconnection cabling, platform main computing unit, and Video Management Systems.
The new order is part of IMCO Group’s broader annual agreement for the support and maintenance of the IDF’s AFV sub-systems. Within the scope of the current order, IMCO Group will supply spare parts that are integral components within these systems.
16 Jan 24. Australia to commence domestic missile manufacture, Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System missiles are scheduled to commence domestic production from 2025 as part of a contract between Defence and Lockheed Martin Australia announced today. Valued at $37.4m, the agreement will see the prime contractor transfer technical data to Australia, build a domestic workforce, and establish production processes ahead of manufacturing an initial batch of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missiles and launch pod containers in Australia. A live fire demonstration is scheduled to occur in 2025. The GMLRS is compatible with HIMARS, and the prime contractor has boasted that the capability has a 98 per cent accuracy rating, with a range of 15 to 70 kilometres and beyond. The United Sates’ Defense Security Cooperation Agency first gave Australia the greenlight to acquire the HIMARS in 2022. Announced in 2021, the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise was designed to enhance Australia’s security posture without having to rely on international supply chains for the delivery of critical munitions. (Source: Defence Connect)
12 Jan 24. Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, Moorestown, New Jersey, is being awarded a $271,286,879 modification (P00038) to a previously awarded Contract, HQ085121C0001 under Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Case JA-P-NCO. This modification includes cost-plus-incentive-fee and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract line items. The total value of the contract is increased by $271,856,809, from $674,477,035 to $946,333,844. The purpose of this modification is to increase the ceiling and extend the period of performance of the contract. The contractor will develop, test and integrate equipment, material, software and hardware end items in support of the Aegis System Equipped Vessel program. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey. The period of performance for this action is from Jan. 1, 2024, through Nov. 30, 2024. FMS Case JA-P-NCO funds in the amount of $64,372,885 are being obligated at the time of modification award. The Missile Defense Agency, Dahlgren, Virginia, is the contracting activity.
15 Jan 24. Marshall and Power Team selected as preferred bidder for Canada’s flagship vehicle logistics project. Public Services and Procurement Canada has named General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada
(GDLS-Canada), representing the Power Team, as the preferred bidder for its Logistics Vehicle Modernization (LVM) project. The Power Team, made up of GDLS-Canada, Marshall Land Systems, Mercedes Benz, Soframe and
Manac, will provide the replacement for the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) existing fleet of logistics vehicles, which can be used to transfer resources, personnel and military assets during domestic and
international operations and training exercises. With GDLS-Canada serving as prime integrator, Marshall will produce a range of interchangeable
containerised mission modules capable of being mounted onto Mercedes-Benz Zetros trucks, which will provide the common vehicle chassis across all configurations. A contract is anticipated to be awarded in spring 2024, conditional on final government approvals.
SEA
11 Jan 24. The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, is awarded a not-to-exceed $14,147,000 modification (P00009) to a cost-plus-incentive-fee undefinitized order (N0001921F0886) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001921G0006.) This modification provides non-recurring engineering in support of configuration clarifications for the Harpoon Coastal Defense System (HCDS), to include the Harpoon Block II Update Grade B Canister Launch All Up Round Missiles; the HCDS launch system, and Harpoon weapon station test and production equipment for the government of Taiwan. Work will be performed in Harbor City, California (42.2%); St. Charles, Missouri (39.8%); Rochester, New York (16.1%); Taiwan, China (1.2%) and various locations within the continental U.S. (0.07%), and is expected to be completed in January 2025. Foreign Military Sales customer funds in the amount of $6,932,030 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the fiscal year. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/US DoD)
19 Jan 24. Japan Orders 400 Tomahawk Cruise Missiles in $1.7bn Deal. Japan Ministry of Defense (JMOD) / Japan Self-Defense Force will strengthen its stand-off defense capabilities in order to disrupt and defeat the forces invading Japan early and from far away. In order to swiftly build this capability, JMOD / JSDF is, first of all, working towards the prompt procurement of indigenous stand-off missiles. In addition, as announced in October of last year, the Government of Japan has also decided to procure Tomahawk, which is complementary the indigenous stand-off missiles, one year ahead of schedule. We are pleased to announce that we have concluded a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for the acquisition of Tomahawk missiles and related equipment with United States Government under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement, which was signed at the Ministry of Defense on Thursday, January 18, 2024, in the presence of Mr. KIHARA, Minister of Defense of Japan, and His Excellency Mr. Rahm EMANUEL, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to Japan. Acquisition of the missiles will occur between JFY 2025 and JFY 2027. We will continue to promote the procurement of various stand-off missiles and work for early building of stand-off defense capabilities based on the Defense Buildup Program. (EDITOR’S NOTE: The Tomahawk order, for 400 missiles (200 Block IVs and 200 Block Vs) is worth approx. $1.7bn after Japan reviewed downwards its original request to the United States)
(Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Japan Ministry of Defense)
AIR
17 Jan 24. The Government of Canada has awarded a C$2.28bn contract to Bell Textron Canada Limited (BTCL) to provide in-service support for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s active fleet of CH-146 Griffon helicopters.
The helicopters fulfill domestic and international missions, including tactical transport, emergency response, and search and rescue. This in-service support contract will sustain the fleet until at least the mid-2030s. Under this contract, which will begin in April 2024, BTCL will provide program management, engineering, technical and design change services, component repair and overhaul, procurement of spares and heavy maintenance services. The in-service support work will be done in Canada, namely in British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador, which will create or maintain 1,130 jobs across the country. Through the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, BTCL has committed to providing business activities equal to the contract value that will ensure opportunities for the broader Canadian supply chain, including small and medium-sized businesses. BTCL’s economic commitments to Canada have the potential to contribute at least $125m annually to Canada’s gross domestic product over the life of the contract. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/Public Services and Procurement Canada)
17 Jan 24. Pakistan recently announced a plan to procure FC-31 stealth fighter jets from China, a move experts said will not only significantly enhance the Pakistan Air Force’s capabilities, but also open up the international market for the Chinese aircraft, marking a win-win cooperation. The Pakistan Air Force introduced its transformative modernization initiative in a press release posted on its social media platforms on Tuesday. A key milestone in this strategic transformation has been the acquisition of fifth-generation stealth fighter jets, the foundation of whose induction into the Pakistan Air Force has already been laid, the Pakistan Air Force said. According to a video attached with the press release, the fifth-generation stealth fighter jet to be inducted is China’s FC-31. This confirmed media reports earlier this month that Pakistan is seeking to purchase the FC-31. The FC-31 has strong comprehensive air combat capabilities, including its stealth advantages that allow it to spot opponents first and launch surprises attacks, Wei Dongxu, a Beijing-based military expert, told the Global Times on Wednesday. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/Global Times;)
12 Jan 24. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Sierra Vista, Arizona, has been awarded a $23,014,791 modification (P00003) to previously awarded contract FA8690-21-C-1000 for Global Hawk (RQ-4) aircraft sustainment. The contract modification is for the purchase of replenishment spares for operational use and to support depot repair. This modification also provides an option for procurement of an additional quantity of spares. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $164,506,728. Work will be performed in Japan; and Sierra Vista, Arizona, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2029. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales to Japan. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $23,014,791 are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.
TECHNOLOGY
15 Jan 24. US Navy upgrading 5G network and asset tracking in Indo-Pacific. The US Navy is upgrading its 5G cellular network and asset tracking in the Indo-Pacific under a new $10m contract with American military contractor Booz Allen Hamilton. The company will lead the contract to design, implement, test, and operate a private 5G cellular network and asset tracking solution in Guam under the two-year agreement, according to a public statement on 11 January. The private 5G network will support mobile and fixed wireless access, with architecture capable of extending to future use cases. The network will service Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, Detachment Naval Base Guam. (Source: Defence Connect)