BATTLESPACE Updates

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CONTRACT NEWS IN BRIEF

by

UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO

 

LAND

 

01 Feb 24. Allen-Vanguard awarded contract to supply SCORPION ECM Systems to a NATO ally. Allen-Vanguard, a global leader in providing customized solutions for defeating Radio Frequency (RF) based terrorist and extremist threats, is delighted to announce that it has won a significant contract to supply 68 SCORPION Electronic Counter Measure (ECM) systems, accessories and spares to a NATO ally.  The Allen-Vanguard team will be at the World Defense Show in Saudi Arabia at stand E38 to discuss all their products. In addition to the hardware, Allen-Vanguard will also provide various support services, including a Train the Trainer (T3) package, to ensure that end users are fully equipped, trained, and prepared to deploy this vital life-saving capability as needed with full operational autonomy.  In line with Allen-Vanguard’s philosophy of developing a full sovereign capability for their clients, the T3 package will ensure that the end user can train and evaluate their own personnel on the SCORPION hardware now and into the future. Allen-Vanguard is also contracted to support in-country with staged technical support visits, spread out over several years.  These visits are to help maintain the hardware and update the software to maximise the protection provided and further develop the technical capabilities of the customer.  The initial operating capability for evaluation and training will be delivered in a matter of weeks with further deliverables later in the year.   With now well over 500 sales globally, SCORPION is deployed protecting troops, NGOs and other government agencies in every continent worldwide.  It has a flexible, modular architecture with a wide range of power options, antenna configurations and carriage systems which make it is suitable for a myriad of protection tasks.   It delivers a hybrid, full spectrum system with extensive threat band coverage giving it superior usability which, combined with advanced technologies, makes SCORPION the most powerful response to present and future RCIED & Drone threats.

 

AIR

 

30 Jan 24. Chemring Australia Pty Ltd., Lara, Victoria Australia, is awarded a $31,096,730 modification (P00007) to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N0001921C0081). This modification adds scope for the production and delivery of 19,570 MJU-68/B Flare Infrared Countermeasures in support of the Joint Strike Fighter program (12,918 for the Navy; 1,152 for the Air Force; 1,176 for the government of Italy; 1,152 for the government of Belgium; 868 for the government of Great Britain; 816 for the government of Japan; 720 for the government of the Germany; 672 for the government of Denmark; and 96 for the government of Poland). Work will be performed in San Diego, California (38%); Lara, Victoria Australia (32%); Toone, Tennessee (27%); Salem, New Hampshire (2%); and Hopkinton, Massachusetts (1%) and is expected to be completed in February 2025. Fiscal 2024 procurement of ammunition (Navy and Marine Corps) in the amount of $15,527,708; fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement (Air Force) in the amount of $1,830,528; fiscal 2023 procurement of ammunition (Navy and Marine Corps) in the amount of $4,998,994; and Foreign Military Sales customer funds in the amount of $8,739,500, will be obligated at 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.

 

TECHNOLOGY

 

01 Feb 24. Spatial computing company, Hadean, have been awarded competitive funding by the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) to develop and scale a complex and representative synthetic human terrain for British Army simulations. This will take the form of a contract with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). The project aims to enhance military training in land environments by populating scenarios with meaningful ‘Pattern of Life’ behaviours and services, such as local leaders, military, government agencies, NGOs, media and industry. This capability, implemented as part of the Hadean AI-powered spatial computing platform, represented as a real-time social media hub within the LVC (Live, Virtual and Constructive) environments, will seamlessly integrate AI models to deliver a configurable and consistent representation of A3E behaviours (Audiences, Actors, Adversaries and Enemies). Supported by a Large Language Model (LLM) at its core, it will use AI to understand the evolving context during an LVC training exercise, causing the simulated A3ES to respond dynamically to the details of the actions of the trainees. These in turn will cause reactions and prompt training personnel to adjust their approach and tactics, effectively bridging the physical and virtual worlds through real-time interactions.

 

EUROPE

 

LAND

 

29 Jan 24. Diehl Defence has secured a contract with the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) to supply the IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defence system to Slovenia, according to a release from the manufacturer on 26 January 2024. Signed on January 25, the deal contributes to the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), aimed at strengthening ground-based air defence across Europe. Slovenia was the first of 19 members of the initiative to sign a program initiative with Germany for the purchase of the IRIS-T, reaching an agreement on 6 December, 2023. ESSI, initiated by Germany in August 2022, focuses on improving Nato interoperability and creating synergies through joint procurements. The initiative has attracted interest from 19 European states, including Austria, Switzerland, and 17 NATO countries. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on joint public procurement of air defence systems within the framework of ESSI in August 2023. (Source: army-technology.com)

 

29 Jan 24. Canberra-based Electro Optic Systems Holdings has won a $15m contract to supply Slinger counter-drone systems to Diehl Defence in Germany. The systems will be integrated by Diehl Defence onto a lightweight 4×4 platform, providing a defensive capability to protect critical assets from drone attacks on behalf of an undisclosed Western European customer. The EOS Slinger counter-drone system was developed to track and engage moving drones at a range of more than 800 metres, depending on the weapon configuration used. It can incorporate unique ammunition making it suitable for built up environments, and includes a radar system, a range of weapon configurations and EOS’ proprietary stabilisation and pointing technology. The contract includes the provision of systems, spares, training and related services and is valued at €9m (approximately $15 m). The systems are expected to be delivered in 2024, in accordance with agreed milestones and other customary terms. The contract is subject to export approval by the Australian government. In performing this contract, EOS will draw upon a support network and supply chain consisting of over one hundred suppliers located across Australia, and others internationally. (Source: https://www.ex2.com.au/news/)

 

31 Jan 24. The Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation OCCAR signed in Bonn, Germany, a second contract amendment of an existing contract for binocular night vision goggles and in-Service Support on behalf of Belgium and Germany with a Consortium consisting of HENSOLDT Optronics GmbH and THEON SENSORS S.A. The newly signed second amendment includes 3,500 night vision goggles for Belgium, as well as 16,041 night vision goggles and 8,423 Head Mounting Systems for Germany, the latter two are pending approval from German parliament, which the consortium expects to be received at the end of Q1 2024. Moreover, the contract includes an option for up to 25,000 additional night vision goggles each for Belgium and Germany. Thus, both Participating States have the opportunity to buy additional quantities without further negotiations. (Source: ASD Network)

 

31 Jan 24. The Norwegian government has ordered new NASAMS air defence systems from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG), which will strengthen the country’s defence capabilities to combat aerial threats. The contract has a value of approximately NOK 1.4bn, with expected deliveries in 2026-2027. The contract with the Norwegian Defence Material Agency includes new multi-missile canister launchers and new Fire Distribution Centers for NASAMS, replacing equipment previously donated to Ukraine. The delivery will provide Norway with the latest generation of NASAMS, developed to meet current and future threats. (Source: Google/https://www.marketscreener.com/)

 

29 Jan 24. The Republic of Kosovo has requested to buy two hundred forty-six (246) Javelin FGM-148F missiles (including 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 $75 m. 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. (Source: glstrade.com)

 

02 Feb 24. Patria has signed two agreements to supply the Patria ARIS electronic intelligence systems (ELINT) to European NATO member countries. With the agreements, customers will have access to the latest version of a high-performance signal intelligence system tailored to the needs of the countries in question.  The electronic intelligence system Patria ARIS enables its user to gather information about signals from radars and other radio transmitters used by the opposing party. The system can be used to detect, locate and identify radars and military systems using a radar. The customer can use the system to generate detailed identification information based on radar signals, which is vital in the modern electronic warfare battlefield. The system utilizes the latest receiver and signal processing technologies to ensure that even the most advanced threats do not have the ability to hide in a disrupted or congested signal environment. The system consists of a sensor network, servers gathering situational picture and user interfaces that enable centralized operation or remote access, including all the software needed for operational use. Patria supplies each customer with a customized total solution, from antennas to signals intelligence databases, and offers support and updates for the entire lifecycle of the system.

 

SEA

 

30 Jan 24. France’s Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) awarded Naval Group a contract to build a demonstrator of an unmanned underwater combat vehicle, based on a prototype developed by the company. The French Armed Forces Ministry is seeking a long-endurance demonstrator with a length of more than 10 meters (33 feet) and weighing more than 10 metric tons, it said in a statement on Jan. 30. The agreement with Naval Group, a French industrial company specializing in naval defense design, will allow for the development of technologies around energy autonomy, sensor integration and autonomous operation. The drone will have the capacity to be armed, though design specifics will need to be worked out, Naval Group spokesperson Faïza Zaroual told Defense News. Further technology contracts will follow the demonstrator deal, which was signed on Dec. 28 and will run for 24 months, according to the company. (Source: Defense News)

 

AIR

 

26 Jan 24. Hellas Sat and Thales Alenia Space, a joint-venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the development of an optical communication payload for the upcoming new mission to be embarked on the future Hellas Sat 5 telecommunications satellite, operating in geostationary orbit at 39 degrees East. The partnership between Hellas Sat and Thales Alenia Space aims to provide cutting-edge communication services with very high data rates from geostationary orbit. This innovative payload aims to connect with Optical Ground Station of the National Athens Observatory in Greece, Optical Ground Stations in France, Optical Ground Stations of ESA and Thales Alenia Space’s LEO HydRON telecommunication satellite.  After Vertigo H2020 programme, Thales Alenia Space is currently advancing the development of very high data rate capacities (up to 1 terabit/second) facing long distances from ground to geostationary orbit and cross-atmospheric turbulence, with support from France Relance (CO-OP), CNES (DYSCO) and ESA (HydRON). The MoU signing ceremony took place at Hellas Sat’s headquarters in Athens, Greece, with representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office, the French embassy in Greece, ESA, CNES, Thales Alenia Space France, Italy and Switzerland, the National Athens Observatory, along with various Greek ministries and local authorities in attendance. (Source: ASD Network)

 

29 Jan 24. The Government of Croatia has requested to buy eight (8) UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters; nineteen (19) T700-GE 701D engines (16 installed, 3 spares); twenty (20) AN/ARC-231A RT-1987 very high frequency (VHF) / ultra-high frequency (UHF) / Line of Sight (LOS) satellite communications (SATCOM) radios; ten (10) AN/AAR-57 Counter Missile Warning Systems (CMWS); twenty (20) H-764U Embedded Global Position Systems with Inertial Navigation (EGI) and Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) (or future replacement); and eighteen (18) M240H machine guns. Also included are: AN/ARC-231 RT-1808A (or future replacement) VHF/UHF/ LOS SATCOM radios; APR-39C(V)1/4 radar warning receivers; AVR-2B laser detecting sets; APX-123A Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) transponders (or future replacement); ARC-220 high frequency (HF) radio with KY-100M; VRC-100 ground stations; AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loader (SKL); KIV-77 Common Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) crypto applique computers; KY-100M; communications security (COMSEC) encryption devices AN/ARN-147(V) VHF Omni-Directional Range (VOR)/instrument landing system (ILS) receiver radio; AN/ARN-149(V) low frequency (LF)/automatic direction finder (ADF) radio receiver; AN/ARN-153 tactical air navigation system (TACAN) receiver-transmitter; AN/APN-209 radar altimeter; AN/ARC-210 radios; EBC-406HM emergency locator transmitter (ELT); Encrypted Aircraft Wireless Intercommunications Systems (EAWIS); Improved Heads-Up Display (IHUD); signal data converters for IHUD; signal data converters for heads-up display (HUD); forward-looking infrared (FLIR) with electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) capabilities; EO/IR cabin monitoring systems; EO/IR digital video recorder; AN/ARC-201D RT-1478D (or future replacement); Enhanced Ballistic Armor Protection Systems (EBAPS); Internal Auxiliary Fuel Tank Systems (IAFTS); Fast Rope Insertion & Extraction System (FRIES); External Rescue Hoist (ERH); rescue hoist equipment sets; Dual Patient Litter System (DPLS) Sets; Martin Baker palletized Crew Chief/Gunner seats with crashworthy floor structural modifications; External Stores Support System (ESSS); Integrated Tow Plates Production Assets; universal software loading kits; 60k volt-ampere (VA) generator kits; instrument panel sets; external gun mount systems; Black Hawk Aircrew Trainer (BAT); Black Hawk Maintenance Trainer (BHMT-M); Black Hawk Avionics Trainer; Maintenance Blended Reconfigurable Avionics Trainer (MBRAT); training devices; helmets; transportation; organizational equipment; spare and repair parts; support equipment; tools and test equipment; technical data and publications; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $500m. The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky, in Stratford, CT. There are no known offset agreements in connection with this potential sale.

 

29 Jan 24. The Government of Greece has requested to buy up to forty (40) F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL) aircraft; and forty-two (42) Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines (40 installed, 2 spares). Also included are AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders; KGV-135A embedded secure communications devices; Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD); impulse cartridges, chaff, and flares; Full Mission Simulators and system trainers; electronic warfare systems and Reprogramming Lab support; logistics management and support systems; threat detection, tracking, and targeting systems; Contractor Logistics Support (CLS); classified software and software development, delivery and integration support; transportation, ferry, and refueling support; weapons containers; aircraft and munitions support and support equipment; integration and test support and equipment; aircraft engine component improvement program (CIP) support; secure communications, precision navigation, and cryptographic systems and equipment; Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) equipment; spare and repair parts, consumables, and accessories, and repair and return support; minor modifications, maintenance, and maintenance support; personnel training and training equipment; classified and unclassified publications and technical documents; warranties; and U.S. Government and engineering, technical, and logistics support services, studies, and surveys; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $8.6bn. The principal contractors will be Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Fort Worth, TX, and Pratt & Whitney Military Engines, East Hartford, CT. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contract. (Source: glstrade.com)

 

29 Jan 24. The Republic of Türkiye has requested to buy 40 new F-16 aircraft and modernize 79 existing F-16 aircraft to V-Configuration. The request includes: thirty-two (32) F-16 C Block 70 aircraft; eight (8) F-16 D Block 70 aircraft; forty-eight (48) F110-GE-129D engines (40 installed, 8 spares); one hundred forty-nine (149) Improved Programmable Display Generators (iPDG) (40 installed, 10 spares, 99 for modernization program (79 installed, 20 spares)); one hundred forty-nine (149) AN/APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Scalable Agile Beam Radars (SABR) (40 installed, 10 spares, 99 for modernization program (79 installed, 20 spares)); one hundred sixty-nine (169) Modular Mission Computers (MMC) 7000AHC (or available mission computer) (40 installed, 10 spares, 119 for modernization program (79 installed, 40 spares)); one hundred fifty nine (159) Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS) Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) (EGI) with Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) or M-Code capability and Precise Positioning Service (PPS) (40 installed, 8 spares, 111 for modernization program (79 installed, 32 spares)); one hundred sixty-eight (168) Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) or equivalent Electronic Warfare (EW) systems (40 installed, 10 spares, 118 for modernization program (79 installed, 39 spares)); eight hundred fifty-eight (858) LAU-129 guided missile launchers; forty-four (44) M61 Vulcan cannons (40 installed, 4 spares); sixteen (16) AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP); one hundred fifty-one (151) Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Joint Tactical Radio Systems (MIDS-JTRS) (40 installed and 4 ground terminals, 8 spares, and 99 for modernization program (79 installed and 4 ground terminals, 16 spares)); nine hundred fifty-two (952) Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) AIM-120C-8 or equivalent missiles; ninety six (96) AMRAAM guidance sections; eight hundred sixty-four (864) GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs Increment 1 (SDB-1); two (2) GBU-39(T-1)/B SDB-1 guided test vehicles; two (2) GBU-39(T-1)/B SDB-1 practice bombs; ninety-six (96) AGM-88B High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARM); ninety-six (96) AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles (AARGM); ten (10) AARGM Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM); eleven (11) AARGM control sections; twelve (12) AARGM guidance sections; four hundred one (401) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles; twelve (12) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs); forty (40) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical guidance units; twelve (12) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder CATM guidance units; twelve (12) MK82 Inert Filled general purpose bombs; eight hundred fifty (850) Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) KMU-556 tail kits for GBU-31; two hundred (200) JDAM KMU-557 tail kits for GBU-31v3; three hundred eighty-four (384) JDAM KMU-559 tail kits for GBU-32; three (3) JDAM KMU-572 tail kits for GBU-38 or Laser JDAM GBU-54; one thousand fifty (1,050) FMU-152 fuzes. Also included are AMRAAM CATMs; AIM-9X Sidewinder training missiles and Active Optical Target Detectors (AOTD); HARM control sections, rocket motors, and warhead spares; FMU-139 Joint Programmable Fuzes; DSU-38 Laser Guidance Sets for GBU-54; missile containers; AN/ARC-238 radios; AN/APX-127 or equivalent Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF) Combined Interrogator Transponders (CIT) with mode 5; Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS) II or Scorpion Hybrid Optical-based Inertial Tracker (HObIT) helmet mounted displays; Infrared Search and Track (IRST) pods; AN/ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispenser Systems (CMDS); KY-58 and KIV-78 cryptographic devices; Simple Key Loaders (SKLs); additional secure communications, precision navigation, and cryptographic equipment; Flight Mission Planning Systems (FMPS); Remote Operated Video Enhanced Receivers (ROVER) 6i/6Sis; Tactical Network ROVER kits, and STINGER Multi Bi-Directional (MBI) antennas; SNIPER pod pylons; impulse cartridges, chaff, flares, and ammunition; bomb components and Common Munitions Built-in-Test Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE); Rackmount Improved Avionics Intermediate Shop (RIAIS); Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD); Triple Missile Launcher Adapters (TMLA); aircraft, avionics, and weapons integration, test support, and equipment; major modernization upgrade kits for F-16 Block 40 and Block 50+ aircraft and Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) modifications; aircraft and engine repair and refurbishment after maintenance; engine and aircraft spare and repair parts, consumables, and accessories and repair and return support; aircraft, engine, ground, and pilot support equipment; Classified/Unclassified Computer Program Identification Number (CPIN) systems; electronic warfare database support; pylons, launcher adaptors, weapon interfaces, bomb and ejection racks, conformal fuel tanks, and travel pods; precision measurement equipment laboratory and calibration support; Classified/Unclassified software and software support; Classified/Unclassified publications, manuals, and technical documentation; maps and mapping data; facilities and construction support; simulators and training devices; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, studies and surveys; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $23.0bn. The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin, Greenville, SC. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor. (Source: glstrade.com)

 

USA

 

LAND

 

31 Jan 24. Avon Protection Ceradyne LLC, Salem, New Hampshire, has been awarded a maximum $39,324,000 modification (P00028) exercising the second one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-22-D-1516) with four one-year option periods for second generation advanced combat helmets. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The ordering period end date is Feb. 6, 2025. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

 

29 Jan 24. BAE Systems to continue production of M109A7 Self-Propelled Howitzers and M992A3 ammunition carriers for the U.S. Army. BAE Systems has received a $418m contract from the U.S. Army to produce and deliver additional sets of M109A7 Self-Propelled Howitzers and their companion, the M992A3 ammunition carriers. The contract, which was awarded in November 2023, extends the period of performance with vehicle deliveries through 2025. The M109A7 is the latest howitzer in the BAE Systems M109 family of vehicles and the primary indirect fire support system for the Army’s Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCT). The vehicle is equipped with modernized capabilities in size, weight, power, cooling, readiness, force protection, and survivability, which together provide Army commanders with a more capable and sustainable vehicle on the battlefield. The M109A7’s new design includes a new chassis, engine, transmission, suspension, steering system, a new high voltage architecture, and improved survivability. The M109A7 program’s improved commonality across the ABCT eases the logistics burden and reduces operational sustainability costs. The vehicle is also engineered to support higher- caliber extended-range cannon assemblies critical to achieving the Army’s extended range lethality goals. BAE Systems received the initial contract for M109A7 production in 2017. This most recent order brings the total contract value to $2.5bn. M109A7 and M992A3 production and support takes place at the Anniston Army Depot in Alabama and BAE Systems facilities in York, Pennsylvania; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Sterling Heights, Michigan; Endicott, New York; Elgin, Oklahoma; and Aiken, South Carolina. (Source: ASD Network)

 

31 Jan 24. CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI) announced today that it won a five-year, single-award task order valued at up to $198m to provide expertise to the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Research (C5ISR) Center. C5ISR Center leads the Army’s cryptographic modernization, information security, and tactical network protection programs. Under this award, the company will enhance existing and future Army cyber defense capabilities for C5ISR systems by designing, and rapidly fielding solutions to defeat emerging threats to both tactical edge and enterprise systems. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

31 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 has received several new orders from multiple customers for its simulated thermal sights used in armored vehicle training systems, totaling in excess of $3m. These simulated thermal sights support the training of armored vehicle crews in integrated multi-platform mission trainers. We believe recent deployment of armored vehicles in multiple theaters is driving the need for increased training capabilities and leading to the procurement of significant quantities of additional trainers. The Kopin products supplied under these orders are fully integrated display systems consisting of microdisplays, optics, electronics and environmental enclosures which simulate the display Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) installed in several U.S. manufactured armored vehicles. Deliveries of these systems are scheduled to take place through mid-2024.

 

01 Feb 24. Mercury Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRCY, www.mrcy.com), a technology company that delivers mission-critical processing power to the edge, today announced it signed a three-year subcontract worth as much as $96m with Raytheon, an RTX business, to deliver high-performance signal processing sub-systems for the U.S. Army’s Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS). Under the new production agreement, Mercury will deliver hardware to Raytheon for the next nine LTAMDS radars to support the U.S. Army and Poland, the first international LTAMDS customer. In May 2023, Mercury completed the delivery of more than 160 hardware units for the first six LTAMDS radars, including signal data processor sub-systems, beamforming platforms, and ethernet switching hardware to fulfill its proof of manufacturing contract. LTAMDS is the newest air and missile defense sensor that will operate on the Army’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense network. It is a 360-degree, Active Electronically Scanned Array radar that provides significantly more capacity and capability against the wide range of advanced threats, including hypersonic missiles. Mercury developed an advanced, edge-ready processing solution for LTAMDS that will give U.S. and international forces an unparalleled strategic and tactical advantage on the battlefield. Six Raytheon-built LTAMDS radars are advancing through integration and test activities simultaneously at multiple government and Raytheon test sites. A series of recent milestones validate the radar’s performance and progression through developmental testing, including the recently completed contractor verification testing and tactical ballistic missile and cruise missile live fire tests. Formal testing continues in 2024.

 

SEA

 

26 Jan 24. Huntington Ingalls Inc., Newport News, Virginia, was awarded a $913,150,550 cost-plus-incentive-fee and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for advanced planning and long-lead-time material procurement to prepare and make ready for the accomplishment of the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Refueling and Complex Overhaul. Work will be performed in Newport News, Virginia and is expected to be completed by June 2026. Fiscal 2023 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $250,000,000 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)(1), (only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements). The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-24-C-2106). (Awarded Jan. 25, 2024)

 

AIR

 

29 Jan 24. Air Transport International, Wilmington, Ohio (HTC71124DCC02); Alaska Airlines Inc., Seattle, Washington (HTC71124DCC03); Allegiant Air LLC, Las Vegas, Nevada (HTC71124DCC04); American Airlines, Fort Worth, Texas (HTC71124DCC05); Amerijet International Inc., Miami Springs, Florida (HTC71124DCC06); Atlas Air Inc., Purchase, New York (HTC71124DCC07); Delta Air Lines, Atlanta, Georgia (HTC71124DCC08); Eastern Airlines, Wayne, Pennsylvania (HTC71124DCC09); Tatonduk Outfitters Ltd., doing business as Everts Air Cargo, Fairbanks, Alaska (HTC71124DCC10); Federal Express Corp., Memphis, Tennessee (HTC71124DCC11); Hawaiian Airlines, Honolulu, Hawaii (HTC71124DCC12); Kalitta Air LLC, Ypsilanti, Michigan (HTC71124DCC14); Lynden Air Cargo, Anchorage, Alaska (HTC71124DCC15); National Air Cargo Group Inc., Orlando, Florida (HTC71124DCC16); Omni Air International, Tulsa, Oklahoma (HTC71124DCC17); Sierra Pacific Airlines Inc., Tucson, Arizona (HTC71124DCC18); Southwest Airlines Co., Dallas, Texas (HTC71124DCC19); Sun Country Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota (HTC71124DCC20); Swift Air LLC, Greensboro, North Carolina (HTC71124DCC21); and United Airlines, Chicago, Illinois (HTC71124DCC22), have been awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, fixed-price contracts with an estimated combined value of $873,000,000, providing air charter transportation services for one-time domestic passenger, cargo, and combined movements at both military and commercial airfields. The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and services necessary. Performance of services shall take place within the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Mexico, and Canada, as specified in the individual solicitation or delivery order. The base period of performance is from April 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2028. Transportation Working Capital Funds will be obligated for fiscal 2024 to 2028. The U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity.

 

26 Jan 24. Kratos Space & Missile Defense Systems Inc., San Diego, California (FA8818-24-D-B001); Aerojet Rocketdyne Coleman Aerospace, Orlando, Florida (FA8818-24-D-B002); and Corvid Technologies LLC, Mooresville, North Carolina (FA8818-24-D-B001), have been awarded a multiple-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and firm-fixed-price contract with a combined maximum ceiling of $877,000,000 with a nine-year ordering period for Sounding Rocket Program-4. This contract provides suborbital launch services and launch support services necessary to accomplish the Rocket Systems Launch Program’s suborbital mission. The primary locations of performance of the work will be at the contractor facilities and a variety of government launch sites, depending on mission requirements, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 15, 2029. This contract was a competitive acquisition, and three offers were received. Fiscal 2023 Space Force funds in the amount of $40,000 are being obligated at time of award. Space Systems Command, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, is the contracting activity.

 

30 Jan 24. Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems Inc., Sacramento, California, is awarded a $57,673,542 modification (P00003) to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N0001923C0021). This modification exercises options to procure full rate production Lot Five of the BQM-177A Surface Launched Aerial Targets. Specifically, this modification provides for the production and delivery of 70 BQM-177A Surface Launched Aerial Targets and 70 Rocket-Assisted Takeoff attachment kits, as well as associated technical and administrative data in support of weapons system test, and evaluation and fleet training for the Navy. Work will be performed in Sacramento, California (50%); Dallas, Texas (20%); Fort Walton Beach, Florida (5%); Blacksburg, Virginia (4%); Santa Ana, California (2%); Newton, Kansas (2%); Concord, California (2%); Milwaukie, Oregon (2%); Chatsworth, California (2%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (11%), and is expected to be completed in April 2026. Fiscal 2024 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $45,314,926; and fiscal 2023 research, development, test, and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $12,358,616, will be obligated at the time of award, $12,358,616 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

 

26 Jan 24. L3Harris Technologies Inc., Colorado Springs, Colorado, has been awarded a $31,137,052 contract modification (P00252) to a previously awarded contract (FA8823-20-C-0004) for the Space Fence System. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract $833,173,765. Work will be performed at Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands; Morristown, Pennsylvania; and Colorado Springs, Colorado, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2025. Fiscal 2024 operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $12,539,458 are being obligated at time of award. The Space Systems Center Directorate of Contracting, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, is the contracting activity.

 

01 Feb 24. Momentus Inc. (NASDAQ: MNTS) (“Momentus” or the “Company”), a U.S. commercial space company that offers satellite buses, transportation, and other in-space infrastructure services, has been awarded a contract modification valued at $1,196,404 by the Space Development Agency to continue development of the Vigoride Orbital Service Vehicle for Department of Defense (DoD) Mission Requirements. Through this Small Business Innovation Research Award, “Orbital Service Vehicle Enhancements to Meet DoD Mission Requirements” with a total value of $1,942,477, Momentus will tailor the capabilities of its Vigoride Orbital Service Vehicle to support a wide range of DoD payloads and mission requirements, setting the stage for a rapid transition to an in-space flight demonstration. In addition to the Vigoride Orbital Service Vehicle, Momentus is now also offering its M-1000 satellite bus, which is based on the space-proven Vigoride. This latest contract expansion will also provide benefits to enable the Defense Department to use the M-1000 satellite bus for a range of missions like communications and missile tracking. The M-1000 bus offers significant advantages to commercial and government customers, such as its high power – up to 3 kW of peak power – large payload capacity, flexible configuration, speed from requirements to delivery on-orbit, and low cost. Momentus has offered the M-1000 satellite bus to both commercial constellation providers and to the U.S. Government. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

29 Jan 24. Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) Passive Refueling Module (PRM) has been selected as the first preferred refueling solution interface standard for use across SSC satellites. The company is collaborating with SSC, Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and other customers to develop in-space refueling technologies for the nation’s space-based assets. These advancements address a critical national security capability: sustained maneuverability for dynamic space operations.

  • Northrop Grumman’s PRM was selected based on the maturity and technical viability of its design.
  • Future satellites could be designed with an interface like the PRM to receive fuel while in space. SSC contracted with Northrop Grumman to fly the PRM on an operational mission.
  • SSC and DIU jointly funded Northrop Grumman’s commercial in-space servicing subsidiary, SpaceLogistics, to integrate and fly the PRM on the company’s Mission Robotic Vehicle.
  • SSC awarded Northrop Grumman the Geosynchronous Auxiliary Support Tanker (GAS-T) contract to begin development of a refueling tanker and associated technologies to deliver fuel in space.

 

TECHNOLOGY

 

01 Feb 24. The Department of Defense (DOD) announced today seven awards totaling $192.5m through the Defense Production Act Investments (DPAI) Program to establish domestic manufacturing capabilities for critical chemicals. DPAI generated this funding opportunity to incentivize companies to produce these essential chemicals domestically. Each of the companies receiving an award has demonstrated the ability to meet the minimum required production amounts of one or more of these chemicals using flexible, efficient, modern, and environmentally responsible manufacturing practices. In addition, these chemicals have multiple applications in the commercial sector, including but not limited to market segments like pharmaceuticals, consumer products, agriculture, automotive, and energy. The diversity of potential buyers will help maintain the long-term sustainability of this investment.

The seven awards include:

  • CoorsTek Inc. was awarded a $49.6m contract to establish production of a critical material used for the protection of human lives and the packaging of ammunition and other defense systems. Production will occur in Golden, CO.
  • Goex/Estes Energetics was awarded a $13.0m contract to establish production of seven oxidizers used in energetic formulations (barium nitrate, potassium chlorate, potassium nitrate, potassium perchlorate, strontium nitrate, strontium oxalate, and strontium peroxide) and a muzzle suppressant (potassium sulfate). Production will occur in Camp Minden, LA.
  • Lacamas Laboratories was awarded an $86.2m contract to establish production of two precursors of energetics (4-nitroanisole and 1,3,5-trichlorobenzene), two precursors of non-energetics (salicylic acid and sebacic acid), and three stabilizers/burning rate moderators (diphenylamine, ethyl centralite and methyl centralite). Production will occur in Portland, OR.
  • Magrathea Metals Inc. was awarded a $19.6m contract to establish domestic production of magnesium, a critical precursor in the production of metals and semi-metals essential to defense systems, as well as foundry and component forming. Production will occur in Oakland, CA.
  • METSS Corporation was awarded a $14.0m contract to establish domestic production of eight oxidizers used in energetic formulations (barium nitrate, lead nitrate, potassium chlorate, potassium nitrate, potassium perchlorate, strontium nitrate, strontium oxalate, and strontium peroxide) and a muzzle suppressant (potassium sulfate).  Production will occur in Westerville, OH.
  • Powdermet Inc. was awarded a $1.9m contract to establish domestic production of two critical metals (titanium powder and zirconium powder) used in energetic formulations for ignition and source of fuel. Production will occur in Euclid, OH.
  • Synthio Chemicals Inc. was awarded an $8.2m contract to establish domestic production of three stabilizers/burning rate moderators (diphenylamine, ethyl centralite and methyl centralite) and two smoke dyes (1-methylamino anthraquinone and 1,3-diamino-2,4-dihydro anthraquinone). Production will occur in Broomfield, CO.

With DPAI’s assistance, these seven companies expect to establish national capacity of the aforementioned chemicals by the end of 2027, contributing to the strengthening of America’s supply chains and limiting foreign dependence for the defense industrial base.

These are the latest of 10 awards made by the DPAI program across multiple areas totaling $289m since the beginning of fiscal year 2024.  DPAI is overseen by the ASD(IBP)’s Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Program (MCEIP), in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Resilience.

For more information on MCEIP, please visit: https://www.businessdefense.gov/ibr/mceip/index.html

About the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy (OASD (IBP)

The OASD IBP works with domestic and international partners to forge and sustain a robust, secure, and resilient industrial base enabling the warfighter, now and in the future. (Source: U.S. DoD)

 

30 Jan 24. BlackSky Technology Inc. (NYSE: BKSY) won a contract from the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) to move forward into the third and final phase of the multi-year Space-based Machine Automated Recognition Technique (SMART) program. Phase III emphasizes the transfer of SMART broad area search technologies into other U.S. government programs. Focused over large areas of the Earth’s surface, broad area search and discovery techniques help intelligence organizations get a wide-angle, baseline picture of aggregate change over time. For the SMART Program, all participants’ artificial intelligence (AI) change detection tools were deployed and evaluated for performance, cost and scalability within BlackSky’s MLOps architecture. With the core technology developed under the SMART program, BlackSky’s AI tools have detected and classified more than two m change observations with a high degree of accuracy over 120 thousand distinct sites after having analyzed five years of historic broad area satellite imagery from government and commercial sources. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

30 Jan 24. CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI) announced today that it won a five-year, single-award task order valued at up to $81m to provide expertise to the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) National Media Exploitation Center (NMEC). The Storefront and Dissemination Support task order will provide global information technology (IT) operational, sustainment, and modernization for databases across the intelligence community (IC) and the Department of Defense (DoD). Under this task order, awarded under DIA’s Data Science, Operations, Requirements, Exploitation, and Engineering 2 (DORE2) indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicle, CACI will improve information dissemination for IC and DoD databases by modernizing legacy NMEC systems and enabling a secure, robust cloud architecture. CACI will also provide additional management, operations, and maintenance, including implementing Agile methodologies. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

REST OF THE WORLD

 

LAND

 

30 Jan 24. Cuashub.com said today that EDGE Awarded UAE MOD Counter-UAS Contract. The EDGE Group, a prominent advanced technology and defense entity, has announced a contract to supply the UAE Ministry of Defence (MoD) with robust, multi-layered counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS). This strategic initiative aims to bolster the UAE’s national security. The contract, disclosed at the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference (UMEX) 2024, encompasses delivering SIGN4L‘s advanced SKYSHIELD C-UAS and NAVCONTROL-G systems. These cutting-edge C-UAS offerings deliver heightened situational awareness and soft-kill capabilities, effectively countering unmanned aerial threats and ensuring comprehensive protection for critical infrastructure and border integrity. https://cuashub.com/en/content/edge-awarded-uae-mod-counter-uas-contract/?_hsmi=291988614&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-98nQu9zjQpo1xzLV-25deCubYBLSIxnEqMzzbD4pU9bfRusJYxkClpxc0s1KGgK15mbxB4Vzr_9oLrPipijx_QPxbQ1GDKlscp6PmJbKj-r-WwCUM#utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&utm_content=291988614&utm_source=hs_email(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

 

29 Jan 24. An international partner has awarded Rheinmetall an order to supply Fuchs 2 components for producing the wheeled armoured vehicle at a factory in the partner country. The current follow up orders also include kits for conversion and the supply of spare part packages. Booked in December 2023, the order is worth a figure in the three-digit m-euro range. Delivery of the kits — both for production and conversion — starts this year and will be complete in 2028. The production facility in the partner country has seen an increase in added value in recent years as well as investments to ensure high-quality machining, welding and surface treatment. This long-standing strategic partnership is thus entering a new, promising phase, including the potential export of Fuchs 2 vehicles produced in the partner country. The Fuchs success story continues with this large-volume order. As a versatile 6×6 wheeled armoured vehicle, it has been in service with the Bundeswehr as for almost half a century.  Around 1,800 Fuchs vehicles have been built to date. The armed forces of many nations deploy various versions of the vehicle, which can be used as an armoured personnel carrier, mobile command post, field ambulance or for NBC reconnaissance. The German Bundeswehr has fielded multiple versions of the Fuchs 1 since 1979, deploying over a hundred of these vehicles in Afghanistan and elsewhere. The Fuchs 2 is an advanced version of the Fuchs 1, featuring a larger interior, a more powerful engine, an updated chassis, improved modern protection, and a digital electrical system. The Bundeswehr has a total of around 940 Fuchs vehicles in its inventory, 272 of which are version 1A8. This version of the Fuchs 1 offers substantially better protection against mines and improvised explosive devices compared to earlier models; it also features enhanced protection against ballistic threats. Among the principal modifications found in the Fuchs 1A8 are structural changes to the hull, new seats and seat suspension systems in the fighting compartment for decoupling from the floor of the hull, reinforced wheel housings, doors and window mountings, additional storage boxes and reinforcement of the vehicle exterior.  (ED: Algeria likely customer)

 

SEA

 

31 Jan 24. Babcock has been awarded a contract for additional work on the South Korean Navy’s submarine programme. The seven-year contract, awarded by Hanwha Ocean, is to manufacture and install the weapons handling launch system (WHLS) on Boat 6 of the Jangbogo-III class boat. Boat 6, namely ‘Jangbogo-III Batch-II Boat 3’, along with the rest of the class, will use our proven air turbine pump and programmable firing valve launch system. Key elements of the WHLS will be designed and produced in the UK, with the remainder built under licence in South Korea. Babcock has been involved with the Jangbogo-III programme since 2011 and is currently more than halfway through delivering hardware for Boat 4, having completed all 217 milestones on time or early across the contracts.

 

29 Jan 24. Cohort, the Independent Technology Group, announced that its subsidiary SEA has been awarded a £15.1m contract. The contract covers the production of SEA’s lightweight Torpedo Launch Systems (TLS) for a major naval vessel programme. Work will commence immediately and is expected to complete in 2030.  SEA’s TLS is a rapid-reaction system capable of firing a variety of NATO standard lightweight torpedoes. This contract will be delivered by SEA’s wholly owned Canadian subsidiary, SEA Canada, supported by a team at SEA in the UK.

 

TECHNOLOGY

 

29 Jan 24. Australian Defence Innovation Partnership awards $900k for six defence research projects. Six projects have received a total of nearly $900,000 in funding for the seventh round of the Adelaide-based Defence Innovation Partnership’s Collaborative Research Fund (CRF).

Defence SA’s Acting Chief Executive Reg Carruthers said the calibre of applications is continuing to increase each round.   Including this latest round, the CRF has now funded 35 projects and approximately $5 m from state government, with additional funding leveraged from Commonwealth, industry and university contributions. The full list of projects awarded is:

  • Sovereign manufacturing reliable defence structures by 3D metal printing and structural health monitoring– led by the University of Adelaide with partners Flinders University, DSTG and AML3D.

CRF Funding: $150,000

  • Mathematical modelling of a complex and contested conflict environment: influence of logistics and resource transfer– led by Flinders University with partners University of South Australia and DSTG.

CRF Funding: $149,830

  • Warm Starts and Goal-based Heuristics to Improve MARL Performance in Advanced Distributed Defence– led by the University of Adelaide with partners University of South Australia, DSTG and DEWC Services

CRF Funding: $150,000

  • Evaluation of State Uncertainty for Resident Space Objects– led by Flinders University with partners the University of Adelaide, DSTG and Lockheed Martin Australia.

CRF Funding: $150,000

  • Cyber Terrain Mapping and Analysis of Operational Technology Networks– led by Insight Via Artificial Intelligence with partners the University of Adelaide, University of South Australia and DSTG.

CRF Funding: $147,128

  • First-in-class pharmaceutical radiation protectant and mitigant– led by the University of Adelaide with partners Flinders University, University of South Australia, DSTG and Plantworx Organics Pty Ltd.

CRF Funding: $150,000

The Defence Innovation Partnership is a collaboration between Defence SA, DSTG and South Australia’s three public universities, the University of Adelaide, Flinders University and the University of South Australia aimed at meeting the needs of Defence. Supporting genuine collaboration across government, the university sector and industry, the CRF is a catalyst for defence-relevant research, development and innovation. (Source: https://www.ex2.com.au/news/)