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UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO
LAND
03 Apr 24. £10m investment in snowmobiles for Royal Marines. Royal Marines will strike faster and further across the Arctic snow thanks to a £10m investment in new snowmobiles for reconnaissance and raiding operations. The UK Commando Force is the nation’s specialist extreme cold weather troops, capable of surviving, moving, and fighting across the Arctic’s inhospitable terrain. Royal Marines have traditionally moved across the snow on skis, snowshoes or towed by their armoured vehicles (known as skijoring) to get into combat. With that, there is fresh investment with the purchase of up to 159 Lynx Brutal Over Snow Reconnaissance Vehicles made by Finnish subsidiary of Canadian firm Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP). The snowmobiles will be supplied by BRP from March 2025 onwards. The Lynx Brutal is custom built to operate in deep snow and is ideally suited for taking Commandos and their equipment deep behind the adversary’s lines and help give them the tactical advantage as they deliver special operations in the High North. (Source: UKDJ)
09 Apr 24. Saab has signed an initial three-year contract with the UK Ministry of Defence, for the provision of support to Live Simulation systems with ILT-D (Instrumented Live Training), valued at £60m and options to extend until 2030. The ILT-D contract, replaces the previous DFWES (Direct Fire Weapon Effect Simulator) contract. ILT-D supports high fidelity systems that use a blend of laser and geometric pairing technology to simulate direct and indirect fire effects. This data rich capability provides objective feedback which is used to inform the After Action Review (AAR) process and validate training. The contract includes a significant investment in extending the life of the capability to provide the UK MoD with the most modern system available. This ensures it remains relevant to the British Army’s evolving training needs, addresses obsolescence issues, and continues to be interoperable with partner nations through exploitation of the latest generation of Saab hardware and software. Support will be continued across permanent Collective Training locations in the UK and Germany, as well as at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick, Infantry Battle School in Brecon and the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines.
SEA
09 Apr 24. OSI Maritime Systems (OSI) is pleased to announce the recent finalization of two significant contracts with BAE Systems Submarines (BAE). These contracts encompass the ongoing support for Astute Class SSNs and the provision of future navigation capabilities for the UK’s Dreadnought Class of SSBNs. The Astute Class stands as the Royal Navy’s largest and most advanced attack submarine ever constructed. Notable for various technological breakthroughs, the Class is the first Royal Navy submarine without optical periscopes, utilizing high-spec video technology instead. Furthermore, the submarine will be the quietest ever made and equipped with world-leading sensors, carrying Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missiles (TLAM) and Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes. With a length of 97 meters, the Astute-class submarines can circumnavigate the globe submerged, generating their own oxygen and drinking water. (Source: ASD Network)
AIR
05 Apr 24. Safran Helicopter Engines has signed a new contract with UK MOD’s Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) agency for the continued support of RTM 322 engines used on the Royal Navy’s fleet of 55 Merlin helicopters. This Single Source Qualifying Defence Contract will run for six years from 1 April 2024 with options to extend the support through to the Merlin’s Out-of-Service date of 2040. The contract will build on the previous eleven-year support arrangement, during which Safran Helicopter Engines strong focus on reliability and parts availability saw engine availability consistently exceeding the required targets. Benefitting from an agile, output-based approach, the new arrangement will allow the service to rapidly flex in line with demand, whilst maximising engine availability and mission success. The service will continue to be run from Safran Helicopter Engines well-equipped facility in Fareham in the UK, where the team will provide responsive engine maintenance, technical advice and logistic support to Royal Navy operational units who will also benefit from on-site Field Service Reps at Royal Naval Air Stations Yeovilton and Culdrose. This new contract is an important element to sustaining Safran’s Fareham site and its industrial capabilities: the impact extends beyond the 32 direct UK jobs supported by this contract to provide future security for over 160 UK jobs. (Source: ASD Network)
TECHNOLOGY
11 Apr 24. NATO selects SitaWare Headquarters as its Future Land C2 Capability. NATO’s land forces will benefit from an enhanced command and control application with the signing of a contract between Systematic and the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) for the provision of its Future Land Command and Control (C2) capability (FLC2). Systematic’s SitaWare Headquarters software was selected as part of a competitive tender process and provides world-leading command and control capabilities. Principal among these is the provision of seamless interoperability and the rapid, reliable sharing of information among coalition partners. The FLC2 project, also known as ‘DEMETER’ includes the implementation of the software into the NATO Command Structure, as well as the provision of initial training support, marking a step-change in operational capability for the Alliance. SitaWare Headquarters is used by more than 50 (fifty) countries worldwide and is a trusted force multiplier. Its proven ability unites armed services and ensures efficient communications and decision-making from the command right to the tactical edge. SitaWare Headquarters will also greatly increase interoperability between not only NATO and its member states, but across all Western allies. The contract also represents a further milestone in the long-standing relationship between Systematic and NATO. For the past decade, Systematic’s IRIS application has provided the de facto standard for military messaging, making national information systems interoperable with joint and coalition partners.
EUROPE
LAND
10 Apr 24. Defenture GRF vehicle chosen for Austrian Special Operations Forces. On 8 April, Austria’s Ministry of Defence signed the contract with Defenture for the delivery of a batch of GRF (Ground force) vehicles. With this order, the Bundesministerium für Landesverteidigung (BMLV) chooses a special Military Of The Shelf (MOTS) light tactical and air transportable mobile platform for their Special Operations Forces (Jagdkommando) to replace the PUCH G 290/LP Sandviper. The GRF is recognized as a high-performance platform in terms of agility, speed, traction and payload. Together with high ground clearance for extreme off-road capabilities and a special 4-wheel steering system, this results in a high level of mobility and safety. The flexibility of the GRF platform allows the vehicles to be provided with a specific configuration and different system integrations, tailored to the operational needs of the Austrian Jagdkommando. Delivery of the vehicles will start as early as 2024.
10 Apr 24. The Commonwealth of Australia has today signed the production contract for 123 Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles with more than 100 of those vehicles to be exported from Australia for use by the German Army; making it Australia’s largest foreign military export to Germany. The procurement of the Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles is based on a mutual agreement between the Australian and the German Government. Rheinmetall has announced the contract with the German authorities with a total volume of €2.7bn, including maintenance and repair, after the commissioning in March 2024. The corresponding production contract has now been awarded in Australia.
02 Apr 24. THEON to Supply the Estonian Defence Forces With ARGUS Night Vision Monocular. On 27th March, THEON delivered the first 2.000 ARGUS FS Mk2 night vision monocular systems to the Estonian Defense Forces as part of a newly signed contract that shall eventually equip 10.000 soldiers with night fighting capability. THEON was the winner of an international tender in which 16 companies participated. The company’s system stood out through the procurement process, which was based on a series of evaluation criteria including technical performance parameters, price, as well as delivery time. THEON, being one of the leading global companies for night vision goggles, was able to obtain the highest score overall and as a result was awarded the supply contract, which includes a fast delivery of more than 8,000 ARGUS FS Mk2 as well as an option to deliver several thousands, of ca. €35m and more than €20m, respectively. (Source: ASD Network)
AIR
11 Apr 24. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., Poway, California, has been awarded a not-to-exceed $173,568,509 definitized contract action for capability upgrades to four MQ-9A unmanned air vehicles and two ground control stations, as well as support equipment, spares, and upgrade kits. Work will be performed in Poway, California, and is expected to complete by Jan. 15, 2029. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales to the Netherlands and is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $85,048,549 will be obligated at the time of award. The contracting activity is the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio (FA8689-24-C-2020).
10 Apr 24. Kongsberg Will Provide Maritime Surveillance Services to Norway. NIS has the overall responsibility for space operations and development in the Norwegian Armed Forces. The data will be utilized by the Norwegian Armed Forces, as well as other Norwegian government institutions involved in maritime security such as the Coastal Administration, the Directorate of Fisheries, and the Norwegian Customs. The contract covers five years of service from 2025, when the satellites will be launched and operational. The contract value is undisclosed. The three satellites will be produced by Kongsberg NanoAvionics and equipped with Automatic Identification System (AIS) receivers and detector systems, delivered by Kongsberg Discovery. The satellites will be owned by KONGSBERG and operated by Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), which will utilize its international network of downloading stations to provide high frequency and low latency surveillance data for both the Norwegian Government as well as international customers. The satellite constellation, named N3X, is the first in a series of satellites that KONGSBERG plans to build and operate – optimized to provide the best possible data sets for the users. The satellites will have excess capability outside Norwegian Areas of Interest that will be available for international users. (Source: ASD Network)
03 Apr 24. Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the procurement of additional LITENING 5 target designator pods, including maintenance capabilities. The order is valued at SEK 390m. LITENING 5 is used in the precision designation of targets through laser targeting and target tracking. FMV previously ordered this version of LDP for Gripen E, and are also now integrated on Gripen C/D. This order comprises the additional pods, maintenance and spare parts. The pods and maintenance capabilities will be delivered to FMV in 2026. (Source: www.joint-forces.com)
USA
LAND
08 Apr 24. BAE Systems receives $79m contract from U.S. Marine Corps to build and deliver ACV-R test vehicles. BAE Systems (LON: BA) has received an $79m contract from the U.S. Marine Corps to build and deliver production representative test vehicles (PRTVs) for the Amphibious Combat Vehicle Recovery (ACV-R) variant later this year. The ACV-R will provide direct field support, maintenance, and recovery to the ACV family of vehicles (FOVs). This contract award begins the second phase of the ACV-R program and kicks off the production of PRTVs which will support government testing next year. The prior contract award focused on the design and development of the recovery variant and was completed within the contracted 20-month period. ACV-R is equipped with a winch and crane and is capable of recovering vehicles weighing more than 30 tons. (Source: PR Newswire)
09 Apr 24. Cuashub.com said today that High Energy Laser Logistics Contract Awarded to BlueHalo. BlueHalo, in support of the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO), has developed the Palletized High Energy Laser (P-HEL) system, known for its effectiveness in neutralizing small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) threats, a pressing concern for maintaining U.S. battlefield supremacy and protecting critical infrastructure. Recognizing its success, BlueHalo was awarded a four-year logistics support contract to deliver preventive and corrective maintenance services and comprehensive operator and maintenance team training for the P-HEL system. This significant contract solidifies BlueHalo’s role as the primary system integrator throughout the entire lifecycle of the P-HEL system, from initial prototype development to frontline deployment and operations. https://cuashub.com/content/high-energy-laser-logistics-contract-awarded-to-blue-halo/?_hsenc=p2ANqtz-95wl9iL3hl0FcjXurbZE86pmF6-CzQWxYG5OAc-gWBb1IK6ItGa1cgq10oeIZyZnDwtxQDZ13V0g8lMOJU-xz8dcsnfjFk-JSouuVLUi9Pudp5vwo&_hsmi=301830526#utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&utm_content=301830526&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
05 Apr 24. General Dynamics Land Systems Inc., Sterling Heights, Michigan, was awarded a $518,828,362 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Stryker system technical support. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2029. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-24-D-0012).
08 Apr 24. KBR (NYSE: KBR) announced that it has been awarded new contracts estimated at more than $450m to deliver highly technical systems engineering support and services to the U.S. Government. Under the terms of these contracts, KBR will provide systems engineering, acquisition support, phenomenology expertise and data science, as well as applied research, communications security infrastructure, operations and maintenance support. These contracts focus on sustaining both space and ground systems, enhancing acquisition efficiency via digital engineering, [and?] supporting secure communications, information technology systems, and data analysis. Work is expected to be performed through 2031. Additional focus items include providing architecting, engineering and analysis services to support delivery of enterprise capabilities and support to satellite operations. KBR will be combining classic systems engineering methodologies with newer digital engineering technologies to identify solutions for the customer’s difficult challenges, moving their enterprise forward and meeting their mission objectives. Areas of support include strategy and concept development, user engagement, architecture assessment, advanced communications security, lifecycle readiness, verification and validation, mission assurance and utility, flight operations and training, and simulation and data analytics. KBR’s solutions also use artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and advanced data frameworks.
05 Apr 24. L3Harris Global Communications Inc., Rochester, New York, was awarded a $155,250,000 firm-fixed-price contract for mobile and secure communications services. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of April 5, 2028. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W91CRB-24-C-5031).
11 Apr 24. Lockheed Martin Corp., Rotary and Mission Systems, Huntsville, Alabama, is being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum ceiling amount of $4,099,900,000. The ordering period is from May 1, 2024, through April 30, 2029, with an option to extend through April 30, 2034. Under this follow-on contract, Lockheed Martin will develop, model, integrate, test, verify, evaluate, validate, document, deliver, field, train, operate, sustain, and support updates and new capabilities to the command and control, battle management and communications (C2BMC) system. Task Order One, enterprise management and enterprise service, will be valued at $490,412,086; Task Order Two, C2BMC mission software development, will be valued at $34,223,764; and Task Order Three, product execution, will be valued at $321,979,748. The work will be performed at various locations worldwide. This award is a multiyear, sole source, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, with cost-plus-award-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and cost contract line items. Fiscal 2024 research, development, test, and evaluation funds will be obligated on this contract. The Missile Defense Agency, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity (HQ0852-24-D-0003).
SEA
09 Apr 24. HII (NYSE: HII) announced today that its Mission Technologies division was awarded a $74m contract to research, analyze and develop enhanced capabilities for the Mk 41 and Mk 57 vertical launching systems (VLS) onboard U.S. Navy surface ships. The task order, administered by the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Port Hueneme Division, also applies to associated naval surface weapon systems, combat systems and sensors employed within the Navy. HII’s statement of work includes outfitting the first Zumwalt -class destroyer (DDG 1001) with the latest Mk 57 vertical launch system universal canister electronics unit. The unit, developed by HII, ensures warfighters can fire any missile from any VLS cell on Zumwalt -class ships. HII will also leverage industry capabilities to support rapid design prototyping, technological improvements and engineering requirements associated with obsolescence issues. HII was awarded the recompeted task order under the Department of Defense’s Information Analysis Center Multiple Award Contract vehicle (IAC MAC). These IAC MAC task orders are awarded by the U.S. Air Force’s 774th Enterprise Sourcing Squadron to develop and create new knowledge for the enhancement of the Defense Technical Information Center repository and the research and development and science and technology community. The task order has a five-year term. Most of the work will be performed in Syracuse, New York, and Arlington, Virginia. HII’s support to NSWC Port Hueneme is an extension of work performed under a previous contract awarded in 2021. (Source: ASD Network)
11 Apr 24. Lockheed Martin, Rotary and Mission Systems, Moorestown, New Jersey, was awarded a $126,989,166 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to previously awarded contract N00024-19-C-5603 for ship self-defense system combat system engineering support. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey, and is expected to be completed by October 2024. Fiscal 2024 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $11,906,692 (97%); and fiscal 2024 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $372,399 (3%), were obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Awarded April 9, 2024)
08 Apr 24. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Launch Vehicles Division, Chandler, Arizona, is awarded a $52,145,216 modification (P00015) to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019C210005). This modification exercises options for the procurement and delivery of 16 GQM-163A Coyote Supersonic Sea-skimming Targets (SSST) systems and associated technical and administrative data in support of SSST full rate production Lot 17 for the Navy. Work will be performed in Chandler, Arizona (35%); Camden, Arizona (43%); Vergennes, Vermont (8%); Cincinnati, Ohio (4%); Oconomowoc, Wisconsin (4%); Lancaster, Pennsylvania (4%); and other various locations within the continental U.S. (2%), and is expected to be completed in November 2027. Fiscal 2024 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $52,145,216 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.
11 Apr 24. The Australian specialist and tactical watercraft manufacturer The Whiskey Project has confirmed it has delivered two multi-mission reconnaissance craft to the US Marine Corps. The group secured the contract following a comprehensive competitive evaluation process which saw The Whiskey project awarded a AU$33.8 million contract for a number of its eight-metre Whiskey Alpha and 11-metre Whiskey Bravo vessels. The vessels were accepted by the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, from where reconnaissance Marines will use the watercraft to host and trial a range of payloads. (Source: Defence Connect)
AIR
08 Apr 24. U.S. rocket propulsion start-up Ursa Major said on Monday it had signed a contract with the United States Navy to develop and test solid fuel rocket engines in an effort to develop a next generation of solid rocket motor for the Navy’s standard missile program and expand and enhance the U.S. rocket motor industrial base. The agreement is part of a series of prototype engine contracts being awarded by the U.S. Navy as it seeks to address surging demand for such engines and expand the industrial base for manufacturing them. X-Bow Systems (Crossbow), another new U.S. entrant, has also been awarded a contract, according to a person familiar with the matter. L3 Harris Technologies (LHX.N) which owns Aerojet Rocketdyne, the incumbent maker of the Mk 104 solid rocket motors, used aboard the Navy’s Standard Missiles, was also awarded a development and testing contract, two people familiar with the situation said. The people spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private deliberations. X-Bow and L3 Harris declined to comment. (Reuters)
10 Apr 24. BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems, Fort Wayne, Indiana, was awarded a $459,802,408 order-dependent contract for AN/ARC-231/A Multi-mode Aviation Radio Suite hardware components, repair services and technical/engineering/logistic support. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of April 9, 2034. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W56JSR-24-D-0002).
11 Apr 24. The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, is awarded a not-to-exceed $111,891,468 undefinitized, firm-fixed-price order (N0001924F2564) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001921G0006). This order provides for the production and delivery of avionics long lead time parts and spares to support the advanced crew station suite inclusive of the low profile engine fuel display, large area display, and low profile head up display; life of type buys for parts that have or will become obsolete; and special test equipment in support of the F/A-18E/F Block III and E/A-18G aircraft for the Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, and the country of Kuwait. Work will be performed in Berkley, Missouri (35.1%); Haifa, Israel (26.7%); Merrimack, New Hampshire (23.1%); Stillwater, Oklahoma (5.6%); Malabar, Florida (5.0%); Torrance, California (1.5%); Netanya, Israel (1.2%); Kanata, Ontario, Canada (1.0%); and various other locations (0.8%); and is expected to be completed in May 2028. Fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $16,153,298; fiscal 2023 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $9,462,397; and Foreign Military Sales customer funds in the amount of $4,882,790, 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.
11 Apr 24. Insitu Inc., Bingen, Washington, is awarded a firm-fixed price, not-to-exceed $84,468,841 modification (P00006) to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N0001922D0038). This modification increases the contract ceiling to procure six RQ-21A and 20 ScanEagle unmanned air vehicles (UAS) including payloads and turrets; support equipment; spares and special tooling. Additionally, this modification procures services to include training, site surveys, engineering and technical and repair of repairable in support of the RQ-21A Blackjack and ScanEagle UAS platforms. Work will be performed in Bingen, Washington (88%); and various locations outside of the continental U.S. (12%), and is expected to be completed in June 2026. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. Naval Air Systems Command Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
03 Apr 24. Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq: GILT, TASE: GILT) subsidiary, DataPath, has been awarded a $12m contract for the continuation of a program to sustain anytime, anywhere satellite connectivity for the United States Army. The contract is for the supply of Gilat’s subsidiary Wavestream’s Solid State Amplifier (SSPA) products. Wavestream SSPAs are ruggedized to withstand the harshest environments, enabling the Satellite Transportable Terminals (STTs) used in this program to deliver a Communications-on-the-Pause (COTP) solution across diverse climates and conditions around the globe. This award demonstrates Gilat’s ability to leverage the capabilities of its two U.S.-based subsidiaries, Gilat Wavestream and DataPath, Inc. (Source: Satnews)
08 Apr 24. Hughes Network Systems, an EchoStar (Nasdaq: SATS) company, today announced its it has been awarded a production contract from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to produce a key component of the next-generation satellite communications (SATCOM) system for the MQ-1C Gray Eagle 25M Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). Under the contract, Hughes will provide advanced, ruggedized HM400 modems, named the HM400T, that integrate with the DoD’s standard waveform technology and transmission security (TRANSEC) features to enable significantly increased endurance and resilience for Gray Eagle 25M’s wide range of Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaisance (AISR) mission requirements, particularly for operations in contested environments. (Source: PR Newswire)
05 Apr 24. KBR Wyle Services LLC, Lexington Park, Maryland, was awarded a cost plus-fixed-fee and indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with the ceiling of $99,000,000. This contract will be supporting the transition and integration of mission-critical Space Domain Awareness, Battle Management Command and Control, and space enterprise capabilities to support the Air Force Space Vehicles Directorate. Work is expected to be completed by April 2029. Fiscal 2024 research, development, test, and evaluation funds in the amount of $750,000 are being obligated on the first task order. Work will be performed in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This was a competitive acquisition with one offer received. The contracting activity responsible for this action is with Air Force Research Laboratory/RVKE, Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico (FA9453-24-D-X002).
09 Apr 24. Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a not-to-exceed $181,000,000 firm-fixed-price, undefinitized modification (P00020) to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N0001919D0015). This modification adds scope to procure ancillary mission equipment (AME) in support of meeting Lot 17 Group Two requirements, a subset of the overall Lot 17 AME requirements for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program in support of the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Foreign Military Sales customers, and F-35 Cooperative Program Partners. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in April 2028. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on a modification to a previously issued order. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
08 Apr 24. Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”) today announced it has been awarded a $14.49m task order by the U.S. Space Force (USSF) to launch an Electron mission from Launch Complex 2. The mission, called Space Test Program-30 (STP-S30) falls under the Space Systems Command (SSC) Assured Access to Space organization and is part of Orbital Services Program-4 (OSP-4). The dedicated Electron launch is scheduled to take place within 24 months from contract award and will lift off from Launch Complex 2, a dedicated pad for the Electron rocket at Virginia Spaceport Authority’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport within the NASA Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. STP-S30 is a complex mission that will deliver research experiments and technology demonstrations to orbit for the DoD and contribute to future space systems development. The projected primary payload, DISKSat, will demonstrate sustained very low earth orbit (VLEO) flight and test a unique, 1-meter diameter, disk-shaped satellite bus that is designed to increase on-orbit persistence. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
TECHNOLOGY
06 Apr 24. NASA funds George Washington University project to safeguard UAS from cyber attacks. Peng Wei, an associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at the George Washington University School of Engineering and Applied Science, is leading a three-year project that could help safeguard autonomous aircraft flying in high-density urban airspace from cyber attacks that could disrupt safe operations. Three multi-institutional teams will receive a total of USD18 m in University Leadership Initiative (ULI) funding from NASA, with Wei’s team receiving USD6 m over the next three years. For more information: www.gwu.edu (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
09 Apr 24. TrustPoint has been selected by AFWERX for a STTR Phase II in the amount of $1.6m focused on advanced resilient navigation applications to address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF). The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018 which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded and now on April 2, 2024, TrustPoint will start its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
REST OF THE WORLD
LAND
10 Apr 24. The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded BAE Systems a contract to maintain and repair gifted L119 Light Guns in Ukraine. The contract, which was announced during a recent UK Government-led trade mission to Kyiv, means that L119s which were donated by the UK to Ukraine can be serviced in country and returned to the frontline more quickly. The L119 Light Gun has proved to be a trusted system that Ukrainian forces have favoured because of its accurate firepower, light weight, low logistical requirements and mobility. As the original manufacturer of the Light Gun, as well as more than 15 other systems in use in Ukraine, BAE Systems has been working with allied governments since the start of the war to help with training and support.
02 Apr 24. Pearson Engineering selected by UK Ministry of Defence to provide mine clearance equipment to defeat explosives in Ukraine. With Ukraine now the most mined country in the world, Pearson Engineering has secured a contract from the UK’s Ministry of Defence to provide equipment to defeat the threat of mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to Ukrainian Armed Forces, as part of previously announced mine clearance capability packages. On behalf of the UK and the UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine (IFU), Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) awarded this contract to Pearson Engineering. The IFU contract was part of the over £100m maintenance & manoeuvre support package announced in October 2023. The contract includes the supply of multi-purpose vehicle interfaces that will allow armoured vehicles already in Ukraine to accept self-protection mine ploughs which have been gifted by the British Army and refurbished by Pearson Engineering. (Source: www.joint-forces.com)
08 Apr 24. Rheinmetall to supply Japan with its first fleet of autonomous vehicles. Rheinmetall paves the way for autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) in Japan after being awarded a multimillion-dollar contract on behalf of the Japanese Ministry of Defence. The Rheinmetall Mission Master SP UGVs are expected to be delivered early next year for testing. These compact, low-signature electric UGVs will each be equipped with different payload modules, including cargo, surveillance and a remote-controlled weapon station. The contract also includes a long-term support and training program, as well as spare parts. Rheinmetall will deliver the UGVs in collaboration with the prime contractor Marubeni Aerospace, a major Japanese business conglomerate that will be trained by Rheinmetall to offer local support to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.
09 Apr 24. Ukraine – HAWK Phase III Missile System Sustainment. The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Ukraine of HAWK Phase III Missile System Sustainment and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $138m. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of Ukraine has requested to buy sustainment-related articles and services for the HAWK Phase III missile system, including engineering and integration for communications and interoperability; refurbishment and system overhaul of HAWK air defense fire units; missile recertification components; tool kits; test equipment; support equipment; technical documentation; spare parts; training; U.S. Government and contractor technical and field office support; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $138m. The Secretary of State has determined and provided detailed justification that an emergency exists that requires the immediate sale to the Government of Ukraine of the above defense articles and services in the national security interests of the United States, thereby waiving the congressional review requirements under Section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe. Ukraine has an urgent need to increase its capabilities to defend against Russian missile strikes and the aerial capabilities of Russian forces. Maintaining and sustaining the HAWK missile system will enhance Ukraine’s ability to defend its people and protect critical national infrastructure. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractors will be RTX Corporation, located in Andover, MA, and PROJECTXYZ, located in Huntsville, AL. Equipment will be supplied from a combination of U.S. Army stock, country donations, Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS), and new production. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: ASD Network)
SEA
08 Apr 24. Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, Moorestown, New Jersey, is being awarded a $271,286,879 modification (P00038) to 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.
AIR
11 Apr 24. The Ministry of Defense of Honduras has acquired two additional Airbus H145 helicopters, which will be operated by the Honduran Air Force to perform passenger and cargo transport, search and rescue, firefighting, medical evacuation, and other essential missions in the region. This new purchase follows an initial order signed in April 2023 for two H145s that will be delivered before the end of 2024. (Source: ASD Network)
11 Apr 24. Japan Coast Guard (JCG) has placed an additional order for three H225 helicopters, taking its total H225 fleet up to 18. The largest Super Puma operator in Japan received three H225s in December 2023 and one in February 2024 for its growing fleet. The new helicopters will support territorial coastal activities, maritime law enforcement, as well as disaster relief missions in the country.
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