Sponsored by Teledyne FLIR
www.flr.com
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO
LAND
22 Apr 24. Cuashub.com said today that COBBS BELUX BV announced NATO’s approval of the first-ever Counter-small Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) procurement framework agreement by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). The selected offerings for this contract include the MyDefence Wingman and the DroneShield Dronegun Mk4, facilitated through COBBS BELUX BV, DroneShield, and MyDefence’s local partner in Belgium and Luxembourg. This initial framework spans three years with options for extensions. As NATO‘s primary organization for multinational acquisition, support, and sustainment across all domains, NSPA aims to secure the best equipment and services at optimal prices by consolidating requirements from multiple nations. Through its Support Partnerships, NSPA aggregates demand and allocates production capacity based on member countries’ priorities, ensuring cost-efficient multinational acquisition frameworks.https://cuashub.com/en/content/cobbs-belux-bv-receives-first-nato-nspa-c-uas-contract/?_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8vb4ZzaPEOhhHmO4JZAFSJTOm-vuF0-Oca8yzVtgLyswSzBVt35-pw7EJ4y2FeB3FxqDjXXf67FVdZRx7KUiLUraezv-lkyDtxb4aF9GlThyPGzNM&_hsmi=303629257#utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&utm_content=303629257&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
24 Apr 24. Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) has secured a contract for the British Army’s Heavy Equipment Transport (HET) capability. HET enables the Army to rapidly move heavy armour, such as Challenger 2 tanks, to where it is needed, using an operationally proven vehicle platform. The vehicles were secured under an £80 million interim capability solution over the next three years, with industry partners KBR Ltd. The agreement forms part of a wider Materiel Distribution Land Programme, which incorporates HET, bulk liquid transportation (such as fuel tankers) and palletised load carrying vehicles for the Army.,(Source: www.joint-forces.com)
SEA
24 Apr 24. Babcock International Group (Babcock), the defence company, has been awarded the contract to manage the Type 23 class frigate Refit Support Group, allowing the company to take end-to-end responsibility for vessel upkeep and regeneration in preparation for handover to the ship’s crew. This innovative change follows more than five years of close working between the Royal Navy-led Refit Support Group and Babcock. It frees up UK Royal Navy personnel for front line operations and creates new and exciting roles for 40 Babcock engineering technicians and managers at its Devonport facility, who now take responsibility for routine maintenance, addressing emergent defects and contracted upkeep projects. Babcock’s Type 23 Refit Support Group engineering technicians will work alongside Babcock’s Upkeep project teams to ensure vessel systems are maintained and regenerated. The move is targeted to deliver improved platform availability through more seamless management of upkeep activity. It has already contributed to success in assisting Ship’s Staff and the Upkeep project team in delivering HMS St Albans to sea three months ahead of schedule.
EUROPE
LAND
26 Apr 24. Bittium has received a purchase order from the Finnish Defence Forces for the software-defined radio-based Bittium Tactical Wireless IP Network™ (TAC WIN) system’s products and Bittium Tough Comnode™ communication devices and related accessories. The products will be used by all troops of the Finnish Defence Forces to support the combat doctrine where mobility, leading the troops on the move, and effective communications play a key role. The purchase order is based on a Framework Agreement signed in November 2023 between Bittium and the Finnish Defence Forces on the purchase of the software-defined radio-based Bittium Tactical Wireless IP Network™ (TAC WIN) system’s products and Bittium Tough Comnode™ communication devices and related accessories. The Framework Agreement covers the years 2023–2028 and has a total value of EUR 51.6m at the maximum. According to the Framework Agreement, the Finnish Defence Forces will issue separate purchase orders for the products in several batches during the validity period of the Agreement. The value of the purchase order received now is approximately EUR 4.5m. The ordered products will be delivered during the year 2024.
25 Apr 24. Hanwha Aerospace said on Thursday it signed a $1.64bn deal to supply 72 Chunmoo rocket artillery units to Poland, part of an estimated $22bn agreement Seoul reached with Poland in 2022. Poland had already agreed on terms to acquire 218 Chunmoos as part of the 2022 deal, which was South Korea’s largest-ever arms sale. Hanwha Aerospace said in a statement that the latest deal would take effect only after a separate financial contract, with government support, is signed by the end of November. (Source: Reuters)
19 Apr 24. Germany orders simulators for Puma IFVs. The Bundeswehr is receiving new training simulators for its Puma infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). In total, 258 sets of Training Device, Duel Simulator (Ausbildungsgerät Duellsimulator: AGDUS) systems are being delivered for the Puma IFVs by the end of 2026, the Bundeswehr announced on 15 April. The EUR109m (USD116m) contract will be financed from the EUR100 bn Bundeswehr special fund. A Rheinmetall/Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) consortium received an order from the Bundeswehr in December 2019 valued at EUR54m for the provision of six AGDUS systems for integration tests on the Puma. Full-scale serial production of AGDUS would then begin once testing was complete, with up to 252 Puma IFVs being equipped with the systems for EUR88m. A Rheinmetall spokesperson confirmed to Janes that the company, along with KMW+Nexter Defense Systems (KNDS) Germany, are supplying the new AGDUS simulators to the Bundeswehr and that full-scale production has now officially begun. (Source: Janes)
19 Apr 24. The government of Spain has announced its decision to modernise and acquire additional NASAMS air defence systems from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) in a deal valued at approximately EUR 410m. On April 19, the Spanish Armaments Directorate, Dirección General de Armamento y Material (DGAM), filed a notification of award for the NASAMS modernisation programme. This programme will significantly increase the existing NASAMS capability of Spain and further strengthen the cooperation between Spain and Norway. The contract is expected to be signed in May 2024. (Source: www.joint-forces.com)
24 Apr 24. MilDef wins additional business from BAE Systems Bofors worth SEK 52m. Following the framework agreement signed in February with BAE Systems Bofors, additional orders have now been signed for ruggedized hardware for the Archer artillery system. The orders include IT equipment such as displays, computers and switches, worth SEK 52m. Deliveries will start in 2025. The ten-year framework agreement is the starting point for a deeper cooperation between MilDef and BAE Systems Bofors. The orders now won are a natural continuation of the collaboration and concern volume orders of previously developed products as well as spare parts for existing systems.
25 Apr 24. MilDef signs strategic hardware contract in Estonia worth SEK53m. The contract covers the integration of MilDef’s tactical IT hardware into an Estonian defense project for armored vehicles. This is a collaboration with a local Estonian partner and the biggest order to date for MilDef on the Estonian market, therefore strategically important. Deliveries will start in 2024. The procurement evolves over 400 units of MilDefs bespoke servers, switches, routers and media converters. IT-solutions for the harshest conditions and most challenging environments, which prevent information from being interrupted, intercepted or disrupted.
24 Apr 24. Rheinmetall wins framework contract with a potential order value of €400m. Intercom with hearing protection function for cross-sectional force equipment. Rheinmetall has been commissioned by the Bundeswehr in a key project for tactical communications which is of cross-sectional importance for the entire force. The technology company has been contracted to supply up to 191,000 sets of the “intercom with hearing protection function”. The framework contract has a seven-year term and a potential order volume of up to €400m net. The Budget Committee of the German Bundestag had imposed conditions on the project. 30,000 sets including connection cables with delivery in 2024 have been firmly ordered. A call-off for the delivery of a further 30,000 sets for 2025 is expected. These two delivery batches financed from the special fund will have a net value of up to around €140m. The intercom with hearing protection function (abbr. SmG in German, for “Sprechsatz mit Gehörschutz¬function”) includes modern active capsule ear protection that attenuates harmful impulse noise and amplifies quiet sounds. It also has a microphone and can be connected to various radio devices so that radio communication is possible. In addition to the combined headset, the scope of supply includes various push-to-talk (PTT) buttons and different cable sets for connecting to a range of radios and on-board communication systems. Rheinmetall has involved two leading manufacturers as subcontractors for the project: 3M Peltor with the ComTac VIII headset and CeoTronics AG with CT-Multi PTT 1C and 3C. The SmG is compatible with the Rheinmetall-supplied new combat helmet as well as with other Bundeswehr helmet types. This order underlines Rheinmetall’s leading role in the field of military equipment. The technology company is the prime contractor for the System Infantry Soldier of the Future – Expanded System to the Bundeswehr. Rheinmetall markets various configurations of its Gladius soldier system internationally.
AIR
25 Apr 24. US approves Polish and Dutch purchase of AARGM-ER missiles. Poland’s US Foreign Military Sales deal amounts to $1.3bn while the Dutch agreement comes to $700m. The US State Department has expressed approval to provide several hundred advanced anti-radiation guided missiles-extended range (AARGM-ER) air-to-surface missiles to the governments of Poland and the Netherlands. These purchases come under foreign military sales, with Poland’s deal amounting to $1.3bn while the value of the Dutch deal comes to $700m. Of course, Congress has yet to approve these purchases before they can be confirmed. Poland has requested to buy 360 AARGM-ER all-up rounds; eight AGM-88G AARGM-ER guidance sections (spares); and eight AGM-88G AARGM-ER control sections (spares). Also included are dummy air training missiles; missile containers, software; training; support equipment; spare and repair parts; embedded global positioning system receiver, M-Code. The US Government and contractors will also provide publications and technical documentation; transportation; engineering; technical and logistical support services; and other related elements of logistics and programme support. Likewise, the Netherlands has requested to buy 265 AGM-88G AARGM-ER all-up rounds, including 15 fly-to-buy rounds, as well as the same supplementary equipment as Poland. Both proposed sales will improve the nations’ self-defence capabilities to suppress and destroy land-based or sea-based radar emitters associated with enemy air defences. This capability denies the adversary the use of its air defence systems, thereby improving the survivability of their tactical aircraft. Both the Netherlands and Poland will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into their armed forces. The US defence industrial base is already well prepared for such an order given the fact that the US Navy and Air Force also ordered 118 AARGM-ER missiles for $235.7m at the end of November 2023. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
24 Apr 24. The Netherlands – Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles – Extended Range. The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Netherlands of Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles -Extended Range and related equipment for an estimated cost of $700m. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.m The Government of the Netherlands has requested to buy two hundred sixty-five (265) AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles – Extended Range (AARGM-ER) All Up Rounds (AUR) (includes fifteen (15) Fly-to-Buy Rounds); eight (8) AGM-88G AARGM-ER Guidance Sections (spares); and eight (8) AGM-88G AARGM-ER Control Sections (spares). Also included are Dummy Air Training Missiles (DATM), missile containers; software; training; support equipment; spare and repair parts; embedded GPS receiver, M-Code; publications and technical documentation; transportation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering; technical and logistical support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $700m. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe. The proposed sale will improve the Netherlands’ capability to meet current and future threats by suppressing and destroying land or sea-land based radar emitters associated with enemy air defenses. This capability denies the adversary the use of its air defense systems, thereby improving the survivability of the Netherlands tactical aircraft. The Netherlands 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 principal contractor will be Northrop Grumman Systems located in Falls Church, VA. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: ASD Network)
25 Apr 24. Europe’s defence programme overseer the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR) has signed a contract that will implement changes intended to overcome issues with the TP400-D6 turboprop engine, which powers the A400M transportation aircraft. It was signed in Madrid, Spain, by OCCAR’s director of the executive administration Joachim Sucker, on behalf of the nations that operate the aircraft – Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, Turkey and the UK – and the programme’s industrial stakeholders: Europrop International, Safran Aircraft Engine SAS, MTU Aero Engines AG, Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd and ITP SAU. Due to last for the next five years, this ‘Engine Support Step 2’ contract strikes a balance between participating nations and industry. The programme will now implement “new services” put forward by the participating states and reduce the operating cost of ownership, while also enabling the “industry to secure its investments to the benefit of the TP400″. Under the new agreement, the industry has made commitments to enhance the performance of ‘ML3 services’, which refers to the supplier’s responsibility for repairing modules and line-replaceable units at their own facilities. In doing so, the industry aims to enhance operational availability, increase transparency in reporting and reduce costs through repair development. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
22 Apr 24. Türkiye has placed its first contracts for the domestically developed Hürjet jet trainer aircraft and Gökbey helicopter. A signature ceremony for these and two other manned aerial platforms was held with participants from Turkish Aerospace (TA), the Defence Industry Agency of Türkiye (SSB), the Ministry of Defence (MoD), and the Ministry the Interior on 18 April. The contract for the procurement of 12 additional Hürjet advanced jet trainer aircraft will see these new Block 1 aircraft supplement four Block 0 planes ordered in December 2022. The Hürjet will replace the Northrop T-38 Talon jet trainer in Turkish Air Force (TuAF) service, and the Northrop NF-5 Freedom Fighter used by TuAF demonstration team Türk Yıldızları. For the Gökbey, 20 of the T625 helicopters were ordered. Of these, seven are for Land Forces Command, four are for the TuAF, three are for the Gendarmarie, three are for the coastguard, and three are for the Turkish police service. Further, 40 new Hürkuş Bs were ordered, with Haluk Görgün, the president of SSB, saying the first batch of 15 trainer aircraft under construction is scheduled to be delivered to the TuAF between May and September 2025 with deliveries to run through to June 2027. These additional aircraft are to address the developing needs of the TuAF. Finally, Phase 1 Stage 2 of the Kaan national combat aircraft project was signed. According to the project plan, this stage consists of detailed design and qualification of the aircraft, and is expected to run till 2029. Two more prototype Kaan aircraft will be constructed by 2026. (Source: Google/Janes)
TECHNOLOGY
25 Apr 24. Thales – AI-Assisted Optronics – European Project To Increase Combat Perception Capabilities.
- The European Commission signed the Grant Agreement for the launch of the STORE (Shared daTabase for Optronics image Recognition and Evaluation) collaborative research project, coordinated by Thales and funded by the EDF (European Defence Fund).
- Bringing together a consortium of 20 partners (manufacturers, SMEs and academics) from 8 EU Member States and Norway, this project aims to build a shared image database secured by most advanced technology and to develop and evaluate artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms dedicated to data analysis of ground platform imaging systems.
- This project will contribute to the automatic management and tactical analysis of information in land combat situations, thanks to technological innovation in deep learning of optronic data.
To address a complex and constantly changing threat environment, the European Defence Fund is supporting the European Union’s STORE collaborative project to accelerate the introduction of AI and associated shared database in the imaging systems for land forces.
As threats become increasingly sophisticated (hypersonic missiles, combat drones, drone swarms, etc), optronic sensors are more strategically important than ever and need to deliver the highest levels of performance in the field.
STORE will lay the foundations for Europe’s first shared, scalable database of defence imagery and explore different algorithm solutions for threats detection. In particular, it will address issues of data governance and the cost-effective development of sovereign technologies. The STORE project, by combining optronic sensors with AI-based analysis techniques, will set-up future functionalities related to augment war fighters’ perception of the battlefield, enhancing their tactical situational awareness, shortening the decision loop to accelerate reaction times and, consequently, improve survivability.
The publication was funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Thales and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
Key information
Call title: Research actions –Digital transformation
Duration of the project: 36 months
Estimated total cost: 23.3m€
Project partners:
Thales France (Coordinator)
Safran E&D, France
ONERA, France
GMV, Spain
Leonardo, Italy
IOSB, Germany
Flysight, Italy
TNO, Netherlands
LIST, Luxembourg
HENSOLDT Optronics, Germany
HENSOLDT Analytics, Austria
Kongsberg, Norway
Rheinmetall Electronics Gmbh, Germany
Marduk, Estonia
AIT, Austria
University of Cologne, Germany
Cybernetica, Estonia
STAM, Italy
Falconers, Estonia
UniMore, Italy
Thales on the STORE project
USA
LAND
19 Apr 24. Aimpoint, the leading manufacturer and innovator of red dot sighting technology, was selected by the Pennsylvania State Police to supply the Aimpoint® Acro P-2 red dot sight to equip their new official duty weapon, Walther PDP Series from Walther Arms, Inc. Built to exceed the demands of professional use, the Acro P-2 sight has been proven to withstand the extreme abuse of a semi-automatic pistol slide and demands facing law enforcement officers. The Acro Series of optics introduced the enclosed emitter design and the fully protected optical channel for pistol optics. It has become the standard for those who require the highest standards for gear used in the line of duty. The Walther PDP Compact and Walther PDP F-Series handguns are direct milled to accept Aimpoint® Acro P-2 optics. Selected on performance, innovation, and durability features, the Acro P-2 provides up to five years of constant-on use from a single CR-2032 battery, providing law enforcement officers the confidence required while focusing on any imminent danger.
23 Apr 24. CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI) announced today that it has been awarded a five-year task order worth a total estimated value of $1.3bn to provide communications and information technology expertise to U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM). This work continues and expands CACI’s current relationship with these two 4-star commands, service component commands, and associated staff elements and organizations, by providing innovative IT solutions and expertise tailored to their missions to execute global multi-domain operations with NATO, allies, and mission partners to prevent conflict and respond in crisis. (Source: ASD Network)
24 Apr 24. Kromek Group plc (AIM: KMK), a leading developer of radiation and bio-detection technology solutions for the advanced imaging and CBRN detection segments, has been awarded a contract, worth up to $2.9m, from a US federal entity for the provision of nuclear security products. The contract, which is from an existing customer, covers the provision of the Group’s D5 RIID, D3M and D3S-ID wearable high-performance radiation detectors. The Group has received a $358k order under this contract for immediate delivery, with up to $2.5m to be awarded over the next 24 months.
24 Apr 24. Lynk Global, Inc. (Lynk), the world’s leading satellite-direct-to-standard-phone service (sat2phone) provider, today announced that it has signed a contract with the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) to provide commercial sat2phone services to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and other U.S. government agencies. This contract enables DoD, DHS and other U.S. government agencies to commercially purchase sat2phone services for the next 5 years, and includes an option to extend the contract 5 more years. Services available under the contract include SMS text messaging, emergency cell broadcast alerts, and LynkCast weather & information broadcast services. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
22 Apr 24. MilDef subsidiary Handheld wins contract for nanodrone technology worth SEK69m. Handheld has won a contract to deliver a large number of operator computers for nano drones. The customer is a global defense group, based in the US, delivering nano drones for military battlefield surveillance. The contract is a follow-up order to the development order announced in July 2023 and the order value amounts to SEK 69m, with growth potential when deliveries of additional quantities begin. Deliveries are planned 2025 -2026. The customized control computer from Handheld is based on a 7-inch ultra-rugged Android tablet. Drone technology has emerged as a game-changer in modern warfare, revolutionizing the way military operations are conducted. Unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, offer numerous advantages that have significantly transformed the battlefield and enhanced military capabilities.
22 Apr 24. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Baltimore, Maryland, is awarded a $167,113,948 modification to previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (M67854-19-C-0043), in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This modification provides for the exercise of Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) full rate production Lot Six options to procure four full rate production G/ATOR systems and associated data and travel. Work will be performed at Baltimore, Maryland (35%); East Syracuse, New York (19%); Stafford Springs, Connecticut (6%); Tulsa, Oklahoma (4%); Hampstead, Maryland (3%); Santa Clarita, California (3%); Rochester, New York (2%); Atlanta, Georgia (2%); San Diego, California (2%); and various places at 1% each (24%), with an expected completion date of February 2029. Fiscal 2024 other procurement funds (Air Force) in the amount of $167,113,948 are being obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity.
24 Apr 24. XR Training-led consortium wins USMC ACV simulator contract. A consortium led by XR Training has been awarded a contract by the US Marine Corps (USMC) under an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) to produce a driver training simulator for the new Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV). The value of the contract was not disclosed but Neil Levin, XR Training CEO, told Janes that it was “in the high seven-figure area”. The consortium, which also includes Talon Simulations (hardware), 302 Interactive (software development), and Theory Studios (modelling and visuals), will deliver 81 simulators by the end of 2024, followed by a two-year training and sustainment period. Most simulators will be deployed to Camps Pendleton and Lejeune, with some for use for “schoolhouse” training and some for deploying units. (Source: Janes)
SEA
24 Apr 24. Colonna’s Shipyard Inc,* Norfolk, Virginia (N0002424D4226); East Coast Repair & Fabrication,* Portsmouth, Virginia (N0002424D4227); General Dynamics NASSCO-Mayport, Jacksonville, Florida (N0002424D4228); BAE Systems Jacksonville Ship Repair LLC, Jacksonville, Florida (N0002424D4229); Fincantieri Marine Repair, Jacksonville, Florida (N0002424D4230); Standard Inspection Services/Standard Welding & Fabrication,* Jacksonville, Florida (N0002424D4231); Epsilon Systems,* Portsmouth, Virginia (N0002424D4232); and Tecnico Corp.,* Atlantic Beach, Florida (N0002424D4233), are awarded a combined $701,167,248 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award contract for repair, maintenance and modernization requirements of non-nuclear Navy Surface ships homeported in, or visiting the Mayport, Florida, region. The scope of work includes continuous maintenance emergent maintenance and short-term (10 months or less in duration) Chief of Naval Operations availabilities. Each awardee will be awarded $10,000 (minimum contract guarantee per awardee) at contract award. Work will be performed in the Mayport, Florida, homeport area. Work is expected to be completed by April 2029. Fiscal 2024 operations and maintenance (Navy) funding in the amount of $80,000 is obligated at contract award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. All other funding will be made available at the delivery order level as contracting actions occur. This contract was competitively procured via the SAM.gov website, with 10 offers received. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
23 Apr 24. Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, Moorestown, New Jersey, is awarded a $102,064,704 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to previously-awarded contract N00024-23-C-5123 for capability package development and fielding, system integration and fielding, and in-service sustainment in support of current configurations of the AEGIS combat system. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2024. Fiscal 2024 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $24,803,348 (71%); fiscal 2020 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $6,183,214 (18%); fiscal 2024 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,029,852 (6%); fiscal 2023 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $999,114 (3%); fiscal 2017 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $394,513 (1%); and fiscal 2019 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $9,546 (1%) will be obligated at time of award, and funds in the amount of $3,028,966 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
23 Apr 24. Oshkosh Defense LLC, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, is awarded a $40,069,033 hybrid (firm-fixed-price, cost-plus fixed-fee) delivery order for the procurement of Remotely Operated Ground Unit for Expeditionary Fires carriers for use in the Navy/Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System . Work will be performed in Alexandria, Virginia (18%); Gaithersburg, Maryland (15%); and Oshkosh, Wisconsin (67%). Work is expected to be completed in December 2026. Fiscal procurement 2024 (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $40,069,033 will be obligated at the time of the award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This action is a negotiated delivery order in accordance with 10 U.S. Code § 3403(c). Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M67854-24-F-1004).
22 Apr 24. Raytheon Missiles & Defense, Tewksbury, Massachusetts, is awarded a $212,514,179 cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and cost-only modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-22-C-5522) for an option exercise of combat system engineering, miscellaneous material, and travel supporting combat system installation, integration, development, testing, correction, maintenance, and modernization of ZUMWALT class mission systems and mission system equipment. Work will be performed in Portsmouth, Rhode Island (40%); Tewksbury, Massachusetts (33%); San Diego, California (11%); Nashua, New Hampshire (9%); Pascagoula, Mississippi (6%); and Fort Wayne, Indiana (1%), and is expected to be completed by April 2025. Fiscal 2024 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $5,057,392 (37%); fiscal 2024 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $3,600,000 (27%); fiscal 2024 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $ $2,796,988 (21%); fiscal 2023 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,010,627 (7%); fiscal 2024 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $801,601 (6%); fiscal 2023 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $ $71,263 (1%); and fiscal 2020 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $169 (1%), will be obligated at time of award, and $5,057,561 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
25 Apr 24. RTX subsidiary Raytheon has secured a $344m contract aimed at modernising missile systems important for the defence of the US and its international allies. The contract focuses on developing two missile variants – the SM-2 Block IIICU and SM-6 Block IU – featuring a shared guidance section housing electronics and software. This upgrade is intended to improve missile production by streamlining manufacturing processes by adopting a common production line. By sharing a newly designed guidance section, target detection device, flight termination system, and electronics unit, Raytheon aims to enhance flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness in missile production. (Source: naval-technology.com)
AIR
24 Apr 24. Anduril has been selected as one of two vendors to move forward on the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. Over the next phase, Anduril will design, manufacture, and test production-representative CCAs. Autonomy and affordable mass have been central tenets of Anduril’s approach since the company’s founding in 2017. Anduril is committed to transforming US and allied defense capabilities by combining modern software expertise with a rapid and differentiated approach to hardware development and manufacturing. From cutting-edge counter drone systems to extra-large autonomous underwater vehicles, Anduril has proven it can deliver highly-performant, next-generation, software-defined capabilities on a timeline and scale that matters. (Source: ASD Network)
19 Apr 24. BlueHalo, Huntsville, Alabama, was awarded a $24,476,289 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the Satellite Assessment Center’s overarching objectives include accelerating the advancement of the directed energy modeling, simulation and analysis, assessment expertise, and highly technical capabilities to safeguard strategic U.S. space interests. This contract provides for research and development into predictive analysis, satellite modeling, resiliency research, and innovative testing environments for new methodologies to assess natural and other man-made directed energy effects on space systems. The contract will support data aggregation, perform risk analysis, and implement modern database management to improve the ability to meet growing demand for space assessments from the Satellite Assessment Center’s mission partners and the Space Domain Awareness community. Work will be performed at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2029. This contract was a competitive acquisition under Air Force Research Laboratory’s open advance research announcement Directed Energy Technology Experimentation and Research. Fiscal 2024 research, development, test, and evaluation funds in the amount of $269,000 are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Research Laboratory Directed Energy Directorate, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, is the contracting activity (FA9451-24-C-X022).
24 Apr 24. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has been selected to build production representative flight test articles of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) for the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s (AFLCMC) Advanced Aircraft Division. This option contract award by the Advanced Aircraft Division exercises the critical design, build, and flight test on the existing CCA contract with GA-ASI following an initial 6-month phase that culminated in a successful CCA preliminary design review (PDR) earlier this year. The CCA program aims to be a force multiplier, developing a low-cost, modular, unmanned aircraft equipped with advanced sensors or weapons and operating in collaborative teams with the next generation of manned combat aircraft.
22 Apr 24. Lockheed Martin Corp., Rotary and Mission Systems, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, was awarded a $156,988,653 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) enterprise software. This contract provides for the sustainment, modernization, and advancement of JASSM enterprise management software; operational real-time combat analysis systems; SMART-Sync software; mission optimization analysis and reporting capabilities; terminal area model automation systems engineering, integration, and test; and enhanced JASSM advanced training. Work will be performed at King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, and is expected to be completed by April 21, 2025. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2024 operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $10,000,000 are being obligated at time of award for the base year, along with procurement funds of $602,555. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity (FA8682-24-C-B002).
24 Apr 24. Textron Aviation Inc., Wichita, Kansas, is awarded a $121,280,428 modification (P00009) to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N0001923C0020). This modification exercises options for the production and delivery of 14 Multi-Engine Training System aircraft in support of providing intermediate and advanced training platform for accession into P-8, EP-3, KC-130, E-6, E-2, CMV-22 and MV-22 for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard to support the mission of Chief Naval Air Training to produce aviators and flight officers in sufficient quantity to support Naval Air Forces tasking. Work will be performed in Wichita, Kansas (99%); and Corpus Christi, Texas (1%), and is expected to be completed in September 2025. Fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $121,280,428 will be obligated at the time if 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
23 Apr 24. The Department of the Air Force’s Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communications, and Battle Management (DAF PEO C3BM) awarded SciTec a task order for Cloud Based Command & Control (CBC2) Tracker Fusion under the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) indefinite quantity indefinite delivery (IDIQ) contract. The 3.5-year effort develops and integrates advanced multi-source data fusion capabilities as part of the Air Force’s ABMS CBC2 program. The work enables tactical command and control within a modernized, scalable, and resilient cloud enterprise. SciTec will execute this effort as part of the integrated ABMS CBC2 Government/industry team, applying Agile development principles and working in a shared development environment to iteratively build, integrate, and field data fusion capabilities. SciTec will integrate a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) capability in 6 months into the CBC2 ecosystem. From there, SciTec will iteratively extend the MVP to onboard additional data feeds and tune performance to maximize warfighter advantage. The CBC2 Tracker Fusion product leverages SciTec’s powerful cloud-native data fusion framework and automated Agile DevSecOps infrastructure. (Source: PR Newswire)
REST OF THE WORLD
LAND
23 Apr 24. MARSS signs $70m contract to deliver integrated logistic support for Middle East client. MARSS, today, announced the signing of a multi-year contract in excess of $70m to deliver an integrated logistic support contract with a leading Middle East client. MARSS previously led an international group of partners to design and deliver a multi-domain critical infrastructure protection system for a key strategic location in the Middle East. The new contract, spanning five years, will see MARSS provide level 1-4 support across the site – from basic maintenance to troubleshooting complex issues – and includes programmes for corrective and preventative maintenance to ensure the site’s operational effectiveness throughout the contract’s duration. As part of this, MARSS will maintain a full-time in-country presence to manage and maintain the system. The system, which was previously designed and commissioned by MARSS, provides end-to-end protection covering surface, land, air, and sub-surface domains. MARSS’ NiDAR platform, integrated throughout the site, is an AI–powered solution capable of detecting, verifying, and defeating asymmetric threats. The system seamlessly fuses sensors and effectors across all domains, providing a unified situational awareness picture for operators.
24 Apr 24. NP Aerospace is continuing its support for Ukraine with the delivery of a further 2,000 sets of body armour and carrier vests via Norway and the UK Ministry of Defence. This takes the total number of ballistic plates sent to Ukraine from NP Aerospace to over 180,000 since the start of the war. In addition to NP Aerospace ballistic helmets and bomb disposal suits which are being used on the frontline. The latest delivery is in support of Operation Ellisiv a Norwegian Ministry of Defence operation. Previous deliveries have been in support of Operation Interflex, a British-led multinational military operation to train the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and part of the UK’s commitment of £3 bn in military aid for this year. The 2,000 sets of body armour (4,000 plates and 2,000 vests) were contracted and delivered from Coventry in the UK in less than three months.
AIR
25 Apr 24. Brazil to update A-29 Super Tucano aircraft fleet. Embraer Defense and Security is to carry out the mid-life upgrade (MLU) of 68 of the EMB 314 (locally designated A-29) Super Tucano training and light attack aircraft of the Brazilian Air Force, the service’s commander Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno said on 17 April during a presentation to the Brazilian Committee on Foreign Relations and National Defense. The MLU is intended to extend the lifespan of the aircraft by up to 25 years, Lt Brig Damasceno said, and follows a June 2023 agreement between Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force to study a technological refresh of the Super Tucanos, although details were not disclosed. Brazil purchased 25 A-29A and 51 A-29B aircraft in 2001, adding eight A-29As and 15 A-29Bs in 2005. The fleet was received between 2003 and 2012. (Source: Janes)
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Teledyne FLIR
*Your Trusted Partner for ITAR-Free Infrared Camera Modules, Lenses, & Decision Support
*Low-Risk Supplier
*For more than 40 years, Teledyne FLIR has met production-scale delivery with the highest performance standards.
*SWaP-Optimized for any Application
*Excel with SWaP-optimized MWIR and LWIR camera modules with factory-integrated lenses, industry-standard interfaces, and intelligence at the edge.
*Seamless Development
*Simplify development with an ecosystem of infrared imaging technologies, AI-powered thermal perception, and world-class technical support.
* Airborne and Ground Intelligence Reconnaissance & Surveillance (ISR)
* Tracking and Targeting
* Remote Weapon Station
* Light Armored Vehicles (LAV)
* Soldier Systems
* Military & Defense UAS
* Border Surveillance
* Perimeter Security
* Search & Rescue
* Navigation
* Commercial Drones (sUAS)
* Industrial Inspection
* Fire Control Systems
* Thermography
* Aerospace and Astronomical
* Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
THE TELEDYNE FLIR ADVANTAGE
Integrating Teledyne FLIR thermal camera modules is now easier with our library of how-to-videos, application notes, and our comprehensive support center with product drawings, datasheets, and more!
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-