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UNITED KINGDOM
LAND
14 Oct. 24. QinetiQ has been awarded a contract to provide engineering and programme expertise to Defence Digital, a branch of the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). This collaboration is set to enhance the British Army’s tactical communications systems, a move that will bolster decision-making capabilities on the front line. The three-year contract is a part of the Land Environment Tactical Communications and Information Systems (LETacCIS) Programme. It is valued at up to £150m ($195.77m), with an initial award of £39m. The agreement includes the option to extend for up to two additional years. QinetiQ’s Team Advance will integrate with the MoD-led Delivery Team. (Source: army-technology.com)
EUROPE
LAND
15 Oct 24. Netherlands to Acquire Nasams and NOMADS Air Defence Systems from Kongsberg. The government of the Netherlands has announced plans to acquire NASAMS and NOMADS air defence systems from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (‘KONGSBERG’) in a deal expected to be valued at approximately NOK 11bn. On October 14, the Dutch government (MoD) filed a recommendation to Parliament, outlining its intention to acquire the new systems as part of the CITADEL programme, a comprehensive integrated air and missile defence programme. The new acquisitions will improve and expand the country’s ground-based air defence capabilities. NASAMS can employ a mix of missiles in addition to the AMRAAM. The AMRAAM- Extended Range and AIM-9X Sidewinder offers both longer- and shorter-range capability. In addition to NASAMS, the CITADEL solution also includes the National Manoeuvre Air Defence System, NOMADS – a highly mobile air defence configuration with short range missiles tailored to protection of land forces in a dynamic and contested land warfare environment. NOMADS features two launch canisters, each containing two missiles, a 3D radar and a KONGSBERG PROTECTOR remote weapon station. NOMADS is fully integrated with NASAMS and other NATO systems, enabling autonomous and networked operations with multiple vehicles. KONGSBERG will cooperate with Dutch industry and the weapon system deliveries will commence in 2028. (Source: google/ASD Network)
17 Oct 24. DoD/DSCA Notifies Congress of Possible FMS of Radio Equipment to the Netherlands. The U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of that the Government of the Netherlands has requested to buy the following non-Major Defense Equipment items: AN/PRC-117G radios; AN/PRC-152A radios; AN/PRC-160 radios; AN/PRC-163 radios; AN/PRC-167 radios; tactical key loaders; network encryptors; Government and contractor technical assistance; spares; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $1.42bn. The principal contractor will be L3Harris Global Communications, Inc., located in Rochester, NY. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the principal contractor. Products and services of TrellisWare Technologies, Inc., located in San Diego, CA, and ViaSat, Inc., located in Carlsbad, CA are included in the Foreign Military Sale. (Source: glstrade.com)
16 Oct 24. KNDS Selects Thales Power Systems Solution for the Leopard 2 A8. In just a few months, KNDS and Thales engineering teams have jointly succeeded in adapting an SSPDB solution that meets the power management needs of the Leopard 2 A8. Thales will focus on making the High-Power SSPDB a successful product by concentrating on key performance areas of the SWaP (Size, Weight and Power) to meet the stringent and demanding power requirements. Rated up to 160A per channel and with integrated current, temperature and voltage sensing, the multi-channel SSPDBs are designed to protect against overcurrent and short circuits and offer the flexibility to use pre-programmed operating profiles or real-time selections to enable intelligent power management in a variety of mission scenarios. The first units will be integrated as early as Q3 2024. This time-critical collaboration demonstrates the ingenuity and agility of our two teams. Under the KNDS contract, Thales will build hundreds of SSPDBs by 2027, using customization, manufacturing and testing processes already in use for the Thales Power Systems product line. (Source: ASD Network)
AIR
14 Oct 24. AeroVironment (AV), a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, announced today that the U.S. Army has awarded a $54.9m delivery order for the production of Switchblade® loitering munition systems. The recently announced award includes an additional contract ceiling of $743m with $54.9m in new funding. This contract is issued as part of a broader, previously executed, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract, and ensures continued support for both the U.S. Army and several allied partners, including Lithuania, Romania, and Sweden. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
17 Oct 24. The Netherlands Ministry of Defence (MoD) has selected Pilatus for the supply of eight PC-7 Mk X aircraft and two simulators. This decision aims to replace the existing 13 PC-7 trainers, which were acquired in 2008 and are nearing the end of their technical lifespan. The PC-7 has been used for basic pilot training since 1988. In an effort to extend the service life of these aircraft, Pilatus undertook a modification programme in 2013, allowing the fleet to operate into the late 2020s. (Source: naval-technology.com)
17 Oct 24. Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has signed a 107-M-Euro contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) for the supply of 6 additional radar-based satellites dedicated to the Italian Earth observation constellation, IRIDE. This second batch of satellites, as the previous batch of six, will rely on the innovative and scalable NIMBUS (New Italian Micro Bus) platform. Built by Thales Alenia Space, the high-performance NIMBUS will be produced rapidly and is designed for high-revisit and high-capacity constellations in addition to very high throughput. For the Italian Earth Observation Constellation IRIDE, Thales Alenia Space will build a total of 13 satellites: 12 small-sized satellites based on SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) technology and 1 satellite based on optical technology. (Source: ASD Network)
USA
LAND
11 Oct 24. BAE Receives Order to Produce Additional Armored Multi-purpose Vehicles for the US Army. Follow-on order ensures increased options, modernized capabilities for Armored Brigade Combat Teams. BAE Systems has received a $184m contract modification to produce an additional 48 Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicles (AMPV) for the U.S. Army. The order is in addition to the existing full-rate production contract. The AMPV family of vehicles (FoV) replaces the Army’s legacy M113s and modernizes the force by providing critical survivability, mobility, on-board power and interoperability upgrades to the Armored Brigade Combat Team. The FoV is currently built in five variants including the General Purpose, Mortar Carrier, Medical Evacuation, Medical Treatment, and Mission Command vehicles. In addition to full-rate production efforts, BAE Systems will soon finalize a large-scale expansion effort in York, Pennsylvania, which includes the AMPV production line. The expansion and multi-faceted engineering work across the Company’s industrial network provides the capacity and technology necessary to deliver the vehicles at greater rates for the U.S. and potential international customers. Work on the AMPV program takes place across BAE Systems’ industrial network, which includes facilities in Aiken, South Carolina; Anniston, Alabama; Phoenix, Arizona; Sterling Heights, Michigan; and York, Pennsylvania. (Source: ASD Network)
09 Oct 24. DroneShield has received a USD13.5m repeat order from a US government customer for its counter-drone systems. Delivery is expected by the end of 2024. The company produces a number of man-portable, mobile and fixed counter-UAS systems. DroneShield received another repeat order in September from an undisclosed US government customer, valued at USD3.1m. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
15 Oct 24. Epirus Secures $17m Contract from US Army. Additional funds to support development and integration of upgraded sensor suite to increase operational lethality and accelerate deployment of IFPC-HPM systems. Epirus announced today a nearly $17m contract modification from the U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) for the development and integration of an upgraded sensor suite in support of the Integrated Fires Protection Capability High Power Microwave (IFPC-HPM) program. Under the scope of work, Epirus will integrate a closed-loop fire control system and perform software development to increase the operational suitability and effectiveness of the IFPC-HPM systems. The upgrades will, in part, reduce engagement latency, enhance the Soldier user experience and improve accuracy of the IFPC-HPM systems. (Source: ASD Network)
16 Oct 24. Invariant Corp.,* Huntsville, Alabama (M67854-24-D-0056); and Anduril Federal, a Division of Anduril Industries Inc., Costa Mesa, California (M67854-24-D-0057), are awarded a combined $400,000,000 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the integration and delivery of a Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System Engagement System and associated hardware, software, and services. Each awardee will be awarded its first order for First Article Test units and Program Management Support within one week of contract award. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Alabama; and Costa Mesa, California, and is expected to be completed by October 2031. Fiscal 2024 research, development, test and evaluation (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $15,459,308 will be obligated within one week of 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. The maximum dollar value, including the base period with four additional ordering periods, is $200,000,000 per contract. This contract was competitively procured via the PIEE Solicitation Module with proposals from four offerors received. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity.
15 Oct 24. US Army Awards JJV 1st Lightweight Command Launch Unit FRP Contract. The U.S. Army also awarded a second Lightweight Command LaunchUnit low-rate initial production contract. The U.S. Army awarded the Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) two production contracts totaling $267m for Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLU). These contracts support U.S. Army and Foreign Military Sales for Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The Javelin LWCLU is 30% smaller and 25% lighter, while doubling target detection and recognition compared to the current Block I Command Launch Unit. The LWCLU maximizes surveillance for soldiers, while offering day and night engagement capability. The LWCLU is adaptable and compatible with all current, past and future Javelin variants. (Source: ASD Network)
15 Oct 24. Leonardo DRS, Inc. (Nasdaq: DRS) announced that it has been awarded a contract by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) to provide additional mission equipment packages (MEP) for new SGT Stout Maneuver Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) Stryker capability. The contract is valued at more than $77m and as part of this contract Leonardo DRS will be responsible for MEP assembly, integration and test. With the integrated MEP, the SGT Stout Stryker allows soldiers to detect, identify, track, and defeat Group 3 unmanned aerial systems, rotary wing, and fixed wing threats. Three Division Air Defense Battalions have already received this urgently needed capability.
AIR
16 Oct 24. The U.S. Army has awarded BAE Systems a five-year indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract with a ceiling value of $460m for the AN/ARC-231/A Multi-mode Aviation Radio Set (MARS). This award consists of hardware components, repair services, engineering and logistic support, and development for rotary-wing aircraft. The MARS system is designed to perform in the most demanding environments to provide warfighters with secure mission-critical information when they need it most. In today’s complex and contested battlefields, operators rely on fast and accurate communications to inform key decisions in the field. MARS’ programmability reduces the time to field evolving communication needs, special mission modifications, and performance enhancements. The software communications architecture and software-defined radio design enable fielding new capabilities as software-only upgrades.
15 Oct 24. Honeywell (Nasdaq: HON) has been awarded a $103m contract by the U.S. Army, through the Defense Logistics Agency, to provide its Next-Generation APN-209 Radar Altimeter (Next Gen APN-209) system on a wide variety of Army aircraft. This contract underscores Honeywell’s ongoing commitment to delivering advanced, reliable technology to support U.S. Army missions. It also supports Honeywell’s alignment of its portfolio to three powerful megatrends, including the future of aviation. Honeywell’s new APN-209 Radar Altimeter system is a direct replacement for its legacy APN-209, which has been the primary radar altimeter on numerous U.S. Army aircraft since its introduction in 1975. (Source: ASD Network)
15 Oct 24. Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has received a contract from the Apache Attack Helicopter Project Management Office (with the Apache Sensors Product Office having responsibility for the management of the program) to develop the Gen 3 Radar Frequency Interferometer (RFI) / Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) APR-48B system for the U.S. Army’s Apache helicopter fleet. The Gen 3 RFI system will provide significant capability enhancements that are enabled by advanced microelectronics. This development effort is the next step in Lockheed Martin’s 30+ year history of successfully developing and producing the Gen 1 RFI and Gen 2 RFI systems for Apache.
17 Oct 24. Red Cat Gets $1m US Army Contract for FlightWave Edge 130 Blue. Red Cat Holdings, Inc. , a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, announced that it secured a $1m contract for its Edge 130 Blue drones from the United States Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM). The contract was secured through Noble, a leading provider of global sustainment and operations support for the U.S. Military and civilian government agencies, and was coordinated for procurement by the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) on behalf of CECOM. (Source: UAS VISION)
14 Oct 24. Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, has received a $6m award from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to install the company’s ALIAS/MATRIX™ flight autonomy system onto the U.S. Army’s experimental fly-by-wire UH-60M Black Hawk® helicopter. Designated MX, the upgraded aircraft will enable the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) to test and evaluate a wide range of autonomy capabilities, from single pilot operation to fully uninhabited flight. The MATRIX autonomy system forms the core of DARPA’s ALIAS (Aircrew Labor In-cockpit Automation System) program. As part of ALIAS in 2020, Sikorsky provided the hardware and engineering support to add fly-by-wire flight controls to the MX aircraft. When combined with the MATRIX autonomy system, the MX aircraft will be a near-exact copy of Sikorsky’s UH-60A fly-by-wire Optionally Piloted Black Hawk helicopter, the company’s flying lab that has tested MATRIX autonomy over hundreds of flight hours.
TECHNOLOGY
14 Oct 24. BigBear.ai (NYSE: BBAI) today announced that the U.S. Army has awarded the company a five-year, $165.15m sole source prime contract for Global Force Information Management (GFIM) Production Services. Since 2021, BigBear.ai has been working with the Army to transform 15 legacy systems into an enterprise-wide intelligent automation platform, supporting the Secretary of the Army’s vision for data-centric force management. Building on the contributions through Phase 1 and Phase 2, this contract will support the continued development and transition of GFIM-OE capabilities to production. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
15 Oct 24. Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM), a leading provider of global voice and data satellite communications, today announced the Space Development Agency (SDA) has awarded the General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) and Iridium team a $491.6m contract modification in support of its Ground Management and Integration (GMI) program for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). Of this amount, Iridium’s share has a value of $239 m over five years. This award follows an initial Operations and Integration Contract award in 2022 to build ground entry points and operations centers and manage network operations and systems integration services.
16 Oct 24. Leidos (NYSE:LDOS), a FORTUNE® 500 innovation leader, was recently awarded the $13.1 m Genesis Chamber contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory Directed Energy Directorate. Genesis Chamber aims to assist AFRL in directed energy technology development with the goal of transitioning those innovations to the warfighter and other agencies. Through the Genesis Chamber program, Leidos will work with AFRL to investigate directed energy physics and high-power electromagnetic materials and components. They will also develop new weapon concepts and identify compact, directed energy-enabling technologies. The end goal is to transition the lab innovations to the warfighter. Leidos has already successfully taken a high-powered microwave concept to real-life demonstrations. Having that under their belt, the Leidos team sees Genesis Chamber as a stepping stone for new technologies to develop easily into current and new military systems. (Source: ASD Network)
REST OF THE WORLD
LAND
11 Oct 24. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Ammunition for Artillery Systems, Machine Guns, and Tanks. The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of ammunition for artillery systems, machine guns, and tanks and related equipment for an estimated cost of $139m. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has requested to buy ten thousand (10,000) M456 series, 105mm, High Explosive Anti-Tank Tracer cartridges. Also included are various types of tank, howitzer, and machine gun ammunition; propelling charges; fuzes; primers; grenades; support and test equipment; integration and test support; spare and repair parts; software delivery and support; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; storage; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total estimated cost is $139m. This proposed sale will support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic growth in the Middle East. The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia’s capability to meet current and future threats and improve interoperability with systems operated by U.S. Forces and other Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia’s continued investment in its defense capabilities is crucial to protecting its borders, energy infrastructure, and its residents. Saudi Arabia will have no difficulty absorbing these munitions into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. This ammunition will come from a combination of U.S. Army stock and new procurement. The procurement vendors are unknown at this time. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Saudi Arabia. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded. (Source: ASD Network)
17 Oct 24. HENSOLDT has signed a contract with Space Centre Australia (SCA) to deliver two high-performance Air Surveillance Radar – Next Generation systems (ASR-NG), along with a 20-year sustainment plan to bolster Australia’s critical air surveillance capabilities. The total order volume of the initial phase is worth around 20m euros (around $30m AUD). Under the contract terms, HENSOLDT will deliver the two ASR-NG radars by the end of 2026, with sustainment services starting in 2027. The primary radar of the ASR-NG has special signal processing technology for long-range airspace surveillance and the suppression of false signals from wind turbines. The 3D-capable radar thus enables the safe guidance of all aircraft within a radius of 120 NM and up to altitudes of 50,000 feet. The MSSR 2000 I secondary radar integrated in the ASR-NG ensures automatic identification of aircraft identified by transponder signals. It operates in accordance with the “Mode S” air traffic control standard, which entails a further improvement in interrogations for aircraft identification. The newly acquired radar units will support both high-altitude and low-altitude airspace management, aligning with Space Centre Australia’s mission to lead in space safety and aerospace industry innovation. As part of the signing ceremony held in Taufkirchen, HENSOLDT welcomed James Palmer, CEO of Space Centre Australia, and Scott Morrison, Chairman of Space Centre Australia and former Prime Minister of Australia. This significant contract positions Australia to become the largest operator of ASR-NG systems globally, with a total of 11 units.
11 Oct 24. United Arab Emirates – GMLRS and ATACMS Munitions. Foreign Military Sale to the United Arab Emirates of GMLRS and ATACMS Munitions and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $1.2bn. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of the United Arab Emirates has requested to buy two hundred fifty-nine (259) Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) M31A1 Unitary Pods (1,554 missiles at six missiles per pod) and two hundred three (203) Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) M57 Unitary Missiles. Also included are publications; personnel training and training equipment; software development; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $1.2bn. The proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of an important regional partner. The United Arab Emirates has been, and continues to be, a vital U.S. partner for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East. The proposed sale will improve the United Arab Emirates’ capability to meet current and future threats by modernizing its armed forces. This sale will contribute to the United Arab Emirates’ military goals of updating capability while further enhancing interoperability with the United States and other partners. The United Arab Emirates will have no difficulty absorbing these articles 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 Lockheed Martin, Grand Prairie, TX. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will require the temporary assignment of four (4) U.S. Government and four (4) U.S. contractor representatives to the United Arab Emirates for a duration of no longer than ten (10) days to support new software equipment training and the stockpile reliability program. (Source: ASD Network)
AIR
16 Oct 24. India signs 31 MQ-9B Sky/Sea Guardian HALE RPAS deal with US . The deal will see the Indian military receive 15 Sky Guardian and 16 Sea Guardian drones. States Air Force/commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons). (Source: airforce-technology.com)
14 Oct. 24. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – AGM-114R3 Hellfire II Missiles. The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of AGM-114R3 Hellfire II Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $655 m. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has requested to buy two thousand five hundred three (2,503) AGM-114R3 Hellfire II missiles (3 for lot acceptance testing). Also included are support and test equipment; integration and test support; spare and repair parts; software delivery and support; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; storage; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total estimated cost is $655m. The principal contractor will be The Lockheed Martin Corporation, Troy, AL. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor. (Source: ASD Network)
11 Oct 24. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Missiles. The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Missiles and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $251.8m. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has requested to buy two-hundred twenty (220) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Tactical Missiles. Also included are missile containers; support equipment; spares; missile software; training; and U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $251.8m. This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by ensuring the readiness of a friendly country that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic growth in the Middle East.
The proposed sale will improve the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s capability to meet current and future threats, provide increased air defense capabilities, and support conducting self-defense and regional security missions in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia 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 RTX Corporation, located in Arlington, VA. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: ASD Network)
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