UNITED KINGDOM
LAND
19 Jul 19. Capita (CPI) has signed a contract worth £525m over 12 years to modernise and support improvement to the operational effectiveness of the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) fire and rescue service. It was previously announced as the winning tenderer for the MOD’s defence fire and rescue project in June last year. (Source: Investors Chronicle)
AIR
24 Jul 19. Rolls-Royce to Develop Hypersonic Technology With UK MoD. Rolls-Royce has been awarded a contract to develop hypersonic propulsion systems for increased aircraft performance and capability. The MOD’ procurement arm, Defence Equipment and Support, intends to place a circa 2-year, single sourced contract, for a UK programme to undertake design studies, research, development, analysis and experimentation relating to high-Mach advanced propulsion systems. The contract will be with Rolls-Royce Plc, (RR) and its technology partners, BAE Systems and Reaction Engines and will focus on enabling technologies for increased aircraft performance and capability. (Source: ASD Network)
EUROPE
LAND
24 Jul 19. The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has commissioned Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) to supply a total of nine Mungo N/C Recce reconnaissance systems. In addition to supplying the vehicles, the contract encompasses spare parts packages and the training of crew and maintenance personnel. The N/C Recce variant of the Mungo vehicle is able to detect and identify nuclear and chemical threats. For that, the three-man crew has at its disposal a mass spectrometer, weather sensors and a radiation detection device, among other things. The crew remains inside the secure vehicle throughout the entire detection and analysis process. The ground can even be marked from inside the vehicle in the event of contamination. The Mungo N/C Recce can be transported in a CH53 helicopter due to its light weight and external dimensions. All nine vehicles will be delivered by the end of 2022.
25 Jul 19. Czech Republic has Ordered 62 Titus. The Czech Ministry of Defence has ordered 62 Titus (Tactical Infantry Transport & Utility System) multi-purpose armoured vehicles, manufactured by Nexter in cooperation with the Czech company Eldis Pardubice, for around €258 million. The order comprises 42 vehicles for command and liaison tasks and 20 vehicles for fire control of artillery fire, including technical assistance for five years. Titus is designed by Nexter for support and transport tasks and offers a high level of protection, mobility and flexibility. The protected cabin with room for up to 13 people was built by Nexter on a Tatra chassis. A 370 kW Cummins diesel engine accelerates the Titus up to 110 km/h. After Tatra was out of the question for safety reasons as a co-producer in the Czech Republic, Eldis Pardubice became involved in the production of the vehicles and takes over the delivery. First service introduction expected between 2020 and 2025. (Source: ESD Spotlight)
21 Jul 19. System Panzergrenadier”: Rheinmetall modernizing Puma infantry fighting vehicle and other equipment for NATO spearhead VJTF 2023. Order volume close to half a bn euros. Rheinmetall is taking on a key role in equipping the NATO spearhead Very High Joint Readiness Task Force 2023 (VJTF 2023), which will be furnished by the German Bundeswehr. Contracts have now been awarded to a consortium for the “System Panzergrenadier VJTF 2023” project, in which Rheinmetall’s share comes to over €470m, including value added tax. Work has already begun and is set to continue through to the end of the VJTF readiness phase in 2024. On 11 July 2019, the Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-service Support awarded a corresponding contract to ARGE Puma, a consortium consisting of Puma manufacturer PSM Projekt System Management GmbH – a joint venture in which Rheinmetall holds a 50% stake – and Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH. Subcontracting within ARGE will take place shortly. “System Panzergrenadier” links the Puma infantry fighting vehicle – the mainstay of the German Army’s mechanized infantry – with the modular Future Soldier – Expanded System (IdZ-ES) soldier system, in an advanced, network-enabled warfare environment. Included in the “System Panzergrenadier VJTF 2023” package is a comprehensive combat performance upgrade of forty-one Puma infantry fighting vehicles, coupled with additional measures for improving communication between the infantry fighting vehicles and dismounted infantrymen. For Rheinmetall, the total value of this order comes to €258.3m, including value added tax. The systems will be delivered at the end of 2020/beginning of 2021. (See: MILITARY VEHICLE NEWS)
22 Jul 19. IDZ-ES and the PUMA infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) for the VJTF 2023 are making a start on the end-to-end digital command radio link over the first mile using software defined radios from Rohde & Schwarz. The seamless command radio link for the PUMA armored infantry system with the infantryman of the future (IdZ-ES) for the Very High Readiness Joint Taskforce (VJTF) 2023 is provided by Rohde & Schwarz. With the Budget Committee of the German Lower House of German Parliament (Bundestag) having given its approval for the armored infantry system service package at the end of June, the necessary contracts for procurement have now also been completed. The Rohde & Schwarz VHF/UHF radio systems selected for this project will establish and maintain the command radio link with simultaneous voice and IP data from dismounted troops up to the platoon and company level. The systems concerned are handheld (SDHR/SOVERON HR) and vehicular radios (SDTR/SOVERON VR) that are interoperable with the German Armed Forces joint radio system (SVFuA, series name: SOVERON D) that has already been commissioned by the Bundeswehr and the SDR waveforms procured with it. The first batch of SOVERON D commissioned for command vehicles will be delivered to the troops in the first half of 2020. This interplay is also of great importance for future viability in the context of the Digitalization of Land Based Operations/Tactical Edge Networking (D-LBO/TEN) major project for highly secure and trusted interoperable connections that will only come into effect after VJTF 2023. SOVERON D also provides backward compatibility with the analog SEM radio infrastructure that will be in service for some time yet even though it is obsolete. This capability was also recently demonstrated in further tests.
USA
LAND
25 Jul 19. The US Army has awarded a research and development (R&D) contract to Hughes Network Systems to improve military satellite communications. The $11.8m contract will meet the army’s requirement for greater resiliency and interoperability among SATCOM systems for military communications. Under the contract, Hughes will demonstrate a new, end-to-end narrowband SATCOM architecture (NBSA) to improve three critical areas for the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC), C5ISR Center, Space and Terrestrial Communications Directorate.
NBSA will have machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) features. The three areas to be covered by the project include network management, automated control, and system interoperability. (Source: army-technology.com)
18 Jul 19. Intevac, Inc. (Nasdaq: IVAC) announced today it has received a $40m contract award for the multi-year production of digital night vision cameras in support of the U.S. Government. Intevac’s digital night-vision sensors, based on its patented Electron Bombarded Active Pixel Sensor (EBAPS®) technology, provide state-of-the-art capability to the most advanced avionic fighting platforms in the U.S. Department of Defense inventory. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
SEA
25 Jul 19. BAE Systems has received a follow-on contract to produce 28 more payload tubes for the U.S. Navy’s Block V Virginia-class attack submarines. Under the contract with General Dynamics Electric Boat, a builder of the Virginia class, BAE Systems will deliver seven sets of four tubes each for the Virginia Payload Modules (VPM). The Navy is adding significant capability to the latest Virginia class ships by increasing the firepower and payload capacity of the Block V submarines. The VPM extends the length of Block V subs over previous versions of the Virginia class by adding a mid-body section to create more payload space. Each large-diameter payload tube can store and launch up to seven Tomahawk and future guided cruise missiles. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
24 Jul 19. BAE Systems to upgrade US Navy’s Mk45 naval gun systems. BAE Systems has secured a $70m contract from the US Navy to upgrade five additional Mk45 naval gun systems. The contract involves the modernisation of the existing guns to the Mod 4 configuration, which will deliver greater firepower and extended range. The Mk45 gun was developed as a lighter weight alternative for the MK 42 5″/54 calibre gun mount to engage surface and air targets and to support expeditionary operations. Mk45 Mod 4 system is a 5in, 62-caliber fully automatic naval gun designed to enhance naval surface fire support (NSFS) and overall mission performance. BAE Systems has so far delivered more 260 systems to the US Navy and the navies of ten other allies. The structurally strengthened gun mount in the Mod 4 configuration delivers a 50% increase in firing energy. This increases the speed and range of munitions. The upgrade also includes a fully digitised control system that is designed to provide enhanced computing power. In addition, the control system features a touchscreen user interface. Other modifications include a reduced signature, and low maintenance gun shield. (Source: naval-technology.com)
25 Jul 19. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has been awarded the role of design agent for the AN/SPQ-9B surface search and fire control radar. As design agent, Northrop Grumman provides support to existing and future systems, troubleshoots issues, performs redesign efforts as parts go obsolete and adds new capabilities to the baseline system. This follow-on engineering services contract will continue to support the installed base of 50 AN/SPQ-9B radar systems on ships and at six land sites, as well as future systems as they are delivered to the fleet. It will provide the Navy with uninterrupted technical assistance in their system installations, upgrades and follow-on production efforts.
AIR
26 Jul 19. Textron, AAI Corp., Hunt Valley, Maryland (W911QY-19-D-0033); Arcturus UAV,* Rohnert Park, California (W911QY-19-D-0050); Martin UAV,* Plano, Texas (W911QY-19-D-0032); and L3 Technologies, Ashburn, Virginia (W911QY19D0051), will compete for each order of the $99,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract for Future Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems. Bids were solicited via the internet with 11 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of July 24, 2022. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
25 Jul 19. The US Army has awarded an order to Collins Aerospace Systems to produce and deliver PRC-162 software-defined ground radios for its handheld, manpack and small form factor (HMS) programme. This is the sixth order secured by Collins Aerospace from the US Army for the next-generation HMS radios under a multiple-award contract to Rockwell Collins, Harris and General Dynamics C4 Systems in February 2016. The $12.7bn maximum firm-fixed-price contract involves manpack radios, accessories, and related services and is part of the army’s efforts to modernise communications on the battlefield. Work on this contract is expected to be completed by March 2026. (Source: army-technology.com)
19 Jul 19. Iridium Satellite LLC., Tempe, Arizona, was awarded a non-competitive, firm-fixed-price contract modification (P00013) for the extension of services on the current Airtime contract (HC104714C4000). The face value of this action is $8,836,000 funded by fiscal 2019 defense working capital funds. The total cumulative face value of the contract is $478,194,000. Performance will be at the contractor’s facility. The original solicitation was issued on the basis of other than full and open competition pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1), only one responsible source and no other type of supplies or services would satisfy agency requirements. The period of performance is July 22, 2019, through Aug. 21, 2019. The Defense Information Technology Organization, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity.
19 Jul 19. Raytheon Corp., Marlborough, Massachusetts, is being awarded a $191,011,135 modification (P00084) to previously awarded contract FA8705-14-C-0001 for exercising the production option under contract line numbers 0004, 0005, 0007, 0008 and 0018 for global aircrew strategic network terminal. This modification brings the total cumulative value of the contract from $499,014,088 to $690,025,223. Work will be performed at Largo, Florida, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 19, 2021. Fiscal 2019 procurement funds in the amount of $154,685,867 are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Material Command, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity.
22 Jul 19. Raytheon awarded HARM CLC supply contract. US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has awarded Raytheon a USD17.8 m contract to supply High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) command launch computers (CLCs) in support of US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet multirole combat and EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft. The contract, which provides for 114 HARM CLCs – including two pre-production units, one first article test unit, and 111 CLC production units – is expected to be completed in October 2021. The Raytheon HARM CLC provides the digital interface between the Raytheon AGM-88B/C HARM and Northrop Grumman AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM)/AGM-88G AARGM ER missiles and the navy’s F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
TECHNOLOGY
24 Jul 19. US Navy awards position on $2.5bn C4ISR contract to six companies. The US Navy has awarded a combined contract worth $2.5bn to six companies to install command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) and supporting systems globally. The Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) is the contracting activity for the indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity, multiple-award contract. Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Technical Solutions division is among the six awardees. Other companies to have won a position on the contract include General Dynamics Information Technology, MC Dean, Prism Maritime, Serco, and VT Milcom. Contract work will include decommissioning and modernisation of existing platforms, as well as installation design and installation of integrated C4ISR systems, programme and project management, engineering design, and industrial work. In addition, the companies will be required to provide troubleshooting, operational verification, end-user training to support NAVWAR C4ISR maintenance, modernisation, and new system installation. All selected companies will be able to compete for task orders during the ordering period, the US Department of Defence stated. The contract will have a base period of five years and an option for extension for an additional five years. Set to be completed by July 2024, the contract work will be performed at multiple locations across the world. In August last year, Science Applications International Corp (SAIC) was awarded a contract to produce and deliver integrated C4ISR, networks and support equipment for the US Navy. (Source: naval-technology.com)
22 Jul 19. Huntington Ingalls Industries Awarded US Navy Contract to Install And Support C4ISR Systems. Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE: HII) announced today that its Technical Solutions division is one of six companies included on a contract to provide installation services for all afloat command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) and supporting systems to Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR). The contract has a base period of five years and a potential value of $2.45bn. Technical Solutions has nearly 6,000 employees in 45 states and 13 countries, providing professional services and business solutions to a variety of government and commercial customers worldwide. (Source: ASD Network)
REST OF THE WORLD
LAND
19 Jul 19. Lockheed Martin Corp., Missiles and Fire Control, Dallas, Texas, is being awarded a firm-fixed-price, $1,473,941,756 modification (P00019) to previously-awarded contract HQ0147-17-C-0032 for the procurement of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Interceptor support items in support of the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The value of this contract is increased from $3,890,665,224 to $5,364,606,980. One offer was solicited with one offer received. The work will be performed in Dallas, Texas; Sunnyvale, California; Huntsville, Alabama; Camden, Arkansas; and Troy, Alabama. The period of performance is from July 19, 2019, through July 31, 2023. KSA FMS funds in the amount of $340,940,179 are being obligated at time of award. The Missile Defense Agency, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
SEA
22 Jul 19. Curtiss-Wright’s helicopter recovery system selected for new JMSDF frigates. Curtiss-Wright has been selected to supply two more Indal RAST (recovery, assist, secure, and traverse) helicopter handling systems for the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force’s (JMSDF’s) new frigate programme. This is the same system that was selected for the first two ships in the JMSDF’s 30FFM frigate class. The most recent contract, which was announced by Curtiss-Wright on 15 July, will go on board two follow-on ships in the same programme, which has also been referred to in Japan as the 31FFM vessels. The RAST helicopter handling system employs a cable system that connects the aircraft to a motorised winch beneath the flight deck to assist during deck landing operations. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
AIR
24 Jul 19. Abaco Systems has received a contract from an unidentified defence electronics company to provide its 3U VPX SBC347D single-board computer for a new electronic warfare (EW) system. The unnamed electronics company plans to integrate the EW system into manned and unmanned aerial vehicles and in fixed and mobile ground platforms. Abaco has announced that it could configure around two to four SBC347Ds in the system. The company expects the value of the orders under this contract to reach around $3.5m over the next four years. The SBC347D single-board computer features x16 PCI Express bandwidth and is designed to deliver optimal performance at high temperatures. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
22 Jul 19. Indian Navy signs USD230m deal for ‘dedicated’ satellite. The Indian Navy (IN) has signed an INR15.89bn (USD230m) deal with the government-owned Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for the supply of a ‘dedicated’ surveillance and communication satellite. Official sources told Jane’s that the agreement, signed on 11 June, is for the multi-band GSAT-7R satellite, which is fitted with UHF-, S-, C-, and Ku-band transponders and is scheduled for launch in 2020. The sources said that the new satellite is expected to augment the IN’s surveillance and maritime domain awareness capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and enhance communication between the service’s aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, warships, submarines, and other assorted naval assets with shore-based units. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
19 Jul 19. United Technologies Corp., doing business as Pratt & Whitney Military Engines, East Hartford, Connecticut, has been awarded a $253,708,434 indefinite-delivery-requirements contract for engine module remanufacture. This contract provides for F100-PW-100/-200/-220/-220E/-229/-229EEP engine module remanufacture for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) partner countries. Work will be performed at East Hartford, Connecticut; Midland, Georgia; and Midwest City, Oklahoma, and is expected to be completed by July 30, 2024. This contract involves foreign military sales to Chile, Indonesia, Taiwan, Poland, Greece, Iraq, Pakistan, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Thailand and Morocco. No funds are being obligated at the time of award. This award is the result of a sole source acquisition. The Air Force Sustainment Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity (FA8121-19-D-0005).
TECHNOLOGY
23 Jul 19. MASS contracted to supply Electronic Warfare Operation Support. Cohort plc, the independent technology business, is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary MASS has been awarded a contract to supply services valued at £4.79m for Electronic Warfare Operation Support (EWOS) to an export customer. The contract will utilise MASS’s uniquely experienced Subject Matter Experts to protect combat aircraft against missile threats. Delivery of this contract will take place over a nine-year period.
23 Jul 19. IBM receives defence ERP programme contract from Australian DoD. Technology firm IBM has secured a contract from the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) to provide the initial design of the Defence Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) programme. The ERP programme is part of the DoD’s information communication technology transformation project. Through the programme, the department aims to modernise capabilities of the Australian Defence Force and build high-performing supply chains. Under the A$95.5m ($67.21m) contract, IBM will provide system integrator services to deliver the design phase of the first tranche of the capability. In addition, the contract will include the high-level design for subsequent ERP tranches. The initial capability for financial reporting under the Defence ERP programme is expected to be rolled out next year. The logistics and maintenance capability will follow in 2022. (Source: army-technology.com)