UNITED KINGDOM
AIR
07 Feb 20. Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a not-to-exceed $347,714,510 modification to a previously-awarded fixed-price-incentive-firm-target advance acquisition contract (N00019-20-C-0009). This modification procures long lead materials, parts, components and support necessary to maintain on-time production and delivery of 43 lot 15 F-35 aircraft for non-Department of Defense (DoD) participants and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (30%); El Segundo, California (25%); Warton, United Kingdom (20%); Orlando, Florida (10%); Nashua, New Hampshire (5%); Nagoya, Japan (5%); and Baltimore, Maryland (5%), and is expected to be completed in December 2023. Non-DoD participant funds in the amount of $204,964,510; and FMS funds in the amount of $142,750,000, will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
EUROPE
LAND
10 Feb 20. MASA Group (MASA), a leading developer of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based Modelling & Simulation (M&S) software for the defence, emergency preparedness, serious games and game development markets, announces that the Spanish Army has signed a major contract for the use of MASA SWORD. It includes the acquisition and full customization to the Spanish requirements of SWORD, MASA’s flagship constructive simulation software. SWORD is an automated, aggregated, constructive simulation designed to improve training, analysis, and decision support for both commanding officers in the military and crisis managers in the emergency preparedness sector. SWORD offers users highly realistic scenarios as well as an open simulation platform which is interoperable with other simulations and Command & Control (C2) systems. It can be deployed via distant servers (in the cloud) and can be adapted into several languages (ongoing versions include English, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Arabic). SWORD also includes a cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence engine developed by MASA.
11 Feb 20. NP Aerospace, has been awarded a contract by FFG Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft mbH for the German Army’s WIESEL 1 Armoured Weapons Carrier (AWC) vehicle. NP Aerospace will supply its lightweight CAMAC armour solutions for 181 AWC vehicles over a two-year period. CAMAC is a patented, composite vehicle armour solution that provides ultra-light enhanced survivability for platform and crew, increased ground manoeuvrability and improved air transportability. WIESEL 1 was developed for the German Army to meet a requirement for an air-transportable light armoured tracked vehicle, for use by airborne troops. The key focus of the Government funded upgrade programme is chassis improvements, ballistic and mine protection and the integration of communications and weapons systems. It applies to three AWC variants, ensuring they remain in service beyond 2030.
SEA
13 Feb 20. BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P., Minneapolis, Minnesota, was awarded a $23,869,990 firm-fixed-price contract for Mk 41 Vertical Launching System canister production, canister renewal, ancillary hardware, spares and associated support equipment. This contract provides for the manufacture and delivery of new Mk 41 Vertical Launching System canisters (Mk 13 Mod 0, Mk 14 Mod 2, Mk 15 Mod 1; Mk 21–Mod 2, Mod 3 and Mod 4; Mk 25–Mod 0 and Mod 1; and Mk 29 Mod 0); ancillary hardware; spares and associated support equipment. Additionally, it provides for the upgrade, renew, refurbish and/or repair of the canisters listed above, as well as Mk 14 Mod 1 and Mk 15 Mod 0. This contract includes options, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $954,516,290. This contract combines purchases for the government of Japan (68%); the government of Denmark (29%); the government of Korea (2%); and the Navy (1%) under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will be performed in Aberdeen, South Dakota (90%); and Minneapolis, Minnesota (10%), and is expected to be completed by May 2021. If all options are exercised, work will continue through May 2024. Fiscal 2020 weapons procurement (Navy) (1%); and Foreign Military Sales funding for $23,869,990 (99%) was obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with one proposal received. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity (N00024-20-C-5380). (Awarded Feb. 11, 2020)
12 Feb 20. Saab to supply Double Eagle SAROV for Polish Kormoran II MCMVs. Sweden’s Saab has been awarded a contract to supply its Double Eagle SAROV unmanned underwater vehicle to equip the Polish Navy’s Kormoran II (Project 258) mine countermeasures vessels (MCMVs). Under the contract, awarded by Poland’s OBR CTM marine science centre in late January and announced on 10 February, Saab will deliver an undisclosed number of Double Eagle SAROV systems in 2021-22. The systems will be used for MCM operations ranging from mine reconnaissance to mine disposal. The SAROV variant of the Double Eagle can operate as both a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), using a tether, or an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), using its onboard batteries for propulsion. (Source: Jane’s)
AIR
10 Feb 20. The French Armament General Directorate (DGA) is to supply four H160s to the French Navy for search and rescue missions through a partnership between Airbus Helicopters, Babcock, and Safran Helicopter Engines. The French Navy will start operating these helicopters in 2022 for a period of ten years. This interim fleet of H160s will enable the French Navy to ensure the continuity of these critical missions as the Alouette III retires from service and pending Guépard deliveries. Airbus Helicopters, and its partners, will also be responsible for supporting the fleet with a high level of availability and performance commitments. In addition, French Navy operational feedback will be monitored to benefit the design of the military version of the H160 and its support system.
11 Feb 20. Elbit Systems announced today that it was selected by the Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support to support the preliminary design of Airborne Electronic Warfare (EW) self-protection systems for the CH‑53 GS/GE transport helicopters, as part of the platform upgrade program led by Airbus Helicopters. Mature and combat proven, the EW systems to be provided include Elbit Systems’ unified, digital Radar Warning Receivers (RWR) and EW Controllers (EWC). Elbit Systems’ digital RWR and EWC rapidly detect and accurately locate a wide range of impinging enemy threats, even in a dense EW environment, enabling reliable and timely warning to the aircrew. The digital RWR and EWC feature complete and independent threat programmability enabling seamless update of emitter libraries as well as flight data recording for pilot debriefing and training. Their low size, weight and power, as well as low life cycle costs, further increase the operational effectiveness and efficiency of the systems.
USA
LAND
13 Feb 20. FN America LLC, Columbia, South Carolina, was awarded a $119,216,309 firm-fixed-price contract for M4/M4A1 carbine. Bids were solicited via the internet with six received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 30, 2025. U.S. Army Contracting Command, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W15QKN-20-D-0006).
12 Feb 20. General Dynamics Mission Systems announced today it was awarded a contract for the Army Consolidated Product Line Management Plus (CPM Plus) Program from the Army Contracting Command in Orlando, Florida. CPM Plus is an eight year, single-award, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity, cost-plus fixed-fee/firm-fixed price contract with a ceiling of $883m. Executing the contract will improve the Army’s individual and collective expeditionary training systems at unit home stations and the major Combat Training Centers, including Military Operations on Urban Terrain training sites, live fire and digital ranges and additional training facilities located worldwide. (Source: PR Newswire)
10 Feb 20. Leonardo DRS, Inc. announced today that it has been awarded a contract worth up to $808m to provide a suite of electronic products to link C5ISR equipment to combat vehicles across the armed services and to satisfy interconnection requirements for federal agencies. Under the indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity Interconnection Equipment Contract from the Defense Logistics Agency Land, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, Leonardo DRS would deliver wiring harnesses, installation kits, cable assemblies, cabling, connectors and services. The products will be delivered to the Department of Defense and other federal agencies in the United States government. The products are key components of U.S. military vehicle architectures and are used to connect vehicle C5ISR systems, tactical computer systems, networks, radio systems, and weapon systems.
11 Feb 20. Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”) announced today that it has been awarded a $5.4m contract by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command C5ISR Center to develop Protected Communications for Manned-Unmanned Teams (MUM-T). The Army envisions a next-generation Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) that can be networked with up to four unmanned Remote Combat Vehicles (RCVs) and their assorted sensor/weapons payloads – and, in turn, networked with the broader force and command structure. For that to happen, these manned-unmanned teams will need a robust, secure, and high-throughput communications network.
AIR
11 Feb 20. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded a contract to Aerojet Rocketdyne to develop enabling technologies for an advanced hypersonic defence interceptor, Glide Breaker. Under the contract, which is worth up to $19.6m, Aerojet will develop propulsion technology for the Glide Breaker programme. The company will apply its experience in the design, development and production of the technology. DARPA noted that the programme intends to advance the US’ means to counter hypersonic vehicles. This effort is aimed at developing and demonstrating a technology that plays a key role in enabling an advanced interceptor that can engage manoeuvring hypersonic threats in the upper atmosphere. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
13 Feb 20. The Boeing Co., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, has been awarded a $99,900,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) Block 40/45 full rate production completion. This contract provides for the continued acquisition of supplies and services associated with the production of the E-3 AWACS Block 40/45 upgrade. Work will be performed at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, and is expected to be completed by fiscal 2024. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2018 and 2019 aircraft procurement funds in the amount of $42,200,000 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity (FA8730-20-C-0023). (Awarded Jan. 31, 2020)
07 Feb 20. Honeywell Inc., Clearwater, Florida, has been awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with estimated ceiling of $3,517,000,000 for Embedded GPS Inertial Navigation System Modernization (EGI/EGI-M) follow-on production and sustainment. This contract provides production, sustainment and engineering technical services in support of the EGI/EGI-M system. Work will be performed in Clearwater, Florida, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2035. This contract will allow foreign military sales. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2020 procurement funds in the amount of $1,635,018 are being obligated for the first order of EGIs for the F-15 aircraft. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is the contracting activity (FA8576-20-D-0001).
01 Feb 20. Momentus Awarded SBIR Contract by U.S. Air Force. Momentus has been awarded of a U.S. Air Force Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I contract to accelerate innovations for in-space transportation services and satellite upper stage technologies. The Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the SBIR process in an attempt to speed up the experience, broaden the pool of potential applicants and decrease bureaucratic overhead. Beginning in SBIR 18.2, and now in 19.3, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) has begun offering “Special” SBIR topics that are faster, leaner and open to a broader range of innovations. A graduate of the prestigious Y Combinator program, and based in Santa Clara, California, Momentus raised $40m of equity funding, including a $25.5m Series A in 2019. Momentus has created new patent-pending and proprietary technologies, including a water plasma propulsion system that eliminates HAZMAT concerns and provides rapid, affordable, and revolutionary launch deployment technologies and in-space shuttle services. A 16U demonstration mission, “El Camino Real”, was launched and tested in 2019. Two demo missions of the Vigoride transfer vehicle will fly in 2020, paving the way for commercial mission beginning in 2021 onward. (Source: Satnews)
13 Feb 20. Space Force awards $253.6m contract for protected comms. The Space Force awarded Northrop Grumman a $253.6m contract to develop a payload that would provide a higher level of protection to war fighters relying on satellite communications on the battlefield. The contract is for the Protected Tactical SATCOM payload, the service announced Feb. 12. Protected Tactical SATCOM (PTS) is the Space Force’s planned next generation anti-jamming satellite system, which will provide tactical communications for war fighters all over the world — including the polar regions — using the Protected Tactical Waveform. As PTS is developed, the Space Force plans to begin offering Protected Tactical Waveform communications over the Wideband Global SATCOM system and later commercial satellites systems. The Space Force said in a statement it will award up to four payload development contracts. According to the FY 2021 Space Force budget request, the service is employing a spiral development strategy that will incrementally deploy prototypes progressively demonstrating new anti-jamming technologies. The payloads will be designed to potentially be hosted on other satellites as a cost saving measure. The contract was awarded through the Space Enterprise Consortium. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
12 Feb 20. Raytheon Co., Missile Systems, Tucson, Arizona, is awarded a $35,874,452 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously-awarded contract (N00024-18-C-5432) for over-the-horizon weapon systems. Under this contract, Raytheon Co., Missile Systems, will manufacture and deliver over-the-horizon weapon systems that consist of encanistered missiles (EM) loaded into launching mechanisms (LM) and a single fire control suite (FCS). This contract consists of firm-fixed-price EMs (tactical, telemetered and inert operational); FCSs; LMs; mission support equipment; training equipment and courses; cost-plus-fixed-fee engineering services; and cost-only travel and other direct costs. Work will be performed in Kongsberg, Norway (75%); Tucson, Arizona (15%); Schrobenhausen, Germany (4%); Raufoss, Norway (3%); McKinney, Texas (2%); and Louisville, Kentucky (1%), and is expected to be completed by February 2022. Fiscal 2020 weapon procurement (Navy) for $34,369,290 (95.8%); and other procurement (Navy) for $1,505,162 (4.2%), will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity.
TECHNOLOGY
12 Feb 20. BAE Systems has received funding from the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Defense Sciences Office to develop advanced analytics technology that will assist in the detection and deterrence of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) activity, helping to ensure national security. The first-of-its-kind technology will leverage multiple data sources and uses data fusion, adversary modelling, pattern matching, and machine learning techniques to detect and identify indications of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) threat. As part of DARPA’s SIGMA+ program, the BAE Systems FAST Labs™ research and development team will work with partners Barnstorm Research and Washington State University to create a technology solution called MATCH (Multi-info Alerting of Threat CBRNE Hypotheses). MATCH will automatically populate a world graph using sensor and multi-source data to provide analysts visibility into threat activities in a metropolitan region. Using the graph, MATCH will create hypotheses that identify and characterize threatening CBRNE activity. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
13 Feb 20. Envistacom, LLC has received a contract to virtualize a commercial multi-access waveform for delivery to users through the company’s future Transport Virtualization Ecosystem. This latest contract includes work associated with turning traditional multi-access waveform collaterals into a virtualized waveform application for instantiation into a heterogeneous computing ecosystem. The effort also includes work with Army Strategic Command (ARSTRAT) to prepare Virtual Modem (VMs) for Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) certification. Envistacom’s virtualization efforts build upon the company’s recently announced technology patents leading to the establishment of a Transport Virtualization Ecosystem. The Transport Virtualization Ecosystem is an open-architecture environment where real-time continuous processing application technologists can bring their latest developments to be tested and realized in the marketplace faster than through the traditional integration of legacy purpose-built hardware. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
10 Feb 20. IndraSoft is excited to support the Maintenance of Enterprise Technologies and Applications (META) program for the U.S. Army INSCOM under the Encore III contract. IndraSoft will be supporting Army INSCOM’s IT and mission operations to enable advanced analytical, intelligent data sharing, and DevSecOps system integration initiatives to meet continually evolving requirements. IndraSoft will help the Army migrate META to secure cloud operations to enhance the security, flexibility and scalability of these mission critical applications using DevSecOps and Agile systems development processes. Implementing cloud native architecture will enable the U.S Army to dramatically increase efficiency and performance while lowering operational costs. We will help guide the adoption of emerging data technologies to drive analytical performance, to identify mission trends, enhance operational intelligence, and provide shared access to data across the enterprise. (Source: PR Newswire)
12 Feb 20. L3Harris Technologies has secured an artificial intelligence (AI) contract from the US Air Force (USAF) Life Cycle Management Center to develop a software platform. The platform to be developed under the contract will make it easier for analysts to use AI to identify objects in large data sets. Set to fill a critical gap for training data required for AI algorithms, the tool also addresses the urgent need for automation in the defence industry to analyse large geospatial data sets. Additionally, L3Harris’ software platform will leverage modelling and simulation technology to generate training data. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
REST OF THE WORLD
LAND
12 Feb 20. AAR (NYSE: AIR), a leading provider of aviation services to commercial airlines and governments worldwide, announced today a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide consulting services for Korean Aerospace Engineering & Maintenance Services (KAEMS). The two companies will collaborate to define required capabilities and infrastructure for a new KAEMS facility in South Korea that will provide component maintenance for the Republic of Korea Air Force’s (ROKAF) F-16 fleet. The MOU includes training for KAEMS employees at AAR’s component repair facilities in Amsterdam and New York.
11 Feb 20. Turkey’s FNSS to supply Kunduz AACE to Philippines, says report. Turkey’s FNSS Savunma Sistemleri (FNSS) has been awarded a contract to provide an undisclosed number of Kunduz Armoured Combat Earthmovers (AACEs) to the Philippine military, according to a 10 February report by the Turkish state-owned Anadolu Agency (AA). As part of an agreement signed at the IDEF 2019 defence and aerospace show in Istanbul, an initial 18 Kaplan MTs are set to be built, with 10 of the tanks expected to be constructed in Turkey and the remaining eight in Indonesia, where the platform is known as Harimau (Tiger). No details were provided about the delivery schedule. According to PT Pindad, the Indonesian Army, which has already trialled the platform, has a requirement for 400 Kaplan MTs to replace the service’s depleted fleets of French-made AMX-13 light tanks, which originally numbered more than 300. (Source: Jane’s)
SEA
07 Feb 20. Philippines signs contract for two 94m multirole vessels.
Key Points:
- The Philippine government has signed a contract for two 94 m patrol vessels
- These will be the largest ever platforms to be operated by the Philippine Coast Guard
The Philippine Department of Transportation (DOTr) has signed a contract for two multirole response vessels (MRRVs) with Japan’s Mitsubishi Shipbuilding. The vessels have been ordered for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). A contract for the vessels, which will be the largest ships to be operated by the service, was signed on 7 February. The vessels are being acquired under the Philippine government’s Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project, Phase II. The MRRV has an overall length of approximately 94m, and a top speed of no less than 24kt, according to specifications provided by the DOTr. (Source: Jane’s)
AIR
10 Feb 20. AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), today announced it received a $8,584,734 firm-fixed-price U.S. Department of Defense Foreign Military Sales contract. The contract was awarded on December 17, 2019 to provide Puma™ 3 AE unmanned aircraft systems, training and support to an allied nation. Delivery is anticipated by June 2020. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
12 Feb 20. Thailand signs for H135 training helos. Thailand has signed for six Airbus Helicopters H135 rotorcraft to be used for pilot training, the company announced on 12 February. The twin-engined helicopters for the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) will be used for ab-initio and other pilot training requirements. Airbus did not disclose a contract value, but did say that the new helicopters will be delivered from 2021. As noted by the manufacturer, the RTAF’s helicopters will, in addition to the new Helionix avionics suite, be configured with two external cameras, providing pilots with a 360-degree view of the external environment. They will also be equipped with tactical systems and the Euronav7 moving map, air-conditioning systems, tinted windows, and height-adjustable pilot seats. (Source: Jane’s)
10 Feb 20. Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT, TASE: ESLT) (“Elbit Systems” or “the Company”) announced today that it was awarded contracts worth approximately $136m to provide customers in Asia-Pacific with airborne laser Direct Infra-Red Counter Measure (DIRCM) systems. The contracts will be performed over a four-year period. Under the contracts, Elbit Systems will equip fleets of Airbus and Boeing aircraft with DIRCM systems from the MUSICTM family, including the Company’s infra-red missile warning systems. These contract awards follow recent awards to install DIRCM systems onboard Airbus A400 aircraft of the German Air Force and onboard NATO’s Airbus A330 Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) fleet.
11 Feb 20. Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a $67,584,243 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (PZ0010) to contract FA8615-16-C-6048 for upgrading F-16s for the government of Singapore. Work will be performed at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Fort Worth, Texas; and in Singapore. This contract is expected to be completed by June 30, 2023, and is a Foreign Military Sales acquisition for the government of Singapore. This contract was a sole-source acquisition, and the total cumulative face value of the contract is $1,008,584,243. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.
10 Feb 20. DoD/DSCA Notifies Congress of Possible FMS of Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles to Australia. The U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified the Congress that the Government of Australia has requested to buy up to two hundred (200) AGM-158C, Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASMs); and up to eleven (11) ATM-158C LRASM Telemetry Variant (Inert). Also included are DATM-158C LRASM, Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM-158C LRASM), containers, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor representatives technical assistance, engineering, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The total estimated cost is $990m. The prime contractor will be Lockheed Martin, Orlando, Florida. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: glstrade.com)
10 Feb 20. The Russian Defense Ministry and the Ural Works of Civil Aviation (UWCA) plant have signed a contract to create the Altius-RU reconnaissance and attack drone, which can fly for more than 24 hours without landing and will be controlled via satellites, Deputy Defense Minister Alexey Krivoruchko said last week. According to the official, the drone will be equipped with a satellite communications system and artificial intelligence, and will be capable of interacting with manned aircraft. The Altius-RU is the final version of the drone, created as a result of the development and testing of a number of prototypes. The vehicle, weighing about 6 tonnes, is capable of fulfilling a wide spectrum of reconnaissance missions using optical, radio and radar tools. Denis Fedutinov, a Russian unmanned systems expert, told Sputnik that the addition of a satellite communication channel for this aircraft may remove range limits, allowing the drone to fully realize its potential. (Source: UAS VISION/UrduPoint)
TECHNOLOGY
13 Feb 20. Penten, a local cyber security company, has received funding under a contract with AustCyber, the Australian Cyber Security Growth Network, to provide secure network access to a pilot group of regional SMEs and academia. This project represents turning point for defence industry. The opportunity will provide Aussie SMEs with means to bid for, win and work on government classified projects in a secure and protected environment from any location. (Source: Defence Connect)
10 Feb 20. REDARC Defence Systems has secured a multiyear, multimillion-dollar contract to deliver Multi Aspect Threat Emulation System to the Australian Army, working collaboratively with Queensland-based GaardTech Targets. Multi Aspect Threat Emulation System (MATES) are full-sized, 3D replicas of military vehicles, which are made by GaardTech from metal with an exterior that replicates the cosmetic and thermal appearance and shape of a military tank. Not only are they visually impressive, the systems include REDARC’s Thermal Signature Enhancement Kits (RTSEK). This technology is critical for establishing realistic high-fidelity thermal vehicle signatures required to practice using smart thermally guided munitions. These attributes make MATES some of the most realistic practice targets on the market. The systems are also an eco-friendly and economical choice, being easy to deploy, fully transportable and recyclable. (Source: Defence Connect)