UNITED KINGDOM
LAND
28 Jul 20. Dstl Awards £300m Weapons Sector Research Framework (WSRF) Contract to QinetiQ. The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has signed a 5 year framework contract which is budgeted to be worth £300m over that period with QinetiQ, and their key partners MBDA and Thales, to lead the Weapons Sector Research Framework (WSRF). The framework will enable Dstl, and over 70 industry and academic suppliers to develop and exploit technology for the benefit of UK Armed Forces and HM Government. In particular, the WSRF will cover the overall scope of the Future Kinetic Effects and Weapons (FKEW) Programme comprising Complex, Conventional and Novel Weapons technologies. The WSRF replaces the existing Weapons Science and Technology Centre (WSTC) contract and offers a broader scope of research activities including directed energy weapons.
SEA
27 Jul 20. Gibraltar Squadron to Receive 2 Cutting-edge Fast Patrol Craft. A GBP9.9m Contract has Been Signed With Merseyside-based Marine Specialised Technology (MST) for Two New Boats to Replace the Gibraltar Squadron Fast Patrol Craft. The six-year contract, which will support 30 jobs and create a further 25, will see construction of the two boats beginning in July 2020 and will take approximately 18 months, with Boat 1 due to be delivered in Q3 2021/22 and Boat 2 in Q1 2022/23. The remainder of the contract will provide an additional four years of local In-Service Support. Both boats will be used to patrol HMNB Gibraltar and British Gibraltar Territorial Waters (BGTW). They will also support British exercises and operations in the area and will keep close watch over Gibraltar’s shores. (Source: ASD Network)
TECHNOLOGY
22 Jul 20. UK MoD selects Esri UK as its Strategic Geospatial Partner. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded a three-year contract to Esri UK to establish its Strategic Geospatial Partnership. The new Partnership builds on a 20 year relationship between the MoD and Esri UK in which Esri UK has supported land, maritime and air domains with its technology and services. The Partnership will involve Esri UK working with Defence Digital to help deliver an MOD-wide location strategy; a strategy that will enable UK Defence to best use the power of location as a true force multiplier, helping to achieve and maintain Information Advantage. As part of the Partnership, the MOD will be able to deploy the full suite of Esri’s ArcGIS products to extract insight from location-enabled data in an open, scalable and evergreen manner across its entire information architecture. As well as world-leading Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, Esri UK will also provide a comprehensive package of support services to help bring the location strategy to life.
29 Jul 20. RBSL to lead titanium recycling project for defence applications. Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) has been awarded a contract to investigate ways of using recycled titanium in defence equipment. The Affordable Titanium for Defence project was awarded by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and is worth up to £3.5m over four years. Titanium has a similar strength and is approximately half the weight of steel. The USAF’s A-10 aircraft is notable because it contains around 540kg of titanium armour, but the element is expensive and steel tends to prevail in military equipment. The RBSL-led team will develop a solution that recycles titanium swarf and turns it into a reusable product at reduced cost and effort. RBSL and its partners will explore which type of waste material is best to use, how best to process the material, and what material properties work best for defence equipment such as combat vehicle armour. The project will also involve testing to assess ballistic, fatigue, and corrosion performance if used in-service across land, maritime, or air equipment. The team includes BAE Systems’ Air sector, which uses titanium across a range of components. BAE Systems’ Maritime and Land sector will advise on potential applications, whilst MBDA will provide missile systems support. Transition International will carry out reprocessing trials and advise on reprocessing techniques. Academic partners include Sheffield University and the Advanced Forming Research Centre at Strathclyde University. (Source: The Engineer Online)
EUROPE
LAND
30 Jul 20. Galvion signs major helmet contract with Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO). Galvion, a world leader in innovative head protection systems and power management solutions, has signed a new contract to supply the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO), with a suite of helmet systems. Awarded following a full and open competition, the 7-year contract is worth approximately USD $23.5m. Galvion will deliver new helmets across two unique helmet geometries and additionally, has established a spare parts and life extension programme with estimated completion in 2034. As well as the Danish MoD, the Danish Police and Ministry of Foreign Affairs can also use this framework contract to procure and support their own specific helmets.
SEA
29 Jul 20. The Royal Netherlands Navy’s (RNLN) new Combat Support Ship (CSS), Den Helder, to be built by Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS), will strengthen the navy’s replenishment capacity at sea. Delivery of the ship is scheduled for the second quarter of 2024. DSNS signed a contract with Rohde & Schwarz Benelux B.V. for the delivery and installation of a state-of-the-art integrated communications system for the RNLN’s CSS, Den Helder. With this contract, RNLN will receive a system based on proven technology and standardized to provide commonality across the Dutch naval fleet. For more than 20 years, RNLN has been using Rohde & Schwarz communications systems on their vessels with high level reliability and performance during daily operations. This commonality offers not only crew familiarity, but also optimizes training, maintenance and many other processes.
AIR
27 Jul 20. AAR (NYSE: AIR), a leading provider of aviation services to commercial airlines and governments worldwide, has been awarded a three-year contract by the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) to perform maintenance, repair and overhaul on F-16 jet fuel starters. AAR will service the jet fuel starters in its component repair facility in Amsterdam, where AAR has been supporting European Participating Air Forces (EPAF) for over 30 years as a prime provider or subcontractor for repair management, component maintenance, supply chain and depot services.
28 Jul 20. Netherlands to buy more AMRAAM via FMS. The US State Department has approved a possible FMS to the Netherlands of AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM plus related equipment and technical support. Raytheon Missiles & Defense will be the prime contractor on the $39m deal. ‘The Netherlands, which already maintains AMRAAM missiles, will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and support into its armed forces,’ the US Defense and Security Cooperation Agency stated on 27 July. The small, fast and lightweight AIM-120 AMRAAM has improved capabilities against very-low and high-altitude high-speed targets in an electronic attack environment, when compared with previous types of radar-guided missile. According to Shephard Defence Insight, a total of 300 AMRAAM units have been delivered to the Netherlands. (Source: Shephard)
29 Jul 20. Sabena Aerospace, a BLUEBERRY group, and Blue Aerospace, a HEICO Company, announced today the award of the Belgian Defence C-130 aircraft fleet and associated equipment and inventory by the Belgian Defence Organisation. The award resulting from the Belgian Defence Tender No. MRMP – A/A2 N° 19AAV01 consist of all assets related to the Belgian Air Force C-130 fleet including, aircraft, engines, props, spare parts, ground support equipment, etc. (Source: Google/https://www.aviation24.be/)
USA
LAND
27 Jul 20. Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (NASDAQ: CMTL) announced today that during its fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020, its Mission-Critical Technologies group, which is part of Comtech’s Government Solutions segment, was awarded an order consisting of $6.5m of additional funding on a previously announced three-year $124.2m contract to provide ongoing sustainment services and baseband equipment. The contract has been funded $95.0m to date. The Mission-Critical Technologies group is focused on ensuring its customers are able to successfully carry out their mission, whether that be communicating in an austere environment on land or at sea, launching or tracking a satellite, or protecting the cyber security posture of their network. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
29 Jul 20. Jacobs (NYSE:J) was selected by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Strategic Warning & Surveillance Systems Division for Operations, Maintenance and Sustainment (OM&S) of critical mission systems for the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Cheyenne Mountain Complex (NCMC). The contract, known as the Integrated Tactical Warning/Attack Assessment (ITW/AA) and Space Support Contract II (NISSC II) went into effect June 25, 2020, and has a maximum value to Jacobs of $455M over a six-year period of performance. Jacobs will support the classified communications and processing for Command and Control (C2) capability and legacy space C2 systems at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station (CMAFS) and Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado; Offutt AFB, Nebraska; Vandenberg AFB, California; and other sites, worldwide. The NISSC II OM&S Task Order also establishes requirements for operations and maintenance support for the CMAFS Information Systems Infrastructure. (Source: PR Newswire)
29 Jul 20. Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin JV, Tucson, Arizona, was awarded a $47,239,843 modification (P00022) to contract W31P4Q-19-C-0076 for full rate production of the Javelin weapon system. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2023. Fiscal 2010 and 2020 missile procurement (Army) funds in the amount of $47,239,843 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
28 Jul 20. Sarcos Defense, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sarcos Robotics, today announced that the company has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Marine Corps Logistics Innovation Office program for the delivery of an Alpha version of the Guardian® XO® full-body, powered industrial exoskeleton robot. Delivery of the Guardian XO Alpha unit to the U.S. Marines is scheduled by the end of 2020. As the U.S. Marine Corps focuses on logistics and sustainment modernization as one of their key priorities and looks to reduce the manpower required to conduct expeditionary operations, the Guardian XO is well-suited to fulfill a wide variety of logistics applications to address their needs and requirements. As part of the Commandant’s vision for flexible Expeditionary Advanced Basing Operations (EABO) to support distributed operations, the Guardian XO Alpha deployment will allow the U.S. Marines to test use cases that will decrease their manned logistics footprint while increasing throughput speed. The ultimate goal is to provide troops with an edge by boosting their capabilities and dramatically improving safety and productivity in a variety of logistics applications. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
SEA
28 Jul 20. Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE: CW) today announced that it has been awarded contracts valued in excess of $220m to provide propulsion valves, pumps and advanced instrumentation and control systems for the U.S. Navy’s Virginia-class nuclear powered attack submarine, Columbia-class submarine and Ford-class aircraft carrier programs. The awards were received from Bechtel Plant Machinery, Inc. (BPMI) and General Dynamics Electric Boat to support ship construction, spare parts and submarine back-fit procurements. Curtiss-Wright is performing this work at its facilities in New York and Pennsylvania within the Company’s Defense and Power Segments. Engineering and manufacturing has commenced and will continue through 2024.
28 Jul 20. Cargotec subsidiary MacGregor has won an order to provide deck machinery and handling solutions for two US Naval Sea Systems Command’s (NAVSEA) towing, salvage and rescue ships (T-ATS) class vessels. These vessels are to be constructed by Gulf Island Fabrication’s subsidiary Gulf Island Shipyards. Under the contract, MacGregor will be responsible for the supply of deck machinery, a towing winch, traction winch, shark jaws, towing pins/pop-up pins, stern roller, offshore crane, and other accessories. The order was booked by Cargotec into its second quarter order intake. Delivery under the contract is planned to commence in the last quarter of next year and will continue through to the first quarter of 2022. This contract marks the fourth and fifth shipsets for the T-ATS class vessels. (Source: naval-technology.com)
23 Jul 20. General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Co (GD NASSCO) has won a $10m contract for work on the US Navy’s Wasp-class amphibious assault ship Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6). The award is a cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded contract. The contract is for the ship’s emergency firefighting support, dewatering, safety, and initial clean-up efforts. Work under the award is expected to conclude by November. Awarded by the US Defense Department, the contract follows an explosion and fire that broke out onboard USS Bonhomme Richard earlier this month. A total of 63 personnel, including 40 US Navy Sailors and 23 civilians, were treated for minor injuries, including heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation in the incident. The ship was docked pier-side at Naval Base San Diego in California when the fire escalated overnight. (Source: naval-technology.com)
30 Jul 20. L3 Technologies Inc., Camden, New Jersey, is awarded a $47,604,086 cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost-only contract to design, develop, test, integrate and verify the Navy Wideband Anti-Jam Modem (WAM) and provide engineering support services (ESS). WAM is the Navy’s next generation wideband satellite communications modem that will be integrated with the Navy multiband terminal on ships and submarines, as well as the modernization of enterprise terminal on shore for communications over the wideband global satellite communications constellation. This contract includes options for the production of WAM and additional ESS, which if exercised will bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $83,073,894. Work will be performed in Salt Lake City, Utah (55%); Camden, New Jersey (23%); Tempe, Arizona (14%); Hanover, Maryland (4%); San Diego, California (2%); Bonita Springs, Florida (1%); and Chambersburg, Pennsylvania (1%). If all options are exercised, work may continue through August 2027. Fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $6,470,202 will be obligated at time of award. Funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was competitively procured via Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) e-Commerce and Federal Business Opportunities websites and three offers were received. NAVWAR, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N00039-20-D-0065).
30 Jul 20. Ultra Electronics Inc., Montreal, Canada, is awarded a $145,375,113 firm-fixed-price contract with options for the delivery of Amphibious Tactical Communications Systems (ATCS). This contract includes a base period of approximately three years and an option period of approximately seven years which, if exercised, will bring the cumulative value to an estimated $145,375,113. Work will be performed in Montreal, Canada, at the contractor’s facility. ATCS is a system that leverages the Ultra Orion X500 radio to provide line-of-sight shipboard systems in support of amphibious command, control, communications, computers and intelligence requirements. ATCS supports reliable, high-capacity terrestrial, ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore voice, data and video communications. Work is expected to be completed by July 2023. If all options are exercised, work may continue through July 2030. Spectrum relocation funds in the amount of $26,824,132 were allocated at time of award and will be placed on individual orders issued against this contract. Funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured because it is a sole source acquisition pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1), with only one responsible source (Federal Acquisition Regulation subpart 6.302-1). The Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N00039-20-D-0056).
AIR
28 Jul 20. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) announced the recent award of an indefinite-delivery / indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract by the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) for the Skyborg Vanguard Program. Skyborg is an autonomy-focused capability that aims to integrate attritable, autonomous unmanned aircraft with open mission systems to enable manned-unmanned teaming. According to the AFLCMC’s press release, this program will provide a “game-changing capability to the warfighter.” GA-ASI was one of four companies selected for further support to the program. These initial awards establish a vendor pool that will continue to compete for up to $400m in subsequent delivery orders under the Skyborg Vanguard Program.
24 Jul 20. Kratos Awarded $400m Five-Year IDIQ Contract for USAF Skyborg Development. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:KTOS), a leading National Security Solutions provider, announced today that Kratos Unmanned Systems Division has been awarded a five-year indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract valued at up to $400m for the development, integration, and prototype air vehicle delivery in support of the U.S. Air Force’s Skyborg program. Work under the program award will be performed at secure Kratos manufacturing and production facilities located in Oklahoma and California over the next 60 months. (Source: ASD Network)
28 Jul 20. The US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has awarded a $6.7m contract to Logos Technologies to develop, deliver and conduct proof-of concept flight tests on a wide-area motion imagery (WAMI) sensor. The scope of the initial contract includes the development of two prototypes of the sensor system, called Cardcounter. Delivery of the prototype is scheduled by the end of September, when flight testing on the RQ-21A Blackjack will commence. Once developed, the system will be integrated onto the US Navy and Marine Corps RQ-21A small tactical unmanned aircraft system (UAS). Cardcounter is derived from Logos Technologies’ BlackKite sensor, which is an ultra-lightweight WAMI prototype carrying infrared capability. Weighing lesser than 28lb, BlackKite has the capability to image an area of more than 12km². As the coverage area is so large, sensor operators can track all vehicles in real-time. (Source: naval-technology.com)
29 Jul 20. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has been selected to provide the prime mission equipment for the Sierra Nevada Corporation-led AC/MC-130J Radio Frequency Countermeasure (RFCM) program. Northrop Grumman’s RFCM system utilizes the latest in antenna, amplifier and electronics technology. This technology provides superior situational awareness and better enables aircraft survivability in operationally relevant environments. The modular, open systems approach to the suite is designed to provide radar warning, threat identification and countermeasure capabilities today, while allowing for the flexibility to adapt to future threats. The system is applicable to both U.S. and international customers and represents the latest upgrade to Northrop Grumman’s RFCM product line.
TECHNOLOGY
27 Jul 20. ACI International Inc (NYSE:CACI) announced today that it has been awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract by the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center/Chief Architect Integration Office for the maturation, demonstration and proliferation of capability across platforms and domains, leveraging open systems design, modern software and algorithm development in order to enable Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2). This contract is part of a multiple award multi-level security effort to provide development and operation of systems as a unified force across all domains (air, land, sea, space, cyber, and electromagnetic spectrum) in an open architecture family of systems that enables capabilities via multiple integrated platforms. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
29 Jul 20. Alion Science and Technology announces today that it has been awarded a $75m Fighter/Bomber Enterprise task order to support the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s (AFLCMC) Fighters & Advanced Aircraft Directorate and Bombers Directorate (AFLCMC/WA and AFLCMC/WB, respectively). AFLCMC/WA and AFLCMC/WB provide state-of-the-art technical support for every U.S. Air Force (USAF) fighter and bomber weapon system currently in the USAF inventory supporting U.S. joint services and several foreign military partners. Alion will define, develop, and provide analysis for acquisition, sustainment, cyber security, and resiliency strategies for researching, developing, producing, fielding, and sustaining major weapon systems and subsystems, as well as modifying existing weapon systems and subsystems, to meet the needs of the USAF, U.S. joint services, and coalition partners. (Source: PR Newswire)
28 Jul 20. U.S. Space Force SMC awards ASTRA EO/IR mission to support US warfighter. The U.S. Space Force’s (USSF) Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) has selected ASTRA, LLC to develop and demonstrate an Electro-Optical / Infrared (EO/IR) LEO-based cloud characterization solution that supports U.S. warfighter operations. Striving to bridge gaps and improve functionality of Space-Based Environmental Monitoring (SBEM) systems, USSF SMC sought a commercial prototype EO/IR Weather System (EWS) mission capable of characterizing global clouds in near real-time to support Department of ASTRA’s proposed solution will provide a cost-effective and agile demonstration mission, reducing risk and demonstrating readily available commercial technology that meets USSF’s required operational mission capabilities. (Source: PR Newswire)
28 Jul 20. The U.S. Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) awarded Illuminate Mission Solutions, an Illuminate Business Unit, in partnership with Infositek, a new contract replacing the AFRL’s Sensor Data Management System (SDMS). Illuminate will provide ARFL’s Sensing Effects Branch with a Discovery and Retrieval capability through a modular architecture that addresses end-to-end enterprise sensor data workflows and offers a sound foundation for next-generation analytic processes. “We understand the AFRL’s Research Development Test and Evaluation programs require rapid data discovery, built-in resiliency, integration, and maximized scalability for global operations,” said Mike Limcaco, Illuminate CTO. “Our solution will be interoperable with existing COTS/GOTS and include a hybrid cloud architecture leveraging on-prem hardware while remaining cloud agnostic.” Illuminate will provide its big data software platform solution, Vigilance™, to bring a new modern, scalable and modular Sensor Data as a Service (SDaaS) capability for AFRL users. Team Illuminate’s deep knowledge of data management and cutting-edge work in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning (DL) provide resilient sensing and actionable insight to our nation’s Airmen. (Source: PR Newswire)
REST OF THE WORLD
LAND
24 Jul 20. Indra has secured a project from the Ministry of Defence of South Korea to reinforce safety and control of air operations at the Republic of South Korea Air Force’s (ROKAF) main bases. Awarded through an international tender in competition, the project will see Indra supply and implement air traffic surveillance and management systems in the airforce bases. The systems are scheduled to be delivered over the next four years. Once delivered, they will help manage aircraft movements and improve the efficiency of the airforce’s operations. Under the contract, Indra will deliver S-band primary radars, equipped with multiple modes of operation. Based on frequency agility techniques, the radars incorporate electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM). Working in combination with secondary radars, the systems have the capacity of friend-or-foe identification. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
28 Jul 20. The Government of Kuwait has requested to buy ten thousand two hundred sixty (10,260) 120MM M865 Target Practice Cone Stabilized Discarding Sabot Tracer (TPCSDS-T) Cartridges and nine thousand eight hundred ten (9,810) 120MM M1002 Target Practice Multipurpose Tracer (TPMP-T) Cartridges. Also included are two hundred fifteen thousand (215,000) 50 Caliber, 4 Ball, 1 Tracer Cartridges; six hundred thousand (600,000) 7.62MM 4 Ball, M80/1 Tracer, M62 Linked Cartridges; containers; munitions; support and test equipment; integration and test support; spare and repair parts; 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 $59.6m. The principal contractor will be BAE Systems, York, PA. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: glstrade.com)
SEA
28 Jul 20. BAE Systems Australia has secured a $30m sustainment contract extension to support the Royal Australian Navy’s Collins Class submarine fleet with a leading-edge periscope capability. The original five-year contract began in 2015 and encompasses engineering, program management, supply support and highly specialised maintenance services. During this two-year extension period, BAE Systems will continue to maintain search and attack periscopes and undertake the necessary updates to the periscope systems. BAE Systems has been maintaining and updating the Collins Class submarine periscopes for more than three decades, developing an important sovereign capability. The company began supporting the Collins Class submarines periscopes in 1988 at the start of the periscope build program. (Source: Defence Connect)
30 Jul 20. Italian Minister Confirms Sale of Two Frigates to Egypt. Italian shipyard Fincantieri has committed to delivering two new FREMM-class frigates to the Italian Navy by 2024 to replace the two ships that are being sold to Egypt, Italian Defense Minister Lorenzo Guerini told a July 28 Parliamentary hearing. This is the first ministerial confirmation of a multi-billion euro Italian arms sale to Egypt that has been regularly reported in Italian media for the past two years. The reports also mentioned corvettes, helicopters and two or four squadrons of Eurofighters, with a total value of up to €9-10bn euros. The commitment to deliver two new ships by 2024 is predicated on signature of a contract by the end of the year, a senior industry official said July 30. “Negotiations have been approved, but contract signature won’t happen until the government issues the export licences,” he said. The contract will be signed directly by Fincantieri with the Egyptian government. (Source: defense-aerospace.com)
AIR
28 Jul 20. Boeing has signed direct commercial sale (DCS) agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) for the upgrade of Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s (JASDF) ageing fleet of Mitsubishi F-15J. Under the DCS, up to 98 aircraft will receive the latest electronic warfare and weapons. Work under the programme is scheduled to commence in 2022. Operating on an advanced mission computer, the new advanced cockpit system installed in the fleet is expected to provide enhanced situational awareness for pilots. MHI will serve as the prime contractor for the upgrade. The two firms have not disclosed the value of the deal. It will also develop a detailed plan on the modification of the jets, as well as prepare facilities and workforce for the induction. Boeing will provide retrofit drawings, ground support equipment and technical publications to MHI for the upgrade of the first two aircraft to the Japan Super Interceptor configuration. Trading company Sojitz Corporation, which works with Boeing in Japan, will support the effort. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
28 Jul 20. The Australian Government has signed a new deal with Boeing Defence to deliver support services and provide advanced surveillance and response capabilities to the P-8A Poseidon aircraft. The six-year contract is expected to generate 40 new job opportunities. Under the contract, the company will maintain and support the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime aircraft at RAAF Base Edinburgh. The contract will strengthen the Australian industry’s capacity to operate and maintain the advanced aircraft and their systems. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
30 Jul 20. GE wins contract to supply Moroccan Apache engines. General Electric Aviation will supply T700 turboshaft engines for Morocco’s 24 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, which it ordered in June this year. Morocco will acquire 48 T700—701D engines and two spares as part of the contract, General Electric said this week. The T700/CT7 family of turboshaft and turboprop engines power 15 types of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft with more than 130 customers in more than 50 countries. The T700/CT7 family has surpassed 20 000 units delivered and more than 100 million total flight hours. Morocco is the 17th country to acquire the AH-64 Apache, according to Boeing. (Source: Google/https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
24 Jul 20. The US State Department has agreed on a deal worth $634.7m with the Government of Chile for modernisation upgrades to its F-16 fleet. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying Congress of the possible foreign military sale (FMS). Chile’s Government sought the purchase of equipment and services, including 19 Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS), six inert MK-82 (500LB) general-purpose bomb bodies, two MXU-650KB Air Foil Groups (AFG), 44 LN-260 Embedded GPS/INS (EGI), and 49 Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radios (MIDS JTRS). The sale also includes avionics and Mode 5 equipment and software upgrades, integration, and test, as well as software and software support. In addition, ARC-238 Radios, Combined Altitude Radar Altimeters (CARA), Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) support, and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) AN/APX-126 Combined Interrogator Transponders will be provided. The US will also deliver cryptographic appliques, keying equipment, and encryption devices, weapon system spares and support, bomb components, High-Bandwidth Compact Telemetry Modules (HCTMs), secure communications, aircraft displays, spare parts, publications, charts, and technical documentation, integration and test equipment, and F-16 based logistics. Once delivered, the aircraft will service the Chilean Air Force and enhance its capability to meet current and future threats. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
28 Jul 20. Russian MoD Preparing Acquisition of 76 Sukhoi Su-57 Fighters. Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday announced the purchase of 76 of the latest Su-57 fighters by the Ministry of Defense, which are to enter service with three aviation regiments by 2028. The contract, according to Kommersant, is estimated at up to 170bn rubles (approx. $2.4bn), which makes it the largest in the history of Russian aviation and guarantees a full workload for the Komsomolsk-on-Amur aviation plant for at least a decade. The agreement may be signed in the presence of the President at the MAKS aerospace show. The cost of the contract, estimated at 160 to 170bn rubles, is decreasing not only due to decisions to change the internal layout of the Su-57 and standardization of technical solutions, but also due to the fact that production will enter full rate. The source told Kommersant that military contracts allow only low (3-5%) profitability, but this contract will guarantee the full-rate capabilities of the Komsomolsk-on-Amur aircraft plant for the next (Source: defense-aerospace.com)