UNITED KINGDOM
SEA
28 Jun 21. The UK Royal Navy has awarded a 12 month contract extension to Airbus covering the continued provision of satellite-based maritime surveillance services for the Joint Maritime Security Centre (JMSC). The contract follows the successful completion of a proof of concept phase, and will ensure the continued monitoring of areas of interest in UK waters and ultimately protect UK sovereign borders from suspicious vessel activity. Using optical and radar imaging as well as AIS (Automatic Identification System) data, Airbus will provide reports about vessels within the UK Exclusive Economic Zone, as well as information that will help in the prevention of potential illegal activities. JMSC, which is the UK government’s centre of excellence for maritime security, required a series of services that would provide intelligence to augment their own surveillance activities. Under the agreement, JMSC will benefit from a large range of Airbus’ surveillance and analytics capabilities. The contract includes, Vessel Detection Reports using SAR data analysis, either delivered in emergency mode for urgently required satellite tasking to monitor suspicious vessels of interest across the globe, or on a twice daily basis for general vessel identification as well as the classification of ‘dark’ vessels in key areas of interest. In addition, the Defence Site Monitoring service, using automated algorithms applied to optical imagery, for the detection, recognition and identification of vessels will detail the evolution of port activity and raise alerts whenever abnormal activity occurs. The Airbus surveillance services will give JMSC a greater understanding of the various activities across UK waters, especially with a focus on potentially uncooperative vessels, helping to better address security challenges and allowing resources to be rapidly deployed to intercept.
AIR
01 Jul 21. £3.5m investment for smarter missile systems. The Defence Science Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has been awarded £3.5m to develop innovative new missile systems.. Known as the Co-operative Strike Weapons Technology Demonstrator (CSWTD), the Dstl-led project will explore how inter-missile communication can enable the weapons systems to work together and also improve the performance of current systems.
The project aims to increase the flexibility of missiles, ensuring that they can react to a changing threat or situation as it emerges, and improve their responsiveness. It will change the way missiles operate together with an upgrade to the software system that allows this co-operative behaviour. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
TECHNOLOGY
29 June 21. Adarga has been awarded a key contract to deliver its state-of-the-art AI-powered Knowledge PlatformTM to the British Army for an extended Capability Concept Demonstrator. The UK developed software platform will enable the Army to exploit the vast, untapped and growing amount of data at its disposal at a speed and scale previously unimaginable to maximise its effectiveness on operations. The multimillion pound, multi-year software licence is the Field Army’s first deployment of AI in day-to-day use, a significant development following the recent Integrated Review in which the UK Government committed to investing in new and emerging technologies to modernise Defence capability and enable the UK to maintain a competitive edge over its adversaries. The ability for the Army to better understand and effectively exploit the myriad of valuable information and knowledge available to them, which includes practical military experience from decades of lessons learnt on training and operations, is vital in succeeding in the highly-dynamic, challenging environments in which the Army operates.
29 Jun 21. BAE Systems has won a contract from the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) to provide a new data management system to enhance the Royal Navy’s ship availability. The five-year contract includes UK naval ships such as the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, Type 45 destroyers, and the new Type 26 frigates. Known as ‘Support Information Knowledge Management (S-IKM)’, the new solution will enable management of huge data for fleet on-shore support and maintenance securely and efficiently. It uses data analytics to inform through-life support and improve ship availability for the Royal Navy. According to the company, the support and maintenance services are also provided for technical manuals, schematics and part numbers. The data sharing across the support enterprise, comprising the Royal Navy, the MOD and other industrial suppliers, allows in providing better support to ships. The S-IKM tool will also enhance the operational support delivered to service crew at sea. The MOD can retain ownership and control of the data. (Source: naval-technology.com)
EUROPE
LAND
01 Jul 21. Bittium has received a purchase order from the Finnish Defence Forces for the development of a new software version for the software defined radio based Bittium Tactical Wireless IP Network™ (TAC WIN) system. The development work continues the performance enhancement of the waveform and radio platform software of the TAC WIN system based on the observations made during field testing and training, and waveform research done by Bittium. Bittium TAC WIN system provides broadband IP connectivity for the Finnish Defence Forces’ mobile communication stations and command posts. The system supports the Finnish Defence Forces’ combat doctrine where mobility, leading the troops on the move, and effective communications play a key role. The resilient and modular system is used by all three service branches of the Finnish Defence Forces. The value of the purchase order is approximately EUR 2.3m (excl. VAT). The procurement decision includes options for additional purchases that are valued at approximately EUR 0.5m (excl. VAT) at maximum. The now ordered development work will be carried out by the end of the first half-year of 2022. The purchase order does not change Bittium’s financial outlook for the year 2021, published in Bittium Corporation’s Business Review January-March 2021 on April 29, 2021.
28 Jun 21. Hensoldt-THEON consortium to produce NVG sets for Belgium and Germany. The NVG contract covers production of a total of 9,550 MIKRON NVG sets and related support. A consortium of Hensoldt Optronics and THEON Sensors has received a contract from the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation Executive Administration (OCCAR-EA) to produce night vision goggles (NVG). The contract is the result of a Europe-wide competitive bid. It was signed by the OCCAR-EA director and representatives of industry in Bonn, Germany. The NVG contract comprises the production of 4,550 MIKRON NVG sets for Belgium and 5,000 MIKRON NVG sets for Germany. It also includes the provision of initial spare parts, training, documentation, and 1,789 head mounting systems for Germany. Furthermore, the contract includes initial in-service support (ISS) of five years for Belgium. According to OCCAR, the contract also secures firm prices for options that cover initial ISS for Germany, follow-on ISS for both Belgium and Germany, and the acquisition of up to 20,000 extra NVG sets. (Source: army-technology.com)
25 Jun 21. France awards Leclerc upgrade contract to Nexter. The Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA), the French defence procurement agency, awarded Nexter the mid-life update (MLU) contract for 200 Leclerc main battle tanks on 1 June, French Armed Forces Ministry spokesperson Hervé Grandjean announced at the ministry’s weekly briefing on 24 June. The Leclerc entered service in 1993, and the upgraded Leclerc XLR will serve until it is replaced by the Franco-German Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) in about 2040. The first refurbished tanks will be delivered in 2022, with 50 to be delivered in 2024 and 122 to be upgraded in 2025 and the programme expected to be completed in 2028. The MLU design contract was awarded to Nexter in March 2015. The MLU includes the integration of the Leclerc into the Scorpion system, the French Army’s digital network, and equipping it with the SICS combat information system from Atos and the Contact radio from Thales. This will allow voice and data to be exchanged simultaneously among network subscribers, vehicles (including Griffon, Jaguar, and VBL armoured vehicles), dismounted soldiers, and eventually Tigre (Tiger) Mk3 attack helicopters. The Leclerc XLR will also feature better protection against improvised explosive devices and rocket-propelled grenades, as well as an FN Herstal 50-cal remote weapon system (RWS). The MLU will also deal with obsolescence issues, for example the fire-control computer authorising the use of new 120 mm ammunition that is yet to be detailed and retaining the capability of the moving tank to hit static or mobile targets. There are 17 Leclerc DCL armoured recovery vehicles (ARVs) also being upgraded, including the integration of a 50-cal RWS. (Source: Jane’s)
30 Jun 21. Oshkosh Defense LLC, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was awarded a $152,662,199 modification (P00126) to contract W56HZV-20-C-0050 to support the fielding of trucks, packaged and installed kits, and trailers. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2022. Fiscal 2019 and 2020 Navy procurement; 2021 Air Force procurement; 2019, 2020 and 2021 other procurement, Army; 2021 Marine Corps procurement; and 2021 Foreign Military Sales (Lithuania, Macedonia, Slovenia and Romania) funds in the amount of $152,662,199 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity.
29 June 21. Billion-euro contract for Rheinmetall – Bundeswehr upgrading Puma infantry fighting vehicle to new design status. Rheinmetall has won a major order from the German Bundeswehr in the armoured vehicle domain, representing sales volume of well over half a billion euros. Issued through the joint venture company PSM GmbH, the contract encompasses the upgrade of the first lot of the Bundeswehr’s Puma infantry fighting vehicle, bringing them up to a uniform enhanced design status. PSM GmbH is co-owned by Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, each of which holds a 50 percent share in the company. The contract for modernizing Germany’s fleet of Puma IFVs was signed on 28 June 2021 at the Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) in Koblenz. In awarding this contract, the Bundeswehr remains on track toward an operationally ready, fully digitized fleet of infantry fighting vehicles. Work is slated to begin immediately in July 2021 and is expected to be complete in 2029. Now official, the initial phase of the order encompasses 154 vehicles, generating sales for the consortium of €1.04n. Rheinmetall’s share here comes to €501m (with value added tax), which will be booked as an incoming order at the start of the third quarter of 2021. For Rheinmetall, anticipated consortium-internal subcontracting, e.g., in the electronic vision systems domain, is expected to mean additional orders in the three-digit million-euro range. The contract also contains an option for modernization of a further 143 Puma infantry fighting vehicles, which for the PSM consortium would mean additional sales volume totalling €820m, once again including VAT. Well over half this amount would be allotted to Rheinmetall.
AIR
30 Jun 21. Germany signs on for Five Boeing P-8A Poseidon Aircraft. The German Ministry of Defense today signed a letter of offer and acceptance for five Boeing (NYSE:BA) P-8A Poseidon aircraft under the U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process. With this order, Germany becomes the eighth customer of the multimission maritime surveillance aircraft, joining the United States, Australia, India, the United Kingdom, Norway, Korea and New Zealand. The P-8A Poseidon offers unique multimission capability and is the only aircraft in service and in production that meets the full range of maritime challenges faced by European nations. Deployed around the world with more than 130 aircraft in service, and over 300,000 collective flight hours, the P-8A is vital for global anti-submarine warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and search-and-rescue operations. German companies that already supply parts for the P-8A include Aljo Aluminum-Bau Jonischeit GmbH and Nord-Micro GmbH. Recently, Boeing signed agreements with ESG Elektroniksystem-und Logistik-GmbH and Lufthansa Technik to collaborate in systems integration, training, support and sustainment work. By working with local suppliers, Boeing will provide support, training and maintenance solutions that will bring the highest operational availability to fulfill the German Navy’s missions.
29 Jun 21. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., Poway, California, has been awarded a $79,420,164 delivery order (FA8689-21-F-2805) to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite -quantity contract (FA8689-20-D-2020) for the France MQ-9 Block 5 aircraft procurement program. Work will be performed in Poway, California, and is expected to be completed March 29, 2024. This contract involves 100% Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to France. FMS funds in the full amount are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. France signs for additional Reaper Block 5 UAV. France has signed for an additional General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI) MQ-9 Reaper Block 5 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), with the US Department of Defense announcing a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) award on 28 June. Valued at USD79.42m, the contract, in support of the French MQ-9 Block 5 aircraft procurement programme, will run through to 29 March 2024. France has six Reaper Block 1 and six Reaper Block 5 UAVs, and is in the process of acquiring a further six Block 5 vehicles. These Block 5 aircraft will be armed with GBU-12 Paveway precision-guided bombs and AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, and will also be equipped with an FMS pod for electronic intelligence gathering. As noted in Janes World Air Forces, France’s decision to acquire MQ-9 Reapers is understood to be directly linked to capability gaps exposed by the continuing engagement in Mali, where French forces lacked an advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capacity, and had to rely on the US for the provision of intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance. Simultaneously, the limited number of Harfang UAVs operated by the French prioritised surveillance flights over the task force, rather than long-endurance flights over Northern Mali in the search for militants. (Source: Jane’s)
30 June 21. HENSOLDT wins billion-dollar contract for “PEGASUS” reconnaissance system. Sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT has been awarded a contract by the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) to supply the airborne electronic signals intelligence system “PEGASUS”. In a ceremony scaled down for corona reasons, the contract for the development, production and integration of the signal-capturing reconnaissance system PEGASUS, including the three Bombardier “Global 6000” aircraft and associated evaluation stations, was signed yesterday. HENSOLDT acts as general contractor and is also responsible for the production of the entire reconnaissance technology. Lufthansa Technik, based in Hamburg, is responsible for the procurement of the aircraft from the manufacturer Bombardier and their modification (cabin conversion, installation of reconnaissance technology). Altogether, almost 30 companies, many of them medium-sized, from all over Germany are involved in the project as suppliers and partners.
30 Jun 21. Switzerland Selects F-35 Lightning II for Future Air Defense Requirements. The Swiss Federal Council announced Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II is the aircraft selected from its New Fighter Aircraft competition. The Swiss Air Force will receive F-35A aircraft, a sustainment solution tailored to Swiss autonomy requirements, and a comprehensive training program. The F-35 selection will deliver economic and technical advantages to the nation for decades to come. Swiss industry will have the opportunity to participate in research and development, production and sustainment opportunities that will extend their capabilities into the future. As a new participant in the F-35 program, Switzerland will benefit from Lockheed Martin’s dedication to autonomy and sovereignty in integrating indigenous solutions. To date, the F-35 operates from 21 bases worldwide, with nine nations operating F-35s on their home soil. There are more than 655 F-35s in service today, with more than 1,380 pilots and 10,670 maintainers trained on the aircraft.
25 Jun 21. Thales Alenia Space and Partners Selected by the ESA to Supply Deep Space Antenna for New Norcia Ground Station in Australia. The European Alliance for Deep Space Antennas (E-DSA²) formed by Thales Alenia Space, Schwartz-Hautmont and mtex antenna technology has been selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) to supply a fourth deep space antenna for the New Norcia ground station near Perth, Australia. This new-generation 35-meter antenna will enable ESA to increase its communications capacity in X, K and Ka bands and to round out its network of antennas for tracking spacecraft and collecting science data from solar system missions, such as Exomars TGO, currently in orbit around the Red Planet, and BepiColombo, en route for Mercury, as well as upcoming missions including the Euclid astronomical observatory or the Juice mission to Jupiter, both set to launch in 2022. New Norcia is part of ESA’s ESTRACK global network of ground stations. Thales Alenia Space, joint venture between Thales (67 %) and Leonardo (33 %), is the consortium partner in charge of overall performance of the antenna, set for commissioning in 2024. It will also be responsible for the antenna’s systems engineering, the overall system and equipment (RF, power, cooling, etc.). The construction of this deep space antenna marks a first for Thales Alenia Space. The challenge is to pick up very faint signals and then boost them considerably for transmission from and to objects in deep space, to enable reception of science data and uploading of commands to space probes. Thales Alenia Space will be relying on Thales’ expertise in Australia to finalize the terms of the civil engineering contract and oversee its execution, and on lessons learned by Telespazio, the joint venture of Leonardo (67%) and Thales (33%), in charge of the maintenance of one of the three ESA antennas for deep space communications in Malargue, Argentina. (Source: ASD Network)
TECHNOLOGY
02 Jul 21. EU Defence Fund awards subsidy to DAC for CUIIS project. The CUIIS project is aimed at developing underwater technology using sensors and control systems for military divers. DAC will focus on sensors and the underwater technology for monitoring the divers’ health. Credit: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alfred A. Coffield. The EU Defence Fund (EDF) has awarded a subsidy to Danish Aerospace Company (DAC) for participation in the Comprehensive Underwater Intervention Information System (CUIIS) project.
Led by the Bulgarian Defense Institute, the project consortium comprises 18 companies and institutions from Denmark, Romania, Bulgaria, France, Italy, Poland, and Finland. The CUIIS project is aimed at developing underwater technology using sensors, monitoring and control systems for military divers. This technology will be used for monitoring and rescuing military divers. The company would receive this subsidy, alongside companies and research institutions from six other countries. DAC note that the project is part of the EU Commission’s recently published results for the European Defense Industrial Development Program 2020 (EDIDP). Under the project, DAC will be responsible for sensors and the underwater technology to monitor the divers’ health.(Source: naval-technology.com)
28 Jun 21. The European Commission on Wednesday, 30 June, announced the results of the 2020 calls for proposal of the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP). Terma is part of three projects that have been accepted by the Commission. Terma is exceedingly proud of its performance, having successfully won AI4DEF, a project focusing on supporting the uptake of Artificial Intelligence in European Armed Forces and bringing together a vast array of the best companies, universities and SMEs excelling in this domain. The AI4DEF consortium consists of 22 partners from 10 countries and combines an optimal mix of large entreprises, SMEs and universities. Along four use-cases, which are defined together with supporting nations’ armed forces reflecting real scenarios and needs, the consortium will test and qualify a variety of AI algorithms for their usability in the defence domain. Terma will bring its considerable expertise on Joint Intellilgence, Surveillance and Reconnaisance (JISR) and build on its AI know-how. Furthermore, Terma will participate in two more EDIDP projects: CARMENTA and ODINs EYE. CARMENTA, led by Elettronica, will cover the first development steps of a future European Self-Protection-System for rotary and fixed-wing aircraft. ODINs EYE, led by OHB, will study the potential of an early-warning system for Ballistic Missile Defence.
30 June 21. Patria has been awarded a contract for the delivery of the Patria ARIS-E Electronic Support Measures (ESM) system to a European customer. This further extends Patria’s state-of-the-art Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance portfolio to also include compilation of tactical situational picture. Patria ARIS-E is an ESM system used for intercepting, identifying and geolocating radioemitters without being detected itself. Based on the received signals, the system produces a situational picture indicating active operations. The system also enables further analysis of the received signals. ARIS-E utilizes the best solutions developed for Patria’s ARIS Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) product, as well as the newest receiver and signal processing technologies ensuring detection of even the most advanced threats in a congested and contested EM environment. The ARIS-E system provides advantages on the electronic battlefield, where it is essential to gather information about operations within the full radio frequency spectrum.
USA
LAND
01 Jul 21. The U.S. Army Contracting Command – Detroit Arsenal (ACC-DTA) announced that it has awarded Oshkosh Defense, a wholly owned subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK), a $152m order for Joint Light Tactical Wheeled Vehicles (JLTV), companion trailers, and associated kits. The order includes Oshkosh JLTVs, trailers and kits for the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Navy, as well as NATO allies Lithuania, North Macedonia, Slovenia, and Romania. Since winning the competitive JLTV contract in 2015, Oshkosh has built over 12,500 JLTVs, fielded vehicles to over 40 U.S. and international military installations, and received commitments from 8 NATO, Allied, and Coalition partners.The U.S. Army recently increased Oshkosh’s option ceiling under the current contract from 18,170 to 23,163 vehicles to support critical missions worldwide.
30 Jun 21. Science Applications International (SAIC) has secured a contract to help the US Department of Defense (DoD) Combatant Commands better counter small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) threats. The contract has been with the US Air Force Life Cycle and Management Center (AFLCMC), Force Protection Division. Under the single-award contract, SAIC will provide a wide range of integrated logistics support (ILS) and sustainment services. Valued at $90m, the contract has a one-year base period of performance and three one-year options. Currently, SAIC supports the US Army’s counter-sUAS programmes and will continue this effort through the latest contract. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
AIR
28 Jun 21. BAE Systems ramps F-35 electronic warfare system production. BAE Systems, Inc. is providing Lockheed Martin with additional electronic warfare (EW) systems, retrofit kits, and spares for the F-35 Lightning II aircraft. The contract builds on BAE Systems’ on-time delivery of more than 800 state-of-the-art AN/ASQ-239 electronic warfare/countermeasure systems to date, providing F-35 jets with critical situational awareness and survivability capabilities. This Lot 16 award comes as BAE Systems delivers Lot 14 systems and executes material orders for Lot 15. The company is currently producing 18 shipsets a month as it ramps production to more than 20 shipsets a month in 2022 to match F-35 aircraft Low Rate Initial Production. The AN/ASQ-239 EW system provides advanced offensive and defensive capabilities that enable the F-35 to engage complex and highly capable threats. The innovative system is designed for performance, manufacturability, sustainability, and future upgradability. BAE Systems is a leader in system affordability, having reduced the cost of the F-35 EW system by 77% since it was first produced and achieving all affordability targets since the inception of the program. The company is also among Lockheed Martin’s highest-rated suppliers for both quality and on-time delivery. BAE Systems also is a leader in EW – designing, manufacturing, and sustaining some of the most advanced systems in the world. The company is focused on agile engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment solutions to accelerate the transition of laboratory innovations to the field. The company’s expertise in performance-based logistics has yielded a 60% improvement in F-35 EW system availability. The AN/ASQ-239 system is manufactured at the BAE Systems state-of-the-art EW production facility in Nashua, N.H.
28 June 21. The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, has been awarded a $128,843,992 firm-fixed-price contract for the F-15 Mission Training Center (MTC) simulation services to support the Air Combat Command, Pacific Air Forces and Air Force in Europe locations. The contractor will provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, transportation, tools, materials, supervision and other items to perform all MTC services. These services will provide simulation capability to train F-15 pilots and system operators in high-fidelity training devices. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Missouri; Kadena Air Base, Japan; Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho; Nellis AFB, Nevada; Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom; and Seymour-Johnson AFB, North Carolina, and is expected to be completed Dec. 31, 2021. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $13,177,889 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8621-21-C-0001).
24 June 21. Professional services provider Jacobs has received a new architecture and engineering (AE) contract in support of the US Air Force (USAF) B-21 programme. The Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) was awarded by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Kansas City District. Jacobs will support the planning, design, investigation, studies and construction of facilities and infrastructure for the B-21 mission. These services will be provided at Ellsworth Air Force Base (AFB) in South Dakota, Dyess AFB in Texas, Whiteman AFB in Missouri, and other locations. The shared contract capacity is valued at $200m, with individual task order limits ranging at $50m. The latest contract has an initial five-year base period. It comes with a two-year option period. AE services also include training, squad operations, weapons training, as well as engine test shop facilities. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
01 Jul 21. The US Navy has contracted Kratos Defense & Security Solutions’ Defense & Rocket Support Services (DRSS) Division to develop hypersonic experimental test vehicle. The contract was awarded by the Navy Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme (NSWC PHD) Division, White Sands Detachment. The vehicle will be used to conduct flight tests and demonstration opportunities in appropriate environments and support high-speed flight technology maturation. This capability will enable rapid maturation of lower Technology Readiness Level (TRL) components for introduction into future missile programmes. The company will carry out work under the contract at its facility in Glen Burnie, as well as other vendor locations. (Source: naval-technology.com)
30 Jun 21. Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a not-to-exceed $1,803,683,878 cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus-incentive-fee, and fixed-price-incentive-firm undefinitized contract action. This contract provides for the procurement of recurring logistics services for delivered F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter air systems in support of the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, non-U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) participants and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Services to be provided include ground maintenance activities, action request resolution, depot activation activities, automatic logistics information system operations and maintenance, reliability, maintainability and health management implementation and support, supply chain management and activities to provide and support pilot and maintainer initial training. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (61%); Orlando, Florida (24%); Greenville, South Carolina (8%); Samlesbury, United Kingdom (4%); and El Segundo, California (3%), and is expected to be completed in December 2021. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (Air Force) funds in the amount of $91,083,695; fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (Air National Guard) funds in the amount of $40,478,232; fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $56,922,784; fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $27,192,677; non-U.S. DOD participant funds in the amount of $76,946,111; and FMS funds in the amount of $41,266,703 will be obligated at the time of the award, $215,677,388 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001921C0020).
29 June 21. Lockheed Martin Corp., Owego, New York, is awarded a $129,000,000 modification (P00027) to previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract N00019-19-C-0013. This modification increases the scope for the production and delivery of three MH-60R aircraft as replacement-in-kind for the Navy. Work will be performed in Owego, New York (52%); Stratford, Connecticut (40%); and Troy, Alabama (8%), and is expected to be completed in May 2025. Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $129,000,000 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.
25 Jun 21. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) will install more life-saving Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure (LAIRCM) systems on U.S. and international fixed-wing and rotary wing aircraft under a $146m order from the U.S. Air Force. The award is part of an existing indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract to Northrop Grumman for LAIRCM upgrades, modifications and installations on a wide range of aircraft, including the C-17, C-5, C-130J, P-8, CH-53K, KC-46 and platforms operated by international customers.
30 Jun 21. Peraton has won a spot on the Unmanned Maritime Systems Support II (UMSS II) indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. The IDIQ is valued at $250m over an eight-year period. It covers work across both unmanned surface and subsurface systems involved in waterborne and underwater mine countermeasures (MCM) missions on behalf of Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal. Under the contract, Peraton will provide hardware and software development services for the US Navy’s unmanned maritime systems (UMS). The company will also provide in-service operational support services for the UMS systems. Peraton will compete for task orders to provide the required support. Potential services include fielding, maintenance, training, and configuration, as well as programme management for the US Navy’s UMSs. (Source: naval-technology.com)
02 Jul 21. Raytheon Co., El Segundo, California, is awarded a $171,629,206 fixed-price incentive (firm target), cost-reimbursable contract. This contract procures three Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band low rate initial production Lot One ship sets, associated spares, gold units for operational test program set development and associated technical data. Work will be performed in Dallas, Texas (44%); Forest, Mississippi (33%); El Segundo, California (20%); Ft. Wayne, Indiana (2%); and Andover, Massachusetts (1%), and is expected to be completed in October 2023. Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $171,629,206 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001921C0053).
25 Jun 21. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a Lockheed Martin Co., Stratford, Connecticut, is awarded a $735,903,127 modification (P00004) to previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract N00019-20-C-0047. This modification increases the scope for nine Lot Five low rate initial production CH-53K heavy-lift aircraft and associated aircraft, programmatic and logistical support. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut (36.71%); Wichita, Kansas (9.86%); Salt Lake City, Utah (6.19%); St. Louis, Missouri (4.30%); Bridgeport, West Virginia (3.19%); Redmond, Washington (1.91%); Quebec, Canada (1.66%); Kent, Washington (1.63%); Rochester, United Kingdom (1.59%); Cudahy, Wisconsin (1.39%); Fort Walton Beach, Florida (1.19%); Jupiter, Florida (1.01%); various locations within the continental U.S. (CONUS) (27.37%); and various locations outside CONUS (2%), and is expected to be completed in December 2024. Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $735,903,127 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.
30 Jun 21. Teledyne Brown Engineering Inc., Huntsville, Alabama, is awarded a $27,437,235 indefinite-quantity/indefinite-delivery, firm-fixed-price, and time-and-materials contract for the Littoral Battlespace Sensing-Glider (LBS-G) program. The contract is for program management, engineering support, production, maintenance, repairs, test, training, documentation updates, spares, system upgrades and other logistic related tasks for the LBS-G program. Fiscal 2021 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,498,692 will be obligated at time of award on the first task order. The contract includes a single five-year ordering period and five one-year option periods. The option periods, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $39,238,235. Funding will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Alabama, and is expected to be completed in June 2026. If options are exercised, work could continue until June 2031. This requirement was solicited using full and open competition via the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command E-Commerce Central website, with two offers received. The Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N0003921D6001).
01 Jul 21. Raytheon Missiles and Defense, Tucson, Arizona, has been awarded an approximately $2,000,000,000 (to include all options) cost-plus-fixed-fee with performance incentives contract for the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase of the Long Range Standoff (LRSO) Weapon System. During the EMD phase, manufacturing processes will continue to mature and the manufacturing environment will be demonstrated and transitioned to a pilot line readiness state. The objective at the end of EMD is to demonstrate full production readiness. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, and is expected to be completed February 2027. This contract is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation funds are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity.
30 Jun 21. United Kingdom Ministry of Defence, Defence Business Services Finance, Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom, is awarded a $15,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract procures one E-3D aircraft for use as an in-flight trainer in support of the E-6B aircraft program for the Navy. Work will be performed in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and is expected to be completed in September 2021. Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $15,000,000 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001921C0045).
TECHNOLOGY
30 Jun 21. Aurora Flight Sciences Corp., Manassas, Virginia, has been awarded a $12,365,672 modification (P00004) to cost-plus-fixed-fee contract HR001120C0119 to exercise the Phase 1 option of the Control of Revolutionary Aircraft with Novel Effectors (CRANE) program. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $19,480,800 from $7,115,128. Work will be performed in Manassas, Virginia (50%); Tucson, Arizona (26%); St. Louis, Missouri (15%); and Los Angeles, California (9%), with an estimated completion date of April 2022. Fiscal 2021 research and development funds in the amount of $8,313,272 are being obligated at the time of award. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity.
28 Jun 21. Leidos wins $950m USAF contract to improve ISR capabilities. The IDIQ contract will see Leidos support the USAF’s ISR/SOF Directorate (WI), Sensors Division (WIN) Non-Standard FMS branches. Leidos has won a contract to provide solutions to enhance the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities of the US and its allies. The prime multi-award, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract has been awarded by the US Air Force (USAF) and its total value is estimated at $950m. Under the IDIQ contract, Leidos will provide solutions for a wide range of aviation requirements. These will support the USAF’s ISR and special operations forces (ISR/SOF) directorate (WI), sensors division (WIN) non-standard foreign military sales (FMS) branches. The contract’s period of performance is 13 years. It comes with a ten-year ordering period and a three-year performance period. According to the company, the contractual work will be executed at global locations. Leidos noted that its team will deploy a suite of professionals and tools from across the industry to deliver the required support. ISR sensor integration, hardware and spares procurement, sustainment support, as well as inspections for airworthiness/configuration will be offered by the company. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
30 Jun 21. Mercury Defense Systems Inc., Cypress, California, is awarded an $11,794,811 firm-fixed-price order (N6833521F0130) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N6833517G0017). This order procures 12 Type I.v1 Advanced Digital Radio Frequency Memories (DRFM) production units, each configured with two 18 GHz radio frequency converter modules and two micro-DRFM modules; seven Type II.v3 Advanced DRFM production units, each configured with four 7-11 GHz radio frequency converter modules and four micro-DRFM modules; and data deliverables in support of the Small Business Innovation Research Phase III effort for topic N06-036 titled, “Advanced Techniques for Digital Radio Frequency Memories (DRFM)” for the Navy and Air Force. Work will be performed in Cypress, California (83%); and West Caldwell, New Jersey (17%), and is expected to be completed in December 2022. Fiscal 2021 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $5,278,140; fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $5,197,136; and fiscal 2021 working capital (DoD) funds in the amount of $1,319,535 will be obligated at the 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.
REST OF THE WORLD
LAND
01 Jul 21. Kuwait – Heavy Tactical Vehicles. The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Kuwait of Heavy Tactical Vehicles with support and related equipment for an estimated cost of $445m. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of Kuwait has requested to buy five hundred seventeen (517) total Heavy Tactical Vehicles consisting of Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTT) and Heavy Equipment Transporters (HET). These items include: thirty-one (31) HEMTT Wrecker Trucks (M984A4 ten-ton with crane and winch); one hundred (100) HEMTT Fuel Tanker Trucks (M978A4, ten-ton, 2,500?gallon); one hundred eighty-eight (188) Guided Missile Transporter Trucks (M985A4, ten-ton with winch); fifty (50) Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) Trucks (M1070A1); fifty (50) 635NL Commercial Trailers for use with HET prime movers; forty-nine (49) Palletized Load System (PLS) Trailers (M1076A0); PLS Flat Rack (M1077 with sides); elements of logistical, contract, and other support services including spare parts, special tools and test equipment; tool sets; standard technical manuals; OCONUS operator and maintainer new equipment training (NET); Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) including Field Service Representatives (FSRs); de-processing services; construction of a heavy tactical vehicle maintenance facility; U.S. Government-furnished program management; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total case value is $445m. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a Major Non-NATO ally that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East. This proposed sale will improve Kuwait’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing tactical logistics, sustainment, and transportation support to the country’s Land Force Support Command. HEMTT Wreckers provide the capability to recover disabled wheeled vehicles. The other HEMTTs include Fuel Tankers and Guided Missile Transporters to perform resupply missions. The HEMTT and Palletized Load System trailers transport bulk supplies to include fuel, ammunition, spare parts, and rations. Kuwait will use these heavy vehicles to transport and support heavy equipment, including their legacy M1A2 tanks and their new M1A2K main battle tank slated for delivery in 2021. Kuwait will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and the associated services 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 Oshkosh Defense, LLC, Oshkosh, WI, for HEMTTs, HETs, PLS trailers, and support. The sub-contractor for commercial 635NL trailers will be Fontaine Trailers, Springville, AL. The sub-contractor for trailer flat racks will be Etnyre, Oregon, IL. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of ten to fifteen (10-15) embedded U.S. contractor representatives to Kuwait for duration of a five (5) year program to provide training, field service representatives, fleet support, program management, and facility construction oversight. (Source: ASD Network)
SEA
24 Jun 21. The Philippines – AGM-84L-1 Harpoon Air Launched Block II Missiles. The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Philippines of AGM-84L-1 Harpoon Air Launched Block II Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $120m. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of the Philippines has requested to buy twelve (12) AGM-84L-1 Harpoon Block II air launched missiles; and two (2) ATM-84L-1 Harpoon Block II Exercise missiles. Also included are containers; spare and repair parts; support and test equipment; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistical support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $120m. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner that continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in South East Asia. The proposed sale will enhance the Philippines’ interoperability with the U.S. and other allied nations, making it a more valuable partner in an increasingly important area of the world. It will improve the Philippines’ capability to meet current and future threats by providing flexible solutions to augment existing surface and air defense. The Philippine Air Force is modernizing its fighter aircraft to better support its own maritime security needs. This capability will provide the Philippine Air Force the ability to employ a highly reliable and effective system to counter or deter maritime aggressions, coastal blockades, and amphibious assaults. The Philippines 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 prime contractor will be The Boeing Company, St. Louis, MO. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: ASD Network)
28 Jun 21. Rohde & Schwarz has been chosen by the Águas Azuis Consortium for the Brazilian Navy’s Tamandaré Frigates Class program to be fully responsible for the development, design, production, integration and acceptance of the external and internal communication suite and will supply communication electronic support measures (C-ESM). The Águas Azuis Consortium, formed by thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, Embraer Defense & Security and Atech, has been selected by the Brazilian Navy to construct four surface combatants based on the MEKO A100 design as part of the Tamandaré Frigates Class program. All vessels will be built in Brazil with delivery scheduled between 2024 and 2029. Rohde & Schwarz will provide the external communications architecture, the modern and fully IP-based integrated communications system (NAVICS) of the frigates, and cutting-edge antenna systems.
AIR
30 Jun 21. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) stated today (30) that it recently signed a contract, worth $50m, with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence to upgrade Kfir aircraft for the nation’s Air Force, Isreal Defense reported. The deal includes replacing the aircraft’s basic avionics with advanced 4+ generation fighter aircraft avionics in order to one day integrate advanced radar, sensors, communication systems, and new helmets. The upgrade process will also include transfer of related knowledge and skills to Sri Lankan Air Force personnel. The upgrades will be completed in cooperation with the Air Force and in its facilities, IAI said. (Source: Google/https://www.nation.lk/)
24 Jun 21. The Philippines – F-16 Block 70/72 Aircraft. The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Philippines of F-16 Block 70/72 Aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $2.43bn. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of the Philippines has requested to buy ten (10) F-16C Block 70/72 aircraft; two (2) F-16D Block 70/72 aircraft; fifteen (15) F100-PW-229EEP engines or F110-GE-129D engines; fifteen (15) Improved Programmable Display Generators (iPDG); fifteen (15) AN/APG-83 Advanced Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Scalable Agile Beam Radars (SABR); fifteen (15) Modular Mission Computers 7000AH; fifteen (15) LN-260 Embedded GPS/INS (EGI) with SAASM and PPS; twenty-four (24) Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) AIM-120C-7/C-8 or equivalent; one (1) AIM-120 Guidance Section; forty-eight (48) LAU-129 missile launchers; three (3) KMU-572 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition (LJDAM) tail kits; six (6) Mk-82 500lb bombs; six (6) Mk-82 500lb Inert training bombs; six (6) FMU-152 or FMU-139 fuzes; six (6) Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP) or Litening ATP; fifteen (15) Multifunctional Information Display System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS-JTRS) aircraft terminals, and; fifteen (15) M61A1 Vulcan Anti-Aircraft 20mm guns. Also included are AN/ARC-238 radios; Advanced Identification Friend or Foe with Combined Interrogator Transponder and Mode 5; Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems II (JHMCS II) or Scorpion Hybrid Optical-based Inertial Tacker (HObIT); Integrated Electronic Warfare Suite; Electronic Combat International Security Assistance Program (ECISAP) support; AN/ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispenser Systems (CMDS); Joint Mission Planning Systems (JMPS) or equivalent; AIM-120 CATM; LAU-118 launchers with Advanced Launcher Interface Computer (ALIC); LAU-117 missile launchers; DSU-38 Precision Laser Guided Sensor for LJDAM; Harpoon interface adapter kits; PGU-28 High Explosive Incendiary (HEI) ammunition; PGU-27 ammunition training rounds (non HEI); Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD); ARD-446 impulse cartridges; ARD-863 impulse cartridges; BBU-36/B impulse cartridges; BBU-35/B impulse cartridges; MK-124 smoke flares; MJU-7/B Flare Cartridge L463; BRU-61 Bomb Racks; BRU-57 bomb racks; MAU-12 bomb racks and TER-9A triple ejection racks; weapons support, test equipment, and missile containers; chaff and flare; Night Vision Devices (NVD) and support equipment and spares; secure communications; cryptographic equipment; aircraft and personnel support and test equipment; integration and test; weapons, ammunition, pylons, launcher adaptors, weapons interfaces, fuel tanks, and attached hardware; travel pods, precision measurement equipment laboratory, calibration, and simulators; spare and repair parts, repair and return services; maps, publications, and technical documentation; studies and surveys; classified / unclassified software and software support; personnel training and training equipment; facilities and facility management, design and/or construction services; 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 $2.43bn. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner that continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in South East Asia. The proposed sale will improve the Philippines’ capability to meet current and future threats by enabling the Philippines to deploy fighter aircraft with precision munitions in support of counterterrorism operations in the southern Philippines, increasing effectiveness and minimizing collateral damage. The Philippines is committed to modernizing its military forces and will have no difficulty absorbing this aircraft and services 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, Greenville, SC. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: ASD Network)
30 Jun 21. Raytheon Missile and Defense, Tucson, Arizona, is awarded a $328,156,454 fixed-price incentive (firm target) contract. This contract provides for the production and delivery of Lot 21 as follows: 483 AIM-9X Block II all up round tactical missiles (212 for the Navy, 187 for the Air Force and 84 for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers); 82 AIM-9X block II plus all up round missiles (eight for the Navy, eight for the Air Force and 66 for FMS customers); 156 Block II Captive Air Training Missiles (82 for the Air Force and 74 for FMS customers); eight Block II Special Air Training Missiles (two for the Air Force and six for FMS customers); 198 all up round containers (75 for the Navy, 73 for the Air Force and 50 for FMS customers); six spare advanced optical target detectors (two for the Air Force and four for FMS customers); five spare advanced optical target detector containers (two for the Air Force and three for FMS customers); 29 spare Block II guidance units (live battery) (13 for the Navy, four for the Air Force, and 12 for FMS customers); six spare Block II plus guidance units (live battery) for FMS customers; 41 guidance unit containers for FMS customers; 72 spare Captive Air Training Missile guidance units (inert battery) (22 for the Navy, three for the Air Force, and 47 for FMS customers); two spare Block I propulsion steering sections for the Air Force; seven spare Block II propulsion steering sections (two for the Navy, four for the Air Force, and one for FMS customers); 72 spare Block II electronics units (68 for the Navy and four for the Air Force); two classroom explosive ordnance disposal systems trainers for FMS customers; one practical explosive ordnance disposal systems trainer for a FMS customer; 11 multi-purpose training missiles for various FMS customers; 135 tail caps (eight for the Navy, 16 for the Air Force and 111 for FMS customers); 35 tail cap containers (two for the Navy, four for the Air Force, and 29 for FMS customers); one lot of spares assets for the Navy; one lot of spares assets for the Air Force; and one lot of spares assets for the governments of Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona (31%); North Logan, Utah (10%); Keyser, West Virginia (9%); Niles, Illinois (8%); Vancouver, Washington (5%); Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (5%); Goleta, California (4%); Cheshire, Connecticut (4%); Heilbronn, Germany (3%); Simsbury, Connecticut (2%); San Jose, California (2%); Valencia, California (2%); Anaheim, California (2%); Cajon, California (2%); Cincinnati, Ohio (1%); Anniston, Alabama (1%); San Diego, California (1%); Chatsworth, California (1%); Amesbury, Massachusetts (1%); Claremont, California (1%); Sumner, Washington (1%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (4%), and is expected to be completed in June 2024. Fiscal 2021 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $98,204,232; fiscal 2021 missile procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $102,681,830; fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation (Air Force) funds in the amount of $802,382; fiscal 2020 missile procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $257,638; fiscal 2020 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $108,826; fiscal 2019 missile procurement (Air Force) in the amount of $295,576; and FMS funds in the amount of $125,805,970 will be obligated at the time of award, $295,576 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001921C0723).
24 Jun 21. The Philippines – AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Tactical Missiles. The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Philippines of AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Tactical Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $42.4m. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of the Philippines has requested to buy twenty-four (24) AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II tactical missiles; twenty-four (24) AIM-9X Block II Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs); six (6) Tactical Guidance Units; and ten (10) Captive Air Training Missile (CATM) Guidance Units. Also included are containers, support and test equipment, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, software delivery and support, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance and other related support; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $42.4m. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner that continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in South East Asia. The proposed sale will improve the Philippines’ capability to meet current and future threats by enabling the Philippines to deploy fighter aircraft with a short range air-to-air missile defense capability. The Philippines Air Force is modernizing its fighter aircraft to better support its own air defense and maritime security needs. The Philippines 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 prime contractor will be Raytheon Missile Systems Company, Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: ASD Network)
TECHNOLOGY
25 Jun 21. BATM’s cyber security division has just landed a $4.1m (£3m) contract with a longstanding government defence department customer, highlighting the ongoing strong recurring revenue stream from this activity. The group is also integrating its cyber solution into its cutting-edge network function virtualisation (NFV) technology that has been developed for the telecom’s industry. In layman’s terms, NFV decouples the network functions, such as network address translation, firewalling, intrusion detection, domain name service (DNS) and caching from proprietary hardware appliances so they can run in software. It’s designed to consolidate and deliver the networking components needed to support a fully virtualised infrastructure – including virtual servers, storage and even other networks. The importance of NFV should not be underestimated as it’s going to play a critical role in supporting the services 5G network operators will be able to offer their customers as they roll out their infrastructure. (Source: Investors Chronicle)
29 Jun 21. Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq: GILT, TASE: GILT), a worldwide leader in satellite networking technology, solutions and services, announced today that it received orders of $9m for support of gateways of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations. Gilat’s subsidiary, Wavestream, was chosen as the vendor of choice to supply Gateway Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPAs) to a leading satellite operator to support the LEO constellation gateways. The orders were received as part of the previously announced contract. Wavestream is proceeding according to plan with orders now exceeding 800 Gateway-Class SSPAs. Wavestream’s PowerStream 160Ka is designed specifically for networks using wide bandwidth uplinks and high order modulation schemes, thus best addressing the stringent requirements of Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit (NGSO) constellations installed in remote locations. (Source: ASD Network)
30 Jun 21. Leonardo is under contract to provide its Miysis Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) for a Middle Eastern government customer’s new VVIP transport aircraft. Miysis will be installed on a Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft, the first of its type to be selected by a government customer. The Miysis DIRCM will provide complete spherical protection for the aircraft and, uniquely for a system of its size, can output more than enough laser energy to protect the Global 7500 aircraft from even the most modern infrared-guided (heat-seeking) missile threats.
The aircraft is expected to enter service in 2022. Miysis is well-suited for installation on other Bombardier aircraft in the Challenger and Global families. Miysis DIRCM works by shining a high-powered laser onto an incoming missile’s targeting system, ‘dazzling’ it and guiding the missile away from the aircraft. Leonardo’s experience in laser and precision targeting enables this to happen at lightning-fast speed. Unlike competing products, Miysis DIRCM can defend against multiple, simultaneous incoming missiles and the latest generation of shoulder-launched infrared threats known as Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS). Crucially for such a life-saving piece of equipment, the Miysis DIRCM has been independently verified to have a 100% success rate, with UK and international customers conducting extensive analysis and live fire trials. This contract, which will see Miysis DIRCM protecting VVIP passengers, demonstrates the trust which customers put in the capability. It builds on the market success of Miysis, which has been acquired by the UK for its Shadow R1 surveillance aircraft, Canada for its CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol aircraft and three other NATO customers, as well as a number of non-NATO customers. Drawing on Leonardo’s decades of DIRCM experience, Miysis is the smallest, lightest and least power-hungry DIRCM system on the market. Its fully synchronised multi-head operation ensures spherical protection around the aircraft, even if a threat passes from one hemisphere to another. Miysis is suitable for a wide range of aircraft, providing more than enough energy for a large business jet or transport while also being compact enough for a light helicopter. Miysis can operate as a standalone DIRCM system in concert with a missile warning system or can integrate with a range of defensive aid suites. (Source: Google/https://www.newswiretoday.com/)