UNITED KINGDOM
LAND
05 Aug 21. Cohort plc subsidiary Marlborough Communications Limited (“MCL”) has been awarded three new contracts with the UK MOD with a combined value of approximately £3.75m. The contracts are further orders for hearing protection, including the tactical hearing protection system for the dismounted close combat user. All orders are deliverable in FY 2021/22.
SEA
30 Jul 21. Analox Group have been awarded a contract with the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) for the manufacture and in service support of submarine atmosphere monitoring systems. This contract further cements the long standing relationship between Analox and the UK MOD making the MOD their biggest customer. This contract has been 10 years in the making and marks a monumental milestone for Analox, at £13.9M, this is the biggest contract award in their 40 year history. The FAMS (Fixed Atmosphere Monitoring System) will use pioneering technology to solve the gas sensing challenges onboard a submarine, to ensure the safety of those protecting our shores. This world class system will use state of the art sensors, offering real time analysis to the crew, enabling them to react quickly to take action to make the atmosphere safe. Under the contract Analox will be delivering one of the most sophisticated submarine atmosphere monitors in the world, the AA (Or Atmosphere Analyser).
AIR
06 Aug 21. BAE Systems has been awarded a contract valued at approximately £135m, to drive forward the next phase of capability enhancements for Typhoon; one of the world’s most advanced combat aircraft. The investment will improve weapons capability, increasing the variety of precision guided munitions, and further enhance Typhoon’s defensive systems and datalinks, improving high-speed secure sharing of data. The contract forms part of an ongoing commitment by the Eurofighter consortium and UK, Spain, Italy and Germany to continue to develop Typhoon’s technology-led capability, increase interoperability with coalition forces and mature technologies for the nations’ future combat air systems. Current development work on Typhoon includes the design and exploitation of new large touchscreen cockpit displays, funded by BAE Systems, enabling pilots to assess and respond to increasing volumes of data from the aircraft’s sensors and datalinks.
TECHNOLOGY
02 Aug 21. £1.5m invested for CBR robotics and AI research. Dstl is exploring the potential for cutting-edge autonomous robotic solutions to detect life threatening chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) hazards.The current wide area capability is based on specially adapted armoured Fuchs vehicles. For a number of years Dstl – the science inside UK defence and security – has been researching the potential of using autonomy and unmanned systems to survey areas for CBR materials. This new investment with industry will help develop a concept demonstrator to be used in wide area experimental trials. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
EUROPE
LAND
03 Aug 21. HENSOLDT modernises short-range air defence identification systems. As sensor and cryptographic solutions provider, HENSOLDT France is delivering its IFF identification system (IFF= Identification Friend of Foe), the Mode 5-capable MSR1000I interrogator for GBAD systems to MBDA. An initial order for the delivery of 13 MSR1000I IFF interrogators has been placed by MBDA for very short range air defense applications of undisclosed export customers. This new contract marks the first step in a successful cooperation between MBDA and HENSOLDT France concerning the MSR1000I IFF system. The IFF technology is of central importance for all military operations, allowing field commanders to quickly distinguish friendly from hostile forces defense by automatically sending interrogation and response signals. Enhancing security through new cryptographic algorithms, Mode 5 IFF reduces friendly fire casualties and maximizes the combat effectiveness in the air, on land and at sea. MSR1000I is specifically designed for defense against low-altitude air threats, primarily helicopters and low-flying close air support aircraft and can be easily integrated on ground-based stations, vehicles or vessels. With its flexible configuration MSR1000I can be used with a wide range of platforms from man portable version to systems equipped with directional antennas or rotating antennas for a 360° panoramic surveillance. Enhanced with the latest NATO Mode 5 or NSM encrypted modes with universal cryptographic computer compatibility, MSR1000I is a certified solution. More than 200 units are currently under deployment worldwide.
03 Aug 21. Rheinmetall to equip the Dutch Army’s Fennek armoured reconnaissance vehicle with new aiming device. Rheinmetall will be equipping the Dutch military’s Fennek wheeled armoured reconnaissance vehicle with a new gun carriage-adaptable aiming device. The new device, the Lafettenadaptierbares Zielgerät 400, or LaZ400 for short, will replace the vehicle’s existing thermal imaging system, significantly enhancing the Fennek’s reconnaissance and target engagement capabilities. An order to this effect for 246 devices has been awarded to Rheinmetall Electronics through Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, the Fennek general contractor. The order is worth around €36m, including value added tax. Due to be delivered through to 2027, the devices will be fabricated at the Rheinmetall Electronics plant in Ismaning in Bavaria. The Lafetten¬adaptierbares Zielgerät 400 retrofit forms part of the Dutch military’s Fennek midlife upgrade programme. The Dutch armed forces will mount the LaZ400 on the vehicle’s 1530-type gun carriage. The new sensor system will supersede the thermal imaging device currently in use. Already used in the Bundeswehr’s FLW200 remotely controlled weapon station, the LaZ400 is a tried and tested system. Its colour daylight sensor, thermal imaging sensor and laser rangefinder enable outstanding reconnaissance performance around the clock as well as precise engagement of targets. Now official, the current order will bring the number of LaZ family devices now in use to over 2,700. The order underscores once again Rheinmetall’s exceptional expertise in the world of advanced electro-optical sensor technology.
SEA
30 Jul 21. Saab receives order to modernise German Navy’s F123 frigates. Saab has signed a contract with the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), and has received an order to deliver and integrate new naval radars and fire control directors for and in the German Navy’s Frigates of the Brandenburg-Class (F123). The contract includes a new combat management system in order to completely overhaul the system currently in use on the F123, allowing a low risk integration of the new naval radars and fire control capabilities. The order value is approximately 4,6bn SEK. Deliveries and other services will take place between 2021 and 2030. Saab will be the prime contractor and will contract the German shipyard Abeking & Rasmussen for the shipbuilding work while the German company ESG will carry out logistical support. The contract includes delivery and integration of Saab’s 9LV Combat Management System, Sea Giraffe 4A and Sea Giraffe 1X radars, Ceros 200 fire control director as well as third party systems, including IFF capability. It also includes a comprehensive, performance-based logistics package supporting the frigates’ operational capabilities.
AIR
02 Aug 21. HENSOLDT investigates modernisation of Eurofighter self-protection system. Sensor solution provider HENSOLDT has been commissioned by the German procurement authority BAAINBw to investigate the modernisation and performance enhancement of the Eurofighter self-protection system in a multi-year study. The BAAINBw’s study mandate aims to ensure the Eurofighter’s assertiveness and survivability even against the most modern threats, such as long-range integrated air defence systems and highly agile radars. At the same time, new cyber security requirements, the use of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components and the new Eurofighter design and development standards will be taken into account. The results of the investigations will be worked out in close cooperation with the German Air Force and regularly presented to the customer by means of hardware and software demonstrations.
03 Aug 21. Greece – F-16 Sustainment Materiel and Services. The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Greece of F-16 Sustainment Materiel and Services and related equipment for an estimated cost of $270m. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of Greece has requested to buy U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services for F-16 Aircraft Structural Integrity Program (ASIP), F-16 Aircrew Training Device (ATD), Low Altitude Targeting and Infrared for Night (LANTIRN), and Reconnaissance (RECCE) Pods support programs; aircraft classified and unclassified aircraft software and software support; Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) software support; Joint Mission Planning Software (JMPS) support; participation in Electronic Combat International Security Assistance Program (ECISAP), International Engine Management Program (IEMP), and technical coordination groups; other aircraft and engine hardware and software modifications and support; spare and repair/return parts and equipment; personnel training and training equipment; publications, manuals, and technical documentation; and other related elements of aircraft maintenance and program support. The total estimated value is $270m. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO ally, which is an important partner for political stability and economic progress in Europe. The proposed sale will improve Greece’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing agile logistics support to its F-16 program, encompassing aspects of aircrew training and aircraft maintenance. The ability to provide this level of support to the F-16 program will increase its inter-operability with NATO forces and enhance its ability to provide for security of its borders. Greece has demonstrated a continued commitment to modernizing its military and will have no difficultly absorbing this additional sustainment support into its armed forces. The proposed sale of these services will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractors for this proposed sale are L3/Harris International, Melbourne, Florida; Lockheed- Martin Aero Corporation, Fort Worth, Texas; Collins Aerospace, Charlotte, North Carolina; Northrop Grumman Corporation, Falls Church, Virginia; Raytheon Company, Waltham, Massachusetts; and Atec, Incorporated, Houston, Texas. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor(s). (Source: ASD Network)
02 Aug 21. Lockheed Martin Corp., Owego, New York, is awarded a not-to-exceed undefinitized $34,400,000 modification (P00028) to a previously awarded, firm-fixed-price contract (N0001919C0013). This modification adds scope to provide integration and installation of a Hellenic Navy System configuration on three USN8 time configuration remote sensors for aircraft. This modification also provides for efforts on three replace in kind aircraft to bring the aircraft into a USN8 configuration. Additionally it procures four Airborne Low Frequency Sonars in support of the MH-60R program for the Navy and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Work will be performed in Best, France (46%); Owego, New York (40%); Portsmouth, Rhode Island (9%); and Stratford, Connecticut (5%), and is expected to be completed in April 2025. Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,300,976; and FMS funds in the amount of $11,855,070 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.
02 Aug 21. Nordic Unmanned has received a conditional letter of award from European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) regarding fixed-wing RPAS (drone) services carrying out long-range general maritime surveillance, with tender name EMSA/OP/46/2020. The official value of the framework contract is EUR 20m over a period of up to 2+1+1 years. Nordic Unmanned is the contractual partner with EMSA. Nordic Unmanned will utilize Textron Systems’ Aerosonde as their drone platform and two complete systems, including training, will be delivered during the next six months. A mandatory initial configuration test must be successfully completed within eight weeks, before receiving the final framework award. The official signing of the contracts is expected to be before end of September. (Source: UAS VISION)
USA
LAND
02 Aug 21. Altitude International Holdings, Inc (OTCQB: “ALTD”) announced that it has received a new purchase order through its Strategic Water Partner, Russkap Holdings, to provide Tiffany Atmospheric Water units to the newest branch of the US Military, Space Force. This order means that ALTD subsidiary, Altitude Water, is now manufacturing its patented ozone purified water systems for all five branches of the Department of Defense. (Source: PR Newswire)
02 Aug 21. Barrett Communications USA Corp. has secured a number of new contracts and continues to work with a growing number US Government Agencies. These new contracts support Continuity of Operations Programs (COOP), as well as new special projects relating to national security. Barrett’s products and systems provide communications where traditional communications do not exist and where satellite or terrestrial coverage is compromised. These contracts include requirements for the Barrett 4050 HF SDR transceiver in high power (BC4075) and medium to low power base stations, mobile vehicle configurations and transportable cases for rapid deployment. One of the special applications of the Barrett 4075 high power and 4050 receiver systems includes deployment for polar security missions and energy independence requirements. These Barrett 4050 based communications systems ensure reliable, secure communication is maintained across the entire US landmass (CONUS) and into the polar and Caribbean regions (OCONUS). The Barrett Communications systems have been configured with built in control of each agencies’ existing Advanced Digital Encryption devices.
03 Aug 21. Day & Zimmermann (D&Z), the century-old, family-owned provider of construction & engineering, staffing, and defense solutions for leading corporations and governments around the world, announced today that its Munitions & Government unit was awarded a five-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract for the US Army Grenade and Consolidated Fuze Contract. The initial delivery order was issued by the Rock Island Contracting Center at Rock Island, Illinois with a base and all options value (Total Contract Value) of USD $311m. The first order has a value of USD $20.7m. The contract consists of five, one-year ordering periods from 2021 to 2026 and includes the M67 fragmentation grenade, the new XM111 offensive grenade, training grenades and various types of fuzes. The work will be performed at Day & Zimmermann’s 5,500 acre Lone Star facility in Texarkana, Texas. (Source: PR Newswire)
03 Aug 21. DRS Network & Imaging Systems Inc., Melbourne, Florida, has been awarded a $51,666,667 modification (P00001) on subsumable contract SPRRA2-20-D-0014 under umbrella contract SPRRA2-20-D-0011 for four items to support the AN/VAS-5A/B Driver’s Vision Enhancer family of systems. This is a firm-fixed-price contract. This was a sole-source acquisition using 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This is a five-year base contract with one four-year option period. Location of performance is Florida, with a May 4, 2025, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2021 Army working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.
03 Aug 21. U.S. Army Selects Eckhart to Improve Howitzer. The U.S. Army has selected Eckhart to design and build automation to increase the rate of fire for Self-Propelled Howitzers. By way of the SPARTN Fire Faster program, the Army Applications Laboratory managed a competitive process in which hundreds of potential industry partners were evaluated before selecting and funding five companies to lead the artillery loading modernization effort. Eckhart is proud to formally announce this new relationship with the U.S. Army and to embrace the mission to improve the safety and efficiency of U.S. soldiers. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
02 Aug 21. Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq: GILT, TASE: GILT) has received a multi-million-dollar award from the US Army to supply high-performance BUCs for tactical communications (TacComm). Gilat’s fully owned subsidiary, Wavestream, will supply additional, 50W, Ka-band BUCs for program sustainment that is well into its second decade. Wavestream’s Matchbox 50Ka MIL was originally fielded by the US Army in WIN-T Increment 1 as early as 2007 and is still active in service today. With more than 5,000 amplifiers shipped to date, this is easily the largest deployment of high performance Ka-band BUCs supporting Comms-on-the-Quick-Halt (COTQH) TacComms around the world. (Source: Satnews)
03 Aug 21. Hesco Bastion Inc., North Charleston, South Carolina (SPE8E6-21-D-00026); and Maccaferri Inc., Williamsport, Maryland (SPE8E6-21-D-0027), are sharing a maximum $500,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract under solicitation SPE8E6-19-R-0005 for the Expeditionary Barrier System. These were competitive acquisitions with four responses received. These are two-year base contracts with three one-year option periods. Locations of performance are South Carolina, Maryland, United Kingdom and Italy, with an Aug. 2, 2023, ordering period end date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2021 through 2023 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
04 Aug 21. Lockheed Martin Corp., Sunnyvale, California, is being awarded a $35,559,914 modification (P00041) to a previously awarded HQ0147-17-C-0032 contract for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapon system. The total maximum ceiling value of this contract is increased from $6,300,005,882 to $6,335,565,796. Under this contract modification, Lockheed Martin will provide 36 Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTTs) A2 as a lifetime buy to support the THAAD weapon system. The work will be performed at Sunnyvale, California; Dallas, Texas; and Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The period of performance is from Aug. 4, 2021, through June 28, 2024. Fiscal 2021 procurement funds in the amount of $35,559,914 are being obligated on this award. The Missile Defense Agency, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
30 Jul 21. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., McLean, Virginia, was awarded a $33,059,844 modification (P00218) to contract W31P4Q-08-C-0418 for the Integrated Fires Mission Command Integrated Battle Command System Development Program. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Alabama, with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2022. Fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation, Army funds in the amount of $9,794,983 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
04 Aug 21. Oshkosh Defense Receives Order for FMTV A2. As FMTV A1P2 Production Begins to Ramp Down. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) Life Cycle Management Command (LCMC) announced that it has awarded Oshkosh Defense, a wholly owned subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK), a $152 million delivery order for 541 Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) A2 variant. The FMTV A2 is a modernized version of the FMTV A1P2, which has been in service with the U.S. Army since 1988. Since 2009, Oshkosh Defense has been the leading provider of the U.S. Army’s medium tactical wheeled vehicle fleet, producing over 41,000 FMTV A1P2 and A2 trucks and trailers. Today’s announced order signifies the continuation of FMTV A2 production orders following successful testing performance and the production ramp-up of A2 as FMTV A1P2 production begins to ramp down. FMTV A1P2 production is expected to end in September 2021. (Source: ASD Network)
03 Aug 21. Oshkosh Defense LLC, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, has been awarded a maximum $52,865,600 firm-fixed-price contract for Palletized Load System diesel engines with containers. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition regulation 6.302-1. This is a 30-month contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Wisconsin, with a Jan. 20, 2023, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2021 Army working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Warren, Michigan (SPRDL1-21-C-0058).
SEA
04 Aug 21. Austal USA, Mobile, Alabama (N00024-21-D-4443); Epsilon Systems Solutions Inc.,* Portsmouth, Virginia (N00024-21-D-4444); and Continental Maritime of San Diego LLC, San Diego, California, formerly Huntington Ingalls Industries San Diego Shipyard Inc. (N00024-21-D-4445), are each awarded firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award contracts to support sustainment execution efforts for Littoral Combat Ships homeported in San Diego, California (MAC I). The MAC I contracts will have a ceiling of $344,724,287. Delivery orders will be competitively awarded under these contracts, which are to be performed in San Diego, California (58%); outside the continental U.S. (28%); and other continental U.S. (14%) locations, as appropriate. Each of the contracts has an estimated ordering period of 19 months, which is expected to end in February 2023. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (Navy) funding in the amount of $15,000 ($5,000 minimum guarantee per contract) is being obligated as each contract’s initial delivery order which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. These contracts were competitively procured using full and open competition with three offers received via the beta.sam.gov website. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
02 Aug 21. General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Connecticut, is awarded a $225,117,921 modification to previously awarded contract N00024-19-C-2125 for engineering, technical, design agent, and planning yard support for operational strategic and attack submarines. The contract provides for drawings and related technical data; design change documentation; logistics technical data; configuration management; hull, mechanical and electrical engineering; submarine safety design review; non-propulsion plant electrical system engineering; propulsion plant engineering; maintenance engineering; refit/availability technical support; on-site support; configuration change program design and installation support; configuration change program material support; submarine technical trade support; training and facility support; research development test and evaluation program support; research and development submarine/submersibles support; miscellaneous special studies; temporary alteration support; modernization of submarine/submersible systems/subsystems; and affordability/cost reduction technical support. Work will be performed in Groton, Connecticut (70%); Kings Bay, Georgia (13%); Bangor, Washington (10%); Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (3%); North Kingston, Rhode Island (2%); and Newport, Rhode Island (2%), and is expected to be completed by September 2023. Fiscal 2021 other procurement, Navy funding in the amount of $3,104,008 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
AIR
04 Aug 21. AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, today announced the introduction of its standardized modular payload interface kits for RQ-20B Puma™ tactical unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The Modular Payload Standard was established by U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) in order to create a modular architectural standard for a wide variety of payloads on Groups 1 through 3 UAS. The kits enable third-party payload manufacturers, as well as United States Department of Defense and international partners, to quickly and easily develop and integrate payloads onto RQ-20B Puma. AeroVironment’s standardized modular payload interface kit is a self-contained unit that provides all of the mechanical and electrical interfaces required to enable RQ-20B Puma to mate with new payloads, regardless of whether or not they were developed specifically for the RQ-20B Puma platform. This interface kit not only allows for more rapid integration of new payloads, but it also reduces time and complexity for operators to swap them on the flight line and reduces government cost for new integrations. AeroVironment received an initial firm-fixed price order for modular payload standard kits from USSOCOM on May 12, 2021. Delivery of the kits is anticipated by November 2021.
03 Aug 21. Alliant Techsystems Operations LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Northrop Grumman Defense Systems Sector, Northridge, California, is awarded a $94,880,370 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract procures full rate production of Lot 10 Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles (AARGM), to include conversion of 87 U.S. government-provided AGM-88B High Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARMs); and 40 Germany Air Force-provided AGM-88B HARMs into 127 AGM-88E AARGM All-Up-Rounds, and related supplies and services necessary for their manufacture, spares, and fleet deployment in support of F/A-18C/D, F/A-18E/F, and EA-18G aircraft for the Navy and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Work will be performed in Northridge, California (80%); and Ridgecrest, California (20%), and is expected to be completed in March 2024. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds on the amount of $152,852; fiscal 2021 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $64,838,045; fiscal 2020 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,591,212; fiscal 2019 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $662,782; and FMS customer funds in the amount of $27,635,479 will be obligated at time of award, $815,634 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-5. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001921C0013).
05 Aug 21. BAE Systems has secured a contract from F-35 prime contractor Lockheed Martin to provide sustainment support for the AN/ASQ-239 electronic warfare (EW) countermeasure system. Under the $93m five-year contract, BAE Systems will provide software maintenance, depot test equipment support, as well as logistics analysis for the F-35 US Reprogramming Laboratory. The company will also provide obsolescence monitoring, technical field support, and ‘reachback’ support for the laboratory. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
30 Jul 21. The Boeing Co., El Segundo, California, has been awarded a $41,213,726 firm-fixed-price modification (P00130) to previously awarded contract FA8808-10-C-0001 for the Global Satellite Communication Configuration and Control Element (GSCCE) for the Wideband Global Satellite Communication Space Vehicle 11. Work will be performed in El Segundo, California, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2024. Fiscal 2021 procurement funds in the amount of $41,213,726 are being obligated at the time of award. The total cumulative face value of the contract is $2,576,369,680. Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, is the contracting activity.
30 Jul 21. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., Poway, California, was awarded a $14,791,291 modification (P00015) to contract W58RGZ-18-C-0037 for Gray Eagle full rate production and ground support equipment. Work will be performed in Poway, California, with an estimated completion date of May 29, 2023. Fiscal 2021 other procurement, Army funds in the amount of $14,791,291 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. (Awarded July 29, 2021)
30 Jul 21. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Orlando, Florida, was awarded a $13,530,443 modification (P00071) to contract W31P4Q-18-C-0130 for the procurement of Joint Air-to-Ground Munitions. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2024. Fiscal 2019 and 2021 procurement, defense-wide funds; and fiscal 2020 procurement of ammunition, Army funds in the amount of $13,530,443 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
03 Aug 21. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Orlando, Florida, has been awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification (P00023), increasing the face value of contract FA8682-18-C-0009, Group One Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) development, by $21,781,695. This modification provides for the change in the work and contract type necessary to develop the new air to ground (AGM-158) JASSM B-2 missile variant. Work will take place in Orlando, Florida, and is expected to be completed by June 28, 2024. This award is the result of a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $7,365,764; and fiscal 2020 other procurement funds in the amount of $8,672,136 are being obligated at the time of award. The total cumulative face value of the contract is $235,023,264. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity.
30 Jul 21. Meta Aerospace announced today that Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has awarded a commercial aerial refueling service contract to the team of CASS Professional Services (CPS) and Meta Strategic Mobility (MSM). This contract, in support of NAVAIR Contracted Air Service (CAS) Specialized & Proven Aircraft Program Office (PMA-226), provides contractor owned, operated, and maintained aerial refueling aircraft, personnel and equipment to satisfy fleet training, operational, test and evaluation, and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) requirements. The CPS and Meta Strategic Mobility team will provide commercial aerial refueling services to the U.S. Navy using four KC-135R aircraft purchased from the Government of the Republic of Singapore in 2020. By using KC-135R aircraft, the team offers the Navy a refueling service that seamlessly, safely, and professionally integrates into Navy aviation training and operations. The team offers the Navy and the Department of Defense the highest standards of safety and reliability and unmatched range and capability for commercial aerial refueling. The members of this team bring over a half century of aerial refueling experience supporting DoD operational and training missions around the globe. (Source: PR Newswire)28 Jul 21. The U.S. Air Force has awarded Space Micro Inc. a contract to develop a space-qualified, highly-capable digital system to convert RF-to-optical and optical-to-RF signals. This advanced technology will allow seamless reception and transmission of radio signals across optical links. The innovative Full Duplex RF-to-Optical Converter (FD-ROC) readily interfaces with heritage Radio Frequency (RF) systems. Moving RF signals over Free Space Optical (FSO) links provides many advantages to operational forces, among others. Laser communications links are immune to electromagnetic interference, radio frequency interference, and electromagnetic pulses. They are extremely difficult to intercept and allow for greater link distances than RF communication systems. FSO links are ideal for crosslinks between space vehicles, as well as high data rate backhaul links to Earth. (Source: Satnews)
TECHNOLOGY
02 Aug 21. Leidos (NYSE: LDOS), a FORTUNE® 500 science and technology leader, today announced it has been awarded a prime contract by the U.S. Army to support the Army Geospatial Center’s (AGC) High-Resolution Three Dimensional, (HR3D) Geospatial Information Operation and Technology Integration program. This single-award contract has a total estimated value of $600m if all options are exercised. The period of performance for the contract includes a one-year base as well as three one-year options. Work will be performed predominately in Virginia and various CONUS and OCONUS locations. (Source: PR Newswire)
30 Jul 21. MSU leads US Army ERDC-funded military engineering research project. The project will focus on remote sensing and developing the advanced materials for force protection. Mississippi State University’s (MSU) has partnered with US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) on an advanced military engineering research project. Valued at $7.8m, the three-year US Department of Defense’s (DoD) multidisciplinary project is led by MSU’s Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS) and funded through the ERDC in Vicksburg. According to MSU, the project focuses on remote sensing and developing advanced materials for force protection. It also aims at developing force projection technologies, mobility modelling and simulation. The technologies will improve ERDC’s military engineering and force protection capabilities to support national defence capabilities. (Source: army-technology.com)
REST OF THE WORLD
LAND
04 Aug 21. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) has requested to buy forty (40) 155mm M109A6 Medium Self-Propelled Howitzer Systems; twenty (20) M992A2 Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicles (FAASV); one (1) Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS); five (5) M88A2 Hercules vehicles; five (5) M2 Chrysler Mount .50 caliber machine guns; and one thousand six hundred ninety-eight (1,698) multi-option, Precision Guidance Kits (PGK). Also included are M109A6/M992A2 overhaul, conversion and refurbishment services; Special Tools and Test Equipment (STTE); Defense Advanced Global Positioning System (GPS) Receiver; AN/VVS(2) Night Driver’s Viewer (NDV); Dynamic Reference Unit Hybrid Replacement Inertial Navigation System; Basic Issue Items (BII); Program Management Support; Verification Testing; System Technical Support; Transportation; Spare and repair parts; communication support equipment; communication equipment integration; tools and test equipment; personnel training and training equipment; repair and return program; camouflage nets; Components of End Items (COEI), Additional Authorized List (AAL), Technical Manuals; Quality Assurance Team (QAT); 155mm M232A1 Propelling Charges, M82 Percussion Primer Fuzes, support and test equipment, integration and test support, software delivery, publications, and technical documentation. U.S. Government and contractor engineering; technical and logistics support services; storage; and other related elements of logistics and program support; OCONUS Deprocessing Service; Export Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS); OCONUS Contractor provided Training, Field Service Representatives (FSR); M2A1 .50 Cal MG; MK93 MOD 2 Mount Machine Gun; M239 Smoke Grenade Launchers, U.S. Government and contractor representatives’ technical assistance, engineering, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The total estimated program cost is $750m. The prime contractor for the Self-Propelled Howitzer Systems will be BAE Systems, Anniston, AL, and Elgin, OK; M992A2 FAASV, Anniston Army Depot (ANAD), Bynum, AL; and M88A2 recovery vehicles, BAE, York, PA. The purchaser has requested offsets. At this time, agreements are undetermined and will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and contractor. (Source: glstrade.com)
30 Jul 21. Katmerciler confirms sales of 118 Hizir vehicles to Kenya. Turkey’s Katmerciler has confirmed the $91.4m sale of 118 Hizir armoured personnel carriers to Kenya. On 28 July the company said the contract, signed with the Kenyan Ministry of Defence, will see the vehicles delivered between 2022 and 2023. It is the company’s single largest export deal. The new vehicles are set to be used to replace those lost in combat and “to mitigate shortcomings in force protection, firepower and mobility in a changing security environment.” Kenya has lost a number of APCs in Somalia to al Shabaab militants. It mainly operates Puma M26, Bastion, and WZ-551 APCs. Kenya’s order comes after Uganda received Hizir vehicles last year. At least 15 vehicles were exported to the country in 2020 in the type’s first export sale. (Source: DefenceWeb)
05 Aug 21. The Australian government has selected Lockheed Martin Australia and Northrop Grumman Australia to continue to the final stage of the competitive evaluation process for the Australian Defence Force’s new Joint Air Battle Management System worth A$2.7bn. Minister for Defence Peter Dutton commended the commitment of both Defence and Australian industry in working together to increase the protection of Australian deployed forces. Lockheed Martin Australia will continue partnering with industry, academia and government to develop, integrate, build, and sustain future technologies that can be integrated into an open architecture framework to support AIR6500-1. This approach will ensure innovative small to medium Australian high-tech businesses remain at the core of shaping Australia’s future defence capabilities. “We look forward to collaborating with Australian industry and the Royal Australian Air Force to progress the AIR6500-1 solution as part of the CEPS2. We would like to congratulate Northrop Grumman for also being down selected for the CEPS2,” said North. (Source: News Now/https://asiapacificdefencereporter.com/)
03 Aug 21. The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Georgia of Javelin Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $30m. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of Georgia has requested to buy eighty-two (82) Javelin FGM-148 Missiles; and forty-six (46) Javelin Command Launch Units (CLU). Also included are Enhanced Producibility Basic Skills Trainers; Missile Simulation Rounds; Security Assistance Management Directorate Technical Assistance; Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions Project Office Technical Assistance; other associated equipment and services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $30m. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of Georgia which is a strategic partner and a key contributor to security and stability the region. The Javelin system will help Georgia build its long-term defense capacity to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity in order to meet its national defense requirements. The proposed sale will improve Georgia’s capability to meet current and future threats by increasing its antiarmor capacity. Georgia will have no difficulty absorbing these weapons into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The prime contractors will be Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin Joint Venture of Orlando, Florida, and Tucson, Arizona. However, these articles are being provided from U.S. Army stock. There are no known offset agreements proposed in conjunction with this potential sale. (Source: ASD Network)
30 Jul 21. The Government of Thailand has requested to buy three hundred (300) Javelin FGM-148 Missiles; and fifty (50) Javelin Command Launch Units (CLU). Also included are Enhanced Producibility Basic Skills Trainers; missile simulation rounds; Security Assistance Management Directorate (SAMD) Technical Assistance; Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions (TAGM) Project Office Technical Assistance; contractor lifecycle support; spares manuals; batteries/chargers; gunner training; ammunition officer training; OCONUS Modified Level 2 Maintenance Training; System Inspection and Check Out (SICO); and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total estimated cost is $83.5m. The prime contractors will be Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin Joint Venture of Orlando, Florida, and Tucson, Arizona. Offsets have not been included. Any offset agreements will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor(s). (Source: glstrade.com)
SEA
03 Aug 21. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a foreign military sale (FMS) of a Harpoon Joint Common Test Set (JCTS) to India. Approved by the US State Department, the total estimated cost of the FMS and associated equipment is $82m. The sale package includes one Harpoon JCTS and one Harpoon Intermediate Level maintenance station. It also includes containers, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training, and training equipment. The FMS deal also includes US Government and contractor technical and engineering support services, as well as other related aspects of logistics and programme support. The proposed sale will help to strengthen the strategic relationship between the US and India. The sale will also improve India’s capability to meet existing and future threats from enemy weapon systems. Boeing will serve as the prime contractor for the FMS. (Source: naval-technology.com)
04 Aug 21. The Government of Japan has requested to buy Follow-On Technical Support (FOTS) of AEGIS Class Destroyers, to include sustainment support and services; AEGIS computer software updates, system integration, and testing, in-country and on-site engineering support; familiarization, sustainment, and all necessary emergent support engineering and technical support services; operational support; system overhauls; system upgrades; on the-job practical operations and maintenance; combat systems integration; development, testing, installation of program patches and adaptation data and annual service agreements; technical inquiries by the purchaser; operation; integration; maintenance; field service engineering; problem investigation; technical assistance; solutions to the technical problems arising from post-production, testing capabilities and support, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated program cost is $134m. The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Corporation, Moorestown, NJ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: glstrade.com)
03 Aug 21. Japan – RAM Block 2 Tactical Missiles. The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan of RAM Block 2 Tactical Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $61.5m. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of Japan has requested to buy up to forty-four (44) Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) Block 2 Tactical Missiles, RIM-116C. Also included are RAM Block 2 Guidance Control Groups; RAM Guided Missile Round Pack Tri-Pack shipping and storage containers; operator manuals and technical documentation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated program cost is $61.5m. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the AsiaPacific region. It is vital to U.S. national interest to assist Japan in developing and maintaining a strong and effective self-defense capability. The proposed will provide significantly enhanced area defense capabilities over critical East Asian and Western Pacific air and sea-lines of communication. Japan will have no difficulty absorbing these services and support 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 Raytheon Missiles and Defense, Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Japan. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law. The description and dollar value is for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded. (Source: ASD Network/Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA))
AIR
05 Aug 21. Ghana lines up L-39NG jet acquisition. Ghana’s defence minster sought parliamentary approval for the procurement of six L-39NG aircraft from the Czech company Aero Vodochody on 2 August. The parliament’s order paper for that day showed the deal is worth EUR111m (USD132m) and covers associated products and services and a ground-based training system as well as the six aircraft. The Ghanaian media reported that the acquisition is now being reviewed by parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee. The L-39NG is based on the L-39 Albatros that is still widely used in both the trainer and light attack roles, but has a new lighter airframe, a more powerful and efficient engine, modern avionics, two additional hardpoints on the end of its wings where fuel tanks were located on its predecessor, and an undercarriage that can handle unpaved airstrips. The increased efficiency of the engine, reduction in weight and drag, and new fuel system gives it a maximum range of 1,900 km without external fuel tanks, 800 km farther than the L-39, according to Aero Vodochody. The company says the aircraft will have similar operating costs as a turboprop and announced in March that life cycle testing showed it has a service life of up to 15,000 flight hours, three-times longer than the L-39. It announced in April 2020 that Senegal had ordered four L-39NGs, making it the first military customer for the new aircraft after orders from several companies, including LOM Praha, which trains the Czech and other air forces. The company told Janes at the time that the Senegalese aircraft would be delivered in 2020-21, but that timeline has slipped as no aircraft have been delivered to any customers yet. (Source: Jane’s)
02 Aug 21. KAI to support Boeing in upgrading RoKAF’s E-737 AEW&C aircraft. Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) signed a KRW18bn (USD15.6m) contract with Boeing on 28 July to support the US company in upgrading the Republic of Korea Air Force’s (RoKAF’s) four Boeing E-737 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft with new mission systems. The contract, which was announced by KAI on 30 July, formalises the company’s participation in the RoKAF’s ‘E-737 AEW&C Performance Improvement Project’, which is led by Boeing and includes upgrades to both the identification friend-or-foe (IFF) and Link 16 tactical datalink systems on the aircraft. Through this initial contract KAI is expected to win future orders for this project and participate in activities such as aircraft modification, function check, and flight test support, according to a 30 July report by South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency. (Source: Jane’s)
02 Aug 21. BIRD Aerosystems, a global provider of innovative defense technologies and solutions that protect the air, sea, and land fleets of governments and related agencies, has signed a new contract for the delivery of the SPREOS DIRCM solution and for the certification of BIRD Aerosystems’ AMPS-MD on Airbus 320 type aircraft. The advanced SPREOS DIRCM Solution will enhance aircraft protection by providing unique threat confirmation, tracking and jamming of all advanced IR-guided missiles. Using a semi-active interrogation radar, SPREOS confirms the validity of the incoming threat hence eliminating all false alarms, while precisely tracking and analyzing the threat’s unique information to enable the most effective jamming response. The complete AMPS-MD system, including the SPREOS, will be installed into BIRD’s all-in-one AeroShield POD, which will be certified on the customer A-320 aircraft in collaboration with Airbus France, the aircraft OEM, achieving a supplemental type certificate (STC) for the system installation on the aircraft.
02 Aug 21. Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $51,793,127 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract. This contract provides for program management support to include development of customer unique capabilities in support of the continued development of the air system for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program for a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customer. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (71%); Redondo Beach, California (13%); Melbourne, Florida (1%); and various undisclosed locations outside the continental U.S. (15%), and is expected to be completed in January 2024. FMS customer funds in the amount of $18,000,000 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 (N0001921C0040).
02 Aug 21. Lockheed Martin Corp., Owego, New York, is awarded an $117,686,514 modification (P00002) to a firm-fixed-price order (N0001921F0841) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001921G0017). This order provides non-recurring engineering and field services representative efforts to bring 12 MH-60R aircraft from standard Foreign Military Sales (FMS) configuration to a Republic of Korea Navy configuration. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut (38%); Best, France (37%); Owego, New York (18%); and Portsmouth, Rhode Island (7%), and is expected to be completed in November 2026. FMS funds in the amount of $117,686,514 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.
02 Aug 21. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a foreign military sale (FMS) of a CH-53K heavy-lift cargo helicopter to Israel. Approved by the US State Department, the total estimated cost of the FMS and associated equipment is $3.4bn. The sale package will include 18 CH-53K helicopters, up to 60 T408-GE-400 Engines and nearly 36 Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation Systems (EGI) with Selective Availability/Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM). .50 Calibre machine guns, mission planning system, spare and repair parts, as well as support and test equipment, are also included. Furthermore, US Government and contractor engineering, technical services, as well as other associated elements of logistical and programme support were also requested by Israel. This FMS is expected to enhance the Israeli Air Force’s capability to transport armoured vehicles, workers and equipment to support distributed operations. According to DSCA, there would not be any difficulty to Israel in absorbing this equipment into its armed forces. Lockheed Martin Global and General Electric are the prime contractors for the sale. (Source: army-technology.com)
TECHNOLOGY
05 Aug 21. Australia awards new tranche of SICP grants. Eleven local defence companies have secured a combined $8m in grants to fund the development of their manufacturing capability.
Moog Australia and EPE are among 11 local defence companies to receive funding as part of the Commonwealth government’s latest round of Sovereign Industrial Capability Priority (SICP) grants.
The grants aim to fund the enhancement of local manufacturing capability in support of a broader push to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers for military equipment and services. Of the recipients, Queensland-based EPE has secured the largest grant ($1.4m) to support the development of unmanned systems providing chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high yield explosives (CBRNe) sensor test and assurance capabilities.
Victoria-based Moog Australia’s $209,772 grant is expected to be used to acquire and install new manufacturing equipment.
Other grant recipients include:
Company
Diamond Defence – $290,990 – Expansion of fibre-optic manufacturing capability at its Melbourne facility. Will enable locally manufactured, high-performance military-spec fibre-optic assemblies and harnesses which are not currently available in Australia. VIC.
Novafast International – $1,366,962 – Support the acquisition and installation of new robotics equipment for new manufacturing technologies in composite products. SA.
Varley Rafael Australia – $183,022 – Expansion of current guided weapons capabilities by setting up and commissioning a SPIKE Launcher assembly line, by upgrading facilities and associated security measures. VIC.
HTA Group – $1,069,479 – Support the acquisition and installation of specialist equipment for defence and aerospace compliant vacuum hardening processes in Victoria and NSW. VIC/NSW.
Australian Precision Technologies – $1,054,137 – Expansion and update of specialist equipment and current facilities for precision machining and milling. VIC.
Able Industries Engineering – $1,395,344 – Purchase, construct, install and commission new capital equipment, implement workforce training, skills development and quality accreditation. VIC.
Able Industries Engineering – $331,450 – Completed required building modifications to enhance the company’s ability to manufacture key components. VIC.
Abstec Calibrations Australia – $185,117 – Extension of existing laboratory area to meet increased demand from defence industry and to improve their National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) scope of accreditation. SA.
GW Kewder Engineering – $294,000 – Investment in specialist machining tools to continue to support the manufacture of precision components. VIC.
Campagno Engineering – $609,266 – Acquire and install specialist equipment. VIC. (Source: Defence Connect)