UNITED KINGDOM
LAND
21 Dec 21. Babcock signs a three year contract extension with the Defence College of Technical Training. Babcock the aerospace, defence and security company, has been awarded a further three year contract by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) to provide training and support to the Defence College of Technical Training. The extension to the Electro-Mechanical Engineering Contract 2 (EMTC), worth around £75m for three years with an optional one year extension, follows a successful seven year period of close collaboration between the Armed Forces, MOD and Babcock. Over 450 highly skilled Babcock employees deliver training and support to the Defence School of Electronic and Mechanical Engineering at MOD Lyneham and the Defence School of Marine Engineering at HMS Sultan for the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Royal Marines and Royal Navy trainees. The training aims to provide every trainee the best possible technical training, education and opportunity to maximise their potential and carry out their role in their Front Line Commands. The new contract will see Babcock continue to provide services including Training Delivery, Training Design, Training Planning, Scheduling & Administration, Media, Equipment Support and Site Support, and additionally a centralised Building Manager Capability at HMS Sultan.
SEA
03 Nov21. Cambridge Pixel Supplies BAE Systems with Radar Processing for New Type 26 Ships. In terms of their surveillance and sensor capabilities, each Type 26 ship will be fitted with the BAE Type 997 Artisan 3D air and surface surveillance radar, solid state X and S band navigation radars and a long range IFF interrogator, as well as electro-optical and infrared systems. Cambridge Pixel will be supplying its latest generation of SPx radar processing and display software to BAE Systems for the visualisation of primary and IFF video onboard the Combat Management System (CMS) of the new ships. Cambridge Pixel’s SPx radar display software will be integrated into the CMS to receive and display primary and IFF video, with options to combine multiple videos from the two navigation radars on the ship, as well as support per-console combination of different radars. This provides a high degree of flexibility to configure each display with just the relevant information for the operational role of the display.
AIR
16 Dec 21. UK MoD recruits tlmNexus for Hawk TMk1/1A upgrade. The UK MoD has awarded tlmNexus the contract to deliver a new information management system (IMS) to replace the current training management information system for the Hawk TMk1/1A fleet. The Hawk IMS will record the fatigue and component life usage for the MoD’s Hawk fleet over the life of this contract. The system will manage lifting, configuration control and scheduled maintenance for the aircraft and its components, including the Adour aero engines. This will help the MoD to continue to maintain the critical airworthiness of its Hawk fleet with an out of service date of 2030. The two-year contract was awarded following a competition on the UK Government’s Digital Marketplace and provides an opportunity for tlmNexus to develop further its suite of digital applications. The MoD already uses tlmNexus’ Queen Award-winning Resolve issue management solution under the DE&S Airworthiness Issue Management System contract. (Source: News Now/Shephard)
TECHNOLOGY
14 Dec 21. £1,020,000 research funding awarded for robotic chemist project. Dstl (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory) is pioneering the use of autonomous mobile robotics within the scientific research laboratory. To continue to deliver critical analytical capability for chemical, biological and explosives analysis, Dstl is working with industrial and academic partners to develop the application of mobile robotic platforms in laboratory (lab) environments. The majority of the £1,020,000 funding for this 2 year project is provided by the Defence Innovation Unit, with support from Defence Equipment and Support, and the Department for Transport.
10 Dec 21. tpgroup has secured a one-year contract to develop a software-based emulator that will help to de-risk the integration of equipment for a multi-bn maritime defence programme. The software will enable the MOD customer to test and adopt multiple mission-critical systems more safely, efficiently and quickly. This award forms part of a framework agreement that has already seen a further contract awarded to tpgroup for support to the programme.
EUROPE
LAND
17 Dec 21. Estonia recently acquired the PROTECTOR RS4 variant from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG), as part of their CV90 upgrade program, and is with that the 28th nation to join the PROTECTOR RWS user community. The Estonian CV90 Infantry Fighting Vehicles were acquired from Norway back in 2016 to broaden the capabilities of the Estonian Armed Forces. Earlier this year, Go Craft and Scania Estonia were awarded the contract for a modernization and upgrade program that will run over the next two years. To meet future roles, the refurbished CV90 vehicles will be equipped with the PROTECTOR RS4 from KONGSBERG.
10 Dec 21. KONGSBERG continues to deliver technology to the Swiss Armed Forces with an order for the PROTECTOR RS4 Remote Weapons Systems. With over 750 PROTECTOR Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) received since 2007, Switzerland has renewed their confidence in Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) with a new contract for the PROTECTOR RWS. In an open competition in 2006 Switzerland selected KONGSBERG for the delivery of RWS to its Defence Forces. Throughout the years the two parties have built a strong and trusted relationship. The PROTECTOR RS4 Remote Weapon System is a mature and proven product based on ms of hours of operational experience. KONGSBERG is in close cooperation with Defence Forces around the world for continual system enhancement in order to meet new user requirements and leverage new technology. (Source: Joint Forces)
22 Dec 21. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a potential foreign military sale (FMS) of Javelin FGM-148F missiles to Lithuania. Approved by the US State Department, the sale includes 230 Javelin missiles and associated equipment. It is estimated to cost $125m. Under the deal, Lithuania has also requested 20 Javelin command launch units (CLUs). The agency noted that this sale will be combined with an earlier ‘implemented case under threshold’. The initial FMS case, which was valued at around $28.23m, included one 111 Javelin FGM-148F missiles and ten Javelin CLUs. Hence, the latest notification is for a total of 341 Javelin FGM-148F missiles and 30 Javelin CLUs. Battery chargers, enhanced producibility basic skills trainer (EPBST), training, publications, and support equipment are also included in the sale package. The US will also extend support in the form of engineering and logistics support services. (Source: army-technology.com)
SEA
21 Dec 21. Fincantieri signs contract to construct Italian Navy’s second LSS unit. A Fincantieri-led RTI consortium has signed a contract to construct a second logistic support ship (LSS) for the Italian Navy. The nearly €410m contract was signed with the Organisation Conjointe de Cooperation sur l’Armement (OCCAR). According to Fincantieri, the deal also includes providing logistics and maintenance support over the vessel’s lifecycle in the first ten years. The order also comprises provision of naval components and machinery produced by Fincantieri Mechanical Systems and Components Unit. This equipment includes shaft lines, steering system, fin stabilisers, manoeuvring thrusters, as well as other handling systems. The second LSS will be built at Fincantieri’s shipyard, Castellammare di Stabia, and delivered in 2025. Under a multi-year programme, Fincantieri is currently building seven multi-purpose offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) and the Trieste Landing Helicopter Dock. The programme aims to safeguard Italy’s defence at-sea capacity. (Source: naval-technology.com)
10 Dec 21. The Government of Greece has requested to buy four (4) Multi-Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC) ships; five (5) COMBATSS-21 Combat Management Systems (4 installed, 1 spare); five (5) Vertical Launch Systems (VLS), MK 41 (4 installed, 1 spare; 8 cells per set); two hundred (200) Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) BLK 2 (84 installed, 10 test and training rounds, 106 spares); five (5) MK 49 Guided Missile Launcher Systems (4 installed, 1 spare); eight (8) RAM BLK 2 telemetry missiles; thirty-two (32) Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rocket (ASROC) missiles (VLA) (12 installed (3 per ship), 8 test and training rockets, 12 spares); sixteen (16) 7.62mm M240B machine guns with ammunition (8 installed (2 per ship), 8 spares), and thirty-two (32) MK-54 All Up Round Lightweight Torpedoes (16 installed (4 per ship), 16 spares). Also included are additional single, VLS cells for VLA; ordnance; testing; training; follow-on support; TRS-4D radars; Common Anti-Air Modular Missile (CAMM); Common Anti-Air Modular Missile- Extended Range (CAMM-ER); Naval Strike Missile (NSM) RGM-184B and launchers; MK 46 Lightweight Upgrade to MK 54 Lightweight Torpedo; torpedo containers; Recoverable Exercise Torpedoes (REXTORP) with containers; Exercise Torpedoes (EXTORP) with containers; Expendable Mobile A-size Antisubmarine Warfare (ASW) Training Targets (EMATTs); Fleet Exercise Section (FES) and fuel tanks to be used with MK 54 conversion kits; air launch accessories for fixed wing; 76mm OTO STRALES gun with ordnance; Fire Control Radar; Gun Computer System; 20mm Narwhal gun system with ordnance; M2A1 .50 caliber machine gun with ammunition; NIXIE SLQ-25 Surface Ship Torpedo Defense System; Sylena MK 2 Decoy Launching System with CANTO torpedo countermeasure; Elta Electronic Warfare suite with counterunmanned aerial system capability; Compact Low Frequency Active Passive Variable Depth Sonar-2 (CAPTAS-2); Low Frequency Active Towed Sonar (LFATS); SQQ-89; AN/ARC-210 (RT-2036(C)) radios; Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Equipment; Infrared Search and Track/EO director; Naval Laser Warning System; chemical, biological and radiological threat detectors; and 7 meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB). Also included are support and test equipment; spare and repair parts; communications equipment, including Link 16 communications equipment; Battlefield Information Collection and Exploitation System (BICES); AN/SRQ-4 Tactical Common Datalink; Global Command and Control System-Joint (GCCS-J); Air Defense Systems Integrator (ADSI); cryptographic equipment including SY-150, SY-117G, and KYV-5M; Defense Advance GPS Receiver (DAGR); software delivery and support; facilities and construction support; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; test and trials support; studies and surveys; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $6.9bn. The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin of Bethesda, MD. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: glstrade.com)
12 Dec 21. The Government of Greece has requested to buy equipment and services to repair, update, and enhance their four (4) existing Hellenic Navy (HN) MEKO Class frigates. These upgrades will include the following: eight (8) Close in Weapon Systems (CIWS) Phalanx BLK 1B Baseline 2 upgrade kits; four (4) MK 45, 5” 54 caliber gun overhauls; four (4) MK 49 Guided Missile Launcher Systems; four (4) COMBATSS-21 Combat Management Systems; and, four (4) AN/SQS-56 Sonar overhauls. Also included is the repair and/or upgrade of existing systems; ordnance; testing; training; systems integration; follow-on technical support; acquisition, upgrades, and overhaul of Narwhal 20A Gun System; Sylena MK 2 Decoy Launching System with CANTO torpedo countermeasure; Radar/Fire Control TRS-4D; Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Mode 5; NIXIE SLQ-25 Surface Ship Torpedo Defense System; Helicopter Handling System (Repairs); Defense Advance GPS Receiver (DAGR); Gun Computer System (GCS); Low Frequency Active Towed Sonar (LFATS); Compact Low Frequency Active Passive Variable Depth Sonar-2 (CAPTAS-2); Infrared Search & Track System (IRST); Elta Electronic Warfare (EW), with C-ESM, R-ESM, and ECM capability; Naval Laser- Warning System (NLWS); 7 meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB); SQQ-89 ASW System; Fire Control Radar System; Improved Point Detection System-Lifecycle Replacement (IPDS-LR); Enhanced Maritime Biological Detection (EMBD), as well as significant Hull, Mechanical and Electrical upgrades, replacements, and repairs; support and test equipment; spare and repair parts; communications equipment, including Link 16 communications equipment; Battlefield Information Collection and Exploitation System (BICES); AN/SRQ-4 Tactical Common Datalink (TCDL); Global Command and Control System-Joint (GCCS-J); Air Defense Systems Integrator (ADSI); cryptographic equipment including SY-150, SY-117G, and KYV-5M; software delivery and support; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, systems integration, technical, and logistics support services; test and trials support; studies and surveys; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $2.5bn. The principal contractors will be Raytheon Missiles and Defense, Waltham, MA; Lockheed Martin, Bethesda, MD; BAE Systems, Arlington, VA; and VSE Corporation, Alexandria, VA. There are no known offset agreements in connection with this potential sale. (Source: glstrade.com)
13 Dec 21. IXblue to provide INS and DDU systems for Finnish SQUADRON 2020 project. Four new Pohjanmaa-class corvettes will replace the Finnish Navy’s seven existing surface combatants. The Pohjanmaa-class multi-role corvettes are being developed by the Finnish shipyard Rauma Marine Constructions. Credit: iXblue. iXblue has entered a partnership with naval integrator Furuno to provide its solutions for the Finnish Navy’s SQUADRON 2020 Project. As part of this collaboration, the company will provide its Phins Series Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) and Netans Data Distribution Units (DDU). Furuno is providing a complete integrated navigation system for the future multi-role vessels. The Squadron 2020 project is aimed at replacing seven ageing vessels of the Finnish Navy with four new Pohjanmaa-class multi-role corvettes.The four corvettes are being developed by Finnish shipyard Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC). The Pohjanmaa-class multi-role corvettes, alongside the existing Hamina-class missile boats, will form the Finnish Navy’s backbone. INS Phins Series is based on the fibre-optic gyroscope (FOG) technology and its solid-state FOG technology does not require any preventive maintenance. This implies that the system brings long-term cost-saving benefits for users. iXblue claimed that it has been continuously engaged in improving accuracy and reliability levels of its systems. Over 40 navies have so far used the company’s navigation solutions to equip their vessels. In April, iXblue was contracted to equip the Polish Navy’s Kormoran II-class MCMVs with its inertial navigation systems. (Source: naval-technology.com)
17 Dec 21. Saab has secured an order worth approximately $15.9m (Skr145m) from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV). The contract is for the next phase of the Torpedo 62 system’s life extension programme. Deliveries under the contract are expected to take place by the end of 2023.The order also includes pre-studies and engineering of subsystem prototypes for the current torpedo enhancements. (Source: naval-technology.com)
22 Dec 21. Saab has signed a contract with the Norwegian Defence Material Agency (NDMA) to provide a complete communication system for the Royal Norwegian Navy. Known as TactiCall Integrated Communication System (TactiCall ICS), the communication system will be installed on seven Royal Norwegian Navy vessels. The ships belong to classes that include Mine Countermeasure Vessels (MCMs) and the Skjold-class corvettes, as well as the Coast Guard Vessel (CGV) Svalbard. NDMA has selected TactiCall ICS to replace the existing communication system for both internal and external use on-board, including multi-level secure communication, restricted NATO secret as well as national secret communication channels. TactiCall ICS deliveries to the Navy will start from this year and run through 2024. Saab Combat Systems business unit Mats Wicksell said: “We have a long-term partnership with the Royal Norwegian Navy, and we are looking forward to replacing existing communication system with our innovative TactiCall system on these additional three classes of ship. TactiCall ICS creates access to several communication channels on different classification levels. (Source: naval-technology.com)
AIR
22 Dec 21. France orders the H160M for its Joint Light Helicopter programme. The French Armament General Directorate (DGA) has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters for the development and procurement of the H160M in the frame of the Light Joint Helicopter programme (HIL). The contract includes the development of several prototypes and the delivery of a first batch of 30 aircraft (21 for the army, 8 for the navy and one for the air force). The French Ministry for the Armed Forces plans to order a total of 169 H160M helicopters, or Guépard as it will be known in the French armed forces. Deliveries will start in 2027 beginning with the French Army.
16 Dec 21. Bavaria Orders 8 Five-bladed H145s for its Police Force. The Ministry of Interior of Bavaria has ordered eight five-bladed Airbus H145s for its police force, following a European tender launched earlier this year. The helicopters will replace the state’s current H135 fleet and will be operated by the two bases of the Bavarian helicopters squadron at the airport in Munich and in Roth, close to Nuremberg. The first delivery is planned for 2023. There are more than 200 helicopters from the H145 helicopter family deployed for public services and law enforcement missions around the world. The new version of Airbus’ best-selling H145 light twin-engine helicopter was unveiled at Heli-Expo 2019 in Atlanta. This latest upgrade adds a new, innovative five-bladed rotor to the multi-mission H145, increasing the useful load of the helicopter by 150 kg. The simplicity of the new bearingless main rotor design will also ease maintenance operations, further improving the benchmark serviceability and reliability of the H145, while improving ride comfort for both passengers and crew. (Source: ASD Network)
16 Dec 21. French Sécurité Civile to expand fleet with two Airbus H145s.The French Armament General Directorate (DGA) has ordered an additional two five-bladed H145s destined to equip the Sécurité Civile, an agency of the French Ministry of Interior that performs rescue and air medical transport services throughout France. This contract is a follow-up to the contract signed in 2020 for an initial batch of two H145s which were delivered in December 2021. Certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency in June 2020, this new version of Airbus’ best-selling H145 light twin-engine helicopter brings a new, innovative five-bladed rotor to the multi-mission helicopter, increasing the useful load by 150 kg while delivering new levels of comfort, simplicity, and connectivity. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite. It includes a high performance 4-axis autopilot, increasing safety and reducing pilot workload. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class. Today, Airbus has more than 1,515 H145 family helicopters in service around the world, logging a total of more than six m flight hours. Established in 1957, the helicopter division of the Sécurité Civile operates a fleet of 33 EC145 helicopters on call 24/7 throughout France for rescue missions.
10 Dec 21. Bell Signs Contract to Build Flight Training Devices for the Czech Republic. Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has signed a contract with the U.S. Government to build the AH-1Z Flight Training Device for the Czech Republic’s new helicopter fleet. The delivery of training devices will play a key role integrating new H-1 helicopters into the Czech Air Force. The Flight Training Device (FTD) will be used for simulation and training purposes for prospective pilots of the combined AH-1Z and UH-1Y fleet. The delivery of the training device by Bell ensures the continuous presence of Bell’s expertise throughout the Czech Air Force’s helicopter modernization program.
15 Dec 21. The Spanish government has authorized the defense ministry to sign the contract for the purchase of 20 additional Eurofighter Typhoons as part of the Halcon project. The project will replace the Spanish Air Force’s F-18s, which are based on the Canary Islands. Airbus and Spain have been negotiating the contract for the 20 aircraft since last year and the company expected it to be finalized in 2021. It is unclear whether the government’s approval from December 14 will enable the defense ministry to finalize the contract before the end of the year. The Spanish Air Force already operates 73 Eurofighters, and the Halcon project would bring the total number of the aircraft in service to 93. The new Eurofighters offered to Spain would feature the E-Scan radar, which is currently under development. (Source: https://defbrief.com/)
22 Dec 21. US approves EMALS, AAG, sale to France. The US government has approved the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of aircraft launch and recovery systems intended to equip France’s next-generation aircraft carrier. In a 21 December notification to Congress, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the US State Department had approved the sale of the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) to France for the future Porte-Avions Nouvelle Génération (PANG) carrier programme. The proposed sales agreement, valued at up to USD1.321bn, also covers land-based testing, integration support, training, and other services. The PANG programme projects the construction of a 75,000-tonne nuclear-powered carrier to replace the French Navy’s current carrier, Charles de Gaulle , from 2038. A joint venture of Naval Group and Chantiers de l’Atlantique will take responsibility for platform design and build, while Technicatome will take responsibility for the nuclear steam raising plant for PANG: the ship itself is to be assembled at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique yard in Saint-Nazaire on the west coast of France. (Source: Janes)
22 Dec 21. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., Poway, California, has been awarded a $22,569,883 modification (P00020) to previously awarded contract FA8620-20-C-2009 for MQ-9 contractor logistics support. Work will be performed in Poway, California, and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2022. This contract involves 100% Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to France. FMS funds in the amount of $22,569,883 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.
22 Dec 21. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Military Aircraft Systems, Melbourne, Florida, is awarded a $353,584,118 fixed-price incentive (firm target) modification (P00034) to a previously awarded contract (N0001918C1037). This modification provides for the production and delivery of three E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft for the government of France. Work will be performed in St. Augustine, Florida (27.52%); Syracuse, New York (19.07%); Melbourne, Florida (6.66%); Indianapolis, Indiana (5.32%); Menlo Park, California (4.31%); El Segundo, California (4.21%); Rolling Meadows, Illinois (2.22%); Aire-sure-l’Adour, France (2.16%); Owego, New York (1.62%); Edgewood, New York (1.42%); Marlboro, Massachusetts (1.35%); Woodland Hills, California (1.29%); Greenlawn, New York (1.24%); Windsor Locks, Connecticut (1.15%); various locations within the continental U.S. (20.06%); and various locations outside the continental U.S. (0.42%), and is expected to be completed April 2027. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $353,584,118 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.
16 Dec 21. Swedish FMV awards new Gripen E equipment contract to Saab. The contract requires the company to supply new equipment instead of reusing equipment from the existing Gripen C/D fleet. The Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) has awarded a new order to Saab to supply new equipment for the Gripen E multi-role fighter jet. Supplemental to the original deal signed in 2013, the deal is valued at $153m (Skr1.4bn). According to the deal, Saab is required to supply new equipment instead of reusing equipment from the existing Gripen C/D fleet within the Swedish Armed Forces. The original contract had stipulated certain equipment from the existing Swedish Gripen C/D fleet be reused. However, the company now reportedly claims that the latest way of using new equipment on Gripen E ensures the ‘availability’ of the Swedish Gripen C/D fleet currently in service. The Gripen E is to be delivered and introduced to the Swedish Armed Forces. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
21 Dec 21. VINCORION has been awarded a contract to supply 38 radomes for the latest generation of Eurofighters for the German Armed Forces. The total value of the contract is in the low double-digit m euro range. Delivery is scheduled for between 2023 and 2027. To date, the European aerospace industry has delivered a total of 140 aircraft in tranches 1, 2, and 3 to the German Armed Forces. Delivery of the 38 new Eurofighters is scheduled to begin in 2025 and be completed in 2030. The Eurofighters under the Quadriga program, whose procurement was approved by German parliament in November 2020, are a further development of tranches 2 and 3. At the heart of the new Eurofighters is a new radar that covers a particularly large field of view. In addition, maintenance of the Tranche 1 Eurofighters has become very costly, so they are to be replaced in stages. Eurofighters from Tranche 2 onwards are multirole aircraft and can be used against both enemy fighters (air-to-air) and ground targets (air-to-ground). The first series of the Eurofighter is primarily capable of air combat and is therefore primarily used for QRA in Germany and the Baltic States (reinforced Baltic air policing).
TECHNOLOGY
21 Dec 21. CAES, a leader in advanced mission-critical electronics, has been awarded a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop a fault- and radiation-tolerant system-on-chip. Funded by the Swedish National Space Agency, the project will improve performance and power efficiency in satellite and spacecraft applications by developing a 16-core, space-hardened microprocessor based on the open RISC-V instruction set architecture (ISA). The GR7xV processor will be designed into spaceborne controls and payload data management and processing systems to enable new kinds of observational, communication, navigational and scientific missions and services. These include advanced, flexible telecommunications satellite payloads, scientific and earth-observation payloads and robotics systems such as planetary exploration rovers. The new fault- and radiation-tolerant processor will extend CAES Gaisler Product family of LEON processors, which have been used in space applications for decades and are based on legacy 32-bit SPARC V8 ISA microprocessor cores. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
14 Dec 21. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has been awarded a contract from the U.S. Army in support of U.S. European Command (EUCOM) to provide Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) to Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia. The $14.3 m contract will support upgrading air defense and counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) capabilities and forms the framework for integration into EUCOM Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Plan to more fully support the NATO air defense system architecture. FAAD C2 is a battle-proven command and control system, deployed in several theaters of operation for short range air defense, C-UAS and counter-rocket, artillery and mortar missions. Its open, multi-domain, system-of-systems architecture enables easy integration with available sensors, effectors and warning systems to launch rapid, real-time defense against short-range and maneuvering threats. FAAD C2 was selected as the interim C2 system for counter-small unmanned aerial system procurements for the U.S. Department of Defense. In the future, FAAD C2 will integrate into the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS), the U.S. Army’s contribution to the U.S. Department of Defense Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) initiative.
USA
LAND
03 Dec 21. Comtech Telecommunications Corp. Awarded Follow-On SSPA Order. During the company’s first quarter of fiscal 2022, Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (NASDAQ: CMTL) was awarded a follow-on order valued at $1.2 m for their Ka-Band Solid-State Power Amplifiers (SSPAs) that use state-of-the-art Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology for an In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) application. Comtech’s Falcon 50Ka GaN amplifiers feature a tri-band Block Upconverter (BUC) and are packaged in ARINC 791 compliant housings. (Source: Satnews)
17 Dec 21. General Dynamics European Land Systems-Bridge Systems, Kaiserslautern, Germany, was awarded a $20,811,869 firm-fixed-price contract for the modernization of the Rapidly Emplaced Bridging System. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 16, 2026. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-22-D-0017).
13 Dec 21. INVISIO receives non-binding order from the US-based company SkyRunner for 200 or more Intercom Systems for 2022-2023. The order value is up to SEK 30m but guarantees no volumes. SkyRunner LLC manufactures and markets light-sport aircraft for combat search and rescue missions (CSAR). One of the customers is the US Department of Defense (DoD). The SkyRunner vehicle MK3.2 is fused with a rugged, military-grade chassis and combines both ground and air solutions to go almost anywhere and is customizable for multiple mission sets. It is the first light-sport aircraft to be FAA certified, which means that it meets several challenging security requirements. The order states that SkyRunner’s intent is to procure 200 or more INVISIO Intercom Systems over the next two years. SkyRunner’s ability to commit to the agreement depends on receiving expected larger orders from major customers. The solution will be installed in all SkyRunner vehicles and dramatically improve the user experience. Now pilot and passenger can enjoy crystal clear communication and low ambient noise levels during all phases of flight and even listen to music or make phone calls via the built-in Bluetooth module.
13 Dec 21. Leidos (NYSE: LDOS), a FORTUNE® 500 science and technology leader, has been awarded a prime contract by the U.S. Air Force to support the service’s counter-small unmanned aerial system (C-sUAS) efforts. This single-award, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract has a total estimated value of $82 m. It includes a one-year period, as well as four one-year options. Work will be performed at various CONUS locations. Through this contract, Leidos will support the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center and enhance the air base defender’s capability to detect, identify, track and defeat small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). This will take place through a wide range of system and software maintenance, development, and deployment tasks. Leidos’ innovation and agile technologies will play a critical role in enhancing base security capabilities, while enabling a fully connected defense solution to combat anticipated threats to air bases worldwide. (Source: PR Newswire)
10 Dec 21. US Army’s PrSM enters EMD phase. The US Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal has awarded Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control a USD23.9m contract for engineering and manufacturing development (EMD), and Early Operational Capability Lot 1 missiles – currently in Milestone B – of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) weapon system. The contract – the estimated completion of which is late April 2025 – is a modification to an earlier USD20m contract awarded by the army in April for the procurement of long-lead item materials needed to support the development, testing, and qualification of the PrSM system. (Source: Janes)
20 Dec 21. Nammo Defense Systems Inc., Mesa, Arizona, was awarded a $498,092,926 firm-fixed-price contract for the full rate production of M72 Light Assault Weapon variants and components for shoulder-launched munitions training systems. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 19, 2026. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W15QKN-22-D-0002).
22 Dec 21. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Linthicum, Maryland, is awarded a $245,789,116 modification for the firm-fixed-price portion of a previously awarded contract (M67854-19-C-0043). The total cumulative face value of the contract is $963,173,943. This modification provides for the exercise of five option contract line items to procure eight Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar systems, and associated spares, data, and travel in support of Program Executive Officer Land Systems, Quantico, Virginia. Work will be performed in Linthicum, Maryland, and is expected to be completed in January 2025. Fiscal 2022 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $245,789,116 will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract modification was not competitively procured. The base contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1 and 10 U.S. Code § 2304(c)(1). The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M67854-19-C-0043).
SEA
22 Dec 21. Austal USA has won a $2m (approximately A$2.8m) preliminary design contract for the US Navy’s Next Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS) programme. The company will build a new baseline design and conduct ‘specific’ trade studies for the NGLS. The programme constitutes a new class of medium-sized, at-sea supply ships aimed at supporting small surface combatants. The mission of the NGLS fleet will include providing re-fuelling, re-arming, and resupply services for littoral combat ships (LCS) and frigates, and the US Navy’s proposed light amphibious warships (LAW). (Source: naval-technology.com)
13 Dec 21. Huntington Ingalls Inc. (HII) – Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Mississippi, is awarded a $70,866,327 not-to-exceed, undefinitized contract action for long lead time material (LLTM) in support of one amphibious assault ship (general purpose) replacement (LHA(R)) Flight 1 Ship (LHA 9). This action will be the seventh increment of LLTM awarded to HII under contract (N00024-20-C-2437) executed on April 30, 2020. Work will be performed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (49%); Pascagoula, Mississippi (45%); Hamilton, Ohio (4%); and High Ridge, Missouri (2%), and is expected to be completed by April 2024. Fiscal 2021 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funding in the amount of $53,149,745 will be obligated at award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The obligation amount represents 75% of the not-to-exceed price, in accordance with Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation 217.7404-4, limitations on obligations. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1) — only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-20-C-2437).
17 Dec 21. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Linthicum, Maryland, has been awarded a $41,178,619 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the Manta Ray Phase 2 program. This contract provides developing, fabricating, and testing a full-scale demonstration system of a long-endurance unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV). Work will be performed in Linthicum, Maryland (75%); Woods Hole, Massachusetts (15%); Grandview, Missouri (4%); Baltimore, Maryland (3%); North Kingstown, Rhode Island (2%); and Gulfport, Mississippi (1%), with an expected completion date of December 2023. Fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2022 research, development, test, and engineering funds in the amount of $760,166 and $10,000,000, respectively, are being obligated at time of award. This contract was a competitive acquisition under broad agency announcement HR001119S0040 Phase 2. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity (HR001122C0021).
20 Dec 21. Raytheon Co., Goleta, California, is awarded a $102,591,251 firm-fixed-price, performance-based logistics requirements contract for the repair, upgrade or replacement, required availability, configuration management, inventory management, and obsolescence management in support of the ALR-67(V)3 radar warning system. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Florida (40%); Goleta, California (30%); Point Magu, California (15%); Tucson, Arizona (10%); El Segundo, California (3%); and Forest, Mississippi (2%). This contract includes a five-year base period with no options. Work is expected to be completed by December 2026. Working capital funds (Navy) in the amount of $23,919,850 will be issued for delivery order (N00383-22-F-0T00) that will be awarded concurrently with the contract and will initially be obligated at the time of award, and funds will not expire. Funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One company was solicited for this non-competitive requirement under authority 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1) with one offer received. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. (N00383-22-D-T001)
17 Dec 21. Raytheon Missiles and Defense, Tucson, Arizona, has been awarded a $31,054,056 contract modification (P00003) to previously awarded contract FA8672-21-C-0005 for StormBreaker production all up rounds and containers for the Navy. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, and is expected to be completed by Feb. 28, 2025. This award is the result of a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2022 Navy weapons procurement funds in the amount of $31,054,056 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity.
14 Dec 21. Raytheon Co., Tucson, Arizona, is awarded a $269,034,300 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract N0002421C5408 in support of the fiscal 2021-2023 Evolved Seasparrow Missile (ESSM) Block 2 full rate production requirements. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona (46%); Edinburgh, Australia (8%); San Jose, California (7%); Raufoss, Norway (7%); Mississauga, Canada (6%); Ottobrunn, Germany (4%); Cambridge, Canada (3%); Nashua, New Hampshire (3%); Hengelo Ov, Netherlands (2%); Koropi Attica, Greece (2%); Torrance, California (2%); Canton, New York (2%); Ankara, Turkey (1%); Grenaa, Denmark (1%); Westlake Village, California (1%); Eight Mile Plains, Brisbane, Australia (less than 1%); Newmarket, Canada (less than 1%); Madrid, Spain (less than 1%); Milwaukie, Oregon (less than 1%); Lystrup, Denmark (less than 1%); Lawrence, Maine (less than 1%); and Clearwater, Florida (less than 1%). Work is expected to complete March 2025. Fiscal 2020 other customer funds in the amount of $16,419,610 (6%); fiscal 2022 other customer funds in the amount of $144,056,990 (54%); fiscal 2021 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $17,306,300 (6%); and fiscal 2022 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $91,251,400 (34%) 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
16 Dec 21. AAR (NYSE: AIR), a leading provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs, was awarded a ten year $365m firm fixed price, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract with the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center to support United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) F-16 aircraft. AAR will provide aircraft depot-level maintenance and repair primarily for F-16 aircraft allocated to USAFE and to support possible overflow requirements for all USAF F-16 aircraft. Additionally, AAR will send Contractor Field Teams (CFT) to perform depot-level repairs on any F-16 aircraft at any location on an as-needed basis. Work will include F-16 avionics and structural depot-level maintenance and modifications, Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) modifications, drop-in maintenance, and full strip, paint, and corrosion control on selected aircraft required to sustain the F-16 fleet throughout Europe.
17 Dec 21. AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corp., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is awarded a $159,421,443 firm-fixed-price modification (P00016) to a previously awarded contract (N6134020C0007). This modification exercises options for the production and delivery of 36 TH-73A aircraft Lot III and initial spares in support of the Advanced Helicopter Training System program. Work will be performed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (85%); Mineral Wells, Texas (5%); and various locations outside the continental U.S. (10%), and is expected to be completed in December 2023. Fiscal 2022 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $159,421,443 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.
13 Dec 21. Alliant Techsystems Operations LLC (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Northrop Grumman Defense Systems Inc.), Northridge, California, is awarded a $45,662,690 firm-fixed-price modification (P00001) to a previously awarded contract (N0001921C0044). This modification exercises options to procure low rate initial production Lot Two of the Air to Ground Missile (AGM)-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile – Extended Range (AARGM-ER). Specifically, this modification provides for the production and delivery of 16 AGM-88G AARGM-ER all up rounds, six AGM-88G AARGM-ER Captive Air Training Missiles, four Common Munitions Built-in-Test Reprogramming Equipment+ Interface Devices, initial spares, and required manufacturing supplies and support. Work will be performed in Northridge, California (61%); Rocket Center, West Virginia (32%); and Ridgecrest, California (7%), and is expected to be completed in December 2024. Fiscal 2022 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $45,611,925; and fiscal 2021 weapons procurement (Navy) in the amount of $50,765 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.
15 Dec 21. BAE Systems received a $493m contract modification from Lockheed Martin to significantly upgrade and modernize the electronic warfare (EW) system for the F-35 Lightning II, enabling the fifth-generation fighter to quickly detect and address evolving electromagnetic threats in contested battlespaces. Under the contract, BAE Systems will deliver enhanced and highly capable core hardware for the F-35’s high-performance EW mission system, known as AN/ASQ-239, and will provide engineering support services and test infrastructure. The upgraded system will improve superior situational awareness and electromagnetic attack and countermeasure capabilities with new sensors and more powerful signal processing.
20 Dec 21. The Boeing Co., Colorado Springs, Colorado, has been awarded a $329,303,008 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF on-orbit support to satisfy the GPS IIF mission requirements. This contract will provide engineering services to the operational units in support of GPS Block IIF satellite constellation. Work will be performed in Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Los Angeles, California, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 20, 2031. The Space Systems Command Directorate of Contracting, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, is the contracting activity (FA8823-22-D-0001).
15 Dec 21. General Dynamics-OTS Inc., Williston, Vermont, has been awarded an $88,275,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity requirements contract for the purchase of M61A1 Vulcan 20MM cannon guns. This contract provides for production of the guns in support of the F-16 weapon system. Work will be performed in Williston, Vermont, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 12, 2031. This award is the result of a sole source acquisition. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $7,853,702 will be obligated on the first order at time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is the contracting activity (FA8520-22-D-0003).
21 Dec 21. A relatively small company is getting a $32m contract to develop sensors to help protect U.S. and allied satellites from Russian and Chinese spacecraft. The award that appears to exemplify the kind of transaction the Pentagon wants more of: affordable, innovative technology from companies, regardless of size. Under the Space Force contract, which was awarded on Friday, Arizona-based Geost will finish building a prototype sensor that will monitor objects in geosynchronous orbit. The sensors will be attached to U.S. and possibly allied satellites.
22 Dec 21. Goodrich Corps., as part of Collins Aerospace and Raytheon Technologies, Westford, Massachusetts, has been awarded a $146,792,433 delivery order (FA8691-22-F-1000) to previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract FA8620-18-D-3014 for multi-spectral intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance sensors through the Tactical Reconnaissance Pod Program MS-110 Phase 1b. This contract provides for production, manufacturing, and testing of the new reconnaissance pod systems. Work will be performed in Westford, Massachusetts, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2025. This contract involves 100 percent Foreign Military Sales (FMS)to Taiwan and is the result of a sole source acquisition. FMS funds in the amount of $146,792,433 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Dec. 21, 2021)
17 Dec 21. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Linthicum Heights, Maryland, has been awarded a $189,761,282 firm-fixed-price modification (P00049) to contract FA8615-17-C-6047 for Active Electronically Scanned Array radars of Air Force F-16 aircraft. This modification exercises options to include 83 production radars, as well as associated spares. Work will be performed in Linthicum Heights, Maryland, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2024. The total cumulative face value of the contract is $1,032,433,616. Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement funds in the amount of $67,964,526; and fiscal 2022 aircraft procurement funds in the amount of $121,796,756 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Dec. 16, 2021)
17 Dec 21. The U.S. Space Force has awarded Raytheon Technologies a $67m contract to test a prototype weather system the company designed for the service, the American firm announced Dec. 15. The Space Force initially selected Raytheon Intelligence & Space to design a prototype for the Electro-Optical Infrared Weather System, or EWS, in 2020. The program will replace the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, or DMSP, which has provided cloud characterization and theater weather imagery observations data to the military since the 1960s. Those satellites are nearing the end of their service life, with officials expressing concern that they may not survive until 2024. Congress directed the Air Force to replace DMSP with a new system in 2015. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
17 Dec 21. Raytheon Missiles and Defense, Tucson, Arizona, was awarded a $92,908,493 contract modification (P00002) to previously awarded contract FA8672-21-C-0005 for StormBreaker Production All Up Rounds and Containers for the U.S. Air Force. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, and is expected to be completed by Feb. 28, 2025. This award is the result of a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2022 U.S. Air Force Weapons Procurement funding in the amount of $92,908,493 was obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Oct. 28, 2021)
TECHNOLOGY
17 Dec 21. The CNA Corp., Arlington, Virginia, was awarded a $1,217,000,000 sole-source indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the Navy Studies and Analysis Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). This contract provides for independent, authoritative studies, analysis and technical support that is focused on major present and future issues affecting the Navy, Marine Corps, and other intelligence and Department of Defense organizations. Work will be performed in Arlington, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2031. The maximum dollar value, including a 60-month base period, and five 12-month option periods, is $1,217,000,000. Fiscal 2022 operation and maintenance (Air Force) funds in the amount of $2,180,000 will be obligated on a cost-plus-fixed-fee task order at time of award, and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was solicited on a sole source basis under the authority of 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(3)(B) and was procured under solicitation (N00014-21-R-SS16). The Office of Naval Research, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N00014-22-D-7001). (Awarded Dec. 15, 2021)
10 Dec 21. DCS has secured a five-year blanket purchase agreement (BPA) to support the 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW) Warfighter Interactions & Readiness Division. The BPA has been issued by the General Services Administration (GSA) and DCS will share it with its subsidiary Infoscitex. According to DCS, the BPA was issued under the GSA multiple-award schedule. The potential award has a ceiling value of $48m. The two companies will provide technical and management expertise for the ‘discovery, development, and fielding’ of US Air Force (USAF) and US Space Force (USSF) systems and subsystems. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
20 Dec 21. Intermap Technologies has secured a new contract to support US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in developing navigation solutions for GPS-denied environments. The new prime contract with the US Air Force (USAF) is the company’s eighth government contract this year. Headquartered in the US state of Colorado, Intermap specialises in collecting global-scale and precise unstructured raw data from the electromagnetic spectrum. This is then extended to gridded or meshed 3D elevation models (DEMs) AFRL will leverage these Intermap’s capabilities for its positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) systems. Under the contract, Intermap will also deliver necessary engineering and scientific support apart from offering relevant data, technology and low-latency collection and processing capabilities. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
10 Dec 21. Parsons Government Services Inc., Colorado Springs, Colorado, has been awarded a $10,807,540 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for a Small Business Innovation Research Phase III effort titled Blackjack Prototype Ground Operations Center. Work will be performed in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with an estimated completion date of June 2024. Fiscal 2021 research and development funds in the amount of $1,000,000 are being obligated at the time of award. This contract is the continuation of an acquisition originally competed in accordance with § 9 of the Small Business Act, 15 U.S. Code 638. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity (HR001122C0027).
20 Dec 21. Viasat Expands Partnership with U.S. Navy to Provide Managed Network Services at Bases in Guam and Poland. Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company, today announced two new contracts with the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) to deliver triple-play services (Wi-Fi, voice and TV) in Guam, and managed Wi-Fi in Poland. These contracts expand Viasat’s work with NEXCOM in providing high-quality personal-use telecommunications to Sailors at bases around the world in Unaccompanied Housing (UH), Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) facilities and Navy lodging facilities. These new contracts demonstrate Viasat’s continued relationship with NEXCOM, expanding its support for Sailors and their families with delivery of reliable connectivity beyond the battlespace at installations outside the continental U.S. (OCONUS). Under the first agreement, Viasat will deploy a new fiber network backbone to support Naval Station Guam and Andersen Air Force Base, as well as upgrade the buildings at these facilities with new Wi-Fi and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) equipment. This work will also require replacing the legacy copper-based networks connecting to all the buildings. Together, this modernization will enable a better experience for Navy and Air Force service members and their families, improving the speed and resiliency of their internet, Wi-Fi, voice and TV services. In a separate contract, Viasat will support the Navy at its new Naval Support Facility (NSF) Redzikowo in Poland by providing reliable, resilient connectivity. Specifically, the facility received a new Wi-Fi network and management support system, which are similar to the Wi-Fi services that Viasat already provides to more than 100 Navy installations around the world.
22 Dec 21. Visimo, alongside research institute partner Colorado State University, has won a US Air Force (USAF) Phase II Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) award. The award will see Visimo develop a solution that will help tackle training data problem for the Air Force Research Laboratory, Information Directorate (AFRL/RI). Visimo’s technology will support the AFRL Lab in the development of several technologies. The company will design a generator that can build synthetic annotated image datasets within minutes. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
REST OF THE WORLD
LAND
13 Dec 21. The Israeli Ministry of Defense selected the Allison 4800 Specialty Series™ (SP) transmission for their 8-wheeled Eitan Armored Fighting Vehicle (AFV). The Eitan (Hebrew for “steadfast” or “strong”) will replace a portion of Israel’s aging fleet of M113 tracked armored personnel carriers. Allison Transmission received the first production order in September 2021, with deliveries expected to continue for multiple years. The 4800 SP transmissions will be assembled within power packs by the vehicle’s power pack integrator – Rolls Royce Solutions America (Formerly MTU America). (Source: BUSINESS WIRE))
17 Dec 21. BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P., Minneapolis, Minnesota, is awarded a $24,468,051 firm-fixed-price contract to provide all necessary material and services required for the procurement and support of an ordnance alteration to modify the MK38 MOD3 machine gun system. This contract combines purchases for the Navy (81%); and the Republic of the Philippines (21%) under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Work will be performed in Hafia, Israel (67%); and Louisville, Kentucky (33%), and is expected to be completed by May 2023. Fiscal 2021 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $19,802,757 (81%); and FMS Republic of the Philippines funds in the amount of $4,665,294 (19%) will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1) — only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division, Indian Head, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N00174-22-C-0005).
15 Dec 21. Cubic Defence Australia signed an agreement with the Commonwealth for the delivery of training support to the Australian Army’s Combat Training Centre in North Queensland, with the contract valued at some $319.8m. As part of the agreement, Townsville-based Cubic Defence Australia is expected to continue supporting the Combat Training Centre’s live simulation, range instrumentation and information systems which underpin largescale and international defence exercises. The contract between Cubic and the Commonwealth for the Combat Training Centre Live Instrumentation System (CTC-LIS) is expected to last up to 14 years, with the system based in Townsville’s Lavarack Barracks. (Source: Defence Connect)
12 Dec 21. DroneShield Limited (ASX:DRO) (“DroneShield” or the “Company”) has received an initial order of an approximately $600,000 value for a variant of its DroneSentry system, by a defence agency of a Five Eyes country. Five Eyes intelligence community consists of US, Australia, UK, Canada and New Zealand. The system is an initial trial order, to determine suitability for end user requirements, in anticipation of larger purchases. DroneShield will continue to work collaboratively with the customer in an agile manner to perform any refinements to the software, in turn continuing to improve the offering to all Defence and intelligence users which often have similar requirements. First, there is a significant potential for large follow up systems to this customer, both this system configuration and cross selling of our other products. Second, this is another validation of our AI-enabled signals intelligence (SIGINT) DroneSentry platform, utilising Artificial Intelligence (AI) across multi-spectrum, including radiofrequency and computer vision to enable threat awareness and dominance to the Defence customer, who is faced with the need to collect and process enormous volumes of data from multiple domains. Importantly, the computer vision element also incorporates machine learning models in the Long-Wave Infrared spectrum (LWIR) – this is in addition to more conventional electro-optical and night-vision sensors.
15 Dec 21. Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:ESLT and TASE: ESLT) (“Elbit Systems”) announced today that it was awarded a contract valued at approximately $350m to supply an array of land systems to an international customer. The contract will be fulfilled over a three-year period.
10 Dec 21. General Dynamics Land Systems Inc., Sterling Heights, Michigan, was awarded a $93,519,000 fixed-price-incentive contract for M1A2 Abrams engineering, manufacturing, design and production. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Lima, Ohio, with an estimated completion date of Sep. 30, 2025. Fiscal 2019 Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $93,519,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-22-C-0005).
15 Dec 21. Kenya’s Ministry of Defense has purchased 118 Hızır 4×4 tactical wheeled armoured vehicles with Allison fully automatic transmissions from Turkish vehicle manufacturer Katmerciler, following a tender process. Deliveries of the vehicles will begin in 2022 and be completed in 2023. The contract to supply Kenya is one of Katmerciler’s largest international contracts. Katmerciler’s versatile Hızır nine personnel capacity vehicle is designed and optimised for high performance under extreme operational conditions in rural and urban areas. It is available in various configurations including command control vehicle, CBRN vehicle, weapon carrier, ambulance, border security vehicle and reconnaissance vehicle. Developed according to NATO standards, it is exceptionally well reinforced and has a high level of ballistic and landmine protection. Hızır vehicles come equipped with Allison 3200 Specialty Series™ fully automatic transmissions as standard. Allison’s patented torque converter ensures the extremely high torque is transferred to the driveline gradually, supporting the efficiency of the Katmerciler Hızır in field operations in all applications, road and terrain conditions.
16 Dec 21. Lockheed Martin Corp. Missiles and Fire Control, Dallas, Texas, is being awarded a $286,466,778 modification to previously awarded Phase II contract HQ0835-21-C-0002 under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The contract type will be a hybrid firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-incentive-fee, and cost reimbursement contract. Under this modification, the contractor will provide equipment and continued efforts in support of Phase I contract HQ0147-19-C-0007 and additional efforts related to ground production, training, spares, spares consolidation, software support, facility support, engineering services, obsolescence (pop-up), outside the continental U.S. and continental U.S. system integration and check-out, maintenance, urgent software updates, system integration lab and testbed maintenance, field surveillance program and contractor logistics support. This work will be performed in various locations to include primarily Dallas, Texas; and Sunnyvale, California. The performance period is from Dec. 16, 2021, through Aug. 31, 2027. KSA FMS funds in the amount of $286,466,778 will be used to fund this effort. The Missile Defense Agency, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (HQ0853-21-C-0002).
SEA
23 Dec 21. Korean firm bags P25B deal to build PH Navy corvettes. It’s official: South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has secured a contract to build two corvettes for the Philippine Navy for P25bn. A notice of award was issued by the Department of National Defense (DND) last Dec. 15, two senior security officials familiar with the matter told Inquirer.net. The development came shortly after the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released funding for the 15 percent downpayment of the corvette acquisition project worth P3.75bn last Dec. 10. A contract signing could happen before yearend, said the senior officials. The acquisition would be financed by a government-to-government loan agreement, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in earlier statements. (Source: News Now/https://globalnation.inquirer.net/)
21 Dec 21. Lockheed Martin Australia has been awarded a $33m design contract to support the upgrade of the Aegis Combat System on the RAN fleet of three HOBART-class Destroyers. This contract forms part of a rolling-wave of upgrades that will integrate the Aegis Combat System Baseline 9 software into the Hobart-class Destroyers for the first time. Baseline 9 will also equip the RAN’s planned nine HUNTER-class frigates. Allied to the purchase of SM-2 Block III and SM-6 surface-air missiles, this will ensure Australia’s sea based integrated air and anti-ballistic missile defence capability and create a technological edge to protect deployed naval forces. Under the two-year SEA 4000 Phase 6 Combat System Design Agent (CSD-A) contract, Lockheed Martin Australia will perform most of the program work in Adelaide, maximising opportunities for its sovereign Future Submarine Program workforce across 40 newly created engineering and project management roles. This contract award will create opportunities for Lockheed Martin Australia’s industry partners, such as Relegen, a Sydney-based maritime data specialist that will support configuration updates associated with CSD-A activities. This work provides an enduring baseline for the RAN’s ongoing sustainment of the Aegis Combat System beyond the completion of this contract. (Source: Rumour Control)
21 Dec 21. Saab has received a contract from Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) to provide the multi-role Sea Giraffe AMB naval radars antenna kits. The kits will be integrated onto the RCN’s Halifax-class frigates to improve the vessels’ performance and sustain their service life. The contract also comprises related equipment and spare parts and is valued at around $32.7m (SEK300m). Work under the contract will commence this calendar year and continue until 2026. Saab noted that the contractual work will be executed in Halifax of Canada and Sweden’s Gothenburg. A multi-role 3D surveillance radar system, Sea Giraffe AMB is used for naval applications. It provides medium range, simultaneous air, and surface surveillance, besides possessing a weapon designation capability. (Source: naval-technology.com)
AIR
16 Dec 21. The Boeing Co., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, has been awarded a $397,921,549 firm-fixed-price contract for the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) Modernization Program, Phase 2. This contract provides for production, training and installation and checkout, in order to keep the RSAF E-3 AWACS fleet interoperable with the U.S. Air Force and functionally viable through its expected end of life in 2040. Work will be performed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Al Kharj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and is expected to be completed by Feb. 21, 2026. This contract involves 100% Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This award is the result of a sole source acquisition. FMS funds in the amount of $397,921,549 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity (FA8730-22-C-0011).
17 Dec 21. India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the development and supply of 20 types systems for the Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) Mk1A programme. The five-year $314.9m (Rs24bn) contract signing took place on 16 December. HAL noted that the contract is the ‘biggest ever’ order it has awarded to any Indian firm. The contract starts from 2023 and runs through 2028. This February, the Indian Government officially sealed the approximately $6.57bn (Rs480bn) deal to procure 83 Tejas LCA from HAL. The order for supply of types systems for 83 Tejas Mk1A fighter fleet will be executed by two BEL Divisions at Bengaluru and Panchkula. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
17 Dec 21. KAI awarded contract to deliver four Baekdu-II ISR aircraft systems to the RoKAF. Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has been awarded a KRW800bn (USD675m) contract to develop and manufacture four intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft systems for the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) under the second phase of the Baekdu project. The contract, awarded by South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and announced by KAI on 17 December, is due to be completed by the end of 2026 and will develop the new ISR system that will replace the four Hawker 800SIG Peace Pioneer reconnaissance aircraft that first entered service with the RoKAF in 2001. The company had previously announced in early November that the new Baekdu ISR aircraft will be based on the Dassault Falcon 2000LXS business jet and that mission systems will be developed in co-operation with LiG Nex1. (Source: Janes)
21 Dec 21. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a potential foreign military sale (FMS) of 800 AGM-114R2 Hellfire missiles to Australia. Approved by the US State Department, the proposed sale including associated equipment is estimated to be valued at $108m. Under the FMS, Australia has also requested to buy Tactical Aviation Ground Munition (TAGM) Program Office Technical Assistance, Security Assistance Management Directorate (SAMD), Joint Attack Munition Systems (JAMS) Technical Assistance, as well as classified and unclassified publications. The sale package also includes spare parts, repair and return, and other associated programme elements and logistical support. Furthermore, services such as the US Government and contractor technical, engineering, repair, storage, and logistics personnel services are included in the sale. According to DSCA, the missile will improve the Australian Army’s capabilities in armed reconnaissance and anti-tank warfare missions. It will also help the service to tackle existing and future threats. (Source: army-technology.com)
15 Dec 21. Lockheed Martin Corp., Rotary and Mission Systems, Orlando, Florida, has been awarded a $77,637,721 fixed-price contract for F-16 Block 70 training systems. This contract provides for the engineering, manufacturing, and development, production, integration, testing and delivery of training devices, as well as spare parts and support equipment. This contract involves classified Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programs. Work will be performed in two Eastern European FMS partner nations, and one Middle Eastern FMS partner nation, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 14, 2027. This award is the result of a directed source acquisition procured with 100% FMS funds. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8621-22-C-0020).
22 Dec 21. Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $211,223,665 firm-fixed-price undefinitized contract modification (P00001) to an order (N0001921F0398) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001919G0008). This modification adds scope to procure ancillary mission equipment in support of Lots 15 and 16 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter production aircraft for the Air Force, Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers, and non-Department of Defense (DOD) partners. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in December 2024. Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $68,860,141; FMS funds in the amount of $52,813,715; and non-DOD partner funds in the amount of $89,549,809 will be obligated on this 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.
22 Dec 21. Maxar Extends Agreements with Three International Defense and Intelligence Customers, Securing Second WorldView Legion Commitment. Maxar Technologies (NYSE:MAXR) (TSX:MAXR), provider of comprehensive space solutions and secure, precise, geospatial intelligence, today announced contract extensions with three long-standing international defense and intelligence customers. The three agreements total more than $100m and extend these customers’ ability to directly task and download 30 cm-class satellite imagery to their ground stations from Maxar’s current constellation under Maxar’s Direct Access Program. This program enables defense, intelligence and commercial customers to access the world’s most advanced Earth imaging satellites, with encrypted downlinks, committed availability and data distribution rights that fit mission needs. One of the contracts provides a commitment to purchase direct access to Maxar’s next-generation WorldView Legion satellites, the first of which are expected to launch between May 15-June 13, 2022. This is the company’s second commitment for WorldView Legion capacity. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
22 Dec 21. Raytheon Technologies Corp., Pratt and Whitney Military Engines, East Hartford, Connecticut, is awarded a $218,162,159 cost-plus-incentive-fee, fixed-price incentive (firm target) modification (P00002) to a previously awarded contract (N0001920C0011). This modification adds scope to procure long-lead items in support of Lot 16 propulsion systems for F-35 Lighting II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers, and Non-U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) participants. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Indiana (44%); Windsor Locks, Connecticut (33%); Bristol, United Kingdom (16%); and Phoenix, Arizona (7%), and is expected to be completed in December 2024. Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $66,812,836; fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $56,564,199; FMS funds in the amount of $43,871,979; and Non-U.S. DOD participant funds in the amount of $50,913,145 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.
21 Dec 21. Raytheon Missiles & Defense, Tucson, Arizona, was awarded a $578,314,177 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-21-C-5411) to procure Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) production requirements including all up rounds, instrumentation kits, engineering services and spares; and to definitize the long-lead-material undefinitized contract action in support of the Navy and the governments of Korea, Denmark, Taiwan, Netherlands, Spain, Chile, Japan and Germany. This contract includes an option which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $586,834,591. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona (45%); Huntsville, Alabama (9%); Andover, Massachusetts (8%); Hengelo OV, Netherlands (7%); McKinney, Texas (4%); Anniston, Alabama (2%); Joplin, Missouri (2%); Camden, Arkansas (2%); San Diego, California (2%); San Jose, California (1%); Peabody, Massachusetts (1%); Anaheim, California (1%); Keene, New Hampshire (1%); Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1%); Chandler, Arizona (1%); Mountain View, California (1%); Elma, New York (1%); Clearwater, Florida (1%); and other miscellaneous locations (10% total), and is expected to be complete by December 2026. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) (Korea) funds in the amount of $231,687,410 (40%); FMS (Denmark) funds in the amount of $97,952,805 (17%); FMS (Taiwan) funds in the amount of $57,583,218 (10%); Memorandum Of Understanding (Netherlands) funds in the amount of $52,977,595 (9%); FMS (Spain) funds in the amount of $50,199,713 (9%); fiscal 2021 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $36,789,237 (6%); FMS (Chile) funds in the amount of $33,078,183 (5%); FMS (Japan) funds in the amount of $10,808,242 (2%); FMS (Germany) funds in the amount of $4,968,817 (1%); and FMS (Australia) funds in the amount of $2,268,957 (1%) will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Awarded Dec. 17, 2021)