EUROPE
LAND
18 Jan 22. The Iveco – Oto Melara Consortium signs the contract for the Italian Army’s new VBM Plus. The Iveco – Oto Melara Consortium (CIO) announces the signing of a contract to supply 14 Mortar Carrier VBMs, 26 Command Post VBMs (13 in Tactical Unit and 13 in Command Unit version), along with six “10×10” rescue and recovery vehicles. Signed on 30 December 2021, at the Secretary of Defence (Segredifesa) Land Armaments Directorate, the contract comes as part of the ongoing supply (“Phase 2”) of Medium Armoured Vehicles to the Italian Army’s Second Medium Brigade, and includes an upgrade to “PLUS” version for the VBM platform, as well as long-term integrated logistics support for all platforms purchased. The VBM Combat “PLUS” version will see changes to both the vehicle and the turret. Changes to the vehicle include upgrading to common rail technology for the engine, taking it from 550 HP to 660 HP ready for a future hybrid-electric traction system, and upgrades to the driveline, increasing growth potential by up to 15% compared to current levels. (Source: https://www.epicos.com/)
21 Jan 22. BAE Systems Hägglunds, a world-leading developer and supplier of tracked vehicles for defence and emergency services, has given MilDef the confidence to deliver communications equipment with a total order value of SEK 18m. Deliveries will take place starting in 2022. MilDef’s delivery of communication equipment to BAE Systems Hägglunds concerns technology for enhanced cyber defence and upgrades of combat vehicles 90. Based on the standardized form factor that MilDef offers its customers, upgrades and replacement products can be effectively implemented. BAE Systems Hägglunds focuses on the provision and upgrade of vehicle systems for military and civil applications. These include world-leading tracked vehicles for defence and emergency services.
13 Jan 22. The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) awarded the European leading robotics and autonomous systems (RAS) developer and system integrator Milrem Robotics a contract to provide RAS Concept Development and Experimentation (CD&E) Services to the Italian Army. The scope of the multi-year campaign is to explore RAS technology in order to update the Italian army’s RAS strategy and outline an implementation roadmap for the introduction of unmanned systems and related technology into service. Milrem Robotics will support the Italian army in developing a clear path to how RAS technology, systems and architectures can generate operational advantages and ground armed forces benefits when operating in urbanised environments. (Source: www.joint-forces.com)
19 Jan 22. Bundeswehr awards Rheinmetall new mortar modernization and ammunition order. The German Bundeswehr has contracted with Rheinmetall to supply 120mm mortar ammunition and modernize its mortar systems. Booked in 2021, the order represents gross volume of around €27m in total. In the course of the modernization, which is to be completed by 2023, Rheinmetall is upgrading the Bundeswehr’s 120mm mortars, which will enable them to fire new generation (NG) mortar rounds. This involves adding obturation rings to the tubes. As part of this order, Rheinmetall has already supplied the Bundeswehr with DM75 NG multispectral mortar rounds and DM56 NG infrared illumination mortar rounds in 2021. Rheinmetall possesses extensive expertise in the field of indirect fire, and offers a complete range of 120mm, 81mm and 60mm ammunition families. The Group’s also makes mortar fire control systems and mortars like the 120mm Ragnarök mortar weapon system and the innovative RSG60 60mm mortar, introduced as recently as 2019. The latest Bundeswehr order is a reminder of Rheinmetall’s role as a leading supplier of indirect fire systems.
14 Jan 22. Swedish aerospace and defense company Saab announced on Thursday a framework contract for the supply of its Barracuda multispectral camouflage systems with the French defense procurement agency, Direction générale de l’armement (DGA). As noted by the company, the contract includes the delivery of new camouflage systems as well as a system adaptation phase in cooperation with the DGA. The contract is for eight years and provides for annual deliveries. With this cooperation, the DGA and the French Army will benefit from Saab’s global network and more than 60 years of expertise in the field of advanced camouflage systems. This program has a pioneering character and is organized in different cooperation phases. In addition to the delivery of the most advanced camouflage systems for the operational areas of the French Army, the order includes a joint work phase during which the Barracuda camouflage solutions will be specifically adapted to the French Army’s operational requirements. (Source: Google/https://defence-blog.com/)
AIR
18 Jan 22. DoD/DSCA Notifies Congress of Possible FMS of MQ-9 Communications Intelligence Pod Suites to France. The U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress that the Government of France has requested to buy up to eight (8) Communications Intelligence Sensor Pod Suites, that will be added to a previously implemented case. The original FMS case and amendments, valued at $71 m, included five (5) Communications Intelligence Sensor Pod Suites. Therefore, this notification is for a total of eight (8) Communications Intelligence Sensor Pod Suites. Also included is ground handling equipment; spares and repair parts; consumables and accessories; secure communications and cryptographic devices; software and support services; publications and technical documentation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $88m. The principal contractor will be BAE Systems, York, PA. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, San Diego, CA is on contract for integration work only. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: glstrade.com)
18 Jan 22. Dassault Aviation has secured a contract from the French Ministry of the Armed Forces’ Directorate of Aeronautical Maintenance (DMAé). Covering a 14-year period, the agreement will see the company support the Mirage 2000 fleet of the French Air and Space Force (FASF) until their end of service life. According to Dassault Aviation, the BALZAC contract includes all maintenance activities for the Mirage 2000s. The company noted that engine maintenance and services offered by the Service Industriel de l’Aéronautique (SIAé) are part of separate contracts. Financial details of the contract were not disclosed. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
13 Jan 22. Indra awarded MP C16 contract to equip Eurofighter maintenance with AI (Artificial Intelligence) to enhance operational availability. Indra, a leading global technology and consulting company, has been awarded the R&D contract ‘MP C16: Use of a System based in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Techniques for the Predictive Maintenance of the avionic systems of the C.16 Eurofighter’, funded by the Spanish Directorate-General for Armament and Material, at the proposal of the Air Force. The company will develop a new artificial intelligence system that will provide this aircraft with the ability to self-diagnose the status of around twenty critical avionics systems, thus enhancing flight safety and superiority of one of the most advanced fighter aircraft on the planet. Indra makes strides with this Defence Systems digitalisation project that will mark the future for the sector. The adoption of technologies such as the combat cloud, hyper-connectivity, virtual reality and artificial intelligence will be decisive for any army to maintain its operational capacity in the coming years. (Source: www.joint-forces.com)
21 Jan 22. HENSOLDT equips Bundeswehr NH90 helicopter with state-of-the-art protection systems. Sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT equips 82 Bundeswehr helicopters of the type NH90 TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) with state-of-the-art self-protection technology. With its AMPS (Airborne Missile Protection System), HENSOLDT is supplying its latest generation of self-protection systems for these helicopters. For the first time, the HENSOLDT Radar Warning Receiver Kalaetron is a component of AMPS. After the integration phase, the helicopters are to be equipped within the framework of the THOR project (TTH Operational Revision Programme) from 2025. In the 94th session of the Defence Committee of the last parliamentary term, the project of a sample installation of the HENSOLDT AMPS-MLR Electronic Warfare System in the German NH90 TTH was approved. The proof flights with the Kalaetron on the CH53 helicopter at the Wehrtechnische Dienststelle 81 in June 2020 spoke in favour of the sensor solution provider HENSOLDT. In the end, the decision-makers WTD81, BAAINBw as well as Airbus Helicopters came to the conclusion that the HENSOLDT solution, consisting of the Missile Launch Detection Sensor MILDS Block2, the passive laser warner ALTAS-2QB, the Kalaetron, the AMPS Control and Display Unit ACDU as well as a Counter Measure Dispenser System, represented the most future-proof concept compared to the competitors.
13 Jan 22. Leonardo and the Directorate for Air Armaments and Airworthiness of the Italian Secretariat General of Defence / National Armaments Directorate signed yesterday [12th] the Acquisition Contract for the supply of AW169M Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) to the Austrian Ministry of Defence. The contract, valued at 346m EUR, was signed in the framework of the Italy-Austria Government-to-Government (G2G) Agreement. It is aimed at reinforcing the bilateral collaboration between the two countries and establishing a strategic partnership in the rotorcraft sector, with Austria looking at Italy and the AW169M LUH programme for the replacement of its ageing fleet of Alouette III aircraft, which have been in service since the 1960s. (Source: www.joint-forces.com)
14 Jan 22. Leonardo contracted to help develop Eurofighter ‘Radar 1′ for Germany, Spain. On 14 January Leonardo announced that it had signed a EUR260m (USD297m) contract with Hensoldt to contribute towards the development of the Eurofighter Typhoon European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk1 E-scan radar ordered by Germany and Spain. Leonardo has been contracted to conduct development work on new wideband capabilities and provide core antenna, processor, and antenna power supply and control (APSC) components. Hensoldt is the design authority for the ECRS Mk1 (also known as ‘Radar 1′) and will assume leadership of the project, while Airbus Defence and Space will integrate the radar onto the Eurofighter Typhoon. The first ECRS Mk1 radar is expected to be produced in 2025. Meanwhile, Leonardo is the design authority for the Italian and UK-led ECRS Mk2 (‘Radar 2′) and ECRS Mk0 (‘Radar 0′), the latter of which has been integrated onto Kuwait’s and Qatar’s Typhoon aircraft. Radar 0 will also form the basis of the design for Radar 1. (Source: Janes)
18 Jan 22. Osprey CSL appointed as Instrument Flight Procedure Designers for the Irish Air Corps. Osprey CSL, a tpgroup company, is pleased to announce that it has been chosen by the Irish Air Corps (IAC) to provide Instrument Flight Procedure Design (IFPD) and Safeguarding services to ensure that all Instrument Flight Procedures (IFP) at Irish Defence Forces facilities are designed and maintained in accordance with international standards and best practice. As a UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) Approved Design Organisation (APDO), Osprey is authorised to design both conventional and satellite-based IFP. Our in-house team will provide IFPD capability to the IAC, including procedure maintenance, review, and associated specialist support in order to ensure the safety of aviation activities at Casement Aerodrome and other military bases.
USA
LAND
20 Jan 22. Anduril Industries Inc., Irvine, California, was awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (H92402-22-D-0001) with a maximum ceiling of $967,599,957 for a counter-unmanned systems, systems integration partner (SIP). Fiscal 2022 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $1,096,092 were obligated at time of the award. The work will be performed in various locations within and outside the continental U.S., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 19, 2032. This contract was competitively awarded under the authority of 10 U.S. Code § 2371b(a)(2)(B) for a follow-on production contract. Twelve proposals were received in response to the SIP prototype project opportunity notice. U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Jan. 19, 2022)
19 Jan 22. General Dynamics Missions Systems Inc., Taunton, Massachusetts, was awarded a $74,992,832 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for services in support of the Tactical Network-On the Move systems and equipment. 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 Jan. 22, 2023. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W15P7T-22-F-0001).
14 Jan 22. GPS Source, a subsidiary of General Dynamics Mission Systems and the only provider of a fielded Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing (APNT) solution available to the U.S. Army, announced today it has received an order for the 2,000th Mounted APNT System (MAPS), Generation I (MAPS GEN I). MAPS GEN I is a mobile modular system that monitors GPS signals for validity and sends the validated data to military devices. This system has been in rapid development, production, and fielding since the recognition of the need to protect GPS signals against peer and near-peer adversary. It is being fielded throughout the Army’s combat formation to enable warfighters to conduct mobile operations in a GPS-contested environment. The Army initially fielded the MAPS GEN I system in the fall of 2019, making it the first APNT solution to be operationally deployed. Based on successful installation and performance of these systems during field testing by the Army, the Army’s Project Manager Positioning, Navigation, and Timing ordered the first 1,000 units for operational deployment. (Source: ASD Network)
SEA
20 Jan 22. Dive Technologies, Inc., a Boston-based subsea robotics designer and manufacturer, announced today a grant received from the DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) Embedded Entrepreneurship Initiative (EEI). This grant will propel Dive Technologies’ ability to continue to bring innovations and scalability of subsea technologies born for defense purposes to the commercial market. The goal of the EEI is to accelerate Dive’s DARPA funded transformational innovations for dual-impact defense and commercial products and capabilities. This prestigious DARPA EEI award, in partnership with IQT EmergeTM, advances Dive’s recruitment of top entrepreneurs, funding, deep commercialization strategies, and connections for Dive’s commercial growth through Dive’s Robot-as-a-Service fleet and Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) sales. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
20 Jan 22. General Dynamics NASSCO-Norfolk, Norfolk, Virginia, is awarded a $199,706,285 modification to exercise options on a previously awarded contract (N00024-22-C-4490) for the USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) fiscal 2022 docking selected restricted availability. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by June 2023. Fiscal 2022 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $176,384,678 (88%) will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Fiscal 2022 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $23,321,607 (12%) will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity.
20 Jan 22. Huntington-Ingalls Inc. – Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, Virginia, is awarded a $77,922,540 fixed-price incentive (firm target) modification to previously awarded contract N00024-15-C-2114; and a $12,527,844 cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to previously awarded contract N00024-09-C-2116 to definitize the incorporation of the CVN 79 warfare system. Work will be performed in Newport News, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by June 2024. No contract funds are being obligated at this time. The Navy has transitioned CVN 79 from a two-phase to a single-phase delivery approach to meet both fleet requirements and a congressional mandate as codified in Section 124 of the Fiscal 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (Public Law 116-92). Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
AIR
18 Jan 22. Bantec, Inc. (OTC-PINK: BANT) (“Bantec” or the “Company”), Bantec, Inc., a product and services company, announces that its subsidiary Drone USA received a purchase order to supply a New Jersey Police Department with thermal imaging drone. (Source: PR Newswire)
20 Jan 22. L3Harris Technologies Inc., Colorado Springs, Colorado, has been awarded a $27,132,724 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00088) to previously awarded contract FA8819-19-C-0002 for the Modularized Transitional Remote Tracking Station – Deployable effort under the Combat Mission Systems Support program. The contract modification provides telemetry tracking and commanding to space vehicles and improvements to the sustainment of the Satellite Control Network by providing better reliability, maintainability, and availability data, increasing maintenance data collection and will providing testing resiliency in support of the National Space Test and Training Complex. Work will be performed in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and is expected to be completed by July 20, 2023. Fiscal 2020 through 2022 Space Force procurement funds in the amount of $27,132,724 are being obligated at the time of award. The total cumulative face value of the contract is $354,534,571. Space Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, is the contracting activity.
TECHNOLOGY
19 Jan 22. Ares Security to enhance AVERT Physical Security software for USAF. Avert transforms security operations using digital twin 3D models, analytics, simulations, and AI. Ares Security has received a US Air Force (USAF) Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) contract to acquire and improve the Avert Physical Security software. The $1.7m contract was awarded by the USAF AFLCMC Hanscom AFB Electronic Systems Engineering Directorate. The Avert Physical Security software will be used by the USAF Security Forces and is designed to transform installation/base security by increasing security effectiveness while reducing costs. It provides digital engineering technology to the USAF for enhanced risk management. Avert combines digital twin 3D models, analytics, simulations, and artificial intelligence and offers tools for the USAF Security Forces required to assess, train and respond to incidents. This latest contract is based on the successful Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) projects carried out by the company at Dyess and Travis air force bases (AFB), and the Base of the Future – Tyndall AFB. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
19 Jan 22. BAE Systems has been awarded a $60m contract from the Army Contracting Command – Rock Island under the Cornerstone Other Transaction Authority to develop certain types of next-generation, radiation hardened by design (RHBD) microelectronics leveraging Intel Corporation’s commercial foundry, Intel Foundry Services. The main goal of the program is to expand onshore access to state-of-the-art microelectronics technology for the United States government and aerospace community. Currently, this type of technology is available through limited sources in the U.S. This leads to supply chain challenges and time lags for the delivery of next-generation microelectronics designed for environmentally rugged missions like those occurring in space. With this contract, BAE Systems’ FAST LabsTM research and development organization will harness Intel’s commercial foundry process to build a new design library that can be used to develop advanced, high-reliability microelectronics and expand the domestic supply of this technology for the defense and aerospace community. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
18 Jan 22. Lyten, an advanced materials company, announced today it has received a contract from the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC) program to aid in expanding the capacity of its domestic battery prototype manufacturing and production capabilities. The multi-m dollar award from NSIC will help reduce the time to market for Lyten’s LytCell™ lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries by increasing the number of cells that can be produced per year at its battery cell pilot production line, currently being built at its headquarters in San Jose, California. NSIC is a new DoD program, which aims to provide funding to startup companies and accelerate product development for innovations that can be used for both commercial and national security applications. Lyten’s advanced battery chemistry is one of several other next-generation projects currently being funded to ensure the DoD’s pipeline of national security innovations continues to be strong. (Source: PR Newswire)
20 Jan 22. NCI Information Systems, Inc., a leading provider of advanced information technology solutions and professional services to U.S. government agencies, announced today it has won one of the five prime positions on the Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity U.S Army Information Systems Engineering Command’s Total Engineering and Integration Services IV contract. Under the 10-year indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract, with a maximum ordering of $800m, NCI will continue to provide USAISEC with engineering and integration services, including cybersecurity at locations around the world. The TEIS IV is a follow-on to TEIS III, also supported by NCI, and enables the Army to invest in technology and development to ensure command and control operations on a global scale, as well as the security and efficiency of our nation’s warfighters. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
20 Jan 22. The US Defence Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) has selected defence technology provider Parsons to demonstrate a prototype ground operations centre (GOC). Parsons will provide the prototype group operations as part of DARPA’s Blackjack flight demonstration activities. The $11m sole-source contract was awarded last month and is a follow-on to a Phase II small business innovation research (SBIR) contract. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
REST OF THE WORLD
LAND
17 Jan 22. UAE to purchase RoK M-SAM missiles in $3.5bn deal. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has said it plans to purchase South Korean-made mid-range surface-to-air missiles in a deal likely to reach US$3.5bn. The UAE’s Ministry of Defense tweeted on Tuesday that it plans to acquire the missile, known as M-SAM. It did not elaborate further. The M-SAM system, called “Cheongung II,” is a core element of South Korea’s multi-layered anti-missile program. Cheongung, means heaven’s bow in Korean. Employing the “hit-to-kill” technology, the missile is designed to intercept hostile missiles coming in at altitudes below 40 kilometers. The state-run Agency for Defense Development launched the project to develop the M-SAM in 2012. The missile passed a suitability evaluation for field operations in 2017, and its mass-production began the following year. A series of local defense firms, including LIG Nex1 and Hanwha Systems, have participated in the manufacturing of the missile. (Source: https://www.siasat.com/)
19 Jan 22. Serco signs two-year contract extension for ADF base services in the Middle East. The contract, which is expected to be in place until 31 December 2023, has been extended after 10 years of support to the ADF’s Middle East operations across 22 different service lines. Serco has confirmed that the company has been awarded a two-year contract extension for the ADF’s Middle East Logistics and Base Support Services (MELABS) contract, comprising some 22 different service lines to support ADF operations. The MELABS was originally extended into 2020 in order to ensure an emergency response capability remained in place for the ADF’s primary Middle East operating base. (Source: Defence Connect)
SEA
17 Jan 22. French shipyard CMN (Constructions Mecaniques de Normandie) has started the manufacture of two landing craft tank (LCT) vessels for an undisclosed African country. As reported by Actu.fr, the vessels are being built on behalf of Privinvest and will be delivered in 2023 and 2025, according to Serge Quaranta, CEO of CMN. This is a follow-on to a 2016 contract by Privinvest for around 20 vessels destined for an African country, the publication reports. The 70 metre long vessels will be able to carry 200 tons of payload, including 260 soldiers in addition to the crew of 18. Watertight bulkheads ensure survivability in the event of damage. A 5.25 metre boat can be launched by a crane. Each LCT will be powered by two diesel engines driving two fixed-pitch propellers and giving a speed of 16 knots. The LCTs are the largest vessels to be built by CMN since the corvette Baynunah (71 metres long), delivered to the United Arab Emirates in 2011. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
20 Jan 22. Deakin University to develop naval firefighting training system for ADF. The Australian Government has contracted Deakin University to continue with the development of a training system for naval firefighting . The contract value stands at $3.71m (A$5.13m). The effort will see Deakin’s researchers work in collaboration with technology firms Kellogg, Brown & Root and Flaim. (Source: naval-technology.com)
18 Jan 22. NORSTA Maritime has secured a $50.3m (A$70m) contract to serve as the regional maintenance provider for the Cairns Regional Maintenance Centre. This major maintenance contract has been awarded by Royal Australian Navy (RAN). NORSTA Maritime serves as the regional maintenance provider for the new centre. The centre is also known as ‘RMC North East’. It is the first of four maintenance centres planned to be developed in Cairns, Henderson, Darwin and Sydney. (Source: naval-technology.com)
20 Jan 22. The Israeli Defense Ministry on Thursday said Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems would build three advanced submarines for the Israeli Navy in a deal worth €3bn ($3.4bn). It’s believed that negotiations on the deal were complicated by a suspected corruption affair connected to Israel’s last purchase of German submarines from the Essen-based industrial giant. Israel will buy three Dakar submarines, with the first to be delivered within nine years. The agreement also includes the supply of spare parts and the creation of a training simulator in Israel. Israel’s Navy operates five German-built Dolphin-class submarines and a sixth is under construction. (Source: https://www.dw.com/en/)
AIR
19 Jan 22. Chile buys three Boeing E-3D Sentry aircraft from UK. The Chilean Air Force (FACh) has purchased three Boeing E-3D Sentry airborne early warning Mk 1 (AEW1) aircraft from the UK Royal Air Force (RAF) for an undisclosed amount, FACh sources told Janes. The aircraft, one of which will be used for spare parts, will replace the FACh’s single Boeing 707-385C that was modified in Israel for AEW missions, called IAI Phalcon in Israel and Cóndor in Chile. The RAF retired the last of its E-3D in 2021, when the FACh started negotiations to buy three. A source told Janes that crews and technicians were sent to the UK in late 2021 to inspect the aircraft and create training courses on their operation. The E-3Ds could fly to Chile this year, the source added. The 707 Cóndor is near the end of its operational life. Built in 1965 it served as Boeing’s demonstrator and testbed before being sold in 1969 to LAN Chile airline and then to the FACh in 1990. (Source: Janes)
19 Jan 22. BAE Systems Australia has signed a contract to support the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) F-35A Lightning II operations. Signed with the Australian Department of Defence (DoD), the five-year F-35A air vehicle support services (AVSS) contract is valued at over $57.5m (A$80m). It includes the provision of essential supplementation for the maintenance and logistics crew. The company will also provide supply-chain support for the Australian F‑35A fleet stationed at RAAF bases in Williamtown and Tindal. Under the AVSS contract, BAE Systems Australia will provide some 46 staff. This crew will be attached to 81 Wing providing direct, on-the-ground support with an air force technical and logistics workforce. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
17 Jan 22. Philippines to order more Black Hawk helos. Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana said on 16 January that the country’s recent disaster relief experiences have underscored the need to replace the armed forces’ ageing Bell UH-1 ‘Huey’ helicopters with more Black Hawks. “The lack of transport planes and helicopters have never been more acute during the [Covid-19] pandemic and in the aftermath of Typhoon Odette. This was exacerbated by our ageing Hueys that have become uneconomical to maintain. The brand new Black Hawks bore the brunt of the work during these critical times,” Lorenzana said. “Upon the instruction of the president, we are procuring additional 32 brand new S-70i Black Hawk helicopters,” he added. (Source: Janes)
14 Jan 22. Australia-based Opstar has secured a contract from the Australian Government to continue to deliver search and rescue (SAR) services at HMAS Albatross. HMAS Albatross is the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Naval Air Station (NAS). Located at Nowra on the South Coast of New South Wales, it is home to the RAN Fleet Air Arm’s (FAA) three Naval Air Squadrons. Since 2016, the company has been contracted to deliver SAR services for the Aviation Operations of the RAN’s FAA at the air station. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
TECHNOLOGY
14 Jan 22. Rohde & Schwarz to bolster spectrum monitoring vehicle delivery. The company has been tapped to ramp up delivery of the interference hunting vehicles. Thailand’s Office of National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has announced it would expand its R&S ARGUS spectrum monitoring system from Rohde & Schwarz, ordering 26 additional interference hunting vehicles. According to Rohde & Schwarz, the technical parameters for the vehicles/mobile stations and measurement equipment comply with ITU recommendations and guidelines, supporting both manual measurements and radio frequency direction finding. Since 2014, the company has supplied the NBTC with seven spectrum monitoring vehicles leveraging R&S ARGUS monitoring system amid advances in communications technology and the increase in radio services. The system is designed to verify compliance within licensed parameters and guidelines for transmitter systems, with violations or radio interference sources detected, identified and tracked to the transmitter source. (Source: Defence Connect)