UNITED KINGDOM
SEA
23 Feb 22. Babcock International has awarded a contract to UK-based Shield Marine Services to support the UK Royal Navy’s Type 31 general purpose frigates. Value of the contract has not been disclosed. It will see Shield Marine deliver and install the fire, thermal and acoustic insulation for all five Type 31 frigates. In November 2019, the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) contracted the Babcock-led consortium to deliver the £2bn ($2.57bn) Type 31 programme. (Source: naval-technology.com)
EUROPE
LAND
21 Feb 22. Dutch Military orders Smart Shooter’s SMASH solution. After successfully experiencing the system, the Dutch Military recently ordered Smart Shooter’s SMASH AD solution for operational use. SMART SHOOTER, a world-class designer, developer, and manufacturer of innovative fire control systems that significantly increase the accuracy and lethality of small arms, has received an order from the Dutch military and will provide them with its SMASH AD solution for operational use. The Dutch military has tested the system during the recent year, and decided to purchase it and use the systems immediately, mainly for C-UAS purposes. SMASH is a combat-proven Fire Control solution for small arms that ensures each round finds its target. Bringing precision-missile targeting algorithms and advanced electro-optical processing capabilities into standard assault rifles, Smart Shooter’s SMASH Fire Control Systems works automatically but not autonomously, and allows the operator to quickly and effectively neutralize their target. It is a cost-effective solution that can be integrated into any type of assault rifle and combined with other C-UAS systems to provide an effective multi-layer defense solution suitable for the modern battlefield. Specifically designed to provide kinetic elimination of small, low-flying drones, SMASH AD incorporates a laser rangefinder and enables precision targeting of drones around the clock, with clear day and night vision capabilities. Capable of receiving and displaying target information from an external sensor or detection system, SMASH AD promises precise, swift, safe and simple hard-kill elimination of drones up to 250 m (Day Mode). Smart Shooter’s local representative in Holland, Technische Bureau H.A. Muller (TBM BV), will take care of the logistics and direct support.
SEA
22 Feb 22. Thales to support German Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capability equipping NH90 Multi Role Frigate Helicopter with FLASH SONICS Sonars. For the first time, the German Navy will rely on Thales to equip its NH90 Multi Role Frigate Helicopter (MRFH) with FLASH SONICS. The FLASH system (Folding Light Acoustic System for Helicopters) is currently the leading dipping sonar on the international market and has become the benchmark system for the world’s major navies. In a world where Navies are facing growing and sometimes unexpected threats and challenges, Anti-Submarine Warfare is resurging as a key discipline for the 21st century and Thales FLASH dipping sonar product range offers the best solutions to ensure Navies effectiveness and safety at sea. The key benefits of this low-frequency wideband sonar include long-range detection and low false alarm rates in open ocean as well as littoral waters. Associated with an active and passive sonobuoy processing system, FLASH provides an unrivalled anti-submarine warfare capability. The shortest dive cycle time, combined with the latest Thales BlueTracker (SONICS) buoy processing capability, provides unmatched area coverage. This version of the FLASH SONICS includes the latest technology available. Already ordered or in service today in 18 navies including US Navy, the UK Royal Navy, the French Navy, the Royal Australian Navy, the Royal Norwegian Navy or the Republic Of Korea Navy, FLASH has demonstrated its unrivalled capabilities and reliability at sea in any environment.
AIR
24 Feb 22. Airbus and OCCAR sign Eurodrone contract. Airbus and the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR) have signed the Eurodrone global contract, which includes the development and manufacturing of 20 systems and 5 years of initial in-service support. Industry prime Airbus Defence and Space GmbH signed in representation of the three Major Sub-Contractors (MSC) Airbus Defence and Space S.A.U in Spain, Dassault Aviation in France and Leonardo S.p.A. in Italy, while OCCAR has signed on behalf of the four launch nations Germany, France, Italy and Spain.
23 Feb 22. The Serbian Ministry of Defence has ordered two Airbus C295s and therefore the Serbian Air Force and Air Defence joins the family of C295 becoming the 36th operator worldwide.The contract was signed in Madrid in the presence of senior government members of the Republic of Serbia and Spain. This contract will be accompanied by a Government-to-Government supervision agreement between the Ministries of Defence of Spain and the Republic of Serbia, which aims to study the development of future defence programmes between both nations. Airbus is committed to maintain and foster its close collaboration with the Republic of Serbia, which already operates Airbus military solutions. The two aircraft, in transport configuration, will be equipped with the modern avionics suite Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion® and will contribute to enhance the air transport capabilities of the Republic of Serbia. Deliveries are expected to commence in late 2023. With this order 33 countries have already relied on the Airbus C295. With a total of 281 orders worldwide and more than half a million flight hours in operation, this aircraft is the undisputed leader in its segment.
USA
LAND
22 Feb 22. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has been selected to provide the U.S. Marine Corps with the Next Generation Handheld Targeting System (NGHTS). This compact targeting device provides unparalleled precision targeting and is capable of operation in GPS-denied environments. Northrop Grumman’s NGHTS is capable of performing rapid target acquisition, laser terminal guidance operation and laser spot imaging functions. Its high-definition infrared sensors provide accuracy and grid capability over extended ranges. Additional features include a high-definition color display and day/night celestial compasses.
24 Feb 22. Leidos Inc., Reston, Virginia, has been awarded a $26,907,358 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the development of a mature prototype based on the first generation technology demonstrator, high-power microwave (HPM) counter unmanned aerial system (cUAS) prototype. Work will be performed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is expected to be completed by Feb. 28, 2024. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and five offers were received. Fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $2,000,000 will be obligated at the time of award. Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the contracting activity (FA9451-22-C-0002).
24 Feb 22. Systems and Technology Research LLC,* Woburn, Massachusetts, was awarded a $15,045,878 modification (P00005) to previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract HR0011-21-C-0011 to exercise the Phase 1 option and Phase 2 option of the Joint All-Domain Warfighting Software (JAWS) program. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $30,223,049 from $15,177,171. Work will be performed in Woburn, Massachusetts; Alexandria, Virginia; Dayton, Ohio; Menlo Park, California; California, Maryland; and Columbia, Maryland, with an expected completion date of June 2023. Fiscal 2022 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $5,591,307 are being obligated at the time of award. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity.
SEA
23 Feb 22. BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT) announced today that the U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program has exercised contract options totaling approximately $1bn for manufacturing naval nuclear reactor components and fuel. BWXT Nuclear Operations Group, Inc., a subsidiary of BWXT, will complete this work on Columbia and Virginia-class reactor components at sites in Lynchburg, Virginia; Barberton and Euclid, Ohio; and Mount Vernon, Indiana. Reactor component manufacturing under this option is valued at nearly $840m. Manufacture and delivery of fuel, and development work for future Naval Nuclear Propulsion programs, valued at nearly $200m, will be performed at BWXT subsidiary Nuclear Fuel Services, Inc. in Erwin, Tennessee. The options were awarded in the fourth quarter of 2021. BWXT has manufactured naval nuclear components and reactor since the 1950s. Its reactors power the U.S. Navy’s Ohio, Virginia, Seawolf and Los Angeles-class submarines, as well as the Nimitz and Ford-class aircraft carriers. The company anticipates completion of the first set of components for the new Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine next year. Today, those ships and submarines represent more than 40% of the U.S combat fleet. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
23 Feb 22. Saab Inc., East Syracuse, New York, is awarded a $15,137,282 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the All-Digital Radar Technology Advanced Technology Demonstrator. This contract provides for demonstrating the all-digital radar design and its performance in a relevant maritime contested environment, defining the technological limitations and performance tradeoffs in X band; and constructing a U.S. prototype demo and evaluation. Work will be performed in East Syracuse, New York, with an expected completion date of Feb. 22, 2024. The maximum dollar value, including a 24-month base period and two 12-month option periods concurrent with the base, is $15,137,282. Fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $13,294,264 are obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under the N00014-21-S-B001 Office of Naval Research long range broad agency announcement (BAA) for Navy and Marine Corps Science and Technology. Since proposals are received throughout the year under the long range BAA, the number of proposals received in response to the solicitation is unknown. The Office of Naval Research, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N00014-22-C-1005).
AIR
18 Feb 22. The Boeing Co., Mesa, Arizona, was awarded a $103,774,884 modification (PZ0007) to contract W58RGZ-20-C-0037 for AH-6 aircraft. Work will be performed in Mesa, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of May 30, 2025. Fiscal 2010 Foreign Military Sales (Thailand) funds in the amount of $103,774,884 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
14 Feb 22. Metis Technology Partners, LLC (MTP), a joint venture between Axient LLC and Metis Technology Solutions, Inc., was awarded the United States Space Force (USSF) Pad Safety Support Contract (PSSC) II, an indefinite delivery/ indefinite quantity (IDIQ) single-award contract valued at up to $53.5m. MTP will partner with Space Launch Delta 45 (SLD 45) to facilitate the safe launch of DoD National Security Space, National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), commercial and Naval missions. MTP will provide oversight of hazardous and safety critical operations at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and other sites, such as Kennedy Space Center, Patrick Space Force Base, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Vandenberg Space Force Base, and other locations in Utah, Alabama, Virginia, Georgia, and others as requested by the customer. With the option of firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and cost reimbursable task orders, the PSSC II contract provides a wide range of operational and technical services to SLD 45’s comprehensive safety program. The PSSC II MTP team will add value to the ever-increasing launch tempo operations on the Eastern Range, forecast to exceed 60 launches in 2022, while working to ensure public safety in partnership with SLD 45. (Source: Satnews)
23 Feb 22. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has been awarded a $341m contract by the U.S. Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) to develop, test and deliver a Deep-Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) in support of its Space Domain Awareness mission. DARC will augment the military’s space surveillance network as an additional sensor with increased capacity and capability to monitor deep space objects and eventually provide full global coverage. The initial DARC contract includes the design, development and delivery of a Site 1 system located in the Indo-Pacific region, expected to be completed in 2025. There will be a follow-on of two additional sites strategically placed around the world.
24 Feb 22. MDA Ltd. (TSX: MDA), a leading provider of advanced technology and services to the rapidly expanding global space industry, today announced that it has been selected as the prime contractor for Globalstar Inc.’s (NYSE American:GSAT) new Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. Globalstar is a leading provider of Mobile Satellite Services including customizable satellite IoT solutions for individuals and businesses globally. The contract, valued at $327m USD (approximately $415m CAD) includes the design, manufacture, assembly and test of 17 satellites, with options for Globalstar to purchase up to nine additional satellites with flexibility in timing to order such satellites as well as other contractual options. The satellites built by MDA will integrate with Globalstar’s existing constellation, ensuring service continuity for Globalstar customers. MDA also announced that it will partner with Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq:RKLB) on the contract, bringing together two of the space industry’s most innovative satellite companies. MDA will act as prime contractor to manufacture Globalstar’s satellites as well as lead the development of the payload and integration while Rocket Lab will lead the development of the spacecraft bus. (Source: PR Newswire)
TECHNOLOGY
22 Feb 22. The Department of Defense (DoD) awarded a $35m contract to MP Materials Corp. (MP) of Las Vegas, Nevada to design and build a facility to process heavy rare earth elements (HREE) at the company’s Mountain Pass, California production site. This project will establish the first processing and separation facility of its kind for HREEs in support of both defense and commercial applications in the United States. This award is part of DoD’s rare earth supply chain resiliency efforts, and directly supports the administration’s initiatives to strengthen America’s supply chains as outlined in Executive Order 14017, America’s Supply Chains. To date, DoD has invested over $100m in enhancing America’s rare earth supply chain resiliency as part of its commitments to expanding domestic rare earth element processing capabilities and capacity. This investment funds a commercial-scale operation designed, constructed, and operated by MP Materials at Mountain Pass. This facility will deploy new domestic HREE separation and processing technologies to enable integration of HREE products into DoD and civilian applications, ensuring downstream HREE industries have access to a reliable feedstock supplier. Additionally, this award requires MP to find innovative solutions to bring HREE production costs on par with the international market within five years of the first production batch. This project operates under a public-private partnership, bringing together industry innovation leaders such as MP Materials with technology materials companies at home and abroad. (Source: US DoD)
REST OF THE WORLD
LAND
23 Feb 22. The Government of Kuwait has requested the design, construction, and associated procurement of the Kuwait Ministry of Defense (KMOD) Headquarters Complex in Kuwait. This includes provisions for all physical building and infrastructure construction costs. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will provide life cycle design, construction, and project management, engineering services, technical support, facility and infrastructure assessments, surveys, planning, programming, design, acquisition, contract administration, construction management, and other technical services. The overall project includes over twenty facilities, including primary headquarters facilities for both civilian and military leadership, as well as any and all engineering studies, designs, construction, and construction management services necessary in order to provide a fully functioning headquarters complex. The estimated total cost is $1bn. No principal contractor has been identified for this acquisition. Contracts funded by this case are likely to be competitive acquisitions. The host nation has the ability to limit competition if they so choose, but has not requested to do so at this time. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential acquisition. (Source: glstrade.com)
23 Feb 22. Leonardo Australia has signed an agreement with Collins Aerospace Australia to supply Type 163 Laser Target Designators (LTDs) to the Australian Defence Force. Developed by Leonardo engineers in Edinburgh, UK, the Type 163 Laser LTD is a lightweight, compact, high-energy laser product for use by ground forces that offers an unparalleled combination of high power, reliability and portability. The Type 163 laser target designator has been designed specifically to meet all of today’s special and conventional force Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) and Joint Fires Observers (JFOs) mission requirements for marking and terminally controlling Semi-Active Air-to-Ground weapons accurately onto the target at ranges up to 10 kilometres. The Type 163 LTD utilise Leonardo’s experience in providing high-energy targeting lasers for aircraft such as the F-35 and Apache helicopter, where space, weight and power are at a premium. (Source: Defence Connect)
22 Feb 22. Australian manufacturing company Elphinstone has secured a contract to manufacture 45 turrets and hulls for the Australian Army’s new Huntsman howitzers. The move is part of the $720m (A$1bn) defence contract, signed by Hanwha Defense Australia last year, to deliver new self-propelled howitzers for the Australian Army. According to Australia’s Department of Defence statement, the works at Elphinstone will help the local Tasmanian economy, and create approximately 55 new jobs. As agreed, Elphinstone will carry out the steel fabrication, machining, and painting of the turrets and hulls at their Wynyard factory, in Tasmania. After this, the components will be shipped to Hanwha’s Geelong facility, where the Huntsman vehicles will be assembled. (Source: army-technology.com)
SEA
18 Feb 22. JFD has been awarded a contract to provide in-service support for the Republic of Korea Navy’s (RoKN) deep search and rescue vehicle, DSAR-5. Contracted by South Korean firms AMC and DSY, the company will support the Navy during DSAR-5’s midlife refit programme. JFD is responsible for the delivery of various electrical and mechanical spare parts for the vehicle. The support services will help maintain the operational capability of DSAR in the future. The submarine rescue vehicle is set to undergo an overhaul inspection and major maintenance period later this year. (Source: naval-technology.com)
23 Feb 22. SEA, a leading UK ship and fleet protection specialist, part of Cohort plc has been appointed to supply its Torpedo Launcher System (TLS) to Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for two new Philippine Navy corvettes. The contract follows the successful delivery of SEA’s TLS for the Philippine Navy’s frigates, and further cements the company’s positive relationship with both HHI and the Philippine Navy. Part of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (RAFPMP), the multi-million-pound contract will see the first corvette delivered in 2023 and the second in 2025. SEA’s TLS is a weapon-agnostic, close range and rapid-reaction system capable of firing a variety of NATO-compatible standard light weight torpedoes, including the US Mk44, Mk46 and Mk54 torpedoes, UK Sting Ray, Italian A244S, French MU90 and the Korean Blue Shark. The state-of-the-art modular design of the TLS also enables easier and cost-effective upgrades throughout its service life and significantly reduces the risk of capability obsolescence based on ammunition supply.
23 Feb 22. SRT Marine Systems (SRT:44p), a global leader in AIS, an advanced identification communications technology used to track and monitor maritime vessels, has now signed a £40m contract with a national coastguard for a national scale marine domain awareness (MDA) system to track, monitor and manage all maritime activity in their territorial waters. (Source: Investors Chronicle)
AIR
21 Feb 22. The Hawk Lead-In Fighter will continue to train Australia’s frontline fighter pilots through to 2031 following today’s $1.5bn commitment by the Australian Government. The new contract includes the continuation of the existing in-service support, providing maintenance, engineering and supply chain services to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and will be the foundation for progressive upgrades of mission systems. A 951 Adour engine upgrade for the Australian fleet will be incorporated by 2025 and will align the aircraft with the UK Royal Air Force’s T2 Hawk aircraft. Following the 2019 Lead-In Fighter Capability upgrade of the 33-strong fleet, the Hawk aircraft is today among the most capable jet trainers of its type in the world and very similar to the T2. The mission systems upgrade will progressively update the software and hardware on the aircraft to maintain and enhance the Hawk’s performance as a fast jet trainer, meeting the emerging needs of pilots preparing to fly the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and other modern aircraft. The upgrades will be led by BAE Systems’ Australian engineers and supported by BAE Systems UK Hawk aircraft specialists. The increasing commonality of the Australian and UK Hawk fleets enhances the opportunity for future collaboration, reducing costs and enabling more effective enhancements. (Source: News Now/asiapacificdefencereporter.com/)
23 Feb 22. Boeing [NYSE:BA] has been awarded a $103.7m contract by the U.S. Department of Defense as part of a foreign military sale for eight AH-6 light attack reconnaissance helicopters to Thailand. The contract also includes spares, training devices, support equipment, and technical publications for the Royal Thai Army. The deal paves the way for the Royal Thai Army to replace its fleet of aging AH-1F Cobras as part of the country’s defense modernization efforts. The aircraft will be produced in Mesa, Arizona, with deliveries planned through 2024. Thailand is Boeing’s second international customer for the aircraft. Boeing has a long and proven track record of being a trusted partner to Thailand’s aviation and defense customers for more than 60 years.
23 Feb 22. UAE to buy Chinese jet trainer aircraft. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is to acquire advanced jet trainer aircraft from China, under a deal announced by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on 23 February. The deal signed between the MoD and China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC) will see the UAE Air Force and Air Defence (AFAD) receive 12 AVIC Jiangxi Hongdu Aviation Industry L-15 aircraft, with options for a further 36 to follow. The announcement did not disclose a value or delivery timeline for the aircraft. (Source: Janes)
23 Feb 22. UAE awards Denel Dynamics aircraft maintenance contract. The deal was announced on Monday 21 February, the first day of the UMEX & SimTEX 2022 exhibition being held in Abu Dhabi. The event focuses on unmanned systems, simulation, training, artificial intelligence, and robotics. The event is organised by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) in cooperation with the UAE Ministry of Defence and has attracted 134 companies from 26 countries. Major General Dr Mubarak Saeed Ghafan Al Jabri, chairman of the Higher Organising Committee for UMEX & SimTEX 2022 and the accompanying conference, said: “This strategic event specialising in unmanned systems, and training and simulation systems, is the only one of its kind in the region, as it plays a pivotal role in supporting the United Arab Emirates’ efforts for consolidating its global leading position by utilising innovations to bolster the economy and national and regional stability. This event is held at a time when we are witnessing global challenges and conditions, shedding light on the UAE’s abilities for organising a strategic event of this importance in the advanced technology and defence industries sector.” (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
23 Feb 22. The Government of Australia has requested the possible sale of AN/AAQ 24(V)N Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) component systems required to support an ongoing upgrade of its large Air Mobility Platforms, which include C-17As, KC-30As, and C-130Js. As such, the Government of Australia has requested to buy twenty-seven (27) AN/AAQ 24(V)N Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) System Processor Replacements (LSPR) (27 installed, 0 spares); and thirty (30) Guardian Laser Turret Assemblies (GLTA) (30 installed, 0 spares). Also included are LAIRCM Control Indicator Unit Replacements (CIURs); Advanced Threat Missile Warning Sensors (ATWs); Smart Card Assemblies (SCAs); High Capacity Cards/User Data Memory Cards (HCCs/UDMs) (installed and spares); Simple Key Loaders; initial spares, consumables, and repair/return support; support and test equipment; integration and test support; personnel training, 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 value is $122m. The principal contractors will be Northrup Grumman Corporation, Rolling Meadows, IL; and The Boeing Company, Long Beach, CA, and San Antonio, TX. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: glstrade.com)
22 Feb 22. RT ‒ a world class designer, developer and manufacturer of advanced aerostat systems ̶ announces the delivery of its SkyStar 180 systems to an Asian country. The systems will be used for intelligence and information-gathering missions. The SkyStar 180 is a tactical aerostat system that enables continuous day and night, all-weather operations at 1,000 feet for up to 72 hours in winds of up to 40 knots, with only 20 minutes required for a helium refill. Using GPS/INS navigation and gyro-stabilized payloads of up to 18 kg, the system delivers 360° coverage, high-quality information gathering and accurate target allocation – transmitting surveillance video and data to a control station on the ground. Based on towable trailers, the highly-mobile system is rapidly deployed – requiring only 20 minutes to achieve full situational coverage. Integrating with C4I systems and providing full digital recordings of mission video and data, SkyStar 180 is ideal for military, HLS, and law enforcement security operations.
22 Feb 22. The Philippines Department of National Defence (DND) has signed a contract to acquire 32 additional S-70i Black Hawk combat utility helicopters. The value of the deal stands at around $624m. The helicopters will be purchased from Poland’s PZL Mielic. The contract signing took place during a ceremony held at the DND Building in Camp Aguinaldo. Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana signed the contract on behalf of the DND, and PZL Mielec president Janusz Zakrecki represented the Polish firm during the ceremony. With the additional units, the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) fleet will increase to 48 helicopters, including the 16 units that were delivered earlier. The last batch was handed over late last year. (Source: airforce-technology.com)