UNITED KINGDOM
LAND
28 Feb 22. Marlborough Communications Limited (MCL) and its technology partner Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have been awarded a contract to deliver demonstrations of their highly-automated ground and air resupply network, providing innovative capability based on the latest autonomous technology as part of Project Theseus. This contract with Future Capabilities Group within the Ministry of Defence is the second contract win for MCL and IAI, and further cements the positive relationship between the two organisations. Through Project Theseus the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) aims to investigate the potential to apply autonomy to the ordering, planning, and delivery of supplies as well as the ability to increase the flow and efficiency of delivery on the battlefield. This will see MCL and IAI define and deliver an end-to-end, highly automated ground and air resupply network, which is enabled by a logistics information system and operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in all conditions. The capability will be facilitated by land and air robotic and autonomous systems (RAS), a mission planner, battlespace management applications and logistics information system to provide tactical last-mile resupply to dismounted forces. The resupply network will incorporate the REX MK-2 uncrewed ground vehicles to provide robust and reliable means of autonomous delivery, as well as uncrewed aerial vehicles and a mission management command control system with autonomous decision-making capability. The solution will also be tasked through a human-portable user interface system, enabling operator intervention if required. The two companies will also have to deliver improvements to the system throughout the contract, with the improvements and final demonstration taking place in early 2022.
01 Mar 22. Nasmyth Group has won a contract with Stockport based WFEL to manufacture a wide range of components for the UK MoD’s Boxer MIV. Nasmyth has entered into a ten year Long Term Supply Agreement with WFEL for the manufacture of precision machined and fabricated components for the UK Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) programme. The Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicles (MIV) are highly mobile, wheeled armoured combat vehicles which combine long distance road deployment with all-terrain mobility, bringing new capabilities to the British Army. The common Boxer base platform, with its interchangeable Mission Modules, can cover a range of capabilities, from infantry personnel transportation around the battlefield to highly equipped mobile medical facilities.
SEA
04 Mar 22. Babcock International (Babcock), the aerospace, defence and security company, has been selected as the platform design provider and technology partner for Poland’s MIECZNIK (Swordfish) new frigate programme, and has today concluded a set of strategic cooperation agreements with the PGZ-MIECZNIK Consortium, which is responsible for delivery of the project from the Polish side. The Polish Armaments Agency selected Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 (AH140) from three different platform design proposals provided by the PGZ-MIECZNIK Consortium. These proposals were originally down selected in July 2021. Babcock and the PGZ-MIECZNIK Consortium will now focus on the detailed design and systems integration planning process, which is expected to conclude in 2022. The Polish Armaments Agency’s order of three frigates from the Consortium led by PGZ under the MIECZNIK programme will provide Poland with the sovereign capability to engage both aerial and naval threats to Polish maritime interests and to support NATO operations. Babcock will support the PGZ-MIECZNIK Consortium for the three AH140 frigates to be built in Polish shipyards by a local workforce, drawing significantly from Polish suppliers and Babcock’s global supply chain. Following the successful completion of the design phase, Babcock will support the MIECZNIK frigate build in Poland through a design licensing agreement, transferring knowledge and technologies to optimise Poland’s shipbuilding and industrial capabilities. Poland’s selection of Babcock as the platform design provider for its frigate programme follows decisions by the UK and Indonesia to select the AH140 platform as the basis of their new frigate programmes in 2019 and 2021 respectively. Babcock has been working alongside the UK Government to promote the export variant AH140 frigate and its interoperability across navies in the global market, with its baseline design configurable to meet a broad range of naval requirements no matter where in the world it operates.
04 Mar 22. Thales will equip the future MIECZNIK Frigates of the Polish Navy with the integrated combat system TACTICOS. The Polish Armed Forces has selected Thales as the preferred technology provider for the future frigate Programme for the Polish Navy, MIECZNIK. This programme has strategic importance for Poland. Thales is offering an efficient low risk and comprehensive integrated combat system solution designed to meet Poland’s operational and industrial requirements. Thales will contribute to consolidate Poland’s local defence industry by working with PGZ-MIECZNIK Consortium and other Polish industry actors. Thales will leverage its experience of working with the Polish Navy and its 20-year relationship with its in-country partner, OBR CTM, to increase Polish industry’s contribution to its combat systems solutions both within Poland and in its global export markets. Working together with Babcock and with the support of the UK Government, Thales will put key learnings from the Type 31 programme in the UK into good use to reduce risk and ease the path to vessel acceptance. Poland’s plans for the MIECZNIK frigates will deliver enhanced capabilities which will be of interest to other navies.
EUROPE
LAND
23 Feb 22. CERBAIR and KEAS win counter-UAS prison protection contract. A few weeks after the announcement of their strategic partnership at the Milipol Paris Show, French RF drone detector company CERBAIR and French electromagnetic interference specialist KEAS have won a contract for “the acquisition and maintenance of a solution for the detection, characterization and neutralization of drones (DCND) in penitentiary establishments located in metropolitan France metropolitan and overseas”. The agreement between KEAS – which since 2005 has delivered specialist services in mobile communications jamming in prisons – and CERBAIR – with its ULTimate Recognition Algorithm (ULTRA) have given the companies a strong market position, says the statement. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
AIR
02 Mar 22. France and Spain launch Tiger MkIII programme. OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation), on behalf of the French and Spanish Armament General Directorate, the DGA (Direction Générale de l’Armement) and the DGAM (Dirección General de Armamento y Material) has awarded a contract to Airbus Helicopters for the development, production, and initial in-service support of the Tiger MkIII attack helicopter upgrade programme. The contract includes the upgrade of 42 aircraft for France (with the possibility to add another 25 helicopters) and 18 for Spain. In addition, the contract provides the possibility for Germany to later join the Tiger MkIII programme. The first prototype is scheduled for an inaugural flight in 2025. First delivery to the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) will take place in late 2029 followed by a first delivery to Spain in 2030. Development and upgrade work will be conducted in Airbus Helicopters facilities in Albacete (Spain), Marignane (France) and Donauwörth (Germany).
01 Mar 22. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., Poway, California has been awarded a $21,645,981 contract action for Netherlands MQ-9 Contractor Logistics Support. Work will be performed in Poway, California; Hato, Curacao; and Leeuwarden, Netherlands, and is expected to be completed by Feb. 28, 2025. This contract involves 100% foreign military sales to the Netherlands. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $20,096,218 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8689-22-C-2014).
28 Feb 22. Italy’s Defence Ministry has given its green light to a 380m euro ($425.94m) contract with a consortium of companies including Italian aerospace and defence group Leonardo (LDOF.MI), aero-engine parts maker Avio Aero and U.S weapons maker Lockheed Martin Aeronautics (LMT.N). The contract has a 5-year duration and comprises of logistical, engineering and technical support to Italy’s Air Force’s C-130J aircraft fleet, a joint press release said. ($1 = 0.8921 euros) (Source: Reuters)
03 Mar 22. With the Tiger attack helicopter scheduled for a mid-life upgrade, Safran Electronics & Defense has won a contract to supply 85 Euroflir 510 optronic (electro-optical) sights from the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), on behalf of the French and Spanish defense procurement agencies. This gyro-stabilized optronic system, successor to the Strix sight, will be used on Tiger Mk3 helicopters deployed by French and Spanish armed forces. The Euroflir 510 is a key part of the Tiger Mk 3’s weapon system. Mounted over the cockpit, it will give the crew unrivaled observation performance, including in a degraded visual environment (DVE), to ensure threat identification capabilities both day and night. Designed for easy integration on the Tiger, the Euroflir 510 supports all of the helicopter’s weapons, including guns, laser-guided air-to-ground missiles, air-to-air missiles and rockets offering accuracy to within a meter. This optronic system combines 12 sensors with a multispectral telescope featuring a very long focal length and ultra-high-performance line-of-sight stabilization. It offers several observation channels to cover all bandwidths from visible to infrared, four types of lasers and integrated “see spot” technology. With all these sensors and powerful built-in image processing, the Euroflir 510 reflects the fast-paced progress in onboard displays by supplying full-resolution digital video streams to reduce operators’ cognitive workload during multiple demanding missions.
USA
LAND
28 Feb 22. Arnold Defense and Electronics LLC,* Arnold, Missouri, is awarded an $8,558,547 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00174-19-D-0001) to exercise the remaining option ordering periods for the manufacturing of the 2.75-inch rocket launchers and subcomponents to support Navy, Army, Air Force and Foreign Military Sales requirements. Work will be performed in Arnold, Missouri, and is expected to be completed by February 2023. No additional funds are being obligated at the time of this action. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division, Indian Head, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
28 Feb 22. L3Harris Technologies Inc., Rochester, New York (N00039-22-D-0070), is awarded an estimated cumulative $3,690,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract for procurement of Portable Radios and Ancillary Parts Program. The procurement includes fielding of handheld, manpack, fixed mount/vehicular and base-station radios that fulfill Office of the Chief of Naval Operations-approved legacy tactical, portable radio requirements, including high-frequency, very-high frequency, ultra-high frequency, line-of-sight and satellite communications requirements for secure/nonsecure voice and data communications, DAMA-IW and emergency communications for ships. Work will be performed at L3Harris Corporate office in Rochester, New York. As an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract, no funding will be placed on contract and obligated at the time of award. Operations and maintenance funding via the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps will be funded on each delivery order. The period of performance will consist of a five-year ordering period; work could continue through February 2027. Funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This sole source contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1) – Only One Responsible Source (Federal Acquisition Regulation subpart 6.302-1). The Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity.
SEA
03 Mar 22. In mid-February the US Navy awarded contracts worth $250m to a quintet of companies to develop new electronic warfare threat simulators. Alion Science and Technology, Amentum, Leidos, Saab and SRC were the firms selected. According to reports, the simulators will help train naval aviators regarding electromagnetic threats they may encounter during deployments. According to the US Department of Defence, the contract is scheduled for completion in February 2027. (Source: Armada)
01 Mar 22. Rockwell Collins Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is awarded an $18,803,504 modification (P00031) to a previously awarded firm-price-incentive-fee, firm-fixed-price contract (N6134017C0007). This modification exercises options to procure 24 airborne subsystem pods; nine remote range units; one common ground system; one portable support equipment subsystem; and one site survey in support of Tactical Combat Training System II low rate initial production. Work will be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa (55%); Ft. Walton Beach, Florida (38%); and Richardson, Texas (7%), and is expected to be completed in October 2023. Fiscal 2022 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $15,596,400; fiscal 2022 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,274,110; and fiscal 2021 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,932,994 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity.
01 Mar 22. Serco – IPS Corp., Herndon, Virginia, was awarded a $37,352,453 cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost-only modification to previously awarded contract (N00174-18-C-0015) to procure professional support services for the Naval Sea System Command’s Deputy Commander for Surface Warfare. Work will be performed in Washington, D.C. (55%); Norfolk, Virginia (19%); San Diego, California (18%); Mayport, Florida (2%); Yokosuka, Japan (2%); Sasebo, Japan (1%); Manama, Bahrain (1%); Pascagoula, Mississippi (1%); and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (1%), and is expected to be complete by August 2022. Fiscal 2022 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $12,780,007 (91%); fiscal 2021 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $710,971 (5%); and fiscal 2020 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $630,508 (4%) will be obligated at time of award, of which, $13,410,515 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. is the contracting activity. (Awarded Feb. 25, 2022)
AIR
02 Mar 22. The Boeing Co., Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, was awarded a firm-fixed-price modification to an existing delivery order in the amount of $194,628,000 on contract H92241-20-F-0020 to procure six MH47-G renew rotary wing aircraft in support of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Fiscal 2022 procurement and Army funds in the amount of $194,628,000 are being obligated at the time of award. The majority of the work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania. This delivery order modification is a noncompetitive award and is in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302.1. USSOCOM, Tampa, Florida, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Feb. 25, 2022)
03 Mar 22. Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a not-to-exceed $166,641,425, fixed-price-incentive-firm-target, cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00016) to a previously awarded contract (N0001920C0032). This modification adds scope for the procurement, delivery, installation, and configuration of 22 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter training devices. The total quantity of training devices includes full mission simulators, multispectral database, and interactive courseware. Additionally, this modification provides non-recurring engineering to identify and integrate a replacement rechargeable battery module to be installed within the blade server system of pilot training devices in support of the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, non-U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) participants and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida (96%); Fort Worth, Texas (1%); and various locations outside the continental U.S. (3%), and is expected to be completed in December 2027. Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $45,182,190; fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $142,020; FMS customer funds in the amount of $5,551,246; and non-U.S. DOD partner funds in the amount of $32,445,255 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
28 Feb 22. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Orlando, Florida, has been awarded a $128,245,319 firm-fixed-price contract modification (P00013) to previously awarded contract FA8682-21-C-0001 for the exercise of an option for hardware spares and the partial exercise of an option for an additional 123 Lot 20 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile – Extended Range missiles with containers. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida, and Troy, Alabama, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 30, 2026. This award is the result of a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2022 Missile Procurement funds are being obligated at the time of award. The total cumulative face value of the contract is $541,366,022. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity.
28 Feb 22. Lockheed Martin Corporation, Littleton, Colo., is awarded a prototype agreement with a potential value of approximately $700m to execute a research and development program for the development of a T1TL prototype constellation consisting of 42 satellites in two near-polar low Earth orbital planes (21 SVs for each orbital plane). The proposal was received and evaluated under an Other Transaction Authorities solicitation SDA-PS-22-01.
03 Mar 22. Mercury Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRCY, www.mrcy.com), a leader in trusted, secure mission-critical technologies for aerospace and defense, announced it received a $7.4m order from a leading defense prime contractor for active matrix LCD (AMLCD) modules to be used in a large area multi-function display cockpit application. The order was received in Mercury’s fiscal 2022 second quarter and is expected to be delivered over the next several quarters.
28 Feb 22. Mercury Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRCY, www.mrcy.com), a leader in trusted, secure mission-critical technologies for aerospace and defense, announced it received a $165m firm-fixed-price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract award from the U.S. Air Force for secure flight data recorders in support of the secure mission data systems (SMDS) on the service’s F-16 fleet. These flight data recorders will help provide improved performance, security and reliability for the F-16’s current and future mission needs. The award received in the Company’s fiscal 2022 third quarter included an initial $16.4m order and has a 72-month planned performance and shipment period. Mercury was able to showcase an elegant solution that merged two systems into one. This unique value allowed the DoD to proceed without modification to any existing software on the F-16, while significantly advancing system functionality. Additionally, the new solution provides open system architecture elements aligned to the government’s open systems mandate that offer a growth path to address future mission needs quickly and cost-effectively.
28 Feb 22. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) today received an award with a potential value of $692m from the Space Development Agency (SDA) to produce and field an innovative, proliferated constellation of 42 low-Earth orbit (pLEO) satellites for the Tranche 1 Transport Layer (T1TL) mesh satellite communications network.
03 Mar 22. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) announced it was recently awarded the Integrated Modification and Maintenance Contract for the U.S. Navy’s E-6B Mercury platform, a derivative of the commercial Boeing 707 aircraft. The work will be performed at Northrop Grumman’s Aircraft Maintenance and Fabrication Center in Lake Charles. Over the next five years, Northrop Grumman will perform modifications to the Navy’s E-6B aircraft improving command, control and communications functions that connect the national command authority with the United States’ Nuclear Triad. The company will establish a consolidated production line for core modifications required under the $111m contract. Northrop Grumman may also take on additional, smaller modifications and select depot maintenance tasks as required. As part of the critical Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) strategic communications mission, the E-6B operates across a wide frequency spectrum to transmit and receive secure and non-secure voice and data information. The aircraft provides survivable, endurable, reliable airborne command, control, and communications in support of the President, Secretary of Defense, and United States Strategic Command.
23 Feb 22. Voyager Space + Space Micro, With BridgeComm, Receive Space Development Agency Contract For Optical Comms. Voyager Space Inc. (Voyager) and Space Micro, Inc., powered by Voyager, have received an award from the Space Development Agency (SDA) for a 24-month development contract for advanced, one-to-many, optical communications using Managed Optical Communication Array (MOCA) technology to support Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations. Space Micro partnered with BridgeComm Inc., a leader in optical wireless communications solutions and services. (Source: Satnews)
28 Feb 22. York Space Systems, Denver, is awarded a prototype agreement with a potential value of approximately $382m to execute a research and development program for the development of a T1TL prototype constellation consisting of 42 satellites in two near-polar low Earth orbital planes (21 SVs for each orbital plane). The proposal was received and evaluated under an Other Transaction Authorities solicitation SDA-PS-22-01.
TECHNOLOGY
28 Feb 22. Leidos Inc., Reston, Virginia (HC104722D0002), was awarded a competitive, single-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a ceiling value of $11,504,145,491, with firm-fixed-price, labor hour, and cost reimbursable line items for the Defense Enclave Services (DES). The DES contract will unify the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Fourth Estate common use information technology (IT) systems, personnel, functions and program elements under the Defense Information Systems Agency. The DES contractor will manage, operate and support the network architecture. The objective of the DES contract is to provide integrated, standardized, and cost-effective IT services; while improving security, network availability, and reliability for the 22 defense agencies and field activities within DOD’s Fourth Estate. DES will establish the modern infrastructure foundation and united frame of thought needed to deliver cohesive combat support capabilities to the warfighter. The contract’s minimum guarantee of $500 will funded by the Defense Working Capital Fund. Performance will be at DOD Fourth Estate locations world-wide. Proposals were solicited via the Contract Opportunities website on SAM.gov, and seven proposals were received. The ordering period is Feb. 28, 2022, through Feb. 27, 2026, with three two-year option periods, which, if exercised, would extend the ordering period through Feb. 27, 2032. The Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization – National Capital Region, Fort Meade, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
28 Feb 22. Palantir Technologies recently received a $34m order supporting the modernization of a military network used to relay information across the globe. The Army Intelligence Data Platform deal includes software, training, cybersecurity activities and help with testing and initial standup of the capability, the Program Executive Office for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors said in an announcement Feb. 22. The award signals the next step for what was once known as the the Distributed Common Ground System Capability Drop 2. (Source: Defense News)
01 Mar 22. Smartronix LLC, Hollywood, Maryland, is awarded a $133,627,480 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This contract provides sustainment for Tactical and Remote, Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, and Intelligence Edge Systems (TARCES) support for remote edge telecommunications engineering or computer networks to support users or sensors located away from the central core network. TARCES solutions require a mixture of legacy, industry standard, and newly emerging technologies. Specifically, the contractor shall provide inputs to solution engineering and recommendations, network, desktop, and server administration; configuration management; infrastructure and cable plant technology; applications development/operations support; and cybersecurity and information assurance support. Work will be performed in Hollywood, Maryland (59.12%); St. Inigoes, Maryland (27.04%); Panzer Kaserne, Germany (3.07%); Kelly Barracks, Germany (2.13%); Fort Belvoir, Virginia (2.22%); MacDill Air Force Base, Florida (1%); Hurlburt Field, Florida (1%); Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (1%); various locations within the continental U.S. (2.42%); and various locations outside the continental U.S. (1%), and is expected to be completed in May 2027. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposal; one offer was received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0042122D0005).
REST OF THE WORLD
LAND
25 Feb 22. BEL to retro-modify commander sight of Indian Army’s T-90 tanks. The company will provide commander thermal imager-cum-day sights for the battle tanks. Indian state-owned company Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has been awarded a contract to retro-modify the commander sight of the Indian Army’s T-90 battle tanks. The company has signed a contract, worth $142.57m (Rs10.75bn), with the Indian Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) Acquisition Wing. The contract will contribute towards the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative in the defence sector. Under the contract, the company will perform the retro-modification of 957 T-90 tanks. It will provide 957 commander thermal imager-cum-day sights for the tanks. (Source: army-technology.com)
SEA
25 Feb 22. The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has awarded an additional seven-and-a-half-year Maritime Fleet Sustainment Service contract to engineering firm Babcock. The contract was signed by Babcock New Zealand general manager James Morton and NZDF Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Kevin Short. As agreed, Babcock will offer asset management services to the entire Royal New Zealand Navy fleet. The scope of works will include engineering, project management, production and operational support among others. (Source: naval-technology.com)
02 Mar 22. The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, is awarded a not-to-exceed $498,310,000 firm-fixed-price undefinitized order (N0001922F0030) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001921G0006). This order provides for the production and delivery of the Harpoon Coastal Defense System Launch System (HCDS) in support of the government of Taiwan, specifically 100 Launcher Transporter Units, 25 Radar Units, and HCDS training equipment. Work will be performed in Sioux Falls, South Dakota (23.9%); Oshkosh, Wisconsin (18.53%); Lititz, Pennsylvania (13.64%); St. Louis, Missouri (11.71%); New York, New York (10.68%); Saint Charles, Missouri (9.36%); Cincinnati, Ohio (2.54%); Minneapolis, Minnesota (2.24%); Warner Robins, Georgia (1.87%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (5.53%), and is expected to be completed in December 2028. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $244,171,900 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
AIR
25 Feb 22. Lockheed Martin Corp., Orlando, Florida, is awarded a $49,273,462 firm-fixed-price order (N0001922F2304) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001919G0011). This order provides Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile integration and test effort for the Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18 E/F aircraft for the government of Australia. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida (92.5%); China Lake, California (5%); Ocala, Florida (1%); California, Maryland (1%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (5%), and is expected to be completed in March 2026. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $49,273,462 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
03 Mar 22. The Orbiter 4 Close-Range Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (CR-UAV) has been acquired by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), said the Ministry of Defence (Mindef). With its smaller size, capable sensor and increased portability, the CR-UAV will provide the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and security forces with improved ground situational awareness. Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen announced the acquisition during his ministry’s Committee of Supply debate on Wednesday. According to Mindef, it can be employed independently or collaboratively with the existing fleet of larger UAVs for scanning of the battlefield from different altitudes, providing both a bird’s eye view of the battlefield from a higher altitude and conducting in-depth surveillance of specific areas from a lower altitude. Manufactured by Israel-based drone specialist Aeronautics Group, the CR-UAV can operate within a wide range of operating environments, including urbanised and confined areas, to support security operations such as counter-terrorism and peacetime contingencies. It also enhances operational flexibility with its lower logistical footprint, runway independence, and ability to be deployed and set up in a shorter span of time. (Source: UAS VISION/yahoo! news)