UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO
LAND
17 May 22. Smart Hitch technology offers efficiency in frontline resupply. Glic Ltd received DASA funding and post-contract support to help develop their autonomous trailer hitch
- Glic Ltd has developed an autonomous vehicle-to-trailer connection system which connects and disconnects a trailer to or from a towing vehicle without human intervention.
- A chance meeting with DASA’s Innovation Partner in Scotland introduced Glic to the possibility of funding to adapt their Smart Hitch technology for military use.
- Following a successful funding bid, Glic were able to develop their software and test Smart Hitch with the British Army.
- Further post-contract support from DASA’s Access to Mentoring and Finance (A2MF) Team is preparing Glic for future investment and market readiness. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
20 May 22. Major orders from NATO customer – Rheinmetall to supply force protection equipment worth around a quarter of a billon euros. Rheinmetall has received several major orders from a NATO customer to supply components for force protection equipment. The orders are worth a total of nearly €250 m gross. Delivery of the components is expected to start in 2023 and be complete by 2025.
16 May 22. Silent Sentinel provides advanced threat detection systems to Rheinmetall Mission Master SP Unmanned Ground Vehicle. British threat detection specialist Silent Sentinel (www.silentsentinel.com) has been awarded a contract to provide a unique multi-sensor electro-optical platform for Rheinmetall Canada’s Mission Master SP Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicle (A-UGV), as part of the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) Robotic Platoon Vehicles (RPV) programme. Silent Sentinel will be equipping the Mission Master SP with a range of sensors, some of which have been designed specifically for this contract, which Silent Sentinel is able to do as a true end-to-end manufacturer with in-house design and engineering resources. Silent Sentinel’s platform will have full integration capabilities for the Rheinmetall Mission Master SP and provides leading-edge threat detection, recognition and identification at long ranges and in all weather and lighting conditions. The contract forms part of an order placed by the British Army for the final phase of the RPV programme, known as Spiral 3. The RPV programme is a three-phase experiment to determine the extent to which unmanned vehicles can boost the combat effectiveness and capabilities of dismounted troops at platoon level.
SEA
16 May 22. Babcock, the international defence, aerospace and security company has been awarded a 10-year contract to provide dry-dock maintenance for the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth class (QEC) aircraft carriers. The new £30m contract follows a previous maintenance period where Babcock completed the first docking for HMS Queen Elizabeth at the Rosyth site in 2019 and includes all routine maintenance and repairs that cannot be done when the vessel is afloat. In addition to the scheduled dockings, Babcock will provide facilities for any contingency dockings required over the 10-year contract duration while sustaining and supporting c300 jobs. The first planned activity will take place next year with a six-week work package. This is a significant milestone for big ship dockings at Rosyth, which was the integration site for the UK carrier build and assembly programme from 2008 to 2019. Babcock has invested more than £100m in skills, digitisation and site infrastructure over recent years at Rosyth. This is now one of the UK’s most modern, capable and competitive manufacturing and repair facilities for large scale marine and energy programmes, with a circa 2000-strong workforce. Alongside traditional maintenance practices, the ships’ docking period will further benefit from the digital transformation underway at the Rosyth site, which is already in place to support the build and assembly of the Royal Navy’s new Type 31 Inspiration Class frigates.
18 May 22. General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Connecticut, is awarded a $313,949,471 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract N00024-17-C-2117 for additional United Kingdom (UK) Strategic Weapon Support System kit manufacturing, and submarine industrial base development and expansion, as part of the Integrated Enterprise Plan supporting Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines and the nuclear shipbuilding enterprise (Virginia-class and Ford-class). The industrial base development work is for the furtherance of the Fiscal 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (Public Law 117-81) which authorized, and the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103) which appropriated, additional funds for submarine industrial base development and expansion to ensure second- and third-tier contractors are able to meet increased production requirements. Work will be performed in Quonset Point, Rhode Island (96%); Newport News, Virginia (4%); and is expected to be completed by September 2029. This is a joint U.S. / UK program. No funding will be obligated at the time of award. This is a sole source award in accordance with Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1(a)(2)(iii) — 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.
AIR
18 May 22. Marlborough Communications Limited (MCL) and its technology partner, leading American drone manufacturer Skydio, have been awarded a contract from the UK MOD as part of the Future Capabilities Group (FCG) nano unmanned aerial systems (nUAS) framework. Spiral 4 of the framework will inform future drone concepts and requirements, with the contract positioning MCL as a key UAS provider in the UK. Valued at £3m, the contract centres on the delivery of Skydio’s autonomous X2D drones along with its artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D Scan capability. With the ability to conduct reconnaissance, security patrol and incident response missions, Skydio drones incorporate 360O obstacle avoidance and are night operation enabled. Skydio Autonomy enables the drones to deliver total situational awareness with six 4K cameras building a map of the surroundings, and deep learning algorithms and AI able to understand and predict future scenarios to inform decision-making. In addition, Skydio 3D Scan provides adaptive scanning software which automates the data capture needed to generate 3D models. With ultra-high resolution and coverage, the technology enables faster high-quality inspections with minimal pilot training. Focused on providing faster and safer intelligence in “around-the-corner” or “over-the-hill” situations, Spiral 4 aims to introduce new capabilities which increase situational awareness, and provide early warnings during defensive missions and functions including 3D scanning, mapping and surveying.
EUROPE
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13 May 22. France orders last tranche of Glock 17 pistols. The Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA), the French defence procurement agency, has ordered 9,600 more Glock 17 pistols, French Ministry of Armed Forces spokesperson Hervé Grandjean told a press conference on 12 May. The order was placed on 26 April and is the last tranche of Glock 17 Gen 5 FR9mm semi-automatic pistols foreseen by France’s Loi de Programmation Militaire 2019–25 military funding programme as part of efforts to modernise the French military’s personal equipment. At the end of 2019, the DGA ordered the self-loading pistol from Glock, ammunition from Sellier & Bellot, and training conversion kits from UTM. The pistol features a coyote frame with a black slide and front serrations, luminescent U-shaped sights, and extended slide lock, according to Glock. Some will be issued with night sights, laser/light modules, threaded barrels, and sound suppressors, most likely for army commando units. (Source: Janes)
17 May 22. MilDef has won a new contract for tactical IT to the Swedish Armed Forces. The value of the delivery is SEK 17m, of which approximately SEK 8m will be delivered in 2022. The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, FMV, procures, develops and delivers materiel and services to the Swedish Armed Forces. MilDef has collaborated with FMV since 1997 on tactical IT. The new order will provide the Swedish Armed Forces with essential parts of the digital infrastructure and includes MilDef’s own design and production of equipment such as switches and rugged computers in form factor 19″/2.
17 May 22. Slovenia procures 45 BOXER vehicles. The Slovenian government, represented by the European procurement organization OCCAR, and ARTEC, a consortium of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall, have signed a contract for the delivery of 45 BOXER wheeled vehicles in four different variants. The volume of the order amounts to EUR 281.5m. Delivery of the BOXER vehicles is scheduled to begin in 2024 and be completed in 2026. Now that EU and NATO member Slovenia has joined the BOXER program, it has six user states. Modular vehicle – versatile and proven in operation The BOXER is a highly protected 8×8 wheeled vehicle. Its modular architecture allows a diversity of variants like no other vehicle system. So far, approximately 1,500 vehicles in twenty different versions are under contract in the four NATO member states Germany, the Netherlands, Lithuania and the United Kingdom. NATO partner state Australia has opted for the BOXER as well. ARTEC GmbH was founded in 1999 and is a joint venture between Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG, Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH and Rheinmetall Defence Nederland B.V. The company coordinates series production and serves as the point of contact for all export issues relating to the BOXER.
13 May 22. The Belgian and French Ministers of Defence have signed CaMo 2 for the purchase of nine CAESAR New Generation 155mm SPH artillery systems. Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder signed the CaMo 2 intergovernmental agreement with her French counterpart, Florence Parly, confirming the strategic partnership between the two countries and their desire to work towards European defence. This agreement includes the acquisition by Belgium of nine information-valued CAESAR NG systems (CAmion Equipped with a New Generation Artillery System) whose delivery is scheduled for 2027. The acquisition contract will be notified in the coming weeks by the French Directorate General for Armaments (DGA), in the name of and on behalf of Belgium. CaMo 2 follows on from the first part which came into force in 2019, by deepening this unprecedented European cooperation in the field of defence for maximum and long-term interoperability between the two armies. The CaMo partnership as a whole is carried out under the aegis of the Belgian Land Component, the French Army, the Belgian General Directorate of Material Resources (DG MR) and the French General Directorate of Armaments (DGA ). (Source: www.joint-forces.com)
AIR
17 May 22. Airbus Selected Elbit Systems to Provide DIRCM and EW Systems to Additional European Air Force . Elbit Systems was selected by Airbus Defence and Space (Airbus) to provide J-MUSIC™ DIRCM (Direct Infrared Countermeasures) including the Company’s Infra-Red-based Passive Airborne Warning Systems (PAWS IR), for Airbus A330-200 MRTT aircraft of additional European Air Force. The Company’s DIRCM systems integrate the latest laser technology, high frame-rate thermal cameras and a compact, dynamic high-speed sealed-mirror turret, delivering high performance defense against ground-to-air IR missiles. Elbit Systems has been cooperating with Airbus on equipping aircraft of additional countries with DIRCM and Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, including NATO’s Multinational Multirole Fleet, German Air Force’s aircraft, aircraft of the UAE Air Force and others.
17 May 22. Elistair, the French tethered drone manufacturer, has been awarded a framework agreement by the DGA (French Armament General Directorate) for the supply of ORION 2 tethered UAVs. The DGA EM (DGA Missile Test Unit), a reference center in Europe for missile flight tests, has chosen the ORION 2 tethered UAV to reinforce its surveillance and observation system for the test areas. The contract was awarded to meet the requirements of DGA EM’s Landes and Mediterranean sites, and the Mediterranean and Aquitaine flight test sites of DGA EV (DGA Flight Tests). During the tests which can last up to several hours, the ORION 2’s mission will be to secure the impact zone and collect images needed for analysing land, air and coastal operations. The tethered drones will significantly extend the current scope of surveillance, with detection capacities now covering a 10-km radius, even in poor weather conditions. (Source: UAS VISION)
18 May 22. Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (Kongsberg) has placed an order for three microsatellites with Lithuanian mission integrator NanoAvionics for a space-based maritime surveillance mission covering the North Sea area. All three satellites will be based on NanoAvionics’s largest satellite bus so far, the MP42 microsatellite bus. The surveillance payload will consist of instrumentation developed by KONGSBERG to include ‘”Automatic Identification System” (AIS) reporting and a navigation radar detector, developed by the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), that analyses vessels’ radar use. Combining these provides an overview of ship traffic in the area, to include detection of vessels not reporting correct AIS data. It is the second time that FFI and NanoAvionics are working together. Previously, FFI was part of a consortium on a Norwegian-Dutch military use of space (MilSpace) mission where NanoAvionics built two nanosatellites. In combination with advanced data analysis, the surveillance capacity will contribute to defence operations and Norway’s important role in surveillance of the High North. In addition, it is possible to rapidly identify vessels engaged in environmental crime, illegal fishing, smuggling and other illegal activities. Supporting search and rescue for vessels in distress are also capabilities of the constellation. The surveillance capacity of the satellites will be enhanced by encryption software, developed by Norwegian company Eidsvoll Electronics AS, which provides secure communication for the satellites. All three satellites will be operated by KSAT (Kongsberg Satellite Services) the world’s leading provider of ground station services. The three satellites will form the basis for Norway’s first satellite constellation. The plan is to expand the fleet with more satellites to increase the coverage areas and revisit times, and equip them with different types of sensors for other types of data to enhance the situational awareness capabilities. (Source: Google/http://www.spaceref.com/)
USA
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16 May 22. Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:ESLT and TASE: ESLT) (“Elbit Systems”) announced today that its U.S. subsidiary, Elbit Systems of America LLC, (“Elbit Systems of America”), was awarded a delivery order valued at $49 m for the supply of Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggle (“SBNVG”) systems to the U.S. Marines Corps. The order will be executed in Roanoke, Virginia and will be supplied through September 2023. This additional order is part of a $249m five-year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract from September 6, 2019. The SBNVG is a lightweight helmet-mounted system that provides superior nighttime viewing in various environments and conditions, improving warfighter situational awareness and performance. The system includes an enhanced battery life and high-performing white phosphor image intensification tubes for improved clarity and depth perception.
16 May 22. L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) has received a $297m IDIQ contract increase for its Falcon® IV AN/PRC-167 radio systems from the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). USSOCOM increased the initial IDIQ ceiling from $255m to $552m. This follows two orders in Q4 2021 totalling $36m, the latest in a series of full-rate production orders in support of the Next Generation Tactical Communications (NGTC) program. To date, USSOCOM and L3Harris have produced more than 20,000 NGTC systems, which includes the AN/PRC-167 manpack and AN/PRC-163 handheld, to connect and empower SOF throughout their missions. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
16 May 22. Liteye Systems, Inc. today announced the award of a $12.1m, multi-year contract by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to provide its entire portfolio of integrated multi-domain, multi-mission Air Base Surface and Ground Defense systems, including Counter UAS (C-UAS) solutions. The contract award demonstrates the DoD’s prioritization of air and ground defense platforms and the Department’s commitment to partnering with industry to develop technology and solutions to maximize capabilities domestically and overseas. Under the contract, Liteye will develop and integrate its entire suite of C-UAS and ground surveillance products to detect, identify, track, and defend from Class 1 and 2 Unmanned Arial Systems while providing complementary or stand-alone ground defense capabilities in a variety of environments. The integration of products will provide surveillance, targeting, and both electronic and kinetic effectors for fixed/semi-fixed, mobile, and dismounted environments.
16 May 22. Lockheed Martin Corp has been awarded two contracts worth $309 m by the U.S. army for its Javelin missiles, the antitank weapon that has helped Ukraine fight Russia’s invasion, the company said on Monday. The Javelin missiles are made jointly by Lockheed and Raytheon Technologies’ (RTX.N) missile unit. (Source: Reuters)
16 May 22. Thales was one of two (2) vendors that the US Army has awarded a $6bn-ceiling Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to deliver advanced tactical radios under the U.S. Army’s Combat Net Radio (CNR) modernization program. The competitive 10-year contract for the Combat Net Radio (CNR) program includes a five-year base ordering period and an additional five-year optional ordering period. This contract was awarded as part of an effort to retire its outdated Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS). Under the Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, Thales will deliver a CNR that is based on the AN/PRC-148 Joint Tactical Radio System Enhanced Multiband Inter/Intra Team Radio (IMBITR) – the latest evolution of a family of battle-proven, tactical voice and data radios.
SEA
17 May 22. Raytheon Missiles & Defense, Tucson, Arizona, is awarded a $102,699,507 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract N00024-18-C-5432. This option exercise is for Raytheon Missiles & Defense to manufacture and deliver the Over-the-Horizon Weapon System (OTH-WS), which consists of Encanistered Missiles loaded into launching mechanisms and a single Fire Control Suite. The OTH-WS provides long range anti-ship, over-the-horizon offensive anti-surface warfare capability to the fleet. The system consists of an operator interface console, naval strike missile, and the missile launching system. Work will be performed in Kongsberg, Norway (75%); Tucson, Arizona (15%); Schrobenhausen, Germany (4%); Raufoss, Norway (3%); McKinney, Texas (2%); and Louisville, Kentucky (1%), and is expected to be completed by May 2024. Fiscal 2022 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $50,139,984 (49%); fiscal 2022 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $47,257,547 (46%); fiscal 2022 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $3,655,232 (3%); and fiscal 2022 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,646,744 (2%), will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively awarded. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
AIR
16 May 22. Kopin Corporation (NASDAQ: KOPN), a leading provider of high-resolution microdisplays for Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), today announced it has received an approximately $4.8m follow-on order of its high-brightness AMLCD microdisplay for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. With the F-35 scheduled for production through 2030, Kopin expects additional orders over the life of the program. Kopin has been the sole supplier of microdisplays for the F-35 pilot helmets since the program inception, with thousands of displays delivered to date. (Source: ASD Network)
19 May 22. KBR (NYSE: KBR) announced today that it was awarded two task orders under the Department of Defense Information Analysis Center’s (DoD IAC) multiple-award contract (MAC) vehicle totaling $106m for the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC). Through the task orders, KBR will support the modernization and sustainment of the C-130 Hercules aircraft and the development of recommendations on cyber security strategies, engineering analysis, and assessment of testing for the International Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) and Mark XIIB System (AIMS) Program Office. These DoD IAC MAC task orders are awarded by the U.S. Air Force’s 774th Enterprise Sourcing Squadron to develop and create new knowledge for the enhancement of the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) repository and the R&D and S&T communities. One of the contracts is a five-year, $65m recompete task order in support of the AFLMC Mobility and Training Aircraft Directorate (WLN). KBR will provide critical, adaptable acquisition management, systems engineering, test and evaluation management, logistics planning and analysis, and cybersecurity solutions for multiple variants of the C-130 aircraft. This work will support current and upcoming avionics upgrades and aircraft block modification programs; digital engineering transformation efforts; and all production, modernization and sustainment requirements. The “utility player” of the Air Force, the C-130 Hercules performs a number of diverse roles, including Antarctic ice resupply, aeromedical missions, weather reconnaissance, firefighting duties for the U.S. Forest Service, and support for humanitarian missions. The craft also serves as the prime transport for airdropping troops and equipment into hostile area
17 May 22. Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $632,129,418 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract. This contract provides engineering, maintenance, logistics and material support to continue to develop, sustain and produce software builds, as well as carryout developmental flight tests in support of the F-35 Lightning II aircraft for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Foreign Military Sales customer, and non-U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) participants’ funds. This contract also provides unique sea trials on aircraft carriers for the government of the United Kingdom. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (81%); Orlando, Florida (7%); Linthicum, Maryland (3%); Nashua, New Hampshire (3%); San Diego, California (2%); El Segundo, California (2%); Samlesbury, United Kingdom (1%); Toronto, Canada (0.10%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (0.90%), and is expected to be completed in March 2024. Fiscal 2022 research, development, test and evaluation (Air Force) funds in the amount of $41,009,193; fiscal 2022 operation and maintenance (Air Force) funds in the amount of $40,103,104; fiscal 2022 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $40,103,104; fiscal 2022 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $39,491,303; fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation (Air Force) funds in the amount of $1,934,724; and non-U.S. DOD participants funds in the amount of $41,085,051 will be obligated at the time of award, $80,206,208 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001922C0041).
13 May 22. Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $397,726,298 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00003) to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract (N0001921D0001). This modification exercises options to procure initial spares in support of F-35 Lightning II Lot 16 deliveries, as well as procures global spares pool and afloat spares package/deployment spares packages for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Foreign Military Sales customers, and non-U.S. Department of Defense participants. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in December 2024. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
16 May 22. Raytheon Missiles & Defense, Tucson, Arizona, has been awarded a $75,000,000 ceiling increase to previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract FA8672-19-D-0001 for StormBreaker Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II, GBU-53/B), Small Diameter Bomb II Life Cycle Support III. The total cumulative face value of the contract is $275,000,000. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2024. This award is the result of a sole source acquisition. No funds are being obligated at the time of ceiling increase. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity.
13 May 22. Raytheon Intelligence & Space (RI&S) has secured a five-year contract to continue supporting the US Air Force’s (USAF) Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS). DCGS, also known as AN/GSQ-272 SENTINEL weapon system, is the USAF’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) planning and direction, collection, processing and exploitation, analysis and dissemination (PCPAD) weapon system. The system comprises of around 27 regionally aligned globally networked sites, which support various intelligence needs of the warfighters. The indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract will see the delivery of AF DCGS Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) field support services. It will support the sustainment of ISR systems used in PCPAD process. Under the contract, Raytheon will support the USAF’s existing DCGS weapon system baseline with various mission support and engineering services. In addition, the company will collaborate with the USAF to transform the current system into an open architecture DCGS. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
16 May 22. SES Government Solutions (SES GS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SES, has been awarded a U.S. government TROJAN follow-on contract to support U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) for up to a five-year period. Using SES’s global network of satellite services, SES GS will continue to support the Army’s premier intelligence network in delivering operational intelligence capabilities and enhancing combat readiness. SES GS was awarded the initial TROJAN contract in 1998 and has expanded the network as it exists today – providing satellite bandwidth, systems engineering support, operations, and maintenance of the SATCOM network globally. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
16 May 22. ThinKom Solutions, Inc., today announced that Northrop Grumman has specified a ThinAir® Ka2517 phased-array satellite antenna to provide beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) connectivity for its MQ-4C Triton flying test bed (FTB). Northrop Grumman uses a twin-engine Gulfstream IV as an FTB for the U.S. Navy’s MQ-4C Triton autonomous high-altitude, long-endurance maritime surveillance system. The FTB is outfitted with the core mission payload capabilities that are on the Triton unmanned aircraft and is used to demonstrate current capabilities, provide risk reduction for new capabilities and serve as a developmental test bed for emerging capabilities. Based on ThinKom’s patented VICTS* technology, the Ka2517 is a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) wideband satellite antenna system, which provides global pole-to-pole in-flight connectivity with extremely high throughput rates using military and commercial Ka-band satellite networks. Ka2517s are operational on hundreds of commercial airliners and military aircraft with industry-leading MTBF metrics.
10 May 22. Wolverine, a company specialising in human-guided autonomous drone operating systems for military forces and law enforcement agencies – is to supply hundreds of Wolverine drone systems to the US Department of Defense (DoD), developed under the joint leadership of the DoD and the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMoD), for deployment to protect US military forces in the field, says a company press release. The systems are designed to protect against threats including IEDs and drones. The contract follows a joint research & development program led by the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) at Israel’s Ministry of Defense, together with XTEND, and the Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD, previously CTTSO) of the DoD. Wolverine says the operating systems is designed to perform extremely precise remote tasks, manoeuvres, and actions in complex environments (indoor or outdoor), with minimal training and maintenance. It is powered XTEND human machine interface technology, to provide sensory awareness based on virtual and augmented reality technologies, coupled with Machine Learning flight algorithms. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
TECHNOLOGY
13 May 22. BAE Systems Technology Solutions and Services Inc., Rockville, Maryland (N66001-19-D-3407); Perspecta Engineering Inc., Chantilly, Virginia (N66001-19-D-3415); Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., McLean, Virginia (N66001-19-D-3408); ICF Inc. LLC, Fairfax, Virginia (N66001-19-D-3409); Leidos Inc., Reston, Virginia (N66001-19-D-3410); Peraton Inc., Herndon, Virginia (N66001-19-D-3411); Parsons Government Services Inc., Pasadena, California (N66001-19-D-3412); Science Applications International Corp., Reston, Virginia (N66001-19-D-3413); and Scientific Research Corp., Atlanta, Georgia (N66001-19-D-3414), are exercising Option Period 1 with a value of $231,167,249 for a cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award contract with a maximum value of $802,045,894, for professional technical and management support services to support Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific (NIWC Pacific) in establishing and maintaining cyberspace operations and enabling product lines, programs and projects. All work is expected to be performed in San Diego, California. Work will be completed by May 6, 2024, and if all options are exercised, will continue until May 6, 2026. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated as task orders issued using research, development, test, and evaluation (Navy) funds; other procurement (Navy) funds; operation and maintenance (Navy) funds; working capital (Defense) funds; and Foreign Military Sales funding. The requirement was competitively procured through full and open competition and solicited through the Federal Business Opportunities website, with 18 offers received in response to this solicitation. NIWC Pacific, San Diego, is the contracting activity. (Awarded May 7, 2022)
17 May 22. General Dynamics Mission Systems announced today that it has been awarded a contract from the National Security Agency (NSA) to design, develop, test and deliver a certifiable 400 Gbps high-assurance encryption solution that is compliant with the Ethernet Data Encryption Cryptographic Interoperability Specification (EDE-CIS). General Dynamics Mission Systems has been awarded a contract from the NSA for a certifiable 400 Gbps high-assurance encryption solution that is compliant with the Ethernet Data Encryption Cryptographic Interoperability Specification (EDE-CIS). The winning solution includes the modular TACLANE E-Series Adaptable Security Platform (ASP) and the TACLANE-ES400 Cryptographic Module. Each module supports throughput ranging from 20 Gbps to 400 Gbps. When the TACLANE-ASP is fully populated with two ES400 modules, the solution supports aggregate speeds of 1.6 Tbps, more than eight times faster than any other certified encryptor today. The high-speed, fault-tolerant solution is engineered to efficiently scale power needs while maintaining performance. Its modular architecture allows customers to right-size their encryption solution to meet specific needs through the application of user-swappable hardware components, crypto modules and software upgrades. (Source: PR Newswire)
18 May 22. L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) has been selected by the U.S. Department of Defense to deliver artificial intelligence services to improve intelligence gathering and collaboration across the defense and intelligence communities. The Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) Data Readiness for AI Development contract is a five-year blanket purchase agreement that allows the DOD to more effectively use artificial intelligence. Data must undergo a preparation process before artificial intelligence is able to net useful results. The agreement allows DOD to access data management and analytic services that will ease the process. Earlier this year, L3Harris was selected by the JAIC to provide support for its Test and Evaluation blanket purchase agreement which will develop ethical and responsible artificial intelligence systems across the DOD. In 2020, L3Harris was selected by the DOD to develop artificial intelligence and machine learning systems to help reduce the amount of time it takes to decipher usable intelligence from increasing amounts of data collected from space and airborne assets. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
16 May 22. NIC4 Inc., a division of Network Innovations, Inc. specializing in the development and delivery of turnkey satellite communication solutions, has been awarded a commercial satellite communications (COMSATCOM) CSS Fully Managed Network and Support contract for the National Guard Bureau (NGB). This contract gives the National Guard the ability to provide COMSATCOM support to Joint Incident Site Communications Capability (JISCC), state-owned Domestic Operations platforms (DOMOPS), and the Executive Communications Team (ECT) global missions. Known for developing tailored communication solutions, NIC4 has a trusted reputation providing mission-critical communication solutions to U.S. government agencies and Department of Defense (DOD) entities. NIC4 brings an exceptional level of expertise to this program with its highly trained team, strong industry relationships, access to a global network of industry professionals and expanded access to an ever-growing and innovative solutions portfolio. MAVERICK, the company’s global VSAT SATCOM network, provides high-capacity, high-speed, broadband satellite communications for internet and private network communications. The cutting-edge MAVERICK network offers a secure way to connect remote sites and personnel with data, video, telephony and other mission critical communication methods. In addition to providing MAVERICK services both within the Contiguous United States (CONUS) and Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS), NIC4 will provide VoIP and 24/7 technical operations center services in support of the NGB DOMOPS mission, as well as Inmarsat Global Express services to the Executive Communications Team.
16 May 22. Photonis Defense Inc., Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is awarded a $21,975,442 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This contract provides for the production, testing and delivery of a maximum of 125-millimeter wave power modules, as well as incidental hardware services to include evaluation, repairs, and modifications for the Airborne Threat Simulation Organization. Work will be performed in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 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; three offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, California, is the contracting activity (N6893622D0016).
REST OF THE WORLD
LAND
19 May 22. Colombia to buy 12 French-made Caesar howitzers.
Colombia has selected Nexter’s Caesar howitzer as part of an effort to modernize its Army’s field artillery capabilities, with negotiations beginning for a first batch of four, worth about $35 m, military sources in Bogota told Defense News on condition of anonymity due to security reasons. The French-made six-wheel drive, 155mm howitzer was shortlisted in late 2021, with the Army selecting it earlier this month, followed by the government accepting the decision and authorizing the start of negotiations. The Defense Ministry declined to comment for this story. The 155mm/52-calibre weapon can fire a wide range of ammunition, including LU, BONUS, ERFB NR and KATANA; the LU munition provides a range of 4.5-40 kilometers (2.796-24.85 miles). (Source: Defense News)
17 May 22. Thomas Global Systems wins M1A2 Abrams training contract. The technology company has been selected to deliver its virtual training platform for the Army’s next-generation battle tanks. The technology company has been selected to deliver its virtual training platform for the Army’s next-generation battle tanks. The Commonwealth government has awarded a contract to Thomas Global Systems for the delivery of the Australian Army’s M1A2 Abrams Immersive Tactical Trainer (ITT), used to prepare personnel for the operation of the future M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tanks. Specifically, Thomas Global Systems has been tasked with delivering 16 units, developed from a future advanced manufacturing facility in Newington, NSW. Once developed, 12 containerised ITTs are expected to be deployed to defence bases across Australia, with four classrooms to be permanently established at the Armoured Vehicle Simulation Site located at Puckapunyal, Victoria. Separately, the company has also signed a comprehensive support contract for the provision of ongoing sustainment and support services, making the combined value of the deal to $50m. (Source: Defence Connect)
SEA
13 May 22. ECA Group has been awarded a contract to deliver steering and diving console (SNDC) for the Republic of Korea Navy’s (ROKN) submarine programme. This is the fifth consecutive time that the group has won a contract to supply additional consoles for the ROKN. According to the ROKN, ECA’s SNDC meets all the operational requirements for being equipped onto its submarines. The assembling and maintenance of the consoles is being carried out via transfer of technology at South Korean company KTE. ECA is providing training to the local operators in using and maintaining the steering console. The steering and diving console is capable of performing a wide variety of long and challenging missions as well as in the restricted surroundings, where Navy requires the help of advanced and secure equipment. Its modular, compact and adaptable design allows it to fit anywhere, even in confined areas. The console also offers high precision and efficiency as it allows the operator to manage the 3D motion of the submarine as well as controls diving planes and the rudder. (Source: naval-technology.com)
18 May 22. IAI to supply EO/IR for Philippine Navy’s patrol vessels. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has secured a contract to supply its MiniPOP electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems for the Philippine Navy’s patrol vessels, the company announced in a media release on 16 May. This particular MiniPOP system that is focused on maritime applications has been developed by IAI’s Tamam Division, and is “designed to operate during both day and night, and meet harsh environmental conditions such as shock, vibration from waves, and extreme temperatures”, the company said. “The payload provides real-time imaging, automatic video tracking, and precise target geolocation capabilities that can be used as a standalone EO/IR observation system on small and medium-sized vessels,” IAI added. IAI declined to provide further details in response to a Janes request for comment on the value of the contract and the number of MiniPOP systems IAI plans to deliver to the Philippines Navy under the contract. (Source: Janes)
AIR
12 May 22. UNSW Sydney has led a consortium that just won a $70m grant to advance cheaper and stronger manufacturing in the space industry. The funding will be allocated over 10 years and will help the group develop new research projects that will aid the rapid manufacturing of space vehicles by using composite materials. It will also help other “high-value” industries such as green energy, civil and marine sectors. Announced on Wednesday, Minister for Science and Technology Melissa Price awarded the grant under the Australia government’s Cooperative Research Centres (CRC). The consortium is between six Australian universities, Australia’s Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and 29 industry partners, dubbed the Sovereign Manufacturing Automation for Composites Cooperative Research Centre (SoMAC CRC). (Source: Space Connect)
16 May 22. Australian Ghost Bat boost. Australia’s Ghost Bat fleet would be expanded under a new half-a-billion-dollar plan announced by the Coalition. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has committed to investing a further $454m to accelerate Boeing Australia’s Loyal Wingman project, which includes the delivery of recently renamed MQ-28A Ghost Bat drones to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The investment boost, announced during the Coalition’s official campaign launch in Brisbane, is expected to fund the development of “a further seven aircraft”, helping to generate more than 120 highly skilled jobs. This builds on the $155 m already committed for the development of six platforms in March 2021. (Source: Defence Connect)
16 May 22. South Korea to acquire 40 training helicopters. South Korea has signed a KRW170bn (USD132.6m) deal with Bell Textron Asia to purchase 40 helicopters for basic flight training by 2025. According to the country’s Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the deal, which was signed on 6 May, is for 40 Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopters plus eight simulators. The helicopters are to be equipped with modern digital instrument panels, tactical navigation equipment, and other avionics, DAPA said in a statement on 16 May. According to Bell Textron, the Jet Ranger X has a fully integrated Garmin G1000H NXi flight deck with twin 10.4 inch high-resolution LCD screens. The aircraft is also expected to be equipped with optional flight displays to increase situational awareness, a Traffic Advisory System (TAS), a Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (HTAWS), Garmin’s Helicopter Synthetic Vision Technology (HSVT), and a Pathway in the Sky (PITS) display. (Source: Janes)