UNITED KINGDOM
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21 Jul 22. Osprey wins MOD contract to deliver Military Instrument Flight Procedures Maintenance and Safeguarding services. Osprey are delighted to announce that we have again won a 3 to 5-year contract with the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) to deliver Military Instrument Flight Procedures (IFP) Maintenance and Safeguarding services to No 1 Aeronautical Information Documents Unit (No 1 AIDU). Osprey have teamed with Airways New Zealand, for the provision of an expert and highly resilient IFP service. The contract will continue Osprey’s previous support to No 1 AIDU over the past 5 years. The scope of the work requires Osprey, a UK CAA certified Procedure Design Organisation, to support the MOD’s portfolio of IFP’s across 27 military aerodromes, plus the Queen Elizabeth-class Carriers (QEC), in the UK and abroad. Key activities to be undertaken include the maintenance of IFP’s at all MOD aerodromes, the safeguarding of Military Procedures and the design and implementation of new procedures including Performance Based Navigation (PBN) Approaches and Helicopter Point in Space (PinS) Procedures.
AIR
20 Jul 22. Mercury Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRCY, www.mrcy.com), a leader in trusted, secure mission-critical technologies for aerospace and defense, announced it has been selected by Leonardo UK to provide multiple radar test and simulation systems to factory-test Leonardo’s innovative E-scan radar. The Company will also provide additional systems to support, maintain and prepare deployed aircraft for specific mission profiles using Mercury’s flexible programming environment. This contract follows a previous one awarded by Leonardo to Mercury in 2019 to design and manufacture the next generation of processing technology for Leonardo’s E-Scan radar being developed in the UK. New radar technologies, such as synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging, have dramatically increased the complexity of radar testing. With Mercury’s radar environment simulator solutions, radar systems can be tested, validated and optimized in the safety and security of the lab, saving customers money and time. Customers get more accurate results faster, which lowers cost and ensures aircrew safety.
21 Jul 22. The UK Ministry of Defence’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) Future Capability Group (FCG) has awarded a four-year contract valued at €71m (£60m) to Leonardo to deliver the Rotary Wing Uncrewed Air System (RWUAS) Technology Demonstration Programme (TDP), “RWUAS CCD Phase 3 TDP”. This programme funded through Defence Innovation, will include the flight of an advanced uncrewed VTOL prototype referred to by the UK MOD as “Proteus”. Proteus is a key element of the Royal Navy Future Maritime Aviation Force (FMAF) vision for Anti-Submarine Warfare support. The award supports the company’s strategic goal for its site in Yeovil, Somerset, already the ‘Home of British Helicopters’, to expand and also become the UK’s hub for uncrewed military VTOL aircraft. Internationally, Leonardo is already at the heart of numerous forward-looking uncrewed research and innovation programmes ranging from advanced air mobility to uncrewed combat air, counter-UAS technologies and uncrewed traffic management. The company has demonstrated its expertise and capabilities in the sector during major European exercises such as Unmanned Warrior, Italian Blade and OCEAN 2020. In the UK, Leonardo is a close partner of the MOD and has already invested substantially in uncrewed military capabilities onshore. In Yeovil, the specialised helicopter design and engineering skills have made the site a focus for uncrewed systems. The company has previously conducted a number of advanced research projects under RWUAS phases 1 and 2. Phase 3 will sustain and grow this onshore design and technology development capability by readying a brand new uncrewed prototype for its maiden flight.
18 Jul 22. QinetiQ has won a £1.5m contract from the Royal Navy to trial the military effect of Banshee Jet80+ air vehicle off HMS Prince of Wales. This will take place later in 2022 as part of HMS Prince of Wales’ first deployment off the East coast of the USA. QinetiQ will provide its experimentation expertise and Banshee Jet80+ air vehicles to support the Royal Navy’s future use of high-performance Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) in Carrier Strike Group operations. The experimental trials, which are closely associated with the Navy’s Vampire Phase 1(1) programme, will test QinetiQ Target Systems’ Banshees in training and ISR scenarios, focussing on specific flight profiles and the optical recognition of assets to enable ‘friend or foe’ confirmation. The Banshees provide the opportunity to rehearse operational procedures by emulating cruise missiles and enemy fast jets. With the addition of Electronic Warfare systems, the Banshee will not only stimulate the ship and aircraft radar systems, but also the threat warning systems, adding more depth and reality to the training that can be delivered. This will also demonstrate the potential use of Banshee in a decoy role. In the ISR role, Banshee will prove its capability to deliver rapid visual identification of radar contacts to allow classification of threats. Integration of the MAPLE command and control software will demonstrate the ability to rapidly integrate this and a wider range of payloads delivering essential information to the War Fighter.
EUROPE
LAND
20 Jul 22. Dynamit Nobel Defence (DND) has secured a contract to supply additional Panzerfaust 3-IT DM72A1s for the German armed forces. The contract was awarded by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw). The company will manufacture and provide 3,500 Panzerfaust 3-IT weapons. Details regarding the cost and contract period were not disclosed. In a statement, Dynamit Nobel Defence said the latest contract shows that the German Armed Forces continue to rely on the combat proven Panzerfaust 3 for their individual soldier anti-tank defence concept. It added that the company will support the country’s defence personnel in maintaining and strengthening operational readiness. The Panzerfaust 3 is a low-recoil, anti-tank, and multi-purpose weapon. It has a maximum penetrating power against heavy battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. The shoulder-launched weapon is also capable of engaging lightly armoured targets and fortified structures. (Source: army-technology.com)
21 Jul 22. Leonardo’s Kronos Grand Mobile High Power (GM HP) radar has been chosen by the Greek Air Force as the integrated air and missile defence system to be used at the NAMFI (NATO Missile Fire Installation), the Alliance’s range based in the Isle of Crete. It will ensure high air safety levels during exercises. The award has been announced at Farnborough International Airshow. The sensor, delivery of which is expected by 2024, will contribute to Coalition Armed Forces’ high-quality training, as well as to testing and validation of systems. Kronos Grand Mobile High Power is a multifunctional C-band radar designed for air and sea surveillance and defence. It is the latest evolution of the Kronos family, able to deliver greater performance through the integration of more powerful TRMs (Transmit-Receive Modules). The sensor’s Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology draws on Leonardo’s fully-owned GaAs (Gallium Arsenide) and GaN (Gallium Nitride) manufacturing capability, based on patented technology. It is developed at the company’s in-house foundry, a high tech site specialising in the production of monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMIC – Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits). Designed for both land and naval use and available in fixed and mobile configuration, all Kronos radar systems have multifunction and multi-mission capabilities optimized for multiple threats. In addition, the family of sensors includes a new development in L-band, Kronos Power Shield, specifically designed for long range ATBM (Anti Tactical Ballistic Missile) capabilities. Several customers around the world, including in Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and South America, already use the advanced Kronos radar technology as the core sensor of their integrated air and missile defence system, with more than 40 radars in service. Kronos Grand Mobile High Power has already been chosen as the surveillance and engagement radar for the Italian version of the SAMP/T New Generation surface-to-air missile system of the Eurosam Consortium (MBDA (66,6%) and Thales Group (33,3%).
AIR
21 Jul 22. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) (ISRAI.UL) said on Thursday it signed a contract valued at more than $200m to provide Special Mission Aircraft to a NATO member country in Europe. The aircraft will be developed by ELTA Systems Ltd, IAI’s radar and intelligence technology subsidiary. The systems utilise miniaturised sensor technologies alongside developing algorithms and software applications based on artificial intelligence, IAI said. Prior to this, most special mission aircraft utilised large cargo or commercial aircraft, it said. ELTA’s special mission aircraft line includes Airborne Early Warning & Control, Air to Ground Surveillance, Maritime Patrol Aircraft and Signal Intelligence. (Source: Google/Reuters)
19 Jul 22. Leonardo signs contract with the European Space Agency to produce the robotic arm that will help retrieve samples of the red planet. Leonardo, leading a European industrial consortium, will design, manufacture, integrate and test the Sample Transfer Arm for NASA and ESA’s Mars Sample Return mission. Sophisticated robotics and mechatronics algorithms will underpin the new technology. Able to “see” and make decisions autonomously, the robotic arm will retrieve sample tubes filled with Martian soil, supporting their journey back to Earth Leonardo’s cutting-edge technologies are on-board all major space missions. Space robotics is one of the company’s main areas of expertise: Leonardo has developed numerous arms, drills and sampling systems for planetary exploration.
19 Jul 22. U.S. approves sales of $127m of F-16 equipment to Belgium. The U.S. State Department has green-lighted the potential sale of F-16 sustainment and related equipment worth $127m to Belgium, the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency said on Tuesday. “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe,” it said in a statement. (Source: Reuters)
18 Jul 22. Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a not-to-exceed $224,875,729 undefinitized modification (P00014) to a previously awarded, fixed-price incentive (firm-target), advanced acquisition contract (N0001920C0009). This modification increases the ceiling to procure long lead-time materials, parts, components, and effort for the production of three Lot 15 F-35A aircraft and nine Lot 16 F-35 aircraft for the government of the Netherlands. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (57%); El Segundo, California (14%); Warton, United Kingdom (9%); Cameri, Italy (4%); Orlando, Florida (4%); Nashua, New Hampshire (3%); Baltimore, Maryland (3%); San Diego, California (2%); Nagoya, Japan (2%); and various undisclosed locations outside the continental U.S. (2%), and is expected to be completed in May 2026. Non-Department of Defense participant funds in the amount of $224,875,729 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.
15 Jul 22. Norway – AIM-120 C-8 or D Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles. The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Norway of AIM-120 C-8 or D Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $950m. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of Norway has requested to buy up to two hundred five (205) AIM-120 D-series Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs); up to sixty (60) AIM-120 C-8 or D-series AMRAAMs; and four (4) AIM-120D AMRAAM Guidance Sections. Also included are AIM-120 Control Sections, Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs), and missile containers; weapon system support equipment; integration support and test equipment; transportation; repair and return support and equipment; warranties; classified and unclassified software delivery and support; spare and repair parts, consumables, and accessories; publications and technical documentation; maintenance and maintenance support; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, studies and surveys; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $950m. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe. The proposed sale will improve Norway’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing advanced air-to-air capability for its F-35A fleet, enabling it to fulfill NATO missions and meet U.S. European Command’s goal of combined air operations interoperability and standardization between Norwegian and U.S. forces. Norway will have no difficulty absorbing these weapons into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractor will be Raytheon Missile Systems Company, Tucson, Arizona. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: ASD Network)
20 Jul 22. Rheinmetall modernizing simulators for NH90 NFH Sea Lion naval helicopters – another success for its Asterion product range. Rheinmetall has scored another success with Asterion, its range of world-leading simulator products. Group subsidiary Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH has been awarded a follow-up contract by its partner company Reiser Simulation und Training GmbH (RST) for simulators for the NH90 NFH Sea Lion naval helicopter. Rheinmetall’s Bremen-based simulation specialists have been tasked with upgrading the “Functional Cockpit” Asterion cockpit trainer. The Functional Cockpit is part of the maintenance training rig for the NH90 developed and supplied by Reiser Simulation und Training GmbH for the German Navy Air Station in Nordholz. These simulators enable maintenance personnel of the Bundeswehr’s Naval Air Squadron 5 to carry out realistic maintenance and repair operations. The simulators will be completely modernized by 2024. This upgrade will make it possible for Navy personnel to train for the latest configuration of the NH90 NFH Sea Lion naval helicopter. It thus marks an important milestone for use of the maintenance training rig in combination with the integrated “Functional Cockpit” Asterion cockpit trainer for the German Navy’s NH90 NFH.
21 Jul 22. Rolls-Royce and Safran Power Units have jointly signed an Assessment Phase contract with MBDA, as part of the Franco-British Future Cruise / Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) programme. Both partners will work collaboratively to mature a new propulsion solution for a subsonic, low observable missile expected to be fielded before the end of the decade. Signed at Farnborough International Airshow, the agreement now means that Rolls-Royce and Safran Power Units will work alongside MBDA to meet the propulsion requirements for the UK and French Governments, with the intent to provide a game changing capability to overcome hardened targets and air defence systems in increasingly contested battlespace environment.
TECHNOLOGY
20 Jul 22. Thales Alenia Space and QinetiQ to Pave the Way for Small Multimission Satellites in VLEO. Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), and QinetiQ have signed a study contract with the European Space Agency to pave the way for small multi-mission satellites to operate in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO). The Phase A/B1 study will advance the design of Skimsat demonstrator, a VLEO multi-mission (<300km) satellite that aims to significantly reduce the cost of Earth observation whilst increasing performance by operating at substantially lower altitudes. The highly modular, compact flexible satellite will capitalize on developments in high efficiency electrical propulsion to compensate for air drag. The compact size of Skimsat will allow to be compatible with the launchers designed for small satellites with respect to dimensions, such as those currently being developed in the UK, to provide customers with substantially shorter lead times than traditional satellite launchers of similar capability. The study is being led by Thales Alenia Space in the UK and QinetiQ Space team in Belgium and is funded under ESA’s Discovery Preparation and Technology Development (DPTD) activities. Payloads using the multi-mission Skimsat platform will be identified as part of the study for an In Orbit Demonstration to show applications in VLEO prior to the first commercial mission. This new initiative is fully included in the new space approach of Thales Alenia Space and reflects the company’s capability to address disruptive needs in partnership with smaller companies. (Source: ASD Network)
USA
LAND
15 Jul 22. BAE Systems Ordnance Systems Inc., Radford, Virginia, was awarded a $1,287,655,519 modification (P00023) to contract W52P1J-11-D-0013 for the continued operation of the Radford Army Ammunition Plant in Virginia, and production of nitrocellulose and propellants. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of July 17, 2022. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity.
18 Jul 22. CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI) has been awarded a new task order worth approximately $80m to provide mission expertise to the U.S. Army’s Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) and the 116th Military Intelligence Brigade (MIB) in support of the Army’s Solutions for Intelligence Analysis 3 (SIA-3) effort. Under the task order, CACI will offer tactical intelligence and analytical expertise to assist in the ever-changing landscape of the Army’s aerial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Under this task order, CACI will serve as a force multiplier by directly assisting the warfighter with technical, functional, and general support to gather geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) in support of INSCOM and the 116th MIB. The task order has a one-year period of performance with four one-year option periods. Work will be performed primarily in Ft. Gordon, Georgia. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
21 Jul 22. The US Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) has awarded a contract to Kratos Defense & Security Solutions to demonstrate military satellite communications (SatCom) modernisation. The company has been tasked to build a virtualised SatCom ground system based on Kratos’ OpenSpace Platform. The platform has an open architecture that supports multiple satellites and payloads. The cloud-enabled, IP and network-centric platform delivers faster operations. The contract will be funded through the Network Command, Control, Communication, and Intelligence Cross-Functional Team (N-CFT) of the Army’s Future Command. Kratos’ solution will support the government’s modernisation strategy to streamline gateway and remote terminal capabilities. This will reduce life-cycle costs and support dynamic space operations. The solution is expected to support future military SatCom networks with the ability to configure services spontaneously and spin up and spin down resources for multi-mission support. (Source: army-technology.com)
SEA
20 Jul 22. The U.S. Navy awarded L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) a contract worth up to ~$380m – for the production, repair, and sustainment of the Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) system with an initial award of ~$15M. The CEC system enables high quality situational awareness and integrated fire control capability for the battle force. It is designed to enhance the anti-air warfare (AAW) capability of U.S. Navy ships, U.S. Navy aircraft, U.S. Marine Corps Composite Tracking Network (CTN) and allied nation units and is a key element of the U.S. Navy’s integrated sensors and networked communications solution set. In meeting the Navy’s requirements to develop, repair, and sustain the CEC system, L3Harris has assembled a best-of-breed team, bringing together waveforms and communications technology know-how, and world-class engineering services to deliver this enhanced capability towards the DoD vision for JADC2. (Source: ASD Network)
AIR
20 Jul 22. Collins Aerospace HF Radio Selected As C-130J Super Hercules Standard. The Collins Aerospace HF-9500 High Frequency (HF) airborne communications system has been selected by Lockheed Martin for all future international C-130J Super Hercules Foreign Military Sales (FMS) production aircraft. The HF-9500 is available and ready now, replacing the legacy ARC-190 previously offered for international C-130J customers. The HF-9500 is a complete system comprising of a modernized receiver-transmitter, antenna coupler and radio control that is easily integrated into various aircraft and antenna configurations. Designed with retrofits in mind, it can be installed quickly and at a low cost with minimal downtime or impact on aircraft availability. The design features an upgraded software architecture that meets current and future capabilities, such as open system tenets and beyond-line-of-sight transfer of Command and Control (C2) data securely in real-time over HF. (Source: ASD Network)
17 Jul 22. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) was awarded a contract for eight MQ-9A Extended Range (ER) Unmanned Aircraft Systems as part of the ARES Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (ID/IQ) contract on May 27, 2022. GA-ASI anticipates awards later this year for Ground Control Systems (GCS), spares, and Ground Support Equipment as part of the first increment of the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Unmanned Expeditionary (MUX) Program of Record. GA-ASI will begin first delivery of aircraft and support equipment this winter to facilitate the fleet standup in late summer 2023 for U.S. Marine Corps’ (USMC) Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 3 located at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. As part of the Marine Corps’ Force Design 2030 efforts, VMU-3 will operate these MQ-9A ERs with their unique sensors and network capabilities to support training for the Marine Littoral Regiment.
19 Jul 22. GKN Aerospace has signed an extension to a long-term agreement with Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, to supply composite structure components for the H-60 Black Hawk helicopter. GKN is a supplier for structural components and has a long history of supporting the Sikorsky helicopter. The composite components are manufactured at the GKN Aerospace facilities in Tallassee, Alabama. GKN Aerospace is also the supplier of advanced rotorcraft blades for multiple variants of the Black Hawk helicopter including the HH-60W, UH-60M and the S-70. (Source: Google/https://www.aero-mag.com/)
14 Jul 22. Inmarsat’s U.S. government subsidiary has won the potential $578.4m recompete of its contract to help Military Sealift Command modernize satellite systems and other elements of communications infrastructure. The Defense Information Systems Agency manages the procurement on behalf of MSC, which is responsible for the Navy’s fleet of replenishment and transport vessels. Work will take place over a three-year base period followed by one option year and up to three extensions of two years each, DISA said in a Sam.gov notice posted Tuesday. Formerly known as COMSATCOM As A Service, this new iteration of the contract called Next Generation Wideband seeks to ensure that current and future MSC ships and land-based platforms can connect to the internet and Voice Over Internet Protocol Services. Inmarsat is the incumbent since 2011, when the contract was awarded to its Stratos Government Services and Segovia subsidiaries. Viasat is in the process of acquiring Inmarsat in a $7.3bn transaction still working its way through regulatory approvals. (Source: washingtontechnology.com)
18 Jul 22. L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) has been awarded a contract to build the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Tranche 1 Tracking Layer satellite program to serve as “eyes in the sky” detecting, identifying and tracking advanced missile threats. The contract has a potential total value of $700m. L3Harris will build a 14-vehicle satellite constellation that will include optical communications terminals, infrared mission payloads, Ka-band communications payloads and multiple pointing modes – advanced technology specifically designed to identify and track the fastest missiles known to exist. The program also includes related ground, operations and sustainment support. L3Harris developed four prototype satellites under the SDA’s Tracking Layer Tranche 0 award in 2020. The four space vehicles produced under the $193m firm fixed-price contract will launch in 2023. As part of an ongoing commitment to prime contracts in space-based missions for multiple customers in domains such as missile defense, weather, science, imaging, and radio frequency, L3Harris has prioritized significant investments in spacecraft, payloads, ground software and advanced algorithms to enable innovative end-to-end mission solutions. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
18 Jul 22. The U.S. Department of Defense agreed with Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) to build about 375 F-35 fighter jets over three years, the two parties said on Monday, amid expectations the price of the most common version of the aircraft would increase due to inflation and slower production. (Source: Google/Reuters)
18 Jul 22. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has won a competition to build and deploy a proliferated low-Earth orbit constellation of 14 satellites with infrared sensors for the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Tranche 1 Tracking Layer (T1TRK). T1TRK will detect, identify and track hypersonic weapons and other advanced missiles from their earliest stages of launch through interception. Northrop Grumman will leverage its experience with the Tranche 1 Transport Layer (T1TL), to provide a resilient, low-latency, high-volume network in space to support U.S. military missions around the world. In May, Northrop Grumman successfully completed a System Requirements Review for T1TL – another element of SDA’s National Defense Space Architecture. Once deployed in 2025, the T1TRK satellites will operate in up to four low-Earth orbital planes, interconnected with T1TL satellites. Each will feature a wide field-of-view infrared sensor, three optical communications terminals, and a Ka-band payload for communications.
21 Jul 22. US DoD selects Shield AI’s V-BAT UAS for APFIT pilot programme. The company’s V-BAT is a semi-autonomous, vertical take-off, long-loiter and landing-capable UAS. Shield AI has been selected to receive funding under the US Department of Defense’s (DoD) accelerate procurement and fielding of innovative technologies (APFIT) pilot programme. It was revealed by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) on 19 July. The APFIT pilot programme aims to expeditiously transition and deliver technologies to the warfighters. Under this programme, the DoD will initially procure the Shield AI’s V-BAT uncrewed aircraft systems (UASs) to provide resilient data transport capabilities. The UAS will also be deployed to locate and provide weapon-quality targeting information as part of the Joint Sensing Grid to Joint All-Domain Command & Control (JADC2). (Source: airforce-technology.com)
21 Jul 22. Textron Systems Corp., Wilmington, Massachusetts, was awarded a $353,980,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the production and delivery of the Munition, Wide Area: Top Attack, XM204, Trainer; the Munition, Wide Area: XM98; and spare parts. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of July 20, 2027. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W15QKN-22-D-0015).
TECHNOLOGY
19 Jul 22. Raytheon Technologies (NYSE: RTX) has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy for two research and development projects to test the use of hydrogen and ammonia as effective, zero-carbon options for electricity generation. Under the first project, Raytheon Technologies will validate the capacity to operate Mitsubishi Power Aero’s FT4000® gas turbine unit using hydrogen and hydrogen blends as fuel sources. The FT4000® is a land-based variant of Pratt & Whitney’s PW4000™ turbofan aircraft engine. The hydrogen fuel test will complement other work occurring in another development project called the Hydrogen Steam Injected, Inter-Cooled Turbine Engine (HySIITE) project. HySIITE, also supported by the Energy Department, is a Pratt & Whitney-led effort to develop hydrogen-fueled propulsion technology applicable to single-aisle commercial aircraft. Raytheon Technologies will work with the University of Connecticut School of Engineering on the second Energy Department project to focus on the use of ammonia – which is composed of mostly hydrogen – as a zero-carbon fuel for power-generating turbines. Using ammonia presents several advantages including a pre-existing production and transportation infrastructure that requires much less refrigeration in comparison to hydrogen, and the ability to easily store it as a liquid.
REST OF THE WORLD
LAND
18 Jul 22. Raytheon to provide FLEWS under LAND 555 Ph.6. Raytheon Australia will provide the Army’s Force level Electronic Warfare System (FLEWS) under Project LAND 555 Ph.6, valued at some $75m. Under this project the FLEWS will be installed in modified Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles (PMV), said Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy. The system will improve the ADF’s ability to monitor and control the electronic environment and, where necessary, deny or degrade the electronic systems of adversaries. Australian companies will undertake supply, training and maintenance support, though no details have been made available as yet. (Source: Rumour Control)
18 Jul 22. Australia approves Bushmaster upgrades. Raytheon Australia has been selected by the Commonwealth government to upgrade the Australian Army’s existing fleet of Thales-built Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles as part of the $75m Land Force Level Electronic Warfare Project. The project, which forms part of Project Land 555 Phase 6, involves integrating the vehicles with electronic warfare (EW) systems, designed to enable monitoring and controlling of the electronic environment while also undermining the electronic systems of adversaries. Local industry is expected to help supply material, and deliver training and maintenance support, with the project tipped to generate $46m for Australia’s sovereign defence industrial base. (Source: Defence Connect)
SEA
21 Jul 22. Australia has announced the award of a contract to CEA Technologies for the development of four new Air Defence radars as part of the Commonwealth government’s $2.7bn Joint Air Battle Management System project. The systems, set to leverage CEA Technologies’ Active Electronically Scanned Array radar technology, are expected to be capable of detecting aircraft and missile threats at greater ranges and with increased accuracy than currently deployed capabilities. This is tipped to enable real-time critical information to be received, supporting faster decision and response time. According to Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy, the radars would enhance situational awareness and interoperability across the joint force and with allies. (Source: Defence Connect)
AIR
18 Jul 22. Moroccan Forces Royales Air order a fleet of H135 helicopters. The Moroccan Forces Royales Air have ordered a fleet of H135s for military primary training missions. The light twin-engine H135, a reference helicopter in the segment, will be used for training pilots to perform a wide array of demanding missions including utility and search and rescue. The contract also covers an extensive support package including the delivery of Flight Training Devices and the training of instructor pilots and maintenance pilots. The training programme will enable the Forces Royale Air to take full advantage of the H135’s multi mission capabilities such as NVG and winching. With over 130 units operated by military agencies worldwide for training missions, the IFR certified H135 is a proven benchmark for military training helicopters globally, having already achieved more than 400,000 military training flight hours. This new order expands the global fleet to 12 military customers, including the armed forces of the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany and Japan. Equipped with Airbus Helicopters’ state-of-the-art Helionix avionics suite, the H135 offers optimal safety conditions for basic and advanced mission training, while providing a platform for easy and safe pilot transition onto more advanced helicopters.
20 Jul 22. The Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has requested to buy follow-on sustainment and support of the C-17 fleet to include aircraft hardware and software modifications and support; Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) software; classified software support for Electronic Warfare (EW) self-protection; aircraft and engine support equipment, components, consumables, spare parts, and repair/return; publications and technical documentation; heavy maintenance support; participation in the C-17 Virtual Fleet for Total System Sustainment (TSS) contractor logistics support and Material Improvement Program (MIP); other U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistical support services; and other related elements of program support. The total estimated cost is $980.4 m. The prime contractor will be The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor. (Source: glstrade.com)
22 Jul 22. The US State Department has rubberstamped a proposed Commonwealth government request for Lockheed Martin-built JASSM weapons systems for the RAAF. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has announced the approval of a US$235 m (AU$340 m) purchase request from the Commonwealth government for 80 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles – Extended Range (JASSM ER) weapons systems and related equipment. The deal also includes the provision of: missile containers and support equipment; JASSM training missiles; and technical support and training. The missiles, to be delivered by prime contractor Lockheed Martin, are expected to provide the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) with advanced, long-range strike systems capability The JASSM weapons systems can be deployed from Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornets and Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighter jets (Source: Defence Connect)
TECHNOLOGY
18 Jul 22. Australian National security projects secure funding boost. Grants have been awarded to a number of academic institutions leading key national security and intelligence research projects. Chief Defence Scientist, Professor Tanya Monro, has announced the round two recipients of the National Intelligence and Security Discovery Research Grants (NISDRG) program, aimed at addressing emerging threats in a changing national security environment.
Recipients include:
- the University of Western Australia;
- the University of Queensland;
- Australian National University;
- the University of Melbourne;
- Macquarie University;
- University of New South Wales;
- Monash University;
- the University of Sydney; and
- the University of Technology Sydney.
The grants are expected to fund further research into:
- addressing vulnerabilities in artificial intelligence (AI) systems;
- investigating supply chain risks;
- new explosive detection methods;
- the development of sensing technology;
- secure computing; and
- machine learning for miniature satellites and electromagnetic shielding.
(Source: Defence Connect)