UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO
LAND
25 Jul 22. £41m contract for bomb disposal protection supports 100 UK jobs. Military specialists called on to dispose of suspected bombs in the UK are being equipped with next-generation digital protection against remotely-triggered devices. The life-saving technology will search the airwaves for remote control signals that may be attempting to detonate an explosive device, allowing skilled Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel to block them using this cutting-edge digital technique. A £41 m contract placed with Leonardo has created 10 jobs with 100 roles supported around the country, including 35 at Leonardo in Basildon and Southampton. Around 50% of the contract value will be delivered by small and medium-sized enterprises across the UK. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
SEA
26 Jul 22. The scope of SEA’s Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) Naval Systems Integration Process Service (NSIPS) contract has been extended to include support for the configuration management of the combat systems for all Royal Navy in-service submarines, as tasked by the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA). Two additional tasks have also been requested by the Maritime Combat Systems (MCS) Integration Authority, further cementing SEA’s role as a provider of technical expertise and support to the UK Royal Navy’s complex warships and in-service submarines.
The SDA entered into the contract in March 2022 and the activity, which is due to be completed later this year, includes:
- Configuration management of the in-service submarine’s combat systems, which includes an update to submarine platforms, a forecast for future updates and all associated equipment authorities.
- Changes to the ship fit definition, which will see SEA update and action all changes within the NSIPS database, GRIFFIN, that have been made to in-service submarines during the contract’s gap in-service.
- Codification requests for updates to existing combat systems and/or requests for new equipment. This ensures new equipment, and its associated interfaces, are configured and managed in accordance with Defence Standard 08-217 – Naval Combat System Configuration Management.
- Database services, which will ensure that the stakeholder community are informed, and feedback requests raised during the gap-in-service are actioned accordingly. SEA, a leading UK defence and security electronic system specialist, has a detailed knowledge and experience of upgrading and maintaining combat systems for both in-service submarines and complex warships.
AIR
27 Jul 22. Airbus Defence and Space has secured a contract to provide follow-on support services for the multinational multi-role tanker transporter (MRTT) fleet (MMF) unit. Awarded by the Nato Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), the multi-year contract will run until the end of 2032. It was signed during a ceremony held at MMF Forward Operating Base in Cologne on 26 July in the presence of all key stakeholders and representatives from NSPA, the MFF unit, and the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation. Under the contract, the company will work closely with the MFF unit and NSPA to provide fleet maintenance and support services, including air and ground crew training, aerial refuelling boom and PODs support. The contract will also see Airbus supervise the performance of all associated sub-contractors, including Rolls Royce, which will be responsible for the engine support; and AirTanker for maintenance execution. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
21 Jul 22. Bristow Helicopters Ltd (NYSE: VTOL) (“Bristow”), the global leader in innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions, has been awarded a £1.6bn 10-year contract for the Second-Generation Search and Rescue Aviation (“UKSAR2G”) program by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), an executive agency of the Department for Transport. Bristow will work in partnership with 2Excel Aviation, a leading specialist in fixed wing aerospace services, and Nova Systems, the consortium’s innovation partner, to deliver the contract for the MCA on behalf of Her Majesty’s Coastguard. The new contract will see the U.K. search and rescue region benefit from innovation and advances in technology to save more lives, even more quickly. The contract combines the existing two separate aviation contracts for fixed wing aircraft and rotary aircraft and will include the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Since 2013 and 2019, respectively, Bristow and 2Excel have operated search and rescue services for the U.K. in the original SAR and Aerial Surveillance contracts. During that time, the companies have displayed exceptional quality, innovation, and skill in their work rescuing over 4,500 people over the past seven years. As part of the new contract, Bristow will continue to operate from their current 10 bases and will launch two new seasonal bases in Fort William and Carlisle, to serve areas around two of the busiest locations for summer tourism. The Fort William and Carlisle bases will operate 12 hours a day from April to September. All other helicopter bases will continue to be operational 24 hours a day.
The partners will operate:
- 18 helicopters, including nine existing Leonardo AW189s and three existing Sikorsky S-92s augmented by the introduction of six new Leonardo AW139 helicopters;
- Six King Air fixed-wing airplanes, including the B350, B350ER and the B200 at Doncaster, Prestwick and Newquay; and
- One mobile deployable Schiebel CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS.
(Source: ASD Network)
27 Jul 22. Lockheed Martin Corp., a Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a not-to-exceed $213,303,095, cost-plus-incentive-fee undefinitized contract. This contract provides engineering, maintenance, logistics, and material support, in support of Phase 2 upgrade of the Australia Canada United Kingdom Reprogramming Laboratory for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. Additionally, this contract provides a new mission data production and test line to support sovereign reprogramming capabilities for the government of Australia and the United Kingdom’s F-35 air vehicles. Work will be performed in Eglin, Florida (65%); and Fort Worth, Texas (35%), and is expected to be completed in July 2027. Non-Department of Defense participant funds in the amount of $53,325,774 will be obligated at the time of award, none 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 (N0001922C0062).
TECHNOLOGY
26 Jul 22. Flare Bright Wins 2 UKRI Future Flight Phase 3 Projects.
- SME Flare Bright wins funding from UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Future Flight Challenge for 2 projects to develop next-generation drone flight
- 17 projects share £73m to develop, test and evidence the safe integration and operation of drones, advanced air mobility and regional aircraft in the UK
- Flare Bright is a UK SME of just 15 employees and is enjoying increased profile as it uses Machine Learning Digital Twins to develop drones
Flare Bright wins a third round of successful funding for 2 projects from the Future Challenge at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to develop next-generation drone flight designed to position the UK as a world leader in aviation. The Phase 3 projects from the Future Flight Challenge share £73m in funding to develop and demonstrate integrated aviation systems and new vehicle technologies. Taking place in locations across the UK, including the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, the projects highlight the strength of UK aviation innovation.
EUROPE
LAND
27 Jul 22. Poland orders K2 MBTs and K9 SPHs from South Korea. Poland signed contracts for K2 main battle tanks (MBTs), K9 self-propelled howitzers (SPHs), and FA-50 training and light fighter aircraft from South Korea on 27 July, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak announced the same day. He tweeted, “Our armed forces receive modern weapons, and industry gets a chance for further development. Deliveries will start as early as 2022 and will allow for the building of a strong army of at least 300,000.” The Polish Armaments Agency said on its website on 27 July that Hyundai Rotem would supply K2 tanks and Hanwha Defense K9 SPHs. The contracts also foresee technology transfer to and the establishment of industrial capacity in Poland, as well as support and training packages. Poland is procuring 1,000 K2s, the first 180 of which are scheduled to be delivered in 2022−25, followed in 2026 by the launch of production in Poland and the delivery of the first of 820 K2PL tanks. The K2 can be equipped with Visual and Infrared Screening Smoke (VIRSS) launchers and the Korean Active Protection System (KAPS). (Source: Janes)
29 Jul 22. INVISIO is receiving a major order for its Intercom system, where the customer is a European NATO country. The order is valued at SEK 13m. The order is a significant reference order for the new Intercom system and the company estimates that the future needs of the customer may lead to further major orders. The systems are to be delivered during the third quarter of 2022 and the combined value is SEK 13m.
26 Jul 22. Latvia has sent a letter of request to buy an undisclosed number of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems from the United States, with the potential acquisition to be carried out as a joint initiative of the three Baltic states, which also include neighboring Estonia and Lithuania. HIMARS is a long-range, mobile rocket launcher made by the American company Lockheed Martin. With Ukraine using U.S.-supplied systems to combat Russia’s invasion of its territory, and Poland filing a letter of request last May to order about 500 M142 HIMARS launchers, Latvia aims to join a growing club of Eastern European countries who intend to use the weapon to boost their respective artillery capacities. In addition to HIMARS, Riga aims to purchase coastal defense missile systems and is currently evaluating submitted offers. The country is also considering the purchase of midrange air defense systems. (Source: Defense News)
22 Jul 22. The US State Department has approved a $1.219bn potential foreign military sale (FMS) of Patriot MIM-104E Guidance Enhanced Missile-Tactical (GEM-T) ballistic missiles and related equipment to the Netherlands. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified US Congress in this regard. The Netherlands had placed a request to procure 96 Patriot MIM-104E GEM-T ballistic missiles, tools and test equipment, range and test programmes, and support equipment, including Raytheon Corporation will serve as the prime contractor. (Source: army-technology.com)
AIR
26 Jul 22. AAR CORP. (NYSE: AIR), a leading provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs, was awarded a two-year contract with two option years by the Norwegian Defence Logistics to provide commercial common parts for the Royal Norwegian Air Force P-8A aircraft fleet of five aircraft. Under the terms of this contract, AAR will provide the initial provisioning requirements and ongoing re-provisioning demands for B-737 NG-series aircraft commercial common parts, including both consumables and repairables, and deliver ground support for aircraft. AAR will assist with spares forecasting and material planning and will manage the inspection, maintenance, repair, overhaul, modification, and upgrade of repairable parts.
28 Jul 22. The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of an $8.4bn potential foreign military sale (FMS) of F-35 fighter aircraft and munitions to Germany. The FMS also includes related equipment and has been approved by the US State Department. As part of this deal, Germany has requested to purchase 35 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) aircraft and 37 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines, including 35 installed units and two as spares. The munitions requested include 105 AIM-120C-8 advanced medium range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAM), four AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM guidance sections, 75 AGM-158B/B2 joint air-to-surface standoff missiles-extended range (JASSM-ER), and two AGM-158 inert JASSMs with test instrumentation kits. The deal includes two AGM-158 JASSM separation test vehicles (STV), 344 GBU-53 small diameter bombs (SDB-II), three GBU-53 SDB-II guided test vehicles (GTV), eight GBU-53 SDB-II captive carry reliability trainers (CCRT), 162 BLU-109 2000LB hardened penetrator bombs for GBU-31, among other weapons. The FMS also comprises 75 AIM-9X Block II+ tactical sidewinder missiles, 30 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder captive air training missiles (CATM), 15 tactical AIM-9X Block II+ Sidewinder guidance control units and five AIM-9X Block II sidewinder CATM guidance units. The related materials include identification friend-or-foe (IFF) equipment, spare and repair parts, electronic warfare systems, reprogramming lab support, personnel training and repair and return support. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
TECHNOLOGY
24 Jul 22. Viasat UK Ltd., a subsidiary of global communications company Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), today announced it was selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) to conduct a multi-layered Satellite Communication (SATCOM) study focused on evaluating the use cases, market segments and technical aspects of these future systems, which will be comprised of networks that span multiple orbital types including Geostationary Equatorial Orbit (GEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), Low Earth Orbit (LEO), High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) and others, as well as include various frequency bands, satellite operators and network designs. Multi-layered, hybrid networks are increasingly being explored as an enabler of enhanced communications agility and performance, as well as a provider of critical resilience to protect against potential disruptions or attacks. This new research, which will be conducted over the next year, will look to answer some fundamental questions around the future implementation and use of multi-layered networks. This includes examining the current technology trends and assessing different markets that would most benefit from multi-layered SATCOM system applications. Additionally, the research will analyse existing layered SATCOM networks to evaluate the approach, benefits and limitations for those market segment applications. The study will explore a system design that supports the full range of both current and future satellite service types, increased spectral efficiency, and interoperability. It will involve several tasks to assess the current market and technologies, develop system requirements and trade-off exercises, modelling and simulation, further analyses and provision of a future roadmap.
USA
LAND
22 Jul 22. American Material Handling Inc., Watkinsville, Georgia, has been awarded a maximum $433,000,000 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery requirements type contract for material handling equipment. This was a competitive acquisition with one response received. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. Other contracts are expected to be awarded under this solicitation (SPE8EC-21-R-0001) and awardees will compete for a portion of the maximum dollar value. The ordering period end date is July 24, 2027. Using military services are Army, Navy and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2022 through 2027 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE8EC-22-D-0010).
27 Jul 22. BAE Systems has received a $299m contract from the U.S. Army for the production of 40 sets of M109A7 Self-Propelled Howitzers and their companion, the M992A3 ammunition carriers. The award, received on July 1, is for production, delivery, and spare parts for these vehicle sets. The M109A7 is the latest howitzer in the BAE Systems M109 family of vehicles, and is the primary indirect fire support system for the Army’s Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCT). The M109A7 program provides increased commonality across the ABCT and has significant built-in growth potential for electrical power and weight capacity. (Source: ASD Network)
28 Jul 22. The US Marine Corps (USMC) has placed a $176m order with L3Harris Technologies to procure multichannel handheld (MCHH) and vehicular radio systems. The latest deal is expected to enhance interoperability across the US Department of Defense (DoD), Special Operations Command, and key allied nations. It is the first order placed by the USMC as part of a recently awarded ten-year indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. The $750m IDIQ contract involves the procurement of the L3Harris Falcon IV family of manpack and handheld radios. (Source: naval-technology.com)
27 Jul 22. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Rocket Center, West Virginia, was awarded a $533,864,664 firm-fixed-price contract for the M782 multi-option fuze for artillery. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of July 26, 2027. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity (W52P1J-22-D-0025).
26 Jul 22. ZeroEyes, creators of the only A.I.-based gun detection video analytics platform that holds the US Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation, today announced it has received a Direct-to-Phase II SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) grant from the U.S. Air Force AFWERX for the research and development of unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) automated threat detection. The company has received $1,200,000 in funding to integrate ZeroEyes A.I. gun detection with UGVs at Minot Air Force base, home of the Minuteman III Nuclear Missile Forces and the B-52 Bomber.. This announcement marks the second Direct-to-Phase II SBIR grant awarded to ZeroEyes. On June 7, 2022, the company announced it had received a $750,000 grant as part of the 21.1 SBIR cycle for the research and development (R&D) of Drone-Robot Enabled Active Shooter Deterrence (DRASD) at Ellsworth Air Force Base, SD. The new grant, awarded by the US Air Force AFWERX during the 22.1 SBIR cycle, will enable ZeroEyes to test real-world use cases for integrating its A.I. gun detection software into UGV mobile cameras. When a brandished gun is identified through the mobile camera, the ZeroEyes security platform will automatically validate the threat and prompt the UGV to interdict, delay, deter and disorient active shooters with non-lethal strobes and high-pitched sirens until Air Force personnel can intervene. (Source: PR Newswire)
SEA
22 Jul 22. Austal USA LLC, Mobile, Alabama, is awarded a $156,171,650 fixed-price incentive (firm target) modification to previously awarded contract N00024-21-C-2209 to exercise options for construction of two additional towing, salvage and rescue ships (T-ATS 13 and 14). This contract was originally awarded for the detail design and construction of T-ATS 11-15. The option for T-ATS 12 was exercised in 2021. These additional two options being exercised allow for the first four ships of the planned five ships. This contract includes options for associated support efforts related to the ship design and construction for special studies, engineering and industrial services, provisioned items orders, and pilot house mock-up. Work will be performed in Mobile, Alabama (54%); Chesapeake, Virginia (20%); Jacksonville, Florida (6%); Boca Raton, Florida (4%); and other suppliers representing less than 1% of contract value (16%). Work is expected to be complete in January 2026. Fiscal 2022 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $156,171,650 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is a sole source contract. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
28 Jul 22. General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Connecticut, is awarded a $697,894,932 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to previously awarded contract N00024-20-C-4312 for the maintenance, repair, and modernization efforts to execute the engineered overhaul of USS Hartford (SSN 768). Work will be performed in Groton, Connecticut, and is expected to be completed by October 2026. Fiscal 2022 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $649,806,585 (96%); and fiscal 2022 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $26,279,977 (4%) funding will be obligated at the time of award, and funds in the amount of $649,806,585 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
AIR
29 Jul 22. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Huntsville, Alabama is being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum amount of $3,286,745,005. Under this new contract, the contractor will design, develop, test, and field the next Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) Weapon System (GWS) Program. The GWS contract covers the systems engineering, design, development, integration, testing, and fielding of GWS software and hardware meeting warfighter needs, new requirements (e.g. Next Generation Interceptor (NGI)) and evolving threats with greater reliability, availability, maintainability and testability than the current system. Delivery Order 0001 in the amount of $716,090,100; Delivery Order 0002 in the amount of $423,546,873; and Task Order 0001 in the amount of $115,299,142 are being issued at this time. The work will be performed in Huntsville, Alabama. The ordering period is from July 29, 2022, through July 29, 2027. This contract was competitively procured via publication on the Government-wide Point of Entry website with one proposal received. Fiscal 2022 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $76,355,001; and fiscal 2022 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $200,000 are being obligated on this award. The fiscal 2022 operations and maintenance funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Missile Defense Agency, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity (HQ0856-22-D-0001).
22 Jul 22. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Linthicum Heights, Maryland, has been awarded a $88,241,950 firm-fixed-price modification (P00067) to contract FA8615-17-C-6047 for Air Force F-16 aircraft Active Electronically Scanned Array radars. This modification is for the exercise of options to include 31 production radars, as well as associated spares. Work will be performed in Linthicum Heights, Maryland, and is expected to be completed July 31, 2025. The total cumulative face value of the contract is $1,217,979,978. Fiscal 2020 aircraft procurement funds in the amount of $2,034,480; fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement funds in the amount of $2,034,480; and fiscal 2022 aircraft procurement funds in the amount of $84,172,990.00 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8615-17-C-6047 P00067).
17 Jul 22. Vaya Space, Inc. has entered into a multi-faceted contract with NASA to demonstrate the company’s technologies and engine performance at the Stennis Space and Kennedy Space Centers. Vaya Space conducted their inaugural launch earlier this year and has been rapidly expanding operations and technology suite since that event. The company received notification of its first patent award earlier this year and has multiple additional patents in progress on its technologies that the company believes will transform the Commercial Space sector in cost, reliability and safety. Vaya has already conducted more than 100 engine-test fires that total more than 10 minutes in cumulative duration. The company will now be conducting a number of demonstrations and additional tests with NASA at their Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.
Vaya Space also established agreement with Kennedy Space Center approving the transfer of technology from NASA under an existing, expanded umbrella agreement. This agreement facilitates Vaya’s further vertical demonstrations and expected commercial launch operations from Kennedy Space Center, a multi-user spaceport. (Source: Satnews)
27 Jul 22. The US Space Force’s (USSF) innovation division SPACEWERX has selected Wallaroo Labs to provide solutions specific to edge model deployment challenges in space. The company has undertaken this fully funded Phase 1 project in collaboration with Catalyst Campus (CCTI). As part of this project, the two companies will work together to solve edge model deployment challenges specific to on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (OSAM) missions. It includes on-orbit refuelling, satellite life extension, active debris removal and the reuse and recycling of materials for building foundations for the assembly and manufacturing in space. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
TECHNOLOGY
28 Jul 22. Mercury Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRCY, www.mrcy.com), a leader in trusted, secure mission-critical technologies for aerospace and defense, announced it was awarded an $8m contract from a leading aerospace and defense company to design and develop video switching technology for an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) application for rotary-wing aircraft. The contract was received on April 1, 2022, has an estimated lifetime value of approximately $25m, and is expected to be delivered over the next several quarters.
26 Jul 22. Raytheon Technologies’ unit Collins Aerospace has been selected by the US Army to support Air Launched Effects (ALE) small programme’s next phase. The company will serve as the mission system solution provider. It will deploy its RapidEdge Mission System for the ALE to serve the Army Aviation’s Future Vertical Lift (FVL) fleet. Earlier this year, Collins Aerospace successfully showcased the capability of RapidEdge to implement tactically appropriate ALE behaviours. An uncrewed aerial system (UAS), ALE is launched from a helicopter, a large UAS, or another alternative platform. With multiple payloads and a mission system, the ALE helps the Army’s Aviation enhance lethality and ensures the survivability of crewed platforms. Collins’ RapidEdge will support the ALE by providing central functionality, including radios for communication. The mission system will also offer solutions for handling classified data and mission computing. It also allows autonomous ALEs to work as a team by leveraging individual payloads. RapidEdge’s open system enables integration of more capabilities, if needed. (Source: army-technology.com)
REST OF THE WORLD
LAND
27 Jul 22. DroneShield secures new counter-UAS order. The ASX-listed company has received a repeat order for its counter-UAS technology from an international customer. An undisclosed US government agency has placed a repeat order valued at approximately $500,000 for DroneShield’s counter-UAS products. The deal builds on a $2m contract awarded to DroneShield earlier this year. (Source: Defence Connect)
SEA
27 Jul 22. BAE Systems has been awarded a five-year contract to support the Brazilian Navy’s (Marinha do Brasil) flagship multipurpose aircraft carrier NAM Atlântico (A140). As part of this contract, the company will provide through-life support for its Artisan radar and DNA2 combat management system (CMS) equipped on the vessel. Work under the contract covering the Artisan radar involves the delivery of corrective and preventative maintenance support along with the provision of spare parts. The company will manufacture the spare parts in the UK and assemble them in Brazil. BAE Systems will also create a help desk facility, which will be remotely operated from the UK, to assist Brazil’s team. Related work will include the delivery of a planned modernisation package for the CMS of the Brazilian vessel to address obsolescence. (Source: naval-technology.com)
22 Jul 22. An undisclosed African country has ordered two landing ships from Turkey’s Anadolu Shipyard. Announcing the order on 19 July, Anadolu Shipyard said the vessels will be delivered within two years, but gave no further details other than to say its vessels “are in demand by many countries.” Under its previous deliveries catalogue the shipyard lists several models, including a 138.75 metre long tank landing ship (LST) with a displacement of 7 400 tons; a 40 metre long landing craft, mechanised (LCM), displacing 147 tons; a 15.7 metre long vehicle and personnel landing craft displacing 25 tons; and a 79.9 metre long tank landing craft displacing 1 156 tons; as well as an 89 metre long cadet training ship. Various designs are offered by the shipyard, including patrol boats, offshore patrol vessels, emergency rescue and diver support boats, and a tank landing ship with a helicopter deck, as well as troop carriers, ambulance vessels, logistics ships, training boats and landing ships of various sizes. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
14 Jul 22. The Japanese Ministry of Defense (MoD) has selected Japan Marine United (JMU) to supply up to 12 next-generation offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The MoD announced on 30 June that JMU’s proposal, which is centred on a 95m-long design, secured the greatest number of points in a competitive evaluation with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) placed second. The result means that JMU has been selected as the prime contractor for the OPV programme, with MHI appointed as sub-contractor. Mitsui E&S also participated in the evaluation process with its 100m-long, 2,000 tonne design, which featured a 360° panoramic bridge and would be capable of carrying unmanned aerial and surface vehicles. A graphic released by the MoD’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) indicates that the selected OPV design will displace approximately 1,920 tonnes and will be powered by a combined diesel-electric and diesel (CODLAD) propulsion system that will enable maximum speeds of over 20kt. (Source: AMR)
AIR
26 Jul 22. The DSCA has also notified Congress of another FMS of F-15SG munitions, related equipment, as well as follow-on training and sustainment services to Singapore. The $630m sale has also been approved by the US State Department. The proposed package involves 90 MXU-651 air foil groups (AFGs) for 2,000lb Paveway II (PWII), GBU-10; 90 MAU-169 or MAU-209 computer control groups (CCGs) for 2000lb PWII, GBU-10; 140 MXU-650 AFGs for 500lb PW-II, GBU-12; and 140 MAU-169/MAU-209 CCGs for 500lb PWII, GBU 12. Additionally, the FMS includes 200 FMU-152 fuses; 20 joint direct attack munition (JDAM) KMU-556 tail kits for GBU-31; laser JDAM’s 22 JDAM KMU-572 tail kits, GBU-54; among others. According to DSCA, this FMS has no prime contractor and the required manpower support will be determined by competition, with a supply of defence articles expected from the US inventory. The sale will allow Singapore Air Force to support its Peace Carvin-V detachment training programme. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
25 Jul 22. HENSOLDT will deliver its latest-technology Identification-Friend-or-Foe (IFF) products to ELTA Systems Ltd, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI). HENSOLDT was awarded by ELTA several contracts worth approximately 10 M Euros to deliver a number of MSSR 2000 ID and MSR1000I secondary radars including test equipment. The IFF systems working according to the latest Mode 5 NATO standard will be integrated into civil air traffic control radars as well as military air defence radars operated by several customer nations. Military IFF systems, like civil air traffic control radars called secondary surveillance radars (SSR), precisely identify aircraft by automatically sending interrogation signals which are answered by so-called transponders on-board friendly aircraft. Thus, IFF enables field commanders to quickly distinguish friendly from hostile forces and helps avoiding friendly fire incidents. Unlike Mode 4 used hitherto, Mode 5 employs sophisticated encryption techniques to avoid hostile signal manipulation, thus ensuring that the identification process is absolutely reliable and secure. “Mode 5” is in the process of being introduced in all western armies as a precondition of joint operations of US/NATO and allied forces. HENSOLDT is an expert in Mode 5 IFF. It is under contract to upgrade German, French and UK armed forces’ IFF systems to the “Mode 5” standard and has delivered IFF systems – including crypto devices – for ground and naval applications of several NATO nations. Among others, the company’s equipment is deployed on all German Navy ships as well as several UK Royal Navy ships. In total, HENSOLDT has more than 700 IFF systems under contract in 42 nations.
27 Jul 22. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has awarded a $100m contract to American firm Honeywell for the supply and manufacture of 88 TPE331-12B engines for the HTT-40 trainer aircraft, the Indian state-run company announced Wednesday. HAL plans to offer the HTT-40, which comes in at about $7m per unit, to the Indian Air Force and other overseas customers. A senior HAL executive told Defense News that the company is hoping to secure a $490m deal in October with the Air Force for 70 of the basic trainers. (Source: Defense News)
22 Jul 22. The Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has requested to buy an Oceanographic Observation Equipment System that includes multi-site sensors; multiple remote data collection facilities; support for centralized data analysis center eight (8) data analysis workstations; fiber optic communications suites; power supplies; uninterruptable power supplies; power and data distribution; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $206m. The principal contractor(s) will be Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission System, Manassas, VA. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: glstrade.com)
22 Jul 22. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a potential foreign military sale (FMS) of Eurofighter aircraft’s advanced weapons to Kuwait. Approved by the US State Department, the estimated value of the FMS and associated equipment is approximately $397m. Supporting Kuwait’s Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft programme, the FMS includes 60 AIM-120 C-7/8 advanced medium range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAMs), 501 MK-83 general-purpose 1000LB bombs, 250 MK-84 general-purpose 2000LB bombs and 350 KMU-556 joint direct attack munition (JDAM) tail kits for GBU-31V1 2000LB bombs. In addition, the deal involves 702 MAU-210 enhanced computer control groups (ECCG) for GBU-48 enhanced Paveway II (EPW-II) 1000LB bombs, 702 MXU-667 air foil groups (AFG) for GBU-48 EPW-II 1000LB bombs, AMRAAM containers, FMU-139 joint programmable fuse systems, bomb components, spare, repair parts, inert munitions and trainers and training materials. Principal contractors of this FMS are Raytheon Missiles and Defense and Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
27 Jul 22. Orbital Corporation has signed a $3.5m second stage engineering contract with an undisclosed customer based in Singapore. The deal involves advancing an initial engine design, development and integration contract signed in 2020 and follows the delivery and acceptance of three prototype engine systems delivered last year. Specifically, the deal involves the design, development and production of multi-fuel UAV engines. Orbital UAV will now be tasked with conducting further engineering work and delivering three additional prototype engine systems over the course of the 2023 financial year (FY23). (Source: Defence Connect)
28 Jul 22. Raytheon Intelligence & Space, a Raytheon Technologies business, will equip Australian border surveillance aircraft with its latest SeaVue Multi-Role radar under a contract with Cobham Special Mission. Under the contract, RI&S will upgrade Cobham’s fleet of Dash 8 fixed-wing aircraft to the most advanced version of its SeaVue multi-domain surveillance radar in support of Australian border protection operations. SeaVue MR will bring long-range, high-altitude surveillance capabilities to the special mission fixed-wing aircraft used to patrol the oceans surrounding Australia’s shores as part of the world’s largest outsourced civil maritime surveillance operation. RI&S has supported Cobham’s mission of patrolling the country’s vast 8.2-m-square-kilometer Exclusive Economic Zone – which includes oil and gas fields, shipping lanes, and fisheries – with previous versions of the SeaVue radar since 1995. SeaVue maritime surveillance radars currently fly on manned and unmanned aircraft in nine countries around the world. (Source: ASD Network)
25 Jul 22. The U.S. State Department has approved the potential sale of advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles and related equipment to Japan for an estimated cost of $293m, the Pentagon said on Monday. (Source: Reuters)
27 Jul 22. Steadicopter – a leader in the Rotary Unmanned Aerial Systems (RUAS) industry – announces another win in a significant tender, this time for the Israeli Navy, for its Black Eagle Electric systems. The Black Eagle Electric family is the first family of unmanned helicopters that are powered by an electric motor, are capable of carrying several payloads and sensors, and can be adapted to diverse applications, including complex maritime missions. Just recently, the company announced the signing of a contract to supply the systems to another Naval customer. The Black Eagle 5O Electric helicopter has a maximum take-off weight of 50 kg, a useful load weight of 30 kg – including payload and batteries, and a flight time of two hours. These capabilities enable high performance as well as maximum operational flexibility for military applications such as intelligence, coastal security, search & rescue, and advanced maritime missions.
26 Jul 22. Vaya Space Signs Another Major Satellite Launch Contract. Alya Nanosatellites Constellation E.O., a pioneer company in the Brazilian space sector, and Vaya Space, Inc., the vortex-hybrid engine rocket launcher and emerging leader in sustainable space access, today jointly announced that they have signed a long-term launch services agreement for the placement of a nanosatellite constellation into orbit. Both Vaya Space and Alya Nanosatellites have sustainability as core tenets of their respective missions and share the common goal of making a difference for the environment. Under the newly signed contract, Vaya Space has agreed to provide launch services to Alya Nanosatellites, whose constellation will generate hyperspectral images from sensors placed aboard nanosats. Alya’s core vision is to create a global network of shared space assets that improve quality of life everywhere, and this constellation is the first step on the road to that vision. The planned orbits will initially optimize coverage of Brazilian territory, allowing reliable monitoring of the atmospheric environment, agriculture, oil & gas exploration, and natural disasters like floods and fires. (Source: ASD Network)
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