UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO
LAND
22 Aug 22. MilDef signs 20-year framework agreement with a NATO nation worth SEK 2.8bn. MilDef, a global provider of tactical IT, has signed a 20-year strategic framework agreement with defense forces in a European NATO country, to modernize and digitalize this nation’s defense forces. The counterpart cannot be disclosed due to national security. The framework agreement is by far the largest to date for MilDef, estimated to SEK 2.8 bn over 20 years. To facilitate the substantial upgrade of tactical IT integrated into a brand-new fleet of military vehicles this government organization has turned to MilDef for a full array of deliveries within hardware, software, integration, and lifecycle services. MilDef will provide the nation’s defense forces with computers, displays and network infrastructure for Command and Control. BATTLESPACE Comment: A BATTLESPACE reader suggested that the client could be Spain, but we could not substantiate this.
SEA
19 Aug 22. Intermat,* Biddeford, Maine, is awarded a $17,736,279 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and cost-only indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the delivery of Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile nose-tip materials. This contract does not include options. This contract combines purchases for the Navy (82.23%) and the government of the United Kingdom (17.77%) under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will be performed in Biddeford, Maine, and is expected to be completed by July 2027. Fiscal 2022 Weapons Procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,301,611 will be obligated at time of award. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1) — only one responsible source and no other type of supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, Dahlgren, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N0017822D4404).
EUROPE
LAND
25 Aug 22. General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), announced today that it has been awarded a Foreign Military Sales order from the U.S. Army worth up to $1.148 billion to deliver 250 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams main battle tanks to Poland. The state-of-the-art M1A2 SEPv3 configuration features technological advancements in communications, fire control and lethality, reliability, sustainment and fuel efficiency, plus upgraded armor. Additionally, the SEPv3 Abrams is designed to seamlessly accept future upgrades. (Source: PR Newswire)
USA
LAND
25 Aug 22. Allison Transmission, a leading designer and manufacturer of conventional and electrified vehicle propulsion solutions for tactical wheeled and tracked defense vehicles, and medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, has been awarded a $6.55m contract by the U.S. Army’s Ground Vehicle Systems Center to design, develop and test an electric hybrid sub-system in Allison’s Next Generation Electrified Transmission for armored combat vehicles. The Next Generation Electrified Transmission is the newest product in Allison’s tactical ground combat vehicle portfolio. It features a 220 kilowatt electric motor and associated inverter for on-board vehicle power and parallel electric hybrid operation. Beyond power generation for auxiliary system capability development, the propulsion solution provides benefits realized in enhanced mobility performance and efficiency with a significant reduction in fuel consumption and reduced thermal and acoustic signatures. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
24 Aug 22. AM General LLC, South Bend, Indiana, was awarded a $732,741,016 modification (P00042) to contract W56HZV-17-D-0071 for production of High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle Expanded Capacity Vehicle variants. 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 Dec. 31, 2024. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Aug. 19, 2022)
25 Aug 22. Astronics Selected by US Army for Radio Test Set Program. Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO), a leading provider of advanced technologies for global aerospace, defense, and other mission critical industries, announced today that it has been selected by the U.S. Army as the down select winner for the development of its Radio Test Set referred to as TS-4549/T. This program will replace aging GRM-122 radio test equipment for tactical radios in the U.S. Army. It will be an ID/IQ program (Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity) with anticipated deliverables over multiple years. Astronics will be working with the Army to finalize contract terms and expects to issue further information as available. (Source: ASD Network)
24 Aug 22. BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P., York, Pennsylvania, was awarded a $49,689,943 cost-no-fee contract for Bradley Fighting Vehicles. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in York, Pennsylvania, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 23, 2023. Fiscal 2022 weapons and tracked combat vehicle procurement, Army funds in the amount of $49,689,943 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-22-F-0413).
22 Aug 22. BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P., Sterling Heights, Michigan, was awarded a $278,182,786 firm-fixed-price contract for production units, spare parts and contractor logistics support for the Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicle. 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 Aug. 19, 2029. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-22-D-0082).
23 Aug 22. Day and Zimmermann Inc., Parsons, Kansas (W52P1J-22-D-0031); and General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems Canada Inc., Repentigny, Quebec, Canada (W52P1J-22-D-0032), will compete for each order of the $372,589,589 firm-fixed-price contract to load, assemble and package high-explosive mortar cartridges. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 18, 2027. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity.
25 Aug 22. Grove U.S. LLC, Shady Grove, Pennsylvania, has been awarded a maximum $266,866,453 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery requirements contract for commercial cranes. 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-0003) and awardees will compete for a portion of the maximum dollar value. The ordering period end date is Aug. 23, 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-0011).
25 Aug 22. US AFLCMC awards contract to build autonomous swarming AI munitions. The Web Weasels solution allows commanders to plan, task and manage multiple swarming assets. Liteye Systems and Unmanned Experts have secured a contract to build Web Weasels (WW) autonomous swarming artificially intelligent munitions for the US Air Force (USAF). The $1.8m, one-year contract has been awarded by Air Force Life Cycle Management Centre (AFLCMC) Armament Directorate. A part of Unmanned Experts parent programme called Air Commons -Swarm, WW allows commanders to plan, task and manage various swarming assets via a Swarm ATO and Swarm Engine. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
22 Aug 22. Mack Defense announced today that the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Reserve have ordered an additional 144 Mack Defense M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks (HDTs). The additional vehicles, based on the commercially available Mack® Granite® model, are part of the previously announced firm-fixed price $296 m contract to be fulfilled over seven years that the Army awarded Mack Defense in 2018. The HDTs are a key component in construction and maintenance missions for infrastructure assets, such as airfields, roadways, landing strips, supply facilities and motor pools. The Army previously had ordered 155 HDTs, which are spec’d with heavier-duty rear axles, all-wheel drive, increased suspension ride height and other ruggedized features to meet the unique requirements of the Army. Those HDT vehicles have all been built, and final deliveries will continue through August 2022. The Mack Granite HDT model is a modern truck equipped with modern technology, such as ABS and other active safety systems. The Granite model is user-friendly, comfortable and safer to operate compared with other past models used by the Army, which is key to the Army’s investment in the new HDTs, Hartzell said. The Granite HDTs and the production line at the Mack Experience Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania, were both inspected by the government quality auditors to ensure both met expectations. Production of the HDTs at the MEC began in Q1 2021, following an investment of $6.5m to create a dedicated HDT production line at the facility. The production line helps fulfill the M917A3 contract, while allowing Mack Defense to produce other vehicle variants. The production line in the MEC is in Mack’s former Customer Adaptation Center, where vehicle modifications occurred. The Customer Adaptation Center has since moved to Mack’s Lehigh Valley Operations (LVO) in Macungie, Pennsylvania, where all Mack Class 8 vehicles for North America and export are assembled. Previously, non-armored HDT vehicles began production at LVO and were then transported to the MEC, where final assembly, including adding the dump body, occurred.
SEA
19 Aug 22. BAE Systems – Norfolk Ship Repair, Norfolk, Virginia, is awarded a $107,736,087, firm-fixed-price contract for the execution of the USS Ross (DDG 71) fiscal 2023 extended dry-docking selected restricted availability. This availability will include a combination of maintenance, modernization and repair of the USS Ross. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $123,876,183. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by March 2024. Fiscal 2022 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $93,897,036 (87%); and fiscal 2022 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $13,839,051 (13%) will be obligated at time of award, of which $93,897,036 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured using full and open competition via the System for Award Management website. Competitive proposals were received in response to Solicitation Number (N00024-22-R-4422). The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-22-C-4422).
22 Aug 22. The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Maryland, is awarded a $4,396,000,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for research, development, engineering, and test and evaluation for programs throughout the Department of Defense within its core competency areas including strategic systems test and evaluation; submarine security and survivability; space science and engineering; combat systems and guided missiles; air and missile defense and power projection; information technology, simulation, modeling, and operations analysis; and mission related research, development, test and evaluation. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $10,600,000,000. Work will be performed in Laurel, Maryland, and is expected to be completed by August 2027. If all options are exercised, work will continue through August 2032. Fiscal 2022 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $6,803,376 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(3)(B), as implemented in Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-3 — industrial mobilization; engineering, developmental, or research capability; or expert services. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-22-D-6404).
22 Aug 22. Leidos (NYSE: LDOS), a FORTUNE® 500 science and technology leader, was recently selected by the U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) to design and build a medium-size unmanned undersea vehicle. The single award, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract holds an approximate value of $358m if all options are exercised. Work will be performed primarily in Lynnwood, Washington. The medium unmanned undersea vehicle will support intelligence preparation of the operational environment by providing submarine-based autonomous oceanographic sensing and data collection for the Navy. The MUUV will also provide surface-launched and recovered mine countermeasures. Leidos will work with several partners to deliver this critical technology, including L3Harris Technologies. (Source: ASD Network)
25 Aug 22. Science Applications International Corp. (NYSE: SAIC) announced today it has been awarded a $163m contract by the U.S. Navy to support design, development, integration, modernization, sustainment and life cycle support to shore networks, network components and network service solutions for the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific Shore Networks Branch located in San Diego, CA. Under the contract, SAIC will maintain Naval Enterprise Networks for all shore based U.S. Navy commands and personnel critical to the Navy’s day-to-day operations, as well as supporting command and control of U.S. Navy units deployed by operational commanders. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
22 Aug 22. Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company, today announced it was awarded a $99m order for Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) terminals from U.S. Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) on behalf of the MIDS Program Office. This order falls under a U.S. Navy Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract awarded to Viasat in 2020 with a maximum value of $998m for the production, retrofits, development and sustainment of MIDS JTRS terminals. This order was received during Viasat’s Q2 FY23. MIDS are among the most widely used Link 16 terminals by the US military and global allies, acting as the foundational communications datalink on the modern battlefield and providing a secure communications capability for operations in any environment. Viasat’s MIDS JTRS terminals provide access to the secure Link 16 line-of-sight network enabling tactical communications and data transport to ground, maritime and airborne platforms to provide greater situational awareness on the battlefield. The order demonstrates the strength of Viasat’s Tactical Data Link (TDL) business and recognition of its production capability to deliver large quantities of MIDS terminals in a variety of configurations to meet mission and customer requirements.
AIR
19 Aug 22. AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, received an Other Transaction Agreement award by the United States Army on Aug. 18, 2022 for Increment 1 of the Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS) program. The contract encompasses the purchase, testing and delivery of one JUMP® 20 medium unmanned aircraft system (MUAS) to a selected Army Brigade Combat Team (BCT) and associated services, training and support.
19 Aug 22. The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, has been awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a program ceiling of $975,000,000 for technology maturation and risk reduction activities through design, analysis, rig testing, prototype engine testing, and weapon system integration. The contract is for the execution of the prototype phase of the Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion program and is focused on delivering capability enabling propulsion systems for future air dominance platforms and digitally transforming the propulsion industrial base. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Missouri, and is expected to be complete by July 11, 2032. This award is the result of a request for proposal. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8626-22-D-0003).
19 Aug 22. General Electric Co., GE Edison Works, Cincinnati, Ohio, has been awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a program ceiling of $975,000,000 for technology maturation and risk reduction activities through design, analysis, rig testing, prototype engine testing, and weapon system integration. The contract is for the execution of the prototype phase of the Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion program and is focused on delivering capability enabling propulsion systems for future air dominance platforms and digitally transforming the propulsion industrial base. Work will be performed in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is expected to be complete by July 11, 2032. This award is the result of a request for proposal. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8626-22-D-0010).
19 Aug 22. Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Palmdale, California, has been awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a program ceiling of $975,000,000 for technology maturation and risk reduction activities through design, analysis, rig testing, prototype engine testing, and weapon system integration. The contract is for the execution of the prototype phase of the Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion program and is focused on delivering capability enabling propulsion systems for future air dominance platforms and digitally transforming the propulsion industrial base. Work will be performed in Palmdale, California, and is expected to be complete by July 11, 2032. This award is the result of a request for proposal. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8626-22-D-0004).
19 Aug 22. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems, Palmdale, California, has been awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a program ceiling of $975,000,000 for technology maturation and risk reduction activities through design, analysis, rig testing, prototype engine testing, and weapon system integration. The contract is for the execution of the prototype phase of the Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion program and is focused on delivering capability enabling propulsion systems for future air dominance platforms and digitally transforming the propulsion industrial base. Work will be performed in Palmdale, California, and is expected to be complete by July 11, 2032. This award is the result of a request for proposal. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8626-22-D-0005).
19 Aug 22. Raytheon Technologies Corp., Pratt & Whitney Engines, East Hartford, Connecticut, has been awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a program ceiling of $975,000,000 for technology maturation and risk reduction activities through design, analysis, rig testing, prototype engine testing, and weapon system integration. The contract is for the execution of the prototype phase of the Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion program and is focused on delivering capability enabling propulsion systems for future air dominance platforms and digitally transforming the propulsion industrial base. Work will be performed in East Hartford, Connecticut, and is expected to be complete by July 11, 2032. This award is the result of a request for proposal. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8626-22-D-0002).
23 Aug 22. SpaceLink, a company that provides secure data from any orbit, any time, announced it was selected by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Strategic Technology Office (STO) for a contract award. SpaceLink will participate in the Space-Based Adaptive Communications Node (Space-BACN) program designed to connect the proliferated space domain. SpaceLink is building a constellation of relay satellites in MEO that use optical intersatellite links to speed communications between spacecraft on orbit and users on the ground. Along with other contributors, SpaceLink will assist DARPA in studying and developing protocols for how commercial communications constellations will interact with Department of Defense (DoD) systems in a Space-to-Space interconnected future. (Source: PR Newswire)
TECHNOLOGY
23 Aug 22. The U.S. Navy has awarded BAE Systems a $42.6m contract for production of seven Network Tactical Common Data Link (NTCDL) systems. NTCDL enables the U.S. Navy to simultaneously transmit and receive real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data from multiple sources and enables the exchange of command and control information over multiple data links. The systems will be installed on aircraft carriers and the new Constellation class frigates. (Source: ASD Network)
19 Aug 22. Labelbox has been awarded a contract to support the US Air Force’s (USAF) joint all domain command and control (JADC2) efforts. The indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract has a ceiling value of $950m. This contract falls under a multiple award initiative to deliver the development and operation of systems as a joint force across all domains in an open architecture to provide capabilities using several integrated platforms. The latest agreement will involve Labelbox to mature, demonstrate and proliferate the capability across multiple domains and platforms, including air, space, cyber, electromagnetic spectrum, land and sea. Labelbox will leverage modern software, open systems design and algorithm development to support this JADC2 effort. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
REST OF THE WORLD
LAND
26 Aug 22. The United States Government has approved the potential sale of $141m of Ground Command and Control systems and related equipment to Morocco, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on Thursday. The Government of Morocco has requested to buy six Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio Systems, as well as KY-100M Narrowband/ Wideband Terminals; KIV-78 and KIV-77 Cryptographic Appliques; AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loader (SKL); additional secure communications, cryptographic devices, and precision navigation equipment; software support and support equipment; spare and repair parts. support and test equipment; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; 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 $141.1m. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a Major Non-NATO Ally that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in North Africa. The United States has assigned General Atomic Aeronautical Systems Inc., Lockheed Martin Inc., Raytheon Inc., and Leonardo SpA from Italy to be the principal contractors in the deal, the release added. (Source: Google/https://www.military.africa/)
23 Aug 22. General Dynamics (GD) Mission Systems–Canada, a General Dynamics subsidiary, and CDW Canada have secured a contract to provide an integrated situational awareness solution to the Canadian Department of National Defence. Under the multi-year contract, the companies will jointly deliver the Network Command and Control Integrated Situational Awareness Capability (Net C2 ISAC) to the department. The integrated capability will help the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) with effective command and control operations, including monitoring IT services. (Source: army-technology.com)
24 Aug 22. Nova Systems has been awarded a Defence Innovation Hub contract to develop two locally designed and manufactured ground expendable target (GET) concepts for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The GET concepts are expected to provide an in-country capability to support the testing of complex and potentially networked weapon systems. The capability leverages Nova Systems’ Agile Ground Target System (AGTS) to provide an automated moving ground target for training personnel and testing advanced weapon systems. According to Nova Systems, the project would support the Commonwealth government’s broader Sovereign Industry Capability priorities of test, evaluation, certification and systems assurance, as well as munitions and small arms research, design, development and manufacture. (Source: Defence Connect)
SEA
24 Aug 22. South Australia has commissioned KBR subsidiary Frazer-Nash Consultancy to investigate state government legislation and safety requirements for nuclear technology. The work will be overseen by the South Australian Submarine Taskforce — established this year to support the Department of Defence’s Nuclear-Powered Submarine Taskforce and chaired by Defence SA. This is expected to involve consultation with state government agencies, local industry and local government representatives to create an “optimal pathway” for construction of the next-generation vessels at Osborne Naval Shipyard in Adelaide. Areas of focus are tipped to include safety, environmental protection, facilities and infrastructure, industrial base capacity and workforce. Frazer-Nash has been specifically tasked with investigating state government legislation and safety requirements for nuclear technology, aimed at maximising opportunities for delivery of the nuclear-powered submarine program. (Source: Defence Connect)
22 Aug 22. Egyptian Navy getting technical support from VSE Corporation for frigates, missile craft. VSE Corporation continues to provide technical support for Egyptian Navy vessels and has received an $85.99 m contract to support the maintenance, repair and overhaul of four Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates, four fast missile craft, and two coastal minehunters. The US Department of Defence on 16 August announced Virginia-based VSE Corporation had been awarded a follow-on technical support contract in support of the Egyptian Navy vessels. The majority (80%) of work for this contract will be performed outside the continental United States, and is expected to be completed by March 2023. The contract was not competitively procured as only one responsible source and no other suppliers or services will satisfy agency requirements, the Department of Defence said. In July last year, VSE Corporation was awarded a $41m contract to deliver technical support to the Egyptian Navy. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
AIR
26 Aug 22. Japan to procure another MCH-101 helicopter in 2022. The Japanese government is procuring another MCH-101 airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM)-capable helicopter for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The procurement has been highlighted as one of the main projects for fiscal year (FY) 2022 in the Japanese Ministry of Defense’s annual White Paper, Defense of Japan 2022. The publication has listed a projected expenditure of JPY7.3bn (USD53.4m) for the procurement. The MCH-101 AMCM helicopter is derived from the Leonardo AW101 utility helicopter and fitted with Japanese-developed mine countermeasures (MCM) mission management system. The aircraft is licence-built in Japan by Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI). The aircraft has an overall length of 22.8 m, an overall height of 6.7 m, and a rotor diameter of 18.6 m. Its rotors can be folded for ease of stowage in the hangar of naval vessels. Powered by GE CT7-8E turboshaft engines, the helicopter has a maximum cruise speed of 150 kt, and its maximum rate of climb is at 1,880 ft per minute. (Source: Janes)
22 Aug 22. Asension wins $4.35m DIH contract for space-based sensor. The Defence Innovation Hub has awarded Adelaide-based Asension a $4.35m contract to deliver a space-based tactical sensor system, MOESS or Miniaturised Orbital Electronic Warfare Sensor System, for use by Defence. This contract represents Phase 3 of the project and is an extension of the Phase 2 contract awarded by the Hub in 2020. Asension originally developed the technology under what amounted to a Phase 1 program funded through the Adelaide-based Defence Innovation Partnership (DIP). (Source: Rumour Control)
26 Aug 22. The Australian Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has announced the approval of a proposed foreign military sale of 40 Sikorsky-built UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and related equipment to the Australian Army, valued at approximately US$1.95bn (AU$2.79bn). This comes just over eight months after the former Morrison government sent a letter of request to the United States as part of a provisional assessment process designed to inform a prospective purchase. Following preliminary discussions between industry and former defence minister Peter Dutton, it was reported six Black Hawks could be available from Sikorsky’s 2022 global production line, with the remaining platforms potentially delivered by 2026. The UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters are expected to replace the Army’s fleet of 47 Airbus-built MRH-90 Taipan helicopters, currently in service as Army’s utility aircraft. This came amid ongoing concerns over the Taipan’s performance, with the platform failing to meet contracted availability requirements in light of a series of technical shortcomings. In June 2021, Defence suspended flying operations of its Taipan fleet as a “safety precaution” after an issue relating to the aircraft’s IT support system was identified. (Source: Defence Connect)