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UNITED KINGDOM
AIR
23 Jan 23. The UK Space Agency has announced £50m of funding for ambitious and innovative projects that will supercharge the UK’s satellite communications industry. The funding, which is part of the European Space Agency (ESA) Advanced Research in Telecommunications Services (ARTES) programme, is available for a wide range of projects, such as developing new satellite constellations, the ground systems needed to access them, or whole end-to-end systems delivering new services to customers. These could include integrating 5G systems to unlock connectivity for people and machines through upgrading infrastructure to enable new markets and services such as drones or driverless haulage, creating space-based networks to rival cable-based terrestrial ones, and helping UK space operators to use disruptive new technologies and business models to enable global operations. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
EUROPE
LAND
25 Jan 23. Airbus to Provide Satellite Communications for Belgian Armed Forces. Airbus has signed a contract with the Belgian Ministry of Defence to provide tactical satellite communications services for a 15 year period. The Armed Forces will utilise channels of the Airbus UHF (Ultra High Frequency) military communications hosted payload on-board a commercial telecommunications satellite manufactured by Airbus. The UHF payload will be operated from Airbus’s Network Operations Centre in Toulouse. Its 18 UHF channels will enable up to 200 simultaneous communications over Europe, the Middle East, Africa, large parts of Asia, as well as the Atlantic Ocean (to eastern Brazil) and the Indian Ocean (to western Australia). Military UHF satcoms are used by the armed forces for operations on land, at sea and in the air. They have a high level of interoperability and are therefore very useful for multinational and coalition operations. The UHF band is very flexible and offers a lightweight, robust and highly secure means of communication. An extensive range of terminals for use on land, at sea and in the air is available to meet the needs of the various armed forces. Airbus has unique experience in operating UHF milsatcom services. This new payload will enhance its portfolio throughout the lifespan of the satellite. Airbus is the only armed forces private satcom operator to cover the full spectrum of military (UHF, X, Ka Mil) and commercial (L, C/Ku, Ka) frequency bands and applications. (Source: ASD Network)
25 Jan 23. Elbit Awarded a $48m Contract to Supply Mobile Communication Shelters to the Swedish Armed Forces. Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:ESLT and TASE: ESLT) (“Elbit Systems” or the “Company”) announced today that its subsidiary Elbit Systems Sweden AB (“Elbit Systems Sweden”), was awarded a contract valued at approximately $48m by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), to supply Technical High Mobility Shelters (THMS) to the Swedish Army. The contract will be performed over a period of 3 years and includes options for further extensions. Under the contract, Elbit Systems Sweden will manufacture and deliver tactical communication shelters, leveraging Elbit Systems’ extensive experience delivering customized communication shelters to armed forces around the world. Elbit Systems’ THMS are deployable on a range of tracked and wheeled platforms and will provide mobile communication platforms for the Swedish Armed Forces as part of the Swedish Army’s new command and control infrastructure. (Source: ASD Network)
27 Jan 23. INVISIO receives another volume order for its new Intercom system. INVISIO has received a major follow-up order for the Intercom system. The total value is SEK 40m. The customer is a European NATO country and has previously placed two large orders. The order is significant for future marketing, since it is confirmation that the solution meets the high requirements set by a European NATO country for a modern communication system. Most of the systems will be delivered in the first quarter of 2023 and at the beginning of the following quarter. The cumulative order value amounts to SEK 40m for the last order. INVISIO estimates that the customer’s needs may lead to further major requests in the near future.
27 Jan 23. MilDef wins SEK 50m order for prototypes to digitalize an army. In August 2022, MilDef announced a 20-year framework agreement worth SEK 2.8bn, with an unnamed defense force of a European NATO country. Now the first order has been placed for the contract to help digitalize the country’s army. The order value in this initial contract is approximately MSEK 50 with deliveries over the period 2023-2024. The order covers prototype development and system design with a focus on digitalization, infrastructure, and security. Around ten new products within MilDef’s 19″/2® segment are being developed with a focus on computers and vehicle networks. MilDef is responsible for the entire rugged infrastructure of the current vehicle fleet.
26 Jan 23. Rheinmetall to modernize the command and control equipment of the “Future Soldier – Expanded System” for 476 troops, The German Bundeswehr has contracted with Rheinmetall to modernize the command and control equipment of its soldier systems. A total of 14 “Future Soldier- Extended System” platoon systems are to be delivered to the troops. These comprise equipment for 476 individual soldiers. Worth a figure in the mid-double-digit million-euro range, the order was booked in December 2022, shortly after the budget committee of the German Parliament appropriated funding from the country’s €100bn special procurement fund. The VJTF 2023 version of the “IdZ-ES” soldier system links dismounted troops to the Puma infantry fighting vehicle, which serves as their “mother ship”. For the German Army, the “System Panzergrenadier” represents a significant step in the process of digitalization. It offers two essential advantages. First, it is now possible for all mounted and dismounted personnel to access the same information. Second, they can disseminate this information between each other much more precisely, more quickly and in a more robust manner. Close networking of sensors and effectors of both the soldiers and infantry fighting vehicle minimizes the time between target detection and target engagement. Melding these capabilities into a total system of systems enables more effective tactical interaction between dismounted troops and their infantry fighting vehicle, in turn enhancing the combat effectiveness of mechanized infantry formations. As a longstanding partner of Germany’s armed forces, Rheinmetall leverages in-depth expertise gained in the IdZ-ES programme.
20 Jan 23. Terma and Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) has concluded an official agreement for Terma as the overall system integrator of integrated air and missile defense systems for the Danish Defence. The contract is a framework agreement for 30 years. The Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation has signed an agreement with the largest defense company in Denmark, Terma. This agreement means that Terma will be responsible for system integration of the complete air defense system, and advisor on all future air and missile defense procurements across the Danish Defence for the next 30 years. As part of the current defense agreement, DALO is to procure an air defense system for the Danish Defence compliant to NATO requirements for the Very Short-Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) capability that forms part of Denmark’s medium brigade which is a NATO force target. This VSHORAD system can be procured through this new Framework Agreement. The overall air defense system consists of several subsystems, such as radars, vehicles, and weapons. Under the agreement, Terma will integrate these subsystems into a single air defense system. Many of the subsystems are off-the-shelf items procured by DALO through existing framework agreements and integrated into the overall air defense system by Terma. The future elements of the air and missile defense systems will also be part of Denmark’s national defense and will be compliant with interoperability requirements, including the ability to be part of different configurations of air defense capabilities within the land, sea, and air domains. Interoperability requirements follow NATO standards, procedures, and guidelines for the overall air defense domain. (Source: ASD Network)
SEA
27 Jan 23. Kitron has received orders with a value of over NOK 260m from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG). The order is for electronics for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and Joint Strike Missile (JSM) supplied by KONGSBERG. Deliveries will start in 2023 and continue into 2025. Production will take place at Kitron’s facility in Arendal, Norway. (Source: Google/https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/
TECHNOLOGY
24 Jan 23. Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales and Leonardo, has signed a contract with the European Space Agency to develop quantum space-to-Earth communications, supported by French space agency CNES and Austrian space agency ALR. Dubbed the TeQuantS project, the satellite system will be employed across cyber security and future quantum information networks, enabling the partners to build satellite and optical ground stations by the close of 2026. Satellites are viewed as a preferred option for long-distance quantum communication over ground-based fiber-optic links which are limited to a range of some 150 kilometres. Quantum communications are currently the focus of major research and development programs, notably the EuroQCI project in Europe. (Source: Space Connect)
USA
LAND
26 Jan 23. The U.S. Army has selected Boeing [NYSE:BA] to produce additional Next Generation Automated Test System (NGATS) units with a contract award worth up to $92m over three years. NGATS is a single, mobile diagnostic tool that provides real-time testing in the field. NGATS provides immediate solutions, enabling automated fault diagnosis of more than 100 components. NGATS eliminates manual troubleshooting and disassembly of components which reduce labor hours. NGATS aids in avoiding lead times that come with ordering parts and possible depot-level maintenance. One Armored Brigade Combat Team noted NGATS saved more than $26m in repair costs in five months.
26 Jan 23. ElbitAmerica Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded a $25,134,186 firm-fixed-price contract for the Next Generation Hub. Bids were solicited via the internet with six received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 26, 2028. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W91CRB-23-D-0009).
23 Jan 23. Epirus, a U.S. company specializing in directed energy and its defense applications, secured a $66m prototyping contract with the U.S. Army, as the service attempts to counter a proliferating number of overhead threats. Under the deal handled by the Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office, or RCCTO, Epirus will this year furnish several prototypes of its counter-drone and counter-electronics high-power microwave kit, known as Leonidas. The latest version of Leonidas, according to the company, was introduced in April. (Source: Defense News)
25 Jan 23. Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company, was awarded a contract to provide end-to-end satellite communications (SATCOM) support through a fully managed service to the United States Marine Corps (USMC). The contract is an extension following a successful pilot and follow-on service program in the government’s FY22 through which Viasat delivered a fully managed SATCOM as a Managed Service (SaaMS) solution to the USMC I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF), the Marine Corps’ largest warfighting organization. This is the first commercially developed SaaMS implemented by a USMC command. Under this fully managed SATCOM service, Viasat has provided I MEF with a resilient beyond-line-of-sight communications capability that is both scalable and rapidly deployable to meet contract and operational requirements. This commercially developed SaaMS capability has enabled I MEF to extend its command and control (C2) to the tactical edge, supporting Marine exercises, Marine Expeditionary Units and Stand in Force rotational deployments with on-demand satellite connectivity and data transport. The SaaMS is designed to provide greater flexibility to meet changing connectivity demands, support Multi-Domain Operations, and increase the safety of deployed forces through reliable and resilient communications.
AIR
27 Jan 23. Ball Aerospace has been awarded a follow-on contract to produce and deliver the US Space Force’s (USSF) second Weather System Follow-on-Microwave (WSF-M) satellite. Awarded by the US Space Systems Command (SSC), the contract option is valued at approximately $78m. The newly exercised contract option will further cover the development and fabrication of the second WSF-M space vehicle (SV-2). The new WSF-M satellite will feature a government-furnished, energetic-charged particle (ECP) sensor and a passive microwave-imaging radiometer instrument. The equipped sensors will help to mitigate the US Department of Defense’s three high-priority space-based environmental monitoring (SBEM) gaps. It includes ocean-surface vector winds, tropical cyclone intensity and low Earth orbit energetic charged particles. The sensors will also address additional SBEM gaps, such as sea ice characterisation, soil moisture and snow depth. Data collected from the WSF-M will help the war fighters to conduct global mission planning and operations. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
26 Jan 23. Electra.aero, Inc. (“Electra”), a next-gen aerospace company with a mission to help decarbonize aviation and open new air transportation markets, today announced its selection by the U.S. Air Force AFWERX innovation arm for a Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) award that secures up to $85m between private investments, government funding, and matching Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding for Electra’s development of a full-scale pre-production prototype electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft. Electra’s eSTOL offers the flexibility of “soccer field” operations with fixed wing-like payload, range, and fuel efficiency, quiet and safe operation, and compatibility with existing infrastructure. Designed for operations from soccer field-sized spaces, Electra’s eSTOL represents a new class of aircraft, characterized by helicopter-like operational flexibility with performance and operating costs better than comparable fixed-wing aircraft. The eSTOL aircraft can operate in environments ranging from busy urban areas to remote landing strips, and fly missions including on-demand urban and regional air mobility, cargo logistics, executive transport, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and more. Electra has received over 1,000 eSTOL aircraft orders from commercial customers around the globe aiming to lower operating costs, access new markets through smaller ground footprints and lower noise profiles, and meet both customer and investor expectations for reduced carbon emissions. (Source: PR Newswire)
24 Jan 23. Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a not-to exceed $320,000,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee undefinitized modification (P00020) to a previously awarded advanced acquisition contract (N0001920C0009). This modification adds scope to provide non-recurring engineering in support of the production of one F-35A, one F-35B, and one F-35C new flight science test aircraft to replace aging flight science test aircraft for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, and non-U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) participants. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (30%); El Segundo, California (25%); Warton, United Kingdom (20%); Orlando, Florida (10%); Nashua, New Hampshire (5%); Nagoya, Japan (5%); and Baltimore, Maryland (5%), and is expected to be completed in December 2027. Fiscal 2022 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $11,083,062; fiscal 2022 research, development, test and evaluation (Air Force) funds in the amount of $11,083,058; and non-U.S. DOD funds in the amount of $4,882,683 will be obligated at the time of award, $22,166,120 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
26 Jan 23. Teletronics Technology Corp., doing business as Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions Inc., Newtown, Pennsylvania, was awarded a $287,084,416 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity for commercial supplies and services to sustain the High-Speed Data Acquisition System (HSDAS). This contract provides for HSDAS specifically designed for flight test users, and flight test related commercial hardware, software, and firmware, technical support, repair, and training services will be provided. This contract will also support operation and sustainment of existing installations, new installations and cover services in support of the Interactive Analysis and Display System (IADS). Work will be performed in Newtown, Pennsylvania; and Edwards Air Force Base, California, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 25, 2028. This contract was a non-competitive, sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2023, research and development funds in the amount of $54,688 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Test Center, Edwards AFB, California, is the contracting activity (FA9302-23-D-0001).
25 Jan 23. Textron Aviation Inc., Wichita, Kansas, is awarded a $113,107,250 firm-fixed-price contract to provide for the production and delivery of 10 Multi-Engine Training System aircraft, initial spares, peculiar support equipment, instructor pilot training, and maintenance personnel training to provide intermediate and advanced training for accession into P-8, EP-3, KC-130, E-6, E-2, CMV-22 and MV-22 aircraft in support of the mission of Chief Naval Air Training for the Navy. Work will be performed in Wichita, Kansas (99%); and Corpus Christi, Texas (1%), and is expected to be completed in June 2024. Fiscal 2023 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $113,107,250 will be obligated at the time if award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposal; one offer was received. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001923 C0020).
REST OF THE WORLD
LAND
27 Jan 23. The Indonesian Armed Forces (Tentara Nasional Indonesia, TNI) has acquired 1,000 Holographic Weapon Sights (HWS) and magnifiers for use by the Komando Pasukan Khusus (Kopassus), US weapon sights specialist EOTECH announced on 10 January. Kopassus is the Indonesian Army’s (TNI-AD’s) special forces group that conducts special operations missions for the Indonesian government, such as direct action, unconventional warfare, sabotage, counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, intelligence gathering and special reconnaissance. The contract is managed by EOTECH’s Indonesia representative, a Malaysia-based procurement management specialist called Trident3 Adaptive Technologies Group Sdn Bhd. (Source: AMR)
24 Jan 23. FFG and Pearson Engineering partner to supply mine plough UOR to Ukraine. Decades of collaboration between Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft (FFG) and Pearson Engineering has paved the way for a programme that will see the Armed Forces of Ukraine equipped with proven route opening mine ploughs as part of an Urgent Operational Requirements (UOR) sponsored by the German Federal Government. The contract signed in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom, details the delivery of a large quantity of NATO proven Full Width Mine Ploughs, provided by Pearson Engineering for integration with Wisent 1 from FFG. The pairing of front-end equipment with Wisent 1 has been proven by both companies, with systems provided most notably to the Danish Armed Forces along with a number of other end-users. Facilitated by the German Federal Government, the equipment will be delivered to Ukraine within 2023 under UOR conditions.
23 Jan 23. QinetiQ Australia will develop and manufacture a high-energy, defensive laser weapon system prototype for the Australian Department of Defence. The Australian-arm of the multinational defence technology company announced the three-year, $13m directed energy laser weapon development contract to establish a sovereign, in-country, high-energy laser manufacturing capability for Australia. The project was published alongside a strategy update, delivery of robotic combat vehicles (light) for the US army, target systems for the Royal Netherlands Army, and a mission data program with the UK in a third quarter trading update on 18 January. (Source: Defence Connect)
SEA
20 Jan 23. Plasan Sasa Ltd. (“Plasan”) Plasan is pleased to announce they have signed a contract with BAE Systems Australia to armour the first three Hunter class frigates for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Plasan will deliver the armour in partnership with Australian steel manufacturer Bisalloy Steel Australia who will be responsible for the production of the ballistic steel under the contract. (Source: ASD Network)
AIR
23 Jan 23. The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) has signed a contract extension with Boeing Defence Australia to continue to support the CH-47F Chinook fleet. The estimated value of the extended contract is approximately $28.68m (A$41m), which increases the total value of the Chinook support service contract to $102.14m (A$146m). Under the extended contract, the company will continue to deliver maintenance, training, and sustainment services to the Australian Army’s fleet of 14 Chinook helicopters over the next five years. (Source: army-technology.com)
20 Jan 23. Jordan inks deal for 12 Block 70 F-16s from Lockheed Martin. The US State Department approved the deal in February, saying the planes and associated equipment would cost some $4.21bn. The Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) Command has signed a deal to buy 12 Block 70 F-16 fighter jets from the US in a bid to help modernize its aging air force. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Breaking Defense.com)
26 Jan 23. Ukraine Orders Additional 105 Surveillance Drones from Quantum-Systems. Quantum-Systems GmbH, an aerial intelligence company that provides multi-sensor data collection drones to government agencies and commercial customers, announced that it will deliver 105 additional long-endurance reconnaissance drones type Vector in military support of Ukraine’s armed forces, funded by the German Government. Founded in 2015, Quantum-Systems is at the forefront of UAS development. Its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) systems boast industry-leading endurance, ease of operation, and reliability, exceeding the performance of conventional UAS platforms. (Source: UAS VISION)
26 Jan 23. Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, Stratford, Connecticut, was awarded a $656,774,666 modification (P00015) to contract W58RGZ-22-C-0010 for UH-60M aircraft. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2027. Fiscal 2010 Foreign Military Sales (Australia) funds in the amount of $656,774,666 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
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Comtech Telecommunications Corp. is a leading global technology company providing terrestrial and wireless network solutions, next-generation 9-1-1 emergency services, satellite and space communications technologies, and clouded native solutions to commercial and government customers around the world. Our unique culture of innovation and employee empowerment unleashes a relentless passion for customer success. With multiple facilities located in technology corridors throughout the United States and the world, Comtech leverages its global presence, technology leadership and decades of experience to create the world’s most innovative communications solutions.
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