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UNITED KINGDOM
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08 Mar 23. Blighter Surveillance Systems (www.blighter.com), the British designer and manufacturer of electronic-scanning radars and surveillance solutions, has been awarded a contract to supply its Multi-Mode A800 3D e-scan radars to Raytheon UK as part of a Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) System project with UK MoD. The project will deliver a demonstrator system to showcase the capability of the Raytheon Technologies-manufactured laser in neutralising small Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), using two A800 radars for initial target detection and direction of the laser’s targeting system. The laser weapon system will be mounted to a vehicle, with the ground-based A800 providing detection and designation nearby. Blighter will be assisting with the design phase of the system and developing a concept of operation and support during the trials, which will take place at a UK MoD test range. Blighter was chosen for this contract not only for the best-in-class detection capabilities of the radar itself, but also because the A800 is designed with integration in mind, able to seamlessly operate in cohesion with existing Command and Control (C2) systems.
09 Mar 23. Spectra Group announces supply of Troposcatter COMET Systems to ARRC for C2 experimentation. Spectra Group (UK) Ltd, a specialist provider of secure voice, data and satellite communications systems, announces the supply of a number of Troposcatter Compact Over-the horizon Mobile Expeditionary Terminal (COMET) systems to the British Army’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) 3-star Headquarters (HQ) as part of their Agile Command and Control (C2) experimentation programme. The initial award has a value of £1.2 m, with aspirations to upscale following results analysis and suitable funding being secured. The capability will help support HQ ARRC’s rapid deployment role, enabling the communication of large data in a tactical environment without relying on host nation infrastructure or satellites.
07 Mar 23. British Army selects TAK for Dismounted Situational Awareness programme. The Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) has been selected as the preferred battle management application (BMA) solution for the British Army’s Dismounted Situational Awareness (DSA) programme. Speaking at SAE Media Group’s 2023 Future Soldier Technology Conference on 6 March, David Dalby, TacSys Delivery Team Soldier Systems Portfolio lead for the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), said that the solution was selected because it enables integration with international partners and will reduce the training burden for the soldier. The system was selected under the DSA’s Equipment Delivery Drop (EDD) 1, Dalby said. He added that the approach to delivering the overarching DSA solution will be through an incremental delivery strategy via EDDs. Ten EDDs over the next five years are planned, with two delivery drops expected per year. (Source: Janes)
SEA
08 Mar 23. Kraken Robotics Inc. (TSX-V: PNG, OTCQB: KRKNF), announces a $1.3m purchase order from an unnamed customer for our AquaPix® synthetic aperture sonars (SAS). These systems will be integrated to a NATO Navy’s Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) for use in minehunting and security applications. Delivery is expected in 2023. Kraken’s AquaPix is an off the shelf, configurable SAS that replaces high end sidescan systems at an affordable price, while delivering higher resolution, range, and area coverage rates (ACR). The increased range, resolution, and therefore higher useable ACR of SAS over traditional Side Scan Sonar systems significantly expand the capabilities of naval, scientific, and commercial applications. Kraken’s AquaPix is capable of 2 cm x 2 cm Ultra High-Definition SAS imaging at long ranges. AquaPix is uniquely positioned within the industry to bring this capability to the increasingly popular small, man-portable vehicle class. AquaPix is modular and has been integrated and deployed on over 20 different underwater vehicle platforms from shallow water to full ocean depth. Kraken’s SAS is modular and versatile, demonstrated by being one of only two companies in the world that has sold and integrated SAS into small, man portable vehicles, towed systems, and deep-water vehicles. This ability to cross several platforms enables military customers to streamline their Post Mission Analysis by having the same sonar resolution and ATR performance across their entire fleet of vehicles and mission requirements. (Source: ASD Network)
AIR
08 Mar 23. Royal Navy brings in Banshee to build RPAS capability. The UK Royal Navy (RN) has purchased seven QinetiQ Banshee Jet 80+ remotely piloted air systems (RPAS), as the next step in building its unmanned aircraft system (UAS) capability. The Banshees will support two primary tasks for 700X Naval Air Squadron (NAS), the maritime UAS centre of expertise. (Source: Janes)
06 Mar 23. TEKEVER, the European market leader in maritime surveillance, today announces it has been awarded a renewed three-year contract by the UK Home Office to provide Surveillance-as-a-Service across the English Channel, using its cutting-edge AR5 and AR3 drones. Under the terms of the contract, TEKEVER will be responsible for the provision of its AR5 system, a twin-engine fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) designed for maritime surveillance missions. The AR5 which can fly for more than 20 hours, carry multiple sensors, including maritime radars, synthetic aperture radars, day and night cameras and AIS and EPIRB receivers, will operate as part of the Home Office contract over the English Channel. It will detect and recognise potentially illegal vessels, track and identify them, and provide the authorities with real-time and highly accurate intelligence. In addition, the AR3 provides flexible sensor options and 16h endurance with a very reduced logistics footprint, making it ideal for the most demanding tactical scenarios. Used either in its VTOL-mode, or launched with a highly mobile catapult system and recovered using a parachute or a net, AR3 is ideal to create a complementary response to AR5 missions. Since the establishment of operations in June 2019, TEKEVER has delivered thousands of maritime surveillance flight hours. Carrying out missions with humanitarian purposes, TEKEVER UAV data has been a critical component of a multiagency operation that has saved more than 84,000 lives.
EUROPE
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07 Mar 23. Denmark orders ATMOS SPHs and PULS MRLs. Denmark has awarded contracts to Elbit Systems for 155 mm/52 calibre Autonomous Truck Mounted howitzer System (ATMOS) self-propelled howitzers (SPHs) and Precise and Universal Launching System (PULS) multiple rocket launcher (MRL) artillery systems, a spokesperson for the Danish Ministry of Defence’s (MoD’s) Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) confirmed to Janes on 6 March. The procurement includes training, spare parts, and tools for both systems, he added. Elbit Systems announced in a press release on 2 March that it had awarded two contracts worth a total of USD252m to a European NATO country: a USD119m contract for a battalion’s worth of the ATMOS SPHs over a two-year period and a USD133m contract for two batteries’ worth of PULS MRLs, plus rockets and missiles, over a three-year period. The DALO spokesperson told Janes. (Source: Janes)
07 Mar 23. Hungary acquires new Elbit soldier and vehicular radios. The Hungarian Defence Forces (HDF) will receive new soldier and vehicular radios under the Zrínyi programme. The new radios are being supplied by Elbit Systems, Colonel János Pölöskei, branch leader for the Command and Control Systems Development Branch at HDF Command – Force Planning Directorate, announced at SAE Media Group’s 2023 Future Soldier Technology conference on 6 March. Col Pölöskei told Janes that the company is supplying its E-LynX family of software-defined radios, and that the procurement is part of the Zrínyi 2026 Defense and Force Development Programme. He had not responded to a request for comment on the number of units being procured at the time of publication, although he did note that the radios will be integrated into the majority of the country’s military vehicles, including Leopard 2 main battle tanks (MBTs), PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers (SPHs), and HDF 4×4 vehicles, as well as other legacy platforms, Col Pölöskei said. (Source: Janes)
07 Mar 23. Kitron receives communications order from Kongsberg. EMS provider Kitron has received an order with a value of more than NOK 180 m (EUR 16.2m) from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. The order is for military tactical communications equipment for the defence market developed and produced by Kongsberg. The company says that production will take place at Kitron’s facility in Arendal, Norway and that deliveries will start in 2024 and continue into 2025. (Source: Google/https://evertiq.com/news)
03 Mar 23. Saab has received an order from Lithuania’s Defence Materiel Agency for Carl-Gustaf® ammunition. The order value is SEK 145m and deliveries will start during 2024. The order is placed within a framework agreement initially signed between Saab and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, which allows Lithuania, together with Latvia and Estonia, to place orders for Carl-Gustaf M4 weapons and ammunition during a ten-year period. (Source: ASD Network)
AIR
07 Mar 23. Contract With Armaereo on the Upgrade of the Italian AF’s C-27J Fleet. Leonardo and Armaereo, the Italian Defence Ministry’s Air Force Armament and Airworthiness Directorate, have signed a contract which represents an important step in the Italian Air Force’s C-27J Spartan fleet upgrade. The contract includes: the development, integration qualification and certification of a new avionics configuration for the C-27J, the upgrading of a number of general systems on the aircraft, the self-protection system and the flight simulator. It also includes the delivery of the relevant first aircraft in this configuration, potentially followed by the retrofitting of the remaining 11 aircraft. Under this contract, the Air Force’s C-27J will receive a significant upgrade of its avionic suite through the integration of new features such as the Mission Computer, the Flight Management System, Head Up and Head Down displays, radio and satellite communication systems, self-protection system and other upgrades improving the aircraft’s flexibility and operational effectiveness. The training system will also be updated on the basis of the new systems introduced on-board, aligning both training devices (flight simulators) and courseware (teaching materials) along with relevant technical publications. (Source: ASD Network)
USA
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08 Mar 23. BAE Systems Land & Armaments LP, Sterling Heights, Michigan, is awarded a $256,885,866 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract M67854-16-C-0006 for Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACV). The total cumulative face value of the contract is $2,327,974,121. This contract modification provides for the exercise of options for the procurement of 27 full rate production (FRP) ACV personnel variants, 17 FRP ACV command variants, and associated production, and fielding and support costs. Work will be performed in York, Pennsylvania (60%); Aiken, South Carolina (15%); San Jose, California (15%); Sterling Heights, Michigan (5%); and Stafford, Virginia (5%), with an expected completion date of July 2025. Fiscal 2023 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $256,885,866 will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity.
SEA
09 Mar 23. General Dynamics NASSCO, San Diego, California, is awarded a $68,189,805 firm-fixed-price contract action for maintenance, modernization, and repair of USS Anchorage (LPD 23) fiscal year 2023 docking selected restricted availability. The scope of this acquisition includes all labor, supervision, facilities, equipment, production, testing, and quality assurance necessary to prepare for and accomplish the Chief of Naval Operations availability for managing critical modernization, maintenance, and repair programs. This contract includes options, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $85,288,959. Work will be performed in San Diego, California, and is expected to be completed by July 2024. Fiscal 2023 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $62,266,294 (91.3%); and fiscal 2023 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $5,923,511 (8.7%) will be obligated at the time of award, of which $5,923,511 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, with two offers received. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N0002423C4407
AIR
09 Mar 23. USAF certifies Boeing MH-139 for production, purchases 13. The US Air Force (USAF) on 7 March approved the Boeing MH-139 for production and issued a contract for 13 low-rate initial production (LRIP) helicopters. The Boeing MH-139, a derivative of the Leonardo AW-139, is intended to replace the Bell UH-1 in USAF service for ‘VIP transport’ in Washington, DC, and security troops in nuclear missile fields. Boeing has delivered four MH-139s to date – currently in USAF testing at Duke Field, Florida – and two more are scheduled for delivery by July. The USAF has expressed concerns about acquiring full data rights from the MH-139, but Khan told Janes. (Source: Janes)
06 Mar 23. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. announced a new contract with U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) to provide three MQ-9B SkyGuardian® remotely piloted aircraft systems to its first U.S. customer. AFSOC’s acquisition of MQ-9B builds on more than 20 years as a GA-ASI partner and more than 14 years flying the MQ-9A Reaper, operating more than 40 aircraft in harsh environments around the world. MQ-9B will feature a key role in developing AFSOC’s new Adaptive Airborne Enterprise (A2E) concept, which envisions AFSOC projecting air power for special operations forces from beyond the horizon, using a family of large UAS and expendable, small UAS from permissive to denied environments.
06 Mar 23. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), a Technology Company in the Defense, National Security and Global Markets and industry-leading provider of high-performance, jet-powered unmanned aerial systems, announced today that Kratos has received a $21,738,865.71 Firm Fixed Price delivery order for Lot 19 procurement of 17 aircraft, mission kits, certain flight consumables, and technical data for the BQM-167A Air Force Subscale Aerial Targets (AFSATs) under the five-year base contract. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin AFB, Florida, is the contracting activity. (Source: ASD Network)
06 Mar 23. L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) today announced a contract from Maxar Technologies to design and build reflector antennas for two geostationary communication satellites. The two nine-meter unfurlable mesh reflector antennas will provide high-power signals and improved service quality across the satellites’ coverage areas. Similar to an umbrella, the flexible architecture of the antenna makes it collapsible, lightweight, compact and easy to integrate onto nearly any spacecraft configuration. The high-performance reflector antennas, to be built in L3Harris’ Palm Bay, Florida facilities, feature an L3Harris-proprietary, gold-plated mesh-reflective surface that, coupled with a unique design, maximizes antenna gain and provides improved performance required for mobile media services. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
09 Mar 23. Lockheed Martin Corp., a Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $106,954,575 modification (P00001) to a previously awarded, cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N0001922C0062). This contract definitizes a previously awarded undefinitized action that provides engineering, test, maintenance, logistics, and material, in support of Phase 2 upgrades of the Australia Canada United Kingdom Reprogramming Laboratory (ACURL) for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. Additionally, this modification adds scope to procure verification and validation system hardware, common system infrastructure hardware, ACURL Phase 2 follow on modernization design and training in support of ACURL Phase 2 efforts. Work will be performed in Eglin, Florida (80%); and Fort Worth, Texas (20%), and is expected to be completed in December 2029. Non-U.S. Department of Defense participant funds in the amount of $266,931,896 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
06 Mar 23. Pratt & Whitney, a Raytheon Technologies (RTX.N) unit, said on Monday it has been awarded a $5.2bn contract to support production of the 15th and 16th lots of F135 engines, with an option to award a 17th lot, powering all three variants of the F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft. The total contract value for lots 15-17, with exercised options, is about $8bn and will fund over 418 F135 engines, Pratt & Whitney said. The contract funds production of 278 F135 engines with an option to order up to 518 engines. It also includes program management, engineering support, production support and tooling. The U.S. government had cleared Pratt & Whitney to resume deliveries of its F-135 engine for the F-35 fighter jet last month after a halt was put in place in December following the discovery of a safety concern. As of December 2022, Pratt & Whitney has delivered more than 1,000 F135 production engines. (Source: Reuters)
07 Mar 23. Ursa Major, America’s leading privately funded company focused solely on rocket propulsion, today announced an agreement with launch provider Vector Launch to support Vector’s recently awarded U.S. national security contract. Ursa Major will supply several 5,000-pound thrust “Hadley” engines to power the main stage of Vector-R launch vehicles to demonstrate capabilities for future missions. Vector Launch is focused on solving complex national security challenges facing the intelligence community, U.S. Department of Defense and other government agencies. (Source: PR Newswire)
TECHNOLOGY
06 Mar 23. L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) today announced receiving an undefinitized contract from Lockheed Martin to procure long-lead material for the Viper Shield electronic warfare system to accelerate global product delivery. In late 2022, Viper Shield successfully completed the critical design review milestone with Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force. Viper Shield also demonstrated interoperability with the new APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar during testing at the Lockheed Martin Systems Integration Lab. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
REST OF THE WORLD
LAND
27 Feb 23. EA (Excalibur Army) and RESOURCE INDUSTRIES signed a contract for hundreds of vehicles on Tatra chassis at IDEX 2023 in Abu Dhabi. During the IDEX 2023 exhibition our company and the RESOURCE INDUSTRIES company from the United Arab Emirates announced the conclusion of a contract amounting up to 77m Euros for the production and supply of vehicles on Tatra chassis. The newly concluded contract will allow the RESOURCE INDUSTRIES company to manufacture and supply to the market in the United Arab Emirates two hundred vehicles with TATRA TRUCKS a.s. chassis for military and civilian purposes. In addition, and within this contract, EA will also supply recovery and evacuation vehicles TREVA-30. This contract was also preceded by an ongoing contract for the supply of PATRIOT II 4×4 wheeled armoured vehicles, which can be seen at the exhibition. Following the announced significant contract, our company and RESOURCE INDUSTRIES expect further close cooperation in the near future. In this sense, both companies signed a Letter of Authorisation, based on which RESOURCE INDUSTRIES holds exclusive rights for the production, distribution, and presentation of vehicles on Tatra Force chassis for the United Arab Emirates, including the provision of service and the distribution of spare parts. RESOURCE INDUSTRIES will assemble vehicles on Tatra chassis in its own production facility in the United Arab Emirates, EA will provide CKD kits and certain structural sub-assemblies for this operation. (Source: www.joint-forces.com)
07 Mar 23. Australia – Javelin FGM-148F Missiles. The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of Javelin FGM-148F missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $60.18m. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of Australia has requested to buy up to two hundred fifty-five (255) Javelin FGM-148F missiles (includes five (5) fly-to-buy missiles). Also included is U.S. technical assistance, consisting of Tactical Air Ground Missiles (TAGM) Project Office technical assistance and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $60.18m. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States. Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability. The proposed sale will improve the Australian Army’s capability to meet current and future threats by maintaining and increasing its anti-armor capability. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The prime U.S. contractor will be the Javelin Joint Venture between Lockheed Martin in Orlando, FL and Raytheon Missiles and Defense in Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: ASD Network)
SEA
07 Mar 23. Kongsberg Maritime announces the sale of six sets of Controllable Pitch Propeller systems to Hyundai Heavy Industries for installation in six new 94-metre offshore patrol vessels for the Philippine Navy. Each propulsion set will consist of twin Kongsberg Kamewa Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) 86 A/5 D-B systems, as well as shaft lines, hydraulic power units, local operating panels, and accessories. The first shipset will be delivered in August 2024. The six new offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) are part of a major upgrade to Philippine naval capacity. The new vessels are to have a displacement of 2,450 tonnes, maximum speed of 22 knots, 15-knot cruising speed and a range of 5,500 nautical miles. The vessels will be able to provide long range patrol capability.
03 Mar 23. Lockheed Martin, Rotary and Mission Systems, Moorestown, New Jersey, is awarded a $214,500,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus-incentive-fee, and cost type contract for multinational early start engineering efforts including planning and advance studies, requirements development, and performance assessment of the planned modernization and new combat system capabilities selection for current and future International Partner ships operating AEGIS. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales to Canada and other countries. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey, and is expected to be completed by December 2023. Foreign Military Sales (Canada) funds in the amount of $28,082,682 will be obligated on the first task order 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)(1) (only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements) and 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(4) (International Agreement). The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-23-D-5109).
01 Mar 23. Wärtsilä will supply the main propulsion machinery, as well as a range of other equipment and systems for two new 110-metre long amphibious transport vessels being built for the Chilean Navy. The order was placed by Astilleros y Maestranzas de la Armada (Asmar), the state-owned shipyard constructing the vessels and it was included in Wärtsilä’s order book in February 2023. The Escotillón IV project, under which these ships are being built, will not only increase Chile’s defence capabilities, but will also allow the ships to be used for humanitarian operations. The full Wärtsilä scope for each ship includes two Wärtsilä 26 main engines and four Wärtsilä 20 auxiliary engines, an emergency generating set, two Wärtsilä gearboxes, two controlled pitch propellers (CPPs) with efficiency rudders and steering gear, the Wärtsilä ProTouch control system, a Wärtsilä tunnel thruster, a main switchboard, a power management system (PMS), two power take-in/take-out (PTI/PTO) drives, two uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, the transformers, and a bow thruster drive. (Source: www.joint-forces.com)
AIR
03 Mar 23. Airbus wins contract from Angola for Earth observation satellite Angeo-1. Supporting Angola’s strategic space ambitions with the most advanced satellite in its class in the region. As part of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit today, Airbus Defence and Space has announced an agreement for Angeo-1, the first very high performance Angolan Earth observation satellite, to be manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space in France, which strengthens the collaboration between the two countries.
07 Mar 23. Elbit Systems has received and order for its 120th Hermes™ 900 Medium-Range Long-Altitude (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The family of the Hermes 900 multi-role MALE UAV is Elbit Systems’ largest unmanned aerial vehicle and is capable of performing a wide range of missions including persistent intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR). The advanced UAV can also can perform ground support and maritime patrol missions, and provides the capabilities for integrated multi-platform, multi-sensor operations. The UAV has an endurance of up to 30 hours in a single sortie and features over-the-horizon, persistent multi-mission capabilities with a class leading payload carrying capacity of 450kgs and maximum ceiling of 30,000 feet. The Hermes 900 incorporates flexible cutting edge multi- payload configurations employing standard and long-range SPECTRO EO/IR/SWIR/LTD, SAR/GMTI & MPR, COMINT Cellular, CoMMJAM, ELINT, large area scanning systems, SkyEye wide area persistent surveillance and other payloads. The Starliner™ UAV, a derivative of the Hermes 900, is equipped with advanced civil aviation technology allowing it to meet both military and civilian certification standards. These technologies include a terrain avoidance warning system; automatic take-off and landing in limited visibility conditions; redundant avionics, sensors and satellite data links; as well as adverse weather capabilities, direct lightning strike sustainment, flight in denied / Jammed GPS environment, automatic air traffic sense and avoiding systems and avoiding auto-maneuvers and last resort parachute to avoid injuries to human lives. The Starliner UAV is the only NATO Class III UAV with these certifications in the world. Since the first order of the unmanned aerial system (UAS) in 2011, the Hermes 900 has been selected by more than 20 customers around the world, making it the only NATO class III MALE operational on five continents. Its users are the Air Forces, Navy, Army agencies such as border protection, police and more. The UAS is flown by Israel, Switzerland, Canada, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Switzerland, Philippines, Thailand and others. The significant number of Hermes 900 ordered and delivered to customers attests to its competitive edge that combines technological sophistication, reliability, open architecture, and advanced Visual, Signal and RADAR intelligence capabilities.
08 Mar 23. The Nigerian Army has awarded MD Helicopters a contract to supply 12 Cayuse Warrior Plus scout/attack helicopters to assist in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in the country. Georgia-based MD Helicopters made the announcement on 7 March, saying the aircraft will be used for area security, tactical reconnaissance convoy escort, and drug interdiction missions in Nigeria. The Nigerian selection includes a complete ILS (Integration Logistic Support) package, spares, pilot and maintainer training, and Flight Training Device (FTD). Flight International reports that another 24 will be acquired at a later stage, likely in further batches of 12. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
07 Mar 23. Japan – E-2D Advanced Hawkeye AEW&C Aircraft. The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan of E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (AHE) Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.381bn. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of Japan has requested to buy up to five (5) E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft; twelve (12) T56-A-427A Engines (10 installed, 2 spares); six (6) Multifunction Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System Terminals (5 installed, 1 spare); five (5) APY-9 Radars (installed); five (5) AN/AYK-27 Integrated Navigation Control and Display Systems (installed); twelve (12) LN-251 Embedded Global Positioning Systems/Inertial Navigation Systems with Embedded Airborne Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module or M-Code Receiver (10 installed, 2 spares); and six (6) ALQ-217 Electronic Support Measures Systems (5 installed and 1 spare). Also included are aircraft ancillary equipment; modifications; spare and repair parts; support equipment; publications and technical documentation; software; personal protective equipment; personnel training and training equipment; ferry services; U.S. Government and contractor logistics, engineering, and technical support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total program cost is $1.381bn. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Asia-Pacific region. The proposed sale will improve Japan’s ability to effectively provide homeland defense utilizing an AEW&C capability. Japan will use the E-2D AHE aircraft to provide AEW&C situational awareness of air and naval activity in the Pacific region and to augment its existing E-2C Hawkeye AEW&C fleet. Japan will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractor will be Northrop Grumman Corporation Aerospace Systems, Melbourne, FL. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: ASD Network)
08 Mar 23. New Zealand to test space-based air traffic control tech. New Zealand’s air traffic control provider has inked a deal with Skykraft to test new tech that can monitor the positions of aircraft from space. The partnership will see Canberra-based Skykraft use its constellation of five satellites to collect aircraft movement data and test it against traditional information collected by provider Airways New Zealand. Monitoring planes from space has the advantage of being able to track aircraft in areas not covered by traditional, land-based technology and without the need for expensive, ground-based infrastructure. (Source: Space Connect)
TECHNOLOGY
07 Mar 23. BlackSky Technology Inc. (NYSE: BKSY) won a $150+m competitive contract to provide advanced space-based tactical GEOINT-as-a-service to an international ministry of defense customer. This multi-year contract for advanced subscription-based GEOINT-as-a-services is aligned with the deployment of Blacksky’s next-generation constellation and contains options to extend services as needed. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
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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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