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UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO
LAND
16 Mar 23. The British Army will receive modern artillery platforms to replace those supplied to Ukraine, as part of an agreement struck with Sweden.
- Army to replace the AS90 gifted to Ukraine with new ‘Archer’ heavy artillery guns
- Rapid procurement upgrades Army artillery capability, ahead of long-term artillery programme
- Vehicles can be brought into action within 20 seconds and hit targets simultaneously
The first 14 Archer artillery systems will have ownership transferred to the British Army this month and be fully operational by next April, forming an interim replacement for the 32 AS90 artillery systems the UK gifted to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
15 Mar 23. RBSL awards £2.5m Challenger 3 supplier contract to MilDef. A £2.5m subcontract has been awarded to MilDef to supply Generic Vehicle Architecture (GVA) compliant Processors and Ethernet Switches for the British Army’s upgraded Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank (MBT). MilDef will manufacture the components at its UK facility in Cardiff, Wales. The company has invested heavily in the site by building an expanded manufacturing space and installing new testing apparatus, such as temperature chambers, as well as upgrading tools and other manufacturing equipment. Six new full-time roles have been created as a result of the contract award, 50 percent of which are apprentice technician roles, with several other roles being sustained at the company. In total MilDef will deliver over 300 units over the lifetime of the Challenger 3 programme, with deliveries taking place between 2023– 2029.
15 May 23. UK Ministry of Defence Award Land Rover Spares Contract to TVS Supply Chain Solutions. The UK Ministry of Defence, acting through its Agent, Babcock Land Defence Ltd, has awarded TVS Supply Chain Solutions (TVS SCS) a contract for the supply of spares, consumables and accessories for the Land Rover Wolf Platform. The two plus one-year agreement will see TVS SCS use its accredited inventory management, procurement and supply chain expertise to ensure the optimum availability of spares for this legacy vehicle platform. The Land Rover Wolf fleet has been in service with UK MOD since the mid-1990s. Approximately 6,500 vehicles remain in service providing the UK MOD with its utility capability. Obsolescence management is an important ongoing requirement which TVS SCS, along with the Post Design Services contractor, will continue to address to support the availability and upkeep of the platform. This award builds on TVS SCS’s strong position providing supply chain capability in support of several of the UK MOD’s vehicle platforms including: the MITER fleet (construction vehicles, mechanical handling equipment and protective plant); Armoured Fighting Vehicles; and Light Protected Vehicles fleets. TVS SCS is a global supply chain organisation managing circa 3 m items per day for customers across automotive, beverage, defence, healthcare, rail, and utilities sectors. Clients across these sectors rely on TVS to create and manage resilient supply chains to proactively mitigate the risk of supply from global disruptions.
TECHNOLOGY
13 Mar 23. Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:ESLT and TASE: ESLT) (“Elbit Systems” or the “Company”) was awarded a contract to supply Electronic Warfare (EW) self-protection suites for a fighter aircraft that is being supplied to a NATO member country in Europe. As part of the contract, Elbit Systems will equip the aircraft with its EW self-protection suite, including Radar Warning Receivers (RWR) and Countermeasure Dispensing Systems (CMDS). The operational and combat-proven RWR rapidly detects and accurately locates a wide range of enemy threats, even in a dense EW environment, enabling reliable and timely warnings to the aircrew, and an automated or manual response by the CMDS.
EUROPE
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15 Mar 23. Elbit Systems Ltd. was awarded four contracts to supply the Romanian Ministry of National Defense with aircraft upgrades as well as electronic warfare suites, electro-optical infrared (EOIR) payloads and Brightnite™ systems for the IAR 300 helicopters. As part of one of the contracts, the Company will integrate Elbit Systems SPECTRO XR™ payload onto IAR 300 helicopters to enhance the Romanian Navy’s operational capabilities. This contract, which follows a successful upgrade of the Romanian Navy’s IAR helicopters, will be performed over the coming year. In a second contract, Elbit Systems will supply a comprehensive electronic warfare (EW) suite including Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), Laser Warning System (LWS), Infrared Missile Warning System (IR MWS) and Counter Measure Dispensing System (CMDS). The suites will be supplied to a domestic supplier for the installation and integration onboard six PUMA helicopters with an option for an additional six in the future. The contract is a follow on order to additional EW suites that are already installed other Romanian Armed Forces’ platforms. It will be carried out over a period of three years. The Company will also provide, as part of a third contract, Elbit Systems HDTS type head systems, SPECTRO XR electro-optical systems and an aircraft mission package that includes smart displays, digital maps and reconnaissance systems. Elbit Systems will also supply Brightnite™ systems to IAR Brasov for the Romanian Air Force’s Puma 330 SAR helicopters. This contract will be carried out over two years. The SPECTRO XR multi-spectral electro-optical payload is a leap forward in complex intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance capabilities. Suitable for today’s operational complexity, the lightweight payload system is designed for day-and-night extended-range surveillance under various weather conditions. It also provides continuous target scanning capabilities for enhanced situational awareness. The BrightNite system is designed to overcome visibility limitations and enable to safely and effectively fly mission helicopters in pitch dark nights and in DVE conditions including poor weather conditions, brownouts, whiteouts and sandstorms. It transmits high-resolution video to the Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD), enabling pilots to fly in a head-up, eyes-out position. The system can present information to multiple pilots simultaneously on an intuitive multi-functional display. Under a fourth contract, Elbit Systems will supply advanced avionic suites, live training embedded virtual avionics system, advanced monitors, overhead display, navigation system and weapons activation systems to Avione Craiova that is upgrading the Romanian Air Force’s (RoAF) IAR99 advanced fighter trainer aircraft. The IAR99 SOIM is an advanced trainer and the upgrade will support the an effective transition of RoAF pilots to fighter aircraft, including the Romanian Air Force’s F-16s. The contract will be carried out over a period of four years. This upgrade program follows a previous contract for the Romanian Air Force’s trainer aircraft in collaboration with Avione Craiova and was awarded approximately 25 years after Elbit Systems first contract to upgraded the IAR99 aircraft.
16 Mar 23. Poland – Hellfire Missiles. The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Poland of AGM-114R2 Hellfire missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $150 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Republic of Poland has requested to buy eight hundred (800) AGM-114R2 Hellfire missiles; and four (4) M36 Hellfire Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM). Also included is Tactical Aviation Ground Munition Program Office technical assistance; Security Assistance Management Directorate technical assistance; Joint Attack Munition Systems technical assistance; Classified and Unclassified publications; spare parts; repair and return; storage; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated cost is $150m.. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe. The proposed sale will improve Poland’s military goals of updating capability while further enhancing interoperability with the United States and other allies. Poland intends to use these defense articles and services to modernize its armed forces and expand its capability to strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats. Poland 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 Lockheed Martin Corporation, Orlando, FL. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: ASD Network)
15 Mar 23. DoD/DSCA Notifies Congress of Possible FMS of M1278A1 Heavy Gun Carriers Joint Light Tactical Vehicles to Romania. The U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress that the Government of Romania has requested to buy an additional ninety-five (95) Heavy Gun Carriers Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs). This amendment will push the current case above the MDE and total case value notification thresholds and thus requires notification of the entire case. The original FMS case, valued at $43.73m, included thirty-four (34) Heavy Gun Carriers JLTVs. Therefore, this notification is for a total of one hundred twenty-nine (129) M1278A1 Heavy Gun Carriers Joint Light Tactical Vehicles. Also included are VRC-104 radio kits; VRC-114 radio kits; baseline integration kits; basic issue items; Defense Advanced GPS Receivers (DAGRs); DAGR integration kits; network switch ports; exportable power kits; silent watch energy storages; power expansion kits; RF7800i intercom kits; combat bumper kits; winch kits; flat tow kits; run flat kits; spare tire kits; commander supply display units; improved turret drive systems; M1114 turret ring hatches; 2-year contractor spare parts package; technical assistance; total package fielding; technical publications/manuals; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated cost is $104.0m. The principal contractors will be Oshkosh Corporation, Oshkosh, WI; and Oshkosh Defense, LLC, Oshkosh, WI. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. (Source: glstrade.com)
AIR
13 Mar 23. The Spanish Air Force Buys Another 16 PC-21s & Associated Simulators. The Spanish Air Force, Ejército del Aire, decided to purchase 24 PC-21s in early 2020. The final PC-21 of this order was delivered to Spain in mid-2022. The Spanish Air Force has now decided to buy another 16 PC-21s. The contract signed with the Dirección General de Armamento y Material (DGAM) makes Spain the largest PC-21 operator in Europe. (Source: ASD Network)
14 Mar 23. Norway said Tuesday it was buying six US-made Seahawk helicopters for over $1bn to replace the European NH90s it gave up on after a series of delays and setbacks. Fed up by delivery delays and performance issues, the Norwegian government last June decided to cancel a contract for the supply of 14 NH90s from the European industrial consortium NH Industries (NHI). Six of those aircraft were intended for the Norwegian Navy to combat submarines, the other eight for surveillance and coast guard rescue missions. Norway is now ordering six MH-60R Seahawks from US manufacturer Sikorsky, a purchase estimated to cost 12bn kroner ($1.1bn). (Source: News Now/https://www.thedefensepost.com/)
USA
AIR
16 Mar 23. Australia’s aerospace company Hypersonix Launch Systems has been selected to provide hypersonic vehicles to the United States’ Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) for testing. The Australian start-up was selected from a field of major international aerospace companies competing for the DIU contract under the Hypersonic and High-Cadence Airborne Testing Capabilities (HyCAT1) program. The Silicon Valley-headquartered organization that taps into ‘non-traditional’ innovators, the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and its U.S. Air Force and Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering (USD R&E) partners, selected Hypersonix Launch Systems to provide a hypersonic vehicle for its Hypersonic and High-Cadence Airborne Testing Capabilities (HyCAT1) program. DIU’s contract with Hypersonix demonstrates the United States’ increased willingness to source commercial technologies from allied countries to meet urgent strategic challenges. DIU selected Hypersonix from the 63 respondents to the agency’s September 2022 HyCAT solicitation seeking vehicles usable for high cadence long-endurance testing of: hypersonic platforms and components; sensors for detecting and tracking; and systems for communications, navigation, guidance and control. Specifically, DIU requested a vehicle capable of operating in a ‘representative environment’ that can maintain speeds above Mach 5 with a manoeuvrable/non-ballistic flight profile and at least a 3-minute flight duration with near-constant flight conditions. DIU also wishes the flights to be repeated at short intervals. Hypersonix responded with its DART AE (Additive Engineering) vehicle. DART AE makes significant use of 3D-printing and is powered by a hydrogen-fuelled SPARTAN scramjet engine, capable of flying non-ballistic flight patterns at speeds of Mach 5 to Mach 7 and up to 1000 kms in range (400 seconds flight time). The DART AE has a modular payload bay of up to 20 lbs and Hypersonix plans to fly it in early 2024. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
13 Mar 23. Lockheed Martin company Sikorsky has selected Canadian avionics maker CMC Electronics’ military Flight Management System (FMS) for its Black Hawks. The companies have signed a new multi-year contract, buts its value has not been disclosed. Details regarding the delivery timelines and the number of systems to be supplied also remain undisclosed. As per the terms of the contract, CMC will provide its CMA-2082MC military FMS for installation on the S-70i, S-70M, HH-60M, HH-60W, UH-60M, and several other Sikorsky helicopter models. (Source: army-technology.com)
14 Mar 23. NASA Selects L3Harris to Develop Imager for NOAA Satellite. NASA, on behalf of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has selected L3Harris Technologies Inc. of Fort Wayne, Indiana, to develop the imager for NOAA’s Geostationary Extended Observations (GeoXO) satellite program. This cost-plus-award-fee contract is valued at approximately $765.5m. It includes the development of two flight instruments as well as options for additional units. The anticipated period of performance for this contract includes support for 10 years of on-orbit operations and five years of on-orbit storage, for a total of 15 years for each flight model. The work will be completed at L3Harris facilities, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. (Source: ASD Network)
10 Mar 23. Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, Stratford, Connecticut, was awarded a $164,300,383 modification (P00017) to contract W58RGZ-22-C-0010 to exercise an option for UH-60M aircraft. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2027. Fiscal 2023 aircraft procurement, Army funds in the amount of $164,300,383 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
TECHNOLOGY
16 Mar 23. QinetiQ Inc., Lorton, Virginia, was awarded a $92,658,048 hybrid (cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price) contract for analysis, development, demonstration, testing, acquisition, transition, integration, initial deployment, sustainment and training of Digital Night Vision Technology and related equipment and systems. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of March 12, 2027. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W909MY-23-D-0002).
REST OF THE WORLD
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17 Mar 23. India clears acquisition of ATAGS, mobility vehicles. India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved the procurement of advanced towed artillery gun system (ATAGS), along with high-mobility vehicles (HMVs) and gun towing vehicles (GTVs) for the Indian Army. The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in a statement that the procurement, approved through the provision of an ‘Acceptance of Necessity’ (AoN) status under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category, includes 155 mm/52 calibre ATAGS. The acquisition is a part of the AoNs granted for capital acquisition in the fiscal year (FY) 2022/23 worth over INR2.71trn (USD32.77bn). A senior Indian Army official told Janes that the capability is required to provide direct fire support to artillery units along the country’s northern borders with China. (Source: Janes)
14 Mar 23. The Finnish government has granted Estonia a license to re-export D-30 towed howitzers to Ukraine. The grant includes ammunition. The number of guns to be exported was not revealed. Estonia announced the delivery of the Soviet gun to Ukraine as part of a weapons package worth 220m euros ($235m) in April 2022. (Source: Google/Defense Daily)
13 Mar 23. Airobotics, Ltd and Dubai Police have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate to provide aerial defensive solutions against potential aerial threats, and to cooperate in the implementation of Airobotics’ Optimus System. “Through the MOU, Airobotics and Dubai Police will work towards developing joint activities in the fields of common interest making the Optimus System match the operational goals of Dubai Police and implementing AI technologies to enhance the performance of the Optimus and Iron-Drone systems,” according to a company press release. “Dubai Police also declared its intention to purchase a certain number of Airobotics’ counter-drone solutions, Iron-Drone.” For more information: https://ir.ondas.com/press-releases/detail/115/ondas-airobotics-and-dubai-police-will-cooperate-to (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
14 Mar 23. Israel Ministry of Defense acquires comprehensive maintenance support services from RAFAEL for Navy’s TYPHOON cannons. For the first time, a civilian industry will provide comprehensive maintenance support services for operational systems employed by the Israeli Navy. The agreement aims to increase accessibility and efficiency, while reducing costs. In addition, routine maintenance work will be performed at the highest professional level, thus ensuring optimal operational capabilities. The multi-year agreement will extend for over 20 years and includes maintenance services for dozens of “TYPHOON” remotely-controlled naval weapon stations (RCWS). The services will bolster the technological and operational cooperation between RAFAEL and the Israeli Navy and establish maintenance capabilities for additional systems.
14 Mar 23. Ghost Robotics to supply Vision 60 UGVs to JSDF. Philadelphia-based Ghost Robotics plans to deliver at least six units of its Vision 60 (V60) quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) in 2024, a company official told Janes at the DSEI Japan 2023 show being held in Chiba. The company is currently collaborating with the Japanese Ministry of Defense (MoD) to finalise the terms of the contract, the official said. Ghost Robotics intends to supply three units of the V60 UGV to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), and three units to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), the official added. The official said that the JGSDF and the JASDF are expected to use the V60 UGVs for perimeter security and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. (Source: Janes)
17 Mar 23. Taiwan to upgrade M60A3 main battle tanks. Taiwan has announced plans to upgrade the US-made M60A3 main battle tanks (MBTs) in service with the Republic of China Army (RoCA) Ministry of National Defense (MND) of Taiwan has awarded a contract worth USD241m to US-based engine manufacturer Renk America (RA) for supplying its AVDS 750 hp engines to modernise the M60A3 fleet in service with RoCA, RA told Janes. RA said that the AVDS engines are 12-cylinder, turbocharged, air-cooled diesel engines. The mechanical configuration of the engines is 90° between two cylinders, which is also called V configuration. The power of the engine ranges from 750 to 1,200 hp. According to Janes Land Warfare Platforms: Armoured Fighting Vehicles, the M60 is produced by now General Dynamics Land Systems and is armed with a 105 mm gun and has a crew of four. Between 1960 and 1987, it was produced in several variants, and was used as a basis for numerous support variants. (Source: Janes)
SEA
10 Mar 23. Australian Warship Alliance Welcomes Contract Extension. The Commonwealth Government has awarded a contract extension to the Warship Asset Management Agreement (WAMA) partners, securing the future of critical ship management capability. The WAMA is an alliance of BAE Systems Australia, Saab Australia, Naval Ship Management and the Commonwealth Government and sustains hundreds of skilled shipbuilding jobs at Henderson supporting a strong local supply chain. The timing of the Transition Capability Assurance Program (TransCAP) will align with BAE Systems’ plans to modernise its Henderson site so that complex capability upgrades can be delivered more efficiently. (Source: ASD Network)
17 Mar 23. Sensor solutions specialist HENSOLDT UK has been awarded two contracts by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) to supply Kelvin Hughes Mk11 SharpEye navigation radars to the Philippine Navy. The six 2,400-ton Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) and two 3,200-ton Corvettes are currently being built at HHI and will be delivered over the next four years. The SharpEye Mk11 radars are approved by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and are installed in conjunction with an integrated navigation bridge system. The radars will provide enhanced navigation and surface surveillance capability. The solid-state SharpEye transceivers are located upmast in a carbon fibre turning unit bringing additional benefits such as ease of installation and high reliability. The use of a direct drive motor system, rather than a traditional antenna rotator gearbox, reduces maintenance costs.
AIR
15 Mar 23. Innovative British Military fast-jet company AERALIS has today announced a partnership with Japanese aircraft manufacturers, ShinMaywa. Signed at DSEI Japan, the two companies will work together to establish best practice in the implementation of Digital Engineering processes for aircraft design and manufacturing. Best known for the US-2 Flying Boat produced for Japan’s Maritime Self Defence Force, ShinMaywa has extensive aerostructures experience and is looking at the potential of introducing full Digital Engineering processes. Initial work is scheduled to start this month (March 2023), and will seek to establish how Digital Engineering can enhance ShinMaywa’s aircraft and AeroSystems business. Experts from each company will be embedded in the process to support a free and open exchange of knowledge.
13 Mar 23. HAL to deliver six more Dornier-228 aircraft to IAF. Each new aircraft to be delivered under this deal will feature upgraded engines and a five-bladed composite propeller. The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with state-owned company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the delivery of Dornier Do-228 aircraft. Announced on 10 March, the new contract has an estimated value of approximately $81.47m (Rs6.67bn). Under this contract, HAL will deliver a total of six additional Do-228 aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF). will feature upgraded and fuel-efficient engines, as well as a five-bladed composite propeller. This type of aircraft is mainly suitable for carrying out short-haul operations, which are primarily performed from the semi-prepared or short runways of India’s island chains and Northeast region. Once delivered, the new Dornier fleet will boost the IAF’s operational capabilities to undertake missions in the country’s remote areas. Besides, the six new twin-turboprop short take-off and landing (STOL) aircraft will further enhance the overall readiness of the IAF fleet. HAL’s Dornier Do-228 is a multi-role light transport aircraft that has been designed and developed mainly to meet the existing and emerging needs of the air forces for transport infrastructure and other utility operations. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
10 Mar 23. Magellan Aerospace Corporation (“Magellan”) announced today a contract with the Government of Canada to design, build, launch, and operate the Redwing microsatellite. Directed by the Department of National Defence’s science and technology organization, Defence Research and Development Canada (“DRDC”), the $15.8m Redwing contract represents the next generation of spacecraft technology for space domain awareness technology demonstration. When launched in 2026, Redwing will perform space object tracking to characterize an increasingly congested orbital environment, observe higher detail on space objects, and provide near real-time tasking to response to evolving space events. Redwing will provide immense value to Canada and its allied partners in a risk reduction role, by helping to ensure continued Canadian access to critical space capabilities such as communications, remote sensing, and weather services. It will also provide the Canadian Armed Forces with a platform experimental characterization of space objects, supporting a critical role within Canada’s space operations community. Redwing also supports the defence of North America by increasing understanding of what is in orbit above North America and other continental regions. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
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