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UNITED KINGDOM
LAND
23 May 23. Elbit Systems UK to Deliver Ground-Based Surveillance Radar to British Armed Forces. Elbit Systems UK has been awarded a contract from the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) to provide a series of Ground-Based Surveillance Radar (GBSR) systems, manufactured and developed in the UK and Europe, to the British Armed Forces to support front line threat detection for a range of end-users. Elbit Systems UK will deliver 90 GBSR systems throughout 2023 and 2024, with a follow-on option of an additional 40 systems. The GBSR system is easily portable and uses Digital Signal Processing to detect, track and classify targets moving on or close to the ground. The systems being delivered have been customised by Elbit Systems UK to meet the specialist capability requirements of a joint end-user community. These adaptations include an optimised stabilisation unit and open architecture software upgrades to facilitate integration both with existing and future MOD systems. The system also incorporates capture software that allows operator performance to be analysed. This will support extensive, data-driven training for the user.
AIR
19 May 23. The Royal Navy has announced its intention to award a contract to General Atomics to trial ‘Project Mojave’ drones onboard a British aircraft carrier. The contract, which has a non-qualifying single-source status, is worth up to £1,500,000 (ex VAT) and is projected to span a period of seven months. Under the ambitious Project Mojave, General Atomics is set to undertake trials and experiments aimed at showcasing the threshold capabilities of a Short Take off and Landing Uncrewed Air Vehicle aircraft. (Source: News Now/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)
EUROPE
LAND
24 May 23. Czech Republic Awards BAE Systems $2.2bn Contract to Acquire 246 CV90s. The Czech Republic has successfully completed negotiations with the government of Sweden, the Swedish defense procurement organization FMV, and BAE Systems Hägglunds to buy 246 CV90 MkIV infantry fighting vehicles in seven different variants. The contract is valued at SEK 22bn ($2.2bn). The agreement provides highly-capable vehicles for Czech soldiers while providing Czech industry a significant role in the program. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
24 May 23. FMV has signed a framework agreement with Equipnor AB for rapid-firing machine guns for the amphibious battalions. The system will initially arm Stridsbåt 90, but may eventually also be relevant for other parts of the Swedish Armed Forces. The machine gun, which is manufactured by Dillon Aero Inc., is electrically powered and can fire about 3,000 rounds per minute. It provides better conditions for hitting targets when the firing platform is in motion and is desirable when, for example, the battleships are in rough seas. The high rate of fire also provides better conditions for achieving local fire superiority in a short time, which makes it easier for the unit to solve its ordinary combat tasks. The process of acquiring a new support weapon for the amphibious battalions began already in 2012 when the FMV carried out the first tests of various systems. Several tests have since followed to ensure that the procured system is suitable for a range of different combat situations. (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/)
24 May 23. INVISIO receives order worth SEK 90m from a European customer. INVISIO has received an order worth approximately SEK 90m for hearing protection and communication systems under the Racal Acoustics brand. The customer is a European NATO country and the systems will be used in vehicles. Most of the deliveries will take place during the current year. The hearing protection and communication systems under the Racal Acoustics brand are mainly used in heavy vehicles in critical and extremely noisy conditions, which puts high demands both on communication capability and hearing protection functionality.
26 May 23. Rheinmetall has received an order from the German Bundeswehr to supply a further 57 heavy tractor units in the 70-tonne payload class. Known as the “SaZgM 70t mil” in German military parlance, the unprotected heavy-duty trucks are scheduled for delivery in 2023 and 2024. The total value of the order is worth just over €50m, including value added tax. The German armed forces use the trucks primarily for transporting heavy armoured vehicles like the Leopard 2 main battle tank and the PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer. Just booked, the current order is the last call-off from a framework contract signed in 2018 for the delivery of up to 137 SaZgM 70t mil trucks. Under the framework agreement, which had a 7-year lifetime, eighty tractor units have already been ordered and delivered to the Bundeswehr. Rheinmetall’s HX81 tractor units are powered by an eight-cylinder 680 hp diesel engine. This gives the high-mobility all-wheel-drive truck a top speed of 89 km/h and the ability to climb gradients of 60 percent. The Gross Train Weight of the system is 130 tonnes. The HX81 tractor unit has the same driver’s cab as Rheinmetall’s UTF family of vehicles. If necessary, the cab can be exchanged for a protected version. It comes with a Rotzler double action winch system, with a combined maximum tractive force of 40 tonnes, enabling the all-terrain tractor unit to tow vehicles onto the trailer. Important contribution to reinforcing the Bundeswehr’s logistic capabilities Logistic vehicles play a crucial role in assuring the operational effectiveness of combat units, enabling a rapid response and subsequent sustainment in the field. Being able to transport heavy combat vehicles is a key capability in national and alliance defence. The HX81 complements the Bundeswehr’s SLT heavy transport vehicle. Besides the unprotected HX81, Rheinmetall also supplies the Mammut protected heavy transport vehicle, along with the UTF unprotected transport vehicle and the WLS hook loading system. Since 2018, Rheinmetall has supplied the Bundeswehr with over 4,000 military trucks. Together with the UTF and WLS, the SaZgM 70t tractor unit forms the logistic backbone of the Bundeswehr.
24 May 23. Rheinmetall wins second contract for regenerating more parts of the Bundeswehr’s modular medical facilities. At the end of January 2023, Germany’s Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) selected Rheinmetall to remodel additional parts of its modular medical facilities. The special modular medical facility containers ordered here by the Bundeswehr will be used, for example, as food safety laboratories. The order is worth a figure in the higher-single-digit million-euro range. Work is to be complete by December 2023. Known by their German initials as MSE containers, they constitute a family of modular medical facilities. Fabricated since the 1990s, multiple variants of these units have been procured and are now undergoing comprehensive regeneration. The MSEs consist of rescue facilities and field hospitals used in Bundeswehr areas of operation. Here, individual systems perform specialized tasks, serving in this case as a food safety laboratory, or LCM. The technical and medical equipment in the LCM help to assure food safety in the field during deployed operations. These stackable container systems are CSC-classified, meaning that they can be transported on container ships. The systems and their equipment are customized in terms of scope and functionality.
25 May 23. Czechia is about to complete negotiations to sign a contract with UK-based defence company, SUPACAT, for 24 High Mobility Transport (HMT) vehicles for their Armed Forces, known in the British Army as the JACKAL series of reconnaissance and long range patrol vehicles. The UK has been producing these vehicles for more than ten years, with contracts delivering on the Prime Minister’s priorities to grow the economy and support UK jobs. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
SEA
26 May 23. Patria to deliver NEMO mortar systems to Swede Ship Marine AB for the Swedish amphibious forces.Sweden is strengthening its defence capabilities at sea with eight new mortar vessels. These vessels will be equipped with the Patria NEMO Navy turreted 120 mm system. Patria is delivering its mortar system to the Swedish armed forces for the first time as a subcontractor to Swede Ship Marine AB. Amphibious units in Stockholm and Gothenburg will soon have eight vessels that can provide artillery support from the sea. The vessels have been ordered by FMV (Försvarets materielverk) from Swede Ship Marine AB. In addition, Patria is also delivering its NEMO mortar systems for training purposes.
AIR
17 May 23. Thales Alenia Space, the joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has won a €235m contract from the Italian Space Agency (ASI) to design, develop and qualify a spacecraft for a dedicated In-Orbit Servicing (IOS) demonstration mission. Thales Alenia Space is leading a Temporary Grouping of Companies regrouping Leonardo, Telespazio, Avio and D-Orbit. The mission will be developed in the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), with support from the Italian Space Agency. The demonstration mission will operate in low Earth orbit (LEO) and is set to be launched by 2026.
USA
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25 May 23. CORRECTION: The multiple award task order contract announced April 29, 2022, for 16 vendors to compete for each order of a $990,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for services in support of all aspects of information and communication systems for the Army Network Enterprise Technology Command was not awarded.
24 May 23. AM General LLC, South Bend, Indiana, was awarded a $4,653,330,000 firm-fixed-price contract for Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, trailers, kits and services to support production. 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 Feb. 9, 2028. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-23-F-0294).
22 May 23. General Dynamics Land Systems Inc. of Sterling Heights, Michigan has been awarded a $10m contract to fund a modification to the low-rate initial production (LRIP) contract of the Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) system by the US Department of Defense. The MPF platform is intended bolster the firepower of infantry brigade combat teams. It is a mobile, direct-fire combat vehicle with a four-person crew, employed against ground threats. The vehicle is also equipped with a thermal viewer, a large-calibre cannon a lightweight hull and turret, diesel engine, and a transmission and suspension system. As part of the LRIP phase, the Army will conduct production qualification testing of the MPF vehicles with regard to their lethality, mobility, survivability, live-fire, and reliability. (Source: army-technology.com)
23 May 23. KBR (NYSE: KBR) announced today it has expanded its base operations support services in the Indo-Pacific region with a $24M task award contract by 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command (94th AAMDC) for support of two key communications sites in Japan. Under the terms of the contract, KBR provides mission-critical base operations and infrastructure services at Kyogamisaki and Shariki Communication Sites (KCS and SCS) over the next five years. These sites fall under the 94th AAMDC headquartered in Hawaii, and the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command in Colorado. This contract win aligns with KBR’s focus on expanding operations within the Indo-Pacific in support of the U.S. strategic goals in the region. KBR is entrusted to deliver uninterrupted mission support, infrastructure security, and safety. The contract required an accelerated mobilization schedule, which KBR successfully met, throughout March and April 2023, by leveraging a ONE KBR approach to keep all mission-critical systems fully operational throughout the transition. In addition, KBR will plan and provide Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) services for KCS and SCS, facilitating events that further improve the U.S.-Japan alliance and service member quality of life. In keeping with KBR’s sustainability pillar of Community Engagement and in support of the U.S.-Japan alliance, KBR hired the incumbent local national workforce and created additional jobs for the local communities.
24 May 23. Serco Inc., Herndon, Virginia, was awarded a $63,089,931 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for logistics, sustainment and contingency support for the Integrated Fires/Rapid Capabilities Office. Bids were solicited via the internet with 11 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of May 25, 2028. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-23-F-0186).
SEA
22 May 23. General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Co., San Diego, California, is awarded a $736,160,588 modification to previously-awarded contract N00024-16-C-2229 to exercise the option for the detail design and construction of T-AO 213. Work will be performed in San Diego, California (58%); Iron Mountain, Michigan (8%); Crozet, Virginia (5%); Beloit, Wisconsin (4%); Mexicali, Mexico (4%); Chula Vista, California (2%); Chesapeake, Virginia (2%); National City, California (1%); Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (1%); Walpole, Massachusetts (1%); and various other locations less than one percent (14%), and is expected to be completed by March 2028. Fiscal 2023 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $736,160,588 (100%) will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Awarded May 19, 2023)
23 May 23. General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, Connecticut, is awarded a not-to-exceed $1,075,896,000 undefinitized contract action modification to previously awarded contract N00024-17-C-2100 for long lead time material associated with the Virginia class submarines SSN 812 and SSN 813. Work will be performed in Sunnyvale, California (34%); Florence, New Jersey (5%); Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (3%); Spring Grove, Illinois (2%); Tucson, Arizona (2%); Windsor Locks, Connecticut (2%); Annapolis, Maryland (2%); Minneapolis, Minnesota (2%); Peoria, Illinois (1%); Ladson, South Carolina (1%); Warren, Massachusetts (1%); and other locations less than 1% (45%), and is expected to be completed by September 2033. Fiscal 2022 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) $352,017,000 (33%); and fiscal 2023 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) $723,879,000 (67%) funding 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. The statutory authority for this sole source award is in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1(a)(2)(iii) – only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
25 May 23. HII (NYSE: HII) announced today that its Newport News Shipbuilding division has received a $305.2m contract modification from General Dynamics Electric Boat to procure long-lead-time material for two additional Block V Virginia-class submarines. The contract modification brings the overall contract value to $10.2bn. NNS is one of only two shipyards capable of designing and building nuclear-powered submarines for the U.S. Navy. The advanced capabilities of Virginia-class submarines increase firepower, maneuverability and stealth. (Source: ASD Network)
23 May 23. Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, Moorestown, New Jersey, is awarded a $194,743,487 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) modules and ancillary hardware in support of fiscal 2022-2027 MK 41 VLS production requirements. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $642,909,326. This contract combines purchases for the Navy (71%) and the governments of Canada (18%) and Australia (11%) under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey (31%); Indianapolis, Indiana (27%); Saginaw, Michigan (7%); Farmingdale, New York (6%); St. Peters, Missouri (3%); San Jose, California (2%); Radford, Virginia (1%); and various other locations (23%), and is expected to be completed by June 2027. If all options are exercised, work will continue through July 2030. Fiscal 2023 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $79,115,200 (41%); FMS Canada funds in the amount of $34,616,967 (18%); fiscal 2022 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $29,365,631 (15%); fiscal 2021 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $29,358,169 (15%); and FMS Australia funds in the amount of $22,287,519 (11%), will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the System for Award Management website, with two offers received. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-23-C-5325).
25 May 23. Raytheon Co., Tucson, Arizona, is awarded a $146,664,212 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the Future Advanced Strike (FAST) effort. The objective of FAST is to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and precision strike capability. The work to be performed provides for the completion of design modifications currently underway for the Coyote Block 3 system. Specific activities include finalizing configurations and developing technical data packages, manufacturing test assets, testing for an enhanced payload air system, a new launch module, a fire control system and ancillary peculiar support equipment. Additionally, this effort is designed to conduct flight tests in support of developmental testing, and operational demonstrations. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona (59%); and San Luis Obispo, California (41%). Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 25, 2024. The maximum dollar value, including an 18-month base period and three option periods that, if exercised, will run concurrently with the base effort, is $146,664,212. Fiscal 2023 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $44,515,572 are obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under N00014-22-S-B001 entitled “Long Range Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for Navy and Marine Corps Science & Technology,” posted Oct. 1, 2021. Since proposals were received throughout the year under the long range BAA, the number of proposals received in response to the solicitation is unknown. The Office of Naval Research, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N00014-23-C-1022).
23 May 23. Science Applications International Corp. (NYSE: SAIC) has been awarded an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a $249m ceiling from the U.S. Navy to continue supporting the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD)’s combat instrumentation platforms used for training and test evaluation ranges. Under the new contract, SAIC will perform systems design and integration, hardware and software upgrades or modifications for the Combat Environment Instrumentation Systems (CEIS). SAIC will also provide services to support global position system-based range equipment, airborne electronic warfare (EW) systems, warning & countermeasures systems and range Radio-Frequency/Electro-Optical Tracking systems. The company will deliver test support and instrumentation for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and telemetry systems. SAIC will continue supporting NAWCWD with products and services associated with CEIS EW systems, interfaces and auxiliary equipment. The company will also continue providing field service support to more than nine test locations within the Navy’s testing and evaluation domain. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
22 May 23. Ultra Electronics Ocean Systems Inc., Braintree, Massachusetts, is awarded a $23,880,845 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract N63394-19-C-0007 for technical and field engineering efforts in support of the Next Generation Surface Search Radar. This contract modification is being awarded under the statutory authority of 15 U.S. Code 638(r)(4). The work will be performed in Chantilly, Virginia (55%); Wake Forest, North Carolina (35%); and Braintree, Massachusetts (10%), and is expected to be completed by May 2024. Fiscal 2023 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,915,970 (91%); and fiscal 2021 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $303,537 (9%) will be obligated at time of award, and funds in the amount of $303,537 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Awarded May 19, 2023)
AIR
25 May 23. US Army Awards FTUAS Option 1 Contracts. The U.S. Army concluded the Base Period of the Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (FTUAS) Program of Record (formerly Increment 2) effort and awarded agreement option 1 to the following four Project Agreement Holders (PAHs): Griffon Aerospace, Incorporated; Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation; Sierra Nevada Corporation; and Textron Systems Corporation. The option 1 period begins on May 24, 2023. This is an Other Transactional Authority supported by the Aviation and Missile Technical Consortium. In the Base Period, the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Program Management Office (UAS PMO) evaluated PAH submissions in the areas of Performance, Cost, Schedule, Risk, and their Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), which is a key priority for the Program Executive Office, Aviation. During the next option periods, UAS PMO will evaluate the PAHs on the Preliminary Design Review, the Critical Design Review, flight demonstrations, and third-party MOSA verification activities. Following the Preliminary and Critical Design Reviews, the remaining PAHs will deliver prototype systems and support equipment for qualification testing. These systems will undergo numerous evaluation activities such as environmental testing, electromagnetic environmental effects testing, MOSA verification, and flight testing conducted at PAH and government test facilities. As a Future Vertical Lift program, the FTUAS is the Army’s premier Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Uncrewed Aircraft modernization effort. FTUAS Program of Record requirements include runway independence, point take-off and landing, and a rapidly deployable UAS capability. When fielded, FTUAS will provide a distinct tactical advantage over current systems due to increased maneuverability through VTOL, improved command and control supported by the on-the-move capability, a reduced transportation and logistics footprint, as well as significantly improved survivability due to reduced noise signature. FTUAS will improve the Brigade Combat Team’s ability to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance operations that collect, develop, and report actionable intelligence information about the enemy in Multi-Domain Operations. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/US army)
19 May 23. A team led by Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin won a coveted $3.4bn NASA contract to build a spacecraft to fly astronauts to and from the moon’s surface, the U.S. space agency said on Friday, a breakthrough for the company two years after it lost out to Elon Musk’s SpaceX in another competition. Blue Origin plans to build its 52-foot (16-meter) tall Blue Moon lander in partnership with Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N), Boeing Co (BA.N), software firm Draper and robotics firm Astrobotic. NASA picked Blue Origin over a rival bid led by Leidos Inc-owned (LDOS.N) defense contractor Dynetics that also included Northrop Grumman Corp (NOC.N). (Source: Reuters)
19 May 23. The Boeing Co., Tukwila, Washington has been awarded a maximum $27,500,000 modification P00114 to previously awarded contract FA8625-16-C-6599 for two VC-25B aircraft. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $4,216,423,299 from $4,188,923,299. Work will be performed in San Antonio, Texas, and is expected to be completed by May 16, 2024. Fiscal 2023 research, development, test, and evaluation funds in the amount of $13,750,000 are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.
25 May 23. L3 Technologies Inc., Camden, New Jersey, was awarded an $80,810,130 contract for the Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI). This contract provides for the ability to communicate with military platforms via multiple commercial space internet (CSI) constellations in various orbital regimes using common user terminal and hardware elements. Work will be performed in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is expected to be completed by Aug. 17, 2026. This contract was a competitive acquisition, and one offer was received. Fiscal 2022 research, development, test, and evaluation funds in the amount of $20,000,000 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-23-C-9311). (Awarded March 17, 2023)
22 May 23. The US Department of Defense (DoD) awarded Sierra Nevada Corp. a $56.1m contract for the low-rate initial production of the MC-130J airborne mission networking programme. The contract provides for the procurement of production kits, spares, interim-contractor support, programme management, and provisioning support. The contract will be completed in May 2023. The MC-130J Commando II is a special operations tanker aircraft. Lockheed Martin manufactures the platform for the US Air Force (USAF) Special Operations Command. The MC-130J can be deployed worldwide for missions requiring clandestine, single ship/formation, low-level in-flight refuelling for helicopters and tilt-rotor aircraft of the US Special Operation Forces. The aircraft supports infiltration/exfiltration and resupply missions, and can also perform air drops and landings on remote airfields. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
23 May 23. USAFRL awarded Ursa Major a contract to mature two engines, one for space launch and the other for hypersonic launch. Under the contract, the company will continue the development of its 200,000-pound thrust Arroway engine for space launch, which Ursa Major unveiled in June 2022. Arroway will help replace the Russian-made RD-series engines, according to a company press release. It is a reusable liquid oxygen and methane staged combustion engine for medium and heavy launch vehicles, and the company expects to conduct a hot fire test in 2025. The contract will also cover the construction and testing of a prototype of the Draper engine for hypersonic launches, which would be a new addition to Ursa Major’s current lineup of three engine models. (Source: Defense News)
TECHNOLOGY
25 May 23. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded BAE Systems’ FAST Labs research and development organization a $7m contract for the Oversight autonomous space-based target custody program. Traditional space intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) collection can be siloed, labor intensive, and unable to dynamically re-evaluate quickly enough to take advantage of new space systems. To address this, DARPA, the U.S. Space Force, and the Space Development Agency are developing satellite constellations to improve the tactical relevance of U.S. space systems. Proliferated low earth orbit satellite constellations are significantly expanding on-orbit ISR capabilities. The DARPA Oversight program will focus on creating an autonomous system that maintains constant “custody” of a large number of assets across new, diversified constellations. Under the terms of the program, the technology will be deployed to both tactical-edge satellites and ground stations. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
23 May 23. Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH), announced today it was awarded a performance-based task order, EDITS (Engineering, Development, Integration, and Technology-based Solutions), a research and development contract valued at $919 million. EDITS is designed to enable the Soldier as a System concept and continuously enhance the warfighter’s ability in all climatic conditions and combat situations, ensuring protection and survivability across multiple Department of Defense (DOD) agencies. The task order supports the following mission partners: U.S. Army Program Executive Offices (PEO) to include Soldier, elements of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), U.S. Army Development Command (DEVCOM) Soldier Center and the DOD’s Joint Personnel Recovery Agency (JPRA). This contract will enable Booz Allen to offer cutting-edge, technology-based solutions across services to meet emerging threats and ensure a versatile, expeditionary, agile, sustainable, and interoperable military capable of meeting and overcoming any challenge. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
23 May 23. L3Harris Receives Contract to Advance Technology for Intelligence Community. L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) received an Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) contract to provide technology, including modeling and simulation studies, that will help characterize and predict human mobility. Supporting the Hidden Activity Signal and Trajectory Anomaly Characterization (HAYSTAC) program, L3Harris will lay the groundwork for generating and analyzing human activities that produce data captured by GPS, Bluetooth and other systems. The goal of the modeling and simulation research is to help transform future autonomous systems. (Source: ASD Network)
25 May 23. Safire Technology Group, Inc. (“Safire Group”) announces it has been selected by AFWERX for an additional SBIR Phase II in the amount of $1.25M focused on adapting the company’s innovative Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery safety technology, SAFe Impact Resistant Electrolyte (SAFIRE™), to enhance the performance and survivability of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) and AI-driven surveillance systems in extreme temperature environments for the Department of the Air Force (DAF). Safire Group’s proprietary ballistic/fireproof additive for Li-ion batteries offers enhanced thermal stability and performance in extreme climates, greatly improving the next generation of assets being deployed for Force Protection. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
14 May 23. USAF awards contracts to Space Development Corporation + Ascent Solar Technologies. The Small Business Innovation Research Program Phase I Award from the USAF is to develop a solar heated crucible for the manufacturing of lightweight, thin-film solar photovoltaics (PV) on-orbit. This technology will enable the development of mass-efficient, PV cells that meet the demand of USAF and USSF systems. The USAF has a vital and urgent need to deploy lightweight, robust, and affordable solar PV across the globe, as well as in space, to meet operational power requirements for Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles, forward operating bases and space-based power beaming. Earlier this year, Above: Space Development Corporation received a $1.7 million Phase II SBIR Award to develop an efficient, lightweight structure to support solar panels, large power, and communications antenna arrays, as well as other space infrastructure functions. (Source: Satnews)
REST OF THE WORLD
LAND
25 May 23. Australia has signed a contract with Penske Australia, which will ensure local industry support for diesel engine sustainment activities to enable the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to reliably deploy where and when needed. The $190m, five-year contract moves Penske Australia from a fixed price arrangement to a target cost incentive model, allowing Defence to monitor actual costs and verify value, while improving efficiencies across different platforms. Acting deputy secretary Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Rear Admiral Wendy Malcolm said the contract would build on the previous contract’s benefits but include greater cost transparency, more effective risk management, and the opportunity to increase sovereign capability. (Source: Defence Connect)
AIR
25 May 23. Leonardo Signs Contract with Malaysia for Two ATR 72 MPA. Today the Ministry of Defence of Malaysia signed a contract with Leonardo to supply two ATR 72 MPA (Maritime Patrol Aircraft) platforms. A signing ceremony took place at LIMA 2023, a key maritime and defence exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region held in Langkawi, Malaysia. This contract follows the selection of the solution offered by Leonardo announced last October, and includes the supply of two ATR Special Mission aircraft in Maritime Patrol configuration plus the related integrated logistic support and training services. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/leonardo)
25 May 23. Malaysian company to operate AW609 tiltrotor. Weststar Aviation Services (Weststar), a Malaysian aviation company, has signed an agreement with Leonardo to operate a single AW609 tiltrotor helicopter in the country. According to the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition 2023 on 24 May, Weststar will operate the aircraft under lease. LIMA is being held from 23 to 27 May in Langkawi, Malaysia. Janes assesses this could potentially result in future security-related applications for the AW609 by Malaysia. Weststar has established a precedent of leasing its company helicopters to the Malaysian military. A company spokesperson told Janes during LIMA that Weststar leased four Leonardo AW139s to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) in 2021. The leasing was intended to fill a capability gap left by the RMAF’s retirement of its Nuri helicopters in 2020, according to information held by Janes. (Source: Janes)
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