23 Nov 16. Lockheed Martin prepares bid to build F-16s in India. Lockheed Martin has held meetings with a host of Indian companies to support the corporation’s proposal to build its F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft in India. Randy Howard, director of business development in Lockheed Martin’s Integrated Fighter Group, said in comments to IHS Jane’s on 22 November that the company met with about 40 Indian firms earlier in the month in Bangalore.
He added, “Our objective was to further engage with Indian industry to better understand their unique capabilities and gauge their interest in a potential F-16 Block 70 ‘Make in India’ opportunity. Based on all of the positive discussions we had in Bangalore, and the strong turnout from Indian industry, these engagements actually exceeded our expectations.” (Source: IHS Jane’s)
21 Nov 16. Bolivia eyes Super Tucano aircraft, Brazil says. Bolivian Minister of Defence Reymi Luis Ferreira Justiniano has expressed interest in acquiring Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano aircraft, the Brazilian Ministry of Defence said on 17 November. The Bolivian official shared the interest with his Brazilian counterpart Raul Jungmann during an official visit to Brasilia that same day. On 16 November Bolivian President Evo Morales said some aircraft will be purchased but did not specify the type. Defence officials from Bolivia have also expressed interest in co-operating with Brazil on border security to improve the former’s ENGESA EE-9 Cascavel 6×6 armoured reconnaissance vehicles. Bolivia operates undisclosed quantities of the vehicles armed with turreted 90mm gun. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
21 Nov 16. Northrop Grumman contracted for C4ISR, machinery control systems for new USCG cutter. Key Points:
• In September, Eastern Shipbuilding Group was selected for the OPC detailed design and production phase
• Northrop Grumman’s scope of supply includes integrated bridge systems, C2 consoles, navigation and combat data distribution systems, ship-wide computer network systems, and machinery and propulsion control systems
Northrop Grumman has been awarded a contract by Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) for the design of command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) capability and machinery control systems (MCS) for the US Coast Guard (USCG) Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) programme.
In September 2016, ESG was awarded a USD110.29m contract by the USCG’s Acquisition Directorate to continue the detail design and construction phase (Phase II) of the OPC acquisition programme; formal notice to proceed was issued on 5 October. The full Phase II award covers detail design and production of up to nine OPCs (with options for two additional vessels), and has a potential value of USD2.38bn if all options are exercised.
Announcing the award of its subcontract on 14 November, Northrop Grumman said its scope of supply includes integrated bridge systems, command-and-control (C2) consoles, navigation and combat data distribution systems, ship-wide computer network systems, and machinery and propulsion control systems
Included in the design phase is an MCS land-based test facility, as well as a C4ISR test and integration facility, both of which will be located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Additional work will be conducted at company facilities in San Diego, and Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Northrop Grumman will also provide key C4ISR and MCS integration roles during production testing and shipboard trials to be held in Panama City, Florida.
The USCG programme of record projects the acquisition of 25 OPCs, as replacements for the 29 Medium Endurance Cutters currently in service. In 2014, the coastguard awarded firm fixed-price contracts to three shipyards – Bollinger Shipyards, ESG, and General Dynamics Bath Iron Works – to develop preliminary and contract design proposals. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
18 Nov 16. Israeli submarine replacement programme moves forward. The Office of Israe