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UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO
20 Jul 22. UK NMH Bid Win Would Trigger End of AW149 Production in Italy. Leonardo remain “incredibly optimistic” about the success of its bid to build the AW149 helicopter at its Yeovil plant, the only onshore helicopter manufacturer in the UK.
“We are not considering the fact we won’t be there,” explained Alessandro Profumo, CEO. His optimism pre-empts a Ministry of Defence (MoD) decision on the next New Medium Helicopter (NMH) to enter service by 2025, with the Leonardo-built AW149 a contender (competing against, amongst others, the Airbus H175M and the Sikorsky S70i. Of Leonardo’s total workforce of 50,413, 15 percent are UK-based; a number set to rise should their contract bid prove successful.
Although noting the successful completion of the first batch of an Italian-built Polish AW149 order, Leonardo would expect its Yeovil plant to fulfil export orders as well as British demand in the future. This would symbolise the ‘end of the line’ for AW149 production at the Verigate facility in Italy, although Leonardo is confident that manufacturing capacity at the “very busy” site will switch to other types (including the AW139 and AW169).
A second phase of the NMH bid is expected to take place later this year. Adam Clarke, managing director of Leonardo Helicopters UK, previously said: “From the outset of this competition, Leonardo has committed to the establishment of an AW149 production line at our Yeovil site. This investment into the line is our company’s ‘declaration of readiness’ to support the UK MoD in its requirement to have the NMH in-service in 2025. Furthermore, this investment further de-risks our programme and highlights our willingness to support the UK customer now, should Leonardo be successful with its bid.” (Source: Armada)
27 Jul 22. Launch of new innovative defence programme backed by £16m. A £16m programme to boost small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) defence innovation has been launched today.
- Keeping the UK at the forefront of defence technology
- Joining innovations and up to 50% of government funding with large suppliers
- Grants of up to £500,000 available per project
With the innovation of SMEs, the resources of big suppliers and initial funding from government, the Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP) is designed to bring the key components together to allow pioneering projects to flourish.
The aim is to keep the United Kingdom at the forefront of defence technology, improving the capabilities available to our Armed Forces, the competitiveness of UK industry and growing potential exports benefits.
Individual grants of up to 50% of a project’s value – to a maximum of £500,000 per grant – will be available through DTEP for collaborative projects between SMEs and larger suppliers, supporting the integration of novel technologies, materials and processes into MOD’s supply chains.
DTEP will be open for proposals year-round, with cycles closing at 3-month intervals for assessment of submissions.
Defence Minister Jeremy Quin said: “Innovation within defence is crucial to maintaining competitive advantage for our Armed Forces. The Defence Technology Exploitation Programme is a positive step in how we support SMEs and larger suppliers to work together to improve the resilience and competitiveness of the MOD’s supply chain. Today’s launch builds upon the successful BEIS-funded National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP) and a pilot of DTEP conducted with Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI).”
An example of work supported by this pilot is CCP Gransden, based near Ballygowan, collaborating with Thales and Ulster University on a project to replace the Starstreak surface-to-air missile system’s metallic canister with a composite version – reducing reliance on global supply chains for the over 50 components currently needed.”
Head of the Defence and Security Accelerator, Anita Friend said: “DTEP has been designed to help SMEs join defence supply chains and offers SMEs and larger suppliers the opportunity to come together to solve defence problems. For an SME, DTEP offers not only funding but also the opportunity to deliver new innovations into the UK defence supply chain and a way to develop and scale up their business. DTEP is also beneficial for larger companies, offering early access to new technologies or processes that they may be able to help commercialise.”
Applications to DTEP can be made by UK-based SMEs looking to form a collaboration with a UK-based higher-tier supplier to help integrate and take the novel solution to market. The key areas of interest for proposals are set out in detail on the DTEP portal and are aligned with the recently published Defence Capability Framework.
DASA DTEP Business Relationship Managers will be available at all steps of the process, from project formation until after project completion. They will support SMEs through signposting, mentoring and offering other support services.
DTEP will be delivered by the MOD’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), in partnership with the Innovate UK group, and it is a core commitment in the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy and SME Action Plan.
Background
- The DTEP page can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-defence-technology-exploitation-programme
- The specific areas of interest follow the MOD’s Enduring Capability Challenges. More information can be found in the Defence Capability Framework here.
- More details on the CCP Gransden, Thales and Ulster University programme can be found here.
- Innovate UK is the UK’s innovation agency. The Innovate UK group is an ecosystem of expertise, funding, and powerful connections driving value through innovation. Innovate UK and Innovate UK KTN are working in close partnership with the MOD and DASA on the delivery of the DTEP programme.
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
27 Jul 22. Introducing the Ideas Marketplace. The online platform where innovators can collaborate, share ideas and get innovations in front of stakeholders.
- The Ideas Marketplace is an online networking Collaboration Platform for UK-registered innovators and organisations to discuss, collaborate and share ideas to meet defence and security challenges
- The Ideas Marketplace enables innovators to get their ideas in front of an array of government stakeholders and end users, other parts of industry and academia.
The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is pleased to launch the Ideas Marketplace. The Ideas Marketplace is an online networking Collaboration Platform where UK innovators can discuss, collaborate and share ideas with like-minded users to overcome defence and security challenges and help deliver the next generation of defence and security tools and services.
The Ideas Marketplace is designed to enable innovative UK organisations to engage with the best people in defence and security, easily. It encourages collaboration between organisations of all shapes and sizes, to foster new and dynamic relationships to make innovations a success.
From helping innovators gain expertise and specialist support to develop technologies, to forming longstanding partnerships and finding new funding opportunities. The Ideas Marketplace will help innovators to:
- hear about funding opportunities from across government
- engage with industry leaders and learn more about the defence and security landscape
- foster collaborative relationships and partnerships with other innovators
Join the Ideas Marketplace here.
Key Features: Innovate. Collaborate
The Ideas Marketplace connects industry to stakeholders. Once a user has signed up, they can:
- seek out partnerships and collaborations with organisations that can help you develop their innovation
- get updates on funding opportunities from across the defence and security community
- learn about the latest defence and security industry news and see how they can get involved
- gain access to networking and collaboration events
- get help to understand the market for an idea and help to build the business behind it
How does the Ideas Marketplace work?
The Ideas Marketplace functions similarly to an online forum. Once a user has created an Ideas Marketplace profile, they can find like-minded innovators with the same interests by using the abstract and specialism search functions, and foster collaboration opportunities.
To help find collaborators, users can search for common areas of interest or technical specialism, write posts and spark conversation by sending messages.
Ideas Marketplace community hubs
The Ideas Marketplace community comprises 8 UK defence and security innovation organisations. Innovators can visit each Ideas Marketplace hub page to see what funding opportunities are available, and if their innovations are relevant.
- DASA: DASA finds and funds exploitable innovation to support UK defence and security quickly and effectively, and support UK prosperity.
- jHub & jHub digital: jHub is the Innovation centre for Strategic Command, seeking innovation and technology to enhance and improve the operation of the UK armed forces.
- Discover, Analysis and Rapid Exploitation (DARE), the DARE team explores ways of providing cutting-edge technology and operational prototypes to show where the Royal Navy could go in the future.
- RAFX: RAFX develops technology for the RAF to discover how it can help deliver safer, more efficient and predictable operations, and create the next generation Air Force.
- Army Rapid Innovation & Experimentation Lab (ARIEL) seeks to work with innovative industries in a shared space, allowing ideas to be developed, and technology and equipment to be refined.
- DE&S Future Capabilities Group: The DE&S Future Capabilities Group (FCG) works with industry to explore and de-risk new capabilities against Front-Line Command needs.
- Regional Defence and Security Clusters: These are regional collaboration clusters led by industry and academia with the support of government and its ministerial departments such as the MOD and its innovation directorate, and the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA).
- UK Space Command: UK Space Command is a joint command staffed by the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, civil servants, and commercial partners. It aims to deliver space equipment programmes that integrate with other defence capabilities.
Checklist: How to sign up and use the Ideas Marketplace
Signing up for the Ideas Marketplace is an easy process:
- Step 1: Visit the Ideas Marketplace homepage and register for an account with your company email address (Please note, you will need to be a registered UK company to complete this step)
- Step 2: You will receive a verification email from the Ideas Marketplace. Click the link to verify your email address.
- Step 3: Wait for your registration request to be approved
- Step 4: Complete your Ideas Marketplace profile and choose how you want to be contacted
- Step 5: Use the ‘Home ’ tab to upload your abstract, so other like-minded users can engage with you
- Step 6: Use the ‘Collaborate’ tab to see your feed, follow your areas of interest; find collaborators and write posts
- Step 7: Spark conversation by sending messages to other innovators
Join the Ideas Marketplace
Want to collaborate with like-minded innovators and get your ideas in front of government stakeholders and end-users?
Join the Ideas Marketplace here.
https://community.dasa.service.mod.uk/ideasmarketplace
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
25 Jul 22. TommyWorks Update. TommyWorks, the specialist team developing new infantry systems for the British Army has now extended its remit to new systems including an Exoskeleton, a soldier Electronic Architecture, UGVs, a Data and Power Hub, a smart weapon sight with a built-in laser rangefinder and inertial nav systems. TommyWorks has established itself as the Integrated Soldier System platform authority, conducting systems integration of equipment and capability integration across the Defence Lines of Developments. Another Project is to deliver a Remote Autonomous Air Assault Brigade by 2025. There will be a Next Generation Combat Team Demo in 2023/4. The 2nd Yorks will be the Next Generation Combat Team development Unit. Loitering Munitions will form a key part of this new technology with a live fire taking place on Salisbury plain in November 2022. Project Wavell in particular will deal with Urban Warfare systems. There are a total of 15 Programmes with a budget of £300 m managed by 100 Cross Functional Teams.
25 Jul 22. British Army Light Vehicle Programme Update. The Requirement is believed to be divided into several parts, 1000 JLTV vehicles built in the UK, up to 600 light vehicles to replace the Pinzgauers, Defenders and RWMIKs used by the 16th Air Assault Brigade and the Royal Marines, with a new fleet for the Ranger Battalions, 200 armoured civilian pickups, with 200 vehicles required in the current financial year. The announcement of an RfP is likely to be made during DVD in September. Other demos in 2022 will be live firing from a Robotic Vehicle in September and a Light Mobility Squad vehicle, similar to the US GM Light Squad Vehicle by 20253.
EUROPE
28 Jul 22. Eurofighter courts Poland for Typhoon sale. The Eurofighter consortium has invited Poland to join the programme as it plans to secure a Typhoon sale to the Eastern European country. The multinational consortium of Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom made the offer during 2022 Farnborough Airshow, with a Eurofighter spokesperson telling Janes on 28 July that such a partnership would see Poland gain “full access to [the] aircraft’s capabilities, full national sovereignty, and Polish-qualified industrial involvement”. According to the spokesperson, Poland could join the latest production run, which would enable the country to receive the Typhoon in time to support the planned entry of the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter into Polish service in 2024. (Source: Janes)
26 Jul 22. Airbus, Leonardo to co-lead EU Next Gen Rotorcraft Technologies project. Airbus Helicopters and Leonardo Helicopters are to co-lead the European Union (EU) Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies (NGRT) project to develop vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) assets for the post-2035 timeframe. The two original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) announced the teaming arrangement in late July, noting that the project will pave the way for the future of military rotorcraft in Europe.
As noted by the European Commission, which is financing the project via the European Defence Fund (EDF), NGRT “concerns research on future technologies and the future operating environment (FOE) and future operating concepts (FOC) of military VTOL-systems […] in the 2035/2040+ horizon”. The challenge and scope of the NGRT project will be in defining the FOE and research FOC of military VTOL-systems. These include operability and operational flexibility; affordability both in procurement and life cycle cost; survivability, up to potential peer nations high intensity conflict; sustainability and operational readiness; interoperability for joint and combined operations and collaborative combat; resilience, with reduced dependency on critical installation and materials. (Source: Janes)
26 Jul 22. European Defence Fund unveils first round of awardees. The European Union revealed last week the awardees of its first batch of European Defence Fund (EDF)-supported projects, reflecting a cumulative €1.2bn (U.S. $1.23bn) going to 61 defense research and development projects.
For its initial EDF cycle, the European Commission received over 140 proposals. Applicants were required to be consortia consisting of at least three firms from at least three EU member-states or Norway. Nearly 700 companies from 26 member nations and Norway are represented in the selected projects, according to the commission.
The vast majority of projects selected relate to air combat, ground combat, and naval combat capabilities — representing nearly €190 m, €158m, and €104m in funding, respectively. Air and missile defense efforts will receive €100m, while space, cyber, sensors, information superiority, and other such emerging and disruptive technologies should see about €227m in cumulative funding.
The EDF is also supporting efforts related to medical and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear responses; energy and environment; materials and components; force protection and mobility; and “non-thematic calls” for future defense solutions. France, Germany, Spain, and Italy are all sizably represented, each with over 100 national industry partners participating. About 70% of the funds are going toward capability development programs, and 30% toward research efforts.
Observers welcomed the considerable investment in this inaugural EDF round of awards. However, the large number of funded projects could potentially mean smaller and scattered investments, said Nicholas Nelson, a senior fellow with the Transatlantic Defense and Security program at the Center for European Policy Analysis.
“These investments need to be fewer in number, but greater in size,” he told Defense News. What’s more, while 43% of the awards went to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), only 18% of the total dollar amount went to such companies.
“Europe significantly lags the U.S., China, and even the U.K. in venture-backed defense and dual-use tech startups and SMEs, and needs to put larger, concentrated bets into these companies if they want to close the gap, rather than favoring national champions,” Nelson said.
That approach would help accelerate company growth directly, while also incentivizing private capital to encourage technology development. It could also help attract new entrants into the European defense technology market, breed greater competition and foster “greater research-and-development spending and strategic focus on the security and defense markets,” he added.
A number of these awarded projects build upon ongoing efforts being funded by the EDF’s predecessor, the European Defence Industrial Development Program, or EDIDP.
A consortium that includes Finland’s Patria and France’s Arquus and Nexter will receive €95 m from the EDF to develop new land combat capabilities for Europe. Through the Future Highly Mobile Augmented Systems 2 (FAMOUS2), companies will work on new technologies and upgrades for the next-generation of European ground vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles, light armored vehicles, and the main battle tank in development by KMW and Nexter Defense Systems (KNDS).
FAMOUS2 builds upon the consortium’s ongoing work funded by the EDIDP. The total program value is estimated at €122.4 m. The EDF will fund a four-year phase that includes studies, design, prototyping, and testing for “future modular ground vehicles and enabling technologies, including green technologies.” The consortium includes industry partners from 15 nations, including Finland; France; Austria; Germany; Spain; Greece; Belgium; Norway; Latvia; and Denmark.
Another recipient of EDF support is the MBDA-led consortium developing a Beyond-Line-of-Site (BLOS) missile capability, The Modular Architecture Solutions for EU States (MARSEUS) program will receive €25 m from the EU out of an estimated total €27m program cost over 36 months. It follows the multinational team’s efforts to demonstrate a BLOS capability centered around MBDA’s Akeron missile family, under the EDIDP. The capability need was identified by the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation organization.
“The selection of MARSEUS is a second step in the technological and industrial implementation of this capability development project,” MBDA said in a release following the EDF award announcements. MBDA is jointly owned by Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo, and the project management team includes 22 partners and subcontractors from 11 EU countries.
The EU is moving quickly to launch the next round of funding. European Commission officials revealed a capability wish list for the EDF’s 2023 round of funding last month at the Eurosatory defense trade show outside Paris. That package is worth a cumulative €924m ($969m), and desired capabilities include a semi-autonomous naval vessel, multiple space-related assets, and a variety of ground, air combat, and disruptive technologies. The call for proposals from industry consortia opened June 21 and will run through Nov. 24. (Source: Defense News)
USA
27 Jul 22. US, UK Will Have ‘Avenue’ to Share Best Practices for Sixth-Gen Fighter Development. After working together closely to help develop and deploy the F-35, the United Kingdom and the United States have pursued different programs when it comes to sixth-generation fighters.
But that doesn’t mean the two countries and their air forces won’t collaborate in the future on sixth-gen technologies, capabilities, and best practices, America’s air attache in London, USAF Col. Charles E. Metrolis, told Air Force Magazine in an exclusive interview.
At the moment, the U.S. Air Force doesn’t have any publicly known international partners for its secretive Next Generation Air Dominance program. Britain, meanwhile, has teamed up with several other nations as part of its Tempest program. And at the Farnborough International Airshow earlier in July, the British government announced that it will also work with Japan to conduct a joint analysis of Tempest and the Japanese F-X sixth-gen program. Also at the show, the U.K. announced that a demonstrator aircraft for the Tempest program will fly in the next five years.
“We’re aware the U.K. is working with Sweden and Italy on [Tempest],” Metrolis said. “And I saw the announcement about involving Japan, though I believe the U.K. will have to formally submit a request to Sweden and Italy to have Japan join the program.”
NGAD, meanwhile, “is U.S.-only for now,” Metrolis said. That stands in contrast to the development of the F-35. Seven other nations partnered with the U.S. to share development costs and technologies for the Joint Strike Fighter, and the U.K. led the way as the program’s only Level 1 partner, having contributed the most financially besides the U.S.
But while the two nations have seemingly gone their separate ways for sixth-gen, Metrolis hinted that there will be dialogue in the coming years.
“We would welcome the U.K.’s thoughts on sixth-gen development and deployment. But it’s not clear right now how that will look,” Metrolis said.
Specifically, Metrolis pointed to the technologies that will make up the sixth-generation fighters as a ripe area for the U.S. and U.K. to work together.
“It’s going to be the latest technology on both sides. … So if they have a particular insight or capability they can share, or we have something we can share with them, that’s good for the alliance,” Metrolis said. Basically, it’s best practices. There will be some avenue for crosstalk in the future in terms of development.”
And the U.K. might not be the only nation the U.S. turns to in its effort to develop sixth-gen capabilities. Australia has also been part of the F-35 program as a Level 3 partner, and the U.S., Britain, and Australia announced the trilateral security pact AUKUS in September 2021.
The AUKUS agreement was initially focused on sharing technology related to nuclear-powered submarines, but its scope has expanded in the months since. Australian ambassador to the U.S. Arthur Sinodinos noted in November that it will also include “enhanced” air and space cooperation.
“There’s so much more that’s being thought about,” Metrolis confirmed, “especially in air and space: the E-7 [Wedgetail], fifth- and sixth-gen fighters. Sixth-generation might become an AUKUS pillar.”
How exactly that might manifest remains to be seen. While the U.K. is developing Tempest and the U.S. is pursuing NGAD, Australia has yet to publicly involve itself with a sixth-generation program.
As those future decisions are made, Metrolis said there will be economic and industrial base considerations. But even more so will be the question of interoperability.
“We’re very interoperable with the U.K., more than any other nation,” Metrolis said. “And as the F-35 rolls out across NATO, along with other platforms like the E-7, we’ll become even more interoperable. But we still have a lot to do with the interoperable piece.” (Source: Defense News Early Bird/https://www.airforcemag.com/)
REST OF THE WORLD
28 Jul 22. Australia establishes geospatial goods and services standing offer panel. The panel will support the Commonwealth’s procurement of geospatial goods, services and technologies.
Dubbed the GeoPanel, it is expected that the new organisation will develop a framework for the Australian Defence Organisation and Defence Portfolio Agencies to improve engagement with industry and further innovate geospatial technology.
The panel is expected to acquire between $8m and $20m of good and services, and serve for an initial term of five years. The Commonwealth maintains the option to extend and refresh the panel beyond the initial term.
According to Tom Hamilton, director of the Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation, the organisation will support Defence in accessing geospatial goods from approved industry providers in Australia and abroad.
“I am proud to announce the establishment of the GeoPanel, allowing Defence to access essential industry capability to support its geospatial requirements,” Hamilton said.
“Geospatial data is a critical enabler for Defence. Reliable data supports planning and conduct of Defence operations; ensures safety of navigation; and informs situational awareness, policy advice, and intelligence insights.
“Geospatial data allows the government to make rapid, well-informed decisions based on the best available understanding of the strategic environment.”
It is hoped that the GeoPanel will facilitate the transference of geospatial capabilities across five categories, including satellite, optical and radar data, aerial imagery light detection and ranging, hydrographic services and professional services.
Earlier this week, Defence unveiled their new biotech security framework, strengthening biotech awareness within the defence and national security sectors.
The Safeguarding Australia through Biotechnology Response and Engagement (SABRE) alliance was recently launched at the inaugural Australian Defence Science Technology and Research (ADSTAR) summit.
SABRE aims to bolster biotech collaboration between Australian universities, research institutes and SMEs to inform projects across the Defence and national security spaces.
The three initial themes to be explored by SABRE include:
- human performance and decision making;
- genomics, bioinformatics and synthetic biology; and
- agriculture and biosecurity.
According to Defence Chief Scientist Professor Tanya Monro AC, the new framework would ensure defence and national security stakeholders have access to the latest biotech capabilities.
“SABRE will lead to the right questions being asked by the right people under the right framework,” Professor Monro said.
“This will ensure that defence and the national security sector capitalise on new opportunities arising from biotech research and development conducted within Australia’s research and industry sectors.
“SABRE, with its national focus, will draw together the right capabilities and capacities which currently exist in the biotech sector and support new horizon research into tangible outcomes.” (Source: Defence Connect)
27 Jul 22. Philippines Scraps Russian Chopper Deal. The Philippine government has scrapped a deal to purchase 16 Russian military transport helicopters due to fears of possible U.S. sanctions, Philippine officials said. Former Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Tuesday night he canceled the 12.7bn peso ($227m) deal to acquire the Mi-17 helicopters in a decision last month that was approved by then-President Rodrigo Duterte before their terms in office ended on June 30.
“We could face sanctions,” Lorenzana told The Associated Press, describing ways Washington could express its displeasure if the Philippines proceeded with the deal due to America’s worsening conflict with Russia.
American security officials were aware of Manila’s decision and could offer similar heavy-lift helicopters for Philippine military use, he said.
After serving as defense chief under Duterte, Lorenzana has been appointed by new President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to head a government agency in charge of transforming former military bases into business hubs.
Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez told The AP that the deal was canceled because Manila could face possible sanctions under a U.S. federal law called the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act if the helicopter deal went through.
A Philippine military official said the helicopter deal would undergo a “termination process” after the decision to cancel it was made since a contract has already been signed. The Russians can appeal but there is little room for the Philippine government to reconsider, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of a lack of authority to publicly discuss the issue.
Under the helicopter purchase agreement, which was signed in November, the first batch of the multi-purpose helicopters would have been scheduled for delivery by Russia’s Sovtechnoexport in about two years.
Asked in March if Russia’s invasion of Ukraine would affect the purchase, Lorenzana told reporters: “We do not see any likelihood of it being scrapped as of this moment” and added that “only time can tell.”
Lorenzana at the time said an initial payment had been made by the Philippines in January. It was not immediately clear what would happen to the payment after the Philippines’ decision to back out of the deal.
The Russian-made helicopters could have been used for combat, search and rescue operations, and medical evacuations in the Southeast Asian archipelago, which is often lashed by typhoons and other natural disasters, Philippine officials said.
In March, the Philippines voted “yes” on a U.N. General Assembly resolution that demanded an immediate halt to Moscow’s attack on Ukraine and the withdrawal of all Russian troops. It condemned the invasion and echoed U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s appeal for respect of humanitarian principles to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.
Duterte has expressed concern over the global impact of the Russian invasion but has not personally condemned it. When he was in office, he nurtured close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he once called his “idol,” and Chinese leader Xi Jinping while frequently criticizing U.S. security policies.
The Philippines is a treaty ally of Washington, which has imposed heavy sanctions aimed at pressuring Moscow to pull back from Ukraine.
The deal to acquire the Russian helicopters was among several weapons purchase agreements signed during Duterte’s final months in office.
Last February, Lorenzana signed a 32-bn-peso ($571 m) deal to acquire 32 S-70i Black Hawk helicopters from Poland-based aerospace manufacturer PZL Mielec. It was the largest military aircraft acquisition contract signed under Duterte, Philippine defense officials said..
Due to financial constraints, the Philippines has struggled for years to modernize its military, one of the most underfunded in Asia, to deal with decades-long Muslim and communist insurgencies and to defend its territories in the disputed South China Sea. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Military.com)
27 Jul 22. Boeing Defence Australia, RUAG Australia team up for sovereign MRO. The companies have agreed to set up a sovereign MRO framework to bolster local support the Royal Australian Air Force platforms.
Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) has announced the signing of a component repair framework contract with RUAG Australia (RUAG), aimed at enhancing Australia’s sovereign aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capability. Specifically, RUAG has been tasked with supporting BDA’s Air Combat Electronic Attack Sustainment (ACEAS) program by undertaking intermediate-level repairs on an initial three components for F/A-18F and EA-18G Growler aircraft. Components include the main and nose wheel hubs and a component from the environmental control system — currently repaired in the United States via the US Navy’s foreign military sale program.
BDA’s ACEAS program anager, Chris Gray, aid the contract would build the resilience of Australia’s Super Hornet and Growler supply chain
Gray added the deal would also support objectives of the AUSMN Defence Acquisition Committee’s MRO Logistics Working Group, boosting work opportunities for local industry by demonstrating the capacity to “augment existing supply chains”.
The program manager went on to laud RUAG’s work in the MRO space, with the company recently securing accreditation to repair E-7A Wedgetail Air Cycle Machines.
“RUAG is a proven partner across many Boeing programs and we’re excited at the potential for the ACEAS contract and Wedgetail accreditation to bolster their presence in international supply chains,” Gray said.
According to RUAG Australia’s general manager Terry Miles, this latest contract would build on the 19-year industry partnership between the two companies.
“This is a significant achievement towards using in-country sovereign capability to support Boeing and the F/A-18F and EA-18G platforms for the Royal Australian Air Force,” Miles added.
Boeing Defence Australia is currently under contract to sustain the RAAF’s F/A-18F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, C-17A Globemaster, P-8A Poseidon, E-7A Wedgetail, CH-47F Chinook, EC-135 training helicopter and future AH-64E Apache fleets.
The signing of the new contract comes just a month after Boeing announced the opening of a new distribution centre at Murarrie, near Brisbane Airport — the company’s largest aircraft spare parts and chemicals distribution centre in the Asia-Pacific region and three times larger than the company’s previous two Brisbane distribution facilities combined.
The facility has been designed to hold up to double the previous spare parts inventory and is purportedly capable of 15 times more freight each day direct to Brisbane, bypassing Melbourne.
This is tipped to accelerate deliveries to the commercial, business and general aviation, helicopter and defence markets.
The Boeing Brisbane Distribution Centre houses both the Brisbane operations of Boeing Distribution Australia Pty Ltd and Boeing Distribution Services Inc, which together are expected to deliver platform agnostic integrated supply chain solutions. (Source: Defence Connect)
27 Jul 22. TAI inks helicopter, trainer aircraft deals with African nations. Turkish Aerospace Industries has announced new deals to export its helicopter gunships and trainer aircraft to two African countries.
TAI’s general manager, Temel Kotil, said Tuesday that the company will deliver a batch of six T129 attack helicopters to Nigeria. TAI is building the T129 under license from the Italian-British firm AgustaWestland. Under an earlier contract, worth $269m, TAI is selling six T129s to the Philippines. The Philippine military has already received two, and the remaining four are scheduled for delivery in 2023.
Kotil also announced TAI is selling an unspecified batch of its Hurkus HYEU “air ground integration aircraft,” an advanced version of the Hurkus basic trainer aircraft, to Chad.
TAI earlier sold two HYEU platforms to Niger and is presently competing in a race to sell 18 of them to the Malaysian military.
TAI declined to comment on the contract value for the Nigerian and Chad deals, and it would not provide a quantity for the aircraft deal with Chad. (Source: Defense News)
27 Jul 22. Indian DAC clears proposals worth $3.59bn for arms purchase.
Arms such as drones, bulletproof jackets, and carbines will be procured under the Buy (Indian IDDM) and Buy (Indian) categories. III/commons.wikimedia.org. The Indian Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved proposals worth $3.59bn (Rs287.32bn) to procure arms, including swarm drones, bulletproof jackets, and carbines.
In a meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the DAC accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals of the armed forces.
According to the Defence Ministry, the AoN seeks to achieve self-reliance in Defence under the Buy (Indian Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) and Buy (Indian) categories.
The DAC gave approval for the Indian Army’s proposals to buy Defence Research and Development Organisation-developed (DRDO) Guided Extended Range Rocket Ammunition, Area Denial Munition Type I, and Infantry Combat Vehicle-Command.
The three proposals are valued at $1.07bn (Rs85.99bn).
While Guided Extended Range Rocket Ammunition offers a range of 75km, the Aerial Denial Munition is capable of neutralising tanks and armoured personnel carriers.
The Infantry Combat Vehicle – Command supports commanders with real-time information.
Rajnath Singh tweeted: “Considering the demand for enhanced protection against the threat of enemy snipers to our troops deployed along the Line of Control, and in close combat operations in counter-terrorism scenarios, the DAC accorded AoN for bulletproof jackets, carbines, and swarm drones.”
The procurement of bulletproof jackets and over four lakh (400,000) close-quarter battle carbines will not only strengthen the armed forces but also support the local manufacturing industry.
Acquisition of autonomous surveillance and armed drone swarms will enhance the Army’s capabilities in modern warfare.
The DAC also cleared the Navy’s proposal to buy the indigenously-developed Marine Gas Turbine Generator and 14 Fast Patrol Vessels for the Indian Coast Guard.
To further promote ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, the Defence Ministry has highlighted the need to expedite the indigenisation of Software Defined Radios (SDRs) by DRDO and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur.
A decision has been taken by the ministry to define and develop reference implementation of an India-specific operating environment. This is known as the India Software Communication Architecture (SCA) profile.
Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar said the process will reduce the import budget and create a secured radio network for the armed forces.
In another development, the Defence Ministry’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) has signed a contract with Pacify Medical Technologies.
This is the iDEX’s 100th contract for defence innovation.
So far, projects worth over $31.31m (Rs2.5bn) have been allocated under the flagship initiative. (Source: army-technology.com)
25 Jul 22. South Koreans offer Aussies new subs in 7 years to close Collins gap. As conversations at the Thursday dinner with the Korean ambassador, Jeong-sik Kang, and several senior Korean defense officials made crystal clear, any one defense program is less important to the Koreans than is building a broader and deeper defense relationship with Australia.
a large dinner here attended by its ambassador and a host of senior acquisition officials, South Korea made clear its eagerness to deepen defense ties with Australia, making the bold offer of building advanced conventional attack submarines in “seven years from signature to delivery.”
The reason South Korea is making this play is simple: Australia may face a capability gap if its Collins class submarines can’t operate until the first Australia-made nuclear attack submarines deploy. The Collins are now expected to sail safely until 2030 or so, but few experts believe Australia can get its first nuclear-powered attack boat into the water until closer to 2040. The Albanese government plans to announce by March whether Australia will use US or British nuclear sub designs as the centerpiece of the AUKUS agreement, and when these would hit the water.
It’s reasonable to expect that the government will also decide by then whether Australia will need an interim capability.
South Korea is already deep into a campaign here to win the first contract for as many as 450 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicles for the Australian Army. South Korean defense giant Hanwha is widely viewed as having the best chance to win the big contract instead of Germany’s Rheinmetal. In addition, Hanwha Defense Australia plans to manufacture 30 self-propelled howitzers and 15 armored ammunition resupply vehicles at the Avalon Airport in Victoria, Australia, where the biennial air show is held, in a new 32,000 square meter center. The company netted the $1bn AUD ($700m US) in December and started work on the new facility earlier this year.
But, as conversations at the Thursday dinner with the Korean ambassador, Jeong-sik Kang, and several senior Korean defense officials made crystal clear, each program in and of itself is less important to the Koreans than building a broader and deeper defense relationship with Australia.
They came armed with glossy brochures, big submarine tie clips, much of the embassy’s defense staff and a host of Korean company officials. Over three-and-a-half hours, nine speakers discussed the Redback offer, last week’s first flight of the supersonic and sort of fifth-generation KF-21 fighter, the sub, a Low Earth Orbit national communications system, and even passenger trains that Korea is selling Australia.
To receive the Korean officials were more an estimated 20 Australian defense officials; William Paterson, a former Australian ambassador to Korea; and, for effect, several defense journalists. Before sitting down to dinner, a Korean civilian defense official was eager to show Breaking Defense a table with two models of Korea’s proposed KSS-III, billed as the world’s largest and quietest conventionally powered attack submarine, as well as the first Air Independent Propulsion-powered sub that can handle SLBMs, or submarine-launched ballistic missiles.
The Koreans were almost ebullient in their presentation during the dinner, referring to the large lithium battery that powers the AIP system. The 3,700 ton boat’s cruise range grows because of the combination of the advanced diesel engines used for long-distance cruising and AIP, as illustrated in the chart below. The Koreans also said the sub boasts comfortable quarters in a deliberate attempt to boost crew morale and effectiveness. That could be a selling point for Australia, which has had issues attracting enough submariners to man their boats at times, so this may be aimed at allaying those concerns. (Source: Breaking Defense.com)
25 Jul 22. Australia unveils biotech security framework. Industry and academia have joined forces in a bid to strengthen biotech awareness across the defence and national security sectors. The Safeguarding Australia through Biotechnology Response and Engagement (SABRE) alliance was recently launched at the inaugural Australian Defence Science Technology and Research (ADSTAR) summit.
SABRE aims to bolster biotech collaboration between Australian universities, research institutes and SMEs to inform projects across the Defence and national security spaces.
The three initial themes to be explored by SABRE include:
- human performance and decision making;
- genomics, bioinformatics and synthetic biology; and
- agriculture and biosecurity.
According to Defence Chief Scientist Professor Tanya Monro AC, the new framework would ensure defence and national security stakeholders have access to the latest biotech capabilities.
“SABRE will lead to the right questions being asked by the right people under the right framework,” Professor Monro said.
“This will ensure that defence and the national security sector capitalise on new opportunities arising from biotech research and development conducted within Australia’s research and industry sectors.
“SABRE, with its national focus, will draw together the right capabilities and capacities which currently exist in the biotech sector and support new horizon research into tangible outcomes.”
The launch of SABRE comes just a week after Professor Monro announced the round two recipients of the National Intelligence and Security Discovery Research Grants (NISDRG) program, aimed at addressing emerging threats in a changing national security environment.
The grants are expected to fund further research into:
- addressing vulnerabilities in artificial intelligence (AI) systems;
- investigating supply chain risks;
- new explosive detection methods;
- the development of sensing technology;
- secure computing; and
- machine learning for miniature satellites and electromagnetic shielding.
The grants are administered by the Australian Research Council (ARC), tasked with enabling national intelligence and security communities to systematically engage with Australian researchers. (Source: Defence Connect)
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