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UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO

25 May 23. UK MoD looks to private sector for military parachute training. The contract, worth up to £65m, could run for up to eight years and is expected to begin delivery from Q1 2025.

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is turning to the commercial sector to fulfill military parachute training (MPT) requirements, following the publishing of an open contract opportunity in a deal that could be worth up to £65m.

According to a 19 May contract opportunity announcement by the MoD, the training will be based mainly in the UK, with the prospect of some European MPT during the contract. The MoD is planning for a five-year availability service with three, one-year contract options after.

Aircraft utlilised by the service provider must be able to carry a minimum of 20 parachutists with full equipment load and be able to air dispatch low-level jumps and facilitate a portable oxygen capability for high-altitude parachutists (HAP) secured to the aircraft floor.

The service should aim to deliver by Q1 2025, with an approved framework agreed between military and civilian aviation authorities and the commercial MPT prover. The MPT provider is expected to base the aircraft at its own site in southern England and pick up personnel undergoing parachute training from locations across the UK, with RAF Brize Norton as its main operation base.

There is also a potential requirement to support MPT in Europe, mainly over southern France. The commercial MPT contractor is expected to supply type-rated aircrew, engineers, fire and crash cover, and medical cover when not provided by the MoD, according to the contract notice.

An initial flying time of 900hrs per year in anticipated, with MPT courses taking place at intervals throughout the year.

The MPT contractor will be required to airdrop parachutists using round and square parachutes to cover a variety of activities including low level (static line), via both side doors and tailgate ramp, and medium and HAP freefall from a tailgate ramp from multiple heights up to 20,000ft pressure altitude.

The parachuting platform should be a “recognised parachute training aircraft” and be able to operate by day and night.

Are military platforms available?

The ability for UK personnel to conduct parachute training has gained currency in the political sphere recently, with the outgoing C-130J transporters regularly used as MPT aircraft. The remaining C-130J will be retired from service this year, with the workload moving to the newer 22-strong A400M Atlas aircraft fleet

However, military certification on the Atlas was still recently understood to be ongoing, with the aircraft not certified to conduct dual stick jumps from its side doors. The Atlas is also undergoing mechanical rectification work to solve known issues, although the fleet registered a greater availability than the outgoing C-130 aircraft between 1 March 2021 to 1 September 2022.

The requirement of a minimum 20-parachutists capacity and both side and rear exits will limit the range of commercial aircraft that qualify for the award. A fully loaded military-specification C-130J is able to accommodate around 80 parachutists. (Source: airforce-technology.com)

24 May 23. Technical take off for UK Armed Forces. A newly developed programme will deliver battlespace solutions to the UK Armed Forces.

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has developed an innovative programme aimed at delivering battle winning technologies to the UK Armed Forces’ fleet of aircraft.

The tri-service collaboration is supported by industry partners, the Tactical Aviation Contested, Degraded and Operationally (T-CDO) limiting environments programme, and has been developed to seek battlespace solutions to problems from a range of emerging and evolving threats.

Tomorrow’s tactical environment is a very different place. The development of mega cities has created massive urban landscapes, too large and logistically important to simply bypass.

New threat systems are also coming into play. The rise of the drone in warfare continues, with small Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS) now being available globally, cheaply, and providing unprecedented levels of sensing and strike capabilities to non-state actors.

Principal Engineer for Dstl, Liam Ball said: “The world is becoming an increasingly dangerous place, with new threat actors in the cyber realm rising and growing in confidence and strength. In this environment, the UK must work even harder to ensure its security. To achieve this, the UK must possess and demonstrate the ability to dominate the tactical environment of tomorrow in order to obtain operational advantage in tactical battles.”

In its first year of trials, the T-CDO programme has already landed a series of important successes. The four-year project has ambitions of investigating and accelerating novel engineering, logistical and platform solutions from inception to integration.

As an Integrating Capability Challenge, T-CDO has a remit to reach out across all relevant areas of the science and technology (S&T) to help tackle military challenges. The aim is to combat future challenges, such as:

the increased use of un-crewed and autonomous vehicles
reducing the risks of tactical surface-to-air missiles and the cyber and electronic warfare capabilities of UK enemies

The programme has designed a proactive and systematic approach to exploiting technological advancements that can deliver the UK and its allies improved operational advantage.

Lt Col Huw Raikes, Army Air Corps, said: “T-CDO is a hugely valuable tool for the Army. Growing from strength to strength, Dstl are employing sophisticated modelling and simulation techniques that assist us in understanding the complex, interconnected and interdependent environment that we will need to operate Aviation within over the next 10 years and beyond. The credibility of the T-CDO output is essential; the Army will rely on it to help guide multi-million pound investment decisions that will shape tomorrow’s fight.”

The close liaison with end users and the creation of a ‘problem pack’ that details known challenges and capability gaps for tactical aircraft has received strong endorsement from the Front Line Commands. This will allow situational awareness to sit at the heart of Tactical Aviation CDO’s Aviation Concepts Environment and Common Simulation Environment.

Following further testing the ‘problem pack’ and subsequent breakthrough will be open to input from industry, academia, front line commands and end users by the end of 2023.

The programme’s specialists will be collaborating with an alliance of carefully selected companies, led by Leonardo, to ensure that any solutions taken forward fully address the Tactical Aviation teasers presented in the ‘problem pack’.

Delivering analytical data to assess the suitability of tactical aviation concepts against Land, Maritime and Air domain demands, Tactical Aviation CDO will ensure the UK’s Armed Forces will not be flying blind when it comes to preparing airframes and crews for the future operating environments of 2040 and beyond. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

24 May 23. First dedicated government fund to build space infrastructure launched with £50m. The UK Space Agency is launching a £50m fund to support the development of cutting-edge research and development facilities, the government announced today.

The Space Clusters and Infrastructure Fund (SCIF) – the first dedicated fund for UK space infrastructure – will award match funding to UK organisations to develop the R&D infrastructure needed to make space products mission-ready and sell them into commercial markets.

Investment in space R&D infrastructure is essential for building and testing new UK space and satellite capabilities, supporting innovative missions that can benefit people, businesses and communities across the country.

The funding is available to industry and academia who can deliver projects to procure, build or upgrade R&D facilities and equipment that will bring high potential, high value space technologies to market. SCIF is a pilot project that will support approximately 5-10 projects of up to £10m each.

These projects will provide critical anchor points at the local level for new businesses, investment and research and aim to create hundreds of jobs in areas of the UK that need it most.

Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said: “The UK has a thriving space sector, which is well-established and globally respected. We are growing this exciting sector further, by catalysing investment, delivering missions and capabilities, and championing the power of space to improve lives.”

The Space Clusters and Infrastructure Fund demonstrates the government’s commitment to space and will help deliver the ambition set out in the National Space Strategy to build one of the most innovative and attractive space economies in the world, developing new skills and creating jobs.

Levelling Up is a priority of the UK Space Agency and SCIF will allocate the majority of its budget outside of the Greater South-east, although proposals are welcome from anywhere in the UK.

Lizzie Kerr, Director of UKspace, the industry trade association, said:” R&D underpins so much of the UK space industry’s activities and continued innovation. UKspace therefore welcomes this funding commitment from the Government which has the potential to impact many of our members, by developing and renewing facilities, and bringing growth and employment across the UK.”

The government has previously invested in space infrastructure such as the National Satellite Test Facility (NSTF) and National Space Propulsion Test Facility on a case-by-case basis. The NSTF, due to open later this year in Harwell, features the UK’s largest vacuum test chamber, where satellites the size of a double decker bus will be exposed to extremes of hot and cold for months at a time, and a vibration facility that replicates the conditions of a rocket launch. The National Space Propulsion Test Facility in Westcott allows UK organisations to test state-of-the-art engines which move small satellites in space, at a more affordable rate than having to go abroad.

The UK Space Agency’s funding for national projects, including SCIF, is in addition to £1.84 bn invested through the European Space Agency in November, ensuring the UK’s space and commercial satellite sector will play a leading role in future international missions and innovative commercial programmes. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

24 May 23. UK Human Machine Teaming programme reopens to new suppliers. The UK Ministry of Defence’s (MoD’s) Human Machine Teaming (HMT) programme reopened to new suppliers on 22 May.

Initially announced in May 2022, the three-year GBP300m (USD372.4m) HMT project seeks to collate lessons from the British Army’s experimentation activity in Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS) and enable rapid iterations across the full spectrum of potential capabilities.

An MoD spokesperson informed Janes that the framework aims to reopen every six months to allow new vendors to join and be privy to future competitions expected to run in the next six to 12 months.

HMT will be delivered through a multisupplier framework agreement, with multiple competitions completed across different ‘Lots’. These ‘Lots’ are segregated into four different components – hardware, such as unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), unmanned aircraft systems (UASs), and payloads and consumables; software , ranging from external, internal, platform, reliability, and maintenance analysis; professional and technical services. (Source: Janes)

22 May 23. British Army seeks new small armed UAS capability. With a focus on modular payloads and versatility, the army aims to employ UAS solutions that swiftly adapt to evolving tactical situations.

The UK Ministry of Defence has issued a request for information on small armed unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to enhance the British Army’s operational capabilities. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has released a request for information on small armed UAS, which the British Army could use to bolster its military capabilities. Seeking innovative solutions, the MoD aims to explore potential armed UAS capabilities with a maximum take-off weight, including payload, of 350g.

In the recently published documents, the British Army expressed keen interest in small armed UAS featuring modular payloads, enabling users to switch out equipment as tactical situations evolve.

The army wants explicitly expandable or reusable solutions tailored to the tactical scenario and payload requirements.

One of the critical requirements for the UAS is its ability to be launched in multiple ways, ensuring flexibility in various scenarios. Additionally, the UAS should have a minimum flight time of 20 minutes, regardless of the payload carried.

By seeking this information, the MoD aims to understand the armed UAS marketplace comprehensively and allow industry stakeholders to present potential solutions while highlighting development opportunities.

They are also expected to brief the ministry on any future developments in this field and disclose any contracts they may have for supplying solutions to other governments. Furthermore, respondents will have the opportunity to present or demonstrate their equipment to the MoD if invited.

The emergence of small armed UAS has become increasingly apparent during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. These UAS, from retrofitted to bespoke systems, are being employed to target personnel and vehicles using air-released munitions, including grenades.

According to GlobalData’s “UK Defence Market 2022-2027” report, the UAS that the UK is in the ongoing process of buying TUAV Nano-unmanned Aerial Vehicles (nUAS) from Elbit Systems and Atlas Dynamics and does also have an ongoing Maritime Heavy Lift UAS procurement for $509m from Molloy Aeronautics and W Autonomous Systems.

Investment in the UAV domain in the region is primarily driven by forward-looking development programs such as the maritime heavy-lift UAS programs, among others.

The global military UAV market is valued at US$11.1bn in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.18% over the forecast period. It is expected to reach US$18.4bn by 2033 and cumulatively value US$172.9bn over the forecast period, according to “The Global Military UAV Market Forecast 2023-2033” report.

With its request for information, the British Army aims to enhance its small armed UAS capabilities, ensuring adaptability and flexibility in response to evolving operational requirements.

By embracing modular payloads and versatile solutions, the army seeks to effectively maintain an edge in modern warfare and address emerging threats. (Source: army-technology.com)

19 May 23. UK delays New Medium Helicopter service entry and contract award dates. New helicopters had been expected to enter service from 2025 onward, but the lack of acquisition targets suggests the birds won’t fly until later.

The UK has still not approved dates for entry into service or production contract award for a £1 bn ($1.15 bn) New Medium Helicopter (NMH) acquisition, designed to replace Puma HC2 rotorcraft and a number of smaller rotary fleets, including Bell 212, Bell 412 and AS365 Dauphins.

New helicopters had been expected to enter service from 2025 onward, but without set critical acquisition targets, such a timeline appears increasingly difficult to sustain.

Sarah Atherton MP said during a Wednesday UK defense committee hearing that the committee had been previously told a winning NMH bidder would be announced by “autumn” 2023. But James Cartlidge, UK minister for defense procurement, told lawmakers that the MoD had not “determined” contract award or service entry dates.

“We are working out parameters for the competition itself,” he said. “That will then inform points around the dates that follow on from that in the usual way.”

With no service entry date set, the prospect of a rotary medium lift capability gap grows. If necessary, the UK’s fleet of 23 Pumas could be modified to keep them in the air longer.

“The Puma was originally going to be retired sooner than 2025 under the Integrated Review (of British defense policy, published in 2021), it was extended in order to fulfil roles in Cyprus and in Brunei,” said Air Chief Marshal Richard Knighton, Chief of the Air Staff Designate. “It could be extended still further out to 2027 or 2028, or that kind of timeframe, but that decision has not been taken yet and will be dependent upon the progress of the New Medium Helicopter.”

As part of a downselect process, Airbus, Boeing, Leonardo and Lockheed Martin were all told in October 2022 that they had successfully passed a NMH dynamic prequalification questionnaire assessment (DPQQ), though Boeing has since confirmed it is not taking part in the competition as a prime contractor. Rather, it will be supporting an Airbus H175M offer.

An invitation to negotiate (ITN) phase involving the MoD defining exact requirements and costs for industry was originally set to start by the end of Q1 2023, but Atherton said that NMH tender documents currently sit with an “assessment committee,” which must first sign off on new approvals, before the ITN phase can commence. She added that ITN could then take six months to complete.

If that forecast stands as a rough guide and taking into account that newly produced helicopters generally take between 18 to 24 months to manufacture, barring any further delays a first NMH aircraft would appear to be ready for handover to the UK in mid to late 2025, with actual service entry lagging months behind that.

“One of the things that really concerns me and I know for a fact that it concerns industry, is that new medium lift was listed in the MoD’s acquisition pipeline, and was then delisted, that sends a really difficult signal to industry,” added Dave Doogan MP.

He suggested NMH was part of a defense procurement culture that habitually keeps “industry in the dark” and then expects suppliers to “deliver overnight.”

In response, Cartlidge denied NMH had been “dropped” or handled in such a way, and said that manufacturers had been notified of progress.

“We’re committed to it, but… I can’t say more than that for commercial confidentiality reasons,” he explained.

In addition to the Airbus H175M offer, Leonardo has pitched the AW149 multirole helicopter, with both manufacturers committing to build new aircraft in the UK, if selected. Lockheed Martin has offered the S-70M Black Hawk but has yet to disclose any production plans, although S-70i export Black Hawks are manufactured in Poland.

19 May 23. RAF confident of complete capability transition to A400M by 2025. The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) is confident that it can fully transition the niche special operations forces (SOF) capabilities of the Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules to the Airbus A400M Atlas airlifter in the next couple of years, the new service chief said on 17 May. Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Designate Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton told the House of Commons Defence Committee (HCDC) that the A400M can already perform most of the SOF tasks now undertaken by the soon-to-be-retired C-130J, and that this process will be complete by 2025. (Source: Janes)

EUROPE

25 May 23. Procedure for Purchase of Submarines to Be Launched This Year. “We are starting the implementation of the ORKA program. This year, we plan to launch a procedure aimed at the purchase of submarines along with the transfer of the necessary technologies that we want to obtain through an offset order,” said Deputy Prime Minister Mariusz Błaszczak.

On May 24, in Warsaw, Mariusz Błaszczak, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, took part in the opening of the Defence24 Day defense industry conference. The Deputy Prime Minister presented the actions taken so far to increase the potential of the Polish Army and talked about the decisions regarding the modernization of the Polish Armed Forces.

“We want our submarines to be characterized by long-term missions and high capacity in terms of carried combat assets and configuration flexibility. (…) A full-fledged Navy should include not only surface vessels, but also those that can secretly move under water, capable of waiting for a long time for time to strike at the right time, whether it’s a surface target or a land target,” said Deputy Prime Minister Błaszczak.

He pointed out that the strengthening of the Polish Army, deterrence and defense capabilities is a process involving both domestic and foreign industry.

“The construction of modern armed forces requires equipping both with means intended for defense and cover, as well as with tools whose main task will be to precisely strike the enemy’s targets. The enemy must be aware that in the event of an attack on our country, not only his forces will suffer heavy losses, but also that we have “fangs” that will allow us to strike where he least expects it. (…)

“For several years, we have been intensively strengthening our army in every domain. (…) For the needs of the Land Forces, we ordered K2 and M1 ABRAMS tanks, KRAB and K9 howitzers, RAK mortars and POPRAD anti-aircraft systems equipped with PIORUN rockets, HIMARS and CHUNMOO rocket launchers, and the Air Force will receive FA-50 light combat aircraft and state-of-the-art aircraft 5th generation F-35.

“For our F-16 aircraft, we have ordered JASSM long-range air-to-surface missiles, allowing them to hit targets as far away as 1,000 km. (…) We are also investing in increasing reconnaissance capabilities. For this purpose, we will buy more ground-based radar stations, unmanned systems such as FLYEYE, BAYRAKTAR or leased REAPER,” the Minister of National Defense said during the conference.

Deputy Prime Minister M. Błaszczak also announced that actions are being taken to increase the production capacity of the domestic defense industry at a level that allows not only the ongoing replenishment of ammunition stocks, in particular artillery, but even to such an extent that “spare production capacity” can be directed to our foreign partners.

Defence24 Day is the largest conference in Central and Eastern Europe devoted to defense and security issues. This year’s edition is largely devoted to security in the region after Russia’s attack on Ukraine.

(Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Polish Ministry of Defense)

25 May 23. Portugal set to issue tender for unmanned systems mother ship. The Portuguese Navy is poised to issue a tender to acquire a helicopter and unmanned systems mother ship for a maximum of EUR132m (USD142m) to meet its Pilar I project.

A tender by prior qualification for the design and construction of the Plataforma Naval Multifuncional (Multifunctional Naval Platform) is scheduled to be published in mid-June in the Portuguese Official Gazette and in the Official Journal of the European Union, Captain Jorge Manuel Mestre Domingos, project manager at the Portuguese Navy Ships Directorate, told Janes. The acquisition of this non-combatant multi-purpose modular ship will be funded by the European Union’s (EU’s) Recovery and Resilience Plan (also known as NextGenerationEU), he added.

The commissioning of the ship is scheduled to take place in 2026.

The ship is designed to be configured according to the mission set, and will principally undertake offshore surveillance, research and survey, aviation, disaster relief, and humanitarian aid missions. (Source: Janes)

24 May 23. EU Defence Cooperation: Council Welcomes Denmark into PESCO and Launches the 5th Wave of New PESCO Projects. Today the Council adopted a decision confirming Denmark’s participation in the Permanent Structured Cooperation. Denmark therefore becomes the 26th member of PESCO.

PESCO is at the core our defence cooperation. With Denmark joining the PESCO family and 11 new projects adopted today, we are expanding and deepening our cooperation. This enables member states to invest together, develop needed capabilities and prepare our forces.

In a referendum on 1 June 2022, Danish voters supported Denmark joining the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy, ending the country’s 30-year-long opt-out on EU’s defence cooperation.

As a result, Denmark joined the EU cooperation on security and defence on 1 July 2022, and started to contribute to EU’s military CSDP missions and operations. On 23 March 2023, it notified the Council and the High Representative of its intention to participate in PESCO and its ability to meet the commitments. Denmark has also joined the European Defence Agency in March 2023.

The Council today also adopted a decision updating the list of PESCO projects. As a result, 11 new projects will be added to the list of the existing ones that have been developed since December 2017.

The list of new projects touches on training, land, maritime and air systems, cyber, and enabling joint multiple services. It includes the following projects:

— European Defence Airlift – Training Academy (EDA-TA)

— Integrated Unmanned Ground Systems 2 (iUGS 2)

— Counter Battery Sensors (CoBaS)

— Anti-Torpedo Torpedo (ATT)

— Critical Seabed Infrastructure Protection (CSIP)

— Future Short-Range Air to Air Missile (FSRM)

— Next Generation Medium Helicopter (NGMH)

— Integrated Multi-Layer Air and Missile Defence System (IMLAMD)

— Arctic Command & Control Effector and Sensor System (ACCESS)

— Robust Communication Infrastructure and Networks (ROCOMIN)

— ROLE 2F

Background

The Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) is a key EU defence initiative. It provides a framework for defence cooperation among the participating EU member states who have entered into more binding commitments between one another. They jointly develop defence capabilities, coordinate investments, enhance the operational readiness, interoperability and resilience of their armed forces, and collaborate in projects.

With today’s decision, the number of collaborative projects has risen to 68 and covers various areas such as: training facilities, land formation systems, maritime and air systems, cyber, and enabling joint multiple services and space.

As of today, the 26 member states participating in PESCO are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

23 May 23. Czech Army Prioritizes Tactical Unit Needs: First to Buy 200 Smaller Drones, Then Medium. Based on the findings from the current battlefield, the army proposed changing the order of purchases of unmanned systems. Instead of three medium tactical drones, they will purchase over 200 smaller drones, ranging from small quadcopters to twenty-kilogram devices with long endurance. The originally planned medium tactical drones will be procured later.

Army experts evaluated the combat effectiveness of individual categories of unmanned aerial vehicles on the modern battlefield and recommended the next course of action based on their operational performance.

According to Brigadier General Roman Hyťha, director of the intelligence security section of the ACR MoD, knowledge from the current battlefield is evaluated continuously, but the intensity and character of the fighting in Ukraine accelerated it and gave it a clear direction. “Our task is to monitor the capabilities of our potential adversaries comprehensively, not to focus on just one segment or region. On the other hand, the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine is significant not only in its scope, but also in the range of capabilities used by both sides, which had an impact on our assessment,” Hyťha explained the factors that led to the reassessment of priorities.

The army already has experience with smaller drones

The non-negligible advantage of smaller drones from the army’s point of view is that it already has extensive operational experience with them, with many units. Some of the combat companies of the ground forces already have so-called ISR company sets in their formations, which also include the Wasp AE unmanned aerial vehicle. In addition, Vážka A quadcopters, Raven and Puma vehicles are also included in selected units of the Czech Army. The 53rd Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare Regiment is the only one to have Scan Eagle equipment with higher range and endurance. “From the point of view of the units, there will be a significant and significant quantitative increase of what the army already has, even if there will be an expansion with new types,” summarized Lieutenant Colonel Petr Čeklovský from the intelligence security section of the ACR MO.

The advantage of smaller drones is their direct use by combat units. Units do not need to be deployed by higher tiers and can use them immediately. “The basic advantage of micro and mini category drones is that they provide the commander with a situational overview on the battlefield at the time when he needs it. Using them for the commander is not much more difficult than when he takes the binoculars out of his backpack,” explained Čeklovký.

Prioritizing the needs of the combat elements of the Army

With the current change in priorities for purchases of unmanned vehicles, the army wants to equip three combat elements – the 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade, the 7th Mechanized Brigade and the 43rd Airborne Regiment. Smaller unmanned vehicles will also be used by reconnaissance units and units of other types of forces. Everything is calculated with the aim of maximizing the combat capabilities of the brigade task forces of the Army of the Czech Republic.

The funds saved for the purchase of medium tactical drones will thus equip units at the tactical level.

The cost will thus be lower than the expected price of three medium tactical drones. “However, it should be kept in mind that micro and mini category drones can never replace medium tactical drones and vice versa. They are other means,” explained General Hyťha.

(Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Czech Republic Ministry of Defence)

21 May 23. Estonia and Latvia look to purchase mid-range air defence from Germany. European Union and NATO members Estonia and Latvia will begin negotiations with Germany’s Diehl Defence for the purchase of a medium-range air defence system, Estonia’s Defence Ministry said on Sunday.

The cost of the Iris-T SLM air defence system and additional capabilities such as infrastructure, personnel, training, equipment, will be determined at the negotiations, which could be concluded during the summer, it added.

“Our objective is to ensure operational medium-range air defence capabilities for Estonia by 2025, which means that the first systems should arrive in 2024,” Estonia’s Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said.

The purchase will be led by Estonia Centre for Defence Investment.

Last October, Estonia and Latvia were among 14 European NATO partners to sign a letter of intent to jointly procure air defence systems as Russia’s war in Ukraine highlighted shortages. (Source: Reuters)

17 May 23. Germany to replace Tiger attack helo with H145M. Germany plans to retire its Airbus Helicopters Tiger attack fleet in favour of acquiring more Airbus Helicopters H145M utility rotorcraft that it can arm with long-range air-to-surface missiles. Reuters cited a Bundeswehr spokesperson as confirming the plan that had been reported in the German national media. As noted by Janes World Armies, Germany has 66 Tigers in its inventory, including a number in storage. A portion of these was scheduled for upgrade as part of the Tiger Mk III programme with France and Spain. However, in 2022, Germany declined to join its European partners in the project, leading to speculation that it was not committed to maintaining its fleet in the longer term. This speculation was fuelled in November 2021, when Boeing told Janes (Source: Janes)

USA

24 May 23. US Army eliminates AeroVironment from future tactical UAS competition. AeroVironment, an early provider of Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft Systems to the U.S. Army, has been eliminated from the service’s competition for the next increment of the system.

The Army has long been working to select a Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft System, meant to replace its Shadow UAS fleet. In 2022, after a roughly four-year competition, the service awarded AeroVironment an $8 million contract to provide its Jump 20 system as an interim FTUAS capability for a single brigade. AeroVironment purchased Jump 20′s developer Arcturus in 2021. An undisclosed number of Jump 20s have been provided through U.S. security assistance to Ukraine.

AeroVironment declined a request for comment.

The Army wants its FTUAS to be a vertical take-off and landing aircraft, so it can be runway independent. Additionally, the service wants the system to offer improved maneuverability and the capability to be controlled on the move. Other planned attributes include a reduced transportation and logistics footprint and a quieter system than is offered today to avoid enemy detection.

The service in fall 2021 opened competition for a permanent system and, earlier this year, the Army selected five companies, including AeroVironment, to build prototypes. Now, the Army is awarding contracts to move into the design phase to Griffon Aerospace, Northrop Grumman, Sierra Nevada and Textron Systems — all of the competitors except AeroVironment.

The Army did not disclose the value of each contract awarded in a May 24 statement.

Since late February, the Army has evaluated the five submissions’ performance, cost, schedule, risk and modular open systems approaches, according to the service’s statement.

The effort going forward will include a series of design reviews. Then, competitors will be chosen to demonstrate capabilities in actual flight and will go through third-party verification of modular open system architectures.

If competitors pass through those gauntlets, each team will provide air vehicles, mission systems packages, payloads and ground controllers among other tools and manuals in order to go through qualification testing and operational assessments, the Army stated earlier in the competition.

The system is scheduled to enter full-rate production in the second quarter of FY26. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)

24 May 23. DoD Announces $10m Defense Production Act Title III Agreement With Six Sigma to Strengthen the Domestic Microelectronics Industrial Base. As part of the nation’s effort to sustain the microelectronics manufacturing capability necessary for national and economic security, and in support of Executive Order 14017, America’s Supply Chains, the Department of Defense recently entered a $10m agreement with Six Sigma utilizing Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III authorities.

Six Sigma will increase the capacity of both its copper solder column manufacturing and column attach processes to enable the production of high-reliability Column Grid Array components (such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays and Application Specific Integrated Circuits) for military and aerospace applications. The project will run 51-months and be performed at its facility in Milpitas, California.

“This investment ensures critical DoD military and space programs operating in extreme thermal and vibration environments are available to meet the needs of American strategic interests,” said Dr. Taylor-Kale, ASD (IBP). “It exemplifies the Department’s commitment to ensuring the resilience and integrity of our nation’s critical supply chains.”

About the Department of Defense’s Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy

Industrial Base Policy is the principal advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (USD(A&S)) for developing Department of Defense policies for the maintenance of the United States defense industrial base (DIB), executing small business programs and policy, and conduction geo-economic analysis and assessments. The office also provides the USD(A&S) with recommendations on budget matters related to the DIB, anticipates and closes gaps in manufacturing capabilities for defense systems, and assesses impacts related to mergers, acquisition, and divestitures. IBP monitors and assesses the impact of foreign investments in the United States and executes authorities under sections 2501 and 2505 U.S.C. Title 10. (Source: US DoD)

22 May 23. DoD Announces Second Set of Projects to Receive Funding From the Pilot Program to Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT).

The Department of Defense announced today the second set of projects to receive funding via the pilot program to Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT).

The purpose of the APFIT pilot program is to expeditiously transition technologies from development into production, and to accelerate the fielding of those technologies to the warfighter. In FY22 $100M was appropriated for APFIT, resulting in ten DoD programs each receiving $10M to expedite their production and fielding. APFIT funding is helping to deliver war-winning capability 1-2 years earlier than scheduled, while contributing to the health of the US Industrial base through investments in small business and/or nontraditional defense developed capabilities. Congress appropriated $150 million for APFIT in FY23.

“I am thrilled to see the increased support from Congress for the APFIT program,” said Heidi Shyu, Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. “This flexible funding is helping to transform the way the Department quickly pivots to procure and field warfighting capability, across the military services and defense agencies.

“This pilot program is a critical tool to help us bridge the ‘valley of death’ and transition capabilities to the warfighter quicker than previously planned. The companies being funded will fill crucial capability gaps. Without APFIT funding, these capabilities could take years longer to field.”

The National Defense Authorization Act of FY22 established APFIT as a competitive, merit-based program for innovative and mature technologies and products that can meet warfighter demands but currently lack the necessary funding to field. Individual funding awards are limited to $10M-$50m for each defense program. Eleven DoD program offices will receive FY23 APFIT funding. These program offices will in turn use that funding to procure innovative technologies from small businesses or nontraditional defense contractor vendors, as listed below.

Commercial Satellite Communications Terminals, U.S. Marine Corps, $15.0m, Bascom Hunter Technologies, Louisiana

o Establishes a fully automated production line and initial procurement of transportable satellite terminals to provide assured Naval capability to leverage the latest Low Earth Orbit and Mid Earth Orbit satellite communication constellations.

Common Air-Launched Munitions Radio, U.S. Air Force, $10.0m, Integrated Solutions for Systems, Inc., Alabama

o Initial low rate procurement of software defined munitions radios and Technical Data Package to support integration of weapons data links in future USAF weapons.

Integrated Air Defense Cameras, Defense Innovation Unit, $16.77m, Teleidoscope, California

o Procurement of initial upgraded electro optical/infrared cameras with enhanced capabilities to improve airspace awareness.

Minuteman III Code Wheel Replacement, Defense Logistics Agency, $10.0m, BC Engineering Products, New Jersey

o Procurement of new code wheels for replacement of units in the Minuteman III Missile that are ~40 years beyond planned service life using advanced manufacturing techniques and processes to retain form, fit, and function.

Mixed Reality Pilot Training Devices, U.S. Marine Corps, $10.0m, Bowhead Professional & Technical Solutions, LLC, Virginia

o Procurement of affordable, smaller, mixed-reality T-45C flight training simulators to augment legacy full-size flight simulators.

Modern Commercial Weather Satellites, U.S. Space Force, $10.3m, Tomorrow.io, Massachusetts

o Procurement and launch of two affordable commercial weather sensing satellites to augment the existing commercially-owned, managed, and sustained weather constellation to support weather data-as-a-service use by the military.

Multi-Platform Anti-Jam Global Positioning System Antennas, U.S. Army, $19.97m, Mayflower Communications, Inc., Massachusetts

o Accelerated procurement of sufficient quantities to achieve optimum price break of anti-jam antennas for fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.

Network Enhancements for Contested Environments, U.S. Navy, $10.0m, Adaptive Dynamics Inc, California and Caliola Engineering, Colorado

o Procurement and integration of software into existing joint tactical radio systems that leverage modified software techniques for enhancing communications in contested environments.

Tactical Passive Radar for Counter Unmanned Air Systems (UAS), U.S. Army, $10.0m, Hidden Level, Inc., New York

o Procurement of platform agnostic, day/night, modular passive radar capability for small UAS detection and tracking.

Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) Range Extension using Beyond-Line-of-Sight Communications, U.S. Navy, $10.0m, Maritime Applied Physics Corp., Maryland

o Initial low rate procurement of USVs and supporting communication systems to enable beyond-line-of-site operations.

Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) Capable Fixed-Wing Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance Small UAS, U.S. Special Operations Command, $20.0m, Quantum-Systems Inc., California

o Accelerated procurement of Fixed-Wing Small UAS with integrated VTOL capabilities.

About USD(R&E)

The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E) is the Chief Technology Officer of the Department of Defense. The USD(R&E) champions research, science, technology, engineering, and innovation to maintain the United States military’s technological advantage. Learn more at www.cto.mil, follow us on Twitter @DoDCTO, or visit us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/ousdre (Source: US DoD)

22 May 23. USAF wants to avoid F-35 mistakes on sixth-gen fighter.

The Air Force is focused on avoiding the mistakes that plagued past programs like the F-35, as the service officially kicks off its effort to build a sixth-generation fighter, Secretary Frank Kendall said Monday.

That includes ensuring the Air Force has access to all the sustainment data it needs from the contractor building the Next Generation Air Dominance platform, Kendall told reporters at a breakfast roundtable hosted by the Defense Writers Group.

“We’re not going to repeat the, what I think frankly was a serious mistake that was made in the F-35 program” of not obtaining rights to all the fighter’s sustainment data from contractor Lockheed Martin, Kendall said.

When the F-35 program was launched more than two decades ago, Kendall said an acquisition philosophy known as Total System Performance was in favor. Under this approach, he said, a contractor that won a program would own it for its entire lifecycle.

“What that basically does is create a perpetual monopoly,” Kendall said. “I spent years struggling to overcome acquisition malpractice [on the F-35], and we’re still struggling with that to some degree. So we’re not going to do that with NGAD.”

Kendall also singled out excessive concurrency — which occurs when an aircraft moving through development and into procurement at the same time, which can make it harder to fix problems discovered in testing — as a major problem that hindered the F-35 program.

There will be some concurrency on NGAD, as well as the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, Kendall said. But he said the Air Force plans to do that “in a rational way, that doesn’t take excessive risk.”

Kendall said he wants the government to have much more control over NGAD than it does with the F-35. In addition to ensuring the government has access to the intellectual property it needs, Kendall said the Air Force will make sure NGAD’s manufacturer and subcontractors use modular open system design. That will allow the Air Force to bring in new and different suppliers as it seeks to upgrade parts of the system, he said.

The Air Force’s program executive officer for fighters and advanced aircraft at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, who is now Brig. Gen. Dale White, will be in charge of the new program, Kendall said.

With NGAD expected to be a very expensive proposition — Kendall told lawmakers in April 2022 he expected each aircraft to cost multiple hundreds of millions of dollars apiece — the Air Force won’t be able to afford working with multiple contractors on the program, Kendall said. The service plans to choose a single contractor to build NGAD sometime in 2024, with Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman expected to compete for the program.

Kendall also said the acquisition strategy for collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) is moving forward in parallel with NGAD, and the Air Force is working with several potential suppliers to create autonomous drone wingmen associated with that concept. He said it’s too soon to say how many vendors the Air Force plans to work with, but that he wants “as many as possible.”

He declined to describe how CCA capabilities might compare to crewed fighters, saying that information is classified.

Kendall said NGAD’s origins date back to the Obama administration, when he in his previous role as the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics asked the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to study what the Air Force would need to ensure it could dominate the skies in a future war.

DARPA’s response, Kendall said, was that the service didn’t just need a lone fighter — it needed a “family of systems,” also encompassing weapons, connections to assets in space, and possibly autonomous drone wingmen.

Kendall then launched a program called the Aerospace Innovation Initiative to start to develop technologies that would form the core of a sixth-generation fighter. That effort led to the creation of experimental prototype aircraft, which Kendall called X-planes, to flesh out those technologies and prove they can work.

Advancements in model-based systems engineering and digitalization also made it possible for both government and contractor design teams to work together much more efficiently, he said.

That’s what’s happening now with the offices developing NGAD, according to Kendall, with government designers and bidding companies essentially working side-by-side at Wright-Patterson. Government designers have direct access to the databases companies are using to design their pitches for NGAD, he explained.

“Everybody lives basically in the same design laboratory, if you will, so we have intimate knowledge of what the competitors are doing in their design,” Kendall said. “We’re very involved with them. … We’re going to have as integrated and as fully integrated a design process and contracting process as possible.”

This is a more efficient approach than how acquisitions were run in the past, where the contractor would deliver “piles and piles of documents” to the government to sort through. “Now you don’t wait for documents, you can see the design firsthand,” Kendall said. (Source: glstrade.com/Defense News)

16 May 23. DARPA’s new HOTS program. More widely, sensors are deployed across countless commercial and defense systems, including in the oil and gas sector, the automotive industry, alternative energy sources, geothermal applications, and aviation and aerospace.

In these broader industrial contexts, the capabilities of sensors can be inhibited by thermal limitations. A sensor may theoretically be able to process inputs such as speed, pressure, or the integrity of a mechanical component, but inside a turbine engine, temperatures far exceed what any existing sensor can withstand.

DARPA’s new High Operational Temperature Sensors (HOTS) program will work toward developing microelectronic sensor technologies capable of high-bandwidth, high-dynamic-range sensing at extreme temperatures.

In development of nexgen turbine engines or high-speed flight, thermal restrictions can hamstring progress. For example, high-performance pressure sensors are needed to capture complex flow dynamics in extremely high temperature environments (i.e., 800° C or 1472° F).

Today, sensors that can withstand thermally harsh conditions are limited to low-sensitivity transducers located in hot zones coupled via noisy electrical connections to remote, temperature-constrained, silicon signal-conditioning microelectronics in cold zones. The resulting integrated sensors lack the combination of frequency bandwidth and dynamic range essential for high-temperature missions.

Physical sensors that can overcome these limitations and optimally perform in high-temperature environments – without additional thermal management – will enable critical operations that include monitoring stability and functionality in extremely hot system components. Combinations of emerging materials, fabrication techniques, and integration technologies that inform new types of transistors and transducers, are among the potential approaches the HOTS program hopes to demonstrate as a sensor module.

HOTS will hold a Proposers Day on May 31, 2023. More information on the Proposers Day (). Further program details will be available in a forthcoming Broad Agency Announcement.

“Many of the defense and industrial systems that rely on sensors experience harsh environments beyond the capability of today’s high-performance physical sensors. That means these systems have to be designed and operated with reduced performance and excessive margins – they’re limited by the uncertainty of their thermal environments. However, if we can design, integrate, and demonstrate high-performance physical sensors that can operate in high-temperature environments, we can advance toward systems that perform at the edge of their capability instead of the limits of uncertainty. If you look at the progress of cars alone, we’ve seen sort of a nervous system of sensing evolve, providing visibility and knowledge of what’s happening across the platform. Applying the same concept to larger-scale systems in harsh environments will offer tremendous benefits for the future system capabilities.”— Dr. Benjamin Griffin, program manager for HOTS. (Source: Satnews)

REST OF THE WORLD

25 May 23. LIMA’23: Defence Ministry finalises 43 contracts worth RM10.128bn. The Defence Ministry has finalised a total of 43 contracts worth RM10.128bn at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 (LIMA’23) so far.

This was done through the signing ceremony of 20 contract documents, 21 Letters of Acceptance (LoAs) and two Letters of Intent (LoI) at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) here today, which was witnessed by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan.

“There are supposed to be more, but we are in the process of re-evaluating the contracts. I hope the assets procured can be received in good condition and within the stipulated time frame,” Mohamad told a press conference after the event.

Meanwhile, in a statement, the Defence Ministry announced that several new defence asset acquisitions are being made to further strengthen the Malaysian Armed Forces.

It said the Malaysian Army would receive four Sikorsky UH-60A+ Black Hawk helicopters to be used by the Nucleus team in training and operational flight assignments through a lease from Aerotree Defence & Services Sdn Bhd.

For the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), the ongoing procurement includes 18 units of the FA-50 Fighter-Lead-In-Trainer/Light Combat Aircraft (FLIT-LCA) from Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd (KAI).

RMAF will also acquire three units of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Associated Support Category Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Phase 1 from Turkish Aerospace Industries and two units of Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) Phase 1 and associated equipment from Leonardo SPA.

At today’s ceremony, eight memoranda of understanding were also inked between Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) and the stakeholders, witnessed by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

(Source: Google/https://themalaysianreserve.com/)

25 May 23. Malaysia signs $2.3bn in defense deals at major trade fair. Malaysia’s defense ministry on Thursday said it had signed agreements worth 10.1bn ringgit ($2.28bin) at this year’s biennial Langkawi Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition, including several new asset procurements.

They include the purchase of 18 FA-50 light attack aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), and four units of Sikorsky’s Black Hawk helicopters to be leased from Malaysian firm Aerotree Defence and Services, the ministry said in a statement.

KAI, South Korea’s sole warplane manufacturer, won a bid to supply the jets to Malaysia for about $920 million, media had reported in February.

The acquisitions come as Malaysia looks to upgrade or replace several aging military assets. The government allocated 17.7 billion ringgit ($3.99 billion) for the defense ministry under this year’s budget, a 10% increase from its funding in 2022.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force will also be acquiring three unmanned aerial systems from Turkish Aerospace Industries, and two maritime patrol aircraft from Italian firm Leonardo, the defense ministry said.

“Plans are in place to procure more defense assets under the next Malaysian Rolling Plan,” the ministry said, referring to the country’s five-year economic road map series. (Source: Google/https://asia.nikkei.com//Reuters)

25 May 23. BAE Systems Australia, Lockheed Martin Australia, Saab Australia, and Defence have signed a Combat System Integration Collaboration Agreement delivering long-term industry, workforce development, and capability outcomes for the Navy’s major surface combatants.

As the Royal Australian Navy’s major surface combatants, the Hobart and Hunter Class ships which are centred around the leading-edge Aegis combat system, continue to face increasingly complex threat environment, Australia has identified the need to develop an in-country capacity to upgrade, maintain, and sustain the nation’s combat systems.

At the centre of this is a Combat System Integration (CSI) Collaboration Agreement (CCA), to be delivered by BAE Systems Australia, Lockheed Martin Australia, Saab Australia, and Defence which will develop a sustainable, long-term, cost-effective, and agile CSI sovereign industrial capability for the Navy’s major surface combatants.

Through the CCA, BAE Systems Australia, Lockheed Martin Australia, Saab Australia, and Defence have established the Combat System Integration – Integrated Project Team (CSI-IPT).

Managing director, BAE Systems Australia – Maritime, Craig Lockhart welcomed the contract signing with Defence, saying, “Key to delivering the high-end warfighting capabilities to Australia’s naval surface fleet is the design, installation, and integration of the combat management systems into a warship, and that’s why we worked so hard to secure this collaborative arrangement with Defence, Lockheed Martin Australia, and Saab Australia.”

The CSI will be delivered via a $65 million specialist, state-of-the-art test facility built at the St Kilda Transmitting Station in South Australia, announced by the former minister for defence industry, Melissa Price, in May 2021.

The test facility will enable the testing and integration of the combat systems for the Hunter program and will also support the combat system upgrades for the Hobart Class destroyers.

Steve Froelich, vice-president of operations for Lockheed Martin RMS Australia and New Zealand, said, “As the manufacturer of Aegis, the world’s most advanced combat system, Lockheed Martin Australia is proud to integrate, deliver, and sustain this key maritime capability that safeguards our nation together with our valued partners — Defence, BAE Systems and Saab Australia.”

This was reinforced by Rob Milligan, Integrated Warfare Systems & Sensors Line of Business lead at Lockheed Martin Australia, who unpacked the scale and scope of this program, telling Defence Connect, “Lockheed Martin Australia has been building a capability over the past seven years. This will deliver an Aegis hub for the Southern Hemisphere, bringing together a range of human capital that are experts in their field on Aegis. This will ensure that Australia has a highly skilled workforce capable of delivering the capabilities Navy needs.

“This has been part of a long-term investment and commitment by Lockheed Martin Australia to build a highly capable, technically focused workforce that is available when and where Defence needs them and can support the suite of upgrades planned for the Hobart and Hunter Class,” Milligan added.

The CSI-IPT team will comprise professionals from the Department of Defence and an equal mix of combat systems integration professionals from each of the industry organisations, facilitating a “one team” approach.

Managing Director, Saab Australia – Andy Keough CSC said, “Saab looks forward to working with our collaboration partners to build on the over 35 years of combat system integration work we have successfully performed in partnership with the Department of Defence.

Keogh unpacked Saab’s role further, telling Defence Connect, “This is a wonderful addition to a national capability to do combat system integration, when Navy wants to mix and match capabilities, they need a facility that is capable of delivering that unique capability in a classified environment.”

“As part of the Collaboration Agreement for Australia’s Major Surface Combatants, Saab along with our collaboration partners provides the interface and integration of the Australian Interface, the Aegis combat system and ancillary combat capabilities into the platforms – allowing for a sovereign combat system integration capability in partnership with the Australian Defence Force.”

As part of the CSI-IPT, all four organisations will work collaboratively as a united combat systems team to design, integrate, test, and deliver the integrated combat system for the Hunter Class frigates and the major combat systems upgrade to the Hobart Class destroyers.

Aegis is the world’s most advanced maritime warfighting capability and the world’s only maritime ballistic missile defence system. Above, on or below the surface, Aegis is a complete multi-mission combat system and is currently successfully integrated across 107 ships, nine classes for six nations, including the United States, Japan, Australia, the Republic of Korea, Spain, and Norway, proving the system is a truly global force in ensuring maritime capability.

Centred around the SPY family of radars, Aegis is a fully integrated combat system, providing full 360-degree, 3D tracking capacity, Aegis is capable of simultaneously defending against attack from land targets, submarines, and surface ships while automatically protecting the fleet against aircraft cruise missiles and ballistic missiles.

This integrated combat system serves to establish Aegis as a central component of the Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) providing robust anti-air warfare (AAW) capabilities, with ballistic missile defence (BMD) capabilities.

Aegis is currently on its ninth baseline (BL9), which is slated for integration in Australia’s Hobart Class destroyers which will provide the Royal Australian Navy with an integrated air missile defence capability that combines sensors and effectors that has continually been improved and added new capabilities to meet new threats, execute new missions and integrate technology. (Source: Defence Connect)

24 May 23. South Africa wants larger vessels in service after Biro deliveries completed. Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday 23 May during the defence budget vote debate, she said the new inshore patrol vessel (SAS King Sekhukhune I) is being put to good use along South Africa’s coastline. “Members will remember that we are expecting two more and then we will start trying to lobby for funds to get the ones that will go deeper, hopefully bigger, [with] more of a deterrent nature.”

SAS King Sekhukhune I was handed over to the SA Navy in May 2022 under Project Biro, which is seeing Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) constructing three vessels. Biro was meant to have six inshore patrol vessels and six offshore patrol vessels, but due to budget constraints, the Navy settled for three inshore patrol vessels. The SAN has already performed an appreciation review to exercise an option for a fourth MMIPV, but formal approval has yet to be received.

The acquisition of the offshore patrol vessels has been deferred, but Modise’s comments indicate this situation could change in the future. However, it’s not clear where funding would come from – the Navy, for example, needs R4.2 bn for the refit of its four Valour Class Meko frigates and three Heroine Class Type 209 submarines, but National Treasury has only made R1.4 bn available to partially address the refit backlog.

Just the three MMIPVs will cost R3.8 bn, and to date R2.9 bn has been spent.

When SAS King Sekhukhune was handed over, then Chief of the South African Navy Vice Admiral Mosuwa Hlongwane said the arrival of the first MMIPV “means a lot because we’re struggling to patrol our waters. If this crew is now on board this vessel, this means that we’re going to have the presence and deterrence in patrolling our waters.”

Hlongwane added that the three new vessels will be multi-role and used for missions such as mine counter-measures, deep diving training, search and rescue, submarine torpedo recovery, humanitarian assistance and anti-pollution tasks, amongst others.

Last year Modise noted that the delivery of the first MMIPV means the pace was being picked up to renew the National Defence Force, “to renew and to be able to say we are protecting South African waters, South African sovereignty and its resources better. It will enable us to really do everything that the Navy is supposed to do for South Africa. Obviously, with the responsibility we have in the region, we probably will not keep the ship for ourselves only. We’ll probably, if Chief Joint Ops has his way, be deploying the ship for even more than we thought.”

The second and third MMIPVs are 90% and 57% complete with a revised project delivery date of February 2026 – civil unrest and the Covid-19 pandemic slowed down production at DSCT. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)

24 May 23. Indonesia, Malaysia sign two defense industry MoUs at 2023 LIMA. The Governments of Indonesia and Malaysia signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in the defense industry sector on the sidelines of the 16th International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2023 in Langkawi, Malaysia on May 23. In a statement received in Jakarta, Wednesday, Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto directly witnessed the signing process of the MoUs between state-run aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) and Malaysian Aircraft Inspection, Repair and Overhaul Depot (AIROD) Sdn. Bhd. The agreements are aimed at advertising and selling N219 aircraft of PTDI and to promote cooperation between PTDI and its Malaysian counterpart SME Aerospace Sdn. Bhd. (SMEA), which is a subsidiary of National Aerospace & Defence Industries (NADI), for developing aerostructure. Minister Subianto extended appreciation and full support to the cooperation, which is expected to serve as a stimulus in advancing the defense industry in Indonesia and Malaysia.

“Hopefully, these two partnership schemes can stimulate the advancement of Indonesia’s defense industry and provide positive impacts to the efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s aerospace ecosystem,” Subianto stated.

PTDI President Director Gita Amperiawan, for his part, said that the cooperation with AIROD is expected to help his company in boosting its aerospace competency in the global aerospace industry value chain.

“I am confident we all share the same pride of saying that the N219 aircraft, which is considered as parts of the Southeast Asian original aircraft, also belongs to all ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries; and this event marks as our crucial milestone to promote N219 to the global market,” he stated.

The MoUs inked between PTDI and SMEA marked a new dawn towards a more prosperous and stronger future for both the aerostructure business enterprises, he affirmed.

“I truly believe that our synergy will help bolster our role as part of the global supply chain from the Southeast Asia region for global original equipment manufacturers,” Amperiawan remarked. (Source: News Now/https://en.antaranews.com/)

23 May 23. DBM Releases Another P3bn for Purchase of 6 More PN Patrol Vessels. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Monday released another PHP3bn worth of funding for the acquisition of six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs). The Special Allotment Release Order (SARO)-BMB-D-23-0017230 was released to the Department of National Defense (DND) to “cover the funding requirement for the Offshore Patrol Vessel Acquisition of the Philippine Navy under the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.”

The first SARO for the OPV project was released on June 16, 2022.

The DND and South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) on June 28, 2022 signed the PHP30 bn OPV contract which seeks to provide six ships to the PN.

It was signed by then DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and HHI vice chairperson and president Sam Hyun Ka.

The OPV project aims to further enhance the maritime patrol capabilities of the PN and includes technology transfer, particularly human engineering operators and maintenance training of equipment, operations training, technical publications and manuals.

“In addition to this is a design ownership, granting the PN license to manufacture/build using the OPV’s design for the exclusive use of the Philippine government,” DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said earlier.

The OPV project was prioritized under the Second Horizon of the Revised AFP Modernization Program, as approved by then President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in May 2018.

The two sides also signed a lifetime service support contract for the sustainment of the two Jose Rizal guided-missile frigates now in service in the PN, Andolong said.

These planned OPVs measures 94.4 meters long, 14.3 meters wide, have a displacement of 2,400 tons, maximum speed of 22 knots, cruising speed of 15 knots, and a range of 5,500 nautical miles.

The OPVs are expected to replace the World War II surface assets decommissioned by the PN.

(Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Philippine News Agency)

23 May 23. RoK Defense Chief Attends Contract Signing Event for FA-50 Fighter Export.

Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup joined a contract signing ceremony for South Korea’s export of FA-50 light attack aircraft to Malaysia during a visit to the Southeast Asian country Tuesday, calling the deal a “crucial” opportunity to elevate the bilateral defense partnership.

The ceremony came after Lee and his Malaysian counterpart, Mohamad Hasan, held talks on bilateral defense and arms industry cooperation earlier in the day. Lee was in Malaysia to attend the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition in the country.

“Lee assessed that the export of FA-50 fighters to Malaysia served as a crucial chance to elevate the two countries’ defense and arms industry cooperation, and expressed our government’s interest and will for support regarding bilateral defense industry cooperation,” the ministry said in a press release.

In February, Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI), South Korea’s sole aircraft manufacturer, signed a letter of acceptance with Malaysia to supply 18 FA-50 aircraft. Tuesday’s ceremony marked the signing of a final contract on the export, according to the ministry.

After the ceremony, Lee visited an exhibition booth run by KAI. There, he pledged active support to expand the country’s defense exports through the relaxation of regulations, financial support and other means.

During the talks with the Malaysian minister, Lee asked for his support to help South Korean firms expand their participation in Malaysia’s future military reinforcement projects, including its push to introduce three 2,000-ton littoral mission vessels.

Hasan stressed the importance of cooperation and communication for regional peace and prosperity, while requesting South Korea play a constructive role in promoting stability in the Southeast Asian region, according to the ministry.

Lee also used the meeting to call for Malaysia’s support for South Korea’s bid to host the 2030 World Expo in its southeastern city of Busan and invited Hasan to attend his ministry’s annual defense forum, called the Seoul Defense Dialogue, scheduled for October. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Yonhap News Agency)

23 May 23. SA Navy frigate and submarine refits less than half funded. The cost of the refits for the South African Navy’s blue water platforms – its Valour Class Meko frigates and Heroine Class Type 209 submarines – amounts to R4.2 bn, but National Treasury has only made R1.4bn available to partially address the refit backlog.

This is according to SA Navy (SAN) Deputy Chief, Rear Admiral Bubele Mhlana, who updated Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Defence (JSCD) last week on the Navy’s submarine and frigate refit plans as well as the status of Projects Hotel and Biro.

The frigate SAS Amatola was partially refitted in 2015 but no further work has commenced. No refits have been done for the SAS Isandlwana, SAS Spioenkop, and SAS Mendi, even though first refits were due in 2012/13 and second refits in 2018/19. The frigates were due to have four refits and a mid-life update during their service lives before being decommissioned in 2036 and 2037.

All four frigates have a number of operational defects, with SAS Spioenkop having 18 defects covering its shore supply system, oil water separator, ammunition hoists etc. SAS Amatola only has one defect, with its shaft key lock.

As for the submarine fleet, SAS Manthatisi was partially refitted in 2014, with a mid-life update scheduled for 2022 but not commenced. The refit of the SAS Charlotte Maxeke in 2015 was not completed while the SAS Queen Modjadji I’s 2016 refit was not commenced. The submarines were due for three refits and mid-life updates before being decommissioned in 2038 (SAS Manthatisi), 2039 (SAS Charlotte Maxeke), and 2040 (SAS Queen Modjadji I).

SAS Manthatisi is currently operational while SAS Charlotte Maxeke should become operational in April 2025 and SAS Queen Modjadji operational that same month. Only the frigate SAS Mendi is seaworthy after this was prioritised for February’s Armed Forces Day.

The Navy’s presentation revealed that Project Syne, for the mid-life update of the frigates, would cost an estimated R5 bn while Project Napoleon, for the submarine upgrades, would cost R3.8 bn.

Following the R1.4 bn allocation by National Treasury for refits, the Navy is refitting one submarine and one frigate. The submarine refit should be completed in December 2024 and the frigate that same month, with sea trials taking place in the first three months of 2025.

R500 million has been allocated in 2023/24 for this, R441 million the following year, and R480 million in 2025/26. Work will be carried out in the Simons Town Naval Dockyard.

In February, Armscor explained that the SAS Amatola was currently in a Docking and Essential Defect (DED) period. SAS Spioenkop was undergoing “ad-hoc maintenance and repairs of the hull and structure.” SAS Isandlwana was undergoing ad-hoc maintenance and repairs of the mast and flight decks.

The SAS Queen Modjadji is currently undergoing preservation and pre-refit planning activities, in preparation for a refit. Funding to complete the refit of the SAS Charlotte Maxeke is available and the submarine is currently “in refit process” with Armscor providing project management.

National Treasury has allocated R3.3 bn to the SANDF over three years for equipment upgrades, with R1 bn allocated for C-130 Hercules maintenance, R700 million for border patrol vehicles and sensors, and R1.4 bn for frigate and submarine maintenance. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)

23 May 23. Iraq’s Air Force modernisation accelerates with new aircraft.

New aircraft include Rafale jets from Dassault Aviation.

With a defence budget of $5.2bn in 2023 and a total defence spending of $27.3bn in the forecast period, according to GlobalData’s “Iraq’s Defence Market 2023-2028” report, Iraq aims to enhance its defence capabilities amidst regional instability and the resurgence of ISIS.

Iraq is making strides in modernising its air force as part of its military reform program.

Air procurement is the priority

Iraq is prioritising the acquisition of modern military equipment to strengthen its defence capabilities and address regional instability and the growing threat of ISIS.

In line with this objective, Iraq has recently finalised a contract with Dassault Aviation to purchase 14 units of Rafale aircraft. The $3.2bn allocation for this contract aims to replace the country’s ageing F-16IQ jets, which have proven challenging to maintain.

Notably, the Iraqi government has proposed paying for the new aircraft through oil supplies rather than cash, highlighting the country’s unique approach to financing its defence acquisitions.

In addition to the Rafale deal, Iraq has also expressed interest in procuring 24 AT-6C Texan II Aircraft from Pakistan’s Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and 12 units of JF-17 Block 3 from China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group.

Pakistan has inducted the Chinese-built J-10C fighter jets. The J-10C is a medium-weight, all-weather jet that can be equipped with fourth-generation air-to-air missiles such as the short-range PL-10 and the beyond-visual-range PL-15.

The estimated contract allocation for the Texan II aircraft is $693.8m, while the JF-17 Block 3 purchase is approved for $664m. These acquisitions will further bolster Iraq’s air force capabilities, allowing for enhanced operational effectiveness and a more robust defence posture.

Iraq has established diplomatic relations with Western nations such as the United States and South Korea to support its modernisation efforts. These strategic partnerships have facilitated the signing of multiple contracts for military equipment, enabling Iraq to access technologies and expertise.

While foreign investors may encounter challenges in the Iraqi defence sector, including corruption, customs regulations, and high taxes, specific segments are expected to offer lucrative opportunities.

The military fixed-wing, missile and missile defence systems, and electronic warfare sectors hold potential for foreign investors seeking to engage in the Iraqi defence market.

The investment in modern military equipment reflects Iraq’s commitment to national security and its determination to safeguard the interests of its people and contribute to stability in the region.

(Source: airforce-technology.com)

22 May 23. Australia adds new project to Projects of Concern list.

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy has added a new project to the Projects of Concern list following scheduling delays that arose due to “technical challenges”.

The Satellite Ground Station – East and Wideband SATCOM Network Management System was added to the Projects of Concern list following technical challenges that caused scheduling delays.

To date, infrastructure has been developed for the project including three large ground antennae.

By adding the project to the list, the Commonwealth hopes to deepen the relationship between Defence and Northrop Grumman Australia to “remediate the Wideband SATCOM Network Management System component of the project”.

The project aims to enhance Australia’s satellite communication capacity by improving and transforming Defence’s new and existing wideband stations and deployed systems.

“This new listing demonstrates the Albanese government’s commitment to remediating underperforming projects, in order to deliver the capabilities urgently needed by the Australian Defence Force,” Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said.

“We look forward to working closely with Northrop Grumman Australia to get this project back on track and deliver the Wideband SATCOM Network Management System.”

In October, the Albanese government listed the Thales Australia-led Civil-Military Air Traffic Management System project as a “project of concern”, citing “significant schedule, technical and cost challenges”.

The project aims to deliver a joint Civil-Military Air Traffic Management System to support civil and military operations, including at 12 ADF air bases around Australia.

According to the government, the project has experienced a two-year delay in forecasting initial and final operational capability.

“It is my expectation that this listing brings more high-level attention, resources, and energy — from both Defence and our industry partner Thales Australia — to the task of remediating this project,” Minister Conroy said.

The same month, the government has removed the Deployable Defence Air Traffic Management and Control System project from the list, lauding Indra Australia’s work remediating the project. (Source: Defence Connect)

22 May 23. Australian defence industry could be treated as US ‘domestic source.’ US President Joe Biden has told Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that he (Biden) plans to ask the US Congress to add Australia as a “domestic source” within the meaning of Title III of the US Defense Production Act.

Doing so would streamline technological and industrial base collaboration, accelerate and strengthen AUKUS implementation, and build new opportunities for United States investment in the production and purchase of Australian critical minerals, critical technologies, and other strategic sectors, according to a joint statement.

Australia and the United States have also reached agreement in principle, subject to final domestic authorisations, on the Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA), to allow for the controlled transfer of sensitive US launch technology and data while protecting US technology consistent with US non‑proliferation policy, the Missile Technology Control Regime and US export controls.

“As founding signatories to the Artemis Accords, and building on more than 60 years of cooperation in lunar exploration, we intend to establish a new Australia-based ground station supporting NASA’s Artemis program that will provide near-continuous communications support to lunar missions,” their joint statement said.

The two leaders met in Japan during the G7 summit and signed a Statement of Intent – not an actual agreement – to advance cooperation across a range of sectors, including climate, clean energy and, most importantly, critical minerals.

In a joint media conference President Biden said, “Together, we’ve expanded our cooperation across a range of challenges, from space to emerging technologies while advancing our shared vision of seeing a free and open and secure Indo-Pacific.”

As well as the nuclear-powered submarine and advanced capabilities to be developed under the two pillars of AUKUS, the leaders’ joint statement added, “We are prioritising improving information sharing and technology cooperation mechanisms required to advance our defence and security collaboration, including through AUKUS.

The two leaders said their countries would seize the opportunities of quantum and other advanced technologies and “to work bilaterally and with partners to drive innovation and responsible norms and standards for emerging technologies as we lead the quantum revolution.”

They singled out space as an opportunity to build high-skilled, well-paying jobs and increase investment between the countries.

The newly-established Australia-U.S. Forum on Clean Energy Industrial Transformation and Taskforce on Critical Minerals will allow both countries to deepen cooperation to deliver sustainable, resilient, and secure critical minerals and clean energy to the world and reduce emissions. However, the statement didn’t provide any details about critical minerals which include those used in everyday features of modern life such as mobile phones and electric vehicles.

There has also been some concern that a closer relationship between the US and Australia might benefit the US but leave Australia still hostage to the US’s so-called ‘Buy American Act’ which overrides many of the trade-liberating intentions of the 2005 Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries.

According to the US Government Accountability Office (GAO), “The Buy American Act [first enacted under President FD Roosevelt in 1933] requires Federal agencies to procure domestic materials and products. Two conditions must be present for the Buy American Act to apply: (1) the procurement must be intended for public use within the United States; and (2) the items to be procured or the materials from which they are manufactured must be present in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available commercial quantities of a satisfactory quality. The provisions of the act may be waived if the head of the procuring agency determines the act to be inconsistent with the public interest or the cost of acquiring the domestic product is unreasonable.”

So the default would still seem to favour a US supplier and insulate US companies from foreign competition. However, the act doesn’t prevent joint ventures and technology sharing, but under the current ITAR (International Transfer of Arms Regulations) regime established by the US State Department, virtually anything that a foreign company shares with a US partner becomes US property and so cannot be exported – even to the country and company of origin – without formal US government permission.

Australian companies must patiently await more detail on how the AUKUS Agreement will tackle this thicket of contradictions. (Source: Rumour Control)

12 Apr 23. UNSW accelerator program launched for defence start-ups.

Six local start-ups in the defence industry will be developed under a new Defence 10x accelerator program launched by the University of New South Wales Founders Program. Entrepreneurial experience, $350,000 each in seed investment, research and development capabilities, and access to expert networks will be supplied to Australia’s next generation of defence innovations. Defence 10x was officially announced by UNSW Founders on 12 April as part of the $240m Defence Trailblazer initiative. The initiative is aimed at increasing collaboration between defence, academia, and industry to develop capabilities to improve national security and resilience.

UNSW director of entrepreneurship David Burt said Defence 10x is the only defence-focused accelerator program in Australia and Defence Trailblazer initiative could provide a net economic benefit of $1.5bn in the next 10 years.

“Start-ups and a vibrant innovation ecosystem have a key role to play in boosting Australia’s national security and resilience,” he said.

“While large foreign defence firms are important for Australia to access scalable manufacturing and systems integration, locally-based innovation and industrial capability are critical to developing solutions that are specific to Australia’s needs.

“It is necessary to support the emergence of next-generation defence contractors like High Earth Orbit Robotics and Silentium Defence who can tackle this gap.

“There are fantastic start-up ideas and powerful innovations being developed all around the country, but tricky market dynamics have meant innovations often struggle to reach commercialisation.

“Defence-specific expertise, funding, and networks are needed to accelerate our ability to develop and translate great ideas into deployable products, to the benefit of our national security.

“That’s why we’ve developed Defence 10x. UNSW is uniquely positioned to support founders with extensive expertise and specialist equipment, and together with the networks of the Defence Trailblazer, we bring a unique support package for founders in this space.”

Areas of interest include weapons, equipment, quantum, artificial intelligence or systems that protect critical infrastructure such as energy and water.

Applications are now open, teams will be shortlisted for a due diligence phase and then six of these start-ups will be selected for the full-time accelerator with a boot camp starting in August this year.

Defence Trailblazer executive director Dr Sanjay Mazumdar said Defence 10x will be run in two phases with a pre-accelerator and accelerator program.

“There’s an urgent need for change within the defence innovation system and its programs like Defence 10x which are tackling this head-on.

“Accelerating the development of sovereign capabilities in areas such as quantum, AI, cyber, hypersonics, autonomous systems, and space technology will produce the cutting-edge technology our nation needs to be self-reliant.

“UNSW’s Founder 10x programs are a proven method for accelerating commercial development, and combining this with the deep networks of the Defence Trailblazer will enable us to uncover Australia’s next big defence solutions.” Applications close 29 May. (Source: Defence Connect)

19 May 23. Zimbabwe gets new VIP jet, Russian helicopters. Zimbabwe’s government is taking delivery of dozens of new aircraft, including a new VIP jet and up to 50 Russian helicopters. Eighteen Ansat helicopters handed over at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on 18 May during a ceremony presided over by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, which was also attended by Rostec Director General Sergey Chemezov.

Most were in emergency medical services colours, but four were wearing police colour schemes. The government said the helicopters would be used as air ambulances, for search and rescue, and air policing. They will also be used for VIP transport and Air Force use.

Although the initial batch of helicopters delivered amounts to 18, Zimbabwe will have 32 by the end of the year. They are being acquired under a public-private partnership arrangement at a cost of $2.5 million each, local media reported.

During the handover ceremony, Mnangagwa said that “Zimbabwe is under sanctions, we are constrained unlike our neighbours and the rest of the world to acquire the tools we need to mitigate the impact of cyclones and disasters in our region. When I discussed with my brother President Putin, he recommended that their company, Russian State Corporation, (Rostec) produce the type of equipment we want and we have ordered these 18,” he said.

Late last year, Finance and Economic Develop minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said the Zimbabwean Police would receive new equipment, including four helicopters, to help tackle crime.

Rostec in September 2022 revealed for the first time that it was supplying Ansat helicopters to Zimbabwe. “Our vehicles have proved effective in the vast expanses of Africa. Many countries in the region highly appreciate the reliability and adequate performance of the Russian aircraft. I am sure that cooperation between the Russian Helicopters holding and the Republic of Zimbabwe will be also fruitful and the delivery of Ansat medical helicopter which allows patients to be promptly evacuated will be an important step in the development of the national medical services,” Chemezov said at the time while on a trip to Zimbabwe.

“The delivered Ansat is the first step in the establishment of medical aviation in Zimbabwe. About 50 medical helicopters will be required for the country. And it is very likely that this will be a large-scale cooperation project between Russia and Zimbabwe,” Rostec said in September.

The Ansat, manufactured by Russian Helicopters subsidiary Kazan, made its maiden flight in 1999. It features a fly-by-wire system and is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW-207K engines. It is in Russian Air Force service as a trainer but has also been sold to Mexico, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, China, and Eritrea. Internal payload is 1 000 kg (a cargo hook can carry 1 300 kg) or one pilot and ten passengers. The fuselage has a pair of doors in pilot’s cab, and a pair of upwards and downwards opening side doors in transport compartment.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, has received a new presidential jet, a Dassault Falcon 7X (registration P4-SIM). The Zimbabwean reported that the aircraft was delivered in March this year, and then used for presidential trips starting in April. The aircraft was acquired to save money on charters.

In April 2021, the Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) received an Airbus H215 helicopter to replace an aged Cougar helicopter used to fly Mnangagwa around the country. The AFZ has lost several aircraft to crashes and obsolescence in the past quarter century. Under economic sanctions and a US and European Union enforced arms embargo, Zimbabwe has struggled to maintain its fleet of old Western-made military aircraft. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)

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