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UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO
05 Oct 23. MakeUK Defence request from prime contractor partners of ours. Please see below for more information
- A Make UK Defence member is looking to engage with innovative aerial suppliers/solution providers. Of particular interest is in dual and iridium aerials
- A Make UK Defence member are keen to speak with members who can provide design & build services (not just build to print) for aerospace hydraulic and fuel pipe systems
- A Make UK Defence member has several requirements:
- Brushless 12 & 24V motors
- Pressing of a cup in brass material, diameter of 4mm, height of 3mm and associated anvil to fit in the cup
- Steel flow forming
- Plastic (polyurethane) blow moulding
03 Oct 23. Projects for a new research security programme for Europe: call for proposals.
The Science and Innovation Network and the British Embassy Bratislava invite proposals and concepts for projects for a new research security programme for Europe.
The Science and Innovation Network and the British Embassy Bratislava invite non-profit organisations to submit proposals and concepts for projects for a new research security programme for Europe.
How to submit a project proposal
Organisations that choose to submit a project proposal for delivery of activity up to 31 March 2024 should:
- review Call for bids, proposals and concepts: research security programme (ODT, 46.1 KB)
- send your proposal by email to by 11:59pm on Tuesday, 31 October 2023. Your submission should include a completed:
- project proposal form (ODT, 40.1 KB)
- Activty-based budget template for project proposals (ODS, 8.98 KB)
- an embassy programme board panel will assess the project proposal bids by Tuesday, 14 November 2023
- the outcome of the programme board and award of any funding agreed will be communicated to bidders on Friday, 17 November 2023
Deadline for submitting proposals under the Call for Bids for project proposals is 5pm (Central Europe time) on 31 October 2023.
Deadline for the Call for Concepts (ideas) for the possible second funding period is 5pm (Central Europe time) on 31 December 2023.
The criteria for assessment of project proposals is included in the ‘Call for Bids for Proposals and Concepts’ document.
How to submit a project concept
Organisations that choose to submit a project concept for possible future project calls should:
- review Call for bids, proposals and concepts: research security programme (ODT, 46.1 KB)
- send your project concept to at any time by 11:59pm (Central European Time) on Sunday, 31 December 2023. Your submission should include a completed:
- project concept form (ODT, 36.5 KB)
Note that no funding decisions will be taken on the basis of concepts received. Organisations that submit concepts may be invited to take part in a future competitive process if future project funding rounds are announced. The criteria for assessment of concepts is included in the Call for Bids for Proposals and Concepts document. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
02 Oct 23. Six companies through to next stage of nuclear technology competition. Designs chosen in government competition considered most able to deliver cutting-edge technology by mid-2030s
- Six companies selected to advance to next phase of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) competition for innovative nuclear technologies
- Companies will be invited to bid for government contracts later this year with successful companies announced in Spring next year and contracts awarded in Summer
- SMRs could transform how nuclear power stations are built and result in bns of pounds of investment in the UK
Six companies’ designs for the next generation of nuclear reactors have been selected to progress in a government competition supporting the development of this innovative technology for greater energy security.
EDF, GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy International LLC, Holtec Britain Limited, NuScale Power, Rolls Royce and Westinghouse Electric Company UK Limited have been chosen for the next stage of the process.
The Small Modular Reactor (SMR) competition is part of the government’s plan to revive nuclear power and for the UK to lead the global race to develop cutting-edge technologies to rapidly deliver cleaner, cheaper energy and greater energy security. The government’s ambition is for up to a quarter of all UK electricity to come from nuclear power by 2050.
Unlike conventional nuclear reactors that are built on site, SMRs are smaller, can be made in factories, and could transform how power stations are built by making construction faster and less expensive.
The designs chosen today are considered by the government and Great British Nuclear – the government-backed body driving forward nuclear projects across the country – the most able to deliver operational SMRs by the mid-2030s. The next stage of the process will be launched as soon as possible where successful companies will shortly be able to bid for Government contracts. The ambition is to announce in Spring 2024 which of the six companies the Government will support, with contracts awarded by Summer 2024. This timetable aims to make this competition the fastest of its kind in the world.
As well as backing SMRs and other emerging nuclear technologies, the government is also investing in the large-scale project at Sizewell C, a near exact replica of Hinkley Point C, the first nuclear plant to be in construction for over a generation.
Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said: “Small Modular Reactors will help the UK rapidly expand nuclear power and deliver cheaper, cleaner, and more secure energy for British families and businesses, create well-paid, high-skilled jobs, and grow the economy. This competition has attracted designs from around the world and puts the UK at the front of the global race to develop this exciting, cutting-edge technology and cement our position as a world leader in nuclear innovation.”
Minister for Nuclear and Networks Andrew Bowie said: “This programme provides the blueprint for how the government can work together with industry to grow the economy and set the future of new, exciting nuclear technologies. I am delighted today we have taken the next step in our plans to unleash a new generation of nuclear technology, boost our energy security and deliver our net zero ambitions.”
Gwen Parry-Jones, CEO of Great British Nuclear said: “Today’s announcement is a key step forward in delivering the government’s objective of boosting nuclear power in this country. Our priority in this process has been to prioritise reliable and sustainable power to the grid early, and that’s why we have focused our first step on the technologies that we viewed as most likely to meet the objective of a final investment decision in 2029.”
These companies will now be able to prepare for the next stages of the competition, aiming for a final contract agreement in the summer, potentially benefiting from significant support from the public purse.
This is a hugely exciting day for the nuclear industry, with X companies taking the first step towards delivering sustainable power for Britain. For companies who were not successful in this initial process, the next opportunity could be the government’s consultation on alternative routes to market for nuclear technologies which is due to be launched soon. This will look at how to support newer technologies so that Britain can benefit from them as well. The government’s objective has been to select technologies which offer the greatest confidence in being able to make a final investment decision in 2029 and be operational in the mid-2030s. The government is set to consult later in the year on how best to ensure other nuclear technologies can potentially get underway in the UK – and this could include some of the technologies that were not selected through this process. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
EUROPE
13 Sep 23. Defence conference calls for renewed energy in PESCO commitments and projects. EPermanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), the EU’s flagship initiative for defence, has achieved a deepening of cooperation across all military domains over the past six years, but the European Union still lacks critical capabilities and strategic enablers for modern warfare, senior EU officials said on Wednesday.
Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles, EU High Representative Josep Borrell and European Defence Agency Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý all called for new energy to be injected into the EU defence initiative that was launched by Member States in December 2017.
High Representative Borrell – who is also head of EDA – told the PESCO conference on 13 September, organised by the Spanish presidency of the Council, to use PESCO and not work in silos. “Cooperation among Member States is key to strengthening EU defence and the defence industry. On this, PESCO plays a key role in supporting the ambitions set in the Strategic Compass,” he said.
PESCO was launched as the “cornerstone of European defence”, Spain’s Minister Robles recalled. Now the war in Ukraine and the critical situation in the Sahel region remind Europeans that the EU needs to preserve peace through solid armed forces, adequate investments and defence capabilities, she said.
Borrell praised the 68 collaborative projects, including the European Medical Command and the Cyber Rapid Response Teams that have reached full operational capacity (FOC) within PESCO. Twenty-two projects are slated to reach FOC in 2025.
Some of PESCO’s other achievements include headway in prototyping and testing unmanned systems as well as in designing a new class of military ship. PESCO helps Member States to develop new assets together. This helps save money, allows militaries to work closely together, and reinforces NATO for those who are allies. The framework has also received a boost as Denmark has joined as the 26th Member State.
The conference in Brussels, attended by some 150 representatives, is part of efforts to feed into a strategic review that will follow after the initiative’s initial phase between 2018 and 2025. EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý said: “We should use this window of opportunity to set its next political objectives, with Member States driving the European capability development process.”
He also said: “A bold and concrete PESCO strategic review will be a sound political signal towards our citizens, but also our partners or competitors: governments of EU Member States are politically willing to advance common security and defence.”
PESCO has 20 legally binding commitments for Member States, which include increasing defence spending, as well as planning and developing defence capabilities together. For PESCO’s next stage after 2025, Member States can decide to review the commitments, as well as the number of projects. Performance indicators could also be introduced to measure PESCO progress, diplomats, military staff and officials heard at the conference. (Source: EDA)
05 Oct 23. Tender expected for new Dutch auxiliary ships. The Royal Netherlands Navy has announced plans to replace its ageing auxiliary ships with a fleet of new vessels.
A tender is expected by the end of this year for a class of eight auxiliary ships that will be divided into two variants: four equipped for open ocean operations and four specialised for inshore operations.
According to the Dutch Defence Project Overview Report 2023, published in September, an acquisition preparation phase will begin in 2025 – known in the Netherlands as a D-letter – which would see the Dutch MoD enter into a long-term partnership with a single supplier for the ships. (Source: News Now/Shephard)
04 Oct 23. Brazil’s Avibras partners with Spanish firm for artillery competition. Brazilian missile-maker Avibras has partnered with Spanish defense firm New Technologies Global Systems to compete for a contract that would see Spain’s military acquire mobile multiple rocket launchers, the businesses announced Sept. 26.
The Spanish Defense Ministry’s program, dubbed SILAM, is worth €714.5m (U.S. $749.1m), the government told Defense News this week. The effort aims to fill a gap in artillery capability that emerged a decade ago when the Teruel multiple rocket launcher, made by Santa Barbara Sistemas, was decommissioned, according to documentation from the Spanish Army.
If selected, the Brazilian-Spanish team, named Ibramisil, would become the primary supplier for SILAM, according to Avibras. The company, best known for its missile and rocket artillery system Astros, said the partnership aligns with its strategy of expanding into the international market for export opportunities.
The deal may also involve some technology transfers, which “will depend on the needs of the Spanish government,” Avibras noted. However, the company maintains its intellectual property will remain in Brazil. The decision comes after a metallurgy union issued a statement criticizing the business over a possible transfer, calling it a “crime against the homeland.”
Spain is seeking an industrial plan from the eventual contract awardee for local production, according to a statement from the government. The Spanish government told Defense News that “proposals must come from national companies that sign an agreement with a technologist.” That technologist “must commit to facilitating a very high degree of technology transfer and production,” the government added.
Meanwhile, local industry has aligned itself with Israeli electronics defense company Elbit Systems to compete for the SILAM contract. Those Spanish companies include explosives and ammunition manufacturer Rheinmetall Expal Munitions, a subsidiary of Germany company Rheinmetall; mechanical and engineering company Escribano; and technology firm GMV.
Elbit manufactures the artillery rocket system PULS, which “can fire a variety of ammunition types” and reach a range of up to 300 kilometers (186 miles), according to the company. The agreement between the Spanish and Israeli industrial parties involves technology transfer in relation to the system. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense News)
03 Oct 23. Italy’s Leonardo wants stronger role in GCAP jet fighter project. Italy’s Leonardo group (LDOF.MI) wants a bigger role in a next-generation fighter jet program to put it on an equal footing with its British and Japanese partners, company CEO Roberto Cingolani said on Tuesday.
The three nations agreed in December 2022 to collaborate to build an advanced front-line fighter to enter service around the middle of the next decade. The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) has Britain’s BAE Systems (BAES.L) and Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (7011.T) as its lead contractors.
“We have a very strong arsenal from a technical point of view … our position needs to be revised upwards,” Cingolani told reporters at a cyber tech event in Rome.
“We believe we now have much more advanced skills in certain areas. We want to put them on the table and compete as equals with British and Japanese partners,” he added.
GCAP is expected to cost tens of bns of dollars but the parties have not yet finalised how the budget will be split.
Sources told Reuters in March that Britain and Japan were set to dominate the GCAP project, with Rome set to pay around only a fifth of the overall development cost.
In September, Italy’s defence ministry said it will be an equal partner in the program and dismissed the report as speculative.
Cingolani, a physicist and former energy minister who took over at Leonardo in May, said GCAP partners were working intensively on the project, with several meetings scheduled in October. He said he would travel to Japan next month.
The design and function is still unclear as negotiations have made little progress, said Cingolani, but it will involve the jet controlling several drones.
“There will be a flying super-computer provided with artificial intelligence that has to control let’s say 30-40 drones,” he told reporters.
Cingolani confirmed that Leonardo’s new industrial plan, due to be presented in March 2024, would focus more heavily on cybersecurity and space, as the two main pillars of innovation for the company.
“Then there is the conventional core business of aircraft, helicopters and electronics, which will have to be strengthened with artificial intelligence and digitalisation,” he said. (Source: Google/Reuters)
29 Sep 23. Greece approves new procurements. The joint chiefs of the Hellenic National Defence Forces General Staff decided on 25 September to increase the number of Greek military personnel to be assigned to missions abroad under either NATO or European Union (EU) command by up to 20%. The three armed services will now issue specific proposals on units assigned to missions abroad. The joint chiefs also discussed armament programmes included in the armed forces’ medium-term upgrade and modernisation plan. They approved the purchase of more fast-attack craft (FAC) armed with missiles. The Hellenic Navy (HN) has seven Roussen-class (Super Vita) FAC armed with Exocet missiles, and nine older Combattante IIIA- and Combattante IIIB-class ships are to be replaced in the next few years. It was also decided that the Etna-class general support ship, HS Prometheus, would be converted into a command-and-control (C2) ship at yet-to-be decided Greek shipyards. (Source: Reuters)
02 Oct 23. Poland’s PGZ Group Signs Agreements with Raytheon for Patriot Offsets. PPolska Grupa Zbrojeniowa and Raytheon Tighten Cooperation for the Second Phase of the WISŁA program. Companies from the PGZ-Wisła consortium – WZE SA, OBR CTM SA, PIT-RADWAR SA, WZU SA, Wojskowe Zakłady Głosności No. 1, HSW SA and ZM “Tarnów” SA and Raytheon – have concluded agreements regarding commercial projects that will be implemented as part of Phase II of the Wisła program.
Both phases I and II of the Wisła program are being implemented with significant participation of the Polish defense industry, including, to a large extent, companies of the Polish Armaments Group.
Unlike the first phase, this time, in addition to the production of the Patriot M903 launcher, IFF antennas and logistic support containers, PGZ companies will also be involved in the production of components for the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS).
The signed agreements are the next stage, after the implementing offset agreements concluded at the MSPO fair, which brings both parties closer to starting the implementation of the second phase of the Wisła program.
“The signed agreements will give us the opportunity to expand into the Raytheon supply chain. This is an opportunity for PGZ companies to produce and service WISŁA system components not only for the needs of the Polish Armed Forces, but also for other contracts of our foreign partner. It also creates an opportunity, which PGZ companies make excellent use of, to improve their competences and build a competitive advantage. It is also an expression of the good partnership relations that we managed to build during the implementation of the first phase of the Wisła program,” said Sebastian Chwałek, president of the management board of PGZ SA .
“We are proud to host President Sebastian Chwałek at our headquarters in Tucson on such an important occasion as the signing of agreements on commercial cooperation under Phase II of the Wisła program. The mentioned PGZ companies will be the first international partners-suppliers of the new LTAMDS product, thus extending the proven and successful relationships from Phase I of the Wisła program. The signing of these agreements further confirms Raytheon’s long-term commitment to the Polish defense industry and our trust in PGZ as part of our global supply chain,” said Caroline Touchstone, Director of Polish Programs at Raytheon.
The current visit is the next one, after the June visit to Boston, by PGZ representatives to Raytheon. It was also preceded by the approval by the Minister of National Defense Mariusz Błaszczak during this year’s edition of the International Defense Industry Exhibition in early September of three contracts for the acquisition of elements of 3 squadrons, i.e. 6 further batteries of the Patriot system as part of the implementation of the second phase of the Wisła program. This confirms the good understanding that both sides have built.
In the second phase of the Wisła program, the companies of the Polish Armaments Group will implement contracts under which 48 Patriot M903 launchers and components for 12 LTAMDS radars will be produced.
The following companies of the PGZ-Wisła Consortium will be involved in cooperation with Raytheon:
–Ośrodek Badawczo-Rozwojowy Centrum Techniki Morskiej SA,
–PIT-RADWAR SA,
–Wojskowe Zakłady Elektroniczne SA,
–Wojskowe Zakłady Głosności No. 1 SA,
–Wojskowe Zakłady Ubezpieczenia SA,
–Huta Stalowa Wola SA and
–Zakłady Mechaniczne Tarnów SA.
(Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ PGZ Group)
29 Sep 23. Frontex announces finalists in its low-flying-object-detection competition. Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, has announced the finalists of its inaugural Prize Award Contest, focusing on the detection, tracking, and identification of low flying objects like drones, paragliders, and small planes attempting to infiltrate EU borders. “This call to innovation aims to inspire industry leaders to develop inventive, cost-effective, and scalable tech solutions that can integrate seamlessly into operational capabilities and support the validation of a cutting-edge surveillance model,” according to the organisation.
“The total prize pool for the competition is EUR 950 000. It has attracted 21 proposals. At the current phase, three finalists are competing in the operational trial phase in Estonia. The remaining competitors are: DAT CON d. o. o. (Slovenia), FLIR Systems AB (Teledyne FLIR) (Sweden) and Marduk Technologies (Estonia).
“Chosen for its strong track record of collaboration between its national agencies and Frontex, Estonia is hosting the grand finale of this initiative, concluding on 6 October. The competition is organised in collaboration with the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences (EASS) and the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA).
“The finalists are currently showcasing their technology in dynamic, real-life mimicking environments, tested by an independent team simulating various threats. This landmark event marks the first of its kind, executed in genuine situational conditions, aiming to assess the efficacy, resilience, and reliability of the proposed solutions in real-world settings.
“The trial phase taking place at the Ridali airfield in southern Estonia brings together the brightest minds from the private sector to governmental agency representatives, all unified towards the common goal of safeguarding the EU’s borders. On Wednesday, 27 September, representatives of EU Member States and EU agencies had a first-hand opportunity to observe the live trials.
For more information: https://frontex.europa.eu/innovation/prize-contest/ (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
02 Oct 23. US Donates C-130H2 Hercules Transport Aircraft to Romania.
A C-130H2 Hercules Aircraft Entered the Service of the Romanian Air Force. A C-130H2 Hercules military airlift aircraft entered the service of the Romanian Air Force, free of charge, through the Excess Defense Articles Program, which allows the US to transfer excess military equipment to the friendly and allied countries at little or no cost.
The donation of the C-130H2 Hercules aircraft to the Romanian Air Force is proof of the strong and lasting cooperation between Romania and the US in the field of security and the mutual commitment to regional stability and security. This fact also demonstrates that the USA values Romania as a strategic partner and key ally in NATO and supports our country’s efforts in modernizing its defence capabilities.
The C-130H2 Hercules aircraft was delivered on September 15, while between September 17 and 29, the U.S. Mobile Training Team conducted training sessions in the 90th Airlift Base together with the Romanian crew, to familiarize the personnel with the new equipment onboard of the aircraft.
By the end of 2023, Romania will receive one more C-130H2 type aircraft, as part the Excess Defense Articles Program.
The Romanian Air Force still has got four C-130B airlift aircraft and two C-130H aircraft (the last one received in 2021) in its service.
The C-130H Hercules is a versatile and reliable airlift aircraft that can perform a variety of missions such as airlift, medical evacuation, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The aircraft will enhance Romania’s airlift capabilities and its interoperability with the NATO allies, particularly on the Alliance’s eastern flank.
“The C-130H Hercules program is of paramount importance both for the Romanian Air Force and for the Romanian Armed Forces as a whole. The C-130 Hercules aircraft has a rich history, perfected through airlift missions since 1996, when the C-130B models were integrated into the transport fleet. With 19 years of extensive flying experience in Afghanistan, starting with Operation Enduring Freedom and extending further to the missions conducted in Iraq, Mali, the Balkans, as well as various national and international flights, the Air Force’s 901st Squadron has demonstrated without doubt its courage, effectiveness and invaluable contribution to the missions.
“The introduction of H models, from the US inventory, increases the transport capacity of the Romanian Air Force and leads to an increased response capacity, which are specific characteristics of a modern air force”, said Commander Emil Tecuceanu, Commander of the 90th Airlift Base. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Romania Ministry of Defence)
USA
03 Oct 23. Defense Innovation Unit seeks modular test system to scale drone tech. As the Pentagon prepares to field thousands of autonomous systems in the coming years, its commercial innovation hub is seeking a modular test platform that it could use to validate payloads, sensors and other technology. The Defense Innovation Unit wants a system that could be ready for its first flight test within seven months, reach a range of 500 nautical miles (926 kilometers), and deliver a kinetic payload, it said in a Sept. 28 notice.
“The objective is to demonstrate an aerial platform that prioritizes affordability and distributed mass production,” it said. “Multiple vehicle types may be selected for prototyping and multiple variants may be developed following a successful initial flight test. Designs that enable geographically distributed, scalable manufacturing with minimal reliance on specialized tooling and test equipment are preferred.”
The notice comes as the Pentagon embarks on an ambitious plan to change the way it buys high-need capabilities to counter China’s military advantage. Through the first instantiation of the effort, dubbed Replicator, the department wants to significantly scale up production of autonomous systems to deliver thousands of small, attritable platforms across multiple domains over the next 18 to 24 months.
Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks announced the effort in late August, saying the plan is to leverage existing programs and, at least initially, existing funding streams.
While not explicitly tied to Replicator, DIU’s solicitation emphasizes the Pentagon’s need for an open-architecture platform that can test, integrate and qualify a range of subsystems and materials without the “exquisite components” and “labor-intensive manufacturing” that slow down existing production processes.
“The Department of Defense replenishment rates for unmanned aerial delivery vehicles are neither capable of meeting surge demand nor achieving affordable mass,” the notice states. “Narrow supply chains, proprietary data and locked designs result in a lengthy timeline to transition new technology into usable capability and limit production and replenishment rates.”
A DIU spokesman did not immediately respond to questions about the effort’s links to Replicator.
Details on how the Pentagon will execute the program have, so far, been slim. The Deputy’s Innovation Steering Group, established in 2021 and co-chaired by Hicks and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Christopher Grady, will oversee Replicator with support from DIU Director Doug Beck.
DISG held a quarterly meeting Sept. 28, and according to Pentagon spokesman Eric Pahon, Replicator was on the agenda.
“The purpose of the inaugural meeting was to ensure familiarization with the initiative across the Pentagon and military services, make clear the tasks and directions for execution, offer an opportunity to ask questions and provide input to support the future direction for Replicator,” Pahon told C4ISRNET in an Oct. 2 statement. (Source: glstrade.com/ C4ISR & Networks)
04 Oct 23. Army accepts delayed next-gen engine for future attack recon aircraft. The Army has accepted the first of its long-delayed next-generation engine, which is set to power the U.S. Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft as well as AH-64 Apache and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, the service announced Oct. 4.
The second T901 engine for the Improved Turbine Engine Program is still going through the acceptance process and will be delivered to the two companies competitively building FARA prototypes by the end of October.
“We’ll see some delivery of engines here in the next 30 days,” Brig. Gen. Phillip Baker, who is in charge of the service’s future vertical lift modernization efforts, told Defense News in an interview ahead of the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual conference, which runs Oct. 9-11. “That will allow us to move forward, and in ’24 we will get to ground runs and some limited flight.”
General Electric Aerospace, which is developing the next-generation engine through the ITEP effort, wants to recover from issues that first arose as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, causing nearly a year delay for the FARA competitive prototyping program.
GE not only ran into problems with sub-suppliers, but also “had a brain drain” with the exit of experienced quality-control managers, engineers and other technical employees during that time, the former Future Vertical Lift Cross-Functional Team director, Maj. Gen. Wally Rugen, said earlier this year.
The original plan was to execute a first flight for each FARA prototype aircraft in late 2023; now a first flight is not expected until the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, according to Baker.
Both competitors — Textron’s Bell and Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky — have built the aircraft and are awaiting the arrival of the ITEP engines by the end of October, they told Defense News.
Lockheed’s Raider X, its prototype for the FARA competition, is “98% complete,” Jay Macklin, Sikorsky’s business development director, said in an interview.
As soon as the company receives the ITEP engine, he explained, “we’re going to immediately start that installation process in advance of flights.”
Bell’s FARA program director, Chris Gehler, told Defense News the company hopes to begin ground testing for its 360 Invictus in early 2024, “but maybe as early as the end of this year.”
Meanwhile, both teams have moved through systems requirements review. Requirements are not yet set in stone, but Army officials have said the service is close to finalizing them.
The industry teams have also been working toward weapon system preliminary design reviews.
To ensure both teams are compliant with the Army’s modular open-system architecture, the service has passed them through a round of verification demonstrations. More demonstrations will take place in the coming year.
The Army plans to complete engineering and manufacturing development for ITEP in the third quarter of FY26, according to FY24 budget documents, and won’t reach initial operational capability until the third quarter of FY29, an almost two-year delay from the timeline in FY23 budget documents. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense News)
03 Oct 23. Department of Defense Selected Acquisition Reports (SARs). The Department of Defense (DoD) has transmitted the President’s Budget 2024 comprehensive annual Selected Acquisition Reports (SARs) to Congress.
SARs summarize the latest estimates of cost, schedule, and performance status for Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs) and Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) programs that exceed the MDAP cost threshold.
By law, the MDAP cost threshold is an estimated eventual total expenditure for research, development, test, and evaluation of more than $300,000,000 (based on Fiscal Year (FY) 1990 constant dollars) or an eventual total expenditure for procurement, including all planned increments or spirals, of more than $1,800,000,000 (based on FY1990 constant dollars).
There are 75 MDAP SARs: 16 for Department of the Army, 36 for the Department of the Navy, and 21 for the Department of the Air Force. Two additional MDAPs are direct reports to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment: Chemical Demilitarization — Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives and the Missile Defense System.
There are 20 MTA programs that met the MDAP threshold and submitted a SAR: 5 for the Department of the Army, 1 for the Department of the Navy, 12 for the Department of the Air Force, and 2 for the Space Development Agency.
The President’s Budget 2024 SARs are published by the Washington Headquarters Services at https://www.esd.whs.mil/FOIA/Reading-Room/Reading-Room-List_2/Selected_Acquisition_Reports/. These SARs are filed under “2022 SARs” as consistent with the data reflected.
In accordance with title 10, United States Code, section 4351(b), the Department of Defense was required to prepare SARs annually through submission of the President’s Budget 2024. Future reporting on MDAPs and MTA programs that exceed the MDAP threshold will be done through the Modernized Selected Acquisition Report (MSAR) process, which will continue to be released to the public annually. The Department of Defense is working closely with Congress to meet requirements for future MSARs processes. (Click here for the full Selected Acquisition Report (PDF), on the Pentagon website: https://www.esd.whs.mil/FOIA/Reading-Room/Reading-Room-List_2/Selected_Acquisition_Reports/) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/US DoD)
03 Oct 23. The F-35 Fighter Jet, The World’s Costliest Weapons Program, Just Got More Expensive (excerpt). The world’s most expensive weapons program — the US’s F-35 fighter jet — got even more costly, according to the Pentagon.
The program to develop and procure the plane will cost a total of $438bn, up $26bn from the last estimate a year ago, according to the F-35’s new Selected Acquisition Report released Monday.
The 6.5% increase is actually relatively modest by the standards of the program, which originally was $233bn when Lockheed Martin Corp. won the contract in 2001.
“The cost data in question was driven after accounting for inflation” and readjustment of the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps production plans, which extend from 2044 to 2049, the program office said in a statement. The new estimate does not change the total number of planned aircraft, which includes 14 development jets and 2,456 production models for the U.S., it said.
The so-called per-jet “program acquisition unit cost” that includes development and production dollars when calculated in what budget analysts call inflation-adjusted “then year” dollars has increased to $179m a jet from $166m in the last year, according to the SAR.
The $26bn increase is equivalent to what Congress has appropriated under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative to support Kyiv’s fight against Russia’s invasion. It also roughly equals this year’s budget request for NASA, the space agency. (end of excerpt)
(Click here for the full story, on the Stars and Stripes website: https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2023-10-02/f35-fighter-jet-more-expensive-11569374.html) (Click here for the F-35 Selected Acquisition Report, on the DoD website: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/FOID/Reading%20Room/Selected_Acquisition_Reports/FY_2022_SARS/F-35_SAR_Dec_2022_25_July_2023.pdf) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Bloomberg News)
29 Sep 23. Lockheed wins $1.1bn contract to design Navy’s Integrated Combat System. The U.S. Navy awarded Lockheed Martin $23 m to begin creating the Integrated Combat System that may one day connect the Navy’s and U.S. Coast Guard’s surface fleets.
The award could be worth up to $1.1bn if all options are exercised through fiscal 2030.
Lockheed’s winning bid was one of two submitted, according to a Defense Department announcement that did not name the second bidder. The Navy’s new program office for the integrated combat system issued a request for proposals for the systems engineering and software integration of a future ICS in May 2022.
Joe DePietro, Lockheed’s vice president and general manager for multi-domain combat solutions, told Defense News that the company’s “21st Century Security strategy is delivering capabilities including the Integrated Combat System, a next generation combat management system aligned to the Navy’s objectives to deliver high quality, scalable capability across the surface navy.
“By leveraging the best of industry, we are creating the environment to quickly develop and field capabilities that will keep the Navy ready for current and future threats,” he said in an email.
The Navy envisions a common combat system connecting ships in the future. Today, destroyers, cruisers and littoral combat ships use variations of Lockheed’s Aegis Combat System, something frigates and unmanned surface vessels will also use. Amphibious ships and aircraft carriers use a separate Ship Self-Defense System that was developed by Raytheon and is now managed by Lockheed.
“We’re really looking at how do we evolve … from our surface Navy combat systems into an integrated combat system that can be fielded across the board,” DePietro previously told Defense News.
If the Navy could achieve a common combat system for all its surface combatants, it could field and integrate new capabilities across the entire fleet faster and manage the combat system for less cost, leaders have said. To achieve this vision, the Navy is pursuing ICS hardware and software development programs — supplemented by a Forge effort for software development and experimentation and Foundry for hardware — aimed at supporting not only its fleet of surface ships but also Coast Guard vessels and foreign military sales.
“The Software Program designs, develops, and supports ICS software capabilities in support of mission execution for surface ships. The Hardware Program designs, procures, and supports the shipboard computing infrastructure, consoles, and peripherals for sailor interface with, and hosting of, the ICS software,” according to a Navy notice on the System for Award Management website.
By decoupling the hardware and software, the Navy intends to be able to upgrade each on their own schedules, as new technology develops and budgets allow. New capabilities can be fielded and vulnerabilities patched by pushing software updates to the ships instead of bringing them to the pier for physical changes. Computer servers or consoles could be swapped in as commercial industry pushes the technology forward.
Lockheed has been paving the way for this effort by digitizing the Aegis Combat System and Ship Self-Defense System as much as possible. It’s already “virtualized” the Aegis system, allowing it to be run from a small-form computer package instead of requiring the massive hardware on a ship.
Through this effort, the virtualized Aegis system has been plugged onto unmanned surface vessels to launch missiles, has become the heart of the Army’s ground-based Typhon mid-range capability for land and maritime defense, and has been used as a digital twin to test out new capabilities live on ships without disrupting their established combat systems.
Rear Adm. Fred Pyle, the director of surface warfare on the chief of naval operations’ staff, previously said this overall effort is meant to “get to that nirvana of one combat system.” (Source: Defense News)
REST OF THE WORLD
06 Oct 23. Seven companies vying for Armscor APC tender. The South African Army’s search for new armoured personnel carriers (APCs) to replace its current border patrol vehicles is seeing seven South African defence companies this month submit their vehicles for testing and evaluation along the borderline.
Director Defence Corporate Communication Brigadier General Andries Mokoena Mahapa told defenceWeb that over a dozen local companies were invited by Armscor to submit APCs for testing and functional evaluation along the borderline in October, and thereafter be invited to Exercise Vuk’uhlome at the South African Army Combat Training Centre at Lohatlha in November for display and exhibition.
In January this year Armscor released a request for information (RFI) calling for a 2+8 seat APC for counter-insurgency operations with variable ballistic and mine protection, including the ability to defeat an 8 kg mine. Eight companies responded positively, while eight companies declined (Rheinmetall Denel Munition, Global Command and Control Technologies [GC2T], Hensoldt, AS Holding, Sandock Austral, Thales, Armiger, and Reutech). None of the companies that declined the RFI manufacture armoured vehicles. Twiga was contemplating submitting its Nyati APC, but decided not to as the Nyati is more than the specifications require for border patrol, and better suited to motorised infantry operations.
Of those that will be taking part in the evaluation, DCD Protected Mobility will have its Springbuck SD, Springbuck HD with Command & Control system (together with GC2T), Springbuck Multi Platform, and if permitted, the Husky to showcase a complete solution.
Denel told defenceWeb the company identified three vehicles for the evaluation and Vuk’uhlome demonstration, and these are the RG21 and RG31 armoured personnel carriers, and RG32M patrol vehicle/troop carrier fitted with an SD-ROW (Self Defence Remotely Operated Weapon) turret.
OTT Solutions is submitting its Puma M36 Mk 6 4×4 APC, while Paramount is contributing its new Maatla lightweight 4×4 APC and Milkor its 4×4 APC. Automotive Investment Holdings (AIH) has partnered with Integrated Convoy Protection (ICP) to contribute the Reva V armoured personnel carrier. SVI will also be taking part with its Max 3 lightweight, low cost armoured vehicle.
The South African Army is seeking to replace the current fleet of troop packs (as the border patrol Land Cruisers were named) with “improved vehicles” to enhance border security and safeguarding operations.
“The acquisition of new personnel carriers will reduce the potential risk to national security by creating deterrence and stopping cross-border movement in order to have non-porous borders,” SA Army Director Force Structure Development Plan, Brigadier General Bruce Motlhoki, said at a stakeholder meeting in mid-July.
Functional evaluation of the armoured vehicles starts on 20 October and ends on 14 November. “Different centres of excellence” will focus on command and control, firepower, mobility, “superior protection”, intelligence and sustainability with driver training concentrating on operator obstructions, tactics and off-road critical mobility.
National Treasury has allocated nearly R1bn to improve SANDF border security capabilities over the next three years. In the medium term, troop pack vehicles (over 400 were originally acquired) will be replaced with off-the-shelf vehicles and R500m will be spent in 2024/25 for this.
Armscor hopes to by the end of the year decide which vehicle is best and how many the SANDF can afford. A request for proposals will then be issued.
In addition to new vehicles, R200m worth of sensor technology will be acquired for Operation Corona in 2025/6 including a geographic information system (GIS) capability (R22.5m); intelligence collection and processing capabilities (R47 m under Project Baobab); upgraded Chaka command and control system (R7.2m); Reutech RSR 903 radars (R57m); 60 observation posts (R16 m under Project Dominate); 16 quadcopter unmanned aerial vehicles (R16 m) and two long range UAVs (R24m). (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
06 Oct 23. Thales Celebrates 50th Anniversary in Singapore with Investments into Air Traffic Management and Drones.
- Announces the establishment of a world-class major Air Traffic Management (ATM) Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Singapore, together with investments in Research & Development, strengthening the value chain to accelerate joint innovation with regional civil aviation authorities.
- Launches ScaleFlyt Remote ID, the first commercial drone platform that manages identification and tracking of drones, fully designed, developed and ‘Made-in-Singapore’.
- Inaugurates the Thales Singapore Defence Hub with three pillars in Services, Engineering and Research.
- Thales in Singapore plans to recruit more than 1000 people over the next three years.
On 5th October, Thales, the global technology and defence leader, celebrated 50 years of operations in Singapore at a gala event hosted by Chairman and CEO of Thales Group, Patrice Caine and senior management executives. With Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies Heng Swee Keat as the Guest-of-Honour, Thales announced several new investments in the country.
Thales first established its presence in Singapore in 1973 to support aeronautics-related activities across Asia Pacific (APAC). Over the years, Thales has grown its capabilities and solutions to include national defence, space, transportation and most recently, digital identity & security solutions following the successful acquisition and integration of Gemalto in 2019.
Air Traffic Management Centre of Excellence
The Singapore Air Transport Industry Transformation Map (ITM) 2025 outlines key priorities to transform Singapore into a future-ready global aviation hub, including building a safe and sustainable air hub and pursuing innovation in better air traffic and unmanned systems.
To this end, Thales has decided to establish an ATM Centre of Excellence in Singapore located at Thales’ premises at Ayer Rajah Crescent.
The CoE will work on industrial applications and design activities for its world-leading Air Traffic Management system – TopSky-ATC, while also engaging regional air navigation service providers in future collaboration and innovation in the airspace. The ambition is to develop partnerships with SMEs, academia and other ATM stakeholders in the region to build an open and collaborative ATM ecosystem.
Over the next three years, the CoE will ramp up activities to promote the development of the ATM sector in Asia, leveraging the high level of expertise already established in Singapore. This will include additional hiring, with the ambition of having 120 ATM experts located in Singapore in the coming years.
ScaleFlyt Remote ID – Proudly ‘Invented and Made-in-Singapore’
As drones become increasingly ubiquitous, ensuring the airspace remains safe and secure is essential. A strong regulatory framework is necessary, including the ability for operators and regulators to develop a reliable and safe drone ecosystem.
ScaleFlyt Remote ID acts as a remote identification and location system for drones. The device was designed by the Thales Drone team in Singapore, which combines the competencies and resources of Thales’ Avionics and Digital Identity & Security expertise, with the strong support of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). The product was trialled and certified over the past two years, and is the first UAV product designed and developed in Singapore and ready for commercial use in the global market.
With the ScaleFlyt Remote ID tracker, drones can communicate vital information such as location, altitude, and identification to air traffic controllers and other airspace stakeholders. This real-time sharing of data ensures situational awareness and allows for effective coordination between drone operators and airspace owners, mitigating risks of airspace conflicts.
With this commercial first from Singapore, Thales intends to expand its drone activity in the future to include digital flight avionics and Urban Air Mobility solutions.
Opening of the Defence Hub
Thales also officially opens the Singapore Defence Hub on 6th October, with three pillars in Services, Engineering and Research. The Defence Hub will enhance long-term defence capabilities including maintenance, support, operational availability and indigenous development to meet the needs of the Singapore Armed Forces. A seasoned pool of experts situated in-country allows for a faster turnaround time and more hands-on approach to adapt to customer requirements and strengthen customer intimacy.
“Singapore is a strategic country for Thales, and a regional innovative hub for Asia. These announcements illustrate Singapore and Thales’ joint innovation and digital ambitions, building together a more sustainable aviation future and more resilient defense capabilities serving Singapore Armed Forces. By growing local capabilities in close proximity to our customers and partners, we are providing technologies for a safer and more secure society across Asia.” Patrice CAINE, Chairman and CEO, Thales Group.
Thales employs 2000 people in Singapore across four key sites. In the past five decades, Thales has also entrenched a strong Research, Technology and Innovation footprint with multiple research facilities including a 15-year old joint lab at NTU with CNRS International, the Thales Digital Factory, Engineering Competency Centre, and joint labs with customers and partners.
“Thales has grown alongside Singapore through 50 years. Today we have a strong engineering and manufacturing core in Avionics and Digital Identity and Security. Building upon this foundation, our new investments in the Air Traffic Management Centre of Excellence will make of Singapore a world leading ATM technology hub. We are proud to invent here cutting-edge drone management technology for a safe and efficient use of drones. Our Defence Hub will also expand local capabilities that build resilience for critical systems that defend Singapore.
We celebrate 50 years in Singapore with pride. As we look towards the next 50 years, our teams are working on next-generation technologies including Quantum, AI, 5G/6G, and cybersecurity that will continue to protect the world. We look forward to deepening our strong partnership with Singapore.” Emily TAN, Country Director, Thales in Singapore.
“Singapore values our longstanding partnership with Thales. Thales’ growing presence here has created exciting job opportunities for many Singaporeans across various functions such as manufacturing, research & development (R&D) and headquarters. Thales’ collaborations with our research institutes, Institutes of Higher Learning and government agencies to develop new technologies and solutions have also advanced Singapore’s competitiveness as a global node for innovation. My congratulations to Thales on its 50th anniversary in Singapore, and we look forward to deepening this partnership for many more years ahead,” said PNG Cheong Boon, Chairman of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). Jamie Chow, Relations Médias Singapour, Thales.
05 Oct 23. Philippines Modify Requirements for Multi-Role Fighter Project. DND to Submit New ‘Specs’ for Multi-Role Fighter Project to PBBM.
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said Tuesday night they have deliberated on a “new set of specifications” and “quantity” for the country’s multi-role fighter (MRF) program, which they would present to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for approval.
“(On) the MRF, we just set, to be approved by the President, a new set of specs that we need and a new quantity. We deliberated upon it. There are few tweaks,” Teodoro said during a chance interview with reporters at the National Day and Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Korea held at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Taguig City.
He said the terms of reference (TOR) for the project came out on Monday.
“It (came) out yesterday (Monday), our TOR for the MRF, and then once it is approved by the President, the TOR will go to Horizon 3 (of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program). There is a new Horizon 3, which we have to present to the President for him to approve,” Teodoro said.
He also said AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and the DND undersecretaries gave their thoughts on the specifications and the revised Horizon 3.
“We talked about with the Chief of Staff the specifications (earlier). Our undersecretaries put in their two cents’ worth. They will come out with that and the rest of the new Horizon 3 and then we will submit it to the President for approval,” he added.
Teodoro, however, did not give details on whether the new Horizon 3 that they will present to the Chief Executive is part of the ongoing “rehorizoning” and “restrategization” efforts for the AFP Modernization Program.
Initially, the AFP Modernization Program’s Horizon 3 is scheduled for 2023 to 2028 while Horizon 2 is from 2018 to 2022 and Horizon 1 is from 2013 to 2017. (Source: Defense-Aerospace.com/Philippine News Agency)
05 Oct 23. RoK Minister Flies to Indonesia over Unpaid KF-21 Fighter Costs. DAPA Chief Visits Indonesia for Talks to Resolve Payment Issues on Joint Fighter Jet Project. The head of South Korea’s arms procurement agency has visited Indonesia to try to resolve Jakarta’s unpaid share of costs for a joint fighter jet development project, his office said Thursday.
Eom Dong-hwan, minister of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), left for Indonesia on Wednesday and is expected to stay there until this weekend for talks with senior Indonesian defense officials, according to DAPA.
“The meeting was scheduled with difficulty as the Indonesian officials in charge kept changing,” a military source said.
Jakarta’s commitment to the KF-21 project, launched in 2015, has faced questions due to its delay in payments. Payments were halted in January 2019 before being resumed in November 2022.
As a partner country, Indonesia has agreed to shoulder about 20 percent of the project’s cost of 8.1 trillion won (US$5.99 bn) through 2026 in return for receiving one prototype, along with the transfer of technology and producing 48 units in the country.
Indonesia is estimated to have paid 278.3 bn won for the project so far and is behind in payments by nearly 1 trillion won.
Last month, President Yoon Suk Yeol met with his Indonesian counterpart, Joko Widodo, for a summit in Jakarta, where they reaffirmed their commitment to successfully completing the KF-21 project. (Source: Defense-Aerospace.com/Yonhap News Agency)
02 Oct 23. Australia Completes Independent Analysis into Navy’s Surface Combatant Fleet. Independent Analysis into Navy’s Surface Combatant Fleet Received by Government. Today, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Defence Industry received the independent analysis of Navy’s surface combatant fleet capability.
In response to the Defence Strategic Review, the Albanese Government agreed to conduct this short, sharp analysis to ensure the size, structure and composition of Navy’s surface combatant fleet complements the capabilities provided by the forthcoming conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
The analysis was led by retired United States Navy Vice Admiral William Hilarides, assisted by former Secretary of the Department of Finance, Rosemary Huxtable, and former Commander Australian Fleet, Vice Admiral Stuart Mayer.
The Independent Analysis Team (IAT) engaged a range of government officials, Australian Defence Force personnel, industry experts and partners to assess the capability requirements needed to meet our strategic circumstances.
The IAT considered more than 63 submissions from interested parties in Australia and around the world to inform its analysis and recommendations. Representatives of 83 companies as well as state and territory government organisations attended an industry briefing held in June. The IAT leads also held more than 20 one-on-one sessions with industry, and state and territory government representatives.
The Government will now take the necessary time to consider the analysis and its recommendations.
Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP said: “The independent analysis into Navy’s surface combatant fleet capability will help ensure our Navy’s surface combatant fleet is fit for purpose and appropriate for our strategic circumstances.
“We will take the necessary time to consider this analysis to ensure we have an appropriately balanced surface fleet that contributes to a fully integrated and more capable Defence Force.”
Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP, said: “The Independent Analysis Team took into account advice and data from Australian industry as well as experts around the world in the development of this report.
“The analysis and its recommendations will contribute to a robust and capable defence and shipbuilding industry.” (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Australian Department of Defence)
02 Oct 23. Australia shifts focus to UH-60M Black Hawks as MHR-90 Taipans are withdrawn. Defence Minister Richard Marles announces the swift transition plans amidst MRH-90 Taipan withdrawal. In a strategic move, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has announced the early retirement of its MRH-90 Taipan helicopters, which will not return to flying operations before their planned initial withdrawal date of December 2024.
With a renewed focus on introducing the UH-60M Black Hawks, this transition marks a key moment in the nation’s military aviation capabilities.
Defence Minister Richard Marles recently confirmed the early withdrawal of the MRH-90 Taipan helicopters. Speaking on the matter, Minister Marles underlined the Government’s commitment to ushering in a new era of aviation with the UH-60M Black Hawks. The sale of 40 UH-60M Black Hawks to Australia set the Oceanic country back a potential of $1.95bn.
Various European nations have recently procured or received the UH-60M Black Hawks in recent years; these countries include Lithuania, Croatia, and Latvia.
The first three advanced helicopters arrived in Australia and commenced flying operations in September. The remaining Black Hawks are expected to be delivered in due course.
The UH-60M Black Hawk will improve the Australian Army’s ability to deploy combat power and deter actions against its interests in the strategic environment, according to GlobalData’s “Australia Defense Market 2023-2028” report. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
27 Sep 23. Canada announces C-UAS Sandbox 2024 to assess innovative, agile solutions. C-UAS was identified as a top priority in Canada’s 2017 defence policy “Strong, Secure, Engaged,” emphasising the imperative need to develop appropriate capabilities to counter the continually-evolving threat from UAS. Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC) leads national efforts in this regard, collaborating closely with all three armed services, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). A CUAS Sandbox event has now been announced for 2024, aimed at assessing innovative, agile solutions for this challenge in a fully staffed test environment at CFB Suffield, Alberta, in May and June 2024.
The event focus will be on fostering proactive, one-on-one engagements and a collaborative environment, in which innovators will be encouraged to support each other. This will NOT, therefore, be a competitive event, but a collaborative, productive environment. The potential benefits accruing to selected participants will include:
- Prototype refinement
- Influence on future development and procurement decisions
- Networking and exposure
Worth noting also are the Canadian Armed Forces projects that have a direct interest in CUAS systems and the progress of the event
- Canadian Forces Land Electronic Warfare Modernization (CFLEWM) – CUAS is out of scope but there is interest nevertheless in how the disciplines could be integrated into EW sensor networks
- Land Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Modernization (Land ISR Mod)
- Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems (CUAS) – currently unfunded
Canadian and foreign businesses, individuals and pertinent organisations are eligible to apply, bearing in mind that the extent of potential Canadian content will be a criterion during the evaluation process. Note that applications are due by 14:00 EST on 5 October 2023.
For more information: Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Sandbox 2024 – Canada.ca (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
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Since 1946, Industrial Electronic Engineers, IEE, has specialized in the design, test, support and fielding of display products for use in demanding military and aerospace applications throughout the world. IEE has developed an extensive product portfolio that today includes enhanced flat panel displays, smart displays and handheld devices.
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