BATTLESPACE Updates

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INTERNATIONAL PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO

 

01 Mar 24. £560m investment to modernise nuclear submarine supporting more than 1,000 jobs.

One of the UK’s ballistic missile submarines – HMS VICTORIOUS – will be modernised under a new £560m contract following an agreement with Babcock.

  • £560m contract awarded for HMS VICTORIOUS maintenance in Plymouth
  • Defence Secretary announces boost to the local economy which will support 1,000 jobs
  • Follows huge investment in Western Europe’s largest naval base

One of the UK’s ballistic missile submarines – HMS VICTORIOUS – will be modernised under a new £560m contract following an agreement with Babcock as part of the Government’s plan to keep the UK safe.

More than 1,000 jobs will be sustained in Plymouth and the surrounding south-west region. Maintenance work will see the modernisation and upgrade of the submarine.

As one of the Vanguard Class submarines, HMS VICTORIOUS is a key component of the UK’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent, which helps protect our freedoms every minute of every day.

For nearly 55 years, there has always been a Royal Navy ballistic missile submarine at sea. Armed with strategic nuclear missiles, these submarines have acted as the nation’s Continuous At-Sea Deterrence, sending a clear message to potential aggressors.

Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps said:

In an increasingly dangerous world, it is crucial that we continue to invest in one of our most important assets, our nuclear deterrent.

This is another UK partnership with Babcock, that will help keep the UK safe, while boosting the local economy and supporting 1,000 jobs.

On my recent visit to HMNB Devonport it was a privilege to speak with sailors and staff whose work directly contributes to our national security.

It follows a £750m funding boost to the Devonport naval base, announced in November 2023, that will significantly improve the infrastructure. Creating around 1,000 construction roles, the work will also support maintenance of existing and future submarines, and enhance the dockyard’s ability to deliver major defence projects.

Babcock has brought new delivery and repair techniques to the programme, drawing in experience from their wider group and other sectors. These innovations have been targeted at the most complex areas of this project to reduce time and risk in delivery.

Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Martin Connell said:

The Royal Navy performs no more important mission than Operation Relentless, the continuous at sea strategic deterrent patrols which have been performed by our submariners uninterrupted since 1969.

The mission requires an unprecedented national effort in support, maintaining our Vanguard-class submarines to the very highest engineering standards.

The overhaul of HMS Victorious will allow the boat to carry out deterrent patrols until the next generation of submarines, the Dreadnought-class, enter service.”

Babcock CEO, David Lockwood said: “Babcock CEO David Lockwood said: “Delivering the programme for this vital and complex defence asset is our top priority. We are proud to have been awarded this complex defence programme which will use our deep engineering expertise to help keep the UK safe.”

The south-west recently became the country’s Marine and Maritime Launchpad, recognising its leadership in the sector. The area will receive an additional £7.5m in funding to support outstanding innovation projects within maritime. The shipbuilding enterprise directly supports over 43,000 jobs across the country, with over 19,000 employed in the Southwest alone. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

 

29 Feb 24. Type 31 frigate HMS Venturer build progresses. Babcock is progressing with the build of the UK Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate at its Rosyth Shipyard in Scotland, with the hull form and superstructure of the first-in-class HMS Venturer substantially completed, according to the images posted in February.

Showcased in a 24 February Royal Navy release marking the formal affiliation of HMS Venturer with the English country of Essex, imagery shows the hull completed, along with much of the superstructure above deck. Additional systems such as the mast are yet to be installed, with the vessel due to remain in the covered build hall for some time to come.

The images in the Royal Navy release are the same as those posted by Babcock on social media platform X earlier in the month, where it disclosed that hull consolidation activities had been carried out at Rosyth to enable to weighing of HMS Venturer in order to perform validation checks.

Presenting its H1 2023 financial results late last year, Babcock stated that during the next financial year design activities “will be finalised” and the construction of HMS Venturer will be “substantially” complete.

It was recently reported by Naval Technology that the integration the Mk 41 vertical launch systems (VLS) into the 31 frigates could come in the form of capability insertion periods carried out after the vessel has been delivered to the Royal Navy, rather than carried out during the build process.

Capability insertion periods are undertaken around halfway through the ship’s initial service life, usually around 10-12 years.

The decision in May 2023 that the UK’s Type 31 frigates, originally envisaged as light patrol platforms, were to be fitted with the Lockheed Martin Mk 41 VLS system offered the prospect of a significant capability increase through a wider range of anti-ship and anti-air missiles.

Potentially, earlier vessels, such as HMS Venturer, could be completed as originally designed, with future ships in class incorporating the Mk 41 VLS during the construction phase.

This could create a two-variant class of Type 31 frigate, with older models initially delivered on a ‘fitted for but not with’ the Mk 41. This is relatively common among naval warship programmes, with variants created to fulfill specific roles, such as anti-ship warfare, as required.

Current status of the Type 31 frigate build

In the H1 2023 results report last year, Babcock outlined the progress that was being made on the Type 31 frigate programme, stating the first-in-class HMS Venturer was “progressing through construction” with the ship’s superstructure “taking shape”.

In addition, the main engines, gear boxes, and diesel generators had been installed, with the next major milestone of HMS Venturer being the float-off, expected in the first half of 2024. Manufacture of the second ship in class, HMS Active, has seen the first double bottom block completed in the build cradle, following the keel laying earlier in 2023.

The Type 31 build is intended to deliver five general purpose frigates into Royal Navy service to replace five outgoing, and ageing, Type 23 vessels.

According to the UK’s shipbuilding programme, five Type 31 Inspiration-class general-purpose frigates will be introduced into Royal Navy service from 2027, with Babcock completing the handover of the fifth and final vessel the following year. (Source: naval-technology.com)

 

28 Feb 24. Widespread reforms to transform delivery of kit to UK’s armed forces. A new procurement system will see earlier expert assurance of future military programmes, ensuring they deliver for UK forces on the frontline.

  • Integration, early industry engagement, and exportability at the heart of Spring 2024 reforms.
  • Introducing new checks and balances to avoid procurement challenges, speed up frontline delivery and bring down costs.
  • New approach to test and improve advanced new capabilities on the battlefield.

A new procurement system will see earlier expert assurance of future military programmes, ensuring they deliver for UK forces on the frontline, under a raft of reforms announced by the Defence Procurement Minister, James Cartlidge today (Wednesday 28 February).

To avoid previous challenges where programmes have been over-complex, over-budget, and over time, a new Integrated Procurement Model will be brought in from April, which will see:

  • The Integration Design Authority (IDA) introducing new checks and balances to avoid some of the challenges faced in previous procurements.
  • Greater empowerment of subject matter experts across the defence enterprise including defence scientists, government export leads, finance experts and industry partners to challenge and shape proposals before they receive the go-ahead.
  • Increased focus on exportability of a capability at the start of a procurement, to prioritise developing kit that can be sold to and used by other nations.
  • Earlier engagement with the UK defence industry to ensure quicker delivery of kit into the hands of the armed forces.

The new model will expose and resolve potential issues in any major programme at the start of the process, aiming to avoid unexpected complications that could cause in-service delays or additional costs.

Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge said: “4There is no question that we are living in an increasingly dangerous world, and so our approach to major military procurement programmes cannot go on as it has before. Pace, challenge, and integration are vital to setting ourselves up for success and replacing the siloed nature of major programmes that hamper timely delivery and squander global export opportunities. All parts of UK defence must embrace these reforms as a positive shift in our approach that will deliver a military fit for the future. Delivering new equipment and technology more quickly is key to the overall reforms, and the concept of ‘spiral’ development will be at the forefront as new programmes are initiated. This will avoid capabilities that are not adaptable to the changing environment or are overly complex and too bespoke to export.

Rather than striving for perfection before delivering to the frontline, capabilities at 60-80% of their full potential will be provided to the user, allowing early application, and subsequent improvements to reach their full potential.”

Chief Executive of Defence Equipment & Support, Andy Start said: “This reform is a key turning point for defence procurement and change is already underway in DE&S to help defence realise the ambitions set out today. We aim to help bring greater insight from industry and allies into the development of capability at an earlier stage, and we go live with the first part of our new operating model in March to set up major programmes up for success from the start. The Archer capability for the British Army is just one example where we have shown we can bring new systems and platforms into service faster. We look forward to helping defence make this kind of pace the norm. DE&S, the MOD’s procurement arm, has recently redesigned the way it operates so it can get equipment into the hands of our armed forces faster. Its new operating model features a single-entry point which will engage with the military earlier in the process, to help set up projects for success. It will encourage collaboration across MOD, industry and with our allies to plan projects coherently and efficiently, injecting the appropriate pace and innovation and making sure work is deliverable, with spiral development built into the plan.     Yet the new reforms aim to go further, avoiding competition between the military Services for programmes to be approved and encouraging people to speak up in the face of emerging challenges for delivery – a key recommendation of Clive Sheldon KC’s report into the AJAX programme.”

Today’s announcement follows last week’s launch of the Uncrewed Systems Strategy, backed by £4.5bn in funding, outlining how the UK is embracing technological change and implementing the lessons from Ukraine, to deliver integrated procurement that is agile and maintains our military competitiveness. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

 

27 Feb 24. Lockheed Martin touts Black Hawk as bridge to next-gen rotorcraft. Lockheed Martin is touting its S-70 Black Hawk medium-lift helicopter as a bridge to next-generation rotorcraft now being developed, with new technologies intended to take it out to 2070. Speaking to Janes ahead of the IQPC International Military Helicopter (IMH) 2024 conference in London, Jay Macklin, business development director at Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky subsidiary, said that, with a raft of extensive upgrades mapped out by both the company and the US Army, the Black Hawk will be the bridge through to Future Vertical Lift (FVL) and what comes after.

“The Black Hawk is going to be around until 2070 and is going to be flying on the same battlefield as Future Vertical Lift (FVL). It has got to be able to operate in that FVL ecosystem, and I really think that the Black Hawk is going to bridge that gap to the next-generation rotorcraft,” Macklin said ahead of the event running from 27 to 29 February. (Source: Janes)

 

27 Feb 24. Future UK military helicopter reaches next competition stage.

The next stage of the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) Programme has been announced by the Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, today.

  • Bids open for New Medium Helicopter contract, as it moves to the Invitation to Negotiate phase
  • The new helicopter model will support Defence operations around the globe
  • The New Medium Helicopter will deliver up to five rotary wing requirements

The next stage of the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) Programme has been announced by the Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, today.

The NMH Programme is an initiative to acquire a modern medium-lift support helicopter, which will deliver up to five rotary wing requirements using a single aircraft-type. This means that the platform will be able to undertake Defence tasks that were previously undertaken by up to five different aircraft types, streamlining our capabilities. This will improve efficiency and operational flexibility, positively impacting ongoing and future UK operational capability.

Once in service, it will provide the Armed Forces with a new medium lift aircraft capable of operating in all environments in support of a broad spectrum of Defence tasks, from warfighting to humanitarian efforts and operations around the world.

It was announced at the International Military Helicopter conference in London today that the Invitation to Negotiate has been released, meaning the three NMH candidate suppliers – Airbus Helicopters UK, Leonardo Helicopters UK and Lockheed Martin UK – will now compile their bids to be evaluated by the Ministry of Defence to determine the winning bidder.

The competition will be managed by Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and proposals will be evaluated through 2025 when, subject to Government approvals, a contract award is anticipated.

Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge said: “The New Medium Helicopter will provide essential support to our military operations, and we’re pleased to have reached this next important stage of the programme. The programme’s competition includes essential criteria that are key to securing vital rotary wing Operational Independence, allowing us to respond swiftly to emerging threats in a highly contested world. The NMH competition will include essential industrial considerations, spanning design, production, manufacture and importantly, export potential. This means that the New Medium Helicopter contract will secure the vital operational independence we require, as well as investing in UK skills for the long-term and demonstrates the UK Government’s commitment to the Defence & Security Industrial Strategy.”

The NMH competition will include essential industrial considerations, spanning design, production, manufacture and importantly, export potential. This means that the New Medium Helicopter contract will secure the vital operational independence we require, as well as investing in UK skills for the long-term and demonstrates the UK Government’s commitment to the Defence & Security Industrial Strategy. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

 

27 Feb 24. Leonardo statement following the release of the New Medium Helicopter Invitation To Negotiate (ITN).

Leonardo is putting forward the AW149 from the Home of British Helicopters.

A proven, in-service medium multi-role military helicopter, designed this generation for the modern battlefield operations while minimising through life costs.  Delivering social mobility around the UK through jobs, investment in skills and top-rated apprenticeship and graduate schemes.

Leonardo has committed that more than 60% of total AW149 production will occur in the UK, at the Home of British Helicopters in Yeovil and through its nationwide ‘Team AW149 UK’ supply chain. AW149 work will directly create or sustain 1,500 highly skilled jobs nationwide and support more than 12,000 helicopters jobs across Leonardo’s established supply chain.

Designed to survive: Military certified in 2014, the multi-role AW149 began life as an all-new, blank sheet of paper military design, focusing on survivability on the modern battlefield, operations from austere environments and maximising aircraft availability while minimising through life costs. Today, the AW149’s exacting military-off-the-shelf design underpins its selection by multiple international armed forces.

Ready with onshore skills and facilities: Leonardo in Yeovil is the UK’s only helicopter manufacturer, building military aircraft since 1947. More than 50% of the UK Armed Forces’ current frontline helicopter fleet came from Leonardo’s site in Somerset, which employs 3,300 people. The town and district councils have officially recognised Yeovil as “the Home of British Helicopters”.

Ready for manufacture in the UK: The majority of the AW149’s structural design was undertaken at Yeovil and the company has already made a multi-m pound investment in a new AW149 production line at the site, as well as platform-specific training for the company’s experienced helicopter engineers. Leonardo stands ready to produce the AW149 in the UK should it be chosen.

A business that already exports British helicopters: Since 2013, Leonardo has generated £6.6bn in helicopter exports from the UK to customers in North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe and North Africa. This includes £1.6 bn exports in the last 18 months alone.

A huge opportunity for future UK exports: There is an addressable export market for more than 500 medium multi-role helicopters that could be satisfied with UK-made AW149s. Leonardo has pledged that should AW149 be selected for NMH, future exports will be from the UK build line. The company has committed that 60-70% of the platform’s content and through-life support will be carried out onshore in the UK at Leonardo and through UK suppliers. With more than 60% of production happening onshore, this could generate ms more pounds in export revenues and UK tax receipts.

Keeping highly-specialised skills onshore: As the UK’s only onshore helicopter manufacturer, from design and build to support, Leonardo in Yeovil’s highly-specialised skills provide the UK with Freedom of Action and Operational Independence. The company is unique in the UK as being able to support Urgent Operational Requirements (UORs) should they be called for. During Operations Telic and Herrick Leonardo was involved in more than 50 UORs, including for non-Leonardo helicopters operated by the UK such as the Chinook and Puma.

Facts and figures: the Home of British Helicopters

  • Opened 1947.
  • £6.6bn helicopter exports from the UK since 2013.
  • £1.6bn in helicopters exports from Leonardo UK over the last 18 months.
  • > 3,300 aircraft manufactured: one helicopter for every Leonardo employee currently working on-site (c. 3,300 in Yeovil today)
  • > 50% of the UK Armed Forces’ frontline helicopter fleet were built in Yeovil.
  • 12,000 British engineering and manufacturing jobs sustained by Leonardo’s UK helicopter business.
  • £500m spent by Leonardo on its supply chain annually.
  • 750 companies are in Leonardo’s UK helicopter supply chain.
  • 250 SMEs account for 25% of helicopters procurement spend.
  • Leonardo in Yeovil‘s highly-specialised skills base provides the UK MOD with Operational Independence.
  • £1.2m investment annually into Yeovil College engineering apprenticeships.
  • > 150 trainees on early careers schemes at Leonardo in Yeovil.

 

EUROPE

 

01 Mar 24. If Türkiye is acquiring F-16s, why is there a push for Eurofighter?

The spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND), Brig. Adm. Zeki Aktürk, announced that that a significant milestone has been achieved in the procurement of new F-16s from the United States.

Admiral Aktürk stated on February 29 that the Ministry has received the ‘Draft Proposal and Acceptance Letters’ from the United States, regarding Türkiye’s request to purchase 40 F-16 Block-70 (F-16V) F-16s from the United States, as well as a “modernization kit” to upgrade 79 of the existing F-16s to that level.

As a result, negotiations between the Turkish and US delegations on the delivery of the F-16 Viper or F-16V aircraft and the accompanying military equipment and weapons could commence.

On the other hand, Ministry sources confirm that the purchase of Eurofighter Thyphoon fighters was also on the agenda during Defense Minister Yaşar Güler’s meeting with British Defense Minister Grant Shapps in London on February 27.

So, why is Türkiye still pushing for the purchase of Eurofighters now that the F-16s are on their way out and Kaan, the National Combat Aircraft (MCA), has made its first flight?

There are three main answers to this question.

Eurofighter issue: Diversity, transition period

1- Transition period: The earliest the MMU Kaan can join the Turkish Air Force fleet is expected to be 2032. This depends on Türkiye’s plan to switch to domestic production of the Kaan engine in 2028. In two years’ time, new and existing F-16s will barely cover the deficit. In this transition period, the Turkish Armed Forces do not want to leave any vulnerabilities in its air defense strategy, which is based on the assumption that the F-35s will arrive, taking into account the growing political tensions in the open region. On the other hand, the Turkish Armed Forces do not want to face new S-400 problems with non-NATO aircraft, such as the Su-35 or Su-57 that Russia wants to sell.

2- Diversity: While the military wants to work with NATO-compatible weapon systems, it also wants to get rid of its dependence on the US. This is not a new problem; it dates back to the late 1980s. As early as the Turgut Özal era, the option of buying 80 fighter jets from Europe to replace the first batch of 160 F-16s manufactured in Türkiye was under consideration, but diplomatic pressure led to the decision on F-16s.

And the US Congress

3- US Congress: Türkiye does not want to deal with pressure from lobbies in the US Congress again. Similar problems exist in European countries as well. For example, while the UK, Spain and Italy, as the joint producers of the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter, have no problem with the sale to Türkiye, Germany is still unable to give its approval.

The reason Güler discussed the issue with his British counterpart is that he believes the UK can convince Germany. The issue was also raised during British Foreign Secretary David Cameron’s visit to Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on January 26, the very day the US State Department approved the sale of the F-16Vs.

Fidan also recently met with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock twice, three days apart, during the Munich Security Conference and the G20 meetings in Rio. However, it has not yet been announced whether the Eurofighter issue was discussed during these meetings, which reportedly focused on Gaza.

Current status on F-16s

Türkiye is expected to pay $23bn (713bn Turkish Lira at current exchange rates) for this purchase, as previously announced. However, defense sources say the exact pricing will be determined during negotiations. One of the reasons for this is that Türkiye wants the $1.4bn down payment it paid for the F-35 fighters, which the United States had removed Türkiye because of its purchase of S-400 missiles from Russia, to be allocated to the purchase of F-16Vs. (Source: News Now/https://yetkinreport.com/)

 

29 Feb 24. Turkey receives U.S. draft letters approving F-16 jets deal -official. The United States has sent Turkey draft letters of offer and acceptance regarding its request to buy Block-70 F-16 fighter jets and modernisation kits, Turkey’s defence ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

Turkey made the request in October 2021, two years after the United States kicked Turkey out of the fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet program over its procurement of a Russian missile defence system.

The U.S. administration finally agreed to conclude the delayed deal after a series of negotiations following Ankara’s approval of Sweden’s NATO membership bid.

U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration formally informed the Congress of its intention to proceed with the $23bn sale of the Lockheed Martin (LMT.N), opens new tab jets in January.

The sale was considered final earlier this month when the Congress did not block the sale within 15 days.

“Our ministry has received the draft letters of offer and acceptance sent by the U.S. for the sale of 40 new Block-70 F-16s and 79 modernisation kits and ammunition and equipment for them. (We) have started the necessary examination and evaluation,” ministry spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk told reporters.

After Turkey’s review of the draft letters, officials from the two countries are expected to meet to finalise the deal.

Turkey is one of the largest operators of the F-16 jets, with its fleet made up of more than 200 older Block 30/40/50 models.

Relations between the two NATO allies have gained significant momentum on which they can capitalise, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy said last week after meeting with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. (Source: Google/Reuters)

 

29 Feb 24. French Air Force retrospective for 2023 details operations and restructuring. France published a retrospective of 2023 for the Air and Space force, detailing new restructuring under the Altaïr plan.

The French Ministry of Defence published a retrospective of the activities of the Air and Space Force during 2023, with particular focus on international deployment and efforts to restructure operational control under the Commandement de la Défense Aérienne et des Opérations Aériennes, Air Defense and Air Operations Command (CDAOA) through the Altaïr plan.

Through 2023, the French Air and Space Force was involved in overseas operations in several countries. It conducted operations in Syria, as part of international efforts to combat terrorism and stabilise the region. Operations were also carried out in Iraq, with French military involvement in the region to address security challenges and support local partners.

The French Air and Space Force also played a significant role in the Sahel region, particularly in Mali, where they worked alongside local partners to prevent the country’s collapse, contribute to the reconstruction of the Malian armed forces, and support development and stabilisation efforts in the region. It also participated in the evacuation of nationals from Sudan and Niger, showcasing its ability to respond promptly and effectively in complex environments

Given the diverse range of missions for Air and Space Force, managing the operational demands effectively while maintaining readiness provided a challenge. To support these efforts, the CDAOA underwent significant changes in 2023 as part of the Altaïr plan, announced in March 2022 by the Chief of Staff of the Air and Space Force.

The Altaïr plan aimed to transform the Air and Space Force, with a focus on enhancing operational readiness and coordination. One key aspect of this transformation was the reconfiguration of the CDAOA to become a central actor in preparing conventional operations for the entire Air and Space Force.

This included the integration of a new brigade, the Air Brigade for Air and Space Control, Brigade Aérienne du Contrôle de l’Espace Aérien (BACEA), which is responsible for controlling airspace and supporting aeronautical information services. BACEA is composed of 57 units and approximately 3,000 specialists organised across mainland France, overseas territories, and abroad. Its main tasks include providing airspace control capabilities for air missions and monitoring national airspace to ensure the freedom of aerial action.

The BACEA unit is also involved in various activities related to air traffic control, meteorology, wildlife hazard prevention, and radio navigation means calibration, which sit as part the expanded role for CDAOA in 2023, in addition to the expertise and advisory services it provides in relation to information systems and communication for the military branches, directorates, and services. (Source: airforce-technology.com)

 

29 Feb 24. Germany advocates for a closer Chinook support ecosystem. Following in the footsteps of OCCAR programmes, where technology and know-how is shared in abundance, Germany considers such an ecosystem for Chinook users. Germany considered the possibility of forming a closer support ecosystem for Chinook users ahead of the Air Force’s acquisition of 60 CH-47F Block II transport helicopters. The service acquired the heavy-lift fleet from the US under a €7.8bn ($8.5bn) Foreign Military Sales agreement in May 2023. Germany aims to transition from its current fleet of 72 CH-53 Super Stallion helicopters, which are now more than 50 years old according to the leading intelligence consultancy, GlobalData. It can now be revealed that the timeline for delivery will take place between 2027 and 2032, in contrast to earlier expectations that the first unit would be delivered in 2026. There are 21 Chinook users globally, nine of which are members of the Nato military alliance, these include Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Türkiye, the UK and the US, among many others. The German Armed Forces have no operational history with the Chinook. However, they seek to adopt a highly configured variant, with various equipment from around the world. Notably, only three systems will be German-made: the AE kit, the Link 16 and the BOS radio. This has led to concerns regarding the aircrew, and most importantly, maintenance training. For that reason, Germany has considered a vision for the future in which the Air Force would benefit from closer activity among Chinook users – something similar to the fixed-wing A400M transport aircraft programme, it was suggested.

A global Chinook ecosystem

Germany currently operates 40 A400M aircraft, alongside eight other nations, according to GlobalData intelligence.

Due to the watchful eye of the largely European-based Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR), Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, Türkiye and the UK – six programme participating members, as well as Luxembourg and Malaysia – benefitted from the smooth acquisition of the tactical and strategic airlifter.

Other OCCAR successes include the programme procurement of the Boxer infantry fighting vehicle, within which the UK recently stipulated that it must face “temporary concessions” in acquiring spares and equipment from other Boxer users in the programme, such as Germany.

Like the UK with Boxer, the German Air Force would greatly benefit from such a system as it seeks to prepare for the acquisition of a fleet for which it has no experience.

The form of support may be the transfer of spares and equipment, like the UK’s Boxer circumstance, or perhaps, knowledge sharing, in which Germany would go on deployments with other Chinook users to learn the ropes.

However, given the Chinook is a platform manufactured by the US-based contractor, Boeing, such an ecosystem may not be as simply implemented, or even possible as it has been for Europe’s OCCAR programmes. (Source: army-technology.com)

 

27 Feb 24. MDH anticipates sale of ‘several dozen’ TH/AH530 rotorcraft to Eastern Europe. MD Helicopters (MDH) expects to sell “several dozen” of its TH530 and AH530 rotorcraft to Eastern Europe, with strong interest in the trainer and light attack platforms on the back of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking to Janes ahead of the IQPC International Military Helicopter (IMH) 2024 conference, running in London from 27 to 29 February, vice-president of sales and marketing at MDH, Jason Lindauer, said the Arizona-based manufacturer has seen strong interest in the TH530 trainer and AH530 light attack helicopters across the Eastern European region, with sales anticipated. (Source: Janes)

 

23 Feb 24. Croatia takes over formal ownership of first Rafale fighters from France. Croatia has taken over formal ownership of the Dassault Rafale combat aircraft to be received from France. The Croatian Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced the development on 23 February, saying it now owns the first six of 12 Rafales it has ordered. This milestone came about five months after the first Rafale was handed over to the Croatian MoD during a ceremony at the French Air and Space Force (Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace: AAE) base at Mont-de-Marsan in early October 2023. Croatia selected the Rafale in May 2021 to replace its ageing MiG-21s. A deal for EUR1.15bn (USD1.21bn) was signed in November 2021, with payments to run from 2021 to 2026. The 12 surplus AAE Rafale aircraft comprise 10 single- and two twin-seaters at the F3-R standard. Further to these aircraft, Croatia is receiving simulators, training, and other support to run through until the final quarter of 2026. Aircraft deliveries are scheduled to be completed in 2025. (Source: Janes)

 

USA

 

28 Feb 24. Cuashub.com said today that DHS S&T Busy Testing Counter-Drone Technologies. The Department of Homeland Security Science & Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) has been extremely busy testing counter-drone technologies and evaluating their effectiveness in various environments and mission types. DHS S&T recently released a summary of its activities in 2023 and provided a preview of upcoming technology assessment activities in 2024.

To counteract the potential malicious use of drones, DHS S&T conducted assessments of innovative counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) technologies, also known as counter-drone technologies, through two live demonstrations last summer. Before these events, DHS S&T issued two public requests for information (RFI) in April 2023 to collect vendor data about existing counter-drone technologies. One RFI was to test innovative technologies to counter “dark” unmanned aircraft system (UAS) swarms, and the other was to assess kinetic mitigation capabilities for countering small UAS. The most promising solutions were selected to participate in the subsequent live demonstrations.

Kinetic Mitigation System Testing

In a live demonstration held at Camp Grafton South in North Dakota, several vendors participated in assessing the collateral effects of kinetic mitigation systems, which physically alter, bring down, or destroy drones using forces like projectiles, nets, photon plasma from lasers, and electromagnetic or radio waves. The purpose was to collect information on the potential unintended consequences or collateral effects, such as falling debris from intercepted drones. The University of North Dakota (UND), Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS), and accessND provided personnel and expertise for the demonstration.

Following a live demonstration assessing the collateral effects of kinetic mitigation systems against drones, initial observations have provided a basic understanding of these effects. Further analysis of the results aims to establish a basic methodology for measuring collateral effects. DHS seeks to develop an understanding of the kinetic mitigation capabilities of current counter-drone technologies, assess the inherent risks, and determine potential damage that may result from their use.

Counter Swarm and Dark UAS Testing

The second live demonstration evaluated non-kinetic solutions for detecting, tracking, identifying, and countering swarms of small UAS remotely controlled. It also assessed technologies capable of detecting and mitigating “dark” drones emitting minimal or no radio frequency (RF) signals, noise, or emissions. The demonstration aimed to address potential threats posed by drone swarms in scenarios like interfering with first responders or launching distributed assaults on critical infrastructure during events of national or international importance. The event occurred at the Oklahoma State University Unmanned Aircraft Flight Station in Stillwater, Oklahoma, collaborating with industry partner Amentum Services, Inc. and the OSU C-UAS Center of Excellence.

The event drew visitors from U.S. homeland and defense agencies and foreign government partners. Six technology vendors also participated—three from the United States, and three were international.

Upcoming DHS S&T Tests in 2024

Following the promising evaluations and initial findings, DHS S&T and its partners are analyzing results from both events to determine future testing needs and prioritize research and development investments. Demonstrations for kinetic counter-drone technologies are planned for summer to assess collateral impacts and test additional technologies. The goal is to enhance the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) capabilities to safeguard the homeland against potential threats from UAS.

https://cuashub.com/content/dhs-st-busy-testing-counter-drone-technologies/?_hsmi=296022910&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9reKwF5FJmgMm-wG8w_rvc_LK0yuKZhAylZHKAeZPRcBaGpRcMZqfvs3ECAYF16kZLDzsTLneoZrGPHqjWSeMXBNb1fiwADr47Bd2v3xyB9T6Tyeg#utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&utm_content=296022910&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

 

27 Feb 24. Navy seeking to rapidly prototype new air-launched, stand-off missile. The service wants to produce up to 500 rounds per year and field an early version in fiscal year 2027.

The US Navy is seeking industry’s assistance to rapidly prototype and field a new air-launched, stand-off weapon inexpensive enough to manufacture en masse and perform on par with the service’s current anti-ship cruise missile.

Dubbed the “Multi-mission Affordable Capacity Effector (MACE),” the service posted a public notice earlier this month that it should have “increased range at lower costs” and “integrated a high-maturity propulsion system with proven payloads.”

“The objective of this notice is to help the government determine if there are existing sources with the capability and experience to rapidly prototype, integrate, test and field a long-range, network-enabled weapon system capable of launch from a F/A-18E/F and F-35A/C,” according to the notice.

The exact ranges of most Pentagon weaponry are classified, but the notice states MACE should be “complimentary” to the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile, the Lockheed Martin-made missile fielded on the Navy’s F/A-18 and Air Force’s B-1B.

Possible successors to LRASM, an effort dubbed HALO, are in development by Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, but the Navy has previously stated it doesn’t expect that weapon to be fielded until the 2030s. By contrast, Naval Air Systems Command, the service agency responsible for buying aircraft and associated weaponry, wants to field an early version of MACE in fiscal year 2027, according to the solicitation.

Possible proposals from industry should aim for a cost no greater than $300,000 per all-up-round with a production capacity of at least 500 rounds per year, the notice states.

“MACE shall be compatible with carriage on F/A-18E/F, as the threshold platform. MACE should be designed for internal carriage of 4 AURs in F-35A/C to enable future integration. MACE shall be compatible with existing internal carriage racks and/or mounting points approved for use on F-35A/C,” according to the notice.

The War Zone, which reported on the Navy’s notice earlier this month, noted the service’s request bears similarity to a US Air Force initiative dubbed the “Extended Ranged Attack Munition.” The Air Force first published its own notice about ERAM in late January.

Spokespeople from the Navy and Air Force did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Breaking Defense. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Breaking Defense.com)

 

27 Feb 24. Lockheed Martin to continue with X2, despite FLRAA and FARA setbacks. Lockheed Martin is to continue developing its X2 technologies for the international market despite suffering setbacks with its offerings to the US Army. Speaking to Janes ahead of the IQPC International Military Helicopter (IMH) 2024 conference in London running from 27 to 29 February, Jay Macklin, business development director at Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky subsidiary, said that the compound-helicopter X2 technologies developed by the company to increase the speed of rotorcraft would continue to be honed and refined despite their being rejected by the US Army for its Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) requirement, and the service cancelling its Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA). (Source: Janes)

 

23 Feb 24. US Navy orders Swiftships to stop work on its landing craft program. The U.S. Navy has ordered the builder of its Landing Craft Utility 1700 program to stop work and moved to terminate the contract, the shipbuilder Swiftships told Defense News, following years of challenges and disagreements on the program.

The yard has laid off nearly 100 workers related to the LCU program since January and is considering actions to dispute the Navy’s termination of the contract, hoping to get back into a settlement process.

Louisiana-based small business Swiftships won the LCU competition in March 2018, with the Navy awarding a contract for $18m for the detail design and the construction of the first craft. The yard also received follow-on contracts, one in 2019 worth $26.7m for the next two craft, and another in 2020 worth $50.1m for four more.

These craft haul Marines as well as their ground equipment and weapons from amphibious ships to the shore and back again. They are the slower but heavier-lift connectors, compared to the Ship to Shore Connectors that travel at higher speeds but carry less weight.

Swiftships’ contract called for options to build as many as 32 — the total number of craft needed to replace the Navy’s Vietnam-era LCU inventory.

In September 2023, the Navy awarded another LCU contract to Alabama-based Austal USA. The contract called for building three craft for $91.5m — a significantly higher per-unit cost than Swiftships’ contract — and options for another nine.

According to interviews with and documentation provided by Swiftships, Naval Sea Systems Command on Nov. 9 raised the possibility of terminating the program.

NAVSEA wrote that the shipyard was not making progress on LCU production and offered to reach a settlement that would include Swiftships turning over parts and material delivered by its vendors. On Jan. 24, NAVSEA issued a stop-work order on the program, according to documentation provided by Swiftships, and on Feb. 20 the command formally notified the yard of its decision to terminate the contract.

In its notification to Swiftships, NAVSEA wrote the first three craft were supposed to be delivered by June, September and December 2023, but are still incomplete. NAVSEA declined to comment to Defense News.

Years of challenges

Swiftships’ chief executive, Shehraze Shah, told Defense News there had long been turbulence in the program. Indeed, he said, the Navy and Swiftships had not agreed on a final design two years into the program, and a third-party design agent was brought in to complete the design but continued to make changes. Shah pointed to these issues as reasons the construction could not move forward on time.

Jeff Leleux, the president of the yard, said the Navy and Swiftships took nearly a year to settle a request for equitable adjustment — needed to realign the cost and schedule associated with the contract due to the delays — during which Swiftships and its vendors went months without payment.

After the new timeline was set, said John Messinger, Swiftships’ director of proposals and contracts, the yard realized one of the design changes made by the third-party design agent would require the company to rip out the engine-cooling system and reinstall some piping on the craft, for example.

The executives said they are behind schedule, but contend the Navy has not negotiated with them in good faith amid design and supply chain challenges.

The issue caught the attention of lawmakers far earlier. In September 2022, Republican Reps. Clay Higgins of Louisiana and Neal Dunn of Florida wrote a letter to the secretaries of the Navy and the Department of Homeland Security to discuss their concerns about work being taken from smaller yards and given to Austal USA.

“In addition to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” the letter read, “SwiftShips notified Congress regarding unnecessary complications with the Navy’s handling of the LCU-1700 contract. These complications include four program manager transitions since the signing of the contract, needless stop work orders, delayed payments to SwiftShips and material vendors, and serious design delays. SwiftShips has continuously struggled with the acquisition of materials due to the Navy ceding its contractual obligation to pay material vendors.”

The letter stated the Navy notified Congress in April 2022 of its intention to award Austal the LCU work without formally re-competing the program, even though Austal at that time had not yet opened its steel ship production line. The Alabama yard had previously only constructed aluminum ships, but began establishing a steel construction line following a $50m Defense Production Act grant in 2020. (Source: Defense News)

 

REST OF THE WORLD

 

29 Feb 24. Simpler, quicker: Defence Industry Development Strategy to set Aussie industry up for success. Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy has officially launched the Albanese government’s landmark Defence Industry Development Strategy which commits to increased funding and establishes pathways for maximising support for Australia’s defence industry.

Defence Connect can officially confirm that the Albanese government has launched the Defence Industry Development Strategy (DIDS), building on the 2023 Defence Strategic Review to articulate the defence industrial base needed by Australia in the face of the changing strategic circumstances.

The government’s strategy details the actions the government will take to grow that industrial base, which employs more than 100,000 Australians, and deliver a greater partnership between Defence and industry, including critical defence procurement reforms and critically, increased funding for defence industry grants programs, taking the total investment to $183.8m, in alignment with the DIDS.

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said, “This strategy will underpin essential reforms that will ensure that critical capabilities are provided to the men and women of the ADF as soon as possible, while also supporting an industry vital to our national security.”

A central component of DIDS is providing industry with clarity, simplicity, and acceleration to deliver capability to the Australian warfighter in a timely manner, while providing industry with the assurance and consistency needed to secure Australia’s defence and national security.

“Australia’s defence industry supports over 100,000 Australian jobs. It is an essential partner in keeping Australians safe at home, secure in the world and employed in well-paid, high skill jobs,” Minister Conroy said.

This will see the replacement of the 14 sovereign industrial capability priorities (SICPs) championed under the former government, with a consolidated list of seven sovereign defence industrial priorities (SDIPs), the new SDIPs are:

  • Maintenance, repair, overhaul, and upgrade of Australian Defence Force aircraft.
  • Continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment.
  • Sustainment and enhancement of the combined arms land system.
  • Domestic manufacture of guided weapons, explosive ordnance and munitions.
  • Development and integration of autonomous systems.
  • Integration and enhancement of battlespace awareness and management systems.
  • Test and evaluation, certification, and systems assurance.

This new level of detail provides industry with information they need to prepare, invest and deliver on development, production and sustainment of Defence capabilities.

Minister Conroy added, “I look forward to working with industry to implement the Defence Industry Development Strategy, and deliver an innovative, resilient and competitive Australian defence industrial base that creates a stronger, more secure Australia.”

The government has stressed in its response to the Defence Strategic Review that Australia requires strong defence capabilities of our own and a fully integrated Australian Defence Force to contribute to the strategic balance of power that keeps the peace in our region.

More to come. (Source: Defence Connect)

 

26 Feb 24. Indonesia proposes delaying AEW&C programme to fund frigates. The Indonesian Ministry of Defense (MoD) has submitted a proposal to the country’s Ministry of Finance, requesting to cancel the foreign loan approvals allocated for an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft and 15 other smaller procurement programmes. Instead, the MoD wants these allocations to be diverted to a long-delayed effort to equip the Indonesian Navy with Frégate Européenne Multi-Mission (FREMM) frigates, according to a 9 December 2023 letter between the two ministries. A copy of this letter was provided to Janes at Singapore Airshow 2024 by a government source. In 2023 the Indonesian government had approved for 16 defence procurement programmes to be funded with loans sourced from foreign lenders. These include an approval to take on up to USD800 m in foreign loans to procure an unknown number of AEW&C airframes. The 15 other programmes, for which approvals to take on foreign loans were granted, include a USD144 m plan to procure VL MICA anti-air missiles, presumably for the Martadinata-class frigates, and a USD48 m initiative to acquire self-propelled air-defence artillery systems. (Source: Janes)

 

27 Feb 24. Saudi Defence Industry Transformation – Working Towards 2030. Virtually all the industry discussion revolved around Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs), Joint Ventures (JVs) and the search for third party suppliers as the Kingdom races to ramp up its national defence industry to meet the national ambition of Vision 2030, the localisation of 50 percent of national defence spending by that date.  Whether this target will be hit is a matter of conjecture, and how it will actually be measured is yet to be fully understood. The Kingdom is likely to announce success, as all such ventures do in the Gulf, whatever the final assessment. Talking about the progress made and development of the Saudi defence industry during the Future Defense Leadership Forum on 5th February, Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) CEO Engineer Walid Abukhaled said during his keynote introduction that “…before the launch of vision 2030, we just had no regulators, no general authority. There was no General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) or an oversight body to regenerate the whole industry.” He added that “during procurement it was usually the case that the supplier dealt directly with the end user.”

However, Abukhaled challenged his audience to see the progress and effect on the defence sector after the announcement of Vision 2030. “You’ve seen I’m sure the economic changes, you’ve seen the diversity that’s happening in the Kingdom and as well as the social transformation. This transformation is probably the one of the fastest done by a government in history. I’ve read so many historic books about transformation, and I haven’t seen something [similar] that’s been achieved in such a fast time and in such a smooth way.

“In the defence industry, initially it did cause confusion. Now we have to understand that there is a body that regulates the industry. And if it’s a defence development, there’s another body to understand. At the same time, it brought us lots of opportunities, and it helped us tremendously,’ explained Abukhaled. “So, when there is something that requires localisation, we have an authority that we can go to – there’s a clear industrial participation plan that we have to work through in order to get the programme designed and executed.”

“If we are conducting research & development, we have an authority that we can go to and align with to ensure that what we’re developing is something that is required and will be used by the end user. In parallel, if we want to invest in something to build capabilities, we can go to the Ministry of Defence to understand their requirements [will be met]… and we’re not going to waste time and money by investing something that’s not required,” he said.

“If it’s a project that requires localisation, then we engage with GAMI because defence companies are dealing with matters and projects that are national security issues. If they’re not executed in the right way to the right standard, this is a risk.” Abukhaled explained the dangers of ensuring cybersecurity, and the leaking of information, or not being able to deliver on time a strategic capability to the security forces.

He said that there was still a requirement to establish a body of defence companies that could talk directly with GAMI about industry challenges or evolving defence opportunities. “What happens is still done on individual basis companies, they go and see GAMI or one of the other organisations. I believe there is a need for to have a body of companies that represent the voice of the defence industry.” (Source: Armada)

 

26 Feb 24. RoK eyes mixed fleet of manned, unmanned warplanes. With South Korea’s KF-21 fighter jet nearing mass production, the country is looking to incorporate unmanned technology that can operate alongside the Air Force’s fleet.

The military’s growing interest in manned-unmanned teaming comes amid a declining pool of 18-year-old conscripts and as relations with neighboring North Korea worsen.

Korea Aerospace Industries, a producer of various drones and crewed fighters, including the KF-21 Boramae and FA-50, is one of the companies leading the national effort.

In an exclusive briefing with Defense News, a KAI executive outlined the company’s four-phase road map to provide manned-unmanned teaming capabilities to the South Korean military.

“We have a very ambitious plan to create a system of systems for the future, and this is a combination of manned aircraft like the KF-21 and FA-50, together with unmanned combat vehicles as unmanned fighters, and also small-sized UAVs,” the executive said on the condition of anonymity, as the individual was not authorized to speak to the press.

The twin-seat configuration of the FA-50 light fighter lends itself to manned-unmanned teaming experimentation, as the rear pilot can control drones. (Gordon Arthur/Staff)

South Korea’s Air Force plans to acquire both single-seat and twin-seat variants of the 4.5-generation KF-21, with first delivery scheduled for June 2026. The twin-seat jet, apart from its training role, is expected to perform manned-unmanned teaming, or MUM-T, in its Block III configuration. This would involve a pilot in the back seat — or perhaps artificial intelligence — controlling drones.

The KF-21 was designed so users could equip it with new technology even after production, and the intention is to eventually develop a fifth- and sixth-generation variant. This aim falls under what KAI calls the next-generation air and space combat system, a sophisticated and linked network of sensors and platforms such as satellites, airborne early warning aircraft, crewed fighter jets and drones.

Four phases

KAI is already implementing the first phase of its MUM-T road map, which began in 2023 and is to conclude next year. It involves the company and the Air Force collaboratively developing technologies to make MUM-T a reality with a helicopter and small, air-launched unmanned aerial vehicles. Once KAI proves the concept and technology for high-capacity communications and artificial intelligence, it will transition to more capable UAVs — which the company calls adaptable aerial platforms — to operate in conjunction with an FA-50 aircraft.

Although larger and possessing a longer endurance than the original air-launched UAVs, the recoverable “adaptable aerial platforms,” or AAP, will not be excessively high-tech because it needs to affordable, the executive noted.

The second phase, to take place from 2025 to 2028, will culminate in a technology demonstration whereby an FA-50 testbed shows whether it can simultaneously control up to four adaptable aerial platforms. The demonstration is to feature AAPs acting as decoys to spoof the enemy; conducting electronic warfare with an onboard jammer; carrying out intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions with an electro-optical/infrared payload; or performing strike missions with its own warhead.

The third phase, to conclude by 2037, will transition increasingly capable MUM-T technologies from an FA-50 to a twin-seat KF-21. Simultaneously, KAI is expected to reach the engineering and manufacturing design stage for an additional type of combat drone acting as a loyal wingman to the piloted aircraft.

A single KF-21 would control up to four of the combat drones. In turn, each loyal wingman would command four AAPs. This essentially means the combat power of a single KF-21 would expand to 20 unmanned aircraft.

Work is already underway on such combat drones, as the government’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration chose Korean Air Aerospace Division in August 2022 to develop a new loyal wingman. Development of the so-called KUS-LW drone commenced in November 2021.

“The squadron of UAVs will not only support and escort a manned aircraft, but will also be able to perform its own missions including surveillance, electronic interference tactics and precise shooting,” according to Korean Air.

Finally, the fourth phase, from 2038 onward, in which KAI hopes to have sufficiently mastered MUM-T to attain a true system of systems: This is the fruition of the next-generation air and space combat system.

“It’s a kind of compressed development,” the KAI executive said regarding the four-phase process. “We believe we have to move, otherwise we will miss the chance. This time we have to act to get in front, utilizing the technology we have accumulated for the last 30 years.”

Indeed, South Korea’s defense and aerospace industry has the experience and capability to develop MUM-T capabilities, according to Douglas Barrie, a senior fellow for military aerospace at the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies think tank.

“As with most nations, however, it is at a relatively early stage in exploring, researching and developing such capabilities. Much will also depend on the extent of near-term ambition,” he told Defense News. “Any approach that allows you to bolster your combat mass at reasonable cost, and with systems that might allow the acceptance of higher attrition rates, is going to be attractive.”

Artificial intelligence is a key part of this. Algorithms can outperform their human counterparts in terms of decision-making speed, as crews must await orders from air operations center, plus an AI-enabled network can produce a swift kill chain.

“Within a very short time, they [the AI and aircraft] have to exchange a huge amount of data, so secure communications and software … are necessary for this future battlefield. Eventually, AI command — in other words, AI pilots in the aircraft, maybe in the back seat, we don’t know — will replace some parts of the air combat center,” the KAI executive said. “With these very special capabilities and features of the future system, the AI can make a decision within a very short time frame. This short procedure will give us a huge advantage, considering our enemy is not well prepared for this future battlefield.”

Partnerships

South Korea and KAI are also looking for foreign investors.

South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik visited the Middle East in early February, during which he met his Qatari, Saudi and Emirati counterparts to discuss defense cooperation and unmanned technology.

Meanwhile, KAI is seeking international partners as it develops the MC-X Orca multirole cargo aircraft. The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 92 tons and is about 132 feet long — between the lengths of a C-130J and A400M. Anticipated roles for the MC-X include transportation, aerial refueling, special forces operations, space rocket launches, airborne early warning, medical evacuation and maritime patrol — as well as MUM-T.

If the project proceeds, production of the MC-X wouldn’t take place until as soon as 2035, a company spokesperson said at the Seoul ADEX defense exhibition last year.

“Our government is pretty much interested in having indigenous hardware, but there is a question when and how much they are willing to invest. So we are in discussion with our government, but at the same time we are looking for international partners interested in this idea of a multirole cargo aircraft. There are a couple of countries that would like to be partners in this initiative,” the KAI’s executive said, declining to name the countries.

The firm has previously tapped foreign sources to close gaps in its technological know-how. For example, in March 2021 the company signed a collaborative agreement with Israel Aerospace Industries for loitering munitions. In computer-generated promotional videos, KAI has shown IAI-style drones launched by Light Armed Helicopters and Surion choppers.

KAI also has export ambitions. The executive said there’s is a potential export market for up to 800 KF-21 fighters over the next few decades, specifically citing Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as candidates.

And by demonstrating it can retrospectively integrate MUM-T capabilities onto FA-50 aircraft, the executive added, the company hopes to entice existing users like Indonesia, Iraq, Malaysia, the Philippines, Poland and Thailand to take advantage of the MUM-T technology.

“For the FA-50 and KF-21, we are not selling the current capability of the aircraft. We are at the same time trying to sell the value of this aircraft to do something else, something greater in the future, by giving them [potential customers] an idea of the MUM-T concept and a fifth-gen combat system — in other words, a system of systems,” the KAI executive said. “There is high value once they purchase the FA-50. With the capability, gradually year by year, they can operate this aircraft to be perfectly prepared for the future battlefield.”

Certainly KAI’s ability to achieve its four-phase MUM-T plan is possible, Barrie noted, but it’s not written in stone.

“In part, this will depend on how far and how quickly South Korea wants to develop the technology, combined with the kinds of roles associated with the uninhabited elements of any teaming architecture,” he said. “While ambition is laudable, it also needs to be realistic.” (Source: Defense News)

 

26 Feb 24. Indonesia looking to sell CN235 transports to Nigeria. State-owned aerospace company PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) is finalising the sale of four CN235-220 transport aircraft to the Nigerian military. The company made the revelation during the Singapore Air Show last week. PTDI said it continues to penetrate the African market, and “is currently in the process of obtaining a new procurement contract for four units of the CN235-220 multipurpose aircraft with Allied Aeronautics Limited (AAL), a local company in Nigeria for the Nigerian Army end user.”

This will be the first export order obtained by PTDI in 2024, expanding the market in the African region and opening a new footprint in Nigeria.

To date, PTDI has sold 70 CN235 aircraft to customers around the globe, including to Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.

“This order from Nigeria will then underscore Indonesia’s role as a significant defence partner on the African continent and its capabilities in defence manufacturing,” PTDI said. “This new contract for Nigeria is also one of our strategic steps to penetrate the markets of South Asian and African countries.”

The CN235-220 has a maximum take-off weight of 16 500 kg and can carry payloads of up to 5 200 kg. This can include 49 fully equipped soldiers or up to 34 paratroopers for airborne insertion operations. Alternatively, up to 18 stretchers for medical evacuation and disaster relief missions can be fitted.

Powered by two General Electric CT7-9C engines driving two four-bladed Hamilton Standard HS 14 RF-21 propellers, the aircraft can reach a maximum speed of 237 knots (440 km/h) with an economical cruise speed of 169 knots (312 km/h), according to PTDI.

“The Indonesian-made CN235-220 aircraft is increasingly in demand by many countries,” PTDI said. “This aircraft was developed independently by PTDI through technology transfer cooperation with CASA Spain in 1980. The CN235-220 aircraft has a number of advantages, including the ability to take off from short, unpaved and grassy runways, with a glass cockpit avionics system, autopilot, accompanied by ramp doors and winglets at each wingtip for better stability and fuel economy.”

(Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)

 

21 Feb 24. LOSV – joining the dots. Defence’s announcement that it would acquire six Large Optionally Crewed Surface Vessels (LOSV) took many observers, including this one, by surprise. Digging into the program, however, this is a more logical move than it may at first seem.

First of all, it piggy-backs on an existing US Navy program, the Large Unmanned Surface Vessel (LUSV) program, which is designed to put just such a ship into service, with the first purchase scheduled for 2025.

Secondly, it will carry a 32-cell Mk41 Vertical Launch System; this will enable anything from 128 quad-packed Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM) for self-defence, to single-packed SM-2, SM-3, SM-6 or Tomahawk missiles for long-range anti-aircraft, anti-missile and strike purposes.

Thirdly, the LOSV will be equipped with the Lockheed Martin Aegis Baseline 9 combat system: Aegis comes with the coveted Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) which the US Navy has only ever shared with Japan and Australia; the Baseline 9 version enables anti-ballistic missile defence – essentially, it enables protection of a sea or contiguous land area against hypersonic ballistic weapons.

Fourthly, one of the missiles which would conduct such an operation is the AMRAAM-based SM-6 – which conducted a successful CEC-enabled trial as long ago as 2021 aboard the US Navy’s Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) Ranger.

And fifthly, USV Ranger self-deployed from San Diego to Sydney late last year to participate in Defence’s EX Autonomous Warrior 2024.

The US Navy plans to issue its requirement for a production LUSV soon. It will be “capable of autonomous navigation, transit planning, and COLREGS [collision regulations] compliant maneuvering and will be designed with automated propulsion, electrical generation, and support systems,” according to the FY2024 US defence budget.

However, Western Australian shipbuilder Austal has been experimenting with similar optionally manned, autonomous ships for more than a year. In late-2022 the company announced it was participating in the RAN’s Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT) and was modifying a former Armidale-class patrol boat, renamed Sentinel, with robotic, automated and autonomous systems.

The trial was originally kicked off by the Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence CRC; other participants include the RAN’s Warfighting Innovation Navy (WIN) Branch, L3Harris and Greenroom Robotics. It was designed to provide a proof-of-concept demonstrator for optionally crewed or autonomous operations for the RAN into the future, Austal said at the time. The trial is also exploring the legal, regulatory pathways and requirements of operating an autonomous vessel at sea.

The PBAT project aims to:

  • Significantly progress the concept of remote operations and the autonomous certification approach
  • Increase the understanding of fuel management, communication, and navigation systems to be made autonomous
  • Investigate and understand the sustained operation of shipboard mechanical systems without crew intervention, including systems of redundancy and reliability to support operations at sea for extended periods
  • Provide input to long-term risk reduction for future naval projects, considering remote or autonomous vessels. This will be extended to other sensors and autonomous vehicles once the initial trial is complete
  • Transfer lessons learned on the application of remote or autonomous systems to the Royal Australian Navy’s current fleet to potentially optimise crew workload. Remote and autonomous operation has the potential to reduce crew workload and increase operational safety by reducing human error.

However enticing the LUSV program looks, the PBAT trial is also designed to address Australia’s own sovereign requirement for a trusted autonomous system, especially an armed one – which is one reason why TAS DCRC initiated the project.

As for building the ship in Australia, Defence’s clear preference is that construction will take place at Henderson in WA. Austal could build to print, if necessary, in its Henderson yard or at the much larger CIVMEC facility just down the coast. As long as Australia doesn’t require too many differences from the US version to satisfy our own sovereign need for trusted autonomy then this might be the best and quickest way to do it.

Back in the USA, about twelve months ago, Austal USA delivered the largest autonomous capable surface ship in the US Navy, USNS Apalachicola (EPF 13); and last month it launched the US Navy’s newest Overlord Unmanned Surface Vessel Vanguard (OUSV3). Vanguard is the first Unmanned Surface Vessel purpose-built for US Navy autonomous operations from the keel-up.

And as long ago as 2020 the US Navy awarded LUSV study contracts worth US$42m ($64m) to six companies: Austal USA; Bollinger Shipyards; Fincantieri Marinette; Gibbs & Cox, Huntington Ingalls Industries and Lockheed Martin. In FY2024, according to the US Naval Institute, the service asked for US$117.4m ($179.2m) in R&D funding for the program. So on both sides of the Pacific, Austal is involved in some capacity with the LOSV and LUSV programs.

 

21 Feb 24. RAN fleet expansion – what DON’T we know?

The announcement that the RAN’s fleet of surface combatants would more than double is welcome; even more so is the news that the Australian defence budget will be increased to pay for them.

It is gratifying that EX2 managed to call the strategy, in broad terms, about right and for mostly the right reasons. It’s no surprise that Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) is a key capability justifying construction of six of the planned nine Hunter-class frigates, nor that Aegis is important to the RAN. What came as a real surprise, however, was the ASW focus of the Tier 2 General Purpose Frigates and then the announcement that the RAN would acquire six Large Optionally Crewed Surface Vessels (LSOV), to be armed with 32 vertical launch silos (presumably the Mk41 VLS) and equipped with the Aegis Baseline 9 Combat system.

The announcement about the expanded surface combatant fleet prompts some questions that the announcements and available material haven’t provided answers for:

  • Does the extra money given to the RAN require program cancellations elsewhere to free up the money?
  • When will the first Hunter-class frigate be delivered? (We know construction will begin this calendar year)
  • How and when will we select the planned general-purpose frigates?
  • Which sonars, missiles and combat system will they have?
  • When will they be delivered?
  • How will we select a prime contractor for the Large Optionally Crewed Surface Vessel (LOSV)?
  • Will it be related to Austal’s optionally crewed patrol boat Sentinel? If so, how?
  • Will we end up building a version of the US Navy’s Large Unmanned Surface Vessel (LUSV) and re-brand it as the LOSV?
  • When will the LOSV be delivered?

And, most important of all – how will we crew all these ships? How will we recruit and train sailors for these surface ships as well as for the (up to) eight nuclear-powered submarines we plan to buy and then build? And how will we recruit and train sailors for our other undersea warfare priorities?

When I know some of the answers I’ll get back to you.

(Source: https://www.ex2.com.au/news/)

 

26 Feb 24. Unmanned strategy: New Zealand Defence Force prepares for future challenges.   The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is developing its remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) and unmanned aircraft system (UAS) capabilities through a series of experiments with a range of products. Units in the NZDF across the three services have been purchasing or leasing single platforms for testing and demonstrations to inform future military requirements. A spokesperson from the NZDF told Janes that NZDF units “use commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) UASs foruse in training and other unclassified tasks. NZDF units currently have the flexibility to acquire and use various COTS UASs as long as they abide by the NZDF cyber policy relating to their use”. In mid-2023 the Royal New Zealand Navy’s (RNZN’s) inshore patrol vessel HMNZS Taupo deployed a Skydio S2+ UAS for the first time at Operation ‘Calypso’ during which aerial surveillance drone serials were conducted. The Skydio S2+ was purchased outright earlier that year. (Source: Janes)

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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.

 

From rapid prototyping of custom designs to full-scale production runs, IEE, produces displays with advanced features like low-latency video processing, high-bright and NVIS backlighting, and lightweight rugged enclosures. Their SWaP-C products employ the latest lightweight composite materials; low power, high performance integrated ARM processors; standard Ethernet and USB communication, in a low cost, highly producible design.

 

In-house California facilities include optical bonding, clean rooms for display assembly, a dark room for optical measurements and environmental chambers for pre-compliance and customer acceptance testing. On-site manufacturing includes PCB assembly and flow soldering. IEE has manufactured handheld, in-vehicle, airborne and naval LCD displays for all military branches as well as leading aerospace firms both domestically and internationally.

 

IEE is ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certified.

 

IEE’s Advantage:

 

  • Direct control of critical process steps that reduce cost, decrease production lead times and improves life-cycle management

 

  • Unique advantage to serve to both smaller quantity, highly custom displays needs as well as high volume production outputs

 

  • Expert in delivering the best value in form and fit replacement by modifying existing COTS products to meet legacy requirements

 

  • Leading the next generation avionics efficiencies by leveraging open architectures and common software standards

 

  • Field-proven, pre-engineered displays minimize lead-time and non-recurring engineering costs.

 

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