Sponsored by
https://ieeinc.com/
————————————————————————
UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO
06 Mar 24. New funding to boost space sector growth across the UK.
6 projects across the UK’s growing space sector have been announced today at Space-Comm Expo, following publication of the government’s Space Industrial Plan.
Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), one of the nation’s leading satellite manufacturers, has won a project from the UK Space Agency’s flagship Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund (SCIF).
The £250,000 public investment, matched by the company, will enhance SSTL’s facilities with a Research and Development Imager Cleanroom in Guildford. This will support the development of cutting-edge, space-based imaging technology – the ‘eyes’ of satellites that monitor our planet and the space environment.
SCIF, which has awarded £47m to date, for projects ranging from a space skills centre in Newcastle to a microgravity research centre in Cardiff, builds upon the UK Space Agency’s wider investments to develop the UK space ecosystem.
As set out in the Space Industrial Plan, the government is committed to continuing its support for space clusters across the UK and providing the tools needed to drive collaboration between them and catalyse further investment.
Minister for Space, Andrew Griffith said: “Our £250,000 investment in Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd underlines the key role this government sees for UK businesses in advancing global space capabilities.”
Aligned with our new Space Industrial Plan, this funding will enhance SSTL’s research facilities so it can drive forward innovation in cutting-edge imaging technology, which is so crucial for satellite operations.
Philip Brownnett, Managing Director of SSTL, said: “We’re pleased to have been selected by the UK Space Agency for the Space Cluster Infrastructure Fund. By enhancing our optical Research and Development Cleanroom Facility, the new project will help address the growing need for space-based imaging equipment for a wide range of commercial, defence and governmental customers. This will give a real boost to cutting-edge research into space imaging technology carried out in the UK.”
The UK Space Agency is announcing a total of £500,000 for a further 5 projects today to foster collaboration between the UK’s network of space clusters:
Space North
Uniting Space Hub Yorkshire, the North West Space Cluster, and Space North East England to showcase the region’s resilient communications expertise, attract inward investment and boost research and collaboration.
Unlocking Space for Agriculture
Bringing together regional space and agricultural sectors in Scotland and the East of England to explore challenge-based opportunities through space capability research and knowledge-sharing.
South West Space Partnership
Building on the strengths of Space West, the Cornwall Space Cluster, the West of England Combined Authority, Cornwall Council and Invest Bristol & Bath, this pan-regional partnership aims to promote the region’s space capability, attract international investment and develop strategic collaborations.
Power4Space
Strengthening ties between the North West Space Cluster and Midlands Space Cluster, and their respective supply chains, to seize commercial opportunities in novel power systems for deep space applications.
Using Earth Observation to monitor Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and Seaweed Production
Leveraging Earth observation capabilities within NI Space, Space Wales and the Space East clusters to monitor water bodies for harmful algal blooms and seaweed production, improving delivery of local government services using space assets and data.
Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said: “With entrepreneurs and businesses from across the UK space sector at Space-Comm Expo, I’m pleased to announce this series of targeted projects to support the continued growth of our space ecosystem and deliver on the government’s Space Industrial Plan. Hot off the heels of the Chancellor’s Budget boost for Low-Earth Orbit satellite manufacturing in the UK, these new projects will help catalyse investment, increase collaboration and boost prosperity across the country.”
In yesterday’s Spring Budget 2024, the Chancellor announced the launch of the full Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C-LEO) programme, building on the initial £15 m C-LEO call that was announced at the Autumn Statement.
This programme of up to £160m over the next 4 years will unleash the country’s potential to become a global leader in next generation satellite communication technologies while creating hundreds of highly skilled jobs to boost the Prime Minister’s priority of growing our economy. This will ensure that the UK space sector is able to compete in the rapidly growing global market of LEO constellations.
The government will also make available £10 m of funding to SaxaVord Spaceport to support orbital launch in 2024, subject to due diligence.
The UK Space Agency funds a wide range of projects to catalyse investment, deliver new missions and capabilities, and champion space. Recent announcements include:
- a £2 m upgrade to the Satellite Applications Catapult’s In-Orbit Servicing and Manufacturing (IOSM) facility at the Westcott Space Cluster in Aylesbury, which will provide unique capabilities in the UK where companies can verify, validate and demonstrate a range of in-orbit operations including manufacturing, servicing, inspection, repair and assembly
- a £10 m investment into telecoms capabilities under the European Space Agency (ESA) Advanced Research in Telecommunication System (ARTES) programme
- the launch of the Unlocking Space for Business programme with a £2 m investment into initiatives to help organisations understand how satellite data and services could support their growth and kick off pilot projects and partnerships
- a £7.4m investment into collaborations between UK and international space organisations, supporting their bids for selection by major science and exploration missions.
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
04 Mar 24. GCAP partners progress concept design. Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom are in talks on the preliminary design of the sixth-generation Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) aircraft, with discussions on the division of responsibilities for the overall programme expected to start in March. A spokesperson for Japan’s Acquisitions, Logistics and Technology Agency (ATLA) told Janes on 29 February that the three countries “have been proceeding with conceptual design and preliminary design, in which the discussions on the fighter’s concept is under way”. Discussions on the division of responsibilities among the programme partners are also expected to start later in March, according to a statement by Japan’s Defence Minister Minoru Kihara on 1 March. However, Japan is at an impasse over its military export laws, which could restrict the sale of the GCAP aircraft to foreign countries. According to Kihara, the government seeks to resolve this matter before decisions on work share begin. Japanese government officials discussed the matter on 28 February with efforts to reach consensus on the matter, Kihara said. (Source: Janes)
EUROPE
07 Mar 24. Export of Dutch Submarines Thanks to Swedish-Dutch Cooperation Saab-Damen.
Saab and Damen Shipyards have agreed to export the advanced Expeditionary C-71 submarines. CEO of Damen Shipyards Arnout Damen and CEO of Saab Micael Johansson made the decision this week to export together the submarine, which has been developed for the Royal Netherlands Navy to replace the current Walrus class. The agreement doubles the long-term prospect of employment and income for the Netherlands Naval Cluster with the replacement of the Walrus submarines by Saab-Damen.
Saab and Damen have been working together since 2015 to build, modernise, and maintain the new expeditionary submarine for the Royal Netherlands Navy. This project is so much more than delivering four submarines. Dutch strategic autonomy is, given the geopolitical developments at the moment, vital in strategic projects like the submarine replacement, with the Dutch Naval base being the single remaining self-sufficient defence industry cluster in the Netherlands DTIB.
The two companies have now also agreed to offer their advanced Expeditionary submarines to Canada. A country in the initial phase of a similar process to replace their diesel-electric submarines. This offers the Netherland government a strategic best choice in line with its Defence industry Strategy 2018, several Parliamentary Letters on this topic and the important National Sector Agenda for the Maritime Industry.
The expeditionary submarine is based on the successful, proven, and future-proof design of the A26 submarines. It incorporates the latest capabilities and technologies, while the modular design allows room for customisability as well as new technologies as they develop, ensuring relevance for decades to come.
Through Saab’s business area Kockums, Sweden has a long tradition of producing world-class submarines. For this new expeditionary design, Saab is working closely with Damen Shipyards and a range of Dutch suppliers and is supported by the United Kingdom. Four countries currently operate submarines and submarine technology designed by Saab: Sweden, Australia, Japan, and Singapore. (Source: News Now/https://maritime-executive.com/)
04 Mar 24. Denmark launches competition to replace coastal radars. Denmark has launched a EUR220m (USD238.4m) competition to replace its coastal radars in Bornholm and Skagen as well as on the Faroe Islands. Three new Fixed Air Defence Radar (FADR) systems will be procured, each comprising a 3D phased-array Primary Surveillance Radar (PSR), Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) with all civilian and military interrogation modes, and Monitor and Control Units for both local and remote control of the radar system, according to a contract notice published on 1 March on the European Union tendering website.
The active electronically scanned array (AESA) FADRs must operate in the L or S frequency band, have an instrumented range of at least 256 n miles in rotating mode, and incorporate the latest proven transmitter technology such as gallium nitride.
Along with this, the systems must have a ‘stop-and-stare’ mode to extend their range, update rate, and accuracy, and be capable of detecting tactical ballistic missiles. It should also be possible to monitor and control the FADRs from multiple remote facilities separate from the FADRs, the contract notice detailed. (Source: Janes)
28 Feb 24. Germany places first contract for Chinook buy, sets out plans for entry into service. Germany has placed the first award related to its procurement of Boeing CH-47F Block II Chinook Standard Range (SR) air-to-air refuelling (AAR)-capable heavy-lift helicopters, contracting Honeywell to provide the engines. Announced on 26 February, the award covers 105 T55-GA-714A engines for the EUR6.98 bn (USD7.57 bn) Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme to deliver 60 Chinook ER helicopters to the Luftwaffe. News of the first award came about eight months after the Budget Committee of the German parliament approved the Chinook procurement in early July 2023, and 10 months after it was approved by the US government in May 2023. The deal is being financed with funds from the EUR100 bn Bundeswehr special fund. (Source: Janes)
01 Mar 24. Dutch defence to spend billions on new frigates. The Dutch government on Friday said it would replace nearly its entire navy fleet in the coming 15 years, in a project worth several bn euros that it said would mainly benefit Dutch industry.
A large part of the project would consist of the replacement of four air defence frigates, the government said, confirming an earlier report by RTL Nieuws.
The government said it would work closely with Dutch industry in building the ships, with large roles for shipbuilder Damen and the Dutch arm of French defence company Thales, which would likely supply radar and missile guidance systems.
“This will strengthen the Dutch defence industry and will contribute to Europe’s strategic autonomy,” defence state secretary Christophe van der Maat said in a statement.
The first new frigate is expected to be operational by 2036, while the fourth coming into service from 2041.
The government said it hoped that countries such as Denmark, Germany and Norway, which it said were also considering replacing their frigates in the coming years, would join the project.
After years of budget cuts, the Netherlands has ramped up defence spending since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began two years ago. The euro zone’s fifth largest economy expects military spending to rise to around 2% of its gross domestic product (GDP), the minimum agreed within the NATO alliance, next year. (Source: News Now/Yahoo!)
USA
07 Mar 24. Army to fund Black Hawk upgrades using budget from canceled helicopter. The U.S. Army will use funds freed up from the cancellation of its Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft program to upgrade its fleet of UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopters, the service’s acquisition chief said. Technology developed through the terminated program will also be applied to a wider variety of platforms, he said.
The service is “planning to set up additional research and development resources for the UH-60M Black Hawks to continue to improve that vital platform,” Doug Bush, the Army’s acquisition chief, told lawmakers during a House Armed Services Committee’s Tactical Air and Land Subcommittee hearing on March 6.
The end of the FARA program last month marked an abrupt change of direction in aviation modernization and became one of the service’s most significant program cancellations of the last decade. The Army had already spent at least $2 bn on the program and had requested another $5 bn for the next five years.
At the same time, the service scrapped its Shadow and Raven unmanned aircraft systems developed for the counterinsurgency fight nearly two decades ago and a program – the UH-60V – that upgraded Lima-model Black Hawks with a digital cockpit for the National Guard. The Guard will now get Mike-model UH-60s.
The Army also plans to invest in a new multiyear procurement buy of its UH-60M Black Hawks and purchase CH-47F Block II Chinook cargo helicopters it did not plan to procure for the active component. And it will invest roughly $2.5bn across the next five years beginning in fiscal 2025 in new unmanned capabilities, according to Bush.
While FARA has come to an end, the Army said it needs the funding budgeted in FY24 to close out the program and wrap up some critical technology development efforts that can be transferred to other programs.
The FY25 budget request will show that the Army has requested funding for UH-60 research and development across its future years development program “that was not there before,” Bush said.
“When we go to that next multiyear, we hope that’s a better Black Hawk aircraft,” he said. “The one we have is great, but we hope that that R&D, cutting across the whole FYDP, that will allow us to have a better aircraft.”
Making Black Hawk better
One of the largest areas of technology development in the FARA program was focused on a modular open systems architecture.
That development will cascade to other aviation platforms from its Future Long Range Assault Aircraft to the current fleet of helicopters and even to other future platforms like the XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle in the design phase now, Gen. James Rainey, Army Futures Command commander, said during the same hearing.
The number one priority for Black Hawk upgrades will be incorporating the open system architecture, Maj. Gen. Mac McCurry, the Army’s Aviation Center of Excellence commander, testified at the hearing. “The ability for us to turn and be more nimble as we react to changes on the battlefield and put a new piece of kit on a Black Hawk, that open architecture helps us do that very well.”
The Army also “learned numerous things … modeling and simulation that we developed as part of this, the whole Launched Effects ecosystem was one of the main things we’ve benefited over the course of this study,” Rainey added.
Launched Effects will be deployed from both aircraft and ground platforms and will not only be able to perform armed scout-type missions for Army aviation but will be host to a wide variety of sensors and payloads to perform reconnaissance, take out enemy weapons, provide targeting or even extend network connectivity.
More technology that will be transferable includes work on Degraded Visual Environment capabilities, which the Army has been working on for many years, as well as sensor processing and heads-up mounted display advancements, according to McCurry.
Additionally, the service did a lot of work on sensor miniaturization and lightening payloads and sensors that can now be easily transferred to unmanned systems, he added.
And work on additive manufacturing to get away from forgings and castings will increase the Army’s maintenance-free operating periods, McCurry said.
A path for improved engine
The Army plans to spend some of its time closing out the FARA program testing out its Improved Turbine Engine Program engines in the FARA prototypes built in a competition between Lockheed Martin and Bell Textron. Both aircraft had been built and recently received ITEP engines to begin the process toward initial flights by the end of the year, prior to the program’s cancellation.
“We’ve got engines in test stands today. We’ve got engines in the aircraft today that we’re going to run in the FARA aircraft and we will learn from that,” Brig. Gen. David Phillips, the Army’s program executive officer for aviation, said during the hearing.
The ITEP engine program experienced technology development and supply chain hurdles, drastically delaying its introduction to the aircraft it will power including the FARA program. ITEP was originally designed to replace the engines in UH-60M and AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, giving the aircraft 3,000 shaft horsepower and increased fuel efficiency.
The Army is delaying procurement of the ITEP engine, a move it announced along with the FARA cancellation, but it is sustaining its research and development efforts, Bush reassured at the hearing.
“We’re going to revisit that in [the program objective memorandum FY]26, to understand based on how things are going with integration on Apache and Black Hawk, when those procurement dollars need to come back into the program,” he said. “The Army remains committed to that program and getting that capability to the fleet.” (Source: Defense News)
07 Mar 24. Pentagon abandons effort to scale down amphibious ship design. The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps will move forward with the existing design of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship in fiscal 2025, a top leader said, after the Defense Department last year raised the specter of scaling down the ship’s design or not buying any more at all.
Lt. Gen. Karsten Heckl, the deputy commandant of the Marine Corps for combat development and integration, told Defense News today the redesign effort was “gone.”
He said the first LPD Flight II ship, whose design is already scaled down for affordability compared to the first 13 San Antonio LPDs, is still in construction and a few years from delivering to the fleet.
“And we’re already talking about changing it? Does that make sense to anybody? No. So we’re not doing that, that’s gone,” Heckl said after an Amphibious Warship Industrial Base Coalition breakfast event on Capitol Hill.
Defense News first reported of the Defense Department-led effort to create a scaled-down design to reduce the cost in March 2023.
The FY25 defense budget request will be released on Monday, and Heckl and other leaders said they could not discuss in advance of the formal announcement what ships would be included in the spending proposal. But Heckl said last month at the WEST conference in San Diego he and others would be pleased with the budget when it comes to amphibious ships.
Industry leaders, lawmakers and Marines spoke at the breakfast event, pushing for full funding for the next ship in the class, LPD-33, in the FY25 budget. They also are seeking predictable funding to buy LPDs every other year and the larger amphibious assault ships every four years as well as multi-ship buys — something Congress has granted the Navy in past defense authorization bills but the Navy has not executed.
This comes as the Marine Corps more broadly worries about its ability to move Marines into and around a theater.
Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Christopher Mahoney said in a speech it would be a “modest proposition” to ask for LPDs on two-year intervals and LHAs on four-year intervals. Moreover, he said the Marines need additional money to build the Landing Ship Medium to move smaller groups from island to island in the Pacific. He said the LSM program, meant to start production in FY22 and delayed to FY25, is “late to need.”
“We’re embarking on deep experimentation, so the minute those ships hit the water, we’re ready to use them,” he said.
Heckl said after the event the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit have been on deployment since July, straining personnel and delaying needed maintenance on the ships. He added that the Boxer ARG and 15th MEU is split right now, with LPD Somerset already deployed to the Pacific and amphibious assault ship Boxer and dock landing ship Harpers Ferry still awaiting further maintenance before they deploy later this spring.
“One ship is not a MEU,” he said of the Somerset’s ongoing work. “It’s a single-ship deployer, and we’ll do with it what we can, but it’s not a MEU.” (Source: Defense News)
08 Mar 24. US Army seeking zero trust software for tactical networks. US Army officials are looking to develop a new slate of zero trust software for use on the service’s tactical networks as a way to further insulate battlefield command, control, and communications operations from rapidly maturing cyber threats. Industry proposals for tactical zero trust software are due to programme officials at the army’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center by 15 March, with the end goal of developing network software that aims “to address the [zero trust] activities for the tactical environment to as far down into the network as feasibly possible”, according to a 5 March solicitation. Commercial and government networks developed within a zero trust architecture operate under the assumption that an organisation’s networks are not just at risk of a cyber intrusion, but that they are already compromised. (Source: Janes)
03 Mar 24. US Army issues RFI to industry for CUAS turreted gun capability. The United States Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM), Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, anticipates a requirement to provide a Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CUAS) turreted gun-based capability (Notice ID PANRSA-24-P-0000-001618).
According to a posting on the US government sam.gov procurement website:
“The purpose of this announcement is to gain knowledge of interest, capabilities, and qualification of businesses to compete and perform a hybrid type contract with fixed price and cost reimbursable requirements. This announcement supports the Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 10 Market Research requirement.
“The Integrated Fires Rapid Capabilities Office -International (IFRCO-I) plans, coordinates and synchronizes programmatics, logistics, training, and technical management of international systems of systems, delivering emerging and rapid development Short Range Air Defense and Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems capabilities to foreign partners.
“The contractor shall be capable of designing, documenting, manufacturing, and integrating a CUAS gun-based solution.
Requirements include:
- The system shall have the ability to engage and destroy UAS using a cannon with rapid fire and automatic aiming controlled by an operator.
- The system shall be mobile (e.g., vehicle mounted).
- The system shall have a command and control system capable of displaying air tracks and passing tracks to the gun system.
- The system shall have an active radar.
- The system shall have means of Electro-Optical and InfraRed (EO/IR) detection.
- The system shall be able to raise the sensor and communication suite above a 10-meter tree line.
- The system shall have a radio meshnet.
The Government requests information on the following system aspects:
- Caliber and type of ammunition and gun to include percussion or electrical priming and performance data against Group 3 UAS (20-600kg gross takeoff weight).
- Proposed turret and relevant technical specifications, (i.e., Size, Weight, Power, and Cost [SWaP-C], slew rate and acceleration, stability, environmental testing conducted).
- Interfaces between system components.
- Ability of the system to receive and external track.
- Proposed radar model and relevant technical specifications (i.e., SWaP-C, detection range against a -15dBsm target moving at less than 127 m/s, with false alarm rate and track continuity information, spinning vs. staring, band, and number of simultaneous tracks).
- On the move capability.
- Proposed EO/IR camera and relevant technical specifications (i.e., SWaP-C, detection, classification, and identification range against a rear mounted piston engine against a Group 3 target).
- Emplacement and displacement time and any performance degradation for incomplete setup still capable of executing basic missions.
- Number of rounds per engagement (average) and number of rounds carried on system.
- Platform that the system is integrated onto, i.e., commercial truck, HMMWV, FMTV, etc.
- Recommended logistics concepts with anticipated costs for two years of sustainment (spares and services).
- Proposed data rights assertions.”
Deadline for responses is March 22, 2024
For more information: https://sam.gov/opp/e24821b54fc3424fb0fe93f2c101f1bb/view
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info
01 Mar 24. GAO finds cost growth for seven key systems is beyond legal threshold. A GAO report has found that seven of 16 weapon system projects have exceeded operation and cost growth beyond legal thresholds.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reviewed the sustainment costs of 16 US weapon systems, identifying seven with cost growth exceeding the legal threshold, each by at least 25% over their most recent estimates, according to a report published on 29 February.
These systems include the Excalibur Precision 155mm Projectiles, EA-18G Growler, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS), Warfighter Information Network Tactical Increment 1 (WIN-T), Navy Multiband Terminal (NMT), and Tactical Mission Command-Manoeuvre Control System.
Operation and Sustainment (O&S) costs, for repair and personnel, account for 70% of a weapon system’s total cost, according to the GAO, accounting for bns of dollars in Department of Defence expenditure every year.
The critical O&S cost growth across weapon system programmes has been driven by a combination of factors, each unique to the programme’s requirements and enhancements.
For the Excalibur Precision 155mm Projectiles and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, cost increases were significantly influenced by the procurement of additional units and the introduction of advanced capabilities to meet evolving national security demands.
The Excalibur programme saw a 183 percent increase in O&S costs due to an expanded inventory and the integration of new hardware and software to improve precision and navigation. Similarly, the Super Hornet programme experienced a 179% surge in costs, attributed to extending the aircraft’s service life, acquiring more units, and updating technologies for enhanced target tracking.
The EA-18G Growler and the Navy Multiband Terminal (NMT) programmes also faced substantial cost growths, primarily due to extending operational life and enhancing capabilities. The Growler programme saw a 219% increase, driven by the procurement of additional aircraft and capability improvements, responding to its role in battlefield operations. The NMT programme encountered a 365% jump in O&S costs, with extensions in service life, capability additions, and addressing obsolescence challenges as key factors.
The Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) and the Warfighter Information Network Tactical Increment 1 (WIN-T) programmes O&S costs were impacted by system enhancements and cybersecurity measures. CROWS faced a 335% increase due to higher quantities, operational life extension, and parts maintenance cost revisions, while WIN-T’s costs rose by 32%, driven by an increased number of nodes and the need to address cybersecurity obsolescence issues.
In addition to the 16 systems reviewed by the GAO, a further nine weapon systems were evaluated, but the necessary cost information was not available. Consequently, the GAO has recommended that the Department of Defense (DoD) implements clarifying guidance on review submissions in military departments to ensure they present consistent cost information, including inflation effects.
Among the weapon systems that were not reviewed because they had no baseline cost estimate, either because there was not one recorded at the time of acquisition, or because of the age of the programme, were the Air Force’s: C-5M Super Galaxy; the E-4B Advanced Airborne Command Post (Nightwatch); and the F-22A Raptor.
Also falling into this category were the Army’s: Air-to-Ground Missile (AGM-114) Hellfire (Laser Hellfire); Black Hawk Utility Helicopter UH-60A/L; MIM-104 Patriot Surface-toAir Missile System; the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3); and the RQ-7B Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System.
Of the 25 systems reviewed, the only Naval platform for which there was not the relevant information for an assessment was the T-45 Goshawk, which had no baseline cost estimate at the time of acquisition. (Source: army-technology.com)
REST OF THE WORLD
04 Mar 24. Japan Could Join the AUKUS Program. The AUKUS security partnership, initially formed by Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, is exploring the possibility of Japan’s participation in specific defense technology projects.
Summary: The AUKUS security partnership, initially formed by Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, is exploring the possibility of Japan’s participation in specific defense technology projects. This potential collaboration marks Japan as the first country considered for involvement in AUKUS since its inception in September 2021. While Japan’s participation would be project-specific and not extend to full membership, this move signifies AUKUS’s broader ambition beyond its primary goal of assisting Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines. The partnership also aims to advance in artificial intelligence, undersea drones, hypersonic capabilities, and electronic warfare technologies. This development aligns with Australia’s interest in deepening technological ties with Japan and reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen cybersecurity measures and security clearances in Japan to protect sensitive information and technologies critical to AUKUS’s objectives.
The trilateral AUKUS security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States might invite Japan to collaborate on defense technology. According to reports on Monday, Washington has initiated talks with Canberra and London to invite Tokyo into the framework, although Japan’s involvement would be limited to specific projects.
Japan would become the first country invited to work within the framework since AUKUS was launched in September 2021, Nikkei Asia reported.
The Pillar 1 goal for AUKUS centers on helping Australia acquire conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines, while the Pillar 2 goal focuses on developing advanced warfighting capabilities that include artificial intelligence, undersea drones, hypersonic capabilities, and electronic warfare technologies. There are no plans to extend full membership in the program to Japan.
This is not the first time AUKUS has sought to expand cooperation with non-member states.
New Zealand has also expressed interest in Pillar 2 efforts, and Canada has sought to collaborate with AUKUS on the development of cutting-edge defense capabilities. Both New Zealand and Canada are members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance that also includes the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. There has been speculation in recent years that Japan could also join the Five Eyes.
Last month, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said he sought to “work more closely with Japan” on technological developments.
As noted, when AUKUS launched in 2021, its Pillar 1 initiative called for the U.S. and UK to help Australia acquire a nuclear-powered submarine to replace its aging, conventionally powered Collins-class boats. Both the UK’s Royal Navy and the Royal Australian Navy will employ the future SSN-AUKUS submarines.
Though the three partner nations do seem to be fully engaged with the AUKUS program, there is speculation that the project could be scuttled if former U.S. President Donald Trump returns to the White House. Trump previously threatened to abandon the deal, which has strong support from the Biden administration.
Japan Needs Better Cybersecurity
Before it can expect any formal invite, Japan might need to strengthen its cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and technology. It would also likely need to create a more robust security clearance system — an issue that is now being addressed with a new bill expected to clear the Japanese parliament in the current session.
The proposed legislation would allow Japan’s government to classify more information as confidential, and to ask employees at companies with access to that information to undergo security clearance checks. According to a report from Reuters, under the proposed changes, workers at companies who consent to security probes will be interviewed by government officials, checked for criminal convictions and past abuse of drugs or alcohol, and given a psychological assessment.
Given the technology that AUKUS seeks to develop, that added layer of clearance requirements would likely be critical before Japan enters the program. (Source: News Now/https://nationalinterest.org)
28 Feb 24. Canada seeks industry proposals for C-UAS technology development funding. Under the Innovation in Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) programme, the Canadian Departmnent of National Defence (DND) has launched Window 2 of its Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Concept Development project.
Seeking to answer the question “How might we detect and/or defeat micro and mini UAS with systems that can be integrated into the broader military command and control system,” IDEaS will provide funding of up to CAD 500,000 for innovative C-UAS concepts over a period of up to nine months. There is a potential for further funding of up to CAD 2 m should concepts be found successful and promising by DND and Canadian Armed Forces.
Innovators are invited to submit developmental C-UAS concepts for the defeat of micor and mini UAS by 15 April. Application details, further information and a frequently asked questions resource are available through the link below.
The results of Window 1, in which winners received funding of between CAD 200,000 and 500,000, included ThinkSOLN Corporation, Institut National d’Optique, AGILE Electromagnetics Incorporated and C-CORE.
For more information: Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Concept Development – Canada.ca (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
01 Mar 24. Australia to compete for larger slice of foreign military export pie. Australia will compete for a larger slice of the foreign military export pie under the newly released Defence Industry Development Strategy.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy officially launched the Defence Industry Development Strategy (DIDS) on 29 February, building on the 2023 Defence Strategic Review published in early 2023.
The new DIDS document outlines increased funding and establishes pathways to maximise support for Australia’s defence industry.
As part of the overall strategy, the federal government will attempt to diversify revenue sources through defence exports and broaden industrial capability and capacity to support Defence.
“Australian defence industry exports are important because they bring scale, competitiveness and sustainability to Australia’s industrial base,” the report said.
“[It’s important to] increase supply chain resilience by generating economies of scale for suppliers, which can create capacity in times of need and smooth the cycles of domestic acquisition and sustainment demand.
“[And] deliver a strategic effect for the Australian government, increasing interoperability and deepening ties with trusted partners. Strengthen Australia’s ability to shape and influence our strategic environment, and be a partner of choice to supply our regional neighbours with defence equipment, supporting their sovereignty.”
The report outlined that defence industry exports can occur through direct commercial sales, government-to-government or integrating Australian businesses into global supply chains.
In support of a greater export capability, Export Market Development Grants will be administered by Austrade to help Australian businesses grow their exports in international markets. Austrade business development managers will assist in identifying and capturing commercial development opportunities for the Australian defence industry in overseas markets.
Export Finance Australia will provide financial expertise and solutions to support Australian defence exports across a range of sectors, including advanced manufacturing, engineering and software. Defence Export Facility administered by Export Finance Australia will build Australia’s defence export capabilities. Australian Defence Export Catalogue administered by Defence will showcase defence industry products, services and technologies from businesses across Australia. Small Business Export Loan administered by Export Finance Australia will support streamlined approvals for businesses that need to borrow $20,000 to $350,000.
The Defence Strategic Review, released in early 2023, articulated a need to focus on developing the industrial base and providing targeted export support for businesses, which would strengthen international relationships, deliver innovative defence solutions, and maintain interoperability or capability edge.
The Australian government is also establishing a tripartite defence industry council that will be chaired by the Minister for Defence Industry. The council will provide an avenue for communication between representatives from the Australian government, industry and unions. The council will focus on ensuring a collaborative, whole-of-nation approach to developing the sovereign defence industrial base required to meet Defence needs.
03 Mar 24. Argentina’s F-16 Acquisition Stalls Amid Financial Woes, Eyes on India’s TEJAS. Argentina’s quest for F-16 fighter jets faces financial barriers, turning its attention to TEJAS as a viable alternative amid global defense dynamics. Argentina’s quest for enhancing its air fleet with F-16 fighter jets from Denmark remains undecided, as financial constraints loom large over Buenos Aires. Despite the U.S.’s push and an enticing offer, including advanced weaponry, Argentina’s economic challenges have put the deal on hold, turning the spotlight towards India’s TEJAS as a viable alternative.
Tale of Two Fighters: F-16 and TEJAS
The international defense market has been closely watching Argentina’s decision-making process regarding its air force modernization. Initially, Argentina seemed poised to secure 24 F-16 fighter jets from Denmark, a move that had the backing of Washington. This decision was significant, considering the geopolitical implications and the historical backdrop of the Falkland Islands dispute. However, financial hurdles have slowed Buenos Aires’ plans, sparking interest in the Indian-made TEJAS fighter jet. The TEJAS offers a cost-effective solution, coupled with competitive weaponry, presenting an appealing alternative for Argentina.
Strategic Partnerships and Defense Dynamics
In a surprising turn of events, Argentina and India’s defense ties have strengthened. A letter of intent was signed between Argentina’s Ministry of Defence and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), marking a pivotal moment in India-Argentina defense relations. This agreement, focusing on utility helicopters, lays the groundwork for broader cooperation. The visit of Argentina’s Defense Minister to HAL’s facilities underscores the mutual interest in deepening defense and aerospace collaboration, beyond the immediate fighter jet discussions.
Financial Dilemmas and Global Implications
Argentina’s defense procurement strategy is caught between a rock and a hard place due to its financial crunch. The country’s hesitation in finalizing the F-16 deal reflects broader economic challenges, impacting its ability to modernize its military capabilities. This indecision comes at a time when global demand for military hardware is surging, partly due to escalating conflicts worldwide. Argentina’s predicament underscores the complexities of defense procurement in the context of economic constraints, influencing global defense markets and strategic alliances.
As Argentina continues to weigh its options, the implications of its decisions extend beyond its borders, affecting international defense partnerships and market dynamics. The ongoing saga of the F-16 versus TEJAS choice highlights the intricate dance of geopolitics, economics, and military strategy that defines global defense procurement in the 21st century. (Source: Google/https://bnnbreaking.com/)
01 Mar 24. Indian Army issues tender to procure light vehicles. The Indian Army has issued a tender to procure 4×4 ‘light vehicles’ to perform general service (GS) roles.
According to a request for proposal (RFP) issued by the Indian Army on 29 February, the service intends to procure 1,054 light vehicles under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category. Under this category of procurement, at least 50% of the purchased product must be indigenous.
The gross weight of the new light vehicles must be more than 2,500 kg, and the vehicles are required to provide mobility in hilly, high-altitude, cross-country, and desert terrains, the RFP said. The light vehicles will be utilised for rapid deployment of small teams in conventional as well as counter-insurgency operations, the RFP added. (Source: Janes)
01 Mar 24. Thailand’s Air Force unveils new wish list, eyeing new jets and drones. The Royal Thai Air Force has laid out its future aspirations in a document released Feb. 29, with counter-drone systems, new fighter jets and medium-range air defense systems among the most pressing concerns.
The 74-page whitepaper, which the service unveiled during its annual symposium this week and which builds on a similar document published four years ago, details planned procurements out to 2037.
“The Air Force is aware of [the importance of] long-term development planning and spending of the national budget to achieve maximum value,” said the service’s commander, Air Chief Marshal Panpakdee Pattanakul.
Indeed, part of the whitepaper’s raison d’être is to stake claims for long-term funding as its aircraft inventories age. For instance, the 2020 version stated the fighter fleet had an average age of 26 years, a figure that continues to increase.
But the government’s procurement process is disjointed, according to Greg Raymond, an expert in Asia-Pacific affairs at the Australian National University. He cited factors like political instability, inadequate strategic planning, annual rather than multiyear budgeting measures, and weak civil oversight that allows each armed service to makes its own decisions.
In the latest whitepaper, the Air Force gives priority to a medium-range air defense system possessing a minimum 30-nautical-mile range from fiscal 2025 to fiscal 2028. Afterward, from FY33 to FY37, the service plans to carry out a second phase for a medium- or long-range air defense system.
From FY28 to FY32, the force plans to buy a short-range air defense system boasting gun-, missile and laser-based weapons. Credence is given to counter-drone systems, too, and a nine-year project to procure these is to commence in 2025.
The service is also eyeing 12-14 new fighters to replace the F-16 jets of 102 Squadron based at Korat. The procurement is scheduled to take place from FY25 to FY34, two years later than originally planned. The squadron’s F-16s from the late 1980s are to retire by 2028.
Two contenders have emerged for the aircraft requirement: Lockheed Martin’s F-16 Block 70/72 and Saab’s Gripen.
“We’re confident the F-16 Block 70/72 will complement the RTAF’s existing F-16 fleet and deliver the advanced 21st century security capabilities and performance needed to address Thailand’s most pressing defense requirements,” a Lockheed spokesperson told Defense News.
Thailand ordered its first Gripen C/D fighters in 2008. Following a January 2021 contract, the aircraft were upgraded to what the manufacturer calls the MS20 configuration.
Robert Björklund, who markets the Gripen to Thailand for Saab, told Defense News the existing fleet is integrated into the Saab-supplied Link T data system and that the aircraft provides its user with “a very wide range of weapon options, including its highly effective RBS15 anti-ship missile.”
A second fighter replacement project for 12-14 aircraft is slated for FY31 to FY35 to replace F-5E/F jets of 211 Squadron at Ubon that are to retire around the end of the decade. An identical number of fighters are needed to replace F-16A/Bs of 403 Squadron at Takhli from FY37 to FY46.
Thailand tries to maintain relations with several competing nations, including the United States, China, Russia and India, the whitepaper noted. Thailand previously purchase materiel from China, such as armored vehicles, air defense systems and a submarine.
Asked whether the Royal Thai Air Force would consider buying a Chinese fighter like the J-10CE, Raymond said the service values its relationship with the U.S. and likeminded allies too much to do so. He noted that Thai-U.S. relations have “largely stabilized,” despite the latter denying the former’s request to buy F-35A jets last year.
“They wouldn’t want to see themselves placed on the outer [circle] in terms of not getting invitations to things like [exercise] Pitch Black in Australia. I tend to think they’d be perhaps more careful about getting Chinese aircraft than the Thai Navy was about getting a submarine,” he said.
The whitepaper also detailed an effort starting this year to refurbish C-130H Hercules transport aircraft. The 2020 version recommended the service buy 12 replacements, but that idea was dropped.
As for pilot training, last year’s delivery of 12 T-6TH trainers allowed the Air Force to retire its Pilatus PC-9 fleet last month. New Zealand-built CT-4E trainers are to retire in 2031, so basic trainers will be needed from FY33. New lead-in fighter trainers are also sought from FY25, with Thailand already operating the South Korean T-50TH in this role.
The new whitepaper also emphasized unmanned technologies. One effort underway is the Thai-developed M Solar X solar-powered drone. Loitering munitions are also schedule for purchase by 2026, as are medium combat drones from FY26 to FY29 and high-altitude pseudo-satellites from FY24 to FY35.
The Air Force also mentioned procurement programs for micro- and nano-drone swarms from FY26, and a research and development effort for weaponized tactical drones from FY29.
And two Saab 340B Erieye airborne early warning aircraft are to receive enhanced command-and-control capabilities, with their dorsal-mounted radars to be replaced. This would take place from FY26 to FY29.
The government’s FY24 defense budget bill calls for a 198 bn baht (U.S. $5.5 bn) fund, of which $1 bn is for the Air Force. The service has already applied for an allocation of approximately $530 m for a first batch of four fighters. (Source: Defense News)
01 Mar 24. SA Navy prepared to divorce itself from the Armscor Dockyard – Lobese. The Chief of the South African Navy, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, is tired of the inefficiency and poor performance of the Armscor Dockyard, which has contributed to the limited availability of vessels, and is prepared to ‘divorce’ the Navy from it.
This is according to his remarks at a 20 years long service medal parade in Simons Town on 29 February.
Aside from budget restrictions, “another factor that is severely limiting our ability to get our ships to sea, is the non-performance of the Armscor Dockyard,” he said. “As the Chief of the Navy, I have reached the end of my patience with their inability to repair the SA Navy ships. I have engaged the CEO of Armscor on numerous opportunities in order to resolve this situation.
“I am waiting for the senior management of the SANDF and the Minister to guide me in establishing the way forward, but I firmly believe the current way in which the Armscor Dockyard functions cannot continue. All of the countries that I visit have Dockyards that are force multipliers for their Navies. These naval dockyards are so capacitated that they can build their own Navy’s ships,” Lobese remarked.
“This is the case in Egypt, where the Alexandria Dockyard is managed by a retired Rear Admiral, who reports to the Chief of the Navy. The Alexandria Dockyard recently built a Meko Class Frigate, the same as our frigates. This Dockyard gets no support from the State, and must be run like a commercial company, generating a profit. There is no reason why the SA Naval Dockyard cannot do the same, and I will make it my mission to turn this situation around.”
Lobese said the marriage between the SA Navy and the Armscor Dockyard started in 2005, through the Dockyard Transfer agreement. “When I was staffed as Director Fleet Logistics from 2009 to 2015 I was confronted by the poor performance of the Armscor Dockyard. Up to today this situation has not improved, as the Dockyard has now become an outsourcing agent, instead of being a Level 3 Naval Refit Authority. This is despite the fact that the SA Navy is spending hundreds of ms of Rand to them through the transfer payment.”
Explaining further, Lobese said he met his wife 30 years ago, and is celebrating 25 years of marriage, during which the marriage produced many wonderful things. However, “when I compare the 19 year long marriage between the Dockyard and the Navy, there is nothing that I can say has been produced. I believe it is high time that the SA Navy formally announces divorce proceedings with the Dockyard. Now that I am Chief of the Navy, I am no longer willing to be held prisoner or being undermined by Armscor Dockyard.”
According to Lobese, something must give in the marriage between the SA Navy and the Armscor Dockyard, “or we must allow it to end, as the SA Navy is getting very little return on investment. In 2012 and 2013 – as DFL [Director Fleet Logistics] – I outsourced the refits of Offshore Patrol Vessels, frigates and submarines due to the lack of capacity of Dockyard. Now in 2024, I must outsource the same thing, while the Dockyard is just receiving money from the Navy. No, ladies and gentlemen, this is Wasteful Expenditure and I cannot in good faith allow this to continue. The people of South Africa will demand better from me as Chief of the Navy, and I intend to rectify this situation.”
(Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
————————————————————————
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.
————————————————————————