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UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO
05 Jun 24. UK drone tender for Ukraine excludes China’s sector giants.
Ukraine has already acquired an arsenal of more than 8,000 Chinese-origin DJI Mavic drones, most recently purchasing 4,000 units in May.
The UK has issued an invitation to tender (ITT) for a batch of up to 300 first-person view (FPV) drones intended to be supplied to Ukrainian forces, but limited in participation to industry from countries within the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG).
Announcing the opening of bidding on 3 June 2024, the UK Government stated that the competition would produce drones “at scale and an affordable price point, leveraging the strength of Western industry”.
Notably, this excludes drones produced by Chinese companies such as DJI, which is the world’s most proliferate commercial drone manufacturer.
However, in May the Ukrainian Government revealed it had acquired more than 4,000 DJI Mavic drones through the Prozorro online auction marketplace, bringing the total number of DJI drones acquired by Ukraine to more than 8,000 units.
The UK Government stated that companies have until 28 June 2024 to submit their proposals, which will then be considered by the Drone Capability Coalition members and evaluated.
Successful companies will receive orders to supply drones to Ukraine, with the intent is to place larger, follow up orders for FPV drones. Additional FPV competitions are expected to take place through 2024, building on the lessons learned from this first competition.
The UK Government stated that the competition is open to industry from any nation in the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, which is a collection of Nato and other nations supporting Ukraine’s war effort against Russia.
UK drone numbers a drop in Ukraine’s requirement ocean
A UK invitation to tender (ITT) notice, published on 3 June, indicated the start date for the UK-Latvia drone contract would be mid-August, with initial plans to procure up to 15 batches of first-person view racing quadcopter style drones, consisting of 20 drones each and potential associated options, capable of carrying varying payloads depending on their propeller size.
In total, three separate ITTs exist within the UK Government’s overall tender, divided by FPV drone rotor sizes of 7 inches (“), 8”, and 10”.
Confusingly, the individual ITTs each list a requirement of three batches of at least 20 drones being sought, which totals 180 systems in total.
The intent is that, following testing, platforms that meet the requirements will be considered for a potential future production contract, up to around 1000 drones per month. The contract is listed as being up to £300,000 ($383,000) in value.
However, the numbers being aspired towards are already being procured by the Ukrainian Government, according to recent information released by the country’s Ministry of Defence, which in May said that it had acquired a further 4,200 DJI Mavic drones for use against Russian forces, although the origin of the platforms was not disclosed.
According to the MoD’s Lethal Defense Acquisition Agency the total value of the contracts amounted to Hrv1.1bn ($27.4m). Together with previous purchases, the number of DJI Mavic’s contracted by the Lethal Defense Acquisition Agency stands at 8,200 sets (7,200 DJI Mavic 3E and 1,000 DJI Mavic 3T), the MoD stated.
“Drones have evolved into an essential component of modern warfare. They strengthen our defence capabilities, increasing military operations’ effectiveness. Therefore, the procurement of drones is one of the main tasks of the Ministry of Defense,” said Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine Dmytro Klimenkov.
According to the results of auctions on Prozorro, the Ukrainian MoD stated that the average price for one UAS was $3,300 for a DJI Mavic 3E with three additional batteries and a charger, and UAH 194,200 $4,800 for a DJI Mavic 3T with three additional batteries and a charger.
In addition, the Ukrainian MoD’s Defense Procurement Agency conducted auctions for an additional 4,000 DJI Mavic 3E and 1,500 DJI Mavic 3T BPA as of 20 May 2024, with contracts “expected to be signed”.
The price points listed by Ukraine in May are around double of that listed in the UK Government contract, but broadly in line with the face-value commercial cost of a Mavic drone on DJI website. (Source: army-technology.com)
04 Jun 24. An initiative led by the United Kingdom and Latvia, the Drone Capability Coalition has opened bidding for companies to supply Ukraine with thousands of first-person view (FPV) drones.
The aim is leverage the scale and sophistication of Western industry to provide the Ukrainian armed forces with drones that are effective and affordable.
Details on this scheme can be found on the links below
UK and Latvia launch industry competition to provide thousands of drones for Ukraine – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Contracts Finder notice: https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/26003a30-d099-4769-9bc9-8ac7e5935d4d
Find-a-Tender service notice: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/017163-2024
Members of the Drone Capability Coalition include UK, Latvia, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and Ukraine. Further countries are considering joining the coalition. (Source MakeUK Defence)
EUROPE
06 Jun 24. Two MMPC prototypes in second stage of OCCAR project.
Over the course of four years, OCCAR will support the completion of the corvette’s critical design review and the construction of two prototypes.
OCCAR – or the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation, as the English translation goes – has initiated the second phase of the Europe’s Modular Multirole Patrol Corvette (MMPC).
Approximately 110 metres (m) long and weighing 3,000 tonnes (t), the future vessel will be based on a mono-hull structure and serve as a ‘Second Line Ship’, or as Nato nomenclature designates the platform: a ‘Limited Warship Unit’.
OCCAR, Europe’s project overseer, serves as the contracting authority with a mandate from five participating member states: France, Greece, Italy, Norway and Spain.
Likewise, the project is pursued by a consortium of industrial players coordinated by Naviris. It includes Fincantieri, Naval Group and 39 other subcontractors from 12 European countries.
Under this next stage of development, Europe’s defence programme watchdog will seek to complete the Critical Design Review followed by the construction of two prototypes, one modelling each of the two versions of the MMPC.
This work will begin in 2025 and is anticipated to last four years, concluding in 2029.
View profiles in store
One prototype will represent the Full Combat Multipurpose variant, equipped with additional capabilities compared to the other prototype, which will model the Long Range Multipurpose version, designed with extended endurance in mind.
With a maximum grant budget of €154.5m ($168m), the MMPC concept is set to replace several ageing surface combatants in European navy fleets.
This includes France’s D’Estienne d’Orves class, comparable to a corvette and now more than 40-years-old; Italy’s Lerici-class; and Greece’s numerous light combat vessels – none of which are less than 20-years-old.
“The design aims to be flexible, more energy-efficient, greener, safer, more interoperable and cyber-secured,” stated OCCAR. “MMPC is envisaged as a platform [that] may be used by different European countries based on a shared baseline which can be tailored to national needs.” (Source: naval-technology.com)
06 Jun 24. FCAS next steps – an accelerated timeline: Airbus.
Airbus is one of the elements behind the European FCAS programme, intended to develop a sixth-generation fighter. One week after Rohde & Schwarz revealed the “AI backbone” of Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS) project is operational, Airbus Military CEO Clive Schley gave an update to ILA Berlin on the progress being made on the European defence initiative. Schley detailed some of the current assessments and analysis being undertaken internally at the pan-European aerospace giant, and announced an accelerated timeline for the system that was will not wait for the next generation of Eurofighter jets to come online in 2040.
“The multi-domain combat cloud will offer services and capabilities with artificial intelligence in every area of the mission: Air C2 situational awareness, threat assessment; ISR engagement [and] weapons delivery.
“Airbus is currently working internally on the identification of these capabilities and applications with AI assistance,” Schley outlined.
Although the full project remains a long-term ambition to create a multi-platform digital battle management system, integrating AI and drone technology, events of the past 24 months have given a new urgency to the modernisation of European air defence.
The outbreak of war in Ukraine and the crucial role of manned fighters and UAVs in that battle has given new impetus to developing AI nodes to NATO specifications “directly giving our Air Forces the tactical advantage.”
“This use of AI cannot wait until 2040 when the Next Generation fighter arrives. The war in Ukraine highlights to urgent need for Air Forces to engage increasing numbers of dynamic targets, requiring the ability to run multiple chains in parallel and close them as soon as possible,” Schley said.
Although Airbus did not reveal its roadmap to launching the next step in its FCAS journey, it did reveal a new approach to its development strategy.
“Airbus and more broadly the European [defence] industry are working on an incremental way to bring AI assistance in national FCAS alongside a system of systems approach – as soon as possible.”
AI pilots will outperform humans
Schley was followed by a panel discussion on the uses of AI in air wars.
Although the promise of fully-digital AI kill-chains could take the majority of humans out of direct fire confrontation, Colonel Tobias Wandel of the Kommando Luftwaffe remarked that advanced enemy cyberwarfare technology limited the potential of these systems.
“I think the idea that each and every moment you will have to reach back to a three-star general sitting in a bunker in the Florida Keys or wherever, it won’t work. You will need a human upfront so somebody can take the moral decision,” he said. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
06 Jun 24. Leonardo executive confident Rome will order new Eurofighter jets. Rome is set to announce a deal shortly for additional Eurofighter combat jets for its air force, a senior executive at state-controlled defence and aerospace group Leonardo (LDOF.MI), said on Thursday.
The move follows Germany’s announcement on Wednesday that it will buy 20 additional aircraft, at a time when members of NATO are increasing defence spending in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“I am confident that Italy will soon follow with a similar declaration,” Leonardo Co-General Manager Lorenzo Mariani told Reuters at the ILA airshow just outside Berlin.
He did not give further details on the number of jets that will be bought or on the timing of the deal.
Speaking at the opening of the ILA airshow on Wednesday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he was strongly committed to maintaining and expanding arms production capacity.
Italy’s deal for more jets will require the allocation of new funds in addition to the country’s approved military budget and will need formal authorisation from parliament.
Janes defence news agency reported in May that Rome is looking for 24 more jets to add to the 94 it has in service, as the air force prepares to retire older aircraft.
The twin-engine, supersonic Eurofighter Typhoon jets are built by a consortium of Germany, Britain, Italy and Spain, represented by Airbus (AIR.PA), BAE Systems (BAES.L) and Leonardo. (Source: Reuters)
07 Jun 24. Germany looking into buying eight additional F-35 jets, source says. Germany is looking into buying eight additional F-35 fighter jets made by U.S. defence giant Lockheed Martin (LMT.N), a military source told Reuters on Friday, on top of the 35 jets it has ordered.
Berlin is looking at the costs of such a purchase, the source said, with the stealthy aircraft seen as the most advanced fighter jet.
In 2022, Germany decided to order 35 F-35s including missiles and other weapons for around €10bn ($10.89bn).
The jets are equipped with advanced sensors and other gear, and Lockheed says it is nearly impossible to track them with radar.
The aircraft will replace the aging Tornado, the only German jet capable of carrying U.S. nuclear bombs stored in Germany.
The German air force has been flying the Tornado since the 1980s, and Berlin has plans to phase it out between 2025 and 2030.
The F-35 will be stationed at an air base near the western German town of Buechel from 2027 and could also carry U.S. nuclear weapons.
The first eight F-35s are scheduled for delivery in 2026 and will be based in the U.S. for pilot training. ($1 = 0.9185 euros) (Source: Reuters)
05 Jun 24. New radar set to transform Eurofighter Typhoon operations.
This agreement aims to elevate the Typhoon’s capabilities, ensuring its relevance in the skies well into the 2060s.
In a stride towards future-proofing European air defence, Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH and the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA) have sealed a contract for the Phase 4 Enhancement (P4E) System Definition (SD) package for the Eurofighter Typhoon.
This agreement aims to elevate the Typhoon’s capabilities, ensuring its relevance in the skies well into the 2060s.
Securing the skies with defensive systems
The P4E package introduces a suite of upgrades designed to maintain the Eurofighter Typhoon. Among the standout features is an automated sensor management capability for the Typhoon’s AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar. This enables the aircraft to handle multiple simultaneous tasks, reducing pilot workload and enhancing overall mission effectiveness.
Previously, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK have invested in the joint development of the AESA version of CAPTOR radars, known as the CAPTOR-E, to be installed in the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, as highlighted by GlobalData’s intelligence on the global military airborne radar market.
Furthermore, enhancements to the cockpit interface and Radio Frequency Interoperability are set to improve the aircraft’s survivability and lethality. These improvements show the commitment to extending the operational life of the Typhoon and adapting it to evolving combat scenarios.
In addition to sensor management advancements, the P4E package includes upgrades to the Typhoon’s defensive aids sub-system . These upgrades are poised to enhance electronic warfare capabilities in modern aerial engagements. Germany’s initial operating capability for additional electronic warfare capacity will also be integrated, reflecting a collaborative defence strategy among Eurofighter partner nations.
Collaboration at the core
The P4E package also involves analysis to extend the Typhoon’s service life. Eurofighter CEO Giancarlo Mezzanatto emphasised the importance of these enhancements, stating, “Typhoon, the backbone of European air defence, will protect our skies into the 2060s, and therefore, it is vital that we continue to enhance the capabilities of the platform and ensure it is operationally effective.”
The four Eurofighter Partner Companies—BAE Systems, Airbus Germany, Airbus Spain, and Leonardo—will carry out capability development under the P4E SD package. A network of suppliers supports this collaborative effort.
In November 2023, BAE Systems enhanced the Eurofighter Typhoon’s aerial defence capabilities by securing the continuation of its Digital GPS Anti-jam Receiver into the next phase of the P4E capability programme. This upgrade will significantly improve the Typhoon’s ability to withstand GPS signal jamming, spoofing, and radio frequency interference.
NETMA’s General Manager, Simon Ellard, highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating, “As the operational environment evolves, it is essential that we continue to grow Eurofighter’s capabilities to meet current and future threats. The P4E system definition package is a significant milestone in the delivery of an extensive capability upgrade that will ensure Eurofighter remains cutting-edge and a strong deterrence to our adversaries.” (Source: airforce-technology.com)
04 Jun 24. Germany launches naval project with keel laying of largest frigate. Future frigate “Niedersachsen” marks a milestone in German national naval defence.
For the German Navy and the country’s defence capabilities, the keel laying ceremony of Germany’s frigate “Niedersachsen” lays the groundwork for a new era of maritime capabilities and security.
The ceremony, which took place at the Peene shipyard in Wolgast, marked the commencement of construction on the first frigate of the F126 class, setting the stage for a transformative phase in Germany’s naval capabilities.
In June 2020, the German parliament approved the purchase of multipurpose MKS 180 vessels to replace the German Navy’s Brandenburg class frigates. The first ship will be delivered to the German Navy in 2027, and the remaining ships will be delivered by 2031. As highlighted in GlobalData’s intelligence on the German defence market, MKS 180 is designed to be a modular ship that can perform surface warfare, anti-air, and anti-submarine missions.
The “Niedersachsen” Germany frigate
The event, graced by the presence of Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and other dignitaries, exemplified Germany’s commitment to fortifying its naval fleet for the future. As Pistorius personally hammered the first nail into the coin plate of the future frigate, the symbolism of the act resonated with the nation’s determination to reinforce its maritime and national defence.
The “Niedersachsen,” a flagship of the F126 class frigates, represents a step forward in Germany’s naval capabilities. With a length of 166 metres and a displacement of around 10,000 tonnes, these vessels are set to become the largest combat ships within the German armed forces. With crews of up to 198 soldiers, the frigates are engineered to facilitate three-dimensional naval warfare, enabling them to engage targets across air, water, and underwater domains.
Defense Minister Pistorius emphasised the importance of this naval project, underscoring its role in enhancing Germany’s national and alliance defence, “With a total of six frigates of this type, we will not only be operational, but also sustainable. It was designed to be able to withstand national and alliance defence. It is essential for our credible deterrence, especially when it comes to protecting our northern flank.” Said the minister.
Industry partnership and advancements
Driven by several high-value procurement programmes worldwide, including the German Navy’s MKS 180 Multirole Combat Ship, among others, the frigate segment is expected to account for a 30.1% revenue share of the total market over the forecast period, according to GlobalData’s “The Global Naval Vessels and Surface Combatants Market 2023-2033” report.
Furthermore, the project serves as a sign of Germany’s dedication to advocating for secure sea routes. More than 70% of the value added for the frigates and the participation of more than 65 German contractors in their construction bolster the country’s economy and domestic industrial capabilities.
Thales has provided the SATCOM system for the German Navy’s F126 frigates, marking another step forward in advancing the project. To further advance the F126 frigate project, Thales has also inaugurated a testing centre in partnership with the German Navy and BAAINBw, located in Hengelo, Netherlands. (Source: naval-technology.com)
31 May 24. Sweden seeks air-defense guns for its assault boats. Sweden plans to acquire anti-aircraft guns for its fast-assault boats to counter drones and helicopters, as officials have warned that the Baltic Sea could become a flashpoint with Russia.
The Swedish Ministry of Defense’s equipment branch, dubbed FMV, has launched a call to purchase eight anti-aircraft guns under a contract valued at over $176 m.
The weapons will be placed on the Swedish-made Combat Boat 90, a high-speed and sharp-turning assault craft for the country’s amphibious units, according to recently published tender documents. They are slated to operate “in all naval geographical areas of interest,” and will include 12 years worth of ammunition designed to damage aircraft.
Anti-aircraft guns can be a lower-cost alternative to missile interceptors when it comes to protecting troops against drone attacks, a scenario that has become ubiquitous in Ukraine’s defense against Russian attacks.
While some Russian boats are already armed with these types of air defenses, Moscow was also reported to be creating mobile anti-aircraft gun units, where each truck would be equipped with Soviet-era anti-aircraft cannons.
The Swedish procurement comes amid concerns expressed by Micael Bydén, commander of the country’s armed forces, over Russia’s ambitions in the Baltic Sea region.
Of specific interest, he noted in a recent interview with German media network RND, is the island of Gotland, located in the middle of the Baltic Sea, around 330 kilometers from the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.
“I am confident that Putin even has both eyes on Gotland – his goal is to gain control of the Baltic Sea, and who controls Gotland controls the Baltic Sea,” Byden said.
Given its tactical importance for Sweden, now a NATO member, and the wider region, the Scandinavian country has stationed permanent troops on the island.
Earlier this month, the Russian government floated plans to revise its maritime borders around the country’s islands in the Gulf of Finland and around Kaliningrad, a move that would open territorial disputes with nearby NATO members. (Source: Defense News)
30 May 24. Romania’s revamp offers opportunities for defence companies.
As Romania modernises military equipment, opportunities abound for defence industry players eyeing contracts.
With Romania embarking on overhauling its military apparatus to meet Nato standards, defence companies worldwide are poised to capitalise on market opportunities, according to the latest insights from GlobalData, a renowned data and analytics company.
Bottom of Form
As the country seeks to replace ageing Cold War-era equipment and enhance its defence capabilities, a surge in acquisition spending presents entry routes for businesses vying to tap into Romania’s defence market.
Romania’s strategic shift towards modernising its military infrastructure has set the stage for a dynamic marketplace, as outlined in GlobalData’s comprehensive report titled “Romania Defense Market 2024-2029.”
Against evolving security dynamics, the country’s defence budget is slated to witness an uptick, with acquisition spending projected to soar from 33.8% in 2020 to a substantial 45.2% by 2029. This surge reveals Romania’s commitment to revitalising its defence capabilities and aligning with Nato standards.
Wilson Jones, Defense Analyst at GlobalData, emphasises the strategic imperatives driving Romania’s defence modernisation efforts. “With the Ukraine War, purchasing Russian equipment parts has become both uneconomical and politically difficult, increasing the likelihood of new system acquisition, and the age of Soviet-era equipment means many of these platforms are reaching their natural end of service life.,” Jones remarks.
As the country navigates the complexities of modern warfare and bolsters its defence posture, opportunities abound for companies offering solutions.
Historically, Romania has pursued a dual strategy of modernisation and new system acquisition to revamp its military inventory. Romania’s approach reflects a blend of foresight and operational pragmatism from the modernisation of TR-85 Main Battle Tanks to the procurement of platforms such as the MOWAG Piranha APC and F-35A fighters. By integrating Western technologies and weaponry into existing platforms, Romania aims to enhance interoperability with Nato allies while optimising logistics and operational efficiency.
Jones underscores the pivotal role of recent geopolitical events in shaping Romania’s defence procurement landscape. “Romania’s defence budget until 2022 followed a trend broadly similar across most of Europe, and more specifically the NATO alliance: a period of slight fluctuation and stagnation, followed by dramatic increases as the security situation deteriorated following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.,” he notes.
The emergence of novel threats, including cruise missile attacks and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), has shown the imperative for air defence systems and countermeasures. As Romania gears up to bolster its defensive capabilities with acquisitions such as Patriot batteries and Gepard anti-aircraft artillery, defence businesses stand to gain from aligning their offerings with the country’s evolving security requirements.
Some defence businesses have already started to capitalise on Romania’s increased spending. Romania’s acquisition of RTX’s AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles from the United States, MBDA’s contract to integrate Marte ER anti-ship missiles onto the Romanian Naval Forces’ H215M helicopters, and Hanwha Aerospace’s recent partnership with Romania’s Elie Carafoli National Institute for Aerospace Research (INCAS) are to highlight a few defence companies who have capitalised on the Eastern European countries increased defence spending.
In light of these developments, Romania’s defence modernisation journey offers a fertile ground for global defence businesses to forge partnerships, leverage market opportunities, and contribute to the country’s quest for enhanced national security. With a proactive approach to embracing technologies and bolstering its defence capabilities, Romania is poised to emerge as a player in the global defence landscape, offering a compelling proposition for industry stakeholders looking to expand their footprint in the region. (Source: army-technology.com)
03 Jun 24. UK and Latvia launch industry competition to provide thousands of drones for Ukraine. The drones will be procured as part of the Drone Capability Coalition for Ukraine, co-led by the UK and Latvia.
In February, the UK and Latvia announced that they would lead the new Drone Capability Coalition, designed to rapidly supply Ukraine with tens of thousands of first person view drones.
Today, the UK and Latvia have opened the bidding for companies to supply FPV drones to Ukraine, on behalf of the Drone Capability Coalition. This competition aims to produce these drones at scale and at an affordable price point, leveraging the strength of Western industry.
Industry can find the details of how to apply via the Defence Sourcing Portal. This competition is open to industry from any nation in the Ukraine Defence Contact Group.
Companies have until 28 June 2024 to submit their proposals, which will then be considered by the Drone Capability Coalition members and evaluated. Successful companies will receive orders to supply drones to Ukraine and, upon receipt of positive operational feedback, the intent is to place larger, follow up orders for FPV drones. Additional FPV competitions are expected to take place through 2024, building on the lessons learned from this first competition.
First person view drones have proven highly effective on the battlefield since Russia’s full-scale invasion, providing Ukrainian operators with situational awareness to target enemy positions, armoured vehicles, and ships with explosive ordnance. Members of the coalition include: UK, Latvia, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and Ukraine. Further countries are considering joining the coalition. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
USA
03 Jun 24. US seek consultation on ten-years of missile defence trials at Guam. The Missile Defence Agency intends to conduct two trials per year for the next ten years from the US Territory of Guam in the Pacific.
The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is inviting a public consultation on a decade-long proposal to test missile defences at Guam, with the intention launching two test flights per year for the next ten years.
As part of an Environmental Assessment/Overseas Environment l Assessment (EA/OEA) made available by the MDA on 1 June 2024, the current missile defences at Guam are described as capable of defending against regional ballistic missile threats.
However, it points to an increase in the technological level of such threats as a motivating factor for the further development of Guam’s missile defences, and for the proposed test flights.
The proposed flight tests and tracking exercises are intended to test the validity of a ‘system of systems’ or ‘backbone’ for missile defences at Guam, focusing on the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), Aegis Weapon System (AWS), Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept of Target (Patriot) Advanced Capability-Three (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhanced (MSE) system, and the Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) system.
In recent history, the US deployed THAAD systems to Guam in response to threats from the nuclear advances of North Korea in April 2013, but the most recent proposals to increase Guam’s missile defence came under the Biden administration in 2022, which cited the defence of Guam against missile threats from China as a motivating factor for a $892m investment.
The tests will also increase the Department of Defense’s (DoD) understanding of supporting sensors to counter a range of threats including short-, mid-, and longe range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and hypersonic missiles. The tests are intended to advance Command and Control (C2), battle management and communications at Guam, and in theatres globally.
The US territory of Guam is a key location for US influence in the Pacific theatre, enabling US forces to respond to crises in the Indo-Pacific, and deter adversaries.
An assessment of China’s land based missile systems published in 2023 in the Journal of Policy and Strategy found that China had approximately 100 Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM), including both nuclear and conventional versions of the DF-26 missile, capable that are reaching capable of reaching Guam.
The public consolation under the National Historic Preservations Act for the missile defence trials at Guam is open electronic submissions of evidence for the period until 2 July, 2024. (Source: naval-technology.com)
04 Jun 24. Cuashub.com said today that USAF Seeks Counter-UAS Barriers for the F-15E Strike Eagle. The United States Air Force (USAF) is watching developments overseas and how small unmanned aircraft systems (s-UAS) are being utilized to target aircraft on airfields. Late last week, the Department of the Air Force, Air Combat Command released a Request for Information (RFI) for a Counter-sUAS barrier to prevent Group 1 or Group 2 sUAS from making physical contact with an F-15E Strike Eagle using commercial off-the-shelf material.
Existing shelters are Big Top Shelters with a canvas cover. The material should be flame retardant and be able to stop a 55 lb. drone traveling at 125 mph. Any space/gaps in the material or design should not exceed six inches. The weight of the material should be kept at a minimum to facilitate rapid opening/closing and able to be tightly secured in both open and closed positions.
Drawing of existing “Big Top Shelters” with a canvas cover (Image Credit- Department of the Air Force)
Original Published Date: May 29, 2024, 11:40 am EDT
Updated Response Date: June 7, 2024, 10:00 am EDT
Original Response Date: June 7, 2024, 10:00 am EDT
Please visit Request for Information: Counter Small Unmanned Aerial System Barrier on sam.gov for more information.
(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
30 May 24. GAO: USS Constellation frigate construction “at a standstill.”
The build of the first-in-class of the Constellation-class guided missile frigates could take more than seven years, from manufacturing start to delivery to the US Navy.
An excoriating report by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) has said the build of the US Navy’s first Constellation-class frigate is “at a standstill” amid continued delays of a programme that sought to provide an effective solution to the woes of its Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) forebearer.
The Constellation class will be the first guided missile frigates (FFG) operated by the US Navy since the last of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class FFGs left service in 2015, which were intended, in part, to be replaced by the twin-variant LCS progamme.
However, the LCS programme was curtailed with some vessels decommissioned after just a handful of operational years following a series of setbacks for the type. Responding to this, the US Navy returned to the FFG concept as the lead element of its Small Surface Combatant force.
According to the US Congressional Research Service the US Navy began contracting for the Constellation class in 2020, with a total of six procured through FY24.
Despite this apparent progress, the GAO report into the Constellation programme, released on 29 May 2024, stated that the US Navy “undercut” a plan to reduce programme risks through the adoption of in-service capabilities that had been “proven” on other ships.
“Due to ongoing major design challenges, construction on the first ship is at a standstill. Now, the Navy forecasts the ship will be delivered three years late,” the GAO report stated. (Source: naval-technology.com)
REST OF THE WORLD
06 Jun 24. Taiwan to Upgrade Its C-130 Hercules Fleet Amid Regional Tensions. Taiwan has announced a significant investment to modernize its fleet of C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, an initiative aimed at enhancing the capabilities of its Air Force in crucial areas such as troop and cargo transport, disaster relief, and maritime search and rescue. The upgrades, estimated to cost around 10 bn New Taiwan dollars ($309 m), are scheduled to start next year and continue through 2030.
The Taiwanese Air Force currently operates a fleet of 19 C-130 aircraft, originally purchased from the United States in the early 1980s. Despite losing one aircraft in a 1997 crash at Taipei Songshan Airport, these planes have been a mainstay for various military and humanitarian missions in Taiwan and the region. Known for their durability and versatility, the C-130s are often described as the “workhorse” of military transport, equipped to handle everything from routine cargo hauls to complex medical evacuations. (Source: Google/https://www.armyrecognition.com/)
05 Jun 24. No Tomahawks and optronics upgrades scrapped as Commonwealth approves Collins LOTE. Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy confirmed that the government has approved a life-of-type extension program for Australia’s six Collins Class submarines while scrapping a planned optronics upgrade and ruling out the deployment of Tomahawks on the boats. Making the announcement, the Commonwealth confirmed that the life-of-type extension (LOTE) will be completed by ASC in Osborne, with the sustainability and capability enhancement scheduled to begin in 2026.
However, a release from Minister Pat Conroy detailed that the Commonwealth had also scrapped a planned optronics upgrade for the systems, citing “complexity and risk” to the life-of-type program. The Commonwealth also ruled out using the optronics capability on the future SSN-AUKUS.
The government further confirmed that it would not seek to use Tomahawk cruise missiles on the Collins Class boats, suggesting that it does not represent value for money for Defence.
The announcement is not expected to impact the fitting of Tomahawk missiles on the Virginia Class submarines that Australia is projected to receive in the early 2030s, or the agreed use of Tomahawk cruise missiles on Hobart Class Destroyers. The Commonwealth maintains that it has agreed in principal to fit the Hunter Class with Tomahawks.
The HMAS Farncomb will be the first submarine to undergo the sustainment and capability enhancement, which forms part of the Commonwealth’s $4 to $5bn commitment to the Collins Class.
Minister Conroy assuaged concerns over the ageing ships, noting that they remain ready to meet Defence’s needs.
“The life-of-type extension program underscores the Albanese government’s unwavering commitment to keeping Australians safe by ensuring the ADF has the capabilities it needs to deter potential adversaries,” Minister Conroy said.
“Sustainment of the Collins Class submarines continues to meet the Navy’s operational requirements and ensures the submarines remain an enduring, potent, and credible capability that is critical to Australia’s national security.
“The sustainment and upgrade work on the Collins Class submarines give industry the certainty it needs and will provide a further boost for Australians who will benefit from the creation of highly skilled and well-paid jobs.” (Source: Defence Connect)
30 May 24. Sweden makes further push for Philippine MRF bid. Sweden has further positioned itself for the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND)’s Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) programme for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) by signing a framework agreement that will facilitate the Southeast Asian country’s access to Swedish-made defence equipment.
The Embassy of Sweden in Manila noted on its social media channel that senior officials from both countries, including Swedish Defence Material Administration head of exports and international relations Joakim Wallin and the Philippine DND’s Assistant Secretary for Logistics, Acquisition, and Self-Reliant Defense Posture Joselito B. Ramos, were involved in the signing of the Implementing Arrangement Concerning the Procurement of Defense Materiel and Equipment on 17 May.
“The logistics cooperation is part of the commitment of the two countries under the Memorandum of Understanding concerning cooperation in the acquisition of defence materiel signed by the two countries on 3 June 2023, ratified on the same day by Sweden and by the Philippines on 4 September 2023,” said the embassy post.
Sweden has been consistently promoting its Saab JAS-39 Gripen multirole combat aircraft to the Philippines, which is one of the two contenders being considered by the PAF for the MRF programme, the other being the US-made Lockheed Martin F-16V. The MRF effort seeks to acquire up to 12 new combat aircraft for the PAF with a total approved budget of 61.2bn pesos (US$1.04bn).
The DND earlier announced that the MRF project has been added into the Third Horizon of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program, which is scheduled to run from 2023 to 2027.
The MRF was intended to be part of Horizon 2 of the AFP Modernization Program between 2018 to 2022 but was delayed due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a statement in December 2022, the DND had declared that the Gripen aircraft “has been in the PAF’s shortlist” following the release of a “positive advance notice for the export of the Gripen to the Philippines” a month earlier by Sweden’s Inspectorate of Strategic Products (ISP)
Swedish media noted that the approval represents a change in attitude by the Swedish government as the appointed Export Control Council (EKR) had earlier rejected a possible export of the Gripen aircraft to the Philippines.
Saab had asserted that the Gripen’s ease of operation, requiring minimal personnel and ground support equipment for dispersed operations and inherent ability operate from small unprepared roads, makes it the suitable choice for the Philippines.
Last year, a PAF delegation led by Commanding General Lieutenant General Stephen Parreno visited the Swedish Air Force for an exchange, as well as Saab to inspect the JAS-39 and Saab 340 airborne early warning and control aircraft. (Source: AMR)
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Since 1946, Industrial Electronic Engineers, IEE, has specialized in the design, test, support and fielding of display products for use in demanding military and aerospace applications throughout the world. IEE has developed an extensive product portfolio that today includes enhanced flat panel displays, smart displays and handheld devices.
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