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UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO
18 Jul 24. DASA calls for novel innovations in new fast paced competition.
DASA has launched a new £2 m Themed Competition seeking fast paced proposals over four key challenge areas called Innovation in Support of Operations
- DASA has launched a new Themed Competition: Innovation in Support of Operations
- Funded by the Ministry of Defence
- Up to £2m (excluding VAT) funding available for novel ideas
- Three competition cycles closing on 10 September, 22 October and 3 December
The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is pleased to launch a new Themed Competition called Innovation in Support of Operations. Run on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, this competition seeks fast paced scalable proposals across four key challenge areas.
Background: Can you make a real world difference, fast and at scale?
The UK Government is continually assessing lessons from world events. From these lessons, we seek to rapidly adopt solutions that enhance our military and economic advantage. This competition intends to identify nearly ready solutions and techniques that can be accelerated into scalable and deliverable effect faster than our adversaries.
This rapid, multiple cycle competition will run for three cycles, open continuously from 18 July until 3 December 2024.
Competition key information
- Cycle 1 close – 12:00 Midday on 10 September 2024 (BST)
- Cycle 2 close – 12:00 Midday on 22 October 2024 (BST)
- Cycle 3 close- 12:00 Midday on 3 December 2024 (GMT)
- Total funding available for all successful bids in this competition is £2 m (excluding VAT)
- Funded proposals are expected to be in the range of £50,000 to £200,000
- A number of proposals may be funded
Competition Challenges
Challenge 1: Novel and enhanced scale complex manufacture of materiel
We are looking for new ways to:
- improve the capability and performance of materiel
- increase volume of materiel
- reduce the cost or extend the life of materiel
Challenge 2: Autonomous system navigation and applique options
We are seeking ways to make legacy ground vehicles operate with basic autonomy. We are also seeking new UAS navigation solutions that can interface with industry standard architecture.
Challenge 3: Wide-area sense and detect
We are looking for reduced cost, low probability of intercept, wide-area sense and detect including (but not limited to) air search (including passive) and the function of 3D counter-battery radar.
Challenge 4: Innovative solutions for minefield breaching
We are seeking innovative methods to effect a breach of conventional, deep, extensive and heavily protected minefields quickly, cheaply, and with sufficient regard for personnel protection.
For in depth details of the Competition Challenges, please read the full Competition Document.
Technology Readiness Levels (TRL)
For this competition we are seeking technology output and demonstration at technology readiness level (TRL) 6 as a minimum no later than three months from the contract start date.
If you think you have an innovation that meets the scope and timeline for one of the Competition Challenges, why not read the full Competition Document and submit a proposal?
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/innovation-in-support-of-operations (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
16 Jul 24. A boost for small businesses: Defence Innovation Loans are open for applications. Aimed at SMEs, DASA’s Defence Innovation Loans are designed to bridge the gap between product development and commercialisation.
The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) supported by Innovate UK Loans Ltd (Innovate UK) are working together to offer Defence Innovation Loans. This service provides an opportunity for single small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with solutions to Defence themed problems to apply for a Defence Innovation Loan of between £100,000 and £1m with a below market interest rate of 7.4% per annum. This loan can be used to cover up to 100% of eligible project costs to aid the commercialisation of the solution.
Interested in a loan to boost your small business? Read the competition document here.
Defence Innovation Loans were first introduced in June 2021 as a mechanism to help smaller organisations “build the business behind the innovation”. Since then, 8 companies have successfully secured a total of £6 m. Nearly all of these companies have gone on to secure further private investment worth a total of £16.9m, creating 54 new jobs in defence innovation across the UK.
VRAI secured a DASA Innovation Loan to help commercialise their data capture and analysis technology. The technology, tested with the RAF, enabled trainers to assess and develop individualised training programmes for trainee pilots.
Niall Campion, Founder of VRAI said: “Without DASA funding it would have been impossible for us to bring this product into the UK defence supply chain. By providing working capital while we demonstrate the value of the product in the defence industry, the Defence Innovation Loan will help us grow our business and deliver measurable improvements to training across defence and other simulation markets.”
QUICKBLOCK, which develops lightweight, rapid assembly building blocks for force protection secured a Defence Innovation Loan, which amongst other things, has helped them to move their supplier base to Yorkshire, bolstering their supply chain and avoiding the recent shipping disruption in the Red Sea.
QUICKBLOCK CEO, Andrew Vincent said: “We are incredibly grateful for the support from DASA. The project rapidly accelerated the development of our product for the Defence market and allowed us access to end-users that we would otherwise not have had.”
Silicon Microgravity are using their Defence Innovation Loan to further develop their underground detection technology ready for trials in 2024. They are also using the money to help commercialise their product for security, border control, defence and civil engineering markets.
Francis Neill, CEO of Silicon Microgravity said: “DASA have been absolutely fundamental in helping to get Silicon Microgravity to the stage where we will shortly be commercialising what is becoming recognised as world-leading technology in gravity sensing and inertial navigation.”
Eligibility
To take on a Defence Innovation Loan for a project you must:
- be a UK registered SME
- intend to exploit the results in the UK or overseas to make a significant and positive impact on the UK economy and / or productivity
- give evidence that your business is suitable to take on a loan
- Only SMEs are eligible to apply for Defence Innovation Loans; individuals, academic institutions, research organisations and large companies are not eligible. Only single businesses can receive innovation loans, so joint applications with other organisations cannot be funded in this competition (subcontractors are allowed, see further details at the link below).
Innovations must be fairly mature at TRL 6 and above to ensure that the solution can be commercialised within the time scale of the innovation loan. Applications must clearly evidence a Defence need for the innovative solution.
Find out more about the eligibility criteria, read the full competition document.
When can I apply?
Defence Innovation Loans run in cycles throughout the year; the current cycle is open from 16 July 2024 to 10 September 2024. Future cycle dates, and more information on how to apply can be found here.: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/competition-defence-innovation-loans. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
EUROPE
16 Jul 24. Romania sees initial contract to buy F-35 fighter jets, defence ministry says. Romania expects to sign a government-to-government agreement with the United States to purchase latest-generation F-35 fighter jets as early as this fall, the defence ministry said on Tuesday.
The European Union and NATO member said in September it planned to buy 32 F-35s from U.S. manufacturer Lockheed Martin (LMT.N) for $6.5 bn.
The outline deal includes logistics and training services, flight simulators and ammunition, along with the jets.
Defence Minister Angel Tilvar has said the first planes would not be delivered before 2030.
In the meantime, Romania has bought 32 second-hand F-16 fighter jets from Norway, to add to 17 acquired from Portugal since 2016.
Romania, a NATO member since 2004, shares a 650-km (400-mile) border with Ukraine and has had Russian drone fragments stray into its territory repeatedly as Moscow attacks Ukrainian ports just across the Danube River border. In June, Romania said it would donate a Patriot system to Ukraine, part of a delivery of five such systems and other strategic air defence units pledged by NATO states to Kyiv as it battles Russia’s 28-month-old invasion. (Source: Reuters)
12 Jul 24. Italy Air Force eyes new tanker competition after dropping Boeing buy.
Italy is mulling a competition to find a new tanker aircraft after suspending plans to buy six new Boeing KC-46 tankers, sources have told Defense News.
The competition, which could be held this year, will likely see the Airbus A330 MRTT tanker in contention to replace the Italian Air Force’s four Boeing 767-based tanker aircraft which entered service from 2011.
Should the Airbus aircraft be picked, it would mark an important shift for Italy after relying on Boeing tankers for over a decade.
In 2021 Italy announced plans to upgrade its B-767 tankers and purchase two more, but the following year Rome changed tack, opting instead to buy six new KC-46 aircraft, aligning itself with the United States, which has acquired the more modern aircraft.
Italy’s plans all changed last month, however, when defense planners issued a document stating the €1.1 bn ($1.2 bn), six-aircraft KC-46 purchase had been halted “due to changed and unforeseen needs.”
No further explanation was given, although the decision could be linked to issues over the cost and promised delivery time of the new aircraft, Defense News has learned.
The KC-46 has been plagued by problems including a troublesome Remote Vision System, aimed at giving boom operators a view of refueling operations. The delivery of a replacement dubbed the RVS 2.0 is set to slip to 2026, the U.S. Air Force said in March.
Italy’s suspension of its purchase has prompted plans for a possible competition “to be held within months” said a source who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not permitted to speak on the record.
Officials have not ruled out a KC-46 buy, but want to see what else is on the market, the source added.
The most likely alternative is the Airbus A330 MRTT, which has been acquired by France, Spain and the U.K.
The Italian Air Force is meanwhile planning to spend €7.5bn on 24 new Eurofighter jets to replace 26 older versions due of service in 2028.
(Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense News)
12 Jul 24. Slovenia picks howitzers, air defense systems and armored vehicles. Slovenia is advancing plans to buy new artillery systems, air defense systems and armored vehicles, with French and Finnish defense groups expected to play a major role in the country’s acquisition plans, the Slovenian Ministry of Defence has announced.
On July 12, the Slovenian and French defense leaders signed a letter of intent under which the nation will take part in the European joint procurement of truck-mounted Caesar 155 mm self-propelled howitzers, made by KNDS, and Mistral air defense systems. The Mistral is manufactured by MBDA, a France-based defense group owned by Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo.
“The signing of the letter of intent will initiate all the necessary procedures at the Ministry of Defence for the eventual procurement and introduction of entirely new weapon systems into the Slovenian Armed Forces,” a Slovenian government statement reads.
Ljubljana aims to secure funds from the European Union to finance “the construction of joint military capabilities” together with other member states, according to the statement.
On July 10, while he was taking part in the NATO Summit in Washington, Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob made another key declaration, announcing that his government plans to purchase new Patria AMV XP eight-wheel-drive vehicles for the armed forces.
“According to the prime minister, the contract could be finalized by the end of this year,” the defense ministry said in a statement.
The terms of the planned contract have not been officially announced. However, local broadcaster 24UR reported that Ljubljana is aiming to acquire 106 vehicles for some €695 m ($757 m).
The development came less than two years after Slovenia’s Cabinet decided to cancel a contract to buy 45 Boxer armored vehicles with related equipment and services. The deal was awarded by the previous Cabinet to the intergovernmental Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR).
The decision to scrap the acquisition was based on the findings of an internal audit commissioned by then-Defense Minister Marjan Šarec. The vehicle’s selected specification did not include all of the gear required by the ministry in the Boxer’s price tag, according to the internal audit’s findings. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense News)
12 Jul 24. France to stand up new Rafale wing, squadron. The French Air and Space Force is to stand up a new wing and squadron as part of a wider build-up of its Dassault Rafale combat aircraft fleet.
The reactivation of the 5th Fighter Wing (FW) and Fighter Squadron 1/5 ‘Vendée’ at Orange-Caritat Air Base (known as 115 ‘Captain de Seynes’) in southern France will take place on 18 July.
“The 5th FW will carry out conventional missions of the [French] Air and Space Force, including the permanent air security posture [and] air policing,” the service said on 12 July.
To this end, EUR175m (USD191m) has been invested in the base, some 50 km north of Marseille. When complete by 2030, the facility will house 2,100 personnel. The French Air and Space Force said 20 Rafale jets would be assigned to the new wing and squadron, with a further new squadron arriving after 2030.
In accordance with the Military Programming Law (LPM), the French Air and Space Force is continuing to ramp up its fleet of Rafale fighter aircraft in tandem with the drawdown of its Dassault Mirage 2000C fleet.
This activation follows the withdrawal of the Mirage 2000Cs from Orange-Caritat Air Base, and the mothballing of Fighter Squadron 2/5 ‘Ile-de-France’ in the summer of 2022. (Source: Janes)
12 Jul 24. Bulgaria classifies interim fighter plan. Bulgaria has now declared classified its previously publicised plan to procure an interim fighter to bridge the gap between its soon-to-be-retired MiG-29 ‘Fulcrum’ and soon-to-be-received Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block 70 combat aircraft.
Having hitherto responded to questions from Janes on its interim fighter plan that was first disclosed in 2022, the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence (MoD) said on 11 July that it would no longer do so.
“I am informing you that the requested information you want is defined as classified. In this regard we will not send it to you,” the MoD said in response to a request for an update on the plan that was supposed to have seen an interim fighter in service with the Bulgarian Air Force (BuAF) in late 2023.
The MoD said in October 2022 that it had received offers for the supply of interim combat aircraft as it struggled to maintain the airworthiness of its MiG-29s at the same time as managing a delay to the arrival of its F-16 Block 70s.
At that time, information had been received from France and Sweden on the Saab Gripen and Dassault Mirage 2000 respectively, with Israel and the United States expected to provide information on early model F-16s.
The MoD said at the time that, upon completion of the agreed lease period, the selected aircraft could be returned or purchased and retained in Bulgarian service. (Source: Janes)
USA
17 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that USMC Seeking Information on Dismounted Counter-UAS Solutions. With the proliferation of UAS threats on the modern battlefield, Marines must maintain awareness of friendly UAS and be capable of self-defense against hostile UAS. Every unit, down to the individual Marine, is vulnerable to surveillance and potentially dangerous attacks from threat sUAS, regardless of their geographic location on the battlefield. Marines need effective self-defense capabilities against these threats to ensure freedom of movement. This need has been demonstrated through numerous Department of Defense (DoD) experiments, training exercises, and real-world operations.
The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to gather potential solutions from the industry for Dismounted Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (Counter-UAS) systems, enabling every Marine to defend against Groups 1 and 2 small UAS (sUAS) threats. Vendors must submit white papers detailing capabilities that meet the specified requirements. Mature capabilities that fulfill these requirements may be invited to an Industry Day in September 2024 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, for live target demonstrations. This RFI aims to identify potential solutions for an urgent emerging requirement.
The requirements may include training, integration, testing, production, and maintenance support. This RFI is market research per FAR Part 10, not a Request for Proposal (RFP). In support of Program Executive Officer Land Systems (PEO LS), the USMC is issuing this RFI to determine which vendors can provide the described support.
Squad-level solutions need to be carried by dismounted Marines with little to no impact on their primary mission. Platoon-level solutions may be transported in light tactical vehicles, assembled without the use of material handling equipment, and operated on battery power.
Original Published Date: Jul 15, 2024, 08:28 am EDT
Original Response Date: Aug 02, 2024, 05:00 pm EDT
https://cuashub.com/en/content/usmc-seeking-information-on-dismounted-counter-uas-solutions/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
16 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that Upcoming CORE- AI to Detect, Categorize or Identify UAS Threats. Following the success of the previous three CORE events, the UK National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will host another event from Monday, October 7th, to Friday, October 11th, 2024. This event will focus on using AI to detect, categorize, or identify UAS threats.
CORE is a collaborative environment for companies with C-UAS technologies at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 and above to experiment, research, and develop their capabilities. It provides a community-driven approach to research and development, enabling C-UAS companies to collaborate, engage in two-way communication with the UK Government and international partners, and access the expertise of NPSA and the Cross-Government Science & Technology community.
The October CORE event will be open to technologies utilizing AI to detect, categorize, or identify threats posed by UAS. This includes but is not limited to, the use of AI for:
– Initial detection in congested spectrum environments
– Improved classification (differentiating UAS from non-UAS and further detailing)
– Automatic threat intent assessment
– Achieving superior outcomes compared to traditional fusion, correlation, and tracking algorithms and techniques
Companies interested in this opportunity should visit the Capability Optimisation Research Environment (CORE)- Expression of Interest website. The expression of interest form must be completed and submitted by Friday, August 9th, 2024.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/upcoming-core-ai-to-detect-categorize-or-identify-uas-threats/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8YDfBAbJohp5U-1poF7wZf7e8z3oUFjv0jyX2BPGGysXdVtjXMHIbaJHZ3Ti1GdKpZVyojPXQY-rf-J2-vx-M9wT5uZrmP4a_xgCJxjyWvuZvZJcE&_hsmi=315979602&utm_content=315979602&utm_source=hs_email(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
16 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that U.S. Army Releases Directed Energy RFI. The Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) is seeking High-Energy Laser (HEL)-based weapon solutions from the industry for integration into common Army Air and Missile Defense (AMD) networks. The goal is to demonstrate a capability to defeat Groups 1-3 UAS threats utilizing an engage-on-the-short-halt capable platform. The proposed HEL solution should include the USG-defined Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA) weapon system design considerations, allowing greater flexibility for U.S. Soldiers to employ, operate, and maintain the system.
Laser weapon systems will be critical components within the Army’s formations as their lethality, interoperability, and sustainability improve over the next decade. Rapid and scalable production of these systems necessitates collaboration among industry partners. The RCCTO aims to work with industry to accelerate the development and field testing of a producible and sustainable laser weapon system. This system is designed to meet the Army’s counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) battalion force protection requirements by integrating seamlessly into the Army’s AMD architecture, specifically to deliver lethal effects against Groups 1-3 UAS.
Following the RCCTO Other Transaction Authority (OTA) prototype award under Title 10 USC 4022 in early FY25, the selected vendors’ laser weapon systems will undergo an accelerated United States Government (USG) field test program to ensure they are safe and operationally suitable.
After successfully completing the development and demonstration phase, RCCTO will select a prime contractor for production in FY26. The program plans to transition to the Program Executive Office Missiles and Space (PEO MS) for production, with consideration for utilizing the Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) Rapid Fielding approach to produce up to 20 laser weapon systems. These units will leverage available hardware and software open-interface standards to maximize lethality, interoperability, sustainability, and producibility.
Original Published Date: Jul 10, 2024, 11:16 am CDT
Original Response Date: Aug 07, 2024, 05:00 pm CDT
For more information, please visit Broad Agency Announcement- Special Topic, Enduring Directed Energy, on sam.gov.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/us-army-releases-directed-energy-rfi/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–HdxKyyp_Q3K6TI8g9YtCuijwz3Z_GDenrB0quLyLwXN_GuyqpBB_WFNzC757aA2A3fecnyfHn-021OVzIQR6WRjhwW7ZQ2N-KbNcJk1PYr5r0gW8&_hsmi=315979602&utm_content=315979602&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
15 Jul 24. RTX unit Pratt & Whitney completes preliminary design review of engine upgrade. RTX Corp’s (RTX.N) Pratt & Whitney said on Monday it has completed the preliminary design review for an engine upgrade to increase durability and performance in all three variants of the F-35 fighter jet.
The F-35 jet is manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) accounting for about 27% of the company’s sales.
RTX received full funding from the U.S. government in March for its F135 engine core upgrade (ECU), which will modernize the F-35’s propulsion system.
“Upgrading the F-35’s propulsion system to ECU is a critical step toward ensuring the F-35 remains the world’s premier air dominance fighter,” Pratt & Whitney said.
The U.S. government had cleared Pratt & Whitney in February, allowing the company to resume deliveries of its F-135 engine for the F-35 fighter jet, after a halt was put in place in December following the discovery of a safety concern.
In May, the Department of Defense also resumed accepting F-35 jet deliveries from Lockheed Martin, after a brief halt starting late March due to a dispute over who would cover the costs related to fixing a production error discovered in 2017 that had caused corrosion. (Source: Reuters)
11 Jul 24. AFSOC seeks industry feedback for ‘Swarm Carrier’ drone.
The Swarm Carrier would be one of three drone types that Air Force Special Operations Command expects will strengthen a budding initiative to incorporate more autonomous systems in missions. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) is seeking industry feedback for a “Swarm Carrier” uncrewed aircraft system capable of launching from a C-130 and deploying drones of it own, according to a new notice published Wednesday.
AFSOC eventually plans to seek input on drones in sizes between Group 2 and Group 3, Pentagon parlance for small- to mid-size UAS. One drone would be a Group 2 intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) drone, which could be internally carried and launched by the Group 3 “Swarm Carrier.” The Swarm Carrier itself should be capable of launching as a palletized effect from a C-130. And a separate Group 3 drone would be “signature managed” — denoting stealth qualities that could hide it from detection — and deployed from a Group 5 UAS, the largest drone class, to act as a command node for a swarm and relay data back from a contested or denied environment.
According to the document, a request for information (RFI) will follow for each of the other drone concepts besides the Swarm Carrier. The command wants industry to move relatively quickly: The RFI seeks systems that could be fielded within two-to-three years, which could then be upgraded through a modular open systems architecture approach.
Visit Honeywell Aerospace website to learn more.
The market research bolsters a concept in the works by AFSOC known as Adaptive Airborne Enterprise, or A2E, that has motivated tasks like a single crew controlling multiple MQ-9 Reapers. AFSOC officials have also previously discussed plans to outfit platforms like the Reaper, a Group 5 UAS, with the ability to launch several smaller drones.
A document included in the market research [PDF] describes the A2E concept as extending the reach of special operators, who could send drones into contested and denied environments with kinetic, non-kinetic, and sensing capabilities. “A2E systems and payloads will operate overtly or covertly as mission dictates, with the ability to provide low-cost, expendable mass and attritable platforms while also providing high-fidelity targeting information and required effects for the Joint Force,” the document says.
AFSOC is looking to cast “the widest possible net” in its search for viable vendors, including “non-traditional performers and innovators with relevant capabilities and technologies.” Especially in the UAS space, small and mid-size companies have recently beat out big defense primes in contests like the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program and a test vehicle project led by the Air Force and Defense Innovation Unit.
Like with CCA, the RFI says that vendors who lose out in initial bids could get other chances in the future. Responses are due by August 9.
(Source: Breaking Defense.com)
15 Jul 24. US Army seeks directed energy C-UAS solution against groups 1-3 UAS platforms. The US Army’s W6J1 RCCTO BELVOIR office is seeking industry white paper responses to its requirement for an enduring directed energy weapon requirement. Deadline for responses is August 7.
“Laser weapon systems will be critical enablers within the Army’s formation as the lethality, interoperability, and sustainability of these systems advance over the next decade,” says the tender document. “The ability to produce laser weapon systems rapidly and repeatedly at scale requires industry partners to work together. RCCTO’s objective is to collaborate with industry to expedite the development and field testing of a producible and sustainable laser weapon system. This system will be designed to meet the Army’s C-UAS Battalion force protection requirements by seamlessly integrating into the Army’s Air and Missile Defense (AMD) architecture, specifically to deliver lethal effects against Groups 1-3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
“Following the RCCTO Other Transaction Authority (OTA) prototype award, under Title 10 USC 4022 in early FY25, selected vendors’ laser weapon systems will undergo an expedited United States Government (USG) field test program to demonstrate that they are safe and suitable for operational use.
“RCCTO will select a prime contractor in FY26 for production following the successful completion of the development and demonstration effort. The program intends to transition to Program Executive Office Missiles and Space (PEO MS) for production and is considering using Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) Rapid Fielding to produce up to 20 laser weapon systems. These production units will maximize available hardware and software open-interface standards to maximize lethality, interoperability, sustainability, and producibility requirements.
“The rapid increase in the availability and sophistication of UAS represents a significant challenge to U.S. strategic objectives. Adversary capabilities are progressing exponentially, and the USG is challenged with increasing our ability to efficiently assess and mitigate nefarious UAS threats.
“The imminent emerging threat to U.S. Soldiers comes from Groups 1-3 UAS platforms that provide the enemy with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and attack capabilities; either through delivery of submunitions or via one-way kamikaze attacks. These Group 1-3 UAS threat systems are well suited to conduct tactical and operational level missions, can be launched from forward operating positions without the use of conventional runways, and are difficult to detect and destroy due to their low-flying altitude and small size. To maintain overmatch on the battlefield, continued modernization through use of emerging technologies is required to increase detection, range, lethality, reliability, and survivability in Multi-domain Operations (MDO).
To aid in this fight, RCCTO is seeking High Energy Laser (HEL)-based weapon solutions from industry for integration into common Army AMD networks to demonstrate a capability to defeat Groups 1-3 UAS threats utilizing an engage-on-the-short-halt capable platform. The proposed HEL solution should include the USG defined Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA) weapon system design considerations, allowing greater flexibility for U.S. Soldiers to employ, operate, and maintain the system.
“The U.S. Army objective is to produce a HEL weapon system capable of fixed site defense (“palletized”) and/or integration onto an existing Army Platform, such as a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). White paper submissions shall include how you would approach designing, integrating, building, and delivering a HEL C-UAS weapon system in a cooperative manner with the government stakeholders. The USG will provide the Army’s Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) Interface Control Documents (ICD), Army owned platform interface specifications, such as JLTV, including onboard sensors and radios, the Integrated Recording Appliance (IRA) design reference ICD, and the Navy Joint Laser Deconfliction Safety System (JLDSS) as Government Furnished Information (GFI) upon contract award. The systems must be ready for a sensor and laser lethality characterization test in 1QFY25, a lab demo in 2QFY25, an integrated system field test in 3QFY25, and a Soldier Touch Point (STP) event in 1QFY26.”
For more information
https://sam.gov/opp/f01b5e2152e946f1887d09cd41f37ba0/view
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
12 Jul 24. US Army eyeing new multifunction precision radar. US Army officials are looking to fast-track the development of a new multifunction precision radar (MFPR) system to support the ground service’s ongoing development of its Hypervelocity Gun Weapon System (HGWS), according to a recent industry solicitation.
The request for information (RFI), issued by the army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) on 8 July, is calling for industry details on “technical skills, facilities, tooling, and personnel” required for the development of an MFPR prototype.
The information provided by industry via the request for proposals (RFP) must also demonstrate a company’s ability to develop two functional MFPR prototypes for operational demonstration by fiscal year (FY) 2027, the solicitation stated. Based on the responses to the RFP, army officials anticipate issuing a development contract for the radar prototypes no later than August, it added.
Any viable MFPR prototype system, according to army officials, must be able to receive and transmit data across “an operational band that is available or could be available” for US Department of Defense (DoD) use, the RFI said.
The prototype must also be capable of providing “radar track data and support projectiles in flight” while also providing “long-range, high-precision, and maximized angular coverage for search detection, identification, and tracking of threats”, army officials said in the solicitation.
In terms of target and threat tracking capability, industry offerings for the MFPR programme must be capable of seeking, detecting, and tracking air and missile threats while distinguishing between “friendly projectiles” and valid threats, the RFI stated. (Source: Janes)
REST OF THE WORLD
16 Jul 24. Motshekga pushing for SANDF equipment upgrades.
Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga wants the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to have upgraded prime mission equipment and is engaging with National Treasury in this regard.
This was one of the key points Motshekga made during her maiden defence and military veterans budget vote in Parliament on Monday 15 July.
“It is common knowledge that the SANDF needs to upgrade its prime mission equipment. We are robustly engaging with the National Treasury on a common way to meet the Defence Force’s medium-term Capital budget, including the vital repair and maintenance of critical Prime Mission Equipment and the exploitation of evolving technologies,” she said in her speech.
Out of the R51.8bn budgeted for the 2024/25 financial year, R500m has been dedicated for the procurement of protective personnel vehicles and technology for border safeguarding; and R441m has been allocated for the repair and maintenance of Naval Defence Systems to enhance maritime patrols.
“Initiatives must also be embarked upon to reposition some aspects of the defence industry as a foundation for a different and better future. In terms of the Soldier-First principle, our soldiers must be better off. The need for practical solutions has now become operationally urgent, including the need to adjust appropriately to the changing nature of the battlefield, with an enhanced focus on imminent technologies,” Motshekga said.
“There is an increasing requirement for the rapid modification or application of commercial technologies for military-use; which implies a reconceptualisation of the role that Armscor plays in Research and Technology Development,” the minister added.
Money has also been allocated for facilities upgrades, with R2.6bn for obligations to Department of Public Works and Infrastructure for lease payments, assessment rates, refurbishment, maintenance and repairs and municipal services, which the Department of Defence is managing on its own. R300 m has also been allocated for day-to-day maintenance and emergency repairs for our facilities by the Department of Defence.
“In this, the 30th anniversary both of the fully democratic South Africa and of the South African National Defence Force, it is important to ensure that we have a fully functioning, modern and capable Defence Force more now than at any other time in the last three decades. The threats we face, both internally and externally are manifest. As I alluded to in my preamble, the world we live in is vastly different to the one that our founding fathers bequeathed us in 1994. Our expectations of what we need the SANDF to do have risen exponentially and accordingly,” Motshekga said.
Motshekga told Parliament the Department of Defence was bringing plans and proposals that need its support. One of these is a review of certain key chapters of the Defence Review 2015. “I am reliably informed that during discussions by my predecessor with the Commander-in-Chief in January this year, the Department is hard at work finalising this task. In all of this, we have agreed with the Military Command upon a soldier-first principle in this work. This will also include a Military Strategy and an Interim Force Design aligned to government funding and objectives. I will be engaging with Cabinet and the parliamentary defence committees on this work.” (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
15 Jul 24. U.S. Army Could ‘Transfer’ Retired A-10 Warthogs to Another Country (Not Ukraine). The U.S. Air Force has begun retiring its fleet of Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, known for their close air support (CAS) capabilities. Some lawmakers are considering transferring the retiring A-10s to the Royal Jordanian Air Force, as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Summary and Key Points: The U.S. Air Force has begun retiring its fleet of Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, known for their close air support (CAS) capabilities. Some lawmakers are considering transferring the retiring A-10s to the Royal Jordanian Air Force, as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
-The A-10 could aid Jordan in its counter-drug operations and potential future conflicts against ISIS.
-While there has been speculation about other countries, including Ukraine, South Korea, and Colombia, showing interest in the A-10, Jordan is currently the primary focus for the potential transfer.
U.S. Considers Transferring Retired A-10 Warthogs to Jordan
The United States Air Force has begun the retirement of its fleet of Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II close air support (CAS) aircraft; even as some supporters of the ground attack fighter believe it still has a place on the modern battlefield. Earlier this year, there were even calls for the Cold War aircraft – affectionately known as the “Warthog” by its pilots and maintainers – would be well-suited to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
However, lawmakers on the United States Senate Committee on Armed Services apparently have another U.S. ally in mind. According to a report from TheAviationist, committee members have directed Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III to “explore the possibility of transferring” the A-10s now being retired to the Royal Jordanian Air Force.
The Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) bill, which was released earlier this month, outlined a proposed transfer of the CAS aircraft to the Middle Eastern nation.
“The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to report to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives, not later than February 1, 2025, on the feasibility and advisability of transferring retiring A-10 aircraft to Jordan. The report should include an analysis of Jordan’s ability to maintain the aircraft on their own,” the Senate Armed Services Committee’s report (page 385) stated.
The A-10 could be well-suited to the ongoing counter-drug campaign that the Jordanian military is currently engaged in, which has included airstrikes on possible near the Syrian border. The Middle Eastern kingdom also played a major role in fighting ISIS over the past decade and could be called to do so again. The A-10 would be a platform ideally suited to such campaigns.
While there has been repeated speculation that a foreign buyer was interested in the A-10 Thunderbolts II, it is unclear if that nation was, in fact, Jordan. The U.S. Air Force had previously discussed a plan to supply Colombia with a squadron of A-10s to also counter drug cartels, but it never moved forward.
Likewise, there has been speculation that South Korea could have an interest in the CAS aircraft, likely to serve as a deterrent to North Korea, which is known to have a massive tank force.
A-10: Could Be Ideal for Ukraine
Aviation experts have suggested that the A-10 could be the perfect aircraft for the Ukrainian Air Force, as it was designed to survive even after heavy damage, and can operate from austere airfields, while the Ukrainian Air Force already operates the similar (but far less capable) Sukhoi Su-25 (NATO reporting name Frogfoots), a slow-flying ground attack aircraft that has been employed to strike Russian tanks.
Moreover, the A-10 could be supported by other aircraft – such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon – to accomplish its mission, which could be to strike columns of enemy tanks. Even this year, the Kremlin has continued to send its armor in columns down narrow roads, and experts say that the Warthog would be ideally suited to making attack runs to counter the Russian armor.
Combat Proven
Over the past two decades, the A-10 has been deployed to subsequent operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya.
Supporters of the Warhog have noted that it offers excellent maneuverability at low airspeeds and altitude while maintaining a highly accurate weapons-delivery platform. The A-10 Thunderbolt II is noted for being able to loiter near battle areas for extended periods, while operating under 1,000-foot ceilings (303.3 meters) with 1.5-mile (2.4 kilometers) visibility.
Originally designed for CAS by Fairchild Republic, the first A-10 model could carry bombs and rockets on 11 pylons and featured a 30mm GAU-8/A rotary cannon protruding from the nose of the aircraft.
The end of the line is coming for the A-10 – at least with U.S. Air Force service – but perhaps it will continue to operate with another foreign power for years or decades to come. (Source: News Now/https://nationalinterest.org)
15 Jul 24. Thai air force makes Gripen E recommendation. The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has selected Saab’s Gripen E to meet a requirement for a squadron of new fighter aircraft, the RTAF has confirmed to Janes. An RTAF spokesperson said on 14 July that a recommendation to procure the Gripen E was recently submitted to the Thai government.
“The procurement is in process [but is] dependent on the government,” the spokesperson said. The spokesperson added that the programme would progress following Thai government assessments and budgetary approvals. Saab declined to comment on the RTAF selection.
In recent months the RTAF has been evaluating the Gripen E and Lockheed Martin’s F-16 Fighting Falcon Block 70/72 to meet a requirement to replace F-16A/B aircraft operated by the RTAF’s 102 Squadron, Wing 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima province.
According to the RTAF’s White Paper published in February, the “fighter replacement project” runs from 2025 to 2034 and features the acquisition of 12–14 aircraft including related weapon systems and ground support equipment and training.
However, budgetary constraints are likely to mean the RTAF will seek to procure an initial batch of four aircraft, estimated to cost about THB19 bn (USD539 m), with additional airframes procured later this decade.
The Thai government has proposed a THB200.3 bn defence budget for 2024–25, a 1% increase over 2023–24. However, full approvals for the budget are not expected before September. Thailand’s financial year starts in October. (Source: Janes)
14 Jul 24. Malaysia awaiting Kuwait agreement for Hornet procurement. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin is hoping that Kuwait will consider a request to sell its F/A-18C/D ‘legacy’ Hornet strike fighters to the Malaysian Armed Forces.
He said Malaysia is interested in the acquisition and it has hedl discussions with Kuwait as well as deployed a technical team to assess the aircraft in June.
“We are in the process and hope the Kuwaiti government will consider our request. We have not submitted it formally, but they are aware because we have sent our team to evaluate the aircraft.
“We found that it is suitable for our use.
“It aligns with our plans to have air force assets capable of supporting operations and addressing the challenges we face within our country today,” he said after officiating the Parit Umno division meeting here today.
In June, a technical team from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) visited Kuwait to discuss matters related to the procurement.
The New Straits Times had quoted an expert on Friday, who backed the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) plan to acquire F/A-18C/D Hornets from its Kuwaiti counterpart by saying the country is in “dire need” of the strike fighters.
National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM) defence and security expert Professor Dr Mohd Mizan Mohammad Aslam said the US-made F/A-18 Hornets would boost the RMAF’s capabilities.
He said this was especially important in the South China Sea, where greater militarisation was taking place.
Mizan said Malaysian could not only rely on the 18 Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) FA-50M fighter lead-in trainers from South Korea, which have not been delivered.
Malaysia recently purchased the FA-50Ms to replace the RMAF’s fleet of BAE Hawk 208/108 light fighters and lead-in fighter trainers, though concerns remain over the replacement for the Russian-made Mikoyan MiG-29N Fulcrums, which were retired seven years ago.
Plans to replace the MiG-29Ns, optimised for the air defence role, were reportedly put on hold due to budgetary constraints, leaving the RMAF with eight F/A-18D Hornets, and 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKMs in its MRCA fleet.
Meanwhile, Khaled also said there are ongoing plans to acquire new assets, such as helicopters, depending on the nation’s financial situation.
“The Finance Ministry is considering these matters.
“With the region becoming increasingly dynamic and conflicts on the rise, Malaysia needs to ensure its preparedness with assets.
“… and also our forces, so we can maintain peace and sovereignty. Not for attack but to safeguard our sovereignty and national defense,” he said.
He was addressing inquiries regarding RMAF’s previous decision to lease Leonardo AW 139 helicopters to replace the decommissioned Sikorsky S-61 Nuri and to reduce dependence on the EC 725AP models. (Source: Google/https://www.nst.com.)
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