Sponsored by
https://ieeinc.com/
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO
26 Jul 24. Lockheed Martin Sikorsky Advances to Next Phase of Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability Program.
NATO Support and Procurement Agency Selects X2 Rotorcraft for Integrated Platform Concept Study.
The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has awarded Lockheed Martin Sikorsky a contract award to study integrated platform concepts that could fulfill NATO’s next generation rotorcraft requirements through its Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) program.
“Sikorsky is ready to design a rotorcraft prototype for NATO’s NGRC concept study to support defense and deterrence for an ever-changing global environment. Years of investment and rigorous flight testing with multiple X2 technology demonstrators have proven its ability to change the future airspace,” said Andy Adams, vice president of Sikorsky Future Vertical Lift. “Our X2 aircraft will bring to bear the strengths of Lockheed Martin along with input from our European Industry Group, such as digital thread, advanced manufacturing, sustainment, training, and weapon and mission system development, to provide NATO with an integrated rotorcraft system that combines speed, range, maneuverability, survivability and operational flexibility.”
Lockheed Martin Sikorsky’s European Industry Group includes Tier-1 aerospace suppliers, such as BAE Systems, ELT Group, ESG Elektroniksystem-und Logistik GmbH, GE Aerospace, Hellenic Aerospace Industry, Kongsberg, Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH, MAGroup, Malloy Aeronautics, SAFRAN, Rheinmetall and TERMA. This industry group will provide input as to how their world-class military products can support the X2 integrated platform concept approach to advance NATO’s capabilities and provide a next generation rotorcraft solution.
With more than $1bn invested and 15 years of testing and flying, X2 rotorcraft, Sikorsky’s X2 aircraft are demonstrating mission relevance. The S-97 RAIDER technology demonstrator’s rigorous flight test program continues to provide critical data that correlates to a virtual prototype and enables Sikorsky to experiment with the unique capabilities that an X2 Technology rotorcraft can provide.
NSPA General Manager, Ms Stacy A. Cummings, stated: “The launch of Concept Study #5 is a significant milestone for the NGRC concept stage activities, and demonstrates NSPA’s dedication to meet the challenge of next generation medium lift for Participating Nations. The strategy to launch 3 parallel contracts awarded by competition delivers on our commitment to maximise industry expertise, opportunity and engagement in the programme, and will provide a broad range of potential concepts in the study results for our multinational customers.”
The NGRC program initiative began in 2022 and includes France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, United Kingdom and Canada. The United States and Spain are currently acting as observers. Under the NGRC program, NATO is seeking to develop a medium-class, multi-role rotorcraft aimed to replace medium multi-role helicopters currently in service. NSPA, through its dedicated NGRC Support Partnership, aims to respond to this upcoming requirement, in a timely and cost-effective manner, while concurrently leveraging a broad range of recent advances in technology, production methods, and operational concepts.
26 Jul 24. Airbus, Leonardo and Sikorsky tapped for NGRC programme.
Nearly four years in the making, Nato has pursued a medium lift helicopter to succeed many partner nation’s ageing fleets.
Airbus, Leonardo and Sikorsky have each been called upon to provide a detailed concept study for Nato’s Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) on the final day (26 July) of the Farnborough International Airshow 2024.
Nearly four years in the making, the Nato Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has pursued a medium lift helicopter to succeed many partner nation’s ageing units, with many dating back to the 1960s. This soon-to-be common platform will introduce a modern airframe and more advanced propulsion technology.
Participants in the project include France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK.
This time last year Nato solicited bids in a Request for Proposal to explore possible solutions to shape the future rotorcraft requirements. In 2022, the NSPA signed a memorandum of understanding to launch the concept phase to narrow down participating members’ requirements.
In parallel, these three select contractors will provide independent perspectives on potential integrated platform concepts that can meet the NGRC challenge, aiming to identify and exploit technologies to meet operational and supportability capabilities, as well as seeking innovation in digital design, development processes, advanced materials and manufacturing.
“Our goal, together with out highly skilled partners, is to develop a European solution, a concept that would fulfill both the needs of the Nato armed forces while also guaranteeing industrial sovereignty for our European nations and maintaining key engineering competencies,” described Airbus CEO, Bruno Even.
For this study contract, Airbus is partnering with RTX’s Collins Aerospace and Raytheon businesses and MBDA for the 13 months to analyse two integrated concepts of next generation military rotorcraft.
Likewise, Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky business will work alongside its European industry group including tier-1 aerospace suppliers such as BAE Systems, ELT Group, ESG Elektroniksystem-und Logistik GmbH, GE Aerospace, Hellenic Aerospace Industry, Kongsberg, Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH, MAGroup, Malloy Aeronautics, Safran, Rheinmetall and TERMA. This group will provide input as to how Sikorsky can support the X2 integrated platform concept approach to advance Nato’s capabilities.
UK selection: NMH or NGRC?
Strangely, the UK is a participant in the NGRC programme while also pursuing its own New Medium Helicopter (NMH) programme. The distinction between the two programmes is ambiguous.
However, the UK government has already reached the invitation to negotiate phase for the NMH programme with the same contractors as those selected to provide concepts for the NGRC. This suggests that the NMH is a British segment within the wider NSPA programme.
If this is the case, then the UK Ministry of Defence may have more freedom in deciding its platform, leaving open the possibility that the NSPA choice may differ from the British NMH. Unless the British are open to acquiring the two platforms. (Source: army-technology.com)
26 Jul 24. Airbus to lead NATO NGRC concept study. The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has awarded a contract to Airbus Helicopters to lead a concept study in the frame of the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) project under which the participants combine efforts to work on design, development and delivery of a medium multi-role helicopter. Airbus is partnering with RTX’s Collins Aerospace and Raytheon businesses and MBDA for the 13 month study which will analyse two integrated concepts of next generation military rotorcraft.
“Taking part in this NATO study for the next generation of military rotorcraft offers a unique opportunity to leverage our experience working with the different European armed forces,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “Our goal, together with our highly skilled partners, is to develop a European solution, a concept that would fulfill both the needs of the NATO armed forces while also guaranteeing industrial sovereignty for our European nations and maintaining key engineering competencies,” he added. “This project will be fully interoperable with other NATO means. With our experience in both civil and military helicopter design, we are convinced that we have the right cost effective, high performance, and operationally efficient solutions at Airbus Helicopters for the next generation of military rotorcraft.”
NSPA General Manager, Ms Stacy A. Cummings, said: “The launch of Concept Study #5 is a significant milestone for the NGRC concept stage activities, and demonstrates NSPA’s dedication to meet the challenge of next generation medium lift for participating nations. The strategy to launch 3 parallel contracts awarded by competition delivers on our commitment to maximise industry expertise, opportunity and engagement in the programme, and will provide a broad range of potential concepts in the study results for our multinational customers.”
France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland and Italy are involved in the project via the different partner companies. Each partner will contribute to the study in its area of expertise: helicopter design, systems integration, connectivity, weapons and effectors, avionics and sensors. The study will focus on high performance rotorcraft. The concepts will be modular and multi-mission, and fully interoperable with NATO standards. with a high degree of connectivity and resilient communication system.
More than 140 armed forces worldwide place their trust in Airbus’ helicopters, making Airbus one of the world’s largest suppliers of advanced military rotorcraft. Its broad range of helicopters comprises dual platforms (like the combat proven H225M and the H145M) and specialised military helicopters like the Tiger and the NH90. Airbus also offers a broad range of unmanned systems and is developing the potential provided by manned-unmanned teaming. Airbus has a strong track record in federating European and global players to deliver ambitious projects such as the Next Generation Rotorcraft.
The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) is NATO’s lead organisation for multinational acquisition, support and sustainment in all domains. NSPA is headquartered in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, with main operational centres in France, Hungary and Italy. The Agency employs over 1,500 staff and oversees more than 500 contractors worldwide.
EUROPE
26 Jul 24. Naval Group’s Netherlands submarine deal upheld amid TKMS objections. TKMS’s legal challenge aimed to either compel the Ministry to repeat part of the procurement process with amendments, or to conduct further investigations before making a new award decision.
Despite facing strong objections from competitor Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), Naval Group has successfully retained the contract to build four Barracuda-class submarines for the Netherlands Ministry of Defence.
In a legal battle that could have disrupted the major defence contract, the District Court of The Hague ruled on 24 July, 2024, that the Ministry of Defence’s decision to award the construction of four submarines to Naval Group would stand.
The ruling came despite objections from rival bidder Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), which had sought to overturn the decision.
The Ministry of Defence had originally organised a competitive procurement procedure, allowing three candidates to submit offers for the submarine construction project. After assessment, the Ministry awarded the contract to Naval Group.
Following this, TKMS initiated summary proceedings, arguing that its own bid had been unjustly invalidated and that the offers from Naval Group and Saab Kockums AB, the other competitor, should not have been deemed valid.
TKMS’s legal challenge aimed to either compel the Ministry to repeat part of the procurement process with amendments, or to conduct further investigations before making a new award decision. However, the interim relief judge found that the State had valid reasons for declaring TKMS’s registration invalid and dismissed the claims that Naval Group’s offer had procedural flaws.
The court’s decision was made after a closed-door hearing on 26 June, 2024, due to the sensitive nature of the information involved.
The third leading supplier of submarines in Europe will be the Naval Group, which is set to hold a 21.9% share of the European market over 2023–33, according to GlobalData’s “The Global Submarine Market 2023-2033” report.
This ruling is a victory for the Naval Group, solidifying its role as a player in Europe’s naval defence industry.
However, Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) still has a role to play in European naval defence. In 2021, TKMS was awarded a €5.5bn ($6bn) contract to build six Type 212 Common Design (CD) submarines, two for Germany and four for Norway. Deliveries to Norway are expected to start in 2029, with Germany expected in 2032 and 2034.
The project, crucial for the modernisation of the Ministry of Defence’s naval capabilities, can now proceed without further legal hindrances, ensuring that the timeline for the delivery of the submarines remains on track. (Source: naval-technology.com)
USA
01 Aug 24. Air Force sees spike in overseas weapon sales. The U.S. Air Force expects its annual foreign military sales to grow by 60% this fiscal year due largely to increases in F-35 and F-16 purchases.
Air Force Foreign Military Sales officials told reporters Tuesday at the Life Cycle Industry Days conference in Dayton, Ohio, that the service anticipates booking more than $46bn in weapon sales in fiscal 2024, up from $28.7bn in fiscal 2023.
Two F-16 Fighting Falcons arrived in Slovakia in Monday under a deal with the United States.
Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Geraghty, director of the Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate, or AFSAC, said the demand is largely tied to a growing sense of global instability, which is driving U.S. allies to bolster their defense arsenals.
“Business is booming,” Geraghty said. “Our partners recognize that it’s a dangerous world once again.”
Some of the larger deals this year include a sale of up to 40 F-16s to Turkey and modernization kits for another 79 fighters in its existing fleet — a package worth up to $23bn that has been years in the making. The purchase was approved after several lawmakers tried to block it out of concerns about human rights violations and the potential negative strategic implications of providing jets to Turkey.
The Senate in February voted firmly against the attempt to squash the sale.
Greece was also approved by the State Department in January to buy up to 40 F-35s and associated equipment for up to $8.6bn. The country signed off on an initial $3.8bn contract in July for the first 20 of those aircraft with options for up to 40.
Geraghty noted that despite the flurry of new activity in his office, there hasn’t been a corresponding increase in manpower to support that work. But efforts in recent years within the Air Force and the Defense Department more broadly to make the foreign military sales process more efficient has helped the office manage that demand.
Last June, the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency, or DSCA, made six recommendations to reform the foreign military sales process. Among those was a push to streamline the review and release of technology to international partners and a call for more collaboration between the State Department, Congress and other government agencies to reduce barriers.
Much of the responsibility for implementing those reforms lies outside of the military services and within DSCA. AFSAC is focused on improving the parts of its process that it has control over, and according to Deputy Director Shawn Lyman, the office has been able to speed up its processing times in some cases.
“Even with the increase in demand, we’ve been able to accelerate portions of our process that we control and we’re able to go faster,” he said.
(Source: Google/Defense News)
29 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that USAF Seeking Counter-UAS Tech for Fall 2024 Demonstration. North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) seek vendor information about new Counter-UAS tech for a Fall 2024 demonstration hosted by NORAD and USNORTHCOM. Candidate systems should be capable of detecting, tracking, identifying, and/or defeating Group 1 and Group 2 small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) as defined in Joint Publication 3-30, Joint Air Operations, dated July 25, 2019, and revised on September 17, 2021.
NORAD and USNORTHCOM are conducting a field capability experiment, FALCON PEAK 2025 (FP25), to discover new technologies, enhance collaboration, and provide developers with immediate feedback to accelerate the maturation of innovative capabilities with DoD-wide applicability that enable operations within the homeland. This C-sUAS experiment will focus on systems capable of detecting, tracking, identifying, and/or defeating sUAS threats in a military installation scenario in accordance with continental United States statutes, directives, policies, and strategies. The capabilities and characteristics of selected systems will be showcased during FP25. The results will inform decision-makers of emerging solutions that may enhance or enable operations.
Interested vendors are invited to submit white papers addressing the following points, detailed in the RFI attachment:
Need and Problem Statement: Explain why the technology is necessary and the specific problem it addresses.
Innovation and Advancements: Describe what is new or advanced in your approach and why it will achieve FP25 goals.
Technology Maturity: Outline your technology’s current maturity and what is needed to advance it to the next level (e.g., R&D funding, procurement).
Performance and Details: Provide anticipated performance metrics and relevant details about your technology.
The information gathered through this RFI may inform future government decisions regarding C-sUAS technologies. Respondents may be considered for further engagement, including a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA). However, submitting a response to this RFI does not guarantee selection for a CRADA or any other form of contract or agreement.
Original Published Date: Jul 22, 2024, 05:06 pm MDT
Original Response Date: Aug 04, 2024, 05:00 pm MDT
Please visit Sources Sought for Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) Technologies on sam.gov for additional information.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/usaf-seeking-counter-uas-tech-for-fall-2024-demonstration/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-87Eylb5ENElIR2x7A5bqznQxlGnIVah4yfFl3yjfy9z4FQ5Rnl_eadT2HRjGEl-s_WniFxVDJTbipwUnUWs7HlvpVZ_XI2sjK5CEk97-LHLmu1-VQ&_hsmi=317729178&utm_content=317729178&utm_source=hs_email(Source: C-UAS Hub)
29 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that DoS Issues Second Request for Digital Drone Forensics Tools. The United States Embassy in Mexico has issued a second Request for Quotation (RFQ) for tools to support digital drone forensics investigations. The U.S. Department of State’s (DoS) Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) aims to assist Mexico’s Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA) by providing the necessary equipment and software following training conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The Grupo de Respuesta a Emergencias will utilize the forensics tools.
Mexican cartels are infamous for using drones for various illicit activities, including weaponizing them, conducting surveillance on rival cartels, military, law enforcement, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and transporting drugs across the U.S.-Mexican border.
Original Published Date: Jul 22, 2024, 09:09 am CST
Original Date Offers Due: Aug 05, 2024, 04:00 pm CST
For more information, please visit Counter UAV UAS – V2 on sam.gov.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/dos-issues-second-request-for-digital-drone-forensics-tools/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-93UHmY-F-qU374Lc2ZAwyfzGT9sWFEEsDUBzdTqXGswa7wAdru3_hyzXBaKpQLJEupNuZPcLgtTrknTFVgVvlSjcqAkcFEBic8hsAl1Of15lb5bTA&_hsmi=317729178&utm_content=317729178&utm_source=hs_email (Source: C-UAS Hub)
29 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that U.S. Air Force Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems RFI. The United States Air Force (USAF) is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to enhance its understanding of market capabilities and identify qualified vendors for Counter Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) services. These services include integration, development, purchasing, fielding, training, and sustaining C-sUAS systems capable of detecting, tracking, identifying, and defeating sUAS globally. Responses to this RFI will inform the USAF’s acquisition strategy and identify businesses capable of providing effective C-sUAS support.
The USAF’s C-sUAS mission focuses on defending critical assets from various threats, including personnel, bases, flight lines, storage areas, and equipment in transit. Given the widespread use of UAS technologies for recreational and military purposes, the USAF is responsible for safeguarding these assets from diverse threats.
These threats are classified into Groups 1-3 UAS, which vary significantly in capability. The characteristics for Group 1-3 UAS are as follows:
Size: Less than 1,320 lbs
Speed: Less than 250 knots
Operating Altitude: Below Flight Line 180 or below 3,500 ft AGL
The threats posed by these UAS range from commercial or hobbyist drones to military-grade systems, creating a constantly evolving challenge. The operators and their intentions can also vary widely, from commercial hobbyists interested in DoD activities to malicious actors aiming to harm personnel, gather intelligence, or destroy military assets.
The USAF is tasked with protecting a broad spectrum of assets from a wide and ever-evolving threat landscape.
Original Published Date: Jul 24, 2024, 01:11 pm EDT
Original Response Date: Aug 23, 2024, 10:00 am EDT
Please visit Request for Information U.S. Air Force Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems on sam.gov for more information.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/u-s-air-force-counter-small-unmanned-aircraft-systems-rfi/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_DFIyUAsvOOmJc4KLfTASYfEs_4xdW23ii-GNFeN-BcFNj5LQthC_NUzjKOhjYlPzDXs6t_hcvxP9yWy1m8gA3rB1-3SSssBGRAPeJTmTo-umpAww&_hsmi=317729178&utm_content=317729178&utm_source=hs_email(Source: C-UAS Hub)
25 Jul 24. DOD event challenges industry to down largest drone swarms to date. The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and the Threat Systems Management Office operate a swarm of 40 drones to test capability in 2019. The office in charge of countering drones upped the ante this summer, pitting industry teams against swarms of 50 drones at a time. (Army)
The joint office established to find solutions to countering air drone systems sought to challenge industry with large barrages of drone attacks during a demonstration in the Arizona desert last month.
“Although I can’t discuss at this time, the actual results of the demo, what I can say is the selected vendors did show increased maturity and awareness of the threat environment that U.S. allies are facing,” Col. Michael Parent, chief of the Joint Counter-small unmanned aircraft systems Office’s acquisition and resources division, told reporters in a recent briefing. “It was a very successful demonstration informing the U.S. and our allies what capabilities exist out there in a very challenging profile.”
The proliferation of drones on the battlefield is rising. For example, Ukraine is losing 10,000 per month while defending itself from Russian invaders, according to the Royal United Services Institute think tank. Flooding the battlefield with a large number of drones, especially those able to fly in a coordinated fashion, is a threat the U.S. military is still trying to address.
The joint office, also known as JCO, and the U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office, or RCCTO, chose eight industry teams and evaluated nine systems during a capability evaluation at Yuma Proving Ground over the month of June.
Whittled down from nearly 60 proposals, the eight companies chosen to bring systems were Clear Align; Trakka USA Defense; Ideas, Commitment, Results (ICR), Inc.; ELTA North America; Teledyne FLIR; Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC); Advanced Technology Systems Corporation (ATSC) and Anduril Industries.
Both non-kinetic and kinetic solutions were evaluated along with multi-mission radars, electro-optical/infrared cameras, radio frequency scanners and jammers, guided rockets, interceptor drones and small arms weapon systems, according to Parent.
The demonstration “was the most challenging demonstration to date at this point,” Parent said, with up to 50 air drone targets at a time, operated by a third party, coming from all directions and converging on a defended area. Drones in the swarms included rotary and fixed-wing aircraft — fast moving jets and slow-moving propeller-driven frames — and ranged from Group 1 drones weighing less than 20 pounds to Group 3 drones weighing less than 1,300 pounds.
Test scenarios were not shared with industry teams before the demonstration.
“The challenge of the profiles really meant that no one characteristic, no one capability, whether kinetic or non-kinetic, in itself could really defeat this kind of a profile,” Parent said. “So what we saw was that you really do need a full system-of-systems approach, a layered approach.”
The demonstration is the fifth of its kind. The Pentagon created the joint office in late 2019 and selected the Army to lead the organization. It is entirely focused on bringing counter-small drone capability into the force. The office’s first demonstration took place in the spring of 2021 and the second took place in the fall, followed by another in the spring of 2022, and then another in the summer of 2023.
In the first demonstration, the office looked at low-collateral interceptors to counter small drones; in the second demonstration, it examined cheap, ground-launched and hand-held capabilities; and in the third, it evaluated high-power microwaves as well as the concept known as counter-UAS as a service.
To address the challenging threat of one-way attack drones prominently seen in Ukraine over the past year, the office most recently tackled how to defeat them in a June demonstration at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona.
As the demonstrations have evolved, Parent said he is seeing industry come with increasingly mature approaches.
“The vendors being selected in the demonstrations are having a better understanding of the threat that they must defeat, their command and control is better and you have a better understanding of what is required to operate in the environment,” Parent said. “We are seeing a much better capability from the vendors in actual solutions themselves as well.”
The solutions all showed better tracking, identification and defeat capabilities, he added.
Now the JCO is in the process of analyzing the data from the demonstration in order to inform individual vendors on performance and progress, according to Parent.
The JCO may determine more investment is required for a solution and could either choose to fund that effort or encourage industry teams to continue their own internal investment to reduce system risk, Parent said.
The services or combatant commanders could also choose to embark on a prototyping effort for a particular solution like the U.S. Army did, for example, with its Epirus-developed Leonidas High Power Microwave counter-drone solution, Parent noted.
Some solutions could be chosen for immediate acquisition, he added, because a solution showed enough maturity to address current or future threats.
The JCO is planning another demonstration between the second and third quarter of fiscal 2025. Additional details on the demonstration will be released within the fourth quarter of FY24. (Source: Defense News)
27 Jul 24. JCO seeks C-sUAS capabilities for contested electromagnetic environments. The Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) Office (JCO) is seeking information from industry to inform its next demonstration, in or around March 2025. Industry’s responses to the Request for Information will enable the JCO to refine the requirements of the demonstration and better understand availability of technology to target proper dates to execute the demonstration.
The JCO is interested to understand industry’s C-sUAS capabilities that can operate in a contested electromagnetic environment. The JCO intends to focus the FY25 Demonstration 6 within two topic areas:
- Group 3 short range defeat: Systems used to detect, track, identify, and defeat (DTID) Group 3 UAS within 2km slant range from the C-sUAS platform. The JCO is specifically interested in small arms munitions at or below 40mm and kinetic interceptor effectors.
- Groups 1 and 2 dismounted DTID: Systems used by dismounted forces to detect, track, identify, and/or defeat Group 1-2 UAS. This includes handheld weapons, personal weapon affixable systems such as enhanced optics and warfighter wearable systems.
The C-sUAS capabilities that meet the description above must be able to successfully operate in a contested electromagnetic environment within the frequency ranges of 30 MHz – 20,000 MHz. Ultimately, the sensor systems must effectively operate while being actively interfered with or targeted by adversary jamming systems or experiencing other electromagnetic interference. The sensor systems must then accurately cue effector systems that are impacted by the contested electromagnetic environment. Finally, the effector systems then must effectively defeat, deny, or degrade threat UAS within this contested environment.
The RFI notes that methods to enable system resiliency and successful operation within a contested electromagnetic environment may include but are not limited to the following: incorporating low probability of detect, low probability of intercept, adaptive beamforming, frequency hop, and other means to manoeuvre across the EMS.
The C-sUAS platforms must have the ability to understand they are being impacted within the EMS and autonomously manoeuvre elsewhere within the EMS or enact other resiliency measures to enable functionality, continued operation, and successful mission performance.
Written responses from small and large companies are invited by August 6, 2024. For more information: JCO contract opportunity on SAM.gov (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
REST OF THE WORLD
01 Aug 24. Deputy PM backs ‘heart of surface combatant fleet’ Hunter Class despite price tag. Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has defended the alleged $4bn price tag of each future Hunter Class frigate.
The Minister for Defence, speaking during a press conference at RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory, declared the ships as the “heart of Australia’s surface combatant fleet” and “quietest frigate in the world”.
“The Hunter Class frigates are going to be as capable a frigate as exists in the world today. Hunter Class frigates will be the quietest frigate that exists in the world today. And we are very excited about what Hunter will add to our surface fleet,” he said during the press conference
“It will really be at the heart of our surface combatant fleet. Given, in a sense, what this announcement today is about is an acknowledgement of the vastness of our ocean approaches, of the areas that we need to surveil, of the task at hand for our Defence Force, in terms of surveilling and going after the assets of any adversary at sea, Hunter is right at the forefront of that as well. So, we are really looking forward to Hunter.
“And Hunter has had its issues, but it is very much back on track. And we are looking forward to the implementation of Hunter into our surface fleet.”
Earlier this week, Greens spokesperson for Defence Senator David Shoebridge said the incoming Hunter Class frigates, at $4bn each, would be one of the most expensive ships ever built.
“The Hunter frigate program is turning into a black hole for the Labor government to pour billions of dollars into,” he said.
“The Albanese Labor government has now had multiple opportunities to course correct but they have doubled down on failure.
“If we look at countries like South Korea, they are manufacturing bigger and better-equipped ships for a fraction of the price.
“This is not about investing in defence, it’s about rewarding failure by politicians who repeatedly prove themselves incapable of holding Defence to account.
“The Greens referred this program to the NACC because it showed clear signs of corruption, but this whole program also shows a complete disregard for the public interest, value for money and what is in the best interests of the defence of Australia.
“Over the next decade, the Albanese government has planned for nearly three-quarters of a trillion dollars to be spent on Defence. If that spending looks like the Hunter frigates program, we will blow endless bns of dollars and end the decade far less safe.”
A public statement from the Greens alleges that the federal government had handed over a further $11bn to build the steel hulls for three Hunter Class frigates.
The initial $2.25bn contract was for just the design and “productisation” of the Hunter Class frigate; however, it was amended without tender this month and jumped to nearly $15bn. It is understood that the additional $11bn provided by the government is just for the hulls of three ships, not including any weapons, radar or other essential equipment, according to the Greens. (Source: Defence Connect)
01 Aug 24. The Brazilian Army General Staff (EME) makes public that it will carry out Public Consultation No. 02/2024 – EME, in the period from August 1 to November 1, 2024, which aims to survey the national and international markets regarding the supply capacity of Armored Combat Vehicles for Riflemen and Armored Combat Vehicles Combat Tanks, through the Army Strategic Program Armored Forces (Prg EE F Bld) and, also, carry out price research. (Source: Paulo Dominonni via LinkedIn)
01 Aug 24. Korea Aerospace Industries Expands Collaboration with Army to Advance Unmanned Aerial Technology.
On July 24, Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Military Drone Operations Command to enhance collaboration in various fields including manned-unmanned teaming, drones, AAVs (Advanced Aerial Vehicles), and next-generation unmanned aerial vehicles.
The signing ceremony saw the attendance of key representatives from both organizations, including KAI’s Senior Vice President, Lee Sang-jae, and Commander Kim Yong-dae of the Drone Operations Command.
With this agreement, KAI and the Drone Operations Command aim to foster increased civil-military exchanges to advance technology in the field of manned and unmanned aerial systems. They have committed to supporting each other in this endeavor.
KAI plans to continuously expand information sharing to develop Manned Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) technologies. The Drone Operations Command is expected to provide valuable proposals and support, especially in the drone and advanced aerial vehicle sectors.
Both organizations will host joint seminars, collaborate on R&D projects, and expand their interactions to further develop drone and advanced aircraft capabilities while solidifying strategic cooperation for the advancement of weapon system technologies.
Currently, KAI is working on developing the MUM-T system, which integrates helicopters with airborne-launched drones, and the Next-generation Air Combat System (NACS) that connects fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, and satellites.
Expected to be a game-changer on future battlefields, manned-unmanned teaming can maximize combat effectiveness with fewer personnel and reduced operational costs.
KAI, having successfully developed the Songgolmae, the nation’s first corps-level reconnaissance UAV, is now working on the next-generation corps-level UAV Block-II, which is capable of performing a variety of missions including land and maritime surveillance, electronic warfare, and communication relay based on long-endurance capabilities.
In addition, KAI is researching and developing small multifunctional unmanned aerial vehicles that can perform surveillance, communication relay, and attack missions.
Lee Sang-jae, Senior Vice President at KAI’s Customer Support Center, remarked,
“We have accumulated extensive operational experience from the research and production of various weapon systems such as the Surion, LAH helicopter, KF-21 fighter jet, space/satellite projects, and the Songgolmae UAV. Based on this experience, we will further develop unmanned platform technologies to establish the foundation for next-generation air combat systems that incorporate manned-unmanned teaming.”
Photo: The signing ceremony saw the attendance of key representatives from both organizations, including KAI’s Senior Vice President, Lee Sang-jae (Third from the left), and Commander Kim Yong-dae (Third from the right) of the Drone Operations Command. / Courtesy of KAI
(Source: UAS VISION/Korea IT Times)
30 Jul 24. Indonesian Navy forms task force to bring home frigates from Italy. According to information published by Kompas on July 29, 2024, Rear Admiral Sumarji Bimoaji has been given a special assignment as the Commander of the Task Force for the Acquisition of a FREMM Frigate. This assignment is related to the purchase of a new frigate from Italy.
The Indonesian Ministry of Defense has procured two units of Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura (PPA) or Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) from the Italian shipyard Fincantieri. These OPVs can also function as frigates similar to the FREMM (Frigate European Multi-Mission).
Under the agreed contract, the first vessel is scheduled for delivery in October 2024, with the second ship expected to arrive in April 2025. Bimoaji’s specific task involves overseeing the arrival of both ships.
He will be liaising with Fincantieri and the Italian Navy to facilitate the ships’ transfer from Italy to Indonesia. His duties are related to the acquisition and transportation of these vessels from Italy to Indonesia.
Earlier this year, Bimoaji commanded the Task Force for the Port Visit to Egypt, which included the Indonesian Navy Ship KRI dr Radjiman Wedyodiningrat-992.
This mission delivered humanitarian aid to victims affected by the conflict in Gaza in March. KRI dr Radjiman successfully navigated the conflict-prone Red Sea, following the route Jakarta-Belawan-El Arish-Jeddah-Batam-Jakarta.
The humanitarian aid mission included 242 tons of logistics, consisting of food, medicine, blankets, and clothing for adults and children. KRI dr Radjiman carried 214 personnel, including special forces units from the Indonesian Navy such as the Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion (Taifib), Frogman Command (Kopaska), and Jala Mangkara Detachment. (Source: News Now/https://www.armyrecognition.com/)
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
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.
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————