Sponsored by
https://ieeinc.com/
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO
10 Oct. 24. UK confirms single tender for New Medium Helicopter “competition.”
It was anticipated that Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and Leonardo would all tender for the NMH programme in a competitive procurement process.
only Leonardo Helicopters had submitted a tender for the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) programme, intended to deliver a fleet of around 14 platforms to replace a range of outgoing rotary wing aircraft.
Responding to a parliamentary query on 8 October 2024, Luke Pollard, Minister for the Armed Forces at the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), confirmed that neither Airbus Helicopters UK nor Lockheed Martin UK had elected to submit a tender, with the only response coming from Leonardo Helicopters UK.
“The New Medium Helicopter competition remains sensitive, and the evaluation and approval process needs to complete before further details, including aircraft numbers, can be confirmed,” Pollard said.
The prospect of a single tender submitted for the NMH, in what is supposed to be a competitive acquisition, has raised questions over the programme. Other competitive acquisitions in the naval sector, such as with the Type 31 frigate, have had to be restarted due to an insufficient number of compliant bids.
According to the UK House of Commons library, in 2021 the MoD adopted a new approach to defence procurement in the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy. This replaced the former policy of “global competition by default” with a “more flexible and nuanced approach”.
In doing so, the MoD would use competition “where appropriate” but also consider other approaches. (Source: army-technology.com)
16 Oct 24. UK Chinook flight hours down by nearly 20% in four years.
UK Chinook flight hours are down as timeline confirmed for delivery of new Extended Range models.
The UK operates a mixed fleet of CH-47 variants, and will purchase 14 new ER models in the coming years. Credit: UK MoD/Crown copyright
The annual number of flight hours conducted by the UK’s CH-47 Chinook fleet dropped by nearly 12% in 2023/24, compared to the previous 12 months, and is down by nearly one-fifth since a high of 9,734.7 hours over the 2020/21 recording period.
Released by Joint Aviation Command in early October 2024, the data reveals a gradual reduction in flight hours between 2020/21 through to 2022/23 for the UK Chinook fleet, recording 9,283.8 hours in 2021/22 and 9,055.2 hours in 2022/23, before dropping significantly to 8,027.1 for 2023/24.
According to GlobalData inventories, the UK currently operates a mixed fleet of 59 Chinooks, comprising 37 CH-47D variants, eight marinised MH-47E models, and 14 CH-47E platforms.
This equates to an annual average of 139 flight hours per helicopter during 2023/24.
Meanwhile, the UK government has stated on 8 October that 14 new build CH-47F Extended Range (ER) variants being acquired for the country’s military were estimated to be delivered between July 2024 and July 2029.
According to official figures published in December 2023, aircraft deliveries were due to start from 2027.
Would this be the case, then all 14 new CH-47ER airframes would have to be delivered over a period a little more than two years, in what would be an unusual pace for UK defence procurement.
UK Chinook acquisition treads uneasy path
The acquisition of the 14 ‘ER’ variants, which are thought likely to be used mainly for UK Special Forces operations, was confirmed in March 2024 by the previous Conservative government delays and cost growth. Negotiations with manufacturer Boeing had reduced costs by £300m ($382m at the time).
The acquisition has not been without difficulty, with more than two and a half years going by since the UK was revealed to be intent on the acquisition of 14 CH-47ER helicopters, thought to cost in the region of £1.4bn, or £100m per helicopter.
Initial calculations forecast expected costs of 14 helicopters at £1.4bn, or £100m per platform, although later estimates put the cost of acquisition at over £2bn.
In 2023 the UK agreed to defer the delivery of the helicopters due to financial concerns resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, with a three-year delay approved in order to meet future British Army capability requirements.
The ER variant has double the range of a standard Chinook and is capable of air-to-air refuelling, with the ability to carry up to 55 personnel or 10,000kg of cargo. The twin-rotor aircraft can reach speeds of up to 300km/h. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
EUROPE
17 Oct 24. Turkey working to accelerate Eurofighter jets buy, official says. Turkey has been conducting technical works aimed at accelerating its planned purchase of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, a defence ministry official said on Thursday.
Ankara said last year it was in talks with Eurofighter consortium members Britain and Spain to buy Typhoons, though Germany objected the idea. Since then, it has complained of a lack of progress on the issue over Berlin’s reluctance.
Last month, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan met German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the sidelines of United Nations general assembly. Scholz is set to meet Erdogan on Saturday in Istanbul and the jets are expected to be discussed.
“Technical level works for the procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon jets are under way. The works are aimed at accelerating the process. No conditions have been raised in these works,” the defence ministry official told reporters.
The Eurofighter Typhoon jets are built by a consortium of Germany, Britain, Italy and Spain, represented by companies Airbus (AIR.PA) BAE Systems (BAES.L) and Leonardo (LDOF.MI).
NATO member Turkey recently secured a deal to procure 40 F-16 fighter jets and 79 modernisation kits for its existing F-16s from the United States, after a long-delayed process. Ankara is also developing its own national combat aircraft KAAN. (Source: Reuters)
16 Oct 24. Cuashub.com said today that Dutch MoD to enhance air defence through CITADEL programme. The Dutch government has submitted a recommendation to Parliament, outlining plans to acquire new air defence systems as part of its comprehensive CITADEL programme. The proposal, filed on 14 October by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), seeks to enhance the Netherlands’ integrated air and missile defence capabilities by acquiring NOMADS and NASAMS systems.
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace President, Eirik Lie, highlighted the significance of the acquisition, stating:
“The Netherlands’ plans to acquire NOMADS and new NASAMS systems will significantly enhance the country’s operational capabilities. This forthcoming acquisition underscores NASAMS’ position as the world-leading medium-range air defence system, and the importance of NOMADS as an effective complement to NASAMS, offering a mobile and integrated air defence solution for NATO allies.”
The Netherlands first procured NASAMS in 2006. The proposed additions are intended to strengthen and expand the country’s ground-based air defence system. NASAMS can operate with a mix of missile types, including the AMRAAM-Extended Range and AIM-9X Sidewinder, which provide both long- and short-range coverage.
In addition to NASAMS, the CITADEL programme includes the National Manoeuvre Air Defence System (NOMADS), which offers a highly mobile air defence platform specifically designed to protect land forces in dynamic and contested environments.
NOMADS is equipped with two launch canisters containing two missiles each, a 3D radar system and a Kongsberg Protector remote weapon station. The system is fully integrated with NASAMS and NATO networks, allowing for autonomous and cooperative operations across multiple vehicles.
Kongsberg has also confirmed its intention to collaborate with Dutch industry on the project, with the delivery of these new systems expected to begin in 2028. While the company has not released further statements, the contract is anticipated to be signed later in 2024.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/dutch-mod-to-enhance-air-defence-through-citadel-programme/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
14 Oct 24. HENSOLDT has reached another milestone in the modernisation of the Norwegian ULA class. The technical planning and execution were successfully validated during a Critical Design Review (CDR) in Bergen. This paves the way for the modernisation of the submarines, which will significantly extend their operational capability. The contract, which was concluded with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) last October, is worth around €40 m.
The ULA class, originally equipped with SERO 14/15 periscopes, will now be upgraded with state-of-the-art HENSOLDT systems such as periscope and optronic mast systems. In total, the systems of a number of submarines will be renewed, which will significantly increase the operational efficiency and lifespan of the submarines. As part of the CDR, all design documents, including interface drawings were comprehensively reviewed. The systems have passed all design reviews.
“Norway is a long-standing and trusted partner, and we are delighted to have once again gained their trust in the modernisation of the ULA class”, said Tanya Altmann, Head of the Optronics & Land Solutions division at HENSOLDT. “This successful cooperation underlines our expertise in the life extension and modernisation of maritime systems.”
17 Oct 24. Smart Textiles, C2 and Radar: EDA Takes on New European Defence Fund Projects.
The European Defence Agency began implementing three new projects, ARMETISS, EC2 and TIRESYAS, that were selected under the European Defence Fund (EDF) 2022 call for proposals.
The EDF incentivises cooperation and supports the competitiveness of the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base. It aims at providing financial support to defence research and capability development. Following the signature of the Contribution Agreement by the European Commission, EDA is responsible for the indirect management of the projects.
ARMETISS
The project ‘smARt Multifunction tExtiles for integrated Soldier Systems’ has a duration of 36 months and will receive an EU grant of €20 m. Coordinated by NFM Group (Norway), the consortium encompasses a total of 20 participants from seven countries.
Market forecasts by Region, Platform, End-User, and System Element. Country Analysis, Market and Technology Overview, Opportunities and Impact Analysis, and Leading Company Profiles
Download free sample pages More information
The project will develop smart clothes and equipment for soldiers by using innovative textile technologies with smart functionalities that will enhance soldiers’ protection and improve their performance, as well as their operational capabilities during military operations.
Find more information about the ARMETISS project and the consortium here.
EC2
The project ‘European Command and Control System’ will be a continuation of the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) project ESC2. With an EU grant of roughly €30 m, the project will last 24 months. Led by Indra (Spain), the consortium encompasses 19 participants from 13 countries.
EC2 will develop a multi-domain command and control solution for the full spectrum of Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions and operations. The project will contribute to enhancing the interoperability with all government actors, ensuring a proper level of security to increase the exchange of information. It will centralise all operational capabilities by creating a single access point for command and control (C2).
Find more information about the EC2 project and the consortium here.
TIRESYAS
The project ‘Technology Innovation for Radar European SYstem ApplicationS’ will complement the project ARTURO (Advanced Radar Technologies in eUROpe) that was selected in the EDF 2021 call. The €15 m project will last 36 months. The consortium is led by Leonardo (Italy), bringing together 29 entities from 11 countries.
TIRESYAS will explore innovative technologies to enhance radar performance and sensors’ resilience, with a view to advancing towards a disruptive multi-function radar system and counteracting challenging emerging threats and hypersonic missiles.
Find more information about the TIRESYAS project and the consortium here.
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://eda.europa.eu/docs/default-source/documents/tiresyas-fiche.pdf
(Source: ASD Network)
REST OF THE WORLD
11 Oct 24. Cuashub.com said today that Indian Air Force seeks a counter to drone swarm threats. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has called on the defence industry to develop a multi-domain aerial system capable of defending sensitive installations against drone swarm attacks. This request comes as drones increasingly dominate modern warfare, with swarm drones posing a critical threat.
Drone swarms can either be remotely controlled or autonomously pre-programmed to carry out surveillance or attack missions, functioning as force multipliers. When deployed in large numbers, relatively inexpensive drones can effectively overwhelm the capacity of C-UAS defences.
In the second edition of Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on October 7, the IAF outlined its need for a counter-swarm drone system, according to Indian media sources. This system must be capable of being launched through various platforms, including individuals, vehicles, tubes, aerostats, or balloons.
The IAF’s document highlights the growing threat of long-range swarm drones to vital installations, noting that their interception requires substantial infrastructure and high per-weapon costs. Drone swarms often possess distributed intelligence, with individual drones programmed for various tasks such as communication, carrying munitions or navigation.
To counter this, the IAF is seeking an autonomous swarm drone interceptor system capable of detecting, identifying, disrupting, neutralising and destroying hostile drones. The desired system should use multiple drones to disrupt communications, create confusion with smoke or optical disruptors and employ both “soft kill” and “hard kill” methods. This could involve jamming signals, disrupting navigation, or physically destroying the swarm.
The drones must be able to loiter above installations, awaiting incoming threats, and then neutralise them using various technologies such as electromagnetic pulses, sensor disruption or kinetic methods. The system is expected to operate at altitudes of 16,000 feet or higher.
The IAF also specified that the counter-drone system must be portable, able to be transported by road, rail, ship or aircraft for rapid deployment. Additionally, it s seeking a system that is compatible with existing IAF networks, ensuring seamless integration with command and control systems, communications and identification systems for distinguishing between friendly and hostile drones.=
(Source: https://cuashub.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.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-