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UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO
14 Nov 24. British-made Typhoon jet production ‘essentially stopped’ as orders dry up. Union chief warns over ‘hammer blow’ to British aircraft industry as RAF eyes American-built jets
Workers at a British fighter jet factory have warned that production has “essentially stopped” amid fears that the Royal Air Force (RAF) will in future buy US-made aircraft instead.
The BAE Systems plant in Warton, near Preston, was until recently assembling Eurofighter Typhoon jets for Qatar following a £6bn order placed by the country seven years ago.
But with that work now winding up, and no similar orders outstanding, “essentially production has stopped for British-built Typhoon aircraft”, union chiefs have warned.
The factory, which is part of the Eurofighter consortium, still makes front fuselages for jets ordered by Germany, Spain and other countries, but these are sent abroad for final assembly of the aircraft in Europe.
At the same time, workers have been left rattled by reports that UK officials are currently leaning towards buying more F-35 stealth jets from US giant Lockheed Martin instead of ordering more Typhoons.
In a letter to MPs on the defence select committee, Steve McGuinness, a Unite executive council member, said: “As it stands, there are currently no Typhoons being final-assembled at Warton site and no orders for any future aircraft.
“Essentially production has stopped for British-built Typhoon aircraft.
“We are becoming increasingly concerned with reports that the Typhoons being retired from active RAF service are to be replaced with American-built F-35A aircraft.
“This would be a hammer blow to the British aircraft industry and potentially could end the design, manufacture and assembly of fast jets in this country, seriously damaging our sovereign capability.”
The warning comes after defence trade publication Janes reported that UK officials were “inclined to increase combat aviation forces through a follow-on buy of the Lockheed Martin F-35B rather than acquiring more Eurofighter Typhoons”.
It quoted an official who said: “We have a foot in both [the F-35 and Eurofighter] camps, and for the RAF I very much see that the F-35 is where we are looking to add combat mass.”
Publicly, ministers have remained tight-lipped about their future procurement plans while a strategic defence review rumbles on. That is not expected to conclude until the spring.
But Mr McGuiness said the Government should instead urgently “commit to ordering a squadron of 24 Typhoon jets”, adding that the UK was currently the only member of the Eurofighter consortium with no new aircraft on order.
Germany said it was ordering an additional 20 Eurofighter jets in June, adding to 38 it already has in the pipeline, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Those will be assembled by Airbus on the Continent.
Britain should follow suit to bolster its own air force and retain skills needed to develop the next-generation “Tempest” fighter, also known as the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), Mr McGuinness argued.
(Source: Daily Telegraph)
12 Nov 24. UK modernise strategic SATCOM with land and sea terminals.
Strategic Command explore possibilities in industry to update the Armed Forces’ SKYNET communications terminals on land and at sea.
Signal Regiment Reacher Large creates a Large High-Capacity data stream, which can provide the main data feed site to site globally. Credit: Crown copyright/UK Ministry of Defence.
UK Strategic Command is beginning to update its terrestrial satellite communication (SATCOM) terminals on land and at sea.
A request for information (RFI) was released calling for industry offerings in the sphere of Maritime Military SATCOM Terminals at the end of October 2024.
Less than a week later, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) revealed it is also looking to replace the current High Resilience Military Satellite Communication Land Terminals through what it calls the Next Generation Land Terminal (Strategic) project.
Crucially, these terminals act as a channel for the British military’s global communications via its most significant space asset to date: the SKYNET constellation. SKYNET 5 are the most recent generation of military satellites; although the first of the next generation SKYNET 6A satellites is scheduled for launch in 2026.
Pursuing flexibility in the electromagnetic spectrum
The government believe that as SKYNET 6 advances so should the capability of the military’s terminals.
While these stations already operate in a congested electromagnetic environment (EM) amid high vibration and shock conditions, the RFI touches on certain areas for improving Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary communications:
- Increased performance in resilient X-band frequencies;
- adoption of dual band systems (X and Ka) simultaneously;
- and duplex operation (sending and receiving data between different systems simultaneously) in left and right hand circular polarisation.
These criteria explore ways for the services to operate flexibly across the EM spectrum. Services need to use more data in the battlespace than ever before, and this means they need to be able to manage the throughput with greater ease more quickly.
Electronic warfare (EW) in the EM spectrum is a decisive mode of operations as the Russians can attest. The use of EW capabilities by invading Russian forces against Ukraine have generated significant consternation among Western military officials, according to GlobalData intelligence. The comparative lack of investment and innovation has enabled the Russian state to gain a strategic advantage over its geopolitical rivals.
Whereas, the government has not expressly stated any specific guidelines for the new land terminals under the Next Generation Land Terminal (Strategic) project. However, the MoD have announced a market day on 3 December in Wiltshire, where it will relay its requirements.
Existing terminals
The Royal Signals is responsible for the provision of all of the British Army’s tactical satellite ground terminals, providing strategic and operational SATCOM for all land-based headquarters.
Reacher is the cornerstone of British Army SATCOM with mobile terminals delivering a range of services through robust, secure communciation links. There are three variants: Large, Medium and Royal Marine terminals. Large and Medium terminals are mounted on the Mowag Duro 3 vehicle. Likewise, there is also Talon, a lightweight deployable terminal.
Meanwhile the Navy uses the X-band SCOTPatrol 0.8m maritime satellite terminals. These are said to be deployed from the service’s minesweeper vessels. (Source: army-technology.com)
12 Nov 24. NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) issues RFP for modular air defence programme. The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has released the first Request for Proposal (RfP) related to the Modular Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) project.
“The objective is to explore potential system architectures and future solutions to implement the Key User Requirements,” says the agency. “The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) is executing the Modular GBAD Concept Stage on behalf of the participating Nations. The Agency, in cooperation with industry, will explore the matching of Nations’ requirements with state of the art technology to fulfil the challenges of interoperability between individual modules for both future and legacy GBAD systems.
“This Concept Study #1 is aimed at an initial identification of Modular GBAD architecture solutions. In order to promote innovation and maximize technical and operational value, Contractors will be selected based on “best value” criteria. Companies will be invited to submit their proposals before 10 January 2025.
“After a first evaluation aiming to select up to five compliant bids, the selected Contractors will be requested to produce a set of deliverables presenting in details their proposals of Modular GBAD system architectures. Subsequently, a second evaluation will take place in order to keep two Contractors in order to further define and specify their respective architectures and thus support the Modular GBAD Concept Stage via complementary Concept Studies and technical services.
“A Bidders’ Conference will be held on 25 November 2024 at NSPA Headquarters in Capellen (Luxembourg). The purpose of this Conference is to provide interested bidders with detailed information about the project, clarify any technical aspects of the scope, and answer questions to ensure that all participants have a thorough understanding of requirements and expectations.
For more information: https://www.nspa.nato.int/news/2024/nspa-releases-first-rfp-for-modular-groundbased-air-defence-gbad- (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
11 Nov 24. Negotiations begin for UK’s small modular reactor programme. Great British Nuclear (GBN) has today started detailed negotiations with the final four shortlisted bidders into the UK’s Small Modular Reactor (SMR) programme. The four companies, GE Hitachi, Holtec, Rolls Royce SMR and Westinghouse, have been shortlisted following two rounds of assessment by GBN, the government’s expert nuclear delivery body. GBN will negotiate with all four before final tenders are submitted, with final decisions to be taken in the spring. To reach this stage, each of the four designs was subject to a robust analysis. GBN has evaluated each technology, including aspects such as safety, deliverability, and their ability to support development of a fleet of SMRs. GBN considers the designs, each of which is proceeding through the UK’s regulatory process, are viable options for development. Subject to negotiations, GBN consider any one of these designs would be fit to use in the UK nuclear programme.
GBN’s Chair, Simon Bowen said, ‘This is a significant moment for the SMR programme. Our technical experts have assessed each design in detail and are very confident these SMRs could play a key role in the UK’s future energy mix. The negotiation phase will enable us to select the absolute best technologies on the best terms for the UK.’ (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
EUROPE
14 Nov 24. Germany took step toward clearing Turkey’s Eurofighter jet buy, Turkish official says. Germany has mandated its sales authority to work on the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Turkey after initially being opposed to the move, a Turkish defence ministry source said on Thursday, but added this did not mean the process was concluded.
Last year, Ankara said it was in talks with the Eurofighter consortium members Britain and Spain to buy 40 Typhoons, though Germany objected to the idea. It has since complained of a lack of progress on the issue over Berlin’s reluctance.
Speaking at a briefing, the source said Germany had mandated its “Temporary Sales Authority” to work on the potential sale to Turkey, adding Ankara believed this will speed up the process of procuring the jets.
“Technical work is continuing regarding the procurement of the Eurofighter Typhoon jet, which can be an alternative to meet the operational needs of our Air Force,” the person said, adding the issue would be on the agenda during British Defence Minister John Healey’s visit to Ankara on Thursday. (Source: Reuters)
11 Nov 24. Sweden selects Embraer cargo plane, Brazil plans to buy more Saab fighters. Sweden has selected Embraer’s (EMBR3.SA) C-390 Millennium as its next military cargo aircraft, while Brazil intends to buy more Gripen fighter jets from Swedish defense company Saab , the European country’s government said. The letter of intent signed on Saturday comes after lengthy talks between the countries for Brazil to increase its existing Gripen orders and Sweden to tap the Embraer plane as replacement for its aging fleet of Lockheed Martin’s (LMT.N) C-130. Brazil signed a contract in 2010 with Saab to buy 36 JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets. It now plans to extend the contract by 25%, the Swedish government said. In return, Sweden has selected Embraer’s C-390 Millennium as its new military cargo aircraft and will now start the process of buying it. “Sweden carried out a very in-depth analysis, evaluated several competitors and interacted with current C-390 operators and customers. We are very happy,” Embraer’s defense head Bosco da Costa Junior told Reuters in an interview. (Source: Reuters)
08 Nov 24. Airbus reportedly wins France’s Maritime Patrol Aircraft program over Dassault. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the French Ministry of the Armed Forces has chosen Airbus Defence & Space over Dassault Aviation for its future maritime patrol aircraft (Patmar) program, according to information from La Tribune.
Supposedly, this decision has been communicated to both manufacturers, but it has yet to be publicly announced by official authorities.
The Patmar program aims to replace France’s fleet of 18 Atlantique 2 (ATL2) maritime patrol aircraft by 2030.
The Dassault-Breguet ATL2 entered service in 1992 in the Marine Nationale, though it is based on the Breguet Atlantic, an airframe developed in the 1960s. Powered by two Rolls-Royce Tyne engines, the aircraft has a maximum speed of 600 kilometers per hour and a range of over 7,300 kilometers. It can carry up to 3.5 tons of armaments, including depth charges, mines, and torpedoes, and fire MBDA AM-39 Exocet anti-ship missiles.
Two proposals were in competition for this contract: Airbus Defence & Space submitted a military variant of the A321XLR (Extra Long Range), while Dassault Aviation offered a modified version of the Falcon 10X business jet.
The A321XLR was certified in July 2024 and entered service with Iberia on November 6, 2024. The aircraft boasts an 11-hour flight endurance and offers significant payload capacity, enabling it to carry an extensive array of equipment for the French Navy’s missions once converted.
This future A321MPA was first presented at the Euronaval 2024 trade show, held in Paris between November 4 and 7, 2024. The main modification visible on the presented model was a long ammunition bay located underneath the fuselage. Thales is set to supply the sensor suite for this aircraft.
In contrast, Dassault emphasized the speed and agility of its Falcon 10X, which should enter service in 2025. The manufacturer also highlighted its experience in the domain. Militarized versions of the Falcon 10, 20 (200 Gardian), and 50 participate in surveillance and rescue missions within the French maritime territory, pilot training, and the transportation of authorities. Seven Albatros maritime surveillance and intervention aircraft based on Dassault’s Falcon 2000LXS business jet should be delivered to the French Navy in 2025.
However, it appears that ultimately the French authorities favored the A321XLR based on its superior payload capacity, which better aligns with operational needs despite its higher cost. The ministry has reportedly allocated €89 m to the program, including €8 m earmarked for 2025. (Source: Google/https://www.aerotime.aero/)
USA
14 Nov 24. DOD Releases Final Nine Awards for Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing Program. The Department of Defense today announced the remaining nine awards to bioindustrial firms under the Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing Program (DBIMP). This announcement completes the first phase of DBIMP investment at 34 total awards worth over $60m. The awardees include Amyris, based in Emeryville, California; Cauldron Molecules, based in in Australia and the United States; Checkerspot, based in Alameda, California; DSM Nutritional Products, based in Plainsboro, New Jersey; EVERY Company, based in Daly City, California; The Fynder Group, based in Chicago; Liberation Labs, based in New York City; Perfect Day, based in Berkeley, California; and Solugen, based in Houston.
The program executes the White House’s Executive Order 14081, “Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy,” aimed at bolstering America’s bioeconomic strengths while helping the Department achieve advanced defense capabilities.
“The next industrial revolution will be a biomanufacturing revolution. DoD is keenly aware of that reality,” said Heidi Shyu, Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. “DBIMP’s investment in a diverse set of companies will help transition U.S. bioindustrial manufacturing from the laboratory to a network of large-scale production facilities, able to fortify defense supply chains for critical chemicals and novel materials while positioning the U.S. bioeconomy for surging growth.”
Through these agreements, companies will receive funding to produce business and technical plans that detail construction of domestic bioindustrial manufacturing production facilities under the Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) Other Transaction Agreement (OTA), a contract vehicle awarded and overseen by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy. These proposals will be eligible to receive follow-on “build” awards providing access to up to $100 m to construct U.S.-based bioindustrial manufacturing facilities.
“The introduction of new investment and funding strategies aligned to the National Defense Industrial Strategy offers the DoD rapid access to commercial solutions for defense requirements,” said Dr. Laura Taylor-Kale, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy within the Office of the Under Secretary of
Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. “The DIBC OTA provides DoD with new paths for innovation through industry and ensures continued U.S. competitiveness.”
The department announced the first award for the DBIMP in July 2024. The final set of projects announced today are as follows:
- Amyris, based in Emeryville, California, was awarded $1.93 m to develop a plan to retrofit an existing facility that would enable cost-competitive domestic production of terpenes and related molecules for use as solvents and fuels for defense systems. The facility location is yet to be determined.
- Cauldron Molecules, based in in Australia and the United States, was awarded $1.76 m to plan a commercial-scale facility. This facility will use hyper-fermentation to produce precision-fermented products ranging from food proteins to fuels and chemicals at a lower cost than traditional production methods. The company is considering U.S.-based sites for the facility.
- Checkerspot, based in Alameda, California, was awarded $3.19 m to plan a facility that would produce lubricants free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and triglyceride oils as food ingredients. The facility location is yet to be determined.
- DSM Nutritional Products, based in Plainsboro, New Jersey, was awarded $2.07 m to plan a facility that will expand domestic production of omega-3 fatty acids for food supplies, which increasingly has been sourced from foreign producers. The facility location is yet to be determined.
- EVERY Company, based in Daly City, California, was awarded $2.0 m to plan a facility for producing performance protein products for human nutrition. These proteins have unique features such as high solubility and increased protein density that can be easily incorporated into a range of form factors – high-concentration protein gels, hot and cold beverages, and meal rations. The facility location is yet to be determined.
- The Fynder Group, based in Chicago, Illinois, was awarded $1.38 m to plan a bioproduction facility for fungi-based proteins that can be incorporated into military ready-to-eat meals. The facility location is yet to be determined.
- Liberation Labs, based in New York, New York, was awarded $1.4 m to develop plans for scaling up operations of its new facility in Richmond, Indiana. The flexible, industrial-scale infrastructure of this facility would address the growing need for precision-fermented bioproducts within the defense application areas of food, operational fitness, and fabrication.
- Perfect Day, based in Berkeley, California, was awarded $1.24 m to develop plans for a commercial facility to produce whey protein with fermentation. This biobased whey can be used to supplement military ready-to-eat meals and provide a safe source of protein for service members with dairy allergies. The facility location is yet to be determined.
- Solugen, based in Houston, Texas, was awarded $2.0 m to plan a multi-use modular facility to establish cost-effective production of dual-use precursors that cannot be sourced domestically. Production is expected to occur at the company’s Houston-based facility or new facility in Marshall, Minnesota.
About the Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing Program
Following a competitive evaluation of proposed solutions, the Department entered negotiations with more than 30 selectees for business and technical planning efforts across focus areas for defense materials: fabrication, firepower, fitness, food, and fuel. Upon completion of planning efforts, businesses are eligible to enter negotiations to proceed to the next phase of the DBIMP under the DIBC, wherein the DoD will support building bioproduction infrastructure that increases the domestic supply of critical materials. (Source: U.S. DoD)
09 Nov 24. Next-gen stealth tanker may be unaffordable, Air Force secretary fears. The Air Force worries it will be unable to afford a next-generation refueling tanker, as the service struggles with how to pay for a bow wave of modernizations. (Alexis Morris/U.S. Air Force)
Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall raised a warning flag on the service’s ability to afford a next-generation refueling tanker at a mobility conference Nov. 1.
The Air Force says that tanker — referred to as the Next-Generation Aerial Refueling System, or NGAS — is necessary to modernize the Air Force’s ability to fight a war against China, along with a sixth-generation fighter known as Next Generation Air Dominance and accompanying drone wingmen known as collaborative combat aircraft, or CCA.
But the service is facing a budget crunch — one that may place its ability to procure all three new systems in doubt, Kendall said at the Airlift/Tanker Association Symposium in Grapevine, Texas.
“Right now, given our commitments, our resources and strategic priorities, it’s hard for me to see how we can afford any combination of those new designs,” Kendall said. “What I worry about the most is the adequacy of our resources.”
The Air Force hopes to field NGAS around the mid-2030s, to provide a more defensible way to refuel fighters and other aircraft during a fight with a major adversary such as China. This would be particularly necessary in a war in the Indo-Pacific region, which would require Air Force planes to fly over vast expanses of ocean and need multiple aerial refuelings.
NGAS could have stealth capabilities, and the Air Force has considered a blended wing concept as a possible design. Kendall previously said NGAS would likely have a unique design, not based on an existing commercial aircraft.
But a wave of modernizations — including the acquisition of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber and early work on the LGM-35A Sentinel nuclear missile — is hitting the Air Force concurrently, stretching its resources extremely thin and forcing it to reconsider what is financially realistic.
Tightening budgets and high anticipated costs first threw NGAD’s future in doubt this summer. The service is now in the midst of a four-month review of its air superiority strategy that considers how to change NGAD’s design to bring its costs down, as well as how the future fighter might work in concert with other systems — namely the second iteration of CCAs and NGAS — to control the airspace in conflict zones.
Much has changed since the Pentagon laid the groundwork for NGAD a decade ago, Kendall said, including the potential threats the United States faces, technology, and how the military services plan to jointly fight a war side-by-side and with allies. Those changes are also prompting the Air Force to take another look at what the best strategy might be for a future refueling tanker. (Source: Defense News)
10 Nov 24. Funding Concerns Cloud Future of Air Force’s Next-Gen Tanker and Fighter Programs. An F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing during an aerial refueling mission, over Utah, Aug. 15, 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Clare Werner)
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At a recent mobility conference, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall raised concerns over the budget required to develop the Next-Generation Aerial Refueling System (NGAS) and other high-tech programs like the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drone wingmen.
Speaking at the Airlift/Tanker Association Symposium in Grapevine, Texas, Kendall expressed doubts about the Air Force’s ability to afford all three programs, citing tight budgets and competing modernization priorities. Kendall noted that the Air Force is in a challenging position as it attempts to finance several large-scale projects simultaneously.
The NGAD, intended to be a sixth-generation stealth fighter, cost around $300 m per airframe—over three times the cost of the F-35 fighter.
Kendall acknowledged that cost concerns are driving a review to consider reducing NGAD’s roles or potentially integrating it more with other systems, like the CCA drone wingmen, which are designed to support manned fighters in complex missions.
Kendall also admitted that funding NGAS alongside other major projects may be challenging.
The NGAS is being developed to address refueling needs in highly contested environments, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region where distances are vast. The uncrewed, potentially stealth-capable NGAS would support U.S. fighters closer to enemy territories, allowing them to operate further from traditional bases.
Lockheed Martin’s concept images for the NGAS, displayed at the conference, show a small, autonomous tanker that could blend with stealth fighters, such as the F-35, while avoiding radar detection.
The Air Force’s review of the NGAD, NGAS, and CCA programs is expected to conclude in 2024, with Kendall stating that the affordability of these systems will be a central factor in the decision. Some experts have suggested that even a proposed military budget increase would not fully address the Air Force’s needs, highlighting the difficulty of funding these advanced technologies. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)
08 Nov 24. USMC seeking dismounted C-UAS tech for urgent release. After industry demonstrations at Twentynine Palms, California, the US Marine Corps is evaluating counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) solutions from 17 companies through an urgent needs process and for an eventual programme of record, an official with the Ground Based Air Defense (GBAD) programme office told Janes in an interview on 5 November.
The selected system is anticipated to be in the hands of marines by at least the end of boreal summer 2025 but it could be as soon as a couple of months, Major Jason Dempsey, C-UAS and GBAD capabilities integration officer, told Janes. The GBAD programme office plans to have firmed up the requirements document for the programme of record at some point in 2025, he said.
A request for information released in July 2024 led to more than 60 companies submitting technology for the industry day. From that pool, 17 technologies, which ranged from enhanced optics to artificial intelligence-guided fire controls, were selected.
Some were kinetic-based solutions but most were non-kinetic detect, track, and identify solutions like jamming systems. Because an interim solution is needed quickly, marines took notice of some companies that had 50–100 systems already on the shelf, Maj Dempsey noted. (Source: Janes)
08 Nov 24. F-35 TR-3 configuration delivery is back on track after delays. Some of the hardware was not ready to implement the full Technology Refresh-3 capability, leaving Lockheed Martin with around a 90% solution. Lockheed Martin has reached about 90% of the Technology Refresh-3 (TR-3) software and hardware upgrade for the F-35 Lightning II but the prime is nearly back on track to delivering the full capability after some delays. The aerospace prime began deliveries of the first TR-3 configured F-35s on 19 July 2024. At the time, the company said it expected to produce at a rate of 156 units per year thereby delivering between 75 and 100 aircraft in the second half of 2024, primarily in the new TR-3 configuration. These expectations were stymied by supply concerns and enduring technical issues. As a result, the company released a truncated version of the TR-3 configured aircraft since August. Although, this comprises a training capability as opposed to the full capability. Now the company aims to deliver the full capability over the next 12 to 18 months, Gary North, vice president for customer requirements, Lockheed Martin, confirmed. He added that all of the prime’s hardware suppliers were late to deliver hardware systems which “exposed several things” in its supply chain including, it was noted in passing, the “Covid hangover.” These details were relayed to a gathering of global combat air specialists – many of whom operate the world’s most sophisticated fighter jet – during the International Fighter Conference, hosted by DefenceiQ, in Berlin on 6 November 2024.
F-35 modernisation issues
TR-3 provides software and primarily hardware upgrades that improves the computational power needed to support Block 4 capabilities on F-35 aircraft.
“This is the most ambitious upgrade of a fighter that’s happened in history,” the speaker noted, and it has been “harder than we expected.”
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More than 80 major upgrades come under Block 4 modernisation. The programme will improve the platform’s sophisticated sensor suite and electronic warfare capabilities, the interconnectivity, and increase capacity to carry more weapons at the same time.
Originally due to be completed in 2026 and determined to cost $10.6bn, the Block 4 programme has risen to $16.5bn and is now estimated to conclude in 2029. The US Government Accountability Office found there to be a lack of clarity with the timeline for the programme, already having voiced concern in May 2023.
Problem of sustainment looms over future conflict
The global security environment is growing more unstable. The US and its allies will soon confront adversaries in different theatres around the world before the end of the decade. As part of their new force posture for peer-on-peer conflict with Russia in Eastern Europe and China in the Indo-Pacific there is a new demand for a range of military equipment and resources.
A significant demand is placed on aircraft parts which the former commander, US Air Combat Command, General Mark Kelly, said has increased tenfold in this new era of strategic competition.
In his conference update, North pointed to Israel, a country that purchased 25 more F-35s for a new squadron in June, as an example of the growing flying times combatants face in modern conflict.
Two Israeli F-35 ‘Adirs’ fly in formation and display the U.S. and Israeli flags after receiving fuel from a Tennessee Air National Guard KC-135, 6 December 2016. Credit: DVIDS.
“Israel has been engaged in significant combat operations since the 7 October. What they’ve done on the airplane is truly amazing but I want to focus on the maintenance of the aircraft.
“They have been flying at five times their normal sortie rates [and] normal flying colors, and the average mission capable rate of those airplanes during that time period has been at 88% which shows that the global sustainability system, when properly fed, is able to keep those airline admission gateways that allows combat operations.” (Source: airforce-technology.com)
08 Nov 24. NorthStar and Modern American Recycling Services form Team to Pursue Dismantlement of Navy’s Defueled Ex-Enterprise in Mobile, AL
Leading Nuclear Industry and Ship Decommissioning Specialists Synergize for Navy’s Novel Project.
NorthStar Maritime Dismantlement Services, LLC, a subsidiary of NorthStar Group Services, Inc. (NorthStar) and Modern American Recycling and Radiological Services, LLC (MARRS), a subsidiary of Modern American Recycling Services (MARS) have formed a team to dismantle and dispose of decommissioned United States Navy nuclear aircraft carriers at the Port of Mobile, Alabama. This team matches NorthStar’s extensive experience decommissioning U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)-regulated facilities with the MARS’ ship recycling and decommissioning specialists working together at the accessible and spacious MARS Deepwater facility in Mobile.
The NorthStar/MARS team will initially compete to win the US Navy contract for dismantlement of the historic USS Enterprise, now known as the ex-Enterprise (CVN-65). The ex-Enterprise was the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, serving the U.S. Navy for over 55 years before its decommissioning in 2017. Pursuant to an August 2023 Record of Decision, the Navy announced that it would utilize a novel commercial dismantlement approach for the ex-Enterprise, with the NRC providing additional oversight of the successful contractor’s compliance with NRC standards for radiological work.
NorthStar has successfully pioneered nuclear decommissioning approaches under NRC supervision with its ongoing, on-budget, ahead-of-schedule work at the former Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station in Vernon, VT earning praise from NRC officials as the “best in the country.” NorthStar is also currently leading decommissioning work at Duke Energy’s Crystal River 3 nuclear complex, in Citrus County Florida and the GE Vallecitos Nuclear Center in Vallecitos, California, having previously completed several safe decommissionings of Department of Energy and university research reactors.
“Working with MARS, the most experienced maritime recycler in the U.S., competitively positions NorthStar for the opportunity to dismantle the ex-Enterprise,” said Scott E. State, P.E., CEO of NorthStar. “We look forward to applying our well-honed commercial industry practices to this first-of-a-kind project and look forward to a long relationship with MARS and the Mobile community.”
MARS’ skilled maritime workforce has a demonstrated capability handling major challenges in vessel salvage and recycling. MARS was a lead participant in the 2020-2021 effort to salvage and recycle the 660-foot, 34,000 metric ton car carrier MV Golden Ray following its capsizing and total loss, the largest such salvage operation in U.S. maritime history. MARS is also in the process of dismantling and recycling the 1,280-foot, 51,000 metric ton Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel Fluminense under a contract with Shell Brasil. MARS’ high-capacity Deepwater facility in Mobile, consistently recognized by the Shipbuilder’s Council of America as one of the safest shipyards in the United States, is an ideal venue to bring this experienced team’s expertise to bear on the ex-Enterprise project.
“MARS is excited to partner with NorthStar on this historic endeavor,” added Dwight “Butch” Caton Sr., CEO and President of MARS. “Together, we will ensure that the legacy of the ex-Enterprise is honored through a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible dismantling process.”
Key Highlights of the Project:
- Collaboration of Best-in-Class Companies: The NorthStar/MARS team brings together decades of expertise in nuclear decommissioning and over 50 years of maritime recycling. This partnership leverages commercial best practices from both industries to ensure a safe, timely, and cost-effective dismantling process.
- Increased Workforce and Capabilities Support Navy Requirements: The addition of the NorthStar/MARS team to the pool of Navy support contractors will free up existing Navy shipbuilders and maintainers to do what they do best.
- Environmental Responsibility: The NorthStar/MARS team is committed to the highest standards of safety and environmental protection throughout the dismantling process. The nuclear fuel was already removed from the reactors and sent to storage in 2017. All removal of other radioactive and hazardous materials will be conducted in fully-enclosed areas to eliminate any possible contact with the public or the environment. Comprehensive safety protocols and advanced recycling techniques will be employed for the responsible management and off-site disposal of all materials.
- Community Engagement: The NorthStar/MARS team will work closely with local authorities and community stakeholders to ensure transparency and address any concerns throughout the project.
- Economic Impact: The project will create jobs in the Mobile area, boosting the local economy and providing valuable opportunities for skilled workers. The presence of the Enterprise on the waterfront in the Port of Mobile is also likely to create a unique opportunity for folks to visit Mobile wanting to see this noteworthy ship one last time.
The dismantling of the ex-Enterprise is scheduled to begin following contract award in 2025 and is expected to take several years to complete.
About NorthStar
NorthStar is the leading U.S. company in large-scale facility decommissioning and demolition. Recent projects include decommissioning the Vermont Yankee and Crystal River Unit 3 nuclear power plants, large refineries, and complex urban facilities including skyscrapers. NorthStar is the world’s most comprehensive facility and infrastructure solutions company and the premier provider of environmental and technical services, known for its expertise in demolition, remediation, and emergency response. With a team of highly-skilled professionals and a commitment to innovation, NorthStar delivers comprehensive solutions that address the most challenging projects. For more information, visit www.northstar.co
About MARS
MARS, the premier ship recycling and decommissioning provider in the U.S., owns and operates 5 ship recycling facilities on the U.S. Gulf Coast and in Europe. MARS has a rich legacy of 53 years in the industry, and in 2020 MARS proudly inaugurated an EU-approved maritime recycling facility in Frederikshavn, Denmark, demonstrating ongoing commitment to sustainable practices. Specializing in the complex recycling of vessels and assets contaminated with hazardous materials, MARS leverages extensive experience and tailor-made procedures to ensure the safe and environmentally responsible recycling of these resources. For more information, visit www.modernamericanrecyclingservices.com
REST OF THE WORLD
13 Nov 24. Government, industry come together to kick-off SSN-AUKUS preparatory works. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher have announced the formalisation of a “tripartite” agreement between the Australian Submarine Agency, ASC and BAE Systems for the build of Australia’s SSN-AUKUS submarines.
This agreement follows the announcement in March of this year, where the government announced ASC and BAE Systems as the nation’s sovereign submarine partners to build Australia’s SSN-AUKUS submarines at the Osborne Naval Shipyard.
Through these arrangements, ASC and BAE Systems will:
- Develop critical plans and schedules for the mobilisation of the SSN-AUKUS build program.
- Invest in developing and growing the submarine workforce.
- Procure long lead items.
- Undertake risk-reduction activities, initially through validating infrastructure requirements, configuring production, test and evaluation processes and conducting prototyping activities.
The Deputy Prime Minister said, “Today’s announcement is another major milestone towards the construction of Australia’s SSN‑AUKUS submarines in South Australia.”
Today, these world-leading companies have entered into a collaborative mobilisation agreement which will enable planning, workforce development and procurement activities that will set the foundations for this complex, yet vital project.
“Construction of Australia’s first SSN-AUKUS submarine will commence in Australia by the end of this decade and the work to deliver this capability is already well underway. This will be a whole-of-nation undertaking, one which will provide Australia with robust and resilient supply chains that enhance our national security,” Minister Marles said.
The Albanese government’s commitment to an Australian-built nuclear-powered submarine for the Australian Defence Force will not only keep Australians safe but will also develop and expand our local industrial base and supply chains, supporting Australian jobs, businesses and infrastructure.
Finance Minister Senator Katy Gallagher expanded on the comments from the Deputy Prime Minister, saying, “This is a significant day for Australia’s shipbuilding capacity and the future of our domestic industry.
“Developing program time frames, investing in workforce development, and planning for future procurement are all critical steps towards ensuring our sovereign submarine partners can deliver the next generation of Australia’s naval defence capability,” Senator Gallagher said.
Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy added, “The enduring partnership between ASC and BAE Systems solidified today is a monumental strategic asset for Australia and one that will provide decades of certainty for our defence industrial base and financial security for thousands of workers.”
ASC and BAE Systems – and once established, the Joint Venture – will continue to work collaboratively within the wider submarine enterprise as Australia progresses towards its most historic defence capability acquisition yet.
“This agreement enables critical scopes of work, including the development of the Australian shipbuilding workforce and supply chain, and underscores the Albanese government’s commitment to a future made in Australia,” Minister Conroy said. (Source: Defence Connect)
13 Nov 24. Armscor seeking fast ferry boats for Special Forces.
A Veecraft workboat previously delivered to the SA Special Forces for use at Langebaan.
The South African Special Forces are looking to acquire two fast ferry boats, with Armscor issuing a tender for these on their behalf.
Bid EWSD/2024/111, issued on 11 October, states that 4 Special Forces Regiment requires two fast ferries, one trailer, and two cradles to transport passengers to and from the jetties at Langebaan, Flamingo and Donkergat and also to support training activities in the Langebaan lagoon.
Each vessel should not exceed ten metres in length and must be powered by two Yamaha 200 hp engines for a maximum speed of at least 30 knots when fully fuelled and loaded with two crew and eight passengers plus luggage. The fast ferries need to be able to operate in conditions up to sea state 4 and be able to get home safely on one engine in sea state 3 conditions.
The vessels must be based on a well proven existing design and feature a deep V hull as well as an extended semi-closed canopy for weather protection. The hull and canopy need to be made of glass-reinforced plastic and/or marine grade aluminium. Fuel tanks must contain at least 400 litres of fuel. Other requirements are the fitment of a searchlight and Furuno Plotter with GPS and Map View. No communications systems are required.
Bids close on 18 November.
The Special Forces has acquired other workboats in recent years, notably taking delivery of two 11 metre long workboats from Veecraft Marine in 2017 to support their activities on the Langebaan lagoon. The boats were acquired to provide support for diving operations as well as the servicing of anchor buoys. Three years later, in 2020, Veecraft delivered a 20 metre workboat, Inkanyamba, to the Special Forces. In November 2022, Veecraft Marine as well as Nautic South Africa were placed into voluntary liquidation and their assets sold off. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
13 Nov 24. BMA seeking boarding/reaction boats. Namacurra on anti-abalone poaching patrol off the Overberg.
The Border Management Authority (BMA) is looking to acquire ten boarding/reaction boats as well as trailers and launching dollies, with Armscor issuing a tender for the new vessels.
Bid ENLS/2024/103 calls for ten boats, six road transport trailers, ten launching dollies, ten cradles, and four sets of boarding equipment. It is also seeking training and documentation as well as support for 24 months.
The boats, with a length no greater than nine metres, need to be built in South Africa and adhere to South African Maritime Safety Authority and other regulations. The successful bidder needs to have build similar vessels within the last ten years and supply a boat for testing (the boats need to be based on a proven existing design).
The bid document states the boats will be deployed for coastline protection and boarding missions within the territorial zone of South Africa (up to 12 nautical miles offshore). “The only threat identified and addressed in this specification is the environmental conditions which the RB/BB will be exposed to.”
The boats will be deployed around places like Saldanha Bay, Cape Town, Mossel Bay, Gqeberha, East London, Durban, Richards Bay, Gansbaai, Coffee Bay, and Hermanus. As such, they will need to conduct operations in sea states up to 4, in day and night conditions.
Sprint speed is specified as 40 knots in sea state 2 when fully fuelled and loaded with two crew and six passengers. Endurance needs to be at least four hours, and the boats need to return home safely on one engine. Full load displacement should not exceed four tons, excluding crew.
Operational life expectancy needs to be at least 15 years, with a hull of glass reinforced plastic/composite or marine grade aluminium. Other requirements are the six passenger seats need to be removeable for additional deck space; the boats be powered by two Yamaha outboard engines; and be fitted with a searchlight, electronic chart display system, VHF radios, GPS and Furuno radar. Boarding equipment will comprise a boarding ladder and a telescoping placing pole for boarding.
Tender ENLS/2024/103 opened on 19 September, with bids closing on 18 November 2024.
BMA Commissioner Dr Mike Masiapato said earlier this year that BMA Coastal Guard units have been deployed to eight sites along the South African coastline, with an initial personnel strength of 50.
The Coast Guards have been deployed at the various maritime ports of entry (main harbours like Durban, Cape Town and Gqeberha) and are also protecting marine resources. “Coast Guards conduct maritime border law enforcement functions such as preventing and combating of human trafficking and the illegal movement of vessels,” the BMA said.
The BMA added that, “the role of the Maritime Border Guards will not clash with that of the SA Navy of border safeguarding and defending the territorial integrity of South Africa.”
The BMA has cooperation agreements in place with the South African National Defence Force, South African Police Service (SAPS) and SA Revenue Service (SARS) to strengthen the safeguarding of the country’s borders, with the SANDF responsible for monitoring vulnerable sections of the borderline.
The Border Management Authority is getting a range of new equipment for its border guards. Funding from the Criminal Asset Recovery Account (CARA) is being used to acquire “critical security and ICT equipment,” which includes unmanned aerial systems, body cameras, and speed boats, with procurement being done through Armscor. Tenders have already been issued for gloves, body armour, and other kit. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
11 Nov 24. Australia shortlists designs for A$11bn general purpose frigate contract. The two designs comprise Japan’s upgraded Mogami 30FFM and Germany’s MEKO A-200. It features a modular design that can easily adapt to meet Australian requirements and is expected to be cheaper than Japan’s initial proposed price. The latest version of the Mogami frigate is considered one of the world’s leading warship designs.
Earlier this year, RAN chief vice-admiral Mark Hammond commended Japan’s shipbuilding capacity, but many within the service prefer sticking with German-built vessels, with which Australia is already more familiar.
As part of the SEA 3000 programme, Australia plans to take delivery of its first overseas-built GPF in 2029, with the project budgeted to cost between $7bn and $11bn over the next decade.
It has been nearly 50 years since Australia last built a warship outside of its shipyards. According to defence sources, discussions are underway to potentially build six GPFs overseas. (Source: naval-technology.co
11 Nov 24. Russia adds new Felon fighters to air fleet. Russia has delivered another batch of Su-57 (NATO reporting name: Felon) fifth-generation fighter jets to the Russian Aerospace Forces, reportedly increasing the fleet by three aircraft.
This delivery is part of Russia’s ongoing efforts to enhance its advanced air capabilities amid ongoing defense challenges. The addition brings the total number of Su-57s in service to around 30 by January 2025, according to reports from Russian defense sources.
Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov previously stated, “By the end of this year, another batch of Su-57 aircraft and Su-35S fighters will be delivered. The aircraft are at different stages of production and testing.” This indicates the steady pace of production and the push to ensure both Su-57 and Su-35S fighters bolster VKS capabilities.
The newly delivered Su-57 jets feature AKU-58U launchers on external pylons, significantly broadening the aircraft’s capacity to deploy various types of Russian-made air-to-surface munitions. These include cruise missiles such as the Kh-59 series, which are not designed for release from internal weapons bays. The presence of these missiles on external pylons was previously observed during earlier test flights of the Su-57.
However, while these external munitions increase the Su-57’s tactical versatility, they also have implications for the aircraft’s stealth profile. Utilizing weapons on external pylons, like the Kh-59 cruise missiles, diminishes the low observability factor that is central to the Su-57’s stealth capability. The compromise between armament versatility and stealth highlights the operational flexibility that Russian forces are willing to balance in their current defense strategy.
The Su-57, touted by Moscow as its answer to other fifth-generation fighter jets, is equipped with a combination of advanced avionics, stealth features, and multi-role capabilities. Designed for air superiority as well as strike operations, the Su-57 is intended to counter both air and ground targets effectively, providing the Russian Air Force with a versatile platform to address diverse mission profiles. (Source: Google/https://defence-blog.com/)
09 Nov 24. Taiwan is considering buying a big package of US weapons, including the Aegis destroyer, to show the incoming administration of Donald Trump that it is serious about boosting its own defences against China. Several people familiar with the situation said Taipei would probably request the Lockheed Martin vessels and Northrop Grumman’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, an airborne radar system. It also wants more Patriot missiles and may request F-35 fighter jets, which would be controversial in Washington. “Taiwan is thinking about a package to show that they are serious,” said one former Trump administration official. “Assuming they follow through, they will go to the US national security adviser when they are named and present a very aggressive package of American hardware.” The deliberations come as countries consider how to avoid becoming a target of the new administration given the emphasis Trump has put on the need for allies to spend more on defence. Elbridge Colby, a former Pentagon official and candidate for a top job in the Pentagon or on the National Security Council, has been vocal in urging Taiwan to spend more. “Those who care about Taiwan should be super clear they need to dramatically step up. Their fate hangs in the balance,” he recently wrote on social media platform X. A senior Taiwanese national security official said there had been “informal discussions” with the Trump team about what kind of arms package would demonstrate Taiwan’s determination to invest in its own defence. “There are quite a few big platforms and other items that our armed forces have had their eyes on for a long time but have not been able to acquire, so there’s a lot to choose from,” the official said. A second Taiwanese official said Aegis would be near the top of the list. But officials and defence experts said there were other more expensive items Taiwan needs that would leave a bigger impression. “If you are talking about a wish list, this is the time to ask for F-35s,” said Su Tzu-yun, a senior official at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, the Taiwanese defence ministry’s think-tank. He added that Taiwan would probably request retired Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Perry-class frigates.
(Source: FT.com)
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