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UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO
21 Nov 24. DASA Announces Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Defence Innovation. DASA appoints IoT Tribe to deliver business acceleration services supporting NATO’s DIANA initiative and UK defence innovation, boosting defence capabilities.
The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) has today announced the appointment of IoT Tribe as its delivery partner for business acceleration services, operating from DASA’s London hub.
IoT Tribe will lead a group of specialist organisations, operating under the name ‘Janus’, reflecting the dual-use nature of technologies that will advance both defence and commercial applications. Janus will work alongside DASA to offer a UK defence Accelerator, strengthening the UK’s position within NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) initiative.
Anita Friend, Head of DASA, said: “We are excited to work with IoT Tribe and their partners who are bringing world-class expertise to deliver the UK’s Accelerator as part of our commitment to NATO DIANA. At the same time this collaborative partnership will deliver new services for DASA and represents a significant step in supporting our innovators in pulling through innovative solutions to our most pressing defence and security challenges.”
Tanya Suarez, CEO of IoT Tribe, said: “We have brought together technology acceleration, investment, and defence sector knowledge to deliver a best-in-class accelerator for both NATO DIANA and DASA and we’re committed to helping innovative companies navigate the complex journey from concept to defence-ready solutions.”
IoT Tribe will work with three specialist partners to form the Janus Consortium:
- Atmos VC: A deeptech investor managing £1 bn in investments
- The SETsquared Partnership: The UK’s top-ranked start-up hub and third in Europe
- Arrow: A £30bn electronics firm specialising in defence and security supply chains
DIANA, NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic, is a ground-breaking initiative that connects defence personnel, innovative start-ups and industry across the Alliance to solve critical defence and security challenges. It provides a platform for innovators to develop, scale and test dual-use emerging technologies that address both military requirements and civilian applications.
The Janus Consortium will enhance DASA’s capabilities by supporting companies working on pressing defence and security challenges, helping them grow into robust suppliers for the defence sector. This approach will create a new generation of innovative suppliers while strengthening the defence industrial base.
The programme will deliver:
- Dual-use innovations serving both defence and civilian markets
- Expert technical support
- Access to investment opportunities, including the NATO Innovation Fund
- Connections within the pan-NATO ecosystem
- Tailored business acceleration support through a three-month programme at the White City facility
- (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
20 Nov 24. Global Combat Air Programme Joint Statement. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, Japanese Defense Minister NAKATANI Gen and UK Defence Minister John Healey have welcomed recent progress made on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, Japanese Defense Minister NAKATANI Gen and UK Defence Minister John Healey have welcomed recent progress made on the GCAP, which was outlined by the Prime Ministers of the three countries who met in the margins of the G20 Summit in Brazil on 19 November 2024.
- Acknowledging the progress made since the launching of the GCAP in December 2022, the Defence Ministers from Italy, Japan and the UK welcomed the approval by all three parliaments of the “CONVENTION ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE GLOBAL COMBAT AIR PROGRAMME – GCAP INTERNATIONAL GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION”. The convention lays a solid basis for delivering a next-generation fighter aircraft by 2035 and for further enhancing the defence industrial base of each country.
- The three ministers concurred that the headquarters of the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO) will be in the UK, and will stand up imminently. In view of the spirit of equal partnership among the three countries that has characterised the programme from the outset, the first chief executive of the GIGO’s GCAP Agency will be from Japan, and the first leader of the proposed Joint Venture – which is being established by industry partners – will be from Italy. Mr. OKA Masami is the Japanese government’s nominee for the GCAP Agency Chief Executive.
- The three ministers also welcomed the progress made by industry partners who will soon sign a Joint Venture Agreement to create the new company that will lead GCAP delivery. The proposed Joint Venture will be headquartered in the UK with the GIGO to achieve maximum alignment. Both entities will work together with teams from across the three nations to support capable, affordable and timely programme delivery, including the 2035 in service date.
- The three ministers have reaffirmed their strong commitment to the programme, to deepening trilateral cooperation for the shared objectives of GCAP and ensuring its continued success. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
EUROPE
21 Nov 24. Romania Becomes the 20th Member of the F-35 Global Alliance. The Government of Romania confirmed today its intent to procure 32 Lockheed Martin 5th Generation F-35 Lightning II aircraft by signing a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) through a U.S. government Foreign Military Sale. This decision marks a significant milestone in Romania’s defense strategy and its commitment to maintaining a robust and advanced military force.
“We are pleased to welcome Romania into the F-35 enterprise,” said Lt. Gen Mike Schmidt, director and program executive officer of the F-35 Joint Program Office. “The integration of the F-35 Lightning II aircraft into the Romanian Air Force will significantly strengthen NATO’s deterrence capabilities by providing unmatched strategic, operational, and tactical advantages. The F-35 Joint Program Office is dedicated to continuing a strong relationship with Romania, ensuring a successful transition and providing comprehensive support for their pilots and maintainers as we move forward together on this great effort.”
The F-35 plays a crucial role in 21st Century Security® by deterring threats and disrupting adversaries’ plans. By its very presence, the F-35 enhances the safety of nations operating it and protects freedom around the world.
“For nearly 30 years, Romania and Lockheed Martin have been defense and security partners,” said Bridget Lauderdale, vice president and general manager, F-35 Lightning II Program, Lockheed Martin. “The acquisition of the F-35 further fortifies Romania’s national security and deterrent capability.”
“The F-35’s growing presence across Europe demonstrates alliance-based deterrence and is setting the foundation for NATO and allied nations’ next generation air power capability,” said Mara Motherway, vice president, Strategy and Business Development, Lockheed Martin.
The F-35 offers the most cost-effective solution for Romania, combining unprecedented operational capability with an affordable and efficient global sustainment network. This partnership promises technological advancements, reinforcing Romania’s position in the global defense landscape. It also represents a significant leap in defense technology and international collaboration.
The Romania Air Force’s F-35s will integrate seamlessly with existing F-16 fleets, enhancing the unique, powerful capabilities of each aircraft and establishing a fortified defense profile. Last year, Lockheed Martin and the governments of Romania and the Netherlands established the European F-16 Training Center (EFTC) in Romania. The partnerships in place at the EFTC deliver tailored training at an accelerated pace, ensuring Romanian pilots are fully prepared to execute their missions safely and effectively.
The F-35 is the most advanced, connected fighter aircraft in the world, providing unmatched 5th Generation capabilities and strengthening allied deterrence for the U.S. and its allies. To date, 20 global customers have chosen the F-35 for its advanced, connected capabilities to strengthen 21st Century Security®, enhance global partnerships and power economic growth. More than 1,000 F-35s are currently operational around the globe, generating more than 940,000 flight hours. F-35s operate from 33 bases worldwide, including 10 nations operating on home soil. As adversaries advance and legacy aircraft age, the F-35 is critical to maintaining air dominance for decades to come.
19 Nov 24. France, Germany, UK, US make Norway’s billion-dollar frigate shortlist. Norway has narrowed the choice of possible partner countries for its future frigate program to France, Germany, the U.K. and the U.S., and plans to start talks with those countries’ governments about setting up a strategic partnership.
The program to buy at least five and possibly six frigates will represent Norway’s biggest defense investment ever, surpassing the acquisition of F-35 fighter jets, Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram said in a briefing on Tuesday. The country plans to make a final decision on a future strategic partner in 2025.
Norway is looking to join an existing frigate program to speed up fielding, thereby obviating upgrade investments in the country’s existing Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates. All major naval forces within NATO are in the process of adding new frigates, and Norway said it wants to establish a strategic partnership with a close ally rather than just buy a stand-alone vessel type.
“The new frigates represent the largest acquisition planned for the Norwegian armed forces in the coming years,” Gram said.
The country plans to invest several hundred bn Norwegian kroner in its navy, as well as significantly increase operating budgets and personnel, according to Gram. One hundred bn kroner is equivalent to around US$9.1bn.
Norway is an important maritime state within NATO, and the High North is the country’s most strategic area of interest, important to both Norway and the alliance, Gram said. The ambition is for the Royal Norwegian Navy to be able to operate continuously in the ocean areas off Norway, according to the minister.
Defense officials envision a strategic frigate partnership that includes joint acquisition, operation and maintenance, as well as continuous development and upgrades of the ships during their service life. Gram said the new vessels will require upgrade and support for several decades, and Norway is looking for a partner that will commit for the entire service life of the future frigates.
The country isn’t just considering the capabilities of each potential partner country, but also coinciding strategic interests, including in the High North, according to the minister.
France started sea trials of its first Defense and Intervention Frigate this year, with another four ships planned, while Germany laid the keel for the first of four F126 frigates. The U.S. is constructing its first Constellation-class frigate, based on the French-Italian FREMM multi-mission frigate, although that program has run into delays. Meanwhile, the U.K. has seven frigates under construction, including four Type 26 anti-submarine warfare vessels and three Type 31 frigates.
The four countries are working on significantly different-sized vessels, from France’s brand-new FDI frigate displacing 4,500 metric tons, to Germany’s F126 frigate that will displace around 10,000 tons. Norway’s current Fridtjof Nansen-class warships, built by Spain’s Navantia, displace around 5,200 tons fully loaded.
Norway has a longstanding maritime cooperation with France, and while the French have a more global focus than the Norwegians, they’ve shown increasing interest in the High North, the defense minister said. The U.K. and Norway also have particularly close security and defense ties, and the Royal Navy has long been a main partner for the Norwegian forces, according to Gram.
The Nordic country also has security ties with Germany, with cooperation traditionally mainly within the land domain, though the countries are cooperating on submarines and anti-ship missiles, Gram said. Meanwhile, the U.S. is Norway’s most important ally, cooperating in all domains with a focus on the North Atlantic, according to the minister.
A key consideration in the final decision will be the ability for Norwegian technology and industry to contribute to both development and sustainment of the future frigate, according to Gram.
The Norwegian government in 2023 reached out to 11 countries with frigate programs, which in addition to the four nations picked for further talks included Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and South Korea, according to Gram. The frigate program was included in the country’s long-term defense plan proposed in April. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
USA
15 Nov 24. US State Department bureau seeks drone detect and defeat systems. The United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is conducting market research on the current availability and technological capabilities of detect and defeat systems to address current and future threats and gaps regarding uncrewed aircraft systems. INL is interested in obtaining information on systems capable of detecting, identifying, classifying, tracking, and mitigating UAS threats. Responses are invited by November 27.
A notice posted on the US government procurement portal SAM.gov states: “The Department’s Office of Global Acquisition is considering awarding IDIQs, BPAs, or similar ordering mechanisms to fulfil recurring needs and to streamline the acquisition process for detect and defeat systems and associated services. If awarded, it is anticipated that orders under these contracts/agreements will not be limited only to INL needs.”
Via the procurement portal, INL has issued a preliminary list of interest areas and technologies, which includes handheld or man-portable detect and defeat systems, portable (e.g. vehicle-mounted) detect and defeat systems, fixed or static detect and defeat systems, and kinetic counter-drone systems.
“The Department is looking for companies with mature systems and manufacturing capabilities and industry leading quality standards. Companies must possess all required licences and approvals to ship (including applying for any export licence that may be required) systems overseas,” the notice states.
Companies may also be required to provide training and to perform installation, integration, testing, repairs, and similar services. This could include work overseas in remote and high threat environments.
For more information: INL notice on SAM.gov (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
REST OF TE WORLD
25 Nov 24. Australia announces general purpose frigate down-select contenders. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles and Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Minister Pat Conroy have formally announced the two preferred shipbuilders, slated to deliver Australia’s $10bn fleet of general purpose frigates.
Defence Connect can confirm the down-selection of the government’s two preferred shipbuilders, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.
As part of the next stage, Defence will now work with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, and Australian industry partners to further develop the proposals for the Mogami and MEKO A-200 frigates.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said: “Navy’s future fleet will constitute the largest number of surface combatants since World War II and will be integral to ensuring the safety and security of our sea lines of communication and maritime trade.”
The government acknowledges the high-quality proposals put forward by each of the five exemplary shipbuilders. The proposals reflect the sophistication and maturity of the companies involved and the defence industries of Germany, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Spain.
“We extend our gratitude to Germany, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Spain for their efforts in support of this activity. We view their commitment to this process as a reflection of the strong relationships between our nations,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
The Albanese government is investing up to $55 billion over the decade, including up to $10 billion for the general purpose frigates, as part of a plan that will more than double the size of the Navy’s surface combatant fleet compared to the plans announced as part of the 2020 Defence Strategic Update and 2020 Force Structure Plan.
Initially proposed as part of the findings of the government’s Independent Analysis of Navy’s Surface Combatant Fleet, the general purpose frigates will fulfil the “Tier Two” surface combatant role, providing the Royal Australian Navy with a significant boost to the number of hulls it has in the water, easing the burden on the “Tier One” surface combatants, like the Hobart and future Hunter Class vessels.
Recognising this, the Surface Combatant Review stated the government’s plans to acquire “at least seven, and optimally 11, Tier 2 ships, optimised for undersea warfare, to operate both independently and in conjunction with the Tier 1 ships to secure maritime trade routes, northern approaches and escort military assets. Consistent with the DSR and our terms of reference.”
The proposed fleet of new general purpose frigates will replace the Anzac Class frigates and will be equipped for undersea warfare and local air defence in order to secure maritime trade routes and the nation’s northern approaches.
As part of a wide-reaching mission set, the government has required that the successful “Tier Two” design will have the capacity to:
- Operate an MH-60R Romeo Maritime Combat Helicopter.
- Provide undersea warfare through a depressed active/passive towed array.
- Sonar and have the ability to store, handle and employ lightweight torpedoes.
- Provide air defence through a limited number of point and self-defence systems.
- Provide maritime and land strike.
- Provide force protection.
Additionally, the government’s plan stated that the “Tier 2 acquisition timelines were adapted to address the deteriorating material state of the Anzac Class frigates and to reduce the risk of a potential capability gap”.
As part of an accelerated delivery timeline, the first three general purpose frigates will be built offshore, and successful and timely consolidation of the Henderson Precinct will enable the remainder of the build to be constructed locally at Henderson.
Following this, the construction of general purpose frigates at the Henderson Defence Precinct is part of the Albanese government’s plan to invest tens of billions of dollars in defence capabilities in Western Australia over the next two decades, supporting in the order of 10,000 well-paid, high-skilled local jobs.
Minister Conroy said: “The rapid, accelerated work of the general purpose frigate program to date underpins the next stages of the acquisition to ensure this capability is delivered this decade, providing our Navy with enhanced anti-submarine and anti-air warfare capabilities.”
Defence will engage closely with the down-selected shipbuilders to progress this program and ensure Australia’s first general purpose frigate is delivered this decade. The decision to progress the Mogami and MEKO A-200 designs was informed by a rigorous evaluation by Defence that identified these designs as likely to best meet Australia’s capability requirements.
(Source: Defence Connect)
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