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UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO
02 May 25. The Centre for Economic Security is a newly established convening organisation whose objective is to create the institutions and financial frameworks that will be able to adapt to the new economic security and defence and security landscape that we face. As part of this, they have set up an Accreditation Board whose responsibility is to convene and build financing relationships between providers of government guarantees, working capital and trade finance providers, and venture capital firms. They have a unique team of banking, security and defence and financial services experts who sit on the board and we regularly organise introductions for defence SMEs and SMEs in the Critical National Infrastructure in support of Sovereign Resilience. Make UK Defence are supporting our members with access to some smaller workshops in Chatham House rulings. These are limited in size and on a first come first served basis. If you are interested in attending one of the workshops, even if you have been refused finance in the past, please fill out this form by the 9th of May at 12:00: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=5rXxzeLwcEeqV9_qMXlCS74NB7JLOKtEogeWrzzQ06ZUMFQzTUZQMzE4MktIQlBFWUJSMkFSNzUxTC4u&route=shorturl (Source: The Make UK Defence Team)
02 May 25. The UK Digital Twin Centre has officially opened in Belfast, marking a major milestone in the UK’s digital innovation landscape. Delivered by Digital Catapult and funded by the Belfast Region City Deal and Innovate UK, the project is set to drive the next wave of industrial transformation by accelerating the adoption of digital twin technology across the UK’s critical sectors, projected to reach £62m in GVA for the economy over the next decade. A Digital Twin is a dynamic virtual representation (‘twin’) of a physical asset, process, or system, bridging the physical and digital worlds. They turn data into real-time insights that can optimise performance, reduce costs, and predict outcomes before they happen. Since funding for the project was announced, Digital Catapult has brought together industry and innovators to identify adoption barriers and strategic interventions. At the Centre’s opening, the project’s co-investing industry partners – Artemis Technologies, Spirit AeroSystems, and Thales UK – utilised the cutting-edge facilities, including the 360-degree immersive space and advanced technology lab, to demonstrate how digital twins are helping to solve complex operational challenges. These early-stage use cases emphasise the power of cross-sector collaboration to create scalable, practical solutions while building expertise that can be shared across industries, ultimately improving product design, building supply chain resilience, and decarbonising operations. Programmes delivered by the UK Digital Twin Centre will help businesses across the UK to demystify, demonstrate, and deploy digital twins. With expert support, test environments and tools to experiment and validate, combined with shared learnings from industry use cases, it offers a practical route to adoption. The Centre has convened capabilities across digital twins six enabling technology areas – intelligence, data services, immersive and UX, cyber-physical systems, integration, and security – to make this emerging technology more accessible and interoperable across sectors and suppliers.
“The UK Digital Twin Centre marks a major step for Belfast, driving innovation in high-growth sectors like advanced manufacturing,” said the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray. “Through the Belfast Region City Deal and with Digital Catapult’s UK-wide reach, we’re connecting our SMEs to a powerful network, unlocking access to new markets, collaboration opportunities, and cutting-edge technologies.
This will boost local businesses, create high-skilled jobs, and drive real economic impact for the region.”
The Centre’s first six-month Accelerator Programme, now open for pre-application expressions of interest, will support partnerships between tech SMEs and industry to fast-track digital twin adoption in maritime, aerospace, and defence. Alongside Innovate UK funding, participants will also gain access to mentorship, workshops, and specialist support to develop proofs of concept for enabling technologies – such as IoT, data integration, and simulation tools – bringing their solutions closer to real-world deployment.
“The UK Digital Twin Centre brings together our technical expertise, facilities, and networks to unlock the power of deep technologies,’ said Susan Bowen, CEO of Digital Catapult. “By connecting industries with cutting-edge technology through our programmes, we are enabling businesses to harness the full potential of digital twins-driving operational efficiencies, advancing sustainability, and sharpening the competitive edge of UK businesses.” =
Dean Cook, Executive Director for Place and Global at Innovate UK, added, “Seeing real-world use cases coming to life at the UK Digital Twin Centre is a powerful demonstration of how digital twins can deliver tangible advances for UK industry. These cutting-edge tools will solve complex business challenges in aerospace, maritime, and defence. It’s a testament to how we are leveraging the strengths of local innovation clusters across the UK, with Belfast bringing together it’s wealth of business and research expertise in digital technologies and advanced manufacturing. In turn this will have a positive impact on economic growth in Northern Ireland and across the UK”
Expressions of interest are now open for tech SMEs and industry leaders ready to collaborate on real-world challenges on the first UK Digital Twin Centre accelerator programme at: digicat.org.uk/UK-Digital-Twin-Centre
30 Apr 25. NMH acquisition moves forward, as Leonardo Helicopters submits ‘best offer’ to UK MoD. Procurement of a new battlefield transport through the UK’s New Medium Helicopter (NMH) programme continues to progress, with sole bidder Leonardo Helicopters having recently submitted its best and final offer to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
The move follows the successful conclusion of negotiations between the pair in April.
Should that offer be accepted by the MoD, and subject to governmental approval, then a contract is expected later this year.
Leonardo Helicopters has pledged to build the AW149 in Yeovil if it wins the NMH contract
Nigel Colman, managing director of Leonardo Helicopters UK, says: “Following successful negotiations with the Ministry of Defence, we have submitted our ‘best and final offer’ for the New Medium Helicopter programme. Our bid, to offer the AW149 helicopter made at the Home of British Helicopters in Yeovil, fulfils the immediate capability requirements of the UK armed forces and will maintain a vital part of our onshore defence industrial base. We are also confident that our offer represents value for money in sustaining British jobs, skills, innovation and growth.”
Leonardo’s AW149 emerged as the sole contender for NMH when rivals Airbus Helicopters and Sikorsky pulled out of the competition in August 2024. The MoD’s Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) agency, which is managing the procurement, says Leonardo’s proposal “will be evaluated through 2025 when, subject to government approvals, a contract award is anticipated”.
However, it declines to comment further, citing sensitivities around the competition.
Additionally, the number of airframes specified in the proposal has not been disclosed.
When the NMH contest launched in 2022, the MoD said it was seeking a range of “up to 44 platforms”. However, this figure subsequently fell to 23-32 aircraft, sources told FlightGlobal, as the number of helicopter types to be replaced by the NMH also dwindled. The AW149 is being offered as a replacement for the RAF’s now-retired Puma fleet. At its outset, the NMH was supposed to supplant the Royal Air Force’s (RAF’s) Puma HC2s – which were retired in March – plus Bell 212/412s operated in Brunei and Cyprus and the Airbus Helicopters AS365 Dauphins operated by the Army Air Corps for domestic special forces support. But the already retired Bell helicopters in Brunei and Cyprus are now being replaced by six Airbus Helicopters H145 Jupiter HC2s. Ordered in April last year, an initial four examples are at the manufacturer’s UK base at Oxford airport for modification work, with two more expected to arrive in 2026. Delivery of the first Jupiter HC2 to the MoD is anticipated “quite shortly”, Airbus Helicopters says, paving the way for service entry next year. Short-term cover for the retired Bell fleets was provided by the Puma HC2s, but this summer will see RAF Boeing CH-47 Chinooks acting as a stand-in on the Cyprus operation. Meanwhile, the MoD is already attempting to sell off the mothballed Puma fleet.
To date, the helicopters – which entered UK service in the 1970s – have not been listed by the MoD among its inventory of equipment held for sale. However, FlightGlobal understands that the helicopters were presented to delegations from three African nations – Benin, Ghana and Togo – at RAF Benson in March. The MoD had not responded to questions on its plans for the Pumas by the time this article went to press. (Source: News Now/Flight Global)
30 Apr 25. DASA, Innovate UK offer loans to boost SME defence innovations. The loans range from £100,000 ($133,701) to £1m at a 7.4% annual interest rate, covering up to 100% of eligible project costs. The Defense and Security Accelerator (DASA), in collaboration with Innovate UK, is offering Defence Innovation Loans to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in bringing their defence-related innovations to market. These loans range from £100,000 ($133,701) to £1m and carry a 7.4% annual interest rate, which is lower than the market rate. The funds can cover up to the full cost of eligible projects that aim to commercialise solutions addressing defence challenges. The loans are exclusively available to UK-registered SMEs; individuals, academic entities, research organisations, and large corporations do not qualify, noted DASA. Additionally, only individual businesses may apply—collaborative applications involving multiple organisations will not be considered for funding, although subcontracting is permissible under certain conditions. DASA will undertake a comprehensive evaluation of applications submitted for Defence Innovation Loans, in line with its standard competition procedures. This assessment will be conducted by defence stakeholders and will scrutinise the proposed solution’s desirability, feasibility, and viability. The appraisal process will use specific criteria tailored to Defence Innovation Loans to ensure that the innovations not only meet defence needs but are also practical and financially sustainable. DASA also said that prospective innovations should be relatively advanced—Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or higher—to ensure that they can be commercialised within the loan’s term. Applicants must also demonstrate a clear defence need for their innovative solution. Introduced in June 2021 to support smaller entities in developing their business alongside their innovations, the programme has since facilitated eight companies in securing a total of £6m. These companies, including VRAI, QUICKBLOCK, Silicon Microgravity have subsequently attracted £16.9m in private investments and generated 54 new jobs within the UK’s defence innovation sector. Silicon Microgravity CEO Francis Neill said: “DASA have been absolutely fundamental in helping to get Silicon Microgravity to the stage where we will shortly be commercialising what is becoming recognised as world-leading technology in gravity sensing and inertial navigation.” In March 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Secretary of State for Defence John Healey inaugurated a new hub for SMEs and proposed setting spending targets to support SMEs by June 2025. (Source: army-technology.com)
29 Apr 25. RAF aircraft retirement dates revealed. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed the projected retirement dates for all Royal Air Force aircraft, offering a long-term view of future fleet transitions as part of the UK’s evolving air power strategy. In a written response to Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty, Defence Minister Maria Eagle provided a full breakdown of out-of-service dates for each RAF aircraft type. The F-35 Lightning is expected to remain in service the longest, with a projected retirement date of 2069, reflecting its role as the RAF’s premier fifth-generation stealth fighter. Other key platforms will continue to serve well into the 2040s, including the A400M Atlas (2050), C-17 Globemaster (2040), Chinook (2040), Typhoon (2040), and the new Protector drone (2040). The Poseidon P-8 maritime patrol aircraft is scheduled to retire in 2045, while Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft are expected to leave service in 2035. Several platforms are set to exit much sooner. The MQ-9 Reaper will be retired this year (2025), as it is replaced by the more advanced Protector system. The Shadow ISR aircraft and Hawk T1 jet trainer will depart in 2030, with the latter gradually phased out as the RAF shifts focus to newer training platforms. These projections form part of the UK’s broader Defence Command Paper goals to modernise its combat air capabilities while enhancing integration with allied forces.
Planned RAF Out-of-Service Dates (OSDs):
- Atlas A400M – 2050
- C-17 Globemaster – 2040
- Chinook – 2040
- F-35 Lightning II – 2069
- Hawk T1 – 2030
- Hawk T2 – 2040
- Poseidon MRA1 – 2045
- Protector RG Mk1 – 2040
- RC-135 Rivet Joint – 2035
- Reaper MQ-9 – 2025
- Shadow R1 – 2030
- Typhoon FGR4 – 2040
- Viking glider – 2028
(Source: News Now/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)
28 Apr 25. Type 31 frigate programme advances as warship nears launch. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the construction of the Royal Navy’s new Type 31 frigates is progressing well, with the lead ship HMS Venturer approaching a major milestone. Responding to a Parliamentary Written Question from James Cartlidge MP (Conservative – South Suffolk) on 28 April, Minister of State for Defence Maria Eagle stated that “the Type 31 programme has made significant progress, with the first frigate, HMS Venturer, nearing structural completion and expecting to be launched later this year.”
The update highlights that work is advancing not only on HMS Venturer but also on subsequent vessels in the class. “HMS Active, the second in class, is also progressing well,” said Ms Eagle, adding that construction on the third frigate, HMS Formidable, is underway following the steel-cutting ceremony held in October 2024. The Type 31 class, known officially as the Inspiration-class, is intended to deliver a new generation of general-purpose frigates to the Royal Navy, providing flexibility for operations ranging from maritime security to warfighting alongside allies. The project remains central to the government’s efforts to expand the Royal Navy’s surface fleet and support the UK’s domestic shipbuilding industry, with construction taking place at Rosyth under Babcock International. Recently, we reported that Babcock had secured a new contract worth approximately £65m to deliver the Capability Insertion Period (CIP) for all five Type 31 frigates being built for the Royal Navy. The CIP phase will introduce a series of capability upgrades to the vessels, enhancing their operational effectiveness beyond the baseline design and build specification. These upgrades will be integrated, tested, and refined at Babcock’s Rosyth facility in Scotland, where the Type 31 ships are currently under construction.
Paul Watson, Arrowhead Managing Director at Babcock, said: “This new contract provides additional military capability for the vessels beyond the initial design and build contract. The detailed knowledge that we have of these ships, combined with our forward-thinking design, will enable an efficient installation and through-life support of the systems and equipment.”
Watson added: “As the design and build partner, Babcock is expertly placed to provide the know-how and technical information to deliver these important activities in the development of the ships through the CIP. We are proud of the role we play alongside our customer – their mission is our mission.”
The contract was awarded by Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the Ministry of Defence’s procurement arm. Steven Perry, Type 31 Project Manager at DE&S, said: “We are pleased to have awarded Babcock the CIP contract for the Type 31 fleet. This contract will deliver capability upgrades that go beyond the vessel build specification, delivering Type 31 frigates to the Royal Navy that will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of global security.”
Babcock was initially awarded the Type 31 design and build contract in 2019. The company is delivering the Arrowhead 140 design-based frigates, which will form a key component of the Royal Navy’s future surface fleet. Designed for adaptability and global presence, the ships will be capable of operating alongside allies and fulfilling a wide range of missions worldwide. (Source: News Now/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)
EUROPE
25 Apr 25. Greece could purchase Brazilian C-390 transport aircraft to replace its US-made C-130 Hercules. As reported by OnAlert on April 22, 2025, the Brazilian Embraer C-390 Millennium has been formally included in Greece’s Long-Term Defence Procurement Program as a candidate to replace the aging US-made C-130 Hercules aircraft of the Hellenic Air Force (HAF). The Air Force General Staff has recommended the initial acquisition of at least three C-390s, with an option for additional aircraft in subsequent phases. This potential procurement is structured within a 12-year defense planning framework. However, its implementation is scheduled for the end of the decade, as current priorities include the ongoing upgrade of 38 F-16 Block 50 fighters to the Viper configuration. Until the introduction of new transport aircraft, Greece intends to maintain operational capability using a limited number of existing C-130s and the C-27J Spartan fleet. The C-27Js are set to undergo upgrades, and a new five-year Follow-On Support contract is planned for 2026. Despite ongoing efforts by the HAF, the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (EAB), and the 356th Tactical Transport Squadron “Hercules,” availability rates for the C-130 remain low. As of early 2025, four aircraft are operational, with a possible fifth expected to return to service in the coming months. Greece had previously submitted a request to the United States for decommissioned C-130s, but these were deemed unsuitable due to restoration costs. A new request has since been filed for operational surplus aircraft, some of which are expected to become available in 2025. Interest in the C-390 Millennium has increased since 2023. Embraer presented the aircraft to the HAF on January 25, June 26, and November 22 of that year, including static displays and flight evaluations at Elefsis Air Base. Greek personnel conducted familiarization flights and participated in demonstrations of cargo loading procedures. On February 20, 2025, senior Greek political and military officials attended another static presentation at Elefsis, followed by briefings on the aircraft’s technical features and potential acquisition cost. These evaluations are part of a broader assessment process that includes the C-130J and second-hand Hercules options. The C-390 Millennium is a twin-engine jet-powered tactical transport aircraft with a cargo hold measuring 18.5 meters in length, 3.45 meters in width, and 2.95 meters in height. Its maximum payload capacity is 26,000 kilograms, and it can transport up to 80 fully equipped troops, 74 stretchers, or vehicles such as two M113 armored personnel carriers or one Sikorsky H-60 helicopter. It is powered by two IAE V2500-E5 turbofan engines, each producing 31,330 pounds of thrust. These engines are also used in the Airbus A320 commercial fleet, with over 7,200 units produced globally. This commonality is expected to lower maintenance costs and simplify logistics. In performance terms, the C-390 has a maximum speed of 988 km/h and a cruise speed of Mach 0.8. It can fly 5,500 kilometers with a 15-ton payload and operates at a service ceiling of 36,000 feet. In comparison, the C-130J has a top speed of 670 km/h, a 3,300-kilometer range with similar payload, and a ceiling of 29,000 feet. The C-390’s cargo bay is designed without internal landing gear sponsons, unlike the C-130, which reduces usable internal width in certain configurations. The external design of the landing gear compartments in the C-390 allows for a wider and higher cargo hold, enabling the transport of larger-volume equipment. (Source: Google/armyrecognition.com)
USA
29 Apr 25. U.S. Boosts F/A-XX Carrier-Based Fighter Jet Program with $500m for Rapid Development. The United States has unveiled a sweeping new defense investment initiative that will see an additional $150bn injected into top-priority military programs through fiscal year 2029, separate from the regular U.S. Defense budget. Announced on April 27, 2025, the plan reflects the Trump administration’s strategic drive to accelerate next-generation military capabilities in response to intensifying global security challenges. A major highlight of this initiative is the allocation of $500 m to accelerate the development of the F/A-XX aircraft, a sixth-generation stealth fighter central to the U.S. Navy’s vision of future air dominance. The F/A-XX is the centerpiece of a development and acquisition program aimed at producing a sixth-generation air superiority fighter to replace the United States Navy’s aging F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fleet. Slated to enter service in the early-to-mid 2030s, the F/A-XX will also serve as a critical complement to the carrier-based F-35C Lightning II, providing a high-end manned platform for operations in contested maritime environments. The program is part of the broader Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative, which also includes the U.S. Air Force’s separate sixth-generation fighter program—distinct yet conceptually aligned. The F/A-XX is envisioned as a multirole, carrier-capable stealth fighter with a strong emphasis on air superiority, extended range, enhanced survivability, and networked warfare capabilities. It will be optimized for operations in heavily contested environments, with the ability to engage enemy aircraft and advanced air defenses while coordinating with unmanned systems and other naval assets. Expected features include advanced stealth shaping, high-power directed energy weapons, adaptive engine technologies, and modular open systems architecture (MOSA) to enable continuous upgrades. Importantly, the F/A-XX will embody the manned-unmanned teaming doctrine, allowing it to operate alongside autonomous platforms—or “loyal wingmen”—capable of executing strike, electronic warfare, and reconnaissance missions. With artificial intelligence playing an increasingly central role in mission planning and execution, the F/A-XX will be designed to harness large-scale sensor fusion and real-time data sharing across multiple domains. The newly announced $500 m funding injection is expected to expedite key phases of the program, including full-scale design maturation, testing of flight demonstrators, propulsion system prototyping, and materials evaluation. Major U.S. defense contractors, such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin—both heavily invested in naval aviation—are expected to play significant roles in the program. While details remain classified, early R&D contracts and concept demonstrations are already underway within the Navy’s acquisition framework. Unlike earlier-generation aircraft that followed traditional linear development paths, the F/A-XX program is guided by digital engineering practices and agile acquisition principles. This allows for faster iteration, simulation-driven design validation, and modular system development—all of which are intended to field a highly adaptable and future-proof platform capable of evolving with the threat environment. Strategically, this investment underscores the U.S. Navy’s shift toward countering advanced threats posed by near-peer adversaries, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. With China rapidly expanding its blue-water naval and air power capabilities, including its own stealth fighters and long-range missile systems, the F/A-XX will be a vital element in sustaining American carrier strike group dominance and ensuring control of the air in contested maritime zones. While full operational capability is still a decade away, the fiscal boost will significantly enhance the pace and scope of development activities. The F/A-XX program stands not only as a technological leap in naval aviation but also as a clear signal of the United States’ resolve to maintain overwhelming air superiority well into the mid-21st century. (Source: News Now/armyrecognition.com)
25 Apr 25. Near Earth, Honeywell to upgrade Black Hawks. The programme involves retrofitting UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters with modular autonomy kits. The US Army has engaged Near Earth Autonomy to spearhead a programme valued at $15m with the objective of advancing and deploying an optionally piloted system for logistical operations in challenging environments. This initiative involves retrofitting UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters with advanced autonomy kits and is financed by the Army Program Executive Office, Aviation (PEO Aviation). The project is a joint effort between Near Earth and Honeywell, aimed at converting existing aircraft into autonomous logistics vehicles capable of high-frequency operations. Central to this initiative is a modular retrofit kit that will facilitate continuous autonomous operations around the clock, eliminating the necessity for onboard personnel, remote control pilots, or persistent data connections, according to Near Earth. This approach significantly reduces risks to human operators while enhancing operational pace and logistical capacity. This endeavour lays the groundwork for a standardised and expandable method to retrofit various rotary-wing platforms, enabling the US Army to bypass lengthy procurement processes and leverage new functionalities from existing aircraft fleets. Although the UH-60L helicopter is the initial focus, the system’s design allows for flexibility across different aircraft types.
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Near Earth CEO Sanjiv Singh said: “This programme is a significant step forward for Army logistics and autonomy.
“We’re proud to bring our proven helicopter autonomy experience to bear and excited to see it operationalised at scale to support soldiers in the field.”
Near Earth’s deterministic autonomy system, known as Captain, plays a pivotal role in this programme. Designed to ensure mission reliability in challenging and compromised settings, Captain facilitates safe navigation and obstacle avoidance without reliance on an onboard crew, remote pilot guidance, or constant communication links.
This feature proves essential in scenarios where GPS signals and communications are disrupted. The development of this programme adheres to a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) which promotes modularity, cost-effectiveness, and streamlined future upgrades and maintenance. In partnership with Near Earth, Honeywell is contributing its expertise to create an autonomy solution that promises affordability as well as scalability and certification readiness for forthcoming missions.
Honeywell Aerospace Technologies Defense & Space president Matt Milas said: “Our avionics provides a modular, certifiable foundation that aligns with both today’s operational tempo and tomorrow’s autonomy goals.
“Whether for piloted, optionally piloted, or fully autonomous aircraft, our systems scale to meet evolving military needs with a certifiable foundation.”
The US Army intends to collaborate with Near Earth in formulating new operational protocols for autonomous logistics by executing a sequence of uncrewed flights.
These trials aim to refine the product into a fully operational state for unmanned aerial logistics applications—enhancing the Army’s capabilities in contested and intricate environments through increased velocity, scale, and security.
Recently, Collins Aerospace secured a $80m contract for upgrading the avionics of US Army Black Hawk helicopters through the H-60M MOSA Avionics Architecture Solution programme. (Source: army-technology.com)
22 Apr 25. USAF seeks more information on C-sUAS radar and camera technologies. The United States Air Force (USAF) Counter small-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) branch is requesting information regarding radar technologies related to combatting the sUAS threat (groups 1-3). In addition, the USAF C-sUAS branch is requesting information regarding Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) camera technologies related to combatting the sUAS threat (groups 1 and 2). Both notices, published on April 17, are follow-ups from a Request for Information (RFI) calls dated July 2024. If contractors have responded to these earlier RFIs they can forgo questions that have been answered. At this time, USAF is particularly looking for greater detail on supply chain resiliency and manufacturing.
Responses are due no later than Friday, 30 May 2025, at 3:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time.
Follow Up Counter small-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) RFI regarding Radar.
Active
Contract Opportunity
Notice ID
CsUAS-RFI-41525
Related Notice
Department/Ind. Agency
DEPT OF DEFENSE
Sub-tier
DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE
Office
FA2381 FORCE PROTECTION AFLCMC/HBUK
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General Information
- Contract Opportunity Type: Sources Sought (Original)
- Original Published Date: Apr 17, 2025 03:13 pm EDT
- Original Response Date: May 30, 2025 03:00 pm EDT
- Inactive Policy: 15 days after response date
- Original Inactive Date: Jun 14, 2025
- Initiative:
o None
Classification
- Original Set Aside:
- Product Service Code:
- NAICS Code:
- Place of Performance:
Hanscom AFB, MA
USA
Description
Background: The United States Air Force (USAF) Counter small-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) branch is requesting information regarding radar technologies related to combatting the sUAS threat (groups 1-3) as presented in Table 1 in the provided attachment.
Instruction: The document below contains a form to be filled out concerning the description of the C-UAS technologies that a respondent desires to submit back for this RFI. The form allows Contractors to provide their product’s detailed specifications and can be used by the Government to determine which systems meet their needs.
If Contractor(s) have previously responded to an RFI dated July 01, 2024, entitled “Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) RFI Regarding Radar.)” then they may choose to forgo Section A or specific questions that have been answered. However, the AF still is looking for greater detail on Section B entitled “Supply Chain Resiliency and Manufacturing Details”.
Please review Section A even if submitted before to ensure that no questions were lacking or were missed in the previous RFI.
THIS IS NOT A NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) ISSUANCE. This request is issued for the purpose of exchanging information and market research that will allow industry to best communicate to the Government their capabilities through this exchange of information. Responses to this request are voluntary and will not affect any contractor’s ability to submit a proposal if, or when, an RFP is released. The requested information is for planning purposes only and does NOT constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that a procurement action will be issued.
No entitlement to payment by the Government of direct or indirect costs or charges will arise as a result of the submission of information in response to this request.
The Government shall not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for any improperly identified proprietary information.
No award will be made as a result of this request. This request is for informational purposes only to promote exchanges of information with industry. The Government will not pay for any information and/or materials received in response to this request for information and is in no way obligated by the information received.
*** Responses to this request are due no later than Friday, 30 May 2025, at 3:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Contracting Officer, Robert Gill at and Program Manager, Alex Raveau at . Responses to this notice may not be returned. Please request a confirmed receipt ***
Failure to provide documentation may result in the government being unable to adequately assess the product’s capabilities and its suitability to meet government requirements. However, the information provided on this form shall NOT exceed the CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION (CUI), formerly UNCLASSIFIED//FOUO. If existing substantiation is desired to be submitted in addition to this form (e.g., DD1494, additional slick sheets, photos, system architecture diagrams, etc.), please attach in your response as separate files. Classified data should not be submitted in response to this RFI without prior coordination with the Points of Contact (POC) below. If classified data is desired to be included, first contact the POCs below to establish an appropriate means of transmittal for classified data.
Please specify/label all units, as appropriate, for numerical items.
Please fill out all sections below.
Please fill out one response per radar model for each section regarding the technical data. These can be submitted as a single package with the company information only listed once.
Please provide all documents listed under “Document List” at the end of this RFI, if able.
If the documentation is too large to send via email, please drop-off via DoD Safe (up to 8 GB total) for and . In the Short note to the Recipients section, type “2025 C-sUAS Radar RFI Response: (vendor’s name)”. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
29 Apr 25. US Army seeks real-time modelling for battlefield C2. The US Army is looking to develop a new suite of modelling tools designed to allow combat commanders the ability to collect, consolidate, and process real-time battlefield data and distil that information into viable courses of action (COAs) quickly. Officials from Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications-Network (PEO C3N), in conjunction with Army Futures Command (AFC), are soliciting industry input for prototype development for the new suite of Operational Modeling Tools (OMTs), according to a 25 April broad agency announcement (BAA).
“These [OMT] tools must employ advanced, data-centric methods capable of efficiently consuming and producing actionable information. Solutions should integrate top-down strategic and bottom-up tactical data streams to deliver intuitive visual and auditory alerts, ensuring real-time and near-realtime situational awareness,” service officials said in the BAA.
Regarding the COAs produced out of the OMT suite of tools, service programme officials have defined three key criteria the tools should provide combat commanders.
First, the OMT algorithms used to assist in COA development should have an integrated “transparent analytic capability” to confirm the algorithm validity, according to the BAA. Second, the OMT suite should have a “comprehensive logging” requirement for all validation metrics used to develop COAs. Finally, these validation metrics must be paired with a slate of “clearly communicated confidence intervals” for all COAs developed via the OMTs, the solicitation stated. With regard to the OMTs, they are expected to provide combat commanders with “a reliable and quantifiable operational forecast, enhancing their ability to anticipate threats, dynamically adapt, and effectively manage current and future missions”, army officials said in the BAA. (Source: Janes)
REST OF THE WORLD
28 Apr 25. Trump poised to offer Saudi Arabia over $100 bn arms package, sources say.
- Summary
- Companies
- Trump to announce arms package in visit to Saudi Arabia in May
- Lockheed Martin, RTX, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, General Atomics involved in arms deal
- Congress must review major international weapons deals before finalization
The United States is poised to offer Saudi Arabia an arms package worth well over $100bn, six sources with direct knowledge of the issue told Reuters, saying the proposal was being lined up for announcement during U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the kingdom in May. The offered package comes after the administration of former President Joe Biden unsuccessfully tried to finalize a defense pact with Riyadh as part of a broad deal that envisioned Saudi Arabia normalizing ties with Israel. The Biden proposal offered access to more advanced U.S. weaponry in return for halting Chinese arms purchases and restricting Beijing’s investment in the country. Reuters could not establish if the Trump administration’s proposal includes similar requirements. (Source: Reuters)
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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.
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