22 Oct 25. In the Undersea Domain – Reliability is Key. New Australian undersea training range to implement and improve warfighting tactics, proficiency and safety; enable joint/allied training that contributes to preserving and protecting Australian sovereignty. When it comes to undersea operations, reliability is crucial. L3Harris has been a pivotal player in the development and deployment of underwater range technology for the U.S. Navy since the early 1960s. All currently operational training ranges in the United States are equipped with systems designed, manufactured and installed by L3Harris. These systems are renowned for their reliability and long-term operational capabilities, with some currently operating in their third decade, and are instrumental in preparing the U.S. Navy and its allies for undersea operations. L3Harris’ expertise in creating high-reliability components within redundant, fault-tolerant architectures ensures robust performance in demanding underwater environments, both in near-shore areas and at depths up to 4,000 meters. L3Harris’ undersea range technology is considered the world’s leading solution, maintaining a competitive edge through company internal research and development, continuous evolution and leveraging decades of experience. Australia has benefited significantly from L3Harris’ expertise, with some systems undergoing three generations of upgrades and expansions. Decades of trouble-free operations showcase the durability, reliability and relevant functionality of L3Harris’ technology. This extensive experience and proven track record were key factors in Australia’s decision to select L3Harris to design and deliver its new Maritime Underwater Tracking Range (MUTR). The MUTR will replace the original tracking range system, which ceased operations in 2012, equipping the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) with enhanced subsurface tracking capabilities and optimized readiness. The previous range, also installed by L3Harris, operated for nearly 20 years. Under the SEA 1350 MUTR contract, L3Harris will provide undersea warfare support capabilities to the Australian Defence Force (ADF). This will enable the Commonwealth to assess the readiness of current and future ADF assets, enhance surveillance, improve warfighting tactics and proficiency, and ensure sovereign readiness and superiority to protect Australia’s maritime approaches and sea lines of communication. Through a network of sensors, the tracking range will capture and relay information about the location and movement of assets in the tracking field. The MUTR will allow for exercises in both deep ocean and coastal waters, involving surface and subsurface assets simultaneously. This capability is crucial for the Commonwealth’s ability to quickly test and evaluate the readiness of existing and future platforms and their weapon systems, especially in support of Australia’s strategic shipbuilding program.
The Evolution of the Mobile Underwater Tracking Range for the RAN
For over three decades, L3Harris has been a reliable provider of both fixed and portable signature test and evaluation range services to the RAN. The RAN’s surface and subsurface fleet undergo acoustic ranging for signature anomalies prior to deployments. Lightweight and heavyweight torpedoes from submarines, surface ships and aircraft are tracked to provide performance evaluation, recovery assistance and range safety services. In 2008, L3Harris adapted its existing Portable Acoustic Sonobuoy Range (PASOR) system to augment an existing fixed tracking range that had suffered a cable failure. Since then, PASOR has evolved into the primary tracking range capability for torpedo exercises. It now includes deployable seabed sensors and is in development for a third generation, set to be delivered into SEA1350, incorporating autonomous surface vessel components. L3Harris’ tracking ranges have operated in all waters around Australia, handling torpedo firings in depths ranging from 50 to 4,500 meters and signature rangings in both tropical northern and cold southern waters. The compact receiver system fits into a person-portable case and has been deployed onto various vessels on short notice, sometimes with as little as 48 hours’ notice. To date, over 200 torpedoes have been tracked, including those air-launched and from U.S. Navy platforms.
Building for the Future
The MUTR will be constructed in Western Australia. As the incumbent supplier of ranges to the RAN, L3Harris will support Australia’s focus on anti-submarine warfare capabilities and facilitate littoral test and evaluation, enhancing the Navy’s capabilities over the next decade. With extensive experience supporting the undersea domain, including the Collins-class submarines, L3Harris’ Fremantle office is ideally suited for providing systems, maintenance, support and upgrades for the RAN. Additionally, our U.S. operations deliver capabilities for the Virginia-class submarines, which are supported in Australia.
Key AUKUS Asset: Australian Maritime Underwater Training Range
AUKUS offers a unique opportunity for Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States (AUKUS) to enhance their military capabilities, develop interoperability and strengthen deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region. The Australian MUTR is a significant component of this security partnership. Australia’s MUTR is critical infrastructure that supports AUKUS’s efforts to develop and deploy advanced undersea capabilities, thereby strengthening joint defense and contributing to regional security. It enables the development and testing of advanced undersea technologies, including uncrewed maritime systems, artificial intelligence, autonomy and other innovations outlined under AUKUS Pillar 2. Additionally, the range serves as a platform for joint exercises, demonstrating the AUKUS partners’ ability to integrate advanced undersea technologies and operate seamlessly together. These capabilities are vital for maintaining maritime dominance, ensuring national security and advancing high-tech modernization. By fostering collaboration in the development of next-generation submarines, uncrewed underwater vehicles and anti-submarine warfare technologies, AUKUS enhances both strategic and operational capabilities. This emphasis on protecting critical undersea infrastructure is reinforced by L3Harris, which provides reliable capabilities crucial for the underwater domain and the readiness of current and future ADF assets. (Source: ASD Network)
22 Oct 25. V-BAT Supports ISR Operations for the US Navy During UNITAS 2025. Shield AI, the deep-tech company building state-of-the-art autonomy software and aircraft, announced it provided intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) support for U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/4th Fleet during UNITAS 2025, the world’s longest-running multinational maritime exercise. V-BAT, Shield AI’s Group 3 unmanned aircraft system (UAS), was deployed from USS Cooperstown (LCS 23) during the exercise, delivering consistent ISR capabilities throughout maritime training scenarios. Running from Sept. 15 to Oct. 3, 2025, UNITAS brought together 8,000 personnel from 25 allied and partner nations, with ships, submarines, and both fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft operating across the Americas to strengthen interoperability, enhance maritime domain awareness, and advance combined readiness.
“It was great to see V-BAT flying alongside U.S. and partner forces during UNITAS,” said Brandon Tseng, Shield AI’s Co-Founder, President and former Navy SEAL. “V-BAT has proven itself in operations across the fleet and has helped the U.S. Coast Guard and joint task forces interdict bns of dollars’ worth of narcotics. We’re excited to keep supporting U.S. and partner forces as they continue operations across the Americas.”
Through the deployment of V-BAT, Shield AI supported in strengthening maritime domain awareness, advancing the use of autonomous systems, and improving information sharing with partners. V-BAT successfully passed both full-motion video and ViDAR wide-area search data to the Navy’s Minotaur Family of Services (MFoS). MFoS provides a shared Common Operating Picture by fusing sensor inputs from multiple platforms, ensuring that what one platform detects can be seen across the joint force and coalition — a critical enabler for faster decisions, stronger interoperability, and more effective maritime security operations. With its vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities, small logistics footprint and advanced wide-area search sensors, V-BAT is uniquely suited for ship-based ISR in complex maritime environments. This UNITAS deployment was in support of the Monitoring, Analysis, Reconnaissance, Logistics, Intelligence and Network Services (MARLINS) task order awarded to prime contractor SMX in support of the U.S. Southern Command. (Source: ASD Network)
22 Oct 25. Hanwha Aerospace and Akkodis Nordics Partner to Develop Chunmoo Simulator tailored for Norwegian Armed Forces.
- ●Hanwha Aerospace signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Akkodis Nordics to jointly develop a simulator for the Chunmoo MRLS
- ●This partnership aims to provide a tailored training solution for the Norwegian Armed Forces as part of Hanwha’s bid for Norway’s Long-range Precision Firing Systems (LRPFS) program.
- ●The collaboration underscores Hanwha’s commitment to the Norwegian market and establishes a foothold for expansion into the wider Nordic and Northern European regions.
Hanwha Aerospace has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Akkodis Nordics, a Norway-based company in digital engineering and solutions on October 21st at the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2025. This agreement establishes a partnership to jointly develop a state-of-the-art simulator for the Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launcher System. The ceremony was attended by Mr. Billy Boo-hwan Lee, Head of PGM Business Group at Hanwha Aerospace, and Mr. Sebastian Eidem, Vice President of Operations at Akkodis Nordics. This strategic partnership is a key step in Hanwha Aerospace’s commitment to the Norwegian market, demonstrating a strong intent to foster local industry collaboration. The co-development of a high-fidelity simulator with a renowned Norwegian company like Akkodis will ensure that the training solution for the Chunmoo system is tailored to the specific operational needs and requirements of the Norwegian Armed Forces. The Chunmoo is a next-generation precision guided missile system capable of neutralizing key enemy targets from a safe distance, beyond the reach of conventional artillery. Using GPS/INS-guided missiles, it boasts pinpoint accuracy for highly precise strikes. Its launcher provides overwhelming firepower by carrying two different types of rocket pods simultaneously, more than doubling the firepower of competing systems in a single mission. The system is also field-proven, having been successfully exported to Poland and nations in the Middle East, which demonstrates its effectiveness and reliability. Furthermore, the Chunmoo system is field-proven, having been successfully exported to Poland and nations in the Middle East, which has demonstrated its effectiveness and reliability in diverse operational environments.
Mr. Billy Boo-hwan Lee said, “We are delighted to partner with Akkodis to offer a more advanced and comprehensive Chunmoo solution for Norway.” He added, “We are fully committed to contributing to the enhancement of Norway’s defense capabilities through active partnerships with local Norwegian enterprises.”
“Partnering with Hanwha Aerospace allows us to bring our digital engineering and edge technology expertise into a project of true strategic importance,” said Sebastian Eidem, Vice President of Operations at Akkodis Nordics. “Together, we aim to set a new benchmark for simulator development — combining realism, safety, and advanced technology to support the Norwegian Armed Forces.”
With this MOU, Akkodis Nordics and Hanwha Aerospace join forces to drive innovation and deliver advanced technological solutions in support of the Norwegian Armed Forces.
On the same day, Hanwha Aerospace expanded its cooperation with the Norwegian defence industry by signing additional MOUs with EIDEL, a Norwegian technology company specializing in advanced defence and space solutions, to explore potential cooperation in mobile test control systems, and T&G Elektro, to discuss possible collaboration in electrical and electronic systems.
13 Oct 25. Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Leonardo are collaborating to pursue the U.S. Army’s Flight School Next contractor-owned, contractor-operated (COCO) service contract. The partnership combines Boeing’s operational experience with Army rotary-wing training, and program delivery with Leonardo’s AW119T training helicopter to offer an efficient, scalable training solution for the next generation of aviators. Boeing’s Army training experience includes training services and mission systems support for the AH‑64 Apache worldwide, including live, virtual and constructive simulation, cockpit‑procedure trainers and instructor development programs to generate and sustain Apache aircrew readiness. Boeing’s services, combined with systems integration, simulation and program management capabilities, positions the team to deliver a full COCO.
“We are bringing together two industry leaders to offer the Army a turnkey, innovative approach to rotary-wing training with an integrated, long-term training solution that increases aviator proficiency, operational and sustainment efficiencies and will deliver measurable value throughout the life of the program,” said John Chicoli, senior director, U.S. Army/Marines & Special Operations/Missions, Boeing Global Services.
The AW119T is a commercially supported single-engine trainer. The AW119T program has surpassed 100,000 flight hours, including more than 16,000 hours flown under instrument flight rules and more than 40,000 touchdown autorotations. Leonardo sustains 130 AW119T aircraft operated by the U.S. Navy near Fort Rucker, Alabama, enabling immediate logistics synergies and rapid responsiveness.
“The AW119T is a proven platform that already supports U.S. military training every day. With more than 100,000 flight hours accumulated and a sustainment network in place in Florida, Leonardo and Boeing are uniquely positioned to deliver immediate capability and long-term value to the Army through Flight School Next,” said Clyde Woltman, CEO, Leonardo Helicopters U.S.
Boeing and Leonardo plan to provide a multi-faceted service offering to increase flight training hours, skill proficiency and deliver a flexible, scalable training model over the life of the contract.
Key elements will include:
- Mature, low‑risk aircraft: The AW119T system is field proven across U.S. services and allied operators, with crashworthy seating, fuel systems and the ability to perform full touchdown autorotations and in‑flight emergency training.
- Full training system: A turnkey offering that includes airframes, parts, maintenance, instructors, simulators and validated curriculum.
- Enhanced instruction: A proficiency‑based, phase‑driven program that blends in‑aircraft instruction, advanced simulators, virtual instructor pilot capability and cloud‑based progress tracking to individualize learning and maximize flight hours.
- Operational efficiencies: Automated logistics, optimized maintenance scheduling and adaptive training calendars to mitigate weather and daylight impacts and improve aircraft use.
- Sustainment and production capacity: An established support network, including a fully operational AW119T sustainment facility and production capacity to meet program demand.
A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.
Leonardo is an international industrial group, among the main global companies in Aerospace, Defense, and Security (AD&S). With 60,000 employees worldwide, the company approaches global security through the Helicopters, Electronics, Aeronautics, Cyber & Security and Space sectors, and is a partner on international programs such as Eurofighter, Joint Strike Fighter, NH-90, FREMM, GCAP, and Eurodrone. Leonardo has significant production capabilities in Italy, the United Kingdom, Poland, and the United States of America. Learn more at leonardo.com.