Everything posted by HG S2 (Intel Bot)
-
DID - Lockheed Received PAC-3 MSE Launch Tube | US Will Halve Troops in Syria | DoS Approved TH-73A Training Helicopters Sale To Philippines
Americas Lockheed Martin has received the first shipment of PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) launch tubes manufactured by Polish firm WZL-1. Launch tubes serve as the main structural housing for PAC-3 MSE missiles, forming the connection between the missile and the launcher system. The delivery is part of Lockheed Martin’s partnerships program with key Polish government defense companies to develop and manufacture components of the PAC-3 missile. The launch tubes will be used in PAC-3 MSE deliveries worldwide. Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works and Spanish firm Arquimea have just dropped a major upgrade in tactical ISR — an AI-driven anomaly detection system designed to elevate visual intel to a whole new level. Built to enhance electro-optical/infrared sensors, the tech lets ISR platforms spot subtle changes in a threat’s physical features and flag any anomalies that might slip past the human eye. Middle East & Africa The United States will roughly halve the number of troops it has deployed in Syria to less than 1,000 in the coming months, the Pentagon said Friday. Washington has had troops in Syria for years as part of international efforts against the Islamic State (IS) group, which rose out of the chaos of the country’s civil war to […]View the full article
-
DID - L3 Received Hawklink Modification | Germany, Latvia, Norway Sign DM 22 Deal | NZDF Poseidon Simulator Construction
Americas L3Harris Technologies Communication Systems has received a $10.99 million modification to a previously awarded contract to develop, test, produce, and support the AN/SRQ-4 Radio Terminal Set Common Data Link Hawklink for surface combatants. The modification also increases funding for engineering labor. If all options are exercised, the total contract value could reach $163.29 million. The contract supports both the US government (91%) and Spain (9%) under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will be performed in Salt Lake City and is expected to be completed by April 2026, or by April 2028 if all options are exercised. At the time of award, $5.76 million from FY 2025 Navy shipbuilding funds, $4.16 million from FY 2024 funds, and $1.06 million from Spanish FMS funds will be obligated. The Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, DC, is the contracting authority. Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works and Spanish firm Arquimea have just dropped a major upgrade in tactical ISR — an AI-driven anomaly detection system designed to elevate visual intel to a whole new level. Built to enhance electro-optical/infrared sensors, the tech lets ISR platforms spot subtle changes in a threat’s physical features and flag any anomalies that might slip past the human eye. […]View the full article
-
DID - NG Opened IBCS Facility | DoS Approved Eitan Engine Sale To Israel | Japan’s V-22 Fleet Relocates
Americas Northrop Grumman has opened a new facility in Madison, Alabama, to increase the production of crucial Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) components. The facility, named the Enhanced Production and Integration Center (EPIC), will integrate technological and digital advancements in the process to support the US Army’s accelerated modernization plan for air and missile defense. With 175,500 square feet (16,304 square meters) of production space, EPIC can manufacture up to 96 Engagement Operation Centers (EOCs), 96 Integrated Collaborative Environments (ICEs), and 192 Integrated Fire Control Network (IFCN) relays annually. The Air Force is still a few years away from getting its hands on its first E-7 aircraft for airborne early warning and control, but the service is already seeking industry input on new systems to either enhance or replace the sensor capabilities of the Wedgetail—or possibly even acquire new capabilities for an entirely different targeting and battle management platform. The plan is to start an engineering and manufacturing effort in fiscal 2027, around the same time as the first E-7 gets delivered. Middle East & Africa The US State Department has approved the foreign military sale of engines for the Israel Defense Forces’ Eitan 8×8 armored personnel carriers. The $180-million deal covers […]View the full article
-
DID - Conti Finished F-35 Facility Modernization | Ukraine Unveils New Drone | Indonesia Interested in Turkish Fighter Jet Development
Amercias The US Army is exploring a significant acceleration in the production of 3D-printed drones capable of replicating the capabilities and behaviors of enemy systems. The push comes as the army anticipates the rollout of a program aimed at rapidly developing low-cost target drones for training exercises. According to Gen. James Rainey, head of Army Futures Command, there is a critical need to simulate unmanned aerial system (UAS) threats, particularly for preparing platoons to counter drone swarms. Conti Federal has completed the modernization of an F-35 sustainment facility at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NASJRB) in Fort Worth, Texas. The Maintenance Hangar Building 1643 project is a milestone for the US Air Force’s 301st Fighter Wing, which covers on-call response duty using their F-16 Fighting Falcons and the newer F-35 Lightning IIs. The deal to renovate this “critical” part of the base was secured by the company in February 2023 and is valued at $8.4 million. Middle East & Africa Maj. Gen. Saddam Haftar, commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Ground Forces, met with senior Turkish officials on April 4, 2025, which was the anniversary of Libya’s second civil war that began in 2018. Haftar, son of eastern Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar, […]View the full article
-
DID - US Army Conducts Precision Strike Missile Flight Test | Iranian Foreign Minister To Visit Moscow | India Tested Laser-DEW Mark-II(A)
Americas American defense firm CoAspire has test-launched its 3D-printed Rapidly Adaptable Affordable Cruise Missile (RAACM) from a fighter jet. The missile has the same physical dimensions as a 500-pound (227-kilogram) class MK-82 general-purpose or GBU-38 guided bomb. CoAspire explained that the RAACM is designed for compatibility with any aircraft equipped to carry a GBU-38. Company-provided images show the system configured with several platforms, including the F-15E Strike Eagle, F/A-18 Hornet, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and F-35 Lightning II. The US Army has put its precision strike capability on full display, successfully launching the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) from an M270A2 artillery launcher during a recent trial. The test, conducted at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, validated the missile’s ability to launch from multiple platforms while maintaining accuracy, range, and rapid responsiveness. According to the US Army, the M270A2-launched PrSM delivered optimal performance across all parameters, meeting all test objectives and expectations. Middle East & Africa Iran’s foreign minister will visit ally Russia this week to discuss nuclear negotiations with the United States, ahead of a new round of talks between the foes planned for Rome. On Saturday, Abbas Araghchi held talks with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff in Oman, the highest-level negotiations since […]View the full article
-
DID - Bell Textron Awarded Deal Extension for H-1 Support | 2nd US Aircraft Carrier Arrived in Middle East | STM Lays Keels of Malaysian Navy Ships
Americas The New Zealand Defense Force has finalized the sale of four retired Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130H Hercules aircraft to American aerial firefighting company Coulson Aviation for $9 million. The deal, announced on April 11, marks a new chapter for the venerable aircraft that were officially retired from military service earlier this year. The aircraft will be prepared for flight and flown to Coulson’s Maintenance Base in Thermal, California by a commercial crew over the next few months, where they will undergo substantial upgrades and conversion to firefighting tankers. Bell Textron, based in Fort Worth, Texas, has received a contract extension worth about $14.6 million to continue supporting H-1 military aircraft. This extension covers the fourth and fifth years of a long-term agreement that originally included five optional one-year periods. The contract is a firm-fixed-price agreement, meaning the price won’t change. It was awarded without competition, following specific government rules that allow for sole-source contracts when only one supplier is considered suitable. The support will continue until April 13, 2027, for the US Marine Corps. The funding for the project will come from the defense budget for the years 2025 through 2027. The contract was issued by the […]View the full article
-
DID - Collins Awarded Navy Deal For C/KC-130T | Advanced Autonomous Maritime Capabilities In Saudi Arabia | DoS Approved AMRAAM Sale To Australia
Americas Collins Aerospace, based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has been awarded a $33.5 million order under a previously issued basic ordering agreement. The contract supports the replacement of the obsolete Control Display Navigation Unit (CDNU) 900 with the updated CDNU-7000 series for the US Navy’s C/KC-130T aircraft. Work will be carried out in Cedar Rapids and is scheduled for completion by December 2027. The full contract amount will be funded by Fiscal Year 2025 Navy aircraft procurement funds, which will be obligated at the time of the award. These funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was not competitively awarded. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, located in Patuxent River, Maryland, is managing the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin in Moorestown, New Jersey, received a $23.8 million contract modification to provide cooling systems and AEGIS combat system support equipment for U.S. Navy and allied ships under the Foreign Military Sales program. If all options are used, the total contract could reach $36.1 million. The work will be done mostly in New Jersey and partly in Florida, and is expected to finish by May 2030. The contract is funded by the U.S. Navy, Canada, and […]View the full article
-
DID - Lockheed to Continue Support for F-35 Partner Nations | Nigeria Unveiled Attack Drone | Thales Inks Swedish Radar Deal
Americas Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a $22.5 million contract change to continue its support for international partners in the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet program. The funding will go toward operating and maintaining special labs used by Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom to reprogram their F-35 systems. This includes providing supplies and on-site technical support. Most of the work (80%) will be done in Eglin, Florida, with the rest (20%) in Fort Worth, Texas. The project is expected to finish by April 2026. The full amount is being funded by the participating countries, not the US Department of Defense. The contract was awarded without a competitive bidding process by the Naval Air Systems Command in Maryland. Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, located in Moorestown, New Jersey, has received a $62.6 million contract modification to continue work on modernizing the AEGIS system, building new DDG-51 Navy destroyers, and producing systems for allied navies. This is part of an existing contract, and if all options are used, the total contract value could reach $80.5 million. The work is being done for both the US Navy, which covers 46% of the cost, and the Australian […]View the full article
-
DID - Fairbanks And HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Explore Naval Collab | GA Partners with Rafael to Build Precision-Guided Missile | Germany Probes Foreign Influence
Americas Austal USA has christened the US Navy’s sixth Navajo-class towing, salvage, and rescue vessel, the USNS Billy Frank Jr. (T-ATS 11), in Mobile, Alabama. The ceremony is part of a 10-ship development program to replace the force’s Powhatan-class ocean tugs and Safeguard-class rescue vessels, which have been operational since the 1980s. The new system was named after a Nisqually tribal member and Korean War veteran awarded the Albert Schweitzer Prize for humanitarianism, Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award, and a Presidential Medal of Freedom for more than three decades of service to the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. Fairbanks Morse Defense and South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore potential collaboration on future international naval programs, the companies announced today. The agreement, signed during the Sea Air Space conference, marks the latest example of growing cooperation between the US maritime sector and major shipbuilders from South Korea and Japan. These partnerships align with the US Navy’s ongoing effort to bolster the domestic shipbuilding industrial base by encouraging international investment and strategic collaboration. Middle East & Africa General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems said it signed a memorandum of understanding with Israeli defense contractor Rafael to manufacture a new […]View the full article
-
DID - American Fuel Cell and Coated Fabrics Get KC-135 Deal | DoS Approved Patriot Upgrade For Kuwait | Sweden Acquires C-390
Americas The US State Department has approved the sale of M4A1 carbine assault rifles to Ecuador in a deal valued at up to $64 million. The sale is expected to strengthen Ecuador’s ground defense capabilities by providing modern, versatile weaponry to enhance the operational effectiveness of its armed forces. Along with the rifles, the deal includes Magpul PMAG M4 magazines, technical manuals, training, and program and logistics support. American Fuel Cell and Coated Fabrics Co. LLC, based in Magnolia, Arkansas, has been awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract valued at $17,144,712 for the supply of KC-135 fuel cells. This competitive acquisition process yielded two responses. The contract spans three years with an additional six-month option period, set to conclude by April 2, 2028. The U.S. Air Force will utilize these services, funded by fiscal 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting authority for this project is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Middle East & Africa The US Department of State has approved a potential $400 million sale to Kuwait for the upgrade and recertification of its Patriot missile systems. The planned foreign military sale will include equipment, maintenance services, training, and logistical support. According to the Defense […]View the full article
-
DID - Raytheon Tapped For SM-6 | Cambodia Hails Opening of China Renovated Naval Base | Norway, Denmark Join Military-optronics Coop
Americas Raytheon won a $117 million modification to exercise an option and provide funding for manufacturing, assembly, test and delivery of Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) Tactical All-Up Rounds in support of full rate production requirements. Work is expected to be completed by April 2029. Fiscal 2025 weapons procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $117,066,704 was obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC, is the contracting activity. The US Space Force announced more than $13.5 billion in launch contracts Friday to SpaceX, United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin for missions that will fly between fiscal years 2027 and 2032. The awards are part of the service’s National Security Space Launch program, or NSSL, which it uses to acquire nearly all military launch missions. Under the deal, SpaceX will receive $5.9 billion to fly 28 missions, ULA $5.3 billion to launch 19 and Blue Origin $2.3 billion to conduct seven. Middle East & Africa Israeli forces have launched a ground offensive in Gaza City, the military said Friday, expanding their operations as rescuers reported at least 30 killed across the Palestinian territory since dawn. Since renewed military […]View the full article
-
DID - Boeing Wins Deal to Build P-8A Training Systems for Korea | NG Secures $24.1 Million Contract for E-2C/D | Polaris Introduces New Snowmobile
Americas Polaris Government and Defense has introduced two military snowmobile models built with enhanced capabilities for sub-zero conditions. Powered by the 850 Patriot engine, the 2026 Military 850 TITAN 155 arctic workhorse vehicle features 25 percent more torque and power than its predecessor, the 2025 Military 650 TITAN 155. Meanwhile, the lightweight 2026 Military 850 RMK 155 is optimized for deep snow and off-trail patrol and reconnaissance operations. GE Aerospace has secured a subcontract from Bell Textron to design, develop, and deliver avionics systems for the US Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program. The award follows Bell’s Milestone B approval in August 2024, advancing the program into the engineering and manufacturing development phase. Under the subcontract, GE Aerospace will develop a digital backbone for the future attack helicopter, incorporating Time-Sensitive Networking for high-speed, reliable data exchange. Middle East & Africa Yemen’s Houthis said a strike they blamed on the US killed a guard at a communications tower on Thursday, as rebel media reported more than 20 strikes before dawn. There was no immediate statement from Washington, which has carried out a wave of strikes against Houthi targets in recent weeks after President Donald Trump vowed to pummel the rebels […]View the full article
-
DID - Lockheed Tapped For F-35s | Rafael’s Typhoon Completed Desert Drill | Thales Inaugurated Night Vision Goggles
Americas Lockheed Martin won a modification, which adds scope to provide engineering and program management support as well as test assets, testing, and solution development in support of the F-35 reliability and maintainability improvement program for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Foreign Military Sales (FMS), and non-US Department of Defense (DOD) participants. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in March 2028. This contract action was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Honeywell International won $10,965,150 for a firm-fixed-price delivery order under previously for the repair of 42 aircraft power units used on the P-8 aircraft. The delivery order does not include an option period. All work will be performed in Phoenix, Arizona, and work is expected to be completed by May 2027. Annual working capital funds (Navy) in the full amount of $10,965,150 will be obligated at time of award and the funds do not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. Middle East & Africa Rafael Advanced Defense Systems’ Typhoon 30 remote weapon station (RWS) has successfully completed […]View the full article
-
DID - US Marines Form Attack Drone Team | Rafael Achieves Record Growth in 2024 | Myanmar Junta Accused of Air Strike Even After Quake
Americas The US Marine Corps has created the Marine Corps Attack Drone Team (MCADT) to enhance combat effectiveness by integrating advanced drone technology into its operations. This team will focus on training Marines to use first-person view (FPV) drones, which are increasingly important in modern conflicts. MCADT will also act as a hub for expertise in drone tactics, helping the Marine Corps develop new capabilities and refine requirements for unmanned systems. Based at Weapons Training Battalion in Quantico, Virginia, the team will collaborate with the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory to ensure Marines remain agile and effective in evolving battlefields. The initiative reflects lessons learned from recent conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, where FPV drones have proven their value in disrupting enemy formations and providing precise battlefield intelligence. MCADT’s mission includes integrating combat lessons, competing in national and international drone competitions, and refining drone capabilities through hands-on training. Its first public appearance will be at a military drone championship this summer, where it will compete against elite units like the Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment. This effort marks a significant step in modernizing Marine Corps capabilities by leveraging cost-effective and scalable drone solutions for future conflicts According to Defense News, the […]View the full article
-
DID - Boeing Secures $12.9M Contract for F/A-18 Antenna Repairs | Lockheed Secures Contract for Precision Strike Missile | ThyssenKrupp and Ulstein Team Up For Norway’s Next-Gen Frigates
Asia-Pacific The US Navy has awarded Boeing Co., based in St. Louis, Missouri, a $12,943,999 firm-fixed-price delivery order (N00383-25-F-YY1F) for the repair of the leading edge flap antenna used on F/A-18 aircraft. This sole-source contract was issued under 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(1), with Boeing as the only offeror. Work will be conducted at three locations: Mesa, Arizona (60%); Lansdale, Pennsylvania (31%); and St. Louis, Missouri (9%). The project is expected to be completed by March 2030. Funding from Navy working capital funds was fully obligated at the time of award and will remain available beyond the current fiscal year. The Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is managing this contract. Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $4.9 billion contract by the USArmy for the production of its long-range Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) under Increment One. The contract follows a competitive solicitation process, with only one bid submitted. The award builds on successful tests, including a live-fire exercise in mid-2024 where the PrSM engaged a moving maritime target, and a production qualification flight test in 2023. Work will be completed by March 2030 at an undisclosed location. Middle East & Africa A senior Hamas official on Monday […]View the full article
-
DID - General Dynamics Wins Deal for Navy Ship Support | Raytheon Secures Contract for V-22 Avionics Support | India To Purchase Prachand Helicopters
Americas General Dynamics Mission Systems Inc., based in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, has been awarded a $31.3 million contract modification to provide design and maintenance services for the US Navy’s Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ships. The work will include engineering, lifecycle sustainment, and system upgrades for these ships, with operations taking place in San Diego, California. The project is expected to be completed by March 2027. Funding for the contract comes from various Navy budgets. The fiscal 2025 procurement funds amount to $8,513,491, which is 78% of the total. Fiscal 2025 operation and maintenance funds contribute $1,537,260, or 14%. Additionally, there are $470,000 from fiscal 2023 procurement funds (4%), $367,970 from fiscal 2024 procurement funds (3%), and $48,448 from fiscal 2025 research and development funds (1%). A total of $2,007,260 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division in California is overseeing the contract. Raytheon Co., based in Indianapolis, Indiana, has been awarded a $13.5 million modification to an existing contract to provide engineering, management, and technical sustainment for V-22 Avionics Systems software. This work supports the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Special Operations Command by maintaining and updating software at on-site […]View the full article
-
DID - Lockheed’s Aegis Counters Hypersonic Threat in USN Test | DoS Approved MQ-9 Sale To Qatar | GA-ASI Completes First Flight of Belgium’s SkyGuardian
Americas Leonardo DRS has received a contract to create a new version of the weapons control system for the US Army’s M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzer. The goal is to use modern electrical technology to make the system more precise, responsive, and reliable. The company must ensure that the new system does not reduce any of the Paladin’s current capabilities. This is important because the Paladin is a critical combat system used by the military. Leonardo DRS is excited to provide this advanced technology to the Army. The company believes its innovative solutions will support the military’s long-term needs. Lockheed Martin has demonstrated the hypersonic defense capabilities of its Aegis Combat System in a US Navy test conducted aboard the USS Pinckney destroyer. The live exercise, dubbed Flight Test Other-40 (FTX-40) or “Stellar Banshee,” simulated a real-world engagement with a hypersonic medium-range ballistic missile target. Supported by the Missile Defense Agency and industry partners, the demonstration involved using the Aegis system with a simulated SM-6 Block IAU interceptor to detect, track, and engage the hypersonic threat. The Aegis multi-mission combat system combines various sensors and weapons to provide integrated air and missile defense with both sea-based and land-based configurations. Middle East & Africa The […]View the full article
-
DID - HII’s Underwater Robots Make a Big Splash | Lockheed Integrates AN/TPQ-53 Radar with US Task Force | Teledyne FLIR to Supply Surveillance Systems to Saudi Arabia
Americas HII, a big shipbuilding company, has sold more than 700 underwater robots called REMUS. These robots work without people inside them and can go deep into the ocean. Many countries have bought these robots. Over 30 countries use them, and 14 of these countries are part of NATO, a group of countries that work together. What’s really impressive is that most of these robots still work well, even after many years. More than 90 out of 100 robots sold in the last 23 years are still doing their job. These underwater robots help navies in many ways. They can gather information, watch what’s happening underwater, find and remove sea mines, help fight against enemy submarines, and do electronic spying. The REMUS robots have special tools like advanced sonar and sensors. These help them “see” things underwater, even when it’s hard to do so. Lockheed Martin has successfully integrated its AN/TPQ-53 multi-mission radar (MMR) with the US Joint Task Force-Southern Border’s command and control systems. This integration supports US Northern Command’s (USNORTHCOM) operational requirements by enhancing situational awareness and response capabilities against various aerial and ground-based threats. The AN/TPQ-53, also known as the Q-53, is a field-proven, solid-state phased array […]View the full article
-
DID - US Space Force Boosts Satellite Tracking with L3Harris | Raytheon Secures $100 Million Contract for HC-130J Maintenance | US Delivers First Australian Military HIMARS
Americas The US Space Force is upgrading its ability to track satellites and space junk with a $90 million contract awarded to L3Harris. This project will make the Advanced Tracking and Launch Analysis System (ATLAS) faster and more accurate. The upgraded system will better monitor satellites and debris in space, helping the Space Force to detect and respond to anything that could harm US satellites. These improvements will also give the Space Force more control over its operations in space. Essentially, L3Harris will provide the Space Force with new tools to keep a closer eye on space, protect our satellites, and stay ahead of any potential threats. Raytheon has secured a $100 million contract to perform crucial maintenance on the AN/AAS-54 electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) system for the US Air Force’s HC-130J Combat King II aircraft. This contract involves retrofitting and repairing the AN/AAS-54 system and its subsystems, which are essential for the aircraft’s mission capabilities. The AN/AAS-54 EO/IR system is a critical component of the HC-130J Combat King II, enabling it to effectively locate and track targets, downed aircraft, or personnel in distress, even in challenging environments. This capability is vital for the HC-130J’s primary mission of personnel recovery and combat […]View the full article
-
DID - New Pandur Combat Vehicle Gets Air Defense Upgrade | Booz Allen Hamilton and Shield AI Partner for Military Autonomy Solutions | Iran Deploys New Missile Systems on Strategic Gulf Islands
Americas General Dynamics has made a new version of its Pandur 6×6 combat vehicle that can now fight against things in the air. This new version is called the Maneuver Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD). It has some new features: a special turret called RIwP that can be controlled from inside the vehicle, a radar that can spot things in the sky and follow them, a big gun that can fire 30mm bullets, and eight spots to launch Stinger missiles that can shoot down aircraft. This new Pandur can now protect soldiers from threats both on the ground and in the air. Booz Allen Hamilton and Shield AI have announced a partnership aimed at enhancing US military uncrewed systems capabilities through advanced autonomy solutions. This collaboration will combine Shield AI’s Hivemind platform with Booz Allen’s mission engineering expertise, marking the beginning of a new era of AI-enabled, software-defined autonomous systems. The partnership is designed to accelerate the development and integration of advanced AI control systems and autonomy into a wide variety of uncrewed systems, allowing for their rapid deployment in threat scenarios. Shield AI’s Hivemind software plays a crucial role in this initiative, as it is capable of autonomously piloting […]View the full article
-
DID - USN Taps Boeing For Five New CMV-22B Osprey Aircraft | Raytheon Secures Contract for SM-2 Missile Spares | DoS Approves FMS To Saudi Arabia
Americas The US Navy has approved a $590 million contract modification with Bell Boeing to produce and deliver five CMV-22B Osprey aircraft. These tiltrotor planes, designed for delivering personnel, mail, and cargo to aircraft carriers, will replace the older C-2A Greyhound. Work will take place at various locations in the US and is expected to finish by January 2028. An initial $132.1 million from the Navy’s 2024 budget has been allocated for this project. Raytheon Co. has been awarded a $141 million contract modification to supply Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) production spares to several U.S. allies through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Japan will cover 57% of the funds, followed by Australia at 19%, the Netherlands at 13%, Spain at 6%, and Germany at 5%. Work will be performed primarily in East Camden, Arkansas (72%), and Tucson, Arizona (28%), with an expected completion date of June 2030. The SM-2 is a key component of naval air defense systems, used for intercepting aircraft and missiles. This contract highlights strong defense ties between the US and its allies. Middle East & Africa The US State Department has approved what would be the first sale of advanced precision kill weapon systems to Saudi […]View the full article
-
DID - Sierra Nevada Corp. Wins Deal to Support A-29C | Thales to Equip Dutch Subs With Advanced Sonar Systems | Exail Develops Next-Gen Mine Countermeasures in UAE
Americas Sierra Nevada Corp. has been awarded a $13 million contract to keep the A-29C aircraft fleet running smoothly. The company will provide support for the planes, training equipment, mission planning systems, and various other related gear. They’ll also supply spare parts and technical documents. The work will take place at Edwards Air Force Base in California and should be finished by February 28, 2026. This deal was made directly with Sierra Nevada Corp. without considering other companies. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio is managing this contract. KBR has been awarded a $229-million contract to identify and develop potential improvements for the CH-47 Chinook cargo helicopter. Under the agreement, the Houston-based firm will research, analyze, assess, and develop recommendations aimed at increasing the helicopter’s availability and reliability, as well as reducing support costs. To do these, KBR will conduct maintainability, quality, supportability, and interoperability analyses on the Chinook. It will also provide logistics management, testing program management, independent verification and validation, as well as lifecycle and cost analyses over a five-year period. Middle East & Africa French firm Exail will develop next-generation autonomous Mine Countermeasure (MCM) solutions in the UAE, partnering with EDGE […]View the full article
-
DID - USAF Expands Angry Kitten EW Pod Integration to Larger Aircraft | GE Aerospace Secures $5 Billion Contract for F110 Engines | Leonardo and Baykar Sign MoU for UAV Joint Venture
Americas The US Air Force is integrating the Angry Kitten electronic warfare (EW) pod into larger aircraft, including the A-10 Thunderbolt II and C-130 Hercules. Developed by the Georgia Tech Research Institute, the pod has already been tested on the F-16 and is currently being tested on the MQ-9 Reaper. Initial tests on the C-130 combat search and rescue aircraft have shown promising results, particularly for aircraft with larger radar cross-sections lacking robust EW capabilities. Future testing is planned for the KC-46 and KC-135 tankers, further expanding the Air Force’s electronic warfare capabilities. GE Aerospace has been awarded a $5 billion contract by the US Air Force to supply F110-GE-129 engines for foreign military sales. These engines power aircraft like the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon used by international allies. The F110 engine family has accumulated over 11 million flight hours since its introduction. The contract aims to maintain operational readiness of these fighter jets globally by providing engines, spares, and services to meet evolving needs. Middle East & Africa Italian defense company Leonardo and Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a joint venture focused on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies. The partnership […]View the full article
-
DID - Gray Eagle Drone Achieves Milestone | Smart Camouflage Program Advances | South Korean Army Drone Collides with Helicopter
Americas Saab Inc. won an $8 million firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract to exercise options for fiscal 2025 MK 9 production efforts. Work is expected to be completed by March 2027. Fiscal 2025 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $8,097,844 were obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC, is the contracting activity. General Atomics has tested the Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) drone using the Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (PLEO) satellite network for aircraft communications under a US Army contract. The company has completed two GE-ER flights and multiple ground tests focusing on aircraft control, sensors, and communication systems. Future tests are being planned to cover extended flight operations. Middle East & Africa French firm Exail will develop next-generation autonomous Mine Countermeasure (MCM) solutions in the UAE, partnering with EDGE Group entity Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) and the Technology Innovation Institute (TII). “This strategic partnership reinforces Exail’s commitment to delivering modular, interoperable and autonomous systems that enhance naval forces’ MCM capabilities in the UAE,” stated Exail. As part of the initiative, ADSB has unveiled the 170M Detector, a 17-meter (56-feet) […]View the full article
-
DID - Contract Extension for KC-135 Fuel Management Repairs | Nigerian Navy’s Second OPV-76 Completes Sea Trials | Poland’s Balanced Approach to Defense Cooperation
Americas BAE Systems Controls Inc., based in Endicott, New York, has received a contract modification to repair the KC-135 Stratotanker’s fuel management panel and integrated fuel management computer. This fixed-price modification increases the total contract value from $5.2 million to $7.6 million and extends the contract term. The work will continue in Endicott, New York, with completion expected by March 14, 2026. Currently, no additional funds are being allocated for this extension. Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma oversees the contracting activities. Raytheon Co. has been awarded an $18.5 million contract modification for the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) and NATO SeaSparrow Missile Systems programs. This cost-plus-fixed-fee modification extends Raytheon’s involvement in providing engineering and technical services for these advanced missile systems. The total value of the modification is $18,468,273. Work will be performed primarily in Tucson, Arizona, accounting for 73% of the effort, with 26% conducted in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, and the remaining 1% at various other locations. The project is expected to be completed by December 2025. Funding for this contract comes from multiple sources, including fiscal 2025 other customer funds amounting to $9,336,314, which accounts for 48% of the total. Fiscal 2024 other customer funds contribute $5,275,344, or […]View the full article