DID - Lockheed To Provide F-35 Gun System Repair | Turkish Firm Introduced New UAV Engines | India Gets 56 C-295MWs

Americas

Lockheed Martin won a $14.8 million contract modification, which is adding scope to provide depot level repair capabilities for the F-35 gun system in support of F-35 Lightning II low-rate initial production Lot 11 aircraft for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, and non-US Department of Defense (DOD) participants. F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter (JSF) is a stealthy, supersonic multirole fighter developed by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company for the US Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps and programme partners from the NATO and US allies. Work will take place in Varmint, Texas and Maine. Expected completion will be in November 2024.

AAR Services won a $14.2 million deal for maintenance and overhaul of the CH-47. The Chinook CH-47F is an advanced multi-mission helicopter manufactured by American aerospace and defense firm Boeing for the US Army and international defense forces. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of September 23, 2026.

Middle East & Africa

Turkish engine producer Erin Motor on Thursday introduced a new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) while drone-maker Baykar launched a Vertical take-off drone at the Teknofest event in Istanbul. The company showcased two types of UAV engines, 6-hp and 11-hp, which can be used in vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAVs with wingspans of up to five meters (16.4 feet) for a wide range of drones and related payloads.

Europe

Secretary of State for Defense Ben Wallace has cut the first steel for the first of the Royal Navy’s five new Type 31 frigates, HMS Venturer. Hosted at Babcock’s facility in Rosyth, Scotland, where the Type 31 Inspiration class ships are being built, representatives from across UK and international industry and public service, witnessed the historic ceremony signalling the official start of the build programme alongside employees and representatives from the local community.

Asia-Pacific

The Republic of China Army (ROCA) Aviation and Special Forces Command announced officially on September 25 that the plan to deploy AH-64Es at Taitung’s Fengnian airport has been abandoned. This is due to opposition from the local populace over noise issues. The residents were also concern over the safety of the rotor craft. The Army wants its AH-64E pilots to familiarize themselves with the terrain on the east side of the island. By stationing at Fengnian, the helicopters can be serviced there.

Indian Ministry of Defense signed a contract with Airbus Defense and Space, Spain for acquisition of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft on September 24, 2021. The MoD has also signed an Offset Contract with Airbus through which the company will discharge its offset obligations through direct purchase of eligible products and services from Indian Offset Partners. These contracts were signed following the approval accorded by the Cabinet Committee on Security earlier this month.

Today’s Video

Watch: UK’s First Type 31 frigate, first steel cut for HMS Venturer the royal navy’s newest warship

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