Defence`s Feeds

In two years, the U.S. will begin episodic deployments of the long-range fires capabilities of its MDTF in Germany. By 2026, the U.S. Army will deploy its new, long-range surface-to-surface missiles to Germany as per a [...]

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Under the Hub for European Defence Innovation (HEDI), the Agency is organizing the first EU Defence Innovation Operational Experimentation Campaign, which is set to take place in the summer of 2025 in Italy. As part of the Hub’s Uptake of Innovation service, this initiative aims to accelerate and streamline the integration of emerging technologies into military capabilities through immersive operational and technical field testing in a collaborative and agile environment.

The first edition will focus on Autonomous Systems for Cross-domain Logistics. Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Unmanned Ground Systems (UGS) have demonstrated their potential as key technologies. Their role in modern military tasks is increasingly integral, particularly for cross-domain operations and logistical support, significantly enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in challenging environments.

This initiative's collaborative engagement with a diverse range of technological service providers - from defence, dual-use, and civilian background – will drive future technological advancements and offers significant benefits to participants. These include extensive operational experimentation in an EU advanced military test site, interactions with key expert from EU Member States, exposure to emerging scenarios and innovative use cases, and an active role shaping potential future collaborations, positioning participants at the forefront of EU Defence Innovation and future opportunities.

The Call for Tenders seeks service providers to offer UAS and UGS solutions for Lots 1-6 and support Operational Experimentation in Lot 7. This open call for tenders is open to economic operators from the Member States and subcontractors from non-EU countries. Single Framework Contracts (FWC) will be awarded as per below:

Lot 1: Low Cost Attritable Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)

Field testing of innovative UAS Class I MICRO and/or MINI solutions for delivering small payloads (under 10 kg) using low-cost, attritable platforms. The lot envisions using multiple platforms to overcome the limitations of transporting smaller payloads through distributed logistical supply concepts for mass delivery. At least three complete UAS must be submitted (TRL>5).

FWC Max. Estimated Budget: EUR 200,000 Lot 2: Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial Systems)

Field testing of innovative UAS Class I MINI and/or SMALL solutions for transporting payloads up to 50 kg using Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) platforms with a reduced logistical footprint. At least two complete UAS must be submitted (TRL>5).

FWC Max. Estimated Budget: EUR 300,000 Lot 3: Heavy Lift Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)

Field testing of innovative UAS Class II and/or Class III solutions for transporting heavy payloads above 50 kg using Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL). This includes, if possible, the ability to perform CASEVAC (Casualty Evacuation) scenarios. At least one complete UAS and a spare / Almost-Ready-To-Fly (ARTF) must be submitted (TRL>5).

FWC Max. Estimated Budget: EUR 500,000 Lot 4: Low cost Attritable Unmanned Ground Systems (UGS) – EUR 100,000

Field testing of innovative UGS SMALL solutions for delivering small payloads (under 100 kg) using low-cost, attritable platforms. The lot envisions using multiple platforms to overcome the limitations of transporting smaller payloads through distributed logistical supply concepts for mass delivery. The locomotion types of the platforms can be either biomimetic, wheeled or tracked. At least three complete UGS must be submitted (TRL>5).

FWC Max. Estimated Budget: EUR 200,000 Lot 5: Medium Wheeled Logistical Unmanned Ground Systems (UGS) – EUR 250,000

Field testing of innovative UGS MEDIUM WHEELED solutions for transporting heavy payloads between 100 and 1000 kg. This includes, if possible, the ability to perform CASEVAC (Casualty Evacuation) scenarios. At least three complete UGS must be submitted (TRL>5).

FWC Max. Estimated Budget: EUR 500,000 Lot 6: Medium Tracked Logistical Unmanned Ground Systems (UGS) – EUR 250,000

Field testing of innovative UGS MEDIUM TRACKED solutions for transporting heavy payloads between 100 and 1000 kg. This includes, if possible, the ability to perform CASEVAC (Casualty Evacuation) scenarios. At least three complete UGS must be submitted (TRL>5).

FWC Max. Estimated Budget: EUR 500,000 Lot 7: OPEX Support Team

This lot focuses on providing support services which include developing a methodology to assess product/prototype capability maturity and creating an experimental design with clear objectives, hypotheses, and methodologies in collaboration with EDA and MS representatives. It includes planning and executing the experimental campaign with EDA, the Host Member State, and Contractors (Lot1-6), analyzing collected data for actionable insights on DOTMLPFI implications, and supporting the organization of a VIP demonstration day to showcase results to high-ranked stakeholders.

FWC Max. Estimated Budget: EUR 700,000

 

The deadline for submission of Tenders is Friday, 20th September 2024, at 17h00 (CET).

For more information, please consult:

Publication in the Official Journal: 427045-2024 - Competition - TED (europa.eu)  

The tender documents are available on the following link: EU Funding & Tenders Portal (europa.eu)

 

After reforming in December 2023, 809 Naval Air Squadron has now flown its first ever independent sortie as the UK’s newest F-35B unit. Joining 617 Squadron of the Royal Air Force, 809 Naval Air Squadron [...]

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Americas GE Aerospace has demonstrated a dual-mode Ramjet (DMRJ) engine that could enable the development of more efficient long-range hypersonic aircraft and missiles. A threefold airflow increase was demonstrated by the engine compared to previous hypersonic demonstrators, according to the company. Testing began at an Evendale, Ohio, testing facility in March just 11 months after the launch of design efforts. Louisiana-based Bollinger Shipyards has joined a trilateral project between the US, Canada, and Finland to create icebreaker vessels that will help secure the Arctic region. Revealed by the White House during the 2024 NATO Summit, the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort or ICE Pact seeks a “best-in-class” fleet that will address the “expanding presence” of potential enemies and competitors in the High North. Middle East & Africa Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday announced the imminent end of his government’s operations against Kurdish PKK fighters in northern Iraq and Syria. Turkey began its Operation Claw-Lock in April 2022, claiming it needed to secure its border with northern Iraq, from where it accused Kurdish separatists of launching attacks on Turkish territory. “We will very soon complete the lockdown of the area of operation in northern Iraq,” Erdogan said, adding that Kurdish forces were now “incapable […]

The need for the Extended Range Attack Munitions (ERAMs) arises from the advantages Western standoff weapons have provided to Ukraine. However, these benefits could not be fully realized due to the limited availability of such [...]

The post US Developing Cheap, Mass-Producible ERAMs for Ukraine: Here’s Why appeared first on The Aviationist.

The event was among the largest demonstrations using a mass sUAS attack scenario. Taking a cue from the war in Ukraine and Chinese drone development capability, and the proliferation of commercial sUAS (Small Unmanned Aerial [...]

The post U.S. Army Tests Counter UAS Systems To Tackle Drone Swarm Threats appeared first on The Aviationist.

Americas Austal USA has conducted a ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of a final assembly station in Alabama. The project supports the ongoing expansion of the company’s existing waterfront center in Mobile, which will also receive design improvements and a new ship lift system. Austal wrote that the upcoming station will include three bays for managing large steel components used to develop US Navy and Coast Guard vessels such as the Offshore Patrol Cutters and TAGOS-25 ocean surveillance systems. The US Army has turned to industry partners for a new, lightweight radar to be fitted on its high-altitude surveillance balloons. A request for information (RFI) was recently issued for the desired airborne sensor that should address the service’s deep sensing requirements. It stated that the payload must weigh less than 6.8 kilograms and use power and communication equipment already on spy balloons. Middle East & Defense Northrop Grumman won an $11 million modification for contractor logistics support of Iraq’s C-172 and C-208 fleets. Work will be performed at Martyr BG Ali Flaih Air Base (formerly Balad Air Base), Iraq, and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2025. This contract involves foreign military sales to Iraq. The Air Force Life […]

After nine eventful months which saw extensive operations in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Mediterranean Sea, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) finally arrived back in the United States [...]

The post USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Returns to the United States After Momentous Nine Month Deployment appeared first on The Aviationist.

Launched from high-altitudes by the H-6K, the missile would have a significantly improved range, with powerful kinematic performance in its terminal phase. Nearly two and a half months after a PLAAF (People’s Liberation Army Air [...]

The post China’s H-6K Bomber Spotted Carrying Four Carrier-Killer Ballistic Missiles For The First Time appeared first on The Aviationist.

French Air Force sells its last KC-135s to Metrea, which becomes the largest commercial air refueling company. On July 11, 2024, it was announced that the French Air Force had sold the last of their [...]

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The milestone comes with the delivery of the first two operational aircraft to the Oregon Air National Guard. The new F-15EX Eagle II has finally reached the Initial Operational Capability (IOC) with the U.S. Air [...]

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Americas The 8th Fighter Squadron (FS) at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, recently unveiled a striking new addition to their fleet – an F-16 Viper flagship painted in a sleek matte black color scheme, reminiscent of the legendary F-117 Nighthawk. This unique paint job serves as a powerful tribute to the squadron’s history and the groundbreaking capabilities of the retired stealth aircraft. The “Black Sheep” nickname reflects the squadron’s proud history, and this new paint scheme specifically honors their time flying the F-117. “We were one of the Holloman fighter units to fly the F-117 Nighthawk,” explained Major Daniel Thompson, an instructor pilot with the 8th FS. “This decision highlights a unique chapter in our history that aligns perfectly with the Black Sheep identity.” Italy has seized Chinese military drones disguised as wind turbines that were heading to Libya in violation of a U.N. embargo, Italian authorities said. Components making up the two drones were concealed in six containers sent on two container ships from China to the Port of Gioia Tauro in Italy, where they were impounded before they could be loaded onto vessels heading for Libya, according to officials. Middle East & Africa Boeing has delivered the […]

0 Reaper, ready… (click to view full) The MQ-9 Reaper UAV, once called “Predator B,” is somewhat similar to the famous Predator. Until you look at the tail. Or its size. Or its weapons. It’s called “Reaper” for a reason: while it packs the same surveillance gear, it’s much more of a hunter-killer design. Some have called it the first fielded Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV). The Reaper UCAV will play a significant role in the future USAF, even though its capability set makes the MQ-9 considerably more expensive than MQ-1 Predators. Given these high-end capabilities and expenses, one may not have expected the MQ-9 to enjoy better export success than its famous cousin. Nevertheless, that’s what appears to be happening. MQ-9 operators currently include the USA and Britain, who use it in hunter-killer mode, and Italy. Several other countries are expressing interest, and the steady addition of new payloads are expanding the Reaper’s advantage over competitors… The MQ-9 Reaper, and its Little Brothers MQ-1 landing – 1 Hellfire fired? (click to view full) The MQ-9 Reaper was once called “Predator B,” but it is only loosely based on the famous MQ-1 Predator drone. The Reaper is 36 feet long, […]

Americas Sierra Nevada Co. won a $400 million contract for the Airborne Mission Networking System. The contract provides for Airborne Mission Networking system kits for the MC-130 aircraft, as well as engineering services, contractor logistics support, program management, field service representative support, and over and above. The locations of performance are Centennial, Colorado; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Englewood, Colorado; Hagerstown, Maryland; Robins Air Force Base, Georgia; Eglin AFB, Florida, and Hurlburt Field, Florida. The work is expected to be completed by June 27, 2029. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Robins AFB, Warner Robins, Georgia, is the contracting activity. The US Army has received two T901 engines from General Electric (GE) Aerospace for integration and testing aboard the force’s UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. The engines were delivered to Sikorsky’s facility in West Palm Beach, Florida, as part of the country’s Improved Turbine Engine Program, an initiative to develop a more durable, fuel-efficient engine for the army’s Black Hawk and Apache aircraft. Middle East & Africa Naval Group has handed over the second Gowind-class multi-mission corvette to the UAE Navy in Lorient, western France. The ship, Al Emarat, will house its crew in France in July as Naval Group provides training to ensure […]

US Army HH-60Ms (click to view full) In July 2012, the US military signed another huge contract with Sikorsky. With production of the Army’s HH/UH-60M, and the Navy’s MH-60S and MH-60R helicopters, all in full swing, there’s no question about the need for future orders. In that environment, multi-year contracts allow efficiencies in purchasing, and security of staffing, throughout Sikorsky’s supply chain. These new helicopter types are also available to Foreign Military Sales class customers, under the American contract’s advantageous pricing and terms. The UH-60M, MH-60S and MH-60R models have already inked export deals, and official requests indicate that more deals are in the pipeline. The new multi-year 2013-2017 contract could be worth up to $11.7 billion, and follows a 5-year, multi-service “MYP-VII” contract in December 2007. Like its predecessor, it covers UH-60M Black Hawk troop transport and light cargo helicopters, Army HH-60M SAR (Search And Rescue) / MEDEVAC (MEDical EVACuation) helicopters, and the US Navy’s MH-60S and MH-60R Seahawk helicopters. MYP-VIII: Contract in Context USN Heli Plan (click to view full) The US Army plans to order 956 UH-60M and 419 MEDEVAC HH-60M Black Hawks through 2026, a total of 1,375 H-60M models. By then, the US Army’s total […]

Americas Raytheon won a $27 million modification, which adds scope and increases ceiling to procure 24 mid-body range safety subsystem kits and flight test kits in support of Tactical Tomahawk missiles for the Navy, Army, and Marine Corps. Work is expected to be completed in May 2027. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin has landed a $5.2-billion contract to supply the US Army with Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missiles. The US Department of Defense (DoD) did not say how many missiles will be delivered as part of the contract. However, it said the work for the deal will be performed at Lockheed facilities in Alabama, Florida, New York, and nine other states. Deliveries will run through 2027. Middle East & Africa The pier built by the US military to bring aid to Gaza has been removed due to weather to protect it, and the US is considering not reinstalling it unless the aid begins flowing out into the population again, US officials said Friday. While the military has helped deliver desperately needed food through the pier, the vast majority of it is still sitting in the adjacent storage yard and that area is almost full. […]

European Defence Agency (EDA) has launched the third phase of its Modular Lightweight Minesweeping Next Generation (MLM-NG) project. The main objective is to further raise the technology readiness level (TRL) of relevant systems and to demonstrate the use of modular lightweight minesweeping in an operational setting, building upon the developments within the first (2011-2014) and second (2018-2021) phases. This third phase, which has a budget of around € 9.2 million, brings together six Member States: Belgium, Germany, France, Finland, Poland and is led by Norway. 

Across Europe, several nations are planning a replacement or reintroduction of their maritime minesweeping capability. Most concepts for new capabilities are based on a flexible solution with autonomous and remotely operated sweeping systems, but the technology is not mature enough to be adopted by most nations.

The aim for future mine sweeping solutions is to develop and utilise smaller Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) with lightweight sweep sources. These sources can be operated with a single platform or by a formation of several USVs, depending on the operation.

The previous, MLM-II project, developed technology demonstrators and proved the feasibility of the modular and lightweight concept for minesweeping. MLM-NG will use the results from the MLM projects and further develop the relevant technologies. The project will also look into tactics, procedures and the concept of operations for such systems.

MLM-NG aims to culminate with a live demonstration in sea trails, currently foreseen for Summer 2026 in Norway. Those tests are planned to include an operational assessment in addition to the technological and conceptual evaluations. During the demonstration all systems will be controlled from a command center on land, without personnel in the mine danger area. In the build up to the demonstration, the project will also address operational use, procedures, command and control (C2) principles, concept of operations (CONOPS) and functional requirements. All of which should contribute to the main objective of this project; further raising the TRL of relevant systems and to demonstrate the use of modular lightweight minesweeping in an operational setting.

Consortium members

The ten consortium members will come from the six participating Member States, namely;

• BE: Royal Military Academy, Belgian Defence
• DE: WTD 71, MTG Marinetechnik GmbH
• FI: Finnish Naval Academy, Patria
• FR: DGA TN
• NO: FFI (leads), H. Henriksen
• PL: CTM

Americas RIX Industries won a $31 million for a firm-fixed-price, undefinitized contract action for the procurement of 25 Virginia-class high pressure air compressors. All work will be performed in Benicia, California, and is expected to be completed by July 2030. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. L3Harris has accepted two contracts to provide management and control systems for the Royal Canadian Navy’s Surface Combatant (CSC) fleet. The CSC program was conceptualized in 2011 to replace the service’s existing Iroquois-class guided missile destroyers and Halifax-class frigates. Nova Scotia-based Irving Shipbuilding won the deal to construct up to 15 CSC ships starting in 2024. Middle East & Africa Nigeria has announced plans to further boost its counter-terrorism capabilities by procuring 50 new military aircraft. Speaking at the opening of two new aircraft hangars in northwestern Nigeria, Chief of the Air Staff Hassan Bala Abubakar said the country will acquire 12 AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters and a dozen more AW109 multi-purpose helicopters. Europe Saab, a leading Swedish defense and aerospace company, has signed a new contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the delivery of a third GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft (AEW&C). This agreement, valued at approximately $270 […]

Americas Raytheon won a $10 million order, which provides for sustainment of delivered block fleet releases, as well as ongoing development of flight test and fleet releases and analysis in support of implementation of future sustainment block fleet releases for the V-22 avionics systems for the Navy, Marines, and Air Force. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is expected to be completed in March 2026. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Raytheon won a $26 million modification to exercise options for engineering and technical support for the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile and NATO SeaSparrow Missile Systems programs. Work is expected to be completed by December 2025. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC, is the contracting activity. Middle East & Africa Syria plans the phased demobilization of tens of thousands of reservists from next month, a defense ministry official said, as fighting in the civil war has wound down in recent years. “Tens of thousands will be demobilised by the end of the current year, and the same next year, while maintaining combat readiness and acting in the interests of the people,” Major General Ahmed Sleiman told Syrian state television late Wednesday. Syria’s conflict has killed more than […]

Americas Australia has sent its first team to Pearl Harbor to train in sustainment for the government’s upcoming AUKUS submarines. The AUKUS program is a trilateral cooperation between Australia, the UK, and the US to protect allies and interests across the Pacific with a dedicated underwater fleet. For the maintenance training, Canberra sourced around 30 skilled workers from Western and South Australia affiliated with local shipbuilder ASC Pty Ltd. This group includes electricians, mechanical fitters, safety engineers, and battery crew specialists, most of which have “decades of combined experience” with the Royal Australian Navy’s existing Collins-class submarines. Oshkosh Defense has received a $27.3-million contract to deliver 57 medium equipment trailers (METs) for the US Army. The MET is a six-axle drop deck trailer measuring 21.3 meters specifically designed to deploy with the company’s M1300 enhanced heavy equipment transporter system tractor. It can transport tactical vehicles up to 60 tons and is certified under European Highway Network Accessibility for 45-ton payloads. The vehicle can navigate under overpasses with a 13-foot (4-meter) clearance and is equipped with hydraulically adjustable suspension to address varying requirements across obstacles and water crossings. Middle East & Africa India has reportedly been exporting weapons and military equipment to Israel […]