Defense`s Feeds

Americas

Lockheed Martin won a $79.9 million contract modification to definitize the task order for the fire control components development and flight test support for Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System, PATRIOT advanced capability and PAC-3 missile segment enhancement integration with lower tier air and missile defense sensor. Work will take place in Texas. Estimated completion date is December 31, 2023.

Safran has opened a second assembly line at their facility in Grand Prairie, Texas, for the Arriel 2E engine. The first assembled and tested Arriel 2E engines have been delivered to Airbus. These engines power the UH-72B delivered to the US Army as part of the newest Lakota helicopter. Also installed in the H145, the Arriel 2E was until now produced in France.

Middle East & Africa

The Israel government has reportedly approved a budget of $1.5 billion to strengthen the military against Iranian attacks, according to local media. Some $900 million from this year’s budget and $600 million from next year’s budget will be spent on military procurement and intelligence gathering.

Europe

According to The Print, Dassault hopes to bring its Rafale M carrier-borne fighter to the shore-based test facility (SBTF) at INS Hansa, India to prove that the jet can take off from a ski-jump. India is shopping for new fighters to equip its STOBAR carriers and so far, Boeing has demonstrated that its Super Hornet can operate from a ski-jump during tests at NAS Patuxent River last year.

Asia-Pacific

China tested a domestically developed solid rocket engine, with a thrust of more than 500 tons. The test was conducted in Xi’an, capital of Northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, setting a world record in the field. The successful test signals significant progress in China’s solid carrier rocket technology and lays the foundation for the development of large-scale, heavy-lift launch vehicle technology.

North Korea might have tested a Submarine Launch Ballistic Missile (SLBM) from the vicinity of Sinpo. According to Reuters, the US military’s Indo-Pacific Command condemned the launch as destabilising, but judged it did not pose an immediate threat to the United States or its allies.

Today’s Video

Watch: French Navy Dassault Rafale M

Additive Manufacturing (AM) – commonly known as 3D-Printing – has been identified as a technology that could significantly reduce the logistic footprint of armed forces deployed on missions. As part of its work to enhance the use of AM in the armed forces, EDA supported the first European Military Additive Manufacturing Symposium which took place in Bonn, Germany on 12-13 October. The conference heard that AM offers unique opportunities for the armed forces especially in logistic support, but its advantages are yet to be fully embraced within the military and faces several hurdles impeding fuller implementation in defence.

In his keynote speech to the 2-day event, EDA Deputy Chief Executive, Olli Ruutu spoke on how EDA supports its Member States in their efforts to employ AM by sustaining newest technical developments and the necessary elaboration of common standards to enhance interoperability.

“AM technologies can be highly promising for enhancing defence capabilities such Logistic Support for Deployed Forces in remote or hostile environments. Having AM technologies in the area of operation might significantly impact the course of CSDP missions. Time between failure and restoring the availability of platforms, transportation and storage of significant quantities of spares can be decreased, reducing the logistic footprint of an operation” Mr. Ruutu said. 

He also pointed to the important transfer of EDA’s work on AM from research and technology to capability development.

   

Additive Manufacturing for Logistic Support (AMLS)

Building on the results of its 2018 R&T project on AM, a new project, Additive Manufacturing for Logistic Support (AMLS) was launched by EDA within the area of Capability Development. Eight areas of activities were identified for this project, including technology aspects, training and education, as well as procurement processes. The ultimate objective is to elaborate and determine solutions in the eight areas which will foster the cooperation and enhance the interoperability among participants. 

A dedicated panel on Best Practice, moderated by EDA, addressed some of the practicalities and hurdles for the AMLS project to overcome. The panel underscored the distinction that AM is not a capability shortfall but an important skill which has the potential to reduce the logistics footprint. Two EDA supported R&T projects were also presented in this panel, which are aiming to enhance the performances of ballistic protections and energic material development for AM respectively. 

Emergence of Circular Economy and AM  A second panel discussion also moderated by EDA, discussed the emergence of AM as one of the key contributors to the circular economy. The event heard how AM is a means to intensify the use of materials and expand systems’ lifetime by providing on-demand solutions for repair, remanufacturing and recycling. The panel also pointed to EDA’s new Incubation Forum on Circular Economy in European Defence (IF CEED) to create common initiatives to make the most of AM’s potential for circularity: both technical and logistics aspects will be addressed in the next two years.   A first European AM Symposium

The conference was organed by the German Association for Defence Technology (DWT) and supported by EDA. Attended by over 160 representatives of industry, armed forces, academia and institutions, the event offered a unique European overview on the rapid development of AM in industry and opportunities on offer for military.

 

 

 

Americas

General Dynamics won a $269 million contract for lead yard support and development studies and design efforts related to Virginia Class submarines. The Virginia Class new attack submarine is an advanced stealth multimission nuclear-powered submarine for deep ocean anti-submarine warfare and shallow water operations. Work will take place in North Carolina and Virginia. Estimated completion date is October 16, 2022.

Boeing won a $14.5 million contract modification, which adds scope to provide test and engineering support necessary to complete the development of the Next Gen Jammer-Mid Band system in support of the phased replacement of the AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System currently mounted to the EA-18G aircraft. Work will take place in Maryland and Missouri. Estimated completion will be in September 2022.

Middle East & Africa

British Typhoon jets currently deployed as part of 903 Expeditionary Air Wing joined Egyptian Air Force F-16s during an exercise called Bright Star. According to the Royal Air Force that this was the first time since 2001 that the RAF have flown with the Egyptian Air Force. The Typhoons were also joined on the exercise by F-16s from the Greek Air Force and US Air Force F-15s and F-16s together with C-130 Hercules and B-52s.

The Netherlands agreed to send a C-130 transport aircraft to Mali to support the UN mission MINUSMA. The aircraft and personnel will leave the country in November and stay there for six months. They will operate from Bamako to transport people and cargo.

Europe

Saab continues to expand research and development operations in Finland, now into the fields of data-link communication technology as well as Virtual and Extended Reality (VR/XR) technology. The expansion will lead to the creation of 30-50 new jobs at Saab in Tampere and Helsinki in the near future, a press release said.

Asia-Pacific

The Indian Navy took delivery of its 11th P-8I Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft manufactured by American company Boeing. The patrol aircraft is an integral part of the Indian Navy’s fleet and has surpassed 30,000 flight hours since it was inducted in 2013. This is the third aircraft to be delivered under an option contract for four additional aircraft that the Indian Ministry of Defense awarded in 2016.

Today’s Video

Watch: WHY did America Build the Virginia Class??

Americas

The US Navy’s Amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) arrived in San Diego October 15, after a decade of forward-deployed service in the Indo-Pacific region operating out of Japan. Germantown sailed from San Diego on January 5, 2011, replacing USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49). USS Rushmore (LSD 47) will replace Germantown later this year.

The US Army’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) has completed its longest flight to date, exceeding maximum threshold, at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), California, on Wednesday. This marks the fifth consecutive successful flight test for the missile.

Middle East & Africa

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) will open a new flight control system integrated test facility called “Iron Bird” to accelerate the pace of its defense projects, including the one to build a fifth-generation indigenous stealth fighter jet. The facility is supposed to speed up the development, certification and production processes of domestic defense products. According to TAI, the Iron Bird will provide infrastructure for the integrated testing and verification of critical systems in National Combat Aircraft (MMU) as well as Hürjet, Turkey’s advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft and its different configurations.

Europe

Rheinmetall developed a new high-roof version of the 6×6 Fuchs/Fox wheeled armoured transport vehicle. The vehicle can serve in roles ranging from tactical operations centre to armoured field ambulance. The high-roof Fuchs/Fox demonstrator’s modernized exterior design and greater height are particularly striking. The interior volume now measures twelve cubic metres, with headroom increased to 1.60 metres from the previous 1.26 meters.

Asia-Pacific

Boeing won a $131 million contract modification, which exercises an option to provide P-8A Poseidon engine depot-level maintenance and repair in support of the Navy, the government of Australia, and Foreign Military Sales customers. The P-8A Poseidon, the US Navy’s maritime patrol aircraft, is capable of broad-area, maritime and littoral operations, and is also successful at search and rescue. Work will take place in Georgia and Washington. Expected completion date is in October 2022.

The Pakistan Army Air Defense commissions HQ-9/P air defense missile system into service on October 14. The commissioning ceremony was witnessed by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Today’s Video

Watch: Rheinmetall Presents Fuchs/Fox Wheeled Armoured Vehicle’s High Roof Variant!

Americas

Swedish company has opened a new 100,000-square-foot production facility in West Lafayette, Indiana, to build T-7A Red Hawks. The Boeing-Saab team is producing the new advanced trainer for the US Air Force, with Saab providing the aft section to Boeing’s forward fuselage. Currently the aft section is built at Saab’s factory in Linköping, Sweden, then shipped to the United States.

Raytheon has presented GhostEye MR, a new medium-range radar for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, or NASAMS. GhostEye MR was displayed at the Association of the US Army’s annual meeting and exhibition, held last week.

Middle East & Africa

In the first bilateral meeting between the Philippine Secretary of National Defense (SND) Delfin Lorenzana and his Turkish counterpart Minister of National Defence Hulusi Akar discussed the latest developments and way forward for Philippines-Turkey defense and military relations, in a phone call on 01 October 2021.

Europe

MiG Corporation, part of state-owned Rostec has completed delivery of MiG-29 components to Bulgaria ahead of scheduled. “During the negotiations, which took place in August, the Leadership of Bulgarian Air Force (BAF) and ‘MiG’ Corporation agreed upon the delivery of component parts for MiG-29 aircraft ahead of schedule. Last week we dispatched a final batch of air-technical equipment under valid contracts,” the company said in a recent press release.

BAE Systems has unveiled “Hawkeye” HWK1411 ultra low-light image sensor that enables night vision in overcast starlight conditions. The 1.6 megapixel “Hawkeye” sensor provides good imaging capabilities in all light conditions, and is optimal for battery-powered soldier systems, unmanned platforms, and targeting and surveillance applications.

Asia-Pacific

On October 5, the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) awarded Naval Group the contract for the preliminary and detailed design of the Ocean Patrol Vessel program. This award follows on from the signature of the framework agreement carried by the French Defence Procurement Agency on 23 October 2020 for the study, development, production and initial operational maintenance of ten ocean patrol vessels for the French Navy.

The US government has given four ScanEagle unmanned air vehicles to the Philippine Air Force on October 13. The ceremony was attended by Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim (CDA) Heather Variava and Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command Adm. John Aquilino. Representing the Philippine government at Clark airbase was Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana and Philippine Air Force Commanding General Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes.

Today’s Video

Watch: T-7A Red Hawk Digitally Connected

The European Defence Agency (EDA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) today agreed to further deepen their already close cooperation in the cyber domain. The objective of the enhanced cooperation, approved today through an Exchange of Letter between EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý and ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher, is to further expand the cyber resilience cooperation between the two organisations.

EDA and ESA have established a close working relationship on the basis of the Administrative Agreement signed in June 2011 which covers important domains of mutual interest, such as space-based Earth observation, unmanned vehicles, whether on sea or air, critical technologies for non-dependence, CBRNe, Guidance, Navigation and Control, and cyber resilience. In 2016, EDA and ESA signed an Implementing Arrangement on their cooperation for the Cyber Defence for Space Project. In the field of capability research and development, ESA and EDA are jointly investing in the Space and Cyber Defence Joint Study, now concentrating on Cyber Threat Intelligence, and cooperating on an ESA-led Cyber security and space-based services study, which involves other key actors such as the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), Eurocontrol and the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA). In December 2020, the Joint ESA-EDA Cyber Resilience Task Force was tasked to explore new and further areas of relevance and potential cooperation or coordination. ESA is also an observer in EDA’s Cyber Ranges Federation Programme Arrangement Management Committee (PAMC).

New level of cyber cooperation

As cyber threats are constantly growing in numbers and sophistication, cyber resilience is essential to EDA and ESA stakeholders alike. Cyber-attacks can target individuals, companies and public institutions or services (e.g. energy grids, financial markets, unmanned vehicles etc.), but also democracies namely though hybrid threats. Space systems being a central link in this new intertwined security continuum, the information and data collected, managed and exchanged by ESA and EDA Member States are of critical value to Europe’s security.

Hence the need for EDA and ESA, acknowledged in today’s Exchange of Letters, to cooperate even closer to improve the cyber-resilience of space systems, notably by:

• sharing relevant policy and technical elements to shape and orient respective activities and strengthen the partnership;
• having EDA to act as a facilitator between ESA and EDA communities while ESA proposes to invite EDA to all Council or Sub-Committee meetings of relevance under this partnership;
• regularly updating the list of priority cooperative avenues to be further explored, exploited and implemented. The Joint ESA-EDA cyber resilience task force will also issue a yearly implementation report;
• exploring how EDA and ESA could expand their coordinated and cooperative approach to other key cyber security actors such as, the European Commission, the External Action Service, and namely its Space Task Force, ENISA, the European Security and Defence College, the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre and Network, the Hybrid Fusion Cell and Hybrid Centre of Excellence, or the EU Satellite Centre.

EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý said: “Space and cyber defence are intrinsically linked. Therefore, it is only natural that the European Space Agency and the European Defence Agency work closely together to strengthen their respective Member States’ cyber resilience and, subsequently, Europe’s security. The new enhanced cooperation launched by today’s Exchange of Letters is another practical step towards achieving this important common goal”.  

ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher said: “In today’s world, space creates and relays critical data, which we need to protect. We are now facing an ever increasing dependence on space infrastructure and services, and this dependence increases the impact of these being disrupted, even from natural occurrences. This is the very reason why ESA is committed to securing its space assets as well as those of its Member States and partners from cyber interference. In doing so, we also strive to build cooperation avenues with our partners, and one such longstanding partner in cyber resilience has been EDA. »

More information

• EDA and ESA cooperate on Next-Generation Secure Satellite Communication
• ESA and EDA joint research: advancing into the unknown (Jan. 2020)

Americas

The Vanilla unmanned aircraft system has set a new world record for unrefueled, internal combustion endurance of an unmanned aircraft on October 2. The drone took off from Edwards Air Force Base and flew for 8 days, 50 minutes, and 47 seconds. The distance covered was 12,200 miles. The Vanilla is designed as a cost-effective, airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform that can be launched immediately to provide persistent coverage.

The US Army wants to perform a test launch of its Precision Strike Missile, or PrSM, later today, with the goal of seeing just how far the Lockheed Martin-made weapon can go. The launch is planned from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The goal is for the weapon to hit a target 499km away — roughly 310 miles or around the distance between Washington, DC, and Hartford, Conn. — in what is being described by Lockheed executives as a “max-range” test.

Middle East & Africa

Israel’s Rafael unveils its newly enhanced SAMSON 30mm Integrated RWS for light vehicles, designed to meet the threats of the modern battlefield, this week at AUSA 2021 in Washington, DC. The RWS features hostile fire detection capabilities and the ability to rapidly and effectively return fire via a fast, accurate slew-to-cue mechanism. It also includes a unified user interface for all subsystems, an inherent hatch for close situational awareness, and under-armor ammunition loading that increases lethality. These capabilities enable the SAMSON to turn light vehicle into powerful assets.

Europe

British rocket company Skyrora has inked a multi-launch deal with the SaxaVord spaceport on Unst, the most northerly of the Shetland Islands, as it moves closer to launching its XL rocket in 2022. The multi-launch agreement with SaxaVord will run for the next decade.

The UK deployed a Boeing P-8A Poseidon MRA1 maritime multimission aircraft to Iceland for the type’s first overseas visit. The deployment was part of increased cooperation between the UK and Iceland. After a training sortie in the Greenland, Iceland and UK Gap, the maritime patrol aircraft flew into Keflavik airbase.

Asia-Pacific

HSM-51 and VX-51 of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) carried their first joint training exercise on September 14. A MH-60R Seahawk from HSM-51 and an SH-60K from VX-51 flew a Tactical Formation (TACFORM) flight, and a dual helicopter Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) tracking exercise over the Philippine Sea.

Today’s Video

Watch: Vanilla Unmanned has big plans for the US Navy | Vanilla Unmanned

Americas

The F-15E has a new bunker buster added to its arsenal, the GBU-72 Advanced 5K Penetrator. The new weapon was tested at the Eglin Air Force Base range by the 96th Test Wing. A joint-direct-attack-munition (JDAM) tail kit from a GBU-31 was modified so that it would fit and guide the 5,000-pound weapon. The first weapons load, flight and release took place on July 23. The Strike Eagle’s existing bunker busting weapon is the laser-guided GBU-28.

According to Defense News, the US Army and Lockheed Martin have worked out a way to accelerate the delivery of the latest variant of Sentinel air and missile defense radar by six months. At the AUSA 2021 annual conference on October 11, Lockheed unveiled its A4 version of the radar. The Sentinel A4 active electronically scanned array is the next-generation radar planned to replace the current phase and frequency scanned array in Sentinel A3 and earlier versions. It can detect cruise missiles, unmanned aircraft systems, rockets, artillery and mortars.

Middle East & Africa

Netline Communications Technologies Ltd. – a leading developer and manufacturer of high-end electronic warfare and spectrum dominance systems for defense forces and homeland security agencies – has unveiled the new C-Guard Micro system. This compact, portable, full-coverage Explosive Ordnance Disposal jamming unit has been designed for use by military forces and law enforcement personnel, to support bomb disposal squads during EOD missions and roadblocks, and anti-terror missions. It is based on the advanced technology of the C-Guard family,

Europe

Serbia has unveiled Lazanski, a new armored vehicle equipped with Russian-made 57 mm AU-220M Automatic Weapon Station. The vehicle was presented for the first time on October 12 at the “Partner 2021” military exhibition being in Belgrade. Lazanski is armed with an Automatic cannon 57 mm, Machine gun 7.62 mm. It can shoot 80 bullets per minute, Serbian state media reported today.

Rheinmetall and Israeli company UVision have inked a strategic partnering agreement to market Hero series of loitering munitions to the armed forces of Europe. The German company will take the industrial, technological and commercial lead for enhancing the capabilities of the weapon system; while UVision will make available the Hero loitering munitions.

Asia-Pacific

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-2 that scrambled from Tsuiki Airbase on Octpber 10 lost its canopy inflight while the jet was over the vicinity of Asakura city. The aircraft was airborne at 12:45pm local time and the incident happened five minutes later. The pilot recovered back to base safely and a search is underway for the 90kg canopy.

Today’s Video

Watch: Israeli firm to arm wheeled armored vehicles with loitering strike munitions!

EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý was in Cyprus this week (11-12 October) for meetings with Defence Minister Charalambos Petrides and Chief of Defence, Lieutenant General Dimokritos Zervakis. He also had talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikos Christodoulides. The visit was part of the CE’s ongoing ‘tour des capitales’ which has him visiting all 26 EDA Member States.  

The ongoing work on the EU’s Strategic Compass, the implementation of the recommendations made in the first Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD), the state of play of the various PESCO projects with Cypriot participation, EDA’s current and future role as the European hub for collaborative capability development and driver of defence innovation, Cyprus’ involvement in EDA projects and programmes as well as EU-NATO cooperation were among the main topics discussed. The Agency’s practical support to CSDP missions and operations was also discussed, with a particular focus on maritime surveillance (MARSUR project).  

Mr Sedivy also had a discussion with representatives from Cypriot R&D companies and entities involved in EDA and EDIDP projects. He also visited the KIOS Centre of Excellence at the University of Cyprus. 

“I had the opportunity to express to Minister Petrides and Chief of Defence Lt General Zervakis my sincere appreciation for the fact that Cyprus is not only a very active stakeholder and contributor to EDA projects and programmes, but also a constant and committed supporter of deeper European defence cooperation. I am thankful for the good and positive talks I had over the past two days with all my interlocutors and look forward to continuing the Agency’s close cooperation with Cyprus”, Mr Šedivý commented. 

“Jiří Šedivý’s visit to Cyprus was really timely in the midst of the ongoing discussions and deliberations on the various defence related European initiatives. We had the chance to exchange views on an array of issues of mutual interest, including on Cyprus’ contribution and active engagement with the EDA and in a number of defence capabilities projects. I also highlighted the important role and contribution of the EDA to this end and the significant added value and experience that the Agency to the benefit of the European defence industry, research and technology. Following our joint meeting with Cypriot companies and research centres involved in EDA and EDIDP projects, I am confident that we will be able to increase Cypriot participation in future projects”, Minister Petrides added. 

Climate Change and Security Conference

On Monday (11 October), Minister Petrides and the EDA Chief Executive jointly inaugurated the Climate Change and Security Conference organised by the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) and the Cyprus Institute.  

Americas

General Atomics together with the US Army ist working on developing a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) for the Multi-Domain Operations-capable Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) Unmanned Aircraft System. Incorporating MOSA on GE-ER Increment 2 spans the entire system, including the aircraft and the Command and Control software suite. The implementation of MOSA will provide multiple new standards for C2, Future Airborne Capability Environment, Open Mission Systems, Universal Armament Interface (UAI), as well as further segregating the Flight/Mission systems’ hardware and software.

The US Army’s 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command (94th AAMDC) is deploying a set of Iron Dome air defense system to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam for operational testing. The 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment will be responsible for operating the unit.

Middle East & Africa

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has been chosen as the prime contractor for developing the concept and technologies for the Israel Defense Force’s (IDF) future Armored Fighting Vehicle called the Carmel. This solution is based on automatic and autonomous systems that complement the two-man team, and operate the central subsystems – the vehicles’ mission planning and management, situational awareness, driving and lethality.

Europe

BAE Systems has successfully demonstrated that its Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guided rocket can shot down Class 2 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The company said in its press release that the testing was carried out at Yuma Proving Grounds using standard 2.75? test rockets combined standard M151 warheads and Mk66 motors. The only new component that was developed for this task is a new proximity fuze.

According to local news, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Penagiotopoulos has said that Athens and the United States will likely modernize its existing military bases being used by the US military. Earlier, Greece was expected to build new bases through the renewal of the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (MDCA).

Asia-Pacific

According to PNA, Philippine Navy has taken delivery of a batch of Mistral 3 short-range air defence (SHORAD) missiles for the Jose Rizal Class frigates. The weapons were delivered to the Subic Bay International Airport on October 8.

Today’s Video

Watch: Jose Rizal Class Multi-Role Guided Missile Frigate with Advance Systems | Philippine Navy

Americas

During a ceremony held on October 6 at the Pennsylvania National Guard’s Eastern Army National Guard Aviation Training Site, the US Army unveiled the newest variant of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, the UH-60V. As part of their preparation for beginning instruction, EAATS instructor pilots have been training on six UH-60Vs they received from the Utility Helicopter Program Office in July.

General Dynamics won a $482.1 million contract modification for lead yard support and development studies and design efforts related to Virginia Class submarines. The Virginia Class new attack submarine is an advanced stealth multimission nuclear-powered submarine for deep ocean anti-submarine warfare and littoral operations. Work will take place in Connecticut, Virginia and Rhode Island. Estimated completion will be by October 2022.

Middle East & Africa

Reuters reports that Turkey has sought 40 new F-16 Fighter Jets from the US plus modernization kits for its existing F-16s even as the conflict with Washington over the purchase of Russian S-400 Air Defense System continues.The deal has yet to be approved by the US State Department and the Congress. It is still working its way through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process.

Europe

The Polish Ministry of Defense (MoD) has commenced preparing infrastructure to receive PATRIOT missile battery from the US, which is expected to arrive at the end of 2022. In March 2018, Poland signed a $4.75 billion agreement with the US for two Patriot Configuration 3+ batteries. The purchase includes Northrop Grumman’s IBCS Battle Command System and four fire units equipped with four AN/MPQ-65 radars, 16 launchers, four Engagement Control Stations, six Engagement Operation Centers, 12 IFCN Relays and 208 PAC-3 MSE missiles.

Greece has decided to lease another two Heron TP unmanned air vehicles, bringing the total number to four. Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos disclosed the information to Parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on October 6.

Asia-Pacific

Australia has been given clearance by the US State Department to purchase 12 MH-60R naval helicopters. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency says in Transmittal No 21-61 that the Foreign Military Sales package is worth up to $985 million.

Today’s Video

Watch: Eastern Army National Guard present new UH-60V Black Hawk helicopter

Americas

The US Air Force announced that two F-35A Lightning II aircraft recently released B61-12 Joint Test Assemblies, or JTAs, during the F-35A’s first Full Weapon System Demonstration, completing the final flight test exercise of the nuclear design certification process. The 422nd and 59th Test and Evaluation Squadrons led Air Combat Command’s portion of the test effort, with Airmen from the 57th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 926th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and Bolt Aircraft Maintenance Unit leading all maintenance efforts.

Thales has unveiled a new ground-based multi-mission radar with simultaneous ground and low-level air surveillance, providing early UAV detection, in particular of micro-drones. The Ground Observer 20 Multi-Mission (GO20 MM) is a single mode multi-mission radar for continuous 360° 3D detection, tracking and automatic classification of the full threat spectrum. From UAVs and helicopters in the low- level airspace, to insurgents by foot or armed vehicles– simultaneous detection of all threats.

Middle East & Africa

Turkey’s Havelsan and Transvaro are testing Fedai, a Kamikaze drone they developed to neutralize other drone-borne threats. The was exhibited at the 3rd Military Radar and Border Security Summit, organized by the Independent Industrialists and Businesspersons Association.

Europe

Greece has decided to equip its AH-64D attack helicopter with the Israeli-made Spike NLOS missile. The missiles will also be installed on the Machitis Class gunboat and the Mark V Special Operations Craft.

Proteus Advanced Systems Pte. Ltd., a joint venture company of IAI and ST Engineering, has secured a contract to deliver the Blue Spear coastal anti-ship missile system to the Estonian Defence Forces. Commander of the Estonian Navy commodore Jüri Saska said: “The chosen weapon system will form the cornerstone of Estonian naval defence for decades to come. Estonian Navy will be able to contribute significantly both to national, regional and collective defence effort.”

Asia-Pacific

The Chinese military has for the first time revealed details on the latest variant of the JH-7 fighter bomber, the JH-7A2, at the Airshow China 2021 event in Zhuhai. According to the Global Times, it has better surface attack capability as it is built to carry extra surface attack weapons including stand-off air-to-surface missiles, laser-guided bombs and munitions dispensers.

Today’s Video

Watch: PLA Revealed Latest Variant Fighter Bomber JH-7A2

The ‘European Spartan Exercise’ 2021, an annual flying exercise organised by the C-27J community with the support of EDA and hosted this year by the Bulgarian Air Force, is currently underway at Plovdiv (27 Sep.-8. Oct). The aim of the exercise is to increase interoperability among European countries operating the C-27J Spartan military aircraft. It is one of the concrete outcomes of the European Air Transport Fleet (EATF) partnership signed in 2011 by 20 EDA Member States.
 
Five countries (Bulgaria, Italy, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia) are participating in this year’s event, with four aircraft. The exercise is part of EDA’s dedicated C-27J project (Cat.B) where the five participating Member States C-27J users identify and develop common projects in the domains of operations, training, logistics, procurement, airworthiness and SESAR (Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research) to achieve a high level of interoperability and cost-efficient operating and maintenance models. It’s the 5th edition of the exercise the last of which took place in Romania in 2019 (the 2020 edition was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic).

Tactical training

The C-27J Spartan aircraft is designed to perform tactical missions in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, providing direct air transport to the theatre, day and night. The Spartan Exercise is also focused on those types of operations, training C-27J crews to fly low level, tactical navigations in different scenarios. Several airfields in Bulgaria have been chosen for training: at Cheshnegirovo airfield, crews are performing Tactical Approaches, Personnel Airdrops and Aerial Cargo Delivery, whereas Bezmer Air Base was chosen to simulate EROs (engine running operations) for medical evacuations. Operators from the Bulgarian Joint Special Operation Command as well as a Combat Control Team from the Special Forces of the Italian Air Force also take part in the exercise. 

More information

• EDA’s C-27J cooperation concept 

 

Americas

Northrop Grumman won a $8.4 million delivery order for support of the E2-D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft program avionics flight management computers. The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (AHE) is the newest variant of the E-2 aircraft platform. In December 2020, Northrop Grumman was awarded a $13.1 million order to provide new computers and displays for the E2-D Hawkeye. The new contract is a 42-month contract with no option periods. Work will take place in California. Estimated completion date is February 5, 2025.

Boeing won a $26.8 million delivery order for F/A-18 aircraft spare parts, according to the Defense Department. Work will take place in Missouri. Estimated completion date is October 31, 2027. According to the Navy Times, the Department of the Navy also spent more than $2 billion because of metal corrosion on F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets from fiscal 2017 to 2020. However, according to a report, the Department of the Navy maintainers did not complete mandatory 84-day inspections for a percentage of the 151 aircraft sampled in FY20.

Middle East & Africa

The last A-29 conversion course for the Nigerian Air Force at Moody Air Force Base has graduated on September 2. The aircraft subsequently left on September 15. Training takes nine months and covers subjects such as ground mechanics, aircraft familiarization, and piloting the aircraft.

Europe

BAE Systems will deliver the five year Future Maritime Support Programme (FMSP) alongside the Ministry of Defence for the Royal Navy in Portsmouth. According to the company, BAE Systems was selected by the MOD to deliver the Ship Engineering Delivery & Management contract at Portsmouth Naval Base.

Asia-Pacific

The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) conducted verification landing of the US Marine Corps F-35B Short Take Off and Vertical Landings (STOVL) fighter on its JS Izumo aircraft carrier for the first time on October 3. “This verification is the first time for an F-35B to land on a JMSDF vessel, and Japan is working to improve its capabilities in the maritime and air domains,” JMSDF announced.

India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is receiving export queries for Indian-built Dornier 228 aircraft from Sri Lanka, Mauritius and the Philippines. The aircraft is now rechristened as Hindustan 228. In an interview with the Times of India, R Madhavan, HAL’s CMD, said the aircraft could be exported to the two interested countries.

Today’s Video

Watch: USMC F-35B aboard Japan’s Helicopter Carrier JS Izumo

Americas

Lockheed Martin won an $80 million contract modification to exercise options for littoral combat ship class design services and integrated data and product model environment support. According to the Defense Department, The US Navy plans to build a fleet of 33 literal combat ocean going warships that are also capable of operating in shallow coastal waters. Work will take place in New Jersey, Washington DC and Wisconsin. Estimated completion will be by October 2022.

The US Military Sealift Command announced it has tested the new BQM-177A Sub-Sonic Aerial Target (SSAT) in the Western Pacific. Testing took place from September 9-10 using USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3). The BQM-177A is capable of flying at a height of 2 meters and at speeds in excess of Mach 0.95.

Middle East & Africa

In late September, Oshkosh Defense won a $16 million deal to provide three types of Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks as well as Heavy Equipment Transporters to Lebanon, Iraq and Malaysia. The contract is for M1120A4 Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTTs), M977A4 HEMTTs, M978A4 HEMTTs, and M1070A1 Heavy Equipment Transporters. M1120A4?s load-handling system is capable of transporting 11 tons; M977A4 has a 10-ton payload capacity; the fuel-servicing M978A4 tanker can transport 2,500 gallons of fuel; and the M1070A1 tank transporter has a 75-ton maximum payload. Work will take place in Wisconsin. Estimated completion date is January 31, 2022.

Europe

After the successful surface launch of the Tsirkon (Zircon) hypersonic cruise missile from a Russian nuclear-powered submarine on Sunday, a second launch was conducted on Monday; this time from 40 meters underwater signalling a new capability for the country’s navy. “The second test firing of the hypersonic cruise missile Tsirkon was carried out by the crew of the nuclear submarine missile cruiser Severodvinsk for the first time from an underwater position, from a depth of 40 meters, in the waters of the White Sea at a conditional sea target in the Barents Sea”, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

The US Air Force 48th Fighter Wing has reactivated the 495th Fighter Squadron, known as the “Valkyries”. It is the first USAF F-35A squadron in Europe. RAF Lakenheath will receive the squadron’s aircraft when they begin to arrive later this year.

Asia-Pacific

Turkmenistan unveiled its Bayraktar TB2 combat drones during a September 27 military parade marking the country’s 30th anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union. The TB2 on display was armed with MAM-L and MAM-C munitions, manufactured by Turkish firm Roketsan, and the Argos-II HD/HDT camera system by Germany’s Hensoldt.

Today’s Video

Watch: How Bayraktar TB2 has become one of the most feared drones in the world

Cyber Phalanx 2021 a one-week combined course and exercise for operations planners has successfully concluded in Lisbon, Portugal. Co-organised by EDA and Portugal, the training aims to raise the awareness of cyber and hybrid threats among operation planners, in the Operations Planning Process (OPP) on both the strategic and operational levels. 

During the week, more than 130 operations planners, cyber and hybrid experts from 15 EDA Member States as well as Switzerland, EU institutions, partners  and NATO were challenged to plan an EU CSDP operation based on a fictitious scenario, taking cyber and hybrid attacks into account during the Operations Planning Process.

 

The training focused on the cyber implications in the OPP, including military cyber and hybrid threat awareness, countering hybrid threats, EU cyber diplomacy toolbox, EU military strategic planning and the legal context of cyber operations. Cyber Phalanx 21 underscored the importance of cross-interaction and communication between cyber/hybrid threat experts and operations planners. The exercise also confirmed the necessity and value of cross-domain thinking, including cyber and information environments, in synchronised operations planning.

Addressing the opening of the exercise, EDA Deputy Chief Executive, Mr Olli Ruutu said; “Cyber Phalanx 2021 will play an important role as a final proof-of-concept and for evolving Cyber Phalanx further, covering the full operational military planning cycle towards a series of operations planning exercises, be it at EU level, at Headquarters level (OHQ/FHQ) or as national exercises in Member States.”   Originally launched in 2018, Cyber Phalanx 2021 was the second and enhanced iteration of the exercise. Cyber Phalanx 2021  demonstrated again that this type of training in a course-exercise combination enables targeted and operations-oriented training of EU armed forces on a strategic (OHQ) and operational (FHQ) level. 

 

Going forward, national preparatory training courses will also benefit from Cyber Phalanx based training and foster a cross-domain-approach, including within the cyber domain and the information environment in operations planning.   During the Distinguished Visitors Day on 30 Sep 2021, Vice Admiral António Henrique Gomes, acting head for Planning and Coordination of the General Staff of the Portuguese Armed Forces pointed out that “Member States can make better use of Cyber Phalanx by targeting operations planners instead cyber personnel to the exercise.”  

MULTINATIONAL AND INTERAGENCY TRAINING   
One of the unique aspects of CYBER PHALANX was the diversity of Member States and organisations present among the 130 participants. 15 EU Member States  (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Germany, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Hungary, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania) plus Switzerland were represented. Officials from EU institutions and organisations; such as EDA, EEAS, EUMS, MPCC, ESDC, EU OHQ Rome, EU Hybrid CoE were also joined by NATO (ACT, HQ & CCDCOE) colleagues. 

MORE INFORMATION 

Fact sheet 
Cyber defence brochure 
EDA Cyber Programme video 

   

Americas

General Electric Aviation won a $131.6 million deal for the repair, upgrade or replacement; inventory management; and required supply response times of two T-700 engine components in support of the Navy’s H-60 Seahawk and the Marine Corp’s AH-1 Cobra helicopters. The Navy sought the services from a single vendor in accordance with defense acquisition regulations and will use its annual working capital funds when issuing delivery orders. Work will take place in Massachusetts and Kansas. Estimated completion will be by September 2026.

The US Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory recently purchased several SMASH 2000 fire control systems , through its Rapid Capabilities Office (MCRCO) from Israeli company Smart Shooter for test & evaluation. Smart Shooter has also signed a cooperative research & development agreement with US Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division. Under this agreement, the US Navy will evaluate the use of SMASH technology on ships and vessels for Counter-UAS purposes. This collaboration aims to perform joint integration and evaluation of Smart Shooter’s technology with weapons and ammunition currently supporting the US Navy’s mission.

Middle East & Africa

Glasshouse Systems won a $15.9 million deal for integrated logistics support. This contract provides logistics support updates and maintenance for the Egypt Mobile Surveillance Sensor Security System (MS3). The mobile surveillance sensor security system provides Egypt with advanced capabilities intended to bolster its border surveillance capabilities along its border with Libya and elsewhere. Work will take place in New York and Egypt. Estimated completion date is September 13, 2024.

Europe

The UK has two large aircraft carriers at sea ready for operations after HMS Prince of Wales was recently declared operational. According to the Royal Navy, a fortnight-long international exercise off the Scottish coast “put the stamp on two years of intensive training for the Portsmouth-based warship, 700-plus crew, the Royal Navy and RAF squadrons who will operate aircraft from her flight deck – including the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning stealth fighter – and thousands of military personnel and civilians who support and maintain the endeavor”.

Asia-Pacific

A Philippine Navy AW-109E naval helicopter was involved in a landing accident in the early hours of September 26. There are two versions of what happened to the helicopter. One version said the helicopter, #NH-435, tilted while just three feet above the ground while another version said the rotorcraft had rolled over and destroyed after being swept by strong gusts of wind.

The US government approved the sale of one Boeing EA-18G electronic attack jet to Australia. This new jet will replace A46-311 that was lost in an accident at Nellis Air Force Base on January 27, 2018. Australia will pay up to $125 million for the replacement aircraft, which will come from production Lot 38 or later.

Today’s Video

Watch: HMS Prince of Wales achieves operational status

Americas

Rolls Royce won a $9.3 million deal for Virginia Class submarine propulsors. The deal shall provide a maximum of seven Virginia Class propulsor rotor assemblies, scoop bar sets, and associated engineering support services. The Virginia Class attack submarine is the US Navy’s newest undersea warfare platform and incorporates the latest in stealth, intelligence gathering and weapons systems technology. Work will take place in Mississippi and Massachusetts. Expected completion will be by May 2025.

Boeing won a $391.4 million deal for up to five CH-47F renew aircraft. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. The CH-47 is an American twin-engined, tandem rotor, heavy-lift helicopter. Estimated completion date is September 30, 2025.

Middle East & Africa

Morocco and Israel are expected to sign a deal that would see the two countries co-produce kamikaze drones, according to a Moroccan military and security affairs expert with knowledge of the plans. Israel’s defense minister is expected to visit the African country and sign defense cooperation agreements that would launch the drone production, among other efforts.

Europe

Czech Defense Minister Lubomír Metnar signed a contract for the acquisition of 52 CAESAR self-propelled artillery guns in an eight-wheel drive (8×8) version, in the presence of French Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly and Nicolas Chamussy, CEO of Nexter Group on September 30 in Prague.

Asia-Pacific

Lockheed Martin won a $28.7 million contract for engineering and technical services for land based test site support for the Australia Surface Combatant Program AEGIS Combat and Weapon System baseline development. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales to the government of Australia. Work will take place in New Jersey, Ohio, Maryland and Florida. Estimated completion will be by September 2025.

China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) has unveiled HT-1E, the new made-for-export ship-borne vertical launch system that is suitable for all types of seagoing vessels, at Airshow China 2021. The system can boost a warship’s multirole capabilities in carrying out multidirectional, large area and saturation attack and defense missions.

Today’s Video

Watch: US Army Boeing CH-47F Chinook at ZRH (with live ATC)

Americas

General Electric won a $483.1 million contract, which procures spare F414 engines and various spare engine modules in support of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler production aircraft. Boeing announced the delivery of the first two operational F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jets in the Block III configuration to the US Navy on September 27. The service will use these aircraft to help complete an ongoing test and evaluation program for these updates, as well as support the development of new tactics, techniques, and procedures to go with them. Work will take place in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Kentucky, Canada, Germany and North Carolina. Estimated completion will be in January 2026.

Raytheon won a $358 million contract in support of the fiscal 2021-2023 Evolved Seasparrow Missile (ESSM) Block 2 full rate production requirements. The ESSM program is an international cooperative effort to design, develop, test, and procure ESSM missiles. The ESSM provides enhanced ship defense. The ESSM program is an international cooperative effort to design, develop, test, and procure ESSM missiles. The ESSM provides enhanced ship defense. This contract combines purchases for the Navy and the governments of Canada, Australia, Greece, Germany, Norway, Turkey, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark under the NATO Seasparrow Consortium. Estimated completion will be by March 2025.

Middle East & Africa

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey may still purchase a second Russian S-400 air defense system despite US warnings of the potential consequences. Washington states the S-400s pose a threat to its F-35 fighter jets and to NATO’s broader defense systems. Turkey says it was unable to procure air defense systems from any NATO ally on satisfactory terms.

Europe

The Latvian Ministry of Defense has placed an order for telemax EVO HYBRID and tEODor EVO unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) manufactured by Telerob, an Aerovironment company. The order was received on July 8, 2021. Delivery is scheduled to be completed in late 2021, the company announced.

An MQ-9B SkyGuardian was over Scotland and flown to demonstrate its “capability in a maritime environment”. The drone is taking part in Joint Warrior, a twice-yearly UK-led NATO exercise.

Asia-Pacific

North Korea’s first hypersonic missile flight tested on Tuesday reportedly met key technical requirements set out by scientists, including launch stability, maneuverability and gliding flight characteristics of the “detached hypersonic gliding warhead.” Pyongyang’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) claimed the test-launch confirmed “the navigational control and stability of the missile,” the “guiding maneuverability and the gliding flight characteristics of the detached hypersonic gliding warhead,” and the engine.

Today’s Video

Watch: Here’s Evolved SeaSparrow Missile designed to counter supersonic maneuvering anti-ship missiles

Americas

Boeing won a $17.3 million contract modification for the US and United Kingdom to provide Strategic Weapon System Trident II (D5) Inertial Navigation equipment technical engineering support services. The Trident II D5 fleet ballistic missile (FBM) is a three-stage, solid-propellant, inertial-guided ballistic missile. In September 2021 the US Navy test-fired two unarmed Trident II missiles off the coast of Cape Canaveral, dubbing the launches a successful test of the operational readiness of the weapons system. Work will take place in California, Ohio, Washington, New York, Virginia, Georgia, Florida and Scotland. Estimated completion date is September 30, 2022.

Boeing won a $15.3 million contract, which provides systems engineering, technical, logistics support and retrofit of the Miniaturized Airborne Global Positioning System Receiver 2000 for integration onto the V-22 Osprey aircraft. The V-22 Osprey is a joint-service, medium-lift, multimission tilt-rotor aircraft. Work will take place in Pennsylvania and Texas. Estimated completion will be in November 2024.

Middle East & Africa

The Moroccans have started their flight training to operate the AH-64. The training is taking place in Utah with the 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment. The unit says Cpt. Harbouli and Cpt. Ezhari are to first two Moroccans to undergo training in the simulator.

Europe

Lockheed Martin has won a $21 million contract to customize four MH-60R helicopters ordered by the Hellenic Navy from standard export configuration. The order provides non-recurring engineering and field service representative support in support of configuration efforts for four MH-60R aircraft from standard Foreign Military Sales (FMS) configuration to the government of Greece configuration. Work will take place in New York, Greece and Connecticut. Estimated completion will be in September 2027.

Asia-Pacific

China has revealed a range of weapons it has developed for stealth fighters at the ongoing Airshow China event in Zhuhai, South China’s Guangdong Province. According to the Global Times, a scale model of the country’s second stealth fighter jet, the FC-31, was displayed together with armament including the powerful PL-15E beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile which is also used by China’s first stealthy jet, the J-20. The PL-15E is announced to be available for export for the first time. It is an air-to-air missile with a maximum range of 145km guided with a combination of inertial, satellite navigation, datalink and active radar.

Boeing won a $220 million contract, which provides non-recurring engineering in support of configuration efforts for the Harpoon Coastal Defense System (HCDS), to include the Harpoon Block II Update Grade B Canister Launch All Up Round Missiles, the HCDS launch system, and Harpoon weapon station test and production equipment for the government of Taiwan. Work will take place in Texas, South Dakota, Michigan, Connecticut, Maryland, Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas and Alabama. Estimated completion will be in July 2023.

Today’s Video

Watch: Is Boeing AH-64 Apache The Ultimate Weapon?| The Ultimates: Combat Helicopters | Spark