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AEGIS-BMD: CG-70 launches SM-3 (click to view full) The AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense System seamlessly integrates the SPY-1 radar, the MK 41 Vertical Launching System for missiles, the SM-3 Standard missile, and the ship’s command and control system, in order to give ships the ability to defend against enemy ballistic missiles. Like its less-capable AEGIS counterpart, AEGIS BMD can also work with other radars on land and sea via Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC). That lets it receive cues from other platforms and provide information to them, in order to create a more detailed battle picture than any one radar could produce alone. AEGIS has become a widely-deployed top-tier air defense system, with customers in the USA, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Norway, and Spain. In a dawning age of rogue states and proliferation of mass-destruction weapons, the US Navy is being pushed toward a “shield of the nation” role as the USA’s most flexible and most numerous option for missile defense. AEGIS BMD modifications are the keystone of that effort – in the USA, and beyond. The AEGIS Naval Ballistic Missile Defense System What Is AEGIS? AEGIS Combat Control (click to view full) Aegis, named after the legendary protective shield of […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

CH-47Fs take off (click to view full) DII FOCUS articles offer in-depth, updated looks at significant military programs of record; this FOCUS Article covers the CH-47F/MH-47G Chinook helicopter programs, in the USA and abroad. These helicopters’ distinctive “flying banana” twin-rotor design stems from the brilliant work of aviation pioneer Frank Piasecki. It gives Chinooks the ability to adjust their positioning very precisely, while carrying a large airframe whose load capacity has made it the world’s most popular heavy-lift helicopter. The USA expects to be operating Chinooks in their heavy-lift role past 2030. The CH-47F looks similar to earlier models, but offers a wide range of improvements in almost every aspect of design and performance. While the related HH-47’s $10-15 billion CSAR-X program win was terminated, delivery orders continue for CH-47Fs and for MH-47G Special Forces configuration helicopters. International orders or formal requests have also come in from Australia, Britain, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the UAE, with India and other countries expected to follow. The New Chinooks: CH-47F, MH-47G, HH-47 CH-47F Family: Initial Improvements CH-47D Chinooks (click to view full) These new aircraft are part of the U.S. Army Cargo Helicopter Modernization Program, but they are based on a […]

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 […]

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 […]

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) […]

ER/MP, armed (click to view full) Its initial battles were fought within the Pentagon, but the US Army’s high-end UAV has made its transition to the battlefield. The ER/MP program was part of the US Army’s reinvestment of dollars from the canceled RAH-66 Comanche helicopter program, and directly supports the Army’s Aviation Modernization Plan. The US Air Force saw this Predator derivative as a threat and tried to destroy it, but the program survived the first big “Key West” battle of the 21st century. Now, the MQ-1C “Gray Eagle” is in production as the US Army’s high-end UAV. As CENTCOM’s wars end, however, the Gray Eagle may find that staying in the fleet is as hard as getting there. This FOCUS article offers a program history, key statistics and budget figures, and ongoing coverage of the program’s contracts and milestones. The MQ-1C Gray Eagle, and its Band of Brothers Predator landing (click to view full) With General Atomics MQ-1A/B Predators, MQ-1C Gray Eagles, and MQ-9 Reaper UAVs all headed for the skies above the conflict zone, our readers have asked us to help them tell the difference. It’s clear that all 3 share a design philosophy, but their capabilities diverge […]

BAMS Operation Concept (click to view full) The world’s P-3 Orion fleets have served for a long time, and many are reaching the end of their lifespans. In the USA, and possibly beyond, the new P-8 Poseidon Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft will take up the P-3’s role. While the P-8’s base 737-based airframe offers strong service & maintenance arguments in its favor, the airframe is expensive enough that the P-3s cannot be replaced on a 1:1 basis. In order to extend the P-8 fleet’s reach, and provide additional capabilities, the Poseidon was expected to work with at least one companion UAV platform. This DID FOCUS Article explains the winning BAMS (Broad Area Maritime Surveillance) concept, the program’s key requirements, and its international angle. We’ll also cover ongoing contracts and key events related to the program, which chose Northrop Grumman’s navalized MQ-4C Triton Global Hawk variant. Next-Gen Maritime Patrol Systems: Issues and Options USN ERJ-145 ACS concept The P-3 fleet’s heavy use in both maritime surveillance and overland roles points up a potential problem with its successor the P-8A Poseidon. The 737-based aircraft will be bought in fewer numbers than the aircraft it replaces, but its high end Littoral Surveillance Radar System […]

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 […]

Americas Canada is set to embark on a significant military modernization effort, with plans to spend $18 billion on a new fleet of helicopters, according to reporting by David Pugliese of the Ottawa Citizen. A primary impetus behind this substantial investment is the need to respond to potential F-35 fighter jet crashes in the Arctic. Concerns regarding the F-35’s suitability for operations in the far north first emerged in 2010 when critics pointed out that the aircraft is equipped with only one engine, a potential drawback for reliability in the harsh Arctic environment. Northrop Grumman has secured a $267-million contract to produce two additional MQ-4C Triton drones for the US Navy. The deal is part of the service’s plan to have a fleet of 27 MQ-4Cs to bolster its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. In addition to the high-altitude drones, Northrop will provide the navy with a main operating base as well as associated support services as part of the contract. Most work will be carried out in California, with the project expected to be completed by October 2028. Middle East & Africa On March 12, 2025, the Turkish Navy successfully tested the submarine-launched version of the Atmaca anti-ship missile. […]

Americas Rockwell Collins Simulation and Training Solutions won a $15 million modification, which exercises options for the Delta Software System Configuration-5 retrofit effort of Weapons Systems Trainer (WST)-1 and WST-2, to include associated training, technical data, computer software, and computer software documentation for each WST in support of the E-2D Hawkeye Integrated Training Systems for the Navy. Work will be performed in Point Mugu, California and is expected to be completed in September 2027. Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity. The Canadian military has announced plans to acquire new helicopters to respond to potential crashes involving the F-35 fifth-generation fighter jets in the Arctic. The decision comes amid concerns that the aircraft’s single-engine feature might be a drawback for operations in the country’s far north, where harsh weather conditions and vast, remote terrain heighten the risks associated with engine failure. According to a senior Royal Canadian Air Force officer, the new helicopters could replace the service’s current Griffon fleet in carrying out specialized missions, including emergency response. These choppers would also support joint operations with the US military and participate in Canada’s overseas missions in Latvia. Middle East & Africa A US Army AH-64 […]

Americas Anduril has clinched a $642-million contract to supply counter-drone technology for the US Marine Corps (USMC). Under the 10-year deal, the defense tech company will install, deliver, and sustain installation-counter small unmanned aircraft systems and related services to USMC bases worldwide starting this year through 2035. The California-based firm bested nine other unnamed competitors in the solicitation issued in February last year. It is expected to provide a network of defenses to detect, track, identify, and defeat small drones and other threats against USMC installations and personnel. The US Air Force 53rd Test and Evaluation Group’s Detachment 3 recently conducted an operational taxi test at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, successfully integrating a US Navy AGM-84 Harpoon missile system onto an F-16 fighter. The AGM-84 Harpoon is an all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-shipping missile system capable of being launched from aircraft, surface ships, submarines, and shore batteries. The Harpoon/F-16 combination is already in use as an anti-shipping platform by a limited number of international F-16 customers such as Greece and Taiwan. Middle East & Africa Turkish firm Aselsan has tested successfully a mobile laser weapon system, dubbed GÖKBERK, against first-person-view (FPV) drones, the company said today in a statement. GÖKBERK detected, […]

Americas Top Aces has introduced an innovative AI-driven “constructive wingman” designed to enhance adversarial air combat training. Developed in collaboration with EpiSci, Coherent Technical Services Inc. (CTSi), and Seger Aviation LLC, this technology mimics the flight patterns and maneuvers of advanced enemy aircraft for realistic pilot training. The AI-powered wingman is integrated into Top Aces’ F-16 Advanced Aggressor Fighters (AAF) via the Advanced Aggressor Mission System (AAMS). Using a Hands-On Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) interface, pilots can control formations and tactics in real-time, simulating complex Beyond Visual Range (BVR) scenarios. The system also increases the number of adversary units in training while reducing operational costs. This cutting-edge solution provides 5th-generation fighter pilots with more dynamic and challenging training environments, ensuring improved readiness for modern combat situations. Irving Shipbuilding, based in Nova Scotia, has secured an $8 billion contract to develop the first three of 15 River-class destroyers for the Royal Canadian Navy. This six-year program will construct the ships named HMCS Fraser, HMCS Saint-Laurent, and HMCS Mackenzie. The advanced River-class destroyers will replace Canada’s aging fleet and are designed for various missions, including anti-submarine warfare and humanitarian assistance. The contract also includes spare parts, maintenance services, and training to ensure […]

AH-64 in Afghanistan (click to view full) The AH-64 Apache will remain the US Army’s primary armed helicopter for several more decades, thanks to the collapse of the RAH-66 Comanche program, and the retirement sans replacement of the US Army’s Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH). Apaches also serve with a number of American allies, some of whom have already expressed interest in upgrading or expanding their fleets. The AH-64E Guardian Block III (AB3) is the helicopter’s next big step forward. It incorporates 26 key new-technology insertions that cover flight performance, maintenance costs, sensors & electronics, and even the ability to control UAVs as part of manned-unmanned teaming (MUT). In July 2006, Boeing and U.S. Army officials signed the initial development contract for Block III upgrades to the current and future Apache fleet, via a virtual signing ceremony. By November 2011, the 1st production helicopter had been delivered. So… how many helicopters will be modified under the AH-64 Block III program, what do these modifications include, how is the program structured, and what has been happening since that 2006 award? The short answer is: a lot, including export interest and sales. The AH-64 Apache Program: Sunset, Sunrise Executive Summary The AH-64E/ Block […]

B-52H: flyin’ low, dyin’ slow… (click to view full) Officially, it’s the B-52H Stratofortress. Unofficially, it’s the BUFF (Big Ugly Fat F–cker). Either way, this subsonic heavy bomber remains the mainstay of the U.S. strategic fleet after more than 50 years of service. A total of 102 B-52H bombers were delivered from FY 1961-1963, and 94 were still on the books as of May 2009, flying mostly from Barksdale AFB, LA and Minot AFB, ND. Of these, 18 are slated for retirement, leaving a planned fleet of 76. By the time that fleet retires in the 2030s, many will be around 70 years old. The B-52H can’t be flown against heavy enemy air defenses, but a steady array of upgrades have kept the aircraft relevant to follow-on strikes and current wars, where its long time on station and precision weapons have made the BUFF beautiful. Those changes have included advanced communications, GPS guided weapons, advanced targeting pods, and more. The USAF isn’t done yet adding new features, and maintenance remains a challenge for an aircraft fleet that’s always older than its pilots. All of these things require contracts, and the B-52H fleet has several of them underway. So, how does […]

Americas The US Army has begun modernizing its ground combat fleet with the delivery of new Stryker armored vehicles and Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) to Pennsylvania’s 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, also known as the Independence Brigade. This marks a significant upgrade for the brigade, which is part of the Pennsylvania National Guard and the first reserve component Stryker unit. The upgraded Strykers feature “double-V” hulls designed to deflect explosive forces, improving protection and reducing casualties compared to older flat-bottom models. Meanwhile, the JLTVs will replace outdated Humvees, offering better protection, mobility, and payload capacity for modern combat needs. The first 25 vehicles will be used for training at Fort Indiantown Gap before deployment to units. In total, 324 upgraded Strykers and 300 JLTVs will be delivered to enhance the brigade’s readiness for future missions. Epirus has obtained $250 million in additional funding for its Leonidas high-power microwave weapon program, marking a significant boost for the directed-energy defense sector. This investment comes at a time when the global directed energy weapons market is experiencing rapid growth, with projections indicating an increase from $8.76 billion in 2025 to $20.07 billion by 2029. The new funding will allow Epirus to scale […]

Ultra APV demonstrator (click to view full) In an age of non-linear warfare, where front lines are nebulous at best and non-existent at worst, one of the biggest casualties is… the concept of unprotected rear echelon vehicles, designed with the idea that they’d never see serious combat. That imperative is being driven home on 2 fronts. One front is operational. The other front is buying trends. These trends, and their design imperatives, found their way into the USA’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program, which aims to replace many of the US military’s 120,000 or so Humvees. The US military’s goal is a 7-10 ton vehicle that’s lighter than its MRAPs and easier to transport aboard ship, while offering substantially better protection ad durability than existing up-armored Humvees. They’d also like a vehicle that can address front-line issues like power generation, in order to recharge all of the batteries troops require for electronic gadgets like night sights, GPS devices, etc. DID’s FOCUS articles offer in-depth, updated looks at significant military programs of record. JLTV certainly qualifies, and recent budget planning endorsements have solidifed a future that was looking shaky. Now, can the Army’s program deliver? JLTV: Program & Risks ONR’s […]