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Americas Collins Aerospace, a company based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has won a contract worth about $80 million to create a new avionics system for the Army’s H-60M helicopters. The new system will use a Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA), which means it will be easier to upgrade and modify in the future. The contract was awarded by the Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama. Only one company submitted a bid for this project, which was advertised online. The work is expected to be completed by March 7, 2029. The H-60M is a newer version of the Black Hawk helicopter, used by the Army for various missions. This upgrade will improve the helicopter’s electronic systems, potentially enhancing its capabilities and making it easier to maintain. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) recently showcased the advanced autonomy capabilities of its MQ-20 Avenger drone during a flight test. The demonstration involved sequential use of two autonomy software systems, highlighting significant advancements in unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) technology. The initial phase of the flight was controlled by the U.S. government’s reference autonomy stack, focusing on air-to-air combat scenarios. A government-provided Pilot Vehicle Interface (PVI) enabled seamless control and monitoring of the system. Mid-flight, […]

Americas Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. has received a $100 million contract modification to improve and maintain H-53 helicopters. The work includes software updates, cost reduction analysis, and extending the helicopters’ service life. This project will benefit the Marine Corps, Navy, and foreign military customers. The work will mainly take place in Stratford, Connecticut, and is set to finish by March 2028. Tyonek Technical Services LLC has been awarded a $46 million contract to provide on-site depot maintenance for Air Force Special Operations Command’s C-130 fleet. The work, which includes support for weapons systems and subsystems, will take place at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The contract is set to run until March 30, 2035, with initial funding of $4.8 million already allocated. This agreement will help ensure the continued readiness and availability of these specialized aircraft, which are crucial for tactical airlift missions and can operate from rough, unprepared airstrips. Middle East & Africa Two Israeli companies have announced plans to set up defense factories in the United States to produce jet and rocket engines for the US military. Bet Shemesh Engines, known for civilian jet engines, is expanding into the military market. Another company, Rafael, is partnering with Kratos to build a rocket […]

CH-53K concept (click to view full) The U.S. Marines have a problem. They rely on their CH-53E Super Stallion medium-heavy lift helicopters to move troops, vehicles, and supplies off of their ships. But the helicopters are wearing out. Fast. The pace demanded by the Global War on Terror is relentless, and usage rates are 3 times normal. Attrition is taking its toll. Over the past few years, CH-53s have been recalled from “boneyard” storage at Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, AZ, in order to maintain fleet numbers in the face of recent losses and forced retirements. Now, there are no flyable spares left. Enter the Heavy Lift Replacement (HLR) program, now known as the CH-53K. It aims to offer notable performance improvements over the CH-53E, in a similar airframe. The question is whether its service entry delay to 2018-2019 will come too late to offset a serious decline in Marine aviation. The HLR Program Lifts Off [youtube:v=k_pAe8Gvua8] Sikorksy on HLR, 2011 The $25.5 billion, 200-helicopter CH-53K program will define the long-term future of the US Marine Corps’ medium-heavy lift capabilities – and may be needed to save Marine aviation in the medium term. On average, existing CH-53E aircraft are more than […]

Americas Donald Trump has vowed to construct a ‘Golden Dome’ – similar to Israel’s ‘Iron Dome’ missile defense – as he build :”the most powerful military of the future”. The first step, he told a joint sitting of the United States Congress is to fund a “state-of-the-art missile shield to protect our homeland”. The initiative aims to shield US from a rapidly evolving array of aerial threats, including a range of ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles. Trump’s latest announcement to the Congress is being seen as the official renaming of the US’ flagship security initiative, initially launched as the “Iron Dome for America”. Researchers at the Purdue Applied Research Institute (PARI) are developing 3D-printed dark ceramics for hypersonic missiles and aircraft. These materials are ideal for withstanding extreme conditions due to their durability and resistance to degradation. Using digital light processing (DLP) 3D printers, the team can create complex shapes with high precision, allowing for intricate designs with smooth surfaces. This technology is crucial for producing components like sharp cones and hemispheres, which are essential for hypersonic vehicle construction. The 3D-printed dark ceramics can withstand extremely high temperatures and intense pressures, making them a significant advancement in hypersonic technology. This breakthrough could […]

Americas The US Navy Reserve’s KC-130T Hercules fleet, upgraded with the NP2000 propeller system, is now cleared to aerially refuel a significantly wider range of aircraft across the carrier airwing following envelope expansion testing at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) which concluded in early 2025. Originally, the KC-130T aircraft were primarily used for cargo missions. However, recognising the increasing need to refuel more assets in the air, the Navy initiated a project to regain aerial refuelling capabilities across the fleet. Kira AAR Logistics Services JV LLC has been awarded a contract worth up to $98 million to provide in-flight training for Naval Aviators on the E-6B Mercury aircraft. The work will be done in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and is expected to be completed by March 2027. This training supports the Navy’s efforts to maintain pilot proficiency and is crucial for the E-6B’s strategic communications and airborne command post missions. The contract was not competitively bid, and funds will be allocated as specific orders are issued. Middle East & Africa Arab leaders gathered in Cairo to discuss an alternative plan for rebuilding Gaza, opposing US President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal. The summit aimed to present a comprehensive vision […]

Americas The US military is looking for new ways to navigate without using GPS. A company called Xona might have a good solution. Xona just got $4.6 million from the Air Force to show how their navigation system could help the military. Xona’s system, called PULSAR, uses small satellites that orbit close to Earth. It can help with navigation when GPS doesn’t work or when someone is trying to block GPS signals. Saab has secured a contract to equip the Colombian Navy’s new frigate with advanced systems. The deal includes Saab’s 9LV Combat Management System, 9LV Fire Control System, and cutting-edge sensors and radars like the Ceros 200 radar and Sea Giraffe 4A radars. The frigate will be built by Colombian shipbuilder COTECMAR, with Damen Naval providing engineering and technical support. The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2030. This project is part of Colombia’s efforts to modernize its naval capabilities and develop its maritime industry. Middle East & Africa Israel said Sunday that it was suspending the entry of supplies into Gaza, with deadly attacks reported in the territory after it and Hamas hit an impasse over how to proceed with their fragile ceasefire. As the 42-day first phase […]

DID's FOCUS Article covering the Patriot anti-air missile system, including all development & contracts during the FY 2007 time frame...

RAAF C-130J-30, flares (click to view full) The C-130 Hercules remains one of the longest-running aerospace manufacturing programs of all time. Since 1956, over 40 models and variants have served as the tactical airlift backbone for over 50 nations. The C-130J looks similar, but the number of changes almost makes it a new aircraft. Those changes also created issues; the program has been the focus of a great deal of controversy in America – and even of a full program restructuring in 2006. Some early concerns from critics were put to rest when the C-130J demonstrated in-theater performance on the front lines that was a major improvement over its C-130E/H predecessors. A valid follow-on question might be: does it break the bottleneck limitations that have hobbled a number of multi-billion dollar US Army vehicle development programs? C-130J customers now include Australia, Britain, Canada, Denmark, India, Israel, Iraq, Italy, Kuwait, Norway, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Tunisia, and the United States. American C-130J purchases are taking place under both annual budgets and supplemental wartime funding, in order to replace tactical transport and special forces fleets that are flying old aircraft and in dire need of major repairs. This DID FOCUS […]

Americas Lockheed Martin won a $19.9 million contract for PATRIOT missile software support services. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas, with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2028. Fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation, Army funds in the amount of $4,000,000 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Airtronics LLC in Tucson, Arizona, has been awarded a $7,941,037 contract to overhaul UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter modulating valves. The Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, awarded the contract after receiving three bids online. Work locations and funding will be decided with each order, with an estimated completion date of February 27, 2030. The contract number is W58RGZ-25-D-0018. Middle East & Africa The US on Friday approved potential foreign military sales to Israel worth $3 billion, according to the State Department. The sales include munitions, guidance kits, and Caterpillar D9 bulldozers, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement. The agency stated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined an “emergency exists,” requiring the immediate sales to Israel, waiving the Congressional review requirement. The largest portion […]

Americas The recent opening of the US Army’s Theater Readiness Monitoring Facility (TRMF) at the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant (MCAAP) has shed light on the extensive efforts to inspect HAWK missiles for the support of Ukraine’s war efforts. A key revelation from the opening is the sheer scale of HAWK missile inspections being undertaken. As of 2025, MCAAP has inspected a total of 2,751 HAWK missiles. Furthermore, the facility has received 825 missiles and other equipment donations from six countries. These missiles and equipment are likely to be transferred to Ukraine. The US Coast Guard received its 18th HC-130J Combat King II airplane from Lockheed Martin. This is part of a plan to improve their long-range patrol planes. The plane will spend a year in Georgia getting special equipment to make it better at watching the sea and carrying heavy things. It will get a system called Minotaur, which helps gather and send information using radar and other tools. This will make the plane much better at its job. Middle East & Africa The Royal Navy has used its S-100 Peregrine rotary-wing unmanned aerial system for the first time in the Middle East. It was deployed from aboard the HMS […]

Americas According to Breaking Defense, Pentagon leaders are planning to change how they buy and use technology. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth might make the Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP) the main way to develop software. The SWP is a faster method created in 2020 to speed up software development by using ideas from private companies. It helps the Department of Defense (DoD) get custom software quickly, aiming to deploy new features in hours or days instead of months. RTX has introduced its first aircraft radar warning receiver (RWR) with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities. This technology uses the Cognitive Algorithm Deployment System (CADS), which integrates AI/ML models into existing RWR systems. CADS combines advanced computing with sensor-level threat processing, allowing the RWR to detect, classify, and prioritize threats more effectively. This enhances survivability by quickly identifying and prioritizing threats, reducing the workload on pilots. The system is designed to improve threat analysis and resistance to spoofing, making it more reliable in combat scenarios. Middle East &Africa The UAE military is focusing on autonomy and investing heavily in naval assets, particularly unmanned maritime systems. This strategy aims to address two key challenges: The UAE Navy is the smallest branch […]

Americas Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday backed a suggestion by US counterpart Donald Trump for Russia, the United States, and China to all cut their defense budgets in half. “I think it’s a good idea. The US would cut by 50 percent and we would cut by 50 percent and then China would join if it wanted,” Putin said in a televised interview. Russia has massively ramped up military spending since launching its offensive in Ukraine in 2022, boosting economic growth but also inflation. GE Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney have passed the detailed design review of their offerings for the US Air Force’s Next-Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) program. The detailed design review is the fourth stage of the six-phase program, preceded by initial design, preliminary design, and adaptive prototyping planning. It allows the two contenders to procure, assemble, and test a prototype ground demonstrator, with testing likely in the late 2020s. Middle East & Africa Saudi Arabia has reportedly expressed interest in purchasing General Atomics’ MQ-9B SeaGuardian unmanned aerial systems (UAS). In response, the American defense contractor has been preparing a package involving a “large number of aircraft” along with arrangements to involve Riyadh’s local industries.  No further details have been disclosed and the deal […]

Americas Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., part of Lockheed Martin, has received a $232.4 million contract modification to procure additional long-lead time materials for the CH-53K King Stallion helicopters. This modification is for Lot 10 full-rate production of the aircraft for the US Marine Corps. The work will be carried out at Sikorsky’s facility in Stratford, Connecticut, and is set to be completed by March 20262. The Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, Maryland, is overseeing the contract and will use fiscal year 2025 aircraft procurement funds for this project. This contract ensures that the Marine Corps’ next-generation heavy-lift helicopter program remains on schedule1. The CH-53K King Stallion is designed to replace the aging CH-53E Super Stallion fleet and is considered the most powerful and technologically advanced heavy-lift helicopter ever built for the US Marine Corps. The Marine Corps plans to acquire at least 200 CH-53K helicopters, with production ramping up as additional Lot 10 aircraft enter production. The CH-53K program has already achieved several milestones, including Initial Operational Capability in April 2022 with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 4611. Huntington-Ingalls Inc. has received a $44.9 million contract modification to prepare for the USS Harry S. Truman’s (CVN 75) Refueling and Complex […]

Americas General Dynamics Bath Iron Works has received a $21.7 million contract modification for DDG-1000 Class Planning Yard requirements, extending its role in maintaining and modernizing the Zumwalt-class destroyers. Key points include: The contract covers tasks such as Ship Change Document development, technical problem resolution, and integrated logistics support. Most work will be done in Bath, Maine, with completion expected by March 2026. Funding sources include fiscal 2024 and 2025 Navy procurement and research funds. The contract was awarded without competition due to the need for a specific source under 10 US Code 3204(a)(1). This modification supports the ongoing efforts to enhance the capabilities of the three Zumwalt-class destroyers. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. has been awarded a $15.1 million contract modification for work on the AN/AQS-24 Sonar Mine Detecting Set. This modification covers depot-level repair, maintenance, and modifications for all variants of the AN/AQS-24 system, along with support for common post-mission analysis and intermediate-level test equipment. The work will be primarily performed in Annapolis, Maryland (95%), and Panama City, Florida (5%), with completion expected by March 2026. This modification is part of a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The AN/AQS-24 is a high-speed airborne mine detection system that utilizes side-scan sonar […]

Americas Raytheon Co. in McKinney, Texas, has received a contract worth $48.5 million to supply JANUS II systems. This contract includes a multi-mission optical sensor, a multi-spectral targeting system pedestal enclosure system, and additional hardware and software needed to support these systems. The contract was awarded as a sole source action, meaning Raytheon was the only company that could meet the Navy’s needs. The work will take place at Raytheon’s facilities in McKinney and is expected to be completed by February 2030. The funding for this contract comes from the Fiscal 2025 operations and maintenance budget for the Navy, with $4,169,000 allocated at the time of the award. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, located in Crane, Indiana, is responsible for overseeing this contracting activity. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. in Melbourne, Florida, has received an $8 million modification to an existing contract for the E-2D Hawkeye aircraft upgrade program. This modification adds work to integrate a single board computer as part of the Block II upgrade, which involves a complete technology refresh for the cockpit, mission computer, and operations station. The Block II upgrade aims to modernize the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye fleet by reducing pilot workload, improving situational awareness, […]

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 The Colombian Air Force (FAC) is evaluating the potential inclusion of the Turkish-made Bayraktar TB3 drone into its fleet in an ongoing effort to modernize its capabilities. High-ranking FAC officials reportedly traveled to Ankara to assess the operational capabilities of the long-endurance drone and determine whether it aligns with the country’s strategic needs. As part of its modernization, the FAC is exploring options to upgrade its unmanned aerial systems (UAS) fleet, transitioning away from its current Israeli-made Hermes 900 and 450 drones. The US Marine Corps conducted the maiden test launch of a new Long Range Precision Fire (LRPF) capability in November, the service announced last week. An AH-1Z Viper helicopter fired the munition at Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona. The launch was conducted through a wireless application called the Marine Air-Ground Tablet (MAGTAB). The tablet-shaped device enables navigation and communication data exchange for enhanced battlefield situational awareness. “The November test at YPG exceeded the threshold requirements with regards to position, navigation, and timing,” the service said in a press release. Middle East & Africa Sierra Nevada Co. has been awarded a $29,661,478 contract to provide support and sustainment for the Royal Saudi Air Force’s King Air 350ER aircraft. The contract includes field service representatives, […]

UH-1Y and AH-1Z by Neville Dawson The US Marines’ helicopter force is aging at all levels, from banana-shaped CH-46 Sea Knight transports that are far older than their pilots, to the 1980s-era UH-1N Hueys and AH-1W Cobra attack helicopters that make up the Corps’ helicopter assault force. While the tilt-rotor V-22 Osprey program has staggered along for almost 2 decades under accidents, technical delays, and cost issues, replacement of the USMC’s backbone helicopter assets has languished. Given the high-demand scenarios inherent in the current war, other efforts are clearly required. Enter the H-1 program, the USMC’s plan to remanufacture older helicopters into new and improved UH-1Y utility and AH-1Z attack helicopters. The new versions would discard the signature 2-bladed rotors for modern 4-bladed improvements, redo the aircraft’s electronics, and add improved engines and weapons to offer a new level of performance. It seemed simple, but hasn’t quite worked out that way. The H-1 program has encountered its share of delays and issues, but the program survived its review, and continued on into production and deployment. DID’s FOCUS articles offer in-depth, updated looks at significant military programs of record. This article covers the H-1 helicopter programs’ rationales and changes, the upgrades […]

Americas Sentrycs has received a multi-million-dollar award to integrate its counter-unmanned aerial system technologies for an undisclosed Latin American defense customer. Under the effort, the Tel Aviv-based company will provide fixed, portable, and vehicle-mounted versions of its anti-drone kits to address the user’s multi-layer defense requirements against evolving autonomous airborne threats. Part of the countermeasure devices will be used for low-footprint protection across military bases, mobile operations, special forces missions, and VIP security. In another production qualification trial, the US Army’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) has completed a flight test at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. Two of the Lockheed Martin-developed weapons were launched in a long-range flight from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) to neutralize targets, which included a mock SCUD missile, radar, and rotary wing platforms. This test follows the system’s double salvo performance in November and the first soldier-led limited user test conducted in December last year. Middle East & Africa Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed on Tuesday that troops remain at five positions in southern Lebanon past a pullout deadline, vowing action against any truce violation by militant group Hezbollah. The Israeli military “will remain in a buffer zone in Lebanon with five control positions, and […]

Americas Lockheed Martin got an extra $18.8 million to keep providing engineering and maintenance at Pearl Harbor for MK48 torpedoes. This is an addition to an existing contract. The work should be done by February 2026. The Navy is paying for it with $3.3 million in funds that must be used this year. The Naval Sea Systems Command is in charge of the contract. The  Intermediate Maintenance Activity at Pearl Harbor typically processes about 300 torpedo maintenance actions per year. These maintenance activities include failure analysis, cleaning, rebuilding components, testing, and configuration changes to ensure the torpedoes meet reliability and availability standards for the submarine fleet. General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) is set to provide enhanced armor protection to the US Army’s Stryker armored fighting vehicle. A functional review of the technology will be performed by the company on a Stryker platform over the next six months, using DEVCOM Ground Systems Center (GVSC) provided armor designs, integration schemes, and durability test data. It is part of GVSC’s Stryker Enhanced Armor (SEA) program, which was conceived to provide increased protection for the platform’s future armor kits. Middle East & Africa Israel’s defense ministry said Sunday that a shipment of “heavy” US-made […]