Defence`s Feeds

Americas Lockheed Martin won a $198 million deal, which provides maintenance, program management, and logistics services to support through life support (TLS) services for 36 Royal Australian Navy (RAN) MH-60R aircraft. The TLS services enable the RAN to provide the necessary operational capability and all-inclusive sustainment to include organizational, intermediate, depot, operational and deeper level maintenance, training, and support activities on RAN MH-60R aircraft, aircraft systems, support systems, and support and test equipment for the RAN AIR 9000 Phase 8 Future Naval Aviation Combat System MH-60R Foreign Military Sales FMS program. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin won a $60 million modification for in-service AEGIS Sustainment, Baseline 10 system and fielding, product documentation. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey, and is expected to be completed by December 2025. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC, is the contracting activity. Middle East & Africa The US State Department has approved new weapons sales to Morocco worth over $174 million, showing U.S. strong support to a major ally and strategic partner, described as an important force for political stability and economic progress in North Africa. The announcement was made Friday by US Defense Security […]

Americas General Dynamics Land Systems won an $18.9 million modification for Abrams system technical support. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Michigan, with an estimated completion date of February 27, 2025. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity. Two US Navy pilots were shot down over the Red Sea early Sunday in “an apparent case of friendly fire,” the American military said. Both pilots were recovered alive but “initial assessments indicate that one of the crew members sustained minor injuries,” the United States Central Command said late Saturday local Florida time – where CENTCOM is headquartered. Middle East & Africa The United States State Department has approved the potential sale of more than $5 billion in arms for Egypt. The State Department informed Congress on Friday that it had approved the sale of $4.69 billion worth of equipment for 555 US-made M1A1 Abrams tanks operated by Egypt, along with $630 million in Hellfire air-to-surface missiles and $30 million in precision-guided munitions. Europe Germany will buy four more submarines from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems to increase the number of boats to six, part of a joint purchase with Norway that may also see the Nordic country increase its […]

Americas Raytheon won a $24.5 million modification for the procurement of components for Megatron obsolescence in support of Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) production requirements. Work is expected to be completed by February 2027. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC, is the contracting activity. American defense firm Kratos has reportedly completed the first flight of its “Thanatos” combat drone. Thanatos is expected to integrate advanced artificial intelligence tools designed for high-risk missions traditionally undertaken by crewed aircraft. These capabilities aim to reduce risks for human pilots in combat situations. Middle East & Africa Bahrain has purchased nine H145 Airbus helicopters to support law enforcement missions and emergency medical operations. The aircraft will be operated by the kingdom’s Police Aviation Command, with Airbus Helicopters’ EVP for Global Business Olivier Michalon predicting that the chopper will quickly become a valuable new asset for the service. More than 60 H145s are already in service across the Middle East, with growing demand for their use in various missions. Europe Estonia’s National Center for Defense Investments (RKIK) has laid the cornerstone of a future marine rescue headquarters and training center at the Old City Harbour in Port of Tallinn. The construction supports the government’s objective to combine […]

SM-2 Launch, DDG-77 (click to view larger) Variants of the SM-2 Standard missile are the USA’s primary fleet defense anti-air weapon, and serve with 13 navies worldwide. The most common variant is the RIM-66K-L/ SM-2 Standard Block IIIB, which entered service in 1998. The Standard family extends far beyond the SM-2 missile, however; several nations still use the SM-1, the SM-3 is rising to international prominence as a missile defense weapon, and the SM-6 program is on track to supplement the SM-2. These missiles are designed to be paired with the AEGIS radar and combat system, but can be employed independently by ships with older or newer radar systems. This article covers each variant in the Standard missile family, plus several years worth of American and Foreign Military Sales requests and contracts and key events; and offers the budgetary, technical, and geopolitical background that can help put all that in context. The Standard Missile Naval Defense Family: Missiles and Plans [youtube:v=F2fXChvE6WQ] 60 years of SM-x click for video Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is the technical direction agent for Standard missile. They work with the US navy, other naval customers, and Raytheon to manage ongoing technical improvements. Within […]

Let’s have a look at the markings sported by the final six F-15E Strike Eagles of the 492nd Fighter Squadron, which have just returned from their deployment to the Middle East. The final six F-15E Strike Eagle jets belonging to the 492nd Fighter Squadron “Madhatters” of the 48th Fighter Wing, deployed to the CENTCOM AOR […]

The post Nicknames, Nose Art, and Bomb Markings of the Final 492nd FS F-15Es Returning from the Middle East appeared first on The Aviationist.

The RAF Typhoons, which were returning from the Advanced Tactical Leadership Course in the UAE, made a stop in Turkey for a ‘detailed inspection’ in the presence of top Turkish and British defense officials. The diplomatic push of the United Kingdom and Germany for Turkey to acquire the Eurofighter Typhoon is now moving from words […]

The post RAF Typhoons Visit Turkey’s Mürted Air Base as Ankara Pushes to Acquire the Fighters appeared first on The Aviationist.

Two years after the first Eagles returned to the United States, the last F-15C is now ready to leave Kadena Air Base in Japan, where the type was stationed since 1979. The United States Air Force’s 18th Wing is about to complete the divestment of its F-15C/D Eagle fleet, with the last airframe ready to […]

The post The Last U.S. Air Force F-15C Prepares to Leave Kadena appeared first on The Aviationist.

The U.S. Navy announced it awarded the contract to Northrop Grumman to conduct mission-systems integration for the E-130J that will replace the E-6B in the TACAMO mission. Northrop Grumman has been selected as the prime contractor for the E-130J NC3 (Nuclear Command, Control and Communications) aircraft which will perform the US Navy’s TACAMO (Take Charge […]

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Recently released images show J-15s of one of the brigades attached to the Naval Aviation University practicing launch and recovery operations at an unspecified coastal base where a flight deck with jet blast deflectors and arresting wires has been set up. Sometime between late November and early December 2024, a brigade with China’s Naval Aviation […]

The post PLAN’s Naval Aviation University Performs J-15 Flight Training on Simulated Carrier Deck appeared first on The Aviationist.

Americas Sikorsky Aircraft won three contracts by the US Navy in support of the CH-53K. The first deal is worth $175.7 million for the procurement of 22 main modules in support of the CH-53K aircraft. The second contract is worth $132.9 million for the procurement of 128 main rotor blade assemblies, the third one involved $11.6 million for the procurement of eight helicopter rotor hub assemblies. Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) pilots have begun intensive training with the Royal Air Force (RAF) on the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. This collaboration marks a crucial phase in the RCAF’s transition to the advanced platform, replacing the aging CP-140 Aurora fleet. The training is taking place at RAF Lossiemouth, a key hub for Britain’s Poseidon operations. The decision to acquire the P-8A Poseidon came in November 2023 when the Canadian government finalized a deal with the United States for up to 16 of the multi-mission aircraft. This procurement addresses the growing challenges of supporting the 40-year-old CP-140 Aurora fleet which is becoming increasingly expensive to maintain and less relevant against modern threats. The Canadian government, after thorough analysis, deemed the P-8A as the only currently available aircraft capable of meeting all operational […]

Named Tryzub after the golden trident used as a national symbol of Ukraine, Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi states that the new weapon has a range of over two kilometers. Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi, Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, made an interesting revelation on Dec. 16, 2024 at a European Defense Industry […]

The post Ukrainian Commander Claims to Have Operational Laser Anti-Aircraft Weapon appeared first on The Aviationist.

The three nations made important steps forward this year, establishing equal work sharing, locations and coordination of the different areas of GCAP, with the objective of cutting in half timeline and costs. As recently reported, the three national industry leads participating to the Global Combat Aircraft Programme (GCAP), BAE Systems, Leonardo and Japan Aircraft Industrial […]

The post 2024 Fundamental for GCAP, Working to Make 2035 Goal a Reality, Says Leonardo appeared first on The Aviationist.

The first six of a dozen U.S. Air Force F-15Es have returned to their homebase at RAF Lakenheath, once again sporting unique nicknames and some interesting markings. On Dec. 17, 2024, the first six of 12 F-15E Strike Eagle jets, belonging to the 492nd Fighter Squadron/48th Fighter Wing, returned to RAF Lakenheath, UK, after a […]

The post 492nd FS F-15E Strike Eagles Return From Middle East With New Nose Arts And Bomb Markings appeared first on The Aviationist.

Americas Lockheed Martin won a $33.8 million contract modification for the procurement of four test controller processors and ten infrared receivers in support of the F/A-18 aircraft. All work will be performed in Orlando, Florida, and work will be completed by November 2025.  Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. The US Air Force’s Tyndall Air Force Base is equipping aircrew with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) gear for enhanced combat readiness. All current and new pilots of the 325th Operations Support Squadron Aircrew Flight Equipment Flight (AFE) will be fitted and trained to wear the newly-developed specialized equipment by February 2025. The squadron supports F-35 pilots and is part of the 325th Operations Group, the Florida base’s operating unit and host wing. Middle East & Africa MVL Saudi Builders won a $29.4 million firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of shore-to-ship utilities. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Lebanon, with an estimated completion date of December 29, 2029. Fiscal 2025 Foreign Military Sales (Lebanon) funds in the amount of $29,363,739 were obligated at the time of the award. US Army Corps of Engineers, Winchester, […]

Finnish, Swedish, and Dutch fighter aircraft were scrambled on Tuesday Dec. 17, 2024 to identify and monitor Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea, which turned out to be carrying inert supersonic cruise missiles. The first intercept was made by F/A-18 Hornets from the Finnish Air Force, which were met by Dutch F-35A Lightning IIs deployed […]

The post NATO Fighters Intercept Two Russian Tu-22M3 ‘Backfires’ Carrying Long-Range Supersonic Cruise Missiles appeared first on The Aviationist.

The $451 million contract will support the upgrade of 68 JASDF F-15Js as part of the Japan Super Interceptor program, introducing some capabilities currently being fielded on the U.S. Air Force F-15EX Eagle II. The U.S. DoD (Department of Defense) announced on Dec. 10, 2024, that the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center awarded Boeing […]

The post Boeing Awarded Contract To Support the F-15 Japan Super Interceptor Program appeared first on The Aviationist.

Argentina and Denmark sealed a $300 million contract in April for 24 second-hand F-16 jets. The Fuerza Aérea Argentina has been without a supersonic fighter since 2015, following the retirement of its last Dassault Mirage IIIs. Argentina’s first F-16B, purchased from Denmark, landed in the country on Dec. 16, 2024, after being transported disassembled inside […]

The post Argentina Receives First Ex-Danish F-16B, Flown Disassembled in KC-130H appeared first on The Aviationist.

The VAQ-133 “Wizards” have completed the first ALQ-249 Next Generation Jammer Deployment. On Dec. 14, 2024, Electronic Attack Squadron 133 (VAQ-133), assigned to Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW) 9, returned to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, from its five-month deployment to the Middle East and Eastern Pacific aboard USS Abraham Lincoln. A total of 153 […]

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The second phase of a project to develop underwater surveillance technology is now underway, after the European Defence Agency (EDA) launched the ‘Evaluation of State-of-the-Art Thin Line Array Technology II’ (ETLAT II) over two days from 11 December. With Italy as the lead nation and Leonardo as the lead company, nine members from six European Union Member States are part of the three-year, nearly €4 million project, which aims to strengthen the EU's capabilities in maritime defence.

The project, which launched at Leonardo’s premises in Livorno, aims to enhance ‘Thin Line Array’ technologies for underwater surveillance and anti-submarine warfare. Thin Line Array technologies are underwater acoustic measurement devices used in maritime static and low-speed towed surveillance and monitoring.

Building upon the initial ETLAT project (2015–2018), ETLAT II aims to refine and advance prototypes by addressing unresolved technical problems identified in the first phase. The project focuses on improving operational readiness and finding solutions for the Thin Line Array systems. ETLAT II will draw on advanced numerical models, experimental data, and innovative designs.

Technical objectives: from vibration isolation to testing

Vibration Isolation Systems:

Studying vibrations that affect towing systems, as well as designing isolation solutions to mitigate mechanical disturbances and flow-induced noise, to improve the stability and sensitivity of Thin Line Array systems.

Advanced Numerical Modelling:

Enhancing computational models to predict hydrodynamic behaviour, flow noise, and acoustic performance under various operational conditions, including simulations for different towing speeds and angles.

Experimental Evaluation:

Conducting rigorous prototype testing in controlled environments such as towing tanks and the Lake Nemi acoustic test range – a specialised underwater testing facility near Rome – to validate numerical models and optimise system designs using real-world data.

By integrating numerical simulations with experimental evaluations, ETLAT II aims to increase the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of Thin Line Array technologies so that they can be reliably deployed in demanding maritime defence applications.

 Consortium and Collaboration

• Germany: Bundeswehr Technical Centre for Ships and Naval Weapons, Maritime Technology and Research (WTD 71).
• Finland: Finnish Naval Academy (FNA) and Patria Aviation Oy (Patria).
• Italy: Institute of Marine Engineering - National Research Council (INM-CNR) and Leonardo Spa.
• The Netherlands: Dutch Command Materiel and IT Agency (NL-COMMIT) and Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN).
• Norway: Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI).
• Sweden: Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI).

  European Defence Agency’s role

The ETLAT II project is conducted within the framework of EDA. Established in 2004, EDA supports Member States in developing collaborative defence capabilities to enhance interoperability and innovation across Europe. By facilitating cooperative initiatives such as ETLAT II, EDA reinforces Europe’s technological edge and maritime security readiness.

The European Defence Agency (EDA), the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), and the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) convened in Brussels for a trilateral meeting aimed at deepening their collaboration in support of European and transatlantic security.

The meeting, hosted by EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý, was a continuation of a first trilateral held in Luxembourg in December 2023. The gathering brought together senior leadership from the three organisations to explore ways to deepen cooperation, enhance efficiency, and capitalise on their complementary strengths.

In light of the challenging security landscape, the three organisations reaffirmed their commitment to a joint effort, engaging in a dynamic exchange on collaboration and synergies, and exploring how their respective roles can better align to meet the rapidly changing demands of member nations. Discussions centered on addressing shared challenges, and identifying strategic opportunities to reinforce their collective impact.

The meeting highlighted the importance of clear messaging when engaging with stakeholders and explore further alignment and opportunities for enhanced cooperation. 

EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý underscored the importance of such trilateral engagements, and the subsequent discussions that will take place at working level with respectively NSPA and OCCAR, stating: “By coming together at this pivotal moment, we worked on identifying synergies that could deliver real results. One example of a successful collaboration is the multinational MRTT fleet, which illustrates how our organisations can work seamlessly across the acquisition, management, and operational phases to support member nations’ capability needs.”

“Although our organisations have distinct mandates and missions, we share a common goal: supporting our member states in navigating a complex and fast-changing security environment,” he added.

“The current security environment demands agility, innovation, and cooperation,” said Stacy Cummings, General Manager of NSPA. “By pooling our resources and leveraging our respective expertise, NSPA, EDA, and OCCAR are paving the way for stronger, more effective collaboration. This meeting reflects our shared vision to build on past successes and tackle emerging challenges together.”

OCCAR-EA Director, Joachim Sucker, echoed these sentiments: “In a world where disconnection often prevails, this meeting exemplifies the power of cooperation. By combining our efforts, we enhance our ability to deliver vital defence capabilities. I deeply appreciate the opportunity to engage trilaterally with Ms Cummings and Mr Šedivý to explore how our unique strengths can complement each other and yield greater outcomes for the nations we all support.”

This trilateral meeting underscored the collective determination of EDA, NSPA, and OCCAR to work more closely together in addressing NATO and Europe’s pressing defence and security challenges. By strengthening their partnership, the three organisations are laying the groundwork for enhanced collaboration and a more robust response to the needs of both NATO and Europe.