The U.S. government has approved Australia's possible acquisition of air-to-ground tactical missiles from Northrop Grumman in a deal valued at $405 million. Canberra's request is for up to 100 extended range versions of the AGM-88G advanced anti-radiation guided missile plus AGM-88G AARGM-ER guidance and control section spares. Northrop will also deliver several non-major defense equipment items under the deal. According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the acquisition will enhance Australia's aircraft survivability with a capability to address existing and future threats from land- or sea-based radar emitters.
Author: Brianne Monterey (Brianne Monterey)
Canada Launches New Cyber Command to Ensure Combat Readiness
Canada has set up a new Canadian Armed Forces command to ensure combat readiness in the cyber domain. The new CAF Cyber Command will be led by Maj. Gen. Dave Yarker. It will be the sole entity authorized for cyber force sustainment, management and development and enable Canada to contribute to its international commitments. "By enhancing our work in the cyber domain and by continuing to collaborate with our partners and allies, we can detect, deter and defend against cyber threats and malicious actors targeting Canada and our interests," said Bill Blair, Canada's minister of national defense.
Viasat Expands Elevate Program With Addition of Satellite Communications Cybersecurity Startup Cysec
Cybersecurity solutions provider Cysec has joined Viasat's Elevate growth program, ecosystem and marketplace, giving it access to the Viasat network and its partners as it develops a solution that addresses threats targeting space-based communications and assets. Cysec's ARCA family of software products — ARCA Satcom VPN, ARCA Trusted OS and ARCA Satlink — offers to provide high-quality security for the space internet. ARCA Satcom VPN, with its built-in encryption and authentication, “unlocks numerous new use cases for our customers,” said Yacine Felk, chief operatibng officer and co-founder of Cysec.
US Extends $920M in Foreign Military Funding Direct Loan to Romania
The United States has extended a $920 million Foreign Military Financing direct loan to Romania to help accelerate its military modernization efforts. Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the Department of State, said in a press statement that the assistance includes a grant to cover fees and guarantee the loan. According to the official, the FMF deal is expected to strengthen NATO's operations in its eastern flank, noting Bucharest's contributions within the military alliance. "Romania is a leader in NATO, working closely with allies to advance Black Sea security and providing critical assistance to Ukraine, including the transfer of a Patriot strategic air defense system and training Ukrainian F-16 pilots," Miller said.
Dennis Goege to Take Over as Chief Executive for Europe at Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin has named Dennis Goege as vice president and chief executive for Europe, effective Oct. 1. Goege, who succeeds Jonathan Hoyle, joined the company in 2020 and has since been helping with initiatives aimed at growing Lockheed's air, land, naval and space offerings. Also taking on new roles are Emanuele Serafini, who will report to Goege as VP and regional executive for west Europe, and Paul Livingstone, incumbent VP and chief executive at Lockheed Martin UK, who will expand his responsibilities to cover NATO transactions.
US Approves Egypt’s Proposed Stinger Missiles FMS Deal
Egypt has received approval from the U.S. Department of State on its proposed acquisition of 720 Stinger missiles and other related equipment and services from RTX. Made under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, the potential deal, valued at $740 million, includes non-major defense equipment items such as engineering, technical and logistics support services. The Stingers will be mounted on the Egyptian government's Avenger air defense systems.
Anduril to Deploy Autonomous Solutions to Protect Australian Base From Threats
Anduril has secured a contract from the Royal Australian Air Force to implement its autonomous air and ground defense systems at RAAF Base Darwin to safeguard the facility from drones and other threats. During the three-year trial period, the U.S. defense contractor will adopt a family of systems strategy to introduce base protection solutions. These include active and passive sensors and kinetic and non-kinetic effectors, each customized for the facility's specific security requirements. David Goodrich, executive chairman and CEO of Anduril Australia, said the deal takes advantage of the company's capability-as-a-service model, enabling organizations to rapidly integrate new technologies.
Intelsat Expands Vodafone Collaboration, Makes Satellite Connectivity More Accessible in Remote Locations
Satellite communications provider Intelsat has expanded its collaboration with Vodafone to make satellite connectivity services more accessible to private and public organizations that operate in remote locations. Under the new deal, Vodafone’s terrestrial networks gain new capabilities with the addition of Intelsat’s Flex portfolio. The enterprise-grade, end-to-end managed service — composed of 22 satellites, 228...
India’s HFCL to Develop UAS Radar Subsystems for General Atomics
Indian telecommunications and defense solutions provider HFCL has partnered with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. to develop and deliver subsystems for advanced unmanned aircraft systems. According to HFCL, the contract win reflects the research and development capabilities it has built over the years, contributing to the design, development and delivery timelines envisioned by GA-ASI for...
US Proposes Ban on Connected Vehicle Tech Linked to China, Russia
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking prohibiting American companies from importing and selling connected vehicle components with origins from China or Russia. The draft rule targets hardware and software used in vehicles’ connectivity and automated driving systems, preventing or lowering the chance of possible...