Redwire has built an onboard computer system for the European Space Agency's Hera mission, Europe's first planetary defense initiative. Redwire's third-generation Advanced Data and Power Management System will control all vital spacecraft operations, including deploying and monitoring two companion cubesats for detailed surveys of NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test mission. Redwire's Belgian subsidiary developed the system under a contract with OHB Germany, the prime contractor for the Hera project.The Potomac Officers Club's 2024 GovCon International Summit on Thursday will convene key public and private sector leaders to discuss emerging technologies, the shifting landscape in space and the role of industry. Take part and register now.
Category: Defense Security Cooperation
NATO DIANA Sets Up Regional Office in Canada
The NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic has opened its North American headquarters in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The inauguration ceremony was held on Tuesday and attended by Canadian government officials, including Jean-Yves Duclos, minister of public services and procurement. The office will house up to 25 international staff and be supported by Ottawa's initial investment of $26.6 million over six years. "As home to several major universities and research centers, hundreds of science and technology startups, and Canada's Atlantic naval fleet, Halifax is well-positioned to support DIANA, as well as innovators and industry across the country," Duclos said.
Royal Canadian Navy Completes Forward Rearmament of Halifax-Class Frigate in Australia
The Royal Canadian Navy rearmed the missiles on the HMCS Vancouver warship while the vessel was deployed in the Indo-Pacific. The exercise was performed at the Broome Port Jetty in Western Australia, which was made possible through close coordination with the Australian Defence Force and members of the Australian Defence Industry. The ammunition was transported using a CC-177 Globemaster from the Royal Canadian Air Force. HMCS Vancouver Commanding Officer Cdr. Tyson Bergmann said the dedication and effort of the vessel's sailors will be used as an example for future endeavors.
US Leads International Collaboration to Advance Emerging, Agricultural Technologies
The U.S. National Science Foundation and its counterparts from India, Japan and Australia have pledged to back research efforts to advance emerging and agricultural technologies that would benefit food security in the Indo-Pacific region. They hope to support multilateral research by launching an initiative called AI-ENGAGE, short for Advancing Innovations for Empowering NextGen AGriculturE, that will accept proposals that focus on artificial intelligence, communications, robotics and sensing. According to NSF chief Sethuraman Panchanathan, the four nations expect the collaborative research opportunity to introduce new ways to use these emerging technologies to secure the world's farms in the future.
Australia Receives US OK for Northrop’s Air-Launched Anti-Radiation Missiles
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.
Lockheed Martin Secures $3.2B FMS Contract to Supply Missiles to Japan, the Netherlands, Finland and Poland
Lockheed Martin has secured a $3.2 billion Foreign Military Sales contract from the U.S. Air Force to supply joint air-to-surface standoff missiles and long-range anti-ship missiles to Japan, the Netherlands, Finland and Poland. The company will work on the single-source contract in Orlando, Florida, with completion expected in July 2032. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida is the contracting activity, according to a U.S. Department of Defense announcement on Friday.
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.
AUKUS to Step Up Australian Training for Nuclear Submarine Program
Australian defense and civilian personnel will receive further nuclear reactor training in the United Kingdom in support of Canberra's nuclear-powered submarine project under the AUKUS trilateral security partnership. U.K. Defence Secretary John Healey, who issued the announcement after a meeting with his AUKUS counterparts in London on Thursday, emphasized the importance of partnerships amid increasing global threats. "Our government will stand shoulder to shoulder with our Australian and U.S. partners, with new U.K. leadership in AUKUS and a commitment to boost jobs and growth."The Potomac Officers Club will host its first-ever GovCon International Summit on Oct. 10. Join the panel discussions on international partnerships, coalition warfare and emerging technologies and how they are reshaping the defense landscape. Register today!
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.
Joint G7 Guidance Seeks to Foil Russian Evasion Tactics on Export Curbs
The G7 leading industrialized nations have issued a joint guidance for businesses on preventing Russian evasion of export controls and sanctions, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security announced on Tuesday. BIS Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew Axelrod stressed that preventing Russian acquisition of components for missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles is a G7 "top priority” that cannot be achieved without industry partnership. For this reason, the guidance was issued to provide the information that companies need "to identify and respond to Russia's changing evasion tactics," he said.