Anduril Industries has partnered with Sumisho Aero-Systems to demonstrate how the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force can use the U.S. defense technology company’s Lattice open software platform to enhance situational awareness and command and control capabilities. Lattice, powered by artificial intelligence, is designed to gather, analyze and filter data from various sensors and systems to provide...
Category: National Security
US OKs Slovakia’s Possible $600M Purchase of AH-1Z Viper Attack Helicopters
Slovakia is set to purchase 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the United States to strengthen its defense capabilities and address current and future threats. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the Department of State has approved the possible foreign military sale to the Slovakian government. Apart from the AH-1Z Viper helicopters, the proposal also...
James Hursch to Retire as Defense Security Cooperation Agency Director
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced that James Hursch will retire as director after 39 years of civil service. Michael F. Miller, the agency’s incumbent deputy director, will temporarily fill the vacant position. Hursh, who continues the foreign arms sales office’s trend of preferring civilian leaders, held the DSCA directorship beginning January 2, 2022. During...
Italian Navy Modernization Advances With $1.6B Twin Frigate Purchase From Fincantieri-Leonardo Joint Venture
Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, a joint venture of Fincantieri and Leonardo, has secured a $1.6 billion contract to build two Italian Navy warships through FREMM, a European multipurpose frigate program. According to a Naval News report, the Italian Navy has ramped up its modernization activities over the past 10 years, and Fincantieri is involved in most of...
UK Space Command Explores Commercial ISR Integration at Its First Space War Game; Maj. Gen. Paul Tedman Quoted
The UK Space Command held its first space war game to explore strategies for integrating commercial space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance into existing programs such as ISTARI. The ISTARI satellite network for ISR use is a core element of the Ministry of Defence’s space strategy. Dubbed “Space Warrior,” the activity at Southwick Park’s Defence Experimentation...
New UAV to Improve ISR Capabilities at Royal Australian Air Force
Australia has introduced its first MQ-4C Triton remotely piloted aircraft system, complementing its existing crewed P-8A Poseidon fleet as it defends its maritime borders. The Royal Australian Air Force unveiled the AUS 1, the first of the four unmanned aerial systems, at a ceremony attended by Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles. The system provides the...
Northrop Grumman Wins Air Force Contract to Repair F-16 Radar Components for 11 Countries
The U.S. Air Force has awarded Northrop Grumman a $49.9 million contract to repair the F-16 radar components of 11 countries: Chile, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Iraq, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Thailand and Turkey. According to a Pentagon notice of the award on Tuesday, work on the tactical fighter aircraft’s AN/APG-68 version 9 radar will occur...
Netherlands Reaches Agreement With US to Procure Lockheed’s Extended Range Missiles
The United States has formalized an agreement with the Netherlands to procure the latest version of Lockheed Martin’s Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile Extended Range for the Dutch military forces. According to Lockheed, the missile, developed in partnership with the U.S. Air Force, provides continued significant long-range precision engagement capabilities for air-to-ground missions. The weapon can...
Switzerland Taps Rheinmetall to Deliver Mortar Ammunitions
Switzerland has awarded Rheinmetall a contract to deliver 81 mm mortar cargo ammunition. Under the deal, Rheinmetall Expal Munitions will supply the Swiss armed forces with 81mm MX2-KM mortar weapons and 81 mm mortar cartridges cargo for illumination white light, illumination infrared and smoke discharge using red phosphorus. Deliveries are expected to be completed by...
US Seeks to Modernize Alliance Command and Control in Japan; Lloyd Austin Quoted
The United States plans to convert U.S. Forces Japan into a joint force headquarters and expand U.S.-Japan missile co-production. The planned conversion was announced following the conclusion of the U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee’s ministerial conference in Tokyo on Sunday. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, a Wash100 awardee, described updating the alliance command and control as...