July 5, 2023 | International, Other Defence
Up to half of the 100 billion euro ($109 billion) special fund set up to modernize the German military will likely go to U.S. defence companies, a leading tank gear box maker said, accusing Berlin of lacking a strategy for its defence industry.
August 30, 2023 | International, Land, C4ISR, Security
The U.S. and South Korean militaries want to more closely integrate their systems for tracking North Korean missile launches, an effort that may soon see more cooperation with Japan as well, U.S. Space Force officials said on Wednesday.
October 21, 2020 | International, Aerospace
Vivienne Machi STUTTGART, Germany – Airbus is pitching a new jet trainer package for the Spanish air force that industry executives hope could one day help school pilots across Europe on next-generation aircraft. The Airbus Future Jet Trainer, or AFJT, would replace Spain's fleets of Northrop F-5M and CASA C-101 Aviojet aircraft around 2027 or 2028, Airbus officials told Defense News. While the concept has been in the works for several years, the company first revealed the official specifications late last week to Spanish media outlets. The company envisions the project as a multi-role, integrated trainer system, with room for growth as a potential light-attack or aggressor aircraft. Among its features is a live-virtual-constructive (LVC) training environment, and compatibility with ground-based training systems. Abel Nin, head of the AFJT program at Airbus, told Defense News the aircraft is designed with fighter characteristics of high maneuverability and speed, and the ability to emulate aircraft including the Eurofighter Typhoon and F/A-18 Hornet aircraft, as well as future systems. If selected, the AFJT plane could see its first flight around 2025, Nin said. Raúl Tena, Airbus' sales manager for combat aircraft, emphasized that the aircraft and associated training systems are being built with the Spanish air force's requirements and timeline “as the starting point.” “From there, we believe that this aircraft should not only serve Spain, but should also serve Europe,” he said, citing France and Finland as potential future customers. Spain's government has not yet allocated any funding toward a new trainer system, Airbus said. A budget is expected to be revealed by the end of 2020 or early 2021. The Spanish Ministry of Defense last year committed to buying 24 Pilatus PC-21 trainer jets, to begin replacing its 1980s-era C-101 aircraft. Airbus serves as the AFJT lead contractor in charge of design, assembly and integration. Other suppliers include: Indra for flight simulations and systems; Tecnobit for communications and machine-pilot interface systems; ITP Aero — the Spanish subsidiary of Rolls-Royce — supplying the engine; GMV providing software and flight systems; and Compañía Española de Sistemas Aeronáuticos S.A. (CESA) providing the landing gear and actuators. “We are launching [this program] with all of industry, trying to capture all of their inputs in a single contract,” Nin said. “The ambition is there” to have a fully Spanish industry team, he added. Airbus anticipates that there are between 500 to 800 trainer aircraft around the globe to be replaced within the next decade. “We cannot deny that there is a good opportunity” to capture part of that market, Tena said. Since Spain has signed on as a partner in the Franco-German-led Future Combat Air System program to build Europe's next-generation fighter jet, Airbus also sees an opportunity for the AFJT to be that program's trainer. However, no final decisions have been made as to which country will build the FCAS trainer yet, Nin said. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/10/19/airbus-pitches-new-trainer-jet-for-spain-but-with-eyes-for-europe/
August 12, 2020 | International, C4ISR
Reston, Va., Aug. 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Leidos (NYSE:LDOS), a FORTUNE(®) 500 science and technology leader, has been awarded a task order by Army Contracting Command - Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG) under the Responsive Strategic Sourcing for Services (RS3) indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract. It has a total value of $649 million and includes a one-year base period of performance followed by four one-year option periods. Work will be performed in various locations both within the Contiguous United States (CONUS) and Outside the Contiguous United States (OCONUS). "We have assembled a proven, best-of-breed team who are deeply committed to the success of the STAMP mission," said Gerry Fasano, Leidos Defense Group president. "We are proud to support the SOCOM community with tactical ISR operations, system integration, and sustainment for commercial derivative aircraft for the Special Operations Command." Through this contract Leidos will provide pilot services, airborne sensor operators, hub and spoke operations/excursion support, staffing for the Intelligence Coordination Center, system training, logistics, aircraft and primary mission equipment maintenance and integration, configuration management and engineering support services in support of the program's DHC- 8 and King Air 300 aircraft. About Leidos Leidos is a Fortune 500(®) information technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world's toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and health markets. The company's 37,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Va., Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $11.09 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2020. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com. Statements in this announcement, other than historical data and information, constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Such statements include contract valuation assuming the exercise of all options. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be very different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended January 3, 2020, and other such filings that Leidos makes with the SEC from time to time. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Media Relations Media Contacts: Melissa Dueñas, Senior Vice President, Communications, +1 (571) 526-6850, Melissa.L.Duenas@Leidos.Com Thomas Doheny, Director, Strategic Communications, +1 (571) 526-7601, Dohenyt@Leidos.Com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leidos-awarded-socom-tactical-airborne-multi-sensor-platforms-stamp-follow-on-operational-and-support-contract-for-program-manager-sensors---aerial-intelligence-pm-sai-301108220.html SOURCE Leidos