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February 18, 2019 | International, Security

Mettre en place un Conseil de sécurité européen ? Une idée à travailler

(B2) Berlin insiste régulièrement sur un point souvent oublié dans la rhétorique sur l'armée européenne : la mise en place d'un « Conseil de sécurité de l'UE ». Un point qui mérite un peu d'attention

Avec mes amis de ‘La faute à l'Europe‘ (J. Quatremer, Y. A. Noguès, K. Landaburu, H. Beaudoin), qui reçoivent ce week-end Michèle Alliot Marie, alias MAM, l'ancienne ministre de la Défense (sous Jacques Chirac) et ministre des Affaires étrangères (sous Nicolas Sarkozy), nous parlons ‘défense', ‘Europe puissance' et notamment de ce Conseil de sécurité européen (video).

@bruxelles2 pèse le pour et le contre d'un Conseil de sécurité européen à l'image de @ONU_fr pic.twitter.com/JfbkGh4Kot

Une proposition franco-allemande

Cette proposition ne nait pas de nulle part. Elle figurait en dernier lieu dans la déclaration de Meseberg adoptée par les deux dirigeants Emmanuel Macron et Angela Merkel en juin 2018. L'objectif est d'avoir un « débat européen dans de nouveaux formats » et « d'accroitre la rapidité et l'efficacité de la prise de décision de l'Union européenne [en matière] de politique étrangère » (lire : Défense, Sécurité, Migrations, Développement, l'accord franco-allemand de Meseberg).

Une explication merkelienne

Au Parlement européen, en novembre 2018, la chancelière Angela Merkel souligne l'importance d'« une enceinte au sein de laquelle des décisions importantes pourront êtres prises », avec une « présidence tournante » (lire : « Une armée (européenne) montrerait au monde qu'entre (nous) il n'y aurait plus de guerre » (Angela Merkel). Le format serait limité précise-t-on du côté allemand : « un petit cercle d'États se relayant et représentant l'ensemble de l'UE [pour] travailler plus promptement et intensément au règlement des crises en cours. » (1)

Une certaine réserve française

Du côté français, on ne peut pas dire que le projet suscite une grande mobilisation. A l'Élysée, la prudence est de règle : « C'est une idée [de] la Chancelière. Ce pourrait être une proposition commune, mais cela mérite encore [d'être travaillé] » l'che en ‘off' un Élyséen, à quelques journalistes (dont B2) en novembre 2018. Et d'ajouter : « Nous n'avons pas de détails proposés par le gouvernement allemand : est-ce un forum pour discuter ou pour décider des questions de politique étrangère ? Ce n'est pas encore une position qui est mûrie. » (3)

Une idée mal perçue dans les milieux européens

Dans les couloirs européens, cette idée est à peine commentée. « Je suis un peu sceptique sur la création d'une nouvelle structure. Est-elle vraiment nécessaire. N'a-t-on pas déjà pas assez de structures » s'interroge un bon connaisseur des questions sécuritaires interrogé par B2, résumant assez bien le sentiment à Bruxelles, perplexe et qui a, à peine, réfléchi sur l'idée.

Un vide béant de réflexion stratégique

Cette proposition répond pourtant à un réel besoin. L'Union européenne souffre aujourd'hui d'un vide béant d'absence de direction politique au plus haut niveau, d'anticipation stratégique et de réactivité en cas de crise majeure. Parler d'autonomie stratégique ou de réflexion sans avoir une instance capable de décider est un leurre.

Des leaders européens absents collectivement

Certes, en théorie, le Conseil européen doit se pencher une fois par an au minimum sur les grandes questions de sécurité. Mais cette disposition du Traité de Lisbonne est restée plutôt lettre morte. Force est de constater que ces dernières années, sur toutes les crises majeures — Libye, Syrie, Irak, Ukraine, crise migratoire, coup d'état en Turquie, etc. — les Chefs d'État et de gouvernement européens, collectivement, ont été ‘à la ramasse'.

Un manque d'anticipation certain

Pour en attester, il suffit de reprendre la liste des crises récentes. Les 28 ont-ils à la veille de signer l'accord d'association avec l'Ukraine clairement évalué les conséquences de cet acte sur les relations avec la Russie, donné leur accord en bonne et due forme ? Ont-ils planifié un dispositif de gestion de crise soit diplomatique, soit militaire en cas d'intervention russe (largement prévisible) ? Lors de la déroute du printemps arabe en Syrie, ont-ils anticipé la crise des réfugiés et des migrants à venir ? Après l'intervention franco-britannique en Libye, qui laisse un pays déchiré et un État failli, ont-ils envisagé et débattu de la solution à apporter à la crise, en commençant par résoudre leurs différends ? Lors du coup d'Etat en Turquie, y-t-a-il eu une réunion de crise par rapport à un pays le plus proche ? Non, non !

Des questions posées trop vite abordées

Au mieux, les ‘Leaders' ont discuté une ou deux heures pour s'accorder sur les traitements collatéraux de la crise (rupture des liens diplomatiques, aide humanitaire, sanctions...). La plus longue discussion au cours de ces dernières années a été consacrée à définir l'intensité des sanctions mises en place sur la Russie. Mais rarement pour tenter de résoudre leurs différends, trouver des solutions ou b'tir des feuilles de route. Au pire, ils ont préféré ne pas trop se pencher sur la question.

Une réforme facile à mettre en place

Si l'on met de côté certains aspects proposés par A. Merkel, avoir un Conseil de sécurité de l'Union européenne est possible dans le cadre existant.

Pas de modification de traité

Ce projet ne nécessite pas de modification des traités constitutifs. Il suffit juste de changer les usages. On peut décider (par exemple) de consacrer une demi-journée lors de chaque Conseil européen aux grandes questions internationales ou (autre exemple) dédier une de ses quatre réunions annuelles aux questions internationales. Il serait même possible de tenir une ou deux fois par an un Conseil européen informel dans un pays tournant (permettant à un chef de gouvernement de coprésider la réunion).

Juste changer les usages

Rien n'empêche d'ailleurs quelques pays plus proches en matière d'approche sécuritaire — France, Allemagne, Belgique, Espagne, Italie — de tenir régulièrement des conciliabules préparatoires à l'image des réunions G6 des ministres de l'Intérieur (un petit cercle conjoint). Rien n'empêche aussi de joindre à ces réunions des Chefs, une réunion parallèle des ministres de la Défense ou des Affaires étrangères, voire des ambassadeurs, pour mettre en musique immédiatement les mesures décidées par les Chefs. Toutes ces dispositions, tout à fait possibles dans les traités existants, permettraient de se rapprocher du modèle prôné par A. Merkel.

Un dispositif diplomatique et technique prêt à répondre

Au-dessous du niveau politique, le dispositif européen en cas de crise est plutôt complet et prêt à travailler. On a ainsi des ambassadeurs des 28 (le Comité politique et de sécurité), qui siègent en permanence à Bruxelles, avec au minimum deux réunions par semaine (sans compter les petits déjeuners, goûters et autres dîners informels) permettant d'échanger et affiner des positions communes. En cas d'urgence, une réunion du COPS peut être improvisée. Ces diplomates, discrets mais parfaits connaisseurs de leurs sujets, sont tenus d'être là, 24h/24 sur le pont. J'en ai été témoin à plusieurs reprises. Des réunions ont eu lieu le dimanche, au mois d'août, à 6 heures du matin ou à 22 heures le soir.

Un dispositif de veille et d'analyse

On a aussi un dispositif de veille du renseignement (l'IntCen) (dirigé aujourd'hui par un Allemand ancien des services de renseignement) qui produit régulièrement des notes d'analyses. Ces notes — environ 1400 par an — sont plutôt bien appréciées de leurs destinataires, selon mes informations. On peut ajouter à cela des dispositifs de réaction de crise — cellule de protection civile à la Commission européenne, état-major militaire de l'UE (EUMS), commandement des missions civiles (CPCC) etc. — qui existent et ne demandent qu'à produire des résultats. Tous ces dispositifs peuvent au besoin être renforcés et rendus plus performants.

(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)

https://www.bruxelles2.eu/2019/02/16/mettre-en-place-un-conseil-de-securite-europeen-une-idee-du-futur/

On the same subject

  • Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - July 28, 2020

    July 29, 2020 | International, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security

    Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - July 28, 2020

    U.S. TRANSPORTATION COMMAND James J. Flanagan Shipping Corp., Beaumont, Texas, has been awarded a $144,135,422 firm-fixed-price contract (HTC711-20-D-R050). The contract provides stevedoring and related terminal services at ports in Beaumont, Corpus Christi, and Port Arthur, Texas. The contract period of performance is from Oct. 3, 2020, to Oct. 2, 2025. Fiscal 2020 transportation working capital funds were obligated at award. U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity. NAVY Teledyne Brown Engineering Inc., Huntsville, Alabama, is awarded an $83,647,556 cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost reimbursable indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This contract provides research and development support services for the Medical Modeling and Simulation Planning Tools Sustainment, Enhancement and Application program for the Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Alabama (80%); and San Diego, California (20%), and is expected to be completed by August 2026. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. The initial task order for $8,853,470 for the base period of performance will be awarded with fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation (Defense Health Program) funding of $296,551, which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year; and fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funding of $4,359,068, which will not expire. The balance of the task order will be incrementally funded. The total value of the initial task order for the base period and one option year, if exercised, is $17,918,761. This contract was competitively procured via the beta.SAM.gov website and one offer was received. The Naval Medical Logistics Command, Fort Detrick, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N62645-20-D-5008). L-3 Communications Integrated Systems L.P., Waco, Texas, is awarded a $20,102,664 modification (P00053) to previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract N00019-15-C-0093. This modification exercises options for the installation of auxiliary power units, digital red switch systems and Family of Beyond Line-of-Sight Terminals/Presidential National Voice Conferencing modifications and associated support on two E-6B Mercury aircraft. Work will be performed in Waco, Texas, and is expected to be completed by July 2021. Fiscal 2020 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds for $20,102,664 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Caterpillar Defense Products, Peoria, Illinois, is awarded an $18,233,057 time and material, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for engineering, logistics and program management services. Work will be performed at Caterpillar's facilities and fleet concentration areas in the continental U.S. and shipboard locations outside of the continental U.S. according to each task order to be assigned. It is estimated that 80% of the work will occur at the contractor's facilities and 20% of the work will occur at government facilities. The services under this contract will provide enhanced life cycle manager, management and in-service engineering agent support services for Navy, Military Sealift Command and Coast Guard engine lines under Caterpillar's cognizance in order to augment the effectiveness of critical diesel engine programs, including diesel readiness system and diesel maintenance system, by engaging with a primary diesel engine original equipment manufacturer Caterpillar. The contract will have a five year ordering period and work is expected to be completed by July 2026. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Navy) funding in the total amount of $204,510 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1), only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity (N64498-20-D-4035). Lockheed Martin Corp., Owego, New York, is awarded an $18,100,000 modification (P00015) to previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract N00019-19-C-0013. This modification provides non-recurring efforts and modifies three Lot 14 MH-60R helicopters to the initial India configuration in support of the MH-60R modification program for the government of India. Work will be performed in Owego, New York (95%); and Stratford, Connecticut (5%), and is expected to be completed by March 2022. Foreign Military Sales funds for $18,100,000 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Progeny Systems Corp., Manassas, Virginia, was awarded an $18,063,794 cost-plus-fixed-fee level of effort and cost-only modification to previously awarded contract N00024-18-C-6265 to exercise options for engineering and technical services for Navy submarines that will include software development, commercial off-the-shelf products and hardware and software integration. Work will be performed in Manassas, Virginia (65%); Middletown, Rhode Island (25%); and San Diego, California (10%). The supplies under this contract, Small Business Innovative Research Topic N96-278, will lead to the development of new designs that will replace obsolete subsystems, provide recommendations to reduce acquisition life cycle costs and improve reliability. The scope of work will involve the application of engineering disciplines required to analyze, design, fabricate and integrate hardware and software solutions for commercial off-the-shelf based subsystems that collectively provide capabilities to Naval platforms. Work is expected to be completed by July 2021. Fiscal 2020 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy); and 2020 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funding in the amount of $2,637,309 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Awarded July 24, 2020) The Whiting-Turner Contracting Co., Baltimore, Maryland, is awarded a $13,833,549 firm-fixed-price task order (N40085-20-F-5948) under a multiple award construction contract for repairs and improvements to the industrial wastewater treatment plant at Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, North Carolina. Work will be performed in Havelock, North Carolina. The work to be performed provides for improvements and repairs to the industrial wastewater treatment plant; repairs to process equipment including the influent flow meter; grit removal system; primary clarifiers; equalization basins; scum pumps; up-flow clarifiers; continuous treatment facility; chemical ventilation systems; sludge dewatering system; construction of a new effluent Parshall flume; new sludge storage tank; and chemical storage tanks. Repairs to structural components include the chemical tote area, various equipment pads, concrete tank patching and handrails. Repairs to the existing electrical and process control systems include new conduit, wire and site lighting. Site improvements include drainage issue correction and the repair and upgrade of fences around the complex. Work is expected to be completed by July 2022. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Marine Corps) contract funds in the amount of $13,833,549 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Mid-Atlantic, Cherry Point, North Carolina, is the contracting activity (N40085-20-D-0036). Military and Federal Construction Co.,* Jacksonville, North Carolina, is awarded a $10,823,608 firm-fixed-price task order (N40085-20-F-5918) under a multiple award construction contract for repairs to the bachelor enlisted quarters (BEQ 4313) at Marine Corp Air Station, Cherry Point, North Carolina. Work will be performed in Havelock, North Carolina. The work to be performed provides for improvements and repairs to BEQ 4313, including interior components and surfaces; concrete cantilever breezeways; windows and doors; interior and exterior walls; vanities and head accessories; floor coverings; stair trends; building exterior; electrical panels and subpanels; arc fault breakers; light fixtures; the fire suppression system; water supply; waste and vent piping; plumbing piping and fixtures; and the parking lot. Work is expected to be completed by February 2022. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Marine Corps) contract funds in the amount of $10,823,608 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Mid-Atlantic, Cherry Point, North Carolina, is the contracting activity (N40085-16-D-6303). Alpha Marine Services LLC, Galliano, Louisiana, is awarded a $9,754,990 firm-fixed-price contract for the time charter of seven tractor-like tugs in support of Navy bases at Kings Bay, Georgia; and Mayport, Florida. This contract includes a 12-month base period, four 12-month option periods and a six-month option period, which, if exercised, will bring the cumulative value of this contract to $55,177,663. Work will be performed in Kings Bay (50%); and Mayport, Florida (50%), and is expected to be completed by July 2025. Working capital funds (Navy) in the amount of $9,754,990 are obligated for fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2021 and will expire at the end of the fiscal years. The Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N32205-20-C-3511). Global, a 1st Flagship Co.,* Newport Beach, California, is awarded an $8,912,327 modification to cost-plus-fixed-fee contract N00024-17-C-4404 to exercise Option Period Three. This contract includes options which, if exercised, will bring the cumulative value of this contract to $60,737,344. Currently, the total value of the base, Option Period One, and Option Period Two is $41,290,787. The contract is to acquire services and material necessary to support and maintain all vessels assigned to the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Inactive Ship Maintenance Office, Bremerton, Washington. Work will be performed in Bremerton, Washington, and San Diego, California. This option exercise is for services and material necessary to operate and maintain all vessels assigned to the NAVSEA Inactive Ship Maintenance Office, Bremerton, Washington. Services include receipt, inspection, survey, maintenance and disposal of vessels. In addition, the contractor may perform structural, mechanical and electrical repairs. Work is expected to be completed by August 2021. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Navy) funding in the amount of $2,651,310 will be obligated at the time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. ARMY BFBC LLC, Bozeman, Montana, was awarded a $57,738,442 modification (P00014) to contract W912PL-19-C-0014 to design and construct approximately nine miles of three-phase power distribution, lighting, closed-circuit television camera, linear ground detection system and shelters for the Barrier Wall Project. Work will be performed in Yuma, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of June 29, 2021. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $57,738,442 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the contracting activity. Amentum Services Inc., Germantown, Maryland, was awarded a $15,000,000 modification (000271) to contract W52P1J-12-G-0028 for Army prepositioned stock logistics support services in support of maintenance, supply and transportation at Mannheim and Dulmen, Germany. Work will be performed in Mannheim, Germany, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 20, 2020. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $15,000,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity. Ad HOC Research Associates,* Havre de Grace, Maryland, was awarded an $11,040,092 firm-fixed-price, single award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide support for the Cyber Battle Lab, Capabilities Development Integration Division, Futures and Concept Center, Army Futures Command development and experimentation in support of all areas of cyber electromagnetic activities to include cyberspace operations, electronic warfare, Department of Defense Information Network-Army (DODIN-A), and information operations. Bids were solicited via the internet with 12 received. Work will be performed at Fort Gordon, Georgia, with an estimated completion date of July 27, 2025. No funding was obligated at time of award. Funding will be obligated by delivery orders under the contract. Mission and Installation Contracting Command-Fort Gordon, Fort Gordon, Georgia, is the contracting office (W91249-20-D-0006). Kiewit Infrastructure South, Omaha, Nebraska, was awarded a $7,015,443 firm-fixed-price contract to restore the North Jetty at Ponce de Leon Inlet, Volusia County, Florida. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed in Ponce de Leon, Florida, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 10, 2022. Fiscal 2020 civil construction funds in the amount of $7,015,443 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity (W912EP-20-C-0008). AIR FORCE Hologic Inc., Marlborough, Massachusetts, has been awarded a firm-fixed-price, undefinitized contract action with a price ceiling of $7,597,607 to build and validate equipment used in manufacturing of COVID-19 testing consumables intended to expand domestically manufactured test availability in the U.S. The contractor will provide all necessary personnel, supervision, management, tools, equipment, transportation, materials and any other items or services necessary to meet the deliverables in accordance with the contract, as well as with commercial and local standards. Work will be performed in San Diego, California; Marlborough, Massachusetts; and Menomonie and Somerset, Wisconsin, and is expected to be completed Jan. 31, 2021. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition under Unusual and Compelling Urgency authority. Fiscal 2020 other procurement funds in the amount of $423,522 were obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8641-20-C-0002). (Awarded July 25, 2020) *Small Business https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2291605/source/GovDelivery/

  • The F-35 jet might hit full-rate production more than a year late

    October 22, 2019 | International, Aerospace

    The F-35 jet might hit full-rate production more than a year late

    By: Valerie Insinna WASHINGTON — The U.S. Defense Department will not clear the F-35 fighter jet for full-rate production this year, and it may even have to push that milestone as far as January 2021, the Pentagon's acquisition executive said Friday. The Pentagon had intended to make a full-rate production decision — also known as Milestone C — by the end of 2019. But because the Joint Simulation Environment continues to face delays in its own development, the Defense Department will have to defer that milestone by as many as 13 months, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Ellen Lord told reporters during a news conference. The Joint Simulation Environment, or JSE, is needed to conduct simulated evaluations of the F-35 in a range of high-threat scenarios. “We actually had signed out of the JPO [F-35 Joint Program Office] earlier this week a program deviation report that documented expected schedule threshold breach in the Milestone C full-rate production decision of up to 13 months,” Lord said. It is unclear whether the delay will cause an increase in program costs. Although the Defense Department already buys the F-35 in large numbers, the full-rate production decision is viewed as a major show of confidence in the program's maturity. During this time, the yearly production rate is set to skyrocket from the 91 jets manufactured by Lockheed Martin in 2018 to upward of 160 by 2023. But before Lord signs off on the production decision, the F-35 must complete operational testing, the results of which will be validated by Robert Behler, the Pentagon's director of operational test and evaluation. The F-35's testing community intended to complete initial operational test and evaluation, or IOT&E, by this summer; however, the JSE is not yet complete. “We are not making as quick progress on the Joint Simulation Environment, integrating the F-35 into it. It is a critical portion of IOT&E. We work closely with Dr. Behler and DOT&E [[the office of the director of operational test and evaluation]. They are making excellent progress out on the range with the F-35, but we need to do the work in the Joint Simulation Environment,” Lord said. “We have collectively decided that we need the JSE [to be] absolutely correct before we proceed, so I will make some decisions about when that full-rate production decision will be made shortly," she added. Specifically, the Defense Department and F-35 prime contractor Lockheed Martin are lagging behind in integrating the "'F-35 In-A-Box” — the simulated model of the F-35 and its sensors and weapons — into the JSE, reported Military.com, which broke the news of the testing delay in September. Even before IO&TE formally started, the F-35 test community had noted the challenge of maintaining the planned schedule. The F-35 began operational tests in December 2018, three months after the originally scheduled start date in September. The program office maintained that its goal was to see the test phase finished by the summer of 2019. However, F-35 test director Air Force Col. Varun Puri documented concerns in a September 2018 presentation that the test phase could slip until September 2019, which could add budget pressure to the program. In a statement, Lockheed Martin expressed confidence in its ability to ramp up production over the next few years. “As Secretary Lord stated earlier today, the F-35 is performing exceptionally well for our customers and we continue to ramp up production, modernize the aircraft and improve sustainment performance,” the company said. “This year our goal is to deliver 131 aircraft and that is on track to grow to over 140 production aircraft deliveries next year. We are confident the full F-35 enterprise is prepared for full rate production and ready to meet growing customer demand.” https://www.defensenews.com/air/2019/10/18/the-f-35-may-hit-full-rate-production-more-than-a-year-late/

  • ImSAR LLC wins $$7.2M contract for work on RQ-21A unmanned aerial systems

    October 15, 2019 | International, Aerospace

    ImSAR LLC wins $$7.2M contract for work on RQ-21A unmanned aerial systems

    ByEd Adamczyk Oct. 11 (UPI) -- ImSAR LLC was awarded a $7.2 million contract for work on payload systems and communications packages of the RQ-21 Blackjack unmanned aerial system. The cost-plus-fixed fee delivery order against a previous ordering agreement calls for work to be executed by October 2020, the Defense Department announced Thursday. The RQ-21 Blackjack is 8.2 feet long, weighs 134 pounds and has a wingspan of 15.7 feet. It can carry a payload of up to 39 pounds, and is used primarily for forward reconnaissance. Introduced in 2014, it was designed by Insitu, a Boeing Co. subsidiary. The contract with the U.S. Navy is in support of a Phase III Small Business Innovation Research program effort named "Advanced Radar Concepts for Small Remotely Piloted Aircraft." ImSAR, headquartered in Springville, Utah, will provide research, development, procurement and sustainment of the AN/DPY-2 split aces payload systems and communications relay package aboard the RQ-21A. The SBIR program is coordinated by the U.S. Small Business Administration to aid small businesses conduct research and development for future U.S. government needs, with a goal of technical innovation through investment of federal research funds. https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2019/10/11/ImSAR-LLC-wins-72M-contract-for-work-on-RQ-21A-unmanned-aerial-systems

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