June 12, 2024 | International, Aerospace
The U.S. military's V-22 Osprey enterprise will be slow to return to full operations as a wide-ranging review of its training and resources continues.
September 19, 2023 | International, Land
Under the contract GDIT will implement comprehensive security services including information, personnel and communications security as well as counterintelligence analysis and cybersecurity assessments.
March 29, 2019 | International, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security, Other Defence
ARMY Architects Pacific Inc.,* Honolulu, Hawaii (W9128A-19-D-0006); Bowers + Kubota Management Inc., Waipahu, Hawaii (W9128A-19-D-0007); Burns & McDonnell + Group 70 Ho'ohui'ia JV, Honolulu, Hawaii (W9128A-19-D-0008); Fung Associates Inc.,* Honolulu, Hawaii (W9128A-19-D-0009); Ink Arch LLC,* Honolulu, Hawaii (W9128A-19-D-0010); Jacobs and Architects Hawaii JV, Honolulu, Hawaii (W9128A-19-D-0011); RIM/DPI JV LLC, Honolulu, Hawaii (W9128A-19-D-0012); and RMA-SA JV LLC, Honolulu, Hawaii (W9128A-19-D-0013), will compete for each order of the $150,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for architect-engineer services. Bids were solicited via the internet with 16 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of March 27, 2026. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu, Hawaii, is the contracting activity. Martin UAV LLC,* Plano, Maryland (W911QY-19-D-0032); and Textron, AAI Corp., Hunt Valley, Maryland (W911QY-19-D-0033), will compete for each order of the $99,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract for procurement of non-developmental tactical unmanned aerial systems. Bids were solicited via the internet with 11 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of March 27, 2022. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Tysons Corner, Virginia, was awarded a $71,528,710 firm-fixed-price contract for East Campus Building 3 construction project at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, with an estimated completion date of March 27, 2023. Fiscal 2019 military construction funds in the amount of $71,528,710 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W912DR-19-C-0013). AECOM Energy and Construction Inc., Greenwood Village, Colorado, was awarded a $59,639,368 modification (P00007) to contract W912P5-17-C-0007 for Chickamauga Lock Chamber replacement. Work will be performed in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 14, 2020. Fiscal 2019 general construction funds in the amount of $59,639,368 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville, Tennessee, is the contracting activity. Edmond Scientific Co.,* Alexandria, Virginia, was awarded a $46,750,681 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for scientific services. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 27, 2024. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W911NF-19-D-0005). General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Michigan, was awarded a $46,249,658 modification (P00078) to contract W56HZV-17-C-0067 for Abrams systems technical support. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Michigan, with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2020. Fiscal 2018 and 2019 other procurement, Army funds in the amount of $46,249,658 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity. Palomar Display Products Inc.,* was awarded a $40,714,894 modification (P00007) to contract W909MY-15-D-0003 for repairs, engineering support and technical services of the Binocular Image Control Units. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 13, 2020. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Kiple Acquisition Science Technology Logistics & Engineering,* Forest Hill, Maryland, was awarded a $10,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract to provide technical and analytical expertise, and administrative assistance. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of March 27, 2024. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W911QY-19-D-0031). CORRECTION: A $1,135,410,156 contract modification announced on March 27, 2019, for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Grand Prairie, Texas (P00010) to contract W31P4Q-18-C-0049, stated that it was a Foreign Military Sales (Poland, Bahrain and Romania) contract, however the contract also includes domestic procurement supporting the Army and Marine Corps. All other information in the announcement is correct. NAVY The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, is awarded a $71,345,504 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide engineering and integrated logistics support to maintain the T/AV-8B Harrier during the aircraft's Post-Production Support Phase. Work will be performed at St. Louis, Missouri (75 percent); Warton, Lancashire, United Kingdom (11 percent); Cherry Point, North Carolina (10 percent); Yuma, Arizona (3 percent); and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2023. No funds will be obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual delivery orders as they are issued. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001919D0004). BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P., Armament Systems Division, Louisville, Kentucky, is awarded a $70,672,462 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for five overhauled/upgraded Mk 45 Mod 4 gun mounts and their associated components, to include Mk 63 Mod 1 weather shields, Mod 4 manufacture kits, and Mod 4 machine parts kits. The 5-inch Mk 45 Light Weight Gun Mount System provides an effective weapon for anti-surface, naval surface fire support, and anti-air warfare missions, and is installed aboard DDG 51- and CG 47-class ships. Work will be performed in Louisville, Kentucky, and is expected to be completed by July 2023. Fiscal 2016, 2017 and 2018 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funding in the amount of $70,672,462 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current 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, Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division, Indian Head, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N00174-19-C-0004). Helix Electric Inc., San Diego, California, is awarded a $32,740,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of the Harbor Drive switching station at Naval Base San Diego, California. The work to be performed provides for relocations and upgrades to the primary and secondary switching stations. Electrical components include switchgears with medium voltage circuit breakers, busses, underground primary and secondary cabling, protective relaying, power system automation communication line, communication line for supervisory control and data acquisition system connected to the head-end equipment, smart meters, lighting and other associated electrical appurtenances. The contract also contains two unexercised options, which if exercised would increase the cumulative contract value to $36,500,000. Work will be performed in San Diego, California, and is expected to be completed by August 2021. Fiscal 2019 military construction (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $32,740,000 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with two proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N62473-19-C-1209). Joseph J. Henderson & Son Inc., Gurnee, Illinois, is awarded a $30,700,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the repair of the wastewater treatment plant at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas. The work to be performed provides for substantial upgrade of domestic and industrial wastewater treatment facilities to be completed while maintaining continuous operation. Demolition includes major structures including equipment in the structures, utility connections to the structures, and small ancillary facilities. Additionally, rehabilitation of structures for process and architectural upgrades, removal of two interior doors with hazardous levels of lead based paint, and remediation in three structures to remove asbestos containing material are required. New major facilities and ancillary systems, such as site electrical power, utilities, and paving and grading are required. Work will be performed in Corpus Christi, Texas, and is expected to be completed by February 2021. Fiscal 2019 Navy working capital contract funds in the amount of $30,700,000 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with two proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity (N69450-19-C-0912). Support Services LLC, Cape Canaveral, Florida, is awarded $22,977,890 for a modification under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N69450-18-D-2013) to exercise Option One for base operations support services at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, and outlying areas Saufley Field, Corry Station, and Bronson Field. The work to be performed provides for all management, supervision, labor, equipment, materials, supplies, and tools necessary to perform facilities management, facilities investment, facility maintenance services (non-family housing), utility plant and distribution system operations and maintenance (chiller, electrical, gas, wastewater, steam and water), environmental services, and base support vehicles and equipment. After award of this option, the total cumulative contract value will be $45,863,832. Work will be performed in Pensacola, Florida, and work for this option period is expected to be completed March 2020. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance, (Navy); fiscal 2019 Navy working capital funds; and fiscal 2019 Defense Health Program funds in the amount of $18,442,613 for recurring work will be obligated on individual task orders issued during the option period. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity. Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., McLean, Virginia, is awarded $18,143,171 for modification P00007 to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost delivery order contract. This modification provides for additional technical, analytical and managerial services in support of the Naval Aviation Enterprise. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland, and is expected to be completed in February 2022. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $5,124,508 will be obligated at time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Archer Western Construction LLC, Chicago, Illinois, is awarded $17,820,000 for firm-fixed-price task order N6945019F0708 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N69450-12-D-1267) for the design and construction of P426 Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) parking garage at Naval Station, Mayport, Florida. The work to be performed provides for the design and construction of a five-story, 1,355-vehicle structured parking facility. The facility shall be fully handicapped accessible and be an open “public” parking structure. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Florida, and is expected to be completed by April 2021. Fiscal 2019 military construction (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $17,820,000 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Two proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity. The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, is awarded a $16,187,822 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for engineering services in support of the development of the T/AV-8B aircraft, including system configuration set updates, avionics and weapons integration, and avionics obsolescence mitigation. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Missouri, and is expected to be completed in March 2024. Fiscal 2018 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,000,000 will be obligated at time of award none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, California, is the contracting activity (N689361919D0010). Rockwell Collins Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is awarded $14,824,692 for delivery order N0001919F0012 against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-14-G-0021) in support of the E-6B Mercury aircraft. This order provides for non-recurring engineering for development of the facilities, equipment, and material required to implement the Block II Sustainment and Support System. Work will be performed in Richardson, Texas, and is expected to be completed in December 2020. Fiscal 2017 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $14,824,692 will be obligated at time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Assurance Technology Corp., Carlisle, Massachusetts, is awarded a $13,959,231 modification to previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract N00173-18-C-6007 for research and development for the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) System for Naval Research Laboratory Space Systems Development Department. After award of this modification, the total cumulative value of this contract is $25,470,666. Work will be performed at the Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, District of Columbia, and work is expected to be completed Sept. 28, 2019. Fiscal 2019 working capital funds (Navy) in the amount of $230,000 will be obligated at the time of award. No funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity (N00173-18-C-6007). General Dynamics Mission Systems, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is awarded a $10,070,668 cost-with-no-fee contract (N00030-19-C-0024) for capital maintenance of the Navy Industrial Reserve Ordnance Plant in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Work will be performed in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and is expected to be completed March 31, 2022. Fiscal 2018 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $7,725,000; and fiscal 2019 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,345,668 will be obligated at time of award. Funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is awarded on a sole-source basis in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1) and was previously synopsized on the Federal Business Opportunity website. Strategic Systems Programs, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE FlightSafety Services Corp., Centennial, Colorado, has been awarded a not-to-exceed $29,496,514 modification (P00029) to previously awarded contract FA8621-13-C-6247 for the exercise of the KC-46 Aircrew Training System production year four options. The contract modification is for the exercise of option contract line item numbers for an additional weapon system trainer, boom operator trainer, fuselage trainer, pilot part task trainer, boom operator part task trainer, additional learning management workstations, support equipment, McGuire Air Force Base and Altus AFB site activations, systems engineering and program management, summative evaluation, visual database airfield models, new refresher training scenarios, and one Aerial Refueling Airplane Simulator Qualification certification. Work will be performed in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and is expected to be complete by February 2021. Fiscal 2018 purchasing and procurement funds in the amount of $14,453,292 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity. Merex Aircraft Co., Inc., Camarillo, California, has been awarded an $18,300,000 estimated ceiling indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the acquisition of A-10 flap assemblies. This contract provides for the acquisition of left and right outboard flap assemblies (NSNs 1560-01-591-4392FJ and 1560-01-591-4394FJ); and left and right inboard flap assemblies (NSNs 1560-01-591-8913FJ and 1560-01-591-5806FJ). Work will be performed in Camarillo, California, and is expected to be complete by March 27, 2025. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and five offers were received. Consolidated Sustainment Activity Group working capital funds in the amount of $4,887,547 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8212-19-D-0001). Telephonics Corp., Farmingdale, New York, has been awarded a $12,623,588 firm-fixed-price contract for the Royal Saudi Air Force Airborne Warning and Control System (RSAF AWACS) Next Generation Identification Friend or Foe. This contract provides for manufacture, test, and delivery of Next Generation Identification Friend or Foe AN/UPX-40 Interrogator shipsets and installation kits for the RSAF AWACS fleet. Work will be performed in Farmingdale, New York, and is expected to be complete by Dec. 31, 2021. This contract involves 100 percent foreign military sales to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Saudi Arabian Letter of Offer and Acceptance case funds in the full amount are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity (FA8730-19-C-0010). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Truman Arnold Companies, doing business as TAC Air, Amarillo, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $13,775,007 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract for fuel. This was a competitive acquisition with 148 responses received. This is a 47-month contract with one six-month option period. Location of performance is Texas, with a March 31, 2023, performance completion date. Using customers are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 through fiscal 2023 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Virginia (SPE607-19-D-0013). Hamilton Sundstrand Corp., Windsor Locks, Connecticut, has been awarded a maximum $13,099,996 firm-fixed-priced delivery order (SPRPA1-19-F-L305) against a five-year basic ordering agreement (SPRPA1-13-G-001X) with no option periods for spare parts in support of the F/A-18 aircraft. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. Location of performance is Connecticut, with a June 30, 2021, performance completion date. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 through 2021 Navy working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY L3 Applied Technologies Inc. (L3 ATI), San Leandro, California, was awarded an $8,272,568 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for modeling and experimentation of laser interaction with plasma. The contract award includes a base period in the amount of $4,036,518 and an option period in the amount of $4,236,050. L3 ATI will investigate, model, and execute proof-of-principle and scaled ground-test demonstrations to assess the ability of a laser to enhance and impart effects on plasma. The work will be performed in San Leandro, California. The period of performance for the base period is eight months, from March 2019 through November 2019. The period of performance for the option period is five months, from December 2019 through April 2020. This contract was competitively procured through publication on the Federal Business Opportunities website under the Missile Defense Agency's broad agency announcement for advanced technology innovation, HQ0147-17-S-0001. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $3,586,824 are being obligated at the time of award. The Missile Defense Agency, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (HQ0147-19-C-6504). *Small business https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1799365/
June 4, 2020 | International, Naval
By: Usman Ansari ISLAMABAD — With more than 90 percent of its trade seaborne, Pakistan's geostrategic location at the head of the Arabian Sea adjoining the Arabian Gulf trade routes — coupled with its ambitions to become a trade conduit to China and Central Asia via the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor — demand it play an increasingly significant role in ensuring regional maritime security. The Pakistan Navy is a longtime contributor to international security operations as a participant in the American-led Combined Maritime Forces, particularly the group's Combined Task Force 150 and anti-piracy Combined Task Force 151. Pakistan has also created its own Regional Maritime Security Patrol. The service, led by Adm. Zafar Mahmood Abbasi since October 2017, is expanding its patrol capabilities to safeguard the country's exclusive economic zone and interests at sea. It's also undergoing significant recapitalization to maintain deterrent credibility in the face of arch-rival India's naval modernization. New acquisitions and a domestic construction program will see an almost total transformation of Pakistan's Navy within the decade, for which it is generally reliant on China and increasingly on Turkey for assistance. The naval officer answered a few of Defense News' questions about the Navy's role and future plans, but declined to comment on efforts to increase the involvement of domestic businesses in defense programs; whether the state-owned shipyard Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works Limited will have enough work to stay open; and whether Pakistan's submarine-launched cruise missiles are effective weapons. What have been your most pressing regional and domestic challenges as naval chief? In my assessment, the evolving international environment can be characterized as volatile, complex and ambiguous, having deep impact on the maritime domain and security in the region. On our western seaboard, the U.S.-Iran standoff has persisted, looking ominous at the start of the year and threatening shipping plying along the international energy [sea lines of communication]. Any disruption to the smooth flow of trade and energy could trigger shock waves, impacting global economic health. Moreover, the ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan, Yemen and Syria are also impinging upon security on the high seas. One of the dominant threats to regional and Pakistan's national security, however, emanates from India's stridently nationalist mindset and belligerent policies that are manifesting under their current government. Its aggressive and destabilizing actions in Kashmir in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements are a case in point. These unilateral actions and subsequent policies and abuses could spark conflict between two nuclear-armed states, threatening peace and security in the region and beyond. In the nontraditional domain, maritime terrorism, piracy, drug trafficking and human smuggling remain major challenges. The Pakistan Navy is also committed to internal security obligations and aid to civil power duties. One of the impediments in the exploitation of Pakistan's maritime potential has been a suboptimal realization of our true maritime potential and development of a “maritime culture” in the country. The Pakistan Navy is undertaking a number of initiatives to create maritime awareness at the national level by engaging various segments of civil society, including intelligentsia, chambers of commerce, maritime industry, universities and the media, to bring to fore the importance of the maritime sector and its immense potential into the national discourse. Another challenge, although common to many navies, is that new technologies and equipment in the maritime domain is cost-intensive, and with limited budgets available, acquisition of contemporary technologies becomes a defining restraint. In short, there are multiple challenges to our maritime security that emanate from internal and external factors, but with a clear, long-term and systematic approach, these are being tackled in concert with national stakeholders and international partners. Pakistan has actively contributed to the multilateral Combined Maritime Forces, or CMF, for many years. Why did Pakistan need to establish the Regional Maritime Security Patrol, or RMSP? The Pakistan Navy, being a firm believer in the freedom of seas, has been contributing significantly in preserving maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. In this regard, the Pakistan Navy was the first regional navy to join Combined Task Force 150 in 2004. Similarly, to counter the increasing acts of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa, we joined Combined Task Force 151 in 2009. So far, the Pakistan Navy has been the largest contributor to CMF operations, second only to the United States Navy. Pakistan Navy officers have also had the privilege of commanding both these task forces on numerous occasions. While we continue to be part of CMF, the Pakistan Navy is also a proponent of a region-centric maritime security construct. Alive to the changing geostrategic realities in the region, the Pakistan Navy in 2018 instituted the RMSP to protect our national maritime security interests and fulfill international obligations in the Indian Ocean region. Pakistan Navy ships, with embarked helicopters, are undertaking these patrols along three axes: the Horn of Africa, the North Arabian Sea and the central Indian Ocean. The objectives of the RMSP include contribution toward maintaining good order at sea in our own area of interest and engagement with the regional navies to enhance mutual collaboration and interoperability. Frigates, corvettes, offshore patrol vessels and submarines are on the Pakistan Navy's acquisition list. What are the latest developments here? How effectively are you meeting the budget and skilled manpower requirements for this expansion? Progressive “capability development” is an important pillar of my vision for the Pakistan Navy. As warships are the mainstay of any navy, induction of surface platforms is essential to boost the Pakistan Navy's operational deployability. In this regard, we have contracted for the construction of Type 054AP frigates from China and Milgem-class corvettes from Turkey along with transfer of technology. We are also inducting Dutch-designed offshore patrol vessels constructed in a Romanian shipyard. In addition, we have contracted for the acquisition of Hangor-class submarines from China, and in the second phase their construction is planned in-country, for which necessary upgrades of Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works Limited is in progress. We are also focusing on the induction of modern aviation assets, including jet-powered, long-range maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters and UAVs. In addition, we are modernizing our existing fleet of warships and aircraft with upgrades to their weapons and electronic suites. These inductions have led to expansion in our human resource capital. However, keeping a high “teeth-to-tail” ratio remains a priority. As our Navy expands in line with the recent restructuring, the induction rates have almost doubled. With regard to the budgetary allocations, our Navy, like many other navies, operates in a resource-constrained environment. However, with a clear and long-term plan for its modernization and capacity building, emerging challenges are being addressed through indigenization and cost-effective solutions. Unmanned surface vehicles are increasingly exploited by navies. How are you looking to leverage this technology and other unmanned systems? The Pakistan Navy always looks forward to adopting new technologies, especially those which serve as force multipliers. Unmanned surface vehicles have a variety of utilities, such as for harbor defense, mine detection and countermeasure roles. We are presently evaluating this technology and will acquire it as per their suitability and feasibility to our requirements. CMF ships regularly make narcotics seizures that largely originate from landlocked Afghanistan. What steps is the Pakistan Navy taking to combat drug trafficking in its area of responsibility? As I mentioned earlier, the Pakistan Navy has been contributing to CTF-150 and CTF-151 for quite some time. So far, over 103 Pakistan Navy ships with organic helicopters in rotation (two- to three-month cycles) have participated, and the Navy's long-range maritime patrol aircraft have undertaken over 130 sorties in CMF operations. Nearly, 7,000 kilograms of hashish and 2 tons of cannabis resin have been confiscated by Pakistan Navy ships as part of CMF security operations. More recently, the frigate PNS Saif seized over 2,000 kilograms of hashish on the high seas on Jan. 29, 2020. And on April 3 we seized 100 kilograms of crystal meth. In the past, Pakistan monitored its coastline, with a particular focus on Karachi, Ormara and a few other places, and as a result, nefarious elements looked to exploit the voids for drug trafficking. However, with the establishment of the Coastal Security and Harbour Defence Force, the setting up of coastal security stations spread along the coast, and the stationing of response elements at suitable locations, Pakistan has effectively plugged those exploitable gaps. In addition, taking cognizance of these nontraditional threats, the Pakistan Navy remains vigilant and ready to collaborate with international partners to curb this menace. Pakistan's Marines branch is primarily tasked with coastal defense. What role can it play in regional maritime security, and will this involve adding more assets to improve its capabilities? The marines have an important role to play in the air defense of Pakistan, coastal defense as well as force protection. The Marines branch and special operations forces detachments form a special component onboard Pakistan Navy task groups during overseas deployments. In order to enhance vigilance and to respond to any emerging threat — besides raising the Coastal Security and Harbour Defence Force — the Pakistan Navy has also instituted Task Force-88 for the security of maritime projects related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as well as Gwadar Port and its seaward approaches. This task force comprises ships, fast-attack craft, air units, UAVs and special maritime warfare teams to provide around-the-clock security. With the realization of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and an increase in the overall maritime security dictates, capability development of the Marines is progressing well, in line with “PN Marines Vision 2030,” which involves modified and expanded force structure, versatile assets and modern training facilities for a well-equipped and well-trained Marines force. Apart from CMF operations and RMSP, how is the Pakistan Navy helping enhance maritime security in the region? We understand that maintenance of a conducive maritime environment and security is key to our regional maritime growth. In this regard, the Pakistan Navy in 2012 established the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre, or JMICC, with the aim to maintain a maritime security picture in our area of interest by harnessing resources and efforts of relevant national agencies and international stakeholders. The JMICC is growing and developing its linkages, and has to date developed links with 48 national and six international organizations, sharing information related to maritime safety and security. To promote a collaborative maritime security approach, the Pakistan Navy has also been organizing the AMAN series of multinational maritime exercises, biennially since 2007. The sixth exercise of this series was held in February 2019, during which 46 countries from across the globe participated. The AMAN exercise is a clear manifestation of Pakistan's commitment toward regional peace and stability embodied in its motto, “Together for Peace.” Additionally, the Pakistan Navy is participating in all the regional and international efforts and initiatives taken for maintaining good order and cooperation on the high seas. In the same spirit, we have been participating in various international fora, such as the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, the Western Pacific Naval Symposium, multinational exercises, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts, and noncombatant evacuation of stranded foreign nationals and Pakistanis from conflict zones. https://www.defensenews.com/interviews/2020/06/03/pakistans-naval-chief-talks-regional-security-and-tech-wish-list/