April 8, 2020 | International, Land
By: Sebastian Sprenger
COLOGNE, Germany — Estonia, Latvia and Finland have signed a technical agreement for a jointly developed armored vehicle, with Estonia touting the plans as a means to jump-start the defense industry and maintain its security posture following the global coronavirus crisis.
The new pact enables Estonia to continue its participation in the tri-national effort to scope out requirements for the “potential” procurement of a fleet of armored vehicles featuring common components, the Estonian Defence Ministry wrote in a statement.
"We have to keep in mind that our primary goal here is to develop a platform that meets the requirements of Estonian Defence Forces with a favorable price,” Kristikan Prikk, permanent secretary at the ministry, was quoted as saying in the statement. “We see big potential in this project, especially as we are involved already in the development phase, which is the best way to secure that eventually we will have equipment that meets our needs.”
The technical arrangement, inked on Monday, follows a letter of intent signed in December that laid out the broader parameters for the joint project.
Estonia aims to replace its 140 Pasi armored vehicles, made by Finland's Patria and first fielded in the 1980s. The fleet is expected to reach the end of its useful life in 2024, according to the Defence Ministry.
Initial results toward developing a prototype for a new vehicle are planned for this year, according to officials.
“It is important for us that international defense cooperation, which has a very clear economic dimension, continues,” Prikk said. “In the current crisis, it is also crucial that we continue to strengthen our defense capability and, if possible, lay the foundation for creating new jobs or maintaining existing ones in the Estonian defense industry sector.”
Estonia shares a border with Russia, as do the other two program members Finland and Latvia. Those countries have been nervous about the possibility of Russian military adventurism along its borders with the West. And with the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc on national economies and testing international alliances, some issue experts believe there could be more reason to worry when the dust settles.
November 4, 2021 | International, Naval, C4ISR
The Marine Corps needs a more mature and more intellectual force. Digital HR systems and big data decision aids will help them cultivate that force.
October 15, 2019 | International, Aerospace
WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Army recently awarded Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) a $40.6 million contract to produce Modernized Turrets (M-TUR) for the AH-64E Apache helicopter, an upgrade to the Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight and Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) system with enhanced operational and performance capabilities. "Our primary objective with the Modernized Turret is to improve system performance, increase reliability, and reduce required maintenance and support costs," said Tom Eldredge, director of Apache Fire Control programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "The M-TUR demonstrates our commitment to delivering advanced, affordable capabilities and innovative solutions to our nation's warfighters, enabling increased readiness, reliability and survivability in battle." In addition to performance improvements that provide greater rates and acceleration of sensors in azimuth and elevation, M-TUR's new modular design improves turret reliability by 40 percent and reduces operation and support costs with a dramatic decrease in time required to conduct flight line maintenance. The design also allows for subassembly replacement on the flight line and includes higher reliability components that will improve aircraft availability. M-TADS/PNVS provides Apache helicopter pilots with long-range, precision engagement and pilotage capabilities for mission success and flight safety during day and night, and in adverse weather conditions. Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 1,400 M-TADS/PNVS systems and spares to the U.S. Army and 16 international customers in 15 nations over the last 14 years. For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com/mturret. About Lockheed Martin Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 105,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. SOURCE Lockheed Martin https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2019-10-15-Lockheed-Martins-Modernized-Turret-Adds-Performance-Operational-Capabilities-to-the-AH-64E-Apache-Helicopter
December 6, 2019 | International, Naval
Moorestown, N.J., Dec. 5, 2019 – Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) recently signed a contract with Navantia to equip five new F-110 multimission frigates and their land-based test site (Centro de Integración de Sistemas en Tierra or CIST) – with Lockheed Martin's first naval installation of its solid state S-band radar. The new F-110 frigates will be built by Spain's national shipbuilder, Navantia. Recently designated by the U.S. Government as AN/SPY-7(V)1, this technology is derived from current radar programs and significant Lockheed Martin investment. Variants of the SPY-7 radar will also be utilized on programs with Japan's Aegis Ashore, the Royal Canadian Navy for the Canadian Surface Combatant program and the U.S. Government. Why Does It Matter? Providing Spain's homeland with a defense for evolving threats, the F-110 program will further protect the country and its citizens. Equipped with the latest digital, solid-state radar technology, this crucial program: Ensures Spain's warfighters have the most capable combat system to perform new missions. Strengthens Spain's economy through industrial participation. Advances Spain's competitiveness in the global market by providing an opportunity for joint technology development. Paves the way for interoperability with navies across the world, thanks to Aegis' open architecture. What's the Technology? The F-110 will host the first-ever naval solid state S-band radar for the Spanish Navy. To foster the growth of Spain's defense and technology industries, Lockheed Martin and Spanish company, Indra, will jointly provide the radar. It will go to sea as part of the Aegis Weapon System, which will be integrated with the ship's combat management system SCOMBA, when the first frigate deploys in 2026. The Aegis Weapon System is the most deployed combat system in the world, and its flexible system enables it to fulfill a variety of missions. Due in part to its unique open architecture design, the Aegis family continues to grow internationally as more nations around the world partner with Lockheed Martin. What's the History? Lockheed Martin and its Spanish partners have over 20 years of experience in development, production and integration of tactical naval radar systems. Spain's defense industry growth and expansion of their maritime defense portfolio is a mission Lockheed Martin continues to support. In the exciting future that lies ahead, Lockheed Martin will continue to work with Spanish industry to explore new areas of industrial cooperation in radar and combat system technologies. This will help pave the way for future international sales of the F-110 frigate and new technologies, including the new S-band radar. For more information about Lockheed Martin radars, visit www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/capabilities/radar-sensors.html About Lockheed Martin Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 105,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. View source version on Lockheed Martin: https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2019-12-05-Lockheed-Martin-Continues-Partnership-with-Spain-for-Future-Frigates