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July 8, 2020 | International, Aerospace

Turkey Is Deploying Lots Of Air Defense Systems In Syria And Libya

In recent months, Turkey has deployed an array of air defense missile systems in Syria and Libya to deter and defend against air and drone attacks mounted by its rivals in these war zones.

On February 27, airstrikes killed 34 Turkish soldiers deployed in Syria's northwest province of Idlib during clashes with pro-regime forces. It was the largest single loss of Turkish troops in a single incident in years.

Turkey responded ferociously, launching Operation Spring Shield. It used its formidable armed drones to devastate Syrian ground forces and armor. Turkish Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon jet fighters shot down three Syrian warplanes with long-range AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles without having to leave Turkish airspace.

A Russian-brokered ceasefire ended the clashes in early March. However, Turkey quickly realized the importance of air defenses in the volatile region. It had already requested the U.S. deploy MIM-104 Patriot missiles on its southern border shortly after launching Operation Spring Shield.

Aside from its controversial purchase of S-400 air defenses from Russia, which it hasn't activated yet, Turkey's air defenses are mostly short- and medium-range and relatively antiquated.

The U.S. did not deploy any Patriots in Turkey this year. The only NATO country to deploy a Patriot battery in Turkey this year is Spain.

Ankara has since deployed its own MIM-23 air defense missiles in Idlib. However, that system is much older and much less effective than the PAC-3 Patriot.

The Turkish press also cited an official in early March saying that Turkey would deploy its domestically-built Hisar low-altitude air defense missiles to Idlib. However, it's unclear if any of these missiles were actually fielded.

It's also been claimed that Turkey even deployed old Soviet-era S-200 air defense systems, acquired from Ukraine, in northern Idlib. This claim is unverified and also highly unlikely.

The Turkish military is also becoming more deeply involved in the civil war in Libya where it's supporting the U.N.-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA), based in the capital Tripoli that controls the west, against General Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA), based in Benghazi that controls the east.

In Libya, Turkey has deployed a formidable array of air defense missiles in the country's west and has also made significant headway in establishing an “air defense bubble” around Tripoli.

As The Washington Institute for Near East Policy observed: “The combination of medium-range U.S.-made MIM-23 Hawk missile systems, Hisar short-range SAMs, and Korkut antiaircraft guns created a layered defense over critical infrastructure and reduced the threat to GNA drone ground stations and launch operations.”

“This protection, combined with an increase in Turkish operators and equipment, allowed Libyan government forces to increase the number and effectiveness of their drone operations,” the report added.

While formidable, Turkish air defenses in western Libya have their limitations.

Turkish military analyst Metin Gurcan, recently pointed out that “medium- and high-altitude air defense is vital for air dominance in the Sirte-al-Jufra axis, but this remains a problem for Turkey, though low-altitude air defense has been secured through the deployment of the Hisar air defense systems in Libya.”

Gurcan went on to note that Turkey's far more advanced high-altitude S-400s haven't been activated and the prospect of transferring those sophisticated missiles – which could establish a game-changing Anti Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) zone over wherever they are deployed – to Libya “is out of question.”

Turkey also deployed two MIM-23 Hawk batteries at al-Watiya airbase. They did not seem to have hindered an airstrike on July 3 carried out by unidentified warplanes, although they may not yet have been fully set up when that strike occurred.

The jets that attacked al-Watiya – which was captured from the LNA by a Turkish-backed GNA offensive in May that broke the LNA siege on Tripoli and enabled the GNA to go on the offensive – likely belonged to a foreign air force supporting the LNA. One Turkish official said the jets were Dassault Mirage fighters. If true, then they were most likely Mirage 2000 jets belonging to the United Arab Emirates, a key backer of Haftar.

The Arab Weekly, on the other hand, cited informed sources who claim the aircraft were Dassault Rafale jets, not Mirages. This would limit the attackers to either Egypt or France, both of which possess those multirole fighter jets and both of which support the LNA.

The LNA wants to prevent Turkey from establishing a base in al-Watiya and further solidify its growing presence in the country by creating more air defense bubbles across the west.

Turkey wants to help the GNA push on its offensive and capture the strategically-important city of Sirte and the al-Jufra region, including the eponymous airbase where Russia delivered MiG-29 and Su-24 warplanes in May.

What happens next in Libya is anyone's guess. Turkey is likely to retain its presence and increase the number of its air defense missiles in Libya, especially if the GNA advances further eastward in the coming weeks.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/pauliddon/2020/07/07/turkey-is-deploying-lots-of-air-defense-systems-in-syria-and-libya/#727c5aae5555

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  • 10 winners chosen in International Space Pitch Day

    November 18, 2020 | International, Aerospace

    10 winners chosen in International Space Pitch Day

    Nathan Strout WASHINGTON — Ten winners have emerged from the first International Space Pitch Day, a joint venture between the U.S. and the U.K. designed to encourage and reward innovation that could benefit the two nations' military endeavors in space. The event was modeled on the U.S. Air Force pitch days — “Shark Tank”-inspired competitions where nontraditional companies can directly present their technology solutions to acquisition officials and walk away with same-day contracts. The Air Force has held dozens of topical pitch days over the last two years as officials try to identify “defense unicorns.” The first space-specific pitch day was hosted by the Air Force in November 2019, though the since-established U.S. Space Force has taken over those pitch days. “Pitch Days open the government's aperture to work with commercially-focused companies,” according to Will Roper, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, technology and logistics. “Competing for technology outside of our fence lines has been a major U.S. Air Force and Space Force theme. Partnering with our allies to compete globally is the natural evolution.” Open to companies and entrepreneurs from all over the world, the inaugural International Space Pitch Day was jointly funded by the U.S. Air Force and the U.K.'s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory and the British Royal Air Force. Representatives from those organizations, U.S. Space Force, U.K. Strategic Command and NATO worked through the various proposals, with 15 companies invited to present their solutions during the Defence Space Conference in London. Ultimately, 10 companies were awarded same-day contracts each worth up to $66,000, according to an announcement from the U.K. government. That funding will help the vendors fast-track their solutions. “It is the first time two nations anywhere in the world have come together to award defense contracts based around a pitch-style event, similar to Dragon's Den/Shark Tank,” said Vice-Marshal Harvey Smyth, the U.K.'s director for military space and air. “It is also the first time two nations have awarded joint defence innovation contracts to an overseas-based enterprise in this way.” While most of the winners are from the U.S. or the U.K., one company from India and another from Australia won contracts. The ten winners were: 114 AI Innovation Limited (India) Clearbox Systems (Australia) Clutch Space Systems (U.K.) Cognitive Space (U.S.) precursor SPC (U.S.) Riskaware Limited and Telespazio Vega UK (U.K.) Rocket Communications (U.S.) Slingshot Aerospace (U.S.) Spire Global UK (U.K.) Swim.ai (U.S.) https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2020/11/17/10-winners-chosen-in-international-space-pitch-day/

  • Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - July 9, 2019

    July 10, 2019 | International, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security, Other Defence

    Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - July 9, 2019

    ARMY General Dynamics Mission Systems Inc., Scottsdale, Arizona, was awarded a $296,100,000 hybrid (cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price) contract for the production of Prophet Enhanced systems. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of June 15, 2020. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W56KGY-17-D-0006). Raytheon Lockheed Martin Javelin JV, Tucson, Arizona, was awarded an $11,125,514 modification (P00012) to contract W31P4Q-19-C-0038 for engineering services for the Spiral 3 test and evaluation plan, Spiral 3 system hardware qualification, and Worldwide Ammunition Reporting System requirements to support the Javelin missile system. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 1, 2021. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $11,125,514 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp., Atlanta, Georgia, has been awarded a $245,994,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for electronic warfare and avionics system support Georgia Tech Applied Research University and Affiliated Research Center. This contract provides for essential engineering, research and development capabilities and services for the development and sustainment of systems. Work will be performed at Atlanta, Georgia, and is expected to be completed by July 8, 2029. Future orders may include foreign military sales to multiple countries. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $3,822,133 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's Electronic Warfare, Robins Air Force Base, Warner, Robins, Georgia, is the contracting activity (FA8523-19-D-0006). Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Chantilly, Virginia, has been awarded a $92,905,016 ceiling increase and option modification (P00027) to previously awarded FA4600-14-D-0004 for systems engineering, management, and sustainment supporting weather-related missions; increasing the ceiling of the indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract and providing for the establishment of options to increase the ordering period by six months. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $392,905,016 from $300,000,000. Work will be performed at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2022. No funds are being obligated at the time of award. Air Combat Command 55th Contracting Squadron, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, is the contracting activity. U.S. TRANSPORTATION COMMAND Maersk Line Limited, Norfolk, Virginia, has been awarded an estimated $170,116,349 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity fixed-price contract for international ocean and intermodal distribution services (HTC711-19-D-W026). Work will be performed worldwide as specified on each individual order, and is expected to be completed Aug. 31, 2020. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 and 2020 transportation working capital funds to be obligated on individual task orders. U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity. American President Lines LLC, Washington, District of Columbia., has been awarded an estimated $140,308,984 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity fixed-price contract for international ocean and intermodal distribution services (HTC711-19-D-W014). Work will be performed worldwide as specified on each individual order, and is expected to be completed Aug. 31, 2020. 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Matson Navigation Company Inc., Oakland, California, has been awarded an estimated $71,217,825 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity fixed-price contract for international ocean and intermodal distribution services (HTC711-19-D-W027). Work will be performed worldwide as specified on each individual order, and is expected to be completed Aug. 31, 2020. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 and 2020 transportation working capital funds to be obligated on individual task orders. U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity. Liberty Global Logistics LLC, Lake Success, New York, has been awarded an estimated $68,353,914 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity fixed-price contract for international ocean and intermodal distribution services (HTC711-19-D-W025). Work will be performed worldwide as specified on each individual order, and is expected to be completed Aug. 31, 2020. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 and 2020 transportation working capital funds to be obligated on individual task orders. U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity. Farrell Lines Inc., Reston, Virginia, has been awarded an estimated $61,956,899 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity fixed-price contract for international ocean and intermodal distribution services (HTC711-19-D-W021). Work will be performed worldwide as specified on each individual order, and is expected to be completed Aug. 31, 2020. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 and 2020 transportation working capital funds to be obligated on individual task orders. U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity. Hapag-Lloyd USA LLC, Piscataway, New Jersey, has been awarded an estimated $55,905,823 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity fixed-price contract for international ocean and intermodal distribution services (HTC711-19-D-W023). Work will be performed worldwide as specified on each individual order, and is expected to be completed Aug. 31, 2020. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 and 2020 transportation working capital funds to be obligated on individual task orders. U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity. Central Gulf Lines Inc., New York, New York, has been awarded an estimated $33,998,317 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity fixed-price contract for international ocean and intermodal distribution services (HTC711-19-D-W017). Work will be performed worldwide as specified on each individual order, and is expected to be completed Aug. 31, 2020. 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TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico LLC, Jacksonville, Florida, has been awarded an estimated $14,001,976 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity fixed-price contract for international ocean and intermodal distribution services (HTC711-19-D-W037). Work will be performed worldwide as specified on each individual order, and is expected to be completed Aug. 31, 2020. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 and 2020 transportation working capital funds to be obligated on individual task orders. U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity. Schuyler Line Navigation Company LLC, Annapolis, Maryland, has been awarded an estimated $12,175,878 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity fixed-price contract for international ocean and intermodal distribution services (HTC711-19-D-W031). Work will be performed worldwide as specified on each individual order, and is expected to be completed Aug. 31, 2020. 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Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) funding in the amount of $1,000,000 will be obligated at award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website with one offer received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity (N64498-19-D-4026). ATI Wood-Solesi, Corsico, Italy, is awarded a $14,361,448, firm-fixed-price contract for the P1804 Construct Hydrant System at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy. The work to be performed provides for construction of the P1804 type III hydrant system piping loop and pump control panel that will service fueling operations on ramps 1, 2 and 3. This project will be designed in accordance with the latest Department of Defense standard designs and criteria and will include a hydrant loop with seven hydrant refueling pits, pantograph flush/checkout stand facility, pantograph storage area and the replacement of the pump control panel. This project will increase the efficiency of refueling by decreasing the amount of time refueling operations take and the number of personnel required to refuel the aircraft during peak air operations. Work will be performed in Corsico, Italy, and is expected to be completed by July 2021. Fiscal 2018 military construction, (Defense Logistics Agency) contract funds in the amount of $14,361,448 are obligated at the time of 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 five proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N62470-19-C-5022). Cardno-Amec Foster Wheeler Public Works JV, Charlottesville, Virginia, is awarded a $10,934,892 firm-fixed-price task order N62470-19-F-4093 under a previously indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity contract (N62470-18-D-3009) for inventory existence and completeness of operating materials and supplies at various Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) public works departments. The task order also contains two unexercised options, which if exercised, would increase cumulative task order value to $14,868,095. The work to be performed provides for all management, labor, supplies, equipment, information technology, materials and transportation necessary to perform screen of undocumented materials to include identification, inventory, organization, assigning unique locations, and recommendations for disposal. 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The work is expected to be completed by December 2019. Fiscal 2019 Navy working capital fund contract funds in the amount of $10,934,892 are obligated at the time of this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One proposal was received for this task order. NAVFAC AVFAC Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. Synensys LLC, Peachtree City, Georgia, is awarded a $9,142,957 firm-fixed-price contract for patient safety services at naval military treatment facilities within and outside of the contiguous United States to include: Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, Virginia (25%); Naval Medical Center, San Diego, California (25%); Naval Health Clinic Annapolis, Maryland (10%); Naval Hospital Pensacola, Florida (10%); Naval Health Clinic, Quantico, Virginia (10%); Naval Health Clinic New England, Newport, Rhode Island (10%); and Naval Hospital Naples, Italy (10%). Fiscal 2019 Defense Health Program funds in the amount of $2,198,241 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is a five-year single award contract and work is expected to be completed by Aug. 31, 2024. The contract was competitively procured as a total small business set-aside via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with five offers received. The Naval Medical Logistics Command, Fort Detrick, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N62645-19-C-0004). *Small business https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1899728/source/GovDelivery/

  • Raytheon Provides Cybersecurity for Global Hawk UAS

    January 24, 2019 | International, Aerospace, C4ISR

    Raytheon Provides Cybersecurity for Global Hawk UAS

    Mike Rees Raytheon Company has announced that it will deploy sustainment and cybersecurity experts around the world to support the ground control systems and onboard sensors used by the U.S. Air Force fleet of RQ-4 Global Hawk remotely piloted aircraft. Raytheon Intelligence, Information and Services will perform the work, which includes providing software upgrades to defend against cyber threats, as part of a $65 million subcontract from the aircraft manufacturer, Northrop Grumman. “Raytheon will help these unmanned aircraft meet tomorrow's threats,” said Todd Probert, vice president of Mission Support and Modernization at Raytheon IIS. “We have been improving the Global Hawk fleet's capabilities for 20 years by modernizing their ground and sensor systems and will now ensure their resiliency in the face of cyber threats.” Raytheon previously announced a $104 million effort to modernize the Global Hawk ground segment, moving payload and aircraft operators into mission control buildings. These new stations replace mission control, and launch and recovery elements previously housed in shelters. https://www.unmannedsystemstechnology.com/2019/01/raytheon-provides-cybersecurity-for-global-hawk-uas/

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