Rheinmetall and UVision Awarded First Order for HERO-30 Loitering Munitions
Rheinmetall and its partner UVision have won the first order from a major European NATO military force for HERO loitering munitions. The customer, a special forces unit, placed an initial order for Hero-30 combat and training munitions, simulator, training courses as well as integrated logistics equipment and support. This first order is worth a figure in the single-digit million-euro range with possible additional orders that might be expected. The exact number of munitions to be supplied is classified. The order was placed in July 2022, with delivery scheduled to take place by 2023.
Thai Navy to Operate Hermes-900 on Maritime Surveillance and SaR Missions
Elbit Systems has received a contract valued at $120 million to supply Hermes 900 Maritime Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and training capabilities to the Royal Thai Navy. The contract will be performed over three years.
Elbit Systems of America to Provide Displays and Datalinks for Boeing Red Hawk (T-X)
Elbit Systems of America confirmed it will supply Boeing a number of products – including cockpit displays, datalinks, and embedded training capabilities for the T-7A RedHawk (T-X) advanced pilot training aircraft Boeing is developing for the United States Air Force. In the initial phase, Boeing was selected to deliver 351 trainers, over 10 years, from 2024 to 2034.
SOCOM Places a First Order for Switchblade 600 Loitering Missiles
AeroVironment announced today the receipt of a contract for its new Switchblade 600 loitering missile. The order was received from the Special Operations Command. The allocates $26 million for the delivery of weapons and their integration of the new weapon on specialized maritime platforms operated by US Special Operations Forces. Completion is expected by the end of 2022.
Advanced ERA, Level 6+ Armor Among the New Survivability Solutions From Plasan
With new survivability solutions, including advanced ERA against kinetic and chemical energy threats, passive armor stopping threats beyond the medium caliber level, and blast protection from mines and IEDs, Plasan's expertise become essential for combat vehicle manufacturers producing efficient designs of next-generation platforms such as the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV).
Thales’ Nexium to Deliver Combat Cloud Services for NATO Armed Forces
NATO has selected Thales to provide the first certified defense cloud solution that can be deployed in the theatre of operations in less than 24 hours. Thales was selected after a worldwide competitive tendering process .
BAE Systems Introduces Future-Proofed CV90
BAE Systems introduced today the fifth evolutionary variant of the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle that embeds many of the upgrades and modifications designed through the evolution of the vehicle family.
France Introduces an Improved APFSDS Long-Rod Penetrator Tank Ammo
Nexter Munitions is introducing the SHARD as an improved Armor-Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) tank ammunition for the NATO standard 120mm smoothbore tank gun. Following completion of design optimization in 2021, and industrial qualification in 2022, SHARD will be ready for mass production by the end of 2022.
HevenDrones to use Plug Power’s Hydrogen Power to Fly its Heavy Drones
HevenDrones, an Israeli developer of heavy drones announced an alliance with US-based Plug Power (NASDAQ: PLUG), for the development and commercialization of hydrogen fuel-cell-powered heavy-lift drones and related support equipment and infrastructure required for their operation. Together, the companies plan to provide an integrated solution to power and refuel HevenDrones’ next-generation fleet with the key objective of providing extended flight times and range.
IAI, Thales Offer Sea Serpent Missiles to Replace the Harpoon on the Royal Navy Frigates
Thales UK and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have joined forces to offer IAI’s Sea Serpent anti-ship missile to replace the Harpoon Block1C anti-ship missile currently in service on board the Royal Navy Type 23 frigates.
IAI Reports Three New Sales of Loitering Weapons; The Sales Reflect Growing Interest in LM Category
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announced today the signing of three significant contracts valued at over US$100 million, for the supply of Loitering Munitions (LM) systems to several countries in Asia. Orders for HAROP loitering weapons for land-based and naval platforms and for ROTEM miniature 'suicide drones' reflect a growing interest in the LM category.
Soaring G2G Sales Takes Israel’s Defense Exports to a Double Digit Record
Israel’s defense exports have reached double-digit figures for the first time, reaching a 55% increase within two years, to US$11.3 Billion. G2G deals are often larger in scale than export sales signed by the individual companies and their execution is often faster than sales conducted under standard commercial terms.
Light Patrol with a Class
Since its introduction in 1979 Mercedes Benz G-Wagen (or G Class as it is known by official designation) has become a popular vehicle, not only for adventurers and military forces alike. This article highlights some of the latest military variants unveiled recently, as the G Wagen reaches its 40th anniversary.
The Middle East Defense Cooperation Forum
The first feature, [email protected] to be published in December 2020, provides overviews and analysis of defense-related topics relevant to the region, a listing of companies active in the defense and security sector, and the highlight of market opportunities, new products, and relevant business activities.