Anti-missile countermeasures from Chemring equip a wide range of aircraft such as the F-15E. (Photo: Chemring)
Chemring Countermeasures UK on 6 May signed a strategic partnering arrangement (SPA) with the RAF, MoD Defence Equipment & Support and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, to ensure ‘long-term provision of optimum air platform protection, including the exploitation of current capabilities and the development of new technology’.
The ten-year SPA will see Chemring Countermeasures focus on improving aircraft self-defence for RAF fast jet, transport and helicopter platforms to counter evolving threats posed by guided missiles, the company noted in a statement.
This SPA will aid information sharing to facilitate a collaborative approach and encouraging co-operation such that the right level of capability is available to the front line at the right time.
‘The SPA will underpin the development of the next generation of countermeasures,’ the company added. ‘Where appropriate, it will also allow CCM to make such decoy technology available to a wide range of allies and partner nations, increasing survivability of aircraft and aircrew.’
The contract modification, awarded to Boeing, is worth $61.2 million and will support the US Navy’s (USN's) evolution of its P-8 Poseidon aircraft as continued upgrades are made to boost its capabilities and lethality.
The UK Ministry of Defence remains resolute that the Typhoon sits at the heart of the country’s air defence capabilities and is focused on the aircraft’s potential export orders, despite its continued focus on F-35 procurement.
The likely scrapping of Boeing’s Apache helicopter comes after a huge budget cut approved by the South Korean National Assembly. The helicopter procurement had already been reconsidered by the country’s Joint Chiefs of Staff earlier in the year.
The number of aircraft was stated by UK Defence Secretary John Healey during a Defence Committee hearing. It follows on from the UK’s decision to purchase F-35A aircraft to boost its nuclear deterrence, although hurdles and questions about the order still remain.
The use of air power by both sides in the ongoing conflict has been extensively focused on, influencing policy and procurement around the world. But are the lessons from the front line universally applicable, or should other nations be planning for very different scenarios?
Six Super Tucano aircraft were ordered in July 2024, with Paraguay the fifth South American country to add the aircraft to modernise its fleet.
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