COBRA multispectral imaging camera. (Photo: Arête Associates)
The US Naval Surface Warfare Center has ordered engineering services and provisioned items for the AN/DVS-1 Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis (COBRA) Block I airborne mine detection system, the DoD announced on 20 September.
California-based Arête Associates received a $13.32 million IDIQ contract, with options for up to six years that would bring the cumulative value to $92.91 million.
Completion of the baseline contract is due in September 2022.
COBRA Block I reached IOC with the USN in October 2017 for deployment aboard MQ-8 Fire Scout UAVs.
The system is designed to help detect and localise minefields and obstacles when flown over a beach zone area.
India has cleared higher retrofit costs for six ageing Airbus A321s to be converted into Netra Mk-II airborne surveillance platforms, marking progress in a long-delayed AWACS programme but raising questions over lifespan and operational value.
The initial funds will focus on the foundational capabilities to modernise the attack helicopter, including digital architecture that will allow for launched effects and UAS integration.
The MH-60R Seahawk and A321XLR aircraft are the first procurement announcements designed to help delivery of a more combat capable and interoperable fleet to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), as outlined in the New Zealand government’s April Defence Capability Plan.
The US Air Force awarded Red6 a contract to install its ATARS software into the aircraft to provide new training solutions, following successful integrations in the T-38 Talon and MC-130.
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin also urged caution over a “drone-tastic” way of thinking when it comes to their use alongside traditional air and underwater domain platforms.
In July 2025 Teal Drones was awarded Tranche 2 of the US Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) programme for a small uncrewed aerial system (sUAS).
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