Global Ordnance and Sparkz disclose plans for 500,000 US-made UAV batteries a year
The companies have outlined plans for US$25 million manufacturing lines and initial deliveries in 2027 as Washington tightens restrictions on Chinese UAV components.
Netherlands requests AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder missiles
The government of the Netherlands is reportedly seeking to purchase AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II all-up-round missiles from the US government at an estimated cost of $60 million. US Congress was notified of the Netherland request on 16 October.
If it goes ahead, the foreign military sale will include 28 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II all-up-round missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support. The acquisition will be part of the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s (RNAF’s) effort to modernise its fighter aircraft to better support the Netherlands’ air defence needs.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has itemised the request as including the 28 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II all-up-round missiles, 20 CATM-9X-2 captive air training missiles, 2 AIM-9X-2 NATM special air training missiles, 2 CATM-9X-2 Block II missile guidance units, 2 AIM-9X-2 Block II tactical guidance units, 2 dummy air training missiles, containers, missile support and test equipment, provisioning, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, US government and contractor technical assistance and other related logistics support.
The prime contractor for the deal will be Raytheon Missile Systems if the sale goes ahead.
The AIM-9X is the latest member of the AIM-9 Sidewinder short-range missile family currently in use by more than 40 nations, in addition to the US Navy and US Air Force. The system is a launch-and-leave air combat missile that uses passive infrared (IR) energy for acquisition and tracking, which can be employed in near beyond visual range and within visual range arenas.
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![Global Ordnance and Sparkz disclose plans for 500,000 US-made UAV batteries a year]()
-
![Patria OPTIME and ILIAS: Orchestrating operational readiness across every domain]()
Patria OPTIME and ILIAS: Orchestrating operational readiness across every domain
Patria OPTIME is a sustainment concept that integrates MRO and lifecycle services into one solution, powered by the ILIAS digital defence platform
-
![US military seeks common controllers for drones and robotic systems]()
US military seeks common controllers for drones and robotic systems
US Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Special Operations Command initiatives signal demand for interoperable uncrewed systems control, creating opportunities for suppliers of hardware, software and integration services.
-
![“Start planning much earlier”: delivering defence support in an era of disruption]()
“Start planning much earlier”: delivering defence support in an era of disruption
In Conversation… The geopolitical landscape is increasingly uncertain, with the UK and its allies confronting the most unpredictable international environment for decades. To adapt, defence readiness must begin long before assets reach the front line, forging a resilient support enterprise that can thrive in a time of ongoing disruption, argue the partners of Team ORION.
-
![“Communicating at mission speed”: why data security is essential for operational success]()
“Communicating at mission speed”: why data security is essential for operational success
In conversation… Everfox’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dave Wajsgras and Managing Director, International, Colin McKinty discuss the critical importance of information security in defence, minimising insider risk and the company’s international growth strategy with Shephard’s Andrew White.
-
![“Engage with the operational problem”: how software innovation can boost UK defence]()
“Engage with the operational problem”: how software innovation can boost UK defence
In Conversation… Shephard’s Andrew White talks to Zafer Şen, CEO and co-founder of OBSS, about the future of command-and-control software in the age of artificial intelligence, and his company’s ambitions in the UK defence market.
