US Space Force increases efforts to plug training capabilities gaps
The service has been seeking simulation and emulation solutions capable of reproducing multiple in-orbit threats.
Leidos has received a prime contract by the US Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) to provide global network services under the Next Generation Enterprise Network Re-compete (NGEN-R) Service Management, Integration and Transport (SMIT) contract.
The IDIQ contract has a five-year base period of performance followed by three one-year option periods, and an approximate value of $7.7 billion.
The contract will see Leidos unify, operate and maintain the shore-based networks and data management for the Department of the Navy's Program Executive Office, Enterprise Information Systems and the Naval Enterprise Network Program Office to improve capability and service under one enterprise network construct.
Key services provided will include transport services, network operations, IT service management, user support services and system engineering.
Gerry Fasano, president, Leidos defense group, said: ‘Leidos is proud to provide sailors and marines around the world with the tools they need to gain a warfighting edge in the modern digital landscape. Under the enterprise construct of NGEN-R, we look forward to unifying and fortifying existing networks while providing cost-efficiencies to the US Navy and US Marine Corps.’
The service has been seeking simulation and emulation solutions capable of reproducing multiple in-orbit threats.
The service has been conducting several acquisition and upgrading efforts involving artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve communication, data analysis and ISR systems.
The Syracuse 4B communications satellite, developed by Airbus and Thales Alenia Space, was launched last year, bolstering secure military satellite communications for the French Armed Forces. Thales has now been selected to provide terminals for vehicles.
The growing importance of space in modern warfare, advancements in satellite technology, and increasing threats from rivals like China and Russia were among the topics of a Eurosatory 2024 panel on military space operations.
AN/ARC-232A is a Starfire radio that provides VHF/UHF communications to airborne platforms and the transceiver is software-programmable, allowing for multiple waveform support as well as optional national electronic counter counter-measure (ECCM) capability.
During the 18-month period of the contract, Lockheed Martin will apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques to create surrogate models of aircraft, sensors, electronic warfare and weapons within dynamic and operationally representative environments.