• Digital Battlespace

  Multi-Channel Link 16 Terminal (sponsored whitepaper)

  2nd July 2020

  01.    Introduction While there have been strong improvements in today’s battlespace with range, speed, and lethality of kinetic weapons, the ability to engage has far …

• Land Warfare

  Japan improves its anti-amphibious landing missile

  2nd July 2020

  The Japanese MoD is developing an improved Multi-Purpose Missile System (MPMS) for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), to counter the build-up of amphibious warfare …

• Digital Battlespace

  DARPA machine-learning programme includes audit software

  14th July 2020

  BAE Systems has reached a software delivery milestone in the Competency-Aware Machine Learning (CAML) programme for DARPA. MindfuL software from BAE Systems (developed in collaboration …

• Air Warfare

  CAF to replace two Challenger 601 aircraft

  8th June 2020

  The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have replaced two Challenger 601 utility aircraft with two newer 650 models (pictured). Delivery of the two new aircraft is …

• Land Warfare

  Lockheed Martin to upgrade more MLRS units for US Army

  3rd July 2020

  Lockheed Martin has obtained another contract from the DoD to overhaul and upgrade M270 MLRS launchers for the US Army. The $226 million contract, covering …

• Naval Warfare

  Largest ever RNZN ship reaches home

  29th June 2020

  The 26,000t replenishment ship HMNZS Aotearoa arrived at Devonport Naval Base in Auckland on 26 June after completing its delivery voyage from South Korea. It …

• Defence Helicopter

  Hip swings into trials for Russian SF

  23rd July 2020

  Flight tests have begun in Russia of the Mi-8AMTSh-VN Hip helicopter to determine its aerodynamic and flight performance characteristics. Tests will also assess the maneuverability, …

• Special Operations

  Defenture completes Vector deliveries for Dutch SOF

  13th July 2020

  Netherlands Special Operations Command (NLD SOCOM) has received its final Vector Air Transportable Tactical Vehicle (ATTV), manufacturer Defenture revealed via social media on 11 July. …

• Digital Battlespace

  Firebird integrates Earthwatch sensor amid four-day flight trials

  15th July 2020

  Northrop Grumman has completed a series of mission-focused engagements for its Firebird optionally piloted MALE ISR aircraft, including integration of the TK-9 Earthwatch sensor from …

• Naval Warfare

  OCCAR enlists Naviris for Horizon MLU feasibility study

  22nd July 2020

  Naviris will conduct a midlife upgrade (MLU) feasibility study into the four Horizon-class frigates in the French Navy, under a contract signed with OCCAR on …

• Uncrewed Vehicles

  South Korean firms partner on UAV motors

  20th July 2020

  LG Electronics announced on 20 July that it will apply its experience in producing motors for domestic appliances to co-develop military UAV motors with fellow …

• Land Warfare

  Jamaica adds six more Bushmasters

  16th June 2020

  The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has spent about €7 million ($7.93 million) on buying six more Bushmaster 4x4 protected vehicles from Thales, to add to …

• Defence Helicopter

  AeroBrigham secures MRO contract for Jamaican Bell 429s

  8th June 2020

  US-based MRO specialist AeroBrigham has been awarded a systems integration contract for nine Bell 429 helicopters to be delivered to the Jamaican Defence Force between …

• Defence Helicopter

  King Stallion gets its feet wet

  25th June 2020

  US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) announced on 24 June that the Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion has successfully completed an initial two weeks of sea …

• Land Warfare

  Spanish Army releases tender to procure SF vehicle

  24th July 2020

  Spain is running a competition to procure the Light Vehicle for Special Operations (VLOE in Spanish) as the country progresses efforts to improve the mobility …

Programme Results - Defence Insight

• Military helicopters - multirole

  UH-60M Black Hawk [Latvia]

  Programme Background In August 2018, the Latvian government approved the acquisition of four UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters. The UH-60Ms are intended for both military and ...

• Light attack, Trainer

  Light Attack/Trainer Aircraft - Ghana

  In 2013, the Chief of Ghana Air Force stated that A-29 is their preferred platform and this position was also submitted to the Government. In ...

• Transport

  C-130J - USAF

  Programme Background The C-130J Super Hercules is a four-engine turboprop transport aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin to replace aging C-130 variants. The US and FMS ...

• Trainer

  PC-21 [France]

  Programme  Background The French Air and Space Force has chosen Dassault Aviation and Babcock to provide between nine and 13 Pilatus PC-21 aircraft for Phase ...

• Bomber

  B-21 Raider (USA)

  Programme Background The US DoD is developing a new long-range bomber called the B-21 Raider, previously known as LRS-B. At least 100 units are expected ...

• Light attack, Trainer

  T-2E Replacement - Greece

  The average unit cost is estimated to be around $12 million based on the Czech Republic's $48.5 million deal for the purchase of four L-39NG ...

• Trainer

  Trainer Aircraft (1-12) [Vietnam]

  Programme Background After years of operating Russian-built military equipment, Vietnam is more willing to procure US-supplied equipment following the lifting of the arms embargo in ...

• Military helicopters - multirole

  UH-60M Black Hawks [Greece]

  Programme Background In October 2023, Greece submitted a formal request to acquire 49 Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters as replacements for the Army's Bell UH-1s after launching ...

• Military helicopters - light/training

  Bell 505 (Jordan)

  Programme Background Requirement The Jordanian Air Force has a requirement for training helicopters that are to be used in the King Hussein Air College. The country ...

• Military helicopters - multirole

  Huey II

  The last announced contract, valuing at $19 million, was awarded to Bell by US Army to supply Lebanon Air Force with there furnished Huey IIs ...

• Air: Radio and SATCOM

  Air: Radio and SATCOM | Penetrating Counter Air (PCA)

  USAF is working on Penetrating Counter Air (PCA) aircraft concept which may replace F-15C/Ds and F-22s in service and complement F-35s. Boeing, Lockheed Martin and ...

• Air: Helmet-mounted displays

  Air: Helmet-mounted displays | Penetrating Counter Air (PCA)

  USAF is working on Penetrating Counter Air (PCA) aircraft concept which may replace F-15C/Ds and F-22s in service and complement F-35s. Boeing, Lockheed Martin and ...

• Data links

  Data links | Penetrating Counter Air (PCA)

  USAF is working on Penetrating Counter Air (PCA) aircraft concept which may replace F-15C/Ds and F-22s in service and complement F-35s. Boeing, Lockheed Martin and ...

• Air: Head-up displays

  Air: Head-up displays | Penetrating Counter Air (PCA)

  USAF is working on Penetrating Counter Air (PCA) aircraft concept which may replace F-15C/Ds and F-22s in service and complement F-35s. Boeing, Lockheed Martin and ...

• Transponders and IFF

  Transponders and IFF | Penetrating Counter Air (PCA)

  USAF is working on Penetrating Counter Air (PCA) aircraft concept which may replace F-15C/Ds and F-22s in service and complement F-35s. Boeing, Lockheed Martin and ...

Equipment Results - Defence Insight

• Air: EO/IR – Jamming Systems

  AN/AAQ-45

  Leonardo’s AN/AAQ-45 Distributed Aperture Infrared Countermeasures is designed to equip rotorcraft. The system is being installed on Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk medium-lift utility helicopters used ...

• Air: Electronic Attack - Jamming

  J/ALQ-8

  Like Israel, Japan elected to outfit its McDonnell Douglas/Boeing F-15J/DJ combat aircraft with an indigenous self-protection system. This takes the form of Mitsubishi Electric’s J/ALQ-8 ...

• Air: Radio and SATCOM

  FAB-T Force Element Terminal

  The Family of Advanced Beyond Line-of-Sight Terminals - Force Element Terminal (FAB-T FET) is a nuclear-hardened SATCOM solution designed for airborne applications. Produced by Raytheon, ...

• Unguided Medium Calibre Ammunition

  25mm PGU-48/B

  The 25mm PGU-48/B is a medium-calibre armour-penetrating round manufactured by American Rheinmetall. The US Air Force uses the PGU-48/B with its F-35 aircraft.

• Unguided Medium Calibre Ammunition

  25mm PGU-23/U

  The 25mm PGU-23/U is a medium-calibre training round manufactured by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems. The US Air Force utilises it with its AC-130 and ...

• Fighter - air superiority

  F-5E/F Tiger II

  The F-5E (single-seat)/F (twin-seat) Tiger II is an air superiority fighter developed by Northrop Grumman based on the original F-5 Freedom Fighter. Production of the ...

• Land: soldier modernisation systems - industry programmes

  Warrior Systems

  General Dynamics Mission Systems is prime contractor and system integrator for the US Army’s Warrior soldier systems, which include Air Warrior, Future Force Warrior, Land Warrior ...

• Air: mission management systems

  TBMCS

  Theater Battle Management Core Systems (TBMCS) is a US joint C2 integrated BMS used to plan and execute air campaigns in theatres of operations worldwide. ...

• Trainer

  King Air trainer

  Textron / Beechcraft King Air trainers are a family twin-engine aircraft based on King Air 90, 100, 200 and 350 utility aircraft. The King Air ...

• Trainer

  T-6A/B Texan II

  The T-6 Texan II is a single-engine trainer aircraft, which was developed from the Pilatus PC-9 to meet the training requirements of USAF and USN ...

• Unguided Medium Calibre Ammunition

  30mm PGU-13B High Explosive Incendiary

  The 30mm 30mm PGU-13B High Explosive Incendiary (HEI) is a medium-calibre munition manufactured by Northrop Grumman. The US Air Force uses the PGU-13B HEI with ...

• Fighter - multirole

  F-4 Phantom II family

  The F-4 Phantom II is a two-seat multirole fighter developed originally by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) to meet USN interceptor requirements. It soon became a unified ...

• Air: surveillance and maritime patrol radar, Air: UAS radar

  Lynx

  The Lynx (AN/APY-8) is a synthetic aperture radar manufactured by General Atomics. It is designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance for manned and unmanned aircraft. According to ...

• Light attack, Trainer

  EMB-312 Tucano

  The EMB-312 Tucano (Brazilian designation T-27) is a trainer and light attack aircraft developed by Embraer to meet the training requirements of the Brazilian Air ...

• Air: Integrated Defensive Systems

  AN/ALQ-213(V) DAC

  Terma’s AN/ALQ-213(V) electronic warfare management unit is used extensively on General Dynamics/Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon series combat aircraft around the world. The AN/ALQ-213(V) is ...