The Cook Barracks infrastructure project commenced in 2021 as part of Canberra’s bilateral cooperation with the South Pacific island nation to reinforce security in Oceania and support the partner’s commercial activity and local economy.

Through the effort, the site now incorporates modern accommodation and training facilities, engineering and vehicle workshops, roads, a medical center, a fire station, and a chapel.

The facilities will be managed by the Vanuatu Mobile Force and Police Force once it reaches operational capability.

Demonstrating ‘Commitment’

Cook Barracks’ launch followed the reopening of Vanuatu’s Tiroas Barracks in Espiritu Santo Province in March 2024 under the same framework.

The base includes a new armory and medical facilities for the nation’s defense forces as well as critical infrastructure for Vanuatu’s inter-island emergency network.

At the project announcement, Canberra noted that the entirety of the initiative planned to support approximately 200 employment opportunities.

“These major projects demonstrate the importance of Australia and Vanuatu’s longstanding relationship and continuing commitment to working together,” Australian Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles stated.

“Australia and Vanuatu’s security is intertwined and our partnership enhances the peace, prosperity, resilience and safety of our region for future generations.”

The post Australia Reopens Upgraded Port Vila Barracks for Vanuatu appeared first on The Defense Post.

The event saw the company’s flight test team conduct functional checks of the system before its launch.

The plane will undergo additional live assessments as part of the program’s primary evaluation phase this autumn.

Boeing will also send the aircraft to another center that will finalize the hull’s livery outfitting.

“This safe and systematic Functional Check Flight is an important step for Boeing and the RAF as part of our rigorous and extensive testing and evaluation,” Boeing VP and E-7 Program Manager Stu Voboril remarked.

“Our team is committed to ensuring the E-7 delivers the safety, quality, and capabilities we’ve promised to our customer as we prepare for delivery of the UK’s first E-7 Wedgetail to the RAF.”

‘Significant Milestone’

Boeing accepted the contract to build five E-7s in 2019 to replace the British government’s decommissioned E-3 Sentry fleet, which operated for the same purpose since the 1990s.

The $1.98-billion planes are set to achieve operational capability by 2025.

“This first flight marks a significant milestone for the programme and for our team who have worked tirelessly with our partners to progress what is a hugely complex endeavour,” UK Defence Equipment & Support Director Richard Murray commented on the latest trial.

“We are moving forward and will be delivering this critical capability to the RAF.”

Local E-7 Development Centers Now Ready

The UK’s Wedgetail initiative involved the construction of hangars in Lossiemouth, Scotland, last year to support the Wedgetail’s in-country engineering works.

The site will house works for the three upcoming E-7s as well as other military aircraft once the program concludes.

London announced the inauguration of the $103-million center in September 2024. It will be managed by over 175 on-site personnel at the project’s peak, according to the government.

“We’re proud of the robust E-7 modification line we’ve stood up in the UK to deliver the RAF’s future Airborne Early Warning & Control fleet,” Boeing UK, Ireland and the Nordics President Maria Laine commented.

“We are committed to delivering this crucial capability to support the UK’s national security and contribute toward regional stability.”

Boeing’s E-7 Wedgetail

The E-7 Wedgetail has a 34-meter (112-foot) fuselage and a 36-meter (118-foot) wingspan.

It is flown by two pilots, with functions run by up to 10 mission personnel. In 2022, the UK’s first E-7 platform received its main sensor suite.

The Wedgetail is powered by turbofans for a range of 6,500 kilometers (4,039 miles), a speed of  853 kilometers (530 miles) per hour, and a service ceiling of 12,500 meters (41,011 feet).

The post Boeing Completes Maiden Flight of Future British Wedgetail Early Warning Aircraft appeared first on The Defense Post.

Awarded by the US Defense Information Systems Agency, the agreement covers the continuance of operational and sustainment services for the Pentagon and the National Capital Region’s digital connectivity.

Work for the network, used by over 55,000 users, will be accompanied by the optimization of related IT environments to enhance the “speed, security, and reliability” of the infrastructure.

Associated tasks will be performed for a one-year base period and two six-month options.

“Enhancing the Pentagon’s network infrastructure will further advance technological superiority for our warfighters,” GDIT Defense Senior Vice President Brian Sheridan stated.

“We look forward to continuing our long-standing partnership with [Defense Information Systems Agency] and reimagining new ways to provide a modern, secure and reliable network.”

GDIT’s Latest DoD Projects

GDIT’s renewal contract followed the firm’s acquisition of a cyber firm based in Florida to improve its ongoing support for the US Special Operations Command and international allies.

In May 2024, the company received a $185-million award to provide digital security services for the US Air Force’s civil engineering division in Texas.

This followed another $922-million project two months earlier to apply a widescale update for the US Central Command’s IT infrastructure.

Alongside technical support, GDIT has also partnered with the Department of Defense to assist in training courses for over 200,000 combatants under the US Army’s III Armored Corps.

The post Pentagon Renews General Dynamics Network Infrastructure Support Contract appeared first on The Defense Post.

Requested for fiscal year 2025, the initiative aims to advance plans to replace the service’s aging Lockheed EP-3 Orion fleet.

The new system is expected to boost the military’s signals, jamming, and support capabilities, matching the force’s effectiveness against modern electronic warfare threats.

The initial budget for Japan’s upcoming platform was revealed in 2023 at 14.1 billion yen ($98.1 million).

During the first funding request, the Japanese Ministry of Defense highlighted that the new fleet would be utilized for complex electromagnetic scenarios across multi-domain operations.

／
#１枚でわかる防衛省・自衛隊 ！
＼
第42回目は「電磁波領域の動向について」の第二弾です
防衛省では電磁波領域の優勢を確保するため、相手方のレーダー利用や通信を無効化する能力を有する装備品を整備するなど、電子戦能力の強化に取り組んでいます。#電磁波 #電子戦 https://t.co/cTSWv1Vn2c pic.twitter.com/mCbSrbNcZb

— 防衛省・自衛隊 (@ModJapan_jp) March 28, 2024

The P-1 Patrol Aircraft

The Kawasaki P-1 entered into service under the JMSDF in 2013. Unlike the military’s previous aircraft, the maritime patrol plane was purpose-built without other civilian counterparts.

The P-1 is operated by three pilots and up to an eight member mission crew. It measures 38 meters (125 feet) long and has a wingspan of 35 meters (115 meters).

Alongside its main electronic countermeasures, sonar, and radar suite, the platform can be armed with air-to-ground close support and air-to-surface anti-ship missiles, depth charges, mines, sonobuoys, and anti-submarine torpedoes.

The P-1 is equipped with four IHI F7 turbofan engines for a top speed of 996 kilometers (619 miles) per hour and a range of 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles).

The plane has a maximum takeoff weight of 79,700 kilograms (175,708 pounds) and a service ceiling of 13,520 meters (44,357 feet).

Airborne Fleet Expansion in Japan

Japan’s P-1 development follows the US State Department’s $4.1 billion foreign military sale of KC-46A Pegasus tankers to the country in September.

American aerospace company Boeing received a contract one year earlier to equip advanced electronic warfare systems aboard Tokyo’s locally made F-15 Eagle fleet.

In May 2023, the US Special Operations Command announced a potential teaming strategy with the Japanese military to co-develop a C-130 transport aircraft in a maritime configuration.

The East Asian government awarded a separate contract to Boeing in December 2022 to produce two additional KC-46A refuelers.

The post Japan Announces More Funding for Next-Gen EW Aircraft Based on Kawasaki P-1 appeared first on The Defense Post.

The deal supports the UK government’s objective to replenish its land-based military platforms after some of the stocks were donated to Ukraine in response to Russia’s invasion.

The consortium will work on the latest order starting in 2025 at Babcock’s Devonport and Supacat’s Dunkeswell facilities.

Once operational, the HMT fleet will be used for off-road patrol, force protection, communication, and intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance or ISTAR missions.

“This contract cements the success of the Jackal programme and delivers a critical boost to the British Army’s fleet with a vehicle that is the most capable and versatile in its class,” Babcock Land Sector CEO Tom Newman stated.

“Babcock teams play a broad and critical role supporting capabilities across the UK’s armed forces; the production of 53 new Jackal 3 Extendas is an excellent example of this and at the same time securing 100 jobs in the South West region.”

More Than 200 Jackals Expected

London placed the initial order for 70 Jackal 3s in February 2023. One year later, Babcock and Supacat began the development of the vehicles, which at the time was revealed to be completed by the summer of 2024.

The consortium noted that the British Army has the option to procure up to 240 of the armored systems depending on its future requirements.

”Firstly, we are enormously proud that Supacat’s Jackal 3 ‘extenda’ is now adding to the Army’s Land Fleet which will help support [Chief of the General Staff’s] intent of increasing lethality with a modular high mobility platform,” Supacat Director Phil Applegarth commented on the latest contract.

“We have demonstrated the modularity and the ease of integrating specific mission winning systems and we look forward with continuing our collaboration with the UK MoD and our industry partners in the near future.”

“Secondly, we are enormously pleased that our partnership with Babcock and Devonport continues to produce Jackal 3 and now the Jackal 3 ‘extenda’, exemplifying The British Army’s Land Industrial strategy and the huge benefits to both the UK and local economies through social value.”

The post British Army Orders Additional Jackal 3 Transporters From Babcock, Supacat appeared first on The Defense Post.

The platform adds to more than 20 other MRAP systems commissioned under Kyiv’s military since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

The milestone follows Ottawa’s military aid to Kyiv in January 2023 worth 90 million Canadian dollars ($66.3 million) in response to the aggression, which included Senators in their basic armored personnel carrier configuration.

All 200 vehicles under the donation were delivered in April 2023, with most distributed to the Ukrainian State Border Service units stationed in the northern city of Chernihiv.

One month later, the Senator’s Ontario-based developer Roshel unveiled the platform’s new MRAP variant. The company finalized the delivery of the 1,000th Senator to Ukraine by year’s end.

The Senator MRAP

Roshel’s Senator MRAP has a length of 6 meters (20 feet), a seating capacity for up to 10 personnel, and payload support for about 2 tons of cargo.

The 4×4 vehicle is equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 330-horsepower V8 6.7-liter diesel engine.

Its chassis, based on the Ford F-550 pickup truck, is covered with NATO-standard armor that can withstand blasts from 7.62×39-caliber rifles, multi-direction mines, charged TNTs, and 155-millimeter artillery.

Additionally, the system was designed with a V-shaped body to redirect shock waves and shrapnel to the sides, increasing soldiers’ survivability during attacks.

In September 2024, Roshel revealed the integration of the Tavria 14.5 Remote Controlled Weapon System into the Senator.

The post Ukrainian Military Adopts Canadian Senator Anti-Mine Vehicles appeared first on The Defense Post.

The 600-million-euro ($669.7-million) deal includes management, spare parts supply and repairs, and accompanying technical support services to the fleet.

KNDS will also support the construction of a sustainment facility in the country to bolster future overhaul projects for the vehicles.

Canada’s procurement authority is partnering with KNDS segments in Munich and Ottawa to complete the effort.

Work for the agreement will be facilitated from September 2024 through March 2031, with an option for five additional years.

“As a system house and manufacturer of the LEOPARD 2, we have felt a strong connection with Canada and the Canadian Army for almost 20 years,” KNDS Deutschland Service Head Markus Schmidt stated.

“For KNDS, the contract for long-term support of the systems is an honor. We are aware of the responsibility of ensuring the operational readiness of 74 LEOPARD 2 battle tanks and 29 family vehicles.”

The Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank

The Leopard 2 measures 10 meters (33 feet) and is protected with armor composed of steel, tungsten, plastic, and ceramic parts.

It is equipped with a smooth-bore gun, medium machine guns, multi-barrel grenade launchers, and explosives.

The tank is powered by a NATO-standard V12 diesel engine for a top speed of 68 kilometers (42 miles) per hour and a range of 340 kilometers (211 miles).

Canada first adopted the vehicle in 2007 to replace its older main battle tank fleet, operational since the 1970s.

Currently, five variants of the Leopard 2 are in service under Ottawa’s military.

The post KNDS Wins Sustainment Contract for Canadian Army’s Leopard 2 Fleet appeared first on The Defense Post.

Camp Reedo is located in the southeast of Estonia and will be managed by the Defence Forces’ 2nd Infantry Brigade.

It incorporates eight primary halls that could receive approximately 1,000 personnel. Facilities include equipment maintenance stations, storage, kitchen and dining areas, as well as laundry buildings.

Camp Reedo’s construction and related capabilities cost 21 million euros ($23.4 million), according to the military investment agency.

The infrastructure was completed in partnership with Tartu-based concrete works company Mapri Ehitus.

“We have accommodated the previous allied units in the Taara settlement, where we have provided them with a barracks and also built one of the largest container settlements in Estonia,” RKIK South Portfolio Manager Peeter Karja stated.

“With the new camp, if necessary, they can stay near the training ground during exercises and practice defending Estonia with the defense forces in good conditions.”

Enabling ‘Strong Confidence’

RKIK highlighted that the center will be operational for accommodations, preparations, and repairs in both crises and peacetime.

“This will make it easier for them to arrive and get combat ready here. After a short stay, the units move to the operational areas or back to the country of origin,” RKIK Training Grounds Portfolio Manager Elari Kalmaru explained.

Estonian Defence Forces 2nd Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Mati Tikerpuu added that the center provides Tallinn’s military with “strong confidence to know that for the allied units with whom we plan and practice the defense of Estonia,” even if “a whole unit should come to help defend if necessary.”

Four-Year Defense Infrastructure Plan

The Reedo campus inauguration follows RKIK’s announcement of an investment worth 500 million euros ($558.6 million) in defense infrastructure over the next four years.

The effort will focus on the adoption of allies and integrating new solutions while maintaining sustainability throughout the country. Related taxi, cleaning, furniture, security, food supply, and catering services are also expected to be procured to support the forthcoming buildings under this framework.

Part of the project is the renovation of a $19.9-million air base in the country’s north revealed in February to further contribute to the multinational NATO Air Policing mission.

The site was originally established during the Soviet era and was relaunched into a NATO center in response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

“In order to better protect Estonia, we must be ready to receive allies on a significantly larger scale in order to implement NATO’s new defense plans,” Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur commented on the broader infrastructure strategy.

“However, even now, the Defense Force needs additional space in order to be able to receive additional allied units if necessary and to ensure suitable conditions for accommodation, equipment, weaponry and ammunition storage, as well as training.”

The post Estonia Inaugurates Military Camp Near Russian Border appeared first on The Defense Post.

The platforms will be added to the 2,677 FMTV A2s delivered to the service since the initial order under the program.

The latest deal serves as the army’s fourth order for the vehicles this year, including a tranche worth $108.9 million last May for the service and its foreign military sales partners.

“The FMTV A2 demonstrates Oshkosh’s engineering innovation and manufacturing expertise to design vehicles that adapt to dynamic mission demands and surpass performance requirements,” Oshkosh Defense Chief Programs Officer Pat Williams stated.

“We are honored to contribute to the Army’s modernization efforts and deliver the most advanced tactical vehicles to support evolving missions while enhancing the safety and effectiveness of our Soldiers.”

Oshkosh FMTV A2

The FMTV A2 is offered in 12 truck, 4 chassis, and 3 trailer options to support different user requirements.

Its main variants include a 4×4 cargo, 6×6 cargo, and dump truck that can be integrated with different mission components.

Depending on its configuration, the FMTV A2 can transport payloads weighing from 5,000 to 20,000 pounds (2,268 to 9,072 kilograms).

In 2023, the US Army tapped Oshkosh to provide 16 variants worth $201 million. This contract followed a $141-million.contract for approximately 400 FMTVs.

The post US Army Orders More FMTV Vehicles From Oshkosh appeared first on The Defense Post.

The investment is part of the government’s “Secure Enclave” strategy, which seeks a secure, reliable supply of microelectronic hardware for defense applications.

Funding for the initiative was sourced through Washington’s CHIPS and Science Act, bipartisan legislation signed in 2022 to improve production, supply chains, corresponding research and development, and the workforce associated with the semiconductors used for national security purposes.

“Intel is proud of our ongoing collaboration with the US Department of Defense to help strengthen America’s defense and national security systems,” Intel Federal General Manager and President Chris George stated.

“Today’s announcement highlights our joint commitment with the US government to fortify the domestic semiconductor supply chain and to ensure the United States maintains its leadership in advanced manufacturing, microelectronics systems, and process technology.”

Intel’s award follows another $8.5-billion CHIPS and Science Act award received by the company in March 2024 to develop critical semiconductor infrastructure at multiple US locations.

The project sites will be built in Arizona, Ohio, New Mexico, and Oregon and will incorporate manufacturing and experimentation facilities.

“With this agreement, we are helping to incentivize over $100 billion in investments from Intel – marking one of the largest investments ever in US semiconductor manufacturing, which will create over 30,000 good-paying jobs and ignite the next generation of innovation,” US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said during the previous award.

“This announcement is the culmination of years of work by President Biden and bipartisan efforts in Congress to ensure that the leading-edge chips we need to secure our economic and national security are made in the US.”

The post Intel Bags $3B for Military-Grade Microchip Production in US appeared first on The Defense Post.