The delivery comes just five months after the country received its penultimate GlobalEye aircraft at the Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi.

According to Saab business area head for surveillance Carl-Johan Bergholm, completing the delivery in under 10 years underscores the company’s position as a “leading provider” of AEW&C platforms.

Deliveries of the GlobalEye to the UAE began in 2020 after five years of production and flight testing.

‘Multi-Domain Platform’

Saab is pitching its GlobalEye as an “advanced, multi-domain solution” capable of long-range threat detection and identification.

It features active and passive sensors that provide real-time information to units on the ground, at sea, or in the air.

The aircraft can operate for up to 11 hours at 35,000 feet (10,668 meters) while detecting threats as low as 200 feet (61 meters).

Its primary goal is to enhance the situational awareness of military units in high-threat environments.

Currently, the UAE Air Force is the only confirmed operator of the AEW&C aircraft.

Sweden has placed an order for three aircraft, with deliveries expected between 2024 and 2029.

The post Saab Concludes GlobalEye Early Warning Aircraft Deliveries to UAE appeared first on The Defense Post.

Under the agreement, Northrop will supply an undisclosed number of APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars for installation on the fourth-generation aircraft.

Production and integration will take place in Maryland, with an expected completion date of May 2031.

In April, the company also received a $56-million order for the same AESA radars to enhance the capabilities of the F-16s.

The latest deal brings the total value of F-16 radar contracts to $1.6 billion.

5th Generation Fighter Radar Capability

In 2017, Lockheed Martin selected Northrop’s APG-83 as the new radar for upgraded F-16 jets used by the US Air Force and Taiwan.

The radar can detect, track, and identify multiple targets simultaneously in hostile electronic warfare environments.

The company claims that its APG-83 is an advanced system suitable for jets as modern as fifth-generation aircraft.

It features a target detection and tracking range of 65 nautical miles (120 kilometers) and faster search and target acquisition.

In addition to the F-16s, the Northrop radar is also installed on the US Marine Corps’ F/A-18C Hornet fighter aircraft.

The post US Air Force F-16 Radar Orders Hit $1.6B With New Purchase appeared first on The Defense Post.

Tokyo seeks to acquire nine more KC-46As, along with 18 turbofan engines, 16 radar warning receivers, and 33 infrared countermeasure suites, according to a Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announcement.

The request includes missile warning sensors, identification friend-or-foe transponders, and communications equipment to be integrated into the aircraft.

The potential deal will also cover spare parts, personnel training, training equipment, and engineering and logistics support services.

Once finalized, it will expand Japan’s KC-46A fleet to 15, complementing the four currently in operation and the two additional aircraft already ordered.

Boeing, Pratt & Whitney, RTX, and Northrop Grumman will be the principal contractors.

‘Supporting National Security Objectives’

Powered by two high-bypass turbofan engines, the KC-46A boasts a fuel capacity of 212,000 pounds (96,161 kilograms) and can refuel most fixed-wing aircraft.

It has a refueling boom driven by a fly-by-wire control system for seamless transfer of fuel mid-air.

It is also equipped with a sophisticated self-protection system to allow it to perform its missions in contested environments.

According to the DSCA, the expansion of Tokyo’s KC-46A fleet is expected to support the national security objectives of the US by bolstering the security of a key ally in the Indo-Pacific region.

It will also improve the Asian nation’s aerial refueling and passenger transport capabilities, contributing to a stronger deterrence against current and emerging threats.

The post Japan Cleared to Buy Nine Additional KC-46A Tanker Aircraft for $4.1B appeared first on The Defense Post.

Under the deal, the company will build eight John Lewis-class ships in addition to the nine already ordered in 2016, 2022, and 2023.

The so-called auxiliary vessels will provide fuel to other ships, allowing them to remain at sea and combat-ready for extended periods.

Each oiler has a full load displacement of 49,850 tons and the capacity to carry 162,000 barrels of oil.

Most of the work for the contract will be performed in California, with an estimated completion date of January 2035.

The navy is expected to award a contract for three more replenishment ships to complete a fleet of 20.

General Dynamics NASSCO delivered the first ship in the class in July 2022 and is currently constructing two more.

‘Block Buy’ Method

According to a Pentagon announcement, the multibillion-dollar deal follows the “block buy” method, which is intended to save costs and streamline the procurement process.

The US Navy anticipates saving up to $491 million with the bulk order compared to awarding annual contracts.

The contract also includes a shipbuilding capability preservation agreement, which encourages shipbuilders to seek commercial work and helps reduce the navy’s expenses.

“We are pleased to continue building these ships, with seventeen of the Navy’s twenty-ship program of record now on contract,” General Dynamics NASSCO President Dave Carver said.

“The NASSCO team is honored to continue working with our Navy customer and thankful for their unwavering support.”

The post General Dynamics to Build More US Navy Replenishment Ships in $6.7B Deal appeared first on The Defense Post.

Last year, the United States had made the release of part of this annual aid conditional on progress being made on respecting human rights in Egypt, a country where ruler Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has been accused of suppressing dissent.

This year, however, the State Department said Egypt had made “progress” in certain areas of human rights. It also explicitly mentioned Cairo’s help in mediating between Israel and Palestinian armed group Hamas on the war in Gaza.

“This decision is important to advancing regional peace and Egypt’s specific and ongoing contributions to US national security priorities, particularly to finalize a ceasefire agreement for Gaza,” a State Department spokesman said.

The United States, Egypt, and Qatar are parties to the negotiations for the release of the hostages held by Hamas since its attack on Israel on October 7, and on the cessation of a subsequent Israeli military operation in Gaza that has killed tens of thousands.

The State Department spokesperson also spoke of Egypt’s role “in promoting a ceasefire in Sudan,” where a civil war has been raging for more than 16 months.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the budget allocation in a memo to Congress, as required by US law.

Washington regularly criticizes Egypt’s human rights record and has conditioned part of its annual military aid. Last year, Washington suspended around $95 million in aid on the grounds of human rights concerns.

Since 2022, Egyptian President Sisi has relaunched a “national dialogue” and released hundreds of political prisoners, but human rights activists say at least three times as many people have been arrested in the same period.

A key US ally, Egypt still holds tens of thousands of political prisoners, many of whom live in extremely harsh conditions, according to NGOs.

“In certifying that Egypt has fulfilled the conditions, the United States is acknowledging steps the Egyptians have already taken” on human rights, the State Department spokesperson said.

They cited draft legislation on judicial reforms and the release of more than 950 political prisoners since September 2023, among other steps.

The post US Releases $1.3 Billion in Military Aid to Egypt appeared first on The Defense Post.

Oslo has an existing order for eight radars signed in 2022, bringing the total number to 11.

According to company VP for Radar & Sensor Systems Chandra Marshall, the next-generation TPY-4s are crucial components of Norway’s ground-based air defense capability.

They are also well-suited for supporting multi-domain deterrence in the Nordic region.

“The additional order and the completion of the Critical Design Review mark major steps forward, confirming that our radar meets the stringent requirements of [Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency] (NDMA) and ensuring the security and sovereignty of Norway,” she said.

Lockheed and the NDMA have not disclosed specific delivery timelines for the new order.

‘Eyes in the North’

The TPY-4 radar is designed to provide military customers with critical capability to detect and track current and emerging threats.

It can reportedly operate in congested electromagnetic environments, ensuring effective functions despite the presence of jammers and other electromagnetic interference.

It also boasts an open system architecture to enable seamless integration of future capabilities.

The TPY-4 is available in both fixed and mobile variants and is transportable via a C-130 transport plane or helicopter.

Once delivered, the radar will enhance the Norwegian Air Force’s capability to track and classify aerial threats, providing critical situational awareness.

It is also expected to act as NATO’s “eyes in the north” amid increasing regional tensions.

The post Norway Buys More TPY-4 Multi-Mission Radars From Lockheed appeared first on The Defense Post.

Anduril Industries and Performance Drone Works have each received 10-year contracts to provide their Ghost X and C-100 drones, respectively, to meet the service’s ISTAR requirements.

These drones will support Brigade Combat Teams in various environmental conditions.

Program Executive Officer Brig. Gen. David Phillips said the two companies were selected following thorough evaluations and flight demonstrations over a five-month period.

US Army acquisition assistant secretary Douglas Bush also noted that the milestone is an example of the service’s ability to rapidly transition from concept to contract, quickly delivering the new technology to soldiers.

“This shows [that] the acquisition system can move at the pace needed to support the Army, especially in rapidly emerging technology areas like small uncrewed aircraft systems (s-UAS),” he expressed.

Chosen Solutions

Unveiled in 2023, Anduril’s Ghost X is an expeditionary s-UAS purpose-built for reconnaissance and force protection.

It has a dual battery for an extended flight time of 75 minutes and an increased payload capacity of 9 kilograms (20 pounds).

Thanks to its long-range communications suite, the drone can fly up to 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) away from the operator.

The C-100, meanwhile, is a heavy-lift, man-packable quadcopter that boasts a flight endurance of 74 minutes and a range of more than 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).

It also has a payload capacity of 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms).

According to Performance Drone Works, the C-100 is aligned with dynamic military targeting methodology and supports tactical intelligence missions.

The post US Army Selects Two Firms for Company-Level ISTAR Drone Program appeared first on The Defense Post.

Roger Hausen, now a national security expert in Brussels, told local media that the lack of ground-based air defense systems has left the country vulnerable to modern threats.

The issue could have serious implications for NATO, as Belgium hosts key infrastructure for the military alliance.

In the event of a large-scale conflict with Russia, the European nation may serve as a key logistics hub for transferring supplies from the US through the Antwerp seaport in northern Belgium.

This makes the second-largest seaport in Europe susceptible to Russian air strikes.

An ‘Urgent’ Need

The lack of air defense systems appears to be a long-standing problem in Belgium, with politicians and the public reportedly divided on the importance of addressing it.

Bart De Wever, the country’s potential next prime minister, said acquiring enough air defense weapons is an “urgent need” for Brussels.

Should Belgium decide to invest more in air defense, many experts suggest adopting a multi-layered system similar to Israel’s renowned “Iron Dome.”

They argued that while such systems are costly, they are more effective against threats like small drones compared to other air defense systems, such as the Patriot.

Potential Conflict With Russia

Earlier this year, a leaked German military document outlined a worst-case scenario of the ongoing Ukraine war, in which Moscow is pictured to win then wage another large-scale war with a NATO member.

A subsequent intelligence report claimed that Russia may launch an invasion as early as 2026, in time for the reorganization of its army.

The claim was supported by recent reports indicating that the Russian Navy has been training to launch nuclear-capable weapons deep into Europe.

While no specific country was mentioned, Belgium could be a likely target, given its substantial military aid to Ukraine.

The post Belgium Lacks Air Defense Weapons, Relies on F-16s: Ex-Military Official appeared first on The Defense Post.

A multi-caliber weapon, the ARAD-7 can engage targets effectively at distances from 300 to 1,000 meters (984 to 3,280 feet).

It reportedly adheres to rigorous NATO standards, ensuring high interoperability and reliability across diverse combat environments.

The rifle also features a telescopic folding stock that offers exceptional ergonomics and adjustability to meet the needs of operators.

A delegation from the Argentine Ministry of Defense has been sent to Jerusalem to discuss the potential acquisition and explore local production options in Buenos Aires.

According to reports, Israel’s decision whether to allow domestic production of the ARAD-7 in Argentina will largely depend on the volume of the potential order.

Replacing Belgian Rifles

If the procurement goes through, the ARAD-7 will replace the aging FAL (Fusil Automatique Léger) rifles in the Argentine Army.

Manufactured by FN Herstal in Belgium, the FAL uses the NATO 7.62x51mm cartridge.

It has been combat-proven since its introduction in the 1950s, demonstrating effectiveness in various conflicts.

Despite its historical effectiveness, the FAL is now viewed as an outdated weapon for modern warfare, with its aging design and heavy weight negatively affecting soldiers’ agility and mobility on the battlefield.

Adopting a modern, more versatile assault rifle like the ARAD-7 will allow the Argentine Army to execute missions more effectively.

Another Rifle Under Consideration

In addition to the ARAD-7, Buenos Aires is also considering the ARAD-5, which is capable of firing 5.56x45mm or .300 Blackout rounds.

The weapon is based on the AR-15 platform and only weighs 2.85 kilograms (6.3 pounds) without a magazine.

It can also achieve a maximum rate of fire of 1,100 rounds per minute.

The post Argentine Army Exploring Israeli Assault Rifles to Upgrade Arsenal appeared first on The Defense Post.

A helmet-mounted device, the AN/PVS-14 allows soldiers to move rapidly at night without the need for multiple specialized equipment.

It incorporates high-magnification lenses and an infrared illuminator for capturing clear images in low-light conditions.

It can also spot targets at an effective range of 150 meters (492 feet).

While the exact number of devices was not disclosed, the announcement said the tech will be assembled at its facility in Roanoke, Virginia.

Work for the deal is also expected to be completed by March 2026.

Enhancing Night Vision Capabilities

Earlier this year, Elbit Systems secured a $12-million contract to supply the army with an undisclosed number of its AN/PVS-14 devices.

In April, L3Harris signed a $256-million deal with the US Army for its Enhanced Night Vision Goggle-Binocular.

The tech incorporates white phosphor and thermal technologies for precision targeting and identification.

The army also tapped Elbit Systems in 2021 to produce AN/PVS-14s under a $54-million contract.

The post US Army Buys Additional Monocular Night Vision Devices From Elbit appeared first on The Defense Post.