It takes the total number of SAMP/T NG systems ordered by France and Italy to 18.

A total of eight systems will be delivered to the French Air Force while the rest will go to the Italian Army and Air Force.

France is expected to receive the first system by 2026 and the rest by 2030. Paris reportedly plans to procure four more systems by 2035.

Can Counter Hypersonics

The NG is an upgrade on the SAMP/T, which has been in service since 2010.

It provides an interception range of over 150 kilometers (93 miles) against a variety of threats, including short- and medium-range ballistic missiles and hypersonic missiles. 

A consortium of Thales and MBDA produces the system, which uses the munitions of the Aster family (A30 B1 and A30 B1NT).

Features

The system is based on the multifunction Thales GF300 rotating active electronically scanned array radar and the New Generation Engagement Module (ME-NG) developed by Thales and MBDA Italy.

The radar provides 360-degree coverage and has a detection range of 350 kilometers (217 miles).

The ME-NG is designed to integrate a diverse range of radars and munitions to cater to the needs of different nations, according to Thales.

The truck-based system can be equipped with six launchers, each carrying Aster 30 missiles.

“Thales is proud to contribute to the sovereignty of nations with its most innovative Air Defence technologies, including the New Generation Engagement Module (ME-NG) and the GF300 radar,” executive VP of Land and Air Systems at Thales Herve Dammann said.

“This contract for seven additional SAMP/T NG for France is a significant step forward in the European Air Defence. It further strengthens Thales’ role as a trusted partner of the French Air and Space Forces.”

The post France Orders Seven Next-Gen SAMP/T Air Defense Systems appeared first on The Defense Post.

If approved by the parliament, the procurement will expand the Italian Air Force’s F-35 fleet to 115.

Also included is the purchase of engines, equipment and logistics support until 2035, il Giornale reported, citing a defense budget document.

Italian F-35 Fleet

A total of 90 F-35s are already on order by Rome, including 60 conventional takeoff F-35As for the Italian Air Force and 15 short takeoff vertical landing F-35Bs each for the Italian Air Force and the Italian Navy. 

The additional batch includes 15 F-35As for the Italian Air Force and five F-35Bs each for the two services.

The overall defense procurement of 9.3 billion euros ($10.3 billion) includes an investment of 506 million euros ($563 million) for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), an increase over the 271 million euros ($301 million) invested in 2023, according to Defense News.

The GCAP is a next-generation fighter jet program, comprising Italy, the UK, and Japan.

Additional Spending

Additionally, 50 million euros ($55 million) has been budgeted to adapt Italy’s new Landing Helicopter Dock, the Trieste, to host F-35Bs.

It also reveals that Italy has added 690 million euros ($767 million) to the ongoing Eurofighter program fund for the purchase of 24 fourth-tranche jets to replace 26 first-tranche aircraft, which are set to retire by 2029.

Overall, the country’s 2024 defense spending will increase to 20.85 billion euros ($23 billion), up from 19.56 billion euros ($22 billion) in 2023.

The post Italy to Buy 25 Additional F-35s for Over $7 Billion appeared first on The Defense Post.

The firm-fixed-price incentive modification contract covers the production of additional AMRAAM missiles, AMRAAM telemetry systems, initial and field spares, and other production engineering support hardware and activities. 

It builds on the previous $1.15-billion contract from 2023 to supply AMRAAM Production Lot 37 to the US Air Force, US Navy, and partner countries.  

Through foreign military sales, this 2024 contract specifies that Bahrain, Bulgaria, Canada, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the UK will also receive said equipment.

The production work is expected to be completed by December 31, 2028.

The post US Awards Raytheon $1.19B AMRAAM Missile Contract Modification appeared first on The Defense Post.

Valued at $738 million, the potential foreign military sale covers the supply of six Block 5 Reaper drones and three mobile ground control stations.

Twelve multi-spectral target systems and nine AN/APY-8 synthetic aperture radars will also be delivered to Rome should the sale go through.

General Atomics will also provide necessary maintenance support services, personnel training, and associated spare parts.

According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the proposed sale “will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the US by improving the security of a NATO ally.”

No timeline was provided in the foreign military sale announcement.

About the Reaper Drone

The MQ-9 Block 5 is an advanced variant of the US Air Force’s MQ-9 Reaper drone.

It features enhanced avionics, improved electrical power, and increased payload capacity.

Its 950-shaft-horsepower turboprop engine allows the drone to reach a maximum speed of 300 miles (482 kilometers) per hour.

Additionally, the Block 5 variant boasts an extended operational range of 1,150 miles (1,850 kilometers) thanks to its increased internal fuel capacity.

Once delivered, the MQ-9s are expected to improve Italy’s capability to meet current and future threats.

The European nation already operates five MQ-9 Block 5 drones, each with precision strike capability.

The post Italy Cleared to Buy Six MQ-9 Reaper Drones for $738M appeared first on The Defense Post.

Signed by the EU’s Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), the deal orders the ships in their modern “EVO” configuration, which comprises the system’s standard general-purpose functions as well as advanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

The 1.5-billion-euro ($1.6 billion) project will be facilitated at Orizzonte Sistemi Navali’s centers in Muggiano and Riva Trigoso.

The shipyard noted that approximately 690 million euros ($745.7 million) and 415 million euros ($448.5 million) in sub-contracts will be awarded to its parent companies Fincantieri and Leonardo.

Construction of the first FREMM EVO will conclude in June 2029, while the second frigate will be completed in June 2030.

Once commissioned, the ships will undertake defense missions across Italy’s sea lines of communication, straits, and greater water areas.

“The signing today of a contract to supply the Italian Navy with another two FREMM frigates in the ‘FREMM EVO’ configuration is the result of close collaboration between institutions, armed forces and private industry,” Orizzonte Sistemi Navali CEO Giovanni Sorrentino said.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, added that “With the new FREMM EVO, the Italian Navy will be able to count on next-generation naval units, which are reliable, sustainable, and have advanced operational capabilities.”

“We are proud to be part of this highly significant project: it demonstrates how synergy between the public and private sectors can create important economic and technological opportunities.”

Italian-French Frigate Program

The FREMM program is a bilateral military strategy to employ a modern, uniform warship fleet for Italy and France.

Frigates delivered to Rome are designated as the Bergamini class, while Paris named its ships the Aquitaine class.

Throughout the initiative, the FREMM has been produced in different configurations and replaced older vessels from both countries, including the Georges Leygues anti-submarine destroyers, Cassard anti-air destroyers, Lupo anti-surface frigates, and Maestrale anti-submarine frigates.

The first FREMM was inducted in 2012 under the French Navy. The latest platform, Emilio Bianchi (F-5999), was launched in May 2024.

Rome’s Bergamini FREMM

The Italian FREMM frigate measures 144.6 meters (474.5 feet) in length and has a 19.7-meter (64.8-foot) beam.

It is powered by combined diesel-electric and gas engines, electric motors, and diesel generators for a top speed over 30 knots (56 kilometers/35 miles per hour) and range of up to 6,800 nautical miles (7,825 miles/12,600 kilometers).

The ship can carry 200 personnel, maritime helicopters, surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, naval and acoustic guns, autocannons, remote weapon stations, and torpedoes.

The post Italian Navy Orders Two More FREMM Frigates appeared first on The Defense Post.

This includes integrated logistical support and an optional 1 billion euros ($1.08 billion) for completing the program.

Intermarine’s contract share is 1.165 billion euros ($1.26 billion), or around 73 percent, while Leonardo’s is around 430 million euros ($466 million), corresponding to 27 percent.

A similar breakdown applies to the optional tranche.

New Generation Minehunters

The New Generation Minehunter/Coastal program offers cutting-edge seabed surveillance for the control and protection of critical underwater infrastructure such as oil and gas pipelines and maritime data networks.

Intermarine will provide the platform and Leonardo the combat system, including a “cyber-resilient SADOC 4 command and control system, advanced radar and electro-optical sensors, a new broadband sonar with mine detection and classification capabilities, as well as an integrated multi-communications bandwidth and data link,” Leonardo explained.

Additional features include the integrated management of a range of unmanned vehicles.

The 63-meter (206 feet) vessel will have a displacement of 1,300 tons, a hull resistant to shock from underwater explosions, and a low magneto-acoustic signature.

The post Intermarine, Leonardo to Build Next-Gen Mine Hunters for Italian Navy appeared first on The Defense Post.

Part of the tri-national Global Combat Aircraft Programme (GCAP), the Tempest is poised to become the UK’s future flagship fighter jet, with capabilities superior to the American F-35.

The new design features a wingspan larger than previous concepts for improved aerodynamics and overall performance.

It also features added internal capacity to accommodate more fuel for long-range missions and heavy weapons load to better support combat operations.

New #GCAP concept imagery for @FIAFarnborough from partners nations of UK, Japan, and Italy, showing major changes in the wing and aft fuselage/empennage elements of the design… pic.twitter.com/yWEKGOG0vB

— Gareth Jennings (@GarethJennings3) July 21, 2024

“[We] need to go far, we need to carry lots of stuff, and [we] need to do it in a low observable/stealthy configuration,” company official Herman Claesen said, adding that the new model represents “notable progress.”

BAE Systems collaborated with Italy’s Leonardo and Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries on the new concept model.

‘Most Advanced, Adaptable Jet’

Launched in 2022, the GCAP aims to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet that can support manned-unmanned teaming, similar to the Collaborative Combat Aircraft of the US.

It is envisaged to become one of the world’s most advanced, interoperable, adaptable, and connected combat aircraft ever.

It will reportedly feature intelligent weapons systems, a software-driven interactive cockpit, and integrated sensors and radars that provide 10,000 times more data than current technologies.

The GCAP received two billion pounds ($2.6 billion) in funding for its initial phase, but overall costs are expected to be significantly more.

Once developed, the GCAP fighter jet will replace British and Italian Eurofighter Typhoons, as well as Japanese F-2s.

Funding Concerns

Despite the promise of the GCAP, concerns are mounting that the program may face serious funding issues after the UK government ordered a sweeping review of defense.

Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard said the program could be vulnerable should the review indicate that funding priority should be given to projects that can deter more immediate threats.

GCAP’s Tempest is not expected to see service until after 2035, which is still more than a decade away.

“The GCAP program is a really important program for us,” he stressed. “[But] it is not right for me to prejudge what might happen in the defense review.”

The post BAE Unveils ‘Evolved’ Design of Futuristic Tempest Fighter Jet appeared first on The Defense Post.

Unveiled at the Riva Trigoso, the Domenico Millelire (P436) is the seventh system ordered by Rome to replace the navy’s existing Minerva-class corvettes and Lupo-class frigates in service since the 1970s.

Italy conceptualized the PPA program in 2014 in collaboration with the European armaments consortium Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation.

Fincantieri will resume work to finalize the P436’s construction, with the vessel’s arrival expected in 2026.

Italian Thaon di Revel Ships

The PPA or Thaon di Revel-class fleet is designed for maritime security, sea rescue, and civil protection missions. Although having similar architectures, each ship incorporates unique mission capabilities from coastline monitoring to broader, full defense functions.

A PPA platform measures 143 meters (469.2 feet) long and has a beam of 16.5 meters (54.2 feet).

Depending on its configuration, the ship can be powered by a diesel engine, combined diesel and gas engine, or electric engine for a speed up to 31.6 knots (58.5 kilometers/36.4 miles per hour) and achieve a maximum range of 5,000 nautical miles (5754 miles/9,300 kilometers).

It is integrated with fire control, underwater detection, air and ground radar, command management, and satellite communication technologies that are coupled with electronic warfare, countermeasures, and decoy launch systems for enhanced maneuverability and flexibility.

The PPA is armed with mounted rapid-fire and anti-aircraft guns, surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship and land-attack warheads, and torpedoes. Additionally, it has a flight deck to carry AW1010 and NH90 helicopters, as well as dedicated spaces for cranes, containers, and rigid inflatable boats.

PPA Ship for Indonesia

Fincantieri received a separate contract in April 2024 to construct two offshore patrol boats for Indonesia based on the Italian Navy’s Thaon di Revel-class design.

Jakarta revealed the plan for the acquisition after the visit of the second PPA to the country in 2023.

The post Fincantieri Launches Final Italian Navy PPA Patrol Ship appeared first on The Defense Post.

Known domestically as the “Guaicurus,” the vehicles are expected to improve the service’s tactical readiness across various terrain.

According to the manufacturer, Brasília will receive two variants of the light multirole vehicle — one with a manual weapon system and the other with a remote-controlled weapons station.

It further stated that all vehicles will be fitted with a command-and-control system.

The Guaicurus will be produced at Iveco’s facility in southeastern Brazil, with deliveries expected to commence in 2026.

The total value of the contract is 1.4 billion Brazilian reals ($257.3 million).

About the Guaicurus

First introduced in 2001, the LMV-BR 2 is a 4×4 light armored vehicle capable of supporting transport, reconnaissance, combat, and peacekeeping missions.

It features a V-hull and a collapsible sandwich structure to protect against mine blasts.

Its modular design also allows for additional protection, depending on customer requirements.

According to Iveco, the Guaicurus has been developed with user feedback and operational insights, ensuring it meets the requirements of modern military operations.

More than 4,000 LMVs have reportedly been sold to 15 countries, including Italy.

The post Brazilian Army Buys 420 Iveco Light Multirole Vehicles appeared first on The Defense Post.

It would be the largest-ever contract for the German arms manufacturer, around 20 billion euros ($21.50 billion), German business daily Handelsblatt reported.

It includes the procurement of 350 Lynx vehicles and 200 Panther tanks over a 15-year period.

Rheinmetall-Leonardo Joint Venture

The development follows Rheinmetall and Italian defense group Leonardo announcing a planned joint venture to build a new main battle tank and a Lynx infantry fighting vehicle for the Italian Army.

The tank will be based on the Panther’s basic design, with Leonardo developing and producing the vehicles’ mission systems, electronics suite, and weapons integration “according to the requirements of the Italian client.”

Work Share

The Italy-based 50-50 venture will act as the lead system integrator, prime contractor, and system integrator for both programs.

“Final assembly lines, homologation testing, delivering activities and the logistic support will be done in Italy with an Italian workshare of 60%,” the companies said.

The venture will also chart the roadmap for its participation in the future European Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) and the new versions intended for export.

The MGCS is the potential successor of the German Leopard and the French Lecrec main battle tanks.

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