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.

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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.

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The contract, which must still be approved by the US Congress, covers Bucharest’s purchase of 32 F-35A aircraft and related equipment, produced by the US aerospace and defense giant Lockheed Martin.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is an important force for political and economic stability in Europe,” a State Department statement said.

The contract announcement comes as Ukrainian pilots began training this week at a special center in Romania on F-16s, US-made fighter jets that Washington has approved Kyiv to use to repel Russia’s invasion.

Romania occupies a strategic position at the gateway to Ukraine and the Black Sea, and aims to become an international hub for F-16 training.

It inaugurated an F-16 training center at its Fetesti air base in November 2023, pledging to also train Ukrainians there.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met his Romanian counterpart Luminita Odobescu on Thursday, thanking Bucharest for delivering a Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine.

The State Department also announced the approval on Friday of a $4.1 billion sale to Japan of a KC-46A aerial refueling tanker.

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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.

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The system will be integrated into the country’s incoming 66 F-16V multi-role fighter jets ordered from the US, with the first two jets expected to be received by the end of 2024 after last year’s delays due to technical and supply chain issues. 

This latest EW system procurement, in addition to munitions and support systems, was included in the Ministry of National Defense’s spending plan submitted to the Legislature on August 30. 

However, Taiwan’s national news agency noted the procurement was absent from the 2022 to 2024 spending plans, suggesting it could have been financed through undisclosed appropriations.

Viper Shield

Officially named the AN/ALQ-254(V)1 All-Digital Electronic Warfare Suite, Viper Shield provides virtual electronic shields for fighter jets to detect modern radar systems and counter multiple threats simultaneously. 

L3Harris, in collaboration with Lockheed Martin and the US Air Force, created the EW system, which is “custom designed to be baseline on advanced F-16 aircraft and maximize their survivability and mission success.”

Viper Shield incorporates a digital radar warning receiver that works seamlessly with the  F-16V’s APG-83 active electronically scanned array radar for improved situational awareness. 

Additionally, it’s equipped with a digital radio frequency memory-based jamming system for enhanced capability against advanced threats. 

This software-defined technology’s open system architecture allows easy integration of new capabilities to effectively respond to changing combat scenarios. 

Compared to older EW systems, Viper Shield has a lighter and smaller modular design for lower maintenance costs and easier upgrades without extensive downtime.

As part of an international upgrade program, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Morocco, and Slovakia also ordered the Viper Shield installation for their F-16Vs through foreign military sales. 

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This situational awareness technology is a next-generation ruggedized C5I Battle Management System for the service’s M1A2Sepv3 Main Battle Tanks, M1A2Sepv3 and M88A2 Recovery Vehicles, M1074 Joint Assault Bridge platforms, and M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicles.

It was built based on the same C51 hardware used by the US Army, US Marine Corps, and UK’s ground combat vehicles. 

The delivery was customized to fit the unique needs of Australian land forces and integrate networked communications with coalition partners such as the US, enhancing the army’s capabilities in monitoring external threats. 

“We are very proud to support our close allies in the Australian Land forces by delivering our newest generation of proven C5I Battle Management System capability ahead of schedule,” Leonardo DRS Land Electronics business unit’s Bill Guyan stated.

“In today’s complex threat environment, it is paramount to ensure these critical capabilities are ready to be fielded as soon as possible,” he added. 

Leonardo DRS was selected through the US foreign military sales program and has supplied advanced defense systems to Australia for over 20 years.

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Valued at $133 million, the potential foreign military sale covers 54 AMRAAM missiles, two guidance sections, control section spares, and missile containers.

It also includes weapon system support, training support, and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services.

According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the sale will help Singapore maintain its operational readiness amid increasing threats in the Indo-Pacific.

It will also increase the country’s effectiveness in both training and combat operations.

RTX will serve as the principal contractor should Singapore proceed with the order.

‘Air Dominance Weapon’

The AMRAAM is a new generation weapon capable of hitting beyond-visual-range targets at a reported range of 160 kilometers (99 miles).

It is described as one of the most sophisticated air dominance weapons, registering multiple air-to-air combat victories, according to RTX.

The missile utilizes a combination of inertial guidance and an on-board active radar to reach its intended target and perform an intercept.

It has been integrated into various combat aircraft, including F-15 Strike Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons, and F/A-18 Super Hornets.

The DSCA said allowing Singapore to procure the AMRAAM will enable the US to improve the security of a strategic partner, which is considered an “important force” for stability in Asia.

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With an estimated cost of $390 million, the potential sale includes 24 M30A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS)-Alternative Warhead Pods and 24 GMLRS-Unitary High Explosive Pods.

It also includes 10 M1152 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles and 36 GPS receivers.

According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the proposed sale will help improve Croatia’s capability to deter current and future security threats.

It will also “support the foreign policy and national security of the US by improving the security of a NATO ally that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.”

The DSCA has confirmed that the sale will not adversely affect US defense readiness if it proceeds.

Strategic Importance

The M142 HIMARS is a truck-mounted multiple rocket launcher system capable of carrying a six-pack of GMLRS rockets or two Precision Strike Missiles.

It has a reported range of 300 kilometers (186 miles), which can be extended to 500 kilometers (310 miles) using advanced munitions.

With its long-range capability, the weapon could be of strategic importance to Croatia, given the geopolitical tensions in Europe and the Balkans.

Currently, Zagreb relies on the M-92 Vulkan Multiple Launch Rocket System as its primary artillery rocket system, despite only having a strike range of 20 kilometers (12 miles).

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An unveiling ceremony was held at a company facility in Texas, with Polish deputy national defense ministers Paweł Bejda and Cezary Tomczyk in attendance.

According to Lockheed, this “significant milestone” for Warsaw will further strengthen the alliance between the two NATO countries.

It will also boost the European nation’s ability to defend its borders amid the increased tensions in the region.

“I am proud to be part of history today, introducing the F-35 as the next generation, which will protect and defend Poland’s future for many years,” Polish Air Force official Major General Ireneusz Nowak said.

In 2019, Poland ordered 32 F-35 combat jets from the US in a $4.6 billion deal.

Witnessed a historic moment today on #PolishAviationDay! The first #Poland‘s F-35A Lightning II, #Husarz, was unveiled at @LockheedMartin in Fort Worth. This 5th-gen fighter will revolutionize the #PolishArmy and strengthen #NATO. Proud to be part of this milestone! pic.twitter.com/vk8bYvwsSy

— Andrzej Fafara (@AndrzejFafara) August 29, 2024

‘Powerful Force Multiplier’

A fifth-generation aircraft, the F-35A is the US Air Force’s replacement for the legacy F-16 Fighting Falcon and A-10 Thunderbolt.

It features state-of-the-art sensors, tactical data links, and armaments that make it a “powerful force multiplier” for militaries worldwide.

According to Lockheed Martin official Greg Ulmer, the F-35 will be critical in ensuring that Warsaw is able to effectively deter and defeat threats to its national security.

Follow along with Poland’s first F-35 as it’s brought to life!

We’re one step closer to revealing Poland’s F-35A “Husarz”. How close? Next Wednesday, in fact. pic.twitter.com/lGND5XQMfe

— F-35 Lightning II (@thef35) August 23, 2024

Tomczyk also highlighted the important role the new warplanes will play, as Poland is the only country in the world with a common border with Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.

“In order to keep these borders as they are, we need the best equipment, the best capabilities, and the best friends,” he said. “And as my American friends often say: ‘A true friend is the one who arrives when the rest of the world walks away.’”

Once delivered, Poland will become the first F-35 operator in Eastern Europe.

The post Lockheed Rolls Out Poland’s First F-35 Fighter Jet appeared first on The Defense Post.

A direct contracting process with Nevada-based manufacturer US Ordnance has reportedly begun, which will see Bogota spend $7.4 million for the new weapons.

Representatives from the army are expected to visit the company’s manufacturing facilities to ensure the weapons meet the required quality standards.

They will also verify the entire production process, inspect the materials used, and conduct tests of random samples.

A total of 460 M60-E6s will be handed over to the Colombian National Army as part of the initiative.

Once delivered, the machine guns will undergo a series of tests to assess their performance under extreme conditions.

‘Advanced Tactical Features’

The M60-E6 is a 9.27-kilogram (20-pound) machine gun that offers enhanced reliability and maneuverability to infantry units.

It features a tactical stock with a hydraulic shock absorber for optimal performance, as well as integrated MIL-STF-1913 Picatinny rails for accessories.

It can also be equipped with infrared sights and other sensors for operations in low-light environments.

The weapon has a firing rate of 550 rounds per minute and an effective range of 1,200 meters (3,937 feet).

US Ordnance designed the M60-E6 for an operational life of 50,000 shots and 18,000 shots for the barrel.

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