Pilatus PC-21 selected for RSAF training squadron

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has awarded a service contract to Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training and Support (LMSTS) to support the RSAF's 130 squadron conducting the Basic Wings training course in Pearce, Australia with Pilatus PC-21 aircraft. As part of the contract, LMSTS will supply and maintain a fleet of Pilatus PC-21 aircraft and a suite of ground-based training systems that meet the Basic Wings Course. The turbo-prop powered PC-21s will replace the Marchetti S-211 jets, which has been the RSAF's basic trainer for 22 years. The aircraft will be fitted with modern avionics and a training suite to simulate air and ground targets for basic fighter training. The Aircraft will be delivered in early 2008 and Lockheed Martin will begin the service provision in the summer of 2008, providing BWC support for 20 years.

RAFAEL, GD-OTS cooperate to market Thor lasers in the US

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems will market and support RAFAEL's thor standoff ordnance neutralization system in the U.S. market. The system uses a high-energy laser source, mounted on remotely operated pedestal, which also mounts an M2HB machine gun. The laser based system is used by explosive ordnance disposal teams and military combat engineers to neutralize explosive hazards, including improvised explosive devices.

Turkey has recently announced several procurement contracts for new helicopters, ordnance and communications equipment, to support its armed forces. Under these new procurements, the Turkish Navy will get 17new S-70B Seahawk, under Lot-2 procurement plan, bringing the total number of Turkish Navy Seahawks to 24. First delivery is expected by 2009. Other orders announced focus on the Turkish F-16, which will get ViaSat MIDS data-link terminals and CBU-105 Sensor Fuzed Weapon (SFW), to be supplied by Textron Systems under US Foreign Military Sales program.

French DCN Tighten Ties in Russia

French shipyards DCN will cooperate with Russian based naval industries to share naval R&D and experience in naval construction, improving the two side's access to new markets. The agreement could pave the way for future cooperation in naval systems, as well. The agreement was signed by DCN and Russian arms conglomerate Rosoboronexport during the recent Euronaval expo in Paris.

British MOD unveil new armored heavyweights

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) unveiled last week at Bovington two of the new armored engineering armored vehicles destined for service with the British Army. 33 TROJAN counter-obstacle vehicles and 33 TITAN bridge-layers are being produced under a £250 million contract with BAE Systems Land Systems. The Army plans to operate 66 of these vehicles with its combat engineering regiments. All 66 vehicles due to be delivered by 2008. The new vehicles will replace the Chieftain based Armored Vehicle Royal Engineer (ChAVRE) and the Armored Vehicle Layer Bridge (ChAVLB) currently in service.

DRS To Supply 7,500 Thermal Weapon Sights to US Forces

DRS Technologies will supply the US Army over 7,500 thermal weapon sights, under a new US $76 million order announced today (Nov. 6, 2006). The order is part of the Army's Thermal Weapon Sights II (TWS II) program, encompassing light, medium and heavy Thermal Weapon Sights, incorporating DRS' uncooled infrared technology. The new order covers in excess of 1,600 Light, 3,900 Medium and 2,000 Heavy sights. The new order is part of a five-year contract awarded to DRS in March 2004 with a total potential value of $375 million supporting the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Air Force and Special Operations forces. DRS has recently expanded production facilities and operations in Florida and Dallas to delivering in excess of 1,000 systems per month by the end of the year. Last month DRS announced another award of US$22 million,, for the supply of medium TWS for the US Marine Corps.

NATO's fleet of NE-3A AWACS aircraft will be equipped with Northrop Grumman's AN/AAQ-24(V) Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) laser based missile protection system, under a US$104 million program recently awarded by the US Air Force. The company will complete the delivery and installation of the systems by 2009. NATO is operating a fleet of 18 NE03A aircraft. The current program will provide 17 Group A kits, 7 Group B kits and 10 additional Group B kits without small laser transmitter assemblies, and supporting spares. The system is currently protecting USAF C-17s and C-130s. It was also selected for the Australian Wedgetail program. A derivative of the LAIRCM is currently being tested by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for future protection of commercial airliners.