Monthly Archives: December, 2024

BEL, Mitsubishi Electric, MEMCO Associates Sign MoU to Explore Defense and Space Collaboration

BEL, Mitsubishi Electric, MEMCO Associates Sign MoU: TOKYO, December 25, 2024 – Mitsubishi Electric Corporation announced today that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and MEMCO Associates to explore joint business opportunities in the defense and space sectors. This collaboration aims to identify avenues for manufacturing and supplying customized components for critical defense and space applications.

India’s Drone Startup Garuda Aerospace Crosses 20 Patents, Expands Beyond Agriculture

Garuda Aerospace Registers 20 Patents: [Chennai, December 23, 2024] – Drone startup Garuda Aerospace announced today that it has been granted its 20th patent, a significant milestone for the company. This includes six international patents covering a wide range of agriculture drone solutions, encompassing mapping, surveying, spraying, inspections, crop health monitoring, field surveillance, yield monitoring, and seed dropping.

Elbit Systems to Equip German Government’s A350 Aircraft with Missile Defense System

Lufthansa Technik’s Airbus A350 will have Elbit Systems Deutschland’s DIRCM System: Ulm, Germany, December 23, 2024 – Elbit Systems Deutschland has secured a contract from Lufthansa Technik to equip the German government’s Airbus A350 aircraft with advanced missile defense systems. This decision follows a directive from the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Operations of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw).

Spain Bolsters Air Power with Order of 25 Additional Eurofighter Typhoons

Airbus will supply 25 additional Halcon Eurofighter Typhoons to Spain: Getafe, Spain – In a significant move to modernize its air force and solidify its position within NATO, the Spanish government has finalized a contract for 25 additional Eurofighter aircraft. The agreement, signed with the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA) based in Munich, Germany, marks a substantial investment in the nation’s defense capabilities and reinforces European industrial cooperation.  

Leonardo, Arbit Join Hands to Develop Advanced Cybersecurity Solution for Multi-Domain Operations

Leonardo, Arbit Join Forces to Develop Advanced Cybersecurity Solution: Rome – Leonardo, a global high-tech company, has announced a strategic agreement with Arbit Cyber Defence Systems, a Danish specialist in data security solutions for Intelligence, Defence, EU, and NATO multinational and multi-domain operations. The collaboration aims to co-design, co-develop, and certify a cutting-edge cross-domain cybersecurity solution to meet the stringent security demands of complex, multinational, and multi-domain programs requiring high levels of interoperability.  

Airbus Delivers First Standard 3 NH90 Helicopters to Spain, Ushering in Fleet Modernization

Airbus Delivers First Standard 3 NH90 Helicopter to Spain:  Albacete, Spain – A significant milestone in Spain’s military aviation modernization has been reached with Airbus Helicopters’ delivery of the first NH90 helicopter in the advanced Standard 3 configuration to the Directorate General of Armament and Material (DGAM). The handover took place at Airbus’s facility in Albacete and marks the beginning of deliveries from the second batch of 23 NH90s destined for the Spanish Armed Forces.

Rheinmetall-blackned win Bundeswehr’s €1.2 Billion Digitalization Project for Land Forces

Rheinmetall-Blackned win Bundeswehr’s €1.2 Billion Digitalization Project: Berlin (December 19, 2024) – In a major push to modernize its land forces, the German Bundeswehr has awarded a €1.2 billion (gross) contract to Rheinmetall and its partner company, blackned, for a large-scale project within the “Digitalization of land-based operations” (D-LBO) program. The initiative aims to integrate cutting-edge IT systems into over 10,000 combat and support vehicles by mid-2030, significantly enhancing the operational capabilities and interoperability of the German Army.

Israel Joins the Race for Quantum Supremacy with First Domestically Built Computer

Israel-IAI Unveil First Israeli Quantum Computer: Jerusalem, Israel – Israel has taken a significant step towards becoming a global leader in quantum computing technology with the unveiling of its first domestically built quantum computer. This milestone achievement, announced by a consortium consisting of the Israel Innovation Authority, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and Hebrew University, marks a major leap forward in the country’s scientific and technological prowess.

Israel’s Military Bolsters Communication Systems with Elbit Systems Deal

IMOD-Elbit Systems sign $130 Million Contract for Communication System for IDF: Tel Aviv, Israel – The Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) has announced the completion of a series of contracts with Elbit Systems worth approximately $130 million. These contracts will see the delivery of advanced communication systems to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), aimed at enhancing the military’s operational capabilities.

Cochin Shipyard Cuts Steel For Indian Navy’s First Next-Generation Missile Vessels

Cochin Shipyards Performs Steel Cutting Ceremony of Indian Navy’s Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV): Kochi, India – A significant milestone in India’s naval modernization efforts was achieved on December 16th, 2024, as the steel cutting ceremony for the first Next-Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) commenced at the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). This marks the formal commencement of construction for these advanced warships, designed to enhance India’s maritime security and defense capabilities.

Chilean Police Force acquires Schiebel’s Camcopter S-100 for security operations

Chilean National Police picks Schiebel’s Camcopter S-100 UAV for security operations: Santiago, Chile – Carabineros de Chile, the Chilean national police force, has recently acquired an advanced unmanned air system (UAS) to bolster its security operations in the challenging Araucanía region. This strategic move positions Chile as a pioneer in law enforcement drone technology within Latin America.

GCAP: Italy, UK, Japan Form JV for Global Combat Air Programme

GCAP – Leonardo, BAE Systems, JAIEC form JV Company: London, 13 December 2024 – BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co Ltd (JAIEC) have reached a landmark agreement to form a new company under a business joint venture for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). This agreement, subject to regulatory approvals, marks a significant step forward in the trilateral cooperation between the UK, Japan, and Italy on GCAP, which was established in December 2022.

Indian Light Tank Clears High-Altitude Firing Trials

Indian Light Tank (ILT) clears high-altitude trials: New Delhi, December 12, 2024: In a significant stride towards enhancing India’s military capabilities, the Indian Light Tank (ILT) has successfully completed a series of high-altitude trials, demonstrating its ability to operate effectively in challenging terrains. The tank, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Larsen & Toubro, fired multiple rounds at various ranges, achieving consistent accuracy at an altitude exceeding 4,200 meters.

India Will Procure 12 More Indigenous Sukhoi 30-MKI Jets from HAL

MoD orders 12 more Sukhoi 30-MKI Jets from HAL:New Delhi, December 12, 2024: In a significant move to bolster India’s air power and support the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, the Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 12 Su-30MKI fighter jets. The deal, valued at approximately Rs 13,500 crore, includes associated equipment and is aimed at enhancing the Indian Air Force’s operational capabilities.

US Missile Defense Agency Scores Historic Intercept off Guam Coast

US MDA successfully intercepts ballistic missile off Guam Coast: Guam, USA – In a groundbreaking achievement for US missile defense capabilities, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) successfully intercepted a ballistic missile target off the coast of Guam on Tuesday (December 10, 2024). This historic event marks a significant milestone in the nation’s efforts to bolster its defense posture in the Indo-Pacific region.

Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER S-100 Shows New Radar Integration in Canada

Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER S-100 New Radar Integration: Vienna, Austria – Schiebel, in partnership with MDA Space, has successfully showcased the integration of IMSAR’s NSP Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) with its CAMCOPTER S-100 unmanned air system (UAS). This integration significantly enhances the S-100’s surveillance and detection capabilities, enabling it to operate effectively in challenging conditions. The recent…

Airbus Delivers First A400M to Kazakhstan

Airbus A400M Transport Aircraft for Kazakhstan: Almaty, Kazakhstan – Airbus Defence and Space has marked a significant milestone in Kazakhstan’s military modernization efforts by delivering the first Airbus A400M transport aircraft. This strategic acquisition will significantly enhance the country’s tactical and strategic airlift capabilities.  

Airbus-Safran’s EcoPulse Takes Flight: A Major Step Toward Sustainable Aviation

EcoPulse Hybrid-Electric Propulsion Aircraft: Tarbes, France – A collaborative project between industry leaders has reached a significant milestone in the quest for a more sustainable future for aviation. The EcoPulse, a distributed hybrid-electric propulsion aircraft demonstrator, has successfully completed its flight test campaign, offering valuable insights for achieving the ambitious goal of decarbonizing air transport by 2050.

Elbit Systems bags NATO Country Order for Advanced EW and DIRCM Suites

Elbit Systems wins NATO country order for EW-DIRCM Suites: Haifa, Israel – Elbit Systems Ltd., a leading global high-technology company, announced today that it has been awarded substantial contracts valued at approximately $175 million to supply state-of-the-art Electronic Warfare (EW) and Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) Self-Protection Suites to a NATO European country. The contracts, spanning a five-year period, will equip a fleet of Embraer C-390 Millennium aircraft and Airbus H225M helicopters with advanced defense capabilities.

BAE Systems bags $2.5 Bn Swedish-Denmark Order For CV90 Combat Vehicles

BAE Systems Wins Sweden-Denmark CV-90 Combat Vehicle Order: London, [December 6, 2024] – BAE Systems has secured a significant $2.5 billion contract with Denmark and Sweden for the delivery of new CV90 combat vehicles. This contract builds upon an initial agreement signed with Sweden in May 2024 and establishes a new three-party framework with Denmark’s Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) and Sweden’s Defense Materiel Administration (FMV).

Rheinmetall AG Rejigs Supervisory Board, Inducts Renowned Experts

Rheinmetall appoints Dr. Sabina Jeschke, Sigmar Gabriel to Supervisory Board:  Düsseldorf, Germany – December 5, 2024 – Rheinmetall AG, a leading global provider of innovative systems and solutions for security and mobility, today announced significant changes to its supervisory board. Prof. Dr. Sabina Jeschke, a prominent figure in the fields of artificial intelligence and digitalization, and former German Federal Minister Sigmar Gabriel, a seasoned politician and economic expert, have been nominated to join the board.

ISRO’s PSLV-C59 Successfully Launches ESA’s Proba-3 Mission

ISRO Successfully Launches Proba-3 Mission: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved another significant milestone on December 5, 2023, by successfully launching the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 mission. ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C59) lifted off from the First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, India, propelling the Proba-3 satellites into a highly elliptical orbit. This successful launch further solidifies India’s position as a reliable launch service provider and highlights its growing collaboration with international space agencies.

Lockheed Martin Names Kevin O’Connor As New General Counsel

Kevin O’Connor joins Lockheed Martin:  Bethesda, Maryland – December 3, 2024 – Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) today announced a key leadership change with the appointment of Kevin O’Connor as its new senior vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary. O’Connor will assume the role on January 13, 2025, succeeding Maryanne Lavan who is retiring after an exemplary 34-year career with the company.

India’s Adani Defence Delivers 2nd Drishti-10 Starliner Drone To Navy

Adani Defence Delivers Drishti-10 Starline Drone to Indian Navy: New Delhi: Adani Defence and Aerospace, a leading player in India’s defense sector, has further bolstered the Indian Navy’s maritime surveillance capabilities with the delivery of a second state-of-the-art Drishti-10 Starliner drone. This advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is set to revolutionize the way India monitors its vast coastline and maritime borders.

India clears defence purchase worth $2.56 billion

Defence Acquisition Council clears defence procurement worth Rs 21,772 crores: In a significant move to bolster India’s defense capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, approved a slew of capital acquisition proposals worth over INR 21,772 Crores ($2.56 billion) on December 3, 2024. These acquisitions are aimed at enhancing India’s naval, air, and land forces, particularly in areas of coastal security and surveillance.

Elbit Systems wins IMOD’s $40 mn order for drones, autonomous systems

Elbit Systems will supply drones, autonomous systems to IMOD in $40 mn deal: Tel Aviv, Israel – The Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) has taken a significant step towards enhancing its military capabilities by awarding contracts worth approximately $40 million to Elbit Systems. The deal, which involves the procurement of advanced drones and autonomous systems, underscores Israel’s commitment to technological innovation and its role as a global leader in military technology.

Kongsberg Maritime to Equip Indian Navy’s Fleet Support Ships with Advanced RAS Technology

Hindustan Shipyard to use Kongsberg Maritme’s RAS Tech for Indian Navy’s Fleet Support Ships: New Delhi: Kongsberg Maritime, a global leader in maritime technology, has secured a significant contract with Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) to supply advanced replenishment-at-sea (RAS) equipment for the Indian Navy’s new fleet of five Fleet Support Ships (FSS). This strategic partnership will enhance the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities and logistical efficiency.

Rheinmetall Expands US Presence With Acquisition of Loc Performance Products

Rheinmetall acquires Loc Performance Products: Plymouth, Michigan – Rheinmetall AG, a leading global technology group, has successfully completed its acquisition of Loc Performance Products, LLC, a renowned U.S.-based vehicle specialist. This strategic move solidifies Rheinmetall’s position in the North American market, particularly in the competitive landscape for high-volume military vehicle contracts within the United States.