The U.S. Department of Defense has signed a contract to acquire Iron Fist active protection systems (APS) for its Bradley infantry fighting vehicles (IFV). This initiative marks an important step in strengthening the defensive capabilities of the U.S. Army’s armored fleet. According to an official announcement from the Department of Defense, the contract has been […]
US; DARPA seeks development of heavy cargo UAV
The U.S. Department of Defense, through DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), has recently launched an ambitious project aimed at revolutionizing heavy air transport. This initiative, named “Cost Efficient Cargo,” explores the design of an autonomous drone capable of carrying up to 31.75 tons of cargo, which is double the lifting capacity of the CH-53K […]
US; DoD launches Replicator phase 2 program
The US Department of Defense (DoD) has formally launched the second phase of its high-profile Replicator program, now focusing on countering the growing threats posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS). In a memo released Monday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin directed Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Christopher […]
Canada; Army awards KNDS Leopard 2 Tank maintenance contract
On September 17, 2024, KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG sealed a major agreement with the Canadian government for the maintenance of the Leopard 2 main battle tanks and their derivatives, marking a renewed commitment to the Canadian Armed Forces. This comprehensive contract, orchestrated by Public Services and Procurement Canada on behalf of the Department […]
Canada; RCAF orders 11 MQ-9B Skyguardan UAVs
The Canadian government has confirmed its plans to enhance its technological presence in the Arctic by purchasing 11 high-tech drones from an American company for a total of $2.5 billion. These MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones, manufactured by General Atomics, will be based at 14 Wing Greenwood in Nova Scotia and 19 Wing Comox in British Columbia, […]
Canada; RCAF orders AIM-9X Sidewinder Missiles.
The U.S. State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Canada for AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II+ and Block II tactical missiles, along with related logistical and program support. The estimated cost of the transaction is $264.6 million. On August 15, 2024, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency submitted the required certification […]
US; Air Force orders E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft.
Boeing has announced that e U.S. Air Force have formalized a $2.56 billion contract for the development and delivery of two rapid prototype E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft. This agreement encompasses the lifecycle development, training, and support for the U.S. E-7A fleet. The E-7A Wedgetail, a platform already in use by […]
US; Army shows interest in German RCH-155 SP Howitzer
On August 8, 2024, during a conference call with investors, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger outlined the company’s expectation of generating up to €15 billion in potential revenue over the next decade from KNDS Deutschland’s RCH 155 self-propelled howitzer, which is armed with Rheinmetall’s L52 artillery gun. Papperger identified Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and […]
US Army; Korean K9 test fired US M982 Excalibur 155mm precision shells
On August 6, 2024, Hanwha Aerospace announced that the K9 Thunder 155mm self-propelled howitzer had successfully demonstrated interoperability with Raytheon’s M982A1 Excalibur precision-guided extended range 155mm artillery projectile. This was confirmed following a live-firing test conducted in April at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground, near the Arizona-California border. The K9 Thunder had successfully demonstrated […]
US; Senate approves $851.7 Billion defense budget for 2025
On August 1, 2024, the US Senate Committee on Appropriations approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Defense Appropriations Act, allocating funds for the U.S. armed forces to address global threats from China and Russia, support service members and their families, and strengthen the defense industrial base. The measure, passed by a unanimous 28-0 vote, allocates […]