The Bundestag, Germany’s federal parliament, has approved Germany’s purchase of over 100 Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles that Rheinmetall Defence Australia will build at its Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Queensland, Canberra announced on Thursday. Describing the procurement as the country’s “single largest defense export,” the Australian Department of Defence said the deal will...
Category: National Security
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US Clears $2.2B Bahrain Purchase of Abrams Main Battle Tanks
The U.S. Department of State has approved the government of Bahrain’s request to purchase Abrams main battle tanks for an estimated $2.2 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the procurement includes 50 M1A2 System Enhancement Program version 3 tanks, four M88A2 Hercules combat recovery vehicles and eight M1150 assault breacher vehicles. Other related items...
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HII Secures $305M Contract to Support United States Forces Korea Intelligence Activities; Todd Gentry Quoted
McLean, Virginia-based defense company HII announced that its Mission Technologies division has booked a $305 million contract from the Defense Intelligence Agency for intelligence analysis services to support United States Forces Korea in determining enemy capabilities, threats and activities in the Korean Peninsula region. The DIA award, a recompeted with a five-year term, is an...
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Italy to Purchase RTX-Made AIM-9X Sidewinder Missiles for $90.6M
Italy plans to acquire $90.6 million worth of AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II tactical missiles from the United States. On Friday, the Department of State approved the proposed foreign military sale of missiles and related equipment to the Italian government. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress about the potential weapons sale. The approval was made after...
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DOD Appoints Former NATO Official David Cattler as New DCSA Director
David Cattler has been named the next director of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency. The Department of Defense announced his selection to lead the DCSA on Friday, noting that the appointment takes effect on March 24. The incoming director confirmed the new role in a LinkedIn post, saying he is “proud to join the...
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US Constantly Assesses Chip Export Restrictions to China
The United States constantly evaluates if it should expand export control of advanced semiconductors to China. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo told reporters on Monday that officials consider the issue of chip export to China “every single day.” “Technology is changing faster than ever, which means we have to wake up every day and ask ourselves,...
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General Atomics to Supply Taiwan With SkyGuardian Drones in $250M Deal
The U.S. Air Force has awarded a $250 million contract to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. Inc. for the delivery of four MQ-9B SkyGuardian unmanned air vehicles, two ground control stations, spare parts and related equipment to Taiwan. The San Francisco-based GA-ASI will work at its Poway, California facility, with completion expected in August 2027. The...
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Japan Prepares Implementation Road Map for $6.7B Space Strategic Fund
Japan is working on the basic principles and implementation road map for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s $6.7 billion, 10-year Space Strategic Fund and is expected to release the document soon, SpaceNews reported Tuesday. Japan’s cabinet approved the bill in November that created the fund to support JAXA’s development, technology demonstration and commercialization of advanced...
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UK Extends Armed Forces Chief’s Term to Sustain Ukraine Efforts
The United Kingdom has extended the term of Adm. Sir Tony Radakin as chief of defense staff until autumn 2025. According to a report from The Telegraph, Radakin was set to retire in November, but Prime Minister Rishi Sunak asked him to remain in his post for another year to continue his efforts in supporting...
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US Sanctions Money Laundering Network Supporting Somali Militant Group al-Shabab
The United States has sanctioned a network of individuals and entities that raise and launder money for Somalia-based al-Shabaab. According to the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, the al-Qaida affiliate is a militant group responsible for attacks in East Africa that have killed thousands of innocent civilians. The sanction targeted eight...