Saab has signed a memorandum of understanding with Korea Aerospace Industries to signify its commitment to advancing South Korea's Airborne Early Warning & Control 2 program. The Stockholm-based defense company is among the vendors vying for a contract under the program and, if selected, will work with KAI on GlobalEye, an AEW&C solution offering real-time information to warfighters, improving situational awareness and enabling early detection of threats. "[The MOU] will increase critical radar technology competence and create domestic capability and self-sustainability to secure strategic independence for the Republic of Korea in the airborne surveillance segment," said Markus Borgljung, Saab Business Area Surveillance deputy head.
Category: National Security
SkyAlyne Taps CAE for Canadian Air Force Training Under $1.2B Contract
Global defense and security firm CAE has secured a 25-year subcontract worth $1.2 billion from SkyAlyne to support the Royal Canadian Air Force's Future Air Crew Training program. The contract's tasks include delivering training devices and services for the program involving live flights, simulation and ground school instructions. CAE also expects a follow-on order for maintenance support services apart from the initial subcontract. CAE President and CEO Marc Parent said the company's participation in FAcT will help support the mission readiness of the Canadian forces.
Northrop Grumman, Terma Collaborate to Advance EW, Unmanned Systems, Other Key Capabilities
Northrop Grumman and Danish aerospace company Terma have entered a memorandum of understanding to advance several key capabilities, including electronic warfare, unmanned aerial systems and the F-35 Lightning II jet. The new MOU, which follows a collaboration to produce, modernize and sustain the F-35 jets, also includes an initiative to support small to medium businesses in Denmark looking to participate in the global supply chain of U.S. government contractors. Terma Executive Vice President Steen Lynenskjold said the new agreement follows a longstanding and strong relationship between the two businesses, bringing the partnership into new areas.
Planet Labs, Brazil Renew Earth Observation Monitoring Deal to Protect Rainforests
The Federal Police of Brazil has renewed Earth data and insights provider Planet Labs' contract to continue providing daily monitoring of the country's rainforests for another 12 months. The extension, granted under the Brasil MAIS Program, will see Planet Labs work with its local partner SCCON Geospatial, providing organizations in the South American nation with continuous monitoring of 8.6 million square kilometers of Brazilian territory and marine coast areas. With satellite imagery, the Brazilian police has collected $3 billion in fines associated with illegal logging, mining and other activities affecting the Amazon forest.
US, Australia, Japan Join Exercise to Ensure Free, Open Indo-Pacific
The naval services of the United States, Australia and Japan participated in a six-day multilateral exercise last week aimed at enhancing interoperability to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. The event saw participant ships from the three nations, including U.S. Navy's USS Dewey Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, the HMAS Stuart Anzac-class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's JS Ariake Murasame-class destroyer. A wide range of training was held throughout, including combined communication, formation sailing and replenishment-at-sea.
US Includes Data Centers in Preapproval Program to Boost AI Development, National Security
The U.S. Department of Commerce has expanded its Validated End User program to include foreign data centers, allowing for general authorization of imported designated items rather than requiring multiple individual permits for exporters. The Bureau of Industry and Security within the department said data centers seeking to be part of the VEU program must pass through an interagency review, a rigorouse process that aims to establish safeguards that prevent the diversion or misuse of U.S. technology in ways that could harm national security. “This update will contribute to the development of a trusted ecosystem for the responsible use of advanced computing and artificial intelligence,” said the BIS announcement.
Royal Canadian Navy Completes Forward Rearmament of Halifax-Class Frigate in Australia
The Royal Canadian Navy rearmed the missiles on the HMCS Vancouver warship while the vessel was deployed in the Indo-Pacific. The exercise was performed at the Broome Port Jetty in Western Australia, which was made possible through close coordination with the Australian Defence Force and members of the Australian Defence Industry. The ammunition was transported using a CC-177 Globemaster from the Royal Canadian Air Force. HMCS Vancouver Commanding Officer Cdr. Tyson Bergmann said the dedication and effort of the vessel's sailors will be used as an example for future endeavors.
Canadian Firm to Supply Equipment for US Navy’s OK-410 Handling and Stowage Group Systems
The U.S. Navy has awarded Canadian Commercial Corp. a $110.7 million contract to procure OK-410 Handling and Stowage Group systems, overboard fairlead assemblies and spare parts for use on anti-submarine warfare combat systems in DDG-51 class and other ship classes. CCC will help source a contractor to supply the equipment, which will be produced in Peterborough, Ontario, through September 2029. Funding will come from Foreign Military Sales funds and Navy funds from fiscal 2024 other procurement, shipbuilding and conversion funds.
Australia Receives US OK for Northrop’s Air-Launched Anti-Radiation Missiles
The U.S. government has approved Australia's possible acquisition of air-to-ground tactical missiles from Northrop Grumman in a deal valued at $405 million. Canberra's request is for up to 100 extended range versions of the AGM-88G advanced anti-radiation guided missile plus AGM-88G AARGM-ER guidance and control section spares. Northrop will also deliver several non-major defense equipment items under the deal. According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the acquisition will enhance Australia's aircraft survivability with a capability to address existing and future threats from land- or sea-based radar emitters.
Lockheed Martin Secures $3.2B FMS Contract to Supply Missiles to Japan, the Netherlands, Finland and Poland
Lockheed Martin has secured a $3.2 billion Foreign Military Sales contract from the U.S. Air Force to supply joint air-to-surface standoff missiles and long-range anti-ship missiles to Japan, the Netherlands, Finland and Poland. The company will work on the single-source contract in Orlando, Florida, with completion expected in July 2032. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida is the contracting activity, according to a U.S. Department of Defense announcement on Friday.










