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.
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Category: National Security
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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.
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Canada Launches New Cyber Command to Ensure Combat Readiness
Canada has set up a new Canadian Armed Forces command to ensure combat readiness in the cyber domain. The new CAF Cyber Command will be led by Maj. Gen. Dave Yarker. It will be the sole entity authorized for cyber force sustainment, management and development and enable Canada to contribute to its international commitments. "By enhancing our work in the cyber domain and by continuing to collaborate with our partners and allies, we can detect, deter and defend against cyber threats and malicious actors targeting Canada and our interests," said Bill Blair, Canada's minister of national defense.
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Viasat Expands Elevate Program With Addition of Satellite Communications Cybersecurity Startup Cysec
Cybersecurity solutions provider Cysec has joined Viasat's Elevate growth program, ecosystem and marketplace, giving it access to the Viasat network and its partners as it develops a solution that addresses threats targeting space-based communications and assets. Cysec's ARCA family of software products — ARCA Satcom VPN, ARCA Trusted OS and ARCA Satlink — offers to provide high-quality security for the space internet. ARCA Satcom VPN, with its built-in encryption and authentication, “unlocks numerous new use cases for our customers,” said Yacine Felk, chief operatibng officer and co-founder of Cysec.
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AUKUS to Step Up Australian Training for Nuclear Submarine Program
Australian defense and civilian personnel will receive further nuclear reactor training in the United Kingdom in support of Canberra's nuclear-powered submarine project under the AUKUS trilateral security partnership. U.K. Defence Secretary John Healey, who issued the announcement after a meeting with his AUKUS counterparts in London on Thursday, emphasized the importance of partnerships amid increasing global threats. "Our government will stand shoulder to shoulder with our Australian and U.S. partners, with new U.K. leadership in AUKUS and a commitment to boost jobs and growth."The Potomac Officers Club will host its first-ever GovCon International Summit on Oct. 10. Join the panel discussions on international partnerships, coalition warfare and emerging technologies and how they are reshaping the defense landscape. Register today!
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US Extends $920M in Foreign Military Funding Direct Loan to Romania
The United States has extended a $920 million Foreign Military Financing direct loan to Romania to help accelerate its military modernization efforts. Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the Department of State, said in a press statement that the assistance includes a grant to cover fees and guarantee the loan. According to the official, the FMF deal is expected to strengthen NATO's operations in its eastern flank, noting Bucharest's contributions within the military alliance. "Romania is a leader in NATO, working closely with allies to advance Black Sea security and providing critical assistance to Ukraine, including the transfer of a Patriot strategic air defense system and training Ukrainian F-16 pilots," Miller said.
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Embraer C-390 Millennium Captures South African Armed Forces’ Interest at Recent Exhibition
The South African National Defence Force has expressed interest in the Embraer C-390 Millennium as it seeks a replacement for its legacy transport aircraft fleet. Embraer demonstrated the C-390 Millennium at the five-day Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition, which concluded on Sunday, during which SANDF evaluated the military aircraft’s capabilities, including its capacity to carry up to 26 tons of cargo at high speed and perform various missions in demanding operational conditions. Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, expressed confidence that the C-390 can meet the needs of the SANDF and other government authorities.
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Dennis Goege to Take Over as Chief Executive for Europe at Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin has named Dennis Goege as vice president and chief executive for Europe, effective Oct. 1. Goege, who succeeds Jonathan Hoyle, joined the company in 2020 and has since been helping with initiatives aimed at growing Lockheed's air, land, naval and space offerings. Also taking on new roles are Emanuele Serafini, who will report to Goege as VP and regional executive for west Europe, and Paul Livingstone, incumbent VP and chief executive at Lockheed Martin UK, who will expand his responsibilities to cover NATO transactions.
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Joint G7 Guidance Seeks to Foil Russian Evasion Tactics on Export Curbs
The G7 leading industrialized nations have issued a joint guidance for businesses on preventing Russian evasion of export controls and sanctions, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security announced on Tuesday. BIS Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew Axelrod stressed that preventing Russian acquisition of components for missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles is a G7 "top priority” that cannot be achieved without industry partnership. For this reason, the guidance was issued to provide the information that companies need "to identify and respond to Russia's changing evasion tactics," he said.
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US Approves Egypt’s Proposed Stinger Missiles FMS Deal
Egypt has received approval from the U.S. Department of State on its proposed acquisition of 720 Stinger missiles and other related equipment and services from RTX. Made under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, the potential deal, valued at $740 million, includes non-major defense equipment items such as engineering, technical and logistics support services. The Stingers will be mounted on the Egyptian government's Avenger air defense systems.