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Americas

Leonardo DRS has received a contract to create a new version of the weapons control system for the US Army’s M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzer. The goal is to use modern electrical technology to make the system more precise, responsive, and reliable. The company must ensure that the new system does not reduce any of the Paladin’s current capabilities. This is important because the Paladin is a critical combat system used by the military. Leonardo DRS is excited to provide this advanced technology to the Army. The company believes its innovative solutions will support the military’s long-term needs.

Lockheed Martin has demonstrated the hypersonic defense capabilities of its Aegis Combat System in a US Navy test conducted aboard the USS Pinckney destroyer. The live exercise, dubbed Flight Test Other-40 (FTX-40) or “Stellar Banshee,” simulated a real-world engagement with a hypersonic medium-range ballistic missile target. Supported by the Missile Defense Agency and industry partners, the demonstration involved using the Aegis system with a simulated SM-6 Block IAU interceptor to detect, track, and engage the hypersonic threat. The Aegis multi-mission combat system combines various sensors and weapons to provide integrated air and missile defense with both sea-based and land-based configurations.

Middle East & Africa

The United States on Wednesday approved a $1.96 billion sale of eight MQ-9B drones and related equipment to Qatar, one of Washington’s closest allies in the Middle East. “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress,” the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement. The sale “will improve Qatar’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing timely intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, target acquisition, counter-land, and counter-surface sea capabilities for its security and defense,” DSCA said.

Europe

The MQ-9B SkyGuardian has taken a crucial step towards operational service with the Belgian Air Force as the first of four ordered aircraft completed its inaugural flight, which took place on Feb. 20th. The flight originated from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.’s (GA-ASI) Desert Horizon Flight Operations Facility in El Mirage, California. This event marks a crucial step in Belgium’s acquisition of a fleet of four MQ-9B aircraft.

Asia-Pacific

The Indian Ministry of Defense has contracted a pair of domestic firms for the collective procurement of 307 indigenously developed towed artillery systems. At 69 billion Indian rupees (approximately $805 million), it is the largest domestic defense contract in the country. It has been divided between Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Advanced Systems Limited in a ratio of 60%:to 40%. A total of 184 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) will be supplied by Bharat Forge for 41.40 billion Indian rupees ($483 million), while the remaining 123 guns will be provided by Tata Advanced Systems. The deal includes 327 high mobility 6×6 gun towing vehicles.

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