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Americas

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., part of Lockheed Martin, has received a $232.4 million contract modification to procure additional long-lead time materials for the CH-53K King Stallion helicopters. This modification is for Lot 10 full-rate production of the aircraft for the US Marine Corps. The work will be carried out at Sikorsky’s facility in Stratford, Connecticut, and is set to be completed by March 20262. The Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, Maryland, is overseeing the contract and will use fiscal year 2025 aircraft procurement funds for this project. This contract ensures that the Marine Corps’ next-generation heavy-lift helicopter program remains on schedule1. The CH-53K King Stallion is designed to replace the aging CH-53E Super Stallion fleet and is considered the most powerful and technologically advanced heavy-lift helicopter ever built for the US Marine Corps. The Marine Corps plans to acquire at least 200 CH-53K helicopters, with production ramping up as additional Lot 10 aircraft enter production. The CH-53K program has already achieved several milestones, including Initial Operational Capability in April 2022 with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 4611.

Huntington-Ingalls Inc. has received a $44.9 million contract modification to prepare for the USS Harry S. Truman’s (CVN 75) Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH). This work involves buying materials needed for the overhaul and will be done in Newport News, Virginia, by June 2026. The Navy will use $43,335,000 from its fiscal 2024 funds for this project. The RCOH is a major maintenance process that includes refueling the ship’s nuclear reactors and upgrading various systems, ensuring the carrier can operate for another 25 years.

Middle East & Africa

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) recently conducted two Bomber Task Force missions in the Middle East to enhance operational capabilities and demonstrate US commitment to regional security. During the first mission on February 17, 2025, two B-52H Stratofortress aircraft from RAF Fairford flew through nine partner nations, conducting aerial refueling and live munitions drops. US F-15E Strike Eagles and allied jets provided escort during the operation. The second mission on February 20 also involved two B-52s and included similar activities across Europe and partner countries. CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla stated that these missions showcase U.S. power projection and readiness to respond to potential threats in the region. Bomber Task Force missions regularly deploy B-52s, B-1 Lancers, and B-2 Spirits to strengthen deterrence and promote stability. The B-52 and B-2 are nuclear-capable, while all three can carry conventional weapons. These operations underline the US commitment to maintaining a strong military presence in the Middle East amid ongoing regional tensions.

Europe

Germany has awarded General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) a contract to supply Piranha V armored fighting vehicles for the Army’s ground telecommunications expansion project. The deal, valued in the “three-digit-million range,” includes 256 vehicles, each equipped with a 15-meter (49-foot) Tactical Wide Area Network telescopic tower for mobile communications. GDELS will build a facility in Neubrandenburg to support the fleet’s technical requirements and logistics. The first batch of 58 vehicles is set to be delivered in 2026. Dr. Thomas Kauffmann, GDELS Managin Director, expressed gratitude for the trust from the Bundeswehr, while GDELS President Antonio Bueno highlighted the company’s commitment to being a reliable partner for Germany. This procurement is part of a larger modernization effort to enhance the Army’s connectivity capabilities.

Asia-Pacific

Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and India’s Larsen & Toubro (L&T) have signed an agreement to provide the Trophy Active Protection System (APS) for Indian military platforms. The system will be manufactured in India with substantial local components.

Key details include:

Rafael CEO Yoav Tourgeman expressed pride in the collaboration, while L&T’s Arun Ramchandani highlighted the commitment to delivering advanced technology tailored for Indian needs. This agreement marks a significant step in modernizing India’s military capabilities and promoting local defense production.

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