US Navy Awards $235 Million Contract to Leonardo DRS for Advanced Radar Systems

The US Navy has granted a significant contract to Leonardo DRS for the production, inspection, and testing of the AN/SPQ-9B radars, essential for ship-based air and surface target detection. This potential five-year agreement could reach up to $235 million if all options are exercised.

Cari Ossenfort, the senior vice president of the Leonardo DRS Naval Electronics business unit, expressed pride in the partnership, stating, “The SPQ-9B radar is a vital ship protection system used across the fleet, and we are proud that the US Navy continues to entrust us to produce this important defensive technology.”

The AN/SPQ-9B radar is an X-band, pulse Doppler, frequency-agile radar specifically designed for littoral environments, including harbors and coastlines. It boasts a low false track rate even in high clutter situations, making it particularly effective in challenging conditions. This sophisticated radar system is capable of scanning the horizon while simultaneously detecting and tracking various threats, including low-flying anti-ship cruise missiles, drones, periscopes, and helicopters.

The versatile radar system is suitable for installation on a range of naval vessels, including aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, cruisers, Coast Guard maritime security cutters, and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. Additionally, it can be digitally integrated with the Aegis combat system, the MK 34 and MK 48 gun systems, the Cooperative Engagement Capability, and various ship self-defense systems.

With this contract, Leonardo DRS solidifies its role as a key player in enhancing naval defense capabilities, ensuring that the US Navy is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to protect its fleet against emerging threats.

India Upgrades High-Altitude Airstrip Near China: Aiming for Strategic Superiority

India is set to transform its Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) into a fully operational fighter jet airbase, positioning itself strategically in proximity to China. Officials involved in the ambitious project have disclosed that 95% of the work to extend the airstrip to 2.7 kilometers (1.67 miles) is already complete, according to a report from Kashmir News Observer.

While the runway extension is nearing its completion, additional infrastructure developments, including the construction of hangars, an air traffic control building, and hard standing areas, are anticipated to delay the airbase’s official opening until September 2025.

Previously, the Nyoma ALG has been utilized for helicopter operations and special missions involving aircraft such as the C-130J. However, the transition to a full-fledged airbase is expected to significantly enhance its strategic utility. Notably, Nyoma’s atmospheric conditions are more stable compared to two other airfields within the Union Territory of Ladakh, facilitating smoother air operations.

Situated approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the Line of Actual Control—which divides Indian and Chinese territories—the Nyoma ALG stands at a daunting altitude of around 13,700 feet (4,176 meters), making it the world’s highest fighter airbase. To enable jet operations in extreme weather conditions, where temperatures can plummet to as low as -40 degrees Celsius, modifications have been made to the fighter jet engines.

This upgrade follows a tense standoff between Indian and Chinese forces earlier this year, which drew attention to China’s rapid infrastructure development along the 3,488-kilometer (2,167 miles) Line of Actual Control since the violent confrontations in 2020. China has focused on enhancing existing airfields, constructing dual-use facilities, and improving logistics for troop accommodations and ammunition storage.

As India fortifies its military capabilities in the region, the upgrade of the Nyoma ALG marks a significant step in enhancing national defense strategy amid ongoing tensions with its northern neighbor.

Colombian Air Force Deploys Advanced Counter-Drone System at UN Biodiversity Conference in Cali

Cali, Colombia – In a significant measure to ensure security at the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP 16), the Colombian Air Force (FAC) has deployed the state-of-the-art “Crow” counter-drone system, designed in Spain. This initiative aims to safeguard the summit, which brings together delegates and state officials from 196 nations focusing on the critical issues of climate change and environmental preservation.

The Crow system was activated specifically to protect the Blue Zone at the conference venue. According to a FAC statement, the deployment showcases the Air Force’s extensive air, space, logistics, and technological capabilities in support of this vital international event.

Throughout the conference, the FAC successfully utilized the Crow system in conjunction with other technologies, identifying over 300 drone activities and preventing 90 unauthorized incursions. This impressive operational efficacy underscores both the system’s capabilities and the FAC’s commitment to maintaining a secure environment for participants.

Developed by the Spanish firm Indra, the Crow system features advanced high-resolution radars that can detect small drones at significant distances. Its optical system enables precise assessment of potential threats, ensuring that only genuine hazards are acted upon. When a threat is affirmed, the system utilizes jamming technology to disrupt the drone’s control signals, effectively neutralizing the risk.

Moreover, the system’s design allows for multiple units to be coordinated for simultaneous operations, providing extensive coverage of larger areas—a capability that was essential during the conference.

The Crow system has a proven track record in international deployments, having been utilized recently during NATO exercises in the Netherlands and in operations conducted by the Spanish Air Forces in Mali. Additionally, Indra has partnered with various European manufacturers to integrate Crow’s command and control functionalities into their sensor systems, further enhancing its operational versatility.

Looking ahead, Indra continues to innovate in the field of counter-drone technology, recently securing a contract with other Spanish firms to develop an advanced system featuring radar, optronics, and radio frequency technologies for the Spanish Armed Forces.

As COP 16 proceeds in Cali, the deployment of the Crow system exemplifies the proactive measures being taken to secure global discussions on biodiversity and climate action.

Exail Partners with Saab and Arche to Modernize German Navy’s Frigates

In a significant advancement for maritime defense capabilities, Exail has announced a strategic partnership with Saab and Arche to update the navigation and cybersecurity systems of the German Navy’s F123 Brandenburg-class frigates. This collaboration marks a pivotal move to enhance the operational efficiency and security of Germany’s naval fleet.

Under this ambitious project, the consortium plans to integrate Exail’s advanced “Marins” inertial navigation systems along with “Netans” data distribution units. These upgrades are designed to improve the frigates’ precision in managing redundant data, thereby bolstering cybersecurity during naval operations.

The Marins system is anticipated to significantly enhance positioning accuracy for the frigates, allowing for safer navigation in challenging maritime environments. Meanwhile, the Netans system will facilitate real-time information exchange across the fleet, ensuring better coordination and responsiveness in mission scenarios.

This modernization initiative builds on previous contracts awarded to Saab and Arche. Saab initially received a contract in 2021 to completely overhaul the combat management system of the Brandenburg-class fleet. Following that, Arche secured a separate contract in 2022 to provide essential electronic chart displays, automatic identification systems, and radar systems not just for the frigates, but for over 30 additional military platforms within the German Armed Forces.

Expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration, Exail Regional Sales Director Jens Higgen stated, “We are pleased to partner with Arche and Saab to deliver state-of-the-art technology for the Brandenburg-class frigates. We are also grateful to the German Navy for their continued trust. This new contract not only reflects their ongoing satisfaction with Exail’s integrated and evolutive navigation solutions but also strengthens their trust in Exail’s expertise in delivering innovative defense technology.”

The Brandenburg-class frigate, which first entered service in the early 1990s, was designed to replace the older post-World War II vessels. Measuring 139 feet (42 meters) in length and 17 meters (56 feet) in beam, the ship is powered by a combination of MTU diesel engines and General Electric gas turbines, enabling speeds of over 54 kilometers (33 miles) per hour and a remarkable operational range of 4,000 nautical miles (7,408 kilometers).

In terms of defense, the frigate is equipped with a variety of protective features, including multi-ammunition softkill decoys, an electronic countermeasure suite, anti-submarine torpedoes, and an arsenal of anti-aircraft and anti-ship missiles, as well as rapid-fire cannons and naval guns. Additionally, depending on mission requirements, the Brandenburg-class ships can accommodate two Westland Lynx helicopters or additional armaments.

The modern upgrades to the Brandenburg-class frigates signify a commitment to maintaining a robust and technologically advanced naval fleet, ensuring that the German Navy remains well-prepared to meet future challenges on the high seas.

French Shipbuilder Kership Secures Contract for Montenegro’s Navy

Paris, France – French shipbuilder Kership has announced a significant contract to deliver two offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) to the Montenegrin Navy. The agreement was formalized at a defense trade convention in Paris and focuses on Kership’s advanced OPV 60M vessel, renowned for its versatility in maritime law enforcement and military operations with high-endurance capabilities.

The OPV 60M measures 62 meters (203 feet) in length and is designed with twin stern ramps, allowing it to deploy two rigid hull inflatable boats efficiently during high-speed maritime missions. The vessel features a 360-degree view bridge, a sophisticated combat system for anti-surface and anti-air warfare, and a patented hull design that enhances both autonomy and seakeeping.

This contract is part of a broader effort to strengthen Montenegro’s defense capabilities, following an agreement between Montenegro and France last April. The initiative aims to bolster the Balkan nation’s military integration with NATO allies, particularly in light of Montenegro’s accession to the alliance in 2017.

“The state support associated with the Kership commercial contract is provided by the DGA for the benefit of the Montenegrin Ministry of Defence,” stated the French General Directorate of Armaments (DGA). “The technical arrangement falls within the framework of the intergovernmental agreement for cooperation in defense matters.”

The OPV 60M is part of a proven lineage of vessels, with similar models already in service with the Senegal Navy. The Senegalese fleet includes the OPV 58 S-class, which shares dimensions with the OPV 60M and is equipped for a variety of military operations, highlighting the continued growth and capability of Kership’s maritime offerings.

This contract not only marks a key development in Montenegro’s naval modernization but also reinforces France’s commitment to support its allies in enhancing regional security and defense capabilities.