In a significant development in the arms trade, Russia’s state-run arms export company, Rosoboronexport, has announced its first export contracts for the Sukhoi Su-57 supersonic stealth aircraft to foreign military customers. This revelation took place during an aerospace exhibition in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, China, where the Su-57 was showcased for the first time outside of Russia.

Alexander Mikheye, CEO of Rosoboronexport, emphasized the importance of military-technical cooperation in expanding the range of weapons and military equipment available in the global market. He highlighted the economic advantages of Russia’s presence in international markets, noting that numerous friendly countries have expressed a desire to purchase reliable and proven Russian military hardware.

The Su-57, dubbed “Felon” by NATO, is a cutting-edge 20-meter-long stealth aircraft designed for superiority in the skies. With a wingspan of 14 meters, it boasts advanced capabilities powered by twin Saturn AL-41 afterburning turbofan engines. The aircraft is equipped with a range of armaments, including a Gryazev-Shipunov autocannon, guided and cluster bombs, as well as various missiles suitable for air-to-air, air-to-surface, anti-ship, and anti-radiation roles.

The Su-57 is designed for high performance, featuring a service ceiling of 20,000 meters and a range of approximately 4,500 kilometers. It can reach impressive speeds of up to Mach 2, equivalent to 2,470 kilometers per hour.

In previous announcements, Rosoboronexport has indicated that interest in adopting the Su-57 extends across several countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa. As part of its strategy to enhance international collaborations, Moscow has proposed to localize production of the aircraft in countries such as the United Arab Emirates and India, further strengthening defense ties and capability sharing.

The unveiling of export contracts and the display of the Su-57 at the Zhuhai exhibition marks a notable step for Russia in consolidating its influence in the global arms market, particularly amid ongoing geopolitical dynamics and the evolving nature of international military partnerships.

Teledyne FLIR Defense has secured a significant framework agreement valued at $168.3 million to initiate low-rate initial production of advanced sensors designed for the U.S. Army’s M1135 Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicles (NBCRVs). This strategic effort aims to enhance the Army’s capabilities in monitoring and responding to hazardous environments.

The sensors being developed are part of an improved suite designed to detect chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. They feature autonomous capabilities and will integrate seamlessly with FLIR’s proprietary SkyRaider unmanned aerial system and the MUVE B330 biological detector drone payload. The incorporation of these advanced technologies is expected to significantly bolster the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the reconnaissance efforts.

In a demonstration of progress, FLIR announced that the Army received an initial batch of sensor suite prototypes for evaluation in October 2023. Insights and data garnered from these initial tests informed the latest production contract, marking a crucial step in the development process. Additionally, FLIR has already received a $7.5 million order to kickstart the delivery of these sensors.

Production work related to this program is set to continue through 2029 and will be carried out at FLIR’s facilities located in Oklahoma, Maryland, and Arizona. The capabilities of the NBCRV sensor suite are expected to enhance troop protection against weapons of mass destruction and improve mission outcomes in varied combat scenarios. Dr. JihFen Lei, President of Teledyne FLIR Defense, emphasized the importance of advanced sensor technologies, stating, “We’re honored to continue our work with the Army, leveraging our unmanned aerial system platforms and remote sensing solutions to deliver the NBCRV Sensor Suite.”

The M1135 NBCRV itself is a variant of the M1126 Stryker infantry carrier vehicle, developed in the early 2000s by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada for the U.S. Army’s needs. This armored vehicle is specifically tailored for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear missions, enabling soldiers to respond effectively to a wide range of threats, including toxic substances and weapons of mass destruction. The NBCRV features an 8×8 vehicle design, measuring approximately 7 meters (23 feet) in length and armored to withstand impacts from 14.5-millimeter ammunition. It can accommodate up to four personnel and is powered by a robust 350-horsepower Caterpillar 3126 turbo diesel engine, providing an operational range of 500 kilometers (311 miles) and speeds reaching 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour. This combination of features underscores the vehicle’s vital role in keeping military personnel safe in hazardous environments.

Defense contractor Bell Textron has successfully completed the expansion of its facility in Huntsville, Alabama, aimed at enhancing administrative capabilities for both the company and its partners. First established in 2018, this center primarily focuses on the development of advanced vertical lift solutions, particularly in support of the U.S. Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program. This initiative seeks to modernize the Army’s fleet by replacing the aging UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache helicopters.

The recently completed renovation has significantly upgraded the site by adding more briefing and conference spaces, which are essential for improving operational efficiency and collaboration within the region. Bell Textron’s strategic growth in Huntsville reflects the company’s commitment to expanding its presence and capabilities in line with its evolving portfolio of vertical lift solutions.

Jeffrey Schloesser, Bell Textron’s Executive Vice President of Strategic Pursuits, remarked on the progress the company has made since the opening of the Huntsville office. He emphasized that in recent years, Bell has been tasked with delivering the FLRAA to support U.S. warfighters, highlighting the importance of the newly expanded facility in bolstering support for both current and future military initiatives.

In addition to the Huntsville expansion, Bell Textron has recently announced separate infrastructure developments in Kansas, aimed at supporting fuselage assembly for the FLRAA program. Additionally, earlier this year in March, the company inaugurated a laboratory in Texas designed for testing weapon systems intended for integration with the future FLRAA platform.

The ongoing advancements position Bell Textron as a key player in the modernization of military aviation, as it continues to enhance its capabilities and output to meet the needs of the U.S. Army and its allies.

Latvia’s Ministry of Defense has embarked on contract negotiations with GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas, a Spain-based company, to acquire ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) as part of a strategic effort to bolster the nation’s land defense capabilities. This decision follows a comprehensive assessment conducted by experts from the defense ministry along with the armed forces, aimed at identifying the most suitable combat vehicle for Latvia’s needs, as stated by Defense Minister Andris Spruds.

The ministry is currently working to finalize key elements of the contract, which include functional test results, cost estimates for the vehicles, delivery timelines, and the involvement of the local industry. These details are expected to be completed by late 2024 or early 2025. Latvia initiated its procurement process for IFVs from multiple suppliers at the beginning of 2023 and has since carried out platform functionality tests alongside extensive evaluations. These assessments focused on aligning the vehicles with the operational requirements of the armed forces, particularly emphasizing enhanced firepower and operational range.

The ASCOD IFV, under consideration for procurement, is already employed by various nations, including Austria, the Philippines, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Notably, in June, the Spanish defense manufacturer extended an offer of 50 ASCOD armored fighting vehicles to Ukraine, highlighting the model’s versatility and reliability in combat scenarios.

One of the key advantages of the ASCOD IFV is its advanced features, including a Hard Kill Active Defense System and a sophisticated 360-degree sight system that enables effective operation in diverse environments with minimal maintenance costs. Its modular architecture allows for extensive customization, including integration of different weapon systems and the definition of mission-specific payloads. The vehicle can also be equipped with an unmanned turret that includes a 30mm dual-feed cannon, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and anti-tank guided missiles, making it a formidable asset for modern military operations.

As the negotiations progress, Latvia seeks to ensure that the acquisition of the ASCOD IFVs will significantly enhance its military capabilities, contributing to regional security and defense readiness.