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Americas
Sikorsky Aircraft won three contracts by the US Navy in support of the CH-53K. The first deal is worth $175.7 million for the procurement of 22 main modules in support of the CH-53K aircraft. The second contract is worth $132.9 million for the procurement of 128 main rotor blade assemblies, the third one involved $11.6 million for the procurement of eight helicopter rotor hub assemblies.
Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) pilots have begun intensive training with the Royal Air Force (RAF) on the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. This collaboration marks a crucial phase in the RCAF’s transition to the advanced platform, replacing the aging CP-140 Aurora fleet. The training is taking place at RAF Lossiemouth, a key hub for Britain’s Poseidon operations. The decision to acquire the P-8A Poseidon came in November 2023 when the Canadian government finalized a deal with the United States for up to 16 of the multi-mission aircraft. This procurement addresses the growing challenges of supporting the 40-year-old CP-140 Aurora fleet which is becoming increasingly expensive to maintain and less relevant against modern threats. The Canadian government, after thorough analysis, deemed the P-8A as the only currently available aircraft capable of meeting all operational requirements for the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft (CMMA) project.
Middle East & Africa
Elbit Systems has signed a $130-million contract to supply “thousands” of advanced communication systems for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The deal covers the company’s proprietary software-defined radio family, satellite communication systems, and data links for autonomous platforms. The project also requests Elbit to expand 24/7 regional maintenance centers to continue support for combat units.
Europe
The Polish government has signed a $310-million procurement agreement with General Atomics for an undisclosed number of MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones. The American firm will deliver the systems by the first quarter of 2027 as a replacement for an unknown number of MQ-9A Reapers leased from the US in 2023. The MQ-9As were leased for $70.6 million to bolster the reconnaissance capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces.
Asia-Pacific
In a move seen to rival the “loyal wingman” concept of the US, China has unveiled a new unmanned aerial system (UAS) designed to operate in tandem with its advanced fighter jets. Showcased at the recent Zhuhai air show in southern China, the Feihong FH-97A is capable of leading swarms of smaller drones or acting as a companion wingman for Beijing’s stealth fighters, such as the J-20. It can reportedly support “confrontational, high-intensity, and long-lasting” combat, thanks to its enhanced weapons bay for both air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions.
