Industry News
TRAINING
US Air Force unveils first B-21 Raider strategic bomber
// The B-21 Raider is similar in aspect to its B-2 Spirit predecessor, leveraging a flying wing design, which can carry the aerial element of the US nuclear triad. Credit: US Air Force
The US Air Force (USAF) has revealed its newest sixth-generation B-21 Raider long-range strike bomber aircraft, developed by Northrop Grumman.
A formal unveiling event was hosted by the company at its production facility in Palmdale, California, US, on 2 December. This marks a significant milestone in the USAF’s initiative to modernise its future combat capabilities.
The newly revealed aircraft is the first of six bombers that are being built by Northrop Grumman on the same production line, using the same techniques, tools and processes.
With this approach, the company’s engineers and technicians can directly apply the lessons learnt from the production of a particular aircraft to its follow-on aircraft.
Designed to replace USAF’s ageing B-2 Spirit and B-1 Lancer aircraft fleet, the new bomber can provide both conventional and nuclear munitions capability. It is also capable of performing crewed and uncrewed operations.
SHIPBUILDING
MoUs signed for new Saudi combat ships
Spanish shipbuilder Navantia has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to build multi-mission combat ships for the Royal Saudi Naval Force.
The deal with the Spanish shipbuilding company was finalised by the Saudi Ministry of Defense and General Authority for Military Industries.
The MoU will see Navantia transferring the necessary technology to Saudi engineers to contribute to the country’s Vision 2030 plan, which is promoting a target of 100% localisation in terms of shipbuilding, technical capabilities, naval equipment and combat systems integration, as well as ship maintenance.
Other local capabilities will include design, engineering and development of the new combat vessels along with the integration of combat systems on the ships.
MODERNISATION
UK Defence Secretary: British Army 15 years behind peers
The British Army is falling behind in key capabilities compared to its peer group, with gaps in areas such as deep fires and medium-range air defence, according to Ben Wallace, UK Secretary of State for Defence.
Providing evidence to the UK House of Lords International Relations and Defence Committee on 1 November, Wallace said the force was “15 years out of date” compared to its peer group, which did not include non-peer rivals elsewhere, such as the world’s nuclear powers.
Traditionally, the UK has operated as an expeditionary power, rather than as a continental force, making up for what it lacks in mass through a high level of equipment to provide a full spectrum military capability.
SPACE
Mission payload CDR completed for USSF’s MTC programme
Raytheon Intelligence & Space (RI&S) has successfully completed the critical design review (CDR) of its mission payload for the US Space Force’s (USSF) programme.
Known as Missile Track Custody, the programme was established by the USSF to deploy initial warfighter capability to track missiles at medium Earth orbit. The CDR process involved RI&S showcasing the designs of several crucial components that were ready for fabrication.
In the next steps, the company will complete the remaining design aspects of the programme’s space and ground segments, with system CDR, anticipated to concluded by next year.
The Raytheon team will then conduct a build, integration and test campaign to deliver the final capability, which is scheduled to launch by 2026.
SEMI-CONDUCTORS
US won’t let China take Taiwan chip makers ‘intact’
A former US National Security Advisor has lent credence to reports the US will disable Taiwan’s semi-conductor chip manufacturing capabilities if China attempts to reunify the island with the mainland.
Speaking at the Richard Nixon Foundation’s Grand Strategy Summit on 10 November, Robert O’Brien said that if China takes Taiwan and the territory’s chip factories intact, Beijing would have a monopoly over the technologies in the same way as the OPEC grouping does over oil.
“The island contains a chip manufacturer called TSMC and a whole ecosystem of chip manufacturers associated with TSMC, which make 95% of the advanced computer chips that we use,” said O’Brien, “not only in our military products, but in our cars and smartphones.”
In August this year, the US Congress passed the CHIPS Act (Creating Helpful Incentives for the Production of Semi-conductors) aiming to bolster the capacity of domestic infrastructure base to produce semi-conductors and reduce reliance on imports for supply.
ACQUISITION
New missile selection ends UK’s anti-ship dilemma
The UK has finally ended debate, for the time being, as to the waning lethality of its surface warships with the announcement that it will acquire the Naval Strike Missile from Norway to replace the ageing Harpoon weapon system, which is due to be removed from service next year.
Revealed on 23 November, the move puts to bed years of debate about how and when to replace the Harpoon system in the Royal Navy. The NSM will be outfitted on a total of 11 Type 23 frigates and Type 45 destroyers.
Development
BAE Systems partners with three companies for US Army’s OMFV design
BAE Systems has partnered with three defence companies to work on the initial design of the US Army’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV).
The companies include QinetiQ, Elbit Systems of America, and Curtiss-Wright. The latest announcement comes after BAE Systems submitted an OMFV design proposal to the US Army in November. Among equipment to be integrated into the platform will be Elbit Systems’ 50mm Uncrewed Turret, featuring an XM913 50mm cannon and an ammunition handling system.
BAE Systems and QinetiQ meanwhile are developing and integrated hybrid electric drive technology, which has emerged as a key capability being put forward by industry.
PROGRAMME DELIVERIES
Oshkosh delivers second batch of 50 JLTVs to Lithuania
The Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence (MND) has announced the delivery of the second batch of 50 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) to Lithuania. The JLTVs are being procured by Lithuania as part of a deal signed between the Lithuanian MND’s Defence Materiel Agency and the US Department of Defense in November 2019 for the provision of 200 vehicles.
HII delivers latest Flight IIA Aegis destroyer to US Navy
Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division has delivered the US Navy’s future Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123). Delivered on 30 November, the new milestone signifies the formal transfer of DDG 123 from the shipbuilder to the US Navy. Earlier in October, the USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee completed a series of at-sea and pier-side trials, examined by the navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey.
Latvian Air Force takes delivery of two Tarragon trainer aircraft
The Latvian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced the delivery of two indigenously developed Tarragon two-seater trainer aircraft. Manufactured by Latvia-based company SIA Pelegrin, the aircraft were handed over to the Latvian Air Force at Ādaži airfield on 2 December. According to the Latvian MoD, the new Tarragons will be the first aircraft to be operated to train the Air Force’s trainee pilots and aircrew members.
Indian Navy accepts delivery of second Project 15B destroyer
India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) handed over the second Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyer, named Mormugao (Y12705), to the Indian Navy on 24 November, some three months ahead of schedule. Construction of Mormugao commenced in June 2016 and was followed by the vessel’s launch in September of the same year, with initial sea trials getting underway in December 2021.
FMV receives final Archer artillery system from BAE Systems
The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has taken delivery of its final Archer 155mm self-propelled howitzer from BAE Systems Bofors. The Archer artillery systems have been delivered as part of a contract awarded to BAE Systems in 2010 for the delivery 24 systems each to Norway and Sweden. FMV received the first system in 2015.
ACQUISITION
New missile selection ends UK’s anti-ship dilemma
The UK has finally ended debate, for the time being, as to the waning lethality of its surface warships with the announcement that it will acquire the Naval Strike Missile from Norway to replace the ageing Harpoon weapon system, which is due to be removed from service next year.
Revealed on 23 November, the move puts to bed years of debate about how and when to replace the Harpoon system in the Royal Navy. The NSM will be outfitted on a total of 11 Type 23 frigates and Type 45 destroyers.
Projects
US Navy plans to use UAS for cargo transport
The US Navy is assessing the feasibility of using uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) for cargo transport between vessels or from ship to shore. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division has acquired a logistics UAS prototype to demonstrate the transfer of cargo over long ranges. The vehicle will be tested and upgraded for military sealift requirements.
Naval Group delivers first Suffren-class submarine to French Navy
French shipbuilder Naval Group has delivered the first of six Suffren-class nuclear attack submarines for the French Navy. This delivery marks an important milestone in the Barracuda programme, which upgrades the submarine component of France's nuclear deterrent.
Iran unveils domestic ballistic missile launcher
Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps has reportedly unveiled a domestically built ballistic missile launching system. Tasnim news agency reported that the air force manufactured thdine automated system, which is used for launching long-range ballistic missiles.
Exercises
Australian Navy tests robots for counter-disaster operation
The Royal Australian Navy has tested robots in a simulated counter-disaster operation. As part of exercise Autonomous Warrior Genesis, the navy tested uncrewed land, air and sea vehicles in response to a simulated humanitarian relief scenario.
US and Japan complete exercise Keen Sword 21
US Indo-Pacific Command units and the Japan Self-Defense Force have completed exercise Keen Sword 21, a joint-bilateral field training exercise in Japan. It involved maritime and air operations, amphibious landings, missile defence exercises, resupply, cyber and space operations.
Royal Air Force concludes Exercise Crimson Warrior
The Royal Air Force has concluded Exercise Crimson Warrior, a three-week training operation involving fast jets, helicopters and unmanned air systems with involvement from the British Army, US Air Force and US Marines. Exercise Crimson Warrior has been adapted from Cobra Warrior with missiodinns being added to support the F-35B and helicopters that form part of the Carrier Strike Group Air Wing.
In brief
Fabri-Kal launches Recycleware Containers to expand sustainability
Food packaging solutions provider Fabri-Kal has expanded its sustainable product offerings with the launch of its new Recycleware Containers. Manufactured in the US, the products contain a minimum of 20-50% post-consumer recycled PET material and are recyclable.
Burger King and TerraCycle’s Loop to pilot new reusable packaging
Fast-food chain Burger King has partnered with TerraCycle’s circular packaging service, Loop, to pilot new reusable packaging. The partnership is part of the brand’s Restaurant Brands for Good framework to help reduce packaging waste.
Stora Enso launches take-away bowls for food service packaging
Pulp and paper manufacturer Stora Enso has partnered with wholesale company Tingstad to market its new food service take-away bowls, PureFiber. The packaging is designed to replace plastic on-the-go food packaging. It is free from plastic and PFAS.
H&M presents new Looop garment-to-garment recycling system
Swedish clothing-retail company H&M is introducing a garment-to-garment recycling system that helps transform old textiles into new ones. Known as Looop, the container-sized machine promotes circularity in fashion and keeps unwanted garments from turning into waste.
DEVELOPMENT
BAE Systems partners with three companies for US Army’s OMFV design
BAE Systems has partnered with three defence companies to work on the initial design of the US Army’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV).
The companies include QinetiQ, Elbit Systems of America, and Curtiss-Wright. The latest announcement comes after BAE Systems submitted an OMFV design proposal to the US Army in November. Among equipment to be integrated into the platform will be Elbit Systems’ 50mm Uncrewed Turret, featuring an XM913 50mm cannon and an ammunition handling system.
BAE Systems and QinetiQ meanwhile are developing and integrated hybrid electric drive technology, which has emerged as a key capability being put forward by industry.