02 February 2023
by Jeremy Binnie & Richard Scott
A CAMM is ejected from a modified Mk 41 launcher during a test. (MBDA)
The Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) has selected MBDA, rather than Raytheon, to provide the primary surface-to-air missile (SAM) for its new frigates, the US Department of Defense (DoD) confirmed on 31 January.
It announced that MBDA's US subsidiary had been awarded a USD118.7 million non-competitive contract to deliver its Common Anti-Air Module Missile (CAMM) for Saudi Arabia's Multi-Mission Surface Combatants (MSSCs), which are being built by Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Wisconsin, with Lockheed Martin acting as prime contractor. Most of the work will be carried out at MBDA's plant in Stevenage in the UK, and the contract includes options that, if exercised, will bring its total value up to USD145.5 million.
When the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced in 2015 that Saudi Arabia's procurement of four MSSCs had been approved, it said they would be equipped with Raytheon's RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles (ESSMs) in two eight-cell Mk 41 vertical launch systems (VLSs), in addition to SeaRAM close-in weapon systems for RIM-116C Block II Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAMs).
02 May 2024
by Michael Fabey
US lawmakers are criticising the US Navy's decision to cut a Virginia-class submarine, similar to the one shown here, from the recent budget request. (Janes/Michael Fabey)
US lawmakers are continuing to question the US Navy (USN) fiscal year (FY) 2025 budget request that cuts a Virginia-class attack submarine (SSN) from its funding proposal.
Initially, the USN had planned for two Virginias for the fiscal year, but now the service is asking for only a single submarine in the FY 2025 request submitted earlier in 2024.
In recent hearings on the budget US lawmakers have criticised the Virginia submarine cut.
Washington State Congressman Adam Smith, the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), continued the criticism on 1 May during a HASC hearing on the USN FY 2025 budget request.
29 April 2024
by Nicholas Fiorenza
The AA signed a second executive contract with Hanwha on 25 April for 72 K239 Chunmoo MRLs (pictured), several thousands of missiles, and technology transfer. (Hanwha Aerospace)
The Polish Armaments Agency (AA) signed a second executive contract with Hanwha Aerospace for 72 K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers (MRLs) on 25 April, the Polish Ministry of National Defence (MND) and the South Korean company announced the same day. The USD1.6 billion contract also covers the delivery of several thousands of missiles with ranges of 80–290 km, including the 600 mm CTM290, and technology transfer.
The Polish MND said on its website that it expected the contract to have a significant impact on the development of the Polish defence industry, with the technologies acquired allowing the establishment of a capability to carry out repairs and modernisation, as well as produce spare parts for the MRLs and launch pods for 122 mm rockets produced by MESKO, part of Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ).
24 April 2024
by Jeremiah Cushman
Saab has developed an autonomy package for its CB 90 fast boat and demonstrated its ability to navigate the Swedish coast. Pictured above is a CB 90 that was delivered to Malaysia. (Dockstavarvet)
Saab has established a new business function to revamp how it develops and delivers products to meet changing customer requirements. Skapa, a Swedish word that means “to create, to make, or to shape”, will focus on solving customer and stakeholder problems at speed, Erik Smith, president and CEO of Saab in the United States, told reporters on 23 April. “Skapa will accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge solutions to our warfighters” at pace, he said.
The Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) has selected MBDA, rather than Raytheon, to provide the primary ...
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