Defense

Chess Dynamics has been awarded a contract by BAE Systems Maritime Australia to supply its SeaEagle FCEO surveillance systems for the first batch of the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) Hunter class frigates.

Oceaneering International, Inc. has announced that its Subsea Robotics segment recently completed a successful one-week Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) demonstration for the US Navy and Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) at Oceaneering’s subsea autonomy testing facility in Norway.

Hunt Valve, a Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD) company, has been awarded a contract by the Maritime Sustainment Technology and Innovation Consortium (MSTIC) to produce a 3D printed valve assembly for installation on US Navy submarines, positioning the defense contractor as a first mover in this sector. Using additive manufacturing to create the 70-pound valve assembly—the first 3D printed assembly to be installed on a US submarine—will provide the Navy with a product that meets or exceeds the quality produced through traditional sand-casting in about two-thirds less time.

Damen Naval has contracted RENK to supply the gearbox systems for the new Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) frigates. The Dutch shipyard is building four new frigates, two each for the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Belgian navy. The contract includes eight gearboxes that are part of the CODLAD (COmbined Diesel-eLectric And Diesel) propulsion system. There is also a special Dutch connection as RENK's subsidiary Schelde Gears B.V. will provide support in design and service activities.

Louisiana-based boat builder Metal Shark has announced the debut of Prowler, a versatile military craft combining multiple unique technologies to meet the current and near-future warfighting requirements of the US military and its allies. The company is also debuting Frenzy, a high-performance, low-cost, amphibious micro-USV with a payload carrying capacity of up to 14 lbs.

On March 28, 2024, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) successfully demonstrated the first track of a live space object by the AN/SPY-7(V)1 solid state radar integrated with the Aegis Weapon System (AWS). This milestone event for the Japanese Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV) program was also observed by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and US Navy Aegis Technical Representative.

On March 28th 2024, Indonesia chose Naval Group and PT PAL to strengthen the capabilities of the Indonesian Navy with two Scorpène^® Evolved Full Lithium-Ion battery (LiB) submarines to be built in Indonesia in PT PAL shipyard, through a transfer of technology from Naval Group.

Belgian Defense has ordered six R7 remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) from Exail. This state-of-the-art underwater vehicle will play a pivotal role in enhancing the Belgian Armed Forces capabilities for inspection and disposal of underwater explosive ordnance (EOD), safeguarding harbors, coastal areas, ships, and key infrastructures.

South Australian company Airspeed has been awarded a contract to manufacture and supply Replenishment At Sea (RAS) Stump Masts for the first batch of three Hunter class frigates.

The US Navy’s Large Unmanned Surface Vessel (LUSV) program reached pivotal milestones earlier this year after several industry teams successfully completed extended reliability demonstrations of four different engine configurations.

Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD), a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management (Arcline), has acquired AMMCON Corp., a Jacksonville-based fittings and assembled components manufacturer. The defense contractor’s acquisition continues its expansion and commitment to providing critical components to the US Navy and other marine defense customers.

Fincantieri and the Indonesian Ministry of Defense have signed a €1.18 billion contract, within the framework of collaborative relations initiated by the Italian Ministry of Defense, for the supply of two PPA Units. PPA is a highly flexible ship with an outstanding technological standard. It has the capacity to serve multiple functions, ranging from patrol with sea rescue capacity to civil protection operations and first line fighting vessel.