Defence Street

Author: Defence Street Editor

  • Lockheed Martin Demonstrates Scalable, Portable Maintenance Capabilities On 5G Network

    Lockheed Martin Demonstrates Scalable, Portable Maintenance Capabilities On 5G Network

    Maintainers perform repairs to a UH-60 Black Hawk at Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii, on March 4, 2021. The Network-enabled Analytics for Readiness initiative aims to improve aircraft readiness. (U.S. Army Photo/Sgt. Sarah D. Sangster)
    • Technology aims to reduce costs and improve military operational readiness

    BETHESDA, Md., 3rd April, 2023. Lockheed Martin successfully demonstrated analytics-driven maintenance capabilities compatible with the Department of Defense’s 5G flight-line ecosystem, a critical step toward equipping service members with real-time, actionable information to improve aircraft readiness and reduce costs.

    In this demonstration presented to U.S. Army and Air Force officials, the Network-enabled Analytics for Readiness 5G initiative (NeAR) illustrated how 5G communications technology and advanced analytics minimize the maintenance burden for a variety of aircraft. NeAR is part of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering’s (OUSD(R&E)’s) FutureG initiative.

    “This proof of concept demonstrated that our analytics tools are scalable and portable across multiple platforms to improve maintenance at the speed of relevance,” said Reeves Valentine, vice president of Land and Maritime Solutions at Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems. “These intelligent troubleshooting applications are compatible with the future-state 5G.MIL® ecosystem and in line with our 21st Century Security efforts to keep our customers ahead of ready.”

    After the aircraft lands, the NeAR application provides maintainers and technical experts with complete flight data recordings and AI-driven predictive maintenance and sensor-data analytics. Lockheed Martin integrated this technology with portable devices to put these capabilities into the hands of service members on the flight line to facilitate faster decision-making.

    “Success of NeAR as part of a broader OUSD(R&E) 5G capability will demonstrate 5G enhancements for the Warfighter while simultaneously enabling experimentation that will identify areas at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam suitable for further research and development in 5G and beyond,” said Deb Stanislawski, director of Accelerate Use Prototyping and Experimentation in the OUSD(R&E) FutureG & 5G office.

    One such application provides AI-driven cognitive search capability directly to individual maintainers and technical experts faced with diagnosing aircraft issues in real time. Users can instantly search all historical maintenance records across their entire fleet to identify similar issues and their resolutions. This information can be extremely valuable for efficient and effective troubleshooting, which minimizes aircraft downtime and erroneous maintenance actions.

    These demonstrations build on Lockheed Martin’s work to develop a 5G-enabled flight line of the future. In August, engineers demonstrated that 5G technologies can enable high-speed, secure-data transfer for maintenance analysis. NeAR shows what can be done with the data once it is captured from the aircraft. This technology leverages multi-access edge computing, which reduces the distance and latency gap between data requests and data delivery.

    Lockheed Martin’s work in 5G.MIL helps its customers field, scale and integrate 5G technology rapidly and affordably with military communications systems at the edge, enabling heterogeneous network connectivity for operations on land, water, in air, space and cyber.

  • Boeing, CAE Agree to Enhance P-8 Training Solutions for Canada, Germany, and Norway

    Boeing, CAE Agree to Enhance P-8 Training Solutions for Canada, Germany, and Norway

    Boeing and CAE signed Teaming Agreements to expand multi-mission platform collaboration in Canada, Germany and Norway. Shown here, Torbjorn Sjogren, Boeing vice president and general manager, Government Services, Daniel Gelston, CAE Defense & Security president, and Marc-Olivier Sabourin, CAE Defense & Security Global vice president and general manager, sign agreement
    • Teaming agreements to boost mission readiness across the three countries
    • Collaboration amplifies a long-standing relationship spanning commercial and defence portfolios across the globe

    OTTAWA, 4th April, 2023. Boeing and CAE signed teaming agreements to expand multi-mission platform collaboration in Canada, Germany and Norway. These agreements utilize the complementary capabilities of each company to provide superior management, technical and cost-effective training solutions for the P-8A Poseidon program.

    Boeing and CAE signed Teaming Agreements to expand multi-mission platform collaboration in Canada, Germany and Norway. Shown here, Torbjorn Sjogren, Boeing vice president and general manager, Government Services, Daniel Gelston, CAE Defense & Security president, and Marc-Olivier Sabourin, CAE Defense & Security Global vice president and general manager, tour facilities

    “These agreements aim to advance mission readiness for defense customers operating Boeing P-8 aircraft,” said Torbjorn Sjogren, Boeing vice president and general manager, Government Services. “Working together, Boeing and CAE can deliver outcome-based pilot and aircrew training, maintenance ground school, in-service support, and instructor training at the point of need.”

    As a member of Team Poseidon in Boeing’s Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft (CMMA) offering, CAE is part of a Canadian P-8 industrial footprint that builds on 81 Canadian partners on the platform.

    “Mission success depends on advanced preparation and rapid response,” said Daniel Gelston, CAE Defense & Security president. “As a premier provider in flight training and simulation, we leverage collaboration to create an agile network of proven training, simulation and in-service support solutions to deliver critical readiness for defense forces worldwide.”

    This collaboration amplifies a long-standing relationship spanning commercial and defence portfolios across the globe. For more than a decade CAE has delivered operational flight trainers on the Boeing P-8A platform supporting the U.S. Navy, Royal New Zealand Air Force and United Kingdom Royal Air Force.

    About Boeing
    As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.

  • Elbit Systems Awarded Contract to Supply Precision Munitions and Defense Electronics Systems to a European Country Worth Approximately Million $280

    Elbit Systems Awarded Contract to Supply Precision Munitions and Defense Electronics Systems to a European Country Worth Approximately Million $280

    Haifa, Israel. On 3rd April 2023, Elbit Systems Ltd.  announced that it was awarded a contract to supply, among others, precision munitions, radio and defense electronics systems as well as maintenance services to a European Country, with a cumulative value of approximately $280 million. The contract will be performed over a period of three years.

    Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, President and CEO of Elbit Systems: “These contract extensions demonstrate our customers’ continued trust in our customized products and services, as well as the sustained demand for our market leading solutions from customers across Europe.”

  • PM praises ISRO conducting Reusable Launch Vehicle Autonomous Landing Mission

    New Delhi. The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed happiness as ISRO conducts Reusable Launch Vehicle Autonomous Landing Mission.

    ISRO joined by DRDO and Indian Air Force successfully conducted the Reusable Launch Vehicle Autonomous Landing Mission (RLV LEX) at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR), Chitradurga, Karnataka in the early hours on April 2, 2023.

    In reply to the tweet threads by ISRO, the Prime Minister tweeted;

    “A great team effort. This achievement takes us one step closer to realising an Indian Reusable Launch Vehicle.”

     

     

  • Vice Admiral Suraj Berry Assumes Charge as Chief of Personnel of Indian Navy

    New Delhi. VAdm Suraj Berry, AVSM, NM, VSM assumed charge as Chief of Personnel on 01 Apr 2023. The Flag Officer was commissioned on 01 January 1987 and is a specialist in Gunnery and Missile Warfare.

    His sea commands include that of the missile vessel INS Nirbhik, missile corvette INS Karmuk, stealth frigate INS Talwar, and the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya of which he was the commissioning Commanding Officer, having been associated with the Project for nearly four years. His Staff and Operational appointments include those as the Flag Lieutenant to FOC-in-C Western Naval Command, Operations Officer of the Mobile Missile Costal Battery, Fleet Gunnery Officer of the Western Fleet, Defence Advisor to the Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka and Maldives, Director at the Directorate of Staff Requirements, Naval Assistant to the Chief of the Naval Staff and Principal Director Strategy, Concepts and Transformation at the Naval Headquarters.

    He was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2006 for services during the Tsunami Relief Operations in Sri Lanka/ Maldives, the Nao Sena Medal in 2015 for devotion to duty and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2020. He is also a recipient of commendation by FOC-in-C Western Naval Command on two occasions and by the Chief of the Naval Staff. He was elevated to the Flag Rank in October 2016, and has served as the Assistant Chief of Personnel (Human Resource Development), Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet and Chief of Staff, Andaman and Nicobar Command and Controller Personnel Services at IHQMoD (Navy) prior taking over as Chief of Personnel.

    The Admiral holds a graduate diploma with distinction in International Security Studies from the Naval Staff Course at US Naval War College, Rhode Island, a Master Degree in Weapon Technology and second Master Degree in Defence and Strategic Studies. He is also recipient of the Best All Round Officer and First in Order of Merit trophies during his specialisation training.

    With his extensive background in personnel management, he is uniquely qualified to take on this important role. His leadership and experience will be an invaluable asset to the Indian Navy as it continues to grow and evolve.

  • Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, AVSM, NM Assumes Charge as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff

    Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, AVSM, NM Assumes Charge as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff

    New Delhi. Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, AVSM, NM assumed the appointment of the Vice Chief of Naval Staff on 01 Apr 2023. On assumption VAdm Sanjay Jasjit Singh paid homage to the bravehearts at the National War Memorial and reviewed the Guard of Honour at South Block, New Delhi on 02 Apr 23.

    VAdm Sanjay Jasjit Singh is a graduate of the National Defence Academy, Pune, and was commissioned in 1986 in the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy. In his career spanning 37 years, he has served on most class of ships of the Indian Navy and has held a range of command, training and staff appointments, including Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (CSNCO), Flag Officer Sea Training, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, Commandant Naval War College, and Controller Personnel Services. Prior to taking over as the Vice Chief of Naval Staff, he was Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations).

    He holds MSc and MPhil in Defence and Strategic Studies from Madras University, MA in Defence Studies from Kings College, London, and MA (History), MPhil (Pol) and PhD (Arts) from Mumbai University. In recognition of his distinguished service, the Flag Officer was awarded the Nao Sena Medal in 2009, and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2020.

  • Boeing Awarded U.S. Air Force KC-46A Upgrade Contract

    Boeing Awarded U.S. Air Force KC-46A Upgrade Contract

    • The Block 1 upgrade will add advanced communications capabilities to further enhance the aircraft’s data connectivity and situational awareness
    KC-46 refueling F-15E

    EVERETT, Wash., 31st March,2023. Boeing will enhance the KC-46A advanced communications capabilities through a Block 1 upgrade under a $184 million contract awarded by the U.S. Air Force.

    Upgrades include line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight communications technologies with antijamming and encryption features. These capabilities will further enhance the data and communications connectivity the KC-46A provides to joint and allied forces for battlespace situational awareness.

    “This upgrade demonstrates long-term investment from Boeing and the Air Force,” said James Burgess, vice president and KC-46 program manager. “The KC-46A is built to integrate cutting-edge capabilities directly into the DNA of the aircraft as the needs of the mission evolve.”

    The KC-46A already offers more secure communications and more data integration than any tanker, giving the crew and fleet situational awareness for real-time decision making. By delivering data as well as fuel to the joint force, the KC-46A is transforming the role of the tanker for the 21st century and will continue to expand its battlespace network capabilities, including Advanced Battle Management System integration.

    In 2022, the U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command (AMC) approved the KC-46A for global combat operations. The KC-46A has demonstrated connectivity and situational awareness in operation that AMC leaders described as “game changing.”

    Boeing builds KC-46A aircraft on the 767 production line in Everett, Wash., supported by a supplier network of about 37,000 American workers employed by more than 650 businesses throughout more than 40 U.S. states. Boeing has delivered 69 KC-46A tankers to the U.S. Air Force and two to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and is on contract to deliver four KC-46A tankers to the Israel Air Force.

  • Crescent Space To Deliver Critical Services To A Growing Lunar Economy

    Crescent Space To Deliver Critical Services To A Growing Lunar Economy

    • Crescent’s Lunar Network Provides Customers with Game-Changing Communications and Navigation Capabilities

    DENVER. On March 28, 2023, Crescent Space Services LLC announced its entry into the lunar infrastructure sector. Crescent Space is a new commercial company launched by Lockheed Martin that provides infrastructure-as-a-service for lunar missions.

    Why Invest in Lunar Infrastructure?

    As humankind expands its presence beyond low-Earth orbit, one of the first key challenges is uninterrupted communications between Earth, the Moon, and the growing number of lunar missions. To do this seamlessly – especially on the far side of the Moon – customers need a network that helps them talk over vast distances, like what cell towers enable here on Earth.

    With its agile, services-based business model, Crescent directly responds to this need, offering an initial service called Parsec®: a cislunar communications and navigation network. Parsec uses a constellation of small lunar satellites that will collectively work to provide continuous connection between Earth and the people and assets in lunar orbit, as well as on the surface of the Moon. In addition to communications, Parsec will also provide critical position, timing and navigation services for lunar missions.

    Crescent will own and operate the Parsec network upon launch of its first nodes in 2025. Lockheed Martin will produce and deliver the Parsec spacecraft to Crescent, drawing upon its deep expertise developing exploration missions, communications satellites, software and GPS satellites.

    A Team of Trailblazers

    Crescent is led by CEO Joe Landon, who previously served as vice president of Advanced Programs Development for Lockheed Martin Space. In this role, Landon was responsible for Lockheed Martin’s space exploration strategy. As part of this, he led growth, strategy and research and development for the company’s Commercial Civil Space line of business. He was also instrumental in developing the concept for Crescent and launching the company. Before his time at Lockheed Martin, Landon was an early entrepreneur and investor in the commercial space sector.

    For Crescent, Landon has brought together a world-class team whose previous expertise supporting civil, commercial and military space missions makes them a perfect fit to lead the charge in providing services for the lunar economy.

    “Crescent is well positioned to serve the upcoming wave of lunar science and exploration missions, including NASA’s crewed Artemis moon landings,” said Landon. “With Lockheed Martin’s investment and access to its technical capabilities and deep space experience, Crescent is set up to ensure Parsec will be ready to provide reliable and affordable communications services for our customers.”

    Looking Ahead to the Future

    As a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, Crescent aims to leverage reliable technical heritage from the company and combine that with the speed and agility of a commercial services platform to deliver an array of essential services for lunar operations.

    With momentum gaining around humanity’s return to the Moon, this is an immediate area of opportunity for Crescent. In the future, Crescent plans to offer additional services to further enable science, exploration and commerce at the Moon and in deep space.

    About Crescent

    Crescent is a commercial services company created by Lockheed Martin that provides infrastructure-as-a-service for lunar missions operated by both commercial and government customers. The company leverages Lockheed Martin’s deep technical heritage and reliability in space with the speed and agility of a commercial services platform to deliver critical services needed to operate on and around the moon. Visit www.crescentspace.com to learn more.

    SOURCE Lockheed Martin

  • 4th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting between India & Philippines held in New Delhi

    4th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting between India & Philippines held in New Delhi

    New Delhi, 31st March 2023. 4th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting between India and the Philippines was held in New Delhi on March 31, 2023. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence Shri Amitabh Prasad, while the Philippines delegation was headed by Assistant Secretary for Strategic Assessments and International Affairs, Department of National Defence Mr Pablo M Lorenzo.

    During the meeting, both sides reviewed the ongoing bilateral defence cooperation and discussed effective and practical initiatives to further expand the engagements. The co-chairs reaffirmed their commitment to implement 2006 agreement concerning defence cooperation, based on mutual trust and understanding, common interest and shared values of democracy and rule of law.

    Both sides agreed to initiate measures to enhance cooperation in Defence Industry and Technology domain and look forward to greater synergy in effectively deepening bilateral cooperative engagements across the spectrum. They discussed cooperation in multilateral forums and noted complementarities in their approaches to the Indo-Pacific region and decided to hold regular consultations on issues of mutual interest. The interest and enthusiasm towards strengthening the bilateral relations across sectors were appreciated.

  • Superannuation of Vice Admiral SN Ghormade, Vice Chief of Naval Staff

    Superannuation of Vice Admiral SN Ghormade, Vice Chief of Naval Staff

    New Delhi. On 31st March 2023, Vice Admiral SN Ghormade, Vice Chief of Naval Staff superannuated after more than 39 years of illustrious service. During his tenure as VCNS, he significantly contributed towards creation and sustenance of combat ready, credible, cohesive and future proof Navy through focused impetus on integrated planning, innovation, indigenization, adopting emerging technologies in capital acquisition, infrastructure development alongwith the optimisation of allocated fiscal resources.

    He also worked on roadmap for Theatrisation of Armed Forces with emphasis on Tri-service synergy, jointmantship and integrated planning.

    The Navy has been in the forefront of AatmaNirbharta and the Flag Officer has given impetus to the AatmaNirbhar initiatives with dedicated efforts to encourage Indian industry along with DRDO. Sustained impetus on indigenisation has resulted in continuous increase in indigenous content in the Naval ships. Indian Navy has also effectively utilised ‘Make’ and ‘iDEX’ route to achieve the objective of self-reliance by involving greater participation of Indian industrial eco-system including Private Sector. Under his supervision, Indian Navy laid the foundation for the induction of more than 75 game changer technologies/ products through SPRINT challenges that were launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister during Swavlamban Seminar; to be inducted by 15 Aug 23.

    During his tenure Navy has ploughed back more than 2/3rd of capital budget towards Indian economy by processing from indigenous sources, 41 out of 43 ships and submarines for Indian Navy are being constructed in Indian Shipyards. Many other schemes of innovation, indigenisation, technological advancements, capability enhancements and research and development projects with DRDO, DPSU and industries were progressed alongwith various infrastructure Projects thus contributing towards combat efficiency during his illustrious tenure. His tenure also saw allocation of highest budget approvals with highest AoNs, Conclusion of Shipbuilding contracts, SPRINT and IDEX projects, impetus to Indigenisation schemes, highest expenditure in Capital Works, push to infrastructure projects.

    Under his supervision, the First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant was commissioned on 02 Sep 2022 in the presence of Hon’ble Prime Minister and historical milestone of the maiden landing of LCA (Navy) on the flight deck of INS Vikrant at sea completed on 06 Mar 23. This has amply demonstrated India’s capability to design, develop, construct and operate an Indigenous Aircraft Carrier, with an Indigenous Fighter Aircraft.