Americas

Technology company Sigma Defense Systems has signed a $4.7 million task order to build a virtual reality intelligence training ecosystem for the US Army. Under the deal, the Georgia-based firm will build, demonstrate, and deploy a next-generation training platform for the army’s Operator Maintainer Immersive Virtual Reality Environment for Intelligence Training (OMNIVORE-IT) project. The resulting system will leverage augmented intelligence and spatial computing technologies to create a virtual training space for warfighters.

According to Jane’s. While underscoring effective US Navy (USN) surface-fleet operations in the Red Sea since October, Rear Admiral Fred Pyle, USN surface warfare director, acknowledged a need to not only replenish weapons stocks but also to find additional options to defend forces against low-end threats. Speaking on May 14 during a Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) event on Red Sea surface warfare operations, Rear Adm Pyle said, “Should we find a more cost-effective way of downing drones? Absolutely.”

Middle East & Defense

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) General Manager Temel Kotil has made bold claims about the country’s new KAAN fighter jet, including saying the fifth-generation aircraft is better than US-made F-35s. The statement was made following the aircraft’s much-anticipated second flight test earlier this month at a military base in Ankara. “This aircraft is better than the F-35,” Kotil told Turkiye Newspaper. “The F-35 carries six tons, [the KAAN] carries 10 tons of ammunition.”

Europe

The US State Department has approved the sale of 300 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Missiles and related equipment to Romania. Bucharest requested the short-range air-to-air missiles to increase the capabilities of its F-16 fleet, acquired from Norway in 2023. The Raytheon missile has an estimated range of over 10 miles (16 kilometers) and features thrust vectoring maneuverability and an advanced imaging infrared seeker. The estimated $340.8-million sale includes 40 AIM-9X block II tactical missile guidance units, 40 AIM-9X block II captive air training missiles, and 20 AIM-9X block II CATM guidance units.

Airbus has completed the purchase of US company Aerovel, which manufactures the Flexrotor unmanned aircraft system (UAS). The European company announced the milestone on May 7, saying it will strengthen its portfolio of tactical unmanned solutions. “We see more and more armed forces and parapublic agencies around the world looking to investigate how unmanned aerial systems can strengthen their intelligence and surveillance capabilities,” Airbus said.

Asia-Pacific

Australia will spend a record US $36.8 billion on defense during the next fiscal year, according to budget documents unveiled May 14. The figure equates to 2.02% of gross domestic product and represents a 6.3% increase from last year.

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