Lucy Powell

2 days ago | shephardmedia.com | Lucy Powell

The US Air Force (USAF) is considering a variety of sensor and electronic warfare suite upgrades on the E-7A aircraft a recent Request for Information (RFI) notice from the US Government has disclosed. The USAF is set to replace its ageing Boeing E-3 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft with the company’s E-7A aircraft, reaching a deal in July 2024. The deal, officially signed in August 2024, announced the acquisition of two E-7A aircraft for US$2.6 billion.

2 days ago | shephardmedia.com | Lucy Powell

The Italian Ministry of Defence has acquired Jump-20 uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) from AeroVironment, via a contract worth US$46.6 million, the company has announced. The five-year contract covers the procurement of the UAVs, alongside the engineering services, initial sustainment and technical support required to use them effectively. The Jump-20 fleet will be used to replace the Italian Armed Forces' AAI RQ-7 Shadow UAS fleet for tactical ISR missions, according to AeroVironment.

1 week ago | shephardmedia.com | Lucy Powell

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) organisation has unveiled a first look at the plan to replace its Watchkeeper Mk1 UAS with a new system, since the latter’s retirement from service was announced in November 2024.

1 week ago | shephardmedia.com | Lucy Powell

The US has approved a possible US$825 million sale of up to 600 FIM-92K Stinger Block I missiles to Morocco. The missiles will also be accompanied by technical, logistics and programme support, according to the US State Department. The FIM-92 Stinger is a passive-guided MANPADS, first developed to meet the requirements of the US Army to defend against low-flying threats.

1 week ago | shephardmedia.com | Lucy Powell

Hanwha Aerospace has signed a joint venture with Poland defence company WB Group to manufacture CGR80 guided missiles for the K239 Chunmoo, known locally as the Homar-K, multiple rocket launch system. Hanwha Aerospace will have a 51% majority stake in the new venture, while WB Electronics, a WB Group subsidiary, will have the remaining 49%. The joint venture will produce 80km-range missiles, which are intended for use in the Homar-K.