Stephen Kuper

1 week ago | defenceconnect.com.au | Stephen Kuper

Global defence and services company Serco has announced it will continue its long-standing partnership with the United States Navy, having secured a five-year contract extension to support its amphibious warfare ships and systems. The contract is valued at approximately AU$167 million. Under the renewed agreement, Serco will continue delivering a comprehensive suite of professional and technical services.

1 week ago | defenceconnect.com.au | Stephen Kuper

In a landmark virtual demonstration held during Exercise Balikatan 2025, Lockheed Martin and the United States Army have showcased a cutting-edge integration of battlefield technologies, enabling a simulated HIMARS rocket to be retargeted midflight to strike a moving surface target. This marks the first time such a capability has been tested within the US Indo-Pacific Command’s area of responsibility.

1 week ago | defenceconnect.com.au | Stephen Kuper

The AUKUS nuclear submarine program is facing a major threat, not from geopolitical rivals but from a critical shortage of skilled welders in both Australia and the United States, a leading industry body has warned. In a blunt warning issued today, Weld Australia has declared that without urgent action to address the skills crisis, the multibillion-dollar trilateral defence initiative could collapse before a single submarine is delivered.

1 week ago | defenceconnect.com.au | Stephen Kuper

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control has announced a new contract with the US government for the production of Generation 4 Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor systems for the Polish Air Force’s newly acquired AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. The deal forms part of a foreign military sales (FMS) agreement and marks the first time the Common Sensor Electronic Unit (CSEU) and Generation 2 Turret will be included as baseline components for Apache sensors.

1 week ago | defenceconnect.com.au | Stephen Kuper

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc has announced a partnership with Swedish defence firm Saab to develop an airborne early warning and control capability for its MQ-9B series of remotely piloted aircraft. The collaboration promises a cost-effective and persistent solution to emerging air threats and marks a major step forward for uncrewed airborne surveillance, with flight testing scheduled for 2026.