The Raytheon Company has received a modernization upgrade contract from the United States Army for their Patriot Integrated Air and Missile Defense system radars, worth a maximum of $86.2 million. Read more >>

On Wednesday February 4th, 2015 at the Navy’s Future Force Science and Technology Expo, the next generation in weapon systems was on display. Science fiction is becoming reality with General Atomics’ new Electromagnetic Railgun. Although it is still quite large, the gun has finally been engineered to a size that can be mounted onto a Navy vessel. Development of the EM Railgun began in 2005 when the goal was just to demonstrate proof-of-concept by achieving 32 mega-joule muzzle energy. Phase II of the program began in 2012 and focused efforts on demonstrating repeated fire capability by developing thermal management techniques for sustained firing. Read more >>

Diehl Defence, a German arms manufacturer founded in 2004 in Uberlingen by the merger of Bodenseewerke Geratetechnik and Diehl Munitionssysteme, has conducted trials of their newly developed infrared imaging system-tail/thrust vector controlled surface-launched missile system, or IRIS-T SL. The company already manufactures an air-to-air guided missile version (the IRIS-T), but the new surface-based missiles have been upgraded with an enhanced rocket motor, new aerodynamic designs for extended range, and advanced software (data link and autonomous navigation systems). Read more >>

The American industrial company Oshkosh Corporation was recently awarded a base contract plus options for work on current vehicles. With a value of over USD$77 million, the contract calls for Oshkosh to reset 800 Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) All-Terrain Vehicles (M-ATVs). Awarded by the United States Army, this programs looks to standardize the entire M-ATV fleet configuration. In addition, the contract will guarantee that the MRAP platform is 100% mission ready, even after years of operation in theater. Read more >>

On February 4th, 2015, the American shipbuilding company Huntington Ingalls Industries was awarded a new contract by the United States Navy. Valued at USD$224 million, the contract is a modification to a currently existing contract regarding advanced planning for the USS George Washington’s refueling and complex overhaul. The modification contract adds additional funds to continue work for refueling and complex overhaul, allowing Huntington Ingalls Industries to move beyond defueling and strategize all work that will be required for refueling and complex overhaul. In addition, the funds calls for Huntington Ingalls Industries to procure the necessary materials such as pumps, breakers, valves, and steel for structural unit support fabrication. Four Nimitz-class ships have already been completed which a fifth ship, the USS Abraham Lincoln, being 60 percent complete. Delivery is expected to be completed at the end of 2016. Read more >>