NASHUA, N.H. — BAE Systems Inc. is providing Lockheed Martin with additional electronic warfare (EW) systems, retrofit kits, and spares for the F-35 Lightning II aircraft, BAE said in a June 28 release. The contract builds on BAE Systems’ on-time delivery of more than 800 state-of-the-art AN/ASQ-239 electronic warfare/countermeasure systems to date, providing F-35 jets with critical situational awareness and survivability capabilities. 

“We’ve delivered cutting-edge electronic warfare systems for every F-35 fighter,” said Deb Norton, vice president of F-35 Solutions at BAE Systems. “Our team is focused on manufacturing excellence and execution, providing agile, adaptable systems to outpace the current and future threat.” 

This Lot 16 award comes as BAE Systems delivers Lot 14 systems and executes material orders for Lot 15. The company is currently producing 18 shipsets a month as it ramps production to more than 20 shipsets a month in 2022 to match F-35 aircraft Low-Rate Initial Production. 

The AN/ASQ-239 EW system provides advanced offensive and defensive capabilities that enable the F-35 to engage complex and highly capable threats. The innovative system is designed for performance, manufacturability, sustainability, and future upgradability. 

BAE Systems is a leader in system affordability, having reduced the cost of the F-35 EW system by 77% since it was first produced and achieving all affordability targets since the inception of the program. The company is also among Lockheed Martin’s highest-rated suppliers for both quality and on-time delivery. 

BAE Systems also is a leader in EW – designing, manufacturing, and sustaining some of the most advanced systems in the world. The company is focused on agile engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment solutions to accelerate the transition of laboratory innovations to the field. The company’s expertise in performance-based logistics has yielded a 60% improvement in F-35 EW system availability. 

The AN/ASQ-239 system is manufactured at the BAE Systems state-of-the-art EW production facility in Nashua, N.H.  

MIAMI — Coast Guard Cutter Raymond Evans’ crew transferred 18 Haitian migrants to the Bahamas, June 26, following an interdiction, Thursday, approximately one mile east of Lake Worth Inlet, the Coast Guard 7th District said in a release.  

Palm Beach Sheriff officers reported to Sector Miami watchstanders, June 24, a 27-foot vessel was located boating without lights at night. They were stopped for safety concerns and it was discovered the vessel was overloaded with 18 Haitians and one Bahamian.  

The Bahamian national was brought ashore for further questioning by Homeland Security Investigations. 

Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations law enforcement officers took custody of the vessel.  

“The ventures are dangerous and can often lead to casualties,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jacob McMillian, Coast Guard Liaison officer, Bahamas. “Seas are unpredictable and when you’re traveling on a vessel that isn’t sea worthy, you should expect the unexpected.” 

The Coast Guard interdicted approximately 262 Haitian migrants in fiscal year 2021, which began Oct. 1, 2020, compared to 418 Haitian migrants in fiscal year 2020, and 932 in fiscal year 2019. These numbers represent the total number of at-sea interdictions, landings and disruptions in the Florida Straits, Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. 

Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, all migrants receive food, water, shelter and basic medical attention. Throughout the interdiction, Coast Guard crew members were equipped with personal protective equipment to minimize potential exposure to any possible case of COVID-19. 

GUILFORD, U.K. — The U.K. Royal Navy has awarded a 12-month contract extension to Airbus covering the continued provision of satellite-based maritime surveillance services for the Joint Maritime Security Centre (JMSC), the company said in a June 28 release. 
 
The contract follows the successful completion of a proof-of-concept phase and will ensure the continued monitoring of areas of interest in U.K. waters and ultimately protect U.K. sovereign borders from suspicious vessel activity. Using optical and radar imaging as well as Automatic Identification System data, Airbus will provide reports about vessels within the U.K. Exclusive Economic Zone, as well as information that will help in the prevention of potential illegal activities. 
 
JMSC, the U.K. government’s center of excellence for maritime security, required a series of services that would provide intelligence to augment their own surveillance activities. Under the agreement, JMSC will benefit from a large range of Airbus’ surveillance and analytics capabilities. 
 
The contract includes Vessel Detection Reports using SAR data analysis, either delivered in emergency mode for urgently required satellite tasking to monitor suspicious vessels of interest across the globe, or on a twice daily basis for general vessel identification as well as the classification of “dark” vessels in key areas of interest. In addition, the Defence Site Monitoring service, using automated algorithms applied to optical imagery for the detection, recognition and identification of vessels, will detail the evolution of port activity and raise alerts whenever abnormal activity occurs. 
 
The Airbus surveillance services will give JMSC a greater understanding of the various activities across U.K. waters, especially with a focus on potentially uncooperative vessels, helping to better address security challenges and allowing resources to be rapidly deployed to intercept.

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. — Northrop Grumman Corp. will install more life-saving Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure (LAIRCM) systems on U.S. and international fixed-wing and rotary wing aircraft under a $146 million order from the U.S. Air Force, the company said in a June 25 release. 

The award is part of an existing indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract to Northrop Grumman for LAIRCM upgrades, modifications and installations on a wide range of Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps aircraft, including the C-17, C-5, C-130J, P-8, CH-53K, KC-46 and platforms operated by international customers. 

“Northrop Grumman has been protecting U.S. Air Force platforms from missile threats for more than 25 years,” said Bob Gough, vice president, navigation, targeting and survivability at Northrop Grumman. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering advanced aircraft survivability systems that help ensure aircrews make it home safely.” 

Northrop Grumman’s family of countermeasure systems such as LAIRCM and the new Common Infrared Countermeasure system are installed on more than 1,500 aircraft of 85 different types, providing spherical protection by detecting, tracking and jamming incoming infrared threats. The most advanced aircraft survivability equipment available, it defeats threats by directing a high-intensity laser beam into the eye of the fast-moving missile’s infrared seeker. 

INDIAN HEAD, Md. — Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWC IHD) announced the signing of a Title 10, United States Code, section 2474, Public-Private Partnership (P3) with MBDA Inc., May 25, the division announced in a June 25 release. 

Under this 20-year agreement, NSWC IHD and MBDA Incorporated will jointly develop, qualify and manufacture propulsion systems and warheads for current and future warfighter needs. This partnership will focus on opportunities to increase the range, lethality, and safety of tactical weapon systems. Manufacturing activities will be performed in existing industrial plant complexes at the command and will help sustain key NSWC IHD energetics manufacturing capabilities while providing safe and effective energetic solutions to the warfighter.

“As the U.S. arm of MBDA, MBDA Incorporated looks forward to collaborating with NSWC IHD to develop and produce new technologies and products at NSWC IHD to provide our warfighters with new capabilities and effectiveness in response to their requirements,” said John Pranzatelli, president and CEO of MBDA Inc.

MBDA provides missiles and missile systems for each branch of the armed forces and operates in the United States through MBDA Inc. under a special security agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense.

“These types of agreements leverage existing capability, and the transfer of federally developed technology can also have a positive effect on the greater scientific research community, the commercial sector, the economy, consumers and the public,” said NSWC IHD Technical Director Ashley Johnson.

NSWC IHD received Center for Industrial and Technical Excellence designation in May 2014 for depot maintenance and military arsenal activities. This designation provides the legal authority for NSWC IHD to enter into P3 agreements for the developing, manufacturing, testing, maintenance, and storage of energetic materials and ordnance systems. To date, NSWC IHD has entered into six P3 agreements with private industry and is in partnership discussions with several companies.

JOHNSTOWN, PENN., June 25, 2021 – In collaboration with the U.S. Army, Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace and the Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) conducted a four-shot, multi-platform Javelin demonstration at the U.S. Army Redstone Test Center in Alabama on May 25, 2021. Three different vehicles were each equipped with different configurations of the Kongsberg Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station-Javelin (CROWS-J) and Protector RS6 Remote Weapon Station (RWS).

“Kongsberg has solidified its position as the remote weapon station of choice for Javelin deployment across a broad range of platforms. Our remote weapon stations are powerful force multipliers, especially given that we’re delivering a Multi-User Multi-Station [MUMS] capability to facilitate advanced target sharing and cooperative engagement,” said Jason Toepfer, director for Army Business Development (U.S.) at Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace. “Our continued investments in the architecture and platforms overall maximize the U.S. military’s current inventory, training and provisioning while providing groundbreaking advancements in capability.”

During the demonstration, three different Kongsberg remote weapon station configurations on three unique ground platforms fired Javelin, successfully engaging targets each time. Using QinetiQ North America’s Robotic Combat Vehicle-Light (RCV-L), Kongsberg executed a fully remote firing of Javelin using CROWS Tech Refresh control components. This was a first for the Army’s official RCV-L platform and demonstrated Tech Refresh’s backwards compatibility with legacy CROWS systems.

Another firing demonstrated Kongsberg’s capability to fire Javelin on a 4×4 platform from a previously qualified and fielded system within the inventory on an 8×8 platform – the same Kongsberg RWS that is currently fielded with Stryker brigades in Germany.

Finally, Kongsberg continued to showcase its Protector RS6 (30x113mm) platform by successfully firing javelin from a lightweight, Ground Mobility Vehicle. The RS6 RWS is the system selected by the U.S. Marine Corps for the Marine Air Defense Integrated System program. This Javelin firing is one of several conducted from this station and further demonstrates the inherent flexibility of the RS6 design, allowing users to address a broad range of threats and operational needs – C-UAS, SHORAD, ATGM, Maneuver Support, Manned/Unmanned Teaming – from a single system.

With more than 20,000 systems delivered worldwide and 14 years of CROWS experience, Kongsberg will continue to support Soldiers with new systems, capabilities and features meeting tomorrow’s requirements while maintaining, supporting and keeping up to date a wide range of CROWS variants and support equipment. All CROWS and RWS systems are produced in the Kongsberg Johnstown, Pennsylvania, facility. Continuing the execution of this contract secures more than 3,000 jobs, both directly and through the Kongsberg U.S. supply chain. With systems sold to 26 nations, Kongsberg is the world-leading provider of remote weapon stations.

ARLINGTON, Va. — Leonardo DRS Inc.’s Airborne & Intelligence Systems business division was awarded a contract from Cubic Mission and Performance Solutions (CMPS), a division of Cubic Corporation, to deliver additional P5 Combat Training Systems (P5CTS) for the F-35 Lightning II, Leonardo announced in a June 24 release.  

Under the contract Leonardo DRS will deliver two more production lots of its P5CTS internal subsystems for Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) system.  

“We are honored to provide our advanced and high-performing air combat training technologies to the U.S. military services and air forces of allied countries so their pilots can effectively train to achieve the highest levels of proficiency in air combat,” said Larry Ezell, vice president and general manager of the Leonardo DRS Airborne & Intelligence Systems business unit. 

Military services are increasingly moving toward multi-domain operations, and since 2013, Leonardo DRS has delivered more than 779 of its P5CTS internal subsystems for the F-35 to provide training to counter and keep ahead of growing global adversarial threats.  

The P5CTS internal subsystem is unlike traditional external training pods used on legacy 4th generation fighter aircraft. The internal subsystem supports 5th generation and 4th generation combat training operations.

“Leonardo DRS’ unmatched ability to integrate ACMI systems onto fighter aircraft, either externally in pods, or internally in the F-35 continues to provide the warfighter the information they need to maximize the value of their training for current and future combat,” said Ezell. “Through disciplined engineering and manufacturing processes, along with in-depth understanding of the conditions ACMI systems are required to perform under, we are able deliver the vital training systems to the F-35 for these production lots, as well as future F-35 requirements.”     

The air combat systems are being delivered to the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and international partner nations.   

These training systems are designed to address emerging needs for customers as global threats evolve. The P5CTS is part of the Leonardo DRS advanced sensor technology portfolio which has an extensive installed base across the U.S. military. 

ARLINGTON, Va. — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced Jan. 23 that the president has nominated Rear Adm. Daniel W. Dwyer for appointment to the rank of vice admiral and assignment as commander, 2nd Fleet/commander, Joint Forces Command Norfolk, Norfolk, Virginia.  

Dwyer is currently serving as director, Plans and Policy, J5, United States Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Maryland. If confirmed by the Senate, he would succeed Vice Adm. Andrew L. Lewis. 

Dwyer is a native of Alameda, California, and a 1988 graduate of the California Maritime Academy where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation and a third mate’s license in the Merchant Marine. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College, Newport Rhode Island, and holds a Master’s in Foreign Affairs and Strategic Studies, and a Master’s in Computer Information Science. 
 
Dwyer received his Wings of Gold in March 1992 with orders to fly the F/A-18C in Lemoore, California. 
 
He has previously commanded Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27; Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) Asadabad, Kunar Province, Afghanistan; VFA-106; Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8; and CVW 17. As a flag officer, Dwyer commanded the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (CSG 9) and was the 36th chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA). 
 
Other at sea and ashore assignments include two tours with VFA-151, Topgun Class 97-1; F/A-18 Tactics instructor at Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific Lemoore, California; Hornet air combat placement officer at Naval Personnel Command Millington, Tennessee; director, Regional Outreach Headquarters, Commander, International Security Assistance Force Kabul, Afghanistan; and director of Aviation Officer Distribution Naval Personnel Command Millington, Tennessee. 
 
As a flag officer Dwyer served as the chief of staff and assistant chief of staff for Strategy, Resources and Plans for Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and U.S. Naval Forces Africa and for Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet in Naples, Italy. 
 
Dwyer assumed his current duties as the Director of Plans and Policy (J5) for U.S. Cyber Command in July 2020. 

Dwyer was the 1997 Commander Strike Fighter Wing Pacific Adm. Wesley McDonald Junior Officer of the Year and his personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Air Medal Strike/Flight, Combat Action Ribbon, Battle E (three awards) and has accumulated over 3,600 F/A-18 flight hours, and over 1,100 carrier arrested landings on 12 different aircraft carriers. 

LONDON — The United Kingdom’s Carrier Strike Group has joined the fight against Daesh, also known as ISIS, with F-35B Lightning II jets carrying out their very first combat missions from HMS Queen Elizabeth, the U.K. Ministry of Defence said in a June 22 release. 

Lightning IIs of the renowned 617 Squadron RAF (The Dambusters) carried out operational sorties for the first time from HMS Queen Elizabeth in support of Operation Shader and U.S. Operation Inherent Resolve. 

“The ability to operate from the sea with the most advanced fighter jets ever created is a significant moment in our history, offering reassurance to our allies and demonstrating the U.K.’s formidable air power to our adversaries,” Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said. “The Carrier Strike Group is a physical embodiment of global Britain and a show of international military strength that will deter anyone who seeks to undermine global security.” 

For the task group, which has spent previous weeks in the Mediterranean working with NATO allies and partners, it marks a change of emphasis. From exercises and international engagements, the Carrier Strike Group is now delivering its full might of naval and air power, putting the “strike” into Carrier Strike Group and contributing to the U.K.’s fight against Daesh — Operation Shader, which forms part of the global coalition against Daesh. 

“HMS Queen Elizabeth’s first missions against Daesh will be remembered as a significant moment in the 50-year lifespan of this ship,” said Commodore Steve Moorhouse, commander, United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group. “It also marks a new phase of our current deployment. To date we have delivered diplomatic influence on behalf of the U.K. through a series of exercises and engagements with our partners. Now we are ready to deliver the hard punch of maritime-based air power against a shared enemy. 

“The involvement of HMS Queen Elizabeth and her Air Wing in this campaign also sends a wider message,” Moorhouse said. “It demonstrates the speed and agility with which a U.K.-led Carrier Strike Group can inject fifth-generation combat power into any operation, anywhere in the world, thereby offering the British government, and our allies, true military and political choice.” 

CSG21, led by HMS Queen Elizabeth, is the largest concentration of maritime and air power to leave the United Kingdom in a generation and this is its first operational deployment, which is joint between the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. 

“In an era of persistent competition, the carrier is already proving its worth. As the recent Integrated Review and Defence Command Paper underlined, our adversaries pose a growing threat to the international order and the values that underpin our security and prosperity,” the release said. 

There are 18 U.K. and U.S. F-35B jets on board HMS Queen Elizabeth, the largest number to ever sail the seas. The aircraft are next generation multi-role combat aircraft equipped with advanced sensors, mission systems and stealth technology. 

“The Lightning Force is once again in action against Daesh, this time flying from an aircraft carrier at sea, which marks the Royal Navy’s return to maritime strike operations for the first time since the Libya campaign a decade ago,” said Capt. James Blackmore, commander of the Carrier Air Wing. “With its fifth-generation capabilities, including outstanding situational awareness, the F-35B is the ideal aircraft to deliver precision strikes, which is exactly the kind of mission that 617 Squadron has been training for day after day, night after night, for these past few months. 

“This is also notable as the first combat mission flown by U.S. aircraft from a foreign carrier since HMS Victorious in the South Pacific in 1943,” Blackmore said. “The level of integration between Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps is truly seamless, and testament to how close we’ve become since we first embarked together last October.” 

KITTERY, Maine — The crew of the USCGC Tahoma (WMEC 908) returned to Kittery on Friday after a successful 79-day counter-narcotics and smuggling patrol in the Eastern Pacific, the Coast Guard Atlantic Area said in a June 21 release. 

The Tahoma’s crew interdicted two vessels, seizing 7,300 pounds of cocaine, worth a combined total of roughly $105 million, and detained eight suspected drug smugglers. 

The crew also coordinated operations with U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment deployed aboard the Canadian Kingston-class coastal defense vessel HMCS Saskatoon (MM 709). The collaboration supported the seizure of an additional 4,000 pounds of cocaine and the detention of four suspected smugglers. 

A flight crew and aviation detachment from the Coast Guard’s Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron deployed aboard the Tahoma for the patrol. Helicopter Interdiction Squadron crews are the Coast Guard’s airborne sharpshooters, specializing in disabling the engines of vessels that refuse to stop with precision rifle fire. 

The Tahoma’s crew participated in Operation Orion VI, an international naval campaign to combat drug trafficking. During the operation, Tahoma patrolled in coordinated areas with the Colombian coastal patrol vessel Arc Punta Ardita (CPV 147) and rendezvoused for a formation steaming exercise. 

“It’s been an extremely successful deployment for us – the crew demonstrated great resilience and perseverance with each challenge, and I am proud to serve with each and every one of them,” said Cmdr. Eric Johnson, commanding officer of Tahoma. 

Tahoma is a 270-foot cutter homeported in Kittery. The vessel and 100-person crew execute maritime law enforcement, homeland security, and search and rescue missions supporting U.S. Coast Guard operations throughout the Western Hemisphere.