Japan Defense News
- April 2023: Japan's Defense Ministry signed a contract worth USD 3 billion with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. to develop and mass-produce long-range missiles for deployment by 2026. The contracts include advanced versions of Mitsubishi's Type 12 missiles for surface, sea, and air launches, as well as a hypersonic ballistic missile for the defense of remote islands.
- May 2023: Japan and the UAE signed an agreement on defense equipment and technology transfers in a move that enables joint research, development, and production. The agreement comes as Japan started works on a next-generation fighter aircraft with the UK and Italy, which is likely to be marketed in these three countries and as well other countries, including Middle Eastern countries.
- October 2022: The US approved the sale of 32 Standard Missile 6 Block I missiles and MK 21 vertical launch systems to Japan. The value of the contract was USD 450 million. Under the proposed sale, RTX Corporation will provide training equipment, spares, engineering services, and logistics support services.
Related Defense Industry News
March 2024: Collins Elbit Vision Systems (CEVS), a joint venture between Elbit Systems of America and Collins Aerospace, delivered the 3,000th F-35 Gen III Helmet Mounted Display Systems (HMDS) to the Joint Strike Fighter.
November 2023: The UK Ministry of Defense awarded a contract to HENSOLDT AG in collaboration with BAE Systems plc. Under the contract, HENSOLDT South Africa will provide cutting-edge optic sensors for the Striker II helmet and spearhead the development of its intelligent tracking system.
February 2024: South Korea is set to mass-produce a new 155 mm ammunition variant tailored for its self-propelled artillery unit, the K9. In 2023, South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) ordered 2,000 155-mm projectiles designed for an extended flight range, with delivery slated by the close of 2024. Additionally, DAPA is finalizing another agreement with Poongsan to procure further ammunition, which is scheduled for production in 2025.
January 2023: The Australian government unveiled plans to bolster the nation's defense prowess by acquiring cutting-edge weapon systems. The government signed contracts worth USD 675.80 million, entrusting CEA and Kongsberg Gruppen ASA to supply these advanced systems. Specifically, CEA is set to provide the Army with High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), while Kongsberg will equip the Royal Australian Navy with naval strike missiles.
April 2024: Elbit Systems Ltd secured a two-year contract worth USD 50 million for its latest air defense system, Red Sky. Red Sky is a tactical, very short-range air defense (VSHORAD) system tailored to counter low-altitude aerial threats. Under the agreement, Elbit Systems will deliver two Red Sky batteries, providing a holistic defense approach that combines soft-kill and hard-kill capabilities.
January 2024: The Ukrainian armed forces reported successfully deploying their FrankenSAM air defense systems. This deployment was a strategic response to counter offensive attacks from Russia. Notably, the newly deployed mechanism demonstrated its effectiveness by successfully neutralizing a Shahed kamikaze drone launched by Russia at five miles. This successful interception highlighted the capabilities and efficiency of the Ukrainian air defense systems in the face of emerging threats.
May 2024: Lockheed Martin Australia received a contract from the Australian Defense to propel the Joint Air Battle Management System, a key component of Project AIR6500. Valued at approximately USD 500 million, this contract was a pivotal step in the Federal Government's efforts to bolster the ADF's integrated air and missile defense capabilities, aligning with the directives outlined in the National Defense Strategy and Integrated Investment Program.
July 2023: The Australian government unveiled plans for the Land 200 Phase 3 initiative. This initiative is set to usher in a cutting-edge battlefield command system for the country's ground forces. Additionally, the project will equip the Australian Army with advanced battle management systems (BMS) and a seamlessly integrated tactical communications network.
May 2023: FNSS Defence Systems, a Turkish company, secured a contract to enhance the capabilities of Turkey's ACV-15 advanced armored personnel carriers (AAPCs) for the Turkish Army. The deal, aimed at extending the vehicles' service life by two decades, focuses on boosting their performance. FNSS planned to equip the AAPCs with cutting-edge subsystems, enhancing their versatility for various missions and bolstering their ability to counter advanced battlefield threats.
April 2023: The German Army awarded Rheinmetall AG and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) a contract to upgrade 143 Puma infantry fighting vehicles. The companies committed to enhancing these vehicles' firepower and command and control capabilities, with a target completion set for 2029.
March 2024: Shooter Detection Systems (SDS) is gearing up to unveil its state-of-the-art "Active Shooter Intelligence" at ISC West in Las Vegas. To promote safer environments and combat gun violence, SDS joined forces with Alarm.com. Their joint mission is to democratize advanced gunshot detection technology, making it accessible to organizations of all sizes. In a recent partnership milestone, SDS's Indoor Gunshot Detection sensors seamlessly integrated with Alarm.com's commercial platform. This integration enhanced the sensors' efficacy and introduced a holistic cloud-based solution. This solution encompasses gunshot detection, video surveillance, access control, real-time alerts, and remote monitoring.
January 2023: Shooter Detection Systems, based in Massachusetts, collaborated with the Department of Homeland Security to introduce the SDS Outdoor, a portable gunshot detection system. According to the department, the system provides immediate critical data on outdoor shooting incidents, equipping first responders with timely and accurate information.
March 2022: Syracuse University activated an advanced gunshot detection system on its north wall. This system identifies and locates gunfire and promptly alerts the Syracuse Police Department, enhancing response times. The system's USD 171,000 expansion was funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) pandemic relief funds.
- September 2023: ST Engineering and Edge Group inked a collaboration pact focusing on sharing solutions, services, and capabilities. The partnership zeroes in on key areas like small caliber ammunition, future soldier systems, unmanned technologies, and training and simulation.
- March 2023: PT Pindad rolled out the AM1, a fresh variant in assault rifles. Teaming up with South Korea's EOS-T, a leading optical sight company, PT Pindad crafted the AM1, boasting a NATO-standard caliber of 5.56 mm x 45 mm. The AM1 features a telescopic buttstock tube, allowing users to customize the stock's length.
October 2023: Brazil initiated the refurbishment of its M109A3 self-propelled howitzers as part of the 'Field Artillery System' (SPrg SAC) subprogram. The goal is to enhance operability and prolong the M109A3's life cycle by replacing key structural components and equipment.
January 2022: Elbit Systems' Brazilian subsidiary, AEL Sistemas SA, secured a contract from the Brazilian Air Force for an additional Hermes 900 UAV. The agreement spanned 16 months, during which AEL was expected to deliver the UAVs and accompanying spare parts. Over the last decade, the Brazilian Air Force utilized a combination of Elbit Systems' Hermes 900 and Hermes 450 UAVs for various missions. The newly contracted Hermes 900 was projected to feature Elbit Systems' DCompass and Skeye electro-optical payloads, a frontal panoramic thermal camera, and a directional antenna tailored for line-of-sight datalink control.
January 2024: Germany allocated USD 1.33 billion for prototyping an air defense system, with the Boxer IFV serving as its base, focusing on close-range protection. The system's key elements encompass a command post, fire control tanks, radar units, and anti-aircraft missile tanks.
November 2023: The defense sectors of the United Kingdom and Poland inked a significant agreement valued at over GBP 4 billion (USD 4.33 billion). This deal paved the way for the next phase of Poland's air defense initiative. In a collaborative effort, MBDA (UK) and PGZ (Poland) are set to bolster Poland's ground-based air defense capabilities, enabling them to counter airborne threats effectively. The plan outlines the production of more than 1,000 Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles – Extended Range (CAMM-ER) and over 100 iLaunchers.
May 2024: The Mauritius Government selected Thales' cutting-edge identity solution, cementing a decade-long partnership to propel the nation's digital transformation. Thales' solution streamlines citizens' enrollment and ensures a seamless issuance of physical and digital identities.
May 2024: Bahrain's Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) inked a deal with THALES to modernize Bahrain's ID card infrastructure. The collaboration focuses explicitly on enhancing the cards' biometric features, showcasing a shared dedication to bolster Bahrain's digital landscape.
