News
Iraqi military claims key victory in Ramadi, says ISIL is in retreat –
Iraqi security forces Dec. 27 claimed control of a key government facility in central Ramadi, wresting more territory in the disputed city from Islamic State fighters after several days of fierce fighting.
Business
U.S. foreign arms deals increased nearly $10 billion in 2014 –
Foreign arms sales by the United States jumped by almost $10 billion in 2014, about 35 percent, even as the global weapons market remained flat and competition among suppliers increased, a new congressional study has found.
France awards 17-year satellites contract –
France awarded a 17-year contract for production and support of two new-generation military communications satellites Dec. 22, reported to be worth €3.8 billion, the procurement office said Dec. 23.
Northrop Grumman gets $93 million for Tern UAV –
Northrop Grumman has been awarded external link a $93 million military contract for the Tactically Exploited Reconnaissance Node (Tern) Phase III program.
Army releases RFP for DCGS-A Increment 2 –
The Army put its request for proposals for the next version of its intelligence analysis framework out on the street Dec. 23, marking an important step for a long-under-fire program.
Reliance Defence, Russia’s Almaz-Antey partner on air defense systems for India –
In a major boost to India’s “Make in India” drive, private-sector defense major Reliance Defence signed a manufacturing and maintenance deal with Russia’s Almaz-Antey Dec. 24 in Moscow to jointly develop and maintain a variety of air defense and radar systems for the Indian defense forces.
Aerospace deals come down to wire –
The aerospace and defense industry is one of the few sectors to consistently throw up end-of-year surprises as companies look to meet or exceed prior commitments, and 2015 is no exception.
Eight win massive DISA GNS telecom contract –
DISA has awarded its massive Global Network Services telecommunications contract to eight companies.
BAE earns test-range radar deal –
BAE has been awarded a $278.5 million contract to provide radar for test ranges.
Navy orders decoys for F-18s –
BAE has been awarded a $20.9 million Navy contract for electronic warfare decoys for F-18s.
Air Force awards UAV maintenance contracts –
The Air Force has awarded two Predator and Reaper maintenance contracts.
Lockheed to develop non-GPS seeker –
Lockheed Martin has been awarded an $8.2 million Air Force contract to develop a seeker that functions when GPS isn’t available.
DCNS offers SUBTICS combat system for Indonesian submarine overhaul –
French shipbuilder DCNS is offering a submarine combat management system developed by its wholly owned subsidiary Underwater Defense Systems for the Indonesian Navy’s lead Cakra (Type 209/1300)-class diesel-electric submarine.
Defense
Key DOD nominations still awaiting Senate votes –
Despite a last-minute flurry of confirmations by the Senate last week, several high-profile Pentagon hopefuls who didn’t get votes before session’s end were left wondering when their nominations may move forward.
Missions around globe will keep U.S. soldiers busy in 2016 –
Soldiers will continue to be busy across the globe in 2016 as the Army supports operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Europe, the Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.
Aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman prints spare, unique parts at sea with 3-D printer –
The miniature fabrication labs have been placed on two ships: the aircraft carrier Truman and the amphibious assault ship Kearsarge. Both Norfolk-based ships are deployed to the Middle East in the fight against the Islamic State.
11 new ships set to join fleet in 2016 –
The fleet is set to grow in 2016, commissioning 11 new hulls and decommissioning just three — all Los Angeles-class attack boats.
Veterans
Europeans join U.S. in search for remains of missing American soldiers –
On a recent late autumn morning, an international group of volunteers dressed in orange jumpsuits fanned out across a small section of the Bannholz Woods looking for the remains of two Americans missing in action since World War II.