The Defence industry briefing
The month in defence in news, views and numbers
In numbers
3,000
Number of troops the US will send to Europe
89
Bradley fighting vehicles bought by Croatia
$12.4bn
Textron’s 2021 reported revenues
120
Passengers the upgraded C-130J Hercules aircraft can carry
2029
Delivery year of the Italian Navy’s second U212NFS submarine
From our sites
Indra to equip Spanish Army’s CH47F helicopter with EW systems
Indra has been awarded a contract to equip the Spanish Army’s Chinook CH47F helicopter with next-generation electronic warfare (EW) systems. The capability will enhance the survivability of the Spanish Army's Chinooks in conflict zones. The €35m contract was signed with the Spanish Ministry of Defence.
Read more at Army Technology
BAE Systems Australia to support RAAF’s F-35A Lightning II operations
BAE Systems Australia has signed a contract to support the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) F-35A Lightning II operations. Signed with the Australian Department of Defence, the five-year F-35A air vehicle support services contract is valued at over $57.5m (A$80m). The contract includes the provision of critical supplementation for the maintenance and logistics crew.
Read more on Air Force Technology
Indian Navy decommissions first IL 38 Aircraft
The Indian Navy has decommissioned its first IL 38SD aircraft, IN 301, after the completion of 44 years of service. The aircraft was inducted in 1977. In a press statement, the Indian Navy said that the aircraft functioned as “a formidable air asset throughout its service life”.
Read more on Naval Technology
In quotes
// Credit:Twitter
I was very pleased to welcome my UK colleague Ben Wallace MP. We mainly discussed the situation in Ukraine.
“Dialogue and de-escalation should remain at the core of our efforts to defuse the situation. At the same time, as NATO allies, we must be prepared for all scenarios.
Netherlands Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren on meeting with UK Minister of Defence Ben Wallace
// Credit: Twitter
Credit: U.S. Air Force
In Eastern Europe, the security situation is worrying. France stands alongside Romania: as the President of the Republic of France indicated, we are ready to strengthen our presence in Romania within the framework of NATO missions.
French Minister for the Armed Forces Florence Parly on the rising tensions on the Russian-Ukrainian border.
On TWitter
In Pictures
Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35s and Royal Air Force Typhoons intercepted Russian A-50 Mainstay flying along the north coast of Norway. Credit: NATO Air Command via Twitter.
French service members during exercise Winter Camp in Estonia. Credit: HQ Multinational Corps Northeast via Twitter
US Navy officers conduct a maritime patrol alongside USS Harry S. Truman. Credit: US Department of Defense via Twitter
A US Army UH-60 Black Hawk of the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, Wings of Victory, flies over the Black Sea for maritime operations crew certification flights off the coast of Bulgaria on May 5, 2021, during Exercise Swift Response 21, part of DEFENDER-Europe 21. Credit: US Army
The British Army has sent almost 2,000 troops to Liverpool to help with the mass testing of residents for Covid-19. Image: Crown Copyright / MOD