The defence industry briefing
The news, views and numbers you need to know about this month
News in numbers
$13bn
US Air Force estimate for the cost of setting up the US Space Force
$5bn
Value of the deal between India and Russia for the S-400 air defence system
$8.2bn
Budget for the Swiss 'Air 2030' plan to upgrade air defences
$9.2bn
Value of Boeing's contract for the T-X training aircraft for the US Air Force
$9bn
Value of US Navy contract for ten Arleigh Burke-class destroyers awarded to General Dynamics
$89.2m
New, lower price per unit for the F-35A in low-rate initial production lot 11, down 5.4% from the lot 10 cost
$2.5bn
Budget set aside for aircraft procurement in the US FY19 defense appropriations bill
Quotes from the industry
"NATO Allies stand in solidarity with the decision by the Dutch and British governments to call out Russia on its blatant attempts to undermine international law and institutions. Russia must stop its reckless pattern of behaviour, including the use of force against its neighbours, attempted interference in election processes, and widespread disinformation campaigns."
Statement by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on a Russian cyber operation targeting the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in The Hague
"All facets of the manufacturing and defense industrial base are currently under threat.”
Finding of a White House report on the state of the US military-industrial base
“Our objectives following [the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks] were to destroy al-Qaida, kill Osama bin Laden, and prevent a recurrence of an ungoverned space in Afghanistan that allowed for terrorists to plot and plan attacks on Americans and our allies. We accomplished all of those objectives years ago.”
US Representative and Marine Coprs veteran Ruben Gallego argues for an end to the conflict in Afghanistan
"We will bring every tool to bear against them in every corner of cyberspace.”
Howard Marshall of the FBI’s cyber division on a joint US and UK response to alleged Russian cyber attacks.
Around the world
The US Army has launched the design competition for its Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft. The request for submissions follows a draft solicitation released in June outlining plans two have two different helicopter prototypes by 2023. Potential contenders planning to submit their designs include Sikorsky and Bell.
Source: DefenseNews
The UK military is increasing its presence in the Arctic to counter Russian threats in the region. Royal Marines will join Norway’s Arctic training programme. The Royal Air Force will patrol over Iceland with Typhoons and the P-8 Poseidon will be deployed in the region from 2020 to monitor submarine threats.
Source: Bloomberg
The US National Nuclear Security Administration has completed the final design review of the B61-12 life extension programme. The nuclear gravity bomb is intended to replace the military's existing stock of B61 bombs starting in 2020. Aircraft cleared for its use include the F/A-18, F-15E, F16, B-2 and B52, and the British, German and Italian Tornado aircraft among others.
Source: US Department of Energy
The US is expected to announce in the coming days that it will offer cyber defence capabilities to NATO allies if required, a senior Pentagon official has said. The move comes in response to growing concerns about Russia’s cyber operations.
Making the announcement, Katie Wheelbarger, the principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs, said the move would make clear that NATO is capable of countering Russian cyber efforts and would help in creating a more coherent cyber policy across the alliance.
Source: Atlantic Council
NATO members including European nations and Canada have pushed back against accusations from US President Trump that they don't spend enough on defence. Sharing the burden of defence costs is expected to be a key topic at the NATO summit this week.
Source: Bloomberg
The US Marine Corps F-35B has flown its first combat mission over Afghanistan. The strikes were carried out by F-35Bs assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit against a fixed target “in support of ground clearance operations,” and were deemed a success by the ground force commander, according to a statement put out by US Naval Forces Central Command.
Source: Military Times
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