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Red Sea drone attacks prompt U.S. Navy C-UAS scramble

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The U.S. Navy has issued an Area of Interest (AOI) seeking proposals for a new counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) solution called Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems – NEXT (Counter NEXT). This initiative comes amid growing concerns about drone attacks targeting naval vessels and commercial shipping in strategic maritime regions, particularly the Red Sea.

240321-N-BT677-1002 RED SEA (March 21, 2024) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) conducts a pre-action calibration practice fire of its 5-inch gun in the Red Sea, March 21. Gravely is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the Middle East. (Official U.S. Navy photo)

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Lockheed Martin delivers 2,700th C-130 Hercules

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Lockheed Martin has achieved a significant milestone in tactical airlift with the delivery of the 2,700th C-130 Hercules aircraft. This landmark aircraft, a KC-130J Super Hercules tanker variant, joins the U.S. Marine Corps Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252) stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Notably, this delivery coincides with the C-130’s 70th anniversary of first flight this year, further highlighting the enduring legacy of this versatile military transport aircraft.

A KC-130J Super Hercules flies over Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 2, 2021. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252) trained in an unfamiliar environment in order to increase proficiency in critical mission skills such as aerial refueling, complex maneuvers, and logistical support. VMGR-252 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, which is the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Servante R. Coba)

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Australian company in bidding war with China’s Norinco for missile manufacturer Avibras

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A new report from Sky News highlights a developing situation regarding the potential acquisition of a major South American missile manufacturer, Avibras, by an Australian company. The report details a race between Australian firm DefendTex and Chinese state-owned defense giant Norinco to secure ownership of the financially troubled Brazilian company.

MTC-300
Avibras, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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GAO questions U.S. Air Force justification for F-22 Block 20 divestment plan

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The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released a report criticizing the Air Force’s plan to divest 32 Block 20 F-22 Raptor aircraft. The GAO cites a lack of sufficient data and analysis to support the decision.

A Hawaii Air National Guard F-22 Raptor pulls away from a KC-135 Stratotanker after receiving fuel April 21, 2021, near Oahu, Hawaii. The fifth-generation aircraft, operated by Airmen from the 199th and 19th Fighter Squadrons, integrated with a Royal Australian Air Force command-and-control aircraft during exercise Pacific Edge 21. The exercise was held to enhance air-combat proficiencies through the integration of allied units and further the interoperability between the two countries’ aircraft. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. John Linzmeier)

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