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SOFWERX – Gliding Offensive Lightweight Unmanned Munition (GOLUM)

Thursday, February 20th, 2025

The Gliding Offensive Lightweight Unmanned Munition (GOLUM) assessment event is now open for submissions.

Purpose

SOFWERX, in collaboration with US Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) and US Army Space and Missile Defense Command (USASMDC), will host an assessment event to advance efforts in developing and producing an advanced light-weight precision glide munition.

Background/Synopsis

USSOCOM is seeking industry submissions for a precision glide munition that is smaller than the GBU-69 and that can be delivered by light-weight uncrewed aircraft.

Objective

The government is interested in the development and eventual fielding of a low-cost, light-weight, precision, unpowered, air-launched glide munition to fill the gap for glide munitions smaller than the GBU-69 for use by U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF).

Submit NLT 10 March 2025 11:59 PM ET.

For more information, visit events.sofwerx.org/gliding-offensive-lightweight-unmanned-munition-golum

Posted in Munitions, SOF | 7 Comments »

United Operational Test Team Conducts First Dual, External GBU-54 Release

Thursday, February 6th, 2025

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) —

The United Operational Test Team conducted the first ever dual, external release of a GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition from an F-35.

The GBU-54 is a precision-guided bomb that uses laser energy to accurately strike static and moving surface targets, making it a valuable addition to the F-35’s air-to-surface munitions catalog. The integration and successful test of the LJDAM on the F-35 marks a key milestone in the continuing effort to fully integrate the LJDAM on all versions of the F-35.

The weapon delivery event was conducted using an F-35C from the Navy’s Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 9 Detachment at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

“The capability to carry LJDAMs externally will greatly increase the air-to-surface strike capability of the aircraft,” said Cmdr. Michael “Squintz” Procelli, aircraft pilot. “This WDE expands the Joint Strike Fighter’s flexibility when countering asymmetrical threats with more kinetic options.”

The test was also designed to stress the Stores Management System, the software responsible for managing the weapons loaded on the aircraft and to determine how it reacts to releasing multiple of these weapons in quick succession.

Two weapons were employed against a remote controlled High-Speed Moving Target. The bombs were guided to the target via the onboard laser housed inside the F-35’s Electro Optical Targeting System. This is the first sensor suite to combine forward looking infrared, infrared search and track and a combat laser, providing improved situational awareness over legacy sensor pods to deliver GPS and laser-guided munitions.

Consistent with the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center’s responsibility of testing system effectiveness in operationally relevant environments, the weapons were employed on the HSMT with the help of a joint tactical air controller, simulating a common scenario that can be expected on the battlefield.

Testing the safe separation and guidance of the weapon offers valuable insight into the usability of the F-35’s strike capability. The successful completion of this test demonstrates the F-35’s ability to accurately engage targets in a dynamic and challenging environment and highlights the advanced capabilities of the EOTS system.

By 2nd Lt Arthur Knust Graichen and 2nd Lt Jeffrey Brodhecker, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center Detachment 6

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Munitions | Comments Off on United Operational Test Team Conducts First Dual, External GBU-54 Release

GAO Denies Mistral’s Protest Against Purchases of AeroVironment Switcblade Loitering Munitions

Tuesday, December 17th, 2024

On September 6, 2024, Mistral filed a protest with U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) challenging the U.S. Army’s sole-source award of a $990 million contract for Switchblade systems.

Yesterday, GAO denied that protest allowing the Army to move forward with the August 27th contract award pursuant to a directed requirement to provide Infantry Battalions with “lethal, man-portable loitering munition systems.”

AeroVironment Inc., Simi Valley, California, was awarded a $990,000,000 hybrid (cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price) contract to provide an organic, stand-off capability to dismounted infantry formations capable of destroying tanks, light armored vehicles, hardened targets, defilade and personnel targets. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 26, 2029. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W91CRB-24-D-0011).

Posted in Contracts, Munitions | Comments Off on GAO Denies Mistral’s Protest Against Purchases of AeroVironment Switcblade Loitering Munitions

Kongsberg Awarded Contract to Deliver Naval Strike Missile to US Navy and Marine Corps Valued up to NOK 12 billion

Thursday, November 14th, 2024

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) has signed a multi-year procurement contract with the US Navy for the delivery of Naval Strike Missile (NSM) missiles to the Navy and Fleet Marine Force over a five-year period. The fixed price contract awarded today is valued at NOK 10 billion. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to about NOK 12 billion.

“This contract is the largest missile contract in Kongsberg’s history and an important milestone for us. We are pleased the United States has selected Kongsberg as an industry partner and look forward to continued cooperation to support US defence capabilities and create value for important stakeholders in Norway and the US,” said Geir Håøy, President and CEO of Kongsberg.

NSM is the centerpiece of the Navy’s Over-the-Horizon Weapons System (OTH-WS) Program, and is being installed on Littoral Combat Ships and CONSTELLATION-class Frigates. Kongsberg is also delivering NSM to the US Marine Corps as a key component of its NMESIS (Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System) Program.

“This contract is an example of the strong demand we see for our strike missiles across NATO and allied nations, which is why we this year have opened a new missile factory in Norway and announced two facilities in Australia and the US. The multi-year procurement contract vehicle provides Kongsberg and all our sub-suppliers stability into the entire supply chain and workforce,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

Kongsberg recently announced the building of a new missile factory in James City County, Virgina, in response to increasing demand for JSM and NSM.

About Naval Strike Missile

The NSM is an anti-ship missile with superior operational performance and high survivability against all enemy defense systems. The missile was developed by Kongsberg and first deployed in 2012 by the Norwegian Navy.

NSM is the main weapon for the Norwegian Navy’s frigates and coastal corvettes, and has been selected by the US Navy, US Marine Corps, Poland, Romania, Canada, Germany, Australia, Malaysia, Spain, UK, The Netherlands, Belgium, and Latvia.

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, a subsidiary of Kongsberg, is Norway’s premier supplier of defence and aerospace-related systems and solutions. The company’s portfolio comprises products and systems for command and control, information, data handling and surveillance, communications solutions, space technology, missiles and remotely controlled systems. Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace also has extensive capabilities within advanced composite and metal manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul within the aircraft and helicopter market. Follow us on: kongsberg.com/kda

Posted in Contracts, Munitions, Navy, Press Release, USMC | Comments Off on Kongsberg Awarded Contract to Deliver Naval Strike Missile to US Navy and Marine Corps Valued up to NOK 12 billion

UVisionUSA Unveils Autonomous Multi-Launch Loitering Munition System at AUSA 2024

Friday, October 11th, 2024

AUSA, Washington, October 14-16 2024, Hall C booth #4047

October 10, 2014, UVisionUSA, a global pioneer in loitering munition systems, unveils its latest innovation: the autonomous multi-launch system. This cutting-edge solution marks a significant evolution from single munition operations to an advanced multi loitering munitions system capable of launching and managing multiple HERO 120 munitions simultaneously, coupled with advanced mission planning capabilities.

The newly introduced system offers unprecedented operational flexibility to armed forces, allowing for autonomous mission management from target engagement to neutralization. It integrates seamlessly with various intelligence-gathering platforms, including tactical UAS, drones, and command and control systems. The system’s real-time AI-driven automatic target recognition and mission management capabilities ensure rapid and accurate responses to both pre-identified and time-sensitive targets. Operators can deploy multiple loitering munitions per operator, with the system continuously processing intelligence from multiple sources.

Designed for saturated area dominance, the system can launch munitions in waves, overwhelming enemy defence and providing operators with full mission control and the ability to abort missions’ mid-flight if necessary.

The containerized design of the HERO-120 system ensures quick deployment across various platforms without the need for mechanical or electrical modifications. Its unparalleled mobility and flexibility make it easily integrable with existing and third-party command and control structures on trucks, naval vessels, and other mobile platforms.

Dr. Ran Gozali, Chairman of the Board of Directors, UVision USA and CEO of UVision Air, states: “Our new holistic battlefield solution revolutionizes mission planning and execution. With the ability to manage multiple loitering munitions and autonomously decide the engagement of multiple targets, operators can concentrate on strategic decisions, enhanced lethality and fire-power efficiency while operating from stand-off position.”

Posted in AUSA, Munitions, Press Release | Comments Off on UVisionUSA Unveils Autonomous Multi-Launch Loitering Munition System at AUSA 2024

Australia’s Albanese Government Invests in Domestic Rocket Motor Program

Wednesday, September 18th, 2024

The Albanese Government is investing in a sovereign rocket motor program to help keep Australians safe, and generate well-paid, high-skilled jobs.

The Government is seeking options from industry to establish a manufacturing complex that will enable production of rocket motors for some of the world’s most advanced missiles in Australia.

This is backed by an initial investment of $22 million over the next three years, which will help grow Australia’s advanced high-tech manufacturing sector and boost long?range strike capabilities for the Australian Defence Force (ADF), making the nation safer.

It is underpinned by the Albanese Government’s Future Made in Australia agenda, which will improve the resilience of supply chains, provide for greater strategic sovereignty, enhance export opportunities, and deliver broad economic and employment benefits, particularly in regional Australia.

Rocket motors are a critical component of missiles and required for most guided weapons, including Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) missiles, which under the Albanese Government will be made in Australia from next year. It’s expected the rocket motor complex will begin production by the end of the decade.

The rocket motor program is part of the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise which is backed by up to $21 billion over the decade through the 2024 Integrated Investment Program.

The Albanese Government also announced today it will invest up to $60 million over the next five years to develop the next generation of guided weapon sub-systems and components, such as hypersonic and long-range strike. This will enable partnerships between industry and Defence and allow the next generation of guided weapon technologies to enter the supply chain of GWEO Strategic Partners.

This investment will also deliver industry-manufactured prototypes of the critical seeker, fuse and warhead sub-systems and aligns with the work being done as part of the Advanced Rocket Motor Technology Demonstrator program, which has leveraged collaboration from Five Eyes science and technology partners.

The rocket motor program and Advanced Rocket Motor Technology Demonstrator program are key to enhancing Australia’s national security. They are part of the Albanese Government’s ongoing commitment to delivering on the 2024 National Defence Strategy’s recommendation to invest in and uplift Australia’s domestic manufacturing capability.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy:

“Today’s announcement represents a leap forward for the Australian defence industry and continues to deliver on the Albanese Government’s commitment to providing the ADF with the capabilities it needs to make Australians safer and safeguard our national interests.

“This is another investment in a future made in Australia and the more than 100,000 Australians, including in regional Australia, that are benefiting from the Government’s commitment to grow our sovereign defence industry and sovereign industrial base.

“This program is an endorsement of Australian ingenuity. Making solid rocket motors in Australia will build on Australia’s proud history as a manufacturing nation and contribute to a future made in Australia.”

Australian Defence Media Release on behalf of:

The Hon Pat Conroy MP

Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery

Minister for International Development and the Pacific

Posted in International, Munitions, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Kongsberg to Establish Missile Factory in the U.S.

Tuesday, September 17th, 2024

KONGSBERG, NORWAY – Sept. 17, 2024 – Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace is building a state-of-the-art missile production facility in the United States to meet global demand, following expansion in Norway and the recently announced missile factory in Australia. Located near key U.S. Navy facilities, the site in James City County, Virginia will provide additional production capacity, sustainment and in-country tech refresh capabilities for Kongsberg Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) and Joint Strike Missiles (JSM).

An image from Kongsberg’s recently opened missile facility in Norway.

“The new missile production facilities in the U.S., Australia and Norway address the strong and long-term demand for our unique technology and the critical need to strengthen collective defense capabilities. Kongsberg has a proud history in the U.S. and we are delighted to continue to invest in the country to support American interests while creating jobs locally,” said Geir Håøy, CEO of Kongsberg.

This is the second new missile production facility Kongsberg has announced in as many months, and the decision to locate this facility in the U.S. was heavily influenced by the possibility that the Department of Defense could award a multiyear procurement contract to Kongsberg.

“The U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force are important customers for Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile. Their demand signals gave us the predictability we needed to make this investment in the United States,” said Eirik Lie, president of Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace. “This will allow us to better serve our allies in the U.S. and continue to expand that supply chain locally, building capacity and redundancy for these critical capabilities.”

The Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile.

Kongsberg’s investments will increase overall U.S. manufacturing capability and further increase capacity to build these advanced systems, but more importantly, it will bring this capability to the U.S.

“Kongsberg is investing in a big way in the U.S. market by making Virginia the U.S. home of our new missile factory, which will entail hiring more than 180 people. We will also be investing more than $100 million into the Commonwealth of Virginia over the next few years, in terms of property, plant and equipment,” said Heather Armentrout, president and general manager, Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Kongsberg. “This is in addition to expansion at our core U.S. production facility in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.”

The new facility in James City County will be equipped to assemble, upgrade and repair both NSM and JSM. The NSM is an anti-ship missile with superior operational performance and high survivability against all enemy defense systems. The JSM is an air-launched strike missile designed to fulfill complex missions, such as Anti-surface Warfare (ASuW) and land attack. The JSM is designed to be deployed internal to the weapons bay of the U.S. Air Force’s F-35A, a characteristic that preserves the low observability features of the aircraft throughout any strike mission. KONGSBERG’s JSM is the only long-range precision strike munition that offers that capability.

Posted in Industry, Munitions, Press Release | Comments Off on Kongsberg to Establish Missile Factory in the U.S.

U.S. Army Selects Saab’s AT4 Solution for Individual Assault Munition Program

Friday, August 30th, 2024

The U.S. Army has awarded Saab an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, which allows the U.S. Army to place orders for up to $494M over five years for the XM919 Individual Assault Munition (IAM) program. Saab’s solution is the AT4CS TW (Confined Space Tandem Warhead).

Order values will be established individually when an order is placed under the IDIQ contract.

Saab’s new addition to the battle-tested AT4 family combines the capability of multiple existing shoulder-launched munitions while reducing soldier load, training complexity and logistics burden.

“At Saab, we continually adapt and improve our products to meet customer needs and protect the warfighter. Our new IAM solution enhances capabilities, removes combat burdens and is uniquely created to meet the U.S. customer’s needs,” said Erik Smith, president and CEO of Saab in the U.S. “Saab has leveraged a successful, combat-proven system to make it even more effective, ultimately ensuring our solution is the best fit for the end-user.”

The AT4 is a battle-tested, successful anti-armor weapon with more than one million systems produced for 15 countries around the world. Lightweight, man-portable, and fully disposable, the AT4 has been the U.S. Army’s squad weapon since 1985. Saab has delivered more than 700,000 AT4 systems to the United States.

Editor’s note: As an addendum to this press release from Saab, I’d like to remind readers of the XM919 program which I mentioned during last year’s NDIA Future Forces Capability conference in Huntsville.

The XM919 IAM tactical munition is a disposable, lightweight, single shot, multi-target, and Fire from Enclosure (FFE) capable Shoulder Launched Munition (SLM) envisioned for use at the Squad level. It replaces the M72 LAW, M136 and M136A1 AT-4 anti-tank weapons, and M141 Bunker Defeat Munition.

Posted in Army, Contracts, Munitions, Press Release | Comments Off on U.S. Army Selects Saab’s AT4 Solution for Individual Assault Munition Program