Datamonitor Report on the Global Top 10 Aerospace and Defense Companies
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Events, Industry Analysis, Military Aviation, S&T, development program, logistics, missile defense, production program
Our premier sponsor, ASD Reports, is offering a new one form Datamonitor on the Global Top 10 Aerospace and Defense Companies. You can find it here. This report provides a “comprehensive view of the aerospace & defense industry and its top 10 companies.”
Defense Technology International Publication
Filed under: Business Line, Events, IT, Industry Analysis, Promotions, logistics
This publication focuses on the critical role of defense technologies in programs, policies, programs and funding, providing readers with integrated intelligence and global perspective in Land, Sea, and Air. For military officers, government officials and lead system integrators involved in air, land or sea defenses,
Get it here now.
Land Munition Solutions 2009 Conference
Filed under: BAE Systems, Business Line, Companies, Countries, Czech Republic, Events, Industry Analysis, Promotions, Trade Shows and Events, logistics, production program
Insurgent threats in operational theatres are continuing to diversify. Without an effective munitions management and procurement strategy the ability of our forces to fight the irregular warfare battle will become diminished.
Land Munition Solutions 2009 will bring together over 200 leading military, government and industry experts in the munitions field to discuss and debate the key issues facing the munitions industry today, such as:
• What effect have current operations had on our munitions acquisition and management strategy?
• What are the urgent operational requirements and what is affordable?
• A detailed examination of insensitive munitions
• How is the target set changing in operational theatres and its effect on current stockpiles?
• What future solutions will increase lethality yet reduce collateral damage?
We are honoured to present a distinguished speaker panel, brought from across the world. Their presence along with that of the assembled delegation of senior level military and industry attendees will ensure 3 days of unparalleled learning and networking opportunities.
Here from speakers including:
• Jyuji Hewitt, Deputy Commander, US Army Joint Munitions Command, USA
• Dr Joseph Lannon, Director, Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC), USA
• Dr Helmut Muthig, President & CEO, TDW Gesellschaft für verteidigungstechnische Wirksysteme mbH and Vice President for Germany of the Insensitive Munition European Manufacturers Group (IMEMG), Germany
• Lieutenant Colonel Michael Koehler, In-Service Manager Army Ammunition, German Army Office, Bundeswehr, Germany
Land Munition Solutions will be the only place to discuss and understand the latest munitions developments, meet with the key procurement personnel and see the latest solutions being developed by industry.
Please visit www.land-munitions.com for full programme and speaker updates. Please quote LMS DPN
Sponsor: BAE Systems
Anti-Submarine Warfare 2009 Conference
Filed under: Business Line, Countries, England, Events, Industry Analysis, Trade Shows and Events, development program
Clarion Events presents another must attend conference for those concerned about current capability challenges and skills in ASW. It will be held on the First and Second of December in London, U.K.
‘Submarines are decisive force projection and sea denial platforms, whose numbers, utility and impact look set to increase as geo-strategic competition re-emerges and irregular activity grows at sea in the coming years. Developed states have failed to invest sufficiently in the skills and technologies necessary to counter a wide range of modern submarines and mini-submarines, with the result that even modest submarine capabilities are likely to pose significant threats, both to the international system and to naval and other expeditionary forces.’
Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Chris Parry, Former Director General, Development, Concepts and Doctrine, UK Ministry Of Defence
There has never been a more appropriate time for the world’s key stakeholders in ASW to meet and discuss their capability challenges. With the diversion of platforms away from ASW, pressures on military spending and the continued debate over the growing underwater threat there is no doubt there is a major gap in the ability to detect and neutralise these threats. The conference will cover the key issues in ASW including:
• What are the current and emerging underwater threats?
• To what extent are we going to sustain our open ocean ASW capability?
• Do we know enough about ASW in the littoral environment?
• How do we best integrate future ASW capability and how can it be affordable?
Anti-submarine Warfare 2009 will bring together personnel from across the ASW community, technical and scientific leaders, long-term ASW commitments and requirements personnel and organisations at the forefront of ASW solution development.
At this conference you will:
• Learn from other leading nations and commands in the field of ASW
• Identify and understand the evolving underwater threats
• Network with 200+ ASW specialists
• See the latest solutions from industry
Anti-submarine Warfare 2009 will be the event that will aim to answer the central question – how must we embrace and undertake future ASW operations?
For more information visit:
www.anti-submarinewarfare.com
Email:
asw@clarionevents.com
Tel:
+44 (0)20 7370 8668
ASD Reports Latest On The Counter-IED Systems Market
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Events, IT, Industry Analysis, Promotions, S&T, development program, logistics
Our premier sponsor, ASD Reports, is offering a new one on the The Counter-IED Systems Market 2009-2019. You can find it here. This report discusses how this sector will expand through urgent needs to counter improvised explosive devices. The report “examines this sector comprehensively, providing a review of current programmes and products with an emphasis on revenues.”
Land Munition Solutions 2009 — Management – Affordability – Precision
Filed under: Business Line, Events, Industry Analysis, Press Releases, Trade Shows and Events, logistics, production program, training
Land Munition Solutions 2009 — Management – Affordability – Precision
In an age of Counter Insurgent operations and rapid technological change, land based munitions and their requirements must be continually reviewed for both their relevance and reliability. Whether it is the way we manage them at home, the method of their delivery to theatre and to training establishments or their eventual use; effective land munition solutions are critical for greater efficiencies throughout their entire life cycle including their development, testing and fielding in operational theatres.
Many nations face challenges in their ability to manage their ammunition effectively including the types, age, amount and quality of their current stocks. This conference will look at what efficiencies can be made and what effect this has on keeping munitions safe, relevant and ready for distribution and use by the warfighter. At this conference you will learn:
• What effect have current operations had on our munitions acquisition and management strategy?
• What skills must we keep updated for an effective industrial base?
• What are the urgent operational requirements and what is affordable?
• What are we doing to make munitions safer for their handlers?
• How is the target set changing in operational theatres?
• What future solutions will increase lethality yet reduce collateral damage?
Land Munition Solutions will enable delegates to meet with those at the forefront of munitions development; top level technical, procurement and operational military personnel.
The format of the event – roundtable discussions, extended Q&A time, panel sessions and networking opportunities – will encourage participants to share knowledge and experience.
ASD Latest Report on European Logistics
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Events, Industry Analysis, logistics
Our premier sponsor, ASD Reports, has written a new one on the European Defense Logistics (Information Systems) Market. You can find it here This report discusses the transformation from a system that is a “mass model of dumping huge amounts of supplies into a combat theater to a lean, agile delivery system focused on war fighter needs.”
Has Force Protection Turned the Corner?
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Congress, Contract Awards, Department of Defense, Events, Federal Budget Process, Force Protection, Industry Analysis, Proposal, Restructuring, Services, U.S. Army, logistics, production program
It has been a good few weeks for Force Protection. First they set up the joint venture withe British company Morgan Crucible JV to produce new armored support vehicles for the British military. Then they won a contract from Hungary for three Cougar vehicles plus support. While this is not a large contract it may certainly lead to other contracts from the new Eastern European NATO countries. Now it is reported that they have won a contract from the U.S.M.C. for upgraded MRAP vehicles. The big prize that is still out there is the MRAP-ATV contract which will build a new, lighter and more maneuverable vehicle for use in Afghanistan. Force Protection had been losing work in 2007-2008 after a big boom in 2005 and out due to the rapid demand for MRAP driven by the reaction from Congress to the IED threat. The company’s stock declined rapidly and there was a shareholder suit filed. If the company can keep up this pace and win some of the MRAP-ATV work then it will have a solid future for the next few years. Depending on how the new budget integrates MRAP and the future replacement for the FCS requirement there might be more work there for a long time. More to come on this for sure.
Good and Bad News for Boeing in Gates’ Proposals
Filed under: Boeing, Business Line, Companies, Congress, Department of Defense, Events, Federal Budget Process, Industry Analysis, Military Aviation, Proposal, Restructuring, Services, commercial aviation, development program, logistics, missile defense, production program
Today Secretary Gates announced the broad themes of Obama’s next year’s defense budget. Several major Boeing programs were cut. The KC-X tanker though keeps going so there is still hope that the company will win that contract. The Seattle Times has a writeup here of the challenges the company faces. Unfortunately for the company the F-22 and C-17 programs will finish after completing whatever aircraft are on order. The Airbone Laser will remain as an R&D program and the second aircraft won’t be built. The CSAR-X helicopter program will be canceled as well. Boeing won this originally but the award was overturned on protest and a new competition was being held. Boeing will also significant cuts to the Ground Based Mid-course ballistic missile defense system which it was the System Integrator on. The Army’s Future Combat System (FCS) will also be restructured with all ground vehicles cut out of it. Boeing was the leader on this program as well. Overall the proposed budget contains some major hits to the company. There is no guarantee that the budget will make its way through Congress with all these proposals in it, but if some stand then the company will see a loss of business. These could be made up from other contracts or new work as the DoD remakes itself.
Alaska’s Disadvantaged Businesses Comfortable that Obama’s Rules Won’t Affect Them
Filed under: Alaska, Business Line, Congress, Contract Awards, Editorial, Events, Federal Budget Process, IT, Industry Analysis, Services, States, logistics
Last Tuesday, 4 March, President Obama announced some new rules affecting how the government will try to contract. One of them is to try and reduce, or even eliminate, no-bid contracts. Of course he may not have explored fully Federal procurement rules and goals. One of the types of companies that qualify to get these sole source contracts are disadvantaged, minority owned corporations. This rule is to encourage Federal work flowing to these companies. Now the Alaskan Native corporations (ANC) have put out that this change in how the government will operate won’t affect them. TMCNet.com reports that the four largest of these all basically said that their business will continue. Most of these disadvantaged business are limited to contracts under $5 million, but due to a quirk in the law the ones owned by Alaskan natives do not have such limits. In 2004 these ANC had over $1 billion in business. This illustrates that some reforms, if it is a reform, will be harder then others due to the various, somewhat arcane provisions, of Federal contracting and the different goals set by the government. If you want to encourage non-traditional companies from doing business you may have to accept or adjust your desires in other areas.
NetLine Reports on Defense Procurement News
Filed under: Business Line, Events, Federal Budget Process, IT, Industry Analysis, NetLine.com, logistics
One of our sponsors is NetLine Corporation who publish various trade publications and white papers. Their add is the Free Business Downloads. One of their premier titles is Defense Technology International (DTI). This free magazine “focuses on the critical interplay of programs, policy, funding and operations to provide integrated intelligence and global perspective to defense and government leaders worldwide.” They also have several other government and defense related titles that are worth reading.
Grant Thornton Corporate Finance LLC Releases New Report on Aerospace Component M&A
Filed under: Business Line, Events, Federal Budget Process, Industry Analysis, Massachusetts, Military Aviation, States, missile defense
The Grant Thornton Corporate Finance LLC released a new report on M&A activities within the aerospace industry. It is titled, Sector outperforms: 2008 M&A activity matches prior-year record, the report details recent M&A transactions; discusses market trends and prospects; and reviews activity in the related segments of composites, MRO & distribution and defense systems.
For more information please contact the company. Their website is located here.
New MRAP Proposal Submitted by Oshokosh
Filed under: BAE Systems, Business Line, Companies, Department of Defense, Events, Force Protection, Industry Analysis, Navistar, Oshkosh Truck Corp, Proposal, development program, logistics, production program
As was written about at BNET: Government the U.S. military is moving forward with a new generation of MRAP vehicles that will be lighter and more maneuverable for Afghanistan. The Business Journal of Milwaukee writes that Oshkosh submitted its proposal on 9 January for the program. Oshkosh along with BAE, Navistar and Force Protection would seem to be the main contenders for the program. The MRAP-All Terrain Vehicle program will be managed like the recent JLTV award for multiple development contracts with a test and evaluation program for different vehicles. More then one successful design may be awarded production contracts as the program goes.
US Military Buys Trucks and Trailers from Mercedes and Oshkosh
Filed under: Business Line, Contract Awards, Department of Defense, Industry Analysis, Mercedes, logistics, production program
The Department of Defense announced two contract option exercises yesterday. First, as The Portland Business Journal announces, a deal with Mercedes for light trailers worth over $120 million. Second, another with Oshkosh worth $250 million for 825 HEMTT vehicles. Postcrescent.com has that story. The US has used thousands of supply vehicles and trailers in Iraq and Afghanistan and also suffered large losses of those vehicles. Many are also worn out and require either refurbishment or replacement. Unfortunately for this industry there will come a time as the wars wind down where such vehicles won’t be bought in these quantities. In fact the Mercedes plant already is scheduled to close in 2009.
Boeing Faces Another Strike
Filed under: Boeing, Industry Analysis, Military Aviation, commercial aviation
Fresh off the end of the strike with their largest union, the Machinests, Boeing is now in talks with the engineers union. As the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports talks are continuing with Federal mediation. The Machinests strike drug on for several weeks and had an affect on Boeing production. A strike by the this union would further affect their ability to complete aircraft.
Maryland is Tenth in Defense Spending
Filed under: BRAC, Congress, Department of Defense, Federal Budget Process, IT, Industry Analysis, Maryland, Military Aviation, SETA, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, development program, logistics, training
The State of Maryland put out is report showing that the state is tenth in receiving Federal defense funds. WTOP.com writes about it here. Maryland is of course helped by the large number of facilities in the state as the Army has Fort Meade, Fort Detrick and Aberdeen Proving Ground. The Navy obviously has the Naval Academy as well as Patuxent River Naval Air Station. The Air Force operates Andrews Air Force Base home of Air Force One for Presidential Transport. Read more
Metal Storm continues to market in the US
Filed under: Australia, Industry Analysis, Metal Storm, Promotions, S&T, development program
The Army of the United States Association (AUSA) held their national convention last week. One of the key parts of this is exhibits by a large number of defense contractors, big and little. Metal Storm the Australian company that is developing rapid fire electronic gun systems attended. They have received some contracts with the US Military to work on their systems. Metal Storm uses multiple barrel system with a stack of ammunition in them. By firing electronically they can launch all of the ready rounds very quickly. Rates of fire for their larger systems are very impressive and their is a lot of potential for them. No nation yet has committed a large sum to buying these systems, which range in size from 9mm to 40mm; although it is probably scalable to larger rounds.
See the press release at MarketWatch.com.
Here is a link to the demonstration video they used at AUSA.
Press Release: New Patrol Hovercraft
Small patrol hovercraft allow access to areas that no other vehicles can reach, so they are ideal for patrolling shallow water areas, tidal mud, sand, ice, grass etc. When speed of access is important, hovercraft are true all-terrain vehicles, and can travel from land to sea, back to land without delay, simply by a flick of the wrist. With no propeller to snag on under-water obstructions, hovercraft can safely operate in areas out of bounds to conventional marine craft. Tidal areas don’t restrict hovercraft as they fly above any flat surface. They can even navigate fast flowing rivers, so in all sorts of terrain, and any time of the tidal day, they can deliver patrol personnel precisely to where they need to reach, and fast.
Aegis upgrade fitted on USS Bunker Hill
By MARTIN SIEFFUPI Senior News Analyst
WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin's new Aegis Open Architecture Weapon System has been fitted in the U.S. Navy guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill -- CG 52.
China makes inroads into African tanks export market
By ANDREI CHANGHONG KONG, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- China recently exported its T85IIM Main Battle Tanks to Uganda, according to a military industry source. But the tanks may be more for display than for defense.
Russians tell NATO to act on security dialogue
By NIKITA PETROVUPI Outside View Commentator
MOSCOW, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was not put off by the belligerent rhetoric used by officials of the former Soviet republic of Georgia who openly threatened to solve the country's territorial disputes by force.
Solomon contracted for power technologies
DANBURY, Conn., Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Solomon Technologies Inc. has been contracted by the U.S. military to supply power technologies for a new vehicle-launched ordnance system.
General Dynamics to refurbish Abrams tanks
STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich., Sept. 8 (UPI) -- General Dynamics Land Systems has been awarded a follow-on contract by the U.S. Army for M1A1 Abrams main battle tank refurbishment.
Lockheed Martin to continue C4ISR support
SEABROOK, Md., Sept. 8 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy has contracted Lockheed Martin Technical Services to provide the Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center with lifecycle support.
Sikorsky to maintain Saudi helicopters
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- The Saudi Arabian Interior Ministry has contracted Sikorsky Aerospace Services to provide maintenance on its fleet of helicopters.



