Leidos Secures $331 Million Contract to Enhance US Army’s Global Unified Network

Leidos, a leading defense technology company, has been awarded a substantial $331 million contract aimed at optimizing the US Army’s Global Unified Network (AGUN). This crucial network serves as the Army’s primary standard for transmitting classified and unclassified data, voice, video, and other vital information across various bases and deployed units.

The contract will see Leidos implementing the AGUN at multiple locations to create a consistent network infrastructure that is designed to be “accessible, trusted, and interoperable” on an international scale. This initiative is expected to bolster the Army’s existing Network Modernization Strategy and Army Unified Network Plan by introducing an enhanced, zero-trust network architecture. The upgrade will contribute to a more secure communication system across all operational areas.

Steve Hull, President of Leidos Digital Modernization Sector, articulated the significance of this achievement, stating, “Winning this $331 million contract is a significant milestone for Leidos and underscores our commitment to supporting the US Army’s modernization efforts.” He added, “We are proud to partner with the Army in deploying the Global Unified Network, which will enhance interoperability and security across all levels of operations.”

The optimization of the AGUN aligns with the Army’s long-term vision to advance military communication capabilities amidst an increasingly complex global landscape.

This contract follows a notable task order Leidos accepted in July 2024, worth $823 million, to provide operational support and maintenance for the US Department of Defense Network, which serves a user base ranging from 30,000 to 160,000 personnel. Earlier this year, the company also secured a contract to supply information hardware solutions tailored for the US Army, cementing its role as a vital partner in military modernization initiatives.

U.S. Defense Secretary Warns of North Korean Troops in Russia Amid Ukraine Conflict

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed on Wednesday that there is credible evidence of North Korean troops being sent to Russia, with South Korea’s intelligence agency reporting that approximately 3,000 North Korean soldiers are in the country for military training. The troops are reportedly being trained on drones and other military equipment, potentially for deployment to combat zones in Ukraine.

Austin emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, "If the troops join the war in Ukraine on Russia’s side, it will be a very, very serious issue," which could have ramifications not only for Europe but also for the Indo-Pacific region. He remarked that the specifics of the troops’ operations are still being investigated.

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) had previously disclosed that the Russian navy transported 1,500 special warfare troops from North Korea to Russia last week. Lawmakers were informed in a closed-door meeting that an additional 1,500 troops have since entered, bringing the estimated total to 3,000, with an alarming projection that North Korea aims to send up to 10,000 troops by December.

NIS Director Cho Tae-yong noted that these troops are currently training at various military bases and have not yet been deployed to combat. Early reports indicate that Russian forces are instructing North Korean soldiers on the use of advanced military systems, including drones. Russian trainers have reportedly praised the physical strength and morale of the North Korean troops but expressed concerns over their lack of modern combat experience, anticipating significant casualties.

Furthermore, Cho revealed signs that North Korea is relocating the families of soldiers deployed to Russia to isolate them, and there are growing rumors among North Korean citizens about the troop movements, although the government has kept such news discreet.

In a related development, Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Directorate has indicated that North Korean soldiers are expected to arrive in Russia’s Kursk region imminently to assist Russian forces countering Ukrainian advances.

The increasing collaboration between North Korea and Russia has raised security alarms in South Korea. Officials are particularly concerned that Russia may respond to North Korean military support by enhancing its own military capabilities, potentially bolstering North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.

In response to these developments, South Korea has indicated it may reconsider its policy of not supplying arms to Ukraine, a departure from its previous stance of only providing humanitarian and financial aid.

With a standing army of 1.2 million, North Korea has not been involved in large-scale military conflicts since the Korean War, raising questions about the effectiveness of its troops in a modern battlefield context. Nevertheless, experts suggest that North Korea’s primary motives are economic, seeking Russian support for its struggling economy and aspirations for technological advancements in its military capabilities.

Norwegian Ministry of Defense Partners with Raytheon and Kongsberg on Advanced Radar Development for NASAMS

Milan, Italy — In a significant boost to Norway’s air defense capabilities, the Norwegian Ministry of Defense has announced a collaborative effort with Raytheon and Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace to develop a next-generation radar system aimed at enhancing the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS). This innovative sensor will be grounded in the existing Raytheon GhostEye radar technology, emphasizing improved range and the ability to effectively target high-value threats.

According to Raytheon officials, the new radar will utilize advanced active electronically scanned array and gallium nitride (GaN) technology, promising capabilities that surpass the current NASAMS sensor configuration. “We can’t provide performance specifics, but the radar’s capabilities will far exceed NASAMS’ current sensor configuration,” stated Mike Mills, executive director of GhostEye programs at Raytheon.

The GhostEye radar, which made its debut in 2021, is designed for medium-range air and missile defense, capable of detecting a broad spectrum of threats, including cruise missiles, drones, and helicopters. Industry analysts suggest it could potentially detect targets up to 120 kilometers away, although exact specifications have not been disclosed publicly.

This project marks the first endeavor under the NASAMS Capabilities Collaborative Agreement, finalized in 2023, between Norway’s Ministry of Defense, Kongsberg, and Raytheon. The production of the radar’s components will occur in both Norway and the United States, with production timelines still under discussion.

In June, Norway signed a $440 million contract with Kongsberg for the acquisition of new NASAMS systems, with deliveries expected to commence in 2027. This decision follows Norway’s commitment to bolster Ukraine’s defense, having previously supplied two batteries of NASAMS in March 2023, with further shipments made in December. Norway aims to procure more systems for the war-torn region.

“The development of next-gen radar is a natural step for Norway as the lead nation and will address requirements for a mobile and agile air defense system,” said Kongsberg’s Hans Christian Hagen, highlighting the strategic direction of integrating NASAMS into Norway’s future Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) framework.

NASAMS systems are operational in 13 countries, utilizing various air-to-air missiles, including the AMRAAM, which is already deployed by numerous NATO allies.

Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo, a correspondent with Defense News, reports on military procurement and international security, specializing in aviation sector coverage from her base in Milan, Italy.

UK’s New Laser Defense System Achieves Perfect Success in Trials

In a significant advancement for military technology, the United Kingdom’s new laser defense system, designed for the Royal Air Force (RAF), has successfully neutralized 100 percent of airborne threats during recent live-fire trials. The trials showcased the system’s pinpoint accuracy in identifying and defeating various infrared heat-seeking missiles launched simultaneously.

Developed by Team Pellonia—a partnership between Leonardo, Thales, and the UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl)—the innovative air protection laser system is capable of being fitted on an array of RAF aircraft, including the Shadow R2 and A400M transporter.

The laser system integrates a Thales Elix-IR threat warning system that employs sophisticated algorithms to track, classify, and identify valid threats amidst cluttered environments. Once a potential threat is detected, the Leonardo Miysis Directed Infrared Countermeasure system takes over, accurately targeting and neutralizing the threat with its advanced laser capabilities.

Dstl’s Chief for Air Survivability, Mark Elson, emphasized the technology’s agility, stating it is designed to protect military platforms now and in the future. He noted that enhancements through Spiral Development, including a newly developed jamming waveform, provide effective countermeasures against missile guidance systems.

Defence Secretary John Healey praised the new capability, highlighting how the system allows the UK to counter airborne threats in mere seconds, thereby providing a strategic advantage over potential adversaries. “This high-tech laser is another excellent example of joint working between our Dstl experts and the UK’s defense industry,” he added, reaffirming the government’s commitment to equipping the Armed Forces with the latest technological advances.

The successful trials took place at the Vidsel Test Range in Sweden and were attended by senior defense officials from various NATO member countries, underscoring the collaborative effort in enhancing airborne defense capabilities.

For more updates, follow the UK Ministry of Defence on Twitter @DefenceHQ.

Silent Arrow Secures US Air Force Contract for CLS-300 Testing

California-based Silent Arrow has been awarded a significant contract to test its innovative Contested Logistics System – 300 Nautical Miles (CLS-300) unmanned aerial system for the United States Air Force. The $1.2 million deal marks a key advancement for the company, which developed the drone as part of the AFWERX initiative. This program focuses on harnessing cutting-edge technologies to enhance logistical capabilities for military operations.

The CLS-300 is designed as a robust long-range cargo platform, capable of transporting equipment across distances between 300 and 500 nautical miles (556 to 926 kilometers). It features an impressive payload capacity of 1,000 pounds (454 kilograms), making it a vital asset for future airlift missions in austere environments.

As part of the contract, Silent Arrow will embark on the formal evaluation of the CLS-300’s capabilities. This project falls under the Air Force’s Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer frameworks, which aim to accelerate the development and deployment of innovative solutions in collaboration with small industry partners.

Chip Yates, CEO and Founder of Silent Arrow, expressed gratitude to the US Air Force and its various divisions for their continued support and for awarding this follow-on Phase II contract. “We look forward to building on our Phase I propulsion test success as we prepare a number of full-scale aircraft for flight tests in Q3 and Q4 of 2025,” Yates stated.

The CLS-300 builds upon Silent Arrow’s existing GD-2000 heavy-lift resupply glider drone, which has previously been integrated into military transport aircraft operations. The new system is projected to offer a tenfold increase in flight range compared to the GD-2000, utilizing advanced propulsion technologies to enhance operational efficiency.

In addition to aerial operations, the CLS-300 is designed for deployment from various ground and naval platforms, broadening its potential applications in military logistics. Silent Arrow’s collaboration with the US Air Force began in 2021 when the company first supplied the GD-2000 drone. The following year saw successful tests of the GD-2000 in overseas deployments, where it exceeded expectations by carrying equipment beyond its rated maximum payload.

As the testing phase for the CLS-300 commences, expectations are high for its potential impact on enhancing military logistics and operational effectiveness.

US Navy Conducts Historic F-35B Landing on Japanese Destroyer JS Kaga

In a significant demonstration of military collaboration, the US Navy has successfully landed an F-35B fighter jet on the Japanese destroyer JS Kaga for the first time, marking a new chapter in defense interoperability between the United States and Japan. The F-35B, which took off from Maryland, conducted its landing on the Kaga after the vessel departed Japan and arrived off the southern coast of California in early September.

The successful landing is part of ongoing efforts to enhance military cooperation, with additional tests scheduled to continue over the next three weeks. "We are proud to be part of this joint effort to test the compatibility of the F-35B aboard JS Kaga," said Seth Dion, Team Lead of the F-35 Pax River Integrated Test Force. "We are committed to working closely with our allies to achieve our shared goals and strengthen our partnership," he added.

The JS Kaga, along with its counterpart JS Izumo, is undergoing modifications by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) to be transformed into light aircraft carriers. Notable upgrades to the Kaga included enhancements to enable F-35B jets to take off from short runways and land vertically. These modifications involved the addition of heat-resistant materials to the flight deck, new nighttime landing lights, and a redesign of the flight deck’s bow from a trapezoidal shape to a rectangular one.

This development follows the US approval in 2020 for the sale of 105 F-35 stealth aircraft to Japan for approximately $23.11 billion, underscoring the strengthening of strategic ties between the two allies.

Captain Shusaku Takeuchi of the JMSDF emphasized the importance of the recent test, stating that it is “strengthening the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-US alliance,” and contributes to “peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.”

As regional tensions rise and potential threats from China persist, the United States and Japan have ramped up defense collaboration, explicitly identifying China as a hypothetical adversary during their joint military exercises, such as the Keen Edge drill held in February.

This landmark achievement in military cooperation not only reflects the growing partnership between the US and Japan but also demonstrates a concerted effort to bolster regional security in an era of increasing geopolitical uncertainty.

US Military Conducts Successful Exercise to Capture and Secure Airfield Using HIMARS

The United States military has successfully demonstrated its capability to capture and secure an airfield from enemy forces during a recent high-intensity rapid air insertion exercise. Utilizing the advanced High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), the exercise showcased the seamless integration of ground and air forces in a dynamic operational environment.

Key to the operation was the swift deployment of six C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from the US Air Force, which transported troops and HIMARS systems to various strategic locations. The exercise kicked off with elite US Army Rangers securing their positions on the ground, paving the way for supportive units to launch six HIMARS rockets, delivering crucial fire support to neutralize enemy threats.

Integral to the mission’s success was the coordinated effort by the US Space Force’s 109th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron, which provided secure communications for the HIMARS, enabling precise and effective strikes.

After successfully securing the airfield, the HIMARS units were promptly loaded back onto the C-17s, while troops continued to engage and eliminate remaining enemy targets.

Lt. Col. Logan Sutton, the deputy air mission commander for the exercise, underscored the importance of enhancing combat interoperability among various military branches. He noted that the exercise illustrated the joint force’s ability to swiftly maneuver to achieve operational objectives effectively. "The C-17s act as ‘launchpads’ for the rapid deployment of troops and heavy equipment over extensive distances,” he stated, highlighting the aircraft’s versatility in both military and humanitarian missions.

US Army Captain Mike Day, who directed the HIMARS operations, commended the system’s flexibility in adapting to diverse environments and mission requirements. "The HIMARS is easily transportable by rail, sea, or air, enabling quick responses and long-range fire capabilities," he said.

The exercise reflects the US military’s ongoing commitment to readiness and adaptability in an ever-evolving global landscape, reinforcing its role as a pivotal force in international security operations.