UK MoD unveils first steps for British Army Watchkeeper replacement
Project Corvus will look for a replacement for the Watchkeeper Mk1 uncrewed aerial system (UAS) that was retired from service in the British Army in March 2025.
M61A1 Vulcan cannon for F-16 aircraft being examined by USAF ground personnel. (Photo: USAF)
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS) has received an $88.27 million IDIQ sole-source contract from the USAF to provide M61A1 Vulcan 20mm rotary cannon for F-16s, including aircraft operated by unnamed FMS customers.
The DoD announced on 15 December that work will be performed in Williston, Vermont, for completion by 12 December 2031.
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center issued the contract.
The six-barrel M61A1 is the standard cannon armament for US fighter aircraft, featuring a linkless ammunition feed and the ability to fire up to 6,000 rounds per minute of armour-piercing or high-explosive ammunition.
Project Corvus will look for a replacement for the Watchkeeper Mk1 uncrewed aerial system (UAS) that was retired from service in the British Army in March 2025.
The Swedish Government has asked parliament to authorise two possible export sales as part of its 2025 Spring amending budget bill.
Contracts for the procurement of two platforms have been signed, and will be tested by the German armed forces.
The company has been negotiating the supply of TCTS II to US allies and partners.
The second and third Airbus A330 MRTT for the Spanish Air Force have been undergoing conversion in Getafe, Madrid.
The two countries have already signed defence industrial partnerships in recent years, most recently between Republikorp and Turkish firm Baykar in February 2025.