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.
The Hellenic Air Force is to become the latest export operator of the AASM Hammer precision-guided missile (PGM), made by French company Safran.
Hammer is likely to arm Rafale multirole aircraft that were recently ordered by Greece.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, AASM Hammer has already been sold to the air forces of Egypt and Qatar (to arm Rafale) and Morocco (for installation on Mirage aircraft).
The triple-mode (INS/GPS, INS/GPS/IR and INS/GPS/laser) PGM comprises a guidance kit and a range extension kit fitted on a standard bomb body of the Mk80 series or similar. This bomb body may be general purpose (Mk82, BLU-111) or penetration (BANG).
The AASM's modularity allows it to be used on 125, 250, 500 and 1000kg bomb bodies. Its engine provides it with range greater than 50km, meaning it can be fired at a standoff distance. Autonomous after it has been dropped, it can be used at low altitudes, cross hilly terrain or veer sharply from the firing aircraft.
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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.