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.
View of the modernised L-100-20 cockpit for the Peruvian Air Force with Badger integrated flight display system. (Photo: Astronautics)
Astronautics has completed the cockpit modernisation of a second L-100-20 Hercules transport aircraft for the Peruvian Air Force (FAP).
The Peruvian Air Force operates four L-100s according to Shephard Defence Insight. The aircraft is the civilian variant of the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules.
The second upgraded aircraft has been accepted by the FAP, US-based Astronautics announced during the Singapore Airshow 2022 on 15-18 February.
As the prime contractor and lead systems integrator in an avionics modernisation programme for the FAP, Astronautics installed its Badger integrated flight display system turns the flight deck into an all-glass cockpit for enhanced situational awareness.
Astronautics installed digital interfaces and displays, enhanced functionality, and additional safety features which provide information such as traffic, terrain, and weather.
Badger also enables a night-vision capability for pilots depending on customer requirements. The integrated flight display system includes six 6×8-inch LCD displays with dual engine data concentrator units.
Astronautics was the prime contractor for cockpit modernisation of Brazilian Air Force C-130s and it has provided Badger display systems for C-130s operated by the Chilean, Saudi Arabian and UAE air forces.
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.