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 Swiss Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) has extended the deadline in its Air 2030 RfP for combat aircraft from August until November 2020.
This delay has no impact on the overall procurement schedule, the DDPS insisted in a 12 May statement, adding that the extension aims to provide manufacturers with additional time to strengthen their offers and overcome any COVID-19 coronavirus-related disruption caused by absent workers or travel restrictions.
A second offer request was issued in January 2020. As a result, proposals from Germany (Eurofighter), France (Rafale) and the US (F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-35A) were received.
In terms of the Bodluv GR air defence system (another aspect of Air 2030), the DDPS received offers from France (Eurosam SAMP/T) and the US (Raytheon Patriot).
Swiss Air 2030 - Combat Aircraft
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.