How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics
Defence industry primes are working on an array of different platforms to meet the growing need for rotary uncrewed aerial vehicles to carry out future logistics missions.
The US State Department has approved a possible FMS for equipment and services to extend the service life of the Hawker RC-800 Peace Krypton reconnaissance aircraft in service with the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF).
If the FMS is approved Lockheed Martin will be the prime contractor on the $250 million deal, which includes ground system modernisation work and upgrades to the Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS).
Lockheed Martin was the previous contractor for Peace Krypton support, but that contract expired in December 2019.
Four Peace Krypton aircraft are in service with the ROKAF but these refurbished twin-jet corporate aircraft are showing their age, as they were bought in 1996. With this in mind, the South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration plans to spend KRW870 billion on buying two Baekdu-II Falcon 2000S SIGINT and reconnaissance aircraft for the ROKAF by 2026.
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Defence industry primes are working on an array of different platforms to meet the growing need for rotary uncrewed aerial vehicles to carry out future logistics missions.
With some Eastern European countries already upgrading their helicopter fleets to incorporate Western technology, the region presents potential future opportunities for defence companies.
The first of three E-7 Wedgetail aircraft, originally ordered in 2019, is now expected to be delivered to the RAF this year after multiple “difficulties”.
The M-346 stands as a potential contender for various countries facing impending capability gaps due to ageing trainer aircraft, while it could also be selected as a cost-effective light fighter aircraft.
The USAF published RFIs for enhancing its C3 capabilities after losing, in Operation Epic Fury, four aircraft in non-confrontational, unclear situations that could have been related to command, control and communication failures.
European defence firms including Airbus, Helsing, General Atomics and Anduril are accelerating development and testing of collaborative combat aircraft to meet Germany’s loyal wingman requirement, targeting operational deployment by the end of the decade.