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.
Vertex commences work on E-6B logistics task order
USN Boeing E-6B Mercury. (Photo: USAF/Greg L Davis)
Vertex provides contractor logistics support for US strategic airborne command post.
Vertex Aerospace announced on 20 April that it has begun work on an $881.98 million contractor logistics support (CLS) task order from US Naval Air Systems Command, for supply chain management of the E-6B Mercury airborne command post and Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) mission.
Work includes furnishing and delivering material required to support organisational and depot-level maintenance and aircraft modifications.
The contract performance period began on 1 February, and work is expected to be completed by 2027.
Vertex is executing the CLS task order at Offutt AFB, Nebraska; Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland; Tinker AFB, Oklahoma; and Travis AFB, California.
The E-6B is a modified E-6A equipped with an airborne launch control system capable of activating land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, notes Shephard Defence Insight.
It also functions as an airborne command post and communications relay for US submarine-launched ballistic missiles. For the TACAMO mission, the aircraft provides the survivable communications link to USN submarines.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![UK MoD unveils first steps for British Army Watchkeeper replacement]()
-
![Sweden requests approval to pursue Gripen and GlobalEye sales to Peru and Denmark]()
Sweden requests approval to pursue Gripen and GlobalEye sales to Peru and Denmark
The Swedish Government has asked parliament to authorise two possible export sales as part of its 2025 Spring amending budget bill.
-
![Germany confirms loitering munitions contracts for its armed forces]()
Germany confirms loitering munitions contracts for its armed forces
Contracts for the procurement of two platforms have been signed, and will be tested by the German armed forces.
-
![Collins prepares expansion of the US Navy/Marine Tactical Combat Training System Inc II]()
Collins prepares expansion of the US Navy/Marine Tactical Combat Training System Inc II
The company has been negotiating the supply of TCTS II to US allies and partners.
-
![Spanish Air Force receives first converted A330 MRTT]()
Spanish Air Force receives first converted A330 MRTT
The second and third Airbus A330 MRTT for the Spanish Air Force have been undergoing conversion in Getafe, Madrid.
-
![Indonesia commits to further collaboration with Turkey, eyes Kaan jet and MILDEN programmes]()
Indonesia commits to further collaboration with Turkey, eyes Kaan jet and MILDEN programmes
The two countries have already signed defence industrial partnerships in recent years, most recently between Republikorp and Turkish firm Baykar in February 2025.
