Boeing has handed over control of the first of six Wideband Global SATCOM satellites to the US Air Force. WGS-1 is the Department of Defense`s highest capacity communications satellite and the WGS line is to eventually replace the Defense Satellite Communications System constellation. The satellite offers a marked improvement in communications bandwidth for the military, and has a 25 percent power margin in its downlink beams, which provides additional communications capacity. 

Kodiak Armoured Engineer Vehicles The Swedish procurement authority, FMV, and The Netherlands Ministry of Defence procurement authority have placed orders with Rheinmetall (Germany) for the Kodiak armored engineer vehicle. The total value of the orders is approximately EUR 100 million. The vehicles will be delivered during the period 2011-2012. 

BATMAV System with AeroVironment`s Wasp III The United States Air Force BATMAV program with AeroVironment`s Wasp III Micro Air Vehicle has received approval for Full Rate Production. The Wasp is a small, portable, reliable, and rugged unmanned aerial platform designed for front-line day/night reconnaissance and surveillance. 

Aegis Open Architecture Lockheed Martin recently received final approval from the U.S. Navy to proceed with the integration and shipboard installation of the world’s first, fully-open architecture Aegis weapon system for a major surface warship. Aegis Open Architecture is a weapon system that can absorb frequent technology refreshes and upgrades in capabilities, both from new development and separate third party products. 

Improved Submarine for Japan Maritime Self Defense Force The first of the improved Oyashio-class submarine for the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) has been launched at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ shipyard. Fitted with Kockums Stirling Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, the leading submarine - Soryu - will significantly enhance the boat’s stealth and special operations capability.