Jessica Abrahams is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom. She specializes in covering topics around gender, global development and international affairs.

Department of Defense Establishes New Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program

15 Oct 2024  |  www.jdsupra.com  |  English  |  Defense Contracts

The U.S. Department of Defense has published a final rule to establish the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program, effective December 16, 2024. The program, implemented in four phases over three years, requires defense contractors and subcontractors to meet specific cybersecurity standards based on the sensitivity of the information they handle. The CMMC introduces three levels of certification, replacing the previous five-tier system, and mandates third-party assessments for compliance. The program aims to enhance the protection of Federal Contract Information and Controlled Unclassified Information, moving away from self-attestation to a standardized model. Contractors are advised to review contracts, conduct assessments, and prepare for compliance with the new requirements.

Tags:

Defense Contracts Cybersecurity

Informative

Factuality Scale

Matthew Birch is a journalist based in Memphis, United States of America.

Clea Broadhurst is a journalist based in Paris, France.

****

****

The 'Rafale Papers', explosive investigation by Mediapart

08 Apr 2021  |  RFI  |  French  |  Defense Contracts

Mediapart's investigation reveals that Dassault and Thales paid millions in secret commissions to an intermediary involved in the Rafale contract. The intermediary obtained confidential documents from the Indian Ministry of Defense during price negotiations. The French government, including Jean-Yves Le Drian, is implicated in removing anti-corruption clauses from the agreement. The French Anti-Corruption Agency discovered suspicious payments but did not act, and the National Financial Prosecutor's Office controversially closed the case. The investigation calls for a new inquiry into the buried corruption allegations.

Tags:

Defense Contracts Corruption Government Scandal

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Joe Charlaff is a freelance journalist based in Jerusalem, Israel. He writes about military, security, business and conducts person to person interviews on a variety of topics. He has written for several prestigious publications such as Jane's, CBS Business News, Shephard Media group, and is ...

Peter Felstead is a defence and aerospace journalist based in Horley, United Kingdom. Prior to going freelance in January 2022, Peter worked for defence and security stalwart Janes for almost 33 years.

After joining Janes in 1989, Peter worked as a sub editor and reporter for Janes Defence ...

Rohde & Schwarz to provide integrated communications system for Dutch/Belgian ASW Frigates

01 Oct 2024  |  euro-sd.com  |  English  |  Defense Contracts

Rohde & Schwarz has secured a contract from the Dutch Ministry of Defence to supply its NAVICS integrated communications system for the Anti-Submarine Warfare Frigates of the Royal Netherlands Navy and Belgian Naval Component. The system, known for its advanced cybersecurity features, will be integrated into four frigates ordered from Damen Shipyards Group, with potential for additional orders. The company emphasizes its tailored approach and proven track record in secure naval communications, highlighting its expertise in meeting stringent security requirements and fostering long-term partnerships.

Tags:

Defense Contracts Naval Technology

Informative

Factuality Scale

I am a journalist for France 24 and I will be in Israel from May 9 to May 16 inclusive, filing for a number of media outlets.

I am available for live or recorded standups/interviews/phone hits to help you with your coverage of news events in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.

Prior to ...

Top U.S. defense firm General Dynamics is planning to open weapons plant in Ukraine - an investment that implies taxpayers will continue to dole out dollars to support war that has no end in sight

10 Oct 2023  |  Mail Online  |  English  |  Defense Industry

General Dynamics, a major U.S. defense contractor, plans to open a weapons factory in western Ukraine, signaling continued U.S. taxpayer funding for Ukraine's defense. The facility will focus on producing 155-millimeter artillery shells, crucial for Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russia. The move comes amid debates in the U.S. Congress over additional aid for Ukraine and Israel. Ukrainian officials indicate that other U.S. defense companies may follow suit. The article also highlights ongoing challenges in Ukraine's military efforts and allegations against Russian forces for killing their own injured soldiers to prevent surrender.

Tags:

U.S. Military Contracts Defense Industry War in Ukraine

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Center-Right

Political View

I am a journalist based in Madrid. I have worked for seven years in the Diagonal and El Salto Diario newspapers, of which I am one of the founders. I am specialized in information on human rights violations and company monitoring.

Uniforms, food, and tanks: the already planned payments that inflate the defense spending every year

14 Nov 2023  |  civio.es  |  Spanish  |  Defense Budget

From 2013 to 2022, Spain's Ministry of Defense paid 254.8 million euros to a consortium led by El Corte Inglés for military uniforms, with an additional 44 million euros expected between 2023 and 2024. These contracts were initially funded from the peacekeeping operations budget despite being planned expenses. Defense budgets have consistently underestimated actual spending, with the real costs covered by credit extensions from the Contingency Fund. The Constitutional Court previously ruled such financing illegal. The article highlights the lack of transparency and realistic budgeting in defense spending, with the actual cost exceeding the 2% of GDP that NATO requests for defense.

Tags:

Military Contracts Defense Budget Government Spending

Informative

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

Dr Andrew Garthwaite is a freelance journalist based in London, United Kingdom. 

In the past he has worked as a statistical journalist for the Financial Times, a magazine journalist for social justice advocacy publication 'Now or Never', a researcher in cardiovascular epidemiology for the ...

Austal USA wins $450m US Navy Submarine Industrial Base contract

16 Sept 2024  |  www.naval-technology.com  |  English  |  Defense Contracts

Austal USA has secured a $450 million contract from General Dynamics Electric Boat to enhance its production capacity at the Mobile, Alabama shipyard, supporting the US Navy's Submarine Industrial Base. This strategic partnership aims to deliver key components for Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines, addressing delays in the submarine industrial base. The new facility will create around 1,000 jobs and is integral to the US Navy's goal of delivering submarines annually. The contract reflects a shift in the Navy's procurement strategy towards a platform-centric model, ensuring production efficiency and accountability.

Tags:

Defense Contracts US Navy Submarine Industrial Base

Informative

Factuality Scale

Teresa Küchler is the Brussels-based EU affairs correspondent for Swedish daily Svenska Dagbladet since 2010. 

She also broadcasts a bi-monthly podcast about European affairs in her native Swedish, called Brysselbubblan, and writes columns for 3 regional newspapers in Sweden. 

Teresa also ...

Torture Allegation Against New Interpol Chief Weighs Lightly Against 80 Rafale Planes

03 Dec 2021  |  www.svd.se  |  Swedish  |  Defense Contracts

French President Emmanuel Macron embarked on a tour to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar to promote the sale of the French Rafale fighter jet. A deal with the UAE was nearly finalized before the trip, and on Friday, it was confirmed that the UAE would purchase 80 Rafale jets and other military equipment worth approximately 175 billion SEK.

Tags:

Defense Contracts International Relations

Informative

Factuality Scale

Jeoffrey Maitem is a journalist based in Davao City, Philippines.

Elbit to Supply Two Patrol Aircraft to Asia Pacific Country

01 Jul 2023  |  www.navalnews.com  |  English  |  Defense Contracts

Elbit Systems has secured a $114 million contract to supply two long-range patrol aircraft to an unspecified Asia-Pacific country, likely the Philippines. The aircraft, based on the ATR 72-600, will be equipped with advanced mission suites. This contract, to be executed over five years, marks the first procurement under the new Secretary of National Defense Gilbert Teodoro as the Philippines advances its military modernization. The aircraft will enhance the Philippine Air Force's ISR and MDA capabilities, although it remains unclear if they will include anti-submarine warfare equipment.

Tags:

Defense Contracts Military Technology Aerospace

Informative

Factuality Scale

Julian Ryall is a journalist based in Tokyo, Japan.

Japan-UK security ties get boost with Rolls-Royce set to supply engines for new Japanese warship class

05 Oct 2023  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Defense Contracts

Britain's Rolls-Royce has secured a contract to supply engines for Japan's new Aegis System Equipped Vessels (ASEV), enhancing Japan-UK security ties. The ASEVs, designed for ballistic missile defense, will be among the largest and most capable warships in the Asia-Pacific. The collaboration underscores growing security links between Japan and Britain, with both nations also working on a next-generation fighter jet project. The article highlights the strategic importance of these developments amid rising threats from North Korea and China.

Tags:

Defense Contracts Military Technology International Relations

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center

Political View

I'm a journalist. editor and marketing communications professional based in Bengaluru, India. Over the past quarter century, I've written extensively on diverse subjects ranging from air shows to defence expos, parenting to politics, rock stars to religion, and reviewed cars, books and gadgets. But ...

Rafale Deal: Dassault was forced to choose Anil Ambani's Reliance as partner, says French journal

11 Oct 2018  |  www.newindianexpress.com  |  English  |  Defense Contracts

The Rafale deal controversy deepens as a French journal claims Dassault was compelled to partner with Anil Ambani's Reliance to secure the contract. The report, based on a document from Mediapart, suggests the alliance was mandatory. Former French President Hollande stated that the Indian government proposed Reliance, leaving no choice for Dassault. The opposition Congress and former BJP leaders accuse the government of irregularities, while the Indian government and defense forces deny these claims.

Tags:

Defense Contracts Rafale Deal Political Controversy

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

Callum Tennant is a journalist who specialises in transport, travel, and Spanish affairs.

He has written for publications such as The Guardian, euronews, POLITICO, The FT, and The Independent.

Callum speaks English and a B2 level of Spanish.

Typhoon fights off stealthy F-35 competition to win new orders

01 Oct 2023  |  www.ft.com  |  English  |  Defense Contracts

Spain is set to receive 20 Eurofighter Typhoons between 2025 and 2030, replacing its aging F-18s under a €2bn contract. This move aligns with broader European efforts to modernize armed forces following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Typhoon's resurgence is attributed to its cost-effectiveness, political support within Europe, and versatility. Despite the F-35's advanced stealth capabilities, many European nations are opting for a mix of fourth and fifth-generation fighters. The Typhoon's multifunctionality and economic benefits make it a preferred choice, although stealth remains crucial for initial conflict phases. The RAF plans to upgrade its Typhoons to extend their service life until at least 2060.

Tags:

Defense Contracts Military Aerospace

Informative

Factuality Scale

Center

Political View

Hanan Zaffar is a journalist based in New Delhi, India.

Lockheed Martin Completes First AN/TPY-4 Radar Production

10 May 2022  |  www.thedefensepost.com  |  English  |  Defense Technology

Lockheed Martin has completed the production of its first AN/TPY-4 radar, which will replace the obsolete AN/TPS-75 radar for the US Air Force. The new radar features a fully digital, software-defined sensor architecture, enhancing target identification and classification. Lockheed Martin will produce up to 35 units under the latest contract, with the radar capable of detecting next-generation threats in heavy clutter and being transportable or fixed for operation in contested environments.

Tags:

Military Contracts Defense Technology

Factual

Factuality Scale