Space Force Plans High-Tech, Multi-Orbit Narrowband SATCOM for Enhanced Resilience

 

This week, the U.S. Space Force revealed its future vision for narrowband satellite communications, potentially involving numerous advanced satellites in multiple orbits.

Current narrowband communication satellites, part of the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) constellation, provide secure cellular voice and data services to military forces globally. These satellites operate in the narrowband frequency range, which ensures less susceptibility to adverse weather and challenging terrain, enhancing secure communications.

On May 29, the Space Force announced its desire for future narrowband satellites to be more resilient, cost-effective, and quickly deployable. The detailed plans are still under development, with completion expected later this year.

"The U.S. military must maintain its asymmetric advantage in a contested, degraded, and operationally limited space environment," the Space Force stated. "Narrowband SATCOM capabilities are critical for the U.S. military and its allies, and they must evolve to meet expanding needs, leverage emerging technologies, and counter future threats."

The service envisions the new satellites in medium Earth orbit (MEO), situated between 1,200 and 22,000 miles above sea level, compared to the current geostationary orbit at 22,000 miles.

The Space Force currently has four MUOS satellites and one spare, built by Lockheed Martin, each carrying dual payloads for legacy Ultra High Frequency Network and Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) capabilities. To sustain the constellation until 2035, the service plans to launch two additional satellites, with prototypes being developed by Lockheed and Boeing under $66 million contracts due by July 2025. A final selection is expected by FY26, with launches planned for FY31.

The new satellites will bridge to the future narrowband architecture. The Space Force is considering whether current ground terminals can operate with MEO satellites without significant upgrades, seeking feedback from companies on potential modifications and associated technical and schedule risks.

The Space Force's notice also inquires about the role of commercial systems in the future architecture. The service's commercial space strategy, released in April, highlights satellite communications as a prime area for commercial collaboration, aiming to integrate commercial networks into a resilient hybrid architecture.

"The USSF will enhance resilience through integrating proliferated commercial networks into hybrid architectures and offset future investments in government-owned capabilities," the Space Force emphasized.

US Army Pushes For Lighter, High-Tech Abrams Tank with Enhanced Capabilities

 

The U.S. Army has awarded General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) a contract to begin preliminary design for a new variant of the Abrams tank, designated M1E3. This new tank is expected to be lighter and incorporate advanced technologies to enhance its battlefield survivability, according to Brig. Gen. Geoffrey Norman, the head of combat vehicle modernization.

The contract aims to align the development of the M1E3 Abrams with the M30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle, hoping to field both simultaneously within armored brigade combat teams. Whether this alignment is possible will depend on factors such as technology maturation and budgets.

The Army is currently running a competition between American Rheinmetall Vehicles and GDLS to develop the XM30 vehicle, which will replace the Bradley infantry fighting vehicle. A winner is expected to be chosen by late fiscal 2027 or early fiscal 2028.

The preliminary design schedule for the M1E3 is under review, with a more concrete timeline anticipated by fall. The Army decided last fall to abandon its upgrade plans for the Abrams tank in favor of a more significant modernization effort, resulting in the end of the M1A2 System Enhancement Package version 4 program.

The M1E3 will be an engineering change proposal with a different design approach to meet existing requirements, resulting in a very differently configured Abrams tank. Over the next 18 months, the Army will focus on technology maturation efforts, including autoloader capabilities, alternate power trains, active protection systems, and aids for fully buttoned-up crew operation.

The goal is to reduce the tank's weight from its current 73 tons to under 60 tons, though this is considered ambitious. Changes may include a revised crew configuration, possibly involving a remote or optionally manned turret. Hybrid power trains will also be examined to reduce fuel consumption and achieve silent watch and drive capabilities, while still maintaining high dash speeds.

The M1E3 will feature an integrated active protection system as a core component of its design to enhance vehicle survivability. This new tank variant represents a major step in the modernization of the U.S. Army's armored forces.

Canada Bolsters Air Force with $8.17B Contract for 70 Trainer Aircraft After F-35 Deal

 After securing a $14.2 billion deal for F-35 stealth fighters, Canada is now focusing on trainer jets, announcing plans to acquire new airframes to replace older models. On May 29, as part of the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program, Canada awarded SkyAlyne Canada Limited Partnership an $8.17 billion contract to provide 70 training aircraft from five different airframe fleets.

This 25-year FAcT contract includes basic and advanced flight training for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), covering aircraft and helicopter pilots, air combat systems officers, and airborne electronic sensor operators. Training will commence in spring 2029 and continue for 25 years.

The training fleet will include Airbus Helicopters H-135, Beechcraft King Air 260, De Havilland Dash 8-400 with mission training systems, Grob G120TP, and Pilatus PC-21. Basic flight training will be conducted in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, using seven Beechcraft King Air 260s and twenty-three Grob G120TPs, with nineteen Pilatus PC-21s for advanced jet pilot training. Advanced rotary-wing training will use seventeen Airbus H135s in Southport, Manitoba, and three DeHavilland Dash-8s equipped with mission training systems for training systems officers and sensor operators in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Bill Blair, the Minister of National Defense, emphasized the importance of collaboration with Canadian industry partners to provide necessary tools for military personnel while supporting jobs across Canada. He reiterated the government's commitment to strengthening defense relationships with transparency and trust, in line with their renewed vision for defense, "Our North, Strong and Free."

This move comes amid growing security concerns, especially following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Canadian government has been investing heavily to modernize the RCAF’s aircraft fleet and enhance combat readiness. This includes transitioning from the outdated CT-155 Hawk unit to newer platforms, with interim training programs hosted by NATO allies in Texas, Italy, and Finland.

The acquisition from SkyAlyne will replace the current RCAF training program, which includes contracts with NATO and Allied Wings expiring in 2028 and 2027, respectively. The new contract also includes classroom instruction, simulator training, and support activities for various RCAF roles, contributing to Canada’s air capability expansion.

Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny, RCAF Commander, highlighted the importance of modernizing training systems alongside frontline equipment and weapons systems to prepare personnel for increasingly complex operational theaters. This new purchase is part of the largest recapitalization of the RCAF since World War II, with Canada signing agreements for 140 aircraft since 2022, including F-35 fighters and P-8A Poseidon multi-mission aircraft, as well as the MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and upgraded refueling planes.

India Tightens Control as Weapons End Up in Ukrainian Hands

 India's defense industry is rapidly expanding, with the goal of becoming a leading aerospace and military hardware manufacturer by 2025. However, as production ramps up, the government is tightening regulations to prevent military equipment from falling into the wrong hands.

A report from the Economic Times on May 28 highlights that the Ministry of Defence is increasing oversight on military equipment manufactured in India. The ministry has instructed private manufacturers to strictly adhere to end-user certification (EUC) rules after reports emerged of Indian-made munitions ending up with unintended recipients.

When the government refers to 'wrong hands,' it means that weapons have reached unauthorized countries or organizations, including conflict zones without proper permissions. Colonel Abhay Balkrishna Patwardhan (Retd) emphasized that the goal is to prevent Indian weapons from reaching terrorist organizations or other unauthorized entities.

Earlier this year, reports suggested that Indian-made 155 mm artillery shells were being used by Ukraine. The Indian government denied these claims, asserting that no artillery ammunition had been exported to Ukraine. Despite this, images on social media in May showed Indian-made 125 mm shells being used in Ukraine, raising further concerns.

Previously, arms manufacturing in India was controlled by government-owned Ordnance Factories. The introduction of private sector involvement in arms exports has increased the risk of these weapons falling into unauthorized hands if not properly monitored. Additionally, outdated weapons and ammunition in India are disposed of as scrap, which can potentially end up in the gray market and be reverse-engineered.

The Ministry of Defence aims for a turnover of $22 billion in aerospace and defense manufacturing by 2025, with $4.3 billion in exports. In the last fiscal year, exports reached $2.5 billion, primarily driven by the private sector. However, Indian companies are restricted from exporting weapons to Ukraine, Turkey, China, and Pakistan.

To prevent unauthorized use, the government has strengthened end-user certification rules for exports. An EUC ensures that the purchaser is the final recipient and does not intend to transfer the materials to another party. The Ministry of Defence is also tightening oversight of imports through an internal portal to monitor the import and consumption of critical materials like explosives and primers.

The Saksham Bharat initiative encourages domestic production of parts and weapons previously imported. While exports are strictly controlled, imports have been less regulated. The new portal will track the usage of imported materials to ensure they are used for approved purposes, preventing unauthorized sales or stockpiling.

As India expands its military-industrial capabilities, it must balance legitimate exports and domestic production while preventing its products from reaching destabilizing entities. Through stringent regulations and digital surveillance, India aims to ensure its weapons remain in responsible hands, avoiding potential diplomatic crises.

Germany's Advanced IRIS-T Missile Goes Missing; Possible U.S. Link Suspected

The Bundeswehr, Germany's armed forces, recently reported the loss of an advanced IRIS-T missile, raising significant security concerns. The missile was discovered missing during routine inventory checks at a barracks in North Rhine-Westphalia amidst ongoing construction work.

It is suspected that the missile may have inadvertently been shipped to the USA, where the Air Force conducts regular exercises. Although the missing missile is believed to be unarmed and without fuel, the advanced encryption technology in its navigation system could pose a security risk if compromised.

Valued at approximately €250,000 ($271,000) each, IRIS-T missiles are critical assets. Despite the German Defense Ministry's claim that no missile is missing, the situation highlights existing security vulnerabilities within the Bundeswehr.

Previous incidents further underscore these concerns. In 2017, weapons were stolen from a military facility, prompting then Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen to call for better incident reporting systems. A 2018 report revealed significant thefts of weapons and ammunition from the Bundeswehr, and a 2020 document disclosed that tens of thousands of rounds had disappeared from military arsenals since 2010.

The loss of the missile is particularly concerning given the IRIS-T's use in Ukraine, where it has proven effective against Russian threats. Germany has supplied Ukraine with four IRIS-T SLM/SLS air defense systems, which have been successful in neutralizing over 110 targets, including Russian cruise missiles.

Diehl Defense, the manufacturer, announced plans to increase production to meet growing demand, aiming to produce 450-500 missiles annually by 2024. The IRIS-T's effectiveness has been praised by Ukrainian operators, who have used it to defend Kyiv against multiple cruise missile attacks.

This incident highlights the need for improved oversight and inventory management within the Bundeswehr to prevent future security lapses and ensure the integrity of critical defense technologies. 

Dutch F-35s Assume NATO Nuclear Role; Russian Expert Calls for Nuclear Test

 

Starting June 1, 2024, the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) will transition from F-16 Fighting Falcons to advanced F-35 aircraft for NATO’s nuclear deterrence mission, as announced by the Dutch government. This move positions the Netherlands as the first European nation to use the F-35 for this role, marking a significant upgrade in NATO’s nuclear deterrence capabilities.

On May 30, Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren informed the House of Representatives about the transition, which underscores the Netherlands' commitment to NATO's security framework. The F-35 has undergone rigorous testing and certification, achieving initial certification for the deterrence mission in November 2023 and full certification to carry the B61-12 thermonuclear bomb in March 2024.

The transition has already seen Dutch F-35s replace F-16s in the NATO Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) detachment as of March 29, 2024. Volkel Air Base will host the new Dual-Capable Aircraft F-35 squadron, which will eventually deploy the new B61-12 bombs, reaffirming the Netherlands' dedication to NATO’s nuclear deterrence strategy.

In light of this development, Russian expert Dmitry Suslov has called for a "demonstrative" nuclear explosion to deter Western support for Ukraine. Suslov, part of the Moscow-based Council for Foreign and Defense Policy, suggests that a non-combat nuclear test could serve as a stark reminder of Russia’s nuclear capabilities and deter further Western intervention.

Suslov’s proposal, published in Profil magazine, argues that such a test would have a profound psychological impact on Western leaders, reinforcing the deterrent power of nuclear weapons. He also recommended strategic nuclear exercises and warnings to countries supplying Ukraine, suggesting potential global targeting of their assets if they retaliate.

This suggestion follows President Vladimir Putin's warning to the West against allowing Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia, which he claimed could lead to global conflict. While Suslov does not hold an official government position, his think tank’s influence on Russian policy lends weight to his proposal. The Kremlin has reiterated that Russia’s nuclear policy remains unchanged but has recently conducted tactical nuclear weapons drills in response to what it views as escalating Western rhetoric.

This development underscores the ongoing tension and strategic maneuvering between NATO and Russia amidst the broader context of the Ukraine conflict.

US Navy Enhances Sea-Based Nuclear Deterrence Amid China Tensions

 

The United States is boosting its nuclear deterrence by developing sea-based nuclear cruise missiles to counter threats from China and Russia. This initiative comes as tensions with these adversaries escalate.

Currently, the U.S. nuclear triad includes land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), air-launched cruise missiles, and sea-based weapons. However, the Pentagon is now focusing on enhancing its sea-based nuclear capabilities to ensure a reliable second-strike option, crucial if land-based and air-launched systems are compromised in a first strike.

Navy Vice Adm. Johnny R. Wolfe Jr., Director for Strategic Systems, testified before the Senate Armed Services strategic forces subcommittee, emphasizing the deterrent role of ballistic missile submarines, which remain on alert and undetectable. This capability ensures the U.S. can retaliate effectively if attacked.

Alongside Air Force Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, Vice Adm. Wolfe detailed the modernization efforts of the Navy's nuclear triad, highlighting the new sea-launched cruise missile (SLCM-N). This missile is designed to be launched from attack submarines and surface vessels, rather than just ballistic missile submarines.

Wolfe pointed out the challenges of reviving the industrial base needed for SLCM-N production and the significant investments required for concurrent nuclear modernization programs. The SLCM-N aims to counter the expanding nuclear arsenals of Russia and China, with Russia possessing nearly a thousand tactical nuclear weapons and China having around 500 nuclear warheads.

A previous Pentagon report noted that China's Jin-class ballistic missile submarines, equipped with JL-3 missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads, are conducting near-continuous patrols in the South China Sea, posing a significant threat to U.S. security.

The introduction of the SLCM-N marks the first new U.S. nuclear weapon since the end of the Cold War, signaling to adversaries that the U.S. remains capable of responding to any nuclear threat. This development is essential for maintaining strategic stability and deterring potential nuclear attacks.

Vice Adm. Wolfe stressed the need for investments in infrastructure, human capital, and the industrial base to achieve nuclear modernization. He highlighted the necessity of balancing the SLCM-N program with ongoing Navy initiatives and the importance of continued support from Congress to deliver a reliable sea-based strategic deterrent capability.

As the U.S. transitions from Ohio-class to Columbia-class submarines, maintaining the current missile inventory and ensuring a seamless transition between the classes are critical priorities.

Sen. Deb Fischer emphasized the need for diverse deterrence options, and Wolfe concurred, noting that nuclear modernization requires careful planning and time to balance various operational needs and strategic goals.