USAF Tests GAU-18 As Ground Weapon | Al-Aziz Delivered To Egyptian Navy | Philippines Get Compensation For Helo Deal

Americas

The GAU-18 .50 caliber machine gun was recently unmounted from an HH-60 helicopter and mounted on the ground to be tested as a defensive weapon. The test took place at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida on October 14. It was organized by the 920th Rescue Wing.

The US Defense Innovation Unit has contracted Nauticus Robotics to develop an amphibious drone to support mine-hunting operations. As part of the agreement, the company will modify an off-the-shelf unmanned system to allow it to traverse sea or land during operations. Nauticus will also integrate its “ToolKITT” autonomy software to guide the modified robot in identifying undersea mines and avoiding potential obstacles.

Middle East & Africa

ThyssenKrupp has delivered the first of four MEKO A-200 frigates, the “Al-Aziz,” to the Egyptian Navy in Bremerhaven, Germany. During the handover ceremony, Egyptian Navy Chief of Staff Vice Adm. Ashraf Ibrahim Atwa also revealed that the second Al-Aziz-class A-200 vessel will be named Al-Qadeer. “I am grateful to the friendly Republic of Germany for the constructive relationship which sets the example to be followed by others,” Atwa said at the event.

Europe

The US, Italy, and Poland have teamed up for aerial maneuvers to support an Air Shielding mission in NATO’s eastern territories. The drills were performed “to hone planning and flying skills based on thorough planning and universal tactics, techniques and procedures.” It involved the participation of a US F-22 Raptor tactical fighter, Italian Eurofighter Typhoons, and Polish F-16 Fighting Falcons and MiG-29 multirole aircraft.

Asia-Pacific

Pole/Zero Acquisition won a $53.5 million deal, which procures up to 346 antenna interface units and communications trays, to include 190 for the Navy, 132 for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers and 24 for the government of Australia, as well as required technical data, assemblies, subassemblies, and spares in support of the P-8A Poseidon communications suite. Work will be performed in West Chester, Ohio, and is expected to be completed in October 2028.

The US has provided $100 million in foreign military funding to the Philippines as compensation for the nation’s decision to scrap a helicopter deal with Russia. US Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson said that the Philippine military can use the funding “as they wish.” It could help the Southeast Asian country bolster its defense capabilities and modernize its armed forces.

Today’s Video

WATCH: AL AZIZ Frigate F 904 Egyptian Navy MEKO A200