WASHINGTON - Cubic Defense Applications, Inc., San Diego, California, was awarded a $17.9 million cost-plus-fixed-fee, completion contract for Halo advanced networking satellite communication elements. This contract provides for the refinement and the detailed system design of an ultra-low size, weight, and power flat panel active electronically scanned array with full 2D beam steering that maximizes flexible connectivity.

Work will be performed at San Diego, California, and is expected to be complete by July 22, 2027. The Air Force Research Laboratory, Rome, New York, is the contracting activity (FA8750-25-C-B035).

Source: U.S. DoD
Associated URL: http://www.defense.gov

ISTANBUL - Turkey's Aselsan signed its first South African local-production contract at the IDEF 2025 defense exhibition in Istanbul, partnering with Pamodzi Group to assemble two-way handheld radios for the defense and security sectors.

The Astela 3710 radios will be imported as semi-knockdown kits from Turkey and locally assembled by Pamodzi BMG Electronic Communications, a joint venture between Pamodzi Aviation and Defence Systems (60%) and BM Global Defence Systems (40%). The project aligns with South Africa's localization goals set by the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition.

The radios feature advanced encryption, GPS location tracking, Bluetooth compatibility, and rugged design for challenging environments. Pamodzi expects substantial interest from South African public entities and private security firms due to limited local competition.

This technology-transfer agreement is Aselsan's first in Africa and part of its strategy to expand regional presence. The collaboration includes training local engineers and technicians and may pave the way for additional joint projects.

Source: DefenceWeb
Associated URL: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/industry/industry-industry/aselsan-signs-landmark-agreement-with-pamodiz-to-produce-radios-in-south-africa/

ABU DHABI - EDGE Group and Istanbul-based Pavo Group have launched KEY4, a joint venture to develop critical defense and security technologies. Announced at the IDEF 2025 exhibition in Istanbul, the new company will be based in Abu Dhabi and aims to provide advanced solutions aligned with UAE and global defense priorities.

KEY4 will focus on cybersecurity, electronic warfare, artificial intelligence, cryptography, secure communications, and smart surveillance. Other areas include avionics, aerospace engineering, command and control, integrated border security, big data analytics, electro-optics, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense solutions.

Omar Al Zaabi of EDGE said KEY4 enhances the UAE's defense capabilities and supports global security cooperation. Serkan Altinisik, CEO of Pavo Group, highlighted the partnership’s combination of Turkey's engineering expertise and EDGE’s innovation to tackle complex security challenges.

KEY4 will leverage both companies' expertise to accelerate technology development, deepen industrial capabilities, and deliver sovereign defense and security solutions worldwide.

Source: Emirates News Agency - WAM
Associated URL: https://www.wam.ae/en/article/bkttn8q-edge-pavo-group-launch-joint-venture-key4