New technology is not anticipated under the project arrangement; instead, the focus is on adapting and incorporating technology developed in other programs.

Last week's announcement that the Australian Government had decided to acquire the Growler electronic warfare system for the Super Hornet, at a cost of around $1.5 billion, has attracted considerable comment in the blogosphere and in more formal statements.

With the announcement that the Government would purchase 10 Alenia C-27J Spartan Battlefield Airlift aircraft, the Shadow Minister for Defence wrote to the Auditor-General requesting the ANAO conduct an audit of the selection process for this acquisition.

Increased transparency and accountability on progress with major Defence equipment acquisitions has been a focus of parliamentary interest for some time.

In late July ADM reported that Raytheon had received an $81 million US Army contract to develop and produce a new version of the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System, which would focus on improving and simplifying the user interface while enhancing speed and capabilities.

The Finnish army is set to equip its fleet of RG-32M armoured patrol vehicles with new weapon mounts. Under a US$1.7 million contract, Australian company W&E Platt will supply 39 of its MR550 bi-metal ring mounts.

A summary of the latest news and views in the defence industry, locally and overseas. Check out our webpage for daily news updates on the ADM home page and make sure you bookmark/RSS this for a regular visit.

The US Navy has awarded BAE Systems a $78 million contract modification to produce canisters for Mk 41 and Mk 57 Vertical Launching Systems on cruisers and destroyer battleships.

On 23 August, the US Army announced it had awarded fixed price contracts under the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle EMD phase to AM General, Lockheed Martin and Oshkosh Corp.

Lockheed Martin has received a $64 million contract from the US Army to extend the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile Technology Development program.

The US Navy is revisiting a plan from the 1990s to make ship bows more hydrodynamic, thereby reducing fuel consumption.

The full version of Defence Week Premium no.219 of 23 August 2012 can be downloaded here as a PDF. A separate PDF of the latest Defence tenders can also be downloaded here.

The UK Ministry of Defence has unveiled its new multi-mission warship - the Type 26 Global Combat Ship (T26 GCS).

The Government last week announced the appointment of Ken Peacock AM and Chief Defence Scientist Dr Alex Zelinsky to conduct further consultations on the Defence Trade Controls Bill 2011, including with the University and research sector.

A former member of Perth's elite SAS Regiment will take a commanding role in a force comprising more than 60,000 US troops in the Asia-Pacific region.

Australia's commitment to reducing the humanitarian impact of armed conflict was recently strengthened with the passage of a bill banning the use of cluster munitions.