27 May, 2016

Forget travel & tourism, here’s where the real money is….

Imtiaz Muqbil

When UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon addressed media at the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul on 24 May 2016, he made some shocking revelations about the state of human suffering. About 130 million people have been displaced by wars, conflicts and natural disasters worldwide. The UN needs 245 billion dollars a year to care for them. This amount, he said, “is just 1% of global annual military spending.”

Think about that: US$245 billion is a mere, fractional 1% of total global military spending.

Now, just compare global military spending to annual global tourism budgets. I don’t know what tourism budgets are. Many NTO budgets are considered even more classified information than military budgets. As a result, the industry of peace cannot compare its budgets with those allocated to the merchants of death.

To help alleviate that deficiency somewhat, I have compiled below a set of media releases about the contracts, market potential and forecasts of the defense, military and homeland security sector. These releases were issued ONLY in April and May 2016. If your eyes pop at the staggering figures only in these two months, think of the amounts being spent over an entire year.

Next, adopt the Buddhist path to decision-making (Listen, Think, Question, Decide, Act), compare them to your own national tourism budget. Then, imagine if the budgets were to be reversed – diverted from missiles to museums, from artillery to art.

Then, either let your outrage take its course, or switch jobs.

If you are not making enough money, forget travel & tourism, the industry of peace. The real money lies in becoming a merchant of death.

P.S., Don’t ever expect this issue to be raised at a UNWTO, WTTC, PATA or IIPT summit, or any other travel industry summit sponsored by the usual gang of suspects. It’s beyond their comfort zones.

European Homeland Security & Public Safety Technologies & Markets – 2016-2022

May 18, 2016, NEW YORK, May 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — In light of the alarming ISIS-inspired terror threats and the migration crisis, it is clear that present European security infrastructure cannot meet the challenge. A major overhaul of Western Europe’s internal security infrastructure and funding is already in progress leading to a forecasted $146 billion 2020 market.

Europe is facing terror threats and migration crisis with a far greater reach than those resulting from its economic ones. And, this alarming situation shows no sign of declining. Europeans are now experiencing a disturbing new reality in which ISIS-inspired terror and the migration crisis are quickly becoming the continent’s Homeland Security & Public Safety market “new norm”.

According to the report, “European Homeland Security & Public Safety Technologies & Markets – 2016-2022”, the European counter terror and public safety infrastructure will go through a major overhaul, sustaining a 13.4% 2016-2020 CAGR surge, nearly four times the pace of the previous five-year period.

The European Counter Terror & Public Safety Market is boosted by the following drivers:

The ISIS-inspired complex and well-planned Paris and Brussels carnage (162 killed and 668 injured) which sent shockwaves across the continent.

The terror attacks and the migration crisis shook the European governments and their security agencies unlike any other terror attacks since 9/11.

The Western European security forces are ill equipped to encounter 21st century ISIS-inspired and trained terrorists who use cutting-edge encrypted communication, make a remarkable use of social networks to recruit and train jihadists, and gather efficient pre-attack intelligence. They have been trained by ISIS ex-Iraqi military officers on planning and conducting modern day guerrilla warfare and using modern weapons.

Europol estimates that up to 5,000 European jihadists have returned to the EU after obtaining combat experience on the battlefields of the Middle East.

West European governments understand that they are caught between a rock and a hard place. It is for them to decide how to transform the national counter terror infrastructure, improve interagency cooperation, strategy and surge in funding.

The EU-Turkey refugee deal, if implemented, could lead to a significant reduction in the flow of refugees. However, the agreement faces major practical, political and legal challenges.

The EU and most of the rest of the European market for homeland security and public safety products are served by local companies. Even with a preference for locally manufactured products, foreign products can usually strongly compete on the basis of cost-performance. They do not encounter any EU direct trade barriers or quotas. Non-tariff, indirect trade barriers may be the approval process of dual-use goods, which include numerous security market products

Global Naval Radar Systems Market Growth of 6.1% CAGR by 2020

May 06, 2016 DUBLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Research and Markets has announced the addition of the “Global Naval Radar Systems Market 2016-2020” report to their offering. The global naval radar systems market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% during the period 2016-2020. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global naval radar systems market during 2016-2020. It considers the revenue generated from the sales of naval radar equipment annually to calculate the market size.

Global Military Aircraft Engines Market Worth USD 11.2 Billion by 2026

May 11, 2016 DUBLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Research and Markets has announced the addition of the “The Global Military Aircraft Engines Market 2016-2026” report to their offering. The Global Military Aircraft Engines market is expected to be worth US$8.7 billion in 2016 and is expected increase to US$11.2 billion by 2026, representing a CAGR of 2.60% during the forecast period.

Global Border Security System Market Worth USD 52.95 Billion by 2022

May 10, 2016, DUBLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Research and Markets has announced the addition of the “Border Security System Market by Environment (Ground, Aerial, Naval), System (Laser, Radar, Camera, Wide Band Wireless Communication, Perimeter Intrusion, Unmanned Vehicles, C2C, Biometric Systems), and Geography – Global Forecast to 2022” report to their offering.

The global border security system market is expected to reach USD 52.95 Billion by 2022. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.16% between 2016 and 2022. The main drivers of this growth are need for advanced border security solutions technology and the rising territorial conflicts and geopolitical instabilities.

Unmanned vehicles in the border security system would be the largest revenue generator among all, as these systems help in unprecedented situational awareness, precision targeting, communications relay delivery for fighting and defeating threats in difficult terrains and most demanding and unknown environments without risking human life, no crew to limit its range and endurance and the fear of being captured.

In the border security system market report, the ground-based systems held the largest percentage share. The major challenges faced by ground border security are conventional international disputes, cross-border infiltration, illegal migration, smuggling, and other forms of criminal activity. Ground border security is aimed at safeguarding lawful trade and travel and disrupting and dismantling transnational criminal and terrorist organizations on land.

Global Airport Information Systems Market 2016-2020

May 10, 2016 DUBLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Research and Markets has announced the addition of the “Global Airport Information Systems Market 2016-2020” report to their offering. The analysts forecast the global AIS market to grow at a CAGR of 5.75% during the period 2016-2020.

Airports are constantly seeking new methods to improve their operational efficiencies and enhance passenger air travel. AIS support the business goals of providing an efficient, passenger-friendly, and cost-effective airport operation. They also interface and integrate the majority of electronic information within the airport, thus ensuring the smooth flow of information for operations, management, and security.

Such systems assist the airport authorities or the senior officials to monitor operations and address business-critical issues efficiently. They are also labeled as the precursors to the next-generation of airports due to their advantages.

In order to improve the security at the airport premises, there is an increasing demand for the widespread use of biometric authentication technology. This technology detects the potential misuse of staff and contractor ID badges to gain access to unauthorized areas within an airport. Recently, several technologies such as fingerprint, face, iris, and retina scanners for identity validation are increasing being used in some of the busiest airports in the world. Moreover, this technology is cost-effective and reliable which makes it easy to introduce at airports.

According to the report, over the years, airports have made investments in the installation and development of high-technology screening systems to enhance the security and operations in the airport premises. These security systems aim to reduce incident vulnerability and increase incidence responsiveness in low operational and maintenance costs. Further, the report states that the regulatory and administrative constraints result in the ineffective governance of airports and its operations, unnecessary certifications and licensing, thereby inhibiting the airport efficiency.

Global Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) Market 2016-2021

May 18, 2016, DUBLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE)– The unmanned surface vehicle (USV) market is projected to grow from USD 437.57 Million in 2016 to USD 861.37 Million by 2020, at a CAGR of 14.51% during the forecast period.

Factors, such as increase demand for the ISR, water quality monitoring, maritime security and threats, need for ocean data and mapping are the major factors which will drive the unmanned surface vehicle market. USVs have been increasing the interest of various manufacturers and their inclination towards the USV market. Government organizations and private agencies have been investing a lot in the manufacture and development of advanced and efficient USVs.

On the basis of application, the given market has been segmented into defense, commercial, scientific research and miscellaneous. The defense segment is projected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period, because USVs offers greater capacity compared to traditional equivalent systems and can be equipped with stabilized weapons system and electro optical tracking system. This would help militaries to monitor in night also using infrared vision

The market for USV has been segmented based on size such as small, medium, large and extra-large. In terms of volume, the small USV market dominates the studied market, and is expected to continue its dominance over the next 5 years, primarily driven by the rise in demand in the commercial sector and its cost-effective operational use. In terms of value the large size USVs has the largest market share in USV market.

The European region is expected to exhibit the highest growth rate in the USV market, and is projected to grow at a highest CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is due the demand of USVs by navies for ISR activities and oceanographic studies along with presence of key manufacturers such as ECA Group (France), ASV (U.K.) and Atlas Elektronik (Germany) are in the region. The Atlas Elektronik holds the largest share w.r.t USVs in the European region.

Global Night Vision Devices (Military & Civil) Market 2016-2020

April 25, 2016 DUBLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Research and Markets has announced the addition of the “Global Night Vision Devices Market 2016-2020” report to their offering. The global night vision devices market to grow at a CAGR of 5.22% during the period 2016-2020.

According to the report, night vision devices find high application in military equipment such as guns. Based on investments made in the military, the exhibit below lists the top 10 nations with the highest military expenses. However, the US leads, as the country experiences significant demand for night vision devices. The Future Soldier 2030 Initiative was launched by the US Army in 2009 with the objective to equip soldiers with advanced equipment, weapons, and body armor. This initiative will help increase the adoption of night vision devices in the US. Further, the report states that the high cost of thermal imaging devices compared to night vision devices is its major disadvantage, which is hindering its adoption.

Future of the Japanese Defense Industry to 2021

May 19, 2016, LONDON, May 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Japanese defense expenditure is inclusive of expenditure on the army, navy, air force, SACO, US force realignment, and other expenses. In 2016, the Japanese Government allocated US$41.7 billion to its total defense budget, compared to US$59.1 in 2012, and registered a CAGR of -8.36% during 2012-2016. Defense expenditure is expected to grow at an estimated CAGR of 1.74% during the forecast period, to value US$45.8 billion in 2021.

Key Findings

– During 2012-2016, Japanese defense expenditure registered negative growth of -8.36%, decreasing from US$59.1 billion in 2012 to US$41.7 billion in 2016

– Defense expenditure is anticipated to register a positive CAGR of 1.74% over 2017-2021 and reach a value of US$45.8 billion in 2021

– Over the forecast period, the country’s budget for homeland security is expected to be US$16.4 billion cumulatively

– The key areas of investment are expected to be multi-role aircraft, missile defense systems, transport and utility helicopters, destroyers, and amphibious ships

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. Announces $5.8 Million in Incremental Funding to Supply U.S. Army with Hardware

May 04, 2016 MELVILLE, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 4, 2016– Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (Nasdaq:CMTL), today announced that its government solutions segment has received incremental funding in the amount of $5.8 million to further support its Secret Internet Protocol Router and Non-secure Internet Protocol Router Access Point (SNAP) Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) hardware and sustainment services delivery order.

To date, Comtech has received $40.5 million of funded orders against the $91.0 million contract ceiling. The U.S. Army Project Manager for the Warfighter Information Network – Tactical (PM WIN-T) Commercial Satellite Terminal Program is funding this procurement through the Army’s GTACS contract vehicle.

Teledyne Technologies Reports First Quarter Results

May 05, 2016, THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Technology Teledyne today reported first quarter 2016 sales of $530.5 million, compared with sales of $565.0 million for the first quarter of 2015, a decrease of 6.1%. Net income attributable to Teledyne was $38.4 million ($1.10 per diluted share) for the first quarter of 2016, compared with $43.7 million ($1.20 per diluted share) for the first quarter of 2015, a decrease of 12.1%.

“We started 2016 with record orders driven by strong bookings across the majority of our aerospace and defense businesses,” said Robert Mehrabian, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We also generated the greatest level of cash flow for any first quarter, allowing us to complete three recent acquisitions with a minimal increase in net debt. Some industrial sectors, especially energy, remain weak, but those markets appear to be stabilizing.”

Harris Corporation Awarded $96 Million IDIQ Contract to Supply Precision Approach Radars

May 17, 2016, MELBOURNE, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Harris Corporation (NYSE: HRS) has received an eight-year, $96 million ceiling, single-award IDIQ contract from the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) to supply precision approach radars (PAR) to the U.S. Navy, Air Force and Army. The contract was awarded during the fourth quarter of Harris’ fiscal 2016.

Under the contract, Harris will supply high-performance PAR systems to help the three services upgrade their precision approach and military air traffic management capabilities.

“Harris military precision approach radars combine considerable technical capability with high levels of reliability and affordability,” said Ed Zoiss, president, Harris Electronic Systems. “This blend of cutting-edge technology and dependable performance makes Harris the leading supplier of PAR systems to U.S. and international military customers.”

Harris has produced sophisticated radar technology for more than 70 years, pioneering the development of air traffic control and 3-D air defense radars for tactical applications. Harris PAR systems are used extensively today by the U.S. military and more than 20 international allies.

Harris Corporation Awarded $88 Million to Supply Airborne Jammers for Navy Electronic Warfare Program

April 29, 2016, MELBOURNE, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Harris Corporation (NYSE: HRS) has received an $88 million order to supply electronic jammers for U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet aircraft. The jammers protect the Navy jets from sophisticated electronic threats, including modern integrated air defense systems. The order was received during the third quarter of Harris’ fiscal 2016.

Under the modification to the contract awarded in July 2015, Harris will manufacture and deliver 48 on-board electronic warfare jamming systems for the Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasures (IDECM) program. Deliveries are expected to be completed by December 2018.

“Naval aviators face a growing range of threats as their missions evolve and hostile actors gain access to increasingly advanced technology,” said Ed Zoiss, president, Harris Electronic Systems. “Harris has helped keep aviators safe from emerging threats for more than 18 years, and we remain firmly committed to supporting their critical missions.”

Harris Corporation Receives $41 Million in Orders to Modernize Military Enterprise SATCOM Terminals

May 05, 2016 MELBOURNE, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS) has received $41 million in orders for production, spare parts, depot, and installation of advanced satellite communications terminals under the U.S. Army’s Modernization of Enterprise Terminals (MET) program.

The orders were received during the third quarter of Harris’ fiscal 2016. Harris fixed-site terminals and hardened transportable terminals provide dual X and Ka-band access to the new Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) network as well as legacy satellite constellations.

The next-generation military satellite communications terminals will provide the worldwide backbone for high-priority military communications and missile defense systems in locations around the world. Harris is the prime contractor for the MET IDIQ contract, which was awarded in 2009 and has a ceiling value of $800 million, including a five-year base period and a five-year option period. The latest orders bring the total MET orders Harris has been awarded to $516 million.

“MET’s state-of-the-art multiband terminals will provide critical communications and situational awareness capabilities for U.S. decision-makers and military personnel deployed worldwide,” said Ed Zoiss, president, Harris Electronic Systems. “Harris has supported the warfighter with high-performance, cost-effective military satellite communications capabilities for decades, and we are committed to continue this support through the MET program.”

BAE Systems Awarded $29 Million Maintenance Contract for USS Gettysburg

May 05, 2016 NORFOLK, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BAE Systems has received a $29.4 million competitively awarded contract from the U.S. Navy to maintain the USS Gettysburg (CG 64), a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser. The contract includes options that if exercised would raise the total value to $31.8 million.

The special selected restricted availability of the Gettysburg will begin in June and be completed in December. BAE Systems’ Norfolk, Virginia shipyard will perform the repair, maintenance, and modernization work aboard the 567-foot-long ship. The Gettysburg is equipped with the Aegis Combat System, which provides air defense for aircraft carrier battle groups. The ship was commissioned in 1991.

Smiths Detection wins large contract to equip new airport in Turkmenistan capital

May 10, 2016 WIESBADEN, Germany–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Smiths Detection has won a significant contract from Polimeks Construction to supply a comprehensive range of advanced detection equipment for the new Ashgabat International Airport in Turkmenistan.

Smiths Detection will supply advanced X-ray systems for hand baggage screening at security checkpoints, as well as the innovative millimeter-wave scanners for people screening and trace detection systems for the identification of smallest amounts of explosives. The contract also includes out-of-gauge baggage systems, which will be also used to screen on-board catering for passengers as well as air cargo consignments.

Hold baggage at Ashgabat will be screened by ECAC-approved Standard 3 systems for automatic explosives detection. The advanced screening solutions will help to detect and identify explosives and weapons, as well as screening for narcotics and contraband to help Customs personnel to counteract smuggling. Deliveries will be completed by June 2016.

Tony Tielen, Vice President EMEA, Smiths Detection, said: “The Ashgabat contract is the largest that Smiths Detection has won in the Central Asian region and we are very proud to have prevailed in a highly competitive environment.”

BAE Systems Awarded $109 Million to Convert M88 Recovery Vehicles for U.S. Army

April 26, 2016 STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The U.S. Army has awarded BAE Systems a contract modification worth $109.7 million to convert 36 M88A1 recovery vehicles to the M88A2 Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift Evacuation Systems (HERCULES) configuration. The conversions allow the M88A2s to recover the Army’s heaviest vehicles, such as tanks, without the assistance of another vehicle.

“The HERCULES is an integral part of the Army’s Armored Brigade Combat Team and is essential to its recovery missions,” said John Tile, director of Recovery Programs at BAE Systems. “The ability to provide single-vehicle recovery for even the heaviest vehicles in today’s fleet increases troop safety and provides significant cost savings to the Army.”

The HERCULES, which provides recovery support to soldiers in the field, is the only vehicle able to recover the M1 Abrams tank and all of the vehicles required to maneuver with the Armored Brigade Combat Team in a combat environment. The M88 also plays a critical role in the company’s efforts to maintain the Combat Vehicle Industrial Base by supporting a team of highly skilled professionals and protecting the affordability of the Army’s combat vehicles. The support of Congress and the Army to protect these vital capabilities through M88 conversions helps sustain the workforce at BAE Systems’ facilities and its suppliers, and ensures they will be available to support essential future programs.

As the M1 Abrams tank and other combat vehicles become heavier, further modernization of the M88 will be required to continue to provide single-vehicle recovery capability. Work on the contract is expected to begin in August by the existing workforce and will take place primarily at the company’s York, Pennsylvania, and Aiken, South Carolina, facilities. Deliveries will begin in November 2017 and continue through August 2018.

U.S. Navy Awards BAE Systems $72 Million for Submarine Propulsor Systems.

May 02, 2016 LOUISVILLE, Ky.– BUSINESS WIRE)–BAE Systems has received a $72 million contract from the U.S. Navy to produce and deliver propulsor systems for Block IV Virginia-class (SSN 774) submarines. The award continues the company’s current position as the premier provider of propulsors to the U.S. undersea fleet.

“The propulsor contributes significantly to the overall stealth and effectiveness of a submarine,” said Joe Sentfle, vice president and general manager of Weapon Systems at BAE Systems. “This award demonstrates the Navy’s confidence in our high standards and ability to deliver this vital technology to the Virginia class, a national security asset.” The contract’s value could eventually amount to $162.9 million if all options are exercised.

The company has delivered more than 20 propulsors to the Navy for both Seawolf-class (SSN 21) and Virginia-class submarines. The Virginia-class attack submarines represent a shift in undersea warfare. They are designed to maintain their effectiveness in the deep ocean while incorporating new technology and features specifically for use in shallower coastal regions. In addition to the propulsors, the contract includes funding for the manufacture of associated spare hardware and tailcones.

Engility Awarded $248 Million Dollar Contract to Support the Defense Threat

April 21, 2016 CHANTILLY, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Engility Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EGL) today announced it has been awarded a $248 million contract to provide complex technical consulting and systems engineering and technical assistance supporting the Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s (DTRA) mission to counter weapons of mass destruction.

Specifically, Engility’s team of skilled professionals will work with DTRA’s Research and Development Directorate in the DOD’s Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Combat Support Agency. Engility received the cost-plus-fixed-fee contract, which includes one base year and four additional one-year options, in the second quarter of 2016. This recompete work confirms we are delivering the essential services that meet the dynamic needs of this customer.

“This award continues a nearly 50-year partnership between Engility and DTRA to provide high-end Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) technical and acquisition program support,” said Engility CEO Lynn Dugle. “DTRA performs indispensable work that safeguards the American people and we are proud to partner with them on this critical mission.”

Engility Awarded More Than $100 Million in Intelligence Contracts

April 27, 2016 CHANTILLY, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Engility Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:EGL), today announced it has recently been awarded four Intelligence Community contracts totaling $102 million. These first quarter 2016 wins represent a mix of sole source, recompete and new contract wins. These are in addition to a previously announced $82 million program to provide classified engineering and intel work for DOD.

“We have been supporting intelligence agencies on missions of national importance for more than 40 years,” said Engility CEO Lynn Dugle. “Our deep domain knowledge and specialized expertise across all intelligence disciplines enables us to help our customers anticipate change and meet rapidly evolving threats.”

Orbital ATK Awarded US$ 20 million Contract to Supply Non-Standard Ammunition to Department of Defense

April 18, 2016 DULLES, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Orbital ATK, Inc. (NYSE: OA), a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies, announced today that it has been awarded an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract award with the U.S. government to supply non-U.S. standard ammunition (NSA) and mortar weapons systems for the Department of Defense (DOD) in support of international allies.

The selection of Orbital ATK as a provider to the NSA program demonstrates the company’s expertise in program, technical and supply chain management, and is complemented by a worldwide team of proven suppliers. Orbital ATK received orders of approximately $300 million under the previous three-year NSA IDIQ contract, which expired in December 2015. The company has been the leading supplier to the NSA program since its inception in 2008, providing 600 million units of NSA products to our country’s allies. This new IDIQ contract comes with an initial award of approximately $20 million.

Orbital ATK is the operator of the U.S. Army’s Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence, Missouri, where it is the largest manufacturer of small caliber ammunition for the U.S. Department of Defense.

Securitas AB Interim Report January–March 2016

May 04, 2016,STOCKHOLM, Sweden–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Comments from Alf Göransson, President and CEO: Organic sales growth remained exceptionally strong also in the first quarter of the year. We estimate that we are growing faster than the security markets in the US and Europe as well as in many of the Ibero-American countries, mainly supported by our strategy of providing security solutions and electronic security. The growth was further supported by continued higher levels of security needs in Europe.

Earnings per share improved by 14 percent in the first quarter, adjusted for changes in exchange rates. The operating margin improved to 4.8 percent (4.7). Sales of security solutions and electronic security were strong in the first quarter and in line with our expectations. We believe that we can continue to increase our sales of security solutions and electronic security at a high pace in the coming years and to make this a substantial part of the Group’s total sales. The completed acquisition of Diebold’s North American Electronic Security business on February 1, 2016 also makes a substantial contribution in accelerating our transformation of the security industry.

Orbital ATK Receives $210 Million in New Production Orders from U.S. Army

May 03, 2016 , DULLES, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Orbital ATK, Inc. (NYSE: OA), a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies, announced today that it has received orders totaling $210 million to produce small caliber ammunition for the U.S. Army. Orders were placed for .50 caliber, 5.56mm and 7.62mm ammunition under Orbital ATK’s supply contract to produce a variety of small caliber ammunition for the U.S. government at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant (Lake City) in Independence, Missouri.

“This latest order continues a long history of supplying only the best ammunition to our warfighters,” said Kent Holiday, Vice President and General Manager of Orbital ATK’s Small Caliber Systems division of the Defense Systems Group. “Every round is produced with the highest quality because we know that those defending freedom depend upon the good work of our employees.”

Orbital ATK has operated Lake City for the U.S. Army since 2000, during which approximately 15 billion rounds of small caliber ammunition has been produced to support U.S. and allied warfighters around the globe. During the past several months, Orbital ATK and the U.S. Army have been making upgrades and investing in state-of-the-art, high-volume technology to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the facility. Orbital ATK’s Defense Systems Group is an industry leader in providing innovative and affordable precision and strike weapons, advanced propulsion and hypersonics, missile components across air-, sea- and land-based systems, ammunition and related energetic products.

Top Five Vendors in the Global Directed Energy Weapons Market Until 2020

April 28, 2016 LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Technavio has announced the top five leading vendors for the global directed energy weapons market in their latest research report. They are: BAE Systems, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon. This research report provides market segmentation by weapon type (lethal and non-lethal) and growth prospects by region (the Americas, EMEA, and APAC).

“Evolution of non-lethal laser weapons is a key trend in this market. Defense strategies of most countries rely significantly on their advanced weapons, communication, and surveillance systems. Therefore, introduction of advanced weapons constitutes an essential element of the current and future military operational plans,” said Abhay Singh, one of Technavio’s lead analysts for retail goods and services.

“The US government, with the support of AFRL, developed a prototype of personnel halting and stimulation response (PHASR), a non-lethal laser rifle designed to blind the enemies temporarily. These rifles emit infrared rays against different electronic sensors. Such weapons were initially developed for military use, whereas non-military versions of the gun are currently available for use in law enforcement and homeland security,” added Abhay.

Top Five Vendors in the Global Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Market Until 2020

May 16, 2016 LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Technavio has announced the top five leading vendors in their recent global intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) market report. They are: BAE Systems, Boeing, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman.

According to the report, the global ICBM market is highly competitive with vendors competing on basis of cost, product quality, reliability, and aftermarket service. Therefore, it is crucial for vendors to provide cost-effective and high-quality ICBMs with latest technology and materials to survive and succeed such an intensely competitive environment.

Mergers and acquisitions, along with increased collaboration with alliance partners around the world would drive the global ICBM market during the forecast period. In 2015, Orbital Sciences merged their operations with ATK Alliant Techsystems at USD 5 billion to provide support to the military assets globally. Such acquisitions and mergers would strengthen the position of the companies in the market and enable direct access to the local customers.

“Government organizations such as the DOD and MOD certify the ICBMs of every vendor. They encourage the development of such missile systems as they add a caliber to the ongoing military operations. As a result, the vendors invest in creating new, cost-efficient, and effective ICBMs for use by the armed forces, globally,” says Abhay Singh, a lead analyst at Technavio for defense sector.

X-Band Radar Market – Global Industry Analysis & Assessment, 2016-2026

May 16, 2016, DUBLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Research and Markets has announced the addition of the “X-Band Radar Market – Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016-2026” report to their offering.

This report offers a 10-year forecast of the global X-band radar market between 2016 and 2026. In terms of value, the global X-band radar market is expected to register a CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period.

The growing need of advanced security and surveillance systems across the world is driving the growth of the market. Additionally, increasing significance of weather and climate predictions, and aviation safety is also propelling the growth of the market. X-band radar vendors are investing aggressively in the advancement of multiple target detection technology in order to overcome the current challenge associated with X-band radars.

Global Automated Border Control Systems Market

May 05, 2016, DUBLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Research and Markets has announced the addition of the “Global Automated Border Control Systems Market” report to their offering.

Airports around the world continue to increase efficiency and security with technologies designed to expedite the customs process for international travelers. Implementation of automated border control (ABC) systems or eGates, in use for several years at international airports, is gradually increasing.

Biometric capabilities are key aspects of ABC systems, but there is still no standardization among systems or regions that use them. This research is designed to provide readers a look into the state of the ABC systems market from 2015 to 2020 and the key trends that will influence its evolution.

Key Findings: The market shows definite growth, especially in Central Asia as long as its economy continues to do well. Other regions, on the other hand, will continue to press forward at a cautious pace, gathering intelligence on issues and shortcomings to avoid before investing. Efficiency and immigration control were primary drivers leading to the development of ABC systems and other border control technologies. The recent surge of terrorist incidents will affect the growth trajectory of these systems, but whether the trajectory is positive or negative has yet to be determined.

Global Ballistic Protection Market Report 2016

May 06, 2016, DUBLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Research and Markets has announced the addition of the “The Ballistic Protection Market – Key Drivers, Trends and New Developments” report to their offering. The report offers insights into the industry with an analysis based on key trends, drivers and new developments in the domain. This report analyzes factors that influence demand for ballistic protection equipment, impact of government regulations, key market influencers and challenges faced by industry participants.

The changing nature of modern day warfare has become increasingly asymmetric in nature and includes guerrilla warfare, counter-insurgency, and counter-terrorism operations. Similar scenarios play out in the law enforcement domain wherein criminals are more equipped now to fatally injure responding officers, thus necessitating investment in ballistic protection equipment.

Improvements in weight and wearability remain major factors determining a supplier’s market penetration with most new development projects directed specifically towards performance enhancements in these two areas. Rapid development in materials used for ballistic protection have led to slight cost reductions for some variants, which makes it possible for militaries of developing nations as well as paramilitary and police forces to institute organization-wide deployment.

Strong governmental regulations that require the use of protective clothing have increased demand. Similarly, a major factor that is also anticipated to influence sales of ballistic protection equipment is the burgeoning trend of supplying body armor including headgear to emergency first responders such as paramedics and firefighters.