Global wrap-up: UK arms exports explode, Japan launches new Destroyer

Asia-Pacific: 

• Saab has secured an order from the Royal Thai Air Force to upgrade the country's Air Command and Control System, which will enhance Thailand's network-centric air defence capability.
• Lockheed Martin secured a $1.2 billion deal with Japan to build two ground-based Aegis Ashore ballistic missile defence stations.
• Japan launched the first of two 27DDG Class Guided Missile Destroyers to enhance the nation's maritime ballistic missile defence capabilities. The destroyers are equipped with the Aegis Baseline J7 combat system.
• China's People's Liberation Army Navy has launched its 14th Type 052D Luyang III Guided Missile Destroyer. This follows the recent launch of two Type 055 Renhai Class Guided Missile Cruisers.
• Pakistan and Russia have signed an agreement that will see Pakistani troops receive training at Russian military training institutes.

Middle East: 

• The US State Department approved a foreign military sale to Kuwait worth $40.4 million to supply 1,020 Mk-82 500-lb bombs, 1,002 Mk-83 1,000-lb bombs and 600 Mk-84 2,000-lb bombs. The sale also included general purpose bomb components and fuses, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, transportation, facilities and construction, US government and contractor technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistic and program support.
• Iran has conducted a series of naval exercises in the Straits of Hormuz, which focused on Iranian capability to shut down the strategic waterway following a diplomatic row between US President Donald Trump and his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani. 
• The Egyptian Navy conducted joint maritime exercises with the British and French Navies. 
• Elbit secured an $85 million contract to provide the Israeli Navy with electronic warfare capabilities to the Sa'ar 6 Class corvettes over a 10-year period. 
• Bahrain secured a foreign military sales program worth $80 million to purchase 28 TOW Improved Target Acquisition Systems and 4 TOW Improved Target Acquisition Floats. 

Europe: 

• The UK Defence Security Organisation published key figures showing British defence companies secured exports valued at $11.59 billion in 2017, a 53 per cent growth on 2016 figures. The DSO report also highlighted an $8 billion decline in France's defence exports. 
• The Netherlands secured a $169 million foreign military sales agreement with the US for 106 Mk-54 Lightweight Torpedo conversion kits. The deal also includes Recoverable Exercise Torpedoes (REXTORP) with containers; Fleet Exercise Section (FES) and fuel tanks; air launch accessories for rotary wing aircraft; torpedo launcher interface cabinets; ground handling equipment; torpedo spare parts; training; publications; support and test equipment; US government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support and test equipment. 
• Denmark secured a $152 million foreign military sales agreement with the US to secure 46 Standard Missile SM-2 Block IIIA Vertical Launching Tactical All-Up Rounds, RIM 066M-03-BK IIIA (VLS); two Standard Missile, SM-2 Block IIIA Telemetry, Omni-Directional, All­-Up Rounds, RIM-066M-03-BK IIIA (VLS); and two Standard Missile, SM-2 Block IIIA Telemetry, Omni-Directional Antenna, Warhead Dud Capable, RIM 066M-03-BK IIIA (VLS). Also included are MK 13 MOD 0 Vertical Launching System Canisters and related support systems.
• German Naval Yards Kiel (GNYK) has signed an agreement with Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems to contribute to the development and construction of new multi-purpose combat vessels designated the MKS 180, which will provide six frigates for the German Navy worth approximately €4 billion.  
• Russia has continued its military expansion with the planned procurement of dozens of Zubr and Murena amphibious landing air-cushion boats. 
• A Spanish Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon accidentally fired an AIM-120 AMRAAM missile close to the Russian border during an exercise with NATO forces. 

North America: 

• Raytheon has secured a $72 million addition to the Andover, Massachusetts facility, which will be responsible for designing and building the new AN/SPY-6 Radars for the US Navy's Flight III Arleigh Burke Class Guided Missile Destroyers. 
• Northrop Grumman landed a $30 million contract for E-2D Advanced Hawkeye support and supplies, including traceability and verification procedures over three years. 
• Boeing has pitched an evolved version of the company's highly successful F-15 Eagle to the US Air Force to replace the ageing F-15C/D models, with an F-15X missile truck capable of supporting the fifth-generation F-22 and F-35 aircraft. 
• The US Air Force light attack aircraft competition will be down to two competitors: the Textron AT-6 Wolverine and the Sierra Nevada Corp Embraer A-29 Super Tucano. 
• Lockheed Martin has won a $171 million contract for performing work on F-35 fighter, this modification authorizes the procurement of diminishing manufacturing sources redesign activities in support of the F-35.  
• Serious welding problems were discovered in the missile tubes currently under construction for the US Navy's new Columbia Class Ballistic Missile Submarines, placing the already tight deadline for this key US strategic capability under pressure.  
• Rheinmetall has signed an agreement to provide an additional 1,256 Argus Soldier Systems to the Canadian Army worth CAD$22 million. 

Australia: