![XM30 Soldier Touchpoint](https://breakingdefense.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Featured-350x263.jpg)
![P-8 LRASM testing expected to wrap this summer, Boeing official says](https://breakingdefense.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/p8-in-flight-scaled-e1716572561901-225x150.jpg)
Boeing will also soon begin flight testing a multimission pod developed with internal funds, according to company official Jon Spore.
By Michael Marrow![Aussies award Lockheed, Boeing $830M AUD support deals for Black Hawk, Apaches, Chinooks](https://breakingdefense.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/20231012army8567820_A1235-225x150.jpg)
“When the tough but necessary decision was made last year to expedite the withdrawal of the MRH-90s [Taipans] from service, it meant that we needed to look at all options when it came to filling the capability gap and the training which our servicemen and women need,” Defense Minister Richard Marles said in a statement.
By Colin Clark![Lockheed wins Australia’s biggest ever space contract, worth estimated $4B AUD](https://breakingdefense.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/02/Lockheed-Australia-satellite-dish-e1643934538306-225x150.jpg)
The Defense Department here, in an unusual move, announced that Lockheed had been directly awarded the contract for what is expected to be a $4 billion AUD ($2.86 billon) commitment to Australia’s first sovereign military satellite program.
By Colin Clark![Aussies aim for $1B in exports of Loyal Wingman, now ‘Ghost Bat’](https://breakingdefense.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/03/IMG_0021-scaled-e1648062520921-225x150.jpg)
“Selecting the Ghost Bat, an Australian native mammal known for teaming together in a pack to detect and hunt, reflects the unique characteristics of the aircraft’s sensors and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance abilities, and is a fitting name for this pioneering capability,” Glen Ferguson of Boeing said.
By Colin Clark![JP 9102: Australia opens bidding on its biggest space contract ever](https://breakingdefense.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/02/Lockheed-Australia-satellite-dish-e1643934538306-225x150.jpg)
Industry sources say the tender will lead to at least two, and as many as four, military communication satellites being built for the Australian military, as well as ground stations. A decision on the winner is expected this year.
By Colin Clark