US defence prime HII's Mission Technologies division has landed a contract to provide intelligence analysis and operational support services for the Joint Intelligence Operations Center-Korea, bolstering US efforts to understand threats and safeguard personnel in the region.
The $305m deal was awarded by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), with the renewed partnership between HII and the DIA intended to enhance the intelligence analysis, enabling United States Forces Korea (USFK) to gain insights into enemy capabilities, detect emerging threats, and formulate effective response strategies.
A primary mission of USFK is to ensure the safety of American personnel within the Korean Theater of Operations.
According to GlobalData's intelligence on the US defence market, the US maintains alliances with South Korea and Japan that were formed to counter communism in the Pacific region after the Second World War.
"We are excited about the opportunity to expand our relationship with the USFK and support its important mission while working in close coordination with the joint staff, service components, and intelligence agencies," said Todd Gentry, president of Mission Technologies' C5ISR business group. "Our experts have a long history assessing and advising on national security issues and are committed to protecting US regional interests."
The five-year contract extension builds upon HII's previous engagement with the DIA, dating back to 2019, and signifies a continued commitment to enhancing US capabilities in the region. With tensions simmering in the Korean peninsula, the partnership between HII and the DIA assumes heightened significance as both entities collaborate to safeguard US interests amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.
In other recent South Korean maritime developments, the US approved two acquisitions. Firstly, a $170.6m deal secured Subsonic Sea-Skimming Aerial Targets (SSAT) for its KDX-III Batch-II AEGIS destroyers, aiming to enhance proficiency in surface-to-air target prosecution.
Secondly, a $350m agreement encompasses engines and sustainment for MH-60R multi-mission helicopters, reinforcing South Korea's anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The acquisitions highlight the two nations' growing partnership and shared commitment to enhancing regional security.
As geopolitical complexities continue to shape the strategic landscape in the Asia-Pacific region, HII's role in bolstering US defences underscores the importance of private-sector partnerships in advancing national security objectives.
Looking ahead, HII anticipates growth, buoyed by record revenues of $11.5bn in 2023, with plans for mid-to-long-term revenue expansion of over 4%. The company's three divisions—Ingalls Shipbuilding, Newport News Shipbuilding, and Mission Technologies—have increased revenue by higher volumes and new contract awards.
