Saturday, December 10, 2011

“Sudarshan Shakti” aims to transform armed forces



President Pratibha Patil, Supreme Commander of the armed forces, on Monday witnessed one of the largest military exercises in recent times — “Sudarshan Shakti” — aimed at starting the transformation of the forces into a modern, lean, and agile fighting combination capable of leveraging new-age technologies.

The exercise, in the deserts near Barmer in Rajasthan, helmed by the Southern Army Command and the South Western Air Command, led by formations under the Bhopal-based 21 Corps, a strike Corps also known by the name Sudarshan Chakra Corps, looks to build synergy between the Army and the Air Force in a network-centric environment to help face challenges of the 21st Century – including having to fight in an environment dominated by the threat from nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons.

Donning military fatigues, Ms. Patil arrived on a T-90 battle tank much to the astonishment of onlookers, accompanied by Defence Minister A.K. Antony and Army Chief General V.K. Singh, hailed the exercises as a “landmark that would enhance our combat preparedness” and help the forces ward off threats to national security in the face of “multi-dimensional” challenges. “We need to accordingly equip ourselves with state-of-the-art weapons, and hone our skills through relentless training to deliver the required response to our adversaries, when the need arises,” she said.

Iran airs footage of US drone, protests violation




Iran made a formal protest on Thursday over a US drone entering "deep" into its eastern airspace last week, and aired footage of what appeared to be the downed aircraft on state television.

Swiss ambassador Livia Leu Agosti was summoned to the foreign ministry and told the incident suggests Washington has upped its "provocative and covert actions" against the Islamic regime, the state television website reported.

The Swiss embassy handles US interests in the absence of Iran-US diplomatic ties.
Iran "strongly protests the violation of an RQ-170 spy aircraft deep into its airspace," the report said, adding that Tehran asked for "an urgent response and compensation from the US government."

Thursday, December 8, 2011

DRDO successfully conducts maiden flight of AEW&C



The DRDO has conducted the maiden flight of Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system at a special facility in Brazil, taking a major step forward in the development of such system indigenously.

The first maiden flight of indigenously developed AEW&C took place yesterday at Sao Jose dos Campos in Brazil with about 1000 mission system components provided by Bangalore- based DRDO lab, the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), a DRDO spokesperson said here.

DRDO chief V K Saraswat, in his message after the successful first test-flight of the AEW&C, said, "The flight is a major milestone towards realising the dream of indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control system, which will put India into a select club of countries."

Sunday, November 20, 2011

India Launches New Generation Strategic Missile AGNI 4



India today successfully test-fired the most advanced long-range missile system Agni-4 today. The missile was launched from a Road Mobile System at 9.00 AM from Wheelers’ Island off the coast of Odisha.

The missile followed its trajectory, in a text book fashion, attained a height of about 900 kms and reached the pre-designated target in the international waters of Bay of Bengal.

All mission objectives were fully met. All the systems functioned perfectly till the end encountering the re-entry temperatures of more than 3000⁰C.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Israel holds major missile defence drill



Israel on Thursday completed a major civil defence drill in the Tel Aviv region aimed at simulating a response to conventional and non-conventional missile attacks, the military said.
The four-hour exercise began shortly after 10:00 am (0800 GMT) with the sounding of sirens for a full minute and a half throughout the region around the coastal city of Tel Aviv.

The rescue units of the police, the fire service, the Magen David Adom emergency services and the civil defence units all participated in the exercise, the Israeli military said.

"We are going to test all the possible scenarios, including attacks causing significant damage," civil defence official Colonel Adam Zussman told army radio ahead of the drill.

Russian Guns Bolster Afghan Artillery



Picatinny Arsenal is helping the Afghan National Army develop their indirect fire capability to bolster self-defense.

Picatinny, in conjunction with the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, will support the acquisition of 194 D30, 122mm Howitzers for the Afghan National Army.

In addition to supporting the acquisition of the howitzers, the Program Executive Office Ammunition, or PEO Ammo, has also helped establish a training and mentoring program at the Central Work Shop in Kabul, Afghanistan. At the CWS, mentors/instructors are teaching an Afghan work force how to properly overhaul, repair and maintain the weapons.

India Receives First Batch of Mi-17V-5 Helos



The first batch of Mi-17V-5 helicopters have been delivered to the Indian side under the contract signed by Rosoboronexport, JSC in December 2008 during the visit to India of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

The helicopters are manufactured by Kazan Helicopters, a subsidiary of the Russian Helicopters holding company.

India is considered Russia’s a strategic partner in development and delivery of rotorcraft for defence purposes as well as state and private operators. Joint Russian-Indian projects to deliver new helicopters, spares, and aviation equipment are under way. As of 2011 the Indian Air Force operates over 200 Mi-8/17 type medium rotorcraft of Russian make.

Soldiers Survive IED Strike Thanks to Scimitar



Soldiers from 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards have survived a strike by a large improvised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan while driving in their upgraded Scimitar Mk2 vehicle.

The three soldiers of the Welsh Cavalry were on a routine patrol in Nahr-e Saraj when their Scimitar Mk2 was engulfed in an explosion. All three soldiers walked away from the incident unharmed.

Vehicle commander Lieutenant Peter Gordon-Finlayson said the explosion stunned the crew for a few moments before their training took over, adding:

Rafale Reportedly Has Lower Costs, Indian Media Say



India on Friday opened the financial bids of the two fighters left in the fray for the world's biggest combat aircraft deal, but promptly declared it would take at least two-three weeks to declare the eventual winner since tons of data had to be computed.

For all its promises of "full transparency" in the medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) contract to acquire 126 fighters, likely to be the single biggest defence deal in the run-up to the 2014 polls with its overall value set to exceed $20 billion, the defence ministry refused to say anything concrete.

Sources, however, said the "unit flyaway cost" or "direct acquisition cost" of each Eurofighter Typhoon was "higher" than the French Rafale fighter, both of which fall in the $80-$110 million bracket, much costlier than the American, Russian and Swedish jets earlier eliminated after exhaustive technical evaluation by IAF pilots.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Army rolls out first Apache Block III aircraft



The first Apache Block III helicopter was delivered to the Army today during a ceremony at the Boeing plant here in which the aircraft was rolled out on stage under bright lights and a wisp of generated smoke.

Hundreds of industry, government and military officials attended the event in which two of the new AH-64 aircraft were actually delivered to the Army ahead of schedule. The first Block III helicopter was finished about a week early and the second about a month ahead of schedule, according to David Koopersmith, Boeing Attack Helicopter Programs vice president.

"It's an amazing game-changer," said Maj. Gen. Tim Crosby about the new Apache. Crosby, the Army's program executive officer for aviation, went on to say during a press conference that no other helicopter in the world could match the Apache Block III.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

S. Korea Unveils Truck-mounted 105mm Gun


The first truck mounted 105-millimeter howitzer was revealed to the media for the first time on Sept. 22 at the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan, Seoul.

The new weapon, developed by Samsung Techwin, the Samsung Group’s defense and precision machinery unit, was displayed at a weapon exhibition that was opened inside the ministry compound.

After being assigned as a project under Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration in 2009, Samsung Techwin begin making the new wheeled howitzer from 2010 in an effort to enhance combat capabilities with other widely used artilleries.

Afghan Air Force Nears 50% of Planned Size



Afghanistan’s military retains the vestiges of a modern air force, and its skilled and eager airmen have NATO trainers encouraged as they build up the force, the commander of NATO Air Training Command Afghanistan said today.

The Afghanistan air force has about 5,000 of its 8,000-member goal, and 66 of 145 aircraft NATO plans to provide it, U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Timothy Ray said during a meeting with reporters at the State Department’s Foreign Press Center here.

“Back in the 1970s and ’80s, they actually had a very modern air force,” Ray said. The force had mostly Russian-made aircraft, which were new then, but either were lost in later combat or weren’t maintained after the country fell to the Taliban, he said.

Germany Threatens to Halt Submarine Sale to Israel



The German government is threatening to halt the delivery of a submarine capable of firing nuclear warheads in protest of the Israeli government's recent decision to build new homes in the Arab part of Jerusalem. Earlier this year, SPIEGEL reported that Germany's subsidized submarine sales program is linked to World War II reparations.

Germany is threatening to stop the delivery of a "Dolphin" submarine to Israel in protest over the country's settlement policies. Government sources confirmed the development when asked by SPIEGEL following speculation last week in the Israeli media that Germany might halt the sale.

The move is in response to the recent decision by the Israeli government to approve the construction of 1,100 homes in Gilo, an Arab part of Jerusalem captured from Jordan in the 1967 Six Day War. The Israeli government considers the area to be a Jewish suburb, but the international community contests that description.

Pentagon Confirms F-35 Offer to India



The Pentagon’s Nov. 2 report to Congress of US-India Security Cooperation concludes with a paragraph which sums up the Pentagon’s position regarding the possible sale of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters to India, which has been widely reported but not previously confirmed. The paragraph follows:

Joint Strike Fighter and Potential Co-Development of Military Weapons Systems

The Department of Defense is continually looking for ways to expand defense cooperation with India. We are seeking opportunities for increased science and technology cooperation that may lead to co-development opportunities with India as a partner.

Apache Longbow Wins Indian Competition As Mi-28 Ruled Out





The Indian Air Force (IAF) has selected Boeing’s Apache Longbow advanced attack helicopter for its combat chopper tender.

RIA Novosti news agency reported from Moscow yesterday that the other competitor, Russia’s Mi-28N Night Hunter, had lost the competition. It quoted an unnamed Indian defence ministry source as saying that the US helicopter showed better performance while the Russian machine did not meet the tender requirements.

There was no confirmation here but well placed sources told India Strategic Defence magazine that IAF’s assessment report had been accepted. No details were given. IAF has a tender for 22 combat helicopters with no options. But more would be required and should be ordered once the first few machines are delivered.

India Wants Six Additional C-130Js in $1.2Bn Deal



The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Oct. 26 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of India for six Lockheed Martin C-130Js and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.2 billion.

The Government of India has requested a possible sale of 6 Lockheed Martin C-130J United States Air Force (USAF) baseline aircraft including: USAF baseline equipment, 6 Rolls Royce AE 2100D3 spare engines, 8 AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning Systems (two of them spares), 8 AN/ALR-56M Advanced Radar Warning Receivers (two of them spares), 8 AN/ALE-47 Counter-Measures Dispensing Systems (two of them spares), 8 AAQ-22 Star SAFIRE III Special Operations Suites (two of them spares), 8 ARC-210 Radios (Non-COMSEC), and 3200 Flare Cartridges.

Also included are spare and repair parts, configuration updates, communications security equipment and radios, integration studies, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, technical services, personnel training and training equipment, foreign liaison office support, Field Service Representatives’ services, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics personnel services, and other related elements of logistics support.

Russia Eyes Bigger Role On Latin American Weapons Market



In September 2011 the Peruvian Defense Ministry received the second batch of Mi-171SH helicopters as part of the supply contract signed with the Russian official arms trader Rosoboronexport in 2010.

In addition to Mi-171SH, painted in the colors of the Peruvian Air Force, the supplier shipped all equipment for their maintenance and servicing. All helos of the batch passed acceptance tests and were fielded shortly. Noteworthy, the first delivery took place back in May 2011. It means that the JSC Rosoboronexport has upheld its standing commitments under the contract, which will be deemed closed as soon as the warranty is over for the Mi-17SH and Mi-35P, supplied earlier this spring.

The Peruvian military has known Russian rotary-wing aircraft for quite long, since Peru was one of the first Latin American partners of Russia (then USSR) in the domain of military-technical cooperation. The history of diplomatic relations between the countries dates back to February 1, 1969. The Soviet Union has been shipping T-55 tanks, MiG-29 fighters, Mi-8 helicopters and other hi-tech equipment to Peru ever since 1973, which made the Latin American nation one of Russia’s priority partners: indeed, it ranked second to none on the continent in terms of volumes of Soviet commercial and military aircraft in service. Moreover, Soviet specialists earned invaluable experience of launching versatile economic programs in Peru. For instance, Russian rescue services and medics did a lot to relieve the pain of the Peruvian nation following the disastrous earthquake in 1970. This helped a lot in forging a much closer relationship between the nations.

Ukraine to Launch a Rocket from the Brazilian Space Launch Facility



Ukraine's objective is to complete all the primary work to launch the Ukrainian rocket Cyclone-4 from the facility in the North Western Brazil by 2013, stated President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych in his interview with Brazilian newspaper O Globo during his official visit to Brazil on October 23-26. Brazil is responsible for the construction of the launch base while Ukrainian constructors are currently working on the carrier rockets.

The strategic project Alcantara Cyclone Space has entered the phase of practical implementation, stated President Yanukovych. "I have no doubt that this project will become a reality soon," said the Ukrainian leader.

The location of the launching platform is extremely beneficial because of its close proximity to the equator (2°17′S 44°23′W) mentioned the Ukrainian Ambassador to Brazil Igor Grushko in his interview to the journalists, according to UNIAN. He noted that the Alcantara Cyclone Space project is set to be commercially successful. The cost of rocket launch from this location is 20% less than average, said Ambassador Grushko. He also noted that the Ukraine has already invested over USD 130 million. The total project cost is estimated at USD 488 million.

Monday, October 10, 2011

New British missile three times as fast as current weapons



The Perseus missile will be the most sophisticated weapon in its class travelling at Mach 3 or 2,000 miles an hour, three times the speed of existing weapons.

In midflight it can deploy a further two baby missiles that can help it straddle a ship with devastating firepower or seek out extra targets or confuse surface-to-air missile batteries.
One engineer on the project unveiled at the Paris Air Show, said: "This is the stealth bomber of missiles and can penetrate enemy defences like nothing else."

The £800,000 Perseus, designed to replace the existing Exocet and Storm Shadow weapons, will be invisible to radars until the very last few seconds before the two ton weapon impacts.

Indian Navy P8I Poseidon completed its initial flight test



The first P-8I aircraft for the Indian Navy completed its initial flight on September 28, taking off from Renton Field at 12:02 p.m. Pacific time and landing two hours and 31 minutes later at Boeing Field in Seattle.

During the flight, Boeing test pilots performed airborne systems checks including engine accelerations and decelerations and autopilot flight modes, and took the P-8I to a maximum altitude of 41,000 feet prior to landing. In the coming weeks Boeing will begin mission systems installation and checkout work on the aircraft at a company facility near Boeing Field.

"The P-8I program is progressing well and we are looking forward to this potent platform joining the Indian Navy as part of its fleet," said Rear Adm. DM Sudan, assistant chief of Naval Staff (Air), Indian Navy.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Elbit Systems to Supply Israel with Cardom Systems



Elbit Systems has announced that it was awarded a contract by the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) in the amount of approximately $40 million to supply Cardom systems to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

Manufactured by Elbit Systems' subsidiary Soltam Systems Ltd., Cardom systems were initially supplied to the IDF in 2007 and are considered among the most advanced of their kind in the world. The systems are to be supplied over a period of four years.

The Cardom systems integrate a 120mm mortar with innovative fire control, navigation, automatic aiming and propulsion systems.

The Cardom mortars are operational by various IDF infantry units, as well as various armies around the world, including the U.S. Army.

German Navy Receives New Anti-Ship Missile



The official roll-out of the RBS15 Mk3 heavy anti-ship missile for the German Navy took place at a ceremony of the Federal Office of Defence Technology and Procurement. High-ranking representatives of the Federal Ministry of Defence, the Federal Office of Technology and Procurement, the German Navy as well as the industrial partners Diehl Defence and Saab Dynamics participated in the event at the naval base Kiel on September 22, 2011.

Diehl delivers the RBS15 Mk3 anti-ship missile as the main weapon system of the German Navy´s new K130 corvette. A special feature of this German-Swedish Missile is its additional capability enabling precise engagement of land targets. The launch customers include the German Navy as well as Poland which is equipping its ORKAN class speedboats with RBS15 Mk3 missiles. The delivery of the first missiles began in March 2011.

The long-range, all-weather capable “Fire-and-Forget” missile tracks its target directly above the water surface over distances of more than 200 km. By means of programmed way points, the missile´s trajectory and flight altitude can be altered several times. RBS15 Mk3 is extremely resistant to countermeasures, providing high penetration capability against air defences with guided and tube weapons. The RBS15 Mk3 version is an upgrade of Saab’s RBS15 Mk2 proven in the Swedish Navy and additional naval forces.

Singapore Introduces HIMARS Rocket Launcher



Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen officiated at a ceremony to mark the commissioning of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and operationalisation of the first HIMARS Battery at Khatib Camp this afternoon. During the ceremony, Dr Ng witnessed a demonstration of the deployment and operation of the HIMARS as part of a networked force that included other land platforms.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Dr Ng highlighted the significance of the event to the Artillery and the transformation journey of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). He said, "The successful induction of the HIMARS reflects well on the ability of the SAF to respond decisively to new challenges and changing circumstances in the operational environment."

Commending the gunners of 23 SA for their competency and professionalism, Dr Ng noted that while advancements in technology has enhanced the SAF's capabilities and reduced the reliance on manpower, heavier responsibility now rests on the servicemen.

Denmark Takes Over Baltic Air Police Mission



Minister of National Defence Rasa Juknevičienė and representatives of Denmark, France, Estonia, Latvia, as well as Lithuania, will attend an Air Contingent rotation ceremony at the Lithuanian Air force Air Base located in Šiauliai.

Danish Air Contingent is to replace the outgoing rotation of the Baltic Air-policing mission – French Air Force Contingent which guarded Baltic airspace since April.

On 31 August, four Danish Air Force fighters F-16 and 70 troops deployed on the Baltic Air-policing mission in the Lithuanian Air Force Air Base from their permanent place of deployment in Skrydstrup, Denmark.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Patria at the International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO in Poland



Patria takes part in the international defence industry exhibition MSPO held in Targi Kielce Exhibition and Congress Centre in Kielce, Poland on 5 - 8 September 2011. In the exhibition Patria highlights one of its key products, the Patria AMV (Armoured Modular Vehicle). In the exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to see Rosomak (Polish for Wolverine), which is a locally produced Polish version of the Patria AMV. Patria’s Polish partner, Wojskowe Zaklady Mechaniczne, is a local expert in the production of the Rosomaks.

Patria’s display includes a KTO Rosomak with Oto Melara 30mm Hitfist turret intergrated with Spike launchers. Another KTO Rosomak with CT-CV 105mm turret is also showcased. In addition the display includes a KTO Rosomak Driving simulator.

Patria’s display is located in the exhibition booth ZF-6, together with WZM.

Korea to Fit Mistal SAMs to All Patrol Boats



The South Korean Navy is planning to load man-portable Surface to Air Missiles (SAM), so-called Mistral, to all patrol boats in operation in due order to use them in antiaircraft and antiship defense purpose.

“The Navy will load Mistrals onto patrol boats that are deployed in the Yellow Sea [near the Northern Limit Line] starting the end of this month,” said an official under the Naval Operations Command. “Eventually, all patrol boats will be equipped with such weapon and we expect strong defense capabilities in the waters [near the inter-Korean maritime border] and firepower of warships.”

The official also said that it is the first time for South Korean Navy to install portable SAMs. The Navy and the state-run Agency for Defense Development (ADD) jointly conducted performance test and evaluation on the Mistrals for six months since January this year. At the end, the mistrals received “suitability” judgment in the assessment.

South Korea Unveils First Surveillance Aircraft



As a hope of making another great leap in improving South Korea’s military might, South Korea’s first surveillance airplane, known as Airborne Early Warning and Control plane, arrived at an Air Force base on Aug. 1.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) in Seoul said that a Boeing E-737 early-warning and control aircraft landed at the Air Force base in Gimhae, South Gyeongsang, after completing tests by South Korean Air Force at Boeing’s factory in Seattle.

“It will go through test flights and acceptance tests before it’s handed over to our Air Force in early September,” the DAPA said.

AeroVironment Introduces Shrike VTOL Drone


AeroVironment, Inc. introduced its lightweight and man-portable Shrike VTOL unmanned aircraft system.

In August 2008 AeroVironment announced the receipt of a contract from DARPA (the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) to develop a portable, stealthy, persistent perch and stare (SP2S) unmanned aircraft system. Shrike VTOL represents the conclusion of this development effort.

“With more than four years of customer funding behind it, our new Shrike VTOL unmanned aircraft system is designed to address the need for a small, light-weight hovering aircraft that delivers unique surveillance and intelligence capability not provided by current solutions. Not only does Shrike VTOL hover for more than 40 minutes with a high resolution video camera, but its innovative design also allows for the transmission of several hours of live video as a remotely emplaced perch and stare sensor,” said Tom Herring, senior vice president and general manager of AeroVironment’s UAS business segment. “This new solution adds an important set of new capabilities to our existing and battle-proven family of small unmanned aircraft systems that are saving lives in theater today.”

Brazil Launches $680M Rocket Launcher Program



The Federal Government gave a clear signal yesterday that it intends to pursue the consolidation of a defense industrial base in the country. A decree signed by President of the Republic Dilma Rousseff released additional credit of R $ 45 million to launch the Astros Project 2020, aimed to equip the Brazilian Army.

The project, which has total value of 1.09 billion reals, provides for the acquisition of the most advanced surface-to-surface missile launch system developed in-country. The Astros 2020 is an evolved version of the Astros II, the best-selling product manufactured by Avibras Aerospace. Exported to many countries, the Astros system is considered a market-leader among the small, select and highly competitive group of manufacturers of such systems.

Altogether, the project includes the acquisition of 49 vehicles for the Army, divided into three batteries: 18 launch vehicles, 18 ammunition resupply vehicles, three fire control units, three weather stations, three recovery vehicles and three armored command and control vehicles for each battery and another, final vehicle for integrated command and control.

The main advantage of the new concept is the incorporation of the AV-TM, a high-precision cruise missile with a range of 300 km. Unlike the rockets - which have a ballistic trajectory, defined from the impulse they receive at launch – this missile is guided and its trajectory can be controlled. Another important advance is in the system’s electronics, which is now entirely digital.

Sukhoi T-50 Has Implications for US Air Force



The chief of Russia’s air force announced this week that the PAK FA, Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, will enter service in 2015. This would be close to the time when two U.S. F-35 Joint Strike Fighter variants for the U.S. Air Force (F-35A) and the Navy (F-35C) are expected to attain initial operational capability in 2016. This display means the U.S. must keep its own Joint Strike Fighter program on schedule for production.

The public flight of a PAK FA’s T-50 prototype before the world, at the MAKS–2011 International Aviation and Space Salon, is a demonstration of Russia’s firm commitment to develop this aircraft for its own use and to sell it around the world.

Russian authorities have declared that they intend to acquire 60 PAK FA aircraft by 2020. Russia’s stated objective is to acquire 250 fifth-generation aircraft, but more are possible. India would acquire at least 250 and up to 300 of its PAK FA version, the Fifth-Generation Fighter Aircraft.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

North Korea upgrades jamming devices

North Korea is upgrading jamming devices to disrupt South Korean military communications, Yonhap news agency said, citing a defence ministry report.

The communist state has some 20 types of jamming devices mostly imported from Russia and it has been developing a new device with a range of more than 100 kilometres (60 miles), the South Korean news agency said on Tuesday.

Yonhap cited a defence ministry report to the parliamentary defence committee. The ministry declined to comment, saying the report was confidential.

BAE Systems Conjures Up Invisibility Cloak



BAE Systems has tested an ‘invisibility cloak’ that allows a vehicle to blend into its surroundings. The system, which can work over infra-red and other frequencies, will be displayed in infra-red mode on a BAE Systems CV90 armoured vehicle at the UK Defence and Security Equipment International exhibition later this month.

Known as "Adaptiv", the patented technology is based on sheets of hexagonal 'pixels' that can change temperature very rapidly. On-board cameras pick up the background scenery and display that infra-red image on the vehicle, allowing even a moving tank to match its surroundings. Alternatively, it can mimic another vehicle or display identification tags, reducing the risk of fratricide.

Current work focuses mainly on the infra-red spectrum, as this is most important to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), which funds part of the work. However, BAE Systems engineers have combined the pixels with other technologies, which provide camouflage in other parts of the electro-magnetic spectrum at the same time to provide all-round stealth, which will be developed further over the next few years.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Swedish AF Takes Gripen to Bulgarian Show



The Swedish Air Force will participate in the event with four Gripen fighters. SwAF pilot Martin Hansson will perform a stunning air display during both Saturday and Sunday. Gripen will also be shown on the static display.

Saab invites all BIAF visitors to their stand to meet the team and to learn more about the Swedish Gripen fighter. Invited guests will also get a chance to test their flying skills in the Gripen simulator.

Gripen is in operational service with the Swedish, Czech Republic, Hungarian, South African and Royal Thai Air Forces. The UK Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS) is also operating Gripen as its advanced fast jet platform for test pilots worldwide.

China ship with 22 labs spied on India



India detected a Chinese spy ship disguised as a fishing trawler in the Indian Ocean a few months ago. By the time ship figured in the Indian radars, it had operated already for about 22 days and was positioned off-the cost of Little Anadaman - an area which is considered sensitive and crucial in the ongoing battle for supremacy over the Indian Ocean region between India and China.

Immediately after detection an Indian Navy Ship was sent after it. However, since the Chinese ship was in international waters, no punitive action could be taken against it. The Indian Naval ship, instead, tailed the Chinese ship sending out a clear message that India was aware of its actual mission. In order to avoid the Indian Navy tail, the Chinese Ship moved towards Sri Lanka and docked at the Colombo. Inquiries by the Indian security agencies revealed that ship as many as 22 Laboratories on board.

A report sent up to government, which NDTV has access to, claims that the Chinese ship was mapping the Indian Ocean and picking up crucial Bathymetric data. Other Laboratories on board the ship were designed to collect data on the currents of the Indian Ocean, the temperature at various depths and also very crucially, underwater obstructions and obstacles. Bathymetric data is crucial for submarine and Carrier based operations. Information about ocean currents, on the other hand, is crucial if torpedoes are to be used.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Rosoboronexport Presents ‘Spectacular’ Maks 2011 Show



The Rosoboronexport Joint Stock Company will demonstrate to its foreign partners in excess of a hundred pieces of Russian arms and materiel at the 10th MAKS 2011 International Aviation and Space Salon to be held in Zhukovsky outside Moscow, Russia, on 16-21 August, 2011.

Being the general sponsor of the air show Rosoboronexport considers MAKS 2011 to be one of the milestones in its exhibition activities. It is there that foreign customers will be able to familiarize themselves with Russian military hardware and take a real look at almost all export versions of national aircraft, helicopters and air defence systems.

A special separate pavilion (D0) has been built by Rosoboronexport for the anniversary MAKS 2011 air show. It accommodates an interactive exhibition system, the pilot version of which was displayed at the IDEX 2011 in February. Back then the system displayed main export weapons for the Army in a new format. The interactive exhibition system has been refined for MAKS 2011, and now visitors will see on a wide panoramic screen examples of employing Russian fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, including Su-35 and MiG-29M fighters, the Yak-130 combat trainer, Ka-52A and Mi-28NE combat helicopters, the Mi-171Sh military transport and the Mi-26T transport helicopter.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Army successfully conducts trial of BrahMos Block-III missile



The Indian Army today successfully conducted the user trial of BrahMos Block-III supersonic cruise missiles that has the ability to engage inaccessible targets inside hillocks.

The test was carried out at a firing range here around 1100 hours and met all the mission parameters, sources said.

The Block III version has the capability of scaling mountainous terrain and can take a steep dive to engage targets located inside hillocks which are otherwise inaccessible.

Russia delivers 11 MiG jets to India: official



Russia has dispatched 11 MiG fighter jets to India to equip the aircraft carrier it will deliver next year, head of the MiG corporation Sergei Korotkov said on Wednesday.

"We have already delivered 11. Five more will be delivered by the end of the year," he told reporters as quoted by the Interfax news agency.

Russia signed a contract in 2004 to supply 16 MiG-29K/KUB jets as part of its agreement to modernise the aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov for the Indian Navy.

Second trial of Arjun Mark-II tanks begins at Pokharan


The second trial of Arjun–Mark II, the advance version of India’s main battle tank, has begun in Pokharan firing range. The trial is aimed at testing the range and strength of the tank and other weaknesses pointed out in the first trail.

Following the first trial, the Indian Army had highlighted the need of some more technical requirements.

Arjun’s new version boasts of an improved missile firing range apart from a latest laser system, which can detect explosives on the ground.

Hypersonic Drone Fails During Mach 20 Test Flight



DARPA attempted to fly the fastest aircraft ever built. The Agency’s Falcon Hypersonic Technology Vehicle 2 (HTV-2) is designed to fly anywhere in the world in less than 60 minutes. This capability requires an aircraft that can fly at 13,000 mph, while experiencing temperatures in excess of 3500F.

The second test flight began with launch at 0745 Pacific Time. The Minotaur IV vehicle successfully inserted the aircraft into the desired trajectory. Separation of the vehicle was confirmed by rocket cam and the aircraft transitioned to Mach 20 aerodynamic flight. This transition represents a critical knowledge and control point in maneuvering atmospheric hypersonic flight. More than nine minutes of data was collected before an anomaly caused loss of signal. Initial indications are that the aircraft impacted the Pacific Ocean along the planned flight path.

“Here’s what we know,” said Air Force Maj. Chris Schulz, DARPA HTV-2 program manager and PhD in aerospace engineering. “We know how to boost the aircraft to near space. We know how to insert the aircraft into atmospheric hypersonic flight. We do not yet know how to achieve the desired control during the aerodynamic phase of flight. It’s vexing; I’m confident there is a solution. We have to find it.”

RAF Bombs Libyan Frigate



RAF jets successfully bombed a Libyan frigate in Tripoli harbour this week, along with various other key targets of forces loyal to Colonel Gaddafi.

In the early hours of Monday morning, RAF Tornado and Typhoon aircraft conducted precision strikes on an ammunition and vehicle depot, and a military communications facility, both near Zlitan.

An armed reconnaissance patrol over Brega, in the east of the country, identified and destroyed two armed pick-up trucks.

New Assault Rifle for Czech Soldiers



Soldiers of the 42nd and the 72nd Mechanised Battalions will be the first ones in the Czech military to use new Czech-made CZ 805 BREN assault rifles.

The first 505 automatic rifles CZ 805 BREN A1/A2, out of almost eight thousand of the whole contract, will be used by solders of five units. The major part of 349 pieces receive soldiers of 42nd Mechanised Battalion based at Tabor and 100 pieces go to soldiers of the 72nd Mechanised Battalion at Praslavice.

Following necessary training, both units will take them to Afghanistan to serve on ISAF operation, namely to the Wardak Province (OMLT unit) and the Logar Province (PRT unit).

MAKS 2011 to open at Russian Helicopters Day



16 August, the first day of the milestone 10th International Aviation and Space Salon MAKS 2011, will be marked as Russian Helicopters Day, dedicated to the Russian rotorcraft industry corporation that is a subsidiary of the United Industrial Corporation Oboronprom.

Airshow visitors will see modern light Mi-34C1, Ka-226T, and Ansat, medium Ka-32A11BC, the new modernised ultra-heavy Mi-26T2, and the attack Ka-52 Alligator, Mi-28NE Night Hunter, and other rotorcraft at the static display and in the sky above the exposition.

A joint Russian Helicopters and UIC Oboronprom press-conference will be held at 11:00 a.m. in Conference Hall C3 on this day. New projects will be discussed and contracts announced. Pavilion C3 will also house business events, while the airfield will become the stage for a civil and military helicopter airship.

Saab Receives New Orders for Carl-Gustaf



Defence and security company Saab has received an order for components to the Carl-Gustaf man-portable weapon system. The total value of the order is MSEK 362.

“This is very positive and it further proves the capability of the Carl-Gustaf system which until now has been exported to more than 40 customers around the world,” says Tomas Samuelsson, Senior Vice President and Head of Saab’s business area Dynamics .

Delivery will take place during 2011-2012.

Firm Unveils First Super-Cavitating Ship


Juliet Marine Systems, Inc. (JMS) announced that the US Navy/USPTO have removed Secrecy Orders previously applied to GHOST. For the first time, Juliet Marine is able to release photographs of GHOST, the first super-cavitating craft, to the public. GHOST was designed and built by US citizens for the US Navy at no cost to the government to protect US sailors, servicemen and servicewomen.

Development of the first-ever, super-cavitating craft, in many ways, is as difficult as breaking the sound barrier. GHOST is a combination aircraft/boat that has been designed to fly through an artificial underwater gaseous environment that creates 900 times less hull friction than water. GHOST technology adapts to manned or unmanned, surface or submerged applications.

Any Navy possessing GHOST technology could operate in international waters undetected and would have an overwhelming advantage against conventional ships. GHOST is specifically designed for Fleet Force Protection at its present size. GHOST technology is scalable and JMS is currently discussing a plan to build a larger corvette-sized vessel (150 feet) by partnering with a large international defense company.

Chinese Aircraft Carrier Begins Sea Trials



China's refitted aircraft carrier platform left its shipyard at Dalian Port in northeast China's Liaoning Province on Wednesday morning to set sail for its first sea trial.

Military sources said that the trial is in line with the carrier's refitting schedule and will not take a long time. Refitting work will continue after the vessel has returned to the port.

The carrier was originally built by the former Soviet Union, which failed to complete the ship's construction before collapsing in 1991. The still-unnamed aircraft carrier was an empty shell when it was sold to Ukraine. Ukraine later disarmed it and removed its engines before selling it to China.

Israel ‘Secret’ Tamuz Missile disclosed



After years of successful operational use, the Artillery Corps reveals "the most accurate ground missile"

The Artillery Brigade reveals the most precise electro-optic missile, 'Tamuz' and the APC 'Hafiz' which carries its launch tower and deadly missiles. The Tamuz missile, developed by the Armament Development Authority, was declared operational in the 1980s though remained a mystery till this Monday (Aug. 1).

The missile has a powerful, hollow explosive capable of hitting highly-concealed targets and is directed by its operator till the very instant it hits. Thus acquiring the ability to select a target, home in on it and achieve an exact hit almost every single time, during both day and night time.

Long-Range Motor for GMLRS+ Successfully Tested



Lockheed Martin's new Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System-Plus (GMLRS+) extended-range rocket successfully completed a 120-kilometer mission at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., an improvement in range of approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) over the current GMLRS round.

Engineers from Lockheed Martin and Aerojet, the GMLRS rocket motor manufacturer, are developing GMLRS+ as a proposed follow-on version of the existing Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System to further extend the rocket's range and add a new capability for a "scalable-effects" warhead.

"With this latest test, we have demonstrated the GMLRS+ range that our soldiers and Marines have been requesting," said Scott Arnold, vice president of precision fires in Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control business. "While adding this new capability, we are still retaining the system's affordability, precision and reliability."

USAF Completes Development Tests of Laser-Guided Maverick


The U.S. Air Force completed developmental testing (DT) of Raytheon Company's AGM-65 E2/L, the newest variant of the combat-proven laser-guided Maverick missile, clearing the way for the weapon to enter operational testing (OT).

During the U.S. Air Force-Navy test effort, the Air Force conducted aircraft integration as well as laboratory and flight tests of the new laser-guided Maverick on the A-10, F-16, AV-8B and F/A-18 aircraft. Air Force DT culminated in a series of three live-fire shots against moving and static targets from an A-10 and F-16 fighter aircraft. The Navy is expected to complete its flight testing this summer.

"The joint testing community conducted a series of very demanding tests, including two where the missile contended with targets moving at 65 and 72 mph," said Harry Schulte, vice president of Raytheon Missile Systems' Air Warfare Systems product line. "As we begin OT, the warfighter will have an opportunity to put the new laser-guided Maverick through its paces, clearing the way for entry into the inventory of the U.S. and its international partners."

Australia to Sell Off 12,000 Army Vehicles

Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced the release of the Request for Proposal for the disposal of up to 12,000 surplus Army vehicles and trailers.

Last month the Minister announced reforms to the disposal of military equipment. Part of these reforms is the disposal in bulk of up to 12,000 Army vehicles.

“By disposing of this equipment in bulk, it will increase the amount of revenue Defence can raise and reinvest in new equipment,” Mr Clare said.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

IAI to Unveil Rotary-Wing Mini-UAV



Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will present the Ghost, an innovative, small hovering unmanned platform at AUVSI's Unmanned Systems North America , August 16-19, in Washington, DC.

Ghost weighs approximately 4 kg (9 lbs), and provides real-time intelligence to ground forces operating in urban areas. Ghost is equipped with an automatic vertical takeoff & landing system and can loiter for up to 30 minutes. The system was designed with twin rotary electrical engines so it can be silent and support day and night special operation missions.

The unique man-machine interface and operational concept is based on the principles of computer games and makes the system extremely intuitive to operate and requires little training. The entire system can be carried in backpacks by two soldiers and includes: two platforms, batteries, and a command and control unit with communications. Ghost is suitable for paramilitary and homeland security applications due to its simplicity and ease of operation.

Morocco Takes Delivery of First four F-16s



The Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) unveiled the first four of 24 Lockheed Martin F-16 aircraft in a ceremony today at Ben Guerrir Air Base in Morocco. Senior representatives from the Moroccan and U.S. governments and air forces were present for the historic event.

This is Morocco's first experience with the F-16 so the package being provided by the U.S. government is comprehensive. Morocco will acquire a Block 52 configuration of the F-16C/D aircraft tailored to meet the specific requirements of the RMAF. The sale includes the aircraft, mission equipment and a support package provided by Lockheed Martin and other U.S. and international contractors.

The new aircraft will supplement the RMAF's existing fleet of fighter aircraft and will contribute to the upgrade and modernization of the RMAF.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Germany Deploys Boxer Armored Vehicles to Afghanistan



Germany has airlifted five of its new Boxer multirole armored vehicles to Afghanistan for what will be the vehicles' first operational deployment. The five Boxers sent to the Afghan theater are of the armored personnel carrier variant and will be used by the Bundeswehr training and protection battalion operating in the area of Mazar-e-Sharif.

The Boxer is a bi-national vehicle project undertaken by Germany and the Netherlands. It is produced by ARTEC, a joint venture between Germany's Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall Defense. Germany aims for the 8x8 Boxer to partially or fully replace the Fuchs 6x6 and M113 series of tracked vehicles currently in service.

The German Boxers have been ordered in three configurations: 135 armored personnel carriers (APCs), 65 command post variants, and 72 heavy-armored ambulances. Some of the vehicles already ordered may also be converted to training variants.

Argentina Re-states Intent for Nuclear-Powered Submarines



Argentinean Minister of Defense Arturo Puricelli says that the country is considering the development of nuclear propulsion for submarines currently designed with diesel-electric powertrains. The initiative follows a request from President Cristina Fernandez and is closely linked to Brazil's construction of a nuclear-powered submersible with French technology.

According to Puricelli, Argentina has the capability to develop this technology. Argentina's National Atomic Energy Commission and the National Institute for Space and Nuclear Technology apparently have completed designing the CAREM reactor, which can be adapted for use on a submarine.

The two vessels that could receive the new power systems first are the Santa Fé and the San Juan. Construction of the Type 1700 Santa Fé was never completed and is currently under way. The Navy hopes to have the sub conventionally powered and in the water by 2015. A nuclear propulsion system would be added later.

Vietnam to get sub fleet in six years



Vietnam will have a submarine fleet within six years, the defence minister reportedly confirmed on Thursday, in what analysts say is intended as a deterrent to China's increasing assertiveness at sea.

Russian media reported in December 2009 that Vietnam had agreed to buy half a dozen diesel-electric submarines for about $2 billion.

"In the coming five to six years, we will have a submarine brigade with six Kilo 636-Class subs," Defence Minister Phung Quang Thanh was quoted as saying by the state-controlled Tuoi Tre newspaper.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Iraqi F-16 Order May Double


Iraq's order for F-16 fighter jets is likely to double as Iraqi officials press for a larger purchase in negotiations with the United States.

The government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is attempting to use defense contracts as a means of ensuring some U.S. troops are able to remain past the withdrawal deadline imposed under the U.S.-Iraq Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). This agreement, reached in 2008 between Iraq and the administration of George W. Bush, calls for the complete withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq by December 31, 2011.

U.S. officials remain wary of the ability of Iraqi Security Forces to maintain complete security over the country in the short term and have pressed Baghdad for an extension to allow a sizable residual force of U.S. "trainers" to remain after the deadline.

Vietnam Takes Delivery of First C212-400 Transport



The Vietnam Marine Police has taken delivery of the first of three C212-400 it ordered from Airbus Military. The second aircraft will be delivered later this year, and the third in early 2012.

This modernized C212--400 series incorporates the latest systems and technologies, such as a Flight Management System (FMS). As a Coast Guard airplane, it will primarily be used in its Maritime Patrol role and carry out missions such as coastal surveillance, illegal fishing, drug traffic and smuggling, among others.

“We are very proud of the trust placed by the Vietnam Marine Police in Airbus Military, and look forward to the upcoming entry into service of one of our highly versatile products to help enforce law on the Vietnamese coast”, says Airbus Military Head of Light & Medium Programmes, Rafael Tentor.

China to Enhance Military Modernization: Minister



China will steadily reform national defense and the army and constantly modernize the military forces, said China's Minister of National Defense. Defense minister Liang Guanglie made the remarks at a reception in Beijing Sunday celebrating the 84th founding anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

August 1 every year is China's Army Day.

"In the world today, peace, development and cooperation remains the trend of the times. However, world peace and development faces multiple challenges. China is going through unprecedented and extensive social changes," said Liang.

Israel’s IMI Offers New 120mm Tank Round


Israel Military Industries Ltd. (IMI) has recently received an order by the IDF, totaling more than several dozen million NIS, for M339 tank rounds for its Merkava Mk3 and Merkava Mk4 Main Battle Tanks.

The M339 will join the combat proven M329 Multi-Purpose tank round, (Hebrew name: “Calanit”), which has recently been awarded the prestigious 2011 Israel Defense Award for its meaningful contribution to the security of Israel.

The M339 tank round has been developed primarily for use by western tanks using NATO 120 mm smoothbore guns, such as the M1A1, Ariete, K2 and Leopard 2, etc.

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Spain to Order Five More BAM Ships



The Minister of Defence, Carme Chacon, today in Rota (Cadiz) attended the ceremonies marking the opening of the new pier at the Naval Base, and the delivery to the Navy, by the company Navantia, of the first Maritime Action Ship (BAM), “Meteor.” Chacon has also chaired the meeting of the Superior Council of the Navy which was held aboard the strategic projection ship 'Juan Carlos I'.

During the visit, the minister announced that the Cabinet tomorrow [July 29—Ed.] will authorize the award of a contract to build five new Maritime Action Ships. This new program, according to the minister, will secure jobs for 6,000 families in the Bay of Cadiz area for the next five years.

Chacon, who made the announcement during as the first Maritime Action Ship, the “Meteor,” was handed over the the Navy, said that three of the new ships will be configured for patrol missions, one for search and rescue, and the final one for oceanographic research.

DCNS’ Gowind OPV Begins First Sea Trials



The Gowind offshore patrol boat L'Adroit began its first sea trials on Wednesday 27 July for DCNS to validate the seakeeping and other nautical qualities of the vessel.

These initial sea trials mark the beginning of the next phase of the ambitious Gowind OPV programme, which spearheads DCNS's efforts to win a larger share of the markets for small- and medium-displacement surface ships. The sea trials are beginning in line with the contract schedule, just 14 months after construction started on the Gowind L’Adroit, an innovative offshore patrol boat designed for maritime safety & security missions.

“The start of these first sea trials is a symbolic milestone that testifies to the remarkable teamwork between DCNS, the project’s investors and co-contractors, and the trial crews,” said Gowind OPV programme manager Marc Maynard. “Everybody has brought their knowledge and expertise to the table, and their unflagging commitment has made it possible to consistently meet the programme’s ambitious industrial milestones.”

Canadian Paras Train with Ukraine Counterparts



As part of a multi-national Airborne Exercise Canadian Paratroopers from 3rd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment, parachute out of a Ukrainian IL-76 Ilyushin during Exercise Rapid Trident 2011.

Thirty-one Canadian Forces paratroopers have undergone Ukrainian paratrooper training from Ukrainian paratroopers of the 80th Airborne Regiment in Lviv, Ukraine, 2011. From July 19 to 23, Canadian soldiers prepared for Exercise Rapid Trident 2011 where they will use Ukrainian paratrooper equipment and aircraft, a first for any NATO country.

Rapid Trident 2011 is an exercise held from July 25 to August 5, 2011, that involves approximately 1,600 personnel from 13 NATO and Partnership for Peace member nations: Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Serbia, Slovenia, Ukraine, the UK, USA and Canada.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Second trial of Arjun Mark-II tanks begins at Pokharan


The second trial of Arjun–Mark II, the advance version of India’s main battle tank, has begun in Pokharan firing range. The trial is aimed at testing the range and strength of the tank and other weaknesses pointed out in the first trail.

Following the first trial, the Indian Army had highlighted the need of some more technical requirements.

Arjun’s new version boasts of an improved missile firing range apart from a latest laser system, which can detect explosives on the ground.

Poland Requests $200M Upgrade of FFG-7 Frigates



The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Poland worth an estimated $200 million.

The Government of Poland has requested a possible sale to provide follow-on technical support and a Service Life Extension Program for the upgrade and conversion of MK15 PHALANX Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) aboard two ex-FFG-7 Class Frigates from the Block 0 to Block 1B, Baseline 2 configuration, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, system overhauls and upgrades, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical support, and other related elements of program support. The estimated cost is $200 million.

Poland is one of our important allies in Northern Europe, contributing to NATO activities and ongoing U.S. interests in the pursuit of peace and stability. Poland’s efforts in peacekeeping operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have served U.S. national security interests. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist Poland to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability.

IAI Unit Wins Far-East Radar Contract



ELTA Systems Ltd., an IAI group and subsidiary, has been awarded a $17 million contract to supply its successful Surveillance & Air Defense Radars of the STAR product line to a Far-Eastern customer.

The STAR radar family, designated ELM-22X8, comprise of 3D multi-purpose radars operated from ground and naval platforms and providing superior performance in air defense, air traffic control and also sea surface search as well as threat identification and alert.

The STAR radars are designed to support air defense mission including networked Anti-Air Missile (AAM) weapon systems and sea surface gunnery engagements.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Minuteman III Destroyed During Test Launch

An unarmed operational test Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was destroyed by Vandenberg's Western Range officials July 27 after launching from here.

Air Force controllers detected a flight anomaly and terminated the flight for safety reasons. When terminated, the vehicle was in the broad ocean area, northeast of Roi-Namur.

"At all times public safety is paramount. We plan for situations like this and everything was executed according to the plan," said Col. Matthew Carroll, the 30th Space Wing chief of safety. "Established parameters were exceeded, and controllers sent destruct commands."

BAE Delivers Guns for Aussie AWD Destroyers



The Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare announced in Adelaide today that the $8 billion Air Warfare Destroyer project has taken delivery of three main gun mounts of the Air Warfare Destroyers.

The gun mounts, manufactured by BAE Systems in the United States, are valued at $80 million and will be placed into a controlled storage facility in Adelaide until they are installed on HMA Ships Hobart, Brisbane and Sydney.

“The guns will be able to hit targets on land, air and at sea. They are capable of firing both Royal Australian Navy standard munitions and future extended range munitions,” Mr Clare said.

India’s Fighter Plans May Boost MMRCA Numbers


The "mother" could well become the "granny" of all defence deals in the years ahead. India is likely to go in for another 63 fighters after delivery of the first 126 MMRCA (medium multi-role combat aircraft) if the "timelines" for its other fighter development projects are not met, say top defence officials.

When the MMRCA selection process was initiated by the defence ministry in mid-2007, the overall project cost was pegged at Rs 42,000 crore, or $10.4 billion for 126 fighters. But it will zoom well beyond $20 billion, if India eventually decides to opt for 189 jets since inflation is also being factored in. Even with 126 jets, this is the biggest such fighter contract going around the world as of now.

This comes even as MoD is all set to open the commercial bids of the two jets left in the MMRCA fray -French Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon -"within a week or two". Eurofighter Typhoon is backed by the UK, Germany, Spain and Italy,

Boeing, BAE to Develop Directed Energy Weapon


Boeing today announced that its Directed Energy Systems (DES) division has signed a teaming agreement with BAE Systems to develop the Mk 38 Mod 2 Tactical Laser System for defense of U.S. Navy ships.

The Navy awarded the BAE Systems team an initial contract in March to build a demonstrator unit of the system. Boeing is a subcontractor to BAE Systems under this contract.

"Boeing is committed to developing this directed energy system that will significantly enhance ship defense," said Michael Rinn, Boeing DES vice president. "Combining BAE's engineering expertise with the proven directed-energy proficiency of Boeing's DES division creates a team uniquely qualified to integrate directed-energy technology into the Navy's shipboard armaments."

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

JLENS Successfully Completes Endurance Test



Raytheon Company's aerostat system – Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensors (JLENS) – recently completed a successful endurance test.

"Providing long endurance surveillance for cruise missile defense is a very important capability of JLENS," said David Gulla, vice president for Global Integrated Sensors at Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (IDS). "This recent test demonstrates JLENS' ability to stay aloft for extended periods performing its surveillance mission at lower costs than other systems and in a reliable manner. This test, along with others, is proving JLENS' value as an important component of the larger integrated air and missile defense mission."

Raytheon is conducting JLENS flight tests at the Utah Training and Test Range near Salt Lake City. The system is primarily designed to detect, track and support engagements of cruise missiles and other air breathing aircraft, but is fully capable of detecting air, missile and surface threats. Providing reliable persistent surveillance -- staying aloft and operational for up to 30 days at a time -- is another important feature of the system.

A JLENS "orbit" consists of two tethered 74-meter aerostats that can be elevated to 10,000 feet. One aerostat contains a surveillance radar that provides 360-degree coverage out for long distances depending on terrain. The other aerostat lifts a fire control radar. Also, each of the aerostat platforms can integrate other communications and sensor systems.

North Korea Supplies 40% of Developing World's Missiles



North Korea is the top supplier of ballistic missiles to developing nations. Forty percent of all ballistic missiles sold to these countries since 1987 have come from North Korea, according to a new study.

This means that roughly 1,200 ballistic missiles were sold between 1987 and 2009.

The recipients of these missiles include Iran, Egypt, Syria, Libya, Yemen, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Pakistan. Other major suppliers include Russia (400 missiles) and China (270 missiles).

Sales of North Korean missiles did decline rapidly in 1994, partly due to the end of the Iran-Iraq War and the development of production lines within customer nations.

After this date, North Korea began supplying missile components and materials.

Eurocopter, HAL Sign New Cooperation Agreements


Eurocopter, the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer, and Asia’s leading company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), have reiterated their commitment to take their five-decade long relationship to the next level. The long-time partners are in the process of signing agreements to further strengthen their industrial cooperation and links. This association will focus on increasing existing collaboration and exploring new potential business areas to serve both Indian and international markets.

“HAL is fast developing into a major player in the aerospace sector. With this increasing pace of growth, HAL welcomes opportunities for joining hands with a global player like Eurocopter. We look forward to corroborating this partnership further in the coming years,” said Mr Ashok Nayak, HAL Chairman.

Since 1962, Eurocopter has partnered with HAL, through two co-operation agreements, enabling HAL to manufacture more than 600 helicopters based on the Alouette 3 and Lama, more popularly known in India as the Cheetah and Chetak. This fleet has been the backbone of the Indian Armed Forces over decades. India was the first nation with which Eurocopter signed a license agreement which included technology transfer. In 1984, HAL has been supported by Eurocopter in the development of the Advanced Light Helicopter, a 5-tonne twin-engine transport helicopter. This industrial partnership was strengthened in 2005 with the manufacturing of composite assemblies.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

First Euro Hawk Unmanned Aircraft System Touches Down in Germany



Euro Hawk, the first high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE), signals intelligence (SIGINT) unmanned aircraft system (UAS) based on the RQ-4 Global Hawk produced by Northrop Grumman for the German Bundeswehr, successfully touched down in Manching, Germany, today.

The Euro Hawk took off on July 20 at 2:50 PDT (11:50 Central European Summer Time) from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., and landed at 10:06 Central European Summer Time July 21 in Manching Air Base.

The Euro Hawk will carry a new SIGINT mission system developed by EADS Deutschland GmbH (Cassidian) and integrated in Manching, Germany.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

'Prahaar' missile successfully test-fired



A new surface-to-surface missile called “Prahaar” was successfully test-fired on Thursday for the first time from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Orissa.

The launch took place at 8.20 a.m. from a road mobile launcher, which is essentially a big truck. The missile traversed its entire range of 150 km in 250 seconds before impacting on the targeted area in the Bay of Bengal with an accuracy of few metres.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed Prahaar (meaning “to strike”) in two years, to specifically bridge the gap in the range between the unguided Pinaka rocket, which has a range of 45 km, and the guided Prithvi missile variants, that can take out targets 250 km to 350 km away.

Short-List Due for New Indian Combat Vehicle

The Ministry of Defence (MoD), which had called for the request of proposal (RFP) for the Rs 1,00,000-crore futuristic infantry combat vehicle (FICV) project earlier this year, is likely to shortlist two of the contending firms by July-end.

About 10 private firms, including the Tata’s, Larsen and Toubro (L&T) and the Mahindra & Mahindra-BAE Systems joint venture –– Defence Land Systems India (DLSI) –– are among the firms waiting to be shortlisted for a project that will see the Army procure at least 2,500 such vehicles.

The Centre, MoD sources said, is keen on firms with foreign collaborations/tie-ups and that they will have an edge over the others as the project will require high precision.

Cassidian Missile Warners for Korea’s Surion Helo



Cassidian, the defence and security division of EADS, will protect the "Surion" utility helicopter of the Korean Army against missile attacks. Following a multi-million euro contract from Korean Aircraft Industries, Cassidian will deliver a first batch of 24 of its proven AN/AAR-60 MILDS systems (MILDS = Missile Launch Detection System), until 2013. The order comprises about 100 sensors. Cassidian already supported the Korean company Lig Nex1 in the development of the helicopter's electronic warfare system and delivered 36 sensors during the development phase.

“With more than 7,000 MILDS sensors in service worldwide, MILDS has become the standard missile warner for helicopters and wide-body aircraft today”, explains Bernd Wenzler, CEO of Cassidian Electronics. "It has proven its value in protecting air vehicles, particularly against infrared-guided shoulder-fired missiles."

MILDS is a passive imaging sensor, detecting the UV radiation signature of approaching missiles. The extremely high resolution combined with rapid processing enables very reliable threat identification and virtually eliminates false alarms. 4 to 5 sensors provide optimized coverage and rapid reaction. MILDS is in service aboard a huge variety of rotary wing and wide body aircraft, including Tiger, NH90, CH-53, CH-47, MI-17 and C-130. A specific fighter version – MILDS F – is in service with the Royal Danish Airforce and Royal Norwegian Airforce F-16 fighters.

The "Surion" has been developed jointly by Korean Aerospace Industries and Eurocopter. It is planned to procure approx. 250 helicopters.

Fincantieri Launches First Italian FREMM Frigate



Riva Trigoso (Genoa) shipyard celebrated the launch of the frigate “Carlo Bergamini”, the first of a series of Fremm vessels - Multi Mission European Frigates - ordered from Fincantieri by the Italian Navy within the framework of an Italo-French program of cooperation.

Godmother to the ship was Mrs Maria Bergamini Loedler, granddaughter of Admiral Carlo Bergamini. The frigate was named in honour of Admiral of the Fleet, Carlo Bergamini, who was decorated for military valour after sinking with his battleship, the Roma, on 8th September 1943.

Present at the ceremony were, General Biagio Abrate, Chief of Defence, Admiral Bruno Branciforte, First Sea Lord and Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri and Corrado Antonini, Chairman of Fincantieri.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Russian Navy to receive new air defense system



The Russian Navy will soon receive a new ship-based gun/missile air defense system, KBP Instrument Design Bureau, the developer of the system, said on Monday.

The system, dubbed Pantsyr-M, has been developed on the basis of the land-based Pantsyr-S1 (SA-22 Greyhound).

"Pantsyr-M will replace the Kortik air defense systems and will be installed on all new classes of Russian combat ships, from corvettes to cruisers," said Alexander Zhukov, a senior KBP official.

Irkut to supply 40 Su-30 fighters to Russian Air Force



Russia's Irkut aircraft holding is in talks with the Defense Ministry on the delivery of up to 40 Sukhoi Su-30 multirole fighters to the Russian Air Force, the company said on Monday.

"We will sign a contract with the Defense Ministry next year," Irkut President Alexei Fyodorov said.

The contract stipulates the initial delivery of 28 fighter jets and the supply of an additional 12 aircraft as an option.

Brazil launches construction of four Scorpene-class submarines



The construction of four Scorpene-class attack submarines for the Brazilian Navy was launched on Saturday at a plant near Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil and France signed a $4.25-billion contract on the construction of the four enlarged S-BR diesel-electric submarines, jointly designed by France and Spain, in 2008. The first submarine is expected to enter service in 2017.

Scorpene-class submarines are equipped with six 533-mm torpedo tubes for 18 torpedoes or SM.39 Exocet anti-ship missiles, or 30 mines in place of torpedoes.

Belarus to exhibit military electronics, drones at MAKS-2011


Several Belarusian firms will showcase over 40 types of military-purpose electronic equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) at the MAKS-2011 air show near Moscow in August, a Belarusian defense industry official said.

"The Belarusian exhibit will be set up under the general sponsorship of BelTechExport, a Belarusian arms exporter," spokesman for the State Military and Industrial Committee Vladimir Lavrenyuk said on Thursday.

The exhibit will feature various types of flat-screen tactical displays and military tablet PCs, mock-up models of a command and a fire-control vehicle, and a sophisticated electronic surveillance system.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

First Public Appearance for New RAF Tanker



The RAF's largest ever aircraft has been officially named Voyager after being flown by an RAF pilot today at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford - its first public appearance.

Fourteen Voyager aircraft and a complete support package are being provided to the RAF under a 27-year £10.5bn Private Finance Initiative contract signed with the AirTanker consortium.

In addition to the aircraft, training, maintenance and brand new purpose-built buildings at RAF Brize Norton, the RAF's air transport hub, will be provided as part of the initiative.

Textron to Demo Unmanned Surface Vessel Capabilities



Textron Systems Advanced Systems, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. company, announced today that it will demonstrate its Common Unmanned Surface Vessel (CUSV) during a portion of the Trident Warrior 2011 experiment that will take place from July 18-22. Sponsored by the Program Executive Officer Littoral Combat Ship and directed by the U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Trident Warrior 2011 will include a media day hosted by the U.S. Navy on July 20.

The CUSV will complete its Trident Warrior 2011 demonstration in Norfolk, Va., in support of the Navy’s Autonomous Maritime Navigation (AMN) initiative. Textron Systems has successfully integrated AMN into its CUSV, allowing the team to demonstrate robotic naval warfare. Taking advantage of the CUSV’s reconfigurable payload bay and multi-mission flexibility, the addition of AMN’s obstacle avoidance technology delivers maritime “sliding autonomy,” a range of capability from fully autonomous operation to man-in-the-loop intervention.

Sliding autonomy enables local, over-the-horizon and operational control decisions to be made onboard the CUSV. AMN interfaces with the CUSV’s maritime command and control system, which is based upon AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems’ combat-proven One System® architecture, to support multi-mission/multi-warfare operations capable of being monitored by a single operator in the Universal Command and Control Station.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Sensor network detects nuclear blasts worldwide



At any time of the day or night, on any day of the year, if a nuclear device explodes anywhere on Earth, a Defense Department network established in 1947 will know about it.

That was the year Army Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower directed the Army Air Corps to develop such a capability, and the U.S. Atomic Energy Detection System has evolved over 64 years into a one-of-a-kind global web of sensors that see, feel, hear and sniff out nuclear explosions that occur under land or sea, in the atmosphere or in space.

The Air Force detection system and the job of monitoring three nuclear treaties -- the 1963 Limited Test Ban Treaty, the 1974 Threshold Test Ban Treaty and the 1976 Peaceful Nuclear Explosions Treaty -- in 1980 became a responsibility of the U.S. Air Force Technical Applications Center, called AFTAC, at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Prahaar Missile to be test-fired on Sunday


Prahaar, a new quick-reaction, short-range tactical missile, which will fill the gap for a battlefield weapon system in India’s missile arsenal, is all set to be flight-tested on Sunday. It had been under development for the last four years.

It has greater accuracy as compared to other unguided missiles India has developed so far with a strike range of 150 km. Moreover, it can handle several targets at once and allow mixture of different kinds of missiles in just one launcher.

Terming ‘Prahaar’ as an excellent weapon, Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister and DRDO Director- General VK Saraswat said it would be equipped with omni-directional warheads and initially handled by the Indian Army.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Iran says fired missiles into Indian Ocean



Iran said it fired two medium range missile into the Indian Ocean six months ago under the eyes of "American spy planes," local media reported on Saturday, quoting a top military commander.

"In Bahman (Iranian month which runs from January 21 to February 19, two Revolutionary Guard missiles with the range of 1,900 kilometres (1,180 miles) were fired from Semnan (central Iran) to the designated targets in the Indian Ocean," said the unit's aerospace chief, Amir Ali Hajizadeh said.

"This took place with the Americans present in the area ... We allowed the American spy planes to be in the area but so far they have not said anything about it," he added, without elaborating on the missiles fired.

Greece mulls closer military ties with Israel



Greece is planning to expand military-technical cooperation with Israel, Defense Minister Panos Beglitis said.

"We will soon sign an agreement on military cooperation which will mainly involve defense industry and supply of armaments," Beglitis said at a session of the Greek parliament on Thursday.

The minister emphasized the importance of closer military ties with Israel, but said bilateral cooperation with Tel Aviv would not affect Greece's relations with Turkey and Arab countries.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Pakistan threatens troop pull-back from Afghan border



Pakistan's defence minister has threatened to pull back troops from the Afghan border in response to US military aid cuts, according to exceprts of a television interview broadcast Tuesday.

"I think the next step is, the government or the armed forces will move the soldiers from the border areas," Ahmed Mukhtar told Express 24/7.

"If at all things become difficult, we will just get our armed forces back."

Indonesia-South Korea KFX Cooperation: The Second-Best Option?


Indonesia and South Korea are getting ready to sign an MoU on the joint-development of a KFX fighter jet program (dubbed Boramae) later this year, following a letter of intent in March 2009 on Indonesian participation in a KFX study. When enacted, the MOU will provide a breakthrough for both countries in terms of bilateral defense collaboration and aircraft technology indigenization.

The defense community and members of parliament believe that the cooperation will help the revitalization of the Indonesian defense industry. MPs urged the government to conduct a feasibility test before embarking on a US$2 billion venture that spans across an eight-year period. It is expected from the collaboration that five prototypes will be built before 2020.

Approximately 200+ aircraft will be manufactured for both the Indonesian and Korean Air Force. Surely there is a sense of pride creeping into every Indonesian’s minds knowing that the biggest Muslim country in the world is going to carry on an indigenize a fighter jet program, debunking the myth that only technologically advanced countries can achieve this.

German Eurofighters Deploy to Spain for TL



For a period of four weeks, Albacete Air Base in Spain has been the home to three Eurofighter from the Jagdgeschwader 74, based at Neuburg, Germany. The Luftwaffe’s Eurofighters were participating in the Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) for the first time.

This programme is known to be one of the most demanding NATO exercises for flying combat units. Next to the Eurofighter jets were MiG-29s, F-16s, Mirage 2000s, F-4s, Hawks, Alpha-Jets, various helicopter types, transport planes, special units as well as one frigate from the Spanish Navy participating.

In the so called Composite Air Operation (COMAO), the special roles of each weapon system were harmonised in order to gain maximum effectiveness in a complex simulated war scenario. The Bavarian Eurofighters exploited their air dominance capabilities during the exercise to protect other assets from hostile air attacks.

Indo-Russia JV to service Talwar frigates


Rosoboronservice India Ltd (ROS(I)) has made a proposal to the Indian Navy to render the guarantee period after-sales service to the three new Talwar class stealth frigates currently under construction at the Yantar shipyard at Kaliningrad in Russia.

An agreement towards this is slated to be signed during Navy chief Admiral Nirmal Verma’s visit to that country this week. “A high-level delegation was in New Delhi to prepare the final agreement and logistics arrangements to ensure that this task can be accomplished effectively and efficiently,” sources told FE.

ROS(I) is a JV formed through a strategic alliance between eight world renowned original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of defence equipment from Russia and Krasny Marine Services Pvt Ltd as the sole Indian partner. It was created by a Russian presidential decree to render after-sales service to all Russian origin assets of the Indian Navy in 2005.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

UK Advances Rivet Joint Aircraft Acquisition



The British Ministry of Defence has signed a $1 billion support and update deal with the U.S. government regarding three RC-135W Rivet Joint signals intelligence aircraft.

[A spokeswoman for the MoD said that "The chief of defense materiel signed the MoU on June 23; his U.S. counterpart signed on June 6. The MoU establishes a cooperative agreement through to 2025 for the support of the U.K.'s Rivet Joint system. Valued at nearly $1 billion, the MoU enables the U.K. to access spares to support its in-service equipment, provides U.S. contractor assistance in-country and on deployment, and covers deep maintenance of the aircraft fleet that includes capability updates every four years."]

The program to replace the Royal Air Force's retired Nimrod R.1 ground-surveillance, electronic intelligence (ELINT)-gathering aircraft has been dubbed Project Helix by the British MoD.

US Suspends $800 Million in Military Aid to Pakistan



A top White House official says the United States is suspending some $800 million in military aid to Pakistan, a move some analysts say is being made to pressure the Pakistani military to step up cooperation. The decision comes as ties between the two countries are under intense strain in the wake of the U.S. raid on a compound in Pakistan that killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden.

White House Chief of Staff William Daley says that while the U.S. relationship with Pakistan is difficult and complex, it must be made to work over time.

"They've been an important ally in the fight on terrorism. They've been the victim of enormous amounts of terrorism. But right now, they've taken some steps that have given us reason to pause on some of the aid which we were giving to their military. And we're trying to work through that," he said.