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.

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.

Starstreak II Showcased in Peru

Thales’s Starstreak high-velocity missile (HVM) is on display at SITDEF, Peru, for the first time. Successfully proven in the UK and South Africa, Starstreak II is an evolution of the inservice Starstreak HVM.

Thales has addressed the needs of military users around the world and introduced major improvements to provide increased range beyond 7km, increased coverage and altitude and improved guidance precision against small targets.

Starstreak II offers the latest technology in very short-range air-defence systems. Its laser-guidance technology encompasses a greater ability to deal with emerging targets, providing increased coverage, but with less manpower required to operate the systems.

Peru to receive Russian Mi-35 helicopters to fight rebels

Peru will receive two Russian-made Mi-35 attack helicopters next month to fight drug traffickers and Shining Path guerrillas, Air Force chief Carlos Samame said Sunday.

Samame told state news agency Andina that the helicopters "are intended to bolster our fight in the Apurimac River Valley" in southeastern Peru.

Last year, the Peruvian government bought six Mi-17 transport helicopters and two Mi-35s for military operations in the country's major cocoa-producing valleys.

Bolivia Set To Receive 6 Karakorum Combat Jets From China

Bolivia is set to receive six Chinese-made combat aircraft to be used to fight drug trafficking, the head of the Bolivian Air Force said Jan. 18.

Air Force Commander Gen. Tito Gandarilla told local journalists that the K-8 Karakorum jets are scheduled to be delivered in April, at a cost of $58 million.

The aircraft, bought through a loan from China, will be the first of their kind for Bolivia, which currently has only training and freight aircraft.

South Africa Sells Cheetah Fighters to Ecuador

South African company Denel Aviation has sold 12 Cheetah C supersonic fighter aircraft to Ecuador. An agreement to conclude the deal was recently signed by the CEO of Denel Aviation, Mike Kgobe in the capital city of Ecuador, Quito.

Denel Aviation is the design authority of the single-seat fighter that was locally developed as a variant of the Mirage lll in the 1980s. In terms of the agreement with the Ecuadorian Air Force, Denel Aviation will continue to provide a comprehensive maintenance and support service for at least five years following the sale, with an option for renewal.

North Korea Has Torpedo-Armed Midget Subs

North Korea’s new midget submarines feature torpedo launch tubes, according to South Korean intelligence sources, suggesting that the North is planning more torpedo strikes.

According to sources, satellite imagery examined by South Korean and U.S. intelligence officials have shown 4-meter-long (13.1 feet) torpedo launch tubes attached to North Korea’s new line of “Daedong-B” mini-submarines. Intelligence authorities from both countries had suspected that satellite images showed launch tubes attached to the submersibles. An intelligence tip later confirmed that they were for lightweight torpedoes.

The Daedong-B model is said to be 17 meters long, 4 meters wide and 2.2 meters high. One special characteristic of the midget submarine, intelligence sources said, is the rear of the vessel, which is shaped like a ramp to easily enable agents to get on and off.

Dutch Deliver Two F-27s to Peru

The two Fokker-60 Utility transport aircraft that Defence has sold to Peru today took off from Woensdrecht air force base on their ferry flight to that country. These Netherlands-manufactured aircraft are redundant to air force requirements.

The Royal Netherlands Air Force bought the Fokker 60 Utility aircraft from their manufacturer to efficiently transport small numbers of personnel and cargo. The aircraft took part in emergency services during crisis management operations and missions.

In 2006, the Air Force stopped operating the Fokker-60 when the C-130 Hercules tactical airlift fleet took over their missions.

Earlier this year the Peruvian government purchased two Fokker 60s that will be used as maritime patrol aircraft.

Atlas Exhibits at Chile Exponaval Exhibition

Atlas Elektronik will present their product range together with HDW / MFI at the 7th EXPONAVAL in Valparaiso/Chile during 30 November till 3 December 2010.

This naval defence exhibition is one of the most important events in Latin America and implies the last event in 2010. Thus Atlas could introduce their systems on all continents within the last twelve month. This underlines the excellent customer base and market acceptance as export-oriented company.

Atlas will show competence in the fields of sonar systems for submarines and the command and weapon control systems for surface combatants. The colleagues from HMK Marinekommunikation support this appearance of the Atlas Group with their communication systems.

DCNS Exhibits at Chile Exponaval Exhibition

DCNS is a major player in the European and world markets for value-added naval defence systems. As a naval prime contractor, shipbuilder and systems integrator, DCNS combines resources and expertise spanning the naval defence value chain and entire system lifecycles. DCNS delivers innovative solutions from integrated warships to strategic systems, equipment, services and new energy solutions.

Chile was the first country to retain Scorpene at the very end of 1997. Less than 10 years later, the navy was equipped with two customised ships boasting the very latest technological breakthroughs as well as outstanding safety features. This project is a testimony of the DCNS commitment for long-term cooperation with local contractors, in Chile and throughout South America.

The DCNS stand showcases:

-- DCNS expertise in submarine design and construction, through the Scorpene medium-size submarines. Already chosen by the Chilean Navy and other first rank navies, Scorpene submarines represents the state-of-the-art in submarine design and construction and benefits from the latest technologies developed for nuclear-powered classes operated by the French Navy, particularly as regards acoustic discretion and combat system performance. Excellent endurance makes the Scorpene one of the few medium-displacement designs suitable for extended ocean patrol duties. The modular design can also be readily tailored to each customer’s specific mission profiles and other requirements.

Airforce's Gained Good Experience from CRUZEX Multinational Exercise

The CRUZEX Multinational exercise involved the air forces of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, France and Uruguay and includes more than 82 aircraft and almost 3,000 Airmen. Observers from several other countries also are there.

To support the exercise, Air Guardsmen from the 140th Wing at Buckley Field, Colo., deployed to maintain, plan and fly sorties of six F-16 Fighting Falcons alongside their multi-national counterparts.

"It has been terrific working with the other forces," said Brig. Gen. Trulan A. Eyre, the 140th Wg commander and exercise co-director. "We are all working together and we have enjoyed every minute of it."

Indonesia Buys Super Tucano Light Attack Aircraft

Embraer has won a competition held by the Indonesian Ministry of Defense to supply eight Super Tucano light attack turboprops for the Indonesian Air Force.

The deal includes ground support stations and an integrated logistics package, and represents the debut of the Super Tucano in the Asia Pacific region. Deliveries will begin in 2012.

“We are very pleased to have the Indonesian Air Force as the newest customer of Embraer Defense Systems,” said Orlando José Ferreira Neto, Embraer Executive Vice President, Defense Market. “The Super Tucano is a proven light attack and advanced trainer turboprop, flying currently in five air forces, and we are certain it will perfectly suit Indonesia’s needs.”

Venezuela gets Spanish patrol boat

The Navantia shipyard in San Fernando on 8 November handed over the patrol boat "Yavire,” second of four coastal patrol ships that Venezuela has commissioned from our company.

The ceremony was attended by the Venezuelan Defense Minister, the Commander of Naval Logistics in that country, its Defense Attache, the mayors of San Fernando and Puerto Real and the President of Navantia, among others.

The "Yavir", launched on March 11 last year, is 79.90 meters long and displaces 1,453 tons; it has a top speed of 22 knots.

This ship and her sister-ships can perform a variety of missions, including surveillance and coastal zone protection, protection of maritime traffic, medical care for other vessels, fire fighting, control and clean-up of marine pollution, transportation of personnel and supplies, search and rescue operations, rapid intervention, diver support, surface protection and passive electronic warfare.

In addition to the BVL-type vessels, Venezuela also ordered four ocean-going offshore patrol vessels from Navantia. These vessels, suited to patrol the Exclusive Economic Zone, are 98.90 meters long, have a displacement of 2,170 tons and a top speed of 25 knots.

The W-3A Sokół Performs Its Maiden Flight in Chile

PZL-Swidnik is pleased to announce that the W-3A Sokół medium twin helicopter has recently performed its maiden flight in Chile.

This aircraft will be operated by CONAF to perform fire fighting missions and it will be permanently based at Carriel Sur de Concepción Airport.

The W-3A Sokół first flew at Rodelillo Airport, close to Viña del Mar city, performing various trials concerning vertical lift and hovering capability as well as tests for a variety of on board systems.

Fitted with Bambi Bucket or Expandable Belly Tank the W-3A is the perfect helicopter to perform fire suppression, containment and clearance operations. The Belly Tank has been designed to ensure flying speed continues to be fast, at up to 115 kts with the Belly tank fitted, and to enable very accurate and effective drops.