Sniper on F-16

$600M+ LITENING support contract could include ATP-SE upgrades. (Dec 19/11)

At the end of September 2010, the USAF dropped something of a bombshell. Under their $2.3 billion Advanced Targeting Pod – Sensor Enhancement (ATP-SE) contract, the service that had begun standardizing on one future surveillance and targeting pod type decided to change course, and split its buys.

This decision is a huge breakthrough for Northrop Grumman, whose LITENING pod had lost the USAF’s initial 2001 Advanced Targeting Pod competition. As a result of that competition, the USAF’s buys had shifted from LITENING to Sniper pods, and Lockheed Martin’s Sniper became the pod of choice for integration onto new USAF platforms. Since then, both of these pods have chalked up procurement wins around the world, and both manufacturers kept improving their products. That continued competition would eventually change the landscape once again…

• ATP-SE: Evolution in Action
• ATP-SE: The Competitors [updated]
• Contracts & Key Events: ATP-SE
• Contracts & Key Events: ATP-SE Lead-Ins [updated]
• Additional Readings
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Iron Dome concept

On August 16, 2011, Rafael and Raytheon announced a partnership to market the Iron Dome system in the United States. This rocket interception system developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has an all-weather range of up to 70 km (43.5 miles). To make the system mobile, the detection/tracking radar and battle management/control parts of the system are carried on trucks, while the missile firing unit is mounted on a trailer.

• Debate regarding the shape of operations after Libya shifts from a NATO-centric perspective to budget concerns, as the case is made for cutting back on the Army and continued emphasis upon combined Special Operations-Air Power Teams.

• A senior official from India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation says the country will be able to deploy an anti-ballistic missile (ABM) system in 2014. Meanwhile, an Indian perspective emerges on the reasons behind the fifth-generation T-50 fighter’s aborted take off at MAKS 2011 air show and prospects for further Indian-Russian cooperation.

• A dispute between Rafael and Israeli Military Industries (IMI) regarding Defense Ministry proposals to merge their respective Trophy and Iron Fist missile defense systems has resulted in the deployment of new Namer (Tiger) armored personnel carriers without either system.

• The Chief of Staff of the US Air Force, General Norton Schwartz, says there are no plans to follow-up on proposals made by a set of retired generals and merge the Air National Guard and Reserve.

• South Korean media speculates that North Korea’s Air Force Commander accompanied Kim Jong-il on his recent visit to Russia and China to seek help to modernize the country’s armed forces in general, and air force in particular.

• The M-90 Eurotorp lightweight torpedo buy remains on Australia’s Projects of Concern list, but recent media reports were misleading.

• Some interesting comparative data emerges on the operational cost per flight hour (CPFH) of several US military aircraft, including Lockheed Martin’s F-22, Bell Boeing CV-22 and WC-135 Constant Phoenix.

• Iran has reportedly inaugurated its first carbon fiber production line at the Defense Ministry’s aerospace department.

• Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) tells a press conference in Hanoi that the Department of Defense is examining whether to lift restrictions [PDF] on the sale of military products to Vietnam.

• The future shape of NATO after the Libyan campaign remains the subject of debate, with the pros and cons of pooling resources up for discussion.

• Rafael is reportedly preparing to open a second production line for the Tamir missiles deployed with the Iron Dome air defense system.

• The US Army awards American Ordnance LLC two separate contracts potentially worth up to $66 million for demolition materials.

• The Philippines’ President Benigno Aquino III says that the Navy’s acquisition of the refurbished Hamilton-class cutter BRP Gregorio del Pilar is the start of the country’s re-armament program.

• Canadian UAV manufacturer Aeryon Labs reveals that it cooperated with the private security firm Zariba to deliver its Aeryon Scout UAV to Libya’s Transitional National Council (TNC).

• Colorado’s Scion Aviation is confident that its Weasel and Badger unmanned helicopters are capable of challenging Saab’s Skeldar and the Schiebel S-100 camcopter for US unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) contracts.

• Following Iran’s unveiling of a new cruise missile and torpedo, Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi praises the indigenous defense sector and raises the prospect for increased military cooperation with other countries.

• US defense and security officials are reported to be examining a Chinese television documentary showing a possible cyber attack on the Falung Gong religious sect’s website.

• While the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) seeks to develop Mission-oriented Resilient Clouds (MRC), the Department of Defense (DoD) drags its heels over the implementation of ‘cloud computing’ initiatives.

• Concerns are raised that General Electric’s proposal to build a a $1 billion plant in North Carolina to support laser enrichment efforts may have implications for nuclear proliferation.

• South Korean media raises concerns that the country has insufficient radar systems to track long-range artillery attacks by North Korea. This is compounded by reports that six Swedish-made Arthur radars broke down 78 times last year, alongside ThalesRaytheon-made TPQ-36 and 37s malfunctioning on 98 and 60 times respectively over the past five years.

• India launches the frigate INS Satpura, the second indigenously-built stealth warship of the Shivalik class.

• The Israeli defense budget dispute continues unabated. The Defense Ministry claims that the budget is already ILS6.2 billion ($1.6 billion) under 2011/12 estimates. The Finance Ministry wants greater efficiencies within the defense establishment.

• Meanwhile, the Israeli Defense Forces’ (IDF) deployment of Rafael’s Iron Dome air defense system has prompted a change of tactics by militants in the Gaza Strip.

• Russia delays the next test-firing of the Bulava (SS-NX-30) submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) until the end of August.

• As China’s profile in the UAV sector rises, state-run media shows the hand-held ASN-15 in action, supporting a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) main battle tank (MBT) unit.

• Russia’s state-run Rosoboronexport reveals that it has lost $4 billion-worth of defense export contracts with Libya.

• Defense Secretary Leon Panetta tells the National Defense University that the United States can enact budget cuts without compromising national security.

• Protests across Israel have prompted a rethink of defense expenditure plans. The Government is considering starting its five-year spending plan in 2013. Investment in training, missile and rocket interception systems are expected to compensate for troop reductions.

• The Technical Director of the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory says at AUVSI North America 2011 that the US Marines see the AeroVironment Switchblade unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) as a suitable armed platform for top-down attack capability.

• The Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force claims its re-equipment program is steadily progressing despite problems with delivery and funding.  Col General Alexander Zelin added that Russia’s T-50 stealth fighter will be delivered by 2014-15.

• Russia’s Aviastar reveals at the MAKS 2011 air show that it plans to test fly its first production Il-76MD transport aircraft by 2012. Meanwhile, the state-owned aircraft and air defense manufacturer United Industrial Corporation (Oboronprom) announced plans to boost its contract portfolio to $21 billion by the end of 2011.

• China labels rumors that Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency provided access to the US Black Hawk stealth helicopter destroyed in the raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound as ‘groundless and ridiculous’.

• The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) awards Lockheed Martin a $13 million contract to continue maintenance of the Tactical Tomahawk Weapons Control System (TTWCS). Should NAVAIR exercise the three remaining options, the contract value could rise to $50.2 million.

• A leaked report prepared by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) says that the Royal Navy is ‘woefully unprepared’ for future operations within the Arctic Circle. There is particular concern that cold weather measures have not been built into warships, including the new Type 45 destroyers.

• The proposed merger between Israel Military Industries (IMI) and Rafael appears to have been cancelled by the Israeli Government, who will push instead for the privatization of IMI.

• Russia is to unveil its first strike UAV at next week’s MAKS 2011 air show. Vega will be showing a mock-up of the Lutch, a UAV based on the Sigma 5 piloted aircraft.

• Russia also announces the development of two new air defense systems. This includes the Vityaz [PDF] a further development of the S-300 medium-range air defense system already in service.

• Italian budget austerity looks set to hit its defense modernization hard, even as the country struggles to keep up with the demands of the war in Libya.

• Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will unveil its Ghost rotary mini UAV system at next week’s AUVSI Unmanned Air Systems North America 2011 show. The Ghost is designed to provide real-time intelligence to ground forces operating in urban areas.

• China ends months of intrigue and speculation by announcing that its first aircraft carrier has now left port to conduct sea trials.

• With $6,000 and a military surplus FMQ-117B target, you too can build a UAV that hacks phones and intercepts Wi-Fi signals. Bet the paparazzi will love that one. No word from Mr Murdoch yet.

• The Government Accountability Office (GAO) publishes Defense Department Cyber Efforts [PDF]. The report raises concerns about the DoD’s initial responses to cyber threats.

• A senior Israel Air Force Officer (IAF) tells an Israel Technology Group conference that the successful deployment of Rafael’s Iron Dome missile interception system in April prevented an escalation of conflict with the Gaza Strip.

• The US Army awards Hamilton Sundstrand a contract with a maximum potential value of almost $38 million for miscellaneous and unspecified communications equipment.

• Rheinmetall announces that the first basic version of its Acoustic Shooting Locating System (ASLS) is ready for the marketplace.

• Terrabon announces that it has been awarded a $9.6 million contract [PDF] to design a renewable jet fuel production solution for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The Houston-based company’s MixAlco bio-refining technology will likely underpin research and development.

• The Center for Nonproliferation Studies’ (CNS) current Nonproliferation Review includes an article [PDF] stating that between 1997 and 2009 North Korea accounted for more than 40% of the 1,200 ballistic missile systems exports to the developing world.

• Australia’s Ministry of Defence signs a AUD25 million ($28 million) contract with Thales Australia for nine additional training simulators for army crews operating the Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV).

• Boeing is working on a new vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft using jets called Pulse Ejector Thrust Augmentors (PETA), based on technology originally developed by Nazi Germany.

• The revival of the state-owned Fabrica Argentina de Aviones (FAdeA) continues following the recent announcement of the company’s upgrades for the IA-58 Pucara counterinsurgency aircraft.

• A European Defence Agency (EDA) official is confident that member states will have identified potential pilot cases for its Common Off The Shelf Procurement initiative by the end of 2011.

• Diehl BGT and Israel’s RAFAEL have unveiled the PILUM long-range glide bomb concept. With a reported range of 60-100 miles, PILUM will use RAFAEL Spice’s combination of GPS/INS and imaging infrared, in Diehl’s HOSBO bomb system. This JSOW Block III competitor will be integrated on Tornado and Eurofighter aircraft – wonder if the Saudis, who fly both, will want any?

• The Dixmude, France’s 3rd Mistral Class LHD/BPC, has arrived in Toulon for final fitting and testing. It was ordered with French economic stimulus funds in April 2009.

• Britain’s 3rd Type 45 air defense destroyer, HMS Diamond, has officially joined the Royal Navy.

• As part of its efforts to build a strong UAV industry in the state, Oklahoma is petitioning the US FAA to create an unrestricted UAV corridor in civil airspace.

• Despite the presence of a Eurocopter EC645 at CANSEC, there is still little movement in Canada’s plans to replace the Griffon.

• Lockheed Martin delivers its National Source Tracking System (NSTS) to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to assist in the tracking of radioactive source material.

• Saab agrees to divest its shares in the 3D mapping company C3 Technologies AB. The transaction is expected to be closed by the end of the 3rd quarter FY11.

• Research and Markets adds DoD UAS Forecasts, Missions and Initiatives FY2012 DoD Budget Justification Analysis and The Venezuelan Defense Industry – Market Opportunities and Entry Strategies Analyses and Forecasts to 2015 to its list of publications.

• The Air Force of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) plans to follow up the recent graduation of its first group of third generation fighter pilots by introducing a new training program for the next cohort.

• EADS Astrium Space Technologies’ Chief Executive touts its Spirale satellites as the backbone for a future French, European or NATO missile defense capability. Speaking at the Paris Air Show, Alain Charmeau also announced the company hopes to test a ballistic missile interceptor by 2016.

• The Chief Executive of ThalesRaytheonSystems also sees the company playing a major role in missile defense for Europe. Jack Harrington also confirmed that security against unconventional threats – particularly in the missile defense and cyber-security domains – will remain the partnership’s focus for the foreseeable future.

• Following recent comments that it has not given up hope of selling its Gripen fighter to India, Saab announces that it has entered into agreement with Mahindra Satyam to establish the Saab India Technology Center (SITC). The SITC will seek to facilitate aerospace and defense projects in India.

• Rafael’s President and CEO offers his perspective on the company’s success and the importance of acquiring foreign companies and developing partnerships to its global business strategy.

• Northrop Grumman continues to test its Fire-X unmanned helicopter, confirms that the US Navy’s adoption is ‘not a done deal’, and claims that there has been foreign interest.

• Cassidian Systems’ ECTOCRYP BLACK encryption device receives approval to participate in this month’s Coalition Warrior Interoperability Demonstration (CWID). The device seeks to enable interoperability across geographically dispersed secure voice communications systems.

• New Zealand-based LanzaTech announces that it has been awarded funds from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to undertake research on low cost production of jet fuel from carbon monoxide-rich sources.

• Australia’s Minister of Defence announces that the Government is to undertake a Force Posture Review. Issues to be considered include the increasing strategic importance of the Asia-Pacific region and the security implications of Australia’s expanding offshore resource exploitation. The Review will also build upon the White Paper Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific Century: Force 2030 [PDF] and consider force posture and requirements.

• UAS Vision reports on the impact that the Indian firm Serial Innovations has upon US unmanned aircraft’s ability to send live video feeds smoothly.

• Defense Tech’s latest report from the Paris Air Show notes an abundance of small “civilian-looking” aircraft equipped with sensor packages that make them ideal for spying missions.