ALAS: the Missile Cometh

ALAS mock-up

The usefulness of over the horizon light precision strike weapons is becoming clear to navies, recently became clear to land forces, and was always clear to air forces. Serbia’s Yugoimport has been working on an “Advanced Light Attack System” missile that builds on their rocket and turbojet expertise, but they needed a financial backer to develop their low-cost solution. In 2013, an agreement with the UAE’s EAI secured that backing, in exchange for joint development.

The missile is an interesting product definition case, which seems to aim at a low-cost, non-western niche in the naval and helicopter markets. At sea, it could be a strong step forward to address an emerging requirement for all navies.

UAE Buys C-17s, Seeks Tactical Transports

UAE C-17: 1st delivery

The biggest news from the 2009 IDEX exhibition was the UAE’s twin selections of medium (12 Lockheed C-130J) and heavy (4 Boeing C-17) transport aircraft. Estimates at the time placed the total value at AED 10.7 billion (about $2.78 billion), but the estimates were low for the C-17, and would likely rise further if the C-130 order also goes through. The C-17 order later rose to a confirmed contract for 6 planes, and negotiations remain in progress for the C-130J-30 buy.

Given the country’s geographic position, and the global shortage of military airlift capacity outside of the United States, a force of this size and quality can be parlayed into international influence by supporting multi-national military deployments and humanitarian efforts from Africa to South Asia, and around the world.

Future GPS: The USA’s GPS-III Programs

GPS IIIA concept

Disruption or decay of the critical capabilities provided by the USA’s Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites would cripple both the US military, and many aspects of the global economy. GPS has become part of civilian life in ways that go go far beyond those handy driving maps, including timing services for stock trades, and a key role in credit card processing. At the same time, military class (M-code) GPS guidance can now be found in everything from cruise missiles and various precision-guided bombs, to battlefield rockets and even artillery shells. Combat search and rescue radios rely on this line of communication, and so does a broadening array of individual soldier equipment.

GPS-III satellites are a key part of this PTN (Positioning, Timing & Navigation) system’s future plan, offering several improvements over the existing GPS II family. So, too, does its companion OCX ground control system. This DII FOCUS article looks at the existing constellation, GPS-III improvements, the program’s structure, its progress through contracts and key milestones, and additional PTN/GNSS research links.

Rapid Fire Feb. 20, 2013: Here Come the WARN Act Letters

• The pre-sequester bad news are now coming full bore: Defense Department set to announce furlough plan (Stars & Stripes) | Navy’s budget plan: No Bataan deployment, fewer jets (Virginian-Pilot) | BAE could layoff 1,368 workers (San Diego Union-Tribune). But it’s always someone else’s fault.

• The company formerly known as Hawker Beechcraft emerges out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy process as just “Beechcraft.”

• More orders announced by the UAE at IDEX include Raytheon GBU-12 and GBU-58 laser-guided bombs, support for their Thales Crotale air defense missiles, and Fire Storm targeting from Rockwell Collins. Defense News.

• India’s Defence Ministrer A K Antony says “speedy indigenization in Defence production is essential to eliminate corruption in procurement process.” He did not explain how one leads to the other, but Western manufacturers who expect to make up for declining home markets will take note of what the minister told the armed forces: “imports should be the last resort.” This, just as Russia is also refocusing on homegrown sourcing.

• Colonel Leon Thurgood will be promoted to general and Program Executive Officer, Missile and Space at Redstone Arsenal, AL. He’s been deputy at the PEO for the last few months. Here is their weapon systems book [PDF].