Brazilian Army Receives 50 AFVs from US Army | UK to Gift $3.7M in Equipment to Jordan | India Mulls Purchase of 12 Russian S-400 Triumf

Americas

• Lockheed Martin’s production of THAAD interceptors has been delayed owing to computer glitches. Only three out of 44 systems – destined for use by the Missile Defense Agency – have been delivered, with a revised delivery schedule now in place.

• The Brazilian Army is set to receive fifty Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) from the US Army later this year, with M577A2 command and control vehicles forming the majority of this batch. Thirty-four of the BAE Systems-produced vehicles will be delivered, along with a dozen M113A2 armored personnel carriers and four M88A1 recovery vehicles. The surplus vehicles will be delivered through a Foreign Military Sales contract, with the Brazilian Army deciding in 2012 to upgrade its M113 fleet.

Europe

• Two Royal Air Force personnel were killed when their Westland/Aerospatiale HC2 Puma helicopter crashed in Afghanistan. Three civilians were also killed when the helicopter came down in Kabul on Sunday evening; an investigation is under way with the cause of the crash not attributed to enemy fire. The helicopter was one of three newly-upgraded Pumas deployed to Afghanistan in March and operating as part of the United Kingdom’s contribution to NATO’s training mission in Afghanistan.

Middle East North Africa

• Iraq has unveiled an armed Chinese CH-4B UAV, following the release of a photo in March of what appeared to be a CH-4B at an Iraqi Air Base. The drone is thought to be capable of carrying up to six weapons, including the AR-1 laser-guided missile and 100kg guided bombs. Nigeria is also thought to have purchased the CH-4, with this revealed when one crashed in January, armed with AR-1s.

• Reports indicate that the Saudi government may agree to a contract with France for Airbus helicopters, with the Gulf state also showing interest in Thales intelligence satellites and French-manufactured naval vessels. The French Defense Minister announced in June that Saudi Arabia intended to sign a contract for twenty-three H145 helicopters, among other contracts totalling $12 billion.

• British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon announced in Parliament on Monday that the United Kingdom is gifting GBP2.4 million ($3.7 million) in equipment to Jordan. The country is developing a Quick Reaction Force capable of deploying 500 soldiers rapidly to threats on the country’s borders with Syria and Iraq. The package of aid also includes training, as well as command & control, manoeuvre and protective equipment.

• The Saudi Arabian National Guard will receive the first of twenty-four Boeing AH-6i armed reconnaissance helicopters in late June 2016, according to a report by Janes. The helicopters are being manufactured under a $234.7 million long-lead production contract awarded to Boeing in late 2013 and announced in August 2014, with Saudi Arabia the first customer for the type. Construction of the helicopters will begin in December. Saudi Arabia has been a loyal market for US helicopter manufacturers, with acquisitions including the UH-60L Black Hawk and AH-64D Apache.

Asia Pacific

• India is considering an acquisition of twelve Russian S-400 Triumf air defense systems, with the idea scheduled to be put in front of a future meeting of the country’s Defence Acquisition Council. The Indian Air Force is spending large sums to improve its air surveillance and defense capabilities, signing a $1.2 billion contract earlier this month to improve the country’s radar network. China is buying the system following a $3 billion contract in January, while Belarus has also expressed interest in acquiring the system.

• The INS Arihant – India’s first indigenous nuclear submarine – has completed sea trials ahead of planned testing of the Nirbhay cruise missile later this month. The Indian Navy plans to subsequently test a B-05 Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM), as the country pursues a nuclear triad capability. The intention of testing this missile was first announced in July.

Today’s Video

• Footage of the new Iraqi CH-4B drone: