Naval Combat Config H225M Unveiled by Helibras & Airbus | L-3 Oceania Snags Night Fighting Contracts of $232M | India Set to Buy Hundreds of Fighters if Built in India

Americas

• Helibras and Airbus Helicopters unveiled an H225M configured for naval combat in Brazil last week. The rotorcraft will undergo military certification trials prior to delivery to the Brazilian Navy in 2018. Configurations found in the navalized H225M include a Helibras-developed tactical mission system, including an APS-143 surveillance radar, advanced self-protection systems, as well as signals intelligence capabilities. Weapons include two AM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles, while the cargo bay accommodates a dedicated sensor operator console providing the mission commander with an overview of the tactical situation.

• Approval has been given by the US Army’s Joint Munitions Command for the full material release of Orbital ATK’s M1061 60mm mortar cartridge. The munition was developed to increased the 60mm mortar’s effectiveness while improving its insensitive munitions aspects. Furthermore, its fragmentation technology produces increased wide-area effects compared to conventional warheads. Over 12,000 units of the munition have been sent to the army during its initial development phases.

Middle East & North Africa

• Qatar has been linked to the possible purchase of more JF-17 fighter and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft following the release of a statement from Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s office. Mr. Sharif’s office also wishes to set up military cooperation and production of equipment in Qatar with the assistance of Pakistan and Turkey. He went on to say that Pakistan, Qatar, and Turkey can set up joint ventures for undertaking defence related manufacturing of military equipment. “Our relationship with Qatar means a lot to us and you can count on Pakistan as your closest ally and brotherly state,” he remarked.

• An explosive-laden drone, a new feature of the Islamic State’s arsenal, has been brought down by the USAF near Mosul. Two Air Force intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets were used to achieve the “kill” via “electronic warfare capabilities.” The use of small UAS systems by IS has led Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James to call for the rapid development of counter-SUAS capabilities in light of the emerging threat.

• US officials close to Turkey’s F-35 fighter procurement claim Ankara is considering a second batch of fighters, possibly as many as 24 aircraft. Turkey’s Undersecretariat for Defense Industries said they expected the new orders to be delivered in 2021 and 2022 and aims to eventually purchase a total of 100. A Lockheed representative said the company is “honored” by Turkey’s continued commitment to the F-35 program which was further demonstrated by the decision by the DIEC on Friday.

Europe

• Russia has tested its secret hypersonic weapon, referred to as “object 4202,” on an R-36 Voevoda intercontinental ballistic missile. The warhead is expected to be fitted on Moscow’s successor for the R-36, the Sarmat ICBM. Sources within the Roscosmos State Corporation told Russian media sources that the warhead was created using solely Russian-made components, including on-board equipment, electronic components and the guidance system.

Asia Pacific

• L-3 Oceania has received contracts worth $232 million from the Australian Ministry of Defense to provide night fighting equipment. Included in the sale are state of the art night vision goggles, helmet mounts, laser aiming devices, and head harnesses, which will be provided to the country’s special forces and infantry, as well as general combatants such as drivers, medics, and troops in the navy and air force. The procurement comes following deployments of Australian troops in Iraq and Afghanistan which highlighted the need for cutting-edge night vision equipment.

• India will buy hundreds of fighter jets from a foreign manufacturer, if they are built in India. New Delhi made the announcement saying it would buy between 200-300 fighters as it moves to phase out its fleet of Soviet-era aircraft and could be worth between $13-15 million. While a deal to purchase 36 French Rafale fighters has been recently closed, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration wants any further military planes to be built in India with an Indian partner to kickstart a domestic aircraft industry, and end an expensive addiction to imports.

Today’s Video

By land, ship or air. The Am39 Exocet:

Raytheon & NG Report Nice Increases in Qtrly Rev | Airbus Posts Lower than Expected Q3 Profits | Indian Gov Issues RFI for Self-Protection for Mi-17V-5 Helo Fleet

Americas

• As with last quarter, higher than expected sales of Paveway laser- and GPS-guided smart bombs and air-to-air missiles have contributed to Raytheon reporting a 4.3 percent rise in quarterly revenue. Raytheon’s missile systems unit increased 9.4 percent to $1.80 billion in the third quarter while their airborne systems business also jumped 10 percent to $1.59 billion. The announcement, however, didn’t save the company from taking a greater than 3 percent drop in shares in early trading on Thursday as a broad sell-off in defense stocks was caused by some companies in the sector missing revenue targets.

• Northrop Grumman recorded a rise in quarterly profits, announcing a 16.7 percent rise with shares hitting an all-time high of $229.45 and were still up 3.9 percent at $228.10 in afternoon trading on Thursday. The company now expects full-year sales of $23.9 billion to $24.1 billion, up from $23.5 billion to $24.0 billion. Increased business from their participation in the F-35 program, autonomous systems and increased buying in top-secret programs all contributed to the rise. Both Northrop and Raytheon’s better than expected accounts follow that of Lockheed Martin earlier in the week.

• Negotiations over low-rate initial production (LRIP) lots 9 and 10 of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter look close to conclusion following the completion of supplier discussions between Northrop Grumman and lead contractor Lockheed Martin. The talks indicate that Lockheed may soon wrap-up its 15-month talks with the Joint Program Office (JPO). But both the JPO and Lockheed have said that negotiations were still ongoing and gave no comment as to when they would come to an end.

Middle East & North Africa

• It’s been reported that the US military is using bases in Tunisia to conduct surveillance drone operations against Islamic State militants in Libya with unarmed MQ-9 Reaper UAVs. However Tunisian sources have denied that the drones have been in Libyan airspace and instead are being used for training Tunisian forces and protecting the country’s borders. Following attacks by jihadists in a popular vacation destination in 2015, Washington has given more than $250 million in security assistance to Tunisia while the UK has provided personnel to train Tunisian forces.

Europe

• Engineers from Russia’s Elektropribor design bureau, specialists in aviation technology, are developing a new carrier-killing torpedo to replace the high-speed Shkval. As with its predecessor, little information is known about the new weapon dubbed Khishchnik, or Predator, however those working on the project are looking to improve on the capabilities found in Shkval by utilizing the similarities in torpedo engines and their airborne equivalents. With Shkval nearly three times the speed of a standard torpedo, an improved Khishchnik could potentially leave enemy vessels defenseless from being hit.

• Unlike some of their American counterparts, Airbus posted lower than expected third-quarter profits, attributed to drops in their commercial jet liner and helicopter business. Quarterly operating profit before one-off items fell 21 percent to $796 million while revenue fell 1 percent to 13.95 billion euros. Additional headaches for the defense group followed when the UK government continued their ban on Super Puma oil industry flights just weeks after European safety regulators cleared the helicopter to fly again.

• The A-100LL flying laboratory has made its maiden flight. Based on the A-50, the aircraft will form the basis for the the A-100 AEW&C platform and when introduced into service will replace the A-50 and A-50U. The test-bed will be used for ground and flight tests of various system elements, including electromagnetic compatibility and information exchange protocols.

Asia Pacific

• A Request for Information (RFI) has been issued by the Indian government for the provision of 200 sets of self-protection systems for their fleet of Mi-17V-5 helicopters. The self-protection suites will protect Indian helicopters against radar controlled weapons and IR seeking missiles while fighting against militants in the dense forest terrain found in areas such as Kashmir. Each system contains a Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS) and Counter Measure Dispensing System (CMDS); while fifteen helicopters will receive an additional Laser Warning Receiver (LWR) and Directed Infrared Counter Measure system.

Today’s Video

Russian warships passing the English Channel (while watched by the Royal Navy):

BAE to Provide APKWS to US Mil & Allies | UAE to Participate in Mil Exercises with State Dept Approval | Philippines Sign Sweet Lease Deal with Japan for Maritime Patrol

Americas

• Issues with insulation found inside F-35 fuel tanks has resulted in slower 3rd quarter deliveries of the next-generation fighter, according to manufacturer Lockheed Martin. The comments were made during the release of the company’s third quarter profits, where the shortfall in deliveries was described as “light” this quarter. Fifteen F-35As belonging to the USAF and Norwegian Air Force were grounded in September due to the issue which also affected 42 models still on the production line. Grounded jets are due to return to the skies next month.

• Cobham will develop the aerial refueling kit for the MV-22 Osprey, giving the tilt-rotor aircraft the ability to refuel other aircraft while in flight. Work will commence on modifying their FR300 Hose Drum Unit into a roll-on/roll-off palletized kit for the aircraft and delivery to the US military will start in 2018. Known as the V-22 Aerial Refueling System (VARS), the modified MV-22s will give the USMC the ability to refuel their F-35B Lightning II and F/A-18 Hornet jets.

• While heavily redacted, the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) has published a 52-page ruling on Boeing’s protest of the B-21 competition won by Northrop Grumman. Quoting “significantly lower proposed prices” for initial production, the agency found Boeing would be hard-pressed to match Northrop’s bid to work on the $80 billion stealth-bomber program. Boeing has slammed the GAO’s analysis as flawed.

• BAE has received a maximum value $600 million deal to provide Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guided munitions. Aimed at speeding the delivery of the rockets to the US military and its allies, the contract involves a three-year, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract with an initial award of more than $130 million. Export customers of the APKWS include Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon.

Middle East & North Africa

• Approval has been given by the US State Department to support UAE participation in military exercises. Valued at an estimated $75 million, the deal would support UAE participation in military exercises, aerial refueling, airlift and ferry support, training aids, devices and munitions, technical and logistics support services and other related support functions. The State Department said the sale would improve the country’s ability to use its fighter jets in a coalition setting, adding to its ability to partner in the ongoing campaign against the Islamic State and al-Qaida terror groups.

Africa

• Nigeria is moving ahead with its acquisition of the Super Mushshak trainer aircraft having signed an agreement with Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) last week. Ten trainers valued at $10.2 million have been allocated by the government’s 2016 budget and the deal will include technical support as well as training of personnel in Nigeria. Having already sold the Super Mushshak to Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Iran and with deals in the pipeline with the Qatari and the Turkish Air Forces, PAC is also targeting several other African nations to add to its sales tally.

Europe

• Airbus will seek compensation from Poland following the government’s shooting down of the previous administration’s 50-unit order for H225M multirole helicopters. Following four years of work on the tender, the company’s chief financial officer Harald Wilhelm said the group “had spent years trusting that it was in a fair competition” and that it would now “seek remedies” from Warsaw. Wilhelm added that the deal “would have committed us to build a competitive aerospace industry in Poland.”

Asia Pacific

• The Philippines have signed an agreement with Japan to lease five Beechcraft TC-90 light reconnaissance aircraft for operation in humanitarian and maritime patrol missions. Cost of the aircraft will be $7,000 each for four, while another will cost $2,000 to lease per annum. The aircraft will increase the capabilities and range currently available to the PAF while giving them a more cost-effective and easier to use Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) than the more complicated P-3C.

Today’s Video

V-22 Aerial refueling Proof of Concept:

LM’s Sikorsky Yields Revenue Boost of 14.8% for FY | Embraer Spends $205.5M to Settle Corruption Investigation | Russia Premiers Image of their Largest-Ever ICBM

Americas

• With the tensions between Raytheon and Leonardo-Finmeccanica on their collaboration on the USAF T-X trainer competition seemingly resolved, Raytheon has announced that if the T-100 is selected, work will be carried out in Meridian, Mississippi. In order to facilitate the work, Raytheon proposes to build a final assembly and checkout facility (FACO) in Meridian to complete construction of the trainers. While it remains to be seen how much of the trainer’s construction and assembly will be carried out in the US, a company spokesperson said that at least 70 percent of the T-100 training system — including ground-based systems —will be built in the US.

• With thanks to the sales of Sikorsky helicopters, Lockheed Martin announced a quarterly profit that pushed total revenue up 14.8 percent for the fiscal year. The company also raised their adjusted profit and sales outlook for the year. The aeronautics division saw an increase of 6.8 percent due to higher net sales of approximately $300 million for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program due to increased volume on aircraft production and sustainment activities.

• In an effort to close the book on a number of graft scandals, Embraer has reached an agreement with US and Brazilian authorities to settle a six-year corruption investigation, agreeing to pay $205.5 million for the privilege. Investigations into defense and commercial aircraft deals between 2007 and 2011 with Saudi Arabia, India, the Dominican Republic, and Mozambique alleged that Embraer had made more than $83 million in profits from foreign contracts involving $11.7 million in bribes and other payments concealed through false accounting. Anti-graft measures by the company in recent years include replacement of senior management, reinforcement of compliance efforts and the curtailed use of third-party sales representatives, who drew suspicion in deals under review.

Middle East & North Africa

• Pakistan’s Defense Ministry has announced a number of “massive” defense deals in the pipeline with the Turkish government. One deal involves Ankara purchasing a significant number of Super Mushshak basic trainers while Turkey’s STM will upgrade three Agosta 90B submarines, originally designed by French firm DCNS, to Pakistan’s Navy. The deals represent a continuation in the growth of defense ties between the two governments with analysts believing that in time, Turkey could overtake China as the number one supplier of advanced military technology to Pakistan.

Europe

• Images of Russia’s newest and largest intercontinental ballistic missile ever developed have emerged for the first time. Currently undergoing development at the Makeyev Rocket Design Bureau, the RS-28 Sarmat is set to replace the RS-36, a family of ICBMs and space launch vehicles that entered service in the 1970s and 1980s. The missile is expected to carry up to 10 heavy warheads, or 16 lighter ones, or a combination of warheads and countermeasures to overwhelm enemy missile defenses.

• The UK RAF has commenced an operational evaluation of upgrades to their Eurofighter Typhoon, giving it the ground-attack capabilities of their Panavia Tornado GR4 fleet. Enhancements include additional human-machine interface integration and increased air-to-surface targeting capabilities for in-service tranche 2 aircraft, which will contribute to its future role. Munitions to be eventually integrated include MBDA’s Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air and Brimstone 2 air-to-surface missiles as well as the Storm Shadow stand-off air-to-surface missiles. The RAF plans to have the Typhoon take over from the Tornado by the end of 2018.

Asia Pacific

• Integration work is being carried out on India’s Light Combat helicopter (LCH) to facilitate anti-tank guided missiles. Manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is conducting the work following the successful high altitude trials of the helicopter in the mountainous Kashmir region. HAL has also commenced limited series production and intends to manufacture five LCH helicopters, confident that definite orders will come through.

• Hyundai Heavy Industries will build two frigates for the Philippine Navy under a contract with the country’s Department of National Defense. Designed to be a smaller light combatant and successor to the Incheon-class frigate currently in service with South Korea, the vessels will be 107 meters long, have a maximum speed of 25 knots and a range of 4,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 15 knots. Weaponry will include missiles, torpedoes and guns with sensors controlled by the latest combat management system.

Today’s Video

Testing of the Towed Airborne Lift of Naval Systems (TALONS) on DARPA’s Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel (ACTUV) :

Textron AirLand Accelerates R&D on Scorpion Program | Huntington Ingalls Looks at Camber Corp Purchase | Leonardo-Fin Unveils Centauro II Armored Vehicle

Americas

• In preparation for an imminent flight of the first production model of the Scorpion light attack plane, manufacturer Textron AirLand has accelerated research & development spending on the program. The move comes as the consortium, a self-funded effort between companies Textron and AirLand Enterprises, looks to demonstrate the jet’s capabilities as customer engagement increases. While the Scorpion had been floated as a potential candidate for the USAF’s T-X trainer competition, it remains to be formally offered due to the service’s changing requirements. They will instead focus on marketing the jet as a low-cost light attack and surveillance aircraft.

• Shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls is thinking to diversify their portfolio by looking to purchase government services contractor Camber Corp. for $400 million. With larger contractors such as Lockheed Martin exiting or shrinking their services business, Huntington see an opportunity to invest in a potential growth engine. Company CEO Mike Peters alluded to such a move saying on the company’s August 4 earnings call that he wanted to “grow our services business in support of the Navy and the Department of Energy.”

• Following the butting of horns over who runs the show, Raytheon and Leonardo-Finmeccanica’s joint effort as part of the USAF T-X trainer competition is back on track. Both companies came together in February this year to offer the Italian firm’s T-100 jet trainer; however, Raytheon’s role as prime contractor has riled Leonardo since they designed and built the aircraft and had already sold the M-346, on which the T-100 is based, to Italy, Israel, Poland and Singapore. Other bones of contention include work share roles and assembly as well as the possibility by Raytheon to export the aircraft as an “American” plane to governments who prefer doing business through the US Foreign Military Sales program.

Middle East & North Africa

• A team of 40 UK military personnel will travel to Tunisia to provide training on Operational Planning, Intelligence and Surveillance and mobile patrolling. The Short Term Training Team is the third tranche of training delivered as part of the UK’s commitment to improving security in the region, following the previous installments in February, and before that in late 2015. Including both theoretical and practical exercises, the training will help Tunisian forces better defend their borders, especially with Libya, from threats by jihadist militants.

Europe

• Leonardo-Finmeccanica unveiled their Centauro II armored vehicle during an event at the Cecchignola Army range near Rome. Sporting a 120mm gun, the latest electro-optics and communication systems, the light tank was put through its paces in front of a crowd that included Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Danilo Errico and Leonardo CEO Mauro Moretti. At present, Italian lawmakers are debating approval for a $582 million order for a first tranche of 11 pre-series Centauro II tanks and 39 production vehicles, along with 10 years of logistics service. The Italian Army hopes to acquire 150 units to operate alongside the new Freccia armored troop carrier.

• A French light reconnaissance aircraft crashed in Malta on Monday killing all five passengers on board. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff where the crew had been taking part in a five month-long customs operation, tracking human trafficking and drug smuggling in the Mediterranean. French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian confirmed that three of the victims were ministry staff while the other two were contractors.

Asia Pacific

• For the first time since WW2, UK and Japanese fighters will duke it out in aerial combat drills at Japan’s northern Misawa Air Base. Four RAF Eurofighter Typhoons and a C-17 support plane touched down on Saturday and will face off against and fly with Japanese F-15s and domestically built Mitsubishi F-2s in an exercise dubbed Guardian North 16. The exercise is also being seen as an opportunity by Tokyo to see the Typhoon in action as it ponders the replacement of the F-2 and the choice of using a cheaper non-stealth superiority fighter based on an existing design or a much more expensive program to develop their own indigenous stealth fighter.

• Malaysia has announced a number of upgrades to both Navy frigates and their fleet of antiquated S-61 helicopters. Danish electronics firm Terma A/S will install their SCANTER 6000 radar systems on two Lekiu-class vessels as part of a mid-life modernization and service life extension program. The X-band 2D solid-state radar has been specifically designed as an affordable all-weather sensor solution to plug the gap between standard marine navigation radars and more expensive military surveillance radar systems. Meanwhile, Heli-One and Malaysian firm Airod will fit new displays, a new mission computer, and a new search radar on their 30 S-61 helicopters following the scaling back on orders of the Airbus Helicopters EC725s.

Today’s Video

RAF Eurofighters touch down in Japan:

CH-53K Completes Initial Operationals Testing | Boeing, Gen Atomics, LM & NG to Alter MQ-25 Designs for CBARS | Kuwait’s Typhoons to Get LM’s ATPs

Americas

• Argentinian Air Force pilots have completed their evaluations of the M-346 advanced jet trainer, according to the Italian Defense Ministry. The testing, which took place between October 12 and 13 in Italy, saw the pilots assess the trainer’s air-to-air and air-to-surface capabilities. Argentina is looking to acquire between 10-12 trainers to operate in a combat capacity to replace retired Dassault Mirage III and Mirage 5 fighters and their grounded Douglas A-4R Fightinghawk fleet. Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) FA-50 Fighting Eagle is also in the mix and was tested in September.

• The CH-53K King Stallion helicopter has completed its initial operational testing. A two-week trial period, known as the OT-B1, took place at Sikorsky’s Development Flight Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. Requirements asked of the helicopter included multiple external lift scenarios of 27,000 lb. (12,200 kg), in-hover, and 12,000 lb. (5,422 kg) 110 nautical mile radius missions.

• Four companies have been awarded contracts by the US Navy to conduct risk reduction work on their designs for the MQ-25 Stingray. Boeing, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and Lockheed Martin received contracts for $43 million each while Northrop Grumman received $35.8 million. The risk reduction work will see the companies alter previous designs of the MQ-25 as an unmanned strike bomber to fit its new role as an aerial tanker under the carrier-based air refueling system (CBARS) program.

Middle East & North Africa

• Eurofighter Typhoons recently ordered by Kuwait will be fitted with Lockheed Martin’s Sniper advanced targeting pods. Under a contract with the Aircraft division of Leonardo-Finmeccanica, a member of the Eurofighter consortium, Lockheed Martin will supply 18 pods for Kuwaiti Typhoons, plus integration and logistics support. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2017.

Europe

• A technical agreement has been signed between the governments of Lithuania and Norway to bring two batteries of the Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) to the Baltic nation. The $108 million systems are expected to be delivered by 2020. In the meantime, NATO is considering the deployment of a Patriot air-defense missile unit in Lithuania, which if accepted, could be operational by July next year.

• The Czech Republic has approached several Western defense companies as they looks to replace their existing Soviet-era SA-6 air-defense system. Raytheon, MBDA and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have been contacted by Prague with the request that missiles should have an effective range between 20 and 50 kilometres. A second competition, for the purchase of a 3D Mobile Air Defence Radar (MADR), sees France’s Thales, the Israeli Elta and the Swedish SAAB bidding for the contract.

• Russia will buy a number of SR-10 jet trainers in order to test the plane over the next three years. The first models of the forward-swept wing jet trainer will be ready for the Defense Ministry by the end of 2017 with 20 expected to be delivered by 2020. It’s believed that engine manufacturer Saturn has proposed to power the aircraft using their AL-55 turbofan engine.

Asia Pacific

• A Spanish consortium of Indra and Navantia is teaming with Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL to update the combat system of an Indonesian navy vessel. The $18 million deal will see work carried out on the Fatahillah-class corvette, the Malahayati, and involves the renovation of the ship’s sensors and fire control systems and their integration through a modern combat management system. Both Spanish firms have previously collaborated on a number of naval programs, including development of the Spanish navy’s future F110 frigate.

Today’s Video

Tom Cruise talks training for Top Gun :

Price to Extend Life of B61 Atomic Bomb Put at $8.25B | CENTCOM Believes Iran Involved in USS Mason Attack | Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania Plan to Triple Defense Spending

Americas

• A Grumman F9F-8 Cougar on the flight deck of USS Lexington Museum has been painted pink for the month October. The new paint job is in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. However, the retired Navy fighter won’t stay pink forever, as a special procedure — applying liquid dishwashing soap to the latex paint — keeps the pretty paint job from becoming permanent.

• $8.25 billion has been given as the price of the life-extension program for the B61-12 atomic bomb by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). The new cost estimate was completed over the summer as the agency prepared to enter the production-engineering phase of the program. The baseline cost of the program is $7.605 billion, with an additional $648 million in “funds leveraged from other NNSA programs for technology and manufacturing readiness,” according to an agency statement – money that has common applications across multiple weapon systems.

Middle East & North Africa

• Claims have been made by the head of US Central Command (CENTCOM) that Iran may have been involved in a rocket attack on the USS Mason. Gen. Joseph Votel made the allegations saying “I do think that Iran is playing a role in some of this. They have a relationship with the Houthis, so I do suspect there is a role in that.” Recent missile launches on US vessels have come from territory held by Houthi militants in Yemen. A US-supported coalition led by Saudi Arabia is currently conducting a military campaign against the Houthis.

Europe

• Anti-corruption agents will investigate the recently scrapped military helicopter deal between Poland and Airbus. Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz made the announcement while also criticizing Airbus for misleading the public on the amount of jobs that would have been created by the deal to buy 50 multi-purpose H225M Caracel helicopters. While Macierewicz failed to mention which particular aspect of the deal would come under the scrutiny of the anti-corruption team, he accused some opposition lawmakers of acting against the state in favoring an international corporation.

• Norwegian F-35s grounded last month for repairs will be back in the air by November, sooner than expected. 15 F-35A Lightning II aircraft had been grounded in September due to peeling and crumbling insulation in avionics cooling lines inside the fuel tanks. The Norwegian Defense Ministry said the insulation is now being removed and extra filters installed to intercept any potential remains, although it has not yet been decided whether this fix should be regarded as temporary or permanent.

• An IHS Markit report has revealed a planned tripling in defense spending by the governments of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania amid fears of a Russian Crimea-style annexation of their territory. According to the report, it is expected that combined defense spending will reach $670 million by 2018 and $2.1 billion by 2020, more than double that when the countries entered NATO in 2004, and the fastest such growth in any region worldwide. After Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, Latvia and Lithuania agreed to raise military spending to reach NATO’s informal target of 2 percent of GDP by 2018, something that Estonia has already achieved.

Asia Pacific

• Rumors that talks are underway between Russia and Pakistan over the Su-35 fighter have been dismissed. Anatoly Punchuk, the deputy director of the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC), said no such negotiations are being held despite earlier reports that Islamabad is keen to switch to Russian fighters by buying the Su-35. Other Russian-made items wanted by Pakistan include tanks and air-defense systems.

• A ground-breaking defense deal between Japan and India is back in motion after Japan agreed to a clear price concession for 12 US-2 amphibious aircraft for the Indian Navy. A ten percent drop in unit pricing from $133 million to $113 million has finally allowed the deal to move forward after a two year delay. The deal, the first of its kind between the two countries, shows a growing cooperation between New Delhi and Tokyo as part of India’s Look East Policy meant to counter China’s influence in the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean regions.

Today’s Video

Harrier GR3 XZ130 For Sale:

Ukraine & Poland Negotiate on Joint Helo Production | French Unveil New Frigate at Euronaval Trade Show | SK Contemplates Leasing Surveillance Sat from Israel

Americas

• A report published by the Center for New American Security has recommended the Pentagon acquire a mix of high and low assets in order to counter new threats. The authors of the document suggest that the next ten years should see the fighting branches increase their number of aircraft and vessels with a focus on giving greater priority to laser weapons and electromagnetic rail guns. The trade off? The Pentagon should cancel the Ford-class aircraft carrier and America-class amphibious assault ship programs.

Middle East & North Africa

• The fourth C-130J “Samson” tactical transporter has been delivered to Israel. Operated by the Israeli air force’s “Elephants” squadron, the aircraft has already been tested during aerial refuelling missions with a Boeing 707 tanker, and is currently testing its low-level flight capabilities using some Israeli-developed systems. Two more will be delivered by the end of the year.

• Turkey’s procurement agency SSM is looking into tank upgrades and further UAV research to counter multiple asymmetrical security threats. A massive $1 billion tank upgrade would see Turkish operated Leopard 2 and M60 main battle tanks with work likely to be carried out by Rheinmetall’s three-partner, Turkey-based venture, RBSS and by Israeli Military Industries (IMI) respectively. Ankara has also released two requests for information (RFI) to task industry with research on two new types of drones, a multicopter type strike drone and nano drone. Contenders must obtain the RFI document from SSM by October 24 and must reply by November 9.

Europe

• Negotiations are underway between Poland and Ukraine to launch a joint production effort of helicopters that could be used by the militaries of Central and Eastern European allies. But while Poland is currently in the midst of two increasingly complicated helicopter tenders, Defence Minister Antoni Macierewicz said any joint effort would most likely be on a new model “based on the industrial potential of both countries. We know that the Ukrainians make excellent engines, produced by Motor Sich.” Based in southeastern Ukraine, Motor Sich has supplied engines for a variety of Ukrainian and Russian aircraft including the Antonov An-8 and An-10, the Yakovlev Yak-40 and Yak-42, and the Mil Mi-8MT, Mi-14 and Mi-171.

• The design for a new intermediate frigate has been unveiled by the French defense minister at the Euronaval trade show. Known as the Frégate de Taille Intermédiaire (FTI), Paris has slated $4.2 billion to go toward the production of six vessels that will replace the French Navy fleet of Lafayette-class frigates starting in 2023. An export version, dubbed and spelled “Belh@rra”, was released by shipbuilder DCNS with a large model located at the show’s entrance.

AsiaPacific

• North Korea could have an operational Musudan intermediate-range ballistic missile by next year, according to experts. John Schilling, an aerospace engineer specializing in rocket propulsion, wrote on the 38 North website that Pyongyang’s aggressive testing schedule also points to its determination to have the weapon ready in the near future. The dictatorship’s latest test this month was tested far from its Musudan-ri test facility, instead moving to a roadside near Kusong. Schilling likened the move to “taking the training wheels off the bicycle, seeing if you really have mastered something new.”

• An agreement has been made between Russia and India to extend the range of theBrahMos cruise missile. Accords between both governments were signed during a summit of BRIC member nations in Goa last week. Work carried out will eventually see the target range of the munition double to 600 km. India was previously prohibited from undertaking such work until it became a signatory of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in June.

• With its own spy satellite program facing delays, South Korea is contemplating leasing a surveillance satellite from Israel. Seoul is already heavily reliant on intelligence data provided by the US and military officials are keen to be able to independently obtain information on North Korea’s military activities. In addition, the military plans to purchase another 90 KEPD-350K air-launched cruise missiles from Germany to add to the 170 currently en route.

Today’s Video

Israel’s C-130J Samson:

LM Gets $743M for 9th Batch F-35 | Germany’s MEADS Cost Almost Double $4.5B Euros Proposed | Japan to Consider Aegis or THAAD in Defense Upgrade

Americas

• MQ-8C Fire Scout UAVs will be supplied with Leonardo’s 2-panel Osprey AESA radar following the dismissal of a protest by rival bidderTelephonics. Five radars will be delivered to the US Naval Air Systems Command in the first financial quarter of 2017 and will be used for integration, test and evaluation on-board the Bell Helicopter 407-derived MQ-8C, and the USN holds an option to buy a larger quantity for operational use. The radar will provide only 260-degree field of view and will come equipped with air-to-air targeting mode.

• Contracts have been awarded to Lockheed Martin for the provision of the ninth batch F-35 Joint Strike Fighter totalling $743 million. The DoD allocation comes as negotiations for Lots 9 & 10 continue. One contract sets not-to-exceed prices for up to $385 million on a range of services for the US military’s F-35 customers, including redesign and development of components with diminishing manufacturing and material services while another $333 million is being allotted to set not-to-exceed prices for one F-35A and one F-35B on behalf of a non-US participant in the program. Another $25.4 million of the award comes from the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme to pay for “country unique requirements.”

Middle East & North Africa

• Just over two years after the Islamic State rolled into the city of Mosul, Iraqi security and Kurdish Peshmerga forces have begun maneuvers to reclaim the city. The long awaited assault has stoked fears of a humanitarian crisis, creating more refugees from the one million civilians estimated to be still living in the city. Backed by US air power, Iraqi forces advancing on multiple fronts still remain some distance from Mosul and are expected to eventually take up positions on the edge of the city and lay siege before breaching its boundaries and directly engaging die-hard jihadists.

Europe

• Prototypes of a new variant of the Pantsyr mobile air defense system are currently being assembled with production slated to commence in 2018. Designated as Pantsyr-SM, the updated model will boost its detection range from 40 km to 75 km while the engagement range is expected to be doubled as well to 40 km. A navalized version, the Pantsyr-M, will be fielded on the warship Admiral Nakhimov next year. The naval variant features a quad-directional static radar array, and will use both the same missiles as the land-based Pantsyr-S1/Pantsyr-SM and the future Hermes-K missile for use against small surface targets and small aircraft like helicopters.

• A proposal submitted by MBDA and Lockheed Martin to provide the Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) to Germany will cost nearly double the $4.5 billion originally estimated. Several sources have backed up the claims made by Reuters, but little reason has been given as to why the costing has jumped so suddenly. Berlin is expected to request that MBDA provide an additional detailed breakdown of the cost of the major items in the proposal while some officials have already raised the possibility of going back to negotiate with Raytheon about a new version of the current Patriot missile defense system.

• Poland has shaken off criticisms from both Airbus and the French government by inviting the firm, alongside Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky and Italian firm Leonardo-Finmeccanica, to talks in relation to buying army helicopters worth about $254 million. The invitations come just a week after Warsaw cancelled a preliminary $3.4 billion deal with Airbus to buy 50 Caracal multi-role helicopters and the talks are being undertaken to fill an “urgent operational need declared by the armed forces of the Republic of Poland.” By declaring such an urgent need, the ministry can hold talks with a chosen contractor without the need to announce a new tender.

Asia Pacific

• Aegis or THAAD? With the expectation that Tokyo will request additional money to fund missile defense upgrades to repel North Korean ballistic missiles, a study will be funded on whether to buy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system or Aegis Ashore. It’s believed that money will also be provided to improve their existing PAC-3 air defense system as well. However, any purchases or modernizations will take time to implement as North Korea continues with its escalation of missile tests.

Today’s Video

The Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) conducting its first airborne trap on a F/A-18E Super Hornet:

Sikorsky Hits Big Milestone in Black Hawk Deliveries | Russia-India Agreement May Bring S-400 to India | Bell Heli Teaming with Fuji Heavy Ind on Japan’s AH-X Program

Americas

• Radar signal management technology made by a Taiwanese company will be used in Lockheed Martin’s latest MIM-104F (PAC-3) air defense missile system upgrade. Developed by the state-owned National Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology, the technology is also found in the indigenous Sky Bow III air defense system. So far, it has made $25.3 million in international orders.

• Sikorsky has just delivered its 1000th H-60M Black Hawk helicopter to the US Army in a ceremony that saw the deliveries of the 792nd UH-60M and the 208th HH-60M. A Lockheed Martin subsidiary, the company delivered the first UH-60M to the service in 2007 and the first HH-60M Medevac helicopter in 2008. The “Mike” model helicopters represent the Army’s third standard baseline H-60 Black Hawk aircraft version in the program’s 38-year production history.

Middle East & North Africa

• US-made radar systems have been cleared for sale to the government of Kuwait by the US State Department. Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon will compete for the $194 million contract which will see the winner provide six short-range radars and a long-range radar system with primary and secondary surveillance radar arrays, upgrades to existing systems, friend-or-foe identification and related support. The radar systems provide situational awareness for security forces in Kuwait to detect and interdict fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft along the country’s borders.

Africa

• South African company Ultimate Unmanned has launched its new Viper 1000C UAV with aims to market the drone across Africa and the Middle East. Based on the Stemme motor glider, the company plans to lease the Viper for a variety of missions including surveillance, border patrol, anti-piracy, pipeline monitoring, counter-terrorism, mapping, anti-smuggling, and wildlife monitoring. Ultimate Unmanned said the aircraft can be used for both civilian and military missions but the company is planning a dedicated Viper 1000M military version and is also studying rotary wing UAVs.

Europe

• Thales’ new-generation TALIOS laser targeting pod has successfully completed a more than two-hour first flight on a Rafale fighter. Development of the pod has been carried out as part of a major development program for French Air Force and Navy Rafales. The company reported remarkable performances in pointing and telemetry from the pod with the system collecting high-quality images taken using the “day” channel. Adjustment and performance measurement tests with the pod and fighter will continue throughout 2017.

Asia Pacific

• An agreement between the leaders of Russia and India has paved the way for negotiations to bring the S-400 Triumph air-defense system to India. The state-run manufacturer of the system ROSTEC stated contracts could be prepared and signed by early 2017 with delivery of the system to commence in 2020. With the S-400 system currently being rolled out across Russia as well as being spotted in Syria, the agreement with New Delhi points to a willingness by Moscow to deepen strategic ties with one of its biggest buyers.

• Bell Helicopters is keen to sell its AH-1Z attack helicopter as a solution to Japan’s AH-X program. As part of preparations the company has teamed with engineers from Fuji Heavy Industries on modification work to the helicopter aimed at improving transmission performance. If selected, between 60-70 of the Bell 412EPI-based helicopters would be produced locally in Fuji with the first slated to deliver in 2022. Civilian variants would also be produced in Fuji in an effort to help the production line attain scale.

• An undisclosed number of Taurus KEPD 350K cruise missiles were formally handed over to the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) last week. The German-made munitions have been integrated for use on Korean F-15K fighters and are an enhanced version of the Taurus KEPD 350 fielded by Germany and Spain on their Panavia Tornado, Boeing EF-18 Hornet, and Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft respectively. The Korean missiles are also equipped with new Rockwell Collins GPS receivers that come with a Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) to prevent jamming.

Today’s Video

Taiwan’s MQ-9 clone: