2019 Set by USMC for V-22 VARS IOC | Stavatti Enters USAF’s T-X Trainer Competition with Javelin | US MDA Conducts Successful SM-3Block IIA Test with Japan

Americas

• The USMC has given March 2019 as the date for declaring initial operational capability for the V-22 Aerial Refuelling System (VARS). Four V-22 Osprey’s will be part of the initial program and will be able to refuel all fixed-wing USMC fighters and the CH-53 helicopter. The V-22 joint program office is looking at the feasibility of adding a chin-mounted gun and crew-served door guns for the Osprey, the latter being of particular interest to the service.

• While some of the industry’s heavyweights having been dropping out of the USAF’s T-X trainer competition, Stavatti have entered the fray with a modified version of their Javelin plane. Initially built as a civilian sportplane, the Javelin has since been configured as a very light fighter and a military jet trainer with more powerful twin-engines and an increased internal fuel capacity, alongside other enhancements. The company began redesigning the Mk-30 platform for military applications in November 2016.

• The chairman of the US House of Representatives Armed Services Committee has urged the Pentagon to expand missile defense capabilities in the wake of threats from North Korea and Iran. Republican Representative Mac Thornberry made the comments Monday, following new US sanctions against Iran after Tehran’s recent ballistic missile tests. Mac Thornberry called not only for the provision of more systems, but also for the expansion and investment in new missile defense technology.

Middle East & North Africa

• Boeing has been awarded $18 million to provide AN/APG-63(V) radars for Saudi Arabia’s F-15SA aircraft. The USAF contract covers three of the radars, and work completion is expected for March 2017. Riyadh recently commissioned the new F-15SA fighter jets in January, which feature updated avionics, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars, and ASM-135 missiles.

Europe

• Norway’s army is to purchase a mobile version of the Kongsberg NASAMS air defense system operated by their air force. Valued at $115 million, the MoD said the system is being obtained under Project 7628 Kampluftvern for new acquisitions and the reuse of existing equipment and solutions from the Air Force. The new variant will be integrated into armored transport vehicles with fire-control and communication solutions that are in use by the air force.

Asia Pacific

• Alongside the signing of a memorandum between the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) and National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) for the indigenous advance jet trainer, the NCSIST revealed their in-house AESA radar to the public for the first time. The radar will be used as part of the development for Taiwan’s advanced trainer, and marks a new generation of fighter-related research since the development of the Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF) in the 1990s.

• Indonesia’s ongoing AgustaWestland AW-101 helicopter saga will be investigated by new air force chief, Staff Marshall Hadi Tjahjanto. According to Hadi, the investigation will then be delivered personally to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo. The procurement of the AW-101 helicopter as a VIP transport sparked controversy because it took place after President Jokowi had initially rejected the plans amongst public outcry. Air Force brass then restarted the procurement for use as a military cargo transport.

• The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the Japanese Navy have conducted the first successful intercept of the new SM-3 Block IIA interceptor off the west coast of Hawaii. Co-developed by both nations as part of the Aegis BMD system, the missile is designed to deliver a capability to defend against short-, medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missile threats in both the ascent and midcourse phases of flight. A second flight test is already being planned.

Today’s Video

• US-Japanese first test of the SM-3 Block IIA interceptor:

DARPA’s SideArm Flexes its Muscle in Demo | Turkey’s Roketsan Kicks off G2G Missile Development | Taiwan Moving Ahead with $2.19B Adv Jet Trainer Plan

Americas

• Plans to purchase three batteries of the KBP Pantsir-S1 self-propelled air defence system from Russia have been abandoned by Brazil. While no official explanation for the ditching has been given by the government, it has been reported that technical issues, pricing, and the current leadership change in Brazil have all been factors. It was initially expected that each Brazilian military service was to receive one battery.

• The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has announced the recent demonstration of the SideArm device as part of the Tern program. Conducted by Aurora Flight Sciences last December, the SideArm was used to catch a Lockheed Martin Fury unmanned aircraft system weighing 400 pounds. While DARPA aimed to create a device capable of catching 900-pound craft, the system was able to recover 1,100-pound targets.

Middle East & North Africa

• Turkey’s Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSM) has announced that the state-controlled missile-maker Roketsan is developing a long-range ground-to-ground missile and weapons system. Dubbed Project Bora, the agency said the end goal of the program is to earn capabilities to design, perform qualification and progress into serial production of the Bora system. Analysts believe that Ankara eventually aims to produce ground-to-ground missiles capable of striking targets at up to 1,000 kilometres.

Europe

• A judicial review of UK arms sales to Saudi Arabia began yesterday as evidence suggests that the weapons could be used to illegally kill civilians in Yemen. The action, brought by the UK-based group Campaign Against the Arms Trade (CAAT), will claim that the indiscriminate nature of the airstrikes by Saudi Arabia in Yemen means there is a significant risk that British arms are being used in strikes that break international humanitarian law. Since the beginning of the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen in March 2015, UK government ministers have granted export lisences for more than $4.08 billion of aircraft, munitions and other equipment to the kingdom.

• The German government is reportedly in talks with several countries on a plan to jointly operate a large number of the 13 Airbus A400M military transport planes it had planned to sell. Berlin had initially planned to buy 60 of the aircraft, but later lowered the number to 53. In 2011, the German parliament then approved a plan under which 13 of those aircraft would be sold to other countries to save money. Countries believed to be part of the aircraft pooling include Switzerland and the Czech Republic.

Asia Pacific

• Taiwan is moving ahead with a $2.19 billion plan to develop 66 advanced jet trainers with an aim to have them delivered by 2026. The move is the most significant jet development program for the island since the Indigenous Defence Fighter (IDFs) developed in the 1990s. Furthermore, Taipei is planning upgrades to their indigenous anti-ship and air-to-air missile arsenal, with a focus on increasing their range and payloads.

• Australia has ordered a number of the S-100 unmanned air system from manufacturer Schiebel Group. The contract will see the company provide three years of logistics support for Australia’s navy. Designed for both civilian and military purposes, the military version is used for maritime surveillance and is the only UAV in its class that is capable of carrying multiple sensors simultaneously.

• BAE Systems Australia and Sea Box International have been contracted by the Australian defense ministry to competitively develop prototype ammunition load carriers. The award will mandate each company to design and engineer prototype Unit Load Carriers as part of a project aimed at improving operational use and handling of 155mm artillery ammunition used by ground troops. The combined valued of both contracts amounts to $2.87 million.

Today’s Video

• The Tactically Enhanced Reconnaissance Node (Tern) SideArm UAV launch and recovery system:

Taiwan Has Big Plans for Advanced Jet Trainers & Upgrades to Anti-ship & Air-to-air Missiles

F-CK-1D Hsiung Ying

In 2006, the Taiwan’s Aerospace Industrial Development Corp (AIDC), based in Taichung, celebrated the upgrade of 2 of the ROCAF’s 130 F-CK-1A/B Ching-Kuo Indigenous Defense Fighters, “to improve their combat-capabilities against China.” Details that have emerged since show a set of F-CK-1C/D upgrades that turns the aircraft into fully multi-role fighters, moving them beyond their current limitations as air superiority aircraft and de facto lead-in fighter trainers for the ROCAF’s F-16s and Mirage 2000s.

Upgrades of the ROCAF’s other 128 aircraft were set to follow, even as China continues to deploy advanced SU-30 family and J-10 4+ generation fighters on their side of the Taiwan Straits. The new “F-CK-1C/D Hsiung Ying” (Brave Hawk) would still be a generation behind China’s most advanced machines, and budgets had to be approved to accomplish even that much. That approval was stalled for years, but the upgrade project has finally finished Phase 1 – even as Taiwan’s request to buy 66 F-16C/D fighters remains stalled in Washington…

Rio 2016: Brazil Looks to Russia for Air Defense Systems

Pantsir-S1

Brazil needs to upgrade its ground-based air defenses, and has chosen Russian equipment to do so. Protecting the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro is very much on Brazil’s mind, and so is improving anti-aircraft defenses beyond the current stock of SA-18 Igla shoulder-fired missiles and Gepard mobile anti-aircraft guns. What they’re buying won’t give them anything close to a comprehensive IADS system, but it will upgrade their mobile and short-range options.

USS Enterprise Decomissioned After 55 Years | AFATDS Contract Re-Opened to Competition | UAV Competition Attracts Four Israeli Rivals

Americas

• Last Friday saw the decommissioning of the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier after 55 years of service. Affectionately know as “Big E,” the vessel had been removed from active service in 2012 and has since been docked at its home port in Norfolk, Va., where the military de-fueled the nuclear-powered carrier. Throughout its career, the Enterprise has seen service through some of the most significant historical events of recent history, starting with the the Cuban Missile Crisis up through the response to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. It was one of the last Navy vessels to depart from the shores of Vietnam at the end of the Vietnam War, supporting the final evacuation efforts there.

• A decision to award a $98 million US Army contract to Leidos to provide the new Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS), has been reversed. Originally awarded last December, the latest decision will now allow the three losing bids from Raytheon, General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman to be reconsidered. Leidos knocked out long-term provided Raytheon as the provider of AFATDS to the Army, who had been providing the system since 1984. In response to the decision, protests were lodged by both Raytheon and General Dynamics, with the Government Accountability Office ruling that the request for proposals needed to be amended in order to “more accurately describe” what the agency needs.

Middle East & North Africa

• Four Israeli firms have applied to provide a multi-rotor vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned air vehicle to the nation’s land command. Aeronautics Defense Systems, Aero Sentinel, Rafael, and an Elbit Systems team also involving Flying Production, all have their hat in the ring to provide the requested “Zur” system, with a decision expected to be made by mid-2017. The need for a multi-rotor VTOL system has been identified during recent combat operations, with even small infantry units requiring their own “eye in the sky”.

Europe

• The Serbian Air Force is scheduled to receive six MiG-29 fighters from Russia as soon as this May. Once delivered, Russian engineers will also help with overhaul efforts on the fighters alongside four additional fighters already in use with the Serbian Air Force. Meanwhile, Belarus announced intentions to begin orders for new Su-30SM fighters, with expectations to order enough for one squadron. The new 4+ generation plane is super-\maneuverable and features a radar with a phased antenna array, engines with a controlled thrust vector and canard surfaces.

• Tatra Defense Vehicles will provide additional Steyr Pandur II trucks to the Czech Republic, adding to the 107 Pandurs already operated by Prague. The $82 million contract will see the provision of 20 vehicles, six of which will be fitted as command-and-control trucks and another 14 vehicles configured as communications platforms.The Pandur II 8×8 armored vehicle is an updated all-wheel drive version of the Pandur 6×6 armored personnel carrier.

Asia Pacific

• Taiwan is to move forward with their advanced jet trainer program. Commander Gen. Shen Yi-ming of the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) is expected to sign a memorandum of understanding with the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) later today. The $1 billion program will see the development of 66 trainers, with the first factory prototype expected for 2019.

• A commander from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards has promised “roaring missiles,” if they feel their enemies are continuing their “destabilizing activity.” The remarks by Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of the Revolutionary Guards’ aerospace unit, were made in relation to growing tensions between Tehran and a renewed hostility coming from the Trump Administration in Washington. Despite the heated words, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Saturday he was not considering raising the number of US forces in the Middle East to address Iran’s “misbehavior,” but warned that the world would not ignore Iranian activities.

• China’s state-run media has announced intentions by Beijing to offer their new drone-capable air-to-surface AR-2 missile for foreign export. The China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics-developed munition has been recently tested in live-fire exercises in order to verify its capabilities. Capable of being integrated on a variety of platforms such as UAVs and attack helicopters, the missile is also pegged as a cheaper alternative to rival munitions like the US-made AGM-176 Griffin.

Today’s Video

• Decommissioning of the USS Enterprise:

The USS Enterprise’s Long ESDRA Drydocking

Task Force One, 1964

Enterprise redelivered to US Navy. (April 19/10)

USS Enterprise, the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, is currently mired in an Extended Drydocking Selected Restricted Availability (EDSRA). The cost has shot beyond the original estimates by almost 45%, to almost $650 million, and will take about 50% longer than expected. All to give the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier about 1-2 more major deployment rotations before her retirement.

ESDRA is less extensive than a refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) that refuels the ship’s nuclear reactors. Even so, this procedure was expected to put “The Big E” into drydock for about 16 months to receive restoration and upgrades of all subsystems that affect combat capability and safety, plus hull inspections and recoating, radiological surveys, and other maintenance related evolutions below the waterline. The EDSRA will also address the propulsion system, offering more extensive propulsion plant repairs and testing than Enterprise’s shorter and more conventional Extended Selected Restricted Availability (ESRA) in 2002. Contracts include…

Czechs Choose, Cancel, Then Come Back to Pandur II APCs

Pandur II w. RCWS-30

In January 2006, the Czech Republic selected General Dynamics’ European Land Combat Systems subsidiary Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeug GmbH of Austria to supply its army with 199 new eight-wheeled Pandur II armored personnel carriers (APCs) between 2007-2012. The KBVP vehicles would replace Soviet-era OT-64 SKOT APCs, and would be produced in Austria and the Czech Republic.

In 2005 the contract included an option for 35 additional vehicles for a total of 234, and had a potential value of Koruna 23.6 billion ($1-1.4 billion). Steyr’s Pandur II was a finalist, and eventually won the competition. But questions arose, the deal became a political football, and delivery issues jeopardized the deal into oblivion. Or so it seemed. Despite the economic crisis gripping Eastern Europe, the Czechs reinstated a scaled-down version of the deal in late February 2009.

Pentagon to See $728M in Savings Next Batch F-35s | SRC Wins $65M to Provide Counter-UAS Sys | Russia Debuts First MiG-35 With Intent to Export

Americas

• The US Navy has successfully tested the Spike missile launcher, destroying a UAV target. Not to be confused with the Rafael version, the project aims at providing the sailing branch with an increased capability to defeat the growing threat of UAVs. The Spike launcher is first queued to the target via radar so that the operator can acquire the UAV and engage it. Another modification to the system involves the addition of a proximity fuze to the body, provided by the Army.

• Lockheed Martin has announced the completion of negotiations with the Pentagon over the next batch of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters. The long-awaited agreement for 90 models, brought to public attention due to US President Donald Trump’s efforts to get a “better deal” on the defense spending, will see $728 million in savings and an 8 percent drop in price over the last contract. The contract also brings to a conclusion months of doubt over the future of the fighter’s program amid cost-overruns, equipment faults, and wrangling between government and industry.

• Non-profit research and development firm, the Syracuse Research Corporation (SRC), has won a $65 million US Army contract to supply an integrated counter-UAS system. The contract was issued on an urgent basis. SRC’s Silent Archer system uses radar and electronic warfare technology to detect and track drones and disrupt the drone operator’s signals to the aircraft.

Middle East & North Africa

• Tunisia has received the first six units of a planned 24 OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter acquisition. The $100.8 million deal was green-lighted last May and the following 18 are expected to be delivered this March. Tunis is purchasing the scout helicopters as part of efforts to beef up counter-terrorism and border security capabilities against militants belonging to groups such as Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), the Islamic State’s franchise in neighbouring Libya, and the Islamist group Ansar al-Sharia in Tunisia.

Europe

• The Norwegian government has selected Germany over France to collaborate as strategic partners on their new fleet of submarines. Disburg-based Thyssenkrupp are likely to be tapped as the supplier in the program, relieving pressure from the firm following the losing of Australia’s submarine replacement program to France’s DCNS. Oslo’s program will replace its existing fleet of Ula-class vessels and will include four submarines for Norway, two for Germany, as well as provisions for future orders for the Netherlands and Poland.

• Missile manufacturer MBDA has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa. The deal aims to enhance mutual cooperation between the two companies in the field of missiles and missile systems, laying the groundwork for potentially winning MBDA future contracts awarded by a Polish government focused on securing domestic manufacturing jobs in its defense acquisitions. Current tenders targeted by MBDA include supplying missiles for Warsaw’s “Narew” short range air defense system.

• Russia has debuted their first MiG-35 in addition to expressing intentions of exporting the multi-role fighter. Introduced at airframer’s Lukhovitsy site near Moscow, and with delegations from 30 countries in attendance, China, India, Peru and Vietnam were all highlighted as targeted markets. India’s new requirement for purchasing an additional light-fighter in addition to their purchase of 36 Dassault Rafales is a likely first big contract. The Russian air force has already ordered 37 units with intentions to order more as its 258 earlier-generation MiG-29s are phased out.

Asia Pacific

• Myanmar is in advanced discussions with the government of Pakistan to license-build the JF-17 fighter. The talks follow 2015’s purchase of 16 of the fighter’s Block II variant which feature air-to-air refueling capabilities and improved avionics from its predecessor. It has yet to be decided whether that model would be then built in Myanmar, or whether the newer Block III will be pursued.

Today’s Video

• The US Navy’s Spike missile program:

2009: New 5-Year Contract Keeps Kiowa Warriors’ Eyes Sharp

OH-58D over Tal Afar

With the ARH-70A helicopter program on the rocks after a program cancellation and re-compete, the US Army’s over-stressed and aging fleet of armed OH-58D scout helicopters must soldier on in the face of losses and breakdowns. One of their most critical pieces of equipment is their mast-mounted sight, which was originally developed to let the Kiowa Warriors watch Soviet tank formations while hovering behind trees. The sights’ advanced cameras, infrared, and laser ranging/targeting features make them excellent tools in the current war as well, and these helicopters’ size, speed and numbers have given them a very important role in urban combat scenarios. See esp. DRS’ explanations of the battlefield benefits of mast-mounted helicopter sights vs. roof-mounted alternatives.

All equipment must be maintained, which is why DRS Optronics, Inc, Optronics Division in Palm Bay, FL received a new firm-fixed-price and cost plus fixed fee 5-year indefinite quantity/ indefinite delivery contract that will cover spares, repairs and services for the OH-58D’s mast mounted sight from 2009 through 2013. This includes “obsolescence removal” – redesigning the system to use new parts when manufacturers no longer produce the old parts.

Raytheon Gets FMS of $202M to Service International Patriots | MDA Awards LM $345.5M for THAAD Work | Germans Moving to Replace Aging SHORAD

Americas

• The Canadian government has commenced talks with the Pentagon over their planned purchase of 18 F/A-18 Super Hornet fighters, with Ottawa requesting first deliveries to commence in 2019. Data received from the Department of National Defense suggests that the acquisition will cost between $5 and $7 billion over the lifetime of the aircraft. Canadian military officials were in St. Louis two weeks ago to visit the Boeing production line, examining how they can customize their aircraft.

• Raytheon has been awarded a $202 million foreign military sales contract to provide engineering services for international operators of the Patriot weapon system. US allies set to receive the support include Germany, Israel, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Spain, Taiwan and the Netherlands, with work to be performed in various locations and due to be completed by the end of January 2018. The company’s bid was the only one received.

• Lockheed Martin will continue development of services for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system elements following the award of a $345.5 million Missile Defense Agency (MDA) contract modification. Work to be carried out under the agreement includes the continuation of flight and ground tests of the system, and responsive support to warfighter requirements to sustain the Ballistic Missile Defense System throughout the acquisition life cycle. Used primarily by the US Army, THAAD has also been procured by the UAE, Oman and South Korea.

Middle East & North Africa

• With Turkey’s TAI and BAE Systems continuing with their development of Turkey’s TF-X fighter, there have been some concerns about how the program will develop in relation to technology transfers. Ankara had initially insisted on a full know-how and technology transfer during the program, however the full scope of these agreements have yet to be clarified and could be met with severe disagreements. In response to the prospect that they won’t get full transfer demanded, Turkish officials have made clear that they are willing to negotiate the TF-X with Airbus if at any point during contract talks it faces a deadlock with BAE Systems.

• While a military C-130 aircraft’s primary function is to transport  – troops, cargo, medivacs – a model operated by the Pakistan Air Force was recently utilized to deliver a special cargo to the Emir of Qatar. According to a letter reported in local Pakistani media, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif sent the gift of a “beautiful horse,” to the Gulf monarch on February 1. Let’s hope the cleaning isn’t too much of a night-mare for the ground crews.

Europe

• The German military will move ahead with replacing their aging short-range air defense systems (SHORAD), following the discovery of a growing capability gap in Europe and the inability to defend against the use of swarms of unmanned aircraft or drones. Initial funding for the program is believed to lie just under $500 million, with a further $2.15 billion to be made available at a later phase. Procurement decisions on the new short-range air defense equipment are not expected until at least 2018, but the ministry could add some 20 million euros to the defense budget this year to fund initial work on the program.

Asia Pacific

• US Congress has been notified of the potential foreign military sales (FMS) for Sidewinder and Maverick air-to-air missiles to South Korea. The two contracts include the provision of 60 AIM-9X Block II and 89 AGM-65G-2 missiles, alongside required containers, spares and missile support. The combined value of both contracts amounts to $140 million with Raytheon acting as the principal contractor. News of the sale’s clearance coincides with US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis’ first visit to South Korea as part of an initiative to assure South Korea and Japan that the Trump Administration is committed to their security. During his election campaign, President Trump suggested that South Korea was not paying enough for the US’ presence on the peninsula.

• Negotiations between the Japanese government, Pentagon, and Lockheed Martin have secured a $100 million reduction in Tokyo’s bill for its participation in the F-35 JSF program. While the news comes shortly after Lockheed Martin slashed $600 million from the next round of F-35 production, defense analysts have downplayed the news of those cuts, saying the discount hailed by Trump was in line with what had been flagged by Lockheed for months and would apply to other countries committed to the program. According to Reuters, four sources confirmed that Japan had further trimmed the price for its latest order, largely on ground support costs such as parts, logistics and technical assistance.

Today’s Video

• US Micro Drones Launched by from 3 F/A-18 Super Hornets.: PERDIX + LOCUST: