Swiss F-5s To Return To US | MD 530G Helo To Be Upgraded With Elbit Integrated Weapon System | India Procured Spike LR ATGMs

Americas

Able Aerospace Services won a $9.4 million deal for the overhaul of the dynamics components on the TH-1H helicopter. The deal provides for the overhaul of the dynamic components associated with the TH-1H helicopter which is used to train and develop pilot skills. The dynamic components provide power-train and aerodynamic functionality to the flight characteristics of the aircraft. The Vietnam-era UH-1H helicopters commonly known as the Huey were modified into a new configuration the TH-1H, back in December 2004 to be used as a new training helicopter for student pilots. Work will take place in Mesa, Arizona and expected completion will be by December 2024.

The fiscal 2020 defense budget for the United States is expected to include funds to buy 22 F-5 jets from Switzerland. A spokesperson from Armasuisse confirmed that discussions between the Swiss defense procurement agency and the US Navy took place in July. President Donald Trump is seeking $718 billion in Pentagon funding for 2020, including $39.7 million for the F-5s, an aircraft first delivered to Switzerland in 1978. Today the US uses the F-5 to simulate enemy planes in aerial combat training. Switzerland has been trying to buy new warplanes for years. Voters in 2014 rejected a $3.2 billion order for Saab AB Gripen fighter jets. Switzerland now plans to spend about 6 billion francs on new fighter jets, according to SonntagsZeitung newspaper and previous Swiss media reports.

Middle East & Africa

MD Helicopters intends to upgrade its MD 530G Block II scout attack helicopter with an integrated weapons system made by Elbit Systems that would make the aircraft capable of carrying and firing Hellfire missiles. The addition of the AGM-114 Hellfire semi-active laser-guided missile would give the MD 530G an anti-tank and anti-armor capability it does not currently have. The Elbit Systems upgrade package for the MD 530G is to include a helmet display and tracking system, weapons management system and mission management system, says MD Helicopters. The MD 530G’s current standard configuration includes unguided rocket pods and mini-guns.

Europe

General Dynamics won a $299.9 million contract for fiscal 2020 through 2023 US and United Kingdom Trident II (D-5) Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarines Fire Control System, Guided Missile Submarines Attack Weapon Control System, and Support Equipment Rework Facility support. The Trident II D-5 is a three-stage, solid propellant, inertially guided Fleet Ballistic Missile. The missile’s range is increased by the aerospike, a telescoping outward extension that reduces frontal drag by about 50 percent. Trident II is fired by the pressure of expanding gas in the launch tube. When the missile attains sufficient distance from the submarine, the first stage motor ignites, the aerospike extends and the boost stage begins. Work will take place in Massachusetts, Georgia, Washington, Virginia, and Florida. Estimated completion date is December 30, 2024.

Asia-Pacific

India procured the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Spike LR (long-range) anti-tank guided-missile (ATGM) system to meet Indian Army operational requirements, Jane’s reports. According to Indian Minister of State for Defense Shripad Naik the Israeli-made, man-portable, fourth-generation system, which can engage targets in ‘fire-and-forget’ and ‘fire-observe-and-update’ modes, will “enhance operational flexibility and crew survivability”. Developed and designed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the missile is equipped with an inbuilt seeker to allow firers to operate the system and engage targets during the day and at night. The ATGMs were purchased under the newly enhanced financial powers of India’s Vice Chiefs of Staff that permit them to acquire goods and materiel worth $70 million without prior Ministry of Defense approval to meet “urgent operational requirements”.

Booz Allen Hamilton won a $9.1 million contract to provide technical security team support services in support of the Pakistan F-16 program. On June 28, 2006, the US DSCA notified Congress via a series of releases of its intention to provide Pakistan with a $5.1 billion Foreign Military Sales package to upgrade the F-16s that serve as the PAF’s top of the line fighters. Pakistan has used the F-16 fighter jets against India, the latest being in the aftermath of the Balakot airstrike inside Pakistan by India. The Pakistan Air Force received its first F-16, in the Block 15 F-16A/B configuration, in 1982. Work under the deal will take place in Pakistan and expected completion is on June 18, 2020.

Today’s Video

Watch: Dassault Rafale | FRENCH MULTIROLE FIGHTER

Spike Served: India’s New ATGM, Back on Track

India has been looking for a modern anti-tank/ infantry strike missile to take the place of MBDA Milan missiles that have been produced under license by Bharat Dynamics. The finalists in this competition were the American fire-and-forget Javelin, and Israel’s Spike with its combination of wire guided or fire-and-forget modes. As of October 2014, Spike appears to have won, despite offers from the USA to involve India in developing the next version of Javelin.

Billions to Upgrade and Up-arm Pakistan’s F-16s

On June 28/06, the US DSCA notified Congress via a series of releases of its intention to provide Pakistan with a $5.1 billion Foreign Military Sales package to upgrade the F-16s that serve as the PAF’s top of the line fighters. Some of these items had been put on hold following the October 2005 earthquake in Pakistan & Kashmir, but the request for 36 new F-16 Block 50/52s is now going ahead, along with new weapons, engine modifications, and upgrade kits for Pakistan’s older F-16 A/Bs. The buy went through, and was accompanied by the supply of 26 older F-16s from USAF surplus stocks. Then, a 2014 sale added 13 machines from from Jordan.

These items are detailed below, along with controversies the proposed sales have created, and some of the conditions attached to the sale by the US government….