Northrop Grumman won an $11.4 million contract modification for the exercise of Options Two, Three and Four of the Minuteman III Launch Control Center Block Upgrade production program. The LGM-30G Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missile, or ICBM, is an element of the nation’s strategic deterrent forces under the control of the Air Force Global Strike Command. Work will take place in Utah. Estimated completion date is July 17, 2023.
The US Marine Corps is now able to download data from an airborne RQ-4 unmanned aerial vehicle after verifying the capability during a field exercise held at Bouge, North Carolina last month. The 2nd Intelligence Battalion of the II Marine Expeditionary Force overcame a hardware failure to obtain the information in a communications denied or degraded environment.
Middle East & Africa
Textron Aviation Defense LLC won a $12.5 million for the Iraq Air Force Peace Dragon Program. This modification adds the six months to Option Year Three of the multi-year basic contract. Work will take place in Wichita, Kansas and is expected to be completed March 31, 2021. The modification involves Foreign Military Sales to Iraq.
Europe
The Italian Navy is replacing its Teseo or OTOMAT Mk2/A anti-ship missile with a new design designated as Teseo Mk2/E. This new missile is also capable of attacking land targets and the Italian Navy will Mk2/A version onboard FREMM and Horizon class frigates with the Mk2/E. The new multi-purpose Offshore Patrol Vessels being build will be armed with this missile.
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on March 16 that the State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Norway of Javelin FGM-148 Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $36 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on March 16. The Government of Norway has requested to buy 120 Javelin FGM-148 missiles, and 2 Javelin FGM-148 Missiles Fly to Buy. Also included are 24 Javelin Block 1 Command Launch Units (CLUs) retrofit kits; spare parts; publications and technical documentation; personnel training; US Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $36 million.
Asia-Pacific
Taiwan is preparing to induct the F-16V into service with a ceremony later this month. The event will invite President Tsai Ing-wen as guest-of-honor. The ceremony will be held at Chiayi air base and so far, the base has more than 22 F-16Vs.
Today’s Video
Watch: Here Comes the F-16V (Thanks to F-35 & F-22 DNA)
Sikorsky Aircraft won a $9.8 million order, which provides for modifications and updates to the CH-53K 2F243-1 Containerized Flight Training Device. Additionally, this order provides flight test data analysis required to update and validate the CH-53K flight model with available flight test data; produces materials focused on pilot and aircrew conversion courseware and maintainer conversion courseware; and trains the schoolhouse instructors at the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Marine Unit, New River, North Carolina; and Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron 302, in order to support initial operational capability. Work will take place in North Carolina, Virginia, Florida, Connecticut and New York. Estimated completion will be in September 2022.
According to a strategy the services released on March 16, the Navy and the Marine Corps plan to build a digital infrastructure to integrate drone capabilities. In addition to drone-specific infrastructure plans, the 40-page Unmanned Campaign Plan includes plans to incentivize rapid development and testing of unmanned systems and advance manned-unmanned teaming effects across naval and joint operations.
Middle East & Africa
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the Israel Missile Defense Organization in the Israeli Ministry of Defense have successfully completed the third series of tests of the Iron Dome system over the last few months, demonstrating a significant upgrade of the system’s technological capabilities. During the tests, the Iron Dome operated successfully in a range of complex scenarios and intercepted and destroyed targets that simulated existing and emerging threats, including the simultaneous interception of multiple UAVs, as well as a salvo of rockets and missiles.
Europe
The US State Department approved two Foreign Military Sales to the Netherlands. The first deal is for CH-47 Pilot Training and Logistics Support and related equipment for an estimated cost of $125 million. The Government of the Netherlands has requested support for the Royal Netherlands Air Force CH-47 training program, to include fuel; base operating support; facilities; publications and technical documentation; pilot training; personnel training and training equipment; weapon system and software support; US Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics personnel services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The second FMS is for AH-64 Pilot Training and Logistics Support and related equipment for an estimated cost of $190 million. The Government of the Netherlands has requested support for the Royal Netherlands Air Force AH-64 training program, to include fuel; base operating support; facilities; publications and technical documentation; pilot training; AH-64D to AH-64E conversion training support; personnel training and training equipment; weapon system and software support; US Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics personnel services; and other related elements of logistical and program support.
The US State Department approved a Foreign Military Sale to North Macedonia for Stryker Vehicles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $210 million. The Government of North Macedonia has requested the possible sale of fifty-four (54) Stryker Vehicles, to include M1126 Infantry Carrier Vehicles (ICV), M1130 Command Vehicles (CV), and M1129 Mortar Carrier Vehicles (MCV). Also included are Also included are M2A1 .50 cal machine guns; M6 Smoke Grenade launchers and associated spares; Harris radios; Common Remote Operated Weapons Station (CROWS); Defense Advanced GPS Receiver; AN/VAS-5 Driver’s Vision Enhancer; spare parts and components; special tools and test equipment; publications and technical manuals; training; field service representatives; US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistical support services, and other related elements of program and logistical support.
Asia-Pacific
The government has advised the parliamentary standing committee on data know-how that it has the leading edge know-how, commonplace working procedures and processes to sort out any cyber-attack that will come India’s manner. Appearing earlier than the Shashi Tharoor-led House panel on Tuesday, IT secretary Ajay Prakash Sawhney advised the committee that India has sturdy cyber safety mechanisms in place and that it’s properly ready to counter and quell any assaults.
Today’s Video
Watch: Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion is The Most Powerful Helicopter America
Northrop Grumman Systems won an $82 million contract, which provides for sustainment, engineering, logistics, test, mission control, and operator training systems support for MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). This effort also includes procurement of field service representatives and technical support to ensure that the MQ-4C Triton UAS aircraft are mission-capable for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions supporting Triton’s early operational capability and initial operating capability. Work will take place in Maryland and California and Florida. Estimated completion will be in March 2022.
General Electric won a $23.8 million contract modification, which exercises an option to procure eight complete CT7-8A6 spare engines and various engine components in support of the VH-92A Presidential Helicopter program for the Navy. Designed under the VH-92A Presidential Helicopter Replacement Program, the VH-92A is based on the FAA-certified S-92 helicopter integrated with an advanced mission communication system and executive interior. The helicopter features a crashworthy fuselage, integrating twin turbo-shaft power-plant and a fully-articulated composite main rotor. The retractable try-cycle landing gear includes three twin-wheel units.
Middle East & Africa
The chairman of the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) says the aerospace company will be switching to Ukraine for the supply of engines for its T-929 attack helicopter. The engines will supply 2,500 horsepower and the 11-ton rotocraft will make its first flight in 2023.
Europe
The Ukrainian Navy has taken delivery of prototype Neptune anti-ship missiles on March 15. The Neptune’s unit includes six USPU-360 launchers with 24 R-360 cruise missiles. The R-360 missile weighs 870 kg; the weight of its warhead is 150 kg; its launch range is up to 280 km and speed is about 900 km/h. It is able to get at a height of from 3 m to 10 m above the surface. Ukraine’s Neptune cruise missile can be located at a distance of up to 25 km from the coastline, and its deployment lasts up to 15 minutes.
Six Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) F-15C and D fighters arrived in Souda Air Base, Greece on March 13 for joint exercise with the Hellenic Air Force. Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Greece Dr. Saad Alammar was there to greet the airmen. Some of the exercises will include complex air operations, such as achieving Air Superiority and how to protect/attack land and sea targets. This cooperation proves the continuous and deepening relations between the two countries, which is demonstrated by the recent placement of the Saudi Defense Attaché in Athens for the first time.
Asia-Pacific
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is arriving in Tokyo for their first foreign trip on March 15 and Kyodo News reports that Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi will speak to Austin on the high cost of modifying the F-15J to carry long-range cruise missile. The report says the cost had soared to three times the amount Japan had budgeted. Kishi felt that he had to intervene to get an agreement with the Americans.
Today’s Video
Watch: RK-360MC “Neptune” Anti-Ship Missile will be delivered to the Ukrainian army
Lockheed Martin Space won a $558.8 million contract modification for Trident II (D5) missile production and deployed systems support. The UGM-133A Trident II, or Trident D5 is a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), built by Lockheed Martin Space in Sunnyvale, California, and deployed with the American and British navies. Work is expected to be completed September 30, 2026. Fiscal 2021 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $477,091,291; United Kingdom funds in the amount of $73,747,000; and fiscal 2020 weapons procurement (Navy) in the amount of $8,003,070 are being obligated on this award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.
Bell Boeing Joint Project Office won a $25.7 million order, which provides flight test support for the V-22 aircraft in support of the Navy, Air Force, and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. The V-22 Osprey is a joint-service, medium-lift, multimission tilt-rotor aircraft developed by Boeing and Bell Helicopters. Boeing is responsible for the fuselage, landing gear, avionics, electrical and hydraulic systems, performance and flying qualities. Work under the new contract will take place in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Texas and Florida. Estimated completion date is in March 2026.
Middle East & Africa
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), international arms exports in the years 2015-2020 remained at the same level as in the years between 2011 and 2016. While the US, France and Germany increased its exports, these were offset by fewer exports from Russia and China. There was a strong growth in exports to the Middle East. The Middle East was the fastest growing market for arms, importing 25% more in 2016-20 compared to the previous five year period. The biggest increases came from Saudi Arabia (61%), Egypt (136%) and Qatar (361%).
The German Air Force has delivered a replacement Heron unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from Israel to Afghanistan in order to replace one that was forced to make a controlled landing on March 5. Germany leases two Heron drones from Israel for its mission in Afghanistan.
Europe
According to The Telegraph, Britain is set to announce that it is increasing the number of nuclear warheads it can stockpile. The final details of this will be revealed on March the 16th in the Integrated Review. The review was previously described by Boris Johnson as the largest review of its kind since the Cold War and will be published later this month. It is expected next week to signal a potential increase of the number of Trident nuclear warheads for the first time since the end of the cold war.The UK’s stockpile of nuclear weapons peaked at about 500 in the late 70s, but had been gradually decreasing ever since as the perceived threat from the Soviet Union and now Russia had been assumed to be decreasing.
Asia-Pacific
Israel and South Korea are to co-operate in the field of unmanned airborne intelligence, surveillance, targeting and reconnaissance (ISTAR). A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed on March 15. The MOU between Elbit Systems and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is geared at developing future unmanned airborne ISTAR capabilities for the Republic of Korea (RoK) Armed Forces and potential international customers.
Today’s Video
Watch: Elbit Systems / Shore Protection Missile System (SPMS)
Raytheon demonstrated to the US Army that it can fire the Stinger missile from a Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Unit. The missile successfully took down an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during the demonstration at Eglin Air Force Base. The LWCLU’s primary mission is as the launcher for the Javelin missile, however its superior optics also allow for stand-alone Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions.
A category 2 deficiency for the KC-46A aerial refueling tanker is prevent pilots from taking off in the tanker until the On-Board Inert Gas Generation System (OBIGGS) countdown timer reaches zero. OBIGGS will fill the fuel tanks with nitrogen to prevent the tanks from exploding if there is residual fuel inside. Maj. Tim McBride, an instructor pilot with the 931st Air Refueling Wing, told Defense News that the system take on average 1.5 hours to be ready. But occasionally, the countdown timer will reset and that increased the waiting time. To fix the issue, the service has decided to amend the flight manual so that the flight crew can now take off even if the OBIGGS is still counting down. This will be implemented next month.
Middle East & Africa
President of Turkish Defense Industries, ?smail Demir, revealed that Baykar will be building a new unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) dubbed Bayraktar TB3 for the Turkish Navy’s TCG Anadolu amphibious assault ship. Haluk Bayraktar, CEO of Baykar, says the development program will take one year. Between 30 and 50 folding-winged Bayraktar TB3 UCAVs will operate from Anadolu. Turkey was suppose to field the F-35B on that ship but lost the option after the United States drop Turkey from the F-35 program.
Europe
The United States’ State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Germany of Boeing P-8A Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) and associated support, and related equipment, for an estimated cost of $1.77 billion. Germany has requested to buy five (5) P-8A Patrol Aircraft; nine (9) Multifunctional Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio Systems 5 (MIDS JTRS 5); and twelve (12) LN-251 with Embedded Global Positioning Systems (GPS)/Inertial Navigations Systems (EGls). Germany currently operates the Lockheed P-3C Orion, but that aircraft is reaching end-of-life and will retire in 2024. The European country plans to replace it with the P-8A Poseidon.
A 12-day, five-nation NATO anti-submarine exercise in the Mediterranean Sea, Dynamic Manta 2021, successfully concluded last week, the US Navy said on Friday. Maritime forces of the United States, France, Turkey, Italy and Greece participated in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare drills near the Catania, Italy, home base of the annual exercise. Belgium, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey and the United States also added support vessels.
Asia-Pacific
French Navy frigate Prairial arrived at Cam Ranh, Vietnam on March 9 so that engineers can go on board the warship to fix its Alouette III helicopter. Repairs were completed on March 12. During this time, the crew aboard the ship were able to go on shore leave after two months at sea. The frigate’s visit to Vietnam forms part of a military cooperation framework between Vietnam and France, according to the French Embassy in Hanoi.
US Air Force “Orange Flag” and “Black Flag” exercises this week tested mission planning with cross-domain data gathering, the Air Force said. The exercises involved the Air Force Test Center’s 412nd Test Wing, headquartered at Edwards Air Force Base, California, and the 53rd Wing of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, in achieving what the Air Force terms All-Domain Command and Control.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin approved a request to extend the deployment of National Guard members in the Capitol through late May, the Department of Defense announced. Per a statement from Pentagon spokesman John Kirby, about 2,300 National Guard personnel will continue to support the mission, a reduction of about half of the current support force in the Capitol. On Monday a national security task force released a report, which said the US Capitol Police were “inadequately trained” to deal with the violent mob attack of Jan. 6.
Middle East & Africa
The special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction (SIGAR) warned that the withdrawal of US contractors in May will have an enormous impact on the combat capabilities of the Afghan military. John Sopko says the Afghans rely on the Americans to carry out 100 percent of the maintenance work on the C-130 and Black Hawk helicopters. Without those contractors, those aircraft could only fly for a few months after their departure. He added that the departures “will negatively impact Afghan security forces, threaten the Afghan state and imperil own national security interests if Afghanistan should further destabilize.”
Europe
Denmark’s first F-35, L-001, has flown this week. The jet will be delivered to the Royal Danish Air Force in April and will be flown to Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, later this year for pilot and maintainer training. Lockheed Martin says the Danish Air Force will bring its F-35s back home in 2023 and be based at Royal Danish Air Force’s Fighter Wing Skrydstrup.
Asia-Pacific
Japanese media revealed that eight Japanese companies are participating in the development of the F-X fighter. The main contractor will be Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. IHI Corporation will develop the engine, Subaru and Kawasaki Heavy Industries will build the airframe, Mitsubishi Electric will take the electronic warfare system portion while Toshiba, Fujitsu and NEC will design the avionics and radar.
The Philippine Navy chief told Philippine News Agency (PNA) that his service will be acquiring only one battery of the Indian-made BrahMos supersonic anti-ship missile. One battery consists of three systems, Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo was quoted as saying. Each system has its own launcher with 2 to three missiles each. He added that the purchase is still awaiting approval from by the Commander-in-Chief.
Huntington Ingalls Industries announced that the Virginia Class submarine Montana was launched into the James River at the company’s Newport News Shipbuilding division. The 7,800-ton submarine, which had been in a floating dry dock since being transferred from a construction facility in October, was submerged and moved by tugboats to the shipyard’s submarine pier, for final outfitting, testing and crew certification, it says in a news release. Through the teaming agreement with General Dynamics Electric Boat approximately 10,000 shipbuilders, as well as suppliers from all 50 states, have participated in Montana’s construction since the work began in 2015. Montana is approximately 92% complete and scheduled to be delivered to the US Navy in late 2021.
Cobham has been given a contract by the US Navy to supply a new oxygen concentrator for its T-45 advanced jet trainer fleet. The new GGU-25 is an upgraded version of GGU-7, which is currently installed on the T-45. The GGU-25 is smart enough to supply the required amount of oxygen to the pilot and also records key operational parameters in real time. The service decided to replace the concentrator after a series of hypoxia events which lead to more than 100 T-45 instructors refusing to fly the jet back in 2017. Investigations found no root cause but it was determined that the oxygen concentrator was not sending out enough air to the pilots in certain flight profiles.
Middle East & Africa
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has signed a memorandum of understanding (M0U) with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for unmanned loitering munition (LM) systems. Under the MoU, the two companies will partner to provide the LM systems to the Republic of Korea (ROK) military forces. KAI president and CEO Hyun-ho Ahn said that IAI and KAI partnered on many programmes for the past few years. These programmes included defencse and commercial projects. The agreement is aimed at expanding the long-standing cooperation of the two companies to market the loitering munitions as per the requirements of the ROK Army.
Europe
A B-1B Lancer conducted a Bomber Task Force mission in Norway and Sweden earlier this week, according to the Air Force. The B-1B, from the 7th Bomb Wing at Texas’ Dyess Air Force Base, provided support to Norwegian and Swedish joint terminal attack control training. The aircraft also conducted a “warm-pit refuel” at Bodø Air Force Station in Norway and integrated with four Swedish JAS-39 Gripen fighter aircraft. The mission is one of several recent B-1 deployments to the Arctic region.
Asia-Pacific
The Philippine Air Force has started training 10 officers since March last year to operate the SPYDER air defense missile system. The Missile System Office Course is being taught at Basa Air Base in Floridablanca town. Rafael is expected to deliver the system to Philippines this year.
A report from Bloomberg says India is to approve the $3 billion purchase of 30 MQ-9B unmanned air vehicles next month. The deal would add to India’s military capabilities as the drones it has now can only be used for surveillance and reconnaissance. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is reportedly expected to visit India this month. The MQ-9B will give the Indian Navy the ability to better monitor Chinese warships in the southern Indian Ocean, and equip the army to engage targets along the disputed India-Pakistan border in the Himalayas.
Today’s Video
Watch: Akula Class Submarine vs Virginia Class Submarine
Honeywell International won a contract worth $476.1 million for the procurement of CH-47 aircraft T55 engines, CH-47 aircraft T55 engine electronic control units, and CH-47 aircraft T55 engine installation kits. The Honeywell T55 is a Family of military turboshaft engines. The most prominent aircraft application is the Boeing CH-47 Chinook and MH-47 helicopters. The new CH-47F uses more powerful Honeywell T55-GA-714A engines that improve fuel efficiency and enhance lift performance. The higher powerful Honeywell T55-GA-714A engines are fitted with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and have a thrust of 3,529kW (4,733shp). The operating range was increased to 609km (329nm) with a mission radius of 370.4km (200nm).
The Missile Defense Agency is again considering a radar defense array in Hawaii, with two sites under consideration, after previously dropping plans to build it because of adverse public reaction. The proposed Homeland Defense Radar-Hawaii, which MDA is accepting public comment on through April 12, would face North Korea and have properties similar to the Long-Range Discrimination Radar in Alaska, a facility largely completed with initial operating plans scheduled for the end of 2021.
Middle East & Africa
The Royal Navy of Oman, Royal Air Force of Oman, United Kingdom Royal Navy, France Marine Nationale and US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) participated in exercise Khunjar Hadd 26, February 21-25. During this year’s iteration of the exercise, Omani Lynx helicopters landed on the guided-missile cruiser USS Port Royal (CG 73), marking the first time this type of Omani aircraft has landed on a US. warship. Practicing these landings, designated as helicopter operations from ships other than aircraft carriers (HOSTAC), ensures partner nation pilots and ship crews can successfully and safely conduct cross-deck helicopter operations.
A US Air Force B-52 bomber joined escort aircraft of Israel, Qatar and Saudi Arabia in a flight over the Persian Gulf, in a show of force aimed at Iran. The B-52, a heavy bomber, from Minot Air Force Base, “flew through the CENTOM AOR [Central Command area of responsibility] March 7. Multiple partner nations joined the bomber at different point of the mission,” a brief statement from US Air Forces Central said. “These missions reiterate the US Air Force global reach capability & commitment to regional security,” the statement concluded. F-15 fighter planes of Israel, Qatar and Saudi Arabia served as escorts in their respective airspaces until the B-52 returned to the United States.
Europe
According to Jane’s, Belgium has received into service its second Airbus Defense and Space A400M Atlas transport aircraft, bringing the number it now operates as a joint unit with Luxembourg to three. Aircraft CT-03 arrived at Melsbroek, the military area of Brussels airport, on March 4. The Belgian Air Component (BAC) will operate a total of seven A400Ms, including one purchased by Luxembourg. Besides receiving seven aircraft of its own, Belgium is also an industrial contributor to the A400M programme, responsible for manufacturing detailed machined wing elements and flight-control surfaces.
Asia-Pacific
The Indian Navy is expected to take delivery of its first MH-60R helicopter in June and a total of three rotorcraft are expected to be delivered this year. Financial Express says air crew and maintenance personnel will soon depart to the United States to begin training on the helicopter.
Today’s Video
Watch: 14 Amazing Facts About CH-47 Helicopter, Including Can Land on the Water
According to Lockheed Martin, the US Army’s new extended-range version of its Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) had a successful 80-kilometer flight demonstration at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, on March 4. Lockheed Martin is the manufacturer of the GMLRS munition and has worked with the Army to double the rocket’s reach through extended-range capability development. The 80-kilometer shot fired from the Army’s High Mobility Artillery Rocket System met the test objectives, Lockheed said in its news release. The release added that the demo “confirmed the missile’s flight trajectory performance, range and validated interfaces with the HIMARS launcher and system software performance.”
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics won a $7.8 million deal for the LongShot, Phase 1. The contract provides for the research, development and demonstration of the LongShot unmanned air vehicle (UAV). The LongShot program is developing an air-launched unmanned air vehicle (UAV) with the ability to employ multiple air-to-air weapons. The objective is to develop a novel UAV that can significantly extend engagement ranges, increase mission effectiveness, and reduce the risk to manned aircraft. Work will take place in California and Florida. Estimated completion will be in February 2022.
Middle East & Africa
According to Israel Defense, the Israeli Air Force Training Department, in cooperation with the 133rd Squadron, which is named “Knights of the Twin Tail” developed a new method of air combat training during the last two years. This was the topic of a day of study that was attended by the commanders of all the combat squadrons and the regional control units, and led by the commander of the IAF, Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin. The head of the Training Department, identified only as “Col. L.”, was quoted as saying “The countries around us are arming themselves with very advanced fighter planes. In an operational scenario, when the surroundings are full of planes and electronic warfare systems, it is possible that missiles will miss (their targets), and planes will reach outside radar range, and then the pilots may find themselves in a tight battle with enemy planes at close range in which they see them with their eyes.” Next month the entire combat array will train according to the new training portfolio that was composed by the Training Department. The head of the Training Department was quoted by Israel Defense: “We are currently considering the advanced and sophisticated weapon and electronic warfare systems that we have, and also those of our enemies. The training takes the air crews a step forward, training them in operating the advanced weapon and in its readiness for the weapon systems of the enemy.”
Europe
The Sunday Times has reported that the Royal Navy is to receive new vessels as part of the defense review. “The Royal Navy gets new frigates, supply ships and underwater surveillance vessels.” The new frigates are likely to be the Type 32s. The Type 32 was first announced by Boris Johnson in November 2020 as part of a defense investment pledge ahead of the Integrated Review. The review’s first conclusions are reportedly related to the restoration of the United Kingdom as “the foremost naval power in Europe” through the construction of new ships.
All branches of the UK Armed Forces are on average six percent below the target strength set out in the 2015 Strategic Defense and Security Review. A House of Commons library research briefing published on March 8, titled “UK Defence Personnel Statistics“ provides details on how UK military service personnel statistics are measured and discusses current and historic strength levels.
Asia-Pacific
China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) told Global Times that its HQ-17AE mobile air defense missile system is now being offered to foreign countries. The HQ-17 is China’s copy of the Russian Tor system. The HQ-17A is a wheeled chassis variant that first appeared in public back in 2019. The HQ-17AE is the export variant. The system is capable of firing on the move with the vehicle traveling at a maximum speed of 25 kph. It carries a total of 8 missiles and can engage up to 4 targets at the same time.
Today’s Video
Watch: DARPA to Develop Air Launched UAV with Multiple Air-to-Air Weapons Capabilities
Latest updates[?]: According to Lockheed Martin, the US Army’s new extended-range version of its Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) had a successful 80-kilometer flight demonstration at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, on March 4. Lockheed Martin is the manufacturer of the GMLRS munition and has worked with the Army to double the rocket’s reach through extended-range capability development. The 80-kilometer shot fired from the Army’s High Mobility Artillery Rocket System met the test objectives, Lockheed said in its news release. The release added that the demo “confirmed the missile’s flight trajectory performance, range and validated interfaces with the HIMARS launcher and system software performance.”
Mk54 HAAWC
American maritime patrol aircraft currently carry torpedoes as part of their armament, which serve as key weapons against enemy submarines. As any high-diver of cliff-jumper knows first hand, however, water can feel surprisingly solid after a long fall. Torpedoes still have to be released from low altitude, typically 100 feet or less above the waves. Two recent developments, however, are making this approach less practical for the US military. One is tests of sub-launched anti-air missile systems, using modified short-range air-air missiles that do not require radar guidance. The other is its selection of the 737-based P-8A Poseidon as its next maritime patrol and surface surveillance aircraft. The P-8A can perform low swoops if necessary, but its airframe is really optimized for cruising at altitude.
As these trends developed, someone in the US military asked the logical next question:
