MDA Shrugs and Lowers Goal to 39 BMD Ships | New Russian Hardware Seen Over Syria | Canadians Cut Steel on New Arctic Patrol Ships

Americas

• The Missile Defense Agency is lessening its ambitions for the number of ships that will be equipped with ballistic missile defense to 39 from 48. Between the Navy buying fewer, more expensive ships and opting not to staff ships in drydock with BMD-qualified crews, the number 39 seemed more realistic, if further away from the commanders’ request of 70.

• The Navy’s fourth MUOS satellite appears to have happily landed in its initial orbit after riding on an Atlas V.

• Irving Shipbuilding in Nova Scotia started in on the MNCS Harry DeWolf, the ship that will give its name to the new class [Canadian French] of offshore patrol ships geared to the Arctic environment. The ship is scheduled to sail in 2018 and to eventually be joined by 20 others.

• Raytheon will get $33 million to make more AN/AQS-22 Airborne Low Frequency Sonar devices. With options, the contract could be worth as much as $98 million.

Asia

• China sent warships for the first time to the Bering Sea just as President Obama is visiting Alaska. The Pentagon properly pointed out that it’s a free seaway, although the symbolism of the precedent’s timing wasn’t lost on many.

Europe

• BAE has just delivered to the Norwegian Army the first batch of 12 vehicles of 144 under a 2012 contract. The contract calls for 144 vehicles in total; 41 new CV90s and the modernized CR90s of the Norwegian Army fleet.

Middle East

• Pictures reportedly shot over Syria show at least four Russian aviation assets not previously seen in the conflict. If the pictures turn out to be real, it would suggest Russian direct involvement (which they denying at the moment) or an arms transfer to Syria, which would be less likely. If a deal has been made between Syria and Russia, it would appear to involve Flankers, Fulcrums, Fullbacks and Pchela-1T drones.

• ISIL got its hands on some US Rifles.

Today’s Video

• The launch leading to the Navy’s happy report that its fourth MOUS satellite is sending signals back.