Sunday, January 31, 2021
Lockheed Martin Awarded F-16 Mission Planning for Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand
Lockheed Martin, Owego, New York, has been awarded a $64,266,809 supply contract for F-16 Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mission planning.
This contract provides for the development, integration, test and delivery of the Joint Mission Planning System Unique Planning Component/Mission Planning Environment software updates. Work will be performed in Owego, New York, and is expected to be completed by January 2029. This contract involves FMS to Slovakia, Bulgaria, Taiwan, Morocco, Greece, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Singapore, Slovenia and Thailand.
This award is the result of a directed-source acquisition. FMS funds in the amount of $17,172,548 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity (FA8730-21-C-0001).
BRP Antonio Luna Frigate Arriving in February
The country's second missile frigate, the prospective BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), was approved for delivery and acceptance by a joint Department of National Defense (DND) and Philippine Navy (PN) inspection team on Friday."A joint DND and PN inspection team has approved for delivery and acceptance the future BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), the country's second new-built missile frigate. The first frigate, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), was delivered and commissioned in July 2020," said Navy public affairs office chief, Commander Benjo Negranza, in a message.
He added that the joint DND-PN inspection team and the head of the DND defense procurement service director Leodegario dela Paz found shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) compliant with all "contractual deliverables and obligations" after the conduct of harbor/sea trials from January 25 to 29."For technical matters and ship performance, PN inspectors led by Rear Admiral Alberto Carlos, the Chairman of the Frigate Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee, has declared FF-151 built according to agreed technical specifications," Negranza said.Carlos earlier said that BRP Antonio Luna performed remarkedly well in the series of harbor and sea trials conducted from Sept. 25 to Dec. 18, 2020.
He added that the BRP Antonio Luna has satisfactorily passed all vessel performance test protocols."Moreover, we are happy to report that the HHI has provided additional equipment and sustainment items, more training activities, and ship design improvements, which are over and above its contractual obligations. HHI's goodwill gesture has an estimated value of USD 7.4 million," Carlos said.Meanwhile, dela Paz said that "since FF151 has passed all the performance tests and the contractor has delivered on its contractual obligations, we will recommend to the Secretary of National Defense the delivery and acceptance of FF-151."
HHI project manager Bokyung Kang said he is very "honored and happy to see the finale of this PN Frigate Project."He added that HHI has fully demonstrated its world-class shipbuilding capability and is now looking forward to extending its capability to upgrade partnership with the Philippine Navy thru more ship construction projects such as corvettes and submarines.
Based on the agreed timeline, BRP Antonio Luna is scheduled to sail out of Ulsan, South Korea on February 5 and is expected to arrive in Subic, Philippines on February 10.The delivery of the FF-151 is one month ahead of the contractual delivery date of March 6.After the mandatory coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) RT-PCR tests and quarantine of the crew, the PN will conduct the formal commissioning ceremony of FF-151.
Saturday, January 30, 2021
Friday, January 29, 2021
Thursday, January 28, 2021
Osprey receives aerial refueling from tanker aircraft
オスプレイが輸送機から空中給油を受ける様子を簡単にまとめましたが、パイロットには神経をすり減らす時間だと思います。 pic.twitter.com/ps1Frx6bX4
— 在日米海兵隊 (@mcipacpao) January 29, 2021
Singapore Navy Inaugurates Maritime Security and Response Flotilla
Singapore Navy Inaugurates Maritime Security and Response Flotilla to Strengthen Maritime Security Capabilities
Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Aaron Beng officiated at the inauguration ceremony of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s Maritime and Security Response Flotilla (MSRF) at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base this morning.
The new flotilla will add capacity and build capabilities to protect Singapore's territorial waters and respond to expanded maritime security threats. The MSRF will be equipped with new purpose-built ships. As a start, the flotilla will operate four Sentinel-class Maritime Security and Response Vessels (MSRVs) and two Maritime Security and Response Tugboats (MSRTs) to enable more calibrated responses.
Commander of the MSRF, Lieutenant Colonel Lee Jun Meng, said, "The MSRF will strengthen Singapore's ability to deal with maritime security threats that have grown in scale and complexity through the years. The additional capabilities will provide us with more flexibility and a wider range of responses, and allow us to be deployed for greater persistence to safeguard and protect Singapore's territorial waters."
Also present at the inauguration ceremony were senior RSN officers and representatives from other national maritime agencies. (Sing Mindef)
Maritime Security Capabilities Strengthened
To further strengthen the RSN's capabilities in protecting Singapore's territorial waters and respond to evolving maritime security threats, the Maritime and Security Response Flotilla (MSRF) was stood up on 26 Jan.The inauguration ceremony was held at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base and officiated by Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral (RADM) Aaron Beng.
"The MSRF will strengthen Singapore's ability to deal with maritime security threats that have grown in scale and complexity through the years," said Commander MSRF Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Lee Jun Meng.
More calibrated response
As part of the restructured Maritime Security Command, the MSRF will be responsible for developing and operating calibrated capabilities to support the Singapore government in responding to maritime incidents. The capabilities raised by the MSRF will provide flexibility to meet the increased demands and a wider scope of maritime security operations, and offer greater persistence to protect Singapore's territorial waters.At present, the MSRF will operate four Sentinel-class Maritime Security and Response Vessels (MSRVs). These MSRVs are former Fearless-class patrol vessels that have been refurbished to extend their operational lifespan.
Wednesday, January 27, 2021
Philippines Protests China Law on Coast Guard’s Weapon Use
The Philippines has filed a diplomatic protest against China’s law giving its coast guard more freedom to fire on foreign vessels, the Southeast Asian nation’s foreign affairs minister said.
“While enacting law is a sovereign prerogative, this one — given the area involved or for that matter the open South China Sea — is a verbal threat of war to any country that defies the law,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin said on his Twitter on Wednesday.China Adopts Law Letting Coast Guard Fire on Foreign Vessels
Locsin said he filed the protest as inaction means the Philippines is submitting to the new law, which also allows Chinese coast guard to board and inspect foreign ships operating in China’s “jurisdictional waters.” He said on Monday that the law was “none of our business.”Both countries have overlapping claims in the resource rich South China Sea. Last year, Manila filed a diplomatic protest against Beijing over the Chinese Coast Guard’s alleged confiscation of Filipino fishermen’s equipment in the disputed waters.
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Elbit Systems Secures $172M to Supply Light Tanks to a Country in Asia-Pacific
Elbit Systems has won a contract valued nearly $172 million to supply light tanks to the Army of a country in Asia-Pacific.
The contract will be performed over a three-year period.
As the prime contractor, Elbit Systems will supply the Sabrah light tank solution based on the tracked ASCOD platform that is manufactured by General Dynamics European Land Systems Santa Bárbara from Spain, and on the wheeled Pandur II 8X8 platform manufactured by Excalibur Army from the Czech Republic.The 30-ton Sabrah light-tank solution provides a unique combination of powerful fire capacity and high maneuverability. Both platforms will be equipped with a 105mm turret and a range of the Company’s subsystems, including electro-optical sights, fire control systems, TORCH-XTM battle management systems, E-LynXTM software defined radio systems and life support systems.
Northrop Grumman Wins $3.6B U.S. Air Force’s Battlefield Airborne Communications Node Contract
The U.S. Air Force recently awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation a $3.6 billion indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (ID/IQ) contract for continued Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) operations, sustainment and support.The BACN system is a high-altitude, airborne communications gateway that translates and distributes imagery, voice and tactical data from disparate elements—enhancing situational awareness communications and coordination for joint warfighters operating across space, air, land and sea. This system is hosted on high-altitude aircraft to provide persistent connectivity and operational support 24 hours a day, seven days a week as part of the BACN program.
The contract awarded today provides for research, development, test, and evaluation, integration and operations and sustainment for existing and future payloads contained in or connected to the BACN system. It also includes associated ground stations or controls, ancillary equipment, support equipment and system integration laboratories.Work will be performed in San Diego, California, and overseas locations through January 24, 2026, and $23.7 million was obligated with the initial task order at the time of award.
Greece signs contract for 18 Rafales
Greece has signed the contract to buy 18 Rafale fighters. Theodoros Lagios, General Director of Armament and Investments of the Greek Ministry of Defense, and Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation signed the paperwork on Jan. 25.
The Royal Thai Navy will be Supplied by Five Mobile Manpads 4x4 Anti-Aircraft Missiles
The Dzhigit support launching unit (SLU) is designed for a single operator to mount, aim and launch two Igla or Igla-S MANPADS missiles in salvo or successively at one target (photo : KBM)
Naval Ordnance Department, Royal Thai Navy announced to acquire 5 of Mobile Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile on 4x4 vehicles for RTN Naval Air and Coastal Defense Command.Naval Ordnance Department it intends to purchase a mobile short-range anti-aircraft missile to enhance the capability of the anti-aircraft command and maintain the coast. The air defense to cover 5 sets of military key areas, using operation budget of 246 million baht period 1 year (fiscal year 2021). It is understood that Thai Datagate will be the distributor for the Igla-S ground-to-air missile, the shoulder-mounted anti-air missile system in use by the Thai Army or maybe it was Russia's newest Verba ground-to-air missile.
The Datagate is likely to equip with a Dzhigit-style launcher that can accommodate two Igla-S missiles, which can be mounted on a truck or mounted on the ground. While the only armored 4x4 vehicle that would be a platform carriage mounted to the weapon mount was unknown at this time.
Chinese company CVIC (China Vanguard Industry Corp) is likely to be a distributor of Vanguard-type shoulder-fired missile weapons systems, such as the QW-18 that ACDC (Air and Coastal Defence Command) already has in use and the QW-2 used in it. In the Royal Thai Air Force we found the modified cars of Type 51 4x4 as a base car for firing.
Sunday, January 24, 2021
Leonardo Wins $600M to Provide U.S. Army’s IM-SHORAD Stryker
Leonardo DRS, Inc. announced today it has received an initial contract award for 28 Initial Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense (IM-SHORAD) Mission Equipment Packages (MEP) from General Dynamics Land Systems (GD) in support of the U.S. Army's recent IM-SHORAD production award.
Leonardo DRS will begin delivering the MEPs to General Dynamics for final integration onto purpose-built Strykers next year.The award, received on December 2nd 2020, is the first of a five-year contract valued at more than $600 million.The centerpiece of the MEP is Moog's Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP) turret with multiple kinetic effectors including the XM914 30mm cannon and M240 7.62mm machine gun, along with Stinger and Longbow HELLFIRE missiles. The MEP also includes an on-board Multi-Mission Hemispheric Radar (MHR) to provide persistent 360 degrees of aerial surveillance, identification friend or foe and other mission essential technologies.
This production contract award marks the successful completion of an aggressive prototype program that delivered nine prototypes and completed government testing in just two years.
Insitu Conducts Training for RAN ScanEagle UAS Crews
Brisbane, Australia – The first Royal Australian Navy (RAN) personnel to undertake training through Insitu Pacific’s new remote training and simulation capabilities have successfully gained their ScanEagle Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) pilot and maintainer qualifications.The remote training delivers elements of the ScanEagle UAS course virtually, and complements conventional onsite instruction at Insitu Pacific’s training and simulation facility in Brisbane, as well as at the home of Navy’s 822X Squadron at HMAS Albatross in Nowra, New South Wales.
Andrew Duggan, Managing Director Insitu Pacific, said that remote simulation and training had been in the advanced planning stage, but that the impacts of COVID-19 meant the project was prioritised to ensure effective, rapid fielding of training across a number of courses.“The completion of our first remote course elements for RAN achieved great results, with all students successfully passing the course, and remote instruction remaining at the same high quality as onsite course delivery,” Duggan said. “Our virtual training design builds on 10 years of expertise in providing quality Australian-based training to the RAN and the Australian Army, and offers flexibility for Navy in the future to conduct standard training courses at bases around Australia or overseas.”Remote classroom theory lessons, flight simulation training and virtual equipment demonstrations have all been made possible through the use of multimedia technology. Remote training will also open new opportunities to conduct shorter, cost effective training and simulation based activities, including re-certification and scenario-specific courses in virtual environments prior to operational deployments, or even during deployments as required.
“The combination of virtual and onsite training has delivered an effective outcome for the RAN,” CMDR Philip Woodward CO 822X Squadron said. “It not only addressed the challenges posed by COVID-19, but also reduced the time away from home for some trainees and some of the instructors. There is significant potential to deliver flexible and cost effective training.”“Our comprehensive training approach delivers the theory, flight simulation and practical experience that our advanced UAS require.” Duggan said. “We’re embracing remote training methods in virtual classrooms to provide flexible options for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to reduce costs and the need for ADF members to be away from their home locations for lengthy periods.”
All Insitu Pacific training is delivered by highly qualified instructors, many of whom are ADF veterans with operational experience abroad. The new remote learning course builds on a decade of training with over 600 defence customers, including from Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, gaining qualifications on Insitu Pacific UAS in land and maritime environments.
28 Chinese military aircraft violated Taiwan's air defense identification zone ADIZ over the weekend
13 ADIZ violations 23 Jan, 15 on 24 Jan are seen as a "stress test" for the new Biden administration
Taiwanese military analysts said Sunday (Jan. 24) the weekend’s record number of Chinese military planes flying into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ) symbolize Beijing’s commitment to the “one China” principle and also serve as a test for the Joe Biden administration.According to the Ministry of National Defense, 15 Chinese military planes intruded into Taiwan’s ADIZ on Sunday. Also, 13 Chinese aircraft entered the identification zone on Saturday.
Lin Ying-yu (林穎佑), an assistant professor at the Institute of Strategic and International Affairs at National Chung Cheng University, said the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) maneuvers were in a similar vein to Taiwan’s Lunar New Year combat readiness exercises, but were primarily targeted at the U.S. Lin noted there were three major reasons behind the ADIZ incursions: diplomatic, military, and “transfer of internal pressure," CNA reported.In terms of diplomacy, Lin pointed out that Beijing wanted to convey to Washington that no matter which party is in the White House, Democrat or Republican, China’s policy toward Taiwan will never change.Militarily, the exercises were in response to the USS Theodore Roosevelt strike group conducting operations in the South China Sea on Saturday. Lin speculated the strike group’s training may have included submarines, thereby explaining why Chinese H-6K bombers were seen armed with anti-ship missiles.Regarding internal pressure, Lin said that Beijing hoped to divert attention from a recent spate of COVID-19 outbreaks across China. By conducting military operations, it would demonstrate to its citizens the PLAAF has not suffered from the epidemic and is still able to fight. Lieutenant General Chang Yen-ting (張延廷), a retired Air Force deputy commander, stated the PLAAF’s incursions into Taiwan's ADIZ on Saturday and Sunday are akin to “hitting three birds with one stone.”
Chang observed that in contrast to former President Donald Trump’s unpredictable style, Biden’s approach to regional diplomacy seems easier to grasp. Therefore, China dispatched its military planes as a "stress test" to see how Biden would react.Chang also pointed out that although the H-6K bomber is a slow aircraft, it is a variant designed for offensive missions with a maximum range of up to 5,000 kilometers. The presence of such a plane proves the PLAAF has transformed from a defensive air force to an offensive one, he stated.The retired commander said that China’s ADIZ operations were “obviously targeted towards the U.S.” and were meant to “militarily intimidate Taiwan.”Chang suggested that Taiwan must avoid any incidents that could spark an all-out war. He then said that Taiwan’s fighter planes responding to ADIZ intrusions must undergo comprehensive safety and maintenance inspections to prevent any accidents.
Russia to Supply Air Defense Systems Pantsir-S1 to Myanmar
Russia will supply to Myanmar a batch of missile and artillery air defense systems Pantsir-S1, unmanned aerial vehicles Orlan-10E and radars.
The agreement was signed at a ceremony attended by Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, who is in Myanmar on an official visit, and the Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar’s armed forces, Min Aung Hlaing. Russia’s Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin inked the agreement for Russia.
Since 2001 a legal and regulatory base has been created for effective and mutually beneficial military-technical cooperation, which makes steady progress. Russia has supplied to Myanmar 30 planes MiG-29, twelve combat training jets Yakolev-130, ten helicopters Mi-24 and Mi-35P, eight air defense missile systems Pechora-2M and also radars, armored vehicles and artillery pieces. A contract has been concluded for providing six Sukhoi-30SME planes. Some have been delivered already.Military hardware undergoes repairs and maintenance at Myanmar’s joint special center for all types of equipment, both aircraft and armored vehicles.
Bilateral cooperation saw intensive development over the past five years. Myanmar’s delegations regularly participate in the international army games and combat training activities. Last year Myanmar’s contingent took part in the Kavkaz-2020 exercise. Also, in 2018 an inter-governmental agreement was concluded on simpler procedures for Russian naval ships visiting Myanmar’s ports.The command of Myanmar’s armed forces has shown interest in other advanced weapon systems of Russian manufacture.
C-130 Aircraft For Philippine Air Force Spotted
The first of 2 refurbished C-130H Hercules transport aircraft from United States acquired for Philippine Air Force (PAF) was spotted at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California last week.The said acquisition is funded jointly by the Philippine government and US through its Foreign Military Financing program.
Arrival of the first aircraft was scheduled last year but was affected by the ongoing pandemic.On December 8, 2020, visiting then Acting US Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller mentioned that the delivery of first aircraft is taking place December 17.Miller, at that time, turned over to National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana PHP1.38 billion ($29 million) worth of defense gears, including snipers and anti-IED equipment.“We are grateful for the support provided by the United States as we continuously work on the enhancement of the Philippines’ defense capabilities,” Lorenzana said during the turn over of defense gears.
“The modernization of the AFP will ultimately allow us to respond more effectively to both traditional and non-traditional security threats to our maritime nation. Our government expresses our deep appreciation for the US government’s assistance in protecting our borders from external threats,” he added.
IFS, Tech Mahindra to Enable $54 Million Software Project for HAL
Enterprise software company, IFS has signed a contract with Tech Mahindra, the prime contractor for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), to enable HAL’s Project Parivartan Program, a US$ 54 million (Rs 400 crore) software project.
The ERP solution from IFS will support business-critical processes, including maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO), manufacturing, supply chain management, human capital management (HCM), and finance.Conceived as a comprehensive business transformation exercise, the initiative will involve large-scale implementation of technological enhancements to establish new work processes based on industry best practice, an IFS release said.
The comprehensive IFS solution will replace a large number of disparate business systems in HAL with a central, consolidated platform that will empower staff with easy access to accurate data. The project will also provide enhanced inventory visibility and purchasing power, powerful financial capabilities and group-level consolidation.“In order to meet the challenges of evolving business scenarios and to ensure sustaining competitiveness and customer focus, HAL has initiated ‘Project Parivartan’,” said Mr. R Madhavan, CMD, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. “Tech Mahindra will implement the new platform from IFS and help HAL meet the dynamic needs of this hyper-digitalized world using ERP. This will further enhance mission-critical processes, such as MRO, and will facilitate HAL in ushering in a new era of centralized operations based on industry best practices.”
Sujit Baksi, President Corporate Affairs and Business Head Emerging Markets, Tech Mahindra, said, “The project will transform HAL’s ERP system through the implementation of a new platform from IFS, thus enabling us to serve the Armed Forces in an efficient and effective manner.”Michael Ouissi, Chief Customer Officer, IFS, added, “The need for HAL to manage the many intricate elements of its operation cannot be underrated. Our platform is engineered to help multi-site companies in heavily regulated industries, such as aerospace and defense, digitalize and positively transform their value chains.”
UK Contracts Elbit Systems for AI-Powered Detect and Destroy Battlefield System
The British Army has invested $137 million (£102-million) in an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered surveillance system built by Elbit Systems which allows frontline soldiers to detect and engage enemy targets.
The contract will be performed over a five-year period.
Elbit Systems UK (ESUK) will deliver the ‘sensor to shooter’ system to the Army. Utilising thermal sight technology, the Dismounted Joint Fires Integrator (DJFI) will enhance soldiers’ ability to find and identify targets on the Battlefield. It then provides the crucial targeting information necessary to fire more quickly and accurately than ever before, the UK Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
Using specialist software on a tablet, information gathered by the DJFI is sent digitally to an artillery system or aircraft to instantly engage the target, while the soldier operating the system remains hidden.
ESUK has also confirmed all five subcontractors will also be UK-based.DJFI will deliver six distinct Fires Integration equipment suites – each tailored to specific battlefield mission roles – to be combined with existing hardware and software. The technology is designed to be integrated and used alongside similar equipment used by allied forces, meaning the UK can play a pivotal role in joint overseas operations.The D-JFI solution is a networked, passive and active target acquisition solution that acquires, generates and communicates target information to effector systems for effective engagement of joint precision and non-precision fires. The solution is empowered by Artificial Intelligence and will interface with the radio communication systems of the British Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Marines.
The solution draws on the Company’s operational experience in providing dismounted network combat solutions. It integrates several of its technologies, including: the TORCH-X Battle Management Application; the Hattorix system for undetectable generation of high-precision targets, the CORAL Multi-Spectral electro-optical payload for enhanced target acquisition in day and night and the Rattler XR long range laser designator.
Saturday, January 23, 2021
Friday, January 22, 2021
US Considering Australian-Designed Light Amphibious Warship
New amphibious vessels would each displace 1,000 to 8,000 tons and measure around 100 meters in length (image : ASPI Strategis)
US Navy and Marine Corps reimagine their future amphibious force, high-level discussions have focused on an innovative Australian-designed vessel to land troops and their equipment on unprepared beaches.
Gold Coast – based Sea Transport Solutions' stern landing vessel is one of several contenders vying for the US Navy's light amphibious warship program. The stern landing design overcomes problems of conventional landing craft, which features a large ramp in the bow that makes for poor handling in rough seas, reduces speed and obstructs visibility. Stern landing vessels are a mature capability and have been used extensively in Australia's mining industry.
After years of US marines waging granting counterinsurgency campaigns inland, Marine Corps Commandant General David Berger's 2019 planning guidance refocuses on 'exploiting positional advantage and defending key maritime terrain'. He encourages naval expeditionary forces to look to ‘unmanned platforms, stern landing vessels, other ocean-going connectors, and smaller more lethal and more risk-worthy platforms” when reconceiving the amphibious fleet.
Large US landing ships displace up to 45,000 tons and are intended to stand off a shoreline and launch their own bevy of landing craft from an internal well deck. The new amphibious vessels would each displace 1,000 to 8,000 tons and measure around 100 meters in length. With a range of 3,500 nautical miles and the ability to operate within a fleet or independently, they could serve as 'lilypads' for dispersing and relocating marine littoral regiments among western Pacific islands or along the Baltic coastline, for example.
Lieutenant General Eric Smith points out that such a light amphibious warship is 'much more able to hide in plain sight, much more affordable, much more numerous because of its cost'. Offloaded platoons could fire anti-ship cruise missiles at Chinese naval forces in a conflict scenario, or conduct other missions such as forward refueling and rearming of friendly aircraft, coastal surveillance and radar early warning or air defense.
The total planned buy of 28 to 30 ships, at US $ 100–130 million apiece, will be competitively awarded, but Sea Transport Solutions is considered to be in with a strong chance. The Department of the Navy's 2021 budget request explicitly calls for 'a stern landing vessel to support amphibious ship-to-shore operations', according to naval reporter Megan Eckstein, and the US Congressional Research Service indicates that the marines want the program expedited to ensure the vessels are operational by 2026.One option would be for the Australian company to partner with an American yard for construction of the vessels in the US. For instance, West Australia-based company Austal has such a shipyard in Alabama where it builds the Independence-class littoral combat ship and the expeditionary fast transport.
If that plays out, US marines could find themselves aboard fresh, Australian-designed amphibious vessels.
3 Black Hawk S-70i Helicopters Land At Tactical Operations Group 2 - Philippine Air Force (PAF)
Three Black Hawk S-70i helicopters landed at Tactical Operations Group (TOG) 2 in Cuayan, Isabela, 92.9 Brigada News Cauayan City reported January 19.
TOG 2 is a Philippine Air Force (PAF) unit operating under Tactical Operations Wing (TOW) Northern Luzon.
Earlier this month, Black Hawk helicopters also landed at Loakan Airport in Baguio City for proficiency training and familiarization of landing zone for pilots. The said Black Hawk S-70i helicopters are part of the first six helicopters delivered under the 16-helicopter order from Polish company PZL Mielec.
Remaining helicopters are expected to be delivered this year.
“The purchase of 16 S-70i combat-utility helicopters manufactured by the Polish Aviation Works-Mielec (PZL-Mielec) is an excellent example of cooperation between our two countries,” said Jarosław Szczepankiewicz, chargé d’affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Manila.The Polish embassy noted that 16 Black Hawks were ordered under PAF’s Combat Utility Helicopter (Phase 3) Acquisition Project, which is a Horizon 2 phase priority project under the current Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Project.
Blue Angels brought their Super Hornets to El Centro for the first time
The Blue Angels are back at NAF El Centro for their winter training, this time with the Super Hornet.
Morocco has bought the Patriot air defense missile system
The U.S. Trade Department has disclosed the sale of the Patriot air defense missile system to Morocco in December, the announcement was uncovered by The North Africa Post.
Cambodia will Receive the First FTC-2000G from China in 2021
This year, an ASEAN nation will receive the first FTC-2000G supplied from China. According to the news report, the deliveries will be completed within two years, or 2021-2023, no specific number of aircrafts. But there is a current news that it is likely to supply 6 aircrafts.
It is highly likely that it means Cambodia. It was previously revealed that the pilot was sent to train in China. Starting to study as a student of aviation and lately, China has been a big arms supporter of Cambodia.
We do not yet know the details of the equipment to be installed on this Cambodian aircraft. But overall, the FTC-2000G can be equipped with an AESA radar like the LKF-601E and can be used in conjunction with the PL-12 medium-range air-to-air (SD-10) rocket carrying 2-4 rounds or, however, if not be necessary cheaper version radar can be chosen, either the MSA or PESA, which is the same model installed in the L-15B trainer.
The fear of the FTC-2000G lies in a wide variety of air-to-ground weapons, such as the CM-102 anti-radar rocket for use in destroying ground-to-air missile bases, as well as the US AGM-88 HARM. The C-704KD, an infrared-guided missile with a range of about 30 km, is capable of destroying armored vehicles or structures. This includes the C-705KD surface anti-ship missile with a range of more than 100 km and several FT family of missile/glide bombs.
The FTC-2000G is a light fighter (LCA) comparable to FA-50PH (Philippines), T-50TH (Thailand), F-5TH (Thailand), T-50i (Indonesia), Yak-130 (Myanmar and Laos), or the Hawk 200 (Malaysia and Indonesia). In ASEAN countries together, the FTC-2000G is one of the top performers in ASEAN when considering the radar system with the highest performance radar option of all light fighter jets if selected LKF-601E radar set, offers a wide variety of weapons and inexpensive but has a weakness in electronic warfare.
India, Singapore Navies Sign Submarine Rescue Pact
The Indian Navy and the Republic Singapore Navy (RSN) have signed a bilateral submarine rescue agreement, establishing mutual underwater emergency assistance between the two services.
The agreement, which is known as the submarine rescue support and co-operation implementing arrangement, was signed at the fifth iteration of the India-Singapore defence minister’s dialogue that was held via video conference on 20 January.
“The submarine rescue support and co-operation implementing arrangement will allow both navies to extend submarine rescue assistance to each other as well as conduct bilateral rescue exercises and familiarisation visits to enhance interoperability and proficiency in submarine rescue operations”, said Singapore’s defence minister, Ng Eng Hen, in his remarks on the pact.
The RSN currently operates a fleet of two Archer-class and two Challenger-class diesel-electric submarines and is anticipating the delivery of four new Invincible (Type 218SG) boats from Germany. The service also operates the 84 m submarine rescue ship, Swift Rescue , which is capable of conducting intervention, and hyperbaric rescue operations.
Meanwhile, the Indian Navy operates four submarine classes, and one 70 m submarine rescue vessel, Nireekshak (15), which is equipped with a six-man recompression and can accommodate up to two deep-submergence rescue vehicles (DSRVs). In 2016 the Indian Navy signed a contract for two DSAR-650L DSRVs with JFD, and the first unit was delivered in 2018.
Besides the submarine rescue agreement, India and Singapore have also agreed to step up military co-operation, including in the areas of cyber defence and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Chinese frontier forces playing video games in border areas
In addition to guard missions, Chinese frontier forces on plateaus also enjoy diverse recreational activities. pic.twitter.com/XltwWdAZBy
— Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) January 19, 2021
NUSHIP Supply Arrives in Her Homeport of Sydney
The Royal Australian Navy’s new Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment ship, NUSHIP Supply, has arrived at its homeport in Sydney Harbour.
NUSHIP Supply is one of two new Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment ships that will provide combat and logistics support to the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet, replacing HMA Ships Success and Sirius.Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC, said Supply will provide enhanced logistics to the Navy for decades to come.“The arrival of Supply into Sydney Harbour today marks the beginning of a new capability for the Royal Australian Navy, one that will extend the endurance and operational range of Australia’s entire naval fleet,” Minister Reynolds said.
“This is the second ship of the Royal Australian Navy to carry the name Supply. The first HMAS Supply has a long list of achievements and honours, including providing disaster relief in North Australia following Cyclone Tracy in 1974.“The two new Supply class ships are part of the Morrison Government’s largest regeneration of the Navy since the Second World War through our up to $183 billion Naval Shipbuilding Plan.”The Supply class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment ships will carry fuel, dry cargo, water, food, ammunition, equipment and spare parts to provide operational support to deployed naval or combat forces that are based far from ports for long periods.
In addition to replenishment, the vessels can be used to combat against environmental pollution at sea, provide logistics support to the joint force and partner Navies, and to support humanitarian and disaster relief operations.
Supply is expected to commission into the Royal Australian Navy in April 2021.
Hermes UAVs Boost Air Force ISR Capabilities
The delivery and activation of Hermes 450 and 900 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) ordered from Elbit Systems of Israel have contributed to Philippine Air Force (PAF)’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.“The arrival and operationalization of the Unmanned Aerial System to include the Hermes 450s and 900s are part of the continuous development of ISRS capabilities for day and night operations,” said First Lieutenant Egon Bryan Carbolledo in the latest edition of PAF’s journal Perspective.
1LT Carbolledo is assigned at 300th Air Intelligence and Security Wing (Prov) which is the unit operating the Hermes 450s and 900s.
Weapons at North Korea’s latest military parade
North Korea displayed new submarine-launched ballistic missiles under development and other military hardware in a parade that underlined leader Kim Jong Un’s defiant calls to expand the country’s nuclear weapons program.
Kim presided over Thursday’s parade, which took place at night under powerful floodlights, the second time the country has done so. State media said he took center stage at the parade celebrating a major ruling party meeting in which he vowed maximum efforts to bolster the nuclear and missile program that threatens Asian rivals and the American homeland to counter what he described as U.S. hostility.During an eight-day Workers’ Party congress that ended Tuesday, Kim also revealed plans to salvage the nation’s economy, hit by U.S.-led sanctions over his nuclear ambitions, pandemic-related border closures and natural disasters that wiped out crops.
The economic setbacks have left Kim with nothing to show for his ambitious diplomacy with President Donald Trump, which derailed over disagreements about sanctions relief in exchange for North Korean denuclearization steps, and pushed Kim to what is clearly the toughest moment of his nine-year rule.
Kim’s comments are likely intended to pressure the incoming U.S. government of Joe Biden, who has previously called the North Korean leader a “thug” and accused Trump of chasing spectacle rather than meaningful curbs on the North’s nuclear capabilities. Kim has not ruled out talks, but said the fate of bilateral relations depends on whether Washington abandons its hostile policy toward North Korea.
What was on display?
The parade featured the debut of a number weapons systems, primarily a number of what appears to be a new two-stage submarine-launched ballistic missile. Markings painted on the missile at the parade indicate that this new weapon is called the Pugguksong-5 and has a distinctly different warhead section from the Pugguksong-3 tested by North Korea in 2019 and the Pugguksong-4 displayed at the massive October 2020 parade.
Another notable debutant at the parade was a road-mobile, solid-fuel, short-range ballistic missile, or SRBM. The as-yet unnamed system mounted a pair of missiles on a wheeled five-axle transporter-erector-launcher, or TEL, and appeared to be a larger version of the KN-24 SRBM previously unveiled.
The new missile is also longer than the North Korean KN-23 SRBM, whose design is outwardly similar to the Russian Iskander missile. The KN-23 has been tested up to a range of 430 miles, and is also mounted in pairs, albeit on a shorter, four-axle version of the new missile’s TEL.
This North Korean parade was also notable for the missiles systems that did not make an appearance, which include the longer-ranged intermediate-range and intercontinental ballistic missiles that were present at earlier parades.
North Korean state TV on Friday aired edited footage of the parade, showing thousands of civilians and troops roaring and fireworks exploding overhead as Kim stepped out of a building and took his spot at a podium in Kim Il Sung Square, named after his grandfather and the country’s founder.
Kim, wearing a black fur hat and leather trench coat, waved and smiled widely as his troops chanted “Let’s defend Kim Jong Un with our lives!” and “Protect with our lives the Workers’ Party of Korea’s Central Committee led by Great Comrade Kim Jong Un!”Reports and video from state media suggested that Kim did not make a speech during the parade.His defense minister, Kim Jong Gwan, said in a speech that North Korea’s military would “preemptively marshal our greatest might to thoroughly punish hostiles forces” if they threaten the North’s safety.
Military aircraft flew in formation across the dark sky, using what appeared to be flares to form the symbol of the Workers’ Party — a hammer, brush and sickle.
Russian Embassy in India hosted a protocol event for Indian military specialists heading to Moscow for the S400 air defence systems
Russian Embassy in India hosted a protocol event in honour of the first group of the Indian military specialists heading to Moscow for the S400 air defence systems training courses
Indian coastal defense exercise Sea Vigil 21
Images in from the final manoeuvres at the Indian coastal defence exercise SeaVigil21. pic.twitter.com/SxWIGO4Fh1
— Livefist (@livefist) January 14, 2021
Philippines Navy’s Air Wing Building New Hangars
The Naval Air Wing (NAW), operating under Philippine Navy’s Philippine Fleet, is building new hangars to accommodate its growing inventory of air assets.
NAW leadership together with civilian contractor RD Mandanas Construction conducted the ground breaking for the first hangar on January 11. Three hangars are being eyed this year.
According report by Inquirer.net, the first 2 hangars are eyed to be built within the first of 2021, while the third hangar is slated before the year ends. Each 700-squaremeter hangar is estimated to accommodate up to 6 aircraft.NAW, in its official publication The Flight Log’s edition released late last year, said it is working to “keep in pace with the fleet’s modernization efforts to attain a strong and credible navy capable of protecting our maritime interest.”
The Flight Log managing editor Captain Nelson Liwanag said in the publication that “we are vying to have additional anti submarine helicopters to complement the Jose Rizal Class Frigates. We are waiting for funding for the amphibious helicopter heavy (long range maritime helicopters) designed for tactical airlift and amphibious operations.”
“We also have the naval helicopter weapons upgrade,” he added. “An amphibian aircraft which aims to provide airlift and support to PN personnel guarding our bases at [West Philippine Sea] is also expected to be acquired by the PN.”“We are also aiming to have TC12B Huron aircraft with ISR capabilities. The NOC on the other hand further prescribes, on its long term A2/AD concept for the NAW to have the Anti Submarine Warfare Long Range Aircraft and Medium Range Patrol Aircraft in the Future,” Captain Liwanag said.
HMNZS Canterbury Trains with Its Landing Craft
HMNZS Canterbury with its two landing craft "Tahi" and "Rua" (photo : RNZN)
A key capability of multi-role vessel HMNZS Canterbury is its two landing craft, "Tahi" and "Rua". They weigh around 60 tonnes each, and are launched from the ship using two cranes.
The landing craft can take troops and cargo ashore, particularly on aid missions to Pacific islands, where there are no suitable port facilities. Cargo would be unloaded on to a beach through their bow door ramps. HMNZS Canterbury is a multi-role vessel (MRV) of the Royal New Zealand Navy. She was commissioned in June 2007, has 131 m in length and displacement of 9,000 tonnes (full load). She is also New Zealand's first purpose-built strategic sealift ship.
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