The teaming agreement, announced on 22 April, is intended to advance the delivery of an Australian guided weapons manufacturing capability in support of a sovereign national guided weapons enterprise.“Lockheed Martin and Thales Australia are world leaders in the development of defence and guided weapons capabilities. This agreement represents a coming together of complementary capabilities to bring that expertise and experience to advance the sovereign guided weapons manufacturing in Australia.Today’s [22 April] announcement for the LRASM-SL marks the final stage of the work to realise this agreement and we will continue to work together advance the relationship. Jointly, we will represent our expertise and experience to advance the delivery of an Australian guided weapons manufacturing capability,” Lockheed Martin and Thales Australia spokespersons told Janes in a joint statement.
“Over time and through this agreement, it is our joint objective to expand the sovereign industrial and manufacturing capability in alignment with the Australian government’s capability requirements,” the statement added.Lockheed Martin and Thales Australia did not disclose further detail about the LRASM-SL rocket motor and booster design, or detail the development, production and initial trials programme timelines associated with the LRASM-SL initiative.
The Pentagon has given Boeing a $73 million contract to integrate the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) on the P-8A maritime patrol aircraft.
After a direct ferry from #MerignacAirBase, France, the 5th batch of Rafales arrived in India on 21 Apr. The fighters flew a distance of almost 8,000Kms with air-to-air refuelling support by @Armee_de_lair and UAE AF. IAF thanks both the Air Forces for their co-operation. pic.twitter.com/jp81vODCp2
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) April 21, 2021
Taiwan has launched the first of a new class of multimission amphibious ships that can carry troops and equipment to its offshore and South China Sea islands. The vessels can also conduct surface warfare missions with anti-ship missiles.The landing platform dock, named Yu Shan after Taiwan’s tallest mountain, was launched at the shipyard of the state-owned shipbuilder CSBC Corporation in the southern Taiwanese port city of Kaohsiung on Tuesday. The launch ceremony was attended by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng, among other senior civilian and military officials.
Speaking at the ceremony, Tsai called the launch of the Yu Shan a “milestone” for the self-governing East Asian island’s plans to bolster its shipbuilding capabilities, adding that the ship “will strengthen the Navy’s ability to fulfil its mission and further solidify our defenses.”
Previously released specifications for the LPD indicate that the ship displaces 10,600 tons when fully loaded and measures 152 meters, or about 500 feet, with a hull draught of 20 feet. Top speed of the LPD is said to be 21 knots with a range of 7,000 miles.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said the Yu Shan can accommodate up to 673 troops and its vehicle deck can carry AAV7 tracked amphibious vehicles, among other land platforms. The ship also has a twin hangar sized for Sikorsky Seahawk and Black Hawk helicopters as well as a single flight deck spot to conduct helicopter operations. A well dock is incorporated in the design to stow, launch and recover landing craft.
