Australia wants to buy anti-radiation missiles worth $183.7 million for its F-18G

Aus seeks US anti-radiation missiles

30 APR 2017 - 3:34AM

Australia is seeking anti-radiation missiles worth about $183.7 million for its Growler aircraft fleet, according to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

Source: AAP

Australia is looking to buy anti-radiation missiles worth about $183.7 million for its Growler aircraft fleet, according to a US agency.

The US State Department has approved the possible sale and Congress has been informed, a notice from the country's Defense Security Cooperation Agency says.

The sale would include up to 70 high speed anti-radiation missiles, 40 advanced anti-radiation guided missiles and training missiles as well as other support equipment.

The total estimated cost is $US137.6 million, or $A183.7 million.

"Australia is requesting these missiles for its Electronic Attack EA-18G Growler aircraft," the agency notice says about the missiles, which are designed for attacking ground-based radar.

"Australia will use this capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense."

If the sale goes ahead it 'will contribute to the foreign policy and national security" of the US, by improving "security of a major contributor to political stability, security, and economic development in the Western Pacific".

"Australia is an important major non-NATO ally and partner that contributes significantly to peacekeeping and humanitarian operations around the world," the notice reads.

Original post: sbs.com.au

Related news:

Avalon 2017: RAAF debuts recently received Growler

EA-18G Growler: Details

China will conduct live-fire test to safeguard its security in response to US deployment of THAAD in South Korea

CCTV from the video point of view, suspected Dongfeng-21C – Image: news.ifeng.com

What new weapons can China unleash against US missile shield?

China vows live-fire drills and weapons tests in response to THAAD deployment in South Korea

PUBLISHED : Thursday, 27 April, 2017, 11:41pm

UPDATED : Friday, 28 April, 2017, 9:58am

China says it will conduct live-fire drills and test new weapons to safeguard its security in response to the US deployment of an anti-missile system in South Korea.

Defence ministry spokesman Yang Yujun on Thursday said that China resolutely opposed the deployment of the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system in South Korea, as it would undermine regional stability.

“The Chinese military will continue to conduct practical ­targeted live-fire drills, as well as test new weapons and equipment, to defend national security and regional peace and stability,” he said.

Yang’s remarks came amid ­reports on Wednesday that the US had started to move parts of the THAAD system to their deployment site in South Korea.

Beijing-based military analyst Li Jie said Yang’s comments were meant to remind the US and South Korea that China could take measures, including “hard and soft kill” weapons, to destroy the THAAD system.

“China can use its traditional Dongfeng series short and medium-range missiles as hard-kill weapons in case there is a war,” Li said. “For soft-kill, it means it’s possible that Beijing may try using electromagnetic pulse warheads as well as electronic interference technologies to disrupt the radar system of THAAD.”

Seoul says the anti-missile system is necessary because of provocations from North Korea.

Yang’s warning came a day after the Chinese and Russian militaries held their third round of anti-missile briefings in Moscow. Both sides reiterated their strong opposition to seeing the US THAAD system in the region.

“The message sent by China and Russia is very clear, they are joining together to deal with the THAAD deployment,” Li said.

This month, Russian air defence commander Viktor Gumyonny told media that Russia planned to network its next generation S-500 surface-to-air missile with its other missile systems as part of an integrated air-defence network to counter THAAD.

Zhou Chenming of the Knowfar Institute for Strategic and ­Defence Studies said the Sino-Russian briefing served to let the US and South Korea know that the two countries were strong enought to cope with THAAD, and to warn Japan and Taiwan not to get involved in the US-built ­defence network.

Japan is considering becoming the second US ally in Asia to deploy the THAAD system, citing the nuclear threat from North Korea.

Beijing is also worried that Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and her independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party might follow in Japan’s footsteps, because the mainland has targeted the island with more than 2,000 missiles.

Original post: scmp.com

Related post:  

     

Trump Says South Korea Should Pay for $1Billion Anti-Missile System

China to deploy anti-THAAD cruise missiles

China reiterates opposition to U.S. missile system in S. Korea

Deploying missile system in ROK will not defuse crisis

China Tests 10 DF-21 Missiles

Sino-Russo Duo: China Mulls Ramping Up ItsMissile Defense With Russia

Russian Aerospace Forces to Get State of the rt S-500 Air Defense Systems

THAAD missile defense: Details

DH-10 / CJ-10 / DF-10A land-attack cruise missile: Details

DF-21D Medium-range ballistic missile: Details

China opposes any country selling arms to Taiwan

China's defence ministry says resolutely opposed to any country selling arms to Taiwan

Thu Apr 27, 2017 | 1:39pm IST

China's Defence Ministry said on Thursday it was resolutely opposed to any country selling arms to Taiwan.

Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun made the comment at a monthly news briefing in Beijing when asked on the possible sale of F-35 fighter jets from the United States to Taiwan.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said earlier on Thursday that Taiwan may need to buy the F-35s, the most advanced stealth jet the United States has.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Writing by Philip Wen; Editing by Bill Tarrant)

Original post: reuters.com

Related post:

Taiwan MoD to formally request procurement of F-35 jets from US

No official word from the United States on sales of F-35 fighter jets to Taiwan

Taiwan Plans To Buy Stealth Fighters

Pentagon study on Taiwan’s air power recommends selling Taiwan F-35s

Taiwan expected to complete F-16 upgrades within six years: AIDC

Taiwan beginupgrade of F-16A/B to F-16V configuration

Taiwan’sF-16A/B upgrade programme on schedule for 2017 start

This interactive map of China’s power in the South China Sea is a wake-up call to us all

China eyeing air supremacy with Su-35 deal: military expert

F-35 Lightning II: Details

JF-17B first flight

Source dafeng cao

JF-17 “Thunder” fighter: Details

Finland to issue RFPs in 2018 for HX acquisition worth EUR7-10 billion

Finland to issue HX fighter RFPs in 2018

Gareth Jennings, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

25 April 2017

Finland is to issue requests for proposals (RFPs) to the governments of five aircraft manufacturers as it looks to replace its current fleet of Boeing F/A-18 Hornet aircraft by 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) announced on 24 April.

The RFPs, which the MOD refers to as Requests for Quotation (RFQ), will be sent in the second quarter of 2018 to the same manufacturers who were sent the original requests for information (RFIs) for Finland's fighter replacement requirement (HX) in December 2016.

The recipients will be BAE Systems for the Eurofighter Typhoon; Boeing for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and F-15 Eagle; Dassault for the Rafale; Lockheed Martin for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) and F-16 Fighting Falcon; and Saab for the Gripen E.

With the responses to the RFI still being analysed, the RFP/RFQ will contain operating scenarios that are particular to Finland, the MoD noted. While these were not specified, they will likely include Arctic operations, and flying from public roads. It will also assess the aircraft against the country's expected post-2030 defence requirements. Besides the aircraft themselves, the RFP/RFQ will examine weapons, training equipment, personnel training, command and control systems, and maintenance arrangements.

Interestingly, the MOD noted that the RFP/RFQ will include a section in which the manufacturers will be able to demonstrate how the capabilities of their offerings could be augmented by other aircraft types or even unmanned platforms.

The Finnish MOD said that, from the RFI responses, it should be possible to complete the HX acquisition within the EUR7-10 billion (USD7.6-10.6 billion) budgeted for the programme. "All of the candidates' responses indicate that operating and maintenance costs can be covered from present-level defence budgets," the MOD added.

The goal is to start the fighter candidates' environmental testing in Finland in 2019, with the final procurement decision for replacing the Hornet fleet to be taken in 2021.

Original post: janes.com

Related post:

Finland 100% offset obligation to the country’s F/A-18 replacement could increase the cost by USD1 billion

Defence contractors PR lobbying campaigns to win fighter jet deal in Finland

Finland wants info on fighters to replace its aging F/A-18Cs

Finland’s former prime minister has given his backing to the Saab Gripen as the jet of choice

F-18E/F: Details

Saab Gripen E: Details

F-15E: Details

Rafale: Details

Eurofighter Typhoon: Details

F-16V: Details

Argentina buys four Beechcraft T-6C+ Texan II valued at USD88.2 million

Argentina procures T-6C+ Texan II turboprop trainer and light-attack aircraft

Gareth Jennings, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

26 April 2017

Argentina has procured four Beechcraft T-6C+ Texan II turboprop trainer and light-attack aircraft under a contract valued at USD88.2 million, it was announced on 25 April.

The contract, which was awarded by the US Department of Defense (DoD) under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) scheme, will see the aircraft delivered to the Argentine Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Argentina: FAA) by 30 April 2018. Included in the deal are maintenance and pilot training, as well as interim contractor support for maintenance.

The contract follows US State Department approval for the sale of up to 24 T-6C+ aircraft that was announced in August 2016. At that time, it was said the estimated USD300 million procurement deal was needed to replace the FAA's Embraer EMB-312 Tucanos, only a handful of which are still in an airworthy condition.

According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the proposed sale would "revitalise Argentina's capability to train its pilots and fulfill border control missions, especially along its porous northern border. The Argentine Air Force will use the enhanced capability to redevelop a professional pilot corps and as a deterrent to illicit activity."

According to Jane's All the World's Aircraft: Development and Production , the T-6 has a top speed of 270 kt, an endurance of three hours at maximum cruise speed, a range of 1,574 km, and a service ceiling of 35,000 ft.

The T-6C features an integrated 'glass' cockpit and advanced avionics, including head-up display, up-front control panel, three-colour multifunction displays, and HOTAS (hands on throttle and stick) controls. It differs from the standard T-6B in having wings that are plumbed for the carriage of auxiliary fuel tanks. The enhanced T-6C+ variant procured by Argentina (and previously Mexico) is also capable of carrying up to a payload of 1,415 kg of external stores.

Original post: janes.com

Related post:

Argentine Ambassador to US Quits Amid $2B weapons acquisition scandal

L-159 ALCA restarts production Argentina as potential customer

Argentina on a $2 Billion Weapons Acquisition spree for US weapons

Argentina cancel procurement of New Fighters

Russia to respond to Argentina request to buy 15 MiG-29

Argentina to resume Kfir negotiations for 2nd time

US oks a possible $300mn FMS from Argentina for 24 T-6C+ Texan aircraft

Beechcraft AT-6: Details

Aero L-159: Details

Britain's MoD awarded MBDA Systems $698 million missile contracts

MBDA Systems gets $689M in U.K. missile contracts

The agreements are for the Common Anti-air Modular Missile, the Meteor, and the Sea Viper, which will all be deployed on Britain's Queen Elizabeth-class carriers when they are put in service.

By Ryan Maass   |   April 21, 2017 at 10:29 AM

April 21 (UPI) -- Britain's Ministry of Defense awarded MBDA Systems $698 million in contracts for missile deliveries, the government announced on Friday.

The agreement includes three separate missile deliveries, including the Common Anti-air Modular Missile, the Meteor, and the Sea Viper. U.K. defense officials say the contracts aim to keep developing Queen Elizabeth-class carriers safer once they are put in service.

The Queen Elizabeth class refers to two carriers currently under construction for the U.K. Royal Navy. Once completed, the next-generation warships will carry the newly procured Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II jets for combat operations.

"This substantial investment in missile systems is vital in protecting our ships and planes from the most complex global threats as our armed forces keep the U.K. safe," the U.K.'s Secretary of State for Defense Michael Fallon said in a press release. "These contracts will sustain high skilled jobs across the UK and demonstrate that strong defense and a strong economy go hand in hand."

Britain has set aside $52 million for the Meteor missiles, $223 million for anti-air Sea Viper systems and $413 million for Common Anti-air Modular Missiles, or CAMM. The latter will be integrated with Type 26 frigates for enhanced air defense.

Original post: upi.com

PAAMS (Sea Viper)

The Principal Anti Air Missile System (PAAMS) is a joint programme developed by France, Italy and the United Kingdom for an integrated anti-aircraft warfare system. The prime contractor is EUROPAAMS, a joint venture between Eurosam (66%) and MBDAsubsidiary UKAMS (33%). MBDA also owns 66% of Eurosam, in effect giving it a 77% share of the project. In the United Kingdom PAAMS has been given the designation Sea Viper.

The PAAMS warfare system is in service with the Royal Navy, French Navy and the Italian Navy.

PAAMS components

• PAAMS(S) — British variant with SAMPSON Multi-Function Radar (MFR)
• PAAMS(E) — French/Italian variant with EMPAR Multi-Function Radar
• Automatic Command and control system
• Consoles running Windows 2000 operating system
• Sylver Vertical Launching System
• MBDA Aster missiles:
• Aster 15, range; 1.7–30 km
• Aster 30, range; 3–120 km

Both variants of the PAAMS operate in conjunction with the S1850M Long Range Early Warning Radar. Source wikiwand.com

Meteor – Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM)

Design of the Meteor missile system

The missile, being designed as a complete unit, requires no assembly and maintenance immediately before loading. This arrangement reduces its overall life logistic support cost.

Meteor can be launched as a stealth missile. It is equipped with enhanced kinematics features. It is capable of striking different types of targets simultaneously in almost any weather.

The Meteor has a length of 3.65m and diameter of 0.178m. It is designed to be compatible with AIM-120 type rail and eject launcher systems.

Meteor BVRAAM blast-fragmentation warhead

The Meteor missile is equipped with a blast-fragmentation warhead, supplied by TDW of Germany. The warhead is designed as a structural component of the missile. The missile integrates proximity and impact fuses.

Sensors on the beyond visual range air-to-air missile

The Meteor is equipped with a two way datalink, which allows the launch platform to provide updates on targets or re-targeting when the missile is in flight. The datalink is capable of transmitting information such as kinematic status. It also notifies target acquisition by the seeker.

The Meteor is installed with an active radar target seeker, offering high reliability in detection, tracking and classification of targets. The missile also integrates inertial measurement system (IMS) supplied by Litef.

Meteor missile performance

The missile has a range in excess of 100km. It is designed for a speed greater than Mach 4. The missile has a large no escape zone.

Propulsion system on the next generation missile

The Meteor missile is powered by a solid fuel variable flow ducted rocket (ramjet) supplied by Bayern-Chemie. The ramjet provides the Meteor missile with a capability to maintain consistent high speeds. This ability helps the missile to chase and destroy fast moving flexible targets.

The Meteor includes an electronics and propulsion control unit (EPCU). The EPCU adjusts the rocket’s air intake and duct covers based on the cruise speed and the target’s altitude.

The EPCU observes the distance and fuel level in the rocket and adjusts the throttle of the rocket. This feature of the EPCU helps the missile to manage its fuel system. Source airforce-technology.com

SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT	185 kg (407 lb)
LENGTH	3.65 m (12 ft 0 in)
DIAMETER	0.178 m (7.0 in)
WARHEAD	High explosive blast-fragmentation
DETONATION MECHANISM	Proximity/impact fuse
ENGINE	Throttleable ducted rocket
OPERATIONAL RANGE	100+ km(63mi, 60 km No Escape Zone)[3][4][N 1]
SPEED	over Mach 4
GUIDANCE SYSTEM	Inertial guidance, mid-course update via datalink, terminal active radar homing
LAUNCH PLATFORM	Eurofighter Typhoon Dassault Rafale Saab JAS 39 Gripen F-35 (Pending)

Specification wikiwand.com

Queen Elizabeth-class A/C: Details

F-35 Lightning II: Details

Bulgaria's consider Sweden's SAAB-Gripen as the best choice for Bulgarian Air Force

Gripen comes out top in ranking on Bulgaria’s fighter jet acquisition

Written by The Sofia Globe staff on April 26, 2017 in Bulgaria - Comments Off on Gripen comes out top in ranking on Bulgaria’s fighter jet acquisition

Bulgarian defence experts have ranked the offer by Sweden’s SAAB-Gripen to supply new multi-role fighter jets to the Bulgarian Air Force as the best received – but on April 26, the caretaker government in Sofia decided to leave to the coming Boiko Borissov government all decisions on negotiations and further steps.

It will be up to the next government, expected to take office in early May, to decide whether to negotiate solely on the acquisition of Gripen fighters or also to talk to the other two bidders, Portugal and Italy.

The latter two countries offered Bulgaria not new fighters, but second-hand aircraft: in the case of Portugal, US-made F-16s, and in the case of Italy, Eurofighters.

Earlier estimates were that the deal was expected to cost about 1.5 billion leva. Sweden’s Gripen offer was seen as having the advantage not only of the aircraft being new, but also that the first deliveries could take place within an 18-month timeframe, and the offer was more price-competitive than the other two. Gripen also has put forward a comprehensive package including an easy payment plan, as well as pilot and technical training components, among others.

The cost will include eight fighter aircraft, ground equipment, weapons and simulators.

Because the price tag exceeds 100 million leva, the deal will be subject to approval by the National Assembly.

A Nato member since 2004, Bulgaria has only a small fleet of ageing Russian-made MiG fighters which fail to meet Nato standards. A succession of governments in Sofia have failed to conclude a deal to acquire the new multi-role fighter aircraft.

/Panorama

Original post: sofiaglobe.com

Related post:

Saab has offered to re-start production of its Gripen C/D production for Bulgaria

Bulgaria to choose between new Gripen jets, secondhand U.S. F-16 equipped with U.S. weaponry and secondhand Eurofighter Typhoon

Bulgaria issues RFP for new fighter

Bulgaria’s Defence Ministry may change criteria for jet fighter acquisition favoring F-16

Bulgaria Is Ready with Tender Requirements for New Type of Fighter for Its Air Force

Bulgaria requests surplus F-16s from Portugal

Bulgarian Parliament Approves Plan to Buy Fighter Jets, Warships

Bulgaria Launches Public Tender for Purchase of Ten MiG-29 Engines

Gripen C/D: Details

F-16C/D: Details

Eurofighter Typhoon: Details