Thursday 30 September 2021

Boeing gets nod to start building Germany’s P-8 anti-submarine aircraft

Mark McEwan


Boeing gets nod to start building Germany’s P-8 anti-submarine aircraft

By Sebastian Sprenger
 
Sep 30, 03:46 AM

Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Robert Barber directs a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft on April 23, 2021, in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. (MC2 Juan S. Sua/U.S. Navy)

WASHINGTON — Boeing has inked a contract with the U.S. Navy to produce five P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance and anti-submarine aircraft destined for the German sea service, the company announced.

The Sept. 28 award marks the latest step in Germany’s quest for urgently needed replacements for its aging P-3C Orion planes. Officials have said the Poseidon aircraft fit Germany’s requirement of offering a mix of sensor capabilities and combat punch needed to target adversarial submarines in an increasingly sophisticated subsurface arms race.

Earlier this summer, German lawmakers approved the purchase in principle. On the table was a $1.1 billion quote from the U.S. government for five aircraft through the Foreign Military Sales channel. Adding taxes, training, spares and support would bring the total price tag to about €1.4 billion (U.S. $1.6 billion).

Germany is set to start receiving the new aircraft as of 2024, according to a Boeing statement.

“We’re pleased to have finalized this sale to Germany and to expand our footprint in-country by bringing the P-8A and its unique multi-mission capabilities to the German Navy,” Michael Hostetter, vice president at Boeing Defense, Space & Security in Germany, said in the statement.

Despite Germany finalizing its P-8 acquisition, a defense spokeswoman told Defense News that Berlin would stick to previous plans with France to jointly develop the Maritime Airborne Warfare System, an entirely new sub-hunting weapon slated to take flight around 2035.

French officials were miffed that Germany would buy new Poseidons for the intervening years, possibly decreasing Germany’s appetite to start another development relatively soon, French newspaper La Tribune reported earlier this summer, citing unnamed sources.

The French Armed Forces Ministry did not return an email requesting information about the government’s position in the matter. Paris has not conveyed information to that end to Berlin, either, the German defense spokeswoman told Defense News.

Source defensenews.com


Could Britain stop Argentina from buying the JF-17 warplane?

Chris Lofting


Could Britain stop Argentina from buying the JF-17 warplane?

By Usman Ansari
 
Sep 28, 08:40 PM

A Pakistani JF-17 Thunder performs during a celebration in Islamabad on Sept. 6, 2015. (Aamir Qureshi/AFP via Getty Images)

ISLAMABAD — Argentina insists reports the country is buying the JF-17 Thunder warplane are premature, but analysts believe it could still succeed where other fighter types failed — mostly as a result of British pressure.

Speculation arose after media reports highlighted a request in Argentina’s fiscal 2022 draft budget for $664 million to purchase 12 JF-17s from Pakistan.

However, Argentina’s embassy in Islamabad told Defense News that “no final decision has been made, as there are five alternatives currently being assessed.” When asked to identify those contenders, the embassy responded: “We don’t have any information on those alternatives.”

Andrei Serbin Pont, the director of Argentinean think tank CRIES and a former adviser at the country’s Strategic Affairs Secretariat, said there’s been a history of such speculation. Argentina has previously “included funds for acquisition of aircraft in the budget, but the aircraft were not acquired. This occurred with Mirage F-1Ms and with Kfirs (canceled last minute in 2015),” he explained.

He believes the JF-17 is an attractive choice for Argentina because the aircraft is “out of reach of possible U.K. vetoing of parts, and at the same time it is the only new aircraft within the budgetary restraints of the Argentine Air Force.”

The U.K. previously pressured suppliers to cancel deals with Argentina, or sabotaged them by embargoing critical British components. Britain has effectively maintained an arms embargo on Argentina since the 1982 Falklands War.

Over the past decade, the country pressured Spain to scrap a deal to supply surplus Mirage F1M fighters, and a deal for Kfir jets from Israel appears to have failed due to a combination of British pressure and American control of the aircraft’s J79 engines.

Britain also effectively vetoed the sale to Argentina of Brazilian license-built Swedish Saab Gripen and Korea Aerospace Industries FA-50 aircraft. And the U.K. stopped the return to Argentinian service of ex-French Super Etendard Modernisé strike aircraft by refusing to provide export clearance for British components.

However, the JF-17 can operate with solely Chinese subsystems, effectively making it immune from British pressure.

Still, Serbin Pont said, “the United States is making a push offering used F-16s, and another alternative being put on the table are modernized F/A-18s.”

“Although Mirage and MiG aircraft are still under consideration, these are the least likely to be selected,” he added.

Brazil-based defense analyst Alex Galante believes while “the Argentine government has a preference for the JF-17,″ it might be “awaiting a better offer from the U.S. or Russia.”

Added aerospace expert Justin Bronk of the Royal United Services Institute: “After other options have been repeatedly blocked or fallen through on finance grounds, the [JF-17] aircraft increasingly looks like the best option available.” But at this stage, he added, “any replacement fighter would be a potentially transformative boon for the Fuerza Aérea Argentina [Air Force] after more than a decade of unsuccessful attempts to replace its Mirage III and V fleets.”

Britain’s diplomatic post in Pakistan did not respond to Defense News about how the European country might react to a JF-17 sale, but aerospace expert Douglas Barrie, at the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies, suspects Britain is closely watching the procurement effort because of the aircraft’s weapons package.

“While the JF-17/FC-1 as a platform has only modest combat aircraft characteristics, some of the Chinese air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles that are being or are already integrated on the aircraft are capable, notably the PL-10 short-range IIR AAM and the PL-12 active-radar-guided AAM,” Barrie said. “The medium-range C-802 anti-ship missile has also been seen on development aircraft.”

But Bronk pointed out that the JF-17 has “limited range while carrying such weapons, especially in the context of Argentina’s extensive land and maritime territory.”

“It also remains to be seen whether the Fuerza Aérea Argentina would be able to sustain a decent serviceability rate with the JF-17, if delivered, as recent decades have not been kind to the FAA in this regard.”

Argentina’s Air Force has struggled to replace aging aircraft and maintain offensive capabilities, having retired nearly all its front-line combat aircraft, save for some A-4AR Fightinghawk attack aircraft now supported by an even smaller number of IA-63 Pampa jet trainers.

The fourth-generation JF-17 is jointly developed and produced by China’s Chengdu Aerospace Corp. and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, the latter of which produces 58 percent of the airframe and undertakes final assembly. The latest Block III variant, in production for Pakistan and being offered to Argentina, features a range of improvements, including an active electronically scanned array radar, plus the choice of a Chinese WS-13 engine rather than the Russian RD-93 that powered the first two variants and those in Pakistani service.

Source defensenews.com


Wednesday 29 September 2021

Chinese "Global Hawk" debut! Similar performance, only one-tenth of the cost, can fly across intercontinental

sina.com.cn



2021-09-28 10:46

Chinese "Global Hawk" debut! Similar performance, only one-tenth of the cost, can fly across intercontinental

Recently, a peculiarly shaped large-scale UAV system debuted at the Zhuhai Air Show. This new weapon system, called the Rainbow-6 high-altitude long-endurance UAV, was developed by the 11th Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. Aiming at the world's large-scale high-end military dual-purpose UAV market, the institute independently researches and develops a new type of high-altitude, high-speed, long-endurance, and multi-passage UAV.


According to foreign media reports, the Rainbow-6 UAV system is a cutting-edge product specially developed for the foreign large-scale military UAV market. Due to the thin air in the flying environment of high-altitude long-endurance UAVs, the flight Reynolds number is low, and when cruising The required lift coefficient is large, so the Rainbow-6 UAV adopts a conventional aerodynamic layout with a small sweep angle with a wingspan of 20 meters, a large aspect ratio main wing and a T-shaped tail. This structure is similar to the Rainbow-T4 The aerodynamic layout of the solar-powered long-endurance UAV is similar, and the wingtip of the Rainbow-6 UAV is equipped with winglets, which can greatly improve the flight range and endurance of the aircraft.


It is understood that at present, the military model of the Rainbow-6 UAV system can be divided into long-range reconnaissance and attack models through the replacement of payloads and aircraft modular components. The long-range reconnaissance model can reach more than 20 hours in flight time, and the flight distance With an intercontinental range of up to 11,000 kilometers or carrying 2 tons of ammunition, it is already close to the US "Global Hawk" strategic reconnaissance drone. However, the cost of the Rainbow 6 UAV is estimated to be only one-tenth of the "Global Hawk" strategic reconnaissance UAV, which is extremely cost-effective.


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Tuesday 28 September 2021

Russian helicopter was able to escape the shelling of Turkish air defense systems in Syria

Oleg Podkladov


Российский вертолет смог уйти от обстрела турецким ЗРК в Сирии

Yesterday, 13:02


According to Syrian sources, a Turkish portable anti-aircraft missile system was fired at a Russian helicopter flying over the M4 highway near the city of Tell Tamer. An attempt was made to fire at the Russian rotorcraft from the Turkish side, whose troops are currently conducting Operation Peace Spring in Syria.


According to the Arab TV channel "Al-Hadas" and the Kurdish resource ANHA, the Russian helicopter fired heat traps and escaped the shelling.

In connection with the actions of the Turks in Syria, the head of the Syrian Foreign Ministry, Faisal Mikdad, announced the need to withdraw Turkish troops from the northern regions of the country. According to the minister, Turkey is seriously destabilizing the situation in the SAR by providing assistance to illegal terrorist groups. In particular, because of Ankara's actions, tensions are escalating in Idlib.

Earlier, Recep Erdogan ordered to send additional combat units to the north-west of Syria.In particular, photos of a large Turkish convoy consisting of tanks and self-propelled guns going through the Kafr Lusin checkpoint appear on social networks. Military equipmentis intended to strengthen the Turkish presence in Idlib.

Such actions by Turkey are seriously aggravating the situation in the Arab Republic on the eve of the Sochi meeting with Vladimir Putin, scheduled for September 29. According to the Daily Sabah, one of the main topics of the negotiations may be the violation of the armistice agreement signed by Moscow and Ankara in March 2020.

Used photographs: Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation



Ka-52 Alligator: Details

Monday 27 September 2021

FC-31 stealth fighter, GJ-11 stealth attack drone that belong to China's "20" aircraft family on display at Airshow

Sunson Guo


FC-31 stealth fighter, GJ-11 stealth attack drone that belong to China's "20" aircraft family on display at Airshow - Global Times

By GT Staff reporters in Zhuhai

Published: Sep 26, 2021 11:40 PM Updated: Sep 26, 2021 11:46 PM
   
A model of a J-20 stealth fighter jet is on display at the exhibition stand of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), as the China Airshow 2021 in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province, opened to media on Sunday. Models of other AVIC aircrafts of "20 family" including GJ-11 drone, Y-20 transport plane, FC-31 stealth fighter jet and Z-20 helicopter are also on display. Photo: Yang Sheng/GT


 After a year's postponement due to COVID-19, the long-awaited Airshow China in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province will display some of the country's latest weaponry and equipment not only in the air, but also on land and sea. A particular highlight will be dazzling flight performances by the most advanced fighter jet of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force, the J-20, the Global Times learned on Sunday in a visit to the exhibition shortly prior to its planned opening on Tuesday.

A number of advanced aircraft in service with the PLA, such as the J-16D electronic warfare aircraft, WZ-7 high-altitude drone and WZ-8 high-altitude, high-speed drone, are on static display in the outdoor exhibition area for the first time.

Some of the aircraft are still partly covered up to be revealed only on opening day. 

All of the aircraft in the outdoor exhibition area are the real thing.

In the exhibition hall of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), scale models of the "20" aircraft family, namely the J-20 stealth fighter jet, the Y-20 large transport aircraft and the Z-20 utility helicopter, are displayed on a giant rotary table in the center, together with the model of a GJ-11 stealth armed reconnaissance drone.

A model of the FC-31, China's second stealth fighter jet, which is placed near an entrance to the hall attracted attention from many media outlets.

Even if they do not have "20" in their names, the GJ-11 and the FC-31 are both key members of the "20" aircraft family, Zhou Guoqiang, general manager assistant at AVIC, told a group of reporters on Sunday.

A J-20 conducted a rehearsal flight at the air show site on Saturday, but that cannot represent the real performance on the upcoming opening ceremony on Tuesday, Zhou said. "I can tell you for a fact that the performance that day will be much more spectacular."

Military observers expect the J-20 to make more daring and challenging moves compared with its previous flights and further display its outstanding maneuverability, particularly when it has reportedly switched to domestically developed engines from imported Russian ones.

A new iteration of the WS-10 Taihang Turbofan engine is on display at the booth of Aero Engine Corporation of China.

Apart from aircraft, China's state-owned arms firms also brought their wares, including group force and maritime weapons and vehicles including main battle tanks, armor vehicles, artilleries, long-range rocket launchers, missiles and unmanned maritime combat vehicles.

In the exhibition hall of China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (NORINCO) and China South Industries Group, hundreds of items that cover mobile assaults, fire assaults, unmanned systems, all-terrain mobile synthetic battalion system, individual combat equipment, wheeled fire attack equipment, terminal defense combat system, precision ammunition and civilian firearms have been displayed.

The China-made QBZ-191 automatic rifle will make its debut at the airshow. The rifle was first revealed to the public in the military parade in Beijing to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in 2019. 

Over 30 types of ground equipment, such as the combat tank VT4, the lightweight VT5 and the 8x8 armored tank VN1 will perform a variety of tactical operations including slope climbing, water obstacles crossing and snake-like maneuvers.

Li Heng, spokesperson of the NORINCO exhibition hall, told media that the VT4 and VT5 tanks are star products in the international market, and the VN-16 is the most advanced amphibious armored vehicle in the world. The VN-16's running speed in the water can reach 25 kilometers per hour and it can run safely in the sea state 4 condition and conduct accurate strike in the sea state 3 condition. 

Companies including China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited also put maritime weaponry and equipment on display, including the JARI-USV, a made-for-export ship drone with modularized and integrated designs.

The ship drone only has a length of 15 meters and a displacement of 20 tons, but it is capable of conducting air defense, anti-ship and anti-submarine missions thanks to a phased array radar system, vertical-launched missiles and torpedoes, China Central Television said in an earlier report.

China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation will reveal the HT-1E ship-borne universal vertical launching system capable of launching four missiles from a single launch unit.

China First Heavy Industries will exhibit a type of single barrel 76mm deck gun designed for small surface vessels.

Models of China's main battle vessels, including aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates and submarines are also on display.

By offering all types of weaponry and equipment, Airshow China has become a world-class, comprehensive defense exhibition, analysts said.

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Chengdu J-20: Details
Xian Y-20 Heavy Military Transport: Details
Z-20 Medium-Lift Utility Helicopter: Details

Saturday 25 September 2021

Successful C-130 Test Flight Moves EVS System Closer to Military and Firefighting Applications

U.S. Air Force / Yasuo Osakabe


Successful C-130 Test Flight Moves EVS System Closer to Military and Firefighting Applications

  • Collins' EVS-3600 successfully demonstrated on a C-130J aircraft
  • Technology allows pilots to "see-through" poor visibility conditions better than the human eye


Collins Aerospace successfully completed a test flight proving the effectiveness of its Enhanced Vision System (EVS) on a C130J aircraft. EVS has, for many years, increased situational awareness on commercial and business aircraft. This latest milestone brings Collins closer to providing the same benefits to military customers across the globe.

Collins’ EVS-3600 uses multiple wave-length cameras to “see-through” poor visibility conditions better than the human eye. The images are shown on head-up displays, allowing pilots to better identify the runway environment in all weather conditions including fog, haze, snow, smoke, dust, blowing sand and low illumination nighttime operations This technology is particularly beneficial for C-130 aircraft given its need in remote areas, its widespread use during natural disasters — such as wildfires — humanitarian relief efforts across the globe and search and rescue efforts.

“The feedback we received from the crew following the test flight confirms what we’ve known for quite some time — this technology can help save lives by improving threat detection while increasing safety margins and mission success rates for our militaries,” said Dave Schreck, vice president and general manager for Military Avionics and Helicopters at Collins Aerospace. “We’re particularly interested in seeing how this technology can assist firefighting crews. Not only will it help them to navigate through heavy smoke and pinpoint hotspots while using C-130s to help stop wildfires, but they can also land and refuel closer to the fires to increase the efficiency of their efforts.

In military operations, the EVS can also assist with:
  • safer low profile terrain flying in low visibility conditions
  • easier visual confirmation of Drop Zone markings
  • fewer mission cancelations due to adverse weather conditions
  • use of heat signatures to make search and rescue operations easier and more efficient
In addition, Collins’ EVS system is among the few solutions available that doesn’t need a dedicated cooling system and remains the most compact system certified for Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) Approach and EFVS Landing lower operating minima.

Collins is currently working with Air Mobility Command on a longer, more comprehensive test of the EVS System and is on track to complete the prototype aircraft installation and airworthiness approval in 2023. The upgrade package is expected to be immediately available to the C-130J community thereafter.

Source: Collins Aerospace
Date: Sep 22, 2021

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Friday 24 September 2021

Argentina denies it has purchased JF-17 from Pakistan

Ahmed Hader


Argentina denies it has purchased JF-17 from Pakistan

on 22nd September 2021    

Valius Venckunas


The Argentine Defense Ministry published a statement denying previous claims that the country has selected the JF-17 as its next fighter jet.

The statement most likely came as a reaction to numerous reports claiming that Argentina was about to purchase the fighter jet from Pakistan.

“The Defense Ministry informs that, by means of Public Credit Operations Authorization note, it has requested the inclusion of the authorization to manage a credit of up to USD 664 million for the acquisition of multipurpose fighter aircraft for the surveillance and control of airspace into the 2022 budget,” the statement reads.

“Likewise, the Ministry clarifies that it has not issued a decision to purchase a supersonic aircraft of any origin and is in the stage of technical-economic and financial evaluation of five alternatives,” the statement adds.

It highlights the fact that the sum of $664 million has not been allocated to the purchase of the plane, as the media claimed following the publication of the draft budget. The government requested a public credit for the sum, and it is yet to be allocated. 

The statement mentions that the Defense Ministry has not yet selected a particular aircraft. It does not explain why the JF-17 has been mentioned in the budget draft.

Previous reports suggest that Argentina is evaluating fighter jets manufactured in the United States, Russia and India. However, the exact models that are among the “five alternatives” mentioned in the statement are unclear.

For decades following the Falklands War, Argentina struggled to modernize its Air Force, with numerous negotiations for fighter jet purchases being stalled or stopped due to British interference. 


Thursday 23 September 2021

Two Russian Tu-160 strategic bombers perform flight over Baltic Sea

Ruslan Denisov


Two Russian Tu-160 strategic bombers perform flight over Baltic Sea - News - Russian Aviation - RUAVIATION.COM

Russian Aviaton » Tuesday September 21, 2021 23:50 MSK

© Russian Ministry of Defence

 Two Tupolev Tu-160 strategic missile-carrying bombers performed a scheduled flight over the neutral waters of the Baltic Sea escorted by Su-35S and Su-27 fighters, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on Tuesday.

"Two Tu-160 strategic missile-carrying bombers of long-range aviation performed a scheduled flight in the airspace over the neutral waters of the Baltic Sea. The crews of Su-35S fighters of the Western Military District’s Air Force and Air Defense Army and Su-27 planes of the Baltic Fleet’s naval aviation provided fighter support," the statement says.

At some stages of the route, the Russian strategic bombers "were escorted by F-16 fighters of the Italian and Danish Air Forces, F-18 jets of the Finnish Air Force, Saab JAS 39 Gripen aircraft of the Swedish Air Force and other foreign planes," the ministry said.

The crews of Russian long-range aircraft regularly perform flights over the neutral waters of the Arctic, the Northern Atlantic, the Black and Baltic Seas and the Pacific, it said.


Monday 20 September 2021

JF-17A defeated MiG-35 in a passionate 'Argentine tango'

JaffaPix



By Boyko Nikolov on September 19, 2021

BUENOS AIRES, ($1=98.29 Argentine Pesos) – A budget of $ 664 million was presented to the Argentine Congress on September 17 for the purchase of 12 Pakistani JF-17A Block III fighters, BulgarianMilitary.com has learned, citing local sources. This decision of the Argentine authorities continues to “dig the grave” of the Russian MiG-35 fighter.


Moscow had high hopes that Buenos Aires would acquire Russian fighter jets. At least that has been the signal for the last few months. However, it turns out that the price offered by Islamabad for “Pakistani thunder” is much better than the Russian one.

The MiG-35 went into series production in 2019. So far, eight fighters have been produced – six tests and two serial. Russia is the first country to place an order from Mikoyan’s design bureau. Russia has ordered a total of 37 units.

Photo credit: Wikipedia

Argentina’s decision is not good for Russia at all. This is another country that has given up on acquiring the MiG-35 or has not yet made a decision. Other such countries are Egypt, India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Peru, and Myanmar. The Russian media describe the Argentine decision as a step backward in the development of the MiG-35 and do not see how its predicted bright future will come true. It even finds itself in a situation where, if Indonesia or Myanmar make an order, it will hurt the brand.

How did the JF-17A Block III win the battle for the Argentine sky in front of the MiG-35?

The common perception and opinion currently circulated among Argentine journalists is the low price of the Pakistani fighter. $664 million for 12 fighters is a really good deal.

The JF-17A Block III is a truly brand new fighter. Its test flights took place last year. Although the JF-17A Block III does not boast high maneuverability compared to its Russian competitor, the fighter is not to be underestimated. This is evidenced by the fact that, unlike the MiG-35, JF-17A Block III already operates in Pakistan, Nigeria, Myanmar, and Argentina. There are inquiries from Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Bolivia, and at least a dozen other countries.

Photo credit: Twitter

Buenos Aires’ decision to acquire Pakistan’s JF-17A Block III is a political one. Argentina and Pakistan share the same values ​​for the right to self-determination, which are discussed annually in the UN General Assembly.

Pakistan voted in favor of the UN Resolution, which states that “the continued existence of colonialism is incompatible with the idea of universal peace upheld by the United Nations”, which is relevant to the issue of the Falkland Islands / Malvinas. The President of the Pakistani Senate said of the relationship that “Pakistan and Argentina have very close cooperation in various fields and unanimous views on international issues.”

What JF-17 could change for the Pakistanis?

It may sound strange, but the JF-17 has the full potential to compete with the US F-16 fighter, with the potential to outrun it.

The advantage may come from the AESA radar, which was built up of small transceivers and will allow about 80% enemy jamming. The fact that the JF-17 has a new electronic warfare system and upgraded avionics including a three-axis fly-by-wire digital flight control system should not be underestimated

In their fight with India for supremacy over the regional sky, this may prove to be a factor that aligns forces and puts the Pakistani Air Force on an equal footing with the Indian Air Force. But it should be noted that a possible Pakistan advantage would be above the Russian MiG-29s of the Indian Air Force.

Last but not least, the economic stability of the country will be important. The continued production of fighter jets by Pakistan and, accordingly, the new Block 3 model will at least keep jobs, with a tendency to even increase them. Economically speaking, this is the only plus for the standard of living in the country.

In this regard, the implementation plans of the Pakistani Ministry of Defense are impressive – Pakistan needs to have 50 JF-17 fighter jets by 2024, with the first units deployed as early as 2020.

That is why the development of the JF-17 is very important for Pakistan. This aircraft can not avoid the danger of being overthrown by the Russian S-400 system, but it can fully protect the Pakistani sky, even if it can afford to claim equal rights with the Indian Air Force.

What JF-17 fighter jet really is?

Generally, these types of Pakistani planes are light and single-engine, which is to some extent an advantage in managing and performing complex air maneuvers. Its capabilities are exactly the same as those of most fighter jets in the world – they intercept planes, strike air-to-ground and air-to-air.

Photo credit: AP

This also answers the next question – what weapons are integrated into the fighter. The JF-17 has various ammunition, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, 23 mm twin-barrel autocannon and more.

Depending on the purpose, this type of aircraft can be equipped with two types of engines – one is the Chinese Guizhou WS-13, the other is the Russian Klimov RD-93, which also drives the famous MiG-29 fighter. Whichever is the choice of the two engines, they are capable of providing the JF-17 with a speed of up to 1.8 Mach.

According to information from the Pakistani Defense Ministry, the latest JF-17 Block 3 model has a better multifunction display, a built-in pilot helmet display, AESA radar integrated with the aircraft’s infrared target map, a new engine that will allow the JF-17 to reach a maximum speed of 2.0 Mach and more.

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Air Force mulls GPS-guided ship-killing bomb for future conflicts against major powers opponents like China

Neil Bates


Air Force mulls GPS-guided ship-killing bomb for future conflicts against major powers opponents like China | Military Aerospace

Sept. 20, 2021

Developmental GPS-guided ship-killing bomb could target the top of an enemy surface warship, the waterline, or just below the surface of the water.


EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – As the military shifts its attention to competing against the world's major navies, the Air Force is working on a new weapon: a ship-killing GPS-guided bomb. Business Insider reports. Continue reading original article

The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:

20 Sept. 2021 -- On August 26, the Air Force Research Laboratory tested the ability to use modified 2,000-pound GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munitions, or JDAMs, on stationary and moving targets on the water.

Three F-15E Strike Eagle fighters from the Eglin Air Force Base, Florida-based 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, armed with dummy versions of the bomb, tried out a slew of different ways of using it, looking to prove it would work.

The development of the GPS-guided weapon comes at a time when the military is largely moving away from the last two decades of fighting land-based militant groups in the Middle East and toward preparing for potential conflicts against major powers.

John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics