Monday 28 February 2022

EAB lands multimillion-dollar contracts with Lockheed Martin

Steve Cooke


EAB lands multimillion-dollar contracts with Lockheed Martin | eKathimerini.com

27.02.2022 • 21:08
  
The Hellenic Aerospace Industry (EAB) said on Friday it had signed two contracts worth 118.6 million euros with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics for the joint production of F-16 fighter jets for Lockheed Martin clients.

The two parties also signed a contract for the upgrading of the Hellenic Air Force’s F-16s to Viper level, budgeted at $97.5 million.

That means EAB has undertaken Lockheed Martin projects worth a total of $233.9 million.

EAB said these projects show the confidence Lockheed Martin has in it regarding its quality and reliability, and put the local aerospace industry competitive on a global level.


Sunday 27 February 2022

Rocket "Dagger" tested in Syria

Gleb Borzyakov-AviMedia


Ракету «Кинжал» испытали в Сирии — Naked Science

February 19
Ilya Vedmedenko


The Russian aviation missile system 9-A-7660 "Dagger" was tested in the Syrian Arab Republic. Earlier it became known that Tu-22M3 long-range bombers equipped with Kh-32 cruise missiles arrived there.

MiG-31K / ©TASS

Russian aircraft launched Kinzhals in Syria, Izvestia reported . A new separate regiment of MiG-31K, equipped with "Daggers", was raised for exercises over the Mediterranean Sea.

In addition to the MiGs, the anti-submarine Il-38, as well as Su-30SM and Su-35 fighters, were in the sky. The planes refueled in the air.

The exercises are aimed at working out the actions of the forces of the Navy and the Aerospace Forces to protect Russia's national interests in the oceans.

MiG-31K with "Dagger" flew over the Mediterranean Sea / ©iz

9-A-7660 "Dagger" - a new aviation missile system, which is sometimes positioned as "hypersonic". Its missile can hit both stationary targets and surface ships, including destroyers, cruisers and aircraft carriers.

The maximum rocket speed is estimated at M=10-12. The mass of the warhead is approximately 500 kilograms. According to a RIA Novosti source in the military-industrial complex, the Kinzhal has a range of about 1,500 kilometers.

The only carrier of the missile is the MiG-31 fighter-interceptor, upgraded to the MiG-31K version. According to some information, after the modernization, the aircraft loses the ability to use standard types of weapons for other versions of the MiG-31: the ventral launchers for the R-33/R-37 missiles are dismantled.

In the future, the Tu-22M3 long-range bomber, as well as, possibly, other combat aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces, may receive a new missile.

Recall that recently the Ministry of Defense showed a photo in which you can see the Tu-22M3 deployed in Syria, armed with the winged X-32. The rocket was created as a replacement for the Soviet Kh-22. Despite the external similarity, the novelty has more opportunities.

Tu-22M3 with Kh-32 cruise missile / ©bmpd

According to information from open sources, the Kh-32 is capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 1,000 kilometers. The flight speed is from four to 5.4 thousand kilometers per hour. The Kh-32 was equipped with increased capabilities to break through American missile defenses. The multi-frequency radar in the homing head was made resistant to interference from electronic warfare systems. In the final section, the missile attacks the target in a steep dive.

Earlier it became known that Russia is developing a new long-range cruise missile Kh-BD. Among the carriers were called , among other things, the strategic bomber Tu-160 of the new construction. The first such machine was lifted into the sky on January 12.


Mikoyan MiG-31: Details
Tupolev Tu-22M/22M3/22M3M: Details

Thursday 24 February 2022

Asian press: Pakistani JF-17 fighters won the Qatar Air Force Rafale during a training battle in 2021

Mark Rourke


Азиатская пресса: Пакистанские истребители JF-17 в ходе учебного боя в 2021 году выиграли у Rafale ВВС Катара

Photos used: Pakistan Aeronautical Complex website


The Chinese-designed JF-17 light fighter has been in production at Pakistan's production facilities for many years. This is a local adaptation of the FC-1 aircraft, which was created in China and, according to some observers, is rooted in the Soviet MiG-21.


As indicated in the Defense Security Asia publication, citing anonymous sources, during the Anatolian Eagle combat aviation maneuvers held in Turkey in July 2021, a training battle took place between the JF-17 Block 3 and the Rafale of the Qatari Air Force. According to the results of the air "battle", Pakistani aircraft allegedly won with a score of 6: 2, "showing themselves well."

As noted, the exercises were held at the Konya airbase with the participation, in addition to the designated countries, of Turkey, which fielded F-16s and E-3A AWACS aircraft, and Azerbaijan, which arrived with MiG-29 fighters and Su-25 attack aircraft.

The aerial exercise provided the Pakistani Air Force with an opportunity to test the true capabilities of the JF-17. Islamabad wanted to find out the strengths and weaknesses of the machine by sending a fighter jet into a training battle with the Qatari Air Force Rafale

- noted in the Asian press.

As explained, India has recently also operated French fighters, which has given practical importance to simulated combat. In addition, the JF-17 took part in a "sparring" with the MiG-29 of the Azerbaijani Air Force, but the results of this "battle" were not disclosed.


UAE interested in acquiring 12 Chinese L-15 advanced trainers.

js7tv.cn



Por GASTÓN DUBOIS
23/02/2022


The Ministry of Defense of the United Arab Emirates announced that it intends to contract the Chinese company CATIC for the purchase of 12 L-15 trainer aircraft, with the option of adding 36 aircraft of the same model in the future.

The information was released by Emirates, the state news agency.

The L-15 participated in the static display and demonstrated its great agility in the aerobatic display during the Dubai Air Show 2021.

H.E. Tariq Abdul Rahim Al Hosani, CEO of the Tawazun Economic Council, said that this agreement is in line with the policy of diversification of armament sources and the continuous modernization of formations and units of the Air Force and the Armed Forces in general.

The Tawazun Economic Council is currently the body in charge of managing procurement and contracts for the Armed Forces and Abu Dhabi Police.

Al Hosani said, «We have reached the final stages of negotiations with the Chinese side and a final agreement will be concluded soon. He emphasized that diversity is one of the characteristics of the UAE armed forces to obtain the best capabilities to suit their needs and achieve their strategic objectives. He also expressed his confidence in CATIC, which possesses state-of-the-art technology with global competitive advantages».

Diversification that makes the U.S. uncomfortable
It is true that the UAE Armed Forces have a history of diversification of their armament sources, such as the American F-16 Block 60, the 2009 Mirage and the recent mega purchase of 80 French Rafale, or the Russian Pantsir anti-aircraft systems.

But in recent times a new technology supplier has been incorporated, whose growing presence in the Emirates disturbs the, until now, excellent relations with the USA.

In fact, the Emirati pretensions to acquire the deterrent Lockheed Martin F-35 collided with the firm American demand to eliminate the 5G digital telephone network provided by the Chinese company Huawei, due to the suspicion that these means could be used for espionage and that the security of the F-35’s data could be breached.


Negotiations for this potential $23 billion contract (F-35+MQ-9B+armament) appear to have been put on ice, and no doubt the chances of seeing the F-35A flying under UAE colors will become much slimmer, should the purchase of the L-15 trainers be finalized.

Hongdu L-15: Details

Thailand acquires eight AH-6 reconnaissance and light attack helicopters

Bill Carey


Thailand acquires eight AH-6 reconnaissance and light attack helicopters

Por GASTÓN DUBOIS
23/02/2022


Boeing has received a $103.7 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense as part of a foreign military sale (FMS) of eight AH-6 reconnaissance and light attack helicopters to Thailand.

As reported in Boeing’s press release, the contract also includes spare parts, training devices, support equipment and technical publications for the Royal Thai Army.

The deal paves the way for the Royal Thai Army to replace its fleet of aging AH-1F Cobras as part of the country’s defense modernization efforts. The aircraft will be produced in Mesa, Arizona, with deliveries planned through 2024.

“We welcome Thailand’s selection of Boeing’s AH-6 light attack reconnaissance helicopter and look forward to working with the U.S. and Thai governments as part of the foreign military sale process,” said Jessie Farrington, business development director of Attack Helicopter Programs. “From its unmatched power-to-weight ratio to its extensive, integrated digital communications suite, the AH-6 offers superior performance, capability and versatility and will be a force-multiplier for the Royal Thai Army.»

Thailand is Boeing’s second international customer for the aircraft. Boeing has a long and proven track record of being a trusted partner to Thailand’s aviation and defense customers for more than 60 years.

A beneficiary of ongoing AH-64 Apache modernization efforts, the AH-6 features an advanced mission computer capable of processing large amounts of data and sharing system information with the rest of the aircraft quickly — enhancing safety and situational awareness, enabling faster decision making, reducing pilot workload and decreasing support costs throughout the aircraft’s life cycle.


Wednesday 23 February 2022

Sikorsky Secures Contract To Build CH-53K™ Helicopters For Israel

Media - Lockheed Martin - Releases


STRATFORD, Conn., Feb. 15, 2022 – Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) will produce 12 CH-53K heavy lift helicopters for Israel under a U.S. Navy Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement.

This production announcement is for the first four of 12 aircraft for Israel and is on the heels of a contract to produce nine more aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps. The signed letter of offer and acceptance (LOA) between the U.S. Government and Israel states first deliveries of the baseline aircraft are planned for 2025.

The CH-53K helicopters will replace the Israeli Air Force (IAF) fleet of modified CH-53D Yasur helicopters, which have been in Israel’s inventory for over 50 years. The all-new CH-53K delivers modern state-of-the-art capabilities that result in improved survivability, safety, and reduced aircrew workload over its predecessor, making it the perfect fit for the demanding IAF mission. Also, with a reduction in support equipment footprint compared to the legacy fleet, the CH-53K will mean reduced operating costs.

“We are  building on decades of experience and partnership in supporting the CH-53E for the Marine Corps and the CH53D for the IAF. Sikorsky has a deep understanding of the world-wide heavy lift mission enabling our team and proven supply chain to offer tailored solutions resulting in more efficient missions , “ said Paul Lemmo, president, Sikorsky. “We are committed to provide training and sustainment support to ensure a smooth entry into service for the IAF.”

The aircraft will be manufactured at Sikorsky headquarters in Stratford, Connecticut, leveraging the company’s digital build and advanced technology production processes.

For additional information, visit our website: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/ch53k.


Sunday 20 February 2022

Bangladesh Sizes Up Typhoons for Fighter Requirement

Lee Wilson



by Jon Lake - February 10, 2022, 8:00 PM

Italy is the nominated lead partner nation for the Typhoon campaign in Bangladesh, although the UK has also signaled its strong support for the bid. (Photo: Eurofighter/Giovanni Colla)

Bangladesh has a requirement for 16 new multirole combat aircraft (MRCA) to augment and eventually replace its aging Chengdu F-7s and MiG-29s, and the nation wants to turn westward after decades of purchasing its fighter aircraft from Russia and China. The impetus for the shift came in 2015, with the appointment of a new Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Abu Esrar, who wanted to phase out the Bangladesh Air Force fleet of Russian and Chinese fighters and replace them with Western aircraft. Esrar evaluated the Eurofighter Typhoon at the 2016 Farnborough International Airshow and he reportedly “fell in love with it.” Esrar’s successor, Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat, appears equally enthusiastic, though a planned evaluation with Leonardo fell victim to the Covid pandemic.

Bangladesh’s Directorate General Defence Purchase (DGDP) launched a tender in 2017 for the purchase of eight fighters, plus options for an additional four, under the Forces Goal 2030 program. Later increased to 16 aircraft, the tender calls for a new-build, twin-engine fighter, with each engine producing at least 12,125 pounds of dry thrust and over 17,635 pounds with afterburner. The minimum payload will be five tonnes with at least eight weapons hardpoints. Additional stipulations call for the new fighter to come with active electronically-scanned array (AESA) radar with an air-to-air range of 93 miles and an air-to-surface range of 31 miles, an infrared search and track (IRST) system, and an integrated electronic warfare (IEW) and electronic countermeasures (ECM) suite.  

Bangladesh now fields a modest force of about 44 fighter aircraft, consisting of eight MiG-29s and MiG-29UBs assigned to No. 8 Squadron at Kurmitola (Bangabandhu airbase), the military enclave of Dhaka International Airport, and the survivors of 28 Chengdu F-7BGs and four FT-7BGs assigned to Nos. 5 and 35 Squadrons at the same location. Some 16 older F-7MB and eight FT-7MB aircraft have retired from service. Four of the MiG-29s were updated to MiG-29BM/UBM standards in Belarus between 2019 and 2020 and the remaining four are expected to follow, but they are no match for modern 4.5 generation fighters, while the F-7s are verging on obsolescence.

Under the 2009 Bangladesh Armed Forces Forces Goal 2030 modernization program, the Bangladesh Air Force received 16 Yak-130 advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft ordered in 2013, and planned to purchase eight Sukhoi Su-30SME aircraft in 2017. Relations with Moscow soured after it supported Myanmar over the Rohingya issue, however, and worsened after Russia agreed to sell the Yak-130 and Su-30 to Myanmar. Dhaka also did not like Moscow’s stipulation that it should buy MiG-35s along with the Su-30, and began seeking a new solution.

Accordingly, the Bangladesh Air Force asked the government to earmark around 25,200 Crore Taka ($3 billion) for 16 Western multi-role fighters with an advance of 6,300 Crore Taka for the financial year 2021-22. That will allow the Bangladesh Air Force to seek a complete package with aircraft, support, training, and a variety of weapons. It must also include the creation of a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in the country.

Quite apart from the difficulties experienced by Dhaka in reaching an agreement on the Su-30, senior Bangladeshi officers felt that the aircraft would not provide sufficient operational advantage or overmatch because the Su-30 remains the mainstay of regional rivals India and Myanmar. Since the Bangladesh Air Force is so much smaller than those of potential foes it needs to achieve a favorable exchange ratio to impose a sufficiently heavy cost to deter any aggression. Using the same aircraft type would make that harder to achieve.

Western fighters carry significant advantages over Russian and Chinese types, and the Saab Gripen and Lockheed Martin F-16 reportedly have been offered and considered, though Bangladesh now plans to acquire more capable twin-engined fighters. The Dassault Rafale (in service with the Indian Air Force, which could be a drawback) and the Eurofighter Typhoon stand as the aircraft under consideration.

Although Italy is the Eurofighter partner designated to market the aircraft in Bangladesh, it seems likely that the UK also would support any formal campaign. The report following the third Bangladesh-UK strategic dialogue in 2019 stated: “The UK further expressed its readiness to support Bangladesh with procurement of high-caliber multi-role combat aircraft alongside other modernization programs."

Many in the Dhaka defense establishment believe that the Eurofighter Typhoon could give Bangladesh the capability edge it needs and could provide the deterrent capability it has lacked since the country became independent in 1971. For the Bangladesh Air Force, operating the Typhoon would provide a useful route toward forging relationships with the four high-tech Eurofighter partner nations and their air forces, and could provide opportunities to operate and train with the four GCC air arms that also fly the Typhoon. 


Eurofighter Typhoon: Details

Saturday 19 February 2022

The US Department of State approved the delivery of 250 Abrams tanks in the M1A2 SEPv3 version to Poland

U.S. Marine Corps / MCIPAC Combat Camera Lance Cpl. Sean M. Evans


Американский Госдеп одобрил поставку Польше 250 танков Abrams в версии M1A2 SEPv3


Poland will soon be able to finally buy American tanks , the US State Department has approved the delivery of 250 Abrams tanks in the modern version of the M1A2 SEPv3 to Warsaw. This was announced by the Minister of Defense of the Republic Mariusz Blashak.


The head of the Polish military department made an entry on his Twitter page, in which he said that the US State Department had agreed to the sale of 250 Abrams tanks. As Blaszczak stressed, this is extremely important for strengthening the defense capability of Poland and is one of the most important contracts in its history .

Literally a month ago, a group of American congressmen called on the US administration to make a decision on the delivery of tanks to Poland as soon as possible, arguing this with the alleged "Russian threat." According to congressmen, Poland, with the help of American tanks, will not only ensure security on the right flank of NATO, but even cover Ukraine.

The fact that Poland intends to purchase 250 American M1A2 Abrams tanks became known in July last year. The deal itself drew a lot of criticism in Poland, but Blaszczak managed to push through the decision to buy Abrams, saying that the Polish army would receive "the most modern, battle-tested tanks" built specifically to counter the Russian Armata. The arguments of the Polish Minister of Defense were no different from the American ones, they featured the Russian threat and the possibility of neutralizing it, but only with the help of M1A2 Abrams tanks.

The Polish Ministry of Defense believes that American tanks will bring the Polish army to a new level. Critics of the deal ask several questions at once: why buy American tanks for huge money, for which there is no base, no spare parts, no developed logistics in Europe; why does the Polish army need a third type of tanks, if the T-72M1 / PT-91 tanks and the German Leopard 2 are already in service; and why place all American tanks next to Russia if they can be covered with the first blow.



M1A2 Abrams SEP v3: Details

Japan confirms details of F-15J upgrade program worth $5.6 billion

buffalo79


Japan confirms details of F-15J upgrade program worth $5.6 billion

By Mike Yeo
Feb 18, 02:00 AM

A Japanese F-15DJ aggressor aircraft takes off for a training mission from Hyakuri Airbase north of Japan's capital Tokyo in July 2019. (Photo by Mike Yeo/staff)

MELBOURNE, Australia – Japan has confirmed that it will put 68 license-built Mitsubishi F-15J Eagle interceptors through an upgrade that will improve its radar, electronic warfare, weapons carriage capacity and stand-off weapon capabilities.

A document released by the Japanese Ministry of Defense’s Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency, or ATLA, in early February also estimated that the total cost of the upgrade and sustainment of its F-15 fleet up to 2045 will cost 646.5 billion Japanese yen or $5.62 billion.

An MoD spokesman confirmed to Defense News that the 68 F-15s that will receive the upgrade will be single-seat F-15Js that have previously gone through the Multi-Stage Improvement Program.

However, the fate of 34 remaining post-MSIP Japan Air Self-Defense Force or JASDF F-15s, which are two-seat F-15DJs, is still up in the air with the MoD still “holding internal discussions,” the spokesman told Defense News.

The spokesman also confirmed that the Lockheed Martin AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile, or JASSM, would be integrated with the upgraded F-15s. Japanese media had previously reported that another weapon by the contractor, the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile, or LRASM, was dropped from the upgrade program due to cost concerns.

The remaining 99 Japanese F-15s that have not been put through the earlier MSIP program have been deemed unsuitable to be further upgraded and will be replaced over the coming years by the Lockheed-Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

Japan has plans to eventually operate 157 F-35s split among 105 F-35A conventional take-off and landing variants and 42 F-35B short-take off and vertical landing aircraft.

The ATLA document emphasized that the upgrade program will be done in-country, although elements will still be procured though the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program.

This FMS portion almost certainly refers to equipment listed in an October 2019 State Department approval for the Japanese F-15 upgrade, which had said the program could see “up to 98″ aircraft upgraded.

Systems listed in the approval include the Raytheon AN/APG-82(V)1 active electronically scanned array radar, BAE Systems’ ALQ-239 Digital Electronic Warfare System (DEWS), new mission computers and radios.

Boeing has already been awarded a $471 million contract in late December 2021 for the design and development of an integrated suite of aircraft systems and the development, test, and delivery of four weapon system trainers for Japan’s F-15 upgrade under the FMS portion of the program.


Friday 18 February 2022

Flight "Dagger": hypersonic missiles replenished long-range aviation


Daniel Popov


Полет «Кинжала»: гиперзвуковые ракеты пополнили дальнюю авиацию | Статьи | Известия

The new regiment of MiG-31K missile carriers began to carry out combat training tasks

Anton Lavrov
Bogdan Stepovoy

Photo: Izvestia/Alexander Kazakov
 

The first air regiment equipped with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles was included in the long-range aviation. It was placed at the Savasleyka airfield in the Nizhny Novgorod region, sources in the Ministry of Defense told Izvestia. Until the end of 2022, the regiment is planned to be equipped with additional MiG-31K missile carriers. Experts note that the "Daggers" will be used to defeat the most important, best-protected targets, since the attack with these weapons cannot yet be repelled.

Distant regiment

A new separate regiment of MiG-31K, equipped with Kinzhal missiles, was deployed at the Savasleika airfield in the Nizhny Novgorod region and subordinated to the command of Long-Range Aviation, Defense Ministry sources told Izvestia. At the end of last year, a MiG-31K squadron from the 929th Main Flight Test Center was transferred to the unit. By the end of December, the new air regiment is planned to be replenished with several new missile carriers received from industry, the sources added.

In January 2022, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced the creation in Russia of the first separate regiment with MiG-31K aircraft equipped with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. Earlier, the minister said that the basis of the non-nuclear deterrence forces will be hypersonic complexes of various bases.

There have been reports of plans to deploy hypersonic Kinzhals in the Southern, Central and Western military districts, as well as in the Northern Fleet. The timing of their placement on combat duty will depend on the fulfillment of the state defense order and the training of carrier aircraft crews.

The new "dagger" aviation regiment has already begun combat training work. So, on Tuesday, February 15, MiG-31K planes landed in Syria. There they will take part in large-scale exercises in the Mediterranean. A united detachment of ocean-going ships from the Northern, Pacific and Black Sea Fleets of Russia, with the support of aviation, will work out the fight against ship groups of a mock enemy.

Rocket "Dagger"Photo: Izvestia/Alexey Maishev

For the first time, the Kinzhal complex was deployed abroad in June last year. Two MiG-31Ks flew to the Khmeimim airbase in Syria. From there, they, together with Tu-22M3 bombers, worked out the destruction of a mock enemy in the Mediterranean Sea.


In early February, eyewitnesses captured the first arrival of the MiG-31K with the "Dagger" and one of the air bases in the Kaliningrad region. The Ministry of Defense previously also reported on the testing of the complex in the Arctic.

At the Army-2021 exhibition in August last year, the Ministry of Defense signed a contract with the RAC MiG company for the repair and modernization of an unnamed number of MiG-31 aircraft into the carrier variant of the hypersonic Daggers.

For the first time, a regiment with fighters is included in the long-range aviation, the former commander of the 4th Air Force and Air Defense Army, Lieutenant General Valery Gorbenko, told Izvestia.

“MiGs with Kinzhals are designed to strike at strategically important targets,” he recalled. “They can escort long-range bombers and strike with them with Daggers. This makes it easier to plan joint actions. At the same time, MiGs will be able to cover bombers from enemy fighters. MiG-31 - supersonic, high-altitude machine. Probably, it was these motives that guided them, subordinating them to "strategists".

"Dagger" air-based

The presence of the Kinzhal complex in Russia was first mentioned by Vladimir Putin in March 2018. In the same year, it was announced that a squadron of 10 MiG-31K carrier aircraft had taken up experimental combat duty in the Southern Military District.

The complex consists of a specially upgraded MiG-31K interceptor aircraft and a 9-S-7760 missile. Its range of destruction reaches 2000 km. The speed of the ammunition created on the basis of the land-based Iskander-M in the final flight segment exceeds five speeds of sound. This allows it to be classified as hypersonic. Now it is the only aviation complex of this type in the world.

The MiG-31 fighter is used as the first stage of the rocket, lifting the 9-S-7760 into the stratosphere and accelerating to supersonic speed. The homing head allows you to hit both land and sea targets. Such a complex can be easily relocated to any airfield, which makes it a flexible non-strategic tool for responding to threats.

“The Kinzhal complex is a high-precision weapon that will be used in special cases, ” Honored Test Pilot, Hero of Russia, Colonel Igor Malikov told Izvestia. - The complex operates simply: the MiG-31 accelerates to the desired speed, after which it launches the "Dagger", then the missile goes alone. This fighter was chosen as a base for a hypersonic missile as an aircraft with good speed characteristics.The blow of the "Dagger" is impossible to reflect, which makes it an important type of weapon from a strategic point of view. For him, especially important targets will be chosen. Rockets are very accurate; this makes it possible to use them against objects in densely populated areas. A strike with such a missile will cause minimal damage to other buildings and structures, which will save the lives of ordinary people. For this reason, it is also suitable for fighting terrorists. In order for the "Daggers" to work on ships, they need an appropriate homing head.

The regiment "Daggers" is already a serious unit. It needs not only the MiG-31 and Kinzhal missiles, but also the corresponding infrastructure - maintenance systems, arsenals, warehouses with spare parts. Without all this it is impossible, added Igor Malikov.

Earlier, Izvestia reported that the infrastructure for the VKS units that will receive the Kinzhals is already being equipped. Arsenals for storage and sites for repair, maintenance and testing of hypersonic missiles are being prepared in several regions of Russia.

During the first year of trial operation of the Kinzhal complex, the military reported on more than 380 patrol flights over the Black and Caspian Seas of the experimental squadron. Subsequently, the defense department reported several launches of "Daggers" during major exercises. Aircraft on them acted jointly with the Su-57 and long-range bombers of strategic aviation.


Thailand purchase of F-35 stealth jets depends on U.S. government, says Lockheed Martin exec

BP Gross Photography


Thailand purchase of F-35 stealth jets depends on U.S. government, says Lockheed Martin exec | Reuters

By Gerry Doyle

Feb 16 (Reuters) - Thailand's interest in Lockheed Martin's (LMT.N) F-35 stealth fighters is genuine, but clearance to buy the jets is a matter for the U.S. government, a senior executive from the defence giant said on Wednesday.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Singapore Airshow, Tim Cahill, Lockheed Martin's senior vice president for Global Business, confirmed Thailand had expressed interest, but said there was "nothing official that I am aware of that has come relative to that."

In January, the Southeast Asian country's air force set aside about $413 million for procuring four of the jets. Earlier, Air Chief Marshal Napadej Dhupatemiya said Thailand would be interested in buying as many as eight F-35s. read more

"This will be a U.S. government policy decision," Cahill said. "I think there is some promise there, but I honestly don't know where the U.S. government will come down on that."

A U.S. State Department spokesperson said it does not confirm or comment on proposed defence transfers or sales until they have been formally notified to Congress.

The F-35, one of the world's most advanced fighter aircraft, is considered a highly sensitive export, sold only to the United States' closest allies. In the Indo-Pacific region, only Australia, Japan, South Korea and Singapore fly the jet.

Reporting by Gerry Doyle; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell and Alistair Bell