Sunday, 31 July 2022

Patrol ship "Sergey Kotov" joined the Black Sea Fleet

Sergey Kotov / photo by Andrey Brichevsky


Patrol ship "Sergey Kotov" joined the Black Sea Fleet | Army News | News | 07/30/2022

July 30, 2022, 15:45


Photo: TASS/Sergey Malgavko

The new patrol ship "Sergey Kotov" became part of the Black Sea Fleet, the press service of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation reported on Saturday, July 30.

“In the Novorossiysk Naval Base (NVMB) solemn events were held to admit a new patrol ship to the Black Sea Fleet,” the press service said.

The ship became part of the NVMB water area protection unit. Its crew will soon begin to work out special course tasks, after which the ship will begin to carry out planned combat training tasks.

The fact that the Black Sea Fleet will be replenished with this sea vessel became known back in November last year 

"Sergey Kotov" is the fourth serial ship of Project 22160. It is named after Rear Admiral, military sailor, participant in the Great Patriotic War, Hero of the Soviet Union Kotov. Built using a modular weapon concept. Can carry drones, underwater robots. If necessary, its armament can be strengthened by container systems.

The other three ships of project 22160 are Vasily Bykov, Dmitry Rogachev and Pavel Derzhavin. As military expert Dmitry Boltenkov said in an interview with Izvestia on November 18, 2021, the ships have proven themselves well. According to him, they are actively used not only in the Black Sea, but also in the Mediterranean Sea. They can effectively monitor single enemy ships or groupings in order, if necessary, to give target designations to the forces of the fleet or the Bal and Bastion coastal missile systems, he added.


Friday, 29 July 2022

Spain orders 20 more Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets

Ejército del Aire Ministerio de Defensa España


Spain orders 20 more Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets - Air Data News

Ricardo Meier

June 23, 2022

Spanish fleet of Eurofighters should reach 90 aircraft; delivery of the new batch is expected to start in 2026


The war between Russia and Ukraine that has been going on since February has prompted a series of negotiations for military equipment in NATO member countries, which fears an escalation of the conflict beyond Ukrainian territory. This is what the Spanish Air Force did, which announced this Thursday an order for 20 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets.

The agreement was made through the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency and includes 16 single-seat and four two-seat Typhoon fighter jets, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2026.

“This additional order reinforces Spain’s commitment not only towards the Eurofighter but also to its development and industrial environment. I would like to thank the customer for its firm position with respect to European defense at a time when it is needed most,” said Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defense and Space.

With the acquisition of the new fighter jets, the Spanish Air Force plans to replace the fleet of F/A-18A fighter jets based in the Canary Islands. The contract also includes the supply of engines for the Eurofighters, flight simulators and support services for the aircraft.

The new batch will see the Spanish fleet of Eurofighters grow to 90 active aircraft. The additional aircraft will be produced and tested at the Airbus plant in Getafe, Spain.

 

Eurofighter Typhoon (Airbus)


Partnership between UK, Germany, Spain and Italy

In service with European air forces since 2004, the Eurofighter Typhoon is the largest defense program on the continent, involving the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany and Italy.

The aircraft was developed by the consortium formed between Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo, and was later exported to other nations. In addition to the countries that financed the project, Typhoon was also acquired by Austria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.

With the new order from Spain, the Eurofighter program now reaches 681 aircraft orders, of which around 570 have already been delivered.


Eurofighter Typhoon: Details

Thursday, 28 July 2022

Embraer and BAE Systems to market C-390 to Saudi Arabia

Força Aérea Brasileira FAB Comando da Aeronáutica (Brazilian Air Force)


By Dave Allport  21st July 2022

BAE Systems and Embraer signed an initial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Farnborough International Airshow on July 19 to collaborate in Middle Eastern markets for the C-390, with an initial focus on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Jackson Schneider, President and CEO, Embraer Defense & Security, said: “The MoU for the C-390 Millennium draws on the collective strengths of two leading aerospace players, BAE Systems and Embraer. The aircraft brings a new concept to market, offering a versatile and multi-mission platform with very low operating costs and fast turnaround, which is an unbeatable combination.”

Ian Muldowney, Chief Operating Officer for BAE Systems Air sector, said: “This collaboration recognizes the capability of the C-390 Millennium aircraft combined with BAE Systems’ extensive knowledge and understanding of international markets including experience in standing up military capability and delivering industrialization through the support, maintenance, and training solutions for complex aircraft.”

A Brazilian Air Force KC-390 undertaking the type’s first mission to Antarctica on June 29, 2022. Embraer and BAE Systems are now to collaborate in marketing the type in the Middle East, with initial emphasis on Saudi Arabia. FAB/Sgt Müller Marin

Embraer noted that “the C-390 Millennium and its air-to-air refueling configuration, the KC-390, are the new generation of multi-role military transport aircraft already delivering unrivalled mobility and cargo capacity, rapid re-configurability, high availability, improved comfort, and flight safety, as well as reduced operational costs through its life cycle - all in a single platform.”

On the same day as the C-390 teaming was announced, the two companies also signed an MoU on eVTOL collaboration, under which the companies intend to create a joint venture that will bring together the complementary skills of Embraer and BAE Systems to pursue the potential development of a defence variant, with Eve being the platform provider.

Schneider said: “Teams from BAE Systems and Embraer will continue working together to explore how the aircraft, designed for the urban mobility market, can provide cost-effective, sustainable, and adaptable capability as a defence variant. Muldowney said: “Our customers’ operating environment is increasingly complex and eVTOL is just one example of how we’re looking at emerging technologies, including those from the commercial market. We are exploring how we can adapt these solutions to bring vital operational capability to our customers quickly and at a lower cost – whilst also supporting environmental and sustainability goals,”

In December 2021, BAE Systems and Embraer had first revealed plans to work together on the development of the Eve eVTOL aircraft as a potential defence variant. This latest announcement expands on that collaboration to harness the collective expertise of the two leading aerospace and defence organisations.



Embraer KC-390: Details

#brazil #saudiarabia #embraer #c390 #plane #cargoplane #jet

The State Department has approved a possible FMS to the Government of Japan of AIM-120C-7/8 (AMRAAMs) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $293 million

yabyanさん


Japan – AIM-120C-7/8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) | Defense Security Cooperation Agency

WASHINGTON, July 25, 2022 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan of AIM-120C-7/8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $293 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of Japan has requested to buy one hundred fifty (150) AIM-120C-7/C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs); and three (3) AIM-120 AMRAAM Guidance Sections. Also included are AIM-120 missile containers and control sections; weapon support and support equipment; classified software delivery and support; spare and repair parts, consumables, and accessories; classified publications and technical documentation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistical support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total program cost is $293 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Asia-Pacific region.

The proposed sale will improve Japan’s capability to meet current and future threats by defending the Japanese homeland and U.S. personnel stationed there. Japan already has AMRAAMs in its inventory and will have no difficulty absorbing these missiles into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Japan.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law. The description and dollar value is for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded. 

Japan to acquire long-range standoff missiles by 2022

Wednesday, 27 July 2022

Poland will replace Soviet MiG-29 fighters with South Korean FA-50s

Bernie C


Польша заменит советские истребители МиГ-29 южнокорейскими FA-50 – ОСН

Author: Anna Norkina

Photo: eurasiantimes.com

July 27, 2022, 12:15 - Public News Service - OSN

The Polish Air Force decided to replace Soviet MiG-29 fighters with South Korean FA-50s . This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense Mariusz Blashak.

“Yesterday we had a flight accident - the MiG-29 was forced to land due to technical problems. I will not allow Polish pilots to risk their lives using planes that are dangerous to them. In addition, these aircraft have a low combat value. Well, the third argument is that we do not have spare parts for these aircraft. We do not agree to supply parts for them from Russia, this is not even considered. In this regard, these aircraft should leave the service, ”he stressed.

The minister added that the MiG-29s will be replaced by South Korean FA-50 fighters. “The FA-50 aircraft, the first copies of which will be available to the Polish Air Force next year, will simply be replaced by these aircraft,” he explained.

As the Public News Service wrote earlier, Poland placed an order in South Korea for a thousand K2 tanks, over 600 K9 howitzers and three squadrons of FA-50 fighters. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic, Minister of National Defense Mariusz Blashak.

According to the minister, Polish troops will receive armored vehicles this year.


KAI T-50 and FA-50: Details

#poland #polandairforce #mig29 #fa50 #fighterjet

Textron Aviation Defense Beechcraft AT-6E Wolverine achieves Military Type Certification from the United States Air Force

U.S. Air Force Photo by Andrea Jenkins


Textron Aviation Defense Beechcraft AT-6E Wolverine achieves Military Type Certification from the United States Air Force | Business Wire

U.S. Air Force Photo by Andrea Jenkins

WICHITA, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Textron Aviation Defense today announced the Beechcraft AT-6E Wolverine has achieved Military Type Certification (MTC) from the United States Air Force, paving the way for continued global sales of the light attack aircraft. The AT-6E is a multi-mission aircraft system designed to meet a wide variety of warfighter and peacekeeper needs.

The Beechcraft AT-6E Wolverine is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Defense LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company. The MTC enables global sales of the aircraft through the U.S. government-sponsored foreign military sales program or the direct commercial sales process.

As a good steward of U.S. taxpayer resources, Textron Aviation Defense has manufactured an aircraft purpose-built for light attack, counter-insurgency and Countering Violent Extremist Organizations (C-VEO) mission capability featuring low risk, high performance and low cost. With unmatched tactical flexibility and aircrew protection, the Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine delivers a broad spectrum of operational advantages beyond its competitors.

“Achieving Military Type Certification for the AT-6E is the culmination of a multi-year process and a significant accomplishment for our team, opening the door for allies around the world to welcome the AT-6 into their fleets,” said Thomas Hammoor, president and CEO of Textron Aviation Defense LLC. “We are grateful to our employees throughout the organization for the work they have done to achieve this vital milestone, and we remain committed to equipping warfighters and peacekeepers worldwide with the most capable combat-rated integrated weapons system in this category – the Beechcraft AT-6E Wolverine.”

The AT-6 Wolverine’s speed, reliability, maneuvering, altitude and attack profile advantages have proven superior across a broad spectrum of competitions and operational exercises. The United States Air Force was the launch customer for the AT-6, awarding a contract in 2020 for two AT-6E Wolverines. The Royal Thai Air Force is the international launch customer, awarding a contract in 2021 for eight Beechcraft AT-6TH Wolverines. 


Light Attack Providers Get Second Shot with SOCOM

Tuesday, 26 July 2022

New multi-purpose corvette "Gremyashchiy" replenished the navy in Kamchatka

Alex Guikalov



Moscow. July 25th. INTERFAX.RU - The newest multi-purpose corvette of project 20385 "Gremyashchiy" with guided missile weapons arrived on Monday, on the eve of Navy Day, in Kamchatka, the press service of the Eastern Military District (VVO) reports.

"As part of the large-scale rearmament of the Russian army and navy, the new ship will replenish the formation of ships protecting the water area of ​​\u200b\u200btroops and forces in the northeast. The ship was built at the Severnaya Verf shipbuilding enterprise according to a project developed by the Almaz Design Bureau. It is the lead ship in project 20385, it differs from the predecessors of Project 20380 with enhanced strike capabilities and the presence of an air defense system.

According to the press service, the crew of the corvette was trained at the Joint Training Center of the Navy in St. Petersburg, received the ship at the shipyard, conducted a full cycle of mooring and sea trials, and passed coursework.

The new ship has a unique hull made using Stealth technology. It is equipped with the latest sonar stations, the Sigma combat information control system, electronic warfare equipment, an artillery mount, two anti-aircraft six-barreled automatic cannons, a ship-based firing system for Caliber, Onyx and Zircon missiles, and the Redut air defense system. The ship also has anti-submarine weapons and a Ka-27 helicopter.

The displacement of the "Thundering" is 1.8 thousand tons, length - 106 m, width - 13 m. Full speed - 27 knots, cruising range - 4 thousand miles, crew - 100 people.



Gremyashchy-class corvettes (Project 20385): Details

Monday, 25 July 2022

Third Successful Missile Live Fire Test for Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range

Iwan Davies


July 21, 2022

LOS ANGELES – July 21, 2022 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) successfully completed the third live fire test of its AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range (AARGM-ER). The U.S. Navy launched the missile from an F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft recently at the Point Mugu Sea Range off the coast of California. Utilizing its advanced emitter acquisition system, the missile detected a land-based threat and engaged the threat system.

Northrop Grumman’s Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range (AARGM-ER) is launched from a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet. (Photo credit U.S. Navy)

“The Navy requirement for AARGM-ER is now,” said Captain A.C. Dutko, Navy Program Manager for Direct and Time Sensitive Strike (PMA-242). “AARGM-ER performed as expected and detected, identified, located and engaged a land-based air defense radar system. The continued success of our developmental testing moves the program closer to fielding and providing the aircrews with the protection they need to remain ahead of adversary threats.”

Since achieving a Milestone C Decision (authorization for Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP)) in September 2021, AARGM-ER prime contractor Northrop Grumman has continued to lead its industry team in timely development of critically needed warfighting capability. LRIP Lot 1 AARGM-ER missiles are currently in-production to support Initial Operational Capability (IOC) fielding. LRIP Lot 2 missiles, under contract, will further augment the inventory in the Fleet.

AARGM-ER leverages existing state-of-the-art AARGM sensors, electronics and digital models with the addition of a new high-performance air vehicle, a propulsion system providing extended range and an advanced warhead.

“Northrop Grumman is focused on delivering AARGM-ER capability to the U.S. Navy on-time to meet a critical warfighting need,” said Mary Petryszyn, corporate vice president and president, Northrop Grumman Defense Systems. “We understand the requirement and we have the experience and know-how as a missile prime to deliver this time critical asset on an accelerated schedule.”

AARGM-ER is being integrated on the Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft as well as the F-35 aircraft.

Northrop Grumman is a technology company, focused on global security and human discovery. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with capabilities they need to connect, advance and protect the U.S. and its allies. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our 90,000 employees define possible every day.


US Navy completesfirst captive carry flight test of AARGM-ER on F/A-18 Super Hornet


F-35 Lightning II: Details
F/A-18E/F & Block III Super Hornet: Details
EA-18G Growler: Details

US approves cruise missile purchase for RAAF F-35s

U.S. Air Force photo / William R. Lewis



written by Charbel Kadib | July 22, 2022

The US has approved a request from Australia to purchase 80 JASSM ER cruise missiles for $340 million.

The payload has a range of 925km and can be deployed from the RAAF’s F/A-18F Super Hornets or F-35A Lightning II fighter jets.

In a statement released on Thursday, the US’ Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) rubber-stamped the deal, which also includes missiles containers and support equipment alongside technical support and training.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States,” the DSCA noted in a statement.

“Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific.  The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region.

“It is vital to the US national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defence capability.”

Australia’s request to purchase Lockheed Martin’s ‘Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles – Extended Range’ missiles is the latest of several foreign military orders for strike capability from the United States.

Last month, a US$94 million (AU$135.7 million) foreign military sale of advanced precision strike capability to Australia was approved by the US State Department.

Australian Aviation reported last year how the RAAF’s F-35s for the first time took to the skies with a full complement of weapons – known as ‘beast mode’.

More than 500 personnel and 50 took part in Exercise Arnhem Thunder 21.

In addition to their internal payload, the F-35s departed with laser-guided GBU-12 bombs attached to their under-wing pylons.

The bombs were dropped on ground-based targets at the Delamere Air Weapons Range, located about 120 kilometres south of Katherine.

During the course of the exercise, 10 F-35As normally based at RAAF Base Williamtown dropped more than 50 inert GBU-12s.

Over the coming years, Australia will purchase 72 of the advanced fifth-generation fighter aircraft as part of the $17 billion AIR 6000 Phase 2A/B program – which is aimed at replacing the ageing F/A-18A/B Classic Hornets that have been in service with the RAAF since 1985.

The F-35A – the variant chosen by the RAAF – will have a projected life of 30 years in service and will also be based at RAAF Base Williamtown.


Australia spent billions on jet fighters off the plan. Now, we're having trouble even flying them