Air Warfare Destroyer project removed from Projects of Concern list

HMAS Hobart

The Air Warfare Destroyer project has been removed from the Projects of Concern list following continuing improvements in shipbuilding performance.

This major milestone is a result of the implementation of the Turnbull Government’s reform program.

Following an independent review by Professor Don Winter and Dr John White and a review by the Australian National Audit Office, the project was placed on the Projects of Concern list in June 2014 due to increasing commercial, schedule and cost risks.

The Air Warfare Destroyer Reform Program resulted in Navantia being contracted in December 2015 to provide shipbuilding management services to the project.

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, said due to the long term reform arrangements put in place by the Turnbull Government, the Air Warfare Destroyer project is now back on track.

“The remediation of the Air Warfare Destroyer project shows the country is ready for the Turnbull Government’s continuous naval shipbuilding program, which will create thousands of jobs and secure the shipbuilding industry for future generations of Australians.”

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne said the recent commissioning of HMAS Hobartdemonstrates the program is now capable of producing highly potent Air Warfare Destroyers.

“HMAS Hobart has been commissioned into service, marking a step change in Navy’s ability to fight and win at sea,” said Minister Payne.

“The two destroyers, Brisbane and Sydney, are both on track to be delivered against the reformed schedule and set to add to Navy’s capabilities.”

The Air Warfare Destroyer Project joins the Collins Class Submarine project in coming off the Projects of Concern list in the past six months.

Original post: defence.gov.au

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Slovakia in talks to buy either F-16s or Gripen fighter jets

Gripen fighter jet

Reuters Staff

BRATISLAVA (Reuters) - Slovakia’s defense ministry said on Friday it was in talks to buy either American F-16s or Swedish Gripen fighter jets to replace its aging Russian-made MiG-29s.

The ministry said it would submit an analysis of the two options by June 29 for government approval.

Slovakia, a member of NATO, has a maintenance contract with Russia for its 12 MiG-29s until autumn 2019. That contract may need to be extended even if the government agrees to buy new jets by the end of this year, since the new jets typically take 18 to 24 months to deliver.

“Both options are good. F-16s are more expensive and they may take until around 2023 to be delivered,” Jaroslav Nad from the Slovak Security Police Institute said.

Neighboring Hungary and the Czech Republic already operate Gripens, built by Saab. Poland flies F-16s, built by Lockheed Martin Corp, and may buy more.

Slovakia has a “joint sky” agreement with the Czech Republic, which leases 14 Gripens. The agreement means the two would help protect each other’s air space beyond the standard air defense cooperation within NATO. If Slovakia buys Gripens, they could also share maintenance and pilot training.

Slovakia is due to spend about 6.5 billion euros ($8.11 billion) by 2030 to modernize its military. Defense spending is due to rise from 1.1 percent of gross domestic product last year to 1.6 percent in 2020 and 2.0 percent by 2024.

In November 2017, the government approved plans to build 81 eight-wheeled armored personal carriers with the Finnish defense company Patria, to replace outdated personnel carriers.

The ministry is set to pick a partner to build 404 four-wheeled armored vehicles this year.

Reporting by Tatiana Jancarikova; Editing by Larry King

Original post: reuters.com

I don't know where they got the idea the F-16 are more expensive the last quoted price for F-16C/D to Pakistan was for $84 million and Gripen C/D with MS-20 to Indonesia was for $94 million

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Russia starts deliveries of T-90S to Iraq - Video

Iraqi T-90S - obramba.com

Mikhail Bar

Published on Feb 1, 2018

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Photos suggest China is prepping to test a electromagnetic railgun at sea

Image: xinfengcao

By: Mike Yeo

MELBOURNE, Australia — Images published online appear to suggest China has mounted what looks to be a prototype electromagnetic railgun on a ship, and started trials with the possibility of testing it at sea in the near future.

If confirmed, this would make China the first country in the world to mount such a system on board a ship and take it out to sea.

The series of photos on social media shows a large turret with what appears to be a gun barrel mounted on the front of the Haiyangshan, a 7,000-ton Type 072-III Landing Ship Tank of China’s People’s Liberation Army – Navy or PLAN.....Read rest of article: HERE

Former PLAN officer's analysis, who has engaged in the building of PLAN warships for dozens years. Source: xinfengcao

Former PLAN officer's analysis, who has engaged in the building of PLAN warships for dozens years. Source: xinfengcao

US Navy’s Harpoon Block II+ missile concludes flight test

Harpoon Block II Plus: Boeing

The US Navy has completed an operational flight test using its new Harpoon Block II+ missile at Point Mugu Sea Test Range, before adding the weapon to the fleet.

The missile demonstrated its capability to be integrated with the newest software upgrade of the F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft during the trial.

Known as System Configuration Set H12E, the upgrade and its installation required several years of planning, designing, engineering and testing, which was conducted by a team comprising different entities across the US Navy enterprise.

Harpoon deputy programme manager commander Jon Schiffelbein said: “We are extremely proud to deliver precision targeting to the warfighter with a flexibility to stay ahead of threats.”

The Harpoon Block II+ missile offers a rapid-capability enhancement for the US Navy, comprising a new global positioning system (GPS) guidance kit, improved reliability and survivability of the weapon and a new data link interface that allows for the delivery of in-flight updates.

The capability upgrade also involves enhanced target selectivity, an ‘abort’ option and improved resistance to electronic countermeasures.

US Navy Precision Strike Weapons programme manager captain John Dougherty said: “The Harpoon Block II+ expands on a legacy of over 40 years of service.

“Using a proven product and expanding its capability ensures the navy has a viable weapon that is lethal, flexible and accessible at a low cost to address the growing maritime threat.”

In addition, the missile is capable of being launched from multiple air and surface platforms.

The US Navy intends to deploy the Harpoon Block II+ missile later this fiscal year.

Original post: naval-technology.com

Harpoon Block II & II+

In production at Boeing facilities in Saint Charles, Missouri, is the Harpoon Block II, intended to offer an expanded engagement envelope, enhanced resistance to electronic countermeasures and improved targeting. Specifically, the Harpoon was initially designed as an open-ocean weapon. The Block II missiles continue progress begun with Block IE, and the Block II missile provides the Harpoon with a littoral-water anti-ship capability.

The key improvements of the Harpoon Block II are obtained by incorporating the inertial measurement unit from the Joint Direct Attack Munition program, and the software, computer, Global Positioning System (GPS)/inertial navigation system and GPS antenna/receiver from the SLAM Expanded Response (SLAM-ER), an upgrade to the SLAM.

The US Navy awarded a $120 million contract to Boeing in July 2011 for the production of about 60 Block II Harpoon missiles, including missiles for 6 foreign militaries. Boeing lists 30 foreign navies as Block II customers.

India acquired 24 Harpoon Block II missiles to arm its maritime strike Jaguar fighters in a deal worth $170 million through the Foreign Military Sales system. In December 2010, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified U.S. Congress of a possible sale of 21 additional AGM-84L HARPOON Block II Missiles and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for a complete package worth approximately $200 million; the Indian government intends to use these missiles on its Indian Navy P-8I Neptune maritime patrol aircraft. Indian Navy is also planning to upgrade the fleet of four submarines - Shishumar class submarine - with tube-launched Harpoon missiles.

On 18 November 2015, the U.S. Navy tested the AGM-84N Harpoon Block II+ missile against a moving ship target. The Block II+ incorporates an improved GPS guidance kit and a net-enabled data-link that allows the missile to receive in-flight targeting updates. The Block II+ is planned to enter service in 2017. 

U.S. Navy infographic: Harpoon chronicle

Source: seaforces.org

F/A-18E/F & Block III Super Hornet: Details

Japan to Begin Mass Production of XASM-3 Anti-Ship Missile

F-2 with XSSM Anti-Ship Missile 

Japan to Begin Mass Production of XASM-3 Anti-Ship Missile (VIDEO)

Japan's Ministry of Defense has officially completed development of its new supersonic anti-ship missile, dubbed the XASM-3, with mass production slated to begin in 2019, according to local media reports.

The XASM-3 missile is expected to replace older models such as the Type 80 and Type 93 air-to-ship missiles that are carried by Japan's Air Self Defense Force's F-2 multirole fighter jets, The Diplomat reported. Each of the fighter jets will be able to carry two of the new missiles.

The anti-ship missile, which can reach speeds of Mach 3, will be the first supersonic missile made by the island nation, according to the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper.

Though the development of the missile began in 2003, the actual testing phase did not begin until 2005, when officials conducted a total of 15 injection tests, Mainichi reported. The analysis of the project did not wrap up until the end of 2017.

In August 2017, as officials analyzed the missile, Japan's Acquisition Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) released footage for the first time of the missile being tested.

As earlier reports indicate, Tokyo's move to build new weapons is part of an ongoing effort to keep up with the growing threat posed by the Chinese navy.

"The introduction of the new missile is aimed at keeping the Chinese navy — which has been taking high-handed action in the East China Sea and other places — in check," Yomiuri Shimbun reported in July 2017.

But that's not all the island nation is working on. Per reports, the Land of Rising Sun is also looking at building a new land-based anti-ship missile in an attempt to boost its defenses on Japanese-controlled islets in the East China Sea.

Japan will also reportedly arm its new F-35A stealth fighter jets with next-generation, precision-guided joint strike missiles that are expected to become operational in 2025.

Original post: sputniknews.com

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Republic of Korea Navy receives first FFX II frigate ROKS Daegu

ROKS Daegu. Photo: DAPA

The Republic of Korea Navy has received the first of eight Daegu-class (FFX II) frigates, ROKS Daegu (FFG-818), South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced on Thursday.

Daegu is expected to become operational in the second half of 2018.

The frigate was built by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) and launched at DSME’s Okpo shipyard in June 2016.

The second ship is also being built by DSME while ships three and four will be built by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) under a $586 million contract DAPA contract from December 2016.

FFX II frigates are improved Incheon-class (FFX) frigates. At 2800 tons, Daegu-class ships displace 500 tons more than their predecessors and measure 122 meters in length.

The second batch frigates are being equipped with a 16-cell Korean vertical launching system for defense against air threats and six torpedo tubes for anti-submarine warfare. Powered by Rolls-Royce’s MT30 gas turbines, the frigates are capable of reaching speeds of 30 knots, according to DAPA.

Daegu and sister ships will carry a towed array sonar system (TASS) in addition to naval guns and a Phalanx close-in weapon system.

The frigates are intended for a variety of missions including anti-submarine warfare, anti-air warfare, patrol, surveillance, search and rescue and exclusive economic zone protection.

Original post: navaltoday.com

Daegu-class (FFX II) frigate

General characteristics

Type: Coastal defense frigate

Displacement: 2,800 t (empty), 3,592t (full load)

Length: 122 m (400 ft)

Beam: 14 m (46 ft)

Draft: 4 m (13 ft)

Propulsion:

Combined diesel-electric or gas

2 × MTU 12V 1163 TB83 diesel engine

1 x Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine

Speed:

30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph) (max)

18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph) (cruising)

Range: 4,500 nautical miles (8,000 km)

Complement: 140

Sensors and processing systems:

SPS-550K air search 3D radar

SPG-540K fire control radar

SQS-240K hull-mounted sonar

SQR-220KA1 towed array sonar system

SAQ-540K EOTS

Hanwha Systems IRSTs

Naval Shield Integrated Combat Management System

Electronic warfare & decoys:

LIG Nex1 SLQ-200(V)K Sonata electronic warfare suite

SLQ-261K torpedo acoustic counter measures

KDAGAIE Mk2 decoy launchers (Batch I)

MASS decoy launchers (Batch II)

Armament:

1 × 5 inch Mk-45 Mod 4 (127mm/L62) naval gun

1 × 20 mm Phalanx CIWS

2 × 3 K745 LW Blue Shark torpedoes

Missiles:

16 cell K-VLS

Haegung K-SAAM (4 per cell)

Haeseong Tactical Land Attack Missiles (vertical launch)

Hong Sang Eo anti-submarine missiles

2 × 4 SSM-700K Haeseong anti-ship missiles

Aircraft carried: Super Lynx or AW159

Aviation facilities: Flight deck and enclosed hangar for up to one medium-lift helicopters

Ships in the class

Source: wikiwand.com

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