Tuesday, 28 January 2020

Poland to sign $4.6 billion F-35 fighter jet deal: minister

Frank Crebas 2018 Bluelifeaviation.com

 Poland to sign $4.6 billion F-35 fighter jet deal: minister - Reuters: 

 WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland will sign a contract worth $4.6 billion (£3.5 billion) for 32 Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets, Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak tweeted on Monday.

 Poland has long been expected to buy the jets as part of efforts to bolster its armed forces in the face of renewed Russian assertiveness in eastern Europe.

 The signing ceremony will take place at 1400 GMT on Friday in Deblin, eastern Poland, Blaszczak said.

 Reporting by Alan Charlish; editing by Jason Neely


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Thales, partners win contract amendment on SCORPION programme

Thales Defence

 Thales, partners win contract amendment on SCORPION programme: 

 Thales and its partners have secured a contract amendment from the French defence procurement agency DGA on the SCORPION programme.
Thales and its partners have secured a contract amendment from the French defence procurement agency Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) on the SCORPION programme.

 DGA awarded the sixth contract amendment on SCORPION to the consortium, which also comprises Nexter and Arquus.

 Under the latest contract, known as MEPAC, the partners will deliver 54 additional Griffon multi-role armoured vehicles (VBMR).

 The vehicles feature Thales’ 120mm Rifled Recoiled Mounted Mortar (2R2M) system.

 With this delivery, the total number of Griffon vehicles on the SCORPION programme will reach 1,872 in accordance with the Military Planning Law 2019-2025.

 Following the start of consultations in November 2018, Thales, Nexter and Arquus have worked with the DGA to design a new version of the vehicle concept with artillery capabilities.

 The 2R2M is already operational in four other countries and will provide added mobility and precision in front-line combat operations.

 Additionally, the system will provide better protection for soldiers. It features a semi-automatic loading system and has been combat-proven in various theatres of operation.

 In addition to structural modifications to the system architecture, the latest version will include key changes to the on-board optronics and mobility systems of the vehicle.

 The vehicle’s rear compartment will be upgraded to accommodate the weapon system, mortar operators and the mortar rounds that are required on the mission.

 The top of the vehicle can be opened or closed using roof hatches that will be installed.

 Under the contract, the consortium will also provide substantial support and configuration management component.

 The DGA will take delivery of the first vehicles by the end of 2023, after qualification of the MEPAC variant. The remaining deliveries will take place between 2024 and 2027.

 In February 2018, DGA awarded a five-year contract to Safran Electronics & Defense to support the integration of land robot demonstrators for the French Armed Forces.

Nexter

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Monday, 27 January 2020

Ka-52 Alligator will receive a new communication system

Vladislav Perminov @flickr

 Ka-52 Alligator will receive a new communication system: 

 Translated by google

 RTI JSC is developing a broadband system for helicopters.

 The Ka-52 Alligator reconnaissance and attack helicopter will be the only one in the world to receive a broadband communication system, said General Director of RTI JSC Pavel Laptaev.

 “We are developing a broadband system for helicopters. It is installed on the Ka-52 helicopter as a communication system. Today, the Ka-52 is the only helicopter in the world that is equipped with a high-speed data transmission system, ”TASS quoted him as saying.

 Laptaev said that foreign partners became interested in this system and it is already installed on machines shipped abroad.

 The Ka-52 Alligator helicopter was created on the basis of the Ka-50 Black Shark attack helicopter. Unlike the latter, it is a two-seater. It is designed to destroy armored and unarmored vehicles, manpower and air targets on the battlefield.

 The Alligator is the only modern attack helicopter built on a coaxial propeller scheme. Its advantages are the ability to not use the tail rotor, which means that there is no need to spend engine power on it.
Ka-52M: how the new helicopter will catch up with Apache
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Russia has developed a new helicopter for Special Forces

Stanislav Bazhenov

 Russia has developed a new helicopter for Special Forces - News - Russian Aviation - RUAVIATION.COM

 Russian Helicopters (a part of  Rostec State Corporation) developed a new version of the Mi-8AMTSh-VN Special Forces helicopter with enhanced weapons, says CEO Andrey Boginsky. This reported by TASS.

 Last summer, Russian Helicopters signed a contract with the Ministry of Defense to furnish 10 original version helicopters to the Russian Special Operations Forces.

 "We already have an upgraded appearance of the AMTSh-VN. Let’s say, it has expanded its options and capabilities - not so much the vehicle itself, but its extra equipment," Boginsky said.

 He explained that the makeover has "improved the weapons, the means of target detection and identification."

 "We’re talking higher level systems. This is the result of integrating solutions offered through our cooperation," the CEO noted.

 A source in the industry told TASS that the new vehicle received an unofficial designation of Mi-8AMTSh-VN2. According to the source, this rotorcraft is the bridge between the Mi-8 family and a promising helicopter: the Airborne Combat Vehicle for the "new type" of airborne units.

 In March 2019, TASS reported that a program to upgrade the existing helicopters kicked off, in line with the development of the new Airborne Combat Vehicle helicopter.


New Mi-171Sh-VN/ 8AMTSh-VN2: Details
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JPO Dedicates Assembly Line To Fix U.S. Navy F-35C Delays

F-35C - GMLSKIS (flickr)

 JPO Dedicates Assembly Line To Fix U.S. Navy F-35C Delays | Aviation Week Network: 

 The dedicated final assembly line for the F-35C is intended to overcome production delays that emerged in 2019.
Steve Trimble 

 January 23, 2020

 Lockheed Martin has established a dedicated final assembly line for the F-35C to overcome production delays that emerged in 2019, the Joint Program Office (JPO) tells Aerospace DAILY.

 The F-35C was scheduled to achieve full-rate production in 2019, but “production issues arose,” the JPO said in response to emailed questions, without elaborating.

A consequence of the production delays was the composition of the overall delivery mix in 2019. Lockheed pulled forward deliveries of four Lot 12 aircraft into 2019 to reach a total of 134 overall F-35s, or three more than the scheduled target of 131 last year.

 All four aircraft pulled forward into the Lot 11 delivery stream consisted of the conventional takeoff and landing F-35A. The group also included two aircraft delivered from an overseas final assembly and checkout line, the JPO said.

 The program originally expected Lockheed to deliver 10 Lot 11 aircraft and 131 Lot 12 jets in 2020. As a result of the F-35C delays, the program now expects to deliver 13 Lot 11 aircraft this year and at least 128 Lot 12 aircraft.

 To get the F-35C back on track, the JPO has responded by setting up a dedicated final assembly line, increasing training for F-35C mechanics and improving supplier performance.

 “These initiatives will support an incremental schedule recovery,” the JPO said.

 Separately, Lockheed delivered the first F-35C on Jan. 21 to an operational U.S. Marine Corps squadron: VMFA-314 at Miramar, California. The Marine Corps currently plan to order 67 F-35Cs, but the program of record could increase as service leaders seek greater participation with the U.S. Navy’s large-deck carrier fleet.

F-35 sensors help ground interceptors engage “air-breathing” targets
First USMC operational unit receives F-35C
US Air Force requests information on new anti-radiation missile for F-35A
Lockheed Martin exceeds 2019 deliver goal for F-35
US temporarily bans US Air Force F-35A LRIP aircraft use in aggressor training
Lockheed surpasses 2019 F-35 delivery goal with 134 for U.S., allies
F-35 can identify and destroy cruise missiles - Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin contracted for test equipment, special tooling for F-35s
F-35 program on track to replace Turkey, say Pentagon officials
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U.S. Navy’s Triton unmanned aircraft system arrives in 7th Fleet

US Navy

 U.S. Navy’s Triton unmanned aircraft system arrives in 7th Fleet | Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet: 

 A pair of MQ-4C Tritons have arrived in Guam for their initial deployment in the Pacific theater.
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii - The Navy’s first MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) have arrived in Guam for their initial deployment in the Pacific theater.

 Unmanned Patrol Squadron (VUP) 19, the first Triton UAS squadron, will operate and maintain two aircraft as part of an early operational capability (EOC) to further develop the concept of operations and fleet learning associated with operating a high-altitude, long-endurance system in the maritime domain.

 The Tritons forward-deployed to Guam, both of which have arrived at Andersen Air Force base as of Jan. 26, will fall under Commander, Task Force (CTF) 72, lead for patrol, reconnaissance and surveillance forces in 7th Fleet.

 “The introduction of MQ-4C Triton to the Seventh Fleet area of operations expands the reach of the U.S. Navy’s maritime patrol and reconnaissance force in the Western Pacific,” said Capt. Matt Rutherford, commander of CTF-72. “Coupling the capabilities of the MQ-4C with the proven performance of P-8, P-3 and EP-3 will enable improved maritime domain awareness in support of regional and national security objectives.”

 The Navy’s Persistent Maritime UAS program office at Patuxent River, managed by Capt. Dan Mackin, and industry partner Northrop Grumman, worked closely with VUP-19 in preparation for EOC. Prior to flying the aircraft to Guam, the team completed extensive operational test and unit level training.

 "This significant milestone marks the culmination of years of hard work by the joint team to prepare Triton for overseas operations," said Mackin. "The fielding of the Navy's premier unmanned aircraft system and its additive, persistent, multi-sensor data collection and real-time dissemination capability will revolutionize the way maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance is performed."

 The MQ-4C Triton will conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions that will complement the P-8A Poseidon and will bring increased persistence, capability, and capacity through its multi-sensor mission payload.

 “The inaugural deployment of Triton UAS brings enhanced capabilities and a broad increase in Maritime Domain Awareness to our forward Fleet commanders,” said Rear Adm. Peter Garvin, commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group. “VUP-19, the Navy’s first dedicated UAS squadron supported by an outstanding NAVAIR and industry team, is superbly trained and ready to provide the persistent ISR coverage the Navy needs.”

 Initial operational capability will include four air vehicles with capacity to support 24/7 operations.

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (Jan. 26, 2020) An MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system (UAS) lands at Andersen Air Force Base for a deployment - U.S. Navy photo 

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Will Russia provide missiles to 'close the entire sky' over Iran?

Sputnik

 Will Russia provide missiles to 'close the entire sky' over Iran?: 

 Given the recent escalation in tension between Tehran and Washington, Moscow is examining ways to possibly beef up Iranian military capabilities.

 Anton Mardasov 

 January 24, 2020

 Russian officials are weighing the possible risks of selling missile defense equipment to Iran following the military escalation between the Islamic Republic and the United States triggered by the Jan. 3 US assassination of Qasem Soleimani, leader of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) Quds Force. Some among Russia's political elite believe closer military-technical cooperation would benefit both countries.

 “[We need to] offer Iran an agreement on military cooperation and urgently sell the most modern weapons so that no one dares throw anything in the direction of Iran,” Vladimir Zhirinovsky, leader of Russia’s Liberal Democratic Party, said earlier this month. He expressed confidence that the S-400 or S-500 missile defense systems would be able to “close the entire sky over Iran.”

 Russia had previously considered selling military equipment to Iran, whose capabilities are now significantly limited by the UN arms embargo related to its nuclear program, but that should end in the fall of 2020, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov emphasized in December.

 The latest annual report by the US Defense Intelligence Agency states, “Iran’s potential acquisitions after the lifting of UNSCR 2231 restrictions include Russian Su-30 fighters, Yak-130 trainers and T-90 MBTs.” It adds, “Tehran has also shown interest in acquiring S-400 air defense systems and Bastion coastal defense systems from Russia.”

 While traditionally skeptical of such reports, Russian experts concede moves are possible in the case of anti-aircraft defense systems. In 2016, Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan had noted that Tehran would not buy the S-400 Triumph because its purchase of Russia's S-300PMU2 anti-aircraft missile system met its needs for long-range systems. The Iranian military also uses its own Bavar-373 long-range air defense system, which is considered equivalent to the S-300.

 Two Russian military sources who spoke to Al-Monitor on the condition of anonymity said that negotiations for Iran to buy Russian weaponry, including the latest equipment, intensified in April 2019 during the 8th Moscow Conference on International Security organized by the Ministry of Defense. In May, Iranian Defense Minister Amir Hatami attended an inter-agency consultation in Moscow. Bloomberg reported at the time that Russia had not responded to Iran’s official inquiries regarding a potential S-400 purchase.

 Ruslan Pukhov, head of the Moscow Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, noted back then that such hardening by Iran could lead to escalation in the region. “If the Russian side decides to supply the S-400 to Iran, this would be a direct challenge to Moscow’s partners in the Middle East,” Pukhov warned, adding that if Russia rejected such a request from Iran, “this means it wants to develop ties with Saudi Arabia and Israel and preserve a chance for talks with Trump.”

 Nonetheless, during the Russia's Army – 2019 International Military-Technical Forum in June, representatives of the country's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation announced its readiness to supply Iran with an indefinite number of S-400 systems. Meanwhile, Iraq is reportedly in discussions with Russia to purchase defense systems.

 In August, Russia and Iran signed an agreement on naval and military cooperation, the details of which have not been disclosed. Russian media interpreted the expansion in cooperation to extend beyond conducting joint exercises to cover parameters for military-technical cooperation, including air defense systems. Indeed, the US policy of maximum pressure on Tehran could push Russia to provide means of deterrence for the “victim of aggression,” as some Russian experts view Iran.

 Russia had previously decided to supply the Iranians with an S-300 system to beef up their defense capabilities and stimulate negotiations on the Joint Comprehensive Action Plan (JCPOA) nuclear deal. That's how Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov explained the decision after the Russian president lifted the ban on S-300 deliveries to Iran in 2015.

 Military-technical cooperation with Iran, however, would make Russia a target of international pressure. This happened in the case of Iran's accidental downing of a Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737-800 near Tehran on Jan. 8, killing all 176 passengers on board. On Jan. 14, Volodymyr Yelchenko, Ukraine's ambassador to the United States, said that those who gave the order to fire on the plane, and possibly those “who supplied these missiles,” which were Russian, should be held responsible for the crash. Yelchenko believes there are “many components” to the tragedy, including the alleged “Russian footprint” in the form of the Tor missile system. He stressed that it is necessary “to talk about a certain international responsibility.”

 Russian experts are uncertain about Moscow exploiting the current crisis to promote arms and military equipment deals with Tehran. Andrey Frolov, a military analyst and editor in chief of the journal Eksport Vooruzheniy (Arms Export), told Al-Monitor that the purchase of air defense systems is not a priority for Iran. Covering the whole country would be enormously expensive, whereas projects to protect key facilities have already been funded.

 “A hypothetically possible option is military consulting by Moscow primarily in terms of personnel training — how to service and respond to situations. Moreover, in recent years, foreigners from all over the world have been studying at Russian military universities,” Frolov said.

 “Iran builds air defense [weapons] by integrating Russian systems with the development of its own military-industrial complex,” Frolov further noted, explaining that if outside experts were brought in as consultants or trainers, Iran would have to disclose some of the characteristics of its air defense systems, which it is unlikely to do.

 Another Russian military expert, Yury Lyamin, told Al-Monitor that over the past decade the Iranians have developed medium- and long-range air defense systems and promised to introduce a new short-range system in the near future, along with developing and producing new radars.

 Iran's systems are outdated, leading Lyamin to assert, “An acquisition of some new Russian systems is quite possible, but we must consider the structure and tasks facing Iranian air defense, which are often very specific, and financial resources are now limited.”

 The downing of the Ukrainian airliner raises questions about the qualifications of the Iranian air defense forces and the system used by the army and the IRGC for responding to emergency situations.

 “First of all, Iran must determine what should be improved and in what order, and then Russia might offer options for strengthening and modernization,” Lyamin said. “In general, I would note that improvement and modernization of the air defense system should reduce the risk of such tragic cases, since more advanced detection systems, automated control and communication systems reduce the likelihood of erroneous identification.”

 He stressed that the air defense systems used by Iran's army and the IRGC could be modernized, depending on the specific system, or replaced.

 “The IRGC still has the outdated Chinese HQ-2J air defense system in service,” Lyamin said. “This is actually a modernized version of the S-7, which hardly makes sense for further upgrade. Satellite images of recent years already show how their positions in the most important areas have been replaced by new Iranian medium-range air defense systems. On the other hand, the IRGC also has Tor-M1, which has quite the potential for further modernization.”
T-90S MBT: Details
Su-30SM/Su-30SM1: Details
Yakovlev Yak-130: Details
Bastion-P (K-300P): Details
S-400 Triumph (SA-21 Growler): Details
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