Jun 12 2011 David Pugliese’s Defence Watch

And more news from MDA, out of Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Here is their press release:

MDA's Information Systems group, in collaboration with IAI North America subsidiary Stark Aerospace, announced today the availability of Persist-INT On-Demand ISR Services. Persist-INT is a turnkey unmanned airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) service that is available to NATO ISAF forces in Afghanistan, based on MDA and IAI's existing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and ISR services in Afghanistan.

Persist-INT allows NATO ISAF forces to increase their operational safety and efficiency through rapid, effective expansion of their in-theatre ISR capabilities. MDA's in-theatre operation allows ISAF forces to acquire the capability with only minimal military staff, and without additional infrastructure or equipment. Interested customers may procure the service quickly and easily, by the hour, from operational budgets, and without making long-term commitments. Subscriptions are available for variable levels of service, up to and including 24/7 on-call and short-notice services to meet urgent operational needs.

'By building on MDA and IAI's successful turnkey ISR services to the Canadian and Australian defence forces in Kandahar, we are able to quickly scale our existing operations to offer the same capabilities to other nations,' said Dave Hargreaves, vice president and general manager, Integrated Information Solutions.

Persist-INT's covert monitoring delivers a real-time operational picture to forward-deployed troops and command-center personnel, providing electronic warfare capabilities and full-motion video compatible with NATO's Afghan Mission Network. The existing MDA-operated fleet of IAI Heron UAVs, which collect the ISR data, provides mission endurance of over twenty-four hours per flight, at altitudes of up to 30,000 feet, and has a proven availability and reliability track record of better than 90%.

ISAF forces can employ Persist-INT within days of contracting by leveraging MDA's existing KAF-based operations. MDA's turnkey service provides all required flight operations, data collection and delivery, as well as all the necessary maintenance, regulatory, and supply-chain operations. Optionally, Persist-INT can also provide ISR Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination (PED) and Beyond Line-Of-Site (BLOS) operations.

Since 2008, MDA and IAI have delivered over 18,000 flight hours of unmanned airborne ISR services in Afghanistan to the Canadian Air Force and to the Royal Australian Air Force. This unique commercially operated service is tightly integrated with the forces' operations, providing state-of-the-art ISR that has saved lives and significantly enhanced operational effectiveness.

Jun 10, 2011 ASDNews Source : Missile Defense Agency (MDA)

Kandahar, Afghanistan - MDA's Information Systems group, in collaboration with IAI North America subsidiary Stark Aerospace, announced today the availability of Persist-INT On-Demand ISR Services. Persist-INT is a turnkey unmanned airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) service that is available to NATO ISAF forces in Afghanistan, based on MDA and IAI's existing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and ISR services in Afghanistan.

Persist-INT allows NATO ISAF forces to increase their operational safety and efficiency through rapid, effective expansion of their in-theatre ISR capabilities. MDA's in-theatre operation allows ISAF forces to acquire the capability with only minimal military staff, and without additional infrastructure or equipment. Interested customers may procure the service quickly and easily, by the hour, from operational budgets, and without making long-term commitments. Subscriptions are available for variable levels of service, up to and including 24/7 on-call and short-notice services to meet urgent operational needs.

'By building on MDA and IAI's successful turnkey ISR services to the Canadian and Australian defence forces in Kandahar, we are able to quickly scale our existing operations to offer the same capabilities to other nations,' said Dave Hargreaves, vice president and general manager, Integrated Information Solutions.

Persist-INT's covert monitoring delivers a real-time operational picture to forward-deployed troops and command-center personnel, providing electronic warfare capabilities and full-motion video compatible with NATO's Afghan Mission Network. The existing MDA-operated fleet of IAI Heron UAVs, which collect the ISR data, provides mission endurance of over twenty-four hours per flight, at altitudes of up to 30,000 feet, and has a proven availability and reliability track record of better than 90%.

ISAF forces can employ Persist-INT within days of contracting by leveraging MDA's existing KAF-based operations. MDA's turnkey service provides all required flight operations, data collection and delivery, as well as all the necessary maintenance, regulatory, and supply-chain operations. Optionally, Persist-INT can also provide ISR Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination (PED) and Beyond Line-Of-Site (BLOS) operations.

Since 2008, MDA and IAI have delivered over 18,000 flight hours of unmanned airborne ISR services in Afghanistan to the Canadian Air Force and to the Royal Australian Air Force. This unique commercially operated service is tightly integrated with the forces' operations, providing state-of-the-art ISR that has saved lives and significantly enhanced operational effectiveness.

June 7, 2011 defpro.com

In recent years, unmanned aerial systems have been playing an increasingly important role in military operations worldwide. Many of the sensors used in modern network-enabled operations are mounted on drones, i.e. unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or remotely piloted vehicles (RPVs); in addition, modern armed forces are using them more and more often as effector platforms.

Under its SAATEG programme, which stands for "Systems zur Abbildenden Aufklärung in der Tiefe des Einsatzgebietes" or "Systems for imagery reconnaissance deep in the area of operations", the Bundeswehr is cooperating closely with Rheinmetall Defence of Germany and its partner company Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI). The globally operating Israeli enterprise has over forty years’ experience in the international defence industry and some 17,000 employees. In total, IAI-made UAS products have already clocked on around 900,000 flight hours. Joint Rheinmetall and IAI projects now help to protect German and allied troops deployed in harm’s way in Afghanistan and elsewhere.

SAATEG INTERMEDIATE SOLUTION – HERON 1

Under a service contract with the Bundeswehr, Rheinmetall and IAI have been operating the highly advanced Heron 1 reconnaissance system in Afghanistan since March 2010. An interim SAATEG solution, it decisively enhances the Bundeswehr’s intelligence gathering and reconnaissance capabilities in Afghanistan. It is the first unmanned aircraft ever to operate under the aegis of the German Air Force.

Rheinmetall partner IAI supplies the system, the Heron 1, which is already operated by other allied nations in Afghanistan. This unmanned asset is a medium-altitude long endurance (MALE) aircraft that can operate around the clock, around the world in almost all weathers. Equipped with state-of-the-art imaging sensors, the Heron 1 forms an integral part of the C4I loop, transmitting imagery in real time and making it perfect for surveillance and reconnaissance missions, identification and acquisition of stationary and moving targets and post-strike evaluation. Thanks to its satellite data link, the Heron 1 is able to transmit full motion video information over long distances, while its imaging radar produces excellent reconnaissance results in real time even in conditions of poor visibility.

A typical SAATEG mission lasts 16 hours, though it has also operated for up to 27 hours at a stretch.

To date, the SAATEG interim solution has flown over 4,000 hours in Afghanistan, including 600 in May 2011 alone – over a hundred more than contractually agreed, representing an average of twenty hours a day. At the end of May, the German Air Force’s top-ranking general declared the Heron 1 squadron based in Mazar-e-Sharif to be fully operational.

Requests from other nations underscore the high quality of the reconnaissance results. In the meantime, hardly any ground operations take place without UAS support. Equally remarkable was the short time it took to get the SAATEG interim solution up and running, with not quite five months elapsing between award of the contract and the first flight in Afghanistan. In this brief timeframe, Rheinmetall and IAI put together a maintenance and logistical support organization and obtained the necessary airworthiness certification for an unmanned aircraft. In order to operate the system for the German Air Force according to contract and to assure round-the-clock support services, Rheinmetall made some 40 qualified aircraft mechanics and pilots available, arranging for them to be trained – together with German Air Force personnel assigned to the mission – at IAI in Israel to operate and maintain the new system. The Heron systems also had to be built and transported to Afghanistan during this period.

Given its positive experience with the system, the Bundeswehr opted to extend the original one-year service contract for a further two years.

Furthermore, the German Air Force is reviewing ways of enhancing its performance.

SAATEG FOLLOW-ON SOLUTION – HERON TP

In response to the Bundeswehr’s requirement for a follow-on solution for SAATEG starting in 2013, Rheinmetall has put forward the Heron TP (TP stands for turboprop). An advanced version of the Heron 1, the Heron TP is ready to go into operation right away. With a wingspan of 26 metres and a maximum take-off weight of 5,000 kilos, this 14-metre-long UAV can carry a payload of up to 1,000 kilos.

Its engine output is approximately 900 KW (around 1,200 horsepower). It has an operating ceiling of 45,000 feet (14,800 metre), higher than that of a civilian aircraft. Moreover, the Heron TP can operate in all weathers and climate zones, and be airlifted into any area of operations in an Airbus A 400 M military transport plane. This cutting edge system can remain in the air for over 36 hours.

Technologically speaking, the Heron TP represents the state of the art as well as offering robust scope for growth, especially with respect to payload. National sensor systems can be easily integrated into the aircraft.

Today the Heron TP already meets the full range of requirements for a future MALE reconnaissance system. It will be available faster, cost less and pose fewer risks than a newly developed aircraft. To a large extent, the system will be modified and produced in Germany, meaning that it will make a major contribution to national know-how in this field. Thus, particularly with respect to the air vehicle, there is no risky development work involved, since the principle challenges lie in improving the sensor chain as well as data preparation.

KZO

Developed for the Bundeswehr, the KZO reconnaissance system has come through its baptism of fire with flying colours. Deployed in Afghanistan since July 2009, by late May 2011 it had already flown nearly 600 missions.

Like the Heron 1, the KZO has added significantly to the Bundeswehr’ intelligence-gathering and reconnaissance capabilities. The tactical commander on the ground has a reconnaissance asset at his disposal that is ready for action 24/7 and can be used, for example, for watching over convoys or searching for explosive devices concealed on patrol routes. It is able to operate at ranges of over 100 kilometres and transmit imagery in real time, making it possible to detect, identify and locate targets with extreme precision. The KZO thus bridges a critical capabilities gap when it comes to protecting friendly forces and the civilian population.

In order to further enhance the system’s reconnaissance performance, Rheinmetall has developed a bi-spectral sensor head at its own initiative. Besides a higher-resolution thermal imaging device, it now features a high-performance daylight camera as well. Some systems are already being retrofitted with the new sensor head. Furthermore, the system’s operating range is being increased to 140 km.

WABEP

Even the best sensors are useless without robust, dependable, rapidly deployable weapon systems. For this reason Rheinmetall has developed a system of systems known by its German acronym WABEP, which stands for "Wirkmittel zur Abstandsfähigen Bekämpfung von Einzel- und Punktzielen", or "Weapon for standoff engagement of individual and point targets".

In this networked system, the KZO supplies reconnaissance and post-strike battle damage assessment capabilities. It is accompanied by the Harop attack drone, which is made by Rheinmetall’s tried-and-tested partner IAI. Characterized by an extended loitering capability, the Harop is able to take out high-value targets with extreme precision, speed and tactical flexibility. Because it is possible to abort the mission just moments before the target is hit, the WABEP is also suitable for peace enforcement missions where avoiding collateral damage is imperative. Equipped with a new sensor payload and teamed with the Harop attack drone, the KZO’s capabilities have been given a decisive boost.

WIDE-RANGING COMPETENCIES

Rheinmetall has extensive experience in integrating sensors, effectors and C4I assets into networked systems of systems. But the Group’s expertise extends far beyond mere system integration. A certified aviation company authorized to develop, manufacture and maintain aircraft, Rheinmetall has the know-how necessary for pushing forward the certification process for new systems. It also has longstanding experience with procurement processes, logistics, maintenance and the subsequent supply of spare parts. Finally, Rheinmetall is highly skilled in carrying out technical modifications, e.g. retrofitting new sensors into unmanned aerial vehicles.

One of the most trusted names in the German defence industry, Rheinmetall also cooperates with national and international partners such as IAI in the field of drone technology. This enables the Group to supply the world’s armed forces quickly and economically with complete systems for network-enabled operations, force protection, reconnaissance and engagement.

June 6, 2011 defpro.com

India is committed to building the capabilities of the Afghan Security Forces. This was conveyed by the Indian Defence Minister Shri AK Antony to General Abdul Rahim Wardak, Minister of National Defence of Afghanistan, here last week.

During the hour-long delegation level talks, Shri Antony said that as a longstanding friend of the Afghan people, India remains fully committed to supporting Afghanistan in its reconstruction and development efforts. He conveyed the Government of India’s willingness to work with the Afghan government in building the capabilities of the Afghan Security Forces in accordance with the priorities of the Afghan government. Both sides noted that terrorism continues to pose a threat to all countries in the region and noted the need to ensure cessation of support to such organizations in the interest of peace and development.

Shri Antony said that India attaches high importance to bilateral relations with Afghanistan, as is evidenced in the multifaceted relationship between the two governments. General Wardak, who is accompanied by a seven-member Afghan delegation, conveyed the appreciation of the people and the government of Afghanistan for the friendship and support of the Indian government and people.

The Afghan Defence Minister, who is on a three-day visit to India at the invitation of Shri Antony, earlier laid wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti and was presented a Tri-Services Guard of Honour.

There have been periodic exchanges between the Armed Forces of the two countries since General Wardak last visited India in April, 2008. The Afghan Chief of General Staff, General Sher Mohammad Karimi visited India in October last year.

The visit of Afghan Defence Minister to India marks another step in the steady progress in bilateral relations, particularly as his visit comes soon after the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s visit to Afghanistan earlier this month.

04.06.2011 De Dan DE LUCE (AFP)

KABOUL — L'ampleur du début de retrait, prévu en juillet, des troupes américaines d'Afghanistan ne doit pas être déterminée par le coût du conflit, a estimé le secrétaire américain à la Défense Robert Gates samedi à Kaboul, entamant son ultime visite dans le pays avant de quitter son poste.

Des responsables et parlementaires américains ont récemment estimé que le coût de la guerre en Afghanistan devait être un élément-clé pour fixer l'étendue du retrait, ce qu'a rejeté M. Gates.

"Je pense qu'une fois que vous êtes engagés, le succès d'une mission devrait supplanter tout le reste. Parce que la chose la plus coûteuse entre toutes serait d'échouer", a-t-il déclaré aux journalistes dans l'avion l'emmenant de Singapour à Kaboul.

"Cela n'exclut pas des ajustements dans la mission ou dans la stratégie. Mais l'objectif ultime doit être le succès de la mission", a-t-il ajouté.

Cette visite en Afghanistan, dont les détails et la durée n'ont pas été précisés, est la dernière en tant que patron du Pentagone de M. Gates qui quittera prochainement ses fonctions.

Il devrait notamment rencontrer le président afghan Hamid Karzaï et des responsables afghans et américains et se rendre auprès de soldats américains dans le sud et l'est du pays, les deux régions où la présence des insurgés talibans est la plus forte et les combats les plus durs.

En annonçant, fin 2009, l'envoi de 30.000 soldats en renfort en Afghanistan, le président Barack Obama s'était parallèlement engagé à entamer en juillet 2011 le retrait d'une partie des troupes américaines qui y sont déployées. L'ampleur de ce retrait n'a toutefois pas encore été annoncée.

Environ 90.000 soldats américains sont actuellement présents en Afghanistan et forment le gros des 130.000 hommes de la Force de l'Otan (Isaf) qui soutient depuis fin 2001 le gouvernement afghan face aux talibans.

Le conflit en Afghanistan coûte aux Etats-Unis environ 120 milliards de dollars par an et certains dirigeants et parlementaires américains estiment que le pays ne peut plus se permettre de poursuivre un engagement aussi coûteux et sans terme défini.

Des élus ont notamment réclamé un réexamen de l'effort de guerre après la mort d'Oussama Ben Laden, tué le 2 mai par un commando américain au Pakistan, estimant que l'objectif initial de la guerre en Afghanistan, la traque du chef d'Al-Qaïda déclenchée après les attentats du 11-Septembre, avait été rempli.

Selon Robert Gates, la décision concernant l'étendue du retrait devrait s'accompagner d'une planification à long terme des effectifs militaires en Afghanistan, mais aussi de la prise en compte de son possible effet sur les alliés et de l'impopularité croissante de la guerre.

"Nous devons apprécier le possible impact de notre décision sur nos alliés. On ne veut surtout pas précipiter une ruée de nos alliés vers la sortie", a-t-il expliqué, alors que les militaires américains ont annoncé que les progrès enregistrés au cours de l'hiver restaient fragiles.

"Dans le même ordre d'idée, on ne peut pas se voiler la face sur la lassitude croissante vis-à-vis de la guerre chez nous et sur le soutien de plus en plus faible au sein du Congrès" américain, a souligné M. Gates, "je pense que le président va devoir soupeser toutes ces choses".

M. Gates a annoncé qu'il profiterait de sa visite pour récolter "les dernières informations en date en provenance du terrain et les impressions in-situ sur la façon dont les choses se déroulent".

Parallèlement à ce début de retrait, les forces internationales transmettront en juillet la responsabilité de la sécurité aux forces afghanes dans sept zones du pays, inaugurant le processus dit "de transition" censé se poursuivre progressivement d'ici fin 2014 sur l'ensemble du territoire.

Jun 3, 2011 ASDNews Source : US Air Force

Kabul, Afghanistan - A C-17 Globemaster III landed at Shindand Air Base recently marking the first time the large military transport aircraft was needed to land at the base since the refurbished runway opened in December 2010.

The landing marked a significant milestone as strategic airlift provides a critical and important capability to mass lethal and nonlethal forces on a global scale. Airlift is the rapid mobility cornerstone of the United States' first responder force in times of crisis anywhere around the globe, Shindand officials said.

"Shindand's ability to operate and maintain a C-17 capable war-fighting platform directly supports the U.S. Central Command commander's operational support vision for Western Afghanistan," said Col. Larry Bowers, the 838th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group commander "C-17 aircraft, in particular, are often the first called and sometimes the only military force capable of providing an initial response and volume to a crisis within hours of the need."

Located in Herat province, Shindand's originally Soviet-built runway, constructed in 1961, was rebuilt at the base after it suffered massive damage by coalition forces during the initiation of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2002. The runway was rebuilt in 2009 and since then has supported coalition aircraft as large as a C-130 Hercules.

Officials said the role of the C-17 will be to transport cargo and passengers and within 60 days, the flightline will also have the capability to support two C-17s 24-hours a day in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

"Aircraft improves battlefield distribution for users and increases the system's ability to respond quickly to change which will serve to shorten Shindand's logistical timelines and supply lines for personnel, pieces and parts in direct support of OEF," Colonel Bowers explained. "Airlift is viewed as a foundation of U.S. national security at the strategic level and as a crucial capability for operational commanders within a theater."

The landing was truly a joint team effort, officials said.

"This landing could not have taken place without the teamwork of many base agencies coming together in a total team effort," said Capt. Billy Wilson, of 838th AEAG operations. "What's truly phenomenal is this landing had zero impact on fixed-wing operations."

Shindand's 2,600-meter long by 27.5-meter wide runway is constructed of concrete and provides all-weather capability. It will support all Afghan air force aircraft and is used to facilitate the Afghan pilot training program while supporting coalition operations.

June 03, 2011 by Beth Stevenson, SHEPARD GROUP

London - The US is buying 21 Mi-17V5 multipurpose helicopters from Russia, despite the purchase of the helicopters from state arms exporter Rosoboronexport being controversial in the US.

Under the $365 million contract, which was signed on 26 May, the helicopters will be supplied to Afghanistan forces by the US Army Forces Command, with the first Mil aircraft expected to be delivered in October.

On the same day it was also announced that a maintenance facility for the aircraft would be built in Afghanistan as a money-saving effort.

‘We have agreed that this [Mi-17] joint project with the US will encompass this kind of facility on the territory of Afghanistan because the transportation of helicopters to Europe for repairs would be too expensive,’ deputy director of the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, Vyacheslav Dzirkaln, said.

The Mi-17 is an export version of the Mi-8 Hip, and was specifically designed for the Russian conflict with Afghanistan in the 1980s.

In 2006 sanctions were imposed on the Rosoboronexport after the US accused it of violating the nuclear non-proliferation regime by dealing with Iran, but this was lifted in May 2010.

As a result of the embargo, various private intermediary companies in the US established a profitable business acting as the principle providers of Mi-17s.

In October 2009, US senator Richard Shelby revealed in a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates that the US had spent $807.2 million on the purchase of Mi-17s for the armed forces of Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan.

The aircraft were acquired as a civil platform, and were eventually resold to the Pentagon following modification for military use. The acquisition came under scrutiny from Congress because of the trade ban with Russia, and because US platforms had not been considered.

Defence of the decision included that the Mi-17 type was familiar to these armed forces and was suitable for conditions in Afghanistan.

Under the terms of the contract maintenance, spare parts provision and ground support equipment will be provided. The helicopter is currently produced at two factories in Kazan and Ulan-Ude in Russia. The transport aircraft can carry 37 passengers, and features powerful turbo shaft engines.

Meanwhile Russian Helicopters announced in May that delivery of the first three Mi-171Sh to the Ministry of Defence of Peru was pending, following a contract signed with Rosoboronexport in 2010. The second batch of aircraft is expected to be delivered at the end of 2011.

MOSCOU, 2 juin - RIA Novosti

La Russie et les Etats-Unis créeront en Afghanistan un centre d'entretien des hélicoptères russes Mi-17B5 achetés par le Pentagone pour l'armée afghane, a annoncé jeudi à RIA Novosti Viatcheslav Dzirkaln, directeur adjoint du Service fédéral russe pour la coopération militaire et technique (FSVTS).

"Nous avons dit que dans le cadre de coopération avec les Etats-Unis, une structure adéquate devait être créée sur le territoire de l'Afghanistan, car il est assez onéreux d'acheminer les hélicoptères en Europe pour les réparer", a indiqué le responsable.

Le 26 mai, Washington et Moscou ont signé un contrat sur la livraison de 21 hélicoptères de transport militaire Mi-17V5 à l'armée afghane. Selon certains médias, le contrat atteint 367,5 millions de dollars.

June 1, 2011 defpro.com

As the German Army recently announced, a team of instructors has been deployed to Afghanistan to introduce German soldiers in the operation of a new small tactical reconnaissance unmanned air system (UAS). The Mikado AR 100 B, built by the German manufacturer AirRobot GmbH & Co. KG, is intended to provide additional situational awareness to troops in northern Afghanistan.

The vertically take-off and landing (VTOL) system is powered by four rotors and is equipped with a video sensor, which transmits the collected data in near real-time. The images are being processed by a ground station and can be stored for detailed analysis at a later moment. With a maximum payload of approximately 200g, the system’s can be equipped with different cameras, including daylight, twilight or infra-red cameras, and supports troops in a effective radius of 1,000 metres during a maximum flight period of 20 minutes. With a maximum

“Finally, we have something that enables us to look behind obstacles without having to expose own forces to direct threats,” a soldier explained after a training course on the new system. The portable Mikado UAS, with a span of merely 1 metre, will help troops on patrol to detect and identify suspected persons, weapon systems and vehicles from a safe position, providing the soldiers with an improved situational awareness and reducing the risk of undesired surprises before they further approach the area.

The instructor team is training a total of 48 soldiers in six training courses to operate their new asset. The first course for the “Army’s small eye” involved some 495 training flights with a duration of 10 to 20 minutes. According to the Army, the system is easy to handle and can be quickly deployed with the troops. Its four rotors allow for a stable and easy to control flight and enable the system to hover nearly silently over the target, providing video footage from any desired angle. The only limitation are winds stronger than 8 m/s, making a stable flight difficult to impossible.

AirRobot provides the German Army with six of these small VTOL systems, as well as with two rechargeable batteries and a battery charger. Providing power to the system’s four rotors and the video camera, the batteries allow for an operational range of 500 metres with analogue video operation and 1,000 metres with a digital video operation. In case of a technical failure or low battery power, Mikado automatically returns to the ground station or a pre-determined point and autonomously carries out an emergency landing.

The German company, which has offices in Germany and the USA, has originally designed the Mikado AR100-B for civilian purposes and expanded the system’s operational scenarios to defence and security purposes, including military, police and rescue missions. (nvk)

28 May, 2011,  Russia Today

Moscow and Washington have signed their first contract to use multi-purpose Russian-made helicopters in Afghanistan. The contract is hailed by the Kremlin as the first major contract in the history of the countries’ military cooperation.

­The cost of the deal, which will supply 21 Mi-17V5 military transport helicopters to the Afghan army, reportedly stands at about US$ 300 million.

According to Kommersant newspaper, the first nine machines will be delivered to Kabul before the end of the year and the rest will be supplied in 2012.

Along with the supply of helicopters, the deal includes the delivery of spare parts, ground support equipment and the provision of maintenance services, the newspaper said.  

Russian authorities have hailed the move as an important step in the countries’ military cooperation.

"[This  is] the  first  large  contract  in  the  history  of  the US-Russian military-technical  cooperation, signed  directly with  the US Department of Defense," said Russian Presidential Aid Sergey Prikhodko.

"Its signing is a major step forward in the two countries' practical cooperation in raising the combat capabilities of the Afghan Armed Forces," he added.

The contract was reportedly signed on April 26, during Deauville talks between the Russian and American presidents.

Sources : Armée de l'air

28.05.2011 par P. CHAPLEAU Lignes de Défense

Le détachement-air de Bagram (au nord de Kaboul) a réalisé, le 26 mai, sa 400e mission au profit de la force internationale d'assistance et de sécurité, au dessus de l'Afghanistan. Il a passé à cette occasion la barre symbolique des 4000 heures de vol.

Le détachement Harfang (la photo ci-dessus a été prise début mai à Bagram) est armé par une quarantaine de personnes. Parmi eux, se trouvent treize mécaniciens et neuf membres d'équipage comprenant du personnel navigant, des officiers renseignement et des interprétateurs image. À cela, il convient d'ajouter les 18 militaires responsables du soutien de ce détachement dans les domaines de la logistique, des communications et de l'administration.

PS: Un Harfang à Deauville: pendant le G8 un drone a été déployé à partir de la base d'Evreux. Selon Cassidian, ce drone "a transmis en temps réel les informations receuillies au centre d'opération interministériel de Deauville, au CNOA de Lyon Mont-Verdun ainsi qu'au centre des opérations Air (COAIR) de Paris Balard, qui ont centralisé l'ensemble des données employées par les différents capteurs Air".

STUTTGART, Germany, May 27 (UPI)

The German military has contracted Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks to produce Actros Heavy Recovery Vehicles for immediate use in Afghanistan.

Mercedes Benz said the lead time for delivery of the mine-protected vehicles is seven months. The number of vehicles ordered and the monetary value of the contract weren't disclosed.

The Actros vehicles to be delivered will be of the same configuration and protection level as those operated by the Canadian armed forces in Afghanistan since March 2008.

With the Actros 4151 AK 8x8 provides Level 4 ballistic protection and Level 4b mine protection.

The protected special vehicle is 34.5 feet long, with a wheelbase of 18 feet.

Mercedes said a particular challenge faced by heavy recovery vehicles is the distribution of axle loads in all deployment situations. While the weight of the armored cab lies across the front axles only, in recovery situations the weight of the raised, towed vehicle places a load on the rear axles which can act like a huge lever. The Actros 4151 AK 8x8 Recovery vehicle, however, has been designed in such a way as to ensure a substantially uniform axle load distribution and also enable safe handling in both heavy-duty recovery situations and also when driving without a load.