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30 octobre 2015 5 30 /10 /octobre /2015 12:30
Turkey - Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM)

 

Oct 29, 2015 ASDNews Source : Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA)

 

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Turkey for Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $70 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on October 28, 2015.

 

The Government of Turkey has requested a possible sale of Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) tail kits comprised of 400 GBU-31(V)1 for use with Mk84 bombs, 200 GBU-31(V)3 for use with BLU-109 bombs, 300 GBU-38 for use with Mk82 bombs, 100 GBU-54 Laser JDAM kits for use with Mk82 bombs, 200 BLU-109 Hard Target Penetrator Warheads, and1000 FMU-152A/B fuzes. Non-MDE includes containers, support equipment, spare and repair parts, integration, test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and technical support, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $70 million.

 

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29 avril 2015 3 29 /04 /avril /2015 16:55
photo Armée de l'Air

photo Armée de l'Air

 

28/04/2015 par Emmanuel Huberdeau – Air & Cosmos

 

Le processus d'acquisition des neuf prochains drones Reaper français semble être en bonne voie. Le département de la défense américain a annoncé la commande de neuf tourelles multi spectrales de désignation type B de Raytheon dans le cadre d'un contrat FMS (foreign military sales) pour la France. Le coût annoncé du contrat est de 11,6M$. Ces systèmes seront à priori intégrés sur les neufs prochains drones MQ-9 Reaper que la France doit acquérir.

 

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18 mars 2015 3 18 /03 /mars /2015 17:25
A UH-60M helicopter. (Photo Sikorsky)

A UH-60M helicopter. (Photo Sikorsky)

 

Mar 18, 2015 defense-aerospace.com

(Source: Defense Security Cooperation Agency; issued Mar 17, 2015)

 

Mexico - UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters


WASHINGTON --- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Mexico for UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $110 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on March 16, 2015.

The Government of Mexico has requested a possible sale of three UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters in standard U.S. Government configuration, with designated unique equipment, Government Furnished Equipment (GFE), six T700-GE-701D engines, six H-764G Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation Systems (EGIs), six M134 7.62mm Machine Guns, three Star Safire III Forward Looking Infrared Radar Systems, three Aviation Mission Planning Systems, twelve AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggles, and one Aviation Ground Power Unit.

Also included are spare and repair parts, support equipment, communication equipment, facility construction, air worthiness support, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, warranties, U.S. Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics support services, and other related element of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $110 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner. Mexico has been a strong partner in combating organized crime and drug trafficking organizations. The sale of these UH-60M helicopters to Mexico will significantly increase and strengthen its capability to provide in-country airlift support for its forces engaged in counter-drug operations.

Mexico intends to use these defense articles and services to modernize its armed forces and expand its existing naval/maritime support in its efforts to combat drug trafficking organizations.

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

The principal contractors will be the Sikorsky Aircraft Company in Stratford, Connecticut; and General Electric Aircraft Company (GEAC) in Lynn, Massachusetts. There are no known offset agreements in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale may require the assignment of one additional U.S. Government representative and one contractor representative in country full-time to support the delivery and training for approximately two years.

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 and does not mean the sale has been concluded.


(EDITOR’S NOTE: Even with add-ons, training, spares and support, the cost of the above contract works out to about $37 million per helicopter.
This is a nice mark-up, given that the latest, March 2 contract for UH-60 production is worth $241.7 million for 22 aircraft, or $11.9 million each.
This is also roughly the same price also being paid by Tunisia; a contract awarded Mar 17, for eight “Green-configured” UH-60Ms, is worth $93 million (or about $11.6 million each.)
Mexico is probably not getting the best deal available, especially as FMS sales are supposed to use the same price as that paid by US users.)

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10 février 2015 2 10 /02 /février /2015 12:50
MQ-9 Reaper Block 5

MQ-9 Reaper Block 5


10.02.2015 par Philippe Chapleau - Lignes de Défense
 

La Defense Security Cooperation Agency a annoncé vendredi que le Département d'Etat a donné son feu vert à une FMS (foreign military sale) au profit des Pays-Bas. Cette vente porte sur 4 MQ-9 Block 5, 4 stations de contrôle etc. Pour voir la liste complète, cliquer ici.

Le package comporte aussi 3400 heures (sur 3 ans) de formation et soutien technique qui seront fournies par des employés fédéraux et des contractors (comme ceux de General Atomics et L3C qui sont déployés à Niamey auprès des militaires français de l'escadron Belfort).

Montant du contrat: 339 millions de dollars.

Deux pilotes et deux opérateurs vont être envoyés sous peu aux USA (à Holloman AFB) pour y être formés.

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5 février 2015 4 05 /02 /février /2015 17:20
i-FMS 200 logiciel – photo Thales

i-FMS 200 logiciel – photo Thales

 

4 février Aerobuzz.fr

 

Thales a été choisi par Northrop Grumman Corporation pour lui fournir son logiciel de système de gestion du vol (FMS), l’i-FMS 200. Ce logiciel sera intégré à l’avionique de mission fournie par Northrop Grumman pour moderniser les hélicoptères UH-60L Black Hawk. La version modernisée des hélicoptères Black Hawk portera le nom de UH-60V.

 

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30 janvier 2015 5 30 /01 /janvier /2015 12:30
Security Assistance Enterprise Delivers Vehicles to Iraq

 

 

Jan 30, 2015 ASDNews Source : US Army

 

The U.S. Army Security Assistance Command, also known as USASAC, has implemented and completed a case for delivery of 250 Mine Resistant Armor Protected, or MRAP, vehicles to the Iraqi government.

This complicated and monumental task was achieved in less than 90 days by USASAC and its security assistance enterprise partners, Dec. 23.

 

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17 novembre 2014 1 17 /11 /novembre /2014 08:50
NATO Industry Forum Highlights Capability Divide

 

Nov. 16, 2014 - By PIERRE TRAN – Defense News

 

PARIS — During last week’s NATO Industry Forum, a sharp contrast emerged between a wish for simple allied access to command-and-control (C2) information, and the high-tech capabilities in the pipeline for US forces.

The Nov. 13 forum — hosted by French Air Force Gen. Jean-Paul Palomeros, head of NATO’s Allied Command Transformation, and Patrick Auroy, NATO assistant secretary general in charge of defense investment — aimed to increase cooperation with industry to improve alliance readiness and capabilities.

“I am a strong believer that industry can also contribute for a great part to the answer [of readiness],” Palomeros told the audience. “Indeed, you are experts in achieving readiness as it is a daily business for you. Your DNA, if I may use this expression, compels you to constantly adapt, prepare, posture for emerging or changing markets and to keep a sufficient leading edge against competitors.”

During remarks at the forum, held in Split, Croatia, a European admiral clearly stated the difficulties of the small allied nations such as Portugal to get C2 information in the 28-strong alliance.

“We know inside NATO we have big countries with big industries behind them,” said Vice Adm. Fernando Pires da Cunha, joint operational commander for Portugal.

Separately, NATO has completed system testing of the Air Command and Control System (ACCS), showing the capability to run a network with bases in France, Belgium, Germany and Italy, ThalesRaytheonSystems said in a statement. The tests showed ACCS “is ready to provide NATO with essential interoperability,” said the prime contractor, a joint venture between Thales and Raytheon.

The ACCS is NATO’s large-scale attempt to boost allied interoperability in C2 in the skies over Europe.

Interoperability is a “ground rule” among the small nations on the various national command-and-control systems, Pires da Cunha said. The lack of interoperability is compounded by the various national and NATO secrecy classifications that limit access, he said.

“If you have a guy working with one computer, most of these systems, they are not compatible, you cannot have them working together,” he said. “And to get a common picture is very hard.”

A key allied objective is to arrive at a “compatible and affordable” solution that merges the information, he said.

There is no need for a cyber attack, he said. “We jam ourselves with all these incompatible systems. Cooperation is needed among the 28 to deliver a common picture and common information.”

Common training would mitigate the lack of compatibility, and the Supreme Allied Command for Transformation is pushing to move a training school to Portugal, he said.

 

High-Tech Vision

 

Pires da Cunha’s remarks contrasted with the soaring ambitions of a senior US officer’s presentation, devoted to high technology.

The US sees growth in unmanned systems in all domains, and demand for cyber security and directed-energy weapons, said US Adm. Mark Ferguson, commander of Allied Joint Force Command at Naples, Italy.

Electricity generation for lasers would replace powder and ammunition, and force commanders must consider the importance of intelligence from data mining, as hybrid warfare uses social media to attack governments and society, Ferguson said.

There will be greater demand for “information operation,” with conflicts fought through the media and online, he said.

On the ground, investment should be made in infrastructure such as railway stations, airports and seaports, needed to transport personnel, he said. The forces need to respond quickly to new threats, he said.

The Trident Juncture exercise is intended to show a high level of “connectedness” between bases in France, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands and Germany for command and control of air, sea and land forces, he said.

That showed the importance of C2 in the high end of warfare, and a reliance on the electromagnetic spectrum, cyber, satellite communications and high data links, he said.

In major NATO moves, the first site against ballistic missiles will go operational in Romania next year, and a second base will go “online” in Poland in 2018, he said. These bases would work on 10-12 minutes of reaction time, he said.

 

Better Communication

 

What the military needs and what industry can offer sparked debate along the lines of which came first: the chicken or the egg?

An executive attendee at the conference said much of the morning session focused on operational aspects while missing the industry issues. Companies need dialogue to know available funding and requirements so they can decide on technology, skills and target countries over five, 10 or 20 years, the executive said.

It is difficult to predict 20 years ahead, said Brig. Gen. Manuel Gimeno, logistic division chief on Spain’s Joint Defense Staff.

NATO is entering a new cycle, investing in the planning process, and is seeking reform, Palomeros said. The alliance is working on a minimum military requirement, which will go to the high level military committee and set a plan for the next five years. That will open doors for the future, he said.

Defining the main strategic needs would be the best tool for industry, Palomeros said. Industry has research and development (R&D), which could interest the services.

Ferguson spoke of Apple R&D engineers talking in the mid-1980s of a live tactile screen, voice control and other technology features that are now available.

“Your best minds and our young operators” could get together and that could “change the way we operate,” he said.

 

FMS Restrictions?

 

The issue of US sale of equipment into the European Union through the foreign military sales (FMS) system was a topic of discussion, with the EU’s executive commission said to be working on draft legislation against the FMS regime.

Auroy said there is no single NATO market, as each of the member nations and the European Union handles regulatory control. There may be regret, but that was the way the alliance was built, he said.

The absence of a single defense market makes it hard for industry to invest, as there are three markets — EU, NATO and national — said Christina Balis from consultancy Avascent.

One of the panel speakers, Domingo Ureña Raso, head of military aircraft at Airbus Defence and Space, said the US has a good export tool, namely International Traffic in Arms Regulations, which is wielded as a “hammer” against the competition. In Europe, there are different sets of rules for export, procurement and configuration, and some countries set export restrictions on arms that are built in common, he said.

The US and Europe are fierce competitors, but in defense “we have common rather than divergent issues,” notably a common set of regulations on export, procurement and requirements. On his wish list is an “open border” approach in which European firms could offer equipment in the US, as the US sells in Europe, Ureña Raso said.

Caroline Vandedrinck, vice president for Europe and Central Asia at Sikorsky Aircraft, said FMS is a contracting deal and does not distort competition.

Said a French analyst: “It [FMS] is an asymmetrical feature in the export market. There is a case to be made for putting the US and Europe on equal terms in arms exports, particularly for sales into the European market. This is not protectionist.”

An attendee said there is some “very robust talking to the commission” as it is seen to be constraining EU and NATO nations and moving to adopt a measure harmful to the armed forces. A guidance note is being drafted by the commission for the EU. “They [the commission] are listening,” the attendee said.

An EU directive on defense markets went into effect in 2011, aimed at boosting competition, with the exclusion of government-to-government deals, a French executive said.

That opt out was intended to simplify acquisition of second-hand equipment, but European industry lobbied the commission for clearer legislation. One of the factors was Portugal’s sale of its F-16 fighters to Romania without a competition, the executive said. The commission agreed to draw up a guidance note.

Comment from the commission was not immediately available.

EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton said in a statement on July 24, 2013: “The EU has the ambition to act as a security provider, in its neighborhood and globally, both to protect its own interests and contribute to international peace and security. To be able to do so, we need capabilities.

“And to have capabilities, a sound industrial base is vital.”

Palomeros, in his closing remarks, said he saw an eventual replacement of the NATO fleet of airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft as a means of fostering cooperation between Europe and the US.

“For instance, our nations will have to replace major equipment such as the AWACS fleet within 20 years,” he said. “I definitely call for such a project becoming the spearhead of the trans-Atlantic industrial cooperation, a next milestone in success endeavors similar to ACCS.”

The alliance is keen to tighten relations with industry.

“A closer and more open NATO-industry relationship will benefit us both. We have already made some good progress these past few years in building such a mutually beneficial relationship,” NATO Deputy Secretary General Alexander Vershbow said in opening remarks.

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1 octobre 2014 3 01 /10 /octobre /2014 11:35
US to supply additional UH-72A Lakota helicopters to Thailand

A US Army UH-72A Lakota light-utility helicopter at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., US

 

1 October 2014 army-technology.com

 

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a potential foreign military sale (FMS) of UH-72A Lakota helicopters and associated equipment to Thailand.

 

Under the estimated $89m sale, Thailand has requested nine UH-72A Lakota helicopters, along with spare and repair parts, support equipment, communication equipment, and aviation mission planning stations.

 

Approved by the US State Department, the package also includes personnel training and training equipment, as well as other related elements of logistics support.

 

The sale is expected to contribute to Thailand's goal of upgrading and modernising its military forces with a new light-utility helicopter that can address requirements for rotary-wing transportation, while further enhancing interoperability between Thailand, the US, and other allies.

 

In addition, the sale contributes to the foreign policy and national security of the US by helping to improve the security of a major non-Nato ally.

 

EADS North America has been selected to serve as the prime contractor for the FMS programme.

 

The UH-72A Lakota, which is an unarmed utility militarised version of the EC-145 helicopter, is primarily used for search and rescue, medical evacuations, homeland security, VIP transport and disaster response and relief, as well as combat flight and pilot sustainment training missions.

 

Powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 1E2 turboshaft engines, the helicopter can also be used for general support and counter-narcotics operations.

 

It is currently operated by the US Army, Navy and the Army National Guard.

 

In June 2013, Thailand also requested six UH-72A Lakota helicopters and related equipment from the US at an estimated cost of $77m.

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30 septembre 2014 2 30 /09 /septembre /2014 11:30
Thales équipera les aérodromes de la Garde Nationale d’Arabie Saoudite

 

29 septembre Aerobuzz.fr

 

Thales vient d’être sélectionné par l’US Air Force dans le cadre d’un contrat de type FMS (Foreign Military Sales) pour fournir à la Garde Nationale d’Arabie Saoudite des aides à la navigation et des systèmes destinés aux tours de contrôle. Les technologies déployées répondront aussi bien aux exigences des procédures de vol aux instruments et de vol à vue pour les aéronefs à voilure fixe et à voilure tournante. Elles seront installées sur deux nouveaux aérodromes du pays - Khashm al- An, à l’est de Riyad, et Dirab, au sud-ouest de la ville.

 

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3 juillet 2014 4 03 /07 /juillet /2014 11:50
UK - Tomahawk Block IV Torpedo Launched Land-Attack Missiles

 

Jul 2, 2014 ASDNews Source : Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA)

 

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the United Kingdom for Tomahawk Block IV Torpedo Launched Land-Attack missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $140 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on July 1, 2014.

 

The United Kingdom (UK) has requested a possible sale of up to 65 Block IV All-Up-Round Torpedo Tube Launched Tomahawk Land-Attack Missiles, containers, engineering support, test equipment, operational flight test support, communications equipment, technical assistance, personnel training/equipment, spare and repair parts, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $140 million.

 

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3 juillet 2014 4 03 /07 /juillet /2014 11:35
India - UGM-84L Harpoon Missiles

 

Jul 2, 2014 ASDNews Source : Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA)

 

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to India for UGM-84L Harpoon missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $200 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on July 1, 2014.

 

The Government of India has requested a possible sale of 12 UGM-84L Harpoon Block II Encapsulated Missiles, 10 UTM-84L Harpoon Encapsulated Training missiles, 2 Encapsulated Harpoon certification training vehicles, containers, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $200 million.

 

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25 juin 2014 3 25 /06 /juin /2014 18:25
Mexico - UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters

 

Jun 24, 2014 ASDNews Source : Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA)

 

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Mexico for UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $225 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on Jun 24, 2014.

 

The Government of Mexico has requested a possible sale of 5 UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters in standard USG configuration with designated unique equipment and Government Furnished Equipment (GFE), 13 T700-GE-701D Engines (10 installed and 3 spares), 12 Embedded Global Positioning Systems/Inertial Navigation Systems (10 installed and 2 spares), 10 M134 7.62mm Machine Guns, 5 Star Safire III Forward Looking Infrared Radar Systems, 1 Aviation Mission Planning System, and 1 Aviation Ground Power Unit. Also included are communication equipment including AN/ARC-210 RT-8100 series radios, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems, aircraft warranty, air worthiness support, facility construction, spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, site surveys, tool and test equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of program, technical and logistics support. The estimated cost is $225 million.

 

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29 janvier 2014 3 29 /01 /janvier /2014 12:30
AH-64E Apache helicopter - photo US Army

AH-64E Apache helicopter - photo US Army

 

27 janvier 2014 45eNord.ca (AFP)

 

Le Pentagone a notifié lundi le Congrès américain d’un projet de vente à l’Irak de 24 hélicoptères d’attaque Apache pour 4,8 milliards de dollars, a annoncé l’agence chargée des ventes d’armes à l’étranger.

 

Bagdad réclamait depuis des mois que Washington lui fournisse ces équipements mais de nombreux élus américains s’y opposaient, craignant que le Premier ministre irakien Nouri al-Maliki ne s’en serve contre des groupes autres que ceux liés à Al-Qaïda. Le Congrès dispose de 15 jours pour soulever d’éventuelles objections, faute de quoi le contrat sera conclu.

Le projet de contrat porte sur 24 hélicoptères avec leurs équipements et pièces détachées. Il comporte également la vente de 480 missiles Hellfire, une arme antichar qui peut être tirée depuis des hélicoptères ou des avions.

 

 

«Cette proposition de vente soutient les intérêts stratégiques des États-Unis en fournissant à l’Irak des moyens essentiels pour se protéger contre les menaces terroristes et conventionnelles et améliorer la protection des infrastructures pétrolières clés», justifie dans un communiqué l’agence de coopération de défense et de sécurité (DSCA), chargée des ventes d’armes à l’étranger.

Nouri al-Maliki, un chiite critiqué pour son manque d’ouverture vers les autres composantes de la société irakienne, est confronté à la perte de contrôle d’une partie de la province à majorité sunnite d’al-Anbar, frontalière de la Syrie. Des combattants de l‘État islamique en Irak et au Levant (EIIL, lié à Al-Qaïda) se sont notamment emparés fin décembre de la ville de Fallouja, à 60 km à l’ouest de Bagdad.

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29 janvier 2014 3 29 /01 /janvier /2014 08:30
UAE requests US for equipment in support of a direct commercial sale of F-16 aircraft

A UAE Air Force's F-16 Block 60 aircraft taking off from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth in the US. Photo David Raykovitz

 

28 January 2014 airforce-technology.com

 

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a potential foreign military sale (FMS) of equipment in support of a direct commercial sale of F-16 Block 61 Fighting Falcon aircraft and associated equipment to UAE.

 

Under the estimated $270m sale, the UAE has requested for the supply of equipment in support of its commercial purchase of 30 F-16 Block 61 aircraft and also the upgrade of its existing F-16 Block 60 fleet.

 

Major defence equipment includes 40 20mm M61A guns, 40 embedded GPS inertial navigation systems, alongside identification friend-or-foe (IFF) equipment, joint mission planning system, night vision devices, cartridge activated device/propellant activated devices and weapons integration.

 

The package also includes spare and repair parts, tools and test equipment, personnel training and training equipment, international engine management programme-component improvement programme, repair and return, aerial refuelling support, technical and logistics support services, as well as other related elements of logistics and programme support.

 

Expected to improve the UAE's capability to meet existing and future regional threats, the potential sale also contributes to the foreign policy and national security of the US by improving the security of a friendly country that continues to serve as an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.

 

The UAE continues host-nation support of vital US forces stationed at Al Dhafra Air Base, and has proven to be a valued partner and an active participant in overseas contingency missions.

 

The sale of additional F-16 fighters to the UAE is consistent with US foreign policy and national security objectives.

 

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics will serve as prime contractor for the FMS programme.

 

Powered by a single Pratt & Whitney F-100-GE-129 turbofan engine, the F-16 was initially designed as an air superiority day fighter, but later evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft for accurate delivery of ordnance during non-visual bombing conditions.

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17 janvier 2014 5 17 /01 /janvier /2014 15:55
photo EMA

photo EMA

Depuis 2005, le ministère de la Défense a très largement augmenté ses achats en provenance des Etats-Unis via le système FMS (Foreign military sales)

 

17/01/2014 Michel Cabirol – La Tribune.fr

 

Paris fait ses emplettes de plus en plus outre Atlantique. La France a signé des contrats d'une valeur de 1,3 milliard de dollars entre 2005 et 2012. Soit une augmentation de près de 50 % par rapport à 2004.

 

Il y a les deux drones Reaper achetés en 2013 aux États-Unis... et puis il y tout le reste. Depuis 2005, le ministère de la Défense a très largement augmenté ses achats en provenance des Etats-Unis via le système FMS (Foreign military sales). Entre 2005 et 2012, Paris a passé des accords avec Washington portant sur des achats de matériels militaires pour le montant de 1,34 milliard de dollars, selon les statistiques du DoD (Department of Defence).

En seulement huit ans, le ministère a signé une enveloppe financière qui représente près de la moitié de celle passée entre les deux pays entre... 1950 et 2004 (2,84 milliards de dollars). Soit une croissance des dépenses de près de 50 % entre 2004 et 2012. Un pic est constaté en 2011 avec un volume de 530 millions de dollars et en 2012 (293,2 millions).

 

Des livraisons également en forte hausse

Sur les livraisons, la tendance est forcément à la hausse. Entre 2005 et 2012, Washington a livré pour 723 millions de dollars d'armements à Paris, contre 2,3 milliards sur la période 1950-2004. Soit une croissance des livraisons de matériels américains de plus de 30 % entre 2004 et 2012.

Cette augmentation des dépenses et des livraisons de matériels de défense vient en partie des lacunes opérationnelles constatées par les armées sur les théâtres d'opération, notamment l'Afghanistan. En 2009, la direction générale de l'armement (DGA) avait ainsi engagé 260 millions d'euros au titre des urgences opérationnelles (soit une quarantaine d'opérations notifiées) pour équiper les forces sur les théâtres d'opérations. Soit le double de 2008. En 2010 et 2011, le volume d'opérations conduites en urgence opération pour répondre à des besoins opérationnels imprévus, a baissé tant en nombre qu'en montant (seulement 20 millions d'euros en 2011, contre 170 millions d'euros en 2010).

 

Quels matériels américains

Armement : la France achète de plus en plus américain

La France a notamment commandé en 2010 un lot de missiles américain Javelin. Le contrat portait sur l'acquisition de 260 missiles et 76 postes de tir dans le cadre du dispostif FMS, le tout, pour près de 70 millions de dollars.

photo CNPI 2 BCH Souchères

photo CNPI 2 BCH Souchères

L'État-major des armées (EMA) avait également décidé l'acquisition de cinq engins d'intervention et de protection américains Buffalo de fabrication américaine, selon la procédure d'achat d'urgence opérationnelle en 2008. Ce véhicule constitue une première capacité de lutte contre les engins explosifs improvisés (EEI).

Armement : la France achète de plus en plus américain

Outre les urgences opérationnelles, la France a également passé en 2010 avec l'administration américaine un contrat de modernisation de ses quatre AWACS E-3F (Airbone Warning and Control System) pour un montant de 324 millions de dollars.

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22 décembre 2013 7 22 /12 /décembre /2013 09:55
Un des deux drones Reaper réceptionné par la DGA

Un des deux drones Reaper réceptionné par la DGA

 

20/12/2013 DGA

 

Six mois après la décision du ministre de la Défense Jean-Yves Le Drian d’acquérir en urgence deux drones Reaper, la direction générale de l’armement (DGA) a procédé dans la nuit du 18 au 19 décembre 2013 à la réception du système français. C’est un jalon fondamental avant son déploiement opérationnel au Sahel.

 

Le système sera mis dans les prochains jours à disposition du transporteur mandaté pour le livrer à l’armée de l’air au Sahel. Ce système est composé de deux vecteurs aériens, d’un segment sol et des équipements nécessaires à sa maintenance et à sa mise en œuvre. Il offrira aux forces françaises déployées en Afrique une capacité tout temps de renseignement, de surveillance.

 

La réception a été conduite par la DGA aux Etats-Unis, avec l’US Air Force et les équipes de l’industriel General Atomics. Des essais en vol et au sol des drones et de la station sol ont été réalisés pendant deux semaines à Grey Butte en Californie et dans les locaux de Raytheon à Mc Kinney, Texas, pour la boule optronique. L’équipe de programme, le service armement de l’ambassade de France, le service qualité et une équipe de spécialistes dans le domaine des drones, des essais en vol, de l’optronique et des moteurs, ont ainsi été mis à contribution.

 

Ce travail est l’aboutissement d’un processus d’acquisition FMS (ForeignMilitary Sales) conduit par les services du ministère en moins de 6 mois, ce qui a été rendu possible par une très grande réactivité du côté des autorités américaines. Il aura permis de préparer au mieux la mise en œuvre technique du système avant sa livraison aux forces (préparation de l’autorisation de vol, connexion aux systèmes d’analyse du renseignement et aux satellites, analyse de la compatibilité électromagnétique avec les autres systèmes d’armes français, conformité réglementaire, etc.). En parallèle de ces opérations, l’armée de l’air a pu former ses opérateurs Reaper aux Etats-Unis, et ce depuis cet été.

 

Au cours des prochains mois, l’armée de l’air et la DGA assureront la montée en puissance de la capacité, le soutien du système dans les meilleures conditions et l’amélioration de la chaîne technique d’exploitation du renseignement recueilli.

La DGA réceptionne le système Reaper françaisLa DGA réceptionne le système Reaper français
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5 décembre 2013 4 05 /12 /décembre /2013 08:35
DSCA Approves Sale of 14 Chinooks to S. Korea

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has approved the sale of 14 Chinook cargo helicopters to South Korea. (Boeing)

 

Dec. 4, 2013 By WENDELL MINNICK – Defense News

 

TAIPEI — A $151 million deal for 14 Boeing CH-47D Chinook cargo helicopters to South Korea has gotten the green light from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

 

Released under the Foreign Military Sales program, the Dec. 3 DSCA notification said the aircraft will be sold and transferred to South Korea incrementally once the US Army begins taking receipt of new-production CH-47F model aircraft, a process estimated to begin in the January time frame.

 

The 14 CH-47Ds are currently operated by US Forces Korea in South Korea. The T55-GA-714A engines will be provided from US Army inventory located at Camp Humphrey, South Korea.

 

The US Army will not replace the CH-47D aircraft being sold and transferred to South Korea. This will allow the US Army to avoid transportation and demilitarization costs of approximately $13.4 million.

 

“The proposed sale will improve the ROK’s [Republic of Korea] capability to meet current and future requirements for troop movement, medical evacuation, aircraft recovery, parachute drop, search and rescue, disaster relief, fire-fighting and heavy construction support.”

 

In June, Boeing announced that it was in discussions with South Korea on “requirements for upgrades as well as newly manufactured Chinooks.” According to the Boeing announcement, the South Korean Army currently operates 23 CH-47D/DLR, and the Air Force operates five HH-47D for combat search-and-rescue missions.

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4 décembre 2013 3 04 /12 /décembre /2013 08:35
USA: Possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea for CH-47D

Dec. 4, 2013 Pacific Sentinel

 

WASHINGTON, Dec. 3, 2013 – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea for CH-47D Model Aircraft and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $151 million.

 

The Republic of Korea has requested a possible sale of:

 

14 CH-47D Model Aircraft to include T55-GA-714A Engines, 2 per aircraft

(14 ac x 2=28 engines)

5 T55-GA-714A Turbine to be used as spares.

16 AN/ARC-220 HF Radios

32 AN/ARC-186 VHF AM/FM Radios

16 AN/ARN 123 VOR ILS Marker Beacons

14 AN/ARN-154(V) Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) System

16 AN/ARC-201D or AN/ARC-201E VHF FM Homing Radios

16 AN/APN-209D Radar Altimeters

16 AN/ASN-43 Gyro-magnetic Compasses

 

 

Also included are mission equipment, communication and navigation equipment, ground support equipment, special tools and test equipment, spares, publications, Maintenance Work Orders/Engineering Change Proposals (MWO/ECP), technical support and training. The total estimated value for these articles and services is $151 million.

 

The CH-47Ds being considered for this sale are currently operated by U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) in the ROK. This proposed sale of CH-47D aircraft equipped with T55-GA-714A engines will be provided from U.S. Army inventory located at Camp Humphrey, South Korea. The T55-GA-714A Engines to be provided as spares will also be provided from U.S. Government inventory.

 

If this proposed sale is approved, the aircraft will be sold and transferred to the ROK incrementally once USFK begins taking receipt of new-production CH-47F model aircraft, a process currently estimated to begin in the January 2014 timeframe. The U.S. Army will not replace the CH-47D aircraft being proposed for sale and transfer to the ROK. This proposed sale will allow the U.S. Army to avoid transportation and/or demilitarization costs in the amount of approximately $13.4 million.

 

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by meeting the legitimate security and defense needs of an ally and partner nation. The ROK continues to be an important force for peace, political stability and economic progress in North East Asia.

 

The proposed sale will improve the ROK’s capability to meet current and future requirements for troop movement, medical evacuation, aircraft recovery, parachute drop, search and rescue, disaster relief, fire-fighting and heavy construction support. The ROK will use this enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defense, deter regional threats, and improve humanitarian and disaster mobilization and response. These efforts support both ROK and U.S. interests and objectives, and are consistent with strategic and regional goals. This sale is also consistent with the U.S. strategic interests for stability in the Pacific Command Area of Operations.

 

The ROK is capable of absorbing and maintaining this additional equipment in its inventory. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

 

The principal contractor will be The Boeing Company in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

 

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of 18 U.S. Government or contractor representatives to the ROK to provide support, program management, and training for a period of up to 2 years.

 

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 and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

 

DSCA

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19 novembre 2013 2 19 /11 /novembre /2013 08:30
UK Considers Adapting FMS Framework for its Exports

 

Nov. 18, 2013 - By ANDREW CHUTER – Defense news

 

Dunne: Eurofighter Program Would Not Apply

 

DUBAI — Britain is investigating whether to adopt an American-style foreign military sales (FMS) program, but defense procurement minister Philip Dunne said the approach wouldn’t be used to sell Typhoon fighter jets in the Arabian Gulf or elsewhere.

 

Dunne, appearing at the Dubai Airshow Monday to promote Britain’s defense export effort, said the Defence Ministry is in the early stages of investigating whether elements of the highly successful FMS framework could be adapted for use by the British.

 

But while talking to reporters at the show, the procurement chief said that even if Britain goes ahead with its own scheme, it wouldn’t include international collaborative ventures.

 

“We are exploring whether we should establish some kind of British equivalent to FMS for defense sales. It’s early days and I can’t give any indications where we will come out on that,” Dunne said. “But it won’t apply to collaborative ventures, so it’s most unlikely to apply to the four nation Eurofighter Typhoon.”

 

The procurement minister said internal work is underway at the MoD, with a report on findings expected in the second half of next year.

 

British government ministers have been in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in force this week in support of an export effort to sell the Typhoon in a number of countries in the region, including Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE itself.

 

Dunne, who announced a small contract with missile-maker MBDA for upgrade and sustainment of Dual Mode Brimstone stocks at the show, confirmed that if Typhoon customers wouldn’t benefit from any potential FMS plan, they still might gain from governance changes being considered for the Typhoon program.

 

The procurement minister said that with the emphasis on the Typhoon set to eventually shift away from production to capability enhancements for existing and future customers, the way the program is run might change to be able to move faster to accommodate export customers requirements.

 

“Instead of focusing on individual nation’s requirements, we become more focused on the requirements of export customers. We think that should lead to some changes in the way the Eurofighter construct is organized,” he said. “It’s something we wish to do in order to be able react to the speed of the customer and the customer is rather a different entity once it is no longer an air force of one of the partner nations that owns the business. ... It’s a change of emphasis rather than a criticism of the way it’s been organized in the past.”

 

The NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency runs the program on behalf of the British, German, Italian and Spanish governments; the Eurofighter consortium oversees the industrial aspects of the program.

 

Eurofighter consortium members BAE Systems, EADS and Finmeccanica have been discussing possible improvements to the way the organization is run since the Typhoon was beaten into place second place for the Indian fighter contract by the French government and Dassault Aviation with the Rafale fighter.

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7 novembre 2013 4 07 /11 /novembre /2013 08:35
RAAF starts Growler training in the US

 

Nov 6, 2013 ASDNews Source : MoD Australia

 

An important step in the introduction of the Royal Australian Air Force’s electronic warfare capability has commenced, with the first pilot instructor commencing flying on the EA-18G Growler in the United States.

 

Flight Lieutenant Sean Rutledge has commenced training with the Electronic Attack Wing, US Pacific Fleet (CVWP) at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Once he’s completed his training, Flight Lieutenant Rutledge will be qualified to instruct other RAAF aircrew for the 12 EA-18G Growlers the Australian Government is purchasing from the United States Foreign Military Sales program.

 

Read more

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12 octobre 2013 6 12 /10 /octobre /2013 11:55
En rouge, les équipements de mission de l'A400M– source Airbus Militay

En rouge, les équipements de mission de l'A400M– source Airbus Militay

 

11/10/2013 Par François Julian – Air & Cosmos

 

Il aura été l'un des systèmes les plus délicats à mettre au point dans le programme A400M : le FMS (Flight Management System), ou logiciel de gestion de vol, dont le développement a été confié à Thales.

 

« C'est le FMS le plus perfectionné qui puisse exister aujourd'hui », explique t-on chez Thales. Perfectionné, ce logiciel l'est car il reprend rien de moins que toutes les fonctionnalités déjà implémentées sur celui de l'A380, avec en plus d'autres spécifiquement destinées à un avion militaire.

 

Le tout, avec une interactivité et une ergonomie encore plus poussée. La preuve, pour un pilote habitué à voler sur Airbus, le passage sur A400M peut se faire relativement simplement, comme nous l'avions expliqué lors de notre essai en vol, consultable ici.

 

Reste que Thales n'en a pas encore fini avec ce développement, puisque beaucoup des fonctions militaires restent encore à être validées, voir implémentées.

 

Pour l'heure, le FMS est certifié dans la version IOC (Initial Operating Clearance) de l'avion, ce qui lui permet de réaliser l'intégralité de ses missions logistiques. Les versions plus militaires, SOC 1 et SOC 1,5, sont quant à elles encore au stade du test, sur les avions d'essais d'Airbus.

 

Car c'est essentiellement grâce aux différentes itérations de ce FMS que vont être débloquées les différentes capacités spécifiques de l'A400M. Les versions du FMS, actuellement en cours de test, vont ainsi offrir des fonctions d'aérolargage. Plus tard, ce sera au tour des fonctions de ravitaillement en vol d'être débloquées.

 

La fonctionnalité la plus dure à mettre au point, ce sera le « Low Level Flight » qui permettra le vol automatique à basse altitude avec suivi de terrain sur données de cartographie numérique. Cet ultime fonctionnalité doit être prête pour 2018.

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23 septembre 2013 1 23 /09 /septembre /2013 11:45
Tunisia Requests F-5 Avionics Upgrade

September 23rd, 2013 By US Defense Security Cooperation Agency - defencetalk.com

 

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress on September 18 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Tunisia of F-5 avionics upgrades and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $60 million.

 

The Government of Tunisia has requested a possible sale of Block 1 Avionics Upgrades on Tunisia’s fleet of 12 F-5 aircraft. The upgrade includes 12 LN-260 Standard Positioning System Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation Systems (GPS/INS), Control Display Unit, Electrical Power, and Environmental Control System, repairs, Material Condition Inspection, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated cost is $60 million.

 

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country in North Africa.

 

The proposed sale will improve Tunisia’s capability to deter regional threats and strengthen its homeland defense, as well as support counter-terrorism operations. These systems will bolster Tunisia’s ability to continue supporting its air and ground forces in counter-terrorism and border security operations. Tunisia, which already has F-5 aircraft in its inventory, will have no difficulty absorbing this service and support 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 Northrop Grumman of St. Augustine, Florida. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

 

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of up to 23 U.S. contractor representatives to Tunisia for approximately two years.

 

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 and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

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18 septembre 2013 3 18 /09 /septembre /2013 12:35
Indian DAC approves acquisition of additional six C-130J aircraft

Indian Air Force's C-130J Super Hercules aircraft stationed at Hindon Airbase, near Delhi, India. Photo Hemant.rawat1234.

 

18 September 2013 airforce-technology.com

 

The Indian Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the national Air Force's procurement of six additional C-130J Super Hercules aircraft at a cost of INR40bn ($635m) from the US, an unnamed defence source have revealed.

 

Quoted by Press Trust of India, the source said that the aircraft will be acquired through the foreign military sales (FMS) route between the Indian and US governments.

 

Meanwhile, the deal will now be transferred to the Cabinet Committee on Security for the final approval, the sources added, noting that the new aircraft will be based at Panagarh in West Bengal.

 

Panagarh serves as headquarters of the Indian Army's newly created Mountain Strike Corps for operations along the India-China border, according to the news agency.

 

An undisclosed senior defence ministry official was quoted by NDTV as saying: "With its ability to land almost anywhere, the additional C-130J will give the Mountain Strike Corps ability to move around troops and rush reinforcements along the front at a very short notice."

 

The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates six C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, which were acquired under a $1.2bn FMS deal from US in early 2008, from Hindon Airbase, near Delhi, for special operations.

 

Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the C-130J Super Hercules is designed for airborne assault, search-and-rescue (SAR), scientific research support, weather reconnaissance and aerial refuelling, as well as maritime patrol and aerial fire fighting missions.

 

Fitted with a glass cockpit, digital avionics and a new propulsion system with a six-bladed propeller, the aircraft is a longer fuselage or stretched combat delivery variant of legacy C-130 Hercules, and can accommodate a payload of up to 20t and over 90 passengers.

 

The aircraft is operational with air forces in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Kuwait, Norway, Oman, Qatar, the UK and the US.

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13 septembre 2013 5 13 /09 /septembre /2013 11:20
Night Vision Sprial Enhanced Night Vision Goggle (SENVG)

Night Vision Sprial Enhanced Night Vision Goggle (SENVG)

Sep 12, 2013 ASDNews Source : Exelis

 

The U.S. Army has awarded Exelis (NYSE: XLS) Foreign Military Sales orders totaling $9 million to supply Canada with night vision devices and image intensifier tubes. Night vision goggles and the associated image intensifier tubes that comprise them are both high-performance, lightweight and reliable devices that provide significantly enhanced low light resolution for target recognition and identification.

 

“Exelis remains committed to serving our international customers with unmatched Generation 3 night vision technology that allows for improved mission success,” said Nick Bobay, president of the Exelis Night Vision & Tactical Communications Systems division. “This order further enhances our long-standing relationship with Canada as a night vision customer.”

 

These rugged devices can be hand-held, head- and helmet-mounted, or combined with a separate camera, depending upon product type and operational environment. The Exelis Generation 3 system provides the world’s highest-performing image intensifier tubes, which improve image resolution under low-light conditions.

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12 juin 2013 3 12 /06 /juin /2013 11:30
F-18C Hornet aircraft of the Kuwaiti Air Force – photo PH2 Bruce R. Trombecky

F-18C Hornet aircraft of the Kuwaiti Air Force – photo PH2 Bruce R. Trombecky

WASHINGTON, June 11 (UPI)

 

The U.S. military has notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale of technical and logistics support to Kuwait.

 

The deal would support the country's fleet of F/A-18 C/D aircraft and carries an estimated value of $200 million.

 

According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the package would include avionics software upgrades, engine component improvements, ground support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, and engineering change proposals.

 

The principal contractor would be General Dynamics, Boeing and Wyle Laboratories.

 

The assignment of 90 U.S. government and contractor representatives to Kuwait for three years to establish and maintain operational capability would be required, the agency said.

 

"The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East," DSCA said in its notification. "The proposed sale of this support will not alter the basic military balance in the region."

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