Photo: IMI

February 12, 2012 Tamir Eshel – Defense Update

Israel Military Industries Ltd. announced today that the Boeing Company [NYSE:BA] has approved IMI’s 500-pound Multi Purpose Rigid (MPR 500) Bomb as compatible with their Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance kit.

The combination of IMI’s MPR 500 with Boeing’s JDAM guidance kit substantially enhances operational flexibility while reducing total ownership costs. With increased penetrating power and reduced collateral damage fragmentation, the MPR 500 was designed to defeat targets more commonly found in today’s fighting areana. By delivering IMI’s focused munition with Boeing’s reliable history of precision guidance, the MPR 500 JDAM system is ideal for gardened targets in dense urban areas or in close proximity to friendly troops.

Photo: IMI

 

IMI’s MPR 500 is a combat-proven 500-poud bomb with improved penetration capabilities and gas the same dimensions as a MK-82.

The bomb can penetrate more than one meter of reinforced concrete or punch through four 200mm thick walls or floors.
Because of its 500-pound size, MPR 500 enhances aircraft carriage efficiency, increasing the number of targets that can be engaged per sortie.

MPR 500 provides concentrated blast effects, utilizing approximately 26,000 controlled fragments. This reduces collateral damage risk within one hundred meters. By creating a straight penetration path through the target, the MPR 500 virtually eliminates the “J Effect”, in which the bomb’s warhead breaks on impact causing it to explode incorrectly.

MPR 500 is being displayed by IMI at the Singapore Airshow.

source Ria Novisti

12 février 2012 Par Rédacteur en chef. PORTAIL DES SOUS-MARINS

Le commandant de la marine iranienne, le contre-amiral Habibollah Sayyari, a déclaré jeudi que 2 nouveaux sous-marins avaient été mis en service.

Le contre-amiral Sayyari a précisé que les sous-marins appartenaient à la classe Ghadir, et qu’ils avaient été entièrement conçus et construits par des spécialistes iraniens.

Il a souligné que les sous-marins avaient été mis en service lors des commémorations du 33è anniversaire de la Révolution Islamique.

Toutes les parties des sous-marins, la coque, le radar et les équipements de défense ont été conçus et fabriqués par les spécialistes du ministère de la défense iranien.

Leurs capacités de manœuvrabilité les rendent bien adaptés aux conditions météo de l’Iran.

Référence : Islamic Republic News Agency (Iran)

Feb 10, 2012 FoxNews

Saudi Arabia would launch a military nuclear program immediately if Iran successfully developed atomic weapons, The Times of London reported Friday.

While Riyadh signed an agreement with the US in 2008 stating that it would only pursue nuclear power for civil purposes, the Saudi government is likely to abandon the deal if Tehran had a nuclear bomb.

"There is no intention currently to pursue a unilateral military nuclear program but the dynamics will change immediately if the Iranians develop their own nuclear capability," a senior Saudi source said.

"Politically, it would be completely unacceptable to have Iran with a nuclear capability and not the kingdom."

In such an eventuality, Saudi Arabia would start work on a new ballistic missile platform, purchase nuclear warheads from overseas and aim to source uranium to develop weapons-grade material.

Officials in the West believe Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have an understanding in which Islamabad would supply the kingdom with warheads if security in the Gulf was threatened.

A Western official told The Times that Riyadh could have the nuclear warheads in a matter of weeks of approaching Islamabad. Other vendors were also likely to enter into a bidding war if Riyadh indicated that it was seeking nuclear warheads.

Both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have denied the existence of any such agreement.

Like the US and many other countries in the West, Saudi Arabia believes that Iran is seeking to build nuclear weapons and the kingdom is preparing for a worst-case scenario, the Saudi sources said.

Click here to read more from The Times of London.

photo US DoS

11 fév 2012 par Romain Mielcarek – ActuDéfense

La diplomatie américaine dénonce le déploiement de moyens militaires démesurés contre des infrastructures civiles. Les colonnes de chars syriens ainsi que d’importants dispositifs d’artillerie ont ainsi pu être photographiés par satellite. Des clichés publiés afin de soutenir les négociations occidentales aux Nations unies. Des images qui montrent aussi à quel point Damas dépend de la Russie en matière d’armements.

Le Département d’Etat vient de publier une série de photographies satellitaires de moyens militaires syriens. Ces dispositifs d’artillerie, répartis autour de villes comme Homs, Rancus et Az Zabadani sont à priori utilisés pour faire céder les contestataires. Ils pourraient avoir participé aux bombardements qui ont causé la mort de plus de 6000 personnes, selon les chiffres publiés par l’Observatoire syrien des droits de l’homme basé à Londres.

Les pièces d’artillerie déployées et montrées sur les photographies sont de plusieurs types. Des obusiers sont répartis autour des villes en question. La Syrie dispose de calibres allant de 80 à 180mm. Au moins deux BM-21 Grad, des camions armés de lance-roquettes multiple de 122mm, ont été photographiés près de Homs. Le pays en a acheté 500 à l’Union soviétique. Des canons automoteurs 2S3 Akatsiya sont également visibles. Enfin, sur des images diffusées par l’ambassadeur des Etats-Unis en série, des postes de tir mortiers sont identifiés.

Toute cette artillerie vient soutenir le déploiement de véhicules blindés qui a lancé à plusieurs reprises des raids sur certaines villes comme Homs et Zabadani. La Syrie dispose de près de 5000 chars de conception soviétique et de 3000 blindés de combat d’infanterie de même origine. Damas dispose également, en soutien, d’une armée de l’air alignant entre 400 et 600 appareils selon les sources et une petite centaine d’hélicoptères de combat (dont 36 gazelles françaises).

Les images et les informations diffusées par le Département d’Etat et l’ambassade américaine semblent dénoncer deux choses. D’une part, des armes de guerre de gros calibres sont effectivement utilisées sur des installations civiles, au mépris des vies des habitants. D’autre part, les forces armées syriennes sont totalement dépendantes de la Russie en matière d’approvisionnements militaires. Moscou est le fournisseur d’armes quasi-exclusif de Damas.

Les clichés, pris au cours de la première semaine de février, ont été abondamment commentés par les diplomates américains. Victoria Nuland, la porte parole du Département d’Etat, décrit ainsi des photos « épouvantables qui montrent des colonnes de chars, des incendies, le genre de choses qu’on voit lorsque l’armée conduit une offensive de grande envergure contre la population civile ».

Feb 10, 2012 ASDNews Source : Missile Defense Agency (MDA)

The Israel Missile Defense Organization and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency completed a successful test of the cooperative U.S.-Israel Arrow Weapon System (AWS) over the Mediterranean Sea today. Data collected from the flight test will be used to verify functionality of the Block 4 AWS.

This test, designated Block 4 System Verification Flight Test (B4SVFT), was a target-only tracking exercise. During the test, the AWS Super Green Pine fire control radar tracked a Blue Sparrow target, representing potential ballistic missile threats facing Israel. The radar transferred information to the Citron Tree battle management controller, which prepared a simulated intercept solution. Elements of the U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) successfully performed interoperability with the AWS and collected data.

The success of the test is the final test before delivery of the Block 4 Arrow Weapon System. This was a major milestone in the development of the Arrow Weapon System and provides confidence in operational Israeli capabilities to defeat the developing ballistic missile threat.

Personnel from the Israel Missile Defense Organization and U.S. Missile Defense Agency conducted the flight test. The main contractor for the integration and development of the Arrow Weapon System is MLM of the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). ELTA Industries developed the “Super Green Pine” radar. Tadiran Electronic Systems, Ltd. developed the “Citron Tree” battle management controller.

Super Green Pine radar. (Photo IAI)

February 10, 2012 Tamir Eshel – DEFENSE UPDATE

The Israel Missile Defense Organization and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency completed a successful test of the key elements of the joint U.S.-Israel IAI Arrow Weapon System (AWS) today. The test was carried out over the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and involved a Rafael Blue Sparrow 2 target missile, launched toward Israel from an F-15 fighter jet. The target missile was detected and tracked by the EL/M-2080 Super Green Pine radar, the primary sensor of the AWS. Intercept solutions were plotted by the Golden Citron battle management controller and transferred to the launch units.

This Block 4 System Verification Flight Test (B4SVFT) was a target-only tracking exercise. In fact, Arrow 2 Block 4 missiles have already been verified through a number of long-range intercept tests over the Mediterranean and Pacific Ocean in 2008, 2009 and 2011.

According to the official announcement, “Elements of the U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) successfully performed interoperability with the AWS and collected data.”this probably pertains to the BMDS Raytheon AN/TPY-2 radar station in the Arava valley.

source Asian Defence

10 February 2012 naval-technology.com

The Islamic Republic of Iran Navy has been equipped with two new domestically-built light Ghadir-class submarines to further expand its capability to defend territorial waters, the Iranian Navy Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari says.

The delivery is also intended to improve and bolster Iran's military maritime defence capability amidst rising tensions with the West over its nuclear programme.

Habibollah Sayyari added that the two new submarines are capable of simultaneously firing missiles and torpedoes, and will be deployed within the shallow waters of the Persian Gulf.

The Ghadir-class submarines are equipped with sonar-evading technology, can remain hidden from advanced radars, swift detection and location vessels and are designed for coastal operations in shallow waters, especially in the Gulf.

The 29m-long and 2.75m-wide diesel-electric propelled submarine has a displacement capacity of 120t when submerged, can cruise at a maximum speed of 11kts and is capable of firing the Hoot supercavitating rocket torpedoes.

Claimed to be designed and produced by Iranian experts, the country began manufacturing its domestic Ghadir submarine in 2005 and it was first unveiled in 2007.

In November 2011, the nation inducted three submarines belonging to the same class into its naval fleet.

Iran does not disclose the total number of submarines in its naval fleet, however, it is believed that it comprises of 12 light and three Russian-made submarines, as reported by The Associated Press.

The country has been developing its own tanks, armoured personnel carriers, missiles and fighter planes as a part of an arms development programme initiative since 1992.

February 10, 2012 defpro.com

Israel Aerospace Industries' (IAI) Heron Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) was recently demonstrated successfully and according to the plan, this time in Greece, as part of a demonstration held by the European Union (EU) agency, Frontex.

During the demonstration a number of IAI payloads were employed successfully to detect potential targets, for monitoring anti-smuggling and other illegal activity operations in both the ground and maritime arenas. Among the payloads demonstrated were IAI's Tamam Division Multi-mission Optronic Stabilized Payload (MOSP), and ELTA's, an IAI group and subsidiary, Maritime Patrol Radar (MPR). Heron UAS' successfully demonstrated precise ISR capabilities and Automatic Takeoff and Landing (ATOL) which allow Heron full operational activity in difficult weather conditions.

Frontex, a specialized and independent EU body, is tasked with coordinating operational cooperation between Member States in the field of border security. The demonstration took place at the Hellenic Air-Force base Aktio, in the presence of representatives from various European countries' Border-Police and Coast-Guard forces as well as the Hellenic Coast Guard.

IAI's Heron is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAS With a wingspan of 16.6 meters and a takeoff weight of 1,250 kg, the Heron UAS can reach an altitude of 30,000 feet with an endurance of up to 40 hours (depending on the mission and payload configuration). Heron is a multi-mission UAS able to carry a wide variety of sensors. It can operate at least five different payloads simultaneously, to provide real-time information over a wide area for an extended period of time.

The Heron UAS is in operational use with over 18 customers worldwide including the Brazilian Federal Police. Its impressive capabilities for monitoring anti-smuggling and other illegal activities were demonstrated to the Australian Customs and the Spanish Guardia Civil.

"Demonstrations like the one in Greece help Frontex understand whether there are possibilities for a civilian use of such technologies. Our main interest is their potential use for border control and for search and rescue operations at sea, as saving human lives is one of our priorities", said Edgar Beugels, Head of Frontex Research and Development.

February 9, 2012 defpro.com

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) establishes IAI UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) Academy - a unique solution for training and certification of UAS operators and technicians. The UAS Academy is based on IAI's vast knowledge and experience of four decades in designing, manufacturing and operating UAS, as well as training UAS technicians and operators.

In addition to providing a variety of training services to IAI customers within IAI premises and in other planned locations, the UAS academy redefines the training concept. It provides solutions to the growing need for trained and skilled UAS operation, maintenance and mission crews in various military, para-military and civilian facilities.

The academy places special emphasis on the operational mission training experience and offers a generic and "cross platform" training services in new facilities. Basic and advanced courses are provided as well as recurrent training courses and workshops, special payloads operation courses, seminars for mission commanders and instructors, and qualification maintenance programs. UAS academy addresses all UAS personnel - Internal Pilots, External Pilots, payload operators of all types, technicians, mission-commanders and instructors.

The curriculum includes the wide spectrum of courses required for training and qualification of UAS operators and technicians: Practical flight training, simulations with Semi-Simulators and high fidelity UAS Mission Trainer (UMT) as well as theoretical training.

In addition to reducing costs of operating UAS, training with the academy facilitates the availability of aerial platforms and airspace. Sharing the wide knowledge of working with various customers around the world adds to the training high value.

The academy's training is applicable to a wide range of customers with different experience, knowledge and background - from customers who are establishing basic UAS abilities - to well experienced customers interested in optimizing their training abilities as well as those who intend to shift to the qualification and endorsement model, customary in flight schools worldwide.

Tommy Silberring, general manager of IAI's Malat division said: "I congratulate IAI's Academy for setting the new standard of training in the UAS field, and for providing the best and most extensive training solution for IAI's UAS operators as well as other UAS users. In today's world where the need for UAS has become essential for every county, training by IAI's team of experts will enhance the safety and operational capabilities of UAS operation and mission crews around the world and will become a key element of their success".

09.02.2012 par David Koskas - israel-infos.net

Le constructeur et intégrateur de matériel de défense électronique israélien Elbit Systems a présenté une de ses dernières innovations au salon aéronautique de Singapour.

La principale nouveauté est constituée par une technologie capable de détecter et d'identifier les matériaux à distance, et qui devrait donc porter un sérieux coup aux techniques de camouflage.

C'est Elop, la filiale d'Elbit spécialisée dans l'électro-optique, qui a développé ce système d'imagerie qui, en utilisant différentes longueurs d'ondes, peut assigner une signature spectrale unique à chaque matériau observé.

"Le capteur est idéal pour détecter différents matériaux"', a expliqué le directeur général d'Elop, Adi Dar. Et donc idéal pour sortir d'un champ d'application strictement militaire: des utilisations commerciales et scientifiques sont envisagées, comme l'évaluation des niveaux de pollution ou de la qualité de l'eau.

Elbit a annoncé qu'il avait conçu son nouveau système pour qu'il équipe les drones Hermes 450 et Hermes 900, dont se sert Tsahal.

MOSCOU, 9 février - RIA Novosti

La Russie entend faire tout le nécessaire pour empêcher une ingérence militaire étrangère en Syrie, a déclaré jeudi le vice-ministre russe de la Défense, Anatoli Antonov, dans une interview à la chaîne de télévision Vesti 24.

"Quant à la Syrie, nous voyons à quel point les discussions sont âpres à New York et nous cherchons seulement à épauler nos collègues du ministère des Affaires étrangères, engagé dans la résolution de ces problèmes. Il est évident que nous jugeons nécessaire de ne pas admettre d'ingérence militaire dans la situation en Syrie", a dit le général.

Depuis dix mois, le régime syrien fait face à une contestation populaire sans précédent. Selon les Nations unies, la confrontation entre forces gouvernementales et protestataires a déjà fait plus de 5.000 morts. Damas dément ce chiffre et affirme que le pays est en proie à des bandes armées financées depuis l'étranger qui ont tué plus de 2.000 militaires et policiers.

Craignant que le scénario libyen ne soit réédité en Syrie, la Russie et la Chine, pays détenteurs du droit de véto au Conseil de sécurité de l'Onu, ont bloqué le 4 février et pour la deuxième fois l'adoption d'une résolution sur la Syrie.

09/02/2012 Figaro.fr (AFP)

Le ministre israélien de la Défense Ehud Barak a exprimé aujourd'hui ses inquiétudes sur le possible transfert d'armes "sophistiquées" de la Syrie au Hezbollah et au Liban en cas de chute du régime de Bachar el-Assad.

"Il faut être très attentif qu'en cas de chute du régime il n'y ait pas de transfert d'armes sophistiquées syriennes au Hezbollah et au Liban", a-t-il affirmé à la radio militaire.

"Nous suivons cette affaire en permanence avec la plus grande attention", a ajouté le ministre de la Défense sans donner d'autres détails. Il a, par ailleurs, réaffirmé que "le sort du régime de Bachar el-Assad est scellé, sa situation ne fait qu'empirer de semaine en semaine".

"Stocks d'armes chimiques et biologiques"

Le 17 janvier, le prochain chef de l'aviation israélienne le général Amir Eshel, s'était également déclaré inquiet de ce qui pourrait advenir des "énormes stocks d'armes chimiques et biologiques" de la Syrie en cas de chute du régime actuel à Damas. Israël et les Etats-Unis soupçonnent Damas de s'être doté d'un arsenal d'armes chimiques et biologiques, ainsi que de missiles capables d'atteindre n'importe quel point du territoire israélien.

La Syrie est le principal allié de l'Iran, ennemi juré d'Israël, au Moyen-Orient. Les Etats-Unis, la France et l'opposition syrienne ont accusé Téhéran de fournir des armes au régime de Bachar el-Assad. Plus de 6.000 personnes ont été tuées depuis le début de la révolte en Syrie à la mi-mars 2011, selon des militants.

MicroFalcon – photo INNOCON

Feb 09, 2012 by Arie Egozi – Flight Global

Tel Aviv - Innocon's MicroFalcon mini unmanned air system (UAS) has completed flight tests under extreme weather conditions, having been operated successfully in a snow storm at -15°C and with a wind velocity of 35kt (65km/h). The demonstration was performed in an undisclosed Asian country as part of a contract.

"The MicroFalcon has demonstrated its long-endurance, wide-area surveillance capability to detect targets in all operational environments, in any type of weather, day and night," said Michael Armon, Innocon chief executive.

The Israeli company's lightest UAS, the MicroFalcon has boxed-type wings and carries a belly-mounted sensor payload, which Innocon said supports its high survivability and fast redeployment time.

Around-the-clock coverage of a target area can be sustained using Innocon's multi-UAS control capability, which allows an operator to monitor two air vehicles using a single ground control station