November 8, 2015 By Burak Ege Bekdil and Aaron Mehta - Defense News

ANKARA, Turkey, and WASHINGTON — As the US continues to modify its strategy for Syria, Turkish officials are raising concerns that Washington is moving too slowly to provide its ally with needed military goods. Turkish officials are bristling at what they see as delays in the delivery of weapons and ammo that are needed to fight Kurdish militant groups, with several large orders stuck pending in the system. Among the orders that are held up is a major deal from February 2014 between Sikorsky and the Turkish government for the co-production of 109 utility helicopters. Another is a Turkish request to transfer three Oliver Hazard Perry frigates, two of them floatable and one for spare use, along with a military trailer, to the Turkish military. An official from a state-controlled Turkish defense company said that other US-made equipment and systems Turkey has asked the US to ship include combat UAVs, smart military supplies, frigates and military trailers.

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09.11.2015 Sputnik

Le complexe de bord de défense (BKO) Président-S est destiné à parer les attaques de missiles sol-air.

07 November, 2015 by James Drew - FG

Dubai   - Australia still hopes to acquire an armed, long-range unmanned air vehicle in a similar class to the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-9 Reaper, but moving forward with a “recommended project” depends on the outcome of a pending force structure review.

That review, the Defence White Paper, takes into consideration the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) request for a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) UAV, but is awaiting examination and release by the country’s new prime minister Malcolm Turnbull.

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November 6, 2015 Robert Beckhusen – War is Boring

Say goodbye to the ScanEagle's 4,000-pound ground catapult

Here’s one way to find a new use for an old drone — stick it underneath another drone which serves as a flying mothership. Insitu, a Boeing-owned company which manufactures the tiny ScanEagle surveillance drone, recently showed off a video of a quadcopter carrying the ScanEagle into the air and launching it … like a flying aircraft carrier. The ScanEagle then heads back to its quadcopter and snags a retrieval line. The whole system, known as the Flying Launch and Recovery System or FLARES, is a drone-carrier drone.

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Nov 6, 2015 ASDNews Source : Saab AB

Defence and security company Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to provide support and maintenance for Gripen during 2016 on behalf of the Swedish Armed Forces. The contract value is SEK154 million.In 2012 Saab signed a contract with FMV for performance-based support and maintenance of the Gripen fighter.

This latest order for services in 2016 is confirmation of an option held under that 2012 contract. The order includes support and maintenance operations with a focus on technical support, publications and component maintenance to support the continued operation of Gripen.

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November 3, 2015: Strategy Page

South Korea recently sold a hundred of its locally designed and made K9 155mm self-propelled howitzers to India for about $7.5 million each. South Korea has already sold 350 K9s to Turkey and 120 to Poland. While superficially similar to the American M109 the K9 is a heaver (46 tons versus 28 for the M109), carries more ammo and has twice the range (up to 56 kilometers in part because of a barrel that is a third longer). There is more automation on the K9, so it has a crew of five versus six on the M-109. South Korea thus joins Germany in their effort to build a suitable replacement for the elderly M109 design. To get the Indian sale South Korea had to agree to have the K9s assembled in India from South Korean components. This sale gives South Korea an edge in obtaining an even larger contract to supply India with several thousand towed 155mm howitzers. Because of corruption and political problems the Indian Army has not been able to buy any new artillery since the 1980s. The chief competitor for the Indian contract was Russia which offered its similar 42 ton 2S19. The K-9 won on the basis of technical capabilities, field tests and a South Korean reputation for quality and reliability.

The K9 and 2S19 are examples of the kind of system the United States sought to build to replace its 1960s era M109. The United States sought to build the 56 ton Crusader to replace the M109s. Crusader was very similar to the K9 but was too complex and expensive and the heavier weight was seen as a disadvantage for a country that has to ship its armored vehicles overseas to use them. For South Korea, Turkey and Poland that is not a problem and more heft (and protection for the crew) is an advantage.

One American innovation K9 users will probably adopt is the GPS guided Excalibur shell. This smart shell entered service in 2008 and changed everything. Excalibur has worked very well in combat, and this is radically changing the way artillery operates. Excalibur means 80-90 percent less ammo has to be fired to destroy a target and this results in less wear and tear on SP artillery, less time needed for maintenance, and less time spent replenishing ammo supplies and more time being ready for action.

Because of Excalibur (and other precision munitions) since 2001 operations in Iraq and Afghanistan provided very little work for the M109. The lighter, towed, M777 has proved more useful, especially when using the Excalibur shell. Currently, the army plans to keep newly upgraded versions of the M109 around until 2050. The army plans to acquire at least 551 upgraded M-109s by 2027, reflecting the impact of the Excalibur shell, and the number of older M109s that are still fit for service. The M109 was a solid design, which is pretty clear from how difficult it's been to come up with a replacement. So, in the end, the army replaced the M109 with another M109 upgrade and is still seeking a replacement for that.

November 3, 2015: Strategy Page

Israel and the United States have developed a new VR (Virtual Reality) feature that enables pilots and armored vehicle crew to look through any part of the aircraft or vehicle to see what is outside. This was first applied to the "look and shoot" helmet displays used by F-35, F-15, F-16, Eurofighter Typhoon and F-18 pilots. F-35s are getting the latest model (the U.S.–Israeli HMDS, Helmet-Mounted Display System) of these smart helmets and that will include the new VR feature. These new helmets can display graphics in real time and the VR feature enables the helmet display to show what is beneath the aircraft (via cameras on the fuselage beneath the cockpit) when the pilot looks down with this VR feature turned on. This can be very useful in combat, ground attack or simply landing. This feature proved particularly effective when operating at night. HMDS is also closely integrated with the very capable F-35 avionics and thus will enable to the F-35 to be the first modern jet without a standard HUD (mounted above the cockpit instruments in front of the pilot).

The ground vehicle version takes advantage of the fact that a growing number of vehicles have numerous day/night vision vidcams mounted on the outside. These allow the crew to look at a display and switch between different cameras. That can take time. Even if it’s only a few seconds that can be too long in combat. Thus some or all the people in the vehicle can be equipped with a monocle or goggles that use the VR feature. The monocle is useful if the VR system in the vehicle does not have the data display feature. This is standard in modern pilot helmet visors. This VR capability is believed to be more useful for crews of armored vehicles where there is a lot more going on outside the vehicle that is the case with aircraft.

Other features the armored vehicle monocle or tablet will adapt from pilot helmets is the "look and shoot" helmet displays that include information displayed on the visor and sensors in the helmet. This enables the pilot to look at the target (either another aircraft, or something on the ground) and fire a weapon (missile) that will go after the target being looked at. Recent upgrades allow the pilot to also put "head up display" (HUD) information on the helmet visor visual system. This is a big advantage in air combat, where it's always been a problem having to look down at some display or instrument reading, and take your eyes off the surrounding air space. This makes it safer for pilots (especially when flying on the deck, at high speed) and in combat. Another recent enhancement allows each pilot to customize what information is shown on their helmet visor. A tank or IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) crew could use the same tech, especially for the remotely controlled weapons on the turret or even the main gun of a tank.

5 November 2015 Ministry of Defence, Defence Equipment and Support and Philip Dunne MP

Stretchers that weigh just 1.5kgs are amongst some of the innovations from Northern Powerhouse companies that have been praised by the MOD.

Speaking at the Northern Defence Industries (NDI) annual conference, Defence Minister Philip Dunne highlighted the invaluable and innovative work being carried out by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME’s) across the UK’s Defence industry.

As part of his key note speech, the Defence Minister revealed that £1.4 million has been invested this year in 7,500 Xtract®2 stretchers from Yorkshire based TSG associates. Designed by Gulf-war veteran Colin Smart and his company, the stretchers weigh just 1.5kg, compared to the weight of a standard stretcher of around 10kgs, and are capable of carrying three times the weight of an average soldier.

Following his speech to the NDI, Mr Dunne paid a visit to Merseyside-based ship engine specialist James Troop & Co to review progress of a £2million deal to replace the generator sets on seven Royal Navy Mine Hunters.

With the generators now in place on all seven ships James Troop will focus on training naval personnel on engine maintenance as well as providing on-going technical and spare parts support.

Defence Minister Philip Dunne said:

    We recognise that the UK’s defence contractors, whatever their size, are a vital source of innovation in our supply chain, and in the last year, the MOD has done business with over 5,400 Small and Medium Enterprises, worth over £800 million.

    By harnessing this expertise, whether from a veteran with front line experience or from one of the UK shipping industry’s oldest companies, we are securing highly skilled UK jobs and ensuring our Armed Forces have the very best possible equipment available.

The MOD and the Government have recently reiterated our commitment to SMEs. We launched the Defence Growth Partnership (DGP) Innovation Challenge in March this year, while also setting up Supply Chain Champions, giving companies an easier “in” to the defence industry. They have also appointed an SME champion to be a voice for innovative SMEs across the country and are encouraging Prime contractors to open up their supply chains, to help bring innovative design and technology into the defence sector.

Nov 5, 2015 ASDNews Source : Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA)

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Lithuania for Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicles and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $599 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on November 4, 2015.

The Government of Lithuania has requested a sale of eighty-four (84) M 1126 Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicles (ICV) with the ATK 30mm cannon, the XM813 30mm cannon or a European variant with the Remote Weapon Station and eighty-four (84) M2 Flex Machine Guns. Additionally, they have requested the ICV-30 package, including contractor logistics support, support equipment, spare parts, armaments, two (2) AN/PRC-152 Radios per vehicle, one (l) AN/PSN-13 DAGR per vehicle, one (l) VIC-3 per vehicle, training aids/devices/simulators & simulations (TADSS), translated technical manuals with laptop computers, training, Foreign Service Representatives (FSRs), OCONUS Contractor vehicle deprocessing services and technical assistance. The total estimated value of MDE is $462 million. The overall total estimated value is $599 million.

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Nov 05, 2015 defense-aerospace.com

(Source: Fortune; published Nov 04, 2015)

The Air Force’s New Bomber Faces A Pentagon Budget Battle (excerpt)

As Congress seeks billion in defense cuts, America’s new $100 billion stealth bomber looks for space in the Pentagon’s long-term spending plan

The battle over who will build the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation stealth bomber came to a close last week, but a new conflict is already developing at the Pentagon. A defense budget passed Friday has Congress and military planners seeking $5 billion in defense cuts, as the Air Force prepares to squeeze another costly development program into a Pentagon budget already packed with big-ticket weapons buys.

Last week’s award of the Long Range Strike Bomber program, or LRS-B, to Northrop Grumman over a joint bid by defense giants Lockheed Martin “LMT” and Boeing “BA” marks what is expected to be the Pentagon’s last major combat aircraft program for a decade. But as defense planners embark on a slew of much-needed modernization programs over the next decade, money remains scarce—and could grow scarcer still.

With limited funds to go around, the LRS-B program could find itself competing for funds with myriad Pentagon programs amid tightening budgets. The U.S. Navy has embarked on a major program—starting in the early 2020s—to replace its fleet of Ohio-class nuclear submarines, a key component of the nation’s nuclear deterrent. The U.S. Army is engaged in a multi-billion dollar effort to upgrade its ground vehicles and plans to develop and buy a whole new fleet of helicopters in the 2020s. Meanwhile, the Army, Navy, and Marines are all engaged in the $400 billion F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program.

Within the Air Force alone, the LRS-B will join a number of major new and ongoing programs. In the next several years, the service plans to begin replacing its fleet of E-8 ground surveillance aircraft known as JSTARS, its aging Vietnam War-vintage T-38 jet trainers, and its land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles.

A new combat rescue helicopter and a replacement for Air Force One are in the works. Meanwhile, Air Force brass have also prioritized ramping up production on both the F-35 and the KC-46 aerial refueling tanker—made by Lockheed and Boeing respectively—at the same time the LRS-B is trying to get off the ground. (end of excerpt)


Click here for the full story, on the Fortune website.

5 nov. 2015 Quelle: Redaktion der Bundeswehr 09/2015 15E30501

November 5, 2015: Adam Szczepanik – Strategy Page

Last week the Czech Republic approved an emergency $50 million order for new weapons. This was caused by the recent tensions between NATO (which the Czechs belong to) and Russia (which the Czechs fear). One of most significant parts of that order consists of 2,600 CZ 805 BREN assault rifles in different variants, in addition to 800 underbarrel grenade launchers, thousands of sights, and other related equipment.

This rifle, produced locally in Czech Republic since 2009, was already in the process of slowly becoming new standard rifle for Czech army and also select police units, replacing the 1950’s era VZ.58 assault rifle. This was cold war era 7.62x39mm weapon weighing 3.1kg (6.83 pound). It was 845mm (33.26 inch) long with a 30 round magazine and side folding stock.  Although it resembles the AK-47 in appearance it shares no common parts with it, even their magazines are not interchangeable. It is capable of single shots and fully automatic fire. While quite popular and well regarded for its quality and compact dimensions, this rifle was starting to show the limitations of its aged design, in addition to incompatibility with NATO standard ammunition and accessories.

Priced at approximately $3400, the new, modular CZ 805 in the most common A1 configuration, is a 5.56x45mm weapon firing NATO standard ammo. The  3.6kg (7.93 pound) rifle is  670-910mm (26.3-35.8 inch) long and has an adjustable stock (folded\fully extended). It is a gas-operated rifle and is fed from 30 round magazines made of translucent polymer that is compatible with STANAG and G36 magazines, including 20, 30 and 100 round ones.

The assault rifle has fitted a Picatinny rail on the top of receiver with more rails running on the sides and the bottom of the forend. Thanks to this the CZ 805 will accept a wide variety of additional sighting equipment, like red-dot or telescope day sights, night sights, laser sights, in addition to folding iron sights which are meant for use when proper sights are unavailable. The rifle has an ambidextrous safety/fire selector switch that can be set to single shots, two round bursts and fully automatic fire.

So far the only variants of the modular weapon are the A1- full length assault rifle, and A2 - shorter barreled carbine one. The variants can be easily switched once the parts become available thanks to quick change barrels.  Further planned variants include a long barreled DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle) one and a heavy barreled SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon).  Versions in different calibers are also planned, including 7.62x39mm, and 6.8mm SPC.  There is also a heavy B variant planned, designed to use heavier, full power rifle rounds, like 7.62x51NATO and .300 Winchester Magnum, but its development is not continuing because of lack of prospective buyers.

The underbarrel grenade launcher ordered for the CZ 805 BREN is CZ 805 G1, also Czech produced, and was designed with this rifle in mind, as the shared designation suggests.  This 2.23 kg, 413mm (16.25 inch) long, 664mm (26.14 inch) with stock, single shot, rear loaded, single shot 40x46mm grenade launcher can be mounted on a rifle’s underbarrel rail or used as a standalone weapon. The rear loading allows it to use grenades of all lengths, which allows it to fire all kinds of anti-vehicle, anti-personnel, specialist and non-lethal rounds.

Even though not as compact as the weapon it is replacing, the CZ 805 is a long due technological step forward for the Czech Army, and it is already having some success on the international market too. The CZ 805 is already being used by the Slovak Army (which used it in combat in the Afghanistan War), Mexican Federal Police, Egyptian Police, Moldovan internal troops, in addition to Czech Army and law enforcement. A civilian, semiautomatic variant of the rifle is also a major possibility for increasing its sales.

Nov 2, 2015 ASDNews Source : Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation has awarded contracts worth a combined GBP15 million for 2 new projects at RAF Lossiemouth to support the station's Typhoon aircraft.

RAF Lossiemouth is an RAF fast jet main operating base and is home to squadrons operating both the Typhoon and Tornado jets. The station is also the Quick Reaction Alert (Interceptor) North base, meaning that it provides crews and jets to intercept unidentified aircraft in UK airspace.

The contract for an Installed Engine Test Facility, at a value of just over £9 milion, has been awarded to Henry Brothers. This building will house aircraft undergoing testing following the repair or replacement of an engine. The enclosed facility will be very specialised, featuring technology to keep the aircraft in place while the engine is running and an instant fire suppression system. It will also include soundproofing technology to reduce engine noise to a safe level and deaden sound waves which could otherwise damage the aircraft.

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