Dec 12, 2013 By Yasir Faheem - asian-defence.net

China will construct two conventionally powered aircraft carriers in Dalian and Shanghai between 2014 and 2015, a source from China's Central Military Commission has told.

Under the Commission's Project 048, China aims to establish three carrier battle groups by 2020 so that all three major fleets of the PLA Navy will be able to carry out missions with the full support of an aircraft carrier. The two new Type 001A indigenous carriers will be updated versions of China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, which was originally a Soviet-era Admiral Kuznetsov-class aircraft carrier purchased from Ukraine in 1998. They will also likely be designed with a ski-jump ramp.

Sources said that the General Equipment Department of the PLA has already signed a contract with the Beijing-based China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation to build the two carriers. The price of the two vessels is estimated to be worth US$9 billion.

China has yet to decide whether its J-31 stealth fighter will replace the J-15 to become the country's next generation carrier-based fighter, according to sources. The J-31 fighter entered service after the J-15, and is able to land or take off from the flight deck of the Liaoning. Sources said that a decision will only be made after the construction of the nation's second and third aircraft carriers is completed. This will give the PLA more time to think about the type of carrier-based fighter it will need in the future, the sources added.

ANKARA, Turkey, Dec. 12 (UPI)

The first Turkish-made center fuselage for the F-35 Lightning II has been delivered to Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman by Turkish Aerospace Industries.

TAI said the center fuselage was delivered Wednesday at a ceremony at its manufacturing facility in Ankara and will be installed onto the aircraft by Lockheed in Texas.

"Delivery of the first F-35 center fuselage is a major step by TAI to demonstrate its commitment to adding value to the (F-35) program," said Muharrem Dortkasli, president and chief executive officer of TAI. "TAI invested in brand new, state-of-the-art facilities, machinery, equipment and tooling to manufacture the most advanced and complex assembly of the F-35, fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

"It is now time to begin delivering world-class TAI center fuselages to the final production line at an increasing rate every year."

TAI is producing center fuselages for the F-35 as a sub-contractor to Northrop Grumman. It also produces center fuselage metallic assemblies for the F-35A, selected composite components for all F-35 variants, composite air inlet ducts for F-35A, and air-to-ground alternate mission pylons for all F-35 variants.

It said once the F-35 program reaches full rate production, it will ship three center fuselages a month to assembly lines in the United States and Italy.

"This is a great achievement for the Northrop Grumman-TAI team," said Brian Chappel, vice president of the F-35 program at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. "We worked hand-in-hand to manufacture the first center fuselage, following established processes implemented by Northrop Grumman on our own assembly line in California. Together, we are driving down costs and raising efficiencies to help the F-35 program meet its affordability goals."

12 December 2013 by Guy Martin - defenceWeb

Saab Grintek Defence is manufacturing the core components for the BOZ-101 EC podded self-protection system for the German Air Force’s Tornado jets and is also working on a variety of other self-protection systems for various international customers.

Last month Saab in Sweden announced that it had received three orders for self-protection equipment for the German Air Force’s Tornado fleet totalling 100 MSEK.

The contracts will see the certification and limited production of the BOZ-101 EC podded self-protection system, including the MAW-300 missile approach warning system, as well as development and qualification of a new cockpit control unit for the pod. The pods sold to Germany have a missile approach warner, controller and dispenser. Saab Grintek Defence (part of Saab South Africa) manufactures the missile approach warners and controllers while Saab in Jarfalla, Sweden, does the remainder of the work.

“These orders mark the first contract with Germany for Saab’s MAW-300 missile approach warning system. It is a breakthrough and a strong vote of confidence in Saab as an electronic warfare supplier,” said Micael Johansson, Head of Saab’s business area Electronic Defence System.

A production order is expected from Germany in the second quarter of 2014. Saab is also expecting a follow-on order from the Italian Air Force, which has used a version of the pod, BOZ-102 EC, on its Tornados since 2008.

Saab’s premier military self-protection system is the IDAS (Integrated Defensive Aids Suite) for helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. It features missile, laser and radar warning receivers and chaff and flare dispensers. Its modular system architecture allows IDAS to be configured for any one or any combination of the three sensor types. Saab claims it is the world’s first fully integrated system, as Saab produces every component itself. Another selling point is that the user has complete control over the system’s threat database and library tools, according to Chris Skinner, Vice President, Head of Marketing and Sales and Commercial, Saab Grintek Defence.

Saab says IDAS has been chosen for many different airborne platforms, including the Saab 2000, AgustaWestland A109, Super Lynx 300, Boeing CH-47 Chinook, Denel Rooivalk and Oryx, Eurocopter Cougar, Puma and Super Puma, NH Industries NH90, C-130 and L100 Hercules and Sukhoi Su-30MKM.

In September this year Saab Grintek Defence was awarded additional follow-on orders to supply its IDAS onto India’s Dhruv advanced light helicopter. The Dhruv’s manufacturer, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is producing helicopters for the Indian Army and Air Force. Deliveries on the latest follow-on order are scheduled to commence in 2014.

India is one of Saab Grintek Defence’s most significant customer to date, and Saab is expecting follow-on orders for the Dhruv. The entire self-protection system on the Dhruv, except for the dispensers, is made in South Africa. So far Saab has been contracted to supply 99 systems, and expects orders for additional systems next year. It is transferring technology to HAL for local involvement, something that will help Saab’s chances in supplying systems for the HAL Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), currently under development.

Saab has developed the IDAS system into the commercial Civil Aircraft Missile Protection System (CAMPS) using almost identical sensors and other features (such as the MAW-300 warner), but instead of dispensing chaff or flares, CAMPS uses pyrophoric ‘confetti’ which reacts with the air to burn at a cool temperature, creating a large heat signature to throw off heat-seeking missiles. The biggest advantage of the system is that it does not pose a fire risk, unlike with conventional flares - this makes it viable as a commercial protection system.

The CAMPS system is designed to work against first and second generation heat-seeking missiles like the SA-7 and SA-14 which have been widely proliferated across the globe, especially following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in Libya and the disappearance of thousands of SAMS from his stocks.

Skinner said that the CAMPS project was started around 2005 and the first demonstration was done at the Overberg Test Range in the Western Cape in 2007 using an Embraer 120 aircraft. He added that CAMPS had accumulated a couple of good sales and lots of interest. UN and World Food Programme operators and heads of state make the most inquiries for the system, which has or is still being integrated onto civil Hercules, Embraer 120, Dornier 328, Boeing 737 and Boeing 747 aircraft.

Saab also provides self-protection systems for land vehicles, the Land Electronic Defence System (LEDS). This comes in several different versions, including the LEDS 50 laser warning system. The LEDS 150 system currently under development is an active protection system (APS) that operates in conjunction with the Mongoose-1 counter-munition. LEDS 150 claims the possibility to destroy incoming anti-tank projectiles (e.g. RPG-7 rounds) with the Mongoose missile at ranges as close as within 20 metres of the launch vehicle. The munition has in tests deflected 105 mm tank rounds as well as fin-stabilised rods.

A number of partners are involved in LEDS 150, including Denel, which supplies the Mongoose missile, Reutech, which supplies the radar that detects incoming rounds, and Curtiss Wright, which manufactures the directed launcher. Saab is the systems house and integrator.

Saab is looking for a partner to complete development of the LEDS 150. Skinner said that due to the complexity and state of the art technology involved, it was a very R&D resource intensive programme, hence the serious need for an investment partner. Saab is talking to two potential European partners and is hoping for a firm commitment in the next six months, otherwise the company may have to hibernate the programme.

Skinner said LEDS 150 was a proven concept, with trials already been conducted using the Mongoose active countermeasure missile. He said the big thing was integrating and finalising the system. It would take an estimated one and a half years to get the system to production.

LEDS 50 is currently operationally deployed on the CV 90/35 combat vehicles of the Royal Netherlands Army and Saab hopes the LEDS system will be ordered by the Canadians for their new combat vehicle.

Saab also has a marine version of the laser warning system called NLWS for surface vessels and has numerous international successes with this product in both Europe and the Middle East.

Going forward, Saab is looking at new sensor technologies such as active and imaging infrared sensors, as well as partnering with other suppliers with the aim of enhancing technologies such as directed infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) systems.

MOSCOU, 11 décembre - http://fr.ria.ru/world/20131211/199993350.htmlRIA Novosti

Téhéran insiste sur l'exécution par Moscou des contrats sur la livraison de  missiles sol-air S-300, a déclaré mercredi le ministre iranien des Affaires étrangères Mohammad Javad Zarif lors d'une conférence de presse conjointe avec son homologue russe Sergueï Lavrov.

"Nous insistons toujours sur la mise en application de nos ententes précédentes", a indiqué le ministre, interrogé sur le refus de la Russie de livrer à l'Iran des S-300 et sa proposition de fournir à la place des S-300VM Anteï-2500 (version modifiée du S-300V prévue pour l'exportation, ndlr).

Conclu en 2007, le contrat de livraison de missiles sol-air S-300 à l'Iran engageait la Russie à fournir cinq batteries complètes de cet armement pour environ 800 millions de dollars. Or, l'exécution du contrat a été suspendue en septembre 2010 par le président russe de l'époque Dmitri Medvedev en application de la résolution 1929 du Conseil de sécurité de l'Onu, qui interdisait de fournir des missiles, des chars, des hélicoptères d'assaut, des avions de combat et des bâtiments de guerre à Téhéran.

L'Iran a intenté un procès à la Russie pour l'annulation du contrat. La République islamique réclame quatre milliards de dollars d'indemnités.

Dec 11, 2013 ASDNews Source : US Army

The Army used a vehicle-mounted high-energy laser for the first time to successfully engage more than 90 mortar rounds and several unmanned aerial vehicles in flight.

The Army High Energy Laser Mobile Demonstrator, or HEL MD, underwent multiple test events between Nov. 18 and Dec. 10, at White Sands Missile Range.

This was the first full-up demonstration of the HEL MD in the configuration that included the laser and beam director mounted in the vehicle, according to officials of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command. They said a surrogate radar, the Enhanced Multi Mode Radar, supported the engagement by queuing the laser.

The HEL MD is being developed to show directed-energy force-protection capabilities against rockets, artillery and mortars, known as RAM. It is also intended to protect against unmanned aerial vehicles, known as UAVs, and cruise missiles.

Mortars travel at low velocities for short ranges in high-arching trajectories. These weapons, as well as UAVs, are representative of the threat encountered by U.S. and allied forces on the battlefield, officials said.

Initial system effectiveness was proven through low- and medium-power test demonstration that took place in 2011. High-power testing has now concluded at the High Energy Laser Systems Test Facility on White Sands Missile Range.

The demonstration and testing confirms the capability of a mobile solid-state laser weapon system to counter mortars, UAVs, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance sensors mounted on the UAVs, officials said.

The recent testing utilized a 10-kilowatt class laser. In the future, a 50-kW class laser will be integrated into the HEL MD platform, officials said. The 50-kW laser is scheduled to be upgraded to a 100-kW class laser in subsequent demonstrations, they added.

The supporting thermal and power subsystems will also be upgraded to support the increasingly powerful solid-state lasers, according to USASMDC/ARSTRAT officials. They said these upgrades will increase the effective range of the laser or decrease required lase time on target.

The Boeing Company is the prime contractor for the HEL MD program.

12 décembre 2013. Portail des Sous-Marins

Selon certaines images publiées par des forums spécialisés chinois, il semble qu’un nouveau type de sous-marin classique ait été lancé au chantier naval de WuChang.

Certains, sur ces forums chinois, considèrent qu’il s’agit d’une évolution de la classe Yuan.

Mais d’autres le jugent trop différent pour cela : il présente des différences notables au niveau du kiosque, de la hauteur et de la position de la bosse du pont, la forme de l’avant et de la coque en général.

Référence : Information Dissemination (Etats-Unis)

Dec 11, 2013 defense-aerospace.com

(Source: The Korea Herald; published Dec. 11, 2013)

EADS Proposes Korea Buy Mix of Two Fighter Jets

The European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company proposed Wednesday that South Korea purchase a combination of 40 Eurofighter Typhoons and 20 F-35s for its next-generation fighter procurement project.

The defense firm argued that a split procurement will offer a better blend of capabilities for peninsular security conditions, and that its “stable” Eurofighter program can ensure an earlier fixed delivery timetable, starting from 2017.

The EADS’ proposal came after Seoul all but decided last month to purchase 40 F-35 radar-evading fighters manufactured by Lockheed Martin, a U.S. defense firm, and start deploying them from 2018.

“We see the advantages of a split procurement of Eurofighters and F-35s, combining the benefits of both programs,” said Peter Maute, senior vice president of Eurofighter sales, during a press conference in Seoul.

“This would be in line with the approach of some future F-35 users who will, once it is eventually in service, operate it complementary to other aircraft in a specialized role, using its stealth attributes.”

He particularly stressed the “multi-role” capabilities of the Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 3 and the F-35’s specialized role for strike missions.

“The U.S. has developed the F-22 as a dominant air superiority fighter and plans (to use) the F-35 mainly for strike missions,” said Maute.

The United Kingdom and Italy, along with other nations, will begin using F-35s for specialized roles alongside the Eurofighter, which is of equal dominance to the F-22 in air-to-air contests and also has a full multi-role capability, he explained.

Maute also said that should Seoul opt to buy 40 Eurofighter Typhoons, his company would maintain its promises of technology transfer and industrial participation packages, which were made when Seoul planned to procure 60 warplanes.

The EADS’ industrial packages include technological support for Seoul’s so-called KF-X project to develop an indigenous warplane, and also an investment of up to $2 billion in the KF-X project.

Observers said it would be difficult for Seoul to reverse its current procurement plan and opt for the Eurofighter, considering that Seoul seeks to purchase all-aspect stealth aircraft to counter threats from North Korea and potentially from neighboring states.

Last month, Seoul decided to purchase 40 stealth warplanes for deployment from 2018-2021 and to later purchase an additional 20 warplanes, in consideration of shifts in the security environment and technological development

MOSCOU, 11 décembre – RIA Novosti

La réduction de l'éventail des armements et du matériel de combat ainsi que la robotique doivent servir de base au nouveau programme national d'armement pour la période 2016-2025, a déclaré mercredi Dmitri Rogozine, vice-premier ministre russe en charge du complexe militaro-industriel. 

"Des systèmes automatisés de gestion des forces armées, un système automatisé de contrôle du champ de bataille, la visualisation de ce dernier, la robotique", a-t-il indiqué, énumérant les principaux axes du nouveau programme d'armement. 

M.Rogozine a en outre évoqué la nécessité de réduire la variété des armements et du matériel de combat. 

"Ceci n'est pas avantageux, l'industrie ne peut pas se permettre de produire cinq avions de types différents ", a expliqué le vice-premier ministre.

Parmi d'autres principes clés du nouveau document, M.Rogozine a cité la modularité et l'unification des armements.

11 December 2013 army-technology.com

Raytheon has completed the final phase of compatibility testing of precision-guided Excalibur projectiles with the German-made PzH2000 self-propelled howitzer in collaboration with the US Army, marking completion of a multi-phase assessment.

During the trials carried out at Yuma Proving Ground, the PzH2000 fired ten Excalibur projectiles at targets ranging from 9km to 48km, with all rounds striking within 3m of the targets.

The live-fire demonstration, funded by the US, Germany and supported by Raytheon-funded initial testing, also demonstrated the projectile's capability to manoeuvre from the ballistic trajectory to an offset target.

Raytheon Missile Systems Land Warfare Systems product line vice-president Michelle Lohmeier said: "The PzH2000 is one of many highly capable cannon artillery systems currently deployed, and now we've proven that it can fire the only mature, true precision solution available today."

In October, Raytheon also tested the Excalibur from the Swedish Archer and US howitzers.

The German Ministry of Defence is currently assessing Excalibur and competitive technologies, with a contract decision anticipated next year.

US Army Excalibur programme manager Lt Col Josh Walsh said: "Raytheon's Excalibur is a combat-proven solution that has been fielded and used in combat since 2007 with nearly 700 firings in coalition operations."

In a bid to validate the production readiness of Excalibur Ib, Raytheon would carry out a first article test by the end of the year, with further plans of a live-fire demonstration of the 'Excalibur-S' early next year.

The 155mm precision-guided, extended-range Excalibur deploys GPS guidance, which would allow précised, first-round effects capability in any situation, while reducing time, cost and logistical load associated with using other artillery munitions.

SEOUL, 11 déc. (Yonhap)

La société européenne European Aeronautic Defense and Space (EADS) a annoncé ce mercredi être ouverte à une proposition de Séoul pour un achat combiné de Lockheed Martin F-35 et de son avion de chasse Eurofighter, en acceptant de revoir ses attentes à la baisse dans le but de rester en lice pour le projet F-X coréen, soit l’achat de 60 jets pour renouveler sa flotte vieillissante.

Le 22 novembre dernier, Séoul s’était engagé à acheter 40 chasseurs furtifs F-35A du constructeur Lockheed Martin à partir de 2018, avec la possibilité d’acquérir 20 autres chasseurs plus tard selon le budget et la situation sécuritaire, avait indiqué le Comité des chefs d’état-major interarmées (JCS).

Cet achat est de moindre envergure qu’initialement projeté par l'Administration du programme d'acquisition de défense (DAPA). Le Boeing F-15 Silent Eagle était le seul avion satisfaisant au budget du précédent projet d’achat de 60 chasseurs, de 8.300 milliards de dollars, mais avait finalement été écarté à cause de ses faibles capacités de furtivité.

«Bien que nous croyions que l’achat de 60 Eurofighters apporterait à la Corée du Sud une meilleure capacité de dissuasion et de meilleurs performances, nous voyons également l’intérêt d’une division du projet d’acquisition avec le Lockheed Martin F-35», a déclaré Peter Maute, vice-président du programme de vente des Eurofighters au sein de la division EADS Cassadian, qui produit des systèmes de sécurité et de défense.

Afin de vanter la supériorité de l’Eurofighter, Maute a rappelé que les Etats-Unis ont développé un jet F-22 en tant qu’avion de chasse dominant et n’utiliseront leurs Lockheed F-35 que pour des missions d’attaques ciblées, tout comme l’Italie ou le Royaume-Uni, qui n’en appelleront à leur F-35 que pour des tâches spécifiques.

Le représentant d’EADS explique que «le programme des Eurofighter Typhoons étant stabilisé, il ne sera pas sujet à des hausses de prix ou des retards et offrira plus de flexibilité à l’armée sud-coréenne», contrairement aux F-35, toujours en cours de développement.

L’EADS a également mis l’accent sur sa promesse d’investissement de 2 milliards de dollars en Corée du Sud dans des programmes de développement aéronautique, en promettant de collaborer avec des contractuels locaux afin d’engendrer de nouveaux projets et créer des emplois dans le secteur de l’aérospatiale et de la défense.

Selon Maute, un plan intergouvernemental pourrait être envisagé pour l’acquisition des Eurofighter si cette solution est préférée par le gouvernement sud-coréen, les quatre premiers ministres des quatre nations partenaires de l’EADS - l’Allemagne, l’Italie, l’Espagne et le Royaume Uni - s'étant dits prêts à défendre le projet.

10 décembre Aerobuzz.fr

BAE annonce le premier vol de la dernière version de l’avion de combat européen Typhoon. Cet appareil, qui appartient à la Tranche 3 de production est pré équipé pour recevoir des réservoirs additionnels conformes au-dessus du fuselage et un radar à antenne active E-Captor dans le nez. Il sera également capable de mettre en œuvre les missiles Storm Shadow et météor. Le Typhoon Tranche 3 représente un jalon majeur dans le développement de cet avion prometteur.

10.12.2013 Helen Chachaty - journal-aviation.com

L’Agence européenne de défense a publié le 9 décembre son rapport 2012 sur les dépenses de défense effectuées dans chacun des 26 États-membres qui la composent. Comme attendu suite à des restrictions budgétaires généralisées, le total des dépenses militaires a enregistré une nouvelle baisse en 2012, le montant atteignant 189,6 milliards d’euros, soit -0,6% par rapport à 2011. En valeur réelle, la baisse a été continue depuis 2006 et se chiffre à - 21,1 milliards d’euros.

Concernant les dépenses d’investissement - comprenant la R&D et les dépenses d’équipement - celles-ci ont augmenté de 5,4% en valeur absolue, passant de 36,96 à 38,97 milliards d’euros. Alors que pour la R&D l’AED a enregistré une diminution de 38,2% (4,81 milliards contre 7,79 en 2011), ce sont les dépenses d’équipement qui bondissent de 17,1% et atteignent 34,16 milliards d’euros, contre 29,17 en 2011.

Enfin, la baisse des dépenses s’accompagne logiquement d’une baisse des personnels de la Défense, civils comme militaires, passant de 2 425 169 en 2006 à 1 875 343 en 2012. Alors que le nombre de militaires a constamment diminué (1 940 342 en 2006, 1 453 028 en 2012), les personnels civils, après une baisse, ont augmenté entre 2011 et 2012, passant de 374 427 à 422 315 en 2012.