MOSCOW, June 18 (RIA Novosti)

The Russian Air Force's Central Military District will receive its first ten modernized MiG-31BM interceptors this year, the District's press service said on Monday.

"The air forces of the Central Military District will take delivery of 10 MiG-31BM fighter-interceptors and two Mi-26 heavy transport helicopters this year," a Central Military District representative said.

The Russian Air Force has previously said it intends to take delivery of up to 60 MiG-31BMs by 2020, under a contract signed with United Aircraft Corporation in 2011.

The MiG-31BM is a heavily modified variant of the MiG-31, featuring upgraded avionics and digital data links, a new multimode radar, color multi-function cockpit displays, and a more powerful fire-control system. It can detect airborne targets at the range of 320 kilometers (200 miles) and simultaneously track up to 10 targets.

The MiG-31BM can carry new air-to-air missiles including the K-37M long-range air-to-air missile, which has been developed specifically for it according to Douglas Barrie, an air warfare analyst at the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies.

15.06.2012 par Frédéric Lert (FOB)

Mais qu’est ce que ça veut dire… les Russes voudraient ils remettre les pieds en Afghanistan ? Toujours est il qu’ayant finement observé que les MRAP proliféraient comme les champignons après la pluie, les Russes ont finalement décidé de prendre le train en marche et de se lancer à leur tour dans le business de MRAP.

Le fabricant Ural, qui appartient au groupe GAZ, présentait à Eurosatory son premier MRAP, entre tradition et modernité, mais plus près semble-t-il de la tradition que de la modernité… Le Ural-ZA est basé sur un bon vieux châssis 6×6 auquel a été greffée une cabine de conduite blindée, prolongée par un compartiment de transport capable de recevoir une douzaine de soldats. Les sièges sont placés sur deux rangées adossées à la paroi. L’accès se fait par une large porte arrière à l’ouverture assistée hydrauliquement. Le véhicule offre également des tapes de toit et la possibilité d’installer une tourelle habitée ou bien une arme téléopérée. Le véhicule est donné pour 24 tonnes, avec un moteur développant 450 cv et une boite automatique à six rapports. Selon son constructeur, le Ural-ZA offrirait une protection contre les tires d’armes légères, les éclats d’obus et les mines. On demande à voir… Aucun niveau de protection correspondant à un standard OTAN n’est donné. L’architecture du camion reste en outre très traditionnelle, avec certes un plancher incliné pour dévier le souffle des explosions, mais qui reste peu élevé par rapport au sol. Il est également facile de remarquer le faible débattement du train roulant et le manque garde au sol générale du véhicule. Est on alors en présence d’un véritable MRAP ou d’un simple camion équipé d’une casemate blindée ? Ural annonce avoir réalisé deux prototypes et se consacrer à présent à la fabrication d’un premier lot de présérie.

28/05/2012 Michel Cabirol (avec AFP) – LaTribune.fr

Nouveau conflit entre le Kazakhstan et la Russie portant sur le cosmodrome de Baïkonour. Astana veut un accord intergouvernemental pour fixer des compensations financières que la Russie versera en raison de la chute des débris des lanceurs sur son territoire. Pour réduire sa dépendance, Moscou prépare activement le pas de tir de Vostotchny.

Le conflit entre la Russie et le Kazakhstan portant sur le principal cosmodrome de Baïkonour, une enclave russe en plein désert kazakh et qui a été le berceau de la conquête spatiale soviétique, connait un nouvel épisode. En attendant la mise en service opérationnelle du nouveau site de lancements des fusées russes de Vostotchny dans la région de l'Oblast d'Amour (extrême-Orient), qui permettra des vols vers l'orbite géostationnaire - le premier lancement est prévu en 2016 -, Moscou doit continuer à composer avec Astana dont elle reste encore trop tributaire en matière de lancements spatiaux. C'est le président russe Vladimir Poutine qui a signé un décret le 6 novembre 2007 autorisant la construction de Vostotchny  pour réduire la dépendance vis-à-vis de Baïkonour. Les travaux à Vostotchny sont actuellement en cours.

Car selon une source au sein du secteur spatial russe citée par l'AFP, le Kazakhstan réclame un accord intergouvernemental pour fixer des compensations financières que la Russie versera en raison de la chute des débris des fusées sur le territoire kazakh. Car ce qui était un désert à l'époque soviétique est devenu une région où l'urbanisation galope. Du coup, la retombée des étages des fusées Soyuz et Proton sur le territoire kazakh ne favorise pas les lancements en direction du nord, une zone à risques.

Le Kazakhstan a confirmé lundi ne pas autoriser les tirs à partir du cosmodrome de Baïkonour de plusieurs fusées devant mettre en orbite des satellites, notamment européens, faute d'un accord avec la Russie sur les territoires réservés aux débris de lanceurs retombant sur Terre. Selon un communiqué de l'agence spatiale kazakhe, Kazkosmos, qui juge la Russie responsable d'avoir laissé traîner les négociations, les territoires kazakhs où les débris des fusées concernées doivent retomber ne sont pas couverts par l'accord russo-kazakh de location de Baïkonour de 1994. Donc le Kazakhstan ne peut pas autoriser ces tirs. "Les négociations sont en cours et doivent rapidement aboutir", explique à "latribune.fr" un bon connaisseur du monde spatial russe.

Le satellite européen de météo Metop-B sera lancé cet été

Ce nouveau conflit a bloqué les vols de trois lanceurs devant mettre en orbite sept satellites, notamment le satellite européen de météorologie Metop-B, a indiqué le journal russe "Kommersant" lundi. Ce que confirme à "latribune.fr" le président d'Arianespace et de Starsem, Jean-Yves Le Gall : "nous devions lancer Metop-B le 22 mai mais nous n'avons pas eu l'autorisation. Nous le lancerons de Baïkonour fin juillet, début août", précise-t-il. L'évolution de Baïkonour "renforce" le pas de tir de Soyuz au Centre spatial guyanais (CSG), explique-t-il. "Nous pouvons lancer sans problème en direction du nord et l'est", les zones de retombées se situant au-dessus de l'océan. Outre Metop-B, Arianespace prévoit encore de lancer de Baïkonour six satellites de la constellation Globalstar cet automne. Après ce vol, la société de commercialisation des lanceurs européens n'a plus aucun vol de Baïkonour dans son carnet de commandes. Elle a en revanche "15 contrats de lancements" pour Soyuz à partir du CSG.

115 millions de recettes pour le Kazakhstan

Par ailleurs, Roskosmos, l'agence spatiale russe expliqué que "pour ces raisons, nous ne pouvons remplir nos propres obligations et nos obligations internationales", a expliqué la source à "Kommersant". Outre Metop-B, il s'agit de la mise en orbite des satellites russes Konopous-B et MKA-PN1, bélarusse BKA, canadien ADS-1B et allemand TET-1 (prévu le 7 juin) et le russe Ressours-P (prévu en août). La Russie verse 115 millions de dollars par an au Kazakhstan pour le cosmodrome de Baïkonour au terme d'un accord allant jusqu'à 2050. C'est de cette base que décollent la plupart des fusées russes, notamment les vols habités en direction de la Station spatiale internationale (ISS).

Le Kazakhstan a par le passé déjà bloqué le décollage de certains types de lanceurs russes après l'explosion en vol de fusées. Ce conflit intervient alors que la Russie a connu une année noire en 2011 dans le domaine spatial, avec l'échec de cinq lancements. Le dernier en date remonte au 23 décembre, lorsqu'un satellite de communications militaires et civiles est retombé en Sibérie en raison d'une panne de la fusée Soyouz

June 8, 2012 defpro.com

Russian enterprises will promote a number of their newest developments at the Eurosatory 2012 International Land Security and Defence exhibition held in Paris, France, on 11-15 June 2012. Major items of interest are the T-90S MBT upgrade, BMPT tank support combat vehicle, Kornet-EM antitank missile system based on the Tigr armoured car, and Ural 6x6 hardened truck.

Specialists will focus their attention on the T-90S upgrade in the first place. They consider it a virtually new tank judging by the number of innovations introduced, and one of the best in the world arms market by the cumulative combat performance criteria.

The BMPT tank support combat vehicle is another development that has no equals in the world. Its powerful weapons set and heavy armour protection correspond well with the Russian nickname "Terminator".

The Kornet-E antitank missile system is quite popular on the world arms market is perceived as a modern anti-armour weapon system. However, Russian developers have succeeded in substantially extending range of fire of its new modification - the Kornet-EM. The Kornet-EM antitank missile system can also engage small-size aerial targets.

The Ural type trucks are actively employed in many countries and have proved their reliability and effectiveness not only in combat actions but in peace-keeping and rescue operations as well. The new Ural truck is designed with due account of experience gained in modern conflicts, is heavily armoured and fitted with enhanced anti-mine protection.

Air defence systems make up an equally important part of the exhibition. For many years Russia has been maintaining leading positions in this area. Year by year there is a growing demand for air defence systems such as Tor-M2E, Pantsir-S1, Buk-M2E, Igla-S. Lessons drawn from recent military conflicts show that a state-of-the-art air defence system is an important prerequisite to upkeep national security and sovereignity. Russia is among few countries which produce all kinds of air defence equipment, and is capable of building a nationwide air defence system for a customer country on the integrated approach basis.

Rosoboronexport, JSC believes that Russian exposition will be one of the most attractive and memorable at this exhibition. "We have been participating in the Eurosatory exhibitions since 1996, but this year's show is special. Russia has never brought such a number of full-scale new items. They are from the latest developments that clearly demonstrate a huge potential of the Russian defence industry", - says Igor Sevastyanov, deputy director general of Rosoboronexport, JSC and head of the joint delegation of the Russian Technologies State Corporation and Rosoboronexport.

Exports of Russian defence equipment for land forces have been steadily rising in recent years. According to forecasts, this trend will be sustained. Which is particularly true regarding Russian heavy armoured vehicles, multiple rocket launchers, artillery systems, infantry combat vehicles, guided munitions. Russian-made armoured personnel carriers and small arms are in constant demand as well.

At Eurosatory 2012 Rosoboronexport will conduct a great number of talks with both traditional and potential partners. Many meetings are planned also with representatives of European companies. Special emphasis will be made on contacts with leading French defence manufacturers.

Military technical cooperation with France has been growing fast in recent years. We are interested, first of all, in joint research and development. This kind of cooperation does not fall into the 'buyer-seller' category: it demands a wider cooperation to develop effective self-defence assets, including those for third countries. By combining our efforts we obtain a very strong synergistic effect. It is well seen, for example, in our projects with Thales, Safran and Sagem companies", - notes Igor Sevastyanov.

At the end of the last year a dedicated workgroup was set up to facilitate expansion of the Russian-French cooperation into the land forces equipment area. Its first meeting took place in January 2012, and the next one is scheduled for this June-end. «Rosoboronexport» wants as many as possible Russian developers and manufacturers to get involved in the workgroup activities to help define most prospective projects and ways of their implementation.

Rosoboronexport also pays special attention to upgrading earlier supplied materiel. At present there are hundreds of land forces equipment items repaired and upgraded under contracts in various countries. Russia offers an integrated approach to upgrading the materiel with several options for consideration at a time depending on customer requirements.

At Eurosatory 2012 «Rosoboronexport» provides detailed information on nearly 200 items of Russian weapons and equipment presented in total at Eurosatory 2012.

Close combat weapons:

• Assault rifles: Kalashnikov assault rifles of the hundredth series, AK-74M, AN-94, AKMS

• Machine guns: RPK-74M, RPK-201, RPK-203, Pecheneg, PKMS, PKM

• Sniper rifles: SVD, SVDS, SV-98, 6S8, 6V7, OSV-96, VKS

• Pistols: PM, PMM, PSM, Yarygin pistol

• Grenade launchers: AGS-17, RPG-7V1, RPG-26, RPG-27, RPG-28, RPG-29

• ATGW: Kornet-EM, Kornet-E, Metis-M1

• Hand-held flame throwers: RPO-A, RPO-D, RPO-Z, Shmel-M

• Land systems: T-90S MBT upgrade, Tigr armoured car, BMPT tank support combat vehicle, BMP-3M infantry combat vehicle, BTR-80A armoured personnel carrier, Smerch and Grad multiple launch rocket systems, Khrizantema-S self-propelled antitank system, Msta-S self-propelled howitzer with automated aiming and fire control system, Nona-S/Nona-SVK self-propelled artillery guns, BREM type armoured recovery and repair vehicles, various engineer equipment.

• Air defence systems: air defence missile systems: Antey-2500, Buk-M2E, Tor-M2E (in three versions: Tor-M2E on tracked chassis, Tor-M2K on wheeled chassis, Tor-M2KM in modular configuration); Pantsir-S1 air defence missile-gun system, Igla-S man-portable air defence missile system.

• Air systems: Ka-52 and Mi-28NE combat helicopters, Mi-171Sh military transport and Mi-35M combat transport helicopters, Mi-26T2 heavy-lift helicopter, Ka-226T light utility helicopter.

«Rosoboronexport» also offers a wide range of simulators, including those intended for training crews of the T-72, T-80B and T-90S MBTs, as well as of other armoured vehicles such as BMPT, BMP-3M, BTR-80A.

In the spotlight:

• T-90S MBT upgrade: Tank designers improved all combat characteristics of the famous T-90S MBT including its fire power, command and control capability, mobility and protection. Its redesigned turret features an upgraded 125-mm gun, an advanced fire control system, new communication, positioning and interoperation facilities, as well as a remotely controlled 7.62-mm machine gun. The designers managed to retain the tank's relatively small weight while increasing substantially its protection. The tank turret provides protection against all existing munitions thanks to the efficient layout, differentiated armour and new explosive reactive armour application. The upgraded tank features a steering wheel type turn drive and an automatic gearbox which allow improving its controllability. The tank engine is also seriously modified and has its power uprated to 1,130 hp.

• BMPT tank support combat vehicle: The BMPT tank support combat vehicle combines powerful weapons with heavy armour protection which facilitate armour support operations, in particular by defeating tank-dangerous targets of an antitank missile system crews type, as well as autonomous operations to reinforce infantry units, protect troop columns and installations, and defeat terrorist groups. The BMPT weapons set includes two 30-mm 2A42 automatic guns, two Ataka-T supersonic antitank missile launchers, two AG-17D automatic grenade launchers, and one 7.62-mm machine gun. The vehicle's fire control system includes a multichannel sight and a panoramic low-level light television (LLTV) sight, providing detection and identification of small-size targets at long ranges by day and night in adverse weather conditions. Three operators in the BMPT provide quick detection and engagement of three different targets in the all-round sector.

• Kornet-EM antitank missile system based on the Tigr armoured car: Integration of the automatic target tracker allows the Kornet-EM to realise the fire-and-forget principle with enhanced target tracking accuracy and kill probability in the entire range envelope. The Kornet-EM's range of fire extends from 8 to 10 km depending on ammunition type. Its missile with shaped charge warhead can penetrate up to 1,100-1,300 mm thick armour plates. The new weapon system is also capable of engaging air targets, including unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters, diving attack aircraft, which qualitatively increases combat potential of units on the battlefield. The Kornet-EM antitank missile system presented at the exhibition is mounted on the chassis of the Tigr armoured car which is successfully operated in Russia by power agencies and exported abroad. Its main features are reliability, good cross-country ability, large capacity, and high level armour protection.

A press conference of the Russian delegation will be held on 12th June at 11:00 in the Hall 5A, meeting centre 5 – ground floor, room 501.

10.06.2012 par Edouard Maire - info-aviation.com

Les négociations se poursuivent entre l’Ukraine et la Russie pour la coproduction de l’avion militaire de transport Antonov An-70.

Fin juin, le premier ministre Dmitri Medvedev tiendra avec la partie ukrainienne des négociations sur la coproduction de l’avion militaire de transport Antonov An-70, a annoncé le 9 juin aux journalistes le vice-premier ministre Dmitri Rogozine.

Projet conjoint russo-ukrainien, l’avion-cargo militaire An-70 a été conçu pour transporter presque tous les types de matériel de guerre, ainsi que des commandos parachutistes. L’une des particularités de cet avion est sa propulsion à hélices contrarotatives, le premier groupe comprenant 8 pales, le second 6. L’appareil peut décoller et atterrir sur des pistes courtes sans revêtement et emporter du fret allant jusqu’à 47 tonnes sur des distances de 3.000 à 5100 km. Sa vitesse de croisière se situe entre 700 et 750 km/h.

A l’instar de l’A400M européen dont le développement et la production ont été souvent retardés, la production de l’An-70 russo-ukrainien avance tant bien que mal.

L’avion est né dans les années 90 avec un premier vol en décembre 1994.  La Russie en avait commandé 164 exemplaires, mais a annoncé brutalement en avril 2006 son retrait du programme en raison du prix trop élevé et du fait que la flotte russe disposait déjà de l’Il-76MD (avion de transport militaire lourd, désignation Otan: Candid-B). Mais il s’agissait surtout d’une réaction à la « Révolution orange » hostile à l’influence russe

Puis en octobre 2008, la Russie a annoncé vouloir revenir au projet conjoint de création. Deux ans plus tard, le ministère russe de la Défense annonçait : « D’ici 2012, nous espérons recevoir cet avion à l’issue de ses essais en vols. Le ministère de la Défense en achètera, car il a besoin de renouveler sa flotte d’avions « .

En mars 2012, le consortium aéronautique ukrainien Antonov et la Compagnie aéronautique unifiée de Russie (OAK) se sont mis d’accord pour lancer la construction d’An-70 à Voronej (à 600 km au sud de Moscou). Dans la foulée, l’Ukraine intensifie également sa coopération avec la Chine dans la production d’avions de transport.

L’An-70 sera le concurrent direct de l’A400M d’EADS. En attendant que ce dernier soit opérationnel, l’armée française loue régulièrement des An-124 pour déployer ses troupes sur les théâtres d’opération comme en Afghanistan.

Avion militaire de transport Antonov An-70

KAZAN, 9 juin - RIA Novosti

Fin juin, le premier ministre Dmitri Medvedev tiendra avec la partie ukrainienne des négociations sur la coproduction de l'avion militaire de transport Antonov An-70, a annoncé samedi aux journalistes le vice-premier ministre Dmitri Rogozine.

"Une question très importante: la coopération avec nos partenaires, en l'occurrence ukrainiens. Toutes les instructions ont déjà été données concernant les préparatifs d'une rencontre qui aura lieu fin juin. La partie russe sera représentée par le chef du gouvernement Dmitri Medvedev", a déclaré M. Rogozine à l'issue de la conférence sur le développement de l'aviation stratégique qui s'est déroulée samedi à Kazan sous la présidence de M. Medvedev.

Projet conjoint russo-ukrainien, l'avion-cargo militaire An-70 a été conçu pour transporter presque tous les types de matériel de guerre, ainsi que des commandos parachutistes. L'appareil peut décoller et atterrir sur des pistes courtes sans revêtement et emporter du fret allant jusqu'à 47 tonnes sur des distances de 3.000 à 5100 km. Sa vitesse de croisière se situe entre 700 et 750 km/h.

En mars dernier, le consortium aéronautique ukrainien Antonov et la Compagnie aéronautique unifiée de Russie (OAK) se sont mis d'accord pour lancer la construction d'An-70 à Voronej (à 600 km au sud de Moscou).

MOSCOU, 6 juin - RIA Novosti

Le gouvernement russe a approuvé le 31 mai le programme fédéral de développement des frontières nationales de la Russie d'ici 2020, prévoyant l'octroi de 134 milliards de roubles (3,3 mds EUR) à ces fins, rapporte mercredi l'Agence fédérale pour le développement des frontières nationales (Rosgranitsa).

"Le programme a pour but de créer un système moderne de protection des frontières nationales, de former les conditions favorables pour le commerce extérieur et le transport international en développant les sites de l'infrastructure frontalière", lit-on dans un communiqué de l'agence publié mercredi.

Selon le document, le nouveau programme prévoit de nouvelles approches concernant le développement des frontières nationales, notamment l'application de technologies modernes dans la construction des sites frontaliers, le renforcement des unités opérationnelles de gardes-frontière, l'introduction de systèmes automatisés de contrôle et l'achat de nouvelles armes et matériel.

Le programme précédent de développement des frontières s'est achevé en 2011, les dépenses de l'État ayant atteint au total 110 milliards de roubles (2,7 milliards d'euros).

June 6, 2012: Strategy Page

Russia is trying to rebuild its special operations forces after disbanding three of twelve Spetsnaz brigades (the 67th in Berdsk, 12th in Asbest, and 3rd in Samara) three years ago. The cuts three years ago were part of an army wide reorganization and reduction of personnel strength. There were also recruiting problems, especially the inability to recruit and retain enough career Spetsnaz troops. But now one of the disbanded brigades (the 67th) is being rebuilt in Siberia. The government is concerned about growing Islamic radicalism in central Russia, and the five Central Asian nations that used to be part of the Soviet Union, but became independent in 1991. Russia has military and security agreements with these five Moslem nations, and wants another Sptsnaz brigade available in case there is a spike in Islamic terrorism.  The Russian generals have come to learn that when you need something done, nothing works better than a brigade of special operations commandos.

Despite the 2009 cutbacks, Russia's ground forces, especially the country's numerous special operations units, have apparently benefited greatly from the major reforms being instituted in the armed forces in the last eight years. Airborne Forces (paratroopers) and special operations forces (Spetsnaz) historically been a major source of pride to Russians going back to the '70s and '80s, when 30,000 Spetsnaz and airborne troops constituted the most effective troops available during the Afghan War (1979-1989). Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia's special ops suffered the same problems as the rest of the Russia, namely corruption, low morale, low funding, and a major decline in the quality of training. Special operations soldiers were often accused of doing contract killings, and other "special tasks" for the Russian mob during the chaotic '90s. There are only about 12,000 of these elite troops left.

The lowest point for the state of the Russian special operations forces was 1999-2004, during the height of the Second Chechen War. Spetsnaz and Airborne troops suffered major reversals and defeats at the hands of Chechen rebels, with an entire company of supposedly "elite" paratroopers being wiped out during one battle. The most embarrassing moment for Russia's elite was the 2002 Moscow theater siege and the 2004 Beslan school siege. During the former, Spetsnaz troops, instead of executing a well-planned attack on the hostage-takers, bungled the rescue, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of hostages along with all the hostage takers. During the Beslan incident, Russian special operations forces conducted a conventional-style assault on the building, in some cases recklessly using RPO-A rocket launchers with incendiary warheads, tanks, and RPG-7V1s to blast their way into the school. Both incidents not only damaged Russia's reputation abroad, as it was seen as callously disregarding the lives of its own citizens, but also the reputation of the country's best soldiers.

After the Beslan incident, Spetsnaz apparently decided to get its act together, and it's shown in recent years. But by 2009, Russian special operations forces had expanded to a size that could not be sustained without lowering quality. The Russian military reforms did result in major improvements in the equipment and training of Russian elite forces, primarily paratroopers and special operations forces. But there was not enough money to pay what was needed to retain many elite troops. That is now changing.

For the foreseeable future, the Russians know that their elites are the most effective, reliable troops they have and can't afford to have them spread thinly across the military in different formations. Instead, the Russians appear to be concentrating their most effective forces into specific units in order to have a lot of them ready to go and already integrated when they go into action. The same goes for the regular army, as it slowly but surely improves in quality.

The Spetsnaz brigades contain about 1,600 troops, at full strength, and the 67th brigade only had about a thousand troops when it was disbanded in 2009. Now it is being revived with 400 troops transferred from another Spetsnaz brigade. It will take several years, perhaps as many as five, to get the revived 67th brigade up to full strength.

MOSCOU, 6 juin - RIA Novosti

Le sous-marin nucléaire russe Iouri Dolgorouki, capable de lancer des missiles balistiques Boulava, effectuera le 7 juin sa première immersion de l'année 2012, a annoncé mercredi à RIA Novosti un représentant du chantier naval russe de Sevmach.

"Le sous-marin nucléaire russe Iouri Dolgorouki effectuera le 7 juin sa première sortie en mer de l'année. En cas de succès des tests, le bâtiment sera livré à la Marine russe dès cette année", a indiqué l'interlocuteur de l'agence.

Ce dernier a précisé que le tir d'essai de missiles intercontinentaux Boulava n'était pas au menu des tests.

Le ministre russe de la Défense Anatoli Serdioukov a fait savoir en avril dernier que le sous-marin Iouri Dolgorouki, premier appareil du projet 955 Borei, et le missile balistique Boulava, équiperaient la Marine russe en automne 2012.

Le chantier Sevmach héberge actuellement trois sous-marins de classe Boreï à différentes stades de leur construction (Iouri Dolgorouki, Alexandre Nevski et Vladimir Monomakh). Le quatrième sous-marin, nommé officieusement Sviatitel Nikolaï (Nicolas de Myre), sera le premier navire de la nouvelle classe Boreï A, dont les caractéristiques seront supérieures à celles de la classe Boreï.

Au total, Sevmach envisage de construire huit sous-marins de classes Boreï et Boreï A. Ces submersibles, dotés de missiles Boulava, constitueront le socle des forces navales nucléaires russes après 2018.

MOSCOW, June 6 (RIA Novosti)

Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces are equipped with a special ‘safe-busting’ sledgehammer that can be used in an emergency to break open the safe containing launch codes if it fails to open, a spokesman for the Rocket Forces, Col. Vadim Koval said on Wednesday.

The sledgehammer's existence first came to light in 1980, when a group of inspecting officers from the General Staff visiting Strategic Missile Forces headquarters asked General Georgy Novikov what he would do if he received a missile launch order but the safe containing the launch codes failed to open.

Novikov said he would “knock off the safe’s lock with the sledgehammer” he kept nearby, the spokesman said.

At the time the inspectors severely criticized the general's response, but the General Staff’s top official said Novikov would be acting correctly.

Since then, the sledgehammer has been on combat duty at the Missile Forces headquarters in the closed town of Vlasikha in Moscow region.

The headquarters, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2011, has numerous underground facilities stretching more than 10 kilometers and manned by about 6,000 troops.

June 4, 2012: Strategy Page

This month, Russia activated its fourth Voronezh early warning radar, in Irkutsk, Siberia. This is the first of three to be built in eastern Russia. The other two will be in action by 2017. The Voronezh radars in Western Russia cost between $85 million and $128 million each, while those in eastern Russia (VP models) cost over 50 percent more because they cover a wider area. The Voronezh radar can detect incoming missiles up to 6,000 kilometers away.

Three Voronezh M/DM radars were installed in Western Russia between 2005 and 2011. One is in Kaliningrad, on the Baltic Sea. Another is on the east coast of the Black Sea (Armavir) while the third is at the eastern end of the Baltic Sea outside St Petersburg.

All this radar building activity was caused by the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, and the destruction of the Russian ballistic missile early warning system. This came about because each of the fourteen new nations, carved out of the Soviet Union, got to keep whatever government property that was within the new borders. That meant many of the radar stations that formed the Soviet ICBM early warning system were now owned by foreign countries. A combination of disputes over money, and aging electronics, eventually put many of those early warning radars out of action. The two in Ukraine went off line three years ago.

The rising price of oil over the last decade provided Russia with the cash to rebuild its ballistic missile early warning radar system. The first one, outside St Petersburg, was built in 18 months (versus over ten years for the ones it replaced). The new design uses much less electricity, has a smaller staff and is more reliable. Russia has adopted much Western technology, and work practices, since the collapse of the Soviet Union, and it all showed in this radar station. The St Petersburg facility replaced one that was in Latvia, and was dismantled in 2003, after going off line in 1998. The one new radar in Armavir was built to replace defunct Soviet era radars in Azerbaijan and Ukraine.

Tu-214R, the Russian next-generation special mission aircraft.

Photo: Russianplanes.net

June 3, 2012 Tamir Eshel - defense-update.com

The Russian Air Force has contracted the Tupolev design bureau to develop and produce two prototypes of special-mission versions of its Tu-214 commercial transport aircraft, designated Tu-214R, developed under the codename ‘Project 141’.

The aircraft is considered as the successor of the Ilyushin IL20M ELINT aircraft, which has remained in operational service for five decades. The Tu-214R was originally scheduled to enter service in 2008 but by that time the aircraft hasn’t made its first flight yet. At present the scheduled Initial Operational Service milestone is expected by mid 2013 with the follow on prototype fielded a year later.

The aircraft is configured to carry the MRC-411 multi-intelligence payload, to include electronic intelligence (ELINT) sensors, side-looking Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and other Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) and Communications Intelligence (COMINT). In addition, the aircraft will carry multi-spectral electro-optical systems, providing a true Multi-Int support to Russian military forces.

Tu-214R first flew in 2009 and is expected to become available by 2013, following the completion of the test flying campaign. The second prototype, currently in assembly at Kazan Aircraft Production Association (KAPO) will enter service in 2014. KAPO has teamed with the Tupolev Design Bureau to become the manufacturing center for its civil and military aircraft, including the Tu-214R. The delay has exposed KAPO to legal actions by the Ministry of defense but Moscow is still supportive of this program.