10 June 2011 by Guy Martin defenseWeb

Ethiopia has ordered more than 200 T-72 tanks worth over US$100 million from Ukraine in one of the largest contracts signed by the Ukrainian arms exporter in more than 15 years.

Ukrspecexport SC, the state controlled arms export, signed the contract with the Defence Ministry of Ethiopia yesterday, reports the Ukrinform news agency.

Interfax and Ukrainian sources suggest the Ethiopian order will most likely be made up of upgraded T-72s.

The T-72 was first produced in the Soviet Union in the 1970s but the tanks that will be supplied to Ethiopia will be modernised with a new engine, guided weapons and reactive armour.

Ukrspecexport will also receive maintenance and repair contracts for the upkeep of Ethiopia’s T-72s.

Ethiopia already operate the T-72, 60 of which were purchased from Yemen in 2003, according to Jane’s Sentinel Security Assessment.

Ethiopia is concerned with improving its military in order to secure its borders in the restive horn of Africa region. Over the last decade the country has engaged in several skirmishes and conflicts with neighbouring countries.

Ethiopia has not enjoyed good relations with its neighbour Eritrea (which used to be part of Ethiopia) and accuses its neighbour of sponsoring violence in the country. Skirmishes along the Eritrea-Ethiopia border are commonplace. Between 1998 and 2000 Ethiopia fought a costly border war with Eritrea that did not significantly alter the border line. During the conflict, Ethiopia increased its stocks of T-55 tanks and artillery pieces, including BM-21 122m multiple rocket launchers and 122 mm D-30 towed howitzers, according to Jane’s Sentinel Security Assessment. The conflict also revealed shortcomings in Ethiopia’s military, particularly regarding logistics.

In 2006 Ethiopian troops, backed by the United States, invaded Somalia to prop up the Transitional Federal Government there, which was under threat by the Islamic Courts Union Islamist umbrella group. Ethiopian troops withdrew in January 2009.

Ethiopia has also been involved in conflict in Ogaden. Between 2007 and 2008 the Ethiopian Army launched an offensive against the rebel Ogaden National Liberation Front, prompted by the killing of 74 people in an attack on an oil exploration field.

Ethiopia is also involved in peacekeeping operations and has deployed troops to places like Darfur.

The T-72, a development of the earlier T-64 main battle tank, entered production in 1972 in the Soviet Union. It was the Soviet Army’s most numerous tank until the collapse of the Soviet Union, but was also exported in large numbers to Warsaw Pact countries, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. It was built with and without license in several countries like Poland and Czechoslovakia. More than 40 countries have operated an estimated 50 000 T-72s.

The T-72B entered production in 1985 and in export form is known as the T-72S. It has a new engine and suspension system and is configured for mounting explosive reactive armour (ERA). It is armed with a 125mm smoothbore gun, a 7.62mm co-axial machine gun and a 12.7mm air defence machine gun mounted on the commander's cupola

The T-72 can also carry guided weapons in the form of the 9K120 Svir (Nato codename AT-11 Sniper). It is intended to engage tanks fitted with ERA as well as low-flying targets. It has a range of 100-4 000 metres and firing requires the tank to be stationary. Both shells and missiles can be fired from the main gun.

The hull and turret are protected by armour plating, including combined armour arrays over the frontal arc. Since 1988, ERA has been fitted.

Various upgrades offer more powerful engines, new guns, updated sighting systems and countermeasures.

10 June 2011 by Guy Martin defenseWeb

The French government has donated a patrol ship to the Kenya Navy to assist in the fight against piracy, drug trafficking and terrorism in the Indian Ocean.

The Nairobi Star reports French ambassador in Kenya Etienne de Poncins saying his government had donated the La Rieuse so Kenya could enforce law and order on the high seas.

"The French government has donated this ship to help the Kenyan navy to monitor crimes in the Indian Ocean. The ship is efficient and it will bring a big change to the Kenyan Coast and Indian Ocean as a whole," he said.

The P400 class patrol vessel previously belonging to the French Navy was handed over to Kenya on Tuesday.

France and Kenya have been discussing the delivery of La Rieuse for several months.

La Rieuse was previously deployed to France’s overseas territories, where it carried out sea monitoring missions and securing France’s Exclusive Economic Zone. According to Linfo, La Rieuse patrolled the waters around Reunion, Mauritius and Madagascar.

The 370 tonne diesel propelled La Rieuse has a top speed of 44 km/h (24 knots). She is one of ten P400 class vessels commissioned by the French Navy in 1986. They are being upgraded and should remain in service with France for at least another five years.

The P400 class vessels are fitted with a hydraulic crane capable of lifting 2.5 tons, allowing the ship to lift small boats and other objects out of the water.

The type’s maritime patrol mission is facilitated by an Operational Centre that uses radar indicators and tracking tables to monitor activity on the water.

La Rieuse has a complement of 29 and can stay at sea for 15 days. The ship can also ferry 20 people, and up to 60 for short periods in calm seas. Armament includes a 40 mm gun, 20 mm gun and two 7.62 mm machine guns.

10.06.2011 Le Nouvel Observateur - AFP

Si la décision n'a pas provoqué de rections, l'Otan insiste pour que ses membres moins engagés s'impliquent davantage pour hâter la chute du régime. 

La Norvège, qui a envoyé six chasseurs F-16 pour contribuer aux frappes en Libye, a annoncé vendredi 10 juin qu'elle allait dans un premier temps réduire son engagement militaire, puis qu'elle y mettrait fin à compter du 1er août, deux mois avant l'expiration de l'actuel mandat de l'Otan. Le pays scandinave devient ainsi le premier membre de la coalition à planifier ouvertement son retrait des opérations aériennes au-dessus de la Libye.

"Le gouvernement a décidé de prolonger la contribution aérienne norvégienne avec jusqu'à quatre avions de combat F-16 jusqu'au 1er août 2011. Après quoi, la mission prendra fin", a indiqué le ministère de la Défense dans un communiqué.

"Nous devons pouvoir compter sur nos alliés pour qu'ils comprennent que la Norvège, avec une armée de l'air limitée, ne peut pas maintenir une grosse contribution aérienne pendant beaucoup de temps", a expliqué la ministre, Grete Faremo.

A Bruxelles, deux jours après une rencontre ministérielle des pays membres de l'Otan, l'annonce norvégienne n'a pas fait de vagues. "Ce sont des décisions nationales. Bien évidemment, nous respectons la décision de la Norvège, et la Norvège joue un rôle très appréciable", a commenté une porte-parole de l'Alliance, Oana Lungescu.

"Tout le monde doit en faire autant que possible"

Selon un responsable de l'Otan, la Norvège a donné suffisamment de préavis pour que l'Alliance puisse prendre ses dispositions pour compenser le départ des F-16 norvégiens.

L'Otan, qui a décidé le 1er juin de poursuivre ses opérations en Libye jusqu'à fin septembre, insiste par ailleurs pour que ses membres, surtout les moins engagés, en fassent davantage pour en finir avec le régime de Tripoli. "Tout le monde doit en faire autant que possible aussi rapidement que possible parce qu'on tient à maintenir la pression afin de conclure rapidement" en Libye, a répété Oana Lungescu vendredi.

Sur les 28 pays membres de l'Otan, seuls huit - Belgique, Canada, Danemark, Etats-Unis, France, Italie, Norvège et Royaume-Uni - participent aux frappes aériennes.

Implication de l'Allemagne et de la Pologne

La moitié des membres de l'Alliance atlantique n'apportent aucune contribution et d'autres ne participent que de manière limitée, comme l'Espagne ou les Pays-Bas, qui font seulement respecter la zone d'exclusion aérienne.

Cette semaine, le secrétaire américain à la Défense Robert Gates a invité l'Espagne, les Pays-Bas et la Turquie à en faire davantage. Il a aussi souhaité une implication de l'Allemagne et de la Pologne, deux "grands" pays membres absents des opérations.

La Norvège avait déjà annoncé le 9 mai qu'elle réduirait sa contribution militaire si l'intervention devait se poursuivre au-delà du 24 juin.

De nombreux observateurs avaient interprété cette déclaration comme l'annonce d'un retrait des F-16 norvégiens après cette date, conformément aux souhaits de la Gauche socialiste, un des partenaires de la coalition gouvernementale de centre-gauche.

l

10/06/11 By Luca Peruzzi SOURCE:Flight International

The Italian air force has outlined its use of air-to-ground munitions in Libya, more than 40 days after the nation's government approved offensive missions in support of NATO's Operation Unified Protector.

Panavia Tornado IDS and ECR aircraft are being used for air-to-ground, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, buddy-buddy refuelling and the suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD) missions.

The former carry the CLDP targeting pod and a range of weapons, including Raytheon Paveway II laser-guided GBU-16s and Enhanced Paveway II GPS/laser-guided EGBU-16 455kg (1,000lb) bombs. Other options include Paveway/Enhanced Paveway III 907kg conventional or BLU-109 penetrating munitions, and 455kg bombs equipped with Boeing's Joint Direct Attack Munition guidance kit.

Tornado IDS in the so-called "Ret 6" first mid-life update standard have also employed MBDA's Storm Shadow cruise missile, marking the type's first operational deployment in Italian service. The IDS aircraft is also meeting ISR demands using Rafael's RecceLite pod.

© Troupe Azzurra

According to military sources, the air-to-ground missions are being accomplished with success, as are SEAD operations involving Raytheon AGM-88 HARM-equipped Tornado ECRs.

MiL Mi-28NE attack helicopter. (Photo: brazd)

June 9, 2011 by defenceWeb

Russian helicopter manufacturer Rostvertol says it is engaged in talks with Algeria regarding the sale of Mi-28NE attack helicopters.

Rostvertol, the attack helicopter arm of the state-owned Russian Helicopters holding company, made the announcement yesterday. "A commercial proposal has already been sent [to Algeria] and this year we will start discussions. We hope to sign a contract for delivery in the 2012-17 timeframe," said Rosvertol general director Boris Slyusar.

Rostvertol has not indicated how many aircraft Algeria is interested in purchasing, nor the price they would pay.

To date, only the Russian armed forces and Venezuela have ordered the Mi-28 ‘Havoc’, which is being introduced into Russian service. Venezuela is yet to receive its ten helicopters, which it ordered last year. Meanwhile, India is showing interest in acquiring either Mi-28s or Boeing AH-64 Apaches in a 22 helicopter deal.

The Mi-28 first flew in November 1982 as a replacement for the Mi-24/25. The Mi-28A project was cancelled when the Russian armed forces chose the Kamov Ka-50 instead, but Mil continued work on the Mi-28N Night Hunter day/night version. This variant flew in November 1996 and features a radar mounted on the rotor mast.

In 2003 the head of the Russian Air Forces said that the Mi-28N would become Russia’s standard attack helicopter and ordered the aircraft in small numbers. Around 60 are on order at present.

The Mi-28N is armed with up to 16 Shturm and Ataka anti-tank missiles. Shturm is a short-range, radio command-guided missile while the Ataka missile's guidance is by narrow radar beam. Maximum range of the missile is 8 km. The helicopter can also carry 80mm or 122mm rockets and gun pods. The helicopter is equipped with a turreted 30mm cannon.

Algeria already operates 36 Russian-built Mi-24 attack helicopters, according to Flight International.

KIEV, June 9 (RIA Novosti)

Ukrainian state company Ukrspetsexport signed a $100-million contract with the Ethiopian Defense Ministry on the delivery of over 200 T-72 tanks, UNIAN news agency reported on Thursday.

The deal is one of the largest contracts Ukrspetsexport has signed in the last 15 years.

Ukraine also expects to receive further orders for the repair and upkeep of the tanks.

The T-72, first produced in the USSR in the 1970's, was widely exported to many African, Asian and Middle Eastern states.

KIEV, 9 juin - RIA Novosti

La compagnie d'Etat ukrainienne Ukrspetsexport (exportations de matériel militaire) a signé avec le ministère éthiopien de la Défense un contrat de livraison de plus de 200 chars de combat, a annoncé jeudi l'agence UNIAN.

Selon la compagnie, ce contrat d'un montant de plus de 100 millions de dollars, fait partie des huit plus gros contrats conclus par Ukrspetsexport depuis 15 ans.

Ukrspetsexport estime que le contrat aura une portée économique et sociale importante pour l'Ukraine, permettant d'occuper les entreprises et de créer de nouveaux emplois. Grâce à ce contrat, la compagnie espère obtenir dans l'avenir des commandes de réparation et de modernisation du matériel livré.

June 8, 2011: STRATEGY PAGE

In the last week, NATO air strikes have concentrated on targets in and around Tripoli. It appears that the NATO goal is to destroy Kaddafi's key assets (communications, weapons and ammo supplies) and, unofficially, kill Kaddafi and his key aides (including his sons).  NATO aircraft have flown over 4,000 sorties in the last 12 weeks. At least a fifth of these missions are for collecting visual and electronic information on what Kaddafi forces are up to. The primary, and very unofficial, target is Kaddafi himself. But anyone expressing any degree of control is being identified, located and bombed. This tells Kaddafi that the smart bombs are closing in.

NATO has established a safety system with rebel troops. In effect, there is a "red line" that, on one side, NATO aircraft will attack any armed men. On the other (rebel) side, they will not. The only exceptions are the few NATO air controllers on the ground, who can identify an enemy target anywhere, and call in a missile or smart bomb attack. Rebel troops are frustrated by the new system, which requires that they constantly call back to Benghazi to report their current position and their next objective. The growing number of rebel units (columns of dozens of vehicles carrying hundreds of fighters and supplies) means that there is not always a NATO warplane available before the rebel unit wants to advance, and move the "red line" west a bit. Once rebel headquarters calls in to confirm that the red line has been moved west, the rebels can attack. If the Kaddafi forces quickly retreat, which often happens, the rebels must halt when they hit the red line. By now, the rebels know that if they cross the red line, a NATO aircraft might show up unexpectedly (perhaps because its primary target in Tripoli was destroyed earlier than expected) and bomb them. The Kaddafi forces, out of necessity, are much more skilled at staying out of sight. So the rebel units halt at the "red line" and complain, but at least there are far fewer friendly fire losses.

There are also "red lines" in Tripoli, protecting most of the city, especially neighborhoods known to be anti-Kaddafi. It's believed that NATO is receiving some target information from these neighborhoods. The increased strikes on Kaddafi targets in Tripoli has made anti-Kaddafi forces in Tripoli bolder, and much more optimistic that the dictator will soon be gone. The rebel supporters in Tripoli need all the encouragement they can get, because Kaddafi's secret police have arrested thousands of people, tortured hundreds and apparently executed many of these. This is all an effort to find rebel spies, and discourage anti-Kaddafi demonstrations. But the spies and demonstrators are still at it.  Currently, some rebel columns are within 70 kilometers of Tripoli, and the "Battle for Tripoli" is expected to start soon. Kaddafi has been recently talking about "fighting to the death" and "never surrendering." This has encouraged the rebels, as it indicates that even Kaddafi knows the end is near, and that he does not expect to survive it.

The rebels are also rounding up pro-Kaddafi people, and often treating them harshly.  In part, this is because these men have been setting off bombs and killing people in rebel territory. There's not been a lot of this violence, but enough to be noticed, and that has led to more efforts to find Kaddafi supporters.

The rebels are having a serious, but largely unseen, battle with lawyers and diplomats trying to get access to Libyan government money and other assets. While foreign nations have frozen most of these assets (a lot of it cash), this was done largely to keep Kaddafi from it, not allow the rebels access. The legal procedures needed to get the rebel NTC (National Transitional Council) recognized as the official owner of these assets, takes time. Meanwhile, the rebels are having increasing difficulties covering their costs. Some of these expenses include hiring contractors, most of whom are involved in support functions. British and French firms are supplying most of these personnel. Kaddafi, on the other hand, has been caught freeing and arming criminals to fight (not very well) for him.  Many of Kaddafi's closest aides are defecting. Many of his low level supporters are fleeing as well, especially when Kaddafi is unable to supply food or other necessities. But NATO is concerned about the rebel NTC, and whether it will produce a democracy, another dictatorship, or an extended civil war.

June 7, 2011: NATO launched its largest number of daylight bombing attacks on Tripoli. This caused the streets to empty of traffic and pedestrians, but the only damage was of government and military compounds.

The NATO blockade force off Libya has been ordered to increase restrictions on what ships can enter or leave Kaddafi controlled ports (there are six of them in western Libya). There is an air blockade as well, and Algeria has agreed to join Tunisia and discourage overland smuggling of whatever Kaddafi might want. Egypt (and the Niger, Chad and Sudan to the south) officially forbid aid to Kaddafi, but the smugglers in those nations have huge, unguarded, borders they can cross. These smugglers move truckloads of goods, going more than a thousand kilometers over deserts. So stuff is still getting in, but not a lot of it, and not quickly.

June 6, 2011: Kaddafi's TV broadcasting facilities were bombed and shut down. This had been called for since the beginning of the violence. An official pro-Kaddafi website is still operating.

June 5, 2011:  Rebel forces in the western mountains (inland from Tripoli and its 2.5 million people) have driven pro-Kaddafi forces from these highlands, especially the few towns the Kaddafi forces held. These mountains are largely inhabited by Berbers, the original inhabitants of the region. Berbers don't like Arabs in general, and Kaddafi in particular.

June 4, 2011:  British and French helicopter gunships have begun hitting targets along the coast. The gunship pilots are more accustomed to dealing with commanders on the ground and, of course, the helicopters can hover. But not for long. The helicopters are operating from carriers offshore and that means they can linger over the battlefield for about half an hour, before returning to refuel and rearm. Fixed wing warplanes can refuel in the air and stick around longer.

8 Jun 2011 By LAURENT THOMET DefenseNews

BRUSSELS - NATO's leadership pressed allies Wednesday to step up their contributions to the Libyan air war to finally dislodge Moammar Gadhafi and begin planning for the day after his downfall.

After three months of air strikes, defense ministers meeting in Brussels said time was working against Gadhafi and urged the defiant colonel to finally step down.

"All ministers agreed we will keep up the pressure for as long as it takes to bring this to an early conclusion," NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen told a news conference.

The ministers issued a joint statement pledging their determination to continue the mission "for as long as necessary."

They also said they were "committed to providing the necessary means and maximum operational flexibility within our mandate to sustain these efforts and welcome additional contributions to our common efforts."

With only half of 28 NATO allies taking part in the mission, Rasmussen and British Defence Secretary Liam Fox called on members to step up their participation.

"We want to see increased urgency in some quarters in terms of Libya," Fox said.

Only nine nations are conducting air strikes, with France and Britain carrying out the bulk of the attacks, including with helicopter gunships.

After NATO extended the mission by 90 days through September, Rasmussen said he had encouraged other allies "to broaden" their support of the mission to ensure the "sustainability" of the operation.

A senior U.S. official said this week he did not see any "danger" of the mission losing steam yet but that air crews were beginning to show signs of fatigue.

Spanish Defence Minister Carme Chacon, whose country is participating in the operation but not in air raids, said no other nations came forward with new contributions.

Sweden, a non-NATO nation taking part in the operation, decided to cut the number of fighter jets enforcing a no-fly zone from eight to five, although it lifted restrictions on what type of surveillance mission they can carry out.

Norway, among only eight NATO members conducting air strikes, has said that it would reduce its role if the mission goes past June.

As the ministers met, a wave of air strikes battered Tripoli again early June 8, piling pressure on Gadhafi, who in an audio broadcast said he was "near" the bombing but vowed never to surrender. The Libyan regime said 31 people were killed on Tuesday but NATO said it had no way to verify the claim.

"Time is working against Gadhafi, who has clearly lost all legitimacy and therefore needs to step down," the ministers said. "There is no future for a regime that has systematically threatened and attacked its own population."

NATO said it stood ready to play a role, if requested and necessary, once Gadhafi steps down but that such an effort should be initiated by the United Nations and the international contact group on Libya.

"The time has come to plan for the day after the conflict," Rasmussen said.

The alliance chief said he did not foresee "a leading role" for NATO and ruled out alliance ground forces in a post-Kadhafi Libya.

"We see the United Nations playing the lead role in the post-Kadhafi, post-conflict scenario," said Rasmussen, who has suggested that NATO could focus on helping reform Libya's defence and security institutions.

U.S. Adm. Samuel Locklear, a senior NATO commander, suggested last week that a small ground force might be necessary after Gadhafi leaves power. The troops, he added, could be provided by the U.N., the European Union or NATO.

7 Jun 11 UK MoD A Military Operations news article

Royal Navy minehunter HMS Bangor left for the Mediterranean yesterday to relieve HMS Brocklesby in supporting NATO forces off the coast of Libya to enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.

June 7th, 2011By British Forces Broadcasting Service DEFENCE TALK

The Libyan capital Tripoli has been rocked by a series of large explosions overnight. It follows the use of British Army Apache helicopters, which went into action against Colonel Gadaffi’s forces for the first time at the weekend.

NATO says it was mainly targeting surface to air missile sites and command and control facilities. It claims there were several hits on armoured vehicles near Misrata and Brega.

Major General Nick Pope, the Chief of the Defence Staff's Strategic Communications Officer, said intelligence on the whereabouts of Gaddafi's forces was "improving in a very satisfactory manner, despite their efforts to conceal themselves."

The Secretary of State for Defence Dr Liam Fox said: "This was the first operational mission flown by British Army Apaches at sea. Their deployment from HMS Ocean demonstrates the flexibility of not just the aircraft, but also the Royal Navy's Responsive Force Task Group, held at very high readiness for contingency operations around the world.

“The additional capabilities now being employed by NATO further reinforce the UK's enduring commitment and NATO's determination to enforce UNSCR 1973 and ensure that the people of Libya are free to determine their own future.

"The attack helicopter is yet another potent and formidable aircraft type which has now been added to the NATO forces engaged on this operation. Those who are still supporting Colonel Gaddafi would do well to realise that the best way to remove themselves from danger is to understand that their future lies with the Libyan people, not a discredited regime."

The Commander of the Royal Navy’s Response Force Task Group, Commodore James Kingwell, said: “This action highlights NATO’s resolve to protect the Libyan people and it is a further example of the increasing pressure on Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and his regime to recognise the will of the international community and cease attacks on his own people.

“The successful and safe operations by Apache Attack Helicopters required a first class performance by the sailors, soldiers and Royal Marines across the Royal Navy’s Response Force Task Group. I am very proud of all of their work so far which yet again underlines the versatility of this force.

“The RFTG brings together a range of assets that, by operating from the sea, gives maximum flexibility to bring our military capabilities to bear wherever they are needed, at short notice, now and in the future. We remain ready for further operations.”

06 June 2011 by defenceWeb

An order last week for repair to the roadwheels of the Olifant main battle tank (MBT)as well as repair and rework to the rims worth R9.383 million has taken spending on the venerable vehicle to at least R117 282 520.62 since 2007.

The R9 383 841,00 order for the unspecified spares was placed last Wednesday with BAE Systems. The SA Army currently owns up to 266 of the tanks in five variants: the Mk2, Mk1B and Mk1A MBT in addition to about 16 armoured recovery vehicles (ARV) and two armoured bridgelayers (ABL).

The Olifant is based on the British Centurion cruiser tank developed during World War Two. Several pre-production models saw action in northern Germany in 1945. Production of the vehicles stopped in 1962. South Africa acquired some 250 Mk 2 and Mk 3 Centurions directly from Britain from 1957 to arm an armoured division earmarked for Commonwealth service in the Middle East.

Several hundred Alvis Saracen armoured personnel carrier were acquired for the same purpose at the same time. After South Africa left the Commonwealth in the face of greater opposition to its racist Apartheid policies, roughly half the tanks were sold as surplus to new requirements. As arms embargoes increased and tanks appeared in the inventories of newly independent neighbours, South Africa had to buy Centurion Mk5s in various states of repair from India and Jordan in the 1970s.

Various upgrades were then undertaken, reportedly with Israeli assistance, at the Olifant's Manufacturing Company, a factory established for the purpose. The Olifant Mk1 entered service in 1978. Remanufacture to the Mk1A-standard commenced in 1983 and examples entered service in 1985. Upgrade to Mk1B-standard commenced in 1991. Twenty-six Mk2's were commissioned from 2007 as part of Project Atolasa. Brigadier General Chris Gildenhuys, the General Officer Commanding the SA Army Armour Formation has said the Olifant Mk2 is a training, not operational system, as it lacks dedicated support in the form of an ARV or ABL.

Officers speaking on the sidelines of the 2008 Armour Symposium noted a requirement for 132 tanks, including six ARV and four armoured bridgelayers (ABL) in terms of Project Aorta.

In the meantime, the South African Armoured Corps is keeping its old fleet, including the Mk1A and Mk1B MBT going. Earlier this month, the Army awarded BAE Systems R503 040 in work to “upgrade of 13 Olifant MK1B tanks”. The contract, with reference number AMS/S2010/0967, is an extension of contract EPTS/2004/601.

Other recent work on the Olifant range can be tabulated as follows:

New generation tank (Project Aorta?)

Engineering support for new generation tank

EAMS/2009/1 13 Aug 2009 R682 460,00 Propenta Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd

t/a Propenta Consulting Hennopsmeer

Olifant Mark 2 MBT

Development of live firing monitor system for Olifant Mk 2 - extension of EPTS/2004/345

AMS/S2009/0864 28 May 2009 R421 267,00 BAE Systems

AMS/S2007/0779 21 Feb 2008 R1 057 888,00 BAE Systems

Procurement of Olifant Mk 2 electronic repair container

EAMS/2007/274 16 Oct 2008 R12 229 830,00 BAE Systems

Upgrade of 13 Olifant Mk 2 tanks - extension of EPTS/2004/601

AMS/S2007/0770 25 Jan 2008 R7 442 986,00 BAE Systems

Upgrade of Olifant Mk 2 electronic repair container - extension of EPTS/2006/249

AMS/S2007/0771 25 Jan 2008 R544 578,00 BAE Systems

22 Feb 2007 R5 426 195,00 BAE Systems

Olifant Mk2 operational test and evaluation technical support

EAMS/2007/275 6 Dec 2007 R1 692 683,00 BAE Systems

Procurement of Olifant Mk2 capital spares - extension of EAMS/2007/282

AMS/S2009/0918 4 Feb 2010 R1 551 764,88 BAE Systems

EAMS/2008/316 11 Mar 2009 R19 986 297,00 BAE Systems

AMS/S2008/0794 29 May 2008 R381 355,00 BAE Systems

- 20 Dec 2007 R9 798 751,80 BAE Systems

Olifant Mk2 electronic capital spares - extension of EAMS/2007/282

AMS/S2008/0829 19 Dec 2008 R8 322 078,98 BAE Systems

Gunner Nightsight Integration into Olifant Mk 2 Fire Control System

EAMS/2008/49 6 Nov 2008 R9 121 601,00 BAE Systems

Olifant Mark1B

Olifant MK1B logistic development - extension of EPTS/2003/473

AMS/S2008/0844 29 Apr 2009 R2 600 227,80 BAE Systems

Upgrade of 13 Olifant MK1B tanks - extension of EPTS/2004/601

AMS/S2010/0967 6 Oct 2010 R503 040 BAE Systems

Olifant Mark 1A

Maintenance and repair of the Olifant MK1A product system.

EAMS/2008/491 28 May 2009 R4 473 684,00 BAE Sytems

Repair of Olifant MK1A powerpacks, canisters, generators and fans

EAMS/2009/37 25 Jun 2009 R3 419 420,00 BAE Systems

Spares for Olifant tank

EAMS/2009/445 9 Jun 2010 R9 707 055,96 BAE Systems

Procurement of olifant MK1A service kits

E\AMS/2008/313 4 Dec 2008 R508 785,50 BAE Systems

Olifant – General

Repair of Olifant roadwheels and repair/rework of rims

EAMS/2010/449 2 Jun 2011 R9 383 841,00 Allthane Technologies

Spares for Olifant tank - extension of EAMS/2009/445

AMS/S2010/0969 20 Oct 2010 R2 145 562,20 BAE Systems

Olifant powerpack repair - extension of EPTS/2006/161

AMS/S2007/0772 25 Jan 2008 R45 026,75 BAE Systems

Supply of Olifant tank operating support - extension of ECVS/2006/589

AMS/S2008/0814 7 Aug 2008 R658 050,00 BAE Systems

Procurement of Olifant service kits

EAMS/2007/229 20 Sep 2007 R877 191,00 BAE Systems

Supply of operating support for the Olifant tank

ECVS/2006/589 31 May 2007 R438 596,00 BAE Systems

Upgrade, maintenance and repair to the container for olifant tank

EAMS/2009/77 25 Feb 2010 R500 083,00 BAE Systems

Olifant – Cannibalisation

Stripping of olifant Mk1B tanks for recovery of spares

EAMS/2008/317 19 Feb 2009 R9 398 850,00 BAE Systems

6 juin 2011 par Daniel Favre INFO-AVIATION

Les hélicoptères français et britanniques ont mené les premiers raids sur la Libye le 4 juin.

Les hélicoptères français du BPC Tonnerre sont intervenus les premiers comprenant Gazelle, Tigre et Puma dans la nuit du 3 au 4 juin dans la région de Brega. Il n’y a aucune perte bien que les hélicoptères aient essuyé des tirs de riposte.

De leur côté, les Britanniques ont déployé des Apache WAH-64 depuis le HMS Ocean. Deux des quatre Apaches embarqués ont été impliqués dans le raid.

Selon l’état-major français des armées, il s’agissait d’un « site militaire » sur lequel une vingtaine d’objectifs ont été détruits, dont 15 véhicules.

Français et Britanniques sont intervenus de « manière coordonnée sous commandement de l’Otan ».

Le lieutenant-général canadien Charles Bouchard, commandant de l’opération, explique dans un communiqué que « le succès de cet engagement démontre les capacités uniques exercées par des hélicoptères d’attaque. »

Ces attaques par hélicoptère visent à augmenter la pression sur les forces Kadhafi, mais elles sont beaucoup plus risquées pour les pilotes que des frappes aériennes avec des aéronefs à voilure fixe (Rafale, Mirage 2000).