15 octobre 2013 par Henri Weill - Ainsi va le monde !
En arrivant dans les Bouches-du-Rhône en 2014, le 1er Régiment étranger de cavalerie aura changé de format. Passant de 800 à 750 militaires. Entre-temps, le régiment légionnaire aura payé son "écot" aux restructurations et plus particulièrement au reformatage de la cavalerie qui devrait perdre 10 escadrons.
15 October 2013 Ministry of Defence and Defence Equipment and Support
The closing date for returning the industry day application form to the Disposal Services Authority is Tuesday 10 December 4:00pm GMT
Documents
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Detail
HMS Illustrious is due to retire from service with the Royal Navy in 2014 and it is the Disposal Services Authority’s (DSA) intention to host an Industry Day in January 2014 to establish the level of interest in purchasing the vessel for ‘further use’ only, ensuring bidders are aware of the following:
All interested parties wishing to attend the viewing day will need to complete an industry day application form.
The closing date for returning the industry day application form to the DSA is Tuesday 10 December 4:00pm GMT.
4 sept. 2013 Bundeswehr
Feuer und Bewegung -- nach diesem Grundsatz agiert die Kampftruppe. Auf dem Truppenübungsplatz zeigen Panzer und Panzergrenadiere ihr Können im scharfen Schuss.
The new tablet computers enable Hawk AJT pilots to view technical publications, landing trajectories, conversion applications and weather forecasts at the tap of a touch-screen. - Photo BAE Systems
15 October 2013 airforce-technology.com
BAE Systems has equipped its Hawk advanced jet trainer (AJT) aircraft with new tablet computers to enable trainees to readily view technical publications, landing trajectories, conversion applications and weather forecasts.
The training pilots would earlier view the information on reference cards and maps kept in their flight suit pockets.
Four tablets have been already delivered to the South African Air Force (SAAF) for testing last month, after completion of a comprehensive evaluation programme, which included trials against rapid decompression and analysed system interference from an electromagnetic compatibility perspective.
Hawk Product Development Engineering head Lee Franks said the tablet integration represents the latest in a long line of developments for Hawk that are focused on making the aircraft the best for the customers.
"They are an additional resource available to the pilot, they do not replace anything, only add to a truly world-class aircraft."
''Now we have handed over the first of these tablets, we want the South African Air Force to try them out; part of the beauty of them is they can be tailored to carry whatever information is needed by each customer,'' Franks said.
''They are an additional resource available to the pilot, they do not replace anything, only add to a truly world-class aircraft.''
Additionally, the tablets' compass effects were validated prior to hand-over to SAAF.
In addition to tablets, the company also manufactured six sets of gloves to help the pilots use the computers.
Franks added, ''Their traditional flying gloves were not suitable, so we immediately looked in to what was available on the market and then tailored the gloves to what would be needed by pilots.''
BAE is now manufacturing more tablets for trial by the UK Royal Air Force (RAF), the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), which are among the 18 countries to have acquired the aircraft.
Brussels | Oct 15, 2013 European Defence Agency
Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Head of the European Defence Agency, published her final report in preparation of the European Council in December where Heads of State and Government will discuss security and defence topics.
The report follows the three clusters defined by President van Rompuy in December last year to guide the Council discussion: strengthening CSDP, enhancing defence capabilities, strengthening Europe’s defence industry. Mainly the second and third cluster include suggestions and proposals in EDA’s area of responsibility of which key points are highlighted here below.
Systematic and long-term European defence cooperation
Cooperation in the area of military capability is essential. The report asks for a strong impulse at European Council level, both to embed Pooling & Sharing in Member States’ defence planning and decision-making processes, and to deliver key capabilities through major projects. Key elements are more transparency between Member States, sharing of future plans for key capabilities and of lessons learned, rationalisation of demand as well as a push for harmonised requirements. Through the Code of Conduct on Pooling & Sharing EDA is ready to act as a framework of coordination and transparency to enhance and facilitate synergies and identify best practises. Systematic and long-term defence cooperation with agreed priorities and milestones could be supported by a strategic level Defence Roadmap. This roadmap could also lead the way to closer synergies with OCCAR, the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation. The report makes a case for incentives for defence cooperation which could include innovative financing arrangements as well as protecting cooperative projects and initiatives from budget cuts.
Commitment to major projects
Taking into account severe gaps in some capability areas, the report points out the need for Member States to commit to major projects in air-to-air refuelling, satellite communication, remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) and cyber defence. As regards air-to-air refuelling, EDA is already working on short, mid and long-term solutions to increase tanker/receivers interoperability and maximise the use of existing assets, the establishment of a multinational multirole tankers fleet, foreseen for 2020, is under way. Pioneer Projects have been promoted by EDA to develop capabilities that have both military and civil applications They are designed to harness synergies in the military and civil domains; maximise dual-use technologies; and generate economies of scale. Defence ministers have already endorsed proposals to prepare projects in the areas of remotely piloted aircraft systems and cyber defence. RPAS are very likely to constitute a key capability for the future with applications in the civil and the military domains. EDA is ready to prepare a programme for the next generation of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) RPAS. Such a programme needs to include regulatory aspects regarding insertion into normal airspace as well as technology development possibly through joint investment programme between the European Commission, EDA, Member States and the industry. In terms of governmental SATCOM, the report mentions the objective of a future dual civil-military capability by 2025 via a user-driven approach based on a detailed roadmap. As regards cyber defence, the objective is to establish a comprehensive European approach. EDA activities, based on the recently adopted cyber strategy, focus on realistic deliverables within its remit and expertise: training, exercises, protection of headquarters, and Cyber Defence Research Agenda (focusing on dual use technologies).
Strengthening Europe’s defence industry
In the chapter on measures to strengthen Europe’s defence industry a strong, healthy and globally competitive European Defence and Technological Industrial Base is acknowledged as a prerequisite for developing and sustaining defence capabilities and securing the strategic autonomy of Europe. Its importance for the wider economy is mentioned as well. This industrial base has to be safeguarded through substantive and strengthened cooperation at European level, including through major new cooperative programmes. While big industry plays a leading role in the defence sector, the defence supply chain and notably SMEs play a very important part and should be supported. EDA together with its Member States is also working on concrete measures to increase both short- and long-term Security of Supply, whether related to supply chains, European non-dependencies, raw materials, or investments in key industrial and technological capabilities. Some tangible measures EDA is already working on in cooperation with the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency to improve competitiveness and to reduce development and production costs include standardisation, military airworthiness and certification.
European commitment to R&T
National defence research and development expenditure decreased substantially in the last years with possible negative impact on the long-term competitiveness of the European industry. Strong investment is needed if Europe is to retain its R&T expertise. Building on the list of critical defence technologies elaborated in the EDA framework, the technologies that need to be developed at the European level for defence, space, and the civil sector should be identified on a systematic basis to underpin long-term planning for European R&T. It will also ensure that Europe is addressing the challenge of technology non-dependence on a strategic level. The report therefore suggests that Member States should be encouraged to commit to multi-annual investment in defence R&T through cooperation. Synergies between civil and defence research for dual-use technologies should be exploited. EDA closely works with the European Commission and European Space Agency on dual use research; important areas of cooperation are key enabling technologies, critical space technologies, CBRN, cyber defence and RPAS.
More information
October 15, 2013 By Christopher Alessi – Spiegel.de
In Afghanistan, dangerous combat has helped post-war Germany's reluctant armed forces gain self-confidence and expertise. But with the public and politicians loath to enter into new conflicts, what will the military's role be going forward?
The German military entered Afghanistan over a decade ago as a peacekeeping force tasked with aiding in the reconstruction and development of infrastructure and civil society. Today, it leaves the country as a combat force that engaged in deadly warfare.
The evolving role of the Bundeswehr, Germany's armed forces, in the conflict has helped to dramatically reshape it as a more experienced and capable fighting operation. Yet the German public remains even more opposed to military engagement overseas than it was 10 years ago, calling into question what sort of role the Bundeswehr will play in supporting NATO and the United Nations in future international conflicts.
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HMS Illustrious approaches Glen Mallan (library image) [Picture: Leading Airman (Photographer) Keith Morgan, Crown copyright]
15 October 2013 Ministry of Defence
MOD is looking for ideas on how best to preserve the legacy of the Royal Navy's Invincible Class aircraft carriers.
The last of the ships, HMS Illustrious, is due to retire in late 2014 after 32 years of distinguished service that has seen her involved in operations around the world.
Following the announcement last year that the 22,000-tonne ship will be preserved in some form, MOD is now inviting private companies, charities and trusts who are interested in buying her to come forward with ideas for her future use.
HMS Illustrious is currently the UK’s high readiness helicopter and commando carrier, able to deploy Merlin, Chinook, Sea King, Lynx or Apache helicopters. She is currently in the Mediterranean as part of the Royal Navy’s Cougar 13 deployment of the UK’s Response Force Task Group.
The ship, which is 210 metres long, the equivalent of 18 double-decker buses, was involved in the First Gulf War and the conflict in Afghanistan in 2001, and supported evacuations from Sierra Leone in 2000 and Lebanon in 2006.
MOD wants HMS Illustrious to remain in the UK and bids for her future use must be viable and include plans for part or all of the ship to be developed for heritage purposes.
The Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Philip Dunne, said:
HMS Illustrious, like her 2 sister ships Invincible and Ark Royal, has provided an invaluable service to this country over more than 3 decades. This competition will provide the opportunity for organisations to put forward innovative and viable proposals to honour the role and history of this iconic class of ship and all those who served on board them.
Once proposals are received, an industry day will be held next year to discuss the ideas further. It is expected a final decision will be made after the ship is decommissioned and handed over to the Disposal Services Authority.
The UK’s new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, which will replace the Invincible Class ships, are currently under construction. HMS Queen Elizabeth, which is almost complete, will begin sea trials in 2017 before undertaking flight trials with the F-35 Lightning II aircraft in 2018.
.A Russian Air Force's Su-34 fighter-bomber from Lipetsk airbase. Photo Vitaly V. Kuzmin.
15 October 2013 airforce-technology.com
The Russian Air Force (RuAF) will take delivery of 30 new Su-34 Fullback strike aircraft from Sukhoi by the end of 2014, the country's Ministry of Defence (MoD) has revealed.
RIA Novosti reported the MoD as saying in a statement that, ''the current [2013] year plan on the delivery of 14 [Su-34] aircraft under the state defense order will be fulfilled, and the plant has promised to deliver another 16 fighter-bombers next year.''
Citing a report by the Novosibirsk plant, the ministry also noted that a total of 124 Su-34 fighters are scheduled to be handed over by Sukhoi to the air force under two contracts by 2020.
The Russian military has to date taken delivery of 29 series-production Su-34 aircraft, according to official data.
"The ministry also noted that a total of 124 Su-34 fighters are scheduled to be handed over by Sukhoi to the air force under two contracts by 2020."
Manufactured by the Novosibirsk aircraft plant, the Su-34 is a 4+ generation aircraft and can engage a range of land-based, sea and airborne targets in all weather conditions and any visibility levels, using a range of airborne munitions, including high-precision types.
The aircraft is a two-seat derivative of the swing-wing Su-27 fighter, retaining its basic layout and construction, and also features increased takeoff weight and an advanced multimode-phased array radar with terrain following and terrain avoidance modes.
Additional features include a long-range aiming system, a modern on-board communication and an information exchange system, a complex survival system, an armoured cockpit and an active safety system, as well as new computers to manoeuvre and perform accurate bombing when under enemy attack.
The twin Lyulka AL-31FM1 turbofan engine-powered aircraft is eventually scheduled to replace the Russian Air Force and Navy's ageing Su-24 Fencer strike aircraft fleet.
Jamaran frigate
15 October 2013 naval-technology.com
The Iranian Navy will launch its modernised warship, dubbed Lavan, on 28 November, Iranian Navy commander rear admiral Habibollah Sayyari said.
Farsnews Agency cited Sayyari as saying to reporters in Tehran that the Iranian Navy will launch the overhauled Lavan warship, fitted with advanced weapons and radar systems, on the Iranian month of Azar 7, and will also unveil a number of important overhauled projects.
"The overhaul operations have been thoroughly made by the young and committed experts of the naval industry," Sayyari said.
In September, the warship has been upgraded with advanced weapons and radar systems to enhance its performance and fire power, Sayyari announced earlier.
"The warship needed an overhaul and equipment with the state-of-the-art technologies and therefore the warship's weapons have been modernised."
"The warship needed an overhaul and equipment with the state-of-the-art technologies."
Changes have been made to the ship's body as well as the sailing, sonar and radar systems, weapons and information-gathering sensors.
In June, Iran had also overhauled and modernised a vessel, named Bayandor, aimed to safeguard its territorial waters as well as to maintain security in regional and international waters.
Upgrades to the Bayandor ship involved installation of main engines, heat exchangers and fuel and oil systems as well as optimising the monitoring control systems.
The Iranian Navy currently developing another warship, known as Persian Gulf, for training navy personnel.
Earlier, Iranian defence ministry officials said the third generation of the home-made vessel, Jamaran-3, will enter service with the Iranian Navy by the end of the current Iranian year, which is from 21 March 2013 to 20 March 2014.
Oct. 14, 2013 by Dave Majumdar – FG
Washington DC - The US Air Force has signaled its intention to award Lockheed Martin a second multi-year procurement deal for 79 C-130J Hercules tactical transports.
“The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center is planning for the procurement of seventy-nine C-130J aircraft or C-130J variants, associated mission equipment, and related support for all systems for FY14-FY18 [fiscal year 2014-fiscal year 2018] multi-year buy, with an option to purchase the USCG [US Coast Guard] five HC-130J aircraft,” says a USAF document.
The 79 aircraft are to be delivered between FY2016 and FY2020. According to Pentagon budget documents, the procurement would primarily cover the construction of USAF special operations aircraft, including 43 HC/MC/AC-130J variants. The remaining airframes would consist of 29 conventional C-130Js and seven US Marine Corps KC-130J tankers.
Lockheed has so far delivered more than 290 C-130Js to 13 countries. The company hopes to deliver its 300th example before the end of this year.
15.10.2013 par P. CHAPLEAU - Lignes de Défense
Petite phrase de l'amiral Guillaud devant les élus de la République, le 3 octobre: "le PLF prévoit en effet 50 millions d’euros de cessions de matériels. Plusieurs projets sont à l’étude, dont la vente du transport de chalands de débarquement (TCD) Siroco et d’hélicoptères Tigre" (cliquer ici pour accéder au texte de son audition).
Ventes de matériels donc, mais pas d'antiques Marmon ou des VAB essoufflés: non, des Tigre! Remettons tout ça dans le contexte pour tenter d'y voir plus clair.
1) Le projet de loi de finances (cliquer ici pour y accéder) détaille les ressources exceptionnelles:
"S'agissant des recettes exceptionnelles, celles-ci sont constituées :
- du produit de cession d'emprises immobilières utilisées par le ministère de la défense, évalué au moins à 660 millions d'euros sur la période 2014-2016 ;
- des redevances versées par les opérateurs privés au titre des cessions de fréquences déjà réalisées lors de la précédente loi de programmation pour environ 220 millions d'euros ;
- du programme d'investissements d'avenir (PIA) au bénéfice de l'excellence technologique de l'industrie de défense pour 1,5 milliard d'euros en 2014 ;
- du produit de cession de la bande de fréquences des 700 MHz, qui n'est pas chiffré dans la loi mais dont on peut s'attendre à ce qu'il s'élève à plus de 3 milliards d'euros ;
- et, « le cas échéant », selon les mots du projet de loi, du produit de cession de participations publiques."
2) Les cessions de matériels constitueront une infime contribution aux ressources exceptionnelles mais elles auront un impact plus significatif en termes de coûts (prohibitifs) de fonctionnement (mais aussi bien sûr de capacité opérationnelles déjà réduites par des commandes elles aussi déjà réduites). Par ailleurs, le CEM n'a pas précisé le nombre de machines à brader. Trop, trop peu? La vingtaine de HAP bientôt en parc?
3) Le problème, ce sera de trouver des acheteurs. Le Siroco pourrait, lui, prendre la route de l'Amérique du Sud. Quant aux Tigre... Ils risquent de passer bien du temps à Châteaudun (où une centaine d'emplois vont être supprimés), sous cocon. On pourrait aussi vendre les Leclerc qui dorment sur plusieurs sites. Mais l'affaire s'annonce encore plus compliquée. Qui voudra de nos Tigre (mon confrère Jean-Marc Tanguy avait parlé de la Malaisie) et de nos Leclerc dont les coûts de MCO et de vol/roulage sont exorbitants?
4) Par ailleurs, sur le grand marché de l'armement d'occasion, il va y avoir abondance de produits. Les Espagnols pensent revendre certains de leurs A400. Les Hollandais se séparent du navire de soutien Karel-Doorman et d'une partie de leur blindés CV90, dans le cadre d'une coupe budgétaire de 348 millions d'euros. Les Canadiens qui parlent de réduire leurs effectifs de 20% réfléchissent au devenir des surplus. L'Autriche a mis en vente 750 blindés, des camions, des canons etc, pas d'une première jeunesses certes mais rustiques et bon marché.
Moralité: grignoter 50 millions d'euros, c'est à la fois peu et beaucoup. Mais tant que le moral est au beau fixe, pas question de stopper la grande braderie.
15.10.2013 Par Alain Ruello – LesEchos.fr
Environ 950 postes pourraient être supprimés d'ici à 2019, soit 10 % des effectifs.
Pièce importante du ministère de la Défense, la DGA sait qu'elle devra prendre sa part aux 23.500 suppressions de postes supplémentaires inscrites dans la loi de programmation. Reste à savoir à quelle hauteur. Le ministre de la Défense, Jean-Yves Le Drian, a beau marteler qu'il refuse tout dégraissage à l'aveugle, une rumeur circule parmi les ingénieurs de l'armement : 950 postes seraient supprimés d'ici à 2019, soit environ 10 % des effectifs.
Contactée, la DGA réfute tout chiffrage. Rappelant les 3.000 postes déjà supprimés dans le cadre de l'ex-RGPP du gouvernement Fillon, une porte-parole indique que le délégué général, Laurent Collet-Billon, a entamé une analyse précise de l'expertise de ses troupes pour préparer l'avenir. Une sorte de gestion prévisionnelle de l'emploi et des compétences en quelque sorte, comme cela se pratique dans le privé. C'est d'ailleurs conforme aux déclarations de Jean-Yves Le Drian, qui a demandé une analyse semblable à chacun de ses grands subordonnés avant de trancher, service par service, ou armée par armée.
Guerre de tranchées
N'empêche. Après avoir dû encaisser le gel des embauches de 75 ingénieurs civils, la DGA attend fébrilement de savoir à quelle sauce elle va être mangée. Réponse en fin d'année ou au début de la prochaine, en principe. En attendant, une « guerre de tranchées » a déjà démarré au sein du ministère de la Défense. Comme en témoigne sa récente sortie au Sénat, Laurent Collet-Billon est décidé à se battre bec et ongles comme chacun des patrons des trois armées et du secrétariat général pour l'administration afin de rendre le moins de postes possible.
Auditionné par la commission des Affaires étrangères, de la Défense et des Forces armées à l'occasion de l'examen de la loi de programmation, le délégué général a mis en avant le fait que les missions de la DGA restent inchangées. « Le maintien de l'ensemble des programmes en cours, les nouveaux programmes à lancer et les négociations requises avec l'industrie pour adapter les échéanciers de livraison, nécessitent que les unités de management, les centres techniques et le service de la qualité puissent assurer la charge correspondante », a-t-il déclaré.
Quant à l'obligation de réduire le pourcentage de gradés, obligation mise en avant par la Cour des comptes (« Les Echos » du 14 octobre), Laurent Collet-Billon a été encore plus clair : « Un ingénieur en chef est d'abord un ingénieur, avant d'être un militaire à cinq barrettes. »
An F-16 fighter aircraft of the Portuguese Air Force. Photo Mike Freer - Touchdown-aviation.
15 October 2013 airforce-technology.com
The Romanian Air Force has signed an agreement with the Portuguese Government for the acquisition of 12 second-hand Lockheed Martin-built F-16 Fighting Falcon mid-life upgrade (MLU) aircraft.
The acquisition, which follows comprehensive technical and financial negotiations, has also been approved by the US Congress, according to a Portuguese Ministry of Defence's (MoD) statement.
Even though the agreement details remain undisclosed, the estimated €186.2m contract covers nine surplus Portuguese fighters and three former US Air Force (USAF) aircraft, IHS Jane reports.
Other responsibilities include modifications and upgrades to the aircraft for the next four years, the supply of additional engines, logistics support and the training of nine Romanian pilots and 79 maintenance personnel, to ensure safe operation of the aircraft.
The first aircraft delivery is planned for 2016, to enable Romania to achieve initial operational capability (IOC) in 2017, with the assistance and support of both Portuguese and US air forces, the MoD statement notes.
"The first aircraft delivery is planned for 2016, to enable Romania to achieve initial operational capability in 2017."
Primarily intended to replace the Romanian Air Force's existing 49 Soviet Era-built MiG-21 Lancer fighter fleet, the aircraft will also increase the country's interoperability with Nato forces, and its contribution to these forces.
The Romanian Ministry of National Defence (MND) was reportedly considering the purchase of 15 used F-16s from the Netherlands in early June 2012, but the proposal was cancelled amidst budgetary constraints.
Powered by a single Pratt & Whitney F-100-GE-129 turbofan engine, the F-16 was initially designed as an air superiority day fighter, but later evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft for precise delivery of ordnance during non-visual bombing conditions.
The aircraft is in service with the air forces of Israel, Egypt, New Zealand, South Korea, Chile, Poland, UAE, Bahrain, Greece, Singapore and the US.
UK soldiers man a Starstreak missile deployment system during an exercise. Photo UK MoD
15 October 2013 army-technology.com
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded a multi-million pound contract to Thales UK for delivery of additional STARStreak short-range surface-to-air missile systems.
Announced by the UK Prime Minister David Cameron in a speech to the Northern Ireland Investment Conference in Belfast, the contract covers supply of additional 200 STARStreak missiles, which represent a critical component of the UK's ground based air defence (GBAD) capability.
UK Defence Equipment, Support and Technology minister Philip Dunne said: ''This contract for 200 extra STARStreak missiles will not only provide our armed forces with a highly capable weapon, but it also secures hundreds of highly skilled defence jobs in Northern Ireland and should provide confidence to the export markets of the STARStreak system.'
Thales managing director David Beatty said: ''It demonstrates very clearly to our export customers the ongoing importance and trust that the UK MOD places in the STARStreak system and our design, manufacturing and support capabilities.'
"It secures hundreds of highly skilled defence jobs in Northern Ireland."
Expected to sustain 475 jobs at the Thales' facilities in Northern Ireland, the unspecified contract will increase MoD's STARStreak stocks as part of the government's transformation agenda for the armed forces to equip both the regular and reserve forces with the missiles.
Fired from the shoulder, from a lightweight multiple launcher or from the Stormer armoured vehicle, the STARStreak is a high velocity missile (HVM), designed to counter threats ranging from very high performance, low-flying fighter aircraft and fast strikes by attack helicopters.
The missile system, along with its air defence alerting device, was used by the UK Army to ensure a safe and secure 2012 London Olympic Games.
Deliveries under the contract are scheduled to complete by June 2014.
October 15, 2013: Strategy Page
Another Russian Su-25 ground attack aircraft crashed on September 23rd, killing the pilot. All Su-25s were immediately grounded until the cause of the crash could be found. This is the 17th Su-25 lost in the last decade, which is not unusual for a Russian military aircraft that has been in service since the 1980s. Despite these losses, the Su-25 is still a popular aircraft. When well maintained, the Su-25 is very effective. Over a thousand have been produced since 1978 and the aircraft is still in production and older models are being upgraded. In 2006, after seven years of work, Russia put the first two Su-25SM upgrades into service. Six more were delivered within a year. Russia still finds export customers for the Su-25, both cheap used models, or high end versions like new or refurbished Su-25SMs.
Russia still maintains a force of Su-25s. As long ago as 1999, Russia decided to upgrade 80 of their Su-25 aircraft to the SM standard. In addition to extending service life by ten years or more, the Su-25SMs have new electronics that permit the aircraft to use smart bombs and missiles. The navigation system has been upgraded, to include GPS and more automation. Many improved components were installed, to reduce maintenance manpower needs by a third. Currently, Russia plans to keep 80 or so SU-25s in service until the 2030s. This will probably require one more round of refurbishment.
The Su-25 is a 17 ton aircraft that carries a 30mm twin-barrel rotary cannon (with 250 rounds) and up to five tons of bombs and missiles (including air-to-air missiles). The twin-engine, one seat aircraft has a combat radius of 380 kilometers and a top speed of 900 kilometers an hour. It's the Russian equivalent of the U.S. A-10, which has received similar upgrades to prolong its service life.
The Su-25 design is actually more similar to the 19 ton American A-9, a competing design with the 23 ton A-10. The Su-25 and A-9 both are about 14 percent faster than the A-10. But the A-10 is a more stable aircraft and much more resistant to battle damage. Absent lots of ground fire, both the A-10 and Su-25 are very effective against ground targets. The A-10 also has an edge with its unique 30mm autocannon, in addition to seven tons of bombs. The A-9 could carry eight tons, in addition to the same 30mm autocannon.
October 15, 2013: Strategy Page
The government is upgrading its military ties with South Korea. The new agreement implements exchanges of military personnel for familiarization and training. This is also meant to exchange information about how each nations’ troops handle disaster relief and peacekeeping operations. Less publicized were the parts of the new agreement dealing with more detailed planning for cooperation against growing Chinese aggression in the sea areas between China and all its neighbors (particularly the Philippines, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam.) All of these Chinese neighbors are strengthening military alliances with each other and the United States to better deal with the Chinese tactics of gradual but persistent pressure.
In addition to the military ties, South Korea is a major trade partner ($7.4 billion a year in goods, services and investments, mostly going into the Philippines) and source of tourists. South Korea has been a growing source of new technology and technical help in many areas. While the cultures of both nations are very different both have long experience with Americans and both have many English speakers. Some 70-80 percent of Filipinos and about ten percent in South Koreans can converse in English. But over a third of South Koreans can understand written English and that has created a lot of Filipinos and South Koreans who know each other via the Internet. Young South Koreans are more interested in learning English and working or vacationing in the Philippines is a good way to improve your English skills. That also explains the growing number of South Koreans who speak English with a Filipino and not an American accent.
The army believes that the MNLF attack on the southern port city of Zamboanga on September 9th was facilitated by the rebels smuggling weapons and ammo into the city for over eight months. Most of this stuff came from the nearby islands of Sulu and Basilan. The government recently filed rebellion charges against 65 MNLF survivors of the fighting in Zamboanga. Most of the accused are in custody and the rest are being sought. In Zamboanga the government believes it will take three months for things to get back to normal in the neighborhoods where the MNLF fighting took place. Over 100,000 people fled their homes and many returned to find lots of damage.
October 13, 2013: The 41st round of peace negotiations with MILF ended with unresolved power sharing issues still to be taken care of. The two sides did agree on where to establish buffer zones to protect civilians from any armed clashes between the security forces and MILF gunmen. It was also agreed that recent attacks by Moslem rebel groups BIFF and MNLF would not be held against MILF.
October 10, 2013: In the south (city of Zamboanga) troops looking for any remaining MNLF rebels encountered two of them and killed them in a brief gun battle.
The United States has come out and backed the Philippines in its call for UN sponsored binding arbitration with China over Chinese claims on parts of the South China Sea that have long been controlled by the Philippines. China has turned down Filipino calls for arbitration but with American support pressure in the UN will be greater, and more embarrassing for China.
October 7, 2013: On Basilan troops clashed with Abu Sayyaf Islamic terrorists and killed two of them. The army then chased after the survivors and fired mortars at what they believed was an Abu Sayyaf camp. The MILF said it was one of their camps and called the incident a violation of the cease fire. The army has long accused MILF of secretly cooperating with Abu Sayyaf and believes this is another example.
October 4, 2013: Police and soldiers executed a search warrant on the home compound of MNLF leader Nur Misuari, who was believed to be responsible for the September 9 attack on the southern port city of Zamboanga. Misuari was not at home but plenty of documents and other evidence was.
October 1, 2013: In the south (Davao Oriental) a NPA landmine wounded five soldiers as the NPA fled from a battle with the troops that left one rebel dead. Troops later found an NPA man who had been wounded and soon later identified him as a college teacher (of physics).
September 30, 2013: The army believes they have killed or captured four of the five MNLF rebel leaders who led several hundred gunmen into the southern port city of Zamboanga on September 9th. The fighting lasted for three weeks.
Oct 14 2013 - By David Cenciotti - theaviationist.com
Images have surfaced on the Chinese Internet of what seems to be an actual AH-64D Apache or a real-size copy of the world’s most famous attack chopper.
The helicopter, on a truck, seems to be in the process of being moved even if it is at least strange that it is is not hidden below a protective covering, as happened for other mysterious choppers spotted on the move in China.
It’s not easy to guess how Beijing put their hands on the helicopter. It could be one of the U.S. Army Apaches downed or crash landed in Iraq, that was later fixed and exported in China.
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October 15, 2013: Strategy Page
A U.S. court recently sentenced two Singapore men to prison (for 34 and 37 months) after convicting them of illegally shipping American electronic items to Iran. This ended several years of investigations and legal proceedings. The case first became public in 2011 when American criminal investigators, in cooperation with their counterparts in Singapore tracked down and arrested five Singaporeans who had arranged for 6,000 American made radio frequency modules (RFMs) to be diverted to Iran. This was illegal, and was orchestrated by an Iranian citizen who was never arrested. Between 2008 and 2010 sixteen of these RFMs were found in unexploded roadside bombs in Iraq. It was eventually found that the RFMs, and other components of the bombs, had been smuggled into Iraq from Iran. Four companies were used to deceive American export controls so that the RFMs could be redirected to Iran. Singapore eventually agreed to extradite two of the men to the United States for prosecution. The other three were found not guilty (or not guilty enough) in Singapore.
The war on Iranian arms smuggling has been intensifying in the last decade. Most countries cooperate, but not all. While Turkey has been getting cozy with Iran, the Turks still enforce international trade sanctions against Iran. But as Turkey encourages its companies to do more business with Iran, there are more opportunities to smuggle forbidden goods to assist Iranian nuclear weapons and ballistic missile projects. Iran takes advantage of this whenever possible.
Germany was once a favorite place for Iran to buy equipment for their ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs but over five years ago the Germans began cracking down. For example, in 2008, a German citizen was prosecuted for running a weapons related smuggling operation. The defendant shipped 16 tons of high-grade graphite, used for making rocket nozzles, to Iran in 2005-7. The defendant mislabeled the graphite as low-grade, which was legal to sell to Iran. Another ten tons of the high-grade graphite was caught by Turkish customs officials. Germany adopted stricter export rules for Iran three years ago, and promptly began seeking out and prosecuting those who ignored the ban. This did not stop the Iranians from using Germany as a source of forbidden goods. In response Germany have been prosecuting people for exporting special metals and manufacturing equipment needed for ballistic missile warheads. All this slows down the Iranians but has not stopped them.
Ever since the U.S. embargo was imposed in 1979 (after Iran broke diplomatic protocol by seizing the American embassy), Iran has sought, with some success, to offer big money to smugglers who can beat the embargo and get needed industrial and military equipment. This is a risky business, and American and European prisons are full of Iranians, and other nationals, who tried and failed to procure forbidden goods. The smuggling operations are currently under more scrutiny, and attack, because of Iran's growing nuclear weapons program. But the Iranians simply offer more money, and more smugglers step up to keep the goodies coming.
M84 stun grenade
October 15, 2013: Strategy Page
U.S. SOCOM (Special Operations Command) has had a scalable offensive hand grenades developed and has spent over $40 million buying large quantities. Scalable refers to grenades that can have different amounts of their explosives removed by the user to produce different results. With the minimal charge the grenade is basically a “flash-bang” that is meant to disorient (with a loud noise and bright flash) people not really kill or injure. By adding 1-3 additional “increments” of explosives the user makes the grenade effective over a wider area and potentially lethal. These scalable grenades depend on explosives to injure, not fragments. They are also a lot more expensive, but for SOCOM operators the additional flexibility is often the difference between success and failure in an operation.
American Offensive hand grenades have been around since 1918, when they were invented for troops fighting in close quarters (enemy trenches). It was found that these grenades were also useful inside buildings and caves. Thus the Mk3 grenade kept getting upgraded and was the basis of the scalable version. The current Mk3A2 is made of waterproofed fiberboard with minimal metal components. The Mk3A2 weighs 440 gr (15.4 ounces) has a five second fuze and contains 228 kg (8 ounces) of TNT.
Stun (or “flash bang”) grenades were invented for British SAS commandos in the 1960s. These weapons do not use explosives but rather have a fire and shatter proof body with perforations for momentary bright light and very loud noise to escape. The effect is most intense 1-2 meters (up to six feet) from the detonation. A current example is the U.S. M84 stun grenade. This weighs 236 gr (8.2 ounces) and uses a 4.5 gr (.16 ounce) magnesium/ammonium nitrate mixture and a 1-2.3 second fuze to generate up to 180 db of sound and 6-8 million Candela of light for up to 1.5 meters (five feet away).
10.10.2013 par Guillaume Belan (FOB)
La première pierre du programme d’ensemble de l’armée de terre Scorpion, à savoir le programme Contact (Communications numériques tactiques et de théâtre) est maintenant sur les rails. Le Ministre de la Défense lors de sa visite sur le site de Thales le 4 octobre dernier, pour célébrer le 50ème anniversaire du site de Brest (spécialisé sur les systèmes navals) a confirmé la tranche complémentaire de l’étape 1 de Contact , a confirmé ce matin Pierre Bayle, le porte-parole de Jean-Yves Le Drian, durant le point presse hebdomadaire. Représentant un engagement financier de 603 millions d’euros pour le développement et la qualification du système de radio nouvelle génération, cette tranche complémentaire fait suite à la commande par la DGA de la première phase de 210 millions d’euros.
Programme à haute valeur technologique qui utilise la nouvelle technologie radio-logicielle, Contact est destiné à équiper les armées de postes de radio de nouvelle génération en remplacement des postes existants, en particulier les vénérables PR4G.
Cette première étape doit venir fournir à l’armée de terre 2400 postes pour les véhicules et 2000 postes portatifs à partir de 2018. Le programme Contact c’est aussi 2000 emplois chez Thales, notamment à Cholet, où l’assemblage sera réalisé. L’étape 1 concerne les postes radios pour l’armée de terre, l’étape 2 concernera les aéronefs (combat, renseignement et transport) et l’étape 3, la marine.
Thales porte également de forts espoirs dans l’export. Pour mémoire, comme le rappelait ce matin le porte-parole du Ministre, 150 000 radios PR4G ont été vendues à une quinzaine de pays.
15/10/2013 Armée de l'air
L’Air Land Integration Network Seminar (ALINS - séminaire du domaine de l’intégration air-sol) s’est déroulé à Montbéliard (Franche-Comté) le 11 octobre 2013. L’armée de l’air était l’un des partenaires majeurs de cet événement.
Domaine émergent mais aux résultats probants, l’intégration air-sol (ALI – air land integration) s’appuie sur des technologies clés et des équipements novateurs permettant le recueil, le traitement et la diffusion de l’information sous toutes ses formes (texte, image, son), à destination de tous les terrains d’opération et interopérables avec les forces alliées. L’ALI a été développé et porté initialement par les forces spéciales « air ». En effet, ces dernières s’appuient sur des solutions technologiques projetables adaptées aux conditions opérationnelles, interarmées et interalliés. Ces outils permettent d’accélérer l’acquisition du renseignement, de prise de décision d’engagement et la frappe d’objectifs ciblés avec les moyens adaptés.
L’ALI doit maintenant entrer dans une phase de développement méthodique, jouant sur les leviers scientifiques, technologiques et doctrinaux pour assurer son essor au profit de l’industrie française et de la défense nationale. C’est pourquoi ce séminaire a réuni acteurs militaires, industriels, universitaires et formateurs autour de la mise en œuvre des nouvelles technologies de l’information et de la communication dans le cadre de l’engagement de la puissance aérienne et des forces spéciales sur les théâtres d’opération. De nombreuses autorités militaires ont pris part aux discussions, tels que le général Thierry Caspar-Fille-Lambie, commandant de la défense aérienne et des opérations aériennes, et le général Guillaume Gelée, ancien commandant des forces aériennes.
15/10/2013 Caporal-chef Marie-Ange Ilmany – CDAOA - Armée de l'air
Julie, Salima, Sandra et Mama. Tels sont les prénoms des quatre opératrices équipées d’un casque « Bluetooth », qui œuvrent au sein de la section Survol du CDAOA (commandement de la défense aérienne et des opérations aériennes). Sous les ordres d’un major, chef de section, elles répondent chaque jour à plus d’une cinquantaine d’appels téléphoniques. Selon l’activité, elles peuvent traiter des demandes de survol avec plus de 180 pays. Suivez le guide pour une immersion en plein Survol.
« Il n’y a pas de place pour la routine, l’action immédiate et l’application de procédures spécifiques font partie de notre quotidien », commente l’une d’entre elles. Sur la base aérienne 117 de Balard, la section Survol est intégrée au centre opérationnel air (CO-Air). Les yeux fixés sur leur écran d’ordinateur, ces jeunes opératrices conversent au téléphone, centralisent les demandes et appliquent les procédures. En liaison avec le ministère des Affaires étrangères et les attachés de Défense français et étrangers, elles sont chargées d’instruire les demandes d’autorisations diplomatiques de survol des territoires étrangers par des aéronefs d’État français, mais également les demandes d’aéronefs d’État étrangers souhaitant survoler l’Hexagone. Pour cela, la réglementation internationale est scrupuleusement appliquée selon la convention de l’organisation internationale de l’aviation civile, signée à Chicago le 7 décembre 1944. Celle-ci stipule que les aéronefs d’État doivent soumettre une demande d’autorisation de survol préalable aux États survolés : chaque pays dispose de « la souveraineté complète et exclusive sur l’espace aérien au-dessus de son territoire ».
Pas de temps « mort » pour ces drôles de dames. « Chaque jour, environ 60 autorisations de survol du territoire français sont notifiées aux attachés de Défense étrangers en poste à Paris, précise l’une des jeunes femmes. Une fois obtenues, ces autorisations suivent un circuit bien précis ». En effet, le centre national des opérations aériennes de Lyon Mont-Verdun et les centres de détection et de contrôle peuvent alors, au vu des informations transmises, identifier les aéronefs étrangers et vérifier le respect de leur plan de vol. La mission de la section Survol est assurée 24h/24 afin de répondre, entre autres, au déclenchement d’une évacuation sanitaire. « L’expérience acquise par la section Survol vient en complément de l’action diplomatique, conclue le chef de la section. Nous apportons une plus-value technique sur certains dossiers, toujours en prise en directe avec les attachés de Défense et le ministre des Affaires étrangères ».
11.10.2013 par Guillaume Belan (FOB)
Les mots sont de Christian Mons, reçu par l’Association des Journalistes de Défense mercredi dernier. Christian Mons qui est à la fois président du GICAT (groupement des industriels de la défense terrestre) et du CIDEF (Conseil des Industries de Défense Françaises réunissant tous les secteurs terre-air-mer) est revenu sur le projet de Loi de Programmation Militaire (LPM) 2014-2019 en cours de discussion devant les assemblées parlementaires. Et son jugement est pour le moins critique. « Les conséquences de la LPM c’est la perte d’un milliard d’euros dans le budget équipement, qui induit un risque important sur le plan de charge industriel et vont conduire à des pertes de compétences ».
En 2013, seuls les 2/3 du budget équipement terrestre ont été exécuté
Le constat est d’autant plus inquiétant que, même avant de discuter de la prochaine LPM, il y a déjà en ce moment d’importants retards d’exécution budgétaire. « L’Etat ne passe en ce moment aucune commande, car il attend le vote de la LPM ». Résultat: pour l’Unité de Management Terre (UM Terre), soit les matériels terrestres, « il manque un tiers de commandes sur l’exécution de la loi de finance 2013 », soit 300 millions d’euros de commandes qui vont manquer ! Les conséquences : « trou dans les plans de charges » et difficultés de « maintien des compétences ». Sans parler des impacts sur le tissu des sous-traitants, « il est très difficile d’évaluer l’impact pour les PME, mais des risques pèsent sur 200 à 400 d’entre elles ».
Certaines de ces commandes seront passées sous la prochaine LPM, mais en attendant tout prend du retard et au final, il manquera près d’une année d’exécution budgétaire… Donc des programmes qui passent à la trappe. Exemple : le programme VLTP (véhicule léger tactique polyvalent) qui devait venir remplacer les vieilles P4 (30 ans d’âge) ou les tranches conditionnelles du PPT (porteur polyvalents terrestres). Envolés ! « Le ministre est certainement de bonne foi, mais la réalité est différente » a précisé le président du CIDEF.
1 euros investit rapporte 1,3 euros à l’Etat
C’est le constat réalisé par les industriels de la Défense : quand l’État investit un euros dans des programmes de défense, cela rapporte 1,3 euros sur 10 ans en recettes publiques (impôts, charges sociales…), grâce aux leviers de l’exportation. Cet investissement est d’autant plus important que le risque d’un décrochage dans les marchés exports est réel, alors que les pays émergents sont de plus en plus menaçants.
La prochaine LPM c’est 20 000 emplois menacés
Le calcul est simple, avec les retards de commandes et l’amputation de l’inflation pour la prochaine LPM, c’est un milliard d’euros qui manquera pour les équipements. LE CIDEF fait un chiffre d’affaires de 16 milliards pour 165 000 emplois directs et autant d’indirects. Un emploi, c’est donc 100 000 euros en moyenne pour les 4000 entreprises qui travaillent dans la défense. Une perte d’un milliard, c’est 10 000 emplois directs menacés et autant d’indirects (sous-traitance…). Soit 20 000 suppressions d’emplois à attendre au cours de la prochaine LPM…
Le VBMR en 2018 ? « Un vœu pieux » !
Scorpion est un programme complexe qui a déjà été lancé a rappelé Christian Mons. Le programme Contact (radio nouvelle génération) est déjà acté tandis que le SIC (système d’information et de combat de Scorpion qui va remplacer 4 ou 5 systèmes existants a été commandé à Bull en début d’année. Mais il est maintenant urgent de commander les plateformes. « Il est matériellement impossible que les premiers VBMR (véhicule blindé multi-rôles, remplaçants des VAB) arrivent dans les forces en 2018 » souligne Christian Mons. La DGA (direction générale de l’Armement) doit établir un cahier des charges, rédiger un appel d’offre, lancer un appel d’offre européen, puis dépouiller les offres et prendre une décision. Chacune de ces étapes prend minimum 6 mois, sans compter les inévitables recours en justice qui paralyseront la procédure. Or, « jamais un programme d’armement n’a abouti en moins de 10 ans. Seul le PVP (Petit Véhicule Protégé), a été réalisé en 8 ans » et il s’agissait d’un programme plutôt simple comparé à un véhicule de combat ! Continuant sur le VBMR, le président du GICAT table sur un prototype livré à l’horizon 2020 pour une production vers 2025, après une évaluation par les forces qui aboutira nécessairement à des correctifs…
15/10/2013 Défense
Après sa visite au 152e régiment d'infanterie de Colmar du 10 octobre dernier, Jean-Yves Le Drian a passé une partie de la journée du lundi 14 octobre avec le personnel du 2e régiment d’infanterie de marine, dans la Sarthe.
A travers ces différentes visites, le ministre de la Défense souhaite prendre la mesure du moral des troupes au plus près, à travers un dialogue direct avec les soldats.
C'est dans la Sarthe auprès des marsouins du 2e régiment d'infanterie de marine (2e RIMa), que Jean-Yves Le Drian a poursuivi ses visites dans les forces le lundi 14 octobre 2013.
Lors de son allocution, le ministre a évoqué les grands enjeux nationaux de l'année 2013 et le renouvellement de la défense défendus dans la loi de programmation militaire 2014-2019. Jean-Yves le Drian a ensuite rappelé l'importance de l'activité et de la préparation opérationnelle, « un sujet qui me tient particulièrement à cœur » et des programmes industriels pour « préparer nos armées à mener les guerres de demain et faire face aux menaces du futur ».
Il s'est ensuite entretenu avec les cadres et les soldats du régiment pour entendre leurs difficultés quotidiennes ou leurs craintes quant à l'avenir, notamment les problèmes du logiciel de paiement des soldes Louvois ou le débat sur les retraites.
Le 10 octobre dernier, Jean-Yves Le Drian, s'est rendu au 152e régiment d’infanterie (152e RI), basé à Colmar, pour échanger avec les "Diables Rouges"
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Le ministre poursuivra ses visites lors des prochaines semaine, au 1er régiment de chasseurs parachutistes de Pamiers et au 4e régiment étranger de Castelnaudary entre autres.
Le 2e régiment d'infanterie de marine
Implanté sur le camp d'Auvours de Champagné dans la Sarthe, le 2e régiment d'infanterie de marine fait partie de la 9e brigade légère blindée de marine qui appartient au commandement des forces d'actions terrestres (CFAT). Constituées à l'origine pour tenir garnison outre-mer, les troupes de marine du "2" ont servi en opérations extérieures : Côte d'Ivoire, Afghanistan et Mali, entre autres.
le Watchkeeper britannique en vol (photo Thales Richard Seymour)
11.10.2013 par Guillaume Belan (FOB)
Thales UK (la branche britannique de l’électronicien français) a annoncé le 7 octobre dernier qu’un certificat de type STDA (ou Statement of Type Design Assurance en anglais) lui avait été délivré par l’autorité de l’aviation militaire du Royaume-Uni (MAA) pour son système de drone Watchkeeper. Ce certificat signifie que le système drone de Thales a atteint un niveau de sécurité et d’intégrité acceptable, ouvrant la voie pour le MOD britannique vers la délivrance de l’autorisation de mise en service initiale. Le Watchkeeper est le premier drone à recevoir un certificat de type de ce type accordé par la MAA. On a compris, il s’agit d’une étape importante vers l’acceptation des drones dans l’espace aérien.
Aujourd’hui, Thales a déjà livré 28 plateformes Watchkeeper à l’armée britannique et deux autres devraient être livrées très prochainement – sur un total de 54 plateformes commandées. Neuf stations sol sur les 15 ont également été livrées. A ce jour, environ 600 vols ont été réalisés, représentant plus de mille heures de vol.
Rappelons également que dans le cadre de la coopération franco-britannique, le Watchkeeper pourrait intéresser la France, notamment l’armée de Terre, comme l’un des successeurs potentiels du SDTI (système de drone tactique intérimaire). Dans le cadre de cette coopération bilatérale, en juillet 2012, une Task Force Watchkeeper a été mise en place par les deux chefs d’état majors des armées de terre française et britannique.
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