June 21, 2011 SHEPARD GROUP Source: Pratt & Whitney

The United Arab Emirates Air Force recently received its first C-17 Globemaster III, powered exclusively by four Pratt & Whitney F117 engines. The UAE Air Force is slated to receive a total of six C-17s by 2012. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. company.

The UAE Air Force received its first new C-17 in a ceremony at Boeing's final assembly site in Long Beach, California in mid May. "We are proud to power the C-17s being purchased by the UAE," said Bev Deachin, vice president, military programs and customer support at Pratt & Whitney. "We are confident the UAE Air Force will benefit from the outstanding airlift capability of the C-17."

The C-17 Globemaster III - the world's premier heavy airlifter - is powered by four F117 engines. With more than 8 million hours of proven military service and 45 million hours in commercial use, the F117/PW2037 has consistently proven itself as a world-class dependable engine. Pratt & Whitney's ongoing investment in product improvements has enabled the engine to continuously surpass established goals for time on wing, in-flight shut downs and support turnaround time.

Pratt & Whitney has delivered more than 1,070 F117 engines worldwide. The US Air Force - including active National Guard and Reserve units - has taken delivery of 210 C-17s. In addition to the UAE Air Force, other international customers include the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force, the Qatar Emiri Air Force, the Canadian Forces Air Command, the Royal Australian Air Force, and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations.

Jun 20, 2011 Beirut, Lebanon (UPI)

Rasad-1 was built at the Malek Ashtar University, founded and run by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, the elite military organization that's in charge of Iran's ballistic missile program and the strategic missile command.

The real importance of Iran's recent launch of its Rasad-1 satellite, the second it's put into orbit in two years, is the Safir booster rocket used to loft the 34-pound, data-gathering craft into space. That technology produces intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Iran's state television reported that the June 16 launch thrust Rasad, which means "Observation" in Farsi, went into orbit 163 miles above the Earth.

The satellite had been scheduled for launch in August 2010 and there was no explanation for the delay at a time when U.N. experts are reported to have concluded Iran has accelerated its efforts to develop long-range missiles.

These include the Shehab-3b and Sejjil-2 intermediate-range ballistic missiles capable to hitting the Persian Gulf Arab states and Israel, by passing tough sanctions imposed by the U.N. Security Council in June 2010 over Iran's contentious nuclear program.

Tehran is reported to have increased the military budget by more than 40 percent, from $7 billion to $10 billion a year, apparently to fund the construction of more ballistic missiles. This was possible because of rising oil prices.

This underlines the military aspect of the Rasad launch and indeed Iran's entire space program, which is seen by the West and by Israel as an integral part of the drive to develop a long-range ballistic missile capability.

According to Western specialists, the multistage Safir-2 used in the Rasad launch is much smaller than a weapon capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads.

But the 72-foot, 26-ton Safir is a version of the Shehab-3 intermediate-range missile that currently forms the backbone of Iran's operational missile force.

The Rasad launch presumably took place at the Semnan launch site in the Great Salt Desert south of Tehran. It was there on Feb. 3, 2009, Iran sent aloft its first indigenously launched satellite, a research and communications craft called Omid-1 atop a Safir rocket.

The Islamic Republic thus joined the fewer than a dozen other countries capable of launching satellites into space.

"Tehran now has established its status as having the most advanced space, missile and nuclear programs in the Muslim Middle East, confirming its technical superiority over its Arab rivals," Jane's Intelligence Digest reported at the time.

The successful launch "confirms that the Iranians have overcome the technological obstacles to launching a multistage missile, a process than can increase flight range considerably," Jane's said.

In 2010, Iran announced plans to start sending research animals into space in 2011, initially using modified Shehab ballistic missiles as the booster rockets.

On Feb. 3 that year, Tehran announced it sent a rocket carrying a mouse, two turtles and a dozen worms into space aboard a 10-foot Kavoshgar-3 research rocket.

At that time, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has made the space program one of his government's priorities, unveiled a capsule for a monkey, along with four prototype Iranian-built satellites Tehran plan to launch before March 2012.

Hamid Fazeli, director of Iran's Space Organization, which oversaw the Rasad launch, said a 625-pound capsule carrying a monkey would be launched aboard a Kavoshgar-5 rocket between July 23 and Aug. 23 this year to an altitude of 74 miles.

Communications Minister Reza Taqipour says these launches will be followed by orbital missions as a prelude to an Islamic manned space program, by around 2021.

Many of the technological building blocks involved in the booster rockets like the Safir-2 are the same as those needed to develop long-range ballistic missiles.

This was the pattern of early U.S. and Russian development in the 1950s and 1960s of the Atlas, Titan and R-7 ballistic missiles.

One U.S. analysis of the recent advances in Iran's missile technology said a successful Safir-2 mission "could raise concerns in the U.S. Congress among Republicans who claim U.S. President Barack Obama acted wrongly by reducing Missile Defense Agency facilities in Poland and the Czech Republic against Iranian Safir-type missiles that could eventually have the capability to strike the United States directly."

In 2010, Iran unveiled plans for a four-engine, liquid-fuel Simorgh rocket to carry a 220-pound satellite into orbit at an altitude of 310 miles.

20.06.11 By Anshel Pfeffer - haaretz.com

Head of the Pentagon's missile defense system says Israel's Iron Dome and Arrow systems will be integrated into a regional defense array.

The Israeli missile defense system will be integrated into a regional defense array planned by the U.S., General Patrick O'reilly, head of the Pentagon's Missile Defense Agency, said Monday.

In an interview published in the American Defense News journal. According to the interview, the Israeli missile batteries may also protect Arab countries who are allies of the U.S. but with which Israel has no diplomatic ties.

General Patrick said that the multi-layered defense system being developed by Israel – comprised of Iron Dome and Magic Wand systems on the lower levels and Arrow 2 and 3 systems on the atmospheric level and above – will strengthen the ability of the U.S. to protect its forces in the Middle East.

Israel is the only country today employing operational missile systems that are capable of intercepting rockets and missiles of different sizes and ranges. The Arrow and Iron Dome systems were developed with American aid and in cooperation with American security companies. A large part of the systems' trials were conducted in the U.S.

Iron Dome is also the only system in the world that has succeeded in intercepting rockets in a real-time theater, by shooting down eight Grad rockets launched from the Gaza Strip two months ago.

This week, the Israeli Air Force is conducting its largest interception exercise to date, deploying missile batteries on the ground and preparing for rocket launched from Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip and Iran.

Jun 20, 2011 ASDNews Source : Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is building and integrating nano-satellites for scientific applications. Such nano-satellites typically weigh less than 10 kg and are commonly used to demonstrate new technologies and execute space missions having a short duration, of typically up to two years.

In addition to the innovative and technological achievements involved in the development of nano-satellites, the main reason for their existence is to minimize the risk of large space missions and save expense.

Nano-satellites use commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components which allows a significant reduction in the cost and duration of satellite development, typically about one-hundredth of the cost, and less than half the time, for that required for large satellites.

The InKlajn-1 nano-satellite, owned by the Israeli Nano-Satellites Association (INSA) is currently in its integration phase. It contains seven scientific and commercial experiments, where the behavior of terrestrial components is to be tested in space.

In this nano-satellite project, teams of engineers and technicians are using experience gained while working on IAI's range of observation and communication satellites. The combination of IAI's know-how and INSA's passion for nano-satellites creates both a synergy and an optimal base for future expansion of this field. Integration of additional nano-satellites is being examined at IAI.

19/06/11 By Arie Egozi SOURCE:Flight International

As a former pilot in the Israeli air force, Yair Shamir is aware at any given moment where the potential targets are. And, the chairman of Israel Aerospace Industries also knows which targets give most bang for his buck, so he has three big ones squarely in his sights: the USA, Brazil and India.

The US market - which banks about $1 billion yearly for Israel's largest aerospace company - will grow by not less than 30%, he believes, so having made a mark there with the establishment in 2006 of unmanned air systems subsidiary Stark Aerospace, which produces the Hunter MQ-5B for the US Army through prime contractor Northrop Grumman, IAI plans to deploy the strategy again.

"We cannot buy American companies because of Israeli law, so we plan to establish another company from scratch," he says.

GROWTH MARKETS

The search for big markets has also led IAI to target Brazil, says Shamir. There, through EAE, a subsidiary owned jointly with local company Synergy, IAI has since 2009 offered UAS, multi-mission radars, inertial navigation systems, maritime platforms and systems and border and coastal defence systems.

"In Brazil also we plan to purchase additional companies. The fact that IAI is developing and manufactures such a variety of systems for air, ground, sea and space gives our operations in Brazil a big advantage," Shamir says.

June 17th, 2011 By Elbit Systems DEFENCE TALK

Elbit Systems' engaging multimedia presentation demonstrates a cross-section of the Company's products and capabilities which seamlessly integrate to deliver persistent area surveillance and control for a complex operational scenario.

The mission is to seize and control a defined area utilizing Elbit Systems' innovative networked response based on the WAAPS (Wide Area Aerial Persistent Surveillance) concept comprised of the SAND (Smart All-Terrain Networked Detectors), PAWS (Passive Approach Warning System), MUSIC (Multi-Spectral Infrared Countermeasure) and the Hermes 900 Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).

The Scenario A Special Forces team is briefed for their mission: the Hawk special operations assault helicopter must drop a Delta ground force into a hostile urban area and then execute a safe extraction. The mission is to be supported by the airborne WAAPS directing intelligence from the initial pick-up phase until the mission's completion.

The mission relies on WAAPS for accurate real-time surveillance in order to ensure full security of the helicopter, designated safe zones and c ommand posts. This is accomplished by a series of next-generation air and ground sensors and cameras, fused together to show a single, high-resolution view of the designated areas.

En route to the drop-off, a Hermes 900 sensor triggers an alert indicating hostile anti-aircraft activity. A missile launched against the aircraft is detected by an independent protection system - PAWS. The incoming missile is tracked and defeated by MUSIC - the laser-based DIRCM (Direct Infra-Red countermeasure) system.

Then the SAND network registers ground activity from an enemy approach area. WAAPS immediately directs spot beams and sensors to the area of interest and Hermes 900 transmits real-time video images revealing the enemy with a missile launcher. Target coordinates are designated to a COIN2 fighter, and the enemy is neutralized.

WAAPS detects a breach in the safe zone's virtual perimeter and delivers a real- time video of two moving objects to the control center. Using a cockpit video conference with multiple video inputs to gauge the speed and position of all forces, the control center concludes that Delta's mission will be completed before the enemy's ETA. As a result, engagement is avoided, rendering the mission a complete success.

Elbit Systems' networked multi-layered WAAPS concept, a cutting-edge combination of air and ground sensors, made this all possible. The sensors seamlessly combine to seize and secure a specific area, thereby enabling the forces to keep the entire region under real-time persistent surveillance and communicate critical intelligence to all relevant forces.

The following systems were deployed in persistent area surveillance and control:

SAND (Smart All-Terrain Networked Detectors) is a networked array of buried seismic sensors that detect and track the movement of people and vehicles in any terrain and sight conditions.

MUSIC laser based DIRCM system for protection of aircraft from MANPADS is an advanced laser based DIRCM system that protects all types of aircraft and helicopters against man-portable heat seeking surface-to-air missiles known as MANPADS.

PAWS (IR Passive Approach Warning System) is the only operationally proven IR-based missile warning system (MWS). PAWS is a highly effective family of operationally deployed staring IR missile approach warning systems for attack and support helicopters, fighter planes, transport aircraft and more.

Hermes 900 medium altitude long endurance (MALE) UAS is a multi-role UAS that boasts reliability and an unmatched safety record, even when operating in all-weather conditions. It features large multi-payload configurations, laser designators, and electronic intelligence sensors (ELINT, COMINT, SIGINT) to detect, identify and locate enemy communication emitters and ground-based, airborne and ship-borne radars in even the most hostile scenarios. Hermes 900's key features include accurate target designation capabilities, high flight altitudes and extended flight times.

Jun 16, 2011 By Mark Hosenball and Phil Stewart/Reuters AviationWeek.com

LONDON and WASHINGTON - An Obama administration plan to expand the use of CIA-operated drones against militants in Yemen faces obstacles and will take considerable effort to put into full operation, Reuters reports.

It “could take months, not weeks” for the U.S. spy agency to bring its planned Yemen drone activities up to full speed, an unidentified U.S. official familiar with the plan told Reuters.

Other U.S. officials have said that the CIA was trying to build up a drone surveillance and attack capability in Yemen similar to the program the agency uses against militants in tribal areas along Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan.

But the officials said disorder in Yemen was hampering the agency’s efforts to expand its activities. Yemeni government disorganization and, more recently, anti-government protests have made it difficult to set up the kind of physical infrastructure and deploy equipment needed to run a drone program, officials say.

Also, these complications have made it difficult for U.S. agencies to collect the kind of precise targeting information needed for conducting drone-borne missile attacks while insuring that civilian casualties are kept to a minimum.

Violent civil unrest in Yemen has lately become acute with widespread protests against the government of President Ali Abdullah Saleh. Saleh, who for years turned a blind eye to U.S. counterterrorism activities in Yemeni territory, is now said to be in Saudi Arabia recovering from serious injuries suffered in an apparent bomb attack on a mosque on the grounds of his presidential palace.

The Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post said June 14 that CIA was preparing a major expansion of U.S. counterterrorism efforts in Yemen. The reports said that for about a year, U.S. military special forces have been conducting limited operations, including surveillance activities and some attacks, against Yemen-based militants with intelligence support from the CIA.

One of the purported benefits of expanding CIA drone operations in Yemen, according to the Journal, is that the agency will be able to operate more freely than the U.S. military even if Saleh is replaced by a leader less tolerant of U.S. counterterrorism operations.

The Journal said that missile warheads carried on CIA attack drones are smaller than ordnance used on drones operated by the U.S. military, making it easier for CIA drones to avoid civilian casualties.

The CIA had no comment on its counter-terrorism operations or plans for Yemen.

At a Senate hearing last week on his nomination to succeed Defense Secretary Robert Gates, current CIA Director Leon Panetta said the agency was “still very much continuing” its operations inside Yemen despite the disorder there.

U.S. intelligence agencies and some of their counter-parts in Europe are deeply concerned about the capabilities and aims of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), and particularly about the activities of Anwar al Awlaki, a U.S.-born, English-speaking cleric believed to be hiding in a remote area of Yemen.

Intelligence experts say several militants implicated in high-profile attacks against American or European targets have come under Awlaki’s influence. These include Major Nidal Hasan, a U.S. Army psychiatrist who killed 13 people at a Texas military base in November 2009, and Nigerian-born Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, who attempted to attack a U.S. bound airliner on Christmas Day in 2009 with a bomb in his underwear.

In early May, Awlaki was the target of a strike by a missile fired from an American military drone but authorities believe he escaped uninjured. He also reportedly was the target of an unsuccessful U.S. air strike in late 2009.

Because Awlaki is believed by U.S. authorities to be closely protected by members of a militant Yemeni clan in a remote location, collecting intelligence that would enable the CIA or other U.S. units to target him for an attack is said by officials to be a particularly difficult task.

June 15, 2011 defpro.com

Elbit Systems’ engaging multimedia presentation demonstrates a cross-section of the Company’s products and capabilities which seamlessly integrate to deliver persistent area surveillance and control for a complex operational scenario. The mission is to seize and control a defined area utilizing Elbit Systems’ innovative networked response based on the WAAPS (Wide Area Aerial Persistent Surveillance) concept comprised of the SAND (Smart All-Terrain Networked Detectors), PAWS (Passive Approach Warning System), MUSIC (Multi-Spectral Infrared Countermeasure) and the Hermes 900 Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).

THE SCENARIO

A Special Forces team is briefed for their mission: the Hawk special operations assault helicopter must drop a Delta ground force into a hostile urban area and then execute a safe extraction. The mission is to be supported by the airborne WAAPS directing intelligence from the initial pick-up phase until the mission’s completion. The mission relies on WAAPS for accurate real-time surveillance in order to ensure full security of the helicopter, designated safe zones and command posts. This is accomplished by a series of next-generation air and ground sensors and cameras, fused together to show a single, high-resolution view of the designated areas.

En route to the drop-off, a Hermes 900 sensor triggers an alert indicating hostile anti-aircraft activity. A missile launched against the aircraft is detected by an independent protection system – PAWS. The incoming missile is tracked and defeated by MUSIC – the laser-based DIRCM (Direct Infra-Red countermeasure) system.

Then the SAND network registers ground activity from an enemy approach area. WAAPS immediately directs spot beams and sensors to the area of interest and Hermes 900 transmits real-time video images revealing the enemy with a missile launcher. Target coordinates are designated to a COIN2 fighter, and the enemy is neutralized.

WAAPS detects a breach in the safe zone’s virtual perimeter and delivers a real-time video of two moving objects to the control center. Using a cockpit video conference with multiple video inputs to gauge the speed and position of all forces, the control center concludes that Delta’s mission will be completed before the enemy’s ETA. As a result, engagement is avoided, rendering the mission a complete success.

Elbit Systems’ networked multi-layered WAAPS concept, a cutting-edge combination of air and ground sensors, made this all possible. The sensors seamlessly combine to seize and secure a specific area, thereby enabling the forces to keep the entire region under real-time persistent surveillance and communicate critical intelligence to all relevant forces.

The following systems were deployed in persistent area surveillance and control:

• SAND (Smart All-Terrain Networked Detectors) is a networked array of buried seismic sensors that detect and track the movement of people and vehicles in any terrain and sight conditions.

• MUSIC laser based DIRCM system for protection of aircraft from MANPADS is an advanced laser based DIRCM system that protects all types of aircraft and helicopters against man-portable heat seeking surface-to-air missiles known as MANPADS.

• PAWS (IR Passive Approach Warning System) is the only operationally proven IR-based missile warning system (MWS). PAWS is a highly effective family of operationally deployed staring IR missile approach warning systems for attack and support helicopters, fighter planes, transport aircraft and more.

• Hermes 900 medium altitude long endurance (MALE) UAS is a multi-role UAS that boasts reliability and an unmatched safety record, even when operating in all-weather conditions. It features large multi-payload configurations, laser designators, and electronic intelligence sensors (ELINT, COMINT, SIGINT) to detect, identify and locate enemy communication emitters and ground-based, airborne and ship-borne radars in even the most hostile scenarios. Hermes 900’s key features include accurate target designation capabilities, high flight altitudes and extended flight times.

ISTANBUL, Turkey, June 15 (UPI)

Turkish tactical vehicle manufacturer Otokar has received a $63.2 million contract for its new ARMA 6x6 tactical armored vehicles.

The identity of the customer wasn't disclosed. Otokar said delivery of the vehicles is scheduled for next year and that the contract provides for spare parts and training.

"This award is the second export contract for ARMA 6x6 in its first year," said Otokat General Manager Serdar Gorguc.

"As the leading designer and exporter of armored vehicles in Turkey, we continue to grow in (the) defense industry with local and international orders.

"This award demonstrates that ARMA is the new generation answer and ideal concept and design for upcoming threats and expectations of modern armed forces. This second contract, which is signed quite soon after the presentation of the vehicle to users, is a strong indicator that ARMA will be one of the flagships of Otokar's product range."

ARMA is the newest product family within Otokar's the tactical wheeled armored vehicle product line.

Otokar said that as a result of a high level of ballistic and mine protection, vehicle's design and integration of various types of mission equipment, ARMA is an adaptable platform for evolving mission needs in a modern battlefield.

The ARMA is 20.9 feet long, 8.85 feet wide and 7.21 feet high. It has about a 19-ton combat weight and carries a driver, commander and eight dismounts in its fully NBC protected hull.

The vehicle is C-130 air transportable in standard configuration.

Otokar said it has a turning radius of 25.7 feet, features independent hydro-pneumatic suspension, flat-tire running capability and a central tire inflation system.

It can negotiate a 45-degree approach and departure angles leading onto 60 percent inclines and 30 percent side-slopes. It can also cross 3.9-foot wide trenches and climb over 23.6-inch obstacles.

The vehicle is powered by a 450 horsepower, water-cooled turbo diesel capable of running on F-34 or F-54 fuel and has a top speed of 65.2 mph.

The ARMA 6x6 can be driven in 6x6 or 6x4 modes depending upon the terrain conditions. The vehicle is amphibious and driven by 2 hydraulically driven propellers in water, allowing a high seagoing performance with a pivot turn capability.

ARMA's ballistic and anti-mine protection is provided by a monocoque steel hull.

Development of the ARMA began in 2007 as a company funded development project for home and export markets.

Otokar is an affiliate of Turkey's largest conglomerate, the Koc Group, and offers various types of armored and soft-skinned tactical vehicles for the defense industry.

It was recently awarded a prime contract from the Turkish government for the ALTAY project, which will result in production of the country's first main battle tank.

At least two Apaches could be sent to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships Cardigan Bay or Fort Victoria, which are currently stationed off Yemen Photo: PA

14 Jun 2011 By Thomas Harding, Defence Correspondent THE TELEGRAPH

Britain is preparing to send Apache attack helicopters to Yemen as cover for evacuations as the Gulf's most troubled state teeters on the brink of civil war.

A senior British helicopter commander has made a reconnaissance mission to the country, The Daily Telegraph can disclose.

The officer, who is understood to be major commanding a squadron of the helicopters, is conducting "operational planning" for a possible rescue mission for diplomats and others stranded should fighting get worse, defence sources said.

Apache pilots training at the main helicopter base in Wattisham in Suffolk have also been secretly passed maps of the country that have been downloaded onto their laptops.

An Army Air Corps source said that in the last few weeks without explanation "maps of Yemen have appeared on our mission planning system".

At least two Apaches could be sent to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships Cardigan Bay or Fort Victoria, which are currently stationed off Yemen.

Three Navy Merlin helicopters have been also been "stripped out" of their anti-submarine equipment to be ready to help. The Telegraph understands that the aircraft will only be used to evacuate the British ambassador and his staff, as well as the 30 man military training team helping Yemeni special forces.

A force of 80 Royal Marines from Alpha Company, 40 Commando, equipped with landing craft and helicopters and enough arms to secure a port are also on board the ships, which are using Djibouti as a basing area.

The Apaches would be expected to escort the Merlins to the capital Sana'a, one of a number of cities where there have already been clashes between government forces, troops loyal to a general who has defected and tribal militias.

They might require desert refuelling, and it is believed part of the reconnaissance mission was to find a suitable rendezvous spot. The helicopters would also be expected to suppress anti-aircraft weapons with their Hellfire missiles.

The Apaches have already shown their ability to carry out strike missions from sea after they were launched from the helicopter carrier HMS Ocean on to targets in Libya earlier this month.

Yemen's deteriorating political situation has degenerated slowly towards civil war since protesters took to the streets in January calling for President Ali Abdullah Saleh to step down.

President Saleh is being treated in hospital in Saudi Arabia for burns and wounds to his throat and chest sustained in an attack on his compound on June 3. But he is still rejecting efforts by Gulf countries and the West to persuade him to hand over power.

There are still an estimated 500 British citizens still in Yemen despite a Foreign Office warning urging all nationals "to leave now".

The extra deployment is likely to put further pressure on the Apache force that has 10 crews deployed in Afghanistan and five on HMS Ocean.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "As a matter of routine, military forces deploy on operations and exercises with a wide range of mapping and location data."

The West is keen not to get further entangled in conflicts in the Middle East, though President Barack Obama yesterday authorised the use of CIA drones on top of the military drones already in use. They are targeting al-Qaeda gangs, particularly in areas beyond clear Yemen government control.

2011-06-14 (China Military News cited from AP)

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak has pledged to work for closer ties with China's military during a visit to Beijing, China's Defense Ministry said Monday.

Barak's statement came in a meeting Sunday with the chief of staff of the People's Liberation Army, Gen. Chen Bingde, the ministry said.

"The Israeli side values the development of military exchanges and cooperation with China and wishes to work together with our Chinese friends to raise military-to-military relations to a new level," the ministry quoted Barak as saying.

Chen told Barak that relations between their militaries were an important part of overall ties and have strengthened markedly over recent years, the ministry said.

"There is tremendous potential for friendly cooperation between the two militaries," it quoted Chen as saying.

The ministry gave few details of their discussions in a brief report posted on its website and the Israeli Embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to an emailed request for information.

Barak also held talks with Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie on Monday, the official Xinhua News Agency reported.

China developed one of its most modern fighter jets, the J-10, from an Israeli design and has close ties with the Israeli defense industry.

China is also a top Israeli trading partner and relations between the two countries have been generally good, although strained at times. Israel infuriated China in 2000 when U.S. pressure forced Israel to cancel the sale of sophisticated reconnaissance aircraft to Beijing. Israel also aborted a deal to upgrade drone aircraft sold to China, also under U.S. pressure.

China, meanwhile, upset Israel by inviting the foreign minister from the Hamas-led Palestinian government, boycotted by Israel and the West, to attend a conference in Beijing.

14/06/2011 Marine nationale

Le 1er juin 2011, le vice-amiral Marin Gillier, commandant la zone maritime de l’océan Indien, commandant les forces françaises aux Émirats Arabes Unis (ALINDIEN-COMFOR EAU), a présidé une journée organisée à bord du bâtiment hydrographique et océanographique (BHO)  Beautemps-Beaupré   au profit des autorités émiriennes.

Cette journée, s’inscrivant dans le cadre de la coopération bilatérale entre la France et les EAU, a ajouté un volet hydrographique aux nombreuses activités communes entre les deux marines.

Par l’implication de l’équipage A du Beautemps-Beaupré  et du détachement du groupe océanographique de l’Atlantique, la délégation émirienne, avec à sa tête le général Al Daheri - géographe de formation - a pu constater les capacités du bâtiment hydrographique et océanographique de dernière génération. Les données recueillies dans les eaux émiriennes au cours de la mission GAP (golfe arabo-persique) 2011 lui ont été remises officiellement.

Les échanges entre les deux délégations ont ainsi marqué une nouvelle étape dans la coopération bilatérale franco-émirienne, construite grâce notamment au travail des bâtiments français, qu’ils soient stationnés ou de passage dans les eaux du Golfe arabo-persique.

Parti en mission scientifique le 7 février 2011, le BHO Beautemps-Beaupré effectue des relevés des masses d'eau, des reliefs et des natures des fonds au profit de la Défense ainsi que des travaux d'hydrographie générale pour l'ensemble des usagers de la mer. L'objectif principal est de disposer d'une perception de plus en plus précise de l'environnement aéro-maritime. Il dispose de matériels hydrographiques et océanographiques considérables. Il est mis à la disposition du Service Hydrographique et Océanographique de la Marine (SHOM) 300 jours par an.

LONG BEACH, Calif., June 14 (UPI)

The United Arab Emirates has received its second C-17 Globemaster III airlifter from Boeing at the company's final assembly facility in California.

Boeing is contracted to deliver six C-17s to the United Arab Emirates -- four this year and two in 2012.

"Congratulations to the (Emirates air force) on accepting delivery of their second C-17," Bob Ciesla, Boeing C-17 program manager, said. "The leadership of the (United Arab Emirates) team has resulted in incredible progress on this program."

The C-17 is the only aircraft capable of performing all of the Emirates' airlift requirements -- strategic and tactical, military and humanitarian, brigade airdrop and aero-medical evacuation -- using either standard runways or short, austere airfields.

It can transport large payloads across vast ranges without refueling and operate in extremely hot and cold climates. With a full payload of 170,000 pounds, a C-17 can fly 2,400 nautical miles and land in 3,000 feet or less.

"We're proud to say that UAE 02 is mission-ready," said Rich Cutting, Boeing United Arab Emirates C-17 program manager. "UAE 01, delivered just one month ago, has already logged several missions. And that's what the C-17 is all about -- being ready to perform any mission, anywhere, on a moment's notice."

As a member of the worldwide C-17 "virtual fleet," the Emirates' C-17s will be supported through Boeing's C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership, a multinational performance-based logistics program through which customers receive comprehensive worldwide for spares, support equipment, tech orders, sustaining engineering and on-site field teams.