A Spanish CASA CN-235 military transport aircraft.

20:17 GMT, February 20, 2011 Abu Dhabi DEFRO.COM

ATK Introduces New Light Gunship Special Mission Aircraft Capabilities Package

ATK announced it has received a contract from the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB) of the Kingdom of Jordan to modify two of the country’s CASA-235 transport aircraft into highly-capable and cost-effective special mission aircraft, according to the combined modification designs of both KADDB and ATK. Subject to U.S. government export licensing approval, the modified aircraft are expected to be delivered by the late spring of 2013. Terms of the contract were not announced. ATK’s special mission aircraft offerings integrate intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) sensors, fire control equipment, and a LW30mm link-fed gun system. These capabilities are controlled by ATK’s STAR Mission System which provides both day and night reconnaissance and fire control capabilities, and the ability to acquire, monitor and track items of interest. The CASA-235 gunship provides customers an enhanced capability to conduct responsive defense, counterinsurgency, and border surveillance and security missions.

photo by Dmitry A. Mottl

17 Feb 2011 By ANDREW CHUTER DefenseNews

BAE Systems is set to abandon plans to assemble the bulk of the 72 Typhoon fighters on order from Saudi Arabia in-country and instead complete the aircraft on the existing production line at Warton in the U.K. Releasing its 2010 earnings report here on Feb. 17, the British defense contractor said the program was likely to be adjusted to accommodate changes requested by the Saudis. "These may include relocating final assembly of the last 48 of the 72 aircraft, the creation of a maintenance and upgrade facility in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," according to the company. "In addition, the last 24 of the aircraft might be delivered with modifications to allow future incorporation of [the Typhoon] Tranche 3 capability."

NH90-TTH in flight, - Eurocopter (source Tower’Sight)

Abu Dhabi, UAE,  18 February 2011

Eurocopter’s commitment to meeting the operational requirements of governments and armed forces and civil operators in the Arab world with its broad helicopter product line will be highlighted at next week’s International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi (EADS exhibit stand, Booth B10, Hall 8).

19 février 2011 par info-aviation

Le 14 février, Le gouvernement irakien a décidé d’annuler l’achat en 2011 de F-16 américains à Lockheed Martin et d’allouer les 900 millions de dollars pour l’aide alimentaire aux plus démunis au moment où les manifestations se multiplient dans plusieurs villes pour réclamer de meilleures conditions de vie.

Nourrir le peuple ou armer le pays ? L’Irak a choisi. L’inflation significative des prix alimentaires mondiaux a déjà entraîné des troubles importants dans de nombreux pays du Moyen Orient. Le Premier ministre irakien Nouri al-Maliki a estimé que 6 millions d’Irakiens, sur une population d’environ 31 à 32 millions, possédait une carte de rationnement, et s’est engagé à augmenter les dépenses sur ce programme alimentaire de 3 milliards de dollars à 4 milliards de dollars. Le porte-parole du gouvernement irakien, Ali Dabbagh, a déclaré que le financement prévu pour l’achat des F-16 a été détourné vers l’amélioration des subventions alimentaires. Un membre du comité des finances, Mohammed Khalil, l’a confirmé, ajoutant que l’Irak présentait un déficit budgétaire de 13,3 milliards de dollars (68,56 milliards de dollars de recettes – 81,86 milliards de dollars de dépenses ), ce qui a également joué dans la décision. Ce déficit de taille donne à penser que les F-16 seront peut-être remplacés par des Mirage F1 achetés à la France ce qui crée un grand nombre de questions à long terme concernant les défenses de l’Irak et la présence militaire étrangère sur son territoire. Une autre option pourrait être de stationner des forces des pays membre du Conseil de coopération du Golfe sur les bases irakiennes, ce qui représenterait un situation paradoxale par rapport au règne de Saddam Hussein. Enfin, une autre solution serait de solliciter la police de l’air de l’OTAN, ce qui reviendrait à maintenir une présence importante des États-Unis en Irak.

Le char T-90S

MOSCOU, 18 février - RIA Novosti

33 entreprises militaires russes participeront à la 10e édition du Salon international de l'armement IDEX, l'un des plus importants du monde, à Abou Dhabi du 20 au 24 février prochains, a annoncé vendredi le Service fédéral russe pour la coopération militaire et technique (FSVTS). Le stand russe présentera entre autres 50 exemplaires réels de nouvelles armes, dont le fusil à lunette 6S8 et le viseur PAG-17 pour le lance-grenades AGS-30 de 30 mm. L'agence d'exportation d'armements "Rosoboronexport" exposera pour la première fois en 3D plus de 20 modèles d'exportations, parmi lesquels le char T-90S, l'obusier automoteur blindé Msta-S, le véhicule blindé à roues de combat d'infanterie BTR-80A, le lance-flammes lourd (qui tire des roquettes à tête thermobarique produisant un effet similaire à un lance-flammes) TOS-1A Buratino, les lance-roquettes multiples Smerch et Grad, le canon automoteur Vena.

17/02/11 par Alain Ruello / Les Echos

Idex, le plus grand salon d'armement du Golfe, ouvre ses portes dimanche à Abu Dhabi. Après le brouille de l'an dernier, les négociations ont repris pour la vente de 60 Rafale. Mais le temps presse

Système de défense sol-air, satellites espions, modernisation de frégates... Paris mise sur plusieurs grands projets d'armement dans le Golfe persique qui devraient alimenter les discussions sur le salon Idex d'Abu Dhabi. La manifestation, la plus importante du genre de la région, ouvre ses portes dimanche, forte d'une délégation de 60 entreprises françaises.

A C-130 Hercules from the Minnesota Air National Guard's 133rd Airlift Wing flies over the Mille Lacs Lake area in northern Minnesota during a training mission, August 20, 2006. (UPI Photo/Erik Gudmundson/DOD)

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 16 (UPI) -- An eight-year, $270 million contract for simulation training for C-130 aircraft crews has been awarded to Lockheed Martin by the U.S. Air Force. The contract includes training and instruction, site management, engineering support and operation and maintenance for the aircrew training devices. Training will be provided for all aircrew positions and includes cockpit resource management, instrument refresher courses and instructor preparatory courses, the company said.

Read more: http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2011/02/16/Lockheed-gets-C-130-training-contract/UPI-80011297873509/#ixzz1EAimAgh8 

February 16, 2011 DEFPRO.COM

A|D|S, the UK trade organisation advancing aerospace, defence, security and space industries, will be present at IDEX 2011 to continue its promotion of the UK defence and security industry’s interests in the UAE and Middle East. The Middle Eastern member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are a priority market for the UK aerospace, defence and security industries. Government figures show that 10 per cent, or £1.6bn (US $2.58) worth of UK aerospace and defence international trade was with the Middle East in 2008, creating a positive trade balance of £0.5bn. 

Heads of state, top-ranking military officials among more than 50,000 visitors and 150 official delegations expected

17:18 GMT, February 14, 2011 ABU DHABI | Abu Dhabi is set to host a record-breaking IDEX edition when the show’s 10th anniversary takes place 20 – 24 February 2011 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre under the patronage of HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

Addressing the official pre-event press conference in the UAE capital today, His Excellency Major General Obaid Al Ketbi, Head of Committees & Spokesman for IDEX 2011 said: “For the first time since IDEX’s inception in 1993, exhibitor numbers have gone past the 1000-mark recording 18.2 percent growth over IDEX in 2009, to reach 1060 exhibitors”.

“Total event space (gross sqm) has grown 14.8 percent to 124,000sqm (108,000sqm in 2009), with IDEX exhibitors this year, representing 53 countries (50 in 2009), including 32 national pavilions (same as 2009). Net event space (net sqm) has increased 14.58 percent to 43,219sqm (37,719sqm in 2009)”.

IDEX (International Defence Exhibition & Conference) is organised by ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company) in association with the UAE Armed Forces. Tawazun Holding is the headline sponsor for the event.

“Despite being a long-established show, at every IDEX we strive for something new: new companies, new countries, new facilities and innovations and this time, is no different,” Major General Ketbi said

Of the 1060 exhibitors this year, 49 exhibiting companies will be located within the dedicated First Time Exhibitor Zone (FTEZ) introduced at this edition.

Also, a new feature at this edition is NAVDEX - a dedicated naval defence exhibition that’s being held in parallel, at the ADNEC Marina and connected via a pedestrian bridge to the main exhibition venue. Organised by Clarion Events on behalf of ADNEC in association with the UAE Armed Forces GHQ, NAVDEX occupies 16,000sqm (gross), with 81 exhibiting companies, as well as 4 visiting navy ships from the UAE, the UK, Italy and France. NAVDEX is set to enter the record-books as the largest launch event in the UAE in 2011, as well as ensuring the naval component is a crucial and increasingly important element at all future IDEX editions.

Stating that ADNEC was greatly honored to play a key role in the organisation of IDEX along with the UAE Armed Forces GHQ, His Excellency Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, ADNEC’s Managing Director said: “A show of this stature gives us the opportunity to showcase our organisational capabilities as well as the excellent facilities we have been able to establish at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre under the Abu Dhabi leadership’s mandate.

For IDEX this year, the historic ADNEC Grandstand, a 30-year old city landmark and an integral element in the IDEX Opening Ceremony, has been significantly enhanced with the development of a brand-new Royal Box; a striking new canopy which arches over the Grandstand; and a new, tiered-seating system, to create a comfortable spectator experience. Also, the display area which is located directly in front of the ADNEC Grandstand has undergone significant development to create a permanently expanded parade area which will be used for the show. Another key investment made by ADNEC since the last IDEX, is the addition of the 408-room Aloft hotel, inter-connected with the exhibition centre.

“ADNEC is firmly committed to the success of IDEX and will continue to make ongoing improvements to our facilities in order to drive home the show’s pre-eminent status as one of the premier showcases for systems, equipment and technology for the tri-service defence sector. I am convinced IDEX 2011 will once again prove ADNEC’s abilities in delivering a world-class event at a world-class venue,” said Al Dhaheri.

The UAE will have a significant presence at IDEX 2011 with 169 exhibitors occupying an area of 12,260sqm. The largest international country pavilion is Germany (3,595sqm) followed by USA (3,411sqm), Turkey (2,179sqm) and Italy (1,782 sqm).

The largest international exhibitor is Germany's Rheinmetall AG, occupying 1,274sqm space whereas the largest UAE exhibitor will be Mubadala Development Company and its subsidiaries, with a 1,870sqm stand. Tawazun Holding will occupy a total of 1,662sqm of combined indoor and outdoor space and is also looking to capitalise on the opportunity of being the Headline Sponsor, an honour that the company also held at the last IDEX.

H.E. Saif Al Hajeri, CEO Tawazun Holding and OPB (Offset Program Bureau) said: “Under the country’s wise leadership and the guidance of the UAE Armed Forces GHQ, IDEX has, over the past 18 years, become one of the world’s leading gatherings for the defence industry. Tawazun is delighted to be the headline sponsor of IDEX in its 10th edition during 2011.”

The official conference for IDEX, the Gulf Defence Conference (GDC), will be held on Saturday 19th February at the Armed Forces Officers' Club. The GDC, organised by INEGMA (Institute for Near East & Gulf Military Analysis) on behalf of ADNEC, is expected to host more than to 400 delegates and 9 international speakers focusing particularly on the emerging threats and novel technologies for GCC defence and security. This 2011 edition of the Gulf Defence Conference will be essential attendance for anyone seeking to understand the fast changing defence and security environment in which they are working, whether from government, industry, the military or academia.

More than 50,000 visitors including heads of state, high-ranking military and defence procurement officials, as well as business visitors are expected to attend IDEX 2011.

As IDEX, the MENA region’s largest tri-service defence shows prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary, strong growth - both in exhibitor numbers and show size, new components such as NAVDEX and the First Time Exhibitor Zone as well as traditionally-popular IDEX elements such as the GDC, and the live mobility and marine demonstrations, will be underpinned by the significant business deals that are expected to be announced at the show.

IDEX 2011 will open its doors to an audience of VIPs, Media and 150 official delegations on Sunday 20th February with a grand opening ceremony.

IDEX 2011

First held in 1993, IDEX (International Defence Exhibition & Conference) is the largest tri-service defence exhibition in the Middle East and North Africa region. IDEX takes place biennially under the patronage of HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and is organised by ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company) in association with the UAE Armed Forces GHQ. Defence deals worth a combined 18.5 billion dirhams in contract value were announced by the UAE Armed Forces at the last IDEX in 2009.

IDEX 2011 marks the show’s 10th anniversary and will take place 20th – 24th February next year encompassing indoor, outdoor and marine exhibit areas at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. New for 2011 will be the launch of NAVDEX the Middle East’s premier exhibition dedicated to the naval defence and coastal security sector, which will run in parallel with IDEX 2011.

NAVDEX 2011

Launching from 20th – 24th February 2011, the Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX) is the Middle East’s premier exhibition dedicated to the naval defence, coastal and maritime security sector.

Run in parallel with IDEX 2011 (International Defence Exhibition & Conference) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Abu Dhabi, UAE; NAVDEX is expected to attract a high-profile audience of influential decision makers dedicated to the procurement of naval and coastal defence products, services and solutions from the UAE, Middle East, Africa and Asian Subcontinent.

NAVDEX 2011 will take place at the ADNEC marina where exhibitors will display the latest technology on stands within a purpose-built air-conditioned exhibition structure; showcase vessels and crafts on the marina; demonstrate technology aboard visiting naval vessels; and highlight equipment capabilities in live on-water displays – all within direct walking access of IDEX.

NAVDEX 2011 is being organised by Clarion Events on behalf of ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company) in association with the UAE Armed Forces GHQ.

For more information please visit www.navdex.ae

Dominator takes off for its maiden flight. Photo: Aeronautics Defense Systems

14/02/11 By Arie Egozi Flight International

Israeli unmanned air vehicle manufacturer Aeronautics Defense Systems has launched the series production of its Dominator system, with negotiations on a sale under way with more than one potential customer.

photo by MathKnight  and Zachi Evenor

Mardi 15 février Guysen International News

Selon le journal économique The Marker, les exportations israéliennes d'armes et de matériel militaire ont légèrement baissé en 2010, même si les chiffres définitifs n'ont pas été encore établis. Cette tendance devrait se poursuivre dans les prochaines années puisque les contrats d'armement, en baisse depuis la crise économique de 2008, sont en général signés sur plusieurs années. 

Israeli Maj. Gen. Benny Gantz is the nation’s new chief of staff

of the armed forces. (File photo / Agence France-Presse)

13 Feb 2011 By GAVIN RABINOWITZ, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE / DefenseNews

JERUSALEM - Israel on Feb. 13 named Maj. Gen. Beni Gantz as its military chief after months of bitter infighting between top generals, as the country faces a new political landscape in the Middle East. Gantz, 51, replaces Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, whose term as chief of staff of Israel's armed forces ends Feb. 14. "General Beni Gantz is an excellent officer and an experienced commander," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after the cabinet unanimously approved him as next chief of staff.

11 février 2011 IsraelValley

Tsahal ne s’en plaindra certainement pas. D’après le quotidien Yediot Aharonot, le gouvernement de Benyamin Netanyahou serait sur le point d’accorder une nouvelle rallonge budgétaire à l’armée israélienne. Quelques 190 millions de dollars (environ 700 millions de shekels) devraient ainsi être injectés dans les toutes prochaines semaines, portant le budget total de la défense à près de 15 milliards de dollars (56 milliards de shekels) en 2011. Un membre de la commission des finances de la Knesset a toutefois nuancé cette information, affirmant qu’un tel ajustement budgétaire avait déjà été discuté en fin d’année. Mais officieusement, la situation d’instabilité en Egypte aurait lourdement pesé dans cette décision, l’Etat hébreu craignant qu’une chute brutale du régime d’Hosni Moubarak n’entraine une rupture du traité de paix signé en 1979. Pire, un réchauffement de son front sud. La semaine dernière, plusieurs responsables de l’état-major israélien ont publiquement exprimé leur inquiétude face à une possible détérioration des liens avec les autorités du Caire. « Si un régime hostile prend le relais en Egypte, l’armée devra se restructurer et déployer des forces adéquates », a précisé un haut gradé.