April 19, 2013: Strategy Page

Thirteen years ago the U.S. Navy decided to refurbish its LCACs (Landing Craft Air Cushion), to extend their useful life from 20 to 30 years. The actual work began in 2005, and so far 30 LCACs have gone through the refurbishment, are in the midst of it, or scheduled for the work, at a cost of about $9 million each. Seven LCACs are currently going through the process. Another 72 are in service, ten are in reserve (as replacements), and two are used for R&D. It will take more than a decade to complete the process.

The refurb replaces engines (or extensively upgrades those that don’t need replacement), replaces corroded structural components, and installs new electronics and other support equipment. All that and a paint job and the refurbs look like new but much improved. The upgraded LCACs are easier to maintain and have better and more reliable performance.

TUCSON, April 22 (UPI)

Raytheon is producing more miniature air launched decoy-jammers for the U.S. Air Force under exercise of a contract option.

A total of 202 MALD jammers, with containers, will be produced and delivered. The value of the firm fixed-price Air Force contract is $81.7 million. A 10-year warranty is included in the deal.

"MALD-J adds a jamming capability to the current decoy function of the MALD that disrupts enemy integrated air defense systems using jamming and radar signature technology," said Harry Schulte, vice president of Air Warfare Systems for Raytheon Missile Systems.

"This weapon will provide unprecedented capability and flexibility to the U.S. Air Force and improve the survivability of our airmen and their aircraft."

MALD is a modular, air-launched and programmable flight vehicle that protects aircraft by duplicating the combat flight profiles and radar signatures of U.S. and allied aircraft. A unit weighs 300 pounds and has a range of about 500 nautical miles

22 April 2013 by Guy Martin - defenceWeb

Benin has become the launch customer for Mechem’s new armoured truck cabs, following their recent purchase of ten Casspir NG mine-protected vehicles from the specialist de-mining company.

Denel Group business unit Mechem told defenceWeb that Benin bought an undisclosed number of military trucks with the new cabs fitted in numerous variants.

Mechem, which specialises in de-mining activities and manufacturing mine-protected vehicles, launched the armoured cab project and design in late 2011, “after many requirements for such protection solutions to be fitted on military logistical trucks with the aim to protect crews during vital logistical support tasks in high risk environments,” the company said.

The armoured cabs were unveiled at the September 2012 edition of the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition held outside Pretoria.

The cabs can be offered as a single product or as a full turnkey solution on most makes of military and civilian trucks. Mechem is offering a complete multi-purpose truck based on a Powerstar drive train and fitted with the strengthened mine-protected cab. In addition to the Powerstar version, the cabs can also be modified to fit most others makes and models of trucks and heavy-duty vehicles, including 4x4, 6x6, 8x4 and 8x8 models in different variants i.e. Cargo, Fuel, Water, Construction, special applications.

Jack Geldenhuys, Mechem’s Manager for Vehicle Systems, said the armoured protection on the new cabs have been significantly upgraded to STANAG Level 4A, providing protection to crews against landmines, roadside bombs and 7.62x51 mm automatic rifle fire.

Ashley Williams, the General Manager of Denel Mechem, said the new cab systems are primarily aimed at clients in Africa who render humanitarian assistance in post-conflict zones as their trucks are vulnerable to landmines and roadside bombs.

Williams said that Mechem identified a clear need for a strengthened cab that can be fitted on all makes and models of 4x4 or 6x6 supply trucks. The new cab was designed and developed at Denel Mechem and the conversions are done at its facilities in Lyttelton.

Williams said the new truck and cab design can also be an ideal future replacement for the South African Defence Force’s range of Samil trucks that are now reaching the end of their working lives.

22 April 2013 by defenceWeb

The Egyptian Army will receive a second Armtrac 400 mine-clearance vehicle from the United Kingdom as it continues to clear up the millions of landmines left over from the Second World War.

The contract was signed during a ceremony on Wednesday and is worth $1.2 million, according to Egyptian news publication Ahram Online. Armtrac will also train four Egyptian military personnel to use the vehicle, which will be delivered in a month’s time, according to Armtrac.

The vehicle will be used to clear mines along Egypt’s northwestern coast. Egypt hopes to acquire another two of the vehicles for mince clearance, according to the Egypt State Information Service. The country successfully completed trials of the first Armtrac 400 in September 2010, in El Alamein.

The Armtrac 400 can clear up to 24 000 square metres of ground an hour using its three metre wide rotor, which can till the ground up to a depth of 55 cm. It can destroy 10 kg anti-tank mines without sustaining any major damage. However, the vehicle can be operated remotely from up to 800 metres away, further enhancing safety.

An estimated 20% of the world’s planted landmines lie below Egyptian soil, primarily from the Second World War and wars with Israel in 1956, 1967 and 1973. Some of the most heavily mined areas of the country include areas in the Western Desert, Sinai Peninsula, Suez Canal and Red Sea coast.

The United Nations Development Programme has estimated that landmines and explosive remnants of war in the northwest coast region deny access to almost a quarter of Egypt’s landmass.

Fathy El-Shazli, national project director for mine clearance and development at the Ministry of International Cooperation, told Irin that around 22 million landmines and explosive remnants of war lie in northwestern Egypt – particularly around the World War II battlefield of El-Alamein. According to the Egyptian government, around 3 000 people have been killed and 4 800 injured by landmines over the last 25 years.

The UN Development Programme, UN Mine Action Services, British Embassy and UK Department for International Development have all contributed to de-mining efforts in Egypt. According to General Mahrous El-Kelany, operational director of Egypt's General-Secretariat for Mine Clearance (G-SMC), the most recent Armtrac purchase will be funded by foreign grants.

According to the G-SMC, the military has managed since 2010 to clear more than 31 000 hectares of mines. Cleared land has since been handed over to the agriculture and housing ministries for development projects.

April 20, 2013 by Shiv Aroor - Livefist

Full text of press release: With the twin objective of infusing greater efficiency in the procurement process and strengthening the defence manufacturing base in the country, the Defence Acquisition Council, the apex decision making body of the MoD, took a series of decisions today, including amendments to Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP).

Defence Minister AK Antony, who chaired the Council meeting, said the only way forward for the country is rapid indigenization of defence products, with both the public and the private sectors playing  pivotal roles in this endeavour. Antony said the government will make all efforts to create genuine level playing field for Indian manufacturing industries vis-à-vis Global Players.

Following are the highlights of the amendments to the DPP-2011:

1.  Prioritisation of Various Categories for Capital Acquisitions under Defence Procurement Procedure: Preference for indigenous procurement in the Defence Production Policy 2011 has now been made a part of DPP through an amendment that provides for a preferred order of categorisation, with global cases being a choice of last resort. The order of preference, in decreasing order, shall be: (1) “Buy (Indian)”; (2) “Buy & Make (Indian)”; (3) “Make”; (4) “Buy & Make with ToT”; and (5) “Buy (Global)”. Any proposal to select a particular category must now state reasons for excluding the higher preferred category/ categories.

2.  Release of Public Version of Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP): The DAC has approved the release of a public version of its 15-year perspective document (LTIPP), outlining the “Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap” (TPCR) against LTIPP 2012-2027. The TPCR will provide useful guidance to the Indian Defence Industry for boosting its infrastructural capabilities and directing its R&D and technology investments.

3.  Maintenance ToT (MToT) no longer through Nomination: MToT has been hitherto reserved largely for OFB and DPSUs through the nomination process. A DPP amendment has been approved that does away with nomination by Department of Defence Production and facilitates selection of MToT partners by Indian bidders. This measure is expected to have a positive impact on private sector participation in maintenance, repairs and overhaul work.

4.  Advance Consultations for “Make” Procedure: The DAC has approved an amendment mandating consultations to begin sufficiently in advance of actual procurement by Service Head Quarters (SHQs), so that capital acquisition plans can be translated into national defence R&D and production plans. In addition, a high-level Committee has also been constituted for simplification of “Make” procedures, with a view to unleash the full potential of this important category.

5.  Simplification of  “Buy & Make (Indian)” Procedure: The DAC has approved an amendment further simplifying this complex category. Its procedures have been brought on par with other categorisations, resulting in faster processing of cases under this category.

6.  Clear Definition of Indigenous Content: Increased indigenisation is important for our Armed Forces, in order that they have access to reliable supply chains in times of urgent need. Indigenous content has now been defined in an unambiguous manner, providing requisite clarity and a common understanding.

7.  Ensuring faster progress in “Make” and “Buy & Make (Indian)” cases: The Ministry has a limited number of acquisition cases under “Make” and “Buy & Make (Indian)” categories, with an estimated value of Rs. 1,20,000 crore. Instructions have been issued for speedier conclusion of these cases.

8.  Defence Items List: Indian defence industry was opened up in May 2001 for 100% private sector participation subject to licensing. The Defence Items List has been finalised by the Ministry and sent to DIPP for notification, which will bring required clarity in the licensing process.

9.  Licensing for Dual Use Items: The Ministry has categorically clarified to DIPP that dual-use items will not require licensing, thereby bringing added clarity to the licensing process.

10. Consultations on Security Guidelines for Indian Defence Industry: Draft Security Guidelines that will apply to all licensed defence industries have been circulated for consultations with various stakeholders. It is expected that a complete security framework for Indian private industries participating in defence cases will be in place in the near future.

11. Resolution of Tax-related Issues: Resolution of deemed exports status for certain defence projects and rationalisation of tax and duty structures impinging on the Indian defence industry has been taken up by the MoD with the Ministry of Finance.

12. Funds for MSMEs in the Defence Sector: The Defence Production Policy 2011 requires the setting-up of a fund to provide necessary resources for development of defence equipment. In order to ensure regular supply of funds to MSMEs involved in manufacturing of defence products, SIDBI has decided to earmark an amount of Rs. 500 crore for providing loans, and further, a fund of Rs. 50 crore for equity support out of “India Opportunities Fund” managed by its subsidiary, namely, SIDBI Venture Capital Ltd.

13. Efficiency and Transparency in Defence Procurement: A stipulation to freeze the SQRs before the “Acceptance of Necessity” (AoN) stage has been accorded, and the validity of AoN has also been reduced from two years to one year. These measures are expected to expedite the acquisition process and increase transparency.

14. Enhanced Delegation of Financial Powers: The financial powers of Service Chiefs/ DG Coast Guard have been enhanced from Rs. 50 crore to Rs. 150 crore for capital acquisition cases.

15. Powers to DAC: Approval for all deviations from the Defence Procurement Procedure will henceforth be sought from the Defence Acquisition Council instead of the Defence Minister.

Ce Guide comporte une analyse détaillée de l’ensemble des marchés de l’électronique par applications et par produits, ainsi qu'un annuaire professionnel de l'industrie électronique française.

#Belgique : La #Défense va lancer un appel d'offres pour remplacer son #A330 de location - #Belgium #Defence... http://t.co/SnHcZPBNJ3

RP Defense (@RPDefense)April 17, 2013

Remplacement des #CF18: #Ottawa demande l’avis de l’ #industrie sur le questionnaire sur les coûts - by @45eNord... http://t.co/V2nCR66wgE

RP Defense (@RPDefense)April 16, 2013

10 avril 2013 Romandie.com (AFP)

MOSCOU - Un ancien vice-ministre russe de l'Agriculture et l'ex-directeur général de l'usine produisant les fusils d'assaut kalachnikov ont été arrêtés pour des détournements de milliards de roubles, soit des dizaines de millions d'euros, a annoncé mercredi le ministère de l'Intérieur.

Vladimir Grodetski, ancien directeur général de l'usine Ijmach qui est le principal producteur russe de fusils d'assaut kalachnikov, a été arrêté pour le détournement présumé de 5 milliards de roubles (125 millions d'euros au cours actuel), ont indiqué les agences de presse russes, citant le ministère. Aucun détail n'a été fourni sur la nature de ces détournements.

M. Grodetski a dirigé Ijmach de 1996 à 2011, a précisé Interfax.

Par ailleurs, le ministère de l'Intérieur a annoncé l'arrestation de l'ancien vice-ministre de l'Agriculture, Alexeï Bajanov, ainsi que de deux complices, pour des faits survenus en 2008-2009, alors que l'actuel président Vladimir Poutine était chef du gouvernement.

Selon un communiqué du ministère, le détournement dont il est soupçonné consistait à accorder un soutien financier en fonds publics à des entreprises agricoles pour l'acquisition de matériel.

Les sociétés étaient en fait sous contrôle d'un groupe criminel, et des documents fictifs étaient produits pour justifier des versements de fonds, selon le ministère.

L'ex-ministre de l'Agriculture Elena Skrynnik figure en qualité de témoin dans ce même dossier, et la suite de l'enquête doit permettre de préciser son rôle, a indiqué une source proche de l'enquête à l'agence Interfax.

Mme Skrynnik, ministre de 2009 à 2012, était au moment des faits à la tête de la société publique Rosagroleasing impliquée dans les détournements de fonds.

L'ex-ministre a été interrogée en février par les enquêteurs.

En novembre, la télévision publique russe avait diffusé un documentaire accusateur sur son implication dans le détournement de 39 milliards de roubles (près d'un milliard d'euros).

Les scandales de détournement de fonds publics se sont multipliés dernièrement en Russie.

Le plus retentissant a abouti au limogeage en novembre du ministre de la Défense, Anatoli Serdioukov, éclaboussé par une affaire de fraude lors de la vente de biens publics, d'un montant de plus de 6 milliards de roubles (150 millions d'euros).

D'autres affaires, portant sur des milliards de roubles, concernent notamment le secteur spatial et des travaux gigantesques d'infrastructures réalisés dans la région de Vladivostok (Extrême-Orient).

crédits SITTA

April 9, 2013. David Pugliese - Defence Watch

News release from the Streit Group:

Streit Group, the world’s largest privately-owned vehicle armouring company, is looking to Latin America as a new and potentially strong market for future growth. With over 100 models across a range of product categories – including luxury vehicles for VIP protection, cash in transit, security and commercial, and tactical military vehicles – the company is delivering a new level of quality. Proven by the extensive experience they have gained in the field, including recent war zones, all Streit Group vehicles have full test certifications.

As one of the BRIC countries, Brazil represents a particular area of opportunity for new business across the region which is why Streit Group is exhibiting two of its most versatile APCs at LAAD Defence & Security 2013 in Rio de Janeiro.
The exhibition is being held in the city’s RioCentro Exhibition and Convention Center and Streit Group will be ready to greet visitors in Hall # 3, Stand R28 where the two vehicles on display will be:

SPARTAN

Representing a new generation of Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV), the Spartan can be configured in various models to support a wide range of military, counter-terrorism and police operations and has the off-road capability to cope with some of the most difficult terrains. Designed to accept a large crew compartment – armoured to CEN Level 7 – for up to 12 personnel, the Spartan is STANAG Level 1 certified, built to withstand ballistic attack and provide advanced protection against anti-personnel mines and grenade blasts. Field-proof, low maintenance and with superior off-road performance, the Spartan can be configured with a range of weapons platform options – including a manual or electric rotating turret – making it the ideal vehicle for mission roles ranging from command and control and military tactical operations to SWAT, riot control, counter terrorism and counter surveillance.

TYPHOON

The Typhoon is a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle offering up to STANAG 3 level protection against both blast and ballistic attack. Highly manoeuvrable, with 60% gradient and 30% side slope capabilities as well as a high ground clearance of up to 920mm, the Typhoon is equally at home in urban, mountainous and challenging rural terrains and has excellent field reparability. With the capacity to carry up to 12 personnel plus equipment, the Typhoon can be configured for a wide range of missions, including Command and Control, EOD, Patrol, Convoy Support, Forward Observation, Reconnaissance and Med-Evac.

Guerman Goutorov, Founder & CEO of Streit Group, commented:

“Security forces across Latin America are facing heightened threat levels and an increased number of attacks, and we are more than confident that we can provide them with the new level of protection they need. With our 20+ years’ experience, including developing vehicles for deployment in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq and Africa, we know how to produce high quality vehicles that offer the optimum balance of protection, performance and affordability”.
In addition to the Spartan and Typhoon, Streit Group manufactures a wide range of other tactical military vehicles, including:

SCORPION

The Scorpion is a fast-moving, agile MRAP armoured command vehicle with a top speed of 110 km/h. Its innovative modular design – with the engine and suspension mounted separately from the V-shaped monocoque shell – maximises both vehicle performance and occupant survivability. Its crew compartment, which can carry up to six personnel when deployed in the field, can be manufactured with a protection level of up to STANAG 3 level.

VARAN 6×6

The capabilities of the VARAN 6×6 forward-fighting vehicle reflect its state-of-the-art design. Able to accommodate up to 10 personnel, the VARAN’s 400 horse power V6 Cummins engine gives it the power to cross the most difficult and hostile terrains, including deserts. Armoured to a full STANAG 4 level, its V-shaped hull is designed to disseminate the impact of mine blasts immediately.

PUMA

Based on the Toyota Tundra, the Puma has a 5.6 litre engine with 6 speed automatic transmission. Fully armoured to STANAG 3 level, the vehicle has a monocoque hull with independently mounted suspension and can be fitted with a range of weapon platform options.

LAAD is the leading exhibition for the defence and security sector across Latin America, attracting widespread international attention and bringing together representatives of the armed forces, police and special forces and other government agencies with a wide range of companies exhibiting the latest equipment and services. In 2011, the last time the event was held, over 660 exhibitors from 40 different countries were represented and the 25,800 visitors came from 54 different countries

crédits MinDefFR

April 9, 2013 defense-aerospace.com

(Source: Renault Trucks Defense; issued April 9, 2013)

Renault Trucks Defense at Sofins Special Forces Show

Improvements of SAS Patrol Vehicles

VERSAILLES --- Further to the Special Operations Command and the French Procurement joint collaboration, Panhard will soon deliver kits to enhance the operational capabilities of VPS (vehicle patrols SAS).

These kits include:

-- Milan support - they can carry a missile launcher and several missiles, but also fire from the vehicle

-- Ballistic shields to improve protection of the 12.7 mm gunner

-- Camouflage screens Lacroix (Galix 13) to allow the vehicle to evade the opponent's views.

As a reminder, 51 VPS have been ordered by the DGA and delivered to the SOC troops in 2008.

New Version of the ALTV Torpedo ACMAT

On the occasion of the SOFINS show, Renault Trucks Defense presents a version of the ALTV Torpedo ACMAT. It will be exhibited during the dynamic show.

This new version receives a higher ground clearance (from 0.3 to 0.35m) and a wider approach angle (from 25° to 40°) in order to improve the land mobility.

In parallel to these new performances, the ALTV keeps its essential characteristics that made its international success in 2012. More than 60 ALTV (Torpedo models) were indeed sold last year. The ALTV is, thanks to its robustness and its large payload (1.4t), adapted to the needs of the Special Forces.

With a 190hp, the vehicle can reach speeds of 170km/h while its 1,600 km autonomy allows it to operate in isolated areas without logistic support. It can carry 3 ( 4 in option) men.

The ALTV is capable of operating on slopes up to 80%, side-slopes up to 100% and cross a ford of 0.5m. Finally, it is also able to support mine and ballistic protection kits, and is fitted for a manned operated machinegun on the roof (7.62/12.7/LG40mm/M134).

“Battlenet Inside” at the Heart of Renault Trucks Defense Vehicles

To meet the requirements of armed forces for modularity, growth potential and cost control, Renault Trucks Defense launched at Eurosatory 2012 an innovative vetronic solution called “Battlenet Inside”. All systems are now presented embedded on the Sherpa Scout at Sofins 2013.

The range of operations that modern military vehicles have to conduct is giving rise to increasing complexity: a wide variety of missions, multiple threats, interoperability with other armed forces, tactical situations that are often highly complex, and so on. Renault Trucks Defense intends to meet these new operational requirements by optimising the integration of more and more items of equipment into its combat vehicles, Sherpa Scout included. It is ideally suited for tactical missions such as scouting, patrol, convoy escort, command and liaison and is able to transport up to 4 or 5 soldiers. Connected on the vetronic network Battlefield, the Scout becomes a complete mission system whose operational effectiveness can be optimized and adapted for each type of operation.

The different elements on this Sherpa Scout are:

-- a light turret WASP that is remotely-controlled from inside the vehicle. It can be fitted with a MAG 58 7,62mm machine gun coupled to a day/infrared sight and observation scope for day or night observation (Panhard and Sagem Defense Systems Sécurité),

-- a portable, light and easy to use UAV called “SPYARROW” (Thales),

-- a reverse camera (Motec),

-- a long-distance secured VH/VHF communication system “HF3000” (Thales),

-- a night vision goggle with video display, ultra-compact and lightweight goggle (Thales),

-- a distant vehicle management called “e-soutien” to maximize materials support in operational condition (RTD).

All systems presented on this Sherpa Scout are connected on our vetronic network Battlenet Inside:

-- Video streams shared on vehicle displays

-- Head-up display of Commander’s monitor on Minie D Night Vision Goggles

-- Vehicle integrated ergonomic HMI for systems

-- Ability to receive drones video

-- Distant vehicle management with “e-soutien” application

Battlenet Inside is an innovative electronic architecture designed by Renault Trucks Defense. It is based on open, standardized and proven COTS solutions coming from IP technologies.

As an integrator, Renault Trucks Defence guarantees interfacing with mission kits, the interoperability of these kits, their ergonomics, and the new collaborative functionalities, while respecting the know-how of the suppliers concerned.

Renault Trucks Defense has decided to propose an open architecture capable of ensuring the interoperability of these items of equipment. At the same time, as this equipment is constantly changing, there is a need to be able to upgrade the complete system, without modifying its basic architecture, by selecting long-standing, open standards. Renault Trucks Defence ensures the modularity and growth potential of the systems integrated on its vehicles while significantly reducing life cycle costs.

Networking the mobility platform with these items of equipment allows new collaborative functions to be provided while enhancing the overall effectiveness of the mission system in operations, training and maintenance.

This “Battlenet Inside” is based on an Ethernet network and on all existing protocols for carrying images, video or voice. Video streams shared on vehicle displays, drones video reception as well as the “e-soutien” application, make the vehicle a mechanical, electrical, electronic and MMI host structure onto which mission kits can be integrated as modules:

-- Drone Spy Arrow

-- Remote Control Weapon Station WASP

-- Night Vision Goggle with Video Display

-- Reverse camera

-- E-Soutien

-- HF/VHF Communications

Renault Trucks Defense, a reference manufacturer for the terrestrial armed forces, designs and develops a full range of armoured vehicles, with the SHERPA. Legacy supplier to the French Army, with more than 4,000 VAB armoured personnel carriers in service, Renault Trucks Defense can claim more than 65 customer countries across the world. Armoured vehicles represent more than 60% of its activity, but it also has a truck offering geared to a very full range of military uses. Renault Trucks Defense participates in programmes with Nexter, such as the CAESAR artillery system and the VBCI infantry fighting armoured vehicle. It holds several brand names across the world, including ACMAT and Panhard.

L’hélice composite Duc Hélices sur le drone Atlante

d’EADS-Cassidian

2 avril Aerobuzz.fr

Duc Hélices qui a bâti sa notoriété dans le monde de l’aviation ultra-légère vient de mettre le pied sur un nouveau marché prometteur en équipant le nouveau drone Atlante de Cassidian (groupe EADS). Après trois années de développement, le drone a effectué son premier vol, avec succès, le 28 février 2013 à Castro de Rei, en Espagne.

Le drone Atlante de Cassidian, équipé d’une l’hélice Duc,

a réalisé le 28 février 2013, son premier vol sur

l’aérodrome de Rozas, (Espagne).

Doté des technologies de toute dernière génération (automatisation, capteurs, systèmes de protection, etc.) développées par l’industrie espagnole, le drone Atlante a été conçu conformément aux normes applicables aux avions pilotés (navigabilité et de certification), qui lui permettent d’opérer dans l’espace aérien civil. L’Atalante est un drone tactique capable d’effectuer des missions tant civiles que militaires, dont la surveillance urbaine et rurale, la recherche et le sauvetage, les missions de secours en zones sinistrées ou lors d’incendies de forêt, et le contrôle d’événements sportifs. Il peut en outre décoller et atterrir sur des pistes non aménagées ou être lancé par des catapultes.

Le partenariat avec EADS à travers sa filiale Cassidian, ouvre de nouvelles perspectives à Duc Hélices qui annonce sa participation au salon Aero 2013 (24-27 avril) à Friedrichshafen.