21.03.2012 par Guillaume Belan (FOB)

Le marché du missile va bien! “2011 aura été une excellente année pour MBDA” a annoncé hier Antoine Bouvier, le PDG du missilier européen, durant sa présentation des résultats à la presse. Avec un chiffre d’affaires de 3 milliards d’euros et des prises de commandes qui flirtent avec les 3 milliards, soit une progression de 5% par rapport à 2010 et 15% par rapport à 2009, le groupe accélère sa mutation. Il faut dire qu’avec les différents théâtres d’opérations (Afghanistan, Libye, Côte d’Ivoire…), la consommation en munitions aura cette année fait un bon. Et 2012 se présente sous de bons auspices : “l’objectif de 3,5 milliards d’euros de prise de commande est réaliste” confirme Antoine Bouvier. Ce qui permet à ce dernier de se montrer aussi confiant: les grands contrats export. Au premier rang desquels, l’Inde. Le pays a confirmé tout début 2012 le programme de modernisation de sa flotte de Mirage 2000, dont la partie missile (Mica), qui est estimée aux alentours du milliard d’euros. Et bien sûr le contrat Rafale à venir, entré en phase de négociation, dont le volet missiles est encore plus important. Et n’oublions pas les pays du Golfe, où MBDA est fortement présent. L’Inde reste le marché “le plus emblématique” des ambitions export du missilier: de sa volonté de développer l’export (avec l’objectif d’atteindre plus de 50% de son CA, contre 30% aujourd’hui) alors que les budgets européens sont en berne; et de sa politique de développement de partenariats locaux, via des programmes d’offset et de constitution de Joint Ventures locales pour assurer la maîtrise d’œuvre des futurs programmes missiles.

Un marché domestique en mutation

MBDA a malgré tout conscience que le développement de ses produits repose sur le marché domestique, entré dans une période de disette budgétaire. “Nous évoluons vers un nouveau modèle économique” assurait le PDG du groupe, “fondé sur une relation de partenariat avec les ministères de la défense avec une vision sur le long terme”. MBDA bénéficie aussi au premier plan de la coopération franco-britannique. L’idée du ” One MBDA” a été confirmée lors de la rencontre de février entre les deux chefs d’états, programmes à la clef (anti-navire léger…). Rappelons que l’objectif est d’avoir une seule filière missile en Europe et d’éviter la concurrence intra-européenne; MBDA devenant le seul grand maître d’œuvre sur le sujet. En ce sens les discussions devraient reprendre avec Sagem et Thales, qui ont des compétences missiles ainsi qu’une forte activité dans les auto-directeurs.

Phase critique pour la politique produits

“MBDA est un acteur global. Aujourd’hui il n’y a pas d’application sur lesquelles MBDA n’a pas de produit” annonce le PDG. Oui, mais l’enjeu est aujourd’hui de préparer la suite. Antoine Bouvier a cité trois domaines de développement produits prioritaires. La défense antimissile tout d’abord. Alors que le sommet de Chicago approche et se tiendra au lendemain de la présidentielle française, le PDG tire la sonnette d’alarme “Il est urgent que l’Europe reprenne l’initiative”. En clair, l’Europe a des atouts, dont le missile Aster, seul intercepteur européen capable de détruire des missiles balistiques ennemis. L’enjeu: que l’Europe ne se fournisse pas chez les américains, mais développe ses propres compétences, sinon il sera trop tard.

Autre domaine: la frappe dans la profondeur. Il faut aujourd’hui préparer la prochaine génération de missile de croisière Scalp, largement utilisé durant le conflit libyen.

Enfin, troisième axe produit : le missile de combat terrestre. On le sait, la France a acheté américain (missile Javelin), pour faire face à une urgence opérationnelle du théâtre afghan. MBDA avait de son coté développé une nouvelle version du missile antichar Milan filoguidé (ER), alors que les forces souhaitaient un missile à auto-directeur infra-rouge “tir et oubli”. Un couac aujourd’hui rattrapé, avec le développement lancé d’un nouveau missile bi-modes (vidéo et IR) adapté aux souhaits de l’armée française, le MMP. “On revient de loin” analysait Antoine Bouvier hier. Le contrat de développement et de production de ce nouveau missile de combat terrestre est attendu cette année. Reste à savoir si MBDA va réussir à amortir les sommes engagées dans le développement du Milan ER, avec un contrat qui ne pourra être que export…

09 March 2012 by defenceWeb

The world military vehicle market will likely soon be glutted with surplus Mine Resistant Armour Protected (MRAP) V-shaped hull armoured vehicles.

The Washington Post says the MRAP’s signature V-shaped undercarriage helped deflect the impact of blasts from improvised explosives and made the armoured vehicle exactly what troops needed in Iraq. In 2007, the military began ordering almost 28 000 MRAPs, most of which went to Iraq, though some were designed for Afghanistan and its more challenging terrain.

“The military had little intention of keeping the vehicles over the long term,” the paper says. But to get them to the battlefield as quickly as possible, the Pentagon ordered multiple versions from six manufacturers, drawing from the war funding appropriated by Congress.

The number includes several hundred RG31s built at BAE Systems' Benoni plant in South Africa.

“At the time we bought MRAP, it was pretty clear to most people that this was a short-term buy for the current wars,” said David Berteau, senior adviser and director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ defense -industrial initiatives group. But, Berteau said, “when you buy that many variants, it becomes a long-term nightmare.” What to do with the vehicles now is a complicated matter, particularly for the Army, which owns most of the MRAPs, and the Marine Corps, which has a sizable number.

David Hansen, programme manager with the office set up to manage the MRAP initiative, said none of the military services has decided how many to keep, the Post reports. Although the Army has completed two studies on the issue, one of its top officials recently sent staff “back to the drawing table” to take another look, he said.

The military will certainly keep some for training at US bases so troops know how to operate them, but most of the vehicles will probably be placed in some form of war reserve. Older models that haven’t been upgraded are likely to be shed, Hansen said.

The Defense Department will consider selling some of the vehicles to foreign countries or moving them to other federal agencies. Under one idea, some could be used by units patrolling the nation’s borders. “President Obama’s mantra for the future is versatility, flexibility, agility,” Thompson said. “None of those things sounds like an MRAP” or seems suitable for a future characterised by drones, cyberwarfare, and intelligence and surveillance technology.

The military is paying a high price to keep MRAPs up and running. Last year, Navistar Defense received a US$133.7 million contract to service vehicles in Afghanistan and Kuwait, and Fairfax County-based ManTech received a contract this year worth up to US$507 million over 10 months to repair battle-damaged MRAPs and make upgrades. Once the vehicles are off the battlefield, maintaining them is expected to cost less, but they will still require regular maintenance, such as checking fluids and batteries, the Post says.

model of the Seeker 400 carrying two Mokopa anti-tank

missiles - photo Denel Dynamics

March 7, 2012 defpro.com

The prototype of Denel Dynamics’ latest Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV), the Seeker 400, has been completed and is due to make its maiden flight in the first quarter of 2012. It is a long-endurance tactical UAV. “The decision by Denel to consider investing in this new product was mainly based on requirements globally of such a capability. Based on the business case, Denel decided to fund the development from its balance sheet. The nation is waiting in anticipation for the first flight.” says Tsepo Monaheng, Executive for Denel UAVs.

Although the US and Israel dominate the global market, there is scope for South Africa to use local skills to create market-leading UAVs to the broad spectrum of nations (from developing to developed) – a market estimated at US $14bn per annum. The RSA UAV industry aims to capture in excess of 20% of this end of the market.

The aircraft has already been displayed in mock-up form at the Africa Aerospace and Defence Show (AAD) 2010, in Cape Town South Africa. There is already a launch customer for the Seeker 400 who operated the Seeker I tactical UAV in the early 1990s. The other two countries which currently operate the Seeker II are also interested in the Seeker 400 because the new aircraft can be controlled by simply using their existing Seeker II control stations.

Though it utilizes the Seeker II architectural design, the Seeker 400 is a totally new aircraft. The Seeker 400 is much larger and much more capable than the Seeker II. It provides a variety of operational options. It is deployable in most conditions, including taking off from an unprepared piece of land.

Monaheng describes the Seeker 400 as a “typical entry-level” towards the long-endurance UAV (MALE). It can stay in the air for 16 hours and can simultaneously operate two payloads. Currently, it has a range of 250 km, because it uses only line-of-sight communications, but it could be upgraded to use satellite communications, which would allow it to operate at much greater ranges. With the use of the existing tactical ground station (TGS), the range may be extended to 750km. The Seeker 400 flight test programme will run for most of 2012, and production should start by the end of that year.

Denel Dynamics plans, in due course, to add weapons to the Seeker 400. The prototype was recently displayed at the company’s 2011 ‘Show and Tell’ briefing in Centurion with a Mokopa antitank missile (also a Denel Dynamics product) under each wing. A number of countries have already expressed interest in an armed version of the UAV.

The Seeker 400 was originally conceived as an upgrade of the Seeker II (hence, the name) but, as the project developed, the company realized that a totally new and larger aircraft would do better in the market. The retention of the name ‘Seeker’ also takes advantage of the Seeker II’s established brand.

The Seeker 400 programme schedule is on track. The medium-altitude, long-endurance (Male) UAV project, the Bateleur, has not been abandoned but is currently on hold; this is to allow for a focused development of the Seeker 400.

Globally, UAVs are becoming ever more important and ever more widely used. Although costs are coming down, UAVs are not necessarily cheaper or easier to operate than crewed aircraft – some top-of- the-range UAVs are very expensive, indeed – but the fact that they have no human on board means they can be sent into high-risk environments without any qualms and they can be kept aloft much longer than a conventional aircraft.

The availability of capable and affordable South African UAVs triggers the enhancement of not only national security, but crime fighting, disaster management, election monitoring and search and rescue. UAVs even provide benefits to the agricultural, mining, health and environmental sectors. Within the next five years UAVs will be used by a diversity of industries from policing poachers on land and coastlines, carrying test specimens from remote clinics to laboratories for analysis, to keeping an eye on livestock on farms, and will prove to be a lucrative parallel market for international UAV players.

Foreign experience in combat zones has established that the key service that UAVs provide to ground force commanders is live video coverage. This provides them with real time surveillance, intelligence and target acquisition as well as much better situational awareness. The French Army has reported that, in Afghanistan, UAVs have saved the lives of its soldiers and some 80% of its UAV missions are to protect its troops. Indeed, it is now known that one of the operators of the Seeker II has deployed these UAVs under UN command in a foreign country.

Denel Dynamics is an exhibitor at Defence and Security Asia 2012, Thailand. On display will be the new Seeker 400 which is scheduled to take its maiden flight this year. Another product is the 5th generation air-to-air missile, A-Darter, due for production in 2013.

Mar 2, 2012ASDNews Source : Rheinmetall AG

Without a doubt, India is the regional superpower of South Asia. Its armed forces form a mainstay of Indian security policy, and are now undergoing further modernization. Facing up to the challenges of an expanded mission spectrum, they rely increasingly on network-enabled operations: a “system of systems” consisting of sensors, C4I capabilities and effectors that enables an appropriate response to any and all threats.

From 29 March to 1 April 2012, Defexpo will take place in New Delhi. It is one of the largest defence technology trade fairs in Asia.

As one of the world’s leading suppliers of defence technology systems, Rheinmetall will be on hand with a representative selection of its diverse array of products for military and security forces. Building on a proud tradition, the Düsseldorf, Germanybased Rheinmetall Group covers many different capability categories.

Wiesel – mobile, air-portable, versatile

In order to operate in difficult terrain – in the mountains, for example, or in an urban environment – today’s armed forces need a flexible, quickly deployable, protected platform that can be readily integrated into network-enabled operations and which, above all, can be transported by air either on board or as underslung cargo. It was precisely with these capabilities in mind that Rheinmetall developed the Wiesel (‘weasel’) family of vehicles, which the company will be presenting at Defexpo 2012.

A lightweight tracked armoured vehicle, the Wiesel is standard equipment in German airmobile and mountain units. While the Wiesel 1 was originally employed as a weapons platform, the somewhat longer Wiesel 2 is now available in numerous other configurations.

Today the Wiesel family covers practically the full range of military ground capabilities, encompassing a reconnaissance vehicle, a command post version, an anti-tank-missile launcher platform, an automatic cannon platform, an engineering scout vehicle and a field ambulance version. Other variants include joint fire support team and joint fire support coordination team vehicles and a 120mm mortar carrier; Finally, a Wiesel-based mobile air defence system consisting of an air defence command post vehicle, an air defence reconnaissance and fire control vehicle, and an air defence weapon carrier round out the portfolio.

Much like other Rheinmetall vehicles – e.g. the Fuchs/Fox armoured transport vehicle – the Wiesel has accompanied the Bundeswehr right from the start in every deployed operation. Whether in the deserts of Somalia, the mountains of Kosovo or the rugged terrain of the Hindu Kush – the Wiesel has what it takes: high mobility coupled with protection. Transportable by air in a medium transport helicopter or as underslung cargo, the various members of the Wiesel family can be quickly deployed to new flash points. The Wiesel is thus the ideal platform for the Mountain Strike Corps, which is now in the process of formation.

Countering the threat from above: advanced air defence systems

Aerial attacks continue to pose a major threat to troop concentrations, military bases, civilian population centres and critical civilian infrastructure.

In the domain of VSHORAD technology, Rheinmetall’s Air Defence division is the global leader and the sole single-source supplier of battle management systems, fire control systems, automatic cannon, integrated missile launchers and Ahead ammunition. Its core competencies include the development and manufacture of complete air defence systems as well as simulators and training equipment.

Aware of India’s ambitious plans to modernize its air defence capabilities, Rheinmetall is presenting a wide array of sophisticated air defence solutions at Defexpo 2012.

The need for a 35mm gun-based air defence system able to meet current and coming requirements led to the recent development and manufacture of the Oerlikon Skyshield air defence system. Lightweight and compact, it is the world’s most advanced and effective system for low-level air defence. It basically consists of an Oerlikon Skyshield fire control unit and two high-performance Oerlikon Revolver Gun MK2 automatic cannons, specifically designed to fire Ahead airburst ammunition.

The heart of Rheinmetall’s proprietary Ahead technology is a high-precision timedelay projectile. At the optimum moment, it ejects a lethal cloud of heavy metal pellets, reliably neutralizing small and even very small projectiles, such as rockets, artillery and mortar (RAM) rounds, much the way a shotgun shell destroys a clay pigeon.

This weapon has been successfully deployed in NATO operations since 1996. It forms the main armament of the Oerlikon Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM system, which the German Bundeswehr has procured for defending its forward operating bases.

Furthermore, Rheinmetall’s air defence technology is by no means limited to static defence roles. Mobile applications are equally feasible. For short-term missions, a truck-mounted version is available which can be deployed without unloading the system from the truck. This is particularly useful if the mission involves protecting a succession of different sites for short periods. Mounting a Skyshield air defence system on an all-terrain 8x8 vehicle – e.g. a military truck made by Rheinmetall’s partner Tata – ensures maximum operational flexibility.

Existing Skyguard and Skyshield systems can also be retrofitted with Ahead technology. Furthermore, thanks to the modularity of its systems, Rheinmetall is able to bring additional components into play, readily creating multi-mission capabilities tailored to the needs of individual clients.

C4ISTAR – Enhancing your vision, your impact and your information

As one of the world’s leading suppliers of defence technology systems, Rheinmetall is an increasingly important partner in the field of C4ISTAR systems. The Group’s product spectrum ranges from single sensors and components to sensor platforms and fire control units, and from individual soldier systems to complete battle management systems.

These sensor and fire control systems represent top-notch technology and are in service with a number of armed forces worldwide.

Rheinmetall has longstanding experience in equipping combat platforms with sensor and fire control systems. To enable customers to cope with today’s requirements, Rheinmetall has developed digital turret and vehicle systems that provide modular and flexible solutions for a variety of combat and turret systems, as well as to standard vehicles e.g. for law enforcement or security surveillance missions. Due to the technology applied and the system architecture these solutions can be used either for adapted upgrades or fully integrated solutions for systems under development.

As part of these digital turret and vehicle systems the Situational Awareness System (SAS), for example, on show at Defexpo 2012, is a complete panoramic close-up sight for local situational awareness. It can be integrated easily into turret or chassis and offers a 360° - both day and night sight - near-field view of the vehicle’s immediate surroundings, with automatic alarm and target-tracking functions. SAS provides outstanding “look through armour”, increases the safety and reduces the workload of the crew thanks to a high degree of automation.

The situational awareness of a combat vehicle can be complemented by the vehiclemounted version of Rheinmetall’s Acoustic Sniper Locating System (ASLS). ASLS comprises a powerful microphone antenna array with integrated analysis electronics as well as a control and display functions inside the vehicle.

When a round is fired ASLS instantly computes azimuth, elevation and distance of the sniper relative to the vehicle. Simultaneously ASLS alerts the crew acoustically and visually, displaying the results of the location  analysis on the vehicles manmachine-interface in real-time. In combination with the fire control system of the vehicle’s the crew can react within no time and start to engage the enemy position, before the next round is fired. Additionally, the geo-referenced position of the sniper –determined with a GPS system – can be fed into a C4I system, e.g. for information of other forces in the area, target assignment or subsequent engagement. ASLS is also available in a stationary version and a man-portable version, which can be connected to modern soldier systems.

In the field of soldier systems, Rheinmetall was awarded a contract by the German Army in 2011 to deliver the cutting edge “German Future Soldier - Expanded System”. The IdZ2 (formerly IdZ-ES) enhances the battle performance, endurance and protection of modern war-fighters on the ground and embeds them directly into the network-centric operations loop. Visitors will see the IdZ2 during Defexpo.

Rheinmetall Defence: totally oriented to today’s military

With its Combat Systems, Electronic Solutions, and Wheeled Vehicles divisions, Rheinmetall Defence supplies the world’s armed forces with systems and equipment systematically designed to assure successful outcomes in complex modern military operations.

Rheinmetall also maintains an extensive network of international partnerships for serving new markets as well as enabling technology transfer that will substantially benefit both the industry and the military of customer nations. This makes Rheinmetall the ideal industrial partner in the quest to supply India’s armed forces with advanced capabilities.

Feb 29, 2012 ASDNews Source : Alliant Tech Systems, Inc

ATK was recently awarded a  fourth contract option to produce 30mm PGU-15A/B cartridges for the U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Contracting Center (RICC), Rock Island, Ill.   The order is a part of a multi-year contract originally signed in July 2007. ATK's worldwide sales of 30mm ammunition in the current fiscal year now exceed $29 million.  

ATK's 30mm PGU-series target practice ammunition is specially designed for training applications.  These cartridges, currently in use with the 30mm GAU-8/A Gatling gun on the U.S. Air Force A-10 Warthog close-support aircraft provide cost-effective, ballistic-matched training rounds for improved warfighter performance.

"We are proud to continue our role as the primary provider of PGU-15 ammunition in support of the U. S. Air Force's A-10 aircraft," said Dan Olson, Vice President and General Manager, ATK Integrated Weapon Systems. "This round plays an integral role in training A-10 aircrews to develop and maintain essential air-to-ground combat skills.  ATK supports this program through the delivery of high quality products, outstanding value and great customer service."

ATK's Mesa, Ariz.-based Integrated Weapon Systems division will produce the rounds at its facilities in Radford, Va. and Rocket Center, W. Va.  Delivery of the optioned rounds is set to begin this year.

MOSCOW, February 28 (RIA Novosti)

The crew of a Su-30 fighter that crashed earlier on Tuesday in Russia’s Far East reported an engine fire before the crash, a spokesman for the Main Military Investigative Directorate said.

The Su-30MK2 fighter jet crashed 130 km northeast of Komsomolsk-na-Amure during a post-construction test flight. Both pilots ejected safely, although one of them was hurt on landing.

“While executing acceleration to a maximum speed, the first pilot reported a fire in the right engine,” the spokesman said. “The flight controller immediately ordered the crew to eject.”

“The investigators are taking all necessary steps to establish the cause of the crash,” the official said.

The aircraft belonged to the Komsomolsk-na-Amure factory where Su-30s are manufactured.

The Russian military earlier said that the plane had been built for export.

Su-family fighters constitute the bulk of Russia's arms exports.

Variants of Su-30 Flanker fighters are in service with air forces in several foreign countries, including India, Indonesia, China, Algeria, Vietnam and Venezuela.

27 février 2012 par Astrid Gouzik L’USINE NOUVELLE

La filiale du groupe aéronautique Safran a remporté un contrat de maintenance pour les Sperwer de l’armée de terre française.

C’est donc Sagem qui sera en charge des activités de maintenance, de réparation et de support technique des drones tactiques Sperwer. Le contrat court jusqu’en 2014. Le système Sperwer est utilisé en Afghanistan depuis 2003. Il vient renforcer les forces aéroterrestres de l’OTAN.

"A ce jour, Sagem a développé et produit plus de 25 systèmes de drones tactiques Sperwer et 140 véhicules aériens", précise le groupe.

Par la même occasion, Sagem a enregistré une commande pour deux "catapultes pneumatiques tractées".  "Plus légères et compactes que les catapultes de première génération, elles permettent de réduire l'empreinte au sol du système en opérations, de diminuer les coûts d'exploitation, de faciliter les catapultages, et d'accroître la charge embarquée en vue d'une autonomie accrue", vante le communiqué.

February 23, 2012 worldwide-defence

Azerbaijan and Russia hold negotiations on “Pantsir-S1” surface-to-air missile system

APA (Azerbaijan Press Agency) reports that Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan are among the countries showing interest to the missile complex code-named by NATO as SA-22 Greyhound Pantsir-S1. Russia is reportedly holding negotiations with those countries.

APA (Azerbaijan Press Agency) reports that Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan are among the countries showing interest to the missile complex code-named by NATO as SA-22 Greyhound Pantsir-S1. Russia is reportedly holding negotiations with those countries.

The orders were received from Algeria and Morocco for “Pantsir-S1” which is included to the arsenal of armed forces of Russia, Syria, Iran, UAE and Oman.

The “Pantsir-S1”, which is designed for air defense of military facilities at short range, can open fire at the targets in 20-km distance. The complex also includes radar system. The “Pantsir-S1”, which has different modifications, replaces Tunguska complex of the Russian army.

Watchkeeper UAS Thales UK

Feb 2012 By Craig Hoyle – Flight Global

Thales UK has confirmed it has provided France's DGA procurement agency and army with technical information about the Watchkeeper tactical unmanned air system, as its British Army launch customer prepares to begin operational field trials with the type.

French interest in the Watchkeeper system was revealed during a bilateral summit in Paris on 16 February, with a formal evaluation to start during 2012 and conclude next year.

UK Prime Minister David Cameron said co-operation between the nations would offer advantages in technical, support and operational terms, and during the development of doctrine and concepts for the equipment's use.

"The French army has similar requirements to the British Army and is interested in replacing its SDTI [Sagem Sperwer] system with a high-performance, certified and financially attractive solution," said Thales. It cited the "considerable pedigree" of the Watchkeeper air vehicle (above), which builds on the Elbit Systems Hermes 450 design, which has now amassed more than 60,000 flight hours in support of the UK armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Operational field trials of the Watchkeeper system involving the Royal Artillery's 32 Regiment are "due to start at ParcAberporth shortly", Thales said, adding that more than 100 flights of the aircraft have now been undertaken in the UK. The army assessment had been due to start last October, but was delayed due to "technical issues encountered during software integration and flight trials".

The UTacS joint venture company formed by Thales and Elbit began delivering Watchkeeper equipment in late 2011, ahead of the type's phased introduction to use in Afghanistan.

"Details of when Watchkeeper will deploy to Afghanistan are operationally sensitive, but the British Army is planning a progressive roll-out in theatre during 2012," the Ministry of Defence said.

Feb 15, 2012 Spacewar.com (AFP)

Brussels - NATO will spend 3.0 billion euros ($3.9 billion) to buy and operate five US-built drones over 20 years in an effort to fill a gap exposed in the Libyan air war, an official said Wednesday.

Allies will pay at least 1.0 billion euros to acquire the Global Hawk drones from Northrop Grumman, a price that includes ground support stations, image analysis technology and training for operators, the official said.

Operating the drones, which will be based at the NATO base in Sigonella, Sicily, will cost the alliance another 2.0 billion euros over the next two decades, the official said on condition of anonymity.

"Libya showed the importance of having such a capability," the official said.

While European air forces carried out the bulk of bombing missions in Libya last year, they relied heavily on drones provided by the United States to identify and hit targets during the campaign.

NATO defence ministers finally agreed on the Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) after two decades of wrangling over its funding.

The drones are being purchased by 13 NATO nations: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and the United States.

The aircraft will then be available to all 28 allies who will contribute to the cost of operating them. France and Britain will mostly contribute by providing their own surveillance aircraft to the programme.

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has hailed the AGS programme as a prime example of the alliance's efforts to pool and share resources at a time of economic crisis chipping away at defence budgets.

IAI Ben Gurion facility – photo Israel Aerospace industries

Feb 14, 2012 by Zach Rosenberg  - Flight Global

Tel Aviv - Like all of the Middle Eastern nation's defence companies, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is in a delicate predicament: it cannot reveal much of its clientele, and Israeli politics - internal and external - put major limitations on what it can sell, and where.

Many of the governments buying IAI equipment, including major customers buying top-shelf systems, do not speak publicly about their purchases, and IAI does not disclose them.

"I can tell you no-one bought from Israel because they like us, or they love us," says Tommy Silberring, general manager of IAI's Malat division, which manufactures its UAVs. "They buy from us because we have a capability that is maybe better in price, or because we have the flexibility to enable that country to integrate their own systems."

IAI is not only the country's largest defence company, but also one of the major drivers of high technology in a place famous for its technological prowess. Its 17,000 employees are divided into six divisions, three concerned with military projects and three with civil work. IAI's backlog is valued at $10.6 billion and in January the manufacturer disclosed its largest order ever, valued at $1.6 billion and covering a range of systems including Heron 1 UAVs, Harop stand-off munitions and Green Pine radars.

Among the civil divisions, Bedek is pre-eminent. Based at IAI's facility besides Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv, Bedek is mainly concerned with passenger-to-cargo conversions of the Boeing 737, 747 and 767, a roster to which additions are under consideration. Maintenance, repair and operations work is also a major contributor to IAI's bottom line.

SPANNING SECTORS

IAI also produces G150, G200 and G280 midsize business jets for Gulfstream. The aircraft are built in Tel Aviv and flown to the USA for interior outfitting. The G280 is the latest offering. After a four-year development programme the aircraft has earned approval from the Israeli civil aviation authority, but is not yet certified with the US Federal Aviation Administration or European Aviation Safety Agency. Despite what is widely acknowledged as expectation-exceeding performance, the depressed market for new midsize business jets and correspondingly small order book means it may be some time before IAI comes anywhere near recouping its development costs.

The Israeli Defence Force is in the middle of a highly competitive $1 billion contest for an advanced trainer aircraft to replace its aged Douglas A-4 Skyhawks. As whichever trainer is eventually selected will be operated by IAI, the company stands to gain either way. The field has narrowed to two competitors: Italy's Alenia Aermacchi M346 and South Korea's KAI T-50. The governments of both nations are long-time customers for various IAI products, and both nations have threatened to look elsewhere for equipment should their products not be selected. Preliminary indications are that Italy has the favoured product.

German Luftwaffe IAI Heron, photo Israel Aerospace industries

UAV contests in Canada and Germany could yield quick divdends for the Heron

Special-mission aircraft - regular aircraft packed full of specialised electronics - have been particularly lucrative for IAI. Its offerings include heavily modified Gulfstream Vs for airborne early warning (AEW), signals intelligence and synthetic aperture radar. Several deals are potentially forthcoming, and Italy has reportedly committed to buy two of the AEW aircraft if Aermacchi wins its trainer bid.

IAI's bread and butter is UAVs for export. Widely considered to be among the inventors of the modern UAV, IAI remains on the cutting edge of international markets in that area. It offers a more diverse array of UAVs than any other manufacturer in Israel, ranging from a tiny hand-launched aircraft, the Mosquito, to the Heron TP, a large medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) aircraft capable of staying in the air for two days.

In keeping with the tradition of Israeli defence companies, almost 80% of its sales are made abroad. India, one of the world's largest and fastest-growing defence markets, is a particularly loyal customer of IAI's. India operates around 50 Heron UAVs with IAI-developed radar and optical payloads, plus a number of IAI-modified special-mission aircraft. "India is one of our biggest markets," confirms Silberring.

CROWDED ARENA

Other countries operating the Heron include Australia, France, Germany and Brazil. Most operators have only a handful of aircraft on a lease basis, many for operations over Afghanistan, but IAI is angling for purchases. France has selected a version of the aircraft co-produced with Dassault, called the Harfang, for purchase, despite blistering criticism from the French senate. In each of these contests the aircraft faces competition from the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Predator B, the only other large MALE aircraft available on the international market. However, the arena is likely to get more crowded as other companies - particularly Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems - bring their own offerings to the table. But for the meantime IAI has a lock on non-NATO countries.

IAI's electronics division, Elta, is the fourth-largest radar manufacturer in the world, providing systems for both IAI's products and those of others. Ironically, despite it being among the early adaptors of solid-state electronics, Elta's most sought-after and profitable services are for older technology. Many of IAI's customers are simply not in the market for cutting-edge technology.

"We thought that we would phase out of [TWT, transmitting wave tube] technology, and we actually moved long ago into solid-state technology," says Igal Karney, Elta's manager of marketing and sales. "But still there are so many systems in the field, so the need for TWT has even increased."

Rumours that IMI, a state-owned munitions company, may be primed for acquisition are emerging in defence circles. Members of the Israeli government occasionally make public statements about partial or total privatisation. Such changes have been floated for years, but Israel's falling defence budget may finally be the requisite catalyst.

Either way, change of one sort or another is coming to IAI. Its president Yitzhak Nissan, who has held the post for six years, is leaving his position after a semi-public fight with the chairman of the board. Two board members are following. But whether this results in any major changes to business strategy or product road-maps is yet to be seen.

Still, IAI has entered 2012 with a strong outlook. UAV contests in Canada, Germany and Australia could yield quick dividends for the Heron, and a number of smaller, somewhat more opaque contests in smaller nations also offer potential.

photo Armée de l'Air

10 février 2012 par Hassan Meddah à Kuala Lumpur – L’USINE NOUVELLE

Ce petit état de l'Asie du sud-est consacre l'équivalent  de  900 millions d'euros par an à son budget de Défense. Le Rafale est en compétition pour un appel d'offres pour l'achat de 18 appareils. Au rang de ses fournisseurs, Européens et Français tirent leur épingle du jeu.

Tout d'un coup, la côte du Rafale auprès des militaires et gouvernementaux malaisiens est remontée vitesse grand V. "La victoire du Rafale en Inde a créé une onde de choc ici en Malaisie. Surtout que l'on sait les voisins Indiens très exigeants dans ce genre de négociation à la fois sur le plan technique et financier. Avant cela, il aurait été compliqué de sélectionner un appareil qui n'avait jamais été vendu à l'export", explique un observateur du marché de la défense en Malaisie.

Le pays a lancé début 2011 son processus de sélection pour l'achat de 18 avions de combats afin de remplacer sa flotte de MIG 29 vieillissante. Et tous les prétendants prennent position maintenant.

En décembre dernier, lors de du dernier salon aéronautique et maritime de Lima, le gratin des fabricants d'avions de chasse avaient fait le déplacement. Deux Rafale avaient participé au programme de démonstration pour le compte de l'Armée française. Mais la concurrence était également bien présente : les Typhoon d'Eurofigther, le Gripen suédois, les Sukhoï russes, les F18 américains.

"Pour ce genre de contrat, le prix proposé sera important. Mais ce qui sera déterminant, c'est le coût global de l'appareil, en incluant les coûts de maintenance sur toute la durée de vie de l'appareil. Cette tendance est clairement apparue lors des derniers appels d'offres pour l'achat de sous-marins, de frégates ou d'hélicoptères", explique un bon connaisseur du dossier.

En s'équipant de telle manière, Kuala Lumpur espère faire ainsi bonne mesure face à ses proches voisins que sont la Thaïlande au nord et l'Indonésie au Sud, dont les forces armées sont respectivement deux et trois fois plus nombreuses en nombre de militaires.

Au grand bonheur des industriels de la Défense, les opportunités offertes par la péninsule vont largement bien au-delà du contrat des avions de chasse. Malgré sa petite taille (29 millions d'habitants sur une superficie de 300.000 km2), la Malaisie est un pays qui a tout pour leur plaire.

D'une part, il est riche. Grâce à ses ressources en hydrocarbures et ses ressources naturelles (huile de palme…), il figure à la troisième place des économies de la région Asie du Sud-Est. En 2010 et 2011, il a encore affiché une solide croissance de son PIB de l'ordre de 5 à 7% malgré la crise économique mondiale, soit un PIB par habitant élevé de 14600 dollars.

D'autre part, les dirigeants politiques ont toujours placé la sécurité et la stabilité du pays au premier rang de leurs préoccupations. De fait, leur histoire récente avec l'indépendance acquise en 1957 et le cessez-le feu avec la guerilla communiste à la fin des années 80, marque encore largement la génération au pouvoir.

Les récentes tensions en mer de Chine du Sud accentuent l'impératif sécuritaire. Aussi, sa géographie, à la fois stratégique, avec le détroit de Malacca au carrefour de l'Inde et de la Chine, et morcelée, les parties péninsulaire et orientale (Bornéo) sont séparées par la Mer de Chine, l'incite à renforcer ses capacités militaires.

Le cinquième plus gros client des industriels de défense français

En dépensant environ 900 millions d'euros par an pour s'équiper en matériel militaire, le pays a fait le bonheur des industriels  de la Défense. Kuala Lumpur n'a pas lésiné sur les dépenses  achetant hélicoptères de combats, sous-marins, avions de combats, équipements terrestres, missiles...

Les industriels français et européens tirent leur épingle du jeu figurant au premier rang des fournisseurs de l'armée malaisienne. Outre les deux sous-marins Scorpene commandés  en 2002, la DCNS (en partenariat avec l'industriel local Boustead Naval Shipyard) a décroché en décembre dernier un contrat de plus de 2 milliards d'euros pour livrer six corvettes. Eurocopter de son côté a confirmé lors du dernier salon du Bourget la vente de 12 hélicoptères EC725 à la Force aérienne royale malaisienne. Sans oublier Airbus Military qui va livrer à partir de 2016 quatre A400M son avion de transport tactique…

Malgré sa taille modeste, la Malaisie est le cinquième plus gros client des industriels de défense français. Et l'avenir reste brillant pour les vendeurs de matériel militaire. "La Malaisie continue de représenter un grand potentiel en terme de marché", précise une source locale.

Toutefois, l'acheteur malaisien en veut plus pour son argent. La Malaisie a rénové en 2011 ses règles concernant les offsets, les fameuses  compensations industrielles suite à la signature des contrats militaires: 100%  de la valeur du contrat doit désormais être réinvesti dans le pays et surtout de manière directe.

La Malaisie ne se contentera plus qu'on lui achète ses biens ou ses marchandises (huile de palme…) mais exige que le partenaire retenu investisse dans le pays. Une nouvelle donne à laquelle les industriels devront se plier s'ils veulent que la Malaisie leur reste une terre aussi favorable.

Maestrale class, ASW frigates with 3.100 tonnes displacement and 122.7m in length (photo : Maltashipphotos)

08.02.2012 DEFENSE STUDIES

MANILA, Philippines - The procurement of military equipment from Italy-based suppliers will be fast-tracked under an agreement between the Philippines and Italy.

National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Italian Defense Minister Giampaolo Di Paola signed the five-year agreement when Gazmin visited Italy last Jan. 30.
 

In a statement, Gazmin said the arrangement will help expedite the procurement from Italy of supplies with the help of the Italian Ministry of Defense.

“This arrangement is a result of our efforts to explore any and all avenues for a more efficient procurement process for our modernization program,” he said.

 

AMX ground attack aircraft (photo : code20photog)

The agreement is valid for five years from signing and will be automatically extended for another five years unless there is a written notice of intention to terminate.

 

However, the signing of the arrangement does not mean that the Philippines would buy defense equipment from Italian firms.

Gazmin said the agreement is merely intended to establish a system for “future transactions.”
Gazmin and members of the DND Defense Acquisition System team left for Italy last Jan. 28 and returned home last Feb. 3.
 

 

Other key defense officials who joined the week-long trip were Defense Undersecretary for Finance, Munitions, Installations and Materiel Fernando Manalo, and Bids and Awards Committee chairman Patrick Velez.

 

 

Piaggio P-180 surveillance aircraft (photo : piaggioaero)

 

They inspected combat-ready defense materiel including Maestrale and Soldati-class deep patrol water vessel, the Piaggio 180, a single platform defense materiel that can perform the functions of a special mission aircraft, light lift aircraft and long range patrol aircraft.
 

Also inspected were the medium lift tactical aircraft C27J, Italian Navy Coast Watch and Air Defense 3D Radar Systems, AMX ground attack aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicle Falco and armored personnel carrier.

 

Philippine officials and Italian suppliers also talked about an information technology system that would allow the transmission of data.

 

The system would allow the delivery of data from any defense material platform to personnel in mission up to the commander-in-chief. The system can enhance the defense awareness of the military and civilians.

 

 

C-27J medium transport aircraft (photo : Aviationnews)
 

Gazmin said the arrangement with the Italian government includes a service agreement and training of Philippine military personnel.

 

These are aimed at ensuring the medium- and long-term effectiveness of the equipment that may be bought from Italy.

 

“We would like to assure the Filipino people that all possible negotiations are premised within the national government’s established ideals of transparency, accountability and good governance,” Gazmin said.

 

The Philippines has bought 18 basic trainer aircraft from Alenia Aermacchi, an Italian firm that designs and produces military trainers. The delivery of the 18 units was completed last year.

 

Falco MALE unmmaned aerial vehicle (photo : Militaryphotos)

The DND seeks to approve the contracts of 138 modernization projects worth P70 billion by July.
The projects include big-ticket items like fighter jets and long-range patrol aircraft for the Air Force, multi-role vessel for the Navy and coast watch radars.

Aside from Italy, other countries that have offered defense equipment to the DND are the United States, Korea, France and United Kingdom.

 

(PhilStar)