Lockheed Martin’s New Multi-Purpose HELLFIRE II Missile

Lockheed Martin’s multi-purpose AGM 114R HELLFIRE II missile struck and destroyed a stationary tank target in its third proof-of-principle flight test, a ground-launch test configured to simulate launch from an unmanned aerial system (UAS).

The R model, or “Romeo” missile, features a multi-purpose warhead that enables a single HELLFIRE missile to cover all of the target sets of the currently fielded laser-guided variants.

A team consisting of personnel from Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Army Joint Attack Munitions Systems program office located in Huntsville, AL, conducted the test at Eglin Air Force Base, FL.

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CPI to supply A-10 wing assemblies

CPI Aerostructures Inc. of New York has received a $17 million order from Boeing for A-10 structural wing assemblies.

The A-10, designed during the Cold War as an anti-armor attack aircraft, is being used by the U.S. Air Force in Afghanistan for close ground support.

CPI Aero said the purchase order for 49 ship sets of assemblies from Boeing's Space & Security unit is a follow-on order for CPI Aero's previously announced long-term requirements contract to support Boeing's A-10 Wing Replacement Program.

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Israel set to build wings for some 800 F-35s

Israel is in talks to build the wings for about a quarter of the United States's new F-35 stealth fighter aircraft, an Israeli official said on Monday.

Lockheed Martin currently plans to build some 3,200 F-35s costing about $96 million each.

An Israeli official who declined to be named said state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries would build the wings.

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Pilots being made air-ready for INS Vikramaditya

Dabolim Airport is located in the village of Dabolim in Goa, India. It is the only airport in the state and operates as a civil enclave in a military airbase named INS Hansa.
The defence ministry has begun the process of getting Indian fighter pilots ready to operate from aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, which is expected to be inducted into the Indian Navy in the next two years, an official said Monday.

The chairman of the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Vineet Bakshi, said the defence ministry-certified shipyard was in the process of setting up a shore-based testing facility (SBTF) for future pilots in Goa, in partnership with the Bangalore-based Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).

"This unique test facility is being set up with technology and specialised equipment from Russia. This facility will enable future pilots to be trained ashore before they fly the war planes from aircraft carrier Vikramaditya," Bakshi, a former rear admiral said.

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Britain, France 'plan defence pact'

Britain and France could share their aircraft carrier capability in a dramatic co-operation pact designed to maintain military power while cutting costs, it has been reported.

The Ministry of Defence described the report in The Times as "speculation" ahead of the outcome of the Strategic Defence and Security Review, expected next month.

But a source said that ideas for all sorts of co-operation would be "on the table" when Defence Secretary Liam Fox visited Paris for talks with his French counterparts on Friday, and did not exclude the possibility of the aircraft carriers being discussed.

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Second submarine line for Mazagon Dock

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With public sector shipyard Mazagon Dock Ltd (MDL), Mumbai, years behind schedule in building six conventional Scorpene submarines for the Indian Navy, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is handing Mazagon Dock another lucrative order to build three more submarines.

Although private sector shipbuilders — especially L&T and Pipavav Shipyard Ltd (PSL) — argue that Mazagon Dock already has more than it can handle, MoD insists the public sector shipyard can execute this order.

The MoD’s Secretary of Defence Production, R K Singh, talking exclusively to Business Standard, has detailed Mazagon Dock’s road map for simultaneously executing the Scorpene order (Project 75, as it is termed) and the three additional submarines that are a part of the six-submarine Project 75I order.

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DCN Moves First FREMM Frigate to Drydock

On schedule, the French lead ship of the FREMM multi-mission frigate program, Aquitaine, was moved in the late afternoon of August 26 to N° 3 drydock at the DCNS Center at Lorient.

The first dry dock period should last several months to allow installation of the main hull appendages.

The FREMM program is proceeding according to schedule.

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Hatch taken from protected sub

The central bow torpedo tube hatch of the historic submarine Holland V has been illegally removed, English Heritage has reported.

The wreck, which lies in 30m of water six miles off Beachy Head in Sussex, is designated as a protected site under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973.

It is illegal to dive or interfere with the wreck outside sanctioned diving activities run by the site licencee, Mark Beattie Edwards.

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Russia competitive in defense construction

Russia is absolutely competitive in constructing military aircraft and vessels, Russia's prime minister Vladimir Putin told Russia 24 TV channel.

According to him, Russian-produced military aircraft, vessels, submarines and the S-300, S-400 air-defense systems are in great demand in the world.

Unfortunately, civil aircraft and merchant vessels cannot boast of the same. Thus, foreign designers and technology should be attracted, Putin said.

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Iran to make long-range artillery ammo

Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi has inaugurated the production line of Iran's longest-range artillery ammunitions.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the mass production of Base bleed projectiles in the capital Tehran, General Vahidi said the new 130 millimeter advanced artillery shells will be the longest range artillery shells in arsenals of the Islamic Republic's army, Iran's Defense Ministry said on its website.

“These ammunitions use solid propellants and act like ballistic missiles,” the Iranian defense minister noted.

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Thai Budget Makes Provision for Second Gripen Batch

Thailand’s House of Representatives approved a Fiscal Year 2011 defence budget of THB170 billion (USD5.4 billion) on 26 August, an expenditure that includes funds allocated to a second batch of six Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft for the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF).

The allocation is a 10 per cent increase over actual defence spending in FY09 and accounts for 8 per cent of the total national expenditure. It is equal to approximately 1.7 per cent of GDP.

Between 25 and 30 cent of the defence budget is earmarked for capital expenditure, which includes a down payment on six JAS 39 Gripens and funding for the mid-life upgrade of the RTAF’s Lockheed Martin F-16A/Bs.

Source

Exercise Kakadu 2010 underway

The Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) largest international maritime exercise is underway for 2010.

Exercise Kakadu has been used as a training focus for the RAN for the past 17 years and provides a multi-national setting where Navies can increase understanding and cooperation.

Darwin and the air and water space off her coast provides a central place for ships from regional navies to participate. This year the RAN is hosting ships from Singapore, Japan and Thailand. Royal Malaysian Officers participated as part of the Exercise Control staff.

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China to conduct live ammo drills in Yellow Sea

China said on Sunday its navy will stage live-ammunition drills in the Yellow Sea this week after it condemned U.S.-South Korean joint naval exercises in the region and vowed to respond in kind.

Beijing has said last month's U.S.-South Korea joint naval drills risked heightening tensions on the Korean Peninsula and ignored China's objections to any foreign military exercises off its coast.

The Beihai Fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy will conduct exercises from Wednesday to Saturday in the sea off the southeast coast of Qingdao city, where the fleet is headquartered, the official Xinhua News Agency said, citing the defense ministry.

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Cheonan sinking haunts South Korea

Since an international panel concluded that a North Korean torpedo sank a South Korean naval vessel in March,

some people, including naval experts, have contested the finding.

They suggest a government cover-up of a simple accident.

Under pressure to answer to its critics, the South Korean government is expected to release the full 250-page report of the investigation into the sinking of the Cheonan.

Al Jazeera's Steve Chao reports.

Kremlin denies plans to halt missile sales to Syria

Russia stands by its international obligations and has no plans to stop an arms deal with Syria, a Kremlin aide said on Saturday.

Sergei Prikhodko said recent reports in some Israel media outlets misrepresented Russia's position on cooperation with Syria.

The Haaretz daily reported on Friday that Israel was working to "thwart a Russian arms deal with Syria" and that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had asked his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to stop the sale of advanced P-800 Yakhont supersonic cruise missiles.

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Gurkha regiment in Britain to become history?

World-famous Gurkha regiment, part of the British army for almost 200 years, may be among those axed unless the Ministry of Defence's demands for more money to fund the replacement of Trident nuclear missile submarines are answered.

Last night, hopes for extra funding were fading as Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander rejected demands for extra money from Tory Defence Secretary Liam Fox and insisted the 20 billion pounds cost of replacing Trident had to be met fully by the MoD, The Observer reported today.

Quoting an expert, the report said the increasing costs of running the Gurkha's following actress Joanna Lumley's high-profile campaign last year to improve their rights, added to the sense that the "writing is on the wall" for the Brigade of Gurkhas, which has 3,640 members.

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Singapore deploys unmanned aerial vehicle task group to Afghanistan

For the first time, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has deployed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) task group and institutional trainers to Afghanistan.

The 52-man group is in Tarin Kowt, the provincial capital of Uruzgan, together with a team of four institutional trainers in Kabul, as part of Singapore's contribution to the multinational stabilisation and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan.

The UAV Task Group, which commenced operations on Friday, will be deployed till November.

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Participation Helps Clinch Israeli F-35 Deal

Israel is pressing ahead with its purchase of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, after securing U.S. approval to install Israeli munitions on the aircraft and a pledge to adjust the electronic warfare suite to emerging Middle East threats.

“The aircraft will be designated F-35I, as there will be unique Israeli features installed in them,” a senior Israel air forceofficial tells Aviation Week.

Israel’s initial batch will be almost identical to the international JSF offered to other countries, with one difference: The F-35s manufactured for Israel will include several cockpit interfaces to accommodate the air force’s command, control, communications, computer and intelligence systems. The F-35 main computer will enable a plug-and-play feature for Israeli equipment.

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Agni-V will be test-fired soon, says Antony

India is getting ready to test Agni-V, its longest range surface-to-surface ballistic missile of 5,000 km, according to Defence Minister A.K. Antony.

Laying the foundation stone for a Rs.700-crore expansion of Midhani (Mishra Dhatu Nigam Ltd), a Government of India enterprise, he urged scientists and technocrats to treat any denial of technology as a “godsend” as such discrimination led to the development of the 5,000 km range missile.

The country's scientists had proved time and again that sanctions could be overcome, he pointed out.

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UAV flies into restricted space

A rogue drone flew away from a Webster Field control center into restricted airspace on a test flight earlier this month before control was reestablished and the unmanned aerial vehicle was brought safely back to its home base in St. Inigoes.

The NAVAIR Fire Scout program has been suspended while an investigation is conducted to uncover why the aircraft flew into restricted airspace.

"We are in the final stages of the investigation and plan on briefing leadership next week.

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U.S. Navy’s Upgraded Aegis BMD System Passes Functional Assessment

Functional testing of the U.S. Navy’s second-generation Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system, due to become operational in 2012, was completed in June, Lockheed Martin officials said Aug. 25.

Bethesda, Md.-based Lockheed Martin, meanwhile, is set to begin adapting the ship-based Aegis BMD system for use on land as part of the United States’ planned European missile shield under a nearly $70 million sole-source contract the Defense Department announced the same day.

The Aegis BMD system is designed to counter short- and medium-range ballistic missiles and is currently deployed on 21 U.S. Navy ships.

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Former Taiwanese officer sentenced to 15 years in jail for French frigate deal

A Taiwanese court yesterday sentenced a former navy captain to 15 years in prison for taking bribes in a controversial deal to buy French frigates in 1991.

Kuo Li-heng (郭力恆), then working for the Navy’s submarine building project, was convicted of accepting US$17 million in kickbacks from arms dealer Andrew Wang (汪傳浦) to facilitate the deal, the Taipei district court said.

His brother, Kuo Wen-tien (郭問天), received a two-year jail term for helping him launder the ill-gotten money by opening bank accounts in Switzerland, the court said in a statement.

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Northern Fleet exercise postponed

A large-scaled navy exercise that the Northern Fleet started in the Barents Sea on Monday was unexpectedly aborted on Wednesday.

According to the navy’s press service, the reason was bad weather and technical faults.

The exercise, which was to include anti-aircraft forces, naval infantry, submarines and practically all Northern Fleet vessels, is postponed to September 6-7, state television company GTRK Murman reports.

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Indian-Russian Brahmos venture to produce missile engines in India

The Indian-Russian venture BrahMos Aerospace Ltd. plans to produce engines for Brahmos missiles in India, CEO Sivathanu Pillai said on Friday.

The engines will be produced at the Brahmos plant in the state of Kerala in southeastern India, Pillai said.

In two years its production volumes will exceed the manufacturing capabilities of the plant in Russia's Orenburg which currently produces the engines.

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Secret Soviet submarine shelter – come on in!

With the decision to prolong the stay of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in Ukraine, the Bay of Balaklava, once home to a secret underground Soviet submarine base, has a chance for a second life.

One of the most picturesque and oldest settlements in the region, it nowadays attracts thousands of tourists every summer – something completely impossible in Soviet times.

For more than four decades, one could not find the town of Balaklava on an average Soviet map. Officially, the place did not exist. All because of a special facility carved inside a mountain, and which was once one of the Soviet Union’s biggest secrets.

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First Airbus Military A330 MRTT for RAF leaves hangar

The first A330 MRTT Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) for the UK Royal Air Force has completed the in-door trials, such as systems trials, required prior to First Flight and has been rolled out of its hangar at Airbus Military’s Getafe, Madrid facility to continue with the out-door trials, such as fuel trials and others.

Once all trials are successfully completed, the aircraft will be handed over to the Flight Test Team for First Flight which is due in the first part of September.

The aircraft has been converted from a basic A330-200 airframe by Airbus Military.

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Boeing, US Navy Celebrate T-45 Jet Trainer's Million-Flight-Hour Milestone

The Boeing Company today joined the U.S. Navy at Cecil Field in Jacksonville to celebrate the Naval Air Training Command’s 1 millionth flight hour with the T-45 Goshawk, the Navy's premier jet trainer aircraft.

"This milestone is another testament to the quality that this team has put into each and every T-45 that we have training our future aerial combat warriors," said Rear Adm. Bill Sizemore, chief of Naval Air Training.

"It's an exciting time in Naval Air Training as we forge into the future with the T-45 Goshawk, converting the remaining analog models into digital/glass cockpits to mirror the aircraft in the fleet."

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EADS North America awarded US Coast Guard contract for HC-144A maritime patrol aircraft

The US Coast Guard has awarded prime contractor EADS North America a $117 million contract for three HC-144A Ocean Sentry Maritime Patrol Aircraft, with options for up to six more aircraft over the next four years.

The HC-144A is based on the highly successful Airbus Military CN235 tactical airlifter, more than 250 of which are in operation by 26 countries.

The Ocean Sentry plays a crucial role in Coast Guard aviation missions that include maritime patrol, intelligence/surveillance/reconnaissance, cargo and personnel transport, and disaster relief.

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BrahMos missile maker happy with Russian Glonass receivers

BrahMos Aerospace Ltd., a Russian-Indian joint venture manufacturing supersonic cruise missiles, is successfully using Russian-built Glonass receivers for aiming and target acquisition, CEO Sivathanu Pillai said on Wednesday.

Glonass - the Global Navigation Satellite System - is the Russian equivalent of the U.S. Global Positioning System, or GPS, and is designed for both military and civilian uses. Both systems enable users to determine their positions to within a few meters.

BrahMos missiles equipped with Glonass receivers acquire and effectively engage targets, Pillai told the Bengaluru Space Expo 2010 exhibition.

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Project 667 Lada from inside

The internal rooms of Russian last generation non-nuclear submarine was show first time in video, at July's end, 2010. This sub is competing to be a basis for the next after Scorpene Indian submarine 'Project-75(I)'.

Source

Iran test fires surface-to-surface missile

Iran has test fired its home-built surface-to-surface Fateh 110 missile, state television reported on Wednesday, less than a week after a similar test was carried out on another missile.

The television showed a sand-coloured missile being launched from a vehicle and blasting into the sky from a desert terrain, leaving behind a thick plume of smoke. It did not say when the missile was fired.

Iran's English-language Press TV said the short-range Fateh 110 (Conqueror) missile is nine metres (29 feet) long and weighs 3,500 kilograms (7,700 pounds).

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India asks for enhanced systems on third Il-76 AEW

The third Ilyushin Il-76 airborne early warning aircraft ordered by the Indian air force will carry additional systems for enhanced performance.

The AEW aircraft is expected to arrive later this year in Israel for preparation by Israel Aerospace Industries' Elta Systems subsidiary, for delivery to India in 2011.

Two converted Il-76s carrying the Elta AEW Phalcon suit have already been delivered to India.

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Pentagon computers attacked with flash drive

A foreign spy agency pulled off the most serious breach of Pentagon computer networks ever by inserting a flash drive into a U.S. military laptop, a top defense official said Wednesday.

The previously classified incident, which took place in 2008 in the Middle East, was disclosed in a magazine article by Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn and released by the Pentagon Wednesday.

He said a "malicious code" on the flash drive spread undetected on both classified and unclassified Pentagon systems, "establishing what amounted to a digital beachhead, from which data could be transferred to servers under foreign control."

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Lockheed Martin Completes Second Live Tracking Exercise for Ballistic Missile Defense

Lockheed Martin successfully identified and tracked four live targets during a test of its Multi-Mission Signal Processor (MMSP) being fielded as part of the Aegis next-generation Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) capability.

The MMSP is part of the Navy's Advanced Capability Build 12 system, intended to help combine next-generation Aegis BMD and anti-air warfare (AAW) capabilities in an open combat system architecture.

“This is our second demonstration of the MMSP capability, and both have successfully shown its abilities to detect and track targets,” said Allan Croly, director, Naval Radar Programs, for Lockheed Martin’s Mission Systems and Sensors business unit. “MMSP allows our customers to track threats that would have gone undetected with lesser capabilities.”

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India Developing Laser-Based Anti-Missile Systems

Indian scientists are developing laser-based anti-ballistic missile systems called Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs).

Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), DEW weapons can kill incoming ballistic missiles by bombarding them with subatomic particles or electromagnetic waves.

The weapons could intercept missiles soon after they were launched toward India.

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Towed-array sonar underwater technology for anti-submarine warfare on Littoral Combat Ship provided by DRS

Anti-submarine warfare experts at DRS Sonar Systems LLC in Gaithersburg, Md., are providing a towed-array sonar subsystem for the U.S. Navy Littoral Combat Ship under terms of a $9.7 million contract from Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division in Newport, R.I., DRS announced today.

DRS will provide underwater technology consisting of a towed active subsystem that will be integrated into a variable depth sonar (VDS) anti-submarine warfare (ASW) system for a Littoral Combat Ship. The LCS VDS Advanced Development Model (ADM) should undergo a sea test in 2012.

The LCS VDS will detect submerged submarines off the shallow-water coastal and harbor waters, as well as in the deep open ocean.

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Russia denies deployment of S-300 missiles in South Ossetia

There is no truth to the Georgian Foreign Minister's statement that Russia has deployed S-300 air defense systems in South Ossetia, a source in the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.

"There are no Russian S-300 systems on the territory of South Ossetia. There is no need for it," the source said.

"The protection of the Russian military base as well as South Ossetia is carried out by Buk air defense systems," the source said, adding that the former Georgian republic's landscape would restrict the deployment of S-300 systems.

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BrahMos likely to be inducted into Air Force by 2013

Low-flying supersonic cruise missile BrahMos could join the Indian Air Force by 2013, according to A. Sivathanu Pillai, CEO and Managing Director of BrahMos Aerospace Limited, an Indo—Russian joint venture.

The missile, which can carry between 200 and 300 kg of explosives, would complete its flight test in 2012, Mr. Pillai told reporters on Wednesday on the sidelines of Bengaluru Space Expo 2010.

It would be developed at a cost of $350 million and fitted into the Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft.

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Only 7 of 16 submarines operational: CAG report

Only seven Indian Navy submarines were operational out of the total fleet of 16 submarines till October last year, a report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has stated.

The CAG report noted, “It is pertinent to mention that only seven out of 16 submarines in the Indian Navy are operational and nine submarines are under refit/repair as of October, 2009.”

The CAG report noted that “75 per cent submarines in the Indian Navy fleet have already completed three-fourths of their estimated operational life.”

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India mulls deploying missiles near border in North-East

India is considering deploying its nuclear-capable ballistic missiles in the North-East close to its border with China in an apparent attempt to enhance its military preparedness.

The move comes close on the release of a report by Pentagon, which suggested that China has moved its new advanced longer range CSS-5 missiles close to its border with India and developed contingency plans to shift airborne forces to the region at short notice.

The government is considering the deployment of the 2,000 km range Agni-II and 350 km range Prithvi III surface to surface ballistic missiles close to the Chinese border, Defence Ministry sources said today.

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Chilean Air Force Seeks To Buy Six Embraer Military Jets

Chile's Air Force is considering the acquisition of six KC-390 military cargo jets from Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer (ERJ, EMBR3.BR), the company said Tuesday in a statement.

In addition, the company said that Chile's Defense Ministry plans to help Embraer to develop the KC-390.

Embraer is developing the KC-390 tactical transport for the Brazilian Air Force and offers military variants of its ERJ145 regional jet used for maritime and ground patrol and airborne early warning.

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Britain forced to borrow U.S. jets to fly from our NEW aircraft carriers as cutbacks bite

Britain will be forced to borrow U.S. warplanes to fly from the Royal Navy's new aircraft carriers because of defence cuts, the Daily Mail can reveal.

The Navy's Harrier Jump Jets - the aircraft that won renown in the Falklands conflict - are to be retired early leaving the two new carriers with no aircraft when they come into service.

Under the plans, the U.S. Marines would be invited to fly from the British carriers in joint operations and the Navy is also examining the prospect of leasing aircraft from the Americans.

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Air Force Week begins in New York

A series of Air Force events kicked off on Tuesday with an air demonstration in New York City

Thunderbirds jets conducted a six-plane flyover of the aircraft carrier Intrepid on Tuesday morning to open Air Force Week. Two F-16s from the Thunderbirds made practice flights the day before.

A New York National Guard HH-60 Pave Hawk chopper will land on Intrepid at 11 a.m. Wednesday and will stay there until 4 p.m.

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Schiebel completes French trials with S-100 Camcopter

Austrian unmanned air system (UAS) manufacturer Schiebel has completed a three-part series of flight trials with the S-100 Camcopter for the French defense procurement agency, DGA.

In the last of three phases now complete, the S-100 flew more than 20h over a four-day period from the Ile due Levant island off France's southern coast.

The main payload for the S-100 was with the Thales Optronique Agile 2 electro-optical and infrared sensor, which observed simulated pirate attacks and performed standoff surveillance and tracking.

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Primitive submarine rescue facilities plague India

If an Indian submarine gets disabled deep underwater, the sailors on board are virtually sunk.

India may be spending big bucks on importing fighters, warships and tanks but the Navy is still stuck with woefully-inadequate submarine rescue facilities.

For one, there has been no progress on the well over a decade-old project to buy two DSRVs (deep submergence rescue vessels).

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U.S. Navy Puts Off LCS Decision

The long-awaited decision on which Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) design to buy will take a bit longer, the U.S. Navy said Aug. 23 - and that means the announcement of a choice might wait until just before year's end.

Navy leaders have repeatedly assured Congress, industry and the media that a decision would be made before the end of summer.

Although the vacation period generally ends with Labor Day, meteorological summer ends on Sept. 23, the first day of fall, and some observers had thought the decision might be announced between when Congress returns from its summer recess on Sept. 13 and Sept. 23.

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SSBN K-51 Verkhoturye arrived to Zvezdochka for repairs today

Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine K-51 Verkhoturye – Project 667BDRM Delfin lead sub – will arrive to Zvezdochka Ship Repair Center under its own power in the evening of Aug 23.

That information was taken by the Central Navy Portal from unaccredited sources.

The sub will pass the yard repair at Zvezdochka and her service life will be prolonged for 5 years.

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US Coast Guard orders three additional Airbus Military CN235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft

The US Coast Guard has ordered three additional Airbus Military CN235s through EADS-North America, which is the prime contractor for EADS military and defence products sold into the United States.

The US Coast Guard, which holds options for up to six more aircraft over the next four years, is using the CN235s as Maritime Patrol Aircraft, under the designation HC-144A Ocean Sentry.

The contract for the three HC-144As is valued at US $117 million.

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First UCAS Flight Slips To December

The U.S. Navy is slipping first flight of the Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator at least six months to December, says Capt. Jeff Penfield, Navy UCAS program manager.

Navy officials say they still expect to meet the goal set by the chief of naval operations for UCAS to operate from an aircraft carrier in Fiscal 2013, but they need more time to work on the air vehicle/ship interface.

The unexpected complexity of the interface caused the delay. Resolving this issue now is essential, because this piece of UCAS will flow into a successor program called the Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (Uclass) system, and it is likely to set the precedent for future unmanned carrier aviation systems.

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Pentagon pursues productivity growth

The post-Sept. 11 defense spending boom is over. That's the message Defense Secretary Robert Gates sent to Pentagon officials and military contractors this spring when he ordered a "hard, unsparing" review of how the department is staffed, organized and operated.

"The purpose is to significantly reduce our overhead costs in order to free up the resources needed to sustain our force structure, to modernize and to create future combat capabilities," Gates said in June at the Pentagon.

Specifically, Gates wants to find $100 billion in overhead savings over the next five budget cycles, beginning with the 2012 budget, to fund needed equipment and weapons during what is projected to be a period of slowed or flat military spending. "An important part of achieving that goal is working closely with our industry partners and departmental contracting professionals," he said.

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Russia to upgrade its air-defense system with inflatable missiles

The country’s missile system may soon get some fresh air as the Ministry of Defense has set its mind on producing brand new weaponry made of inflatable rubber.

Although an idea to expand the existing military potential with “toy” weaponry may at first sound ridiculous, such warfare may actually become one of Russia’s best purchases.

The new decoys’ likeness to the real ones is so good that from just 100 meters away, they can easily be mistaken.

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Russia may test Bulava missile in first half of September

The first test of the sea-launched ballistic missile Bulava this year may take place in the first half of September, a defense sector official told reporters on Monday.

The state commission is due to meet on September 6. "The launch widow is expected to be open from September 9," the official said.

Russian initially planned to test the state-of-the-art missile in the period from August 11 to August 14.

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Royal Navy 'dangerously weak', says RUSI

The Royal Navy is "dangerously weak" and needs urgent expansion to secure trade routes, a think tank has warned.

The Royal United Services Institute said ships in the current fleet were near the end of their useful life and at least 10 more frigates were needed.

An article in its journal said vessels should be cheaper and more adaptable, rather than expensive and specialist.

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Navy prepares for commissioning of latest nuclear attack submarine

They have worked long and hard for the moment – the moment when Astute becomes HMS Astute, the world's most sophisticated attack submarine.

The crew will be resplendent in their "number one" uniforms and the Band of the Royal Marines will play while as many as 500 family members enjoy the day's formalities.

One crew member is 27-year-old Lieutenant Barry McNally, originally from Scarborough and who now lives in Glasgow.

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US delays missile-zapping laser test for 4th time

An intercept test of a missile-destroying laser aboard a converted Boeing Co 747 aircraft has been postponed for a fourth time because of technical problems, the Pentagon's Missile Defense Agency said.

"Troubleshooting indicates that a hot bypass valve on the aircraft is in an abnormal condition, thus not allowing for proper component cooling," the agency said in a statement on its website. "The team is evaluating the potential causes."

The test involving the Airborne Laser Test Bed was to have taken place Sunday morning off the California coast. A new date for the experiment will be set for the coming week, the announcement said.

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Russia to hold competition to choose new Navy corvette

The Russian Defense Ministry will hold a competition in September to select a new corvette for the Navy to replace the Project 20380 model, a business daily said on Monday, citing sources from the shipbuilding market.

The competition should produce a mobile, fast-moving ship with a helicopter hangar and a distinct modular layout for weapons, Kommersant said.

The Project 20380 corvette is deployed to destroy enemy surface ships, submarines and aircraft, and to provide artillery support for beach landings. It uses stealth technology to reduce the ship's secondary radar field, as well as its acoustic, infrared, magnetic and visual signatures.

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Iran unveils home-built combat drone

Iran unveils its first domestically-manufactured long-range Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in a ceremony marking Defense Industry Day in the country.


The unveiling of the home-made drone, named Karrar took place in the presence of Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and a number of defense officials.

The Karrar UAV is capable of carrying a military payload of rockets to carry out bombing missions against ground targets. It is also capable of flying long distances at a very high speed.

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Russia's next step is delivery of S-300 missiles

An Iranian top parliamentarian Alaeddin Boroujerdi called Russia’s measure over Bushehr nuclear plant fueling “smart” and expressed hope Russia would deliver S-300 missile system to Iran in the text step.

“The measure (loading fuel into Bushehr nuclear plant) is important due to its time, since it came after Americans imposed 1929 resolution as a politically-motivated and illegal action against Iranians and enacted cross-resolution sanctions in America,” the Chairman of Iran’s Parliament National Security and Foreign Policy Commission told ISNA.

“The US also pressed its European allies to take the same measure against Iran, they also put Russia under pressure to prevent loading Bushehr nuclear plant.”

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Russia extends lease on military base in Armenia through 2044

S-300V Site
Russia and Armenia on Friday signed amendments to a 1995 bilateral treaty extending Russia's use of a military base near Armenia's border with Turkey through 2044.

The document was signed by the countries' defense ministers as a result of negotiations between Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan. Medvedev is currently on a state visit to Armenia.

Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov said the term of the 1995 deal on the base in Gyumri, Armenia's second largest city, had been extended from 25 to 49 years.

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Northrop Grumman to Supply High Accuracy Inertial Measurement Units for Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 3A

Northrop Grumman Corporation has been awarded a contract by EADS Defence & Security, through its Military Air Systems business unit, to deliver 88 inertial measurement units (IMU) for Tranche 3A of the Eurofighter Typhoon.

The IMUs, which provide motion data for the aircraft, will be built by the company's German navigation systems subsidiary, Northrop Grumman LITEF, which also provided IMUs for Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 of the aircraft.

"Northrop Grumman's IMU has consistently demonstrated outstanding performance in flight," said Norbert Sandner, director of marketing and sales for Northrop Grumman LITEF.

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Afghan Mi-35's Begins Operations with NATO forces

The Mi-35 Hind E attack helicopter is the Afghan Air Force’s main gunship whose Afghan aircrews have been expertly trained by NATO forces from various countries including Hungary and the Czech Republic.

The adage – crawl, walk, run – is a useful and universal way to describe military training and the Afghan Mi-35 crews are thoroughly in the walking phase as they build their capabilities and confidence to begin taking control of their skies.

U.S. Army Apache helicopter personnel from the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade have begun to assist in combat operations with the Afghan aircrews in order to flesh out the Mi-35’s capabilities.

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New ICBM Killer Could Grow Beyond Aegis

Though the U.S. Missile Defense Agency wants its future SM-3 IIB ICBM-killer to be “compliant” with the Aegis system, the weapon could expand beyond the confines of the Aegis MK41 vertical launcher.

MDA is now in the early stages of planning for a procurement of its new interceptor, which is dubbed SM-3 IIB to emphasize the need to integrate with existing SM-3 systems.

But it is not assumed that SM-3 manufacturer Raytheon will necessarily win the contract to do this work.

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Russia increases diesel submarine production

While most Western navies have been fielding nuclear-powered submarines since the 1960s, diesel-powered models have after significant upgrades become significant naval vessels.

The U.S. shut down its diesel submarine assembly lines in the 1960s since the U.S. Navy went nuclear, but other nations have retained the capacity to construct diesel submarines.

Russia's Admiralteiskiye Verfi shipyard has laid down the keel of a Project 636.3 diesel-powered submarine (Kilo class), intended for the Black Sea Fleet, ITAR-Tass reported Friday.

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Iran test-fires new surface-to-surface missile

Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi said Friday that Iran has test-fired a new surface-to-surface missile, the local English language satellite Press TV reported.

Iran's new surface-to-surface missile, Qiam, has been successfully test-fired, Vahidi said in Friday prayers in Tehran.

"Being a new class of Iranian missiles, Qiam has been equipped with new technical specifications and exceptional tactical powers, " Vahidi was quoted as saying.

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Plan to cut up nuclear submarines and scrap them in Plymouth will go public next year

Plans to cut up and scrap nuclear submarines in Devonport are to be scrutinised by the public next autumn.

The Herald has learnt that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is looking to stage its public consultation next year over the controversial proposals.

The MoD is considering 12 sites for the storage of redundant submarines and just two, including Plymouth, for the more controversial dismantling work. Plymouth already refits, de-fuels and refuels submarines at Devonport Naval Base.

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Russia leases nuclear sub to India

Russia has reportedly leased a nuclear-powered submarine to India.

The RIA Novosti and Interfax news agencies said Friday the Nerpa submarine manned by an Indian crew has sailed to India.

The sub had an accident that killed 20 Russian seamen during sea trials in 2008. Its fire-extinguishing system activated in error, spewing Freon gas that suffocated the victims and injured 21 others.

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Russian Navy helicopter carrier tender to be announced in September

A tender on the purchase of a helicopter carrier for the Russian Navy will be announced in September, Russia's United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) said on Thursday.

Currently Russia is holding talks with France over the purchase of Mistral class ships on a 2+2 scheme, under which Russia will buy one or two French-built Mistrals and build another two under license in Russia.

"We have received an official invitation from the Defense Ministry to take part in the tender for construction of the helicopter carrier under license," USC spokesman Igor Ryabov said.

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An Anglo-French defence pact could counter budget cuts

Sir, With looming defence budget cuts, are we yet seeing past the fixation on the Afghanistan mission and the fixation on big-ticket acquisitions, and a failure to educate the taxpayer on the defence industry’s contribution and economic impact?

Programmes that are unaffordable need to be cut, but decisions made based on a holistic approach to the UK’s security, defence and industry for years to come.

If the money is not there now, where will the money come to pay for the loss of employment, skills, technology leadership and market presence? This alone is a critical threat to the UK, beyond terrorism and access to natural resources.

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UK may axe carriers, Trident safe

Britain may cancel one or both of its planned new aircraft carriers to cut costs but there are no plans to scale back the country's nuclear deterrent, a senior Ministry of Defence source said on Thursday.

The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters Britain's ageing fleet of 106 Tornado fighter planes would be retired by 2020, five years before they are due to leave service.

There were no plans to scale down a new fleet of Trident nuclear missile-carrying submarines, whose 20-billion-pound ($31.27 billion) cost has led to a dispute between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Treasury over who should pay.

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Nod for stealth destroyers to boost Indian Navy strength

The government has given its nod for the acquisition of a new class of stealth destroyers for the Indian Navy that will augment its force levels and replace ageing warships.

The nod for four of the new Project 15 B stealth destroyers was given by the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting on Thursday that also discussed projects for fencing along the International Border.

The four Project 15 B destroyers, which will be fully designed and manufactured indigenously, are estimated to be valued at over Rs 20,000 crore and will be another feather in the cap for Indian shipyards, which have over the past few years reduced dependence on foreign yards to a minimum.

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U.S. Combat Brigade Makes 'Highly Symbolic Exit'

With the last of the U.S. combat brigades out of Iraq, Judy Woodruff discusses the symbolic moment with Margaret Warner, who's reporting from Baghdad.

U.S. rescues 8 Iranian sailors

Sailors from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman rescued eight Iranian mariners in the Arabian Sea on Wednesday, the U.S. Navy said Thursday.

An F/A-18 attack jet spotted the Iranians' burning vessel about 50 miles from the carrier, according to a statement from the Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.

Two helicopters were dispatched to assist the stranded sailors, with a search-and-rescue swimmer dropped into the water for the men.

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Russia's newest nuclear sub starts sea trials

Russia's newest Borey-class strategic nuclear-powered submarine, the Yury Dolgoruky, on Thursday started a series of sea trials in the White Sea, the Sevmash shipyard said.

A Sevmash spokesman said the trials were part of the manufacturer's tests and that depending on their outcome, official testing would begin.

The submarine, a 23-billion ruble ($755 million) project, is expected to be armed with the ill-fated Bulava sea-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).

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Bill must cover nuclear sub

India launched its first indigenous nuclear submarine INS Arihant on July 26, 2009.

Serious nuclear accidents have occurred in the past in submarines during vessel manoeuvres or when they were docked at ports.

As is the case of any first-of-a kind development project, the design, fabrication, and operation of the Indian nuclear submarine reactor involved several technical complexities hitherto mastered by Indian engineers.

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Chinese-Rwandan military ties deepen

China's economic advance in Africa is drawing increased Western attention. Now Beijing is readying to increase its military presence in Africa as well.

Rwanda's minister of defense, Gen. James Kabarebe, met Tuesday with China's ambassador to Rwanda, Sun Shuzhong, the New Times reported on Wednesday.

According to Sun, he discussed military cooperation with Kabarebe, telling journalists that the forces of Rwanda and China are intent on improving existing levels of cooperation in training and logistics.

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Soviet Sub to Be Sunk off San Diego

A Cold-War-era Soviet submarine will soon submerge for the last time, joining the Canadian warship Yukon to become part of a growing artificial reef system off San Diego called “Wreck Alley.”

Soon to Be Sunk—This massive former Soviet Sub dubbed Foxtrot will soon find a new home as part of a growing artificial reef system off the coast of San Diego.

The submarine B-39 Foxtrot, currently on display at the Maritime Museum of San Diego, will end its days by being transferred to California Ships to Reefs, an organization that scuttles surplus ships to become artificial diving and fishing reefs, if all goes according to plan.

The B-39 submarine has been part of the museum’s fleet since 2004.

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Prototype semi-hovership delivered to Commandos

Blighty's elite Royal Marine Commandos have just taken delivery of a prototype semi-aircushion hover assault craft, intended to speed up the amphibious landings of the future.

The Royal Marines already operate normal boats and air-cushion hovercraft, but the new vessel is a Partial Air Cushion Supported CATamaran or PACSCAT.

A PACSCAT has twin hulls like a catamaran, but also has curtains between them at bow and stern not unlike the skirts of a hovercraft.

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India to Export Brahmos Missiles

India will export the Indo-Russian joint venture BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile to friendly countries in consultation with Russia, according to Indian Defence Minister AK Antony.

Antony said that according to the inter-governmental agreement between the two countries, the missile would be inducted into both the armed forces of India and Russia and be exported.

He further said that the missiles being produced met the requirements of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force and export would be taken up only after meeting the requirements of the country.

The two countries have signed an agreement on the missile, which has been approved by the Indo-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission for Military Technical Cooperation.

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U.S. delays anti-missile laser test for third time

A high-profile test of a missile-destroying laser aboard a converted Boeing Co 747 aircraft has been postponed for a third time because of a technical glitch, the Pentagon's Missile Defense Agency said.

The agency cited an unspecified problem with a tracking camera's cooling system. Repairs could not be completed to fit the test window available at a range off the California coast on Tuesday night, it said.

The goal is to shoot down a mock ballistic missile more than 100 miles away, twice the range demonstrated in a maiden test on February 11, using the airborne chemical oxygen iodine laser.

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