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Tuesday, November 30, 2010
E-2D Advanced Hawkeye First Flight
E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. First flight of Delta 1 (first SSD aircraft) St. Augustine, Fl August 3rd 2007.
This program currently staffing positions in Flight Test and Product Support.
Four European states host US nuclear bombs, WikiLeaks reveals
The same document reckoned that another 20 are housed at Volkel Air Base near the town of Uden in southeast of the Netherlands.
The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Turkey have US nuclear weapons situated on their soil, the WikiLeaks whistleblower files have revealed.
The four countries, along with Italy, had long been suspected of being home to a collection of American nuclear armaments, but neither the states nor Nato had ever officially confirmed or denied their presence.
For the first time, the confidential files released on Sunday evening (28 November) have acknowledged what was until now only conjecture, upending decades of careful diplomatic ambiguity.
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The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Turkey have US nuclear weapons situated on their soil, the WikiLeaks whistleblower files have revealed.
The four countries, along with Italy, had long been suspected of being home to a collection of American nuclear armaments, but neither the states nor Nato had ever officially confirmed or denied their presence.
For the first time, the confidential files released on Sunday evening (28 November) have acknowledged what was until now only conjecture, upending decades of careful diplomatic ambiguity.
Read more
Indian MMRCA contract by March 2011: IAF Chief
The Indian contract to buy 126 MMRCA fighter aircraft is expected to be signed by March 2011, the Indian Air Force Chief of Staff, P.V. Naik has been quoted as saying.
In an interview to Vayu Aerospace, a media partner of defenseworld.net, the air force chief said that the likely timeframe for completing various activities before the contract is signed is about 6-8 months, “So, we expect the contract to be signed by March 2011.
From thereon, the induction should begin by mid 2014 onwards".
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In an interview to Vayu Aerospace, a media partner of defenseworld.net, the air force chief said that the likely timeframe for completing various activities before the contract is signed is about 6-8 months, “So, we expect the contract to be signed by March 2011.
From thereon, the induction should begin by mid 2014 onwards".
Read more
BAE Systems awarded £20m contract to increase capability of Italian Tornados
![This is the last major upgrade of Italian Tornados before the out of service date which is currently expected to be before 2030. Tornado GR4](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-QWMxTo7HqecIAzKHEAgFddkXFhIdYiLP5luciSoSJ6ZSr4G6il9ssgo8Hq5asJtP_FF0-bXjdg3WtbsCE-Rx18jMttdlJHqve4xjlxG471POijNUjZ3Kv7u1J4ORaaD8ptN/s144/Tornado_GR4.jpg)
Work will begin next year on the mid life upgrade of the ECR (Electronic Combat/ Reconnaissance) and IDS (Interdictor/Strike) aircraft variants and is expected to be completed in 2015.
BAE Systems involvement in the mid life upgrade includes the design, develop and manufacture kits for twenty-five aircraft and provide support to Alenia to embody the kits onto the aircraft at their Caselle factory in Turin, Italy.
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JSF engine too big for regular transport at sea
![Officials say the aircraft's engine is too large to be transported to sea by normal means. F-35 Lightning II](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTabVDq-Ll0qqOX9xBSEYyqwCYGPTDVeUo0tuan_Y5m4nurJ1jaR8fFxV5i1RP8Ccv7br7GDWtbKFPLl8nP7twSY2wvpO_BJ0LQCi1RfTBrR07BxUSJPR5NQh7XnPhGyS1LCdB/s144/f35testflight.jpg)
Behind the scenes, however, the Navy is struggling to remedy a significant design oversight that poses a major potential hindrance to its ability to successfully deploy and maintain the F-35C Lightning II, the carrier-based variant of the joint strike fighter: Its powerful single engine, when packed for shipping, is too large to be transported to sea by normal means when replacements are required.
“That is a huge challenge that we currently have right now,” said Capt. Chris Kennedy of the JSF Program Office, answering a flier’s question about JSF engine resupply following a public presentation on the state of the program at the 2010 Tailhook Symposium in September in Reno, Nev. He said the program office is working with the Navy staff and carrier systems planners to solve the problem.
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New frigate's spec to be cut
![The Type 26 frigate, due for delivery in the early 2020s, is being developed under the Future Surface Combatant programme. Type 26 frigate](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiGHxg_fLs3EbMPOrI2far0gFSrj2q6RI08eKIKDtbHYWeWJ74yMs4WROH4VP-SgyWwM0HudvXX0Vx_oiafVsGk_2GlJTsnk7pG_bUqGCO_YQ0V2mk1B_9XspR4l-h5peZrsxi/s144/Type%2026.jpg)
The Type 26 frigate, due for delivery in the early 2020s, is being developed under the Future Surface Combatant programme. Its specifications will be lowered partly to save money.
One senior defence ministry source said the cost of a ship will be cut to £250-350 million from about £500m.
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4th-generation strategic nuclear submarine launched in Severodvinsk
![They are designed to become the fundamental component of the marine strategic nuclear forces of Russia. Project 955 Borey nuclear-powered strategic submarine](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBF47IhZWVv6wX6ThtDHOunWQSllAWLVA0WBJGKbGgOs9JiX_GdNuG1AOPj9Pb_2PjiuJ8fxz1UnqDT6p7IawF7PvcTnzmBWcmy0EJzJRHO2B1PlCjhlYEsMszKXOMMe-UEr1/s144/Borei%20class%20submarine.jpeg)
The lead ship – “Yuri Dolgoruky” – is currently being tested.
The Ministry of Defense plans to build a minimum of eight Borei- class missile cruisers.
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First Evaluation Firing of an ASMPA by a Mirage 2000N
![A French air force Mirage 2000N nuclear strike fighter shows off an ASMPA supersonic stand-off missile on its centerline pylon. Mirage 2000N](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TI9A3lse7fol7inbF3pYWyl-Vr2q6rhx3PdFf902M5T-TGWLImYy8BKv18IMEmct30Qa1tQfuIOmpOmOyYEuTAphmZjmKpu_bi8DMCANBN6PiI5rV7GaOdTqiUo_M06Dx-HV/s144/un-mirage-2000n-equipe-de-missiles-asmpa.jpg)
The aircraft’s crew, comprising a pilot and a navigator from the 3/4 “Limousin” fighter squadron, flew a long mission (about 5 hours) during which it flew at different flight profiles: high altitude, several in-flight refuellings from a C135 tanker belonging to the 2/91 “Bretagne” In-Flight Refuelling Group, low-level penetration, terrain following etc.
At the end of these five hours, the crew fired the ASMPA missile (without its nuclear warhead) which followed its intended flight trajectory. Mission accomplished for this initial trial!
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SAAF invests in Oryx
The South African Air Force has awarded Denel Aviation a R390.7 million contract for product support for its fleet of Denel M1 Oryx medium utility helicopters, now thought to number 42.
The type has been in service since May 1989. The deal takes known expenditure on the type to R1.3 billion (R1 298 458 684.74) since 2007.
The Oryx was assembled from kits smuggled into South Africa via Romania and Portugal in violation of a then-mandatory UN arms embargo.
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Monday, November 29, 2010
EADS Sees 2010 Dividend, Possible Increase Later, Euro Says
EADS sees “no problem” to increase the dividend at a later stage if the company meets its growth targets, the newspaper cited Ring as saying.
The company sees a potential to sell as many as 500 of its A400M military transport planes, the newspaper said.
Source
Venezuela Buying 10-12 Chinese Medium-Range Transport Aircraft
![The Y-8 is a medium-size, mid-range transport aircraft with a capacity for carrying 88 passengers and 20 tons of cargo during 7.3 hours of autonomous, uninterrupted flight Shaanxi Y-8](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/3c/Yun_8_-_KJ-2000_-_Chinese_domestic_airborne_warning_and_control_system_%28AWACS%29.jpg/144px-Yun_8_-_KJ-2000_-_Chinese_domestic_airborne_warning_and_control_system_%28AWACS%29.jpg)
“These Y-8s will provide support for the operations of our C-130 Hercules transport planes...that have a range covering South America and to the north of Spain,” Maj. Gen. Jorge Oropeza said Friday.
He said that negotiations for the purchase of the Y-8s are in the hands of the Defense Ministry and it is hoped that these aircraft will be delivered to Venezuela sometime next year.
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Iran May Have Missiles From North Korea, Cables Posted by WikiLeaks Show
![North Korea and Iran have had a decades-long missile relationship and also most likely a nuclear relationship BM25 Musudan](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/93/BM25_Musudan.jpg/144px-BM25_Musudan.jpg)
U.S. officials denounced the release, coming on the eve of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s departure for a security conference in the Persian Gulf, as jeopardizing U.S. ties with foreign governments and endangering individuals. WikiLeaks began posting the cables yesterday.
The 19 North Korean BM-25 missiles, based on a Russian design known as the R-27, might give Iran the “building blocks” for producing long-range missiles, according to a Feb. 24 cable posted on WikiLeaks. The cable didn’t provide specific evidence, according to the Times, which agreed not to publish the document at the Obama administration’s request.
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U.S. Army unit flies new unmanned aircraft in Iraq
![The Gray Eagle is an extended-range, multipurpose unmanned aircraft designed primarily to provide ground commanders a set of ''eyes in the sky.'' MQ-1C Sky Warrior® UAS](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjIze8uJVE7UYSmLrwFvihaHrTAmaFqAX0eCBL0OqY5OV7GG0QnK9U6PI4hd5mKi09nSSBvNa-AdCTmQ-Ef06ISCgs1JysIMHWrCytqkq61Nk-yLKAq7RYest43uK5wFBHDj2/s144/MQ-1C_SkyWarrior.jpg)
The unit, known as Quick Reaction Capability 1-Replacement 1, deployed this June to use the Gray Eagle in combat before the Army fields the aircraft to all of its aviation brigades in the next few years.
It is one of two deployed Army units currently flying the Gray Eagle, and it is the only one using it in Iraq.
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India unhappy as Russia may miss N-sub target
![The Nerpa was initially slated for lease to India in mid-2008. Akula II Class (RS Nerpa - INS Chakra)](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdx68xHqv1T_K_xdrzLpE26TzwRP4TuIwq6hFytHMv-n_bfTzGabzKPmQYnKoOP-ULB65FsZIjWej9j8GeZ71cnXc3Of4yWYeg2DNik7gTb8FQrpCpLNcmKUYxQSoTFI8wgOsy/s144/Akula_II-RS_Nerpa-INS%20Chakra.jpg)
The much-awaited Akula-II class, 8,140 tonne Nerpa attack submarine from Russia, will not meet its year-end schedule of delivery to the Indian Navy.
Sources said the Navy, as of now, has refused to accept the submarine from its Russian counterparts citing inadequate training for its teams to operate the vessel.
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Sunday, November 28, 2010
Russia to choose submarine for new Bulava missile tests by Dec 10
![With a great degree of certainty, we can say that a Bulava missile will be test launched from the Borei-class nuclear-powered undersea cruiser Yury Dolgoruky, which is preparing for tests. A final decision will be made in the first ten days of December. Project 955 Borey nuclear-powered strategic submarine](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBF47IhZWVv6wX6ThtDHOunWQSllAWLVA0WBJGKbGgOs9JiX_GdNuG1AOPj9Pb_2PjiuJ8fxz1UnqDT6p7IawF7PvcTnzmBWcmy0EJzJRHO2B1PlCjhlYEsMszKXOMMe-UEr1/s144/Borei%20class%20submarine.jpeg)
Last time, a Bulava missile was successfully test-fired on October 29 from the Dmitry Donskoi nuclear-powered submarine in the White Sea, hitting a target on the Kura test range in Russia's Far East Kamchatka region some 6,000 kilometers to the east.
It was the second successful firing in a month, coming after a series of embarrassing failures. Now, seven launches of the Bulava missile have been declared successful and their number has equaled the number of the missile's failures.
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Agni-II + launch before December 10
![The coming weeks will see the launch of Prithvi-II, which had inducted into the Services. It can carry nuclear warheads. India's ballistic missiles](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPNt7_tz6fuTWVopxSDarAl6xwQxLSed9uh-QFHp-HXpXSc7nV6FEkXLCmEVeXpwNCSawNuunMPcELQV3u8cejL_IvF5oKnwAqA7R4TcpO66qdozi9L-CrSamBtSghe5X0C97/s144/Prithvi+%2526+Agni+2%252C3%252CSL+r15c-1500pixle.jpg)
The launch will take place from the Wheeler Island, off the Orissa coast, and preparations for it will begin in a few days.
The Agni-II + is a surface-to-surface missile that can carry nuclear warheads. It can strike targets 2,500 km to 3,000 km away.
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India to buy Russian fighter planes: PAKFA
Bharat will be purchasing the PAKFA T-50s, billed as FGFA in Bharat–in the next decade sometime when the plane is ready for production.
Realistically speaking the actual delivery of the planes may begin after 2010.
The T-50s are in the testing phase with at least a few proto-types already developed.
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The Karachi Connection: A scandal too far for Sarkozy?
![The roots of the scandal go back to 1994, when France sold submarines to Pakistan and frigates to Saudi Arabia. Agosta-90B](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtYeFfq4ZtVzlZFtd8yqds7zcESPeH0wzf4w07NGK1QeGRr79DSH_TK4QBU2-RKyFOoUz7XJPW-Gq7NjRdGTdIo47XqF9Ea9hCA7POSbHMlIpNcDjNPs363uxzK_lMDpDeOry/s144/agosta12.jpg)
The president has furiously denied any implication in a web of deals linking a contract to sell submarines to Pakistan, a former prime minister's failed presidential bid and the eventual murder of 11 French engineers.
French voters are wearily accustomed to their leaders being scrutinised for alleged financial shenanigans, but the "Karachi Scandal" has reignited bitter in-fighting on the French right and could yet inflict real political hurt.
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Officer relieved of command over grounded sub
The officer in charge of the British nuclear submarine that ran aground in October has been removed from command, the Ministry of Defence said Saturday.
Andrew Coles had been commanding officer of HMS Astute, which the United Kingdom calls its most powerful attack submarine.
"Commander Coles will continue to serve in the Royal Navy and he will be reappointed to a post where his talents and experience can be used to best effect," a ministry statement said. "A new commanding officer will be appointed as soon as possible."
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Saturday, November 27, 2010
Iran Makes First Mobile Simulator for Home-Made Submarines
![The Iranian Navy unveiled the first sample of its newly produced mobile simulators for its Tareq class submarines. Kilo class submarine](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKiPzRfTd83wskAbOTh8OEJw5I3mk3-Kl__AKnD9XLaqt9q1WSVTSehW1UjIq7TSzAP3pZMs450bQau0CHPuaWlIzq0zhJBWyL9Rn2ZTsu2WfRnpqI9zB774r2ns7Ln7Vnd1D/s144/kilo-class.jpg)
"The simulator has a 3 degree freedom of movement and is used for exercising diving and ascending as well as checking damage to the submarine," he noted.
The commander added that 16 scenarios have been designed and programmed for the simulator, which are now used in the subsurface brigade of the first naval zone.
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Portsmouth to host Ark Royal farewell parade
A farewell parade is to be held in Portsmouth - the home city of axed aircraft carrier Ark Royal - to give the ship and its crew a final send off.
Both the ship and the Harrier jump jets that fly from its deck are being scrapped under budget cuts.
A formation of Harriers made its final journey from the Royal Navy's flagship vessel on Wednesday.
The parade for Ark Royal, which is being taken out of service three years early, will take place on 22 January.
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Joint drills will be far from NLL, military reports
![Experts say warships will remain out of N.Korea’s missile range, but on the West Sea for the first time USS George Washington](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrYOJ02ptmheoABidetCGVc5ehxk5jbrl7yuYc8QoNjkOzn-_mKI00UrccMvmC6P0siIK5IySoZCgE1dqDkgUbehBXgfE5xe04JB_0LZrNGc3LY15TiGkUU5-AwN1TVeiKoRk/s144/USS%20George%20Washington.jpg)
South Korea and the United States have stated that the drills are routine and defensive in nature, but with the drills being held in the middle of the West Sea for the first time, they strongly take on the character of a show of force against North Korea.
“A U.S. carrier has come to the West Sea area before, but that was in the southern part of the West Sea,” said a military official on Friday. “This is the first time a drill will be held further north, in the waters near the islands of Taean, South Chungcheong Province.”
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Saab has received an additional order from Lockheed Martin for further radar enhancement for Canadian Navy Halifax-Class Frigates
![The new modified Sea Giraffe 150 HC will increase the performance in a high clutter environment, such as the littorals, as well as align the radar to the latest generation of Sea Giraffe AMBs. HMCS Ottawa (Halifax class)](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQZbHPnBKfZfldx8hp3MaP-Avf_JhdPL4PAiPCZdQz1LOxX86U8opvy0uW1LWOuTdzHWzIr0PqlRaq5VRUbvOQSHZlaZmOcw5Sp5wL_yS_YyssdpcveNAV9Ybwaz2JozBOM9u/s144/Ottawa_Halifax-class.jpg)
Saab has been a radar provider to the Canadian Navy since the early nineties. The received additional order is a further enhancement and modification of the existing Sea Giraffe 150 HC, and will secure a high level of operational availability as well as new and improved functions of the radar for years to come.
”We are very pleased that Lockheed Martin Canada and the Canadian Navy have selected Saab’s radar for this modernization program”, says Micael Johansson, Senior Vice President and Head of Saab’s Business area Electronic Defence Systems.
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Friday, November 26, 2010
Russian Navy to adopt Bulava missile after several successful tests
Military analysts say the Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile will become the mainstay of Russia’s naval strategic nuclear force in the 21st century.
Designers at the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology, the program’s contractor, said the missile will have a range of up to 8,000 km and will carry six to ten hypersonic maneuvering nuclear warheads capable of changing their flight trajectory.
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Bergen Group Awarded Contract for Frigate Maintenance
![The main routine of HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen requires extensive cooperation between Bergen Group Laksevåg and technical personnel from the Navy. HNOMS Fridtjof Nansen](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMHt_X5LAKMNV-3xmIqJ0T7Fz6P3jKA2QKgHbDNy_wPLAdL7h4wv9E8e2QI1c9Q76183Pr-yRKBXaVk3l63cqdWjTQECwM6Zf-47__dMceH0TzOrGIxa-inwhm1j69Ep0MW1u/s144/KNM_Fridtjof_Nansen-2006-06-01-side.jpg)
The contract has a total estimated value of NOK 65 million, and the work will be carried out during the period December 2010 to August 2011.
The project involves the planning, coordination and execution of scheduled maintenance, corrective maintenance and other additional works.
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Europe’s first ever ballistic missile intercept declared a success
![This firing deployed the Aster 30 Block 1 missile variant developed for the French Air Force’s Mamba medium range air defence system Aster 30 - SAMP/T air defence missile system](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW05jW8IJ3ZHXXpQXdS_-2D8aV2xVLhNMn-bU9NDVqEIYARgCEu-vH6SOkvs7uR2bP_PzfeE7_X5LMi_RJHiaOAIbJR0C6i2GK2w6GQq5kdhbsjIFlfkakZGMAjJ22jrOML1SR/s144/Aster_SAMPT.jpg)
The target used for the firing was representative of a medium-range ballistic missile.
All the successive phases of the operational engagement of a ballistic missile ran nominally: target designation transmission to the SAMP/T firing control system, target acquisition by the ARABEL radar, engagement sequence and firing decision, ASTER missile flight sequence and guidance through to target interception. The target was intercepted at the intended range.
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N.Korea 'to Test-Fire Medium-Range Ballistic Missile'
![Intermediate-range ballistic missiles are seen during a massive military parade celebrating the 65th anniversary of North Korea's Workers Party at Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang on Oct. 10. Intermediate-range ballistic missiles](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhPRYrm_eXVF7VDw2bvyPzzYQaUhUMP4465AfqT6_PqIb0PUkXtM4THGlyKzs30j0_t_6e3jGt-a2YYn1jblFDQwFCJ9k2wtdObvhiQvypbrlmj-sdfBeWWAphXugrIE9I-1W/s144/missiles.jpg)
North Korea is preparing to test-fire a ballistic missile with a range of 3,000 km in a few months, the Sankei Shimbun claimed Thursday.
The daily quoted a source familiar with Korean affairs as saying the North Korean regime unveiled eight new missiles during a military parade to mark the 65th founding anniversary of the Workers Party on Oct. 10.
If the regime is to install a nuclear warhead on a missile, the missile, dubbed Musudan, will highly likely be the first candidate.
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Powerful Su-25 strike aircraft to stage triumphant comeback?
The Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant (UUAZ) in Eastern Siberia could resume production of Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot strike aircraft on orders from the Russian Defense Ministry and the United Aircraft Building Corporation.
How likely is the country's Defense Ministry to purchase them? What are their strengths and where could they be used
A real order or wishful thinking?
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SAAF maintaining IRIS-T arsenal
![The infra-red guided IRIS-T was acquired as an interim weapon for Gripen of which the SAAF now have nine two-seat examples and six single-seaters. AIM-2000 IRIS-T (Infra Red Imaging System Tail/Thrust Vector-Controlled)](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3b/IRIS-T_air-to-air-missile.jpg/144px-IRIS-T_air-to-air-missile.jpg)
It last week awarded Diehl BGT Defence a R42 600 order for the “purging of missiles” and the rental of gas filling equipment, taking known expenditure on the interim fifth generation SRAAM to R102 445 683.45.
The infra-red guided IRIS-T was acquired as an interim weapon for Gripen of which the SAAF now have nine two-seat examples and six single-seaters.
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Defence buying needs greater scrutiny, say MPs
Defence contracts must be better scrutinised to prevent "serious blunders" in government purchasing, a cross-party committee of MPs has said.
The Treasury Select Committee urged the coalition to improve "interaction" between departments over procurement.
It added that ministers should learn lessons from Labour's contract for two aircraft carriers, which would have cost more to cancel than implement.
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IDF stronger than ever
![This year and next year, we’ll be receiving two more German-made Dolphin submarines, which together with the Israeli technological developments installed in them are no doubt among the world’s most advanced subs. Dolphin class](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyK5E09g0QyM2UAhtVmaSRh-xGr8SJezdu6-UaqsDe79ism0Kf33bxYTDWLbhTYz_thPc-GGKrXsGk7ZS37slWJ5mMkXVxP0Sdh_VCAeMp9aOGDOIWGEnPU_L-BYnj3xJM5QIy/s144/dolphin.jpg)
Indeed, at this time Israel is creating strategic military advantage that is unprecedented in the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
A series of innovations at sea, in the air and on the ground that the enemy does not possess – and will not possess – is completely changing the balance of power in the Middle East.
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Thursday, November 25, 2010
Northrop Grumman-Built Arlington (LPD 24) Launched at the Company's Pascagoula Facility; Ship Named to Honor Victims of 9/11 Attack
![LPD 24 is the third U.S. Navy ship to bear the name Arlington. LPD-17 class](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOccM1aMMWT00mbhMx2ooMLmGCngqekYBeqdHiHRkPXG6IAgEXBRPjI6jzgs6Ji918Xz6phC25XMTlUmV7NU3bIq8G4Y7MBcyfzzoHGwrOtd3gDqtL7oqmuXy5Gxxsl5dqXU5S/s144/LPD-17.jpg)
LPD 24 is the eighth ship of the USS San Antonio (LPD 17) class of ships being built at the Gulf Coast facilities.
"This is a top-quality warship and our shipbuilding team has done an outstanding job of meeting their commitments to one of the most important milestones in the life of any ship," said Doug Lounsberry, LPD 17 program manager, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding.
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Aurora Flight Sciences Rolls Out Orion UAS
![The Orion vehicle rolled out today will be the first to be flight-tested to demonstrate endurance flights of 120 hours. Orion unmanned aerial system](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHy052AAyosOhwZKpR3wfSl0HfuWqQJULzLv1qICFRUM08BOoP9MmHVLkPwshLo_-j-Lc6q8ZFSEmOcYZ1lOJuQGrDpqt2VtJTAIv4lgq6Y-c0Yuulx_78v7_4gHzEWLTwMxp/s144/apr-266.jpg)
Orion was selected by the US Air Force Research Laboratory in late August to meet the objectives of the Medium Altitude Global ISR and Communications (MAGIC) Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD).
“Orion was developed under the MAGIC JCTD program to meet CENTCOM’s urgent operational need and deliver this capability rapidly to our nation’s war fighters,” said Aurora CEO John Langford at today’s ceremony.
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India test-fires nuclear-capable Agni-I missile
![Agni-I has a strike range of 700-900 kms. Road Mobile Launcher for Agni l](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnB3QkD6q605wTDAT78d73suBOndZ6DV4HqXlXc2O390ZE3Pkru0Dohp5tXtL1OUfiqhRgapZgL5KC4xmaEMSyhBsrMbmDLJ_KtEJe0iCQjdwrbPWrmH0y7t2sL4XlDyo8HAg/s144/agni-i.jpg)
The missile with better re-entry technology and manoeuvrability was fired by the armed forces from a mobile launcher at the launching complex - IV of the Integrated Test Range in Wheeler's Island at about 10.10am.
"The result of the test-firing was not immediately known. However, the flight was made for user's trail and it has met all the mission objectives. The test was to reconfirm the technical parameters set for the user associated launch," a defence official said.
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Electronic warfare suite developed for MiG-27
![Similarly, we’ll integrate EW systems with MiG-29 fighters and Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) by 2011. MiG-27 Flogger](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrdwDZsMzgnActdzpJC6wYGWHV3HqBdLJ1vmmcYPn3z_ivZAsIGSr-4GW97s-QWCvxvFHgJ2gU-tnoKMjFZZhnQlEZW_3dc6YrhT8PMaWN-pCv2_T6wE_MysGMbPvEbUWq8JT/s144/mig-27.jpg)
The sophisticated version of MiG-27 fighters will be operational by 2011.
Announcing the latest achievement in the country’s defence warfare capabilities, Dr Prahlada, chief controller, R&D (Ae&SI) of DRDO, speaking on the sidelines of the India National Electronic Warfare Workshop (EWWI-2010) in the city, said the technical know-how would bring India on par with the rest of the world.
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Pakistan to receive first ZDK-03 AEW&C aircraft
Pakistan will receive the first of four Shaanxi ZDK-03 airborne early warning and control system aircraft by the end of January 2011.
The other three aircraft are likely to arrive later in the year, says the Pakistan air force.
"The ZDK-03s have been developed to our specifications," says the air force. "It won't be an E-3C Sentry, but it will have the latest electronics and everything an AEW&C aircraft needs."
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Scrapping of Harrier jump jet is 'short sighted'
![Replacing the jump jets with Tornadoes, which are larger and cannot use carriers, makes no sense financially and could compromise the security of the Falkland Islands, he said. Sea Harrier](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusS9SD8ljCmN39YBNIOMLHLCdveohgGFncEfBjmXIIPpqHW_pTLMJnNHyT3zzwI0qEKVhaPnw6lhUy8Drc0UG41zp4F1ZJJEh5CekobOLBtiqtc9mjikM2tZUPYiE-EtiSgoY/s144/sea%20harrier.jpg)
In a letter to The Times, Lord West said that to fail to support the USA – which yesterday dispatched one of its aircraft carriers to the Korean peninsula – would be a "mistake".
For Britain to do the same would represent "the sort of commitment an ally such as the United States requires", he wrote.
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Netherlands threatened by Dutch weapons?
![Frank Slijper from the Dutch organisation Campaign against the Weapons Trade (Campagne tegen Wapenhandel), says the Dutch government is violating its own guidelines Frank Slijper](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxR4kajgh51pujf-GrAgXiC0ywADESkTQ-yxT4P0Ec6M1xWC7pc7BQuXOD9bqOgDIOug8XxbqJQ8feBMwTifFZMGVQbk1P92GsqH8NH8B4EO6y-itE-Gcw5nTv1qE29ZcOQbM8/s144/frank_slijper.jpg)
This is a nightmare scenario that Dutch military planners must nonetheless take into account, given Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez's repeated threats over the last two years. Political leaders on the three islands downplay the threat, but Venezuela looms large, literally and figuratively, on the three islands. The closest, Aruba, lies just 27 kilometres off Venezuela's coast.
At the same time, the Dutch branch of a multinational company is equipping the Venezuelan navy with combat management systems and other guidance systems.
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Afghan Defense Ministry wants modern warplanes, tanks, missiles
![The Afghan forces have recently taken delivery of new Russian-built Mi-17 helicopters, and small arms and ammunition. Mi-17 Hip](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOnD3Vik3IOlyd7QqABE6XeiIG_pKlX4JVQ0zdbhY_4P3smNUuJckBgNMFmUz3fuyAk3WKSK0HaB4bgmzv4WGoZ2ALKtzH4LmNvXIlWQv8fLU2adfldeWiSwT4ZPj_jsW7QKC/s144/Mi-17%20Hip.jpg)
NATO has pledged to hand over responsibility for security in Afghanistan to Afghans by the end of 2014, but also vowed not to leave the country to face the Taliban threat alone.
"The security situation in Afghanistan, the tense situation in the region necessitates the fight with terrorism, as well as close cooperation with the NATO forces. The Afghan military must have modern technologies in its arsenal," he said.
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BAE Systems Delivers Hornets Ahead Of Schedule
![Even though we have carried out the work ahead of schedule, we have not compromised the safety of our personnel or airworthiness F-18 Super Hornet](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_D6VezdGTtnAT7rNUddq-wBQzxNKsGKtFGl8jLaXzDEDM7blSi85XJjzUI0BtOOI3GLijrV3MoXyy-3GfmVfqFMJR6OV0vza63CeaL59PKF_UB2BLjjwdzto4rAPr_x_Is-O/s144/F-18%20Super%20Hornet.jpg)
The BAE Systems Australia Fast Jet Support maintenance team and partner L-3 MAS Canada delivered the first Hornet three working days ahead of schedule, followed by the second Hornet being delivered ten working days early at its Williamtown facility.
The Company, in co-operation with the DMO’s Tactical Fighter Systems Program Office, is implementing the Smart Maintenance concept as part of Defence’s Strategic Reform Program (SRP).
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Rheinmetall and Sikorsky present Cyclone naval helicopter
![Tried-and-test technology to replace the German Navy's Sea Kings CH-148 Cyclone Maritime Helicopter](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjJhA-iTMvvrDraco8jV8gkoqeCPGDYJtDJU-x4A9zQCmhO4ZGSfMWD_Qx9Nu1rcYe9lGw3O2ASuxtGOu2Euts5HTP9Kj6cU5SU1IS-8hXgca75HuNQ6pEeaL8Y_u9oj8hhXE/s144/CH-148%20Cyclone%20Maritime%20Helicopter.jpg)
With a view to the German Navy's planned procurement of thirty multi-role naval helicopters to replace its current Sea King systems, the companies have joined forces with additional partners in a pioneering alliance.
With spare parts for the Sea King increasingly hard to come by and levels of operational readiness for remaining aircraft no longer adequate, the Germany Navy's requirement for new systems is deemed to be urgent.
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Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Russia returned it's debt to Slovenia with a patrol ship
![Newbuilding TRIGLAV (Project 10412 class patrol boats ) from Almaz shipyard ( hull 043 ) in Sankt Peterburg, Russia approaching home port Koper, Slovenia for the first time.
Triglav (Project 10412)](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyO4BtgIXOkvXCxtsWBgHe0z8m06YsV-bIlYjKcjrpC0iGaVlX_dotU6_iU4hzzBE40GkrsJa9hWvNOkQvFWIuXzMnoKnB1P_ayAKH86f7XOzvF17_9RyutS8YkxHmweBPDj-/s144/Triglav.jpg)
As a part of the slovenian fleet, the ship named "Triglav", in honor of the highest point of this Balkan state, will protect the 43-kilometer coastline of the country.
"With this ship Slovenia proves it's maritime power", — declared Ljubica Elushich, the defence minister.
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Raytheon's Rolling Airframe Missile Block 2 Completes Key Flight Test
![The Block 2 upgrade includes a four-axis independent control actuator system and a redesigned rocket motor. Rolling Airframe Missile Block 2](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKaqrhZbsO_mMOWb2ygVFelHdbBhY-H4MxnnKSu4R5hColMAW3-kdsY57q9rhap2ZEy9ckAKYuqPCRCs-ITWUY57lnC8OW2I_sSGRX9l8-hu5C-VtAn3EU8KvrzeK8XCXX99-/s144/RAM2.jpg)
The test also focused on RAM's rocket motor, airframe, control section and autopilot software, which will be used to evolve and improve the accuracy and fidelity of future simulations.
Raytheon will build 25 Block 2 missiles during the design and development test period. The company expects a low rate initial production contract to follow.
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US Air Force concerned about F-35 delivery delay
![Software appears to be a potential pacing item here and that has me concerned in terms of deliveries F-35 Lightning II](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTabVDq-Ll0qqOX9xBSEYyqwCYGPTDVeUo0tuan_Y5m4nurJ1jaR8fFxV5i1RP8Ccv7br7GDWtbKFPLl8nP7twSY2wvpO_BJ0LQCi1RfTBrR07BxUSJPR5NQh7XnPhGyS1LCdB/s144/f35testflight.jpg)
General Norton Schwartz said the Air Force variant of the Lockheed Martin Corp fighter jet was doing better in testing and development than the Navy and Marine Corps' versions, but it was not clear whether software issues would delay the start of their use in combat.
Vice Admiral David Venlet, the defense official in charge of the F-35 program, briefed Pentagon acquisition chief Ashton Carter and other senior defense officials at a three-hour meeting on Monday about the preliminary findings of his months-long comprehensive review of the program.
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Thailand signs for more Gripen fighters, anti-ship missiles
![The company will deliver the new batch of single-seat Gripens in 2013 and upgrade the Erieye surveillance radar-equipped Saab 340. JAS-39 Gripen](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOK_2uEAvmHd44OuYEy9V-Ll_utPC_CFL4MS3V9Q9KW7ZKIm5wLPfKU0SZoX0NoiYxaOvuLc2XZpd8yh7VOgYW2OWppZXIxJXhFaoiSz9UciMz6eoLFStbD_p_8vATOGAllKR/s144/JAS-39_Gripen_landing.jpg)
A new agreement covering the supply of six more Gripen Cs and a second Saab 340-based airborne early warning and control system aircraft was secured in Stockholm on 23 November.
It was signed by Royal Thai Air Force commander in chief Air Chief Marshal Itthaporn Subhawong and Gunnar Holmgren, director general of Sweden's Defence Materiel Administration (FMV).
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South Korea, U.S. to start joint naval drill in Yellow Sea on Sunday
![About five South Korean vessels, including two 4,500-ton destroyers, and anti-submarine aircraft will participate in the forthcoming drill. KDX-2 Class Destroyer](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95TgRMNxAhZ5Cs5SPZ4tH8yPXQzoEJb250NCzgCv4XL6WuFlEX-PIIkuwIJe_JrwFaVxmZQuud5Ufqz7VOljqAzDVbm4cPBol8AIu4ut7sffMVjyggQ2s74fyv0vT5o1LuS1V/s144/kdx-2.jpg)
"The USS George Washington carrier strike group will join Republic of Korea naval forces in the waters west of the Korean Peninsula from Nov. 28 to Dec. 1 to conduct the next exercise," the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) said in a statement.
While the four-day exercise had been planned well before the North's "unprovoked artillery attack, it demonstrates the strength of the ROK-U.S. alliance and our commitment to regional stability through deterrence," the USFK said in the statement.
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Cyclone helicopters delayed for third time; Ottawa warns it may issue fines
![The federal government originally ordered 28 of the Cyclones in 2004 with a delivery date of November 2008 CH-148 Cyclone Maritime Helicopter](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjJhA-iTMvvrDraco8jV8gkoqeCPGDYJtDJU-x4A9zQCmhO4ZGSfMWD_Qx9Nu1rcYe9lGw3O2ASuxtGOu2Euts5HTP9Kj6cU5SU1IS-8hXgca75HuNQ6pEeaL8Y_u9oj8hhXE/s144/CH-148%20Cyclone%20Maritime%20Helicopter.jpg)
A spokeswoman for Public Works Minister Rona Ambrose says U.S.-based Sikorsky has informed the federal government it won't meet a Nov. 30 deadline for delivery of early versions of the Cyclone helicopters used for testing and evaluation.
Rebecca Thompson said Sikorsky considers the delay "excusable" under its contract but Public Works will determine if any penalties should be applied. Thompson said if Ottawa rejects Sikorsky's argument, the department could implement a fine of $45,000 a day, up to a maximum of 120 days, the delivery of the choppers is late.
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Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Arms scandal threatens to undermine Sarkozy re-election bid
![Mr Sarkozy has faced attacks from both the centre-right and Socialists Nicolas Sarkozy](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBLK-_cGaT61dP_XZx_lHJfcT1rEhxslHOJ4oZ3jgwmIMduEQdRyA9_0W58Qpm6lQD-wB8iI4KjBxH_D_JmK4cbEiJSEtXuCGEuzAwfQvTkYMlYoAnapgDlJtpLMzI8opgR5SlA/s144/Nicolas%20Sarkozy.jpg)
During a recent search of files held by France's tax department, the judge investigating the case appears to have found "extremely interesting" documents detailing a system of kickbacks related to the 1994 sale of French submarines to Pakistan, reports Le Parisian daily newspaper on Tuesday (23 November).
Investigators are seeking to verify whether money surrounding the sale was illegally channelled back to the presidential campaign of Edouard Balladur, the then prime minister.
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North Korea shells southern island, no fatalities yet
North Korea fired roughly 200 artillery shells into Yeonpyeong Island and the South Korean Navy directly returned fire after 2:34 p.m. today.
The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that multiple buildings on the island were destroyed by North Korean shells.
No fatalities have been confirmed by the military, but four soldiers were wounded on the island as well as two civilians. Soldiers are being taken to hospital.
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Boeing Phantom Ray Completes Low-speed Taxi Tests
![Phantom Ray is designed to support potential missions that may include intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; suppression of enemy air defenses; electronic attack; strike; and autonomous aerial refueling. Phantom Ray UAS](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJANNBWCqEp7kiNU8b6OjTc6Dj3bbaAD-ptN5DjUhqv9pV_kGCC9kKAgJFWVjw5GiQngDOnyLykbZLJ-NyLnAjvfKsqVhpjOUx8LqqPr6VojBi9_cyZlpAU9uQms3pWEOaU67Y/s144/x-45c.jpg)
"Phantom Ray did exactly what it was supposed to do," said Craig Brown, Phantom Ray program manager for Boeing.
"It communicated with the ground control station, received its orders and made its way down the runway multiple times, allowing us to assess its performance and monitor the advanced systems on board."
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Second prototype fifth-generation fighter to fly before yearend
Flight trials of the second prototype of Sukhoi's fifth-generation T-50 fighter aircraft are due before the end of the year, Sukhoi holding CEO Mikhail Pogosyan said on Monday.
The first prototype of the aircraft made its maiden flight in late January and has conducted 40 in total, Pogosyan said.
"The flight trial program is moving ahead faster than we expected," Pogosyan said.
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Telephonics Corporation to Supply Aft Radar for India’s P-8i Maritime Patrol Aircraft
![The Telephonics APS-143C(V)3 has become the performance standard in maritime patrol aircraft and multi-mission maritime helicopters. P-8A Poseidon](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEpTy6hI-qavjyo9CzXwD5XPMLzGmiGjlk5aGV5H3IwKz-5_94Yuh-YUSjkAMxHDN1sBOXX6MY7Itrx8sobwPhJkzY7WLTC9tsNYJqM3Gad1aED7F1n6wuvo68-4CAWJH2gTu/s144/p-8a%20poseidon.jpg)
The contract includes systems for (8) P-8i Aft Radar installations integration and support services.
“We are very pleased to have been selected for this important program”, said Kevin McSweeney, President of the Radar Systems Division.
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Succesfull launch of the Netherland's second Patrol Vessel "Zeeland"
![The four new patrol ships have a broad integrated package of sensors. Holland Class vessel](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg754VBZjb551IAGtRbq79gZneGS3pB35FZVKQqx5dytSUBLHcaMzApfdrDPZes8Ay5Ftah_Ew7Z-he3vi3ZYZNFpVyc5EAPKves1sMYBSRgQ8nDhqJlIcFjkk4Zjt6YW5V759JUQ/s144/opv_1.jpg)
The ceremony took place on November 20 at the Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding in Vlissingen.
This is the third naming ceremony of the Holland Class vessels. The "Holland" and the "Friesland" were launched earlier this year. Next year, the last ship in the series will be named "Groningen".
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HMS Vigilant LOP(R) achieves major milestone with successful completion refuelling
![The refuelling of HMS Vigilant was successfully completed on Friday 19 November. Vanguard-class](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBADysF6VAiILVD5QwvxoXZbVAuBK2oy2sQcXegAobA3UBijKlvNCw6ErTpD8-ETVycg-OdG6vrtv76l9STr_5rIQ4Z0XtZ-tcGuqqUYP0LVVqdE9FqhvDv8bkXhHlOdP6bOxh/s144/rn_vanguard_sub.jpg)
The refuelling of a nuclear submarine takes around seven months, from removing the reactor head to access the fuel modules to replacing the reactor head when refuelling is complete, and involves nearly 100 highly trained and experienced refuellers.
The extremely complex and demanding procedure is carried out to the most rigorous of safety standards.
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Cassidian supplies innovative high-performance radar for German F125 frigates
![Cassidian, the recently renamed defence and security division of EADS, is equipping the German Navy’s new F125 stabilisation frigates with their newly developed TRS-4D/NR radar Baden-Wurttemberg (F125) class frigate](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYfcankTuHQCFSU9zVyf09J22L3hy9UC86r4zzS32oHJjiqot_SQSJBsmpxyvN0_3ZW61kiJCp4iMEdndR_BuirQyWTI7WJn415cjNi3K4MSLlN2HPNaVrUBHoleGYuVBGzAJ/s144/f125.jpg)
Cassidian has received an order for four naval radars and one land-based system from Blohm & Voss Naval GmbH, in Hamburg, Germany.
“Maintaining safety at sea and the protection of our ships requires high-performance sensors which can always guarantee an ideal overview of the situation,” explains Bernd Wenzler, CEO of Cassidian Electronics.
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US crewless, automated ghost-frigate project takes shape
![Roboship gets Mars Rover AI, Blondie acoustics expertise ACTUV project](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBL5Kz_jZDDYvSZKF8LmEsJzOGhfbyW_NNKv2nrBOx-yVQ8f7GIZYKVl2mr19JSrri39oYYH6oPJ1TzyQtdm0n3u7POulHHYQpe9E3RG5G3WLact_0kynPiwBl7KgfNg2kONb/s144/actuv_concept.jpg)
We reported on the ACTUV (Anti-submarine warfare Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel) scheme back in February when it was announced.
In essence the idea was to nullify the menace of cheap, very silent diesel-electric submarines - considered a serious problem by many in the major Western navies.
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Monday, November 22, 2010
Navy submarine fleet on the prowl off the coast of Western Australia
![HMAS Dechaineux has returned to duty after an incident with a civilian tug boat which damaged her propeller earlier this month. Collins class submarine](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7U9MFX2yj3KBPXbADEEnQIRDsS5d-9DPVxqUcP56UqRIl4hX5eY1zHfxXKUehfRLxKqB7iCCEEcuCOtG9HgKBpKW5k2vLLMOlikzBIws-n__ZMY8S-1SNpcDqgs1s6hU89NyM/s144/Collins_Class_Sub_Masts.jpg)
ASWEX is an important exercise in the Royal Australian Navy’s annual calendar, bringing together frigates, replenishment ships, Navy aircraft and submarines as well as aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force.
HMAS Collins had been visiting the east coast of Australia but has returned to her home port to participate in ASWEX. Collins steamed over 10,400 nautical miles around Australia, with port visits in five states and territories. She also qualified 20 new submariners and had 17 sailors complete professional development qualifications.
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First battery live-firing of SAF's HIMARS
![The US's support for Exercise Daring Warrior is a reflection of the long-standing and excellent defence ties between Singapore and the US. HIMARS](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafqld673YC6m8R3K4PjsyqJWauCU4F4PFhrvggXlHx-PJwVhOVYEFPukYKmLW4gR-ufqYauANppHds44dtTqbiq4J-3kh330sNDo8Xmy7cvZtfelizhlxKmSIRhyphenhyphenkK8eR4-Hn/s144/himars_firing.jpg)
The battery live-firing is the first to involve the SAF's HIMARS since it took delivery of the system in July.
Some 170 personnel from the 23rd Battalion, Singapore Artillery participated in the exercise - codenamed Daring Warrior - held from 10 to 21 Nov.
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AH-1 Cobra retirement program at Fort Drum ends; final four helicopters head to Thailand
![The last four refurbished helicopters head to the Royal Thai Air Force this winter, officially ending the Army's Cobra retirement program. AH-1 Cobra Attack Helicopter](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNF2hP2UAyxsNfEDpz_Up2cITfidfWIXwQwmVxq3TNjrguoWuqc4a7CEVhiVokRmMPi0176gDVEgaXmKMFFE5WX1zUIza-unbxEqMLGh-nHnPmlN2aG-oC4XrWtwwMHpKTzRvH/s144/ah-1%20cobra.jpg)
About 10 years ago, every Cobra in the U.S. fleet began arriving at Fort Drum to be retired through the post's Foreign Military Sales shop near Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield.
Some were gutted for parts and used as military training apparatus; most were refurbished here and sold to military customers overseas.
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New Syrian, Hizballah's guided missiles defy Israel's aerial supremacy
![Hizballah and Syria have been furnished by Iran with the means for fighting a new, far more comprehensive war. Fateh-110](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xuI_BBiiDv-A7a6OcwAluDVZna4fPa0euuM5NaVmuQ_mMDNuoS1N1i13Q69uPXI5Gw2JEeHWprLZhCPyexUGanzV4Ng3bvzLt4qDxE2LKeI-W9-SFjhuYH2xq8OkutHwougR/s144/Fateh%20110.jpg)
debkafile's military sources report: Syria and Hizballah now possess thousands of surface missiles from Iran with enhanced ranges of up to 300 kilometers and they are being outfitted by Iranian engineers with guidance systems.
The new guided Fateh-110, M-600 and Scud D missiles hardware can pinpoint any part of Israel within a 10-meter radius in defiance of Israel's aerial and anti-missile capabilities, say Israeli and Western missile experts.
Read more
China’s military prowess on full display at air show
While China’s military planning has usually been kept under wraps, this show contained details on how it could counter an aircraft carrier.
Efforts by the Chinese military to modernize its aerospace capabilities were on full display at the eighth China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition that concluded in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, China, yesterday, with no less than 25 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) on display.
According to a report in Defense News, three Chinese companies — ASN Technology Group, China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp (CASIC) and China Aerospace Science Technology Corp (CASC) — produced the majority of the UAVs unveiled at the show.
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Smith confident of fighter jets delivery
![Media leaks in the US say the report predicts a further three-year delay in the program and a $US5 billion ($A5.07 billion) cost blowout. F-35 Lightning II](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTabVDq-Ll0qqOX9xBSEYyqwCYGPTDVeUo0tuan_Y5m4nurJ1jaR8fFxV5i1RP8Ccv7br7GDWtbKFPLl8nP7twSY2wvpO_BJ0LQCi1RfTBrR07BxUSJPR5NQh7XnPhGyS1LCdB/s144/f35testflight.jpg)
Mr Smith said Australia had committed to buying 14 aircraft - all of which are the conventional takeoff and landing variant which had experienced few problems.
In contrast, the other two variants, the aircraft carrier version and the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) versions have experienced considerable development problems and delays.
Read more
Brazilian navy plans a fleet of 20 subs, six nuclear powered
![President Lula da Silva launched an ambitious program to update and equip the three services, particularly the navy. Brazil Nuclear Submarine](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8BhxHNY5L90yGpNw3kD3VyGrDjLNYXkkjdQMT2Jr_lPzFuvbv__ykBn-7xqEVRlok16PRZaZWzJxURyrAqtERLM5CbZSERLgqpZqpO9MO-QSYoda6jlfDe1UQQDGgMC3l9MbQQ/s144/BrazilNucPursuit.jpg)
The navy’s three decade procurement plan and its program to develop submarines estimates the cost of building the first nuclear powered submarine in 2 billion Euros which already have been earmarked.
The first is always the dearest because of technology transfer and other capacities costs that must be paid to the French DCNS shipyard. However the costs of the following subs to be built in Brazil are estimated by the Brazilian Navy in 550 million US dollars.
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Sunday, November 21, 2010
Iran Tests Anti-Cruise Tor-M1 Air Defense System
Iran's air defense unit has conducted successful tests of different anti-aircraft defense systems, including the anti-cruise Tor-M1 missile system, during the nationwide air drills this week, a senior commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced on Saturday.
"During the wargames, other optimized and upgraded weapons for targeting Cruise missiles as well as Tor-M1 and heavy fire power artillery systems have been test-fired and assessed," one of the commanders of IRGC Aerospace Force General Ezatollah Beigi told FNA.
The Tor-M1 is a short range, mobile air defense system intended for engagement of fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, UAVs, and cruise missiles flying between medium and very low altitudes even in severe countermeasures environments.
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Chengdu J-10 Next Variant Developing
![Included as part of the J-10B’s configuration is an entirely new design for the engine inlet, which has changed from the rectangular configuration developed for the AL-31FN to an oval-shaped inlet J-10AB](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEineSpsRKILZ_JkXEN-oWD2398pdutZ5h5-7bAkmPH3sCnTUynLvJefKgbVPidXXGCL2DvNXMtdMT_CDMkVoaj_h-Q6uXf8y-cmpF5zBrYBqYsslNuTusxdCyKThrKcmmnJqqA0/s144/j10ab.jpg)
In the intervening two years, the program has made notable progress.
The J-10’s evolution mirrors that of another famous single-engine fighter aircraft, the Lockheed Martin F-16 in more than one respect.
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I believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law.
If you wish to use this copyrighted material for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use,' you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.
This is a completely non-commercial site for private personal use. No fee is charged, and no money is made off of the operation of this site.