Pentagon wants $350b nuclear upgrade to deter aggressive Russia, China

The Pentagon is asking for $350 billion to upgrade its nuclear deterrent capability to handle growing aggression from Russia.

“Russia and U.S. cooperation has ground to a halt,” retired Navy Admiral William Fallon told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday. Updating aged nuclear deterrent capabilities, he said, “should be a top consideration.”

Fallon, who retired in 2008 after commanding U.S. Central Command, is part of a week-long visit by defense leaders to Congress to push funding for the Pentagon before the federal budget is released next week. With both wars winding down, defense officials are seeking funding for initiatives that have been pushed back.

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Malaysia Eyes Submarine Base Expansion Near South China Sea

RMN Kota Kinabalu
On January 25, Malaysian defense minister Hishammuddin Hussein announced that Malaysia would look to equip its naval base close to the South China Sea with an air defense system.

Hishammuddin made the announcement during a visit to the base, known as the RMN Kota Kinabalu, as part of a three-day working trip to the country’s east to examine its military preparedness. He said that the base required an advanced air defense system to ensure its protection.

The need to enhance the base’s defenses is understandable. The RMN Kota Kinabalu is the only base with the facilities to host the Royal Malaysian Navy’s (RMN’s) two prized Scorpene-class submarines.

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Vietnam’s 5th Russian-built submarine to begin trial run this May

The fifth of the six Kilo-class submarines that Vietnam has agreed to buy from Russia is scheduled for a trial run this May, according to the manufacturer, the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg.

The submarine codenamed HQ-186 Khanh Hoa is a Project 636.1 diesel-electric submarines. It was launched at the Admiralty Shipyards on December 28, 2014.

The first two subs, HQ-182 Hanoi and HQ-183 Ho Chi Minh City, arrived in Vietnam in January and March of 2014.

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US navy looks at next generation SSNX submarines and 200 mile range torpedoes

The U.S. Navy is starting early preparation work to design a new nuclear attack submarine to replace the Virginia-class boats (SSN-774) in the 2030s. The new attack boat would become operational in 2044 after the last Block VII Virginias are built.

Nine years to identify, design and demonstrate the new technologies the new attack boat will need.

Johnson said that he has formed a small team to work on a five-year plan to begin to do some of that work. The team will consult with industry and will identify the threat environment and technologies the submarine will need to operate against in the 2050 plus timeframe, Johnson said.

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Airbus' A321neo LR Could Be A Perfect Platform For A Future European Maritime Patrol Aircraft

Our colleagues from the French strategic and defense newsletter "TTU" published an interesting analysis of a possible military application for Airbus' latest airliner project.

During a press conference held in Toulouse on January 13, Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO, announced the imminent launch of a new "Long Range" version of the A321 airliner.

Scheduled for entry into service in late 2018 and named "A321neo LR", this aircraft will be developed from the cell of the new A321neo and will have transatlantic range.

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AN−70 adopted by Armed Forces of Ukraine

On January 22, 2015, handing of the Order of Ministry of Defense of Ukraine about adoption of the AN−70 military STOL transport by Armed Forces of Ukraine took place at ANTONOV Company.

In the enclosure to the order the AN−70 is noted as a transport aircraft of Armed Forces of Ukraine.

It is intended for aerial delivery, air transportation of troops and tangible assets, provision of maneuvers and troop’s activity and decisions of special tasks.

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U.S. 'Cannot Stop' Russian Nuclear Missiles — Deputy Prime Minister

U.S. missile defense “cannot stop” Russia's nuclear weapons, a top minister said, in an apparent reversal of Moscow's policy of slamming U.S. anti-ballistic missile capability as a dire threat to Russian security.

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, who overseas Russia's military-industrial complex, boasted of unspecified breakthroughs in Russian military technology during a talk show on the state-run Rossiya 1 television channel on Sunday night.

“We will not disclose those technical details to anybody,” Rogozin said, according to comments quoted by Interfax news agency. “But I can tell you one thing: The work conducted today on combat missile technologies … shows that neither the current, nor even the projected American missile defense system could stop or cast doubt on Russia's strategic missile potential.”

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Spanish Patriot missiles deployed and working in Turkey’s south, says battery commander

Spainish Patriot air defense missiles have been deployed in the southern Turkish province of Adana, as part of Turkey’s request for NATO assistance on the country’s border with Syria, the head of the Spanish unit in Turkey said on Jan. 26.

The battery commander of the Spanish Patriot air defense missile system, Captain Luis Burgos Sanchez, said they have deployed Patriot missiles at the General Recai Engin barracks in Adana.

“Five of our launchers are now active. All the launchers are equipped with four missiles,” said Sanchez, adding the missiles are specifically designed for any ballistic missile threats and have been deployed to destroy such missiles, if any are fired.

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Exelis wins interim redesign contract for US Navy’s tactical jammer

Exelis has received a U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center contract valued at $15.3 million to perform essential sustainment work on the ALQ-99 tactical jamming system.

The ALQ-99 is used on the Navy’s EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft.

The technology will also be provided to the Australian government through a Foreign Military Sales program, the first time the ALQ-99 has been made available to an international ally.

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Pakistan Air Force inducts indigenously-built JF-17 Thunder fighter jets

Pakistan's Air Force yesterday formally inducted indigenously-built JF-17 Thunder fighter jets into its combat school.

The PAF said that a special ceremony was held at the Combat Commanders' School at PAF Base Mushaf to include the fighter in the country's defence force.

The jets carried out a display that was met with applause by a jubilant crowd that had gathered for the ceremony.

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10 dead after Greek fighter jet crashes in Spain during NATO exercise

Ten people are dead and another 19 people are injured after a Greek fighter plane crashed during a NATO exercise in Spain on Monday, Spain's Defense Ministry said.

The F-16 jet plummeted just after takeoff at Los Llanos air base in Albacete — about 165 miles southeast of Madrid — before colliding with other planes on the ground, a Defense Ministry official said.

The day’s fatalities, which included the jet's two pilots, were made up of eight French citizens and two Greek, the ministry announced.

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Two-color sensors eyed for P-8A missile defense

Electro-optics experts at Northrop Grumman Corp. will begin upgrading the sensors in the airborne missile-defense system aboard the U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol jet under terms of an order announced Friday.

Officials of the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md., awarded a $7 million delivery order to the Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems segment in Rolling Meadows, Ill., to start installing two-color infrared sensors in the P-8's AN/AAQ-24 Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) system.

The order calls for engineers from the Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems Land and Self Protection Systems Division to provide supplies and services to develop software to upgrade the current P-8A AN/AAQ-24 DIRCM electro-optical subsystem with two-color infrared missile warning sensors.

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Multi-million pound contract announced for A&P Falmouth to fit-out and maintain four new RFA ships

Falmouth ship repair firm A&P has been awarded a multi-million pound Ministry of Defence (MoD) contract to complete the fit-out of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s four new tankers.

The announcement was made by Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne during a visit to A&P Falmouth at the port's docks this morning.

The new Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability (Mars) tankers will maintain the Royal Navy’s ability to refuel at sea and provide fuel to warships and task groups. The tankers will support deployed amphibious, land and air forces close to the shore and have the ability to operate helicopters.

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U.S. to Aid India in Building Aircraft Carriers

Tucked away in a new defense deal with India was an agreement for the U.S. to aid India in fielding aircraft carriers that China views as a threat.

As part of a Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) signed by President Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, the U.S. agreed to “form a working group to explore aircraft carrier technology sharing and design.”

Under the agreement, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said that “we will begin to realize the enormous potential of the U.S.-India defense industrial partnership.

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USS Green Bay moves to Japan

San Diego said goodbye to the amphibious ship Green Bay on Monday, as another local warship transfers to Japan.

Earlier this month, the Navy announced that the San Diego cruiser Chancellorsville will leave this summer as part of what’s being called a long-range plan to send the most advanced and capable units to the Asia-Pacific region.

Destroyers Milius and Benfold are also scheduled to leave San Diego for Japan in the next two years.

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PLA to commission more third-generation warships this year

China is looking to replace more of its obsolete warships by putting more third-generation surface combat vessels into service in the year of 2015, according to the country's Global Times on Jan. 26.

After commissioning three Type 052C guided-missile destroyers — Changchun, Zhengzhou and Jinan — between 2013 and 2014, a destroyer division of the PLA Navy's East Sea Fleet based in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province is expected to soon get its fourth destroyer, Xian, equipped with the Zhonghuashendun system also known as the Chinese Aegis.

This will make the division the first PLA Navy unit to fully deploy the third-generation destroyers.

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SAAB Chooses Kongsberg Sonar and Multibeam Systems For Swedish Submarines

Defence and security company SAAB has selected a cutting-edge Kongsberg Maritime hydroacoustic package for installation on two Swedish A19 submarines.

The delivery will consist of SA9510S Mine Avoidance and Navigation Sonar for submarines and the leading EM 2040 Dual RX multibeam echosounder.

The main purpose of the SA9510S sonar is to detect mines, obstacles and the sea-floor in a wide swath ahead of the submarine.

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Is America's Dominance Below the Seas Coming to an End?

U.S. defense strategy depends in large part on America’s advantage in undersea warfare.

Multiple Quadrennial Defense Reviews, National Military Strategies, and Congressional hearing statements highlight how quiet submarines, in particular, are one of the American military’s most viable means of gathering intelligence and projecting power in the face of mounting anti-access and area denial (A2/AD) threats being fielded by a growing number of countries.

America’s superiority in undersea warfare results from decades of research and development (R&D), operations, and training.

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US helping India keep tabs on Chinese submarines in Indian Ocean

The United States is regularly updating India on Chinese submarine deployments in the Indian Ocean. Last month, a US drone picked up a Chinese nuclear-powered attack submarine on the surface off Yemen.

The information was relayed to the security establishment in New Delhi's South Block. China's deployment of submarines-three in the past year-in the Indian Ocean have worried Indian planners.

This intelligence cooperation with the US assumes significance in the light of the first-ever US-India joint strategic vision for the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean region unveiled in New Delhi by President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Modi, on January 25.

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IAF upgrading old Hercules planes to bring them up to date

A number of old Hercules transport planes are being upgraded by the Israel Air Force in order to modernize their avionic systems and adjust them to modern battle arenas.

The C-130H aircraft, made by US defense giant Lockheed Martin, came into service in Israel some 40 years ago and are reaching the end of their operational lifespan.

As a result, Lt.-Col. Y (whose full name cannot be published), a senior IAF officer, said that work has begun to extend their lifespan and modernize their electronic systems.

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U.S. Navy Railgun Video Shows The Future Weapon’s Power, In February See It In Person

The U.S. Navy railgun video that has been released may give us a glimpse into the sheer awesomeness of the electromagnetic railgun, but in February, the general public will have a chance to check out the railgun in person.

In a related report by the Inquisitr, you might be surprised to find out that much of the advanced weaponry in the video game Call Of Duty: Advanced Warfare is based upon real research being developed by DARPA, defense contractors, and NASA.

On February 4 and 5 of this year, the U.S. Navy railgun will be on public display at the Naval Future Force Science and Technology (S&T) EXPO in Washington, D.C. for the first time.


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Russia develops heavy drone, promises S500 missile system by 2017

The Russian military is putting the finishing touches to its very own heavy military UAV. The drone is part of a wider modernization effort, with the cutting-edge flagship S500 missile system coming in 2017.

The drone “already exists,” according to Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yury Borisov.

The heavy UAV, created in cooperation with the Federal Security Service (FSB), will perform “a variety of tactical, operational and strategic tasks,” said Borisov, but he didn’t give any further details such as the name of the vehicle.

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U.S. Army Recruits General Electric to Build $4.5 Billion Next-Gen Helicopter Engine

At General Electric, the motto used to be: "GE: We bring good things to life." But can GE bring the U.S. Army's helicopters back to life?

That's the question facing investors today, as GE gears up to compete head to head with archrival United Technologies and its UTC ally Honeywell on a contract potentially worth $4.5 billion -- or more.

The contest, dubbed "VAATE" by the military, aims to pick one contractor to build a new generation of Versatile Affordable Advanced Turbine Engines to power the Pentagon's helicopter fleet into the 21st century -- and GE aims to win it.

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India's Republic Day Military Parade Showcases Mostly Russia-Made Weapons

India's 66th Republic Day military parade, underway Monday in New Delhi, is featuring mostly Russian-made weapons.

The chief guest at the event, US President Barack Obama, who arrived in India for a three-day visit on Sunday, had a front-row seat at a display of India's military hardware, primarily of Russian design and manufacture.

T-90 "Bhishma" main battle tanks were the first to roll through the Rajpath ceremonial boulevard. They were followed by medium-range surface-to-air Akash missiles, medium-range high-resolution 3D surveillance central acquisition radars (CAR), and Pinaka multiple rocket launchers.

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Marine Prowler officers will soon operate drones

As the EA-6B Prowler flies into retirement and the Corps takes a new approach to electronic warfare, Marines who spent their careers in the radar-jamming aircraft will be transferred to other military occupation specialties.

Most Marines in the 7588 electronic warfare officer MOS will become 7315 unmanned aircraft systems officers. Concurrently, the Corps is changing the duties of the 7315 MOS.

"The new 7315 MOS will provide us with a cadre of better-trained and more versatile [unmanned aircraft systems] officers capable of serving in a variety of operational roles in support of Marine Corps doctrine," said Maj. Paul Greenberg, a Marine spokesman at the Pentagon.

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