MODERNIZACION DE AVANZADO SUBMARINO ESPIA RUSO/Modernizing spy-sub “Sarov”

(SUBMARINO B90 "Sarov")

Menos de dos años después de su entrada en servicio, el supersecreto submarino espíaB-90 “Sarov” de la Armada rusa, está en el puerto ruso de Severodvinsk para modernización. Una de las características principales del submarino es su reducido reactor nuclear y su capacidad de estar en silencio, lo que hace difícil de detectar. El submarino ha venido realizando misiones especiales desde 2008, y tras cada misión le han sido añadidas modificaciones técnicas.
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Less than two years after it entered service in the Fleet, the top-secret spy-sub B-90 “Sarov” is at the White Sea Navy Base in Severodvinsk for modernization.According to newspaper Rossiiskaya Gazeta, a representative of the Zvezdochka yard in Severodvinsk confirms that the vessel is in the area for upcoming upgrades. The upgrades are made less than two years after the vessel entered service in the Northern Fleet, the newspaper informs. As BarentsObserver has reported, one of the unique features of the spy-sub is its ultra-small nuclear reactor aimed to charge the subs batteries, so it can stay much longer underwater, totally silent, than normal diesel-electric submarines. This is most important for a submarine aimed for spy-voyages not to be detected by foreign vessels, submarines, or detection systems on the seabed. As also reported by BarentsObserver, it is expected that the “Sarov” is operating in northern waters from bases in the Kola Peninsula. According to RG.ru, the vessel has since it was included in the fleet on 7 August 2008 conducted a number of specialized operations. After each operation, the vessel has undergone technical improvements. None of the newspaper’s sources want to reveal the essence of the latest upgrades. They could however be connected with sub’s new type of reactor, the newspaper writes. The B-90 “Sarov” was built in Nizhny Novgorod, and transported via Russia’s inner waterways to the Sevmash yard in Severodvinsk were it was equipped with its engines and nuclear reactor. The vessel was originally to be completed in 1993, but construction was halted due to money draught and the need for technical improvements.

Armada India lanzará nuevo buque el 1 de Abril/Navy to launch third destroyer of 'Project 15 Alpha' on April 1 in Mumbai

El tercer destructor de la Armada India del "Proyecto Alpha", el INS Chennai, será botado en Mumbai el 1 de Abril.. Con estos buques India pretende añadir nuevas capacidades a su Marina. Son de diseño local y portan tecnología stealth y capacidad de ataque a tierra.
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Project Alpha third Indian Navy destroyer, will be launched in Mumbai on April 1.
The destroyer has been built by the Mazagon Dock Limited for the Indian Navy.
The defence minister, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma, and south Mumbai Milind Deora would also be present, Navy sources said. The Kolkata-class destroyers have been in Mazgaon dock in Mumbai under the code name of Project 15 Alpha. Aimed at adding a new dimension to the country's naval warfare, India has launched the indigenous warship with enhanced stealth features and land-attack capabilities.

OBAMA PROMETE CONCURSO KC-X "IMPARCIAL"/Obama Vows Air Force Tanker Selection To Be 'Free And Fair'

El presidente Barack Obama ha anunciado que el proceso de selección del nuevo cisterna de la USAF será “libre r imparcial", en una conferencia de prensa mantenida con el presidente francés Nicolas Sarkozy.” El controvertido concurso ha llegado a los niveles de la Casa Blanca y ha llegado a la política internacional. Sarkozy de visita en EE.UU, prometió reprocharle a Obama el proteccionismo del concurso, después de la retirada de Northrop, socio de la europea EADS, argumentando que las bases del concurso favorecían a Boeing. Actualmente EADS se plantea participar en solitario y ha pedido una extensión del plazo límite de presentación de ofertas. El pentágono no ha decidido nada al respecto, el plazo acaba el día 10 de mayo,(pero el jefe de la Fuerza Aérea ha expresado su deseo de alargar el plazo para permitir la presentación de mas ofertas.). Sarkozy ha expresado su confianza en las palabras de Obama que añadió que la decisión será tomada por el secretario de Defensa, sin su mediación.
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President Barack Obama on Tuesday said the process to select new Air Force refueling aircraft will be “free and fair.”
The controversy over one of the Pentagon’s most lucrative contracts has reached the levels of the White House and has spilled into international politics. Obama made the comments at a news conference with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who is visiiting the U.S. In France, Sarkozy promised to have strong words for Obama with regard to the estimated $35 billion refueling tanker contract, according to European reports. The French and other European Union countries have accused the U.S. of protectionism after Northrop Grumman and partner EADS, a European conglomerate and the parent company of Airbus, announced earlier this month that they would not compete for the contract, arguing the bidding process would favor rival Boeing.
Now EADS is mulling whether to submit a solo bid. The company has already requested the Pentagon extend the deadline to submit bids by 90 days. The Pentagon has not yet decided whether to extend that deadline passed May 10,(but the Air Force's top officer Tuesday signaled his willingness to back an extension of the deadline for submitting bids for a new airborne refueling aircraft to allow time for a possible competitor to Boeing for the multibillion-dollar program.) as was originally intended. EADS is expected to announce soon whether it is going to compete with Boeing for the contract. When asked on Tuesday, Sarkozy told reporters he and Obama discussed the tanker issue. Sarkozy said he trusted Obama’s assurances that the selection process will be fair. Obama countered that the trust is warranted and cautioned that the procurement decisions are made by the secretary of Defense and as a long-standing policy the president does not “meddle” is such decisions. Northrop Grumman partnered with EADS and initially won the $35 billion contract for the tankers in February 2008. Boeing, however, successfully protested the award with the Government Accountability Office. Defense Secretary Robert Gates subsequently decided to cancel that award and start a new competition for 179 new aircraft to replace the Eisenhower-era tankers.

USAF MANTENDRA CAZAS DE CUARTA GENERACION EN LUGAR DE COMPRAR NUEVOS/USAF rules out new F-15s and F-16s to narrow ‘fighter gap’

Los retrasos y sobrecostes del Lockheed Martin F-35 no han cambiado los planes de la USAF de desactivar 250 cazas en 2010. Sin embargo la USAF, ha comenzado a realizar pruebas de durabiidad en los F-15 y F-16 para comprobar una posible extensión de su vida útil. Responsables de la USAF, niegan que se vayan a adquir nuevas versiones del F-15 o el F-16 u otros casos de cuarta generación. La USAF ha finalizado la producción del Lockheed F-22 con 186 aviones en el inventario, y tan solo están previstos 1.763 F-35 en los próximos 30 años, a pesar de que los requerimientos son de 2.000 unidades. La USAF afronta el riesgo de no poder dotar a las unidades de aviones suficientes, han alertado organismos gubernamentales: Doce unidades de la Guardia Nacional deberán retirar sus F-16 en 2020, y tan solo está prevista la entrega del F-35 a una de ellas..

Delays and cost overruns for the Lockheed Martin F-35 have not changed the US Air Force's plans to deactivate about 250 fighters later this year, says Chief of Staff Gen Norton Schwartz.
The USAF, however, has begun destructive tests on Boeing F-15s and Lockheed F-16s to prove the viability for a potential service life extension programme, says Schwartz, who spoke to reporters on 30 March after a breakfast speaking event hosted by the Air Force Association. Schwartz also rejected buying the latest version of the F-15 and F-16 -- or "fourth-generation-plus" fighters -- despite a new two-year slip nearly 90% projected cost overrun for the F-35.
The USAF has terminated Lockheed F-22 production with 186 aircraft in inventory after 2011, leaving only plans to acquire 1,763 F-35s over the next 30 years to modernize its fighter fleet. Meanwhile, the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review set the tactical aircraft requirement at about 2,000 fighters.
During the F-35's projection lifetime in production, however, the USAF faces a growing fighter inventory gap made even more complicated by the Lockheed's cost and schedule problems. Last year, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported alarming trends. Twelve Air National Guard units today patrol US airspace with F-16s scheduled for retirement by 2020. As of late 2008, only one of the 12 units was scheduled to receive F-35s by 2020 to continue flying the mission.

POSIBLE DESPLIEGUE DE F-16 DE POLONIA A AFGANISTAN/POLISH F-16 COULD SEE COMBAT IN AFGHANISTAN

Los 48 F-16 de los que dispone Polonia, rara vez vuelan en misiones que no sean de entrenamiento, pero al parecer existen planes para enviarlos a Afganistán, aunque esto no ha sido hecho público por la Fuerza Aérea. Los pilotos ya han comenzado a entrenar rigurosamente como preparación de la partida en 2012.
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Poland has 48 F-16 jet fighter planes. Most of them rarely take to the skies outside of routine training.
But in two years, the planes could be heading to Afghanistan according unnamed soldier as a source that says the matter is already settled, just has not yet been announced publicly by Polish army authorities. Pilots at a large Polish Air Force base admit they have already started rigorous training and preparation for the 2012 departure to the war-torn middle-eastern nation, but Polish Air Force officials have yet to confirm this.

Alemania, al igual que Reino Unido, podría reducir su pedido de A400M/Germany Weighs ‘Slight’ Reduction in A400M Orders

Alemania podría recortar su pedido de 60 transportes A400M y recibir sus aviones sin la capacidad de realizar automaticamente maniobras a baja altitud. Los siete países socios, acordaron con European Aeronautic, Defence & Space Co. recortar sus pedidos en 10 unidades, de un total de 180. Reino Unido, lo ha reducido de 25 a 22. Francia espera recibir el primer A400M en 2013, Alemania en 2014, Reino Unido en 2015, y seguirán España, Bélgica, Luxemburgo y Turquía.
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Germany may make a “slight” cut in its order of 60 A400M military transporters and take delivery of the planes without their ability to perform automated low- flight maneuvers
The seven partner nations that ordered the plane agreed with European Aeronautic, Defence & Space Co. to cut their combined order by as many as 10 planes from a total of 180. The U.K. defense ministry said yesterday that it will cut its order of 25 planes to as few as 22. France intends to stick with its order for 50 planes, French defense ministry spokesman Laurent Teisseire said today by telephone.
France expects to get its first A400M in 2013 and receive 35 by 2020, with the remaining 15 coming by 2024, Teisseire said. Germany will get its first A400M in 2014, with the U.K., the third-largest customer, getting the first one in 2015. Spain, Belgium, Luxembourg and Turkey, will follow.

Primer Vuelo Helicóptero Ataque Ligero de India (LCH)/India's Light Combat Copter Makes First Flight

El 29 de marzo ha realizado su primer vuelo el Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) de HAL, India, un año después de lo previsto y afrontando críticas por los varios kilos de sobrepeso de su diseño. Se espera que sea un helicóptero de grandes prestaciones, ya que tendrá que operar desde gran altitud (Himalaya). El exceso de peso ha sido la principal razón para el retraso del LCH, debido a la alta protección que necesitan estos helicópteros para protegerse del fuego enemigo, soportando 580 kg. mas de los 2.500 previstos.
Las necesidades de la Fuerza Aérea India son de 65 LCH y las del Ejército de 114. La entrada en servicio está prevista para 2015-2016.
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As the helicopter taxied slowly along the airstrip, a little knot of designers and executives from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) watched silently, the sweat beads on their foreheads from more than just the Bangalore heat. March 29 had been selected for a landmark attempt: The first flight of the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). Already a year late, and facing criticism for having gone several hundred kilograms overweight, the LCH had much to prove. HAL’s state-of-the-art LCH aims to gatecrash an exclusive club of light attack helicopters that includes Eurocopter’s Tiger and China’s ultra-secret Zhisheng-10 (Z-10). In high-altitude performance, the LCH will be in a class by itself: Taking off from Himalayan altitudes of 10,000 feet, operating rockets and guns up to 16,300 feet, and launching missiles at UAVs flying at over 21,000 feet.
Excess weight has been the main reason for the delay in the LCH programme. The heavy armour needed for protection against enemy fire conflicts with the need for a light, highly mobile helicopter that can twist and dodge and hover stationary to allow pilots to aim and fire their missiles. The LCH was supposed to weight just 2.5 tonnes when empty; but the design team found that it actually weighed 580 kg more than that.
At lower altitudes, this would not be a significant drawback. But, at the LCH’s flight ceiling of 6,000 metres (almost 20,000 feet), this would significantly reduce the LCH’s payload of weapons and ammunition.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has said that it needs 65 LCHs; the army wants another 114. If the development programme is not delayed further, the LCH will enter service by 2015-2016.

GHANA MODERNIZA SU FUERZA AÉREA/Government to replace GAF's ageing fleet of aircraft

El vicepresidente de Ghana, ha anunciado sus planes para reemplazar parte de los aviones mas antiguos de su Fuerza Aérea. Se espera adquirir cuatro turbohélices para sustituir a los Skyvan y Fokker 27, con mas de treinta años de servicio. Para misiones de vigilancia se adquirirán Diamond DA 42, así como dos helicópteros de transporte pesado. Cone el descubrimiento de grandes reservas de petróleo en la zona, el gobierno de Ghana desea reforzar la vigilancia aérea de la zona.
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Vice-President John Mahama has announced plans by the government to re-equip the Ghana Air Force by replacing the ageing fleet of aircraft in its inventory with new ones.
The re-equipment involves acquisition of four new turbo propelled aircraft to replace the Skyvans and the Fokker 27s, which have been in service for over 30 years. Other new aircraft to be acquired are Diamond DA 42s, special aircraft for surveillance activities in the wake of the oil find and two light and two heavy lift helicopters to augment the helicopter fleet.
Vice-President Mahama who is the chairman of the Armed Forces Council, was speaking as guest of honour at a dinner/dance to mark the 50th anniversary of the Ghana Air Force in Accra on Saturday. With the onset of oil exploration in Ghana, government was aware of the enormous task that would be placed on the Air Force to support the Navy in policing the territorial waters, he added.

Armas de Alta precisión para los futuros "Hercules" cañoneros de Estados Unidos/ Socom Refines AC-130J Gunship Plans

El comando de operaciones especiales de Estados Unidos(Socom) está planeando basar su futuro AC-130J en un paquete de "Ataque de precisión" que poco a poco irá provocando la retirada de los MC-130W. El aspecto habitual que ofrecen los actuales AC-130H/U con cañones de 105-mm y 40-mm. en los lados se verá modificado sustancialmente.

Según la CIA, Irán es capaz de producir armas nucleares/CIA: Iran capable of producing nukes

Irán tiene capacidad de producir armas nucleares, después de su programa de enriquecimiento nuclear en 2009, incluso teniendo en cuenta los problemas que ha tenido con miles de centrifugadoras, según informe de la CIA.
El informe anual al Congreso, Irán ha desarrollado unas capacidades que podrían terminar en la producción de armas nucleares.
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Iran is poised to begin producing nuclear weapons after its uranium program expansion in 2009, even though it has had problems with thousands of its centrifuges, according to a newly released CIA report.
Iran continues to develop a range of capabilities that could be applied to producing nuclear weapons, if a decision is made to do so, the annual report to Congress states.

Corea del Sur en alerta militar por el hundimiento de Fragata/SKorean president orders military on alert

(búsqueda de supervivientes)
Una mina Norcoreana, podría haber chocado con la fragata surcoreana que explotó y se hundió cerca de aguas bajo disputa de ambos países, aunque la causa aún no está del todo aclarada..
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A naval mine dispatched from North Korea may have struck the South Korean warship that exploded and sank near the Koreas' disputed sea border, the South Korean defense minister told lawmakers Monday, laying out several scenarios for the maritime disaster.

ESTADOS UNIDOS DESEA QUE CANADA PERMANEZCA EN AFGANISTÁN Así lo ha expresado la secretaria de Estado Hillary Clinton, a Estados Unidos desea que las tropas canadienses permanezcan hasta 2011, pudiendo cambiar el tipo de misión que desarrollan a una de entrenamiento de las Fuerzas de Seguridad Afganas.
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US WANTS CANADA TO STAY IN AFGHANISTAN
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Monday the U.S. would like Canadian troops to remain in Afghanistan past 2011 and suggested they could switch from a combat to a training role.

La Otan comenzará ofensiva sobre Kandahar en Junio/Kandahar offensive to begin in June

La OTAN realizarán en Junio el asalto a Kandahar, la capital espiritual de los Taliban, según fuentes militares que se mantienen en el anonimato. El objetivo es librar la ciudad de fuerzas talibanes, antes del comienzo del Ramadán en agosto.
Esta acción será la mayor prueba a la que se enfrenta Barack Obama y su nueva estrategia sobre Afganistán.
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NATO forces in June will make a long-planned assault on the Taliban's spiritual home in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar, a senior military official said Monday.
The goal is to rid the city of Taliban forces before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins in August, according to the official.
U.S. officials have previously disclosed plans for a NATO-led offensive in the area this year, but have not said when it might happen. The two-month offensive will be a major test of President Barack Obama's new strategy in Afghanistan and a bellwether of the war in general.
The official, who was not authorized to speak publicly on the operation, discussed the operation on condition of anonymity.
Until the start of major military operations, U.S. troops are working on securing transit routes and persuading the leaders of districts surrounding Kandahar to cooperate with NATO forces.
As the Taliban's governing capital prior to the U.S.-led invasion in 2001, Kandahar remains the spiritual heartland of the insurgency and a stubborn holdout in NATO's efforts to transfer control to Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
In an effort to reverse gains made by the Taliban, Obama has ordered the deployment of 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan.
Military officials say they expect "several thousand" of those troops to be sent to Kandahar, mostly to partner with local police and provide a security presence in the region.
Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan, said earlier this month that the operation in Kandahar will be different from Marjah, where U.S. and Afghan forces stormed the farming town to purge Taliban forces.
Unlike the Marjah offensive, the Kandahar operation will be a rolling series of actions and won't open with a single major offensive like World War II's D-Day, McChrystal said.

UAV Para Pakistán Antes de Un año/ Drones May Ship to Pakistan 'Within a Year': DoD

Estados Unidos suministrará antes de un año una docena de aviones no tripulado a Pakistán, en concepto de ayuda anti-terrorista Pakistán ya habia solicitado este tipo de material a Estados Unidos (Predatory Reaper). Los ataques norteamericanos con sistemas no tripulados contra blancos de Al-Qaeda y Talibanes en Pakistán, han provocado un fuerte sentimieno anti americano en la zona, debido a que han causado gran número de bajas civiles. Estos actos han sido condenados publicamente por el gobierno de Islamabad. Washington podría suministrar una docena de UAV Shadow desarmados, mas pequeño que el Predator y el Reaper ( tres metros de largo y 4,3 de envergadura). Pakistán ya cuenta con UAV, de fabricación nacional, pero no son tan avanzados como los norteamericanos.

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The Pentagon hopes "within a year" to deliver around a dozen unarmed drone aircraft to Pakistan to aid its fight against Islamic extremism Pakistan previously has also urged Washington to outfit its military with armed aerial vehicles like the Predator and Reaper. U.S. drone missile strikes against Al-Qaeda and Taliban figures in Pakistan have fueled anti-American sentiment because of civilian casualties, and drawn public condemnation from the government in Islamabad.
Washington could supply around a dozen smaller, unarmed Shadow drones to Islamabad, to help with their surveillance and reconnaissance activities.
Shadow drones - smaller than the armed Predator and Reaper aircraft - are about 11 feet (three meters) long and have a wing-span of 14-feet (4.3 meters) with sensors and cameras feeding video images back to operators on the ground.

El siguiente Bombardero Americano, será una "familia" de sistemas/Next 'Bomber' May Be a Family of Systems

El departamento de Defensa de Estados Unidos, está investigando como ajustar herramientas complementarias dentro de una familia de sistemas, que sustituyan al concepto de bombardero de largo alcance actual. El Secretario de Defensa Robert Gates canceló en Abri de 2009 un proyecto de varios años de investigación de desarrollo de futuro bombardero estratégico, reestructurando el programa.
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The U.S. Defense Department is examining how to fit "complementary" tools on the "family of systems" that would replace a long-range bomber concept terminated last year, Pentagon acquisition chief Ashton Carter said March 29.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates in April 2009 canceled a years-long effort to establish requirements and a formal development program for a new long-range bomber. Gates felt the department needed to stop that work, which was led by the Air Force, and begin a new look at how the U.S. military could best fulfill all the missions envisioned for a new deep-penetrating bomber.

La US Navy quiere UAV en sus portaaviones para 2018/Navy wants carrier-based drone by 2018

La US Navy está buscando opciones para disponer de UAV, de características stealth, con capacidad de localizar y destruir blancos operando conjuntamente con aviones tripulados, para antes del fin de la década.
La US Navy emitió el requerimiento de información el pasado día 19 de marzo, y en el se detalla que debe ser un sistema de baja observabilidad, optimizado para todo tipo de escenarios, y capaz de integrarse con sistemas tripulados.
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The Navy has begun looking into options for fielding a stealthy drone capable of locating and attacking targets alongside manned jets before the end of the decade.
The Navy wants information on carrier-based, “low-observable, Unmanned Air Systems concepts optimized for irregular and hybrid warfare scenarios capable of integrating with manned platforms as part of the carrier air wing by the end of 2018 to support limited operations in contested scenarios,” reads a request for information released by the Navy on March 19.

Misil Brahmos autorizado para la Fuerza Aérea India/Brahmos cleared for Air Force

Con el objetivo de fotalecer a la Fuerza Aérea, el gobierno de India, ha aprobado formalmente la entrada en servicio del misil Brahmos con la Fuerz Aérea. Este misil superficie-superficie ya se encuentra en servicio con el Ejército y la Armada. Este hecho dará ventaja a la Fuerza Aérea sobre el adversario, pudiendo batir instalaciones de radar y otras, a gran distancia.
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Aiming to provide the country’s defence with an extra edge, the government last week inked a Rs 11,600-crore agreement that will pave the way for formal induction of the Brahmos missile into the Indian Air Force (IAF), besides giving two more regiments of the supersonic land attack system to the Army. While the missile is already in service with the Navy and Army, this is the first time that a surface-to-surface versio of the missile will be inducted into the IAF.
This will give the IAF a cutting edge over adversaries in the region and will arm it with the capability of taking out enemy radars and other air defence installations without even sending fighters across the border.

Buque Militar Surcoreano hundido por mina de Corea del Norte/NK Mine Suspected in Navy Ship Disaster

El ministro de Defensa Surcoreano, ha apuntado la posibilidad de qeu el hundimiento de la fragata Cheonan haya sido provocado por una mina norcoreana. Cuarenta y seis tripulantes se encuentran desaparecido.
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Defense Minister Kim Tae-young cautiously raised the possibility Monday that the ill-fated frigate Cheonan may have hit a mine laid by North Korea.
His remark drew attention as Cheong Wa Dae and defense officials had previously sought to downplay the North’s possible involvement in the deadly ship wreck Friday in which 46 South Korean sailors remain “missing in action.”
Answering questions at the National Assembly on the cause of the incident, Kim said, “North Korean mines may have floated into our territorial waters.”

Alenia entrega el segundo ATR-42MP a Nigeria/Alenia Aeronautica delivers second ATR-42MP airplane to the NAF

Alenia Aeronautica ha entregado el segundo ATR-42MP de patrulla marítima a la Fuerza Aérea de Nigeria(NAF). La entrega se ha producido en el centro de entrenamiento de Alenia Aeronautica en Turin-Caselle, Italia.
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Alenia Aeronautica has delivered the second ATR-42MP airplane (Maritime Patrol) to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The delivery ceremony was held at Alenia Aeronautica’s Training Centre at Turin-Caselle and was attended by Air Vice Marshal DS Dillimono (Chief Operation Officer) and Wing Commander AT Marquis (Programme Manager ATR-42MP NAF) who signed the acceptance of the aircraft in the presence of Alenia Aeronautica’s Managers.

DESPEDIDA DEL NIMROD MR2/GOOD BYE TO NIMROD MR2

Fin de una era dentro de la Royal Air Force, se acaban las misiones de patrulla marítima el 31 de marzo, con la retirada del último British Aerospace Nimrod MR2. Después de proporcionar defensa antisubmarina para el Reino Unido, el MR2 ha sido adaptada para realizar misiones de vigilancia sobre tierra.
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The UK Royal Air Force will mark the end of an era in its proud maritime patrol heritage on 31 March, when the last of its British Aerospace Nimrod MR2s will be retired from use. After providing anti-submarine warfare cover for the UK, the MR2 was later adapted for the overland surveillance mission.

MISIL TAURUS

Desde el mes de mayo de 2009, España ha pasado a formar parte de otro selecto club en el campo de la Defensa: el de los países que disponen de misiles no nucleares aire-tierra de alcance medio. El ingreso en el club se produjo cuando dos cazas F-18 del Ejército del Aire lanzaron sendos misiles Taurus KEPD 350 en el polígono de tiro de Overberg, en Sudáfrica.
(Leer mas)
(extraido de Atenea Seguridad y Defensa)

Viaje inicial del USS Independence/Independence Begins Maiden Voyage

El USS Independence (LCS 2), el mas nuevo buque de combate litoral de la US Navy, partió de Mobile, Alabama por primera vez el 26 de Marzo de 2010, comenzando las pruebas en el mar. El buque de combate litoral (LCS), es un buque de gran agilidad, y con los últimos avances en tecnología naval. Está diseñado especificamente para combatir amenazas costeras, incluyendo submarinos y minas. Desplaza 2.800 tm y puede operar en aguas poco profundas (20 pies). Su velocidad máxima es 45 nudos y su autonomía es de 3.,500 nautical miles. La base del USS Independence estará en
San Diego.
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The Navy's newest littoral combat ship, USS Independence (LCS 2), sailed away from Mobile, Ala. for the first time March 26.
The milestone marks the commencement of initial testing and evaluation of the aluminum vessel.
The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is a fast, agile, mission-focused ship that demonstrates the latest in naval technology. The ship is specifically designed to defeat "anti-access" threats in shallow, coastal water regions, including surface craft, diesel submarines and mines. LCS features an interchangeable modular design that allows the ship to be reconfigured to meet mission requirements.
Independence, the Navy's second LCS ship and the first Independence-Class LCS, was commissioned Jan. 16 in Mobile, Ala. It spans 419 feet, has a displacement of 2,800 metric tons and can operate in water less than 20 feet deep. Propelled by four water jets, along with two diesel and two gas turbine engines, Independence is capable of speeds in excess of 45 knots and boasts a range of over 3,500 nautical miles.

Independence will be home-ported in San Diego.

PAK/FA T-50

Los secretos del PAK FA
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PAK-FA Secrets revealed

RG-31 españoles son mejores que los americanos.

El Ejército de Tierra ha introducido varias mejoras en los blindados RG-31 que ya están en Afganistán a disposición de las tropas. Se ha intentado así facilitar la conducción de los vehículos antiminas por los complicados caminos y carreteras del país. Defensa se encontró con una dificultad cuando adquirió los RG-31: eran vehículos muy pesados, con una transmisión muy dura y con un elevado punto de gravedad. Todas estas condiciones dificultaban su conducción y, en ocasiones, la hacía casi imposible.De hecho, el ejército de Estados Unidos tuvo numerosos inconvenientes con sus primeros blindados: volcaban, el volante era complicado de girar y la suspensión era muy dura.
España no ha querido en ningún momento que ser repitan estos problemas en sus RG-31 y Santa Bárbara Sistemas se ha encargado de mejorarlos: ha modificado la transmisión y las suspensiones de manera que la conducción del blindado es más sencilla.(Leer artículo completo de El Confidencial Digital)

Ex-trabajador del Area 51 rompe silencio/Area 51 vets break silence: Sorry, but no space aliens or UFOs

Despues de cinco décadas, ex-trabajadores de la super secreta base, rompen su silencio y hablan de su trabajo en el Area 51...si, esa "area 51"(leer mas...)
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After nearly five decades, guys like James Noce finally get to tell their stories about Area 51...Yes, that Area 51.
(read more...)

Turquía comprará gran buque de desembarco para misiones en el exterior/Turkish Navy to buy large landing ship for overseas missions

La Armada Turca está estudiando la compra de su primer buque de desembarco con capacidad de hasta ocho helicopteros para obtener capacidad anfibia y de desplazamiento para cumplir con misiones de paz de la OTAN.
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The Turkish Navy is preparing to buy its first landing-platform dock able to carry up to eight helicopters as it seeks to gain the capability for overseas amphibious force deployment as part of NATO and peacekeeping efforts.

Malaysian Submarine completes first sea trials

La marina de Malaysia ha completado las pruebas de mar del submarino del tipo Scorpene Tunku Abdul Rahman. Este es el primer submarino del que dispone la Marina de Malaysia.
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Royal Malaysian Navy Scorpene-type submarine Tunku Abdul Rahman has completed its first sea trials off the Malaysian coast, a media report said.The trials confirmed the submarine's capability for underwater service.
'These trials demonstrate that the Royal Malaysian Navy has successfully established the country's first ever submarine force,' Pierre Quinchon, head of DCNS's Submarine division was quoted as saying by Defense World website.

Fragata holandesa desarma piratas somalíes/Dutch navy disarms Somali pirates

La fragata holandesa HNLMS Tromp desarmó a 12 piratas en las costas de Somalia, liberándolos después. Los piratas fueron localizados por un patrullero alemán, siendo la fragata envidad para detenerlos, mediante disparos de advertencia.
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The Dutch naval frigate HNLMS Tromp disarmed 12 pirates off the coast of Somalia and set them free, the Netherlands' Defense Ministry said Sunday.
In a statement, the ministry said some pirates were found by a German maritime patrol aircraft off Somali coast around 14:00 local time and the Dutch frigate was dispatched to the location as part of an anti-pirate mission from the European Union (EU). Two pirate skiffs sped toward the Dutch frigate. It stopped the pirates by firing warning shots.

El Super Hornte llega a Australia/Super Hornets arrive in Australia

Los primeros cinceo F/A-18F Super Hornet, de un total de 2 para la Real Fuerza Aérea Australiana (RAAF), han llegado a la base de, Amberley, Queensland. Son los primeros aviones de combate nuevos para la RAAF, en 25 años.
Australia es el primer cliente de exportación del Super Hornet, tras el contrato de 2.600 millones de dólares firmado en 2007. La capacidad operativa inicial se espera obtener en diciembre de 2010. Los Super Hornet cubrirán el hueco existente entre la retirada este año de los General Dynamics F-111 y la llegada de los Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, el cual no estará disponible antes de 2014.
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The first five of 24 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornets for the Royal Australian Air Force have arrived in Australia at its largest air force base, Amberley in Queensland. The F/A-18Fs are Canberra's first new combat aircraft in 25 years.
Australia is the first export customer for the Super Hornet, having signed an A$2.9 billion ($2.6 billion) contract in 2007. The RAAF expects Super Hornet initial operating capability by December, says Steve "Zed" Roberton, officer in commander of Super Hornet Wing.
The RAAF intends to use its Super Hornets as aircraft to fill the void between the retirement of its General Dynamics F-111 and the arrival of its Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The F-111s will go by the end of the year and the F-35 will not arrive until 2014 at the earliest.

Planes de la USAF para sustituir a los Pave Hawk HH-60/USAF Releases New Plan To Replace Pave Hawk

La USAF está intentando sustituir a uno 100 helicópteros HH-60G Pave Hawk por un nuevo diseño. El plan prevee conceder un contrato en 2012, y conseguir la capacidad operativa inicial en 2015 con ocho unidades. Los nuevos helicópteros deberán poder volar unas 250 millas (ida y vuelta), sin necesidad de reabastecerse, mantener una velocidad de 143 millas por hora y alcanzar los 6.000 pies de altura de vuelo a plena carga. Este programa, es el sucesor del cancelado por irregularidades contables. La USAF tiene la intención de adquirir nueve HH-60M en los próximos nueve años para reemplazar bajas.
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The U.S. Air Force is trying a second time to replace its approximately 100 HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters with a newly designed helicopter.The U.S. Air Force has come up with a new strategy to replace its aging HH-60G helicopter fleet. The new plan, released March 23 by the Aeronautical Systems Center, calls for awarding a contract in 2012 and reaching initial operational capability with eight aircraft by September 2015. No date has been set for replacing all HH-60Gs.
The new helicopter should be able to fly about 250 miles out and back without refueling, as well as reach a sustained speed of at least 143 mph and hover at 6,000 feet fully loaded.
The HH-60 recapitalization program is a successor to the canceled Combat Search and Rescue-X project, killed last year by Defense Secretary Robert Gates. A rescue version of Boeing's HH-47 Chinook won the CSAR-X competition in 2006, but the Air Force withdrew the contract award after the Government Accountability Office faulted the service's evaluation of entries from Boeing, Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin.
The Air Force also has a $313 million project to buy nine HH-60Ms in the next two years to replace HH-60Gs that are old or have been lost in crashes.

China está ensayando misil antibuque DF-21/China is testing its DF-21 anti-ship ballistic missile.

El comandante de las Fuerzas Militares norteamericanas en el Pacífico, dijo que el crecimiento del poder militar de China en el Pacífico está siendo constante, y parece encaminado a proyectarse mas allá de la zona asiática.
. Según su opinión, es preocupante que algunos elementos de este avance, parecen ir encaminados a recortar la libertad de movimientos en la zona.
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The commander of U.S. military forces in the Pacific said Thursday that the buildup of Chinese armed forces is continuing "unabated" and Beijing's goal appears to be power projection beyond Asia.
China's transformation of its armed forces is affecting regional military balances and holds implications beyond the Asia-Pacific region, said Adm. Robert F. Willard, the Pacific Command leader. "Of particular concern is that elements of China's military modernization appear designed to challenge our freedom of action in the region."

Estados Unidos y Rusia alcanza acuerdo para desarme nuclearObama, Medvedev Agree on Start Terms/

El nuevo tratado de desarme nuclear Start, no impedirá a Estados Unidos seguir desarrollando alguno aspectos de su arsenal nuclear. El tratado se firmará el ocho de abril en Praga por Barack Obama y Dmitry Medvedev.
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The new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (Start) that the Russian and U.S. Presidents agreed to early March 26 still allows for U.S. development of conventional Prompt Global Strike capability, does not disrupt the strategic triad, and does not impinge on missile defenses, top U.S. national security leaders declare.
Indeed, the follow-on Start deal, to be signed by Presidents Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev in Prague on April 8, may well underpin and promote Obama’s Aegis-based Phased Adaptive Approach (PAA) to European missile defense, the officials indicated at a White House press conference.

Reino Unido anuncia detalles de su decision sobre el A400M/U.K. Announcement To Provide Details On A400M,

El gobierno británico anunciará el 29 de Marzo los detalles de su decisión sobre el A400M. Parece probable un anuncio de fuertes inversiones militares, quizá motivado por las próximas elecciones. El pedido inicial de A400, se reducirá pasando de 25 a 22 unidades, y se va a proceder a la remotorización de una parte de la flota de Tornado.
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The British government is expected to provide details March 29 on the deal it struck to continue as part of the A400M airlifter project, in what is likely to be the last major defense equipment program announcement before the Labour Party calls a general election.

India prueba con éxito 2 misiles con capacidad nuclear/2 Short-Range Missiles Pass Test: India

India ha realizado pruebas con éxito de 2 misiles de corto alcance con capacidad nuclear. Los misiles fueron lanzados desde la mitad oriental. El misil lanzado el sábado 27 de marzo fue el Dhanush, con un alcance de 220 millas (350 kilometros) y fue lanzado desde un buque desde la bahía de Bengala. El segundo es el Prithvi II, lanzado desde n polígono de lanzamiento. Ambas pruebas fueron realizadas con total éxito.
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India successfully tested two short-range nuclear-capable missiles from two sites off its eastern coast on March 27, a Defence Ministry official said.
Saturday's first test was the launch of the Dhanush, which has a range of 220 miles (350 kilometers) and was fired from a naval ship in the Bay of Bengal. The second missile was the Prithvi (Earth)-II, launched from Chandipur-on-Sea Integrated Test Range. The tests were successful and met all the mission objectives

Brasi anunciará su futuro caza a principios de Abril/Latest Deadline For Brazil Fighter Decision: April

Brasil anunciará a principios de Abril qué avión es el ganadaor del contrato para su futuro avión de caza. El concurso ha estado marcado por la polémica entre lo que desea la Fuerza Aérea y la opinión del Gobierno y la feroz compentencia entre los fabricantes y gobiernos que optan al concurso. Los finalistas son el Rafale, el Gripen NG y el F/A-18 Super Hornet.
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Brazil plans to announce in early April the winner of a multibillion-dollar competition for modern fighter jets meant to cement its new role as Latin America's preeminent military power. The tender, though, has been marked by infighting between Brazil's air force and government, and fierce rivalry between the nations vying to score the deal.
The finalists now include France's Rafale made by Dassault, Sweden's Gripen NG by Saab, and the F/A-18 Super Hornet by Boeing.

EADS se acerca a L-3 Communications para presentarse al concurso de aviones cisterna de EEUU

EADS ha iniciado contactos con L-3 Communications para presentarse de nuevo al concurso de aviones tanqueros convocado por la Fuerza Aérea estadounidense y del que se retiró recientemente en consorcio con Northrop Grumman por considerarse en desventaja competitiva con respecto al gigante norteamericano Boeing.
El Departamento de Defensa estadounidense mostró en los pasados días su predisposición para que EADS North America participara en la licitación como contratista principal de los 179 tanqueros KC-X, un contrato que asciende a 35.000 millones de dólares. El consorcio aeronáutico europeo, que se presentaba con Northrop Grumman, se retiró porque el Pentágono cambió en febrero los términos de la licitación no teniendo en cuenta la capacidad de tanques grandes, por lo que les excluía de la carrera por el contrato a favor de Boeing.
EADS North America busca ahora nuevo socio y, según fuentes citadas por El Economista, éste podría ser L-3 Communications con la que "ya ha habido alguna reunión" y Airbus Military (filial de EADS), evalúa "muy seriamente su elección como socia principal".

ISRAEL ATACARIA A IRAN CON ARMAS NUCLEARES/ISRAEL COULD EMPLOY NUCLEAR WARHEADS TO DESTROY URANIUM PLANTS

El Centro Internacional de Estudios Estratégicos (CSIS) dice en un reciente informe que Israel podría utilizar armas nucleares para atacar las plantas de enriquecimiento de uranio de Irán.
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Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) says in a new report that Israel could employ tactical nuclear warheads to destroy Iranian uranium enrichment plants.
But other independent experts are on record warning that such a scenario is based on the "myth" of a clean atomic attack and would be too politically hazardous to justify.

FUTURA FRAGATA DE LA ROYAL NAVY BRITANICA/Contract Signed for Assessment Phase of Navy's Next Warships

El ministerio de defensa británico (MOD), ha firmado un contrato para la fase inicial de desarrollo de su futuro buque de combate, Type 26. El equipo de diseño está encabezado por BAE Systems Surface Ships. Las fragatas Type 26 sustituirán a las Type 22 y Type 23 que dejarán el servicio a finales de la década.
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The MOD has signed a contract for the Assessment Phase of the Royal Navy's next generation of warships - the Type 26 combat ship.
A team led by BAE Systems Surface Ships, working with the MOD, will consider design proposals for the Type 26 combat ship, named in recognition of its planned multiple roles.
The Type 26 will replace the Type 22 and 23 frigates, which are to begin leaving service at the end of the decade. The ship will provide support for land operations as well as undertaking other key tasks such as anti-submarine warfare.
BAE Systems has been awarded a four year £127 million contract by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to take forward the programme to develop the new generation of combat ships for the Royal Navy.

La Armada Española establece como determinante la capacidad de guerra antiaérea en el futuro buque de superficie F-110

El futuro Buque de Superficie de la Armada, la serie F-110, establece la capacidad AAW, de guerra antiaérea, como determinante para la plataforma, según destaca el capitán de Fragata Carlos Martínez-Merello, jefe de la Sección de Planes de Recursos y Definición de Medios de la Marina española.
El futuro Buque de Superficie de la Armada, la serie F-110, establece la capacidad AAW, de guerra antiaérea, como determinante para la plataforma, según destaca el capitán de Fragata Carlos Martínez-Merello, jefe de la Sección de Planes de Recursos y Definición de Medios de la Marina española.
La futura F-110 está destinada a sustituir a los buques de la clase F-80 Santa María , que actualmente cumple la función de protección de grupos de combate grupos anfibios de la Armada.
Pese a la coyuntura económica, el capitán Martínez-Merello recordó que los programas de construcción "no se pueden detener para no perder la excelencia mundial conseguida" por nuestro país, declaró en el seno de la Jornada de Programas Navales en curso y programas futuros, organizada por la Fundación Círculo de las Tecnologías para la Defensa y la Seguridad. Todo nuevo programa "debe adecuarse a los escenarios actuales" y la F-110 responderá a las "amenazas convencionales y asimétricas"
debiendo poder operar tanto "en aguas litorales como en alta mar".
Como líneas generales, el buque F-110 deberá tener una vida operativa de cuarenta años, tener capacidad de incorporar grupos embarcables, así como poder operar con vehículos no tripulados, tanto aéreos como en superficie y bajo superficie.
En cuanto a las características deseadas, el capitán Martínez-Merello indicó que es tentador pedir una velocidad sostenida superior a los 35 nudos pero "dependerá de la envergadura del buque". Con todo, la F-110 tendrá un espacio multiuso para diferentes perfiles de misión, 240 días de operatividad y 18 meses de alta disponibilidad.
Con respecto a sus capacidades, el sistema AAW o defensa antiaérea, "proporcionará defensa del área local" y "será determinante para la plataforma"; el sistema ASW, defensa antisubmarina, proporcionará la capacidad de "proteger una Unidad Valiosa"; el sistema AsuW, defensa en superficie, contará con misiles Su-Su y artillería de medio calibre. Asimismo, la F-110 contará con sistemas de armas no letales.
Los objetivos de los programas de I+D en dicho proyecto pasan por definir los nuevos sistemas integrados multifunción y multifrecuencia, integración de las diferentes alternativas y opciones en la superestructura y el análisis de la repercusión en el diseño y tamaño del buque.
La F-110 es un buque que cubrirá las funciones entre los BAM (Buques de Acción Marítima) y las F-100, destinado en los escenarios de intensidad media que servirá de escolta y seguridad marítima. Según Martínez-Merello, este programa es "una oportunidad en la evolución de la construcción naval hacia la plena nacionalización mediante el impulso de programas de I+D".

información publicada en infodefensa.com

Israel entrega seis UAV a Turquía/Israel Delivers 6 Drones To Turkey

Israel Military Industries ha entregado 6 UAV HERON a Turquía., según informa la radio pública de Turquía, el resto se recibirá a finales de abril.ng four Heron drones on order by the end of April. La entrega había sido aplzada largamente, hasta la visita del ministros de defensa israelí, Ehud Barak, el pasado enero, realizada para refortalecer lazos militares existentes anteriormente.
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Israel Military Industries (IMI) has delivered six drones to Turkey.Public radio and YNet news said the Turkish military would receive the remaining four Heron drones on order by the end of April. The long-delayed delivery of the Israeli-made drones followed Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak's fence-mending trip to Turkey in January.
During that trip, Barak's Turkish counterpart, Vecdi Gonul, voiced hope that cooperation in arms projects, which has been at the heart of the once-flourishing ties between the two countries, would continue.
Barak travelled to Turkey in the wake of a severe diplomatic row over Turkey's criticism of Israel's policies toward the Palestinians.

Completada modernización de CF-18 de Canadá/Boeing Completes CF-18 Hornet Modernization Project for Canada

Boeing ha entregado el CF-18 número 79 y final a Canadá.
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Boeing delivered the 79th -- and final -- upgraded CF-18 Hornet aircraft to the Canadian Department of National Defence during a ceremony in Mirabel, Quebec, hosted by industry partner L-3 Communications MAS, who performed final upgrade installations. The delivery brings the nine-year, two-phased CF-18 Modernization Project to a close.

La RAF intercepta bombardero ruso en espacio aéreo británico/RAF catches Russian bombers in UK airspace

Dos Tornado F3 de la RAF ha interceptado el pasado 10 de marzo un bombardero ruso de largo alcance TU-160 "Blackjack", sobre la zona de Escocia. Fuentes aseguran que Rusia está interesada en la observación de maniobras militares británicas, de ahí esta misión.
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The striking picture shows the RAF intercepting two long-range Russian "Blackjack" bombers after they breached UK airspace off the Scottish coast. The Russian planes, the world's biggest combat aircraft that are capable of carrying nuclear or conventional weapons, were intercepted by two Tornados near Stornoway in the Western Isles.RAF crews have now been scrambled 20 times in the past year to intercept Russian aircraft over British airspace, the Ministry of Defence revealed last night.
MoD insiders claim the Russian operation may have been aimed at watching preparations for a major military exercise to take place off the Scottish coast next month. The two Tornado F3 fighters from 111 Squadron were scrambled from RAF Leuchars in Fife in the early hours of 10 March.
After intercepting the Russian bombers, the Tornados shadowed the Tupolev TU-160 aircraft as they flew south before turning north, just short of the Northern Ireland coast. Eventually the Russians left UK airspace and, after four hours, the Tornado crews stood down and returned to Leuchars. New RAF Typhoon fighter jets are scheduled to replace the Tornados the in the Quick Reaction Alert role next year.
The latest incident followed the resumption in 2007 of long-range bomber patrols by the Russians, which has resulted in RAF fighters being scrambled on a number of occasions. The bomber flights have been seen as an indication of the current tensions between Russia and the West, particularly Britain. MoD sources said the latest episode may have been linked to the Joint Warrior military exercise to be staged off the Scottish coast from 12 April. As part of the exercise, navy, RAF and army squadrons will be engaged in mock engagements across the north and west coasts of Scotland. It will involve forces from other Nato countries.
The Ark Royal was also on operation in this area in recent weeks, which may have attracted attention from the Russian military. In 2007, a nuclear-armed Blackjack bomber staged a mock attack on the east coast of England and got within 90 seconds of Hull without being intercepted. Creeping in low over the North Sea, it changed course only 20 miles from UK territorial airspace.
THE Tupolev Tu-160 is a supersonic heavy bomber which began to be deployed in the last years of the Soviet Union. Known as the "White Swan" by its crews, it is the largest jet-powered combat aircraft ever built. Although several civil and military transport aircraft are bigger, the Tu-160 has the heaviest take-off weight and the highest top speed of any combat aircraft, as well as one of the largest payloads of any current heavy bomber.
The aircraft remains in production, with at least 16 currently in service with the Russian air force.

Dinamarca aplaza compra de nuevo caza/Denmark postpone Purchase of New Fighter

El ministerio de defensa danés estudia la posibilidad de seguir operando la flota de F-16, reduciendo el número de aviones operativos de 48 a 30. Estudios han revelado que los F-16 pueden volar cuatro años mas de lo previsto
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As part of the basis for a decision concerning the purchase of new fighter aircraft, Defence in particular analyzed the possibility to continue to fly the current F-16 aircraft.
The analysis should include the reduction in the number of operational combat aircraft from 48 to 30, which is a part of the 2010-2014 defence agreement.
Defence has now well advanced this analysis, and the preliminary results are available. The preliminary results show that the F-16 aircraft can be operated for two to four years longer than originally planned.Given that background, the government has decided that it would be prudent to defer the purchase of new fighter aircraft. The decision process on the choice of the new fighter aircraft will be continued in the defence period 2010-2014. This decision has no influence on Denmark's participation as a partner in the Joint Strike Fighter program, which continues unchanged.

Navantia botará la F-105 Cristóbal Colón la primera semana de noviembre de 2010

La última de las fragatas de las F-100, la F-105, que será bautizada como Cristóbal Colón,
será botada en los astilleros públicos Navantia en la primera semana del próximo mes de noviembre, según anunció el capitán de Navío Ingeniero Antonio Sánchez Godínez, jefe del programa F-100.

Malaysia pide información para compra de cazas y aviones EAW/ Malaysia Issues RFIs for Fighters and AEW Aircraft

Malaysia ha emitido una RFI (Requerimiento de información), para la futura compra de cazas y aviones de alerta temprana (EAW). Malaysia está formulando su plan decenal industrial.
La información solicitada, es sobre el Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, el Lockheed Martin F-16, el Saab Gripen y el Sukhoi Su-30. Malaysia desea equipar para uno o dos escuadrones, (36-40 unidades), para sustituir a los antiguos Northrop F-5.
Boeing y Sukhoi son los mas fuertes competidores en el concurso. Malaysia ya opera aviones de ambos fabricantes (ocho F/A-18Dç desde principios de los 90 y 18 Su-30, pedidos en 2003). La RFI contempla dos aviones de alerta temprana (AEW), previsiblemente competirán el Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye y el Saab Erieye. Saab ya ha vendido aviones de este tipo a países de la zona. Tailandia opera un Saab 340 y en breve dispondrá de 6 Gripens. Northrop también ha vendido AEW, a países de la zona como Japón, Singapur y Taiwán.
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Malaysia has issued a request for information for fighters and airborne early warning aircraft, with a view to placing orders in 2011-15.
The sudden flurry of activity has occurred because Malaysia's government is now formulating its 10th five-year national plan for the 2011-15 period, say industry sources.
Kuala Lumpur wants information on fighters such as the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Lockheed Martin F-16 and Saab Gripen. Russian arms export agency Rosoboronexport has stated publicly that it will offer the Sukhoi Su-30.
Malaysia wants to order enough aircraft for one to two squadrons, potentially totalling 36-40 airframes. It is seeking to phase out its older fighters, such as the Northrop F-5, and simplify its fleet.
Boeing and Sukhoi are arguably the strongest contenders because Malaysia already operates eight F/A-18Ds, that it ordered in the early 1990s, and 18 Su-30s that it ordered in 2003.
Meanwhile, the RFI for two AEW aircraft will bring the Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye and Saab Erieye system in contention. The Swedish manufacturer has already been successful in selling one Erieye-equipped Saab 340 to Thailand, in addition to a first batch of six Gripens. The radar has also already been integrated with the Embraer EMB-145 and Saab 2000.
Northrop has previously sold E-2Cs to Japan, Singapore and Taiwan. The company is considered unlikely to offer the developmental E-2D for the Malaysian requirement.
Even though Malaysia has issued the new RFIs, suppliers have reason to be sceptical about its ability to progress to a contract award, as it has twice launched similar competitions in the past. A failure to follow-through with orders this time could result in some companies being reluctant to entertain future requests, some industry sources warn.

La Armada recibirá el primer submarino S-80 en 2013

El primero de los cuatro submarinos S-80 en construcción será entregado a la Armada en 2013, según se ha puesto de manifiesto hoy durante una jornada sobre "Programas navales en curso y programas futuros", clausurada por el almirante jefe de Estado Mayor de la Armada (AJEMA), Manuel Rebollo.
El primero de los cuatro submarinos S-80 en construcción será entregado a la Armada en 2013, según se ha puesto de manifiesto hoy durante una jornada sobre "Programas navales en curso y programas futuros", clausurada por el almirante jefe de Estado Mayor de la Armada (AJEMA), Manuel Rebollo.
En estas jornadas, la Armada y la Fundación Círculo de Tecnologías para la Defensa y la Seguridad han congregado a empresas y responsables de proyectos alrededor del plan de construcción de nuevos buques de la Armada, que acomete actualmente una importante iniciativa de modernización de su flota.

La fragata "Navarra" detiene a seis presuntos piratas en aguas somalíes

La fragata española "Navarra" cuenta con seis tripulantes más y se trata de un grupo de presuntos piratas, que, gracias a la intervención española, fueron detenidos tras intentar atacar un mercante de bandera panameña en aguas de Somalia Los acontecimientos han trascurrido durante la tarde de ayer, y para los componentes de la "Navarra" todo ha comenzado con la alerta que han recibido por parte del mando de la operación "Atalanta": un barco mercante estaba siendo atacado por presuntos piratas. Inmediatamente, la fragata tomó rumbo hacia la zona y en ese momento consiguió interceptar dos esquifes y una ballenera -que podría haberse utilizado como embarcación nodriza-, sospechosos de haber intentado asaltar el mercante. En ese momento, los mercenarios se daban a la fuga, "después de que la seguridad privada de la embarcación pesquera hubiera conseguido repeler el asalto abriendo fuego contra los atacantes", según informa el Ministerio de Defensa.
Durante una primera inspección a las embarcaciones interceptadas, los militares españoles descubrieron que a bordo viajaban seis piratas, y entre ellos además se encontraba un cadáver, que presentaba impactos de bala de pequeño calibre. Asimismo, en los esquifes se apreciaron numerosos impactos de bala y casquillos y se han requisado armas de diverso calibre y munición.
En todo momento, los miembros de la fragata "Navarra" han permanecido en contacto con el mando de "Atalanta" y han seguido las instrucciones del comandante de la operación. De esta forma se ha procedido a la detención de los presuntos piratas y se les ha tomado los datos para su identificación a bordo de la fragata española. Asimismo, se han iniciado los trámites para que el armador del mercante atacado identifique a los mercenarios y formule la acusación oportuna por intento de asalto y secuestro. "De ser así, el mando de 'Atalanta' activará los mecanismos para poner a los presuntos piratas a disposición judicial, bien en Kenia o en las Islas Seychelles, siguiendo lo previsto en los convenios suscritos por la UE con las autoridades de ambos países", aseveran desde el ministerio español.
En cuanto al presunto pirata fallecido -cuyo cadáver permanece a bordo de la "Navarra"-, es el mando de la operación "Atalanta" el que se está encargando de establecer contacto con el representante del Gobierno Federal de Transición de Somalia en Mombasa, para se hagan cargo del cadáver.
(extraído de Atenea Seguridad y Defensa)

Rumanía próximo comprador de F-16/ Romania defence body backs F16 purchase plan

El Consejo Supremo de Defensa de Rumanía, aprobó el Martes 23 de Marzo de 2010, la compra de 24 F-16 de segunda mano para modernización de su fuerza aérea. Se han tenido en cuenta factores como la no necesidad de adquirir material nuevo, ya que no existe finaciación suficiente. La decisión debe ser aprobada ahora en el parlamento. Como aliado de Estados Unidos, el F-16 era la opción a elegir mas probable. La decisión se ha visto complicada por la crisis económica. Sustituirán a los cazas en servicio, procedentes de la era soviética. El importe total es de unos cuatro mil millones de euros. Se consideraron el F-18 de Boeing Co, el Rafale de Dassault , el Grippen de Saab y el Eurofighter de EADS.
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Romania's Supreme Defence Council on Tuesday approved the acquisition of 24 second-hand F16 fighters produced by Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) to modernise its air force.
"Taking into account that Romania does not have the needed financial resources to buy new planes, the Council okayed a defence ministry proposal to acquire 24 F16 used planes," the council said in a statement. It said the plan would be subject to parliament's approval. Romania is a U.S. ally and some analysts had said the F16 was a likely choice. The economic crisis complicated the NATO member's effort to seal a planned multi-billion euro fighter purchase, a deal aimed at replacing its elderly Soviet-era MiGs. Five aircraft were in the running, and the cost of the deal has been estimated at over 4 billion euros. Romania's choices also included the F-18 from Boeing Co (BA.N), the Rafale from France's Dassault (AVMD.PA), the Grippen from Sweden's SAAB (SAABb.ST) and the Eurofighter from EADS (EAD.PA).

Concurso nuevo caza para Fuerza Aérea de Japón/Japan's Fighter Contest Heats Up

Después de años de retraso, Japón esta avanzado en el programa F-X para dotarse de un futuro caza. El requerimiento de ofertas, podría emitirse en abril. El F-X cubriría de 40 a 50 cazas que sustituirían a los anticuados F-4EJ Kai Phantoms; las primeras entregas podrían comenzar en 2015. Los competidores son el Eurofighter Typhoon, Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet y el Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). La competición se retrasó desde 2007 debido a restricciones presupuestarias y escándalos políticos. La Fuerza Aérea Japonesa, también retrasó la decisión, esperando que Estados Unidos levantara el veto a las exportaciones del F-22 Raptor, que fue cancelado en 2009. La oferta debe incluir integración de equipos de fabricación local y una licencia de fabricación para Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, la cual finaliza este año la producción del F-2. Fuentes indican que no sería economicamente viable una licencia de producción de 40 a 50 cazas. Estados Unidos y Lockheed ya ofrecieron el F-35 en 2007. Boeing ofrece el Super Hornet.Alenia, BAE Systems and EADS, también han enviado una delegación a Tokyo para reunirse con funcionarios del gobierno japonés. Europa ve una oportunidad en Japón, tras las nuevas relaciones establecidas entre Japón y Estados Unidos, después de la victoira del Partido democrático Japonés, que ya ha tenido varios desacuerdos con Estados Unidos. Entre otras cosas, aspira a reducir la presencia militar americana en Japón. El Rafale no entrará en la competición.
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After years of delay, Japan is moving forward on the F-X multirole fighter competition, and a request for proposals (RfP) could be issued as early as next month.
The F-X fills a requirement for 40 to 50 fighters to replace aging F-4EJ Kai Phantoms; first deliveries could begin in 2015 if a decision is made this year.
Contenders include the Eurofighter Typhoon, Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). The competition has been delayed since 2007 due to budgetary constraints, political bickering and procurement scandals. The Japan Air Force also delayed the decision, hoping the U.S. would release exports of the F-22 Raptor, but production was canceled last year.
Sources indicate the RfP includes dual-engines for extended operations over water, a local role in the integration of the active electronically scanned array radar, an indigenous weapon system and licensed production by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which is facing a drop in work once production of the F-2 fighter ends.
One defense industry source in Tokyo expressed doubts that licensed production of only 40 to 50 fighters would be economically viable. The U.S. government and Lockheed responded to Japan's formal request for F-35 data in 2007. Boeing is offering Japan licensed production of the Block II Super Hornet.
The push to sell the Typhoon to Japan is led by Alenia, BAE Systems and EADS, which also sent a delegation to Tokyo this month to meet with industry and government officials.
The Europeans see an opportunity in Japan as the new Tokyo government grapples with Washington over the U.S. military base on Okinawa and other political issues. In 2009, the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) unseated the long-standing Liberal Democratic Party and has since threatened to reduce the U.S. military presence.
"For Eurofighter, it wouldn't be easy as U.S. links there are strong and deep, but there is a feeling that the offer will be evaluated in a more neutral environment," a Eurofighter industry source said. "The Eurofighter position has also been helped by the good political support for the sale from the four Eurofighter nations."
However, Japan has never bought European fighters, and some say interest in the Eurofighter is nothing more than a ploy.
The Rafale fighter will not be competing

Avances en el programa de futura fragata de Turquía/Progress in Turkey's Long-Delayed Frigate Program

Turquía ha recibido respuestas a sus requerimientos información de empresas nacionales y extranjeras, en relación a la construcción de seis fragatas.. El programa recibe el nombre de TF-2000,(Turkish Frigate for the 21st Century). El coste aproximado del programa es de 3.000 millones de dólares, y será realizado en 10 o 12 años. La primera tiene prevista su entrada en servicio en 2018. El programa fue lanzado originalmente a finales de los 90, pero los planes se archivaron debido a problemas financieros. En 2006 fue rescatado reduciendo el número de unidades de ocho a seis. El Instituto Naval de Turquía está trabajando en el diseño. Se espera incrementar y reforzar las capacidades navales de Turquía, utilizando medios nacionales.
El astillero militar de Tuzla, construirá las seis unidades, que estarán dotadas de la mas avanzada tecnología, con armas antimisil, antiaéreas, etc. Con la participación extranjera se espera obtener una gran transferencia de tecnología.
Las fragatas embarcarán helicópteros y UAV, y desplazarán unas 6.000 tm.
La Armada de Turquía opera 19 fragatas de los tipos Oliver Hazard Perry, Knox y Meko. Las mas antiguas de las Knox serán retiradas proximamente.
Otros proyectos de la Armada son la construcción conjunta con Alemania de seis submarion y 12 corbetas de producción integramente nacional (clase Milgem), cuya primera unidad, la TCG Heybeliada, fue botada en 2008, siendo 2011 su fecha prevista de entrada en servicio.
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Turkey has received responses to its January request for information from several foreign and domestic companies seeking to help build six anti-air frigates to a local design.
Turkey's defense procurement agency, obtained information on directed infrared countermeasures, electric generation and distribution systems, heating-ventilating-air conditioning, integrated platform management systems, laser directed/kinetic energy weapons, main propulsion systems and the naval gun system.
The program is dubbed the TF-2000, or Turkish Frigate for the 21st Century. Officials expect the program to cost Ankara about $3 billion in today's prices; it will be completed in 10 to 12 years. The first ship is to enter service in 2018.
The program, originally planned in the late 1990s and shelved during the 2001 economic crisis, was resuscitated in 2006. The program was trimmed to six frigates from the proposed eight. The Navy's Turkish Naval Institute is working on the design, the country's first homegrown plan for a frigate. The program aims to bolster the Navy's air defense and operational capabilities using mostly domestic assets.
Turkey's Tuzla military shipyard in the country's northwest will build the six vessels, which will be equipped with state-of-the-art anti-missile and anti-aircraft air defense missile systems as well as other weapons.
Heavy foreign involvement and a large amount of technology transfer is expected in the program.
Naval warfare helicopters and UAVs also are planned to be deployed on the TF-2000s, which will displace more than 6,000 tons.
The Turkish Navy now operates 19 frigates, including U.S. Oliver Hazard Perry- and Knox-class and German Meko-class warships. Some of the older Knox-class frigates will be retired soon.
Turkey - expected to spend slightly more than $4 billion for defense procurement in 2010 - in recent years has focused on Navy programs, particularly their local design and development wherever possible.
Other top Navy projects include joint manufacture with Germany of six modern submarines and mostly local development and production of up to 12 corvettes.
The first ship in the Milgem-type corvette program, the TCG Heybeliada, was put to sea in late 2008 and is planned to be commissioned in 2011. Milgem, as a national naval development program, is seen as a precursor of the TF-2000.

Arabia Saudí instruye a sus pilotos de combate en la base de Morón

Los primeros oficiales saudíes inician en abril la formación en el Eurofighter
La base del Ejército del Aire en Morón de la Frontera (Sevilla), que durante décadas albergó un importante contingente de tropas estadounidenses, tendrá a partir de abril unos huéspedes de excepción: dos pilotos de la Fuerza Aérea de Arabia Saudí que durante un periodo de seis a diez meses se adiestrarán en el manejo de uno de los aviones de combate más avanzados del mundo, el Eurofighter o EF-2000, fabricado por España, Italia, Alemania y Reino Unido. Serán los pioneros de un primer grupo de 16 pilotos saudíes que se formarán en la base andaluza, junto a los militares españoles, en vez de hacerlo con la Royal Aircraft en suelo británico, como ha sido tradicional. Si la experiencia tiene éxito, a estos 18 podrían seguirle muchos más, ya que Arabia Saudí necesita al menos dos centenares de pilotos, ingenieros y mecánicos para operar los 72 cazas EF-2000 que Riad compró en 2007 al Reino Unido por más de 5.000 millones de euros. La presencia de estos alumnos supondrá cambios en la vida cotidiana de la base -habrá que habilitarles un lugar para el rezo o adaptar la dieta a sus mandatos religiosos- pero, sobre todo, creará a medio plazo importantes vínculos entre los ejércitos de los dos países, ya que por Morón pasará la élite de la Fuerza Aérea saudita.
El hecho de que la climatología andaluza sea más parecida a la de la península arábiga que la inglesa -y, por tanto, cuente con más días aptos para el vuelo-, así como las relaciones privilegiadas entre la Monarquía española y la Casa de Saud han facilitado, según las fuentes consultadas, un acuerdo que llevaba más de un año gestándose.
Aunque el monto económico inicial no es significativo, fuentes industriales confían en que, a medio plazo, parte del mantenimiento de la flota saudí de aviones EF-2000 pueda realizarse en España, lo que sí conllevaría notables compensaciones financieras. El objetivo es comercializar las capacidades excedentes del Ejército del Aire para, en cooperación con empresas españolas de defensa, obtener ingresos extras en una coyuntura de recortes presupuestarios.
Una muestra de esta filosofía era el contrato firmado por Industria de Turbo Propulsores (ITP) para reparar los motores de seis aviones Hércules C-130 de la Fuerza Aérea de Libia. La intención de ITP era realizar el trabajo en la Maestranza del Ejército del Aire en Sevilla. Hasta ahora, sin embargo, no ha sido posible, debido a los problemas burocráticos que plantea el hecho de que sus operarios sean empleados civiles de Defensa, por lo que ITP ha enviado los primeros motores al Reino Unido. El importe de este contrato, de 3,5 millones de euros, podría multiplicarse en el futuro, pues Trípoli tiene 15 Hércules y su reparación estaba vedada hasta ahora a firmas occidentales debido a las sanciones impuestas al régimen de Gaddafi por el atentado de Lockerbie.
La base de Morón no es un centro de formación -como las de San Javier (Murcia) y Talavera la Real (Badajoz)-, pero es la única que dispone de 28 cazas Eurofighter, adscritos al Ala 11. Uno de sus dos escuadrones, el 113, se dedica a la conversión operativa de los pilotos adiestrados en otros cazas, como el Mirage F-1, a los nuevos EF-2000.

Cambio de base de los F-5 Chilenos

Trad 34 anos operando en Cerro Moreno, en Antofagasta, Norte de Chile, los F-5 Tiger III de la Fuerza Aérea Chilen (FACH), se trasladan a una base en el sur, Punta ArenasEn Punta Arenas, la unidad utilizará la Base Aérea de Chabunco, formando parte de la IV Brigada Aérea. En Antofagasta, permanecerá el Grupo N°7, que deberá recebir los primeros F-16 comprados usados a Holanda

Rusia niega que vaya a entrar en el participación en el KC-X/Russia Denies Bid for U.S. Air Tanker Contract

Rusia ha negado que la empresa estatal United Aviation Corporation (UAC) entrara en el concurso para nuevo avión cisterna de la USAF, y rivalizar con Boeing Co y EADS. John Kirkland, abogado de Los Angeles, había anunciado a varios medios que la empresa rusa participaría en el concurso.
UAC ha negado cualquier relación con el abogado, ni este tema fue tratado en la reciente reunión mantenida entre Vladimir Putin y la secretaria de Estado de Estados Unidos Hillary Clinton.
El avión que se presentaría sería el Ilyushin-96 considerado inferior a sus competidores occidentales, y del que tan solo se han fabricado 30 unidades, aunque aún se fabrica una versión de carga.
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Russia denied on Monday that its state-run United Aviation Corporation (UAC) planned to bid for a $50 billion contract to replace the U.S. Air Force's fleet of air tankers, rivaling Boeing Co and Europe's EADS.
John Kirkland, a Los Angeles-based attorney, had told various news media over the weekend that UAC would announce a joint venture on Monday with a U.S. defense contractor to enter the bidding for the tanker deal.
UAC denied it had held any talks on bidding for the contract. "We have not been holding, are not holding and are not planning to hold such talks," said a UAC official. Separately, UAC vice-president Alexander Tulyakov said the attorney did not work for the company. "John Kirkland is not a UAC representative and we have had no communications with him [about the tender]," he told Reuters.
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had not discussed any Russian role in the contract when they met on Friday, Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "It was not a topic at the talks," he told Reuters.
The U.S. Air Force has been trying for nearly a decade to replace its fleet of Boeing-built KC-135 tanker aircraft, which are close to 50 years old.
EADS, the parent company of Airbus, won a deal in 2008 to build an initial 179 tankers, only to have it cancelled after auditors intervened. The Pentagon said last week that EADS had expressed possible interested in continuing to compete with Boeing for the contract.
Kirkland quoted Alexander Shishkin, who he said worked for the Russian Federal Service of Military-Technical Cooperation, as saying the U.S.-Russian joint venture being formed to bid would be announced at UAC headquarters on Monday morning.
However Shishkin, when contacted by Reuters on Monday, said he could not say anything. He would not even confirm he worked for the Federal Service of Military-Technical Cooperation. "I cannot say anything until the bosses decide something," he said. UAC's Tulyakov also said Russia was making arms sales abroad only via state arms export monopoly Rosoboronexport. "We have held no discussions with them [about the tender]," he added. An official at the agency said that there was nobody called Alexander Shishkin listed as working there. Kirkland had said Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov discussed a UAC bid for the tanker contract at a meeting with Clinton. The Foreign Ministry declined comment on Monday.
Neither Russian nor U.S. officials mentioned at the time any discussions about a tanker bid. Clinton held a bilateral meeting with Lavrov on Thursday and met President Dmitry Medvedev and Putin on Friday separately.
Kirkland said that a Russian bid would be based on a widebody version of UAC's Ilyushin-96 aircraft, which he said would be called the Ilyushin-98.

"There are some internal discussions within the UAC, but very preliminary ones, about the production of an air tanker based on the Il-96. But to talk about Russian air tankers refueling U.S. military planes — it is from the realms of fantasy," said a UAC source, who asked not to be named.

Fewer than 30 Ilyushin-96 aircraft have been produced and the plane is considered technically inferior to Western competitors. Russian news media reported last year that production of the passenger variant had been cancelled, although a cargo version is still in limited production. Russian media have made no mention of a new version of the Il-96 called the Il-98.