US drones strike again in South Waziristan

The US again launched airstrikes in Pakistan's Taliban-controlled tribal agency of South Waziristan today, killing 17 people. The drone attack is the fourth this year, and the first since the US killed influential Taliban leader Mullah Nazir.

The remotely piloted, CIA-operated Predators or the more deadly Reapers struck three separate compounds in the Babargarh area in South Waziristan. The area is close to the neighboring tribal agency of North Waziristan. According to Dawn, 17 people, whose identities have not been disclosed, are reported to have been killed.

longwarjournal

Japan scrambles jets to head off China plane

Japan scrambled fighter jets Saturday to head off a Chinese state-owned plane that flew near islands at the centre of a dispute between Tokyo and Beijing, a Japanese Defense Ministry spokesman said.

spacewar

Bulgaria To Buy Expensive, Third-Hand F-16 Aircraft

The Bulgarian Defense Ministry has decided to acquire expensive third-hand F-16s from Portugal, according to the Bulgarian media reports.

The Bulgarian government will pay approximately BGN 700 M for nine F-16s Block 15 to Portugal even though in 1999 Portugal paid twice less – BGN 268 M – to the US government for 25 second-hand F-16 planes, the Bulgarian daily Sega reported Thursday.

Gen. Rumen Radev told the Presa daily that the Portuguese deal was the best option because it included everything necessary for the operation of the planes, while Gripen and Italy offered only the planes without arms and with only the most basic land equipment for their operation.

According to Radev, even though the second-hand fighter jets from Portugal are already 30-years-old, they can be used for 25 more years.

defenseworld

AIRBUS TO SUPPLY SIX A330 REFUELLING TANKERS TO INDIAN AIR FORCE

European Airbus has bagged a deal worth around Rs 8,000 crore to supply six mid-air refueling tanker aircraft to the IAF, which will deploy them to extend the striking range of its fighter jets deployed along the Indo-China border in the Northeast.

The European Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft has emerged as the lowest bidder in the deal edging out its Russian rival Ilyushin-78 on the basis of life-time cost of operating the respective planes and has been offered the contract, according defence sources.

moneycontrol

India refused Dassault’s request to modify HAL’s workload on Rafale

India has snubbed French firm Dassault Aviation, the winner of its ` 1 lakh-crore combat planes deal, over the plea to let it decide on the Indian partner’s work share in the contract.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has not only rejected Dassault’s demand to decide on the quantum of work of the government-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in the Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) contract, but also waved the tender document at the French firm to make known that it did not provide the winning foreign firm such powers. The tender, also called the Request for Proposals or RfP in Defence parlance, had clearly laid down the parametres under which the contract for the 126 aircraft would be awarded to the winning firm.

alert5
newindianexpress

USAF cancels Afghan C-27A program

The USAF has chosen not to renew a contract with Alenia North America to support a fleet of C-27As for the Afghan Air Force.
U.S. Air Force officials have decided not to renew a contract with Alenia North America to support and induct the small, Italian-made C-27A transport aircraft into the Afghan Air Force.
The decision, provided by the Air Force via letter Dec. 18, is the latest in a string of disappointments for Italian Aerospace conglomerate Finmeccanica as it has sought to boost its U.S. business.

alert5

Anthony Osborne, Amy Butler-aviationweek

U.S. Patriot crews arrived in Turkey

The U.S. military says Patriot missile crews have arrived in Turkey but the missiles themselves are due later.

alert5
reuters

La Armada Española recuerda al marino Jorge Juan

Hace 300 años nació Jorge Juan y Santacilia, jefe de Escuadra de la Real Armada y uno de los más importantes científicos del siglo XVIII español. Novelda, su localidad natal, le ha recordado hoy en un acto en el que ha participado también la Armada con una Sección de Honores y Banda de Música del Tercio de Levante, y una representación del Cuartel General de la Fuerza de Acción Marítima en Cartagena y de la Comandancia Naval de Alicante.

armada

Pelican Airship on the Move

Aeros has completed its experimental rigid variable-bouyancy airship and accomplished the first of four tasks under its contract with the Pentagon's Rapid Reaction Technology Office.

The 230ft-long Aeroscraft prototype, called Pelican, has completed a ground-handling demonstration showing the 36,000lb vehicle can move without assistance from ground personnel, controlled from the cockpit and using its air-bearing landing gear. The Pelican was heavier than air for the demonstration.

Graham Warwick-aviationweek

Obama’s New Year’s Resolution: More Drone Strikes

It’s barely three days into 2013, and the Obama administration’s lethal campaign of drone strikes has resumed in earnest. Missiles fired by remotely piloted planes struck targets in Pakistan and Yemen three times in the past several hours, killing several people, including two prominent militant commanders.

dangerroom

Satellites Spot China’s Mysterious New Warplane Y20-Yanliang

A week after blurry photographs of what appears to be China's first long-range jet transport emerged on the web, Danger Room has obtained satellite imagery of the new plane, the Y20-Yanliang, at an airfield in central China.

dangerroom

Bosnia sends first combat unit to Afghanistan

Bosnia's parliament on Thursday backed the deployment of the country's first combat unit to Afghanistan, where it already has a small contingent of soldiers tasked with providing security for the NATO force there.

A total of 26 members of Bosnia-Hercegovina's military police will leave for Afghanistan to serve "for a period of 10 months" with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)

spacewar

Why China’s Tu-22 bombers would represent a serious threat to U.S. Navy aircraft carriers

If, and I stress the if, this report [about the Tu-22 production line sale] proves true then China has just made yet another massive commitment toward its strategy of area denial vis-a-vis the US Navy and other smaller naval players in the region.

Some would think that China buying a relic like the Tu-22 does not represent much of a threat, especially when compared with modern low observable bombers and UAVs currently serving, or being tested, in the US. I disagree with this stance entirely.

The Backfire is a fantastically potent long-range anti-ship weapons platform that can also carry around plenty of other gear to do other missions, such as standoff or escort jamming, network relay, and long range radar targeting to name a few. When paired with the modern version of the KH-22/32, or similar indigenously developed supersonic anti-ship missile, with over a 300 mile range, the great utility of the Tu-22 to the Chinese Military is clear.

David Cenciotti-theaviationist

Israel’s New Jet Trainer Could Cost More Than $60 Million per plane, over 20 Years

While Lockheed Martin is bashed over the escalating cost of its F-35, the life cycle costs of other fighter planes have often been overlooked, as customers and primes alike focus on the initial procurement cost rather than ‘cost of ownership’ of such planes. The procurement of 30 M346 jet trainers by the Israel’s Ministry of Defense (IMOD) was regarded as an example of well managed and relatively transparent acquisition program, since most of its elements are run by publicly traded companies in Italy, the US and Israel.

defense-update

Indonesia To Build Unmanned Drone Squadron In 2013

Indonesia's Minister for Research and Technology, Gusti Muhammad Hatta said the country will build an unmanned drone squadron in 2013 for special missions and national defence, Indonesia's Antara reported.

bernama

Chinese Navy future Maritime Patrol Aircraft Y-8FQ Cub/GX-6 has started its flight test campaign

The ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare) variant of Y-8, the Y-8FQ Cub (also known as GX-6 for High New 6) first surfaced on the Chinese internet in November 2011 as we reported at the time. A new picture just surfaced showing the PLAN future Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) in flight, indicating that flight tests for the time have already started.

The Y-8FQ is based on the Y-8 Transport aircraft by Shaanxi Aircraft Company, equipped with four WJ-6C turbofan engines with 6-bladed propellers. The tail of the plane has been modified to improve handling at low speed and low altitude as request by Maritime Patrol Aircrafts mission profiles, when on ASW missions. On such mission the MPA would use its MAD (Magnetic Anomaly Detector) boom to detect submarines. This boom is clearly noticeable at the tail of the Y-8FQ.

All in all this new Y-8FQ Cub/High New 6 Maritime Patrol Aircraft has all the attributes of a capable MPA like the P-3 Orion, Atlantique II or IL-38. The first Y-8FQ MPA will likely be operated by 2nd Naval Aviation Division 6th Regiment Dalian-Tuchengzi.

navyrecognition

Airbus Military is pushing for the C295 to be used by South African Air Force

AIRBUS Military has begun flight-testing the C295 medium transport and surveillance aircraft, which is being proposed as an essential multifunctional military aircraft for the South African Air Force, the company said in a statement on Wednesday.

With some of the air South African Air Force’s aircraft more than 50 years old, Airbus Military is pushing for the C295 light and medium airlifter to be used by South Africa’s defence ministry, especially for the South African Air Force’s maritime patrols and for its medium-weight transport requirements.

The C295 aircraft has a large, roof-mounted elliptical antenna that can make it an airborne early warning and command post. It is also seen as a tactical airlifter that could provide versatility in various transport roles.

HOPEWELL RADEBE-bdlive

Airbus Military begins flight tests of C295 winglets

First flight of the wingletted aircraft took place with complete success at Airbus Military’s Seville facility in Spain on Dec. 21.

Airbus Military has begun flight-testing a modification to add winglets to the C295 medium transport and surveillance aircraft – one of a series of product developments underway on the market-leading type.

The winglets, which are short extensions to the wingtips of the aircraft, have the potential to improve performance in the take-off, climb and cruise phases of flight by increasing the lift-drag ratio.

Possible in-service benefits include improved hot and high runway performance, increased range and endurance, and reduced operating costs.

First flight of the wingletted aircraft took place with complete success at Airbus Military’s Seville facility in Spain on 21 December. Data from that flight is being analysed and will be added to data from future flights, providing the basis for a decision on whether or not to incorporate winglets into the C295 design. The photograph shows the C295 during its first flight with winglets.


alert5
eads

Philippines Naval Helicopters to be Delivered by 2014

With the signing of the contract of agreement for the Philippines' three naval helicopters a done deal, the Dept. of National Defense expects the aircraft to be delivered and commissioned by 2014.
This is expected to gain impetus with the submission of the letter of credit to the manufacturer, AugustaWestland S.P.A., within the first quarter of 2013.

On Nov. 28, AugustaWestland was declared by the Naval Helicopter Acquisition Project Negotiating Committee as the single calculated and responsive proponent after going through the process of a negotiated procurement.

The Italian Ministerio Della Difesa conducted a review of AugustaWestland’s proposal for the procurement of AW 109 Power Helicopter, including related logistic support and found out that the price per helicopter “seems to have been progressively reduced”, meaning they were sold cheaper.

defense-studies

Iran says captures two U.S.-made miniature surveillance drones

Iran has captured two miniature U.S.-made surveillance drones over the past 17 months, Iranian media reported on Wednesday.

Several drone incidents over the past year have highlighted tension in the Gulf as Iran and the United States flex their military capabilities in the vital oil exporting region in a standoff over Iran's disputed nuclear program.

The lightweight RQ11 Raven drones were brought down by Iranian air defense units in separate incidents in August 2011 and November 2012, Rear Admiral Amir Rastegari told Fars news agency.

reuters

Afghan troops attack Spanish soldiers on New Year's Eve

Two Afghan soldiers opened fire on Spanish and Afghan troops patrolling in the western Afghan province of Herat last night. The insider (or 'green-on-blue') attack, in which Afghan security forces strike at Coalition allies, is the last such incident recorded in 2012.

The two Afghan soldiers attacked the Spanish troops last night as they patrolled in the Karkh district in Herat, according to Khaama Press. No Spanish or Afghan soldiers were hurt.

The International Security Assistance Force confirmed that the attack took place, and said an investigation had been launched to determine whether the attack was carried out by Afghan troops. An Afghan security official told Khaama Press that the two soldiers were members of the Afghan National Army.

A top Taliban spokesman claimed that the Afghan soldiers, who were from Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, were operating under Taliban orders, the Afghanistan Times reported. The two Afghan soldiers escaped to the Taliban after the attack. The Taliban, who routinely exaggerate casualties caused by their operations, also claimed that four Spanish soldiers were killed in the attack.

longwarjournal

Russia sends landing ships to Syria

A Russian warship carrying a marines unit has left its Black Sea port for Syria amid preparations for a possible evacuation of nationals living and working in the strife-torn country, news reports said Sunday.
The Novocherkassk landing ship is the third such craft despatched since Friday to the Tartus port that Russia leases from its last Middle East ally, agencies cited an unnamed official in the general staff as saying.

spacewar

Iran test-fires upgraded missiles in naval drill near Strait of Hormuz

The Iranian Navy on Tuesday test-fired an advanced home-made anti-ship cruise missile during the ongoing naval wargames in the country's Southern waters.
The navy successfully tested the coast-to-sea cruise missile, dubbed as Qader (Mighty), on the fifth day of the Velayat 91 naval wargames.
Qader is an easily deployable, rapid reaction, anti-ship cruise missile with a range of 200km developed by local engineers and defense industry experts and can be used against warships and frigates and enemy coastal targets.

alert5
abcnews

Japan plans to earmark funds to evaluate V-22

Japan’s Defense Ministry plans to earmark funds in the draft fiscal 2013 budget to evaluate the purchase of V-22 tilt-rotors.

alert5
japantimes

HMAS CANBERRA TAKING SHAPE

This year is shaping up as a big one for the future HMAS Canberra, Australia's first helicopter landing dock and the third Royal Australian Navy vessel to bear the name of the national capital.
BAE Systems maritime director Bill Saltzer said the vessel now looked like the ship her designers had expected her to become following the recent installation of the Australian-made superstructure blocks on the massive hull.

Read more: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/ship-starts-to-take-shape-20130101-2c4ie.html#ixzz2GrLcXaWU
nosint
canberratimes

South Korea to Buy Seahawks from U.S.

The Navy announced on Tuesday that it plans to buy eight advanced multi-purpose helicopters from the U.S.

The eight MH-60R Seahawk choppers will cost a total of US$554 million. They can reach speeds of up to 267 km per hour and can be used for search and rescue operations as well as a range of warfare operations.

Seoul wants to procure them to contain threats from North Korean submarines and naval vessels, according to military sources.

nosint
english.chosun

Japan mulls spy drones for East China Sea

Japan is considering introducing US spy drones to boost surveillance of its territorial waters near islands in the East China Sea at the centre of a bitter dispute with Beijing.

nosint
theaustralian

Thai air force plans upgrades to radar system

The air force will improve its radar-based defence system next year and link it to the army and navy for joint missions.
It intends to replace ageing radars and support facilities with new systems to search for airborne targets under the Royal Thai Air Force Defence System (RTAD), said air force chief Prajin Jantong.
The air force will be able to communicate with the navy's frigates _ HTMS Naresuan and HTMS Taksin _ and the navy's aircraft carrier HTMS Chakri Naruebet.



nosint
bangkokpost

Taiwan upgrades dozens of fighter jets

Taiwan plans to complete the first stage of an ambitious plan to upgrade its fighter jet force by the end of 2013, in an effort to maintain a credible deterrent against China into the 2030s.
Some 60 of Taiwan’s Indigenous Defence Fighters (IDFs) will be upgraded and ready for deployment within 12 months, according to a report submitted to parliament by the defence ministry.

defencetalk

South Korea Requests RQ-4 Global Hawk Remotely Piloted Aircraft

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Dec. 21 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea for four RQ-4 Block 30 (I) Global Hawk Remotely Piloted Aircraft and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.2 billion.
The Republic of Korea (ROK) has requested a possible sale of four (4) RQ-4 Block 30 (I) Global Hawk Remotely Piloted Aircraft with the Enhanced Integrated Sensor Suite (EISS).

defencetalk