July 31, 2021
July 29, 2021
July 28, 2021
Indonesia Continues Negotiations of RK-360MC Neptune
Oleg Korostelov, the general designer of LUCH Design Bureau, told about this in an interview with Novinarny, news.depo.ua.
He noted that negotiations on the acquisition are underway at various stages. The biggest progress is now with Indonesia, which has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the supply of a coastal mobile missile system RK-360MC Neptune."Indonesia continues negotiations, they are interested in our "Neptune". There are two more countries, but negotiations with them are still a very raw beginning, and it is too early to talk about it," Korostelov said.
Thus, Indonesia may become the first foreign buyer of the Neptune complex, which on August 23, 2020 was adopted by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.Now RK-360 MC "Neptune" - a complex of surface-to-surface cruise missiles with anti-ship missile designed to destroy warships of cruiser, destroyer, frigate, corvette, landing ships tank and vehicles, as well as coastal radio-contrast targets, in any weather conditions at any time of day and night, with active fire and electronic countermeasures of the enemy.
French Air Force and Navy Rafales getting Scorpion HMS
Vietnamese Frigates during the Military Parade in Vladivostok, Russia
Two Gepard 3.9 frigates of the Vietnamese Navy were lavishly decorated to participate in the naval parade in Vladivostok, Russia.
Two frigates, Quang Trung 016 and Tran Hung Dao of the Vietnam People's Navy, were lavishly decorated when participating in the naval parade held in the Far East, Russia.The naval parade is held annually by Russia, to celebrate the birth of the country's navy, and also an opportunity to show off its military might in the Pacific region.
This parade is often held with the participation of many foreign guests, including Vietnam. This is not the first time that Vietnamese frigates appear in this parade.During the official ceremony yesterday, July 25 local time, Russian President Putin stated that Russia has the ability to launch destructive attacks, with any which opponent.
Putin stressed that the Russian military has enough strength to deal with threats in the air, on the water, under the water or on land, and will not tolerate any target.Previously, two ships Quang Trung and Tran Hung Dao of the Vietnam People's Navy were present in Vladivostok on July 22, ready to participate in the parade.Due to the complicated situation of the COVID-19 epidemic around the world, the number of warships participating in the naval parade in Russia this year was not as rich as in previous years.
Two Vietnamese frigates will also participate in the Army Games 2021 tournament in the Sea Cup category. This will also be the first time, we participate in a competition at sea.Two frigates Tran Hung Dao and Quang Trung, we ordered from Russia in the second phase, after owning two ships Dinh Tien Hoang 011 and Ly Thai To 012 in the service.
The ship Tran Hung Dao 016 was launched from April 2016, and officially joined the force of Region 4 of Vietnam Navy in February 2018.Meanwhile, the Quang Trung 016 ship, although launched a month later than the Tran Hung Dao ship, was also commissioned at the same time as the 015.Compared with the original design of these two corvettes, the Vietnamese navy has creatively designed an additional aircraft compartment on the rear deck, in order to facilitate good preservation of weapons and vehicles.
Russia's Gepard 3.9 frigates are specially designed, with a hull structure that allows to minimize radar emissions, the ship has 10 completely separate watertight compartments with dual rudders, for high stability when traveling work.In addition to Vietnam, currently the Russian Navy is also using two frigates of this type in the fleet of the Caspian Sea.
Rafael shows Flanker carrying out maritime strike with SPICE 250
Taiwan investigates former Vice Defense Minister Chang Che-ping for espionage
Former commander of the Republic of China Air Force and former Vice Defense Minister Chang Che-ping is under investigation for espionage, Mirror Media reports.
Japan will start modernization of JS Kaga from end of the year
July 26, 2021
Debut for RAN's Camcopter in Talisman Sabre
Apart from an MH-60R helicopter, HMAS Ballarat also carries an S-100 Schiebel Camcopter, an unmanned aerial vehicle that offers enhanced surveillance capability at sea.
A small detachment from 822X Squadron at the Royal Australian Navy’s Fleet Air Arm is conducting trials with the 3.1-m long rotorcraft as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre (TS21).
Remote Pilot Warfare Officer Lieutenant Jack Parsey said the S-100 provided Ballarat’s command team with a highly flexible intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability in real-time. “The S-100 can be used for a number of activities, such as search and rescue, tactical maritime operations, and overwatch for the ship’s boarding party,” Lieutenant Parsey said.
“A major advantage of the S-100 is that the vision it captures can be live-fed straight back to the operations room providing a real-time tactical picture.”Attention is also being paid to how the S-100 can operate in conjunction with the MH-60R to multiply overall aerial capability.
“Manned/unmanned teaming is the phrase that has been given to this sort of aircraft-to-aircraft partnership,” Lieutenant Parsey said.“For instance, the helicopter may spot a vessel of interest while on patrol, the details of which can be relayed to the ship, at which time the S-100 can be deployed to take over the surveillance.
“The S-100 can then stay on-station for longer than traditional aircraft, thanks to its endurance capability.”Commanding Officer Ballarat Commander Antony Pisani said TS21 had been a good opportunity to inject the S-100 into a sea combat environment.
“One of our tasks during Talisman Sabre has been to hunt submarines in our area of operation to disrupt the enemy force within the exercise,” Commander Pisani said.“Our MH-60R is designed for that purpose, but the S-100 boosts our ability to search for submarines and track their periscopes until the helicopter can respond.
“That additional situational awareness makes us a more potent unit overall and increases our fighting edge.”
RMN, UKCSG 21 Complete Sea Exercise
LUMUT: The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and the United Kingdom Carrier, Strike Group 21 (UKCSG 21) strengthened their defence cooperation through "Passage Exercise" (Passex) which was held in the Straits of Melaka yesterday.
The RMN's western command armada base corporate communication division said the exercise involved three RMN assets, namely KD Lekiu, KD Jebat and a Super Lynx helicopter.
The statement said the UKCSG 21 consisted of four naval ships and several aircraft from the United Kingdom, United States and the Netherlands.
"The warships involved were HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMS Kent, USS the Sullivans and HNLMS Evertsen. This is the maiden voyage of HMS Queen Elizabeth, an aircraft carrier, to the region.
"Apart from being committed to maritime security and national defence cooperation in the region with friendly navies, the RMN welcomes such exercises to enhance inter-operability and understanding in the field," the statement read.
Russia on schedule to deliver Su-30s to Myanmar
Dmitry Shugayev, the chief of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, told Deutsche Welle that the Su-30 fighter jets ordered by Myanmar is still on schedule to be delivered to the country.
Watch the Su-30SM demo flown by father and son
July 24, 2021
MAKS2021 - SU-57 Pugachevcobra
SU-57 #bugachevcobra #MAKS2021 pic.twitter.com/vJFx6Gp5kr
— Thanos (@ThanosMoscow) July 23, 2021
Indian Air Force Sarang Helicopter Display from MAKS2021 ,Russia
Here Comes @IAF_MCC Team #Sarang Helicopter Display from #MAKS2021 ,Russia.
— Manish Prasad (@manishindiatv) July 24, 2021
4 #helicopters mesmerised the audiences with its display and being the only rotary wing display team at the #airshow. pic.twitter.com/swTkXWBqdS
July 23, 2021
July 21, 2021
India's DRDO successfully flight tested indigenously developed low weight, fire and forget Man Portable Antitank Guided Missile (MPATGM)
In a major boost to #AtmaNirbharBharat and strengthening Indian Army, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight tested indigenously developed low weight, fire and forget Man Portable Antitank Guided Missile (MPATGM) today 21st July 2021. pic.twitter.com/kLEqrsgoOR
— DRDO (@DRDO_India) July 21, 2021
South Korea to launch studies into air-launched space rocket
Chinese Zhengzhou Metro train flooded - Henan province - dam collapse risk looms
Substandard construction on subway entrance of line 7 in Zhengzhou collapsed
One subway entrance of line 7 in Zhengzhou collapsed on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/uH8ybyDOPi
— Manya Koetse (@manyapan) July 20, 2021
Gut-wrenching: this girl stuck on flooded Metro said: "The water outside has risen to this level...My cellphone will be out of battery soon...I don't know if this will be my last Wechat post." 😰💔 #Henan #zhengzhou #flood #china #河南 #郑州 #洪水 #最后一条微信 pic.twitter.com/dKlQ3j47S1
— Not Picking Quarrels Panda 🐼 (@voiceofchinatv) July 20, 2021
More videos coming out on the situation earlier on Tuesday night in the Zhengzhou subway. From what I can find now, the majority of passengers got out safely, but unfortunately, some did not. (Please comment with source link if more is known on this 🙏.) pic.twitter.com/5CyvauugSK
— Manya Koetse (@manyapan) July 20, 2021
July 20, 2021
Polish Media 'Tips' NATO on How to Detect Russian Varshavyanka Submarines
Polish media said that although Russia's Project 636 Varshavyanka (Kilo) submarine is nicknamed "black hole" because of its reputation for smooth operation, it is easy to "disappear" in the ocean, but there is still a weakness large enough that NATO can rely on it to detect them.
Polish media do not appreciate Russian military equipment. For example, the Defense Portal has a "tip" analysis for NATO about Russian diesel-electric attack submarines of Project 636.3 Varshavyanka.The Polish newspaper wrote that the Varshavyanka submarines, despite their low noise levels, have a "significant disadvantage" - that they cannot stay underwater for more than two days due to the lack of air-independent propulsion (AIP engine).
This is the "Achilles heel" of Russian diesel-electric submarines , despite the fact that the Kilos have extremely low operating noise levels that make them nicknamed "black holes".According to Polish experts, if it is known the approximate area of operation of the Russian submarine, as well as what type of submarine is in question, it is highly likely that it will be detected, because in 48 hours, the ship will finally be discovered because will have to emerge.
It is noteworthy that Warsaw also has a country with experience in operating Kilo-class submarines, when in the navy's payroll there is still one of Project 877 - the previous generation of Project 636 but between two submarine classes the above have many similarities.Poland's knowledge of Soviet/Russian-made diesel-electric attack submarines will certainly be of great help to NATO and this is a factor that Moscow cannot ignore.However, many Russian military experts believe that between the Project 877 submarines built during the Cold War and the advanced Project 636.3 today, there are actually too many differences and cannot be equated.
The fact has been proved by the fact that the whole NATO fleet along with anti-submarine patrol aircraft have repeatedly been powerless to find the Varshavyankas of the Russian Navy in a relatively narrow area.
DroneShield Supplies RfOne MKII Long-Range Sensors to the Australian Army
DroneShield RfOne passive far-range drone detection sensors on an Australian Army vehicle (photo : DroneShield)
Sydney, Australia - DroneShield Ltd (ASX:DRO) (“DroneShield" or the “Company”) is pleased to advise that it has sold a quantity of its RfOne MKII long-range sensors to the Australian Army. The capability is being delivered immediately to allow the Australian Army to assess its future counter-drone requirements and options.
The deployment of these long-range sensors will highlight the flexibility, resilience, and capabilities of DroneShield equipment in a dynamic field environment, while also assisting the Australian Army in establishing its counter drone requirements and future capability options.RfOne MKII is the latest stationary RF detection product, delivering long range and highly accurate drone detection and tracking capabilities (photo : DroneShield)
The sale was structured as a one-off sale to the Australian Army, and, similar to the standard purchases from DroneShield’s other defence and law enforcement customers, comprises a small purchase of equipment. While the size of the sale is financially immaterial, it is considered to be material from a growth perspective as it is expected to lead to larger procurements, once the equipment from the earlier purchase has been fielded for a period of time.
Oleg Vornik, DroneShield CEO, commented, “As an Australian company, DroneShield is immensely proud to support the Australian Army with its long-range counter-drone strategy.”
KAI Exports Six Additional T-50i to Indonesia
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced on the 20th that it had signed an additional supply contract for the introduction and export of the T-50i tactical introductory trainer with the Indonesian Ministry of National Defense (Air Force).With this contract, KAI will export six T-50i tactical introductory trainers and a follow-up support package for aircraft operation to Indonesia.
The contract size is 274.488 billion won, and the contract period is from December 16, this year to October 30, 2024.The contract start date is the expected date when KAI receives the advance payment from the Indonesian government, and the contract end date is 34 months from the start of the contract. KAI will re-publish when the advance payment is received.
The T-50i is an Indonesian export aircraft based on the T-50, the first domestic supersonic advanced trainer developed for the Korean Air Force. It can perform both training and light attack missions at the same time.Previously, KAI exported 16 T-50i units to Indonesia on May 25, 2011 and T-50i radar and machine gun installation works on November 8, 2018.
July 19, 2021
Cyber attack warning - PREPARE to live without internet
JUST IN - US, UK, and EU warn China to stop malicious cyber operations.
— #𝕎𝕒𝕣 ℍ𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕫𝕠𝕟 (@WarHorizon) July 19, 2021
U.S. and allies accuse the communist country of Microsoft Exchange cyberattacks.
The Event from Klaus Schwab is coming. One World government. SLAVERY❗ pic.twitter.com/7Yaak6qNYL
#US condemns #China for hiring ‘criminal contract hackers’ to carry out ransomware attacks
— Indo-Pacific News - Watching the CCP-China Threat (@IndoPac_Info) July 19, 2021
It led a worldwide condemnation of China on Monday for a ‘pattern of malicious cyber activities posing a major threat to US & allies’ economic & national security.’https://t.co/NP1zEPnOou
Indian Navy's INS Tabar and French Marine Nationale frigate Aquitaine with its NH90 in the Bay of Biscay
Indian stealth frigate INS Tabar, on a three-month deployment to Africa & Europe, exercises with French frigate FNS Aquitaine in the Bay of Biscay pic.twitter.com/4oLs3IIcA1
— Rajat Pandit (@rajatpTOI) July 19, 2021
July 18, 2021
July 17, 2021
HQ-17 medium-altitude short-range surface-to-air missile vertical cold launch
HQ-17 medium-altitude short-range surface-to-air missile vertical cold launch,
— Eva 郑 عائشة (@evazhengll) July 17, 2021
HQ-7 low-altitude short-range surface-to-air missile fires synchronously. pic.twitter.com/zOMadbbGV3
July 15, 2021
India about to buy 100 F404 turbofan engines for Tejas
India is all set to ink another major defence deal with the United States (US), to acquire fighter jet engines worth $700 million. Negotiations are almost over for the engines that will be used to power the homegrown Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will buy a total of 83 jet engines of the LCA Mk1A version from General Electric (GE). All issues pertaining to supply have been straightened out and India will soon place an order for 100 of the GE 404 engines.
The American engines already power the Mk1 variant of the LCA that is already in service with the IAF and would smoothly fit into the latest version of the indigenous fighter.
The contract with GE is likely to be signed this year. If the deal comes through, this will be the biggest defence deal with the US since February 2020 when India placed orders to procure Apache attack choppers and MH-60 Sikorsky Romeo multi-role helicopters during a visit by then President Donald Trump.Although the deal doesn't comprise transfer of technology, efforts are underway to build a domestic fighter jet engine for the future Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. Spearheaded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the project envisions a partnership either with England or France to together develop critical engine technology in order to power all future air force fighters.
India in February this year inked a Rs 48,000 crore deal to acquire indigenous LCA Tejas Mk1A fighter jets with state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). The mega order was the biggest ever single defence contract signed with an Indian manufacturer and would include various private sector companies as well.
Pakistan terror state allows Taliban fighters to cross its borders to Afghanistan
Hypocrisy!
— Kashmir Watch (@kashmir_watch) July 15, 2021
Pak talks about taking actions against #terrorism, look how terror state allows #Taliban fighters to cross its borders to #Afghanistan. Taliban along with Pak soldiers have killed many #ANDSF soldiers in past few days. #Kashmir @CestMoiz @Ptr6Vb @manishindiatv @Par1Ke pic.twitter.com/RETOCS6duy
Taliban start using gym used by American soldiers
Nice gesture by American troops to leave behind a decent gym for the Taliban.
— Kashmir Intel (@kashmirosint) July 15, 2021
pic.twitter.com/qfxyPV9Tdv
July 14, 2021
July 13, 2021
Indian Navy - IN 328 , 10th P-8I of Indian Navy has reached Goa
Arriving now, #IndianNavy's 10th #Boeing P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft
— d-atis☠️ (@detresfa_) July 13, 2021
Tuesday, July 13, 2021 https://t.co/xG3kkSfjGG pic.twitter.com/RRT5rR75MU
Hawkei Vehicle Reaches Initial Operational Capability
The next generation of Hawkei Protected Mobility Vehicle – Light has reached a significant milestone with the approval of Initial Operational Capability under the Project Land 121 Phase 4.
This brand new capability for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) will provide a high level of protection for soldiers, with significantly improved mobility enabling it to operate in high threat environments.
Minister for Defence the Hon Peter Dutton MP said the $2 billion project would see the new fleet of 1,100 Australian-built light protected vehicles rolled out to Army and Air Force units.“The Hawkei is expected to reach Full Operational Capability in 2023 and is joining the existing Bushmaster and Protected Medium Heavy Capability trucks to create a suite of protected mobility vehicles,” Minister Dutton said.
“The new fleet of lighter vehicles, which will come with 1,058 trailers, will better protect ADF personnel from blast and ballistic threats.”Minister for Defence Industry the Hon Melissa Price said the Hawkei project is delivering vehicles manufactured in Victoria at the Thales Protected Vehicles facility in Bendigo.
“This project is an excellent example of Australian industry providing Defence capability to meet Australian requirements,” Minister Price said.“Hawkei has been designed and built in Australia by Thales Australia, which supports Australian jobs and Australian service personnel.
“The production of the Hawkei is sustaining approximately 210 jobs in Thales’ workforce in Bendigo, creating about 35 more jobs as part of the support contract, and establishing around 180 additional jobs as part of Thales' supply chain supporting production.“The production and ongoing support of the Hawkei vehicle in Australia creates significant long-term opportunities for Australian industry, including the potential for export,” Minister Price said.
Defence and Thales Australia have resolved a braking issue identified in late 2020, with a technical solution being rolled out across the Hawkei fleet.With appropriate controls in place, Defence has lifted the Hawkei’s operating restrictions, enabling the recommencement of full-rate production and rollout of the capability.
RAAF have Completed Training to Operate Space Surveillance Telescope (SST)
Air surveillance operators at No. 1 Remote Sensor Unit (1RSU) based at RAAF Base Edinburgh have completed training to operate the unit’s newest capability, the Royal Australian Air Force space surveillance telescope (SST). The SST will survey the night skies, detecting and cataloguing objects in geosynchronous orbit more than 30,000km above the Earth where many important telecommunications satellites reside.
Inactive satellites and debris litter this orbital plane and pose a collision risk to active spacecraft. As such, the SST’s detections will help identify such risks and preserve the safe use of space.Located at the Harold E Holt Communication Station in Exmouth, Western Australia, the SST is positioned close to another 1RSU-operated space domain awareness asset, the C-Band radar.
Both the C-Band and SST are joint initiatives of the United States Space Force (USSF) and Australia.Both capabilities form part of the space surveillance network, which is a worldwide network of telescopes and radars that detect, track, identify and catalogue man-made objects in space.
Leading Aircraftwoman Amy Clements, an ASOP on the inaugural SST course, said the SST was an electro-optical sensor that would provide coverage of objects within deep space, making an important contribution as part of the space surveillance network.“Visiting the site of the telescope in May, I had the incredible opportunity to witness first-hand, along with my fellow aviators, what 1RSU and the wider Air Force are looking to achieve within the space domain,” Leading Aircraftwoman Clements said.
“As an operator, I am really excited to have the opportunity to work with this incredible technology and support this enhanced space capability for Air Force.”With an enormous 3.6m aperture, the SST was initially developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory and is the result of years of construction, testing and development.
The SST is a proven and potent technology, with the United States Air Force previously operating the capability at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, prior to its relocation to Exmouth.Leading Aircraftman Graham Turner, an ASOP at 1RSU and also a member of the first SST course, said the things the SST could see were amazing.
“Operating an optical sensor is quite different to using a radar like C-Band, which I’ve operated previously, and has a lot of advantages, especially in geostationary orbit,” Leading Aircraftman Turner said.
“It’s a different job to what 1RSU has done before in space domain awareness and the SST is especially suited to it.”
Modern military operations are reliant on space-based assets for communications, weather, navigation, timing, intelligence and missile-warning.
Detecting potential collision risks to these assets through space domain awareness increases their survivability and ensures the effects they provide the warfighter are not lost.
Commanding Officer 1RSU Wing Commander Richard Harrison said the SST’s observations would contribute to the ADF’s space domain awareness and that of allies.
“The establishment of the SST capability marks an impressive milestone for our unit and more broadly, Air Force’s collaboration with the US and other agencies within the space sector,” Wing Commander Harrison said.
The first RAAF SST operators completed their training on April 23 and are now developing procedures and trialling techniques towards achieving initial operating capability.
Philippine Army Getting 4 Vehicle Mounted Mine Detectors
Armtrac, an explosive ordnance disposal company based in Cambridgeshire in Eastern England, has announced that it was awarded contract to supply 4 Vehicle Mounted Mine Detector (VMMD) to the Philippine Army.
“Following an MOU and Special Implementing Arrangement (SIA) signed at Government level, the Bid was awarded on 5 January 2021 and contract signed in April 2021 for 4 x VMMDs for delivery in 2021/22,” Armtrac said.It noted that the VMMD, based on the Armtrac 100-350 Mk2, “provides the capability to accommodate two operators within the armoured cabin to operate a vegetation cutter on the rear robotic arm to clear high vegetation on roadsides and a detector on the front robotic arm to detect the IEDs together with a paint marker to indicate the position.”
“A small excavator bucket, fitted to the rear robotic arm in place of the vegetation cutter, allows some excavation of earth for exposure of buried EO,” it added.
The Royal Thai Army has Converted the H145 Helos into Air Ambulance
Six F-35Bs will arrive at Nyutabaru Air Base in 2024
South Korean KUH-1 medevac helicopter crash lands
July 12, 2021
July 10, 2021
The Turkish Ministry of National Defense reported that the Medium Altitude Air Defense Missile System (HİSAR-O) hit the target with a full hit in the test firing conducted at the Aksaray Shooting Range.
The Turkish Ministry of National Defense reported that the Medium Altitude Air Defense Missile System (HİSAR-O) hit the target with a full hit in the test firing conducted at the Aksaray Shooting Range. #Turkey pic.twitter.com/FfZCtXQP0G
— Ali Özkök (@Ozkok_A) July 10, 2021
JMSDF to conduct joint training with British Carrier Strike Group in Gulf of Aden
Royal navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) transits the Atlantic Ocean, Sept. 23. The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), with embarked Carrier Air Wing 3, is underway conducting the Tailored Ship’s Training Availability (TSTA) and Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) as part of the basic phase of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan.
Pakistan to convert Lineage 1000 business jets into Sea Sultan maritime patrol aircraft
Pakistan has hired an Italian defense company to convert three Embraer Lineage 1000 regional jetliners into long-range maritime patrol aircraft for its Navy.
The contract with Leonardo involves the acquisition of two aircraft to join the single Lineage 1000 already in Pakistan, followed by the design, modification, installation and integration of an anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol package. The three planes will then be introduced into service as Sea Sultan patrol aircraft.Follow-on contracts are expected to bring the total number of Sea Sultans to 10, replacing the country’s long-serving P-3C Orion fleet. Defense News learned in October that the Navy selected the Lineage 1000 to replace the fleet.
Under an additional contract, South Africa’s Paramount Group will handle the pre-conversion maintenance, repair and overhaul of the aircraft.A spokesperson with Leonardo declined to comment for this story. Similarly, Paramount Group declined to comment, citing “strict confidentiality agreements.”
However, Defense News obtained additional details from a source with knowledge of Pakistan’s ongoing defense programs. A closed tender was launched in November 2020 involving Leonardo, Germany’s Rheinland Air Services and Turkish Aerospace Industries on the basis of their proven maritime patrol aircraft conversion experience.Rheinland previously won an order for the Sea Eagle maritime patrol aircraft conversion of ATR 72 propliners for the Pakistan Navy, beating out a rival offer from TAI, which offered a package based on that developed for the Turkish Navy’s ATR 72s.Only Leonardo was shortlisted on a technical basis for the Lineage 1000 conversion. This was mainly on the basis of the Leonardo SeaSpray radar installed on the RAS 72 Sea Eagle aircraft and Sea King helicopters, and the trusted Italian-origin torpedo-release systems already installed on the Pakistan Navy’s anti-submarine warfare aircraft, and which would certainly be fitted to the Sea Sultan.
Leonardo also has a good relationship with Pakistan’s other military branches, supplying Grifo radars for Mirage III and F-7PG Fishcan fighters, delivering AW139 helicopters, and helping procure refurbished M109 self-propelled howitzers.
After three months of detailed technical discussions, and the securing of internal funds from Pakistan’s Armed Forces Development Plan, a $190 million contract was signed between the Ministry of Defence Production and Leonardo in the penultimate week of June.Brazil, where Embraer is based, is also developing a maritime patrol aircraft program based on conversion of the Lineage 1000 to replace it P-3B Orion fleet, but there appears to be no cooperation between the two programs.
Pakistan’s 2010 acquisition of Mectron-made PAA-1 Piranha within-visual-range missiles (now SIATT after the parent company spun off the Mectron unit) and MAR-1 anti-radiation missiles did not lead to previously promised defense industry cooperation.
Aerospace expert Justin Bronk at the Royal United Services Institute said expectations of international cooperation on the Lineage 1000 conversion programs wasn’t realistic.“MPA mission systems are actually some of the most sensitive programs in the defense aviation world, and so there may be security reasons why Pakistan and/or Brazil would chose not to cooperate on a Lineage 1000 conversion,” he said.
How Taiwan reverse-engineered the Israeli Gabriel Mk 1
Philippine A-29B damaged during landing
July 9, 2021
Singapore and US Navies Conduct Bilateral Exercise Pacific Griffin
The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the United States Navy (USN) are conducting the third edition of the bilateral Exercise Pacific Griffin from 22 Jun to 7 Jul 2021. The exercise is held in the waters off Guam.The RSN's Formidable-class frigates RSS Tenacious and RSS Stalwart, and the Independence-class Littoral Mission Vessel RSS Fearless, exercised alongside USN's Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Benfold, auxiliary ship USNS Amelia Earhart and a Los Angeles-class submarine, in a series of naval serials for the air, surface and underwater domains. RSN naval divers and their USN counterparts also conducted maritime counter-terrorism training and a combined boarding of a vessel of interest, simulated by RSN's training ship MV Avatar. In addition, the RSN fired torpedoes and conducted an Aster anti-air missile firing.Exercise Pacific Griffin also saw the participation of RSAF fighters, who were rotationally deployed to Guam for unilateral training from May to Jul 2021. Exercising together, the RSN and RSAF executed a successful coordinated missile firing against a surface target. The RSN and RSAF also conducted other integrated missions in support of maritime operations during the exercise, strengthening the sea-air integration between the services.
RSN's Deputy Fleet Commander and the exercise task force commander, Colonel Ooi Tjin Kai highlighted the value of the exercise in enhancing professionalism between the two navies. He said, “Exercise Pacific Griffin is an important part of a series of regular bilateral interactions with our US counterparts. We always look forward to training with the USN as it provides us the opportunity to conduct exercises to hone our capabilities and enhance our cooperation."
The USN's Commander Task Force 71, Captain Chase Sargeant said that the exercise benefits the two navies by allowing each to deepen their shared knowledge, while bolstering a strong and enduring maritime relationship. "Exercises like Pacific Griffin emphasise cooperation while building competencies in a complex and technologically-advanced training environment. This exercise demonstrates the trust and expertise we have built over the years with the RSN through increasingly complex and integrated training and live fire events," he said.First conducted in 2017, Exercise Pacific Griffin highlights the strong navy-to-navy relations between Singapore and the US, as well as the excellent and long-standing bilateral defence relations between both countries. Apart from bilateral exercises, both navies also engage in a wide range of activities, including professional exchanges, cross-attendance of courses and participation in multilateral exercises. These regular interactions have enhanced cooperation and mutual understanding between the two militaries, and deepened personal and professional ties between their personnel.
