November 30, 2021
Myanmar has started using the Su-30 to attack Kachin Independence Army
A spokesperson for the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) says the Myanmar government has started using the newly-acquired Su-30 fighters to attack the KIA
November 29, 2021
Sidestick of F-16A that struck Osirak nuclear reactor put up for auction
A sidestick controller from F-16A #78-0322 is up for auction. The former Israeli Air Force fighter was one of the six that bomb the Osirak nuclear reactor in Iraq back in 1981.
VMFA-112 conducts maritime strike exercise with CVW 2 off Okinawa
Carrier Air Wing 2 and VMFA-112 from MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, held a joint maritime strike rehearsal off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 19, 2021.
Kishida: Japan to consider enemy base strike option
Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told military personnel during a review at Camp Asaka on Nov. 27 that the country will consider enemy base strike option when Japan revises its foreign and security policies.
France has transferred two Mirage 2000 fighters to India
Two former French Air Force Mirage 2000 fighters have been transferred to India, news reports from India say.
November 28, 2021
November 26, 2021
November 25, 2021
November 24, 2021
November 23, 2021
UK - Challenger 2 main battle tanks firing on the ranges tank tuesday
Challenger 2 main battle tanks firing on the ranges #tanktuesday. There are four armoured regiments in the RAC: @ChurchillsOwn #thekingsroyalhussars @RoyalTankRegt and @WessexYeomanry #armyjobs #armoured #robustagilecapable #britisharmy #tanks #army #british #cavalry pic.twitter.com/prQXexmWuc
— Royal Armoured Corps (@RoyalArmdCorps) November 23, 2021
Chinese Army Z-10 Attack Helicopters landing onType 071 amphibious transport dock Yimeng Shan (988)
Air and Amphibious Assaults for island seizing -
— Eva 郑 عائشة (@evazhengll) November 22, 2021
Chinese Army Z-10 Attack Helicopters landing onType 071 amphibious transport dock Yimeng Shan (988), brings in attack options and fire support for PLAN Aviation Forces. pic.twitter.com/yij4j7vUIJ
November 22, 2021
November 20, 2021
Lebanon takes delivery of six MD-530F+ attack helicopters
The United States has handed over six MD-530F+ attack helicopters to Lebanon. The rotorcraft were handed over to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Air Force at Hamat Airbase.
UAE in final stages of talks to buy M-SAM from South Korea
United Arab Emirates (UAE) has disclosed that the country is final stage of negotiations with South Korea to buy the M-SAM air defense missile system.
A British F-35B from HMS Queen Elizabeth has crashed in the Mediterranean
A British F-35B pilot from HMS Queen Elizabeth ejected during routine flying operations in the Mediterranean on Nov. 17, the Ministry of Defence said.
Indonesia places order for two A400M transports
Indonesia has placed an order with Airbus for two A400M transport aircraft that can double up as mid-air refueling tankers.
Chinese and Russian bombers carried out joint air patrol
Seven Russian and two Chinese bombers have carried out a joint air patrol and the jets entered South Korea’s air defense identification zone.
Jordan-gifted Cobra attack helicopter now in Sangley airbase
One of the two Bell AH-1S 'Cobra' attack helicopters of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has arrived at 15th Strike Wing headquarters at the Major Danilo Atienza Air Base (MDAAB) in Sangley Point, Cavite City on Thursday.
15th Strike Wing commander, Brig. Gen. Aristotle Gonzalez and other ranking officers of the unit welcomed the aircraft and its crew.
"The AH-1S 'Cobra' piloted by Major Reese James A. Obeso, PAF, Squadron Commander, 20th Attack Squadron, and Capt. Wilmore Kristus A. Tanamor took off from Clark Air Base and performed low passes before making their first touchdown at MDAAB. After which, the aircraft was rendered the traditional water cannon salute and was blessed by Father Salcedo Galvan. It was then followed by the ceremonial champagne pouring to mark both the joy and sanctity of the occasion," the 15th Strike Wing said in a Facebook post on Friday.
In his message, Gonzalez said the arrival of the aircraft is a first for the 15th Strike Wing as they formally welcomed a "dedicated attack helicopter".
He also thanked all those who worked hard to fully operationalize and hasten the homecoming of the helicopter.
"This platform will complement the MD-520MG of the 20th Attack Squadron and hopefully, be successfully employed and deliver support to other AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) units," Gonzalez said.
The two Bell AH-1S 'Cobra' attack helicopters were donated by the Jordanian government in 2018.
The Bell AH-1 'Cobra' is a two-blade, single-engine attack helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter.
It was developed using the engine, transmission, and rotor system of the Bell UH-1 Iroquois. A member of the prolific Huey family, the AH-1 is also referred to as the 'Huey Cobra' or 'Snake'.
In September 2018, the Department of National Defense and the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army signed a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation.
Britain will help Poland develop its NAREW GBADS
Britain has agreed to help Poland develop its new NAREW Ground-Based Air Defence System. An agreement has been reached between Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak.
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November 18, 2021
November 17, 2021
November 15, 2021
HMAS Stalwart Joins Royal Australian Navy Fleet
The newest vessel in the Royal Australian Navy Fleet was commissioned today at Fleet Base West, Western Australia.
HMAS Stalwart is the second of two Supply Class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) ships purchased for the Navy, and will enable extended deployment of Australian Defence Force personnel to ensure a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
The Supply Class marks a generational shift from the capability provided by previous support ships. They will sustain the ADF with fuel, water, food, ammunition, and a variety of cargo for extended periods.
Minister for Defence, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, said robust operational support was critical.“The new replenishment ships will strengthen operational support to Navy combat units at sea and increase the ADF’s ability to support operations in the region,” Minister Dutton said.
“The AORs are equipped with a combat management system that improves information-sharing with other ADF and Allied assets, allowing them to integrate more fully in a Task Group in support of missions.”
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the new Supply Class vessels gave Navy the world-class capability needed to help defend Australia and our national interests.
“The additional vessels into our fleet represent an almost $1.4 billion investment in naval capability,” Minister Price said.“Australian industry played a key role in the development of these vessels, with 4501 tonnes of Australian steel plate, manufactured by Blue Scope, incorporated in the construction of Stalwart.
“Australian industry will continue to play an important part in the ships’ longevity with through-life sustainment of both ships projected to be at least $875 million.
“I am also particularly proud that Stalwart’s ceremonial homeport will be in Geraldton, in my Durack electorate, where I know locals will embrace her.”
HMAS Stalwart will operate out of Fleet Base West in Western Australia, while her sister ship, HMAS Supply, is based at Fleet Base East, New South Wales.
Deliveries of S-400 air defense missile system to India has started
An official from Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) revealed that Moscow has started delivering parts of the S-400 air defense missile system to India.
November 11, 2021
November 10, 2021
November 9, 2021
Turkey successfully test-fires air defense missile Siper, rival to S-400
Turkey has successfully test-fired its high-altitude long-range air defense missile system, Siper, a top defense official said Saturday.
Different tests of the domestic air defense system, which is planned to enter the army's inventory in 2023, will continue, Ismail Demir, the head of Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), tweeted.
He said Turkey will continue to produce new weapons and will have up to six different air defense systems.
The Siper project is led by Turkey's defense giants Aselsan, Roketsan and the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBITAK)'s Defense Industries Research and Development Institute (SAGE).
Developed to protect strategic facilities against enemy attacks within the scope of regional air defense, Siper will allow air defense at long range and in the protection of distributed architecture.
Besides Siper, which is expected to rival Russia's S-400, the Korkut, Sungur and Hisar air defense systems are also in place, systems set to outline a layered air defense for the country, as mentioned several times by the officials.
In this context, the first delivery within the scope of serial production of Korkut systems was carried out in 2019, and the pedestal-mounted air defense system Sungur was also put into service.
Developed by Roketsan, Sungur will be integrated in land, air and sea platforms with its portable feature.
The air defense system has the capability of shooting while moving, along with effective target detection, diagnosis, identification, tracking and 360-degree shooting capability day and night.
Sungur is ahead of its class in terms of effectiveness, high maneuverability, high target-hit capacity and countermeasures. It is equipped with a titanium warhead and has sighting capabilities allowing the target to be viewed from a long range.
While the deliveries of the low altitude air defense missile system Hisar-A missiles have started, the mass production of the Hisar-O missiles have also begun. The interception range of the Hisar-A system is 15 kilometers (9.3 miles), while that of the Hisar-O system is 25 kilometers. Siper, on the other hand, is intended to be at a level that can compete with the S-400.
In March, the Hisar-O+ medium-range air defense system, the upgraded version of Hisar-O, successfully completed a test firing, which was the longest range and the highest altitude test conducted in the country to date. The air defense system is expected to destroy all kinds of air threats created by fixed and rotary winged aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and air-to-surface missiles in adverse weather conditions.
Eastern Ladakh - Indian Airborne troops with IAF AH-64E Apaches
Turkey begins constructing 4th warship for Pakistan’s navy
A keel-laying ceremony beginning the construction of a MILGEM (National Ship) Ada class corvette tailored for the Pakistan Navy was held in the southern Pakistani port city of Karachi Friday.
The ceremony at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW) – Pakistan Navy's specialized shipbuilding division – was attended by Naval Chief Adm. Amjad Khan Niazi, Pakistan Navy officers and representatives of Turkey's state-run defense firm ASFAT, said an official statement.
Addressing the ceremony, Niazi said the production of indigenous modern warships with the help of Turkey is a proud moment for Pakistan.
The joint venture, he said, will open new avenues of cooperation between Ankara and Islamabad in the field of defense production.
Induction of the MILGEM-class ships, the statement added, would significantly increase the operational capabilities of the Pakistan Navy.
The ships are being constructed according to modern naval ship class standards and will be equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, and anti-submarine weapons, the statement added.
In July 2018, the Pakistan Navy signed a contract with ASFAT for the acquisition of four MILGEM-class ships. According to the plan, two corvettes will be built in Turkey and the next two will be built in Pakistan, which also involves technology transfer.
MILGEM vessels are 99 meters (325 feet) long with a displacement capacity of 24,000 tons and can move at a speed of 29 nautical miles. The anti-submarine combat frigates can be hidden from radar.
In October 2019, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, along with then-Chief of Pakistan Navy Adm. Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, had cut the metal plate of the first MILGEM Ada class corvette during a ceremony in Istanbul.
China delivers first Type 054 A/P frigate to Pakistan
Pakistan signed an initial contract for the delivery two Type 054 A/P frigates in 2017. An additional contract for two more ships was announced in June 2018. The first-in-class frigate was launched in August 2020 and the second in January 2021. As for the third one, the keel laying took place on May 1st 2021. All four units are built in China and the first two are expected to be delivered to the customer by year end.
According to a Pakistan Navy press release, the Type-054 A/P ships are state of the art frigates equipped with modern surface, subsurface and anti air weapons and sensors. Once constructed, these ships will be the most technologically advanced platforms of Pakistan Navy which will strengthen its capability to meet future challenges and maintain peace, stability & power equilibrium in the Indian Ocean Region.
The Pakistan Navy is currently undertaking an important renewal of its fleet, with the procurement of several modern platforms: In addition to these frigates from China, Pakistan will also commission new corvettes from Turkey and OPV from the Netherlands. It is also modernizing its submarine force.The Type 054A is a multi-role frigate and is recognized as the backbone of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) fleet of surface combatants with 30 vessels in commission. They have a length of 134 meters, a beam of 16 meters for a displacement of 4,000 tons. They have a crew complement of 165 sailors and are fitted with:
a H/PJ-26 76mm main gun
8 C803 anti-ship missiles
32x VLS cells for HQ-16 surface to air missiles
2x Type 730 30mm CIWS
2x Triple Torpedo launchers
In PLAN service, those frigates feature a Type 382 radar which shares a close resemblance with the Russian MR-710 Fregat radar. Unlike the Pakistan Navy variant – whose first ship-in-class is fitted with a SR2410C radar – the Type 054A in Chinese Navy service do not feature a long range / metric wave radar.
KAI receives $360 million contract for maintenance support of Iraq’s T-50IQ fleet
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) said it has secured a contract worth $360 million from the Iraqi government for the logistical support and maintenance of the Iraqi T-50IQ fleet.
November 8, 2021
November 7, 2021
Taiwanese fighter jets again intercept rogue Chinese spy aircraft
Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense reported that one Chinese KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft have entered Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone, or ADIZ.
“One PLA KJ-500 AEW&C entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ on October 22, 2021,” Friday’s statement said.
Taiwan’s Republic of China Air Force, or ROCAF, scrambled fighter jets to intercept People’s Liberation Army Navy Air Force KJ-500H AEW&C aircraft.Friday’s intercept follows similar encounters earlier this month in which Taiwanese jets intercepted Chinese on dozen separate occasions.
On Thursday, country’s Air Force fighter jets intercepted two Chinese J-16 and two J-11 fighter jets entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ.
Chinese PLAAF tries to hide information about a J-10 fighter jet crashing into river
A J-10 fighter jet of the PLAAF crashed into the Jialu River in Henan province, and it was all caught on video. The J-10S two-seater fighter jet reportedly came down on 22 October.
According to a video circulating on Chinese social media, both pilots ejected safely and sustained only minor injuries.Members of a Taiwan military enthusiast social network group identified the location as a site 1.2 kilometers from the Zhengzhou Matougang Airport runway.
USAF has completed its investigation into the crash of a RQ-4
A classified investigation report of the crash of a RQ-4 on Aug. 6 near Grand Forks Air Force Base has been finish. A report for the public will be released by end of the year.
November 6, 2021
November 5, 2021
Happy Diwali Flares from an LCA Tejas
दीवाळी परबेचे अमगेले शुभाषय (Konkani)
— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) November 4, 2021
ದೀಪಾವಳಿಯ ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು
தீபாவளி வாழ்த்துக்கள்
Deepavali greetings, my friends!
[📹: Flares from an LCA Tejas] pic.twitter.com/uwzVjJyOCp
November 4, 2021
JASDF F-2 fighter lost canopy inflight during scramble in October because its pilot forgot to lock it before take-off
A JASDF F-2 fighter jet that scrambled from Tsuiki Airbase on Oct. 10, 2021 lost its canopy inflight while the jet was over the vicinity of Asakura city during a scramble mission.
There were no reports of any injuries or property damage after the mishap.
The fighter also lost a ladder weighing about 480 grams, with which the aircraft was equipped.
The photo in this post was taken after the F-2 made an emergency landing at Tsuiki Air Base.
According to Alert 5, investigations into the incident had found that the pilot had failed to lock the canopy before take-off.
The pilot was supposed to check the warning lights before take-off but he had failed to do so.
After the incident, the JASDF conducted inspections of all aircraft and to see if any other parts have fallen from the F-2 fighter.
“We are sorry for causing concern to local residents and the general public,” the ministry said. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said on Oct. 11, 2021 the mishap was serious as it could have posed great danger to local people.
Based on the design of the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon, the F-2 is capable of both air-to-air and air-to-surface roles though it is optimized for the latter role, to protect Japan’s sea lanes.
The F-2 has a wing area that is enlarged approximately 25 percent over the F-16 wing area. The larger wing allows more internal fuel storage and two more weapon store stations than the F-16. Japan elected to fabricate the wing substructure using graphite epoxy and by applying state-of-the-art co-cured composite technology to maximize the strength while minimizing the weight. In addition to the larger wing area, the F-2 fuselage is approximately 17 inches longer than that of the F-16. The horizontal tails are also larger.
Significant hallmarks of the program are the technology transfer and workshare between Japan and the US. The F-2 have been jointly developed and jointly produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Lockheed Martin. Japan is responsible for producing approximately 60 percent of the aircraft, and the US is responsible for producing approximately 40 percent.
November 3, 2021
Message from Russian and Chinese Naval Exercises
Participating in Joint Sea 2021 from PLAN : Type 055 destroyer Nanchang, Type 052D destroyer Kunming, Type 054A frigates Binzhou and Liuzhou, and Type 903A supply ship Dongpinghu. From the Russian Navy : destroyer Admiral Panteleev, Steregushchiy-class corvette Aldar Tsydenzhapov and Gromkiy, two base minesweepers, a submarine Ust- Bolsheretsk (photos : defence.pk)
Russia and China recently conducted a large-scale joint maritime exercise, which could be upgraded to joint air and sea patrols in the future, analysts say.
The warships of the two countries recently passed through the Tsugaru Strait and Japan's Izu island chain, a move that is considered a show of strength before the US and its allies.
“The Chinese and Russian militaries can conduct joint air and sea patrols in the Sea of Japan or the Western Pacific,” said Yue Gang, a retired PLA officer and now a peace activist. military commentary. Mr. Gang said that the two sides can jointly mobilize more modern weapons into the exercises.
“With the mobilization of more modern weapons, the two countries will show more clearly their determination to strengthen coordination as well as demonstrate that they are not hiding anything from each other. Both sides need to strengthen their joint capacity to handle crises or emergencies," Gang said.“China and Russia are showing off their joint patrol capabilities. The two sides have conducted joint air patrols, and the latest is joint patrols at sea. They are trying to show their determination to jointly maintain regional stability,” said former Chinese military lecturer Song Zhongping.
During the last exercise, the Russian and Chinese fleets performed anti-submarine exercises and passed through the narrow Tsugaru Strait between the Japanese islands of Honshu and Hokkaido. The group then headed south and passed the chain of Izu islands while helicopters also took off from the deck.
According to the announcement of the militaries of the two countries, five Russian warships and five Chinese warships participated in this exercise. This is also the first time China has sent the 055-class Nanchang missile destroyer to participate.
Other ships dispatched by China include a 052D destroyer, two 054A frigates and an corvette. Russia sent the Udaloy-class destroyer Admiral Panteleyev, the submarine hunter Admiral Tributs, an electronic surveillance ship and two other destroyers.
China and Russia have periodically cooperated in military exercises since 2012. Since 2019, the two countries have conducted annual joint air patrols in the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan.
Observers believe that Russia and China will increase exercises in the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan in the near future, where both countries have interests. The exercises will likely focus on air defense and anti-ship capabilities.
"The joint deployment of warships by Russia and China is a strong warning to the US and Japan," said former Chinese military lecturer Song Zhongping.
Both Mr. Gang and Song said that the Chinese and Russian militaries are drawing closer together because they are facing increasing external pressure, including the formation of the AUKUS security alliance of the US, UK and US trio. Australia, along with the expanded role of the "Quad" with members including Japan, India, the US and Australia.
“These things pose a relatively serious threat to China, even Russia. Beijing and Moscow urgently need to strengthen mutual trust on the military front, step up joint exercises and strategic cooperation," Song said.
South Korea, U.S. secretly held aerial exercise this week
An annual air exercise between South Korea and the United States kicked off secretly on Nov. 1. The exercise is to be held over five days.
Republic of Korea Air Force KF-16 and F-15Ks are refueled by a ROKAF KC-330 tanker while participating in the first combined air refueling operation with U.S. Airmen in a KC-10 Extender from Travis Air Force Base, California, Nov. 19, 2019, in Mallipo Air Refueling airspace near Kunsan Air Base, South Korea. The joint air refueling mission was for ROKAF members to gain insight on how to develop and employ their recently acquired KC-330 tanker aircraft. (Courtesy photo)
November 1, 2021
Philippine Navy successfully test fires Spike ER during exercise Pagsisikap 2021
