Posted On Friday, 28 January 2022 13:16 An air regiment based in the Kaliningrad Region in west Russia has received four advanced Sukhoi Su-30SM2 (NATO reporting name: Flanker-H) fighter jets, the Western Military District’s press office said. Su-30SM2 fighter jets. (Picture source: Vimpel-v) “A flight of Su-30SM2 fighters has arrived at an airfield in Chernyakhovsk in the Kaliningrad Region. The planes have joined a composite air regiment of the Baltic Fleet’s air arm,” the press office said. The planes were accepted at the manufacturing plant in Irkutsk in East Siberia and performed a multi-kilometer flight to the Kaliningrad Region. “The delivery of the new planes will considerably increase the Baltic Fleet’s combat potential. The pilots have already undergone training and will start to practice operating the new aircraft in the imminent future,” the press office quoted Western Military District Commander Colonel General Alexander Zhuravlyov as saying. Imported equipment was replaced with domestic one. The fighter jet has a better optical-electronic sight, electronic warfare, and radar with a bigger detection range. The list of air-to-air, air-to-surface weapons has been expanded to fight air and ground targets, including radar and sea targets at a bigger distance. In 2016-2018, the regiment received eight Su-30SM aircraft. © Copyright 2021 TASS. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. https://airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2022-news-aviation-aerospace/january/8122-air-regiment-in-west-russia-receives-four-advanced-su-30sm2-fighters.html

Aviation Defense News January 2022 aerospace air force industry Posted On Friday, 28 January 2022 12:07 The US Mountain Home Air Force base introduces their first Security Robodog, “King.” King is considered an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) designed by GhostRobotics and RealNetworks. Robodogs were designed to limit live personnel in compromised environments to enhance safety by using various camera systems and technologies. Through an encrypted cellular network and an android tablet, King can conduct security checks or even perform reconnaissance without an Airman’s life being at risk. That’s just the surface of all the capabilities King can do. Tech Sgt. Dustin Cain, 366th Security Forces Squadron Flight Sergeant, demonstrates Robodog, “King,” technology on Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Jan. 25, 2022. King is able to recognize different terrain and adapt accordingly (Picture source: USAF) On Mountain Home Air Force base, King is used in exercises to determine if other UGV’s could be an asset to Airfield Damage Assessment Response Teams in chemically contested environments. “If we can send unmanned vehicles to assess potential chemically contaminated or dangerous areas that would significantly reduce the risks to Airmen and enable mission sustainability,” said Tech Sgt. Dustin Cain, 366th Security Forces Squadron Flight Sergeant. King is able to recognize different terrain and adapt accordingly. He can walk on ice, snow, stairs, and other various obstacles with ease. He can continuously operate for three and a half hours, and walk three to six miles per hour. King also has facial recognition technology. A database of friendly and enemy faces could be uploaded onto King’s system to easily identify and flag them. Anyone that is not on that list would be marked as a stranger or threat based on the uploaded criteria. King and other Robodogs are not meant to replace Military Working Dogs. A lot of research has been conducted in technology, but nothing has been able to replicate MWD’s efficiency and reliability. The Robodogs are used as an additional tool. “Under the Agile Combat Employment model that the Air Force is shifting to, UGV’s capitalize on the multi-capable Airmen concept and increase capabilities with a smaller footprint,” said Cain. See also: In March 2021, the first official semi-autonomous robot dogs were delivered to Tyndall Air Force Base for integration into the 325th Security Forces Squadron.

Defense News January 2022 Global Security army industry Posted On Friday, 28 January 2022 10:19 According to information released on January 28, 2022, The Finnish Defence Forces has signed the agreement with Patria to acquire Patria 6x6 vehicles as a pre-series related to the joint 6x6 vehicle program between Latvia, Finland, Estonia and Patria. The pre-series vehicles will be in test use of the Finnish Defence Forces before the final serial order indicated by the Letter of Intent signed at the end of August 2021. The new Patria 6x6 armored vehicle. (Picture source Patria) “With pre-series testing, the customer can get acquainted with the vehicle, its usage and operating features comprehensively beforehand, thus ensuring the fluent and effective establishment of operational readiness when the serial order deliveries begin. All three vehicles will be delivered to the customer in summer 2022”, says Jussi Järvinen, Executive Vice President, Finland Division of Patria. The joint programme is progressing as planned. In Latvia, the first vehicles are already in use and serial production is underway. Finland has made the decision about the pre-series vehicles, and Sweden is preparing to join the programme. The joint 6x6 programme has arisen interest and is open to other countries with the mutual consent of the participating countries. Patria has developed a new 6x6 armoured vehicle as a successor for the Patria XA-series 6×6 Pasi armoured personnel carrier. The new vehicle will be developed in collaboration with Finland, Latvia and Estonia. In August 2021, Patria signed a contract with Latvia for the supply of more than 200 6×6 armoured personnel carriers under the joint development program. The company has also signed a letter. of intent with Finland for a potential serial order of 6×6 vehicles. The new Patria 6x6 armoured has been designed using components of the Patria 8x8 armoured which is in service with many countries all over the world. The vehicle keeps the layout of the PASI 6x6 armoured vehicle with driver and commander at the front and troops compartment at the rear. It has a modular armour providing ballistic protection STANAG level 2 that can be upgraded to Level 4. As APC (Armored Personnel Carrier), the Patria 6x6 vehicle has a crew of three and can accommodate up to 10 soldiers. The Patria 6x6 is motorized with a a five-cylinder, inline, turbocharged diesel engine developing a power output of 294kW. The vehicle can run at a maximum road speed of 100 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 700 km. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_january_2022_global_security_army_industry/finland_signs_an_agreement_with_patria_to_order_pres-series_of_new_6x6_armored_vehicles.html

Defense News January 2022 Global Security army industry Posted On Thursday, 27 January 2022 20:59 According to information published by the "Tactical Report" website on January 27, 2022, China is in talks with Egypt to deliver an undisclosed number of Wing Loong I-D Unmanned Aerial Vehicles that will be delivered to the Egyptian Air Force. Chinese-made Wing Loong I-D Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. (Picture source Air Recognition) According to SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) arms trade database, China has already delivered several different types of drones to Egypt including ASN-209 designed for Medium Altitude Medium Endurance (MAME) tactical missions and Wing Loong 1/2 armed drones. Egypt and China had signed an agreement to build twelve ASN-209 UAVs including technology transfer in order to enhance Egypt's domestic drone industry. In May 2012 six Egyptian drones of ASN-209 were built in collaboration with a foreign defense manufacturer during the first phase and are fully operational under the Egyptian armed forces. The Wing Loong 1 is a Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The Wing Loong 2 UAV MALE is an enlarged version of Wing Loong 1 with a longer body and wider wingspan. The Wing Loong I-D is an upgraded variant of the original Wing Loong I unmanned aircraft featuring an all-composite airframe. The drone performed its maiden flight in December 2018. It has a greater payload compared to the previous version of Wing Loong 1 that can reach up to 200 kg. The Wing Loong I-D has a length of 9.34 m, a wingspan of 14 m, and can fly for up to 35 hours with a maximum range of 4,000 km. The drone can be armed with up to 12 missiles. The sensor suite for the new drone includes high definition electro-optical camera and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) to perform intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_january_2022_global_security_army_industry/china_in_talks_with_egypt_to_deliver_wing_loong_i-d_drones.html

Naval News January 2022 Navy Forces Maritime Defense Industry Posted On Thursday, 27 January 2022 16:40 According to information published by Tass on January 27, 2022, over 20 combat ships, boats, and support vessels of the Russian Black Sea Fleet have left their naval bases in Sevastopol and Novorossiysk to take part in drills in the Black Sea. Russian cruiser Moskva (Picture source: Tass) While sailing to the exercise areas, the crews will practice liaison, safe maneuvering in heavy traffic areas, air defense. A series of naval drills will be held in January-February this year in all the areas of responsibility of the Navy’s fleets under the general command of Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov. The drills will cover seas adjacent to the Russian territory and also operationally important areas of the WorldOcean. Overall, the maneuvers will involve over 140 warships and support vessels, more than 60 aircraft, 1,000 items of military hardware, and about 10,000 troops. The Black Sea Fleet is the fleet of the Russian Navy in the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov, and the Mediterranean Sea. The main tasks of the Black Sea Fleet are as follows: to protect economic zone and production regions, suppression of illegal production activities, ensure the safety of navigation, and fulfill foreign policy acts of the Government in economically important regions of the World Ocean (visits, ships business visits, joint exercises, peacekeeping missions, etc.). https://navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2022/january/11322-20-russian-vessels-go-to-the-black-sea-for-naval-exercises.html

Naval News January 2022 Navy Forces Maritime Defense Industry Posted On Thursday, 27 January 2022 16:04 According to information published by Daily Sabah on January 25, 2022, the "game-changer" combat drones could have an equivalent with the Turkish mini-submarines STM-500. A model of the submarine TS1700 at STM booth (Picture source: Navy Recognition) The STM-500 mini-submarines will be built by the Turkish firm STM and aim to its production activities by 2022. They will have a displacement of 550 tons, a length of 42 meters. The mini-submarines will be deployed in a range of missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, early warning, anti-submarine warfare. STM (Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.Ş.) is a company operating in Turkey, operating in the civil, public (including military), and private sectors. https://navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2022/january/11324-future-turkish-stm-500-mini-submarines-could-be-game-changer.html

By Colton Jones Jan 26, 2022 The Government of Egypt has requested to purchase twelve C-130J Super Hercules aircraft with Rolls Royce AE-2100D turboprop engines, according to the U.S. State Department. The request presented by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) to Congress on Jan. 25 is valued at $2.2 billion. According to the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the complete package also includes AN/APX-119 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Transponders; AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning Systems (MWS); AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispensing System (CMDS); AN/ALR-56M Radar Warning Receiver (RWR); AN/AAQ-22 (STAR SAFIRE 380); secure communications, cryptographic equipment, and GPS-aided precision navigation equipment; publications and technical documentation; software and mission critical resources; aircraft support and equipment; unclassified return and repair; integration and testing; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a Major Non-NATO Ally that continues to be an important strategic partner in the Middle East,” the DSCA notice says. As noted by the DSCA, the principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company in Marietta, GA. The C-130J is the latest addition to the C-130 fleet that incorporates state-of-the-art technology, which reduces manpower requirements, lowers operating and support costs, and provides life-cycle cost savings over earlier C-130 models. This tactical transport aircraft has proven itself in various types of missions, and in the harshest operating conditions, due in part to its uniquely adaptable platform available in approximately a dozen different configurations. https://defence-blog.com/egypt-requests-twelve-c-130j-aircraft-from-the-us/

Jan 28, 2022 By Dylan Malyasov The modified vehicles, which were the anti-tank missile carrier variant of the BMP-3, were spotted in Gomel, on trains moving Russian troops and artillery to the country for a potential attack on Ukraine. The new anti-tank missile carrier is called 9P162 Kornet-T and is designed to use against modern main battle tanks (MBTs), armored personal carriers (APCs), bunkers, cannons and artillery systems. The anti-tank system is based on the BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle chassis. The Kornet-T is fitted with an automatic loader. A total of 16 Kornet missiles are carried by the vehicle. 12 missiles are stored in the autoloader and 4 more are stored inside the hull. This missile carrier has two launchers. Both missiles can be launched against the same target. Vehicle can also engage two targets simultaneously. During movement, both launchers are retracted inside the hull. https://defence-blog.com/russia-deployed-its-newest-tank-destroyers-to-belarus/

By Dylan Malyasov Jan 28, 2022 The U.S. Department of Defense said Thursday that Raytheon Missiles & Defense was awarded a $66,2 million contract modification for Excalibur precision-guided 155mm artillery shell. The Excalibur is a 155 mm, Global Positioning System (GPS)-guided, extended range artillery projectile in use as the Army’s next-generation cannon artillery precision munition. Under the modification, Raytheon will produce new artillery shells in the Increment 1B configuration. Work will be performed at various locations throughout the United States, including Arizona, California, Iowa, Ohio, Missouri and Massachusetts, as well as overseas in Sweden and the United Kingdom. The Excalibur’s capabilities allow for first-round effects-on-target while simultaneously minimizing collateral damage and the number of rounds required engaging targets. Relative to standard projectiles, its accuracy and lethality allow cannon artillery units to effectively engage more point targets with better effects using fewer projectiles in complex urban terrain. The projectile is reliable when fired at all ranges up to its maximum range of 35 kilometers. https://defence-blog.com/us-army-orders-more-excalibur-precision-guided-rounds/\

By Boyko Nikolov On Jan 29, 2022 PRAGUE, ($1=21.97 Czech Koruna) — Greece continues to upgrade its combat capability and is looking for a new multiple rocket launcher for its ground forces. That is why the Czech manufacturer Excalibur Army hopes to win the trust of its Greek counterparts in NATO and demonstrates to them its latest multiple rocket launcher RM-70 Vampire. BulgarianMilitary.com has learned from its sources in the Greek Ministry of Defense that the RM-70 Vampire has managed to impress the generals of the Greek infantry and artillery. Excalibur Army began developing the RM-70 Vampire nearly seven years ago when the prototype was released in 2015 from the production facilities of the Czech plant. The same year, but at the end of it, Czech experts and the military conducted the first test shootings on a 122mm multiple rocket launcher. Two years later, in 2017 at the International Defense and Defense Exhibition in Abu Dhabi – IDEX, Excalibur Army shows for the first time the RM-70 Vampire to the world. Greece is not an accidental destination for the Czech producer. The Greek army currently owns the older version of the RM-70. Currently, 111 Czech multiple rocket launchers are in service, and with the new version of the RM-70 Vampire, Greece can significantly upgrade the combat capability of its artillery capabilities. The good news for Greece is that it has a significant arsenal of 122mm missiles. RM-70 Vampire shoots with the same but offers greater capabilities. Here are some: RM-70 Vampire122mm MLRS The 270-kW V-shaped eight-cylinder Tatra T3C V8 engine provides a guaranteed speed of 90 km / h and strong mobility of the entire missile system. RM-70 122mm MLRS is integrated with the chassis of the truck Tatra T-815-7 8×8 [formerly Ural-375D 6×6] and semi-automatic system of the gearbox Tatra Norgen, as well as an additional gearbox Tatra 2.30TRS. With a single tank charge, the missile system can travel 1,000 km. The crew and cabin of the missile system are protected and have certified NBC protection. 122mm rocket, Wikipedia Many experts say that the RM-70 122mm MLRS is very similar in performance to the famous Russian BM-21 Grad MLRS. This means that if the Russian fires two 122mm missiles in one second, within half a minute the Czech RM-70 122mm MLRS will empty all 40 artillery tubes. However, the RM-70 Vampire not only fires this type of ammunition but can use both NATO-standard missiles and old Soviet or modern 122mm Russian missiles. RM-70 Vampire can use the original Soviet 9M22 and 9M28, or local JROF with a range of 20.75 km, JROF-K with a range of 11 km, “Trnovnik” with 63 HEAT-bombs and a range of 17.5 km, “Kuš” with five PPMI-S1 anti-personnel mines or “Krizhna-R” with 4 anti-tank mines PTMI-D and a range of 19,450 m. RM-70 Vampire can fire in two ways – through individual volleys [single shot] or completely firing 40 missiles in a series of volleys. This missile system can damage large areas. Tests show that enemy positions scattered over a range of 3 hectares are safely threatened, especially if high-explosive fragmentation shells are used. In one volley of 40 missiles, the impact force is equal to 256 kg of explosives. One of the main features of the RM-70 compared to the BM-21, a magazine rack with 40 122mm rockets is housed at the back of the crew cab for quick reloading. Once all 40 122-mm rockets have been fired, the launcher barrels can be aligned with the magazine rack of a further 40 rockets that are then mechanically inserted into the empty barrels without human intervention. What else? In addition to their latest version of the missile system, the Czechs have developed several variations of the RM-70. There is an RM-70 light version of the missile system, which is not armored. Another model from the same missile system has a completely updated fire control and navigation system. https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2022/01/29/new-rm-70-122mm-mlrs-was-unveiled-firing-40-rockets-per-30-sec/

By Boyko Nikolov on Jan 28, 2022 WASHINGTON — Shocking photos of stealth fighters F-35C Lightning II covered with rust of the US Navy have appeared online, Bulgarian Military.com has learned. F-35 is like a Ferrari – you only drive it on Sundays, but not every one F-35 doesn’t fly: the systems of Danish fighter are not functioning properly Stealth’s problem: the F-35 is not able to fly for a long time at supersonic speed The photos below clearly show three rust-covered fighters, as well as an F-35C Lightning II take-off fighter also covered in rust. According to INF, when asked, Pentagon spokesman Joe Dellavedova said the rust was caused by a manufacturing error by arms manufacturer Lockheed Martin, with all models being affected. It’ll be “fixed” in new batches of F35s. BulgarianMilitary.com reminds us that this is not the first time that a problem with the metal or metal alloys of modern stealth fighters has been reported. One of the first public reports of problems with the F-35 arrived in early 2019 from the Australian Air Force, which reported a problem with intergranular corrosion. Australia then hired the auditing and consulting firm KPMG to assess the problem that arose when using fighters in low humidity areas. But back in 2017, Australia was the first country to report various cracks in the body of the machine. However, the problems with the F-35 did not end with the report of the Australian Air Force. In the middle of 2019, even a secret report with 13 major problems of the F-35 was leaked, to which the US government did not pay much attention. This report was also published by Defense News. Here are the 13 most serious issues cited in the report: Problems with information transfer. Many countries around the world and F-35 customers complain about the fact that this information is not classified and is also obtained in the US, which prevents these countries from keeping their secrets. Problems with spare parts available. It turns out that what is supposed to exist in a warehouse as a spare part does not always exist at all, and results in the failure of flights or missions. The cabin of the F-35 is not properly constructed and leads to the so-called pilot barotrauma. This barotrauma causes pain in the ears and nose of the pilot. If the weather is cold, for example, minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit, the computer will make the wrong conclusion and report that the batteries are damaged, often resulting in interruption of missions. If the F-35 flies at supersonic speed, it causes extensive damage to the walls of the aircraft – blisters, cracks and damage to the wall integrity. After performing certain maneuvers, the F-35B and F-35C pilots are not always able to fully control the pitch, roll and yawn of the aircraft. If the F-35A and F-35B blow off a landing tire, the impact could also pull out both hydraulic lines and risk losing the aircraft. The specially designed helmet sometimes shows the so-called. “Green glow” on the helmet monitor, which blurs the overall graphics and picture and causes problems both in piloting and landing. Optical sensors and night vision sights often render green streaks when the starlight is low. The specially designed sea or water search radar does not give an overall picture, but a very small part, which often makes it difficult for pilots to find and land on an aircraft carrier in the ocean. Lack of traction in the engines if the aircraft is flown vertically on a hot day. The difficult landing is dictated by the fact that the jet of air is not maintained at acceptable limits. “Cul-de-sac” or No exit road In April 2021, Charles Brown, Chief of General Staff of the US Air Force, said that the F-35 is like a sports Ferrari – you don’t go to work with it all day, but only on Sundays, and not everyone. The problems of the F-35 are complex. But the main problem is upgrading technology during production. I.e., when a problem is identified, the manufacturer must return those already manufactured to correct the problem, which significantly exceeds the maintenance costs of the aircraft itself. But you can’t leave an already manufactured aircraft with an existing issue discovered during the production of a new version. The worst is not over – it is coming. Although the plane showed poor results, despite all the problems known to be criticized, “killing these flocks” is impossible. Why? The F-35’s lobby. Hawaii and North Dakota are the only states that do not have senators lobbying on Lockheed Martin’s behalf. You don’t cut the branch you’re sitting on, do you? https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2022/01/28/shocking-photos-us-f-35c-lightning-ii-jets-covered-in-rust/

Defense News January 2022 Global Security army industry Posted On Sunday, 30 January 2022 17:32 According to information published by the "Tactical Report" website on January 28, 2022, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi visited the UAE on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, and held talks with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan concerning joint defense cooperation after the Houthi missile attacks on Abu Dhabi. Egyptian Skyguard AMOUN air defense system includes Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon (Front on the picture) and Aspide surface-to-air missile launcher station (Back on the picture). (Picture source Reddit) On January 24, 2022, United Arab Emirates armed forces have intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles over Abu Dhabi that was fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Just a week ago, on January 18, 2022, Houthi rebels launched drone strikes near an Abu Dhabi airport that killed three people. Recently, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced the strengthening of its military capabilities in the field of air defense. On January 18, 2022, UAE has signed a contract with South Korea for the purchase of the Cheongung II KM-SAM air defense missile systems for a total amount of $3.5 billion. During the talks, UAE has requested Egypt to have revolved around joint defense cooperation, entailing Egyptian support to increase the UAE’s air defense capabilities after the recent Houthi attacks on Abu Dhabi. Egypt could support the UAE request with its Skyguard AMOUN air defense system. The Skyguard AMOUN is a cannon and missile air defense system consisting of one Skyguard radar fire-control system, two Oerlikon Contraves GDF-003 twin 35 mm towed anti-aircraft guns, and two four Aspide surface-to-air missile launchers. Egypt armed forces would have 40 Batteries of 18 battalions and 4 batteries for training. The Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon is a towed anti-aircraft gun made by Oerlikon Contraves (renamed as Rheinmetall Air Defence AG following the merger with Rheinmetall in 2009). The guns have a maximum elevation speed of 56º/s and a maximum traverse speed of 112º/s. The Oerlikon 35mm gun is able to fire 1100 rds/min with a maximum firing range of 4,000 m. The Aspide is a medium-range surface-to-air missile that is able to destroy aerial targets at a maximum range of 20,000 m and an altitude of 3,500 m. The Skyguard all-weather fire-control radar was originally developed in the 1970s by Oerlikon Contraves of Switzerland with the collaboration of Ericsson of Sweden. The Skyguard was designed to control the Oerlikon Contraves GDF cannon series of twin 35 mm GDF cannon series towed and anti-aircraft guns. It has a maximum detection range of 20 km. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_january_2022_global_security_army_industry/egypt_offers_to_uae_air_defense_capabilitie_with_its_skyguard_amoun_to_counter_houthi_air_attacks.html