Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E Air Superiority Fighter Jets Indonesia has abandoned a deal to purchase Sukhoi fighter jets from Russia and has narrowed its acquisition choice to U.S.-made F-15s and French-made Rafales, the Indonesian air force chief Air Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo said Wednesday. Indonesia was no longer interested in Russia’s Sukhoi because of a protracted acquisition process, and a fear of U.S. sanctions, although Moscow’s envoy to Jakarta said Wednesday that the deal was not dead yet. In February 2018, Russia and Indonesia finalized a contract for 11 aircraft, worth $1.14 billion. The first delivery was expected in October 2018 but was delayed to 2019. The threat of sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) seems to have had the desired effect. The CAATSA is a United States federal law that imposed sanctions on Iran, North Korea, and Russia. Indonesian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30 In February 2021, the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force Air Chief unveiled plans to purchase new aircraft such as F-15EX or Dassault Rafale while not mentioning the current status of the Su-35 order. The Indonesian air force chief did not give details about its potential purchases or indicate whether its acquisitions would include both F-15XS warplanes and Rafales. He said the air force had proposed adding a maximum of three squadrons – that is, 12 to 24 planes per squadron – of F-15EXs and/or Rafales. The F-15 EX team has come to the Indonesian Air Force Air Chief and they told him if they signed an agreement today, the Indonesian Air Force Air will receive the first units around 2027. But many challenges facing the US–Indonesia security relationship, including the arms embargo of the early 2000s and potential sanctions under the CAATSA. After Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom signed the AUKUS pact in August, some analysts predicted Indonesia might ditch its Sukhoi purchase plan in favor of France. France was furious about being shut out of the trilateral deal, through which a French deal to sell nuclear-powered submarines to Australia collapsed. The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed concerns about the implications of the Australian acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines for “the continuing arms race and power projection in the region.” It called on Canberra to maintain its commitment to regional peace and stability. Indonesia later canceled a planned visit by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison amid the fallout of the AUKUS deal. On 7 June 2021, Indonesia signed a letter of intent to buy 36 Rafale fighters and associated weapons and support packages from France. In the past year, the Indonesian military has also taken an aggressive stance on China’s intrusion into Indonesian territory. Jakarta responded to the incident by raising its combat alert status and deploying F-16 fighters and naval ships to the South China Sea’s island. According to a draft presidential decree that circulated in June 2021, the Indonesian government planned to spend the U.S. $125 billion during the next three years to upgrade and modernize its military arsenal. Since taking office in 2019, Indonesia Defense Minister Prabowo has visited weapons-producing countries including the U.S., Russia, China, South Korea, Turkey, and France to secure defense deals. In addition to plans to buying Rafale and F-15Xs, the Indonesian Defense Ministry earlier this year also unveiled plans to acquire 15 C-130J transport aircraft made by Lockheed Martin in the U.S., and two French Airbus 330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) planes. Last month, Indonesia also ordered two Airbus A400M transport aircraft in an agreement signed on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow. https://militaryleak.com/2021/12/23/indonesian-air-forces-scraps-deal-to-buy-russian-sukhoi-su-35-multi-role-fighters/

According to information published by the Czech Ministry of Defense on December 21, 2021, the Czech army will acquire 949 FN Herstal Minimi machine guns via the Czech company CB Servis Centrum sro. The contract includes MINIMI machine guns in 7.62mm and 5.56mm calibers. Belgian soldier armed with FN Herstal Minimi machine gun. (Picture source Army Recognition) The deliveries of the Minimi machine guns are scheduled to take place from 2022 to 2025 and will also include sights, armor kits, cases, and packaging. Currently, the Czech armed forces have different types of machine guns in 7.62mm and 12.7mm calibers including M2 Browning, NSV, M134 Minigun, PK 7.62mm machine gun, Rheinmetall MG 3, M60 and M48 from the United States and UK vs. 59. The acquisition of these new machine guns is part 3 of a modernization plan launched by the Czech armed forces to have new small arms. The Minimi will be used by Czech soldiers of infantry units. The FN Minimi is a light machine gun that was developed in 5.56mm caliber. It is manufactured by the Belgian company FN Herstal. The machine gun was introduced in the late 1970s and is now in service in more than 75 countries all over the world. The Minimi is a squad automatic weapon that fires from an open bolt. It is an air-cooled weapon that is capable of fully automatic fire only. It can be belt fed or fired from a magazine. In November 2013, FN Herstal unveiled the improved Mk3 version of the Minimi light machine gun. The upgrades were based on operational experience and user feedback over the past 10–15 years. It can be converted to fire 5.56×45mm or 7.62×51mm rounds. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_december_2021_global_security_army_industry/czech_army_to_acquire_949_fn_herstal_minimi_machine_guns.html

weapons defence industry military technology UK Posted On Saturday, 25 December 2021 16:01 According to information published by the Russian press agency TASS on December 24, 2021, a tracked version of the Pantsir air defense missiles/cannons system called Pantsir-SM-SV will be completed in 2022. Russian Pantsir SM-SV is a tracked version of the Pantsir S1 using the weapon station armed with surface-to-air missiles and 30mm automatic cannons. (Picture source Army Recognition) The Pantsir SM-SV has been developed by the Russian defense industry to offer a new air defense system for ground and airborne units of the Russian armed forces. It will be used to protect S-300V4 air defense missile systems against attacks of cruise missiles, small drones, and precision weapons. As the original Pantsir S1 mounted on wheeled truck chassis, the Pantsir-SM-SV will be armed with a mix of surface-to-air missiles and 30mm automatic cannons. It will be able to fire two types of surface-to-air missiles and will have a bigger destruction zone. The Pantsir-SM-SV will be fitted with a weapon station mounted on the roof of an armored tracked chassis GM-5970.25 developed and designed by the Russian company Mytishchi Machine-Building Plants. The weapon station will be armed with two-barreled 2A38M 30mm automatic cannons and 12 launchers for surface-to-air missiles, with 6 missile containers mounted on each side of the turret. The Pantsir-SM-SV is equipped with a multi-functional targeting radar station, increasing target detection range from 40 to 75 km and engagement range from 20 to 40 km, thus twice more efficient than the current Pantsir-S1. As the Pantsir-SM, the Pantsir-SM-SV will be able to fire the new high-speed two-stage missile 57E6M-E which has a maximum firing range of 30 km, and the 57E6-E with a range from 15 to 18 km. The 2A38M 30mm automatic cannons mounted on the Pantsir-SM-SV will be used to destroy aerial targets at a short distance. The cannons have an effective range against air targets from 200 to 2,000 m with a maximum altitude range of 4,000 m. https://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/russian_pantsir-sm-sv_tracked_version_of_pantsir_air_defense_system_will_be_completed_in_2022.html

To all the people that read this blog I want to say thank you and Happy New Year and stay healthy.

It’s the second time this month that the Israeli Air Force has targeted apparent weapons deliveries at the Mediterranean port. By Thomas Newdick December 28, 2021 One variant of JDAM Bomb An Israeli airstrike on the Syrian port of Latakia early this morning targeted a cargo of “arms and munitions,” according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a U.K.-based, pro-opposition group focusing on monitoring the Syrian Civil War. The raid, which has not been acknowledged by Israel, resulted in massive explosions and a fire that burned for around 10 hours before being brought under control. So far there have been no confirmed reports of casualties. The airstrike targeted the container terminal at the port of Latakia on Syria’s Mediterranean coast at around 3:21 am local time today. Multiple sources state that the Israeli Air Force (IAF) was responsible for the attack, its aircraft launching missiles from over the Mediterranean. According to Syrian state media, this is the second such attack on the port this month and it fits the pattern of Israeli raids that have been conducted at a fairly high tempo since the start of the Syrian civil war. These have largely targeted Iranian weapons shipments intended for Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed forces in Syria and Lebanon. However, the IAF has apparently only turned its attention to Latakia this month, presumably in response to the shipment of arms to supply Iranian-backed forces such as Hezbollah. The first such raid was on December 7 targeting a reported Iranian arms shipment. It is unclear what munitions the IAF employed in these attacks. While some accounts describe the use of cruise missiles, the distances and target types involved would also allow for the use of Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs), or possibly Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs). “The Israeli enemy carried out an aerial aggression with several missiles from the direction of the Mediterranean ... targeting the container yard in Latakia port,” an unnamed military source told the Syrian state news agency, Sana, in response to today’s attack. They added that the attack resulted in “significant material damage.” According to Syria's state ran Sana media outlet, the blaze that ripped through the port after the attack was caused by containers carrying “engine oil and spare parts for cars and other vehicles.” However, SOHR reports that the “powerful explosions that were felt across the city of Latakia and its suburbs” were the result of detonating weapons shipments. SOHR was not able to determine where these weapons shipments originated, but Iran has a track record of delivering arms to the Syrian regime and to its own proxies operating in the country and Lebanon via Syria. As well as sending arms shipments by sea, Tehran has also used cargo aircraft and the land route via neighboring Iraq. Earlier this month it became apparent that the IAF launched cruise missiles in an unusual raid against Damascus International Airport in Syria, a facility that has been used in the past to fly in supplies to support Iranian militia and affiliates and which has come under repeated Israeli attack. The IAF now turning its attention to Latakia is a new development, however, and perhaps a direct response to Iran making greater use of maritime traffic to move its weapons shipments. That would also tally with the reported clandestine campaign of attacks waged by Israel on Iranian ships carrying oil, as well as suspected weaponry, to Syria. Based on data published by SOHR, and which remain unconfirmed, today’s attack was the 29th that has been prosecuted by Israel this year alone, resulting in 130 fatalities, of which 125 were loyalist fighters and five civilians. Israel has admitted to hitting around 50 targets in Syria this year but does not normally comment on individual strikes. A missile flies into the sky near the international airport in Damascus, Syria, on January 21, 2019. This was a rare incident in which the Israeli military issued a statement saying it is attacking Iranian military targets in Syria. For Israel, the campaign against targets in Syria is necessary to prevent Iran from gaining further traction in the country and using it as a springboard to launch its own attacks on Israel, often perpetrated by proxies like Hezbollah, and to interdict arms shipments that would otherwise make their way to Lebanon. Rockets, missiles, and suicide drones are some of the top threats Israel is trying to interdict. As another major player in the Syrian civil war, Russia is known to be notified by Israel in advance of certain airstrikes and its air defenses do not engage the IAF. Russia has its main airbase in Syria at Khmeimim in Latakia province, less than 10 miles away, while it has a major naval facility at Tartus, around 50 miles further south. Russian installations are protected by S-400 air defense systems which took no action during this morning’s raid. In the link below are more pictures for the fire in the port. https://uk.universalpersonality.com/automobile/israel-bombards-syrian-port-of-latakia-in-nighttime-strike/

בשלב הראשון תרכוש רפאל הממשלתית 15% ממניות החברה המייצרת כלי רכב משוריינים לפי שווי של 400־500 מיליון שקל. השווי של פלסן, המוחזקת במלואה ע"י קיבוץ סאסא מאצבע הגליל, אמור לעלות משמעותית בשלבים הבאים. בין הצדדים קיימים פערים גולן חזני 06:00, 16.12.21 תגיות: רפאל פלסן סאסא כלי רכב משוריינים נודע כי החברה הממשלתית מנהלת מגעים לרכישת 50% ממניות פלסן סאסא. פלסן מוחזקת במלואה ע"י קיבוץ סאסא מאצבע הגליל והיא אחת המובילות בעולם בתחום מיגון לכלי רכב. העסקה המתגבשת עתידה לצאת לפועל בכמה שלבים. בשלב הראשון רפאל תרכוש 15% ממניות פלסן סאסא, ובהמשך תגדיל את האחזקה שלה במספר פעימות עד שתגיע לאחזקה של 50%. בין הצדדים קיימים פערים. השווי של פלסן סאסא בשלב הראשון מפתיע במידת מה ועתיד לעמוד על 500-400 מיליון שקל בלבד. אולם בשלבים הבאים השווי עתיד להיות גבוה משמעותית, וזאת בהתאם לשיפור הצפוי בתוצאות החברה. מדובר על שווי נוכחי מפתיע משום שבתחילת שנות האלפיים ובעשור הראשון לשנים אלו, כשפלסן סאסא הייתה בשיאה, הציגה מחזור מכירות של 3-4 מיליארד דולר והרוויחה בכל שנה מאות מיליוני שקלים, היא הוערכה ב-2-3 מיליארד שקל. בהתאם, החברה חילקה דיבידנדים נדיבים והפכה את קיבוץ סאסא לאחד הקיבוצים העשירים בארץ. פלסן סאסא מייצרת מיגון לכלי רכב צבאיים, כלי טיס וכלי שיט. בין היתר, היא מייצרת תוספות מיגון הדומות לשריון קשקשים. כמו כן, פלסן סאסא מייצרת אפודי מגן קרמיים ואפודים בליסטיים שמבוססים על אותם חומרים שמהם מייצרים את המיגון לכלי הרכב. בנוסף, החברה מפתחת טכנולוגיות לייצור חלקי מיגון שעשויים מסיבי פחמן ושמיועדים לתעשיית הרכב האזרחית. הרכיבים האלו תורמים להפחתת צריכת הדלק של הרכבים. המוצר העיקרי של פלסן סאסא הוא רכב ממוגן בשם "חתול החול" שמבוסס על שלדה של פורד 550 ומשקלו 8.5 טון. הוא יכול לנייד עד 11 איש ומשמש למשימות של פטרול וביטחון שוטף. אפשר לצייד אותו בטילים ובמתקני שיגור. הרכב הזה נמכר לצבאות וגופי שטור בארבע יבשות. אחת המדינות שרכשה אותו היא דרום קוריאה, שציידה אותו במערכות של רפאל. משמר הגבול הישראלי עושה בו שימוש גם כן. בתחום האזרחי פלסן סאסא, שמנוהלת על ידי דני זיו, פועלת באמצעות חברות־בנות דוגמת פלסן קרבון קומפוזיט, שמייצרת מוצרים מחומרים מרוכבים לרכבים אזרחיים. בין לקוחות החברה הזו נמנות קרייזלר וג'נרל מוטורס, שעושות במוצרי החברה שימוש בדגמי הקורבט והווייפר היוקרתיים. בתחילת העשור הראשון של המילניום, המוצרים של פלסן סאסא שימשו את הכוחות האמריקאיים בעיראק ואפגניסטאן. המערכה הנרחבת תרמה להזנקת תוצאות החברה. ב־2010 היא אף זכתה בזכות כך בפרס היצואן המצטיין של משרד הכלכלה והתעשייה, שכן היא נבחרה למגן כלי רכב של הצבא האמריקאי במסגרת מכרזים בהיקף מצטבר של מיליארדי דולרים. בהתאם, בשנים 2009-2010 היא הציגה מכירות שיא של 3-4 מיליארד דולר בשנה. אבל עם נסיגת הכוחות האמריקאים מעירק ואפגניסטן, פחת הצורך של צבא ארה"ב במוצרים של פלסן סאסא. החברה לא נערכה מבעוד מועד לגיוון סל המוצרים, והדבר הוביל לפגיעה קשה בתוצאותיה. ב־2013 ו־2014 החברה עברה להפסדים, ויצאה לתוכנית התייעלות מסיבית, שבמסגרתה היא חתכה את כוח האדם בחצי וירדה ממצבת עובדים של 1,000 למצבת עובדים של 400-500 בלבד. גם המכירות לצה"ל החלו לרדת, והמגמה הזו נמשכת עד היום. ייתכן שהעסקה מול רפאל היא במידת מה מענה לבעיה הזו. צה"ל וצבא ארה"ב לא היו הבעיות היחידות של פלסן סאסא. בעשור האחרון נרשמו ירידות בהיקפי העימותים הצבאיים בעולם בכלל, וכאלו שמערבים קרבות ושריון בפרט, שכן הלוחמה עברה במידה רבה למגרשי הבליסטיקה והסייבר. בשל המצוקה שאליה נכנסה החברה, פלסן סאסא החליטה לשנות את פניה. היא החלה לפתח, לצד המוצרים הצבאיים, מוצרים שמתאימים לתעשייה האזרחית. הכניסה לתחום האזרחי הביאה לעלייה מחודשת בהכנסות שלה, ומספר העובדים חצה שוב את רף האלף. כיום 60% מהעובדים מועסקים בארה"ב וצרפת. במקביל, החלה פלסן סאסא לחפש שותף בעל נוכחות בחזקה בתחום הביטחוני. החיפוש הזה הוביל אותה לזרועות רפאל, שלה חוזקות משמעותיות בתחום השיווק "חתול החול" רכב משוריין מתוצרת פלסן. (צילום אתר החברה) רפאל, שמנוהלת על ידי יואב הר אבן, מצידה, מחפשת מנועי צמיחה חדשים. ב־2020, שנת הקורונה, היא הציגה ירידה של 18% בהזמנות החדשות שהסתכמו ב־2.3 מיליארד דולר, ירידה של 0.8% בצבר הכולל, שהסתכם ב־7.1 מיליארד דולר וירידה של 15% ברווח הנקי שהסתכם ב־94 מיליון דולר. זאת בשעה שהמקבילות שלה בישראל, התעשייה האווירית ואלביט, הציגו דווקא תוצאות שיא. הדבר נגרם כתוצאה מכך שהיצוא של רפאל לא הצליח לחפות על חולשת המכירות בארץ. באפריל האחרון רפאל גייסה אג"ח בהיקף של 805 מיליון שקל מגופים מוסדיים בישראל. יותר מרבע מהסכום נועד לממן מהלך נרחב של שדרוג תנאי העבודה בחברה, במטרה להצליח להתחרות טוב יותר על כוח האדם, ובעיקר על מהנדסים, שמבוקשים בקרב מספר רב של חברות טכנולוגיות. יתרת הסכום, כנראה, מיועדת להשקעה בצמיחה, למשל באמצעות רכישת פלסן סאסא. ואם כך, מדוע רפאל עתידה לרכוש בעסקה המתגבשת 50% בלבד? בשל הרגולציה הממשלתית. אחזקה מעל שיעור זה תהפוך את פלסן סאסא לחברה ממשלתית ותטיל עליה שלל רגולציות ומגבלות. הדבר יגביל את היכולת של רפאל לנווט את עסקי החברה באופן שיתרום בצורה משמעותית לצמיחתה. כך היה גם ב־2018, בעת שרפאל החליטה לרכוש את יצרנית המל"טים אירונאוטיקס שנסחרה באותה העת בבורסת ת"א. כדי לא להחזיק יותר מ־50% באירונאוטיקס ולהפוך אותה לממשלתית, רפאל רכשה 50% בלבד וצירפה לעסקה שותף — אביחי סטולרו — שרכש 50%, ויחד הם הפכו את החברה לפרטית. השניים שילמו 850 מיליון שקל עבור מלוא המניות של אירונאוטיקס, תוך שהם מספקים לאיש העסקים אהרון פרנקל סיבוב נאה. פרנקל נכנס לאירונאוטיקס בסוף 2018 ורכש מניות בכ־90 מיליון שקל. כחודש לאחר מכן, עלתה על השולחן העסקה מול רפאל וסטולרו. פרנקל קיבל לידיו 170 מיליון שקל, כך שהוא השיג תשואה של כמעט 100%. בימים אלו פרנקל עשוי למצוא את עצמו מבצע סיבוב גדול יותר. פרנקל מחזיק ב־37% ממניות חברת הנדל"ן המניב גב ים. נכסים ובניין, שמחזיקה ב־44.5% מהמניות, נערכת לרכוש את המניות של פרנקל בלפחות 3 מיליארד שקל, בעוד שפרנקל השקיע במצטבר 2 מיליארד שקל ברכישת המניות. ותודה לרם הדס על השיתוף בכתבה זו.

Defense Aviation News December 2021 aerospace air force industry Posted On Wednesday, 15 December 2021 16:43 On December 15, BAE Systems announced it has received a $493M contract to significantly upgrade and modernize the EW system for the F-35 Lightning II, enabling the fighter to quickly detect and address evolving electromagnetic threats.On December 15, BAE Systems announced it has received a $493M contract to significantly upgrade and modernize the EW system for the F-35 Lightning II, enabling the fighter to quickly detect and address evolving electromagnetic threats. BAE Systems received a $493 million contract modification from Lockheed Martin to significantly upgrade and modernize the electronic warfare (EW) system for the F-35 Lightning II, enabling the fifth-generation fighter to quickly detect and address evolving electromagnetic threats in contested battlespace. Under the contract, BAE Systems will deliver enhanced and highly capable core hardware for the F-35’s high-performance EW mission system, known as AN/ASQ-239, and will provide engineering support services and test infrastructure. The upgraded system will improve superior situational awareness and electromagnetic attack and countermeasure capabilities with new sensors and more powerful signal processing. “The capabilities we will deliver in this contract are foundational and will be leveraged to other platforms to ensure all warfighters have the most advanced EW capability at the ready,” said Lisa Aucoin, vice president of F-35 Solutions at BAE Systems. “The highly adaptable mission system will allow our warfighters to outpace evolving threats and defend democracy around the globe.” The enhanced electronic warfare system’s robust design will enable rapid future upgrades, aligning with the U.S. Department of Defense’s strategy for continuous capability development. The system’s modular architecture will also allow for efficient hardware upgrades that reduce lifecycle and retrofit costs, and support faster software updates across the global F-35 fleet. The system also includes the Non-Intrusive Electronic Warfare Test Solution (NIEWTS) fault isolation and diagnostics capability, which enables precise troubleshooting that, further reduces maintenance costs. https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2021/december/7969-

21/12/2021 By Luca Peruzzi Teseo Mk2/E The new Teseo Mk2/E anti-ship missile will have a new generation AESA (active electronically scanned array)-based seeker as part of the terminal guidance dual mode head section also including an E/O sensor for high-precision sea and land target engagements. "The Italian Navy has expressed the intention to proceed with the activation of the contractual option to equip the Teseo Mk2/E, currently under development, with a new generation AESA-based radio-frequency (RF) seeker”, Lorenzo Mariani, Managing Director MBDA Italia and Executive Group Director Sales and Business Development MBDA, said on December 20, during the year-end informal meeting with Italian media representatives. “This decision represents a key milestone in the development of the weapon system and the national sovereignty defence developments to be offered for future international partnerships”, Mariani added, acknowledging the new seeker is a joint-development by MBDA and Leonardo, where MBDA is prime contractor and design authority, without providing further details. EDR On-Line understood the new generation seeker sees Leonardo as provider of the AESA antenna and MBDA Italia of the wide band digital receiver/processing back-end and overall integration. As anticipated for the first time by the MBDA representative during the 2020 results media conference last April, the contract signed in November 2020 for the design, development, testing, qualification and industrialization of the new weapon system included a feasibility study to verify the possibility to equip the Teseo Mk2/E with an AESA seeker, as the preferred solution compared to a solid-state coherent RF system. According to Mariani, the feasibility study has already and in advance to planned schedule, confirmed that the new generation AESA seeker development and integration is compatible with the weapon system programme requirements and schedule. The same study also provided the best architectural and technical solutions to be selected by the Italian MoD Naval Armaments Directorate. The Italian MoD is expected to soon complete the necessary procedures and award the contract option, launching the new seeker development, testing and evaluation activities by MBDA Italia to be completed in around three years time. These activities are phased with the weapon system development, test and qualification programme that, together with the industrialization phase, is to be completed in 2026. The decision to go ahead with the new generation AESA seeker for the Teseo Mk2/E represents not only a national sovereignty and technological breakthrough, allowing a key capability to be offered to international programmes, such as the FC/ASW (Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon), to which the Italian MoD has shown interest, but a significant milestone in the development of the MBDA Italia and the MBDA group’s Fusaro seeker center of excellence, providing a game-changer know-how to be applied to its present and future family of anti-ship and other missile systems. Photo by L. Peruzzi https://www.edrmagazine.eu/italian-navy-new-anti-ship-teseo-mk2-e-missile-will-be-equipped-with-an-aesa-seeker

Agema is a fully modular, multi-mission, fast and adaptive unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) manufactured by UAE-based autonomous technology solutions provider Milanion Group. Project Type-Unmanned ground vehicle Manufacturer-Milanion Group Engine-Briggs and Stratton marine EFI engine Power Output-40hp The Agema unmanned ground vehicle has a customizable platform that provides multi-mission capabilities. Image courtesy of Milanion Group The Agema UGV can be integrated with ammunition such as machine guns and anti-tank missiles. Image courtesy of Milanion Group The Agema UGV is suitable for fully amphibious environments. Image courtesy of Milanion Group. Agema is a fully modular, multi-mission, fast and adaptive unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) manufactured by UAE autonomous technology solutions provider Milanion Group. The amphibious UGV mounted with Polish company MSP’s Warble Fly next-generation loitering munition system was first unveiled at the Innovations for Defence Excellence (IDEX) exhibition in Abu Dhabi in February 2021. The Agema UGV was exhibited at the Arms and Security trade exhibition in Kyiv, Ukraine in June 2021. The multi-mission and simple-to-operate platform can be used in a range of applications including defence, fire and rescue, security, oil and gas, and medical. Agema design and features Agema UGV is designed to operate in diverse environments ranging from difficult terrains to amphibious environments. It offers reliability and security to support the mounted and dismounted troops. The UGV provides versatility, agility, and control in adverse conditions. The modular nature of the design allows the vehicle to be customized with a mission suitable deck that can be adapted to meet the specific mission requirements of the customers. Agema UGV can be integrated with the Warble Fly air target fire system that allows users to accurately detect, track, and destroy targets, even in poor visibility conditions. The Warble Fly combat unmanned aerial Vehicle can be safely redirected to a landing zone and recovered if the operator chooses to abort the mission. A video analysis system with a camera is installed on the device to support the operations. The combat system can be equipped with a range of warhead types. The unmanned vehicle can support a variety of critical missions including Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), anti-tank support, logistic support and protection, and drone launch and anti-drone operations. It is also suitable for border protection, medical evacuation (medevac), route inspection and clearance, critical infrastructure security, mesh communication, and fire and rescue operations. The UGV can be mounted on a 6×6 or 8×8 drive-train. Payload on Agema UGV The UGV can be mounted with camera payloads to provide situational awareness during ISR support operations. The cameras are used to collect and transmit real-time video and audio feeds to the ground control station (GCS). The camera payloads that can be installed on Agema include thermal, RGB, multi-spectral, infrared, high definition and night vision cameras. Agema can be armed with firepower options including 7.62mm machine gun, 12.7mm HMG and 20mm canon, to protect soldiers during offensive or defensive missions. It can also be equipped with anti-tank and anti-material missiles. With the firepower onboard, the vehicle can provide flank, forward and rear-guard support for dismounted troops on the battlefield. The unmanned platform can be installed with anti-drone systems including frequency jamming and anti-jamming equipment. It can be deployed on the battlefield at a stand-off distance limiting the life risk of the troops. The UGV can also be used for skid launching fixed-wing drones in support of ground forces. Rotary drones can be tethered to the platform to enable deployment of the drones for a longer time. The UGV can be integrated with systems such as ground-penetrating radar and explosive and ordinance chemical detector sensors to detect land obstacles and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The systems allow troops to perform route clearance patrolling duties around static positions such as forward operating bases. The vehicle can also be used for logistical support including sustainment and replenishment of supplies such as ration, stores, radio equipment, weapons, and ammunition to dismounted soldiers. Agema engine and mobility Agema UGV is powered by Briggs and Straton Vanguard 40hp EFI engine that offers increased fuel efficiency. It can be operated by use of telecom or autonomously via a pre-planned path. The engine is coupled to a triple-differential Admiral transmission with independent steering brakes. The wheels are constantly powered for better control and maneuverability while turning. The progressive steering and rugged drive train provide reliability in the most challenging off-road environments. Agema has high terrain mobility, high torque configuration, high traction, an independent suspension system, and a low center of gravity. It can climb up to a steep angle of 40°. https://www.army-technology.com/projects/agema-unmanned-ground-vehicle-united-arab-emirates/

Naval News December 2021 Navy Forces Maritime Defense Industry Posted On Thursday, 23 December 2021 09:28 The U.S. Department of Defense announced on December 22 that Northrop Grumman Systems, Military Aircraft Systems, Melbourne, Florida, is awarded a $353,584,118 fixed-price incentive (firm target) modification to a previously awarded contract (N0001918C1037) dated January 6, 2021. This modification provides for the production and delivery of three E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft for the government of France. The aircraft delivery to France will take place in 2028 at the latest. E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (Picture source: Northrop Grumman) Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $353,584,118 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. The French Navy has been operating the E-2C Hawk-eye since 1998 and is the only country other than the United States to operate its E-2 Hawk-eyes from an aircraft carrier. This capability enables interoperability exercises that support Hawk-eyes from each other’s carrier flight decks. With the U.S. Navy’s fleet transition to E-2D squadrons, the French Navy intends to maintain interoperability and partnership. The E-2D Advanced Hawk-eye is a game-changer in how the Navy will conduct battle management command and control. By serving as the “digital quarterback” to sweep ahead of a strike, manage the mission, and keep our net-centric carrier battle groups out of harm's way, the E-2D Advanced Hawk-eye is the key to advancing the mission, no matter what it may be. The E-2D gives the war-fighter expanded battle-space awareness, especially in the area of information operations delivering battle management, theater air and missile defense, and multiple sensor fusion capabilities in an airborne system. With a two-generation leap in radar sensor capability and a robust network-enabled capability, the Advanced Hawk-eye will deliver critical, actionable data to joint forces and first responders. These advances provide war-fighters with the necessary situational awareness to compress the time between initial awareness and active engagement. First flight in August 2007 In August 2003, Northrop Grumman and Team Hawk-eye committed to delivering Delta One, the first system development and demonstration (SD&D) aircraft and on August 3, 2007, it delivered on that promise conducting its successful first flight. Advanced Hawk-eye is the cornerstone of the U.S. Navy’s theater air and missile defense architecture in the littorals, overland, and open sea. Some of the many new features of the Advanced Hawk-eye • A completely new radar featuring both mechanical and electronic scanning capabilities • Fully Integrated “All Glass” Tactical Cockpit • Advanced Identification Friend or Foe System • New Mission Computer and Tactical Workstations • Electronic Support Measures Enhancements • Modernized Communications and Data Link Suite These and other new developments incorporated into the E-2D ensure • True 360-degree radar coverage provides uncompromise all-weather tracking and situational awareness • Open architecture compliant, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS)-based hardware and software enables rapid, cost-wise technology refresh for consistent leading-edge mission tools • A true FORCE net enabler – A force multiplier through network-enabled capability, Advanced Hawk-eye is the gateway to Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Michael G. Mullen’s vision for a “1,000-ship navy.” • Multi-mission flexibility ranging from command and control through missile defense to border security https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2021/december/11155-contract-modification-for-northrop-grumman-to-provide-three-e-2d-advanced-hawkeye-aircraft-to-france.html

Expodefensa 2021 News Official Online Show Daily Posted On Thursday, 02 December 2021 03:22 At ExpoDefensa 2021, KAI Korea Aerospace Industries display the latest development of helicopter, supersonic advanced jet trainers, and light combat aircraft as well as the KF-21, formerly known as KF-X, a new generation of advanced multi-role fighter. KAI exhibits scale models of KUH Multipurpose Utility Helicopter, the FA-50 Multi-Role Light Combat Aircraft and the KF-21 new multi-role fighter aircraft. (Picture source Army Recognition) Scale model of KAI KF-21 fighter aircraft. (Picture source Army Recognition) At ExpoDefensa 2021, International Defense and Security Exhibition in Colombia, Korea Aerospace Industries promotes its KUH Multipurpose Utility Helicopter, the FA-50 Multi-Role Light Combat Aircraft, and the KF-21 new multi-role fighter aircraft. The FA-50 is the combat variant of the T-50 advanced jet trainer aircraft equipped with new radar and armed with missiles and machine gun. The combat aircraft is intended to meet the light fighter requirements of air forces around the world. The advanced radar provides the FA-50 jet with detection capability, which is similar to that of the KF-16 fighter. Citing the Airforce-technology website, the FA-50 aircraft can carry a weapons load of up to 4.5t. The aircraft can be armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles, AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground tactical missiles (AGM), GBU-38/B Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM), CBU-105 Sensor Fused Weapon (SFW), Mk-82 Low Drag General Purpose (LDGP) bombs, and Cluster Bomb Units (CBUs). The aircraft is also mounted with an internal, three-barrel 20mm Gatling gun and LAU-3/A 19-tube 2.75″ rocket launcher for firing Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets (FFAR). The wide range of weapon systems aboard the FA-50 jet allows it to counter multiple threats in today’s complex battlefield scenario. The KAI KUH is a twin-engine, transport utility helicopter developed primarily by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) jointly with Eurocopter. It can perform various duties and roles, such as military transport, law enforcement, aerial observation, search and rescue, maritime support, aerial firefighting, and for civilian purposes along with other missions. On April 2021, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) officially unveiled the prototype of Korea's first homegrown fighter jet KF-21, marking a significant development in the country's two-decade-long endeavor to boost its self-reliant air defense capabilities. The KF-21 (Next-Generation Fighter) program is a full-scale fighter development program, set to introduce an outstanding aircraft for future battlefields. The development program is set to last for a total of 10 years and 6 months, and is designed as an international joint development with Indonesia. https://www.armyrecognition.com/expodefensa_2021_news_official_online_show_daily/korea_aerospace_industries_displays_latest_development_of_helicopter_and_fighter_aircraft.html

Defense News December 2021 Global Security army industry Posted On Monday, 20 December 2021 15:30 As reported by Defense Studies, on 16 December 2021, the Marine Assault Amphibian Battalion of the Royal Thai Marine Corps (RTMC) demonstrated the sea-to-shore operation capabilities of its Chinese-made NORINCO VN16 Tracked Amphibious Assault Vehicles and US-made AAV7A1 Amphibious Assault Vehicles upgraded by the Thai company Chaiseri. Royal Thai Marine Corps (RTMC) has demonstrated the capabilities of its first three Norinco VN16 amphibious light tanks (Picture source: Royal Thai Marine Corps) 1st-year military preparatory students, class 64, AFAPS (Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School), discovered the operation capabilities of NORINCO VN16 Tracked Amphibious Assault Vehicles and US-made AAV7A1 Amphibious Assault Vehicles Krom Luang Chumphon Camp, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province, on December 16, 2021, Defense Studies reports. Three units of VN16 amphibious assault vehicles were delivered in late May 2021 to the amphibious vehicle battalion Marine Corps Brigade. They were demonstrated for the first time during the farewell parade for military service personnel in September 2021. On December 16, these VN16s demonstrated amphibious operations from sea to coast in conjunction with 12 AAV7A1 amphibious vehicles of the Royal Thai Army Amphibious Vehicle Battalion that has been modernized by Chaiseri Metal & Rubber Co. Ltd. In September 2020, the Royal Thai Navy's Central Procurement and Price Information Center announced a project to purchase 3 amphibious assault vehicles (Phase 1) for 398,143,400 baht ($12,579,570.05) from NORINCO which delivered them just eight months after the announcement of the procurement selection. The Thai Marine Corps wants to procure VN16 (Phase 2), adding 3 more vehicles in fiscal year 2022. The total of vehicles to purchase may be expanded to 9 or 12 if there is not cut from the defense budget that also foresees the supply of 2 Panus R600 8x8 amphibious armored vehicles and a prototype of amphibious combat vehicle (AAV: Amphibious Assault Vehicle) project by the National Defense Technology Institute DTI (Defence Technology Institute). The ZTD-05, also named VN-16 in the export version, is an amphibious light tank designed and manufactured in China by NORINCO, especially for naval infantry units. The ZTD-05 is armed with a 105 mm gun. The ZTD-05 belongs to the series of amphibious vehicles developed by China. It is the fastest and most advanced medium-sized AAV. The ZTD-05 was designed for China by the Russian Tula KBP bureau, using the fighting compartment of the Russian BMP-3 armored infantry fighting vehicle as to the starting point. The Kurgan machine-building plant was involved in the development of the rest of the vehicle, as well as the launch of its mass production. in September, Thailand has announced the acquisition of three VN16 amphibious light tanks for its Marine Forces. The ZTD-05 or VN-16 is propelled by a strong-powered engine and can navigate at a high speed in water up to 45 km/h. The vehicle can run at a maximum road speed of 65 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 500 km. The ZTD-05 or VN-16 is armed with a fully-stabilized 105mm rifled gun, similar to that found on the ZTS63A amphibious tank. Secondary weapons include a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and two sets of four smoke grenade launchers mounted on the side of the turret. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_december_2021_global_security_army_industry/thai_marines_demonstrate_use_of_norinco_vn16_light_amphibious_tanks_and_aav7a1s.html