Naval and Defense News

[xavierv]

Qatar Emiri Air Force To Get The Full Range of MBDA Missiles for its 24 Rafale fighters

Air Recognition learned some of the contract details signed between missiles manufacturer MBDA and the Qatar Emirate. According to an industry source who wished to remain unnamed, this contract includes the full range of Rafale weapons available for export: Exocet AM 39 Block II, SCALP, AASM, MICA IR, MICA EM and Meteor missiles. Air Recognition understands this order would be the largest export contract ever signed by MBDA.
...
60 Exocet AM39 Block2 Mod2 anti-ship missiles
140 SCALP Cruise Missiles
300 AASM weapons systems
150 MICA IR and 150 MICA EM air to air missiles
160 Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile

http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php ... ew&id=1745

[Hongjian]

New Pentagon Report on China.

http://www.defense.gov/pubs/2015_China_ ... Report.pdf

Keypoints:

China plans to build 42.000 Drones
DF-16 MRBM as replacement for the DF-11 is in service

[xavierv]

North Korea Test Launched a Ballistic Missile From its New Sinpo-Class Ballistic Missile Submarine

North Korea officially announced (and released pictures showing) the first SLBM test (Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile) from its new Sinpo class SSB (Ballistic Missile Submarine). North Korea leader Kim Jong-Un personally oversaw the launch, according to state-run KCNA agency. The report detailed how the launcher submarine dived at the sound of a combat alarm to test fire the missile.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=2700

DARPA SideArm and TALONS Concepts Show Potential for New UAS Capabilities at Sea

Tern, a joint program between DARPA and the U.S. Navy’s Office of Naval Research (ONR), seeks to give forward-deployed small ships the unprecedented capacity to serve as mobile launch and recovery platforms for medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

These systems would provide long-range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and other capabilities over greater distances and time periods than helicopters and would require far less dedicated infrastructure resources than conventional fixed-wing manned and unmanned aircraft. As part of its individual investment in Tern, DARPA has launched two successful technology demonstration efforts that grew from Phase 1 research and are separately approaching potential transition to the Services:

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=2699

[Triode]

interesting news about the Indian submarines
according to contract number 31502127681
http://www.my-tender.ru/#!/tenders223/31502127681 in russian

India buying "Technical assistance in the preparation of practical products TE-2-02 and MG-74ME

This leads to very interesting conclusions, in late 90s there is two competing concept of UGST torpedo,theme "Kant"(TE-2-02, basically 221TT1 propulsion system + updated copy of early Mk48 seeker (original from 70s) )proposed by "Gidropribor" and theme "Fizik"(TPS-53 propulsion system created by "Dagdizel" + new digital seeker from GNPC "Region") ,funny thing is "Dagdizel" is just plant and owned by "Gidropribor" so this competition of interest led to event known as "War with Hydra"

"Kant" lost competition to "Fizik" and "Fizik" became UGST, but it seems "Gidropribor" managed to sell a few sets of TE-2-02 for Indians project 877E submarines

[cf_dallas]

ORIGINAL: navyrecognition

North Korea officially announced (and released pictures showing) the first SLBM test (Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile) from its new Sinpo class SSB (Ballistic Missile Submarine). North Korea leader Kim Jong-Un personally oversaw the launch, according to state-run KCNA agency. The report detailed how the launcher submarine dived at the sound of a combat alarm to test fire the missile.

Either North Korea doesn't understand "range safety" or they're working their Photoshop artists overtime. Possibly both.

[xavierv]

At IDEF 2015 WASS Showcased the Black Scorpion and Black Arrow torpedoes

Italian company WASS (member of Finmeccanica) was showcasing two of its latest toperdo systems during IDEF 2015 (the International Defence Industry Fair currently held in Istanbul, Turkey). The Black Scorpion mini torpedo designed to support the contact classification process and the Black Arrow new generation lightweight torpedo.

Talking to Navy Recognition during IDEF 2015, a WASS representative explained that the Black Scorpion was designed to be launched from sonobuoy tubes found on board ASW helicopters and Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The mini torpedo is intended to be used when the submarine contact is not accurate. The Black Scorpion "pings" in the water which either locates the target or forces the target to move. Black Scorpion retains the abillity to hit the target and induce damage with its small warhead.

[...]

Also on display on WASS stand during IDEF 2015 was the Black Arrow torpedo. The WASS representative explained that this new generation lightweight torpedo is an evolution of the MU90 and A244 and its main strength is its reduced life cycle cost.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=2711

Turkish Shipyard Dearsan Will Deliver Six 33 meters Fast Attack Craft to Turkmenistan

According to Azeri Defence News, Turkish shipyard Dearsan (Dearsan Gemi Insaat Sanayili) will deliver six fast attack craft for Turkmenistan. The manufacturer's designation of the vessel type is "33 meter Attack Boat". Azeri Defence News learned during IDEF 2015 exhibition that the first vessel will be delivered in July this year and the last one is expected to be delivered by 2017.
...
Weapons suite consist in 2x Marte Mk2/N anti-ship missiles by MBDA and an Aselsan STOP 25mm remote weapon station.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=2710

[xavierv]

Some other cool designs from Turkey, especially this FACM

IDEF 2015: RMK Marine Unveiled Some New Fast Attack Craft and Corvette Designs

RMK Marine's designation for this vessel is Fast Missile Craft TTHB-1 / FMC 69. An RMK Marine representative explained to Navy Recognition that this vessel was entirely designed and developped to answer a future tender of the Turkish Navy.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=2718

Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard contracts Damen for fleet of 12x coastal patrol craft
http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=2714

US Navy Teams Completed IFF Mode 5 Developmental Testing for F/A-18E/F and EA-18G Aircraft
http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=2716

Russian Navy Aircraft Carrier Kuznetsov in Dry Dock for Unknown Reasons and Length of Time
http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=2722

[xavierv]

IDEF 2015: ASELSAN ÇAFRAD, Multifunction, Phased Array Radar System Nearly Completed

On the occasion of IDEF 2015 (the International Defence Industry Fair which was held last week in Istanbul, Turkey), Navy Recognition contacted leading Turkish defense company ASELSAN to learn about the ÇAFRAD radar system, the radar that will be fitted on the future Turkish Navy Frigate TF2000 class. ASELSAN got back to us with the latest development in this major program:

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=2728

US Navy Declares Initial Operational Capability for New Rolling Airframe Missile RAM Block 2
http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=2726

US Navy Announces Successful Test of Electromagnetic Catapult EMALS on CVN 78 Ford class
http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=2725

DSME Launched The Sixth Type 214 – KSS-2 Diesel Electric Submarine For ROK Navy
http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=2724

Russian Navy Aircraft Carrier Kuznetsov in Dry Dock for Unknown Reasons and Length of Time
http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=2722

Russia developing Shtorm supercarrier
http://www.janes.com/article/51452/russ ... percarrier

Russian destroyer design revealed
http://www.janes.com/article/51453/russ ... n-revealed

[Mgellis]

Oooo! Shiny!

http://www.janes.com/article/51452/russ ... from_rss=1

[thewood1]

Does anyone really think that is even a remote possibility. Considering Russia's short-term economic issues, I would find it a little far-fetched. I like how it will have a bunch of T-50s, which have had their production numbers cut back due to said economic conditions.

[Triode]

ORIGINAL: Mgellis


Oooo! Shiny!

http://www.janes.com/article/51452/russ ... from_rss=1

Reading comments is, well ... entertaining

especially part where people don't know that Russian Federation actually have 2 places to build this ship,

first is "Sevmash"


problem is this will slow down submarines production, also caisson should be changed

second option is "Zaliv" with its big dry dock ( 360x60 m) + two building berth 400m each


problem is "Zaliv" in Crimea so logistic will be hard, also there is problem with straits
plus this shipyard not in best shape

ORIGINAL: thewood1

Does anyone really think that is even a remote possibility.

This is what industry wants, big contract with big money and end result will be seen after many years

All this models on exhibition are for creating opinion in navy and governmental circles "yes we can"

about economic well it not that bad after all, if you think about fall in "quality of life" and that somehow affect military programs that's just don't happened.
"Siege mentality " work wonders [:)]

Also T-50 production numbers cuts?
I bet you take it from some journalist [:)]

[thewood1]

The T-50 thing was a government minister stating that they were backing off production commitments unless a more capable threat materialized.

I posted a link a couple times around here.

[Triode]

actually Yuri Borisov say "In the new economic conditions, the original plans may be adjusted" ,may be
and looking at KNAAPO I don't see this adjustment
on the contrary, they are accelerated T-50 programm

[NakedWeasel]

ORIGINAL: Triode

actually Yuri Borisov say "In the new economic conditions, the original plans may be adjusted" ,may be
and looking at KNAAPO I don't see this adjustment
on the contrary, they are accelerated T-50 programm

Dare I ask, if you have a credible source for such information?

[xavierv]

A first in Europe: French Navy FREMM Frigate Aquitaine fires MBDA's Naval Cruise Missile

The frigate Aquitaine, the first unit in the multi-mission frigate program (FREMM), has successfully fired its first naval cruise missile on May 19 on the firing ranges of the DGA missile testing centre off Levant Island. This is the first time that a European surface ship has fired a cruise missile. On May 12, the frigate also successfully fired its first Exocet MM40 surface-to-surface missile.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=2741

[Mgellis]

More shiny stuff!

http://www.janes.com/article/51453/russ ... n-revealed

[Hongjian]

[&:]What happened with the title?

Anyway, some J-20 news.

The Tu-204C Radar-testbed for the J-20 was recently photographed to be upgraded with a pair of canards above the cockpit in the same style of the Boeing 757 Electronics Testbed for the F-22. The CATBIRD testbed for the F-35 also features these canards, albeit arranged in a different fashion.

But both the CATBIRD's and the B-757's canards are said to be used to test the ESM/EW systems of the respective 5th gen fighter jets, suggesting as much for the J-20 as well.

http://www.codeonemagazine.com/article.html?item_id=50

Moving back from the nose of the CATBird to just behind the cockpit, the sides of the forward fuselage sprout a pair of fixed canards. The nose-to-canard spacing is geometrically identical to the nose-to-wing spacing of an actual F-35. The canards contain forward-facing sensors that are part of the electronic warfare system.

Tu-204C Testbed with the J-20's AESA of some month ago compared to the B-757 with AESA and 'canards' possibly containing the forward-facing sensors of the ALR-94 ESM.



And how the Tu-204C testbed looks now: Note the canards arranged in the same position as the B-757.



This could suggest that the J-20 is set to receive some quite capable ESM systems, that are utilizing receiving antennae/sensor-arrays that are so large that they must be intrgrated inside and along both of its wing's full length.

Alternative explaination could be a wing-mounted long-band radar system in the same style as like the T-50 possesses. But most analysts in the Chinese internet believe that this might be part of a very sensitive ESM system rather than an additional radar.

[mikmykWS]

Some goofball renamed it and everybody responded to it. Hopefully I just fixed it.

[Hongjian]

EDIT: Jane's article

http://www.janes.com/article/51759/imag ... av-concept

A monstrous bird has been unveiled: The Divine Eagle High Altitude Long Endurance UAV.

Some grainy and heavily censored photos have been posted on Chinese military forums yesterday, showing a giant twin-headed bird sitting on an airfield in Shenyang.

It is powered by a single high-bypass WS-10 engine without afterburner (WS-20) and has a wingspan of approx 60m.






It is basically China's equivalent to the MQ-4C Triton Broad Area Maritime Surveillance UAV, but it is considerably larger and has a novel twin-body layout, which enables it to carry more radars and sensors distributed around its body.

It is suppossed to be China's mainstay counter-stealth asset, as it is equipped with four UHF-band AESA offering 360° detection. Also, it would be used as ASBM detection and mid-course guidance asset as well. All in all, a persistent AEW plane that is flying at 25km altitude. There has been a writeup some month ago about its mainden flight, but until now, no photos exist:

http://www.popsci.com/china-flies-its-l ... vine-eagle

A different initial configuration was revealed, but the role remains unchanged. This graphic here from a research paper shows the distributed radar/sensor loadout around the UAV:

The 7 radars include a X/UHF AMTI Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar on the front, two X/UHF AMTI/SAR/GMTI AESA radars on the twin booms, two X/UHF AMTI AESA radars on either side of the engine nozzles, and two more radars on the end of the booms. AMTI and GMTI radars are used for tracking air and surface targets, respectively, while SAR is used to provide detailed imagines of ground targets like bases and infrastructure

And its role in detecting stealth-planes and carrier groups, while flying at very high altitude:



All in all, this seems to be a priority project for the PLAAF and PLANAF, as China badly needs assets that can persistently monitor Chinese near waters around the clock for the establishment of China's plannes ADIZes in the SCS along with the one ins the East China Sea. Further, this asset would give China an additional redundancy in the ASBM kill-chain.


EDIT:

New photo

[xavierv]

Big news for Marine Nationale

French Defense Minister: 8 FREMM For The Navy Followed by 5 New Generation FTI Frigates

French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian detailed the naval part of the update to the French Military Planning Law today on a naval base in Brittany. The French Navy will receive 8 FREMM Frigates in total (while 11 of them were originally planned) and a new generation of frigates: the FTI (Frégate de Taille Intermédiaire or Midsize Frigate) which will start being delivered in 2023 for a total of 5 hulls.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=2762