Naval and Defense News

[jtoatoktoe]

ORIGINAL: DESRON420

http://news.usni.org/2016/02/18/west-u- ... ng-in-2021

So I wonder what the point of it in 2021 is when the Competition for the next gen Anti Ship Missile is suppose to begin in 2017 with fielding of the winner in 2024, with the Tomahawk being part of the competition. Maybe a temporary or companion with the winner (Which I'm sure the DOD would like to see LRASM win).

[DESRON420]

The Navy owns thousands of paid-off Tomahawks. Most threat vessels lack powerful air defense radars and long-range SAMs. Even vessels with more advanced SAMs are vulnerable to saturation attacks. Merchant and replenishment ships are exceptionally vulnerable. The cost equation tips in the USN's favor.

Consider a Type 054A Jiangkai II, which runs about $250m before crew and weapons. It has 32 VLS cells plus a couple of CIWS and the 76mm. Forty Tomahawks will overwhelm it at a cost of $60m. Steregushchiy-class corvettes with 12 SAM VLS cells can be overwhelmed with twenty Tomahawks at a cost of $30m.

And the slow, obvious Tomahawks can be part of more complicated games of distraction. A Tomahawk raid comes in from the south and west, while stealthier missiles come in from the north. Interceptors vector onto the Tomahawks and no one sees the LRASMs come in until it's too late.

[Dysta]

Fight saturation with saturation. No wonder people are so hype about the numbers of VLS (and eventually, powerful destroyers).

But don't forget, Frigate and Corvette are also part of the distraction when AA is not a part of their jobs.

[xavierv]

Russia's supposed answer to US railgun:
3M22 Zircon Hypersonic Missile in Development Testing for Russian Navy Kirov-class Cruiser

Russian cutting-edge hypersonic missile 3M22 of the 3K22 Zircon system is in the development trials. The Project 11442 (NATO reporting name: Kirov-class) Pyotr Veliky nuclear-powered missile cruiser will carry the type following its upgrade, a shipbuilding industry source told TASS on Friday.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=3587


Russian Navy's Tula SSBN (Projet 667BDRM Delfin – Delta-IV) Back to Sea In August After Refit

The Russian Northern Fleet’s Project 667BDRM (NATO reporting name: Delta IV) K-114 Tula nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) will be put afloat in August 2016 after repairs at the Zvyozdochka Shipyard in Severodvinsk in north Russia, the shipyard’s press office told TASS on Thursday.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=3585

[xavierv]

Rheinmetall and Bundeswehr Conduct Successful Test of HEL Laser Weapon at Sea

Rheinmetall and the German Bundewehr have successfully tested a high-energy laser effector installed on a German warship operating on the high seas. To carry out the test, Rheinmetall mounted a 10-kilowatt high-energy laser (HEL) effector on a MLG 27 light naval gun.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=3589

[AlGrant]

Why should Britain tremble!
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2016/02/18/jeremy-corbyns-trident-re_n_9264014.html

[Aivlis]

ORIGINAL: AlGrant

Why should Britain tremble!
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2016/02/18/jeremy-corbyns-trident-re_n_9264014.html

I have actually been keeping an eye on these developments ever since I got asked for input by a colleague. Here's a decent analysis of the air-launched alternative: http://www.centreforum.org/assets/pubs/ ... rident.pdf

[Primarchx]

ORIGINAL: Aivlis

ORIGINAL: AlGrant

Why should Britain tremble!
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2016/02/18/jeremy-corbyns-trident-re_n_9264014.html

I have actually been keeping an eye on these developments ever since I got asked for input by a colleague. Here's a decent analysis of the air-launched alternative: http://www.centreforum.org/assets/pubs/ ... rident.pdf

Am I reading this right, with respect to their hypothetical strike vs a target defended by SA-21!?

The B61-12 RCS is unknown, and thus it is unknown how easy it
would be to intercept by the defences. For heavily defended targets,
the obvious riposte is to significantly increase the number of B61-12s
simultaneously in flight – 80 bombs plus 40 receding aircraft targets
on a range of attack profiles and egress headings would make the
defenders’ task considerably more complicated.

[AlGrant]

ORIGINAL: Aivlis
I have actually been keeping an eye on these developments ever since I got asked for input by a colleague. Here's a decent analysis of the air-launched alternative: http://www.centreforum.org/assets/pubs/ ... rident.pdf

Thanks.
Only had time for a quick scan through and will need to have a good read through this later.

[Dysta]

So that means the SSBM is getting obsolete, and stealth bomber/fighter with nukes will becomes a better nuclear retaliation (not first strike) platform?

[Aivlis]

I don't consider SSBNs to be obsolete, but they might not be the universal best tool for a retaliation capability. Governments should consider use cases and cost-effectiveness alongside propaganda potential when buying weapons.
I don't fully agree with the report I linked, as it eschews analysing the effect of anti-munition capabilities on the free-falling B61-12 and suffers from a few oversimplifications in it's modelling of how a retaliation strike would be conducted, but most of it's points remain valid: for a regional power like the UK, an SSBN fleet might not be the way to go.
But this is not news, strictly speaking, so maybe we should take it to another thread.

[AlGrant]

An interesting read and whilst I'm certainly no expert, I'd take the SSBN or even the proposed option of a modified Astute Class carrying nuclear capable cruise missile for a nuclear deterrent/strike over the F-35 freefall bomb option.

Understandably this document mentions how the F-35C's stealth would be critical to completing it's nuclear mission.

However I think there are a couple of points that they haven't addressed .....

The unrefuelled operational radius of an F-35C in LO operations using
only internal fuel and weapons is 615nm. Multiple in-flight refuellings
increases the radius of action of land-based F-35Cs to the aircrew fatigue
limit, which based on current USAF operational practice in operations
over Afghanistan is approximately 12 hours. For our purposes, this
translates into a land-based radius of action of 2500nm.

You can only count on a mission stealth from the last refuelling point ..... airborne tankers are not exactly stealthy!
So you only end up with a stealth advantage over the last 615nm operational radius of the whole mission!

It talks about using 80 x F-35C's for the mission (page 56), depending on the mission range that is going to need a lot of tanker assets.
Again takers are not stealthy .... kill a tanker or two you achieve a mission kill!

I'm not saying there is no use for tankers, because clearly there is, only that you can't count on mission stealth if you are hanging off the tail end of a big fat tanker.

Also using aircrew fatigue limit and radius of action based on operations over Afghanistan (with no enemy fighters and limited SAM/AAA threat) to those you could expect over hostile territory is asking for trouble.

All of the above would be even worse in a retaliatory strike scenario where the enemy may well be expecting you and almost certainly on higher alert.

[xavierv]

US Navy and USAF to Certify P-8A Poseidon MPA for Aerial Refueling with Instrumented KC-135

A U.S. Navy Aircraft Vehicle Modification and Instrumentation team is hard at work augmenting instrumentation to an Edwardsassigned KC-135 tanker. The unusual arrangement started when the Navy PMA-290 program office approached the 412th Test Management Group about using the Edwards AFB-instrumented KC-135 to certify their P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from Navy unit VX-20 at Patuxent River, Maryland, for aerial refueling.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=3593

[Broncepulido]

Armed Israeli drones hacked ... by US and UK:
https://theintercept.com/2016/01/28/isr ... elligence/

[xavierv]

Russian Navy Caspian Flotilla to Receive Project 12061 Murena-class Assault Hovercraft

The Russian Navy Caspian Flotilla will have received three new tugs in 2016 and Project 12061 Murena-class (NATO reporting name: Tsaplya-class) air-cushioned landing craft in 2017, the flotilla’s commander, Rear Admiral Igor Osipov, told TASS in an interview on Friday.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=3596

Russian Navy Northern Fleet Receives a New K-300P Bastion-P Coastal Missile System

A rocket-artillery brigade of the Russian Navy Northern Fleet has started transitioning to the new K-300P Bastion P (NATO reporting name: SS-C-05 Stooge) coastal mobile missile system. According to Russian media, the unit has recently taken delivery of two batteries.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=3602

Airbus Helicopters Delivered the 16th NH 90 NFH Maritime Helicopter to the French Navy

Airbus Helicopters delivered the 16th NH90 NFH (Nato Frigate Helicopter) to the French Navy (Marine Nationale) on 19 February 2016. The was delivery ceremony was held at Marignane, the manufacturer’s headquarters in Southern France.

Contacted by Navy Recognition, a Marine Nationale naval aviation spokesperson explained that the 16th "Caiman Marine" (the designation of the helicopter in the French Navy) that has just been delivered would join Flottille 31F. In total, 27 NH90 NFH have been ordered by the French Navy, he added.

He went on explaining that 14 ASW kits are on order for the French Navy NH90 fleet. He finally explained that 13 of the helicopters are fitted with a rear access ramp.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=3598

China's 25th Type 056 Corvette (Jiangdao class) Tongren Commissioned in PLAN South Sea Fleet

A commissioning, naming and flag-presenting ceremony of the new Tongren corvette (hull number 507) of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN or Chinese Navy) was held solemnly at the Shantou Naval Base located between Taiwan and Hong Kong in Southern China. The event means that the warship is officially commissioned to the PLAN. Tongren is the twenty-fifth Type 056 Corvette (Jiangdao class).

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=3600

First CH-148 Cyclone Helicopter Fully Manned by RCAF Crew Lands on HMCS Halifax Frigate

Just off the coast of Nova Scotia recently, the sun shone on a milestone achievement for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CH-148 Cyclone helicopter project. The first Cyclone helicopter, fully manned by Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) personnel, successfully landed on a Canadian warship at sea on January 27, 2016. Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Halifax, the ship on which the first Cyclone landing occurred, has been involved with CH-148 testing and training for the past year.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=3599

[Triode]

well as always, not so obvious news from Russia

about EWAR jamming pod "Tarantul" , part of "Khibiny", bigger/better version of SAP-14/"Khibiny-U" jamming pod (actually SAP-14 is downgraded version of "Tarantul")
from state contract №0173100004515001734
http://zakupki.gov.ru/epz/order/notice/ ... 4515001734 in russian

"Implementation of services and funds training of flight and ground handling of special and general applications, communications and automation Air Force specifications according to the list approved by the Russian Ministry of Defense: revision of products L-705 (L-705-1) software and hardware in terms of interoperability with products L187A, L-175V, L-265M10, L-175M10-35S with bulletin registration for the needs of the Russian Federation Ministry of Defence."

so , "Tarantul" pod can be used with :
helicopter Mi-8MTPR-1 (L187A = "Rychag-AV" jammer)
SU-34 (L-175V = "Khibiny" inside Su-34)
SU-35 (L-175M10-35S = "Khibiny" inside SU-35S)

L-265M10 is jamming containers on wingtips of SU-27SMs,30SM,34,35S


also interesting thing is list of military units where this L-705 "Tarantul" goes , it is Baltimore (SU-34) and Dzemgi (SU-35S)


from NIIAO annual report 2014
http://www.e-disclosure.ru/portal/FileL ... id=1092851

OKR "Apatit" ( Be-200 ASW variant,replacement for Be-12?)
first flight planned in 2016
serial production from 2018

also Beriev release picture of A-60M (aka A-60 with new laser gun 1A3)model
they currently rebuld IL-76MD-90A number 78652 into this for "Sokol-Echelon" programm

[xavierv]

After nearly two months of operation, the French Navy conducted nearly 400 operational sorties, 80 strike missions and 23 ISR missions. In addition, for 14 days from Eastern Med, between November 23 and December 6, the CSG conducted 130 sorties, 22 strikes and 9 ISR missions over the territories controlled by Daech.

French Navy Carrier Strike Group Concludes Operations in the Gulf, Heads To Mediterranean

On February 22, 2016, French Navy (Marine Nationale) aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle left the Persian Gulf to sail back to the Mediterranean. U.S. Navy aicraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman took command on Febrary 14th of the naval forces in the coalition against Daech, the Task Force 50 (TF 50).

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=3608

[Dysta]

ORIGINAL: Hongjian

Prof. Andrew S. Erickson: Official confirmation of the first Chinese overseas supply base in Djibouti.

http://www.andrewerickson.com/2015/11/u ... baseplace/

And they confirmed it again:

http://www.chinadailyasia.com/nation/20 ... 90442.html

However, scenario purpose for CMANO is limited because US and Japanese bases are also located here. If designing a new scenario involved with either two of countries, then they will contradicts each other.

[Dysta]

One year ago...

http://www.pacificariptide.com/pacifica ... n-sky.html
http://spaceweathergallery.com/indiv_up ... _id=109213
http://www.knopnews2.com/weather/headli ... 96261.html
http://www.aerospace.org/cords/reentry- ... 2014-088b/

People from Arizona to Canada have reported seeing bright lights in the sky as a Chinese rocket burned up in the atmosphere.

Witnesses described the lights as a group of about three dozen fireballs moving slowly from south to north late Monday. Canadian photographer Neil Zeller says it looked like a cluster of fireballs followed by a long orange tail.

A NASA official told the Salt Lake Tribune the lights were a Chinese rocket booster that broke apart about 11 p.m. Mountain Time.

Calls to NASA from The Associated Press were directed to U.S. Strategic Command, who couldn't immediately confirm what it was.

Mike Hankey with the American Meteor Society says his organization got more than 150 reports of the event from nine Western states and Canada.

From Taiyuan, China to Arizona, USA is over 5500 nautical miles. Since CZ-4B can get their junks over West Coast, we definitely know what would be next if WW3 happens.

http://www.happyzebra.com/distance-calc ... 20(AZ).php

Unfortunately, DF-5 series in CMANO will not make it happens (Even DF-5B have only 4200 nautical miles max range, raining 'rocket debris' to West Coast is still a wet dream for scenario makers).

[redcoat]

China commissions 22nd Type 054A frigate into East Sea fleet

Key Points

- China has commissioned its latest Type 054A guided-missile frigate

- The platform has historically been deployed on missions beyond the Indian Ocean Region to demonstrate the PLAN's operational reach

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has commissioned a Type 054A Jiangkai II-class guided-missile frigate into its East Sea Fleet.

Named Xiangtan and with pennant number 531, the vessel was inducted on 24 February in Zhoushan, according to a report published the same day on the PLA-backed China Military Online website. Xiangtan is the second Type 054A vessel to be commissioned in 2016 and the 22nd ship overall for the class. The 21st-in-class, Jingzhou (532), was inducted in January 2016.

According to IHS Jane's Fighting Ships, the Jiangkai II class has a length of 134 m, an overall beam of 16 m, and a draught of 5 m. The vessel is powered by four SEMT Pielstick diesel engines driving two propeller shafts and can attain a top speed of 27 kt with a standard range of 3,800 n miles at 18 kt.

Xiangtan has a standard displacement of 3,500 tonnes and can accommodate one Ka-28 naval helicopter on the flight deck for airborne operations. The Jiangkai II class is armed with one 76 mm gun as a primary weapon and two Type 730A 30 mm guns, capable of firing 4,200 rds/min, as the platform's close-in weapon system.

Defence against hostile aircraft and guided munitions are provided by a foredeck-sited 32-cell vertical launching system (VLS) that can deploy the HHQ-16 medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM). Two quadruple launchers that can launch the C-802 anti-ship missile mounted amid-ship provide an offensive capability against surface targets.

For submarine prosecution, the platform is equipped with a hull-mounted sonar, two RBU 1200 anti-submarine mortar launchers, and six 324 mm tubes that can deploy the Yu-7 lightweight torpedo.

Source: IHS Jane's online

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