Sea Kings' possible replacement familiar to Canadians

PM Jean Chrétien killed the contract for the EH 101, now known as the AW 101, in 1993
CBC News Posted: Sep 6, 2013 9:50 PM ET Last Updated: Sep 6, 2013 11:16 PM ET


The irony won't be lost on military observers in Canada and around the world.

Twenty years after Prime Minister Jean Chrétien cancelled a $5-billion contract to replace Canada's already aging fleet of Sea King helicopters with the British-Italian EH 101, Canadian military officials are kicking the tires of that same helicopter, though it goes by a different name these days.

Cyclone helicopter contract revisions urged by report

How the Cyclone compares with the Sea King
Now it's called the Merlin Mk 2 AW 101, following the merger of the Italian firm Agusta and British firm Westland, which produced the aircraft co-operatively.

The military is considering the once-rejected craft because the latest candidate to replace the Sea Kings, the Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone, is five years late, and now might not ever make it into the Canadian fleet. That's because contract officials at the Public Works Department are now suggesting the Cyclone contract could be killed altogether.

Sikorsky has so far been unable to accommodate demands for the computers, sensors and weapons that make a military helicopter not just an aircraft, but a combat system.

Defence Minister Peter MacKay has called the deal "the worst debacle in Canadian procurement history."

Dan Ross, who formerly ran procurement for the Defence Department, says the Cyclone is a good helicopter. Sikorsky just needs more time, he says.

Ross says the air force is desperate to climb into four less-capable interim Cyclones that have already been delivered — and should do that, given the recent independent report by Hitachi that recommended just that — even though they're not up to contract specs.

"The aircraft has flown fine," Ross said. "The aircraft has been at sea in the North Atlantic at night in bad weather conditions flying off HMCS Montreal … a long time ago.

"But they promised a schedule and didn't meet that — twice — and clearly that has caused tension, and they have incurred $88 million" in penalties for failing to meet the terms of the $3-billion contract, he added.

The purchase of the Cyclone helicopters from manufacturer Sikorsky is the product of political infighting that dates back to Chrétien's decision to axe the EH 101 contract, which had been negotiated by the previous Conservative government of Brian Mulroney.

The Liberal government paid out more than $470 million in penalties to cancel the deal.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013...ed.html?cmp=rss

This post has been edited by xtemujin: Sep 7 2013, 05:56 PM

Malaysian Armed Forces Day public parade will be on 21 September (Sat) at Dataran Merdeka Kuala Lumpur, includes flypast by RMAF aircraft.

Static display of vehicles and equipment and display booths at Dataran Merdeka for the 21st (until 9pm) and 22nd (until 5 pm).

Event: 2013 Malaysia Armed Forces Day, Hari Angkatan Tentera Malaysia, Perarakan Rapat Raksasa
Date: 21 (Sat) - 22 (Sun) September 2013
Time: 0800 - 1200 hours (8am - 12pm) Parade
Venue: Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur

Information from Malaysian defence journalist Dzirhan Mahadzir facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/pagemkatm?filter=1

'No plans to replace MiG-29, Sukhoi jets with newer models'
By Ben Tan | 8 September 2013 Sunday


KLUANG: There are no plans for the government to replace the country's current fleet of MiG-29 and Sukhoi fighter jets with newer models soon.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said any replacement and purchase for new fighter jets has to be looked at in the context of the country's present security and threats.

"For the time being, the government does not have plans to replace the current MiG-29 and Sukhoi fighter jets yet.

“We are looking more at the possibility of equipping the present fleet of Agusta with weapons or upgrading the Nuri helicopters,” he said after the Merdeka Raya 2013 celebrations at the Sembrog parliamentary constituency here today.

Meanwhile, Hishammuddin who is also the acting Transport Minister, reminded bus and transport companies to not increase their fares indiscriminately as to burden the people.

He said any fare increase cannot be implemented yet until a comprehensive study has been carried out by the Public Land Transport Commission (SPAD).

Hishammuddin said his ministry will assist by amending transport policies to avoid burdening the people following the increase in the fuel prices.

"SPAD and the Transport Ministry officials are still in discussions with bus companies to look into the issue of how to the fuel subsidies can be channeled to them to avoid a fare hike,” he said.

http://www.nst.com.my/latest/no-plans-to-r...models-1.351702

Malaysian security forces on high alert following Zamboanga crisis
By Roy Goh | 9 September 2013 Monday | 03:05PM


KOTA KINABALU : Malaysian security forces are on full alert along its borders in the east coast of Sabah following trouble in southern Philippines.


Hundreds of armed men who claimed to be from the Moro National Liberation Front attacked several cities in Zamboanga this morning.

Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) director general Datuk Mohammad Mentek said operations are on full alert following the attack.

"We are monitoring the situation closely and at the same time we are coordinating our safety and security measures on our end," he said.

The MNLF led by former Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao governor Nur Misuari launched the offensive this morning.

Reports from the Philippine media claimed the armed men moved from the coastal villages in the Santa Barbara area in Zamboanga.

At least one policeman was killed, eight injured and 20 people were taken hostage in the city where schools and offices were ordered closed

http://www.nst.com.my/latest/malaysian-sec...1797%2F7.478578

Enemy Inside the Wire: The Untold Story of the Battle of Bastion
By Matthieu Aikins | Illustrations by Matthew Woodson | September 2013


One year ago this month, under cover of night, fifteen Taliban, dressed as American soldiers, snuck onto one of the largest air bases in Afghanistan. What followed was a bloody confrontation highlighting a startling security lapse, with hundreds of millions in matériel lost in a matter of hours—the worst day for American airpower since the Tet Offensive. Yet the attack faded from view before anyone could figure out what went wrong. For the first time, Matthieu Aikins relives those heart-pounding moments and offers an extraordinary account of the Battle of Bastion

More...

http://www.gq.com/news-politics/newsmakers...?printable=true

No worries.






This post has been edited by xtemujin: Sep 11 2013, 02:52 PM

Ultra-fast Chinese copters
China Daily/Asia News Network | 11 September 2013 Wednesday

BEIJING - China is developing helicopters with the ability to fly at speeds twice the current average, said the country's major aircraft maker.

Mr Lin Zuoming, chairman of Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC), said the company is developing new-generation helicopters that can travel up to 500kmh.

Models of several new-concept helicopters were presented at the Second China Helicopter Expo in Tianjin that ended on Sunday.

The Blue Whale tilt-rotor aircraft being developed by AVIC will have a maximum take-off weight of 60 tonnes and a payload of up to 30 tonnes.

The chopper will be able to perform vertical take-offs and landings.

It can serve a wide range of military purposes, such as battlefield reconnaissance, patrols and air-to-ground strikes.

The Jueying-8, an unmanned, high-speed helicopter with co-axial rotors, was also featured at the expo. The aircraft was designed to test the feasibility of ultra-fast helicopters. Designers hope it will achieve a maximum speed of 400kmh.

http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/ultra-fast-chinese-copters

This was taken during the 2013 GGK media day.

You can see the shooter around the 2 mins timeframe.

http://www.ntv7.com.my/7edition/local-en/L...1372559606.html

A Plea for Caution From Russia
What Putin Has to Say to Americans About Syria
By VLADIMIR V. PUTIN | 11 September 2013 Wednesday

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/12/opinion/...wanted=all&_r=0

I wonder will the AV8 spot the new digital camouflage duing the 2013 MAF day next weekend.

Looks like the colours are similar to the Japan camouflage.

Looks like we will be seeing some interesting attack helicopter in the 2015 LIMA.

However, looking at the track record, after the 2015 LIMA, the attack helicopter will fall back to the A109 LOH.

This attack helicopter list has been going on since Dr Mahathir and Rooivalk was also one of the contender.

If you upgunned the EC725, it usually will not be a troop heli carrier .

This post has been edited by xtemujin: Sep 16 2013, 12:07 AM

SAF to buy Aster-30 surface-to-air missile system
By Goh Chin Lian | 16 September 2013 Monday | 2:30 PM

The Singapore Armed Forces will buy a new Aster-30 surface-to-air missile system, to boost Singapore’s air defence shield.

Announcing the acquisition on Monday in Parliament, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said advanced militaries in France and Italy use the new system, which is “many times more potent” than the current I-Hawk ground-based air defence system.

“The Aster will allow us to engage multiple threats simultaneously and from a longer distance,” Dr Ng said, adding that the new system will complement a mobile and shorter-range ground-based air defence system known as Spyder.

He was responding to Nee Soon GRC MP Lim Wee Kiak on the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) operational readiness with the planned relocation of Paya Lebar Airbase to Changi East at around 2030. Dr Ng did not say how much the move, which was announced last month, would cost.

The RSAF is also looking to upgrade its fighter fleet, such as modernising the avionics system and extending the lifespan of the F-16s.

The advanced capabilities being built up gave Mindef and SAF the confidence to move Paya Lebar Airbase, following a 2011 study of capabilities and security threats for the long term, Dr Ng said.

“We satisfied ourselves that our security would not be compromised and that relocation of PLAB could take place after existing airbases at Changi East and Tengah have been expanded to accommodate relocated assets and facilities,” he said.

He added that the move will be costly, but will yield “billion dollars’ worth of positive returns to the people in Singapore” in terms of land released for development and the removal of height restrictions in the area.

http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/...system-20130916

This post has been edited by xtemujin: Sep 16 2013, 05:30 PM

This Aster 30 SAMP/T TEL is huge.

http://thebrigade.thechive.com/2013/09/12/...sile-27-photos/

No idea bro.

Singapore’s Steps: Modernizing the RSAF’s F-16 Fleet
By Defense Industry Daily staff | 17 September 2013 Tuesday | 18:29 UTC

In September 2013, Singapore confirmed its much-anticipated intent to upgrade its F-16C/Ds with improved radars and other changes. The move is part of wider-ranging improvements underway in Singapore. It’s also seen as an early example to many other F-16 operators around the world, who respect Singapore’s as a discerning buyer and may wish to do the same thing.

That decision is expected to launch at least 2 fierce competitions. One will be between Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems. The other will be between Raytheon and Northrop Grumman.

RSAF: The Bigger Picture

With respect to the F-16s, Singapore has a number of options. First of all, Lockheed Martin and BAE can be expected to compete hard for the upgrade work. Lockheed Martin is the manufacturer, but Britain has picked up significant F-16 upgrade wins in the USA and around the world.

Then there’s the radar question. The new radars will use advanced AESA technology, improving range/ discrimination by 2x – 3x, offering entirely new modes of operation, and sharply reducing maintenance costs.

Lockheed Martin recently announced that Northrop Grumman’s SABR radar would be the cornerstone of its F-16V offering, which was unveiled at the 2012 Singapore air show. The F-16V can be bought as an upgrade, or as new fighters. Modernized American and Taiwanese F-16s will also use SABR.

On the other hand, South Korea picked Raytheon’s RACR radar for their advanced F-16 upgrade, and Singapore already flies with related Raytheon AN/APG-63v3 AESA radars in its 20 new F-15SGs. If Singapore also picks RACR for its F-16s, in order to take advantage of common software and radar mode development, it will give Raytheon a significant and much-needed boost in the global F-16 refit competition.

From a force structure point of view, Singapore has about 14 F-16C/Ds based in the USA for training, and another 48 F-16C/Ds in Singapore at Changi AB and Tengah AB. In the near future, they plan to expand Changi and Tengah and consolidate around both facilities, while closing Paya Lebar AB. Paya Lebar’s F-15SGs, upgraded F-5S interceptors, and C-130 transports will go elsewhere, though the 40 or so F-5s are due for phase out in the near future.

There is some question as to whether they will be replaced, though a March 2013 announcement that Singapore would buy more F-15SGs seems to indicate at least partial near-term replacement. The rest of that question hinges on Singapore’s timeline for acquiring F-35s. If they’re bought soon, they’ll grow the fleet, effectively replacing the F-5S with some F-16C/Ds. If Singapore postpones their F-35 buy, they will pay less per plane, and the F-35s will become de facto replacements for the F-16+ fleet as they age out. Upgrading the F-16s might suggest to some that Singapore intends to delay the F-35s, especially since they recently elected to expand their F-15SG fleet instead of making an expected announcement about 12 F-35Bs. In his September 2013 statement, Minister for Defence Dr. Ng Eng Hen would say only that Singapore continues to evaluate the F-35′s suitability “in meeting our long-term security needs to further modernise our fighter fleet and replace our older aircraft.”

Singapore’s consolidation into just 2 main air bases adds operational risk to their future fleet, but protection is also being improved. Beyond Singapore’s confirmed F-16 upgrades and new F-15SGs, new IAI Gulfstream G550 CAEW jets have improved their advance airborne warning. On the ground, new mobile Spyder air defense systems from RAFAEL offer a more modern, longer-range complement to the legacy Rapier systems from Britain. At the top tier, MBDA’s long-range Aster-30 missiles will soon replace Raytheon’s MIM-23 I-Hawks on land, offering Singapore the ability to intercept short range ballistic missiles as well as aircraft, cruise missiles, etc. Singapore’s Formidable Class frigates already use a combination of Aster-15 and Aster-30 missiles, so the land-based Aster-30 buy will draw on an existing support network.

None of Singapore’s immediate neighbors can match this array, and Singapore’s qualitative advantage is large enough that it’s very unlikely anyone would test it. The city-state is extremely serious about its defense, with a long history of strong spending in this area. That well-known commitment, and the visibility of its strategic position, ensures that Singapore’s defense choices get attention far beyond their immediate neighborhood.

Contracts & Key Events

Sept 16/13: Singapore’s Minister for Defence Dr. Ng Eng Hen’s Parliamentary reply confirms that Singapore has picked MBDA’s Aster-30 as its upper-tier air defense system on land, and will upgrade their F-16s. The planes will be refitted with new electronics and systems, and the RSAF also plans to extend their service lives. Sources: Singapore MINDEF , “Reply by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen to Parliamentary Question on Relocation of Paya Lebar Air Base”.

http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/singap...6-fleet-017430/