US approves sale of ESSM systems to Thailand

Ridzwan Rahmat, Singapore - IHS Jane's Navy International
02 November 2015
 
Key Points

* The US has approved the possible sale of 16 ESSM units to Thailand
* Sale will bolster anti-air capabilities of the Royal Thai Navy's Chinese-built frigates

The US Department of State has approved the prospective sale of RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles (ESSMs) to Thailand under a Foreign Military Sale case.

In a statement released on 29 October, the Defense Security Co-operation Agency (DSCA) said that the sale, which is estimated to be valued at USD26.9 million, would cover the acquisition of 16 ESSM units (comprising 14 tactical missiles and two telemetry missiles), three Mk 25 Quad Pack canisters, and ten Mk 783 shipping containers.

D&S 2015: First Win wins first exports

04th November 2015 - 10:06 by Gordon Arthur in Bangkok



Chaiseri Metal and Rubber Company, the Thai developer and manufacturer of the First Win 4x4 mine resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicle, is accumulating its first overseas sales.

Next year the Philippines will take delivery of a left-hand-drive version of the 11t First Win, with this unit to be dedicated to airport security usage at Clark Airport north of Manila, Chaiseri representative Daniel Ilagan told Shephard.

This left-hand-drive vehicle was exhibited at Defence & Security 2015 in Bangkok, as was a version for the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF). Although manufactured in Thailand by Chaiseri, the latter will wear a Deftech badge, with the Malaysian partner responsible for maintenance and support of the fleet.

DRB-Hicom Defence Technologies (Deftech) is calling the vehicle AV4, and the rebadging appears to be an attempt to deflect adverse public reaction to Malaysia purchasing a vehicle built in neighbouring Thailand. Chaiseri modified the body of the AV4 to give it a 2+1 door configuration instead of the First Win’s usual 4+1 doors.

Malaysian MRAP vehicles have a roof-mounted turret featuring a Gatling gun. The Malaysian chief of defence Gen Zulkifeli Mohammed Zin confirmed last month that the 12t AV4 will deploy to the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) area of operations, a tense area where Filipino insurgents infiltrated in 2013.

While the Malaysian Army has a long-standing requirement to replace elderly Radpanzer Condor 4x4 vehicles, the AV4 will not fulfil this function, Zulkifei revealed.

Although Chaiseri was not permitted to disclose details about the MAF acquisition, Shephard understands that 20 vehicles are being acquired. First deliveries will occur next year, with the last units to be handed over in 2017. Deftech will locally assemble around three quarters of the vehicles.

The First Win family, which includes the slightly smaller First Win E that is being marketed as a reconnaissance or security vehicle, is continually being modified. For example, last year the original semi-leaf spring suspension was replaced with parabolic leaf springs from Germany to give a more comfortable ride and heavier-duty performance.

The armour now offers a higher level of protection too, while a thermal coating reduces heat transfer in hot climates. Seats inside the cab have also been improved with better cushioning.

The addition of a left-hand-drive First Win will bolster the export appeal of the MRAP to regions such as the Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe that Chaiseri is targeting as potential markets alongside Southeast Asia. Exports will be extremely valuable to the First Win’s success.

Chaiseri views both military and paramilitary/police as potential customers. The Royal Thai Army has ordered 21 vehicles and the Department of Special Investigation (Thailand’s equivalent of the FBI) ordered 18 First Wins for operations in the insurgency-plagued south of Thailand.

D&S 2015: RTAF Ordered Another 2 Saab 340 ELINT & COMINT Version

Written by Administrator 
Wednesday, 04 November 2015 23:28



RTAF ordered 2 Saab 340 ELINT & COMINT version

RTAF is currently flying the passenger version of Saab 340 and later bought ELINT version.

The new order will see 2 Saab 340 equipped with ELINT and COMINT.

The delivery date is yet to publicly known.

Monday, November 2, 2015

PAF looking for MD-520MG powertrain spare parts

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 3): PAF looking for MD-520MG powertrain spare parts

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is now looking for bidders who can supply spare parts needed for the maintenance of the powertrain system of one of its McDonnell Douglas MD-520MG attack helicopters.

Budget for the project is placed at Php26,362,776.88.

Powertrain or powerplant describes the main components that generate power and deliver it to the air.

Submission and opening of bids is scheduled for Nov. 13, 9 a.m. PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

The PAF MD-520MG is armed with .50 caliber machine guns and seven-tube rocket pods and operates as a light attack aircraft.

Around 18 to 20 units are still operational.

France requests Hellfire missile buy

Nicholas de Larrinaga, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
05 November 2015

 
France is looking to buy 200 more Hellfire missiles for its Tiger attack helicopters (Australian example pictured firing a Hellfire). Source: Australian Defence Force

France has requested to purchase 200 AGM-114K1A Hellfire missiles from the United States, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on 4 November.

The laser-guided Lockheed Martin Hellfire missile arms France's Airbus Tiger HAD attack helicopters, with the 200 anti-tank missiles being sold out of US Army stocks. In total the sale of the missiles plus associated parts and costs is valued at USD30 million by the DSCA.

The DSCA noted that the proposed sale "will directly support French forces actively engaged in operations in Mali and Northern Africa, providing them the capability to successfully engage targets with minimal collateral damage."

What's wrong with their TRIGAT missile?

Another key factor influencing the French decision to procure HELLFIRE includes the missile's employment flexibility. HELLFIRE missiles are guided precisely to the laser spot on the target by HELLFIRE's proven semi-active laser seeker. This technology enables last-second diversion of the missile should the need arise. Additionally, HELLFIRE's semi-active laser seeker responds to both remote and autonomous laser designators, enabling HAD Tiger pilots to achieve positive target identification prior to missile launch. This feature, combined with HELLFIRE's diversion capability and three interchangeable warheads, ensures strict rules of engagement are met while minimizing collateral damage.

"HELLFIRE is one of the premier air-to-ground missile systems in use today, and we're looking forward to adding the HELLFIRE capability to the French HAD Tiger, in addition to Australia," said Terrell.

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THE CN-235 AND C-295

Overview of the CN-235 and C-295

05 November 2015

By Bilal Khan

When I read on Jane’s that Airbus was planning to introduce air-to-air refueling (AAR) and extreme short take-off and landing (XTOL) capabilities to the CN-235 and C-295, I immediately felt that it was a good idea to delve into studying how this one seemingly ordinary platform can effectively serve as the ‘mortar’ for a modern day military. The core ideas are not exclusive to the CN-235 and C-295, but credit should be given to this platform for achieving so much in the way of results as well as potential.

Background

The CN-235 was developed by Spain’s Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA (CASA) and Dirgantara Indonesia (then known as Aircraft Technology Industries) in the early 1980s as a tactical utility transport aircraft. It first flew in 1983 and was formally introduced into service in 1988. The CN-235 was by design meant to be lighter and smaller than the larger, yet very reliable and highly popular, C-130 Hercules, essentially serving as a supplementary asset where it would be inefficient to use a larger transport platform.

With over 20 military operators, the CN-235 was a solid success. In 1995 CASA embarked on developing a larger and more powerful variant, the C-295, and through that program it was able to secure another 20+ orders, most of them new customers. Today, the CN-235 and C-295 are in use by major and minor military operators in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, North America and Europe. Through a series of mergers and acquisitions, the primary vendor of the CN-235 and C-295 today is Airbus Military.

Although a platform with low acquisition and operating costs, the CN235 and its larger C-295 derivative have been adapted for an impressive range of essential roles.

Tactical Utility Lift

At their core the CN-235 and C-295 are light utility transport aircraft. By design they are meant to be highly cost-effective, thus enabling air forces (and other service arms) to heavily depend on them for a very wide range of transport duties. The cabin of a CN-235 could house dozens of soldiers, or a couple dozen hospital beds (for medical evacuation purposes), or a light vehicle, or up to six tons of supplies. Combined with its short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities the CN-235 can ferry vital supplies, such as medicine, food, electrical generators, relief personnel, etc, to areas with limited infrastructure (for larger aircraft), for example rough or soft and unprepared landing-strips. This makes the CN-235 a highly versatile and reliable logistics driver for varied mission profiles, including humanitarian and combat operations. The C-295 maintains these core advantages, but possesses a larger internal payload and more powerful engines.

Maritime Patrol

In the early 2000s the CN-235 was adapted for use as an armed maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) capable of anti-ship warfare (AShW) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW). In addition to a suite of advanced on-board electronic equipment (provided by France’s Thales and EADS Deutschland), the CN-235 MPA could be equipped with as many as six anti-ship missiles (AShM) and ASW torpedoes. Alternative CN-235 MPA variants with British and American subsystems were also developed. There is also a MPA version of the C-295, albeit with a newer suite of maritime patrol and warfare subsystems.

Airbus Targets Helo Refueling, Paratrooper Airdrops for A400M

By Pierre Tran
4 days ago

SEVILLE, Spain — Airbus is seeking ways to allow the A400M to refuel helicopters and airdrop paratroopers on both sides of the fuselage, two capabilities seen as key for the military transport, said Fernando Alonso, head of military aircraft.

The plane is a “fantastic platform,” but Airbus Defense & Space knows air forces of the client nations are “very frustrated” and eager to have the capabilities fitted, Alonso told journalists Oct. 26.

Air-to-air refueling is a vital function for special forces helicopters flying in the vast sub-Saharan Sahel region as that capability reduces contact with the harsh, gritty sand that is wearing down helicopter engines. That is one of the capabilities contracted but which is late to be fitted on the new transport.

Refueling helicopters will be “very difficult to achieve,” but Airbus has not abandoned the capability, Alonso said. An option to be explored is to use a 120- to 150-foot hose, compared to the present 90-foot hose, to allow helicopters to fly a safe distance as they refuel.

A longer hose might cut aerodynamic risk but could boost the unpredictability as the drogue dangles behind four powerful turboprop engines. Building, testing and certifying a new hose will take time and money. Onera, the aerospace research office, could be asked to look for a solution, an industry executive said.

“The situation is not satisfactory,” Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told the parliamentary defense committee Oct. 21 when asked about the A400M program. The capability gaps are airdrops, self defense systems and aerial refueling of helicopters, he said.

“Airbus has to fix these problems, but the steps taken have not delivered satisfactory results, as I understand it,” he said.

France hopes to have 11 A400Ms by the end of 2016, of which six should be fitted with the capabilities for self defense, airdrops and landing on rough strips, Le Drian said. “There are problems, and my relations with the company are on the lively side. That is my job.”

France has agreed to deliver helicopter refueling at a later stage, procurement chief Laurent Collet-Billon told the parliamentary defense committee Oct. 7. But Paris asked Airbus to “make an effort” in speeding up development, particularly the parachute capability, as the latest trials “were not completely satisfactory”.

Other features that need attention are software for airdrops of heavy cargo loads and self-protection systems, he said. Those issues were included in talks over the summer between the seven client countries and Airbus.

An urgent need for helicopter refueling is reflected in the French plan to acquire four C-130s, of which two will be equipped for that mission.

France recently wrote to the US Air Force about the C-130, and the service understood the need, Collet-Billon told the committee.

The Direction Générale de l’Armement procurement office also is looking in Europe for second-hand C-130Hs, with two units for transport and two for helicopter refueling, and also for a company to convert a C-130 to refueling, he said.

The €330 million (US$361.2 million) set in the revised budget law is too small for the C-130J model, but the DGA could order a mix of H and J units and ask the minister to decide by the end of the year the delivery of which model should be postponed, he said.

Among the Airbus research projects being conducted is the fitting of the C-295 medium transport for in-flight refueling.

Another key capability is paratroopers jumping simultaneously from the side doors. The computer modeling shows a risk of the parachutes converging and colliding as they open, a critical moment in the airdrop.

One possible solution might involve using a specific kind of parachute, the executive said.

Indonesia to Purchase Russian Su-35 Fighters, Construct Service Centers

15:23 08.11.2015 (updated 15:45 08.11.2015)

Jakarta decided to purchase newest Russian Su-35 Fighters and discusses the construction of service centers in Indonesia, the head of the International Cooperation Department of Russian state technology corporation Rostec said Sunday.

DUBAI (Sputnik) – Jakarta has discussed the purchase of Su-35s to replace country’s US-made Northrop F-5 Tiger II fighter jets for months. In September, Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said that the purchase decision was made. However soon after that, the Indonesian Defense Ministry officials denied that this decision was final and Indonesia was engaged in direct negotiations with Russia on the matter.

"Indonesia decided on its choice, what next – we will see," Viktor Kladov told RIA Novosti, answering a question about the progress of negotiations on the delivery of Su-35 to Jakarta.

He added that Indonesia is interested not only in the purchase of the aircraft, but also in the construction of service facilities for them on its territory.

The Su-35 fighter (NATO reporting name Flanker-E) jet is an upgraded version of the Su-27 multirole fighter. It was first introduced to a foreign audience at the 2013 Paris Air Show.

PT Dirgantara Indonesia Looks to Finalise IF-X Workshare

07 November 2015



Indonesian Airframer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero) is still working towards the finalisation of its workshrae for the IF-X generation stealth multirole fighter. The airframer will work with South Korea's Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) to deliver the IF-X combat aircraft to the Indonesian Air Force. IF-X is the name given to the Indonesian version of the Korean KF-X, 4.5 generation stealth multi-role fighter.

Ade Yuyu Wahyuana, VP Business Development & Marketing at Persero, told Daily News, "Discussions are contihuing in Jakarta on the 30% workshare and the workshare agreement is yet to be signed with DAPA." " We are looking at two big jobs, the engineering work package and aircraft manufacturing for the KF-X." Importantl, Ade says, "We don't intend to be a fighter manufacturer. We will look at translating the technology we obtain from this program for our commercial aircfat programs. The first priority for the company is to look to how best it can fulfil the operational requirements of the Indonesian Air Force (IAF) for the IF-X.

"There will be some differences between the Korean KF-X and our IF-X and we looking at how to comply with these requirements," says Ade. The important changes being planned for the IF-X as compared to the Korean KF-X are; Drag Chute for Landing, Finalising of Refuelling Probe Configuration (hose and drogue or receptacle) and carriage of an external Drop tank for increased range.

The KF-X and IF-X 4.5 generation stealth fighter be available in both single and tandem seating cockpit configuration. It will feature advanced aerodynamic design and stealth features such as integrated chine and faceted fuselage, caret shape ramp intake and a diamond Shape Wing. It will be fitted with next-generation AESA radar and avionics. Weapons carriage capability will be significant as a result of 10 Hard Points and a 16,000 lb (4,400 kg) store capability, It will have four semi-conformal hard points for AMRAAM.

MRCA: Saab Upped the Ante

Marhalim Abas November 9, 2015 Malaysia - RMAF

SHAH ALAM: SWEDISH company, Saab has upped the ante in its quest to sell its Gripen to Malaysia. It is now offering a couple of its MPA aircraft, the 340 MSA, for free if Malaysia selected the Gripen NG for the MRCA programme.

Saab had offered the Gripen NG together with its AEW aircraft as part of a combo deal. The offer for the free MPA was made- according to industry sources – to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein at the recent DSEI 2015 in London, UK, recently.

I managed to check out the 340 MSA when it was displayed at the Singapore Airshow in 2014. Check out the video below.

The offer for the free planes could be seen as an act of desperation to some but it make sense as Malaysia has a requirement for 4 MPA as it had been reported previously. However as the MRCA programme remained officially on hold the offer for free MPAs could be deal changer or breaker, based on your outlook of course.

As the MSA is based on the 340, it is likely that the same airframe will be offered for the AEW (though I could be wrong) variant. It must be noted that only Saab is offering the combo deal (not a requirement of the MRCA programme) from the other competitors namely, the Boeing Super Hornet, the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Dassault Rafale.

Of the three only Boeing could offer something similar to Saab, though the cost of the Boeing AEW and MPA variants made it very unlikely. Boeing has the cheaper MSA variant, which came during LIMA 2015, though I have not heard anything of a combo offer let alone a freebie!.

As I had mentioned before the Gripen NG remained the outsider for the MRCA programme as the RMAF seemed to prefer a twin engine solution. However, Saab believed their offer remain attractive as they claimed it is the most economically viable for Malaysia even if the AEW and MPA are excluded.

With both the AEW and MPA already part of the RMAF and the Armed Forces requirements, perhaps Saab may have the winning package. As for the leasing offer of C/D versions of the Gripen to bridge the gap between the retirement of the Fulcrums and the introduction of the NG (in 2019 at the earliest), is still valid, I am told.

Saab has teamed up with Deftech to meet the requirements of the MRCA programme together with the AEW aircraft. However they have not teamed up for the MPA requirement. For that programme, Deftech is working with another airframer.

If the MPA requirement become a programme of record, Saab will offer the Swordfish MPA. Unlike the 340 MSA, the Swordfish is a full-blown MPA complete with sono -bouy launcher and armed with torpedoes and missiles.

TUDM conducting exercise in Sabah’s air space and waters

November 9, 2015, Monday

LABUAN: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) is conducting the PARADISE Exercise 2/2015 involving paradrop deepstrike insertion extraction today until Nov 22 from its base, here.

A statement from the Public Relations Department of the TUDM headquarters at the Defence Ministry, said the exercise would in Sabah’s air space and waters.

Throughout the exercise, the TUDM aircraft will fly low during the day and night over a number of areas in Sabah’s air space that have been gazetted as the exercise locations.

The TUDM’s aircraft involved in this exercise include the F/A-18D Hornet, Su-30MKM and Hawk 108/208 fighter jets, C130H, KC130 and CN235 transport planes and EC725 and Nuri helicopters.

The public is advised not to panic or be unduly worried if they see the TUDM aircraft flying low during the duration of the exercise.

The exercise is being conducted by the TUDM to ensure its capabilities and preparedness are at the best level, especially in safeguarding the country’s air space. –Bernama

Apache AH-64E: Boeing’s Next-Gen Attack Helicopter

by Reuben Johnson - November 9, 2015, 7:00 PM


Weight savings, a modernized powertrain and new computer systems are some of the upgrades to Boeing’s Apache attack helicopter.

Following an extensive re-vamping of the AH-64D, Boeing has now developed the next-generation of this well-known attack helicopter into the newest AH-64E variant. Richard Meanor, Boeing’s senior manager for international business development at the company’s production plant in Philadelphia provided details of the E-model Apache during MSPO.

The operational capabilities of the platform have been significantly enhanced in the latest variant of the Apache, which Meanor and other Boeing representatives offered up in briefings held in Poland. The Apache is competing against several other competitors for a tender for a new Polish attack helicopter. Other bidders for this contract are the AgustaWestland/Turkish Aerospace Industries T129 and the Airbus Helicopters EC665 Tiger.

“The Apache is a proven system that has seen several wars,” said Meanor. “Moreover, it was designed from its origins to fight a protracted conflict in this part of the world–central Europe. Moreover, it has been purchased more often by those nations that have a near-term or close proximity threat than any other model.”

“The U.S. Army had this system designed with the philosophy that they do not believe in a fair fight,” Meanor explained. “In a fair fight, the good guy has a 50 percent chance of losing, and that is not the way the U.S. Army goes to war.” Currently nations in the region that operate versions of the AH-64 include Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. In addition, last year Qatar received U.S. government approval to buy 24 AH64D Block III models.

“Of the major improvements that are featured in the AH-64E, the most important are enhancements to flight performance,” explained Meanor. “The latest versions of the D model have added 800 pounds of weight and the U.S. Army wants to restore the power margins of the original Apache variants,” said Meanor. Therefore, the drive train was modernized and a new transmission has been developed, along with a new engine fit. An entire new set of mission computers were also integrated in to the on-board systems.”

The net effect is that “you get to the fight faster and can stay there longer,” he said. The new engines he referred to are General Electric T700-GE-701Ds that–in combination with the new transmission–significantly enhance performance. Another important addition is a new, lighter set of composite rotor blades.

Beyond these performance enhancements, the new mission computer also allows for easier integration of new systems. This gives the user the option of adding new sensors and/or weapons with a much-reduced cost of integration.

Although 200 E models have been delivered already to the U.S. Army, Boeing continues to work on advanced derivatives to keep the platform relevant out to the year 2060. Right now, there are Apaches operating in the militaries of the U.S. and 13 other nations. There are a total of 1,100 different models in service today. Some 380 of those are in service with forces other than U.S.