Samuel Biag - October 16, 2015

3 Attack Crafts being acquired for Navy as missile system platforms

The bid opening for Philippine Navy’s three (3) Multi-purpose Attack Crafts Mk III (17-meter MPAC Mk III) is now scheduled on October 27, Department of National Defense said. This is after AFP modernization projects previously ‘held in abeyance’ were given go signal by President Aquino. The DND is applying the amount of PhP270 million through the General Appropriations Act for the acquisition of these 3 brand-new MPACs.

These MPACs to be acquired will be utilized as platforms for missile launch system and other weapons.

DND wants these MPACs Mk III to have provisions for remote weapon system for 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun M2HB; and missile launch system and its respective remote operating consoles inside the craft. MPAC Mk III should also have provisions for two M60/7.62mm Light Machine Gun.

Weapons and missiles will be procured in a separate project, Multi-Purpose Attack Craft Acquisition Project (Lot 2).

The Navy is now operating six MPACs (not armed with missiles). Three from Taiwan (15-meter MPAC Mk 1) while the other three (17-meter MPAC Mk II) were from Filipino shipbuilder Propmech Corporation.

ADEX 2015: Bell sees strong Asia-Pacific interest in H-1 and V-22 platforms

Gareth Jennings, Seoul - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
19 October 2015

 
Bell Helicopter is seeing strong regional interest in both its AH-1Z (foreground) and UH-1Y (background) helicopters, as well as in the V-22 Osprey. Source: Bell Helicopter

Bell Helicopter expects to secure its first export contracts for its series of H-1 utility and attack helicopters in the Asia-Pacific region in the next 12 or so months and further regional orders for the V-22 tiltrotor in about the same time frame, a company official told IHS Jane's on 20 October.

Speaking at the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) taking place in South Korea, Richard Harris, Bell's director international military marketing development, said interest in the company's maritime-orientated H-1 and V-22 platforms is especially strong in the region and that it anticipates near-term sales for the UH-1Y Venom utility helicopter, the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter, and the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor.

"In Asia there is strong interest in the H-1 from navies in particular, or from armies that have a naval component," he said. "We are highly engaged in Australia, and [regional] countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea all have requirements that could be satisfied by either the Viper, the Venom, or both. Some countries want a pure attack helicopter, in which case we would promote the [Viper], while others are replacing utility helicopters that perform an attack role also, which is suited to the [Venom]. I'd be hopeful of a Venom contract in 2016 and a Viper contract in 2017."

In Australia, Bell has been pushing its Viper as an alternative to the Airbus Helicopters Tiger helicopter for the Australian Defence Force's two landing helicopter dock (LHD) amphibious assault ships. "I think the Tiger is a great helicopter, but why field a platform that is designed to operate out of a hangar in Europe, with bolt-on anti-corrosion measures, when you can have one that was designed from the ground up to operate in the maritime domain?" Harris asked, adding, "I mean, you wouldn't take a VW Beetle to the Indy 500 and race it!" As Harris noted, the Australian government is due to release its defence white paper shortly, and this should define the country's path forward with its Tiger helicopters and indicate whether an alternative such as the Viper might be sought.

10/20/2015
By VMSB

The Russian arms trading agency Open Joint Stock Company Rosoboronexport, part of the Russian Technologies State Corporation (ROSTEC) has offered the Indonesian authorities to supply additional Kurganmashzavod JSC BMP-3F infantry fighting vehicles aimed for the country’s Marine Corps.

The agency also is proposing to deliver JSC Arzamas Engineering Plant BTR-80A 8×8 armoured personnel carriers, JSC “Research and production corporation UralVagonZavod PTS-4 tracked amphibious carriers and KBP Instrument Design Bureau Pantsyr-S1 mobile combined missile and gun air defence systems to Indonesia.

BMP-3F combat vehicle is equipped with a turret armed with 2A70 100 mm gun, 2A72 30-mm automatic cannon with double-belt feeding and PKTM 7.62-mm machine gun, mounted coaxially with the gun.

Other equipment includes fire control system featuring SOZH gunner’s sight, TKN-AI commander’s sight and a ballistic computer; elevation and traverse drives, situational awareness system, communications, 902V smoke grenade launching system, Shtora-1 active protection system or Arena-E defensive aids suite,

The BMP-3 turret can be equipped with Vesna-K thermal imaging sight and Eagle Eye commander’s panoramic thermal imaging sight at customer’s request.

Lockheed's enhanced F-16V makes first flight

21 OCTOBER, 2015 BY: CRAIG HOYLE LONDON

The newest version of Lockheed Martin’s venerable F-16 has taken to the air for the first time, with a range of equipment enhancements including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.

Flown from Lockheed’s Fort Worth production facility in Texas on 16 October, the F-16V is being aimed at potential export customers, including Indonesia. The company exhibited a cockpit demonstrator for the new variant in Jakarta earlier this month, having formally launched the product at the Singapore air show in 2012.

Lockheed describes the addition of Northrop Grumman’s APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar as delivering “a quantum leap in capability” for the F-16. Further enhancements incorporated for the F-16V include the addition of a centre pedestal display for the pilot, plus a modernised mission computer, other new avionics equipment and an updated electronic warfare system. Combined, these “add significant combat capabilities to address the dynamic threat environments emerging in the coming decades”, the company says.

Lockheed is offering to manufacture the V-model aircraft for new and repeat customers, or to provide elements of the update package – such as the AESA radar – during upgrades to in-service examples. Taiwan is the launch customer for such a modernisation programme, with 144 F-16A/Bs to be updated via a Lockheed-led activity.More than 4,550 F-16s have been delivered throughout the programme’s history. The design was first flown in 1974, and Flightglobal’s Fleets Analyzer database records the type’s current active global fleet as totalling 2,998 aircraft. Lockheed’s current sales backlog for the type includes fighters on order for Egypt and Iraq, while the United Arab Emirates also plans to increase the size of its current fleet of E/F-model examples.

Soldiers from the Singapore and Indonesian armies conducting a combined urban operations exercise as part of Exercise Safkar Indopura. (Photo: MINDEF)

ADEX 2015: Saab unveils new AESA for fighter aircraft

James Hardy, Seoul - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
19 October 2015

  
Saab unveiled a new AESA fighter radar at the 2015 ADEX show in Seoul. Source: IHS/James Hardy

Key Points

* Saab has unveiled a new AESA radar at ADEX 2015 in Seoul in its first foray into the market for such radars for fighter aircraft
* Officials said it had been in the works for some time and denied it was intended to take advantage of the recent announcement that the United States was denying AESA technology to South Korea

Saab unveiled an active electronically scanned array (AESA) fire control radar at the ADEX 2015 show in Seoul: a new product that company officials stressed had nothing to do with the recent confirmation that the United States has barred the export of AESA technology to South Korea for the KFX future fighter programme.

"Fighter radars have been an important area for a long time for Saab and we've developed a few over the years", said Micael Johansson, senior vice president and head of Electronic Defence Systems at Saab.

US officials confirmed in mid-October that they will not export AESA technology, an infrared search and track system, electronic optics targeting pod, or a radio frequency jammer to South Korea for the KFX, citing International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). This is despite transfer of technology being a key element of the KRW7.34 trillion (USD6.41 billion) FX-III deal signed in 2014 under which Seoul acquired 40 Lockheed Martin F-35As for the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF).

"We didn't start this [radar development] having heard about the problems with the four technology areas," Johannson said. "It's a more long term development that we've done."

The radar on show at Seoul does not have a name as yet, but officials described it as a next generation development featuring the back end of the PS-05A mechanically scanned radar that is fitted to the Gripen C/D fighter.

Saab unveiled the latest variant of the PS-05A, designated the Mk4, in April.

ADEX: GE, Eurojet battle for KFX engine deal

21 OCTOBER, 2015 BY: GREG WALDRON SEOUL

Seoul is likely to make a decision about the powerplant for its planned KFX indigenous fighter aircraft in the first half of 2016.

The two engines in contention for the requirement are the General Electric F414 and the Eurojet EJ200. Both engine makers had a significant presence at this year’s Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition.

Industry observers familiar with KFX say that the engine down select will occur in the first half of next year irrespective of the controversy surrounding Seoul’s failure to obtain US export licences for four technologies deemed “core” to the development of KFX: active electronically scanned array radar, infrared search & track sensors (IRST), electro-optical targeting technology, and jamming technology.

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) issued the request for proposals (RFP) for the engine several weeks ago, and responses are due in November. KAI will examine the proposals, and South Korean officials’ analysis will include site visits the two rivals’ production facilities in Europe and the USA.

The winner stands to sell around 400 engines. Seoul plans to obtain 120 twin-engined KFX fighters, while Indonesia, a 20% partner in the programme, plans to obtain 80. South Korea eventually hopes to export the countries to other countries.

Indonesian Navy commissions second French-built oceanographic vessel

Ridzwan Rahmat, Singapore - IHS Jane's Navy International
21 October 2015


The Indonesian Navy's first oceanographic offshore support vessel, KRI Rigel, a sister ship to KRI Spica, which was commissioned on 17 October 2015. Source: Office of Communications, Indonesian Navy

Key Points

• Indonesia has inducted a second offshore support vessel (OSV) with hydrographic survey capabilities
• The ship will help Indonesia improve its understanding of underwater topography, ahead of submarine deliveries

The Indonesian Navy (Tentara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Laut, or TNI-AL) announced on 20 October that it has inducted the second of two 60 m offshore support vessels (OSVs) ordered from French shipbuilder OCEA SA under a USD100 million contract signed in October 2013.

With TNI-AL chief Admiral Ade Supandi and senior members of the service in attendance, KRI Spica (934) was commissioned in a ceremony at Les Sables d'Olonne, France, on 17 October. Sister ship Rigel (933) was commissioned in March 2015 at the same location.

"This platform's capability is instrumental towards the objective of strengthening our navy in pursuit of the government's vision of becoming a maritime axis," said Adm Supandi during an address at the ceremony. The admiral also urged Spica 's crew to undertake the rest of their training in France seriously and to familiarise themselves with the systems thoroughly, ahead of the journey home.

According to IHS Jane's Fighting Ships , the 500-tonne OSV is 58 m long and has a beam of 9.4 m. Powered by two MTU 8V 400 M53 diesel engines driving two fixed-pitch propellers, the platform has a top speed of 14 kt and a standard range of 4,400 n miles at 12 kt. It can operate up to Sea State Six.

The platform is armed with one Rheinmetall 20 mm multipurpose cannon as a primary weapon and two stern-facing 12.7 mm machine guns for point defence. The vessel also features a stern gantry and stowage for one survey motor boat.

Spica can accommodate a crew of 30 and 16 mission personnel, for up to 20 days.

Further details on the ship's payload provided by the TNI-AL in a statement on 20 October indicate that Spica has been fitted with the same hydrographic and oceanographic survey systems as sister ship Rigel.

Sweden offers integrated package

Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | World | Fri, October 23 2015, 8:36 AM

Sweden has officially offered its air power package to Indonesia, banking on lower lifecycle cost coupled with attractive financing solutions and a commitment to fulfill its obligation of transferring the technology.

The offer was announced by Swedish Ambassador to Jakarta Johanna Brismar Skoog during a breakfast briefing at her residence in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, on Thursday morning.

Indonesia is looking to replace its aging, US-made F-5 E/F Tiger II jet fighter and the Swedish offer is thus far the only comprehensive one.

Rather than offering only the latest generation of its light, single engine Gripen jet fighter, Swedish defense and security giant Saab throws a complete set of air defense systems.

The offer also includes Erieye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) for maritime surveillance and control; ground-based Command and Control; tactical data link to share data among various platforms; industrial cooperation, including transfer of technology and local production; and extensive job creation, reaching into the thousands.

“We have a proven track record on transfer of technology and industrial cooperation,” Skoog said, citing Brazil, the Czech Republic, Hungary, South Africa and Thailand as examples.

“We have the best capacities and capabilities in air defense allowing you to control your territory.”

She added that the air power package offered by Sweden was not only limited to military purposes but also civilian, such as monitoring illegal fishing, smuggling and piracy.

Meanwhile, Saab Indonesia head Peter Carlqvist said Saab was offering the most cost-efficient air defense solution.

Citing a study by Jane’s, he said Gripen had the lowest flight hour cost when compared with its competitors at US$4,700 per hour. Another light, single-engine fighter contender, the US-made F-16 Fighting Falcon is at $7,700. The cost increases for heavy, twin-engine fighters. French-made Dassault Rafale costs $16,500 and Eurofighter Typhoon $18,000.

Carlqvist said that the Russian-made Sukhoi Su-27/30 Flanker, tipped as Indonesia’s ultimate choice, was the costliest at between $40,000 and $50,000.

With the same amount of money, he said, Indonesia could afford to operate four-times as many Gripens instead of the Sukhois. “Or the money can be channeled somewhere else, such as universities or hospitals,” he said.

He added that the most important consideration was the total lifecycle cost, with acquisition cost contributing only some 20 percent.

On industrial cooperation, Carlqvist said it would include local production and technology transfer to local companies. “We are committed to fulfilling the obligation of 35 percent direct offset and 50 percent indirect offset,” he said.

Saab, for example, will transfer the know-how on designing and making tactical data link complete with cryptography so that Indonesia could have its own system guaranteeing a high level of security.

Global Komited Wins Malaysian Contract For Eight Armoured Personnel Carriers

Source : Our Bureau ~ Dated : Thursday, October 22, 2015 @ 04:01 PM

The Weststar Group’s Global Komited Sdn Bhd has won a contract from the Ministry of Home Affairs Malaysia to procure eight units of IAG’s Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The vehicles will be deployed under the provision of Royal Malaysian Police’s (PDRM) security operations. With the procurement, PDRM will be the first police department in the region to utilize IAG’s high mobility and high protection technologically advanced Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The delivery of the Armoured Personnel Carriers is expected to be completed by end of November, the company announced Wednesday.

“The development of advanced armour technologies has driven a new demand for armoured vehicles. Within the context of the industry’s development, Global Komited has partnered with IAG to cater to the Ministry of Home Affairs Malaysia’s specific requirements in expanding PDRM armoured VIP vehicles’ fleet.” The Weststar Group Managing Director, Tan Sri Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim said.

“IAG’s Armoured Personnel Carrier is the most popular choice for armoured vehicles for its tactical abilities. The addition of the eight units will allow PDRM to add more depth to its security and tactical operations.” Ibrahim added.

Taking place from the 21st to the 23rd of October 2015, Global Komited is displaying its highly reliable General Service cargo (GS Cargo) vehicle and an army Special Operation Vehicle (GKM-1) to the visitors of GPEC ASIA 2015. These two tactical vehicles have been commissioned into service for both PDRM and Malaysian Armed Forces.

2016 Budget, Defence and National Security

Marhalim Abas
October 23, 2015

SHAH ALAM: IN my preview of the 2016 budget, I predicted that the Armed Forces will get a very big hit. However, it proved to be a softer blow instead as the allocation for next year was only reduced by some RM400 million.

For 2016, the government has allocated RM17.3 billion for the Armed Forces compared to RM17.7 billion, the amount actually spent this year. The Operating Expenditure (OE) for 2016 is RM13.4 billion, a reduction of some RM700 million from 2015 (RM14.1 billion). The Development Expenditure (DE) is RM3.847 billion, an increase of RM229 million compared to last year allocation of RM3.618 billion.

However I was not wrong about the assets to be procured for the year. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in his budget speech presentation stated that among the items to be procured are “the Littoral Combat Ship, A400M, armoured personnel carriers and the VSHORAD system.

The APCs are obviously the Gempita and the VSHORAD is of course the Thales Starstreak system signed earlier this year.

Najib also said the Armed Forces will also get the latest unmanned airborne system for ISR duties. Industry sources had told Malaysian Defence that UAS being looked were either more Scaneagles (already operating in ESSCOM) or a new medium range UAV to be locally made or assembled. Apart from this some RM523 million will be allocated to build a new camp for the Army at Felda Sahabat, in Lahad Datu.

Najib also said the government will also allocate RM864 million to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) for the procurement of Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) and patrol boats. This latest allocation will be a boon for MMEA which had long been hobbled by operating among the oldest patrol vessels in the region.

Whether the OPV will be the same one as shown during LIMA 15 is beyond me at the moment.

For internal security and public safety, some RM13.1 billion has been allocated. Among others 500 patrol cars and 500 motorcycles worth RM35 million will be procured. In the meantime, ESSCOM will be allocated some RM26 million for procurement in 2016.

Western Companies Try to Persuade Indonesia to Buy Planes Instead of Russian Jets - NGO

RUSSIA
19:37 23.10.2015 (updated 23:09 23.10.2015)

Western companies have intensified their efforts to persuade Indonesian companies to purchase their aircraft after Jakarta announced its decision to buy Russian Su-35 (Flanker-E) fighter jets, the Centre for Analysis of World Arms Trade said Friday.

"After Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu announced the decision to purchase the Russian Su-35 jets in September, the activity of the Western companies in offering more advantageous contracts has increased noticeably," the organization said in a statement.

According to the statement, Sweden's Saab group has offered JAS 39 Gripen aircraft and Erieye radar systems to Indonesia, while US company Lockheed Martin offered the new F-16V jets.

In early September, Indonesia decided to replace its US-made Northrop F-5 Tiger II fighter jets with Russian Sukhoi Su-35 jets

Indonesia currently owns fighter aircraft made in Russia, China and the United States.

why they always offer F-16 instead of...idk F-15 or F-18 maybe...

Pemilihan pesawat sebagai kandidat pengganti F-5E TNI AU dimulai dengan melirik berbagai jenis pesawat  tempur modern, diantaranya pesawat tempur Sukhoi Su-30 MKI,  F-15 SE Silent Eagle, Eurofighter Typhoon, F-16 E/F Block 60/62, Rafale-B, F-18 E/F Super Hornet,  Su Su-35 Flanker dan JAS-39 Gripen NG.

http://tni-au.mil.id/berita/mencari-pengga...5e-tiger-tni-au

Budget 2016 Capable Of Strengthening National Security Forces

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- The strength and capability of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in ensuring safety and security in the country can be enhanced through the allocations provided under the 2016 Budget.

A total of RM31.2 billion is allocated for the three security forces to implement their capacity-building plans.

ATM chief General Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said the RM17.3 billion allocation given to the Ministry of Defence for the procurement of six Littoral Combatant Ships, Very Short Range Air Defence weapons system, armoured vehicles and the A-400M Airbus, was indeed something that they had been waiting for.

"The procurement of the six ships in stages will increase ATM's strength, capability and level of preparedness in protecting the country's sovereignty and security," he told Bernama when contacted here today.

He said the RM523 million allocated for the development of an Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) armed forces camp in Felda Sahabat, Lahad Datu, Sabah, would not only strengthen the operation of the forces, but would also reduce ATM's expenditure, especially in the cost of logistics.

Zulkifeli also lauded the announcement that RM160 million would be provided to build 4,000 quarters for ATM personnel.

Meanwhile, MMEA director-general Datuk Ahmad Puzi Ab Kahar said the allocation of RM865 million given to the agency for the acquisition of Offshore Patrol Vessels and patrol boats would definitely help its capability to safeguard national maritime areas, especially in the Exclusive Economic Zone.

The presence of those assets would also enhance the confidence level among the international players in the maritime industry on Malaysia's capability.

"These vessels and patrol boats will allow us to always be present at sea for quite a long time, even during bad weather," he said.

He said the MMEA personnel in charge of the assets could also make optimal use of the assets to explore new areas of expertise and skills to be at par with their counterparts in the developed countries.

Head of the National Council of Professors' Political, Security and International Affairs Cluster, Prof Datuk Dr Mohamed Mustafa Ishak, on the other hand, said the allocations to improve security level and inventory were very important.

He said since the country was facing various and complex threats, including militants, border intrusions and other modern and organised crimes, the security forces need to improve their strength to protect the country.

The economy would not be able to grow if emphasis was not given to the defence industry.

"This is also important to restore the confidence of investors and the public...the increased allocation for the security forces is important and should not be questioned...we cannot compromise in matters concerning national security," he said.

Meanwhile, Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera (LTAT) chief executive Tan Sri Lodin Wok Kamaruddin in a press statement said the multiple initiatives put in place for the ATM were indeed laudable, particularly the RM160 million allocation to build 4,000 quarters for its members.

He said further to this, LTAT planned to build 2,000 affordable housing units for the armed forces personnel from 2016.

"On the RM17.3 billion allocated for the procurement of six Littoral Combatant Ships, this is indeed a laudable move, given that we are one of the key participants in the maritime sector via the listed subsidiary Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation Berhad.

"This year's national budget certainly holds much promise, reflecting the government's and the prime minister's commitment to sustainable growth while taking into consideration the welfare of all Malaysians," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Korean Show Highlights KF-X Fighter Project

by Jim Winchester
October 23, 2015, 7:31 AM


A model of the twin-engine KF-X design was a prominent feature of the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) stand. (Jim Winchester)

Korea’s KF-X indigenous fighter project was again a center of attention at the Seoul International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition (ADEX 2015), held this week at Seongnam airbase, south of the capital. Korean Air unveiled a new unmanned version of the MD500 “Little Bird” helicopter. The small daily flying display was blighted by atmospheric haze, which prevented most acts from getting airborne during the first half of the week.

No major progress on KF-X was announced at ADEX, but a model of the twin-engine, twin-tail C103 design was displayed on the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) stand. The lower-cost single-engine C501 version shown at ADEX 2013 was not evident this year. Program interest currently centers on the supply by foreign OEMs of powerplants and radars. Eurojet’s EJ200 and GE’s F404 and F414 are among the engine contenders for the Korean RFP. Eurojet had a production engine on display and an F414-powered Boeing Super Hornet was in the static display. Having supplied F404 engines for the T-50 in partnership with KAI, GE is bullish about its prospects. A decision on the KF-X engine is expected in 2016.

Saab was showing off its new and as yet unnamed AESA radar at ADEX. Intended as a replacement for the mechanically scanned radar in the Gripen C/D variants, it is scaleable to fit a variety of platforms and Saab is hopeful that it will be a candidate for KF-X. AESA radar is one of four key technologies that U.S. industry cannot now supply to South Korea, following a ban by the U.S. Congress. Saab’s offering is ITAR-free. Selex Gallileo was also present at ADEX, showing its Vixen 1000E AESA radar.

When November Comes..

Marhalim Abas October 26, 2015 Malaysia - RMAF

SHAH ALAM: MALAYSIA is expected to sign for at least eight MD-530G light attack scout helicopter in late November. The helicopters to be operated jointly by the RMAF and the Army are expected to be deployed in ESSCOM once delivered.

Industry sources told Malaysian Defence, officials were working feverishly to ensure that the signing ceremony could be held in November when Malaysia is scheduled to host the East Asia summit.

However, if the agreement could not be worked out for the signing ceremony this November, the deal could be made official at the DSA 2016 exhibition next April.

Apart from the MD530G, Boeing AH-6i and ex-US Army Kiowa Warriors were also considered to fulfill the Light Scout Attack Helicopter requirement.

It is not known what type of weapons are to be procured for the Little Birds. According to MD Helicopters, the MH-530G could be fitted with a range of weapons systems from the Dillon Aero M134D minigun, the FN Herstal 50 caliber Heavy Machine Gune Pod or the Heavy Machine Rocket Gun Pod, the Talon guided rockets and the Hellfire ATGM. The helicopter could also be fitted with personnel carrying rig.

It is expected that the Little Bird version to be procured is the same as the example displayed at LIMA 2015 earlier this year.

Among others, the MD 530G displayed at LIMA featured the 650 shp Rolls Royce 250-C30 engine, longer main-rotor blades, high-capacity landing gear, the Moog Stores Management System (SMS), Harris Corporation’s RF-7850A-UA tactical radio and the Thales’ Scorpion helmet-mounted cueing system.

It also featured the Mace Aviation Extended Range Weapons Wing(ER2W), FN Herstal Machine Gun Pods and Rocket Machine Pods, Dillon Aero M134D-H Mini-Gun, the L-3 Wescam MX-10, and M260 rocket pod with TALON laser-guided rockets.

  hai .......5 year already, until now still in toy ....  

Seoul Debates Best Strategy To Acquire AESA Radar

By Jung Sung-ki
20 hours ago

SEOUL, South Korea — South Korean defense officials are in a quandary over how to acquire an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, a key component for the country’s fighter development program code-named KF-X, following the US refusal to transfer the advanced radar technology.

South Korea had expected  to learn the AESA technology for the KF-X jet through offset deals connected to its F-X III contract to buy 40 Lockheed Martin-built F-35As.

South Korea seeks to develop a twin-engine KF-X fighter jet on par with the F-16 and produce 120 units starting in 2025 to replace its F-4 and F-5 fleets. The project is estimated to cost some US $16 billion.

But the US government refused to transfer four of the 25 fighter technologies South Korea wanted, citing the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Those technologies concerned AESA, an electro-optical targeting pod, infrared search-and-rescue systems, and a radio frequency jammer.

During the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX), which ran from Oct. 20 to 25, European radar makers sought to woo South Koreans apparently disappointed by the US.

Sweden’s Saab offered to develop an AESA with South Korea.

“We’ve done the flight test with the backend system and antenna elements,” said Tom Bratt, marketing executive of Saab Electronic Defence Systems. “We’re ready to go to the next phase once we have a platform available. Then we can start to make all the proper integrations.”

Bratt said Saab could complete the development of the AESA system with South Korea, as the Swedish company had been engaged in a joint study on the radar with the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), which is affiliated with South Korea’s arms agency.

“Once we have a contract, it will take about two years to deliver the first system,” he added.

Finmeccanica’s Selex is pitching its Captor-E radar fitted for the Eurofighter Typhoon. The British and Italian aerospace group recommends Seoul adopt the Selex radar and subsequently localize it in phases.

“The bottom line is we’ll try to meet the Korean demands as much as we can,” a Selex official said on condition of anonymity.

“The best option right now is for Korea to produce the Captor-E radar under license first, and with Selex’s tech transfer, Korea would be able to localize the AESA technology,” he said.

Israel also has joined the radar competition, capitalizing on its previous works with South Korea.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) supplied its EL/M-2032 pulse Doppler radar for the FA-50 jet, a light armed variant of the T-50 supersonic trainer aircraft. The company now is offering the EL/M-2052 airborne AESA fire control radar for the KF-X plane.

“We’re willing and looking forward to cooperating with Korea,” said Igal Karny, deputy director of Elta Systems’ marketing and sales division. “The whole radar is our radar. We’re exporting the radar according to our regulations,” Karny said, apparently referring to Korea’s wariness of AESA export control.