Archive for September, 2010

“Stuxnet is definitely not a military code, at least not a Western one” said Shai Blitzblau, Head of Maglan-Computer Warfare and Network Intelligence Labs, interviewed by Defense Update. “Stuxnet is a sophisticated and highly advanced code, but it lacks certain elements commonly associated with military operations” Blitzblau explains that the [...]

On Thursday last week (Sept 30) the Pentagon awarded two competitive contracts for the delivery of advanced targeting pods for U.S. Air Force fighters. The Air Force will continue the procurement of two types of pods under the Advanced Targeting Pod – Sensors Enhancement (ATP-SE) program – the AAQ-33 Sniper [...]

Stuxnet uncovers the vulnerability of our infrastructure system – exposing the vulnerable interfaces between the logical and physical world, these elements are totally unprotected and open disastrous vulnerabilities to attack by cyber terrorism and cyber criminals. “We have analyzed the code, and compared it to other, similar known malware, this [...]

Boeing has been awarded a sole-source $11.9 Billion  indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract to support the fleet of B-52H bombers operated by the U.S. Air Force for the next eight years. The contract provides for the all acquisition and sustainment activities needed to support the aircraft and its systems, through their life [...]

Iran is preparing a massive force of small but highly capable combat elements capable of disrupting oil transportation through the Persian Gulf and the Straight of Hurmoz choke point. The Iranians have developed unique operational concepts employing coordinated swarm attacks that could effectively defeat large, well protected surface combatants such [...]

ReconRobotics has introduced a new, versatile add-on to the Recon Scout Micro Robot enabling the use of the robot either as a remotely controlled sensor or static, elevated ‘Pole Cam’. The novel device enables military scouts to mount the Micro Robot on the 20 inch (0.52 m) long ‘Recon Scout [...]

The U.S. Office of Secretary of Defense (OSD) is testing seven Active protection Systems, mostly from international vendors, to determine the maturity and potential of such systems, protecting U.S. forces against Rocket Propelled Grenades and other Anti-Armor weapons. The Active Protection Systems Live Fire Test and Evaluation effort, which was [...]

A Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle fitted with the Israeli active protection system developed by Israel Military Industries withstood numerous rocket attacks under a two month test and evaluation program. Iron Fist, the active protection system (APS) for armored vehicles developed by Israel Military Industries (IMI), has completed an evaluation [...]

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched today the ‘Cyber Storm III’, a drill testing the nations’ resilience under a simulated, deliberate international cyber attack aimed at the hubs of government, infrastructure and business. The three day exercise is the third and largest in a series of annual cyber [...]

ST Aerospace has been selected to operate the Singapore Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) training in Cazaux, France. As the prime contractor for the entire program, ST Aerospace is acquiring 12 M346 advanced trainers at the cost of S$543 million, the first is scheduled for delivery in 2012. In [...]

Boeing is pre-wiring 12 of the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) Super Hornet for potential conversion of the aircraft for Electronic Attack role. At present the Australians have not decided whether to equip the aircraft with such capabilities. According to RAAF Group Capt. Steve Roberton, Officer Commanding 82 Wing currently [...]

Boeing completed the first pair of seven flight tests of the MK-84 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition (Laser JDAM) this summer at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., as part of the new weapon qualification process. Integration of Laser JDAM will provide these heavy warheads with pinpoint strike precision, utilizing redundant [...]

Navistar Defense, LLC unveiled today a new, high-mobility medium tactical vehicle (MTV) at the Modern Day Marine Exposition. The MTV is based on the International 7000-MV platform. The MTV incorporates the DXM independent suspension and can also accommodate a variety of survivability and armoring solutions derived from the International MaxxPro [...]

“The Russian Naval Aviation is not expecting to replace its carrier-based Su-33 fighters in the current decade. An acquisition of a fifth generation fighter, base on the Sukhoi T-50 or other designs could be considered later in the decade, after the new fighter is proven in land-based service with the [...]

Israel and the U.S. reiterated the agreement to continue their cooperative development of the David Sling weapon system (also known as Majic Wand), extending the agreement signed in 2008 that paved the way for the development of a Short-Range Ballistic Missile Defense Project. The new agreement provides the necessary funding [...]

The Pentagon is embarking on a new arms transfer to Iraq, this time involving a squadron of advanced versions of the Lockheed Martin F-16IQ – Block 52 fighter jets, supply of 440 refurbished Armored Presonnel Carriers and the establishment of a nationwide defense communications network. The estimated value of the [...]

Raytheon is introducing a lighter exoskeleton system offering stronger system with more endurance over the company’s first generation exoskeleton developed by Sarcos in 2002. Sarcos became part of Raytheon in 2007. The new ‘second generation’ XOS 2 system is built from a combination of structures, sensors, actuators and controllers, and [...]

Oshkosh Defense is offering to upgrade the Marine Corps HMMWVs, enhancing its off-road mobility, maneuverability, and speed, while retaining, and even improving its ballistic protection and introducing V-shaped under armor for additional blast protection. The key for this miracle is the TAK-4 independent suspension system, customizing the tactical utility HMMWV [...]

Force Protection Europe Ltd (FPE), developer of the Occelot light armored vehicle, has been selected as the preferred bidder in U.K. Ministry of Defense (MOD) Light Protected Patrol Vehicle (LPPV) program. According to FPE, the first Ocelot vehicles are expected to be available for the training of U.K. forces in 2011. [...]

31 years after pioneering mine protection for vehicles with the first Casspir Mine Protected Vehicle (MPV) Denel unveiled today a new version of South Africa’s iconic mine-protection vehicle – Casspir MK IV. The new vehicle was launched today in Cape Town today, at the African Aerospace and Defence Expo (AAD) [...]

African defense companies are challenging the dominant Western suppliers of mine protected armored vehicles, competing for MRAP type vehicle contracts. According to Ivor Ichikowitz, Executive Chairman of the South African Paramount Group, South Africa’s largest independent defense and aerospace contractor, African companies have emerged as technological equals to some of [...]

Paramount unveiled today the Mbombe at the African Aerospace and Defense 2010 (AAD) Expo. Mbombe is a 6×6 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) implementing a flat hull (rather than the traditional V-shape invented in South Africa). The honeycomb flat hull enables much lower silhouette, compared to contemporary MRAPs claimed to offer [...]

BAE Systems announced today the planned acquisition of three intelligence services companies, for a total investment of almost US$300 million. The companies to be acquired are SpecTal LLC, Advanced Concepts Inc., and McClendon LLC – all part of the L-1 Identity Solutions Inc.’s (L1ID) Intelligence Services Group. Following the completion [...]

Mexico is increasing its order for Eurocopter EC725 Cougar helicopters with additional six helicopters, following an initial order for six made in March 2009. Eurocopter will supply all 12 helicopters to Mexico’s SEDENA (Secretaría de La Defensa Nacional) beginning in the second quarter of 2011. The helicopters will be used [...]

The expected arrival of the P800 Yakhont supersonic anti-ship missile in Syria is considered the first serious attempt by Syria to directly challenge the Israel Navy since the 1973 war, when the Israeli Navy sunk five Syrian vessels in the first missile-boat engagement known as the ‘Battle of Latakia’. Four [...]

Rockwell Collins, Inc. (NYSE: COL) forecasts revenues for 2011 to reach $4.8 to $5.0 billion, with operating margins maintained at 19.5 – 20.5%. As operating conditions continue to improve in the commercial markets, Rockwell Collins expects ‘double digit’ revenue growth in commercial air transport and business aviation. The Government Systems [...]

The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has selected a concept developed by the Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) for the second phase of the Vulture long-endurance unmanned aerial system (UAS) program. The Solar eagle was selected over the Odysseus, a rival proposal submitted by Lockheed Martin and Aurora Flight Science’s. [...]

Defence and Security division of EADS is rebranding itself as ‘CASSIDIAN’, reflecting its ambitious mission ‘to support those who protect the world’. The new name comes from the Latin term ‘Cassida’ (helmet) and ‘meridian’, an imaginary line running north and south. The company remains a division of EADS, headed by [...]

This video records captured in action, by an Australian Defense Forces (ADF) soldier using a helmet mounted camera records a fierce firefight erupting between an Australian and Afghan National Army (ANA) patrol and Afghan insurgents. The event began as an observation from an ADF elements in overwatch covering the patrol [...]

An Israeli-French  joint venture to be established by early 2011 will focus on tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). A principal agreement on the move was signed today as a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the French defense company Sagem Defense Securite and Israel’s Elbit Systems. The two companies will establish a [...]

Under the new policy companies will be required to provide more predictable cost estimations and meet those costs down the road. When costs increase happen, contractors will be required to share the burden. Prime contractors are likely to be most exposed to this new risk, but subcontractors could also find themselves vulnerable when required to take responsibility on delays they cause…

The MPC is a new capability that will be a multi-wheeled, armored personnel carrier designed to operate across the range of military operations but focused on an irregular warfare operating environment characterized by operations in constrained and urban terrain. Required to carry 8-9 combat loaded marines and 2-man crew, the [...]

Textron Marine & Land Systems, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, and MDT Armor Corporation, a division of Arotech Corporation (Nasdaq GM: ARTX), today announced a teaming agreement to market, design and manufacture the Tiger Light Protected Vehicle. “The Tiger is a high quality, [...]

Updated: October 21, 2010: The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have finalized an arms package that shadows even the large arms mega-sales in the region. The current program includes several packages worth about $60 Billion, which include mostly platforms produced by the Boeing Company. The main element is the modernization of [...]

In the recent month Embraer has strengthened its KC-390 tanker transport program, transforming from a domestic program into an international venture. Following the announced Brazilian government commitment to acquire 28 of the military transport jets for the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), Embraer announced three additional customers – Chile, Colombia, Portugal and most [...]

AgustaWestland plans to compete for the U.S. Air Force’s planned replacement of HH-60G Pave hawk combat search and rescue (CSAR) helicopter with over 100 ‘off-the-shelf’ platform. The European group is offering a version of the AW101 designated HH-71. Two years ago the company teamed with Lockheed Martin to offer the [...]

On the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain this week the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) performed commemorative flypasts and displays to mark the occasion. These flights culminate with a flypast over the cabinet War Rooms where Robert Hardy read the famous speech by Mr [...]

India and Russia are setting up a Joint Venture Company (JVC) to design and develop the IL-214 Multirole Transport Aircraft (MTA). The partners in the JVC will be Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Russian United Aircraft Corporation and Russian defense export agency Rosoboronexport. The operating site of the new JVC [...]

An airborne intercept of a liquid-rocket target failed on September 1, 2010 when the megawatt power airborne laser (ABL) veered away from the target a split second before the planned engagement. Despite this problem, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) plans to resume flight experiments this week, testing the performance of the [...]

The Russian Emergencies Ministry signed a $330 million contract with the Beriev design bureau for the procurement of eight Be-200 Altair amphibious planes configured for firefighting. The Russian news agency Novosti reports. The Altair is the largest multipurpose amphibious aircraft currently operational. This acquisition comes as a quick reaction to the criticism of Russian authorities [...]

One of the most modern Advanced/Lead-In Fighter Trainer in production today, the M-346 from Alenia Aermacchi is gathering momentum to become the leading trainer preparing future combat pilot to fly the latest generation fighters. On the way, it will have to fight tough opponents, from the BAE Systems’ Hawk – being the [...]

The Swedish Defense Material Administration (FMV) has awarded the Saab group an order for the integration of the Meteor active radar-guided Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air/air missile with the Gripen fighter aircraft. The four year program is worth about US$42 million (MSEK 312). Through the integration process Swedish Gripen C/D [...]

BAE Systems plans to offer the Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) for the U.S. Air Force’s Advanced Pilot Training Family of Systems. Part of the US Air Force Advanced Pilot Training (APT) Family of Systems (commonly called the T-X system) APT aims to provide the training system for the next [...]

Defense Update is sponsoring the Global MilSatCom 2010 conference and exhibition, now in its 12th year. This event is a unique opportunity to meet an international array of SatCom decision makers and network with hundreds of leading international decision makers in the satellite communications arena. Global MilSatCom 2010 will be [...]

News from Latrun: IAI’s Panther UAV, Photo report: Day 1, Day 2 The upcoming Latrun 2010 Conference will focus on ‘Fighting in Urban Terrain’ jointly conducted by the IDF Ground Forces Command and the Institute for Land Warfare studies. The three-day event will also include a ‘Technology Day’ focused on Force Protection, sponsored by [...]

The US Army Communications & Electronics Command in Washington awarded Liteye Systems a contract valued up to $22.6 million, for the delivery of monocular displays for the LRAS3 target acquisition system. Deliveries will begin immediately and span over five years. The total quantity to be delivered has not been determined [...]

It’s tempting to look at the Army’s cancellation of the solicitation for a next-generation troop carrier and conclude that the service has lost its way in figuring out how to meet future combat needs. After all, this is the same service that spent a decade developing a successor to its [...]

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has completed initial flights testing of the Multi Mission Tanker Transport (MMTT), an aerial refueling aircraft converted from a pre-owned B767-200ER (Extended Range) aircraft by Bedek Aviation Group (a subsidiary of IAI). Upon testing completion the aircraft will be transferred to the Colombian Air Force. The [...]

Israel and Russia have signed today a military cooperation agreement and are negotiating the establishment of a joint venture to develop and produce unmanned aerial vehicles in Russia. Israel’s minister of defense Ehud Barak and his host, Russian minister of defense, Anatoly Serdyukov have signed a military cooperation agreement today, [...]

Thales Australia is supplying the Australian Defence Materiel Organization (DMO) over 35,000 Bullet Trap Blank Firing Attachments (BTBFAs) designed for the Australian assault rifle Austeyr F88. The BTBFA is a patented technology registered by Thales Australia. The bullet trap is attached to the end of the rifle barrel and enables [...]