Archive for March, 2011

The Pentagon’s Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has received a production contract totaling $789.8 million For launch units and interceptors destined for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Batteries 3 and 4 for the U.S. Army. The two units are expected to be fully equipped in 2013. [...]

The Missile Defense Agency has added $321 million to fund the manufacturing of 24 Standard Missile-3 Block IB missiles over the next 27 months. In parallel, the agency trimmed a parallel production contract related to the current Standard Missile-3 Block 1A, reducing production from 24 to 18, to be completed [...]

RAFAEL’s LiteSat, a micro-satellite will weigh less than 100 kg to be used for ‘Responsive Space Operations’ by deploying reconnaissance satellites by airborne or ground launched satellites on missions supporting operational requirements on quick notice.

Microsatellite technology developed by Israel’s aerospace and defense industries is one of several fields of interest to Russia Space s is one of the areas the Russians are interested in, as part of a space cooperation agreement recently signed between Israel and Russia.

Goodrich Corp. is upgrading the two Senior Year Electro-Optical Reconnaissance Sensors (SYERS) currently used on U.S. Air Force Lockheed Martin U-2 ‘Dragon Lady’ platforms operated by the 9th Reconnaissance Wing. Multi-spectral sensors capture images at specific frequencies across the electromagnetic spectrum. Enhanced images provided by the payload are used for targeting, threat analysis, and situational assessment, by evaluating changes in images taken in different times, showing differences not readily apparent to the human eye.

ATK won a $65.8 million contract for engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) of the XM25, an Individual Semi-Automatic Airburst System. The current 30-month contract funds the continued design, integration, production, and testing of the systems. ATK is the prime contractor, systems integrator and ammunition provider for the XM25 program. Program [...]

EADS is offering technology licensing associated with the company’s patented Vacuum Assisted Process (VAP), including a preform manufacturing machine that is highly automated and self-adaptable. VAP provides an optimized out-of-autoclave manufacturing process the makes the production of large, lightweight parts more cost effective and provides high quality finished products.

Sweden could be joining the operation soon, with eight Gripen fighters. The Swedish government is expected to approve the mission on Friday, following a formal request from NATO. Sweden is leading the ‘Nordic Battlegroup’ rapid reaction force, to which the F17 fighter squadron at Kallinge is assigned.

Northrop Grumman Corporation submitted its final proposal for the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) core capability. NATO AGS system will employ an air segment consisting of six Northrop Grumman Block 40 Global Hawks specially missionized to provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to ground, maritime and air commanders, anytime and anywhere [...]

South Korea is developing an Active Protection System (APS) for the K-2 tank augmenting the tank’s protection against anti-tank rockets and missiles. The system uses dual sensor detection and tracking system comprising a 3D radar and infrared system, control computer and countermeasure launchers firing specially designed rockets. According to Korean [...]

Fires, explosions and radiation leaks have repeatedly forced Japanese rescue workers at the nuclear power plant to suspend work, including on Sunday when radiation levels spiked to 100,000 times above normal in water inside reactor No. 2 at the Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO) plant. A partial meltdown of fuel [...]

The UN mandated operation against Libya has evolved in recent days into three parallel efforts – the enforcement of the ‘no fly zone’ over the country, ground attacks supporting and stimulating a rebel campaign repelling Gaddafi supporters, and a ‘drying’ Gaddafi’s military sustainment by enforcing a naval blockade, preventing reinforcements, weapons and ammunition shipments from reaching Libyan ports.

Reluctant to embark on a major retaliatory campaign against Gaza, the Israel Air Force was directed to pre-deploy the ‘Iron Dome’ counter-rocket, artillery and mortar (C-RAM) defense system, despite the military reluctance for such move, before the unit is fully prepared. The current fielding is defined as an ‘operational evaluation’ [...]

The first Boxer armored personnel carriers (APC) have arrived at Donaueschingen Germany in February 2011 to equip the 292 Jägerbattalion (light infantry battalion), in preparation for the unit’s deployment to Afghanistan by August this year. The battalion will dispatch a platoon with four vehicles to be deployed to Mazar-e-Sharif in Northern Afghanistan, as part of the German training and protection battalion.

The U.S. Army has ordered 829 rocket-propelled grenade RPG Net kits for the MaxxPro Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle. In February 2011 the Army (TACOM) awarded Navistar Defense a $40 million contract to supply the kits designed to augment the MaxxPro MRAP vehicle protection, improving its effectiveness in defeating [...]

The Indian Army is planning to equip its ground forces with thousands of anti-tank missiles to be built in India. The Indian military considers two options, both of them exclusive – the FGM-148 Javelin, proposed under a Government-to-Government (G2G) program via U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS), and the Spike MR, proposed by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, being the only bidder in an international tender, which specified characteristics and specifications only the Israeli company could meet.

The Department of Defense (DoD) today issued a stop work order in connection with the Joint Strike Fighter alternate engine program, halting development of the F-136, which was designed to offer competing engine option for F-35 customers. The program is under development by a consortium of General Electric and Rolls [...]

To protect their fleets from missile attacks, the navies of Peru, Finland and Germany have all ordered MASS, Rheinmetall’s “Multi Ammunition Softkill System”, a state-of-the-art decoy system for protecting frigates, corvettes, minesweepers and patrol craft. In winning these three orders, MASS has once again outclassed its international rivals as well [...]

Israel Aerospace Industries reported today an increase of 54 percent in its net profit in 2010, compared to the net profit reported in 2009. Overall, the company reports net profit of $94 million, from annual sales of $3.15 billion. Part of the increase in net profit was attributed to the [...]

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. ended the year 2010 with a record net profit of $170 million, with orders totaling $1.9 billion, an order backlog of almost $3.5 billion and sales of $1.8 billion. As in 2009, 74 per cent of the sales were derived from export orders. “Our achievements [...]

On Tuesday morning of March 22, early morning, the French aircraft carrier launched its first mission supporting operation Hartmattan, as Squadron 12E launched two of its Rafale F3 fighters on a four hour combat recce mission over Libya, with the fighters carrying air/air missiles and RECO NG reconnaissance pods, able [...]

After a third night of mounting military pressure by coalition forces, units loyal to Muammar Gaddafi were reported to withdraw from Benghazi, shifting their pressure to the west on Tuesday, Gaddafi’s forces attacked two Libyan towns on the eastern border with Tunisia.

A collection of photos released today by the U.K and French Ministries of Defense illustrate some of the armmament configurations used by tcoalition air forces. These configurations take advantage of the multi-role nature of the Rafale. The fighters deployed today by the RAF included Tornado GR4 which flew combat missions [...]

Coalition air forces today deployed additional naval aviation and air forces units to bases near Libya, enabling highet operational tempo and faster response to development on the ground.   The French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle has deployed to its area of operation with its full air group including F3 [...]

Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $34.5 million contract from the U.S. Air Force for production of paveway II Plus Laser Guided Bomb (LGB) GBU-12 kits. The majority share contract includes deliveries to both the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy and is scheduled to begin the second quarter of [...]

For many years Brazil’s military relied on surplus equipment acquired from the leading powers. In the 1980s the country shifted to depend on domestic capabilities, developing local manufacturing of armored vehicles, trucks, and aircraft. In recent years, the country is transforming this manufacturing base, through strategic cooperation agreements, directing major [...]

Last night the joint task force ‘Odyssey Dawn’, comprising U.S. Navy and Royal Navy surface ships and submarines launched a massive attack against 20 Libya air defense sites, by 112 Tomahawk sea-launched cruise missiles and Storm Shadow air launched cruise missiles fired from RAF Tornado GR4s.

The British Ministry of defence (MOD) Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), in conjunction with industry partners, today showcased the development of world leading technology designed to help helicopter pilots land more safely and efficiently in Afghanistan. A Low Visibility Landing (LVL) system developed by Scientists from the British Defence [...]

QuickShield, a textile-based, lightweight net designed to stop rocket-propelled grenade threats (RPG) from penetrating vehicle armor. QuickShield is applied as a ‘band aid’, enabling armored vehicle crews to rapidly replace damaged bar (slat) armor on military vehicles in the field.

The U.S. Army will soon evaluate prototypes of wearable mobile handheld computers running battle command capability. New applications, utilizing GDC4’s GD300 and other devices, will be able to provide dismounted soldiers with network connectivity, command, control and situational awareness just like modern smartphones are doing in the commercial market. General [...]

As orders for business jets declining, Falcon alone cannot sustain Dassault Aviation for much longer; therefore, export orders for the Rafale are necessary for its long-term growth. Brazil and India are both are expected to announce their decision this year. “They recognized our military aircraft’s qualities during its evaluation and we are looking forward to concluding deals” Said Charles Edelstenne, Dassault Aviation president and CEO.

With a long military tradition and a lengthy coastline, Chile is spending substantially on arms purchases. Its defense bill was $4.8 billion in 2008, representing 3.5 percent of the nation’s gross economical product, twice over the region’s average level. Major programs in recent years included the induction of ten F-16C/D/Block [...]

Harris Corporation provided yesterday a peek into its future business forecast. For the fiscal year 2012 beginning July 2, 2011, Harris is expecting revenue to increase $6.4 billion to $6.6 billion, 7 to 10 percent above the current year). The growth reflects the inclusion of the Schlumberger Global Connectivity Services [...]

Swedish Defense and security company Saab presented its 2010 results today. The report sends mixed signals to the market. On one hand, the company’s order bookings has increased this year by 43 percent, from 18,428 million Swedish krones (MSEK) about US$2.84 billion reported in 2009 the backlog jumped to 26,278 [...]

Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) are launching a joint venture aimed at acquiring, operating and maintaining advanced training aircraft for the israel Air Force. The companies are considering the financial requirements for this substantial undertaking; considering the substantial value of the program, raising capital in a public offering could be considered.

The first Airbus Military A330 MRTT for the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) has successfully completed its maiden flight lasting 4hr 15min. Following the 15th March flight the aircraft now enters the final certification and qualification phase for this version of the A330 MRTT, prior for delivery to the customer [...]

In recent years the Latin American market has been aligned along two parallel axis – one led by the U.S., including Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Salvador and, more recently Chile. The other, led by Venezuela and its charismatic leader Hugo Chaves, followed by Ecuador, Bolivia and Nicaragua. Prosperous [...]

Fighting the drugs trade fueling Latin America’s oldest guerrilla war and relying heavily on U.S. military assistance, Colombia has the second-largest armed forces in Latin America, after Brazil. Unlike Brazil’s peaceful situation, Colombia has an ongoing internal armed conflict spilling also over its border with Venezuela. In 2011, Colombia is [...]

Following the rise into power of Hugo Chaves, and the U.S. imposing embargo on arms sales to the country, Venezuela reached east to China and Russia for its arms modernization plans. Despite the move’s high profile, President Chaves has not been hasty in committing his economy to excessive spending, releasing [...]

This morning Israeli Naval vessels intercepted the Liberian flagged cargo ship ‘Victoria’ about 200 miles west of the Israeli coast. By first daylight, Naval commandos that boarded the vessel uncovered the weapons cached in Victoria’s cargo bay.

the U.S. Marine Corps is joining the U.S. Navy in buying 80 F-35C – the carrier-based conventional takeoff and landing variant of the joint strike fighter (JSF). Until the Short Take-Off Vertical Landing (STOVL) F-35B variant is ready, the corps will deploy its fighters from U.S. Navy aircraft carriers.

Brazil has allocated about US$9 billion (15 billion Rais) for defense spending, but natural disasters hitting the country, required emergency funding, part of which will be allocated by slashing over a quarter of the 2011 defense spending, being reduced to $6.6 billion (around 11.2 billion Rais). Minister of Defense Nelson [...]

The nuclear reactor situation in Japan has deteriorated significantly. Two more explosions occurred at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on March 15. The first occurred at 6:10 a.m. local time at reactor No. 2, which had seen nuclear fuel rods exposed for several hours after dropping water levels due [...]

Elbit Systems, Israel’s leading defense systems manufacturer has increased revenues in the fourth quarter to US$798.7 million, indicating 11.8% growth, compared to $714.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2009. The company’s order backlog has also increased and is now exceeding $5 billion.

As Japan copes with the aftermath of the 8.9 magnitude earthquake and tsunami that struck March 11, earth reconnaissance satellites and aerial reconnaissance aircraft and unmanned vehicles are deployed to the area in an effort to assist emergency operations with up-to-date situational assessment and efficient response to the events of [...]

BAE Systems and Dassault Aviation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate exclusively on the preparation and submission of a joint proposal to the UK and French Ministries of Defence for the design, development, production and support of a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAS.

Saudi Arabian forces were deployed today to Bahrain, to assist the local government dealing with civil unrest that followed violent encounters with demonstrators that blocked main roads to the center of the Island’s capital Manama.

Spurring Brazilian demand for defense and homeland security is attracting major global arms exporters, particularly the European companies that have suffered dramatic cuts in domestic orders, seeking export markets to improve their backlog. LAAD 2011 – Latin America Aerospace & Defense expo is the most important trade show for the defense and security industry in the region. Selected to become Media Partner for this important event, Defense-Update is launching this update to follow this bi-annual event, bringing the domestic Brazilian defense industry together with international companies seeking to develop their business in that region.

Homeland security is of primary concern for Brazil. Spanning over 8.5 million square kilometers this huge nation is bordering ten neighboring countries over 17,000 kilometers of land borders, many of which lay over sparsely inhabited areas, posing a great challenge for law enforcement and control. Brazil’s homeland security market has [...]

Russia is in talks with French military manufacturer Panhard on the purchase of 500 VBL light armored vehicles for $260 million. The vehicles are to equip Russian Federal Security Service’s border guards units.