Defense Technology

Israel Shipyards is expanding the SAAR class of missile boats, extending the range from missile boats into ‘Mini Corvette’ class vessels. The new class is addressing the growing requirements of Israel and other nations in extending maritime control and sovereignty far from their territorial waters. Defense-Update reports from IMDEX 2013. [...]

Carter said the US has established an integrated effort to in understanding the anti-satellite threat, and preparing a work plan on how the US can operate without spacecraft,” Carter told reporters at the National Press Club. i-hls reports. Carter said the initiative was looking at how to make U.S. military and [...]

The handset maker announced that its Knox-enabled mobile devices have been approved by the Pentagon for government use. Samsung’s Knox software offers high-level encryption, a VPN feature, and a way to separate personal data from work data. The software also enables IT administrators to manage a mobile device through specific [...]

The Israeli Air Force (IAF)  has a proven capability to attack targets from standoff range. One such weapon is the Spice weapon guidance kit developed by the country’s leading missile developer RAFAEL. i-hls reports. The guidance kit has become more lethal and can now be used in a “variety” of attack [...]

France has recently published a white paper on defense, the ‘Livre Blanc’ outlines the priorities planned for the next five years, in the areas of national defense – land, air, maritime and space, as a well as as in the areas of homeland security and cyberwarfare. This article covers the [...]

The US Air Force has been operating a globally deployed network of Rapid Attack Identification Detection Reporting Systems – satellite communications nodes that monitor civilian satellite communications signals and detecting the source of interference and jamming that could disrupt military communications dependent on those channels

A team of researchers from the Harvard’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences are developing an insect sized robot that made its first flight last summer. Half the size of a paperclip, weighing less than a tenth of a gram, RoboBee inspired by the biology of a fly and conceived through manufacturing breakthrough and miniaturization.

Ground based radar systems have gained operational importance as wars became more limited and urban. I-HLS reports. The need to detect and identify targets under any condition has spurred a vast effort to develop more advanced, easier to operate ground based radar systems. Elta, the fully owned subsidiary of Israel [...]

Warfighters pay a high price for lack of auditory protection, but often they consider such price justified, for it keeps them sharp to react quickly and effectively, thus staying alive in combat. Sharpening the warfighter’s hearing while while protecting them from short and long terms risks, next generation of hearing protection are expected soon at a battlefield near you…

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has selected Gilat Satellite Networks’ SatTrooper-1000 military Manpack Satellite Communications (SATCOM) terminal to equip combat units with advanced, beyond line of sight tactical communications. I-HLS reports The new terminal communicates data, video and telephony at broadband speeds, via a satellite link, thus overcoming distance or interference [...]

The US Army is finally integrating a blue-force tracking system common to manoeuvre and logistics elements. For the first time on the battlefield, maneuver and logistics forces will share situational awareness and messaging, forming a complete and seamless operational picture.

A multi-billion arms deal offered by the US to key Middle-East allies bundles advanced fighter planes, strike weapons, radars and special mission aircraft, sold separately to Israel, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Convinces the UAE to increase the number of their Desert Falcons, instead of buying Rafale or Typhoons could derail European sales efforts in the region. Likewise, offerring radars and surplus USAF tankers to Israel would hurt Israeli efforts to soffer its own tankers, converted from commercial aircraft.

The U.S. Air Force announced the F-22 Raptor has resumed normal flight operations after modifications to aircrew life-support equipment were completed across the fleet. F-22 crews have also resumed their aerospace control alert mission in Alaska after the Automatic Back-up Oxygen System was installed in their aircraft.

The Brazilian Air Force Command has selected Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to convert two Boeing 767-300ER commercial aircraft into military, multi-mission tanker and transport (MMTT) aircraft under project KC-X2. According to Israeli sources the conversion program will cover three aircraft with options for more in the future.

The Center Display Unit (CDU) being fitted as part of the upgrading of US Air Forces’ F-16s has been endorsed by the Air Force as a primary flight reference (PFR) for the fighter. The CDU replaces multiple legacy, analog flight instruments with a compact digital display leaving premium area for an ultra-large digital screen that can be used to present high resolution imagery from sensors, digital maps, or detailed situation displays.

“Assad continues to assert his control Syria’s chemical weapons, air force, and military hardware. Assad is making advance preparations to use chemical weapons. He did not give the order yet, but preparing for it.”

Panavia, the European consortium responsible for the multinational Tornado program has been awarded a contract introducing the AGM-88E (AARGM) and GBU-39 (small Diameter Bomb) weapons to the Tornado Strike Fighter platform, addressing the Italian Air Force long term upgrading plan.

Cassidian has developed a new-generation multifunctional jamming system that combines the smart jamming functionality with signals intelligence, allowing detailed understanding of the threat, thus significantly improving mission planning and force protection.

Atlas Elektronik and Thales Deutschland have jointly been commissioned to modernize the combat system of the German Class F124 frigates. The modernization will include the hardware replacement and software upgrades of the vessel’s Combat Direction System (CDS). It is scheduled to be completed in 2017.

Integration of Thales SMART-L radar with AEGIS/SM-3 based missile defense systems was recently demonstrated as part of evaluation of integration of European based sensors into the US European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA) missile defense initiative.

Sharing of Ground Moving Target (GMTI) data between a Global Hawk Block 40 unmanned aircraft E-8C Joint STARS aircraft is paving the way for increased precision in target acquisition, improved target tracking and the ability to extend the surveillance coverage area without dependence on ground segments.

US contractor Conti Corp selected to construct two highly protected underground facilities in Israel. The facilities, comprising five underground levels and six above ground buildings will be completed in less than three years and are believed to be national command centers

The Brazilian Air Force is upgrading its E-99 Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft. Saab Defence and security company announced today it has received an order from the Brazilian company Embraer Defense and Security, for the upgrade of the Erieye AEW&C Mission System. The total order amounts to about US$60 million

The US Missile Defense Agency will deploy a second X-Band missile defense radar at a coastal base near Kyoto, in Central Japan to bolster defences against the North Korean missile threat. The location was picked as it was likely that a North Korean missile targeting Guam or Hawaii would fly over the western or central parts of Japan.

RADA Electronic Systems has successfully demonstrated the Counter Rocket, Artillery and Mortar (C-RAM) capabilities of its new Multi-Mission Hemispheric Radar (MHR). The company expects initial deliveries of systems to customers by year’s end

The Boeing Company and Elbit Systems have entered a cooperation agreement to jointly develop self-defense solutions for Boeing military aircraft in international markets.

Elbit Systems Electro-optics-Elop Ltd. from Israel and Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) of India will jointly develop a navalized, stabilised, multi-sensor electro-optical observation system based on ElOp’s ‘Compact Multi Purpose Advance Stabilisation System’ (CoMPASS).

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has expanded its ‘Ehud’ Autonomous Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (AACMI) family to support Eastern fighter aircraft in addition to its Western fighter aircraft related advanced capabilities. At Aero-India 2013 the company is unveiling the EHUD pod configured in an R73 air-to-air missile enclosure, making the pod the only AACMI pod in the market, which can fit any R73 compatible aircraft.

The 1L121E mobile active phased array radar developed by the Russian company NNIIRT is positioned to provide short-range air defense weapons the cueing necessary to engage the most illusive targets – mini-UAVs and Precision Guided Weapons (PGW) – the primary threats for air defense systems

Rockwell Collins and Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division (Tata Power SED) are teaming to jointly pursue of the Indian Air Force Software Defined Radio program due for selection in the near future.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to deploy an advanced communications network, the MOD has invited several international companies to participate in an international tender to offer software defined radio based communications for the networks’ airborne and ground based segments. Initial testing are expected to commence in February 2013. [...]

India has floated a tender for the delivery of more than 100 advanced targeting pods for its strike fighters, Two systems are under consideration – the French Damocles pod and the Israeli Litening.

India is among the first countries for which the Advanced Hawkeye capability has been approved by the U.S. government. Such capability would significantly enhance the surveillance coverage, and security of India’s future catapult-equipped aircraft carriers which will be capable of launching such aircraft at sea.

Elbit Systems is promoting a range of helicopter-related products in a move that would tap the growing opportunities the company identified in the Indian market, both for foreign built, locally made or upgraded platforms. Over the years Elbit Systems has established a number of partnerships and cooperation in India, paving its way into many defense sector’s programs.

Military snipers may only get one chance to hit their target. The One Shot program seeks to enable snipers to accurately hit targets with the first round, under crosswind conditions, day or night, at the maximum effective range of the weapon. A commercial system providing similar capabilities (tough not as advanced in down-range measurement as the DARPA system) was unveiled by TrackingPoint at the Shot Show 2013

In June 2012 the German Bundeswehr has placed an order with the Düsseldorf-based Rheinmetall Group to supply it with state-of-the-art infantry equipment. By December, the prime contractor Rheinmetall placed an order with subcontractor Thales, for the day/night vision and display systems, radios and power packs for the system

With the world’s largest armies (except China and India) have ceased procurement of Main Battle Tanks (MBT), third world countries are becoming more dominant customers for this weapon category. Ukraine T-84, Russian T-90 and Chinese MBT2000 are all in production while western tanks are sold second hand to Asian armies at bargain price

MilDef has released a new militarized tablet computer – the Panther DT6. This rugged device features 8.9” WSVGA LCD touchscreen designed for a wide range of military and field applications.

The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) recently licensed Twisted Pair Solutions’ WAVE software for use throughout the Command. The application enables warfighters, public-safety professionals, government agents and commercial organizations to communicate instantly with their teams, regardless radio system compatibility.

Telephonics Corporation will deliver nine AN/ZPY-4(V)1 multi-mode maritime surveillance radars to equip the US Navy’s MQ-8B with improved night/adverse weather surveillance capability.

The Indian Army, having long suffered from deficiencies in night fighting electro-optical equipment, is set to make up critical deficiencies. Thousands of thermal imagers for T-72 tanks and night sights for hundreds of thousands of assault rifles and carbines are on the horizon

Meprolight is launching a new weapon sight at the Shot Show taking place at Las Vegas next week. The company will unveil the NYX 3X, a compact, uncooled Thermal Weapon Sight (TWS) offering X2.7 magnification.

China may be planning to conduct an anti-satellite (ASAT) test sometime this month, The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) claims in a recent post published by USC China Project Director Gregory Kulacki. Unlike previous tests conducted at the lower earth orbit, this test could be aimed at the medium orbit, at an altitude of 20,000 km above earth

the US Marine Corps has awarded development contracts worth $12 million to four companies to come up with hand-held integrated laser rangefinders for the Common Laser Range Finder Integrated Capability (CLRF IC) system. Some have an off-the shelf solution, others have to develop it from scratch

The U.S. Army, through the System of Systems Integration (SoSI) Directorate, plans to evaluate the use of tactical routers on vehicles. Such routers will enable multiple users and systems on board and nearby combat vehicles to access vehicular networks and distributed IP based services while maintaining high level of security.

The Lockheed Martin Area Defense Anti-munitions (ADAM) prototype laser weapon system successfully destroyed a rocket target from a range of 1.6 kilometers. The complete engagement – from target acquisition, tracking to illumination and destruction took approximately three seconds.

After being one of the prospects for European fighter manufacturers in recent years Bulgaria has recently decided to but used F-16s from Portuguese Air Force surplus to equip its air force, thus delaying a major investment in its air force.

By year’s end Taiwan plans to complete modernizing about half of the fleet of its locally built ‘Indigenous Defense Fighter’ (IDF). The upgrade will enable the Taiwan Air Force to maintain the aircraft in service through 2030.

The Japanese government has embarked on a plan to acquire the Global Hawk a high-altitude, long-distance (HALE) unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft from the United States. South Korea is also interested in buying the drone, though higher than expected costs cooled Seoul’s enthusiasm about the system.

The Israel Ministry of Defense has placed a second order for a number Hermes 900 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The $90 million contract covers an unspecified number of drones delivered over three years, plus eight years support.