Satellite Imagery Uncovers New S-300 Sites in Algeria
Following the delivery of the first four batteries of S-300 PMU2 surface to air missiles from Russia, Algeria has begun inducting the systems, partly replacing former S-125 (SA-3) systems. In the following satellite images taken recently by the Eros B spy satellite operated by the geospatial services company ImageSat International, two of the SA-3 sites are seen converted to serve the S-300.
South African Rippel to Qualify Diehl’s 40mm Ammo for its Grenade Launchers
Diehl Defence signed an agreement with the South African company Rippel Effect Systems (PTY) Ltd. covering joint marketing of grenade launcher systems. The agreement initially focuses on qualification of Diehl’s new 40 mm – Medium Velocity ammunition for the grenade launchers XRGL40 and UBL40 of the weapon specialist from Pretoria. The agreement paves the way for the two companies offering complete...
Germany to use Heron 1 UAVs to Support UN Peacekeepers in Mali
The German forces will soon deploy Heron 1 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to Mali. Airbus Defense and Space announced yesterday it had signed a contract with the German Defence Procurement Agency (BAAInBw) to provide such surveillance drones in support of the Bundeswehr missions in Africa.
100 Israeli armored vehicles supplied to three African countries
IAI announced today that the company has signed three contracts for the supply of 100 RAM armored vehicles from three military customers in Africa. One of these contracts is a follow-on to a previous order in which a military customer ordered 50 vehicles.
Misguided Restraint Against Somali Pirates Will Only Escalate Attacks
The misguided policy of restraint against the ever growing threat from pirates, roaming the high seas off the Somali coastline is becoming dangerously close to total surrender. There is little doubt left, that Islamic terror leaders will sooner or later exploit this signal of weakness and start substantial maritime terror all over the Globe, eventually bringing strategic shipping lanes...
Paris, Cairo ‘close to agreement’ on Rafale, FREMM deal worth 5-6 Billion euros
France and Egypt are ‘close to agreement’ on a large scale arms deal that could cost 5-6 billion Euros and include naval vessels and fighter aircraft, La Tribune reports. The French proposal includes two FREMM multi-mission frigates worth 1.8 billion Euro, to be built by DCNS, and 20 Rafale combat aircraft from Dassault, worth 3.6 billion Euro. Both platforms will be armed with missile systems manufactured by MBDA.
Indian Truck Makers Line Up to Renew Thousands of Military Vehicles
The Indian Army has a fleet of more than 150,000 vehicles. The services buy around 7,000 new trucks every year, a volume attracting commercial vehicle manufacturers to invest in meeting peculiar military standards. This year at DefExpo 2012, traditional truck manufacturers Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland were joined by the new competitor Asia Motor Works, each taking aim at specific segments of this huge market.
Super Sea Lynx for Algerian Meko Frigates
The Algerian Navy is believed to have ordered six AgustaWestland Super Lynx 300 helicopters for its new Meko A200 class frigates. The acquisition is part of an 80 helicopter buy Algeria has signed with the Italian-British group, which has remained under wraps
Kenyan Forces Enter Somalia Fighting al-Shabaab Militias
With the Libyan campaign wrapping to an end, a new theater is broiling in Somalia, as Kenyan land forces are operating in southern Somalia, in an effort to route Al-Shabaab militants bases in townships near the Somali South-East border with Kenya. Like the Libyan campaign, the kenyan forces are assisted by foreign air and naval support.
Intercept test validates Barak 8 air defense system maturity
Today at 07:20 (Israel time), Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), in collaboration with the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD), conducted the first successful flight test of the Barak-8 Air & Missile Defense System. On this test, held at the weapon test range in the Negev desert the system employed all the elements related to the naval and land-based variants of...
China Has Begun Construction of a Naval Support Base in Djibuti
China has begun construction of a logistics base in Djibouti, Chinese Ministry of Defence confirmed today; the base at the Horn of Africa will be China's first military facility overseas.
Unmanned Peacekeepers Over Africa
United Nations peacekeepers in Africa are expanding the use of drones to improve force protection and better secure the civilian communities in conflict areas. The UN is expected to select a supplier for a larger MALE drone to succeed the Falco UAVs operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 2013. Such drones will soon launch operations from two bases in Mali, in support of UN operations in the Sahara.
Combat Debut for Rooivalk
The South African Denel DH-2 Rooivalk attack helicopter made its combat debut on Monday 4 November, 2013 while conducting armed overwatch and close air support flights of UN personnel in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South African media has reported. The SAAF deployed three Rooivalk helicopters to the DRC in late October, clearing them to begin operations on...
Ethiopia Orders 200 Upgraded T-72s from Ukraine
Ethiopia has ordered more than 200 T-72 upgraded tanks from Ukraine, in a deal worth over US$100 million. State controlled arms exporter Ukrspecexport SC has signed the contract yesterday with the Defense Ministry of Ethiopia.
