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 CEO Dr. Stefan Zoller. “Our business has changed significantly in recent years. We are not two silos – one Defence and one Security, but a company that offers global protection in a wide sense. CASSIDIAN will soon be a distinguished and reputable
name for global security solutions,” said Zoller. He believes the new brand will help improve the company’s marketing its defense and security product portfolio, by establishing a clear-cut profile in the global market place, primarily in India, Brazil and the Middle East considered as major growth areas for CASSIDIAN. The company’s three business units – electronics, air systems and systems are also renamed with the new brand and logo.
The move is part of an overhaul of EADS brand identity, introduced on the 10th anniversary for EADS by CEO Louis Gallois. “This brand renovation embodies exactly the spirit of Vision 2020, our strategy for EADS’ next ten years: reinforce each of the four Divisions, give them the visibility they need to market their business and at the same time materialize the strength and unity of the Group” Gallois said. The new brand architecture has been revised for better integration within a common visual identity for the entire EADS Group and the four divisions – Airbus, Eurocopter, Defence and Security and Astrium. The new identity will be progressively implemented across the Group.
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 route identify Afghan fighting-aged males moving into the area while women and children seen leaving. The suspicious movement triggered an early warning passed to the patrol, moving along an aqueduct leading to the town of Derapet.
The firefight erupted as the patrol was still in an open, high area over the aqueduct. More insurgents join the fight, some are located less than 100 metres from the patrol. Taking defensive positions, the patrol reports the engagement to the CP and mark their position to prevent friendly fire by helicopters and other forces. ISAF Apache gunships are called in to support, opening fire with 30mm cannons, targeted by the patrol. Supported by the helicopters from above, and mutual coverage by elements holding the higher ground, the unit advances down the valley, moving along the aqueduct, providing relatively safe route for the troops. The three-hour firefight is summarized in this five-minute video.
After approximately three hours the patrol manage to break contact and move back to their vehicle drop-off location. The Australian force suffered one casualty, Lance Corporal Jared MacKinney killed in action.
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 jointly owned French corporation, to be located in Eragny and Montluçon in France and owned by the two companies in equal shares. The new company’s portfolio will comprise newly developed products, as well as current and derivative products, from Sagem and Elbit Systems. The new venture will target the French market and specific international markets, in which existing initiatives will continue through the JV. The new company will be formed by the equal contributions of assets from the two parent companies.
Sagem is the leading French developer and manufacturer of UAS. Two of the company’s products are the Sperwer Mk II tactical UAS and its derivatives, and the Patroller, a new medium altitude, long endurance drone.
Elbit Systems has a wide range of tactical UAS, from the lightweight Skylark 1LE and Skylark II, to the Hermes 90, and Hermes 450 which has already been considered by the French Army. A larger platform, Hermes 900 was recently added to the product line. Elbit Systems has an ongoing cooperation with Thales, for joint development, marketing and support of UAS. Thales is leading the Watchkeeper program in the UK, providing tactical UAS for the British Army. Development, production and support of these systems is provided by U-TACS, a JV established by the two companies, similar to the one Elbit is launching with Sagem.
Apart from their parallel UAS business lines, the two companies have also competing activities in the fields of electro-optical payloads, soldier systems, thermal imagers and and target acquisition systems.
U.S. undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, Ashton B. Carter. Photo: DOD
U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics Ashton B. Carter announced yesterday new rules guiding the Pentagon’s $400 billion-a-year procurement process. These guidelines are expected to save $100 billion over the next five years without impairing warfighting capabilities and readiness. By implementing this strategic reform, the Pentagon expects future systems will become more affordable, reliable and supportable.
“Consumers are accustomed to getting more for their money — a more powerful computer, wider functionality in mobile phones — every year,” said Gates “when it comes to the defense sector, however, the taxpayers had to spend significantly more in order to get more. We need to reverse this trend”. One of the key elements in Gates’ new rules is for program managers set a new affordability target. “This target can’t be altered without authority from Carter. Managers must ensure the initial design is constrained by its ultimate schedule and cost.” Gates explained, adding that this guidance will make programs more affordable without sacrificing capabilities and prevent us from embarking on programs that will need to be cancelled when they prove unaffordable.
Gates and Carter outlined the 23 areas expected to be improved by the plan. Specifically, new contracts will address and mandate affordability to control cost escalation. By implementing these procedures the Pentagon plans to reduce 27 percent in a program where costs are projected to be more than $100 billion.
Some of the new programs to be started in the near future will put the new rules to the test. These include the next-generation ballistic missile submarine (SSBNX), long-range strike systems for the Air Force and Navy, and the Marine Corps presidential helicopter and the ground combat vehicle. The later was cancelled recently and the current pause will enable the PM and industry to ‘start on the right foot’, along with the new procedures.
Under the new policy companies will be required to provide more predictable cost estimations and meet those costs down the road. They will be rewarded for efficiency, consistently delivering affordable systems on time, and below budget. 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, far exceeding their share of a program. Therefore, the new regulation, although positive in theory, is likely to cause significant concern among second and third tier suppliers.
On its part, the government will examine processes to streamline the process, for example, by committing multi-year contracts over year-by-year acquisition. More competition and the encouragement of small business enterprises are also considered vital for cost reduction. As an example, the littoral combat ship program shifting from directed to competitive buys, is expected to save over $1 billion.
To increase affordability and reduce life cycle cost, the Pentagon will require the use of open-system architecture.
Another area where the defense sector fails to achieve the results of the open market is in outsourcing contracts, considered a significant money saver in the commercial market. Outsourcing services in general have grown dramatically in the past decade. “This area that has grown to become a $200 billion annual cost to the department,” Carter said. “Half of our costs are for services, and we’re performing worse there,” he said. Indicated this inflated outsourcing should be better managed. To improve control, the Pentagon is shifting back to in house contract management. In the past year the Pentagon has been hiring procurement officers in the thousands to handle the acquisition process outsourcing to industry in the past decade. Aware of the potential of bureaucracy they may add, Carter promised to weed out those ‘ unproductive bureaucratic processes’.
Carter added that he will oversee progress daily and will provide progress reports to Gates monthly. “To those who hesitate, to those who fear to go down this path, they need to consider the alternative: broken promises, cancelled programs, unpredictability and uncertainty that is bad for industry, erodes taxpayer confidence, and worst of all, results in lost warfighter capabilities,” he said.
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 MPC will enable high-speed land maneuver as well as substantial ballistic protection to embarked marines.
Originally, the Marine Corps envisaged the MPC to provide ‘landward lift’ to the infantry battalions, with two vehicles lifting a reinforced squad.However, with the cancellation of the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) and possible cancellation of the Joint Light Tactical vehicle (JLTV) the corps re-assessed the roles of the MPC, adding amphibious capability to its requirements. This has eliminated most of the competitors that have not prepared for such capability but improved the prospects of companies like Iveco, with its SuperAV 8×8 variant, designed for amphibious operations from the beginning. Iveco is now teamed with BAE Systems for the MPC program. Lockheed Martin has teamed with Patria to offer an amphibious variant of the AMV for the MPC program. Patria has been offering the amphibious capability with the AMV as an option, but sofar it was not designed to operate at sea and high surf zone. The vehicle has already demonstrated more advanced amphibious capability to Marine Corps officials in amphibious tests in Finland.
MPC Demonstrator. Note th eV-shaped hull. Photo via: Wikipedia
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, off-road vehicle in the light armor segment that meets the needs of a wide variety of potential customers. With our lean manufacturing expertise and the low lifecycle cost of the Tiger we feel like this is an excellent teaming opportunity,” said Textron Marine & Land Systems General Manager Tom Walmsley.
MDT displayed the David Light Protected Vehicle in a new design, at the Eurosatory 2010 exhibition. This configuration offers good off-road mobility and enhanced protection from ballistic, mine and IEDs threats. Photo: Noam Eshel
The Tiger is based on a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) Dodge RAM 5500 platform, offering a cost effective, light protected class all terrain vehicle. The Tiger comfortably transports six to nine soldiers in an armor protected cabin offering effective ballistic and mine blast protection. The vehicle is designed to accommodate add-on armor enhancing protection to meet evolving threats. The Tiger’s 8.8 ton Gross Vehicle Weight, including the standard armor package and 1.5 ton payload. It is powered by a Cummins 350 HP diesel engine, large wheels, and a 127-inch wheel base, Tiger offers exceptional all terrain capabilities. It is equipped with heavy duty off-road suspension to ensure comfortable ride for the crew and effective off-road mobility. The roof is designed to accommodate remote controlled weapon station, or man-operated turret. According to Jonathan Whartman, MDT Armor Corporation Executive Vice President, the Tiger was designed as an affordable platform. MDT developed the armor solution separate from the chassis it rides on. “Our unique encapsulated cabin allows easy access to all components, or dismounting the entire cabin from the chassis” said Whartman. The armored cabin can then be installed on a new platform, therefore extending the armored vehicle’s service life and ensuring low life cycle cost. Vhartman added that by utilizing Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) Dodge platforms MDT ensures widespread support and cost effective maintenance.
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 the Royal Saudi Air Force, with the acquisition and modernization of more than 150 F-15S/SA fighters as part of a $30 billion multiyear investment. This package includes the acquisition of 84 new F-15SA fighter jets, replacing the Kingdom’s aging F-15C/D fighters, and the upgrading 70 existing F-15S strike fighters in service with the RSAF, bringing them to the same level of the new F-15SA.
The new F-15SA and the upgraded F-15S will include the APG-63(v)3 radar from Raytheon, the latest AESA radar developed for the Eagle. These aircraft will also carry the AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Targeting pod and Tiger Eye Navigation Pod (3rd Generation LANTIRN). On reconnaissance missions the DB-110 Reconnaissance Pod will be used. The Saudi acquisition represents the first application of DB-110 on the F-15 platform.
To further improve air combat capability the new Saudi Eagles will be equipped with Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS) and AN/AAS-42 Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems. The Saudis will also receive the latest version of the Sidewinder AIM-9X short range air/air missiles and AIM-120C/7 AMRAAM missiles. For air/surface attack the new Eagles will carry mostly precision guided weapons, including AGM-84 Block II Harpoon anti-ship missiles, AGM-88B HARM anti radiation missiles, 500 and 2,000 lb versions of enhanced Paveway II and III Dual Mode Laser/Global Positioning System (GPS) Guided bombs, 2,000 lbs JDAM GPS guided weapons, and CBU-105D/B Sensor Fuzed Weapons (SFW) utilizing Wind Corrected Munitions Dispensers (WCMD).
Apaches for All Services
In addition, the package includes the acquisition of over 180 helicopters for well over $25 billion, equipping a new aviation regiment under the Saudi Arabian National Guard’s new Aviation Command. As part of this package the U.S. will supply 36 new AH-64D attack helicopters, upgrading of existing Apaches, delivery of 36 AH-6 Little Bird light attack helicopters. The package also includes 72 Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk assault helicopters and 12 MD530 scout/liaison light helicopters.
The SANG aviation regiment will field 36 AH-64D (Apache Block III) attack helicopters, of which up to 20 will be equipped with mast mounted targeting systems, comprising the AN/APG-78 Fire Control Radars and AN/APR-48A Radar Frequency Interferometer sets. The 36 AH-6i light attack helicopters will carry Wescam MX15Di EO targeting systems, and be armed with GAU-19A 12.7mm Gatling guns and launchers for the firing of AGM-114R HELLFIRE II Missiles.
In addition to the RSNG Apache acquisition the Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) will also invest $3.3 billion acquiring 24 additional Block III Apaches, under a separate order. 10 of these helicopters will be fitted with the mast mounted target acquisition kit. For these gunships the Saudis opted for a weapons mix comprising of AGM-114R Hellfire, 30 mm automatic gun and 70mm laser guided rockets. The helicopters will be equipped with airborne satellite communications terminals. In addition, the Saudi Arabian Royal Guard will also buy 10 Apache Block IIIs, on a third order worth $2.2 billion. The configuration and weapon’s mix on these helicopters is almost identical to that of the Saudi Army.
The Saudis are also interested in fielding missile defense capability although the specific choices of weapons have not been decided yet. The Saudis are planning to integrate both land-based and, potentially, ship borne elements – once the Saudis commit to an adequate platform. Such systems commonly include variants of the SM-3 or THAAD interceptors, and early warning and fire control systems including the TPY-2 radar or TPY-1 AEGIS BMD naval systems. Unlike other countries in the region, the Saudis preferred to invest in modernizing their airpower but delayed the upgrade of their Patriot air defense systems, which could provide limited ballistic missile defense capability.
In recent years Saudi Arabia has bought military hardware from Russia (main battle tanks, helicopters) the U.K., (Typhoon strike fighters). The kingdom is yet to improve its air defense systems (probably, an element in the new package) and naval capabilities. As other Gulf States, Saudi Arabia is bolstering its military power against the growing from Iran. Most of the investments made by the rich Gulf countries were in missile defense and airpower, trusting the U.S. presence in the Persian Gulf to deal with the Iranian naval forces. On the other side of the Gulf, Iran is constantly expanding its naval capabilities and ballistic missile reach, seeking strategic domination of the region, by conventional and unconventional means.
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 recently, the Czech Republic. Adding the the two European partners to the KC-390 program is an important step introducing the new transport plane to NATO, particularly as a potential successor of transport planes used by Eastern European NATO members as well as those countries operating relatively smaller air forces.
Still on the drawing board, Embraer's KC-390 has won customer commitments for the acquisition of 52 aircraft. The first unit will be operational by 2015. Photo: Embraer
Embarking on four simultaneous cooperation programs underline the growing international interest and support for the program. Colombia intends to buy 12 aircraft, with Chile and Portugal buying six aircraft each. The Czech plans have not been made public but could materialize in the initial acquisition of two aircraft.
According to Orlando José Ferreira Neto, Embraer Executive Vice President – Defense Markets, the KC-390 project is moving ahead according to plan. The first flight of the airplane is expected for 2014 and entry into service for the end of 2015. “The most relevant wind tunnel tests campaigns have been concluded, allowing aerodynamic, structural and system configurations freezing.” Said Neto. Frederico Fleury Curado, Embraer President & CEO added that following the completion of the preliminary studies of the new jet transport, the company is now establishing the final configuration of the aircraft and the primary suppliers. The intended Portuguese buy places the prospective future sales of the KC-390 as of September 2010 at a total 52 airplanes.
Prospective Buyers Lineup
As early adaptors of the new transport plane, each of the countries is seeking industrial cooperation which Embraer is eager to share, leveraging part of the development and infrastructure costs involved with the new program. Following the declarative announcements the Embraer and its counterparts in Chile, Colombia and Portugal are expected to discuss the work share of each country in the future program. In addition, Argentina is also interested in joining the program as a supplier and customer.
Chile and Colombia are the largest operators of medium transport aircraft in Latin America. France and Sweden have also expressed support as part of offset buy supporting their respective offerings for Brazil’s F-X2 fighter program. Other prospects in the continent include Argentina and Bolivia (operating five C-130s each), Ecuador (2xC-130s) and Peru, operating seven Russian made An-32s.
KC-390 is configured as an aerial refueling aircraft from the baseline, equipped with two refueling pods carried underwing. Image: Embraer
Significant Wins
While these two countries represent two of Embraer’s existing customers, an order from Portugal means a major win for Brazil, introducing its new transporter with a NATO member for the first time. Portugal is currently operating six C-130H Hercules transport planes, Portugal also operates 10 EADS C-295 used for maritime patrol. Colombia is operating 7 C-130B/H transports and Chile operates three C-130B/H models. Colombia has been a loyal customer for Embraer in the past two decades.
For Colombia, the KC-390 deal means an opportunity to develop its local industry. “We are taking big steps to significantly speed up the development of the country’s aeronautics industry, through the Colombian Aeronautics Industry Corporation (CIAC)” Air Marshal Flavio Ulloa, Colombian Air Force Chief of Logistical Operations commented. Colombia will follow the Chilean company ENAER, which has been supplying structures for the 50 seat ERJ145 since the mid 90s.
KC-390 is designed for operation in extreme environments, from the polar zone to the tropics. Image: Embraer
A Tough Competitor
The mission portfolio of the KC-390 includes troops and cargo transportation in diverse and challenging environments such as the Antarctica and Amazon regions, in-flight refueling, search and rescue (SAR) and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC). The jet transport is designed to be faster than its turbo-prop powered competitors, yet it will be capable of operating from short and semi prepared runways.
According to preliminary assessment, the KC 390 cargo capacity should exceed the initial Brazilian requirement and achieve 23 tons. A full size model of the cargo hold was built to assess the aircraft internal space and typical cargo operations. The results of these evaluations have confirmed the aircraft’s versatility.
The KC-390 will feature Computed Air Release Point (CARP) technology integrated with the fly-by-wire system, which will bring greater accuracy to air dropping while lowering crew workload. The airplane will incorporate a modern avionics system, including two Head-Up Displays (HUD) and a complete self-defense system. To support night operations the KC-390 cockpit will be compatible with Night Vision Goggles (NVG) technology.
EMBRAER And FAdeA Sign Partnership Contract For KC-390 Program:
Embraer Defense and Security and the Argentine company FAdeA signed a partnership contract, today, for the KC-390 program. The announcement was made during a press conference held at LAAD Defense and Security 2011 (www.laadexpo.com), taking place in Rio de Janeiro. The agreement states that FAdeA will manufacture the spoilers (plates on the top surface of a wing for controlling wing lift), doors for the nose landing gear, ramp door, flap fairings, tail cone, and electronic cabinet.
This agreement arises from the Declaration of Intent signed by the Brazilian and Argentine Ministries of Defense in October 2010, whose scope reinforces the commitment of the Argentine government to acquire six KC-390 aircraft. The development program of the aircraft is moving ahead as planned. Production of the first prototype should begin in 2013 and the first flight take place in 2014.
On May 5, 2011 Embraer announced that Rockwell Collins will provide its Pro Line Fusion flight deck for Embraer KC-390 tanker/transport aircraft. The flight deck features the largest format displays available, enhanced graphic capabilities and available synthetic vision. Standard features on the KC-390 flight deck include: five high-resolution 15-inch diagonal liquid crystal displays, Integrated Flight Information Systems with electronic charts and enhanced maps, advanced Flight Management Systems with Wide Area Augmentation System that supports Localizer Performance with Vertical guidance approaches and Required Navigation Performance capabilities, advanced graphical flight planning capability and an Information Management System for databases and wireless interactivity with the ground infrastructure.
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 U.S. Air Force a similar search and rescue helicopter (CSAR-X program). Then they lost to the much heavier HH-47 Chinook, proposed by Boeing. Last month Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky announced their intention to offer the Air Force a modified version of the latest Black Hawk UH-60M tailored for CSAR missions.
For Combat Search and Rescue, the AW101 can be equipped with window or door mounted guns, defensive aids suite and air-to-air refueling equipment. Photo: AgustaWestlandA view from the cockpit of an AW-101. Photo: AgustaWestland
R. Scott Rettig, chief executive officer of AgustaWestland North America believes the HH-71, “has modern, stealthy capabilities are balanced out with the confidence of a mature, proven platform, as the full CSAR program requirements are developed.” Among the HH-71s’ attributes that could benefit its CSAR role are low acoustic signature, all-weather capability and effectiveness in austere environments such as sand and snow. The aircraft includes three engines providing aircrews the assurance that the mission can be safely completed, even under hostile or irregular warfare conditions. The spacious cabin space is wide enough to transport 35 seated troops or 16 stretchers for medical evacuations and room for on-board treatment – a significant capacity increase over the legacy platform. More than 155 AW101 helicopters were delivered to date, accumulating over 200,000 flight hours, some have been flying combat and support missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. For Combat Search and Rescue, the AW101 can be equipped with window or door mounted guns, defensive aids suite and air-to-air refueling equipment.
Other likely competitors for the US$1.7 billion program are the European NH Industries NH-90 or Eurocopter EC-725 Super Cougar, both proposed by EADS North America present a different possibility that could rely on one of the aircraft or a mix of both types. Boeing is also offering a mix of CH-47 Chinook and V-22 Tilt Rotor aircraft.
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 Winston Churchill “never has so much been owed by so many to so few”.
Two World War II fighters, a Spitfire and Hurricane fly in formation during a flight display commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Photo: Crown Copyright/MOD 2010
As part of the aerial displays this summer, synchronised flights were demonstrated by an RAF Typhoon and Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire. The Typhoon, from 29 Sqn Royal Air Force Coningsby seen below flew last flight this year at RAF Leuchars. The Typhoon was flown by Flt Lt Walton. The BBMF Spitfire was flown by Sqn Ldr Mason of RAF Wittering, a volunteer pilot with the Flight. “The iconic image that the pairing of these aircraft presents is one of inspiration from those who fought in the Battle of Britain to those who still fly and fight in the front line today.” Said Sqn Ldr Mason.
As part of the flight displays this summer, synchronised flight displays by an RAF Typhoon and Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire were demonstrated. The last flight this year was flown recently at RAF Leuchars. The Typhoon was flown by Flt Lt Walton from 29 Sqn RAF Coningsby. The Spitfire was flown by Sqn Ldr Mason, a volunteer pilot frm RAF Wittering. Photo: Crown Copyright/MOD 2010
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 will be in Bangalore, India – adjacent to HAL headquarters.
Multirole Transport Aircraft - the Indo-Russian program based on the Ilyushin Il-214 design.
The two countries are expected to equally share the development cost of around $600 million. Russia and India will also win equal work share of the planned production of 205 aircraft – the expected orders from Russia, India and a number of countries that have already expressed interest in a future replacement of aging Russian made transport planes. In India and Russia the MTA is slated to replace the aging fleet of An-32 transports. First flight of the IL-214 based MTA is expected in 2014 and the new transport could be operational by late 2015.
An Antonov An-32B of the Croatian Air Force releases flare countermeasures during a low-level pass. Photo: Goran Maravic
Unlike the Brazilian KC-390 program that dramatically took off in 2009, after two years of planning, the Indo-Russian MTA has been in the making since 1999, with the first Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between HAL and the Russian companies Ilyusihin and Irkut in 2001. It took six years for the parties to agree on common requirements and specifications for the plane. In 2008 Irkut bailed out from the program, to focus on its Superjet-100 (MC-21) civil transport plane. Ilyushin, now an operating unit in the UAC consortium, was hoping to spinoff the MTA into a similar 100 seat aircraft, continued the cooperation. Only after, which will be upgraded now from a loose bilateral inter-governmental operation into a commercial JV. The inclusion of the Russian defense export agency is expected to streamline export activities to countries where Russia has extensive defense exports, particularly in Asia, Latin America and the Middle East where MTA will run head to head with the Brazilian KC-390.
The twin-jet powered MTA will have a Maximum Take-Off Weight of 65 tons and payload capacity of 15-20 tons. Its length will be 33.2 meters, with a wingspan of 30.1 m’ and height of 10m’. Powered by two Aviadvigatel PD-14 turbofan engines, MTA will be able to cruise at a speed of 800 km/h, to a range of 2,500-2,700 km with full payload. Service ceiling will be 12 km. meeting the requirement of both Indian and Russian Air Forces. The aircraft will feature fly-by-wire system, full authority digital engine control, and avionics suite configured as a modern ‘glass cockpit’. The MTA will be capable of takeoff and landing from a runway of 1200 meters.
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 software fixes, leading to a lethal shoot-down experiment involving a solid-fuel target missile by the end of September 2010. Another test, scheduled for mid-October will involve lasing another solid-fuel missile at a distance three times the range of the last successful intercept of a liquid-fuel missile performed on February 11, this year. The recent failure came after repeated aborted test attempts in August, where issues attributed to calibration and component cooling prevented tests completion. Prior to these tests, the aircraft set idle for several months until minor damage to its optics, caused during a May 2010 test flight are repaired. Test range availability have also limited further flights since May this year.
The Boeing 747F modified into the YAL-1 Airborne Laser escorted by an F-16B chase plane on a test flight from Edwards AFB.The beam director of the Megawatt class chemical laser of the Airborne Laser (ABL) is inspected by visitors at the Edwards AFB. The laser has successfuly intercepted one target but failed in two other tests. Photo: Missile defense Agency
The recent intercept was the second failed attempt to shoot down a liquid-fuel missile during its boost phase. The first took place after the successful first intercept on February 11, 2010. While the February failure was caused by the megawatt laser shutting down prematurely, the recent mission terminated early, when corrupted beam control software steered the high energy laser slightly off center. preliminary indications are that a communication software error within the system that controls the laser beam caused misalignment of the beam. The on board safety system detected this shift and immediately shut down the high energy laser.
Additional reading:
Airborne Laser Demonstrates First Ballistic Missile Intercept (Defense-Update)
Airborne Laser Gears Up for Next Shoot-down Test (Space News)
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 failing to contain wildfires raging through western Russia for two months in the summer of 2010.
Beriev Be-200 Altair amphibious aircraft dump 12 tons of water on a simulated fire. In August 2010 Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin participated in such a flight (insert photo), putting out wildfires in Ryazan Region. The efficiency of the aircraft was clearly demonstrated as the Russian government placed an order for eight planes in less than a month. Insert photo: Rian/Novosti
Forest and peat bog fires raged in European Russia in July-August 2010 killing more than 50 people and destroying thousands of homes and crops in open farmland. The role of aerial firefighting with Be-200 amphibious planes was made clear when Prime Minister Vladimir Putin took part in putting out wildfires in Ryazan Region on board a Be-200. On this flight, the aircraft scooped up water from the nearby Oka River and dumped it on the flames.
The aircraft designed by the Taganrog-based Beriev Aviation Scientific-Technical Complex (TANTK) can be configured for fire fighting missions, search and rescue, maritime patrol, cargo and passenger transportation. In this configuration the Altair can hold 12 tons of water mixed fire retardant agents, dispersing its cargo over wildfires in areas difficult for access by other means of fire fighting.
Beriev is one of the world’s pioneers of amphibious flight. The company introduced its first amphibian aircraft in 1932 and is currently marketing the firefighting version of the BE-200 worldwide. BE-200 firefighters were demonstrated in the USA, and participated in active firefighting campaigns in Spain and Greece.
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 market leader in the past 35 years, and still going strong with the latest AJT version, and Korean T-50 Golden Eagle, eagerly promoted by Korea and U.S. based Lockheed Martin, still awaiting the international breakthrough.
M-346 from Alenia Aermacchi, positioned as the successor of the European Alpha Jet, is currently competing for the Polish and Israeli Air Force advanced trainer programs. Photo: Alenia Aermacchi
While offering high performance and good flying qualities that closely match modern single-seat fighters, M-346 is offering high safety standards and reduced acquisition and operating costs of a twin-seat trainer. The aircraft can also carry weapons and stores, supporting advanced training and secondary operational missions as a light attack aircraft. The structural design includes nine hard-points, and has provisions to install and integrate special equipment.
The M-346 cockpit is designed as a moder glass cockpit, and helmet mounted display (left). The avionics represented in the cockpit employ embedded 'virtual avionics' realistically representing advanced systems including radar, targeting systems, electronic warfare and other avionics, without the need to carry such expensive systems on board, or simulate a training combat-like environment in the real world. Yet the pilot can practice using these systems as part of regular flight training, based on input provided on board or from other aircraft or participants, networked training environments. Photos: Alenia Aermacchi
Sofar the M-346 was selected by three countries – Italy, UAE and Singapore. The Italian Air Force has also selected the aircraft for its Integrated Training System (ITS), comprising 15 aircraft. In the United Arab Emirates the M-346 will provide the core of their new training air fleet, training pilots to fly the F-16 Block 60 fighter. The UAE intend to buy 48 aircraft, 20 to be configured with secondary light attack capability. Singapore has also selected this model for their Fighter Wings Course (FWC) requirement. The new trainers will replace the current fleet of two-seat A-4 Skyhawk advanced trainers, training Singaporean pilots to fly the RSAF F-16 Block 52 fighters.
In a joint initiative promoting the aircraft within the European community, EADS Defence and Security (DS) and Finmeccanica have teamed to propose the M-346 for the Advanced European Jet Pilot Training (AEJPT) program, replacing the 40 year old Alpha Jet still in service with nine European air forces. M-346 is offered by this multi-national team as the ‘All European’ trainer, meeting the requirements of the AEJPT nations and the European Defense Agency (EDA) in terms of capabilities, flexibility, training effectiveness, interoperability, geographic allocation and industrial work share. The team intends to involve all other European firms from AEJPT member countries in the training service and base operating activities.
Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) T-50 Golden Eagle is one of two finalists selected for the Israel Air Force future trainer program. The aircraft will be procured by the IAF and supported under a multi-year maintenance package to be shared by IAI and ELbit Systems. Photo: Defense-Update
Another opportunity for the M-346 is the Israel Air Force, seeking to replace upgraded single-seat operational trainers such as the A-4 Skyhawk and Block 10+ F-16A Falcon. The two finalists considered by the Israel Air Force are the M-346 and the K-50 proposed by a Korean Aerospace (KAI) and Lockheed Martin. Israel Aerospace Industries and Elbit Systems have also reached an agreement supporting the platform selected by the IAF with full training and logistical package. Both companies are already providing such services supporting lead-in trainers, advanced trainers and simulator farms operated by the IAF.
The latest prospect is Poland – which published this week an international tender for the delivery of the Lead-In Fighter Trainer (LIFT) – as part of an Integrated Aviation Personnel Training System, to include 16 jet trains, training and logistical support. Poland expects the bids by October 4th, 2010. Potential bidders expected to submit offers are Italian Alenia Aermacchi of the Finmeccanica group, the company brought its latest trainer, the M-346 to MSPO, Poland’s annual defense exhibition. Finmeccanica has set its eyes on the Polish opportunity for several years, with the M-346 participating in evaluations in Poland and Polish airshows and events since 2006.
Both M-346, Hawk AJT and T-50 are expected to compete for the world’s largest opportunity for jet trainers – the USAF trainer replacement competition (T-X). BAE Systems has already announced its plans to compete, the likely opponent is Lockheed Martin, teamed with KAI on the T-50. As for Finmeccanica, the Italian group is expected to team with a U.S. group to effectively compete with these two giants. Among the candidates are L-3 which already participates with Alenia on the C-27 program.
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Executive Summary
The past week (September 18-25, 2025) represents an inflection point where strategic defense concepts have transitioned from doctrine to tangible reality. An analysis of global events reveals four primary, interconnected trends shaping an...
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The Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition (TADTE) 2025 crystallized around four dominant strategic themes that collectively illustrate Taiwan's comprehensive approach to defense modernization amid escalating regional tensions. Based on a detailed report by Pleronix (available upon request). Includes a Podcast discussion on TADTE 2025's highlighting Taiwan's four strategic themes beyond the post's coverage.
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