The Boeing F-15E Radar Modernization Program (RMP) recently received the designation of AN/APG-82(v)1 from the U.S. Air Force. The upgrade includes the Raytheon-built APG-82 radar, incorporating an Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar (AESA) and a new wideband radar radome, improving multi-mission performance, detection capability and tracking of enemy targets. Other enhancements include the integration of a new Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) also employing an electronically scanned antenna, and better screening between the radar and electronic warfare system, enabling both systems to operate simultaneously in adjacent frequency bands.
The APG-82 is currently in the System Development and Demonstration phase. Raytheon will produce developmental and flight-test radar units to support integration of the APG-82 into the F-15E weapons system. Flight tests will begin in January 2010, and Boeing expects to achieve initial operational capability during fiscal year 2014. “The F-15E RMP is one of the most significant modifications to the F-15E since its inception,” said Mark Bass, F-15 Program vice president. “The RMP will ensure the F-15E remains supportable and combat-ready well into the future.”
The AESA design contributes to increasing radar reliability by almost 20 times as it also improves maintainability, sustainability and performance, and reduces support costs. The enhanced system will provide up to an additional 250 percent liquid cooling capacity, which is required for incorporation of the APG-82 radar.
Other RMP modifications include the addition of Raytheon’s new Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Electronically Scanned Array antenna, which was developed for the F-15C APG-63(v)3 radar system, as well as new Radio Frequency Tunable Filters (RFTF) enabling the radar and the aircraft’s Electronic Warfare System to function at the same time, minimizing degradation to either system. GDATP-Marion Operations of Marion, Va., is developing the new F-15E wideband radome, while Microsource Inc. developed the modified RFTF in Santa Rosa, Calif. Honeywell provides the improved ECS from its facility in Torrance, Calif. Raytheon’s Towson, Md., facility provides the IFF system, and its El Segundo, Calif., facility produces the AESA radar.
UAVs at DSEi 07: A novel design of an unmanned aerial vehicle, utilizing tandem rotor configuration was introduced by Dragonfly Pictures. The company displayed at DSEi 07 its electrically powered DP-6 Whisper tandem rotorcraft, as part of a comprehensive border surveillance systems solution provided by Harris. The main advantage of this unique design is the low acoustic signature associated with the electrical propulsion and tandem rotor design, enabling the Whisper to remain stealthy, particularly at night and over densely forested or urban terrain..
According to Michael W Piasecki, founder and president of Dragonfly Pictures, the 50 lb air vehicle can carry a payload weighing up to 26 pounds. Carrying 15 lbs DP 6 can operate on a 30 minute mission. Extending mission duration to 60 minutes requires allocating 12 lbs for additional batteries, leaving only 2.2 lbs for payload. The payload could comprise of a single, or dual EO day/night sensor, as well as acoustic sensors, loudspeakers or electronic surveillance gear. According to Piasecki the Whisper which could be employed on longer missions utilizing a novel ‘hot spot’ power recharging scheme, where the helicopter could perch on rooftops for passive surveillance and recharging, hopping from point to point to cover a large area over an urban or open terrain. The UAV is designed to locate the recharging hotspot automatically, performing automatic landing and takeoff. DP-6 may require about 15 minutes recharging its batteries for 30 minute flight.
Alternatively, the UAV could be tethered, providing unlimited endurance over a designated point. DP6 is designed to dash at a maximum speed of 70 knots and climb at a rate of 850 ft per minute regardless of operating altitude. Typically, these systems could operate continuously for over 24 hours, hovering at an altitude of about 30 meters above ground. At these positions, Whispers could carry out force protection missions by covert or overt perimeter security, surveillance missions or support operations in urban or densely wooded or jungle environment with communications relay or provide an ad-hoc hub for wireless networking.
The company is working on a larger version, powered by a piston engine, capable of carrying payloads in the range of 30 pounds (15 kg) on missions of about 10 hours. Dragonfly Pictures expects these systems to compete for the future US Marine Corps Tier II UAV program. DP-6 and DP-12 are two examples of Dragonfly Picture’s latest VTUAV concepts, which include heavier and faster long-endurance platforms.
QinetiQ, teamed with specialist vehicle contractor MacNeillie & Son to offer a vehicle based on MacNeillie’s Military Armored carrier System (MACS) design.
MacNeillie developed the MACS to be adaptable for various military applications weighing 9.5 to 14 tons. The vehicle design started from a ‘clean sheet’ and matured into a prototype within a few months. The vehicle is based on a Mercedes-Benz Unimog commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) high mobility 4×4 powertrain, running gear and components. The basic design uses monocoque armored body shell made of high grade steel, which can be upgraded to accommodate higher protection levels, including appliqué armor, v-shaped hull and wheel arches, to mitigate IED threats. Despite the weight increase derived by the higher protection level, the basic vehicle’s width is maintained within the track, to allow stand-off protection (such as slat armor) to be carried without excessive overhang.
The MACS measurements are 5.773 meters in length, 2.36 m width. Its height is 2.445 m. The gross weight can be constrained for air transport. The vehicle’s interior is designed to accommodate seven fully equipped troops, a commander and driver. The hull has five access points, including driver and commander’s side doors, a side access door with an armored window located on each side and two access doors at the rear. The vehicle is equipped with hydraulically powered air conditioning system, enabling full power operation even when the engine runs on idle. The vehicle will be capable of carrying payload of 2,500 – 3,000 kg for the base vehicle at 10 tons gross vehicle weight (GVW), or 5,000 – 6,000 for the 14 ton GVW variant.
Syrian Vice President Farouk al-Sharaa promised last week that Syria’s response would be forthcoming to avenge Damascus’ humiliation by the alleged Israeli air incursion into its airspace. Dr Boaz Ganor, executive director of the International Policy Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) in Herzliya, has commented on the various options, that President Bashar Assad has in store. Ganor: “The Syrians have a variety of possibilities to operate against Israel, from urging Hezbollah to heat up the northern border through one action or revert to high-trajectory fire directed at Israeli targets.” In fact, the Israeli defense establishment does not rule out a Syrian attempt to respond sometime with missile fire and has already taken precautionary measures to meet this threat.
So are Israel and Syria edging closer to war? Tension between the two longtime enemies has increased substantially and the recent incident may well become the trigger for a full-scale conflict of some kind. One thing is quite certain, Syria sees the next war with Israel involving missile attacks on civilian infrastructure, an anonymous senior official in the Damascus Ministry of Defense, warned recently. Fully aware of Israel’s military superiority, especially it air force, the Syrian military prefers to avoid a direct, classic warfare confrontation with the IDF, in which it may well fare even worse than in the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Instead, the next war will involve Katyusha rockets and ballistic missiles that will target strategic points in Israel, and escalate dangerously into a full-scale city war.
According to Arab affairs expert Dr Guy Bechor, the Syrian assessment is a result of the Second Lebanon War. After that war, the Syrians understood that they do not need a large ground force to defeat Israel, but rather missiles aimed at dense Israeli population centers. Indeed, for the past two years the Syrians have been engaged in massive acquisitions from Russia, after an $11 billion debt was partially forgiven by Russia in 2005, and mainly through a tab taken on by Iran’s president Ahmadinejad.
One of the worst case scenarios facing the Israeli defense community, in its short-term assessment period is Syria’s chemical weapons potential, combined with its medium-range missile arsenal. (see defense-update analysis Syrian Ballistic Missile Arsenal by the author).
The Syrian Chemical Warfare Potential
Syrian chemical weapons development has been largely spurred by its disastrous conventional military defeats by Israel in 1967, 1973, and 1982. Syrian President Hafez al-Assad was Minister of Defense during the 1967 Six-Day War, during which the Golan Heights were captured by Israeli forces. After seizing power and assuming the presidency in 1971, Assad sought to bolster Syria’s strategic capabilities by pursuing the development of chemical weapons and ballistic missile delivery systems. After Syria’s air force was routed by Israeli jet fighters in 1982, losing 86 planes in a single engagement over the Bekaa valley in Lebanon, Syria apparently decided that surface-to-surface missiles could counter Israel’s air superiority. From a strategic perspective, long-range missiles such as the Scud could offer a means to deliver chemical weapons in response to Israel’s nuclear threat.
For several decades, Israeli intelligence has monitored Syria’s clandestine efforts to reach strategic parity with Israel’s military potential. Fully aware of Israel’s unchallenged air superiority, Syria opted for missiles, but while these could reach into Israel, strategic effect could only be achieved by weapons of mass destruction, arming ballistic missile warheads. Realistic assessment ruled out Syria’s potential in developing nuclear capability in foreseen time, and although efforts were made to develop bio-weapons, Syria’s national emphasis during the last two decades has been devoted to chemical weapons.
The first to start this trend, was Abdullah Watiq Shahid, a nuclear physicist, who founded the government funded Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC) in 1971, ostensibly a civilian science agency, but soon operating under the cloak of high secrecy in developing weaponized chemical substances. The first facility, which started producing such material, was named the Borosilicate Glass Project, established with aid from a German company. The facility produced dual-purpose chemicals, such as dichloro ( 2- chlorovinyl) arsine, a substance which is the main source of the GB Sarin-A nerve agent. Another company named Setma sprung up in the outskirts of Damascus, which imported trimethyl phosphate from India, under the pretense to produce organophosphate insecticide for Syrian agriculture purposes. This substance, experts know, is a precursor for the weaponization of nerve agents.
A more ambitious program was started during the eighties, when Syria’s military patrons, the Soviet Union rendered vital information over the production process of advanced chemical warfare weapons. This brought about the development of aerial bombs containing binary sarin gas. The Syrians modified the Russian Zab – 2.5 incendiary shells to include chemical warheads, using DF and isopropyl alcohol substances in a binary system.
The binary projectile usually contains 2 separate, hermetically sealed, plastic-lined containers fitted one behind the other in the body of the projectile. In the sarin (GB) binary weapon, the forward canister contains methylphosphonic difluoride (DF). The rear canister contains isopropyl alcohol and isopropylamine solution (OPA). For safety storage, only the forward canister is in the munition prior to use. Before firing, the rear canister is added and the fuse is placed. The launching forces cause the canisters to break, thus producing GB within the projectile.
During the nineties, the Syrians explored new ways to develop chemical warheads of even more lethal capability. They used the ex-Soviet aerial cluster bomb PTAB-500 to modify its warhead to carry chemical weapons load.
But a real strategic nature breakthrough was achieved when Syrian scientists started to develop the notorious weaponization grade VX substance. VX, known under the chemical name O-ethyl-S-(2-isopropylaminoethyl) methyl phosphonothiolate rates among the most potent chemical weapons in the world. It has a high persistence and is life threatening when inhaled through the human respiratory system and penetrates the skin, with deadly effect. Israeli intelligence has long monitored activities in suspected VX production facilities near Hama and Homs in northern Syria.
According to intelligence reports, Syrian air force have carried out a live chemical weapons bombing test in October 1999, when a MiG-23 jet dropped a bomb filled with an unidentified chemical weapons agent on a practice range. The test was detected by US spy satellites, which identified distinct coloration on the impact area, indicating a chemical explosion. According to intelligence estimates, Syria’s strategic chemical weapons stockpile is still primarily composed of the nerve agent sarin. However, latest reports indicate that Syria has successfully produced the much more persistent nerve agent VX and that it may have tested missile warheads armed with VX.
In a study prepared by Dr Danny Shoham, a leading Israeli expert on chemical biological warfare, he explained that by using a combination of volatile (i.e., sarin) and more persistent agents (i.e., mustard, VX), Syria has the capability of utilizing CW in very different tactical scenarios. Sarin is extremely deadly, but it evaporates about as rapidly as water. An attack using this agent could inflict high casualties near a battlefront, but because it dissipates quickly it could permit an attacking force to seize territory without major risk to its own troops.
A Syrian attack to retake the Golan Heights might include the use of sarin munitions (although it should be noted that Israeli troops deployed in the area are equipped with advanced chemical defense suites suitable for such a contingency.) Compared to VX nerve agent, sarin is also relatively easy to disseminate.
Due to its viscous nature, VX requires some sort of aerosolization. However, VX could be most effective in attacking an adversary’s rear areas, including military installations and logistical networks such as airports and train stations. Most people whose skin comes into contact with as little as one drop of VX will die, unless they receive very swift medical intervention. Furthermore, Dr Shoham warns, that VX nerve agent would remain hazardous for at least several days, requiring labor-intensive and time-consuming decontamination procedures.
The reliable German newspaper Die Welt reported in September 2004 that Syrian special forces held maneuvers with Sudani Government forces experimenting with chemical weapons of Syrian origin. According to the Welt report, in its original German language version, it was proposed that the arms be tested on the rebel SPLA, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army, in the south. Injuries caused by chemical arms were found on the bodies of the victims, according to unnamed sources quoted by the German daily Die Welt newspaper and witnesses who talked with the Arab news ILAF last month. Several frozen bodies arrived suddenly at the “Al-Fashr Hospital” in the Sudanese capital Khartoum in June that year. Die Welt claimed to have documents from Western intelligence agencies, concluding that an exercise in chemical warfare had indeed taken place. The reports, which had spread all over the global media in 2004, although vehemently denied, proved extremely embarrassing to Bashar Assad’s Alawite regime, at it was well known that Syria had already established the most deadly chemical warfare arsenal in the Middle East.
According to western intelligence sources based on information from inside Syria, a test with chemical weapons aerial delivery was staged by a special Syrian air force unit at its base near Homs. Strangely the test was made on July 11, 2006 just one day before the attacks by Hezbollah on Israel’s border, which triggered the Second Lebanon War. According to the reports, the tests involved the delivery of Sarin and VX through Syria’s Scud missile arsenal (Scud-B and Scud-C) produced in Syria with the help of North Korea.
Al-Safir chemical warfare complex (right, marked in green) and the Kafr Aakkar missile base (left, marked in light blue). An SA-2 missile is seen on the far right (marked in red)
The deadly effect of the chemical warfare agents produced at the el-Safir military complex near Haleb (Allepo) was demonstrated on the night of July 25, 2007, apparently by an accident, which happened while Syrian engineers working on a Scud C warhead. 15 syrians were reportedly killed in the explosion that, according to official Syrian sources, was caused by sympathetic explosion due to an uncommon summer heat wave (the event happened at night, when the temperature is relaively low). According to Janes Defense Weekly, the casualties also included Iranian experts that were present at the site. According to Jane’s, sarin and VX agents were dispersed over a large area after the accidents, causing severe burns.
July 2007: As part of "Exercise Indradhanush 2007", the Indian Air Force deployed the Sukhoi-30 MKI air superiority fighter to the UK. The Su-30 MKI is shown being escorted through UK airspace by a Royal Air Force 17Sqn Eurofighter Typhoon. Photo: Eurofighter.
The UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the Government of Saudi Arabia has reached agreement with the UK Government to purchase 72 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. The agreement follows plans outlined in December 2005 to establish a greater partnership in modernizing the Saudi Arabian Air Force. The Eurofighter deal is part of a larger defense cooperation program, known as “Project Salam” which will also include comprehensive training and in-country support. The new program continues a long and successful association between the Royal Saudi Arabia Air Force and the British aerospace industry, which leads back to the delivery of Lightning fighters to the Arabian kingdom.
The current agreement goes back to 1985 when the Governments of Saudi Arabia and the UK signed a formal understanding known as Al-Yamama (arms for oil package). This program included the supply of 120 Tornado IDS and ADVs, Hawk and PC-9 aircraft, replacing the old Lightnings. This deal also included associated support services, equipment, weapons, ammunition and electronic warfare systems. Most of the Tornados have been upgraded by now.
Under current agreement the Typhoon aircraft would replace Tornado ADV fighters and other aircraft currently in service with the Royal Saudi Air Force. BAE Systems would also invest in local Saudi companies, develop an industrial technology plan, and train thousands of Saudi nationals to support the new equipment.
July 2007: As part of "Exercise Indradhanush 2007", the Indian Air Force deployed the Sukhoi-30 MKI air superiority fighter to the UK. The Su-30 MKI is shown being escorted through UK airspace by a Royal Air Force 17Sqn Eurofighter Typhoon. Photo: Eurofighter.
Following the initial deployment of the S-400 strategic anti-missile air defense system, the Russian Army plans to embark on a modernization of its tactical air defense assets, with the fielding of a modernized version of the Tor-M2 and BUK M3 missiles.
Tor M2 features significantly enhanced target acquisition capabilities and shorter close-in (minimum range) capability of 1,000 meters, improving its effectiveness protecting against precision guided weapons. Another improvement will be fielded with the Buk M1 system (SA-11 Gadfly) which will be upgraded to M3 capability.
This version is expected to become operational by 2009 featuring modernized electronics. Some 400 SA-8 (Gecko) mobile air defense units currently in service will also be modernized. By that time, mobile short range Tunguska missile-gun system, and Strela 10 (SA-13 Gopher) will also be modernized with improved all-weather and night capability.
The U.S. Army has awarded a five year contract worth up to $280 million to supply up to 3,000 small robotic vehicles, designed to combat IEDs and clear caves and buildings in combat areas. The contract is part of the Army’s response to a Joint Urgent Operational Needs Statement from commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Army requires thousands such robots, weighing less than 50 pounds each to assist troops to clear objectives in urban areas and combat IEDs.
Robotic FX is the new Negotiator, a 45 pound platform, sofar used by law enforcement units. The robot is equipped with a manipulator arm, multiple lighting LEDs and cameras, and offers high mobility and maneuverability over rough terrain. The Army is already operating over 4,000 small robots; among these about a thousand are the PacBot types, made by iRobot which also competed for the same contract. The new contract represent the military’s intention to widen its supplier base, therefore increasing pace such robots are produced and fielded.
The Playmouth based DML Company will supply the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) with Mobility Weapons-Mounted Installation Kit (MWMIK) to be used for long range patrols in Afghanistan. MWMIK continues a long tradition of long range desert patrol vehicles, pursued by the British forces since the early 20th century, and clearly demonstrated its validity in the Western Desert in WW2 and during the first gulf war.
These highly mobile, off-road platforms are based on a Supacat design, offering superior cross-country mobility and flexible aerial deployment options. While the basic chassis is unarmored, but since MWMIK has larger payload capacity, compared to previous Land Rover based vehicles, it could be installed with add-on protection where required. The vehicle is powered by a Cummins diesel engine and an Allison transmission. The chassis will be built by Universal Engineering.
The vehicle is designed to be equipped with armor protection while maintaining full performance. Its top speed is 80 mph. Typical weapons which can be mounted on three pintle mounted gun mounts include .50 caliber machine gun, 7.62 machine guns and an automatic grenade. The vehicle carries up to three soldiers with their individual weapons. DML has also recently been awarded a separate contract for a number of MEP (Military Enhancement Program) vehicles. These are 6×6 load carrying all-terrain vehicles based on the same technology as MWMIK.
STORM H is an individual, wearable Radio-Controlled IED (RCIED) counter-measure jammer, designed to protect dismounted troops on foot patrols. The device is sized similar to a hand-held radio, and can be worn in a pouch or pocket, or clipped to webbing.
These new devices enable dismounted troops to safely move away from the restricted field of operation immediately surrounding an ECM vehicle or the ECM member of a foot patrol, enabling each individual soldier to move freely, taking their IED protection with them.
The system covers the 20-470 Mhz waveband with fully programmable control, enabling mission profiling, interoperability with communications systems an operational flexibility, making it adaptable to changing threat environments. The man portable system is a low power module. When mounted in the vehicular docking station, a power amplifier is used to boost the signal to 10 watts, thereby increasing the protection bubble while charging the batteries.
There have been persistent allegations that Syria’s regime wants to create its own nuclear weapons capability. Already in 1991 former U.S. Senator Jesse Helms reported before a Senate committee that there were “credible reports” that “China is engaged in furthering the nuclear weapons ambitions of Syria and Iran”. Helms did not elaborate on these “reports” or their origins. In fact, to the contrary, then CIA director John Deutch testified before the U.S. Senate that “Syria’s nuclear research program is at a rudimentary level and appears to be aimed at peaceful uses at this time”. Sources also emphasized that all Syrian activities were subject to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. But the cause for concern among allied intelligence communities rose, when CIA report notes revealed the controversial Russian-Syrian cooperation agreement which became finalized in 1998, still under Hafez Assad’s rule in Damascus. Nuclear intelligence experts then assessed that Syrian efforts to acquire dual-use technologies could be applied to a future secret nuclear weapons program.
Ominous signs foreboded further concern when news trickled out of Syria, that President Bashar al-Asad held secret negotiations with Iran’s Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, to secure Tehran’s assistance for a group of Iraqi nuclear scientists who were sent to Damascus before Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. The reports indicated a group of about 12 middle-ranking Iraqi nuclear scientists and their families that were secretly transported to Syria before the collapse of Saddam’s regime. Allegedly, the scientists who brought with them boxes of CDs crammed with research data on Saddam’s nuclear program, were given new identities, including Syrian citizenship papers and falsified birth, education and health certificates. Since then they have been hidden away at a secret Syrian military installation where they have probably been conducting research work for the Syrian military.
New focus on Syria’s nuclear ambitions highlighted earlier this week, when, following the unprecedented security clamp-down in Israel on the mystery-filled air strike over Northern Syria, American media, allegedly reporting on information leaked by unnamed official Washington sources, indicated, for the first time that Israel had “struck at a secret Syrian nuclear installation” and destroyed it. This triggered a flurry of reports, from various sources in the Arab Middle East trying to raise the dense fog which stubbornly persisted among the tight-lipped Israeli and US officials. An interesting report by the Paris based ‘Iran Press Service’ revealed a story claiming that the Israeli attack targeted the village of Tal Abyadh, near Deir az Zohr, 160 Kilometers north of Raqqa, but without indicating the nature of this target area. IPS claimed, though, that Israel completely destroyed a long-range missile base and that Israeli leaders suspected Syria and Iran building nuclear arms with the help of North Korea. Although this report, among others, privy to the so-called Iranian resistance opposition sources must always be taken with a large “pinch of salt”, may have some truth inserted, which should rate further examination.
Defense related cooperation between Syria and North Korea have been known for many years, mainly in the realm of extended Scud missiles. Even between the nation’s leaders relation warmed considerably during the last years.
On February 2002, President Bashar Assad personally conveyed the gift of a special sword to North Korean leader Kim Yong Il. In 2006 Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Supreme People’s Assembly, met and had a friendly talk with the Syrian government economic delegation.
In fact, a rare statement by Kim Jong Il’s regime, denouncing Israel’s alleged incursion into Syria, raised speculation about a possible North Korean role in the current tensions between Damascus and Jerusalem. Pyongyang’s public statement, strangely coincidented just as press reports from Washington said Israel had recently used its air force in an attempt to document alleged transfers of North Korean nuclear technology to Syria.
It has been an open secret, that Damascus has become the main focus of clandestine activities pertaining to weapons of mass destruction smuggling since the American-led coalition forces invaded Saddam Hussein’s Iraq in March 2003. In January 2004, David Kay, former head of the coalition’s hunt for Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction, claimed that part of Saddam Hussein’s secret weapons program was already hidden somewhere in Syria.
Behind these top secret activities seemed to be a former Iraqi air force general, an Assyrian- Christian named Georges Hormiz Sada. On January 24th 2006, Sada announced the publication of a book he had written entitled Saddam’s Secrets: How an Iraqi General Defied And Survived Saddam Hussein, with the tagline “An insider exposes plans to destroy Israel, hide WMDs and control the Arab world.” In his book, Sada claimed that Saddam Hussein ordered to fly portions of the WMD stockpiles to secret locations in Syria. Although Sada’s book included some highly contradictory material, the Post OIF coalition fact-finding mission (ISG) hunting for suspected stockpiles of WMD, ruled that although it was unlikely that an “official” transfer of WMD material from Iraq to Syria took place. However, it also acknowledged that ISG was unable to complete its investigation and was unable to “rule out the possibility that WMD was evacuated to Syria before the war.”
A United Nations briefing indeed determined that Saddam Hussein shipped weapons of mass destruction components as well as medium-range ballistic missiles before, during and after the U.S.-led war against Iraq in 2003. The UN Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission briefed the Security Council on new findings that could help trace the whereabouts of Saddam’s missile and WMD program. The briefing even contained satellite photographs demonstrating the speed with which Saddam dismantled his missile and WMD sites before and during the war.
In January 2004, a prominent Syrian journalist named Nizar Nayyouf, known for his challenging reports on the Damascus regime, defected to Europe and published, what he claimed to be Bashar’s top secret hiding places of Saddam’s WMD caches in Syria. According to Nayyouf’s report, the storage is in three locations: Tunnels dug under the town of al-Baida, near Homs, being part of a secret underground factory built by North Korea for Scud Missiles and chemical weapons storage. Another is placed at the Syrian airforce camp at Tal Snan, north of Salamija and the third near the city of Sjinsjar, south of Homs, on the border with Lebanon, where armed air force patrols are in control of a large bunker facility.
As for Syria’s own nuclear program, intelligence sources have indicated that recent progress has finally accelerated efforts which had stalled any progress for years, due to continued financial constraints. In 1988 Syria initiated an ambitious plan to build no less six nuclear power reactors scheduled by the late 1990s capable of producing 6,000MW at a cost of $3.6 billion. Although Belgium, the then Soviet Union and Switzerland were approached for assistance, the plan came to nought as a result of mostly financial, but also technical issues.
Nevertheless, GlobalSecurity reported that in 1991, the Peoples Republic of China reporting to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) the potential sale of a 30 KW research reactor to Syria. However, the IAEA blocked the sale and Syria subsequently reduced its nuclear activities. Another effort in 1995, became nullified when the US persuaded Argentina into abandoning a proposed sale of a reactor to Syria. Two years later, in 1997, it was reported that the Russian government was interested in selling a nuclear reactor to Syria. Indeed, on 23 February 1998, Syria and Russia signed an agreement on the peaceful use of nuclear energy. In July 1998, the two sides agreed on the time table for the realization of a 25-MW light-water nuclear research center project in Syria with the participation of Russia’s Atomstroyeksport and Nikiet. In addition, Russia and Syria have approved a draft program on cooperation on civil nuclear power. Broader access to Russian expertise could provide opportunities for Syria to expand its indigenous capabilities, should it decide to pursue nuclear weapons. According to a London Financial Times report on January 16, 2003, Russian government sources indicated that Russia is negotiating to build a nuclear power plant in Syria. Syrian officials neither confirmed nor denied this report.
The U.S. National Intelligence Council noted in December 2001that the American intelligence community “remains concerned about Syria’s intentions regarding nuclear weapons”. The report indicated the establishment of nuclear research center at Dayr Al Hajar including a small Chinese-supplied research reactor. Three years later, in 2004 there came intelligence reports alleging that Syria may have acquired centrifuge enrichment technology from the A. Q.Khan network. That same year, an agreement reportedly was signed between Syria and Iran on defense and military cooperation. There are reports that Syria has conducted significant work to examine the feasibility of exploiting phosphatic rock to recover uranium. It is well known that the country is rich in phosphate sediments deposits and produces around one-fifth of the phosphate rock mined in the entire Middle East. According to statistics, in 2001, Syria mined over 2.04 million tons of phosphate. A uranium recovery micro-pilot plant is already operating at Homs. There were also reports that Syria had obtained potential acquisition of enrichment technologies from the notorious A.Q. Khan network. According to one report issued in August 2004, American officials believed that Syria received “an unspecified number” of P1 centrifuge components “in what could be the most significant step” in the country’s “nascent nuclear weapons program.”
Wether Syria will join Iran in its race towards nuclear wepons capability, or limit its activities in peaceful research remains debatable. Will the recent “air show” mystery over northern Syria may decide the issue?
Multi-purpose Troop Transport Carrier System (MTTCS) developed by Teledyne Brown Engineering and SAIC, to address military requirements for safe transport and rapid deployment of troops and fortifications. The basic shelter accommodates up to 10 people and their associated gear while countering the ballistic threats of small-arms fire, up to and including 7.62 mm AP, and most fragmentation from Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast threats.
The modular armored shelter can be mounted on medium or heavy trucks or dismount to a fixed position, such as checkpoints access control points, medical facilities or forward command and control point. Each four foot armor module has a built-in roll cage with four point seat harness restraints. Each module mounts an escape hatch, hinged ballistic glass protected firing and view ports, and roof mounted gun ring for M2, M240, MK19 weapons. MTTCS structures weighing 4,400 up to 9,600 pounds are combined of edge ports, center modules to form various types of fortifications suitable for the specific mission. Each module can be sling loaded to the forward area. The MTTCS has been test proven by the Rapid Equipping Force (REF) at the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command, and has undergone combat operational evaluation under REF sponsorship in Iraq.
The Telepresent Rapid Aiming Platform (TRAP) T-250D Mk IV is a lightweight, remotely controlled weapon mount. The system is mounted on a vehicle and can also be dismounted within few minutes, enabling users to remotely control a variety of sniper rifles or light machine guns. TRAP is designed to carry various weapons, from a standard M4, M16 to M-249 SAW, M-240 and the SR-25 sniper rifle up to the 0.50 Caliber M-82A-1M Barret high power sniper rifle. TRAP’s overall system weight is 62 lbs (31.7 kg) including the remote mount, controller and 360° drive.
The system uses imaging sensors which can be viewed on a portable controller, displaying a stabilized video image, with superimposed reticle showing the aimpoint, adjusted to compensate for measured range, and associated target location grid coordinates. TRAP can be located at distance of up to 109 yards (100 m’) from the controller, linked by cable. Multiple TRAPs can be linked to a single control center, to provide improved perimeter protection and control. The modular optics package can include a wide-angle search camera with 26X zoom capability (use of a doubler or tripler magnifiers is optional), a thermal camera, night vision optics, and a gunsight camera slaved to either a riflescope or hologram sight. The system is currently undergoing testing with the Marines. Procurement decision is expected by mid 2007.
L3 Communications designed the XM116 to improve the combat effectiveness of fire support weapons, particularly the Mk19 Automatic Grenade Launcher. The system can be adapted to support 0.50 Caliber machine guns (M2HB) and other types of weapons and ammunition.
Designed for manned and remotely operated weapon applications, the system improves the weapon’s operator situational awareness and survivability, enables rapid target engagement and increased capability in day and night. XM116 uses an eye-safe laser rangefinder effective up to five kilometers.
The 3 lbs system incorporates a day/night full-solution fire control and a fuse setter for air-bursting 25mm ammunition used by the XM-25. The aimpoint, with ballistic correction, is projected on the viewer in day and night operation. Day channel consists of 2x magnification 640×480 sensor direct view optics, while night channel incorporates an uncooled, thermal Night sensor 320×240 (8-12u) 25um pixel pitch with an x4 digital zoom. The system incorporates an eye-safe laser rangefinder measuring distances at an accuracy of 1 meter. Both sensors feed images to a common 640×480 head-mounted video viewer, which also displays annotated system information and a ballistic solution reticle.
The ballistic computer calculates the ballistic correction for the target range, air temperature, weapon cant and atmospheric pressure. XM116 demonstrated an increase in the probability of hit [P(h)] from 3% to 54% at 1,000 meters, using military gunners and standard Mk19 grenade machine guns. By improving accuracy and first burst hit probability, the system contributes to reduce ammunition cost at about 80%.
Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi approved today (Sept 3rd, 2007) the Israel defense Forces (IDF) five year military procurement plan under the codename “TEFEN 2012” projecting expenditure of US$60 billion over five years between 2008 and 2012. The program reflects the IDF’s utilization of the increased US military aid supporting about 75% of the program. The US$30 Billion additional military aid to be allocated over 10 years was committed by the USA last month to support Israel’s military buildup will play an instrumental role in the new revitalization program and, will most probably influence some of the IDF procurement decisions. TEFEN will be submitted to government approval by January 2008.
For the first time in over a decade, the IDF make significant investment in its land forces, as it plans to field hundreds of new Merkava Mk4 tanks, heavy armored personnel fighting vehicles, command and control elements and a wide range of unmanned systems.
Strategic investments in Intelligence, Reconnaissance and Surveillance (ISR) will constitute a major element in TEFEN, as ISR programs are expected to proceed at an even higher pace, facing the growing risk of escalation and destabilization in the region. Assets will include aerial (manned and unmanned) platforms, spaceborne and electronic surveillance means. Furthermore, Israel is expected expand its missile defensive systems, introducing enhanced Arrow 3 ballistic missile interceptors, which will enhance the current ‘Homa’ program preparing to face the imminent unconventional threat from Iran, anticipated by the end of this decade. The program is funding continued development of the ‘Magic Wand’ medium range missile interceptor, currently under development in a joint Israeli-US program. TEFEN seeks accelerating development and potential fielding of the ‘Iron Cap’ Counter Rocket, Artillery and Mortar (C-RAM) system, which is expected to be ready for operational use within 24 months.
The shift toward the land forces is reflecting some of the lessons learned from the 2nd lebanon War, where Israel’s land forces experienced operational problems especially in land forces employment following years of neglect and erosion in equipment modernization and training scheduled. During the last years, while operational focus was diffused by continuous low-intensity warfare in the occupied territories, which gave national priorities to small unit counter-insurgency tactics and equipment.
One of the significant elements of the five year program is the reconstitution of maneuver warfare as part of the IDF operational capability, realizing the threats and limitations imposed by modern weapons and asymmetric warfare tactics. Acquisition and upgrading of hundreds of new armored personnel carriers, primarily Merkava based Namer AIFVs (shown in the image above) will strengthen the infantry brigades, enabling them to move and fight over any terrain facing high threat levels in fire saturated environment. The absence of such vehicles severely hampered IDF maneuverability and mobility during last year’s Lebanon war, necessitating the use of Merkava tanks to operate under severe tactical inferiority conditions, lacking adequate protection, mainly operating in unsuitable infantry support when tasked with troop mobility, resupply and medical evacuation missions, pitted against 3rd and 4th generation anti-tank missiles.
Production of Merkava Mk4 tanks will continue as planned, adding hundreds of tanks throughout 2012. These tanks will eventually replace all Merkava Mk 2 tanks currently stored for reserve units. The Ground Forces Command will establish a new divisional headquarters, adding more flexibility to the tactical command structure. However, the IDF is not expected to establish new units under the current buildup plan. In addition, Israel will continue to produce Merkava 4 tanks. Both Merkava and Namer will receive new active protection systems (APS) which will dramatically enhance their protection against advanced anti-tank threats. Unlike passive and reactive armor, APS will provide all-round protection to the vehicles, making them useful in asymmetric battle, as well as in high intensity conflict. APS will also be provided to other tanks, including Merkava Mk 3, some Mk2s and other heavy APCs.
While some of the funding foreseen by the Israel Air and Space Force (IASF) will be redirected to the land and naval arms, the Air Force will still receive major influx of new systems including some of the latest air assets. The new program confirms, for the first time, the IDF plans to buy up to 100 F-35 Lightning II strike fighters (photo above). Within the scope of the current five years plan, the IASF will be able to commit to procurement of a first line fighter squadron, purchasing the first batch of 25 aircraft, air/air and precision strike weaponry and support systems. If the IASF makes its decision quickly enough, the first aircraft could be delivered by 2014. The IASF will also receive funding to upgrade its existing aircraft arsenal; included are plans for avionics upgrades of all F-16C/D fighters, bringing them to the Block 50/52 (F-16I) level and possible upgrades for the F-15 fleet. However, due to budgetary constraints the IASF will have to postpone the procurement of new aerial refueling and transport aircraft, which are rapidly aging and therefore increasingly expensive to maintain. Since the operating budgets of refueling assets are funded separately, the IASF may consider alternative options, including outsourcing of aerial refueling services using Gulfstream G550 or Boeing platforms.
The Israel Navy (IN) will receive ‘green light’ committing to the construction of two Littoral Combat Ships, which will probably be used as command ships for two naval task forces, combining surface and subsurface elements including Dolphin submarines, Saar V corvettes, improved Saar IV missile boats and unmanned surface vessels. The navy will also receive new air defense systems, most probably, derivatives of the joint Israeli-Indian Barak-8 development program.
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® and XTEND have achieved a major milestone in JADC2 by integrating the XOS operating system with the MDCX™ autonomy platform. This technical breakthrough enables a single operator to simultaneously command multiple drone classes, eliminating the friction of mission handoffs. From "marsupial" drone deployments to operating in GPS-denied environments, explore how this collaboration is abbreviating the data-to-decision timeline and redefining autonomous mission execution.
As traditional defense primes face mounting competition from agile “neoprimes” such as Anduril, Palantir and Helsing, the balance of innovation is shifting toward software-defined warfare and scalable, dual-use technologies, while global industry consolidation—marked by Boeing’s integration of Spirit AeroSystems and other strategic mergers—signals an intensified race to secure control over the defense technology value chain. Our Defense-Tech weekly report highlights these trends.
In early October 2025, a coordinated wave of unmanned aerial system (UAS) incursions—widely attributed to Russia—targeted critical infrastructure across at least ten European nations. The unprecedented campaign exposed the fragility of Europe’s air defenses...
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...
At the 2025 Air, Space & Cyber Conference, U.S. Air Force and Space Force leaders unveiled major updates on next-generation fighters, bombers, unmanned systems, and space initiatives, highlighting both rapid innovation and critical readiness challenges as the services race to outpace global competitors. A short version is available here, with a more detailed version for subscribers.
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.
Israel’s Iron Beam 450 high-power laser system has completed final testing, marking a major leap in air defense. Developed by Rafael, it offers precise, cost-effective interception of rockets, UAVs, and mortars, and is set for IDF deployment by 2025.
For several decades, Israeli intelligence has monitored Syria’s clandestine efforts to reach strategic parity with Israel’s military potential. Fully aware of Israel’s unchallenged air superiority, Syria opted for missiles, but while these could reach into Israel, strategic effect could only be achieved by weapons of mass destruction, arming ballistic missile warheads. Realistic assessment ruled out Syria’s potential in developing nuclear capability in foreseen time, and although efforts were made to develop bio-weapons, Syria’s national emphasis during the last two decades has been devoted to chemical weapons.
In a study prepared by Dr Danny Shoham, a leading Israeli expert on chemical biological warfare, he explained that by using a combination of volatile (i.e., sarin) and more persistent agents (i.e., mustard, VX), Syria has the capability of utilizing CW in very different tactical scenarios. Sarin is extremely deadly, but it evaporates about as rapidly as water. An attack using this agent could inflict high casualties near a battlefront, but because it dissipates quickly it could permit an attacking force to seize territory without major risk to its own troops.
On February 2002, President Bashar Assad personally conveyed the gift of a special sword to North Korean leader Kim Yong Il. In 2006 Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Supreme People’s Assembly, met and had a friendly talk with the Syrian government economic delegation.
