September 30, 2019

Houthi rebels released footage from their attack on Saudi troops inside Saudi province Najran







Artillery firing of the Baltic Fleet corvettes as part of an exercise on the high seas







Gunners firing from all tubes - Bundeswehr






Contract Awarded for Wasp Small Unmanned Aerial Systems Fleet







Canberra-based company XTEK Ltd has been awarded a contract to provide repairs, maintenance and support services for the Australian Defence Force’s growing fleet of Wasp All Environment (AE) small unmanned aerial systems.

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Melissa Price MP said this impressive capability allows Australian soldiers to obtain a faster and better understanding of the battlefield, without exposing them to unnecessary risks.

“The Wasp AE small unmanned aerial system is small enough to be carried, assembled and used by one person allowing the soldier to see over the hill, around the corner and down the road,” Minister Price said.

”This new contract is for an initial term of three years with options to extend through to 2026, with an anticipated value of up to $5 million per year.

“It will directly assure up to 10 jobs in addition to supporting other jobs in the supply chain.”

The contract support services include procurement of spare parts, training, maintenance and repairs – including electronics and composite repairs – with work to be carried out at XTEK’s recently completed small unmanned aerial systems repair and maintenance facility in Canberra.

59 Wasp AE small unmanned aerial systems have been delivered to date, with a further 20 scheduled to arrive in 2020.

BAE Systems Starts to Produce APKWS II for Philippines and Australia








BAE Systems, Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc., Hudson, New Hampshire, is awarded a $2,684,650,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the procurement of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II full rate production Lots 8-12.

This award procures WGU-59/B units to upgrade the current 2.75-inch rocket system to a semi-active laser guided precision weapon to support Navy, Army, Air Force, and foreign military sales requirements to include the governments of Iraq, Lebanon, Netherlands, Jordan, Afghanistan, United Kingdom, Tunisia, Philippines and Australia.

Work will be performed in Hudson, New Hampshire (54%); and Austin, Texas (46%), and is expected to be completed in December 2025.

No funds will be obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual delivery orders as they are issued.

This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N00019-19-D-0026).

Umroi military station in Meghalaya, helicopter ops as part of India-Thailand Exercise Maitree 2019







Swiss Cobra air to air







Self Defense of KFX Fighter





New and old information about KF-X unveiled after the recent Critical Design Review (CDR) session.

1) 9,300 pages out of 12,000 pages of detailed blueprints have been completed, accounting for about 78% of detailed design process.

2) Although exact specification is classified, KF-X's Radar Cross Section (RCS) is said to be around 0.5㎡. According to Global Security, F/A-18E/F and Rafale have approximate RCS of 1㎡. F-15 has 25㎡while F-35 has 0.005㎡, respectively.

3) KF-X was designed with further development in mind. There is space reserved for internal weapons bay and KF-X, in theory, could be developed into a fully-fledged 5th gen fighter.

4) Around 65% of components for KF-X Block 0/1 is developed in South Korea. This is probably a similar percentage as the Swedish Gripen, which also employs a healthy mix of indigenous and foreign components.


5) When South Korea decided to purchase F-35A in 2015, Lockheed Martin promised transfer of 25 categories of technology. However, US government refused transfer of 4 categories: AESA radar, IRST, EOTGP, and integrated EW suite.

6) KF-X's AESA multi-function radar, which is being developed by Hanwha Systems, has 1,088 modules with 110km range against unspecificed RCS target. F-35's radar has 1,200 modules for comparison.

7) A single set of 16-radar-modules for KF-X's radar costs around $45,000. Imported module costs $80,000.

8. KF-X radar prototype already completed ground and air-based testing in Israel in cooperation with ELTA systems. It will begin testing in Korea this November and will be installed on KF-X prototype aircraft in 2023.

9) KF-X's exterior design underwent 9 major changes since the first design was chosen by ADD. KF-X initially weighted 12.1 tons, but had to decrease the weight by 500kg.

10) A total of 230,000 individual components had to be meticulously designed. A standard automobile has around 20~30,000 components.

11) 1,250 engineers are working on the KF-X project. First prototype is expected to be rolled out in April 2021. First 8 production models will be delivered to the Air Force in 2026, but there could be delays since most countries conduct testing for 5~8 years.


Hobart-class Destroyer Makes First Overseas Deployment





Asia beckons for Navy’s largest Task Group

The Royal Australian Navy has begun its largest deployment of the year with more than a thousand sailors and officers bound for engagements across North and South East Asia.

Departing today from Sydney, the lead element of a nine ship Task Group will participate in bilateral and multi-national activities over the next four months.

The deployment is focused on strengthening Australia’s regional defence engagement through practical cooperation activities with key partners.

It will include high-end warfare exercises, port visits as well as cultural engagements, demonstrating Australia’s long-standing commitment to its partners, and to regional security.

The deployment marks the first overseas deployment for the new Aegis Destroyer, HMAS Hobart, which will lead the first Task Group element to Japan for an International Fleet Review.

Hobart will be accompanied in Japan by Anzac Frigates HMA Ships Parramatta and Stuart as well as a Navy submarine.

HMAS Stuart will later join the Armidale Class patrol boat HMAS Ararat, the replenishment ship HMAS Sirius, and the Hydrographic Survey ship HMAS Leeuwin during their deployment to South East Asia.The Anzac Frigate HMAS Arunta will then join Sirius in exercises with a range of regional partners including Malaysia and Indonesia.

Navy Mine Hunters HMAS Gascoyne and HMAS Diamantina will participate in international exercises for the final element of the Task Group.

Commander of the Task Group, Captain Andrew Quinn, said the deployment demonstrated Navy’s ability to send concurrent task groups across throughout the region to engage with partner nations.

“Practical training with regional partners not only up-skills our own officers and sailors but also builds our ability to work with other Navies, underpinning stability in the region.”

“We have been operating in task groups for some time, refining the concept towards being able to conduct sustained operations like this over the next several years.”

Captain Quinn said the units involved were ready having been thoroughly tested.

“HMAS Hobart has proven her readiness as the first of her class and she is an outstanding platform to function as a centrepiece for this maritime task group,” Captain Quinn said.

“Meanwhile smaller ships like Leeuwin, Diamantina and Gascoyne have deployed further from the Australian station than ever before over the past year and we know they are up to the task ahead.”

Ships in the task group are home ported at establishments around Australia and will return home in December.

PHL Coast Guard Receiving Patrol Crafts from Japan






The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is expected to receive 2 units 15-meter patrol craft granted by the Japanese government. MaxDefense Philippines has shared photo of the first patrol craft.

According to MaxDefense, the first unit is expected to be delivered soon.

The Japanese government has granted the Philippines 600 million yen aid for the improvement of PCG capabilities. Thirteen 7-meter rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) were already provided to PCG as part of the said grant.

Aside from grant aids, the Japanese government also provided soft loans for PCG’s Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRVs).


Last two IAF MiG-29s to be upgraded to UPG standard


India has started work to upgrade the last two MiG-29s to the UPG standard. The last two jets left the home of No. 28 Squadron last week.







Camera footage showing the exact moments Aramco was hit by Iranian drones and cruise missiles







Starship Update







Royal Australian Air Force EA-18G Growler - Rehearsal over Brisbane CBD in 360° - Riverfire 2018







World's fastest submarine & first submarine constructed with a titanium hull: Project 661 Anchar/Papa class K-222








Nakyal Sector Sept 29 2019 LoC






September 28, 2019

Greece and Turkey Are Playing Dangerous War Games on the Aegean Sea






Sandhurst showcases STEM | British Army






BELL APT70 Yamato Demo






C-130 Sunset Ride






INS Khanderi









Indian Navy ’s first P17A frigate at Mumbai’s Mazagon Docks Ltd






Last Eurofighter for RAF delivered


BAE Systems has delivered the last Eurofighter for the Royal Air Force. The company’s production facility in Warton, Lancashire will now prepare for the delivery of Eurofghters ordered by Qatar.







Su-57 flying chase for S-57






September 27, 2019

Launch of China’s Type 075 LHD







Northrop Grumman given $1.36 billion contract to deliver 9 E-2Ds to Japan


Northrop Grumman has been awarded a $1.36 billion contract for the production and delivery of nine Japan configuration E-2Ds.






Philippines buying APKWS


The Philippines is getting the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II, the Pentagon has announced.





China reveals new missile accidentally


A video clip released by PLA Rocket Force may have accidentally unveiled a new missile. The footage was edited away later.






U.S Army tests transportation methods to deliver blood plasma onto the battlefield








MH-60S Seahawk helicopter receives first redesigned gunner seats








Iran’s IRGC unveils naval mobilization plan amid unrest in Persian Gulf






Russia releases footage of Okhotnik' UCAV prototype first flight with Su-57 prototype.







First common flyight SU57 and S70 OHOTNIK







A Day in the Life of an Army Ranger







September 26, 2019

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh To Inaugurate Indian Navy's First Dry Dock On September 28








India to buy anti-air missiles for its Kamorta class corvettes


The Indian Navy has launched a global tender to buy short-range air defense missiles for its Kamorta class corvettes.






Japan’s air defenses failed to detect latest North Korean missile launches


A news report from Kyodo news says Japan’s air defense systems had failed to track some of North Korea’s new ballistic missile launches in recent months.






No room for error - South Korean Black Eagles Team


This picture of the South Korean Black Eagles Team was probably taken during the Osan airshow over the weekend. Whilst it looks like both jets are stacked together, a closer inspection of the wings show both are actually far apart.







Exercise Bushido Guardian 19 commences


Exercise Bushido Guardian 19 was kicked off by Japan’s Defense Minister Taro Kono at Chitose air base on Sept. 25.




Launch of China’s Type 075 LHD







India's Second Kalvari class Submarine INS Khanderi to be commissioned on September 28 in Mumbai








SAMPT system's trial in Switzerland







POV GoPro Helmet Cam Footage of Georgian Special Forces Urban Operations Training







September 24, 2019

Zvezda video showing the new hangars at Khmeimim that house Russia's Su-34 and Su-35S aircraft





Excellent Il‑76MD‑90A heavy military freighter







Ukrainian special forces










Phillipines Navy Activates 4 More AAVs, 3 MPACs





The Philippine Navy (PN)'s capabilities to protect the country's waters and land Marine troops were significantly boosted with the activation of four more amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs) and three more multi-purpose attack craft (MPACs).

The activation ceremonies took place at the PN headquarters at Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila Monday afternoon.

Spearheading the event was Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who said that activation of the assets are part of the government's efforts to ensure that the military will have adequate resources to carry out its mandate of protecting the country and its people.

"The presence of credible defense (is) not a means to war, but to achieve peace, security, and economic progress," he added.

Also, the government has been focusing on its national security agenda by beefing up the military's capabilities to allow it to respond to threats and defend the country's freedom, peace and security, the DND chief said.

He added that the AAVs and the MPACs are among the equipment needed to fulfill the PN's mandate.

The first four AAVs were commissioned last June 17 at the 121st PN founding anniversary during ceremonies at Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite.

The AAVs were manufactured by South Korean defense manufacturer Hanwha Techwin.

The second batch of four other AAVs arrived this August and had successfully undergone Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee on the same month. The AAV contract is worth PHP2.42 billion.

These vehicles are armed with .50 caliber machineguns, 40mm grenade launchers and smoke launchers and will be used for amphibious landing operations.

They will be based aboard the two strategic sealift vessels of PN, the BRP Tarlac (LD-601) and the BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602).

"The four AAVs form part of the recently activated Assault Amphibian Company under the Assault Armor Battalion of the Philippine Marine Corps. These amphibious landing vehicles allow our Marine operating forces to assault any shoreline from decks of Navy ships and provide them with armor protection, surface mobility for amphibious and mechanized operations, communications and projection of the 'anvil' force coastal defense," acting PN public affairs office chief Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas said.




SAIC Wins Australian Tactical Data Link Support Contract





RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Science Applications International Corp. (NYSE: SAIC) won a task order on the Joint Range Extension Support contract from the Australian Department of Defence.

“We’re proud to partner with the Australian Department of Defence on this important initiative,” said David Armstrong, vice president and general manager of SAIC’s Navy and Marine Corps Information Warfare Operation. “Providing support to tactical data links improves interoperability and flexibility for our allies.”

On this contract, SAIC will provide the Australian military with technical support, software updates, configuration management and training on the JRE solution. For more than 20 years, SAIC’s JRE solution has reliably delivered secured voice and data networks, such as Link 16 and long-haul data and communications exchange. The U.S. Department of Defense has relied on JRE to provide a common tactical picture for coalition and allied forces under combat conditions while also feeding this information to a common operational picture.

The JRE software solution enables militaries to send and receive information over or between tactical data links as well as relaying tracking data for friendly, adversarial, and even unknown aircraft, vessels, and vehicles.

Coalition operations involve the use of many types of communications networks and protocols among the military forces of multiple nations, including the DoD-developed Link 16 network. Our JRE data link gateway serves as the interface for these different military tactical data links, integrating them to let coalition and allied partners see and understand the global battlefield in order to plan and coordinate their efforts more effectively.

The contract has a three-year base period of performance with two, one-year options.


Royal Thailand Navy Mulls Postponing Frigate Plan



HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej 471, new RTN frigate which based on the South Korean KDX-1 Destroyer (photo : RTN)
CX-1 (Chaoxun-1) is a Chinese-built supersonic anti-ship missile systems with range 280 km (170 mi; 150 nmi) and speed mach 3 (0.6 mi/s; 1.0 km/s) (photo : MilitaryLeak)



The navy is likely to postpone its plan to purchase a second frigate worth 15 billion baht as it mulls to purchase a second submarine in the 2020 fiscal year, an informed source said.

According to the source, the navy is expected to drop the frigate procurement scheme as it weighs in the benefit of buying of a second submarine from China.

The submarine, if purchased, will be the second out of the three submarines that the government is planning to purchase. Payment for the second submarine will be spread across seven years, with the final payment for all three submarines due by 2030.

The purchase is a part of the navy's 36-billion-baht long-term plan to procure three diesel-electric submarines from China, which has already been approved in principle by the cabinet.

The procurment of the first submarine -- a Yuan-class S26T submarine valued at 13.5 billion baht from China -- was approved by the cabinet on April 18, 2017. Payment for the first submarine is divided into 17 installments over seven years from 2017.

As a part of its long-term plan, the navy had been looking to purchase a second frigate, valued at 15 billion baht, following the arrival of a 14.6-billion-baht South Korean-built frigate, HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej, in January this year.

The source also said the navy has yet to decide on the defence contractor to outfit the 6.1-billion-baht landing platform dock (LPD) it recently bought from China with weapons.

The LPD is an amphibious transport ship complete with landing crafts to transport troops ashore. The 20,000-tonne vessel was purchased to ease the burden on HTMS Angthong.

Navy chief Adm Luechai Ruddit said yesterday the navy is considering various options, including the CX-1 supersonic anti-ship and cruise missiles from China.

"I'm not sure about the price [of the missiles], but I hope we get a special discount," he said.



Germany to decide on Tornado’s replacement as soon as possible next year


Germany’s new Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer has said that she will decide on the aircraft to replace the country’s Tornado fighter as soon as possible next year.






Taiwan to deploy new F-16s at Taitung


Taiwan has confirmed that the new F-16C/D Block 70s being purchased will be deployed at Chih Hang Air Force Base in Taitung.







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