When we go after Pakistani backed terrorists in Afghanistan, with our own A-29s, we find them, we bomb them, & we send them to the HELL!#Afghaniatan #ANDSF@SalaamTimesEN— Abdul Rahman Rahmani (@rahmanrahmanee) December 31, 2018
Courtesy to: @FarzadLameh pic.twitter.com/vvbnB9SQqw
December 31, 2018
Afghanistan Air Force A-29s killing Pakistan Army supported Taliban
Major Munitions Contracts for Australian Army
The Government on December 17 announced the Australian Defence Force has entered into two significant munitions contracts.
Minister for Defence, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, said the Commonwealth has signed a three-year contract worth AU$81.6 million with NIOA of Brisbane to supply 81mm high explosive and practice mortar ammunition.
“This acquisition will allow Army to sustain its current mortar capability ahead of projects to modernise the 81mm mortar fleet with a lighter weight system,” Minister Pyne said.
This contract builds on NIOA’s other recent awards under the Major Munitions Contract, Future Artillery Ammunition Contract, the recent announcement of their tenancy at the Australian Government owned munitions factory at Benalla and their associated Joint Venture with Rheinmetall in Maryborough, Queensland. Collectively these contracts will create 200 jobs in Brisbane QLD, Maryborough QLD and Benalla in regional Victoria.
“Delivery of products will commence in April 2019 with final deliveries planned for April 2022.”
Minister Pyne said the Commonwealth has also signed a contract with General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems of Canada.
“This is a four-year, AU$62.7 million deal with General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems of Canada to supply 155mm high explosive howitzer ammunition for our artillery guns,” Minister Pyne said.
“This acquisition allows Army to sustain its current artillery capability and support its training requirements as we move towards modernisation of the 155mm fleet under the LAND 17-1C2 Future Artillery Ammunition Project being delivered by NIOA.
“This contract has been awarded to ensure capability of the current ADF in-service ammunition is maintained, with delivery commencing April 2019.”
The Delivery of Remaining 2 IAI ELTA EL/M-2288ER AD STAR Radar
Gen Kintanar revealed that the Philippine AIr Force is expecting the remaining 2 IAI Elta EL/M 2288ER AD STAR Extended Range Air Defense Radar from Israel .
It is actually delayed already since the 2nd radar should already be delivered before the year ends but still undelivered as of this writing. It is known already that these is the fault of the suppliers themselves and it is expected for the Department of National Defense to impose punishment according to our law.
These has been the reason why the PAF are considering looking into new suppliers of additional Air Defense Radars slated for acquisition for the Horizon 2 in which the US through Lockheed Martin is known offering the AN/FPS-117 while Japan also offered an Upgraded Variant of J/FPS-3. While there has been offers, it is expected for the PAF to still consider the AD STAR again for commonality of systems.
The Philippine Air Force received the first AD STAR radar on the last quarter of 2017 and is already in service today.
Philippine Army Receives 2 Light Tactical Vehicles
The Philippine Army now has the three Light Tactical Vehicles (LTVs) reportedly provided by Kia Motors Corporation as “freebie” units for evaluation. The Department of National Defense (DND) made several acquisitions of military truck from Kia for the Philippine Army and Marines.
“We received confirmation with evidence (aside from the photos below) on the delivery of 2 new KIA KLTV to the AFP, which is part of the previously reported “freebie” evaluation units sent by KIA in anticipation of possible orders from the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps,” MaxDefense said on December 27.
The first KLTV was reportedly received by the Philippine Army early this year.
The Army and the Marines are expected to launch acquisition projects for their respective LTVs.
USN orders three more CMV-22Bs
The U.S. Navy has given the Bell Boeing Joint Project Office a $366 million contract for three CMV-22Bs and two MV-22Bs.
December 29, 2018
December 28, 2018
Ukrainian Naval Aviation returns Ka-226 helicopter to service
Ukrainian Naval Aviation returns Ka-226 helicopter to servicehttps://t.co/sDc62CrzJW pic.twitter.com/EFXpjDJvwx— Defence blog (@Defence_blog) December 27, 2018
USS Rushmore (LSD 47) visited Colombo, Sri Lanka while on patrol with USS Essex LHD2
USS Rushmore (LSD 47) visited Colombo, Sri Lanka while on patrol with @USSEssexLHD2. The U.S.-#SriLanka naval partnership continues to expand - the Sri Lankan Navy participated in #RIMPAC and #CARAT for the first time this year! https://t.co/S3kmRGhf7W pic.twitter.com/m8Yq57eY94— U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (@INDOPACOM) December 28, 2018
Indian Army video on the salvage and retrieval of a crashed Dhruv helicopter on the Siachen glacier
The Indian Army just put out this video on the salvage and retrieval of a crashed Dhruv helicopter on the Siachen glacier. pic.twitter.com/tOtk8XW0aL— Livefist (@livefist) December 28, 2018
The Indian Army just put out this video on the salvage and retrieval of a crashed Dhruv helicopter on the Siachen glacier. pic.twitter.com/tOtk8XW0aL— Livefist (@livefist) December 28, 2018
December 27, 2018
Laos Army Mechanizing Its 122mm D30 Howitzer
With the small artillery force, the equipment was not really good, but the Lao Army overcame by mechanizing one of the most powerful firepower in the service, the D30.
A number of recently released images have surprised Asian Military Forums when the Lao People's Army successfully mechanized the 122mm D30 howitzer model developed by the former Soviet Union. It is worth mentioning that there are only about 10 cannons of this type in Laos artillery.
In such a modest amount, it seems that the Lao Army decided to mechanize the entire number of D30 artillery they had on the active Ural-4320 3-wheel military transport chassis (6x6), Similar to what Vietnam has been doing with the 105mm M101 model of American artillery.
It is possible that Laos has referred to the mechanized and self-propelled artillery M101 solution that Vietnam has implemented to upgrade the D30 by placing it behind the Ural-4320 body on a fixed welding platform on the chassis and 3 more. Hydraulic legs, on both sides and middle of the rear.It is also worth mentioning that in the Lao Army staff, another model of self-propelled self-propelled gun could be used as a model for the country to mechanize the D30 howitzer, CS/SH-1 made by China. .
The way Laos improved the Ural 4320 and combined with the D30 cannon was quite similar to the CS/SH-1 design, especially in the more hydraulic position in the center of the body, more notably the Chinese 122mm model. for CS/SH-1 is the localized variant of the D30 cannon built by the country itself, the Type 86 or Type 96.
Thanks to mechanization and optimization of operation, the Lao D30 artillery shell after being upgraded can be pulled from 8 to 4 people, similar to CS/SH-1 and carry the number of bullets from 20-30. .
Meanwhile the range of the D30 cannon will be almost constant, reaching 15km with normal bullets and 22km with bullets that increase range and maintain the average rate of fire of the D30 from 5-6 transmitter/minute or maximum 12 plays/minute.
The total combat weight of this self-propelled artillery model after the upgrade can fall to around 12-13 tons, including the number of spare ammunition to carry, quite suitable for the ability to maneuver on Ural-4320 and The conditions of the field roads are as in Laos.
With the technical parameters - tactics of the D30 after being mechanized, the combat capability of this model will be significantly improved with faster and more dynamic deployment and recovery time on the field and just from 4-5 gunners to operate.
Basically, the combination of wheeled truck with ground cannon is considered a good plan for the military of countries with limited defense potentials to modernize or improve the fighting capacity of the force. Low-cost artillery, while being able to maximize the mobility of the weapons on the battlefield.
It can be seen that the solution Laos chooses to upgrade the D30 cannon is perfectly reasonable. In terms of their current level of defense industry, this can be considered a huge step forward. However, it is not clear at what stage the mechanized program of Laos's D30 122mm cannon has reached, and whether it is supported by foreign experts.
HMAS Hobart Returns from Weapons Systems Trials
Australia’s first Aegis combat system based guided missile destroyer, HMAS Hobart, has ended the year in spectacular style, conducting weapons and systems evaluations with the United States Navy off the US West Coast.
HMAS Hobart’s crew deployed to the United States well aware that this was no ordinary deployment. At stake was the Destroyer’s ability to successfully operate the most advanced weapons system ever owned by the Royal Australian Navy. Hobart also became the first ship of its class and the first International Partner to demonstrate an ability to operate in synch with US forces, known as a ‘Co-Operative Engagement Capability’ (CEC).
The USN wasted no time in putting Hobart through its paces, particularly in relation to the Aegis combat system. HMAS Hobart's crew was also challenged by a series of tests and demonstrations to verify and validate the capabilities of the ship. Part of this validation included a series of at sea tests known as Combat System Ship Qualification Trials (CSSQT). The aim was to achieve a sustainable level of combat and weapon system readiness. The Australians didn’t disappoint.
Commanding Officer of HMAS Hobart, Captain John Stavridis says the Americans threw everything at his people, who passed with flying colours.
"We were presented with some of the world’s toughest and most challenging threats; modern anti-ship missiles, maritime strike aircraft, fighters and high speed attack craft. On every occasion we successfully defended all threats," said CAPT Stavridis.
The firings were also a point of pride for members of the Ship's Company. Able Seaman Electronic Technician Stacey Verrall was ecstatic to be able to complete validation in the test and recognition of the training and effort required to achieve such a positive outcome.
"This is what we have trained for and to be able to conduct the missile firings here has been a terrific opportunity and a humbling experience," AB Verrall said.
CAPT Stavridis said this was a true team effort. “None of this would have been possible without the incredible men and women who operate HMAS Hobart," CAPT Stavridis said.
"They took this unknown and untested first-of-class ship and transformed her into a warship that is truly first class".
HMAS Hobart returned to Fleet Base East to be met by the Fleet Commander, RADM Jonathan Mead. RADM Mead was also proud of the achievements of HMAS Hobart.
"This ship represents the future of the Royal Australian Navy’s surface combatants: capable, competent and lethal.
"With her recently commissioned sister ship, HMAS Brisbane, and soon to be delivered NUSHIP Sydney they will be able to defend our Fleet against any threat."
Most importantly for the crew of HMAS Hobart, many families and friends were there to meet them and welcome them home in time for Christmas and a well-deserved break after a busy year.
South Korea Approves Plan to Develop Next Generation Aegis Destroyer
South Korea on Wednesday approved a basic plan to develop a homegrown Aegis-equipped destroyer that will enhance the Navy's capabilities to defend greater maritime interests, Seoul's arms procurement agency said.
The Defense Project Promotion Committee decided on the Korea Destroyer Next Generation (KDDX) project, under which the country will locally develop the destroyer by the late 2020s with a budget of around 1.8 trillion won (US$1.59 billion), the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said.
Seoul plans to deploy six KDDX destroyers by the mid or late 2030s. The total cost of developing and producing the six vessels is expected to top 7 trillion won, observers said.
"The KDDX is a project to procure destroyers for the purpose of safeguarding maritime interests and responding to potential disputes at sea," the DAPA said in a press release following the committee session presided over by Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo.
The committee also approved a plan to upgrade the Link 16, a tactical data link system installed on warplanes or warships to ensure the smooth sharing of information with the U.S. military during training or other combined operations.
To upgrade it, Seoul will purchase an enhanced encryption device through a government-to-government foreign military sale (FMS) program with Washington. Three U.S. defense firms are expected to vie for the project, worth 400 billion won, to procure the device by the mid-2020s.
Philippine Air Force Selects Israeli SPYDER Air Defense System
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has chosen the SPYDER (Surface-to-air PYthon and DERby) air defense system developed by Israeli Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, MaxDefense Philippines confirmed citing sources.
During the PAF change of command ceremony on December 21, former PAF chief Lieutenant General Galileo Gerard Kintanar Jr. said that among the major acquisition projects that are nearing conclusion in early 2019 is the project for acquisition of 3 ground based air defense systems (GBADS) from Israel.
“SPYDER is a quick reaction, low level surface-to-air missile system designed to counter attacks by aerial threats,” Rafael says in SPYDER product webpage.
It added that the system provides effective protection of valuable assets, as well as first-class defense for forces located in the combat area.
“PYDER incorporates RAFAEL’s most advanced, proven performance air-to-air missiles: the I-Derby active radar (RF) missile and Python-5, a dual waveband Imaging Infra Red (IIR) missile,” Rafael explained.
The system has short range (SR) and medium range (MR) types.
Kazakhstan takes delivery of 4 Su-30SMs
Kazakhstan has taken delivery of four Su-30SM fighters recently.
December 26, 2018
December 25, 2018
The 100th Wing Loong UAV is delivered to customer
The 100th Wing Loong UAV is delivered to customer. pic.twitter.com/Wf2e7cRhe3— dafeng cao (@dafengcao) December 25, 2018
Qatar Armed Force SY-400 precision-attack ballistic missile system
[VIDEO]: Qatar Armed Force SY-400 precision-attack ballistic missile system pic.twitter.com/v0Cc8oKnAg— Abdulmoiz (@abdulmoiz1990) December 25, 2018
This is what it takes to become a pilot in the IAF
This is what it takes to become a pilot in the IAF pic.twitter.com/7VWl7ni9wj— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) December 24, 2018
F35 vertical takeoff
F35 vertical takeoff 👍 pic.twitter.com/eTDWlcLevz— Fighter-pictures (@fighterpics) December 25, 2018
December 24, 2018
Russia Begins Deliveries of Upgraded T-72B1 MBTs to Laos
T-72B1 'Belyy Orel' (White Eagle) MBT was shipping from Russia to Vietnam's Port and transpot to Laos on road by Lowboy trailer trucks (photo : AAG)
Russia has begun deliveries of upgraded T-72B1 main battle tanks (MBTs) to the Lao People’s Armed Forces (LPAF), an LPAF source told Jane’s on 19 December.
“A large batch of T-72B1 ‘White Eagle’ [Belyi Oryol] MBTs was shipped to a Vietnamese port several days ago. The tanks will soon be brought to Laos via tank transporters,” said the source on condition of anonymity, adding that the LPAF is set to receive “several dozen” tanks.The move comes after Laotian Defence Minister Lieutenant General Sengnuan Xayalat told Russian broadcaster Zvezda that the LPAF would receive Russian-made weaponry and platforms, including “new T-72 tanks”.
Proposal to Base Singapore F15 Fighter Jets at Ōhakea Rejected
A proposal to base Singapore jets at Ōhakea has been rejected because of infrastructure problems at the airbase.
Minister of Defence Ron Mark said both sides concluded the proposal could not proceed, as without significant spending Ōhakea could not host the F15 squadron.
Mark said the concept had received strong support from local and central government and he was disappointed at the outcome.
"I took a hard look at official advice on multiple aspects of the proposal throughout the year."
Mark said locating the jets there on a long-term basis would have put significant strain on the capacity of the airfield and the airspace above it.
"Singapore also concluded that cost parameters were a factor."
In February last year, the New Zealand Defence Force confirmed officials were in talks to set up a pilots' training base at Ōhakea.
F16 fighter jets came to Ōhakea in September 2017 and officials were optimistic at that stage about the potential for further progress. But providing an F15 base longer term proved problematic.
Mark suggested New Zealand may yet host fighter aircraft for shorter periods, however.
Ex-PAF Chief Announces Upcoming Assets in Final Speech
Former Philippine Air Force (PAF) chief Lieutenant General Galileo Gerard Kintanar Jr. who relinquished his post Friday, December 21 announced several Air Force assets set to be delivered in 2019.
Among the assets he mentioned, in his speech, are 2 Cobra attack helicopters from Jordan, 6 Super Tucano close air support aircraft from Brazil, 2 fixed wing Command and Control aircraft, 2 radar systems from Israel, 13 Hermes unmanned aerial vehicles from Israel.
He also said that next year the United States government is expected to turnover 2 C-130 cargo planes and 4 OV-10 attack aircraft.
The US government is also expected to turnover PHP721 million worth of engineering equipment for humanitarian assistance and disaster response and developmental work.
“2019 is particularly sweet, a giant leap in our quest to defend our precious skies, and keep our nation free,” he said. (Mintfo)
PHL nears sealing deal for Israeli GBADS, Black Hawks, attack helicopters
Former Philippine Air Force (PAF) chief Lieutenant General Galileo Gerard Kintanar Jr. who relinquished his post Friday, December 21 announced major acquisition projects that are nearing conclusion in early 2019.
1. 16 Black Hawks from the United States. “The best combat utility helicopter in the world,” he said.
2. 6 T-129 ATAK attack helicopters from Turkey. “At par with the best in the world,” he described.
3. 3 ground based air defense systems (GBADS) from Israel.
“2019 is particularly sweet, a giant leap in our quest to defend our precious skies, and keep our nation free,” he said.
Japan says RoKN destroyer directed its fire control radar at JMSDF P-1
Japan’s Defense Ministry says a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) P-1 maritime patrol aircraft was locked by the fire control radar of a South Korean naval destroyer over the Sea of Japan on Dec. 20.
Nigerian Air Force to take delivery of 2 Agusta Westland 109s
The Nigerian Air Force will soon take delivery of two Agusta Westland 109 light attack helicopters and President Muhammadu Buhari will induct them into service in March 2019.
Four Su-34s to be delivered to Russia’s Central Military District
Four Su-34 fighter-bombers are to be delivered to Russia’s Central Military District soon.
Philippine Air Force getting massive influx of equipment next year
Outgoing Philippine Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Galileo Gerard Kintanar Jr. has disclosed the list of aircraft and equipment that the service will take delivery next year.
Su-30M2s landed at Belbek, Crimea
Russia has deployed Su-30M2 fighters from the 4th Army Fighter Regiment to Belbek airbase in Crimea.
December 23, 2018
Houthi rebels shot-down a Chinese CASC CH-4 Rainbow Unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) of Royal Saudi Arabia Air Force
#BREAKING: #IRGC backed #Houthi rebels shot-down a CASC CH-4 Rainbow Unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) of Royal #SaudiArabia Air Force over #Saada, #Yemen. They used R-73E IR-Guided air to air missile but modified for launch from a ground platform to shoot it down. pic.twitter.com/bODRYNMEY0— Babak Taghvaee (@BabakTaghvaee) December 23, 2018
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