S. Korea to Develop Indigenous Marine Corps Chopper by 2031

South Korea decided Monday to develop an indigenous attack helicopter for Marine Corps operations, the arms procurement agency said.

The defense project promotion committee, presided over by Defense Minister Suh Wook, approved the project, which is to begin in earnest next year and to be completed in around 2031 with a budget of 1.6 trillion won (US$1.44 billion), according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).The new platform is likely to be based on a MUH-1 Marineon, the Marine variant of the country's KUH-1 Surion helicopter, according to officials.

"We've taken into consideration diverse factors such as the interoperability with the Marineon and the operations and management efficiency," DAPA said in a statement. "The project is expected to enhance our troops' capabilities, particularly in northwestern islands (near the inter-Korean border)."

Malaysian Cabinet to Decide on Fate of LCS Project

 

The delay in the delivery of the Royal Malaysian Navy's littoral combat ships (LCS) will be brought to the Cabinet to ascertain the best solution, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He said that the matter is crucial to determine the future of the project as well as the fate of 10,000 workers and vendors who are affected due to the delay."We will bring the matter to the Cabinet to get solutions. There are two options, the first of which is for Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (BNS) to have a new direction that will be presented in the Cabinet to enable the project to continue.

"If this does not obtain Cabinet approval, a new company will be appointed. So far, we are leaning towards the first option," he said.Ismail Sabri was speaking to reporters after witnessing a demonstration of the Fast Interceptor Craft at the RMN base here today.He said the Cabinet will come up with a decision soon. He also hoped that the issue on workers who have lost their jobs due to the delay would be resolved soon."We will look into all angles especially on the welfare of workers. As such, we suggest Boustead continue the project," he said.

Yesterday, Pangkor assemblyman Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir had said about 200 vendors and contractors have shut down following the delay in the delivery of the LCS two years ago.He had said it was crucial for the LCS project to proceed so that vendors and workers can continue their work and avoid retrenchment.The LCS construction project, worth RM9.128 billion, was awarded to BNS by the government through the Defence Ministry. A total of RM6 billion has been paid for six ships.

However, to date, not a single LCS has been handed over to the RMN although the contract agreement, signed in January 2014, stipulates that the first vessel was due to be handed over to the government in April 2019.

U.S. Approves $1.94 billion M1A1 Tank Structures, Chinook Helicopters Sale to Australia

 The U.S. State Department approved two potential arms deals to Australia, totaling $1.94 billion on Thursday, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSA) said in a release.

In the first, the United States would sell 160 M1A1 tank structures to build M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams Main Battle Tanks, M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicles and other vehicles, altogether worth $1.685 billion.The heavy armed combat systems deal would enhance the "lethality, survivability, and interoperability of the Australian Army" and "strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats."The principal contractors for the deal would be General Dynamics Land Systems, BAE Systems Leonardo DRS and Honeywell Aerospace.

The second deal involves the sale of four CH-47F cargo helicopters and related equipment worth $259 million, according to a DSCA press release.The aircraft would be provided from U.S. Army stock, and "will improve Australia's capability to meet current and future threats, increase operational capabilities, strengthen its homeland defense and promote military cooperation," the announcement said.

"Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific," the announcements said. "The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability."U.S. Arms sales to  Australia has  seen a huge jump in recent years and coincides  with  Chinese  aggressiveness in the South China Sea and the South Pacific.

India to lease one A330 MRTT from France

The A330 refuellers of France and UAE air force have been used to ferry as many as 17 Rafale omni-role fighters to India from Merignac-Bordeaux air base since July 2020. Another seven fighters are due to arrive in India in May

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has approached the French government to lease one Airbus A330 multi-role tanker transport aircraft for training purposes as a precursor to lease five more mid-air refuellers for increasing the combat capability and radius of its multi-role fighters.The leasing will be done on government-to-government basis with the IAF already issuing a request for information (RFI) for a single aircraft while a request for proposals route will be used for the additional five refuellers on lease. The issue was discussed during Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria’s visit to France last week.

“With IAF looking towards A330 refuellers for its future, it is only natural that its pilots are trained in advance to handle the aircraft as mid-air refuelling is a precision process with zero margin of error and huge stakes,” said an IAF official.

The A330 refuellers of France and UAE air force have been used to ferry as many as 17 Rafale omni-role fighters to India from Merignac-Bordeaux air base since July 2020. Another seven fighters are due to arrive in India in May with a batch being deployed at the new Hashimara air base in West Bengal with Ambala being the first base.

Raytheon Missiles & Defense, Marines use new ground-based anti-ship system to strike targets at sea

 Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a Raytheon Technologies business, and the U.S. Marine Corps successfully demonstrated the Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System, or NMESIS, off the California coast. The inaugural test proved the system’s ability to fire a Naval Strike Missile, or NSM, from a U.S. Marine Corps ground launcher and score a direct hit against a surface target at sea. 

NSM is a multi-mission cruise missile designed to destroy heavily defended maritime and land targets; it is the U.S. Navy’s over-the-horizon weapon system for littoral combat ships and future frigates. 

“Our Naval Strike Missile is a vital weapon for denying enemies the use of key maritime terrain,” said Kim Ernzen, vice president of Naval Power at Raytheon Missiles & Defense. “This test further demonstrates our partnership for advancing the Marine Corps’ modernization priorities of enabling sea control and denial operations.”

The Marines will use NMESIS to support the U.S. Navy from the shore against enemy ships. NMESIS is comprised of the Raytheon Missiles & Defense-made NSM and a Remotely Operated Ground Unit for Expeditionary (ROGUE) Fires vehicle, produced by Oshkosh Defense. 

NSM is the latest product from a partnership Raytheon Missiles & Defense has with Norway and its defense leader Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. The companies have teamed to bring more than half of NSM production to the U.S. The missile is already in service with Norway’s navy and Poland’s coastal defense squadrons. 

Spanish Eurofighters for Baltic Air Policing Mission

The Spanish Air Force has taken over the Baltic Air Policing Mission from Italy and it will carry out those duties with Eurofighters.

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India-France naval drill Exercise Varuna 2021 concludes

From India-France naval drill Exercise Varuna 2021 that just concluded: pic.twitter.com/lsZpInOTuD

— Livefist (@livefist) April 28, 2021

Tejas, India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft, added the 5th generation Python-5 Air-to-Air Missile (AAM) in its weapons capability yesterday, 27th April 2021

 

Philippine Air Force (PAF) MD 520 light attack helicopter has crashed in Bohol while on a maintenance flight on Apr. 27 2021

The Reality of the US Withdrawal From Afghanistan

Sniper Strike Competition | 1 Armoured Infantry Brigade | British Army

Eurofighter - Italian Air Force

Ukraine Try To Smuggle S-300 Missile Parts Amid Flaring Russia Ukraine Tensions

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Indonesian KRI Nanggala-402: The men on eternal patrol

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Britain's Hunter-Killer Submarine HMS TRENCHANT Ends 35 Years In 'Silent Service'

Russian Army equipment returns after Russian-Tajik exercises

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) Harth 55 conducted an unsafe and unprofessional action by crossing the bow of the Coast Guard patrol boat USCGC Monomoy (WPB 1326)

Iniohos Exercise at Andravida Air Base: Combat Jet Aircrafts in Slow Motion

Australian Navy ships HMAS Ballarat & HMAS Sirius have joined the search for Indonesia's missing submarine, KRI Nanggala

 

Indonesian navy detects ‘strong magnetic force’ in search for submarine

Surprise Reversal Sees Russia PULL Troops Deployed to Conduct Military Drills at Ukraine Border

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IRAN’S IRGC RELEASES DRONE FOOTAGE OF US AIRCRAFT CARRIER

T-1A Jayhawk Training Flight • Laughlin Air Force Base

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) to arrive at Newport News Shipbuilding for the aircraft carrier’s mid-life refueling and complex overhaul

Taiwan’s new Brave Eagle advanced jet trainer has been deployed to Taitung’s Chihhang air base on Apr. 21.

Indian Navy anti-submarine Romeo helicopters begins flight trials in US

 The first of the 24 MH-60 ‘Romeo’ anti-submarine helicopters, meant for the Indian Navy, has taken to the sky in New York for flight trials and is likely to arrive in India by the end of July.

The helicopters are designed to operate from frigates, destroyers, cruisers and aircraft carriers.

The MH-60R is known as “the world’s most advanced maritime helicopter." And for good reason – there’s already more than 300 of them operating worldwide.Currently deployed with the US Navy as the primary anti-submarine warfare anti-surface weapon system for open ocean and littoral zones, the helicopters are considered the world's most advanced maritime helicopter.

Royal Australian Air Force C-17 picked up precision-guided weapons at Dover AFB last month

 A Royal Australian Air Force C-17 Globemaster III prepares to be loaded with cargo at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, March 13, 2021. The U.S. and Australia maintain a robust relationship underpinned by shared democratic values, common interests and cultural bonds. The U.S.-Australia alliance is an anchor for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Faith Schaefer)

Lockheed Martin, Thales Australia Team for Surface-Launched LRASM-Development

 Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control and Thales Australia have finalised a teaming agreement to cooperate in the design, development and production of a surface-launched variant of Lockheed Martin’s AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM), designated LRASM-SL.

The teaming agreement, announced on 22 April, is intended to advance the delivery of an Australian guided weapons manufacturing capability in support of a sovereign national guided weapons enterprise.“Lockheed Martin and Thales Australia are world leaders in the development of defence and guided weapons capabilities. This agreement represents a coming together of complementary capabilities to bring that expertise and experience to advance the sovereign guided weapons manufacturing in Australia.Today’s [22 April] announcement for the LRASM-SL marks the final stage of the work to realise this agreement and we will continue to work together advance the relationship. Jointly, we will represent our expertise and experience to advance the delivery of an Australian guided weapons manufacturing capability,” Lockheed Martin and Thales Australia spokespersons told Janes in a joint statement.

“Over time and through this agreement, it is our joint objective to expand the sovereign industrial and manufacturing capability in alignment with the Australian government’s capability requirements,” the statement added.Lockheed Martin and Thales Australia did not disclose further detail about the LRASM-SL rocket motor and booster design, or detail the development, production and initial trials programme timelines associated with the LRASM-SL initiative.

Turkish Bayraktar Akıncı High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) has successfully drop three types of MAM smart munitions

Boeing to integrate LRASM on P-8A

 The Pentagon has given Boeing a $73 million contract to integrate the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) on the P-8A maritime patrol aircraft.

Anzac Day 2021 - Chief of Defence Air Marshal Kevin Short

Indian Air Force receives 5th batch of Rafales

After a direct ferry from #MerignacAirBase, France, the 5th batch of Rafales arrived in India on 21 Apr. The fighters flew a distance of almost 8,000Kms with air-to-air refuelling support by @Armee_de_lair and UAE AF. IAF thanks both the Air Forces for their co-operation. pic.twitter.com/jp81vODCp2

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) April 21, 2021

Taiwan's first domestically made landing platform dock (LPD) named Yu Shan

 

Taiwan has launched the first of a new class of multimission amphibious ships that can carry troops and equipment to its offshore and South China Sea islands. The vessels can also conduct surface warfare missions with anti-ship missiles.The landing platform dock, named Yu Shan after Taiwan’s tallest mountain, was launched at the shipyard of the state-owned shipbuilder CSBC Corporation in the southern Taiwanese port city of Kaohsiung on Tuesday. The launch ceremony was attended by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng, among other senior civilian and military officials.

Speaking at the ceremony, Tsai called the launch of the Yu Shan a “milestone” for the self-governing East Asian island’s plans to bolster its shipbuilding capabilities, adding that the ship “will strengthen the Navy’s ability to fulfil its mission and further solidify our defenses.”

Previously released specifications for the LPD indicate that the ship displaces 10,600 tons when fully loaded and measures 152 meters, or about 500 feet, with a hull draught of 20 feet. Top speed of the LPD is said to be 21 knots with a range of 7,000 miles.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said the Yu Shan can accommodate up to 673 troops and its vehicle deck can carry AAV7 tracked amphibious vehicles, among other land platforms. The ship also has a twin hangar sized for Sikorsky Seahawk and Black Hawk helicopters as well as a single flight deck spot to conduct helicopter operations. A well dock is incorporated in the design to stow, launch and recover landing craft.

Russian forces training in Crimea

AFRL has release a video on its space solar power beaming research

Rescue vessels begin search for missing Indonesian submarine

 

An Indonesian submarine with 53 personnel on board has gone missing in deep waters during a training exercise, with a submarine rescue vessel from Singapore already on its way to assist in the search.

The German-built Type 209 diesel-electric submarine KRI Nanggala was declared missing in the early hours of Wednesday morning local time in waters north of the Indonesian resort island of Bali after it failed to report the results of a torpedo drill it was undertaking at the time, according to an Indonesian navy spokesman quoted by Reuters.

Indonesia’s military chief, Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, added that neighboring Singapore and Australia had been asked to provide assistance in locating the missing submarine, with ship tracking software showing the former’s submarine rescue vessel MV Swift Rescue already sailing southwards towards Bali as of Wednesday afternoon local time.The southeast Asian island nation signed a submarine rescue agreement with Indonesia in 2012 and has similar agreements with several other navies, including the United States, to render submarine rescue assistance in the region should a need for such services arise.

The MV Swift Rescue, which is operated by the Singaporean navy but manned by civilian contractors, is equipped with a Deep Search and Rescue Six (DSAR 6) submersible, which is based on James Fisher Defence’s DSAR 500 Class submarine rescue vehicle.

Russian Navy - Exercise with the ship search and strike group of the Northern Fleet

Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35A Stealth Fighters Preparing For Flight

USAF Ground Crew • Often Overlooked But Entirely Essential

Zoomed-in views of the Mars Helicopter's takeoff and landing on flight 1

Getting comfy with my cameras and bringing my subject into sharp focus. Of course, getting the shot is always easier when your subject nails their mark. Here are zoomed-in views of the #MarsHelicopter's takeoff and landing on flight #1. Getting set up for flight #2. pic.twitter.com/2lR0sU5hOO

— NASA's Perseverance Mars Rover (@NASAPersevere) April 22, 2021

Sri Lanka detects nuclear material - Uranium hexafluoride - on China-bound vessel docked at Hambantota

 

The vessel was found to be carrying Uranium hexafluoride, which is classified under “dangerous cargo”.

Sri Lanka on Tuesday detected radioactive material on a China-bound vessel berthed at the southern Hambantota Port. The vessel has been asked to leave the Port, according to officials, as the shipping company failed to obtain prior clearance for “dangerous cargo”, as per Sri Lankan law.

When contacted, Sri Lankan Navy spokesman Captain Indika de Silva confirmed the development.Officials said a local shipping company, handling the vessel sailing under the flag of Antigua and Barbuda, from Rotterdam in the Netherlands to China, cited a “mechanical emergency” and sought permission from the harbor manager at the China-run Hambantota Port. However, the company did not declare that the cargo was radioactive material, a requirement under Sri Lanka’s Atomic Energy Act.

Dassault Air Flight - Dassault Aviation

NATO’s remotely piloted surveillance system explained [Alliance Ground Surveillance]

Republic of Singapore Air Force's Next-Generation Tanker Transport Attains Full Operational Capability

 Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen officiated at a ceremony to mark the attainment of Full Operational Capability (FOC) status by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)'s A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (A330 MRTT) aircraft. The ceremony was held this afternoon at Changi Air Base (East). As part of the event, Dr Ng received a brief on the capabilities of the A330 MRTT, interacted with service personnel from the RSAF and Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), and thanked them for their dedication and commitment to Singapore's defence.

Speaking at the event, Dr Ng highlighted that the A330 MRTT's FOC is a part of ongoing efforts to sustain and improve the RSAF's capabilities to meet operational needs. He said, "The attainment of FOC by 112 Squadron for the Airbus A330 MRTT obviously marks a significant milestone in the capabilities of the RSAF. The MRTT marks another step up in extending the range of RSAF's fleet of planes. Dr Ng also highlighted how the strong ops-tech collaboration between the RSAF and DSTA has been pivotal in delivering capabilities. He said, "Their expertise and persistence enabled operational and technical problems to be addressed…DSTA engineers worked with the original equipment manufacturer to resolve the problem and their proposed modifications are now being assessed and promulgated across the global fleet of MRTTs. This is quite an achievement and is the fruit of consistent and effective tech integration by our engineers working alongside our servicemen."

The A330 MRTT is a next-generation tanker aircraft capable of conducting Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) and airlift roles simultaneously. The A330 MRTT has better endurance, cargo and passenger capacity, and provides more fuel to other aircraft compared to the KC-135R aerial tanker. Its enhanced AAR capability extends the endurance of the RSAF's fighter aircraft, and enables the RSAF to be more effective and capable in meeting operational demands. The A330 MRTT provides the RSAF with greater operational flexibility and enhances the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)'s ability to contribute to international Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief missions and Peace Support Operations. The RSAF'S A330 MRTT crew has undergone extensive training to operate and maintain the platform, and has validated the capabilities of the aircraft in local and overseas exercises and missions.

Dr Ng was accompanied by Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Chan Heng Kee, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong Su Kiat, Chief of Air Force Major-General Kelvin Khong Boon Leong and other senior officers from the Ministry of Defence and the SAF.

Myanmar – one woman versus the military

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UK troops train in Estonia

Training of military equipment for the Victory Parade took place near Novosibirsk

Italian Air Force F-35A Stealth Fighters In Flight

UK - Forward section of first Type 26 Frigate, HMS Glasgow rolled out

First unit of the ALH Mk III helicopter, was commissioned into the Indian Navy at INS Hansa, Goa

 

Israel - Watch Barak ER intercepting ballistic missile target

Naval Base San Diego showcases Innovative Unmanned Technologies

French exercice Bold Eagle

Kazakhstan Air Force C295 and Su-27 carried out road runway operations

Taiwan - Republic of China Air Force Capt. Pan Ying-chun, a F-5E pilot who went missing last month, was found this morning near Nanren Fishing Harbor

Russian cadets training near Khabarovsk

Russian MiG-31 fighters over the Pacific Ocean

Airbus A400M conducts major helicopter refuelling certification campaign

China's Favorite Torture Methods - Worst Punishments

Italian Aeronautica Militare - Search & rescue training

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Worlds Most Deadliest Attack Helicopter AH-64D Apache Testing Its All New Weapons

Drone Wars - UAE Now Has Arsenal Of New High Advanced Suicide Kamikaze Drones & Loitering Munitions

F-15E Strike Fighter Jets • RAF Lakenheath (APR 2021)

Egyptian Navy receives frigate ENS Bernees 1003 FREMM Carlo Bergamini-class Alexandria Naval Base

MV-22B Osprey Lands Aboard USNS Mercy for the First Time

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Portuguese Navy - Marines celebrate 400 years

The frigate "Marshal Shaposhnikov" launched a cruise missile at a surface target

Combat firing of the S-400 air defense system at the Telemba training ground in Buryatia

RAIDER Flies at Redstone

Does Russia Have Any Chance Against NATO’s Stealth Fighters?

Acceptance of the Republic of Singapore Air Force's H225M helicopter

Vietnam Launches Second Indian High Speed Patrol Boat

 

One more high-speed patrol vessel built with Indian assistance launched

The Ministry of National Defense Monday launched one high-speed patrol boat built with India technical and financial assistance and held the keel-laying ceremony for another.Using a $100-million line of credit extended to Vietnam in October 2014 by India, five vessels are being built at the Larsen & Toubro shipyard in Chennai, India, and seven at the Hong Ha Shipyard in Hai Phong under the company’s supervision.The 12 high-speed patrol vessels are meant for the Vietnam's Coast Guard.

Speaking at the launching ceremony on Monday, Indian ambassador to Vietnam, Pranay Verma, described the project "as an icon of India-Vietnam defense partnership" and reflecting India's commitment toward building the capacity of the Vietnamese military.He expressed confidence that the comprehensive strategic partnership and defense relations between the countries would continue to grow as an important factor of stability in the Indo-Pacific region.The vessels are meant to strengthen security, detect illegal activities like smuggling and assist search and rescue.Despite the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the project has progressed at a rapid pace, the Indian embassy said.

In December last year India handed over the first of the 12 vessels to Vietnam.

HMAS Supply Welcomed to Fleet

HMAS Supply (II) was welcomed into Royal Australian Navy service on April 10 during a commissioning ceremony at Fleet Base East in Sydney.The first of two new Supply-class auxiliary oiler replenishment ships, Supply is a welcome boost to the fleet’s operational support capability.

Commanding Officer Captain Ben Hissink said the 173 crew members were proud to serve on such a strategically important new platform.“We celebrated the commissioning of a critical support capability that will help extend the endurance of our task groups and Navy’s ability to protect all Australians,” Captain Hissink said.“We follow in the footsteps of Supply (I) that fuelled our seafarers with good oil in good spirit, but now we do so again with additional logistics and combat capabilities.”

Supply and her incoming sister ship, NUSHIP Stalwart, will carry fuel, water, food, parts and dry cargo for the replenishment of Australian and regional partner ships while under way at sea, and to aid in humanitarian and disaster relief when called upon.They also have a combat management system, advancing capability over the previous support ships, HMA Ships Success and Sirius.Supply’s youngest crew member Seaman Claire Lissimore, who cut the commissioning cake with Captain Hissink, said she was excited to serve in Navy’s most contemporary ship.“I feel proud to have been an active part of the ceremony and to be posted to a first-of-class ship,” Seaman Lissimore said. 

“Experiencing the commissioning process with a progressive crew has been very exciting, especially coming straight out of a small town high school to join the Navy and subsequently Supply just last year.”At the ceremony, Captain Hissink said the valiant effort of the crew to bring together Navy and Australian histories had progressed a culture of confidence that would ensure they effectively met the needs of those they serve. “This commissioning day signifies a joining of history and our vision of ‘one ship many stories’,” Captain Hissink said.“Connecting Supply (I)’s legacy with the stories and history of our First Nation's people has prepared our crew to take on our duties as drifting protectors – providing for and protecting our families, our community and our nation.

“As we face our first-of-class sea trials we take these histories on: the Navy traditions that ground us, and the community and protection ideals instilled through our ship’s Indigenous artwork and main passageway, The Bundian Way.“These two legacies, combined with the power of our new capabilities, strengthens us in all we do and creates a bright future to move together into.”

Now commissioned, Supply will begin the next phase of first-of-class sea trials and integration into the fleet. 

 

North Korea’s new target ship

https://www.armscontrolwonk.com/archive/1211465/a-boat-only-a-missile-could-love/

 

Now that we are all looking at Sinpo for signs of further activity involving the TULP (Towed Underwater Launch Platform) and the collocated floating drydock at the semi-refurbished construction hall, I wanted to bring your attention to an interesting vessel I have been following for a few months.  Its purpose is not entirely understood and it has been moving between at least three different naval bases on North Korea’s east coast since September 2020. While this is a bit speculative, I think we might be looking at a target ship for future cruise missile testing.The ship has been moving around over the past year.  The earliest I pinned the ship on satellite imagery was between September and October 2020 at the Chaho Naval base just north of Sinpo.  It was near this location where Kim Jong Un observed an SLBM test in April 2016, and at the naval base where he received the submariners after the test. Sometime before November 20th, 2020, the ship moved to the Yoho-ri Naval Base. Then it stayed until it was caught in a Planet Labs SkySat image on December 22nd being brought to the shipyard at Mayang-do, opposite the Sinpo South Naval Shipyard. Tarao Goo has identified the construction location at Chongjin, where the vessel was modified sometime after May 1st 2020.

Taiwan has achieved a major breakthrough in developing its own Vertical Launching System (VLS) for arming naval warships

Biden administration set to approve F-35 sale to UAE

  U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration has told Congress it is proceeding with more than $23 billion in weapons sales to the United Arab Emirates, including advanced F-35 aircraft, armed drones and other equipment, congressional aides said on Tuesday.A State Department spokesperson said the administration would move forward with the proposed sales to the UAE, “even as we continue reviewing details and consulting with Emirati officials” related to the use of the weapons.

The Democratic president’s administration had paused the deals agreed to by former Republican President Donald Trump in order to review them. The sales to the Gulf nation were finalized right before Trump left office.The Trump administration told Congress in November it had approved the U.S. sale to the UAE as a side deal to the Abraham Accords, a U.S.-brokered agreement in September in which the UAE agreed to normalize relations with Israel.

In the last months of the Trump administration, Israel reached deals with the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco as part of the accords.

Tu-160 practice mid-air refueling for Victory Day parade

RAAF - Dancing with Hornets

RAN Conducted Combat System Exercise in Southern California

 HMAS Sydney conducted a passage exercise with USS John Finn in the waters off the coast of Southern California in early April.Sydney has deployed to San Diego to conduct combat system sea qualifications trials on its Aegis weapons system with the US Navy.

Conducting live fire missile events will provide the data required for Navy senior leadership to assess Sydney for final operational capability, allowing all three of Australia's guided missile destroyers to be operationally deployed.Sydney arrived in Pearl Harbor on March 25 for a logistics port visit to replenish fuel and supplies, and provide her crew with respite ahead of transiting to the Southern California Exercise Area. 

John Finn was deployed as an integral part of a US carrier strike group in the north-east Indian Ocean before joining Sydney.The exercise improved interoperability between the two navies and enhanced the ability to plan, communicate and conduct complex maritime operations efficiently and effectively.

F-35B Vertical Landing Practice • MCAS Yuma

 

UH-1Y Helo Hits Moving Ground Targets With M134 Minigun

 

Thunderbirds 2021 Aerial Demonstration Update

 

North Korea may amass almost 250 nuclear weapons by 2027: report | New York Post

 

Biden announces the U.S. will withdraw its troops from Afghanistan by Sept. 11

 

Indonesia Receives First Batch of Chinese-Made AR-2 Missiles for its CH-4 UAVs

 The Indonesian military has received its first batch of Chinese-made AR-2 air-to-surface, precision-guided missiles (photo : Primasarana, Janes)

Information and images provided to Janes indicate that the weapons, which will be deployed on the Indonesian Air Force’s (Tentara Nasional Indonesia – Angkatan Udara: TNI-AU’s) CH-4 medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), arrived at the service’s main ammunition depot on the Iswahyudi Air Force Base on 8 April.

These images also indicate that the missiles, which were packed in crates of two projectiles each, were delivered in a shipping container that also included an undisclosed number of pylons and rail launchers.The AR-2 relies on its inertial guidance system for mid-course updates and on its semi-active laser (SAL) seeker for terminal homing. The weapon can carry a 5 kg armour-piercing warhead and has a maximum range of about 8 km.The TNI-AU currently operates a fleet of six CH-4 UAVs, the first two of which made their public debut in October 2019. The CH-4 variant supplied to Indonesia has an operating radius of between 1,500 km and 2,000 km and can be operated via satellite link.

The TNI-AU’s CH-4s were also seen armed with the larger AR-1 missiles during a 2019 exercise in East Java, Indonesia.

Pilot error likely cause for B-17G crash

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board has published a new report into the fatal crash of a B-17G warbird at Bradley International Airport on Oct. 2, 2019.

R Singapore AF Fighter Joint Training with F-35B USMC

 On 8 Apr 21, two of our fighter aircraft participated in a joint training with F-35B Joint Strike Fighter aircraft from the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The joint training was conducted in the southern reaches of the South China Sea within international waters. The USMC F-35Bs were deployed off the USS Makin Island, which is transiting through the Singapore Strait.The RSAF welcomes such interaction opportunities with the USMC, which are testament to the trust and cooperation between our Forces, as well as the excellent and long-standing defence relationship between Singapore and the US.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) expects to take delivery of four F-35B fighter aircraft around 2026 and they will be deployed in continental US for training and in-depth evaluation.

Thales Australia Exports Over $30m in Munitions

 The prime processed munitions export orders valued at over $30 million in 2020, the highest year on record.Thales has revealed that its subsidiary, Australian Munitions, has undergone a record year of sales with more than $30 million in orders to the US, New Zealand, Canada, Asia, and Europe over the course of 2020.

The orders included the sale of munitions, propellant, military explosives and sporting shooter munitions, produced in Australian Munitions’ facilities in Benalla, Victoria, and Mulwala, NSW.The milestone came despite COVID-induced disruptions to the supply chain, which according to Thales, demonstrates the “superiority of Australia’s sovereign munitions product”.

“The quantum of munitions export orders achieved in 2020 is testament to the world-class munitions products we manufacture in Australia, and the capacity of our manufacturing industry to support the strategic supply lines of our allied partners,” Dion Habner, managing director of Australian Munitions, said.“The strong international demand for our products helps ensure we can continue to invest in new jobs and equipment to maintain and grow this vital sovereign capability for the Australian Defence Force."Thales’ Australian Munitions business exports to 17 countries around the world, employing approximately 650 staff operating out of its facilities in Victoria and NSW.

Greece to sign agreement on deploying Patriot missile to Saudi Arabia on Apr. 20

Greece’s Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias and National Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos will travel to Riyadh on Apr. 20 to sign an agreement for the deployment of a Greek PAC-3 air defense missile system to the kingdom.

Russia - Aviation of the Southern Military District delivered massive strikes against targets

Georgian AF upgraded Su-25

S-400 vs F-35 What will happen?

 

Wants to develop 5th Generation Fighter Jets and UAVs, Pakistan visits Turkish Aerospace Industry

Turkey Blocks Leonardo Helicopter Purchase after Italian PM Calls Erdogan

 Turkey has reportedly frozen an $83 million deal to buy Leonardo helicopters after Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi called its President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a “dictator.”

According to La Repubblica and Il Fatto Quotidiano, Turkish authorities have started to send "threatening signals" since there is no reaction from Rome.The contract for Leonardo’s training helicopters was expected to be signed in the coming days.In addition, at least three Italian companies operating in Turkey have also received a notice from the Turkish government, including energy company Ansaldo Energia that builds power plants in Turkey.

On Thursday, Draghi called the Turkish leader a "dictator" and upbraided his "inappropriate behaviour" during a recent visit of top European Union officials to Turkey. The comment added fuel to a dispute over a perceived seating snub involving European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.Draghi said Erdogan’s behavior was inappropriate and that he was sorry for the “humiliation” von der Leyen had suffered.Turkey has strongly rejected the allegation that the top EU official was snubbed and insisted it followed the EU’s own protocols in making the seating arrangements. Von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel traveled to Ankara for talks on Turkey-EU relations. Only two chairs were set out in front of the EU and Turkish flags for the three leaders.

The Turkey-EU meeting was supposed to improve relations after months of wrangling over everything from women’s rights to drilling for gas in disputed waters in the eastern Mediterranean.Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu slammed Draghi's remarks as "unacceptable populist rhetoric." Italy's ambassador to Ankara was summoned to the Turkish Foreign Ministry over the situation.

Small & Agile: Polaris MRZR - Ultra-light Tactical All-terrain Vehicle

Iran: Natanz nuclear facility hit by terrorist act

Taiwan’s PAC-3 unit can deployed in 25 minutes

Taiwan recently held a combat readiness exercise and the Ministry of National Defense’s Military News Agency has produce a video of the exercise. In the video, an officer in charge of a PAC-3 battery describe how his unit can be deployed for combat in 25 minutes and the battery is operational in 70 minutes.

S Korean KF-X is now officially the KF-21 Boramae

Found nano Meta materials being researched for defense purposes

 

Elbit’s video shows airborne laser weapon on Hermes 900 with canards

 Elbit was awarded a contract by the Israeli Ministry of Defense last year to pursue a program to develop an airborne laser weapon system. A new video posted by Elbit shows the laser mounted on a Hermes 900 unmanned air vehicle. The aircraft has been modified with canards, probably due to the increase weight on the nose to house the laser turret or to improve pitch stability in order to have a stable beam.

USS Mustin shadows Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning

 PHILIPPINE SEA (April 4, 2021) Cmdr. Robert J. Briggs and Cmdr. Richard D. Slye monitor surface contacts from the pilothouse of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin. Mustin is assigned to Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Arthur Rosen)

F-22 Raptors Punch Holes In The Clouds Over Japan

 

U.S. Navy & Royal Malaysian Air Force in the South China Sea

 

Pakistan Academy Passing Out Parade In Kakul

 

Marine Helicopters at Yodatown

 

F-A35 Stealth Jets Landing From Mission

 

Testing Indian Army's 48km TAGS Howitzer prototype

 

S. Korea unveils the prototype of its first indigenous fighter jet 'KF-X'

 

Vietnam Frigate Performs Combat Drills at Spratly Archipelago

 

A Vietnamese frigate has performed combat drills along with an anti-submarine helicopter near the Spratly Islands.016 Quang Trung, equipped with rockets and stealth capabilities, is used to combat submarines and other warships, Vietnam Television said on Sunday.

Ka-28 helicopters carried out emergency landing drills."On the Spratly Islands, combat preparations are at the highest levels," the national broadcaster added.016 Quang Trung, commissioned in 2018, carries a lot of modern Russian weaponry and camouflage technologies like radar-absorbing paint.Its main weaponry includes eight 3M24E rockets with a 130-km range, an AK-176MA gun and other rocket-gun combinations.It is also capable of carrying a Ka-28 helicopter for anti-submarine warfare.

PH Navy Keen on Acquiring US Cyclone-Patrol Vessels

 

The Philippine Navy (PN) has expressed its interest to acquire the newly-decommissioned Cyclone-class patrol vessels of the United States (US) Navy.

"The PN has manifested its interest in the decommissioned Cyclone-class patrol vessels (CCPVs) of the US Navy as a stop-gap to the decommissioned legacy PN ships. As to how many, that depends on the seaworthiness and efficiency of the CCPVs that will be offered, and this will be determined by the PN Joint Visual Inspection Team," PN chief, Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said in a message to the Philippine News Agency Thursday night.Bacordo said he will be happy if the PN acquires at least five of these Cyclone-class patrol vessels which will be a boost to its fleet.

At present, the PN has one Cyclone-class patrol vessel in its service, the BRP General Mariano Alvarez (PS-38), formerly the ex-USS Cyclone, which was transferred to the PN in 2004."We have manifested our interest with JUSMAG (Joint US Military Assistance Group) and US INDOPACOM (Indo-Pacific Command)," he added.

The Cyclone-class patrol ships are a class of US Navy coastal patrol boats consisting of some 14 ships.These vessels weigh around 328.5 long tons and have a length of 179 feet, a beam of 25 feet, and a draft of 7.5 feet.Their maximum speed is placed at 35 knots and they have a range of between 2,000 to 2,500 nautical miles.Cyclone-class patrol vessels are armed with two 25mm autocannons and several high-powered machine guns. 

T-80UM2 Black eagle, Russian Main Battle Tank

 

The Lightning War That Crushed France | Battles Won And Lost

 

101st Airborne Turns The Tables On Taliban Ambush

 

The Central African Republic Is Enlisting Russians in Its War Against Rebels

 

Combat Field Studies: Valley Forge

 

Pictures and video show Unidentified Flying Objects moving above U.S. Navy warships

 

U.S. Army Live-Fire Drill In Germany (MAR 2021)

 

Media reports from South Korea says Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) will roll out the first KF-X prototype on Apr. 9

Iranian ship thought to be used as military base attacked, says Tehran

 

The Iranian foreign ministry has confirmed that an Iranian cargo ship believed to be covertly deployed for military use off the coast of Yemen has been attacked, in an incident that threatens to inflame a proxy war between Iran and Israel.

Officials in Tehran said on Wednesday that the MV Saviz had been targeted in the Red Sea, a day after media reports said the ship had suffered damage after being hit by limpet mines. Images broadcast by Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency showed parts of the ship on fire. Tasnim said an explosion had targeted the hull.In a state TV report, an anchor cited a New York Times story, which quoted an anonymous US official telling the newspaper that Israel had informed the US it attacked the vessel on Tuesday morning.

The strike on the vessel came as Iran and world powers sat down in Vienna for a first round of talks about the US potentially rejoining the nuclear deal. Israel is bitterly opposed to a return to the agreement.Asked by reporters on Wednesday if Israel, Iran’s arch foe, was involved in the attack, the country’s defence minister, Benny Gantz, twice refused to comment on it specifically.

Elta P600 AEW promotional video

Cyprus Tor M1 in joint training with Israeli F-15s and F-35s

The Cyprus National Guard carried out a joint training exercise with Israel on Apr. 5-6. Exercise ONISILOS GEDEON 2021 involves the Tor M1 air defense missile system and Israeli F-15s and F-35s.

Blue Angels' first Delta formation in the Super Hornet

 

Belarus drones

 

Hornet sing - F/A-18C Engine Sounds at Arrival, Startup, Departure

 

S Korea RoKAF KF-16D GBU-39 drop test in United States

 

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Flight Operations in South China Sea

 

Pakistan - Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee visited Army Air Defence Ranges near Karachi

 

F-35A of JASDF conducted a bilateral training with F-22 ,F-16and KC-135 of US Air Force in the west to Misawa

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