June 30, 2021
JASDF at Red Flag Alaska 21-2
A Japanese Air Self Defense Force F-15J Eagle departs after refueling from a U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender assigned to the 9th Air Refueling Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, California, over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex June 23, 2021. RED FLAG-Alaska 21-1 is a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored exercise designed to provide realistic training in a simulated combat environment. A series of commander-directed field training exercises provides joint offensive counter-air, interdiction, close air support, and large force employment training. The RF-A exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces to include the Japanese Air Self-Defense and Republic of Korea Air Forces into joint and multilateral training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Emily Farnsworth)
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| Japan Air Self Defense Force service member from the E-767 Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft pose for the camera during RED FLAG-Alaska 21-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 24, 2021. The RF-A exercise focuses on improving the combat readiness of U.S. and international forces, and providing training for units preparing for air and space expeditionary force tasking. (U.S. Air Force photo by Sheila deVera) |
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| Japan Air Self Defense Force Lt Col. Hiroshi Ogawa, 602nd Squadron mission crew commander, monitors air activity on board an E-767 Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft during RED FLAG-Alaska 21-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 24, 2021. The RF-A exercise focuses on improving the combat readiness of U.S. and international forces, and providing training for units preparing for air and space expeditionary force tasking. (U.S. Air Force photo by Sheila deVera) |
June 28, 2021
A FENNEC Type helicopter belonging to the RMN which is carrying out an operational flight has made an emergency landing inside the RMN Lumut Base
LUMUT, 28 Jun 2021 – Sebuah helikopter Jenis FENNEC milik TLDM yang sedang melaksanakan penerbangan operasi telah membuat pendaratan kecemasan di dalam Pangkalan TLDM Lumut sekitar 1200 tengahari tadi.https://t.co/4bZPy4FFOH#ATMSentiasaBersepadu#TenteraLautDirajaMalaysia pic.twitter.com/6BAvdj3EvN
— Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (@MarkasATM) June 28, 2021
June 25, 2021
U.S. government clears sale of 12 F-16C/Ds to Philippines
The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Philippines of F-16 Block 70/72 Aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $2.43 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
The Government of the Philippines has requested to buy ten (10) F-16C Block 70/72 aircraft; two (2) F-16D Block 70/72 aircraft; fifteen (15) F100-PW-229EEP engines or F110-GE-129D engines; fifteen (15) Improved Programmable Display Generators (iPDG); fifteen (15) AN/APG-83 Advanced Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Scalable Agile Beam Radars (SABR); fifteen (15) Modular Mission Computers 7000AH; fifteen (15) LN-260 Embedded GPS/INS (EGI) with SAASM and PPS; twenty-four (24) Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) AIM-120C-7/C-8 or equivalent; one (1) AIM-120 Guidance Section; forty-eight (48) LAU-129 missile launchers; three (3) KMU-572 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition (LJDAM) tail kits; six (6) Mk-82 500lb bombs; six (6) Mk-82 500lb Inert training bombs; six (6) FMU-152 or FMU-139 fuzes; six (6) Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP) or Litening ATP; fifteen (15) Multifunctional Information Display System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS-JTRS) aircraft terminals, and; fifteen (15) M61A1 Vulcan Anti-Aircraft 20mm guns. Also included are AN/ARC-238 radios; Advanced Identification Friend or Foe with Combined Interrogator Transponder and Mode 5; Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems II (JHMCS II) or Scorpion Hybrid Optical-based Inertial Tacker (HObIT); Integrated Electronic Warfare Suite; Electronic Combat International Security Assistance Program (ECISAP) support; AN/ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispenser Systems (CMDS); Joint Mission Planning Systems (JMPS) or equivalent; AIM-120 CATM; LAU-118 launchers with Advanced Launcher Interface Computer (ALIC); LAU-117 missile launchers; DSU-38 Precision Laser Guided Sensor for LJDAM; Harpoon interface adapter kits; PGU-28 High Explosive Incendiary (HEI) ammunition; PGU-27 ammunition training rounds (non HEI); Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD); ARD-446 impulse cartridges; ARD-863 impulse cartridges; BBU-36/B impulse cartridges; BBU-35/B impulse cartridges; MK-124 smoke flares; MJU-7/B Flare Cartridge L463; BRU‐61 Bomb Racks; BRU‐57 bomb racks; MAU‐12 bomb racks and TER‐9A triple ejection racks; weapons support, test equipment, and missile containers; chaff and flare; Night Vision Devices (NVD) and support equipment and spares; secure communications; cryptographic equipment; aircraft and personnel support and test equipment; integration and test; weapons, ammunition, pylons, launcher adaptors, weapons interfaces, fuel tanks, and attached hardware; travel pods, precision measurement equipment laboratory, calibration, and simulators; spare and repair parts, repair and return services; maps, publications, and technical documentation; studies and surveys; classified / unclassified software and software support; personnel training and training equipment; facilities and facility management, design and/or construction services; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $2.43 billion.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner that continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in South East Asia.The proposed sale will improve the Philippines’ capability to meet current and future threats by enabling the Philippines to deploy fighter aircraft with precision munitions in support of counterterrorism operations in the southern Philippines, increasing effectiveness and minimizing collateral damage. The Philippines is committed to modernizing its military forces and will have no difficulty absorbing this aircraft and services into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.The principal contractor will be Lockheed-Martin, Greenville, SC. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of U.S. Government and contractor representatives (fewer than 20) to the Philippines to provide technical support for maintenance operations and to conduct flight and maintenance training.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.This notice of a potential sale is required by law. The description and dollar value is for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.
Kenya Air Force Mi-171E crashes
A Kenya Air Force Mi-171E helicopter has crashed twenty minutes after it took off from Moi airbase at 8.10 am local time on Jun. 24.
June 24, 2021
From the cockpit: video just in of IAF, Indian Navy & US Navy jets in formation during maritime air drills
From the cockpit: video just in of IAF, Indian Navy & US Navy jets in formation during maritime air drills yesterday. pic.twitter.com/ULPFInJmRb
— Livefist (@livefist) June 24, 2021
June 23, 2021
Philippine Army’s Aviation Regiment Welcomes its MBB Bo 105 Multi-Purpose Helicopter at Fort Magsaysay
Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija - The Officers and enlisted personnel of the Aviation (Hiraya) Regiment of the Philippine Army headed by Colonel Andre B. Santos, officially welcomed the Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm (MBB) Bo 105 multi-purpose helicopter at Headquarters Aviation Regiment Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija on June 18 2021.The BO 105 took off from Department of Transportation (DOTr) Hangar, Coast Guard Aviation Force in Pasay City, Metro Manila and landed at Fort Magsaysay Aerodrome for the first time and piloted by Army Aviator Major Irben G. Rimando and Cdr Dino B. Garcia, Deputy Commander of Philippine Coast Guard Aviation Force (Instructor Pilot).
The said aircraft, donated by Mr Manny V. Pangilinan, was formally turned-over to the Philippine Army last January 11, 2021 at General Headquarters, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.After several months of waiting, the BO 105 finally found its new home in Fort Magsaysay. This aircraft will be utilized to develop the skills of Army aviators.Future plans include the use of this aircraft for HADR, medevac, air reconnaissance, and maritime patrols.
The Royal Thai Army Signs a Contract for the Third C295W
Airbus said in a statement that the Thai Ministry of Defense has signed an agreement to supply one additional C295W, including three of the existing C295W, which will be delivered in 2023, which will be used in general, passenger, powerlifting missions. paratroopers, paratroopers and medical evacuation
Yohan Pelissier, Airbus Defense and Space's Southeast Asia Director, said: “The additional aircraft order from Thailand's Ministry of Defense demonstrates continued confidence in its transport capabilities. Proven military Airbus aircraft.”“The C295 is now popular in Asia-Pacific due to its modular design. As well as maneuverability and durability, it also has low operating costs compared to other platforms in its class. This was a good opportunity for the military. We look forward to seeing the growth of the C295 fleet in the region.”
This agreement brings the total number of C295 orders in the Asia-Pacific region to 25 aircraft.This acquisition is the result of the Army canceling the supply of aircraft to transport important personnel or #Gulfstream G500 VIP aircraft, valued at 1,348.5 million baht, which TAF has published for the first time. And there are criticisms on the suitability of the procurement. Both high-performance aircraft and can fly as far as Europe. which is probably more than necessary for use.Later, the Army Commander said The Royal Thai Army has considered converting the Gulfstream G500 procurement program to a C-295W medium transport aircraft instead.
June 22, 2021
Israel - Successfully completed first interception series using aerial laser
*הסתיימה בהצלחה סדרת יירוט ראשונה באמצעות לייזר אווירי*
— INTELLINEWS (@INTELLINEWS3) June 21, 2021
*מפא"ת במשרד הביטחון, יחד עם חברת "אלביט מערכות" בשיתוף חיל האוויר, יירטו כטב"מים בטווחים ובגובהי טיסה שונים באמצעות מערכת לייזר אווירית שהותקנה על מטוס* pic.twitter.com/YcB0FYUtuL
Japan will Participate for Malaysia Air Defense Radar Tender
It was revealed on the June 19th that the government will participate in a bid starting next month for the export of air defense radar to Malaysia. If the order is successful, it will be the second radar export of domestically produced equipment after Philippines, which was contracted in August last year based on the three principles of defense equipment transfer that paved the way for overseas transfer of equipment. As the threat of Chinese military aircraft in the airspace around Malaysia becomes clear, it is meaningful to strengthen security cooperation in the South China Sea.
On June 2, this year, the Malaysian Ministry of Defense issued a bid announcement for the air defense radar that the Air Force will introduce for aircraft detection, requesting that it propose equipment that can be exported by the end of August. A briefing session on the contents of the bid will be held online on July 1, and the bidding procedure will begin.Only one radar will be introduced for the time being, and it is expected that it will be selected over several months. It is expected that US companies such as Lockheed Martin and European companies such as Indra Systemas of Spain, which Japan lost in the radar export to Thailand in 2018, will also participate in the bidding, and fierce competition for orders is expected.
The radar that Japan proposes for export to Malaysia is likely to be made by Mitsubishi Electric, which received an order from the Philippines. For export to the Philippines, Mitsubishi Electric is developing and manufacturing a new radar based on the FPS3 radar operated by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, with the requirements of the Philippine Air Force, and the government will apply this proposal method to Malaysia as well.As a prerequisite for export, the Defense Equipment and Technology Transfer Agreement, which is an indispensable legal framework for having the partner country properly manage equipment, has already been concluded with Malaysia and has come into effect in 2018. Once the order is decided, the environment for smooth export is in place.
Strengthening airspace surveillance is an urgent issue for Malaysia. The Royal Malaysian Air Force announced on May 31 this year that it had confirmed that 16 Chinese military transport aircraft were approaching the airspace over the South China Sea off the coast of Borneo and had scrambled the air force aircraft. The transport plane was flying in a tactical formation within 60 nautical miles (about 110 km) from the coast.
It has been revealed that the government will participate in bidding for the export of air defense radar to Malaysia. Following the Philippines, which Japan succeeded in receiving orders in August last year, the need to increase radar in Malaysia is increasing as evidence that China's threat in the South China Sea is becoming more serious not only in the sea but also in the airspace."I'm not sure if China's threat has pushed the bid forward or the timing coincided, but Malaysia is certainly intensifying the sense of crisis."
A senior Japanese government official points out. Malaysia issued a radar bid announcement on June 2, this year. Two days before that, on May 31, a large number of Chinese military aircraft rushed to the vicinity of the airspace, passing near the air route of a civilian passenger aircraft, and the Malaysian Air Force detected by radar had just been forced to scramble by a fighter.
US Carrier Strike Group Exercises with Republic of Singapore Navy
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), USS Shiloh (CG 67) and RSS Intrepid (69) steam in formation while training together in the South China Sea (photos : US Navy, RSN)
SOUTH CHINA SEA - Ships and aircraft from the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG 5) and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) conducted integrated bilateral training, June 17.CSG 5 sailed in international waters with RSN’s Formidable-class frigate RSS Intrepid (69) and the Victory-class corvette RSS Vigilance (90). While training together, the strike group and the RSN ships conducted maritime security drills, flag hoist and communication drills as well as formation sailing, and a publication exercise (PUB-EX), during which the watchstanders of each ship quizzed each other on tactical and technical literature.
“Any opportunity to train and exercise with our Singaporean partners, especially in the South China Sea, is essential in demonstrating our commitment to freedom of navigation and peace in the region,” said Capt. Fred Goldhammer, commanding officer of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). “As America's flagship, Ronald Reagan maintains a forward presence here, or anywhere else where our mission may take us. Our crew always remains focused, flexible and ready.”The strike group is committed to upholding U.S. security agreements with regional allies and partners, demonstrating the capability of forward-deployed naval forces to quickly respond across the region.
"We are always pleased with the opportunity to operate with and improve our cohesiveness with our partners, and this was no exception," said Capt. Sharif Calfee, USS Shiloh commanding officer. "The Shiloh Hornets were proud to exhibit our shared commitment to maritime security and freedom of the seas with the RSN."This exercise accomplished the mission of strengthening the U.S. Navy’s bilateral relationship and cooperation with RSN by demonstrating the ability to integrate and coordinate maritime operations.The U.S. and Republic of Singapore navies work together on a number of initiatives at sea such as Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), ASEAN-US Maritime Exercise (AUMX), Exercise Pacific Griffin, Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT), and Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), as well as combined operations such as multi-national counter-piracy.
The strike group consists of the Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), the embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, the embarked staffs of Task Force 70 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67), and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97).
CSG 5, is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet. The U.S. Navy has operated in the Indo-Pacific for more than 70 years, through 7th Fleet, helping allies and partners from 35 other maritime-nations by providing credible, ready forces to develop interoperability that fosters maritime security, promotes stability, and prevents conflict all in order to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.
India to retire MiG-21 in three years, stands up second Rafale squadron
The Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshall R K S Bhadauria has said that the ageing MiG-21 fighter jets will be phased out by the IAF in the next two to three years, Times of India has reported.The IAF Chief added that the force is currently focusing on inducting the 36 Rafale fighter jets after which the focus will shift to inducting LCA Tejas jets over the next three and half years.
"Discontinuation of flying the MiG-21 immediately is not the answer. In another 2-3 years they will be phased out as soon as they get to their life's end. Our plan to induct 36 Rafales is on target. Once the Rafales are inducted, the focus will be on the induction of the LCA over the next three-and-a-half years", the IAF Chief has been quoted as saying.The IAF is also focusing on developing the advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) in collaboration with the DRDO and the industry.
The IAF has so far received six batches of Rafale fighter jets.The arrival of this sixth batch of Rafale jets means that the country has now received two-third of the total number of planes that it had ordered ie 24 jets. Earlier, the fifth consignment of four jets had traversed a total distance of 8,000 km from the Merignac Air Base to reach India on 22 April.
Indonesia to take $700 million foreign loans to buy 2 aerial refueling tankers
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/indonesia-approves-usd700-million-in-foreign-loans-for-aerial-tanker-buy
Ridzwan Rahmat
The Indonesian Ministry of Finance (MoF) has granted approval for the country to obtain up to USD700 million in foreign loans to procure two aerial tankers for the Indonesian Air Force (Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Udara: TNI-AU) in 2021.
This was revealed in a notice issued by the MoF on 26 April listing a total of 31 Ministry of Defence (MoD) programmes for which funding through foreign loans has been approved.Issued after consultations with the MoD and the Ministry of National Development Planning (Kementerian Perencanaan Pembangunan Nasional: BAPPENAS), the list, which was initially classified, has been provided to Janes by a government source. The document also shows that a total of 56 requests for foreign funding were rejected.Janes was first informed by a source at the Singapore Airshow 2018 that the TNI-AU had appointed GMF AeroAsia, a subsidiary of national carrier Garuda Indonesia, for assistance with an in-depth study on Indonesia's aerial refuelling capabilities.Among the matters that were explored in the study were life cycle costs, local capabilities in maintaining the airframes, compatibility of refuelling methods with the TNI-AU's fleet of aircraft, and inter-operability with existing and future TNI-AU assets.
As part of its findings, the TNI-AU and GMF AeroAsia recommend that the new tankers be equipped with both the probe-and-drogue and flying boom aerial refuelling methods, Janes has learnt.Prior to the joint study with GMF AeroAsia, the TNI-AU had conducted its own preliminary study comparing Airbus' A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), Boeing's KC-46A Pegasus, and Russia's four-engined Ilyushin Il-78.
Malaysia launches tender for the supply of 18 light combat aircraft
Malaysia has published the tender for the supply of eighteen Fighter Lead In Trainer-Light Combat Aircraft for the Royal Malaysian Air Force on Jun. 22.
June 21, 2021
Indian IAF Su-30 during take off from Indian Air Force station LEH
Neat satellite image spots a possible Su-30 during take off from #IndianAirForce station LEH pic.twitter.com/1emwnjHoqA
— d-atis☠️ (@detresfa_) June 21, 2021
June 20, 2021
June 17, 2021
First Steel Cutting For Pakistan’s Fourth And Final Jinnah-Class
The steel-cutting ceremony of fourth Milgem-class corvette for Pakistan Navy was held at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KS&EW) here on Tuesday.Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Amjad Khan Niazi graced the occasion as chief guest. The event marked a milestone in the construction schedule for the fourth Milgem-class corvette for the navy.
Pakistan Navy has signed a contract with M/s Asfat for construction of four corvettes out of which two are being constructed at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard and the remaining two at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works.The corvettes will be fitted with state-of-the-art surface, sub-surface and anti-air weapons and sensors, integrated through an advanced network-centric combat management system.
PAF Conducts 'Solidarity Maritime Patrol' over Philippine Rise Rise
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) conducted a "solidarity maritime patrol" over the Philippine Rise on Saturday.PAF spokesperson Lt. Col. Maynard Mariano on Sunday said the activity was part of the country's commemoration of the 123rd Independence Day and 5th anniversary of the renaming of the Philippine Rise.The commemoration aimed to promote marine conservation and to assert the country’s sovereign rights on the feature, formerly known as the Benham Rise, located approximately 250 kilometers east of the northern coastline of Dinapigue, Isabela.
An EADS CASA C-295 medium transport and two South Korean-made FA-50PH fighter jets took part in the activity which was organized by the PAF and its Tactical Operations Wing Northern Luzon.Aboard the transport aircraft was National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, also National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF WPS) chair and Northern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Arnulfo Burgos along with other ranking officials.Esperon was the guest-of-honor during Independence Day ceremonies at Clark Air Base in Angeles City, Pampanga."The PAF C-295 aircraft was the primary aircraft for Secretary Esperon, Lt. Gen, Arnulfo Burgos and members of the NTF WPS during the conduct of the solidarity maritime patrol," Mariano said.
He added that the event was highlighted by the escort mission by two FA-50PH fighter jets led by PAF chief Lt. Gen. Allen T. Paredes over sovereignty buoys or markers in the Philippine Rise."Escort mission such as in maritime patrols builds confidence and assures the Filipino people that the PAF will always be there to keep our airspace inviolable and safe for all of us," Mariano said.
US Welcomes Postponed Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) Termination by Philippines
The United States government welcomed on Tuesday President Rodrigo Duterte's decision to postpone the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) for six more months.In a statement sent to reporters, the US Embassy in Manila said, "Our alliance continues to contribute not only to the security of our two nations but also strengthens the rules-based order that benefits all nations in the Indo-Pacific."
The suspension was extended while Duterte studies and both sides further address his concerns regarding particular aspects of the accord.Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., who announced the Chief Executive's decision on Monday night, however, did not elaborate what specific aspects of the deal are being studied.The VFA, established in 1999, provides a framework for defense forces cooperation that allows joint exercises between the Philippines and the US.In February 2020, Duterte notified the US that the Philippines would formally terminate the agreement.
Following the coronavirus outbreak, the government in June 2020 suspended the abrogation for six months.It was postponed for the second time in November 2020 to allow both nations "to find a more enhanced, mutually beneficial, mutually agreeable, and more effective and lasting arrangement on how to move forward in our mutual defense."
Australia Completes SEA EXPLORER Amphibious Exercise
Australian amphibious force completes exercise
Exercise Sea Explorer has concluded with about 1800 ADF personnel taking part and for the first time the tactical deployment of M1A1 Abrams tanks was exercised in amphibious operations.The Australian Amphibious Force achieved the milestone at Cowley Beach in North Queensland during Exercise Sea Explorer, the second major activity of the Sea Series suite of exercises.Commander 1st Division Major General Jake Ellwood said the achievement showed Defence is advancing its warfighting capability in the coastal environment.
“During Exercise Sea Explorer we were able to demonstrate our capacity to project a mechanised combat team onto land from the sea,” Major General Ellwood said.“Troops rehearsed beach landings with a range of military vehicles, including the M1A1 Tank, using a variety of landing craft and with Australian Army ARH-Tiger and CH-47 Chinook helicopters in support.” Embarked in HMA Ships Canberra and Choules, the Australian Amphibious Force conducted wet and dry environmental rehearsals, combat enhancement training and force integration.Troops trained day and night to familiarise forces with the conduct of amphibious operations.
Commander Amphibious Task Force Captain Leif Maxfield said the exercise provided a fantastic opportunity to learn and test new skillsets in the amphibious environment.The Australian Amphibious Force is a scalable, joint force enhancing the ADF’s ability to achieve the nation’s Defence and maritime strategic objectives and interests throughout the region,” Captain Maxfield said.
“Exercise Sea Explorer enables our soldiers, sailors and aviators to practice a range of procedures and capabilities in complex and challenging scenarios.”The training will intensify next month on Exercise Sea Raider when the Australian Amphibious Force take the lessons learnt on this exercise, and put them in to practice during a range of realistic amphibious assault and raid rehearsals as part Exercise Talisman Sabre. (Aus DoD)
Korean KF-21 Assembly Line Made Public for the First Time
Airplane prototypes are made to run various tests, including test flights, before the planes go into mass production. The planes are opened up and taken apart to fix or replace flawed parts and then reassembled for more tests — a process that’s repeated over and over again.
Before the prototype plane can receive the OK for a test flight, it has to go through a year or so of ground testing. KAI opened up the KF-21 assembly line to the Hankyoreh, the first South Korean newspaper to gain access to the site. The wings and fuselages of the fighters on the assembly line were all painted light green, reminding me of the tender leaves on a mulberry tree in the early spring.
Almost the entire assembly process is done by hand. Twenty engineers were working together to load missiles on the second prototype plane.“You may have imagined the kind of conveyer belt you might see on an automobile assembly line, but this is completely different,” said Kim Jun-myeong, head of KAI’s operations department, with a smile.“Airplanes can’t be welded because they’re made of aluminum and other special materials. We assemble the fuselage and attach wings to the fuselage by drilling lots of holes on both sides for inserting rivets. A single wing needs more than 10,000 rivets,” said Lee Il-woo, a senior engineer on the KF-21 project.
Running my hand along the joint, I find the rivets as dense and neat as if they’d been sewn by machine. The rivets themselves are so smooth I can’t even feel them with my hand. If a rivet protruded even a single millimeter from the surface, it would create air resistance.
“The interior of the fighter has a complicated latticework designed to continue functioning even if some parts are damaged by gunfire during a dogfight. Electronic equipment runs from the cockpit to the ends of the wings,” Lee said.
June 16, 2021
June 15, 2021
Afghan National Defense Forces are ready to defend this land with the most advanced equipment
نیروهای ملی دفاعی افغانستان با پیشرفته ترین تجهیزات و آموزش های مسلکی آماده دفاع از این سرزمین هستند. pic.twitter.com/GH3934872o
— Ministry of Defense, Afghanistan (@MoDAfghanistan) May 11, 2021
The Royal Thai Navy has Tested the MARCUS Vertical UAV Aboard the HTMS Angthong
Unmanned aerial vehicle testing for maritime reconnaissance MARCUS (Maritime Aerial Reconnaissance Craft Unmanned System) on board amphibious landing ship HTMS Angthong (LPD) on June 10, 2021 is the latest achievement of the research and development project by the Naval Military Research and Development Office, NSTDA, in collaboration with the Thai private sector, namely SDT Composites, an air structure designer and manufacturer, and Pims Technologies, a developer of flight and communication control systems.The Royal Thai Navy has supplied 6 Small Tactical UASs with Orbiter 3B from Aeronautics Defense Systems Israel to be stationed in the 104 squadron. Flying 1, Naval Aviation Squadron. It has been implemented in many missions, both training and combating illegal at sea.
However, the Orbiter 3B UAV is limited in terms of transmission systems that require a launch pad and get back by attaching a parachute, it is inconvenient to operate on surface ships, even with a large helicopter flight deck, therefore, there is a need for a more suitable UAV format.The demand for maritime rotary wing unmanned aerial vehicles has already been supplied for the Schiebel Camcopter S-100. Self-reliance that has proven success from the mass production line of Narai UAV.
June 14, 2021
June 12, 2021
Hankyoreh visits KF-21 production line
A reporter from South Korean daily newspaper Hankyoreh was given the rare opportunity to visit the KF-21 production line by KAI.
Pleasing Brazilian scene
A. Pleasing Brazilian scene. pic.twitter.com/KJM0bjuxvw
— Chris Bolton (@CcibChris) June 10, 2021
June 10, 2021
AFRL releases new video explaining the capabilities of the THOR portable counter-UAS system
The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory has created a new video animation that realistically depicts THOR (Tactical High-power Operational Responder) destroying swarms of enemy drones in a base defense scenario.
LIG Nex1 to showcase Korean-made Goalkeeper at MADEX 2021
At MADEX 2021 in Busan, South Korean defense firm LIG Nex1 intends to showcase the Korean-made Goalkeeper that it intends to offer to the South Korean navy for its CIWS-II program.
June 9, 2021
Three Dead After Air Force Helicopter Crashes In Central Afghanistan - Reports
The Afghan air force's Mi-17 helicopter has crash-landed in the central province of Maidan Wardak, leaving three servicemen dead and one injured, media reported on Tuesday, citing the defense ministry.
The incident took place in the province's Jaghatu district on Tuesday night, TOLOnews said.
Swiss newspaper Le Matin - Rafale is leading contender in Swiss competition
Rafale C French Air Force flying Display Zigermeet
Le Matin says there are signs that the Swiss government has decided on the Rafale. For example, the head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport, Viola Amherd, had cited the Rafale as an example of how the Swiss military could achieve its strategic objectives.
June 8, 2021
On June 7, Philippine Air Force received five more S-70i Blackhawk Utility Helicopters from Poland aboard an Antonov transport plane at Clark Air Base in Pampanga
An Antonov An-124 Ruslan transport aircraft reportedly arrived at Clark Air Base today, June 7 transporting 5 S-70i Black Hawk combat utility helicopters (CUHs) for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
The same type of aircraft delivered the initial batch of S-70i Black Hawk CUHs from Poland in November 2020. Six of 16 ordered S-70i Black Hawks constructed by Poland-based company PZL Mielec are already in PAF service.“Since their acquisition, our Blackhawk S-70is have greatly boosted the operational readiness of the PAF in both combat and non-combat missions. Their larger capacity and impressive horsepower allows for a faster and long-range transport,” National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said last month.
“Looking forward to the delivery of the remaining 10 Blackhawks this year,” he added.With the said latest arrival, 5 more are to be delivered to complete the 16 ordered S-70i Black Hawks.
Indian Navy has started training on the MH-60R
The Indian Navy is ready to take a step towards modernising its ageing helicopter fleet as the United States is set to hand over three MH-60R helicopters to it in their country, where Indian crews are stationed for training on the new platform, by the year-end, people familiar with the developments said on Monday.Two of the multi-role helicopters (MRHs) will be delivered to the navy next month, with the third delivery planned around the year-end, said one of the officials cited above. The Indian crews, including around 15 officers, began their training at Pensacola in Florida on Monday.
Last year, India ordered 24 Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky MH-60R helicopters from the US to strengthen the navy’s anti-submarine/anti-surface warfare and surveillance capabilities. The government-to-government contract for the helicopters is worth around ₹17,500 crore.The navy had first moved a case to buy multi-role helicopters, a critical operational necessity, more than 15 years ago.
But the MRHs were ordered only last year as a replacement for the Sea King 42/42A fleet, which went out of service nearly two decades ago. The MRH is expected to be the mainstay of the navy’s anti-submarine/anti-ship warfare and airborne early-warning capabilities in the coming years.“The procurement is progressing well. The first batch of three choppers is likely to arrive in India in May-June 2022. The remaining 21 helicopters are likely to be delivered over the next three years (by 2024),” said a second official.
Armed with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, MK 54 torpedoes and advanced precision weapons, the twin-engine helicopters can operate from frigates, destroyers and aircraft carriers.Ship-borne multi-role helicopters have been an essential force multiplier for any navy since the 1960s, maritime affairs expert Rear Admiral Sudarshan Shrikhande (retd) said. “I recall the great combat power the earlier helicopters like the Sea King 42 and Kamov variants brought to the fleet in the late 1980s. The induction of the new MRH is a qualitative relief, but quantitative gaps also need addressing,” he said.
The navy is also pursuing a plan to build 111 naval utility helicopters (NUH) in India under the strategic partnership (SP) model to replace its outdated fleet of French-designed Chetak choppers. The defence acquisition council (DAC), India’s apex procurement body, cleared the ₹21,738-crore NUH project under the SP model in August 2018, but there has been no forward movement during the last three years.