August 31, 2021
Taiwan - A two-seat F-16 of the Republic of China Air Force veered off the runway at Pingtung Air Base on Aug. 31
A two-seat F-16 of the Republic of China Air Force veered off the runway at Pingtung Air Base on Aug. 31 at 06:32 hrs local time. The pilot was not hurt in the accident.
August 30, 2021
Afghanistan - This is what a political debate now looks like on Afghan TV, Taliban foot soldiers watching over the host
Afghanistan TV - surreal
— Yalda Hakim (@BBCYaldaHakim) August 29, 2021
This is what a political debate now looks like on Afghan TV, Taliban foot soldiers watching over the host. The presenter talks about the collapse of the Ghani govt & says the Islamic Emirate says the Afghan people should not to be afraid #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/oEverVgLOE
Tibetan soldier and hero Nyima Tenzin for his sacrifice in Ladakh fighting the Chinese
On his first death anniversary, we pay tribute to Tibetan soldier and hero Nyima Tenzin for his sacrifice in Ladakh fighting the Chinese. This video from his last rites. The Last Post with Tibetan Buddhist Chants. Jai Tibet. Jai Vikas Regiment. Jai Hind.🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/0QyqDhNekH
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) August 30, 2021
Australia, India, Japan, and U.S. Kick-off Exercise MALABAR 2021
Maritime forces from Australia, Japan, India, and the United States began phase 1 of cooperative maritime exercise MALABAR 2021 in the Philippine Sea, August 26.
MALABAR is an annual maritime exercise that enhances planning, training, and employment of advanced warfare tactics between the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Indian Navy (IN), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), and U.S. Navy which demonstrates the commitment between like-minded nations to upholding a rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific.
This year’s exercise is hosted by the U.S. Navy and will take part in two phases. The first phase is an opportunity for the four Indo-Pacific navies to operate together in the Philippines Sea to strengthen their skills in combined maritime operations, anti-submarine warfare operations, air warfare operations, live-fire gunnery events, replenishments-at-sea, cross-deck flight operations, and maritime interdiction operations.
This year the exercise includes Naval Special Warfare forces during phase 1 to address irregular maritime threats and enhance integration with traditional naval forces.Elements of the Royal Australian, Indian, Japanese, and American maritime forces routinely operate together in the Indo-Pacific, fostering a cooperative approach toward regional security and stability to deter malign influence.
Representing the Indian Navy is Shivalik-class multi-role stealth frigate INS Shivalik (F 47), and Kamorta-class anti-submarine warfare corvette INS Kadmatt (P 29). Representing the JMSDF is Izumo-class multi-purpose operation destroyer JS Kaga (DDH 184), Murasame-class destroyers JS Murasame (DD 101) and JS Shiranui (DD 120). Representing Australia is Anzac-class frigate HMAS Warramonga (FFH 152). Maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft are scheduled to include an IN P-8, JMSDF P-1, and U.S. P-8A.
Under Commander, U. S. Pacific Fleet, 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with 35 maritime nations in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
August 29, 2021
The Turkish President RT Erdogan is soon to arrive to inaugurate the first Akinci UCAV with his signature
A New Chapter In Unmanned Warfare: The Bayraktar Akıncı Enters Active Service #Akıncı #Baykar #Bayraktarhttps://t.co/Tr5eaDT8Te
— Oryx (@oryxspioenkop) August 29, 2021
August 27, 2021
Philippine Navy Frigate, 2 Indian Ships Conduct Maritime Exercise in WPS
BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), the Philippine Navy's new guided-missile frigate, has joined two Indian Navy ships in a maritime exercise at the West Philippine Sea Monday.
The BRP Antonio Luna, guided-missile destroyer INS Ranvijay (D-55) and guided-missile corvette INS Kora (P-61) performed several operational maneuvers off the northwestern coast of Palawan."Both navies were very much satisfied with the outcome of these interactions that focus on enhanced interoperability and collaboration," Naval Forces West (NFW) acting commander Marine Col. Antonio Mangoroban Jr. said in a statement Monday.The Indian Navy ships were deployed to improve maritime security coordination with partner nations such as the Philippines which India has had a long-standing relationship for 72 years.
Since 1998, regular visits by Indian navy vessels to the Philippines have highlighted the two maritime nation-states' defense cooperation.The exercise was conducted in a contactless manner in compliance with the prevailing pandemic guidelines and health and safety protocols were strictly observed.After the exercise, the Indian naval ships are scheduled to call at Manila Port for replenishment.The Indian Navy ships were deployed to improve maritime security coordination with partner nations such as the Philippines which India has had a long-standing relationship for 72 years.Since 1998, regular visits by Indian navy vessels to the Philippines have highlighted the two maritime nation-states' defense cooperation.
The exercise was conducted in a contactless manner in compliance with the prevailing pandemic guidelines and health and safety protocols were strictly observed.
After the exercise, the Indian naval ships are scheduled to call at Manila Port for replenishment.Recently, BRP Antonio Luna participated in the 19th Southeast Asia Maritime and Cooperation 2021.Since its commissioning, the ship has been participating in regular drills with foreign navies to improve its capabilities.It is currently assigned to the NFW under the AFP Western Command and is the sister ship of the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), the country's first missile frigate.
“As a newly-commissioned vessel of the Philippine Navy, BRP Antonio Luna is anticipated to be at par with her foreign counterparts and it is a breath of fresh air to see our modern navy partake in these maritime partnership exercises,” Mangoroban said.
August 24, 2021
Indian Air Force LCA pitching up
Listen to #LCA roar when it pitches up pic.twitter.com/oCvNUOhV5K
— Harsh Vardhan Thakur (@hvtiaf) August 24, 2021
August 23, 2021
August 21, 2021
August 20, 2021
RoKAF frontline fighters escort KC-330 carrying remains of Korean independence fighter
The remains of Hong Beom-do, a historic Korean independence fighter, were brought home from Kazakhstan on Aug. 15 using a KC-330. The Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) sent six of its frontline fighters to escort the aerial refueling tanker when the aircraft entered South Korea’s air defense identification zone.
India's Bharat Dynamics Limited ties up with UK firm to make advanced missiles
Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and MBDA of United Kingdom (UK) have signed a licensing agreement to establish a facility for the Final Assembly, Integration and Test (FAIT) of Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) missiles in India on Tuesday.
The agreement was signed by BDL director (Technical) NP Diwakar and MBDA international cooperation director George Kyriakides in the presence of Commodore Siddharth Mishra (Retd), BDL’s chairman & managing director at a virtual ceremony along with director (production) P. Radhakrishna, director (finance) N. Srinivasulu, and others.
Under the agreement, MBDA will transfer the equipment and knowledge to BDL for establishing the facility expected to commence operations by 2022-23. Commodore Siddharth Mishra (Retd), CMD, BDL stated that signing of the licencing agreement reinforces the BDL’s commitment to contribute towards ‘Make in India’ and the ‘Atmanirbhar’ initiatives in the defence sector.
This pact is part of BDL’s endeavours to enter into tie-up with foreign OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) in pursuit of its expansion programme, he said. ASRAAM is one of the ‘within visual range’ missiles available and BDL will be manufacturing these at its Bhanur unit in Telangana for domestic and export purposes through MBDA. The new facility will provide India with the ability to carry out final assembly, integration and test of ASRAAM missiles. This new generation close combat missile with its low drag, aerodynamic airframe, unrivalled speed and manoeuvrability throughout its flight along with increased agility makes it the best missile in its category of weapons. The missile has full ‘Lock On Before Launch’ and ‘Lock On After Launch’ operating modes, a press release said.
“We are very pleased to be establishing this new ASRAAM facility with BDL. MBDA has a long and highly successful history of working with it for over four decades where a large number of MBDA-designed Milan missiles were made here,” said Mr. George Kyriakides.
The new BDL ASRAAM facility will have the potential to also conduct maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of missiles. It can also be adapted to conduct final assembly, integration and test of the CAMM missile of MBDA. CAMM is the missile used by the Sea Ceptor naval air defence system that has been offered as Short Range Surface to Air Missile (SRSAM) requirement.
The BDL is the only firm in the country involved in manufacturing various types of missiles and underwater weapons for supply to the Indian armed forces and friendly foreign countries. It also handles launchers, test equipment, refurbishment/life extension of missiles and counter measures systems for domestic as well as international market.
The MBDA with significant presence in five European countries and United States is capable of designing and producing missiles and missile systems corresponding to the full range of current and future operational needs of the three armed forces (land, sea and air).
August 18, 2021
August 17, 2021
Akhundzada, Haqqani, Baradar: Meet the Taliban leaders running ‘Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’
As the Taliban win back Kabul and remove an elected government from power, we look at the men who are behind the powerful insurgent group that fought America and its allies for two decades. The Taliban movement was founded in 1994 by Mullah Mohammad Omar in Kandahar to take on mujahideen warlords who had devastated Afghanistan for years after the exit of Soviets from the country. After fighting warlords for two years, Taliban finally took over the reins of the country in 1996 and established its Islamic Emirate. For the next five years, most of Afghanistan was ruled by the Taliban with an iron hand as it enforced strict Shariah laws. After 9/11 terrorist attacks, Mullah Omar refused to handover Al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden to the United States and in response, the U.S invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban regime. Twenty years later, Mullah Omar is dead but his men are back in Kabul to rule the country again. Watch this report to know who is who in the Taliban
Watch Japan’s KC-46 carrying out its first aerial refueling
Japan’s first KC-46 recently refueled another KC-46A over the state of Washington, it was later refueled by the other KC-46.
August 14, 2021
August 13, 2021
China building third ICBM silo site in Inner Mongolia
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is likely to begin construction of a potential ICBM silo site in Hanggin Banner, Ordos City, Inner Mongolia since May this year.
August 12, 2021
Indonesian Engineers to Return to S. Korea for KF-21 Joint Development This Month
Indonesian engineers who left South Korea last year amid speculation the Southeast Asian country was seeking to quit their joint fighter jet development will return this month after Jakarta reaffirmed its commitment to the project, the arms procurement agency said Wednesday.According to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, 32 Indonesian engineers are undergoing administrative procedures, such as visa application, to return to the Korea Aerospace Industries headquarters in the southern city of Sacheon.Indonesia agreed to partner in South Korea's KF-21 project aimed at developing a new fighter jet by 2026, and promised to shoulder 20 percent of the total development cost of 8.8 trillion won (US$7.6 billion), or about 1.7 trillion won.
But Indonesia's 114-strong engineering team returned home in March last year after the country's failure to make payments gave rise to speculation that it could quit the program. Indonesia stopped making payments after investing 227.2 billion won, with around 700 billion won overdue.The Indonesian government reaffirmed its continued commitment to the KF-21/IF-X joint development, and sought cooperation for its engineers' prompt return to South Korea," the agency said in a release.South Korea decided to accept the request, despite the unsolved payment issue, in order to swiftly normalize the joint business.Starting with the 32 engineers, around 100 personnel will be back at the Sacheon plant by the end of the year.The two countries were seeking to hold another round of negotiations to resolve the payment issue but the meeting could not take place due to the coronavirus situation.
"We will do our best to hold working-level talks as soon as possible and conclude the discussions on the payment issue," Jung Kwang-sun, heading the KF-21 program at the agency, said.South Korea has been working on the KF-21 project since 2015 to develop a homegrown cutting-edge fighter aircraft to replace the Air Force's aging fleet of F-4 and F-5 jets.In April, South Korea unveiled a prototype of the gray-colored jet and its official name, KF-21 Boramae.Ground tests are currently under way and the first flight test is scheduled for next year.When the development is complete, 40 units are planned to be delivered to the Air Force by 2028 and another 80 units by 2032, officials said.
August 11, 2021
Israeli F-35 lands on runway repaired with FRP mats
Israeli Air Force engineers can now repair damaged runways with Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) mats and anchoring systems thanks to training by U.S. Air Force and Army engineers.The U.S. Air Force’s Rapid Airfield Damage Recovery concept uses the same type of technologies.
This was the first time FRP kits were used in such a large crater configuration and the first time the kits were tested using F-35s.
August 10, 2021
Australian Ships Join US-Led Exercise
HMAS Canberra, front, conducts manoeuvres with USS New Orleans, left, JS Makinami and USS America during the Large Scale Global Exercise in the Western Pacific (photo : Aus DoD)
HMA Ships Canberra and Ballarat have arrived in the Western Pacific Ocean for the opening phase of the US-led Large Scale Global Exercise 21. Chief of Joint Operations Lieutenant General Greg Bilton said Australia’s participation in the first phase of the activity followed the success of Exercises Talisman Sabre and Pacific Vanguard.
“We have just completed some extraordinary training in and around Australia and now we have this exciting new opportunity to consolidate those gains,” Lieutenant General Bilton said. “We’ve got amphibious forces, including United States marines, embarked in Canberra, and a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft involved at various stages as well.
“Activities like this build strong operational relationships, which are the foundation for responding to shared security challenges.” Commanding Officer Canberra Captain Jace Hutchison said the exercise would prove invaluable for the crews of Canberra and Ballarat.
“Any opportunity for us to test our skills and processes with partner nations enhances our readiness and ability to respond as required,” Captain Hutchison said. All activities will be conducted in a contactless environment, with strict COVID-19 safety measures in place to ensure the safety of all participants.
Israeli Drone Guard Sold to ‘South Asian Nation'
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has sold its ELI-4030 Drone Guard counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) to an undisclosed south Asian nation.
The manufacturer announced the sale on 2 July, noting that the deal is worth “tens of millions of dollars”. No further information relating to delivery timelines was disclosed.
First revealed to Janes at ELTA's Ashdod facility in southern Israel in late 2015, the Drone Guard is available for the short-, medium-, and longer-range detection and flight disruption of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It can be used against single threats or against multiple threats coming from different directions.
The system uses one of these three radar systems: the ELTA ELM-2180M man-portable radar to detect targets with a very low radar cross-section (RCS) out to a range of 3 km; the ELM-2026B radar for the detection of similar-sized objects out to about 4.5 km; or the ELM-2026 to do the same out to 6 km. For countering small UAVs, each of the radar systems is upgraded with special detection and tracking algorithms, as well as being adapted with an electro-optic (EO) sensor for visual identification.
All three solutions utilise 3D (azimuth, elevation, and range) X-band radars (for ground-clutter removal and separation between ground and air targets) to detect low-flying and low-speed airborne targets with a small RCS. When an unauthorised UAV is detected and tracked, the ELTA system then sets about jamming it to cause the aircraft to either return to its point-of-origin (the ‘Go Home' function) or to shut down and land.
August 9, 2021
August 8, 2021
360 Invictus to get open tail rotor
Bell has decided to switch from a ducted tail rotor design to an open tail rotor for its 360 Invictus helicopter that is competing in the U.S. Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft competition.
USAF in “very preliminary” discussions on successor for AGM-158
U.S. Air Force Major Jacob Rohrbach, a pilot assigned to the 40th Flight Test Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, releases the first Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile Extended Range, or JASSM-ER, from an F-16 over the Gulf of Mexico on September 19th, 2018. The test gathered data on safe separation and software integration of the JASSM-ER, and demonstrated the Eglin test range’s ability to monitor and control test items in flight over the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo by Master Sgt. Michael Jackson
USAF RQ-4 Block 40 crashes
A U.S. Air Force RQ-4 Block 40 Global Hawk crashed at approximately 7:00 a.m. Central Standard Time on Aug. 6 while returning to land at Grand Forks Air Force Base.
August 7, 2021
August 5, 2021
USN invests $5 million on UAV based on Solar Impulse 2
August 4, 2021
Indian Navy IAC-1 Vikrant now out at sea. Good old Sea King seen operating off its deck here
IAC-1 Vikrant now out at sea. Good old Sea King seen operating off its deck here. pic.twitter.com/KyTP3onxPL
— Livefist (@livefist) August 4, 2021
August 2, 2021
August 1, 2021
