Surface-to-Air [Archive] - The Fifth Column

buglerbilly

03-03-10, 02:32 PM

Protecting Forward Operating Bases: Rheinmetall and Partners to Build Demonstrator System – The Focus Is on Interoperability

(Source: Rheinmetall Defence; issued March 3, 2010)

The European Defence Agency, or EDA, has contracted with Rheinmetall and its partners in Germany and France to create a demonstrator system for protecting military assets and installations in a multinational context.

Standing for “Future Interoperability of Camp Protection Systems”, the Franco-German FICAPS project seeks to develop methods and means to harmonize semi-static and mobile protection systems for the combined (multinational) protection of co-located sections, camps and critical infrastructure.

Development of a common system architecture for linking various semi-static and/or mobile protection systems will enable better cooperation between the armed forces of different nations, thus fostering greater interoperability.

Interoperability of equipment and systems has emerged as a critical factor in coalition operations. After all, in this era of international conflict management and intervention, a growing number of missions involve troops from more than one country.

Having embarked on national programmes to develop systems for protecting military camps and semi-static bases, Germany and France agreed back in 2005 to launch a bilateral project to promote European interoperability of these systems.

Adopting a “system of systems” approach, FICAPS will draw on national assets to implement a European protection system demonstrator featuring interoperable capabilities for defending facilities such as forward operating bases. The programme will involve increased sharing of human and technological resources in a joint or even combined framework.

The Rheinmetall consortium has been given a three-year processing period to complete this task.

The French and German governments have assigned coordination of contractor activities to EDA in Brussels. The award of this contract brings to a successful conclusion a three-year preparation and harmonization phase worth a total of EUR 8 million.

-ends-

buglerbilly

12-04-10, 04:43 PM

Iran Introduces Indigenous Air Defence Missile System

Mersad is largely based on the US-built Hawk system. (Photo: MEHR)

Defence Minister announces mass-production of medium-range missiles

08:45 GMT, April 12, 2010 defpro.com | While the international community is still weighing and debating on the status of the Iranian nuclear programme and experts are expressing different views on the probability of a pre-emptive strike against Iran, the country further improves its national defence capability. As the semi-official Fars news agency reported yesterday, the western Asian country introduced its first indigenously developed and built air defence system, dubbed Mersad (Ambush).

According to the agency, the Iranian Defence Minister, Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi, recently briefed reporters on the new weapon system, emphasising its superior air defence capabilities and its resistance against electronic countermeasures. Vahidi said: “The Mersad air defence system that is ready for delivery to the Air Defence Base is a mid-range defence system capable of destroying advanced airplanes in low and mid altitudes.”

Presenting the system to the press, Vahidi announced that Iran has started mass-production of the Shahin missiles which are scheduled to be delivered in a considerable number to the Iranian Armed Forces by the end of 2010. There, the Mersad systems will be used to protect vital installations such as government buildings, airfields as well as, probably, Iran’s hotly debated nuclear programme facilities.

Mersad is largely based on the US-built Hawk air defence system, which was introduced into service in an improved version in the 1970s (The original system’s development began as early as 1952). Iran claims that its performance, including speed, range and interception capability, is far superior to the US system which features a 15-miles range with missiles carrying a 119-pound warhead. The Iranian Shahin missiles, which are integrated with the new air defence system and, at least from an exterior point of view, strongly resemble its US ancestor, will probably feature slightly higher performance data in the mid-range air defence envelope.

According to the Iranian Defence Minister the system is equipped with sophisticated radar signal processing technology, an advanced launcher, and contains exclusive electronic equipment for guidance and target acquisition. He explained: “The state-of-the-art technology used in Mersad links it to other anti-aircraft batteries and provides it with the unique ability to combat electronic warfare.”

Vahidi emphasised the importance of this development success for the country. Since the Iran–Iraq War of 1980-88, Iran has undertaken great efforts to improve its national development and production capabilities to compensate for the US weapons embargo. This resulted in the indigenous production of main battle tanks, armoured vehicles, missiles and aircraft. According to the minister, the successful development of Mersad marks a breakthrough in terms of the nation’s technical capabilities and its independence in military development and production activities.

Iran’s air defence development efforts have in particular surfaced in connection with the country’s dispute on the delivery of S-300 air defence missile systems by Russia. After Russia continuously delayed delivery of the state-of-the-art weapon systems, ordered by Iran in December 2005, Iran boasted that it would develop an air defence system on its own which would be far more capable that the S-300. However, this is not the case with the Mersad system as the S-300 (Iran reportedly ordered the S-300PMU-2 variant) is designed as a long-range missile system reaching maximum ranges of up to 195 kilometres and is considered to have a comparable performance to the US MIM-104 Patriot system. Furthermore, Russian military experts question Iran’s capability to indigenously develop and build an air defence system such as the S-300.

----
By Nicolas von Kospoth, Managing Editor

buglerbilly

26-04-10, 12:12 PM

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

Iron Dome Nears

Posted by Robert Wall at 4/26/2010 3:17 AM CDT

During a technology exhibition, the Israeli military has shown off elements of the Iron Dome rocket and mortar intercept system that is supposed to be operational this year.

You can get a good view of the interceptor and the container. The IDF previously released some interesting shots from Iron Dome flight trials.

Despite some early problems, the IDF says Iron Dome has intercepted 90% of the rockets it has been fired to engage -- one of the key elements of the system is being able to determined what rockets are a threat and which can be let pass because they are going to fall in non-populated areas.

Several more rounds of testing are planned before the system actually is declared operationally ready.

buglerbilly

30-04-10, 02:42 PM

Launch of Radar Cooperation

(Source: Swedish Defence Forces; issued April 29, 2010)

(Issued in Swedish only; unofficial translate, by defense-aerospace.com)

Sweden, Britain and the USA have jointly launched an important cooperation project on using radar to detect and warn of incoming rockets and grenades. The cooperation is intended to improve protection of troops inside the camps and bases during international operations.

In 2009, the three countries signed the related cooperation agreement (Memorandum of Understanding), and now the steering group, composed of generals from Sweden, U.S. and UK, met for the first time at the Halmstad headquarters of the Air Defence Regiment (Lv6) to launch practical work on the project.

“Through this collaboration, we have acquired a warning capabilities much faster than if we had done it on our own, and so can provide better protection for our soldiers when they live in their camps, "says Brigadier General Bengt Svensson, C PROD Army (Chief of the Armed Forces production units in the Swedish army).

“We have had many cases of threats and injuries to our soldiers in Afghanistan. All we can do to protect our soldiers is important, "says General Sean Bell from the UK. “We have invested heavily in our warning system, and since we can share experiences with each other, and with Sweden as a leader in the areas of radar technology, we can be more effective together,” he added.

Seven-year agreement

The cooperation agreement valid for seven years and allows the three countries to exchange experiences and technical data from the use of the radar systems used in anti-aircraft and artillery missions to improve the protection of the camps. The radar can detect rockets or mortars fired into the camp, compute their firing and landing points, and if warranted issue an automatic warning so troops can take cover, which dramatically reduces the risk of injury.

The agreement also makes it easier to use personnel and equipment in joint tests, exercises and training. The three countries are all using the Giraffe AMB radar (designated Intelligence Radar Station 23 in Sweden) which was originally developed for Swedish air defense, and then exported to a number of countries.

“We in Sweden have used [Giraffe AMB] for many years and the other countries can benefit from our long experience. Meanwhile U.S. and UK, in a cooperative context that is new for us, can provide us with more knowledge, "says Bengt Svensson. “This collaboration will help us to better respond to changes in the threat against our troops, and react to danger before, instead of after, it occurs.”

-ends-

buglerbilly

30-04-10, 05:07 PM

MEADS at Crossroads – Or Not?

The official glue that still keeps MEADS together is largely political.

Comment by Dr. Ezio Bonsignore, Editor-in-Chief of MILITARY TECHNOLOGY

07:58 GMT, April 30, 2010 It is fairly normal (isn’t it?) for major defence programmes to hit a serious bump or two along their development and procurement road. But beyond this, for some unfathomable reason, certain programmes appear to be both cursed by a whole series of hiccups and resulting repeated attempts at folding them down, and blessed by an uncanny ability to survive against all odds and endure unscathed through technical difficulties, budget cuts and waning operational requirements. In this particular category, a prominent place must certainly be reserved for the MEADS (Medium Extended Air Defence System) programme, being pursued (well, sort of) in international cooperation involving the United States, Germany and Italy.

Retracing the ups and downs of the MEADS effort over the past years would take a massive book, so let’s go straight to a synthetic description of the latest bump. Basically, another billion dollars or so of taxpayer’s money would need to be pumped into the development phase, if this is ever to be completed. Now, cost increases are hardly a new experience in defence, but in this specific case there is a palpable lack of enthusiasm amongst the three partners towards coughing up the required money. Most particularly, the pursue-strings holders in Germany have made it officially clear that the money simply isn’t there, period.

Which brings us straight to the respective advantages and pitfalls of international cooperation programmes in defence procurement under the multiple operational, political and industrial points of view.

The US Army seems to have very little residual interest in MEADS, and it even tried (unsuccessfully, as it was) to dump the programme onto the Missile Defense Agency. Basically, under the current situation of tight money, the Service’s medium-range air defence and tactical ballistic missile defence requirements could sort of be satisfied by the combination of the existing PATRIOT (possibly further upgraded beyond the current “Pure Fleet” effort) and THAAD systems. Germany could also accommodate itself to a roughly similar arrangement, should THAAD eventually be selected (which looks like a foregone conclusion) for the NATO’s upcoming missile defence programme. Italy does not currently deploy the PATRIOT, and thus abandoning MEADS would necessarily imply extending the current SAMP/T procurement and joining France for the development of an ATBM version of the ASTER 30 missile. Now this would admittedly force the Italian Air Force into the outrageous proposition of having to deploy the same air defence system as the Army, but, hey, nobody ever said life is fair.

Given the above, the official glue that still keeps MEADS together is largely political. International cooperation programmes are notoriously difficult to kill (this being arguably one of the main reasons for selecting this approach in the first place), and furthermore it now so happens that MEADS is the last surviving major trans-Atlantic effort. It is thus only too understandable that Washington, Berlin and Rome would be very wary of being perceived as the unreliable partner that renounces its commitments and leaves the others in deep trouble; and would be willing to keep MEADS alive even through and beyond circumstances, that would be more than enough to cause the demise or a purely national effort.

Plus, of course, the, say, varied picture of industrial interests, and the impact these interests might or then might not have on the governments’ attitudes and decisions. It is no secret that a certain US defence major would have a vested interest in sending MEADS down the drain in favour of a further revamped PATRIOT, and it is actively exploring ways to ensure that this will indeed be the case. As for the MEADS International consortium, there are unmistakeable signs to indicate that the European part of it has already started formulating a “Plan B”. This would involve most notably finding ways to complete the development programme as currently underway for the MEADS radar, and identifying a possible alternative operational use for it that would justify procurement in at least limited numbers.

Be this as it may, in political terms Germany now appears to hold the keys for whatever future is in store for MEADS. Washington would almost certainly not wish to cancel the programme on its own and be seen as “betraying” Europe, while a conceivable unilateral departure of the Italian 17 per cent would not be enough to kill MEADS. But if Germany’s 25 per cent goes, for whatever reason, then that’s it.

But even from a political point of view, it is a fair bet that on the European side industrial considerations would have an even larger influence on the decision-making process than it is usually the case. Both the German and Italian governments are firmly in support of close ties with Washington, and they can thus be counted upon being more than prepared to save a trans-Atlantic programme for its own sake if they only can decently do so without imperilling domestic support. Given this, if industry this side of the pond starts crying foul and threatening that the demise of MEADS would lead to job losses, plant closures and the like, then the beancounters’ resistance will easily be broken, and money to save the programme will be found. But if, on the other hand a least a solid majority of the European industries currently involved in MEADS can accommodate themselves to a “Plan B”, then the future of the programme looks uncertain indeed.

What is lamentably missing in the whole affair is a serious analysis as of whether or not the operational requirements that did originally lead to the three countries joining forces for the MEADS programme still stand in the current scenarios, together with an in-depth discussion on the roles MEADS (which along its development path has metamorphosed into a very different beast than originally envisaged) will or would play. But this is, I’m afraid, an only too common occurrence in contemporary defence procurement – whereby the needs and ideas of the Services play a very distant third fiddle to political and, increasingly, industrial issues.

In a world where the British Defence Secretary finds its quite normal and logical to present an order for two additional ASTUTE-class SSNs (for the not totally insignificant cost of £300 million) without even mentioning the Royal Navy’s operational requirements, and rather by commenting at length about the situation of the British shipbuilding industries and the need to preserve jobs and skills there, it would certainly not be surprising if MEADS finally meets its fate, or rather is once again saved like the perpetual Phoenix, for reasons that have a precious nothing to do with what the US, German and Italian military might think or wish.

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By Dr. Ezio Bonsignore, Editor-in-Chief of MILITARY TECHNOLOGY (MILTECH)

buglerbilly

06-05-10, 02:50 AM

Indian Army issues RFI for new short range SAM system

India's ageing OSA-AK (SA-8) air defence system.

07:25 GMT, May 5, 2010 The Indian Army has issued a Request for Inquiry (RFI) for procurement of new short range, surface-to-air missile system (SR-SAM) to replace the Soviet-era OSA-AK (SA-8) and SA-6 units, which are nothing but obsolete now.

A senior army official told 8ak, “The procurement of new SR-SAM was on the cards for a long time, but could not materialise due to certain formalities which should be completed by early 2011. The new SR-SAM will go a long way in securing the nation from aerial threats and enhance the defence capabilities of our armed forces,” he added.

As per the RFI, the Indian Army is looking for a 20-km range missile system with active and passive guidance, with the capacity to engage targets moving up to 500 metres/second, and including hovering targets, such as UAVs, aircrafts, choppers etc. It also wants to know, if the proposed a missile system by the bidder can be transported on both rail and road mobile launchers to all parts of the country.

The RFI also clarifies that the radar of the SRSAM system should be capable of tracking a number of targets simultaneously and should have Electronic Counter Counter-Measures (ECCM) to be able to support the electronic warfare environment. Taking a note on changing dimensions of war, the RFI states that the proposed system should be capable of operating in Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) warfare environment.

buglerbilly

09-06-10, 03:17 PM

SysFla / LFK NG – the Air Defence System of the Future

(Source: Rheinmetall Defence; issued June 8, 2010)

In 2010, the new SysFla air defence system is entering a decisive phase. The contractual negotiations with the German Federal Office of Defence Technology and Procurement (BWB) have been concluded. This coming autumn, the Budget and Defence Committee of the German Bundestag will decide on the project planning of the base configuration (STATIONARY BLOCK I).

At the ILA 2010, the participating companies will present the new LFK NG launcher and missile for the first time in their original size as well as models of all SysFla system components.

SysFla, the future air defence system of the German Army, is being developed on behalf of BWB by MBDA Deutschland and Rheinmetall Defence under the umbrella of SysFla GmbH. SysFla closes the capability gap of the Bundeswehr in the short range air defence sector which was opened up by the retirement of the air defence systems ROLAND (2005) and GEPARD (2010), and which continues to grow on account of the limited in-service life of STINGER (through approx. 2018).

SysFla offers comprehensive protection against all very short and short range airborne threats. Its spectrum ranges from small targets to high-calibre rockets as well as agile missiles and conventional threats such as combat aircraft and helicopters within an altitude of up to 5 km and an interception range of up to 10 km.

SysFla has been designed on the basis of complementary active components: the NBS C-RAM / MANTIS gun from Rheinmetall and the New Generation Guided Missile LFK NG from MBDA Deutschland and Diehl BGT Defence.

The gun covers the very short range (up to 3 km), while the LFK NG guided missile ensures short range protection (up to 10 km). The LFK NG missile plays a special role here. It supplements the NBS C-RAM / MANTIS cannon system through its greater range, ensuring a secure stand-off distance e.g. against high-calibre rockets. At very close range, the NBS C-RAM / MANTIS effectively intercepts even highly manoeuvrable targets such as weaving cruise missiles with AHEAD munitions. Thanks to its modularity and broad-spectrum capabilities, the LFK NG missile can also be used in urban terrain from cover as well as aboard mobile platforms such as helicopters, vehicles or ships.

SysFla is designed to protect both stationary and mobile units in all situations and for all mission options. SysFla can support long-term stabilisation operations just as effectively as phases of intensified operations. Thanks to its system architecture, SysFla is also capable of operating effectively in both national and multinational networks together with ground-based air defence forces. SysFla thus complements the new tactical Medium Extended Air Defence System (MEADS) – the two systems are designed for different target spectrums, mission scenarios and ranges.

With SysFla/LFK NG, the Bundeswehr will obtain a high-performance short range air defence system effective against all current and anticipated threats. Virtually the entire German defence industry is participating in SysFla. The project is thus important not only in terms of defence and security policy, but also from the industrial policy perspective.

-ends-

buglerbilly

09-06-10, 03:59 PM

MEADS Life Cycle Cost Data Loom

Jun 9, 2010

By Robert Wall wall@aviationweek.com, Andy Nativi andy.nativi@rid.it
BERLIN, BERLIN

Industry managers this month are wrapping up an assessment of the Medium Extended Air Defense System’s life-cycle cost, a key figure for the U.S., Germany and Italy as they mull the program’s future.

The activity comes as MEADS is heading to complete its system-level critical design review (CDR) in August, which will open the door to flight tests to begin in early 2012. The international team of Lockheed Martin and MBDA has already completed 75% of the system-level CDR and all the reviews of major hardware elements.

The three partner countries have yet to spell out specific procurement plans, and the life-cycle cost figure is key to defining that phase. Gregory Kee, the government MEADS program manager, says the goal is to define those plans by around 2012/2013 to allow a smooth transition from the current development phase – currently due to conclude in 2015 – into production.

Kee says that early indications are the life-cycle cost assessment will come out favorably, in large part because of the high level of reliability required of the system. That translates into less system failure and lower demands for maintenance personnel and support vehicles. Industry will formally brief the NATO Medium Extended Air Defense System Management Agency on July 1 on their assessment.

Werner Kaltenegger, the head of MBDA Deutschland, adds that there will be no surprises to customers. The life-cycle cost figure is shaping up to be in line with what was said at the start of the program, he says.

The issue is not trivial. Program critics argue that member states could meet their low-altitude air defense needs simply by extending the life of, and slightly upgrading, existing systems. However, Klaus Riedel, chief operating officer for MEADS International, argues the lower life-cycle costs over existing systems over the long-term mean the system will pay for itself.

MEADS Int'l

buglerbilly

25-06-10, 05:15 AM

Critical Decision Near For Meads Venture

Jun 24, 2010

By Robert Wall, Andy Nativi
Berlin, Berlin

The trinational Medium Extended Air Defense System (Meads) is once again under scrutiny, and its fate could be determined by a series of political and programmatic developments due to unfold in the coming weeks.

The U.S.-German-Italian lower-tier air and missile defense program has been on knife’s edge more than once. And this summer, government officials must confront what it will cost to complete the program, while also deciding how to finance and structure the last few years of the design and development phase.

Three major studies will wrap up during the coming weeks. One is an industry proposal on the pace and cost to finish the design and development phase following completion of the system-level critical design review (CDR), due in August, says Werner Kaltenegger, head of MBDA Deutschland. Several years ago, Meads customers reset the development program that began in September 2004 to reflect delays, their requests for additional capability and to lower flight-test risk. In the process, the governments decided to let the program proceed to CDR before reviewing what comes next.

That decision point is now ahead; and Gregory Kee, the head of the NATO Meads Management Agency, hopes a contract to complete development will be formalized by year-end. At what cost neither government nor industry officials are yet ready to say.

The current plan envisions the flight-test campaign starting with one guided test at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. Six intercept engagements would follow, mostly at White Sands, but with the final one at the Kwajalein Atoll missile range.

The second document being finalized is an industry assessment of Meads’s life-cycle costs over 20 years of operations. This report is due to be presented to the program management agency on July 1. The assessment is viewed as critical to help countries decide the number of Meads batteries to buy while also considering potential alternatives.

Klaus Riedel, chief operating officer for the Meads International industrial venture of Lockheed Martin and MBDA, is optimistic about the outcome of the study. Meads will require far less support and is easier to transport, thereby reducing the total fuel and airlift demands, he contends. Given the life-cycle cost savings over existing systems, “Meads pays for itself,” he argues. The high system reliability written into the design should pay big dividends in the life-cycle cost analysis, Kee adds.

That outcome could be important for Germany, where Raytheon officials have been trying to convince Berlin to drop participation in Meads and instead upgrade existing Patriot batteries. The German parliament’s budget committee is reviewing the issue and is due to report its findings by month’s end.

Still unresolved as well are specific Meads procurement plans for the three partner countries if the program proceeds. Kee would like to see that issue resolved by 2012-13 to allow a smooth transition from the current development phase into production. During previous Meads decision points, discussions often dragged on, adding to programmatic turmoil, but Kee notes that this time talks have already begun, so such disruptions may be avoided.

What is more, Kee hopes that NATO’s expected commitment to missile defense at the November summit in Lisbon will help bolster support for Meads.

Nevertheless, program uncertainty has not stopped foreign buyers from showing interest in the mobile air and missile defense system being designed to provide 360-deg. coverage. Turkey and Singapore are among potential export markets.

buglerbilly

26-06-10, 03:09 AM

SysFla / LFK NG – the air defence system of the future

Rheinmetall's NBS C-RAM.

14:31 GMT, June 24, 2010 In 2010, the new SysFla air defence system is entering a decisive phase. The contractual negotiations with the German Federal Office of Defence Technology and Procurement (BWB) have been concluded. This coming autumn, the Budget and Defence Committee of the German Bundestag will decide on the project planning of the base configuration (STATIONARY BLOCK I). At the ILA 2010, the participating companies will present the new LFK NG launcher and missile for the first time in their original size as well as models of all SysFla system components.

SysFla, the future air defence system of the German Army, is being developed on behalf of BWB by MBDA Deutschland and Rheinmetall Defence under the umbrella of SysFla GmbH. SysFla closes the capability gap of the Bundeswehr in the short range air defence sector which was opened up by the retirement of the air defence systems ROLAND (2005) and GEPARD (2010), and which continues to grow on account of the limited in-service life of STINGER (through approx. 2018). SysFla offers comprehensive protection against all very short and short range airborne threats. Its spectrum ranges from small targets to high-calibre rockets as well as agile missiles and conventional threats such as combat aircraft and helicopters within an altitude of up to 5 km and an interception range of up to 10 km.

SysFla has been designed on the basis of complementary active components: the NBS C-RAM / MANTIS gun from Rheinmetall and the New Generation Guided Missile LFK NG from MBDA Deutschland and Diehl BGT Defence. The gun covers the very short range (up to 3 km), while the LFK NG guided missile ensures short range protection (up to 10 km). The LFK NG missile plays a special role here. It supplements the NBS C-RAM / MANTIS® cannon system through its greater range, ensuring a secure stand-off distance e.g. against high-calibre rockets. At very close range, the NBS CRAM / MANTIS® effectively intercepts even highly manoeuvrable targets such as weaving cruise missiles with AHEAD munitions. Thanks to its modularity and broad-spectrum capabilities, the LFK NG missile can also be used in urban terrain from cover as well as aboard mobile platforms such as helicopters, vehicles or ships.

SysFla is designed to protect both stationary and mobile units in all situations and for all mission options. SysFla can support long-term stabilisation operations just as effectively as phases of intensified operations. Thanks to its system architecture, SysFla is also capable of operating effectively in both national and multinational networks together with ground-based air defence forces. SysFla thus complements the new tactical Medium Extended Air Defence System (MEADS) – the two systems are designed for different target spectrums, mission scenarios and ranges.

With SysFla/LFK NG, the Bundeswehr will obtain a high-performance short range air defence system effective against all current and anticipated threats. Virtually the entire German defence industry is
participating in SysFla. The project is thus important not only in terms of defence and security policy, but also from the industrial policy perspective.

buglerbilly

29-06-10, 04:17 PM

MoU Between Oto Melara and Tawazund for the DRACO System

(Source: OTO Melara; issued June 15, 2010)

OTO Melara, a Finmeccanica company, has signed today [June 15, 2010] in Paris, a Memorandum of Understanding with TAWAZUN for the marketing and production of the DRACO system, officially presented yesterday at the Eurosatory Exhibition in Paris.

The Holding Company TAWAZUN is the industrial and commercial investment arm of Offset Program Bureau of the United Arab Emirates.

DRACO or “SAMOUM” - as the system has been renamed for this project like the hot wind blowing in the desert - is a very advanced system, fitted with the successful 76mm gun in service with 56 Navies all over the world.

The system is specialized as primary role in the AA defence, through special ammunition like the guided DART; other roles include C-RAM, coastal defence against different targets including small and fast boats, and anti armour against IFV.

-ends-

buglerbilly

26-07-10, 08:08 PM

SA Army a small steps closer to GBADS II

Written by Leon Engelbrecht

Monday, 26 July 2010 11:41

Pic: A depiction of Sable showing the Thutlhwa (Kameelperd) on the left,the Starstreak VSHORADS (centre), the GDF 005 (bottom) and a containerised vertical launch Umkhonto SHORADS on a Kynos 8x8 truck (right).

The South African Army is a step closer to gaining a short-range air defence missile system (SHORADS), with a manufacturer being awarded a small contract to conduct risk reduction study for a ground-based launcher.

The tiny contract came just before an announcement by the navy of Finland that the Denel Dynamics Umkhonto-IR Mk II SHORAD has successfully completed a series of system validation firing trials in the Baltic Sea.

The Air Defence Artillery has a long-standing requirement for a SHORADS to compliment its small number of twin GDF Mk V 35mm air defence guns and Thales Starstreak very short-range air defence (VSHORAD) missiles.

The latest contract, worth R173 915, for “risk reduction studies for a ground based launcher” was awarded to Denel Dynamics on July 9. Project Protector is currently a technology programme being funded by the SA Army ADA through the Department of Defence's Defence Secretariat's Defence Materiel Division's Directorate Technology that is headed by Rear Admiral (Junior Grade) Derek Dewey.

Denel, the state arms arsenal, has for some years been marketing an advanced, layered and integrated ground based air defence system (GBADS) dubbed “Sable”. This uses a “building blocks” approach to integrate all current and future ADA assets into a singe system of systems. This includes 30 GDF 05 L90 twin 35mm towed cannon controlled by four Reutech Radar Systems (RRS) ESR220 Thutlhwa (Kameelperd/Giraffe) Mobile Battery Fire Control Post Systems. These NATO D-Band radars have a range of 120km.

Sable

Also part of Sable are eight Thales Starstreak Lightweight Multiple Launchers and about 100 Starstreak VSHORAD high-velocity missiles acquired under Project Guardian. These missiles are allocated to 104 Battery of 10 ADA Regiment in Kimberley. The battery that can be parachute dropped also includes two two Thales Page continuous-wave (CW) low-observable battery air defence local warning radars with a 20km range. Denel credits the cannon with a range of 4km and the VSHORAD missiles with a range of 5km (Thales says 7km).

To this, in time, may be added a Denel-developed SHORAD missile and a new RRS CW three-dimensional radar to upgrade the two-dimensional Thutlhwa radar. Denel Dynamics CE Jan Wessels in April told defenceWeb his engineers were moving ahead with the further development of a land-based Umkhonto SHORADS for the SA Army and other customers. This indigenous system is already in use with the SA and Finnish navies. “We are busy with risk mitigation work to advance it so that when the programme is finally switched on we are ready,” Wessels says. The land variant will a containerised launcher that an be fired from the ground or from a Kynos 8x8 truck – if the artist's concept on the Sable brochure is any indication.

Wessels added that several potential “export customers are already looking impatiently at the system.” He said the naval system “is getting a very good name” in the mlitary community, further exciting interest in the system’s landwards application.

It is not clear when Protector will migrate from technology to production project. The Estimates of National Expenditure in February noted a “64.8% increase in expenditure in the ADA Capability subprogramme in FY2010/11” that “is due to the delivery milestones of the shoulder launched air defence artillery system [Guardian] and mobile ground to air missile system programmes [Protector].” Further into the future lurks Project Outcome (GBADS III) that could see the Umkhonto enhanced to a medium range all-weather standard.

Umkhono Mk II

The current SA Navy infra-red (IR) guided vertical launch Umkhonto SHORAD weighs 125kg, carries a 23kg warhead and boasts a 12km range (although the Sable brochure puts SHORAD at 15 to 25km). The Umkhonto has a proven anti-missile capability, meaning SA joined a handful of nations to have fielded such a system with the successful firing of the Umkhonto from aboard the Valour-class frigate SAS Amatola in November 2005. Since then the SA Navy has regularly fired the weapon against various target drones, most recently earlier this year during Exercise Good Hope IV, a joint multinational undertaking with Germany.

“We heard it went very well,” said Wessels in April “The system has now been in service with the Navy for three years and all the feedback we get is very positive, it is really performing as advertised and more.” Wessels adds that a Mk II version of the weapon had been developed over the last three years for the Finnish navy. “Our engineering attention has been on Finland for the last three years and more. We've developed the Mk II version of Umkhonto optimised for a more challenging operational environment, that experienced in the Baltic archipelago environment. So the missile seeker has to be very advanced to lock onto target and not some background object. We are very confident that Umkhonto MkII offers unique competitive capabilities in this regard,” Wessels adds.

Six systems have been delivered to Finland and have been fitted to four Hamina class missile boats and two Hämeenmaa class minelayers. The Finnish success came against the US-German Rolling Air Frame Missile and the Swedish Bofors Bamse. The weapon is also still under consideration by Sweden for fitment aboard five of its new Visby-class stealth corvettes.

The Dynamics CE added the Mk II has now met all specifications and is in production for Finland. They will also be supplied to the SA Navy once the latter has placed an order for replacement missiles. “They're using their stocks for trials and need to replenish stocks. It will be the Mk II, we'll stop doing the Mk I, there's no point going back to it. This is will be invisible to the SA Navy client from an integration viewpoint and is an example where the SA Department of Defence (DoD) gets the benefit without having to invest directly, it is a benefit gained through export. Denel Dynamics’ investment to secure the export opportunity ultimately funded this Mk II, after the SA Navy initial investment funded the Umkhonto MkI development.”

Future developments

Frigate project director Rear Admiral (JG) Johnny Kamerman at a media conference in 2006 said the development of the system had begun in 1993. South Africa decided to develop its own system even after sanctions was lifted because high-end systems such as the US Aegis were unaffordable -- "we can't afford the launchers, let alone the missiles," Kamerman explained -- and low-end systems like shoulder-launched missiles were "a waste of time".

Land-based testing ended in July 2005 when the system was adjudged shore-qualified. The testing involved telemetry intercepts of a Skua target drone in various profiles, including low-level, head on and in evasive manoeuvres. The tests culminated in a Skua being destroyed with a “standard warhead”, Kamerman said.

In May 2008 then-Denel Dynamics air defence missiles executive manager Machiel Oberholzer told defenceWeb the Umkhonto development path included an extended range (ER) IR variant as well as an all-weather radar-guided version and an ER version of that. "It is a good concept, six missiles in an ISO-container that can be mounted on any type of vehicle, that has a 360-degree engagement capability and a high kill probability due to is large warhead," Oberholzer says.

As stated above, the current infrared-guided Umkhonto has a range of 12km. Oberholzer said this was being expanded as part of a pre-planned product improvement initiative. An extended-range infrared version is planned and will range up to 22km. The radar version, dubbed the AWSAM – all weather surface to air missile – would have a 20km range, while an extended range version fitted with a booster rocket (AWSAM-E) – would hit out up to 30km – which placed it in the medium-range capability.

He added the advantage of such a family of missiles was that "you can have a cocktail of missiles in your launchers so you can engage with the most appropriate one to the threat. Infrared missiles are cheaper than radar and you don't want to use an expensive missile to shoot down an easy target."

Wessels says Denel Dynamics is looking for funding partners for the advanced Umkhonto future configurations . “It will ideally be a programme like A-Darter”, the R1 billion joint venture 5th generation IR short-range air-to-air missile being developed with Brazil. But he also questions the notion that Umkhonto IR is just a good-weather system. “If you can just highlight that's not the case. The fact that the SA and Finnish navies have selected Umkhonto after in-depth studies – despite typical naval weather conditions – says it all. How this missile works is you have an advanced 3D radar on the ship or launch point and that keeps tracking the target after the missile is fired and via datalink guides the missile to within the last kilometre or so.

“Only then does the IR seeker become active. The more accurate the 3D radar is, the more you can do and the better the performance as an all-weather system. The IR seeker is just used for the last pinpoint accuracy. The better the radar, the better the missile.” It is therefore no longer clear that the all-weather variant will be radar guided as was provided for in earlier thinking.

Meanwhile, Armscor on July 15 also awarded BAE Systems SA, trading as Land Systems OMC, a R1.4 million contract, referenced EIVS/2010/32, for the maintenance and repair of Ratel Mk3 GBADS vehicles.

buglerbilly

14-08-10, 04:02 AM

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

Marines Want Defense Against UAVs

Posted by Graham Warwick at 8/13/2010 9:31 AM CDT

And all of the proposals below have one thing in common, they are EXPENSIVE!!! You want a cost-effective approach then see the proposal from QinetiQ back in 2004................Unit costs estimated at the time of less than USD$25K...........

The US Marine Corps is looking for contractors to take part in a counter-UAV ground-based air defense (GBAD) capability demonstration in 2011, and the invitation is worded to allow high-power lasers and other non-kinetic weapons to participate.

Photo: Boeing

The Marines plan to award up to three $300,000 contracts to enable systems to participate in Back Dart, an annual tri-service exercise to demonstrate unmanned aircraft and counter-unmanned aircraft capabilities. The intent is to collect data on the ability of short-range air-defense systems to negate UAVs.

The Marines have an initial capabilities document describing the requirements for a mobile system to defend against low-radar-cross-section threats such as UAVs. The system must be Humvee-mounted and transportable by C-130. They want 360-deg, day/night, all-weather protection with a threshold intercept range of 7km and an objective of 20km. It has to work in rain and they want to know how well it will work in fog.

Laser Avenger. (Photo: Boeing)

The counter-UAS GBAD capability demonstration, planned for July/August 2011, sounds like an opportunity for high-energy lasers to get their foot in the door. Boeing has already demonstrated its Humvee-mounted Laser Avenger can shoot down UAVs, but the Marine Corps demonstration will likely be more demanding.

Raytheon has also shot down UAVs with its Laser Phalanx naval close-in weapon system, but Phalanx and its Centurion land-based version are too big to fit on a Humvee. It's likely the company can develop a smaller system. Both Boeing and Raytheon use industrial high-power fiber lasers, although Northrop Grumman and others have demonstrated weapons-grade solid-state lasers.

Video: Raytheon

With efforts to counter enemy UAVs increasing, so is interest in protecting friendly UAVs and their sensors from laser attack. The US Navy has recently awarded two small-business research contracts to develop systems to counter directed-energy weapons.

Texas-based Nahomics' Argus laser threat assessment system uses wide-angle non-imaging optics to detect and locate laser sources, allowing the UAV to take evasive action, engage optical sensor protection or direct countermeasures at the threat. California-based Adsys Controls' Counter DEW system provides early threat detection before high-power engagement and uses "novel" countermeasures to disrupt the weapon's tracking mechanisms.

- Ends -

09 June 04

QinetiQ and Sula Systems design low cost counter to Tactical UAVs

Cougar Inteceptor

QinetiQ has designed a concept weapon for the UK MOD Applied Research Programme, which could act as a cost-effective counter to low-cost tactical UAVs. QinetiQ has worked with Sula Systems Ltd, an SME providing innovative guided weapon concepts, to develop COUGAR (Counter-UAV GBAD Additional Module Requirement). The COUGAR study sets out the requirements for a kinetic weapon concept, which could act as an adjunct to sophisticated supersonic missiles in a future GBAD (Ground-Based Air Defence) system. The concept can now be assessed alongside directed energy weapons, anti-aircraft guns and existing missile systems to determine the most cost-effective solution.

Project Manager Chris Price commented: "With the current trend in GBAD systems towards distributed "information based" architectures comprising sensors, ADC4I systems and supersonic surface-to-air missiles in an integrated network, missiles required to engage and destroy the full spectrum of air threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and expensive. Firing a £160,000 missile to destroy a UAV costing less than £10,000 is unlikely to prove cost-effective, unless that UAV is thought to pose a significant and immediate threat to defended assets."

The modern battlespace features a dramatic increase in the employment of low-cost tactical UAVs to provide situational awareness using short-range visual and IR sensors. These UAVs provide significant benefits even to technologically unsophisticated aggressors, for example to provide targeting information to long-range artillery, or to allow terrorists or guerrillas to detect and evade advancing forces. There is therefore a requirement to be able to defeat low-cost tactical UAVs

QinetiQ and Sula Systems have proposed an innovative interceptor as a solution to the problem. Their study revealed that many existing weapons are unable to meet the COUGAR requirement to be low cost, because they require operator action with its training and manning overhead to acquire the target and fire the missile.

The COUGAR Interceptor

The 'Attack UAV' concept uses a miniature turbojet to propel a monoplane airframe configuration which is given midcourse guidance onto a stern attack. A low cost, uncooled long-wave IR seeker is used to acquire the target and guide the interceptor onto a collision course. Although relatively small, at just 1.2m in length with a wingspan of 1.1m and a mass of less than 14kg, the COUGAR interceptor is designed to approach the UAV threat with a closing speed that would be sufficient to cause catastrophic structural damage to the target, giving an observable hard kill.

The target UAV's low signature in all wavebands means that midcourse guidance would be needed to place the COUGAR interceptor in a position from which its inexpensive, on-board seeker would be able to acquire and home onto the target. There would be no requirement for a lethal package with consequent further cost savings though COUGAR will require the use of planned battlefield sensors. It is estimated that the unit cost of each interceptor could be as little as £25,000.

The wings and fins are hinged to allow it to be launched vertically from a canister, with a small booster providing the initial acceleration.

This concept's primary systems are illustrated below:

COUGAR Engagement

The COUGAR study showed that in many cases engagement timeline is not a main driver. The interceptor flyout could take several tens of seconds, as long as the intercept occurs while the target is still too far away for it to detect the defended assets. Rather than using a conventional missile design to give an all-aspect engagement capability, the study showed that controlling the interceptor's mid-course trajectory, so that it always attacks the target from astern, gives a number of significant benefits. Importantly:

• Slower closing speed, allowing for a lower specification of components which control the interceptor, while still maintaining hit-to-kill accuracy.

• Narrower seeker field of view and reduced acquisition range requirements, so that an inexpensive IR seeker would be able to acquire and recognise the target.

buglerbilly

18-08-10, 03:30 PM

Partners To Review Meads Direction In October

Aug 18, 2010

By Amy Butler

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — International partners funding the Lockheed Martin-led Medium Extended Air Defense System (Meads) are expected to meet in October to determine the fate of the effort just as Pentagon cost estimators plan to complete a sweeping study of the price of the air and missile defense system, according to Maj. Gen. Genaro Dellarocco, program executive officer of missiles and space for the U.S. Army.

The Pentagon’s Cost Analysis and Program Evaluation (CAPE) office has been studying the life-cycle cost of the system for months. Procurement and development are estimated at $19 billion; the new estimate will include the anticipated price of operating the system.

A significant increase in cost estimates could again cast a shadow over Meads, which has suffered wavering support from the partners: Germany, which pays for 25.2% of the development; Italy, which picks up 16.7%, and the United States, which pays for the remainder. Last year, Army officials expressed concern about the program, but the Pentagon remains a partner.

Another question ahead is how to integrate the Northrop Grumman-built Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS), which is the preferred command and control system to be used by the U.S., Dellarocco says. IBCS will be the overarching architecture that will link a variety of sensors and interceptors. Dellarocco says the first prototype of IBCS was recently delivered ahead of schedule.

A critical design review of the system is slated for this month in advance of the meeting among Meads partners and completion of the CAPE cost estimate.

Meads is being designed to include a “plug-and-play” architecture to interact with legacy interceptors from Germany and Italy as well as the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement. The development of the entire system is being spearheaded by a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and the German and Italian arms of MBDA.

Germany is leading design and development of the radar system.

Photo: Lockheed Martin

buglerbilly

05-10-10, 05:59 PM

First Firing of Surface-Launch AMRAAM Missile

(Source: Dutch Ministry of Defence; issued Oct. 1, 2010

(Issued in Dutch only; unofficial translation by defense-aerospace.com)

The Dutch army is introducing the Surface-Launched Amraam missile for its air-defense units, and recently carried out its first firing in Norway.(Dutch MoD photo)The Dutch army’s air-defense artillery has carried out the first ground launch of an Amraam (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) missile on the very tip of Norway’s Andøya peninsula. The army’s air-defense component has been working towards this launch since the introduction of the missile in early 2009.

The Amraam was originally designed as an air-to-air missile, allowing fighters to shoot down enemy aircraft. Today, it is also used to engage aircraft from the ground.

Medium-high Altitude Layers

The purpose of this first live-firing exercise was to test the integration of the weapon in the Army Ground Based Air Defense System. This system is intended to defend against aerial threats at low and medium altitudes.

The Amraam covers the medium-high altitude layers at ranges of up to 75 km, while the shoulder-launched Stinger missile covers very low altitudes. The Amraam has its own radar and can be fired autonomously to independently track its target.

Air Space Image

After months of procedure training and exercises, this week saw the first real firing of the ground-launched Amraam missile, which is almost 4 meters long and which reaches speeds in the order of 5,000 km/hour. Its firing is only authorized in Norway and the United States.

Besides the weapons section, the unit practiced the entire engagement sequence as a whole. The radar generated an image of the air space up to the moment of firing, which was carried out by simply pushing a button. The missile hit its target well beyond visual range.

More than 100 troops and logistic personnel were involved in the launch.

-ends-

buglerbilly

16-10-10, 03:40 AM

India Nears Fielding Of New SAM Systems

Oct 15, 2010

By Asia-Pacific Staff
New Delhi

The Indian air force is gearing up to field a raft of new air defense equipment and address long-standing concerns about the existing inventory.

New Delhi has long worried about gaps; and in areas where it has fielded air defense systems, the equipment is often out of date. Air Chief Marshal Pradeep Naik, the Indian air force (IAF) leader, says half of the equipment at his command faces obsolescence, with that label applying to the majority of air defense weapons.

That situation is now being remedied. By next March, the IAF will begin receiving the first of 18 Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)-Rafael Spyder quick-reaction medium-range missile systems. The offshore deal became necessary in 2006 because of development problems and delays in the indigenous Akash surface-to-air missile (SAM) program.

However, Akash has since turned the corner, and the IAF decided to order six more Akash batteries worth $925 million—each with 125 missiles—in addition to the two systems already on order. The service will receive its first two Akash batteries in February, and is likely to deploy them in India’s Northeast.

The IAF also anticipates joint development work kicking off in earnest on the 15-km.-range (9.3-mi.) Indo-French Maitri short-range SAM (SR-SAM), which is aimed at filling the void created when the Indian government decided to wind up the Trishul point-defense weapon program in 2006 and effectively de-link it from IAF and Indian navy requirements. A workshare agreement between the Indian Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and European missile maker MBDA has been concluded. IAF sources suggest a formal accord sanctioning the program is likely soon, possibly when French President Nicolas Sarkozy visits New Delhi later this year.

An MBDA official says the SR-SAM would finish development work and the first phase of testing within three years of program go-ahead. While no official timelines have been revealed, the IAF expects the system to be available for deployment by late 2013.

Even higher on the IAF’s priority list is the 70-km.-range MR-SAM that the DRDO is developing with IAI. The IAF has revealed plans to raise at least two regiments that will use the MR-SAM, each with 40 launchers and support equipment. In India, the MR-SAM will progressively replace the IAF’s antiquated Soviet-vintage SA-3 Pechora and SA-8 OSA-AK SAM systems. A proposed foreign-assisted upgrade of the Pechora fleet was shelved two years ago, with the IAF deciding it was more economical to pursue a limited ground-equipment modification by Bharat Electronics Ltd. The Pechora, OSA-AK and 9K38 Igla man-portable SAM systems are effectively obsolete, and the IAF admits it has had to cannibalize equipment to keep a minimum number operationally effective.

The raft of modernization activities should remedy a situation that, in June 2006, was strongly criticized by the Indian parliamentary committee on defense, which accused the defense ministry of taking a “lackadaisical approach” to existing needs and being responsible for “derailed modernization and critical voids.” Shortly after the committee’s stinging report was released, the government began prioritizing air defense purchases and development programs.

But these activities to not address all of the air force’s concerns; radar coverage is another worry. The IAF currently has fast-track tenders out for long-range surveillance radars, high-powered radars, three-dimensional C/D band air surveillance radars, low-level transportable radars and radars for mountain surveillance in India’s northern and eastern sectors.

Naik notes that “10 years ago we had very little money for modernization, which led to major delays. The equipment we are contracting now will come to fruition by 2014-15. So . . . over the next three years, areas of concern will be progressively addressed.”

Photo: DRDO

ADMk2

16-10-10, 03:48 AM

The Amraam covers the medium-high altitude layers at ranges of up to 75 km, while the shoulder-launched Stinger missile covers very low altitudes. The Amraam has its own radar and can be fired autonomously to independently track its target.

75k range from a ground based launcher? Crikey...

So much for those who argue air launched AMRAAM doesn't have enough range...

:)

buglerbilly

01-11-10, 03:53 AM

AUSA 10: Boeing offers multirole Avenger

October 29, 2010

Boeing Defense, Space & Security displayed at AUSA Annual Meeting an Avenger adapted for a range of force protection missions beyond air defence. A universal weapons interface enables missiles, rockets, guns and future weapons to be integrated on the Avenger to provide a multi-mission capability. The modified turret was mounted on the Oshkosh Defense MRAP-All Terrain Vehicle (MATV) utility variant to provide a high level of crew protection.

The Avenger, which entered US Army service in 1989, was fielded to provide mobile, short-range air defence (SHORAD) protection against cruise missiles, unmanned air vehicles, low-flying fixed-wing aircraft, and helicopters. It comprises a gyro-stabilized turret mounted on a modified AM General heavy High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). The standard turret has two missile launcher pods, each able to four Raytheon Stinger fire-and-forget infrared/ultraviolet guided missiles in rapid succession, and a single .50 cal M3P heavy machine gun to cover the missile dead zone and engage ground targets.

Boeing has produced more than 1,100 Avengers for the US Army, Army National Guard, US Marine Corps (which has transferred its Avengers to the army) and foreign customers. A Foreign Military Sales contract from Egypt, announced in 2005, allowed Boeing to restart Avenger production and in November 2009 the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced that $455 million air defence package requested by Chile includes 36 Avengers.

Avenger batteries provided SHORAD cover for US-led forces during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. With the transition to a counter insurgency campaign Stinger batteries were initially employed in a security role providing static protection or convoy escort using the Avenger’s .50 cal machine gun. As the IED threat intensified the unarmoured Avengers were no longer able to go ‘beyond the wire’ in Iraq.

Boeing’s ‘adaptive force protection solution’ provides both a high mobility protected platform and multipurpose turret which the company believes would enable Avenger batteries to ‘return to the fight’ using their primary weapon system. The open architecture of the universal weapons interface allows a variety of weapons, including Stinger missiles, Hellfire missiles, guided and unguided rockets, ATK’s LW25 25mm Chain Gun, and a high energy laser weapon, and appropriate sensors to be mounted on the turret to match the threat.

The weapons mix can be rapidly reconfigured. In repeated tests since 2007 Boeing has demonstrated the ability of a high energy laser to neutralise small UAVs and detonated unexploded ordnance at standoff distances.

The turret can be mounted on a variety of vehicles such as the MATV or the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles series or installed in fixed location.

By Ian Kemp, Washington, DC

buglerbilly

13-11-10, 03:10 AM

Finnish Army wants new short-range anti-aircraft missile

The Finnish Defence Forces are making preparations for the acquisition of new short-range anti-aircraft missiles. The aim is to have the missiles, which would probably be shoulder-launched, in use sometime in 2015.

The Finnish Army has asked for information about the weapons from various manufacturers.

“We have received answers”, says Lieutenant-Colonel Sami-Antti Takamaa.

At this stage I cannot say what the response has been. The information is confidential until the bids for tenders have taken place.”

Takamaa says that the request for bids will take place sometime next year. A political decision on the acquisition of the missiles is expected sometime in the next government term.

Shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles are manufactured in a number of countries, including the United States, France, Poland, Russia, South Korea, and Sweden.

A concern with the weapons is that they might fall into the hands of terrorists. According to various estimates, thousands of Stinger, Redeye, and Strella missiles could be missing.

Manufacturers have agreed to placing restrictions on the sale of the devices.

Colonel Rauno Lilja, inspector of anti-aircraft activities at the Defence Forces, says that the new missiles would be used by regional forces. The regional forces, which are assigned to protect key targets around the country, are the focus in the development of the Finnish Army.

Lankila says that the price tag of the acquisition remains unknown. He says that it depends on decisions that the government makes on the size of the reserve of the regional forces. However, he concedes that the cost will be significant.

“However, a jet fighter costs 100 million euros. You can buy quite a few missiles with that much money. Everything is relative.”

Last year Finland bought a medium-range missile system to protect the Helsinki region. With its radars, the system cost more than half a billion euros. The devices that are now being considered are much simpler.

The Defence Forces have previously had Russian-made shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles. However, they are now obsolete, and have been replaced by Swedish-made missiles, which are for the use of operative forces.

The new missiles would primarily replace the 23-mm Sergei AA guns, which had been bought from the Soviet Union.

“They were acquired in the 1960s. They are very good weapons for use in the field, but their age is now an obstacle.”

Riđđu

13-11-10, 11:52 AM

The new missiles would be used by regional forces.

What, we still intent to have regional troops in the future?:violent2

Seriously speaking, regional troops lost all of their missiles last decade and nobody cared. In fact, most air force bases are now without any missile cover too.

buglerbilly

17-11-10, 12:17 PM

New Chinese Shorad Emerges

Nov 16, 2010

By Robert Wall wall@aviationweek.com
ZHUHAI, CHINA

China is putting several new short-range air defense systems into the export market including an upgraded shoulder-launched surface-to-air missile system.

The new infrared-guided MANPADS, called the QW-19, can attack a target at altitudes of 10-4,000 meters and with a slant-range of 500-6,000 meters, according to the China National Precision Machinery Import & Export Corp. (CPMIEC). The maximum engagement slant range is about 500 meters greater than for the QW-18.

The QW-19 also features a laser-proximity fuze to improve lethality, particularly against smaller targets such as unmanned aircraft and cruise missiles. The system manufacturer, the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp., notes that it also features an upgraded seeker.

The frontal control fin configuration also has changed. The QW-19 features four fins compared to two on the QW-18.

CPMIEC also has unveiled the QW-18L. Despite the similar name to the MANPADS, the QW-18L is a larger diameter, longer range surface-to-air missile system. The engagement altitude ranges from zero to 5,000 meters, with a slant range of 500 meters to 8,000 meters. The QW-18Ls are semi-active laser guided missiles.

The company also is showcasing a new air defense vehicle here at the Airshow China, capable of carrying two QW-18Ls and four of the smaller infrared-guided missiles.

Photo: Robert Wall/Aviation Week

(Photo Credit: Aviation Week)

Riđđu

21-11-10, 07:51 PM

Defense Industry Daily/
Contracts and Key Events

Defense News reports (http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=5064043&c=EUR&s=LAN) that Finland is preparing an RFP for Short Range Air Defense (SHORAD) systems. The request for proposals is expected in 2011, with orders placed in the 2011-15 time frame, and first deliveries by 2015. Defense News says that “The value of the contract is certain to be influenced by political decisions regarding the future size of Finland’s regional and reserve forces, which is expected to be significantly reduced by 2014.” On the other hand, recent conflicts teach that anti-aircraft missiles are extraordinarily valuable to defensive forces.

Finland currently operates Russian SA-18 Igla-M (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9K38_Igla) and Swedish RBS-70 missiles (http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/finnish-army-buys-more-rbs70-manpads-02971/) in this role, and the new buy is reportedly set to replace the Russian SA-18s and 23mm “Sergei” (ZU-23, or 23 ItK 95 in Finland) towed guns. The Finns are reportedly looking at the “usual suspects” from France (MBDA’s Mistral (http://www.army-technology.com/projects/mistral/)), Sweden (Saab’s RBS-70/Bolide), ad the USA (FIM-92 Stinger (http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-92.html), possibly combined mounted Avenger (http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/the-egyptian-avengers-03935/)), as well as Russia (SA-24 Igla-S (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/9k338.htm)), and SA-18 related Polish (PZR GROM) and South Korean (LIG Nex1’s Chiron) systems.

Defense Industry Daily has been done some research, so I feel obliged correct the obvious shortcomings before some real air-defence person sees this piece of quality journalism. :doh

First, let´s correct what systems we actually have and need to be replaced. Finland hasn´t used Igla for years. Our navy still has some Mistral Manpads, but the the missiles are running out of shelf life. ZU-23-2 is called 23 ItK 61, and although hundred of pieces have been scrapped it has a role against air assaults and as a general purpose shotgun forcing the enemy to adopt safer flying modes. Modernised but slow to operate systems which can actually hit something are called 23 ItK 95. Meanwhile, Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannons need some replacement too, along with Marskman SPAAGs (crew training ended this year).

Secondly, using Manpads in boreal regions is pretty pointless without connection to air defence network and proper launch positions. Idea was to disperse everything and not to give fat targets. Providing air-defense for moving formations could be challenging with Manpads alone. Traditionally 23 ItK 61 was placed on a truck, which helped something.

Forgive my lack of insight, I know very little about air-defence.

(http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=5064043&c=EUR&s=LAN)

buglerbilly

13-12-10, 04:25 PM

Raytheon's SLAMRAAM completes second test firing from new platform

December 13, 2010

Raytheon Company's SLAMRAAM (Surface Launched Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile) system successfully participated in a second ballistic test vehicle firing at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. This is the second test firing of AMRAAM missiles from the new Family of Medium Tactical Vehicle (FMTV) platform.

"Completion of this second test firing in such a short span of time demonstrates the maturity of the design and readiness to enter the next phase of critical tests," said Dave Gulla, vice president, National & Theater Security Programs for Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems. "SLAMRAAM is the most cost-effective system in development to combat the increasing cruise missile threat to our deployed forces, high-value fixed assets and population centers."

The primary objective of this second ballistic test vehicle firing was to collect environmental data to characterize missile launch effects on the FMTV platform. These data provide input to engineering level assessments in support of system fielding requirements. In conjunction with the August test, the ballistic test vehicle firings were completed to verify that all system components have been successfully transitioned onto the new platform.

The FMTV was chosen as the new platform for the SLAMRAAM system to provide improved crew and system survivability, particularly in light of lessons learned from Operation Iraqi Freedom. The new platform provides additional armored capability and is more ruggedized to support the SLAMRAAM mission.

SLAMRAAM is a tailorable, state-of-the-art air defense system that can defeat current and emerging cruise missile threats and a wide range of air breathing threats. This affordable adaptation of the AMRAAM to meet emerging needs provides the warfighter with a system of highly mobile battlefield elements networked and geographically distributed to provide integrated fire control capability against airborne threats.

Source: Raytheon

More pics here: http://www.raytheon.com/newsroom/rtnwcm/groups/public/documents/content/rtn10_ausaslmrm_html.htm

buglerbilly

28-12-10, 08:24 AM

Surface-to-air missiles tested by Pak navy

From the Newspaper

(7 hours ago) Today

UNDISCLOSED DESTINATION: December 27 – A group photograph of missile firing crew with Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Noman Bashir as Pakistan Navy successfully tests surface to air missile. – Photo by APP

KARACHI: Pakistan Navy successfully tested its air defence capability in Sonmiani on Monday. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir witnessed the surface-to-air missile firing along with Vice Admiral Tayyab Ali Dogar, the Air Defence Commander of Pakistan Navy. All missiles successfully hit their targets.

A combination of SAM series was tested which gave the navy the flexibility to operate with a range of missiles and strengthen the ground-based air defence.

The area of responsibility of the air defence battalion stretches from Sir Creek in the east to Jiwani in the west. A large number of officers of armed forces also witnessed the firing.

Chief of the Naval Staff praised the efforts put in by the air defence battalion of coastal command and urged officers and men to ensure an impeccable defence.

The Commander of Marines said in a briefing on the occasion that air threat being very dynamic in nature had assumed multiple dimensions in today’s warfare and was continuously changing with rapid technological developments.

He said the induction of the state of the art weapons and equipment would augment PN’s ground-based air defence capabilities against hi-tech aircraft and incoming missiles.

The missiles are equipped with highly sensitive infrared homing head which can intercept high-speed aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles. These SAMs are ‘Fire and Forget’ type missiles.

ADMk2

28-12-10, 08:47 AM

That's a MISTRAL SAM isn't it?

Gubler, A.

28-12-10, 08:56 AM

That's a MISTRAL SAM isn't it?

Yes and the WORST naval uniform since RAN CAM! For shame Navy, to be outdone in bad dress by the Pak Navy...

buglerbilly

28-12-10, 10:46 AM

Yes and the WORST naval uniform since RAN CAM! For shame Navy, to be outdone in bad dress by the Pak Navy...

I was gonna say that............boy, its a shocker!

buglerbilly

03-02-11, 06:54 AM

S 125 Neva/ Pechora surface-to-air missile (Photo: Wikipedia)

Burma's Air Defense Force Deploying New SAMs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By KO HTWE Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Burma’s Air Defense Force intends to deploy the S 125 Neva/ Pechora surface-to-air missile after Burmese army soldiers spotted an unidentified flying object assumed to be an Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) flying over eastern Shan State in early January.

Originally from Russia, the S-125 Neva/Pechora is a kind of surface-to-air-missile (SAM) that has a shorter effective range and lower engagement than others.

“Air Defense Force troops will be in training between this month and April at Burma’s Air Defense Force schools,” said Khuensai Jaiyen, the editor Thailand-based Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN). “The training involves the UAV that was spotted in January.”

The UAV flew across Namhsan Township and was identical to a UAV spotted by government troops in the last week of December over Kengtung Township. The Burmese Air Force has reportedly been ordered to shoot the UAV down if spotted again in Burmese airspace.

Normally, Burmese Air Defense Force battalions are equipped with 57 mm and 40 mm anti-aircraft auto-cannons, 37 mm anti-aircraft guns and Russia-made IGLAs, a portable anti-aircraft missile. Burma's military has sent junior Air Defense Force officers to Russia to be trained in portable air defense missile systems.

During the NATO air strikes in Yugoslavia, an F-117 stealth aircraft was shot down by a Serb S-125 air defense system in 1999.

As of December 2008, over 200 Pechora-2M upgraded ramp-launched missiles had been ordered by Egypt, Syria, Libya, Burma, Vietnam, Venezuela and Turkmenistan, according to the website www.deagel.com.

Burma's military has two Air Defense Force schools, one based in Meikhtila in Mandalay Division and the other in Hmawbi in Rangoon Division, and eight Air Defense Force commands.

buglerbilly

07-02-11, 03:13 PM

Åkers Krutbruk to develop protection solutions for Saab's Giraffe AMB

16:29 GMT, February 4, 2011

Åkers Krutbruk Protection AB has received an order from the defence and security company Saab regarding protected shelter developed for the Giraffe AMB multi-mission radar system.

The protected shelter offers the crew a state-of-the-art ballistic protection which can be rapidly deployed when needed. The Giraffe AMB can thereby continue its mission to provide air picture and at the same time warn own units and civilians of incoming rockets, artillery and mortars despite enemy actions. The protected Giraffe AMB provides uninterrupted situational awareness and force protection, even in harsh climates.

The Giraffe AMB is part of Saab’s continuously evolving radar program and provides unmatched performance for critical targets and proven reliability. Whether as a part of vital point protection or area air defence solutions, the Giraffe AMB has become the radar of choice for armed forces worldwide, including those of Sweden, France, Estonia and the UK.

"The order is an excellent recognition of our long-term challenge to design sophisticated survivability systems and engineer high quality protection for personnel operating in various threat scenarios," says Niclas Sahlgren, CEO at Åkers Krutbruk.

Development will start immediately and contract deliveries to Saab will begin in mid-2011. The end user is the Australian Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO).

buglerbilly

21-02-11, 02:47 PM

MBDA Receives A First Export Order for MPCV

(Source: MBDA; issued Feb. 20, 2011)

The turret and control system can, of course, be placed in ANY suitable vehicle...........

Four years after launching its self-funded development of MPCV (Multi Purpose Combat Vehicle), MBDA has signed a contract with an export customer, for whom MBDA will be integrating this air defence system’s turrets, missile launchers and firing controls onto the high mobility armoured vehicles chosen by the military user.

The new MPCVs will be integrated within the customer’s existing air defence architecture which is based on already in-service systems deploying MBDA’s Mistral missile. MPCV will add a number of inherent qualities such as its fire power, reactivity, its protection of personnel as well as its operational coverage.

Final qualification of the MPCV system was pronounced in 2010 after a series of test firings. These tests culminated with a firing demonstration against a number of targets representing a saturating air attack. Various overseas delegations witnessed this demonstration which took place at the DGA’s (France's Direction Générale de l’Armement) missile test firing centre at Biscarosse in the Landes region of France. The first series production MPCV vehicle should be delivered as of 2013.

Commenting on this latest export success, Antoine Bouvier, Chief Executive Officer of MBDA said: "The MPCV programme illustrates how MBDA can optimise the investments already made by its customers. Starting from the base of a market standard such as Mistral missile of which some 17,000 have already been produced, we have devised an easy to use and highly automated system which significantly increases the capabilities of the missiles already in service with our customers".

With industrial facilities in four European countries and within the USA, MBDA has an annual turnover of EUR 2.6 billion and an order book of EUR 12 billion. With more than 90 armed forces customers in the world, MBDA is a world leader in missiles and missile systems. MBDA is the only group capable of designing and producing missiles and missile systems that correspond to the full range of current and future operational needs of the three armed forces (land, sea and air). In total, the group offers a range of 45 missile systems and countermeasures products already in operational service and more than 15 others currently in development. MBDA is jointly held by BAE Systems (37.5%), EADS (37.5%) and Finmeccanica (25%).

-ends-

buglerbilly

22-02-11, 03:34 AM

MBDA INTRODUCES A NEW GROUND BASED AIR DEFENCE CAPABILITY AT IDEX

02/21/2011

At the IDEX 2011 exhibition in Abu Dhabi, MBDA is revealing an addition to its air defence range by presenting for the first time a new combination of systems to coordinate the firing of Mistral and VL MICA missiles.

IMCP (Improved Missile Control Post) is the first element of this set up. It integrates, within a shelter mounted on an all-terrain vehicle, a command and control unit and latest generation 3D radar capable of detecting and identifying aerial targets at ranges of 80 km. IMCP is an evolved version of the Mistral Coordination Post of which more than 40 have already been sold. It comprises an operator console very carefully ergonomically designed to provide a work space within which the unit commander can carry out his mission under optimum conditions.

The second new system presented by MBDA is the PCP (Platoon Command Post). This modular command system is a direct derivative of the VL MICA Tactical Operations Centre (TOC) which has been developed in close cooperation with the French Air Force. PCP allows the commander to control multi-layer surface-to-air defence units, linking Mistral and VL MICA missile launchers. The system carries out the interface role between the various units responsible for coordinating the air space and, if necessary, its self-coordination with the PCP units deployed in neighbouring zones. The detection, identification and tracking functions are carried out via a link to the IMCP which, in this case, is completely remote-controlled by one of the three operators manning the PCP.

The combination of IMCP + PCP, already selected by its first customer, further broadens the range of surface-to-air command and control systems offered by MBDA. It provides a very high degree of flexibility with regard to the number and type of effectors in adapting to the mission or threats in question. The first deliveries of IMCP and PCP are expected as of 2014.

“MBDA’s experience in anti-air defence is without equal in our four domestic countries as it is within the export market. We have sold 70,000 surface-to-air missiles, more than 4,000 fire control stations and around 2,000 C2 command and control stations. For 50 years we have covered every domain from very short to long range”, said Antoine Bouvier, Chief Executive Officer of MBDA. “Thanks to this unique know how, we are able to add to our range of C2 systems today this new, highly modular family of C2 systems which will allow military users of Mistral and VL MICA the optimal means of adapting the deployment of their missiles in line with operational requirements and manpower availability”.

buglerbilly

01-03-11, 04:09 AM

Russian army to receive advanced weaponry in 2011

The Russian military plans to buy only advanced and highly-effective weaponry in the future to meet the challenges of modern warfare

The Russian Ground Forces will start receiving a number of advanced weapons in 2011, including modernized S-300V4 air defense missile systems, the Defense Ministry said on Monday.

"Starting in 2011, the Ground Forces will receive modernized S-300V4 and Buk-M2 medium-range air defense systems, Tor-M2 short-range air defense systems, and portable air defense systems," the ministry said in a statement.

The Russian military plans to buy only advanced and highly-effective weaponry in the future to meet the challenges of modern warfare, the ministry says.

The Ground Forces will continue to receive Iskander-M [SS-26 Stone] tactical ballistic missiles, new multiple-launch rocket systems, self-propelled guns, BTR-82A armored personnel carriers, and anti-tank missile systems.

Information on the advanced S-300V4 system remains classified. According to some sources, it may be based on the S-300VM (SA-23 Gladiator) mobile air defense system.

MOSCOW, February 28 (RIA Novosti)

ADMk2

01-03-11, 05:14 AM

The Russian military plans to buy only advanced and highly-effective weaponry in the future to meet the challenges of modern warfare, the ministry says.

Implying I suppose that their current equipment is neither advanced nor highly effective? But Floppsy has been telling us for years how good their stuff is and he is the foremost expert in the world...

buglerbilly

02-04-11, 03:20 AM

Sisu Delivered 1st Batch of Air Defence System Vehicles to Kongsberg

Torgrim Redalen and Erik Godstad from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS, together with Sisu Defence Oy’s Aleksi Keskinen and a newly delivered Sisu 4x4 NASAMS truck.

Supplier of military trucks, Sisu Defence Oy, has delivered the 1st batch of Sisu 8x8 and Sisu 4x4 off-road military trucks to be used in the Finnish Defence Forces' new NASAMS FIN air defence system.

Trucks in question were delivered to Norway's premier supplier for defence and aerospace-related systems, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS, who is engaged in a turnkey delivery of NASAMS FIN air defence system ordered by Materiel Command of Finnish Army.

This vehicle delivery is an important milestone in the NASAMS FIN delivery project, says Engineer in charge, Erik Godstad, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS.

Delivered Sisu trucks suit very well for NASAMS air defence system. Certain additional features required by the system have been implemented to the trucks during manufacturing with great flexibility, and in agreed schedule, Mr. Godstad continues.

Heavy-duty four-axle Sisu 8x8 off-road trucks shall be used in the subsystems forming the NASAMS FIN air defence system. These trucks are equipped with Multilift hook-lifts integrated to truck frame, and with cargo platforms suitable to be operated with a hook-lift.

Delivery includes also Sisu 4x4 off-road trucks to serve, for example, in logistics and support functions of the air defence system.

Value of the truck deliveries all together is approximately EUR 17 Million. The deliveries shall continue through 2014.

Turn-key supplier of the NASAMS FIN, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS, belongs to an international, knowledge-based KONGSBERG group that supplies high-technology systems and solutions to customers engaged in the oil and gas industry, the merchant marine, and the defence and aerospace industries. In 2009, KONGSBERG had a turnover of NOK 13.8 billion and 5 423 employees in more than 25 countries. Sisu Defence Oy has agreed about marketing related co-operation with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS.

We strongly believe that the ongoing co-operation with KONGSBERG advances our foray to offer also other Sisu military trucks to wider international market, says Jyri Ahonen, Managing Director of Sisu Defence Oy.

Source : Sisu Defence Oy

Read more: http://www.asdnews.com/news/34512/Sisu_Delivered_1st_Batch_of_Air_Defence_System_Veh icles_to_Kongsberg.htm#ixzz1IK9nTJ8Q

buglerbilly

14-04-11, 03:46 AM

13 Apr, 2011, 02.15PM IST,IANS

India to buy air defence missiles to secure vital installations

NEW DELHI: To plug gaps and build up a robust air defence system, India will soon buy a large number of missiles to defend the country's vital tactical and strategic locations and high-security zones from enemy threats and possible aerial attacks, an officer said Wednesday.

Ahead of issuing a tender for the purchase of medium-range surface-to-air (MRSAM) missiles, the defence ministry has this week issued a request for information (RFI) from global and domestic missile manufacturers asking them if they could supply the weapon system within a short time-frame to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

"The defence ministry intends to procure the MRSAM system for the Indian Air Force and the system will be required for air defence of vital areas and points. The MRSAM is required in an early time-frame," a senior IAF officer said here Wednesday.

The MRSAM will be capable of all-weather, all-terrain and day-and-night operation with a 3.5 km altitude ceiling. The system will be capable of engaging multiple targets against all types of targets in a network-centric operations environment.

The MRSAM is required by the IAF to augment its existing inventory of Soviet-vintage OSA-AK and Pechora air defence missile systems.

A surface-to-air missile is a weapon designed to be launched from the ground to destroy incoming aircraft or missiles and is usually deployed in an air defence role as an anti-aircraft system. MRSAMs ideally have a range of 70 km to 90 km to engage its intended target.

The MRSAM is activated with the use of radars and sensors that detect the incoming aircraft or missile and fire the missile as a counter measure.

The IAF's current requirement is for a multifunctional active phased array radar for early warning of a three-dimensional target and linking this information to a central fire control unit to activate the air defence mechanism.

This procurement will be over and above the 18 MRSAM units that India is buying from Israel in a $1 billion deal signed in 2009.

buglerbilly

18-04-11, 03:09 AM

More fantasy land from Iran and the FARS News Agency..................

15:59 | 2011-04-16

Iran Test-Fires Latest Home-Made Missile Shield

TEHRAN (FNA)- The Islamic Republic of Iran successfully test-fired its latest air-defense missile system, dubbed as Sayyad 2, and Tehran's defense officials said that the system will be deployed across the country in the near future.

Sayyad 2 air-defense system which has passed the tests in recent days is scheduled to be unveiled in the near future.

Iran had earlier unveiled Sayyad 1 surface to air missile which is a two-staged air defense missile that is capable of destroying targets with low Radar Cross Section (RCS) at low and medium altitudes.

The system enjoys the capability to defuse jamming and electronic warfare attacks.

Sayyad 2 is an upgraded version and enjoys higher precision, range and destruction power compared with its previous version.

In January Iran announced that it has successfully tested an optimized version of the mid-range hawk anti-aircraft missiles in an area close to a nuclear facility.

Lieutenant Commander of Khatam ol-Anbia Air Defense Base for Operations Colonel Abolfazl Farmahini announced that the hawk systems optimized by the Iranian experts have undergone warm testing at Khondab nuclear facility near the Central city of Arak and successfully hit their targets.

The commander said that the test was aimed at assessing the level of preparedness of the defense systems deployed in the region to defend Iran's sensitive nuclear facilities.

The commander stressed that Khatam ol-Anbia Air Defense Base conducts such tests regularly to promote the country's defensive capabilities.

In November, Iranian Armed Forces conducted the biggest ever nationwide air drills codenamed 'Defenders of the Sky of Vellayat III'.

Iran's air defense unit has conducted successful tests of different anti-aircraft defense systems, including the anti-cruise Tor-M1 and sophisticated S-200 anti-aircraft missile system.

The Tor-M1 is a short range, mobile air defense system intended for engagement of fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, UAVs, and cruise missiles flying between medium and very low altitudes even in severe countermeasures environments.

Iran's S-200 system is a very long range, medium-to-high altitude surface-to-air missile (SAM) system designed to defend large areas from bomber attack or other strategic aircrafts. Each battalion has 6 single-rail missile launchers and fire control radar. It can be linked to other, longer-range radar systems.

ADMk2

18-04-11, 09:39 AM

Yawn...

300+ Tomahawks later their IADS will be about as effective as everyone elses, ie: completely ferged...

buglerbilly

18-04-11, 03:40 PM

MBDA Demonstrates VL Mica Proficiency Against Stand-Off Weapons

(Source: MBDA; issued April 15, 2011)

In a scenario representing the protection of a sensitive zone against weapons launched from a secure distance, VL MICA has once again demonstrated the high level of its operational capabilities.
15 April 2011

On the 13th April 2011, at the French DGA-Essais Missiles test centre in Biscarosse, South West France, a VL MICA missile launched from a ground based vertical launcher and controlled by a Tactical Operations Centre (TOC) developed by MBDA, intercepted a manoeuvring target flying at medium altitude and at a range greater than 15 km.

The objective of the test firing was to demonstrate the capabilities of the VL MICA system against precision weapons launched from a stand-off range. Organised by MBDA with the support of various DGA (Direction Générale de l'Armement) teams, the test was a natural follow on from the evaluations which have just been concluded by the French Air Force as part of their SALVE (Sol-Air à Lancement VErtical) technical demonstration programme.

The VL MICA was equipped with an active electromagnetic seeker produced by Thales. As in previous evaluations, this firing was carried out using a Conteneur Lanceur Autonome (Autonomous Launch Container) conforming to a standard series production model.

This seventeenth VL MICA firing is yet another demonstration of the reliability, exceptional precision and, most importantly, the high level of operational performance provided by the system.

The four foreign delegations present as observers during the firing were unanimous in underlining the excellent impression made by the VL MICA system which has already received several orders in both its naval and land versions.

With industrial facilities in four European countries and within the USA, in 2010 MBDA achieved a turnover of EUR 2.8 billion with an order book of EUR 10.8 billion. With more than 90 armed forces customers in the world, MBDA is a world leader in missiles and missile systems. MBDA is jointly held by BAE Systems (37.5%), EADS (37.5%) and Finmeccanica (25%).

-ends-

buglerbilly

19-05-11, 03:25 PM

MBDA Demonstrates VL MICA Proficiency Against Stand-Off Weapons

(Source: MBDA; issued May 18, 2011)

In a scenario representing the protection of a sensitive zone against weapons launched from a secure distance, VL MICA has once again demonstrated the high level of its operational capabilities.

On the 13th April 2011, at the French DGA-Essais Missiles test centre in Biscarosse, South West France, a VL MICA missile launched from a ground based vertical launcher and controlled by a Tactical Operations Centre (TOC) developed by MBDA, intercepted a manoeuvring target flying at medium altitude and at a range greater than 15 km.

The objective of the test firing was to demonstrate the capabilities of the VL MICA system against precision weapons launched from a stand-off range. Organised by MBDA with the support of various DGA (Direction Générale de l'Armement) teams, the test was a natural follow on from the evaluations which have just been concluded by the French Air Force as part of their SALVE (Sol-Air à Lancement VErtical) technical demonstration programme.

The VL MICA was equipped with an active electromagnetic seeker produced by Thales. As in previous evaluations, this firing was carried out using a Conteneur Lanceur Autonome (Autonomous Launch Container) conforming to a standard series production model.

This seventeenth VL MICA firing is yet another demonstration of the reliability, exceptional precision and, most importantly, the high level of operational performance provided by the system.

The four foreign delegations present as observers during the firing were unanimous in underlining the excellent impression made by the VL MICA system which has already received several orders in both its naval and land versions.

With industrial facilities in four European countries and within the USA, in 2010 MBDA achieved a turnover of EUR 2.8 billion with an order book of EUR 10.8 billion. With more than 90 armed forces customers in the world, MBDA is a world leader in missiles and missile systems. MBDA is the only group capable of designing and producing missiles and missile systems that correspond to the full range of current and future operational needs of the three armed forces (land, sea and air). In total, the group offers a range of 45 missile systems and countermeasures products already in operational service and more than 15 others currently in development.

-ends-

buglerbilly

19-05-11, 03:30 PM

Starstreak II Showcased in Peru

(Source: Thales; issued May 16, 2011)

I notice a number of the British Army STORMER-based Tracked versions of the STARSTREAK system have come up for disposal at Withams in the UK................a bit early to be getting rid of them I would have thought, they cannot have been in service more than 7-8 years?

Thales’s Starstreak high-velocity missile (HVM) is on display at SITDEF, Peru, for the first time. Successfully proven in the UK and South Africa, Starstreak II is an evolution of the inservice Starstreak HVM.

Thales has addressed the needs of military users around the world and introduced major improvements to provide increased range beyond 7km, increased coverage and altitude and improved guidance precision against small targets.

Starstreak II offers the latest technology in very short-range air-defence systems. Its laser-guidance technology encompasses a greater ability to deal with emerging targets, providing increased coverage, but with less manpower required to operate the systems.

The Starstreak II configuration remains based on the proven Starstreak principles of high velocity to defeat targets with short unmasking times. The three dart payload maximises effectiveness and accurate line-of-sight; laser beam-riding guidance enables engagement of the smallest signature targets, which are extremely difficult to defeat and lock onto by traditional fire and forget missiles.

In November 2010 the South African Air Defence Artillery Formation conducted a Starstreak firing camp to allow their trained operators to develop experience in firing live missiles. They took the opportunity to conduct day and night firings, introducing their new Starstreak thermal imager to provide a full 24-hour air defence capability. The firing camp confirmed there is no hiding place from Starstreak, day or night and Starstreak is now a key element of the South Africa’s frontline ground-based air defence.

David Beatty, Managing Director of Thales UK’s Belfast facility, where Starstreak is designed and manufactured, says: “Following the release of Starstreak II, the UK contract award for the multiyear ADAPT programme for Starstreak and the hugely successful South African firing camp, customers worldwide are showing a great deal of interest in the system.” A full-scale model of the Starstreak II HVM can be seen at SITDEF on the Thales Stand (number 128A).

Thales has a long association with air defence missiles, such as Javelin and Starburst.

Thales is a global technology leader for the defence & security and the aerospace & transport markets. In 2010 the company generated revenues of £11.2 billion (EUR 13.1 billion), with 68,000 employees in 50 countries. With its 22,500 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements.

Thales UK employs 8,000 staff based at 40 locations. In 2010 Thales UK’s revenues were around £1.5 billion.

-ends-

buglerbilly

24-05-11, 10:34 AM

JPost.com
Defense

IAF plans to replace old Hawks with upcoming David’s Sling

By YAAKOV KATZ

05/23/2011 02:52

This is also effective against missiles but I'll use HAWK as a lead in this case and put the article here...........

The 50-year-old Hawk is a US-made medium-range surface-to-air that was first supplied to Israel in 1965 and has since served as the main defense system against enemy aircraft.

The air force is considering replacing the Hawk surface-toair missile, which been the backbone of the country’s air defense systems since 1965.

The MIM-23 Hawk is an American-made medium-range surface-to-air that was first supplied to Israel in 1965 and has since served as the main defense system against enemy aircraft. Its arrival was a significant success for the country and came after a long period of diplomatic negotiations with the US.

The missile was used extensively during the Yom Kippur War in 1973 and the IAF’s Air Defense Division, which operates the Hawk and Patriot Missiles in air defense missions, and played a key role during Juniper Cobra, the joint missile defense exercise held last year with the US.

Slated to replace the Hawk is David’s Sling, a missile defense system currently under development by Rafael in Israel and Raytheon in the US. David’s Sling would defend against Iranian missiles such as the M600, the Zelzal, Fajr and Fateh 110 deployed heavily in Hezbollah hands in Lebanon as well as other missiles with a range between 70 and 300 kilometers.

The IAF is planning on establishing the battalion that will operate David’s Sling in the near future so it will be ready to receive the missile defense system in 2012 when it is expected to become operational.

David’s Sling uses an interceptor called Stunner, fitted into a launcher that can hold 16 missiles. It works together with an advanced phased-array radar made by Israel Aerospace Industries.

A senior IAF officer said that even once David’s Sling is declared operational it will still take some time before it is formatted to also defend Israel’s skies against enemy aircraft.

The country’s main concerns with regards to air defense are Iranian-made drones – such as the Ababil – which are known to be in Hezbollah hands, and protecting commercial airlines from being hijacked by terrorists.

During the Second Lebanon War in 2006, Hezbollah flew a drone into Israel but it was intercepted by an IAF F-16 fighter jet.

buglerbilly

26-05-11, 04:02 AM

Singapore's new SPYDER anti-air missile system and ancilliaries................

Photo: RSAF’s new SPYDER-SR

Posted in Uncategorized on May 25th, 2011

The Rafale SPYDER-SR air defense system is one of the new weapons being shown to the public for the first time during this weekend’s RSAF Open House.

Photo: RSAF’s new Giraffe AMB radar

Posted in Uncategorized on May 25th, 2011

Another new item at the RSAF Open House’s static display is the Giraffe Agile Multiple Beam radar surveillance system.

buglerbilly

14-06-11, 08:47 AM

N.Korea 'Successfully Test Fired Short-Range Missile

'North Korea's test launch of a KN-06 surface-to-air missile into the West Sea early this month appears to have been successful, South Korean Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin said at a hearing by the National Assembly's Defense Committee on Monday.

"We believe North Korea was testing its latest weapon system and we have concluded that it was a success," Kim said, offering the first such confirmation of the test launch.

North Korea unveiled the missile at a military parade celebrating the 65th anniversary of the founding of its Workers Party on October 10 last year. South Korea officially verified it as a KN-06 in its 2010 Defense White Paper.

The KN-06 is a surface-to-air missile that shoots down enemy fighters. Unlike previous North Korean missiles, such as the KN-02 inter-continental ballistic missile that follows an arch-like trajectory, the KN-06 is stored in a launching tube and fired vertically toward a flying target. It is similar to the Russian S-300, which is used to shoot down other missiles, and seems to be based on technology that North Korea secretly obtained from China, Russia and other countries. Showing its evolution from the S-300, which had a range of between 75 km and 90 km, the KN-06 is apparently capable of hitting targets up to 150 km away. Each launcher truck can hold two to three missiles.

North Korea developed its latest weapon after it encountered difficulties in acquiring new fighter jets from China and other countries. In contrast, the South Korean military has been able to upgrade its stable of fighter jets by acquiring cutting-edge F-15Ks. Seoul's Air Force will possess 60 such fighter jets by next year, capable of launching precision strikes against North Korean nuclear weapons and missile bases.

Russia's S-300 (top) and North Korea's KN-06

Pyongyang may also have produced a lighter nuclear device, Kim told lawmakers at the hearing, in what amounts to a rare admission by a high-ranking defense official.

"It has been a long time [since the North's nuclear test], so we believe the North had enough time to make a smaller or lighter nuclear weapon," he said. "Considering cases involving other countries, there is a strong chance that the North has succeeded."

However Kim was unable to provide details or concrete evidence when prodded on the matter by ruling Grand National Party lawmaker Kim Dong-sung.

Meanwhile, Kim confirmed a report by AP last month claiming that North Korea was nearing the completion of a second long-range missile base in Tongchang-ri, North Pyongan Province. Kim said his intelligence reports showed the new base to be larger and more complex than Pyongyang's existing missile base in Musudan-ri, North Hamgyong Province.

In a bid to allay fears of a surprise attack from the North, the defense minister stressed that the South Korean military is capable of delivering effective attacks in case of provocation from across the border. It can also detect signs that the North is mounting nuclear warheads onto its missiles, he said.

englishnews@chosun.com / Jun. 14, 2011 09:30 KST

buglerbilly

21-06-11, 04:01 PM

DGA Delivers Two SAMP/T Surface-to-Air Systems to French Air Force

(Source: French Defense Procurement Agency, DGA; issued June 20, 2011)

(Issued in French only; unofficial translation by defense-aerospace.com)

Pics to follow tomorrow..................

PARIS --- The Direction générale de l'armement (DGA) in March and May handed over two additional Sol-Air de Moyenne Portée Terrestre (medium-range surface-to air systems, ground-based, or SAMP/T) systems to the French air force, bringing the number of systems it operates to five.

The SAMP/T was named “Mamba” by airmen after a particularly venomous snake to reflect its ability as the first European system capable of intercepting SCUD theater ballistic missiles

SAMP/T is a French-Italian program of which 15 systems are on order (10 for France and 5 for Italy). In the case of France, the last system will be delivered in 2013 and the last missile in 2016.

Operated by 14 people, an SAMP/T system comprises:

-- a fire-control subsystem based on the Arabel radar developed by Thales Air Systems. This multifunction radar provides 360-degree coverage for surveillance, detection and target tracking with very high accuracy;

-- a ground launching system comprising four truck-mounted vertical launchers (which can be increased to six), each launcher in turn can carry 8 Aster 30 missiles and two reloading modules which allow a quick return to readiness for new engagements;

-- Aster 30 Block I missiles, part of the family of missiles developed by MBDA. This family comprises a basic, two-stage vertically-launched missile fitted with an original “pif-paf” pilotage device which improves conventional aerodynamic controls by adding dynamic thrust controls at the missile’s center of gravity.

-ends-

buglerbilly

22-06-11, 05:15 AM

SAMP-T modularised and vehicle-mounted units..................

The ARABEL radar unit.........

Command and Control unit..........

Missile unit, missiles in vertical, firing position...........

Same unit, missiles horizontal in travelling configuration...............

buglerbilly

23-06-11, 10:10 AM

Raytheon Offers New Ground-Based Evolved SeaSparrow Missile

PARIS, June 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and its international partners will introduce a new ground-based Evolved SeaSparrow Missile at the Paris Air Show. The ground-based ESSM features multi-use capabilities for both naval and land-based applications.

"Raytheon Missile Systems and its global industrial partners are working to expand ESSM into the ground-based air defense (GBAD) mission area," said Royal Netherlands Navy Capt. Paul Rouffaer, deputy project manager of the NATO SeaSparrow project office. "The flexibility and versatility of ESSM is demonstrated by its ability to provide ship self defense and GBAD."

ESSM represents more than four decades of technology and design improvements by an international cooperative partnership composed of 12 nations, 10 of which employ ESSM.

"The ESSM program is an excellent example of how Raytheon works through international partnerships to meet the warfighter's needs across multiple platforms," said Rick Nelson, vice president of Naval Weapon Systems for Raytheon Missile Systems. "By expanding the capabilities of ESSM, we extend the performance of this proven weapon throughout the warfighting community."

ESSM will soon join the many ground-based weapons in Raytheon's portfolio of complementary air defense solutions.

buglerbilly

23-06-11, 10:12 AM

MBDA Offers Aspide Missile To Restock SA-6 launchers

Posted by Bradley Peniston | June 22nd, 2011 | Paris Air Show 2011

By TOM KINGTON • PARIS — European missile house MBDA has set its sights on restocking the world’s SA-6 launchers with its Aspide missile, starting with a deal with the Czech Army.

MBDA has partnered with Czech firm Retia to respond to a Czech army requirement to install new missiles on its SA-6 launchers, said MBDA Italy CEO Antonio Perfetti at the Paris Air Show on Tuesday.

“We were invited by Retia to look at integrating a semi-active missile into the existing SA-6 system,” said Perfetti.

Over competition from Raytheon, the Aspide 2000 was selected by the Czech government in a deal that will be worth around 80 million euros ($115 million) to equip one Czech army brigade which currently operates four SA-6 systems, each containing four launchers equipped with three missiles each.

“The bulk of the integration work will be finished by the end of the year and firing could start next year, depending on the decision of the Czech army,” said MBDA senior consultant Stefano Chiatti. “No structural changes will be needed on the launcher.”

Retia CEO Petr Novak said that the missiles currently used with the SA-6 systems would need to be replaced by 2015-18. While MBDA is offering new Aspide missiles for the upgrades, the Czech are likely to use Italian army stock with new propulsion installed, a source said.

Perfetti said that Retia and MBDA would now together seek to market the upgrade to other SA-6 users, including Poland, Ukraine, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Macedonia and Bulgaria in Europe.

Hungary and Slovakia have already made inquiries, as have non-European SA-6 users Egypt and Algeria. MBDA Italy is already contracted to supply new missiles to Pakistan as part of the Spada 2000 air defense system.

MBDA Italy represents the 25 percent stake held in MBDA by Italy’s Finmeccanica group.

buglerbilly

02-07-11, 05:16 AM

07/01/2011

Diehl performs successful IRIS-T SL firing campaign

With two further IRIS-T SL test firings, Diehl Defence demonstrated the scheduled progress in the development of the surface-to-air guided missile IRIS-T SL (Surface Launched). The firing campaign took place at the OTB Firing Range in South Africa on May 19 and 26, 2011.

All test objectives were achieved in the presence of representatives of the national customer: Safe missile launch from a carrier vehicle, demonstration of the missile´s flight-mechnical and aerodynamic characteristics, operational performance of the newly developed rocket motor as well as target data transmission via data link during the flight.

Particularly the missile´s outstanding maneuvering capability was proved in an impressive manner by approaching aerodynamical limits in flight.. Moreover, the operational principle of guiding the missile with external radar data by transmitting virtual target data to the missile during flight was demonstrated.

For the export market, Diehl is offering a flexible solution for modern air defence on the basis of the IRIS-T SL surface-to-air guided missile. The plug & fight capability of IRIS-T SL enables easy integration in existing and future air defence systems. The export system is denoted IRIS-T SLM.

IRIS-T SL is a refinement of the IRIS-T air-to-air missile, in series production within a European cooperation program, with regard to the surface-to-air role. It encompasses a rocket motor upgrade as well as a data link and GPS-aided navigation. Thus the requirements for a modern guided missile for ground-based air defence have been implemented with a distinct increase in range.

buglerbilly

28-07-11, 10:01 AM

IAI/ELTA Systems Awarded a $17 Million Contract to Supply Surveillance and Air Defense Radars of the STAR product line to a Far- Eastern Customer

Jul 27, 2011

ELTA Systems Ltd., an IAI group and subsidiary, has been awarded a $17 million contract to supply its successful Surveillance & Air Defense Radars of the STAR product line to a Far-Eastern customer.

The STAR radar family, designated ELM-22X8, comprise of 3D multi-purpose radars operated from ground and naval platforms and providing superior performance in air defense, air traffic control and also sea surface search as well as threat identification and alert.

The STAR radars are designed to support air defense mission including networked Anti-Air Missile (AAM) weapon systems and sea surface gunnery engagements.

ELTA's STAR radars were chosen from a variety of competing radars, following evaluation and tests that demonstrated their superiority in detection and tracking performance, technology solution and supportability. These capabilities make the STAR an excellent surveillance radar choice for air defense and networked weapons systems.

In the picture: AD STAR

buglerbilly

03-08-11, 01:10 AM

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

State Dept. Leads Search for Ground-to-Air Missiles

Posted by Paul McLeary at 8/2/2011 9:28 AM CDT

The State Department—with an assist from the Pentagon—has found and destroyed over 32,500 “excess, loosely secured, illicitly held or otherwise at-risk” man-portable air defense systems (Manpads) in over 30 countries since 2003, according to a new State Dept. report.

The surface-to-air shoulder-fired missiles have long been an object of worry due to their ability to take down civilian airliners. Given estimates that more than 1 million Manpads have been manufactured worldwide since 1967, there has been a years-long effort to try to round up as many as possible to ensure that they don’t fall into the hands of terrorists or other non-state actors. The report says that while there are an unknown number of these systems in circulation around the globe, and the effort to locate them continues, the U.S. government “believes that most of these systems are either stockpiled in national inventories or have been destroyed.”

Still, about 20 countries “have produced or have licenses to produce Manpads or their components,” including China, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia and Serbia—and since 1975, 40 civilian aircraft have been hit by Manpads, causing about 28 crashes and more than 800 deaths. Two of the most recent attacks highlighted are a 2003 hit on a civilian cargo plane upon takeoff from the Baghdad International Airport—though the plane was able to land safely and no one was injured—and a deadly 2007 strike on a cargo plane over Mogadishu, Somalia, which killed 11 crewmembers.

Pic: DHS

buglerbilly

16-08-11, 04:52 PM

GBADS 1 passes FAT

Written by defenceWeb Monday, 15 August 2011 15:35

The first phase of the long-running ground-based air-defence system (GBADS) project is one step closer to completion with the successful conclusion of the Phase 1 Level 5 System Factory Acceptance Test (FAT).

Denel Integrated Systems Solutions (DISS), the prime contractor, said in a statement today the tests were conducted at Mobile Deployment Wing and Swartkop Airfield over a four week period with support from both the South African Air Force and the Army. The tests were completed July 21.

DISS CE Ralph Mills noted “this was a fantastic achievement and I am immensely proud of what has been accomplished”. Soldiers from the Air Defence Artillery (ADA) Formation manned the system and assisted greatly in the achievement of the milestone. Despite the adverse weather conditions, the test ran like clockwork with only minor observations on system performance, Mills adds.

The equipment is currently being prepared for the final training of the crews in Kimberley and then on to the Operation Test & Evaluation (OT&E) at Combat Training Centre in Lohatla from next month after which the system will be delivered into service. “This programme is a prime example of industry collaboration and the FAT was well supported by both Saab Systems South Africa and Reutech Radar Systems” added Armscor Programme Manager Hanlo Pretorius. “I’d also like to thank the team at DISS for their continued loyalty to the company and both Denel Corporate and the Denel Board for supporting the completion of the programme” concluded Mills.

SA ordered two 20km-range Thales Page continuous-wave (CW) low-observable battery air defence local warning radars, eight Lightweight Multiple Launchers (LML) as well as about 100 VSHORAD (very short range air defence) high-velocity missiles in December 2002. The entire system can be parachute dropped. Denel credits the VSHORAD missiles with a range of 5km (Thales says 7km). At the time (2002) state arms acquisition agency Armscor in a statement said the cost was R796 700 389 and deliveries would be complete in 36 months. It was reported in October 2007 that Starstreak missiles cost about R1 million each and that GBADS Phase I, also known as Project Guardian, had by then cost R801 million. defenceWeb has not been able to verify the figure. Since then a further R62 684 877.76 has been spent according to the Armscor Bulletin System.

104 Battery of 10 ADA Regiment fired an undisclosed number of Starstreak at a firing camp at the Overberg Test Range near Cape Town last year November to allow its operators to develop experience in firing live missiles. The missiles were fired against the indigenously manufactured BAE Systems Land Systems Dynamics Locats (low-cost aerial target system) aerial targets. Thales Defence Systems, which supported the exercise, says in a media statement the ADA “took the opportunity to conduct day and night firings, introducing their new Starstreak thermal imager to provide a full 24-hour air defence capability.

“The success of the camp, underlined by an unprecedented number of target kills, is even more impressive given that the Locats targets destroyed were totally un-enhanced, proving Starstreak’s capability against unmanned air vehicle targets,” the statement added. Locats has a maximum speed of 310 km/hr, a wingspan of 3.2m and length of 2.9m.

Speaking from the range Lt Col Jacques Baird, Chief of Staff of the ADA, said: “I am delighted with the performance of the Starstreak system and of course our operators. Indeed, at one stage I thought that we would run out of targets before the end of our camp.” ADA Formation General Officer Commanding Brigadier General Jabu Mbuli added that if “this camp has proved anything it is that Starstreak can defeat a wide variety of air targets, both the traditional and the emerging small low-infrared signature threats. We spent quite some time evaluating various missile systems as our GBAD solution and what we have witnessed at this exercise clearly demonstrates that we made the right choice.”

Starstreak was designed to counter low-flying high-performance aircraft and helicopters. It employs semi-automatic command line of sight guidance consisting of a stabilised tracking system and an automatic guidance system. While the operator tracks the target using the stabilised tracking system, a laser beam for missile guidance is transmitted along the target sight line. The system compensates for crosswinds and low-level targets and a lead-angle is automatically generated to launch the missile ahead of crossing targets.

In its simplest form, Starburst is a man-portable, shoulder-launched system consisting of an aiming unit and a missile. The missile is contained in a canister that acts as a recoilless launcher when firing takes place. The aiming unit is clipped on to the canister and together they provide the firing and guidance control for the missile. At the end of the engagement, the aiming unit is quickly detached, the used canister discarded and a new canister fitted for the next engagement. The system can be operated by a single person. However, a second person reduces reaction time.

Armscor in March 2007 told Parliament that when finally delivered at the end of November 2009, the project would be 54 months over deadline. Armscor told MPs the project was extensively delayed by problems with subcontracts with local suppliers, by challenges in translating systems specifications and by design shortcomings affecting the thermal imager, radar power supply and radio interface module. As a result, Denel was to pay a R80 million penalty.

Noteworthy is that the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms records SA imported 96 Starstreak missiles in 2005. There are no previous or subsequent references to the Northern Irish-made VSHORAD.

In May 2008 Denel Dynamics CE Jan Wessels said about 30 companies were involved with the project. “The missile and radar are European and the software was written by five companies, some in SA,” says Wessels. “Our job [as prime contractor and systems integrator] is to put it all together to make it work.” Wessels added the delays and problems encountered have made the project one “where you have to grind your teeth”. “There are 32 entities that must deliver. We'll just have to take the pain until they all do so satisfactorily. Although there is a lot of contractual baggage, we are quite chuffed about progress with the programme.”

Denel Integrates Systems Solutions executive manager Ralph Mills added the first live SA firings of the Starstreak missile in October 2007 “went very well”.

buglerbilly

17-08-11, 02:04 PM

Russia to introduce new short-range air defense system by 2013

Model of the system

The model is interesting IF true - it looks like it has 7 x 5-cell VLS but the truck also looks like it has an active defence and decoy system(s)?

A new short-range air defense missile system should be ready to enter service in Russia in 2013, former chief designer of Almaz-Antei corporation Igor Ashurbeili said.

The Morfey, which is an ultra short-range mobile air defense system with an effective range of five kilometers, has been in development since 2007.

"The system is expected to enter service in 2013," Ashurbeili said, adding that the project has been receiving sufficient funding so far.

In its current design, the new system features a radar with a dome-shape antenna, which provides constant 360-degree tracking of targets.

"If the design remains unchanged, it will be a unique weapon," Ashurbeili, who currently co-chairs an expert council on aerospace defense, said in an exclusive interview with RIA Novosti.

The Morfey will complement the Vityaz, the S-400 and the S-500 air defense systems in the future aerospace defense network to engage targets at ranges from five to 400 kilometers, and at altitudes from five meters to near space.

buglerbilly

08-09-11, 02:17 PM

Successful First SAMP Firing by Luxueil-based Squadron

(Source: French air force; issued Sept. 7, 2011)

(Issued in French only; unofficial translation by defense-aerospace.com)

The French air force’s “Servance” air-defense squadron has become the first military unit to fire an SAMP missile in an operational scenario. (French AF photo)

On 1 September 2011, at the Direction Generale de l’Armament missile test range in Biscarrosse, in south-western France, the French air force’s "Servance" air defense squadron (EDSA 04950), based in Luxeuil, successfully carried out the first military firing of an Aster 30 surface-to-air medium-range missile (SAMP). The trials was carried out under the responsibility of the space control brigade (BACE), which reports to the Air Defence Forces Command.

At around 10:30 am, when the target adopted an offensive posture by moving directly towards the coastline of the Landes region, the SAMP battery was ordered to engage the target at a range of about 40 km. The target was destroyed at a distance of 30 km from the point defended by the SAMP section, which means this first engagement was successful and met all operational expectations.

As scheduled, this firing completes the first phase of working up process for the "Servance" squadron, which is tasked with protecting a fixed site with an ASMP detachment, which is integrated into the centralized air defence chain of command.

For this firing, the SAMP section of Luxeuil-based squadron was connected, by encrypted tactical data link, to the deployable detection and control center (CDC/D) stationed on Metz air base, at a distance of almost 1,000 km.

According to the test scenario, the SAMP section compared its view of the tactical situation with that of the CDC/D, which is responsible for the identification and classification of the target, and for ordering its destruction.

The first SAMP section was delivered to the "Servance" squadron on September 20, 2010. It is thanks notably to the ongoing investment of its technical and operational staff that the unit successfully achieved this first milestone.

Ultimately, the French air force’s five ESDA air-defence squadrons will operate ten SAMP sections.

-ends-

buglerbilly

09-09-11, 03:23 AM

Rafael Unveils Combined Air Defence Control System – MIC-AD Displays All Threats on a Single Screen

Posted on September 8, 2011 by The Editor

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. has unveiled its MIC-AD system, which displays on a single screen all the threats that air defences need to deal with in a single defined sector. Including Patriot anti aircraft and anti-ballistic missile batteries, Iron Dome anti rocket batteries, the future Magic Wand intermediate range rocket interceptor, Spider antiaircraft batteries, combat jets, and unmanned aircraft.

A single command and control system for the simultaneous management of all weapons systems is Rafael’s answer to the problems of crowded skies that bedevilled the Israel Air Force during the 2006 Second Lebanon War and 2009 Operation Cast Lead in Gaza. There were UAS operating in a limited air space, alongside combat jets, attack helicopter, and cargo planes; rocket artillery batteries firing from deep inside Israeli territory toward enemy targets and could inadvertently down a planes returning from a bombing sortie; and anti-rocket interceptors constantly firing against income barrages.

In the coming years, Israel’s arsenal will be expanded to include new active defence systems, alongside more accurate precision rocket systems, which will further crowd the air space.

“With this system, my operating environment is much better, with a constantly up-to-date and relevant picture of the skies,” Rafael marketing and business development manager Col. (res.) Meir Ben Shaya, a former Air Force air control commander told “Globes”.

“All the systems now in use by the IDF operate separately, and there is no communication between them. The concept of the new control system is for air units to talk with each other. When an Israeli F-16 flies over Lebanon, while Iron Dome interceptor missiles and other rocket ordinance is flying all around deep into enemy territory, there is a real safety problem and need to manage the force differently,” Ben Shaya added

“The clear aerial picture will optimise all the systems in the combat arena, so there will no concern that several systems will try to respond simultaneously to the same threat, and that an Iron Dome and Magic Wand interceptor will be launched against the same incoming rocket. The system will identify the threat, direct the response to the relevant unit, whose people will already manage the firing and deal with the threat.”

Rafael unveiled the MIC-AD and its screen-rich command and control room that provides an up-to-date picture of the skies at the arms show accompanying the Fifth Latrun Conference. The Israel Air Force has not yet decided whether to procure the MIC-AD, or to continue using its current air command and control systems. However, foreign armies are showing interest. Ben Shaya says, “Aerial combat mediation is changing, and we’re committed to a less conservative approach when it comes to operating force in a limited air space.”

Source: Globes

buglerbilly

14-09-11, 05:30 AM

Bushmaster Air Defence vehicle? Nah, just Thales using a Bishie to demo various of their weapon and EO systems.........makes you think tho................

Thales is displaying a wide array of add-on systems installed on the Bushmaster protected vehicle. Visible in this picture are the counter-IED manipulator arm, mast mounted EO payload, multi-purpose missile launcher, remotely operated weapon station and side camera.
Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update

buglerbilly

15-09-11, 03:50 PM

Saab Unveils New RBS 70 NG Air Defence System

Saab RBS 70 NG air defence system. (Photo: Saab)

14:58 GMT, September 14, 2011 A new sighting system with improved precision and increased all-target capability. The new RBS 70 NG is the latest air defence system presented by Saab. Now with integrated 24/7 all-target capability Saab’s new RBS 70 NG VSHORAD system has been developed for any combat situation. Its integrated sighting solution, enhanced missile operator aids, unmatched range and unjammable laser guidance combine to produce a system with world-leading capabilities.

The integrated thermal imager and night sight capability combine to provide true 24/7 performance. Three-dimensional target designation and automatic target detection improve reaction times, while the auto-tracker aids the missile operator during engagement, increasing hit probability throughout the missile range.

TRUE ALL-TARGET CAPABILITY

With the latest generation of missile – the BOLIDE – the RBS 70 NG is directed at the complete air and ground threat spectrum, including long range and close to ground. Everything from fixed and rotary wing aircraft and helicopters down to small targets such as cruise missiles, UAVs and armoured ground targets like APCs can be engaged.

“The NG sight is software-based. New functions like the auto tracker and visual cueing have ultimately resulted in ease of use and increased precision for both small and large targets, even at maximum range,” explains Bill Forsberg, Director, Product Management, Saab.

The RBS 70 NG has an effective intercept range of 8 km, with altitude coverage in excess of 5,000 m, making it a best-in-class air defence missile system. It is capable of operating in complex environments such as urban terrain and is well equipped for all environments, including tropical, desert and arctic conditions.

1,600 SYSTEMS SOLD

With more than 1,600 systems and more than 17,000 missiles sold, the RBS 70 has been procured by 18 nations world wide. The RBS 70, still proves itself to be a very highly capable system, being continuously procured, used and appreciated by our demanding customers worldwide.

Battlefield requirements are however constantly evolving and by having close cooperation with potential as well as existing RBS 70 customers we know that they face new threats and situations that require additional capabilities.

“By utilizing the latest technological innovations, we developed RBS 70 NG VSHORAD as the answer to their needs,” says Jim Nilsson, Director, Marketing & Sales, Saab’s business area Dynamics.

The RBS 70 NG can be vehicle integrated and used to support manoeuvring troops. The modularity of the system also allows it to be used in a remotely controlled configuration. Specifically aimed at the long-term static air defence of strategic assets, these deployments can last for several weeks or more in around-the-clock operations. The RBS 70 NG is also the optimal solution for protection in peacetime, for example at high-profile sporting events.

RBS 70 NG is presented to the world market for the first time at the DSEi defence exhibition in London, September 13-16.

buglerbilly

16-09-11, 01:55 AM

Nasams Eyes AIM-9X, ESSM Firings

Sep 15, 2011

By Robert Wall

LONDON – Kongsberg is looking to expand the missiles on offer under its Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (Nasams) program, with the Raytheon AIM-9X short-range air-to-air missile and the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) for ship self-defense next on the drawing board.

Nasams, which began as a program to launch Amraam missiles from the ground, has since evolved, with the latest move a midyear demonstration of the surface-launched IRIS-T SLS fired from the system. The Norwegian air force is an IRIS-T customer, using it on F-16s.

In October, the company plans to demonstrate the AIM-9X capability, a Kongsberg official says, in part with U.S. government funding.

There is hope the move could expand U.S. customer interest, particularly with prospects for the Slamraam (Surface-Launched Amraam program) dimming.

The ESSM test would likely be attempted in June.

Spanish Army NASAMS II (launcher vehicle).

Photo: Wikipedia

buglerbilly

22-09-11, 02:32 AM

China unveils Type 820 low-altitude air defense radar

Posted in Uncategorized on September 21st, 2011

China has unveiled its Type 820 low-altitude air defense radar mounted on a 6 x 6 vehicle in Beijing.

Not sure but it appears the rams from out of the vehicle body are to level the radar system...................

buglerbilly

22-09-11, 09:34 AM

Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 09:08 AM

Iran will develop its own version of the sophisticated S-300 air defense missile system.

Like watching an unfunny edition of Black Adder..............farce but not funny.........:wingchung

TEHRAN (FNA) - A senior Iranian military commander announced here on Tuesday that Iran is developing its own version of the sophisticated S-300 air defense system, adding that Iranian experts have removed the flaws and defects of the Russian version.

Russian made S-300PMU2 air defense missile system at MAKS Air Show

Speaking to FNA, Commander of Khatam ol-Anbia Air Defense Base Brigadier General Farzad Esmayeeli said that the country's experts have started designing and building an Iranian version of the S-300 anti-aircraft missile system after Russia refrained from delivering it to Iran.

He noted that the development of system, dubbed as Bavar 373, started at an order issued by the commander in-chief, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei.

Asked about the features and specifications of the Iranian system, Esmayeeli stated, "The flaws and defects of the (Russian) S-300 system have been removed in the indigenous version of the system and its conceptual designing has been finished."

Esmayeeli noted that right now Iranian experts in Khatam ol-Anbia base and the Ministry of Defense are in conducting the precise designing of the system.

He stated that the Iranian defense ministry system uses two to three types of missiles in different layers to confront aerial targets.

Under a contract signed in 2007, Russia was required to provide Iran with at least five S-300 air-defense systems.

However, Moscow's continuous delays in delivering the defense system drew criticism from the Islamic Republic on several occasions.

Russia refused to deliver the system to Iran under the pretext that the system is covered by the fourth round of UN Security Council resolutions against Iran.

After the resolution was passed, Moscow said that it was not obliged to drop the S-300 deal with Iran, since it was not referenced in the UNSC resolution.

Tim

23-09-11, 11:28 AM

A senior Iranian military commander announced here on Tuesday that Iran is developing its own version of the sophisticated S-300 air defense system, adding that Iranian experts have removed the flaws and defects of the Russian version.

That is pure gold... how nice of Iran to remove all the defects those silly Russians left in their missiles! After all, the Russians have been developing long range SAM systems since the 1950s, they're probably sick to death of it - the Iranians on the other hand don't have any such history, so I'm sure a fresh pair of eyes was all that was needed! :P

I guess Iran can probably take credit for those shipping container-launched AShMs the Russians have been spruiking lately too, after all they pioneered innocuous launch systems by concealing high-performance missiles in tubes designed to look suspiciously like oil drums welded end-to-end... and let's not even dare to think about their cunning use of photoshop as a force multiplier...

I really wish it was possible to avoid taking the piss out of every single statement ever released by the Iranian military, I don't want to be needlessly cruel but the level of hubris and propaganda they put on display is incredible!

buglerbilly

28-09-11, 03:04 PM

New Surface to Air Missile Ready for Action: PLA

(Source: Global Times/People’s Daily; published Sept. 28, 2011)

Official military media for the first time acknowledged Monday that China's new land-based mid-range Surface to Air Missile (SAM) system has reached operational capability. Military observers say that deployment of this missile system will boost China's air defense capability.

The new SAM system, dubbed by foreign media as the Hongqi-16, or Red Flag-16, has been delivered to an air defense unit in the Shenyang Military Region.

In a recent drill, two HQ-16 missiles fired by the unit successfully hit their aerial targets, the official website of the People's Liberation Army Daily reported Monday.

As well as being able to engage aerial targets at high altitude, the mid-range HQ-16 is also able to intercept very low-flying targets at a distance of up to about 40 kilometers, filling the gap between the HQ-7 short-range SAM and the HQ-9 long-range SAM systems, Lan Yun, editor of Modern Ships, a Beijing-based military magazine, told the Global Times.

According to Modern Navy, the official magazine of the PLA Navy, the naval variant of the missile system, which has been fitted on Type 054A frigates, can intercept sea-skimming missiles that fly less than 10 meters above the sea surface.

In modern air attacks, large numbers of land-attack cruise missiles, such as the US Tomahawk missile, are being used, Lan said. "They fly about 50 meters above the ground to avoid early radar warning and interception attempts," he added.

But the current mid-range SAM missile system HQ-12 can only engage targets that fly 300 meters above ground, according to the promotion brochure of its export version, called the KS-1A system.

"Besides the low-altitude engagement capability, the HQ-16 is also more accurate than the HQ-12. The deployment of the land-based HQ-16 can greatly enhance the mainland's capability to counter modern air attacks," Lan said.

-ends-

buglerbilly

05-10-11, 02:31 PM

USA: $162.7M for Sentinels to Watch the Skies

Oct 04, 2011 17:15 EDT

Improved Sentinel

In September 2011, Thales Raytheon Systems in Fullerton, CA received a $162.7 million firm-fixed-price contract for 56 Sentinel AN/MPQ-64A3 radars, along with associated spares and fielding support. Work will be performed in Fullerton, CA, and Forest, MS, with an estimated completion date of June 1/14. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, AL manages the contract (W31P4Q-11-C-0301).

Their Sentinel radar was to be an integral part of the SL-AMRAAM surface to air missile system, until the US Army decided to assume more battlefield risk and cancel it. Even so, the X-band Sentnel pulse-doppler 3D radars can detect a wide variety of aerial targets, and are being bought for forward area air defense units of the U.S. Army and USMC. Raytheon refers to this buy as Improved Sentinel radars (MPQ-64F1), and conversations with Raytheon personnel confirm that the Pentagon’s “MPQ-64-A3” is the same radar. They also confirm its ability to pinpoint the origin of mortar and artillery fire, and note that its effective range has tripled over the original Sentinel, to 120 km/ 75 miles. Cargo HMMWVs are used as the companion/ towing vehicle, and are equipped with the requisite generator to provide power for the radar.

buglerbilly

12-10-11, 03:02 PM

Success for RBS 70 NG VSHORAD

(Source: Saab AB; issued Oct. 11, 2011)

On display at AUSA for the first time, Saab's new RBS 70 NG VSHORAD system proved its new 'all target day and night' capability in front of some 100 experts from 17 countries in early September. The highly successful live firing demonstration took place in Sweden just weeks before the official product launch at the DSEi exhibition in London.

The live firing demonstration began with an introduction to the new RBS 70 NG system. This was followed by a presentation of the Giraffe AMB multi mission radar and the accompanying C4I systems, as well as systems for signature adaptation by Barracuda. After the presentations RBS 70 NG was put to its test, starting with target tracking against a fighter aircraft. After this, shots were fired at a small air target, a mast positioned missile target and finally an armoured ground target simulating a hovering attack helicopter. BOLIDE missiles were used for the first two shots and a Mk2 missile for the last shot.

Five out of five

When darkness fell it was back to the test range for two night firings. The first missile was fired against a different air target and the second against an armoured ground target. After completion of each firing, the invited guests were able to inspect the targets at close range.

All five shots hit their targets and the demonstration was met with applause from a highly impressed audience.

Leif Lundin, Director of Marketing and Sales for the Dynamics business area summed up the demonstration: "These days have been extremely rewarding for us. We have received an incredibly positive response from the visitors and have already had requests for quotations."

"The reason for developing the new generation of RBS 70 was to respond to evolving threats and to the changing requirements of our customers," says Leif. There are entirely new possibilities as a result of the features that have been added in response to customers requirements for increased accuracy, greater flexibility and enhanced user friendliness. The ability to engage every kind of target, both in daylight and in darkness, has been further improved with the RBS 70 NG. In addition there is a new 'integrated night capability' and the system can also be easily deployed on a range of vehicles as well as on remote-controlled installations.

Huge interest from the market

The official launch of RBS 70 NG took place during the DSEi exhibition in London, 13 th -16th September. It received considerable attention when it was launched in London, both by trade visitors and the media. A further million TV viewers in the US were exposed to the product when Fox News named RBS 70 NG one of the five most interesting products at the international defence exhibition.

"The high level of interest is naturally a major success for us" says Bill Forsberg, Marketing Manager for the RBS 70 NG. "We see major potential for the RBS 70 NG in the market during the coming years, not least in a number of countries on the American continent which is traditionally a big market for Dynamics' other products."

-ends-

buglerbilly

13-10-11, 03:51 AM

Pics of the new RBS-70.............

View from rear: RBS 70 New Generation is Saab’s latest air defence system featuring new generation integrated sighting system, enhanced gunner aids, high precision, unbeatable range and unjammable laser guidance.

Front view

buglerbilly

13-10-11, 03:54 AM

Wednesday, October 12, 2011, 04:10 PM

Rheinmetall Defence Oerlikon Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM air defence system at AUSA 2011.

The German Defence Company Rheinmettal Defence an expert in air defence weapon systems presents the air defence system Oerlikon Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM at AUSA 2011. The system is designed to defend high-value civilian or military assets from RAM attacks, whether in high-intensity combat scenarios or in “military operations other than war” (MOOTW). The system can also be used for protecting critical infrastructure or targets with a high symbolic value from terrorists and insurgents employing unorthodox tactics.

The Oerlikon Skyshield® in MOOTW/C-RAM configuration is tracking an incoming RAM threat

The Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM system depends on Ahead airburst technology available in various configurations, the 35mm revolver gun is suitable for multiple applications. This state-of-the-art system can operate in a conventional antiaircraft role or be used for protecting military and civilian assets from RAM threats, and is also highly effective in a naval context: known as the Millennium Gun, it is already in service with two navies.

Highly sophisticated yet extremely robust, this state-of-the-art system combines permanent airspace surveillance, automated detection and tracking of very small targets, prior warning of areas under threat and the interception and destruction of approaching RAM targets. Coupled with an Oerlikon Skymaster command and control system in MOOTW configuration, the Oerlikon Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM System is entirely up to the task.

Each Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM system initially consists of an Oerlikon Skymaster command and control system in MOOTW configuration (man-machine interface and high power computer system) for carrying out surveillance operations and weapons assignment, which are largely automated; however, manual intervention is possible at any time. Two data-fused sensor units, each equipped with search radar, tracking radar and IR/TV trackers, ensure round-the-clock airspace surveillance. They identify incoming RAM projectiles or other threats, and control the fire unit of up to eight Oerlikon Revolver Guns C-RAM. Using two sensor units ensures complete coverage of the engagement zone and provides necessary redundancy for 24/7 operations. It also increases the system’s ability to cope with saturation attacks as well as its overall readiness and reliability. The number of Oerlikon Revolver Guns C-RAM depends on the size of the area to be defended. Besides RAM projectiles, they are capable of defeating unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles, guided missiles, smart bombs as well as fixed wing and rotary aircraft.

Instantly and automatically, the Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM system is thus able to neutralize a wide variety of threats. It calculates the incoming projectile’s point of impact (POI) and warns personnel in the threatened zone. Advanced fire control technology results in optimum, precisely timed target-assignment and interception. In addition, by determining the type of weapon used and its point of origin (POO), the system enables a counterattack. This rapidly deployable air defence system can be airlifted for round-the-clock, round-the-globe protection of vital assets. Owing to the high level of automation, the system’s personnel requirements are negligible.

buglerbilly

20-10-11, 02:55 PM

Oman – AVENGER Fire Units/STINGER Missiles/ Surface-Launched AMRAAM

(Source: Defense Security Cooperation Agency; issued October 19, 2011)

WASHINGTON --- The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Oct. 18 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Oman for AVENGER Fire Units, STINGER Missiles and Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missiles, as well associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.248 billion.

The Government of the Oman has requested a possible sale of 18 AVENGER Fire Units, 266 STINGER-Reprogrammable Micro-Processor (RMP) Block 1 Anti-Aircraft missiles, 6 STINGER Block 1 Production Verification Flight Test missiles, 24 Captive Flight Trainers, 18 AN/VRC-92E exportable Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems (SINCGARS), 20 S250 Shelters, 20 High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs), 1 lot AN/MPQ-64F1 SENTINEL Radar software, 290 AIM-120C-7 Surface-Launched Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles, 6 Guidance Sections, Surface-Launched Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (SL-AMRAAM) software to support Oman’s Ground Based Air defense System, training missiles, missile components, warranties, containers, weapon support equipment, repair and return, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical support services, and other related elements of logistics support.

The estimated cost is $1.248 billion.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability in the Middle East.

The proposed purchase of the AVENGER fire units and SL-AMRAAM will improve Oman’s capability to meet current and future regional threats. Oman is developing a layered air defense capability that incorporates a larger Foreign Military Sale-Direct Commercial Sale hybrid effort. This modern multi-layered air defense system will be integrated into the national command and control to protect strategic locations in Oman and its nearest vicinity.

The system will serve as a deterrent to potential threats from regional unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles, and fighter aircraft. The proposed sale will provide a significant increase in Oman’s defensive capability while enhancing interoperability with the U.S. and other coalition forces. Oman will have no difficulty absorbing this additional capability into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractors will be Raytheon Missile Systems of Tucson, Arizona, and Boeing of Huntsville, Alabama.

The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreements will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips to Oman involving many U.S. Government or contractor representatives over a period of up to or over 15 years for program and technical support, equipment checkout, and 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 and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

-ends-

buglerbilly

14-11-11, 12:06 AM

Sunday, November 13, 2011, 09:02 AM

MBDA prepares VL MICA short range ground-to-air defence missile land systems for delivery.

While the first VL MICA naval surface-to-air defence systems are being delivered to customers, the production of VL MICA land systems for an export customer is in full swing ready for deliveries starting in 2012.

VL MICA MBDA short range ground-to-air defence missile systems
(Photo Copyright MBDA)

In this respect, the equipment produced and assembled in MBDA's facilities in France has been deployed at a French Air Force airbase, where the various vehicles will be networked to validate a standard operational configuration.

The French Air Force has already taken part in the VL MICA land programme in 2009 which carried out the technical and operational assessment of the VL MICA demonstrator. This activity was an element of the SALVE (Sol-Air à Lancement Vertical - in English: ground-to-air, vertical launch system) technology demonstrator programme notified to MBDA by the DGA (the French armament procurement agency) in 2005.

MBDA's Chief Executive Officer Antoine Bouvier declared: "While our customers are receiving their initial vessels equipped with our surface-to-air VL MICA systems, MBDA facilities are currently preparing the land version of the product. The DGA, the armed forces and MBDA have worked in close cooperation, making VL MICA a true industrial success which can already boast four export customers. As such, together with Aster and Mistral, VL MICA gives MBDA a full range of air defence missile systems".

buglerbilly

17-11-11, 01:43 AM

16 Nov, 2011, 03.56PM IST, PTI

India to test fire Long Range Surface to Air Missile in 2012

NEW DELHI: India will test-fire early next year the 70-km Long Range Surface to Air Missile (LR-SAM), which will help the Navy protect its warships from incoming enemy cruise missiles and fighter aircraft.

The LR-SAM is an over USD 500 million joint venture with Israel.

"The missile will be test-fired by January or February next year in Israel," a senior DRDO official told reporters here.

The missiles will be inducted by the Indian Navy for protecting its warships from incoming enemy cruise missiles and fighter aircraft.

The DRDO official said the missile will be ready to be offered for induction into the armed forces after the completion of eight scheduled test-firings.

He said after the initial test, two to three launches of the missiles will be done in India also.

The missile to be produced under the project will also be provided to the Indian Army for its Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MR-SAM) requirements.

The range of the missile to be provided to the Army will also be 70 Km.

Meanwhile, during a press conference on the successful test-firing of the Agni-4 missile, DRDO Chief V K Saraswat said the sub-sonic cruise missile Nirbhay will be test-fired in the early part of 2012.

"The missile is being integrated and will be test-fired early next year," he said.

The missile will be second cruise missile in Indian inventory after the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, which has been developed jointly by India and Russia.

And this is what it is..............

Barak II

In January 2007, after several months of intense negotiations, India and Israel signed a US$330 million deal to co-develop an all new generation of the Barak SAM, which was to be known as the Barak II. It has also been called Barak 8.They have worked out an agreement to develop and produce the long-range Barak air defence system for both the Indian and the Israeli militaries. The initial co-development funding is about US$350 million, of which IAI will finance 50 per cent. The venture is a tripartite one, between the DRDO, the Indian Navy, and IAI. The missile is referred to as the LRSAM in Indian Government literature, and will have a range of 70 km (43 mi).

The new missile, which will be based on the original Barak, is expected to feature a more advanced seeker, alongside range extensions (up to 70 km) that will move it closer to medium range naval systems like the RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow or even the SM-2 Standard. The joint development offer was first made by Israel during Indian Navy Chief Admiral Arun Prakash's visit to Tel Aviv in 2004. Israel successfully tested its improved Barak II missile on July 30, 2009.The radar system provides 360 degree coverage and the missiles can take down an incoming missile as close as 500 meters away from the ship. Each Barak system (missile container, radar, computers and installation) costs about $24 million.[4] In November 2009 Israel signed a $1.1 billion contract to supply an upgraded tactical Barak-8 air defence system to India.[5] The dual pulse rocket motor for the SAM was developed by DRDO, and the prototypes were supplied to IAI for integration with IAI systems to develop the complete missile.The other variant of the LRSAM will be fielded by the Indian Air Force.Along with the Akash SAM, the LRSAM fills a longer range requirement and both types will complement each other.Each unit of the MR-SAM, would consist of a command and control center, with an acquisition radar, a guidance radar, and 3 launchers with eight missiles each.A 4-year, US$300 million System Design & Development phase to develop unique system elements and an initial tranche of the land-based missiles is estimated. The radars, C2 centers, TEL's and missiles will be codeveloped by Israel and India. In turn, IAI and its Israeli partners have agreed to transfer all relevant technologies and manufacturing capabilities to India allowing India to manufacture the LRSAM systems locally as well as support them.

In May 2010, the Barak-II missile was successfully test fired at an electronic target and met with its initial objectives. The second test of the missile is to be held in India later this year.[7] "More than 70 per cent of the content in the missile being developed with Israel would be indigenous." DRDO chief V K Saraswat told The Economic Times.

Launcher & C3I

The launcher of Barak SAM system utilizes a compact vertical launching system, with a 8-cell module weighing 1,700 kg. Fire control is provided by an equally compact C3I system that weighs 1,300 kg, which can either operate independently or in conjunction with other onboard sensors.

buglerbilly

17-11-11, 10:30 PM

Division West preps Guard units to defend nation's capital

November 16, 2011

By Sgt. 1st Class Alejandro Sias, First Army Division West Public Affairs

MCGREGOR RANGE, N.M. (Nov. 14, 2011) -- Two Army National Guard units will soon be using a combination of air defense systems to guard the National Capital Region and the nation's leaders.

The 2nd Battalion, 174th Air Defense Artillery, Ohio National Guard and the 2nd Battalion, 263rd ADA Minimum Deployment Package, South Carolina National Guard were tested in New Mexico on a number of air defense weapons late last month.

The units participated in a tactical live-fire exercise using the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, known as NASAMS, along with the Avenger weapon system, and the Stinger Man Portable Air Defense System. They were tested by First Army Division West and South Carolina's 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command

First Army Division West's 1st Battalion, 362nd Air Defense Artillery "Renegades" of its 5th Armored Brigade helped test the Soldier skills of the guardsmen who were spread out working their posts throughout McGregor Range and Oro Grande, N.M.

"Our purpose this morning is to execute the NASAMS live-fire exercise in order to demonstrate our true proficiency, in order to validate our protectors in technology and ensure that our training, tactics, techniques and procedures are valid," said Lt. Col. Michael Nelson, 174th ADA commander. "What we're doing here on shot number one is proofing upgrades to the architecture of the National Capital Region that enable more options to tactical decision makers."

The NASAMS exercise consisted of three fire missions that included firing the very latest AIM-120 C7 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile and the AIM 9X Sidewinder, which was "kind of a first for the system, and certainly a first for the National Guard, to launch a different type of missile out of a NASAMS system," Nelson said.

"It's being used by four nations for their medium-range air defense. We've had 151 shots to date at a 91-percent success rate," said Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems Representative Christian Leimkuehler.

Just north of the NASAMS location, the tactical live fire for the Avenger weapons missile system was being conducted at Range 91, north of Oro Grande.

"Fantastic training. We had a high kill ratio with our night fire last night," said 1st. Lt. Keith Hutcheson, 2nd Battalion, 174th ADA. Hutcheson was also officer-in-charge of the live fire Range 91 for the Avenger weapons missile system. "The training received from 'Renegades' was exceptional."

For many of the air defender Soldiers from the Ohio and South Carolina Army National Guard, it was their first time shooting off a missile, and many found it to be exciting and beneficial for their upcoming mission. They said it helped build confidence in themselves and their weapon systems.

buglerbilly

25-11-11, 03:23 PM

Friday, November 25, 2011, 12:45 AM

Russia had recently sent S-300 air defence missile with technical advisors in Syria.

Russian warships that have reached waters off Syria in recent days were carrying, among other things, Russian technical advisors who will help the Syrians set up an array of S-300 missiles Damascus has received in recent weeks, a report in the London-based Arabic language Al Quds-Al Arabi said Thursday. Citing sources in Syria and Russia, the paper said that Moscow sees a Western attack on Syria as a “red line” that it will not tolerate.

Russian air defence missile system S-300PMU2 at MAKS Moscow Air Show

Along with the missiles, the report says that Russia has installed advanced radar systems in all key Syrian military and industrial installations. The radar system also covers areas north and south of Syria, where it will be able to detect movement of troops or aircraft towards the Syrian border. The radar targets include much of Israel, as well as the Incirlik military base in Turkey, which is used by NATO.

The S-300 is a series of Russian long range surface-to-air missile systems produced in Russia by NPO Almaz. The S-300 is designed to defeat current and future air targets in all conditions of their combat employment under intensive ECM and multiple-threat environment.

The latest version, the S-300 PMU2 can engage up to 6 targets simultaneously while providing guidance for up to 12 missiles - two missiles per target ensuring target kill. The S-300PMU2 Favorit can engage targets flying from 10 m to 27 km above the surface at a speed of up to 10,000 km/h.

buglerbilly

30-11-11, 01:49 PM

Kongsberg receives Norwegian NASAMS order

30 November 2011 - 10:40 by the Shephard News Team

Kongsberg has announced that it has received a contract from the Royal Norwegian Air Force for the delivery of a NASAMS air defence system upgrade. Kongsberg made the announcement in a 29 November 2011 company statement.

According to the company Kongsberg will deliver the upgrade within a 2-year timeframe. The contract is worth 360 MNOK.

The upgrade consists of deliveries of new High Mobility Launchers for increased mobility, upgrade of the existing FDC Command & Control centres and associated training facilities. NASAMS is a network centric medium range air defence system, featuring net centric architecture, multiple-simultaneous engagement and beyond visual range (BVR) capabilities, closely integrated and adapted to a country’s adjacent weapons and command and control systems, expands the defended area and enhances the total fighting capability of the force.

The system is known for its use of the Raytheon AMRAAM missile, but is also operational with command and control of a range of guns and short and medium range missiles, such as L-70 guns, RBS 70 and HAWK.

It has also proven integration with directed-energy weapons (DEWs) and longer range systems, such as Patriot. A total of eight nations have acquired the Kongsberg command and control solution adapted to their requirements.

buglerbilly

01-12-11, 03:55 AM

Shephard's have the wrong illustration, this is what Norway has selected as their High Mobility Launcher...............from Kongsberg's website...................

buglerbilly

16-12-11, 03:18 AM

Belarus gets surface-to-air missiles from Russia

Belarus has taken delivery of the first consignment of advanced Tor-M2 antiaircraft missile systems from Russia
© RIA Novosti. Grigory Sysoev15:19 15/12/2011MINSK, December 15 (RIA Novosti)

Belarus has taken delivery of the first consignment of advanced Tor-M2 antiaircraft missile systems from Russia, Belarusian Defense Minister Yury Zhadobin said on Thursday.

“The first two units arrived yesterday,” he told the Belta news agency.

All 14 systems will have been delivered before December 24, he said, adding that the first Tor-M2 battery would be based in the Brest region.

Tor is an all-weather, short-range surface-to-air missile system that can effectively engage aircraft, cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and ballistic targets.

buglerbilly

28-12-11, 02:02 AM

I thought people would be interested in this, first photos, first here that is, of the Land-based version of CAMM/FLAADS...............pics via http://ukarmedforcescommentary.blogspot.com/

Known as CAMM (Common Anti-air Modular Missile), the new missile is the effector used by the Future Local Area Air Defence System (Marittime) and FLAADS (Land) both. The missile is the same, a derivative of ASRAAM, but with many differences. The most evident ones are the Cold Launch feature, and the fact that CAMM is not an IR imaging missile, but a Radar guided, fire and forget missile.

CAMM is also a bit bigger, being 3.2 meters long and 99 kg at launch. On land and sea, FLAADS uses the same missile and the same all-weather canister

The first variant of FLAADS to hit service will be the Maritime one, but the firing tests and validation of the system are already happening from the prototype FLAADS(L) launcher truck. Note the 12-rounds missile battery erected, and the mast-antenna of the MBDA targeting data link extended. On the rear, the crane for reloading the missile canisters can also be seen.

(There is distortion in this pic making the truck "lean" backwards due to use of a wide-nagle lens and overlaying multiple images)
This very special multiple image of the last May test firing shows the soft launch feature well: no flames, minimal smoke, almost invisible compared to an Hot Launch. The various shots composed in this image also show the CAMM missile using its guidance jets to steer and guide itself in the general direction of the target, before the rocket engine even ignites.

The FLAADS(L) launcher vehicle, coherent with the SV MAN truck fleet

FLAADS(L) – The Future Local Area Air Defence (Land) system, also known as CAMM (Common Anti-air Modular Missile), is the in-development replacement for Rapier Field Standard C. With a range of 20+ kilometers, the CAMM will be a quantum leap in capability from Rapier, and will not be a towed but a fully self-propelled system: the current Land launcher proposed by MBDA is planned to be showcased at DSEI in September, and is built on a MAN SV HX60 4x4 truck, mounting a crane for self-reloading, and 12 launch tubes for CAMM missiles. As by now largely known, the CAMM is ejected "cold" from the canister by compressed air and a pistol, which fire the missile 100 ft into the air before its rocket ignites, making integration of the missile easy on all kind of launching platforms, very differenly from missiles such as ASTER, MICA, ESSM and all others, which are launched "hot", requiring a far more complex canister and launcher vehicle, capable to handle the stress, flames, heat and exhaust of an hot launch.

CAMM is also radar-agnostic, receiving target cueing from any kind of external radar source via data link or (probably) by more secure direct optic fiber connection when this is deemed necessary (as done with the SAMP-T SAM batteries, the land version of Sea Viper used by France and Italy) . Graphics show FLAADS getting cueing from the Blindfire radar (now used for Rapier) and by Giraffe ABM both.

Entry into service should begin in 2018. Current Rapier Out Of Service date is 2020.

Good over-view article on FLAADS-L & M (Marine) here at the source blog...............I've put this in Surface-to-Air BUT this system will have a potential for anti-cruise/anti-missile short-range capability depending solely on the initial radar used but as the article points out this can be almost anything currently or future-projected. Once spotted by the radar the seeker on the FLAADS will take over for the terminal self-guidance

http://ukarmedforcescommentary.blogspot.com/2011/09/future-local-area-air-defence.html

buglerbilly

12-01-12, 02:33 AM

US offers Stinger missiles to India

PTI | Jan 11, 2012, 09.48PM IST

NEW DELHI: The United States has offered the air-to-air version of its famous Stinger missile to India as part of the weapons package proposed for the 22 attack helicopter deal of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The surface-to-air version of the Stinger missile is widely credited for the collapse of Russian helicopter fleet in Afghan war in 1980s and was also used by Pakistani troops to bring down an IAF Mi-17 helicopter during the Kargil war in 1999.

"We have offered the Stinger missile as part of weapons package with the Apache-64D offered by the US Government to the IAF's tender for 22 attack helicopters," Brad Barnard, Raytheon's Business Development Manager for missile systems told reporters here.

The missiles are offered directly by the US Government to India through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route, he said.

The IAF is in final stages of the contract and is soon expected to award the contract.

Barnard said Raytheon was also planning to offer the missiles for being equipped on India's indigenous helicopters, which include the HAL developed Light Combat Helicopter and Advanced Light Helicopter.

"We are yet to get clearance from the US Government for this but we have plans to offer the Stinger for being equipped on Indian helicopters," he said.

Raytheon India Head William Blair said the company has developed a vehicle-launched version of the Javelin anti-tank guided missile and is in discussion with local major Tata for developing it for Indian requirements.

India is planning to indigenously develop a Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle ( FICV) for the requirements of its Army and paramilitary personnel and Tata is expected to be one of the contenders for the contract.

buglerbilly

14-01-12, 05:42 AM

India Casts Wider Net for Short-Range Missiles

By VIVEK RAGHUVANSHI

Published: 13 Jan 2012 18:28

NEW DELHI - The Indian Army has entered the global market to buy short-range surface-to-air missile (SRSAM) systems for $1.5 billion, a move that could further undercut a four-year effort to develop a system with MBDA of France.

The Army convinced the Indian Defence Ministry there is an urgent requirement for SRSAM, said Army sources, and did not want to wait for the Maitri project conceived four years ago. India and France have not been able to agree on details of the Maitri project, including funding arrangements, the source added.

The Army last month sent global tenders to defense companies in Europe, the United States and Russia including Raytheon of the U.S., Israel's Rafael, MBDA and Thales of France, Diehl Defence of Germany, KBP Tula and Rosoboronexport of Russia, Ukraineexport of Ukraine and LIG NEX1 of South Korea.

The requirements of the SRSAM are similar to those of the proposed Indo-French Maitri project, the Army source said.

The current tender is for two regiments (36 systems, 1,000 missiles) estimated to cost about $800 million each. The total Indian Army requirement is likely to be about eight regiments in the next five to seven years.

The Maitri project was proposed to be jointly developed by India's Defence Research and Development Laboratory and MBDA.

The selected vendor will have to transfer technology of the systems, as well.

The supply will be made in two batches and completed within five years of the signing of the tender, including the launchers, sensors, vehicles for transportation and the missiles. The system must have a service life of at least 20 years and the missiles of not less than eight years.

The SRSAM system should be able to engage multiple targets, including those flying up to 500 meters per second, and have a maximum range of not less than 15 kilometers.

In 2009, India bought two regiments of Spyder quick-reaction surface-to-air missile systems from Rafael. Another Indo-Israeli joint project is the $2.5 billion long-range surface-to-air missile project signed in 2009 and expected to be inducted in 2013, Indian Defence Ministry sources said.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army has begun inducting the homemade medium-range Akash, which has a range of up to 30 kilometers. In 2011, the Indian Army ordered the induction of two Akash regiments at a cost of about $3 billion.

The Army also has been negotiating the purchase of David Sling and Iron Dome missile interceptor systems.