Egypt Is The First Buyer of French Rafale and the Second of FREMM Frigate

Egypt has agreed to buy 24 Rafale fighter aircraft from France, ending the French quest to find the first export customer for the Rafale which had its first flight all the way back in 1986.

Prior to this, France had lost in several countries against fighter aircraft from other countries, such as the F-16, Typhoon and the Gripen. This includes countries such as Morocco and Brazil where it had initially been considered the favorite to win, but in the end lost out to someone else.

Ironically, Egypt also happens to be the first export destination of the Mirage 2000, the predecessor of the Rafale. There are still about 18 Mirage 2000 in service with the Egyptian Air Force.

In the near future, France is looking at additional customers for the Rafale in Qatar and India, both of which have operated the Mirage 2000. Other countries where the Rafale is hoping to secure a contract in the more distant future is Malaysia.

Egypt also becomes the second customer of the French-Italian FREMM frigate after Morocco, which, like Egypt, ordered a single ship in 2008. This ship was delivered to Morocco in 2014 and is more similar to the French version of the FREMM than the Italian version.

Besides Morocco, France has two FREMM frigates and Italy has another four frigates. In all, Egypt has spent over 5 billion euros on new acquisitions. France is expected to provide loans to Egypt to help cover the purchases.


https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/defence/press-release/egypt-selects-rafale-and-fremm-equip-its-forces

By U.S. Navy Specialist 1st Class Denny Cantrell [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

India Opts For Western Suppliers When It Comes To Anti-Submarine Warfare

The Indian Navy has selected the S-70B SeaHawk over the NH Industries NH90 NFH. India will start negotiations to purchase 16 multi-role S-70B helicopters with an option for eight more, including logistics support and training.

A final contract has yet to be agreed upon, but is estimated to be worth around $1 billion. Once completed, the acquisition will fix a significant weakness in the Indian Navy with a number of ships not having the helicopters they're supposed to be equipped with.

The Indian Navy is currently short on naval helicopters. The existing Kamov Ka-28 and Sea King are both few in numbers and outdated. The new S-70B are expected to serve on both old and new ships, including the recently commissioned Kolkata class destroyers which can carry two helicopters.

The Sikorsky S-70B SeaHawk helicopter can perform a variety of missions, including:

• Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
• Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW)
• Search and Rescue (SAR)
• Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC)
• Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP)

India's selection of a western vendor for naval helicopters continues a recent trend where India has gone exclusively western when it comes to anti-submarine warfare.

First P-15A / Kolkata Class Destroyer Commissioned in India

The Indian Navy has commissioned the first of its latest P-15A class destroyer, the INS Kolkata. Two more, the INS Kochi and INS Chennai, have been launched to make a total of three units for the P-15A class, with the P-15B class in the works.

The P-15A class has been plagued by numerous delays and cost overruns. The Kolkata itself was laid down back in 2003 and launched in 2006. This gives the P-15A class the distinction of having one of the most drawn out development ever witnessed for a surface warship.

Further more, despite being formally commissioned into service, the ship still has yet to be fully fitted. Among other things, it still lacks the Barak 8 surface-to-air-missile that is being jointly developed by Indian and Israel and which also has seen extensive delays during development.

Even so, the introduction of the P-15A class marks a major milestone for the Indian Navy as it gives it capabilities that it did not possess before. This is sorely needed as India comes up short in terms of warships, both in terms of quantity and quality.

UK Launches Third Astute Class Submarine

Artful, the third of the Astute class of nuclear attack submarines, has been launched and is expected to be commissioned in 2015. The previous two submarines, Astute and Ambush, were commissioned in 2010 and 2013 respectively.

The Royal Navy will have a total of seven Astute class submarines. The remaining four, Audacious, Anson, Agamemnon and Ajax, are expected to be commissioned between 2018 and 2024.

The Astute class submarines will join the Trafalgar class submarines, seven of which were commissioned between 1983 and 1991. Of these two have already been decommissioned, with one more expected this year in 2014.

Russia Starts Upgrading Project 1144.2 Orlan (Kirov Class) Missile Cruisers

After some delay, Russia has begun upgrading the Admiral Nakhimov, one of its Project Missile 1144.2 Orlan (Kirov class) nuclear-powered guided missile cruisers at the Sevmash shipyard. There are a total of four Project 1144.2 cruisers:

• the Admiral Ushakov, commissioned as the Kirov in 1980
• the Admiral Lazarev, commissioned as the Frunze in 1984
• the Admiral Nakhimov, commissioned as the Kalinin in 1988
• the Pyotr Veliky, formerly the Yuri Andropov was commissioned in 1998

Of these four, only the Pyotr Veliky is currently in active service. All four are scheduled to undergo an extensive upgrade.

Although quite old, the Kirov class cruisers remain the most heavily armed ships in service and will continue to have this distinction after modernization is complete. Some of the changes to be made include:

• Replacement of the P-700 Granit (SS-N-19 Shipwreck) with the P-800 Onyx (Oniks) long-range supersonic anti-ship missiles
• Replacement of the naval S-300 with the S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile complex
• Replacement of the AK-630 and Kashtan Close-In Weapon Systems with the Pantsir system

Work on the Admiral Nakhimov is expected to be complete by 2018.

China Building Additional Aircraft Carriers

According to several Chinese media reports, Wang Min, the Communist Party leader of the province Liaoning stated that the port city of Dalian in his province is now building an aircraft carrier for the Chinese Navy with at least two more being planned.

Dalian is the place where the former Varyag or Liaoning, currently China's only aircraft carrier, was refurbished after being bought from the Ukraine. The shipyard is also in the process of building two Type 052D destroyers to become the second shipyard to build the type, next to Shanghai where four Type 052D destroyers are under construction or fitting out.

While the reports are officially unconfirmed, there can be no doubt that China will eventually have additional aircraft carriers next to the Liaoning. China has already developed its own J-15 aircraft, which is roughly similar to an improved Su-33, for service on carriers, not to mention other supporting infrastructure on land.

That kind of heavy investments would not have been made if there was no intent to build their own aircraft carriers. What remains to be seen are in the details, such as how many aircraft carriers are to be build by China, the time schedule for inducting them into service and their exact configuration.

Russia Commissions First Project 885 Yasen Class Nuclear Submarine

The first Project 885 Yasen class (or Graney class) nuclear submarine has finally been commissioned in the Russian Navy, long after it was originally planned to enter service during the nineties. The Severodvinsk was laid down in 1993 with work continuing on and off over the next two decades.

The nineties saw the Russian Navy experience hard times due to financial difficulties which effected the building of new warships, including the Project 885 submarines. However, the improving Russian economy in recent years has allowed Russia to spend more on defense that wasn't possible before.

A total of eight ships are to be build and the next seven will be modified to the improved Project 885M Yasen-M standard. The submarines will be armed among others with the 3M-54 Kalibr and 3M-55 Onyx (Oniks) missile systems.

The P-800 Onyx is finally starting to enter Russian service after export versions of the missile have already done so in other countries years before. The Yakhont has been exported to Syria, Indonesia and Vietnam and the Brahmos is in service in India.

Type 032 Diesel-Electric Submarine in Chinese Service

The Type 032 class diesel-electric submarine has succeeded the Type 031 (Golf) class submarine as a test platform for weapons and other submarine technology in the Chinese Navy. A single unit with pennant number 201 was launched in 2010 and commissioned into service in 2012.

This makes it the largest conventionally powered submarine in naval service today with its maximum submerged displacement of around 6600 t and a length of 92.6 m. The hull can withstand pressure up to a depth of 200 m. The submarine has an endurance of 30 days with a standard complement of 85. The endurance is reduced when the crew needs to be enlarged to conduct tests and other experiments.

The Type 032 includes an escape pod for the crew similar to certain Russian nuclear attack submarine (SSN) such as the Sierra class. The submarine can carry a Chinese version of a Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) externally on the hull, which can hold a crew for special operations and for rescue operations of submarines in need.

The Type 032 is compatible with a wide range of weapons such as vertically launched ballistic missiles, cruise and other types of missiles that can strike at targets on land, on the surface and even against airborne aircraft in a manner somewhat similar to the IDAS missile in development for the German Type 212 submarine.

India Receives the Former Admiral Gorshkov Aircraft Carrier INS Vikramaditya From Russia

After several years of protracted delay and development, Russia has now handed over the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya to India. The INS Vikramaditya was formerly known as the Baku in the Soviet Union and later renamed as the Admiral Gorshkov.

The Admiral Gorshkov was the fourth and last member of the Project 1143.4 or (Modified) Kiev class of heavy aviation cruisers that carried fixed-wing aircraft such as the Yak 38. Specifications of the Baku included:

• Length 273 m
• Beam 32 m
• Draught 9.4 m
• Maximum displacement 44500 tons

Despite belonging to the same class, the Baku incorporated a number of differences compared to its sister ships, such as:

• Replacing the 4K60 Shtorm (SA-N-3 Goblet) and 9K33 Osa (SA-N-4 Gecko) with the 3K95 Kinzhal (SA-N-9 Gauntlet) surface-to-air missiles.
• Four additional P-500 Bazalt (SS-N-12 Sandbox) long-range supersonic anti-ship missiles for a total of 12 missiles.
• Replacing the 76 mm guns with 100 mm guns.
• Installation of the latest electronics and other systems.

The Baku was laid down in 1978, commissioned in 1987 and withdrawn from service in 1996. In 1994, the ship suffered an explosion in the boiler room which had to be repaired.

Japan Plans to Strengthen Defenses by Acquiring 2 Additional Aegis Destroyers

The Japanese Defense Ministry has expressed its plans to supplement its six existing Kongo and Atago class destroyers with two additional units, which like their predecessors will also feature the Aegis system.

Japan currently has four Kongo class destroyers, which are roughly based on the Arleigh Burke class and two improved versions known as the Atago class. The Kongo class ships were commissioned between 1993 and 1998 and the Atago class between 2007 and 2008.

The two new ships will be fitted with hit-to-kill SM-3 missiles to defend against ballistic missile attacks. Both the current SM-3 Block 1A and the next-generation SM-3 Block IIA, a joint development between Japan and the United States, will be integrated.

The SM-3 Block IIA recently completed its design phase and is expected to be available for testing in 2015. The new version will feature the ability to intercept longer-range ballistic missiles and from further out than is currently possible with the existing SM-3 Block 1A/B.

Oman Receives First Khareef Class Corvette

The first Khareef class corvette build by BAE Systems in the United Kingdom, the Al Shamikh, has arrived in Oman. A total of three hulls were ordered for £400 million ($637 million) in 2007.

The Al Shamikh was launched in 2009 but experienced several problems and technical issues during construction. For example, there were several personal injuries during a test firing of the gun in 2012.

The various difficulties have significantly delayed delivery from the original date which was planned to be 2010. The two subsequent ships were to be delivered at six months intervals. The Al Shamikh is now expected to be commissioned in 2014.

Besides the Al Shamikh, the Al Rahmani and Al Rasikh have been launched and are currently conducting sea trials. Specifications of the diesel engine powered Khareef class include:

• Length of 99 m
• Beam of 14.6 m
• Draft of 4.1 m
• Displacement is 2660 tonnes
• Speed of 25 knots
• Range of 4500 miles
• Endurance of 21 days

First Chinese 052D Destroyer Conducting Sea Trials

China has begun sea trials of the first 052D destroyer that will succeed the six 052C destroyers that preceded it. The ship still needs to have some equipment fitted, but largely confirm an earlier assessment made compared to the 052C destroyer.

The 052D destroyer is basically an improved version of the 052C using the same hull design and propulsion already introduced with its predecessors. Most of the changes are centered internally around the weapons, sensors and other equipment.

The new 64-cell Vertical Launch System (VLS) lacks the shared exhaust found on the previous hot launch VLS design of the 054A class, indicating its support for combined hot and cold launch.

The 052D may be the first ship to be commissioned with such an ability, although other Navies also look set to introduce similar capability. The traditionally hot launch American MK41 VLS was recently used to launch a cold launch Sea Ceptor missile using a special adapter.

China Deploys BZK-005 / HY-01 MALE UAV For Reconnaisance of Diaoyu / Senkaku Islands

The Chinese BZK-005 / HY-01 Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles have been observing the area around the disputed Diaoyu / Senkaku Islands with Japan.

The BZK-005 UAV is able to patrol the area for a very long time thanks to its extended endurance afforded by the use of a turbo-prop driven design which is much longer than most other types of aircraft.

The BZK-005 UAV payload is modular and can be fitted with a electro-optical sensor package mounted below the chin. Information can be fed back using the satellite datalink allowing China to keep track of developments in real-time.

The use of UAVs in territorial disputes such as in the South China Sea is one of the advantages China has over other countries which do not possess such abilities or only to a much lower extent. China is also rapidly expanding its fleet and capabilities of its UAVs.

Six Project 11356M Admiral Grigorovich Class Frigates Fitted With Shtil VLS SAM

The six Project 11356M Admiral Grigorovich class frigates are to be equipped with the vertically launched Shtil Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) air defense system. This makes them the first ships to be equipped with this system.

The Shtil VLS SAM was first displayed several years ago but until now had never been fitted on any ship, whether within the Russian Navy or any other export country such as India.

Unlike the previous version which was fired from a single-arm launcher, the new version uses a Vertical Launch System (VLS) in a 2x6 cell configuration that is different from most other VLS systems used in other countries .

The Admiral Grigorovich class frigates are an improved derivative of the Project 11356 Talwar class, which was in turn based on the Krivak class. Two batches of three ships of the Talwar class have been exported to India between 2003 and 2013.

All six of those ships to India were equipped with the older Shtil missiles launched from a single-arm launcher. This same system is also used on all three Shivalik class frigates that India will eventually induct.

Sea Ceptor / CAMM(M) Missile Launched From MK41 VLS and Awarded Contract by UK

The United Kingdom has awarded a 250 million pound or roughly $393 million contract for the manufacture of Sea Ceptor missiles, which are the maritime component of the Common Anti-Air Modular Missile (CAMM) consisting of:

• CAMM(A): Air component
• CAMM(L): Land component
• CAMM(M): Maritime component

The CAMM missiles will serve all three branches of the British armed forces.

The Sea Ceptor manufactured by MBDA will first enter service with the Type 23 frigate replacing the Sea Wolf missile and later on the Type 26 Global Combat Ship when they replace the Type 23 ships currently in service after 2020.

In the Army, it could be used as a vertically launched surface-to-air missile system, where it will replace the short-range Rapier system. In the Air Force, it could replace the current ASRAAM air-to-air missile.

Japan Wants to Increase the Defense Budget to Handle Territorial Disputes

Japan is looking to increase its defense budget by three percent, the biggest increase since 1992. Budget appropriations will amount to 4.82 trillion yen or about $48.97 billion.

Japan, which recently launched the first of its 22DDH class helicopter destroyer, is looking to beef up its armed forces in order to be able to respond effectively in case of a conflict, such as:

• Setting up special amphibious Marine task force, including the purchase of related amphibious assault vehicles.
• Strengthen the Navy with additional destroyers and submarines.
• Strengthen the Air Force with additional AEW&C aircraft.
• Purchasing additional PAC-3 systems to enhance ballistic missile defense.
• Increase in pay for defense personnel.

While Japan's dispute with China concerning the Senkaku / Diaoyu Islands has grabbed most of the attention, Japan also has territorial disputes with Taiwan, South Korea and Russia.

Although some give Japan the edge over China, there are others who suggest that if war were to break out now between the two, China would not only defeat Japan, but do so far more convincingly than most people think would be possible.

China Develops Integrated Electric Propulsion Technology For Ships

China has developed its own version of Integrated Electric Propulsion (IEP) Technology according to reports in Chinese state media. The Wuhan Institute of Marine Electric Propulsion of the China Shipbuilding Industry Corp is credited with the effort.

Integrated Electric Propulsion can be used to drive both civilian and naval ships. Currently, ships in the Chinese Navy rely on steam engines, diesel engines, gas turbine engines or a combination thereof to drive mechanically the propeller through a shaft.

However, Integrated Electric Propulsion eliminates the need for a direct connection. Instead of the mechanical transmission of energy, the engines produce electricity which is transmitted to electric motors that drive the propellers.

South Korea Launches Fourth Type 214 Diesel-Electric Submarine

South Korea has launched the fourth Type 214 Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) diesel-electric submarine, which is expected to be commissioned in 2014. The submarine is the first of the second batch of six Type 214 submarines ordered in 2008.

The South Korean Navy already has the first batch of three type 214 submarines ordered in 2000 and commissioned between 2007 and 2009. South Korea also maintains a fleet of nine Type 209 submarines under the first phase of its submarine program.

The Type 214 submarine was developed by Germany for export on the basis of the Type 209 submarine and the Type 212A submarine, which is in service with the Germany Navy. The Type 214 can be distinguished by its lack of the Type 212A's x-shaped rudders.

While the Type 214 is larger, it has also been downgraded compared to the Type 212A. Like the Type 212A, the Type 214 features an Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) based on fuel cells to remain submerged for an extended period.

The Type 214 has been designed to perform a number of roles, including:

• anti-surface ship and anti-submarine warfare
• intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
• special forces operations

The Type 214 specifications are listed as:

• Length of 65 m
• Pressure hull of 6.5 m
• Height with sail of 13 m
• Surface displacement of 1700 t
• Crew of 27

The Type 214 submarines is fitted with eight 533 mm torpedo tubes.

Another proposed variant is the even larger Type 216 submarine with extended endurance. It may have a length of about 90 m,  a pressure hull of 8.1 m and a displacement of roughly 4000 t. The Type 216 submarine features the HABETaS rescue system and flexible payload options using a Vertical Multi-Purpose Lock.

South Korea expects all Type 214 submarines to be in service by 2020, which will conclude the second phase of its submarine program. After that, South Korea plans to implement the third phase of its submarine program with the induction of nine 3000 ton submarines.


http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2013/08/13/64/0301000000AEN20130813002800315F.html

By Lou Rosales (U.S. Navy) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

US To Acquire 177 CH-47 Chinook Helicopters And 99 V-22 Osprey Tilt-Rotor Aircraft

The United States Army has awarded a contract for 177 Boeing CH-47 Chinook transport helicopters in a deal worth roughly $4 billion. Also included is an option for an additional 38 CH-47 Chinook helicopters.

Another contract soon to be awarded is for 99 V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft for about $6.5 billion by the United States Navy. The V-22 Osprey is build by Boeing and Bell Helicopter.

The multi-purpose V-22 Osprey is the first tilt-rotor aircraft to have entered service. The V-22 Osprey specifications are:

• Length of 17.5 m
• Rotor diameter of 11.6 m
• Wingspan of 14 m
• Empty weight of 33140 lbs
• Maximum takeoff weight of 60500 lbs
• Maximum speed of 275 knots 
• Combat radius of 722 km
• Ceiling of 25000 feet

The Osprey is powered by 2 Rolls-Royce/Allison T406/AE 1107C-Liberty turboshafts with 6150 hp each.

The combination of a helicopter and fixed-wing turboprop aircraft delivers higher speed, increased range and higher payload, while maintaining vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) and short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability.

The CH-47 Chinook is a twin-engined, heavy-lift transport helicopter that entered service in 1962. It's design is distinguished by two tandem rotors. The CH-47 specifications are:

• Length of 30.1 m
• Rotor diameter of 18.3 m
• Height of 5.7 m
• Empty weight of 23400 lbs
• Maximum takeoff weight of 50000 lbs
• Maximum speed of 315 km/h
• Combat radius of 370 km
• Ceiling of 18500 ft

The CH-47 Chinook is powered by 2 Honeywell Lycoming T55-GA-714A turboshafts with 4733 hp each.


http://finance.yahoo.com/news/boeing-scores-over-10-billion-123559578.html

By James Haseltine (USAF) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By Spc. Russell J. Good [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

US Defense Budget Proposal Released For Fiscal Year 2014

The United States House Appropriations defense subcommittee is proposing a $512.5 billion defense budget for the next fiscal year (FY) 2014, which begins October 1. It's $3.4 billion less than what President Obama had requested.

The draft includes $129.6 billion to pay for 1.3 million active-duty troops and 833,700 reserves, which includes a 1.8 percent pay raise instead of the 1 percent the Pentagon requested.

The $512.5 billion is for non-war spending only and does not include a separate $85.8 billion in war spending, which is $6.4 billion more than the Pentagon had requested.

Also included is $98.4 billion, around $750 million less than requested, for equipment procurement and upgrades. Around $66.4 billion is proposed for Research & Development (R&D).

Some highlights in the draft include:

• $5.1 billion for 29 F-35 fighter aircraft
• $1.9 billion for 21 EA-18G Growlers 
• $2.2 billion for 73 UH-60 Blackhawk and 37 MH-60S/R helicopters
• $1.5 billion for 18 C-130J transport aircraft
• $1.8 billion for five Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicles

Also funded are the CVN 78 aircraft carrier, SSN-774 nuclear attack submarines E-2D Hawkeye surveillance aircraft, F/A-18 Super Hornet naval aircraft, MQ-9 Reaper drone and F-15 and F-16 aircraft engines.

R&D will be done on the F-35 fighter, KC-46A tanker aircraft, P8-A anti-submarine/anti-surface warfare aircraft, next-generation long-range bomber aircraft, the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance, a new ballistic-missile submarine and various other programs.

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c113:H.R.1960: