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 The existing Kamov Ka-28 and Sea King are both few in numbers and outdated.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.

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.

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 Navy Orders Up To 10 Arleigh Burke Class Destroyers

As had been expected, the United States Navy has awarded two contracts for DDG 51 Arleigh Burke class destroyers. A total of $6.1 billion was awarded in two contracts for nine destroyers with an option for a tenth.

Huntington Ingall received a ten year contract to build five destroyers in a contract worth $3.33 billion. One destroyer is to be build every year from FY 2013 through FY 2017.

General Dynamics received a $2.84 billion contract to build four destroyers with an option for one more, which the US Navy expects to exercise. In that case, the value of the contract is worth $3.53 billion. One destroyer will be build in FY 2013 and one each in FY 2015 through FY 2017.

First Commissioned in 1991, the Arleigh Burke class has gone through several versions, each resulting in increased capability and displacement. The first 28 ships were Flight I and Flight II ships (DDG 51 through DDG 78).

The current version of the Arleigh Burke is the Flight IIA starting with DDG 79, the USS Oscar Austin. Some specifications of the Flight IIA are:

• Length: 509 ft (155.29 m)
• Beam: 59 ft (18 m)
• Displacement: 9496 long tons (9648.4 metric tons)
• Speed: in excess of 30 knots
• Crew: 276

Propulsion consists of four General Electric LM 2500-30 gas turbines with two shafts and 100000 total shaft horsepower.

The Flight IIA features several improvements over its predecessors, including:

• The addition of the Kingfisher mine-avoidance capability
• A pair of helicopter hangars with the ability to deploy two Lamps MK III MH-60 helicopters
• Blast-hardened bulkheads.

The first Flight IIA ship was commissioned in August 2000.

The Arleigh Burke class is fitted with the MK 41 Vertical Launch System with up to 96 cells. Armament includes:

• RIM-66 Surface-to-Air Standard Missiles (SM-2MR)
• RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM)
• RUM-139 Vertical Launch ASROC (VLA)
• BGM-109 Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles
• MK-46 torpedoes (from two triple tube mounts)
• Phalanx Close In Weapon System (CIWS)
• MK 45 5-inch Gun

The MH-60 helicopters can be armed with Penguin or Hellfire missiles and MK 46/MK 50 torpedoes.


http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/03/us-navy-ships-idUSBRE95216H20130603

By US Navy [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Russia Will Scrap 2 More Project 941 / Typhoon Class Nuclear Ballistic Submarines

Russia will decommission and scrap two of the last three remaining Project 941 Akula class (NATO: Typhoon class) nuclear ballistic submarines. The submarines will be withdrawn at the end of this year to begin the dismantling process, whch should be complete sometime between 2018 and 2020.

The Severstal and the Arkhangelsk will join the the three other ships of the class that have already been scrapped. All six submarines were commissioned between 1981 and 1989.

Due to their high cost, Russia decided to replace them with the newer and smaller Project 955 Borey class submarines. Reportedly, modernizing a single Project 941 cost as much as building 2 new Project 955 Borey submarines.

The sixth Project 941 submarine, the Dmitry Donskoy was modernized and serves as a launch platform to test the latest submarine-launched nuclear ballistic missiles such as the Bulava.

The Project 941 submarines are noted for being the largest submarines ever build. The Project 841 specifications are:

• Length: 175 m
• Beam: 23 m
• Draught: 12 m
• Displacement: 24500 tonnes (surfaced), 48000 tonnes (submerged)

Primary armement consisted of:

• 20 RSM-52 / R-39 Rif (NATO: SS-N-20 Sturgeon) with 10 MIRV warheads each

The Typhoon class had the ability to stay at sea on patrol for extended periods due to its size and the ability to punch through the thick ice with a sail that was reinforced for this purpose.

In many navies, submariners in general enjoy better amenities than the average sailor, but the Typhoon class went much further with facilities that most submarines could only dream of.


http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20130521/181272846/Russia-to-Scrap-Worlds-Biggest-Nuclear-Subs.html

By Robert Lawson Collection [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

US Navy Releases Names Of Upcoming Arleigh Burke Class Destroyers

The United States Navy has announced that the next Arleigh Burke class destroyers are to be named the USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117) and USS Daniel Inouye (DDg 118).

Paul Ignatius served as Secretary of The Navy and as Assistant Secretary of Defense under President Lyndon Johnson. Daniel Inouye was a US Senator and a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions during World War II.

The first Arleight Burke destroyer was commissioned in 1991 and there are a total of 62 ships in service (DDG 51 through DDG 112). Of these, 21 are Flight I and the remaining belonging to Flight II.

The Arleigh Burke class has been constantly upgraded and modernized, but also progressively grown larger in size with each flight. This has created some problems, including excessive levels of stress to the hull.

Construction was to have ended with 62 units, but has since been restarted due to issues with the successor, the Zumwalt class. A new Flight III will be constructed, which is now in the final design phase.

Only three Zumwalt class ships will be acquired and additional Flight II hulls will be build with elements of the Flight III gradually incorporated. The first Flight III may be commissioned in 2023.

Four Arleigh Burke Flight II hulls have now been contracted for and the US Navy may announce the addition of up to 10 hulls as early as next month in June 2013.

The Arleigh Burke class has never been exported, although Saudi Arabia has expressed interest. The four Kongo class and two improved Atago class destroyer in the Japanese Navy as based on the Arleigh Burke design.

The three KDX-III or Sejong The Great class destroyers in the South Korean Navy are also based on the Arleigh Burke design. The ships differ widely, including displacement, configuration and weapons fitted.

However, they all share the same Mk 41 Vertical Launch System, which uses the SM-2 as its main weapon for air defense. All also come with the Aegis System, including the phased array radars laid out in a similar manner.


http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=74367

By U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Bryan Reckard [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

MBDA Missiles To Be Integrated With MK41 Vertical Launch System

MBDA and Lockheed Martin have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that seeks to integrate European missiles with the American MK41 Vertical Launch System.

Up to now, both the MK41 and its European counterpart, the Systeme de Lancement Vertical (SYLVER) system, were only compatible with essentially American and European missiles respectively.

This despite the fact that both systems are very similar in principle. Both are hot-launched and share a common central exhaust. Both also come in various lengths for ships of different displacements. 

This clear division meant that once a ship was fitted with the MK41 VLS, it is unable to use any MBDA missiles and vice versa. It is either American or European and not both at the same time. This is not an ideal situation.

The UK's Type 45 destroyer is equipped with SYLVER and can't use the Standard series of surface-to-air missiles or Tomahawk cruise missiles. At one point, there were suggestions that it would be better to equip the Type 45 with the MK41.

The attempts to try to fuze American and European systems is therefore a welcome development. It should help better utilize the respective strengths of both sides.

It may help break other barriers, such as integration of SYLVER with American missiles. That will mean that both MK41 and SYLVER users will be able to select the type of missiles that best fit their needs. 

The first missile to be integrated will be the naval variant of the Common Anti-Air Modular Missile Maritime (CAMM-M) or Sea Ceptor, which will be demonstrated with a test launch later in 2013.

The CAMM series of missiles are derived from the ASRAAM air-to-air missiles. Other MBDA missiles from MBDA are the Aster 15, Aster 30, Aster NT and Scalp Naval.


http://www.mbda-systems.com/mediagallery/#/news/3056