Defense Update Newscast

Analysis - Are Iraqi Security Forces Up to the Challenge?

5 Jul 2009 20:10:34 GMT

What is the real combat value of Iraqi security forces, and against what kind of threats? And more important, to what extent are the Iraqi forces already penetrated by subversive elements? Read our news commentary by David Eshel.

Analysis: US Pull-Out from Iraq: The Beginning Or the End of The Iraq War?

4 Jul 2009 08:06:05 GMT

U.S. and Iraqi military officials say they expect insurgents and militants to try to take advantage of the U.S. pullback to launch more attacks and to test the Iraqi defense forces. General Ray Odierno, the top US commander in Iraq, said he believed, that as a whole, Iraq was now a better country. But Iraq is far from being a stable nation, indeed it never was and only mortal fear from late Saddam Hussein's ruthless "iron grip" kept Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds, from killing each other in an everlasting insurmountable and bloody religious rift. Now, as soon as the proud military parades and fireworks in Baghdad's main streets will fade into daily reality, sectarian violence will resume, when American military mediators will no longer keep the warring sectarian ruffians apart.

Oshkosh Wins Order for 2244 M-ATV Armored Vehicles

1 Jul 2009 02:34:15 GMT

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) announced today it has selected Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) to supply MRAP All Terrain Vehicles (M-ATV) for its fighting forces. Oshkosh has received an initial delivery order from the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) Life Cycle Management Command (LCMC) for 2,244 M-ATVs valued at $1.05 billion, following months of government testing on multiple production-ready vehicles. The entire M-ATV program has the potential to reach up to 10,000 vehicles destined to Afghanistan.

Israel Embarks on a $76 Million Air Transport Defense Plan

25 Jun 2009 17:49:02 GMT

Elbit Systems' C-MUSIC missile-defense DIRCM will be operated by all Israeli operated commercial ailines

Oshkosh to Launch Special Operations SandCat Armored Vehicle at DVD

19 Jun 2009 21:25:38 GMT

Oshkosh Defense is unveiling a Special Operations Vehicle (SOV) configuration of the SandCat at the Defence Vehicle Dynamics (DVD) 2009 taking place at the Millbrook proving ground in Bedfordshire, U.K. next week. The vehicle was designed specifically for the emerging requirements of international special forces units that need an open, highly mobile and well-protected vehicle for operations in remote locations.

The International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs’ Office of Aviation

19 Jun 2009 15:34:04 GMT

The U.S. State Department through the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs’ Office of Aviation (INL/A) is responsible for the curtailment of the supply of illegal drugs from foreign sources into the United States through aerial eradication of drug crops, interdiction of refining laboratories and trafficking activities, and other enforcement operations as directed by the Secretary of State. The Bureau’s “air wing” operates 348 fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft, involved in INL counter-narcotics aviation programs in Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guatemala, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

Lethal Crop Dusters - Armed and Armored Crop Dusters Join the War on Drugs

19 Jun 2009 15:33:45 GMT

Paris Air SHow 09: U.S. and international air forces are becoming interested and open to utilizing off-the-shelf equipment in low-intensity, counter-insurgency and counter-drug operations in remote areas.

IAI Introduces New Medium Laser Guided Weapon

19 Jun 2009 15:32:09 GMT

IAI/MBT is unveiling here the MLGB, - Medium Laser Guided Bomb, offering dual-mode guidance employing GPS and terminal laser guidance. The weapon comprising an 80 kg warhead offers pinpoint accuracy under all weather conditions. The MLGB kit employs the warhead, terminal seeker and guidance system, attached to a wing assembly that retracts after release.

Northrop Grumman Displays BAMS Modelled Global-Hawk

19 Jun 2009 15:31:48 GMT

he RQ-4N is scheduled to go through Functional Review this month, to be followed by Preliminary Design Review in December. First flight is scheduled for May 2012 with initial operational capability of a single unit supporting a single persistent orbit following two years later.

Unmanned Assets Could Save 75% of Cost of Anti-Piracy Operations

19 Jun 2009 15:31:20 GMT

As unmanned systems technologies mature, modern armies are realizing that the integration of autonomous systems could gain considerable saving over time, particularly important are the saving in personnel costs, as the military is finding it harder to find and maintain quality personnel. Employing a single detachment of RQ-4N BAMS UAVs, a future force will be able to cover 100% of the East Africa coastline, the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden, with only 7 vessels, each carrying two FireScout UAVs and one SH-60, at an operational costs of $1.7 million per day (of which about 25% are personnel costs.)

Elbit Systems Unveils Hermes90

19 Jun 2009 15:29:57 GMT

Elbit Systems Ltd. unveiled today its newest UAV,Hermes90. Among the main features of the Hermes90 are high survivability, long endurance of up to 18 hours, mission range of up to 100 kilometers, and varied payloads integration capability. Equiped with wheels or sleds, the unmanned aircraft can be launched and recovered using different methods, including launching by an integral launcher for point launch and recovery on non-prepared surfaces without using any dedicated ground equipment.

Israeli Unmanned Helicopters and Urban Mules

19 Jun 2009 15:29:42 GMT

A new Vertical Take-off and landing UAV (VTUAV) making its debut here is the MULE, developed by Urban Aeronautics. MULE introduces a revolutionary capability for battlefield logistics 'push' and casualties evacuation, supporting land forces and amphibious operations. The MULE, expected to begin flight testing this year, employs the Fancraft louvered ducted fan lift and propulsion system, sustaining a maximum takeoff weight of 1.13 ton platform lifting a useful cargo of up to 226 kg and fuel for missions of 2-4 hours at speeds up to 100 knots.

Israel Displays new Small UAVs

19 Jun 2009 15:29:14 GMT

Israeli Medium Altitude, Long Endurance Platforms

19 Jun 2009 15:28:55 GMT

Two Israeli companies are showing MALE (Medium Altitude, Long Endurance Platforms) UAVs. Israel Aerospace Industries is displaying the Heron TP, currently being evaluated by a number of European countries for strategic ISR roles.Thales is showing the IAI designed SDIM, beingoperated by the French Air Force. Aeronautics Defense Systems is also developing the Domnator, under cooperation with Diamond Remote Sensing of Austria.

U.S. Southern Command Evaluates the role of UAVs in Counter Drug Operations

19 Jun 2009 15:28:32 GMT

U.S. agencies operating along with Salvadoran authorities are evaluating the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as part of the Joint Interagency Task Force-South, a SOUTHCOM component based in Key West and charged with overseeing counter illicit trafficking operations in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

EADS Unveils Advanced UAV at the Paris Airshow

14 Jun 2009 19:35:25 GMT

EADS is unveiling at the Paris Air Show the latest version of the Advanced UAV System. The new UAV is positioned by EADS to fulfill European requirements for High Altitude Intelligence collecting platform, fitted with a wing span 27.9 meters, the UAV will be capable of flying at a maximum altitude of 50,000 ft, on a 24 hour mission. The Advanced UAV will be designed for maximum takeoff weight of seven tons, carrying an external payload of one ton.

IAI/Elta has unveiles TASCAN targeting pod

14 Jun 2009 19:35:12 GMT

IAI/Elta has unveiled the TASCAN targeting pod for fighter aircraft, comprising both Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Electro-Optical systems in a single gimbaled container. Sofar Elta's EL/M-20600 Radar Targeting Pod (RTP) has been offered along with the Litening EO targeting pod produced by Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. IAI's pursuit of an independent program could mark a departure from this cooperation. The TASCAN is slightly longer, compared to the Litening, comprising the new EO outfit provided by IAI/Tamam.

Unmanned Powered Gliders Assume Long Endurance Surveillance Patrols

14 Jun 2009 19:34:55 GMT

The French UAV maker Sagem has teamed with German glider producer Stemme AG to introduce the Patroller, a long endurance UAV based on a powered glider. The Stemme S 15 was first presented at the Berlin Air-Show last in 2008. In its current configuration, the Patroller is designed to perform long endurance missions, to be used in a wide spectrum of roles, from military surveillance to homeland security and maritime patrol. The unmanned Patroller will be capable of flying a 20-hour mission carrying a 440-pound payload.

Israel Air Force to Deploy a New Video Recorder & Data Server from RADA

14 Jun 2009 19:34:25 GMT

RADA is unveiling the latest mission data recorder model developed by the company and selected to equip the Israel Air Force first line fighters - the Video Recorder & Data Server System (VRDS), introducing cutting edge approach to video and data recording and mass-storage management onboard combat aerial platforms. RADA's VRDS has been accepted as the sole source for flight recorders for the vast majority of the Israel Air Force aircraft. The systems are currently being integrated on F-15 models A/B/C/D/I, F-16 models C/D/I, C-130, T-6, and more. Production deliveries will begin later this year.

Rafael introduces RecceLite pod for UAV’s

14 Jun 2009 19:13:09 GMT

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. is showing the Recce-U, persistent, unmanned, surveillance and reconnaissance system at the Paris Air Show. Recce-U is a self-contained, multi-sensor ISR system for the UAV platform, based on the RecceLite tactical reconnaissance pod for combat aircraft. Recce-U simultaneously collects high-resolution infrared and visual digital images, day and night, within a very wide field of regard, in accordance with an automatic mission plan and/or manual operation, and transmits the images, which are then viewed and interpreted in real time at the ground exploitation station. The Recce-U system comprises a persistent ISR payload, Ground Data Link Station (GDLS) and Ground Exploitation Station (GES).

IDF Approves Acquisition of IMI's Iron Fist Active protection Systems (APS) for Namer AIFVs

9 Jun 2009 02:12:25 GMT

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is moving forward with the development and fielding of active protection systems (APS) for tanks and armored infantry fighting vehicles (AIFV). Maj. General Dan Harel, IDF 2nd in Command has approved the acquisition of IMI 'Iron Fist' APS for the Namer AIFVs, parallel to the continued acquisition of Aspro-A (Trophy) systems for the Merkava 4 tanks.

More than Just a Weather Forecast

5 Jun 2009 22:40:41 GMT

While UAVs are providing an excellent operational contribution to modern warfare, they also have their weak points, and one of the most critical is weather. U.S. Air Force officials acknowledge that more than a third of their unmanned Predator fleet have crashed. Only few aircraft were actually shot down, 55 of them were lost due to weather conditions, equipment failure or operator errors. Better understanding the effects and limitations of weather on the UAV missions could lead to lower loss rate.

Defense Update Book introduction: Living in Harms Way

5 Jun 2009 22:37:12 GMT

Addressing the combat preparation of service men and women, their support system, and their interpersonal and intrapersonal experiences, this book discuss how warriors live and survive in combat duty and the psychological impact of being in harm's way. "This book is a must read for military leaders who wish to understand their soldiers, and anyone interested in understanding the often misrepresented challenges warriors are faced with." Writes Thomas Gonzalez, Command Sergeant Major, 71st EOD Group, Fort Carson, Colorado.

Air France Jet May have Encountered 100 mph Updrafts

2 May 2009 21:39:23 GMT

AccuWeather.com reports after extensive research into the weather that may have affected the Air France Airbus A330 on Sunday evening, it is believed that the plane flew into thunderstorms, and the updrafts or turbulence associated with those storms in addition to lightning may have played a role. Tropical thunderstorms and the lightning patterns generated by them are different from storms that typically occur over the United States. Studies have shown that the top region of tropical thunderstorms is highly charged and more conducive to lightning, which indicates that an airplane flying near the top of a tropical thunderstorm could be more susceptible to a lightning strike. Tropical thunderstorms are also notorious for producing frequent cloud-to-cloud, as well as cloud-to-air lightning. Based on satellite information, the Air France flight had little chance of going around the storms given that they stretched for over 400 miles and were developing along the flight path. The airplane was flying at cruising altitude of 35,000 feet. With the updrafts pushing the storms up to 50,000 feet, the plane had to fly through the storms and not over them.

Taliban Shifts Attacks to Waziristan

31 May 2009 12:52:46 GMT

As 4000 Taliban militants face an offensive of the Pakistani military offensive in the Swat Valley, in north-west Pakistan, the Taliban has launched attacks in yet another region, in South Waziristan, a region much closer to Pakistan's population centers located than 200 km from the country's plutonium and uranium research production centers.

Analysis: Is Pyongyang's Nuclear Brinkmanship a Tightrope-Walk or safety Net?

30 May 2009 17:35:36 GMT

US Secretary Gates is pinning all his hopes for restraining Pyongyang on China to solve the deterring situation on the Korean Peninsula. But Beijing's most pressing interest appears to be ensuring an approaching North Korean leadership transition does not degenerate into internal breakdown. In particular, Chinese is concerned that rapid and unexpected changes within North Korea could trigger a flood of refugees accross the borders of North Korea, into neighboring China and South Korea. "We're talking about a country with over a million brainwashed soldiers, enough nuclear fissile material for six to 10 bombs, chemical and biological weapons. And if it becomes unstable or starts unraveling, it's not a crisis you can manage part time," says Michael Green, who was responsible for Asian affairs in the US National Security Council (NSC) during the Bush administration.

General Dynamics, Rafael to Replace the Strykers' SLAT Protection Cages with Reactive Armor

27 May 2009 21:17:52 GMT

General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products (GD-ATP) will provide reactive armor tile sets for the U.S. Army Stryker family of vehicles. The $150 million contract is scheduled for delivery within 10 months, by March 2010. This contract represents one of the largest reactive armor-upgrades planned in recent years. As such it was fiercely competed between two of the leading armor providers - GD-ATP and BAE Systems. The original developer and designer of these reactive armor systems is Rafael Armament Development Authority from Israel.

Israel, U.S. to Embark on Collaborative 'Upper-Tier' Missile Intercept Program to include Arrow 3 and Land-Based SM-3 Missiles

22 May 2009 17:33:12 GMT

The United States and Israel have initiated development of an upper-tier component to the Israeli Missile Defense architecture, commonly known as 'Arrow 3' which was found to be better suitable for Israel's requirements and offer lower life cycle cost, based on a recent U.S. Missile Defense Agency analysis. To mitigate the Arrow 3 development schedule risk, the U.S. will develop and, prepare to deploy a land-based variant of its Aegis SM-3 missile to be able to meet Israel’s upper tier requirements.

Patent Claim Unveils Israel's Unique Exo-Atmospheric Interceptor Design

24 May 2009 22:03:46 GMT

"The design of Arrow 3 promises to be an extremely capable system, more advanced than what we have ever attempted in the U.S. with our programs" confirmed Lieutenant General Patrick J. O’Reilly, Director of the MDA. Defense Update tracks the roots of the new Israeli technology, unveiled in patents claimed by IAI researchers back in 2004. These inventions could protect the country from Iranian missiles by 2014.

Weekend Book review 2: Seeds of Terror

22 May 2009 12:25:43 GMT

Author Gretchen Peters�makes the case that Taliban and al Qaeda must be cut off from their drug earnings if we ever want to beat them. This battle isn’t about ideology or religion. It’s about creating a new economy for Afghanistan – and breaking the cycle of crime, corruption and extremism that has gripped the region for decades.

Weekend Book Review 1: Joker One

22 May 2009 11:59:06 GMT

Told by the man who led the unit of hard-pressed Marines, Joker One is a gripping tale of a leadership, loyalty, faith, and camaraderie throughout the best and worst of times.

Saab, Swiss UAV Partner to Offer a Combined Family of VTOL UAVs

20 May 2009 21:45:41 GMT

Saab and Swiss UAV (SUAV) have signed a strategic partnership agreement to introduce cost-efficient vertical take off and landing (VTOL) Unmanned Airborne Systems (UAS) for a variety of commercial, government and military uses. The agreement covers collaboration regarding the design and testing of systems developed by the two companies, including the Skeldar system developed by Saab and the Neo and Koax systems developed by the Swiss company, and the integration of Saab's common ground control system to support all systems.

Elbit Systems Reports positive Q1/09: Surfing the C4ISR Wave Surge

20 May 2009 17:43:58 GMT

Elbit Systems reported today an increase of 6.6% in revenues and an increase of 34.5% in net profit, over the first quarter of 2008. While the quarterly data is indicative of the tough market conditions, it is also validating the robust market for defense electronics - particularly intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and command, control and communications (C3) solutions - areas which Elbit has focused on in recent years.

Iran Tests Second Solid-Fuelled Sejjil Missile, Capable of 2,000 km

20 May 2009 13:51:14 GMT

Iran has successfully test-fired a Sejjill medium-range surface-to-surface missile, a solid-fuelled missile developed in Iran (with North Korean assistance). This missile is also known by the names Ghadr-110 and Samen. The missile is capable of striking targets at ranges beyond 2,000 km (1242 miles) carrying a 1.2 ton warhead. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad confirmed the news on a visit to Iran's space and missile center at Semnan, from where the missile was launched.

MAUL Weapon launched at Small Arms Symposium in Nevada

20 May 2009 07:04:53 GMT

"At 1.8 pounds, we think we have set the bar for a five shot semi-automatic shotgun." said MSI General Manager Peter D. Faulkner, introducing the new MAUL - an ultra-light shotgun attachment that fits under the barrel of an individual combat weapon including the M-4 and M-16 rifles. “The MAUL was conceived with a great deal of influence from the US operational community” said Faulkner, “We were consistently told that weight should be at the top of our design priorities.” The new weapon was unveiled today at the MAUL at the Joint Services Small Arms System Symposium in Las Vegas, Nevada.

FCS Remnants to Proceed, Split into Three Programs

22 May 2009 15:15:30 GMT

The Army intends to split the FCS program into three orders, addressing the vehicles, software applications, and technology upgrades, to be introduced through all Army combat brigades. Re-evaluating the future role of armored systems succeeding the cancelled Manned Ground Vehicle (MGV) the Army plans to launch yet another, yet undefined 'Ground Combat Vehicle' program. The new vehicle will be further defined around the fall this year, after the Pentagon and FCS Lead Systems Integrators Boeing and SAIC conclude discussions on the FCS contract terms and MGV termination fees, particularly regarding the role and compensation for the MGV subcontractors - BAE Systems and General Dynamics. Wheeled armored vehicles are considered a contender for the future ground combat vehicle.

Defense-Update to Provide 'Airshow-Live' at the Upcoming Paris Airshow

18 May 2009 23:48:02 GMT

Defense Update will publish 'Airshow-Live' at the 100th Paris Airshow, taking place 15-21 June at Le Bourget, Paris. Similar to our Aero-India, LAAD and IMDEX editions, the upcoming e-magazine' will dispatch news and information related to the show exhibits and other interesting news well before the show, and continue updating through the first week. Our service will offer daily news, images, tweets, and will be dispatched via smartphones, Twitter and the web. Use the attached link to subscribe to the free service.

Elbit Provides remotely operated 12.7mm weapon stations for Austrian Armored MLVs

18 May 2009 22:56:21 GMT

As previously reported by Defense-Update April 10th, Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:ESLT) announced today receiving a contract worth €25 million from Iveco, to supply remotely operated 12.7mm weapon stations and threa warning systes to equip the new Light Multi-Role Armored Vehicle (MLV) being supplied to the Austran Army. The prime contractof for this program is Iveco, a subsidiary of Italy's Fiat Group. Elbit's part of the program will amount. The systems will be delivered over the course of the next four years. Elbit also indicated the RWS installation will also include day and night threat detection systems, known as Multi Threat Detection System (MTDS), capable of detecting, categorizing and pinpointing Laser, Radar and RF Sources. The MTDS provides a solution to threats caused by a variety of sources, from beam rider missiles and ground designators to laser guided bombs and missiles.

QinetiQ Awarded $45 Million to Produce Seven Zephyrs for the U.S. Navy

18 May 2009 22:19:07 GMT

QinetiQ, Inc has been awarded a $45 million by the US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) for the development and manufacturing of seven Zephyr High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial systems and one ground station. The ultra-light HALE aerial vehicle will provide persistent coverage capability over a remote theater, with mission durations of up to 3 months of continuous operation, propelled by two solar-powered electrical motors.

GD, Elbit Systems' form Joint Venture to Market UAS in the USA

17 May 2009 13:33:44 GMT

General Dynamics Armament and technical Products (GDATP), an operating unit of General Dynamics (NYSE GD) and Elbit Systems of America, LLC a subsidiary of Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:ESLT) are teaming to offer unmanned systems solutions to the U.S. military and government agencies. The companies have formed a joint venture named UAS Dynamics, LLC, located in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Elbit Systems has already established with Thales UK a similar JV, to pursue UVS opportunities in Britain, a move that proved instrumental in winning the Watchkeeper program by Thales.

Defense Update Book Review: The Gamble

16 May 2009 15:36:04 GMT

General David Petraeus and the American Military Adventure in Iraq, 2006-2008. Thomas E. Ricks tells the inside story of the Iraq War since late 2005, examining the events that took place as the U.S. military was forced to reckon with itself, the surge was launched, and a very different war began. 'The Gamble' reveals behind-the-scenes disagreements between top commanders. almost every single officer in the chain of command fought the surge. Many of Petraeus?s closest advisers went to Iraq extremely pessimistic, doubting that the surge would have any effect. For Petraeus, prevailing in Iraq means extending the war. Thomas E. Ricks concludes that the war is likely to last another five to ten years - and that that outcome is a best case scenario.

Elbit Systems to Supply Mortar Fire Control Solution to the U.S. Army

14 May 2009 19:26:22 GMT

Elbit Systems of America (a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Israel based Elbit Systems) was awarded a contract from the U.S. Army for a Mortar Fire Control (MFC) Systems Integration program. Under the framework of the initial $22 phase the company will provide a new Mortar Fire Control (MFC) system as part of a broader five year $197.5 hybrid Indefinite Delivery /Indefinite Quantity-Time and Materials (ID/IQ-T&M). The program includes the development, integration, delivery and support of a Mortar Ballistic Computer (MBC) and various types of Mortar Fire Control Systems to support the Army 120mm mortar units.

DCNS Promotes Three Submarine Classes at IMDEX

13 May 2009 23:54:12 GMT

DCNS is promoting three classes of submarines in this year's IMDEX ASIA event. The company's leading international class design, the Scorpene medium-size submarine, has recently been delivered to the Malaysian Navy earlier this year. Six submarines are currently under construction for India. At IMDEX the company is also displaying the Andrasta, a compact submarine designed to operate in coastal waters, a theatre of growing importance to all maritime nations. For Navies with requirements for ocean going submarines, DCNS is proposing the SMX-24 - a long-range, ocean-going conventional propulsion submarine (SSK) with an excellent payload capability.

Panthers are Underway to Support British Troops in Afghanistan

12 May 2009 20:56:43 GMT

The first batch of Panther Command and Liaison Vehicles has been delivered to British troops in Afghanistan. The vehicles will be first used by both the RAF Regiment and the Army's Close Support Logistics Regiment. More vehicles are en route to theatre later this month for deployment on the front line.

Jordan to Upgrade 300 M-113A1s Armored Personnel Carriers

12 May 2009 16:49:00 GMT

The Royal Jordanian Army is upgrading 300 M113A1 Armored Personnel Carriers. The U.S. Army awarded BAE Systems a $43.3 million contract to deliver complete kits to be assembled in Jordan. The company will deliver 300 modification kits comprising an uprated engine, transmission, cooling systems, electrical system and suspension, upgrading the vehicles into M113A2Mk1 configuration.

Force Protection Q1 Revenues Decline by the MRAP Downturn

12 May 2009 16:17:34 GMT

Force Protection Inc. reported yesterday income growth in the first quarter of 2009 despite a substantial drop in vehicle sales. Net sales of $184.7 million in Q1 2009, a sharp drop against $403 million in Q1 2008 reflected the demise of MRAP acquisition by the US Marine Corps.

EADS: Maintaining Course through The Economic Storm

12 May 2009 15:52:13 GMT

The European aerospace giant EADS (EAD) reported May 12, 2009 the first quarter 2009 results, reflecting the effect of the economic slowdown affecting its commercial sales and problematic A400M which continue to drain company resources from the military side. "EADS is well positioned to face the crisis, although there is limited visibility towards the end of the year and beyond" the report said.

DARPA to Seek Underground Targets with Laser, Gravity Sensors

12 May 2009 13:57:22 GMT

Raytheon is developing a new laser-assisted sensor system to demonstrate the detection and location buried land mines and tunnels. The system developed under a $19 million contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), will utilize a laser radar vibration sensor, (also known as LADAR vibrometer) to detect underground targets by measuring the reverberation of the ground-surface in response to artificial stimulus (vibration), measuring the anomalies created by underground objects or activity. Under a different program, DARPA will study an airborne surveillance system designed to detect underground targets by spoting gravity-based effects from tunnels and underground facilities from the air.

IAI Introduces a Naval Rotary UAV at IMDEX 09

12 May 2009 13:57:20 GMT

MALAT unveiled here the Maritime Naval Rotary Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (NRUAV) being developed with under cooperation with India. In fact, the platform for the first NRUAV is the Chetak (Alouette III), widely used by the Indian Navy. The helicopter could be deployed for mission of 6 hours, up to a distance of 120 km from the launching vessel. Employed as an 'elevated mast', NRUAV can extend the vessel's coverage over a much larger area, providing early warning and detection of aircraft, and cruise missiles, surface vessels and even subsurface activity.

DSIT Announces New Asian Orders for AquaShield Diver Detection Systems

12 May 2009 13:57:18 GMT

DSIT Solutions Ltd. From Israel is announcing at IMDEX three new order from Asian customers, for AquaShield Diver Detection Systems (DDS) worth US$5 million. The new sonar launched in 2008 is designed to detect divers and protect fixed and relocateable installations, such as ports, coastal facilities and stationary vessels.

Singapore Defence Minister Calls for Integrative and Collaborative Deterrence Against Piracy

12 May 2009 13:57:16 GMT

"The piracy situation in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia is a clear illustration of how insecurity in one part of the world has global ramifications" said Teo Chee Hean, Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence. "It demonstrates again that contemporary security challenges can no longer be solved by a single country or a small exclusive group of countries acting on its own." He added

Thailand Shelves Follow-on Gripen Acquisition

12 May 2009 13:57:14 GMT

The acquisition of six additional Swedish Gripen fighters by the Royal Thai Air Force has fell victim to the economic turmoil in Thailand. The Thai government decided to slash half a billion $US (20 billion Baht) off the current national defense budget, and most of the amount is expected to be saved by the elimination of about 15 billion baht, slated for the acquisition of the six additional Gripens.

Asian Navies to Invest $60 Billion Developing New Maritime Capabilities

12 May 2009 13:57:12 GMT

The spending of Asian countries on naval procurement is expected to top $60 billion over the next five years, over what the whole NATO alliance (excluding the USA) is expected to invest in naval buildup. The biggest spenders in the region are expected to be China, Japan and South Korea, followed by India, Australia and Singapore. Closing the list are Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, expected to formulate new procurement plans in the next decade.