Australia's Regional Force Surveillance Units

The approximately 640-strong NORFORCE is one of three Regional Force Surveillance Units (RFSU) in Australia.  Together with the 51st Far North Queensland Regiment (51 FNQR)and the Pilbara Regiment, the NORFORCE provides an unique capability for the defense of the vast territory of Australia, particularly the Northern coasts. In peacetime, the RFSU are responsible for conducting surveillance and reconnaissance operations in support of border protection as well as community engagement programs for regional development.

The NORFORCE, like the other RFSUs is made up of locals who are familiar with the areas of operations. About 60% of NORFORCE are aboriginals who are experts in outback survival and tracking.

Besides weapon handling skill, soldiers in the unit are cross-trained in skills such as sniping, medical treatment, driving, small watercraft handling, tracking and operations from the aircraft.  These would be useful skill in wartime duties.

Also known as the North-West Mobile Force, NORFORCE is headquartered in Darwin with the responsibility for a 1.8 million square kilometres area of operations in the Northern Territory as well as the Kimberley region of Western Australia. This is arguably the largest area of responsibility of any military units in the world. The Pilara Regiment is responsible for 1.3 million square kilometres in North-western Australia. The 51 FNQR's area of operations cover 640,000 square kilometres.

An in-depth knowledge of their Area of Operations is gathered by conducting regular patrols by foot, vehicle and watercraft; manning static observation posts; and by close communication and liaison with the local authorities and landowners.

Soldiers from Australia's NORFORCE on Astell Island. Photo from ABC News

ABC News

ADF

Straits Times

Malaysia Deploys MRAP to Sabah

Chaiseri Win MRAP, also known as the AV4 will be deployed in Sabah, East Malaysia. The AV4 is developed and produced by Thailand with maintenance support provided by its Malaysian partner (DRB-Hicom Defence Technologies or Deftech). Malaysia has bought 20 units of the Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. Also known as First Win, the 4x4 has also been sold to the Philippine and the Thai Police.



Janes

defence-blog

Russian SA-21 (S-400) SAM Deployment in Syria

Russia has deployed the S-400 long range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system to Syria following the shooting down of a Russian Su-24 by Turkish F-16. Here is a graphic depiction of the various components of the Russian S-400 SAM system. The S-400 is also known as SA-21 Growler by NATO is a potent area air defense system. The single S-400 system deployed to Syria is enough to cover the entire country. The S-400 has a range of up 400 km with an estimated effective engagement range of 250km. In an image released by the Russian Ministry of Defense, shown that at least two 5P85SM launchers with a 92N6 Grave Stone engagement and fire control radar were deployed at Humaymim by 6 December 15. The 91N6 Big Bird acquisition and battle management radar were previously deployed without the launchers and fire control radar.

aviationist

Russia Ministry of Defence

China Issue Warning After RAAF Flights Over South China Seas

China has issued a statement warning other countries not to conduct 'freedom of navigation' exercise in the disputed South China Sea after a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) maritime patrol aircraft flew over the disputed area.

BBC reporter Rupert Wingfield-Hayes was on an aircraft near to the Mischief Reef, one of the disputed isle near the Philippines when he recorded the transmission from the RAAF AP-3C, apparently to the Chinese navy.

An Australian airman could be heard on the recording repeating "China Navy, China Navy. We are an Australian aircraft exercising international freedom of navigation rights, in international airspace in accordance with the international civil aviation convention, and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Over." There was no response from the Chinese Navy in the incident which occurred on 25 November.

Australia has stated that it does not recognise China's claim in the South China Seas. The Australia Department of Defence has issued a statement in reply to queries that a Royal Australian Air Force AP-3C Orion was conducting a routine patrol as part of Operation GATEWAY.

Skynews

9 News

SBS

ibtimes

smh.com

Germany's Mountain Infantry

A close look at Germany's Mountain Infantry, Battalion 233 participating in NATO's Exercise Trident Junture 2015.

Boeing Completes Delivery of AEW Aircraft to Turkey

Boeing has completed the hand over of the last of four Boeing 737-700 Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft to the Turkish Air Force. The main sensor is the Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar giving Turkey the only AEW & C capability in the region. Upon operational, the four aircraft will be a significant boost to the capability of the Turkish Air Force which is currently on high alert against Russian forces operating in Syria. The aircraft were ordered in 2007 under Project Peace Eagle. Also known as E-7 Wedgetail in Australian service, four aircraft are also on order by South Korea.

"Boeing 737-7ES Peace Eagle, Turkey - Air Force JP7135980" by Aldo Bidini - Gallery page http://jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=7135980Photo http://images3.jetphotos.net/img/2/2/5/4/27247_1307808452.jpg. Licensed under GFDL 1.2 via Commons.

DefenseIndustry

Direct Hit: India-Israel Joint Development Naval SAM On Track For IOC

The India- Israel jointly developed Barak 8 naval Surface to Air missile successfully intercepted its target on its first sea launch. The test firing was conducted from the Israel Navy's missile corvette INS Lahav, which has its Barak I missile system upgraded with the newer and longer range Barak 8. The Barak 8 is designed for engaged of up to 70 km and is guided by an on-board active radar seeker.

Defence Update

Philippine Army Boosts Firepower With Armoured Vehicles

Philippine has received 77 M113A2 armoured personnel carriers from the United States. Another 37 will be delivered by the end of the month under the Excess Defense Article program (EDA). This is a significant boost to the Army's firepower. With these 114 M113A2 APC, the Army operates 455 armoured vehicles. The Army can also look forward to the delivery of 2253 M60 machine guns under the EDA program.

Earlier in September, the Army took delivery of 28 ex-Israeli M113A2 which are equipped with remote weapon stations.


Image from CNN

CNN

CNA

Philstar

EDA

US Deploys P-8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft to Singapore

US Navy has deployed it's most advanced maritime patrol aircraft (MPA), the P-8A Poseidon in Singapore for the first time. The P-8 MPA is a Boeing 737 modified with advanced sensors for hunting submarines. It is also capable of electronic intelligence (ELINT) gathering.

The deployment of the P-8A is significant considering that the US Navy is cautiously challenging China on freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. On 26 Oct, USS Larsen made a sortie through areas around the Spratly Islands claimed by China as its territorial waters. On 12 Nov, two USAF B-52 Flying Fortresses flew near the islands again, although not within 12-miles limit claimed by China.

Comment:
China has criticized the deployment as further militarization of the South China Sea region. It is probably concerned about the ELINT activities of the United States as it seeks to strengthen its position and claim to islands in the South China sea.



Navy Times

USN's Largest Destroyer Starts Sea Trial

USS Zumbalt, the largest destroyer every built for the US Navy started sea trail on 7 Dec 2015. The 16,000 ton ship has electric propulsion and a stealthy design to reduce its radar signature. Extensive use of automation will allow the destroyer to operate with a much smaller crew size as compared to current destroyers. USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) is the first of a class of three ships. The original requirement for 32 ships was trimmed due to budget constraints.


USNI



Images from US Navy Twitter

NATO's Air Power

A peek at NATO's air power.

US Marine MPC/ ACV Programme Update

The United States has shortlisted two 8x8 armoured vehicles for the next and final phase of the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) 1.1 programme.  The shortlisted vehicles are based on the IVECO SuperAV or AV-8 and the ST Kinetics Terrex. The AV-8 is offered by a consortium conprising of British Aerospace Systems (BAE Systems) and IVECO.  The consortium led by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) is building a vehicle based on ST Kinetics’ TERREX. Both consortiums have each been awarded a US$100m contract under the Engineering, Manufacturing, and Development (EMD) phase of the programme. This phase will last two years after which a contract may be awarded for the production of an initial batch of 200 vehicles.



Terrex at Home in the Surf. Image from SAIC Facebook.

The AV-8 has internal capacity for 13 embarked Marines plus a crew of three thus meeting the objective requirement for payload. It is powered by a 6-cylinder, 700HP power pack, which is a significant power increase over the Marine's current Assault Amphibious Vehicle.

The TERREX is in service with the Singapore Army since 2010. The updated TERREX 2 is specially designed for littoral missions. It has a "shark-nose" hydrodynamic hull that keeps the vehicle's forward section above water as it is propelled through surfs at speed of more than 6 knots; in sea state of up to Sea State 4 (where waves reach up to 2.5 metres). The V-shaped bottom provides stability in the water as well as enhanced mine protection. The TERREX is powered by a 600HP power pack and has capacity for 2 crew and 12 Marines.

BAE

The Straits Times

US Marines Corp

Philippine Air Force Goes Supersonic Again

The first two of a fleet of 12 lead-in fighter trainers have arrived in Philippine to. The Philippine Air Force took delivery of two FA-50PH Golden Eagle on 28 Nov and return to the supersonic age. The last supersonic aircraft in the PAF, the F-5 were retired in 2005. The ferry flight was delayed a day by bad weather in South Korea but there was no stopping the progress of the PAF. The FA-50PH is armed with multi-function radar, Gatling cannon and advanced air-to-air missile. It will confer on the PAF a credible local air defense capability. The acquisition of air-to-air missiles will be catered separately. Funding for air-to-air missiles for the FA-50 was approved by President Benigno S. Aquino III recently under a package which programs like the acquisition of four long range patrol aircraft and ground based air surveillance system.


Philstar

China Buys High End SU-35 Multi-Role Fighters From Russia

In a deal that is more than 3 years in the making, China is buying 24 Sukhoi SU-35 multi-role fighters from Russia. China first expressed interest in the high end fighters in 2012. However, a deal was not finalised over concerns of reverse-engineering by China.

In 1995, China signed a $2.5 billion production license deal from Russia to build 200 SU-27SK (designated the Jian-11A or J-11A). Russia terminated the deal in 2006 after it discovered that China had secretly produced the reverse engineered J-11B equipped with Chinese-built avionics and weapons.

Earlier this year on 29 April, an upgraded version, the J-11D was flown. The J-11D is equipped with AESA (active electronically scanned active array) radar, inflight refuelling probe and can fire more advanced missiles than the J-11B. However, the SU-35 will still be a significant boost to Chinese airpower. The SU-35 with its thrust vector nozzles is more manoevrable than the J-11D. Ironically, the passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar of the SU-35 is less advanced than AESA radar. AESA radar is more stealthy, jam-resistant and versatile than a PESA radar. AESA radar is also capable of radar jamming for example.

The biggest attraction of the SU-35 for China is perhaps the propulsion system. The SU-35 is equipped with the advance NPO Saturn Item AL-117S turbofan engines.  The 38,800 lbs thrust at military power allows the SU-35 to supercruise.  The full afterburner thrust is 32,000 lbs from each engine, adding tremendously to the combat options for the pilots of the SU-35.  The same engine is also used on Russia’s latest T-50 PAK FA stealth fighter.

China is the first export customer for the SU-35 fighters. A follow on sale or domestic production is to be expected.


Image from VPK

rt.com

Janes

AUSAirpower

China Displays Stealth Fighter At Dubai

China displayed the FC-31 stealth fighter at the Dubai Airshow. Designed by the state-owned Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC), the FC-31 first flew in 2012 and is expected to enter service in 2020. According to AVIC, the FC-31 has a combat range of 1200km and a payload of 8 metric tonne.

SCMP

RAAF Receives Final C-17A Globemaster

On 2 November 2015, the RAAF received the last of two C-17A Globemasters from its second order. It now operates a fleet of eight C-17A Globemasters.

Image from  Australian Defence Image Library


Flight Global

PAF FA-50 Delivery

The first two FA-50 Fighting Eagle fighter/ trainer aircraft will be delivered to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) on 10 December 2015.  These combat aircraft will confer a significant boost to the Philippine Armed Forces.  Philippine ordered 12 FA-50 in 2014 under a $420 million government to government deal.

A pioneer batch of three instructor pilots and 32 maintenance crew were sent to South Korea for training. The aircrew are experienced S-211 pilots. Philippine Air Force retired its last fighter, the F-5 in 2005. The FA-50 Fighting Eagle will be PAF's first supersonic combat aircraft in a decade. Philippine is also upgrading its air base infrastructures to accommodate the new acquisitions.


Photo: Facebook, Philippine Military Assets

Manila Livewire

Terrorist Attacks in Paris

On 13 Nov, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks at various locations in Paris have resulted in heavy civilian casualties.  Any attack on civilians is strongly condemned.  We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims on their tragic loss.

NATO's Sea Power

A preview of NATO's sea power.

NATO

Thales Wk450 Watchkeeper UAV Damaged During Landing

A British Army's Thales Wk450 Watchkeeper was seriously damaged during a landing incident on 2 November. The Watchkeeper, which was developed from Elbit's H450 Hermes was on a routine training sortie when it crashed on the runway. This is the third accidents involving the Watchkeeper since induction into service last year. One aircraft has already been written off as unreparable. The UK had planned a procurement of 54 Watchkeeper in 2005. The current planned date for the Initial Operational Capability (IOC) is 2017. However, the majority of the 33 aircraft delivered are currently in storage. The aircraft involved in the latest incident is one of eight being tested at the Boscombe Down facility.



Janes

Defense Industry Daily

Independent

Indonesia to get Cyber Security Operation Centre

Japan's NEC has signed an agreement with Indonesia to collaborate on the design of a cyber security operation centre. The agreement with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology covers the development of expertise to support the manning of operation centre. NEC will draw on its experience in developing a similar operation centre for Japan, the Cyber Security Factory which was operationalized in June 2014.

Indonesia has previously set up a cyber defence operations centre under the Ministry of Defence, cyber defence task force in the TNI as well as cyber command centres in the army and navy. The new cyber security operation centre will boost Indonesia's cyber defence capability for all the government ministries.

NEC's Cyber Security Factory in Japan

NEC


Janes

PAF UH-1D Crash Landed

A Philippine Air Force UH-1D utility helicopter from Tactical Operations Group IX conducting a casevac (casualty evacuation) mission crash landed near Sitio Lamsalo in the Sarangani province. The helicopter was evacuating injured soldiers from the 73rd Infantry Battalion which was in action against communist insurgents. Nine aircrew and passengers were slightly injured in the incident.


Earlier this year, the UH-I fleet was grounded following an incident at the 4th Infantry Division Headquarter at Camp Evangelista. A UH-1H from Tactical Operations Group X rolled over while taking off.




The UH-1D were acquired under a controversial deal for 21 aircraft. At least 7 aircraft were delivered before the Air Force sought to terminate the contract for late delivery of aircraft. The deal was criticised because the aircraft is the UH-1D version instead of the newer and more capable UH-1H which the Air Force is already operating. There were concerns that spare parts and maintenance would be a problem.










Inquirernews






Air Force Technology

Happy Diwali

May the festival of lights brighten the lives of everybody and bring good health and happiness to all homes.

Progress on Philippine's Strategic Sealift Vessel

The Philippine Navy's Strategic Sealift Vessels are under construction in Indonesia. The first  SSV  is expected to be deliver early next year. Here is a look at the quantum leap in capabilities that the two Landing Platform, Dock (LPD) warships will confer on the Philippine Navy.



On-going construction of the SSV in Indonesia by PT Pal.




Manila Livewire

Janes

Special Operations Forces in Exercise Trident Juncture 2015

Acknowledging the role of special operations forces in today's security dilemma, Exercise Trident Juncture featured over 1,000 special operations forces and various special operations aircraft from Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Finland, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and the United States.

NATO

US Army Times

Exercise Trident Juncture 2015

Amidst rising tension all around the world, NATO conducted its largest military exercise in 13 years with the participation of 36,000 soldiers, more than 140 aircraft and 90 warships from more than 30 countries, including non-NATO members, Austria and Sweden. The two weeks long Exercise Trident Juncture 2015 is hosted by Italy, Portugal and Spain at 16 different locations. It featured airborne operations by special operations forces and an amphibious assault as well as an impressive display of air and sea power.

Russia's Loss, Egypt's Gain

This is what Egypt will be getting. The envisaged capabilities of the two Mistral class Landing Platform Helicopter (LPH). Originally planned to carry KA-52K attack helicopters. It has a potent strike capability for projection of power.




TASS

Singapore Military's Secret Edge

Singapore credits its engineers and scientists with enhancing its military capabilities. It even called its 5000 strong defence technology community, its secret edge weapon.

There are some interesting nuggets of information gleaned from this reference article from the magazine, Cyberpioneer.  For example, the Littoral Mission Vessel has a system that automated the watch duty for its crew. No more manual scanning of the surrounding sea. The all-round electro-optical surveillance system allows the ship crew to monitor the sea on screen.


The LMV (Littoral Mission Vessel). Designed for various missions in the congested waters of the world's busiest straits.

A similar capability on the Terrex 8x8 armoured infantry fighting vehicle allows it to be driven totally by camera. The Terrex also has an advance hostile fire detector that automatically prioritise the threat. In addition to the location of the threat, the acoustic system is smart enough to differentiate between the different calibre of incoming fire.


Acoustic system mounted on left rear position of Terrex

Cyberpioneer

Todayonline

Chinese UAV Wing Loong Missile Test

China's Wing Loong looks like the General Atomics MQ-1 Predator UAV. It has two hard points on the wing for weapons.Here is a video of the missile live-firing test which was broadcasted over Chinese national TV.

Runaway Military Blimp Dragged Tether Causing Power Outage

29 Oct 2015 - A Raytheon Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor System (JLENS) broke free from its ground tether and caused havoc across two states in the USA.
It is still unclear how the tether line broke free. According to Raytheon, the line is made of Vectran and has withstood storms in excess of 100 knots. The runaway blimp floated from Maryland into Pennsylvania, dragging a 3,000 metre long tether line, which cause power outage in some areas.
The military aerostat is designed to provide 360-degrees coverage of airborne threats. It can be integrated with weapon systems such as the Patriot Surface to Air Missile (SAM) system and the ship mounted Standard SAM, a detection range of up to 340 miles. JLENS is designed to stay aloft for up to 30 days at a time.



CNN


Raytheon

Awesome Female High Flyers

A collection of female fighter pilots.

United States Air Force - The first female F-35 Lightning II fighter pilot.



Republic of Singapore Air Force- female F-15SG fighter pilot



People Liberation Army Air Force - Female fighter pilots at Langkawi airshow



Pakistan Air Force



United Arab Emirate - Major Mansouri is UAE's first female fighter pilot. She led strike missions against ISIS earlier in September.



Israeli Air Force - female F-15I fighter pilot



Royal Malaysian Air Force - female MiG-29 fighter pilot.



Polish Female MiG Fighter Pilot

Malaysian Defence Budget 2016

The Malaysian defence budget for 2016 0f US$4 billion is 2.5% less than the current year. Not on the card are the replacement for the MiG-29. Malaysia had been evaluating various options to replace the ageing MiG-29 fighters with 18 multi-role combat aircraft to complement the existing Boeing F-18C/D and Sukhoi Su-30MKM. The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) were assessing the F-18E/F, Dassault Rafale, Gripen NG and the Typhoon Eurofighter for procurement. Speaking in parliament on 10 June, the Defence Minister Hishammuddin had cited the RMAF's Multi-Role Combat aircraft (MRCA) procurement as an example of a capability that is not in line with the threats that Malaysia faced. Also not catered in budget was the requirement for attack helicopter.

Major acquistion programmes which are funded includes six Second Generation Patrol Vessel - Littoral Combat Ship (SGPV-LCS), Starstreak Short Range Air Defence missile systems, AV-8 Gempita 8x8 combat vehicles and the Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft.



NST

Janes

Aerial Refuelling of E-7A By KC-30A MRTT

RAAF KC-30A refuelling a E-7A Wedgetail somewhere over Iraq on 23 Oct 2015. The Multi-Role Transporter Tanker (MRTT) is part of Australia's contribution to the international effort to combat the ISIL terrorist threat in Iraq and Syria. Operation OKRA mounted by the Australian Defence Force includes F-18E/F, E-7A Wedgetail Early Warning Aircraft and a Special Operation Task Group.

RAN Trialled CH-47D Operations on HMAS Canberra

Photo: RAN. A CH-47D Chinook on the deck of HMAS Canberra during First of Class Flight Trials in Jervis Bay

The HMAS Canberra – the lead ship of a new LHD class – was commissioned in November 2014. The Royal Australian Navy is currently working towards its initial operational capability (IOC) and final operational capability (FOC) to be attained in late 2015 and late 2017 respectively. That goal is a step closer with the trials of CH-47D  operations from its deck.

Photo: Royal Australian Navy

RAN

shephardmedia

Interpreter

Chinese UAV Rainbow 4 Conducts Live Firing

Footage of China's Armed UAV, the Rainbow 4 of CH-4 conducting missile firing test. The CH-4 has been sold to Iraq which is deploying them in the fight against ISIS.

US Navy Practises Freedom of Navigation Passage In Disputed South China Sea Waters

Photo: USS Lassen Facebook

Having stated its intention months ago, the United States is now conducting navigation in international water around the Spratly Islands. The Arleigh Burke class AEGIS destroyer, USS Lassen will patrol within the 12-nautical-mile mark around the artificial islands built by China in the South China Sea. This marks the start of challenges to China's territorial claims in one of the world's busiest sea lanes.  China shore up Subi and Mischief reefs in the Spratly archipelago in a massive dredging project and turned them into artifical islands in 2014. These reefs that were formerly submerged at high tide. The United States has announced it does not recognise China's claims to territorial waters around the artificial islands.

Photo: USS Lassen Facebook. HSM-51 Air Detachment maintains an MH-60R onboard USS LASSEN, South China Sea, October 2015.

CNA

CNA - 2

Stars and Stripes

Infographic on Russia's Angara A5 Heavy Rocket

TASS

USAF Impose Weight Restriction on F-35 Pilot

United States Air Force has imposed a restriction on pilots weighing less than 61.7kg/ 136 pounds from flying the F-35A Lightning II. This is due to safety concerns about the ejection process in a portion of the flight envelope.

During tests by  Martin-Baker, the manufacturer of the F-35 ejection seat, an unacceptable risk of neck injury was uncovered for the parachute deployment/opening phase for lighter-weight pilots at the low-speed regime. There is also an elevated risk for pilots weighing between 61.7kg to 74.8kg (165lbs). While the odd of an ejection in the low-speed condition is very small, the risk of a critical injury is higher than for older fighter ejection seats. The chance of a serious and potentially fatal neck injury from an ejection in the low-speed flight envelope is one in 50,000 flight hours for pilots under 61.7kg and the probability for those weighing 61.7kg to 74.8kg (165lbs) is one in 200,000.



As an interim solution, pilot weighing less than 136 pounds will not be allowed to fly the F-35 until the problem is resolved. The Air Force has accepted the risk for continuation of flight for pilots weighing within the 136 to 165 pound range. Only one pilot was affected by this restriction. The problem is expected to be resolved in one year with the cost to be paid by Martin-Baker. The solution include installing a switch that would slow the ejection process when lighter pilots are flying, an alteration to the parachute to delay the opening sequence. In addition, the air force is exploring how to reduce the weight of the pilot’s helmet. The Rockwell Collins GEN 3 helmet allows the pilot to see through the cockpit floor by fusing imagery from six infrared camera mounted on the airframe. The helmet currently weighs about 5.4 lbs/ 2.4 kg. Rockwell Collins is working on reducing the weight by 6 lbs / 0.27 kg.


USAF

Russia's Bulava Intercontinental Ballistic Missile

TASS

China's Military Transformation

China is trimming its military from 2,943,000 to 2,000,000.





SCMP

Chinese HALE CH-5 Rainbow 5

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) CH-5, or Rainbow 5 was unveiled earlier in August on Chinese national TV. It was reported as having a wingspan of 20m and can carry weapons.

SCMP

Flight Global

Cause of F-16 Crash At Los Llanos

Investigators have released their report into the cause of the fatal crash of Greece's F-16 at Los Lianos, Spain during a NATO exercise. The crash killed the two Greek aircrew and another nine French airmen on the ground. The F-16 veered into a flightline of aircraft almost immediately after take off. Another 17 people were seriously injured.

Investigators found that there was nothing wrong with the aircraft's control. However, a control knob for adjusting the rudder was found to be turned all the way to the right. This would cause the aircraft to yaw significantly as it took off. The unusual flight characteristic probably disoriented the pilot and the aircraft crashed just 7.8 seconds after take off.  It was postulated that the rudder compensator was accidentally moved. Probably by a loose object such as an exercise document, normally secured on a kneeboard.

Elpais

Trilateral Naval Exercise In Bay of Bengal

The United States of America, India and Japan conducted Ex MALABAR in the Bay of Bengal. The Indian Navy deployed a destroyer, two frigates, a submarine,a Fleet Support Ship and its P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The US Navy was represented by the ships from Carrier Task Force (CTF) 70 including aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, AEGIS cruiser USS Normandy, Littoral Combat ship USS Forth Worth and nuclear powered submarine USS City of Corpus Christi. The JMSDF was represented by its missile destroyer JS Fuyuzuki. Japan has confirmed that it will join the exercise as a permanent member.

India was treading cautious in the preceding when planning for the exercise to avoid provoking China. China had protested strongly when the three countries last came together for Ex Malabar 2007.

Photo: JS Fuyzuki from Hatena

diplomat

Times of India

USS Theodore Roosevelt

US Navy aircraft carrier, USS Theodore Roosevelt docks in Singapore's Changi Naval Base on 24 Oct 2015. It has just completed a 6-months combat deployment to the Arabian Gulf, where its aircraft flew sorties against the Islamic State extremists.

CNA

Pacific Command Beef Up BMD Capability In Japan

Pacific Command has forward deployed USS Benfold (DDG 65, Arleigh Burke class Destroyer) to Yokosuka, Japan. USS Benfold is upgraded with Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) capability. One of several Arleigh Burke class destroyers equipped with this capability. USS Benfold is the eighth destroyer to be homeported in Yokosuka. Together with the Ticonderoga class cruisers, there are six warships that are capable of BMD based in Japan. The Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force also has four Kongo class AEGIS destroyer. So in total, there are ten warships which are BMD capable. It is a significant capability.

Rafael Displays Iron Beam At Seoul ADEX

Israel's Rafael's Iron Beam Counter Rocket, Artillery and Mortar (C-RAM) system was displayed at Seoul International Aeros[ace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2015. The Iron Beam system uses High Energy Laser mounted on trucks in place of the interceptor missile used in Iron Dome system. Compared to the Iron Dome and other missile/gun based C-RAM system, Iron Beam has the advantage of almost limitless engagement (subjected to the sustainability of energy source and serviceability of the system). It is not limited by the number of ready to use munition. Another advantage is the faster reaction time. Operational deployment of the Iron Dome by Israel have revealed the limited effectiveness against short range rocket and mortar. Iron Beam can potentially cover this capability gap. The Iron Beam is also touted as an Anti-UAV system.




inquisitr.com

Russia's Project 636.3 Diesel-Electric Submarine

TASS

F-22 Demonstration Team To Perform in South Korea

Two F-22 Raptor stealth fighters will be performing in South Korea over the next six days during the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (20 Oct - 25 Oct). Major John Cummings "Taboo" is the commander of the F-22 Aerial Demonstration Team. Other U.S. combat aircrafts taking part are the KC-135 aerial tanker, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and E-3B AWAC (Airborne Early Warning and Control) aircraft.

The following video shows the demonstration team performing in Gulf Coast Salute Airshow 2015 earlier this year.



Yonhap

Iraq Deploys Chinese Armed UAV

Iraq's defence ministry announced that its China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) CH-4B “Rainbow” unmanned air vehicles are conducting missions against the Islamic State terrorists in the Anbar region. The UAV are operating from  Kut airbase. The medium altitude long range CH-4 closely resembles the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Predator UAV.

Flight Global

Japan Naval Fleet Review

A total of 50 ships and 61 aircraft took part in Japan's Maritime Self Defense Force fleet review on 18 Oct 2015. The fleet review is held once every three years. This year's international participants include India, South Korea, Australia, France and the United States.


Straits Times

Japantoday

Japan Times

RT

Video:Russian Navy's Attack On Targets In Syria

"A naval strike group of the Russian Navy launched a massive attack with sea-based cruise missiles from the designated area of ​​the Caspian Sea on objects of infrastructure of the Islamic State in Syria. Caliber NK missiles have successfully destroyed all of the set targets. The accuracy of destruction at long distances made up not more than three meters," - Russian Defense Ministry.

The missiles flew through the airspace of Iran and Iraq, bypassing Turkey.

Pravda

Building Russia's Most Powerful Destroyer

Russia is planning a class of 18,000 ton nuclear powered destroyer. If realised,  Project "Leader" (Project 23560) will be the largest and most expensive Russian warship since 1989. The destroyer will be optimised for area air defence with a 50 metres tall radar mast.



Pravda

Russian Military Equipment Order 2015

TASS

SEA 1180 OPV Contender

Singapore's ST Marine is likely to partner with an Australian company to bid for Australia's SEA 1180 Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) programme. The design offered is the Fearless 75, scaled up version of a proven 55m platform.  The design was also the basis for the Royal Omani Navy's (RON's) Al-Ofouq-class patrol vessel. ST Marine is completing USD640 million to deliver four patrol vessels for the RON.

Omani Al-Ofouq-class

The Fearless 75 design is approximately 1,100 tonnes and can accommodates a crew of about 60. It is designed for a top speed of 27 kt and a range of 3,000 n miles at 16 kt. There is a launch and recovery system for rigid hull inflatable boats at the stern and a flight deck for helicopters or unmanned aerial vehicles.

Janes

Meanwhile, ST Marine also unveiled a model of its proposal for Australia's Pacific Patrol Boat replacement programme. The programme is a replacement of the 22 patrol boats previously donated to 12 Pacific Island states and are now approaching the end of their service lives.

ST Marine has set up a consortium that includes South Australian shipbuilder Adelaide Ship Construction International (ASCI) and Texas-based Kellogg Brown & Root (KBR).

The proposed vessel has a length of 40 m, a beam of 8 m, a draught of 2.5 m, and a top speed of 20 kt. The standard range is 2,500 n miles at 12 kt. The vessel will displace about 274 tonnes and can accommodate one rigid hull inflatable boat or unmanned surface vessel at its stern. It can be fitted with 12.7 mm gun mountings.

A major feature of the vessel is the ease of operations and safety. The vessel's enclosed superstructure and lack of external walkways is designed for safety. The deck is designed with more space that can accommodate an awning, allowing the vessel to carry additional passengers on deck during humanitarian and disaster relief operations.

Janes

Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corp's Semi-Submersible

The IRGC put on display a semi-submersible torpedo boat armed with the 324 mm torpedoes designated as Zolfaqar. Although a semi-submersible need to keep its snorkel above the water to run its engine, it is still very difficult to detect using radar. The Zolfaqar is 17 m long, 3.3 m wide and weighs 22 tonnes, with speed of up to 70 km/h (38 kt).

The IRGC is believed to have deploy semi-submersibles since 2002, when it was reported that North Korea supplied two Taedong-B and three Taedong-C craft.


Taedong B



Janes

Brazil Army To Receive 50 Surplus Armoured Vehicles

The Brazilian Army is set to receive 50 US Army-surplus tracked armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) this year. The acquisition comprises 34 BAE Systems' M577A2 command post vehicles, 12 M113A2 personnel carriers, and four M88A1 recovery vehicles. This is part of the Brazilian army's aim to attain Full Operational Capability. The vehicles are US Excess Defense Articles (EDAs) which are being procured through the US Department of Defense's Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme.

Janes

BAE Systems

Anti-UAV Defense System

The Anti-UAV Defense System (AUDS) is designed as a fully integrated system to detect, track and disrupt drones of all sizes.

The AUDS units consist of an electronic scanning air security radar, a stabilised electro-optic director, infrared and daylight cameras, and a directional radio frequency inhibitor to track down, classify and neutralise drones. It detects an UAV by using the radar, tracks it with the infrared and daylight cameras and then disrupt the UAV's flight by blocking the radio signals.

The system can detect an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) 8 km away and stopped its flight in less than 15 seconds. The AUDS is claimed to be effective against micro- UAV at ranges of up to several kilometers.  

RT

Typhoon Fighter Jet

Telegraph

Indonesia Trialed improved 122mm Rockets for Multiple Launch Rocket System

Indonesia successfully test-fired an improved version of the indigenously developed RHAN 122 mm rocket.  The live firing trials were conducted at the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN) test facility in Garut, West Java in August 2015.

The rocket is being developed by a consortium comprising of the state-owned defence equipment manufacturers PT Dahana, PT Dirgantara and PT Pindad, LAPAN, and Indonesia's Ministry for Research, and the Technology and Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology.

The R-HAN 122B has an overall length of 2,810 mm and can carry a 15 kg warhead to a maximum range if 30.5 km. The R-HAN 122B is compatible with the BM-21 and RM-70 multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS). The RM-70 is in service with the Indonesian Marine Corps.

Janes

Red Flag Nellis - The Aggressors

What It's Like at Red Flag Nellis - The Aggressors
"That Red Star should induce panic and terror. When you see me taxi by with my helmet on and the red star on the back... you should start second guessing your game plan. You start questioning whether or not you are ready to go up against the world's greatest aggressor fleet."- Capt Paul Anderson, an F-16 Aggressor Pilot from the 64th Aggressor Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base. They act as a professional "Red Force" or potential adversary in exercises such as Exercise Red Flag.Let the United States Air Force's 64th AGRS explain to you why Exercise Red Flag - Nellis pushes our airmen and women to their limits through a series of realistic combat scenarios.Find out more about our latest participation in Exercise Red Flag - Nellis at our earlier album at https://goo.gl/6Q7wyu[Video courtesy of Airman Magazine]
Posted by The Republic of Singapore Air Force on Saturday, September 5, 2015

Iran's High Speed Supercavitating Torpedo

Iran displayed its Hoot (Whale) high-speed rocket-torpedo during an exhibition by the naval wing of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGN) on 3 October. The existence of the Hoot was first revealed in 2006 when Iran released a video of a test launch from a floating platform.



It is identical to the Russian's VA-111 Shkval (Squall) supercavitating torpedo that was developed in 1970s. There are eight jet nozzles at the rear and four stabilisation fins as for the VA-111.



Launched from a standard 533 mm torpedo tube, the Hoot creates an air pocket around itself, thereby reducing water drag. The rocket engine is then able to propel it to speeds of up to 370 km/h (200 knots). The high speed makes it a deadly weapon as it is difficult to out-manoeuvre.

Iran Unveiled Underground Missile Base on TV

Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the commander of the IRGC’s Aerospace Division revealed during TV interview that “missiles in various ranges are mounted on the launchers in all bases and ready to be launched,”. The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) showed exclusive video of a massive underground missile base. BG Hajizadeh stated that the underground base shown is just a sample of Iran’s “numerous missile bases,” scattered across the country at the depths of hundreds of metres.

RT

IRIB

Press TV

RSAF Helicopters in Rockhampton, Australia

The Republic of Singapore Air Force deploys for large scale exercise in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia. Among the helicopters seen are AH-64D Apache, CH-47SD Chinook and AS332M Super Puma.


CQ Planespotting

Secret 1960s Stealth Aircraft Unveiled

Boeing revealed secret project Model 853 "Quiet Bird".





Photo from Boeing

ARS Technica

Boeing

Russian Munitions Used In Syria

Among the precision guided munitions seen in this video is the Kh-25L laser-guided missile (NATO designation: AS-10 Karen) with a 112kg high explosive and fragmentation warhead. Other munitions observed are KAB-500S and the unguided OFAB-250-270.


RT

KAB-500

OFAB-250-270

Kh-25L

Armament Research

RAF Strike Capability

A look at the Royal Air Force's strike capability

Littoral Mission Vessel

Littoral mission vessel
The Republic of Singapore Navy's new Littoral Mission Vessels (LMVs).

Republic of Singapore Navy 

North Korea Parades Ballistic Missile With New Warhead

During the October 10 parade to celebrate the 70th founding anniversary of the fuling Workers' Party, North Korea displayed KN-08 Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles with new round warheads. Previous displays of the missiles showed them with pointed warheads. The KN-08 is estimated to have a range of some 12,000 kilometers.


KN-08 with round missile head


Previous displays showed KN-08 with a sharper missile head


Yonhap

nknews