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.