majalah militer

February 14, 2009, Seoul -- South Korea will bolster defense on islands near disputed waters in the Yellow Sea, news reports said Feb. 14, amid concerns over a possible naval clash with North Korea.

The Munhwa Daily quoted an unidentified official of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as saying counter-measures were being considered as North Korea has been strengthening its artillery capabilities near the sea border since December.

"North Korean artillery guns have often been taken out of their positions on the western coast, with gun barrels vividly exposed, since they began winter military training late last year," the official was quoted as saying.

"We are considering ways to increase K-9 self-propelled guns and ground-to-air missiles on Paengnyong and Yeonpyeong islands," the official said, referring to South Korea's northernmost islands near the sea border with its northern communist neighbor.

South Korea's military does not comment on intelligence matters.

The newspaper said Feb. 13 that the number of guns, mostly 100-mm artillery pieces, sited on islands and along the coast in the area increased by 30 percent last year from 2007.

The buildup began in early 2008 when conservative President Lee Myung-Bak took office in Seoul, it quoted an unidentified senior government official as saying.

Inter-Korean relations have steadily worsened since Lee's inauguration in February 2008. He rolled back his liberal predecessors' engagement policy towards Pyongyang, enraging the North.

The North has suspended dialogue with the South, imposed tight border controls and warned that armed conflict could break out.

It announced late last month it was scrapping peace accords with the South, including a 1991 pact in which it recognized the Yellow Sea border as an interim frontier.

The announcement fueled fears of clashes in the area, the scene of bloody naval battles in 1999 and 2002. (defensenews.com)

February 14, 2009, Tehran -- Iran's Defense Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar will arrive on February 16 in Moscow to discuss bilateral military-technical cooperation with Russia, the defense ministry of the Islamic Republic said on Saturday.

"During his trip to Russia, the Iranian defense minister will hold talks with the Russian officials and visit a number of defense industry companies," the ministry said in a statement.

"The main purpose of the visit is the expansion of bilateral [military-technical] ties and implementation of existing agreements in the military-technical sector," the statement said.

There has been significant media speculation of late concerning possible negotiations between Moscow and Tehran on the delivery of S-300 air defense systems to the Islamic Republic, although Russia have consistently dismissed these rumors.

The advanced version of the S-300 missile system, called S-300PMU1 (SA-20 Gargoyle), has a range of over 150 kilometers (over 100 miles) and can intercept ballistic missiles and aircraft at low and high altitudes, making the system an effective tool for warding off possible air strikes.


Media reports on possible S-300 delivery to Iran have alarmed the U.S. and Israel, which have consistently refused to rule out the possibility of military action against Tehran. The systems could greatly improve Iranian defenses against any air strike on its strategically important sites, including nuclear facilities.

Iran recently took delivery of 29 Russian-made Tor-M1 air defense missile systems under a $700-million contract signed in late 2005. Russia has also trained Iranian Tor-M1 specialists, including radar operators and crew commanders. (RIA Novosti)

February 12, 2009, Paris -- On January 27, 2009, Sagem (SAFRAN Group) and the French defense procurement agency DGA successfully carried out the first firing test of the 125-kilogram version of the AASM modular air-to-ground weapon. This successful test was a major step forward in the development of the AASM family.

The AASM 125 comprises a Mk81 type 125 kg bomb, to which are attached inertial/GPS guidance and range augmentation kits. These same kits are already used on the 250-kg AASM 250 version, now in service with the French air force's Rafale fighters.

The AASM 125 expands the operational capabilities of armed forces. Its (The AASM's) precision guidance, extended range and limited effects enhance operational flexibility and applicability, especially for fire support missions near ground troops, since it limits the risk of collateral damage.

The first firing test of the AASM 125 was carried out at the DGA's missile test range in Biscarosse, from a Mirage 2000N based at the DGA's flight test center in Cazaux. The AASM 125 was fired from high altitude at a target several tens of kilometers away. It was guided toward the target solely by its own inertial navigation system. The flightpath and impact accuracy were in line with expectations.

Developed by Sagem, the AASM is a new generation of air-to-ground precision guided weapon. It comprises a guidance kit and a range augmentation kit, bringing unrivaled capabilities to conventional bombs. The AASM is also marketed by MBDA as part of its complete range of products addressing the requirements of armed forces around the world. (asd-network.com)

February 13, 2009, Bangalore, India -- Russia is ready to provide India with a total of 320 military helicopters and hopes to expand cooperation, an executive of a Russian helicopter making plant said on Friday.

"We have presented to the Indian Defense Ministry, as well as to other government agencies, our line of new models and modernized helicopters," said Igor Pshenichny, deputy general director of the Helicopters of Russia holding.

Speaking at the Aero India 2009 show, he added that his company, in conjunction with Russia's state-controlled arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, was participating in a number of tenders, in particular involving the Ka-226T multirole helicopter and the Mi-28H Night Hunter helicopter gunship.

He said the company was also in talks with the Indian Defense Ministry on the modernization of radar systems installed on Ka-31 helicopters used by the Indian Navy.

Pshenichny also said Helicopters of Russia would invest $1.5-2 million in building a helicopter maintenance and service center in northern India.(RIA Novosti)

February 13, 2009, Bangalore, India - After years of denial, a Russian defense official conceded that China had produced its own "fake" version of the Su-27SK fighter jet in violation of intellectual property agreements.

"We are in discussions with China on this issue," said Mikhail Pogosyan, first vice president on program coordination, Russian Aircraft Corp., during a press conference here at the Aero India trade show.

In 1995, China secured a production license to build 200 Su-27SKs, dubbed J-11A, for $2.5 billion for the Shenyang Aircraft Corp. The deal required the aircraft to be outfitted with Russian avionics, radars and engines. Russia cancelled the arrangement at 95 aircraft in 2006 after it discovered that China was developing an indigenous version, J-11B, with Chinese avionics and systems.

China produced six J-11B fighters for testing, but despite efforts to produce a suitable replacement for the Russian engine, the new fighter was outfitted with the same AL-31F, said Andrei Chang, a China military specialist at the Kanwa Defense Center. One J-11A was outfitted with the indigenously-built WS10A Tai Hang turbofan engine, but the J-11Bs are still using Russian AL-31Fs due to technical difficulties, Chang said.

Pogosyan and Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov traveled to Beijing in December to attend the 13th session of a Chinese-Russian joint commission on military and technical cooperation and apply pressure to Chinese officials. Ultimately, China agreed to protect intellectual property rights and stop illegally copying Russian military equipment.

"I think this was a big step to make this issue more transparent and more precise in our future discussions," said Pogosyan, who also serves as the general director of Sukhoi.

Russia fears that China would mass-produce cheaper export versions of the Su-27 for the international market, and China feared that Russia would cancel future orders for advanced arms, such as the Su-33 combat jet for China's aircraft carrier program, Chang said. Chinese violations of the end-user agreement would be particularly upsetting to Russia's long-time strategic partner India, if Pakistan buys the Chinese-built Su-27 version.

However, Pogosyan downplayed the quality of the Chinese effort, saying a copy of a copy would not be a good aircraft.

"If we speak about the copy of the airplanes, I think that in this case, the original will always be better than a slightly modified copy," he said. "The original made by the designer who developed the product is always better, and it is a better start for a new program with the original designer and developer than making a fake copy."

He said buying copies makes it difficult to overcome problems occurring during the lifetime of the aircraft, while the original developer knows from experience how to deal with these issues.

Chang does not believe China will honor the intellectual property agreement, or any agreement with Russia, and will continue to develop the J-11B as a totally indigenous aircraft. However, China will move cautiously until it secures deals for the Su-33 carrier-based fighter. China is beginning to build its first aircraft carrier and needs Russian technology and experience, Chang said. (defensenews.com)

February 14, 2009, -- The missile-firing drones that the United States uses to strike suspected insurgents in Pakistan take off and land from a base inside that country, a US senator has revealed.

Senator Dianne Feinstein,s disclosure was unusual because the US government has refused to acknowledge conducting missile strikes in Pakistan,s tribal areas, a public source of tension between the two countries.

Feinstein, who heads the Senate Intelligence Committee, noted the apparent contradiction in Islamabad,s position Thursday in a hearing with retired admiral Dennis Blair, the new director of national intelligence.

"I don,t know whether you,d care to comment on this but (I) also noticed that Mr Holbrooke in Pakistan ran into considerable concern about the use of the Predator strikes in the FATA area of Pakistan.

"And yet, as I understand it, these are flown out of a Pakistani base," she was quoted by AFP as saying.

Richard Holbrooke, the special envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan, was in Islamabad earlier this week as part of a tour of the region.

The CIA and the Pentagon refused to comment on Feinstein,s disclosure.

The missile strikes have intensified in recent months amid stepped-up US efforts to target suspected Al-Qaeda and Taliban leaders in safe havens in the tribal areas.

The missiles are believed to have killed numerous militants, including key Al-Qaeda operatives, but also have claimed civilian casualties, according to Pakistani authorities, who have vehemently protested the violation of their sovereignty.

US and Pakistani media have reported that Islamabad and Washington have a secret agreement that authorizes the strikes. (antara.co.id)

February 13, 2009 The Saab Airborne Early Warning and Control radar Erieye was officially introduced into operational service by the Hellenic Air Force today.

The ceremony, including a fly-by formation, was held at the 112 Combat Wing at the Elefsis Air Forces Base.

In 1999 Saab Microwave Systems (at that time Ericsson Microwave Systems) signed a contract with the Hellenic Armed Forces to provide four Erieye AEW&C systems with Embraer 145 aircraft as platform. The fully NATO interoperable Erieye AEW&C systems for the Hellenic Armed Forces (HAF) provide situation awareness of borders and economic zones over both land and sea. Among the comprehensive on-board systems, including data links, is an active phased array radar for long range accurate target information in large air volumes.

“This is a new and advanced system concept but built on proven subsystems from the main suppliers Embraer, Thales and Saab but it also includes co-operation with Hellenic defence industry as e. g. ISI Hellas and Intracom”, says Kenth Börjesson, Sales Director Southern Europe at Saab.

A spirit of co-operation
Formally accepting the aircraft on behalf of the Hellenic Air Forces was Lt Gen Ioannis Giagkos, Chief of the Hellenic Air Forces General Staff, at the ceremony together with Gen Dimitrios Grapsas, Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff and Gen Dimitrios Voulgaris Chief of the Hellenic Army General Staff.

“The Hellenic Air Forces has been a very demanding customer but always acted in a spirit of openness and fairness. We have listened and also taken HAF's views into account in the implementation programme. This spirit of co-operation has led to that HAF now can take into service a vital new asset in the defence of the Hellenic republic. A system that everyone that has participated in the program shall be proud of”, concludes Kenth Börjesson.

Operational in several countries
It is over 25 years ago since Saab Microwave Systems delivered the SuperGIRAFFE air defence radars in use by HAF. The recent deliveries of Erieye and also of the Arthur anti artillery radars make Greece one of Saab Microwave Systems most important customers.

Erieye is already operational in Sweden, Brazil and Mexico and has been sold to Pakistan. (defpro.com)

February 12, 2009, Bangalore -- The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile will be commissioned by the Indian air force in 2012, the head of the BrahMos Aerospace company said on Thursday.

Established in 1998, BrahMos Aerospace, a joint Indian-Russian venture, produces and markets BrahMos supersonic missiles, whose sea-based and land-based versions have been successfully tested and put into service with the Indian army and navy.

"The [BrahMos] missile will be put in service in 2012," the company's CEO, Sivathanu Pillai said, presenting the airborne version of the missile at the Aero India-2009 air show in India.

The BrahMos missile has a range of 290 km (180 miles) and can carry a conventional warhead of up to 300 kg (660 pounds). It can effectively engage ground targets from an altitude as low as 10 meters (30 feet) and has a top speed of Mach 2.8, which is about three times faster than the U.S.-made subsonic Tomahawk cruise missile.

"For the airborne version...we had to reduce the mass of the missile and to ensure aerodynamic stability after its separation from the aircraft. The air-launched platform has its own initial speed during the launch of the missile, so we have reduced the size of the booster. Now the missile is ready," Pillai told RIA Novosti in an exclusive interview last year.

The Indian Air Force had chosen Russian-made SU-30 MKI Flanker-H multirole fighter as a trial platform for the missile, but it will take up to four years to complete the upgrade of the aircraft so that it can carry and launch BrahMos missiles, the official added.

India is planning to produce at least 140 Su-30MKI fighters by 2014 under a Russian license with full technology transfer rights.

Analysts estimate that India could purchase up to 1,000 BrahMos missiles for its armed forces in the next decade, and export 2,000 to other countries during the same period.

During a visit by Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov to India last year, the two sides agreed to develop a hypersonic version of the missile, to be known as BrahMos-2. (RIA Novosti)

February 12, 2009, Bangalore -- The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile will be commissioned by the Indian air force in 2012, the head of the BrahMos Aerospace company said on Thursday.

Established in 1998, BrahMos Aerospace, a joint Indian-Russian venture, produces and markets BrahMos supersonic missiles, whose sea-based and land-based versions have been successfully tested and put into service with the Indian army and navy.

"The [BrahMos] missile will be put in service in 2012," the company's CEO, Sivathanu Pillai said, presenting the airborne version of the missile at the Aero India-2009 air show in India.

The BrahMos missile has a range of 290 km (180 miles) and can carry a conventional warhead of up to 300 kg (660 pounds). It can effectively engage ground targets from an altitude as low as 10 meters (30 feet) and has a top speed of Mach 2.8, which is about three times faster than the U.S.-made subsonic Tomahawk cruise missile.

"For the airborne version...we had to reduce the mass of the missile and to ensure aerodynamic stability after its separation from the aircraft. The air-launched platform has its own initial speed during the launch of the missile, so we have reduced the size of the booster. Now the missile is ready," Pillai told RIA Novosti in an exclusive interview last year.

The Indian Air Force had chosen Russian-made SU-30 MKI Flanker-H multirole fighter as a trial platform for the missile, but it will take up to four years to complete the upgrade of the aircraft so that it can carry and launch BrahMos missiles, the official added.

India is planning to produce at least 140 Su-30MKI fighters by 2014 under a Russian license with full technology transfer rights.

Analysts estimate that India could purchase up to 1,000 BrahMos missiles for its armed forces in the next decade, and export 2,000 to other countries during the same period.

During a visit by Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov to India last year, the two sides agreed to develop a hypersonic version of the missile, to be known as BrahMos-2. (RIA Novosti)

February 11, 2009, St. Louis -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] delivered its first EA-18G Growler maintenance trainer to Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, Wash., on Nov. 21 -- two weeks ahead of an already tight schedule.

"I'm honored to lead such a complete Integrated Product Team. As usual, they all stepped up and teamed to deliver this important Growler maintenance trainer two weeks ahead of schedule," said Capt. Darryl "Spike" Long, Aviation Training Systems program manager for the U.S. Navy.

The Navy plans to procure 88 carrier-based EA-18G airborne electronic attack (AEA) aircraft to replace the EA-6B Prowler. Boeing delivered the first fleet EA-18G and an EA-18G aircrew trainer to the Navy's Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 at Whidbey in June 2008.

The EA-18G Maintenance Trainer (EAMT) is a set of three devices used to train Navy maintenance technicians to support the EA-18G's unique systems, primarily the AEA avionics. The majority of these avionics are installed on a pallet in the gun bay and in two wingtip pods.

"With the Growler aircraft scheduled to become operational in 2009, Boeing's timely delivery of the maintenance trainer is crucial to keeping our warfighters and their aircraft safe," said Mark McGraw, vice president for Training Systems and Services, a division of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems Global Services and Support.

Two of the three EAMT devices are mockups of aircraft hardware: One represents the gun bay and pallet, and the other a wingtip pod. The mockups are used to support training on installation and removal procedures.

The third device in the set, the Visual Environment Maintenance Trainer, consists of a fully replicated cockpit, an instructor/operator station, and two touch-screen displays that provide graphical representations of the aircraft and support equipment. The student interacts with the trainer via the cockpit and displays to test and troubleshoot. The trainer simulates a variety of maintenance situations and provides realistic feedback to students' actions.(boeing.com)

PASCAGOULA, Miss., Feb. 10, 2009, PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- The Northrop Grumman Corporation-built (NYSE:NOC) amphibious assault ship Makin Island (LHD 8) returned from successful three-day builder's sea trials held in the Gulf of Mexico this week. The ship is the eighth USS Wasp (LHD 1)-class amphibious assault ship being built by the company at its Gulf Coast facilities in Pascagoula, Miss.

"We worked collaboratively with the Navy to meet our program commitments, and complete this significant milestone," said Irwin F. Edenzon, sector vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Gulf Coast. "Our shipbuilders did an outstanding job overcoming some challenges in building the nation's most sophisticated LHD to-date. We are confident the Gulf Coast team will continue the steady progress made on LHD 8, and we're on our way to a second quarter 2009 delivery."

During builder's trials, Makin Island performed all required sea trial evolutions during the three days, including the operational achievement of the first gas turbine/electric-powered propulsion system ever used on large deck amphibious assault ships. The gas turbine engines and electric drive will provide significant ship life-cycle savings in manpower and maintenance costs over previous ships.

"The Navy and industry team overcame many challenges in getting to this trial," said U.S. Navy Capt. Jeffery Riedel, program manager of Amphibious Warfare Programs for PEO Ships. "The ship performed very well. This was the first time an LHD obtained full power on both Gas Turbines and on its electric drive. I look forward to acceptance trials and delivering Makin Island to the fleet."

The Gulf Coast shipbuilding team met several other milestones paving the way for builder's sea trials including the resolution of critical electrical cabling installation issues and a significant integrated propulsion system testing program.

The Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Gulf Coast test and trials team will join U.S. Navy personnel at-sea for Makin Island acceptance trials.

The Makin Island is 844 feet long and 106 feet wide and weighs 42,800 tons. Its 70,000 horsepower hybrid propulsion system will drive it to speeds in excess of 20 knots. As a multi-purpose amphibious assault ship, it is designed to transport and land a Marine Expeditionary Unit, a force of almost 2,000 Marines, ashore by helicopter, landing craft and amphibious assault vehicle. It will also have secondary missions of sea control and power projection by helicopter and fixed-wing vertical short take-off and landing aircraft; command and control; and mission support, including a hospital with six operating rooms.

Makin Island is scheduled for commissioning at her San Diego homeport in October 2009. (Northrop Grumman)

February 11, 2009 Thales Nederland has formalised a contract with BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies Limited for two S1850M Long Range Volume Search Radars to be installed on the new aircraft carriers for the Royal Navy. The carriers are being built by the Aircraft Carrier Alliance comprising the UK Ministry of Defence, BVT Surface Fleet, Babcock Marine, BAE Systems and Thales.

The first radar system is scheduled to be delivered during 2011 and the second radar system in 2013. The scope includes minor enhancements to the earlier Type 45 design to meet the specific needs of aircraft carrier operation. (defpro.com)

February 11, 2009, Tehran -- Iran has built a long-range anti-aircraft missile system capable of intercepting and destroying multiple targets simultaneously, Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Mostafa Mohammad Najjar announced on Wednesday.

"…(Iran) has built a long-range anti-aircraft system capable of spotting, tracing, intercepting and destroying multiple targets simultaneously," Brigadier General Najjar said on the sidelines of visiting 'Inventions and Innovations Exhibition' here in Tehran.

He also reiterated the home-grown nature of the technology used for manufacturing different ground-to-ground and ground-to-air missiles in Iran, saying that all the materials and parts employed in the country's missile industries are Iranian.

Tehran launched an arms development program during the 1980-88 Iraqi imposed war on Iran, to compensate for a US weapons embargo. Since 1992, Iran has produced its own tanks, armored personnel carriers, missiles and fighter planes.

Yet, Iranian officials have always stressed that the country's military and arms programs serve defensive purposes and should not be perceived as a threat to any other country. (farsnews.com)

Capt. Jason Merrill (left) and 1st Lt. Joshua Rope perform a pre-flight inspection Feb. 3 in the cockpit of a KC-135 Stratotanker during a Red Flag exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Red Flag is a multi-national exercise providing a realistic environment to practice combat scenarios. The experience gained during the exercise is vital to the survival of air crews in combat. The two pilots are from the 905th Air Refueling Squadron at Grand Forks AFB, N.D. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nadine Y. Barclay)

February 11, 2009, Moscow -- Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) in service with the Russian Strategic Missile Forces (SMF) could be launched within a minute if Russia's security is threatened, the SMF commander has said.

"Over 6,000 servicemen are on 24/7 combat duty, and at least 96% of all missile systems are ready for deployment within several dozen seconds. It is the highest readiness level among the components of the Russian nuclear triad," Col. Gen. Nikolai Solovtsov said in an interview published on Wednesday by the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper.

At present, six types of silo-based and mobile ICBM systems of the fourth and the fifth generation, including the heavy Voyevoda (SS-18 Satan), capable of carrying 10 warheads, and the Topol-M (Stalin) systems, are on combat duty with the SMF.

According to open sources, the total arsenal of Russia's SMF comprises 538 ICBMs, including 306 SS-25 Topol (Sickle) missiles and 56 SS-27 Topol-M missiles.

"The fifth regiment at the Tatishchevo Missile Division, which is armed with silo-based Topol-M complexes, was fully staffed in 2008, and there are now 50 silo-based Topol-M systems on combat duty," the general said.

The first two Topol-M mobile missile battalions, equipped with six road-mobile systems, have already been put on combat duty with the 54th Strategic Missile Division near the town of Teikovo, about 150 miles (240 km) northeast of Moscow.

The deployment will continue in 2009 and the division will be up to full strength by 2010, Solovtsov said.

The Topol-M missile, with a range of about 7,000 miles (11,000 km), is said to be immune to any current and future U.S. missile defenses. It is capable of making evasive maneuvers to avoid a kill using terminal phase interceptors, and carries targeting countermeasures and decoys.

It is also shielded against radiation, electromagnetic pulses and nuclear blasts, and is designed to survive a hit from any known form of laser technology.

Solovtsov also said that in 2009 the SMF would start bringing into service systems equipped with new-generation (RS-24) intercontinental ballistic missiles, bearing multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) warheads.

"Making this missile system operational will help bolster the SMF's combat capabilities to overpower missile defense systems, thus strengthening the nuclear deterrence potential of the Russian nuclear triad," Solovtsov said.(RIA Novosti)

February 9, 2009, Moscow -- Russia's Sukhoi aircraft maker opened on Monday a representative office in the capital of India, New Delhi, the company's press service said in a statement.

Sukhoi, which is part of Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), is the manufacturer of the famed Su family of combat aircraft, as well as the new Superjet-100 passenger airliners.

The Sukhoi office will support sales and maintenance of the aircraft delivered to India, and facilitate contacts with local authorities and companies, the statement said.

The Indian Air Force, after years of negotiations, purchased 50 Su-30 aircraft in 1996 and acquired the license from Sukhoi and Russia to manufacture an additional 140 Su-30MKI aircraft. Currently 116 Sukhoi-30MKI are in service.

Russia earlier said it had started talks with Indian firms on the delivery of SuperJet-100 passenger airliners and other civil aircraft to the country.

"The Indian civil aviation market is very attractive. It is very dynamic and has great potential," said Alexei Fyodorov, UAC's general director at a recent meeting of the Russian-Indian intergovernmental commission on military-technical cooperation. (RIA Novosti)

February 8, 2009, Ukraine has presented its An-74 multipurpose aircraft at an international tender to supply aircraft to India's coast guard, the chief designer of Antonov Design Bureau Dmytro Kiva has said.

He was speaking at a meeting on financial support for the Kharkiv State Aircraft Manufacturing Company, which manufactures the An-74. As Interfax-Ukraine learned from an informed source in the aircraft industry, Ukraine is participating in the tender in cooperation with Sweden, Germany and India. The European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS), Israel, Canada and Russia are taking part in the tender as well.

Apart from this, the Antonov Design Bureau and the French company Thales jointly presented a modernized version of An-74 plane at a tender to supply patrol planes to the Indian navy.

According to the source, the results of both tenders may be announced in the middle of 2009. The overall volume of An-74 supplies to Indian defense structures may exceed 20 aircraft.(india-defence.com)

February 8, 2009, Sri Lanka Navy destroyed two low profile LTTE boats in the Northern seas 10 Nautical Miles north east of Mulathivu today, 08 February, around 3.00 AM.

Sri Lanka Navy's Fast Attack Craft deployed in the inner barrier in the surveillance and patrolling in the North - eastern seas, intercepted two low profile LTTE boats launched from Palamaththalan, Mullattivu and destroyed them completely directing heavy gun fire.

Subsequently, two bodies of LTTE cadres were recovered and 06 other LTTE cadres believed to be killed due to the attack.

Sri Lanka Navy maintains continuous naval surveillance and patrolling in the North - eastern seas Naval fortifications have been tightened with four (04) defence barriers consisting of Fast Attack Craft (FACs), Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), Gun Boats, the Rapid action boat squadron (RABS) and the Special Boat Squadron (SBS) to cut off the escape of LTTE cadres by sea and to prevent the unloading of warlike materials on the North - eastern coast. (defence.lk)

February 7, 2009, Tehran -- Iranian Air force Commander Brigadier General Hassan Shahsafi said that enemies felt frightened after Iranian Air Force fighters forced several alien planes to land in Iran last year.

"Forcing aggressive planes during this (Iranian) year (ending on March 20) caused deep fright in the heart of the sworn enemies of the (Iran's) revolution," Shahsafi said, addressing a large and fervent congregation of worshippers on Tehran University Campus here on Friday.

In October, Iranian Air Force fighters forced a NATO Falcon to land after the jet violated Iran's airspace.

The NATO jet had entered Iranian airspace from Turkey despite repeated warnings by the Islamic Republic Air Force.

Also later in October, Iranian warplanes forced a Belarusian fighter jet to land for interrogations after the plane violated the country's airspace.

In both cases Iranian authorities allowed the planes to continue their path as interrogations revealed that the pilots had violated Iranian airspace unintentionally.

The commander further noted the successes made by the Iranian air force following the Islamic Revolution, and announced, "Training the needed specialists at Sattari training center, manufacturing the most sensitive aircraft equipment, manufacturing Tondar, Azarakhsh and Saeqeh fighter-bombers are among the achievements of the Iranian air force after the Revolution."

He also referred to optimization of different types of weapons, including surface-to-surface, air-to-surface and air-to-air missiles, production of different types of explosives and long-range flights and fighter-to-fighter fueling as among the other achievements of the force. (farsnews.com)

February 7, 2009, Thailand -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) arrived off the coast of Thailand on Feb. 7 to participate in exercise Cobra Gold 2009 (CG 09).

Cobra Gold is a regularly scheduled multi-national exercise hosted annually by the Kingdom of Thailand. CG 09 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises designed to promote regional peace and security.

"Working with our long-time friend and ally Thailand is always one of the highlights of our spring patrol," said Essex Commanding Officer Capt. Brent Canady.
"Cobra Gold provides a great opportunity for all nations involved to improve our interoperability."

Essex is operating with the dock landing ships USS Tortuga (LSD 46) and USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), and the guided missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63), along with military personnel representing Thailand, Singapore, Japan and Indonesia. The exercise will demonstrate the ability to deploy a Joint Task Force (JTF) rapidly to conduct joint/combined operations, transition of authority with a United Nations Force, and a field training exercise.

During the exercise, Essex will conduct naval maneuvers with the Royal Thai Navy. Essex Sailors will also participate in a community relations project. Activities will include minor repair work, painting and spending personal time with children.

Essex is commanded by Capt. Brent Canady and is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Expeditionary Strike Group and serves as the flagship for Commander Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. CTF 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with a detachment in Sasebo, Japan. (edited @navy.mil)

February 8, 2009, Kaliningrad -- The Russian missile frigate Neustrashimy, which took part in the anti-pirate operations in the Gulf of Aden, returned to its home port of Baltiysk on Sunday.

The Pacific Fleet's Admiral Vinogradov destroyer replaced the Baltic Fleet frigate in the Gulf of Aden in January and is now escorting civilian vessels through areas where Somali pirates are active.

The Neustrashimy was met in the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad by Governor Georgy Boos, Baltic Fleet Commander Viktor Mardusin and government officials from Moscow and St. Petersburg.

The Neustrashimy entered service 16 years ago and since last September has been on duty in the Mediterranean and Red seas, escorting over 50 commercial vessels through the Gulf of Aden since joining international anti-pirate operations off the coast of Somali in late October.

It is the only Project 1154 Yastreb class missile frigate in active service with the Russian Navy to have been built before the collapse of the Soviet Union. It is designed as a general purpose ASW ship to follow on from the Krivak class frigates and incorporates some stealth technology.

The Neustrashimy's armament includes SS-N-25 Switchblade anti-ship missiles, SA-N-9 Gauntlet SAM, a 100-mm gun, torpedoes and depth charges. The frigate also carries a Ka-27 ASW helicopter. (RIA Novosti)

February 7, 2009, Warsaw -- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk will discuss the U.S. missile defense shield planned for Central Europe with Vice President Joe Biden during a meeting at a security conference in Germany on Saturday.

Tusk told journalists in Warsaw before leaving for the 45th Munich Conference on Security Policy that the controversial missile shield - opposed by Russia as a threat to its national security - would be one of the main topics he would discuss with Biden.

"We are a very honest partner of the United States, and if we agree something with the Americans we always keep our word," he said at a news briefing. "We are ready to participate in this project, but the decision, of course, is with the American side."

Moscow has strongly opposed U.S. plans to deploy 10 interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar in the Czech Republic by 2013 as a threat to its security and nuclear deterrent. Washington says the defenses are needed to deter possible strikes from "rogue states" such as Iran.

President Dmitry Medvedev threatened in November to retaliate if the plans go ahead by deploying Iskander-M missiles in the country's westernmost exclave of Kaliningrad, which borders NATO members Poland and Lithuania.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov told the Munich conference on Friday that Moscow would not deploy Iskander missile systems in the Kaliningrad Region if Washington gave up its missile shield plans.

Medvedev "from the very start said clearly" that if "there are no interceptors in Poland and the Czech Republic ... there will be no Iskanders in Kaliningrad," he said.

Top Russian officials have repeatedly expressed hopes that President Barrack Obama will step back from deploying the system, which the George W. Bush administration worked hard to get agreement on with Poland and the Czech Republic. (RIA Novosti)

February 7, 2009, Washington -- The U.S. Air Force has ordered 15 C-17 military transport planes from U.S. manufacturer Boeing valued at $2.9 billion, the Pentagon announced Feb. 6.

"The Air Force is awarding a firm fixed price contract to McDonnell Douglas Corporation of Long Beach, California, for an amount not to exceed $2.95 billion ... for the procurement of 15 C-17 aircraft," the Department of Defense said in a statement.

The contract revives the fortunes of the C-17, the heart of the U.S. Air Force's fleet of long-range transport planes.

Boeing had been on the verge of scrapping C-17 production in 2006 when orders for the plane dried up. (defensenews.com)

February 7, 2009, Bangalore -- BAE Systems will have its biggest-ever presence at Aero India 2009 with the British aero major launching its newly developed autonomous air vehicle, Mantis.

for the first time at an international air show. This is significant as ADA India is heavily into UAVs with the launch of its indigenous Nishanth.

BAE Systems' theme for the event is `Autonomy - specifically autonomous air vehicles'. Apart from Mantis, the new autonomous Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) being developed by BAE Systems, Herti, another UAV, will hold pride of place outside the BAE Systems pavilion.

Defence experts point out: "India has already gone in for the Hawk from BAE. An UAV like Mantis would be very useful in terms of technologies that we can learn. While Nishanth is good, we hear Mantis is highly sophisticated. There is a good chance that we can collaborate with BAE on UAVs."

With an entire pavilion for itself, BAE Systems will be displaying products from across our aerospace capabilities, including the Typhoon and Hawk. There will be products not displayed in India before, such as special seating for helicopters that protect aircrew from spinal injuries in crashes and hard landing -- the leading cause of injury to heli pilots.

The Mantis itself is a technology demonstrator programme and brings together technologies, capabilities and systems that will demonstrate the potential of a large unmanned autonomous aircraft.

Phase one of the programme will see BAE Systems working alongside the UK MoD and industrial parties, including Rolls-Royce, QinetiQ, GE Aviation, SELEX Galileo and Meggitt.

Mark Kane, managing director of autonomous systems and future capability at BAE Systems, said: "Mantis is another important step forward in the development of UAS capabilities. The aim is to prove that the integrated technologies on Mantis, that build on several years of autonomous UAS experience within BAE Systems and the wider UK industry, can provide the tangible military capability and levels of performance required for the future." (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)