F/A-18F Super Hornets will join Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom

Air Force multi-role F/A-18F Super Hornets, Navy guided-missile frigates and a Collins class submarine will join the armed forces of Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom in a major military exercise designed to enhance regional security.

The exercise called BERSAMA SHIELD 2011 (BS11) will bring together the member countries of the Five Power Defence Arrangement (FPDA) as they exercise in various locations on the Malaysian Peninsula and in the South China Sea between 2 and 13 May.

DIAGNOSTIC REVIEW OF MRH-90 MULTI ROLE HELICOPTER PROGRAM

A full diagnostic review of the MRH-90 Multi Role Helicopter Program has now been completed.

The review was ordered in February by the Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and the Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare to address delays to the project.

It was chaired by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Defence Materiel Organisation Mr Warren King supported by a number of independent specialists.

The review has recommended that the project should not be added to the Project of Concern list at this time.

New attack on Pakistan navy kills five

A bomb ripped through a Pakistani bus in Karachi on Thursday, killing four naval personnel and a passing motorcyclist in the third attack on navy transport this week in the country's biggest city.

A dozen people were wounded in the attack claimed by the Taliban in Pakistan's politically tense economic capital and southern port, where NATO ships supplies to the 130,000 US-led troops fighting in Afghanistan.

Two other navy buses were bombed on Tuesday, dealing a blow to the military just days after Pakistan's army chief General Ashfaq Kayani claimed his forces had "broken the back" of Taliban and Al-Qaeda-linked militants.

"Now a total of four of our employees -- all sailors -- have been martyred in the attack on our bus, while seven others are injured," spokesman Commander Salman Ali told AFP. Four other navy personnel died on Tuesday.

The navy said the bomb was planted in a manhole. The explosives tore through sign boards, a fuel station and parked cars, and rescue workers were afterwards seen covering bodies with white sheets.

Indian shipyard joins UK firm to build aircraft carriers for Navy

MUMBAI (BNS): A private sector Indian shipyard on Thursday announced that it has joined hands with a British firm to build aircraft carriers for the Indian Navy.

Mumbai-based Pipavav Shipyard said that it has tied up with UK’s Babcock group to build aircraft carriers for the Navy.

“This is an important milestone in Pipavav Shipyard’s efforts to become a major player in the Defence sector,” the shipyard said in its filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange. 

“This event is likely to eliminate necessity to import large battle ships such as aircraft carrier in the future,” it said. 

The Babcock group is Britain’s leading naval support company. It is involved in building next generation aircraft carriers and managing naval bases. It also undertakes refitting, refuelling and decommissioning of submarines, maintaining and refitting of warships and providing equipment support on behalf of the UK government.

Russia successfully test-launches RSM-54 Sineva ICBM

MOSCOW (BNS): The Russian military has successfully test launched a Sineva ballistic missile from a Delta-IV class submarine in the Arctic, theRIA Novosti quoted a defence ministry spokesman as saying.

"The launch was carried out from underwater in the Barents Sea from the Yekaterinburg nuclear submarine. At the expected hour, the payload of the Sineva missile arrived at the Kura range in Kamchatka in Russia's Far East," Col. Igor Konashenkov, was quoted as saying in the media reports.

The RSM-54 Sineva is a third-generation liquid-propellant ICBM that entered service with the Russian Navy in July 2007. It can carry four to 10 nuclear warheads, depending on the modification.

"The launch was designed to test the reliability of Russian marine strategic nuclear forces," Konashenkov added.

The last successful launch of a Sineva missile was completed on October 28, 2010, also from the Barents Sea.

South Korean Navy to launch new frigate

SEOUL (BNS): South Korea will launch a new frigate armed with guided missiles and a high-tech radar system this week, according to a report.

The launch ceremony for the new frigate ‘Incheon’ named after a South Korean western port city will be held on Friday at a shipyard of Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, a Yonhap report quoting navy officials said.

This will be first of the 20 frigates to be built by 2020 under a naval buildup project ‘FFX.’ The new frigate will be put into service in mid-2013, the report said.

The 2,300-ton frigate will be equipped with Raytheon’s Phalanx Close-in Weapon System. The rapid-fire, computer-controlled radar and 20-mm gun system is designed to shoot down anti-ship cruise missiles and helicopters at short range.

The 114-meter long frigate can carry an anti-submarine helicopter and guided weapons, including homegrown anti-submarine Cheonsangeo (Blue Shark) torpedoes, it said.

Boeing delivers 500th Super Hornet/Growler

ST. LOUIS (BNS): Boeing has delivered 500th F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and derivative EA-18G Growlers to the US Navy.

The US Navy and Boeing hosted an event Thursday to celebrate the milestone of delivering 500 F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and derivative EA-18G Growlers to the US Navy. Each of the 500 aircraft has been delivered to the Navy on cost and ahead of schedule, Boeing said.

The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a multirole aircraft able to perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum and EA-18G Growler - the only air combat platform that delivers full-spectrum airborne electronic attack (AEA) capability along with the targeting and self-defense capabilities derived from the Block II Super Hornet, a company statement said. 

A derivative of the two-seat F/A-18F Block II, the EA-18G's highly flexible design enables warfighters to operate either from the deck of an aircraft carrier or from land-based airfields. It is replacing the Navy's current AEA platform, the EA-6B Prowler, which has been in service since 1971. 

"The Super Hornet and Growler, both combat-deployed, have continuously increased capability for the warfighter while reducing cost for the Navy and the taxpayer," F/A-18 and EA-18 Programs Vice President Kory Mathews said at the ceremony.

"Boeing has delivered every F/A-18E/F and EA-18G to the US Navy on budget and ahead of schedule," he said.

The F/A-18E/F and EA-18G will operate from US Navy aircraft carriers through 2035.

Boeing is on contract to deliver 24 two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornets to the Royal Australian Air Force. The Super Hornet also is a competitor in ongoing fighter competitions in India, Malaysia, Brazil and Japan.

Source : http://www.brahmand.com

Black Sea Fleet prepares for a fire-risky season

In accordance with the resolution of Russian Fire Prevention Committee, Black Sea Fleet (BSF) conducted scheduled qualification fire drills.Photo: Black Sea Fleet Information Support Group

The drills' purpose is to determine practical personnel readiness and equipment capabilities to protect military assets from mass fires in prairies and forests, and to practice emergency activities during spring/summer fire hazardous season. Standard firefighting units of BSF units and organizations were involved in the drills. Specific attention was given to firefighters of the fleet's arsenals and ammo storage depots. 

According to Chief of BSF Fire Dept Major Denis Perepelitsa, the first phase of the drills showed that all units commanders used responsible approach in fire prevention activities, basing on past years' experience. BSF continues to improve its fire security system.

China’s Aircraft Carrier: Some Observations from India

If international relations are driven by perceptions of relative strengths and weaknesses, then power projection matters the most. Power, as understood in modern statecraft, is contingent on a country’s willingness to project its capacity if not its intent. China’s initial testing of its stealth aircraft J20 in January 2011 and the recent showcasing of its aircraft carrier – formerly the Varyag and now Shi Lang – signify its growing military capability.

In late 2008, Chinese officials had stated that aircraft carriers reflected a nation's comprehensive power. Thus, China’s intentions in developing this vital strategic asset are amply clear. For some time now, China has been working towards developing a blue water navy with the strategic vision of  "safeguarding territory, development of national economy and overseas interests.” Recent developments testify to the fact that China sees the need to project and protect its interest beyond its coastal Exclusive Economic Zone. The first aircraft carrier will be a treated as a learning curve; China will induct indigenous carriers into the PLA navy (PLAN) between 2015 and 2020.The first part of this commentary focuses on the present status of China’s first carrier and the phases of carrier introduction into the PLA navy. The second part identifies the drivers behind the PLAN's carrier programme and the influence that a carrier force can provide in various maritime areas.

See Detail

Aegis Combat System Installed on Two New US Navy Destroyers

The U.S. Navy, supported by Lockheed Martin, has installed the Aegis Combat System aboard two new Navy destroyers, USS Gravely (DDG 107) and USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109).

The Aegis Combat Systems aboard the ships have also been certified as fully operational through the tests known as Combat Systems Ship Qualification Trials.

During the trials, the ships' Aegis Combat Systems were evaluated for combat-readiness through comprehensive surface, subsurface and anti-air warfare exercises. These included manned raids and electronic attack scenarios, as well as thorough testing of the systems' tactical data link and air defense capabilities.

"The Aegis systems installed on these two ships represent continued improvements to what is a very agile and capable Aegis system," said Carmen Valentino, Lockheed Martin's vice president of Future Surface Combat systems. "Our Aegis team has successfully delivered 15 technological evolutions to the Navy, taking the Aegis combat system from an anti-ship missile system to the basis for the U.S. approach to global missile defense."

US Navy completes third F-35B STOVL mode flight

PATUXENT RIVER (BNS): US Marine has successfully tested the first flight of F-35B test aircraft BF-4 in short takeoff, vertical landing (STOVL) mode.

The test was done by test pilot Lt. Col. Fred "Tinman" Schenk over the Atlantic test range near Naval Air Station Patuxent River.

The flight marks growing maturity of STOVL flight with the third F-35B aircraft at NAS Patuxent River performing STOVL test missions. BF-4 is also the only mission systems test aircraft flying Block 1.0 software to fly in STOVL mode. 

The F-35B STOVL variant and F-35C carrier variant are undergoing test and evaluation at NAS Patuxent River prior to delivery to the fleet.

Black Sea Fleet holds type training

Black Sea Fleet (BSF) conducts tactical exercise of type divisions with combat firing drills. At present, Guard missile cruiser Moskva, large ASW ship Kerch, and frigate Pytlivy perform training tasks at sea. The crews have practiced joint maneuvering and organization of defense while anchorage at unprotected harbor. 

Ships of Black Sea Fleet ASW Brigade have successfully performed artillery firing upon sea, air, and coastal targets. Later on, cruiser Moskva will conduct antiaircraft missile firing drill. 

In parallel with tactical exercise of BSF Missile Boat Brigade, qualification drills of missile boat/ship divisions have been finished. They were attended by air-cushion missile ship Samum, small missile ship Mirazh, missile boats Ivanovets, R-239, and R-60. Ships and boats carried out gun firings at aerial targets and a dummy sea target. Also, they practiced jamming and missile strike upon surface target. 

BSF submarine Alrosa is to conduct combat training elements as well. Along with passing qualification drills, the sub's crew prepares for participation in the Bold Monarch international search-and-rescue exercise to be held in the Mediterranean Sea.

Chinese Varyag Aircraft Carrier Due to Sail Soon

After nearly nine years of refurbishing work, the ex-Russian aircraft carrier Shilang will soon be carrying out her sea trials for the Chinese Navy. Originally built in a Ukrainian shipyard as a member of the Project 1143.5 class named Varyag, the carrier was purchased as a derelict hulk in 1998 for about $20 million. The carrier is now named in honor of the Qing Dynasty admiral who conquered what is now known as Taiwan in 1681. There probably is a message in that.

The entry to service of the Shilang will mark a major change in the operational profile of the Chinese People's Liberation Forces Navy. This profile will take some time to mature, because Chinese pilots have no experience taking off from and landing aircraft on carriers and will require several years of at-sea experience before they become fully capable of routine operations. However, one carrier does not make for a convincing capability, so it is unlikely the Shilang will be the last of her kind.

DCNS Begins Sea Trials of First-of-Class FREMM Frigate Aquitaine

One month early, DCNS begins the sea trials of the Aquitaine, the first ship built under the FREMM multimission frigate programme. The campaign takes place off the Brittany peninsula and is expected to last several weeks including return trips to DCNS’s shipyard. Delivery to the French Navy is scheduled for 2012.

The joint crew comprising French Navy personnel, customer representatives and employees of DCNS and its partners will demonstrate the ship’s seakeeping and other nautical qualities as well as the performance of the propulsion and navigation systems.

“These trials represent the culmination of the combined efforts of many people working towards common goals, including teams employed by DCNS and its partners and suppliers, the trials crews and customer representatives,” commented FREMM programme manager Vincent Martinot-Lagarde.

See Detail

US Navy EP-3E Spiral 3 Spy Plane Moves into Production

L-3 Communications announced today that its Platform Integration division has been approved to begin low-rate initial production (LRIP) of the U.S. Navy’s EP-3E Spiral 3-configured aircraft, featuring an upgraded intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) mission avionics suite. Under the LRIP program, L-3 will manufacture and install this new capability on three EP-3E aircraft.

The successful completion of developmental testing using the L-3-modified prototype EP-3E Spiral 3-configured aircraft provided the basis for the Navy’s LRIP decision. The operational test phase of this project is currently underway, after which a full-rate production decision will be made regarding the modifications of the remaining aircraft in the EP-3E fleet to the Spiral 3 configuration.

S Korea, US to hold military drill: reports

SEOUL (AFP): South Korean and US troops will carry out an anti-invasion drill on a frontline island next month in response to North Korea's construction of a hovercraft base, news reports said Saturday. 

A US military spokesman said he had no information but, if confirmed, it would be the first time the two allies have conducted a joint exercise on Baengnyeong island, near the disputed sea border in the Yellow Sea. 

The reports came as US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton headed to South Korea for talks with President Lee Myung-Bak. 

SBS TV and Chosun daily said special troops from the two allies will conduct the drill around the middle of next month. 

An unidentified military source was quoted by Chosun as saying a hovercraft base at Goampo on the North's southwestern coast was expected to be completed in June.

Role of war correspondents highlighted

THE story of war – as told through the eyes of the men and women reporting from the front line comes under the spotlight in a unique exhibition opening in Manchester next month.

‘War Correspondent – Reporting Under Fire Since 1914’ is the first major exhibition on the role of journalists who’ve put their lives on the line alongside soldiers, sailors and airmen from the Somme and Passchendaele to the Falklands, Gulf and Afghanistan.

The Imperial War Museum North is focusing in particular on the works of 12 famous correspondents –

their reports (the printed word, radio reports and TV broadcasts), their equipment, clothing (including Martin Bell’s trademark white suit), their brushes with death (such as the bullet which injured Kate Adie in the Lebanon).

Korean Navy Adds Schilling Robotics New HD System

Schilling Robotics, LLC, experts in subsea systems, announced today the order for a new 150hp, 3,000m rated HD ROV system from GMB USA, Inc. for delivery to the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy.

This order reflects the expansion of the ROK Navy’s salvage and rescue operations. The exceptional performance, reliability, and configurability of the HD results in an ideal solution for such applications.

“The HD has been designed to be a compact, yet powerful and flexible system that can be configured for a variety of market applications,” said Tyler Schilling, chief executive officer for Schilling Robotics. “We are very pleased that the ROK Navy has selected Schilling Robotics for their expansion program.”

First Chinese carrier would possibly join Southern Fleet

The first Chinese aircraft carrier most likely will be commissioned into China's Southern Fleet which is responsible for the South China Sea, reported Chinese news agencies referring to ex-director of Taiwanese Navy's intelligence department. 

"First carrier can join Southern Fleet", stated the expert. As for the Taiwanese expert, with acquiring a capable aircraft carrier Chinese Navy would have an opportunity not only to operate in the Taiwan Strait but to attack poorly-defended east coast of the island. On the other hand, it is still uncertain when the Chinese carrier would become operable, pointed out the expert. 

China's official media sources have recently started to publish photos of the first national aircraft carrier, which had not been officially recognized before

Read more

Taiwan inaugurates missile ships amid buildup vow

SUAO, April 7, 2011 (AFP) - Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou inaugurated a squadron of missile boats Thursday as he pledged to continue the island's military buildup to offset the perceived military threat from China.

The fleet of 10 locally manufactured missile boats joined the navy following a ceremony presided over by Ma at the northeastern naval base in Suao.

Ma, the initiator of detente with the island's giant neighbour, said tensions with the mainland have eased significantly since he came to power in 2008 but insisted Taiwan needed a deterrent against Beijing which claims the island as part of its territory.

"Unlike the Korean Peninsula where tensions have been escalating, ties across the Taiwan Strait have improved significantly since I took the office nearly three years ago," he said.

N Korea deploys new submarine in naval drills

SEOUL (BNS): North Korea has deployed a new submarine during naval drills near its bases off the East Sea and Yellow Sea.

According to a Yonhap report, North Korea is carrying out naval exercise by mobilizing five to six submarines, including a new Sango class submarine.

The North recently put the new 40-meter-long Sango submarines into service in addition to its 35-meter-long Sango class submarines, the report said.

Tension has remained high between North Korea and South Korea following the North's two deadly military attacks last year in which 50 South Koreans were killed.

Reports said the South is strengthening its military near the sea borders with North Korea to counter any possible attacks from there.

Source : http://www.brahmand.com

SEA KING Helicopter drops into Wesley

Wesley College in South Perth just about came to a standstill on Wednesday morning when Wesley Old Boy, Sands Skinner, returned to his old school by dropping onto the oval in a Royal Australian Navy Sea King helicopter!

If this helicopter could talk, it would have a lot of stories to tell from its thirty odd year history. It has been deployed to just about every area of confrontation in the world, as well as rescue efforts in the recent Queensland floods.

This visit also afforded Wesley Chaplain, Reverend Allan Mackenzie, an opportunity to get back into the helicopter’s pilot seat, albeit on the ground. In 1971 and 1972 Reverend Mackenzie served in 817 Squadron operating from HMAS Melbourne (II) when he was seconded from the Royal Navy.