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UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO
EUROPE
18 Sept. 24. Estonia seeks battlefield decoys to sponge up Russian missiles. Estonia has launched a competition to procure decoy equipment for luring enemy forces into attacks, the latest in a line of Tallinn’s defense investments animated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Estonian Center for Defense Investments, the procurement arm for the military, published tender documents in mid-September inviting bids for mock-up platforms by the end of the month. Tallinn expects to spend $10m on the purchase.
Officials are looking for models of real weapon systems, ammunition as well as communication and radar equipment, complete with training for setting up and maintaining the decoys, according to the notice.
No further details given regarding the specific types of decoys Estonia is looking for or which branches of its military will utilize them.
Estonian officials have been among the most adamant European NATO members in saying that Russian aspirations to seize territory could extend well beyond Ukraine.
In a recent interview with the Spanish national newspaper El Pais, Col. Mati Tikerpuu, the commander of one of the two brigades of the Estonian Army, said Tallinn “would be able to resist an invasion for a couple of weeks” before alliance reinforcements arrived.
Since the 2023 NATO summit in Vilnius, the Baltic states – Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia – have unveiled a series of plans to step up the protection of the region, given its proximity to Russian territory.
These have included the planned construction of a “drone wall” to defend against Moscow, in cooperation with Poland, Finland and Norway. Additionally, Estonia is in the process of building a fence along its 294 kilometers border with Russia that will be equipped with cameras and radars. Ukraine has made use of a variety of fake military equipment since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense News)
19 Sept. 24. Greece plans to buy fourth frigate, cruise missiles from France. Greece will start negotiations to buy a fourth Belharra frigate from France to strengthen its navy as it recovers from a decade-long debt crisis, the country’s defence minister said on Thursday.
Greece agreed in 2021 to get three new Belharra frigates for 3.0bn euros ($3.34bn), with an option for one more, as it aims to replace old units that have operated for more than 30 years in its navy.
“I am pleased to announce today Greece’s intention to start negotiations to acquire one more frigate, the fourth of the same type,” Nikos Dendias said at Lorian shipyards in France, without giving more details.
Dendias was speaking at a launch ceremony for the second French frigate. He added that three of the four Belharra will be able to carry “Scalp Naval” cruise missiles with a range of up to 1,000 kilometres (621.37 miles).
Athens has drawn up a multi-bn, 10-year purchasing plan that includes acquiring up to 40 new F-35 fighter jets from the U.S. and also Rafale jets from France.
Its defence issues include its disagreement with NATO ally Turkey. The countries have long been at odds over issues including where their continental shelves start and end, energy resources, flights over the Aegean, and the ethnically partitioned island of Cyprus.
On Wednesday, officials told Reuters Greece planned to buy Switchblade drones from the United States, a type of weapon complement to the Spike anti-tank missiles Athens plans to send to its islands in the Aegean Sea.
“They will contribute to the creation of a rocket wall in the Aegean,” Dendias said. (Source: Google/Reuters)
17 Sept. 24. Austria flaunts air power, considers purchasing new trainer jets. Austria is trying to decide on a successor for its recently retired fleet of jet trainers. A leading contender showed off its aerobatic skills at the Airpower show at the Zeltweg air base this month, reinvigorating speculation on whether Vienna will turn to Czechia or Italy for a purchase.
Austria decided in recent years to withdraw its fleet of Saab 105 OE jet trainers — a variant purpose-built for the country by the Swedish manufacturer — after five decades in service. A plan for a replacement was not initially announced.
But in the past year, the tune has changed, with the country’s military leadership suggesting that plans were being prepared to find a successor after all. Last month, Austrian defense minister Klaudia Tanner said she had received an “interesting” proposal from her Italian counterparts for the joint procurement of the Leonardo M-346 advanced jet trainer.
Under Tanner, the country’s defense forces have gone on a spending spree, procuring new helicopters, aircraft, land vehicles and air defense systems.
This latest possible purchase would fit into the recent trend of Austria buying expensive new military equipment in cooperation with other countries.
Vienna has taken a similar route in getting a successor for its C-130 Hercules large, fixed-wing transport aircraft in the form of the Brazilian C-390, bought together with the Netherlands. Similarly, 18 Leonardo AW169 helicopters are being procured jointly with Italy to replace the ancient Alouette III, which has been in service since 1967.
The M-346 played a prominent role at this year’s Airpower show, where the Italian Air Force presented the jet’s aerobatic abilities to an audience of up to 250,000 people, including representatives from Austria’s military.
Austrian pilots are already familiar with the aircraft type. Since the retirement of the Saab 105, the country’s pilots have been training on the Leonardo jet at the International Flight Training School in Sardinia, Italy.
Other training has taken place on the Eurofighter, a costly endeavor and likely driving force behind the decision to buy new dedicated trainers. In early September, the Vermont Air National Guard temporarily moved four F-35 fighters to Zeltweg to train with their Austrian counterparts through the State Partnership Program.
While the M-346 appears to be the frontrunner, officials have yet to announce a decision. Its main competitor seems to be the Czech-origin Aero L-39NG. The jet appeared in the static display at the previous Airpower show in 2022, where Filip Kulštrunk, a company vice president, pitched directly to Austrian decision-makers.
“In the case of Austria, the Czech Ministry of Defense fully supports the project and offers full government-to-government sale,” he said.
There was also talk of involving Austrian companies directly in the manufacturing process, forging longer-term industrial cooperation between the countries. Kulštrunk further relayed that Czechia was open to joint pilot training, “therefore sharing logistics and operational costs.”
Austria’s armed forces, particularly its air force, have long been plagued by insufficient funding. Cost considerations have been a driving factor behind the recently favored model of joint procurements under Defense Minister Tanner.
Similarly, budgetary constraints are also exerting pressure on its fleet of 15 Eurofighter Typhoon jets. In 2017, the country announced it would phase out older versions by 2020, though those plans appear to have been dropped indefinitely. Intermittently, there were media reports that the country might be unable to afford flying all 15 jets at once.
Last year, the government announced a €1.6bn ($1.77bn) upgrade package, which includes procuring new jet trainers and upgrading the Eurofighter fleet. (Source: Defense News)
17 Sept. 24. Italy announced its intentions to acquire Typhoons and 25 F-35s. Italy is gearing up to boost its air force’s might and efficiency by acquiring more fighters. U.S. reports highlight that owing to Rome’s beefed-up defense budget, 25 new F-35 stealth fighters and additional Eurofighter Typhoons are on the cards.
As reported by Defense News, Italian defense procurement spending is surging by 16.8% this year to reach €9.3 bn [around $10.3 bn]. A newly unveiled budget document sheds light on Italy’s 2024 defense expenditure and projections for 2025 and 2026. This document confirms a fresh F-35 order this year, supplementing Italy’s previously planned purchase of 90 jets.
As of 2024, the Italian Air Force boasts a fleet of 90 F-35 fighter jets. These jets play a crucial role in bolstering Italy’s aerial capabilities. The fleet comprises both the F-35A, known for its conventional takeoff and landing, and the F-35B, which excels in short takeoff and vertical landing missions.
The journey to acquire these advanced aircraft began in 2009, with the first F-35s touching down in 2015. Deliveries continue, aligning with Italy’s updated procurement strategy aimed at expanding the fleet by 2035. This strategic move ensures that the Italian Air Force remains equipped with a cutting-edge aerial force, ready to meet both current and future operational needs.
The F-35 Lightning II, created by Lockheed Martin, comes in three distinct variants: the F-35A [conventional takeoff and landing], the F-35B [short takeoff and vertical landing], and the F-35C [carrier-based]. It can soar at a maximum speed of about Mach 1.6, has a combat radius of roughly 1,380 miles [2,220 kilometers], and reaches a service ceiling of 50,000 feet [15,240 meters].
Featuring advanced sensor systems, such as the AN/APG-81 AESA radar, the F-35 excels in situational awareness and target tracking. Its stealthy design significantly reduces its radar cross-section, enabling it to perform effectively in high-threat environments.
The fighter’s arsenal is versatile and capable of carrying both internal and external munitions with an impressive payload capacity of around 18,000 pounds [8,164 kilograms]. Beyond its firepower, the F-35 boasts cutting-edge electronic warfare capabilities, secure communication systems, and a sophisticated array of onboard sensors, making it an invaluable asset in today’s air forces.
When it comes to European powerhouses, the Italian Air Force stands out with its fleet of 90 Eurofighter Typhoon jets. This includes 70 aircraft that are already operational, plus an additional 20 to further enhance their aerial capabilities.
The latest aircraft deliveries, completed in late 2020, marked an important milestone in boosting Italy’s air defense capabilities. The Eurofighter Typhoon, a key asset in Italy’s national and NATO air defense systems continues to demonstrate advanced, regularly updated capabilities.
In addition, Italy’s decision to allocate budget funds to the joint GCAP [Global Combat Air Programme] fighter program highlights its strategic commitment to enhancing national defense and maintaining a strong position within NATO and European defense structures.
The Global Combat Air Program [GCAP] is a joint endeavor by Italy, the United Kingdom, and Japan to develop a cutting-edge fighter jet that will succeed current models like the Eurofighter Typhoon and the F-35. This initiative underscores Italy’s commitment to updating its air fleet and playing an active role in multinational defense efforts, a critical factor in maintaining collective security against emerging global threats.
For the Italian Air Force, acquiring this next-generation fighter is absolutely vital. The GCAP program aims to deliver state-of-the-art technologies, including superior stealth features, upgraded avionics, and network-centric warfare capabilities. These advancements are essential for sustaining air superiority in today’s complex combat environments.
As potential adversaries continue to advance their military capabilities, the Italian Air Force must stay ahead with cutting-edge systems ready to counter multiple threats. The GCAP initiative will not only bolster Italy’s operational effectiveness but also enhance interoperability with allied forces. This ensures that Italy can meet the modern demands of aerial warfare, contributing to the stability and security of Europe and beyond. (Source: News Now/https://bulgarianmilitary.com/)
19 Sept. 24. Germany and Norway weigh up submarine order amid CDR climax. The successful completion of the Type 212CD design phase paves the way for increased submarine production.
Germany and Norway are contemplating expanding their joint order of Type 212CD submarines following the successful completion of the Critical Design Review (CDR) in their submarine development programme.
This success, marking the end of the design phase, signals that the construction of the six submarines can proceed as planned. Now, both nations are considering expanding the order.
The programme involves six submarines, with the first vessel expected to be delivered to the Norwegian Navy in 2029. However, both countries have expressed interest in increasing this number, a decision that could be finalised in the coming months.
Procurement negotiations between Germany and Norway have so far led to the decision that two of the submarines will be for Germany and four for Norway, as highlighted by GlobalData’s intelligence on the German defence market.
GlobalData’s intelligence on the Norwegian defence market highlights that in June 2023, General Eirik Kristoffersen, Chief of Norwegian Defence, publicly called for Norway to increase its Type 212 CD submarine order from four to six hulls.
“We are pleased with the positive signals from Germany and Norway. This underscores the need for our products,” said Christian Rogge, Head of Operating Unit Submarines at thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), leading the construction effort. “We also have sufficient production capacity. We are ready when further option boats are needed.”
The 212CD submarines combine stealth, range, and operational flexibility. The CDR ensures that the final design aligns with the requirements of both countries’ procurement authorities, the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (Forsvarsmateriell) and Germany’s BAAINBw.
The review covered more than 100,000 pages of documentation, a process that TKMS emphasised was essential to ensure all potential risks were addressed before moving into the production phase. “A shared understanding of the design and documentation ensured that gaps, risks, and problems were identified at an early stage,” Rogge added.
With the design phase complete, TKMS will intensify production efforts, with the first tests scheduled for 2027. Expanding the number of submarines in the order would be a welcome boost to the Kiel production site, where the submarines are being built.
For Germany and Norway, boosting submarine numbers could strengthen their presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic, where maritime security has become a focus in recent years.
A decision on the expanded order is expected soon, with political leadership in Germany and Norway set to assess the proposal.
Norway is also considering further cooperation with the UK on anti-submarine warfare frigates. (Source: naval-technology.com)
USA
18 Sept 24. USAF seeking cheaper NGAD amid re-conceptualisation. The US Air Force (USAF) is seeking a less expensive Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall told reporters on 16 September at the Air, Space & Cyber conference outside Washington, DC.
“We haven’t set a number or threshold,” Kendall said. “The F-35 kind of represents to me the upper bounds of what we’d like to pay for individual aircraft for that mission.”
“I’d like to go lower. Once you start integrating CCAs [Collaborative Combat Aircraft] and transferring some mission equipment and capabilities functions to the CCAs, then you can talk about a different concept, potentially, for the crewed fighter that’s controlling them,” Kendall continued. “We need a unit cost that’s affordable and significant numbers [of aircraft]. So that’s part of the equation.”
NGAD’s source selection was paused earlier in 2024 following a re-evaluation of the technology required and concept of operations it could enable. Until that point, NGAD – which Kendall described as a “fairly mature” concept – was forecast to cost hundreds of ms of dollars per copy. NGAD may still be very expensive, however.
“If that turns out to be the most cost-effective operational answer, that’s what we’re going to do, and go fight for the money to have it. You end up with small numbers – the more the airplane costs, the fewer than you’re going to have. Numbers do matter, so it’s a trade-off,” Kendall said. (Source: Janes)
13 Sept 24. US clears F-35 sale to Romania, bolstering NATO’s eastern flank. The U.S. State Department on Friday announced it has approved the sale of 32 F-35A Joint Strike Fighters to Romania in a deal worth roughly $7.2bn. Romania’s deal for the Lockheed Martin-made F-35s will also include F135 engines made by Pratt & Whitney for each jet and a spare engine. The sale would provide Romania, a NATO member, its first two squadrons of F-35s, and the country wants to later buy 16 more jets to make up a third squadron. If the deal is finalized, it could make Romania the third Eastern European country to fly the F-35, in addition to Poland and the Czech Republic.
Romania said in September 2023 that it expected to receive its first F-35s in 2030. Romania’s planned purchases could make it NATO’s largest F-35 operator on the eastern flank at a time when Russian aggression in Ukraine has worried allies.
The proposed sale would “improve Romania’s capability to meet current and future threats by further equipping it to conduct self-defense and regional security missions while enhancing interoperability with the United States and other NATO members,” the State Department said. Improving this NATO ally’s security would support the U.S.’s foreign policy and national security goals, it said.
The purchase would also provide logistics and maintenance support, navigation, communications and cryptographic equipment, ammunition and weapons, training for pilots and other personnel, and simulators. Lockheed primarily makes F-35s at its Fort Worth, Texas, facility.
The State Department also cleared a $4.1bn deal for Japan to buy up to nine KC-46A Pegasus refueling tankers from Boeing. (Source: Defense News)
REST OF THE WORLD
19 Sept 24. Canada issues RFI to industry for new submarine fleet replacement. Public Services and Procurement Canada launched a procurement process to replace Victoria-class submarines and invites industry input on the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project. Canada’s Victoria-class submarines near decommissioning, the Government of Canada has released a Request for Information (RFI) to seek input from industry stakeholders regarding the availability and construction of a potential 12 submarines. Source: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
With the decommissioning of Canada’s Victoria-class submarines on the horizon, the Government of Canada has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather insights from industry stakeholders on the availability and production of up to 12 submarines.
The move aims to strengthen Canada’s maritime defence and ensure that there are no capability gaps as the country navigates evolving security challenges.
This initiative seeks to gather insights on the availability of submarines that are either in service or in production and on the capability of the global defence industry to deliver up to 12 conventionally powered submarines to Canada.
This RFI represents a milestone in Canada’s plan to replace its ageing Victoria-class submarine fleet, which is set to be decommissioned in the mid-2030s. The objective is to prevent gaps in the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) underwater defence capabilities, with the first new submarine expected for delivery by 2035.
Submarine fleet to address Arctic security
“As Canada’s Arctic is becoming increasingly accessible, Canada needs reliable maritime capabilities to maintain our country’s security,” said the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement. “We are committed to building a more agile, better-equipped military while ensuring that these new contracts benefit our businesses, workers and Canadians.”
The Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, initiated in 2021, is designed to secure the nation’s long-term naval strength by ensuring the country has submarines that meet modern operational needs, particularly in the increasingly contested Arctic region. Canada has the world’s longest coastline, spanning the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic Oceans, and is facing growing security challenges from global powers that require underwater surveillance and deterrence.
The new submarine fleet will be tasked with providing capabilities such as stealth, lethality, persistence, and Arctic deployability. The latter is significant given Canada’s interests in the Arctic.
According to the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, “The procurement of up to 12 conventionally-powered, under-ice capable submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy will enhance Canada’s ability to detect and deter maritime threats, control our maritime approaches, and project power and striking capabilities further from our shores.”
Industry stakeholders are encouraged to respond to the RFI by November 18, 2024, with feedback that will help shape the procurement process. The RFI also seeks industry input on in-service support, training, and infrastructure for the new fleet. Additionally, the government is keen to explore how Canadian industry can be integrated into the project, stimulating economic growth and improving industrial resilience throughout the lifecycle of the new submarines.
This RFI follows ongoing discussions between the Government of Canada, allied nations, and submarine manufacturers in Europe and Asia regarding potential options for the new fleet.
Victoria-class submarines to serve until mid 2030s
The Victoria-class submarines, commissioned between 1990 and 1993 and purchased from the UK’s Royal Navy in 1998, have been the backbone of Canada’s submarine fleet for over two decades. The fleet has undergone upgrades under the Victoria-class Modernisation (VCM) project and will remain operational until the mid-to-late 2030s.
The Canadian Navy also has four Type 2400 Diesel-Electric Submarines in its fleet, acquiring them between 2000 and 2015, as GlobalData’s intelligence on the Canadian defence market revealed.
Canada plans to finalise a contract for the new submarines by 2028, allowing sufficient time to ensure the transition of submarine classes without any loss of operational capability.
(Source: naval-technology.com)
17 Sept 24. Joint Leaders statement to mark the third anniversary of AUKUS. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, U.S. President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese released a joint statement today.
We the leaders of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, mark the third anniversary of AUKUS – an enhanced security partnership that promotes a free and open Indo-Pacific that is secure and stable. We reaffirm our shared commitment to this historic partnership and acknowledge the considerable progress to date.
Pillar I – Conventionally-Armed, Nuclear-Powered Submarines
In March 2023, our nations announced a pathway to deliver Australia’s conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine (SSN) capability, while setting the highest non-proliferation standard.
We are steadily building Australia’s capabilities to steward and operate its own fleet of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines from the early 2030s. The United Kingdom and the United States welcomed Australian naval officers and sailors into their submarine training schools and embedded Australian personnel into the UK Ministry of Defence and U.S. naval shipyards. Our nations have made enormous strides towards the establishment of a rotational presence of U.S. and UK SSNs at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia as early as 2027. Increased visits by U.S. SSNs to Australia have supported steady progress in Australian workforce development, and, in August 2024, Australian personnel demonstrated their progress through participation in the first maintenance activity conducted on a U.S. nuclear-powered submarine in Australia.
We have made significant investments to lift our respective submarine industrial bases. The United Kingdom has made an initial allocation of nearly £4 bn to continue work on SSN-AUKUS, and £3 bn to expand production capabilities across its Defence Nuclear Enterprise. The United States decided to invest USD 17.5 bn into its submarine industrial base. Australia has committed to invest over AUD 30 bn in the Australian defense industrial base and make proportionate contributions to the United Kingdom and the United States to support the production of SSN-AUKUS and to accelerate the delivery of Virginia class submarines respectively. In March 2024, Australia announced the selection of ASC Pty Ltd and BAE Systems to build SSN-AUKUS and ASC Pty Ltd to sustain Australia’s SSNs. These respective investments and decisions will deliver thousands of highly skilled jobs across our three nations.
In August this year, the AUKUS partners signed an historic international agreement for cooperation relating to naval nuclear propulsion. Once it enters into force, this agreement will enable AUKUS partners to go beyond sharing naval nuclear propulsion information to include allowing the United States and the United Kingdom to transfer the material and equipment required for the safe and secure construction, operation, and sustainment of Australia’s conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
The agreement reaffirms AUKUS partners’ existing non-proliferation obligations and Australia’s safeguards agreements with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The agreement will make our non-proliferation commitments under AUKUS legally-binding between the partners. Our nations continue to consult with the IAEA to develop a non-proliferation and safeguards approach that sets the highest non-proliferation standard.
Pillar II – Advanced Capabilities
When AUKUS was first announced, we pledged to pursue information and technology sharing and unprecedented integration of our innovation communities, industrial bases, and warfighter capabilities in support of a shared goal to build the advanced capabilities needed to bolster deterrence in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
This work is delivering as our Navies are strengthening undersea warfare capabilities by integrating the ability to launch and recover undersea vehicles from submarine torpedo tubes to deliver effects such as strike and reconnaissance. We are also deploying advanced Artificial Intelligence algorithms across our shared military systems to process sonar-buoy data, assisting anti-submarine operators in making better decisions, faster. We are strengthening maritime autonomy through a series of joint exercise and experimentation known as the Maritime Big Play, where we will conduct ground-breaking tests on the collective use of autonomous and un-crewed systems in maritime operations. Together, we are making further strides in quantum technologies, cyber capabilities, hypersonics, and electronic warfare.
In April 2024 our Defence Ministers announced principles for additional AUKUS Pillar II partner engagement on specific projects where new partners could contribute to, and benefit from, AUKUS. Following initial consultations this year and leveraging Japan’s deep technical expertise, AUKUS partners and Japan are exploring opportunities to improve interoperability of their maritime autonomous systems as an initial area of cooperation. Recognising these countries’ close bilateral defence partnerships with each member of AUKUS, we are consulting with Canada, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea to identify possibilities for collaboration on advanced capabilities under AUKUS Pillar II.
To promote innovation and realise the goals of AUKUS, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States have implemented momentous amendments to our respective export control regimes, including reforms to the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). These critical reforms will facilitate bns of dollars in secure, licence-free defence trade and maximise innovation across the full breadth of our defence collaboration and mutually strengthen our three defence industrial bases. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
16 Sept 24. Rocket motor specialists are being urged to register their interest in contributing to a new $22m manufacturing complex in Australia. The federal government said the facility would open by the end of the decade and enable the production of motors for the “world’s most advanced missiles”.
Separately, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy also revealed $60 m would be invested over the next five years to develop the next generation of guided weapon sub-systems and components, such as hypersonic and long-range strike.
The initiative aligns with the Advanced Rocket Motor Technology Demonstrator program involving spaceport firm Southern Launch.
“Today’s announcement represents a leap forward for the Australian defence industry and continues to deliver on the Albanese Government’s commitment to providing the ADF with the capabilities it needs to make Australians safer and safeguard our national interests,” said Minister Conroy.
“This is another investment in a future made in Australia and the more than 100,000 Australians, including in regional Australia, that are benefiting from the Government’s commitment to grow our sovereign defence industry and sovereign industrial base.
“This program is an endorsement of Australian ingenuity. Making solid rocket motors in Australia will build on Australia’s proud history as a manufacturing nation and contribute to a future made in Australia.”
The news significantly comes shortly after defence technology firm Kongsberg won an $850 m contract to build a factory in Newcastle that will produce long-range F-35 missiles.
The facility, situated within the city’s airport precinct, will be one of only two in the world capable of producing Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) and Joint Strike Missiles (JSM).
JSMs are designed to be fired from fifth-generation F-35s fighter jets and are significantly able to change course in flight. They differ from more regular missiles because they can fly at low altitudes where they can evade radars.
Raytheon, JSM’s co-manufacturer, has said the weapons have a range of 275 kilometres and are the only fifth-generation cruise missile designed to be launched from the internal weapons bay of the F-35A.
(Source: Defence Connect)
16 Sept 24. Japan bids to procure additional KC-46A tankers.
Japan is seeking to acquire nine additional Boeing KC-46A Pegasus tanker aircraft, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said on 13 September.
The potential foreign military sale (FMS) – estimated to cost USD4.1 bn, according to the DSCA – would add to the six KC-46As already ordered by Tokyo for deployment by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).
The DSCA said the potential sale, of which Congress has been notified, would include nine aircraft, up to 18 PW4062 turbofan engines, up to 16 AN/ALR-69A radar warning receivers (RWRs), and up to 33 Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure (LAIRCM) Guardian Laser Turret Assemblies (GLTAs) as well as other associated equipment and components.
“The proposed sale will improve Japan’s aerial refueling capability and passenger transport operations, which will contribute to enhanced deterrence of current and future threats in the region,” the DSCA said.
Japan’s 2025 defence budget – announced late August – proposed funding of JPY206.8 bn (USD1.47 bn) for the procurement of four KC-46As. The total proposed defence budget was JPY8.54trn, a year-on-year increase of 10.5%.
In its budget proposal, Japan’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) said additional KC-46A tankers were required to support JASDF fighter aircraft deployments in Japan’s southwest region, parts of which are also claimed by China.
In the past, the MoD has said the KC-46As would meet a growing need to sustain air operations around Japan and in the Pacific.
(Source: Janes)
13 Sept 24. UAE to ask Trump to fulfil F-35 deal if he’s re-elected, sources say.
- Summary
- UAE suspended F-35 talks with Biden administration in 2021
- Trump approved $23 bn deal including MQ-9 Reaper drones
- Aircraft uses advanced stealth technology to evade detection
- UAE’s close economic ties with China impact US security concerns
The United Arab Emirates would seek to revive a multi-bn dollar deal with the U.S. for F-35 warplanes and armed drones if Donald Trump wins a second term as president in November, several people familiar with the matter told Reuters.
The UAE has long sought the most advanced fighter jet, built with stealth technology allowing it to evade enemy detection. If the U.S. did approve the transfer, the UAE would be only the second Middle East state after Israel to operate F-35 fighters.
Trump had signed off on the deal in the final days of his presidency in 2021 but the UAE suspended talks by the end of the year, unable to agree terms with the Biden administration.
Three sources said that if Trump was re-elected, the UAE would seek to resume talks, asking a new Trump administration to fulfil the original agreement. One of the sources said the UAE would ask a new Trump administration to “honour” the 2021 deal.
Trump approved the $23 bn deal, which included MQ-9 Reaper drones and munitions, after the UAE established ties with Israel in 2020 under an accord brokered by his administration.
That made the UAE the most prominent Arab state to forge diplomatic ties with Israel in 30 years and hand Trump a significant foreign policy achievement just a few months out from the election that he would ultimately lose to Joe Biden.
But after months of discussions, the UAE announced in December 2021 it had suspended F-35 talks with the Biden administration, citing “sovereign operational restrictions”, among other reasons. The Biden administration responded, saying it was ready to move forward. The process has remained paused.
When asked whether the UAE would request a second Trump administration to fulfil the F-35 deal, a UAE official did not directly deny or confirm the claim and instead said Abu Dhabi had cultivated institutional relationships and an enduring partnership with Washington across several administrations.
“Our nations share a commitment to advancing mutual interests and address shared concerns” and work diligently to strengthen regional security and foster prosperity, they said.
The Gulf state is one of Washington’s most important security partners in the Middle East. Its military has fought alongside the U.S. in several campaigns, including the war in Afghanistan, and American soldiers are stationed in Abu Dhabi.
‘PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH’
Trump campaign’s national press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that a second Trump presidency would “once again deliver peace through strength to rebuild and expand the peace coalition he built in his first term to create long-term safety and security in the Middle East and around the world.”
Before Trump, Washington had rebuffed requests for jet fighters from Middle East nations because of a policy to ensure that Israel maintained a military advantage over its neighbours.
Trump enjoyed warm relations with the wealthy Gulf states. UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited the White House in 2017 when he was the crown prince of Abu Dhabi.
He has not visited the White House during the Biden administration, but in 2022 met in Jeddah with President Biden.
The sources did not say what the UAE would do if Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democrat nominee, won the election. The Harris campaign declined to comment. Harris visited the UAE in 2022 and 2023, meeting with Sheikh Mohammed and other senior Emirati government officials.
The Biden administration has discussed the sale of F-35s to Saudi Arabia as part of negotiations for a bilateral defense treaty and Riyadh establishing diplomatic ties with Israel.
The White House did not immediately respond to Reuters questions on what conditions would need to be met for the UAE sale to go ahead before the end of Biden’s term in January.
In recent years there have been signs of strain over some issues between the U.S. and UAE, including Emirati frustrations at conditions set by the Biden administration for the F-35 deal and U.S. pressure on the UAE over the evasion of sanctions on Iran and Russia by companies operating in the country.
U.S. lawmakers had questioned whether the UAE acquiring F-35s would undermine Israel’s military advantage, although Emirati officials said establishing diplomatic ties with Israel should address those concerns. Israel has said it does not oppose the deal and has supplied air defence systems to the UAE.
The U.S. also worries about the UAE’s relations with China.
The UAE, which operates American-made F-16 and French-made Mirage 2000-9s fighter jets, has close economic and trade ties with Beijing that recently expanded to joint air force drills.
The UAE has bought Chinese ‘light attack’ jets and the UAE’s communications infrastructure uses Chinese technology that the U.S. believes could jeopardize the security of American military systems. Abu Dhabi has also ordered French made Rafale fighters. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Reuters)
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Since 1946, Industrial Electronic Engineers, IEE, has specialized in the design, test, support and fielding of display products for use in demanding military and aerospace applications throughout the world. IEE has developed an extensive product portfolio that today includes enhanced flat panel displays, smart displays and handheld devices.
From rapid prototyping of custom designs to full-scale production runs, IEE, produces displays with advanced features like low-latency video processing, high-bright and NVIS backlighting, and lightweight rugged enclosures. Their SWaP-C products employ the latest lightweight composite materials; low power, high performance integrated ARM processors; standard Ethernet and USB communication, in a low cost, highly producible design.
In-house California facilities include optical bonding, clean rooms for display assembly, a dark room for optical measurements and environmental chambers for pre-compliance and customer acceptance testing. On-site manufacturing includes PCB assembly and flow soldering. IEE has manufactured handheld, in-vehicle, airborne and naval LCD displays for all military branches as well as leading aerospace firms both domestically and internationally.
IEE is ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certified.
IEE’s Advantage:
- Direct control of critical process steps that reduce cost, decrease production lead times and improves life-cycle management
- Unique advantage to serve to both smaller quantity, highly custom displays needs as well as high volume production outputs
- Expert in delivering the best value in form and fit replacement by modifying existing COTS products to meet legacy requirements
- Leading the next generation avionics efficiencies by leveraging open architectures and common software standards
- Field-proven, pre-engineered displays minimize lead-time and non-recurring engineering costs.
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