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UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO
17 Jun 24. DE&S identify problems in defence-wide procurement processes.
A DE&S review found defence-wide systemic problems in the UK procurement process for military programmes, including internal challenges. A Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) review found systemic issues in defence-wide UK military procurement and DE&S internal challenges, it was revealed at the Defence Simulation Education and Training (DSET) conference in 2024, which took place between 10-13 June.
Simon Pearce, head of the training and simulation systems portfolio at DE&S, the UK’s arm’s-length defence procurement agency, discussed a comprehensive problem review concerning the state of DE&S and its role within the broader defence sector at DSET 2024 on 11 June.
The problem review process began approximately 18 months prior to the conference as part of an effort to enhance productivity, inject pace into operations, and ensure the delivery of high availability, lethality, resilience, and prosperity within the defence sector. The DE&S undertook a thorough examination of its operations and the larger defence ecosystem to identify critical areas that required attention and improvement.
Pearce highlighted four issues that were considered to be defence-wide concerns, and three that were internal challenges for DE&S.
UK Defence-wide problems
Unrealistic funding allocations and frequently changing defence programmes have fostered an environment of over-optimism, leading to inflated expectations regarding deliverables, according to the account of the DE&S review laid out by Pearce. This overestimation resulted in constant revisions and changes, causing a ripple effect of complications throughout the defence enterprise.
DE&S also found an absence of a clear and consistent understanding across the defence sector regarding DE&S’s specific role and its responsibilities. This ambiguity contributed to inefficiencies and misaligned expectations, further complicating DE&S’s ability to function effectively. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
17 Jun 24. UK explores next generation Surface Ship Torpedo Defence.
While the current SSTD system runs until 2030, the UK Royal Navy will approach industry for options for the future torpedo defence system.
The UK Royal Navy is starting to approach industry to explore technologies and systems for its next generation Surface Ship Torpedo Defence (SSTD) system, having released a request for information (RFI) in June 2024.
Sonar 2170, also referred to as ‘Sea Sentor’, is the current SSTD system supplied by the British defence company Ultra Electronics. It is due to remain in service with Royal Navy surface combatants until 2030.
Sea Sentor is a passive, soft-kill suite designed to counter adversarial subsurface threats. Ultra designed the SSTD with a holsitic approach in mind.
Despite launching an open early engagement notice with industry, which will close on 2 August 2024, the Royal Navy will also consider options to maintain the current system.
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) had previously selected Ultra as its preferred bidder for its surface torpedo capability for another ten years in January 2019. This agreement was built on a number of contracts going back to 2004, when Ultra was originally selected to deliver its SSTD to the service. In that time Ultra has provided 16 SSTD systems to the MoD.
At the time Ultra noted that Sea Sentor is the world’s only in-service sensor-to-countermeasure SSTD providing torpedo detection, classification, threat evaluation and decoy capabilities. It is deployed with four navies and consists of a variable towed array, winch, countermeasure launcher, electronics unit and cotrol panel.
In August last year, the two parties extended their deal to include three additional SSTD fit-to-receive kits to be integrated on the Navy’s future Type-31 Inspiration-class frigates. Worth £886,000 ($1.1m), the contract stipulated to last a year, with a delivery timeframe between to conclude at the end of this month.
- Sensing capability
- Softkill and hardkill effectors
- Effector delivery mechanisms
- Processing
- Platform and combat system integration
- Platform and force level defence
“The latest torpedoes can re-engage the target after being spoofed by the soft kill measures in the initial pass,” noted GlobalData Defence Analyst Tushar Sudesh Mangure.
“To overcome the technological obsolescence and counter the latest torpedoes, several major defense manufacturers are now pitching their new generation of torpedo countermeasure suits featuring a combination of soft and hard-kill capabilities.
“For instance, Atlas Elektronik’s SeaSpider Anti-Torpedo (ATT) and Rafael’s TORBUSTER hard-kill torpedo countermeasure system are designed to neutralize the incoming torpedo by detonating their warhead or using the kinetic kill technique.” (Source: naval-technology.com)
EUROPE
27 May 24. Call to industry and economic operators: procurement cluster on enablers for safe integration of military UAS capabilities in the European sky. In the context of the cluster of UAS-related projects that aim at providing the sought “UAS Enablers for Safe Airspace Integration in European Sky”, the European Defence Agency (EDA) intends to launch a tender with four lots to support the progress of safe airspace integration of UAS, from low level to high altitude operations (HAO).
Lot 1: UAS Single European Sky Experimental Integration (max. estimated budget 1.5M Eur)
In a drive to elevate the capabilities of European-made low-cost small and tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for precision navigation, the new project focuses on two key objectives. Firstly, it seeks to enhance their operational resilience in challenging environments for safe airspace integration – specifically environments with limited or denied GNSS access and potential electronic jamming threats. Secondly, the project will leverage recent breakthroughs in EU space-based services alongside onboard sensor fusion powered by artificial intelligence. This integration aims to achieve unwavering navigation accuracy regardless of spectrum availability, demonstrably validating its effectiveness through real-world proof-of-concept and demonstration phases. The successful development of these advanced navigation capabilities for UAS aims to ensure their safe integration into the airspace.
Lot 2: Risk Assessment for UAS operations (max. estimated budget 400 k Eur)
The objective of this lot is to expand the current online tool supporting the MIL-UAS-SPECIFIC methodology (see EDA webpage https://eda.europa.eu/mil-uas-specific-study) to automatize most of the risk assessment process by leveraging the – regularly updated – MIL-UAS-SPECIFIC methodology or any other harmonised Risk assessment methodology accepted by the military (e.g., SORA). The current online tool will become a “networking/connecting” online tool, with selectable Risk assessment methodologies running back office, including a selectable accepted risk level for the UAS operations to cover operations in peace, crisis and war times.
Lot 3: Higher Airspace Operations study (max. estimated budget 800 kEur)
Over the last years, Higher Airspace Operations (HAO) have been in the spotlight. The upcoming EASA regulatory work requires that the civil–military aspects are included. The objective is to clarify specific civil–military aspects in the domain of HAO in order to: a) analyse the security risks posed by HAO; b) Address potential challenges in order to avoid any adverse impact on national security and defence capabilities with an EU approach; c) Ensure military access to higher airspace. Take advantage of all opportunities, particularly those offered by the civil-military collaboration make the most of the identified synergies.
Lot 4: Consultancy services for needs assessment, market research and consultation, analysis of the state-of-the-art (max. estimated budget 200 kEur)
This project aims to bridge the gap by assessing the specific needs of military UAS users and leverage the dual-use of UAS technology towards the safe integration into European airspace. It has three key objectives: a) to understand end-user needs for safe airspace UAS integration. b) to evaluate technologies for enhanced UAS integration, including the market research and analysis of state-of-the-art of current conspicuity, ATM and positioning technologies within the EU market, that can enable safe UAS integration; c) proposal of way forward and consultation for future projects.
For more information, please consult the Public Information Notice.
https://ted.europa.eu/en/notice/-/detail/292847-2024
Information Session: Where and When?
The information session will be held on 04 July 2024 from 10:00 am until 12:00 CET.
The event will be done remotely via Webex. Link to be provided after registration to the contacts provided in the register form.
How to register?
Participation is free of charge, but interested parties must register in advance, and no later than 28 of June 2024 EOB, using the following link: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/EDA_UAS_Enablers
Contact Information
Please use the registration form as primary mean to access information. Please refrain from email exchange, unless strictly necessary and no other option is possible. (Source: EDA)
17 Jun 24. Leonardo ranks as the second largest European participant in the 2023 European Defence Fund (EDF) work programme. The European Commission has recently announced the selection of 13 projects involving Leonardo: 11 focused on capacity development and two on research. These projects are part of a total of 54, with participation from 581 companies and entities across 26 European countries, plus Norway.
In line with the Commission’s direction, the successful approach of Leonardo was oriented towards a strong involvement of SMEs, together with the strategic choice of focussing on inclusiveness in the structuring of consortia and teams. In particular, Leonardo will lead two of the main initiatives in the space and air defence categories: Emissary (European Military Integrated Space Situational Awareness and Recognition capability) and E-CUAS (European Counter UAS), featured a strong innovative component for the technologies that will be developed and are among the projects with the highest European funding.
Also noteworthy is Leonardo’s participation in some flagship programmes for the Commission, for its
contribution to the strategic autonomy of the continent. Among these are the EPC2 (European Patrol
Corvette 2), for prototype development of a new European corvette; ESOCA (European eco-System for
Outsized Cargo Airlift), which will build a strategic air transport capacity; NG-MIMA (Next Generation Military Integrated Modular Avionics), dedicated to the design and demonstration of key technologies for future combat aircraft. Finally, MARTE (Main ARmoured Tank of Europe), for the study and design of future land platforms.
The overall EDF budget in 2023 was over 1 billion euros, with funding divided into 265 million for 28 research projects and 766 million for 26 development projects. Italy ranked first in terms of number of winning projects (35), with eight coordinated initiatives of which Leonardo leads the two most relevant, EMISSARY and E-CUAS, this contributed significantly to Italy’s overall result. (Source: Defense Arabia)
15 Jun 24. Erdogan: Spain ready to assist Türkiye in Eurofighter negotiations with Germany. Spain has expressed its willingness to assist Türkiye in negotiations with Germany regarding the acquisition of Eurofighter jets, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, Azernews reports.
In a statement to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan revealed that Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez offered to facilitate a meeting on the Eurofighter issue, which is currently of great importance to Türkiye. The Turkish president also noted that Germany’s position on the matter has softened recently.
Erdogan emphasized that Türkiye’s primary approach is to fulfill its defense needs through its NATO allies. “Our relevant ministers are conducting the necessary negotiations with their counterparts and will continue to do so,” he added.
However, if the talks with Germany yield a negative result, Türkiye will resort to alternative options available to them. Erdogan drew parallels to Türkiye’s past experience with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), stating, “At one point, we couldn’t obtain UAVs from our allies. Then, we started producing our own drones of the highest quality, and now many countries are knocking on Türkiye door to purchase them.”
The Turkish president also highlighted the progress of their indigenous fighter jet, KAAN, which has recently taken wing. With the commencement of its serial production, Erdogan assured that Türkiye would not face any problems in this regard.
(Source: News Now/https://www.azernews.az/region/227448.html)
15 Jun 24. Germany calls for two more F126 frigates in contract revision.
The German Ministry of Defence has agreed to add €323m to make up for a hike in inflation while also adding another two frigates to the deal, worth €3.18bn. The future class 126 frigates will have different capability modules to adapt to the respective operational requirements. Uncrewed systems will make them even more flexible in dangerous situations. Credit: Damen via German Ministry of Defence.
The German Parliament Budget Committee has re-evaluated its future frigate contract with Damen Schelde Shipbuilding.
Government and contractor now stipulate an additional €323m ($345m) to make up for a spike in inflation while also calling for two more F126 vessels “in principle”, worth an additional $3.39bn.
Originially ordered four years ago, and due to be delivered between 2027-31, the German Ministry of Defence requested four multi-purpose MKS 180 vessels – designated the F126 – to replace the Navy’s ageing Brandenburg-class frigates in service since the mid-1990s.
“With a total of six frigates of this type, we will not only be operational, but also sustainable,” said Defence Minister Boris Pistorius at the keel-laying of the first F126 on 3 June 2024, in Wolgast.
The fifth and sixth warships are scheduled to be delivered in 2033 and 2034 respectively.
German Navy activities
The call to expand the contract demonstrates Germany’s commitment to Nato and the changing reality of security crises on the world stage.
Recently, the German government committed to expand its efforts in the UN Interim Force in Lebanon – the nation has been involved since 2006 – to prevent arms smuggling by sea off the coast of Lebanon and to monitor the sea routes.
This is a crucial task given Iran’s military support the Yemeni Houthis holding global trade to ransom for reasons related to the Israel-Hamas war.
German Type-130 corvette fires maritime strike missile. Credit: German Ministry of Defence.
Elsewhere, Pistorius also noted that the new class of ship “is essential for our credible deterrence, especially when it comes to protecting our northern flank,” referring to the Baltic Sea.
The Navy recognised that certain geographic conditions of the Baltic Sea make it necessary to secure positions lying within an adversary’s range. In addition the accession of Finland and Sweden to the military alliance has further extended Nato territory in the north-eastern region.
F126 features and resources
With a length of 166 metres and a displacement of around 10,000 tonnes, these vessels are set to become the largest combat ships within the German Armed Forces.
With crews of up to 198 personnel, the frigates are engineered to facilitate three-dimensional naval warfare, enabling them to engage targets across air, water, and underwater domains.
The keel of the ‘Niedersachsen,’ a flagship of the F126 class, was laid – the latest stage of the construction of the class.
Thales, the German Navy, and the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support also joined hands to unveil the “extended F126 testing centre” on 23 April 2024. The facility is located in Hengelo, Netherlands.
Furthermore, the class will be linked to a wider military network through Thales’ SurfSAT-L system, providing satellite communications. Previous versions of this were utilised by the French Navy and operators in the Middle East.
USA
17 Jun 24. Defense Innovation Unit seeks systems to counter Red Sea drone attacks. As Iran-backed Houthi rebel groups continue to use attack drones to target ships in the Red Sea, the U.S. Navy and the Defense Innovation Unit are partnering to prototype a counter uncrewed aircraft system that can disable or shoot them down.
The Navy is looking for a system it can easily integrate with a range of platforms to defend against such adversary drone attacks, DIU said June 14. The program, dubbed Counter NEXT, aims to quickly test prototypes and field them on vessels around the globe.
“It is expected that solutions will be capable of expeditious worldwide deployment, integrated with a variety of naval platforms and must display the ability to be easily integrated into the existing sensors onboard a naval vessel,” DIU said in a statement.
Since last fall, Iran-backed groups have used drones, uncrewed surface vessels and anti-ship ballistic vehicles to launch dozens of attacks on U.S., allied and commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea. The incidents have disrupted global trade in key waterways and killed three merchant sailors.
According to a June 13 report from the Defense Intelligence Agency, 65 countries and 29 major energy and shipping companies have been affected or have had to alter their routes in response to these aggressions.
“The growing threat of adversarial unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) poses significant risks to U.S., allied and partner forces, naval vessels, and commercial vessels transiting key maritime routes across the globe,” DIU said. “The U.S. is committed to protecting commercial maritime trade and, more importantly, service members conducting maritime operations in contested environments.”
DIU has a portfolio dedicated to leveraging commercial and off-the-shelf technology to defend against these types of drone threats. Matthew Way, who leads that effort, said counter UAS is a high priority for the organization, adding that DIU plans to use a portion of the $800 million budget increase Congress provided in fiscal 2024 to fund efforts like Counter Next.
“We’ve really got to focus on, how do we get after those more advanced capabilities . . . and how do we protect ourselves from adversarial threats that are employing this technology as well,” he said during Applied Intuition’s June 13 Nexus conference in Washington, DC.
Pentagon officials have emphasized that defending against enemy drones will require a layered approach, including electronic warfare and kinetic effects.
Counter Next is focused on kinetic systems that cost less than a traditional missile or air defeat system and rely on mature technology that can be ready for testing within 90 days of a contract award. And while it’s not required, DIU may prioritize proposals that demonstrate the ability to take out surface vessel threats.
Companies must also be able to deliver at least five systems within 12 months of being selected.
(Source: Defense News Early Bird/C4ISR & Networks)
17 Jun 24. C-UAS Hub said today that the DoD Seeking C-UAS Detection Solutions for One-Way UAS. The Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) is soliciting demonstrations for sensors that enhance the detection of one-way unmanned aerial systems (OWUAS) threatening U.S. and allied forces. These sensors will complement existing coverage and must integrate into a third-party interface for additional analysis and correlation with other sensor data. All sensor types are welcome, including EO/IR, acoustic, and radar, with a preference for low-cost/attritable solutions, though this is not mandatory. Desired solutions should adhere to the following parameters:
RANGE – Sensors must aim to enhance and/or improve the visibility of OWUAS flying closer than 7 km or further than 25 km to force location (<7 km, >25 km).
ALTITUDE – Sensors must specifically aim to enhance and/or improve the visibility of OWUAS flying at low altitudes close to a force location (<300 m altitude within 25 km range). Sensors should aim to enhance and/or improve the visibility of OWUAS flying at all altitudes further from a force location (greater than a 25 km range).
UAS SIZE – Sensors must enhance and/or improve the visibility of Group 2 and 3 UAS size (21-1,320 lbs).
UAS SPEED – Sensors must focus on Group 2 and 3 UAS speed (<250 kts). At a minimum, the ability to also detect higher speeds (250 kts+) is encouraged.
INTEGRATION – Sensors must demonstrate the ability to automatically and repeatedly transport and integrate data into a third-party interface for visual display, analysis, and prosecution.
THIRD PARTY INTERFACE: Sensors must be integrated into a command and control framework using the third-party interface’s remote procedure call (RPC) standard. This framework is programming language agnostic and derived from open-source/well-known standards. Vendors will be expected to use a software development kit (SDK) provided by a third-party interface, which uses a gRPC framework to send protocol buffers to the third-party interface. Sensor participants will be expected to write a thin integration layer using the SDK for data ingestion, while taskable agents will conform to a command and control tasking API. Sensors will be expected to provide health/status reporting as part of data integration, example code for sensor integration will be provided if vendor is selected for Round 2.
This initiative aims to empower DoD warfighters to effectively detect, identify, and neutralize hostile UAS in their vicinity by integrating heterogeneous sensors into a common interface. If successful, this approach will enhance existing sensor systems and improve force protection by warning personnel to take shelter and extending the time for kinetic and non-kinetic countermeasures.
Responses to this Commercial Solutions Opening are due July 15th, 2024, at 5:00 PM EDT. For more information, please visit Desert Sentry Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems – cUAS Defense Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) General Solicitation Demonstrations of Innovative Commercial Technologies
(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
17 Jun 24. C-UAS Hub said today U.S. Navy Seeks Counter-UAS Solutions for Group 3+ Drones. The U.S. Navy plans to rapidly prototype and execute a phased operational test and evaluation to validate the performance of one or more proposed shipborne kinetic defeat Counter UAS solutions for Group 3+ drones. These solutions must be capable of quick worldwide deployment, integration with various naval platforms, and seamless incorporation with the existing sensors on a naval vessel.
Only complete Counter UxS (Uncrewed Systems) solutions will be accepted, including a kinetic defeat effector and launcher for group 3+ UAS. Solutions should assume they will receive tracking data from the vessel’s combat systems to facilitate detection and targeting. Integration with the vessel’s existing combat systems is required. However, adjunct passive systems (e.g., Electro-Optical/Infrared) that do not interfere with the ship’s organic sensors are permitted.
Partial solutions, such as those providing only radar or find, fix, and track capabilities, will not be considered. Proposed solutions must address the entire kill chain, enhancing find, fix, track, and identification capabilities while incorporating kinetic defeat functionality without interfering with the vessel’s existing combat system. High-powered microwave and directed energy solutions will not be considered for this solicitation.
A solution brief’s technical merit and relevance will be evaluated based on its ability to meet primary attributes and the cumulative evaluation of secondary solution attributes and capabilities.
Primary Attributes
- The solution must support the full kill chain (find, fix, track, target, engage, assess) with both “human in/on-the-loop” control modes. Solutions may assume they will receive a radar track from the naval vessel’s combat systems to facilitate “find and fix.”
- The solution must exist in a technically mature state of development for the government to host a baseline assessment of the solution’s capabilities planned to occur at a West Coast naval test location, subject to range availability, within 90 days after the prototype award.
- The offeror must demonstrate the ability to deliver up to 5 production representative prototypes within 12 months of the prototype award.
- The solution effector must be reloadable at sea and not require heavy lift equipment.
Secondary Attributes
- Solutions that can demonstrate a high probability of kinetic defeat for group 3+ UASs (ideally greater than 90%) for self-defense to protect the ship within a radius of approximately 15 km and a high probability of kill (ideally greater than 70%) for area defense to protect nearby commercial shipping lanes and vessels within a greater than 15 km radius are preferred.
- The solution must minimize the cost per defeat to reduce the asymmetry of the current cost of traditional air defense defeat solutions compared to the threat.
- Solutions that have a terminal guidance capability integrated into the effector are preferred. A system requiring terminal illumination, terminal shipboard guidance and/or dwelling are less preferred.
- Accelerating the kill chain by enabling a faster decision loop from initial detection until the launch of the effector is preferred and must be characterized. Minimizing “time to defeat” (the time from decision to launch to defeat in flight) is desirable and must be characterized.
- The solution should minimize installation size, weight, power, and restrictions imposed on other systems onboard a naval vessel. Solutions weighing less than 5,300 lbs in operational status and 2,300 lbs without the launcher and effector are preferred—solutions less than 220 cubic feet with any dimension no greater than 90 inches are preferred.
- Solution briefs should also specify proposed installation and integration locations to include but not limited to a) forward CIWS platform, b) missile deck, c) aft vertical launch system deck, and d) aft superstructure O2 deck platforms if installing onboard a DDG 51-class guided missile destroyer.
- The solution should integrate into a naval vessel’s existing combat systems and ancillary support systems (water, electrical power, and air). The ability to integrate into the combat systems with the following characteristics is preferred: MIL-STD-1760 and MIL-STD-1553 interface, along with the ability to operate on 208 – 220 VAC.
- The production solution should be capable of achieving compliance for shipboard installation onboard a naval vessel and able to operate in a harsh maritime environment (e.g., exposure to salt water, shock, etc), including but not limited to MIL-STD-810 and MIL-DTL-901E.
- The solution should be able to support obtaining or complying with safety and shipboard installation military specifications during the prototype period.
- The solution should be able to support obtaining Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Fuel (HERF), Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Personnel (HERP), Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance (HERO), Weapons System Explosive Safety Review Board (WSESRB), etc. while also incorporating the appropriate arms, ammunition, and explosives safeguards throughout the prototype phase and before final production.
- The solution should be able to comply with DODINST 8500.E1 Change 1 – CyberSecurity Information Assurance dated 14 Mar 2014, DODINST 8510.01 RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK (RMF) FOR DOD SYSTEMS dated 19 July 2022, and SECNAVINST 5239.3C Dept of the Navy CyberSecurity Policy dated 2 May 2016 to meet shipboard cybersecurity requirements throughout the prototype phase and before final production.
- A solution developed using a modular, open-source architecture leveraging open and extensible software design principles that enable integration with third-party modular components, where applicable, standardized or common interfaces, and software containerization will be preferred.
- The solution should be able to demonstrate adaptability to evolving operational threats, including the ability to leverage real-time, or near real-time, operational deployment data, logs, and user feedback to assess, correct, and/or improve system behaviors and performance, including safely, securely, and promptly deploying software updates to fielded systems. Companies may assume the U.S. government will share data on evolving threats. A DD254 (Contract Security Classification Specification) and DD2345 (Military Critical Technical Agreement) will be required to share this data at the appropriate classification level. Additionally, successful solutions will be required to provide personnel with appropriate security clearances and, eventually, the ability to obtain a Facility Clearance to store classified information.
- Preference may be given to solutions that can provide evidence demonstrating a Counter UAS capability in relevant and/or representative environments.
Counter-UXS (Other Domains)
- Solutions that provide evidence of adaptability for applications against uncrewed systems in other domains (e.g. uncrewed surface vehicles) may be given preference, but all primary attributes must still be addressed.
Companies interested in submitting proposals for Counter-UAS solutions for Group 3+ drones must submit by June 28th, 2024, at 23:59:59 US/Eastern Time. For more information, please visit Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems- NEXT (Counter NEXT). (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
REST OF THE WORLD
15 Jun 24. Argentine Navy is ready to buy second-hand European submarines. The Argentine Navy is exploring the possibility of acquiring a second-hand submarine. This was revealed by Rear Admiral Carlos María Allievi, Chief of the General Staff of the Argentine Navy, during an interview with Pucará, a local defense news outlet.
- Netherlands gave the go-ahead to acquire four new submarines
- Russian bombers and fighters penetrate 1,55mi into Finland
- Indonesia eyes Chinese 248mi-range YJ-12E anti-ship missiles
Rear Admiral Allievi discussed the challenges faced by the Argentine naval forces, highlighting the absence of an active operational submarine. He mentioned, “We send contingents of submarine officers and non-commissioned officers to the Peruvian Navy, which gives us the opportunity to go on board and practice,” indicating how they strive to maintain the operational readiness of their submariners.
Allievi noted that the French Scorpène-class submarine stands out as a strong contender for the Argentine Navy. His comments came after reviewing the current state of their submarine acquisition project. He explained that the Argentine military is examining various options regarding the operational capabilities and costs of different submarine classes, with a keen eye on what Buenos Aires might have to budget.
Scorpène-class submarine is suitable
“The Navy has conducted studies and identified the French-origin Scorpène submarine alongside the German 209 New Generation submarine as potential options. In the Southern Cone, both Chile and Brazil operate Scorpène submarines, while Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela use the 209 model. Operationally, the Scorpène boasts superior capabilities, suggesting that acquiring it could establish a strategic balance in the region, bringing Argentina on par with Brazil and Chile,” noted Allievi.
He added, “Argentina views the Scorpène as the optimal choice. However, that doesn’t imply a decision has been reached yet. The selection process involves not only technical and operational assessments but also the pursuit of external funding as directed by the Defense Minister.”
Second-hand submarines from Europe
Notably, Buenos Aires aims to avoid straining the national budget with new acquisitions, especially given the current economic conditions. This approach likely explains why Allievi mentioned the potential investment in more economical options, such as second-hand submarines.
“We are on the lookout for a used submarine, which is quite challenging as operational submarines are typically retained by navies until they are ready for reserve,” remarked the Argentinian rear admiral. “We are exploring if any European nation plans to decommission submarines so we can negotiate,” Allievi added.
ARA Santa Cruz
Currently, the Argentine Navy has two German submarines in reserve that are not in active service. The fleet, including the ARA Santa Cruz and ARA Salta, has encountered significant hurdles leading to their inactivity. A major factor behind this is the lack of sufficient maintenance and modernization over the years. Financial constraints and budget limitations have severely hindered the Navy’s ability to keep these submarines operational.
The ARA Santa Cruz, a TR-1700 class submarine, has been especially impacted by these challenges. Despite receiving a mid-life upgrade in the early 2000s, it has faced several mechanical and technical issues that have rendered it unfit for active duty. The shortage of resources to address these problems has only worsened the situation.
ARA Salta
The ARA Salta, a Type 209 submarine, grapples with similar maintenance woes. Built-in the 1970s, the Salta’s operation has been severely limited in recent years due to its aging systems and the Argentine Navy’s inability to carry out necessary overhauls. Its outdated technology and the high cost of refurbishment have made its continued service impractical.
No major incidents or accidents have directly led to the decommissioning of the ARA Santa Cruz and ARA Salta. Instead, their inactivity stems primarily from prolonged neglect and insufficient investment in the Navy’s submarine fleet. The tragic loss of the ARA San Juan in 2017, another TR-1700 class submarine, underscores the urgent need for improved maintenance and safety protocols. (Source: News Now/https://bulgarianmilitary.com/)
15 Jun 24. Argentina eyes amphibious assault ships, tank landing ships. In an interview with Pucará Defensa, Rear Admiral Carlos María Allievi, Chief of the General Staff of the Argentine Navy, confirmed that the Argentine Navy is considering the acquisition of Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) and Landing Ship Tanks (LSTs).
Rear Admiral Allievi highlighted the Navy’s interest in two specific LPD designs: the Makassar-class and the VARD 7 313 design.
These vessels are seen as critical components in enhancing the operational capabilities of the Argentine Navy, particularly in amphibious operations and disaster response scenarios.
Allievi noted, “We have been thinking about an LPD, it can be the Makassar class or the 7313 from Fincantieri, which can carry up to 8 light or medium helicopters, a great air transport capacity, which in the event of a catastrophe, if land access or airports are collapsed, as happened in the south of Brazil, allows the direct support on the affected areas.”
The interview also shed light on the broader context in which these acquisitions are being considered. The Argentine Navy faces significant challenges related to the ageing of its operational assets, with the average age of its fleet over 40 years. This includes the need for modernisation across all components of the Navy, such as Naval Aviation, the Marine Corps, and the Submarine Force.
Discussing the amphibious capabilities, Rear Admiral Allievi explained the need for both LPDs and LSTs. The LST, similar to the ARA Cabo San Antonio used in the Falklands War, is crucial for direct beach landings. In contrast, the LPD is much larger and capable of carrying more helicopters and equipment, providing significant logistical and operational support.
Allievi elaborated, “In the Navy, the average age of our operational assets is over 40 years old. Although they are in service today, the vast majority have technology dating back to the 1970s or 1960s. This applies to all components of integrated naval power, which are the Naval Aviation, the Marine Corps, the Submarine Force and the Navy. We have to think about a renewal that we must have in the medium or long term. Everything that is naval construction or development involves an engineering and design process of at least seven years.”
The interview also touched on the importance of training and maintenance to ensure operational readiness. The Navy is actively seeking ways to acquire used submarines to train personnel and maintain operational capabilities.
Allievi stated, “We are analysing whether any European power has any programme to discontinue submarines and that we can sit down and negotiate. A navy that has an operational submarine does not sell it; it operates it until it is put into reserve when it already has a replacement submarine in the slipway.”
Rear Admiral Allievi highlighted the strategic importance of the South Atlantic, not only for its resources and maritime routes but also for its growing relevance in global maritime security. The Argentine Navy, he said, is committed to maintaining a strong presence in the region, which includes patrols and international collaborations to safeguard national interests.
“Our main mission is in the South Atlantic maritime area. Within this South Atlantic we see that there are new protagonists, new challenges. These new protagonists want greater participation or influence in the decisions made in an area that historically did not have great relevance. The South Atlantic, with these new challenges, takes on a much more relevant importance,” he explained.
The Argentine Navy’s interest in LPDs and LSTs is part of a broader strategy to modernise and enhance its operational capabilities.
(Source: News Now/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)
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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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