LOCATIONS
LAND
07 June 19. Aerojet Rocketdyne Opens State-of-the-Art Rocket Propulsion Facility in Huntsville.
- Huntsville is the company’s Defense Business Unit headquarters
- Home to some of the most advanced defense and space manufacturing technology in the world
Senior Alabama officials joined Aerojet Rocketdyne’s CEO Eileen Drake and Executive Chairman Warren Lichtenstein today at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the company’s newest state-of-the-art rocket propulsion Advanced Manufacturing Facility (AMF), marking the latest milestone in the company’s ongoing expansion in the Rocket City.
Surrounded by company employees and Alabama state and local officials, including Governor Kay Ivey, Drake officially declared the AMF open for operation. The 136,000-square-foot AMF will produce advanced propulsion products such as solid rocket motor cases and other hardware for the Standard Missile-3, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, and other U.S. defense and space programs.
“The AMF provides Aerojet Rocketdyne the capabilities we need to advance our nation’s security today and to further technologies that will allow us to meet the challenges of tomorrow,” said Drake.
In addition to current programs, which are being transferred from other locations, the AMF is designed for new program opportunities, including hypersonic and the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) program.
“This is an exciting day for Aerojet Rocketdyne, the City of Huntsville and for the entire state of Alabama,” Governor Kay Ivey said. “When a high-caliber company like Aerojet Rocketdyne locates a cutting-edge manufacturing facility in your state, it’s a powerful testament to the skill of your workforce and to the advantages you can offer to business. We’re thrilled to see this great company grow in Huntsville and make important contributions to the nation’s defense.”
The Huntsville expansion and AMF are part of Aerojet Rocketdyne’s Competitive Improvement Program, which is aimed at reducing costs and increasing operational efficiency. Aerojet Rocketdyne officially established Huntsville as the headquarters of its Defense Business Unit in 2016. The company’s local workforce, which numbered approximately 70 in 2017, is now up to more than 400, with additional growth planned as the AMF reaches full production rates.
Yesterday Drake formally cut the ribbon on the 122,000-square-foot Defense Headquarters building and hosted state and local officials at an open house reception. Here, the company is supporting important innovations for America’s warfighters and explorers, from industry-leading hypersonics technology, to the advanced controller for the RS-25 engines that will power NASA’s Space Launch System.
“We are grateful to Aerojet Rocketdyne for choosing Huntsville, this site and our highly skilled people, to produce some of the most advanced defense and space manufacturing technology in the world,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “We look forward to a long and prosperous future together as Aerojet Rocketdyne continues its leadership role in our nation’s journey into space.”
Drake cited key reasons for making Huntsville the center of its defense business, a highly technical workforce of engineers and scientists and the proximity of the company’s key customers and government partners.
“Huntsville is a great place to build a future – and that’s what we are doing with our expansion here,” said Drake. (Source: ASD Network)
MARITIME
13 June 19. Three new Navy patrol ships pass key milestones. The first of the Navy’s five new patrol ships is ready for front-line action – as the third successfully completes her first spell at sea. HMS Forth overcame fires, floods and fast attack craft over three intensive weeks in western Scotland – the final hurdle the Portsmouth-based warship had to overcome before being declared fit to deploy.
As Forth becomes operational, her younger sister HMS Trent has returned to Glasgow after a fortnight of successfully being put through her paces in the Firth of Clyde.
And the second of the £116m warships, HMS Medway – formally handed over by builders BAE Systems – is about to make her debut in Portsmouth.
The five ships – HMS Tamar (launched) and Spey (nearing completion) complete the quintet – are bigger, faster, more heavily armed, able to land and refuel Wildcat and Merlin helicopters, carry more than 50 troops on missions if needed, and can stay at sea a fortnight longer than the first generation of River-class ships which were built 15 years ago and are still in service.
After patrols around the UK, Forth is due to be sent to the Falklands at the end of this year to replace HMS Clyde as the islands’ permanent naval guardian while the aim is to operate her younger sisters from ports and bases around the globe to provide a constant Royal Navy presence in regions such as the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Far East.
Forth completed an intensive three-week spell of Operational Sea Training – the Royal Navy’s equivalent to ‘pre-season training’; every British warship has to pass the gruelling assessment before being sent on front-line operations.
Instructors test the ability of a ship and her sailors/Royal Marines to deal with every eventuality on board: fires, engine breakdowns, running aground, missile and bomb damage, fighting off enemy aircraft, refuelling on the go and providing humanitarian aid after a natural disaster.
The training culminated in a powerful display of gunfire laid down by Forth against ‘enemy’ forces on the ranges of western Scotland.
“It was great to conduct a firing on this scale and for a smaller ship it’s impressive how much firepower we have available,” said Engineering Technician Weapons Engineering Jamie Philpot, aged 23.
Lieutenant Matthew McGinlay, Forth’s First Lieutenant and one of the longest-serving crew members, added: “Operational Sea Training is always a difficult test which has been made slightly more challenging by the fact we are the first of this class of ship to complete it.
“The training we’ve received is second to none and has put us in a strong position to deploy and conduct operations anywhere in the world.”
Forth briefly met up with HMS Trent as the latter was being put through her paces between Arran, Bute and Great Cumbrae – the first time two ships in the class have been at sea together.
“It was great to meet up with HMS Trent as she was put through her paces on sea trials. We’re looking forward to welcoming her to the Fleet in the very near future,” said Commander Bob Laverty’s, Forth’s Commanding officer.
“The era of the second-generation River class ships – the Fighting Batch 2s – is coming.”
Due to be handed over to the Navy later this year for duties at home or abroad, Trent’s trials tested her main engineering systems and sensors allowing shipwrights and technicians to fix any problems now the ship is back at BAE’s yard in Scotstoun.
“Being invited on board for sea trials was a really useful experience,” said Petty Officer Chris Allison, who’ll be Trent’s propulsion maintainer once the ship is handed over to the Royal Navy.
“The technicians and engineers from BAE Systems and the various equipment manufacturers who conducted the trials were really welcoming and keen to share their knowledge with us.
“This made it a really worthwhile trip and puts us in a great position to carry on with our own training and preparations.”
12 June 19. US Navy Christened Littoral Combat Ship Minneapolis-Saint Paul. The US Navy christened its newest Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS), the future USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS 21), during a 10 a.m. CDT ceremony Saturday, June 15, in Marinette, Wisconsin. U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum of Minnesota delivered the christening ceremony’s principal address. Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy Jodi Greene will serve as the ship’s sponsor. In a time-honored Navy tradition, Ms. Greene will christen the ship by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow.
“The christening of the future USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul marks an important step toward this great ship’s entry into the fleet,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “The dedication and skilled work of our industry partners have ensured this ship will represent the great city of Minneapolis-Saint Paul and serve our Navy and Marine Corps team for decades to come.”
The future USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul is a fast, agile, focused-mission platform designed for operation in near-shore environments yet capable of open-ocean operation. It is designed to defeat asymmetric “anti-access” threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft. The ship will be homeported in Mayport, Florida. The LCS class consists of two variants, the Freedom variant and the Independence variant, designed and built by two industry teams. The Freedom variant team is led by Lockheed Martin in Marinette, Wisconsin (for the odd-numbered hulls). The Independence variant team is led by Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama (for LCS 6 and the subsequent even-numbered hulls). LCS 21 is the 11th Freedom-variant LCS, the 21st in the class. She is the second ship named in honor of Minnesota’s twin cities. The first was a Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine that served from 1984 to 2008. Two U.S. Navy ships have been named for Minneapolis and two for St. Paul. The first Minneapolis was a cruiser commissioned from 1894 until 1921. The second Minneapolis was a New Orleans-class cruiser commissioned in 1934, earning 16 battle stars for World War II service by 1946, when it was decommissioned. The first St. Paul, a passenger liner chartered by the Navy, served in the Spanish-American War and in World War I. The second St. Paul was a Baltimore-class cruiser commissioned in 1945, earned one battle star for World War II service, eight battle stars for Korean service, and eight battle stars for Vietnam service by the time it was decommissioned in 1971. (Source: US DoD)
12 June 19. US Navy rotates European-based BMD warships. More capable warships will be deployed to Europe by the US Navy (USN) to replace four Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers that have been based in Spain since 2014. The four ships of the Forward Deployed Naval Force-Europe (FDNF-E) are also planned to be supported by the basing in Rota, Spain of a helicopter maritime strike squadron equipped with Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawks. According to a US 6th Fleet announcement, the “newer, modernised ships [are being deployed] in order to posture the most capable forces forward in the US European Command area of responsibility”. It said the relocation of the helicopter maritime strike squadron in support of the destroyers would “enhance the multimission roles of these ships”. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
11 June 19. Ecuadorian shipyard Astinave looks to build new navy multipurpose vessel. The Ecuadorian state-run shipyard Astinave is negotiating to build a multipurpose vessel for the Ecuadorian Navy. The vessel will be utilised for several missions, including maritime patrols, supply deliveries to the Galápagos archipelago, fuel and water transportation to vessels out at sea, and tugboat operations, according to Ecuador’s Ministry of National Defence. The project is still in its initial phases. Defence Minister General Oswaldo Jarrin Roman met with Camilo Delgado, Astinave’s general manager, to discuss this potential initiative on 29 May. Astinave has manufactured offshore patrol vessels Isla San Cristobal (LG-30) and Isla Isabela (LG-31) for the Ecuadorian Navy in recent years. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
11 June 19. RAN frigate out of service for more than three years largely due to personnel issues. Personnel shortages have left one of the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) eight Anzac-class frigates on shipyard blocks for 21 months, with a further 16 months anticipated until HMAS Perth completes an impending mid-life upgrade and again becomes available for operations. The 3,900-tonne frigate was placed on the hardstand at BAE Systems Australia’s shipyard at Henderson near Perth in October 2017 after completing a deep maintenance cycle.
Since then the ship has remained on blocks: a situation disclosed in a recent report by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) stating that the RAN has been unable to muster the normal 192-strong crew. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
11 June 19. USS Pearl Harbor returns to home port after completion of availability. The US Navy’s Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) has returned to Naval Base San Diego after the completion of its availability. The navy’s Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC) completed USS Pearl Harbor’s availability on 31 May.
LSD 52 underwent sea trials performed by SWRMC Code 200 and Code 300 personnel, along with contractors from BAE. In February last year, the US Naval Sea Systems Command awarded a contract to BAE Systems to perform maintenance, modernisation, and repair of the USS Pearl Harbor.
The availability period involved a range of scheduled overhauls throughout the ship. SWRMC engineers also focused on growth or new work items related to safety and requirements for getting underway.
SWRMC commanding officer captain David Hart said: “SWRMC works to find cost-effective and innovative solutions during availabilities to support on-time delivery of ships.
“By staying focused on the goal, SWRMC’s maintenance teams are able to accomplish the required work to return the ships to the fleet, ready to support the navy’s mission.”
During the availability, the team conducted overhauls on all four of the vessel’s ship service diesel generators (SSDG), as well as repair work to all four of its main engines.
The maintenance also included structurally repairing and painting more than 30 of LSD 52’s tanks.
In addition, the teams performed foodservice modifications and non-skid work on several areas of the shop, including the flight deck, vehicle stowage area, truck tunnel, and turnaround area.
SWRMC Pearl Harbor project manager Steve Harrington said: “One of the key elements that resulted in successful completion of this availability was a great level of communication between maintenance teams, contractors, subcontractors, and ships’ force.”
Last year, USS Pearl Harbor completed a seven-month deployment through the Pacific and Indian Oceans, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Gulf, and the South China Sea. The vessel is part of the US Third Fleet’s America Amphibious Ready Group (Source: naval-technology.com)
11 June 19. US names future Arleigh Burke-class destroyer after Coast Guard hero. The US Navy’s future Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer DDG 132 has been named in honour of Coast Guard captain Quentin Walsh, who died in May 2000.
Walsh was awarded the Navy Cross medal in recognition of his service during the Second World War. This medal is the navy’s second highest award for valour in combat. DDG 132 is the first Arleigh Burke-class ship to be named after a Coast Guard hero. The name was announced by US Navy Secretary Richard Spencer in a ceremony on the US Coast Guard Cutter Eagle in Cherbourg, France.
Spencer said: “Captain Walsh was a hero whose efforts during World War II continue to inspire, and his leadership in securing the French port of Cherbourg had a profound effect on the success of the amphibious operations associated with Operation Overlord.
“For over two centuries, the Navy and Marine Corps team and the Coast Guard have sailed side by side, in peacetime and war, fair weather or foul.
“I am honoured the future USS Quentin Walsh will carry Captain Walsh’s legacy of strength and service throughout the world, and I am proud that for decades to come, this ship will remind friends and adversaries alike of the proud history of our services and the skill and professionalism of all those who stand the watch today.”
Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are designed to be deployed in support of a range of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis response to sea control and power projection.
The future Flight III destroyer USS Quentin Walsh will have the ability to wage air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously.
To be built by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (GDBIW) in Bath, Maine, the vessel will be equipped with offensive and defensive weapon systems to support maritime warfare, including integrated air and missile defence and vertical launch capabilities.
The US Navy awarded a contract in December last year to GDBIW for the construction of DDG 132. Other DDG 51 destroyers under construction at Bath Iron Works are DDG 118, DDG 120, DDG 122, DDG 124, and DDG 127.
The 509ft-long ship will have a beam of 59ft and can operate at a speed of more than 30k. (Source: naval-technology.com)
10 June 19. Brazil to transfer Type 209 submarines to the Argentine Navy. The Brazilian Navy has agreed to transfer two Tupi class submarines – Type 209/1400 – to Argentina, following a meeting between Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro and his Argentine counterpart, Mauricio Macro. The deal includes a potential future transfer of an additional two boats.
The first two could be transferred during 2019 and the ships would then receive some minor repairs at Tandanor shipyard in Argentina before entering service in 2020. The Tupi class of four vessels was commissioned between 1989 and 1999 and is slated to be replaced by the four Tonelero-class submarines of the Scorpene type in the near future. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
10 June 19. South Korean navy receives another upgraded Chang Bogo-class submarine. South Korean shipbuilder Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) handed over Chang Bogo (Type 209/1200)-class submarine Na Dae Yong to the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN) on 10 June after completing a two-year-long upgrade of the 1,200-tonne boat.
The Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) in Seoul announced in a statement on 10 June that the 55.9 m-long and 6.2 m-wide submarine, which first entered service in November 2000, has been retrofitted with a new combat management system, an improved target detection and tracking capability, and a towed-array sonar.
The upgraded KSS-I diesel-electric attack submarine was handed over in a ceremony held at the DSME’s Okpo shipyard on Geoje Island. DAPA said that another retrofitted boat of the class, Choi Moo Sun (SS 063), had been handed over to the service in February. The agency said it expects the successful local production of the integrated combat system on the boats to “greatly contribute” to improving South Korea’s defence technology capabilities and the operational capability of the country’s military. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
07 June 19. RNZN commissions new hydrographic vessel. The Royal New Zealand Navy’s (RNZN’s) new hydrographic and diving support vessel has entered service, according to a statement issued by the government of New Zealand. HMNZS Manawanui was commissioned on 7 June in a ceremony held at the Devonport Naval Base in Auckland, and presided over by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. The 84.7m-long vessel, which is set to be home-ported at Gisborne on the country’s North Island, had arrived in New Zealand a few weeks earlier following a 46 day-long journey from Denmark. It sailed into Wellington Harbour on 12 May after leaving the Danish port of Frederikshavn on its delivery voyage to New Zealand via the Panama Canal: a distance of 11,570n miles (21,427km). Manawanui had been sent to Denmark from Norway in February to be fitted out and conduct subsequent sea trials according to RNZN requirements. The ship, which had previously been in service as a commercial offshore support vessel known as Edda Fonn, was procured by New Zealand in August 2018 for NZD103m (USD67.3m) to fulfil operational gaps in the RNZN’s diving support and maritime survey capabilities following the retirement of the service’s hydrographic ship, HMNZS Resolution, in 2012 and of the dive tender HMNZS Manawanui in 2018. The new vessel, which bears pennant number A 09, has an overall beam of 18m, a hull draught of 6.3m, and is equipped with a 100-tonne salvage crane. Powered by four diesel-electric engines driving two azimuth propulsion systems, the 5,700-tonne vessel can reach a top speed of 13kt. The ship, which is also fitted with a diving chamber and a helicopter flight deck, can accommodate a core crew of 39, with 27 more bunks for mission-specific personnel. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
AIR
13 June 19. Indonesia designates two Panther helicopters for anti-submarine operations. Key Points:
- Indonesia has designated two of its AS 565 Panther naval helicopters for anti-submarine warfare duties
- Nine other airframes are currently being fitted for multimodal missions and will replace the service’s fleet of ageing BO 105 helicopters
Only two of the Indonesian Navy’s (Tentera Nasional Indonesia – Angkatan Laut: TNI-AL’s) 11 Airbus Helicopters AS 565MBe Panther helicopters are equipped for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations, a military source told Jane’s on 11 June.
The rest of the helicopters in the fleet are currently being configured for multimodal operations, and will progressively replace the TNI-AL Naval Aviation Fleet’s squadron of ageing BO 015 utility helicopters.
“In the future, the remaining nine helicopters might be installed with ASW equipment like the dipping-sonar, but for now, only two airframes in the fleet have been dedicated for ASW operations,” the source said.
Indonesia ordered 11 new AS565 MBe Panther helicopters in 2014 as part of efforts to improve the TNI-AL’s embarked aviation and ASW capabilities. According to information provided by Airbus Helicopters, the Panther variant that has been supplied to the TNI-AL has an increased maximum take-off weight over its predecessors, at 4,500 kg, compared with 4,300 kg for earlier versions of the AS 565.
The aircraft is equipped with two Safran Arriel 2N engines that have been optimised for ‘hot and high’ conditions, and enables the helicopter to reach a top speed of 165 kt and a range of 780 km. The aircraft is also equipped with Airbus Helicopter’s latest-generation tail rotor and a four-axis autopilot to help reduce crew workload.
Under a collaboration agreement between Airbus Helicopters and state-owned Indonesian company PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), all 11 airframes were delivered in the ‘green’ state to PTDI’s facilities in Bandung where they received their service liveries, and underwent further outfitting, including installation of mission equipment. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
12 June 19. Kazakhstan to locally produce Airbus H145M helicopter. Kazakhstan is to produce locally H145M helicopters under a joint venture (JV) formed between Airbus Helicopters and Kazakhstan Engineering (KE) in 2011. The government of Kazakhstan said the JV will mark the first time a military helicopter has been built in the country. Agreed upon during a Kazakh-French Commission on arms co-operation meeting held this month, the aircraft will be built by the Eurocopter Kazakhstan Engineering JV that was established between KE and Airbus under the latter’s former branding. This JV facilitated Kazakhstan’s EC145 (now H145) acquisition for the ministries of defence and emergencies, and resulted in some final assembly and painting being carried out in-country for that initial purchase. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
10 June 19. Malian Mi-35 spotted ahead of delivery. Mali’s Air Force is set to take delivery of another Mi-35M attack helicopter from Russia, with the aircraft seen undergoing test flights earlier this month.
Mali received two Mi-35Ms in 2017, after ordering four of the helicopters in 2016, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). A new Mi-35M, in desert camouflage, destined for Mali’s Air Force, was seen at Rostvertol’s facilities at Rostov on Don on 3 June, indicating delivery is imminent. Mali’s Mi-35M acquisition was first revealed in September 2016 when Yury Demchenko, Rosoboronexport delegation head for the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition in South Africa said over the next year Russian Helicopters would deliver Mi-8/17 transport and Mi-24/35 attack helicopters to Nigeria, Mali, Angola and Sudan. Mali’s Air Force already operates a number of older Mi-24s, but the upgraded Mi-35M is far more capable. It features several improvements over its predecessors, such as new avionics with multifunction colour displays, more powerful Klimov VK-2500 turboshaft engines developing 2 200 shp, fibreglass main rotor blades, main rotor head with elastomeric joints, a new swashplate and X-type tail rotor. The Mi-35M’s fuselage has shortened stub wings and fixed landing gear. The helicopter’s sighting system has a thermal imager, TV camera and laser rangefinder and designator.
According to Russian Helicopters, weapons include Ataka-V or Shturm-V ant-tank missiles and Igla-V air-to-air missiles, 80 or 122mm rockets and a GSh-231 23mm twin-barrel cannon. In addition to weapons, the Mi-35M can carry up to eight personnel in its cabin or cargo weighing 1 500 kg while up to 2 400kg can be carried on an external sling.
The self-protection suite includes a radar warning receiver, chaff & flare dispenser, infrared jammer and engine exhaust suppressor.
Mali’s Air Force has grown over the last several years, with fixed and rotary wing acquisitions. In October 2017 Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita welcomed new aircraft into the Air Force’s inventory, including a C-295W transport, two Y-12E light utility aircraft and a Super Puma transport helicopter (out of two ordered). In July 2018 Mali received four Embraer Super Tucano light attack and trainer aircraft from Brazil after ordering them in 2015. In April this year Mali’s Air Force received a Cessna 208 Caravan configured for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) that was donated by the European Union to combat terrorism and insecurity. In 2015 Keita approved a military modernisation effort (Loi d’orientation et de programmation militaire, LOPM) which covers the modernisation of the Malian Armed Forces and the recruitment of 10 000 volunteers. The Malian Armed Forces was due to number 20 000 by 2019. The plan also includes the reorganisation of the Air Force and the purchase of new aircraft. The new aircraft will be used to support Mali’s counter-insurgency and terrorism efforts. The country has been in turmoil since 2012, when Tuareg rebels took over the north and advanced towards the capital, Bamako. A French-led intervention pushed them back the following year, but Islamist groups have since regained a foothold in the north and center, tapping into ethnic rivalries between nomadic Tuareg and Fulani herders to recruit new members. (Source: Google/https://www.defenceweb.co.za)
07 June 19. USAF performs KC-46A testing with B-2, EC-130H. with the KC-46A tanker during Phase 2 testing on 23 April 2019. Key Points:
- The US Air Force recently performed KC-46A testing with both the B-2 and the EC-130H
- This was the first time the service tested the KC-46A with the B-2’s flying-wing design
The US Air Force (USAF) recently performed Boeing KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling tanker testing with the Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and the Lockheed Martin EC-130H Compass Call wide-area coverage electronic attack and offensive counter information aircraft.
The KC-46A made its first mid-air connection with the B-2 on 23 April over the skies of Edwards Air Force Base in California as part of Phase 3 testing. The USAF said in a 5 June statement that it was very interested in testing the KC-46A with the B-2 because the Spirit is the first aircraft with a very dark paint scheme to test with the Pegasus. It also takes up a large portion of the tanker’s remote vision system (RVS) screen. Boeing installed a software fix for the RVS that would provide aerial refuelling operators better visibility for operations to help avoid unintended boom contacts with receiver aircraft, which is crucial for aircraft such as the B-2 that have low observability coatings.
It was also the first time a flying wing aircraft refuelled with the KC-46A. This pushed the USAF to evaluate unique aerodynamic influences while proving system capabilities. The air force said it was looking for specific data on the bow-wave effect from the tanker on the receiver and how it affected receiver handling qualities, boom handling qualities, and whether the visual reference indicators were satisfactory to both aircrews. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
07 June 19. Australia deploys KC-30A tanker to support Operation Inherent Resolve. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has deployed a KC-30A multi-role tanker transport aircraft to support US-led efforts to help combat the Islamic State (ISIS). The deployment is part of Operation OKRA, supporting the Operation Inherent Resolve mission. Although the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and international forces have reclaimed the last post of territory held by ISIS in Syria, the Australia Department of Defence (DoD) said the extremist group continues to ‘pose a security threat in the Middle East region and beyond’. At its peak, ISIS claimed to be in control of territory stretching from western Syria to eastern Iraq. Since operations began in 2014, the coalition forces have driven back ISIS from around 110,000km².
Despite the formal end of the ‘caliphate’, the Western forces and Syrian fighters continue to maintain vigil against ISIS and to deny the terrorist group the resources it might use to resurge.
The RAAF’s Airbus KC-30A aircraft will deliver air-to-air refuelling capability to support coalition air operations in the Middle East region.
RAAF Air Task Group commander group captain Paul Long stated that the advanced aircraft helps generate greater reach for coalition air operations.
Long said: “The KC-30A can operate at long ranges, delivering significant payloads of fuel to a wide variety of Coalition aircraft.”
The presence of two forms of air-to-air refuelling systems enables the tanker to refuel almost all aircraft, including the F-16 Falcon, F/A-18 Hornet variants and the F-35A Lightning.
In a statement, the Australian DoD said: “Australia’s presence in Iraq remains at the request of the Iraqi Government. Australia continues to work closely with the Iraqi Government and global coalition partners to counter Daesh and eliminate the threat to the region and broader international community.”
Operation OKRA is the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) contribution to the international military intervention to combat ISIS.
The DoD has deployed around 600 ADF personnel to the Middle East in support of Operation OKRA. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES
10 June 19. Cost concerns force Brazilian Navy to decommission ships. The Brazilian Navy will retire two of its warships that are currently out of service because it will cost too much to repair and upgrade the vessels. The first will be the first-off-class Niterói (F40) frigate, which is scheduled to be decommissioned on 28 June. The ship was built in the UK by Vosper Thornycroft, commissioned on 20 November 1976, and went out of service in 2015. It has been moored pier side since then. The second, scheduled to be decommissioned on 18 September, will be the Jaceguai(V31) corvette, second of the Inhaúma class, commissioned on 2 April 1991. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
12 June 19. Iraqi Army School SINCO II achieves initial operating capability. The Iraqi Army School of Infantry Non-Commissioned Officer II (SINCO II) at the Taji Military Complex has achieved initial operating capability (IOC). The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) noted that the milestone will allow the school to conduct 75% of its training activities without assistance from coalition forces.
Located 20km north of Baghdad, the school has been supported by Task Group Taji (TG Taji), a combined Australian-New Zealand military training force based at Taji.
TG Taji was deployed to Iraq to support the broader coalition’s Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve, which is a US-led international effort to coordinate military operations against the Islamic State (ISIS). The international training mission is known as Building Partner Capacity (BPC) and is aimed at training and building the capacity of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF).
Taji Training Task Unit commanding officer lieutenant colonel Matthew Smith said: “This represents a milestone for the Taji campaign plan; a transition towards training that is solely led by the Iraqi Security Forces.”
SINCO II offers training to personnel from Iraqi Army Brigades. These troops take part in efforts to secure and stabilise areas that have been liberated from the control of ISIS.
The training allows students to improve core infantry skills such as weapons handling, marksmanship, explosive hazard awareness, combat first aid, urban operations and combined arms operations.
The course also includes lessons on the Law of Armed Conflict.
As a result of the IOC milestone, Australia has shifted its involvement in the project to train-the-trainer and mentoring activities from its previous direct training activities. Earlier this week, New Zealand Government announced plans to completely withdraw its troops from Iraqby next June when the BPC mission comes to a close. (Source: army-technology.com)
11 June 19. New Zealand to withdraw military troops from Iraq. The Government of New Zealand has announced plans to pull its troops from Iraq in a phased manner to complete withdrawal by next June. New Zealand deployed its forces in 2015 as part of a joint mission with Australia to train Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) at Taji Military Complex in Iraq. The training is designed to prepare the ISF to fight the Islamic State (ISIS). The non-combat Building Partner Capacity (BPC) mission at Taji is set to conclude in June next year. Once the mission comes to a close, New Zealand will hand over full responsibility for basic training to the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF). Currently, 95 personnel from New Zealand are stationed at Taji. This will come down to 75 from next month and 45 from January. The end of the mission will mark the retreat of troops from Iraq.
Since 2015, the joint BPC mission has trained more than 44,000 ISF personnel at Taji. The mission was originally planned for two years. The government extended it by two years to June 2019.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said: “Four years ago New Zealand made a commitment to the Iraqi Government and to the coalition to train the ISF at Taji and lift their capability to defeat and prevent the resurgence of ISIS. Over the next 12 months, New Zealand will be able to wind down and conclude that commitment.”
The country will, however, continue to support the US-led international coalition to fight ISIS with a reduced number of support roles. By June next year, the government will review these positions. Furthermore, the government has announced an increase in its stabilisation funding contribution to Iraq to approximately NZD3m ($1.99m) per year for the next three years.
This fund will help communities affected by the ISIS conflict in their recovery and rebuilding efforts.
New Zealand Defence Minister Ron Mark said: “Significant progress has been made in this area, which will allow the mission to reduce in numbers and conclude within the next year, having successfully achieved what we went in to do.”
Meanwhile, New Zealand will reduce the number of personnel on the ground in Afghanistan from 13 to 11. It will continue to support the non-combat, Nato-led Resolute Support Mission (RSM) to train, advise and assist the Afghan security forces and institutions. (Source: army-technology.com)
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
11 June 19. Five New Members Appointed to the DACOWITS. The Department of Defense announced today the induction of five new members to the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services. DACOWITS provides the secretary of defense with advice and recommendations on matters and policies relating to the recruitment, retention, employment, integration, well-being and treatment of women in the armed forces.
The committee is comprised of up to 20 members, who include military retirees, veterans, civilian women and men from academia, industry, public service and other professions. Selection is based on military experience or with women-related workforce issues.
New committee appointments include:
- Retired Capt. Kenneth J. Barrett, Navy
- Retired Brig. Gen. Jarisse J. Sanborn, Air Force
- Ms. Leeanne B. Linderman
- Retired Lt. Gen. Kevin W. Mangum, Army
- Retired Brig. Gen. Allyson R. Solomon, Air National Guard
The five new members were sworn-in at the committee’s June quarterly business meeting earlier today. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs James N. Stewart, performing the duties of the under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, provided formal remarks.
Current Committee members:
- Retired Col. John T. Boggs, Marine Corps
- Retired Lt. Gen. Judith A. Fedder, Air Force
- Retired Sgt. Maj. Norma J. Helsham, Army
- Ms. Therese A. Hughes
- Dr. Kyleanne M. Hunter, Marine Corps veteran
- Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Michele S. Jones, Army
- Retired MAJ Priscilla W. Locke, Army
- Ms. Janie L. Mines, Navy veteran
- Retired Fleet Master Chief JoAnn M. Ortloff, Navy
- Retired Rear Adm. Cari B. Thomas, Coast Guard
- Retired Gen. Janet C. Wolfenbarger, Air Force
10 June 19. BG. Michael A. Griener, director, Air Force Budget Programs, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller, Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia, to director, Budget Operations and Personnel, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller, Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia.
10 June 19. Col. John C. Walker, who has been selected for the grade of brigadier general, from director, Joint Staff Legislative Affairs, Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia, to deputy commander, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Air Command – Afghanistan; and vice commander, 9th Air Expeditionary Task Force – Afghanistan, U.S. Forces – Afghanistan, U.S. Central Command, Kabul, Afghanistan.
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
12 June 19. Thai MPs and Senators overwhelmingly voted for General Prayut Chan-o-cha to be Prime Minister of Thailand. Gen. Prayut will be the head of the elected coalition government. The new cabinet will be announced soon after the Prime Minister is formally appointed by H.M. King Maha Vajiralongkorn. The Prime Minister will then appoint and submit the cabinet lineup for royal endorsement. As soon as the new cabinet is in place, the National Council for Peace and Order will be dissolved. (Source: DEFENSE & SECURITY 2019)
13 June 19. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) announced that Robert Cardillo, former director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), will join CSIS as a senior adviser to the President’s Office. Mr. Cardillo was appointed as the sixth director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency in 2014. Previously, he was selected by then director of national intelligence James Clapper to serve as the first deputy director of national intelligence for intelligence integration in September 2010. He has also served as deputy director for analysis at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and director for analysis and production at the NGA.