14 Aug 15. Canadian Government’s Export Controls Division Issues General Export Permit No. 41 – Dual-Use Goods and Technology to Certain Destinations. The Canadian Government’s Export Control Division has issued General Export Permit No. 41 – Dual-Use Goods and Technology to Certain Destinations. The purpose of the proposed GEP No. 41 – Dual-use Goods and Technology to Certain Destinations is to allow residents of Canada, subject to certain conditions and limitations, to export or transfer certain items included in Group 1 and ECL item number 5504 for end –use in certain eligible destinations. These destinations include like-minded countries that are members of multiple multilateral export control regimes of which Canada is a member and have implemented an effective system of export controls. The full text of this regulation and its accompanying Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement is available in the August 12, 2015 edition of the Canada Gazette, Part II. (Source: glstrade.com)
13 Aug 15. Russia restructures military districts to reflect Aerospace Forces creation. Key Points:
• Russia has restructured its order of battle for its aviation and air defence units in most of its military districts
• The move follows the creation of a combined Russian Aerospace Forces on 1 August
Russia has now updated its order of battle in most of its military districts (MDs) following the merger of the Russian Air Force (VVS) and Aerospace Defence Forces (VKO) into the new combined Aerospace Forces (VKS).
So far the Air and Air Defence units of three of the country’s four MDs and Joint Strategic Commands, set up in 2010, have been reorganised. The structure of the Northern Fleet has also been changed. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
13 Aug 15. Russia to launch MiG-31 replacement programme before end of decade. Russia is to begin developing a replacement for the MiG-31 ‘Foxhound’ interceptor before the end of the decade, state media reported on 12 August. Development of the next-generation PAK-DP (Predpolagayemyy vozdukha Kompleks dlya Dal’ney Perekhvat – Prospective Air Complex for Long-Range Interception) aircraft is to start in 2019, the TASS news agency quoted the commander in chief of Russia’s Air and Space Forces, Colonel General Viktor Bondarev as saying.
The Russian Air Force (VVS) is currently upgrading 130 of its approximately 200 ‘Foxhound’ aircraft to the latest MiG-31BM standard. This upgrade encompasses the aircraft’s avionics, cockpit displays, datalinks, radar, and fire control systems, and will see the fuselage and landing gear refurbished also. By the time this process is complete by the end of 2019, the MiG-31BM will be fit to serve through to the 2030s. Even so, the VVS has said that it is looking to field a replacement in about the 2028 timeframe. Specific details, such as performance. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
13 Aug 15. PT PAL outlines weapons fit for Philippine Navy SSVs. Key Points:
• Indonesia’s PT PAL says weapons fit for the two SSVs in build for the Philippine Navy will consist of 76 mm and 25 mm guns
• In the longer term, the navy may seek up to four SSVs to meet strategic requirements
Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL has confirmed that the two strategic sealift vessels (SSVs) on order for the Philippine Navy (PN) will each be fitted with one 76 mm gun on the foredeck as the main armament. Two stern-facing 25 mm guns will also be fitted, one each on the port and starboard sides.
Speaking to IHS Jane’s on 14 August, PT PAL’s SSV project manager Turitan Indaryo also gave an update on build progress for both ships. “The first vessel is 68.39% complete, while the second vessel is 42.37% complete,” he said, adding that the ships are on schedule for delivery in May 2016 and May 2017 respectively.
However, PT PAL was not able to confirm the potential suppliers of the ships’ weapons. “We are just preparing the foundations. The Philippine Navy will decide,” said Turitan.
PT PAL was awarded a USD92m contract i