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Navy:
Israel Navy seeks more Dolphin submarines
The Israel Navy has revealed a requirement for two additional Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW)/Thyssen Nordseewerke Dolphin-class diesel-electric submarines (SSKs). [Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
UK plans follow-on to Spearfish torpedo
The UK Ministry of Defence is considering options for a follow-on Submarine Launched Underwater Weapon (SLUW) to succeed the current Spearfish heavyweight torpedo in Royal Navy (RN) service from the middle of the next decade.
[Jane's Navy International - first posted to http://jni.janes.com - 10 December 2003]
Personnel cuts head USN strategy to boost fleet
The US Navy (USN) is seeking to increase its fleet size from 294 to 375 ships in the coming years and will pay for the move with savings generated by better business practices, programme terminations and, most importantly, personnel cuts, senior service officials said. [Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
Datalink system helps Royal Navy police Middle East waters
UK Royal Navy (RN) Type 23 frigates patrolling waters in the Middle East are employing a new secure voice, data and positional information system to enhance the ability of boarding parties to intercept vessels suspected of being involved in terrorist and smuggling activity. [Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
US to accelerate Deepwater
Faced with increasing homeland security missions in the wake of 9/11, the US Coast Guard (USCG) is examining whether to accelerate a key multi-billion-dollar modernisation programme.
[Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
Kockums unveils enlarged Visby Plus concept
Kockums AB, part of the HDW Group, has unveiled a new concept for a stealthy future surface combatant based on technology proven in the Swedish Navy's Visby-class corvette. [Jane's International Defense Review - first posted to http://idr.janes.com - 15 January 2004]
Skjold production details revealed
The Skjold Prime Consortium (SPC) - comprising Umoe Mandal, Armaris and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace - has revealed further details of the production-standard configuration for the Royal Norwegian Navy's (RNoN's) new Skjold-class fast-attack craft. [Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
Australia confirms huge amphibious fleet plans
Canberra has released details of plans to make a quantum leap forward in the ability of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to conduct amphibious operations. [Jane's Navy International - first posted to http://jni.janes.com - 10 December 2003]
Air Forces:
US considers bomber presence on Guam
The US Air Force is considering a continuous presence of bomber aircraft on the island of Guam as it mulls potential force-structure changes in the Pacific theatre, according to the air force's commander in the region.
[Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
Russian air force details plans for 2004
Russian Federation Air Force (RFAF) Commander-in-Chief Col Gen Vladimir Mikhailov has announced that one battery of the new-generation Almaz-Antei S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system will become operational in 2004.[Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
US Air Force details Combat Talon plan
The US Air Force is to convert 10 C-130H Hercules medium tactical transport aircraft into the MC-130H Combat Talon II configuration to support special operations forces. [Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
Grudge Sales match for fighters in Singapore
Three manufacturers competing to supply Singapore's next combat aircraft are due to deliver detailed proposals around the end of this month (February). Singapore narrowed the list of candidates to the Boeing F-15T, Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon in October 2003. The same aircraft were the finalists in the contentious and controversial Republic of Korea (RoK) deal, which ended in April 2002 with the selection of the F-15 and an infuriated reaction from Dassault, which still maintains that the Rafale was the RoK's technical and operational first choice but that the F-15 was selected under intense pressure from the US. [Jane's International Defense Review - first posted to http://idr.janes.com - 15 January 2004]
More missiles for Greek Mirages
The Greek Ministry of Defence has formalized a contract with MBDA Missile Systems to supply MICA air-to-air missiles (AAMs) and SCALP EG/Storm Shadow air-to-surface missiles (ASMs) to equip the Hellenic Air Force's (HAF's) fleet of Mirage 2000-5 fighters. [Jane's International Defense Review - first posted to http://idr.janes.com - 15 January 2004]
Army:
Electromagnetic suspension enhances cross-country performance
The Navigation Systems division of Northrop Grumman Canada (formerly Litton Systems Canada) has developed an Electronically Controlled Active Suspension System (ECASS), using technology licensed from the University of Texas that was funded by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the US Army's Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM). ECASS, which can equip both wheeled and tracked off-road vehicles, is intended for incorporation into new designs and retrofitting to existing platforms. A standard High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle has a 6W ride-limiting speed (equating to accelerations of 3-3.5g) of only 23.2km/h. When fitted with an active suspension, however, the absorbed energy at that speed is reduced to about 1W (rising to 1.5-2W at 38.4km/h). According to Northrop Grumman, testing by the US Army on HMMWVs at Yuma Proving Ground demonstrated an increase in maximum practicable cross-country speed by a factor of two or three, accompanied by a fivefold to tenfold improvement in platform stability. [Jane's International Defense Review - first posted to http://idr.janes.com - 15 January 2004]
UK weighs 155mm artillery options
The UK Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) is reconsidering which 155mm weapon would best meet the British Army's Lightweight Mobile Artillery Weapons System Gun (LIMAWS (G)) requirement in parallel with a broader study of the army's 155mm artillery needs. [Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
Germany to upgrade Fuchs 6 x 6s
Germany's Federal Office for Defence Technology and Procurement (BWB) has awarded Rheinmetall Landsysteme a EUR45 million ($56.7 million) deal to upgrade 123 Transportpanzer 1 Fuchs 6 x 6 armoured personnel carriers (APCs) for the army. [Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
Defence:
Australia fleshes out plans for missile defence
Australia's Minister for Defence Robert Hill has provided further detail on the nature and scope of plans to equip the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with a theatre ballistic missile defence capability.
[Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
Turkey, US to discuss base access
Turkey and the US are to open discussions soon on assured US access to Turkish bases, including those in the south near Iraq. [Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
Israeli help boosts Indian missile project
India has revived its flagging indigenous missile programme by testing several missile systems and announcing plans to begin production of others. [Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
Thailand seeks rocket launcher
At least nine countries have responded to a Royal Thai Army (RTA) request for price and availability information on systems to meet its requirement for a new multiple rocket system (MRS).
[Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
Rafael, IAI unveil surface-to-air missile combo
Israel's Rafael Armament Development Authority, teaming with Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI), has unveiled a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system that incorporates ground-launched versions of the former's Derby medium-range active radar-guided air-to-air missile (AAM) and Python 5, its latest dual-waveband short- and beyond-visual-range-capable imaging infra-red (IIR) AAM. [Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
US sends training team to Mauritania
A team from US European Command's (USEUCOM's) 10th Special Forces Group arrived in Nouakchott, Mauritania, on 10 January. The team will initiate a border-monitoring training programme for the Mauritanian Army under a US State Department Office of Counterterrorism initiative to extend co-operation to the Saharan Sahel countries.
[Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
Afghan and Iraqi deployment test for Netherlands new air maneuver force
Key components from a new modular joint fighting force, fielded by the Netherlands, will be deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq over the next few months. [Jane's International Defense Review - first posted to http://idr.janes.com - 15 January 2004]
Britain to begin force "rebalancing"
A White Paper published by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), though short on detail, presaged the start of the long-heralded move towards medium forces, and with it the cancellation or modification of a number of established programs.
[Jane's International Defense Review - first posted to http://idr.janes.com - 15 January 2004]
Submitted by,
Steve Reichmuth
Israel Navy seeks more Dolphin submarines
The Israel Navy has revealed a requirement for two additional Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW)/Thyssen Nordseewerke Dolphin-class diesel-electric submarines (SSKs). [Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
UK plans follow-on to Spearfish torpedo
The UK Ministry of Defence is considering options for a follow-on Submarine Launched Underwater Weapon (SLUW) to succeed the current Spearfish heavyweight torpedo in Royal Navy (RN) service from the middle of the next decade.
[Jane's Navy International - first posted to http://jni.janes.com - 10 December 2003]
Personnel cuts head USN strategy to boost fleet
The US Navy (USN) is seeking to increase its fleet size from 294 to 375 ships in the coming years and will pay for the move with savings generated by better business practices, programme terminations and, most importantly, personnel cuts, senior service officials said. [Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
Datalink system helps Royal Navy police Middle East waters
UK Royal Navy (RN) Type 23 frigates patrolling waters in the Middle East are employing a new secure voice, data and positional information system to enhance the ability of boarding parties to intercept vessels suspected of being involved in terrorist and smuggling activity. [Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
US to accelerate Deepwater
Faced with increasing homeland security missions in the wake of 9/11, the US Coast Guard (USCG) is examining whether to accelerate a key multi-billion-dollar modernisation programme.
[Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
Kockums unveils enlarged Visby Plus concept
Kockums AB, part of the HDW Group, has unveiled a new concept for a stealthy future surface combatant based on technology proven in the Swedish Navy's Visby-class corvette. [Jane's International Defense Review - first posted to http://idr.janes.com - 15 January 2004]
Skjold production details revealed
The Skjold Prime Consortium (SPC) - comprising Umoe Mandal, Armaris and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace - has revealed further details of the production-standard configuration for the Royal Norwegian Navy's (RNoN's) new Skjold-class fast-attack craft. [Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
Australia confirms huge amphibious fleet plans
Canberra has released details of plans to make a quantum leap forward in the ability of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to conduct amphibious operations. [Jane's Navy International - first posted to http://jni.janes.com - 10 December 2003]
Air Forces:
US considers bomber presence on Guam
The US Air Force is considering a continuous presence of bomber aircraft on the island of Guam as it mulls potential force-structure changes in the Pacific theatre, according to the air force's commander in the region.
[Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
Russian air force details plans for 2004
Russian Federation Air Force (RFAF) Commander-in-Chief Col Gen Vladimir Mikhailov has announced that one battery of the new-generation Almaz-Antei S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system will become operational in 2004.[Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
US Air Force details Combat Talon plan
The US Air Force is to convert 10 C-130H Hercules medium tactical transport aircraft into the MC-130H Combat Talon II configuration to support special operations forces. [Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
Grudge Sales match for fighters in Singapore
Three manufacturers competing to supply Singapore's next combat aircraft are due to deliver detailed proposals around the end of this month (February). Singapore narrowed the list of candidates to the Boeing F-15T, Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon in October 2003. The same aircraft were the finalists in the contentious and controversial Republic of Korea (RoK) deal, which ended in April 2002 with the selection of the F-15 and an infuriated reaction from Dassault, which still maintains that the Rafale was the RoK's technical and operational first choice but that the F-15 was selected under intense pressure from the US. [Jane's International Defense Review - first posted to http://idr.janes.com - 15 January 2004]
More missiles for Greek Mirages
The Greek Ministry of Defence has formalized a contract with MBDA Missile Systems to supply MICA air-to-air missiles (AAMs) and SCALP EG/Storm Shadow air-to-surface missiles (ASMs) to equip the Hellenic Air Force's (HAF's) fleet of Mirage 2000-5 fighters. [Jane's International Defense Review - first posted to http://idr.janes.com - 15 January 2004]
Army:
Electromagnetic suspension enhances cross-country performance
The Navigation Systems division of Northrop Grumman Canada (formerly Litton Systems Canada) has developed an Electronically Controlled Active Suspension System (ECASS), using technology licensed from the University of Texas that was funded by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the US Army's Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM). ECASS, which can equip both wheeled and tracked off-road vehicles, is intended for incorporation into new designs and retrofitting to existing platforms. A standard High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle has a 6W ride-limiting speed (equating to accelerations of 3-3.5g) of only 23.2km/h. When fitted with an active suspension, however, the absorbed energy at that speed is reduced to about 1W (rising to 1.5-2W at 38.4km/h). According to Northrop Grumman, testing by the US Army on HMMWVs at Yuma Proving Ground demonstrated an increase in maximum practicable cross-country speed by a factor of two or three, accompanied by a fivefold to tenfold improvement in platform stability. [Jane's International Defense Review - first posted to http://idr.janes.com - 15 January 2004]
UK weighs 155mm artillery options
The UK Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) is reconsidering which 155mm weapon would best meet the British Army's Lightweight Mobile Artillery Weapons System Gun (LIMAWS (G)) requirement in parallel with a broader study of the army's 155mm artillery needs. [Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
Germany to upgrade Fuchs 6 x 6s
Germany's Federal Office for Defence Technology and Procurement (BWB) has awarded Rheinmetall Landsysteme a EUR45 million ($56.7 million) deal to upgrade 123 Transportpanzer 1 Fuchs 6 x 6 armoured personnel carriers (APCs) for the army. [Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
Defence:
Australia fleshes out plans for missile defence
Australia's Minister for Defence Robert Hill has provided further detail on the nature and scope of plans to equip the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with a theatre ballistic missile defence capability.
[Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
Turkey, US to discuss base access
Turkey and the US are to open discussions soon on assured US access to Turkish bases, including those in the south near Iraq. [Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
Israeli help boosts Indian missile project
India has revived its flagging indigenous missile programme by testing several missile systems and announcing plans to begin production of others. [Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
Thailand seeks rocket launcher
At least nine countries have responded to a Royal Thai Army (RTA) request for price and availability information on systems to meet its requirement for a new multiple rocket system (MRS).
[Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
Rafael, IAI unveil surface-to-air missile combo
Israel's Rafael Armament Development Authority, teaming with Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI), has unveiled a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system that incorporates ground-launched versions of the former's Derby medium-range active radar-guided air-to-air missile (AAM) and Python 5, its latest dual-waveband short- and beyond-visual-range-capable imaging infra-red (IIR) AAM. [Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
US sends training team to Mauritania
A team from US European Command's (USEUCOM's) 10th Special Forces Group arrived in Nouakchott, Mauritania, on 10 January. The team will initiate a border-monitoring training programme for the Mauritanian Army under a US State Department Office of Counterterrorism initiative to extend co-operation to the Saharan Sahel countries.
[Jane's Defence Weekly - first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 16 January 2004]
Afghan and Iraqi deployment test for Netherlands new air maneuver force
Key components from a new modular joint fighting force, fielded by the Netherlands, will be deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq over the next few months. [Jane's International Defense Review - first posted to http://idr.janes.com - 15 January 2004]
Britain to begin force "rebalancing"
A White Paper published by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), though short on detail, presaged the start of the long-heralded move towards medium forces, and with it the cancellation or modification of a number of established programs.
[Jane's International Defense Review - first posted to http://idr.janes.com - 15 January 2004]
Submitted by,
Steve Reichmuth