PTDI to hand over aircraft to S Korea by end of 2010

State aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) is scheduled to hand over one of four CN-235/ MPA (Maritime Patrol Aircraft) ordered by South Korea, by the end of 2010.

"Four CN-235/ MPA aircraft are currently under construction by PTDI to meet the South Korean order. One of the planes would be handed over to South Korea by the end of 2010," PT Dirgantara Indonesia`s chief spokesman Rokhendi said in Bandung Friday.

He said the four CN-235/MPA planes are ordered by South Korea under a contract signed in 2008 at a total cost of 94.5 million US dollars. The production of the four aircraft would be completed in 2012.

South Korea Enters The Big Leagues

A South Korean firm is building the ESM (Electronic Support Measures) equipment for the six new Type 214 submarines their navy is buying. The ESM suite is designed by a Swedish company, but is subcontracting the construction of the equipment to South korea LIG Nex1. This brings home the fact that South Korea has become an electronics superpower over the last three decades. In terms of electronics items manufactured, South korea is fourth behind the U.S., Japan and China. This has led to the establishment of specialized firms, like LIG Nex1, which do precision, and specialized work, like ESM systems. South Korea has been a growing manufacturer of military electronics, mainly in support of their local production of warships, armored vehicles and high tech weapons.

South Korea also builds submarines, also a very specialized field. A decade ago, South Korea ordered three German 214s, and the first of those entered service two years ago. The boats were built in South Korea, using licensed technology from the German developer (HDW).

Four years ago, the South Koreans dropped plans to built several large, 3,000 ton, diesel-electric subs. But now, this plan has been revived. But first, the six additional 1,600 ton Type 214 subs will be built over the next 14 years, in addition to the three already planned. South Korea already has nine 1,100 ton Type 209 subs, designed and built in Germany.

ISRAEL TO PURCHASE A FOURTH GERMAN SUBMARINE

Israel is negotiating with Germany to buy a new submarine, Dolphin class, able to fire nuclear missiles, the Maariv Israeli daily reported here.

Israel Dolphin class Photo : naval technology

Maariv quoted a “senior” Israeli source as saying Wednesday negotiations are taking place between Israel and Germany which are in an “advanced” stage at present.

U.S,British Might Share Firing Device to Update Nuclear Arms

The Obama administration is taking initial steps to develop a "common fuse" aimed at replacing aging firing devices in two different U.S. nuclear weapons, and could partner with the United Kingdom in developing the technology.

The United States and the United Kingdom might jointly develop a single fuse 

for use on three different nuclear weapons, including one of the warheads deployed 

on the Trident D-5 submarine-launched ballistic missile, shown above (U.S. Navy photo).

The U.S. Defense Department's Nuclear Posture Review -- a broad assessment of strategy, forces and readiness -- could highlight the initiative as a potential collaborative and cost-saving measure, according to insiders. The major review is expected on Capitol Hill by March 1.

A fuse is widely regarded as a critical feature on a nuclear weapon because it controls whether and when the warhead detonates, and that can affect how much damage is inflicted.

Under the new initiative, a single fuse could potentially replace three different devices in the U.S. and British nuclear arsenals.

China's 'Third Island' Strategy

Analysts have long wondered if the Chinese navy (PLAN) had a third island chain strategy, beyond the publicly declared strategies for the first island chain (centered on Taiwan) and second island chain (extending from Japan to Indonesia). Many American commentators believed that such a strategy would refer to the ability to project power capable of reaching America's bases in Hawaii.

However, China's recent maritime activities -- such as its extended counterpiracy patrols in the Horn of Africa and its involvement in a number of port development projects in Indian Ocean littorals (dubbed the "string of pearls") -- have raised the suspicion in Indian defense circles that the third island chain lies in the Indian Ocean, and specifically refers to the waters surrounding the Indian Andaman and Nicobar islands.

Norwegian submarines need base in Northern Norway

Norwegian submarines are instructed to sail more outside Northern Norway, but lack important support facilities on land, one year after Norway abandoned its Arctic base of Olavsvern.

 

 

The Norwegian submarines are diesel-electric and have batteries that need charging every fourth or fifth week, says Head of the Norwegian Submarine Forces Commodore Erik Bøe to NRK. When the Olavsvern base outside Tromsø was closed, the submarines lost the only possibility for charging batteries in Northern Norway.

Dutch military receives first NFH maritime helicopter

NH90’s naval version sees delivery to first customer

As the Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed shortly before Christmas, the Dutch Armed Forces has taken delivery of the first NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH), the naval version of NHIndustries’ NH90. However, this first helicopter (designated NNLN03), from a total order of 12 NH90 NFH for the Netherlands, is not yet ready to be deployed in operational service, according to Aviation Week & Space Technology. Rather, it will undergo extensive testing and evaluation by the Dutch project office, which will assess whether the helicopter meets its previously agreed requirements.

As the Dutch MoD explains, NNLN03, which was handed over at the AgustaWestland plant in Italy on 23 December 2009, is a temporary so-called Meaningful Operational Capable (MOC) configuration, meaning is does not meet all contractual specifications of the final version. Nevertheless, it can immediately be used for crew training and basic coastal surveillance operations, while NHIndustries works towards completing development of an operationally ready, production standard aircraft.

Goodrich to Supply Composite Components for Eight Virginia-Class Submarines

Goodrich Corporation (NYSE: GR) has received a $49 million contract from Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding to provide a number of composite components for the next eight Virginia Class nuclear fast attack submarines, collectively referred to as Block III.

 

Virginia Block III

Goodrich's Engineered Polymer Products team in Jacksonville, Fla. is building components to support the construction of one ship per year in 2009 and 2010, rising to two ships per year from 2011 through 2013. The components include the bow dome, and sonar and weapons equipment.

S Korea's defense exports hit record high last year

South Korea's defense exports in 2009jumped 13 percent to a record high of 1.17 billion U.S. dollars, helped by the government support and more companies breaking into overseas market, an arms procurement agency said Tuesday.

The record-high sales are slightly short of the original goal of 1.2 billion U.S. dollars but is still a major achievement considering the global economic downturn, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said.

The sales were also boosted by diversification of the defense items, with many small firms, whose number local media say stands at 104, entering the industry and faring well, according to the agency.

Warning over navy spending cuts

THE future strength and structure of the Royal Navy must be driven by "operational need" and not the Treasury, a Westcountry defence expert has warned.

Steve Bush, editor of the Liskeard-based Warship World, says that despite the Navy's pivotal role in Afghanistan, the Senior Service could be vulnerable in any post-election defence spending review.

India Shourya Missile Photo

This only Pic India Shourya (Programme K-15) source livefist.blogspot

 

DRDO braces up for a series of tests

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) which is planning a series of missile tests in the next few months has a host of challenges before it to fit into the defence requirements of the country in the light of the heightening tension in and around India.Sources said, at least five different ranges and variants of missiles are likely to be tested by the defence scientists and Indian Army in the first quarter of the year. 

The missiles to be tested from the integrated test range (ITR) off the Orissa coast are India’s longest range Agni-III, Agni-II, an interceptor, Shourya (the land version of submarine launched ballistic missile K-15) and BrahMos.

Northrop Grumman Delivers New Mexico Submarine Ahead of Schedule in Record Time

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) delivered the sixth submarine of the Virginia class, New Mexico (SSN 779), to the U.S. Navy today, four months ahead of schedule. New Mexico's 70-month construction period represents the shortest overall construction time of any Virginia-class submarine.

"New Mexico's delivery is a reflection of the commitment, dedication and hard work of the shipbuilders at Newport News, our Electric Boat partners and the Navy," said Becky Stewart, vice president for Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding's submarine program. "We delivered her in record time, using one million fewer man-hours than her predecessor USS North Carolina (SSN 777). Our shipbuilders are focused on meeting safety, quality, cost and schedule commitments. The progress we've made in the Virginia-class submarine program demonstrates their personal ownership in building the finest submarines in the world."

Class 214 & 209 Families

The Class 214 submarines were developed by HDW on the basis of the proven design principles of the family of Class 209 submarines.

U209+U212+U214_Comparative

In addition, innovative systems from the Class 212A boats were also integrated in the design. The net result was and is an air-independent but non-nuclear submarine with exceptional technical and operational capabilities, featuring extraordinarily developed stealth characteristics and an impressive weapon and sensor payload. Thanks to its modular design, the Class 214 submarine can be equipped with a wide range of optional systems depending on the requirements of the customer navy.Other exceptional features of the Class 214 submarine are:

• Considerably extended submerged endurance and low detectability due to incorporation of the proven fuel cell system for air-independent propulsion
• Minimised acoustic, thermal and magnetic signatures as a result of the mature design and the advanced production technology
• Increased diving depth capabilities
• Improved living conditions for the crew

The Class 214 submarine meets all operational requirements for missions in both shallow and deep water areas. Submarines of this class are now being built for the Hellenic and Korean Navies.