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.