China :: Defence :: Space

Akron OH (SPX) Jun 30, 2011 -Lockheed Martin recently received a $184.3 million undefinitized contract agreement from the U.S. Army to begin production of 29 additional Persistent Threat Detection Systems (PTDS) to support coalition forces in Afghanistan. In 2010, Lockheed Martin delivered 28 PTDS for use in theater, bringing the total number of systems provided to the U.S. Army to 37. PTDS is a highly effective, combat-proven, aerostat-based intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and communications system in support of force-protection and counter-IED (improvised explosive devices) missions. Used by the Army since 2004, the systems provide around-the-clock coverage of broad geographic areas for weeks at a time with multi-mission sensors. "Over the past several years, the Department of Defense has placed an increased emphasis on delivering affordable intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to the warfighter," said Colleen Arthur, director of Lockheed Ma...

Recently, the South China Sea dispute at loggerheads tensions once again the international community's attention. The erroneous understanding of relevant countries and individuals became the important reasons fueling the South China Sea dispute.PLA Navy's Type 052B destroyer launching anti-ship missilesOne mistake that China claims sovereignty over the entire South China Sea, greatly

Wichita KS (SPX) Jun 30, 2011 -Boeing earlier this month supported the U.S. Air Force in the first powered launch of a Miniature Air Launched Decoy Jammer (MALD-J) from a B-52. The successful test, in which the electronic jammer was launched from a B-52 Stratofortress, took place over the Gulf of Mexico at the Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., test range. Boeing designed the avionics software onboard the B-52 that controls and launches the Raytheon-built MALD-J. "The software functioned exactly as we designed," said Scot Oathout, B-52 program director for Boeing. "We were able to power up the MALD, send the mission through the interface and verify that the data was properly received." MALD-J is the newest variant in the MALD family. It has added capabilities to loiter or orbit over an area and jam adversaries' radars. "This is another great opportunity for the Air Force and Boeing to transform the B-52 and expand its mission from a predominantly offensive role to...

Tucson AZ (SPX) Jun 30, 2011 -The U.S. Army awarded Raytheon a $36 million contract for the final phase of the Excalibur Ib development program. This phase concludes with warfighter tests and will qualify Excalibur Ib for fielding. The Excalibur Ib is a long-range, precision-guided artillery projectile based on Raytheon's combat-proven Excalibur Ia. Excalibur Ib features a non-spinning fixed base, uses fewer parts and requires simpler manufacturing than Excalibur Ia resulting in increased reliability and a significantly reduced cost. "Raytheon has conducted more than 50 live-fire tests since August 2010, and the results from these tests have enabled our talented engineers to further refine the Excalibur Ib design," said Michelle Lohmeier, vice president of Raytheon's Land Combat product line. "By consistently demonstrating an unprecedented precision capability, we have high confidence in our Excalibur Ib design as the objective solution." Excalibur Ib was de...

Although China has repeatedly called on the relevant parties ofSouth China Sea disputeto exercise restraint, but some actions of the neighboring countries seems intent on expanding South China Sea dispute.The Philippines was held on December 28 and 11 days of the U.S. joint military exercises at sea. "Philippine Star" on June 28 article gave this hot poured cold water on the US-Philippine

Cut military spending difficult to support the situation of "all nuclear" lineup, to consider drawing on Russian and China's experiences.In the context of White House determined to cut the defense budget, powerful U.S. Navyhas become a new "victim", nuclear submarine forces which always rank first among the world are facing the predicament of shrinking the size. How to spend less while

Paris, France (SPX) Jun 29, 2011 -Hawker Beechcraft and ATK hasve announced an upcoming demonstration of ATK's Guided Advanced Tactical Rocket (GATR) from HBC's AT-6 Light Attack and Armed Reconnaissance (LAAR) aircraft. The demonstration is expected to take place in the late fall of this year. "We are excited to showcase the capabilities of this weapon system on the AT-6," said Jim Maslowski, HBC president, U.S. and International Government Business. "GATR's low cost and very low collateral damage make it an excellent choice to prosecute the LAAR mission." GATR is a 70mm precision system that uses a Semi-Active Laser guidance package to achieve extreme accuracy against both stationary and moving targets. With GATR, the pilot is able to lock-on before launch to ensure that only the target of interest is engaged, providing precision strike with much less collateral damage at a significantly lower cost than current guided missiles. GATR's tracking and ...

Le Bourget, France (SPX) Jun 29, 2011 -The first upgraded Puma Mk2 helicopter developed by Eurocopter in a life extension programme for the UK's Royal Air Force performed its initial flight this week from Eurocopter's facility at Marignane, France. It is the first helicopter to be modified under the Puma Life Extension Programme, which was approved by the UK Ministry of Defence in September 2009 and placed on contract with Eurocopter UK. This programme will extend the operational life of the Puma helicopter fleet and is to significantly enhance its capability - particularly in demanding hot and high conditions. It will improve the safety and performance by providing new engines, a digital flight control system, increased platform survivability and enhanced navigation and communications. "The Puma Mk2's first flight is an important milestone, marking the initial step in a test programme that will continue through the second half of 2011," said Markus Steinke, the M...

Paris, France (SPX) Jun 29, 2011 -Hawker Beechcraft and ATK hasve announced an upcoming demonstration of ATK's Guided Advanced Tactical Rocket (GATR) from HBC's AT-6 Light Attack and Armed Reconnaissance (LAAR) aircraft. The demonstration is expected to take place in the late fall of this year. "We are excited to showcase the capabilities of this weapon system on the AT-6," said Jim Maslowski, HBC president, U.S. and International Government Business. "GATR's low cost and very low collateral damage make it an excellent choice to prosecute the LAAR mission." GATR is a 70mm precision system that uses a Semi-Active Laser guidance package to achieve extreme accuracy against both stationary and moving targets. With GATR, the pilot is able to lock-on before launch to ensure that only the target of interest is engaged, providing precision strike with much less collateral damage at a significantly lower cost than current guided missiles. GATR's tracking and ...

IN THE beginning of May, Just about the time when Indian Armys major war game in Thar Desert, testing and refining its new concept of war against Pakistan The Cold Start, watched by top Indian political dignitaries was concluding, Pakistan announced that it has developed a short range tactical nuclear missile NASER basically to deal with this Indian Cold Start Concept. Pakistan has developed two short range (60km) nuclear capable missiles Hataf-9 and NASER. They are easy to transport and are capable of launching small yield plutonium tipped nuclear warheads. These missiles are basically called tactical nuclear missiles. They are meant to be used in close ranges in actual battlefield against attacking enemy armoured columns and ground troops. Actually these have been supplied to Pakistan by China. In other words, China is also accepting the fact that it is part of this game of tactical nuclearisation of battle field. Cold Start concept has been developed after the lessons learned during...

Baltimore MD (SPX) Jun 28, 2011 -Northrop Grumman has announced the successful demonstration of its STARLite radar on a U.S. Army Persistent Threat Detection System (PTDS), an aerostat surveillance platform uniquely positioned to aid in the defense of ground troops. During the demonstration at Yuma Proving Ground in Yuma, Ariz., the STARLite system, which carries the military designation AN/ZPY-1, detected vehicles and individuals in the area of interest. STARLite cues the electro-optical infrared camera to targets detected by the radar. "STARLite performed exceptionally well and exceeded our customer's expectations," said John Jadik, vice president of weapons and sensors for Northrop Grumman's Land and Self Protection Systems Division. "The success of the STARLite demonstration clearly shows the versatility and technical capabilities of the system that will prove to be a critical asset to our nation's warfighters." Northrop Grumman's STARLite is a s...

Paris (UPI) Jun 24, 2011 -The first of five prototype CH-53K Super Stallion helicopters is being built by Sikorsky at its Assembly and Flight Operations center in West Palm Beach, Fla. Sikorsky, in a news release from the Paris Air Show, said the start of assembly of the ground test vehicle is an indicator of progress toward the system validation test phase of the Heavy Lift Replacement Program. The CH-53K would replace the CH-53E used by the U.S. Marine Corps. Sikorsky said when the GTV prototype is assembled, it will be delivered to the Sikorsky Development Flight Center, adjacent to the FAFO facility, to undergo ground-flight testing in early 2012. First flight is expected during fiscal year 2014. The new aircraft program is planned to include production of more than 200 aircraft. "When you see the components of the prototype aircraft being assembled, you begin to envision the power and capability that will be delivered with the CH-53K helicopter," said CH-53K Helicopter ...

Singapore (AFP) June 27, 2011 - New recruits to Singapore's military, air force and navy are to get a new standard-issue item of equipment besides their rifle -- the iPad. The defence ministry said Monday it will be issuing "about 8,000" of the sleek, touch-screen tablet computers -- already wildly popular with the city-state's tech-savvy youth -- to recruits from November. The ministry said it was also planning to issue the devices to other servicemen next year. The cheapest iPad2 device currently retails in Singapore for Sg$668 ($538). Defence chief Neo Kian Hong said adopting the iPad would allow the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to take advantage of the technological abilities of the city-state's youth. "By exploiting the use of popular and current information and communications technology, we are able to harness our advantage of today's technologically savvy servicemen," the Straits Times newspaper quoted him as saying. Troops can use the iPad...

Paris, France (SPX) Jun 27, 2011 -Raytheon's active electronically scanned array radar technology recently achieved more than 250,000 operational flight hours. Used by customers around the world on multiple platforms, more than 300 radar systems have been delivered to domestic and international customers to help ensure their mission success. "We believe Raytheon's AESA technology is the cornerstone of future fighter aircraft," said Mark Kula, vice president, Tactical Airborne Systems, for Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems. "No one offers Raytheon's level of operational AESA capability and mission support. Our leading-edge AESA technology is combat-proven, in production, and available today." Today's changing threat environment drives warfighters' need for technologically advanced sensors that will keep existing platforms relevant and operational at a moment's notice. Raytheon's AESA radars provide a significant advantage in the demandin...

Baltimore MD (SPX) Jun 28, 2011 -Northrop Grumman has announced the successful demonstration of its STARLite radar on a U.S. Army Persistent Threat Detection System (PTDS), an aerostat surveillance platform uniquely positioned to aid in the defense of ground troops. During the demonstration at Yuma Proving Ground in Yuma, Ariz., the STARLite system, which carries the military designation AN/ZPY-1, detected vehicles and individuals in the area of interest. STARLite cues the electro-optical infrared camera to targets detected by the radar. "STARLite performed exceptionally well and exceeded our customer's expectations," said John Jadik, vice president of weapons and sensors for Northrop Grumman's Land and Self Protection Systems Division. "The success of the STARLite demonstration clearly shows the versatility and technical capabilities of the system that will prove to be a critical asset to our nation's warfighters." Northrop Grumman's STARLite is a s...

According toChinese mediareports,China has successfullydeveloped asensitiveend-madebombs.Such a bombandbombthe United States,Saddam Husseinat the endthe differenceis notsensitive,it isplayinga long204 mm,diameter147 mm,weight11.6 kg.155 mmshellsthatcan bebuilttwobullets,455 kgCBU-105cluster bombcan bebuilt40suchbullets,thisequipmentwasoutside thearmored vehicleknown as thekiller. The detachmentat the endIhavesensitivemissileradarand heatsensors,canfindand applyspecialshaped chargebombsto destroytanks.Idrop,the sensorcanfindandadvance on150 360confinedwithin thevehicleonslaught. Minstartedplayingthe end ofSaddam Husseinin the last1960yearsthe concept,butuntileightyyearsbeforethe relevant skillsto carry outmature.Thisammunitioncan penetratearmoredtanksat the top ofthe localthin(includeUS-madeM-1).If you can notfind thegoal,the end ofSaddamwill besensitivebombblew. ModernEndsensitivebombis the end of thesensitiveammunitionfor short,also known as sensitivedevicedetonatedammunitionis atraj...

Latest news, more and more intense conflict in the South China Sea, the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army Navy in the South China Sea region has recently conducted a military exercise at sea ring Hainan Island, and in the unfamiliar waters of amphibious armored vehicles crossing a floating loading exercise. Peoples Liberation Army Navy Coast Guard have jointly, maritime surveillance and other units, for the first part of Hainan Island sea military exercise, during the three days and three nights of training, the Navy, together with the units, were deployed in hunting submarines, landing craft, patrol boats 14 other ships, as well as two combat aircraft, anti-submarine exercises of the patrol, landing transport, escort and other subjects reef protection, under the conditions of actual combat at sea, and strengthen the military capability to respond to emergencies. In addition, Liberation Army Daily, said the Guangzhou Military Region, the South China Sea Fleet, the formation of a marine b...

With an eye on the future and fed up with the "bureaucratic culture" pervading Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the country's only aircraft manufacturer, IAF now wants the control of the navratna defence PSU. IAF has asked the defence ministry (MoD) to appoint one of its three-star officers, instead of a bureaucrat, as the chairman and managing director of HAL once the present incumbent Ashok Nayak retires on October 31. MoD sources confirmed IAF had even proposed the name of present assistant chief of air staff (operations & space), Air Vice Marshal M Matheswaran, a top-notch fighter pilot now approved for the air marshal rank, for the HAL post. "The matter is being examined...no final decision has been taken," said a source. Simultaneously, a panel of names has also been drawn up to include Pawan Hans chief R K Tyagi, a defence accounts service officer S N Mishra, who earlier was joint secretary (aerospace) in MoD, and MSTC chairman S K Tripathi, among oth...

Latest news, South Korea and North Korea Recently undergone many unpleasant incident, South Korean military announced that it would start military exercises near the military demarcation line. 26 South Korean military announced, scheduled from 27th of this month in South Korea near the Korean Peninsula in northwestern land military demarcation line, Paju near the military demarcation line that held military exercises. Exercise scheduled to begin at 27 for five days. Military officials told the Yonhap news agency correspondent, the nature of field training exercise is designed to test troops response to enemy infiltration, provocation and incitement launched local full-scale war, the state of combat readiness. Yonhap news agency did not mention the scale of the exercise, participating units form and other details. Allegedly, the exercise, the Army will invest large numbers of troops and tanks and other equipment will be set up checkpoints on main roads, will also launch an empty shell. ...

In line with its major strategic actions, the use of intelligence in the planning of civil unrest to disrupt the opponent opponents of national strategic direction of the country, the United States and Western diplomats traditional means.U.S. government intelligence agenciesHistorical experience is noteworthy. Early 1950, U.S. support for Tibet's upper-rebellion, in June the United States sent

I often see articles on the web warning of the impending Chinese naval power and the impact on American's naval dominance. I find most of them to be badly written and low on facts. However, there are some authors how have followed PLAN for a long time and write some really good stuff. Andrew Erickson is one of the few PLA followers that I truly respect. His latest article with Gabe Collins on the J-15 program is another quality piece of work. I would recommend all PLAN followers to read it. The authors did a good job of going over all of the potential problems associated with operating J-15 on a STOBAR carrier like Varyag. They brought up the reduced maximum take-off weight of J-15 vs land based flankers. They brought up how US carrier groups can make use of USAF tankers from forward base points to extend the range of USN air wing, but this option is not available to PLAN in the foreseeable future. Another limitation to Chinese air wing is the lack of fixed-wing ISR assets...

L15 trainer aircraft model The latest information, the European aviation industry is strong and South Korea on international trainer aircraft market to compete at the same time, Chinas L-15 Falcon will also be added to the ranks. Compared with their peers, senior trainer, L-15 has a unique advantage. According to experts, Chinas Falcon has stripped-type and full-mount two: the stripped-down model to act as trainer, low cost, training cost, cost less to use, affordable; and afterburning can be supersonic flight as the aircraft started the whole mount trainer to meet the pilots to fly supersonic, flying a large demand for higher motor overload. Reported, L-15 trainer / fighter aircraft can be used for training F-10, J-11 and US-made F-16 and other models fighter pilot. Russian media also believe, as the equipment of the Ukrainian production engine, Falcon has had the ability to fly supersonic. If equipped with radar and targeting equipment, Falcon will be able to develop a combat version...

Paris, France (SPX) Jun 24, 2011 -Goodrich has been selected by Cassidian (an EADS company) to provide the TERPROM terrain referenced navigation (TRN) system for the Airbus Military A400M versatile airlifter. The system will be provided by Goodrich's Sensors and Integrated Systems team in Plymouth, UK. Goodrich will continue development activities to adapt, fully integrate and qualify the TERPROM system on the A400M beginning in the third quarter 2011. This follows completion in mid-2010 of a successful concept phase in which Airbus and Cassidian worked with the Goodrich team to validate the system's TRN capability inside the A400M aircraft architecture. Daniela Dudek, A400M military - mission management system programme head, Cassidian Electronics said, "Goodrich's TERPROM system will provide the A400M with a battle-proven TRN capability that has been specifically designed for tactical transport operations. It will greatly enhance the situational awareness of the A400...

Paris, France (SPX) Jun 24, 2011 -Raytheon has been selected to supply Mode S Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar (MSSR) systems to the Romanian Air Traffic Services Administration, ROMATSA. Under the contract, signed in Bucharest, Raytheon UK will provide dual-channel, Condor Series 300 systems for the en route radar sites at Romania's Henri Coanda (Otopeni) International Airport, Constanta International Airport and Arad International Airport during a 20-month program. "In order to meet European Union requirements regarding air safety, quality and security, ROMATSA will install Mode S MSSR systems produced by Raytheon, for the first time on the Romanian territory," said Adrian Remus Serban, operations director, ROMATSA. "Taking into consideration the tradition of this company and the quality of their equipment, we are convinced that these modern radar systems will live up to our expectations." Richard Daniel, Raytheon U.K. director, Defence and Program Leade...

According to foreignmedia reports, theredcircleisthe Japanese militaryaircraftphotographedtheChinese Navyunmanned aerial vehicles,according tospeculation, this should bebefore theChinesearmy newspaperandtelevision stationsreportedtheshooting trainingwithunmanneddrones.Reported thattheJapanese governmentfor the first timeidentifiedChinasmilitary. According toJapans Sankei ShimbunAudioon June 23,confirmedby the JapaneseMaritime Self Defense Force,unmanned aerial vehicleswithChinawith ChinesenavalwarshipsthroughtimeandMiyakoIsland,Okinawa, Japan,andto practiceoffshore. Reported thatthis isthe first timethe JapaneseSelf-Defense Forcesto confirmthe ChineseUAV.Previously,Chinesewarshipsthroughtwo weeksof militarytrainingexercisesin22to 23early in the morningafterthe night ofOkinawaandMiyakoislandsoffshoreback tobase. Japans defense ministrysaidthis month,8-9,inclusive, includingmissilefrigateships anddrivingthe11Navyshipsbound forChinato thesoutheast,themilitaryexercises.At that time,ongoing...

Motor Sich ink contract with Chinese for engine supply It is reported that Motor Sich has signed a contract with Chinese HAIC to supply AI-222-25F turbofan engines for its L-15 jet trainer. The deal was closed in spring and the first dozen of engines will be shipped in 2011. According to Mr Oleksiy Gorovyy Millennium Capital analyst The news is POSITIVE for Motor Sich. Although, the volumes and shipment schedule are uncertain, the agreement itself is critically important to sustain the revenue momentum at the company which now officially becomes the exclusive engine supplier for the program. The program will also help Motor Sich to reduce its dependence on the Russian customers to some extent. He said A single engine for L-15 is worth USD 2 million an each plane will need at least two of those, leaving MSICH with over USD 4 million in immediate sales per each aircraft produced and some potential for aftermarket revenues. Our forecast is now for 300 planes produced over the entire lifes...

Edwards AFB CA (SPX) Jun 21, 2011 -A second test of the X-51A Waverider flew June 13, 2011, in the Point Mugu Naval Air Test Range over the Pacific Ocean, bringing significant hypersonic research data in a less than successful flight test. The hypersonic aircraft was successfully boosted to just over Mach 5, and the scramjet engine lit but failed to transition to full power. Air Force Flight Test Center officials said after a flawless flight from Edwards Air Force Base, a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress released the experimental vehicle from an altitude of approximately 50,000 feet. After release the X-51A was initially accelerated by a solid rocket booster to a speed just over Mach 5. The experimental aircraft's air breathing scramjet engine lit on ethylene and attempted to transition to JP7 fuel operation when the vehicle experienced an inlet un-start. The hypersonic vehicle attempted to restart and oriented itself to optimize engine start conditions but was unsuccessful. The...

USS George Washington, At Sea (SPX) Jun 23, 2011 -The "Dambusters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195 returned to the flight deck aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) June 17, after completing the transition from the F/A-18C Hornet to the new and more advanced F/A-18E Super Hornet. The return of VFA 195 make George Washington and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 the first and only completely Super Hornet-equipped team in the Navy. George Washington now returns to sea with a total of four Super Hornet squadrons; 44 jet fighters in all. "Having an all Super Hornet airwing definitely makes the CAG 5 and George Washington team a more lethal combination. These newer aircraft incorporate the latest in aviation technology. It's an honor to be this airwing's commander," said Capt. Daniel Cave, CVW 5 commanding officer. The Super Hornet squadrons are now equipped with a broad arsenal of technologically advanced avionics including the faster APG-79 Active Electronically Sc...

Edwards AFB CA (SPX) Jun 21, 2011 -A second test of the X-51A Waverider flew June 13, 2011, in the Point Mugu Naval Air Test Range over the Pacific Ocean, bringing significant hypersonic research data in a less than successful flight test. The hypersonic aircraft was successfully boosted to just over Mach 5, and the scramjet engine lit but failed to transition to full power. Air Force Flight Test Center officials said after a flawless flight from Edwards Air Force Base, a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress released the experimental vehicle from an altitude of approximately 50,000 feet. After release the X-51A was initially accelerated by a solid rocket booster to a speed just over Mach 5. The experimental aircraft's air breathing scramjet engine lit on ethylene and attempted to transition to JP7 fuel operation when the vehicle experienced an inlet un-start. The hypersonic vehicle attempted to restart and oriented itself to optimize engine start conditions but was unsuccessful. The...

Latest news, the South China Sea dispute and then turmoil, Taiwans navy reserve major general recently Yin Sheng xian told Hong Kong media interview said that if the warships sent by the mainland and the Philippines conflict, is currently stationed in the Pacific island of Taiwan would stand idly by, the absolute will not help the Philippines fight the PLA. However, the Philippines should attempted takeover of the Pacific islands, the mainland may be shot to help form another KMT-CPC cooperation, time for the Philippines, whether the PLA or Taiwan are Chinese military. Taiwan Affairs Office said in: maintaining sovereignty over the Nansha Islands is the common responsibility of compatriots on both sides. Yin Sheng xian Huangpu China is now the whole world will be standing concentric supervisors, he believes that to solve the South China Sea or the Diaoyu Islands dispute, the key lies in Chinas attitude, he observed, the mainland of South China Sea is not enough strong. He said that on...

Washington (UPI) Jun 17, 2011 -The U.S Defense Department's new energy strategy will pave the way for a more secure, agile and flexible fighting force, an official said. Under the new strategy, military equipment, as well as forces in the field, will use less energy and more alternative forms of energy, such as solar and biofuels rather than fossil fuels. "To build and sustain this 21st century military force, particularly in an era of fiscal duress, the Department of Defense must use its resources wisely, and that includes our energy resources," states the strategy. As the biggest single energy consumer in the nation, the Defense Department last year spent $15 billion on fuel, 75 percent of which was for military operations, Deputy Secretary of Defense William Lynn said in unveiling the plan this week. Amid soaring fuel costs and a growing reliance on energy to carry out military operations, the department has seen its gasoline costs skyrocket 225 percent in the last de...

Edwards AFB CA (SPX) Jun 21, 2011 -A second test of the X-51A Waverider flew June 13, 2011, in the Point Mugu Naval Air Test Range over the Pacific Ocean, bringing significant hypersonic research data in a less than successful flight test. The hypersonic aircraft was successfully boosted to just over Mach 5, and the scramjet engine lit but failed to transition to full power. Air Force Flight Test Center officials said after a flawless flight from Edwards Air Force Base, a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress released the experimental vehicle from an altitude of approximately 50,000 feet. After release the X-51A was initially accelerated by a solid rocket booster to a speed just over Mach 5. The experimental aircraft's air breathing scramjet engine lit on ethylene and attempted to transition to JP7 fuel operation when the vehicle experienced an inlet un-start. The hypersonic vehicle attempted to restart and oriented itself to optimize engine start conditions but was unsuccessful. The...

Paris, France (SPX) Jun 20, 2011 -The U.S. Navy completed a series of captive-flight tests on Raytheon's Joint Standoff Weapon C-1, putting the warfighter one step closer to gaining a net-enabled standoff weapon with moving maritime target capability. JSOW is a family of low-cost, air-to-surface weapons that employs an integrated GPS-inertial navigation system and terminal imaging infrared seeker and guides the weapon to the target. JSOW C-1 adds a moving maritime target capability and a two-way strike common weapon datalink to the combat-proven weapon. "These tests pave the way for a JSOW C-1 free-flight test later this year," said Phyllis McEnroe, Raytheon's JSOW program director. "JSOW C-1 is the only air-launched weapon in production that enables the warfighter to engage moving ships over the horizon, and it's approved for export." Conducted on an F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet, the tests demonstrated the weapon's ability to detect and track moving targ...

Washington DC (SPX) Jun 17, 2011 -The U.S. Navy has announced the Commonwealth of Australia has selected the MH-60R SEAHAWK helicopter to fulfill the Australian Defence Force's AIR 9000 Phase 8 requirement for a fleet of 24 new-generation, multi-role naval combat aircraft. The Commonwealth will acquire the helicopters with associated training and logistical support via the U.S. Government's Foreign Military Sales program. "The companies that comprise Team Romeo are honored by the Commonwealth's choice of the MH-60R Romeo helicopter to protect Australia's maritime interests," said Mick Maurer, president of Sikorsky Military Systems. "We look forward to collaborating with the Royal Australian Navy and local industry across Australia as we build and integrate these proven SEAHAWK aircraft." Team Romeo principals Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) and Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] have co-developed and delivered ...

Washington (UPI) Jun 17, 2011 -The U.S Defense Department's new energy strategy will pave the way for a more secure, agile and flexible fighting force, an official said. Under the new strategy, military equipment, as well as forces in the field, will use less energy and more alternative forms of energy, such as solar and biofuels rather than fossil fuels. "To build and sustain this 21st century military force, particularly in an era of fiscal duress, the Department of Defense must use its resources wisely, and that includes our energy resources," states the strategy. As the biggest single energy consumer in the nation, the Defense Department last year spent $15 billion on fuel, 75 percent of which was for military operations, Deputy Secretary of Defense William Lynn said in unveiling the plan this week. Amid soaring fuel costs and a growing reliance on energy to carry out military operations, the department has seen its gasoline costs skyrocket 225 percent in the last de...

Latest news, China is reported to the Air Force long-range bombers equipped in recent years the number declined significantly, greatly reduced the air strike capability. Chinese and Asian defense in its New released report that the Chinese Air Force under the tutelage of only three long-range bombers began restructuring in 2008, during which a large number of old bombers have been eliminated, leading to a number of aircraft sharply reduced. Another Russian media said the Chinese air force is currently equipped with most of the H-6 long-range bombers were produced from the 1980s, most of them will achieve their life. And engaged in the production of this bomber Xian Aircraft Industry Co., Ltd. H-6, but did not increase the production scale. In other words, the Chinese Air Force long-range bomber strength is weakened. From the satellite photos show that in 2006 when the airport parking in Leiyang 31 bombers. The airport, underground bunkers, however, only the width of these bunkers 10 me...

About a week and half ago, Chen Bingde finally publicly discussed the ex-Varyag aircraft carrier for the first time . And now that the veil has come off, we are seeing more public proclamation of the carrier program. As we saw previously, a naval variant of the JL-9 trainer, currently serving in PLAAF, is being developed and tested. Today, CDF blog posted an article on China Military Online , which seems to be an official acknowledgment of this project. Interesting enough, this naval variant is named JT-9, instead of the previously expected designation of JL-9H. It'd be interesting to see what other part of the carrier project is made public next.

The Indian Coast Guard is planning to procure six Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft for enhancing surveillance in coastal areas and country's Exclusive Economic Zone. The sea guarding force has expressed its intent to procure these aircraft soon after it suspended its over two-year-long tender process for acquiring an equal number of Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR) aircraft. "We are looking to procure six multi-mission aircraft for our aviation wing," a Coast Guard official said here. Initial steps for the acquisition process have already been taken and the global tender for procuring these aircraft would be issued soon. Officials said the aircraft should have both air to air and maritime surveillance radars to keep an eye on both airborne and seaborne threats and also help in locating, identifying and tracking them. The force wants the aircraft to have the capability to integrate the latest Active Electronic Scanned Array radar which will allow it to have a 360...

CHINA MILITARY While China struggles to get along with its neighbours, policymakers there may at least be able to console themselves with this thought military-to-military ties with the United States have improved dramatically in the past year.Chinese Defense Minister Liang GuanglieThe two sides now engage on a wide range of issues in several different forums, a shift thats only likely to