Defense Industry Daily

PAF F-16A drops Mk.82s
(click to view full)

On June 28/06, the US DSCA notified Congress via a series of releases of its intention to provide Pakistan with a $5.1 billion Foreign Military Sales package to upgrade the F-16s that serve as the PAF’s top of the line fighters. Some of these items had been put on hold following the October 2005 earthquake in Pakistan & Kashmir, but the request for 36 new F-16 Block 50/52s is now going ahead, along with new weapons, engine modifications, and upgrade kits for Pakistan’s older F-16 A/Bs. The buy went through, and was accompanied by the supply of 26 older F-16s from USAF surplus stocks. Then, a 2014 sale added 13 machines from from Jordan.

These items are detailed below, along with controversies the proposed sales have created, and some of the conditions attached to the sale by the US government….

The Sales: New and Upgraded F-16s

Item 1: 36 New F-16 Block 50/52s – up to $3 billion

PAF F-16D Block 52
(click to view full)

The Government of Pakistan has requested a possible sale of up to 36 F-16C/D Block 50/52 aircraft – a buy of 18 jets, with an option for another 18. The planes would be equipped with the APG-68(V)9 radars, which are the most modern F-16 radar except for the UAE’s F-16E/F Block 60 “Desert Falcons” and their AN/APG-80 AESA. The engine contract was less certain. Pakistan’s existing F-16s use the Pratt & Whitney F100 engine, but the new planes involved a competition between Pratt & Whitney’s F100-PW-229 or General Electric’s F110-GE-129 Increased Performance Engines (IPEs).

The total value, if all options are exercised, was estimated as high as $3 billion, which is in line with Pentagon releases that eventually peg the negotiated cost of 12 F-16Cs, 6 F-16Ds, and ancillary equipment at $1.4 billion. Pratt & Whitney kept their customer, and supplied the new jets with their F100-PW-229 EEP engine, making them all F-16 Block 52s. The package for Pakistan’s new F-16s included:

• 7 spare F100-PW-229 EEP or F110-GE-129 IPE engines (F100-PW-229 EEP selected)
  
• 7 spare APG-68(V)9 radar sets
  
• 36 Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS)
  
• 36 AN/ARC-238 SINCGARS radios with HAVE QUICK I/II
  
• 36 Conformal Fuel Tanks (pairs) that fit along the aircraft’s sides to give them extra range
  
• 36 Link-16 Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminals; see tactical uses of MIDS-LVT Link 16 systems
  
• 36 Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Embedded GPS/Inertial Navigation Systems
  
• 36 APX-113 Advanced Identification Friend or Foe Systems
  
• 36 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suites: ALQ-211 AIDEW without Digital Radio Frequency Memory (picked); or AN/ALQ-184 Electronic Counter Measures pod without DRFM; or AN/ALQ-131 Electronic Counter Measures pod without DRFM; or AN/ALQ-187 Advanced Self-Protection Integrated Suites without DRFM; or AN/ALQ-178 Self-Protection Electronic Warfare Suites without DRFM.
  
• 1 Unit Level Trainer
  
• Associated support equipment, software development/integration, modification kits, capability to employ a wide variety of munitions, spares and repair parts, flight test instrumentation, publications and technical documentation, CONUS-personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics personnel services, and other related requirements to ensure full program supportability.

The principal contractors under Pakistan’s “Peace Drive” buy will be:

• Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Fort Worth, TX
  
• Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control, Dallas, TX
  
• BAE Advanced Systems Greenlawn, NY
  
• Boeing Corporation Seattle, WA
  
• Boeing Integrated Defense Systems: St Louis, MO; Long Beach, CA; San Diego, CA
  
• Raytheon Company: Lexington, MA; Goleta, CA
  
• Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, AZ
  
• Northrop-Grumman Electro-Optical Systems in Garland, TX
  
• Northrop-Grumman Electronic Systems in Baltimore, MD
  
• United Technology Company subsidiary Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford, CT; or
  
• General Electric Aircraft Engines in Cincinnati, OH

There are no known offset agreements in connection with this proposed sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips to Pakistan involving U.S. Government and contractor representatives for technical review/support and program management of the aircraft. See DSCA release [PDF].

Item 2: Weapons for the New F-16s – $650 Million

To equip those new F-16s, the Government of Pakistan has requested a possible sale of:

• 500 AIM-120C5 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM)
  
• 12 AMRAAM training missiles – these have seeker warheads but lack engines
  
• 200 AIM-9M-8/9 Sidewinder Short-Range Air-Air Missiles; they are the version before the fifth-generation AIM-9X.
  
• 240 LAU-129/A Launchers – these support AMRAAM or Sidewinder missiles.
  
• 500 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) Guidance Kits: GBU-31/38 Guided Bomb Unit (GBU) kits
  
• 1,600 Enhanced Paveway GBU-12 (500 lb.) and GBU-24s (2,000 lb.) with dual laser/GPS guidance
  
• 800 MK-82 500 pound General Purpose (GP) and MK-84 2,000 pound GP bombs
  
• 700 BLU-109 2,000 pound bunker-buster bombs with the FMU-143 Fuse
  
• Associated support equipment, software development/integration, modification kits, capability to employ a wide variety of munitions, spares and repair parts, flight test instrumentation, publications and technical documentation, CONUS-personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics personnel services, and other related requirements to ensure full program supportability will also be provided.

The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $650 million. The principal contractors will be:

• BAE Advanced Systems in Greenlawn, NY
  
• Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company in Fort Worth, TX
  
• Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control in Dallas, TX
  
• Northrop-Grumman Electro-Optical Systems in Garland, TX
  
• Northrop-Grumman Electronic Systems in Baltimore, MD

There are no known offset agreements in connection with this proposed sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips to Pakistan involving U.S. Government and contractor representatives for technical review/support, program management, and modification of the aircraft. See DSCA release [PDF format].

Item 3: F-16A/B Mid-Life Update Modification Kits – $1.3 billion

JHMCS

According to the US DSCA, Pakistan intends to purchase the Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) Program equipment “to enhance survivability, communications connectivity, and extend the useful life of its F-16A/B fighter aircraft. The modifications and upgrades in this proposed sale will permit Pakistan’s F-16A/B squadron to operate safely, and enhance Pakistan’s conventional deterrent capability. Pakistan’s air fleet can readily use these updates to enhance and extend the life of its aircraft.” The total value, if all options are exercised, is estimated as high as $1.3 billion, and subsequent Pentagon releases peg it at that figure.

The Government of Pakistan has requested a possible sale of 60 F-16A/B MLU and Falcon Star Structural Service Life Enhancement kits consisting of:

• APG-68v9 with Synthetic Aperture Radar or the APG-66(V)2 radar, which is a much smaller improvement on earlier F-16s. The APG-68 with SAR is far better at air to ground work, and can be used to monitor ground activity.
  
• Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS)
  
• AN/APX-113 Advanced Identification Friend or Foe Systems
  
• AN/ALE-47 Advanced Countermeasures Dispenser Systems
  
• Have Quick I/II Radios
  
• Link-16 Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminals (MIDS-LVT)
  
• SNIPER (formerly known as AN/AAQ-33 PANTERA) targeting pod capability
  
• Reconnaissance pod capability
  
• Advanced Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation Units (used for training exercises)
  
• MDE included in the MLU modification and structural upgrade kits
  
• 21 ALQ-131 Block II Electronic Countermeasures Pods without the Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM); or ALQ-184 Electronic Countermeasures Pods without DRFM;
  
• 60 ALQ-213 Electronic Warfare Management Systems;
  
• 1 Unit Level Trainer; and
  
• 10 APG-68v9 spare radar sets.
  
• Radars, modems, receivers, installation, avionics, spare and repair parts, support equipment, CONUS-personnel training and training equipment, technical assistance, publications and technical documentation, system drawings, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, and other related logistics elements necessary for full program support.

The principal contractors will be:

• BAE Advanced Systems in Greenlawn, NY
  
• Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company in Fort Worth, TX
  
• Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control in Dallas, TX
  
• Northrop-Grumman Electro-Optical Systems in Garland, TX
  
• Northrop-Grumman Electronic Systems in Baltimore, MD

Turkish Aerospace Industries isn’t mentioned here, but they ended up with a contract to perform the upgrades on 36 F-16A/B aircraft. They’ve been doing similar work for Turkey, and for other F-16 customers in the Middle East.

There are no known offset agreements in connection with this proposed sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips to Pakistan involving U.S. Government and contractor representatives. See DSCA release [PDF].

InsideDefense.com makes the interesting observation that Pakistan doesn’t have 60 F-16s to upgrade. The clear implication is that the Pakistani government is interested in buying used F-16s and upgrading them, which proved to be the case. As part of the deal for new planes, in Sept 30/06 the USA also agreed to deliver 26 of the “Peace Gate III/IV” F-16A/B Block 15OCUs that had been ordered in 1988-1989, then embargoed when Pakistan tested nuclear weapons. After the embargo, the planes had been diverted for use as aggressor combat training aircraft by USAF and the US Navy.

Item 4: F-16A/B Engine Modifications & UP/STAR – $151 Million

F100 Engine Test

The third contract involves Engine Modifications and Falcon UP/STAR Structural Upgrades as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $151 million.

More specifically, the Government of Pakistan has requested engine improvements and structural modifications to its F-16 fleet, which includes a possible sale of:

• 14 F100-PW-220E engines
  
• 14 Falcon UP/STAR F-16 structural upgrade kits
  
• De-modification and preparation of 26 aircraft
  
• Support equipment, software development/integration, modification kits, spares and repair parts, flight test instrumentation, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics personnel services, and other related requirements to support the program.

The principal contractors will be:

• Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company in Fort Worth, TX
  
• United Technology Company subsidiary Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford, CT.

There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale, but implementation of the engine modifications and UP/STAR repairs will require multiple trips to Pakistan involving U.S. Government and contractor representatives for technical review/support, program management, and modification of the aircraft. See DSCA release [PDF].

Contracts & Key Events

Pakistan looks to Trump presidency for change in FMS.

Jordanian F-16A/B ADFs
(click to view full)# 2019 July 29/19: Approved The US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Pakistan for continued support of the F-16 program. The FMS is valued at $125 million. The Government of Pakistan had requested a continuation of technical support services, US Government and contractor technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support to assist in the oversight of operations in support of the Pakistan Peace Drive advanced F-16 program. Pakistan has used the F-16 fighter jets against India, the latest being in the aftermath of the Balakot airstrike inside Pakistan by India. The program raised the total number of F-16s ordered by Pakistan to 54. The Pakistan Air Force received its first F-16, in the block 15 F-16A/B configuration, in 1982. 2017

January 17/17: Pakistan is hoping that a Donald Trump presidency may restart a plan to procure F-16 jets through a foreign military financial aid scheme. US Congress downed the plan last year following concerns by some lawmakers over Islamabad’s allegiances in regards to counter-terrorism operations in the region. It was decided that if Pakistan wanted the F-16s, they would have to pay for them out of their own pocket.

2012 – 2014

Pakistan buys 13 more F-16A/B Block 15s from Jordan; AIDEW ECM contracts finally finalized.

Sept 2/14: Delivery. Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc. delivers the last 4 of 41 modernized Pakistan Air Force F-16s at a ceremony held at TAI’s facilities in Ankara, Turkey. TAI is well known for that kind of work, and the contract for avionics and structural modernization was signed in in 2009. Sources: TAI, “The Last Four TAI-Modernized F-16s Were Delivered To Pakistan Air Force”.

Modernization deliveries done

May 21/14: Inducted. All 13 F-16 fighters have been received from Jordan, and the PAF formally inducts them as 19th Squadron at Mushaf Air Base. Their F-16 fleet now stands at 79. Sources: Pakistan Tribune, “Jordanian F-16 Jets to Enhance Capability of PAF: COAS” | The News Tribe, “F-16 planes from Jordan included in PAF fleet”.

All RJAF F-16s delivered

April 29/14: Jordanian deliveries. The World Tribune:

“Pakistani sources said five aircraft arrived and were deployed by the Pakistan Air Force on April 27…. Diplomatic sources said… potential suppliers included Egypt, Jordan and Turkey. In his address, [PAF commander Marshal Tahir Rafique] Butt said… the fighters, [now] housed at the Air Force base in Sargodha, were in good condition.”

That base is about 150 miles due south of Islamabad, in the Punjab region. Sources: The World Tribune, “Jordan exports surplus F-16s to Pakistan” | The News International, “PAF can meet all challenges including that of Taliban: Air chief”.

Feb 19/14: +13 Jordanian. Pakistani media report that the government has inked a deal with Jordan for 12 used F-16As and 1 F-16B:

“With this, the strength of PAF F-16s will reach 76…. The deal… has been authenticated by the manufacturing company and the US government has also given its nod for the sale/purchase of the planes. Well-placed defence sources told The News here the other day that the purchased aircraft were in good condition…. have been modified into Air Defence Fighters (ADF) versions. The Ogden Air Logistics Centre performed structural upgrades to extend the aircraft life from the designed 4,000 to 8,000 hours flying time as part of the programme. They also modified the aircraft engine bay for the upgraded Pratt and Whitney F100-220E engine”

The RJAF does fly F-16 MLUs bought second-hand from Belgium and the Netherlands, but this set being sold is from the 33-plane Peace Falcon I/II purchases of F-16 ADFs in 1997 and 2003. The F-16 ADF variant is actually the F-16 Block 15OCU, which added the more reliable F100-PW-220 turbofan, structural strengthening, an enlarged HUD, and provisions for the radar-guided AIM-120 AMRAAM missile. F-16 ADFs retain the AN/APG-66 radar, which has been supplanted by APG-68 models in subsequent variants and in Pakistan’s upgraded fighters. ADFs have some precision ground attack capability using the AGM-65 Maverick missile, but would be well behind Pakistan’s 18 new Block 52s, or the PAF’s roughly 40 existing Block 15 fighters that were upgraded to a similar standard under the programs above.

Barring upgrades, the best use for F-16 ADFs is as interceptor and air superiority fighters. Recall, however, that the DSCA request for MLU & Falcon STAR kits had a maximum of 60 aircraft, and that these kits wouldn’t be needed for the new F-16C/D Block 52s. Pakistan could order 13 more upgrade kits for these aircraft, and still be within its allotted FMS total.

The deal leaves the Royal Jordanian Air Force with 43-46 front-line F-16AM/BM MLU Block 20 fighters, and 15-18 F-16A/B Block 15 ADFs, of 79 purchased. Not only do they make some money with this sale, they also cut down on the number of RJAF F-16 ADFs that will need expensive mid-life upgrades. At least 2 of the F-16 ADFs have been lost in accidents, and their 5th and most recent F-16 accident took place on Jan 29/14. Sources: Pakistan’s The News International, “PAF acquires F-16s from Jordan”.

13 F-16s from Jordan

April 3/12: EW. ITT Exelis announces that $54 million has finalized a contract to provide Pakistan with some of its AIDEWS electronic warfare pods (vid. March 19/08, June 26/08, July 5/11, and July 20/11 entries). The 2008 contract had been for $78.2 million, and the July 2011 contract added $49.1 million, creating a current total of $181.3 million, plus over $9 million to integrate them with their F-16s’ AN/ALQ-231 central electronic warfare systems.

The ALQ-211 based Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare System (AIDEWS) integrates digital radar warning receivers and advanced jamming countermeasures systems against radar-based threats, including modern surface-to-air and air-to-air weapon systems. It can be carried on a pod, as Pakistan is doing, or internally as the AN/ALQ-211v4.

Feb 6/12: New deliveries done. The PAF receives its 18th and final new F-16 Block 52, and its its first 2 Mid-Life Upgrade F-16s, at PAF Shahbaz airbase. The last new F-16 was an F-16D that had remained in the US for testing & trials. F-16.net.

F-16 MLUs begin arriving

2011

USA kills Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan, whose leaders must have known his whereabouts – ties become very strained; Pakistan orders DB-110 reconnaissance pods; Training systems bought; Reports of J-10s and JF-17 fighters from China don’t materialize.

PAF F-16As
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July 30/11: J-10s. The PAF will be flying a squadron of Chinese J-10B fighters alongside its F-16s, as a gift from China. The official offer was reportedly presented to the Pakistan Army’s Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. Waheed Arshad, during a week-long visit to Beijing.

The Chinese have also pledged 50 co-developed JF-17 Thunder fighters in recent months, but the J-10Bs are different because they offer total performance on par with, or even superior to, the PAF’s new F-16C/D Block 52 fighter standard.

Subsequent monitoring shows that 3 years later, the PAF has no J-10s. The 50 JF-17s don’t appear to have arrived from China, either. Pakistan Kakhuda Hafiz | Economic Times of India | Defense Update | DefenseWorld.

July 29/11: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. in Fort Worth, TX receives a $42.3 million firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for 10 additional Pakistan F-16 A/B Block 15 Aircraft Enhanced Modernization Program kits. The ASC/WWMK at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH manages the contract on behalf of its foreign Military Sale client (FA8615-07-C-6032, PO 0038).

10 more F-16 upgrade kits

July 26/11: Fragile alliance. At the US House Foreign Affairs Committee’s hearings on “Reassessing American Grand Strategy in South Asia,” John J. Tkacik, the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Intelligence and Research’s Former Chief of China Analysis, submits “The Enemy of Hegemony is My Friend: Pakistan’s de facto ‘Alliance’ with China” [PDF]. Key excerpt:

“China has always been Pakistan’s most important strategic ally,2 and the intensity of Pakistan’s relationship with the United States has always been a subset of Pakistan’s all-consuming strategic calculus about India… For the United States to achieve a true strategic partnership with Pakistan, it must share Pakistan’s posture toward India. It follows, then, that subduing India also demands acquiescing in China’s ultimate hegemony in Asia. In reassessing America’s grand strategy in South Asia, the United States must first reassess its global “grand strategy.” If America can live with an Asia under Chinese hegemony, and with a crippled India, then America can have Pakistan’s enthusiastic partnership against the Taliban. Decisions like this are, as they say, above my pay grade.”

July 22/11: Training. L-3 Communications’ Link Simulation and Training division in Arlington, TX receives a $20.6 million firm-fixed-price contract for 1 aircrew training system (ATS) to support Pakistan air force F-16 pilot training. Work will be performed at Arlington, Texas, overseen by ASC/WNSK at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, on behalf of their Pakistani FMS client. Both simulators, scheduled for delivery in 2013, will be installed and networked at the PAF’s Shahbaz Air Base.

The ATS consists of 2 upgraded F-16 ATS devices with an 18 panel “simusphere” for 360 degree viewing: a new F-16A Block 15/52 ATS; and a less flexible new F-16C Block 52 ATS. The contract also includes 21 months contractor logistics support (12 months on-site and 9 months on-call); common ATS Block 15 and Block 52 software load; high fidelity cockpit; 360 horizontal X250; version MMC 7000 hardware and software; geo-specific database of Pakistan with high resolution features; full simulation of the APG-68v9 radar with digital radar land mass simulation; full weapons simulation incl. Maverick missile, targeting pod, and JHMCS helmet mounted sights; threat environment A-G and spot jamming simulation; emergency procedures and malfunctions simulation; and an instructor-operator station to make pilots’ lives difficult in pre-planned ways. Fort Worth Star-Telegram | Pakistan’s The Nation.

July 20/11: EW. Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp. in Atlanta, GA received a $9.2 million cost-plus-fixed-fee Foreign Military Sales contract to integrate ITT’s AN/ALQ-211v9 AIDEW pod and software into Pakistan’s existing AN/ALQ-213 [PDF] countermeasures set from Terma. The ALQ-213 CMS electronic warfare suite provides centralized control/resources management of the F-16s’ defensive suites, so the pod and CMS controller need to work together.

Work will be performed in Atlanta, GA, and is expected to be complete by July 2014. The ESG/PKS DTIC at Offutt AFB, NB, manages the contract on behalf of its FMS client (HC1047-05-D-4000).

July 19/11: The US GAO releases report #GAO-11-786R: “Pakistan Assistance: Relatively Little of the $3 Billion in Requested Assistance is Subject to State’s Certification of Pakistan’s Progress on Nonproliferation and Counterterrorism Issues“.

July 9/11: After the USA finds and kills Osama Bin Laden, Pakistan’s intelligence agency murders a journalist and expels American military trainers. In response, the USA delays and may cancel about $800 million in military aid and equipment, or about 40% of its annual total.

US officials say that the F-16s are unaffected. Instead, the blockage involves about $300 million to reimburse Pakistan for some of the costs of deploying more than 100,000 soldiers along the Afghan border, hundreds of millions of dollars in training assistance and military hardware like rifles, ammunition, body armor and bomb-disposal gear that were part of the expelled training effort, and items like radios, night-vision goggles and helicopter spare parts, where Pakistan has denied visas to the American personnel needed to operate the equipment. Less double-dealing with terrorists would reportedly free up this aid, but Pakistan’s response is that they’ll rely on China to make up the gap. ABC News | CBS News | NY Times.

July 5/11: EW. ITT Systems Corp. in Clifton, NJ receives a not to exceed $49.1 million firm-fixed-price contract for the ALQ-211v9 AIDEW Pod, which was picked as the electronic countermeasures choice for Pakistan’s new F-16C/D Block 52s, and is also on the list for its upgraded F-16s. This award fits the new fighter order, and includes 18 pods, 4 pod shells, 2 antenna coupler sets, 2 lab test benches, associated data, and systems software and support equipment.

Work will be performed at Clifton, N.J. This contract is a Foreign Military Sales requirement for Pakistan, managed by the WR-ALC/GRWKBat Robins Air Force Base, GA (FA8540-11-C-0012). See also June 26/08 entry.

May 1/11: Osama Bin Killed. Osama Bin Laden is killed in a US Navy SEAL raid, which happens without notifying Pakistan. As a result, Osama is actually present in Abbottabad when the SEALs arrive, living comfortably about a mile from Pakistan’s top military college.

Osama Bin Laden

March 1/11: Aviation Week reports that Pakistan is in negotiations with the U.S. to get more Lockheed Martin F-16s over and above the 63 currently in service (18 F-16C/D Block 52, 45 F-16A/B Blocck 15OCU that will be upgraded). No numbers have been specified, by Pakistani officials see it as part of a dual-track strategy that will also include more spending on domestic projects like the JF-17 Thunder, to improve Pakistan’s own manufacturing capacity.

At present, PAF Air Chief Marshall Rao Qamar Suleman says that 4 F-16A/Bs went to the USA for technical verification inspections and upgrade kit development, and the 1st 3 F-16A/Bs are now undergoing the upgrade at Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). All of Pakistan’s F-16s are expected to be upgraded by 2013-2014. At present, no systems exist that would bridge the F-16 and JF-17 fleets, but Air Chief Marshall Suleman says that Pakistan intends to eventually field a supplementary datalink, which would work alongside the Link 16 systems carried by the F-16s.

The comments come as the Pakistani military is also discussing a deal to buy Chinese submarines as a supplement to their French Agosta-class boats, as an intended prelude to joint submarine development. These plans are all being made against a backdrop of a serious domestic insurgency and widespread flooding damage, which have combined to create over 1 million internal refugees, and threaten the government’s medium term ability to maintain control of the country. Even as the state is very obviously fraying in other ways.

Jan 20/11: DB-110. Goodrich Corporation of Chelmsford, MA receives a $71.9 million contract for 5 DB-110 Pods, 2 datalink upgrades to existing pods, 2 fixed ground stations, 1 mobile ground station, and 4 ground station datalink receiver kits, plus initial spares, technical manuals, minimal initial engineering support for final in-country installation, integration, testing and a study for a potential fusion center. This supports Pakistani F-16 aircraft. At this time, $17.3 million has been committed by the ASC/WINK at Wright-Patterson Air Force, OH on behalf of their Foreign Military Sale client (FA8620-11-C-3006).

The DB-110 reconnaissance pod offers day and night capabilities, and has been ordered by a number of F-16 customers, including Egypt, Greece, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, and the UAE. DB-110s were not mentioned in the DSCA upgrade requests, but they are clearly part of that effort now. Reports indicate that installations began in June 2010; this is apparently a follow-on order. A Jan 12/11 US FedBizOpps solicitation for associated imagery analysis training is a useful reminder that buying the pods is not enough to field a useful capability. See also Aviation Week re: DB-110.

2010

F-16 MLU kits ordered; New F-16s all delivered; AMRAAM missiles begin delivery; Pakistani pilots receiving American training again.

F-16C-52 arrives
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Dec 13/10: Delivery. The last batch of 6 F-16 Block 52s arrive a bit early at Shahbaz AB, after a stop over at Lajes Field, Azores. This finishes the 18-plane order, though 1 of the planes remains behind in the USA for testing. F-16.NET, “Pakistan receives last batch of F-16 combat jets”.

New F-16 deliveries complete

Nov 20/10: Delivery. Another 6 new F-16 Block 52s land at the Shahbaz airbase near Jacobabad, in Pakistan’s Sindh province. That makes 12 so far, and another batch of 6 F-16 C/D Block 52s are expected to arrive in December 2010, to finish the initial 18-plane order. Pakistan’s DAWN | Associated Press of Pakistan | Daily Times | The Nation | Pak Tribune | IANS.

Oct 30/10: Delivery. Another 3 new F-16 Block 52 aircraft are handed over at an induction ceremony at Shahbaz Air Base near Jacobabad, Pakistan. This is the 2nd batch of new F-16s delivered, and all 18 fighter aircraft are expected to arrive by January 2012.

In addition to the delivery of these new aircraft, the U.S. is working with the PAF to update 45 F-16s from its existing fighter fleet through the U.S. Foreign Military Financing security assistance program. The first batch of updated F-16s is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan in early 2012. US CENTCOM.

July 27/10: Weapons. The Press Trust of India reports that the first AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles have arrived in Pakistan, and will equip the new F-16C/D block 52s. PTI.

June 24/10: The Pentagon announces that it will deliver the first 3 new F-16 Block 52s in Pakistan on June 26/10, with the other 15 arriving during 2010-2011. USAF Maj. Todd Robbins, the the office of the undersecretary of the Air Force for international affairs’ Pakistan country director, is quoted saying that Pakistan is paying $1.4 billion for the 18 new F-16 Block 52s. They’re also paying $1.3 billion for upgrades to its existing F-16 fleet, which are to begin delivery in 2012.

The new F-16s will add night, all-weather, and precision-attack capabilities, and Pakistani pilots have been training at Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, including night-attack training. The PAF recently completed training for 4 instructors and 5 flight leads (q.v. May 5/10 entry). The US Embassy in Islamabad later cited June 27/10 as the day of the formal induction ceremony.

Beyond the F-16s, the USA has provided over $4 billion in assistance over the last 3 years. The USA and Pakistan are working to address the current deficit of trust, which has begun to repair itself since Pakistan’s government became more serious about fighting al-Qaeda and the Taliban in Pakistan. In March 2010, the United States and Pakistan held their first ministerial-level strategic dialogue in Washington, DC, co-chaired by US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Pakistani Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi. High-level officials from both governments participated in the dialogue, including Secretary of Defense Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Follow-up meetings took place in Pakistan in early June 2010.

Deliveries, costs, and alliance concerns

June 14/10: A report in India’s Samay Live says that Pakistan will face strict monitoring of its new F-16s, and quotes United States Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Robert Blake. Samay Live states that:

“Sources said the US Air Force personnel will arrive during the delivery of the F-16s and supervise not only the air base where they will be deployed but also the operations carried out by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) against the Taliban and Al Qaeda. Though the jets will be flown by PAF pilots, the logistics, management and control of the F-16s will be with the US personnel. The [18] Block 50/52 model F-16 jets equipped with latest missiles will arrive at the Shahbaz Airbase in Jacoabad in the last week of June…”

Readers are cautioned that this description may be an overstatement or misunderstanding of normal support and inspection provisions; without a firm statement from an identifiable individual, it’s hard to tell.

May 21/10: F-16 MLU. Lockheed Aeronautics in Fort Worth, TX receives a $325.5 million contract to develop, integrate and deliver 53 F-16 upgrade kits: 35 mid-life upgrade kits for Pakistani F-16A/B Block 15 aircraft, and 18 retrofit kits for Pakistani F-16C/D Block 52 aircraft.

At this time, $121.2 million has been committed by the 312th AESG/SYK at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, who manages these efforts on Pakistan’s behalf (FA8615-07-C-6032).

53 F-16 upgrade kits

May 4/10: Training. Eight Pakistani F-16 A/B pilots graduate from training at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ, flying US Air National Guard F-16 C/D Block 25s. They are the first Pakistani pilots to train in the United States since 1983. Their training involves 2 1/2 months reviewing military aviation terminology at the Defense Language Institute at Lackland Air Force Base, TX; 7 months of flight training at Tucson International Airport, including a transition course, flight lead upgrade training, and instructor pilot certification; and 2 weeks of additional F-16 Block 52 instruction. The schedule was compressed, and the pilots flew 5 flights per week, instead of the usual 3.

Pakistani air force Wing Commander Ghazanfar Latif cited to the ability to run precision engagements and attack at night as key difference from the F-16 he’s been flying for the last 12 years, capabilities that can lower collateral damage. The flip side was cited by Squadron Leader Yasir Malik: the need to manage and prioritize all that additional information from the radar, datalinks, and other sensors, which was a key part of their training. Their instructors in this effort included USAF flight commander Maj. Windy Hendrick, and her compatriots in the 162nd Fighter Wing. USAF.

2008 – 2009

US handing over 14 used F-16s as part of the MLU program; 1st new PAF F-16 Block 52 unveiled; F100-PW-229 upgrade packages begin delivery.

F100-PW-229

Nov 16/09: Engines. Pratt & Whitney announces that they have delivered the first F100-PW-229 Engine Enhancement Package (EEP) engine to Pakistan, for installation in their F-16 aircraft. The engine program, which appears to be about upgrades, is valued at approximately $150 million, and is scheduled for delivery in 2009 and 2010.

The F100-PW-229 EEP is the latest evolution of the F100 engine family, with features designed to reduce scheduled engine maintenance by up to 30%, by extending the depot inspection interval from 4300 – 6000 TACs.

Oct 13/09: Unveiling. Lockheed Martin unveils the first of 18 new PAF F-16s in ceremonies at its Fort Worth, TX facility. Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief of Staff Air Chief Marshal Rao Quamar Suleman accepted the F-16D Block 52 aircraft on behalf of his nation, as the first delivery of the “Peace Drive I” order. It will be delivered to the US government for transfer in December 2009, with the remainder of the order following in 2010. See also Flight International, which has video.

July 29/08: Pakistan’s request to transfer 2/3 of its anti-terrorism aid to fund its F-16 program meets strong resistance from the US Congress.

June 28/08: Used F-16s. In a ceremony at Mushaf Air Base in Pakistan, Acting Commander of US Central Command, Lt. Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, hands over 4 “excess defense article” F-16 fighters from the USAF to Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed. The US DSCA release says that:

“F-16s continue to hold a special place in the U.S. – Paki­stani security relationship. The four EDA aircraft are part of a larger package of 14 aircraft. With the most recent delivery, the USAF has transferred eight aircraft to Pakistan. Another four EDA F-16 aircraft are scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on 28 July 2008. The final two aircraft are part of the Pakistan Mid-Life Update program and will arrive in Pakistan in De­cember 2011. The entire F-16 program for Pakistan includes the purchase of eighteen F-16C/D Block 52 aircraft, MLU for 46 aircraft, and a munitions package that includes AM­RAAM, JDAM, and Enhanced Paveway guidance kits.”

MLU: 14 more US F-16s

June 26/08: EW. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announces [PDF format] Pakistan’s official request for 21 AN/ALQ-211v9 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suite (AIDEWS) Pods, plus software support, repair and return, spare and repair parts, support equipment, technical assistance, publications and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics personnel services, and other related elements of program support. The estimated cost is $75 million.

The ALQ-211 based Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare System (AIDEWS) integrates digital radar warning receivers and advanced jamming countermeasures systems against radar-based threats, including modern surface-to-air and air-to-air weapon systems. It can be carried on a pod, as Pakistan is doing, or internally as the AN/ALQ-211v4. Pakistan intends to purchase the AIDEWS pods to enhance its existing F-16 fighter aircraft, and create fleet commonality with its new F-16 Block 50/52 aircraft. See also our March 19/08 entry; the original DSCA bulletin for mid-life upgrades had mentioned AN/ ALQ-131 or AN/ALQ-148 pods instead.

The principal contractor will be ITT Corporation of Clifton, NJ. Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips to Pakistan involving U.S. Government and ITT representatives for technical reviews, support, and program management over a period of up to 15 years.

June 4/08: Delivery. The Associated Press of Pakistan reports that Pakistan has already received 2 refurbished F-16s, and is due to receive 4 more in June and another 4 in July, bringing the total to 10.

April 18/08: F-16s. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics of Fort Worth, TX received a modified contract for $31.5 million, covering one-time engineering activity for aircraft production program changes for the Peace Drive I (Pakistan) program for foreign military sales F-16 Block 52M aircraft. At this time $15.75 million has been obligated. Wright-Patterson AFB, OH issued the contract (FA8615-07-C-6031, P00005).

April 18/08: F-16s. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics of Fort Worth, TX received a modified firm fixed price contract for $27 million, covering one-time engineering activity for developmental support equipment and country standard technical order for the Peace Drive I (Pakistan) Program for foreign military sales F-16 Block 52M aircraft. At this time $13.5 million has been obligated. Wright-Patterson AFB, OH issued the contract (FA8615-07-C-6031, P00004).

March 19/08: EW. ITT Avionics of Clifton, NJ received a modified firm fixed price contract for $78.2 million for Foreign Military Sales of the ALQ-211v4 Advanced Integrated Defense Electronics Warfare system to the country of Pakistan, for use on the F-16 aircraft being procured under separate acquisition by the F-16 program office. The contract also includes associated spares, support equipment, training, engineering services, and flight test support and data, and $39 million has been obligated so far. Robins AFB, GA issued the contracts (FA8523-07-C-0008-PZ0001).

The DefenseLINK announcement was wrong in several respects. It has been corrected above, and Robins AFB’s PA office offers further background, which connects it to the overlapping March 30/07 announcement:

“Contract FA8523-07-C-0008 was awarded in March 2007 to ITT in Clifton NJ. The obligated funds on the initial contract was $39 mil. The contract was modified in March 2008 to add the additional funds Of $39.2 mil and to definitize all outstanding contract requirements. This was not a new award, the contract was awarded in March 2007.”

2006 – 2007

Letter of Agreement and Orders for 18 F-16s, plus radars; Ancillary buys of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, Enhanced Paveway III smart bomb kits, Sniper surveillance & targeting pods.

Sniper pod on F-16
(click to view full)

Dec 31/07: F-16s. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics of Fort Worth, TX received a firm-fixed-price contract modification for $498.2 million, covering Foreign Military Sales of 12 new F-16C Block 52 and 6 new 2-seat F-16D Block 52 new aircraft to Pakistan.

At this time, $497.6 million has been obligated. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH issued the contract (FA8615-07-C-6031-P0002), which brings total spending on Pakistan’s new F-16s and required items to about $755 million, or about $42 million per fighter.

F-16s: first 18

Dec 14/07: Weapons. Raytheon Missile Systems of Tucson, AZ received a firm fixed price contract for $161.3 million, covering add-ons that turn various kinds of bombs into laser/GPS dual-guidance precision weapons.

This action provides 300 miscellaneous unit air foil groups, 300 miscellaneous armament unit enhanced computer control groups, 1,298 weapon guidance unit computer control groups, 1,300 stabilizing and retarding unit air foil groups, 600 global positioning system adapter kits, 1 lot enhanced Paveway III and test equipment spares, 1 lot enhanced Paveway II, 700 certain adapter groups, 6 readiness test set, 6 bomb tool kits, 3 lots of enhanced Paveway tool sets, 3 each common munitions bit/reprogramming equipment adapter kits, 1 each mission planning software, 1 lot DATA. This effort supports foreign military sales to Pakistan. At this time $75.7 million has been obligated. The 784th Combat Sustainment Group (AFMC) at Hill Air Force Base, UT issued the contract (FA8213-08-C-0028).

Enhanced Paveways use a combination of laser and GPS/INS guidance. The laser designator offers better accuracy, and is compatible with targeting pods like Pakistan’s forthcoming Sniper ATPs. GPS/INS benefits include the ability to function through fog, dust storms, clouds, smoke, or other obscurants, and can be employed in the absence of a laser designator as long as Global Positioning System coordinates are available for the target.

April 27/07: Sniper ATP. Pakistan orders 22 of Lockheed Martin’s AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods under a $54.6 million firm-fixed-price contract. Since Raytheon’s ATFLIR is only integrated with F/A-18s, and Northrop Grumman’s LITENING AT is a joint development with Israel’s RAFAEL, the choice is not surprising. Sniper pods have also been referred to as PANTERA pods in the past. See “Pakistan Joins List of Sniper ATP Customers” for more.

March 30/07: EW. ITT Avionics in Clifton, NJ received a $78 million firm-fixed-price and time and materials contract for “Foreign Military Sales of the AN/ALQ-173 (V) advanced integrated defense electronics warfare to the country of Pakistan.” Associated spares, support equipment, training, engineering services, flight test support and data are also being acquired. Solicitations began February 2007, negotiations were complete March 2007, and work will be complete January 2010. The Headquarters Warner Robins Air Logistics Center at Robins Air Force Base, GA issued the contract (FA8523-07-C-0008).

Oddly enough, the AN/ALQ-173 was not among the many internal ECM alternatives listed in the official US DSCA announcements.

Dec 5/06: F-16s. Lockheed Martin Corp. in Fort Worth, TX received a $144 million firm-fixed-price and time and materials contract for 12 operational single place F-16C Block 52 aircraft and 6 operational two place F-16D Block 52+ aircraft.

This will begin readying materials to manufacture the aircraft, and $78.4 million has been obligated at this time. Aircraft purchases will be accomplished under the firm-fixed price portion of the contract, and work will be complete by November 2010. The Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH issued the contract (FA8615-07-C-6031).

Nov 17/06: Weapons. Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, AZ received a $269.6 million firm-fixed-price contract modification, exercising an option to purchase 500 AIM-120C5 AMRAAM missiles and rehost on behalf of Pakistan (100%). Work will be complete April 2011. The Headquarters Medium Range Missile System Group at Eglin Air Force Base, FL issued the contract (FA8675-05-C-0070/P00028).

F-16s: first 18

Nov 15/06: Radars. Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems in Linthicum Heights, MD received half of a $99.5 million firm-fixed-price contract for “government furnished property for the Government of Pakistan” under the F-16 Block 50/52 new aircraft and modernization program. “The procurement of 54 AN/APG-68 (V)9 Radar Systems will be accomplished under the firm-fixed-price portion of the contract.” A Jan 10/07 Northrop Grumman release clarifies: this order is for 52 systems (18 new + 34 upgrade kits), with a 44 radar option to follow (18 new + 26 upgrade kits).

Oct 2/06: LoA. India Defence reports that Pakistan and USA have signed a letter of acceptance for these deals, following a Sept 30/06 ceremony in Rawalpindi were Pakistan’s military is headquartered. It said that the United States will supply 18 new F-16 aircraft, as well as an unspecified number of upgraded second-hand F-16s. Previous reports have said the number of second hand aircraft Pakistan was considering buying was 36, which would make for 18 of each.

India Defence adds that “Both sides had expected to wrap up the deal a month earlier, but negotiations dragged on because of strings Washington wanted attached.” The USA has clear concerns regarding technology transfer from the F-16s or associated weapons it sells to 3rd countries like China, which has close military ties with Pakistan. While the US was reluctant to discuss details, Assistant Secretary of State for political-military affairs John Hillen was more open with Congress on July 20/06.

In his testimony to the House of Representatives’ International Relations Committee, Hillen reportedly said that the United States was withholding unspecified technologies “that would usually go with an F-16,” including ones that would let it “be used in offensive ways to penetrate air space of another country that was highly defended”. It added that Pakistan’s F-16 fleet and its munitions would be segregated from aircraft supplied by other countries, so that unauthorized engineers could not get access to the U.S.-made planes, and that U.S. personnel would carry out inventories of the F-16s and their associated systems every 6 months. There had even been a proposal that F-16 flights outside Pakistani air space, including for exercises with other countries, would have to be approved by the U.S. government in advance. It is not clear whether this requirement ever got beyond the proposal stage.

As part of the deal, the USA also reportedly agreed to deliver 26 of the “Peace Gate III/IV” F-16A/B Block 15OCUs that had been ordered in 1988-1989, then embargoed when Pakistan tested nuclear weapons. The planes had been diverted for use as aggressor combat training aircraft by USAF and the US Navy. Source.

Letter of Agreement

July 20/06: Here’s the first concerned speech from an opposed Congressman: Eliot Engel [D-NY], citing Pakistan’s support for terrorism in India. Mr Engel is a senior member of the House International Relations Committee, and was one of the first Members of Congress to come out in favor of the proposed India-US nuclear energy deal. He’ll be making his views public at the July 20, 2006 House International Relations Committee hearing on the Pakistan sales – and that meeting will tell us if opposition to the deal has real traction.

Appendix A: Potential Controversies (July 2006)

ISAF, S. Afghanistan
(click to view full)

The DSCA has said that “Release of this system would not significantly reduce India’s quantitative or qualitative military advantage.” India disagrees, and military experts in Delhi will likely note that the same equipment (GPS, targeting pods, bunker-busters) that could potentially find uses against al-Qaeda terrorists in Pakistan’s “lawless frontier” could also be used in precision strikes on India’s military facilities in the event of war.

The DSCA counters that release of the F-16C/D Block 50/52 aircraft to Pakistan “will neither affect the regional balance of power nor introduce a new technology as this level of capability or higher already exists in other countries in the region.” India does operate more advanced SU-30MKI aircraft with R-77 “AMRAAMski” missiles, advanced avionics, et. al.; these are superior in range, armament, and maneuverability to Pakistan’s F-16s, and will remain so. Meanwhile, India’s $7-10 billion MRCA competition is certain to introduce 125-200 aircraft that are certain to be more advanced than the F-16 Block 50/52.

The US DSCA adds in its submission to Congress that “The modification of the engines and Falcon UP/STAR structural updates will provide capable F-16’s that can be used for close air support in ongoing operations contributing to the GWOT (Global War On Terror).” The DSCA also cites the June 2004 designation of Pakistan as a Major Non-North Atlantic Treaty Organization Ally in its submission. The British commander of NATO’s ISAF force in Southern Afghanistan sees Pakistan’s role in a rather different light, however; he recently noted that al-Qaeda in Afghanistan is still run out of Pakistan (specifically Quetta), with Pakistani knowledge and even support from Islamist elements in its security apparatus. Ah, the dynamics of counter-insurgency in tribal societies. Pakistan angrily denies this, of course.

India’s objections to this sale have been muted thus far, and phrased carefully to emphasize their effect on India-Pakistan ties rather than India-US ties. Meanwhile, President Bush’s personal diplomacy approach has fostered a strong relationship with Gen. Musharraf that is inclined to view such requests favorably as part of the USA’s 3-corner balancing act in the region. Barring unusual circumstances, therefore, it’s reasonable to expect this sale to go through with little more than a concerned speech or two in Congress.

December 2007 Update

The sale did go through with little more than concerned speeches in Congress, though there have been ongoing efforts to pressure the Pakistani government via threats of delayed or canceled weapon sales, due in large part to the security situation across the de facto line of government/ al-Qaeda control in western Pakistan.

The Benazir Bhutto assassination, and the strong likelihood that the Bhuttos’ PPP party will ascend to power following the coming Pakistani election, is also likely to remove some of the pressure the US Congress has been placing on Pakistan. In the short term, a delay in the elections could result in symbolic weapons sales delays until elections are held, while construction of the F-16s et. al. continues for delivery after that date anyway. Once those elections are held, a combination of sympathy and diplomatic imperatives are likely to mute further resistance to weapons sales in the US Congress.

It is less clear whether Asif Ali Zardari “Mr. 10%” Bhutto’s ascension to power will successfully address that country’s ongoing civil war – and what that would mean in a year or two, when the jets are due to be delivered.

Additional Readings

Readers with corrections or information to contribute are encouraged to contact editor Joe Katzman. We understand the industry – you will only be publicly recognized if you tell us that it’s OK to do so.

Background: The PAF & Its F-16s

• Pakistan Air Force. Official web site.

• Wikipedia – Pakistan Air Force.

• F-16.NET – Pakistan Fiza’ya/ Pakistan Air Force – PAF. The wider site is also good source for distinguishing the F-16’s wide array of variants, and what that means re: an aircraft’s capabilities.

• F-16.NET – F-16 ADF. Block 15OCU.

• F-16.NET – F-16C/D Block 50/52.

• DID FOCUS – JHMCS: Fighter Pilots’ “Look & Shoot” Helmets Changing Aerial Warfare

• DID FOCUS – AMRAAM: Deploying & Developing America’s Medium-Range Air-Air Missile.

• Pratt & Whitney – F100 Engine

• DID – Pakistan & China’s JF-17 Fighter Program. The F-16’s counterpart in the future PAF, which may also include the more advanced Chinese J-10B/”JF-20.”

Official Reports

• US House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee (July 26/11) – The Enemy of Hegemony is My Friend: Pakistan’s de facto ‘Alliance’ with China [PDF]. By China Business Intelligence President John J. Tkacik, at hearings on “Reassessing American Grand Strategy in South Asia.”

• GAO (July 19/11, #GAO-11-786R) – Pakistan Assistance: Relatively Little of the $3 Billion in Requested Assistance is Subject to State’s Certification of Pakistan’s Progress on Nonproliferation and Counterterrorism Issues

• DID (June 30/08) – US GAO Criticizes [US] CSF Aid to Pakistan.

News & Views

• The Hindu (July 12/11) – Behind the Pakistan F-16 deal, a tale of many wheels. WikiLeaks!

• Real Clear World (June 20/11) – Why the U.S. Still Needs Pakistan. By STRATFOR CEO George Friedman.

• Foreign Policy (Feb 3/11) – The U.S.-Pakistan F-16 fiasco. Describes the broader history of relations, including the embargo imposed on a large F-16 order in the 1990s.

• Inside Defense, via Military.com (July 6/06) – Pakistan In Line for Massive Arms Deal. Points out that if the entire DSCA request is granted, Pakistan doesn’t have 60 F-16s to upgrade.

Tags: pakistanf-16, pakf-16

Americas

Huntingon Ingalls said in a press release that the completion of builder’s trials on the amphibious assault ship Tripoli or LHA 7 was successful. Builder’s Trials is the Navy’s first opportunity to assess the operational readiness of the ship. During the trials, the multipurpose amphibious assault ship underwent dock trials followed by more than 200 at-sea test events. Tripoli is the second ship of the America Class. It is built to facilitate forward presence and power projection. LHA 7 is the last Flight 0 ship planned for construction and features an enlarged hangar deck, realignment and expansion of the aviation maintenance facilities, an increase in available stowage for parts and support equipment, and increased aviation fuel capacity. LHA 8 will be the first Flight I ship, reincorporating a well deck to enhance expeditionary warfighting capabilities while maintaining the principal aviation characteristics of the Flight 0 ships. The Tripoli completed four days of trials in the Gulf of Mexico to test its main propulsion, combat and other systems before returning to Pascagoula, Mississippi, where it was constructed. It will later undergo acceptance trials and formal delivery to the US Navy.

Flight Global reports, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has not received any confirmation that it has won an order to supply the FA-50 to Argentina. A person familiar with the requirement says that no confirmation has been received, and that the deal, if concluded, would cover eight aircraft. KAI says the contract covers the installation of fire-control radar, radar warning receivers and defensive countermeasures. A few days ago, several media reported that Argentina had chosen the FA-50 to purchase as a light fighter. The aircraft is a light combat version of the T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft. Should the FA-50 win the deal, it would mark the type’s first sale in the Western Hemisphere, the Flight Global article states.

Middle East & Africa

Jane’s reports that the naval ship designer CMN held a launch ceremony for first two of the 39 boats that are being built for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF). The deal, announced in April last year, half of the 39 boats built by Zamil Shipyard in Dammam on Saudi Arabia’s Gulf coast as part of the Kingdom’s plan to indigenize 50% of its defense procurement by 2030. Photographs of the launch show the vessels to be HS132 fast patrol boats. They are part of the CMN’s DV Interceptor family. HS132 is designed to conduct sea strike operations, search and rescue, maritime security, sea safety, convoy protection, sea policing, anti piracy, protection of vulnerable vessels and offshore installations, and control of illegal immigration, trafficking and smuggling.

Several hundred US Air Force personnel are expanding an operating base in Saudi Arabia, which will host fighter planes and Patriot missiles. According to reports, increasing threats by Iran prompted the US to establish an expeditionary annex at the Prince Sultan Air Base. Central Command said in a statement Friday, “In coordination with and at the invitation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Secretary of Defense has authorized the movement of US personnel and resources to deploy to Saudi Arabia.” The deployment focuses on defensive capabilities, with Patriot batteries for missile defense and the fighter jets intended to defend US Forces on the ground.

Europe

The German military procurement organization commissioned Krauss-Maffei Wegmann to supply nine Mungo N/C Recce vehicles for the Bundeswehr. The procurement is valued at $57 million. The Mungo N/C Recce is a nuclear-chemical detection-capable reconnaissance vehicle with a range of equipment including mass spectrometer, radiation detector and weather sensors at the disposal of the three-man crew. Capable of detecting, tracking and identifying nuclear and chemical threats, the vehicle provides the crew with a safe shelter throughout the reconnaissance and identification process. The crew is also able to conduct such activities as lane and/or contaminated ground marking from the interior of the vehicle. The vehicles will be delivered by the end of 2022.

Asia-Pacific

The British defense company Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group rolled out the first of a number of C-130J Hercules aircraft it is preparing for delivery to the Bangladesh Air Force, during an official ceremony last week. Some of the other C-130Js the Bangladesh Air Force recently purchased from the UK Ministry of Defense were also on view. Marshall is carrying out comprehensive depth maintenance and important modifications on all the aircraft including capability enhancements such as MEDEVAC, avionic upgrades and the provision of a Passenger Transport Configuration.

Today’s Video

Watch: Barracuda Type SSN and Naval Special Forces

Kfir C2
(click to view full)

Argentina’s air force is having a hard time maintaining its core Nesher/”Finger” fighters, even as the Kirchner regime seeks to take control of the Falkland Islands and their potential offshore oil reserves. That led Argentina to search for new fighter options, as the most reliable way of projecting power to likely exploration zones. Britain’s defenses are also much more run down than they were in the 1980s, and their complete lack of a carrier force leaves ongoing protection of the islands’ surrounding economic zones to just 2-4 Eurofighter Typhoon fighters, an offshore patrol vessel, and part of a regular navy ship rotation.

Argentina’s window of opportunity will close when Britain’s advanced carrier force enters service in 2020, which has added urgency on both sides as Argentina tries to make a deal. Can Argentina find its partner?

Forces Around the Falklands: Situation Report British Breakdown

Gone.

The islands’ inhabitants voted overwhelmingly to remain part of Britain during the referendum. Unfortunately, Britain has lost more than just its carrier force in the intervening years since the Falklands War. The Vulcan bombers and Victor tankers that staged ultra-long range bombing raids are long gone. The Harriers bought after the war ended, and modernized for use in Afghanistan, were retired. So were the Tornado F3 aircraft that were bought in the 1980s for long-range combat air patrols. The Royal Navy’s number of serious surface combatants has sunk to just 19, only 1 of which patrols the South Atlantic and West Africa at any given time. Worse, it has readiness issues with its attack submarines.

All this creates a window of opportunity for Argentina – one that will slam shut decisively around 2020, once Britain’s new 65,000t HMS Queen Elizabeth and its F-35B fighters steam into service.

RAF C-17
(click to view full)

Until then, an Argentinian force with modern jets and enough anti-ship missiles could conceivably open the door for a repeat invasion, by making recapture too risky and difficult. First, however, they’d have to take the island. Britain has extended and considerably reinforced the Mount Pleasant airfield with radars, air defenses, and a rotating infantry battalion. The addition of long-range C-17 heavy jet transports to the RAF makes fast long-range troop & vehicle reinforcement possible, forcing any invader to capture, destroy, or interdict the airfield in order to succeed. Meanwhile, the mere threat of nuclear submarines will continue to keep Argentina’s surface navy, such as it is, out of the picture as always.

That’s why harassment and access denial attempts are far more likely, as Argentina continues to attempt intimidation of any oil & gas companies that will be working in the Falklands’ Economic Exclusion Zone. That sort of gambit is harder to thwart, requiring the British to commit more forces and incur more expense than they would like.

If Britain wants to protect the Falklands this time, the rag-tag state of Argentina’s military is its biggest asset. Their goal is too keep Argentina from acquiring the tools they need to create even a moderately effective anti-access zone. If Argentina gets any new fighters at all, Britain’s goal becomes much harder and more expensive.

Argentina’s Efforts

FAA Super Etendards

Argentina’s Super Etendard fighters, which were used to launch Exocet missiles in the 1980s and still serve, come from France. Its Mirage III/ V/ “Nesher” fighters were originally bought second-hand from Israel and Peru, but they have deteriorated badly. Its A-4R “Fightinghawk” Skyhawk models were sold to Argentina by the USA, and what’s left of those deliveries make up the bulk of their jet fleet.

Despite steadily-worsening relations with Britain under the Obama administration, the USA is not about to sell Argentina jet fighters. British diplomacy has already worked to delay Argentina’s proposed Super Etendard modernization, and also scuttled a reported deal to buy 16 second-hand Mirage F-1M fighters from Spain.

Cheetahs & Gripens
(click to view full)

That leaves Argentina’s original source for the Neshers. Israel doesn’t have any of those left, but they do have their own Kfir design that made structural changes to the Nesher blueprints, added a more powerful American J-79 turbojet, and received progressive modifications to its radar, electronics, and weapons. Those upgrades continued even after the Kfirs were retired from Israeli service in the late 1990s, on behalf of customers like Colombia, Ecuador, and Sri Lanka. Kfir C.10/ Block 60s carry modern radars and electronics on par with F-16 Block 40/50s, and have the ability to use beyond visual range aerial weapons, advanced short range AAMs, and a variety of precision strike weapons. Their combat radius is a bit short, and it would take a brave Kfir pilot to face a Eurofighter Typhoon in single combat. Even so, they’re capable fighters with aerial refueling capability, which makes them well suited to intimidation and presence patrols. Negotiations for a sale are in an advanced stage.

The good news for Britain, such as it is, is that Argentina still has to hang weapons on any fighters they buy. The FAA must either stick with their existing set of old equipment and forego most of the new fighter’s potential, or buy new weapons from the USA or Israel. Any new weapon sales would be a double escalation, making those sales less likely. The most dangerous Kfir-related sale, of Gabriel 3 anti-ship missiles, would make Britain an outright enemy of Israel’s. That won’t happen. The question is whether Britain can pressure Israel to block the Kfir fighter sale in toto – or have it blocked by the Americans, who control the J-79 engines.

If the Israeli sale falls through for some reason, South Africa has already sold similar Cheetah fighters to Ecuador and Chile. Enough were produced to sell 18 more to Argentina, but the best airframes have presumably been taken already. Cheetahs are powered by French Snecma Atar 9K50 engines, instead of the Kfir’s American J-79. That removes a key American veto, but it also means that South Africa would need some level of French cooperation. Given French delays and demurrals around refurbishing Argentina’s French Super Etendards, that cooperation could become problematic.

Chile’s decommissioned Mirage 50 Pantera fighters are similar to the Cheetahs, but Chile isn’t interested in selling any to Argentina.

JF-17 – note C802!
(click to view full)

If those options fail, Argentina faces a shrinking set of choices.

South Korea’s TA-50 and FA-50 light fighters would be more expensive than the proposed Israeli deal, which already strains Argentina’s finances. They also use American F404 engines, requiring US export approval, and can’t mount anti-ship missiles yet.

Swedish JAS-39 Gripen fighters are the subject of talks with Brazil, but they use American F414 engines and British Martin-Baker ejection seats, to name only the most difficult substitutions. Indeed, about 30% of those planes are traceable to British firms – and Britain has stated that they will block such exports.

The only sources free of American or European influence are Russia and China.

Chinese F-8 “Finback-Bs” would be a very cheap used option, presenting no serious threat, but good for harassment patrols and shows of force at range. The question is whether they could be kept in the air. The JF-17 Thunder from China and Pakistan would be a more advanced option and a definite threat, thanks to its ability to carry C802 subsonic and CM-400AKG supersonic anti-ship missiles. Argentina has expressed interest in the JF-17, and has held discussions directly with China.

Russia is the other potential source. They may have used or used/new-build MiG-29S+ multi-role planes to offer, if Putin wants to stick a finger in Britain’s eye for sanctions over the annexation of Crimea. The problem with the MiGs is that even with the extra fuel tanks in recent variants, the fighters have poor range. That makes them less useful to Argentina. SU-30 family planes have plenty of range, but they’re more expensive, and may be out of Argentina’s reach unless Russia really wants to make a point by offering subsidies.

Contracts & Key Events

Shattered Glass July 26/19: Confirmation Required Flight Global reports, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has not received any confirmation that it has won an order to supply the FA-50 to Argentina. A person familiar with the requirement says that no confirmation has been received, and that the deal, if concluded, would cover eight aircraft. KAI says the contract covers the installation of fire-control radar, radar warning receivers and defensive countermeasures. A few days ago, several media reported that Argentina had chosen the FA-50 to purchase as a light fighter. The aircraft is a light combat version of the T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft. Should the FA-50 win the deal, it would mark the type’s first sale in the Western Hemisphere, the Flight Global article states. February 1/18: Contracts signed Defense ministers from France and Argentina have signed contracts for the delivery of five Super Etendards to the Argentine Navy. Originally agreed in November, news of the $12.5 million sale was announced by French President Emmanuel Macron, as he met his Argentine counterpart, Mauricio Macri, at the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland. “We have congratulated ourselves for the agreement signed by our defense ministers for the sale of five modernized Super-Etendard and their equipment for the Argentine armed forces,” the French president told a joint press conference. The Dassault Aviation-built aircraft had previously been in use with the French Navy since 1978, and were removed from active duty in July 2016. Argentina flew Super Etendards during the Falklands War with the UK, however, none currently remain operational. August 17/17: Argentina has stopped negotiations over the possible purchase of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Kfir fighters after earlier indications that Buenos Ares was close to agreeing to an order of between 12-14 aircraft. While the Kfir first entered operational service more than 40 years ago, IAI were offering the Argentine military upgraded Block 60 variants, which includes a GE Aviation J79 engine, Elta Systems’ EL/M-2032 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and an open architecture avionics suite that allows customers to install its own systems. However, pricing of the Kfirs has been a sticking point in the negotiations, and news that Argentina has stopped talk may indicate that they may instead move ahead with an offer to purchase six second-hand Super Étendard carrier-borne fighters from France.

June 27/17: Argentina’s discussions with France over the purchase of six second-hand Super Étendard carrier-borne fighters continue, with Buenos Aries looking to score the fighters for $10 million. While Paris is looking for slightly more—about $12 million in the exchange—the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) said that it would be ready to provide financing to facilitate a cash-strapped Argentina fund the acquisition. Designed by Dassault Aviation for the French Navy and commissioned in 1978, Buenos Aries purchased 12 of the aircraft back in 1979, some of which participated in the Falklands War.

May 22/17: Cash-strapped Argentina has reportedly agreed to purchase seven refurbished Dassault-Breguet Super Étendard fighter-bombers originally used by the French Navy. Included in the talks is the possible sale of engines to power 20 Argentine Pucaras aircraft currently grounded by Buenos Aries, as well as a re-equipment program will also include the construction at the Tandanor yards of four patrol vessels. If concluded, the deal will move away from earlier plans by Argentina to purchase Kfir fighters from Israel and “prohibitively expensive” F-16s from the US.

January 5/17: The previously stalled acquisition by Argentina’s Air Force to buy Kfir Block 60 upgraded fighters from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is back on the table. While pricing remains one of several stumbling blocks that still lay ahead in any talks, a successful deal would see IAI assemble and upgrade 12-14 Kfir fighters for Argentina. The most recent upgrade includes J-79 engines, Elta 2032 active electronically scanned array radar, and an open architecture that will allow the customer to install custom systems. Colombia, Ecuador, and Sri Lanka are all current operators.

March 11/16: After the breaking off of talks between Argentina and Israel over the sale of 14 Kfir Block 60 fighters, both parties are to resume negotiations. The deal had initially been called off in October, just before contracts were to be signed, as a result of elections in Argentina. The fighters had been previously used by the Israeli Air Force, but have been upgraded with the latest systems, including the Elta 2032 active electronically scanned array radar. They will also have an open architecture to allow the Argentinian air force to install other systems.

December 3/15: Argentina has officially said adiós to the last of its serving Dassault Mirage fighters. A large-scale public air show on November 30 saw the fleet decommissioned after over forty years of service. The Mirage had been the jet of choice in Argentina since 1973, after the government was impressed by its capabilities when used by the Israeli Air Force during the Six Day War. The decommissioning will leave a hole in the Argentinian Air Force’s capability as a replacement for the aircraft has not yet been found. An earlier deal to purchase second-hand Kfir Block 60 fighters from Israel has been put on hold indefinitely amid issues over weapons systems and upgrades. The newly elected government of Maurico Macri will be responsible for obtaining replacement fighters subject to available funding.

November 18/15: Argentina’s drive to replace its aging Mirage fighter fleet with second hand Israeli Kfir Block 60 fighters has come under criticism from Argentine Air Force number three, Brigadier Mario Roca. Argentina had planned to purchase fourteen of the fighters (which included two two-seat traners) with the deal to have cost between $220-360 million. The criticisms arose when the first six fighters would arrive within 18 months, but without weapons systems, and all upgrades needed to be completed in Israel. The deal has for now been put on hold indefinitely with Defence Minister Agustin Rossi deciding to leave the deal to be concluded by the next administration. Opposition politicians have stated that if elected, they would look into replacing the fleet independently.

August 20/15: Argentina is formally retiring its fleet of Mirage fighters, which will leave active service in November. The Argentinian Air Force has been looking for a new fighter fleet for a while now, with reports in July indicating that the South American country may be in negotiations to buy second-hand Israeli Kfir Block 60 fighters.

Dec 1/14: What Now? In the aftermath of Argentina’s short-lived, clumsy attempt to procure aircraft with British parts through Brazil, analysts review what both Argentina and Brazil may do next.

On Argentina’s side, a history of failed negotiations to acquire used aircraft with France, Spain and Israel will make it tough to revive talks with these parties. One possibility would have been to buy the 12 used Mirage 2000s acquired by Brazil from France in 2005 and retired by the Brazilian Air Force at the end of 2013. This may buy time for Argentina but they would need to reinvest in these aircraft, and also find more elsewhere. But it is reportedly because of high maintenance costs and problems with parts availability that Brazil decided to retire aircraft that sported 10,000+ flight hours each. Add the fact Brazil would have needed to secure resell rights from Dassault, and that is a long list of hurdles for Argentina to clear even if the seller is a friendly neighbor. See DID’s coverage of Brazil’s FX-2 program, Aug 5/13 entry.

Another option is to procure used or new jets from China or Russia, and even though the Argentinian Air Force would prefer Western aircraft, Both China and Russia are likely to be more flexible on financing and/or payment in kind than Western countries would, especially as long as Argentina’s financial situation has not been fully normalized on global markets. Fabrica Argentina de Aviones (FAdeA) held initial talks with China about the potential local production of FC-1 fighters back in mid-2013. Meanwhile Argentina and Russia have been getting cozy on diplomatic and energy matters. See the “Argentina’s Efforts” section above for a more detailed discussion of the available options.

Meanwhile Embraer is reportedly worried that the Brazilian government’s decision to develop a strategic partnership with Argentina may curtail technology transfers from Saab and even lead to reprisals by Western suppliers. That the alliance was announced as a government-to-government affair may only partly shield the company from consequences. Is getting along with its weaker, chronically ill southern neighbor worth potential diplomatic and business problems for Brazil? Sources: DefesaNet: “Full of uncertainty, strategic alliance with Argentines can bring damage to Brazil” | Defense News: “Argentina’s Jet Fighter Replacement Options Narrow” | FP: “Keeping Putin’s Hands Off Argentina’s Oil”.

Nov 9/14: Gripen NG. Argentina may want to do a deal with Brazil (q.v. Oct 22/14), but Britain has now publicly said “no.” To be more precise, they reiterate the continued existence of a ban. A spokesperson for the UK Department of Business, Innovation and Skills:

“We are determined to ensure that no British-licensable exports or trade have the potential to be used by Argentina to impose an economic blockade on the Falkland Islanders or inhibit their legitimate rights to develop their own economy…”

About 30% of the JAS-39E/F will be British, from the ejection seats to the radar, landing gear, and a number of electronic systems. Embraer could try to downgrade and substitute, but Argentina lacks the money to finance such an ambitious effort. Now add the fact that a newly-Republican US Senate and House would block export’s of GE’s F414 engines. As knowledgeable observers expected, Argentina will have to look elsewhere. C4ISR & Networks, “Argentina Buying Gripens? Brits Say ‘No Way'”.

Oct 22/14: Gripen NG. During the Embraer KC-390 medium jet transport’s rollout, Argentina and Brazil sign a formal “Alianca Estrategica em Industria Aeronautica.” Argentina is already making parts for the KC-390, and they need a larger partner for a number of other reasons. The FAB’s releases add that Argentina is also thinking of buying JAS-39E/F Gripens from Embraer, whose Brazilian factory will assemble at least 36 of the advanced Swedish fighters under the pending F-X2 program:

“El Gobierno nacional decidio iniciar una negociacion con la administracion de Dilma Rousseff para la adquisicion de 24 aviones Saab Gripen dentro del programa denominado FX 2…”

Regional export rights are also expected to be part of the $5+ billion deal, which is signed on Oct 24/14. That could get interesting, because the Gripen has systems from the USA and Britain in it. You might be able to replace electronics, but it’s expensive – and ejection seats and engines are a lot tougher. Sources: FAB NOTIMP, “Argentina quiere comprar 24 cazas supersonicos”.

Kfir, improved

March 23/14: Kfir. A high-level Argentine delegation has reportedly visited Israel to finalize the sale of 18 Kfir jets. Most sources mention the “Block 60” version, which is very similar to the Kfir C10 that has been sold to Ecuador and Colombia, and reports also mention the EL/M-2032 radar. Once again, however, this is a proposed deal that comes despite issues with Argentina. Ha’aretz:

“…Kirchner government made [a deal] last year with Iran to jointly investigate the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Buenos Aires Jewish community building that killed 85 people and is widely believed to have been carried out by Hezbollah with Iranian backing.”

That may cause controversy in Israel, and British pressure can be expected as well. On the other hand, Israel was less than pleased by Britain’s recent role in ending sanctions against Iran for its nuclear weapons program. A fighter sale to Argentina would certainly be one way to attach significant consequences to Britain’s actions, without the anti-ship capabilities that would mark a huge escalation. The British do have one big lever left, however: the Kfirs’ J79 turbojets need American approval for re-export. America needs British support regarding Russia right now, so despite past snubs, the Obama administration will find it inconvenient to alienate Britain further.

Finally, note that Ha’aretz is wrong about Kfirs being sold to South Africa. Israeli expertise was likely transferred, but they are not interchangeable in a fleet – Cheetahs use different engines than the Kfirs, and South Africa did modify its Mirages locally. Is basic fact-checking and editorial oversight too much to ask? Sources: Ha’aretz, “Argentina buying 30-year-old Israeli fighter jets” | LU22 Radio Tandil, “Avanzan las negociaciones para la compra de aviones Kfirs Block 60 a Israel”.

March 10/14: Super Etendard. Argentina’s efforts to upgrade 10 of its 11 remaining Super Etendard fighters have hit a bit of a snag in France:

“The Argentine Navy still wants 10 SEM kits for its Super Etendards, but has to date received no indication from France as to how or when this order might be filled.

Moreover, military relations between the two states have cooled due to a deal last year between France and the UK that could create roadblocks to France’s selling the kits, and an updated version of the Exocet missile, to Argentina…”

Sources: IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly, “Argentine Super Etendard modernisation hits major snags”.

Super Etendard modernization stalls

Colombian Kfirs
(click to view full)

Jan 23/14: Kfir. Argentina has reportedly opened discussions with Israel about selling up to 18 refurbished Kfir fighters. The proposed deal is reportedly worth about $500 million, with 6 jets to be refurbished in Israel. Another 12 would be shipped to Argentina along with modernization kits, for local assembly under Israeli supervision.

“Brazilian journalist Roberto Lopes, who specializes in defense issues was the first to reveal that Israel/Argentina deal negotiations caused concern in the government of PM David Cameron and allegedly representatives from the UK Defense ministry asked their Israel counterparts “for a detailed description of the electronic systems and avionics” of the 18 Kfir…. London fears the aircraft could be used to track and intimidate vessels involved in the Falklands oil and gas industry development…. Lopes also reveals that “the issue is being monitored since the end of 2013 by Brazil’s Itamaraty (foreign ministry) and defense ministry”.”

IAI’s offer had reportedly been made earlier, but the proposal was reportedly pursued only after Spain declined to pursue the Mirage F1 deal any further. Sources: MercoPress, “Argentina after Israeli fighter planes; concern in London and Brasilia, says defense expert”.

Jan 2/14: Mirage F1. Argentine sources tell IHS Jane’s that the Spanish Mirage deal has stalled and could be cancelled.

“Local media reports indicated that the Argentine Air Force (FAA) has begun analysing other options, including second-hand Dassault Mirage 2000s from France or Brazil, but appears to be leaning towards an Israeli offer of 18 IAI Lahav Kfir Block 60 multi-role fighters for USD500 million, with a possible delivery date some 15 months after a contract signature.”

While Spain’s economic situation made them receptive to Argentina’s request, Spain could lose much more if relations with Britain become problematic. Sources: IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly, “Argentine Mirage F1 buy reportedly stalls”.

No Mirage F1s

Oct 6/13: Kfir. IAI and even the Israeli Air Force begin to talk about the new “Block 60” Kfir variant, which is based on Colombia’s refitted C10 aircraft:

“The Kfir Block 60 offers a robust and versatile Mach 2+ multi-role jet fighter, carrying 5.5 tons payloads on nine hard-points under the wings and fuselage. The weaponry is enhanced to include Python 5 and Derby. Kfir Block 60 has also completed the integration of RAFAEL Spice autonomous guided weapon, (second platform offering that capability, after the F-16). Conforming to NATO standards, Kfir Block 60 supports Link-16 datalink protocol. The aircraft has combat radius of 1,000 km (540 nm) unrefueled. With refueling the aircraft can fly to a range of 1,100 nm.”

Whether or not Israeli Kfir C2s could carry Gabriel Mk.III anti-ship missiles, Argentina doesn’t have any, and any sale by Israel would have serious diplomatic repercussions. Refurbished Kfirs are reportedly restored to 8,000 safe flight-hours hours under warranty, meaning the plane can easily serve for 20-30 years. “Sources: Defense Update, “At 40 Years of age, Kfir Turns into a “Networked Fighter”” | Israeli Air Force, “Roaring Back”.

Spanish F1M
(click to view full)

Oct 1/13: Mirage F1. After several months of advance reports, Argentina has reportedly come to an agreement with Spain to buy 16 used Mirage F1s. Iraq’s F1EQ-5 jets were modified to carry the Exocet anti-ship missile, but they required modifications. Spain upgraded their F1Cs to F1Ms, but it isn’t clear whether their planes ever added Exocet capability.

The deal is something of a surprise, given the Argentine government’s 2012 seizure of Spanish oil major Repsol’s majority stake in Argentina’s national YPF oil company. Respol’s international legal claim is for $10 billion, but the Spanish government is facing depression-level economic conditions, and has few other options to sell those planes. Sources: MercoPress, “Argentina buys 16 Mirage F 1 from Spain; half have air-refuelling capacity” | UPI, “Argentina goes for second-hand jets for air force”.

Mirage F1 deal

Aug 5/13: Mirage F1. Spain is reportedly working on a deal with Spain for its recently-decommissioned Mirage F1 fighters, which have been replaced in Spain’s service by the Eurofighter:

“The only real hard news and from Spanish defence media, is that Spain is effectively decommissioning the last eight Mirage F 1 –which have been on service for 35 years–, to be replaced by the Eurofighter, and is looking for buyers and among the countries named are Argentina, Egypt and Ecuador…. The Argentine air force currently has an estimated 25 Mirage 5 and Mirage III with over thirty years in service…. However according to Argentine sources the aircraft are virtually out of use because of lack of spares and an adequate maintenance.”

Depending on how one counts, it has been more like 22 years of service since their deep modernization to F1M status. The RAF won’t give an on-the-record response, but British newspapers are told by unnamed sources that “If the Argentines start playing games and escalate the tension we will see more RAF aircraft being deployed to the Falklands.” That would help prevent a takeover, but unless Britain adds a lot of fighters, it may not quite stop intimidation flights against energy companies working in the Falklands EEZ. MercoPress, “Falklands and the Mirages: playing with the Islanders worst memories” | Daily Express, “Jet fighter threat to the Falkland Islands” | Daily Mirror, “Falklands alert as Argentina strikes £145 million deal for 20 Mirage warplanes” | Israel’s Globes, “IAI selling upgraded Kfir jets for $20m”.

June 27/13: JF-17. Argentina is reportedly in talks with China concerning the FC-1/ JF-17 fighter, a joint project with Pakistan whose performance lies somewhere between a Mirage F1 and an F-16. It can use radar-guided air-to-air missiles, but its most important asset is the CASIC CM-400AKG supersonic anti-ship missile, with a range that’s longer than France’s sub-sonic Exocets. Its is also shown at air shows like Farnborough with China’s C802 sub-sonic anti-ship missile, which is very similar to the American Harpoon.

“Speaking at the Paris Air Show in mid-June, officials from Fabrica Argentina de Aviones (FAdeA) told IHS Jane’s that the company has had multiple discussions with Chinese officials over co-producing the fighter in Argentina. Although the FC-1/JF-17 is already jointly built with Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, FAdeA officials stressed that they are dealing solely with the Chinese…. While discussions are said to be far from over, if realised they will open up a wide panoply of Chinese weapon systems to Argentina…”

Sources: IHS Jane’s Missiles & Rockets, “Fighter talks may afford Argentina advanced Chinese missile systems”.

Additional Readings

Up above, DID asked of Ha’aretz, “Is basic fact-checking and editorial oversight too much to ask?” Sometimes, that comes back to bite. Thanks to readers who wrote in to us about local defensive measures and options in the Falklands that we had not covered. We had good discussions, but the plain fact is that some of the omissions were important items. They have been added to the article, with our thanks – and our apologies.

Readers with corrections, comments, or information to contribute are encouraged to contact DID’s Founding Editor, Joe Katzman. We understand the industry – you will only be publicly recognized if you tell us that it’s OK to do so.

• Wikipedia – Argentine Air Force.

Background: Aircraft

• Airforce Technology – F-21 Kfir Fighter Jet, Israel. F-21 was the American designation for used Kfirs flown by its Aggressor training squadrons. Some private firms, like ATAC, still use it for this purpose.

• ACIG – Kfir C.10. In service with Ecuador and Colombia, and the base for the “Block 60”. Kfir C.12s don’t have the EL/M-2032 radar.

• DID – Cheetahs and Mirage 50s for Ecuador.

• DID – Pakistan & China’s JF-17 Fighter Program. If Britain blocks the Kfir sale, could they be setting themselves up for something worse?

• RAC MiG – MiG-29/MiG-29UB/MiG-29SE.

• Wikipedia – Dassault Mirage F1.

News & Views

• MercoPress (March 22/14) – The Falklands/Malvinas: Brazil’s next regional headache? Stability in the region has been a key goal for Brazil.

• Defense Update (Oct 6/13) – At 40 Years of age, Kfir Turns into a “Networked Fighter”. Kfir Block 60.

• Israeli Air Force (Sept 25/13) – Roaring Back. Includes information about Colombia’s C10/C12 upgrades, and makes vague references to the Block 60.

• Globes (Aug 6/13) – IAI selling upgraded Kfir jets for $20m.

Lower tier:
Indian Do-228 MPA
(click to view full)

In January 2009, the wheels began turning on pair of follow-on buys covering short and medium range manned aircraft for India’s Navy and Coast Guard. That effort stalled out, restarted with a 2013 RFP.

India’s growing power is creating growing naval responsibility around the Indian Ocean, from the strategic chokepoint and shipping channel represented by Indonesia’s Straits of Malacca in the east, to anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia and basing agreements with Madagascar in the west. Hence the January 2009 deal for 8-16 of Boeing’s 737-derived P-8i Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, which will replace Russian-built TU-142s as India’s long-range patrol aircraft.

Closer to home, however, India has its own long coastline to patrol, and neighbors like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan that represent existing or potential trouble spots along its borders. The P-8i will work in those problem areas, but less-expensive and shorter-range aircraft are needed to supplement their coverage. Inshore, and at strategic locations like Nicobar Isand, new Dornier Do-228NG aircraft, and UAVs like India’s Israeli-built Searcher and Heron UAVs, provide solid local coverage. In between, medium sized manned aircraft must fill their own niches in India’s Navy and its Coast Guard.

India’s MRMR and MMP Competitions

(click to view full)

India boasts a 3,370 mile/ 5,425 km long coastline, and its EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) is estimated cover an area of around 77,000+ square miles/ 200,000 square kilometers. That ensures a lot of in-between territory for mid-sized sea control aircraft to cover, and there’s no question that the aircraft are needed. As with so very many Indian buys, however, even reaching the RFP stage can be a long journey.

In 2009, India’s Ministry of Defence issued an RFP for 6 medium-range maritime reconnaissance (MRMR) aircraft, to replace its aging Britten-Norman Islander fleet. That RFP was withdrawn in 2009, but a set of twin RFIs were issued in 2010 for MRMR, and the Coast Guard’s MMP (Medium Maritime Patrol) requirement. An RFP is now expected in April 2012, for 6 MRMR planes + 6 options, worth around $1 billion all told.

The 2012 MRMR requirements reportedly do not include anti-submarine capability, which adds cost and often forces the use of a larger plane. It will be an armed aircraft, however, and the 2010 RFI suggests that it will be required to carry both torpedoes, and some form of anti-ship missile.

That would represent a big upgrade over the existing Britten-Norman Islanders, which were bought in 1976. If the MRMR buy goes through, India’s existing Islander fleet may then be shifted to a training role, handed over to the coast guard, or even gifted to other countries. Two have already given as a gift to the Myanmar junta. If MRMR is stalled for too long, however, the Islander fleet’s age could create a problem for India.

The Indian coast guard’s requirements also reportedly involve 6 aircraft, but could rise. They will require less sophisticated equipment, but the wide range of roles could force a larger aircraft, unless India is expecting to address mission versatility using roll-on, roll-off kits. The 2010 RFI reportedly called for a diverse range of missions, including search and rescue, surface attack, environmental monitoring, and medical evacuation with 3 intensive care stations. Earlier reports suggested that the aircraft will need to have a range of over 500 nautical miles, and an endurance of around 6 hours.

MRMR & MMP: Rumored Contenders Boeing, USA

RAF R1 Sentinel
(click to view full)

There are persistent rumors that Boeing will offer a modified version of the P-8i to fill the medium range role as well. A modified P-8i would offer commonality, handle required industrial offsets smoothly, and may include some savings due to a larger order volume, but the platform itself is not cheap. Cost is likely to be the biggest stumbling block for this option.

Unsurprisingly, Boeing is starting to look at options beyond its P-8A. Bombardier’s Challenger 600 long-range business jet seems to be the target platform for the rumored “Maritime Surveillance Aircraft.” It would reportedly use the same core internal systems used aboard the P-8, but its sensor and weapon array would differ. The idea isn’t unprecedented. There’s also some talk in Britain of adding maritime patrol capabilities to its Challenger-based Sentinel R1 ground surveillance jets.

IAI, Israel

Australia Q200
(click to view full)

Beyond the P-8i, the other rumored MPA holdover is a maritime patrol version of Dassault’s Falcon 900, which was reportedly submitted by Israel’s IAI Elta in the competition that the P-8i eventually won. The tri-engined aircraft offers more attractive operating costs than a P-8, and its 4,100-4,500 nautical mile/ 7,600-8,330 km unrefueled range would allow for deployments across the Indian Ocean, as well as long patrols of India’s coastline. Israel has a good reputation for delivering India capable and reliable military equipment, and a MRMR aircraft that can also fill high-end roles may be attractive, but the Falcon 900 will be more expensive than several of the other rumored contenders.

A 2nd rumored IAI option would be its ELI-3360 modification of Bombardier’s Q400 turboprop. It would offer less range and performance, in exchange for lower costs. Dash-8 models serve with the Coast Guards of several nations, and operate in maritime patrol roles, but they haven’t been armed. August 2013 reports suggested that this would be the option offered, but the Israelis play their cards very close to the chest.

Embraer P-99, Brazil

Embraer P-99 MPA
(click to view full)

In a similar vein, Brazil’s Embraer modifies its own ERJ-145 regional jets into sophisticated surveillance platforms. India’s DRDO is already using this model as the base for a locally-produced mid-tier AEW&C airspace control plane, and other Embraer versions exist for land and maritime surveillance.

The P-99 MPA/ EMB-145MP has been ordered by Mexico (2), and an armed variant is rumored as a contender for India’s MRMR as well. At 1,876 miles/ 3,019 km, its range is less than the Falcon’s, but still more than adequate for the requirement. Embraer, like Canada’s Bombardier, is working to make inroads into India’s civil aviation industry, and those efforts will help position the firm for industrial offset requirements.

Antonov AN-148-300 MP, Russia

AN-148-300 MP, c. A.K.
(click to view full)

In 2009, Antonov touted a maritime patrol version of their jet-powered AN-74 transport, which was unveiled to the broader aviation public at Aero India 2009. By 2013, however, the firm had shifted course, and confirmed that they’d offer the AN-148-300 MP instead. It’s also a high-wing twin-jet, but the engines are mounted under the wings, instead of within them. The general tradeoff between a transport like the AN-74 and a regional passenger jet like the AN-148 is a swap of short-takeoff and internal load for more efficient operation at altitude, which usually translates into better maritime range and time on station.

In India’s case, the AN-148 is also competing for the military’s light transport requirement, and a handful are in service with Indian civilian carriers. Antonov is still competing for more civilian sales in India. Success would improve the possibility of military maintenance partnerships with local airlines, which can cut costs while offering the required industrial offsets.

The next 3 rumored contenders are turboprops. They offer more economical low-level flight costs than jets, in exchange for shorter ranges, and slower transit time to patrol areas or emergency situations.

Alenia ATR-42/72, Italy

ATR-72 ASW
(click to view full)

EADS subsidiary ATR and Alenia Aeronautica have crated variants of popular ATR regional passenger turboprops, for military use. The ATR-72 ASW has been ordered by Turkey to fulfill maritime patrol requirements. It offers a long Magnetic Anomaly Detector in the back that helps it find submarines, and pylons/launchers for weapons. It is rumored to be an MRMR candidate.

The smaller ATR-42 Surveyor includes only sophisticated surveillance gear. It has already been ordered by Italy, Nigeria, and Libya, and has attracted interest from Pakistan. It’s a rumored candidate for the Indian Coast Guard’s MMP.

Airbus Military C295 ASW, Spain

C-295 ASW concept
(click to view full)

EADS other subsidiary EADS-CASA has carved out a leading role for its maritime surveillance turboprops, and passed that along as part of the expanded Airbus military division. The CN-235MP Persuader is in service with a number of countries, including the US Coast Guard, and has just been ordered by South Korea’s Coast Guard. Unsurprisingly, it’s a rumored candidate for India’s Coast Guard MPP. If so, it’s likely to be a very strong candidate, and the affiliation with Airbus gives them good industrial benefits options.

The larger C-295 ASW has been ordered by Chile. It uses the same surveillance core as the CN-235 Persuader, and is equipped with under-wing stations to carry weapons and other stores. A common MRMR/MPP purchase is possible using the C-295, as modified C-295 light transport aircraft already serve in a search and rescue role with a number of countries.

Lockheed Martin SC-130 “Sea Hercules”, USA

IAF C-130J-30
(click to view full)

The 4-engine C-130J Hercules is in wide use around the world as a transport aircraft, including India. A number of specialty variants have been designed with roll-on/ roll-off containers, and armed variants have added hardpoints on the wings. The “Sea Hercules” is being designed to a $150 million cost, and will be developed in 3 stages:

Stage 1 will involve roll-on/ bolt-on radar and electro-optical sensors, and accompanying processing workstations.

Stage 2 would add wing-mounted, anti-surface weapons, along with upgraded workstations and weapon control systems.

Stage 3 would be a full anti-submarine conversion, including sonobuoys, a magnetic anomaly detector boom, extra fuel pods, and 2 added bays for 6 Harpoon missiles.

Saab 2000 MPA

Saab 2000 MPA concept
(click to view full)

In May 2011, Saab joined the competition, offering its Saab 2000 MPA turboprop, along with the firm’s phased array maritime radar and RBS-15 anti-ship and land attack missiles. Like many other MRMR competitors (R-99, Falcon, AN-148, ATR-72), the aircraft is a modified business/ regional transport plane.

In its Maritime Patrol role, the Saab 2000 MPA maintains a cruising speed of 350 knots, and can operate at a maximum range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles, with mission endurance exceeding 9.5 hours. Those figures depend on conditions and flight profiles, of course – the same plane would cover a 200 nm Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for 5.5 hours at an altitude of only 2,000 ft, or extend patrol times by flying up to 31,000 feet and relying on its radar. Saab is also touting the 2000 MPA’s ability to operate from high altitude airfields, taking off with maximum load and fuel even at very hot temperatures.

Saab also offers an AWACS variant of this aircraft family for airspace command and control, and counts Pakistan among its customers. That’s good, in that it offers proven operational capability in similar conditions. It’s bad because India has historically been reluctant to share platforms with Pakistan, but that has happened – vid. IL-76/78 transports. The RBS-15 Mk.3 is a fine missile, but it may also be a drawback. Success depends on India’s reaction to adding yet another anti-ship missile type, on top of its existing stocks of Russian (Klub, BrahMos), French (Exocet), and American (Harpoon) weapons.

Contracts and Key Events 2012 – 2019

2nd RFP issued.

EMB-145 MP/ASW
(click to view full)

July 25/19: Fifth Dornier Squadron The Indian Navy has commissioned Indian Naval Air Squadron 313, the fifth Dornier maritime patrol aircraft squadron, at a ceremony on July 22, local news reports. The squadron will operate from Chennai International Airport. The squadron will operate Dornier multi-role short range maritime reconnaissance aircraft in a range of missions including maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations and providing targeting data to weapon platforms. The Dorniers are twin-turboprop STOL utility aircraft. From 1981 until 1998 Dornier GmbH produced the aircraft. In 1983 Hindustan Aeronautics bought a production license and manufactured 125 aircraft. The Indian Navy is procuring 12 Dornier aircraft with improved sensors and equipment including glass cockpit, advanced surveillance radar, electronic intelligence, optical sensors and networking capabilities.

Aug 23/13: RFP. India’s Ministry of Defense has reportedly issued its RFP for 9 Indian Navy medium-range maritime reconnaissance (MRMR) aircraft, plus 38 anti-ship missiles. The RFP was reportedly sent to Airbus Military, Alenia, Antonov, Boeing, Embraer, IAI Elta, Lockheed Martin, and Saab. All are covered in the contenders section.

The specifications could be a problem, however, which is common in Indian competitions. The RFP states the aircraft must fly a transit of 400 nmi at 300 knots, and patrol 400 nmi for 4 hours at a height of 10,000 feet. This profile would be flown with 2 missiles underwing, and the missiles would need a minimum range of about 50 nmi.

The 300 knot transit speed will be challenging for armed turboprops like the C295 MPA. Meanwhile, the missile requirement excludes low-cost options like Kongsberg’s Penguin, and would even bar MBDA’s AM39 Block 2 Exocet (70 km/ 37.8 nmi). Sources: AIN, “Indian Navy Requests New Patrol Aircraft”

RFP #2 issued

Feb 5/13: Antonov. Antonov announces that their MRMR submission will be based on the AN-148 high-wing twin-jet regional jetliner, which is a shift from the AN-74MP mentioned in its February 2009 announcement. Antonov is also reportedly offering the AN-148 for India’s light cargo aircraft replacement program, where the AN-74’s full capabilities are unnecessary.

Antonov seems to be hoping that military commonality benefits will improve their odds of success in both competitions. In India’s case, the AN-148 also offers commonality with 3 Indian civilian carriers, who signed deals at Aero India 2010. Antonov is hoping to leverage the jet’s good performance in hot weather and high altitudes into more civilian sales, and sees a potential Indian market for up to 80 civil aircraft in this class. More civilian success offers the possibility of military maintenance partnerships with local airlines, which can cut costs while offering the required industrial offsets.

Aug 28/12: Boeing: too big? Boeing is starting to look at options beyond its P-8A, because their customers are saying that they don’t need its full versatility, and find its $200 million price tag prohibitive. Bombardier’s Challenger 600 seems to be the target platform, and the resulting plane would probably sacrifice weapon carrying capability in order to be a specialty surveillance plane. The idea isn’t unprecedented. There’s also some talk in Britain of adding maritime patrol capabilities to its Challenger-based Sentinel R1 ground surveillance jets.

They’ll be joined in the mid-tier market by another American firm. Lockheed Martin is working on an SC-130J Sea Hercules modification, and the firm says they expect to sign at least one contract “in North Africa.” It’s designed as a $150 million alternative, to be developed in 3 stages. Stage 1 will involve roll-on/ bolt-on radar and electro-optical sensors, and accompanying processing workstations. Stage 2 would add wing-mounted, anti-surface weapons, along with upgraded workstations and weapon control systems. Stage 3 would be a full anti-submarine conversion, including sonobuoys, a magnetic anomaly detector boom, extra fuel pods, and 2 added bays for 6 Harpoon missiles. Sources: Defense News, “Smaller Maritime Patrol Aircraft Built for Tight Budgets”.

April 2/12: Flight International reports that new MRMR and MPP RFPs are imminent.

Feb 27/12: MRMR Back on. Indian media report that India’s government has finally approved the navy’s proposal to acquire up to 9 MRMR advanced medium range maritime reconnaissance aircraft, which is expected to cost upwards of $1 billion. The MRMR project got the “acceptance of necessity” from the Cabinet’s Defence Acquisitions Council. India Defence | Times of India.

Revived at 9 planes

2009 – 2011

MRMR RFP issued, then withdrawn.

May 30/11: Saab. Saab has announced that they’ll bid on MRMR with their Saab 2000 platform, equipped with a new phased array maritime search radar and Saab’s RBS-15 anti-ship missiles.

Saab invested in Indian partnerships in its bid for the MMRCA fighter competition. That bid is currently stalled or failed, but the MRMR bid can leverage the work they’ve already done on industrial partners, etc. Defense Update.

2010: MRMR & MPP RFIs.

2009: MRMR RFP withdrawn.

RFP withdrawn

March 3/09: Do-228 NGs. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) in Kanpur, India has supplied the first set of Dornier 228 NG of fuselage, wings and tail to RUAG Aerospace Services GmbH in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany. First delivery of the 10-plane Indian order for short-mid range maritime aircraft is scheduled to take place early in 2010.

This will be the platform one tier below MRMR. RUAG release.

Feb 11-15/09: AN-74MP. Antonoc ASC announces that its AN-74MP, which it is unveiling at Aero India 2009, is a candidate for this competition:

“At present, this version of the aircraft is being studied by experts of MoD of India within the frame of tender on delivery of 6 aircraft of such a class for Navy and Coast Guard of the country. The new AN-74 is prepared to fulfill with a high efficiency a wide spectrum of military tasks… A new version of AN-74 differs from its predecessors with a number of considerable improvements. It made possible realization of conception of a radical modernization of the AN-74, developed by ANTONOV specialists in cooperation with the partners including those from France, Germany and Sweden. It includes mounting the glass cockpit, the newest instruments of piloting, navigation and communication. Besides, power plant and APU, aircraft and engine control systems, fuel, hydraulic systems and many others.”

Jan 12/09: RFP & Do-228s. Reports surface that India’s Navy and Coast Guard have issued their MRMR solicitations, and rumored candidates are identified in the press.

India Defence adds that “the Navy will also be getting 11 new Dornier short-range aircraft,” which is confirmed by later events. In 1983, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. bought a production license for the Do-228, and the Swiss firm RUAG Aerospace will commence building the Dornier 228 New Generation model at Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany using structural parts supplied by HAL. The main changes in the NG model are a new 5-blade propeller made of composite material for improved performance, as well as an advanced digital (“glass”) cockpit and avionics.

RUAG will also integrate specialty equipment into existing or future Do-228s, including surveillance and search-and-rescue gear. India Defence | India Express | Aviation Week.

MRMR RFP;
New short-range aircraft

Additional Readings

While it’s mentioned in the photo pop-out, DID would like to publicly thank reader Ardavan Kazemi for his AN-148-200 MP pictures, snapped at Aero India 2013.

Americas

Northrop Grumman Systems won two deals in support of the MQ-4C Triton drone. One delivery order worth $33.8 million procures material kits and retrofit labor to incorporate the Integrated Functional Capability 4.0 configuration into retrofit aircraft and ground segments. Work is expected to be completed in January 2022. Under the second contract, Northrop Grumman is awarded $14,1 million for modification that incorporates integrated functional capability 4.0 into low-rate initial production Lot 2 Aircraft B12. Work is expected to be completed in November 2021. The MQ-4C Triton is an autonomously operated system that provides a persistent maritime ISR capability using multiple maritime sensors. The MQ-4C Triton air vehicle is based upon the United States Air Force RQ-4B Global Hawk.

The Naval Sea Systems Command awarded Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission System a $15.7 million contract modification for the AEGIS Weapons System design requirements in support of the Guided Missile Frigate FFG(X). The deal includes the design of the Combat Management System. The planned contract action will modify CMS capabilities under development and integrate increased combat system element capability, resulting in an AEGIS Weapon System that aligns with FFG(X) Class ships. The FFG(X) Class ships are multimission guided-missile frigates. They are to be contracted from 2020 and will be a follow-on to the Littoral Combat Ships. At the beginning of July, Lockheed won a $7 million contract that includes combat system ship integration engineering support and test planning, conducting a waterfront CS ship integration and test program, post-delivery engineering support to government test teams, engineering services for CS ship integration and test and developing test program documents for FFG(X) ships. Work for the contract modification will take place in Moorestown, New Jersey, and is scheduled to be finished by September 2021.

Middle East & Africa

The British Army will contribute a 250-strong long-range reconnaissance task group to the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) from 2020. “Based in Gao, 250 personnel will deploy in response to a UN requirement and will address a key capability gap“, the Ministry of Defense said in a press release. The release also noted that the deployment aims to prevent “conflict spilling over to neighboring states.” The stabilization mission in Mali, which began in 2013, is considered one of the most dangerous UN peacekeeping missions, and attacks against blue helmets in the center and north of the country are common. More than 200 people deployed to MINUSMA have died, including 18 this year.

Europe

Germany’s defense procurement office awarded a contract to the ARGE Puma consortium for the System Panzergrenadier Very High Joint Readiness Task Force 2023 (VJTF 2023) project, Rheinmetall announced. The company will furnish the German Bundeswehr with 41 upgraded Puma infantry fighting vehicles along with additional measures for improving communication between the infantry fighting vehicles and dismounted infantrymen. Included in the “System Panzergrenadier VJTF 2023” package is a comprehensive combat performance upgrade of forty-one Puma infantry fighting vehicles, coupled with additional measures for improving communication between the infantry fighting vehicles and dismounted infantrymen. The order is valued at $288.1 million.

Asia-Pacific

Fighter jets from the Republic of Korea Air Force reportedly fired warning shots at a Russian military aircraft after the latter entered South Korean airspace at 9:09 am local time. Based on a release by Japan’s Ministry of Defense, the Russian aircraft that was subjected to warning shots from South Korean fighter aircraft was an A-50. South Korean F-15K fighter jets sent warnings, dropped 10 flares, and fired 80 warning shots into the air close to the Russian aircraft. The Russian warplane left the area at 09:12 am and exited the KADIZ at 9:15 am. The A-50, however, again entered South Korean airspace at 9:33 am for the second time, prompting Korean fighter jets to fire 280 warning shots and 10 flares. The warplane left the area at 9:37 am and flew toward the Northern Limit Line, exiting the KADIZ at 9:56 am. The Russian aircraft is assumed to have been participating in a joint military exercise with China, as two other Russian warplanes were also found entering into the KADIZ along with two Chinese bombers.

NAG, Indian state-owned Defense Research and Development Organisation’s indigenously developed 3rd Generation Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) has successfully undergone a series of summer trials at Pokhran Field Firing Ranges carried out by the Indian Army in July. According to officials associated with the project, the missile was test-fired around 12 times during the 11-day period and the mission was completed on Thursday. Jane’s reports that now the Nag missile system is ready for series production. The ATGM has been developed to engage highly fortified enemy tanks in all weather conditions with day-and-night capabilities and with a minimum range of 500 meters and a maximum range of four kilometers.

Today’s Video

Watch: Indian Defence Updates : Super Sukhoi Final,No Su-57E For India,100 F-21 Torpedoes,Anti-Icing Device

Americas

Lockheed Martin won $22.6 million cost-plus-incentive-fee modification for AEGIS Baseline 9 integration and delivery, Aegis Baseline 5.4 and 9A2A post-certification support. The deal provides for the completion of the development and fielding of the AEGIS Baseline 9 AEGIS Weapon System and integrated AEGIS Combat System on the remaining AEGIS Technical Insertion (TI) 12 configured destroyers as well as TI 12 and TI 08 configured cruisers. The Aegis Combat System is an integrated naval weapons system, which uses powerful computer and radar technology to track and guide weapons to destroy enemy targets. The Aegis Combat System is the world’s most advanced combat system and the only maritime ballistic defense system capable of simultaneously attacking land targets, submarines, and surface ships while protecting the fleet against aircraft, cruise and other ballistic missiles. Baseline 9 is the upgraded version of the weapons system that enables the crew members to track enemy missiles and aircraft with accuracy. The system further enhances the overall range and weapon capabilities of the vessel compared to its predecessors. Lockheed will perform work for the modification in Moorestown, New Jersey and is scheduled to be finished by July 2020.

The company Lockheed Martin also won an $8.2 million contract modification in support of Surface Navy Laser Weapon System Increment 1, High Energy Laser and Integrated Optical-dazzler with Surveillance or HELIOS system. The deal includes technical and field engineering services and a cost-only line item for travel. Lockheed Martin’s HELIOS laser weapons system uses light beams to defend against Chinese or Russian cruise missiles. With the High Energy Laser and Integrated Optical-dazzler with Surveillance (HELIOS) system, Lockheed Martin will help the Navy take a major step forward in its goal to field laser weapon systems aboard surface ships. The army intends to integrate the navy’s laser systems around 2023, however it may not be possible to fully utilize it. Before it can use a system with double the power of those currently in development, the army will need to develop support systems capable of operating these higher-powered naval lasers. The US Navy is planning to deploy Lockheed Martin’s HELIOS laser on destroyers by 2021 after a testing period, in which the weapon was successfully used to target and take down drones.

Middle East & Africa

Iran deployed three Mohajer-6 drones. The UAV would be used to identify and destroy threats to the country’s borders. The military had released photographs showing at least one Mohajer-6 deployed to an unidentified airfield that was said to be in northeast Iran. Iran begun mass production of the indigenously-produced Mohajer-6 tactical and combat unmanned aerial vehicle back in February 2018. The Mohajer-6 was unveiled in 2016. The drone is the first of the Mohajer series to have wheeled undercarriage.

Europe

In a press release, Raytheon announced that the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK Ministry of Defense to join Team ARTEMIS Industry, a collaboration between government and industry formed to fast track the launch of a small satellite constellation and enhance the UK’s sovereign space capability. “In large part because of US efforts to raise the profile of military space, allies are working hard to ‘close the space gap,'” said Air Vice-Marshal Rocky Rochelle, Royal Air Force chief of staff for capability. ARTEMIS is a hyperspectral sensing system, operating in the visible to shortwave infrared wavelengths. Hyperspectral sensors capture light across a wide swath of the electromagnetic spectrum, providing unprecedented spectral detail. That spectral information produces a distinct signature, which can be compared against the spectral signatures of known objects to rapidly identify potential areas of interest.

MBDA announced it signed a contract for the purchase of Mistral 3 short range air defense systems. This makes Serbia the 32nd customer country for the Mistral missile and the 10th country invited to join the Mistral user club. This will also be the first European order of the missile. The Mistral 3 is a man-portable, fully digital, heat-seeking missile. It features a lightweight man-portable launcher. It can be easily transported and operated from the ground, a vehicle, a building or a ship. MISTRAL MANPADS is normally operated by a gunner and a crew commander. However, if the mission is carried out in a simple tactical environment, it can be operated by one single soldier.

Asia-Pacific

The first batch of AH-64E attack helicopters for India will arrive home on July 27 at Hindon Airbase, local media reports. India has purchased 22 Apache helicopters from the United States. The Apaches will be prepared at the Hindon Airbase and in the last week of August will be sent to Pathankot for a formal induction into the IAF. The deployment of Apache’s first squadron in Pathankot will take another month. The first squadron of the Apaches will be stationed at Pathankot. The Apache AH-64E helicopter is equipped with a 30-mm machine gun, which can fired up to 1,200 rounds at a time.

Today’s Video

Watch: SU-27 Flanker RIAT 2019

Americas

Lockheed Martin won a $23.6 million contract modification to replace joint air to surface standoff missile (JASSM) anti-jam GPS receiver with a new JASSM Anti-Jam GPS Receiver (JAGR), because of obsolescence. According to Lockheed Martin, JASSM is a long-range, conventional, air-to-ground, precision standoff missile for the US and allied forces. Designed to destroy high-value, well-defended, fixed and relocatable targets, JASSM’s significant standoff range keeps aircrews well out of danger from hostile air defense systems. JASSM is a 2,000-pound class weapon with a penetrator/blast fragmentation warhead. Work will take place in Orlando, Florida, and is scheduled to be finished by March 31, 2023.

General Dynamics Missions Systems won a $9.2 million fixed-fee modification in support of the Knifefish. The deal provides engineering services for ongoing development, test, and production of the Surface Mine Countermeasure Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) program. Knifefish is a heavyweight class Mine Countermeasure (MCM) Unmanned Undersea Vehicle designed for deployment off the Littoral Combat Ship. The Knifefish UUV provides the mine warfare commander with enhanced mine-hunting capability in a contested environment. Engineering services hours are used for a number of efforts, including test and evaluation, engineering change proposal development, and pre-planned product improvement initiatives. General Dynamics will perform work within the US and estimated completion date is in July, 2020.

Middle East & Africa

Reuters reports that Turkey expects temporary losses for its defense company after the US removed Turkey from the F-35 Fighter jet program. However, the head of Turkey’s Defense Industry Directorate, Ismail Demir, thinks the industry will bounce back even stronger in the longterm. “Our companies may face losses initially, and even though issues like sanctions and more may lead to temporary losses for the defense industry, we think it will result in our defense industry becoming stronger,” he said. Ismail Demir also said the USA’s move was unilateral and not in line with the agreement signed between the parties, and added that Turkey would continue meeting its commitments until its exclusion from the program is finalized.

Europe

RWM Italia certified Nitro-Chef Chemical Plant, a subsidiary of the Polish Armaments Group, to produce the Mk 82 bomb. President of the company, Krzysztof Kozlowski, says production has started for delivery to the Polish Air Force. Two hundred bombs have been ordered. The two companies have signed the deal in November 2017. RWM Italia is part of the Rheinmetall Defense Group – a certified world leader in the production of aerial bombs. The Mk-82 aerial bomb is used to arm Polish F-16 multi-task aircraft. The RWM Italia-certified bomb produced in Poland fulfills the quality requirements set by RWM Italia and is fully interchangeable with the Italian-produced Mk-82 bomb. The Polish bomb will be used in modern aerial bomb configurations thanks to its compatibility with systems used by Raytheon and Boeing. Over the last three years, the Polish Air Force has ordered 1,300 bombs of this type.

Jane’s reports that Russia’s Central Military District’s combined arms and reconnaissance units have received 6,000 AK-74M assault rifles with the Obves upgrade kits. “The district has received six thousand 5.45 mm AK-74M assault rifles fitted out with the Obves modernized equipment sets. The new assault rifles have got the Picatinny rail, which makes it possible to fix any detachable equipment“, Lieutenant Colonel Mikhail Kuzin, the acting head of the missile and artillery weapons service, has said. The KM-AK includes the AK-200 series’ multislotted combination flash suppressor and compensator handguard, index finger operable fire-selector plate, left-side-folding telescoping buttstock, and finger moulded pistol grip.

Asia-Pacific

The 14th Research Institute of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation gives a glimpse on future AEW aircraft, local media reports. In an article introducing AEW system aircraft written by the 14th Research Institute of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) and posted on its public WeChat account on Tuesday, the company not only gave an overview on the history and facts of AEW carrying aircraft around the world, but also shared its vision on how this type of warplane could develop in the future. China’s top radar firm said, future airborne early warning aircraft could become unmanned, interconnected and highly intelligent.

Today’s Video

Watch: USAF: The Stealth Sniper F-22 Raptor Has a New Job

REMUS 100
(click to view full)

In October 2013, Kongsberg Defence subsidiary Hydroid, Inc., of Pocasset, MA received a maximum $36.5 million, 5-year, sole-source award for its unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) from the US Navy’s Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division in Indian Head, MD. They’ll be buying 2 types of UUVs.

Kingfish UUV
(click to view full)

Hydroid’s smaller MK18 MOD1 Swordfish UUVs are based on the REMUS 100 UUV. It possesses a small side-scan sonar, but its scan, resolution, and buried target detection don’t match the Kingfish. It’s also used for basic hydrographic profiling, however, which is a very useful as a baseline before mine countermeasures work begins.

Their MK18 MOD 2 Kingfish UUVs are typically used for mine countermeasures work, and are typically launched from ships, but they can also be hand-launched by teams in 11m RHIBs. They were deployed to the Persian Gulf earlier this year in response to Iranian threats, and replaced their smaller MK18 MOD1 Swordfish counterparts at that time. They’re based on the REMUS 600 UUV, with a Small Synthetic Aperture Sonar Module (SSAM) configuration that provides wider sonar swath scan, higher resolution imagery, and buried target detection.

Both of these UUVs are currently contractor-operated, but the US Navy does intend to begin operating them itself by 2015. They probably could be loaded onto a Littoral Combat Ship as an interim measure, ahead of the planned 2017 in-service date for Bluefin Robotics’ Knifefish SMCM mine-countermeasures UUV. Sources: GSN, “Navy to buy more unmanned underwater vehicles for mine countermeasures work” | See also ongoing developments around LCS & MH-60S mine counter-measures for a wider overview.

Updates

July 19/19: Engineering Services General Dynamics Missions Systems won a $9.2 million fixed-fee modification in support of the Knifefish. The deal provides engineering services for ongoing development, test, and production of the Surface Mine Countermeasure Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) program. Knifefish is a heavyweight class Mine Countermeasure (MCM) Unmanned Undersea Vehicle designed for deployment off the Littoral Combat Ship. The Knifefish UUV provides the mine warfare commander with enhanced mine-hunting capability in a contested environment. Engineering services hours are used for a number of efforts, including test and evaluation, engineering change proposal development, and pre-planned product improvement initiatives. General Dynamics will perform work within the US and estimated completion date is in July, 2020.

April 26/19: Production Support The Navy tapped Hydroid with $23.1 million for MK 18 Unmanned Underwater Vehicle systems production support. The contract modification includes option periods which could bring the cumulative value of the contract to $47.9 million. The Navy Hydroid MK 18 Mod 1 UUV is a variant of the Hydroid REMUS 100. The MK 18 Mod 1 Swordfish UUV is capable of performing low-visible exploration and reconnaissance in support of amphibious landing, mine countermeasures operations such as search, classification, mapping, reacquire, and identification, and hydrographic mapping at depths from 10 to 40 feet. MK18 MOD 2 Kingfish UUVs are typically used for mine countermeasures work, and are typically launched from ships, but they can also be hand-launched by teams in 11m RHIBs. The are based on the REMUS 600. Hydroid received a $36.5 million, 5-year, sole-source award for both types of UUVs from the US Navy. Hydroid will perform work in Massachusetts and the scheduled completion date is in April 2020, if no options are exercised.

November 9/16: Hydroid has won a $7 million US Navy contract for work on the MK18 Kingfish underwater drone. The contract modification exercises a third-year option for engineering support and training services for the Kingfish’s Mod 1 and Mod 2. Offering better endurance and area coverage rates than its Swordfish predecessor, the Kingfish system supports very shallow water missions, very shallow mine countermeasures and underwater object localization tools.

Mark 82 bombs
(click for full sequence)

The “Focused Lethality Munition” is a variant of the 250 pound Small Diameter Bomb I that changes its casing and internal fill, in order to produce more devastating effects within a smaller area. A carbon-fiber bomb body disintegrates instead of fragmenting, which adds explosive force nearby, but largely removes sharpnel issues farther away. Inside, metal particles turn the bomb’s explosive material into short-range projectiles. The result is especially useful in urban areas, in situations where friendly elements are close to the impact zone, and in campaigns fought using contemporary American counter-insurgency doctrine.

Now the USA wants a bigger, but still confined, bang. Enter the Precision Lethality MK82 Quick Reaction Capability Program, designed to turn 500 pound bombs into similar but larger weapons.

Unmodified SDB-I hits
(click for full sequence)

Note that bombs and guidance systems are effectively separate things. A Mk.82 Focused Lethality Munition is just a bomb body. With the right tail kit screwed in, it could become a GPS-guided JDAM. Or it could add nose and tail kits, and become a laser-guided Paveway smart bomb. The GBU-39 SDB-I adds GPS guidance, with a pop-out wing kit on the bomb’s back to lengthen its glide range. There are many possibilities.

July 19/19: Poland RWM Italia certified Nitro-Chef Chemical Plant, a subsidiary of the Polish Armaments Group, to produce the Mk 82 bomb. President of the company, Krzysztof Kozlowski, says production has started for delivery to the Polish Air Force. Two hundred bombs have been ordered. The two companies have signed the deal in November 2017. RWM Italia is part of the Rheinmetall Defense Group – a certified world leader in the production of aerial bombs. The Mk-82 aerial bomb is used to arm Polish F-16 multi-task aircraft. The RWM Italia-certified bomb produced in Poland fulfills the quality requirements set by RWM Italia and is fully interchangeable with the Italian-produced Mk-82 bomb. The Polish bomb will be used in modern aerial bomb configurations thanks to its compatibility with systems used by Raytheon and Boeing. Over the last three years, the Polish Air Force has ordered 1,300 bombs of this type.

May 24/11: GenCorp subsidiary Aerojet General Corp. in Rancho Cordova, CA receives a not to exceed $31.8 million firm fixed price contract modification for Precision Lethality MK82 Quick Reaction Capability warhead cases and internal components. Under the contract, Aerojet will deliver 400 warhead cases and internal components, and provide support for first article inspection of warheads manufactured on steel mandrels and configuration control boards. They’ll also ship 50 test warhead cases and internal components to the USAF, 70 sets to the US Navy, and provide post initial operation capability support for both services.

Aerojet had previous experience with Boeing’s GBU-39 Small Diamater Bomb I: they load its insensitive munitions explosive, and they also supported the Focused Lethality Munition variant and its composite casing.

Work will be performed at Rancho Cordova, CA. At this time, $15.6 million has been committed by the AAC/EBSK at Eglin Air Force Base, FL (FA8677-10-C-0335, PO 0007). This entry was issued by the Pentagon as an updated version of their previous May 17/11 announcement.

Nov 10/10: US FedBizOpps announces a $4.8 million award to Aerojet General Corp. in Rancho Cordova, CA, exercising an option of CLIN(Contract Line Item Number) 00004 in the BLU-129/B QRC program (FA8677-10-C-0335, PO 0001).

Sept 21/10: Aerojet General Corp. in Cordova, CA receives an $8.1 million contract to manufacture empty warhead cases, as part of the Precision Lethality MK82 Quick Reaction Capability Program. $4 million has been committed by the AAC/EBSK at Eglin Air Force Base, FL (FA8677-10-C-0335).

June 24/10: Us FedBizOpps solicitation #BLU-129_Sources_Sought:

“Precision Lethality MK82 is a Quick Reaction Capability acquisition program to field a 500-lb composite case warhead (BLU-129) capability in response to a United States Central Command Joint Urgent Operational Need for a very low collateral damage weapon… Upon completion of the design update, AAC will work with LLNL to test warhead performance, integrate it with Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) and Laser JDAM guidance kits, and certify the weapon for fielding as early as the 1st quarter of CY2011.

AAC plans to award a contract in August 2010 for manufacturing of 125-175 warheads to support the test program. Assuming successful test results, a one-time production option for 400-800 empty warheads will be awarded in the December 2010 timeframe to support BLU-129/B fielding, with the initial 50 qualified warheads available NLT January 2011 and the final warheads delivered within 12 months of initial deliveries. The Government will perform fill of the empty warheads. This schedule is necessary to meet the urgent need requirement. The warheads must be manufactured in conformance with LLNL-designed drawings and manufacturing procedures. These procedures will involve carbon-fiber-wound construction of the warhead casing and integrated steel components.”

May 2010: The US Air Force Reseach Laboratory (AFRL) funds Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to complete a 3-month effort to mature their 2005 500-lb warhead design to meet the BLU-129 QRC operational performance requirements. Source.

March 29/10: The US Office of the Secretary of Defense’s Joint Rapid Acquisition Cell directs the Department of the Air Force to rapidly develop and field the BLU-129 using the same composite case warhead and Multi-phase Blast Explosive technologies used in the 250-lb Small Diameter Bomb Focused Lethality Munition. Source.

Americas

Bell Helicopter Textron won a $27.5 million contract modification for stabilizer bar assemblies, pylon mast assemblies, trans case assemblies, quill assemblies and rotary wing blades in support of UH-1N and TH-1H helicopters. The Bell UH-1N Iroquois is a light-lift utility helicopter capable of flight in instrument and nighttime conditions. Its primary missions include airlift of emergency security forces, security and surveillance of off-base nuclear weapons convoys, and distinguished visitor airlift. The UH-1H helicopters are also known as the Huey. They were modified into a new configuration, the TH-1H, in December 2004 to be used as a new training helicopter for student pilots. Bell Helicopter Textron will perform work under the modification in Texas. Estimated completion date is September 30, 2023.

Raytheon won a $40.2 million modification to produce two AN/SPY-6(V) configuration variants – the SPY-6(V)2 Rotator Radar and the SPY-6(V)3 Fixed Face Radar. The AN/SPY-6(V) is an active electronically scanned array air and missile defense radar. The Navy’s next generation radar system will address Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) and Air Defense capability gaps identified in the Maritime Air and Missile Defense of Joint Forces Initial Capabilities Document. AN/SPY-6(V)1 provides surface combatants with the Joint Battlespace Threat Awareness and Defense capability to counter current and future threats in support of joint forces ashore and afloat, providing the combat system with simultaneous sensor support of the IAMD mission with ancillary support of Surface Warfare missions. The single-face rotating array designated AN/SPY-6(V)2 variant is for amphibious assault ships and Nimitz Class carriers. The three fixed-face array designated AN/SPY-6(V)3 variant is for Ford Class aircraft carriers and the future FFG(X) guided missile frigates. Raytheon will perform work in Marlborough, Massachusetts and is scheduled to be finished by June 2020.

Middle East & Africa

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the USA won’t sell F-35 jets to Turkey after the country purchased a Russian Missile Defense System. Turkey had decided to take delivery of nine S-400 Triumph surface-to-air missile defense systems from Russia last week. The US is concerned that deploying the S-400 with the F-35 would allow Russia to gain too much inside information of the stealth system. The S-400 system is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, including medium-range ones. In a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, the president officially said that the US won’t sell any F-35s to Ankara. The United States had also threatened to impose sanctions against Turkey in reaction to the deal. However, Trump didn’t comment on potential sanctions during the Tuesday Cabinet meeting.

Europe

Britain’s first P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft took off in an inaugural flight by Boeing test pilots from Renton, Washington. According to a press release by Boeing, the aircraft took off at 10:00 am Pacific on July 12, marking the first flight of the UK Royal Air Force’s nine Poseidons. Britain is among six international customers for the P-8A Poseidon. The others are Australia, India, Norway, New Zealand and South Korea. During the 90 minute flight, key testing took place before the aircraft touched down and moved to the next phase of preparation before customer delivery, installation of military systems. The plane’s next move will be to Boeing’s facility in Tukwila, Washington, a P-8 installation and checkout facility, where mission systems are installed and further testing happens before final delivery to Britain.

US Air Force fighter and mobility aircraft deployed to bases in Poland, Lithuania and Estonia under the operation Rapid Forge on July 16. F-35s, F-15Es, and C-130Js arrived at Powidz Air Base, Poland, to conduct refueling and re-arming operations using inert munitions. The same refueling and re-arming exercise was carried out at Siauilai Air Base, Lithuania with F-15Es and C-130Js. F-15E Strike Eagles and MC-130J Commando II aircraft arrived at Amari Air Base, Estonia for refueling operations.

Asia-Pacific

Shipbuilding company Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU) launched the second Maya Class guided missile destroyer for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The vessel is named “Haguro“. The destroyer, which will be the eighth JMSDF ship to be equipped with the Aegis Combat System, is 5m longer than the Atago Class destroyers operated by the JMSDF. Haguro will use the Aegis Baseline J7 supported by the Lockheed Martin/Raytheon AN/SPY-1D(V) phased array radar and the Northrop Grumman AN/SPQ-9B X-band high-resolution fire-control radar. DDG-180 Haguro is expected to be commissioned with the JMSDF in 2021. The first ship of the class, JS Maya, commenced her sea trials a month ago.

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Americas

Textron Defense Systems won a $51.3 million contract modification for the Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Weapon System multiprobe antenna procurement. The Minuteman Intercontinental Ballistic Missile or ICBM is an element of the USA’s strategic deterrent forces under the control of the Air Force Global Strike Command. It is a strategic weapon system using a ballistic missile of intercontinental range. Missiles are dispersed in hardened silos to protect against attack and connected to an underground launch control center through a system of hardened cables. Textron will perform work in Wilmington, Massachusetts, and expected completion date is July 13, 2029.

C&C Power Solutions won a $65 million firm-fixed-price contract to procure, renovate, repower, overhaul, and repair different power systems within its fleet of power equipment services at the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center Mobile Utilities Support Equipment (MUSE). Initial seed task order is being awarded at $2,559,924 for a four, 900-kilowatt generator package at EXWC MUSE Port Hueneme, California. C&C Power Solutions is a company that offers front access, standard, rack mount, and spares battery cabinets, as well as landing boxes, battery monitoring, telecom, commander plus controllers, and integrated distribution systems. Estimated completion date for work under the contract is in July, 2025.

Middle East & Africa

Boeing won a $96.9 million modification to a Foreign Military Sales deal for the United Arab Emirates. The contract provides Apache aircraft integrated logistics support, product assurance and Longbow Crew Trainers. Apache is a twin-turboshaft attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear arrangement and a tandem cockpit for a two person crew. Boeing has made more than 2,200 AH-64 Apache attack helicopter deliveries to the US and other countries such as Egypt, Greece, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the UAE and the UK. Boeing will perform work in Mesa, Arizona and estimated completion is on December 31, 2024.

Europe

The US Army Contracting Command awarded DynCorp International a $29.3 million contract modification for the aviation field maintenance services contract. The deal includes Foreign Military Sales to Slovakia. DynCorp International is a leading global service provider. Work under the services contract involves program management, aircraft and ground support equipment maintenance, as well as aircraft modifications, and other logistical support to aviation customers worldwide. It will take place in Afghanistan, Honduras and Germany. Estimated completion date is September 30, 2019.

The US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Germany for Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) Missiles Segment Enhanced. The deal is estimated at $401 million. Germany had requested to buy 50 PAC-3 Missiles Segment Enhanced (MSE). The prime contractor will be Lockheed Martin. The FMS will also include PAC-3 MSE launcher conversion kits, missile round trainers (MRTs), empty round trainers (ERTs), launcher stations (LS) heater controllers, PAC-3 ground support equipment, and concurrent spare parts. The PAC-3 MSE, which is based on PAC-3 and an increased range, is the primary interceptor for the multi-national medium extended air defense system (MEADS).

Asia-Pacific

According to the South China Morning Post, China is hoping to develop a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier by first putting the reactors on icebreakers. This approach was carried out by the Soviet Union when they wanted to build their own nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Russia has so far been invited by China to develop the latter’s first nuclear-powered icebreaker. “China really needs a more powerful, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to catapult its superheavy carrier-based fighter jet, the J-15,” the SCMP quotes Naval expert Li Jie. Although China already has nuclear submarines, the systems they use are unsuitable for carriers as they are not powerful enough.

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Americas

Northrop Grumman won two delivery orders for the E-2 Hawkeye aircraft. The first deal is for high voltage power supplies and is valued at $17 million. The second contract worth $11 million will provide power amplifier modules. Northrop Grumman’s Hawkeye is an all-weather, carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning aircraft. The Hawkeye is based on the same airframe as the USA’s C-2 Greyhound cargo aircraft, with the addition of the 24 foot diameter, frisbee-shaped, rotating radome on its back. It carries a crew of 5 – pilot, copilot, and 3 mission system operators. In April, Northrop won a potential $3.2 billion contract modification to produce 24 units of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye variant. The Navy intends to finance both purchases with its working capital funds for fiscal 2019 through fiscal 2022.

Boeing selected Raytheon as radar supplier for the B-52 bomber radar modernization program. According to a press release by Raytheon, the company will design, develop, produce and sustain active electronically scanned array radar systems for the entire US Air Force B-52 fleet. The B-52 Stratofortress is the Air Force’s principal strategic nuclear and conventional weapons platform, and supports the US Navy in anti-surface and submarine warfare missions. The aircraft has a length of 159ft 4in (48.5m) and a take-off weight of 488,000lb (220,000kg). The advanced radar upgrade will ensure the aircraft remains mission ready through 2050 and beyond. Low rate initial production is scheduled to begin in 2024. With an AESA radar on board, the B-52 will gain improved navigation reliability to support nuclear and conventional missions, Raytheon says.

Middle East & Africa

Qatar awarded Raytheon two direct commercial sales contracts worth $2.2 billion for additional integrated air and missile defense capability. The awards are part of a larger agreement being pursued by Qatar with the US government. The deals include the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, final certification of the AMRAAM Extended Range missile, and an unspecified number of additional Patriot fire units. The NASAMS is a medium to long-range air defense system that can enhance the air defender’s ability to quickly identify, engage and destroy current and evolving enemy aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicle and emerging cruise missile threats. The AMRAAM Extend Range missile is a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile able to operate in all weather day and night operations. Qatar is the first country to procure AMRAAM-ER. Qatar also becomes the 11th country to procure NASAMS, a medium-range air-defense solution manufactured by Raytheon and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS. NASAMS uses the Raytheon Sentinel radar, and fires multiple interceptors, including AMRAAM-ER.

Europe

Boeing won a $23.4 million order for logistics support on the P-8A Poseidon aircraft sold to Britain’s military. The deal involves initial acceptance and breakdown of four P-8A aircraft and training, with an eight-month detachment to Britain to establish initial operational capability. Subsequent full operational capability, scheduled aircraft maintenance, support equipment maintenance, engineering reach back and technical assistance are also included in the contract. The Boeing P-8 series is developed from the Boeing 737-800 passenger plane and is modified for military use. It is equipped with an early warning self-protection system, which includes torpedoes, Harpoon anti-ship missiles and other weapons. Work will take place in Lossiemouth, Scotland; Seattle, Washington and Jacksonville, Florida. Estimated completion date is in December 2020.

The US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Greece worth $600 million for the MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters. The government had requested to buy up to seven Helicopters. The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems in Oswego, New York. The MH-60R Seahawk is a multi-mission helicopter. It is capable of a range of missions including anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), search-and-rescue (SAR), naval gunfire support (NGFS), surveillance, communications relay, logistics support and personnel transfer and vertical replenishment (VERTREP). The helicopter is fitted with a 2,721.55kg (6,000lb) cargo hook for vertical replenishment missions. Lockheed Martin, Owego, is the mission systems integrator.

Asia-Pacific

Jane’s reports that two warships from the Republic of Singapore Navy have conducted the service’s first passing exercise (PASSEX) with the Myanmar Navy. Singapore’s Victory Class corvettes, RSS Valiant and RSS Valour conducted the activity as the two vessels sailed up the Yangon River after a call at Port Blair in India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands territory. A PASSEX is an exercise between two Navies to ensure that the Navies are able to communicate and cooperate in times of war or humanitarian relief.

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Americas

Raytheon won a $17.8 million firm-fixed-price contract for 114 High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile command launch computers to include two pre-production units, one first article test unit and 111 production units in support of the Navy. The system known as HARM’s primary mission is to suppress or destroy an enemy’s surface-to-air missile radar and radar-directed air defense artillery systems. When it is airborne, the 800-pound missile can operate in preemptive, missile-as-sensor and self-protect modes. The AGM-88 HARM is a joint US Navy and Air Force program developed by the Navy and Raytheon. The company will perform work in Tucson, Arizona, and is scheduled to be finished in October 2021.

The Navy awarded Wyle Laboratories an $81.2 contract for certified and qualified operational contractor support services aircrew to support mission essential testing and evaluation of all manned air vehicles under the operational responsibility of the Naval Test Wing Atlantic/Pacific squadrons. Ninety-four percent of contract work will take place at Naval Air Station in Patuxent River, and the remaining six percent will occur at two naval air stations in California. Expected completion will be in September 2024.

Middle East & Africa

Breaking Defense reports that despite Congress being ill-tempered about Trump’s multi-billion weapons sale to Saudi Arabia earlier this year, it hasn’t yet been able to come up with the votes to block the deal or overcome a presidential veto. Democrats as well as a couple of Republicans have been critical of President Trump’s use of emergency powers to bypass congressional approval of an $8 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia. According to the Article by Breaking Defense, Congress likely won’t get enough votes to block the deal any time soon.

Europe

Saab will continue to self-fund the development of its ARTHUR (Artillery Hunting Radar) Weapon Locating Radar, Jane’s reports. Saab’s ARTHUR is a counter-battery radar system developed for the Swedish and Norwegian Armed Forces. The ARHTUR detects and tracks artillery projectiles and calculate points of origin and points of impact. The current ARTHUR Mod C WLR has an instrumented range of 60 km, operates over an arc of 120 degrees, and can track more than 100 targets per minute. Saab is developing the ARTHUR WLR Mod D. The Mod D leverages a combination of technologies fielded in other systems to reduce development cost and risk, and spiral development would be used for further growth via upgrades or new parts as necessary.

Saab has received an order from the Swedish Armed Forces and the Swedish Defense Material Administration (FMV) for continued technical support on weapons and external stores for Gripen. The order value amounts to $15.1 million. The order is a call-up of an option as part of a previous agreement with FMV for technical support and maintenance of Gripen’s existing weapons and external stores, which was signed in March 2015. Today’s order secures continued technical support for Gripen regarding weapons and external stores.

Asia-Pacific

MD Helicopters Inc (MDHI) has confirmed to Jane’s that it will bid for one single-engined and two twin-engined helicopter types for Australia’s special forces. The company has responded to a Request for Information by submitting its single-engined MD 530G light-attack and observation helicopter for Australia’s Land 2097 Phase 4 requirement, as well as its twin-engined MD 902 and MD 969 rotorcraft. The MD 530G is an armed scout-attack helicopter designed to provide enhanced agility and firepower for the armed forces. The helicopter is 7.76m long and 3m wide and has an overall height of 2.88m. The MD 969 is a new multi-mission combat attack helicopter designed to meet future assault and attack needs with its unmatched maneuverability, extended range, greater safety, and improved open architecture weapon system.

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Americas

QED Systems won a $17.6 million contract for the storage, overhaul, assessment, repair and industrial activity to make ready for issue critical steam plant valves to support Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division engineering, technical, production and subsequent logistic support services. The services are required to develop and integrate technological improvements for Steam Safety and Reliability Program critical spares and 2SCOG program for steam valves installed onboard current LHD-1 Class and LCC-19 Class. The LHD-1or Wasp is an amphibious assault ship class. Its lead ship commissioned on July 29, 1989. The LCC-19 or Blue Ridge Class is a class of amphibious command ships. The lead ship, USS Blue Ridge was put “in commission special” on November 14, 1970. The contract also supports system life cycle requirements required by Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division, Code 412. Work will be performed in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and is expected to be complete by July 2024.

Northrop Grumman will upgrade Target Locator Modules (TLMs) under a $17.6 million award from the US Army announced in a press release on July 9. The TLMs will be retrofitted with high accuracy capability to modernize the Lightweight Laser Designator Rangefinder 2H (LLDR 2H) man-portable targeting system. The LLDR 2H hybrid sensor solution fuses data from a digital magnetic compass and celestial navigation sensors to provide fast and high accuracy target location and long-range imaging for high-value targets. According to Northrop Grumman, more than 2,700 LLDR systems have been delivered and fielded to date.

Middle East & Africa

Qatar is further building up its defense against Iranian missiles, Defense One reports. The country committed to acquiring Patriot interceptors and National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS). The NASAM is a medium-range, network-centric air defense system designed and developed jointly by Raytheon and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. The system can be deployed to identify, engage and destroy aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and drones. In November, the State Department approved a $215 million sale of NASAMS to Qatar. The patriot is a surface-to-air missile manufactured by Raytheon. Qatar already operates Patiots. In 2012, the US DoS approved a sale of the interceptors to the country.

Europe

Bulgaria’s government approved a deal on Wednesday with the United States to buy eight new Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters for its Air Force for $1.3 billion. The NATO member is looking to replace its aging Soviet-made MiG-29s and improve compliance with NATO standards. The decision needs parliament’s approval before it can be completed. It is expected that the deal would easily win parliament’s endorsement in a vote likely to take place next week. Defense Minister, Krasimir Karakachanov, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said there was an option for the US Congress to reduce the price by $60 million due to the cost of adapting an Air Base in southern Bulgaria to the F-16’s requirements.

Asia-Pacific

The US State Department approved two contracts worth $2.2 billion for possible Foreign Military Sales to Taiwan for Abrams tanks and Stinger missiles. On Monday the DoS announced it approved a $2 billion sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the United States for M1A2T Abrams Tanks and related equipment and support. TECRO had requested to buy 108 M1A2T Abrams Tanks. The M1 Abrams is a Main Battle Tank for modern armored ground warfare. Production of the new tanks will be at Anniston Army Depot, and the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center in Lima, Ohio. Also on Monday, the State Department approved a sale to TECRO for Stinger missiles and related equipment and support. The deal is valued at $223.6 million. The Stinger Missile is a Man-Portable Air-Defense System that operates as an infrared homing surface-to-air missile. Raytheon Missile Systems is the primary contractor for the 250 Block I-92F MANPAD Stinger missiles and four Block I-92F MANPAD Stinger Fly-to-Buy missiles, as well as a trainers, parts and other support.

The Australian government has issued a request for information (RfI) for a replacement of the Australian Army’s fleet of Airbus Helicopters ARH Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopters. The Australian Department of Defense’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group is seeking information to acquire a total of 29 airframes under the Land 4503 program. Of these 29, 24 are to be based at a single location, with a further five to be used for training operations. The timelines for the program anticipate an initial operating capability (IOC) of a squadron of 12 aircraft by 2026, with full operational capability (FOC) from 2028.

India received two new heavy-lift Chinook helicopters. The Indian Air Force bought 15 Chinook and 22 AH-64E Apache helicopters from the US’s defense company Boeing. The IAF had placed the order in 2015. The first four helicopters arrived in February. The induction of the two new CH-47F (I) Chinook helicopters took place on Monday. The Chinook has unsurpassed ability to deliver heavy payloads to high altitudes, and is eminently suitable for operations in the high Himalayas. According to Boeing, the aircraft has been battle-tested in diverse, extreme conditions throughout the world, and has proven capability to operate in the wide range of conditions that typify the Indian subcontinent.

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Watch: Alert : Airbus, Boeing May Pull Out of Fighter Jet Race They Say is Rigged for F-35

Americas

Lockheed Martin won a $41.3 million contract modification for the design, procurement and integration of flight test instrumentation and data processing solutions for F-35 Lightning II development test aircraft to support the Tech Refresh-3 and the Follow on Modernization Block 4 mission systems configuration. The Naval Air Systems Command awarded the contract. The deal, with expected completion date of February 2021, will cater to the US Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and non-US Department of Defense partners. The F-35 Lightning is a supersonic, multi-role fighter jet that represents a quantum leap in air-dominance capability, offering enhanced lethality and survivability in hostile, anti-access airspace environments. The jet is being utilized by the defense forces of the United States and 11 other nations, chiefly owing to its advanced stealth, integrated avionics, sensor fusion, superior logistics support and powerful integrated sensors capabilities.

According to BAE Systems, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency awarded the company funding to integrate machine-learning (ML) technology into platforms that decipher radio frequency signals. The deal is worth up to $4.7 million, depending on successful completion of milestones. The contract includes hardware delivery along with integration and demonstration support. BAE System’s Controllable Hardware Integration for Machine-learning Enabled Real-time Adaptivity (CHIMERA) solution provides a reconfigurable hardware platform for ML algorithm developers to make sense of radio frequency signals in increasingly crowded electromagnetic spectrum environments. The contract is the second BAE has received under the Radio Frequency Machine Learning systems program. The first was a contract to develop data-driven machine learning algorithms.

The MQ-8C Fire Scout Unmanned Helicopter is cleared for fleet operations and training. The Navy declared initial operational capability of the Fire Scout on June 28. According to the Naval Air Systems Command, the MQ-8 Fire Scout is a sea-based, vertical lift unmanned system that is designed to provide reconnaissance, situational awareness, and precision targeting support for ground, air and sea forces. „This milestone is a culmination of several years of hard work and dedication from our joint government and industry team,” said Capt. Eric Soderberg, Fire Scout program manager. The MQ-8C will be equipped with an upgraded radar that allows for a larger field of view and a range of digital modes including weather detection, air-to-air targeting and a ground moving target indicator.

Middle East & Africa

Denel requested a cash injection from the South African government to help it win contracts and aid its financial recovery, Reuters reports. South Africa’s state defense company asked for a $200 million cash injection to help it emerge from a financial crisis and secure lucrative export deals, its chief executive said. Denzel’s CEO, Danie du Toit, said the injection could potentially help the company win an anticipated $2.1 billion worth of contracts over the next two years and support ongoing recovery efforts.

Europe

The US Army awarded Boeing a $21.6 million contract modification for engineering services under a UK Foreign Military Sale. Work locations as well as funding will be determined with each order, according to the DoD. Estimated completion date is August 2, 2022. The contracting activity is the US Army Contracting Command in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.

The Milos unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) has commenced trials at the Serbian Technical Test Center and been demonstrated to local and overseas delegations at the Nikinci Military Test Range, Jane’s reports. Milos is a remotely-operated tracked vehicle powered by an electric drive system. The UGV was developed by the Military Technical Institute (MTI) of Serbia in co-operation with PPT Namenska to meet the requirements of the Serbian Army. It is intended to assist special forces and reconnaissance troops in counter-terrorism missions in urban and cross-country environments. The Milos UGV is armed with a 7.62×54 mm M86 machine gun, which is fed from a box holding 500 rounds of ready-to-use ammunition on the right-hand side. An ammunition counter is also fitted.

Asia-Pacific

According to local reports, the South Korean military plans to deploy an additional naval ship, increase patrol flights by manned and unmanned aircraft and install more radars on and offshore to beef up security of the sea border with North Korea. The measures are set to include boosting co-operation between the Republic of Korea Navy, the Korea Coast Guard, and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, as well as optimizing the use of available assets in the area such as naval vessels, maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

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Americas

DynCorp International won a $306.6 million contract from the US Air Force for aviation command and control and maintenance services. The deal includes air traffic control, airfield management and maintenance support in the Air Force Central Command’s area of responsibility. The Air Force Central Command’s area of responsibility also covers southwest Asia. DynCorp is expected to perform work until July 31, 2024.

Lockheed Martin announced that its second next-generation GPS III satellite is all set and ready for its planned launch on July 25. According to a news release published by the company, Lockheed Martin Space and United Launch Alliance (ULA) technicians completed encapsulating GPS III Space Vehicle 02 in its launch fairings at the company’s Astrotech Space Operations facility, where the satellite has undergone pre-launch processing and fueling since its arrival in March. This final step enclosed GPS III SV02 in a protective, aerodynamic, nose-cone shell. GPS Block III’s purpose is to keep the Navstar Global Positioning System operational. The first satellite in the series launched in December 2018. According to Lockheed, GPS III satellites will have three times better accuracy and up to eight times improved anti-jamming capabilities than its predecessors. Spacecraft life will extend to 15 years, 25 percent longer than the newest GPS satellites on-orbit today. In the next few days the second GPS III satellite will be mounted on a Delta IV rocket to prepare for the launch.

Middle East & Africa

Local news reports that a drone, which infiltrated from the Gaza Strip was intercepted by the Israel Defense Forces on Monday morning. “A short while ago IDF troops spotted a drone entering from the Gaza Strip. The drone was shot down by IDF soldiers and then sent for investigation,” the military said in a statement. Israeli radar systems spotted the drone while it was flying over the border in northern Gaza and then over Kibbutz Zikim. An Israeli Defense System intercepted the UAV. The Defense Forces took pieces to further inspect its origin and what it had been carrying.

Europe

The US Air Force announced in a press release that it temporarily relocated its Polish MQ-9 Reapers to Romania, while the runway at Miroslawiec undergoes construction. The UAVs had begun flying out of Miros?awiec Air Base in northwestern Poland in May 2018. The MQ-9 Reaper is an armed, multi-mission, medium-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft that is employed primarily against dynamic execution targets and secondarily as an intelligence collection asset. With its significant loiter time, wide-range sensors, multi-mode communications suite, and precision weapons, it provides a unique capability to perform strike, coordination, and reconnaissance against high-value, fleeting, and time-sensitive targets. The detachment is a geographically separated unit assigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, whose mission is to conduct Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance in order to meet combatant commander objectives. It has not been revealed how many Reapers had been stationed in Poland and now Romania.

Saab received a $52.8 million order for the Carl-Gustaf man-portable weapon system. The company did not disclose, which customer ordered the weapon system. The Carl-Gustaf is a shoulder-launched weapon system used to destroy armored tanks with add-on armor protection, to neutralize landing craft and bunkers and to clear obstacles. It is also used to engage enemies in buildings. The recoilless 84mm rifle in any case is a lightweight, low cost weapon that uses a wide range of ammunition, which makes it extremely flexible and suitable in a wide variety of roles.

Asia-Pacific

Japan’s Atago Class Guided Missile Destroyer completed its second round of sea trials last month, according to local media reports. The new ship dubbed Maya or PN 179 is right on track for commissioning in 2020. The Maya is the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force’s seventh surface combatant to be equipped with the Aegis combat system. The Atago Class ships are improved versions of the Kongou Class. The Aegis system used on Atago Class ships is more capable than that, used on the previous Kongou Class. The Atago Class has a 127 mm dual-purpose gun in a stealth-shaped mount. For anti-submarine warfare there are 2 triple-tube torpedo launchers for Mk.46 Mod.5 Neartip, or Japanese Type 73 torpedoes.

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JS Kongou
(click to view full)

The JMSDF (Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force) is working closely with the USA on missile defense activities. Air Force cooperation has also improved by leaps and bounds, allowing for much closer coordination with the USA in all aspects of operations – including missile tracking.

Japanese involvement includes modification and improvements to the SM-3 long-range anti-air/ABM missile. This weapon will form the outer layer of Japan’s ABM system, deployed from its current fleet of 4 Kongo Class AEGIS destroyers and their 2 larger Atago Class successors. The inner layer will consist of land-based Japan Self Defense Forces PAC-3 Patriot missiles, and together they will form the initial ballistic missile defense architecture for mainland Japan.

JMSDF BMD: The Equipment

JS Myoko
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Japan already had Kongo-Class AEGIS destroyers, and SM-3 Block IA Standard missiles, in its inventory when the upgrades began. The JMSDF had 4 AEGIS destroyers operating with SM-2 missiles at sea when the upgrades were first requested; the 5th and 6th AEGIS destroyers were under construction. The US DSCA believed, correctly, that the JMSDF was fully capable of integrating the modified AEGIS Weapon System and SM-3 Block IA into its operational forces, and will receive what it needs to maintain and support the systems.

AEGIS BMD 3.0 can be used only for tracking, while AEGIS BMD 3.6.1 can be used for full engagement. Japan’s goal was to have all ship equipped with BMD 3.6.1, and this has been achieved. Presumably, the final upgrades will also include Cooperative Engagement Capability.

A program is underway to upgrade Japan’s 2 Atago Class AEGIS destroyers, which are a larger version of the Kongo Class. The initial upgrade is to Aegis ACB-12 with TI-12, and full ballistic missile defense capability is expected. This will give Japan 6 BMD ships, and Japan may be about to allocate funds to build 2 new destroyers with AEGIS BMD pre-installed. If so, current estimates indicate that they would arrive in 2020 – 2021.

Based on a conservative 1 deployed, 1 portside/ training, 1 maintenance ratio, 6 ships ensures 2 deployed vessels at all times. In reality, the amount of time in maintenance is smaller, but 8 ships provide more surge capacity coverage, act as insurance against accidents that may take a ship or 2 out of service, and allow the JMSDF to use its top-end ships for more territorial patrols. America’s long-running failure to prevent North Korea from going nuclear has become a grave concern, but not the only one. China is stepping up its activities in the Yellow Sea and beyond, especially around disputed territories.

Future Equipment

SM-3s evolve
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The USA has tested AEGIS BMD 4.0.2 equipment and software on board USS Lake Erie [CG 70], and is beginning to roll it out to their fleet. Unless Japan demands a single BMD combat system fleet-wide, BMD 4.0.2 offers advantages for the Atago Class retrofits when using the current SM-3 Block IB missile.

Meanwhile, American system development is continuing. BMD 5.0 will shift the system to full open architecture electronics, and BMD 5.1 will introduce compatibility with the US-Japanese SM-3 Block IIA. Eventually, the Japanese will be upgrading their existing AEGIS BMD systems – the only questions are to what versions, and how many times.

The jointly-developed SM-3 Block IIA missile is wider, creating longer range and better intercept geometry. In English: it’s faster and more powerful, with the ability to defend larger areas, and hit longer-range missiles with a higher flight profile. Whereas SM-3 Block I missiles would require about 6 ships to defend Japan, SM-3 Block IIA missiles could cut that to 3 or even 2. Introduction is tentatively scheduled for 2018.

Contracts & Key Events 2013 – 2019

 

JS Ashigara
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July 9/19: Atago! Japan’s Atago Class Guided Missile Destroyer completed its second round of sea trials last month, according to local media reports. The new ship dubbed Maya or PN 179 is right on track for commissioning in 2020. The Maya is the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force’s seventh surface combatant to be equipped with the Aegis combat system. The Atago Class ships are improved versions of the Kongou Class. The Aegis system used on Atago Class ships is more capable than that, used on the previous Kongou Class. The Atago Class has a 127 mm dual-purpose gun in a stealth-shaped mount. For anti-submarine warfare there are 2 triple-tube torpedo launchers for Mk.46 Mod.5 Neartip, or Japanese Type 73 torpedoes.

November 10/15: Japan is reportedly considering an acquisition of multi-purpose helicopters to equip its fleet of ships, particularly the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Izumo-class. The JMSDF launched its second helicopter carrier in August, with the Japanese Ministry of Defense now thought to be evaluating several possible helicopter options.

Sept 30/14: Atago base upgrades. Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training in Moorestown, NJ receives a $53.6 million contract modification to upgrade Japan’s Atago Class Ships DDG 177 and DDG 178 from Aegis Baseline 7 Phase 1R, to the Advanced Capability Build 12 software with Technology Insertion 12 hardware. All funds are committed immediately.

Work will be performed in Moorestown, NJ (65%), and Chelmsford, MA (35%), and is expected to be complete by March 2017. US Navy NAVSEA in Washington, DC manages the contract as Japan’s FMS agent (N00024-13-C-5111).

Aug 11/14: Land-based. Japan’s government is reportedly considering land-based SM-3 missiles as an upper-tier complement to the PATRIOT PAC-3 missiles being deployed as point defense, similar to the Aegis Ashore installations in Europe.

The move seems as if it would duplicate naval deployment of SM-3s, but land-based SM-3 missiles would deepen Japan’s available reserves against larger-scale “rush” attacks, while freeing Japan’s advanced air defense destroyers to perform their air defense role with fewer compromises. It would also be possible for Japan to quickly deploy Aegis Ashore bases with SM-3 Block IBs, before the jointly developed SM-3 Block IIA is ready, then rotate SM-3 Block IBs to the land fleet once the Block IIA is ready for naval use. Sources: Mainichi, “Defense ministry mulls introducing ground-based SM-3 interceptor missiles”.

July 22/14: More ships? The Yomiuri Shimbun reports that Japan is speeding up a planned purchase of 2 new ballistic missile defense destroyers (q.v. Nov 6/13), with the first order to be placed in FY 2015, and the 2nd in FY 2016. Each ship would cost about YEN 150 billion (about $1.478 billion), which is a better price than the Americans pay for their smaller Arleigh Burke Flight IIA destroyers.

These 2 orders would definitely fall within the early portion of the 2013 – 2023 National Defense Program Guidelines, which first mentioned the planned vessels. Media estimates indicate that these 2 ships would be fielded in 2020 – 2021. In the interim, US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced that the USA would raise the number of AEGIS BMD destroyers homeported at Yokosuka from 5 – 7 ships by 2017. Sources: Yomiuri Shimbun’s The Japan News, “2 more Aegis destroyers set for FY20” | The Diplomat, “Japan’s Building 2 Aegis Destroyers”.

May 16/14: Support. Lockheed Martin Mission Systems & Training in Moorestown, NJ receives a $92.6 million contract modification to fulfill ongoing Aegis lifetime support requirements for the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force. It includes for Aegis Weapon System and Aegis Combat System combat systems engineering, in-country support services, and staging support.

$47 million in Japanese funds are committed immediately. Work will be performed in Moorestown, NJ (95.1%); Kumi, South Korea (1.5%); Chinhae, South Korea (1.4%); Kongsberg, Norway (0.86%); Tokyo, Japan (0.5%); Sasebo, Japan (0.23%); Maizuru, Japan (0.14%); San Fernando, Spain (0.12%); and Yokohama, Japan (0.1%), and is expected to be completed by November 2014. US NAVSEA in Washington, DC acts as Japan’s agent (N00024-11-C-5106).

Nov 6/13: 2 more? Japan’s Defense Ministry reportedly plans to add 2 more AEGIS BMD destroyers to its next National Defense Program Guidelines submission, which covers its goals for the next 10 years. It would be the 1st step in growing the country’s BMD fleet from 6 ships to 8.

The new SM-3 Block IIA missile being co-developed with the USA would allow just 2 ships to cover Japan, but that won’t be ready until 2018 or later. Based on a conservative 1 deployed, 1 portside/ training, 1 maintenance ratio, 6 ships ensures 2 deployed vessels at all times. In reality, the amount of time in maintenance is smaller than that ratio, but 8 ships provide more surge capacity coverage, act as insurance against accidents that may take a ship or 2 out of service, and allow the JMSDF to use its top-end ships for more territorial patrols. America’s long-running failure to prevent North Korea from going nuclear has become a grave concern, but not the only one. China is stepping up its activities in the Yellow Sea and beyond, especially around disputed territories.

The default assumption is that the 2 new ships would be based on Japan’s larger and more modern Atago Class derivative, with BMD systems pre-installed. Depending on Japan’s desired timing and budget, however, Japan could order 2 more Kongo Class ships to save a bit of money. Or, they could look ahead to the USA’s incipient Arleigh Burke Flight III design and its AMDR dual-band SPY-1D / SPQ-9B radar system. Sources: Asahi Shimbun, “Japan plans 2 more Aegis destroyers to defend against North Korea” | Japan Times, “Japan to build two more Aegis destroyers to boost missile defense”.

April 11/13: Atago Class. Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training in Moorestown, NJ receives a $29.5 million cost-plus-fixed fee contract for all of the cabinets, consoles, cables and switches needed to support development and testing of the Japan Aegis modernization baseline. When asked about these last 2 contracts, Lockheed Martin’s director of International AEGIS Programs Doug Wilhelm called them:

“…the first step in the Japan Aegis Modernization (JAMOD) program… [for] two of Japan’s existing AEGIS Destroyers [DID: which presumably means the Atago Class, else it would be 4 ships]. Specifically, this contract procures the upgraded equipment that will be installed on the ships in Japan and at a land-based test facility in Moorestown, N.J. The next JAMOD contract award, expected later this year, will be for the completion of Lockheed Martin’s Combat System Engineering efforts to develop, test, and deliver upgraded AEGIS computer programs for the ships. JAMOD will provide the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) with the ability to defend against ballistic missile threats while simultaneously providing defensive capabilities in Air, Surface, and Subsurface mission areas.”

The firm was asked, but they would not specify the target Aegis BMD baseline. Work will be performed in Moorestown, NJ (83.6%); Clearwater, FL (16.3%); Akron, OH (0.1%), and is expected to be complete by June 2014. All funds are committed immediately, and the contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2304(1)(4). US NAVSEA in Washington DC acts as Japan’s FMS agent (N00024-13-C-5111).

March 28/13: Atago Class. Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training in Moorestown, NJ receives a $65 million modification to previously awarded contract to exercise options for “fiscal 2013 Aegis Weapon System Modernization requirements for Japan.” All funding is committed immediately, but the scope of this project isn’t yet clear.

Work will be performed in Moorestown, NJ (69%); Clearwater, FL (30%); and Akron, OH (1%), and is expected to be complete by January 2017. US NAVSEA in Washington DC acts as Japan’s FMS agent (N00024-11-C-5118).

The contract is issued amidst growing tensions involving North Korea, whose leadership seems intent on making Abe’s case for higher military spending much more attractive. We’d say that “the check is in the email,” but that’s North Korea’s actual goal. Hey, all that cognac is expensive – Office 38 needs to be paid.

2011 – 2012

 

JS Atago
(click to view full)

Dec 10/12: Atago Class. The US DSCA announces [PDF] Japan’s formal request to upgrade its 2 Atago Class AEGIS destroyers for ballistic missile defense, an estimated cost of up to $421 million.

The Atagos are a larger and more advanced derivative of the Kongo Class, with 96 vertical launching cells instead of 90, and improved helicopter handling facilities that include a hangar. They don’t currently have missile defense capability. This set of upgrades would bring them to BMD parity with their counterparts, and also upgrade a few other systems on board. In order to equip JS Atago and JS Ashigara (DDG 177 & 178), Japan would order:

• The “J6” standard AEGIS Weapon System Computer Program
  
• 2 Multi-Mission Signal Processors to upgrade their existing AN/SPY-1Dv radars
  
• 2 Common Processor Systems
  
• Other Ballistic Missile Defense electronics (Mission Planner Blade server processors hosted in CPS, and 2 Kill Assessment Systems/Weapon Data Recording Cabinets),
  
• 2 ship sets of Common Display Systems (44 OJ-827v1 Tri Screen Display Consoles, 8 Display Processor Cabinets, 2 Video Wall Screen and Projector Systems, 46 Flat Panel Displays, and 2 Distributed Video Systems)
  
• 2 ship sets of AN/SPQ-15 Digital Video Distribution Systems
  
• 2 ship sets of Operational Readiness Test Systems hosted in AEGIS Weapon Systems computing infrastructure
  
• Upgrades of their MK-41 Vertical Launching Systems to Baseline 7 (24 MK-448 MOD 1 Motor Control Panels, 48 MK-179 MOD 0 Programmable Power4 Supplies, 24 MK-5 MOD 1 Launch Sequencers, 4 Fiber Optic Distribution Boxes, and 24 Single Module Junction Boxes)
  
• 4 MK-235 Mod 7 Launch Control Units with Global Positioning System Integrator
  
• 2 ship sets of MK-34 Gun Weapon Systems and MK-20 Electro-Optical Sensor Systems
  
• Plus software updates, other ordnance alterations and engineering changes, spare and repair parts, support equipment, tools and test equipment, technical data and publications, personnel training and training equipment, and US Government and contractor support.

The principal contractor would be Lockheed Martin MS2 in Mooretown, NJ, and implementation of this proposed sale would require multiple trips to Japan involving 6 US Government and 10 contractor representatives over 3 years, performing technical reviews/support, programs management, and training.

Atago Class upgrade request

Aug 16/12: Atago Class. Media reports surface that Japan is looking to add ballistic missile defense upgrades its 2 Atago Class destroyers, which are a slightly larger successor variant of the Kongo Class. Atago entered service in 2007, and Ashigara followed a year later in 2008.

The question is which upgrades Japan and the USA are discussing. Reports indicate that it will be a more modern version of the Aegis BMD system, and the most advanced deployed version is Aegis BMD 4.0.1. The new system is another step along the migration to open architecture electronics, and its improvements include target discrimination, Launch on Remote tracking data, and the ability to handle longer-range engagements against more sophisticated ballistic missiles.

On the other hand, the reports also say that “With such a modernization, the Atago and Ashigara would be capable of firing an updated SM-3 missile that Japan is co-developing with the United States.” That missile is the SM-3 Block IIA, but according to the US Missile Defense Agency, that will require Aegis BMD 5.1, which isn’t slated for fielding until 2018.

If the upgrades are intended to be a near-term project that widens Japan’s defensive umbrella to 6 ships, Aegis BMD 4.0.1 is the likely version, and future upgrades will be required when Japan wants to fully integrate the Block IIA missile into its fleet. Reuters.

April 13/12: Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors, Moorestown, NJ receives a $7.4 million cost-plus-incentive-fee contract modification for technical engineering and related operation and maintenance of Navy AEGIS sites in NJ in support of AEGIS Foreign Military Sales cases JA-P-FNC (Japan) and SP-P-LGB (Spain), and U.S. Navy AEGIS support efforts.

“This contract modification will provide continuing technical engineering, logistics, configuration management, quality assurance, operation and maintenance for AEGIS program support sites located in NJ. These facilities incorporate highly integrated, classified, real-time networks that connect numerous contractor and United States government facilities required to build, integrate and deliver computer code for U.S. Navy and Foreign Military Sales requirements.”

While Spain has not deployed SM-3 missiles, it has sent its F100 AEGIS frigates to participate in American ballistic missile defense exercises as tracking ships. Work will be performed in Moorestown, NJ, and is expected to be complete by September 2012. US Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, DC manages the contracts, and acts as Japan & Spain’s FMS agent (N00024-10-C-5124).

Sept 29/11: Lockheed Martin Mission Systems & Sensors in Moorestown, NJ receives a $157.6 million cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for engineering, alteration installation/repair overhaul execution, computer program maintenance, in-country support services, and staging support to fulfill Aegis lifetime support requirements of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force. This includes both the radar and combat system components, and if all options are exercised, the contract total could rise to $228.2 million.

Work will be performed in Moorestown, NJ (82.9%); Baltimore, MD (3.4%); Tokyo, Japan (3.1%); Seoul, South Korea (2.5%); Kongsberg, Norway (2.3%); Washington, DC (1.3%); Nagasaki, Japan (1.1%); Yokohama, Japan (1.1%); Pusan, South Korea (0.8%); Maizuru, Japan (0.5%); Sasebo, Japan (0.5%); and Yokosuka, Japan (0.5%), and is expected to be completed by January 2016. Since it’s a Foreign Military Sale contract, it was not competitively procured by US Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, DC, which acts as Japan’s agent (N00024-11-C-5106).

Sept 17/11: Mianichi Daily News reports US notification to Japan that the SM-3 Block IIA will be delayed 2 years, because the kill vehicle needs additional testing. The USA will cover the additional costs.

The original development plan involved a 9-year effort ending in 2014, with Japan paying $1.0 – 1.2 billion, and the USA $1.1 – 1.5 billion. That will now extend to 2016, with the USA looking to deploy the new missile in 2018. Japan had planned to deploy the SM-3 Block IIA in 2020 on its Kongo Class BMD destroyers, and the question is whether that deployment will also be delayed.

Sept 7/11: Mianichi Daily News reports that Japan’s Defense Ministry has begun launching about 15 mock missiles and collecting data, in a YEN 8.2 billion (currently about $106 million) bid to boost the accuracy of detecting and tracking missiles under the missile defense plan. The operation is expected to run until the end of March 2013.

2008 – 2010

 

JS Kirishima
(click to view full)

Oct 29/10: JFTM-4. The recently upgraded JS Kirishima [DDG-174] successfully hits a separating “1,000 km class” ballistic missile target using an SM-3 Block 1A missile, in test JFTM-4 off the coast of Kauai in Hawaii. It’s the 3rd of 4 successful test firings for the JMSDF. America’s USS Lake Erie [GC-70] cruiser and USS Russell destroyer [DDG-59] also participated in this test, tracking the target and simulating their own intercepts.

The firing follows another test earlier this month, in which JS Kirishima acquired a separating target passed from a U.S. destroyer with her own sensors, and performed a simulated engagement. Jeff Bantle, Lockheed Martin’s vice president of Surface-Sea Based Missile Defense Systems, said that “This [live fire] test completes the planned upgrade of the Japanese navy’s destroyers with the Aegis ballistic missile defense capability.” US MDA | Lockheed Martin | Raytheon (incl. video).

4th Test

Oct 27/09: JFTM-3. The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force ship JS Myoko [DDG-175] uses an SM-3 Block IA missile and its AEGIS BMD 3.6.1 system to engage and destroy a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) target more than 100 miles above the Pacific Ocean. It is the 2nd successful Japanese intercept in 3 tries, and the 20th successful intercept out of 24 tries for the SM-3.

The destroyer USS Paul Hamilton [DDG-60] tracked the target and performed a simulated engagement, while the cruiser USS Lake Erie [CG-70] tested its next-generation AEGIS BMD 4.0.1 system’s improved signal processor and target discrimination to track the missile target and the post-intercept debris. US MDA: Release [PDF] | Photos | Video || Lockheed Martin | Raytheon.

3rd test

July 2/09: Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors of Moorestown, NJ receives a $7 million modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-5144) for Japan AEGIS Modernization Lifetime Support to Kongo and Atago class ships.

Lockheed Martin will provide planning, scheduling, and execution support for Japan, while preparing for and responding to price and availability requests, conducting studies, computer program modifications, helping the U.S. Navy develop a technology control plan to protect sensitive technologies, and future cooperative development and interface between U.S. and Japan AEGIS baselines. This modification includes options which would increase the cumulative value of the contract to $41 million. Lockheed Martin will perform the work in Moorestown, NJ and expects to complete it by March 2010. The Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, DC manages the contract.

DDG-176 Chokai
(click to view full)

Nov 19/08: JFTM-2. Japan’s JS Chokai [DDG-176] AEGIS destroyer launches an SM-3 Block 1A missile at an incoming ballistic missile target, during the 2nd cooperative US/Japanese sea-based Ballistic Missile Defense test off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii. The intercept does not go as well as JS Kongo’s Japan Flight Test Mission 1 (JFTM-1), however:

“Target [missile] performance, interceptor missile launch and flyout, and operation of the Aegis Weapon System by the crew were successful, but an intercept was not achieved… There is no immediate explanation for the failed intercept attempt. More information will be available after a thorough investigation. The JS CHOKAI crew performance was excellent in executing the mission.”

See US MDA release [PDF format] | Images | Videos. This is most unpleasant news to the supervising Japanese official, Rear Admiral Tomohisa Takei, Director General of Operations and Plans, for the Japanese Maritime Staff Office (MSO), Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF). The US Missile Defense Agency release adds that:

“Before returning to Japan, JS CHOKAI will be loaded with additional SM-3 Block IA missiles. The ship will arrive in Japan with a supply of SM-3 missiles and with the operation of the Aegis BMD configuration tested and confirmed, ready to provide Japan with a proven midcourse engagement capability against the increasing ballistic missile threat present in that region.”

2nd test

2004 – 2007

 

JS Kongo fires SM-3
(click to view full)

Dec 28/07: Lockheed Martin Maritime Sensors and Systems of Moorestown, NJ receives a $40.4 million firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification to fulfill a Japan AEGIS ship program requirement to procure BMD Block 2004 capability for a Kongo Class destroyer. A subsequent Reuters report established that this is the 3rd AEGIS upgrade contract, and adds that

“A contract for the fourth ship, Kirishima, now looks set “to follow by year’s end, if not sooner,” said Ken Ross, a Lockheed spokesman in Moorestown, NJ.”

If Kongo’s equipment is already installed, and the July 25/07 contract was for JS Chokai, then by inference this contract must cover JS Myoko [DDG-175]. A Jan 14/07 Lockheed Martin release confirms this.

Work will be performed at Moorestown, NJ and is expected to be complete by November 2009. The contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Missile Defense Agency Command in Dahlgren, VA issued the contract, and Japanese Foreign Military Sales funds will be used. The modification raises the full contract to $359 million so far. (N00024-06-C-6106).

Myoko upgrade

Dec 17/07: JFTM-1 Success! The JS Kongo fires an SM-3 Block 1A missile, which tracks and kills its ballistic missile target. USS Lake Erie [CG 70] also participates as a secondary, using its radar to track the target. Read “Japanese Destroyer JS Kongo Intercepts Ballistic Missile” for more.

1st test

Nov 6/07: The JS Kongo participates in an ABM exercise with a fully functional AEGIS BMD system, using it to detect, track and conduct a simulated engagement of the ballistic missile targets. In the first dual-firing test, 2 SM-3 Block IA missiles fired simultaneously from the USS Lake Erie [CG 70] destroy 2 short-range ballistic missile targets launched from the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai, Hawaii. The test marked the 10th and 11th successful intercepts for the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system’s SM-3. Kongo is scheduled to conduct Japan’s first firing flight test in late 2007. Lockheed Martin release.

July 25/07: Lockheed Martin Maritime Sensors and Systems of Moorestown, NJ received a $33.1 million firm-fixed-price contract modification to fulfill the Japan AEGIS ship program requirement to procure AEGIS BMD Block 2004 capability for the JS Chokai [DDG-176]. Work will be performed at Moorestown, NJ and is expected to be complete by February 2009. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. is sued the contract (N00024-06-C-6106). See Aug 7/07 Lockheed Martin release.

Chokai upgrade

June 8/07: The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announces Japan’s formal request [PDF format] request for Ballistic Missile Defense upgrades to one AEGIS Weapon System (Lockheed-Martin Maritime System and Sensors in Moorestown, NJ), AEGIS BMD Vertical Launch System ORDALTs (BAE’s Mk41 modifications, Minneapolis, MN), 9 SM-3 Block IA STANDARD missiles (Raytheon in Tucson, AZ) with MK 21 Mod 2 canisters, containers, spare and repair parts, publications, documentation, supply support, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance and other related elements of logistics support. The systems will be installed on Japan’s Kongo Class AEGIS destroyers, and the total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $475 million. The Japanese destroyer JS Moyoko [DDG-175] may be the target of this request.

The July 25/07 entry strongly suggests that this is for the JDS Chokai [DDG-176], which is the last of the current Kongo Class destroyers.

Upgrade request

June 22/06: As North Korea prepares to test-launch a Taepodong-2 ballistic missile reportedly capable of hitting the US mainland, the US & Japan successfully conducted a joint missile intercept test off of Hawaii using the USS Shiloh [CG 67] guided missile cruiser and its upgraded AEGIS radar & combat system, firing an SM-3 missile. The test was the 7th successful intercept in 8 tests during the current program.

The USS Lake Erie [CG 70], USS Paul Hamilton [DDG 60], & USS Milius [DDG 69] also participated, as did the Japanese Kongo Class destroyer JS Kirishima [DDG-174], which has installed AEGIS Long Range surveillance & Tracking 3.0 but no engagement capability. Testing also included receipt of target data on USS Shiloh from a land-based radar, as well as a second CG-47 Class cruiser that used the flight test to collect data and further the development of an upgraded SPY-1B radar with a new signal processor. See Navy News article | Lockheed Martin release.

June 5-6/06: The US DSCA announces a pair of requests from Japan for Standard-family naval air and missile defense systems, as well as destroyer BMD upgrades. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $528 million. Raytheon, Lockheed, and BAE are the primary contractors.

The first sale for $458 million sale involves 9 longer-range SM-3 missiles plus ballistic missile defense upgrades to one AEGIS Weapon System, AEGIS BMD Vertical Launch System (VLS) alternations, and other support. The JMSDF destroyer JS Chokai [DDG-176] may be the target of the request.

The second sale is for $70 million if all options are exercised, and involves up to 44 shorter-range SM-2 Block IIIB Standard Missiles that serve as the mainstays of the Kongo Class AEGIS destroyers’ air defense, plus various forms of support. See full DID coverage.

Upgrade request

July 15/05: Lockheed Martin Maritime Sensors and Systems wins a $124 million cost-plus-award-fee contract modification to upgrade the Japanese AEGIS destroyer JS Kongo [DDG-173] to give it AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense Block 2004 capability. Japan’s Kongo-Class destroyers are based on the USA’s Flight II DDG 51 Arleigh Burke Class, but feature many modifications both internally and externally.

Work on this contract will take place in Moorestown, NJ (78%); Baltimore, MD (15%); Eagan, MN (4%); and Aberdeen, SD (3%); and should be complete by November 2007. The project was not bid out, but was rather awarded by the Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, DC under contracting activity N00024-03-C-6110. See also Lockheed release.

Kongo upgrade

June 29/05: The US DSCA communicates [PDF] Japan’s official request for 9 SM-3 Block IA Standard missiles with MK 21 Mod 2 canisters, Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) upgrades to one AEGIS Radar & weapon control system, AEGIS BMD Vertical Launch System ordnance alternations (ORDALTs), containers, spare and repair parts, publications, documentation, supply support, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance and other related elements of logistics support. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $387 million.

Sources are unclear, but this could be a request targeted at the first-of-class JS Kongo [DDG-173]. Some reports peg the JS Kirishima [DDG-174] as Japan’s first ship to receive the upgrades – albeit only AEGIS Long Range Surveillance & Tracking version 3.0, which does not include engagement. Since this announcement refers to upgrades that include “AEGIS radar and weapon control,” and the May 5/04 announcement does not, the assumption is that this is targeted to the JS Kongo (aka. Kongou), and the May 2004 request was for the JS Kirishima.

Japan’s agreement to provide fuel/logistics to U.S. and allied ships supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and its deployment of an AEGIS destroyer to the Indian Ocean have focused new obligations on Japan. This proposed sale is consistent with these U.S. objectives and with the 1960 Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security.

The principal contractors will be:

• Lockheed-Martin Maritime System and Sensors in Moorestown, NJ
  
• Raytheon Company Equipment Division in Andover, MA
  
• BAE Systems in Minneapolis, MN

There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with these potential sales.

Upgrade request

May 5/04: The US DSCA announces [PDF] Japan’s request for 9 SM-3 Block 1A Standard missiles with MK 21 Mod 2 canisters, Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) upgrades to one AEGIS Weapon System, AEGIS BMD Vertical Launch System ORDALTs and logistics support for an estimated value of $725 million.

Upgrade request

Additional Readings

• DID – Serious Dollars for AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD). Covers American contracts and plans for AEGIS BMD’s evolution, as well as missile defense tests by the USA and Japan to date.

• DID – Raytheon’s Standard Missile Naval Defense Family (SM-1 to SM-6). Note that there are 3 versions of the SM-3 missile, with significant differences between them.

• Naval Technology – Kong? Class Guided Missile Destroyers, Japan

• Wikipedia – Atago class destroyer. A larger (10,000+ ton) variant of the Kongo Class, much as the smaller DDG-51 Flight IIAs are a larger variant of America’s DDG-51 Arleigh Burke Class. There is some debate as to whether this is properly its own class of ship.

• Information Dissemination (June 21/07) – US Navy Ballistic Missile Defense. Well researched article covering the USA’s plans in this area, including ships slated to receive ABM capability.

Americas

The University of Dayton Research Institute won a $28.5 million firm-fixed price contract for studies of the F-15 sustainment engineering. The contract includes systems/structural engineering field and programmed depot maintenance support, reliability and maintainability analysis and aircraft structural integrity program capability development and sustainment. The F-15 Eagle is the Air Force’s primary fighter jet aircraft and intercept platform. The F-15 has electronic systems and weaponry to detect, acquire, track and attack enemy aircraft while operating in friendly or enemy-controlled airspace. The weapons and flight control systems are designed so one person can safely and effectively perform air-to-air combat. Work, performed at Dayton, will approximately be completed by June 28, 2029.

The Navy tapped Lockheed Martin with $175 million for engineering, testing, product support and ancillary support to update the current Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) components and systems required to achieve objective requirements in the Offensive Anti-Surface Warfare Increment 1 Capability Description Document. LRASM is a precision-guided, anti-ship standoff missile based on the successful Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range (JASSM-ER). According to the company, it is designed to detect and destroy specific targets within groups of ships by employing advanced technologies that reduce dependence on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms, network links and GPS navigation in electronic warfare environments. Lockheed will perform work in various places within the continental US and is expected to be finished in November 2022.

Middle East & Africa

The US Air Force awarded AAR Supply Chain a $210 million ceiling contract for contractor logistics support for the Afghanistan Air Force. The contract will provide the Afghanistan Air Force with full C-130H contractor logistics support to include maintenance and repair, as well as on the job training for local Afghan nationals. The C-130H Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft. It features a loading ramp and door in the tail that can accommodate palletized loads, vehicles and troops. The aircraft can airdrop up to 42,000 pound loads or land on short, unimproved airstrips in forward combat zones. Work will take place in Kabul, Afghanistan, and is expected to be completed by January 29, 2025.

Europe

The Serbian Military Technical Institute announced that two new versions of the Malyutka anti-tank guided weapon are to enter service with the Serbian Army by the end of the year, Jane’s reports. The Malyutka or AT-3 Sagger was designed in the early 60s in the Soviet Union. The AT-3 was first deployed in combat by the North Vietnamese Army in 1972, having been supplied to them by the Soviet Union. During the battle for the port of Cua Viet in January 1973, 26 kills of ARVN M48 Patton tanks and M113 APCs were attributed to the system. It is a wire guided missile and its maximum range is 3 km. The first new version to enter Serbian service will be the Malyutka 2F, which is fitted with a thermobaric warhead. The second will be the Malyutka 2T, which is fitted with a tandem high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead. Serbia has deployed earlier versions of these ATGWs on a dedicated BOV 4×4 armored personnel carrier (APC) and BVP M80 series infantry fighting vehicles (IFV).

Asia-Pacific

The Philippines will take delivery of the A-29 Super Tucano in February next year. According to local news, the Air Force (PAF) is set to acquire more air assets and equipment in the coming months. On Tuesday, Philippine Air Force commander, Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez spoke on this matter during the PAF’s 72nd founding anniversary. The commander said, the Super Tucanos “will be a game-changing platform, which will perform surface strike support to ground troops“. They are expected to support the remaining North American Rockwell OV-10 „Bronco“ attack aircraft being used by the PAF in strike missions. The A-29 is an Embraer light attack aircraft, which carries a wide variety of weapons, including precision-guided munitions. It was designed to be a low-cost system operated in low-threat environments.

Lara Seligman from Foreign Policy Magazine reported that Taiwan’s request to buy F-16V jets was expected to move forward this month, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday said that the request is still only being reviewed by the US. According to the article, although the deal for 66 F-16 Block 70 jets has been stalled, it is expected to move forward before the US Congress begins its traditional recess next month. The negotiations over price and configuration of the aircraft had led to the deal taking longer than expected, Seligman wrote. However, Taiwan’s request must still be converted into a formal proposal by the US Department of Defense and Department of State, and then Congress officially notified, after which lawmakers would have 30 days to block the sale if they want.

Today’s Video

Watch: FA-50 Fighting Eagle Light Combat Aircraft

Afghan C-130H
(click to view full)

When a USAF program to refurbish 20 Italian C-27A light tactical transport planes for the Afghan Air Force formally imploded at the end of 2012, the American looked for a longer-term plan B. At the high end, the proposal was to hand over 4 ex-USAF C-130H Hercules 20 medium tactical transports. In August 2013, we wrote:

“It’s a move that will require fewer pilots, which should be a plus for the Afghan Air Force, and it’s an easy move for the USA to make. On the other hand, they’re replacing maintenance-intensive planes that the AAF couldn’t maintain even with contractor help, with a smaller set of aged and maintenance-intensive planes. It doesn’t sound like they’re solving the problem…”

Now SIGAR makes it official: they didn’t…

How The Decision Was Made

Afghan C-27A
(click to view full)

When the C-27As became unflyable due to lack of maintenance (or perhaps lack of bribes), the Afghans fell back on their Cessna 208s and Mi-17s. A 2012 contract for 18 rugged PC-12 planes like the ones used by US special forces will supplement this fleet. The PC-12/47Es have more heft than a Cessna Caravan, but considerably less than the scrapped C-27As. The assumption was and is that the Afghan government would need another plane that can handle bigger loads, possibly including vehicles.

So, what to do? DID will excerpt that explanation verbatim from the July 2014 SIGAR Report:

“Specifically, as the result of problems with the G222 program, the U.S. Air Force Central Command assembled a three-person ‘tiger team’ that deployed to Afghanistan in August 2012 to assist ISAF in analyzing different options regarding the future of AAF medium airlift. Using some general requirements including cargo weight, passenger numbers, ability to operate in Afghanistan, and cost and schedule, the team considered 18 different aircraft. Ultimately, the team identified 5 aircraft—C-130E/H, CASA-235, CASA-295, C-27J, and C-130J—as being able to meet the AAF’s medium airlift requirements. In addition, the team proposed acquisition approaches including open competition, sole source contracting, and purchasing U.S. stock. At the conclusion of deployment to Afghanistan, the tiger team did not provide a formal recommendation about which aircraft to select to meet the medium airlift requirement. In the tiger team’s August 22, 2012 presentation to ISAF, the team proposed an open competition to identify the best aircraft at the best price. According to October 2012 talking points for the Deputy Secretary of Defense, the Commander ISAF directed NATC-A to develop a requirements document for the follow-on to the G222 program. According to the talking points, the tiger team raised concerns that the C-130 would be too complex and costly for the Afghans [emphasis ours]. In addition, the Air Force noted concerns that due to the necessary lead time for contractor support and training, the C-130 would be an “empty” asset for the Afghans, as they would not yet be fully trained to use the aircraft.

In November 2012, NATC-A and the tiger team, anticipating a possible open competition, created an initial capabilities document that outlined the AAF’s requirements for a new aircraft, including key performance parameters. The Commanding General, CSTC-A, and the AAF Commander coordinated and signed the document. However, the initial capabilities document was never used. Notwithstanding the concerns raised by the tiger team and others, on January 4, 2013 the Deputy Secretary of Defense directed the Secretary of the Air Force to provide four C-130s to the AAF—two in 2013 and two by the end of 2014.”

To the concerns expressed by the US SIGAR, one must add questions concerning Afghanistan’s long-term stability after America’s imminent withdrawal, and the fate of American equipment handed over to the current government. The recent collapse of Iraq’s armed forces, which were considered to be superior, and the subsequent use of captured American equipment by ISIS, is a notable precedent. The biggest question probably isn’t the Taliban’s ability to defeat the Afghan government, but rather their ability to adopt and practice ISIS levels of organization, coordination, and discipline.

Contracts & Key Events

Afghan C-130H
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July 5/19: Contractor Logistics Support The US Air Force awarded AAR Supply Chain a $210 million ceiling contract for contractor logistics support for the Afghanistan Air Force. The contract will provide the Afghanistan Air Force with full C-130H contractor logistics support to include maintenance and repair, as well as on the job training for local Afghan nationals. The C-130H Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft. It features a loading ramp and door in the tail that can accommodate palletized loads, vehicles and troops. The aircraft can airdrop up to 42,000 pound loads or land on short, unimproved airstrips in forward combat zones. Work will take place in Kabul, Afghanistan, and is expected to be completed by January 29, 2025.

Sept 24/14: Delivery. The Afghan Air Force has acknowledged receipt of its 3rd C-130H aircraft, with the 4th and final aircraft scheduled to arrive by the end of 2014.

The AAF reportedly has 6,800 personnel, and 102 fixed and rotary-wing aircraft of all types, including training platforms. Sources: Khaama Press, “Afghanistan receives another C-130 aircraft from US”.

3rd delivered

July 10/14: SIGAR Report. The US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction is very dubious about the C-130 program:

“During our audit of U.S. support for the AAF to determine its capability to absorb additional equipment, we became aware of concerns regarding the C-130 program. First, we could not determine why DOD, in order to provide airlift of medium weight loads to the AAF, decided to provide four C-130s rather than different quantities or types of aircraft. Although the decision was made in January 2013 to purchase four C-130s, the AAF’s requirement for those aircraft had not been updated since March 2010. Second, we analyzed flight data for the two AAF C-130s currently in Afghanistan and found that they are being underutilized, which raises questions about whether additional aircraft are truly needed. Lastly, during my visit last month, I was informed about support problems associated with training, spare parts, and maintenance for the two C-130s currently in the inventory…. I suggest that, pending a review of the AAF’s medium airlift requirements and its ability to fully utilize the C-130s currently in the inventory, DOD delay delivery of additional C-130s. If DOD’s review indicates additional C-130s are unnecessary, DOD should not provide them. Even the elimination of one C-130 could save up to $40.5 million through 2017.

….The first two C-130s were provided to the AAF from existing U.S. Air Force stock at a combined cost of $77.1 million—$39.6 million for the two C-130s, and an additional $37.5 million for spare parts, equipment, and other charges.”

Sources: SIGAR, “Afghan Air Force May Not Need All C-130 Aircraft Provided by U.S. in $100 Million-Plus Deal” [PDF] | National Review, “IG: Afghans Aren’t Using U.S.-Provided Transport Planes, Don’t Need Another” has additional background.

Oct 9/13: Delivery. The first 2 C-130Hs arrive in Kabul, and conduct their 1st mission the next day: delivering several pallets of Mi-17 main landing gear parts, maintenance parts and office supplies for the Kandahar Air Wing. The load weighed more than 10,500 pounds, which is quite beyond the individual capacity of the AAF’s other aircraft, but is far less than half of the C-130’s capacity. Sources: USAF AMC, “Afghan C-130 takes off to a great start”.

2 delivered

Sept 25/13 Support. FBO.gov issues an RFP to support the AAF’s C-130Hs. “Afghan Air Force (AAF) C-130H Contractor Logistics Services (CLS), Solicitation Number: FA8553-13-R-32288”. Its last modification was June 10/14:

“The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Air Training Command-Afghanistan (NATC-A) has a requirement to support and sustain up to four (4) C-130H aircraft at the Main Operating Base (MOB) at Kabul, Afghanistan, and as needed, provide on-call support at Forward Operating Locations (FOLs). The Tactical Airlift Division of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), located at Robins AFB, GA, intends to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP), FA8553-13-R-32288. This effort is to be a full and open competition resulting in a Single Award, Firm Fixed Price, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract for Contractor Logistics Services (CLS) support of the four (4) C-130H aircraft at Kabul. The period of performance will be a one (1) year basic with four (4) one (1) year options.”

Sept 18/13: C-130s. NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan has confirmed that it will deliver the first 2 of 4 C-130H Hercules medium transports to Afghanistan on Oct 10/13, with the other 2 arriving in 2014. Crews are currently training in the USA, but it remains to be seen whether the AAF can maintain and fly them for very long after they’re handed over. Mi-17 helicopters and Cessna C208Bs are the AAF’s transportation mainstays right now. Sources: Stars & Stripes, “Afghans to receive first C-130 aircraft from US Air Force”.

Jan 4/13: Decision. US Deputy Secretary of Defense Christine Fox directs the Secretary of the Air Force to provide 4 used C-130Hs to the Afghan Air Force.

Directive

Winner
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The USA needs a plane that can provide effective precision close air support and JTAC training, and costs about $1,000 per flight hour to operate – instead of the $15,000+ they’re paying now to use advanced jet fighters at 10% of their capabilities. Countries on the front lines of the war’s battles needed a plane that small or new air forces can field within a reasonable time, and use effectively. If these 2 needs are filled by the same aircraft, everything becomes easier for US allies and commanders. One would think that this would have been obvious around October 2001, but it took until 2008 for this understanding to even gain momentum within the Pentagon. A series of intra-service, political, and legal fights have ensured that these capabilities won’t arrive before 2015 at the earliest, and won’t arrive for the USAF at all.

The USA has now issued 2 contracts related to this need. The first was killed by a lawsuit that the USAF didn’t think they could defend successfully. Since February 2013 they have a contract that they hope will stick. The 3 big questions are simple. Will the past be prologue for the new award? Will there be an Afghan government to begin taking delivery of their 20 planes much beyond 2014? And will another allied government soon need to use this umbrella contract for its own war?

LAR/ LAAS Contenders Gracie Under Fire: EMB-314/ A-29 Super Tucano

A-29: LAS concept
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The winning Super Tucano/ ALX aircraft is known as the A-29 to Brazil’s FAB, but abroad, it’s the EMB-314 multi-role successor to Embraer’s widely-used EMB-312 Tucano trainer. A-29 is better for marketing a light atack plane, though, and Embraer is trying to shift the designation for the up-engined version using the 1,600hp PT6A-68-3 with FADEC. The Super Tucano offers better flight performance than the EMB 312 Tucano, plus armoring and wing-mounted machine guns, weapons integration with advanced surveillance and targeting pods, precision-guided bombs, and even air-to-air missiles. This makes it an excellent territorial defense and close support plane for low-budget air forces, as well as a surveillance asset with armed attack capability. Brazil uses it this way, for instance, alongside very advanced EMB-145 airborne radar and maritime patrol jets.

The Super Tucano is a large and heavy training platform, as a tradeoff for being built from the ground up as an effective short-field light attack/ patrol/ counter-insurgency aircraft that can operate with little ground support. On the other hand, veteran pilots have praised the quality of its ride, the power of its large control surfaces at load and in crosswinds, and its level of visibility from both seats.

Unlike its fellow contenders, the aircraft carries 2 of FN’s M3P .50 caliber machine guns mounted in the wings, leaving its hardpoints free for other weapons or fuel. Its AN/AAQ-22 Star SAFIRE II surveillance and targeting turret was designed-in from the outset and is mounted under the nose, offering a better field of view and fewer blind spots. Avionics are generally from Elbit Systems, and the plane supports a variety of weapons including gun pods; rocket pods; bombs including Brazilian cluster and incendiary weapons, and various laser-guided bombs; the ability to mount surveillance and targeting pods like RAFAEL and Northrop-Grumman’s popular LITENING; and even an array of short-range air-to-air missile options that reportedly include the AIM-9L Sidewinder, Brazil’s MAA-1, and Israel’s Python 4/5.

It hasn’t fired laser-guided rockets yet, but it has all of the required capabilities. LAS variants will probably add the AGM-114 Hellfire light strike missile, but the Super Tucano is already integrated with the heavier AGM-65 Maverick. Elbit’s DASH helmet-mounted display is reportedly an option, and a partnership with Boeing looks set to add GPS-guided JDAM family and GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs.

Beyond Brazil (99 planes), the Super Tucano already had customers in Colombia (25), Chile (12), the Dominican Republic (8), and Ecuador (18) by the time the LAS RFP was issued in August 2010. Since then, the platform has added the African countries of Angola (6), Burkina Fasso (3), and Mauritania (1-4?); and Indonesia (16). Guatemala (6) is a pending customer.

AT-6: The Kansas Contender

AT-6B, armed
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Beechcraft’s AT-6 is a derivative of its widely-produce T-6 trainer, which equips the US military and serves with a number of other air forces around the world. It’s up-engined with Pratt and Whitney’s 1,600hp PTA?68D engine, and adds Kevlar armoring inserts, CMC Esterline’s mission modified Cockpit 4000, a mission system based on Lockheed Martin’s A-10C upgrades, and L-3 WESCAM’s MX-15Di sensor suite in a mid-plane belly mounting. Thales Visionix’s Scorpion Helmet Mounted Display is reportedly an option as well.

One advantage of the AT-6B is that it can add new capabilities by leveraging outside investments in T-6B Texan and A-10C Thunderbolt operational flight program software updates. It’s also optimized for inexpensive operation, and leverages commonality with American pilot training infrastructure. On the flip side, aspects of its trainer design (narrow landing gear, low runway clearance, rear seat visibility less important, low armoring) are disadvantages in austere counterinsurgency situations. Another disadvantage is the need to mount its surveillance turret farther back in the belly, which creates line of sight blockages from its belly-mounted antenna blade (see photo) and from the AT-6B’s wings when tilted.

The AT-6B light attack/COIN version was actually at Farnborough 2006, back when they were still Raytheon Aircraft. It has been developed in an iterative fashion since then, and has been helped by participating in special forces exercises and working with the US Air National Guard on concept studies and demonstrations. By the end of 2012, weapons integrated and tested on the AT-6 included .50-cal/ 12.7mm gun pods; unguided bombs up to 500 pounds, Paveway-II laser-guided bombs up to 500 pounds; APKWS (BAE/GD), TALON (Raytheon/EAI), and GATR (ATK/Elbit) laser-guided 70mm rockets; and AGM-114P+ Hellfire short-range strike missiles. There has also been talk of adding AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air weapons. Even so, a corporate representative told us that:

“Understand that the airplane is not intended for heavy combat. Its primary role would be counter insurgency and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, & Reconnaissance) as a node within a network. It could provide data and intelligence calling in whatever assets were appropriate to deal with the situation it was encountering.”

Iraq is the only country to submit an official request to buy the AT-6, but several years later, there’s no AT-6 contract follow-on to its 15-plane T-6B trainer fleet.

AT-802U: A Missed Opportunity?

AT-802U
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Outside the 2 finalists, contenders for various phases of the LAAR/LAS competition have reportedly included Alenia Aermacchi’s M-346 advanced jet trainer (not integrated with weapons), Boeing’s proposed OV-10X revival of the Vietnam-era Bronco FAC/light attack plane (developmental), and even the Pilatus PC-6 Porter/ AU-23A armed short-take-off transport, which was also used in Vietnam.

The most interesting option was the Air Tractor AT-802U. It didn’t make the LAS finals, but it has an awful lot to recommend it to customers like Afghanistan. This single-engine turboprop is powered by the PT6A-67F engine, and adapted from the firm’s popular AT-802A crop duster. That sounds like an odd derivation, but it isn’t. Agricultural planes need good visibility, ruggedness, sure handling, the ability to work from unimproved runways or fields, long operating time, and low maintenance requirements. Every one of those traits translates directly into counter-insurgency requirements. In places like Afghanistan, where the narcotics trade has a large footprint and agriculture is a big part of the economy, crop dusting defended fields and agricultural surveying can are valuable counter-insurgency requirements all by themselves.

The AT-802 is big enough to handle the added payload and cockpit and engine armoring. The AT-802U variant combines an 8,000 pound/ 3,629 kg payload with an impressive 10-hour ISR mission time. Tested armament includes dual .50 cal. GAU-19/A 3-barrel Gatling guns, dual M260 7-tube rocket launchers, and 500 pound unguided Mk-82 bombs on 9 combined wing and fuselage hard points (expandable to 15). Its L3 Wescam MX-15Di sensor turret system is housed in a retractable mount under the nose, and it has mounting provisions for an optional AAR-47/ALE-47 threat warning and decoy-dispensing system. The cockpit is night-vision compatible, and its optional Compact Multi-Channel Data Link (CMDL) system is compatible with ROVER video feeds.

The AT-802U is also configurable for more advanced systems, but that would require more investment by customers like the US Department of State, the United Arab Emirates, or others. It’s combat-proven in Department of State Latin American counter-drug operations, where it has taken over 200 bullet strikes with no loss of life, and racked up a miniscule average of 1.7 maintenance man-hours per flight hour.

Unfortunately, this plane was excluded by several clauses in the original LAS RFP. Its landing gear doesn’t retract, for instance, so clause 3.1.2.4 of the SRD disqualified it. The LAS also had to be “configured to be readily available for use as either a two-seat advanced trainer or a two-seat attack platform with no field level conversion.” That isn’t what the AT-802U does.

What Now for LAS?

AAF C-27A: fail
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The Light Air Support contract is the much-diminished version of programs that have gone by names like OA-X and Light Attack/ Armed Reconnaissance (LAAR). Its devolution is instructive, because all the interests, rivalries, and prejudices that have brought things to this point are still operating. The past could be prologue.

Political/ legal obstruction. The Congressional resistance that stalled past Super Tucano requests from people like Afghan front commander Gen. Stanley McChrystal is still in place, and the legal and political reactions to the USAF’s 2nd award are still pending. What’s certain is that Beechcraft is in serious straits as it emerges from bankruptcy, and Boeing recently closed their Wichita, KS plant. Congressional delegations from smaller states with less diversified economies traditionally fight harder for these kinds of contracts, and this one has overtones of life and death for local industry, despite its small size. Expect a serious fight again.

Military disinterest. The USAF is still focused on big ticket fighters. Its pet plane is now the F-35 fighter instead of the F-22A, and the KC-46A tanker program has joined the F-35 in sucking all of the oxygen from the room. A country that seems disinclined to pursue counterinsurgency wars strengthens those big-ticket interest groups in the USAF, many of whom have been hostile to OA-X and its ilk from the beginning. Despite the operating savings, LAS’ very contract structure and order pattern demonstrates little appetite for domestic use as JTAC training and surveillance aircraft with front-line capability. Even US SOCOM, who has wanted Super Tucanos for a couple of years, is going to have its hands full funding desperately-needed replacement of its C-130 and helicopter fleets.

Nor is there much call for counterinsurgency strikes to kill American civilians – with the admitted exception AECOM’s Col. Benson (ret.), who used to head up the US Army’s School of Advanced Military Studies officer training facility at Fort Leavenworth, KS.

With budget crunches abounding, future funding is not guaranteed. Even present funding could now be jeopardized, by the same Congressional politics that has derailed related efforts before.

Afghan instabilities. Along the way, Afghanistan has devolved, and its air force just retired 20 C-27A transports that the USA spent about $600 million buying and delivering. All parties are keeping omerta on the subject beyond Alenia’s “inability to perform to the contract,” but there are rumors that Afghan corruption was a big factor in the inability to maintain them. The regime’s ability to avoid the C-27A’s fate for its Super Tucanos has to be viewed as questionable, and its mere survival to take full delivery is not a complete certainty.

The key to LAS may turn out to be its ability to recruit other customers. Mexico needs planes like this, and gets a lot of US aid, but it already picked an armed T-6C+. Beechcraft factories in Mexico ensure that they won’t switch. Iraq has a standing AT-6 request they could now switch to the Super Tucano under LAS, but it’s hard to see US funding for that at this point. LAS would still be useful as a pass-through vehicle for an Iraqi purchase, and that might turn out to be important for the program.

Beyond Iraq, Embraer has proven to be perfectly capable of selling the plane itself in Latin America, Africa, and even Asia. US aid to East Africa, Thailand, or the Philippines would seem to be the best near-term bet for LAS beyond Iraq – but no-one can predict the future, and world events could create a demand elsewhere before 2019.

Contracts & Key Events FY 2019

Getting started.

July 5/19: Philippines The Philippines will take delivery of the A-29 Super Tucano in February next year. According to local news, the Air Force (PAF) is set to acquire more air assets and equipment in the coming months. On Tuesday, Philippine Air Force commander, Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez spoke on this matter during the PAF’s 72nd founding anniversary. The commander said, the Super Tucanos “will be a game-changing platform, which will perform surface strike support to ground troops“. They are expected to support the remaining North American Rockwell OV-10 „Bronco“ attack aircraft being used by the PAF in strike missions. The A-29 is an Embraer light attack aircraft, which carries a wide variety of weapons, including precision-guided munitions. It was designed to be a low-cost system operated in low-threat environments.

FY 2014

Sept 25/14: 1st delivery. The 1st A-29 Super Tucano from the LAS contract is rolled out during a ceremony in Jacksonville, FL. Embraer expects to wrap up deliveries by mid-2015. The Brazilian company says it hired 72 employees (complemented by dozens of contractors) at the 40,000-square-foot facility since it opened the facility last year. They plan to keep using the plant for additional Super Tucano sales through FMS, while Embraer is to expand its corporate jet manufacturing capabilities in Melbourne, 175 miles further south in Florida. SNC on the other hand is laying off 90 people in Colorado after its loss in the CCiCap competition.

Meanwhile in Afghanistan, it took 6 months of tense negotiations for president-elect Ashraf Ghani and runner up Abdullah Abdullah to come to a power sharing understanding. The Taliban have redoubled their offensive as NATO troops were phasing out their presence, coordinating attacks involving larger numbers of insurgents. Signing security agreements with the US and NATO is a high priority, but whether the West will leave more than a token presence entrenched at their bases seems uncertain. With a divided population, weak economy, and booming drug production, the new Afghan leaders have their work cut out for them.

Sources: SNC, Embraer, Denver Post: “Sierra Nevada Space Systems’ Dream Chaser employees laid off”.

Oct 3/13: Support. The Diario Oficial for the Brazilian MdD includes PORTARIA No 1.787. It states that the FAB’s “Diretor de Material Aeronautico e Belico” Lt. Gen. John Paul Cury has been instructed to negotiate agreements between the FAB’s COMAER and Embraer, and the US LAS program. Sources: Diario Oficial da Uniao [in Portuguese].

FY 2013

Super Tucano wins again, prevails over GAO challenge; 20 more A-29s coming for the AAF; HBC out of bankruptcy as “Beechcraft”; SNC loses their suit, but sheds light on why LAS was canceled.

Super Tucano
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Aug 5/13: Senate FY 2014 budget appropriators have eliminated the $418.6 million Afghan LAS buy for a 2nd batch of 20 A-29s, in the wake of the SIGAR’s recent report (q.v. June 2013).

USAF Maj. Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, the senior airman in theater, describes the AAF as “small but capable,” and says they began flying Mi-35 attack helicopter missions again in July 2013. Aviation Week.

June 2013: The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan (SIGAR) report’s title sums it up: “Afghan Special Mission Wing: DOD Moving Forward with $771.8 Million Purchase of Aircraft that the Afghans Cannot Operate and Maintain”. SIGAR recommends freezing all activity under the 48-plane contracts until improvements happen.

The Special Mission Wing won’t operate A-29s, it will have 4 squadrons that each contain 7 Mi-17 helicopters and 4 PC-12 light transports. On the other hand, some of the factors behind its disarray are common to the Afghan Air Force: maintenance issues, for instance, and better-paying offers elsewhere for pilots who know English. The other connection is political – the SMW’s disarray comes back to haunt AAF Super Tucano funding. SIGAR report [PDF].

June 18/13: AT-6, Plan C. Beechcraft CEO Bill Boisture tells Flight International that he doesn’t expect Congressional lobbying to derail LAS, but thinks they have a 24-plane launch customer for the AT-6C that they’ll be able to announce before the end of 2013. Flight International.

June 13/13: GAO OK. Even before the GAO has made its decision publicly available, Beechcraft’s release reveals that they lost the challenge, and asks Congress to limit LAS purchases to the 1st 20 planes under contract. They sum up:

“It is deeply distressing that the Air Force selected a more expensive, less capable, foreign-manufactured airplane with weapons and systems unfamiliar to, and outside the control of, the United States military. We have known that the requirements for this procurement were written to favor the competition’s aircraft. During this protest, we learned that the GAO’s review looks only at whether the Air Force followed its process, but not whether the process itself was actually correct or appropriate. We question whether the Embraer aircraft with its foreign-made weapons can be certified to U.S. military standards in time to provide the mission-capable aircraft per the contract.”

Be that as it may, what they describe is what the GAO is supposed to do. Any attempt to substitute their own judgment of what is appropriate in a bid protest would be a flagrant abuse, even if the GAO was right and the Pentagon was wrong. They save that for their program reports, and leave it to the legislators to intervene in contracts on those grounds.

Around 2 weeks later, the GAO makes its decision publicly available. Short summary? To meet its proposed offer targets, the AT-6C would experience a 40% rise in Maximum Gross Take-Off Weight, and experience shows that anything over 20% is a serious risk for problems and certification delays, as well as service life issues. There were other issues as well, and the bottom line is that the AT-6C got an Exception aircraft evaluation + High risk, while The A-29 was rated as Exceptional + Low Risk. Major delays would be catastrophic to US plans, and within the RFP itself, there was ample scope to give Sierra Nevada & Embraer the award. US GAO | Beechcraft.

GAO protest fails, LAS cleared to continue

May 2013: FY 2014 OCO Request. The Pentagon releases their “Fiscal Year 2014 Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) Request Afghanistan Security Forces Fund” request [PDF], which includes provisions for 20 more LAS planes, budgeted at $416.8 million:

“The initial purchase of twenty Light Air Support (LAS) fixed wing aircraft was funded with FY 2012 funds. An additional 20 aircraft, funded with FY 2014 funds, will bring the total number of LAS aircraft procured for the AAF to 40. A key challenge facing the Afghan Air Force (AAF) is its ability to directly support and assist the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) with air to ground kinetic actions. Currently, ISAF assets with some assistance from the Afghan Special Mission Wing carry this task out. The LAS program is intended to fill this AAF capability gap. The LAS cost per unit is $20.8 million. This is a 2014 [DID: withdrawal date] Enabler.”

April 25/13: Beechcraft’s case. Beechcraft CEO Bill Boisture lays out the core of their protest and case. He starts by saying that the RFP was about compliance with requirements, contends that their AT-6 met all threshold and 5/7 objective requirements, and says their bid was $125 million cheaper. None of that is really new.

On a technical level. Boisture says that the AT-6’s design choices give it better takeoff, climb and cruise performance. The Super Tucano may be larger, but it carries 100 pounds less fuel, and unlike the AT-6 it can’t land at its Maximum Gross Takeoff Weight. Boisture adds that using the EO/IR turret forces the Super Tucano to give up its centerline weapons station.

It’s useful to know what the expected arguments are, but really, this is up to the GAO now. Aviation Week.

April 19/13: No Stop Work Order. The US Court of Federal Claims sides with the USAF decision to ignore a Stop Work Order until the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reviews their award. Beechcraft continues its protest with the GAO. Kansas.com.

March 21/13: Lawsuit. Beechcraft Corporation announces that they filed suit again in the Court of Federal Claims, contesting the USAF’s decision to lift the stay of performance on the Light Air Support (LAS) contract while the GAO reviews the protest.

Note that their suit does not contest the award entire, which was the key to overturning the contract last time. Right now, they’re looking for an injunction to halt the existing contract while the GAO reviews their protest. If they’re successful, they’d keep their biggest political argument: the $125 million difference between the bid costs.

March 15/13: As you were. The USAF can’t stop Beechcraft’s protest, but they can use provisions of the Competition in Contracting Act to mandate that the best interests of the United States require continuation of the contract, while the protest takes its course.

They’ve just done that for LAS, and Beechcraft and the Kansas congressional delegation aren’t happy. A letter from state representatives cites waste of taxpayer dollars, which is true if the contract is overturned. What they don’t say is that it also impedes political efforts to stop the contract, by raising cancellation costs so that there’s a lot less difference between Beechcraft + cancellation fees, vs. SNC/Embraer. Beechcraft | Bloomberg | Wichita Eagle.

March 8/13: Protest. Beechcraft announces that they’re protesting the LAS award to the GAO. The award will be on hold until a decision is reached, which must come within 90 days. Their rationale? Beechcraft CEO Bill Boisture:

“Following our debrief with the Air Force earlier this week, we are very perplexed by this decision. Our belief that we have the best aircraft was confirmed by the Air Force rating our aircraft ‘exceptional’…. We simply don’t understand how the Air Force can justify spending over 40 percent more – over $125 million more – for what we consider to be less capable aircraft…”

A couple of notes. It’s possible for multiple contenders to rate as “exceptional”, but still differ with respect to objective (desired vs. mandatory) requirements. In this case, the best value competition had 3 categories, where capability was most important, past performance the 2nd, and cost in 3rd place. It’s hard to argue the AT-6B as superior on capability, and past performance is a tough row given that the A-29 is operational and the AT-6B isn’t. Within the challenge, however, these questions aren’t going to be relevant. GAO’s focus will be whether the USAF violated its own RFP guidelines, or treated one contender unfairly. Congress is where price will be relevant. A better and more proven capability for a foreign air force, flying aircraft bought with American money, may not be as important to politicians as it is to the US military. Beechcraft | SNC/Embraer.

Feb 27/13: Sierra Nevada Corp. in Sparks, NV wins a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract to provide both aircraft and trainers for allied countries under the Building Partnership Capacity program. The 6-year contract could be worth as much as $950 million, and Delivery Order #0001 is more expensive this time – $427.5 million for:

• 20 Super Tucano planes
  
• 6 mission planning stations
  
• 6 mission debrief systems
  
• 2 ground training devices for pilot training: 1 computer-based trainer, 1 flight training simulator
  
• Interim contractor support for all aircraft maintenance and supply requirements for the aircraft and associated support equipment
  
• Long-lead spares for interim contractor support
  
• Base activation work outside the continental United States
  
• LAS flight certification to United States Air Force Military Training Center standards

This seems to be the same set as December 2011’s $355.1 million contract. To fully evaluate the 20.4% price jump, however, we’d have to look at the exact subsets of work under items like “base activation” and “interim contractor support,” which could be different.

The LAS program’s assembly line will be in Jacksonville, FL. Embraer says that the facility at Jacksonville International Airport is already undergoing modifications necessary to receive the aircraft assembly line, with the support of the state of Florida and the Jacksonville Airport Authority. Coincidentally, SNC touts the LAS contract as supporting “more than 1,400 American jobs” – the same as Hawker Beechcraft’s claims for the T-6 and AT-6 programs. That’s up from past releases, which said “more than 1,200.” Delivery is expected to be complete by April 2015.

This award is “the result of a full and open competition,” and 2 offers were received by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH (FA8637-13-D-6003, #0001). FBO | SNC | Embraer.

Super Tucano wins again

Feb 19/13: Just Beechcraft. Beechcraft announces that they’ve emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, after dropping the “Hawker” from the corporate name. The firm has also dropped its jets, and its new line includes Bonanza and Baron piston-engine aircraft, the King Air family of twin turboprops, and the T-6/ AT-6 family. Beechcraft [PDF].

HBC out of bankruptcy

Oct 18/12: HBC bankruptcy. Hawker Beechcraft, Inc. announces that it couldn’t reach an agreement with Superior Aviation Beijing Co., Ltd., and will go through normal Chapter 11 bankruptcy procedures instead. They do keep the $50 million deposit, and the plan remains the same: exit jets, keep the rest. They expect to emerge from bankruptcy in Q1 2013 as Beechcraft Corp. Hawker Beechcraft | Reuters.

HBC bankruptcy

Oct 15/12: SNC loses suit. The US Court of Federal Claims rejects SNC’s lawsuit, except that it asks the USAF to evaluate whether its use of funding and earmarks for LAS concept demonstrations with the AT-6 (vid. Oct 14/10 entry) violate the requirement that LAS contenders be non-developmental aircraft.

It also sheds a bit of light on why the USAF decided on the re-compete. The biggest issues included an “incomplete and unorganized” record, destruction of documents by the program team, and this:

“In response to comments from agency counsel that the PCO’s [DID: Program Contracting Officer] proposed Competitive Range Determination (the “CRD”), which eliminated HBDC, was unsatisfactory, the PCO stated that she was not qualified to write it.”

The evaluations were also lacking supporting documentation, and the flight demonstrations were used to assess technical capability. It’s a mystery why that last bit would be a problem, but the process treats technical capability and execution risk as 2 entirely separate things. The glaring weakness in the CRD might have been enough by itself, but Program Management’s failure to adhere to the exact decision process, followed by poor document turnover and poor cooperation with counsel, led the USAF to conclude that this wasn’t a case it could take to court. Court Ruling No. 12-375C [PDF] | Aviation Week.

SNC loses suit – but shows why USAF cancelled LAS

FY 2012

Super Tucano wins, GAO OKs, HBC sues, contract canceled; SNC’s turn to sue; HBC into bankruptcy process, as their AT-6 qualifies an array of weapons.

AT-6B vs. EMB-314
(click to view full)

Full comparison graphic, originals from SNC (JPG, 345.4k).

Sept 17/12: AT-6. Hawker Beechcraft announces [PDF] that they’ve completed Phase III weapons assessment at Eglin AFB, FL. Phases I and II of the weapons assessment included computer-aided deliveries of general purpose and laser-guided bombs, as well as air-to-ground and air-to-air gunnery using the aircraft’s two 50-caliber guns.

By the end of Phase III, weapons integrated and tested on the AT-6 included .50-cal/ 12.7mm gun pods; unguided bombs up to 500 pounds, Paveway-II laser-guided bombs up to 500 pounds; APKWS (BAE/GD), TALON (Raytheon/EAI), and GATR (ATK/Elbit) laser-guided 70mm rockets; and AGM-114P+ Hellfire short-range strike missiles.

That’s a very good array, which will suit the needs of most American allies. As a matter of comparison, the Super Tucano hasn’t tested laser-guided 70mm rockets or AGM-114 Hellfire missiles yet, but it offers a wider array of gun pods; a wider array of laser-guided weapons; Brazilian incendiary and cluster bombs; an array of air-to-air missiles including the AIM-9L Sidewinder, Brazil’s MAA-1 Piranha, and Israel’s Python 4/5s; and the heavier Raytheon AGM-65 Maverick strike missile.

July 24/12: Late. Air Force Brig. Gen. Timothy Ray, who heads the NATO air training command in Afghanistan, sums things up by saying that “Afghanistan is unlikely to gain an independent, fully functioning air force until around 2016 or 2017, two to three years after the U.S. pullout”.

The rest of the article provides a snapshot of the Afghan Air Force’s current state, and notes that the USA has spent nearly $300 million to upgrade the AAF’s Shindad AB facilities. Wall Street Journal.

July 10/12: Boeing and Embraer announce cooperation on the Super Tucano program, which will involve integrating Boeing weapons on the aircraft. Their GPS-guided JDAM family of bomb kits would be front and center in any such effort, and Boeing’s official statement is that:

“The new weapons integration capacity enhances the solution presented to the U.S. Air Force Light Air Support (LAS) program by not only meeting program requirements, but exceeding them in ways that are important to the customer.”

July 9/12: AT-6 LRIP. Hawker Beechcraft Defense Company (HBDC) announces that they’ve begun low-rate initial production the AT-6 light attack aircraft in Wichita, KS, “in response to significant indications of interest around the world for the AT-6.”

“The aircraft has successfully demonstrated high-end net-centric and light attack capabilities and full compatibility with U.S. and NATO Joint Terminal Attack Controller systems during the Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment 2010, the Air National Guard Operational Assessment, and capabilities demonstrations of precision guided weapons conducted between 2010 and 2012.”

AT-6 production begins

July 9/12: HBC Chinese ownership? Hawker Beechcraft, Inc. signs an exclusivity agreement that may lead to a buyout by China’s Superior Aviation Beijing Co. for $1.79 billion. This deal explicitly excludes Hawker Beechcraft Defense Company (HBDC), which would remain a separate entity. That would keep the T-6 and AT-6 out of China’s Hands, but the USA is mostly done with its JPATS trainer buys, so HBDC’s stand-alone survival would be questionable.

June 19/12: Bids in. Sierra Nevada Corporation announces that they’re participating in the new LAS source selection process, but they’re still pursuing court action to reinstate the December 2011 contract. Their release also contains a jab at the removal of any requirement for a flight demonstration.

SNC commits that about 86% of each aircraft’s dollar value will come from components supplied by U.S. companies “or countries that qualify under the Buy American Act,” and that Embraer will invest about $3 million in bringing the Jacksonville, FL.

June 12/13: SNC lawsuit. SNC has gone from a motion to see documents, to a lawsuit in the United States Court of Federal Claims that contests the termination of its December 2011 contract, and attacks the terms of the new RFP.

“According to SNC the cancellation of the contract was an extreme response to what appears to be paperwork errors on the part of the USAF. Moreover, the revised Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by the USAF is tilted in favor of the competition.”

To bolster that last point, SNC cites the elimination of flight demonstration/evaluation, the delay of First Article Testing until the point of delivery (!) in July 2014, and the fact that Amendment 8 now allows improvements that were made to the aircraft since the original source selection to be admitted into consideration. Their point of contention is that the USAF gave Hawker Beechcraft millions of Title X dollars for development, exercises etc. with US ANG pilots [DID: vid. Oct 14/10 entry], and that the products of that work should be tipping the scales. We understand the fairness argument there, but the EMB-314/ A-29 has a number of military customers doing the same things in real-life operational missions, so it’s not like there’s a major disadvantage. SNC.

May 8/12: HBC gripe. After an initial review of the revised LAS RFP, HawkerBeechcraft has this to say [PDF]:

“We are profoundly disappointed to see in the amended RFP that the USAF continues to permit antiquated pilot accommodation standards for ejection seat equipped aircraft which can place both USAF and partner nation pilots at unnecessary and higher risk. Those standards were developed by the USAF to protect their own male and female pilot population, and every aircraft acquired by the USAF should meet those modern safety standards.”

The Super Tucano reportedly uses Martin-Baker’s Mk 10 LCX ejection seat. Martin-Baker is the standard provider for pretty much every Western aircraft, including every US fighter type.

April 17/12: SNC sues. Sierra Nevada files a court motion in the botched Light Air Support award. They would like to see the content of the Air Force’s Commander Directed Investigation (CDI) of the LAS program, to assess whether a recompete is really warranted. SNC | Reuters.

Feb 28/12: Canceled. The USAF cancels the LAS contract with Sierra Nevada, and reinstates Hawker Beechcraft to the competition. USAF Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz said:

“That is one of the things I’m truly sad about – not withstanding the embarrassment of this to us as an Air Force – it’s the fact that we’re letting our [Afghan] teammates down here…”

See: HBC | Defense News.

LAS canceled

Feb 2/12: Lobbying. “Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), the winner of the U.S. Air Force Light Air Support (LAS) competition, today issued a point-by-point rebuttal of misinformation being spread by the disqualified contender for the contract.”

APKWS loading, AT-6C
(click to view full)

January 2012: AT-6. BAE’s APKWS and Raytheon’s TALON laser-guided rockets fired from a HawkerBeechcraft AT-6C turboprop light attack plane at Eglin AFB.

The shots will help both BAE and HawkerBeechcraft, whose setback in the 20-plane American LAS competition was mitigated by an initial sale of 6 “weapons capable” T-6C+ to Mexico. Mexico has used existing Pilatus trainers against domestic insurgencies before. The T-6C family’s proven ability to fire laser-guided rockets makes the new planes more valuable to Mexico, and to other potential customers. BAE | HawkerBeechcraft | Aviation Week.

Jan 25/12: Second Line of Defense:

“We are publishing a USAF background paper currently circulating on the Hill. It validates everything we have written on Second Line of Defense for more than a year about the LAS competition…. This paper provides information on the LAS acquisition. Due to the ongoing litigation brought by Hawker Beechcraft Defense Corporation (HBDC), the United States Air Force (USAF) cannot release information regarding the LAS competition.”

Jan 19/12: A Defence Talk article sums up the current situation:

“Since September, many unexpected changes have been made to the original USAF requirements. At the start of the competition, the Light Attack Armed Reconnaissance Aircraft (LAAR) program, planned to supply up to 100 aircraft to the USAF, was paired with Light Air Support (LAS) to supply 20 aircraft to Afghan Air Force.

Nevertheless, in September the USAF backtrack on LAAR, reducing the number to 15 aircraft…. The change in priorities left Hawker and the SNC/Embraer team to duck it out for LAAR’s 15 and LAS’s 20 aircraft requirement…. Meantime the U.S. Navy has run into difficulties of its own, by clearly preferring the Super Tucano after it took part in an evaluation phase known as Imminent Fury programme in 2009 to develop a CAS/COIN platform for special operations. Since then, congress rejected additional funds of $22 million for further development in 2010 and $17 million last October for phase II known as Combat Dragon II programme for deployment and combat confirmation of the Super Tucano’s capabilities in Afghanistan.”

Jan 4/12: Stop work. In light of the pending legal review, the USAF issues a stop work order for the LAS contract that was awarded to SNC. Source.

Dec 30/11: LAS. Sierra Nevada Corp. in Sparks, NV wins a $355.1 million firm-fixed price delivery order for the Light Air Support (LAS) aircraft and associated support. It includes:

• 20 Super Tucano planes
  
• 6 mission planning stations
  
• 6 mission debrief systems
  
• 2 ground training devices for pilot training: 1 computer-based trainer, 1 flight training simulator
  
• Interim contractor support for all aircraft maintenance and supply requirements for the aircraft and associated support equipment
  
• 1 lot interim contractor support long-lead work in the continental United States
  
• 1 lot interim contractor support base activation work outside the continental United States
  
• LAS flight certification to United States Air Force Military Training Center standards

Work will be performed in Sparks, NV (55%), and Jacksonville, FL (45%). Delivery order #0001 is expected to be complete April 30/14, and the basic contract has a 5-year ordering period. ASC/WWYAC at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH manages the contract (FA8637-12-D-6001, #0001).

A $355M contract confirms the USAF procurement of Light Air Support (LAS) A-29 Embraer Super Tucano aircraft via Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC). Deliveries of this batch of 20 planes is expected to be completed by the end of April 2014. They will be used by the Afghan air force for training, reconnaissance and air support. Last year Hawker Beechcraft filed a GAO protest for being excluded from the RFP and sued the US Air Force after losing the protest. DefenseLink | SNC | DefesaNet [in Portuguese].

Super Tucano wins LAS: 20 for AAF

Dec 27/11: HBC Sues. Hawker Beechcraft announces a lawsuit with the Court of Federal Claims.

“The company still has no concrete reasons for the AT-6’s exclusion, having been denied explanation by the U.S. Air Force on two occasions. The LAS contract is valued at nearly $1 billion of U.S. taxpayer money and exclusion of the AT-6 could result in a de facto award to a non-U.S. company. “We are disappointed in the GAO’s decision as we were relying on their investigation to provide transparency into what has been a bidding process of inconsistent, irregular and constantly changing requirements…” said Bill Boisture, Hawker Beechcraft chairman and CEO.”

Dec 22/11: GAO OK. The GAO dismisses Hawker Beechcraft’s protest of the LAS award. All it will say of the USAF’s actions is that:

“After reviewing HBDC’s responses to issues raised during discussions, the Air Force concluded that HBDC had not adequately corrected deficiencies in its proposal. In this regard, the agency concluded that “multiple deficiencies and significant weaknesses found in HBDC’s proposal make it technically unacceptable and results in unacceptable mission capability risk.”

Their ruling didn’t address that. It’s a narrow dismissal, on a narrow point of timing:

“Accordingly, HBDC was required to request a debriefing within three days of its receipt of the Air Force notice on November 4, or, absent a debriefing, was required to file its protest no later than 10 days after that date.[4] Where HBDC did not timely request a debriefing, and failed to file its protest until 17 days after it was notified that its proposal had been excluded from the competitive range, the protest is untimely and must be dismissed.”

Nov 20/11: Lobbying knife fight. We submit “Obama Admin Bans US Aircraft Maker, Favors Non-US Firm with Ties to Iran on Light Aircraft Project” as a snapshot of the type of public lobbying underway. It cites the fact that the order would keep the T-6 line open past 2015, securing “1,400 employees in 20 states – including 800 at Hawker Beechcraft in Wichita” who work on the AT-6 and T-6 programs.

We’re not sure how long 20 planes can keep them busy, but OK, sure. The article also focuses on Embraer’s sale of 40 EMB-312 Tucano trainers to Iran 22 years ago, in 1989. Tucanos are globally popular training aircraft in service with 17 air forces. They lack the EMB-314 Super Tucano’s purpose-built close air support construction and mounted machine guns, but they can be armed. Iran has armed them for close support roles within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Air Force (as distinct from Iran’s regular air force), and Brazil’s Lula administration has remained friendly to Iran without being aggressive toward the USA.

Nov 18/11: AT-6 out. Hawker Beechcraft says that the AT-6 has been excluded from the Light Air Support bidding process, and they don’t know why. We’ve received unverified reports of landing gear issues, and other engineering glitches related to added weight on the T-6 airframe, but we can’t confirm them. Here’s what Hawker Beechcraft says:

“We have been notified by the United States Air Force in a letter that the Beechcraft AT-6 has been excluded from the Light Air Support competition. The letter provides no basis for the exclusion.

We are both confounded and troubled by this decision, as we have been working closely with the Air Force for two years and, with our partners, have invested more than $100 million preparing to meet the Air Force’s specific requirements. Additionally, the AT-6 has been evaluated and proven capable through a multi-year, Congressionally-funded demonstration program led by the Air National Guard.

We have followed the Air Force’s guidance closely and, based on what we have seen, we continue to believe that we submitted the most capable, affordable and sustainable light attack aircraft as measured against the Air Force’s Request for Proposal. We have requested a debriefing from the Air Force and will be exploring all potential options in the coming days.”

See: HBC release | DC Examiner | DefenseTech.

AT-6 out of LAS

FY 2010 – 2011

LAS RFP; RAND urges OA-X forward; Support expressed, but funding delayed; AATC experiments with AT-6.

AT-6B exercise
(click to view full)

Jan 18/11: LAS. System Demonstration completed. Source.

Dec 28/10: LAS. Vendor proposals received. Source.

Oct 14/10: AATC & AT-6. The Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center (AATC) at Tucson International Airport, AZ is working on the requirements for light attack planes, and working with the AT-6 as a concept demonstrator. they inserted systems from A-10 and F-16 aircraft into the plane, performed testing on their own and with shipped-in A-10 and F-16 pilots, and continue to make adjustments and refinements.

AATC Director of Engineering Lt. Col. Keith Colmer is back from Iraq, after flying close air support and overwatch missions in an F-16. Colmer is concerned about the economics. F-16 cost per flying hour is around $15,000 – $17,000 dollars per flight hour for fuel and maintenance, and the A-10 isn’t that much cheaper. In contrast AATC officials peg the AT-6 at about $600 dollars per flight hour.

Overall, they see an aircraft with multiple uses. Joint Terminal Attack Controllers that embed with ground forces aren’t getting enough sorties to keep them trained, and a less expensive aircraft could not only perform that training, it could let them fly in the backseat on occasion to improve their understanding. Other countries are already using similar planes for border security, counter drug and homeland defense; and military sensor turrets can easily be re-used for state emergencies like fires, floods or other disasters, in places where UAVs can’t get civil flight clearance. USAF.

AATC experiments

Sept 14/10: In the wake of the LAS RFP, most of the “Light Attack Armed Reconnaissance” discussion at the Air Force Association’s Air & Space Conference has shifted toward building the capabilities of partner air forces, and less around American use. Derek Hess, director of AT-6 development programs for Hawker Beechcraft, describes it as:

“…a structurally enhanced Beechcraft T-6A/B airframe with a more powerful Pratt & Whitney PT6A-68D engine, and a Lockheed Martin A-10C Mission System that is integrated with the T-6B primary flight avionics system. It also has the same sensor suite as the MC-12W with a laser designator/range finder. “When our airplane wakes up in the morning, it believes it’s an A-10…”

Aug 12/10: LAS RFP. LAAR is now Light Air Support, as the USAF releases its Request for Proposals, solicitation #FA8637-10-R-6000:

“The purpose of this contract is the acquisition of nondevelopmenatal Light Air Support Aircraft for current and future Building Partnership Capacity (BPC) nations. The procurement includes necessary Aircraft Interim Contractor Support (ICS); Ground Training Devices (GTDs) and corresponding Contractor Logistics Support (CLS); and Air Advisor Training for US Pilots allowing them the capability to train other Building Partnership Capacity (BPC) nations. The supplies covered are more fully defined in the attachments. This solicitation includes provisions for the Government, to include any Federal Agency, to procure additional quantities of the same supplies and services in the future, by issuing one or more orders against the resulting contract as other customers are added onto this vehicle by the contracting office (LAS Program Office).”

The Afghan delivery order will involve 20 planes. The RFP is amended many times, with the last change coming on May 30/12.

LAS RFP

May 10/10: LAAR. IHS Jane’s:

“There have been several proposals for LAAR – from the Aermacchi M-346 jet, through a reborn OV-10 Bronco, to the Air Tractor AT-802U militarised agricultural aircraft – but the front-runners appear to be two evolutions of turboprop trainers: Embraer’s Super Tucano and the Hawker Beechcraft AT-6.”

Spring 2010: Afghan war commander Gen. Stanley McChrystal sends an urgent request to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to acquire 4 EMB-314 Super Tucanos for American use, to provide extra air power to support Special Operations troops in Afghanistan.

The project stalls after lawmakers led by the Kansas congressional delegation block the $44 million request for funding. They’re reportedly concerned that the buy would give the EMB-314 an advantage in the LAS competition. Source.

Super Tucano UOR denied

April 8/10: AT-6. Hawker Beechcraft begins flying its modified AT-6 prototype, which it expects to submit for LAAR. Defense Tech.

April 5/10: RAND study endorses OA-X. RAND’s “Courses of Action for Enhancing U.S. Air Force “Irregular Warfare” Capabilities” makes a number of recommendations. Two of them involve training a lot more Iraqi and Afghan aviators, and standing up a dedicated counter-insurgency (COIN) air wing equipped with about 100 “OA-X” light attack aircraft.

They’d be designed to improve the training pipeline, make it much easier to partner with and transition Iraqi and Afghan aviators to similar planes, and reduce excessive flying hour demands for expensive and aging jets like the F-16, which are only using a small fraction of their capabilities. RAND Report MG-913 | DoD Buzz.

RAND report backs OA-X

Feb 5/10: OV-10X. Speaking at the Singapore Air Show at Changi Airport, Boeing’s vice-president of business development for Global Strike Systems, Jeff Johnson says that interest has been strong enough to ensure continued development of the modernized OV-10X Bronco, even if it loses the LAAR competition for up to 100 aircraft.

“Several countries have got very excited about the type of capability that an OV-10 could bring to their air forces,” he said. He added that the company could have a flying prototype ready within nine months, but that the real challenge would be costing the low-rate production run of the LAAR programme (the USAF has a requirement for 100 aircraft).”

Despite this statement, after the LAAR peters out and vanishes, Boeing drops the project, and ends up helping Embraer with its Super Tucano. IHS Jane’s.

Feb 2/10: LAAR funding delay. DefenseTech reports that:

“Air Force budget officials said the so-called “light attack aircraft” would not have any significant funding until the 2012 submission, where the service will allot $172 million for the so-called COIN plane.

The Air Force did, however, take a step toward a COIN wing by ordering up 15 Light Mobility Aircraft to the tune of nearly $66 million. According to a submission to FedBizOpps, the LiMA must be able to carry a minimum of six pax and crew, operate from “austere landing surfaces” and carry a minimum of 1800 pounds with crew. The plane needs a loading door that can take litters and a 36 inch warehouse skid and have two pilot stations but be able to be flown by one pilot.”

LiMA turned out to be the Pilatus PC-12, which is currently in use by US special forces.

Jan 20/10: LAAR. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley specifically mentions LAAR as part of the USAF’s “balanced force” concept, during his remarks to the Air, Space, and Cyberspace Power in the 21st Century Conference. Full transcript.

Dec 4/09: LAAR. The US military is expected to ask for $90 million in FY 2010, to begin the LAAR program. Long term costing estimates are $2 billion for 100 aircraft, to be placed under Air Combat Command rather than AFSOC. The goal is to have the first 24 reach IOC by 2013.

Possible contenders include the AirTractor AT-802U (a modified crop duster), Alenia Aermacchi M-346, Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano, Hawker Beechcraft AT-6, and Boeing’s OV-10X Bronco. Some sources also mention the Pilatus PC-6 Porter short-take-off transport, which was armed into the AU-23A, used in Vietnam, and later sold to the Thai Air Force. Defence IQ | Defense Media Network | Airforce Technology (some elements inaccurate).

Sept 16/09: AT-6. Hawker Beechcraft and Lockheed Martin have teamed to compete for the LAAR competition, with Lockheed Martin Systems Integration in Owego, NY acting as the AT-6’s mission systems integrator. Space War.

FY 2008 – 2009

OA-X gains traction; LAAR RFI; Boeing’s Bronco.

USAF OV-10
(click to view full)

Sept 11/09: OV-10X. Boeing confirms that it will bid a modernized version of the Vietnam-era OV-10 Bronco for the USAF’s LAAR requirement. The OV-10 served very capably as a forward air control and light strike plane in Vietnam, but like the “Misty” F-100F Commando Sabres fast FACs, it was an uncommonly dangerous way for a pilot to make a living.

Boeing inherits the OV-10 Bronco’s design rights from its 1980s acquisition of North American Rockwell. The DEW Line.

July 27/09: LAAR RFI. The USAF releases a “Air Combat Command (ACC) Light Attack/Armed Reconnaissance (LAAR)” Request for Information to Industry, involving up to 100 aircraft under the OA-X program. Description:

“ASC is seeking information to determine the most cost-effective acquisition strategy to fulfill the need for 100 LAAR fixed-wing aircraft with deliveries starting in FY12 and an Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in FY13. All proposed systems will be USAF Military certified and flown by military pilots. Existing ACC facilities will be used for aircraft storage and maintenance and USAF organic Organizational-level maintenance will be established by IOC date of FY13. Depot level maintenance will be contractor provided.”

The LAAR aircraft will operate as a forward air controller (FAC), with voice, video and data-links, but it will be armed with weapons and surveillance systems that include a laser designator, to allow immediate response. The cockpit will be fully modern and night vision compatible, with an oxygen system. Flight up to 30,000 feet is desired but not required. Weapons will include podded 7.62mm mini-guns, up to 2 500-pound guided-munitions or rocket launchers, and the ability to use the AGM-114N Hellfire missile. They’re also looking for a plane that can operate from austere airfields on 5-hour missions with 30-minute fuel reserves, and ferry itself up to 900 nm (1,667km). See the full RFI document [MS Word] for full specifications and requirements.

LAAR RFI

April 2008: OA-X. Col. Gary L. Crowder, then commander of Air Forces Central’s Combined Air and Space Operations Center, makes a serious pitch for using light attack aircraft for missions over Iraq and Afghanistan, and details an international partnership building program.

Crowder has spent much of his Air Force career studying irregular warfare and counterinsurgency, but service leadership is busy arguing for more F-22As, and is very unreceptive until Gen. Norton A. Schwartz becomes Air Force Chief of Staff in mid-2008. Discussion of an “OA-X” aircraft begins. Airforce Magazine.

Additional Readings

• FBO.gov (Aug 12/10 – May 30/12, #FA8637-10-R-6000) – Light Air Support (LAS) Aircraft

• Embraer – Super Tucano

• SNC – Built for the Mission. Site promoting the EMB-314/ A-29 Super Tucano for LAS.

• Beechcraft – Light Attack

• Beechcraft – Mission-Ready AT-6. Site promoting the AT-6 for LAS, and beyond.

• Air Tractor – AT-802U

News & Views

• Defence Review Asia (Oct 22/12) – Super Tucano leads the flock

• Defence Talk (Sept 10/11) – Bringing Back Counter-Insurgency: AT-6B vs. A-29B

• Three Capes (March 20/10) – Light Attack Armed Reconnaissance: It’s Time to Change The Way We Fight The Long War. By Col James Jinnette.

• Airforce Magazine (January 2010) – The Light Attack Aircraft