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Printers and the Difference with Military Grade Printers

After retiring its last F-4EJ Phantom fighters, 301 Hikotai will now relocate to Misawa AB to become the second F-35A unit of the JASDF. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) celebrated the retirement of the [...]

The post The Japan Air Self-Defense Force Retires Its Last F-4EJ Phantom Fighters After 48 Years Of Service appeared first on The Aviationist.

Janes has today announced an agreement to acquire the defence market analytics business – also known as Global Platforms and Systems (GPS) – from Avascent to support its industry intelligence solutions and enhance the offering it provides to customers.

How to Maximize Your Education's Value After Serving in the Military

Source : © European Union, 2020 - EP

The first meeting of the newly created European Defence Standardisation Committee (EDSC) was held recently at EDA (via videoconference). The new body, which replaces the former Materiel Standardisation Group, will support and coordinate participating Member States’ efforts to move towards enhanced European defence standardisation with the aim of facilitating CSDP missions & operations and strengthening the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB).  

The EDSC’s goal is to coordinate and – over time – define practical and tangible deliverables that will support collaborative defence capability development, enhancing standardisation processes towards ensuring an up-to-date Defence Standardisation policy. One of the novel approaches of the new committee is to interact with a wider range of standardisation stakeholders, bringing together participating Member States with high-level representatives from various EU institutions, international organisations, industry associations and even relevant non-EU stakeholders of the defence standardisation community.  

The first EDSC meeting, which took place on 27 October, gathered representatives from 17 countries (participating EDA Member States as well as Ukraine, which has signed an Administrative Agreement with EDA and is a regular EDSC member), the European Commission (DG DEFIS), the EU Military Staff (EUMS),  NATO Standardisation Office (NSO), the European Committee for Standardization and Electrotechnical Standardization (CEN-CENELEC), the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) as well as the standardisation body for the European aerospace industry (ASD-STAN). They agreed on some key future actions to support the European Defence Standardisation Strategy and its implementation plan, namely by creating expert forums for the restructuring of the European Defence Standardisation governance, such as the European Defence Standardisation Management Group (EDSMG), a body that will serve to bridge the strategic decisions with the practical implementing of the European Defence Standardisation Strategy at expert level.  
 

EDSTAR review 

Participants of the first EDSC meeting also discussed the upcoming launch of an EDA study, which will analyse the European Defence Standards Reference System (EDSTAR), a web platform set up by EDA in 2011, which offers guidance to governmental organisations and defence industry on the use of roughly 2,500 standards and “standard-like” specifications to optimise effectiveness, efficiency, and interoperability of their application. The EDSTAR review is one of the actions foreseen under the standardisation implementation plan. The aim of the study is to assess whether EDSTAR is still the most appropriate and efficient online standardisation tool for supporting the full spectrum of EU defence cooperation, interoperability, and capabilities development. EDSTAR study’s results will serve as a basis for deciding on the way ahead in European defence standardisation. 

Overall, EDSC decision outcomes will draw comprehensive roadmaps for European defence standardisation in the years to come. The next EDSC meeting in 2021 will have important standardisation actors on board, such as the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) – following the recent contribution agreements signed between the European Commission and OCCAR for management of defence ESSOR projects – and other key international civilian and military standardisation bodies. 

 

The 5th Army Aviation Regiment is the first unit to phase out its AB-205 Huey helicopters after completing the transition to the NH-90. The 5th Army Aviation Regiment of the Italian Army (5° Reggimento Aviazione [...]

The post Farewell Huey! The Italian Army Begins To Slowly Retire The AB-205 After More Than 50 Years Of Service appeared first on The Aviationist.

How to Gamble While You are in a Military Base

For first time, a new CMV-22B Osprey carried out landings and take-offs from the flight deck of an aircraft carrier. On Nov. 22, 2020, a CMV-22B tilt-rotor aircraft of the “Titans” of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission [...]

The post CMV-22B Osprey Makes First Ever Landings And Take-Offs From An Aircraft Carrier appeared first on The Aviationist.

The Letter of Request mentions the need for the fifth generation aircraft to be delivered in 2021. The Greek government officially requested an urgent purchase of Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fifth generation aircraft for [...]

The post Greece Officially Requests Urgent Purchase Of Second-Hand F-35s appeared first on The Aviationist.

U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers from Minot Air Force Base have conducted a surprise, round-trip to the Persian Gulf area “to deter aggression and reassure U.S. partners and allies”. On Nov. 21, 2020, [...]

The post U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress Bombers Conduct Short-Notice Long-Range Deterrence Mission Into Middle East appeared first on The Aviationist.

The maiden flight of the XB-70A ended with tire blowout and fire. With a planned cruise speed of Mach 3 and operational altitude of 70,000 feet, the B-70 Valkyrie was slated to be the ultimate [...]

The post Watch The First XB-70A Valkyrie Suffer Tire blowout And Brake Fire After Emergency Landing On Maiden Flight appeared first on The Aviationist.

Spanish Air Force EF-18 Hornets are involved in the recertification after the MLU (Mid-Life Upgrade) of the Taurus 350 missile. Three EF-18M Hornet (C.15 in accordance with the local designation) jets and a team of [...]

The post Interesting Photos Of Spanish EF-18 Hornet With Inert Upgraded Taurus 350 Stand-off Air-Launched Cruise Missile appeared first on The Aviationist.

Defence Ministers met today at EDA’s Ministerial Steering Board (in virtual format) under the chairmanship of the Head of the Agency, High Representative Josep Borrell.

Ministers were presented with the final report of the first cycle of the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) developed by the European Defence Agency in close coordination with the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the EU Military Staff (EUMS)  over the past 12 months. The report, approved today by Ministers, draws for the first time a comprehensive picture of the European defence landscape based on information gathered by Member States on their national defence spending and capability development plans, and identifies more than 100 collaborative opportunities to be taken up by Member States in six main focus areas. 

The CARD is designed to serve as a pathfinder for new collaborative programmes and to lead over time to more synergies and increased coherence between Member States´ defence planning, spending and capability development, through cooperation. The findings and recommendations of the first CARD report can be found here. 
 

2021 Budget

Ministers adopted the proposal made by the Head of the Agency, Josep Borrell, setting the Agency’s 2021 general budget at €37.5 million. The budget reflects the continuous high demands on the Agency to support Member States in the development of defence capabilities as well as the implementation of EU defence initiatives such as CARD, the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) and the European Defence Fund (EDF).
 

Three-Year Planning Framework 

Ministers also approved EDA’s Three-Year Planning Framework (2021-2023) which provides a coherent and comprehensive overview of the Agency’s activities structured around the three chapters reflecting its core taskings: - prioritising and planning defence cooperation; - supporting technology and capability development; - facilitating the interface with wider EU policies. Each chapter of the Planning Framework elaborates on key activities which EDA is undertaking, providing an overview of the nature, scope and expected impact of the Agency’s activities in support of overarching policy objectives and the added value for Member States.
 

More information

• CARD Press Release (in different languages)
• CARD factsheet
• CARD summary report
• CARD video

 

The first ever overview of the European defence landscape, the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) report, identifies significant avenues for European defence cooperation with 55 new opportunities for countries to develop defence capabilities together. It recommends six next generation high impact capabilities as focus areas for joint European development efforts. The review also finds that the European defence landscape is characterised by high levels of fragmentation and low investment in cooperation.

Americas

Bell Boeing won a maximum $36.5 million contract modification to extend the period of performance for delivery of V-22 spare consumable and depot-level repairable parts. The V-22 Osprey is a joint-service, medium-lift, multimission tilt-rotor aircraft developed by Boeing and Bell Helicopters. Boeing is responsible for the fuselage, landing gear, avionics, electrical and hydraulic systems, performance and flying qualities. The aircraft operates as a helicopter when taking off and landing vertically. The nacelles rotate 90° forward once airborne, converting the aircraft into a turboprop aircraft. Work will take place in Maryland, Texas and Pennsylvania. Estimated completion date is May 10, 2023.

The US Army will seek solicitations to build the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle, a replacement for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. A competitive request for proposals is expected to be released on or about Dec. 18, Brig. Gen. Ross Coffman, director of the Next Generation Combat Vehicles Cross-Functional Team, said this week. The vehicle’s name derives from one of the features demanded by the Army, which is its capability to engage in close combat and then be piloted remotely after troops disembark. The request for proposals will ask for concept designs, and up to five companies will be awarded contracts in June 2021, with a detailed design expected by early 2023, Coffman said.

Middle East & Africa

The final class of Afghan A-29 students pilots at Moody Air Force Base has graduated on November 13. Kelli Seybolt, deputy under secretary of the Air Force for international affairs said this group was one of the strongest classes in the program, which has saw more than 30 student pilots and 70 maintenance technicians graduating over the past five years.

A three-day exercise between Cyprus and Israel from November 17-19 saw Israeli F-35s flying over Limassol and Paphos to test the local air defense system. Exercise ONSHILOS-GEDEON takes place in the Nicosia FIR. The Cyprus-Israel joint three-day military exercise was completed with absolute success, the Defense Ministry said. The exercise falls under the Bilateral Defense Cooperation Program between the Republic of Cyprus and Israel. The purpose of the exercise was to bring personnel up to speed with tactics and developments in the air defence sector, to increase their combat capability, as well as to gain experience from cooperation with the IAF.

Europe

Germany’s defense minister, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, reinforced her position this week that Europe still depends on United States security guarantees. The United States will remain “the most important ally in security and defense policy,” Kramp-Karrenbauer said in a speech. “Without the nuclear and conventional capabilities of the US, Germany and Europe cannot protect themselves. These are the sobering facts.” Kramp-Karrenbauer reiterated the view that Europe needs US help “for the foreseeable future.” This followed French President Emmanuel Macron “profoundly” disagreeing in an interview on Monday, suggesting that European nations must increase their own defense abilities to earn US respect.

Asia-Pacific

India’s navy received its ninth P-8i surveillance aircraft on Wednesday, manufacturer Boeing Co. reported. The plane is the first delivered under an option contract, signed in 2016, for four additional aircraft, the remaining three of which are expected to arrive in 2021. The Indian navy was the first international customer to receive the plane, in 2013. The P-8i is modified from the Boeing 737-800ERX passenger plane and built originally for the US Navy. It is used in anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and shipping interdiction roles. Armed with torpedoes, Harpoon anti-ship missiles and other weapons, it can drop and monitor sonobuoys, and can operate in combination with Northrop Grumman’s MQ-4C Triton maritime surveillance drone.

Today’s Video

Watch: India should Procure at-least 10 more P-8I | 9TH DELIVERED | 18 in plan

The F-5 flew for more than 170,000 hours and contributed to the training of over 1,000 fighter pilots. The Spanish Air Force (Ejército del Aire) reached the historic milestone of 50 years of service of [...]

The post The F-5 Freedom Fighter Reaches 50 Years Of Service In The Spanish Air Force appeared first on The Aviationist.

One of the Blue Angels “Legacy” F/A-18C Hornet has joined the collection of the National Air and Space Museum. On Nov. 18, 2020, an F/A-18C of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, piloted by Cmdr. [...]

The post First Blue Angels F/A-18C Has Arrived At The National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center appeared first on The Aviationist.

Americas

Honeywell International won a $25.7 million deal for the manufacture of four parts associated with the wheels and brakes used in support of the F/A-18 aircraft.  This contract includes a three-year base period with no options. F/A-18 Hornet became the nation’s first all-weather fighter and attack aircraft, and was designed for traditional strike applications such as interdiction and close air support without compromising its fighter capabilities. The F/A-18 A-D is employed in Marine Corps fighter attack squadrons, US Navy and Marine Corps Reserve squadrons, the Navy Flight Demonstration Team (Blue Angles), and various other fleet support roles. F/A-18E/F Super Hornet entered fleet service in 1999, as the replacement for the F-14 Tomcat. The Super Hornet is the second major model upgrade since the inception of the F/A-18 aircraft program highly capable across the full mission spectrum: air superiority, fighter escort, reconnaissance, aerial refueling, close air support, air defense suppression and day/night precision strike. The single-seat F/A-18E and the two-seat F/A-18F are high performance, twin-engine, mid-wing, and multi-mission tactical aircraft designed to replace the F/A-18C (single-seat) and F/A-18D (two-seat) aircraft as they reach the end of their service lives and retire. Work will take place in Indiana and is expected to be finished by December 2023.

Testing of a new fan rotor design for the Pratt & Whitney F135 turbofan engine has resumed at Arnold Air Force Base. Being carried out at the J2 Engine Test Cell, work had started back in 2019 but put on pause as the cell required scheduled maintenance. “Test results to date have been positive and encouraging, and early results allowed us to complete an AMT (Accelerated Mission Test) with the same newly-designed rotor,” said 2nd Lt. Gregory Landrum, AEDC Jet Engine Test project manager.

Middle East & Africa

According to the Time of Israel, a program designed to teach newly discharged combat soldiers cybersecurity skills and help them find jobs as the coronavirus pandemic wreaks havoc on the economy has won an innovation award by the chief of staff of the Israeli Defense Forces. The six-month bootcamp, called Cyber4s, was developed by Scale-Up Velocity, a nonprofit organization that partners with tech firms and academic and training institutions to set up initiatives to help Israel’s tech industry tap into talented human capital.

Europe

Lithuania signed for four Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk transport and utility helicopters, the country’s Ministry of National Defence announced. The $213 million procurement, which will be paid off over five years, includes additional equipment, spares, and a training, repair, and logistical support package. The US government is providing $30 million to support the purchase, and has cleared the sale of a further two helicopters should the Lithuanian Armed Forces request them. News of the contract came four months after the US State Department approved the sale to Lithuania of six Black Hawks for $380 million.

Hungary has placed an order for two C-390 cargo planes with Embraer. The planes will be used for air-to-air refueling, tactical airlift and medical evacuation. Embraer says the delivery is to start in 2023. “Following the procurement of personnel air transport capabilities in 2018, we will see the arrival of KC-390 aircraft to Hungary in 2023-24, able to deliver large military loads in an operational environment, as well as providing air-to-air refueling services. We are acquiring a multi-role transport fleet for the Hungarian Defense Forces to fulfill the widest possible range of tasks within the national framework, in a sovereign way, ”said Gáspár Maróth, government commissioner responsible for defense development.

Asia-Pacific

According to news reports, the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) has assigned an officer to Vandenberg Air Force Base, California since October 15. The motive is to coordinate space surveillance between both countries. Japan is preparing to build its own space surveillance system by 2025.

Today’s Video

Watch: Embraer KC-390 Impressive Take off (Paris Air Show 2019)

At the initiative of the FEMM Committee, the European Parliament held its first ever European Gender Equality Week during the last week of October 2020.
2020 is a special year, marking the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This important milestone provides an excellent opportunity to discuss the achievements and future challenges for the advancement of girls' and women's rights and gender equality. Therefore, the European Parliament held for the first time its European Gender Equality Week, which gave much-needed input to the long lasting battle for women's empowerment and gender equality as well as more visibility and recognition to gender mainstreaming in all policy areas.

Many committees took part in the Gender Equality Week and organized events during the last days of October, while some others will look into gender mainstreaming aspects in their fields of competences later this year.

Please consult below the Programme and details of events happening during the European Gender Equality Week.

Location : European Parliament
Programme of the Gender Equality Week
Programme of Subsequent Events of the Gender Equality Week
Watch again the committee events
Public Hearing on "Trafficking in human beings" (Joint LIBE - FEMM) (26 October 2020)
Public Hearing on “Beating Breast Cancer: Challenges and opportunities” (BECA, in association with FEMM) (27 October 2020)
Public Hearing on "Women and digitalisation" (FEMM, in association with AIDA) (28 October 2020)
Presentation on "Placing care at the heart of the EU’s recovery efforts" (EMPL) (28 October 2020)
Public Hearing on "Women in Transport" (TRAN) (29 October 2020)
Exchange of views on the "UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security" (SEDE) (29 October 2020)
Presentation of the Gender Equality Index 2020 (FEMM) (29 October 2020)
EP Research Service Topical Digest on "Gender Equality - A review in progress"
Gender Equality week - Presentation video
Communication
     Press release: "Parliament launches its first European Gender Equality Week"
     #EPGenderEqualityWeek on Twitter
     #EPGenderEqualityWeek on Facebook
     Speech of David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament
Source : © European Union, 2020 - EP