Jane's Defense News

Event Former presidential candidate Henrique Capriles announced on 24 October that he was withdrawing from the opposition coalition Democratic Unity Roundtable (Mesa de la Unidad Democrática: MUD) and called for the creation of a new opposition alliance. Capriles conditioned his return to the

Key Points The youth vote and broader desire for change is likely to strengthen Weah’s prospects, although greater policy continuity would be likely under Boakai. The CDC performed strongly in parliamentary elections, placing the coalition in a strong position whether as the ruling party or

Key Points PT PAL’s bid to secure more international orders for its LPD-like platform hampered by ongoing corruption allegations Company calls on government to expedite legal processes against accused parties to avoid further damage to Indonesia’s defence exports Separate talks to

The Japanese Ministry of Defense (MoD) is increasing efforts to promote Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ (KHI’s) C-2 medium transport aircraft to international customers, it confirmed on 6 October. The MoD said in a statement that, for the first time, it is flying the C-2 to foreign countries

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) is to propose a 2018 defence budget of TWD327.8 billion (USD10.8 billion), state-run news in the country reported on 7 October. The allocation, which will be submitted to the Legislative Yuan on 11 October, represents an increase of about 1.9% (or

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) has revealed production details for the 36 Saab Gripen E/F (F-39) combat aircraft it ordered for around USD5.4 billion in 2014, and told Jane’s on 5 October that deliveries will run from 2019 to 2024. Brazil’s Gripens will begin a certification process in

Australian company Quickstep announced on 9 October plans to streamline its board of directors in line with its continuing restructuring. The firm, a specialist in advanced composites, said three of its non-executive directors (Nigel Ampherlaw, Peter Cook, and Errol McCormack) are retiring and will

Saab signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Thai industrial estate developer Amata on 5 October to study areas of industry and technology collaboration. The MOU is in support of Saab’s potential involvement in Amata’s plans to create a ‘smart city’ and an aerospace

Key Points The Swedish Army’s new Mjolner twin 120 mm mortar system is expected to undergo firing trials Forty Swedish Army CV90 infantry fighting vehicles will be equipped with the Mjolner system BAE Systems Hagglunds is set to conduct manned firing trials of a prototype/demonstrator of

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral John Richardson approved the requirements on 3 October for a future frigate to replace the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), officials told Jane’s . With the CNO’s approval, the US Navy (USN) is now cleared to seek requests for proposals (RFPs) for the

Lockheed Martin has developed a new flexible solar array that delivers 50% more power than legacy arrays at 30% less mass, according to a company statement. Lockheed Martin recently completed the first flight build of its new Multi-Mission Modular Solar Array, which advances the company’s

The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) and amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) were preparing on 6 October to leave their homeport in Mayport, Florida, to sail to the United State's Gulf Coast to help the region in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Nate, which is projected

Bankrupt Serbian defence and heavy vehicle manufacturer IMK 14 Oktobar is to be acquired by Czech-owned company Czechoslovak Group (CSG), the company has announced. Following the approval of IMK 14 Oktobar’s creditors and the Serbian Bankruptcy Supervision Agency, ownership of the company was

Indonesia displayed several new platforms during a 5 October military parade held in the coastal city of Cilegon, Banten Province, to mark the 72nd anniversary of its armed forces. Among the platforms shown were an AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter and a prototype of the Kaplan MT Modern

US aerospace and defence manufacturer Boeing announced on 5 October that it is seeking to acquire Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation, a specialist in innovative autonomous systems and technologies, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), electric air propulsion, and aircraft design. Following

Bulgaria will not rush the procurement of a new fighter for its air force and will only buy a new-build aircraft if it can be paid over a longer period of time than initially envisaged, Defence Minister Krasimir Karakachanov said in an interview with Bulgarian bTV on 5 October. He added that the

Key Points Ukraine’s chief military prosecutor has detailed the Russian contingent now supporting the separatists in the country’s Donbass region Anatoly Matios says the number of Russian nationals now fighting in the region has reached 11,000 The number of Russian nationals fighting

An Indian Air Force (IAF) Mil Mi-17V-5 medium-lift helicopter crashed in India’s mountainous northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh on 6 October, killing all seven service personnel on board. IAF officials said the twin-engine platform crashed at approximately 6.00 h local time in a hilly

Event Three US army special forces troops and five Nigerien soldiers were killed on 4 October while on joint patrol in Niger’s western Tillaberi region, near the Malian border. Another two US soldiers were wounded when the patrol was ambushed in the village of Tongo Tongo by assailants

Key Points The MSV(L) will replace Vietnam-era LCM-8 landing craft The US Army plans to buy a class of 36 MSV(L) watercraft The US Army has selected Oregon-based Vigor Works to build a new fleet of watercraft to replace its outdated Vietnam-era Landing Craft Mechanized 8 (LCM-8) Mod I and Mod II