Defence`s Feeds

On the first day of the 7-8 June NATO defence ministers meetings in Brussels, the Belgian, Danish, and Dutch ministers signed a memorandum of understanding to create a composite special operations component command (C-SOCC), NATO announced on 7 June. Scheduled to reach its initial operational

Embraer is looking to secure its first European customer for the EMB-314/A-29 Super Tucano light attack turboprop, a company official said on 7 June. Speaking at the SMi Close Air Support (CAS) conference in London, Embraer’s vice president for sales in Europe and North Africa, Simon Johns,

AT LEAST two people - including the head of a voter registration centre - were killed and two others wounded during when an unspecified explosive device detonated on the outskirts of Pul-e Khumri city in Afghanistan's Baghlan province on 6 June, Khaama Press reported. No group immediately claimed

TWO civilians were wounded during an attack involving an unspecified explosive device conducted by unidentified militants near Pincho Mandi Chatabal area in Srinagar district in India's Jammu and Kashmir state on 16 May, Daily Excelsior reported. The militants also threw a grenade at the team of

The Finnish Ministry of Defence (MoD) has reported a decrease in the value of realised defence exports for 2017. According to the MoD, which has oversight of defence exports and licensing, Finland exported EUR106.4 million (USD125.6 million) worth of equipment in 2017: a decline from EUR133.3

FLIR Systems is offering a new version of its Black Hornet Personal Reconnaissance System (PRS) that enables the Nano Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (NUAV) the ability to navigate in GPS-denied environments. The Black Hornet 3 is a new UAV, completely designed from scratch compared with earlier Black

ANARCHIST assailants threw an incendiary device - described in reports as a firebomb - at a police riot van transferring officers that were guarding the Turkish Consulate in the city of Thessaloniki in Greece's Central Macedonia region on 2 June, Ekathimerini reported. No casualties were reported.

A new unmanned influence sweep prototype is intended to clear the way for the restoration of the Royal Navy’s minesweeping capability. Richard Scott reports Minesweeping is a term historically used to describe the clearing of moored contact mines through the use of towed mechanical (wire)

Jordan has received back into service the first of 12 Bell AH-1F Cobra attack helicopters that are being put through an extensive upgrade process. Northrop Grumman, which as a subcontractor to Science and Engineering Services (SES) is updating the avionics of the 1980s-vintage helicopters,

Key Points The plan is for 30 battalions, 30 air squadrons, and 30 warships to be ready to deploy in 30 days The “four-thirties” plan is to be approved by the NATO summit to be held in Brussels on 11–12 July NATO defence ministers gave the nod on 7 June to a new readiness

Key Points The Organization of American States has agreed to facilitate development of electoral reforms with President Daniel Ortega, the results of which are projected for January 2019, which increases the likelihood of a prolonged government hold on power. If the government rejects reform

The Philippines is looking to acquire a further 12 Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) FA-50PH Fighting Eagle light combat and trainer aircraft to add to 12 already received, national media reported on 8 June. Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana was quoted as saying that the country’s President

MEDIA reports on 1 June stated that within one week of the 13 and 14 May Islamist militant suicide attacks in Surabaya in Indonesia's East Java, security forces had arrested 74 suspected militants in the capital Jakarta, Sumatra, Riau, and other unspecified locations throughout Indonesia, Republika

IN A STATEMENT released on 1 June, chief of police Tito Karnavian stated that 41 people had been arrested in Indonesia's East Java province on unspecified dates in alleged connection to the Islamist militant suicide attacks conducted in Surabaya in East Java on 13 and 14 May, BBC Monitoring

Thailand’s military government has set a defence budget of THB227.67 billion (USD7.1 billion) for fiscal year 2019. Documents published by the government’s Bureau of the Budget show that the new expenditure is an increase of THB9.16 billion – or 4.2% - over actual defence spending

AT LEAST six army personnel - including a junior commissioned officer - were killed and one other was wounded when unidentified militants from Afghanistan's Paktika province launched a cross-border attack in the Shawal Valley area in North Waziristan Agency in Pakistan's Federally Administered

On 7 June 2018, the European Defence Agency (EDA) and the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) co-organised the conference “Military Mobility – Key to European Security” in Brussels. Political and military decision-makers including Federica Mogherini, Head of the European Defence Agency, High-Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission, Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Krasimir Karakachanov, NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller and EDA Chief Executive Jorge Domecq as well as Ministers and high level officials of Member States and allied countries, EU bodies, NATO, and other relevant stakeholders assessed progress in and exchanged views on European military mobility.

Military Mobility is key to European security. Today’s security environment demands the smooth, efficient and effective movement of military personnel and assets within and beyond the European Union. As a complex and multidimensional issue, military mobility requires a ‘whole-of-government’ approach whilst respecting national sovereignty.

The EU’s Action Plan on Military Mobility, presented by HR/VP Federica Mogherini and the European Commission on 28 March 2018, outlines the steps the European Union is taking to improve Military Mobility. The Action Plan builds on the Roadmap on Cross-Border Military Transportation developed by the European Defence Agency and in close cooperation and coordination with all relevant actors, including NATO.  

In his opening speech, Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Krasimir Karakachanov, said: “The boundaries between internal and external security issues are getting less distinct, the hybrid nature of conflicts is already established as a rule. Improving military mobility is key to the EU's ability to effectively carry out its Common Security and Defense Policy’s operations. Assuring fast and efficient movement of military contingents and materiel, within and outside EU territory, will enable our Union to effectively react to the challenges of the contemporary highly dynamic strategic environment”.

In his closing speech, Jorge Domecq, Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency, emphasized that “Military mobility is not just about defence. A whole of government approach is necessary to achieve results. At EU level we already took our share of responsibility and all relevant EU institutions, agencies and bodies are already working hand in hand to better serve the Member States’ needs. Looking at the European Council at the end of June, it is important for Heads of States and Government to address the issue in order to mobilise a whole of government approach.”

At the conference, high-level speakers from national governments and armed forces as well as NATO representatives and European defence actors discussed the way ahead in key note speeches and two panel discussions focussing on synergies and coordination as well as on military requirements for military mobility respectively. 
 

More information:

• Full conference programme
• EDA Factsheet on Military Mobility
• EDA Chief Executive Jorge Domecq - closing speech
• Video: speech by Head of EDA - HR/VP Federica Mogherini 
• Speech by Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Krassimir Karakachanov
• Speech Dutch Defence Minister Ank Bijleveld
• Speech NATO Dep.Sec.Gen. Rose Gottemoeller
• Speech by Richard Landolt, Senior Civilian Secretary of Defense Representative Europe and Defense Advisor to the US Mission to NATO
   

 

Studio Leaks Say Kilmer Will Join Tom Cruise in Anticipated Sequel Titled “Top Gun: Maverick” Every Hollywood entertainment news outlet lit up on Wednesday night with the news that actor Val Kilmer would return in the highly-anticipated sequel film “Top Gun: Maverick”. Kilmer played U.S. Navy Lt. Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in the original 1986 “Top […]

The further development of the Common Position 2008/944/CFSP on arms exports control

Tuesday 19/06/2018 - 9:30-10:30
Paul-Henri Spaak building - room P5B001 - Brussels

The Common position 2008/944/CFSP on arms exports dates back to the pre-Lisbon setup of the EU institutional system.
Since then, developments in the EU's geopolitical environment and geostrategic context have taken place. Technological developments in the military sphere also impact the future of warfare.
In this context, and at the dawn of broader and deeper EU-level defence cooperation, an overhaul of the Common position could be necessary.
The aim of the workshop is to present a forward-looking and stimulating reflection on what could be the evolution of the EU arms export control system, in the context of the current and upcoming developments.

Contacts and registration: poldep-expo@europarl.europa.eu
Further information
Programme workshop
Source : © European Union, 2018 - EP

Americas

• Lockheed Martin is being tapped for work in support of the Air Force’s Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) system. The $9.2 million cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order provides for the continued conversion of the JASSM Extended Range (ER) missile operational flight program (MOFP) software baseline. The 2,000-pound AGM-158 JASSM is intended to be a stealthy, inexpensive GPS/IIR guided cruise missile. It’s designed to attack well-defended targets without putting its carrier aircraft in the crosshairs of new long-range surface to air missile systems. The JASSM-ER shares about 70% of hardware and 95% of the software with the normal JASSM. The Extended Range version however comes with an increased range of over 500 nautical miles and is certified for use in environments where GPS is heavily jammed, or not available. A preliminary software design review includes both the MOFP and an integrated flight simulation. Under this contract Lockheed will provide support, source data and analysis so that the government can obtain an authority to operate the C++ version of the JASSM-ER weapon system. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida, and is expected to be complete by August 2019.

• The Navy is contracting Boeing for design agent and technical engineering services for the AN/USQ-82(V) family of systems. Boeing will provide advanced and highly specialized technical engineering to assist with system sustainment, cybersecurity and system integration under this $15.8 million contract. The AN/USQ-82(V) family of systems include a data multiplex system, fiber optic data multiplex system, and gigabit ethernet data multiplex system. This family has been developed for use on the Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers. The AN/USQ-82(V) family allows for network transfers inputs and outputs for the Burke-class destroyer’s machinery control systems, damage control system, steering control system, Aegis combat system, navigation displays, and interior communications alarms and indicators. It is designed to transfer data via a reliable, redundant, mission-critical network aboard Navy surface warships. It offers enhanced network communication capabilities by providing an IP-based backbone that supports multimedia services such as video and data. The cumulative value of the contract could rise to $82 million if all included options are exercised. Work will be performed at multiple locations, including Huntington Beach, California; Arlington, Virginia and Pascagoula, Mississippi. The contract is expected to be completed by May 2019.

Middle East & Africa

• One of Belgium’s NH-90 transport helicopter has reportedly carried out its first operational mission in Mali. The NH-90 emerged from a requirement that created a NATO helicopter development and procurement agency in 1992. The nearest equivalent would be Sikorsky’s popular Black Hawk family, but the NH-90 includes a set of innovative features that give it some distinguishing selling points. Its combination of corrosion-proofing, lower maintenance, greater troop or load capacity, and the flexibility offered by that rear ramp have made the NH-90 a popular global competitor. The NH-90 TTH base variant for land and air forces can carry between 12-20 troops and can load about 5,500 pounds. The NH-90 Fame MEDEVAC variant adds 2 intensive care bays for treating wounded personnel, on-board equipment, and seats for the medical team. Belgium nation has currently two NH-90s deployed in Mali in support of the United Nations peacekeeping mission. They became operational in March and will be used to transport wounded to specialized emergency stations. Initial deployment is four months, but this can be extended.

• The South African defense manufacturer ADG Mobility has successfully tested its 4×4 and 6×6 versions of the Ural Next range of trucks. The Ural Next series of trucks are the latest versions of Ural trucks that have been in service with Soviet-aligned countries since the early 1960s. The Ural Next is the successor of the Russian Ural-4320 heavy high mobility truck, designed for tough off-road conditions. Changes over the previous Ural-4320 include new cab, new engine and a number of other detailed modifications. However, it uses the same chassis and many automotive components are interchangeable between the Ural Next and Ural-4320. So, the Ural Next is rather an upgraded version than an entirely new design. The URAL 6×6 is also the basis for the Ural Taifun mine-resistant, ambush protected (MRAP) vehicle, in use by the Russian military. The main role of Ural Taifun is to carry troops in combat theatres where mines and improvised explosive devices are likely to be encountered. Alternatively, this vehicle can be used as command post or armored ambulance. The South African company imported these vehicles for delivery to the military of South Africa and the armed forces of Southern African Development Community region. The trucks are already in use by the militaries Namibia, Angola and Mozambique.

Europe

• The Italian defense contractor Leonardo has launched a more powerful version of its BriteCloud decoy jammer. This new version has been optimized for the protection of medium and large transport aircraft. The BriteCloud 55-T fits in the same 55 mm chaff and flare dispenser as the fighter variant. It can also be fitted into a square format dispenser using an adapter magazine as required. The system emits a stronger decoy radar signature to mimic the size of a transport aircraft. A BriteCloud decoy is released after an incoming missile has been detected by an aircraft’s radar warning receivers and generates a false radar target which draws the weapon away from its intended target. The BriteCloud 55-T can be installed on C-27J Spartan, A400M, KC-390 and C-130 aircraft. Other assets which could benefit from carrying the expendable decoy include air-to-air refueling aircraft and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms, it adds.

• The UK Royal Navy is fitting its Type 45 destroyer with the Shaman communications electronic support measures (CESM) system. The HMS Defender is the first vessel to receive the system which is based on the US Navy’s AN/SSQ-130(V) Ship’s Signal Exploitation Equipment (SSEE) Increment F. SSEE essentially is a signals exploitation system that allows the operators to monitor and analyze signals of interest aboard a variety of ship classes. The Royal Navy has described the Shaman as “an essential information, surveillance, targeting, and reconnaissance tool in the delivery of maritime force protection, security and maneuver”.

Asia-Pacific

• The government of Japan is set to receive one E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Aircraft as part of A US foreign military sale. The $135 million fixed-price-incentive contract will be exercised by Northrop Grumman. The E-2D Hawkeye is a carrier-capable “mini-AWACS” aircraft, designed to give long-range warning of incoming aerial threats. Secondary roles include strike command and control, land and maritime surveillance, search and rescue, communications relay, and even civil air traffic control during emergencies. The Hawkeye is based on the same airframe as the USA’s C-2 Greyhound cargo aircraft, with the obvious 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. Work will be performed at various locations inside and outside the continental US including St. Augustine, Florida; Syracuse, New York; Melbourne, Florida and Aire-sur-l’Adour, France. Work is expected to be completed in March 2020.

Today’s Video

• British Army tests its LandCeptor missile.