DTN News - IRAN DEFENSE NEWS: Iran Unveils Two Indigenous Helicopters

DTN News - IRAN DEFENSE NEWS: Iran Unveils Two Indigenous Helicopters

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Press TV
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - December 18, 2012: Iran has unveiled two domestically-produced helicopters at the sixth aerospace industry exhibition in the country’s southern Kish Island in the Persian Gulf.

At the four-day event, the Iranian military showcased two semi-heavy and medium-weight military choppers, Panha-1 and Panha-2, which can carry 14 and 8 people, respectively 


Iran has presented two new helicopter of its own production at the recently opened exhibition of airlines and aviation equipment on the island of Kish, said on Tuesday the Iranian news agency Fars.

In the presence of Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi presented two model helicopter "Panha 1" and "Panha 2."

"Panha 1" - a model of medium-lift helicopter, capable of carrying 14 people, which is suitable for both military and civilian purposes.
"Panha 2" - a model of a light class, capable of carrying eight passengers.

The exhibition, which runs until 14 December, was also a model helicopter "Shahriar", which is a modified version of the twin-engine helicopter Bell 214ST, developed by U.S. company Bell Helicopter Textron.

"Shahriar" has been completely changed by Iranian experts and can carry about 20 people.


Their main task is to provide logistical support for the armed forces and take part in military missions. 

Shahriar, a completely overhauled medium-lift, twin-engine helicopter with a capacity of 20 passengers, was also displayed during the ceremony. 

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony of the exhibition, Managing-Director of Iranian Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO) Manouchehr Manteqi said Iran is ready to export the two indigenous choppers. 

In recent years, Iran has made great achievements in the defense sector and gained self-sufficiency in the production of essential military hardware and defense systems. 


*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Press TV
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DTN News - JAPAN DEFENSE NEWS: Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force JGSDF Annual Military Exercise At Foot of Mt. Fuji

DTN News - JAPAN DEFENSE NEWS: Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force JGSDF Annual Military Exercise At Foot of Mt. Fuji

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Pictures of The Day
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 21, 2012: Japan Ground Self-Defense Force JGSDF  annual military exercise at the Higashi-Fuji firing range in Gotemba, at the foot of Mt. Fuji in Shizuoka prefecture on August 21, 2012. 

The annual drill involves some 2,400 personnel, 80 tanks and armoured vehicles and 30 aircraft and helicopters.

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force JGSDF, is the Armed Force of Japan. The largest of the three services of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, the Ground Self-Defense Force operates under the command of the chief of the ground staff, based in the city of Ichigaya, Tokyo. The present chief of ground staff is General Eiji Kimizuka. The JGSDF numbers around 148,000 soldiers.

The JGSDF was formed from July 1, 1954. For decades its primary concern was internal security in Japan and the opposition of any Soviet invasion of Hokkaido, but with the end of the Cold War, this focus is changing.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Pictures of The Day
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*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News: British Official ~ More Helicopters Needed in Afghanistan

DTN News: British Official ~ More Helicopters Needed in Afghanistan *Source: DTN News / Defense Media (NSI News Source Info) LONDON, U.K. - July 23, 2009: Britain's resigning junior foreign minister said on July 22 more helicopters were needed in Afghanistan, piling pressure on Prime Minister Gordon Brown amid a row over adequate resources for troops. Lord Mark Malloch-Brown also told the Daily Telegraph the British public had not been properly warned about the current offensive against Taliban militants in Afghanistan's Helmand province, before a recent rise in troop deaths. Malloch-Brown, whose responsibilities as a Foreign Office minister include Afghanistan, announced this month he was resigning from the government for family and personal persons at the end of this week. "We definitely don't have enough helicopters. When you have these modern operations and insurgent strikes what you need, above all else, is mobility," Malloch-Brown said in an interview with the newspaper. The comments are a fresh blow for Brown, who has faced criticism from the main opposition Conservatives that his government is denying troops vital resources amid a surge in troop deaths in recent weeks. British soldiers serving in Afghanistan suffered their blackest day earlier this month, with eight troops dying within 24 hours. Since operations against the Taliban extremists began in October 2001, 187 British troops have been killed, more than the total number in Iraq. Senior military figures including army chief General Richard Dannatt have called for more troops and equipment for the seven-year-old conflict, which was stepped up last month with the new push in Helmand. Britain's recently-resigned defense secretary also added his voice last week to calls for more support for troops. Finance minister Alistair Darling insisted that the Treasury has not turned down requests from army commanders for more troops or equipment in Afghanistan. "The army has said this is what we want in terms of troops and equipment and we have provided that and financed it," Darling said in an interview with left-wing weekly Tribune magazine. Malloch-Brown, a former deputy secretary general of the U.N., told the Daily Telegraph he took partial responsibility for not properly informing the public about the latest offensive. "We didn't do a good job a month ago of warning the British public that we and the Americans were going on the offensive in Helmand. This is a new operation; the whole purpose is to win control. These deaths have happened ... after we chose to go on the offensive," he said. The recent loss of life has pushed the Afghan conflict to the top of the political agenda ahead of a general election which must be held by June 2010. Malloch-Brown refused to write off Brown's chances of leading the ruling Labour Party to victory but added: "It looks incredibly bleak." Asked if he believed Brown thought he could lose, he said: "No, I don't. That's one reason why, for all the criticism, he's a remarkable leader. He has this almost Churchillian faith in his belief that he can persuade the British public he's the one."

DTN News: India Fast-Track Acquisition For Defense ~ US Offers Its Coast Guard Choppers To India

DTN News: India Fast-Track Acquisition For Defense ~ US Offers Its Coast Guard Choppers To India (NSI News Source Info) NEW DELHI - June 9, 2009: The US has offered to lease out 12 of its Coast Guard's twin-engine helicopters to India which is looking to strengthen its coastal security following the Mumbai terror attacks.Dornier 228 NG ~ Purchased from Germany principally to be used as a light transport aircraft in the IAF, they are used in a variety of roles such as maritime patrol, search & rescue and reconnaissance in the Navy and in the Coast Guard. Both services operates 24 examples each of the type. The Do-228s complement the Tu-142 and the Il-38, in the maritime surveillance role, and are used to patrol coastal areas as well. In March 2005, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) cleared the induction of eleven Do-228-101 aircraft for the Indian Navy. Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee stated that the purchase of these aircraft along with spares, engines, ground support equipment and operational role equipment would cost Rs 726 crore including a foreign exchange component of Rs 431.65 crore. He also mentioned that these aircraft will be used for maritime surveillance. No.310 Cobras Squadron was re-commissioned, with six Do-228 aircraft, in the IW (Information Warfare) role. The squadron is based at INS Hansa at Dabolim, Goa and is used in the ELINT (Electronic Intelligence) role. A press release from the MoD, dated 17 August 2005, stated that the Indian Navy acquired ten Do-228 aircraft from November 1998 to December 1999, for a cost of Rs 388.30 crore. HAL has received a $72 million order for seven license-built Do-228-101 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) from the Coast Guard. They are likely to be supplemented by an additional 12 aircraft, in the follow-on five-year plan period after 2007. Deliveries were expected to commence in 2001 and was expected to take two years to complete. To date, there have been no confirmed reports from the Indian Coast Guard or HAL indicating that deliveries have taken place.*

"As the acquisition process will take time, we (India) want to have 12 twin-engine helicopters on lease for the Coast Guard. The US has offered to lease out its Coast Guard helicopters to us," a senior Defence Ministry official said here today.

However, India has also got some offers from within the country. But it has to be seen if these civilian helicopters would meet the Coast Guard's military needs, the official said.

Under the fast-track acquisition process, the Coast Guard was asked by the government to purchase 12 Dornier transport aircraft for medium-range surveillance activities and the proposal has been approved already.

"The purchase of 12 dorniers for the Coast Guard has been approved and government-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited will supply five Dorniers by this year end," the official said, when asked about the fast-track acquisition process in the wake of the 26/11 attacks.

The 12 twin-engine helicopters to be leased were meant to augment the Dornier fleet for surveillance and reconnaissance activities.

DTN News: Tata-Sikorsky Deal Ends HAL Aerospace Monopoly

DTN News: Tata-Sikorsky Deal Ends HAL Aerospace Monopoly

(NSI News Source Info) NEW DELHI - June 3, 2009: The monopoly held by India's state–owned aeronautic manufacturer, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), has been broken by the private firm Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. [TASL], which struck a joint venture with U.S.-based Sikorsky Aircraft to manufacture helicopters here. An executive of TASL said the helicopters will be built for both defense and civil purposes, and include utility and strike versions for the armed forces. Sikorsky is already in the race for India's program to procure 197 utility helos, along with AgustaWestland of the United Kingdom, Eurocopter of France , Kamov of Russia and Bell Helicopter of the United States. The joint venture between TASL and Sikorsky is being set up near the central Indian city of Hyderabad in an Aerospace Special Economic Zone. The joint venture will be built at a cost of $200 million and the plant will be commissioned in one year, added the TASL executive. Tata Group, which is the parent of TASL, already has an agreement with U.S. aerospace major Boeing to handle an initial $500 million of defense-related aerospace component work in India for export to Boeing. Last year, TASL announced that it is joining hands with EADS to bid for the Indian Army's $1 billion advanced tactical communications system project. TASL also signed a memorandum of understanding last year with Israel Aerospace Industries to set up a defense technology company in India to jointly produce a wide range of defense and aerospace products.

DTN News: Russian Military Helicopters Might Displayed During Victory Day Ceremony

DTN News: Russian Military Helicopters Might Displayed During Victory Day Ceremony

(NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW - June 2, 2009: Military helicopters fly in formation over Red Square in Moscow during a Victory Day ceremony May 9, 2009.

President Dmitry Medvedev warned against "military adventurism" on Saturday, saying Russia would firmly defend its interests -- just as it did during World War Two when the Soviet Union defeated fascism.

Medvedev, opening the biggest and most spectacular Victory Day parade in modern Russia's history, clearly aimed his warning at post-Soviet neighbour Georgia which Russia defeated in a five-day war last August.

Russian Helicopters Sees Lucrative Upgrade Market in Latin America

Russian Helicopters Sees Lucrative Upgrade Market in Latin America

(NSI News Source Info) RIO DE JANEIRO - April 17, 2009: Russian Helicopters expects big business in upgrades of military aircraft in Latin America, as well as some sales of the Mi-17 utility helo, said Vladimir Mikheyev, spokesman for the holding company that represents rotorcraft manufacturers. The Ka-226 light multi-purpose helicopter was designed to carry out emergency missions in urban and congested areas, and is capable of taking off and landing on small, unprepared grounds. The dimensions of the helicopter are minimal and it has no tail rotor, which excludes any damage from obstacles and is safer for ground personnel. By the effectiveness of usage the helicopter is optimized to carry out a wide spectrum of aviation works in different natural-environmental conditions. The machine can be involved in rescuing, fire fighting, police, or road, oil pipe or power line patrol operations. Ka-226 is suitable for operatively managing large cities and large agricultural complexes. Helicopters makers such Mil Military Helicopter, Kamov, Rostvertol and Kazan found a new market in the southern hemisphere in the 1990s when the collapse of the Soviet Union meant Washington dropped objections to South American countries buying military equipment from the Cold War enemy. Among countries looking to add to its Russian fleets is Peru, which is interested in buying a small number of the multipurpose Mi-17, as is Nicaragua, Colombia and Bolivia, Mikheyev said at the Latin America Aerospace and Defense show. Brazil bought 12 Mi-35 Ms (M for modernized), and the Air Force chief told Russian Helicopter executives at the show that the service wanted to buy more. A planned sale of the Mi-17 to Brazil fell through when the government ditched the Russian deal and bought 50 Eurocopter EC725 aircraft in December after French President Nicolas Sarkozy visited the country. The upgrade activities will draw on service centers in Mexico and Peru. Venezuela has obtained a license for local assembly of the Kamov 226, the twin-rotor aircraft with contra-rotational blades. Venezuela is also in discussions to buy new Mi-28s. In a deal with Turbomeca, Kamov will re-engine its 266 aircraft with the more powerful Arrius 2G1 motor built by the French company. The new model will be designated Kamov 266T (T for Turbomeca). Russian manufacturers acknowledge their weakness in advanced cockpit avionics and are open to installing European and American electronic equipment. "We are ready to fit Western systems," Mikheyev said. Progress, however, has been made, with the Uomz company building a FLIR electro-optical system, which has been sold to German, Italian, Polish and Spanish helicopter operators, he said.

U.S. Air Force Helicopter Pilots Train Japanese Forces JASDF On Air Refueling

U.S. Air Force Helicopter Pilots Train Japanese Forces JASDF On Air Refueling

(NSI News Source Info) KADENA AIR BASE, Japan - April 9, 2009: A team of HH-60G Pave Hawk pilots here provided a three-day intensive course on air refueling to Japanese Self Defense Forces helicopter rescue pilots in late March over Japan.

The training, given by pilots from the 33rd Rescue Squadron, gave JASDF members hands-on helicopter air refueling training.

An HH-60G-Pave Hawk from the 33rd Rescue Squadron receives fuel from an MC-130 during a three-day intensive air refueling course March 24 at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Pilots from the 33rd RQS put together a refueling training program for Japanese Self Defense Force helicopter pilots to provide them the tools to begin conducting long-range rescue missions. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Chrissy Best)

American pilots put together a refueling training program for four JASDF helicopter pilots with the hopes of providing them the tools to begin conducting long-range rescue missions.

"This training will significantly help the JASDF forces by giving them the ability to refuel in the air and increasing their range for rescue operations," said Capt. Kyle Kimberlin, an HH-60 pilot from the 33rd RQS. "So if there's a rescue mission that's outside the (normal) range of a helicopter they will now have the ability to go even further out over the water to pick guys up and help them out."

The air refueling training was a joint endeavor with support from Marines from VMGR-152 who flew a KC-130J tanker and the 17th Special Operations Squadron who flew an MC-130 tanker. Coordination with the two tanker teams took place in the days prior to the training, ensuring the location, altitudes and air speeds were prepared for the training flights.

"The main goal for the Air Force was basically to help the JASDF get this capability by taking this first step," said Capt. Andy Gray, a 33rd RQS HH-60 pilot. "For the ground training, we basically put together a training syllabus specifically for guys who were very experienced in the aircraft -- the JASDF pilots -- but had no experience air refueling."

The training syllabus centered on the JASDF becoming familiar with air refueling operations and included a day of ground training and two hours of actual hands-on refueling for each of the four JASDF pilots.

The air refueling training was a four-part process which included pre-air refueling, what to do on approach with the tanker, how to get off the tanker, and post-air refueling procedures. In addition, they also practiced training in an emergency situation.

"One thing that we got out of it is, we got to talk to those guys, hear their techniques, and build our coordination and our standard terminology because the language barrier is one of the big things we have to overcome when we work with the JASDF," Captain Gray said. "Mainly we just shared that professionalism between the units so that when we do have to operate together we'll be able to do it smoothly."

This exercise gave the JASDF forces an insight on the standard way the Air Force does training, the captain said. The next step is to understand the way the JASDF does training by going through a Japanese training program.

JASDF Maj. Sekine Eiji, a UH-60J pilot with the Akita Air Rescue Squadron, said the training was the first step of the JASDF's new program to obtain C-130 and rescue helicopter air refueling capability.

"In the beginning of the training, I was nervous because I had never come as close to a C-130 as we did in order to connect to the drogue," the major said. "I had to maintain precise aircraft control within a 1-inch margin for every motion. In the end, myself and the other JASDF pilot each successfully refueled our aircraft."

The expectation for this training was to build a stepping stone for the Japanese to begin their own training program on how to do daytime helicopter refueling. The next step is to teach night refueling.

"Personally I just enjoy instructing in general but this was extra special because you know that they're going to develop their program now," said Capt. Gabe Brown, a 33rd RQS HH-60 pilot. "They are the first ones to do this and they are going to pyramid the JASDF air refueling capability and it's going to be neat to look back and know that we started that."

Britain’s 105mm Light Gun Proving Particularly Effective In Afghanistan / MoD Waxes Enthusiastic About 105mm Light Gun

Britain’s 105mm Light Gun Proving Particularly Effective In Afghanistan / MoD Waxes Enthusiastic About 105mm Light Gun

(NSI News Source Info) April 1, 2009: A 105mm L118 Light Gun is being used by British gunners to such devastating effect against the Taliban that they have dubbed it the "Dragon". The gun fired its first round in anger from a rocky outcrop above Musa Qaleh in January 2009 and has been busy ever since protecting coalition and Afghan forces and maintaining security in the area, thereby making it safer for civilians living in the town.

Britain’s Ministry of Defence says the 105mm Light Gun, seen here operated by 7 Parachute Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery, is proving particularly effective in Afghanistan.

Musa Qaleh sits in a strategic location in north-western Helmand Province. It was re-taken from the Taliban by British, US and Afghan Forces in a major operation in December 2007.

Towering above the town around 2km to the north is the Roshan Tower - a 40m tall, rocky outcrop which provides an excellent vantage point with an eagle's eye view across a massive swath of territory.

Realising the strategic importance of this lofty location, British gunners hatched a plan to take the fight direct to the enemy. They intended to put a gun weighing over 4,000lbs (1,814kg) at the summit of the rocky cliffs, providing a firing point to provide protection for Musa Qala and Forward Operating Base Edinburgh.

Moving the massive gun to the peak was a logistical challenge. The cliff face was riddled with deep cracks that threatened to crumble under the weight of the gun so a plan was devised to move the gun to the foot of the cliffs by helicopter.

Four days of large scale changes to the watchtowers to build a solid firing platform ensured the rocky platform could hold the weapon and then the men of Alma Battery, 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, in scenes reminiscent of the Royal Tournament - dismantled the two ton gun and moved it up the cliff face by hand under the cover of darkness.

Major James Vigne, Battery Commander of 8 (Alma) Commando Battery who oversees the Dragon Gun, said: "The gun itself weighs over 4,000lbs [1,814kg], and the effort involved every available man on the cliff-top outpost. The ammunition boxes, each weighing nearly 100lbs [45kg] and containing High Explosive shells also had to be manhandled up the 400m track. The move of the gun was done at night to keep the gun secret from the enemy, with Gurkhas providing close protection on the hills and cliffs around - alert to any enemy attempting to ambush the gun-movers.

"Once in place, the gun was camouflaged to prevent the enemy realising the new threat to them. Since it was nicknamed the Dragon, the effort of uncamouflaging it is now called 'bringing the Dragon from its lair'."

At the summit, the gun commands a firing point which provides protection for Musa Qala town, the British Forward Operating Base and Patrol Bases deep in the lush Green Zone surrounding it.

Manning the gun are four soldiers from 8 (Alma) Commando Battery - two of whom are Australians from 4th Field Regiment Royal Australian Artillery, attached to 8 Battery for the duration of the tour. In addition, a Fire Support Team of a further four 8 Battery gunners use their excellent observation point to direct air strikes, attack helicopters and Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) accurately and quickly onto targets.

They are joined by soldiers from The 2nd Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles with a bristling arsenal of weapons - Javelin heat-seeking missiles, sniper rifles and .50cal heavy machine guns.

Gunner Thomas Alder, 8 (Alma) Commando Battery said: "The Roshan Tower gun platform gives us excellent observation over enemy territory. My role is actually laying the sights onto the enemy directly and firing shells into the heart of the enemy territory. The Taliban are running scared because of the gun - they call it the Dragon because of the huge belching flame that spits out of the barrel when it fires!"

Rather than being used in its usual indirect-fire role, firing over obstructions and land masses, being so high up allows it to fire directly down in a straight line onto its targets, affording unrivalled accuracy.

This role was originally designed for destroying tanks, up to a distance of around 2km away, but the Gunners now manning it are accurately striking targets up to 3km away. They are able to acquire, engage and hit a target at 3km within five seconds.

Major James Vigne, added: "The gun is phenomenally accurate - achieving first round hits on individuals at up to 3km, allowing us to strike the enemy very precisely and extremely quickly. Our location allows us to provide fire support to our patrols out on the ground and give a running commentary of the locations and movements of the enemy.

"The Dragon is the most feared weapon in our area by the Taliban - they are genuinely frightened by it. It is also the most loved by our own forces - the Gurkhas operating from Musa Qala have been astonished by its speed, pin-point accuracy and power.

"More importantly, its accuracy means we are better able to prevent civilian injuries."

Major Ross Daines, Officer Commanding B Company The 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, said: "The Dragon is an excellent capability which plays on the enemy's mind and is a huge confidence boost for troops in contact. The enemy cannot now move around the area without fear of being struck - it is responsive, accurate and effective, hitting the enemy hard before they can escape - they cannot run from a 105mm shell."

29 Commando Regiment is an Army Commando gun regiment that has been an integral part of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines since 1962. It is equipped with twelve 105mm Light Guns that were first used during the Falklands War in 1982 and have remained in service since. The Regiment also provides the Fire Support Teams that direct the fire of these guns and many other assets such as fast jets, attack helicopters and guided rocket launchers.

The Commando Gunners are manned by Army ranks who wear the coveted Green Beret having completed the All Arms Commando Course at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines, Lympstone.

For Operation HERRICK 9, the Regiment was augmented by men from 26 Regiment Royal Artillery, based in Germany, as well as by a number of TA and Australian Gunners. The Regiment's fire planning staffs working at HQ level and its Fire Support Teams at company level, have directed the firepower of 3 Commando Brigade - Firepower provided by its own 105mm light artillery, 81mm mortars, Attack Helicopters, multinational fast jets and precision guided rockets fired by 74 (Battleaxe) Battery.

Members of the Regiment have either been delivering this firepower or coordinating it from practically every location that Task Force Helmand troops have operated from.

Norwegian Helicopters To Stay In Afghanistan For Another Year

Norwegian Helicopters To Stay In Afghanistan For Another Year

(NSI News Source Info) March 25, 2009: Norwegian helicopters and support personnel will stay in Afghanistan for another year, the country's defense ministry says.

Norway's three helicopters and a support group of 58 were originally scheduled to operate in Afghanistan from May 2008 until the fall of 2009, but will now stay until October 2010, The NorwayPost reported Tuesday.

Afghan Defense Minister Gen. Abdul Rahim Wardak, right, walks along with Norwegian Defense Minister Anne-Grete Strom-Erichsen as they inspect the guard of honor at the Defense Ministry in Kabul, Afghanistan, Tuesday, March 24, 2009.

Nearly 300 Norwegian troops are stationed in Meymaneh in Northern Afghanistan. The helicopters have been called out 32 times over the past 10 months to pick up wounded troops, the newspaper reported.

After the United States last month announced an increase of 17,000 troops to Afghanistan and asked that its NATO allies contribute more, the Norwegian government said it would not send additional troops.

Norway has not received any direct request from NATO, Defense Minister Anne-Grete Stroem-Erichsen said last month, adding that it would be possible to strengthen Norway's presence in Afghanistan temporarily during the Afghan elections in August.

Japan Commissions Largest Helicopter Carrier

Japan Commissions Largest Helicopter Carrier

(NSI News Source Info) TOKYO/YOKOHAMA - March 25, 2009: Japan's Maritime Self-Defence Force (MSDF) Wednesday commissioned its largest helicopter carrier amid international concerns. 13,950-ton JDS Hyuga (16DDH) is handed over to Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force from its builder IHI Marine United Inc. in Yokohama, southwest of Tokyo, Wednesday, March 18, 2009. The newly-built helicopter-carrying destroyer, similar in design to a small aircraft carrier, is the the largest Japanese warship since World War II, deploying three helicopters on the flight deck while carrying up to 11 others on the hangar deck inside, Kyodo News said. The 197-meter long, 13,950-tonne Hyuga, which can carry 11 helicopters on its flat deck, will be stationed in Yokosuka port, near Tokyo, and is expected to be sent on overseas missions such as disaster relief, according to the defence ministry.

The Hyuga has 340 crew, including 17 women officers and sailors on board. Japan renounced using force in international disputes after it adopted the post-war pacifist constitution.

However, the Japanese Self-Defence Forces (SDF), established in 1954, is one of the best funded armed forces in the world.

The carrier raises concern in the region. But the government insisted the destroyer will not carry fighter plane and is different from an aircraft carrier, and that the constitution grants the SDF the right to possess a minimum level of armed force for self-defence.

India Axes $1 Billion Helicopter Tender, Fresh Bids Later

India Axes $1 Billion Helicopter Tender, Fresh Bids Later

* Government says bidders did not meet requirement * Defence ministry to issue fresh tender in due course * Order for 22 helicopters seen worth $1 billion (Rewrites with India government comment, Finmeccanica, Boeing) By Devidutta Tripathy

*Irrespective of the aforementioned points, processing of a government tender in India, the procedure is snail speed with a hurdle of red tape due to corruption, politican's interest, commission factor, misinformation and above all debating on the subject/tender would cover years. For example to process and acquire jet trainer HAWK for Indian Air Force took over 25 years at the cost of hundreds of Indian Air Force pilot life. (DTN Defense-Technology News)

(NSI News Source Info) NEW DELHI - March 25, 2009: India has cancelled a tender for 22 attack helicopters, bidders EADS and Finmeccanica said, while the government said the companies did not meet its requirement and a fresh tender would be issued in due course. Yves Guillaume, chief executive of EADS's Indian subsidiary, told reporters on Tuesday the company had been "informed" of the decision to axe the tender last week but was not given any reason. Franco-German-controlled EADS owns Eurocopter, the world's largest civil helicopter maker and a major supplier of military ones such as the Tiger, with which it had hoped to clinch an order analysts reckon to be worth $1 billion. An official with Italian defence group Finmeccanica, whose unit AgustaWestland was one of participants, later told Reuters they were informed about the cancellation earlier this month. "The companies did not meet the service qualitative requirement, so the tender was cancelled," an Indian defence ministry spokesman said, adding three companies had bid for supplying India 22 attack helicopters. A fresh request for proposals will be issued in due course, he added, while the Finmeccanica official said they were ready to bid if a new tender was invited. U.S.-based Defense News reported in February that the contest had narrowed to an all-European field of three -- Eurocopter, AgustaWestland, and Moscow's state arms agency Rosoboronexport bidding on behalf of Russian manufacturer Mil. U.S. companies Boeing and Bell, a unit of Textron, had quit the field, the magazine reported. Boeing, the maker of AH-64D Apache helicopter, said on Tuesday it would review its stand and wait for a fresh tender. "We look forward to an opportunity to review any new request for proposals and follow up based on that," Vivek Lall, Boeing's India head, said in a statement. India plans to overhaul and replace its fleet of military helicopters amid growing security risks in the region. It relies on an ageing fleet of Russian MI-25 and MI-35 helicopter gunships designed by Russia's Mil. Last year, India sought bids for the attack helicopters, designed to assault targets on the ground, from seven international firms.

The new force of anti-armour attack helicopters would be capable of operating at high altitudes. In 2007, India scrapped advanced talks with Eurocopter to supply 197 lightweight Fennec military helicopters worth $600 million after complaints about the bidding process. Eurocopter is a sister company to Airbus, the world's largest civil jet maker, also owned by EADS. (Additional reporting by Bappa Majumdar, Tim Hepher) (Editing by Ranjit Gangadharan, Sharon Lindores)

Swedish Defense Reforms: Fewer Gripens, More Helos, MRAPs / A Functional Defence - With A Substantially Strengthened Defence Capability

Swedish Defense Reforms: Fewer Gripens, More Helos, MRAPs / A Functional Defence - With A Substantially Strengthened Defence Capability

(NSI News Source Info) March 23, 2009: Sweden's defence must be well-prepared to be able to defend this country and to contribute to stability in the surrounding world. This requires a defence system that is adapted to today's threats and to the rapid sequences of events in which conflicts can arise and be determined. It requires a functional, available and flexible defence.

For this reason, the Government is now setting a new direction for the Swedish defence system with a substantially strengthened defence capability.

Alone and together with others, the military defence must defend Sweden and promote our security. The whole of Sweden must be defended. Our preparedness is continually being adapted to the current threat and risk level of our region. Air and naval forces, including submarines, monitor both the sea and the airspace and can rapidly be adapted to needs both in Sweden and in our region.

"When I took up my post, it was obvious that defence needed to be strengthened. The political requirement at that time was only that a third of the operational organisation was to be available, within a year. What the Government is now presenting means a significantly strengthened defence capability compared with today and ensures that our defence will be strong, both for Sweden and for operations within and outside our region. We will achieve a defence that is functional here and now," says Minister for Defence Sten Tolgfors.

The main items of the bill are:

-- The entire operational organisation of some 50 000 people will be able to be used within a week after a decision on heightened alert. Today only around one-third of the national operational organisation is equipped and prepared for an operation within one year.

-- All operational units will have the same capability for operations, in Sweden and within and outside our region. This means that the division now existing between the international force for operations abroad and other units will be removed.

--According to the Swedish Armed Forces' proposal, 28 000 people will be in permanent and contracted units.

--The Home Guard will be strengthened and will have a more important role in defending Sweden. The Home Guard will consist of a total of 22 000 people and will be part of the operational organisation. Of these, 17 000 will make up the qualified national protection forces, who will be given better training and military equipment and will be under a service obligation even in peacetime.

--An increase from three available manoeuvre battalions today, to eight tomorrow. This means more than twice as much availability. --Twice as much capability for peace-support operations. It will be possible to keep 1 700 people in continuous engagement in international operations.

--The number of Gripen aircraft will be 100, of the C/D model. The number of new helicopters will successively increase. Main battle tank 122 will be retained and access to splinter-proof vehicles will increase. Artillery and anti-aircraft capability will remain of the same size as today. There will be seven corvettes, five of Visby class; the number of submarines in the operational organisation will be retained.

--Outside the operational organisation, a reserve unit of four mechanised battalions will be available.

--Personnel supply will be modernised so that voluntary participation will be the basis of manning the operational organisation instead of compulsory military service. This will be required for greater functionality and availability, but also for the transition to permanent and contracted units. The officer profession will be changed, with more specialist officers who train and command troops and fewer people in staff and command functions.

Today's threats against Sweden cannot be dealt with by yesterday's defence. The war in Georgia, for example, shows that developments can occur rapidly. This war went on for five days and was determined in two. Not many Russian soldiers were deployed to the area, but they came very quickly.

In the future defence, Sweden will now have more soldiers who can be deployed more rapidly, in Sweden and within or outside our region. The division between a national operational organisation and an international force has now been removed. Everyone should be able to serve where, and when necessary.

The security policy map of our region has been fundamentally redrawn in the last 20 years. The Baltic Sea is entirely surrounded by NATO and EU countries, apart from Russia. The threat of invasion from a previous superpower has long disappeared, and a single armed attack targeted directly at Sweden is unlikely for the foreseeable future.

However, this does not mean that we can exclude the risk of military conflicts of interest and incidents in our region, either on or around the Baltic Sea or in the northern areas. It is not possible to envisage a military threat that would only affect Sweden or another country in our region. But the new threats require us to be able to act, individually and together with others, at short notice. Security is being built collectively, for the Nordic countries and the EU. The Government wants to see far-reaching Nordic cooperation and sees no limits in principle to such cooperation so long as national decision-making power concerning operational capabilities remains.

In the Statement of Government Policy, the Government emphasises that the security of our country is founded on community and cooperation with other countries. Sweden will not take a passive stance if another EU Member State or other Nordic country suffers a disaster or an attack. We expect these countries to act in the same way if Sweden were affected. We must be able to give and receive military support.

Japan: JMSDF Newest And Largest Combatant Ship "Hyuga" Class, Is It A Helicopter Destroyer Or A Helicopter Carrier?

Japan: JMSDF Newest And Largest Combatant Ship "Hyuga" Class, Is It A Helicopter Destroyer Or A Helicopter Carrier?

(NSI News Source Info) February 24, 2009: The Hyūga-class helicopter destroyers are a type of helicopter carrier being built for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). They are planned to replace the 7,000-ton Haruna-class destroyers currently in use. The new ships will be the largest combatant ship operated by Japan since the Imperial Japanese Navy was superseded by the JMSDF. The first Hyūga class vessel resembles a light aircraft carrier or amphibious assault ship such as the Italian Navy's 13,850-ton Giuseppe Garibaldi, the Spanish Navy's 17,000-ton Principe de Asturias or the Royal Navy's 21,000-ton Invincible-class carriers. According to a records documentary, JS Hyūga will be, "The first Japanese aircraft carrier built since WWII."

The ships' primary mission will be anti-submarine warfare, using the helicopters on board. They will also have enhanced command-and-control capabilities, allowing them to serve as flagships for the MSDF.

The Hyuga class helicopter carrier is named after the Imperial Japanese Navy Ise class battleship Hyuga. At least two ships of this class are planned. Construction of the first ship was started in 2006 and it will be commissioned in 2009. This class will provide the Maritime Self-Defense Force with greater force projection capability. The Hyuga class warships will be the largest combatant ships, operated by JMSDF and built since the World War II. They will replace the Haruna class ASW destroyers. Primary mission for these new helicopter carriers will be anti-submarine warfare. The Hyuga class ships are called as helicopter destroyers in Japan, for political reasons. It is against constitution to operate what is referred as offensive weapons and exceeds necessary level of self-defense. The helicopter destroyer classification is not correct, as these ships are significantly larger than destroyers, have a full-length flight deck and relatively large air wing. These ships resemble light aircraft carriers, such as the Royal Navy's Invincible class. There are two elevators and enclosed hangar. Japan claims that usual air wing will consists of three SH-60K for ASW and one MCH-101 for mine warfare. However ships can carry up to 11 Chinooks or quite a few more smaller helicopters. Currently these warships are not capable of operating fixed-wing aircraft, as they lack a ski-jump bow and other equipment. Nevertheless they may be outfitted with V/STOL aircraft in the future. The Hyuga helicopter carrier is armed with a single 16-cell Mk.41 vertical launch system with a mix of ESSM surface-to-air missiles and ASROC anti-submarine missiles. Several missiles can be guided simultaneously to various incoming threats. Other weapons include two Phalanx CIWS for self-defense and two triple 324-mm torpedo tubes. Ships have enhanced command and control capabilities. They can serve as flagships of the JMSDF. The Hyuga class has no provision for amphibious assault, however it is clear that these ships could carry far more that 350 naval crew. Marine troop capabilities are not being published for political reasons. These helicopter carriers are powered by combined gas turbine and gas (COGAG) propulsion. It is fitted with four General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, developing 25 000 hp each. These drive two shafts.

India: Coast Guard Planning To Procure Urgently Used Choppers For Coastal Surveillance

India: Coast Guard Planning To Procure Urgently Used Choppers For Coastal Surveillance (NSI News Source Info) New Delhi - February 23, 2009: Faced with shortage of helicopters for carrying out surveillance in coastal areas, the Coast Guard is planning to procure used aircraft to plug gaps in its capabilities. "Government has recently cleared a proposal for procurement of around 30 helicopters for us on an urgent basis and with helicopters not being available off-the shelf, we are looking for inducting used ones also," Defence Ministry sources said. Soon after the Mumbai attacks, the Cabinet Committee on Security cleared various proposals for acquiring, hiring and leasing naval and aerial assets for the ICG. The agency is looking to induct helicopters of five-tonne class for carrying out surveillance and is in talks with various global manufacturers in this regard. "We have been approached by ICG and they told us that they wanted these helicopters urgently. We did a check on our helicopters flying in India and identified that we would be able to give the agency four of them currently flying here," European helicopter-manufacturer Eurocopter's senior vice president Norbert Ducrot said. Eurocopter's machines flying in India are of Dauphin-class, which fall in the medium weight category of helicopters as sought by the CG. "We are enquiring with other manufacturers also if they can spare their helicopters for our needs," a Defence Ministry source said. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) built Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv also falls in the same weight-class. "After meeting the present requirements of the CG, more orders for the indigenous helicopter can be placed for future requirements," the source said. At present, the Coast Guard has a fleet of 17 Chetaks, 24 Dornier-228, and four ALHs and is also in the process of procuring and inducting six Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft (MMMA), which would augment the existing fleet of Dornier-228 aircraft in the near future, as envisaged in its Perspective Plan. The agency's aviation arm undertakes coordinated operations in support of its surface assets towards protection of the vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), extends assistance to fishermen and mariners in distress, preserves and protect marine environment and assists local authorities during natural calamities.

Eurocopter Committed To Meet Military Requirements Of The Middle East Region

Eurocopter Committed To Meet Military Requirements Of The Middle East Region

With a wide range of helicopters, Eurocopter is supporting the region's air forces for missions including combat, transport, Search and Rescue (SAR), counter-terrorism, special missions and training.

(NSI News Source Info) February 22, 2009: Currently more than 650 Eurocopter helicopters fly in the Arab world, with more than 80% of them for military use.

Eurocopter is committed to keep on meeting the specific requirements of the governments and their Armed Forces in the Arab world. The company showcases its military capabilities and expertise at IDEX at the EADS booth in Hall 8, C20 and displays one EC135 Police helicopter in full scale.

'With a strong footprint in the region, we continue to see a demand for our helicopters for military use. Equipped with the latest technology, they are able to perform all their missions in the most severe operational environment and critical situations,' says Xavier Hay, Eurocopter's Vice-President for Middle East and Africa.' Military needs

Eurocopter has the largest line-up of military helicopters in the world, ranging from 2-11-ton class and a solid customer base in the Middle East.

The military proven Fennec AS550 is a multipurpose single engine helicopter suited for extremely hot climates and high altitudes and well adapted for training, observation, fire support, protection and combat mission. In the region, several countries fly the Fennec like the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces. Over 4000 helicopters of the Ecureuil / Fennec family in its single and twin variants have been delivered to over 70 countries.

The light twin, multi-mission Eurocopter EC635 - the military version of the EC135 - is perfectly adapted for troop and/or load transports, training, light armed reconnaissance, Medevac and SAR missions. The EC635 gives a choice of twin engine models-each featuring a Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC) system for the state-of-the-art power management, providing optimized performance, safety and fuel efficiency. The EC635 is operational in the Kingdom of Jordan (Air Force and Police) and its cutting-edge technology generates keen interest by many countries in the region.

For heavy helicopters, Eurocopter counts on a great history in the Gulf countries with a large Puma and Super Puma / Cougar fleet including more than 110 aircrafts in operation in Kuwait, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Pakistan and other countries. As the latest generation of the family with enhanced multi-role capabilities, the EC725 helicopter is the logical choice of acquisition for the region Armed Forces. It enlarges the scope of missions including Combat-SAR, long distance tactical transport, medical evacuation, logistics support.

The twin-engine EC725 helicopter with 11 metric tons has superior performance. It has been selected by the French Armed Forces and deployed in extreme combat conditions. By end of November 2008, 96 EC725 had been ordered by 17 different countries. The utility/escort and VVIP version EC225 is already flying in the Arab World.

Meanwhile, whereas being well appreciated by the operators, the Puma and Super Puma / Cougar Eurocopter fleet can also be refurbished as it is the case in several Gulf countries having engaged major overhaul programs such as in the UAE. There are plans to increase Puma refurbishments as well in Pakistan in 2009. The Super Puma helicopters are highly efficient in Search and Rescue roles and assist Governments in public services such as police, fire fighting and EMS missions.

Also for tactical transport of troops and anti-submarine warfare combat the 10-metric ton class NH90 is an ideal choice. NHIndustries has received so far 529 orders globally for the NH90 with Eurocopter as major partner Company. The NH90 is offered as Army version (TTH) and as Navy version (NFH). So far 25 NH90 were delivered, 50 are currently under production. It is a fly-by-wire and all-composite construction helicopter with the highest crash-worthiness-standards. The first customer of the NH90 in the Middle East is the Sultanate of Oman. In order to take into account the new military environment in the region, the Tiger is perfectly matching the new stakes as currently being the most modern combat helicopter in the world designed for the scenarios of the 21st century.

In total, 206 aircraft have been ordered by France, Germany, Australia and Spain and 48 Tigers have already been delivered. Based on a core platform which gives flexibility for the weaponry, the Tiger is delivered in various configurations: HAP (French Army), UHT (German Army), ARH for Australian Army and HAD version (France and Spain), which is perfectly adapted to the Middle East region thanks to its enhanced engine. Homeland security & civil missions

Police and law enforcement agencies are prime Eurocopter customers in a large number of Gulf countries. A complete range of Eurocopter light twin helicopters from 2 to 4 tons encompassing the Twinstar AS355, BK117, EC135, EC145 and Dauphin N3 are protecting the population in the Arab world.

The powerful and highly dependable Ecureuil AS350 B3 -that represents unrivalled versatile platform and requires low maintenance - is in operation in the UAE and Jordan and is primarily used for aerial work, training and utility mission like broadcasting.

Rent-A-Helicopters Headed To Afghanistan

Rent-A-Helicopters Headed To Afghanistan

(NSI News Source Info) February 21, 2009: Military officials are fond of describing helicopters as a "key enabler" that is often in short supply in Afghanistan. Almost two years ago, Royal Netherlands Maj. Gen. Ton van Loon, commander of NATO's Regional Command-South, complained: "One of the resources that we could never have enough of in this very large country, with very low infrastructure levels, [is] aviation. ... We can never have enough. It is clearly also something that we have to rely on the American aviation assets [for] heavily.

We're very glad for the Americans' support of the efforts in RC-South with a large helicopter force, and we badly need them to be able to do the operations." When the Marine Corps returned to Afghanistan last year, they brought a Marine Air-Ground

Task Force with a pretty significant complement of helicopters (pictured here).

But NATO and U.S. forces have looked to contracted aircraft to fill some of the gaps. NATO decided to lease civilian helicopters in late 2007; and the Army hired Blackwater Worldwide Xe to do "low cost/low altitude" airdrop of cargo pallets to isolated combat outposts. Carson helicopters, a firm that operates heavy-lift helicopters for firefighting and construction, recently signed a deal with to haul supplies for the U.S. military in Afghanistan. The Mail Tribune, a southern Oregon paper, reports that the company will provide seven Sikorsky S-61 helicopters, along with parts and maintenance, to a partner company contracted by the Pentagon. Their partner?

While Carson would not say, the Mail Tribune cited court documents and Department of Defense records that show the contract is with Presidential Airways, a subsidiary of the company formerly known as Blackwater Worldwide.

Japan's Navy Holds Anti-Piracy Exercise

Japan's Navy Holds Anti-Piracy Exercise

(NSI News Source Info) TOKYO - February 21, 2009: Japanese military and coast guard ships held a drill Friday to prepare for next month's mission to join multinational forces in the fight against pirates off the coast of Somalia.

Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force's destroyer "Takanami" approaches a Japan coast guard patrol boat, bottom, which plays a role of pirate boat during an anti-piracy exercise off port of Kure, Hiroshima, western Japan Friday, Feb. 20, 2009. Japanese military and coast guard ships held a drill Friday to prepare for their dispatch next month on a mission to join multinational forces in the fight against pirates off the coast of Somalia.

The Defense Ministry said the exercise took place off Hiroshima in western Japan. Japanese navy ships are expected to deploy to the pirate-infested Gulf of Aden in early March.

Friday's exercise involved one destroyer, a military helicopter, two patrol boats and about 180 navy and 60 coast guard personnel.

Opposition lawmakers have criticized the deployment, saying it could draw Japan into military operations prohibited by its postwar pacifist constitution.

But Tokyo has argued that the battle against piracy is a crime-fighting operation rather than a military one and thus is not prohibited by Japanese laws. Japanese coast guard staff, who will be on board for the Somali mission, are vested with rights to arrest and investigate suspected pirates.

Japan's post-World War II charter limits its military to conducting defensive operations. The navy personnel on the anti-piracy mission are allowed to use weapons only in self-defense or under emergency circumstances.

Despite Japan's pacifist constitution, its navy has been increasingly operating far away from the country's shores. It began a refueling mission in the Indian Ocean in 2001 to support U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan.

Somali waters are now patrolled by more than a dozen warships from countries including Britain, France, Germany, Iran, the United States and China. South Korea has also ordered warships sent to the region to protect its vessels and crews from pirates.

Tokyo has said its ships will be sent only to protect Japanese commercial vessels _ though the government says none have thus far been hijacked. Pirates have fired at three Japanese vessels. No one was injured.

Chinese Navy To Attend Joint Military Exercise In Pakistan

Chinese Navy To Attend Joint Military Exercise In Pakistan

(NSI News Source Info) February 20, 2009: The Chinese navy will participate in a ten-day multinational naval exercise in the seas off Pakistan in March, a Ministry of National Defense official said Thursday.

A task force, composed of the destroyer Guangzhou, a helicopter and 10 members of the marine corps will take part in the "Peace-09" exercise, said ministry spokesman Huang Xueping. The drill, slated for March 5 in the port city of Karachi, was initiated by the Pakistan navy and will be attended by 11 countries.

It includes search-and-rescue exercises, anti-piracy operations and fleet formation defenses. The purpose for attending the operation is to allow the Chinese navy to gain useful experience from foreign counterparts, strengthen its communication capacity, learn how to cooperate with foreign navies in handling new threats and challenges at sea and maintaining regional peace and stability, Huang said.

The Chinese navy, together with task forces from France, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States, attended a Pakistan navy-initiated joint military exercise in March 2007.

Obama Faces Tough Decision On Pricey Presidential Helicopters

Obama Faces Tough Decision On Pricey Presidential Helicopters

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON ― February 17, 2009: When President Obama returned today from Chicago, he arrived at the White House on Marine One - one of a fleet of presidential helicopters that is now 30 years old, new Marine One is supposed to take off next year. But, runaway costs threaten to ground the replacements.

Marine One is the call sign of any United States Marine Corps aircraft carrying the President of the United States. It usually denotes a helicopter operated by the HMX-1 "Nighthawks" squadron, either the large VH-3D or the newer, smaller VH-60N "WhiteHawk". Both are due to be replaced by the VH-71 Kestrel, a derivative of the AgustaWestland EH101. A Marine Corps aircraft carrying the Vice President is designated Marine Two.

Lockheed-Martin signed a contract four years ago to build 28 new helicopters for $6.1 billion. Numerous Pentagon-mandated changes have ballooned the price tag to $11.2 billion - meaning each of the new choppers would cost $400 million, or as much as Air Force One.

Defense analyst Daniel Goure argues the new Marine One must be able to completely protect the president.

The armored helicopter would be equipped with communications gear and defensive systems capable of fending off missiles and even the effects of a nuclear blast.

"The president will be able to do anything and everything he does on Air Force One or from the national command post in the White House," Goure says. "He can launch a nuclear war if that's what's required."

The Pentagon says it needs 28 of the helicopters because they have to cover the president everywhere he goes, usually three at each stop. This week there will be choppers in Chicago, Denver, Phoenix and Ottawa.But critics say the helicopters are the latest example of out-of-control spending - especially unaffordable in the current recession.

And Lieutenant Colonel Gene Boyer, who flew Marine One the day Richard Nixon resigned, says there's no way the government needs 28 of them.

"In this economy, I believe it's a foolish investment and going beyond 14 to 16 helicopters is absolutely ludicrous," Boyer says.The program is so far over budget the White House could pull the plug. But it could take years to build cheaper replacements and security officials warn in a post-9/11 world it's the wrong place to be cutting corners.