DTN News - INDONESIA DEFENSE NEWS: Northrop Grumman To Collaborate With Indonesian Partner Companies To Produce Ground-Based Radar Systems

DTN News - INDONESIA DEFENSE NEWS: Northrop Grumman To Collaborate With Indonesian Partner Companies To Produce Ground-Based Radar Systems
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Northrop Grumman
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 24, 2012: Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) executed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Sixth National Radar Seminar in Bali, Indonesia with PT Industri Telekomunikasi Indonesia and the Research Centre For Electronics And Telecommunications of The Indonesian Institute Of Sciences to facilitate collaboration on pending ground-based radar opportunities in Indonesia.

The Northrop Grumman AN/TPS-78 is the latest generation of state-of-the-art radars made possible by advances in high power transistor technology and designed to operate in some of the harshest, most unforgiving environments. Proven in the field, the S-Band long-range AN/TPS-78 is the choice of the U.S. Air Force and customers worldwide.

"With this agreement, Northrop Grumman will bring its recognized leadership in ground radars together with our Indonesian business partners' combined expertise in electronics research and manufacturing and knowledge of the unique needs of the Indonesian government," said Robert Royer, vice president of international systems at Northrop Grumman's Land and Self Protection Systems Division. "Our team looks forward to participating in the upcoming Indonesian ground-based radar competition designed to help Indonesia increase air surveillance control and secure its border."

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.


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*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Northrop Grumman
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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 - PAKISTAN DEFENSE NEWS: Nato Aircraft Making Pakistani Airspace unsafe

DTN News - PAKISTAN DEFENSE NEWS: Nato Aircraft Making Pakistani Airspace unsafe
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Javed Mirza - The News Pakistan
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 22, 2012: The Nato aircraft changing their flying levels without taking orders from the traffic control department during the monsoon season, is creating issues for the other traffic flying on different levels and thus making the airspace near Afghan border area more vulnerable to any collision.

The Green 325 area in Balochistan has no radar coverage for 100 miles despite high air traffic frequency, while no data is available of flights taking off from Afghanistan due to telex problems between the aviation authorities of both the countries, sources said.

“Changing the flying levels by the Nato planes on their own in the monsoon season is the biggest issue CAA is facing currently, because this makes the country’s airspace vulnerable to any disaster in this highly sensitive zone of Pak-Afghan border areas,” sources said.

Sources in the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) informed that currently they were facing serious issues in Balochistan and near Afghanistan border areas where the frequency of air traffic was quite high.

“Due to the absence of radar coverage, we are not in a position to monitor the flying activities there and this is a very big security lapse,” sources said, adding that flights taking off from Afghanistan contacted the traffic control system of Pakistan CAA at the eleventh hour, which created complexities of routing the whole traffic and this could result in any untoward situation.

Aviation sources said that radar surveillance was required there to help CAA’s controllers judging the separation between aircraft coming from different many regions.

“Radar display has been improved but antennas are poor. The missing, doubling and jumping of targets is very common, and this has been for one year,” they added. A lot of air traffic consists of landing/departing of civil traffic, military operations, and allied forces aircraft operating to/from Afghanistan.

This is besides the 470 to 550 aircraft over flying the country’s space in 24 hours time.

Besides the radar surveillance issues, the CAA staff is provided with complex procedures, which add to the monitoring problems. “The procedures CAA provides to their traffic control departments are very confusing, and most of the time increases the workload instead of shedding. Procedures and air routes are developed by the officers sitting in the headquarters with the guess of having 70 to 100 aircraft over flying Pakistan air space in 24 hours, which has not been the case for years,” sources added.

The lack of surveillance is not only limited to Balochistan and Pak-Afghan border areas, as Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport (JIAP) is as vulnerable to any disasters as the mentioned areas of the West part of the country. “Brazil conducted a capacity assessment study of air controlling at Karachi’s JIAP from 8 to 14 January, 2010, in which they found that the Heavy Load Threshold (HLT) value for air traffic controllers is much time higher than international standards,” sources informed.

Sources further told that during that study, they found that there were 36 (with radar) and 323 (with no radar) occasions when all the sectors of air controlling were reaching and working beyond calculated capacity, so any disaster was not far from reality.


*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Javed Mirza - The News Pakistan
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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 - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To Raytheon For Radar & Electronic Systems Related To U.S. Navy F/A-18

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To Raytheon For Radar & Electronic Systems Related To U.S. Navy F/A-18

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources DTN News & U.S. DoD issued No. 142-12 February 29, 2012

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada – March 2, 2012: Raytheon Co., Space and Airborne Systems, Goleta, Calif., is being awarded a $77,267,880 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-09-C-0052) to exercise an option for 89 full rate production Lot 14 AN/ALR-67(V)3 radar warning receivers, and nine countermeasure signal processor weapons replacement assemblies. 

 The AN/ALR-67(V)3 enhances pilot situational awareness by providing accurate identification, lethality, and azimuth displays of hostile and friendly emitters.  It also controls the electronic warfare data bus and interfaces with electronic warfare systems, the onboard radar, airborne mission computer, and the F/A-18 weapon systems. 

Work will be performed in Forest, Miss. (34 percent); Lansdale, Pa. (18 percent); Goleta, Calif. (17 percent); Chatsworth, Calif. (11 percent); San Diego, Calif. (10 percent); Sydney, Australia (4 percent); Milwaukie, Ore. (3 percent); and McKinney, Texas (3 percent). 

Work is expected to be completed in December 2014.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. 

The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources DTN News & U.S. DoD issued No. 142-12 February 29, 2012
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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: US Voices Concern Over Syria-Iran Ties

DTN News: US Voices Concern Over Syria-Iran Ties

Source: DTN News / AFP

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON, USA - July 2, 2010: The United States voiced concern Thursday over cooperation between Syria and Iran after reports Tehran had sent a radar system that would boost defenses against Israel.

The Wall Street Journal, quoting anonymous Israeli and US officials, reported that Iran last year sent the sophisticated radar that could help the Islamic republic detect an Israeli strike on its nuclear facilities. State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said it was "hard" for the United States to determine whether such a transfer had taken place, but added: "We have concerns about the relationship between Iran and Syria." "We don't believe that Iran's designs for the region are in Syria's best interest," Crowley told reporters. While acknowledging that all countries "have the right to protect themselves," the spokesman said the reported radar delivery would be of concern due to Syria's relationship with the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah. "Our concern, obviously, in the case with Syria is the transfer of technology to Hezbollah," Crowley said, noting the issue was "something that we do raise with Syria in our periodic discussions with them." President Barack Obama's administration has been trying to engage Syria and has asked the Senate to approve the first US ambassador to Damascus in five years. The appointment has proven controversial in Washington, especially after Israeli President Shimon Peres said this year that Syria was supplying Hezbollah with Scud missiles that could cause major damage on Israeli cities. But Syria has denied transferring Scuds to Hezbollah and the United States has not publicly confirmed the allegations. The Pentagon declined comment on the Journal's report. A senior US official said that even if Iran sent the radar system, it was unclear if the transfer broke any international resolutions as Syria is under only some military sanctions. "Radars are by definition a defensive system by themselves," the official said on condition of anonymity. "The real issue is what are they going to do with that and are those developments stabilizing or destabilizing." Hezbollah, which has close ties with Iran, showered rockets on Israel in 2006, triggering a devastating war. Israel and Western nations suspect Iran is developing nuclear weapons, although the clerical regime says its program is only for peaceful purposes.

DTN News: Northrop Grumman Supplies Navigation Radars For German Navy Ships

DTN News: Northrop Grumman Supplies Navigation Radars For German Navy Ships

Source: DTN News / Northrop Grumman Corporation

(NSI News Source Info) CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., - June 10, 2010: Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC - News) has been awarded a contract to supply new radar systems for installation on 10 German Navy ships. The contract was awarded to Northrop Grumman's Naval and Marine Systems Division by the German Navy procurement authority through the responsible naval departments. The new 10-ship contract follows the successful completion of a four-year, $4.3 million program, under which the existing radars on 70 German navy ships were replaced by the company's Sperry Marine BridgeMaster™ E radar sets. Under the new contract, Northrop Grumman will install its new-generation Sperry Marine VisionMaster™ FT radar systems on 10 additional German Navy ships. Two of the vessels will be fitted with the company's unique dual-channel radar technology, which permits two independent asynchronous radar units to be displayed and controlled on a single console. The company will also provide training, spares, installation, engineering and project management support. "Northrop Grumman is the leading supplier of navigation radars for many European navies, including France, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Greece, Norway and Poland as well as Germany," said J. Nolasco DaCunha, vice president of Naval Systems International at Northrop Grumman's Naval and Marine Systems Division. "Worldwide, the company has supplied more than 12,000 radars to over 60 international navies and coast guards." Northrop Grumman's Naval and Marine Systems Division, headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., and with major engineering and support offices in New Malden, United Kingdom and Hamburg, Germany, provides smart navigation and ship control solutions for the international marine industry with customer service and support through offices in 16 countries, sales representatives in 47 countries and authorized service depots in more than 250 locations worldwide. Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/ for more information.

DTN News: Commander Stresses Iran's Capability To Overhaul, Optimize Fighter Jets

DTN News: Commander Stresses Iran's Capability To Overhaul, Optimize Fighter Jets Source: DTN News / FARS News Agency (NSI News Source Info) TEHRAN, Iran - April 21, 2010: An Iranian Air Force commander announced here on Tuesday that the country overhauls and optimizes different types of military aircraft, mentioning that Air Force has even installed Iran-made radar systems on the sophisticated F14 fighter jets. "Indeed, it can be said that most airplanes have the previous designs but all of their components, including systems and parts, are being optimized and upgraded on a continued and regular basis," Iranian Air Force Lieutenant Commander for Coordination General Aziz Nasirzadeh said in an interview with FNA on Tuesday. The commander stated that mounting optimized home-made 2,000-pound (900-kilogram) smart bombs, Qassed (Messenger), on Iranian bombers is an instance of the country's capability to upgrade its fighter jets. The Iranian Army's Air Force announced in September that it has successfully test-fired Qassed (Messenger) 1and 2, in aerial drills over the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. Referring to the promotion of the systems and capabilities of F14 fighter jets, Nasirzadeh said, "…today we have a new generation of F14 fighters at our service, and its radar system has been upgraded by our local experts." Reiterating that the new radar system has been built and installed on the F14 fighter jets by the Iranian personnel, the General added, "Therefore, we can enhance and upgrade it (radar) continuously. The commander also pointed out that his forces have even upgraded the jet engines of F14, and said considering the numerous alterations that Iran has made to the radar system and the engines of F14, it can be said that what Iranian Air Force now has is a new generation of the globally known version of F14. He further announced that Iran has already started a move to manufacture aircraft engines and has achieved acceptable results in this regard. Iran has recently made good progress in the air industry and succeeded in gaining the technical know-how for producing stealth aircraft and drones. In September 2009, Iran displayed the first squadron of Saeqeh (Thunderbolt) fighter jets produced by its defense industries in an air show staged during military parades at the beginning of the Week of Sacred Defense, marking Iranians' sacrifices during the 8 years of Iraqi imposed war on Iran in 1980s.

DTN News: Northrop Grumman Receives Contract to Supply Radar Systems for U.S. Navy Submarines

DTN News: Northrop Grumman Receives Contract to Supply Radar Systems for U.S. Navy Submarines *Source: DTN News / Northrop Grumman (NSI News Source Info) CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - December 8, 2009: Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Sperry Marine business unit has been awarded a contract to supply navigation radar systems for eight new U.S. Navy nuclear attack submarines. The firm, fixed-price contract, valued at $20.9 million, was awarded to Sperry Marine by Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. The contract calls for Sperry Marine to produce and deliver eight AN/BPS-16(v)5 radar sets to be installed on eight Virginia-class Block III submarines. The scope of work will include manufacturing, fabrication, assembly and testing. The AN/BPS-16(v)5 is an advanced submarine navigation radar and electronic navigation system, which provides naval electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS-N) capability running on Sperry Marine's Voyage Management System (VMS) software. "The AN/BPS-16(v)5 with VMS software will permit the new submarines to be certified to use ECDIS-N as their primary navigation tool," said J. Nolasco DaCunha, vice president of Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine. "With this contract, the submarine community continues to make rapid progress toward the U.S. Navy's goal of converting the entire fleet to ECDIS-N." The Virginia-class Block III submarines are being built by Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Electric Boat. The lead submarine in the Block III build, North Dakota (SSN 784), is scheduled to be delivered in 2014. Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine, headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., and with major engineering, business development, international sales and support offices in New Malden, United Kingdom and Hamburg, Germany, provides smart navigation and ship control solutions for the international marine industry with customer service and support through offices in 16 countries, sales representatives in 47 countries and authorized service depots in more than 250 locations worldwide. Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.

DTN News: Israel To Supply Radar Systems to South Korea

DTN News: Israel To Supply Radar Systems to South Korea *Source: DTN News / Defense Media (NSI News Source Info) JERUSALEM, Israel - September 24, 2009: Israel Aerospace Industries announced September 23 it has been awarded two contracts to sell radar systems worth $280 million to South Korea. The T-50 Golden Eagle, formerly known as the KTX-2, jet trainer and light attack aircraft is being built for the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF). The aircraft is being developed in the T-50A advanced trainer and T-50B lead in fighter trainer versions. The T-50 LIFT is called the A-50 by RoKAF. The T-50 is designed to provide pilot training for current and next-generation fighters like advanced F-16s, F-22s and the joint strike fighter. The first flight of the T-50 took place in August 2002. The RoK Air Force has a requirement for 50 T-50 trainers and 44 T-50 LIFT. RoKAF placed a production contract for the first 25 T-50 in December 2003 and the first production aircraft was rolled out in August 2005. Under the terms of one contract, IAI subsidiary ELTA Systems will develop and supply an advanced radar system specifically for the FA/TA jets South Korea is developing. The radar enhances a fighter jet's air-to-air, air-to-ground, and air-to-sea capabilities, enabling long-range target detection and high-resolution mapping, the company said. The second contract is for the supply of an advanced air defense system, also ELTA Systems Ltd. Officials in Seoul announced earlier this month South Korea will buy the Green Pine Block-B radar system from Israel to detect and track North Korean ballistic missiles. The radars would be capable of monitoring ballistic missiles in flight at ranges of up to 500 kilometers (312 miles), covering nearly all North Korean soil if deployed in South Korea by 2012, the officials said. North Korea has about 600 Scud missiles capable of hitting targets in South Korea, and possibly Japanese territory in some cases. There are another 200 Rodong-1 missiles, which could reach Tokyo"

DTN News: Raytheon Unveils SPY-5 ~ An Affordable, Advanced Naval X-Band Radar

DTN News: Raytheon Unveils SPY-5 ~ An Affordable, Advanced Naval X-Band Radar *Source: DTN News / Raytheon

(NSI News Source Info) TEWKSBURY, Mass., - September 9, 2009: Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has developed a new naval radar -- AN/SPY-5, a multitracking, target-illuminating system for surface combatants that can simultaneously search, detect and precisely track multiple surface and air threats. The Raytheon-developed SPY-5 is an open architecture, phased-array radar system, providing an advanced and affordable self-defense solution for small and large surface ships operating in the littorals and other maritime environments. "SPY-5 is an affordable, effective and reliable radar system that provides critical capabilities for naval forces around the globe," said Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems' Charles "Tom" Bush, vice president of Seapower Capability Systems. "The radar delivers the capabilities of multiple radar systems to counter a broad range of threats in a single, cost-effective solution." SPY-5's mission capabilities include low-altitude horizon search; focused volume search; surface search; missile and surface gunfire control; simultaneous threat illumination; and missile midcourse guidance and terminal homing -- capabilities previously only achievable through multiple radar solutions. These tasks can be performed simultaneously with an innovative advanced radio frequency phase shifter phased-array system technology. An open architecture system, SPY-5 is compatible with all digital combat management systems, and the radar's range, accuracy and beam agility enable the full performance of the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile. The radar's high level of compatibility with existing combat systems maximizes the ship's firepower with minimal alterations or added costs. The radar delivers all of the performance benefits of larger, heavier and more costly active array systems while providing full 360-degree azimuth coverage via three 120-degree beam faces. SPY-5's size, weight and overall self-defense capabilities make it equally well suited for smaller navy ships with a displacement of less than 1,000 tons as well as large-deck aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships. SPY-5's X-band energy is generated by the proven and widely deployed MK 73 solid-state transmitter system. Because the system uses transmitters that are already installed, upgrading and modernizing many existing systems is greatly simplified and can be accomplished at a relatively low cost. In addition, SPY-5 is designed for continuous operation for extended mission periods. Integrated Defense Systems is Raytheon's leader in Global Capabilities Integration, providing affordable, integrated solutions to a broad international and domestic customer base, including the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the U.S. Armed Forces and the Department of Homeland Security. Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.

DTN News: India To Install Radars In Maldives

DTN News: India To Install Radars In Maldives *Source: DTN News / Defense Media (NSI News Source Info) NEW DELHI, India - August 23, 2009: India will help the Republic of Maldives build a maritime surveillance system, among other defense-cooperative measures agreed to during the Aug. 20-22 visit of India Defence Minister A.K. Antony to the Indian Ocean island nation. The system's radars will be linked to the Indian Navy and Coastal Guard headquarters, a senior Indian Navy official said. India is also likely to give Maldives two Coast Guard helicopters in coming months, the Navy official said. Indian Defence Ministry sources said Maldives is emerging as an important logistics and intelligence base for India. Antony and his delegation met with Maldives President Mohammed Nasheed and Defence Minister Ameen Faisal, who told reporters Aug. 21 that the security concerns of both countries are intertwined. Analysts said the move was part of India's efforts to counter growing Chinese influence in the region. "If China is building a port in Hambantota, India outflanks the same by a strong presence in Male and so on. What could even be termed as a great game in the Indian Ocean will be seen in the years ahead," said defense analyst Rahul Bhonsle, a retired Army brigadier. But Zach Mathews, a retired Indian Navy commodore, said India is more worried about countering Pakistan's influence on the island chain, which is 400 nautical miles from the Indian coast. "Maldives is a Muslim country, and having an independent nation close to the Indian subcontinent and under control of forces inimical to India would be a disaster," Mathews said. In 1988, India sent forces to Maldives at the request of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom during a coup attempt. When the Indian troops arrived in Maldives by air, the terrorists and rebels escaped from Male but were overpowered by Indian Navy warships. Maldives has an India-First policy, says Vijay Sakhuja, a director at the Indian Council of World Affairs here. "Maldives has emphatically denied that there are Chinese naval facilities on any of its island territories and assured [us] that it has no plans [to allow any] in the future. Instead, it seeks an exclusive security arrangement with India and does not wish to approach regional and extraregional powers for such agreements," said Sakhuja. Analysts said Maldives needs help securing its littorals from piracy, terrorism, contraband trade, drug smuggling and human smuggling by local and foreign actors. "There is a need not just for Indian interests, but also [for] overall global interests, given the large quantum of trade passing through this region, which is likely to grow exponentially once the present financial crisis recedes. Unless these sea lanes are secured, there would be many more Somalia-like situations happening in the region," said Bhonsle. "I would not view it as an Indian security net but a global trade security net for which other South Asian countries of Sri Lanka and Maldives and those on the East African coast would remain critical. This global trade safety net through the Indian Ocean will be led by India, given the strategic location and large naval presence." The Indian delegation also included Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar, DG Armed Forces Medical Services Lt. Gen. N.K. Parmar, DG Coast Guard Vice Adm. Anil Chopra and Deputy Chief of Navy Staff Vice Adm. D.K. Joshi, according to an Indian Defence Ministry press release.

DTN News: South Russia Missile Radar To Be Fully Operational In October

DTN News: South Russia Missile Radar To Be Fully Operational In October *Source: DTN News / RIA Novosti (NSI News Source Info) BALASHIKHA (Moscow Region) - August 8, 2009: A radar station in the southern Russian town of Armavir will become fully operational in October-November as part of the country's missile warning system, a military official said on Thursday. "The station will be put into operation...in October-November this year," said Gen. Nikolai Abroskin, head of the Federal Agency for Special Construction, which builds radar sites and space launch centers. The station is currently operating in a test mode. The Armavir radar has been built to monitor any potential missile attacks in the south and southeast of Russia in place of the early warning facilities in Mukachevo in western Ukraine and Sevastopol in the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea. Russia terminated a 1997 agreement with Kiev on the use of both Ukrainian radars in February 2008 on the grounds that they had become obsolete. With an effective range of 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles) the Voronezh-type radar has capabilities similar to its predecessors, the Dnepr and Daryal, which are currently deployed outside Russia, but uses less energy and is more environmentally friendly. Russia has offered the U.S. use of radar stations at Armavir and Gabala in Azerbaijan as alternatives to a planned U.S. missile shield deployment in Central Europe, which Moscow has fiercely opposed as a security threat. Washington has since shown little interest in the Russian proposal, but with the arrival of a new administration, led by President Barack Obama, has frozen its plans to open a missile interceptor base in Poland and a radar station in the Czech Republic. During his visit to Moscow in July, Obama pledged to consider Russia's concerns and review the U.S.'s European shield plans.

DTN News: Israeli And Korean Firms In radar Deal

DTN News: Israeli And Korean Firms In radar Deal

*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) SEOUL, South Korea - July 29, 2009: Israeli and South Korean avionics firms will sign an agreement in September to develop a mechanically scanned array radar for the South Korean air force. LIG Nex1, based in Seoul, and Elta Systems, part of Israel Aerospace Industries, will build the system for South Korea's upcoming TA-50 light-armed aircraft and the FA-50 attack fighters, a report in The Korea Times newspaper stated. An official signing ceremony will take place Sept. 3 in Seoul, the report said, quoting unnamed sources within South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program. The jointly produced radar will be based on Elta's EL/M-2032 radar technologies with a look-up tracking range of 40-65 miles. The domestically built, or "indigenous," radar is scheduled to be operating by the end of 2010 and in service the following year with the Republic of Korea air force, the source said. The agreement is in keeping with South Korea's strategy to develop and manufacture its own military equipment part financed by export orders including interest from Iraq and India. The TA-50 and FA-50 are direct developments from the country's two-seater T-50 Golden Eagle, a supersonic advanced trainer first built by Korean Aerospace Industries in the early 1990s. The TA and FA are derived from the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon, the trainer developed for future pilots of the F-16, which is used by South Korea. The T-50 trainer uses a General Electric F404 turbofan engine producing 17,700 lbf of thrust for a maximum speed of Mach 1.4 to 48,000 feet altitude. The range is around 1,150 miles. It entered service with Korea in February 2005 and around 50 have been built with a price tag estimated at $21 million apiece in 2008. Lockheed Martin built an A-50, the armed version of the T-50 that carries a 20mm cannon and an AIM-9 Sidewinder heat-seeking air-to-air missile. It also uses their own AN/PG-67(v)4 radar. South Korea's TA-50 and the more heavily armed single-seater FA-50 were to use the Israeli EL/M-2032 pulse-Doppler radar. They will now use the joint Israeli-Korean developed radar based on the EL/M-2032. Cooperation between the two firms could lead to development of an active electronically scanned array radar system, The Korea Times noted. Sixty FA-50 versions are scheduled to be operating by 2013. Sales of T-50s were discusses by South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and Iraqi President Jalal Talabani in February during a meeting that focused on Korean opportunities to help rebuild the Iraqi infrastructure, The Korea Times reported in March. No sources were named in the report. An Iraqi pilot accompanying Iraqi Defense Minister Abdul-Qader al-Obeidi to Korea in January flew a T-50, the Times said.

DTN News: South Korea Firm Develops Aircraft Identification System

DTN News: South Korea Firm Develops Aircraft Identification System

*Sources: DTN News / Defense Media

(NSI News Source Info) SEOUL, South Korea - June 23, 2009: LIG Nex1, a leading defense firm in South Korea, has developed an indigenous identification, friend or foe (IFF) system for its "Shingung" portable ground-to-air weapons, the company announced June 21. The New Bow (Shingung, Shin-Gung or Shin-Kung, possibly God's Bow or Divine Bow) is a shoulder-launched missile targeting helicopters, or low-flying fighter and transport aircraft. The KP-SAM [Janes claimes was recently redesignated as the NEX1 Future Chiron (Singung), but no one else seems to agree], is a two-man, fire and forget system that is fired in the same way as the Mistral, which is mounted on a tripod. The 10 kilogram missile features an integral Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system, full night and adverse weather capabilities, and a two-color infrared seeker to aid in negating countermeasures. It has a 7 km maximum target range and flies at a maximum altitude of 3.5 km and maximum speed of Mach 2.1. The Singung is designed to automatically explode against a target flying within a radius of 1.5 m, shattering into hundreds of pieces while shooting down a target. It is mainly intended to bring down enemy aircraft and helicopter that infiltrate at low altitude. It boasts more than 90 percent-plus hit-ratio accuracy and comes at a unit price of W180 million. Only four countries including the United States, Russia and France, have that kind of portable surface-to-air missile systems. According to the Defense Ministry, the missile is lighter and more accurate than the Stinger missile of the U.S., Russia’s Igla and France’s Mistral. The KP-SAM program was originally aimed at developing a new man-portable SAM for the protection of troops in the foreword area. However, by 2003 the delivery of the Igla SAMs from Russia in payment for Russian debts to Korea appear to have solved the problem. The primary difference between the Russian Igla system and the KP-SAM is the IFF system mounted forward of the launcher. Development of the Chiron (Singung) man-portable surface-to-air missiles system (MANPADS SAM) is believed to have commenced during 1995 when the system was then known as the KP-SAM. The portable anti-aircraft missile Singung was developed by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD)over eight years starting in 1995 with a W70 billion [$71 million] budget. In late 2005 it entered service with the South Korean Army, after being in development for nearly 8 years. The South Korean Army had ordered some 2000 units to be delivered by LG Innotek Co. Ltd. Series production was expected to commence during 2004, with deployment and IOC during the same year, however, extended trials meant that the system was not ready for series production and deployment before September 2005. Trials during the research and development phase were carried out using both fixed and rotary wing targets. The program was originally aimed at developing a new man-portable SAM for the protection of troops in the foreword area. The seeker technology was Russian, from the Leningrad Optical Mechanical Association (LOMO) but that the control section, warhead and motor were of a South Korean design. The four-year joint development with the state-run Agency for Defense Development was completed in May following successful test trials both by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and the Army, LIG Nex1 said in a news release. About 5 billion won ($3.9 million) was spent to develop the IFF, an electronic system that can determine the intent of an aircraft with the speed of the fastest computer, it said. Company officials expect the sophisticated identification system will not only greatly upgrade the country's air defense capability, but also have the potential of defense exports amounting to 100 billion won ($79 million) in the coming years. "The South Korean military have had to use IFF systems built by U.S., French and other foreign defense firms" in the past, said Kim Soo-hong, an executive director of LIG Nex 1. "We're planning to further develop the IFF system enough to be fitted with other similar weapons systems, not just the Shingung anti-aircraft missile." The Shingung is a shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missile capable of hitting targets as high as 3.5 kilometers with a speed of Mach 2.0. It has a distance range of 7 kilometers. Established in 1976 as Glodstar Precision, LIG Nex1 develops and manufactures a wide range of defense systems, such as precision-guided missiles, underwater systems, radar, fire-control systems, communications, electronic warfare and avionics. Major products include the "Hyeonmoo" medium-range ground-to-ground missile with a range of 180 kilometers; the "Haeseong" cruise missile with a range of 150 kilometers; and the "Cheonma" self-propelled surface-to-air missile system, also known as K-SAM, with an effective range of 10 kilometers.

DTN News: Estonia, Finland Order 14 Medium-Range Radars / Estonia Concluded A Contract For The Procurement Of Two Medium Range Radar Systems

DTN News: Estonia, Finland Order 14 Medium-Range Radars / Estonia Concluded A Contract For The Procurement Of Two Medium Range Radar Systems

(NSI News Source Info) June 4, 2009: Today, Estonia concluded a procurement contract, together with the Finnish Ministry of Defence and the French company Thales-Raytheon Systems, for the procurement of two 3D medium range radar systems, which will cover Estonia and its surrounding airspace with a single radar image.

ThalesRaytheonSystems has been selected to deliver Medium Range Air Surveillance Systems including 14 Ground Master 403 radar systems, 12 for Finland and two for Estonia, and a Long Range Air Identification and Surveillance Radar System Mid Life Upgrade for five Teresa 22XX radars for Finland, which were previously supplied by Thales. The order value for the Ground Master radars and the Teresa upgrade is expected to be approximately €200 million ($265 million). ThalesRaytheonSystems has also been selected to provide 12 Sentinel radars as part of the air defense system selected by the Finnish Ministry of Defense to fulfill Finland's future Medium Range Air Defense Missile System (MRADMS) requirements.

Estonia and Finland will together procure a total of 14 radar systems of the Ground Master 403 series. The two radar systems intended for Estonia are meant to supplement Estonia’s current sole 3D medium range radar in Kellavere, in West-Viru County, and to also provide a sufficient air surveillance image for Western and South-eastern Estonia.

The formidable air surveillance image created thanks to the procurement will increase early warning time in case of possible crisis situations, and is also the prerequisite for the operation of air policing fighter craft and air defence missile systems, the procurement of which is planned for the future. Also, as a member of NATO, Estonia is required to provide elementary radar coverage on its territory and to some extent also outside of the Alliance’s external border. Minister of defence Jaak Aaviksoo expressed hope that the joint procurement with Finland creates good premise for future joint procurements. “Several priorities of the Estonian National defence development plan for 2009-2018 – air surveillance and defence, communications and command systems, rapid response capability – overlap with the long-term planning directions of Finnish national defence,” noted Aaviksoo.

According to Finland’s Minister of Defence, Jyri Häkämies, the joint radar procurement with Estonia benefits both parties. “Combining our procurements is very economical financially. And the cooperation, in terms of procurements and equipment, also strengthens the relations between Estonia’s and Finland’s national defence structures,” said Minister of Defence Häkämies.

For Estonia, the procurement totals MEEK 350, to be paid based on a flexible schedule for payments during the period 2009-2014. Since Finland and Estonia have procured a total of 14 radar systems, the producer can, thanks to production efficiency, offer the systems at very reasonable prices – technically Estonia gets two radar systems for the price of one thanks to the joint procurement with Finland.

The Thales-Raytheon Systems Ground Master 403 radar systems are capable of detecting aircraft at a range of up to 470 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km. These are mobile systems, meaning that when necessary the radar can be relocated from its permanent position and set up elsewhere within an hour.

In addition to two primary radar systems, the procurement includes secondary radar systems, generators for the radar systems, containers, vehicles, training and radomes (domes to cover the radar systems when they are in their stationary positions).

According to the procurement contract, Thales-Raytheon Systems has the obligation to make offset purchases with a procurement contract of similar scope from Estonian enterprises. Preferable for the offset purchases would be areas such as research and development, strategic goods and high-tech goods.

This way, the radar procurement also provides support for the development of innovative and high-tech industries in Estonia. The spectrum of the offset purchases reaches from the export of products and services, research and development, investments and technology transfers to corresponding marketing support.

The Estonian and Finnish Ministries of Defence concluded a Memorandum of Understanding in October 2007, for carrying out the joint radar procurement. According to the memorandum, the Finnish Air Force, with the participation of the Estonian Ministry of Defence and experts of the Defence Forces, prepared an invitation for tender to determine the most suitable radar system. One of the priorities of the National defence development plan for 2009-2018, which was approved by the government in January 2009, is the further development of the reconnaissance, surveillance and early warning systems of the Estonian Defence Forces. The procurement for the air surveillance radar systems is the first of the larger procurements planned in the recently approved development plan.

DTN News: Lockheed Martin Awarded Nearly $25 Million To Develop U.S. Air Force’s Next-Generation Long-Range Radar

DTN News: Lockheed Martin Awarded Nearly $25 Million To Develop U.S. Air Force’s Next-Generation Long-Range Radar

*Source: Lockheed Martin

(NSI News Source Info) SYRACUSE, NY - June 2, 2009: The U.S. Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin a fixed-price contract for nearly $25 million to develop a prototype for the next-generation 3-Dimensional Expeditionary Long-Range Radar (3DELRR). Lockheed Martin was one of two industry teams placed under contract for the technical development of this new land-based radar. The Electronic Systems Center at Hanscom Air Force Base leads the acquisition for the new radar. The Air Force plans to replace its entire TPS-75 long-range radar inventory with the 3DELRR, which will detect, identify, track and report aircraft and missiles. Following a 20-month Technical Development Phase, the Air Force has said it intends to competitively award one contract for system development in the 2011 timeframe. “Lockheed Martin will leverage our years of experience in developing transportable long-range radars to provide our long-time Air Force customer with a radar that will meet its mission requirements,” said Carl Bannar, vice president of Lockheed Martin’s radar business in Syracuse, NY. “We are honored to have been selected to continue development on 3DELRR, and intend to demonstrate that we have the best solution.” Lockheed Martin built the first next-generation long-range radar, the AN/TPS-59. There are more than 170 of the company’s radars -- including the TPS-59, the AN/FPS-117 and the AN/TPS-77 -- operating throughout the world. The radars are used in areas such as battle theaters and very remote locations; none has ever been removed from service. Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

DTN News: Dingo Vehicle To Carry New German BUR Radars / DINGO 2 BÜR: EADS Defence & Security Supplies New Type Of Ground Surveillance Radar

DTN News: Dingo Vehicle To Carry New German BUR Radars / DINGO 2 BÜR: EADS Defence & Security Supplies New Type Of Ground Surveillance Radar

(NSI News Source Info) May 28, 2009: The German Armed Forces will be equipped with a new kind of ground surveillance radar (BÜR - Bodenüberwachungsradar) for detecting movements on the ground and at low altitudes with a precision unmatched in the world.

The ATF Dingo is a German heavily armored military infantry mobility vehicle based on a Unimog chassis with a V-hull design, produced by the company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. It is designed to withstand land mines, rifle fire, artillery fragments and NBC-threats. ATF stands for Allschutz-Transport-Fahrzeug, meaning all-protected transport vehicle in German. It is named after the wild dog dingo.

On May 19 the first of two system demonstrators were handed over to the German Federal Office of Defence Technology and Procurement (BWB) for evaluation by the Bundeswehr's Technical Centres.

The delivery of approximately 80 BÜR systems is scheduled to start in 2012. They are intended to close the gap in capabilities of the German Armed Forces in the area of intelligence gathering and reconnaissance. A modified version of this radar destined for civil applications such as surveillance of border regions or industrial facilities is currently under development.

BÜR is suited for mobile use on the DINGO 2 armoured vehicle manufactured by the Munich-based company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. The BÜR system is based on the latest electronic scan control technology "AESA" (Active Electronically Scanned Array), which opens up completely new possibilities for detection and surveillance.

Thanks to delay-free electronic beam control, the radar can perform multiple reconnaissance tasks at the same time, thus achieving a much greater level of efficiency and reliability in comparison to mechanically scanned radars.

Each BÜR system can therefore assume the tasks of several conventional radars. Operation of the system and the radar is fully effected from the protected interior of the vehicle, without the crew having to leave the vehicle.

U.S. Buys Su-27 Fighters From Ukraine For 'Aggressor' Training

U.S. Buys Su-27 Fighters From Ukraine For 'Aggressor' Training

(NSI News Source Info) May 12, 2009: The United States has bought two Su-27 Flanker fighter jets to help train U.S. pilots to cope with the growing number of Russian 4th-generation aircraft sold around the globe, a U.S. online magazine said. The Sukhoi Su-27 (NATO reporting name ‘Flanker’) is a one-seat Mach-2 class jet fighter plane originally manufactured by the Soviet Union, and designed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau. It was intended as a direct competitor for the large American fourth generation fighters, with long 3,530 km range, heavy armament, sophisticated avionics and high agility. The Su-27 most often flies air superiority missions, but is able to perform almost all combat operations. Complementing the smaller MiG-29, its closest American counterpart is the F-15 Eagle. There are several related developments of the Su-27 design. The Su-30 is a two-seat, dual-role fighter for all-weather, air-to-air and air-to-surface deep interdiction missions; comparable to F-15E Strike Eagle. Su-33 ‘Flanker-D’ is a navy fleet defense interceptor for use on aircraft carriers; comparable to F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Further versions include the side-by-side 2-seat Su-34 ‘Fullback’ strike variant and the Su-35 ‘Flanker-E’ improved air defense fighter. The two planes have been bought from a private Ukrainian company by the Reno-based Tac Air, which provides training and test support for the military. The aircraft will also be used to test the effectiveness of new U.S. radars and electronic warfare equipment, the Strategy Page reported. The 33-ton Su-27 is similar to the U.S. F-15, but costs some 30% less, the source said. Su-27 fighters have been produced in Russia since 1982. They are still widely used in the Russian Air Force and are gradually undergoing maintenance repairs to extend their service life. The Su-27 Flanker and its variant, the Su-30 Flanker C, account for a major share of Russia's arms exports. In the past, Russia's Sukhoi aircraft maker sold Su-27 and Su-30 fighters to China, India, Malaysia, Venezuela and Algeria. In 2007, Sukhoi exported 50 of these aircraft, accounting for 50% of Rosoboronexport's export revenues. According to U.S. sources, the two aircraft, which have been acquired in a commercial variant, stripped of weaponry, are being overhauled and modified by the U.S. Pride Air company.

Northrop Grumman Upgrades Ship Navigation Radars With Enhanced Naval Display Features

Northrop Grumman Upgrades Ship Navigation Radars With Enhanced Naval Display Features

(NSI News Source Info) CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., - April 18, 2009: Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Sperry Marine business unit announces the introduction of a new family of navigation radar sets with enhanced naval display features. "We are now offering a naval display version of our highly successful commercial VisionMaster FT(tm) series of navigation radars, providing extended capabilities to meet the specific requirements of naval ships," said J. Nolasco DaCunha, vice president of Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine. "We have retained the outstanding capabilities of the commercial radars while incorporating important new features for the naval sector. The open-architecture design of the VisionMaster FT product line permits easy upgrades without making hardware changes." New features incorporated into the VisionMaster FT naval display radars include red first strike for immediate identification of high-speed targets, helicopter approach sectors, freeze frame function for radio silence, station keeping, target intercept, advanced index lines and other functions to support modern naval operations. It can be integrated with scanner systems operating at very low rotating speeds, down to 5 rpm. The VisionMaster FT naval radar display systems are available in 340 millimeters and 250 millimeters, X-band and S-band models in dedicated consoles or for built-in installations with remote electronics. The units utilize state-of-the-art high-resolution flat-screen display technology. They are designed to serve as stand-alone radars or as part of a complete VisionMaster FT integrated bridge system. Like all VisionMaster FT commercial radars, the naval display versions incorporate Sperry Marine's advanced automatic clutter-suppression technology, ensuring that weak targets can be detected under poor weather conditions or in close proximity to land. Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine, headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., and with major engineering and support offices in New Malden, United Kingdom and Hamburg, Germany, provides smart navigation and ship control solutions for the international marine industry with customer service and support through offices in 16 countries, sales representatives in 47 countries and authorized service depots in more than 250 locations worldwide. Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Brazil Awards Lockheed Martin Contract To Support Long-Range Surveillance Radars In The Amazon

Brazil Awards Lockheed Martin Contract To Support Long-Range Surveillance Radars In The Amazon

(NSI News Source Info) RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - April 16, 2009: Lockheed Martin received a $1.6 million contract from the Brazilian Air Force to support six of its TPS-77 – known in Brazil as the TPS-B34 – long range air surveillance radars currently monitoring airspace in the Amazon region. Since their installation between 2000 and 2005, the Lockheed Martin-manufactured radars have been an integral part of the Brazilian Integrated Air Traffic Control and Air Defense System (SISDACTA), also supplying information to the Amazon Protection System (SIPAM), a complex network of ground-based and airborne sensors providing surveillance in the region, implemented by the Amazon Surveillance System (SIVAM) Project. The TPS-77s have dual-use capability, providing both air surveillance and air traffic control. These radars have withstood the unique environmental challenges experienced in the Amazon jungle and also have demonstrated 100% reliability during deployments, by road and by air, to support Brazilian Air Force exercises. Under the terms of the contract, Lockheed Martin will provide technical support for the six radar systems and on-the-job training for Brazilian radar technicians. The one-year contract includes options to extend the support for up to five years. The AN/TPS-77 is the latest configuration of the world’s most successful 3-D solid-state radar design. This transportable radar provides continuous high-quality 3-D surveillance on aircraft targets at ranges out to 250 nautical miles. The AN/TPS-77 shares some technical components and maintenance activity with Lockheed Martin’s AN/FPS-117 radar. There are 36 AN/TPS-77s and 134 AN/FPS-117 systems operational in 25 countries.

Many have performed for years completely unmanned in remote areas, and in a wide range of operational environments. Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

Raytheon Achieves Critical Dual Band Radar Testing Milestone

Raytheon Achieves Critical Dual Band Radar Testing Milestone

(NSI News Source Info) TEWKSBURY, Mass. - April 9, 2009: Raytheon Company and the U.S. Navy successfully completed initial "lightoff" testing of the Dual Band Radar. The Dual Band Radar is an integrated active phased-array radar suite composed of the X-band AN/SPY-3 Multi-Function Radar and the S-band Volume Search Radar, both of which radiated at high power during lightoff at the Navy's Engineering Test Center, Wallops Island, Va. "This is an enormous milestone for Raytheon and the Navy -- demonstrating the reliability and effectiveness of the most advanced naval surface radar in the world," said Raytheon Integrated Defense System's Bob Martin, vice president and deputy of Seapower Capability Systems. "The Dual Band Radar provides unmatched mission capabilities and functionality, while delivering commonality and affordability for the fleet." The system will be installed on the Zumwalt-class destroyer (DDG 1000), Ford-class aircraft carrier (CVN 78), and other future surface combatants to provide superior surveillance capabilities and support ship self-defense across a broad range of missions. The Dual Band Radar leverages proven technologies to meet mission requirements in deep water and littoral, or near shore, environments. The radar supports a wide variety of mission requirements, including ship self-defense and anti-air warfare; anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface ship warfare; situational awareness; land attack; naval gunfire support; surface search; navigation; and air traffic control. The radar's capabilities include horizon search; volume surveillance; fire control tracking; missile guidance; and illumination functionality for the Evolved SeaSparrow missile and Standard missile family. Following this successful lightoff testing, the radar suite will begin an extended period of operational performance testing. Integrated Defense Systems is Raytheon's leader in Global Capabilities Integration, providing affordable, integrated solutions to a broad international and domestic customer base, including the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the U.S. Armed Forces and the Department of Homeland Security. Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.