Showing posts with label UAE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UAE. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers Indian Air Force’s 4th C-17 Globemaster III

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers Indian Air Force’s 4th C-17 Globemaster III
*In February 2011, the IAF and Boeing agreed to terms for the order of 10 C-17s with an option for six more. Deliveries of the 10 aircraft are to begin in 2013.
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) KOTTAKKAL, Kerala, India - October 30, 2013: The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) fourth Boeing [NYSE: BA] C-17 Globemaster III departs for India from Long Beach on Oct. 19, keeping the company on track to deliver a total of five advanced airlifters to the IAF this year.

Boeing will deliver five more C-17s to India in 2014 to complete the contract.  

Since its first flight in 1991, the C-17 has amassed more than 2.6 million flying hours airlifting troops and large cargo, delivering humanitarian supplies by precision airdrop, and performing lifesaving aeromedical missions. Most recently, the IAF used its C-17s to support Cyclone Phailin relief efforts.

Boeing will complete production of the C-17 Globemaster III in the fourth quarter of 2015. In addition to the remaining C-17s for India, the company will build 15 more for other customers outside the United States. Boeing will continue after-delivery support of the worldwide C-17 fleet as part of the C-17 Globemaster III Integrated Sustainment Program Performance-Based Logistics agreement.

Boeing has delivered 258 C-17s, including 223 to the U.S. Air Force and a total of 35 to Australia, Canada, India, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations. 

*Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster III Chronicle - Description
Aircraft requirement, and to replace its fleet of aging transport planes. In January 2010, the U.S. Government received a request from India for 10 C-17s through the U.S.'s Foreign Military Sales program, which was approved by the U.S. Congress in June 2010. On 23 June 2010, the Indian Air Force successfully test-landed a USAF C-17 at the Gaggal Airport, India to complete the IAF's C-17 trials. In February 2011, the IAF and Boeing agreed to terms for the order of 10 C-17s with an option for six more; the order was approved by the Indian Cabinet Committee on Security on 6 June 2011. Deliveries began in June 2013 and are to continue until 2014. The total cost of the ten-plane order is US$4.1 billion, and it will make IAF the second-largest C-17 operator. It was reported that the Indian Air Force has finalized plans to buy six more C-17s in the 13th five-year plan (2017-2022).

The aircraft provides strategic airlift and the ability to deploy special forces in the event of national emergencies or terrorism. They are operated by the air force in diverse terrain - from Himalayan air bases in North India at 13,000 ft to Indian Ocean bases in South India. The Indian Air Force's C-17s are based at Hindon Air Force Station, and are operated by the No. 81 Squadron Skylords. The first C-17 was delivered in January 2013 for testing and training;

 it was officially accepted on 11 June 2013. The second C-17 was delivered on 23 July 2013 and put into service immediately. IAF Chief of Air Staff Norman AK Browne called the Globemaster III "a major component in the IAF's modernization drive" while taking delivery of the aircraft at Boeing's Long Beach factory. On 2 September 2013, the Skylords squadron with three C-17s officially entered service with the Indian Air Force.


The Skylords regularly fly mission within India, to places like Port Blair, Leh and Thoise. 

The IAF first used the C-17 to transport equipment of an army infantry battalion to Port Blair on 1 July 2013. They have also been sent on foreign deployments. These include a flight to Tajikistan in August which carried special equipment and instrument landing aids, and another flight is planned in September for Rwanda to deliver heavy equipment to support the 4,000 Indian troops deployed in Congo as part of Indian Army United Nations peacekeeping missions. One C-17 was used for transporting relief materials during Cyclone Phailin.

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Boeing
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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Friday, June 21, 2013

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To Boeing Amounting To $ 4.9 Billion For CH-47F Cargo Helicopters Related To U. S. Army, Foreign Military Sales For Turkey And UAE

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To Boeing Amounting To $ 4.9 Billion For CH-47F Cargo Helicopters Related To U. S. Army, Foreign Military Sales For Turkey And UAE
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources DTN News & U.S. DoD issued No.  440-13 June 17, 2013
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 21, 2013:  The Boeing Co., Ridley Park, Penn., was awarded a firm-fixed-price, multi-year contract with a maximum base value of $3,414,000,002 for the production of remanufactured and new-build CH-47F cargo helicopters. 


 A portion of this contract is in support of foreign military sales for Turkey and United Arab Emirates.  

The total of the contract if all options are exercised will be $4,983,900,022.  The estimated completion date is Dec. 31, 2020.  

A combination of fiscal 2011, fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2013 Procurement funds in the amount of $1,316,639,035 are being obligated on this award.  


One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-13-C-0002). 

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources DTN News & U.S. DoD issued No.  440-13 June 17, 2013
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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Tuesday, December 11, 2012

DTN News - QATAR DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers Qatar Emiri Air Force's 4th C-17 Globemaster III

DTN News -  QATAR DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers Qatar Emiri Air Force's 4th 
C-17 Globemaster III
Source: DTN News- - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info)  SINGAPOE - December 10, 2012:  Boeing [NYSE: BA] delivered the Qatar Emiri Air Force's fourth C-17 Globemaster III today in Long Beach. The delivery reflects Qatar's agreement with the U.S. government to acquire two additional C-17s, which brings the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) fleet of the world's most advanced airlifters to a total of four as the C-17 continues to attract orders worldwide. Qatar received its third airlifter earlier this year.

"The C-17's reliability, along with its unique strategic and tactical capabilities, has expanded our reach and ability to support missions worldwide on a moment's notice," said Brig. Gen. Ahmed Al-Malki, head of Qatar's airlift committee. "Doubling our fleet strengthens our ability to support humanitarian, disaster-relief and peacekeeping missions."
Qatar’s C-17s earlier this year supported the NATO-led operation in Libya and provided relief for drought victims in Kenya. In early 2010, QEAF C-17s delivered humanitarian aid to Haiti and Chile following devastating earthquakes.
"Boeing salutes the Qatar Emiri Air Force and its brave C-17 crews who continue to respond to crises around the world," said Bob Ciesla, Boeing vice president, Airlift and C-17 program manager. "We are proud to be their partner and appreciate their confidence in the world’s most reliable airlifter."
Qatar, the first Middle East nation to order the C-17, signed an agreement with Boeing on July 21, 2008, for two advanced airlifters and associated equipment and services, with options for two additional aircraft. Boeing delivered Qatar's first two C-17s in 2009.
As a member of the worldwide C-17 "virtual fleet," Qatar’s C-17s are supported through the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III Integrated Sustainment Program, a performance-based logistics program. The GISP arrangement ensures mission readiness by providing all C-17 customers – with varied fleet sizes – access to an extensive support network for worldwide parts availability and economies of scale when purchasing materials.
Boeing has delivered 249 C-17s worldwide, including 218 to the U.S. Air Force active duty, Guard and Reserve units. A total of 31 C-17s have been delivered to Australia, Canada, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations. India has 10 C-17s on order for delivery in 2013 and 2014.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 61,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

A related photo is available at boeing.mediaroom.com.
Contact:
Angie Yoshimura
C-17 Communications
Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Office: +1 562-593-5233
Mobile: +1 310-227-6568
angie.e.yoshimura@boeing.com
Fakher Daghestani
Middle East Communications
Boeing International Corporation
Mobile: +971 506 254855
fakher.a.daghestani@boeing.com

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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Tuesday, May 22, 2012

DTN News - UAE DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers 5th C-17 to UAE Air Force And Air Defence

DTN News - UAE DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers 5th C-17 to UAE Air Force And Air Defence
 *C-17 airlifters delivered to United Arab Emirates in 2011; 6th scheduled for delivery in 2012
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 22, 2012: Boeing [NYSE: BA] delivered a fifth C-17 Globemaster III airlifter to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force and Air Defence earlier this month. The UAE accepted delivery of four C-17s in 2011 and has one more airlifter on order for delivery later this year.

"It's amazing to see all that the UAE has accomplished with its fleet of C-17s in such a short time, including standing up a new base; qualifying three aircraft commanders and four mission-ready loadmasters; and conducting humanitarian aid and peacekeeping missions," said Bob Ciesla, Boeing Airlift vice president and C-17 program manager. 

"We're proud to be a part of the UAE Air Force and Air Defence mission long after each C-17 is delivered. With a mission-capable rate above 90 percent, UAE C-17s are ready to save lives and deliver hope whenever they are needed."
The UAE, Boeing's sixth international C-17 customer, received its first airlifter on May 10, 2011. Since that time, the UAE Air Force and Air Defence C-17 fleet has amassed more than 2,000 flight hours and carried more than 3,000 passengers and nearly 4 million pounds of cargo.
As a part of the worldwide C-17 "virtual fleet," UAE C-17s are supported through the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III Integrated Sustainment Program (GISP), a Performance-Based Logistics agreement. The GISP arrangement provides the highest airlift mission-capable rate at one of the lowest costs per flying hour.
Boeing has delivered 243 C-17s worldwide, including 216 to the U.S. Air Force active duty, Guard and Reserve units. A total of 27 C-17s have been delivered to Australia, Canada, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations. India has 10 C-17s on order for delivery in 2013 and 2014.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 61,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

Contact:
Cindy Anderson
Boeing Defense, Space & Security
+1 562-253-5818
cindy.a.anderson@boeing.com
Fakher Daghestani
Middle East Communications
Boeing International Corporation
Mobile: +971 506 254855
fakher.a.daghestani@boeing.com

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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Wednesday, May 09, 2012

DTN News - NATO SUMMIT IN CHICAGO: Summit Will Deal With Range Of Issues, NATO General Says

DTN News - NATO SUMMIT IN CHICAGO: Summit Will Deal With Range Of Issues, NATO General Says
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Jim Garamone - American Forces Press Service
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 9, 2012: Afghanistan will dominate the NATO summit in Chicago later this month, but alliance leaders will deal with other issues as well, a senior NATO commander said here yesterday.

Gen. Stephane Abrial of the French air force told the Defense Writers Group the nations’ leaders also will deal with partnership capability, “smart defense” and other matters. Abrial is commander of NATO’s transformation command.

“On partnership, there will be a reaffirmation that NATO does not operate in isolation,” the general said. The alliance is keen to work more closely with all kinds of partners from other nations to international institutions to no-governmental organizations, he added.


The NATO-led actions in Libya are an example of the alliance working with non-NATO partners, such as the United Arab Emirates and the Arab League. NATO also works with the European Union to ensure that the two institutions work together smoothly, when needed.

How to work together with these disparate groups is part and parcel of the Allied Command Transformation mission, Abrial said.

On capabilities, the leaders will discuss the progress on decisions made at NATO’s 2010 summit in Lisbon, Portugal, including the smart defense initiative. Smart defense is about how the alliance will continue to develop and maintain the capabilities needed to fulfill its missions despite the new era of austerity.

Another initiative, “connected forces,” ensures that all forces can work well together. “The key word there is interoperability, and the three strands of that are training, exercises and technology,” Abrial said. “When I say capabilities, I don’t mean just a piece of equipment, but all aspects associated with it.”

This includes doctrine, leadership, facilities and much more, he explained, and these will be discussed in Chicago.

With a few exceptions, budgets across NATO are either steady or going down, the general said. “We expect this situation to be with us for quite a while … and therefore, it is very important we make the best possible use of every euro, dollar or pound that we get.”

The United States is reducing its defense budget, but there is no danger as yet that the U.S. military will not be able to operate across the full spectrum of operations, Abrial said. “This is not possible in Europe,” he added. “That is why when we look at smart defense, we look at ways to reduce the consequences of this austerity.”

Part of this is aligning national priorities with NATO needs. In other words, a nation may decide to specialize in detecting biohazards, for example. Since “Nation A” has this capability, “Nation B” does not have to develop it to the same extent. Both nations, therefore, save.

“Specialization does not mean we are going to say to anybody, ‘We must oblige you to do this and stop doing that,’” Abrial said. “We don’t have the mandate, authority or will to do that.


*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Jim Garamone - American Forces Press Service
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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Tuesday, May 01, 2012

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Iran Warns Deployment Of F-22s In UAE Is Harmful And Destabilizing Regional Security

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Iran Warns Deployment Of F-22s In UAE Is Harmful And Destabilizing Regional Security
*Iran warns that positioning F-22s in UAE is a threat to regional security
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Arabian Aerospace
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 1, 2012: Iran's Defence Minister, Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi, has warned that the basing of the US F-22 Raptor strike aircraft in the United Arab Emirates is "detrimental to regional security."


According to the FARS news agency Vahidi said today that "The deployment of F-22 fighters in a base in the UAE is a harmful move and undermines the security of the region.      

"We consider such (military) presence in the region as to be useless and harmful and more aimed at creating a psychological ploy and an insecure atmosphere in the region. We don't see it useful" Vahidi told Al Alam TV network, according to FARS.

Vahidi said that guaranteeing security in region is possible only through cooperation among all the regional states. 

The comments by the Iranian minister came after media reports revealed that the US has recently deployed its F-22 Raptors at the UAE Al Dafra Air Base.
In a comment, FARS said that Iranian officials have always cautioned about the devastating consequences of tension in the region, and called on certain regional states to be "watchful of the plots of some aliens who seek to stir tension in this sensitive region."


It said: "Tehran believes that deployment of trans-regional powers in the region impairs security and is a source of tension in the region, reiterating that regional peace and security will be established if all the regional countries grow united and stage all-out cooperation."

Additional info from AFP;

The United States has deployed sophisticated F-22 fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates amid deepening tensions between Iran and its pro-US neighbors, officials said Monday.

The US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, would not say how many F-22s would be sent to the Al-Dhafra air base in the United Arab Emirates. Military officers tend to avoid publicly discussing details of operations at the US air base.

An Air Force spokeswoman confirmed that a number of F-22 Raptors, the most advanced fighter in the US fleet, would be deployed to the region without mentioning the base or Iran.

"The United States Air Force has deployed F-22s to Southwest Asia. Such deployments strengthen military-to-military relationships, promote sovereign and regional security, improve combined tactical air operations, and enhance interoperability of forces, equipment and procedures," said Major Mary Danner-Jones.

Pentagon spokesman Captain John Kirby told reporters the move "was a very normal deployment" in keeping with an adjustment of US forces in the region following the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq.

Territorial disputes between Iran and the United Arab Emirates over three islands in the Gulf have flared recently, with Washington voicing support for Abu Dhabi's stance.

The argument over the Gulf islands comes against the backdrop of tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear program, with the US, European and Israeli governments fearing Tehran is pursuing a clandestine nuclear weapons project.

Iran's atomic ambitions and growing missile arsenal have raised concerns in Gulf Arab states, which have negotiated arms deals with Washington to build up missile defenses as a counter to Iran.

In December, the United States announced a $3.48 billion arms sale with the United Arab Emirates for missile defense batteries and radars.

Related News;

US DEPLOYS F-22 FIGHTER JETS TO UAE

Ahram Online - ‎1 hour ago‎
The United States has deployed sophisticated F-22 fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates amid deepening tensions between Iran and its pro-US neighbors, officials said. The US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, would not say how many F-22s ...

IRAN SAYS US F-22 RAPTORS' DEPLOYMENT IN UAE AGAINST REGIONAL SECURITY

Xinhua - ‎3 hours ago‎
TEHRAN, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said Tuesday that the recent deployment of US F-22 Raptors in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is against the regional security. Addressing reporters in his weekly briefing, ...

US JETS IN UAE IMPERIL REGIONAL SECURITY: IRAN

DAWN.com - ‎4 hours ago‎
PTI to announce its stance on 'Go Gilani Go' TEHRAN: The United States' deployment of cutting-edge F-22 fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates “will endanger the region's security,” Iran warned on Tuesday. “We do not in any way approve the presence ...

IRAN SAYS US F-22S IN UAE IMPERIL REGIONAL SECURITY

Al-Arabiya - ‎5 hours ago‎
US officials said an unspecified number of F-22 Raptors had been sent to the al-Dhafra air base in the United Arab Emirates. (File photo) By AFP The United States' deployment of cutting-edge F-22 fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates “will endanger ...

IRAN: US STEALTH FIGHTER DEPLOYMENT TO UAE HARMFUL

Ynetnews - ‎18 hours ago‎
AP Iran's defense minister said Monday that the deployment of American military stealth fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates will damage regional security, the semiofficial ISNA news agency reported. Gen. Ahmad Vahidi's comments were the first ...

RIGHTS GROUPS URGE UAE TO END ACTIVIST DETENTIONS

Boston.com - ‎Apr 30, 2012‎
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates—Two international rights groups are urging the United Arab Emirates to end crackdowns on perceived political opponents and release those in custody. Monday's appeal by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch follows the ...

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Arabian Aerospace
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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Monday, September 26, 2011

DTN News - UAE DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers UAE's 4th C-17 Globemaster III

DTN News - UAE DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers UAE's 4th C-17 Globemaster III
*New airlifter expands country's ongoing role providing humanitarian support and disaster relief around the world
(NSI News Source Info) HONG KONG - September 26, 2011: Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today the delivery of a fourth C-17 Globemaster III to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force and Air Defence from the company's C-17 final assembly facility in Long Beach.

Boeing delivered the UAE's first three C-17s in May, June and July of this year and will deliver two more in 2012.

The C-17 -- the world's leading tactical and strategic airlifter -- provides the UAE military with the versatility and reliability needed to complete its mission requirements.

"The C-17 is the ideal choice for us, as it can handle the vast distances and climate extremes in which our aircraft operate," said Col. Staff Engineer Ahmed Al Mazmi, who officially accepted the fourth C-17 for the UAE.

"Boeing and its partnership of suppliers worldwide are proud that the UAE continues to show its commitment to the C-17," said Bob Ciesla, Boeing C-17 program manager. "Every humanitarian mission that the UAE Air Force flies around the world with its C-17s is another confirmation of the unique capabilities of this airlifter."

The UAE's first three C-17s have been engaged in multiple global missions to deliver humanitarian aid to the victims of natural disasters, and have supported military missions where needed and requested by allies.

The C-17 is able to transport payloads up to 170,000 pounds, can fly 2,400 nautical miles without refueling and can be used to transport troops and brigades for airdrop missions and to conduct aeromedical evaluations.

As a member of the worldwide C-17 "virtual fleet," the UAE's C-17s are supported through the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership, a performance based logistics program. The GSP "virtual fleet" arrangement ensures mission readiness by providing all C-17 customers -- with varied fleet sizes -- access to an extensive support network for worldwide parts availability and economies of scale when purchasing materials.

Boeing has delivered 235 C-17s worldwide -- 211 to the U.S. Air Force, including active duty, Guard and Reserve units, and 24 to international customers including the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force, Qatar Emiri Air Force, and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations. India's Ministry of Defence will acquire 10 C-17s that will be delivered in 2013-2014.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 64,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

Contact:

Cindy Anderson C-17 Communications Mobile: 562-253-5818 cindy.a.anderson@boeing.com Fakher Daghestani Boeing Middle East Communications Mobile: +9 71 50 6254856 fakher.a.daghestani@boeing.com

*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

DTN News - UAE DEFENSE NEWS: Dassault Close To UAE Deal On Rafale Jets - Paper

DTN News - UAE DEFENSE NEWS: Dassault Close To UAE Deal On Rafale Jets - Paper
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 20, 2011: Dassault Aviation is expected to put an offer to sell about 60 Rafale fighterjets to the United Arab Emirates this month, in a sign that negotiations are progressing, Les Echos newspaper reported on Thursday.
Last month another French newspaper said an agreement could be reached between September and the end of the year.
No one at Dassault was immediately available to comment
The UAE has been in talks with Dassault since 2008 over the purchase of 60 Rafale jets, estimated at 10 billion dollars, to replace the fleet of Mirage 2000s they bought in 1983.
French Defence Minister Gerard Longuet said in July the United Arab Emirates was France's best bet in the short term for clinching an export deal for the Rafale. (Reporting by Caroline Jacobs; Editing by Will Waterman)

Potential customers (Wikipedia)

Dassault Rafale Taxies to the runway for take off at Aero India 2011, Yelahanka Air force base Bangalore.

The Rafale is one of the six fighter jets competing for India's tender for 126 multi-role fighters. In April 2009, media reports surfaced stating that the Indian Air Force (IAF) had disqualified Rafale from the competition for not meeting minimum performance requirements of the IAF.[46] However, India's Defence Ministry dismissed these media reports and said that the Rafale was still in the race for the contract.[47] In April 2011, the IAF shortlisted Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoonfor the $12 billion contract.[48]

In January 2006, the French newspaper Journal du Dimanche reported that Libya wanted to order 13–18 Rafales "in a deal worth as much as $3.24 billion".[49] In December 2007, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi openly declared the Libyan interest in the Rafale.[50] Greece has also expressed an interest in the French fighter, possibly in exchange for its fleet of Mirages.[51] Libya did not order any Rafales; ironically, less than three years later during a Libyan uprising of 2011 in 2011, French Rafales were dispatched over Libya as a part of the 2011 military intervention in Libya; missiles such as SCALP EG were deployed from carrier-based Rafales.[52] During 2006, the British Royal Navy considered the Rafale as an alternative to the F-35 JSF, but decided to proceed with the F-35.[53][54] However the aircraft carriers will be modified in order to operate CATOBAR aircraft such as Rafales.[55]

In February 2007, it was reported that Switzerland was considering the Rafale and other fighters to replace its F-5 Tiger IIs.[56] The one month evaluation started in October 2008 at Emmen Airforce Base consisting of approx. 30 evaluation flights. The Rafale along with the Gripen and the Eurofighter were to be evaluated.[57] In September, La Tribune reported that a sale to Morocco had fallen through, the government selecting the F-16 instead.[58] In October 2007, La Tribune's earlier report appeared to have been confirmed that the Rafale would not be bought.[59]

In January 2008, O Estado de S. Paulo reported that the Brazilian Defence Minister visited France to discuss the possibility of acquiring Rafale fighters for the F-X2 program. In June 2008, the Brazilian Air Force divulged a Request For Information to the following companies and their aircraft: F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and F-35 Lightning II, Dassault Rafale, Su-35, Gripen NG and Eurofighter Typhoon.[60] In October 2008, it was reported that Brazilian Air Force had selected three finalists for F-X2; Dassault Rafale, Gripen NG and Boeing F/A-18E/F.[61] On 7 September 2009, during a visit by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Brazil announced a pact with France and that the nations are in contract negotiations to buy 36 Rafales.[62] The crash of two Rafales in the Mediterranean off Perpignan on 24 September 2009 after a midair collision, comes at a delicate time for the Brazil-France negotiations.[63] On 5 January 2010, media reports stated that the final evaluation report by the Brazilian Air Force placed the Gripen ahead of the other two contenders. The decisive factor was apparently the overall cost of the new fighters, both in terms of unit cost, and operating and maintenance costs.[64][65] Some sources say that Rafale was chosen by the Defense Ministry,[66] but there has been no confirmation on this. In February, 2011, the press announced that the new president of Brazil,Dilma Rousseff, had decided in favor of the American F-18 fighter.[67] On 28 February 2011, the Minister of Finance, Guido Mantega, said the issue would not be resolved in the current year, citing "lack of resources", due to budgetary constraints for the new fiscal year.[68]

In February 2009, French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced that Kuwait was considering buying up to 28 Rafales, but with no firm order then. The same month, France offered Rafales to Oman to replace its ageing fleet of SEPECAT Jaguars.[69] But in 2010, Oman prefers to order the Typhoon.[70]

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was interested in a version of the Rafale that would be upgraded with more powerful engines and radar and advanced air to air missiles.[71] They have now started to explore a purchase of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.[72] This is reported to be because France's Defense Minister Hervé Morin has asked the UAE to pay 2 billion euros of the total cost to upgrade the Rafale.[73]

Leaked United States State Department cables have said that "French representatives have tried to spin the Rafale's dismal performance in the global market to be the result of U.S. government political pressure rather than the aircraft's shortcomings".[74]

[edit]Variants

Rafale B/C
Rafale A
A technology demonstrator that first flew in 1986. It has now been retired.
Rafale D
Dassault used this designation (D for discret or stealthy) in the early 1990s for the production versions for the Armée de l'Air, to emphasise the new semi-stealthy features they had added to the design.
Rafale B
This is the two-seater version for the Armée de l'Air; delivered to ECE 05.330 in 2004.
Rafale C
This is the single-seat version for the Armée de l'Air; delivered to ECE 05.330 in June 2004.
Rafale M
This is the carrier-borne version for the Aéronavale, which entered service in 2002. The Rafale M weighs about 500 kg (1,100 lb) more than the Rafale C. Very similar to the Rafale C in appearance, the M differs in the following respects:
  • Strengthened to withstand the rigors of carrier-based aviation
  • Stronger landing gear
  • Longer nose gear leg to provide a more nose-up attitude for catapult launches
  • Deleted front centre pylon (to give space for the longer gear)
  • Large stinger-type tailhook between the engines
  • Built-in power operated boarding ladder
  • Carrier microwave landing system
  • "Telemir" inertial reference platform that can receive updates from the carrier systems.
Rafale N
The Rafale N, originally called the Rafale BM, was planned to be a two-seater version for the Aéronavale. Budget constraints and the cost of training extra crew members have been cited as the grounds for its cancellation.

[edit]Operators

France
180 ordered, 93 delivered as of December 2010[75]
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