United Arab Emirates Selects Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules Aircraft / UAE To Order 12 Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules

United Arab Emirates Selects Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules Aircraft / UAE To Order 12 Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules

(NSI News Source Info) MARIETTA, Ga. - February 27, 2009: Lockheed Martin has been selected by the United Arab Emirates to provide 12 C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft to modernize the country's tactical airlift fleet. The announcement was made by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, at the IDEX Defence Exhibition in Abu Dhabi.

The Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules is an American four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft. The C-130J is a comprehensive update of the venerable Lockheed C-130 Hercules, with new engines, flight deck, and other systems. The Hercules family has the longest continuous production run of any military aircraft in history. During more than 50 years of service the family has participated in military, civilian and humanitarian aid operations. The Hercules has also outlived several planned successor designs, most notably the Advanced Medium STOL Transport contestants.

The C-130Js to be delivered to the UAE will be the longer C-130J-30 configuration and of similar specification to those being delivered to the U.S. Air Force. The contract to be signed with the UAE will also contain an option for four KC-130J tankers. In addition the contract covers spares and training, including a Weapon Systems Trainer for aircrew training.

"The C-130J is rapidly becoming the tactical airlifter of choice around the world," said Jim Grant, Lockheed Martin vice president for C-130J Business Development. "The C-130J is a highly reliable, versatile and proven airlifter that will greatly increase the UAE's airlift capability. This selection by the UAE makes the tenth country that has selected the C130J and we are excited about the future and the discussions we are having with many other countries."

The UAE currently operates a fleet of C-130Hs that will be retained until the new aircraft enter 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.

Norway Picks BAE Torpedoes For NH90.

Norway Picks BAE Torpedoes For NH90.

(NSI News Source Info) February 27, 2009: The Norwegian Defence Logistics Organisation at Idex announced selecting selected BAE Systems Sting Ray Mod 1 lightweight torpedo to meet the requirements of its Norwegian Antisubmarine Torpedo (NAT) programme.

The organisation struck a deal a £99 million (Dh528 million) with BAE Systems to acquire the weapons system.

According to the announcement, Sting Ray Mod 1 will arm the new Fridtjof Nansen class frigates and will be integrated with the new NH90 Anti Submarine Warfare helicopter and the Orion P3-C Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

Commenting on the deal, Rory Fisher, Managing Director of BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies, said: "I am delighted that Norway has decided to select Sting Ray Mod 1, which is widely recognised as one of the world's most sophisticated lightweight torpedo weapon systems.

"We can set about delivering our commitments in programme delivery and ensure we become the dependable partner of choice for our Norwegian customer." BAE Systems campaign manager for Sting Ray Mod 1, Bob Moran, acknowledged the support provided by UK customer partners, including Torpedoes integrated project team within the Ministry of Defence Procurement Agency and the UK Defence Storage and Distribution Agency.

The Sting Ray Mod 1 system is in production for the UK Ministry of Defence at BAE Systems facilities.

Moran said: "The Norway order will extend Sting Ray Mod 1 production until the end of 2012 and help safeguard up to 50 manufacturing and engineering jobs at BAE Systems over that time."

Abu Dhabi Awards $870M Orders For Patrol, SWAT Boats / Major UAE Navy Order For Abu Dhabi Ship Building

Abu Dhabi Awards $870M Orders For Patrol, SWAT Boats / Major UAE Navy Order For Abu Dhabi Ship Building

(NSI News Source Info) ABU DHABI - February 26, 2009: Under a contract announced by the UAE Armed Forces at IDEX 2009, Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) is to build twelve new boats for the UAE Navy and retrofit twelve existing boats.

The UAE Armed Forces announced on the second day of IDEX the signing of a contract with Abu Dhabi Shipbuilding Company for supply of 12 combat vessels at a value of Dh 771.1 million and upgrading another 12 combat vessels at total cost of Dh 164.3 million.

This boat can be delivered ARTR or RTR. Boat has a fiberglass hull with an approximate length of 39 1/2". Powered by 2 x 540 motors. More details to come.

The total contract was valued at Dh 935.4 million. The 26.5m 'Fast Fighting Boats', constructed in aluminum, will be arranged in three different versions, each to fulfill different mission requirements. One will be fitted with the MBDA Marte Mk2/N Missile system, another with the Patria NEMO 120mm Mortar System, and the third version will be fitted with Rheinmetall 27mm guns.

These highly sophisticated vessels will provide considerable defensive fire power support for the UAE Naval Forces. Weapons system integration for all three different configurations of the vessel will be undertaken by Abu Dhabi Systems Integration (ADSI), a UAE joint venture company formed in 2006 by ADSB and Selex Sistemi Integrati of Italy. Designed by Swedeship Marine of Sweden, the vessels are based on the proven ADSB supplied Ghannatha class fast troop transport vessel currently in service with the UAE Naval Forces and the Critical National Infrastructure Authority.

The vessels will be propelled by twin MTU Marine Diesel engines coupled to Rolls Royce FF waterjets which will give a maximum speed of in excess of 40 knots, excellent maneuverability, and the ability to operate in extremely shallow waters.

ADSB is the region's only specialist naval and paramilitary shipbuilder. In addition to shipbuilding, ADSB has demonstrated experience in the upgrade, retrofit and repair of both military and commercial vessels and the company also offers a full range of support services to the navies, coast guards, and other marine operators in the GCC.

Rear Admiral HE Ahmed Mohammed Al Sabab Al-Tanaiji, Commander of the Naval Forces, told WAM these boats wil be delivered in four years. ''The first boat will be delivered in 18 months from now and each one every three months,'' he added.

ADSB CEO William Saltzer said: "ADSB is extremely pleased to receive this contract for building more Ghannatha class vessels and for retrofitting the existing vessels that we built previously for the UAE Navy.

"Both the new boats and the retrofit boats will be even more versatile and mission capable, building upon the great success that we achieved in producing the fast troop transport version a few years ago."

UAE, Jordanian Firms To Develop New Armored Vehicle / Tawazun, Bin Jabr Sign MoU For Joint Development Of NIMR Vehicle

UAE, Jordanian Firms To Develop New Armored Vehicle / Tawazun, Bin Jabr Sign MoU For Joint Development Of NIMR Vehicle

(NSI News Source Info) ABU DHABI - February 26, 2009: Tawazun Holding and Bin Jabr Group for Holding Industries LLC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaboration on setting up a joint venture company for the development of NIMIR vehicle. NIMR is an off-road extreme utility military vehicle, designed and manufactured by Bin Jabr Group through its facility in Jordan which is designed and equipped to produce 1,000 vehicles a year, with a further room of future expansion.

Under the terms of the MoU, Tawazun will own 60 percent interest in the joint venture company. Bin Jabr will transfer all intellectual property rights, including patents, know-how and trademarks related to NIMIR vehicle, to the new company. The two sides also expressed their desire to reach a final agreement for the establishment of the venture, following exploration of viability and after closing the ongoing negotiations.

H.E. Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri, Chief Executive Officer of Tawazun, stated, "We are very excited about our joint venture with Bin Jabr Group. The future of auto industries in the UAE looks very promising, thanks to Bin Jabr's Nimir vehicle which has proven its worth by setting a new standard of excellence in military 4x4 and 6X6 vehicles."

Al Hajeri praised the personal keenness and efforts made by Saeed Bin Jabr Al Suwaidi, owner and president of Bin Jabr Group, who spearheaded the initiative to produce the first vehicle by Emarati hands and who, single-handedly achieved the uphill task of attending to every details throughout the vehicle's design and development stages.

"We are confident that together, we can secure new opportunities that will add a substantial value to both of our companies," he added. Saeed Bin Jabr Al Suwaidi stated "We are very excited with this joint venture and believe that it will allow us to develop new generation NIMR vehicles that can compete with international future vehicle programs.

Through hard work, dedication, and the wisdom and support of the UAE decision makers we are witnessing the birth of the first designed and built UAE military vehicle. ''In addition to that we are very pleased with the initiative taken by Tawazun for establishing a high-tech manufacturing industrial complex and developing future technical and engineering local expertise, which will in turn propel the growth of this program forward." Hamad Al Marar, Projects Analyst at Tawazun, said a working group with representative from the two sides will be formed under the MOU to complete the business plan for the new company and to put the finishing touches to the final agreement.

"The MoU paves the way for Tawazun to join the highly advanced auto industries through joint development of NIMR vehicle, added Al Marar.

Alenia To Provide Jet Trainers For UAE

Alenia To Provide Jet Trainers For UAE

(NSI News Source Info) February 25, 2009: A competition to secure a multi-billion dollar deal for advanced jet trainers to the United Arab Emirates air force has gone to Alenia Aermacchi. The Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master is a military transonic trainer aircraft. It is based on work done by Aermacchi while working on the Yak-130 as a joint venture with Yakovlev. Alenia Aermacchi will provide its M-346 advanced jet trainers to the United Arab Emirates. The M-346 jet was named the winner of a competition by a UAE Ministry of Defence official Maj. Gen. Obaid Al Ketbi, speaking at the IDEX 2009 defense show here in Abu Dhabi on Feb. 25. The official said the order involved delivery of 48 aircraft to be used for pilot training and light attack duties. The European jet trainer was pitched against the Korean Aerospace Industries T-50 in a selection battle that has run on for several years. Contract details were not available. Ketbi said negotiations concluding the deal were ongoing, and he couldn't at this time give a value for the deal. The split in aircraft numbers between trainer and light attack aircraft was not immediately available. One executive familiar with the negotiations earlier told Defense News a final request for proposals last year had set the requirement at 20 trainers, 20 aircraft for combat duties, and the remainder would go toward the creation of a formation flying team. Some of the light attack aircraft would also likely be dual use for parts of the training curriculum, he said. Originally, the request for proposals covered the purchase of 33 trainers with an option for seven more aircraft. Recently the number of aircraft up for grabs has been significantly increased. Alenia is also involved in a parallel competition here that has seen its M-311 competing against the Pilatus PC-21 turboprop in an all-European fight to provide a basic trainer. Ketbi said a decision on that requirement remained under consideration. The decision may take some time, he said. Aermacchi is in talks with the UAE authorities over setting up a joint venture here, with a view to final assembly of the trainer aircraft, chief executive Consentino Carmelo told journalists. All the training would take place "in country" rather elsewhere, as some customers require, he said. "There's plenty of space," he added. Now that the selection has been made, the contract negotiations can begin. The talks will include the provision of a cost effective and integrated syllabus that would take UAE pilots from primary basic flying to advanced training. The initial requirement had been for an advanced trainer, but it had evolved to light attack missions, Carmelo said. The total package would also include ground based training and a logistics support, he said.

No Problems In Ongoing Turkish-Israeli Military Cooperation: Official

No Problems In Ongoing Turkish-Israeli Military Cooperation: Official (NSI News Source Info) February 25, 2009: There were no problems in Turkish-Israeli relations and in the ongoing projects carried out by the two countries, Turkey's undersecretary for the defense industry said on Monday. Recent media reports suggested some military projects between Israel and its main regional ally Turkey could be cancelled after ties between the two countries became strained over the latest Gaza operation. Turkey and Israel carried out several "long-term projects" and no last-minute changes could be made in any of them, Turkish Undersecretary for Defense Industry Murad Bayar was quoted by Anatolian Agency as saying at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX-2009) in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates. "Turkey and Israel have mutual benefits in these projects. The projects are carried out within such framework," Bayar said. Relations between Turkey and Israel, who have close diplomatic and military ties, have been strained over Turkish and Israeli officials' remarks following the Jewish state's 22-day Gaza offensive. In the latest incident, Ground Forces Commander Avi Mizrahi said earlier this month that Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan, who severely criticized Israel's military campaign in Gaza, "should first look in the mirror", and accused Turkey of "committing a massacre of Armenians, as well as suppression of the Kurds". After Mizrahi's remarks, Turkey summoned the Israeli ambassador to the Foreign Ministry and handed a note of protest demanding clarification, while the military denounced them as "excessive, unfortunate and unacceptable". The Israeli army chief telephoned last week his Turkish counterpart to apologize for Mizrahi's harsh remarks in an effort to prevent a deterioration in military relations with Turkey. Israel's Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi also sent an official letter to the Turkish General Staff regarding the issue. Turkey and Israel conduct joint military exercises and have a strong partnership in military equipment and arms. Trade volume between Turkey and Israel was $2.6 billion in 2007 and some suggest $1.8 billion of this is attributed to military equipment trade.

Boeing Statement On United Arab Emirates C-17 Announcement

Boeing Statement On United Arab Emirates C-17 Announcement

(NSI News Source Info) ST. LOUIS - February 25, 2009: On Feb. 24, the Boeing Company is pleased that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced its intent to acquire the C-17 Globemaster III, the world's most advanced airlifter. The C-17 Globemaster III is used for rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo to main operating bases or forward bases anywhere in the world. It has the ability to rapidly deploy a combat unit to a potential battle area and sustain it with on-going supplies. The C-17 is also capable of performing tactical airlift, medical evacuation and airdrop missions.

The C-17 continues to serve as the backbone of international airlift missions, supporting numerous humanitarian-relief and peacekeeping efforts around the world. We look forward to partnering with the UAE as it strengthens its airlift capabilities with the C-17, which remains unequaled in performance, versatility and reliability.

UAE to Buy Boeing C-17, Lockheed C-130J Airlifters

UAE to Buy Boeing C-17, Lockheed C-130J Airlifters

(NSI News Source Info) February 24, 2009: The United Arab Emirates has confirmed it is to purchase Boeing C-17 and Lockheed Martin C-130J airlifters. Sheik Mohammed is congratulated by executives from Lockheed Martin and Boeing after signing an agreement for C-130J and C-17 airlifters at IDEX 2009 in the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Feb. 23. (SHEILA VEMMER / STAFF) The confirmation came not with an official announcement, but with a simple ceremony involving the removal of shrouds covering models of the two aircraft in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed, Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince and deputy supreme commander. Nothing was said officially, but the smiles on the faces of the Boeing and Lockheed executives crowding behind the models on the stand of the state-owned investment house Mubadala told the story well enough. An official announcement is expected within 24 hours detailing the purchase. However, yesterday Defense News quoted industry sources saying that Lockheed would be supplying 12 C-130J and Boeing would be building a handful of their giant C-17 airlifters. It is thought there are options for further C-130Js in the yet-to-be signed agreement. The agreements are the second success for the Boeing/Lockheed combination in the region in the last few months. Last year, Qatar signed a deal covering four C-130Js and a clutch of C-17s. The number of Boeing aircraft has never been officially confirmed but is said by analysts to be two aircraft.

Idex 2009: Arms Deals Being Signed Despite Economic Slump

Idex 2009: Arms Deals Being Signed Despite Economic Slump

(NSI News Source Info) February 23, 2009: Despite low oil prices and a global economic slowdown, within an hour of the opening of the International Defense Exhibition and Conference in the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Abu Dhabi, several multi-million deals were signed, the local newspaper The National reported. The Dassault Rafale is a French twin-engined delta-wing highly agile multi-role fighter aircraft designed and built by Dassault Aviation. The Rafale is being produced both for land-based use with the French Air Force and for carrier-based naval operations with the French Navy. It has also been marketed for export. While several countries have expressed interest in the Rafale, there have been no foreign sales as of yet. The UAE has signed an agreement with U.S. manufacturer Raytheon for the delivery of the company's anti-aircraft missiles that can be launched both on the ground and in the air.

In addition, the UAE Air Force will become the first in the region to acquire the latest and most advanced version of Raytheon's medium-range air-to-air missile as part of the country's modernization plan aimed at establishing a multilayer missile defense system. Many of the Sunni Islamic countries along the southern coast of the Gulf fear the increasing influence of Shi'ite-dominated Iran, and are concerned that due to their close relations to the U.S. they will become targets in possible future armed conflicts between Tehran and Washington. Meanwhile, French defense minister, Hervé Morin, announced that France would open its military base in the UAE by May as part of his country's re-establishment in the region. Last year France and the UAE signed an agreement to establish a 500-man French base in the country.Previously, France sold the UAE 60 Mirage fighter jets and 400 tanks, and the two governments are reported to be in talks about the sale of the more advanced fighter jet Rafale, produced by the French manufacturer Dassault.

BAE Launches New Variant Of RG-31 MRAP / BAE Systems Launches New Variant Of South Africa’s Most Successful Export Mine Protected Vehicle

BAE Launches New Variant Of RG-31 MRAP / BAE Systems Launches New Variant Of South Africa’s Most Successful Export Mine Protected Vehicle

(NSI News Source Info) ABU DHABI, UAE - February 23, 2009: BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa, has launched the latest version of its acclaimed RG series of mine resistant personnel carrier vehicles.

The new vehicle, the RG31 Mk6E, is making its international debut at the IDEX exhibition in Abu Dhabi (22-26 February 2009).

Since receiving a Canadian armed forces order for RG31 Mk3 vehicles in 2003, the South African company’s RG-series of products have boosted the country’s exports by more than $430 million with a steadily increasing series of additional orders for vehicles, spares and support from new customers around the globe.

It has also created over 300 new jobs at its factory near Johannesburg and many more throughout its supplier network. The Special Operations Command (SOC) in the UAE operates 76 RG31 Mk5 vehicles, of which 70 are Armoured Personnel Carriers and 6 Command vehicles. These vehicles have been in service since July 2007.

“We are confident that this latest development will further confirm our South African business as the world leader in mine protected vehicle technology,” said Johan Steyn, Managing Director of BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa. “The RG series builds on the three decades of experience we have gained in South Africa, through vehicles such as the Casspir, Mamba and Mfezi.

Its success is a result of our ongoing investment into ever improving vehicle protection levels. We achieve this by applying new concepts and designs influenced by customer and operator feedback and simulation,” he explained. Among the latest developments incorporated in the RG31 Mk6E are new anti-mine seats.

These provide enhanced protection to the occupants from lumbar spinal injuries which can be caused by the shock-waves associated with land mine detonations. The seats incorporate shock attenuation crushable elements developed at Land Systems South Africa.

Tests have shown that these absorb some of the vertical impulse associated with mine blasts, reducing the likelihood of injury during large landmine explosions. Since 2004, BAE Systems has sold over 2,200 RG31 vehicles, including a series of major orders for the US military which operates both the RG31 and its stable-mate RG33, in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Of these, more than 1,300 RG31 mine-protected vehicles have been delivered to the US and Canadian forces. The US RG31s are manufactured by Land Systems OMC and also under licence by General Dynamics Land Systems Canada. In addition to ongoing US orders, several European countries are expressing interest in RG31 mine protected vehicle for their forces, and a recent order from Spain for 100 vehicles, confirms this interest.

BAE Systems is the premier global defence, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.

Raytheon Says UAE To Buy Advanced Missiles

Raytheon Says UAE To Buy Advanced Missiles

(NSI News Source Info) ABU DHABI - February 23, 2009: The United Arab Emirates is buying 224 advanced version missiles from Raytheon Co. for its F-16 Block 60 fighter aircraft, a senior Raytheon official said on Sunday. The AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, or AMRAAM (pronounced am-ram), is a modern Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile (AAM) capable of all weather day and night performance. It is also commonly known as the Slammer in USAF service. When an AMRAAM missile is being launched, NATO pilots use the brevity code Fox Three. The UAE and the U.S. government have executed a letter of offer and acceptance for the purchase of Raytheon's AIM-120 C-7 missiles, equipping the UAE with the most advanced version of the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air missile (AMRAAM). "The value of the deal is sizeable and deliveries will start mid to late 2011," P.T. Mikolashek, President of Raytheon Middle East & North Africa told Reuters, declining to state the value. "There are other countries in the region such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain and Oman that are looking at upgrades of their missile programmes," he said at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX), the Middle East's largest military show that began on Sunday. Raytheon is the U.S. No. 5 defence contractor. (Reporting by Stanley Carvalho; Editing by Erica Billingham)

Russia Begins To Capture New Arab Arms Markets - Reports

Russia Begins To Capture New Arab Arms Markets - Reports

(NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW - February 22, 2009: Russia is beginning to capture new arms markets of Arab countries that were earlier oriented to the West, the head of the Russian Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation said. "Russia is beginning to enter new armaments markets where our presence was previously considered as hardly probable. In particular, some Persian Gulf countries, including Qatar and Kuwait, are displaying certain interest in the development of military and technical cooperation," Mikhail Dmitriyev said on the eve of an international defense exhibition opening on Sunday in the United Arab Emirates. The Idex-2009 international defense exhibition and conference will take place in Abu Dhabi from February 22 through 26. Russian military systems and technology will be exhibited over an area of 546 square meters, including 84 square meters to be used to showcase the latest developments in Russian ammunition. At the same time, Russia has signed and is implementing large-scale deals with Algeria, stepped up cooperation with Libya and Syria, he said. "We are switching to the establishment of partnership relations and cooperation within the general policy of developing and strengthening versatile contacts with the Arab and Islamic world." Russia exported $8 billion worth of armaments and military hardware in 2008 and is planning to increase arms exports by 6% to $8.5 billion in 2009. The most popular types of weaponry bought from Russia are Sukhoi and MiG fighters, warships, air defense systems, helicopters, battle tanks, armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles. Russia exports weapons to over 80 countries. Among the key buyers of Russian-made weaponry are China, India, Algeria, Venezuela, Iran, Malaysia and Serbia.

Oshkosh To Feature Global Heavy Equipment Transporter At Idex 2009

Oshkosh To Feature Global Heavy Equipment Transporter At Idex 2009

(NSI News Source Info) February 22, 2009: Oshkosh Defense will be showcasing its Global Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) at this year's Idex exhibition.

The Oshkosh Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) is an advanced, hardworking and effective transport system that sets the benchmark for performance and cost efficiency. It's designed to rapidly deploy battle tanks, fighting and recovery vehicles, or armored vehicles, construction equipment, and their crews so they arrive in mission-ready condition. The HET saves wear and tear on your heavy equipment while cutting transportation costs.

Come see and learn about this vehicle's powerful transport capabilities, designed to haul main battle tanks, as well as fighting and recovery vehicles, armored vehicles, and construction equipment quickly and safely to mission sites. Oshkosh leadership also will be on hand to discuss its new office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, which expands on the company's commercial and Defense presence of more than 50 years in the region.