Table of contents
Sikorsky Tapped For CH-53E Production Kits | Saudis And Russians Discuss Defense Co-Operation | Raytheon and Korean Air Partner Up
Americas
Sikorsky won a $7.9 million firm-fixed-price delivery order that procures 36 improved nacelles production kits in support of the CH-53E in-service aircraft. The CH-53E Super Stallion is a heavy-lift helicopter. It was developed from the CH-53 Sea Stallion mainly by adding a third engine, adding a seventh blade to the main rotor and canting the tail rotor 20 degrees. A total of 172 Super Stallions have been delivered and 165 are in service with marine corps squadrons in the Pacific Fleet and in the Atlantic Fleet. King Stallion is currently being developed from the Super Stallion. It will be the largest and heaviest helicopter in the US Army. Work under the delivery order in support of the CH-53E will take place in Stratford, Connecticut and estimated completion will be in May 2022.
Robert Strider, deputy director of Army hypersonic programs told the Association of the United States Army on Monday that deployment of a long-range hypersonic weapon system by the US Army is expected by 2023. “We’re going to field an experimental prototype with residual combat capability by 2023“, he said. Hypersonic missiles will be capable of reaching the top of the Earth’s atmosphere, remaining beyond the range of air and missile defense systems, until they are ready to strike. They will be designed for accuracy, speed, survivability and maneuverability, according to the Army, and are supposed to strike anywhere in the world within minutes. Design of the missiles and the launching platforms is overseen by the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office, whose focus has been on hypersonic devices since 2018.
Middle East & Africa
Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed closer defense equipment co-operation with Saudi Arabia on his first visit to the country since 2007, BBC reports. In talks with King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in Riyadh on October 14, Putin discussed the possibility of cooperating in the area of military technology. Defense discussions in the past have included the possible purchase and future deployment of Russia’s S-400 air defense missile system, which would be something of a diplomatic blow to the USA. It is not known, if the recent talks included the missile system. The Saudis have also invited Russia to participate in the ongoing international investigation into the September 14 drone and missile attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
Europe
The Czech Republic is in discussions to export more Aero Vodochody L-39 Albatros basic trainer/light attack jet aircraft to Cambodia, Prime Minister Andrej Babis said on October 14. Speaking in Prague during a visit by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Babis noted “the possibility of co-operation in the defense industry, for example Cambodia has Czech L-39 aircraft, which I see as a good point of contact for further co-operation in this area”. The Royal Cambodian Air Force currently operates a fleet of five L-39s. The first was delivered in 1996, so upgrades or replacements are needed. Hun Sen said he discussed the potential procurement of “three or four” new L-39s, “and we continue to discuss this”.
Asia-Pacific
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force is sending a C-130H to Panagarh, India for exercise Shinyuu Maitri with the Indian Air Force. The exercise will commence on October 17. It ends on the 23rd. At the Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School at Vairengte, 25 soldiers from each side will train together on counter-terrorism measures whereas, in the Shinyuu Maitri air exercise at Panagarh, the focus would be on tactical operations with botth sides using aircraft — C-130J by the IAF and C-130H by Japan — used in special operations. The C-130H aircraft is the military’s primary combat delivery aircraft and has provided humanitarian assistance, precision airdrop and tactical airlift across the globe for more than 40 years. The C-130 has been around since the Vietnam War, forming the backbone of the US Air Force’s tactical airlift fleet. It is especially well-suited to austere conditions like those found throughout Afghanistan. The H models performed fantastic work in the area of responsibility. The C-130J is a comprehensive update of the C-130 Hercules.
Raytheon will be partnering with Korean Air to pursue the Republic of Korea’s Air Force’s Intelligence Surveillance Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance program. Based on the Global 6500 business jet, Raytheon will be the prime contractor and provide sensors for the aircraft. Korean Air will deliver design, logistics and life cycle support services. Under the agreement, Raytheon will provide multiple-intelligence, or Multi-INT, technologies for the aircraft. Through the partnership, Raytheon intends to meet ROKAF’s need for an ISTAR aircraft solution to improve intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
Today’s Video
Watch: HNLMS Karel Doorman – Incredibly, This Warship Has Dual Nationalities: Netherlands and Germany
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