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JuLY 2023 news
Defense Aviation and Aerospace Industry |
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India's indigenous Nag anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) has successfully passed all required trials, Financial Express reports. Additionally, the domestically developed helicopter-launched Anti-Tank Guided Missile, named 'Helina,' has also completed its trial phase, as confirmed by the Ministry of Defence. Helina employs an imaging infra-red (IIR) seeker in Lock on Before Launch mode.
As reported by The Defense Post echoing Infodefensa, the Spanish government has approved the purchase of 27 drones for an estimated 595 million euros ($656 million). The Spanish Army and the Spanish Air and Space Force will receive the Airbus SIRTAP systems, each of which reportedly consists of three aircraft, a ground control station, and data reception equipment. The purchase includes simulators and initial logistical support, Infodefensa revealed.
Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, continues to receive positive support for various F135-related program items on the path toward finalizing the 2024 appropriations bill.
The Turkish Air Force possesses a total of 270 F-16C/D aircraft, all falling under the Block 30/40/50 models. An agreement was reached at the 16th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) in Istanbul on July 26, as reported by Anadolu news agency, stating that Turkey will finalize the modernization of its F-16 Block-30 and F-16 Block-40/50 type fighter jets by 2025. The task of modernization will be carried out by the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).
The Top End provides a world-class airspace for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023, where Australian and U.S. aviators can continue to build upon partnerships and interoperability in an agile, high-end and multi-domain environment. This is the tenth iteration of Exercise Talisman Sabre and will see up to 30,000 personnel and 13 nations take part.
On June 25, 2023, MilDef, from Sweden, and UMS Skeldar jointly unveiled a state-of-the-art Remote Pilot Station (RPS) console designed to cater to the growing demand for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the defense industry. The new console promises enhanced functionality, improved ergonomics, and an optimized workspace for Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operators.
According to a tweet by the Czech Ministry of Defense on July 26, 2023, the 22nd Helicopter Base of the Czech Air Force received its first two AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the United States. The helicopters were transported to the base aboard a C-17 Globemaster III cargo plane. In the coming weeks, the base is expected to receive four more helicopters, including two additional Vipers and the first two UH-1Y Venoms.
The Italian Air Force is preparing to strengthen its air defense capabilities by acquiring the SAMP/T NG surface-to-air missile system. This acquisition will bring it alongside the ranks of the French Air Force and other branches of the Italian military, which are already equipped with SAMP/T, an air defense system developed jointly by MBDA and Thales, forming a Franco-Italian consortium.
The Spanish government has given its approval for the acquisition of 27 high-performance Sirtap drones from Airbus, at an estimated cost of 595 million euros. This historic agreement marks the initiation of the production of a Spanish-designed drone intended for the Spanish Armed Forces, in collaboration with Colombia. Both countries plan to replace the last generation of Israeli-made drones with the latest ones, as previously reported by the Air Recognition team on April 25, 2023.
On July 25, the Government of Canada announced it has awarded Airbus Defence and Space a contract for four newly-built Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft (MRTT) and for the conversion of five used A330-200s in a quest to strengthen Canada’s continental defence capabilities. The current contract has an order value of approximately CAD $3 billion or 2.1€ billion (excluding taxes).
According to a tweet by SAS Technology on July 24, 2023, the weaponized drone SARISA SRS-1A recently completed a second successful test involving 2.75" (70mm) rockets. This test was carried out under the supervision of the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) and took place at the shooting range of the General Directorate of Defense Equipment and Investments (GDAEE).
According to a tweet by the IRNA News Agency on July 23, 2023, a new prototype of the Iranian drone Shahid-149, nicknamed "Gaza," was unveiled during a visit by a group of students to the Karimi Air Base in Kashan. This drone is described as an advanced high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned combat aircraft, which, once deployed, is intended to enhance Iran's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
Tensions between the Russian and US militaries escalated on June 23, 2023, during an anti-ISIS mission in Syria, when a Russian fighter jet aggressively approached a US MQ-9 Reaper drone. The Russian fighter jet came within meters of the drone and dropped flares, severely damaging its propeller. And the Russians keep repeating their dangerous provocations of this type.
Saab has received an order from Poland’s Ministry of National Defence for two Saab 340 Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft. The order value is approximately SEK 600 million and the contract period is 2023-2025.
China's CH UAV company recently announced that it is developing a new type of super-long-range loitering munition which delivers a number of new functions, Liu Xuanzun reports in Global Times.
On June 15, 2023, the French Air and Space Army (Armée de l'Air & de l'Espace or AAE) expressed its desire to acquire the capability of deploying and controlling drones from a transport aircraft. This initiative, named "Drone Élongation," aims to explore new possibilities for drone usage beyond traditional offensive objectives.
Morocco, seeking to enhance its air capabilities in response to its neighbor Algeria, is exploring the possibility of acquiring fifth-generation American F-35 stealth fighters. This decision comes amid ongoing tensions between Rabat and Algiers, particularly over the disputed territory of Western Sahara, which Morocco claims as part of its sovereign territory.
On June 23, 2023, the Australian Government announced the acquisition of 20 C-130J Hercules aircraft for $9.8 billion to bolster the capabilities of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The decision aims to modernize and enhance the Air Force's air transport capabilities, ensuring it is well-equipped to meet future challenges. The newly purchased C-130J Hercules aircraft will replace and expand upon the existing fleet of 12 Hercules aircraft currently operated by the Air Force. Delivery of the first of these aircraft is expected to commence in late 2027.
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) received three new Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II (“Adir”) aircraft on July 20, Dan Arkin reports in Israel Defense. The aircraft arrived from the US and landed at the Nevatim Air Force base.
According to currentaffairs.adda247.com, the Defence Ministry of Argentina has signed a Letter of Intent with HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) to procure light and medium utility helicopters for its armed forces.
