Military Aviation News from around the world - III

[Tango III]

Ecuador Prepares to Purchase Fighter Planes

Defense Minister Javier Ponce revealed current negotiations to buy 12 fighter jets from the the South African Air Force

The Ecuador's Armed Forces are negotiating the purchase of 12 fighter aircraft, type Atlas Cheetah C (Mirage modified), from the South African Air Force, said Defense Minister Javier Ponce in the daily newspaper El Universo. The acquisition of these aircraft will renew the Ecuadoran Air Force's (FAE) fleet, whose aircraft have surpassed 30 years of use. Ponce foresees that the purchasing process will begin in Dec. and said the government plans on an initial payment of $35 million. For its part, the FAE recommended the purchase of the South African manufactured fighters after offers from countries like Spain and Chile exceeded the budget for the national fleet’s modernization.

http://www.poder360.com/dailynews_de...p?blurbid=2510

[Tango III]

UAE air force A330 tankers to have Etihad passenger cabin

The United Arab Emirates air force is to equip its three Airbus Military A330 Multi Role Tanker Transports (MRTT) with the standard passenger cabin used by the country's national airline, Etihad Airways.

The aircraft will be converted by Airbus Military for an air-to-air refuelling role from "green" A330-200s at the company's Getafe facility near Madrid, and will feature Etihad's two-class, 262-seat layout and full galley and in-flight entertainment system fit.

Service entry of the first UAE A330 MRTT is scheduled for 2011.

"They like an interior prepared not for troops, but for real passengers," says Miguel Morell, Airbus Military head of derivative programmes. "If you go inside the aircraft, you are going to see an Etihad aircraft."

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles...passenger.html

[kev 99]

UK eyes procurement of additional Chinook helicopters
By Craig Hoyle

The UK Ministry of Defence is seeking funds to acquire an additional batch of Boeing CH-47 Chinook transport helicopters, with its action being driven in part by the recent combat loss of two examples in Afghanistan.

According to minister for defence equipment and support Quentin Davies, the MoD is entitled to claim Treasury funding to buy replacements for the lost aircraft. But rather than pursue a purchase on a one-for-one basis, he "hopes to go further".

Made during a visit to RAF Odiham in Hampshire on 24 September, Davies' comments came as the MoD announced a £408 million ($650 million) avionics and engine upgrade for the Royal Air Force's current fleet of 38 Chinook HC2/2As. Dubbed Project Julius, the work will also be implemented on the service's eight long-range Chinook HC3s, which will finally enter service over a 12-month period starting from November after receiving so-called reversion work to clear them for frontline use.

The new upgrade will incorporate a glass cockpit from Thales as well as Honeywell T55-714 engines, which will deliver improved fuel efficiency and an increase in power of up to 20%. The enhancements will result in the entire fleet having a common equipment configuration, and being better equipped for operations in support of UK and coalition forces in Afghanistan.

Revealing plans to replace the two helicopters which were destroyed in Afghanistan, Davies confirmed: "If we buy more Chinooks we will be making sure that they are fitted to the same [Project Julius] specification."

Military sources say talks of an attrition buy are at an early stage, but if approved they could lead to the acquisition of a significant number of additional aircraft. This would enable the MoD to make more progress in plugging a gap in battlefield lift capacity highlighted by the UK National Audit Office in 2004, and support the likely conclusions of an ongoing study into its helicopter requirements for the next 30 years.

Other near-term measures include a re-engining programme for some of the British Army's AgustaWestland Lynx AH9s, and a modernisation and life-extension programme for the RAF's Puma HC1s which will extend operations of the type until 2025.

Davies says a contract covering the Puma upgrade will be signed "very soon", despite his opposition to the scheme. The minister earlier this year unsuccessfully pushed for the MoD to instead make a rapid acquisition of UH-60 Black Hawks from US manufacturer Sikorsky.

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles...licopters.html

[Tango III]

Fly first Mi-35M FAB

The first flight of an Mi-35M FAB took place last August 22 . The aircraft is not with his final painting.

http://translate.google.com/translat...langpair=pt|en

[Fedaykin]

Originally Posted by Tango III

Ecuador Prepares to Purchase Fighter Planes

Defense Minister Javier Ponce revealed current negotiations to buy 12 fighter jets from the the South African Air Force

The Ecuador's Armed Forces are negotiating the purchase of 12 fighter aircraft, type Atlas Cheetah C (Mirage modified), from the South African Air Force, said Defense Minister Javier Ponce in the daily newspaper El Universo. The acquisition of these aircraft will renew the Ecuadoran Air Force's (FAE) fleet, whose aircraft have surpassed 30 years of use. Ponce foresees that the purchasing process will begin in Dec. and said the government plans on an initial payment of $35 million. For its part, the FAE recommended the purchase of the South African manufactured fighters after offers from countries like Spain and Chile exceeded the budget for the national fleet’s modernization.

http://www.poder360.com/dailynews_de...p?blurbid=2510

How cool!

I thought the days of the Cheetah were over!

[Scorpion82]

Originally Posted by Tango III

07:51 GMT, September 25, 2009 defpro.com | Yesterday, the Austrian Air Force closed a chapter in its procurement history which caused quite a stir, over the past few years, throughout the entire Austrian political landscape. Austria became the first export country for the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft with the decision in 2000 to purchase 24 aircraft, valued at €1.8 billion, to replace the long-ageing Saab Draken fighters. However, the number of aircraft ordered was soon reduced to 18 units and after the new administration took over, Defence Minister Norbert Darabos was asked to negotiate a cancelation of the contract or a cost reduction with the prime contractor, Eurofighter GmbH, resulting in a further reduction to 15 aircraft. This new deal saved Austria some €250 million in aircraft acquisition, related logistic support, tranining and technical services.

After this odyssey, which heated the debate among the national press, politicians and the involved industry, the last of the 15 Eurofighters finally rolled out from the EADS Defence & Security Manching assembly line on 24 September 2009. It is certainly due to the political turmoil of the past that the delivery of the last aircraft, which landed at the Hinterstoisser military airfield near Zeltweg at 15:30 CET, was not celebrated with a copious hand-over ceremony. According a company spokesman, an official ceremony has been held in Manching last Tuesday, however without attendance of press members.

So far, no reasons have been given for why, not even the Defence Minister, managed to personally welcome the last of the most important and expensive assets in his troop’s inventory. According to Austrian press reports, the last Eurofighter was to arrive on Friday, however, no reason for the change in the schedule has yet been given. According to an Austrian daily, Darabos’ party, before becoming part of the current Administration, did not miss any opportunity to emphasise their election pledge to cancel the entire procurement programme.


“The best solution for Austrian air surveillance”

From a technological point of view, the Eurofighter provided Austria with the possibility to catch up with major air forces in Europe, especially considering that the Eurofighters predecessor, the Draken, (despite being a very effective aircraft) had its maiden flight in 1955. Furthermore, to fill the gap in air patrolling and defence capabilities until the Eurofighter was successfully introduced into service, Austria had to lease Swiss F-5 Tigers for four years – also not the most recent aircraft model. Since 1 July 2008 the Eurofighters took over the task of national air-patrolling.

Austria can now concentrate on fully integrating its complete Eurofighter fleet into the Air Force and to train the required pilots and mechanics. The contracts in this significant procurement programme also covered simulation equipments, personnel training and logistic support. As the Eurofighter GmbH claims that “this logistic support system helped the Austrian Air Force to commence operational air policing missions – the prime task the aircraft were ordered for - just 11 months after delivery of the first Eurofighter on 12 July 2007.”

As company spokesman told defpro.com, eleven of the Austrian Eurofighters had previously been allocated to the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) of which some have been used to speed up deliveries and some were directly delivered to Austria. Furthermore, the official source stated, that two aircraft have been diverted from a batch allocated to the UK, as well as one from Italy and one from Spain, which equally have been newly produced aircraft directly delivered to Austria.

On the occasion of the roll-out, Eurofighter CEO Enzo Casolini emphasised the aircrafts’ importance for Austrian defence capabilities: “The delivery of the last Eurofighter Typhoon to Austria provides to the Austrian Armed Forces the best aerial defence capabilities available in the World, both in operational, cost and fleet effectiveness terms.” Bernhard Gerwert, Chairman of the Eurofighter Supervisory Board and CEO of Military Air Systems within EADS Defence & Security, joined this evaluation by saying; “With the Eurofighter, Austria has fielded a fighter aircraft that will represent the best solution for Austrian air surveillance for many years to come thanks to its outstanding flight performance, sensor capabilities, and its ability to be integrated into data networks.”


First challenges have already been accomplished

So far, it seems that the Eurofighters already in service are successfully stemming its principal task which, for a relatively small landlocked country at the heart of Europe with its busy skies, may be one of the most challenging tasks. All aircraft will be stationed at the Air Surveillance Wing’s home base in Zeltweg in the central Austrian state of Steiermark, enabling them to quickly scramble to any place in the country.

This ability could be well-demonstrated when the aircrafts logged their 1,000th flying hour during an intercept training mission. In a slightly more serious situation, Austrian Eurofighters were required to scramble and fly at supersonic speeds to intercept a Russian passenger jet which Austrian air traffic control lost radio contact with. The same happened as recently as Wednesday when an Airbus A320, without radio contact, also had to be escorted. The supersonic flight produced a loud sonic boom in the otherwise idyllic calm of the Alpine country.

For the Eurofighter GmbH – even though somewhat closing the Austrian chapter – the story goes on as the company is looking at important export opportunities, including India’s MMRCA tender as well as possible sales to Greece, Japan, Romania, Switzerland, and Turkey.

Saudi Arabia, being the second export nation for the Eurofighter, signed a procurement contract for 72 aircraft in September 2007 for an estimated 6.5 billion. Furthermore, the aircraft have made news by taking over international air-policing missions over Albania (Italian Air Force) and the Baltic states (German Air Force).

http://www.defpro.com/daily/details/410/

Those article is full of errors. The selection occured on 2nd july 2002 and the contract signed on 1st july 2003 was valued at 1.959 bln €. The final aircraft ferried over to Austria was not rolled of the assembly line as such as this aircraft was a used block 2 aircraft, which ran through the R2 programme.

[Tango III]

Russian bombers test high-precision weaponry during drills

BARANOVICHI (Belarus), September 27 (RIA Novosti) - Russian strategic and tactical bombers equipped with new high-precision weapons systems have successfully conducted live-firing drills at a practice range in Belarus, a Ground Forces spokesman said on Sunday.

The drills at the Obuz-Lesnovski range were part of the Zapad (West) 2009 large-scale Russian-Belarusian military exercises currently underway in Belarus.

"Today, Tu-22M3 Backfire strategic bombers and Su-24M Fencer tactical bombers, which are equipped a specialized computing subsystem SVP-24, conducted a series of live-firing drills aimed at destroying ground targets designated by a commander of a motorized infantry brigade," Col. Alexander Drobyshevsky said.

SVP-24 allows target data to be automatically transmitted by on-ground spotters and received by ground attack aircraft during combat.

Drobyshevsky said the drill involved quick retargeting of the aircraft in response to a decision made by a unit commander on the ground, who shifted priority to a new set of targets during an intense battle.

"Air strikes on these new targets were delivered with high precision in poor weather conditions from outside the effective range of the enemy's air defenses," he said.

The September 8-29 Zapad 2009 exercises involve around 13,000 service personnel, 63 airplanes, 40 helicopters, 470 infantry fighting vehicles, 228 tanks and 234 artillery pieces on both sides.

S-300 air defense missile systems are also participating in the drills, designed to test the effectiveness of the unified regional anti-aircraft defense systems of Russia and Belarus.

http://en.rian.ru/mlitary_news/20090928/156269949.html

[Tango III]

PICTURE: Afghanistan's first G222 delivered

Afghanistan's first of 18 refurbished G222 transports was delivered at Alenia Aeronautica's Capodichino site in Italy on 25 September.

Alenia North America received a contract to modernise the ex-Italian air force aircraft from the US Air Force in September 2008.

The USAF accepted Kabul's first aircraft less than two months after it had made its first flight in modernised guise.

Alenia Aeronautica will deliver the remaining aircraft on order for the Afghan national army air corps at a rate of roughly one a month, with the last transport due to be handed over in 2011.

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles...delivered.html

[medal64]

Turkey'S First Attack Helicopter T129 Makes Test Flight


MILAN (A.A) - 28.09.2009 – Turkey's first national attack helicopter, T129 ATAK successfully completed its first test flight, at Augusta Westland's facilities near Milan.
Senior Turkish and Italian officials attended the ceremony held Monday on the occasion of the test flight for combat and reconnaissance helicopter T129 ATAK --an enhanced version of the Italian Agusta Westland's A-129s-- which will be jointly produced by Turkey and Italy.

Turkey's Tusas Aerospace Industries (TAI) -- the prime contractor -- and Italy's Agusta Westland -- a subcontractor -- will jointly produce the aircraft under an 2007 agreement signed for the purchase of 51 (plus 40 optional) helicopters for the Turkish Land Forces.

Speaking during the ceremony, Turkish National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul said T129 would be furnished with the latest generation chopper engine capable of performing in high temperatures and altitudes.

He said the successful test flight of T129 ATAK would boost the value of T-129 helicopters in the international market adding that other countries might show interest in this attack helicopter.

AgustaWestland CEO Giuseppe Orsi who said that he was pleased to celebrate the first flight of the world's most advanced attack helicopter pointed out that the project T-129 ATAK, was ahead of the planned schedule.

Orsi said TAI had great technological capabilities noting that this project would contribute to TAI and Turkish aviation industry in general.

"Today, Turkish aviation industry is entering a new era in helicopter rotor technology. We are determined to carry this successful cooperation further with the same efficiency," said Orsi.

TAI General Director, Muharrem Dortkasli said the first T129 ATAK would be handed over to the Turkish Armed Forces in July 2013 adding that their final goal was to sell T129s in the international merket.

The helicopter will be equipped with avionic and weapon systems designed and produced indigenously, and the mission computer and targeting, navigation, communication and electronic warfare systems will be developed and produced by ASELSAN, a leading defense company in Turkey.

TAI will have the right to use and administer the intellectual property of the T129 ATAK Helicopter, and it will be the sole source for its work share under the ATAK program for all potential future world wide sales of the T129 ATAK Helicopter.

The program agreement also provides TAI with the right to sell and market the T129 ATAK Helicopter worldwide.

Established on 15 May 1984, TAI, is a supplier for Aermacchi, AgustaWestland, Airbus, Boeing, EADS CASA, Eurocopter, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, MDHI, Sikorsky and co-produced so far; F-16 fighters, CN-235 light transport/maritime patrol/surveillance aircraft, SF-260 trainers, Cougar AS-532 general purpose helicopters. (OZG-CE)

[Tango III]

Brazil's Embraer Prefers Swedish Fighter -Report

SAO PAULO -(Dow Jones)- Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer (ERJ) would prefer the government choose Saab's Gripen NG as the basis for the company's new fighter fleet because of the technology transfer opportunities it offers, a senior company executive told local business daily Valor Economico.

Adding spice to the decision-making process, Embraer's defense market vice president, Jose Ferreira Neto, said the company would like to work with the Swedish Gripen NG over its French and U.S. rivals because it has yet to go into production. This would give Embraer from-scratch knowledge on developing the plane.

Brazil is looking to order 36 fighter planes to replace its aging fleet and is choosing from Dassault Aviation SA's (AM.FR) Rafale, Boeing Co.'s (BA) F-18 and the Swedish option.

The French and U.S. offers are for flight-ready planes, which would limit local industry participation, Ferreira said.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva went as far as announcing that the political decision had been made to buy Rafale during a visit by French President Nicolas Sarkozy earlier in the month, but he pulled back from that position. The government has invited improved offers from the three candidates by Oct. 2.

According to Ferreiro, the Swedish jet will have important locally produced components, and the development of the plane would bring technological benefits to Embraer, which is one of the world's leading regional jet makers.

http://www.nasdaq.com/aspx/stock-mar...-fighterreport

[Tango III]

PICTURES: Austria takes delivery of last Eurofighter interceptor

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles...terceptor.html

[Tango III]

South Korea delays fighter, attack helicopter plans

Fighter, Attack Helicopter Plans Delayed

South Korea has cut its indigenous fighter and attack helicopter development efforts, originally scheduled for next year, as part of general defense-spending reductions.

The Ministry of National Defense said Monday that it would submit a proposal for a 3.8-percent increase in next year's defense budget to the National Assembly later this week.

The ministry originally asked to spend about 30.8 trillion won ($25 billion) in 2010, up 7.9 percent from this year's 28.5 trillion won, but the presidential office and budget authorities responded with proposals for a 3.5- to 3.8-percent increase.

The readjustment to 29.6 trillion won marks the smallest increase in defense expenditure since 1999, ministry officials said.

"Economic difficulties have put pressure on the government budget across the board," Vice Defense Minister Chang Soo-man, who spearheaded efforts to streamline the budget spending plans, said in a briefing.

He added that there is still a possibility that the proposal may be adjusted further during National Assembly deliberations in the next few months.

The South Korean military has long sought to deploy indigenous combat aircraft and attack helicopters.

The KF-X fighter development program aims to create an indigenous aircraft, with the help of foreign manufacturers, to replace older F-4s and F-5s after 2010.

After a six-month feasibility study on the KF-X project, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration wanted to start exploratory development of the aircraft next year.

The agency also hoped that the Korea Attack Helicopter (KAH) plan would begin next year.

The KAH program calls for developing and producing about 270 homemade attack helicopters to replace the Army's aging fleet of Bell AH-1Ss and Hughes 500s after 2018.

Other arms improvement programs cut from the budget proposal include the acquisition of mine-sweeping helicopters, development of military satellite communications systems and procurement of next-generation electronic warfare systems, the ministry said.

Among the new programs are the inauguration of a cyber warfare command, deployment of division-level unmanned aerial vehicles, acquisition of minelayers and 120-millimeter self-propelled trench mortars, development of short-range ship-to-ground guided missiles, procurement of wheeled-armored vehicles and production of Korea Utility Helicopters, it said.

Spending on research and development in weapons systems, including the transformation of the T-50 supersonic trainer jet into the FA-50 light attack aircraft, will account for 6.1 percent, or 1.7 trillion won, of the total budget, according to the ministry. The comparable figure stood at 5.6 percent this year.

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news...113_52640.html

[kev 99]

Eurocopter and UK MoD sign contract for RAF Puma Life Extension Programme

September 29, 2009

Eurocopter and United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence Eurocopter UK and the British Ministry of Defence signed a contract on September 18 for the Life Extension Programme for 28 of the Royal Air Force’s fleet of Puma Mk1 helicopters.

The upgraded Pumas, which will be designated Puma HC Mk2, will consequently offer significantly enhanced performance and operational capabilities, thus being capable of remaining in service until at least 2022. The contract is valued at ₤220 million (€250 million) and is due to be completed by December 2014.

The programme is based on comprehensive upgrades, including new Turbomeca Makila 1A1 engines, a glass cockpit, new communications, navigation and defensive systems, and a digital autopilot. The Puma HC Mk2’s performance and payload will be substantially increased, particularly in hot and high conditions.

As a key pillar of the Royal Air Force’s fleet of medium lift helicopters, Puma continues to play a major role in operational theatres, delivering very high operational readiness levels.

Eurocopter CEO Lutz Bertling commented, “This contract represents an important new phase in Eurocopter’s long lasting and maturing relationship with the UK Ministry of Defence. We will bring to this programme our extensive experience in upgrading and enhancing helicopters, and in adapting them to the new scenarios and challenges arising from present and future deployment.”

Markus Steinke, Managing Director of Eurocopter UK, added, “As the British pillar of the Eurocopter Group, we are proud to sign this major contract strengthening our industrial expansion in the UK even more and enabling us to develop a widening partnership with the MoD, also in view of forthcoming new helicopter programmes such as Future Medium Helicopter (FMH).”sign Contract for Royal Air Force Puma Life Extension Programme

http://www.shephard.co.uk/news/4037/...ion-programme/

[Jason Simonds]

Originally Posted by Tango III

Eurofighter insists the range of mechanically scanned (M‑Scan) Selex Captor radar rivals any AESA. “There are benefits in maintenance because it has no moving parts,” says an official.

Any AESA???

No moving parts? How does CAPTOR Mechanically Scan then?

[Fedaykin]

Originally Posted by Jason Simonds

Any AESA???

No moving parts? How does CAPTOR Mechanically Scan then?

Looks like a typo by the reporter, the Eurofighter representative was probably talking about the advantages of the M-SCAN CAPTOR then moved onto talking about the future E-SCAN variant. The reporter when writing up from notes later and with no real knowledge about how the radars really worked just put the sentance together.

Just my guess...

[obligatory]

It's the AESA that benefits from no moving parts, and thus less maintenance cost, (marginal) tho at the cost of limited view and larger initial cost.

[Flyboy77]

Google translation

MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB flew with the heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser "Admiral Kuznetsov"

JSC "RSK" MiG "successfully conducted on heavy aircraft carrier (heavy aircraft)," Admiral Kuznetsov "flight tests ship-based fighters MiG-29K/KUB, mass-produced on request of the Indian Navy.
In tests on MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB 28 and 29 September 2009 made several landings and takeoffs on the deck of the cruiser, located in the Barents Sea.
During test flights the aircraft flown by test pilots RAC "MiG" Mikhail Belyaev, Pavel Vlasov, Nikolay Diorditsa and test pilot of Air Force Colonel Oleg Russia match.
The flights conducted Deputy Director-General RSK MiG on flight operations - Chief Flight Test Center im.A.V.Fedotova Hero of Russia Pavel Vlasov. Over the course of testing observed by representatives of the customer.
Flight tests MiG-29K/KUB on heavy aircraft carrier "Admiral Kuznetsov" sum up the great work of creation in Russia of a new shipborne fighters.
General Director RAC "MiG" Mikhail Pogosyan, who was during a test flight aboard the cruiser "Admiral Kuznetsov", thanked the pilots for their excellent work and stressed that the flights from the deck require the highest flying skills. Mikhail Pogosyan, expressed confidence that the aircraft will be needed MiG-29K/KUB Russia's Armed Forces. The head of the Corporation "MiG" is also noted that the successful tests on the ship will contribute to the further development of the program MiG-29K/KUB in India and the increased interest of other foreign customers for new aircraft RAC "MiG".

Test pilots performing flights on MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB during testing in the Northern Fleet:

- Mikhail Belyaev - Test Pilot Class 1;
- Pavel Vlasov - Hero of Russia, Honored Test Pilot of Russia, Deputy Director RAC "MiG" by Flight Operations - Chief Flight Test Center (persons) im.A.V.Fedotova, head of flight services;
- Nicholas Diorditsa - Hero of Russia, distinguished test pilot of the RF, OFFICERS im.A.V.Fedotova;
- Oleg Match - Senior Test Pilot of the State Flight Test Center to them.

Marine MiG-29K (single) and MiG-29KUB (double) - Multi-purpose aircraft generation "4 + +, designed to solve the problems of ship air defense compounds, gaining dominance in the air, destruction of surface and ground targets with precision weapons controlled day and night all weather conditions.
First flight of skilled MiG-29KUB held in January 2007 the first serial aircraft took off in March 2008

The main technical and technological innovations on the fighters MiG-29K/KUB:
- Improved airframe with a high proportion of composite materials;
- Folding wings with improved mechanization, providing improved takeoff and landing characteristics;
- Digital integrated-wire aircraft control system with quadruple redundancy;
- Significantly reduced visibility in the radar range;
- Increased combat load;
- Increased internal fuel capacity and the availability of in-flight refueling;
- The ability to refuel other aircraft fuel in the fuel unit refueling equipment PAZ-1MK.

Fighters MiG-29K/KUB the improved performance and higher reliability of assemblies, systems and components. Compared to the previous fighters, flying resource MiG-29K/KUB increased more than 2 times, and flight hour cost is reduced almost in 2,5 times. The avionics MiG-29K/KUB based on the principle of open architecture. The fighter is installed multifunctional multimode pulse-Doppler airborne radar station (radar) "Zhuk-ME. Compared with the previous-generation radars, it has a greater range of viewing angles in azimuth, double the detection range, lower weight and higher reliability. Radar" Zhuk -ME provides support up to 10 air targets and the simultaneous firing of rockets on four of them. MiG-29K/KUB equipped with modern multi-channel optical-location station and the system of targeting passive homing anti-radar missiles.
The complex consists of arming guided missiles, air-to-air and air-to-surface, adjustable, bombs, rockets, aerial bombs and built-in 30-mm cannon. At the request of the customer into the arms may be introduced new models of aircraft weapons.
For MiG-29K/KUB developed a complete set of teaching aids, including an integrated simulator with the system of mobility.
The strategy of integration capabilities RSK MiG and Sukhoi Company, the new fighter MiG will be implemented in the system created for the new generation of combat aircraft.

http://translate.googleusercontent.c..._jtDVOsQ5myGXg

[Tango III]

The T129 light attack helicopter is a variant of the Agusta A129 Mangusta, adapted by Turkish industry to the requirements of the Turkish Army.

[Tango III]

PICTURE: First A400M fitted with flightworthy engines

Airbus Military has released this image of the first A400M fitted with four flightworthy engines and propellers. This marks another step forward in the development of the long-awaited transport aircraft, which had its formal roll-out in June 2008.

Louis Gallois, chief executive of EADS, Airbus’ parent company, said yesterday that it was looking increasingly likely that the A400M would make its debut flight in December. He also expressed confidence that the countries involved in the project will all commit to continuing it when they meet for negotiations in October. “Our hope is to fully convince them" by the end of this year, he said.

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles...y-engines.html

[Tango III]

Venezuela Gives Ecuador Six Mirage 50 Jets

QUITO - Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa announced September 28 he will receive six
jets "in good condition" donated by Venezuela, amid concerns of a South American arms race.

"Venezuela wants to give us six Mirage jets ... we are going to accept them," Correa said in the northern town of Ibarra.

Correa added that the country was discussing the purchase of a further 12 jets from South Africa and 24 Super Tucano fighters from Brazil, as well as radar systems and helicopters.

It is just the latest sign of a military build up in South America and what the United States has warned could become an arms race.

Venezuela, led by leftist President Hugo Chavez, recently announced a $2.2 billion from Russia to buy weapons.

The purchases have come as tensions have grown between Ecuador, its Venezuelan ally and Colombia over support of leftist Colombian rebels and Bogota's agreement to allow the United States to use Colombian military bases.

http://www.defensenews.com/story.php...41&c=AME&s=AIR

[Jason Simonds]

Raytheon Delivers First Joint Standoff Weapon C to Australia

TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 28, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) delivered the first Joint Standoff Weapon C to Australia in July for the Royal Australian Air Force's new F/A-18F Hornet fighter aircraft.

In addition to the JSOW C, the RAAF has placed an order for the JSOW C-1, which is currently in production; deliveries will begin in 2010. The JSOW C-1 maintains the land attack capability of JSOW C and adds a moving maritime target capability by incorporating a datalink. This enables the JSOW to receive target updates as it flies to its objective.

"We're thrilled that Australia is a member of the growing JSOW family," said Phyllis McEnroe, Raytheon's JSOW program director. "The on-time delivery of the JSOW C positions Australia well for its 2010 JSOW C-1 deliveries."

The combat-proven JSOW is a family of low-cost, air-to-ground glide weapons with a range of 70 nautical miles (80.5 statute miles). It employs an integrated GPS-inertial navigation system and terminal uncooled infrared seeker that guides the weapon to the target. JSOW is integrated on all variants of the F/A-18, F-15, and on several variants of the F-16, B-2 and B-52 aircraft. The weapon is currently being integrated on the Joint Strike Fighter.

[Jason Simonds]

Originally Posted by Jason Simonds

Raytheon Delivers First Joint Standoff Weapon C to Australia

TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 28, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) delivered the first Joint Standoff Weapon C to Australia in July for the Royal Australian Air Force's new F/A-18F Hornet fighter aircraft.

In addition to the JSOW C, the RAAF has placed an order for the JSOW C-1, which is currently in production; deliveries will begin in 2010. The JSOW C-1 maintains the land attack capability of JSOW C and adds a moving maritime target capability by incorporating a datalink. This enables the JSOW to receive target updates as it flies to its objective.

"We're thrilled that Australia is a member of the growing JSOW family," said Phyllis McEnroe, Raytheon's JSOW program director. "The on-time delivery of the JSOW C positions Australia well for its 2010 JSOW C-1 deliveries."

The combat-proven JSOW is a family of low-cost, air-to-ground glide weapons with a range of 70 nautical miles (80.5 statute miles). It employs an integrated GPS-inertial navigation system and terminal uncooled infrared seeker that guides the weapon to the target. JSOW is integrated on all variants of the F/A-18, F-15, and on several variants of the F-16, B-2 and B-52 aircraft. The weapon is currently being integrated on the Joint Strike Fighter.

Confirmation that RAAF has indeed ordered more than 50x AGM-154 JSOW-C weapons and some insight into the "controversial" cost of the Super Hornet platform...

[Tango III]

Nimrod R1 Replacement Still Pending

A charged political decision over opting for a British or U.S. communications and electronic-intelligence aircraft appears to be still sitting on government ministers’ desks, weeks after contenders expected to hear which route the U.K. Defense Ministry intends to pursue.

The proposed choice to replace the Royal Air Force’s Nimrod R1 is now due to go before the ministry’s main decision-making body, the Investment Appraisal Board, in November.

The options are to replace the R1 elint/comint-gathering aircraft with the U.S. RC-135V/W Rivet Joint or to modify preproduction BAE Systems Nimrod MRA4s to fulfill the role.

The air force is now purchasing only nine, rather than the initially planned 21 MRA4s. The three development aircraft had been due to be converted to the full standard along with the nine production aircraft now on order, but this option has also been discarded.

The RC-135 proposal is led by L-3 Communications and would involve the conversion of KC-135s; the work would be carried out in the U.S. Congressional notification of the offer was made in October 2008, with the three-aircraft deal worth $1 billion, including aircraft and equipment acquisition and modification. The drop in the pound’s value relative to the dollar means this cost has likely risen.

The choice has been complicated politically by BAE’s long-term plan to close its Woodford, England, plant (one of its four main aerospace sites in the U.K.) with the conclusion of the Nimrod MRA4 program. Unemployment is increasing in the U.K.; and with a general election anticipated in May, the government—particularly of the traditionally pro-union Labour Party—is edgy about decisions that could be portrayed as costing British jobs.

BAE started the formal industrial-relations process relating to the site closing in September. There are indications that BAE had originally anticipated making this announcement after being told by the government whether it would pursue the MRA4-based proposal.

Even were the MRA4 to be selected, this would have sustained only part of the workforce at Woodford for another 12-18 months, although it would also potentially provide a core of specialists capable of working on the through-life support of the aircraft.

BAE Systems confirms that it submitted a proposal, rather than a full bid, based on the MRA4 option.

The Defense Ministry is unwilling to comment on the status of the R1 replacement program beyond saying that “a number of options are being considered and a decision will be taken before the end of the year.”

The air force wants to withdraw the Nimrod R1 from service in 2012. While the BAE offer may have been able to broadly meet cost and performance goals, it will fall short of the 2012 target date. Initial delivery in 2014 is more likely.

Quentin Davies, the minister for defense equipment and support, opened the door for a BAE offer in April. “I told BAE Systems . . . that if it wants to bid, I would enable it do so by briefing it in full on the necessary, up-to-date information about our requirements that has been provided during conversations over the past few weeks.”

An inability to meet the 2012 date would render the BAE proposal technically noncompliant, thereby giving the ministry a basis to reject it. With extreme pressure on military spending, however, deferring delivery by 24 months could be seen as a positive factor by some.

The three Nimrod R1s are operated by the RAF’s 51 Sqdn. The capability and mission systems fit of the platform remain a sensitive issue, although much of the equipment is from the U.S. The aircraft covers high-, very-high, ultra-high- and super-high-frequency bands for electronic-intelligence gathering, and HF, VHF and UHF bands for the comint role. Recent deployment included supporting operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as wider surveillance roles in the Persian Gulf region.

Even though it was replacing the Nimrod MR2 with the MRA4, the Defense Ministry had initially intended to keep the R1 in service until 2025. Project Helix—the risk-reduction study on updating the R1 systems—was won by L-3 in 2007. BAE was one of the unsuccessful bidders. Defense technology specialist Qinetiq was also part of the L-3 team, with its Malvern site involved in the project. Malvern continues to work on the development of elint and comint packages.

The loss of a Nimrod MR2 and the deaths of the 14 personnel on board in Afghanistan in 2006—most likely due to a fire—contributed to the ministry’s moving up the R1’s out-of-service date.

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/gener...eadline=Nimrod R1 Replacement Still Pending

[Tango III]

US military could strike Iran, but at what cost?

The United States has refused to rule out military action against Iran if diplomacy fails but analysts and officials say bombing nuclear sites would carry high risks while setting back Tehran's program by only a few years.

Military options often floated in Washington range from naval blockades, pre-emptive air strikes against nuclear-related targets or even full-scale ground assaults designed to topple the regime.

The most frequently cited scenario would involve an air attack that could damage Iran's nuclear network while raising the danger of retaliation against US forces in neighbouring Iraq and Afghanistan as well as targets elsewhere.

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates last week downplayed the possibility of military action, saying on Friday such a move would only "buy time" by delaying Iran's suspected pursuit of nuclear weapons by one to three years.

Instead, Gates has spoken of bolstering missile defence systems in the region and offering military assistance to Arab allies to convey to Iran that its nuclear project is backfiring.

But more hawkish voices say world opinion has shifted against Iran in the past year, and that Tehran might win little sympathy if it was attacked after rebuffing diplomatic initiatives.

"Every week something happens to make the Iranians look more unreasonable," Patrick Clawson, of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said.

Most scenarios for US or Israeli military action focus on several main targets, including crucial underground centrifuge facilities in Natanz, a uranium conversion facility in Isfahan, a heavy water reactor in Arak and a light-water nuclear plant in Bushehr.

Another potential target is a second uranium enrichment plant under construction near Qom, which Iran admitted to last week.

Using fighter jets, stealth bombers and cruise missiles as well as special forces, an air attack would require first hitting Iran's air defence radar and air force as well as deploying Navy warships to the Persian Gulf to safeguard oil shipping lanes.

Knocking out the underground site at Natanz could pose a challenge and would require earth-penetrating bombs, and possibly even a nuclear version of the "bunker buster" weapon.

A wider air campaign could include Iran's missile program and possibly a broader list of targets, including military and intelligence command posts.

US military planners would have to take into account an Iranian "shell game" in which uranium enrichment sites, reactors and related research and industrial centres have been scattered across a wide area, with some targets fortified and buried underground, according to Anthony Cordesman, a fellow at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.

Even a large-scale air assault might only represent a first step, as the Iranians would likely redouble their efforts and the US military would have to consider striking again to keep the nuclear program in check.

Such a campaign of follow-up strikes would probably require access to bases in Arab states instead of solely relying on aircraft carriers and the Diego Garcia island base in the Indian Ocean, Cordesman wrote in a commentary last week in the Wall Street Journal.

"It is far from clear that friendly Arab Gulf states would allow the US to use bases on their soil for the kind of massive strike and follow-on restrikes that the US would need to suppress Iran's efforts on a lasting basis," he said.

Even if the operation was deemed a military success, the attack might bolster the regime's political standing at home, causing some Iranians to "rally around the flag."

Nicholas Burns, the former senior US diplomat who was the point man on Iran under former president George W. Bush, has warned that military action would carry untenable risks.

Burns told a senate hearing in May that "there is no convincing scenario where such use of military force would work effectively to end the Iranian nuclear program.

"Even worse, air strikes would undoubtedly lead Iran to hit back asymmetrically against us in Iraq, Afghanistan and the wider region, especially through its proxies, Hezbollah and Hamas."

Still, Burns said the threat of military action was crucial in backing up diplomatic efforts that would otherwise be ignored by Tehran.

Short of a wave of air raids, President Barack Obama could choose to flex US military muscle by deploying carriers and minesweepers off the coast of Iran or order the Navy to impose a blockade, cutting off vital petrol imports, analysts said.

http://www.watoday.com.au/world/us-m...0930-gcb6.html

[haavarla]

Originally Posted by Tango III

US military could strike Iran, but at what cost?

The United States has refused to rule out military action against Iran if diplomacy fails but analysts and officials say bombing nuclear sites would carry high risks while setting back Tehran's program by only a few years.

Military options often floated in Washington range from naval blockades, pre-emptive air strikes against nuclear-related targets or even full-scale ground assaults designed to topple the regime.

The most frequently cited scenario would involve an air attack that could damage Iran's nuclear network while raising the danger of retaliation against US forces in neighbouring Iraq and Afghanistan as well as targets elsewhere.

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates last week downplayed the possibility of military action, saying on Friday such a move would only "buy time" by delaying Iran's suspected pursuit of nuclear weapons by one to three years.

Instead, Gates has spoken of bolstering missile defence systems in the region and offering military assistance to Arab allies to convey to Iran that its nuclear project is backfiring.

But more hawkish voices say world opinion has shifted against Iran in the past year, and that Tehran might win little sympathy if it was attacked after rebuffing diplomatic initiatives.

"Every week something happens to make the Iranians look more unreasonable," Patrick Clawson, of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said.

Most scenarios for US or Israeli military action focus on several main targets, including crucial underground centrifuge facilities in Natanz, a uranium conversion facility in Isfahan, a heavy water reactor in Arak and a light-water nuclear plant in Bushehr.

Another potential target is a second uranium enrichment plant under construction near Qom, which Iran admitted to last week.

Using fighter jets, stealth bombers and cruise missiles as well as special forces, an air attack would require first hitting Iran's air defence radar and air force as well as deploying Navy warships to the Persian Gulf to safeguard oil shipping lanes.

Knocking out the underground site at Natanz could pose a challenge and would require earth-penetrating bombs, and possibly even a nuclear version of the "bunker buster" weapon.

A wider air campaign could include Iran's missile program and possibly a broader list of targets, including military and intelligence command posts.

US military planners would have to take into account an Iranian "shell game" in which uranium enrichment sites, reactors and related research and industrial centres have been scattered across a wide area, with some targets fortified and buried underground, according to Anthony Cordesman, a fellow at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.

Even a large-scale air assault might only represent a first step, as the Iranians would likely redouble their efforts and the US military would have to consider striking again to keep the nuclear program in check.

Such a campaign of follow-up strikes would probably require access to bases in Arab states instead of solely relying on aircraft carriers and the Diego Garcia island base in the Indian Ocean, Cordesman wrote in a commentary last week in the Wall Street Journal.

"It is far from clear that friendly Arab Gulf states would allow the US to use bases on their soil for the kind of massive strike and follow-on restrikes that the US would need to suppress Iran's efforts on a lasting basis," he said.

Even if the operation was deemed a military success, the attack might bolster the regime's political standing at home, causing some Iranians to "rally around the flag."

Nicholas Burns, the former senior US diplomat who was the point man on Iran under former president George W. Bush, has warned that military action would carry untenable risks.

Burns told a senate hearing in May that "there is no convincing scenario where such use of military force would work effectively to end the Iranian nuclear program.

"Even worse, air strikes would undoubtedly lead Iran to hit back asymmetrically against us in Iraq, Afghanistan and the wider region, especially through its proxies, Hezbollah and Hamas."

Still, Burns said the threat of military action was crucial in backing up diplomatic efforts that would otherwise be ignored by Tehran.

Short of a wave of air raids, President Barack Obama could choose to flex US military muscle by deploying carriers and minesweepers off the coast of Iran or order the Navy to impose a blockade, cutting off vital petrol imports, analysts said.

http://www.watoday.com.au/world/us-m...0930-gcb6.html

Nope, US Defence Secretary Robert Gates and his advicers are quite right here..
There are simply to much at stake here, an pre-emty strike would jepardize the whole stabillity in Iraq and whole middle east.

Didn't the latest reports from IAEA dictates that Iran are nowhere close to building nuclear warheads(they have no evidence at all)?
Beside, we live in 2009.
Witch mean there is noway in hell Iran could produce any Nuclear weapons without the world knowledge.
Its not like Iran could put out any atomic weapons over night..

The whole Iranian nuclear program are quite difficult to handle, but going for preempty strike will solve nothing, only complicate things..

Here is a good read on the US veiw on the Iranian N-program:

http://www.cfr.org/publication/16811/
Thanks

[Tango III]

Boeing may propose new airframe to replace T-38s

Boeing could propose developing a "purpose-built" airframe as one of several options to replace the US Air Force's fleet of Northrop T-38 jet trainers, say industry officials.

The potential Boeing offer throws a twist into the competitive field for the T-X contract, which could be worth $10 billion and which the USAF has suggested could range from 350 to 500 new jets.

Only existing airframes such as the Alenia Aermacchi M-346, BAE Systems Hawk and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)/Lockheed Martin T-50 have so far been proposed as major candidates.

According to industry officials, the Boeing concept pre-supposes that the USAF does not want to select a future trainer aircraft that was developed in a previous decade. The service plans to reach initial operational capability for the T-X fleet in 2017 and operate the type for 30-40 years.

Boeing's concept also may add a "homegrown" dimension to a competition dominated by aircraft developed substantially in foreign countries.

The T-50 is assembled in South Korea, although Lockheed helped to design and manufacture the aircraft. The M-346 is assembled in Italy, but 52% of its parts are sourced in the USA, including its Honeywell F124 engines.

USAF officials have accelerated the T-X acquisition process by one year, with a request for proposals scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2011. The first aircraft delivery is expected in 2014.

Developing a new airframe within that timeframe could be difficult. Giuseppe Giordo, president and chief executive of Alenia North America, has estimated that developing and certificating a new advanced trainer to compete with the M-346 would cost $3 billion and take six years to complete.

Alenia plans to offer the M-346 for the T-X contract, but is evaluating whether to act as a prime or subcontractor. It has confirmed that Boeing is among the US companies that it has discussed as a potential partner. Alenia and Boeing are already teamed to offer the M-346 to certain international customers, such as Singapore.

The T-X contract would replace the USAF's fleet of more than 550 T-38s, the youngest of which were delivered in the early 1970s.

USAF officials have also asked industry to propose options for a light attack version and a navalised version, with the latter to replace the US Navy's Boeing/BAE T-45 Goshawk.

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles...ace-t-38s.html

[Tango III]

Russia prevents smuggling of warplane parts to Syria

KRASNODAR, September 30 (RIA Novosti) - Customs officers at Krasnodar international airport in southern Russia have prevented an attempt to smuggle components for a MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter aircraft to Syria, a customs press secretary said on Wednesday.

Tatyana Kuznetsova said customs officers acted on a tip-off about a possible attempt to smuggle arms and components to Syria.

She did not specify what components had been seized or when.

Several suspects were detained, who are facing prison terms of up to seven years.

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20090930/156303202.html

[Tango III]

China displays its most advanced weapons in National Day parade


China on Thursday displayed some of its most sophisticated weaponry in a grand military review to mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic.

Fifty-two types of new weapon systems developed and made in China, including the country's most advanced nuclear-capable missiles, were displayed. Ninety percent of the weapons were exposed to paraded for the first time.

A total of 56 phalanxes, consisting of 8,000 servicemen and women, nearly 500 tanks, missiles and other military vehicles and 151 warplanes, joined the parade in front of the Tian'anmen Square in the heart of Beijing.

Chinese President Hu Jintao reviewed the assembled marchers, standing in an open-roof black Red Flag limousine. Hundreds of millions of Chinese watched the televised parade on TV or Internet.

EQUIPMENT IN SPOTLIGHT

The most eye-catching weapons paraded were five types of missiles of the Second Artillery Force (SAF), China's core force of strategic deterrence, including China's most sophisticated nuclear-capable intercontinental missiles.

The gigantic weapons in camouflaged colors rolled on long-bed trucks, triggering exciting cheers and applause from spectators at the Tian'anmen Square.

SAF's land-based cruise missile also made its debut at the once-in-a-decade military parade. The conventional cruise missile is able to perform long-range low-altitude precision strikes.

Also on rare public display were SAF's three types of conventional missiles.

China started to develop strategic missile weapons in 1956. Over the past decades, the SAF has grown into "a lean and effective strategic force with both nuclear and conventional missiles, capable of both land-based strategic nuclear counterattacks and precision strikes with conventional missiles," a White Paper on National Defense released January said.

Despite the improvement of its nuclear-capable weapons, China has repeatedly assured the world that it pursues "a self-defensive nuclear strategy."

"We have adhered to the policy of no-first-use of nuclear weapons at anytime and under any circumstance, and made the unequivocal commitment that we will unconditionally not use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones," President Hu said last week in a speech at the U.N. Security Council nuclear summit in New York.

The parade also displayed advanced weapons of the Navy, including anti-ship missiles, ship-to-air missiles, ground-to-ship missiles and amphibious vehicles.

At the military parade to mark the 60th anniversary of China's Navy last April, China already displayed its nuclear submarine. Other cutting-edge weaponry on display included China's new generation of tanks, sophisticated radar, unmanned aerial vehicles and satellite communication devices.

Following the ground formations was a fly-over, featuring 151 warplanes ranging from China's most advanced J-10 and J-11 fighter jets to airborne early warning and control aircraft, bombers, aerial tankers, and helicopters.

Sixty years ago when Chairman Mao Zedong reviewed the Chinese troops on the founding ceremony of the new China, only 17 warplanes, mostly seized from enemies in the Chinese War of Resistance Against Japanese Regression and the Liberation War against Kuomintang, joined the parade.

"With new fighter jets, airborne early warning and control aircraft, aerial tankers and a series of new air-to-air, air-to-ground, ground-to-air missiles, China's Air Force is forming a complete and advanced combat system," Professor Wang Mingliang with the Air Force Command College.

Liang Guanglie, minister of defense, said in an interview with Xinhua in late September that China's army has taken a historical step forward in weaponry and equipment over the past decades.

"We have had military-use satellites, advanced fighter aircraft in the air, newly designed tanks, cannons and missiles on land and advanced naval vessels and submarines at sea," Liang said.

"On the whole, we've already possessed all the equipment that western developed countries have. Many of our weaponry have reached or come close to the world-leading standards," he said.


A TRANSFORMED ARMY

Military watchers agreed that in addition to hardware, the "soft" capabilities of the Chinese army have also been greatly upgraded and the PLA, once composed mainly of uneducated peasant soldiers, is being transformed into a lean, professional and high-tech force.

Wearing green, white and blue ceremonial or camouflage uniforms, more than 3,000 Chinese servicemen and women from China's elite troops, marched past the Tian'anmen Square in 14 phalanxes with identical steps to the music played by a 1,300-member military band.

In between the two ornamental pillars standing on each side of the Tian'anmen, soldiers have to take exactly 128 goosesteps in 96meters. Each step should be exactly 0.75 meters.

Over the past months, participating servicemen and women, most of whom were born in the 1980s and 1990s, had trained for nearly 12 hours a day, even in summer when temperatures exceeded 40 Celsius.

Four phalanxes, each with 325 members, were composed of would-be officers from prestigious military academies of the PLA Army, Air Force, Navy and the SAF.

Li Hanjun, commander of the naval academy formation, said all the student officers in his formation have two majors. Nearly one third of them had traveled overseas on warships and some even sailed around the world.

"Compared with my generation, they have much broader vision," 44-year-old Li said.

A total of 14 arms from four PLA services participated in the National Day parade, including the young and mysterious Special Forces of the PLA Army, marine aviation troops from the Navy and ground air defense from the Air Force.

Compared with the National Day military parade 10 years ago, Thursday's parade involved fewer personnel and more equipment, fewer Army troops and more troops from PLA Navy, Air force and the Second Artillery Force.

Lieutenant General Fang Fenghui, general director of the parade, told Xinhua that the formation of the phalanxes shows the ongoing transformation of the PLA from a labor-intensive force to a technology-intensive one and its ability to carry out diverse military missions.

With the rapid development of information technology, the PLA has speeded up its pace of mechanization and informatization. The PLA has announced that it will reach its goal of building "modernized" armed forces and national defense system in the mid of the 21st century.

In keeping with the modernization process, the PLA has demobilized millions of men and women since 1978. The number of its personnel declined from a peak figure of nearly 6 million in 1951 to 2.3 million at present.

In 2003, the Central Military Committee began to implement a Strategic Project for Talented People, which proposes that by the end of 2010, there will be a remarkable improvement in the quality of military personnel, and a big increase in the number of well-educated personnel in combat units.

Currently, about three quarters of China's military officers have been to college or postgraduate schools, 51 percent more thanin 1995, according to a White Paper on national Defense issued last January.

http://english.people.com.cn/90001/9...5/6774439.html

[Tango III]

Despite Parade Show, China Power Unknown: Experts

BEIJING - President Hu Jintao on October 1 called for even stronger armed forces as China flexed its muscles in a National Day parade, but experts said the PLA's marching skills might exceed actual fighting ability.

Illustrating the importance China attaches to its growing military strength, the People's Liberation Army kicked off a dazzling celebration in Beijing of the nation's 60th birthday by showing off a range of home-grown weaponry.

China has boasted that the nuclear-capable missiles, fighter jets, aerial drones and other advanced arms on display mark a "quantum leap" made possible thanks to a long-running campaign to upgrade the once-backward PLA.

Hu hailed this push in a speech to a packed Tiananmen Square, ahead of the massive military parade.

"The PLA ... must carry forward their glorious tradition, build up military strength and perform their duties earnestly," he said.

Official media gushed after the parade about the "cutting-edge" arms that have caused concern overseas about Beijing's military intentions, but analysts noted China had far to go before it could truly project military power abroad.

"We can make absolutely no conclusions about the actual tactical abilities of the troops or the capabilities of the equipment from what we have seen," Dennis J. Blasko, a former U.S. military attache to China, told AFP.

"The fact that nothing broke down en route and all marchers completed the parade is admirable, but does not speak to tactical capabilities," he said.

Blasko noted one apparent advancement - the intercontinental ballistic missiles which state-run Xinhua news agency described as a military "trump card" were now on mobile launchers.

"The key is its mobility, thus improving its survivability and insuring a true second-strike capability," he said.

But aside from hardware such as the Jian-10 fighter jet, much of what was seen October 1 represented upgrades or variations on weapons seen in the 50th anniversary parade in 1999, he said.

However, the array of home-grown systems showed China was making clear progress in moving away from its long-term reliance on Russian arms purchases, experts said.

And the mix of ground, naval and air force components showed the PLA - which encompasses all those branches - was growing more diverse.

"The era of a 'heavy' PLA is over. A lighter, more diversified and capable military able to complete various missions was on display," a Western diplomat well-versed in military issues, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP.

Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie boasted last month that much of his nation's weaponry now rivals that included in Western arsenals, but analysts said China has much to do before it comes close to challenging American power.

"Despite rapid strides in military modernization, China still has a lot of catching up to do," said Minxin Pei, a China scholar at the Washington-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

"Most of its neighbors, including Japan, India, South Korea, and Taiwan, have more advanced and better-trained air forces and navies than it does," he said in a research note.

China also is believed to possess too few of some systems, such as major missiles, for them to be significant in strategic terms in the near term.

"This was a demonstration of what China knows how to do but this is just a show - the entire military is not equipped with what we saw this morning," said the Western diplomat.

http://www.defensenews.com/story.php...36&c=ASI&s=TOP

[Tango III]

A Eurofighter Typhoon fighter of the Italian air force’s 4th Wing in a special livery marking the unit’s 10,000 flight hours on the aircraft.