Insider knowledge for the discerning defence and security professional
Issue #16 January 2018
FELIN SOLDIER SYSTEM GETS UPGRADE
GREEK INDUSTRY PRODUCING NEW UAS
THALES UNVEILS NEW RADIO SYSTEM
INTERVIEW
INSIDE DETAILS ON RUSSIAN MIG FUTURE
A FIFTH-GENERATION UAE? INVESTIGATING GULF STATE AIR REQUIREMENTS INDIA COMMISSIONS SCORPENES
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QATAR WANTS FRENCH 8X8S
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UKRAINE’S SMALL ATTACK CRAFT
Welcome The Broader Picture Land Naval
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new year brings a new set of challenges for the global defence community. Not least of which is finding consensus on the future of European strategic policy following apparent progress in Brexit talks. UK trade body ADS has also called on the government to retain rights as a member state for at least two years from April 2019, so that defence companies are not forced to make immediate investment decisions based on a ‘worst-case scenario’. Clearly, the wish is to create at least some areas of conviction during this time of uncertainty.
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Air 20 The Briefing Room 28 Focus 36 More Information 39
Yet on the other side of the world, growth is apparent. China is prioritising its need to boost private-sector participation in defence production activities, while Australia continues its modernisation drive, establishing new projects in shipbuilding and defence technology research. Are we set to see a major market pivot to the global industrial balance?...
developments, and the Indian Navy’s carrier jet plans. We also speak directly to the makers of Russia’s famous MiG to discuss the future of this iconic aircraft, and to the commander of the UAE Air Force to discuss technical lessons from the campaign in Yemen. Richard de Silva Editor
This issue of Defence Industry Bulletin explores some of the most notable global industry activities, including the French Army’s investments into new vehicles and soldier systems, the Italian Air Force’s fifth generation
Top: A French Leclerc mk2 MBT shrouded in smoke during the live fire element of a joint UK/French exercise, 2017. Image: UK MOD
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Land Portuguese MBTs receive new intercom system Victor Barreira
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he 37 Krauss-Maffei Wegmann Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks (MBTs) of the Portuguese Army have received the ICC-251 compact digital intercom system of Portuguese communications specialist EID (of which Cohort plc holds 80% and the Portuguese state the remaining 20%). The systems and associated training, maintenance tools, installation and testing activity were ordered back in July 2016 for EUR481.717,20. The ICC-251 system replaces the earlier generation of Thales SOTAS intercom. The Mechanized Brigade (BrigMec) fields 37 MBTs (and one Leopard 2A4 driver training tank) that were purchased from Royal Netherlands Army surplus though the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (formerly the NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency) on 29 January 2008, and received 2008-2009. ICC-251 provides voice and data communications between crew
members, while access to their radio communication channels are made available through the equipment installed on-board. The system is composed of the IC-251 central unit and a variety of user terminals and accessories.
The system is composed of the IC-251 central unit and a variety of user terminals and accessories
docking station. More recently, the 13 command tanks were equipped with 8,4” rugged tablets to run blue-force tracking (BFT) software developed by army’s Directorate of Communications and Information Systems (DSCI). The next improvements will see adding a battle management system (BMS) to several or all tanksin a project now under development by the Portuguese Army and Navy, local company Critical Software, and the Portuguese research institute INESC-ID.
The fleet earlier received EID PRC-525 HF digital combat net radio with 13 command tanks each equipped with two MT525D double docking stations and remaining tanks each with one radio in their MT-525S single
Portugal’s Mechanized Brigade currently fields 37 MBTs. Image: Victor Barriera
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Land France to evaluate eRider and new upgrades for FELIN soldier system Victor M.S. Barreira
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he French armament procurement agency, the Direction Générale de l´Armement (DGA) will evaluate the eRider 4x4 lightweight autonomous multimission optionally-driven vehicle concept of Safran Electronics & Defense. Also involved in the development were Valeo, PSA group, MINES ParisTech, Institut National de Recherche en Informatique et en Automatique (INRIA), Effidence, Technical Studio, 4D Virtualized and Artelys, with the DGA having provided some support. The 1,500 kg eRider all-terrain airtransportable unarmoured light strike vehicle measures 3.8 m in length, 1.7 m in width and 2 m in height for top speed of 70 km/h, 800 km maximum range and 500 kg payload. It include two electric engines; 72V-10Kw Lithium-ion battery; four-steering wheeled driveline, Black-Star Guyane 225/75 R16 tyres, Dometic TEC 29 generator and associated control display; driver’s digital dashboard; GPS antenna; light detection and ranging system; and autonomous navigation suite. Two- or four-seats configurations are available for missions such as MEDEVAC, logistics support, patrol, reconnaissance and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). Possible mission sub-systems includes Safran’s WASP remote weapon station, MPS LR panoramic electro-optical sight, Epsilon inertial navigation unit and DELOC gunshot detection and localization system; Mobotix S16 thermal cameras; communications; Ocular Robotics RobotEye RE05 3D light detection and ranging system; Valeo 360Vue surround view system; and Velodyne Puck 3D compact light detection and ranging system.
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Safran is also proposing an export configuration of French Army’s FELIN (Fantassin à Équipements et Liaisons Intégrés) dismounted soldier system. Called the NEOFELIS, its C4I core system is comprised of load carriage and protection suite, soldier radio, user terminal based on Android OS open source operating system, commercial off-the-shelf smart tactical watch, battery with docking, smart computer hub and forehand grip with push-to-talk and remotely controlled weapon sight interface. Other equipment such as handheld imager, weapon sights and night vision goggles can be connected. Safran is upgrading thousand of French FELINs to V1.3 standard that incorporates the company’s RIF-NG (Réseau d’Information du Fantassin de Nouvelle Génération) information network and SMB (Structure Modulaire Balistique) load carriage vest of NFM Group.
(Amélioration des Liaisons et de l’Infovalorisation du Combattant SCORPION) portable battle management system which run into 10.1” rugged tablet Panasonic FZ-G1 for interface to army’s future Atos SICS battle management system; and integrate it to 14.915 Heckler & Koch HK416F 5.56x45mm assault rifles and Thales CONTACT radio. In parallel, new soldier gear is being inducted including composite helmet, combat boots, combat gloves, F3 combat uniform and Eickhorn-Solingen SG2000WC-F bayonet. The DGA and industry are jointly working on new technologies that could eventually integrate French FELIN kit, such as light solid fuel cell, planar antenna integrated to loading vest, Thales Bonie-D/IR lightweight night vision goggle and bone conduction headset.
Next improvement to French FELIN will include adding Safran ALICS
The eRider vehicle can be remotely or manually driven. Image: Victor Barreira
Land US Army seeks vehicle-mounted counter-UAV tech Oliver Austin
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he United States Army is has issued a request for information (RFI) for an interim close-in air defence and counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (C-UAV) system to augment its Stryker wheeled infantry carrier and reconnaissance vehicles. December’s public call-to-action proposes details for 72 Interim Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense (IM-SHORAD) systems.
The solution must be interoperable with fielded situational awareness displays
The documentation says the Army is hoping to field a kinetic and nonkinetic solution with sensors that are interoperable with the Thales Raytheon Systems (TRS) AN/MPQ64 Sentinel air-defence radar in its current configuration through the Mission Command Architecture (MCA). Sentinel can track more than 50 targets to a range of 75 km and is configured to hunt airborne assets flying at both high and low altitude and at variable speeds. The Interim Maneuver Short Range Air Defense (IM-SHORAD) should be capable of integrating into the US Army Mission Command. The system should integrate with Forward Area Air Defense-Command and Control (FAAD-C2) with Rajant or Terrestrial Transmission Line of Sight (TRILOS) radios with the Rugged Handheld Terminal Unit (RHTU). Additionally, the solution must be interoperable with fielded situational awareness
displays (Air Defense Interrogator [ADI]), and Blue Force Tracker [BFT]). The system must also offer multiple US Army-fielded, selectable effectors to include two interceptor types with the basic load of four FIM-92 Stinger and four AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire missiles. The Stinger has a range of between 0.2-8 km, while the Longbow Hellfire has a range of between 0.5-8 km. Expectations are for a gun ranging from 12.7-30 mm in calibre, and sighted using optical and infrared sensors. IM-SHORAD should also possess an electronic warfare effector in order to engage and counter UAVs.
The AN/MPQ-64 A3 Enhanced Sentinel Radar System is the only 360-degree coverage air defence radar in the US Army’s current inventory. Image: US Army
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Land Qatar selects Nexter VBCI for 8x8 AFV requirement Victor Barreira
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he VBCI (Véhicule Blindé de Combat d’Infanterie) 8x8 armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) of France’s Nexter Systems has found its first export client after the State of Qatar presented its interest to purchase 490 vehicles. The interest has been expressed through a Letter of Intent signed between the French Minister for Armed Forces Florence Parly and the Quatari Minister of Defense Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah. The document was released on 7 December 2017 during a visit by the French head of state Emmanuel Macron to the oil and gas rich Gulf country. When negotiations are complete, it is likely that Qatar will order the so-called VBCI 2 version, which features a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 32 tons. It is still unknown what configurations will be purchased and the type of medium-caliber turret to be purchased for a potential infantry fighting vehicle platform. However, the company proposes the vehicle
is equipped with manned and remotely-controlled turrets armed with 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm and 40 mm automatic cannon. Other armament systems made available for VBCI include 105 mm turreted gun, mobile mortar system, antitank guided missile launcher and manned and remote-controlled weapon stations armed with 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun and 40 mm automatic grenade launcher. Several versions of VBCI are available including ambulance, command post, mortar carrier, recovery, fire support, engineer, anti-tank, troop carrier and infantry fighting. It is powered by a 600 hp diesel engine, which is coupled to 7+2-speed automatic transmission and offer maximum range of 750 and top speed of 100 km/h. The French Army received 630 VBCIs between 2008 and 2015 according to a November 2000 notification to Nexter Systems
and Renault Trucks Defense (RTD). 520 were of the VCI (Véhicule de Combat d’Infanterie) and 110 of the VPC (Véhicule Poste de Commandement) version. VCIs are equipped with Nexter SIT V1 (Système d’Information Terminal) battle management system and Tarask protected turret, which is armed with 25 mm 25M811 automatic cannon and 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. VPCs include Airbus SIR (Système d’Information Régimentaire) battle management system and FN Herstal ARROWS (Advanced Reconnaissance & Remotely Operated Weapon System) remote-controlled weapon station armed with 12.7 mm machine gun. 95 VCIs with GVW of 29.3 tons were retrofitted to 32 tons configuration by Nexter Systems and RTD between 2015 and 2017 according to 2013 and 2014 contracts. All the 630 vehicles were equipped with provisions to support French Army’s Safran FELIN dismounted soldier system.
The 490 VBCIs for Qatar will generate comprehensive workload for Nexter Systems and RTD, as well as for sub-contractors. Image: Victor Barreira
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Land Thales unveils new versions of SYNAPS radio system Victor Barreira
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he French communications specialists at Thales Communications & Security completed their first large-scale field testing of the broadband tactical software-defined radio system known as SYNAPS in November, in Chantilly, France. More than 100 representatives from 20 states attended the company’s International Tactical Radio Convention. SYNAPS is currently in its final development. The digital high-data rate capable multi-service fully scalable interoperable radio range is designed to deliver a set of services including IP data, video, voice, chat, blue force tracking and alerts. It offers real time collaborative combat combining speed, range, coordination, security and connectivity in every tactical
situation to ground troops and airborne and naval units. SYNAPS, which is based on CONTACT (COmmunications Numériques TACtiques et de Théâtre) radio system being developed to replace the Thales PR4G radio system in French Armed Forces from 2019, was unveiled in June 2016. It is comprised of the SYNAPS-V two-channel V/UHF manpack and vehicular-adaptable longrange radio; SYNAPS-T singlechannel vehicular V/UHF 50W radio compatible with RCIED kit; SYNAPS-H handheld lightweight V/UHF radio for dismounted commanders with link to bone conduction headset; SYNAPS-A 30 to 600 MHz airborne V/UHF 20W radio for close air support and
close combat attack by aircraft; and SYNAPS-X small computing platform to provide extra processing capability to F@stnet VHF radio system. The company is adding SYNAPS-N for infrastructure and ships. Other associated solutions were developed, such as the SYNAPS Maneuver waveform family that comprises Maneuver Geo, Maneuver Combat, Maneuver Command and Geomux HD versions; as well as SYNAPS EASY mission preparation tool. Thales also unveiled an improved PR4G/F@stnet radio offering new hardware, new graphics, improved robustness and improved throughput.
VTLM 2 NEC in Rome-Centocelle during the official presentation of the final configuration for the Italian Army. Image: SEGREDIFESA/Italian MoD
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Naval Ukraine adopts more small attack craft Mrityunjoy Mazumdar Ukrainian Navy The commissioned four more Project 58155 Gyurza-M class small attack craft in early December 2017. This brings the number of these 23m, 54ton vessels in Ukrainian service to six. Plans call for a total of 18 or more hulls to be built by 2020 or so as part of the UKR Navy’s ‘mosquito fleet’ strategy. Though well armed for their size, these craft are limited to operating in relatively calm sea states and questions remain about their operational reliability given the extensive teething troubles the first two boats of the class experienced
according to local media reports. Nevertheless, they are a significant addition to the current UKR fleet which is in a dilapidated state. Ukrainian defence media sources say that the Gyurza-M class will replace the elderly Project 363V class patrol boats in service by 2020.
new Neptune anti-ship missile will be inducted by 2019. On the other hand, progress on the construction of the locally built Project 58250 corvette has been very limited.
In addition to more Gyurza-M hulls, at least two 24.3m, 47 ton Centaur class large combat boats are known to be under construction. In other news, the head of the Ukrainian Navy Vice Admiral Igor Voronchenko recently indicated that the first Project 58260 ‘Lan’ missile boat – to be fitted with the
Gyurza-M vessels on a recent exercise. Image: M. Mazumdar
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Naval India preparing to approach industry for carrier jets Oliver Austin
India’s INS Vikramaditya (ex- Gorshkov) aircraft carrier pictured during sea trials. Image: Indian Navy
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he Indian Navy may issue a request for proposal (RFP) in mid-2018 for the acquisition of 57 multi-role combat fighter jets to outfit its aircraft carriers. Interest on the request for information (RFI) – released in January 2017 – has been shown by at least four aircraft manufacturers, reported to be Boeing (probably with the F/A-18 Super Hornet), Dassault (presumably a naval Rafale), Sukhoi (Su-33) and Mikoyan (MiG-29K Fulcrum). Admiral Sunil Lanba, the Indian Navy chief, said the first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC I) will be ready by 2020 and the Navy was looking for a fleet of deck-based combat capable fighter aircraft to integrate.
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The naval variant of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, built by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., is not suited for deck operations. “Hopefully we will be able to issue the [jet] RFP by the middle of next year,” Lanba told reporters. Costs for the proposals are expected to range between $100200m per aircraft depending on the origin, capabilities and support requirements. Lanba also confirmed that the form and fit of the second indigenous carrier has been finalised, preparing the way for a new 65,000-tonne vessel. In related news, India’s Ministry
of Defence extended its deadline in November for overseas vendors to respond to its global RFI for 50 naval shipborne unmanned aircraft systems (NSUASs). The fixed-wing, catapult-launched NSUASs are intended for roundthe-clock operations in low visibility conditions from both ship and shore in order to support maritime domain awareness. The systems’ secondary roles will include reconnaissance and surveillance, target acquisition, and assistance in search-and-rescue missions, as well as deployments in anti-piracy and anti-terrorist operations.
Naval Nigeria on hunt for patrol ships, naval helos, and more Mrityunjoy Mazumdar
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he Nigerian Navy is understood to be seeking several new platforms including two LSTs, a survey ship, several patrol boats as well as a UAV and naval helicopter according to 2018 budget documents. In addition, the Nigerian naval chief has also
outlined a desire to acquire a frigate, several offshore patrol vessels, smaller patrol craft and somewhat inexplicably, a submarine. While Indonesia is a possible source for the LSTs, the Indian
Navy signed a MOU on a range of issues including the construction of naval vessels with the NN in January 2016. India’s GSL is also known to pursuing OPV opportunities in Nigeria.
Chinese OPVs for Pakistan Mrityunjoy Mazumdar
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arachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) launched a 68.5m, ‘600 ton’ Maritime Patrol Vessel named Zhob on 05 Dec 2017 for the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA). This offshore patrol vessel, and a larger 95m, 1500 ton OPV are being built at KSEW with material packages supplied by the China Shipbuilding Trading
Company (CSTC) as part of a larger order for four 600 ton and two 1500 ton offshore patrol vessels from China. To date, CSTC has delivered three Chinese built 600 ton MPVs while a 1500t on OPV is on trials in China. KSEW, which began construction of the two OPVs in 2016 and
2017, respectively, is expected to deliver the Zhob by April 2018 and the yet to be named 1500 tonner by February 2019. These ships expected to supplement and eventually replace four smaller Chinese-built 400 ton Barkat class OPVs which entered service around 1988.
Turkish industry woos Azerbaijan Navy Mrityunjoy Mazumdar
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urkey’s Aselsan continues to make inroads in the naval weapons market with Azerbaijan’s navy joining the growing list of customers. At least one of the Azerbaijan Naval Forces Stenka (Project 205P) class patrol boats with pennant G-124 has been fitted with an Aselsan SMASH gun mount in place of its aft AK 230 gun mount. This was revealed in an Azeri MoD news release in July 2017 and again in video imagery from the 2017 edition of the regional Sea Cup competition, held in Baku in JulyAugust 2017.
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Naval Indian submarine service sees welcome boost
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he Indian Navy commissioned the first of six license built Scorpene class submarines INS Kalvari with pennant S-21 on 14 December 2017 after a lengthy series of sea trials including weapon firing trials of theSM-39 Exocet missile and extant SUT torpedoes in place of the planned Black Shark heavy weight torpedoes, lasting around 120 days. Running about five years behind schedule, the IN says builder Mazagon Dockyard and Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL) is expected to deliver all six boats of the class being built under Project 75 by 2020-2022. As of end 2017, the second boat Khanderi is on sea trials while third hull is close to being launched. Fabrication of the other hulls are at various stages of completion. For example, hull sections of Boat 5 were yet to be mated together as of late October 2017. This event marks the induction of the first new conventional hunter killer submarine (SSK) in the Indian Navy in almost 17 years. The induction of Kalvari (as well as the second hull Khanderi sometime in early 2018) is a welcome development for the IN’s 50 year old submarine service whose fleet of 13 other conventional submarines comprised of 9 Russian built Project 877 EKM and 4 German origin Type 209/1500 boats - has an average age of 28 years. These names were earlier borne by Soviet built Type 641 Foxtrot class boats that served the IN from 1967 onwards. Both Naval Group - MDSL’s technical partner in Project 75 – and MDSL are pushing for additional Scorpene boats to be built at MDSL under the option clause of the P75 project in order to keep the production line open while the IN determines what to do with the next series of AIP equipped missile
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Mrityunjoy Mazumdar
firing stealthy submarines under the on-again off-again program for six more hulls under Project 75I. In all, the latest iteration of the IN’s 30 year submarine building plan – initially approved in 1999-2000 - calls for 24 attack submarines including 6 SSNs. The IN’s nascent but growing SSGN/SSBN fleet considered to be ‘strategic’ assets and appear to be separate from this plan. The Kalvari is the first of the 24 new submarines to be delivered from this plan. The IN is also understood to have quietly launched a second nuclear powered SSGN named Arighat on Nov 19, 2017 according to a December 7 report in India Today. At least four boats are currently being built under the secretive nuclear submarine project (codenamed ATVP) that has seen the entry into service of the lead boat Arihant to date. Following a protracted trials and testing period after its launching in July 2009, Arihant had commenced sea trials in 2015 followed by a quiet commissioning ceremony in 2016. There are conflicting indications regarding whether Arighat is the new name for the second boat in the series that was to be named Aridhaman or if it is the third boat. As this time, it is unclear if Arighat is a stretched variant of the Arihant as the follow on boats are expected to be. India has three nuclear submarine projects running in parallel. One is for the Arihant – currently a SSGN - and its improved successors to a stretched design numbering four hulls. It remains unclear if Arighat is the new name for the second boat in the series that was hitherto known as Aridhaman or if is the 3rd boat. It is also unclear if the Arighat is to the stretched design with twice the payload of the Arihant. Local media reports suggest these
last two hulls could be launched in 2020 and 2022. At this time, the intended payload of 3500 km range K-4 ballistic missiles are still being perfected with a tentative entry into service date of 2018. In the meantime, the Arihant is supposedly equipped with a much shorter ranged B-05 missile. In addition, two other projects for longer ranged ballistic missiles with ranges of 5000 km (K-5) and 6000km (K-6) have are also underway. The second – formally approved by the Indian government in Feb 2015 is for six ‘6000 ton’ attack boats. The third, approved c. 2006 or so is for a much larger size 13,500 ton SSBN of which perhaps 3-5 hulls that was originally stated to enter service c. 2021. Since local media reports suggest that this project is still at the design stage, a more likely entry into service date is 2025 or later. It is understood that various powering options are being explored by the IN including the choice of using two reactors (based on Russian designs) or an altogether new Western design from France for example. India’s naval chief also confirmed in early December that the classified six boat SSN project has been “kicked off” without elaborating further. A tentative entry into service date is probably around 2025. Meanwhile, negotiations are reportedly underway for the lease of another modernized Akula class SSN from the Russian Navy to replace or possibly supplement the existing leased Akula SSN Chakra whose 10 year lease expires in 2022.
Naval Royal Navy completes Sea Ceptor firing trials Oliver Austin
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he UK Royal Navy has successfully conducted the final First of Class firing trials of its new Sea Ceptor air defence system, completing the qualification firings of this new capability. Following on from the first round of trials this summer, the second set of trials from HMS Argyll saw the system tested against more complex scenarios, including rapidly engaging multiple simultaneous threats. With HMS Argyll having completed development testing of Sea Ceptor, the weapon system is now being rolled out to the Royal Navy’s other Type 23 Frigates. The first of a series of installation test firings has been successfully completed on HMS Westminster. Each Sea Ceptor platform will similarly complete an installation test firing in due course as they prepare to re-join frontline service after their refits.
Missile) – features a powerful rocket motor that provides double the range of Sea Wolf, while its active radar-seeker allows the missile to engage targets without the need for complex and costly target illuminators. CAMM also makes use of a softlaunch system that uses a gas generator to eject the missile from its canister, the benefits of which include: further increased range by saving all the rocket motor’s energy to power the intercept, reduced minimum intercept range, reduced stresses on the launch platform, significantly reduced maintenance requirements/costs, more compact installation on ship, and removes
the need to manage the hot gas efflux on board. As part of the Portfolio system of co-operation between the UK Ministry of Defence and MBDA, CAMM is also being brought into service as the weapon element of the Land Ceptor system to replace the British Army’s Rapier groundbased air defence systems. By operating a common missile, the UK armed forces hope to gain significant cost benefits throughout the lifecycle of the systems, including development, procurement, support costs and sharing a completely common stockpile.
Sea Ceptor offers a step-change in capability compared with legacy systems like Sea Wolf, which it is replacing in Royal Navy service. While Sea Wolf gave Royal Navy warships the capability to protect themselves, with Sea Ceptor the navy’s frigates will now also be able protect other vessels. “The performance and capabilities of Sea Ceptor have been fully demonstrated in these outstanding trials by the Royal Navy,” said Nick Neale, Sea Ceptor Programme Manager at MBDA. “Recognising the complexity of the new system, the consistent level of success achieved is quite remarkable and testament to the quality of MBDA’s verification and validation process.” Sea Ceptor’s missile – called CAMM (Common Anti-air Modular Sea Ceptor firing by HMS Westminster. Image: MBDA
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Air IDE UAS: A new innovative Tactical (UAS) emerges from Greece George Tsiboukis
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new, innovative, tactical unmanned aerial system (UAS), which can be used for security and military missions, was unveiled recently by the Greek defence company INTRACOM Defense Electronics (IDE). The development of IDE Tactical UAS started in 2013 as a national research programme with a consortium of six partners: three University Research Groups (Laboratory of Fluid Mechanics & Turbomachinery of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Control Systems Laboratory of National Technical University of Athens, Laboratory of Robotics and Automation of Democritus University of Thrace) and two SMEs (MLS Multimedia, Spacesonic Ltd) and one industry (IDE). It was initially coordinated by the Laboratory of Fluid Mechanics & Turbomachinery of Aristotle
University of Thessaloniki but after the successful conclusion of the research programme, IDE took over the lead in order to develop a fully commercialised system. The vehicle is a fixed wing propeller aircraft with wingtips and an inverse-V tail. Its length is 4.5m, its wingspan 6.5m, and the maximum take-off mass is 185kg, 35kg of which are its payload capacity. It is manufactured from composite materials (95 per cent) and aluminium (5 per cent). It is powered by a two-stroke air-cooled piston engine, installed in the aft fuselage (pusher). Cruising speed is 160 km/h, loitering speed 140 km/h and maximum speed is 200 km/h. The operational altitude of the UAV is 9,800 feet and it has a ceiling of 14,770 feet. Endurance is almost 12 hours and its operational range can reach 200Km with its Line-of-
A rear camera view of the IDE UAS in flight. Image: G. Tsiboukis
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Sight (LOS) data-link, which can be extended over 400km via satellite link. IDE UAS exhibits superior characteristics, such as an almost double endurance compared to most of its competition, thanks to its highly optimized aerodynamics and fuel consumption. It is comparable with other systems that are much larger, heavier (300350kg) and more expensive. The LOS data-link of IDE UAS is based on the Software Defined Tactical Broadband IP Radio System, Spart@n, and its derivatives, developed and manufactured by IDE. The system operates in UHF/L bands and has been designed to fulfil requirements for real-time, reliable, resilient to interference and jamming, secure and highspeed data exchange.
Air Thanks to its highly sophisticated data-link system, the system can operate in a network-centric communications infrastructure and be integrated with other sensors, command centres and military platforms (boats, troops on the ground, armoured/mechanized/ artillery units). The UAV is equipped with a sophisticated triple-redundant autopilot, a system for conversion, processing and storage of video, a double data-link, a transponder, a parachute, as well as an advanced electro-optical payload (EOP) consisting of a day camera, 3rd generation cooled thermal sensor and laser range finder. The Ground Control Station (GCS) is installed in a van for mobility. It includes suitable antennas to enable uninterruptible LOS link with the UAV on large distances, ergonomic internal arrangement
for two operators and electronic equipment.
Operational altitude of the UAV is 9,800 feet and it has a ceiling of 14,770 feet It includes a Command & Control (C2) platform, consisting of a 3D map environment, incident management, remote control and display of real-time video coming from the electro-optical payload of the UAV, video processing, target detection, identification and tracking software as well as a
module for dissemination of the operational picture to external C2 systems. It also includes UAV remote control software, which displays flight instruments together with telemetry data received by the UAV, it monitors and controls its on-board systems, it performs flight planning and dispatches information to the C2 platform. Finally, it includes software for monitoring and controlling of the whole network and communications infrastructure of the system. The Ground Control Station is able to manage multiple aerial vehicles at the same time (Point-toMultipoint topology), it can function as a relay of communications, and it can hand-over the control of the aerial vehicles to other GCSs.
Italian Air Force purchasing RCS measuring system Eugenio Po
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ith the F-35 Lightening II, the first “low observability” aircraft (or fifth generation aircraft) entering service with the Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare, AM), “operational” measurements of the Radar Cross Section (RCS) become fundamental. That requirement is why the Air Force has started a program to purchase an in-house capability – one which the service hopes will cover the Infra Red (IR) domain and the radar domain. There is still a need to fill a gap in the Italian Air Force that has already been filled by other leading European air forces (including the Royal Air Force, Armée de l’Air and Luftwaffe). Having an in-house capability to measure RCS is useful as a fifth generation platform because it is increasingly crucial for aviators to check the variation of the Radar Cross Section after intense operational use (and also
to verify the strong point and the weaknesses of the entire fleet in the radar domain). In response to this need, the Reparto Sperimentale Volo (Experimental Flying Wing) at Pratica di Mare airbase, has begun to buy new software and two new measurement systems, all of which is provided by a relatively small company –IDS (Ingeneria Dei Sistemi), based in Pisa. The software suite, called GALILEO, is able to predict some characteristics of the platform. It works together with the associated measuring systems; the first called RCSMS (Radar Cross Section Measurement System) – devoted to test the RCS with the aircraft on the ground – and is composed of RF and antenna (with a Vector Network Analyzer, VNA), an antenna positioner, a target positioner, an acquisition software and post
processing software. The second system – FARAD (Flying Aircraft Radar Signature Acquisition and Determination) – is able to evaluate the RCS of a flying object. FARAD consists of two modules, which are transportable by a single van and trailer, the antenna subsystem is mounted on an equipment trailer and includes an RX/TX radar antenna assembly, target tracking equipment and position equipment. The van houses the control equipment and the post processing computer.
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Air Inaugural STOVL flight for first Italian F-35B Eugenio Po
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ctober saw the first Italian F-35B make its first STOVL flight. The aircraft, the first F-35B produced in Italy by the FACO (Final Assembly and Check Out) of Cameri (Novara), made its first short take off and vertical landing (STOVL), and tested a series of hovering manoeuvres.
Both the Italian Air Force and Italian Navy acquired the F-35B The delivery of this new F-35B to the Italian Armed Forces is expected by end of 2017: both
the Italian Air Force and Italian Navy acquired the F-35B, but it is currently unclear where this particular aircraft will be delivered. It is also expected that delivery of the 10th F-35 produced in Italy, a conventional F-35A, will be delivered in late 2017. Italy has a programme for the acquisition of 90 F-35s, 60 F-35As for the Air Force and 30 F-35B STOVLs, amounting to 15 aircraft each for the Air Force and Navy. In parallel, Lockheed Martin delivered several F-35 Full Mission Simulators (FMS) to Italy and other international F-35 operators. Italy, with Israel, Japan and Norway were the first ever customers to receive the new equipment. Lockheed says these simulators are critical components of the pilot training capability at F-35 operating bases in these four countries.
Italy has an order for 30 F-35B STOVLs. Image: Eugenio Po
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According to the defence giant, these simulators will facilitate pilot qualification training, continuation training and mission rehearsal training. Lockheed Martin personnel are to assist with operations and maintenance of the simulators in-country for these partners, providing training and supporting scenario creation to achieve tactical training objectives and ensuring the simulators are mission ready. As the F-35 program prepares for full-rate production, pilot and maintenance trainers will be delivered to additional international F-35 customers from 2018. Australia is set to take delivery of its F-35 full mission simulator in 2018.
Air First C-27J delivered to Slovak Air Force Eugenio Po
T
he first of two C-27J SPARTAN military cargo aircraft has been delivered to the Slovak Air Force. The ceremony was held at the Malacky Air Base in October and was attended by Minister of Defence, Peter Gajdoš, and by Chief of Defence, Gen. Milan Maxim. The second SPARTAN is expected to arrive in Slovakia at the beginning of 2018. The procurement of the two C-27J SPARTAN dates back to 2008, when Leonardo Aircraft (former Alenia Aeronautica) had been selected by the Slovak Defence Ministry after an international competitive process. But it was not until 2014 that the contract was formally signed between the Slovak Defence Minister and the Italian aerospace company. The contract covers the initial 5-year logistics support package, the training process of pilots and maintenance personnel. The second cargo aircraft will be delivered to the General M. R. Štefánik Transport Wing (TW)
completing the replacement of the old fleet of Antonov aircraft (AN24 and AN-26). The last AN-26 was retired in 2016.
This includes transporting the injured, aerial delivery of materiel and supplies, and firefighting operations.
The purchase of the two SPARTANs was implemented in conformity with the SVK Air Force Development Concept and fills the void left in the SVK Air Force air transport capability following the retirement of the last Antonov.
The Slovak Armed Forces intend to increase their own contribution within NATO and the C-27J SPARTAN. Thanks to its excellent capabilities in operational scenarios, they now have the fundamental means to assure full interoperability with other bigger-size heavy airlifters used in international coalitions.
The C-27J SPARTAN has a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of 30.5 tons and a payload of 4,550-6,000 kg and can carry, aside from a 3-man crew, 60 soldiers or 46 paratroopers, or 36 stretchers (or a combination of them). The SPARTAN is the only aircraft in its class that accepts full size 463L NATO standard pallets without dismantling (partially or totally) the pallets. The advantage of the aircraft is that it may also be utilised in the role of domestic crisis management.
Slovakia is the latest C-27J customer: 82 aircraft already sold to 14 different customers. Other customers are Australia, (10 aircraft), the United States (21, including 14 used by the Coast Guard and 7 for the Army Special Operations Command), Italy (12), Greece (8), Romania (7), Morocco (4), Mexico (4), Bulgaria (3), Lithuania (3), Peru (4), Chad (2) and an undisclosed sub-Saharan African country (2). Italy and Romania.
Image: Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic
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The Briefing Room “Acquiring F-35s would appease our leaders’ aim to become a fifth-gen power...” Georg Mader
At the 8th Dubai International Air Chiefs’ Conference, held in November at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Major-General Pilot Ebrahim Nasser Mohammad Al Alawai, commander of the UAE Air Force & Air Defence, held a Q&A and spoke exclusively to DIB’s Georg Mader on how and why the UAE-AF approach is pushing the term ‘fifth generation’.
Defence Industry Bulletin: In briefings and keynotes here at the conference, we repeatedly heard you and your deputy (Bg Gen Rashed Al Shamsi) use the term ‘fifth generation’. Logically, this means the F-35. Since you already operate an impressive air force, how much of a requirement is this? MajGen Al Alawi: We are taking a broader approach. While the UAE is not facing any immediate threat along its borders, the Middle East is still reeling from the potential outbreak of conflicts. Perhaps there is no region in the world more appropriate to discuss the future of the air force as our region. In terms of diversity in capacities, that extends from today’s tools up to fifth generation fighters and to air support aircraft. We refer to ‘fifth generation wars’. The ability to share information and images, despite having common operations to access tactical oversight, would help achieve our desired and necessary integration and synchronisation goals.
DIB: So it’s not strictly about acquiring fifth generation aircraft…
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MajGen Al Alawi: No, not in itself. As I said, it’s the type of warfare that dictates our needs. Thus many questions arise when talking about the future. That includes working and integrating with partners, in accordance with a combination of third, fourth and fifth generation warfare. Today these questions are circling around closing the sensor-shooter gap, for example, and on how to increase ISRand targeting-capacity against any asymmetrical threats. Also highlighting how operations can benefit from more sensor-equipped devices in tomorrow’s combat. These questions are just examples of the many issues that we hope to examine soon.
DIB: But discussions are also revolving around 24 F-35s for your nation, as well as for Saudi Arabia, right? After the previous US administration rebuffed an earlier request from Abu Dhabi that reportedly has asked repeatedly for a classified briefing on the programme [rebuffed due to President Obama following Washington’s commitment to maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge], the possibility of an
F-35 sale appears to have gained renewed traction [under President Trump]. And right here, the USAF vice chief of staff [Gen. Wilson] confirmed ongoing discussions with the new US administration on – as he said – “selling F-35s to partner nations that need them and require them…” MajGen Al Alawi: That’s a lot of politics in one question! I think my deputy [BgGen Al Shamsi] has summarized it very well: We in the UAE already live in a fifth generation environment – in many aspects of life. So acquiring the F-35 fighter jet only means a step forward to cope with the overall fifth generation mindset, which is also pushed by our rulers. Therefore, from desert landscapes to dense urban environment, we are facing adaptive enemies and there is a need for a constant flow of information to ensure timely and precise targeting. Real-time access of ISR can only be possible when provided and shared as a part of a larger NWC-network – with the right tools…
The Briefing Room DIB: Would you see the UAE – and possibly Saudi – JSFs to potentially serve as ISR-assets, even just during normal Gulf patrols? Perhaps against Iran? Or to allow faster limited and punitive air strikes, without – as in Yemen – considering a larger aerial campaign to first destroy all air defence threats? MajGen Al Alawi: I will not elaborate on Saudi-AF requirements, but let me just say that there is an increasing proliferation throughout the region of advanced surface-to-air missiles – those three-digit systems – and long range radars. Several are actively seeking to improve and expand their integrated air defences. These assets could pose a real danger to late fourth generation fighter jets in a conflict, especially given the proximity t some nations and the relatively small air spaces involved. Even older road mobile systems, which an opponent could swiftly move
from one location to another, could get really nasty. So there are many ways of using these swing-role platforms…
DIB: You mentioned NWC-tools and assets in this context. Could you please elaborate? MajGen Al Alawi: The UAE plans to invest in network-centric warfare, including cyber security. Although this will not come cheap, cyberand information-networks as well as the security of air and nighttime air defence, will continue to remain a priority over the coming years. As we look to the future, we need to ensure fast, reliable and secure information networks. Thus for the UAE, fielding a fifthgeneration platform, would be a step toward achieving NWC warfare. However, the discussions about buying the new fighter are still in the early stages, presently yet highly speculative and political…
DIB: The UAE-AF flies missions in support of the Saudi-led Yemen campaign. Could you give an insight on the conclusions your air force has drawn? MajGen Al Alawi: Our leaders have repeatedly said that the UAE has favoured peaceful resolution of conflict, while establishing a strong deterrent base. The conflict with the Houthi rebels has now lasted nearly 1,000 days, while the UAE-AF has shown it is a highly capable and professional force. My airmen involved in ‘Restoring Hope’ over Yemen are following well-defined and restrictive rules of engagement. Emirati troops and airmen are deployed in six locations within Saudi Arabia and Yemen. And we in the air force have had our share of martyrs – like Cpt Khalid M. Shehi who’s aircraft crashed due to a technical failure in Yemen…
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The Briefing Room
DIB: It was a Typhoon? MajGen Al Alawi: Yes.
“As we look to the future, we need to ensure fast, reliable and secure information networks” DIB: My condolences. But since I come from a Eurofighter-user country [Austria], where the type is constantly criticized, I wonder if you could comment on experienced operational lessons on this aircraft…
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MajGen Al Alawi: Well, despite the loss of one of them, I want to highlight the superior operational effectiveness and increased safety margins of the Typhoon combat aircraft during the type’s ongoing mission over Yemen. It has proven ideal for the mission, given the requirements for powerful engines, heavy weapons and fuel load, and the ability to operate from relatively short runways. The Typhoon is equally adept at operations in adverse weather and at night, and perfect in hot daytime conditions. We have learned how important they are to intensive training and the success of missions, to joint co-operation with other participating forces, to the speed they offer in carrying out sorties and to operations in the mountainous terrain of Yemen.
DIB: Colleagues have reported, that there has been collateral damage issues – or ‘frustration’ – in the airwar when it comes to the accurate transfer of real-time information…
MajGen Al Alawi: It always is – and likely will remain – a constant challenge to achieve the time required to disseminate intelligence on possible targets to the strike aircraft. Sometimes the target is moving away before the aircraft and its ordnance arrive, often minutes later. The solution to this is yet better sensor- and link-technology, as well as better and increasingly realistic training. That should minimise errors and collateral damage, Inshallah… REMARK: Lockheed-Martin CEO Marilyn Hewson was also present at the DIAC – and showed a particularly swift reaction to the fifth-gen conversation. GermanAF Cdr. LtGen. Müllner mentioned at Defence IQ’s November International Fighter conference that he could very well imagine the F-35 as a timely replacement for the Tornado after it leaves service post-2025. Days later, in Dubai, little jacket-pins with F-35s were given away by Mme Hewson‘s staff – in black, red and yellow…
The Briefing Room “MiG is still here – and it will remain…” Georg Mader
Many observers in the aerospace domain are convinced that RSK MiG’s entire current MiG35 (Fulcrum-F) project only exists in order to maintain the Fulcrum production line and to seal more exports. At Dubai, DIB’s Georg Mader sat down with charming MiG-communications director, Anastasia Kravchenko, to discuss the prospects of this famous design-house and its latest brainchild…
Defence Industry Bulletin: After all the mergers and reshuffling within the Russian defence and aerospace sector, will the MiG-brand – that well-respected ‘stem-cell’ – survive under the United Aircraft Corporation [UAC] conglomerate, ROSTEC? For years we have not seen new MiGs on the international trade show circuit, so it has become harder to find information on this… Kravchenko: Don’t worry, we are still here and we will remain here. MiG’s worldwide established brand and heritage will not be dissolved. Why would we deliberately do that? That said, given the recent industrial restructure and consolidation in the Russian defence and aerospace industry, the design bureaus and the production plants of all the brands like Sukhoi, Ilyushin and Tupolev were taken under one unified state roof. But I should emphasise that UAC is not under the technology-holding ROSTEC. Where we undertake activities worldwide has firstly to do with our potential or existing customers.
“Our director reported earlier in the year that RAC-MiG’s backlog stands at an equivalent of US$4 billion” DIB: So what deliveries have been made in recent years? Kravchenko: Our present director Ilya Tarasenko reported earlier in the year that RAC-MiG’s backlog stands at an equivalent of US$4 billion. The company has shipped all MiG-29SMT/UB land-based multirole fighters [under a 2014 order for 16 from the Russian aviation- and space force, VKS] and 45 MiG-29K/KUB naval deck-fighters under an Indian navy order and Russian navy order for 24. The final shipments took place last year.
DIB: And, what’s now in the pipeline from Botinski Street [head office and design-bureau] and Lukhovitsy [production facility in Moscow Region, called PK-1]? What’s going on with your UAV development since the work that was undertaken on Skat, or with the future of the unique MiG-31 interceptor? Kravchenko: Regarding unmanned platforms, our corporation is developing reconnaissance and combat unmanned aerial vehicles, ranging in weight in three classes from 1-5, 5-10 and 10-15 tons. Test models should be completed in the near future. Different types of vehicles will fit the task at hand. Engines for all the UAVs are being developed in Russia. The successor or alternative to the MiG-31 is called the PAK-DP and may also serve as a basis for UAVs or be optionally unmanned. As Tarasenko said, this plane will defend the vast borders of our Motherland. It will be a brand new plane that will use brand new technologies, including operations in arctic conditions.
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The Briefing Room DIB: Which means you’re now concentrating on fighters based on the MiG-29- and, therefore, the MiG-35-series? Kravchenko: Correct, our main focus today is the MiG-35. Our test pilots and the Russian MoD are satisfied with the excellent results of the flight test campaign on this new advanced multirole fighter. That was launched on 26 January, 2017, and according to Deputy Defence Minister Yuri Borisov, he is aiming for an order of this the type for the Russian Air Force [VKS]. The MiG-35 advanced multirole fighter is under development to the VKS’s specs but is designed for both domestic use and for export. It was unveiled at a large-scale presentation event in the presence of Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, as well as defence attachés and reporters from 30 nations at PK-1 the following day.
DIB: I remember. But it was too early for the organisation to take too many questions. What can you elaborate on the capabilities for us now? Kravchenko: The MiG-35 is designed for round-the-clock elimination of aerial and surface threats in any weather in the face of an enemy’s active and passive ECM. It can carry up to seven tons of unguided and guided weapons to fulfil objectives like aerial threat interception, air-superiority, interdiction, suppression of enemy air-defences, or ground and naval threat elimination. It is designed with a service life of 6,000 flight hours or 40 years, both figures representing records for MiG aircraft. Replacing one of its engines can be completed in field conditions within 58 minutes – one of the best turnaround times in the world.
DIB: What new features is the -35 bringing to the battle?
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Kravchenko: Compared to existing MiG-29s, the basic new features of the MiG-35 are going to include enhanced combat effectiveness owing to the cutting-edge multispectral fire control system and weapons, fly-by-wire control system, more powerful engines, extended range by means of a larger internal and external fuel capacity, in-flight refuelling, high survivability due to reduced radarand lR- signatures, a more up-todate self-defence suite, aircraft system redundancy and integral systems for health-monitoring and failure forecasting.
DIB: Sounds impressive. What about the “other” MiGs – the previous MiG-29 family? Is it still available for production in tandem, such as for the existing order for Egypt? Or Serbia? Or Sudan?... Kravchenko: Of course. The MiG35 is being derived from the MiG-29K multirole carrier-borne fighter, to become the spearhead of the MiG-29 new-generation derivatives family, which entered production in 2006. The family is expected to be made up of at least six standardised versions: the MIG-29K and MiG-29KUB multirole carrier-borne fighters in the singleseat and two-seat configurations, respectively, and the single-seat
MiG-35 and twin-seat MiG-35UB multirole tactical fighters. These all carry the new-generation avionics and weapons suites. Then there are also the MiG-29M and MiG-29M2 multirole tactical fighters, standardised with the MiG-35 and MIG-35UB in terms of airframe and basic aircraft systems, but able to meet various specific requirements of some of the foreign customers – of which I am not authorised to go into details when it comes to the militarytechnical cooperation aspects. But of course we are involved as long as some of our 30 user countries wish to modernise or if there is state approval to transfer material. Regarding potential exports of the MiG-35, you may be aware that our director has now mentioned Peru, Myanmar and Bangladesh, among others.
DIB: It seems all the new MiGs we’ve spotted over the last few years are based on the same twoseater M2-airframe, bort-number ‘156’, in which I flew with test pilot legend Pavel Vlassov, back in 2003…
The Briefing Room Kravchenko: Ah! Did you know Pavel will be the new head of the Russian Cosmonaut Training Centre in a few days from now? Anyway, you‘re right, each pair of those fighters features a 90 per cent or more degree of commonality, with the single-seater and twinseater having the same design of their forward fuselage-sections and cockpit canopy. The single-seater’s rear combat station is occupied by an extra fuel tank or additional avionics units, if the customer requires.
“Potential exports of the MiG-35 may be Peru, Myanmar and Bangladesh, among others” DIB: RSK MiG has been testing two MiG-29M/M2 prototypes for several years after I flew in the 156. I understand that was later reworked into the first aircraft carrying the MiG-35 title and it was clearly a different aircraft. It was unsuccessfully offered to India for their MMRCA competition. But since then, I can remember only a few new MiGs spotted with numbers 741 to 967. Can you elaborate on how that journey has developed to today?
used in tests and evaluation for new or planned export orders. Concurrently, RSK MiG Corp. PK-1 was working on the earlier production planes – like the MiG29M/M2 deliveries for export contracts. ln 2014, the Russian MoD ordered two further MiG-35 prototypes in accordance with the latest specifications. These two latest airframes – a MiG-35 singleseater (bort number 702) and MiG35 twin-seater (712) – have been built and, as already mentioned, entered flight tests last year. These are the planes that were unveiled at the presentation in PK-1 in January 2017 and later at the MAKS 2017 air show in Zhukovsky in July.
DIB: What were the differences between the two earlier and the two current ones? Kravchenko: Outwardly, today’s 702 and 712 versions do not differ much from the 741 and 747 flown in 2011-2012. All are representative of various prototypes of the MiG35D (twin-seat) and MiG-35S (single-seat), respectively. The true innovations are inside rather than visible. The difference is based on the use of a more advanced integrated passive electrooptical system, which our former director Sergey Korotkov [now UAC-designer-general and vice-
president for innovation] described as “multispectral” because it uses sensors operating in multiple wavebands of the light spectrum. While not getting into specifics, he also revealed the MiG-35 will be able to use future modern laser systems.
DIB: Those are the passive systems, but the MiG-35’s radar is not an active AESA-type, is it? Kravchenko: It has no AESA radar yet. The current radar is the Zhuk-M with a mechanically steered antenna. However, its developer [Phazontron-NIIR] is working on AESA versions, called the Zhuk-A/AM, which possess more than 1,000 solid-state transceiver-receiver modules. ColGen Viktor Bondarev [who until Septemeber was the Russian VKS commander-in-chief and is the current chairman of the Defence and Security Committee of the Russian Federation Council – the ‘upper house’ of Russia’s parliament], said he is satisfied with the Zkuk-M’s advertised range of 160 km and that the MoD will consider and buy these more advanced radars when they become available.
Kravchenko: I’ve not been with the company too long, but I’ll try! The first new-built twin-seat MiG-29M after that aircraft you first flew in was on 24 December 2011 (bort number 747) and the single-seat MiG-29M (741) made its maiden flight on 3 February 2012. You have seen both repeatedly demonstrated at air shows under the current designation MiG-35 and they were
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The Briefing Room DIB: How many MiG-35s for the Russian MoD order are we talking about? The very same ColGen Bondarev mentioned to [Russian news agency] TASS that it would be 24… Kravchenko: Again, the MiG Corporation has been developing the MiG-35 multirole fighter and its MiG-35UB combat trainer version under a government-placed order in line with a governmental resolution dated to 25 December 2014. All the work, and the successfully concluded testcampaign, was done in accordance with the requirements specification issued by the Russian MoD. Former director Korotkov had confirmed an incoming contract
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for the MiG-35 from the MoD, but we would rather not specify how many aircraft that would cover. According to him, it was expected to be covered by the governmental armament acquisition programme for 2018-2025, and that the Russian military had made a tentative decision. So the formal contract for a batch of production MiG-35s is to be signed in 2018, as confirmed by Bondarev’s recent statement. He already spoke publicly to TASS on his intentions to re-equip the ‘Swifts’ air display group with MiG35s. Shipments could begin as soon as 2019.
DIB: Only time will tell if the MiG35 will be successful, since the Fulcrum-F may be RSK-MiG’s last
hope of regaining some of its lost market share on the international fighter market. Anyway, thank you for some interesting and confident insights! Kravchenko: Thank you for your interest. Let me conclude by saying we are quite confident. President Putin spoke at a video conference a few days prior to the official roll-out, and said, “This is a genuinely unique and promising aircraft – 4++, you could say, or very close to being fifth generation. I hope very much that this fighter will contribute substantially to bolstering our Air Force and Aerospace Forces. The plane also has good export potential, given that more than 30 countries actively operate the earlier MiG-29.”
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