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Saab launches latest effort to secure Swiss fighter order
Gareth Jennings, London - Jane's Defence Weekly
28 January 2019
Saab’s selection by Switzerland was cancelled following a referendum on the procurement in 2014. The Swedish company has re-submitted its Gripen
E under a renewed fighter procurement programme. Source: IHS Markit/Gareth Jennings
Saab is once again looking to sell its Gripen E combat aircraft to Switzerland, with a formal proposal submitted to the Federal Office for Defence
Procurement (Armasuisse) on 25 January.
The Swedish manufacturer is offering an option of 30 or 40 new-build Gripen E aircraft with a 100% offset package for Swiss industry. Saab's offer
comes on the back of a request for proposals (RFP) for a new fighter aircraft issued by the Swiss Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and
Sport (VBS [previously DDPS]) on 6 July 2018.
Switzerland has tried on several occasions to procure a new fighter to replace its ageing aircraft with the most recent effort, for which the Gripen E
was selected, failing on a public referendum about its funding in 2014. While previous attempts have been geared at replacing the Swiss Air Force's
Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II fleet, this latest effort also includes the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet. As well as the Gripen E, Switzerland is also considering
the Eurofighter Typhoon, the Dassault Rafale, the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).
The VBS plans to select a new fighter type in 2020, with parliamentary approval and the award of funding in 2022 and deliveries from 2025. Sweden is
due to receive the first of 60 Gripen Es in 2019, with deliveries running through to 2026.
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Air2030 - Five Candidates Submit Offers for the Next Combat Aircraft
(Source: Swiss Federal Armaments Office, armasuisse; issued Jan 25, 2019)
(Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com)
BERN --- On 25 January 2019, five candidates submitted to armasuisse their offers for the next fighter jets, as required by the procedure published on
March 23, 2018 by the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport. The bids are for the following aircraft: Eurofighter (Airbus,
Germany), F / A-18 Super Hornet (Boeing, USA), Rafale (Dassault, France), F-35A (Lockheed-Martin, USA) and Gripen E (Saab, Sweden).
Kick-off of the analysis and testing phase
The submission of these initial offers marks the beginning of the analysis and testing phase. From February to March 2019, specialists from armasuisse
and the Swiss Air Force will test the aircraft in the corresponding simulators. These activities will take place at the candidates’ facilities, and
will run in parallel to the product support audits.
During these audits, the air forces of the manufacturing countries will present the operation and maintenance procedures for each aircraft and their
training course.
The audits will be followed by the analysis of the answers to the questionnaire that the manufacturers had to fill in their initial offers. At the
same time, between April and July 2019, combat aircraft will be subjected to flight and ground tests at Payerne.
Interested persons can visit the airplanes in Payerne: visiting days for the media and aircraft spotters will be provided upon registration for each
aircraft model. All information concerning visiting days will be available at the beginning of April 2019 on the DDPS website.
Next steps of the project Next combat aircraft
Armasuisse, in cooperation with the Defence Staff, the Air Force, the Defence Logistics Base and the Command Support Base, will produce expert reports
on the information gathered during the analysis and testing of each candidate aircraft. These reports will form the basis of the systematic and
comprehensive comparison between the candidates, which will be carried out during the second half of 2020. They will also serve to determine the size
of the required fleet for each model of aircraft.
On this basis, the current timetable calls for armasuisse to prepare a second request for proposals tenders that will be sent to the five candidates.
Based on the knowledge gained from the second offer, armasuisse will then compare the candidates with each other on the basis of the expert reports,
and determine the overall usefulness of each candidate.
The evaluation report comparing overall utility with acquisition costs and operating costs for a period of 30 years will then be developed.
The Federal Council will then select the preferred model.
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Germany officially knocks F-35 out of competition to replace Tornado
By: Sebastian Sprenger 11 hours ago
Three U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs, assigned to the 4th Fighter Squadron from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, conduct flight training operations
over the Utah Test and Training Range on Feb 14, 2018. The F-35A is a single-seat, single engine, fifth generation, multirole fighter that’s able to
perform ground attack, reconnaissance and air defense missions with stealth capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Lee)
COLOGNE, Germany ― Germany’s Ministry of Defence has officially ruled out the F-35 joint strike fighter as a choice to replace its aging Tornado
fleet, Defense News has learned.
An official from the ministry confirmed that the F-35 is not a finalist in the competition, which seeks a replacement for the 90-jet fleet. The news
was first reported by German site AugenGeradeaus.
The move is not altogether surprising. Berlin for some time has officially favored an upgraded version of the fourth-generation Eurofighter Typhoon,
built by a consortium of Airbus, Leonardo and BAE Systems, as the Tornado replacement. The main argument is to keep European companies involved in
building combat aircraft and, perhaps even more importantly, staying clear of disturbing Franco-German momentum in armaments cooperation.
However, the decision leaves open the question of certification for nuclear weapons. The Typhoon is not certified to carry the American-made nuclear
bombs that Germany, as part of its strategic posture, is supposed to be able to carry on its jets.
Competing against the Typhoon is Boeing’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.
Before the German MoD confirmed that the F-35 was officially out of the running, Reuters on Thursday reported that the ministry was considering
splitting the buy between the Typhoon and either the F-35 or Super Hornet.
Ordering both the Typhoon and an American aircraft would make it easier to continue carrying out the NATO nuclear mission, while also lending support
to the European industrial base. However, it could complicate logistics, adding more expense and forcing the German air force to maintain two supply
chains.
It is worth noting that despite complaints about the cost of keeping the ageing Tornados flying, keeping around a certain number of them always has
been considered a painful, but not impossible, proposition among some defense experts. That is especially the case for the nuclear mission.
“There does not have to be a nuclear Tornado replacement,” Karl-Heinz Kamp, president of the Federal Academy for Security Policy, a government
think tank, told Defense News last August. He noted that any German government is acutely averse to the publicity surrounding Berlin’s would-be
atomic bombers.
“That’s why they will keep flying the Tornados, despite the price tag and despite having asked about a Eurofighter nuclear certification in
Washington,” Kamp predicted at the time.
German defense officials on Thursday evening stressed that no decisions had been made besides reducing the playing field to the FA-18 and the
Eurofighter Typhoon. The Defense Ministry will request additional information from the respective manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus, on the issues of
operations, economic viability and timing, these officials said.
Germany’s decision appears to have come at the surprise of F-35 manufacturer Lockheed Martin, which was not told by the ministry of the imminent
announcement.
“We have not been officially notified of a decision on Germany’s future fighter,” Lockheed spokesman Mike Friedman said in an emailed response
to a query. “The F-35 delivers unmatched value as the most capable and lowest life-cycle cost aircraft, while delivering the strongest long-term
industrial and economic opportunities compared to any fighter on the market. As the foundation of NATO’s next generation of air power, the F-35 is
the most advanced aircraft in the world today, and includes Electronic Attack capabilities well beyond any specialized fourth generation aircraft.”
Valerie Insinna in Washington contributed to this report.
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This is NOT what the German Luftwaffe wanted but hey they are only the people who will fly and die.............their preference was F-35A
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ADMK2
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Quote: Originally posted by bug2  | | This is NOT what the German Luftwaffe wanted but hey they are only the people who will fly and die.............their preference was F-35A
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Only if they get in a serious fight and the only way that will happen is if Russia should attack for some unknown reason.
Can you see Merkel et al, deploying fighters somewhere and actually employing them to use force?
Not likely...
In a low speed post-merge manoeuvring fight, with a high off-boresight 4th generation missile and Helmet Mounted Display, the Super Hornet will be a
very difficult opponent for any current Russian fighter, even the Su-27/30
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Replies Received to Invitations to Tender for HX Fighter Programme
(Source: Finnish Ministry of Defence; issued Jan 31, 2019)
The Finnish Defence Forces' Logistics Command sent the invitations to tender in spring 2018 for the HX Fighter Programme and have now received replies
from five aircraft manufacturers.
The aim of the HX Fighter Programme is to replace the operational capability of the Finnish Air Force F/A-18 C/D Hornet fleet, scheduled to be
decommissioned as of 2025, with a comprehensive solution that introduces a multi-role fighter.
In April 2018, the Defence Forces sent a Request for Quotation (RFQ) to the governments of France, Great Britain, Sweden and the United States, to be
forwarded to five manufacturers of multi-role fighters in these countries. The aircraft types in question are the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet (United
States), Dassault Rafale (France), Eurofighter Typhoon (Great Britain), Lockheed Martin F-35 (United States) and Saab Gripen (Sweden).
The deadline for submitting replies was set at the end of January 2019. The Defence Forces' Logistics Command received a preliminary RFQ for all five
aircraft types. The replies contain binding information on the comprehensive solution and package, built around each multi-role fighter option; the
aim is to create the best possible capability for Finland’s defence system while replacing the Hornet fleet.
Apart from the 64 aircraft, the replies to invitations to tender contain technical systems needed for operating the aircraft, training systems,
necessary maintenance tools, testing equipment and spare parts as well as weapons, sensors and other associated type-specific support functions. They
may also include other supporting systems and capability elements.
The next phase after receiving the preliminary quotations is a content analysis that lasts several months. This is followed by the first phase of
negotiations during which the quotations are further specified in cooperation with the manufacturers.
A more specific RFQ will be sent in the second half of 2019; this will be followed by the second phase of negotiations during which the content of
procurement packages will be finalised. The second phase of negotiations will end in 2020; the manufacturers will then be requested to submit final
tender documents. The government will make the decision on the replacement of the Hornet fleet in 2021.
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Armenia to acquire four Su-30SM combat aircraft
Dmitry Fediushko, Moscow - Jane's Defence Weekly
05 February 2019
Armenia’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) is procuring four Su-30SM multirole combat aircraft from Russia, a ministry spokesperson, Artsrun Ovannisyan,
told local media on 4 February.
He said Yerevan is acquiring the aircraft at Russian domestic prices. “As a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization [CSTO], Armenia
can acquire various weapons at [Russian] domestic prices. We have been conducting such procurements for a long time.”
The four Su-30SMs will be the first new Russian-made combat air platforms acquired by Armenia. “The aircraft will substantially increase both the
defensive and offensive capabilities of the [Armenian] military, and our plans are not limited to these four fighters.
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Leonardo positions for Malaysian light fighter programme
Jon Grevatt - Jane's Defence Industry
06 February 2019
Leonardo, which unveiled the M-346FA light fighter in 2017, is preparing to respond to a Malaysian RFI in support of its programme to procure a
light combat aircraft. Source: IHS Markit/Patrick Allen
Leonardo is working to meet a stated requirement within the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) to procure a light combat aircraft (LCA) or a fighter
lead-in trainer (FLIT) as part of the service's future modernisation plans.
A spokesperson for Leonardo told Jane's on 5 February that the company has recently received a request for information (RFI) from Malaysia in support
of the proposed procurement and that it planned to respond to the RFI soon.
Jane's understands from other industry sources that the RFI is regarded as a preliminary step in the procurement and that additional RFIs are expected
to be issued by Malaysia in due course before a formal request for proposal (RFP). However, the progress of this latter stage would depend on
available funding.
The procurement is expected to feature an initial 12 LCA/FLIT aircraft for an estimated cost of about USD300 million, with an option for another 24
units.
Jane's understands that Leonardo's proposal to meet the LCA/FLIT requirement will be centred on its twin-engine M-346FA (Fighter Attack) aircraft, a
variant of the company's M-346 advanced jet trainer (AJT) that is currently operated by Italy, Israel, Poland, and Singapore.
The M-346FA, which retains the trainer capabilities of the M-346 AJT, was unveiled by Leonardo at the Paris Air Show 2017. According to the company
the M-346FA is designed for a range of performance requirements including air-to-air combat, light attack, homeland defence, air-to-ground
interception, combat search and rescue, and associated training duties.
The aircraft, which has seven external hard-points, also features the new Grifo 346 radar system and enhanced avionics.
The RMAF's requirement to procure an LCA/FLIT is outlined in a future modernisation programme called 'Capability 55' - or 'CAP55' - which, according
to the force, is intended to provide "flexibility in the management of assets [and the] implementation of operations".
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Hungarian MoD looks to sell off decommissioned MiG-29s
Peter Dunai, Budapest - Jane's Defence Weekly
11 February 2019
They are going to struggle to get Buyers for this, especially with the Russian Permission rider to any
disposal..............
The Hungarian Ministry of Defence has put its remaining fleet of decommissioned MiG-29 fighters up for sale.
The single lot includes 19 aircraft (some of which are not airworthy and partly cannibalised), 20 engines, and 293 other items including integrated
weapons.
The initial price for the package has been set at HUF2.8 billion (USD10 million) and the deal must be approved by the relevant Russian authorities.
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Airbus Expects New Billion Orders from the Bundeswehr (excerpt)
(Source: Handelblatt; published Feb 13, 2019)
(Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com)
Germany will order new Eurofighters (foreground) to replace 33 early production aircraft, but Airbus is calling for Berlin to also award a much
bigger order to replace 85 Tornado strike aircraft (background) as a sign of national sovereignty. (Luftwaffe photo)
MUNICH --- When Airbus presents its 2018 balance sheet on Thursday, the sales figures of passenger planes will be in the foreground. For years,
military jets have been regarded as back store goods, for which Europe has little money.
But that could change soon. Airbus expects new billion-euro orders from Germany. Specifically, the Bundeswehr plans to replace 33 older (Tranche 1)
Eurofighters with more modern models of the Airbus fighter. In addition, the Air Force is also looking for a successor to 85 Tornado jets that could
carry American nuclear weapons in an emergency.
"It would be a sovereign signal to transfer this role to Eurofighter,” Airbus Defence and Space Chief Executive Dirk Hoke told Handelsblatt. At the
moment, however, the Ministry of Defense is also examining a parallel purchase of the Boeing F-18. Overall, it adds up to a contract volume of over
ten billion euros. Hoke calls on Europe's governments to make an industrial policy decision in favor of European technology.
In any case, Airbus plans to invest massively in the next generation of military technology. Just last week, the Group agreed with Dassault the
development of a new fighter jet (FCAS), which should be operational from 2040. So far, Eurofighter (Airbus) and the Rafale (Dassault) are competing
on the world market.
The new aircraft is envisioned flying with swarms of drones, supported by Artificial Intelligence. Hoke also hopes for BAE Systems. The British have
much expertise in the development of fighter jets, but are still waiting for the outcome of the Brexit. "Developing a system like the FCAS without the
British being extremely dangerous," Hoke says.
Click here for the full interview (in German) on the Handelsblatt website.
https://app.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/industrie/dirk-hoke...
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Lockheed Martin reports growing demand for F-16 thanks to new upgrades and variant
Pat Host, Washington, DC - Jane's Defence Weekly
14 February 2019
Artist’s illustration of the Lockheed Martin F-16V Block 70 variant for Bahrain. A company official said demand for the F-16 is accelerating
around the world due to new production models and upgrades. Source: Lockheed Martin
Key Points
- Lockheed Martin has reported growing demand for F-16 aircraft
- The company has rolled out new block upgrades and a F-16V variant
The demand for F-16 Fighting Falcons is accelerating around the world due to new production models and upgrades, according to a company official.
Victor Torla, Lockheed Martin rotary and mission systems business development director, told Jane's in a February interview that the company found new
customers for the F-16 platform with the block 60 and 70 upgrades as well as the F-16V configuration. He said these new customers come from countries
that previously flew older variants of the aircraft such as Romania and Jordan as well as new customers looking at the Block 70 upgrades. Lockheed
Martin has also received interest from the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
The Block 70 upgrades include improved radar systems, advanced weapons capabilities, and enhanced battlespace awareness. These include a new Northrop
Grumman APG-83 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar with a new avionics architecture and structural upgrades to extend airframe life.
A new Center Pedestal Display (CPD) on the Block 70 provides critical tactical imagery to pilots on a high-resolution 300 cm 2 screen. Bahrain and
Slovakia recently became Lockheed Martin's first Block 70 customers. Parsley said the United States and Bulgaria are currently negotiating Bulgaria's
planned acquisition of new Block 70 aircraft.
The Block 60 upgrades feature a Northrop Grumman AN/APG-80 agile beam radar with AESA antenna, a new core avionics suite based on an advanced mission
computer utilising commercial hardware and software, and a digital fuel system. The Block 60 was designed for the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
F-16V upgrades include a Link 16 theatre datalink, the Sniper advanced targeting pod (ATP), advanced weapons, precision Global Positioning System
(GPS) navigation and the Auto Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto GCAS).
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Air2030: the Head of the DDPS Informs the Federal Council of the Continuation of the Procedure
(Source: Federal Armaments Office armasuisse; issued Feb 14, 2019)
(Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com)
BERN --- At the meeting of 13 February 2019, the new head of the DDPS, Federal Councilor Viola Amherd, informed the Federal Council of her intention
to continue the acquisition of new combat aircraft and a system long-range ground-to-air defense.
Before submitting a concrete proposal to the Federal Council, however, she wants to obtain a complete overview of the project. To this end, she is
seeking additional external advice on the "Future of Air Defense" expert report.
In addition, she requests that a current threat analysis be carried out within the DDPS in order to compare it with previous assessments and draw all
the relevant consequences for the Air2030 program.
The Federal Council has taken preliminary decisions on the acquisition of new fighter jets combined with a long-range air-to-air defense system,
including a decision in principle to provide the necessary means to protect the population against aerial threats.
Continuation of work within the DDPS
The head of the DDPS is continuing talks with specialists from her department, from Defense, Armasuisse and the General Secretariat.
She also seeks a second opinion, from an external and independent source, on the May 2017 "Future of Air Defense" expert report. Discussions on this
subject are ongoing. She has also requested a new, updated internal threat analysis to compare it to previous assessments.
The next step will be to determine the modalities for organizing a referendum, in accordance with the mandate given by Parliament to the Federal
Council last December with the adoption of motion 17.3604.
Impact on the calendar
As soon as the DDPS clarifies these issues, the Federal Council will again look at the renewal of airspace protection. This should take place during
the first half of 2019.
This work may have an impact on the project schedule. The evaluation is continuing as planned.
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Finland approved to be offered EA-18G Growler
19 FEBRUARY, 2019 SOURCE: FLIGHTGLOBAL.COM BY: ELLIS TAYLOR PERTH
Boeing and the US Navy have received approval from the US Department of Defense to offer the EA-18G Growler electronic attack jet to Finland.
The approval came after Finland’s defence ministry issued a query about the potential to acquire Growlers as part of its HX fighter procurement
programme that is aimed at replacing its 62 Boeing F/A-18C/Ds.
“All strike fighter aircraft rely on Growler escort to increase survivability during high-threat missions,” says Dan Gillian, Boeing
vice-president, F/A-18 and EA-18G programmes.
“The combination of the Super Hornet Block III and Growler would provide Finland with superior technological capability particularly suited to
Finland’s HX mission requirements.”
Finland is now the second nation approved to be offered the Growler after Australia, which has taken delivery of 12 of the tactical jamming jets. One
of those was lost during an engine fire accident at Nellis AFB in January 2018 while it was taking part in the annual Red Flag exercise.
Helsinki has shortlisted the Super Hornet to meet the HX requirement, alongside the Dassault Rafale, Lockheed Martin F-35, Saab Gripen E/F and
Eurofighter Typhoon.
All five manufacturers submitted bids in response to an invitation to tender that closed on 31 January, kicking off an analysis and initial
negotiation phase.
A more detailed request for quotations will be called during the second half of 2019, followed by second-round negotiations ahead of a decision
scheduled for 2021. Deliveries of the aircraft are expected to start in 2025.
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AERO INDIA: F16V rechristened ‘F-21’ for New Delhi fighter deal
20 FEBRUARY, 2019 SOURCE: FLIGHTGLOBAL.COM
Lockheed Martin has redesignated the F-16V Block 70 as the F-21 in its offering for India's fighter requirement.
“The F-21 addresses the Indian air force’s unique requirements, and integrates India into the world’s largest fighter aircraft ecosystem with
the world’s pre-eminent defence company,” says Lockheed.
“Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems would produce the F-21 in India, for India.”
Speaking at the Aero India show, a company official said the redesignation reflects not just the aircraft, but the entire industrial package the type
offers.
The aircraft itself has a number of unique attributes compared with other F-16s. Previous versions have a receptor on the upper fuselage to receive
boom-delivered fuel. While retaining this, the F-21 also features an extendable hose-and-drogue refuelling probe on its right-hand side.
In addition, the jet is equipped with a large area display in the cockpit, just below the head-up display.
New Delhi has a requirement for 110 fighters. As well as the F-21, the contest has attracted interest from Boeing bidding the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet,
Dassault offering the Rafale, Eurofighter with the Typhoon and Saab with the Gripen E – as well as the Russian-designed RAC MiG-35 and Sukhoi Su-35.
The acquisition is referred to unofficially as "MMRCA 2.0", a reference to New Delhi’s failed effort to obtained 126 advanced fighters under its
Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft competition. This was won by Rafale, but the deal was cancelled in August 2015.
But that name is not the only thing to have appeared before: the F-21 designation is not new either. The Kfir – an Israeli development of the
Dassault Mirage III with a GE Aviation J79 engine – was operated in the late 1980s and early 1990s by the US Navy and Marine Corps as an aggressor
aircraft, when it was designated the F-21.
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Saab Executive Hints at Gripen Follow-on Order for Brazil
(Source: Forecast International; issued Feb 19, 2019)
STOCKHOLM --- During an annual results review conducted in Stockholm on February 15, Saab Chief Executive Hakan Buskhe revealed that the company is
currently in negotiations with Brazil for the sale of an additional tranche of JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighter aircraft.
After a lengthy assessment and negotiations period, Brazil and Saab penned a contract for an initial lot of 28 Gripen E and 8 Gripen F aircraft in
2013. The Gripen is poised to become the cornerstone of the Brazilian Air Force's modernized fighter aircraft fleet with a total requirement that
could extend up to 100 aircraft if funding permits.
The first 13 aircraft are to be manufactured in Sweden, but subsequent models will be assembled under a licensed production arrangement with Brazilian
aviation contractors such as Embraer. Deliveries of this initial lot are scheduled to begin in 2019 and conclude in 2024.
According to Buskhe's statements at the annual review, Brazil's follow-on order for the next Gripen lot could be arranged circa 2021-2022 around the
time initial lot is entering full-scale serial-production.
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How does Pakistan’s Thunder fare against contenders in Malaysia’s aircraft competition?
By: Usman Ansari 7 hours ago
A Pakistani JF-17 Thunder performs during celebrations to mark the country's Defence Day in Islamabad on Sept. 6, 2015. (Aamir Qureshi/AFP)
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan hopes to sell its JF-17 Thunder aircraft to Malaysia, now that the cash-strapped country is officially looking for such a
fighter.
Malaysia was eyeing larger fighters like the Rafale and Typhoon, but that plan was shelved due to budgetary woes, and the country instead turned to
fulfill a light combat aircraft requirement. An LCA fleet would support Malaysia’s F/A-18 and Su-30 fighters.
The JF-17 is under consideration alongside the Tejas, produced by India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and the FA-50 Golden Eagle, made by South
Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries. Pakistan’s offering is the most affordable of the three.
An Indian Hindu priest conducts a ritual in fromt of a newly commissioned Indian Air Force Tejas. (AFP/Getty Images)
Defense News reported in 2015 that Malaysia was considering the JF-17 as an option for its Air Force modernization program, as signaled by its high
commissioner to Pakistan, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan. But Malaysia’s defense minister at the time denied the report.
Pakistan renewed efforts last year, most notably at April’s DSA defense expo in Malaysia and November’s IDEAS defense conference in Pakistan.
Pakistan is offering the latest Block III variant.
The 2021-2022 LCA program delivery time frame means a Malaysian order could include some of the first fighters off the production line, with potential
industrial offsets.
Analyst and former Pakistan Air Force pilot Kaiser Tufail says the Block III “is quite promising" with an active electronically scanned array radar,
helmet-mounted display and sight, electronic countermeasures, and an additional underbelly intake sensor station.
Tufail noted the JF-17 has been operational for the past 12 years and serves in six squadrons at full operational capability, whereas the Tejas was
inducted just days ago “and has to go through the usual teething troubles.”
"On cost grounds, the JF-17 has a square chance,” he said.
Ben Ho, an air power analyst with the Military Studies Programme at Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, said the contenders
have “fairly similar” performance, with individual advantages “marginal” or “negated in other areas.”
The JF-17 costs $25 million per unit, and the Tejas and the FA-50 cost approximately $28 million and $30 million respectively. An order of 36 JF-17
fighters would mean “a very substantial amount will be saved,” Ho said.
The FA-50 is produced by South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries. (Republic of Korea Air Force via Korea Aerospace Industries)
However, the JF-17’s Russian engine may be problematic, as due to serviceability issues with the related engine of Malaysia’s MiG-29s, potentially
requiring “significant after-sales support and maintenance,” Ho added.
The Tejas is powered by the same General Electric F404 engine used in Malaysia’s F/A-18s, and shares weaponry with the Su-30s. However, the Tejas’
Israeli avionics would likely need replaced, which “invariably means additional costs,” he noted.
While the FA-50 is the “costliest prima facie,” it is also powered by the F404, shares weaponry used by the F/A-18, may have “lower downstream
costs” and is in service regionally, allowing “interoperability between its major regional counterparts during exercises and operations,” he
added.
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JSC RAC MiG Presents the New MiG-35 Air Complex at Aero India 2019
(Source: RAC MIG; issued Feb. 20, 2019)
MiG has confirmed its readiness to supply the MiG-35 fighter to India under “exclusive conditions,” which include India-specific modifications
and local production, all at “20% less than similar offers from direct competitors." (RAC MiG photo)
BANGALORE, India --- RAC MiG introduced the new MiG-35 air complex at the ongoing Aero India 2019, showcasing the technological advantages of the
generation 4++ multirole air fighter via live stream to high-ranking defence officials. The MIG-35 air complex will be armed with new types of guided
and unguided air attack systems which provide maximum effectiveness in solving combat missions against air and ground / surface targets.
The MiG-35 has the following equipment installed: a new optronic sighting and navigation integrated system with a weapon control system, a new
airborne communications complex, an advanced airborne radar with an active phased array and a digital integrated control system.
During the presentation, Ilya Tarasenko, Director General of JSC RAC MiG said, "India is one of our key foreign partners. Engineers of MiG Corporation
have extensive experience working with the Indian partners and they understand all the needs of the Indian Air Force clearly. We are ready to supply
the MiG-35 air complex to New Delhi under exclusive conditions. These include unique technical solutions and the willingness to localize the MiG-35
production in India once the initial batch of the planes is put into service. Additionally, the purchase and operation of the MiG-35 fighter jet will
cost the Indian Air Force up to 20% less than similar offers from direct competitors".
Specifying the high modularity of the MiG-35, Ilya Tarasenko said, "There is no need to disassemble the aircraft or even a part of it for maintenance
and upgrading – just replacing the module is sufficient. In addition, replacement of the propulsion unit takes only 58 minutes in field conditions."
In addition to detailing the new MiG 35 air complex, Ilya Tarasenko also announced a new Public Joint Stock Company United Aircraft Corporation (PJSC
UAC) after-sales service concept. Under this concept, all military and civilian equipment produced by companies belonging to the UAC will receive
service support abroad in the "one window" format. This will significantly reduce the time and costs at all stages of after-sales service from the
creation of technical centers to performing maintenance and repair works. It will also allow introducing a single standard for providing these
services.
JSC Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG (part of PJSC UAC) is a full-cycle enterprise engaged in development, production, maintenance, repair, and
modernization of modern aircrafts, as well as training of flight and engineer personnel. The RAC MiG product range includes modern air complexes, such
as and the latest multirole air fighter MiG-35, fighter jets of the unified MiG-29K/KUB family, MiG-29M/M2, and deeply overhauled MiG-31BM interceptor
fighters, as well as training equipment.
The RAC "MiG" designers are intensively working at creation of a new generation aeronautical engineering, both manned and unmanned. Ilya Sergeyevich
Tarasenko is Director General of JSC RAC MiG.
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AERO INDIA: Boeing offers India futuristic Super Hornet factory
21 FEBRUARY, 2019 SOURCE: FLIGHTGLOBAL.COM BY: GREG WALDRON BANGALORE
Boeing has promoted its industrial capabilities in India, as it eyes potential deals to sell the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet to the nation's air force and
navy.
Speaking at the Aero India show near Bengaluru on 21 February, company officials said it would build a “factory of the future” in India to produce
the Super Hornet. New Delhi has two separate requirements for combat aircraft: 110 for the air force and 57 for the navy.
Boeing also announced that it has held discussions with partners Hindustan Aeronautics and Mahindra Defence Systems at the show.
“The partners are developing comprehensive plans to set up a new 'factory of the future' to manufacture Super Hornet locally,” says Boeing. “The
programme is expected to work with several Indian suppliers to grow a thriving defence aerospace base, which could accelerate other programmes. The
facility will create a world-class, highly-trained aerospace workforce.”
Boeing vice-president Thomas Breckenridge claims that the F/A-18E/F is the stealthiest fighter on the table for both Indian requirements, and offers
the lowest per-flight hour cost in the US inventory.
For the opportunities with New Delhi, the company would pitch the Super Hornet’s new Block III variant, which features updated avionics and sensors,
and has an increased range through the use of conformal fuel tanks.
Boeing’s promotion of the industrial offering involved with the Super Hornet came a day after rival Lockheed Martin rechristened the F-16V Block 70
as the ‘F-21’ for India. It too stressed its desire to build the aircraft in India – an F-21 video showed a futuristic factory – in
conjunction with partner Tata Advanced Systems.
For the 110-unit air force competition, other contenders include the Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, RAC MiG-35, Saab Gripen E and Sukhoi Su-35.
The Rafale and Super Hornet are regarded as the main contenders for the Indian navy requirement.
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MMRCA Mess and the Need for Professionalism in the Defence Acquisition Process
(Source: Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses; issued Feb 22, 2019)
By Vinay Kaushal
The intense media focus of the past few weeks on the alleged improprieties in the inter-governmental agreement for the acquisition of 36 Rafale
aircraft meant that only 12 pages of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Report tabled in Parliament on 13 February 2019 have received exclusive
attention.
In the process, other anomalies identified by the report with respect to the acquisition process of the 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA)
have received very limited coverage. These other anomalies relate to the unprofessional manner in which various important steps in defence acquisition
are handled, causing delays between the ‘Acceptance of Necessity’ and the signing of the contract.
Further, precious time is lost when it becomes necessary to annul the entire exercise due to such irregularities and reboot the process once again,
resulting in wide capability gaps which at times necessitate ‘out of the box’ solutions as quick fixes.
The Three-Stage Process of MMRCA Acquisition
The need to induct medium multi-role combat aircraft to fill the void that would be created by the phasing out of MiG-21 and MiG -23 aircraft and the
delay envisaged in the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme was foreseen in the year 2000. Accordingly, the Parliament Standing Committee on Defence
was apprised by the Indian Air Force (IAF), “that a formal proposal for acquisition of a few squadrons of Mirage-2000-5 in the 10th and 11th plan
has been submitted to the Ministry of Defence.”
But the MMRCA acquisition process formally began only in August 2007 with the issue of a Request For Proposal as prescribed by the Defence Procurement
Procedure (DPP), 2006. Thereafter, it went through a three-stage process: evaluation of technical offers, field trials, and commercial negotiation.
Click here for the full report (11 PDF pages) on the IDSA website.
https://idsa.in/issuebrief/mmrca-professionalism-in-def-acq-...
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OPINION: Lockheed's F-21 reveal: marketing or masterstroke?
22 FEBRUARY, 2019 SOURCE: FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL BY: FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL
What’s in a name – particularly when your product seemingly already has more than enough of them to choose from?
Lockheed Martin surprised everyone at the Aero India show near Bengaluru by launching its F-21 fighter in pursuit of a 110-unit opportunity with the
nation’s air force.
Was this product some masterstroke of top-secret design work achieved by the US giant, perhaps hidden behind the scrutiny of its F-35 Lightning II
activities? No – it was instead a redesignation of its rather clunkily titled F-16V Block 70 product, but with some nifty additions made to tempt
New Delhi.
Lockheed Martin
So F-21, join the Fighting Falcon, Viper and various other nicknames that the single-engined type has gained since its development by General Dynamics
and first flight 45 years ago (the “lawn dart” among them). Be sure not to confuse it with the F-21 variant of Israel Aerospace Industries’
legacy Kfir, though.
But was the “launch” just a corporate marketing manoeuvre, or something more significant, in competitive terms?
What is clear from Lockheed’s latest push is that New Delhi is not just being offered some rebadged tired old fighter, but a decades-proven,
multirole asset to be enhanced with valuable new features, such as cutting-edge avionics and a refuelling probe to better support its needs.
Of course, all the Western and Russian fighter manufacturers preparing to do battle for the air force deal will use phrases like “produced in
India, for India”, but perhaps Lockheed’s early strike could succeed in outmanoeuvring some of them?
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Russia Ready to Discuss Deliveries of Su-57 Fifth-Generation Fighter Jets to India
(Source: TASS; published Feb 25, 2019)
I'm sure they are ready talk to the Indians, without them they have a mostly moribund
programme............
MOSCOW --- Russia is ready to hold a dialogue with India on the deliveries of Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets to India, Director for
International Cooperation and Regional Policy at the state hi-tech corporation Rostec Viktor Kladov told TASS on Monday.
"On our part, we are ready to continue the deliveries of generation 4+ and 4++ planes and for the work on the delivery of fifth-generation aircraft.
At the same time, Russia’s Air Force is a top priority for us. The plane [the latest Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet] has been tested in combat
conditions in Syria and its deliveries to the Russian troops have begun," the Rostec official said.
India displays interest in the Su-57 but the country needs to shape its further concept of the Air Force, Kladov said.
"The Indian Air Force should determine how much this plane fits into their general concept, what their focus should be and on what money should be
spent - on acquiring several models of the next-generation aircraft or on building up significantly the number of reliable Su-30MKI planes well known
to Indian pilots," the Rostec official said.
Deputy Director of Russia’s Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation Anatoly Punchuk said at the Aero India 2019 air show that India
had filed a request for the delivery of 21 light MiG-29 fighter jets.
Russia earlier supplied over 200 Su-30MKI multirole fighter jets while the Kommersant daily reported in early February, citing the Federal Service for
Military and Technical Cooperation, that India had filed a new request for aircraft sets to assemble these planes.
The Su-57 is a fifth-generation multirole fighter designed to destroy all types of air targets at long and short distances and hit enemy ground and
naval targets, overcoming its air defense capabilities.
The Su-57 took to the skies for the first time on January 29, 2010. Compared to its predecessors, the Su-57 combines the functions of an attack plane
and a fighter jet while the use of composite materials and innovation technologies and the fighter’s aerodynamic configuration ensure the low level
of radar and infrared signature.
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PICTURES: Serbia receives MiG-29 fighters from Belarus
26 FEBRUARY, 2019 SOURCE: FLIGHTGLOBAL.COM BY: IGOR SALINGER BELGRADE
Serbia formally accepted four RAC MiG-29 fighters donated by Belarus during a ceremony at the latter's 558th Aircraft Repair Plant in Baranavichy on
25 February.
Anton Antanasijevic/Serbian defence ministry
Maintenance and overhaul work to be funded by Serbia, along with the replacement of some avionics and the installation of new navigation and
communication equipment, will take up to 18 months to complete, with Belgrade expecting its first modified aircraft to be available before year-end.
Serbia's defence ministry says the aircraft are "in the first third of their service life and well maintained".
Anton Antanasijevic/Serbian defence ministry
In preparation for the fighters' availability, five Serbian pilots have undergone conversion training in Russia, with another two having received
instruction at its Batajnica air base.
Having had almost no serviceability less than two years ago, Serbia's operational MiG-29 fleet currently totals 10 aircraft. This includes four
airframes in its inventory at the time of NATO's Operation Allied Force against the nation in 1999, and six donated by Russia in October 2017. The
last of these was made available in January.
Cirium's Fleets Analyzer records the Belarus air force as having 39 MiG-29s in operational use.
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Assembly of first Brazilian Gripen NG advances
Victor Barreira, Rio de Janeiro - Jane's Defence Weekly
01 March 2019
The first of 36 Brazilian Gripen NG multirole jets (also known as the F-39 E/F Gripen in the Brazilian Air Force) is in final assembly at the Saab
facility in Linköping, the company told Jane’s on 28 February.
The single-seat flight test instrumentation (FTI) aircraft will be delivered to start the flight test campaign in Linköping during 2019. The aircraft
is currently undergoing installation of the avionics, auxiliary power unit, engine, radar, canards, canopy, and windshield.
The Commander of the Brazilian Air Force, Lieutenant-Brigadier Antonio Carlos Moretti Bermudez, was briefed on the FX-2 programme by Håkan Buskhe,
president and CEO of Saab, on 26 February.
(129 of 285 words)
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Rafale fighter production 'alive' for next decade
04 MARCH, 2019 SOURCE: FLIGHTGLOBAL.COM BY: DOMINIC PERRY PARIS
Dassault can secure sufficient additional orders for the Rafale fighter to take production to at least 2030, but is unconcerned over any potential
production gap with the next-generation combat aircraft it is developing alongside Airbus.
In 2018, the airframer took in additional 12 export orders from Qatar, raising the year-end backlog for the fourth-generation type to 101.
Of that total, 70 jets were due to export customers Egypt, India and Qatar and Dassault chief executive Eric Trappier believes more will come.
"Nobody expected us to sell to Egypt, including ourselves; the deal was done in two months," he says.
"I think in the in the coming years, new countries will come to the Rafale."
Current campaigns include Canada, Finland and Switzerland, where in each case Dassault faces competition from its European and US rivals.
Dassault
But a loss against the Lockheed Martin F-35 for a Belgian requirement last year again raised the issue of European countries not supporting industry
within the bloc.
While respecting the decision, Trappier adds: "Each country not buying European is not contributing to the development of Europe."
With the current level of orders, plus an additional commitment from France for 30 aircraft due to be formalised in 2023, Trappier says the production
line "looks to be alive for the next 10 years".
However, with the Franco-German Future Combat Air System not expected to arrive for another two decades, Trappier acknowledges that "there is still a
question of what we will do between 2030 and 2040".
If more Rafale orders do not arrive "this is life, we will have a plan B", he says, citing Dassault's "flexibility" as a small company.
In the meantime, in 2019 Dassault will deliver around 26 Rafales, including the first aircraft for India, which are due to be handed over around
mid-year.
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Lockheed or Boeing? The IDF's $11b dilemma
Boeing F-15 IA photo: Boeing
4 Mar, 2019 12:47
Yuval Azulai
The US defense giants are vying for pride of place in one of the world's best weaponry shop windows - and Israeli companies want a piece of the
action.
In the coming months, IDF Chief of Staff Lieut. Gen. Aviv Kochavi will face one of the most important decisions the Israeli defense establishment has
ever made: how to spend $11 billion on buying dozens of new top-of-the-line aircraft that the Israel Air Force will use for many decades into the
future from the US arms industry.
The arms procurement plan, one of Israel's largest ever, will tie up almost one quarter of US defense aid money in the coming decade. It includes a
new squadron of attack planes, 5-7 cutting-edge aircraft for airborne refueling, and transportation helicopters to replace the Yasur (Sea Stallion)
helicopters used by the air force for four decades. All of these will be accompanied by additional investment in new systems to be installed on the
aircraft, development of special equipment, operating and maintenance infrastructure, etc.
The most important Israeli decision involves a choice between two attack planes: the F-35 Adir (stealth fighter) manufactured by Lockheed Martin and
the new F-15 manufactured by Boeing. Lockheed Martin is offering Israel a third squadron of F-35s, plus new transportation helicopters and airborne
refueling planes made by European company Airbus under a strategic cooperation agreement between the two companies. Boeing is offering Israel a no
less attractive package: a squadron of 25 new F-15s, plus airborne refueling planes developed for the US Air Force and advanced transportation
helicopters.
Israel has made three purchases of the F-35 in the past decade, 50 planes altogether, at $100-110 million per plane. Israel will have two squadrons of
these planes by 2024. Lockheed Martin has supplied the air force with 14 of the places so far, and the planned rate of supply in the future is six
planes per year.
The IDF and the Ministry of Defense estimate that the final decision will be made this summer. At the same time, defense sources say that they already
detect signs that the general tendency is in favor of Boeing's offer, with the key work being mix: Israel needs both Lockheed Martin's stealth
fighters and Boeing's bombers. If there were no budget constraints, the air force would probably choose both options.
What are the arguments on each side? The air force is satisfied with the operational capabilities demonstrated by the stealth fighter it is using and
integrating into its system. At the same time, the ability of the F-35 to carry large quantities of munitions is more limited than that of Boeing's
F-15. Expanding the F-35's munitions payload means foregoing its stealth capabilities.
Boeing is offering the F-15 IA, which will be specially developed for the Israeli air force's demanding operational needs. It will not have stealth
capability, but it can do at least some other things better than the F-35. For example, it can carry double the quantity of various types of
munitions.
Defense companies: Where is the reciprocal procurement?
Boeing and Lockheed Martin are jumping through hoops to win the huge deal with Israel. They both have deep roots in business activity in Israel, they
both have offices headed by former senior Israeli air force officers. Lieut. Gen. (res.) David Ivri, who commanded the Israeli air force at the time
of the attack on the Iraqi nuclear reactor, represents Boeing in Israel. Brig. Gen. (res.) Joshua Shani, who led the Hercules planes to Entebbe in the
mission to rescue the Israeli hostages, represents Lockheed Martin.
Both US companies have a great interest in getting the Israeli order, and not just because of the money. The IDF, which carries out many operations of
many different kinds, is a good weapons shop window. IDF procurement of a weapons system amounts to a seal of approval making it easier to market the
system to other armies.
The Israeli defense industries have noticed the eagerness of the US defense giants for the multi-billion-dollar deal with Israel, and are trying to
take advantage of the situation. They are demanding that the Ministry of Defense should choose one of the offers on the basis of the size of the
reciprocal procurement commitment in Israel that the company is willing to make.
The deal will be funded by US aid money, so that Israel cannot demand reciprocal procurement for it, as it did with German company Thyssenkrupp in the
submarines deal and Italian company Leonardo in the training aircraft deal. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Defense believes that in order to obtain the
order from Israel, the US companies will be willing to voluntarily offer attractive reciprocal procurement from local companies.
In the talks on the emerging deal between the Israeli defense companies and the Ministry of Defense, the small and medium-sized companies are
especially prominent. They are demanding that a specific proportion of the reciprocal procurement should be reserved for small and medium-sized
companies. They have learned their lesson from previous deals, in which most of Lockheed Martin's reciprocal procurement in Israel over the past
decade in the stealth fighter deals was from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Elbit Systems (Nasdaq: ESLT; TASE: ESLT).
Lockheed Martin ordered over 800 sets of wings for the F-35 from IAI, and pilot helmets, which are built-in to the aircraft package, from Elbit
Systems' US subsidiary. The agreement between Lockheed Martin and Elbit Systems amounted to $1.12 billion by 2018, while IAI's share was $311 million.
Cyclone, owned by Elbit Systems, supplies body parts for the stealth program for tens of millions of dollars more. Other Israeli companies supplying
components for the stealth fighter include SimiGon (AIM: SIM), Cabiran, Tadiran, and Gilboa.
Small companies: They leave us the crumbs
The small and medium-sized industries demand for a piece of the future reciprocal procurement action was also raised in the framework of the
discussions in the inter-ministerial committee headed by Ministry of Economy and Industry director general Shay Rinsky. The committee is considering
ways in which Israeli companies can cope with the important changes in the US defense aid agreement. Taking part in the discussions were
representatives of the companies, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Defense, the Israel Investment Center, and the Israel Tax Authority.
One of the changes that disturbs the large companies, but much more the small and medium-sized companies, is the clause in the aid agreement stating
that by 2025, Israel will no longer be able to convert US aid money from dollars to shekels. This will greatly shrink the Ministry of Defense's shekel
budget, and make it difficult for it to order products from Israeli companies. Israel will have to spend its entire $3.8 billion in US military aid in
the US.
In response to the change, the large companies, such as IAI, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and Elbit Systems, are trying to step up their activity
in the US market, so that they will be able to get future orders based on US aid money, just like any US company.
The way to do this is to acquire companies, establish subsidiaries, or reach industrial cooperation agreements with local companies. This costs a
great deal of money, however, and the small and medium-sized companies do not have the deep pockets necessary to establish proper infrastructure in
preparation for the dark days ahead.
"The aid agreement will gradually constrict the ability to convert dollars to shekels, and Israeli defense manufacturing will face a crisis," Wipro
Givon VP marketing and development Goni Letzter told "Globes." "A large part of this manufacturing is paid for by aid money. The companies providing
services to the large companies as a subcontractor will have a really tough time." Wipro Givon manufactures metal parts for the global aviation
industry, and one of its major customers is Boeing. Wipro Givon is controlled by Indian corporation Wipro, which acquired it from FIMI Investment Fund
two and a half years ago for NIS 300 million. The Israeli subsidiary has 300 employees, of whom 250 are in the Tsur Shalom industrial zone in Kiryat
Bialik.
Letzter fears that as in the reciprocal agreement with Lockheed Martin a decade ago, most of the money will go to the large companies. Like other
representatives of the small and medium-sized companies, he complains that his opportunities and those of his colleagues to benefit from the
reciprocal procurement pie are being repeatedly trampled. He says, "For years, a practice has developed whereby the main contractors in industrial
cooperation in aircraft are the companies owned by IAI or Elbit Systems. Companies not part of these two groups receive at best the status of a
second-class subcontractor, meaning only the crumbs. IAI and Elbit Systems in any case enjoy a variety of government budgets as part of their
connections with the Ministry of Defense or contracts as sole supplier. It will be only fair if new orders are channeled to other companies in order
to reduce the critical damage they will suffer as a result of the new format in the US aid agreement."
Published by Globes, Israel business news - en.globes.co.il - on March 4, 2019
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