World 

Defense News ,U.S :- Science Applications International Corp (SAIC), headquartered in Virginia, has been awarded an $80-million contract to provide MK 48 torpedo test sets for the US Navy. The five-year project entails designing, completing, and delivering MK 710 Torpedo System Test Sets (TSTS) crucial for validating the capabilities of Mk 48 heavyweight weapons in sub-surface operations.SAIC emphasized the significance of the MK 710 TSTS in delivering high-quality torpedoes to the navy's submarine force. Data collected from testing these sets will play a crucial role in tactics development, training, and future upgrade certifications for the US Department of Defense.Barbara Supplee, SAIC's Navy Business Group Executive Vice President, expressed enthusiasm about expanding the company's support to the Navy's heavyweight torpedo program. The contract reflects the trust and confidence the Navy has in SAIC and its expertise in heavyweight torpedo systems.This contract follows a similar one awarded to SAIC in April 2023 to support the US Navy's MK 48 torpedo development, valued at $102.5 million. The earlier contract involved the fabrication, trials, and shipment of MK 48 Mod 7 afterbody tail cones, as well as war shot fuel tanks for the MK 29 Mod 0 acoustic torpedoes.In 2021, SAIC secured a $1.1-billion contract to produce, assemble, and deliver MK 48s and MK 29s to the US Navy, emphasizing the company's continued involvement in enhancing the Navy's torpedo capabilities.The MK 48 torpedo, designed for submarine-launched warfare, has undergone multiple iterations since its conceptualization in the late 1950s. The latest upgrade, the Mod 7, boasts a diameter of 21 inches, weighs 3,744 pounds, and is propelled by a liquid propellant. Capable of reaching speeds exceeding 30 knots, the MK 48 is specifically engineered to neutralize nuclear-powered submarines and advanced surface ships, solidifying its critical role in naval defense.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-13 15:03:01

 World 

Defense News ,U.S :- The US Department of Defense is exploring the integration of the Switchblade 600 kamikaze drone into its Replicator unmanned systems initiative, aiming to "mass produce and rapidly scale" the AeroVironment system as part of its counter-China strategy, according to Defense Scoop sources.This marks the first reported system under consideration for the Replicator initiative, which has already identified a "small number of capabilities." In January, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks refrained from disclosing specific capabilities, stating that acquisition strategies for suitable platforms were in preparation.Pentagon spokesperson Eric Pahon confirmed, "The deputy secretary selected capability areas in December. The military departments then identified specific systems and associated acquisition strategies to meet those capability needs." Pahon added that a spend plan and reprogramming requests have been submitted to Congress, with hopes for swift action to enable the acceleration of Replicator capabilities production.The Switchblade 600, a 15-kilogram (33-pound) kamikaze drone, boasts high-precision optics and an anti-armor warhead designed for precision strikes on hardened targets, including tanks. With a 40-minute endurance and a 40-kilometer (25-mile) range, it is among the capabilities considered for Replicator, which envisions the deployment of numerous unmanned systems to counter China's military advancements.Deputy Secretary Hicks emphasized the broader scope of Replicator capabilities, stating, "I don’t think ‘kamikaze drone’ is the right way to think about it. You need to think, again, well beyond the kinetic side of this into the ability to deliver logistics, command and control, ISR, if you will, and again, multiple domains."In addition to the Switchblade 600, another potential Replicator capability involves the deployment of swarms of unmanned surface vessels, with plans to deploy hundreds, if not thousands, of these vessels against the numerically superior Chinese Navy. The Production-Ready, Inexpensive, Maritime Expeditionary project aims to produce at least 120 such vessels annually from 2025 as part of the initiative.Naval analyst Bryan Clark highlighted the initiative's strategic focus, stating, "This is their effort to try to get some new kinetic, lethal USV fielded that can be employed probably in a western Pacific context – maybe the Strait of Taiwan." The Pentagon aims to collaborate with the commercial sector to identify scalable, lethal unmanned surface vessels for Replicator's objectives.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-13 14:56:04

 World 

Defense News ,Pakistan :- Chaudhry Muhammad Adnan, a former member of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Rawalpindi, was shot and killed by unknown attackers, as reported by Dawn on Monday. Adnan had contested the general elections as an Independent candidate from Rawalpindi's NA-57 and PP-19 constituencies.The incident occurred in the Civil Lines area in front of the city police officer's office. Rawalpindi CPO Syed Khalid Hamdani has directed the police to swiftly arrest the culprits involved in the attack. Senior police officers have reached the crime scene, collecting evidence, and forming teams to apprehend the suspects.Preliminary investigations suggest that the incident may be related to personal enmity, but a thorough inquiry is underway from all angles. The police are determined to arrest the culprits and bring them to justice.Chaudhry Muhammad Adnan, born on February 15, 1976, in Rawalpindi, was the son of Chaudhary Muhammad Jan. He graduated from Punjab University and served as an MPA in 2018. Adnan contributed to the country's welfare as the parliamentary secretary for social welfare and also held the position of parliamentary secretary for revenue from 2018 to 2020.In a separate incident last week, two PTI workers were killed, and 12 others were injured during a protest demonstration in Shangla's district headquarters, Alpuri. The protest was triggered by allegations of manipulation in the poll results.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-13 06:50:27

 World 

Defense News ,U.S :- Ovzon has announced the receipt of its inaugural order for the cutting-edge Ovzon T7 mobile satellite terminal from the United States Department of Defence (DOD). This marks the initial delivery of the highly advanced and compact mobile satellite terminal, which promises to redefine satellite communication capabilities in the defense sector.The Ovzon T7 stands out as the industry's smallest, lightest, most powerful, and user-friendly satellite terminal. Weighing a mere 2.8 kg (6.2 lb), it can easily fit into a small backpack, ensuring portability for rapid deployment and seamless connectivity in diverse environments, irrespective of weather conditions.Specifically designed for operation on the Ovzon 3 satellite's On-Board-Processor, the Ovzon T7 showcases unparalleled resiliency features tailored for contested environments. Leveraging the capabilities of the Ovzon On-Board-Processor, the T7 can execute frequency hopping, below-the-noise-floor signaling, and operate autonomously without the need for a teleport.Expressing enthusiasm about the milestone, Ovzon's CEO, Per Norén, stated, "We are delighted to witness the first sale of the Ovzon T7 mobile satellite terminal to the U.S. DOD. We are excited to introduce the 'near-peer' capability that the Ovzon T7 will provide when operating on the Ovzon 3 satellite and the Ovzon On-Board-Processor. The Ovzon T7 represents the perfect blend of performance, mobility, and resiliency in an incredibly compact package, revolutionizing critical mission execution through an elevated SATCOM-as-a-Service experience."This groundbreaking development signifies a significant advancement in satellite communication technology, offering the U.S. Department of Defence an innovative and powerful tool to enhance communication capabilities for critical missions.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-13 06:43:17

 World 

Defense News ,Europe :- The Latvian Ministry of Defence has successfully concluded the final demonstration of its Virtual Reality Trauma Simulator (VireTS) project in Ādaži, marking a significant milestone in advanced trauma care preparation for allied militaries. The initiative, part of a multinational project led by the EU in collaboration with Latvian digital simulation developer Exonicus, aims to provide unified and state-of-the-art trauma care training for military personnel across Europe.VireTS is specifically designed to impart crucial knowledge to teams with basic medical education and limited experience, ensuring sustained support for combat operations and major incidents. Employing 3D modeling technology, the simulator creates individual trauma scenarios tailored to specific battlefield injuries, fostering mutual medical cooperation during peacetime.The Latvian defense agency emphasized the active development of the simulator environment, virtual characters, equipment, and patient simulation. National Armed Forces experts from Latvia and abroad have contributed to ensuring the simulator's compliance with real battle scenarios, establishing essential criteria for an effective training tool.The demonstration follows a 30-million-euro ($32.4 million) contract signed between the EU and Exonicus to establish a virtual training and decision resource catalog for EU militaries. This catalog will enable EU members to select and procure the necessary combinations and simulations for joint training, providing a dynamic and adaptable resource for military medical education.Described by Exonicus Project Director Līga Ellere as akin to a computer game, the VireTS system allows military medics and students to virtually navigate through various scenarios. The system records their procedures, enabling self-evaluation or analysis with an instructor to identify correct actions and areas for improvement.Exonicus received 2.4 million euros ($2.6 million) from the European Defence Fund in 2021 to support the development of Latvia's VireTS. In 2020, the company collaborated with the Latvian defense ministry on virtual injury simulation scenarios to assist military medics in responding to the challenges posed by the coronavirus. In a previous contract in 2019, Riga awarded Exonicus the task of manufacturing a medical trauma simulation prototype for the armed forces.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-13 06:14:05

 World 

Defense News ,UK :- BlueBear, a company called Saab, is stepping up to help the UK Ministry of Defence deal with a problem faced by drones in places where GNSS doesn't work well.Drones often use a system called GNSS ( Global Navigation Satellite System ) to know where they are and when to fly safely. But if the GNSS signal isn't accurate or reliable, the drone's ability to navigate can be affected a lot.BlueBear's job is to create advanced technology that makes operations better in places where GNSS doesn't work well. This will make it possible for drones to be used effectively in these tricky situations.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-12 15:48:54

 World 

Defense News ,North Korea :- United Nations officials are looking into 58 cyberattacks conducted by North Korea from 2017 to 2023, raising $3 billion to support the development of weapons of mass destruction. The UN Security Council received these updates, connecting the findings to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's continuous creation of ballistic missiles and a nuclear attack submarine, along with tests that violated alliance agreements from 2006.According to Reuters, citing unpublished UN documents, "The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) continued to flout Security Council sanctions. It further developed nuclear weapons and produced nuclear fissile materials, although its last known nuclear test took place in 2017."The council disclosed that hacking groups affiliated with North Korea's Reconnaissance General Bureau, its foreign intelligence arm, are responsible for these cyberattacks. The groups target defense companies and supply chains, and they are increasingly sharing infrastructure and tools, as reported by the monitoring group that updates the council biannually.While the UN has not responded to the advisory, a public statement is expected to be released in February or March. The updates from UN sanctions monitors also highlighted additional violations, including North Korea's disregard for resolutions since its first nuclear test in the early 2000s. These resolutions banned military supplies and luxury goods to Pyongyang, as well as imposed restrictions on the republic's Foreign Trade Bank and North Korean citizens working abroad.The UN sanction group reported, "The panel is investigating reports from Member States about supplies by DPRK of conventional arms and munitions in contravention of sanctions. The 2023 overall recorded trade volume surpassed the total for 2022, accompanied by the reappearance of a large variety of foreign consumer goods, some of which could be classified as luxury items. The panel investigated reports of numerous DPRK nationals working overseas earning income in violation of sanctions, including in the information technology, restaurant, and construction sectors."

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-12 15:37:55

 World 

Defense News ,UK :- The UK Ministry of Defence recently revealed that Britain has spent more than £25 billion ($31.5 billion) on defense, based on official 2022/2023 statistics. This marks an increase of £1.8 billion ($2.3 billion) from the previous year's budget, accounting for inflation.According to the statistics, approximately £370 ($467) is allocated for each person in the UK towards defense spending. The government emphasizes its commitment to enhancing the defense sector, aiming to boost the economy by creating job opportunities in the field.Defence Secretary Grant Shapps expressed, "These statistics demonstrate how all parts of the UK are playing their part in that crucial work, delivering through our fantastic defence industry and boosting local prosperity."The Ministry of Defence supports an estimated 209,000 jobs, reflecting the positive impact of increased spending on employment.This marks the third consecutive year of heightened defense spending, with Shapps attributing it to the country's response to emerging global threats. He stressed the importance of aligning investment in the Armed Forces with the evolving security landscape.Southeast England received the largest share of the defense budget, followed by the Southwest. Notably, Wales experienced a significant 25% increase in funds, reaching £780 million ($984 million). The continued growth in defense expenditure underscores the government's dedication to addressing evolving security challenges while contributing to economic growth across different regions of the UK.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-12 15:26:15

 World 

Defense News ,Ukraine Russia War :- Ukraine's Air Force reported a successful defense operation, intercepting 14 out of 17 drones and one Kh-59 cruise missile launched by Russia overnight, according to a Monday announcement. The Telegram messaging app statement also mentioned missile launches from Russia's S-300 long-range surface-to-air systems, though details on the number and impact on targets were not provided.Oleh Synehubov, the governor of Ukraine's Kharkiv region, disclosed on Sunday night that Russia targeted his region using missiles from S-300 systems in Russia's Belgorod region, adjacent to Ukraine. Preliminary information indicated no casualties, but some non-residential buildings suffered damage.Similarly, Serhiy Lisak, governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region, reported a Russian drone attack on the city of Pavlohrad, resulting in power outages but no casualties. Reuters could not independently verify these accounts.Both Russia and Ukraine have escalated air attacks beyond the frontline in recent months, focusing on critical energy, military, and transport infrastructure. The ongoing conflict continues to witness intensified actions in the airspace, with Ukraine's air defense demonstrating its effectiveness against Russia's offensive aerial operations.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-12 14:43:36

 World 

Defense News ,Bangladesh :- A new movement is making waves in Bangladesh's political scene – the "India Out" campaign. Similar to its counterpart in the Maldives, this movement aims to challenge India's influence in Bangladesh's domestic affairs. With support from opposition parties, the campaign calls for boycotting Indian products, alleging undue interference in Bangladesh's politics.The roots of this movement trace back to Bangladesh's recent general election, where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina secured her fourth consecutive term amid claims of irregularities and authoritarian rule. Opposition parties, especially the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), criticize what they see as a lack of democratic integrity and restrictions on dissent during Hasina's tenure.While other countries and international observers expressed concerns about Bangladesh's election, India, a key player in the region, chose to remain diplomatic. India's close ties with Hasina's government, based on shared interests and cooperation, make it hesitant to intervene in Bangladesh's internal matters.The relationship between India and Bangladesh involves economic collaboration, security partnerships, and geopolitical considerations. However, India's visible support for Hasina raises suspicions among opposition groups, who fear it compromises Bangladesh's sovereignty.China's increasing influence in Bangladesh further complicates the regional dynamics. India's careful approach toward Bangladesh reflects a strategic effort to counterbalance China's influence without alienating traditional allies.The "India Out" campaign, supported by opposition parties and driven by anti-India sentiment, signifies a resurgence of political mobilization against perceived foreign interference. By advocating for the boycott of Indian products and highlighting India's alleged role in supporting Hasina's regime, the campaign aims to galvanize public opinion and challenge the existing order.The parallels between the "India Out" campaigns in Bangladesh and the Maldives highlight broader concerns about sovereignty, democracy, and regional power dynamics. The use of similar rhetoric by opposition figures in both countries reveals a strategy to capitalize on nationalist sentiments and gather support against perceived external influences.As the "India Out" campaign gains momentum in Bangladesh, its impact on bilateral relations and regional stability remains uncertain. India must delicately balance engagement and non-interference to address strategic imperatives, emphasizing the complexities of regional geopolitics and historical animosities.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-12 14:34:52

 World 

Defense News ,US :- RTX has secured a $75 million contract from the US Army for the production of 600 Coyote 2C drone interceptors, following a surge in attacks by Iran-backed Houthis against US naval vessels in the Red Sea. The rapid acquisition authority contract aims to address the increased demand for Coyote interceptors and the subsequent need to boost production capacity, as confirmed by the army.The contract, facilitated under the Office of the Secretary of Defense rapid acquisition authority, was swiftly executed, with all actions completed within 30 days from authorization approval and funding receipt.Army's Request for Thousands of CoyotesThis development comes on the heels of an army request for information regarding the acquisition of approximately 7,000 Coyotes. The December solicitation outlined the need for 6,000 kinetic Coyotes, 700 non-kinetic Coyotes, 252 fixed launchers, 52 mobile launchers, 118 fixed Ku-band radars, and 33 mobile radars.While the army intends to award the contract to Raytheon, the original developer of the system, other capable firms expressing interest can also be considered for fulfilling the requirements.Coyote Specifications and CapabilitiesThe Coyote 2C Drone Interceptor is a short-range, expendable counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) designed and manufactured by Raytheon. The Coyote, a rocket motor and turbine engine-powered interceptor, operates as a radar-guided air-breathing missile, offering both kinetic and non-kinetic variants. The Coyote 2C, covered under the recent contract, is a kinetic interceptor, while the Coyote 3 is non-kinetic.This reusable interceptor is adaptable to both fixed and moving integrated counter-drone systems deployed on ground vehicles, helicopters, and surface vessels. Equipped with a Ku-band radio frequency system, the Coyote can be set up in just 30 minutes to track and detect drones, rockets, artillery, and mortars, providing a versatile and efficient solution for countering evolving threats. Length: 24 inches (61 cm) Wingspan: 58 inches (147 cm) Weight: 13 pounds (5.9 kg) Speed: Up to 370 mph (595 km/h) Range: Up to 6 miles (9.7 km) Endurance: Up to 30 minutes Warhead: 4-pound (1.8 kg) blast fragmentation warhead Here are some additional details about the Coyote 2C: It is designed to be used against small, slow-moving drones. It is relatively inexpensive, which makes it a cost-effective option for counter-drone operations. It is easy to deploy and operate, even in austere environments.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-12 14:27:39

 World 

Defense News ,Germany :- The German Federal Ministry of Defence has revealed the detailed plan for the phased retirement of the Airbus Tiger combat helicopters currently serving in the Bundeswehr.Officials in Berlin disclosed that the final units of the Tiger fleet are slated to conclude their service by 2032. The current fleet of 55 helicopters will undergo a gradual reduction, reaching 33 units by 2028. Economic considerations have prompted an acceleration of the retirement schedule, as some helicopters were initially expected to remain operational until 2038.The helicopters scheduled for retirement by 2028 will undergo systematic upgrades to meet the ASGARD standard. Berlin authorities highlight that the retiring Tigers will serve as a valuable source of spare parts for the remaining fleet, potentially enhancing the operational readiness of those helicopters still in service.Concurrently, the German Defence Ministry is gearing up to introduce the Airbus H145M helicopters, contracted by BAAINBw in the previous year, as an interim solution. These helicopters will bridge the gap until the requirements for a permanent replacement are determined.Germany's decision marks it as the second country to opt for the retirement of Tiger combat helicopters. In contrast, Australia has chosen the Boeing AH-64E Apache as its successor, while Spain and France plan to continue operating the Tigers, linking their usage to an upgrade to the Mk II+ standard.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-12 06:11:17

 World 

Defense News ,Israel Hamas War :- Israel launched a special forces operation to free two Israeli hostages in Rafah, resulting in a toll of 37 lives and dozens wounded in the southern Gaza city during early morning air strikes on Monday. The operation, carried out by the Israel Defence Force (IDF), Israel's Shin Bet security service, and the Special Police Unit, successfully liberated Fernando Simon Marman, 60, and Louis Hare, 70, who were kidnapped by Hamas from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak on October 7.Israeli military spokesman Lt Col. Richard Hecht described the rescue mission as "a very complex operation," emphasizing the extensive planning that went into it. The hostages were held on the second floor of a building, breached by an explosive charge during the raid, which involved intense gunfire with surrounding structures. Simultaneously, air strikes were conducted to facilitate the extraction of the forces.The air strikes induced panic in Rafah, with many residents asleep when the attacks began. There were fears that Israel had initiated a ground offensive into Rafah. Israeli planes, tanks, and ships participated in the strikes, causing damage to two mosques and several houses.The Israeli military announced that the "series of strikes" on southern Gaza had concluded, without providing detailed information. Notably, Israel did not implement a specific evacuation plan for civilians in Rafah, despite U.S. President Joe Biden advising Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against launching a military operation without a credible plan to ensure the safety of the roughly 1 million people sheltering there.Aid agencies have expressed concerns, stating that an assault on Rafah would be catastrophic, as it is currently the last relatively safe place in the Gaza Strip, which has been ravaged by Israel's military offensive. President Biden, in a 45-minute conversation with Prime Minister Netanyahu, reiterated his concerns about the civilian toll and urged caution in military actions.Netanyahu's office disclosed that the military had been instructed to develop a plan for evacuating Rafah and neutralizing four Hamas battalions allegedly stationed there. The ongoing conflict stems from Hamas militants' actions on October 7, where they killed 1,200 people in southern Israel and abducted at least 250. Israel's response has resulted in a military assault on the Gaza Strip, claiming over 28,000 Palestinian lives, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.In an interview aired on Sunday, Netanyahu justified Israel's war in the region, asserting that a sufficient number of the 132 remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza were alive. However, a senior Hamas leader warned that any Israeli ground offensive in Rafah would jeopardize hostage-exchange negotiations.Egypt, on its part, issued a warning of "dire consequences" if Israel were to launch a military assault on Rafah, emphasizing the need for international and regional efforts to prevent the targeting of the Palestinian city. The situation remains highly tense, with the international community closely monitoring developments in the region.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-12 05:55:55

 World 

Defense News ,North Korea :- North Korea has announced a significant milestone in its missile development program, revealing the successful development of a new ballistic control system for a multiple rocket launcher, accompanied by controllable shells. According to state media KCNA, the Academy of Defence Science, overseeing the country's missile development, conducted a "ballistic control" test firing of 240-mm calibre controllable multiple rocket launcher shells on Sunday.The strategic importance of the 240 mm-caliber multiple rocket launcher is set to be "reevaluated," with its role on battlefields expected to increase significantly due to what North Korea refers to as "rapid technical improvement," as reported by KCNA. The integration of the newly developed shell and ballistic control system is anticipated to bring about a "qualitative change" in North Korea's multiple rocket launcher force.This achievement comes in the wake of a series of missile tests conducted by North Korea in recent weeks, coinciding with the strengthening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow. These developments have faced criticism from the United States and its allies, who view them as escalating tensions in the Korean Peninsula.Amid these advancements, North Korea has accused the U.S. and South Korea of heightening tensions through their large-scale military drills. The situation remains dynamic, with the successful ballistic control test marking a significant stride in North Korea's pursuit of advanced missile technology and its potential implications for regional stability.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-12 05:30:33

 World 

Defense News ,Russia & Ukraine War :- Russia announced on Saturday that it successfully repelled a Ukrainian drone attack targeting "civilian transport ships" in the southwestern part of the Black Sea, a critical passage for grain and oil exports between the two countries. While civilian vessels on the Black Sea have generally avoided being targeted since Russia's intervention in Ukraine in February 2022, both nations had agreed last July to treat ships headed to each other's ports as potential carriers of military cargo.In a statement released on the Telegram messaging app, Russia's Defence Ministry revealed that Ukraine had attempted a "terrorist attack on Russian civilian transport ships" using semi-submersible naval drones. The attempted attack was thwarted by Russian patrol boats and warplanes, which destroyed one Ukrainian naval drone through artillery fire and disabled the others using electronic warfare. The statement emphasized that no Russian civilian or military vessels suffered any damage.Reuters could not independently verify the details provided by Russia, and there was no immediate response from Ukraine.In July of the previous year, Russia declined to renew a Turkish-brokered agreement that ensured safe grain exports through the region. Consequently, Russia declared that all ships bound for Ukrainian ports would be treated as potential carriers of military cargo. In response, Ukraine adopted a similar stance for ships heading to Russian and Russian-controlled Ukrainian ports.The precise location of the recent drone attack remains unclear, but it occurred in the southwestern part of the Black Sea, adjacent to Turkey's Bosphorus Strait—an essential route for cargoes leaving the sea.Recent months have seen Ukraine launching a series of drone and missile attacks on Russian military targets in the Black Sea, resulting in the sinking of at least one naval vessel and causing damage to others. The incident highlights the escalating tensions in the region, with both nations actively engaging in maritime confrontations.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-11 16:41:00