The Chinese state-run media made the first official disclosure
of the new-generation indigenous Jian-10 (J-10) fighter aircraft
on 29 December 2006, stating that the aircraft had already entered
operational service with the People’s Liberation Army
Air Force (PLAAF). J-10 is designed for air combat and ground
attack, and is capable of launching precision attack weapons.
It is equipped for aerial refuelling, to support extended range
operations. The new fighter project had remained highly classified
since it commenced in the late 1980s. The declassification of
the J-10 fighter may also suggest that the aircraft would soon
become available for export market. Photo: sinodefense.com
(more
details, video & photos).
Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $619 million contract to
begin low rate production of two lead systems of the Terminal
High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Weapon System scheduled for
fielding by 2009. Once fielded, THAAD will network with other
systems and sensors to provide the layered missile defense capability
required for the future. The program is managed by the Missile
Defense Agency (MDA). As the system transitions into production,
Israel has informed the USA of its interest in possibly integrating
THAAD capabilities into its missile defense program, to extend
the country's defense against potential nuclear threats.
The fleet of B-2 Spirit Stealth
bombers will sonn receive Link-16 communications datalinks,
improving the bomber's
integration to support tactical operations. These datalinks
will feed targeting information including image and video directly
to individual bombs. Other future upgrades will include radar
updates, which will enable the B-2's weaponry to reach targets
further underground.
AM General and General Dynamics Land Systems today announced
they will form a joint venture to compete for the U.S. Army
and Marine Corps Joint Light
Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program. The new joint venture company
called General Tactical Vehicles will locate in the Detroit
metropolitan area to leverage the best of American automotive
technology and military research and development to deliver
the JLTV. Lockheed Martin, Armor Holdings have already Teamed
to bid on the JLTV program in October 06.
Raytheon Company recently completed negotiations with the U.S.
Army resulting in finalizing a $1.4 Billion contract modification
for system development and demonstration of the Joint Land Attack
Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor System (JLENS).
System testing is scheduled to begin in 2010 with program completion
in 2012. JLENS systems will provides persistent, wide-area cruise
missile detection and tracking, detecting ballistic missiles
at their boost phase, tracking ground targets and providing
elevated communications capabilities.
Israel is interested in integrating its into its missile defense
program with deployable U.S.missile defenses, such as the ground
based THAAD
and naval AEGIS SM-3 systems. Such integration will enable full
interoperability between Israeli made Arrow,
and U.S. Patriot missiles and the new missile interceptors developed
for the US Missile Defense Agency, to enhance defenses against
potential nuclear attack from Iran, if and when this country
acquires nuclear capability for its long range missiles.
Boeing
was awarded over US$1.5 Billion for the remanufacturing and
new construction of up to 66 Chinook CH-47F helicopters. Over
$624 million will be allocated for modification and 'remanufacturing'
of nine Chinooks into CH-47F standard and construction of 16
new helicopters to be delivered within a year (early 2008).
Additional $920 Million are allocated for options for remanufacturing
of 19 and production of 22 additional new helicopters.
Boeing has successfully completed a critical U.S. Air Force
review of its Global Positioning System (GPS) Space Segment
III program in November 06 and has been awarded a $50 million
contract for additional system design activities. The review
was part of a $10 million follow-on order to the Phase A Concept
Development Contract awarded in 2004. The U.S. Air Force is
expected to award the multi-billion dollar GPS III contract
in 2007.
Raven CROWS
to Protect Australian Bushmasters
Recon Optical is equipping 44 Australian Bushmasters
with the RAVEN R-400 Stabilized
Remotely Controlled Weapon System. The systems will be integrated
by Electro Optic Systems, Limited (EOS) of Australia on the
vehicle, upgraded as part of ADI/THALES Australia's Project
Bushranger. The value of these 44 systems was US$5.5 Million.
Recon Optical has teamed with EOS for several years, to provide
fire control and sensor components for the U.S. Army's CROWS
program.
Norwegian Army
to Upgrade M113s
BAE Systems has received a $29.7 million contract from the
Norwegian Defence Procurement Division for the development and
delivery of 72 M113 upgrade kits, comprising power pack, air
conditioning system, suspension and track system kits to be
delivered through November 2008. The contract also includes
options for 34 additional kits.
Boeing
was awarded over US$1.5 Billion for the remanufacturing and
new construction of up to 66 Chinook CH-47F helicopters. Over
$624 million will be allocated for modification and 'remanufacturing'
of nine Chinooks into CH-47F standard and construction of 16
new helicopters to be delivered within a year (early 2008).
Additional $920 Million are allocated for options for remanufacturing
of 19 and production of 22 additional new helicopters.
