Sagem to develop VTOL for the French Army, Navy

Sagem was selected by the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) to develop the DVI - a Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) UAV addressing joint requirements of the French Army and Navy. DVI will be required to operate over diverse conditions, from takeoff in mountainous terrain and in hot weather to landing on a frigate in difficult weather and maritime conditions. Sagem has teamed with Bell Helicopters to offer the Eagle-Eye tilt-rotor convertible UAV for the French and European VTOL UAV program. Eagle-Eye has already been selected for the U.S. Coast Guard Deepwater program.

The Russian news agency Interfax confirmed today that Russia has begun delivering Tor M1 air defense systems to Iran within the framework of an earlier signed agreement. "The deliveries of Tor M1 to Iran have begun. The first systems have been delivered to Iran," an unnamed source from the Russian defense industry was quoted by Interfax, adding that the Iranian soldiers who will operate the systems were trained in Russia. Rosoboronexport, the Russian defense export conglomerate did not comment on the report. Earlier Russian officials ignored the US calls for banning military sales to Iran. (Interfax)

 Premature Loss of Russian Spy Satellite

Conflicting reports in the Russian press are questioning whether the recent termination of the mission of the Russian DON satellite was premature, due to malfunction. The Kosmos 2423 Detailed Photographic Reconnaissance Satellite" was launched on September 14, 2006 and terminated two months later on November 14. It was reported that the satellite exploded when in low-earth in orbit November 18. (Average DON Satellite missions span over 3 months or more). DON class satellites record images on film capsules which are returned to earth when consumed. Eight capsules are stored on board. After all eight capsules are used the satellite follows a controlled descend and is exploded by command from mission control. Don satellites are expected to be replaced by the new-generation electro-optical Persona satellites, which will downlink digital images from orbit. The satellite is expected to enter Initial tests in 2007.

The U.S. Air Force has exercised an option to buy additional 37,787 Defense Advanced GPS Receivers (DAGR) to replace some of the Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR) systems currently in use. Rockwell Collins has been awarded US$82.6 million for the production of the systems. The hand-held, dual-frequency, lightweight receiver (weighs less than one pound) incorporates the next generation, tamper-resistant GPS selective availability anti-spoofing module security module.

Sectra receives order for aviation cryptosystem 

The Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) has ordered a cryptographic communications system to equip Swedish Air Force Grippen fighter aircraft. The system will be delivered by the Swedish company Sectra under a contract amounts to SEK 10 million (US$ 1.427 million). The systems are expected to complete aircraft integration during 2007.

Denmark To Field New 120mm Tank Ammunition

The Danish armed forces ordered Rheinmetall's newly developed PELE 120mm KE tank rounds for their Leopard 2 tanks, becoming the lead customer for the new ammunition. PELE (Penetrator with Enhanced Lateral Effect) improves the kinetic round's effectiveness and reduces the potential for collateral damage. Denmark will modify its existing tank ammunition (DM 33 A2) with PELE technology and field the new DM 53 A1. The decision followed a live-fire campaign in mid September 2006, at the Danish Army's training area in Oksboel, where Rheinmetall's 120mm DM 53 A1 / DM 63 and 120mm PELE ammunition were demonstrated.