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EADS America Delivers the
First UH-72A Helicopter
EADS North America officially delivered the U.S. Army’s
first UH-72A Light Utility Helicopter today, marking the beginning
of this major defense program with a requirement for up to 322
rotary-wing aircraft and a potential total life-cycle value
of over $2 billion. EADS North America is to deliver a second
UH-72A before year-end, responding early to the Army’s
rapid phase-in schedule for the helicopter, which will be used
on logistical and support missions within the United States.
Forty more light utility helicopters currently are in the production
cycle for delivery to the Army during 2007 and 2008.
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Forecast International has significantly raised its forecast
figures for the Middle-East defense market, compared to its
2005 forecast. Its current projections show regional military
spending topping out at $86.5 billion in 2008 and then easing
slightly to about $82.9 billion by 2011. First on the list is
Saudi Arabia, expected to spend tens of billions of dollars
in the coming years revamping its military forces. |
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Further progress is reported on the centralized control of
multi-UAVs. Lockheed Martin reported today (December 11, 2006)
about successful tests conducted with four different unmanned
systems, controlled from one centralized control device.
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Russia Deploys
new Topol-M Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
The Russian military deployed the first unit of its new, mobile
Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missiles. According to Moscow
based Interfax news agency, the missile systems are operated
by the Teikovo division under control of the Strategic Missile
Forces in the Ivanovo region, northeast of Moscow. The unit
operates about 40 shelters and silos, where Topol-M missile
are located since they were deployed with Russian military in
1997. The mobile Topol-M missiles are less vulnerable to the
technical reconnaissance of an enemy. Russian officials said
that production of mobile missile will continue over the next
few years. Topol-M missiles are expected to form the core of
Russia's strategic missile force. |
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Singapore to Receive 66 Leopard
2A4 Tanks
Germany intends to sale to Singapore 66 Leopard 2A4 tanks which
are withdrawn from German army units. The tanks will be refurbished
prior to delivery. 30 spare tanks, supporting equipment and
training, to be provided by the German Army, will also be included
in the package. Singapore currently operates a derivative of
the AMX-13 light tank which lacks the protection and firepower
of modern MBTs. Singapore has recently fielded a new version
of the Bionix III armored infantry fighting vehicle. Development
of the Terrex 8x8 troop carrier is underway under cooperation
between Singapore and Turkey.
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Sri Lanka Acquires
Four MiG-27s from Ukraine
Sri Lanka will buy four MiG-27 fighter jets from Ukraine. According
to the local media, Sri lanka received the used planes for US$
9.8 million. The aircraft will be overhauled by the Ukraine
prior to delivery. Sri Lanka bought its first MiG-27 ground
attack planes in 2000. Sri Lanka acquired a first batch of MiG-27s
from Ukraine, but these were lost to hostile actions and accidents.
Today, the Sri Lanka Air force is run with a handful of K-fir
Israeli jets and F-7s Chinese made ground attack aircraft.
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L-3 Communications' Advanced Products & Design released
today a new version of the portable video exploitation and management
system known as VideoScout-MC. The system has built-in L/C-
or L/S-band receiver, to directly receive video and telemetry
data from manned or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The new system
acts as a remote video terminal as well as a video exploitation
and management system. VideoScout-MC deliveries will begin the
first quarter of 2007.
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SAIC to Market
3D Holographic Displays from Zebra Imaging
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) will
market to defense and government users the 3D holographic imaging
systems developed by Zebra imaging. The holograms and displays
created by these systems provide large scale omni-directional
3D viewing. It also offers 3D imaging systems design, development
and engineering services to government and commercial clients
in defense and intelligence, industrial design, and petroleum
exploration.
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