Sensor to Shooter conference, Silver Spring, MD. USA

India, Russia Agree to Accelerate Delivery of SU-30MKI

Russia will accelerate deliveries of Su-30MKI fighters to India, completing the delivery of 140 aircraft in 2014, instead of 2017. India waived its demand for "indigenization" of the aircraft due to the high cost of local production. HAL is now moving to associate closer with western aerospace industries, highlighting work share in LCA, MRCA and future helicopter business.

Operational Feedback Accelerates Bushmaster's Upgrades

Following troops' complaints about the lack of on-board facilities and limited protection, the Australian Government approved rapid acquisition of a protected, remotely operated weapon station to be installed on teh vehicles, in addition to ongoing armor modification work undertaken by Defense Material Organization and Defense Science & Technology Organization.

Canada Completes CF-18 Phase I Modernization

Boeing International completed Phase I modernization of 80 Canadian Air Force CF-18 Hornets, enabling Canadian Hornets to become fully interoperable with coalition forces. The program included the installation of an improved radar, supporting AMRAAM missile capability, HAVE-QUICK jam-resistant radios, a combined interrogator - transponder (IFF), stores management systems, mission computers, and embedded global positioning and inertial navigation systems (GPS/INS). Follow-on Phase II upgrades began prototype modification in January 2006.

A major trial testing the ability of unmanned aircraft to perform maritime surveillance in Australia’s North West Shelf is taking place this week. Led by the Australian Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) in collaboration with the defense forces and the Joint Offshore Protection Command the surveillance teams will demonstrate their capability to protect against illegal fishing, drug running and illegal immigration.

France to deploy to Lebanon with Heavy Armor & Artillery

France is preparing a first armored unit, the 6th-12th Cuirassiers Regiment to deploy to Lebanon with 13 Leclerc tanks, heavy artillery unit and two mechanized infantry companies, a total of 900 soldiers.

Indonesia Seek 32 VAB Armored Vehicles for UN Contingency

The Indonesian military is planning to purchase 32 armored vehicles from Renault, to support the planned peace-keeping operation in Lebanon. About a 1000 military personnel and their supporting equipment have been prepared for the dispatch to Lebanon while waiting for official decision from the United Nations on the time of departure, concept of operation, and the rule of engagement.
 

U.S. Army Receives First Mobile Gun Stryker MGS

The U.S. Army has received the first of its Mobile Gun System (MGS) vehicles to equip the Stryker brigades. The 21 ton MGS uses a Stryker AFV chassis equipped with a low profile 105mm gun turret. There will be three MGS assigned to each infantry company.

The Russian Air Force is expected to receive the first two SU-34 Fullback strike fighters later this year. Designed as a medium and long range strike aircraft, SU-34 is expected to augment and later replace SU-24 and SU-25 strike aircraft in Russian service. The aircraft is designed to penetrate supersonically an enemy airspace at  treetop level, carry 8 tons of ordnance, and strike from a standoff range of 250km. It is equipped with an armored cockpit to survive small caliber gunfire and missile fragments.