DEFENSE NEWS

BAE systems and DCNS have signed a joint contract to supply four high-efficiency heat exchangers for Royal Navy’s sixth and seventh Astute-class nuclear boats.

This latest contract makes the Group the sole supplier of heat exchangers for the United Kingdom's latest generation of nuclear-powered submarines. The Royal Navy took delivery of the second Astute-class boat earlier this year.

The design and construction of these heat exchangers is based on advanced technologies and expertise acquired through the Group’s involvement in a number of conventional and nuclear-powered submarine programmes.

SEOUL, Sept. 10 (Yonhap) -- The generator room of the Navy's 14,000-ton ship caught fire while the ship was sailing off the west coast of the Korean Peninsula Tuesday, causing a duty officer to suffer second-degree burns. Restoration work is currently underway.

A fire broke in the engine room of the Dokdo-class amphibious assault ship which was sailing near the western port of Gunsan around 10:45 a.m.

Crew members immediately put out the fire, but a 23-year-old petty officer first class, who was on duty in the engine room, got second-degree burns in the process of containing the blaze, according to Navy officers.

"Among two generators in the ship, the burned one broke down, and the other stopped after sea water flowed in during the process of extinguishing the fire," a Navy officer said. "The ship currently remains in the same spot. Repair works will continue late into the night."

Named after the easternmost islets of Dokdo in the East Sea, lhe lead ship in its class was built by Hanjin Heavy Industries

The Rodman Polyships Vigo shipyard has been awarded a contract by Saudi Arabia to supply 40 patrol boats for a total of 7.4 million euros. This is the first new contract that occurs in the shipyards of the community since at least the month of January. The vessels have been named Fast Coastal Patrol Boat (R33 XI) and will have a length of 11.3 meters by 3.2 sleeve. Rodman patrol previously made 11, 14 or 30 meters in length, but in this case the company's technical team had to design prototypes that do not resemble any of the boats already manufactured by the shipyard.  The Coast Guard vessels and perform rescue missions in coastal waters. To accomplish these tasks, each boat will be equipped with two engines of 350 horsepower, allowing to reach a top speed of 50 knots (92.6 miles per hour). The autonomy of the boats will be 230 nautical miles (about 425 kilometers) and are designed to carry a crew of four member and up to ten people.

The Indonesian Navy has purchased the latest version of the Thales TACTICOS combat management system, to be installed on its new Perusak Kawal Rudal (PKR) Sigma Class Corvette. 

Speaking at the DSEI conference in London, Boudewijn Geerink, business development manager, naval systems for Thales, told journalists that Indonesia had signed a formal contract for the MK4 system for its new frigate, with the probable option for a second at a later date.

The SIGMA 10514 guided missile frigate was purchased by Indonesia in 2012 as part of a modernisation of the Indonesian Navy, and is slated for delivery in 2016. It follows on from four SIGMA Corvettes previously purchased for the TNI AL.

TACTICOS is a family of modular combat management systems, matched to a variety of mission profiles and vessel types. The MK4 is the most recent iteration, and features a new single screen console and enhanced graphical software. 

Geerink explained the 30 inch single screen console is designed to provide an optimal viewing range for the human eye, and provides a graphical way of interacting with the common controls.

‘With the new MK4 system, both maritime security and combat operations can be performed from a single console. The MK4 is more intuitive and meets young officer’s interaction standards. In addition, training emphasis is moved from ‘button training’ to tactical training,’ said Geerink

TACTICOS technology is already used on board more than 160 ships (from small patrol craft to full-size frigates and destroyers) operated by 20 navies.

Those include the US Navy as well as navies in Asia, Europe, the Gulf region, Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa.

September 3, 2013: South Korea recently launched the first of a second batch of six Type 214 submarines. This one was built by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering. The first three were built (from German components) by Hyundai Heavy Industries. Much to the chagrin of the South Koreans, who are trying to develop their own submarine building capability, the first three Type 214s had quality problems. Mostly it was defective components and poor construction techniques that left the three boats noisy and easier to detect.

The first three Type 214 subs were out of action for most of 2010 because of these problems. This was very embarrassing, as these subs were built in South Korea and that was a big deal in South Korea. Building submarines is a very specialized and exacting type of manufacturing, and South Korea has only been doing it for less than a decade. The first subs built in South Korea were these three German Type 214s, and the first of those entered service five years ago. The boats were built using licensed technology from the German developer (HDW) and many of the components were manufactured in South Korea as well. But then metal bolts in the Type 214s began coming loose or breaking seven years ago. The problem was traced to the South Korean supplier of the bolts which were not, it turned out, manufactured to the German specification. Eventually, German specialists were called in, and by 2011 the problem had been fixed.

South Korea went ahead with plans to build six additional Type 214 subs over the next 12 years. South Korea already had nine 1,100 ton Type 209 subs, designed and built in Germany. The Type 214 boats use fuel cells, enabling them to stay underwater for up to two weeks. The Type 214 is a 1,700 ton, 65 meter (202 foot) long boat, with a crew of 27. It has four torpedo tubes and a top submerged speed of 35 kilometers an hour. Maximum diving depth is over 400 meters (1,220 feet).

AIP boats go for up to a billion dollars each. The second batch of South Korean 214s will have an improved AIP system, which is apparently more reliable, and provides a small increase in time underwater. South Korea will probably become a supplier of AIP systems as well, because they now have the industrial expertise for this sort of high tech. The latest Type 214 boat is important because if it proves to be flawless it will make South Korea a contender in the international submarine market.

03/09/2013

(Infodefensa.com) Caracas – Fueron asignados los fondos para completar los trabajos de mantenimiento mayor y repotenciación del submarino Caribe (S-32), así como para la adquisición de equipos para el Escuadrón de Submarinos del Comando de la Escuadra de la Armada de Venezuela.

El tal sentido, mediante resolución del Ministerio de la Defensa, se designa a la Oficina Coordinadora de Hidrografía y Navegación (Ochina), como el organismo ejecutor para la suscripción y desembolso del convenio financiero a ser suscrito con el Fondo de Desarrollo Nacional, S.A. (Fonden). Asimismo, se delega en el contralmirante José Ernesto Acuña Moreno, director de Ochina, la facultad de ejecutar financieramente y suscribir el convenio con Fondem, así como, la administración de de los fondos para la ejecución de los proyectos, Recuperación Funcional del submarino Caribe (S-32) y Adquisición de Equipos  de Escape para Submarinos e Implementación del Soporte Logístico de Tierra del Escuadrón de Submarinos, por los montos de 254.554.546,37 bolívares (40.414.800 dólares) y 77.704.391,81 dólares.

Cabe señalar, que la Armada de Venezuela dispone de dos submarinos tipo U209A-1300/ clase Sábalo, el Sábalo (S-31) y el Caribe (S-32), los cuales fueron construidos en Kiel, Alemania, por la entonces Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft GmbH (HDW) y entregados en 1976 y 1977, respectivamente.

En 2004, ambos buques comenzaron a ser sometidos a un proceso de revisión quinquenal y modernización en las instalaciones de Diques y Astilleros Nacionales C.A. (DIANCA) ubicadas en Puerto Cabello, con la asistencia técnica de ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (antigua HDW) y otras empresas especializadas internacionales. El Sábalo fue puesto en grada en marzo de ese año y el Caribe en diciembre siguiente. Era la primera vez que ese tipo de trabajos se realizaba en Venezuela. El objetivo era prorrogarle la vida útil a los dos submarinos por diez o doce años, a partir de 2006-2007, cuando estaba previsto que iban a ser reincorporados al servicio, pero nueve años después la labores aún no han concluido. El Sábalo fue reincorporado a la flota en enero de 2011, mientras que el Caribe permanece varado en Dianca.

Se ha dicho que varias han sido las razones del atraso del proceso. Entre otras, la prohibición impuesta por Estados Unidos, en octubre de 2006, a la venta y transferencia de material y tecnología militar norteamericana a Venezuela, lo que motivó a que varias empresas internacionales se retiraran del proyecto, así como, la suspensión de la entrega de equipos, piezas y sistemas previamente encargados. Se suman, además, causas relativas a la falta de disponibilidad de fondos.

No obstante, la Armada aspira a reflotar al Caribe en el primer semestre de 2014, para reincorporarlo al servicio activo meses después. Mientras eso sucede, vuelven los rumores sobre la supuesta reactivación del proyecto de adquisición de nuevos submarinos y, una vez más, se apunta a un modelo ruso, esta vez al Amur 1650.

09/04/2013

(Infodefensa.com) Madrid - Spain for the first time will use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in Somalia , Canarian waters after completing integration testing helicopter Skeldar V-200 of Saab on board maritime action Lightning .

The Spanish Navy reported that it is expected that since mid-September this unmanned aerial system becomes operational in Atalanta , fighting piracy in the Indian Ocean, aboard the ship Meteoro , patrol in the same class as the Relámpago .

"Thus, we conclude one of the milestones included in the first phase of the recruitment of unmanned aerial systems in the Navy," said Defense. According ahead Infodefensa.com , the Navy awarded the use of the UAV program embarked Swedish company Saab last June 26 by a negotiated procedure without publication. The resolution for the award, which involves your rent until the end of the year, noted that the total amount was 2.5 million euros. ( see news )

With the experience gained in the use of these systems during these tests and area of operations, the Navy plans to begin the second phase of the recruitment through the acquisition of ownership of a specific model of unmanned helicopter.

Philippine Parliament voted to allocate $403 million for the purchase of two new light frigates. This order will be a very important one for Korean Hyundai Heavy Industries since it will establish the Incheon class as a viable candidate on the international market.

The Coalition has backed away from its earlier promise to fast track the acquisition of a Global Hawk/Triton UAV if elected to government on Saturday. In launching the coalition’s defence policy on Monday, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said the Coalition would now “consider closely the need for unmanned aerial surveillance vehicles” as part of a new Defence White Paper, a reversal on its previous promise to fast track such an acquisition.

“The acquisition of unmanned aerial vehicles will be dependent on the advice of the Chief of the Defence Force and service chiefs, as well as a clear cost-benefit assessment that demonstrates the value of these aircraft,” the Coalition’s Defence policy document reads.

“We believe there is merit in acquiring new state-of-the-art unmanned aerial vehicles – such as the Triton or equivalent capability. Australia lost its pre-eminent position in the Triton program and delivery schedule because of Labor’s ill thought-out decision in 2009 to delay this program [AIR 7000 Phase 1B] to 2022-23.”

James Fisher Defence (JFD), the leading global sub-sea rescue, operations and engineering company, today announced the launch of its new range of Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs) known as The SEAL Pod.

The launch further strengthens its Special Operations division as well as the breadth of products and solutions the company provides to covert operations markets, including special forces, law enforcement, counter-terrorism, maritime protection and mine countermeasures.  The launch of The SEAL Pod is a result of JFD’s partnership with Swedish company DCE AB, a leading consultancy and manufacturer of specialist marine crafts.

The SEAL Pod vehicles are surface or sub-sea craft, each optimised for a particular deployment method or mission profile and can be provided in a number of configurations:

• SEAL Carrier: Launched from a surface ship, SEAL Carrier vehicles transit at speeds greater than 30 kts on the surface before switching to submerged mode for a covert final approach.  Surface propulsion is provided by an on-board diesel engine and water-jet. Submerged propulsion is delivered by an electric motor and thruster arrangement.  SEAL Carrier vehicles can also be airdropped from fixed-wing aircraft. SEAL Carrier is controlled by two personnel; a Pilot and a Navigator, and can be used for mission profiles including; delivery of a 6-man combat team; host platform for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles; remotely operated weapons platform, harbour patrol vessel, rapid-response anti-piracy craft; and mine countermeasure operations.  A smaller version of SEAL Carrier is also available, called Smart Seal.  The export of Smart SEAL does not require an export license.

• Sub SEAL: Sub SEAL vehicles are primarily launched from a hangar attached to the casing of a submarine and are operated fully submerged, at depths of up to 30m for the duration of a mission. The vehicles may approach, or break the surface for communication or reconnaissance purposes. Lithium Polymer batteries and a vectored-thruster arrangement provide the power, which enables sprint speeds of greater than seven kts, and a range of over 70 km.  Sub SEAL vehicles may also be deployed by surface craft or rotary-wing aircraft.  Sub SEAL is controlled by two personnel; a Pilot and a Navigator, and can be used for mission profiles including; delivery of a 6-man combat team; host platform for littoral survey package; electronic warfare of reconnaissance platform; port and estuary security; and mine countermeasure operations.

• Torpedo SEAL: Torpedo SEAL transits within a NATO-standard torpedo tube. Once removed from the tube, Torpedo SEAL is fully extended and ready for use.  It is then able to transport two divers and equipment, fully submerged, over a range of 7.5 nm.  Torpedo SEAL can also be easily stowed within the multi-purpose tubes being integrated into future submarine designs, or beneath the outer casing of the submarine. Torpedo SEAL is controlled by a single pilot and can also accommodate one passenger and equipment. Torpedo SEAL can be used for mission profiles including; extending the operating range of a combat team; underwater survey and reconnaissance; delivery of explosive ordnance; counter narcotics and harbour patrol; and mine countermeasure operations.

The UK has signed a contract for the naval MBDA Sea Ceptor air defence missile, UK Defence Secretary Philip Hammond announced at DSEI 2013 on 10 September.

In total the order is worth some GBP250 million (USD391.7 million), and will provide a new short-range surface-to-air missile capability for the UK Royal Navy's (RN's) Type 23 frigates, and future Type 26 Global Combat Ships (GCS).

Capable of travelling at speeds of more than 2,000 miles per hour, it will be able to intercept multiple targets and protect an area out to a range of 25 kilometres.

It will complement the longer range Sea Viper system on the Type 45 destroyers, providing the Royal Navy with a full range of missile systems to defeat current and future threats.

Speaking at the Defence and Security Equipment International exhibition at London’s ExCeL Centre, Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said the contract to manufacture Sea Ceptor will sustain around 250 jobs at MBDA sites in Stevenage, Filton and Lostock.

It is also estimated that a further 250 jobs will be secured in companies in the supply chain.

The contract was placed, Hammond stated during his keynote event on the first day of DSEI, after the completion of the assessment phase of the CAMM programme. In January 2012 the UK had announced the launch of a five-year demonstration phase for the Sea Ceptor programme.

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – An Iranian military official said the Navy has set up a project to install an advanced phased array radar system on one of its locally-manufactured destroyers in the near future.“The phased array radar with very long range, dubbed ‘Asr’ (era), is at the test stage and will soon be installed on one of the navy’s destroyers,” Head of the Iranian Navy's Industrial Research and Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organization Rear Admiral Ali Gholamzadeh told reporters on Tuesday.Iran is now using the most recent achievements in the sphere of radars and smart systems.

Among the new achievements is a modern radar system dubbed the Rejal (men), which is said to be capable of detecting, tracking and processing nearly 100 targets simultaneously.

Some other domestically-developed systems are the Rafee (lofty) – a modern digital altimeter - and ‘Passive’ radar system, as well as locally-developed phased array radar systems.

New passive phased array radars are capable of detecting stealth targets and cruise missiles.

Iran has, on different occasions, announced that its military might is in line with the country's defense doctrine of deterrence and poses no threat to other countries.

INS Vikramaditya will be handed over to the Indian Navy on November 15 at a formal ceremony in the Russian northern seaport of Severodvinsk on the White Sea.

The delivery date was confirmed at talks Defence Secretary R.K. Mathur held in Moscow on Monday, according to informed sources.

A high-level Indian defence delegation paid a one-day visit to Moscow to prepare an annual session of the Indo-Russian Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation that will meet in Russia next month under the chair of the two Defence Ministers.

The upgraded and retrofitted aircraft carrier is now completing sea trials and is expected to return to the Sevmash Shipyard in Severodvinsk in the next few weeks.

The ship was to be delivered last December, but failed the sea trials after its boilers and some other systems malfunctioned. This time, all systems performed flawlessly, including daytime and night takeoff and landings by MiG-29K deck fighter planes, the sources said.

The sides were tight-lipped on the issue of India acquiring a second nuclear submarine from Russia, but the sources confirmed that Moscow was willing to lease another Akula class submarine if India paid for completing its construction. The submarine has been lying half-built at the Amur Shipyard in the Russian Far East since it was mothballed in the 1990s for lack of funds.

On the recent accident in which INS Sindhurakshak sank after rocked by explosions, the Russian side agreed to provide expert assistance for raising the submarine and carrying out its technical inspection.

Russia will also beef up its team of 100 engineers, now deployed in Vishakhapatnam in order to speed up midterm repairs to INS Sindhudhvaj and INS Sindhushashtra. The Russian side also offered to have two more Indian Navy Kilo class submarines undergo midterm repairs in Russia, the sources said.

In reviewing progress of the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft, the sides noted with satisfaction the completion of preliminary design phase earlier this year. It is hoped that a contract for detailed design could be signed before the end of the year if the sides sort out the issue of costs.

The US Navy will commission its tenth Virginia-class attack submarine, USS Minnesota (SSN 783), during a ceremony on 7 September at the naval station Norfolk, Virginia, US.

Named to honour the residents of Minnesota for their continued support of the US military, the submarine was christened in 2012 and delivered to the navy in June 2013, 11 months ahead of schedule.

Submarine group two commander, Rear Admiral Ken Perry, said: "[Commanding Officer] Capt. John Fancher and his team have literally from stem to stern worked the combat systems, nuclear propulsion plant, logistics and culinary service."

The USS Minnesota, which began construction in February 2008, was built by General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) in Virginia.

Designed as an advanced stealth multi-mission nuclear-powered boat, submarine can conduct missions that include anti-submarine, anti-surface ship, strike, special operation forces, irregular and mine warfare, as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

The submarines feature AN/WLY-1 acoustic countermeasures system and mast-mounted AN/BLQ-10 electronic support measures (ESM) systems to provide full-spectrum radar processing, automatic threat warning and situation assessment.

Developed for deep ocean anti-submarine warfare and littoral or shallow water operations, the 377ft-long advanced stealth multimission nuclear-powered submarines can cruise at a submerged speed of 25k while carrying a crew of 134.

In addition, the submarine features a fly-by-wire ship control system to enhance ship handling in shallow water, as well as larger lock-in/lock-out chamber and a reconfigurable torpedo room to support special operations forces and their equipment.

MOSCOW, September 4 (RIA Novosti) – The Russian Defense Ministry has announced a tender for the delivery of a fuel tanker with a maximum contract price of 3.08 billion rubles ($90 million).

The Project 23130 medium-sized tanker will be designed to store and transport fuel as well as dry cargo, and provide support to surface ships and submarines in peace time and in wartime, the Defense Ministry’s procurements arm said in a press release.

The tanker should be 130 meters long, 21 meters wide and have a displacement of 14,000 tons. It should have a range of no less than 8,000 nautical miles, a cruising capacity of 60 days before refueling and be operable by a crew of 24.

The tanker is to be delivered before October 2016. Bids will be accepted by September 24.