Morpho Detection, Inc., société de l’activité Sécurité du groupe Safran, annonce ce jour la signature d’un contrat d’une [...]]]> PRESSE/Newark, Californie, le 18 février 2010
Le contrat passé avec l’Autorité des Aéroports d’Israël (IAA) prévoit d’utiliser le système de détection d’explosifs le plus avancé du marché lors des contrôles de bagages enregistrés effectués dans les aéroports du pays.

Morpho Detection, Inc., société de l’activité Sécurité du groupe Safran, annonce ce jour la signature d’un contrat d’une valeur de 50 millions de dollars avec l’IAA pour la fourniture d’un « Système de Systèmes », la solution la plus sophistiquée du marché pour la détection d’explosifs (EDS) à l’intérieur des bagages.

Le Système proposé par Morpho Detection est une solution entièrement intégrée composée d’un système de détection d’explosifs XRD 3500™ à diffraction par rayons X et d’un ou plusieurs systèmes CTX 9000 DSi™de détection d’explosifs par tomographie assistée par ordinateur.

« L’IAA est l’un des leaders pour l’adoption de méthodes de sécurité novatrices visant à assurer une meilleure protection des voyageurs. C’est un honneur pour Morpho Detection d’aider cette autorité à relever les défis liés au contrôle des bagages », déclare Dennis Cooke, Président et CEO de Morpho Detection, Inc. « Avec son Système de Systèmes, Morpho Detection démontre une nouvelle fois sa volonté de développer les technologies les plus avancées pour aider les aéroports du monde entier à relever les défis actuels liés à la sécurité ».

« Assurer la sécurité de chacun des passagers qui empruntent nos aéroports constitue notre priorité absolue », déclare pour sa part Shmuel Kandel, Directeur général de l’Aéroport international Ben-Gourion de Tel Aviv. « La solution proposée par Morpho Detection nous permettra d’améliorer l’efficacité et les performances des mesures que nous mettons en œuvre pour contrôler les bagages de soute tout en augmentant la sécurité des passagers ».

L’utilisation combinée de technologies de diffraction par rayons X (XRD) et de tomographie assistée par ordinateur (CT) assure un niveau de détection hors pair et permet aux autorités aéroportuaires d’accroître la sécurité, de réduire les coûts et d’améliorer les conditions de voyage des passagers en réduisant de façon significative le nombre de fausses alarmes et des contrôles manuels de bagages qui en résultent.

Pour tout complément d’information concernant le Système de Systèmes ou tout autre produit de Morpho Detection, visitez le site www.morphodetection.com.

Morpho Detection
Morpho Detection, société de Sagem Sécurité (groupe Safran), est l’un des premiers fournisseurs de systèmes de détection d’explosifs et de narcotiques pour les agences gouvernementales, les installations de transport aérien et terrestre, les infrastructures critiques dans le secteur de l’énergie et autres sites à risques, ainsi que pour les complexes militaires. Morpho Detection regroupe des technologies de détection de traces, de tomographie assistée par ordinateur, de diffraction par rayons X et de spectroscopie par rayons X et Raman au sein d’une offre commerciale unique, dont la vocation est de contribuer à la précision, à la productivité et à l’efficacité d’un large éventail d’activités de sécurité. Morpho Detection aide ses clients à protéger les hommes, leurs actifs et leurs communautés. Sagem Sécurité a acquis l’activité Homeland Protection de GE en septembre 2009.
CONTACT SAFRANSteve Hill
Morpho Detection Inc.
Tel : +1-503-705-4172
steve.hill@morphodetection.com

Caroline Coudert
Sagem Sécurité
Tél : + 33 1 58 11 19 47
caroline.coudert@sagem.com

« BAE Systems has again delivered a strong set of financial results. Our well-defined and proven global strategy is serving the business and our shareholders well. These results show growth underpinned by a strong balance sheet and a record order book. With [...]]]> BAE Systems 18 Feb 2010 | Ref. 039/20
Strong performance as proven strategy continues to deliver

« BAE Systems has again delivered a strong set of financial results. Our well-defined and proven global strategy is serving the business and our shareholders well. These results show growth underpinned by a strong balance sheet and a record order book. With our broad international business, and with opportunities to further develop our position in the key growth areas of combat aircraft, Readiness and Sustainment and security, we have a strategy focused on long-term sustainable growth.

« BAE Systems is a broadly-based and resilient business with a large order book, agile in developing the business and adapting its capabilities in anticipation of changing requirements. »

Ian King, Chief Executive BAE Systems

 HIGHLIGHTS
Strong results reflect continued progress of Group strategy

Headline sales up 21% to £22.4bn
Underlying EBITA up 17% to £2,220m
Underlying earnings per share up 9.7% to 40.7p
Dividend up 10% to 16p
Record order book of £46.9bn
Strong balance sheet, net cash of £403m
Cashflow from operating activities at £2,232m
£500m market purchase of shares to commence

Well balanced global business

Broad geographic spread of business provides resilience
Addressing long-term sustainable markets by building local industrial positions
India identified as seventh home market
Wide portfolio of products and capabilities with many of the Group’s programmes subject to long-term contracts

Long-term sustainable performance

Good track record in delivering growth and value to shareholders
Focus on driving performance and efficiency in the business
Agile in developing the business, adapting capabilities in anticipation of changing requirements
BAE Systems has evolved to become of the world’s leading defence companies and is well positioned to weather the pressures in its global markets
Effective implementation of global strategy and recognition of the hard work of employees around the world – resulting in £567 of free shares for all employees

 About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is a global defence, security and aerospace company with approximately 107,000 employees worldwide. The Company delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. In 2009 BAE Systems reported sales of £22.4 billion (US$ 36.2 billion).

For further information, please contact:
Lindsay Walls, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0)1252 383074 Mob: +44 (0)7793427582
Lindsay.walls@baesystems.com

John Neilson, BAE Systems
Tel: + 44 (0) 1252 384795 Mob: + 44 (0)7802 337704
john.neilson@baesystems.com
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384719 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
24hr media hotline: + 44 (0) 7801 717739
www.baesystems.com

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md., February 17th, 2010 — Piloted by Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] F-35 Test Pilot Jeff Knowles, the third F-35B Lightning II short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) stealth fighter landed at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., today.

« Today, the third of our five STOVL test jets joined the [...]]]>

F-35B Lightning II STOVL

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md., February 17th, 2010 — Piloted by Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] F-35 Test Pilot Jeff Knowles, the third F-35B Lightning II short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) stealth fighter landed at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., today.

« Today, the third of our five STOVL test jets joined the F-35 fleet at the Test Center as our flight test program initiates the expansion of the F-35′s flight-sciences envelope, » said Tom Burbage, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and general manager of F-35 Program Integration. « Our focus remains on fielding the F-35′s tremendous capabilities to our warfighters, recapitalizing our nation’s aging fighter fleet, and meeting our commitments to the F-35 partner nations. »

The jet, known as BF-3, took off near Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth plant at 9:51 a.m. CST and arrived at NAS Patuxent River three hours and 10 minutes later. BF-3 joins two other F-35Bs at the Navy test site, and will be used mainly to evaluate vehicle systems and expand the aircraft’s aerodynamic and structural-loads envelope. The airplane will also focus on weapons testing, and will carry and release most of the weapons the F-35B will use in combat. Two more F-35Bs will join the test operation in the near future. The latter airplanes will be the primary test assets for the F-35’s integrated mission systems.

In addition to flight testing, the F-35 Program is using the Autonomic Logistic Information System (ALIS) for maintenance actions, spares tracking and technical data support.ALIS is part of the F-35’s innovative sustainment architecture monitored by the F-35 Autonomic Logistics Global Sustainment (ALGS) Operations Center in Fort Worth. The early deploymentof the F-35 net-enabled logistics system to be used by all nine partner countries helps ensure the F-35′s smooth transition to operational status, and is a key enabler for lower life cycle costs.

The F-35 Lightning II is a 5th generation fighter, combining advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations, advanced sustainment, and lower operational and support costs. Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 with its principal industrial partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. Two separate, interchangeable F-35 engines are under development: the Pratt & Whitney F135 and the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team F136.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2009 sales of $45.2 billion.

 Media Contacts:

John R. Kent
Offiice: 817-763-3980
E-mail: john.r.kent@lmco.com

Chris Geisel
Office: 817-763-2643
E-mail christian.g.geisel@lmco.com

AGM mounted on a Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) chassis.

Krauss-Maffei Wegmann’s state-of-the-art artillery system solutions

defpro.com February 18, 2010 Emanating from the world’s most combat proven and effective tube artillery system, the Panzerhaubitze 2000 (PzH2000 self-propelled howitzer), Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) developed an independent artillery module, fully meeting current military requirements.

Accurate fire power is and remains an [...]]]>

AGM mounted on a Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) chassis.

Krauss-Maffei Wegmann’s state-of-the-art artillery system solutions

defpro.com February 18, 2010 Emanating from the world’s most combat proven and effective tube artillery system, the Panzerhaubitze 2000 (PzH2000 self-propelled howitzer), Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) developed an independent artillery module, fully meeting current military requirements.

Accurate fire power is and remains an important military requirement. In current conflicts such as in Afghanistan, the PzH2000 could prove that this system can be perfectly deployed in asymmetric combat theatres. During Operation Medusa and the Battle of Chora, the Dutch PzH2000 effectively supported coalition forces and eliminated targets up to a distance of 46 kilometres. Indirect fire support is and remains an important element in current, as well as in future conflict scenarios, and is an option that armed forces are less frequently prepared to abandon in operations abroad.

Requirement Profile

Current conflicts have proven that all future weapons systems will be expected to provide a high level of flexibility. In accordance with this new requirement and the profile of allied armed forces, the artillery system of the 21st century will need to have a high level of mobility, of independence for the integration onto various platforms, as well as of air-transportability with strategic transport aircraft such as the A400M. The next-generation artillery system is planned to be deployed for a variety of missions as a highly flexible fire-support component for the troops.

Further, this new requirement profile places high expectations on technology, as the desired flexibility comes along with a significant weight reduction which, however, may not affect performance or protection of the vehicle. KMW has successfully achieved this balancing act with its currently evaluated Artillery Gun Module (AGM).

Artillery Gun Module

The development of the 155 / L52 Artillery Gun Module has been closely aligned to the requirements of deployed troops and incorporates the logistical requirements of the new realities of military operations. The size and weight of the innovative artillery module allows rapid deployment and, hence, is qualified for evacuation operations, regionally limited peace-building missions or “show of force” scenarios. Dependent on the weight of the carrier vehicle, the AGM can be deployed by strategic airlift. This makes the AGM a suitable mobile mission component wherever close air support or heavy forces are not feasible, unavailable or too costly.

While being an independent 155mm/52-calibre artillery system, the AGM offers the identical performance parameters as the PzH2000 in terms of range and precision. With a range of up to 56 kilometres with full area coverage, and providing a level of precision which, by then, could not be conceived, the PzH2000 is the worldwide leading artillery system and is currently deployed with four NATO allies. So far, more than 330 systems have been produced and delivered by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. The mission spectrum of the AGM ranges from conventional artillery fire support to the use of C-RAM systems (Counter Rocket, Artillery and Mortar).

KMW has successfully integrated these performance parameters into a compact Artillery Gun Module. The module is designed to be fully platform independent by integrating the fully automated propellant charge magazine and loading device, including a total stock of 30 rounds, into the module. The electrically driven and digitally controlled round loading system provides the fully automated loading of the gun. Additionally, a revolutionary propellant charge magazine and loading system has been developed to accomplish a completely automated firing sequence for the AGM.

With a firing rate of six rounds per minute, the modular charges are being controlled by the on-board computer, loaded from the magazine chambers into the gun chamber by the round carrier and, subsequently, fired.

Automated Loading of Propellant Charges

The conceptual key element of the AGM is the newly developed automated propellant charge loading systems. It enables an uncrewed-operation of the weapon system and, thereby, provides platform independence. Due to the automated charge loading system, the charges do not have to be loaded manually and, therefore, only requires a driver and the gunner for the handling of the weapon system. The reduction of required personnel, compared to conventional artillery systems, increases the safety of the crew, as no crew member is exposed to the gun or loading system during combat operations.

The round magazine in the front section of the module is arranged in a circle around the round carrier and consists of several chambers in which the rounds are positioned upright. The position of each round is assigned and managed by the on-board computer. The round carrier automatically loads and extracts the rounds from the magazine chambers.

The position of the individual rounds is assigned and managed by the on-board computer. The round carrier loads and extracts these rounds from the magazine chambers. Further, the modular propellant charges are prepared according to the fire mission and loaded into the chamber after the round has been rammed in.

First Development Stages

The first prototype of the AGM was completed in 2004. The Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) platform was chosen as the carrier vehicles and was prepared for the integration of the AGM by integrating a pivot bearing on the chassis and by further minor modifications.

The first test firing in September 2004 validated the stability and ability of the chassis as well as of the module to withstand the strain. 79 rounds were successfully fired in direct succession during this live firing test. Further tests proved the system’s full stability throughout the entire operational arc of the system (Azimuth: 6400, Elevation: 0 to +1150n). Firing from a mobile position also accomplished the desired targeting precision and performance of the PzH2000.

Additional developments in the automation resulted in a second AGM demonstrator, which was equipped with the new automated propellant charge loading system. Also, the operating interface, as well as the fire control system and other control components, have been completely renewed and adjusted to meet state-of-the-art demands. The variable elevated body of the weapon system has also been newly developed in order to reduce the overall weight of the module and, thereby, create more flexibility. Furthermore, an automated sealing actuator has been installed in the weapon system.

During the live-firing tests in April/May 2006, the AGM Demonstrator 2 successfully validated the fully automated loading sequence as well as the propellant charge loading operation. Furthermore, the automation of the round and propellant charge selection, as well as the individual fuse programming, proved their worth. The required parameters have all been met: a firing rate of 3 rounds in 15 seconds and 6 rounds in 60 seconds have been achieved in the fully automated operation. In different sequences, ten shots from each of the three DM72 modules have been fired within 139 seconds. Even the fully remote-controlled procedure has been successfully demonstrated.

The DONAR Project

After these successful tests, the management of General Dynamics Santa Bárbara Sistemas (GDSBS) and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann met on 21 December 2006 and discussed the feasibility of integrating the Artillery Gun Module onto the chassis of the ASCOD armoured fighting vehicle. Following a pre-investment study, the realisation of the project began in May 2007. Under the project name “DONAR”, the first prototype was completed in a very short time. In April 2008, GDSBS delivered the modified ASCOD chassis, onto which the KMW’s AGM was to be integrated. In May, first firing tests were carried out with DONAR and in June the system went on public display, for the first time, at the EUROSATORY trade show in Paris.

The DONAR armoured artillery system is a revolutionary further development of conventional artillery systems. Its low combat weight of 35 tonnes (20 tonnes less than the PzH2000) provides DONAR with a combat mobility which, so far, has not been achieved by any artillery system. With a turning radius of two metres along with a range of 500 kilometres, DONAR offers the mobility of a state-of-the-art armoured fighting vehicle.

The protection of the crew has been maximised to a high NATO standard, reaching level 3a/3b STANAG 4569 while featuring a low silhouette as well as enhanced cabin protection. With a level 1 STANAG 4569 protection, the AGM module offers the same level of protection as the turret of the PzH2000. Thereby the crew, as well as the system, is effectively protected against small arms fire and shell splinters from artillery and mortar munitions. All dimensions of the system correspond to the European tunnel standard and further allows easy transportation of the system by air or rail.

Platform Independence

The fully automated gun laying system and loading system enables a remote-controlled firing operation throughout the weapon system’s entire operational arc. Due to this characteristic, and the low gross weight of 12 tonnes, the AGM can be integrated as an independent module onto a variety of platforms.

Currently, the AGM is successfully integrated in the DONAR project, jointly executed with General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS), as well as onto the MLRS platform. Besides these tracked carrier vehicles, the integration onto wheeled vehicles or on naval platforms, as well as its use as an autonomous ground module, can be implemented. KMW currently carries out concept studies for the integration of the AGM onto the chassis of the BOXER armoured fighting vehicle as well as of the PUMA infantry fighting vehicle.
 
  Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co KG (KMW)

Company or Organisation Portrait:
Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG leads the European market for armoured wheeled and tracked vehicles. At locations in Germany, Greece, the Netherlands and the USA, some 3400 employees develop, manufacture and support a unique product portfolio.

AIR FORCE

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., El Segundo, Calif., was awarded a $64,778,516 contract which will provide mission communication system upgrade on four C-32A aircraft and four C-40B aircraft. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 655 AESS/SYKA, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8625-10-C-6500).

Northrop Grumman Systems [...]]]> defpro.news  February 18, 2010 CONTRACTS

AIR FORCE

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., El Segundo, Calif., was awarded a $64,778,516 contract which will provide mission communication system upgrade on four C-32A aircraft and four C-40B aircraft. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 655 AESS/SYKA, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8625-10-C-6500).

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., El Segundo, Calif., was awarded a $46,213,411 contract which will provide the Heterogeneous Airborne Reconnaissance Team Program to develop technologies enabling mission-driven command and control of a heterogeneous team on uninhabited platforms for the conduct of coordinated urban operations. At this time, $9,304,633 has been obligated. AFRL/PKDB, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-10-C-7004).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Burlington Apparel Fabrics, Greensboro, N.C., is being awarded a maximum $9,210,552 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite quantity, total set-aside contract for khaki cloth. Other locations of performance are Raeford, N.C.; Cordova, N.C.; and Hurt, Va. Using service is the Navy. The proposal was originally solicited through Gateway with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Feb. 16, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity.

NAVY

General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, is being awarded a $7,921,004 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-2303) for long lead time material (LLTM) associated with the construction of DDG 1001. This contract provides LLTM general material of plate, shapes, and pipe to support DDG 1001 ship construction commencing in FY 10. The LLTM procured or manufactured for construction or installation in DDG 1001 under previously contract awarded contract (N00024-06-C-2303) is expected to be transferred with its associated costs to the as-yet-to-be-negotiated DDG 1001 ship construction contract. Work is expected to be performed in Bath, Maine (38 percent); Coatesville, Pa. (31 percent); and Burns Harbor, Ind. (31 percent). Work is expected to be completed by August 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

L-3 Communications, Menlo Park, Calif., is being awarded a $7,272,748 ceiling-priced order #7005 under previously awarded contract (N00383-06-G-072B) for the repair of items required to support the E-2C aircraft. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by February 2011. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively awarded. The Naval Inventory Control Point, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity.

Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Services, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $7,050,112 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-5215) for applied research in support of reliable acoustic path vertical line array (RAP VLA) sensor systems for distributed network systems (DNS). RAP VLA sensor systems for DNS advanced development efforts are intended to result in a deep water, bottom-mounted, high-grain sensor system that can automatically detect, classify, localize, track and report contacts of interest. Work will be performed in Arlington, Va. (40 percent); Riviera Beach, Fla. (30 percent); Greensboro, N.C. (25 percent); and Groton, Conn. (5 percent). Work is expected to be completed by April 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

 Company or Organisation Portrait:
U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)

Russia and Saudi Arabia are finalizing an array of agreements on the sale of Russian armored vehicles anti-aircraft systems and combat helicopters, a Russian defense industry official said on Monday.

« We are actively working along three lines – helicopters, armor and air-defense systems, » said Alexander Fomin, first deputy director of the [...]]]> NEW DELHI, February 15 (RIA Novosti)

Russia and Saudi Arabia are finalizing an array of agreements on the sale of Russian armored vehicles anti-aircraft systems and combat helicopters, a Russian defense industry official said on Monday.

« We are actively working along three lines – helicopters, armor and air-defense systems, » said Alexander Fomin, first deputy director of the Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation.

He added that several delegations from various branches of the Russian defense industry were negotiating with their Saudi partners.

« The negotiations are largely centered on prices. A contract has been drawn up. Our proposals are very specific, and our respected partners are considering them, » Fomin said.

Russian and foreign media earlier reported that Russia and Saudi Arabia were drafting an arms contract to a tune of $4-6 billion.

Several countries are considering creating their national anti-aircraft defense systems using solely Russian weapons, a spokesman for Russia’s leading interceptor missile producer said on Tuesday.

Speaking at an arms show in New Delhi, Almaz-Antei spokesman Yury Baikov said countries have shown interest in Russia’s S-400 Triumf (SA-21 Growler), S-300 Favorit, and [...]]]> NEW DELHI, February 16 (RIA Novosti)

Several countries are considering creating their national anti-aircraft defense systems using solely Russian weapons, a spokesman for Russia’s leading interceptor missile producer said on Tuesday.

Speaking at an arms show in New Delhi, Almaz-Antei spokesman Yury Baikov said countries have shown interest in Russia’s S-400 Triumf (SA-21 Growler), S-300 Favorit, and Tor and Buk missiles that could make up three sets of long-, short- and medium-range missiles needed for a national anti-aircraft system.

Baikov did not elaborate on the countries concerned.

The S-400 is believed to be able to destroy stealth aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles, and is effective at ranges up to 3,500 kilometers (2,200 miles) and speeds up to 4.8 kilometers (3 miles) per second.

« [Anti-aircraft] complexes produced by different countries are generally impossible to combine in a single defense system, and governments tend to buy weapons from one country, » Baikov said.

He said creating a national anti-aircraft defense system is a costly undertaking, and many countries prefer buying Russian complexes gradually.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin demanded the Russian armed forces be equipped with modern weapons during a government meeting to discuss Russia’s 2011-2020 military program late on Tuesday.

« The Army should have at least 30% modern weapons by 2015, and at least 70% by 2020. We are going to put the necessary [...]]]> MOSCOW, February 17 (RIA Novosti)

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin demanded the Russian armed forces be equipped with modern weapons during a government meeting to discuss Russia’s 2011-2020 military program late on Tuesday.

« The Army should have at least 30% modern weapons by 2015, and at least 70% by 2020. We are going to put the necessary finances behind this, » Putin said, adding that « ineffective expenses » would not be tolerated.

Putin’s statement comes after Russian military officials last week revealed plans to bring into service the first batch of its new fifth-generation stealth fighters in 2015.

Russia is currently in talks with France on the possible purchase of a Mistral-class warship, worth 400-500 million euros (around $600-$750 million).

« Essentially, we are talking about the timeframe, and what systems we should use to strengthen the Army and the Navy, » Putin said.

« In line with the plan to develop the armed forces, the main emphasis will be laid on nuclear deterrence, space and air defense systems, » he added.

Unmanned Air Systems (UAS), also refered to as Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV), have been an ever-growing part of Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) for decades. Both weaponized and unweaponized systems have been used extensively by different countries in both theaters of war: Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), [...]]]> Author: Jason Verdugo defenceiq.com  02/11/2010

Unmanned Air Systems (UAS), also refered to as Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV), have been an ever-growing part of Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) for decades. Both weaponized and unweaponized systems have been used extensively by different countries in both theaters of war: Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), since the beginning of the war in 2001. Soldiers on the ground and commanders at all levels use the information provided from these drones every day for intelligence analysis and tactical operations support.
An ever-more common occurrence (reported by the media and Pakistan) is the use of AGM-114 Hellfire missiles from the MQ-1 Predator or MQ-9 Reaper (note in designations; “M” refers to multi-role including carrying weapons, “Q” indicates unmanned air system and “R” refers to ISR). The troops on the ground and commanders claim they don’t have enough UAS assets; this fact is currently being addressed. Vast sums of funds have been allocated to procure UAS of all types. The Pentagon is doing its best to ensure that with the increase of UAS in the inventory, there will be ample personnel to operate and maintain the systems (includes spares and logistics) and analyst personnel (military and civilian, plus contractors) to process and compile the information provided by an ever-growing quantity of UAS. Because the military cannot keep up with the training of new personnel at the rate of procurement for new systems, contractors are now fulfilling more maintenance in theater.

Over the years the military and intelligence agencies have become more proficient and efficient in the use of UAS and getting their data to at least the higher commands. Local commanders have also benefited from immediate real-time data of their sectors, and have asked for more coverage. Industry responded with many choices, including the RQ-5/MQ-5 Hunter, RQ-7 Shadow and RQ-11 Raven. These smaller and cheaper UAS can provide ISR all the way down to element/squad level without having to wait in queue for the larger assets from higher command.

New developments include networking UAS data feeds to other manned aircraft such as the AH-64 Apache helicopter and ground command vehicles as well as command and control aircraft such as the E-2 Hawkeye and E-3 Sentry AWACS. There is also development in the area of providing direct UAS control to crew of the Apache, though there is a question of work and data overload for that crew.

Other issues are spectrum de-confliction, which is caused by the close proximity of different radio frequencies transmitting at different power levels affecting other hardware. This isn’t just an issue of one UAS conflicting with another UAS, this is across all communications bands. Certain conflicts are cell phones, hand held radios, datalink, remote detonators and other emitters and receivers within range and settings. These conflicts will intensify as more UAS enter theater and additional communications gear is provided to units and personnel.

Globally, the UAS is proliferating heavily, and its not just for militaries anymore. Local law enforcement are now able to acquire smaller UAS since the prices have come down and capabilities have gone up due to significant military investment establishing manufacturing infrastructure and expertise in design. As large companies purchase smaller companies, additional smaller companies will be created to either secure a niche market or increase competition in another saturated market further driving down costs and increasing availability of models and quantities. With these developments, where will the battlefield be in the future? Where will the global market be in the future? The UAS has and will continue to transform the way conflicts are resolved and indeed how we all will interact within our own umbrellas of local security.