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India Expands Submarine Fleet Amid Rise in Regional Warship Activity

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India Expands Submarine Fleet Amid Rise in Regional Warship Activity

India Expands Naval Capabilities with New Submarine Fleet Amidst Rising Regional Tensions

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — In response to increasing naval activities by China and Pakistan in the Indian Ocean, India is significantly enhancing its maritime defense strategy by expanding its fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. The Indian government has approved an investment of 400 billion rupees (approximately US$4.8 billion) to develop a new class of attack submarines, known as SSNs (Submersible Ship Nuclear), planning to construct an initial two vessels with a total eventual goal of six.

Local reports indicate that over 90% of the materials used in the construction of these submarines will be sourced domestically, marking a pivotal shift towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing. These submarines are strategically designed to monitor Chinese maritime movements in critical areas such as the Malacca Strait, Gulf of Aden, and the Persian Gulf, regions where China’s naval presence has been steadily increasing since 2008 due to ongoing counter-piracy operations.

The new SSNs will be equipped with advanced combat capabilities, including torpedoes and BrahMos missiles, but it is anticipated that several years will pass before the first submarine, being constructed in Vishakhapatnam, is operational. Historically, India has relied on leasing submarines, notably from Russia, with plans to possibly lease another Akula-class submarine by 2028 as an interim measure.

In addition to the attack submarines, India is actively investing in its nuclear deterrent through the construction of ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). The recent commissioning of the INS Arighaat, a 6,000-ton SSBN, in Visakhapatnam marks a milestone as India’s second SSBN following the INS Arihant, which entered service in 2016.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of strengthening India’s military capabilities, stating, “Today, India is surging ahead to become a developed country. It’s essential for us to develop rapidly in every field, including defense, especially in today’s geopolitical scenario." He added that these advancements will bolster India’s nuclear triad and contribute to regional stability.

The INS Arighaat, which took 15 years to build, signifies technological advancements over its predecessor, Arihant. While details of the vessel remain closely guarded, reports suggest enhancements in missile capacity, internal design, and propulsion systems, reflecting significant progress in India’s indigenous submarine technology.

Future developments include a third SSBN, set to be commissioned in 2025, and the recent launch of a fourth SSBN, designated S4*, on October 16. These efforts collectively underscore India’s strategic commitment to fortifying its naval capabilities and asserting its deterrent posture in an increasingly complex security landscape.

As India navigates the challenges posed by regional dynamics, its investments in advanced naval assets underscore a broader ambition to enhance its defense capabilities and maintain national interests across the Indian Ocean and beyond.

Report: Portugal Set to Acquire Thales RapidRanger Air Defense Systems

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Report: Portugal Set to Acquire Thales RapidRanger Air Defense Systems

Portugal Selects Thales’ RapidRanger as New Short-Range Air Defense System

Lisbon, Portugal – In a significant move to bolster its military capabilities, Portugal has officially selected Thales’ RapidRanger as its new short-range air defense system. The announcement was made via the Portuguese army’s Instagram account by Captain Filipe Gonçalves, where the RapidRanger was showcased alongside other advanced systems such as the Thales-developed STARStreak and Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM).

This decision follows a year-long tender process aimed at upgrading Portugal’s anti-aircraft artillery systems. The RapidRanger is a sophisticated, vehicle-mounted automated defense solution designed to swiftly identify and counter air and ground threats. This versatile system can be installed on various armored vehicles and is equipped to fire both the STARStreak and LMM missiles.

Key features of the RapidRanger include advanced day and night cameras, thermal imaging capabilities, a 360-degree surveillance sensor, and an automatic target tracker, allowing it to detect and respond to threats effectively. The system boasts a target detection range of up to 15 kilometers (9 miles) and an engagement range of up to 7 kilometers (4 miles).

Portugal’s commitment to modernizing its military is underscored by the introduction of the Military Programming Law in 2023, which outlines comprehensive measures to enhance the armed forces. The law includes a significant public investment budget of 5.57 billion euros ($5.96 billion) aimed at upgrading land, maritime, air, cyber, and space capabilities through 2034.

In line with these modernization efforts, Portugal recently signed a framework agreement for the procurement of 36 Caesar NG self-propelled howitzers from France, further enhancing its interoperability with NATO forces. Additionally, the Portuguese air force received its second KC-390 multi-mission aircraft from Embraer earlier this month, with three more expected by 2027.

As Portugal continues to invest in its military infrastructure, the acquisition of the RapidRanger signifies a pivotal step in strengthening national defense and preparedness against evolving security challenges.

8,000 North Korean Soldiers Expected to Enter Ukraine Conflict Soon

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8,000 North Korean Soldiers Expected to Enter Ukraine Conflict Soon

North Korean Troops Deploy to Russia as Tensions Rise Over Ukraine Conflict

Kursk, Russia – In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, approximately 8,000 North Korean troops have recently been deployed to the western region of Kursk. Senior U.S. officials reported on Thursday that these units, having arrived just weeks ago, are set to engage in combat alongside Russian forces against Ukraine.

According to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, these troops have undergone training in coordination with the Russian military, focusing on infantry operations, artillery use, drone tactics, and trench warfare. Reports indicate that some North Korean personnel have been issued Russian uniforms and equipment in preparation for their deployment.

Anticipated Combat Engagements

While U.S. officials have yet to observe the North Korean troops in active combat, Blinken expressed expectation that their involvement in the conflict would commence imminently. He made these comments during a press briefing alongside U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and their South Korean counterparts.

The situation remains dire for Ukraine, as Russian forces continue to suffer heavy casualties, with Austin citing an average of 1,250 daily. Despite these losses, he noted that Russia has been gaining territory at an accelerated pace. He asserted that the influx of North Korean troops would further strain Ukraine’s defensive lines, though he maintained that Ukraine could still hold its ground.

"This 10,000 won’t come close to replacing the numbers that the Russians have lost," Austin warned, suggesting that the continued heavy casualties could limit the effectiveness of reinforcements.

Continued Military Support and U.S. Response

As the conflict intensifies, the United States is preparing to announce additional security assistance for Ukraine, building on the more than $60 billion already provided. Moreover, North Korea has played an active role in supporting Russia, supplying hundreds of thousands of munitions and over 1,000 missiles throughout the war.

During the press conference, South Korea’s defense minister revealed that North Korea is likely seeking further military and nuclear technology from Russia in exchange for its assistance. This has led to concerns about the implications for regional and global security.

With the U.S. lacking direct diplomatic relations with North Korea and faced with extensive sanctions on the regime, efforts to curb Pyongyang’s military contributions have proven challenging. Blinken indicated that U.S. officials have engaged with Chinese counterparts, urging them to exercise their influence to mitigate North Korean activities.

"They know well the concerns that we have and the expectation is that … they’ll use the influence that they have to work to curb these activities," Blinken stated, signaling hopes for international collaboration to address the evolving threat.

As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely, anticipating how these developments will impact the geopolitical landscape in the region.

Kraus Hamdani Lands $20 Million Contract to Manufacture UAS for U.S. Army

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Kraus Hamdani Lands $20 Million Contract to Manufacture UAS for U.S. Army

US Awards $20 Million Contract to Kraus Hamdani Aerospace for Innovative Unmanned Aerial Systems

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded a significant $20 million contract to California-based Kraus Hamdani Aerospace to produce and deliver unmanned aerial systems (UAS) as part of the Pentagon’s Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) program. The contract will see the deployment of Kraus’ K1000ULE UAS for the U.S. Army Pacific 1st Multi-Domain Task Force and the Joint Special Operations Command.

The K1000ULE UAS is designed to deliver advanced capabilities including Aerial Tier Network Extension, Electronic Warfare, and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), facilitating deep sensing and extensive communication capabilities over large distances.

“The APFIT award validates our learning from conflict areas across the globe and reinforces our commitment to delivering mature technology that provides our warfighter with an asymmetric advantage in modern warfare,” said Fatema Hamdani, CEO and Co-founder of Kraus Hamdani Aerospace.

This contract, one of the largest since the APFIT program was initiated in 2022, signifies a crucial step for the company, with CTO and co-founder Stefan Kraus indicating that the funding will enable rapid scaling of their manufacturing capabilities. “This award furthers our development in high endurance technologies while delivering critical capability to the US Army,” he remarked.

The K1000ULE is touted as the longest-endurance, fully electric, zero-emissions autonomous aircraft within the Group 2 UAS category. It boasts state-of-the-art features such as aerial-based full-motion video, electronic warfare, and comprehensive ISR capabilities. The UAS is powered by an AI-driven autonomous vehicle coordination system known as UpSwarm, which facilitates voice-and-data communication services.

The U.S. Army Pacific Command recognized the K1000ULE’s potential for deep reconnaissance and sensing during exercises and operations in 2022, ultimately leading to its sponsorship for APFIT.

The APFIT program is designed to expedite the transition of innovative technologies developed by small businesses and nontraditional defense contractors into production and operational use, exemplifying the U.S. military’s commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technology to maintain its strategic advantage.

Saab Secures $26 Million Contract to Boost British Army Training in Oman

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Saab Secures $26 Million Contract to Boost British Army Training in Oman

Saab Secures £20 Million Contract to Enhance British Army Training in Oman

Swedish defense giant Saab has announced the acquisition of an amended contract valued at £20 million ($26 million) aimed at expanding support for the British Army’s live training exercises in Oman.

Originally signed in April 2024, the Instrumented Live Training contract will see Saab provide advanced training and simulation equipment. Among the offerings is a high-fidelity system designed to effectively simulate combat scenarios and capture detailed performance data, enabling comprehensive reviews to enhance training outcomes.

This additional equipment will be seamlessly integrated into the British Ministry of Defence’s existing Tactical Engagement Simulation capability, ensuring continuity in training standards. Notably, the British Army’s system can be deployed not only in Oman but also in other regions. Saab’s simulation tools are compatible with NATO standards, which allows for integration with various international systems.

In addition to the sophisticated training equipment, Saab’s technicians will deliver training services throughout the deployment process and manage the Exercise Control environment. They will oversee the recorded data to provide objective measures of the training effectiveness.

Deliveries of the new systems are scheduled to commence in 2024 and continue into 2025.

Andy Fraser, Group Managing Director at Saab UK, expressed pride in supporting the British Army’s training initiatives both domestically and internationally. "Our focus on interoperability ensures smooth collaboration with the Royal Army of Oman and other key international allies," he stated.

Simon Pearce, Training and Simulation Systems Portfolio Leader for Defence Equipment & Support, highlighted the significance of this contract amendment in reinforcing the partnership between the British Army, the Royal Army of Oman, and Saab. He emphasized the commitment to delivering top-notch training solutions that meet the evolving demands of modern warfare and align with the goals of the Collective Training Transformation Programme.

US Navy Conducts First Launch of Naval Strike Missile from Destroyer

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US Navy Conducts First Launch of Naval Strike Missile from Destroyer

US Navy Successfully Demonstrates Naval Strike Missile Launch from Destroyer in Historic First

In a groundbreaking demonstration, the US Navy has successfully fired a Naval Strike Missile (NSM) from a destroyer for the first time, marking a significant advancement in naval warfare capabilities. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Fitzgerald launched the missile towards a decommissioned ship approximately 50 nautical miles away as part of the Rim of the Pacific 2024 exercise in Hawaii on July 18.

The NSM boasts an impressive range of over 100 nautical miles (180 kilometers), showcasing the US Navy’s commitment to enhancing its precision strike capabilities at sea. The successful launch follows a rapid nine-month integration process of the Over-the-Horizon Weapon System (OTH-WS) onto the USS Fitzgerald, which involved replacing the existing Harpoon anti-ship missile system. Traditionally, such integrations take about two years, demonstrating the efficiency and expertise of the team involved.

Eric Romero, customer advocate for OTH-WS at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Port Hueneme Division, lauded the team’s dedication. "We knew we were working on an aggressive schedule, but we had all the right personnel on the team to make sure we were successful in executing it," he remarked.

The OTH-WS system installed on the USS Fitzgerald comprises an operator interface console, the NSM itself, and a missile launching system, complete with a navigation adapter for compatibility with the destroyer. The ship is equipped with two missile launchers, each capable of holding four missiles.

A collective effort of nearly 20 organizations facilitated this monumental integration, involving five program offices, four warfare centers, and a dozen external entities. Todd Jenkins, platform integration lead with NSWC PHD, expressed optimism amidst challenges, stating, “We were expecting a great deal of roadblocks due to the compressed timeline, but everyone came together to accomplish this monumental event.”

Developed by Kongsberg and Raytheon, the NSM features a stealthy design that integrates a GPS-assisted inertial navigation system and a passive imaging infrared seeker, rendering it immune to radio frequency electronic warfare jamming. In contrast to the older Harpoon system, which uses an active infrared seeker and can be jammed, the NSM employs composite materials to enhance its stealth, flying in a sea-skimming mode to evade radar detection.

The NSM has already been integrated into approximately a dozen Independence-class littoral combat ships over the last five years and will also be part of the future armament for the Constellation-class frigates.

This historic milestone underlines the US Navy’s commitment to modernizing its fleet and enhancing its operational readiness in today’s complex maritime environment.

Australian Black Hawks Progressing Toward Initial Operational Capability

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Australian Black Hawks Progressing Toward Initial Operational Capability

Australian Army Prepares Black Hawk Helicopter Fleet for Operational Status

Sydney, Australia – The Australian Army is gearing up to achieve initial operational status for its Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter fleet, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s military capabilities. Since receiving its first batch of helicopters in August 2023, the Army has already logged over 1,400 flight hours, with soldiers and aviators engaging in extensive platform training, special operations, and first-of-class flight trials.

As training efforts continue through November, two additional Black Hawk helicopters are expected to arrive, further enhancing the operational readiness of the fleet. Ongoing aircraft testing and evaluation will occur alongside counter-terrorism training sessions taking place across the greater Sydney region.

The full fleet of 40 medium-lift helicopters, valued at 2.8 billion Australian dollars (approximately 1.9 billion USD), is expected to be delivered by the year 2030. This advanced fleet is anticipated to bolster the Army’s readiness to respond to domestic emergencies and security threats.

Major General Stephen Jobson, Commander of Army Aviation Command, emphasized the importance of this specialized training. "This complex training is vital in ensuring our soldiers and aviators are equipped to swiftly handle domestic emergencies and potential security situations," he stated.

In acknowledging the training activities, Major General Jobson also expressed gratitude towards the New South Wales community. "We thank the New South Wales community for their ongoing support and appreciate your patience while we conduct essential training that is critical to maintaining our world-class counter-terrorism response."

The progress in integrating the Black Hawk fleet signals a new chapter for the Australian Army, enhancing its capabilities as it prepares to address various operational challenges in the future.

Baykar to Incorporate EDGE Munitions into Unmanned Aerial Systems

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Baykar to Incorporate EDGE Munitions into Unmanned Aerial Systems

Baykar and EDGE Forge Strategic Partnership to Enhance Defense Capabilities

Istanbul, Turkey – In a significant move within the defense sector, Baykar and UAE-based EDGE have signed a cooperation agreement to integrate EDGE’s advanced guided munitions and payloads with Baykar’s unmanned aerial platforms. The partnership was formalized during the Saha Expo 2024, a prominent defense and aerospace exhibition held in Istanbul.

Under this agreement, Baykar will spearhead the integration efforts, while EDGE will provide essential technical support, including the design, manufacturing, and maintenance of the necessary equipment. An official press release from EDGE emphasized that the initiative is designed to meet the growing demands of the market swiftly and effectively, bolstering supply chain security and delivering high-performance solutions to customers.

The collaboration is already underway, with both organizations actively working to integrate EDGE’s Desert Sting DS-16 precision-guided munition with Baykar’s renowned Bayraktar TB2 drone. This latest development expands on an existing framework established in January, aimed at further enhancing integration capabilities.

Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, "By integrating our advanced solutions onto Baykar’s proven UAS platforms, we can respond swiftly to evolving market demands while further enhancing the capabilities we deliver to our customers.” He further highlighted the strategic importance of collaborating with established Turkish companies within the robust defense ecosystem.

EDGE’s munitions portfolio includes two variants of the Desert Sting: the DS-25 and DS-16, along with the RASH-3H. The DS-25 weighs 36 kilograms (79 pounds), while the DS-16, weighing 28 kilograms (62 pounds), is equipped with global navigation satellite systems and operates over a range of 15 kilometers (9.32 miles). It features a warhead weight of 12 kilograms (26.5 pounds). The RASH-3H, another advanced offering, weighs 33 kilograms and is capable of reaching speeds of 685 kilometers (425 miles) per hour, with a wingspan of 1.4 meters (4.59 feet) and a maximum altitude of 25,000 feet (7,620 meters).

As the global defense landscape continues to evolve, this partnership between Baykar and EDGE signifies a commitment to innovation and enhanced operational capabilities, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in addressing the demands of modern warfare.

Japan Set to Become Lockheed’s First International Customer for SEWIP

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Japan Set to Become Lockheed’s First International Customer for SEWIP

Lockheed Martin Secures $113 Million Contract for Electronic Warfare Systems in US and Japan

Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $113 million modified contract by the US Naval Sea Systems Command for the full-rate production of the Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP). This contract includes a foreign military sale that will see Japan acquire advanced electronic warfare systems used by the US Navy.

The deal marks a significant milestone as Japan becomes the first international partner to receive the SEWIP Block 2 systems—the AN/SLQ-32(V)6 and AN/SLQ-32C(V)6—enhancing its defense capabilities and interoperability with US forces. Lockheed Martin’s vice president of Spectrum Convergence, Deon Viergutz, emphasized the importance of this first purchase in Japan, stating it will bolster a global network of electronic surveillance, helping US and allied forces to stay ahead of emerging threats.

Work on the systems will be conducted in Liverpool, New York, and Lansdale, Pennsylvania, with an anticipated completion date set for October 2026.

The SEWIP program, initiated by the US Navy in 2002, serves to modernize the AN/SLQ-32 electronic warfare suite installed on naval vessels. Each block upgrade enhances the system’s ability to protect surface ships from various threats—including anti-ship missiles and radar jamming—by providing vital threat detection, analysis, and warnings.

Currently, there are three upgrades completed, with a fourth under development aimed at introducing advanced electro-optic and infrared capabilities. The SEWIP Block 1 upgrade, produced by General Dynamics, focused on electronic surveillance improvements, while the Block 2 enhancements from Lockheed Martin have upgraded the Electronic Support antenna and receiver, among others. Northrop Grumman has also delivered the Block 3 upgrade, which adds a non-kinetic electronic attack capability to neutralize threats.

As defense forces across the globe seek to enhance their technological edge in electronic warfare, this partnership between the US and Japan reflects a growing commitment to collaborative security measures in the face of contemporary threats.

US Completes Maintenance on Marine Corps Harrier II Fighter Jets

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US Completes Maintenance on Marine Corps Harrier II Fighter Jets

Fleet Readiness Center East Completes Final Sustainment Work for AV-8B Harrier II Aircraft Ahead of Retirement

CHERRY POINT, NC — The Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) has successfully completed its final sustainment work on the US Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier II ground attack aircraft, wrapping up operations two years ahead of the fleet’s planned retirement. This milestone was marked during an informal ceremony that featured the delivery of the aircraft to Marine Attack Squadron 223 at Air Station Cherry Point, where the squadron manages fixed-wing combat aircraft operations.

The maintenance performed by the North Carolina-based FRCE is part of its extensive technical support, repair, and overhaul coverage for various naval and expeditionary aviation assets. The AV-8B Harrier II has a storied history, having reached operational capability in 1971; it is now being succeeded by the F-35 Lightning II, a fifth-generation fighter jet that has been in service since 2015.

“It’s an honor to lead a facility with such a remarkable legacy,” stated FRCE Commanding Officer Capt. Randy Berti. He acknowledged the significance of the Harrier program, which has been supported by the center for nearly five decades for both the Marine Corps and allied nations. “Our AV-8 platform’s success is directly attributed to the hard work and dedication of multiple generations of FRC East employees. I am proud of all this team has accomplished throughout the years and I look forward to what’s next,” he added.

As the Marines transition away from the AV-8B, FRCE is committed to continuing its support for other platforms, particularly the new F-35 fleet. “We must evolve by improving our technology and tactics,” emphasized FRCE Aircraft Overhaul and Repair Supervisor Mike Stewart. He noted that the F-35 represents a significant technological advancement, enabling the military to maintain its edge in modern warfare.

“Although the AV-8 is a great aircraft, it has served its purpose. It’s time to move on to the newer weapons platforms with more capabilities,” Stewart stated, underscoring the necessity of modernization within the armed forces.

FRCE stands as the largest sustainment hub in North Carolina, generating over $1 billion in revenue annually and employing approximately 4,000 military, civilian, and contract personnel.

Developed by McDonnell Douglas, the AV-8B Harrier II is designed for intermediate-range interception, attack missions, and close air support. Its specifications include an airframe length of 46 feet and a wingspan of 30 feet, with a powerful Rolls-Royce Pegasus engine capable of reaching a top speed of 673 miles per hour and a range of 1,400 miles. With its advanced arsenal—featuring rotary cannons, precision rockets, and various missile types—the Harrier II has played a vital role in military operations for decades.

As the fleet nears its final chapter, FRCE’s commitment to technological advancement and support for evolving aviation needs assures that the legacy of the Harrier II will endure, paving the way for the future.