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European Defence & Security Review

European Defence & Security Review (EDR) is the first magazine in English which focuses on defence issues from a European perspective. EDR is fully managed by well-known journalists specialised in defence.

« Back to the future for air-to-air missiles »

Publisher: Guillaume Belan Editor-in-Chief: Joseph Roukoz European Defence & Security Review (EDR) is published by European Defence Publishing SAS (ED Publishing) [email protected]

Regular contributors:

Gilles Ebbutt, Jean-Pierre Husson, Christina Mackenzie, André M. Mileski, Guillem Monsonis, Nikolay Novichkov, Frédéric Lert, David Oliver, Luca Peruzzi, David Saw, Mark Hunts, Johnny Keggler, Bharat Verma.

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Head office : 88 rue Philippe de Girard, 75018 Paris - France President: Guillaume Belan Main shareholders: Guillaume Belan, Joseph Roukoz, Jean-Pierre Husson Layout & Editing: UNICOMM 14 bis rue Augereau, 75007 Paris - Tél. : 01 43 17 31 31 Manager: Olivier Gaude Layout: Gabrielle Rosso

Editorial Preserving the idea of Europe Joseph Roukoz

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Back to the future for air-to-air missiles Luca Peruzzi

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Europe's armies have to keep pace with changing times and methods François Prins

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The utility helicopter is one of the most useful assets for armed forces around the world David Oliver

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Modernization of the turkey army: The major programs Thomas Withinghton

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Defence news p.45 Guillaume Belan EDR Subscription form

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Printed by Printcorp France Price per issue: 18 € / Yearly subscription: 97,00 € Cover page: Meteor Missile - MBDA Legal Deposit: October 2013 - ISSN: 2260-6467 Local Representatives: JSC STATUS Russia, Moscow, 119180, 4th Golutvinskiy row, 1/18, building 4 Phone: +7 495 585 05 39, +7 495 661 58 96 Email:[email protected]

EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

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Joseph Roukoz

Preserving the idea of Europe By Joseph Roukoz

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One of the most revealing evidence of Europe’s foreign policy weaknesses since the beginning of the 21st century has clearly been the Union’s reaction to the so-called Arab Springs. After failing to address the Tunisian crisis with the consensus of its member states, Europe failed to pick a side between the conservative Muslim brotherhood and the authoritarian army in Egypt.

Even the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, who usually refrains from commenting such decisions has clearly pinpointed the dangerous domino effect such an intervention could have on the country and in the Middle East if led without international consensus or at least strong evidence to justify it. One may really wonder what pushed French president François Hollande to undertake such a decision. Was it to give a powerful image of his country on the international scene to distinguish himself from his predecessor Nicolas Sarkozy? Was he trying to shift the media away from his countries domestic problems, such as increasing unemployment and insecurity? Was the French decision influenced by the major financial © Joseph Roukoz

Even in Libya, where France played a crucial military role to help topple Kaddafi, it seems like Europe turned its back on the country and failed to help it in its political transition… Except that a country cannot be treated with like a game, and the UE’s failure to agree divided Libya into three, a region controlled by the post-Kaddafi government, extremely conservative, corrupted and weak, a second region controlled by islamists, - the very same extremists that France fought against in Mali -, and finally, a third region completely torn out by tribal war.

consulting its European partners, of supporting a military intervention in Syria alongside the United States.

The last episode to be added on the list is the recent hullaballoo around the use of chemical weapons in Syria. Even before feeling the need to wait for the UN’s report on the extent of such use, or on the direct responsibility of the Assad regime in using the lethal weapons, France took the decision, without

L'A400M, the fruit of the European cooperation.

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editorial

Joseph Roukoz

©MBDA

This was the idea behind the Saint-Malo agreement between France and Britain in 1998. Unfortunately, that side of the agreement wasn’t always fructuous, given what followed, and most of all, it failed to expand to other European nations, most importantly Germany, who made it clear it doesn’t want to take the responsibility of a direct intervention in Syria. Berlin’s decision can be explained both by the fear of harming its trade relations with Russia and China, and also because of its own history.

Meteor Missile also a European Cooperation.

contracts, with Qatar at stake? This last option is not impossible, since the level of investments made by that extremely rich little country in France are no longer a secret for anyone. What is trickier though is that this little country also happens to be one of the most important financial supports of Syrian opposition, among which some suspiciously activist groups… We have no certainty on the matter. We know, however, that aside from being totally unpopular among French citizens, this decision was completely marginal on the international scene; France wasn’t even invited to the negotiations that took place between Russia and the United States to find a diplomatic solution to the Syrian crisis in preparation for the Geneva talks. This Dependence on Washington and Moscow reminds us in a way of 1956 Suez crisis. Of course, the context is very different; Europe is no longer the battlefield of a cold war between the US and the USSR. However, just like today, the US and the Soviet Union had blocked France (and England) in their hazardous Suez expedition alongside Israel, humiliating their diplomacy. Since then, and after the disastrous experience of the Bosnia war, France has been making many efforts to ensure Europe copes with situations where military force had to be used autonomously. 4

This lack of coherence is rather humiliating for Europe on the international scene because it appears that no European nation can lead a military action on its own. Of course, there was the recent French intervention in Mali at the call of the Malian government. The French political spectrum and citizens broadly supported this war, but under the rug, this operation was very revealing of the European absence of unity. Paris claimed it was helping Malian authorities clear out the north of country of islamist groups and that it was acting under international law. Now even though most European countries agree that the Islamist threat in Africa is a matter of concern for the entire continent, none of them really offered concrete help by sending combat troops or support on the field. In this war, France singlehandedly served as Europe’s army. We could argue that, of all the EU countries, France is one of the most active in worldwide deployment, but this isn’t the problem. The problem is at the political level, and taking action without the full consensus of European countries neither gives France any legitimacy on the longer term nor gives Europe any credibility in dealing with immediate threats. Europe’s founding fathers project revolved around the very simple idea of overcoming the deadly wars that had disfigured the continent by means of intensive cooperation. This cooperation would help create shared prosperity and promote growth among nations. And since wars were mainly caused by unequal economies and rivalries on resources, an integrated and unified Europe would have replaced old disagreements with a win-

EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

editoRIAL

Joseph Roukoz

European citizens, especially among the youth, seem to be deeply impacted by the progressive dismantling of this ideology in which they grew up and that they learned to trust. Polls and studies recently conducted in different parts of Europe basically reveal the same thing: The European Union may have declared 2013 the European Year of Citizens, most Europeans don’t see themselves as having a common identity, and their trust in a better Europe has almost hit rock bottom. That complete loss of interest of European citizens also has impacts in polls. Since the end of the cold war, populist parties in Europe have never been so successful, profiting from a growing economic frustration, and blaming Europe and its single currency for it. When analyzing the discourse of politicians, it is very interesting to notice that the European defense project only comes up at key political moments, as if the European project was an electoral adjustment variable. Angela Merkel hasn’t talked about it for months before her recent reelection and François Hollande only uses it as an excuse when he wants to elaborate his own international and domestic agenda. As a result, this withering climate is allowing other countries to thrive, such as the BRICs. Their economic development and their implementation around the globe have increased in a way that puts European economies to shame. Where does that leave the old continent? The European Union includes nuclear power states, Nations that are permanent members of the UN Security Council, and substantial military powers. These assets should be a source of strength in Europe’s interest and a motivation in building something even greater.

© Joseph Roukoz

win dynamic. Over time, this genuine concept of unity started to degrade at the economic level, probably because it never succeeded at the political one.

Tigre a European Helicopter can be the solution for the support of the European Land Army.

A strong European voice in the world today will certainly not come by the almighty will of Brussels, but rather by the effort of every single leadership on the continent that has the political will to weight on the international scene, and that really wishes to give itself the convenient military means to achieve that goal. Our stand today is to ask politicians not to forget that they have been elected to represent their population with political ethics. Europe is a necessity; it is a necessity in the face of the economic crisis, a necessity in the face of the many security challenges that are threatening European borders, whether East in the Caucasus or south with the Arab revolutions. Only a strong and unified Europe will help reinforce the feeling of solidarity and the sense of belonging in all generations, and fight the populism that has been constantly fueled by high unemployment rates and hard economic times. Only time will judge the ability of leaders to protect the very idea of a political Europe. Let’s just hope they are on the good side of History. <

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air-to-air missiles

Luca Peruzzi

Back to the future for air-to-air missiles

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By Luca Peruzzi At Le Bourget 2013 air show, defence representatives from Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, signed a contract between NETMA (NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency) and the Eurofighter team company, for the integration of MBDA’s ramjet-powered Meteor BVRAAM Typhoon combat aircraft. The new step toward the leading beyond visual range weapon system in terms of demonstrated advanced technology, should allow for a full aircraft/missile integration process to go forward and meet the latest in-service target, set for 2017 with Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft. The Meteor airborne © MBDA

The recent air operations in a potentially dangerous environment with more advanced aircraft and ground air defence systems, together with the number of air forces which want to enhance their air superiority capabilities with the acquisition of modern platforms or retrofitting of in-service combat aircraft, is revitalizing the interest towards air-to-air missiles as future threats emerge. However data sensor fusing, including the helmet mounted display systems, and the capability of these weapon systems to be part of the network is essential to the success of air superiority and defence operations.

MBDA Meteor BVRAAM being launched by Saab Gripen. EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

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developmental test programme accomplished 20 live firings between 2006 and 2012, when in July MBDA delivered the final performance statement for the Meteor weapon system for the assessment of the Meteor International Joint Programme Office (MIJPO), which is responsible for the programme management on behalf of six partner nations including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and UK. Although initially planned to be delivered to customers from the last quarter 2012, Sweden is today to receive the first seriesproduction missiles, having conducted two further Meteor firings identified as “full production-standard” rounds as part of its Gripen entry-into-service programme. Sweden plans to have the Meteor ready for its fleet of Gripen C/D fighters by 2015 integrated with next mission software standard, known as MS20. Due to the reprioritisation of work within the Eurofighter Typhoon capability expansion programme, the first Typhoon customer represented by UK is no longer pushing for the delivery of the new missile. In early this year, UK’s National Audit Office Major Project Report 2012 pushed back the British in-service date (ISD) from June 2015 to June 2017. However according to August edition of UK Ministry of Defence magazine Defence Focus, initial testing of the new missile is 2017 while entering into service is planned for 2018. The MBDA MICA EM and IR under Mirage 2000 wings. Meteor BVRAAM enhancement to Typhoon capabilities is part of the software package increment known such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and UAE. The third, as P2E, which will be followed by the planned or second, platform to integrate the missile, integration on the Dassault Aviation Rafale and then depending on contract postponements caused by Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth aircraft AESA radar adoption on board Eurofighter, will from the Block 4 software update. Moreover, other be the Rafale combat aircraft, which in addition potential customers of Meteor BVRAAM are the to the French air force and navy, could see more Middle East countries which are already, or are customer export deals such as in India. The latest willing to become, Typhoon or Rafale operators, round of talks about the planned integration of 8

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© MBDA

air-to-air missiles

air-to-air missiles

Luca Peruzzi

European weapon systems, including the Meteor and short-range AAM ASRAAM, into the F-35 mission system, have been conducted recently by Italian and UK customers in occasion of DSEI, and will continue in the future. Characterized by a solid fuel variable flow-ducted rocket (ramjet) and a navigation and guidance system, including an inertial mid-course with a twoway data link, active RF seeker derived from Aster and MICA models providing all together, according to MBDA, the largest No-Escape Zone and all-weather capabilities compared to other BVRAAMs. Meteor is to revolutionize the concept of operations of air combat missions.

© Eurofighter

MBDA maintains a strong hold in the mediumlong range AAMs sector, and is expected to continue with the Common Anti-Air Module Missile (CAMM) programme, which has so far

evolved in firm-order from UK and selected by New Zealand MoD for naval applications, as well as the latest development according to France’s 2013 defence White Paper, which has set a surprise requirement for a successor to the Missile d’Interception de Combat et d’Autodéfense or MICA. In January 2012, the Indian Ministry of Defence signed a contract for the procurement of 493 MICA AAM for Indian air force’s 51 Mirage 2000H, which are to be upgraded under a deal signed in 2011 with French companies Thales and Dassault Aviation. The latter will modernise the in-service aircraft to a Mirage 2000-9 standards according to a programme, which is expected to be completed within 2021. With more than 3000 rounds sold to seven countries, MICA is unique among Western AAMs as it is built in two versions: the dual waveband imaging infrared (IR)-guided MICA IR and the active-guided MICA EM.

Diehl BGT Defence IRIS-T under Typhoon wing. EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

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air-to-air missiles © USAF

Luca Peruzzi

Raytheon AIM-120D during trails with LM F-22 Raptor. An AIM-120D is being loaded on an F-22 Raptor during the development and trails phase.

Being operable with or without data link target designation updating, according to MBDA, MICA family mix offers BVR multi-target/multi-shoot; enhance short range and maximum flexibility for multi-role/swing-role aircraft. With a 3.1 m length, 112 kg weight, the thrust-vectoring control (VTC) provides an unusual combination of BVR and close combat capability in the same missile. In a surprise move last April, the French’s 2013 Defence White Paper unveiled the requirement for a successor to the MICA, signalling an intention to develop a new missile to satisfy short-to-medium range air combat roles, a request which hasn’t been seen as a pressing requirement. In the short-range air-to-air missile arena, European industry maintains an important production represented by IRIS-T (Infra-Red Imaging System Tail/Thrust Vector-Controlled) and Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) system. Developed by a six-nation 10

consortium with Germany as lead nation and Diehl BGT Defence as prime contractor, together with companies from Greece, Italy, Norway, Spain and Sweden, the IRIS-T has obtained export success, being not only adopted by three of the Eurofighter consortium countries, including Germany, Italy and Spain for the Typhoon, Sweden for the Saab Gripen and Norway and Greece for their Lockheed Martin F-16 platforms, but also by Austria and Saudi Arabia for the European consortium aircraft, and South Africa and Thailand for their Gripens. Entered into series production in 2005, according to German-lead consortium, IRIS-T is a totally new short range air-to-air missile which capabilities are fully exploited with a helmet mounted cueing system (HMCS) thanks to an imaging IR seeker, dogfight optimised rocket motor, wings, and a combined aerodynamic and thrust vector control. The seeker assisted radar proximity fuse and the large warhead give the missile a remarkable antimissile capability while predictive flight path

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Luca Peruzzi

using innovative body lift technology coupled with tail control. ASRAAM provides the pilot with the ability to effectively engage targets from gun range to near Beyond Visual Range, reports MBDA. The pilot can identify the threat passively and cue the missile using a Helmet Mounted Display, InfraRed Search and Track (IRST) or radar, or it can be cured using third party targeting. MBDA and UK MoD are looking to further enhance the capabilities of SRAAM through the insertion of technologies and technical solutions being develop for Common Anti-Air Missile (CAMM) programme.

The US solution The most recent US initiative to develop nextgeneration BVR missile technology, the joint DualRole Air Dominance Missile (JDRAM) or Next Generation Missile (NGM) has been terminated with Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 due to “higher air force © US Navy

tracking and lock on- after-launch (LOAL) features enable the missile to engage targets in the rear hemisphere as well. ASRAAM, by contrast, has been acquired by the UK (Typhoon) and Australia (upgraded F/A-18A/B), while selection by Indian air force for the upgrading package of the Jaguar fighter-bomber has been reported by industry in 2012, but a formal contract has yet to be signed. The missile system performance is attributed to a revolutionary design concept, according to MBDA, where high speed is achieved by means of a combination of low drag and rocket motor size. By using a 166mm diameter motor, compared with other missiles, which use a 127mm motor, ASRAAM has more propellant and can maintain a high speed throughout its flight time. Designed to out manoeuvre target aircraft in within visual range engagements and to allow launch at high off-bore sight angles during such engagements, its manoeuvrability is provided by a control system

air-to-air missiles

Raytheon AIM-120 AMRAAm being launched by F-35 Lighting II. AMRAAM AIM-120 BVRAAM will be the main longa manu of F-35 Lighting II without emitting in RF band. EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

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Luca Peruzzi

priorities”. The later programme was aimed to improvements to the earlier AIM-120C3-C7 versions replace weapons like the AIM-120 and the AGM-88 through software as well as EPI implementations, to HARM with a single weapon system. An ambitious counter existing and emerging air vehicle threats development programme, which together with operating at high or low altitude, and having priorities dictated by funding reductions, left the advanced Electronic Attack (EA) capabilities. US Armed Forces to maintain an air superiority The latest iteration AIM-120C7 incorporates an with the latest version of the AIM-120 Advanced upgraded antenna, receiver, signal processor and Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), new software algorithms to counter new threats. until a new or black technological programme will Planned to equip initially Boeing F/A-18C/D,E/F be funded or unveiled. The AIM-120D is described Hornet and Super Hornets, F-16 Fighting Falcons by the US Department of Defence (DoD) as an and F-15 Eagle/Strike Eagles and from FY17 improved weapon with “a two way data link, GPS- the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, the AIMenhanced inertial measurement unit, an expanded 120D is however not intended for export market. ‘no-escape’ envelope, improved high-angle off- In addition to the latter specific variant-related bore sight capability and a 50 per cent increase problems, AMRAAM production and deliveries in range’. Most AIM-120D details are classified, have been halted and more recently restarted such as its increased range with the same solid- due to unexpected reliability issue with the solid rocket motor as the AIM-120C-7, but official rocket motor. Due to these problems, Raytheon has documentation refers to the latest AMRAAM qualified a second source supplier initially for the version also for improved network compatibility propellant and soon-to-be for the complete rocket and guidance software, which improves kinematic motor module, represented by Norwegian company performance and weapon effectiveness capabilities. Nammo Raufoss, thanks to which deliveries were Missile production began in 2006 but operational restarted and continue ahead of the re-base lined testing, due to start in 2008, is still to continue until schedule. Fiscal Year 2014 (FY14), when initial operational capability (IOC) is expected to be reached in the year’s first quarter. However due to software/ hardware improvements, the missile will be ready with initial SIP (System Improvement Program) 1-increment capabilities only in the same year’s third quarter. No details have been provided for SIP 1 enhancements, while follow-on SIP 2 including electronic protection improvements (EPI) against advanced threats, and are projected to be fielded in FY2016. In the meantime US DoD is working on Raytheon AIM-9X Block I on USN FA-18F Super Hornet. 12

EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

© US Navy

air-to-air missiles

air-to-air missiles © Rafael

Luca Peruzzi

Rafael Python 5 drawing.

The latest Block III iteration of the AIM-9X model short-range AAM is going to revolutionize the air combat arena as it has been conceived for the unique requirements established by the new generation stealth F-35 Lightning II, with an increased range which the US Navy, the leading programme customer, wants to be extended up to 60% compared to the Block I model. Developed to reuse several components from the older AIM9M variant, the new X-model was to evolve towards a long-range weapon system capable to overlap the range of the AMRAAM missile. Such a capability which is requested to overcome the adversary advanced digital radio frequency memory (DRFM) jammers being used against AMRAAM BVRAAM active RF seeker guidance, including the latest AIM-120D model, is already provided by AIM-9X Block II, which has recently concluded it operational testing phase, performing better than expected according to first results analysis half-through the testing. The Block II’s improved LOAL capability, which allows a fighter

to launch the weapon without the missile’s IR seeker head locked-on to the target, will help US pilots to engage the enemy from increased ranges compared to older Block I AIM-9X. The new Block II incorporates a single-way data link that allows target updates from the launching aircraft. Entered into low-rate initial production in 2011, this version is planned to achieve IOC in 2014. The Block III is to further expand such capabilities thanks to a new more energetic rocket motor and missile power management, in addition to a new insensitive munitions warhead while maintaining the electronics of the previous variants. In this way, the AIM-9X Block III will add BVR weapon systems to already carried AMRAAM missiles. According to the latest program schedule, the IOC date for new Block III model is expected for 2022.

Israeli works on advanced solutions Israeli industry’s long tradition and expertise in AAMs, which is currently represented in production

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© Rafael

air-to-air missiles

Derby BVRAAM under F-16 wings.

by Python 4/5 agile dogfight missile family and the Derby active radar-guided BVRAAM, is facing difficulties in accessing major new customers for them. However, it maintains a strong hold in the platform upgrading business, especially in Latin America and Asia, while maintaining production opportunities with sales of ad-hoc versions of both Python and Derby. With a 3.62m length and 118kg weight, Derby’s air-to-air or surfaceto-air missile enables operational flexibility and multi-shot capability, incorporating look-down/ shoot-down, fire-and-forget modes and advanced ECCM tailored to the customer’s operational requirements, according to manufacture Rafael company. Reported to have a plus 50km range, Derby’s lightweight allow it to be adapted to various light modern fighters such as F-5, Mirage and F-16, with a guidance system based on active RF seeker provides lock-on before launch (LOBL) and Lock-on after-launch (LOAL), in addition to short and medium-range operational design. In service with different Latin America countries, including Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Ecuador, more recently it has been sold to India with applications represented by Sea Harrier and HAL 14

Luca Peruzzi

Tejas indigenous light combat aircraft. However Israeli’s company Rafael is working on a nextgeneration air-to-air weapon, as more recently acknowledge the same company representatives. Among the different concepts, a derivative of the Stunner groundlaunched interceptor, developed with Raytheon is the likely candidate. A key element of this weapon system is its triplepulse rocket motor, which is the result of Israeli Ministry of Defence study and which forms the basis for cooperation between the two companies for the propulsion system indicated for the AIM-9X Block II. The first Stunner interceptor for the David’s Sling antimissile system will be delivered in 2014, but there aren’t indications an official requirement has been issued by Israeli Defence Forces. Rafael continues to promote the Python 5 as a fifth generation AAM, which according to the manufacture provides the pilot the capability to engage an enemy aircraft with a full sphere launch capability. Sold to a number of Latin America and Asian countries, the missile can be launched from very short to beyond-visual ranges with greater kill probability, irrespective of evasive target manoeuvres or deployment of countermeasures. Capable of LOBL and LOAL launches, it features a dual waveband focal plane array (FPA) seeker with extremely high off-bore sight capabilities and look-down engaging performances also in adverse and cloudy environments. The later has to face a range of air-to-air threats both in defence and offensive operations. Last September, during the annual military parade in Teheran, Iranian forces displayed Fakour-90 missile, which is claimed an indigenous copy of AIM-54 Phoenix long-range

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Luca Peruzzi

although passive BVRAAM for in-service F-14 fighter jets. In 2008, Iran reported test launches of a new IR-guided missile identified as fatter (Worshipper), which according to some sources, it appears to be a little more than an AIM-9P. However it’s the first indigenous project for Iran, with a claimed range of 40km.

The Chinese and Russian production

air-to-air missiles Russian industries while the variable-thrust motor providing an over Mach 5 speed. Shown on Chengdu J-10, Shenyang J-8F, J-11 and JF11 combat aircraft, and exported to Pakistan air force with SD-10A designation, the PL-12 is reported to be under development in new variants and versions including an improved guidance system, foldable tailfins for internal carriage on fifth-generation fighters, and a belly inlet and ramjet for extended range operations. The later features can be recognized on the artwork shown of the more capable PL-21 BVRAAM system, which resembles MBDA Meteor external general configurations but no development or existence details have been provided by Chinese sources. Compared to the BVRAAM inventory, the Chinese family of short-range AAMs is still mainly composed of older PL-5 and PL-8, and later version of both, together with Russian older and newer missiles but no indication, until recently, of new developments. In the meantime the Luoyang Electro-Optical Technology Development Centre has been shown new applied technologies such as seeker arrays and thrust vectored controls, and

EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

© All Rights Reserved

In parallel with new advanced combat platforms, such as the stealthy J-20 and J-31, China developed several new AAMs, but it is however difficult to discern the development status of these weapon systems. Officially acknowledge by Chinese officials in 2002, the PL-12 also designated SD-10 was developed by Luoyang Electro-Optical Technology Development Centre and marketed by CATIC (China National AeroTechnology Import & Export Corporation) under the ‘Thunder-Lighting’ family of AAMs, which also include the PL-5E, PL-9 and Ty90 models, all developed by the same bureau. With an aerodynamic configuration similar to US AMRAAM, a 3.9m length and 199kg weight, the PL-12 is claimed as an ‘all-weather, all aspects BVRAAM with multi-target capabilities under complicated ECM environment, capable also to attack a target from within visual range’. With a claimed range of over 70 km, fire-andforget, and ‘homeon-jam’ capabilities, the PL-12 features electronics including active radar seeker, inertial navigation system and data link provided by CAC-PAC JF-17 model with Chinese SD-10A BVRAAM.

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Luca Peruzzi

© Luca Peruzzi

a weapon system completely different from initial drawings. With a four mid-body strakes and a set of four large tail planes, the weapon is thought be have been developed specifically for the stealth platform instead of general applications. No further indications have been given regarding such a weapon, but the development of new platforms is set to change such an attitude.

Russian AAM and air-to-ground missiles.

some drawing of a tailless design, similar to South African Denel A-Darter, discussed later. However first images of a new short-range AAM which has been identified as PL-10 began to emerge in connection with the flight trails of Chengdu J-20 stealth combat aircraft. The later showed the new missile out of the two lateral weapon bays, but its aerodynamic and general details indicate

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Russian industries exhibit an extensive pedigree in missile technology, but funding for new developments have resurfaced only recently, allowing Tactical Missiles Corporation (KTRV) to make incremental improvements to existing weapons but work on new design have not been discussed until very recently. Activities on the future combat aircraft, in particular the Sukhoi T-50 (PAK-FA) programme, brought to the surface development of new air-launched weapons. AAM specialist Vympel continues to improve existing families of medium and short range missiles, respectively the R-77/RVV-AE (AA-12 Adder) and the R-73 (AA-11 Archer). The BVRAAM family enhanced version, indicated as RVV-SD, is characterized by improvements in the airframe, aerodynamics and flight control system, which allow for an increased range beyond 110 km, while new electronics offer expanded capabilities in navigation and guided systems. A longer range weapon system, Novator KS-172 (K-100) has been proposed as a long arm in export version of Su-35 for a long time, but more recently Tactical Missiles Corporation representative has unveiled activities on a new

EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

air-to-air missiles

© All Rights Reserved

Luca Peruzzi

According to industrial sources, MBDA ASRAAM short-range missile has been recently selected by Indian Ministry of Defence to equip Jaguar under-modernization complement.

missile that is claimed as more capable than the MBDA Meteor BVRAAM, but no details have been provided. The new shorter range air-to-air missile enhanced version of R-73 missile called RVV-MD, is not intended to include all the several performance improvements anticipated in the earlier design iteration of the weapon system, but are centred mainly on extending the missile endurance up to six hours, introducing a new twocolour IR seeker, and expanded seeker field-ofview of plus/less 60 degrees.

Asia and Pacific region Indian’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) are developing an activeradar BVR missile called the Astra. This is the

latest iteration of the programme for a new generation BVRAAM project, which was established as part of India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMP) in the early ‘80s. However since that period, this project office has not been able to put to fruition an operational AAM despite more than 20 years of developments and more recently a long series of trails of Astra solution. The latter was first redesigned in 2008, and received the designation Astra II (Astra 2) which was introduced on the base of trails conducted to improve the missile performance, but when the first images of the weapon system were disclosed for airborne carriage testing, the missile appeared in the Astra 1 configuration. At the Aero India 2013 air show, Indian newspapers reported the programme is

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air-to-air missiles finally backed on track after a long delay due to technical problems. According to DRDO, the Mark-I version with a 44km-range, will be followed by the over 100km Mark-II model. To equip both Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), the missile saw a complete aerodynamic redesign which has already conducted ground trails, while captive flight testing is planned before year-end on board a Su-30MKI. After the successful completion of these trails, more are to come with an aimed inservice date by mid-2015, if there are no further problems.

identified as AAM-4B, was delivered to Japanese MoD from Mitsubishi. The enhanced version is reported to be equipped with an active phase-array seeker, capable of improved fire-and-forget and extended range performances, in addition to highoff bore sight and enhanced ECCM capabilities. While the new version would have been planned to become operational in 2009-2011 period, no official achievement has been announced. In parallel, Japanese MoD launched a modernisation programme for the air force’s Mitsubishi F-2 fighter, with enhancements to include the integration of the new Type 99 BVRAAM version missile. More recently a similar programme was launched in 2012 to upgrade the F-15J with the same capability within a larger modernisation programme.

© Luca Peruzzi

In the same Pacific region, Japan is working to further develop its Type 99 (AAM-4) active radar-guided BVRAAM. Although Japanese MoD weapon programmes planned to develop, with no or very little information, in 2005 an updated version, the Type 99 Modified which is also being

Luca Peruzzi

Brazilian Mectron MAA-1B Piranha 2. 18

EDR - European Defence & Security Review -September - October 2013

Luca Peruzzi

Latin America and South Africa The future of air-to-air missile development in Latin America should come from the close relationship between Brazilian and South African Ministries of Defence and industries, which has already provided the joint programme for the development, production and entry into service of the Denel A-Darter short-range AAM. According to Brazilian air force officials, the new generation missile is in its prototype performance verification phase, with qualification scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2014, production and manufacturing baselines by mid-2015 and production to commerce in third quarter 2015, and an in-service date planned for 2015-2016 period. The A-Darter will initially equip the upgraded Northrop Grumman F-5EM/FM, which will continue in service until 2025, and later on the service’s future F-X2 combat aircraft. The South African Air Force will add the A-Darter missile inventory to Gripen combat aircraft and the Hawk Mk120 advance trainer fleet, while maintaining the IRIS-T on the first platform. Developed under a joint South African/Brazilian agreement signed formally in 2007, South African Denel Dynamics will lead the industrial effort while Brazilian air force’s Aerospace Technical Centre (CAT) is in charge of coordinating the national industries lead by Mectron, which has become part of Brazilian industrial group Odebrecht. With a 2.98m length and 90kg weight, A-Darter is being indicated as a fifth-generation weapon system, characterized by the latest aerodynamic configuration with tail fin controls and a guidance system including a modern thermal imaging technology seeker, all together offering a wide bore sight angle for targeting and reportedly a 90-degrees look angle with cockpit-selectable seeker scan patterns. The weapon also offers lock-on before launch and lock-on after launch thanks also a data link.

air-to-air missiles missile manufacturer, is continuing the development of the latest version of the locally designed Piranha short-range AAM. Designated MAA-1B Piranha 2, it is aimed to improve range and engagement capabilities of the older MAA-1A version through a new dual-pulse rocket motor and a new two-colour seeker and a missile aerodynamic enhanced configuration. Although initially planned to enter into service in 2012/2013 period, due to technical development programme, the Piranha 2 is not expected to be added to the inventory of Brazilian armed forces before the end of 2014. During LAAD 2013 Defence and Security International Exhibition, the Denel group unveiled its Marlin ‘all-weather air defence missile technology development programme’. The success of the A-Darter joint development airto-air project with Brazil has laid the foundation for further defence collaboration programmes, according to the Denel group. ‘Currently South Africa is investing in risk reduction technology activities, potentially leading to a missile demonstrator’, recently reported Denel Insight publication, while funding from a second party is to elevate it to a full-scale joint development programme. The outcome of collaboration on Marlin will be a BVRAAM for the two air forces and an all-weather surface-to-air missile for the two navies and armies said Denel. This type of initiative is supported by IBSA and other bi-lateral initiatives between South Africa and Brazil, Denel added. The Marlin is to have a range of more than 100km and there is also a plan to develop a naval surface-to-air missile version, according to Denel. The active RF seeker has been developed by Denel while the dual-pulse solid rocket motor has been developed by Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) in South Africa, but further development could involve the Brazilian industries. <

In the meantime, the Brazilian industrial group Odebrecht, through its Mectron indigenous EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

Luca Peruzzi

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Futur Soldiers

Francois Prins

Europe’s armies have to keep pace with changing times and methods

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by Francois Prins

As soon as the boots were on the ground various shortcomings became apparent, an example being that communications were not always common to the various forces on the battlefield and this led to some problems between the allies. Once Kuwait had been liberated, the allies could act on the information and immediately programmes were put into place to address the future of the dismounted soldier in the field.

© All Rights Reserved

Until the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan the armed forces of most European countries had remained largely unaffected in their outlook on equipment and methods of delivery. The major western powers were more concerned about the supposed threat from the Soviet Union and land forces were configured for an invasion in mainland Europe. This meant a large army and one that had not significantly changed for some years. With the fall of the Soviet empire at the end of the 1980s the western allies had to quickly rethink their strategies and when Iraq invaded Kuwait they had to move rapidly to liberate that country. The armies that were deployed in the first Gulf War was better equipped than it had been a few years earlier but was still not as efficient as it could be.

FIST 11 is a UK soldier with helmet mounted camera and video link.

EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

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Futur Soldiers

Francois Prins

© All Rights Reserved

of all equipment, weapons and their sighting systems, radios that the individual soldier carries or uses, in order to increase his overall effectiveness on the battlefield. A major complement of the FIST project is the Bowman communications system, which gives secure communications to the troops on the ground, allowing for simultaneous transmission of voice and data and having builtin GPS equipment, as well as sending visual information direct from personal cameras.

Felin Soldiers with mounted JIM LR - Otterburn.

The UK Ministry of Defence announced the Future Integrated Soldier Technology (FIST) - sometimes incorrectly referred to as the Future Infantry System Technology or Future Infantry Soldier Technology - which aimed to enhance the infantry’s combat effectiveness in the 21st century as part of the Future Soldier project. The main contract was awarded to Thales in March 2003 and the integrated programme was due to be operational by 2008 but this date has slipped as the programme requirements were altered. Essentially, the goal is to integrate a modular system 22

A major improvement has been made with Command and Control which has improved the fire team and local commanders’ awareness of the situation and the new weapon systems, such as the LAW and Javelin anti-tank weapons have been successful in trials and in the field. The situation in Afghanistan has accelerated some areas, such as vehicles, communications, firepower and mobility, which were contained in the FIST programme but have had to be adapted for use in theatre. FIST mobility elements, such as route planning and GPS locations and survivability have been enhanced for use by the dismounted soldier.

Major trials of the FIST system were completed on Salisbury Plain in January, 2005 and proved better when compared with the effectiveness of conventionally equipped soldiers. As well as linking into the new technology for the soldier it is designed to link in with other new communications including Cormorant and Talon as well at the UK UAV Watchkeeper. In France, the FELIN (Fantassin à Équipement et Liaisons Intégrés, Integrated Infantryman

EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

Futur Soldiers © All Rights Reserved

Francois Prins

Germany Chart.

Equipment and Communications) is the most advanced soldier modernisation programme in Europe. Sagem (company of Safran) is the main contractor of the programme, and took this opportunity to introduce several innovations. FELIN combines a user friendly C2 system, better electronics, optronics, clothing and body armour. A new integral helmet has been developed and the soldier is fitted with real-time positioning and information system, infrared and light amplifiers for night vision. FAMAS now accommodates a key-pad for the control of the individual radio and the aiming sights. The sight is equipped with a day imager and a night imager, a restitution eyepiece, a clear sight for instinctive shooting. The sight has an integrated video camera that transmits received images to the system. A wire connection links the weapon to the system. Integrated to the FELIN system, nigh portable vision binoculars includes imagery recording and target location.

Trials of the new system were successful and 22,588 FELIN systems were ordered in November 2009; end of 2011, the system was deployed on the frontline with the 1st Infantry Regiment in the Surobi district of Afghanistan. Further orders has seen system in use by the armoured divisions, engineers and artillery; basically the same but with modifications to suit requirements. So far, 12  000 systems are fielded in the French Army. Capitalizing on the innovations of the FELIN program, Sagem proposes Smart Vest system which features a new C2 system and a large range of portable optronics system, notably the JIM LR binocular systems and Sword Light aiming sights. These innovating solutions were displayed by Sagem at DSEI in London. As proved in operational theatres, FELIN improve protection, coordination, tactical intelligence, and the use of weapons. Germany started its Future Soldier programme earlier than some of her European neighbours.

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Futur Soldiers © All Rights Reserved

Francois Prins

COMFUT.

The Bundeswehr’s Infanterist der Zukunft (IdZ) is a modular, integrated fighting system designed to provide significant lethality, survivability, mobility, battle command, and training for the German infantryman. Developed by EADS Defence Electronics and Rheinmetall-Detec the first integrated front-line warrior systems were deployed in Afghanistan and tested in theatre. Projekthaus System Soldat industrial consortium led by Rheinmetall Defence is currently developing the enhanced IdZ –ES system for the German Army, German Air Force and German Navy. Prototype units were delivered during 2008 and around 1100 IdZ-ES systems are scheduled for delivery by 2014. The German system differs from other programmes by focussing on the infantry squad in combination with its transport vehicle, which will function as ‘mother ship’ providing the squad with network centric capabilities. 24

The vehicle carries all weapons and equipment on board so that the required elements can be selected from the modular system. The vehicle also provides the squad with power supply and allows data transmission. The basic version of the IdZ system has already been integrated in some military vehicles, such as the ATF Dingo, TPz Fuchs, Mungo ESK and BV 206 D/S. The enhanced ES system offers these capabilities as standard options for newly introduced and for planned future vehicles. Weapons have been integrated into the IdZ programme and future weapons will be built to accommodate the requirements of the new dismounted soldier. Germany has also pioneered the use of small UAVs and remotely controlled off-road vehicles which have met with some success in theatre; other nations have also adopted the use of similar units. Airborne drones send a video feedback to

EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

Futur Soldiers © All Rights Reserved

Francois Prins

Future Soldier Eyepiece.

the ground forces receivers in the vehicle or on their video visors. Spain’s Minister of Defence signed a contract with EADS-CASA in 2006 for the development and initial production of COMFUT (COMbatiente FUTuro). The contract, worth €24.5 million over three years, was for the design, development and production of a set of 36 units to equip three sections of twelve soldiers for trials. COMFUT is characterised by a C2 system of command and control in real time, supplied to each member of the unit, consisting of a portable computer, a weapon/helmet connection (HK G-36), a camera mounted inside the helmet, nightvision sensors, an equipped bullet-proof vest (radio, batteries, range-finder etc.) with integrated rucksack, and battledress with reduced IR to guarantee thermal stability. The C2 system will

supply essential requirements such as situational awareness, the position of unit members and of the target. COMFUT will be integrated into various armoured vehicles (Pizarro, VAMTAC, etc.). The C2 system is being designed and developed by the private industrial holding company GMV (Grupo Mecanica de Vuelo). Spain continues to develop its COMFUT system in conjunction with her NATO allies. The Czech Republic has commenced with Voják 21. Století, their future soldier project, which is an agreement between the Czech Ministry of Defence and VOP-026 Šternberk. Like the other European future soldier programmes the main features concentrates on weapons systems, helmet, communications, lethality, mobility etc. The arms of choice will have a modular CCD/ IR system, laser rangefinder and digital compass

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Futur Soldiers

Francois Prins

© Philippe Wodka-Gallien – Sagem

health status sensors are all part of the package. The helmet includes a small display unit and a helmetmounted night vision camera. The display shows the IR/CCD picture from weapon or helmet camera and digital maps to display the soldier’s position or friendly/enemy forces positions. The prototype system was trialled at the end of 2005 and has been in continuous development with the first units being introduced in 2012.

Future Warrior.

mounted on weapon and connected to soldier’s communications system. This is meant to improve the soldier’s fire accuracy and ability to share enemy co-ordinates with friendly soldiers via a radio data link and GPS receiver. Dismounted soldiers will communicate with each other and vehicles using a subsystem that has been developed specifically for the programme. A new battle uniform that will decrease visible and infrared signatures together with a lowweight ballistic jacket has been introduced across the army. Eye protection against laser, laser illumination warner, reconnaissance radar and 26

Overall, with various EU Member States taking part, a platform has been provided for Members to identify common interests in filling capability gaps and generate research, development or procurement projects depending on requirements. In this regard, the Project Team 21st Century Soldier System addresses soldier modernisation and infantry unit issues - one recent example is “3D Positioning for Indoor Navigation”. A technology demonstrator is available which allows soldiers to reliably navigate in urban environments without a satellite link, for instance within buildings. The core project, where nine Member States decided to jointly develop the “Combat Equipment for Dismounted Soldier”, was formed from the Project Team to address technology gaps with feasibility studies. There is still some way to go and some European partners are confident that their Future Soldier Programmes will be fully integrated by 2015 but there are many areas that are not common and this could have an impact on any coalition engagements in the future. With budgets being revised some of the more advanced elements of the different programmes may be ditched and the whole issue may have to be rethought. < Francois Prins

EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

Utility Helicopters

David Oliver

The utility helicopter is one of the most useful assets for armed forces around the world

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by David Oliver The dictionary meaning of utility is “a useful thing”, and the utility helicopter is one of the most useful assets for armed forces around the world. With a global fleet of more than 20,000 military helicopters, seventy-five per cent of them are designated as utility aircraft. The term was first given to the ubiquitous Bell UH-1 ‘Huey’ that came to prominence during the Vietnam war, and hundreds of which remain in service to this day.

New platforms procurement programmes will be driven primarily by the demand for multi-capable helicopters, with reduced logistic footprints and

© Eurocopter

Today’s financial uncertainty and reduced defence spending is encouraging end-users to

remanufacture and upgrade existing platforms, rather than acquire new helicopters. This trend will be particularly evident across Europe and North America, traditionally the largest helicopter markets but according to a new report issued by the National Intelligence Council (NIC), by 2030 Asia’s spending power will be outstrip that of the US and Europe combined.

French Air Force EC 725 Caracals have been deployed to Afghanistan. EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

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Utility Helicopters © David Oliver

David Oliver

The NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter first entered service with the Finnish Air Force.

more sustainable designs. The need for utility helicopters will intensify, as these platforms become increasingly versatile. Despite ongoing fleet renewals, however, limited defence budgets will have a profound impact on the helicopter market across all end-user segments. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have to focus on developing new platforms with cutting-edge improvements that support greater efficiency, but with lower life-cycle costs and military aviation are already seeing the effect of these developments. Although military platforms continue to dominate the global helicopter market, this dominance is expected to reduce as platforms become more capable and ministries of defence look for commonality with existing fleets to save on through life maintenance costs and improve platform availability. Troop and equipment transport remains the primary role of the utility helicopter, in response to increased versatility, secondary roles are being 28

adopted that include, combat search and rescue (CSAR), Special Forces support and reconnaissance. All of these roles have been taken on, in one form or the other, by the iconic military utility helicopter, the Huey. More than 1,000 Huey variants, ranging from the Bell UH-1B to the 412, carry up to 12 fully armed troops or 2.500 kg (5,500 lb) payload, are operated in worldwide, particularly in the Latin American and Asia Pacific regions. These include the Fujibuilt UH-1J and the Indonesian Nurtanio-Bell NB412 while South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand operate large fleets of ageing UH-1Ds which require replacing. In Europe, large fleets of Huey variants are still operated by Austria, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain and Turkey.

However, the Huey and its intended replacements, which include the PZL-Swidnik W-3 Sokol, AgustaWestland AW149 and Eurocopter EC 645, are in the light to medium-class of utility helicopters. Further up the scale are two new types currently entering global service are the Eurocopter EC 725 and NH90 TTH. Building on a solid foothold attained by its AS 332/532 Super Puma, over 500 of which are operated around the world, Eurocopter is beginning to make headway with its EC 225/725 medium multipurpose helicopters. Following the successful operations by French Air Force and ALAT EC 725 Caracals in Afghanistan, primarily fulfilling the CSAR role, but also undertaking troop transport and reconnaissance missions, the type is establishing itself in the military market. Capable of carrying 28 fully armed troops or a 7,500 kg (10,475 lb) underslung load, the EC 725 is equipped with a FLIR turret, air-to-air refueling probe, and has been evaluated in the fire-fighting role.

EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

David Oliver

Utility Helicopters © David Oliver

The first EC 725 helicopter for the Royal Malaysian Air Force was formally handed over at the end of last year and the second unit is scheduled for delivery three months ahead of schedule. Malaysia is to receive a total of 12 EC725s through 2014, creating a highly capable fleet of rotorcraft for CSAR and combat transport missions to replace its long-serving Sikorsky S-61 Sea Kings. The type is also being produced by Helibras in Brazil which is building a total of 50 EC 725s for the country’s three armed services. Eurocopter is also part of the NATO Helicopter Industries (NHI) consortium that produces the NH90 multipurpose One of the world’s most prolific utility helicopters in the Mil Mi-17. helicopter now entering service with its Tactical Transport Helicopter extremely good hot and high performance and the (TTH) variant. Plagued by a protracted development and production delays, the NH90 type continues in production for the Russian Air did not make its operational debut until the end of Force and to attract new customers, however, not 2012 when five Italian Army Aviation TTHs were in Europe. deployed to Herat in Afghanistan. Four German NH90s, two of which equipped with Forward Air Although it is still operated by nearly all the former Medical Evacuation kits, while the other two will WarPac countries, the Czech Republic, Hungary carry out the escort role for CASEVAC missions, and Poland are seeking to replace early variants of the Mi-8. The Hungarian government announced followed them in early 2013 in July this year that it will spend $436 million to With a capacity of carrying 20 fully armed troops replace its Mi-8 helicopter fleet by 2016, while or the carriage of a 4,000 kg (8.820 lb) underslung Poland has launched a $3.1 billion contest to load, the powerful fly-by-wire NH90 has been acquire 48 tactical transports for the land forces, adopted by eleven European air arms, although 10 search and rescue (SAR) helicopters for the Germany, Portugal and Spain have had to reduce air force, and six anti-submarine warfare and six the numbers on order due to defence budget maritime SAR aircraft for the navy. reductions. Contenders for both of these contracts are At what at first sight might be at odds at these expected to include Eurocopter with the EC 725, requirements is the fact that one of the most PZL Swidnik with the AgustaWestland AW149, numerous transport helicopters in the world is and Sikorsky, which is offering the S-70i Black the ubiquitous Mil Mi-8/17 Hip. With the latest Hawk. The winning helicopter will be assembled variant, the rugged Mi-17V-5 powered by two in Poland. powerful TV3-117VM turboshaft engines, it is on the successful commercial able to carry 36 fully armed troops or up to 4,000 Based kg (8.800 lb) of cargo including military vehicles AgustaWestland AW139, which is also in service loaded via its rear ramp. The Mi-17V-5 has an with the Irish and Italian air forces, the twinEDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

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Utility Helicopters

David Oliver

© AgustaWestland

turbine AW149 can accommodate up to 16 fully equipped troops and armed with unguided 270mm rockets and pintle-mounted 7.62 mm machine guns. It competed for the Turkish Utility Helicopter Programme (TUHP) but lost to the Sikorsky T-70 Black Hawk. The Black Hawk has replaced the Huey in the United States Army which has a fleet of more than 1,500 which it plans to increase to 2,100 by 2026. More than 2,500 have been produced to date although it has been unable to penetrate the European market in large number. Capable of carrying up to 14 fully armed troops, 1,200 kg (2,640 lb) internal cargo or a 3,600 kg (8,000 lb underslung load), fifteen UH60Ms are is service with the Swedish Air Force, some of which are operated in Afghanistan, nine S-70As in Austria and 11 naval S-70Bs in Greece. The largest operator is the Turkish Army and Air Force which has taken delivery of 90 S-70A Black Hawks, and it selected the T-70 for its $3.5 billion Turkish Utility Helicopter Programme (TUHP) in 2011. Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) will assemble a total of 109 T-70 Black Hawks based on the S-70i. The Turkish government has also signed a contract with TAI for development of the country’s first national next-generation light utility helicopter. Selected as the indigenous helicopter programme prime contractor in June 2010, TAI had submitted its proposal comprising of a 5-tonne twin-engine light helicopter in October 2012. Primarily designed to replace the Turkish Armed Forces fleets of Agusta-Bell 205A and 212s, and Bell UH1H fleets, the helicopter is also expected to address the services’s helicopter training requirements. The company will apply its experience from the Sikorsky-led T-70 Black Hawk TUHP helicopter development programme to the project. 30

The AgustaWestland AW149 is a contender for a Polish utility helicopter contest.

However, the US Army has defined the next generation Huey, and the ageing OH-58 Kiowa Warrior, with its Armed Aerial Scout (AAS) programme to meet a range of missions including aerial escort, command and control, security operations, target acquisition and fire support coordination. Sikorsky is proposing an entirely new platform, the S-97 Raider based on its high-speed X2 technology demonstrator. AgustaWestland is offering its AW169 AAS based on a commercial airframe already in production and undergoing certification trials. Powered by two PW210A engines it features high performance, advanced safety features and cost/effectiveness. Combined with open systems architecture, integrated controls and displays, flight management systems, mission equipment and weapons, AgustaWestland claims that it meets all the current AAS requirements. An outside contender for AAS could be AgustaWestland’s AW159 Wildcat that is in production for the British Army to fulfill its Battlefield Light Utility Helicopter requirement. The twin-turbine helicopter can accommodate up

EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

David Oliver

Utility Helicopters

© David Oliver

At the lower end of the market are the 2-tonne Boeing AH-6 and MD 504F which are both pitching the US Army’s AAS competition and the 2.5 tonne AgustaWestland 109LUH and Eurocopters AS 550C3 Fennec. The latter has been a leading contender for the Indian Army’s protracted contract for 197 Reconnaissance Surveillance Helicopters (RSH), but there is still no decision in sight for this multibillion dollar deal. Also competing for the Indian RSH programme is a military variant of Russia’s light twin-turbine Kamov Ka-226 that has only been produced in small numbers for civil customers and the Russian armed forces.

to seven fully equipped troops and be armed with unguided rockets and machine guns. Eurocopter has proposed a development of its successful UH-72A Lakota light utility helicopter, more than 250 of which have been delivered to the US Army. Three company-funded twin-turbine AAS-72X prototypes have been flown but the programme is likely to be delayed following the US budget sequestration.

David Oliver © EADS

Swedish Air Force UH-60M Black Hawks are operating in Afghanistan.

With such a diverse range of aircraft in the marketplace, the modern utility helicopter has developed into an adaptable multimission tool that makes it a cost effective asset for budget-strapped defence ministries and an effective force multiplier for battlefield commanders. <

In the meantime the German Federal Ministry of Defence has awarded Eurocopter a EUR194 million contract to supply 15 EC 645T2 light utility helicopters based on the UH-72A to German Special Forces Command (KSK) equipped with related packages to support KSK operations which include tactical radios, fast rope systems, cargo hook, pintle-mounted machine guns and electro-optical sensors. Eurocopter has already developed military variants of its smaller EC 135, the EC 635 that has been sold to Spain and Switzerland, and an armed version to Iraq equipped with the ATE/Eurocopter stand-alone weapon system (SAWS).

The AAS-72X prototype developed from the US Army’s EADS UH-72A Lakota light utility helicopter.

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Exhibitor registration and information: Mr. Jocelyn de VIREL [email protected] - tel.: + 33 (0)1 56 59 15 05

www.euronaval.fr

Jean-Pierre Husson

THE TURKISH ARMY

Modernization of the turkey army: The major programs

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by Jean-Pierre Husson Turkey recently launched a major program to modernize its armed forces for a provisional budget of $ 150 billion over 25 years. In the framework of this program, of which one of the latest sections is known as Force 2014, the domestic industry plays an increasingly prominent role.

© Ministry of Defence

In 1952, Turkey joined NATO with armed forces that in terms of numbers were second only to the United States among the members of the Atlantic Alliance. The Türk Silahlı Kuvvetleri included no fewer than 510,000 men and women, to which could be added almost 280,000 Jandarma, the Turkish Gendarmerie entired composed of the armed forces with equivalent status to the land forces (Türk Kara Kuvvetleri), the Navy (Türk Deniz Kuvvetleri) and the Air Force (Türk Hava Kuvvetleri).

Although Turkey has always done its “duty” as a member of NATO and ally of the United States, Ankara has always prioritised its economic and geopolitical interests in order to create a clear area of influence that includes part of the former Ottoman Empire, from Egypt to the Middle East, with an eye to the Persian Gulf and South East Asia. Reforms voted by Parliament in July 2003, after Recep Tayyip Erdoğan came to power, have reduced the role of the army in politics, but the military have maintained an influence on every level, including social, as guarantors of secularism in particular, and on economic matters through dozens of military-industrial style holding companies, operating with tens of thousands of employees, not only in the field of defense but also in a range of sectors from agribusiness to insurance, and including public works and tourism.

T-122 rocket launcher in service in the Turkish Army how change the major of it is park self conduct or MLRS. EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

In reality, despite the political changes of the past decade, with the dominant presence of the AKP (Adalet ve Kalkinma Partisi or the Party for Justice and Development), the center-right moderate Islamist partyg, the military has scarcely lost influence. This to the point that the vast modernization program of the Armed Forces, launched in 1997, 33

THE TURKISH ARMY

Jean-Pierre Husson

Taking care of the Land Forces

tank manufacturing project), started in the ‘90s, this third generation tank is the product of a joint venture between Turkish company Otokar and the South Korean group Hyundai Rotem, with German assistance. The South Korean contribution to this program is based on the experience gained by Hyundai Rotem with the development of its K-2 Black Panther tank, while the Germans (who in the ‘80s produced the Leopard 1A3 for Turkey, increasingly used the A5 standard, and then sold some 300 second hand Leopard 2A4s between 2006 and 2010), provide the turbo diesel engine MTU 1500 hp powering the Altay and the gun Rheinmetall 120/55 mm produced under license by MKEK (Makina ve Kimya Endüstrisi Kurumu). The Turkish contribution from Otokar is responsible for providing, in particular, the combat system and fire control derived from Volkan, developed in 2002 by Aselsan with Israeli cooperation in the modernization program Leopard and M-60A1 (“Sabra” standard), the communications system and hydropneumatic suspensions. The Altay program, which has been awarded $500 million for the development and production of four prototypes, will deliver a first batch of 250 units to the Turkish army from 2016.

A country rooted in its “land,” Turkey has always given great importance to the Land Forces, which with 390,000 men and women is the second largest force by size among NATO member countries after the United States. This is why the weapons systems, materials and equipment involved in the modernization programs of the Türk Kara Kuvvetleri are many and diverse, ranging from assault rifles to battle tanks, and including the systems of individual ballistic protection and heavy engineering equipment. Just as in the naval and aviation sectors, as we will see later, the national defense industry is heavily involved in the effort to modernize the land component of the Turkish armed forces. The development of the Altay tank is an emblematic example, named after General Fahrettin Altay, hero of the Turkish War of Independence (May 1919 - October 1922), who once commanded the 5th Cavalry Corps. Derived from the MITÜP program (Milli Tank Üretimi Projesi national The new thank Altay built with cooperation between the Turk OTOKAR and the South Korean HYANDAI Rotem with the German assistance.

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EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

© Ministry of Defence

has largely been maintained, even though it was scaled back somewhat for budgetary reasons, paving the way for the current Force 2014 plan. But it’s also true that the skills developed in recent years by the Turkish industry employed in the modernization of the national defense, which accounts for around 28% of the budget allocated to defense, fits perfectly with the new militaryindustrial policy of Ankara, which aims to reduce its dependence on foreign countries, the United States and Israel in particular, while at the same time looking increasingly to export markets. A strategy that has paid off: in 2012, the Turkish military industry made $4.3 billion in sales, with exports amounting to $1.3 billion : a jump of nearly 35% in the space of a year. The goal now is to reach 2 billion for 2016-2017.

Jean-Pierre Husson

THE TURKISH ARMY © Ministry of Defence

Need has been expressed for a thousand vehicles to eventually replace 2,300 M-48 and M-60 tanks currently in service or held in reserve. In fact, Ankara wants to keep only a thousand modernized Leopard (Next Generation Aselsan package) and M-60T (“Sabra” Israel Military Industries package). Regarding the VCI / ATV tracked vehicles, the Türk Kara Kuvvetleri has already commissioned an armored vehicle made by FNSS, a joint venture established in 1988 between Nurol Holding and BAE Systems, to complete the development of a new family of armored vehicles. It is for The Pars of FNSS available in version 6x6 and 8x8 have been ordered the accuracy of the ACV-300, by the Turkish Army around 1000 copy. manufactured since 1992 in several versions for the Turkish army and protection of a lower mass range of 8-10 tonnes the export market (notably Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates, with respectively in combat mode, they have opted for Kobra made 250 and 136 units). The basic versions of the ACV- by Otokar, derived from the American HMMWV “ 300, of which more than 1,680 are in service in the Humvee” and ordered more than 1200 units (with Turkish army, are the ACV-AAPC troop transport, first delivery from 1997) and for Akrep (scorpion), the VCI ACV-AIFV equipped with a 25 mm turret, an all-terrain protected vehicle derived from the Land Rover Defender 110, produced under license and the AVC-ATV with TOW anti-tank missiles. by Otokar (more than 10 000 copies produced and After renewing its armored mechanized component, widely exported around the world), including a while upgrading part of its M-113 fleet in order to reconnaissance/special operations version, called keep them in service until 2020, the Turkish army Engerek (viper), of which more than 500 units have is engaged today in the same approach in terms been ordered. of its light-medium wheeled armored fleet, still using its domestic industry with always, Otokar In 2009, to face new asymmetrical threats, the Türk and FNSS in particular, who have developed and Kara Kuvvetleri ordered 468 of the 4x4 MRAP implemented different models. Starting with the Kirpi (hedgehog) vehicles, produced since 2010 by FNSS Pars, a VTT/VCI version of 6x6 and 8x8, BMC Izmir, with the assistance of Israeli company of which one thousand copies were ordered by the Hatehof. These devices are intended essentially to Türk Kara Kuvvetleri as well as 50 amphibious replace the Russian BTR-60/80, purchased in the versions by the Marine Infantry Corps attached 90s, and the Dragoon, derived from the Cadillac to the Türk Deniz Kuvvetleri (257 vehicles were Cage Commando V-150. Recently, the Turkish also ordered by Malaysia as part of an estimated military has also expressed a need for 336 NBC $559 million contract). As far as light armored vehicles. For this contract, two Turkish competitors 4x4s, the Turkish military, who expressed a need are vying against each other: 6x6 Edjer (dragon) for 2,700 new armored tactical vehicles and/or of Nurol Makina, of which 26 units in the standard EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

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troop transport version were sold to Georgia in 2007, and Otokar’s 6x6 ARMA, which is also available in 8x8. During the past decade, the Türk Kara Kuvvetleri also renewed their fleet of tactical support vehciles, with different models produced locally under licences as Unimog, MAN and Mercedes, or directly produced by BMC. Among the newcomers, the protected platform Vuran of BMC, the 4x4 MRAP Kale and the Kaya Unimog chassis of Otokar and the AZMIN of FNSS, a special amphibious engineer vehicle, the first copy of the twelve ordered was delivered in January 2013.

The modernization programs of antitank systems (TOW, MILAN, Cobra, Hellfire, etc..) are also well underway, notably with the acquisition of new Western systems such as MBDA‘s Eryx in a new contract signed in 2012 for 632 launchers, or the Russian Kornet E (AT-14 Spriggan in NATO code), with an order for 80 shooting stations and 800 missiles delivered from 2009 to 2010 (plus an option for 72 shooting stations and 720 additional missiles). Meanwhile, the domestic industry has several development programs for the Turkish army, such as Roketsan with its 160 mm antitank

© Ministry of Defence

Regarding weapons systems, the Turkish artillery renewed much of its motor park with the commissioning of 248 howitzers of 155/52 mm, the K-9 Firtina (storm) of South Korean origin, ordered in 2001 in a $1.2 billion contract and delivered between 2004 and 2011. These selfpropelled artillery were used in Kurdistan against the PKK and in retaliation against Syria after shots against Turkish territory in October 2012.

In terms of parts and towed rocket launchers, the Türk Kara Kuvvetleri continue their development program of introducing howitzers of 155/52 mm Panter, produced in Turkey, and the local version manufactured under license from Chinese multiple rocket launchers WS-1 service 302 mm. The national program Toros (bull) for the introduction of a new system of rocket launchers of 230 and 260 mm seems, however, to proceed more slowly.

The Turk version of the WS-1 320mm built by the Turkish with a license from the Chinese. 36

EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

THE TURKISH ARMY

© Ministry of Defence

Jean-Pierre Husson

K-9 Firtina 155/52 mm from the South Korean , ordered by the Turkish in 2001 in 248 copies.

Several modernisation programs are also underway in the area of light infantry weapons, with the introduction of new models for the bulk of domestic production, like the MKEK T-50 in 5.56mm NATO, the modernized version of HK33E, and MPT Mehmetçik 1 and 2, 5.56 and 7.62 mm NATO, respectively derived from HK416 and 417, for which the serial production started in July 2012 (contract for the first batch of 85,000 copies), or the brand new 223 SAR developed by

Sarsilmaz. Similarly, in the area of long precision weapons, new models domestically manufactured have been introduced for precision antipersonnel shooting and/or anti-materiel, chambered in both reference calibers - 7.62 and 12.7 mm NATO. Among them, the bolt-action Bora JNG-90 from MKEK in 7.62mm NATO caliber. The Türk Kara Kuvvetleri are also engaged in an extensive program of renewal of their helicopter fleet; a program which went into high gear © Ministry of Defence

system UMTAS / OMTAS. Recall that the same missile and purveyor has also developed a 70 mm laser-guided rocket, the Cirit (javelin), which is used notably by the gunship AT-129. Similar efforts are seen in the defense system for short-short range with the adoption of increasingly sophisticated versions of FIM-92 Stinger, made locally under license by Roketsan, including variations on mobile platforms, such as Zipkin by Land Rover/ Otokar, or Defender (quadruple launcher) and Atilgan on tracked M-113A2 (octuple launcher), made by Aselsan.

The UMTAS antitank system 160mm developed by Roketsan.

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THE TURKISH ARMY © Ministry of Defence

Jean-Pierre Husson

following the escalation of tension in Kurdistan and along the border with Syria. The T-129 Atak combat helicopter developed since 2007, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and AgustaWestland based on the Italian AW129 Mangusta will be the first to benefit. The initial program of $2.7 billion anticipates the completion of 51 units with an option for 40 more, to be delivered between 2013 and 2018, is in addition to an emergency order for 9 combat helicopters to be assembled on site for 2012-2013, with kits provided by the Italian manufacturer. Under this crash program, it is more specifically of nine improved T-129A, which will be successively brought to the standard T-129B Atak. 38

© Ministry of Defence

T-129 developped by Turkish Aerospace Indutries (TAI) and AgustaWestland in the base of the Italian AW129 Mangusta.

The program TUHP (Turkish Utility Helicopter Program) concerning the 109 helicopters was win by the T-70 a modify version of the Blackhawk already in service in the Turkish Army. EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

Jean-Pierre Husson

Another program, still with respect to rotorcraft, is experiencing a boost. It is called TUHP (Turkish Utility Helicopter Program) and concerns 109 helicopters to be manufactured locally under license. It is a $4 billion program won by the T-70, a modified version of the Sikorsky Blackhawk, in service with the Turkish armed forces since 1990 in different models. Finally, the last but not least, in 2011, Türk Kara Kuvvetleri ordered six copies of C-47F Chinnok worth $400 million for their special operations forces, with deliveries scheduled for 2013 – 2014.

The naval programs

The corvettes of class “Ada” are a symbol of the new policy: warships of 2 200 tonnes and 99 m long from the MILGEM program (Milli Gemi for national ship) launched in 1996, which included the manufacture of eight multi-mission and stealth units, developed locally by Istanbul Naval Shipyard and Aselsan, with German assistance from BlohmVoss. The first unit, the corvette “Heybeliada” (TCG F-511), was launched on 27 September 2008 and commissioned three years later to the day. The second, the “Buyukada” (TCG F-512) in September 2012 with commissioning expected in August 2013, while the third, the “Burgazada” (TCG F-513), has been under construction since September 2011. Meanwhile, the development of four other improved MILGEM - or TF-1000 continues on schedule. It is, in fact, four anti-air frigates (AAW), based on the “Ada” class, which will be armed with vertically launched medium range missiles. The project for the large AAW units of the TF2000 type, which would have involved the © Ministry of Defence

With a workforce of 55,000 men and women, Türk Deniz Kuvvetleri is the first naval power in the eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East and Black Sea, and the third largest in Europe in terms of the tons displacement of its fleet, with more than 260 000 tonnes. At sea, the Turkish Navy is now focusing on programs which always favour the domestic industry, on the basis of a program approved December 12, 2006.

THE TURKISH ARMY

Corvette TCG "Heybeliada"(F-511), class "Ada", built by Istanbul Naval Shipyard and Aselan with the Assistant of the German Blohm-Voss. EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

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THE TURKISH ARMY © Ministry of Defence

Jean-Pierre Husson

Frigate TCG Yavuz (F-240) one of 8 units MEKO 200TN are in service with the Navy how decide to modernized in a short term.

domestic industry and a foreign partner, was revived in December 2012 after being temporarily shelved. The Turkish Navy now wants to put eight of these units of 7000 tonnes in service to replace, from 2020, frigates such as “Gaziantep,” a former American “Oliver Hazard Perry” class. The cost of this project is estimated at $3 billion. Meanwhile, Turk Deniz Kuvvetleri, which also plans to modernize its MEKO-200 frigates (eight units), completed construction in 2011 of six German mine infantry of the class “Aydin” type “Frankenthal”, and six missile patrol boats of the class “Kilic II,” derived from FAC/MS (Fast Attack Craft/Missile Boat) by Lürssen Werft, also made by the Turkish yards under German license. As for submarines, the $2 billion program for the construction of six new units AIP Type 214TN HDW (Howaldiswrke-Deutsche Werft) continues 40

on schedule, in parallel with the modernization of four submarines of the “ Preveze “ class, the German Type 209T1/1400, which are also made on site. These, with four class “Gur” Type 209T2/1400, will replace six submarines of the “Atilay” Type 209/1200 between 2015 and 2020. The same modernization efforts are seen in the amphibious field to give the Turkish army a good projection capabilit. So far, this relies on five warships of the LST (Landing Ship Tank) type built in the 80s. Deliveries to Türk Deniz Kuvvetleri of eight LCT (Landing Crast Tank) warships of 1 200 tonnes started in 2011, while a contract was signed for the construction of two new LSTs, 132 m long, with a displacement of 7000 tons, capable of taking 350 soldiers, eight armored vehicles and a heavy helicopter. The program also included the

EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

THE TURKISH ARMY

Jean-Pierre Husson

construction of two LPD/LHD (Landing Platform Dock/Landing Helicopter Dock), with flight deck for the use of the future F-35B. Three projects are under study: the Italian Fincantieri (LPD/LHD 15-20 000 tonnes), the Spanish Navantia (a modified version of the “Juan Carlos II”) and the Turkish RKM (LHD 200 m long and 38 m wide, with configurable skyjump). Programs for patrol and auxiliary units appear to comply with the schedule, including deliveries between 2010 and 2012, the four OPV (Offshore Patrol Vessel) Type “Comandanti” Class “Dost” made locally under license Fincantieri (with an option for four others), and eight patrol class “Tuzla” to be made locally. Furthermore, on the basis of a series of contracts signed in 2011, Türk Deniz Kuvvetleri should rapdily start using two new refuelling ships including FRT (Fleet Replenishment Tanker) and three new support and rescue warships, including two SMRMoShip (Submarine Rescue Mother Ship) and one RTShip (Rescue Towing & Ship).

© Ministry of Defence

As for the Turkish Navy, it is involved in a major program for the commissioning of eight ATR 72-600 aircraft, ordered in 2005 as part of the “MELTEM III” program. The delivery of two aircraft of the MUA (Maritime Utility Aircraft) version should take place this summer. The remaining six aircraft will be the ATR 72-600

MPA (Maritime Patrol Aircraft), all with Thales’ AMASCO mission system, notably with a tactical data link L16, a maritime surveillance radar, an electro-optical system, a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD), a sonobuoy launcher, light Mk 54 torpedoes (two arms, or one under each wing) for anti-submarine warfare, and a self-protection system (Radar Detector and missile decoys). The delivery of the first ATR 72-600 AF is scheduled for February 2017, the other five in 2018. These devices complement the maritime patrol aircraft CN235 MPA, also equipped with the AMASCO system ordered from Airbus Military through the “MELTEM II” program. Four of the six Navy units were delivered in the first half of 2012, while the first three units for the Turkish Coast Guard were handed over on January 28. That’s not forgetting deliveries to Türk Deniz Kuvvetleri of 24 Sikorsky S-70B2 Seahawk anti-submarine helicopters in late 2011.

Combat aircraft, drones and ground-air missiles With a workforce of more than 62,000 men and women, and some 700 aircraft of all types, the Turkish air force is the third largest NATO Air Force. In addition, it operates alongside significant air components attached to the Army, Navy and internal security forces, including the police and coastguard. The aircraft in service, both fixed and rotary wing, are mainly produced in the aircraft factories of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), which, in the space of 30 years, has become a first rate manufacturer. Established in 1984 to locally assemble the F-16 purchased from the United States, TAI went on to make the Falcon under licence, but also other devices such as the tactical transport aircraft CASA CN-235 and the training Aermacchi SF-260 drive, as well as helicopters such as the AS-532.

The Turkish are Partners in the third level in the program Joint Strike fighter (JSF) with a previous order of 116 fighters. EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

Today, the Turkish aviation industry is associated with major international 41

THE TURKISH ARMY © Ministry of Defence

Jean-Pierre Husson

A range of F-16 for Turkish Air Force the Türk Hava Kuvvetleri one of the first Air Forces for the OTAN with 7 hundred fighters from different type.

programs such as the A-400M or the F-35 (at the level of third partner), while also participating in the development of new products such as T- 129 Atak helicopter derived from the Italian Mangusta that we have already mentioned, and the basic training aircraft TAI Hürkuş, for which the first test flights are planned this year. That said, it is these national programs that fuel the growth of the Turkish aerospace industry. At the end of 2012, TAI delivered the last batch of 30 F-16C / D (Block 50 version of Plus) to Türk Hava Kuvvetleri, ordered in 2007 under the Peace Onyx IV program for $1.8 billion. Under the Peace Onyx program, the first F-16C / D to be assembled locally (160 in total, including 44 Block 30 and 116 Block 40) were delivered between 1987 and 1995. They are subject to 42

a program of upgrading, with the integration of new avionics planned for 2014-2015, and the 80 F-16C / D Block 50, produced under licence between 1996-1999 (Peace Onyx 2 and 3 programs), are also being modernized since 2011. These two programs underway concludes the relationship between the F-16 and TAI considering the fact that Turkey is a third level partner of the JSF (Joint Strike Fighter), with an order for 116 F-35A to replace the 80 F-4 Phantom upgraded to the standard F-4E Terminator 2000 from 2020. Meanwhile, Turk Hava Kuvvetleri continues its acquisition programs for weapon systems (JDAM, JSOW, SLAM-ER and HARM particular), while eyeing two dozen Eurofighter Typhoons proposed by the Italians, pending the commissioning of the F-35, a the program which since its launch has accumulated delays.

EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

THE TURKISH ARMY

Jean-Pierre Husson

For now, Türk Hava Kuvvetleri has already expressed its intention to acquire a first batch of fifteen Hürkuş version “B”. Today, given the needs of the military for surveillance systems for land and maritime borders, TAI has prioritised drones. In the 90s, two dozen GNAT reconnaissance drones from General Atomics were ordered by the Turkish army. Next, after Washington blocked the sale of the Predator and Reaper, Ankara turned to the Israelis, who delivered ten Heron IAI between 2005 and 2010. Simultaneously, the Turks launched several national programs for the development of MALE drones, in this case Anka and Gözcü II. Prototypes flew in 2010 and 2011. Deliveries for the first batch of three, equipped with FLIR Aselsan, were made in late 2012, while two others were ordered sequentially, with an option for 50 additional copies. Meanwhile, other programs have been initiated to meet the needs of the Turkish military, like the mini UAV Bayraktar Kale Baykar and the girodrone Sivrisinek from TAI, or in collaboration, as with EADS Cassidian for Talarion UAVs. © Ministry of Defence

The Türk Hava Kuvvetleri Generals have not given up cultivating their old dream of developing and putting into service a fighter of indigenous design. To this end, the program called TFX was establisged in 2010 with an initial investment of $20 million. Swedish company Saab has been a partner in this program since 2012, Ankara would like to produce no less than 250 copies of this new device, which is intended to gradually replace the F-16 between 2025 and 2035. Most experts think that this is a little premature; moving from manufacturing sub-license or co-production to a higher level is not yet within reach of the Turkish aviation industry. Meanwhile, the industry continues to move forward with a less ambitious program than the Hürkuş - a trainer single-engine aircraft which made its roll-out June 27, 2012, six years after the start of program. Currently four versions are in development at TAI. More precisely, basic training versions “A” ; medium training “B” with a cockpit for the preparation/ training of F-16 and F-35 pilots, equipped with advanced mission systems; light attack “C” ; and “D” maritime patrol, equipped with FLIR Aselsan.

The UAV Male Anka equipped with detection radar SAR/MTI and guided by a inertial GPS. EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

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© Ministry of Defence

Jean-Pierre Husson

Boeing 737 AEW&C, the Turkish Air Forces by 6 Airplanes in the program Peace and Eagle lunch it in 2002.

Among other major Türk Hava Kuvvetleri programs, we note: - The acquisition of six Boeing 737 AEW & C radar aircraft in the Peace Eagle program, costing $ 1.5 billion, launched in 2002, for which the first deliveries started last year; - The order of ten Airbus A-400M transport aircraft in a program where TAI has a marginal participation (delays in the the A-400M forced Turkey to acquire, in 2012, six secondhand C-130B from Saudi Arabia); - The acquisition of 40 South Korean KAI KT-1 basic training aircraft, ordered in 2007 and for which the first deliveries began in 2010 (licensed production, with an option for 15 additional aircraft); - The tender for a new air defense system, designed to equip four battalions of two groundair batteries each, which was launched in the 44

T-LORAMIDS program worth $4 billion, for which the SAMP-T/Aster is competing against the Patriot PAC-3 (the deployment of this ground-air system by NATO along the Syrian border could distort the competition ...). Eventually, Türk Hava Kuvvetleri also plans to acquire new refueling aircraft from 2020 to replace the seven KC-135R Stratotanker acquired used in 1997, and new advanced training aircraft to replace the T-38 Talon dating from the 70s, for which 55 copies are being upgraded, with the F-5/2000. To meet these needs, the Turks would lean towards the tanker version of the A-400M or the South Korean KIA T-50 Golden Eagle or the M-346 Master from Italian manufacturer AleniaAermacchi.< Jean-Pierre Husson

EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

defence news © Dassault

Guillaume Belan

Infian air force chief concerned about Rafale negociations

I

issues concerning the work share of state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Dassault will supply 18 fighter planes to the IAF in flyaway condition, while the remaining. < GB

© Airbus Military

ndian Air Force (IAF) Chief Marshal NAK Browne cautioned against weakening of force levels if the $20-billion deal to acquire modern fighter planes is delayed further. India had last January selected French firm Dassault Aviation’s Rafale fighter jet to enter exclusive negociation to equip the air force with 126 advanced combat aircraft. “The planes are very critical for the IAF. If induction doesn’t begin by 2017, force levels will go down rapidly,” Browne said at a press briefing ahead of the IAF’s 81st anniversary on 8 October. Contract negotiations have been on with Dassault Aviation for more than 18 months, with both sides currently involved in ironing out

Airbus delivers first A400M military transport plane to France

A

fter years of delays and important cost over-runs, Airbus on 30 september delivered its first A400M military transport plane to France. "It is an extremely high performance aircraft and I am quite proud that France is number one for delivery," French defence minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said at a handover ceremony in Spain. The French minister, who was returning to a military base in Orleans aboard the plane after the ceremony, confirmed that France planned to take 50 of the A400M aircraft. The aircraft maker Airbus hopes the official handover ceremony at the Airbus Military

plant in Seville, southern Spain, will launch strong sales to air forces worldwide following a difficult birth. Airbus has expressed concern that any decision by France to axe orders could lead other nations such as Spain and Germany to do the same, squeezing the entire programme. <

EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

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defence news

Guillaume Belan

Sagem Patroller UAV

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Over the last dozen years, Sagem has developed and produced 25 Sperwer systems and 140 drones, sold to six countries. This September, the Patroller has been tested over Cherbourg in Normandy over the Channel in a global scenario of maritime protection. < GB © Sagem

ased on the EASA-certified 1-ton class Stemme S15 airframe, Sagem's Patroller is an off-the-shelf high performances tactical drone system offering endurance of more than 20 hours. Flight tests in France and desert environments in 2013 showed the drone's ability to operate a multi-sensor payload (up to 250 kg), including the Sagem Euroflir optronic system coupled to a pod-mounted Comint electronic warfare sensor and an AIS receiver to monitor maritime traffic. A multi-intelligence drone system, the Patroller is operated from a tactical ground segment in compliance with NATO interoperability standards concerning shared intelligence. In Europe, Sagem is an expert in all the technologies necessary for the development and production of UAV systems:

day/night gyrostabilised optronic observation units, data and real-time image transmission, inertial navigation and flight control, ground station (catapults, piloting stations, etc), mission planning and debriefing, system integration. To develop Patroller™, Sagem transferred its expertise in tactical drone systems, especially from the combat-proven Sperwer, to a certified, long-endurance airframe.

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EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

defence news © Guillaume Belan

Guillaume Belan

DCI and Piriou launched a new type of training vessel

1

0 months after installing the first sheet metal, the Almak ship was launched in Concarneau, France on 27 September. DCI jointly created with Piriou the company NavOcéan in order to be equipped with a Maritime Training Ship (MTS) named «ALMAK». This MTS will be essentially used for DCI's maritime training courses. The 44m-long and 9.6m-wide Almak has been designed to be robust and manoeuvrable, and economical in terms of investment and operating costs. It will primarily be used for academic high-level training organised by DCI in conjunction with the Naval Academy. With a small crew of eight people, the ship can carry a dozen cadets. It is said to sail at sea for 35-40 weeks per year. First trainings at sea will be undertaken still this autumn, as DCI says. Created in 1972, DCI is a service company, owned by the French government.

As an operator in the transfer of Ministry of Defense know-how, DCI proposes services, to foreign countries, based on a capability approach.<

EDR - European Defence & Security Review - September - October 2013

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