AH-64D APACHE Longbow Helicopters for Saudi Arabia

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency(WASHINGTON) notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia of AH-64D APACHE Longbow Helicopters as well as associated equipment and services.

The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $598 million.

The Government of Saudi Arabia has requested a possible sale of 12 AH-64D Block II APACHE Longbow Helicopters, 30 T700-GE-701D Engines, 12 Modernized Targeting Acquisition and Designation Systems/Pilot Night Vision Sensors, 4 each AN/APG-78 Fire Control Radars and AN/APR-48 Radar Frequency Interferometers, 28 M299 HELLFIRE Longbow Missile Launchers, 12 AN/ALQ-144C(V)3 Infrared Jammers, 12 AN/APR-39A(V)4 Radar Signal Detecting Sets, 12 AN/ALQ-136(V)5 Radar Jammers, 12 AAR-57(V)3/5 Common Missile Warning Systems, 36 Improved Countermeasures Dispensers, and 12 AN/AVR-2B Laser Warning Sets.

Also included: composite horizontal stabilators, Integrated Helmet and Display Sight Systems, repair and return, transportation, depot maintenance, spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor technical support, and other related elements of program support. The estimated cost is $598 million.

Saudi Arabia will use the AH-64D for its national security, and protecting its borders and oil infrastructure. The aircraft will provide the Saudi military more advanced targeting and engagement capabilities. The proposed sale will provide for the defense of vital installations and will provide close air support for the Saudi military ground forces. This sale also will increase the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) APACHE sustainability and interoperability with the U.S. Air Force, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and other coalition air forces. Saudi Arabia will have no difficulty absorbing these helicopters into its armed forces.


AH-64A Apache
Between 1984 and 1997, Boeing produced 937 AH-64As for the U.S. Army, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The combat-proven AH-64A is still in service and includes the following features:

* Two high-performance turboshaft engines and maximum cruise speed of 284 kph
* Laser, infrared, and other systems (including target acquisition designation
sight/pilot night vision sensor) to locate, track, and attack targets.
* A combination of laser-guided precision Hellfire missiles, 70mm rockets, and a 30 mm automatic cannon with up to 1,200 high-explosive,dual-purpose ammunition rounds

AH-64D Apache and AH-64D Apache Longbow
The combat-proven AH-64D Apache and AH-64D Apache Longbow share the following history and characteristics:

* Testing in the late 1990s, delivery in 1997, in production for the U.S. Army and
several international customers.
* Selection by the U.S. Army, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, The Netherlands,
Saudi Arabia, Republic of Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom.
* Ability to assimilate advancements in digital connectivity, sensors, weapon
systems, advanced training devices, and maintenance support systems.

Apache Longbow Enhancements
The radar-equipped AH-64D Apache Longbow features numerous enhanced capabilities, including:

* Longer-range weapons accuracy and all-weather/night fighting.
* Detection of objects (moving or stationary) without being detected.
* Classification and threat-prioritization of up to 128 targets in less than a
minute.
* Integrated sensors, networking, and digital communications for situational images
awareness, management of the combat arena in real time, and digital transmission
of and target locations to joint operations battlefield commanders.

The AH-64 Apache has been developed since its inception using incremental technology insertions at regular intervals to ensure that the world's most capable multi-role combat helicopter meets the needs of the warfighter today and in the future.

Second Test of Raytheon's Standard Missile-6 By US NAVY

The U.S. Navy conducted the second test of Raytheon Company's Standard Missile-6 extended range anti-air warfare missile on Sept. 5.

Using the newly developed SM-6 active seeker, the missile intercepted a BQM-74 aerial drone. The active seeker, employing the U.S. Navy's legacy command system, autonomously acquired and engaged the target.

The SM-6 integrates the legacy standard missile airframe and semi-active guidance technology with the power of the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) active seeker.

The SM-6 provides advanced anti-air warfare and over-the-horizon capabilities against aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles. The over-the-horizon capabilities allow the missile to engage a target beyond the ship's line of sight.

Raytheon Company, with 2007 sales of $21.3 billion, is a technology leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 86 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide.

Light Anti-Armor Weapons (M72A7) for Israeli Armed Forces

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Israel of M72A7 Light Anti-Armor Weapons (LAAWs) as well as associated equipment and services.

The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $89 million.

The Government of Israel has requested a possible sale of 28,000 M72A7 66mm Light Anti-Armor Weapons (LAAWs), 60,000 M72AS 21mm Sub-Caliber Training Rockets, spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics personnel services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $89 million.

Israel’s strategic position makes it vital to the United States’ interests throughout the Middle East. Our policy has been to promote Middle East peace, support the Israeli commitment to peace with other regional Arab countries, enhance regional stability, and promote Israeli readiness and self-sufficiency. It is vital to the U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives.

The proposed sale will enhance the foreign policy and national security objectives of the U.S. by providing the Israeli Government with a lightweight assault rocket that will enable Israel to maintain its operational capability, and provide greater mission flexibility to deter aggression in the region. Israel will have no difficulty absorbing this weapon capability into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be Talley Defense of Mesa, Arizona. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Israel.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.

After 2016, Russian Navy will have New Carrier Fighters

Russia's new carrier-based fighters will replace the Su-33 naval fighter in service with the Russian Navy after 2016.

The Su-33 (NATO reporting name 'Flanker-D') is a carrier-based multi-role fighter, which can perform a variety of air superiority, fleet defense, air support and reconnaissance missions. The aircraft entered service with the Russian Navy in 1995 and are currently deployed on board the Nikolai Kuznetsov aircraft carrier.

"The Russian Navy will adopt new carrier-based aircraft after 2016," said Maj. Gen. Nikolai Kuklev, the deputy commander of Russia's naval aviation.

At present, Russia are considering modernization and extension of service life for the Su-33 aircraft. It will certainly stay in service until 2015.

He said the Navy will hold a tender on the new carrier fighter after 2010, which will involve the Su-27KUB Flanker and MiG-29K Fulcrum fighters.

"Both aircraft have advantages and disadvantages. For instance, the Su-27KUB is heavier, but has a longer flight range. MiG-29K is lighter but its combat range is shorter," Kuklev said, adding that a "golden average" has to be chosen.

At present, Russia has only one operational aircraft carrier, the Nikolai Kuznetsov, which was commissioned in the early 1990s and has recently re-entered service after a prolonged overhaul.

The ship, also known as Project 1143.5 heavy aircraft carrier, is currently deployed with Russia's Northern Fleet and has recently participated in a two-month tour to the Mediterranean as part of Russia's plans to resume its continual presence in different regions of the world's seas.

"We are considering extending the service life of the carrier. It will stay in service until 2020 and may be even until 2025," Kuklev said.

The general also confirmed that a decision to build new aircraft carriers for the Russian Navy had been adopted.

Russia's Navy commander, Adm. Vladimir Vysotsky, said in July that the Navy command had decided to form in the future 5-6 aircraft carrier task forces to be deployed with the Northern and Pacific fleets.

Archer Artillery System 4 Swedish Armed Forces

The Archer artillery system will soon be in service. The government has made a decision on continued development and procurement of this modified Howitzer 77B.

“With the new gun we will have one of the world’s best systems with precision bombardment,” says Thomas Lindell, Acting Commander at the Artillery Regiment A9.

The decision is seen as an expression of Sweden’s will to strengthen its artillery capability, and a sign of Sweden’s commitment to intensified cooperation with Norway on national security.

The government considers that joint development and procurement of Archer together with Norway creates conditions for an improved ability to collaborate in international operations. There are also opportunities to share the costs of teaching and training soldiers and costs for logistics, maintenance and modification of the systems.

“All experience at international level underlines the need for modern artillery units,” says Thomas Lindell.

The cooperation with Norway also includes procurement of the remote-controlled weapon station Protector.

The mandate of Parliament is required before Swedish procurement of this system. The government is expected to seek this mandate in its budget proposal for 2009.

Archer Facts:
-- Dumper truck with ballistic protection
-- Calibre: 15.5 cm (155 mm)
-- Muzzle velocity: 945 m/s
-- Range: 50 km with precision-guided shells
-- Based on the Howitzer 77 B, but with a barrel 2 metres longer
-- Top road speed: 70 km/h
-- Crew: 3-4: vehicle commander, driver and 1-2 operators
-- Ammunition: 21 projectiles carried on board the vehicle

Russia and Georgia in Battlefield

Russian premier Dmitry Medvedev called a halt to Russian operations into Georgia just as IDR was going to press. It was too early to judge how final the decision is and what the repercussions will be - accusations and recriminations were still flying back and forth over who had initiated operations - but several points can be drawn out of the situation so far.

Firstly, Russia did not appear to use its more modern weapons in this short campaign, as the units nearest to Georgia were equipped with older equipment, much of it fielded over 20 years ago. However, in large numbers and with substantial air support, they proved to be more than adequate to carry out their mission against Georgian forces.

Both sides deployed similar ground forces. Russia used itsT-72 series main battle tanks (MBTs) fitted with explosive reactive armour, BMP-1 and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), BTR-80 series armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and MT-LB multipurpose tracked vehicles.

In addition, Russian air assault units played a key role and were able to rapidly deploy BMD-1 and BMD-2 air assault vehicles (AAVs) and BTR-D airborne armoured carriers with organic fire support provided by 120 mm 2S9 Anona self-propelled gun/howitzers.

Russia also deployed a number of 2S3 152 mm series self-propelled gun/howitzers and various multiple rocket launchers to provide indirect fire support to their rapidly moving units, while 2S6 Tunguska, SA-19 'Gopher' and manportable systems provided air defence.

Boeing, US Navy Offer Super Hornet for Denmark Fighter Competition

Boeing and the U.S. Navy delivered a proposal Aug. 15 offering the advanced F/A-18E/F Super Hornet to the Royal Danish Air Force as part of Denmark's New Combat Aircraft competition.

Boeing received a Request for Information from Denmark in May. The stated initial requirement is for 48 aircraft.

"The winner must present a good balance of capability, cost and risk, and be able to provide Danish industry with a viable and competitive long-term partnership," said Dan Korte, vice president and general manager for Global Strike Systems, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. "We believe the Super Hornet is the best-value option and offers a winning solution for Denmark's fighter requirements."

The Super Hornet variant offered to Denmark is based on the F/A-18E/F model flown by the U.S. Navy and the 24 F/A-18Fs currently being produced for the Royal Australian Air Force. The Block II Super Hornet is the first operationally deployed strike fighter incorporating next-generation capabilities, including the Raytheon-built APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.

"The Super Hornet has been a model acquisition program for the United States and the U.S. Navy, one that has continued to add capability while decreasing cost over its lifetime," said U.S. Navy Capt. James Kennedy, F/A-18 International Business deputy program manager. "The Super Hornet, with its small logistics footprint and high mission-readiness rates, will stand well in the competition since it enhances effective deployment in international operations. With the AESA radar now fully onboard, the two-seat F/A-18F is providing unmatched aircrew situational awareness and taking air combat capabilities to new levels, as we can now seamlessly execute same-time air and ground missions. This is truly an aircraft that delivers tomorrow's capabilities today."

Boeing has delivered more than 360 Super Hornets to the U.S. Navy, all on or ahead of the original production delivery schedule. Australia has ordered 24 Super Hornets to bolster its fleet of F/A-18 Hornets, and Boeing is in discussions with several other international customers about their interest in procuring the Super Hornet.

On July 30, Boeing delivered a proposal to the Brazilian Air Force offering 36 Super Hornets for Brazil's F-X2 fighter competition. On Aug. 4, Boeing submitted a comprehensive industrial-participation proposal to the government of India in support of the company's offer of 126 Super Hornets to the Indian Air Force for India's Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft program.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.1 billion business with 71,000 employees worldwide.