DTN News: Defense News / Latest Press Releases Dated September 25, 2010

Defense News: DTN News: Defense News / Latest Press Releases Dated September 25, 2010

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 25, 2010: Comprehensive daily news related to Defense News / Latest Press Releases for the world of TODAY.*Comprehensive daily news related to Defense News / Latest Press Releases for the world of TODAY

*Sources - Defense News, Defense-Aerospace.com

INDIAN MISSILE FAILS TO LAUNCH FOR ROUTINE TEST

BY VIVEK RAGHUVANSHI

NEW DELHI - India's short-range, nuclear-capable Prithvi-II missile failed to launch Sept. 24 during a test at the Chandipur missile range in the eastern state of Orissa. ...full story
24 Sep 14:11 EDT (18:11 GMT)

Top Air Warfare Stories

• China Hints Missiles Targeting Taiwan Could Be Cut
• U.K.'s Fox Favors Keeping 2nd JSF Engine
• Germany's ThyssenKrupp Pulls Out Of Iran
• Russia Military Cooperation With Iran To Continue
• MEADS Program Officials Claim Lower Long-Term Costs
• Lockheed, DoD Shake on Purchase of 32 F-35s
• Russia Drops Plan To Supply Iran With S-300 Missiles
• Biggest India-U.S. Defense Deal Set To Be Signed
• Bill Would Force DoD To Weigh Subsidies for Arms Buys

More Air Warfare stories

Europe »

U.K.'s Fox Favors Keeping 2nd JSF Engine

BY JOHN REED

Not even the urgings of Liam Fox, British secretary of state for defense, to a powerful U.S. senator were enough to keep the U.S. Senate's Appropriations Committee from zeroing funds for an alternate engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). ... full story
23 Sep 16:51 EDT (20:51 GMT)

Germany's ThyssenKrupp Pulls Out Of Iran

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

BERLIN - ThyssenKrupp became on Sept. 23 Germany's latest corporate giant to announce it was pulling out of Iran as part of Western pressure on the Islamic republic over its nuclear program. ... full story
23 Sep 08:34 EDT (12:34 GMT)

Russia Military Cooperation With Iran To Continue

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

MOSCOW - Russia joining the ban on supplying arms such as missile systems and military aircraft to Iran will not mean a complete halt on military and technical cooperation between Moscow and the country, Russia's deputy foreign minister said Sept. 23. ... full story
23 Sep 08:31 EDT (12:31 GMT)

Americas »

U.K.'s Fox Favors Keeping 2nd JSF Engine

BY JOHN REED

Not even the urgings of Liam Fox, British secretary of state for defense, to a powerful U.S. senator were enough to keep the U.S. Senate's Appropriations Committee from zeroing funds for an alternate engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). ... full story
23 Sep 16:51 EDT (20:51 GMT)

MEADS Program Officials Claim Lower Long-Term Costs

BY KATE BRANNEN

In making its case for the tri-national Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS), Lockheed Martin announced Sept. 22 that over the lifetime of the program, MEADS would be more affordable than already fielded air and missile defense systems. ... full story
22 Sep 16:50 EDT (20:50 GMT)

Lockheed, DoD Shake on Purchase of 32 F-35s

BY JOHN REED

Lockheed Martin and Pentagon officials confirmed Sept. 22 that the company has reached an agreement with the Pentagon on the highly anticipated buy of 32 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, known as the low rate initial production lot 4 (LRIP-4). ... full story
22 Sep 13:52 EDT (17:52 GMT)

Asia & Pacific Rim »

Indian Missile Fails To Launch for Routine Test

BY VIVEK RAGHUVANSHI

NEW DELHI - India's short-range, nuclear-capable Prithvi-II missile failed to launch Sept. 24 during a test at the Chandipur missile range in the eastern state of Orissa. ...full story
24 Sep 14:11 EDT (18:11 GMT)

China Hints Missiles Targeting Taiwan Could Be Cut

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

TAIPEI - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has suggested that mainland missiles pointing at Taiwan could one day be removed, Taipei-based media reported Sept. 24. ... full story
24 Sep 11:40 EDT (15:40 GMT)

Biggest India-U.S. Defense Deal Set To Be Signed

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

NEW DELHI - India and the U.S. are likely to sign a $3.5 billion defense deal, the biggest ever between the two countries, according to a report released Sept. 22. ... full story
22 Sep 08:14 EDT (12:14 GMT)

Middle East & Africa »

Germany's ThyssenKrupp Pulls Out Of Iran

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

BERLIN - ThyssenKrupp became on Sept. 23 Germany's latest corporate giant to announce it was pulling out of Iran as part of Western pressure on the Islamic republic over its nuclear program. ... full story
23 Sep 08:34 EDT (12:34 GMT)

Russia Military Cooperation With Iran To Continue

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

MOSCOW - Russia joining the ban on supplying arms such as missile systems and military aircraft to Iran will not mean a complete halt on military and technical cooperation between Moscow and the country, Russia's deputy foreign minister said Sept. 23. ... full story
23 Sep 08:31 EDT (12:31 GMT)

Russia Drops Plan To Supply Iran With S-300 Missiles

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

MOSCOW - Russia has dropped plans to supply Iran with S-300 missiles because they are subject to international sanctions, a top general said Sept. 22, in the strongest confirmation yet of the leadership's intentions to put the controversial sale on ice. ... full story

US Plans $4.2Bn Sale of F-16 Fighters to Iraq (Sep 24) Dutch Delay JSF Deliveries to 2016 as Costs Rise (Sep 24) UK Pushes for JSF Alternate Engine (Sep 24) FMS: 30 Bell 412EP Helicopters to Pakistan (Sep 24) Iraq to Refurbish M113A2 APCs in $131M Deal (Sep 24) Canada to Order DIRCMS for Its Chinook Fleet (Sep 24) India’s Prithvi-II Missile Fails in User Trial (Sep 24) US Plans $350M Training Package for Saudi Air Force (Sep 24) Italian Navy Evaluates AW139 Helicopter on OPVs (Sep 24) Germany to Withdraw Tornados from Afghanistan (Sep 24) USAF Paying $13M for Each F119 Engine (Sep 24) GA Wins $242M to Support Reaper, Predator UAVs (Sep 24) L-3 Wins $29M to Convert Four More MC-130Ws (Sep 24) Neany Wins $48M for Persistent Ground Surveillance (Sep 24) ISI Wins $24M for Marine Mammal Detection (Sep 24) US Navy Awards Three Minehunting Contracts (Sep 24) Navistar to Pay Tax on MRAP Training Vehicles (Sep 24) Navair Prepares Super Hornet Launch from EMALS (Sep 24) DoD Chiefs Check Progress on Efficiency Initiatives (Sep 24) German Navy Orders Do228NG Aircraft (Sep 24) Austal Starts Building First US Navy JHSV Ship (Sep 24) Common SIGINT Payload Advances in Tests (Sep 24) Full-Motion Video Delivered for Intel Imagery (Sep 24) CAE Wins C$70M for Airbus A350 FFS, More (Sep 24) ATK Wins $170M Order for 20mm Ammunition (Sep 24) Canada Sells CF-5 Fighters to Training Company (Sep 24) Atlas Produces 2,000th Mine Disposal UUV (Sep 24) Boeing Completes First Pre-Wired F-18F for RAAF (Sep 24) Obama Well-served by Afghan Debate, Gates Says (Sep 24) Cybercom Chief Details Cyberspace Defense (Sep 24) Terma Wins Contract for JSF Gun Pods (Sep 24) Thales Delivers Gripen Recce Pod to Saab (Sep 24) ISAF Leads Helicopter Ops in Afghanistan (Sep 24) EU Approves EADS-Obrecht Joint Venture in Brazil (Sep 24)

DTN News: Lockheed, DoD Shake On Purchase Of 32 F-35s

Defense News: DTN News: Lockheed, DoD Shake On Purchase Of 32 F-35s

Source: DTN News / Defense News

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - September 25, 2010: Lockheed Martin and Pentagon officials confirmed Sept. 22 that the company has reached an agreement with the Pentagon on the highly anticipated buy of 32 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, known as the low rate initial production lot 4 (LRIP-4).
A Lockheed spokesman confirmed that negotiations for the F-35s are over and that on Sept. 21, the two organizations reached an agreement for the 32 jets, their production tooling and sustainment. (SENIOR AIRMAN JULIANNE SHOWALTER / U.S. AIR FORCE)
The contract is expected to be valued at more than $5 billion, said Lockheed spokesman John Kent.
While the deal has not been formally signed, Kent confirmed that negotiations for the planes are over and that on Sept. 21, the two organizations reached an agreement for the 32 jets, their production tooling and sustainment.
"The negotiated price is below the independent cost estimate prepared earlier this year and reflects the contract type deemed most efficient by the Department," a Pentagon statement said. "The Department believes this contract is a fair and reasonable basis for LRIP-4 and sets the appropriate foundation for future production lots."
Officials from both organizations have said that the 32 jets will cost as much as 20 percent less than the DoD's December prediction that the planes would cost roughly $76 million each in 2010 dollars over the program's lifetime.
The fixed-priced LRIP-4 deal is seen as critical to Lockheed's ability to deliver the jets on time and on budget.
Since early summer, Lockheed officials have indicated that the deal has been close to signing. Last week, Tom Burbage, the company's vice president of F-35 operations, blamed the delays on tough bargaining stances by both sides over the cost of the jets.

*Link to this article, "DTN News: Lockheed, DoD Shake On Purchase Of 32 F-35s".....click here

*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com

DTN News: Boeing, Cathay Pacific Airways Finalize Contract For Six 777-300ERs

Defense News: DTN News: Boeing, Cathay Pacific Airways Finalize Contract For Six 777-300ERs

Source: DTN News / Boeing

(NSI News Source Info) SEATTLE, - September 25, 2010: Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Cathay Pacific Airways today announced the Hong Kong-based carrier has exercised existing purchase rights for six additional Boeing 777-300ERs (extended range). The six new airplanes, with an estimated value of US$1.6 billion at Boeing list prices, will increase Cathay Pacific's 777-300ER future fleet from 30 to 36.
Cathay Pacific, one of the world's largest operators of the popular jetliner, also operates 12 Boeing 777-300s and five 777-200s.
"Cathay Pacific is a valued long-time Boeing customer. The global reach of Cathay Pacific's 777 fleet showcases the airplane's exceptional performance features and its passenger appeal around the world," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "This additional commitment from a world-class operator like Cathay Pacific is a testament to the greater efficiency, economics and reliability of the 777-300ER."
Cathay Pacific first announced its selection of the 777-300ER in 2005. This announcement is Cathay Pacific's fourth increase in its acquisition plans for the long-range jetliner.
"We are very pleased to confirm this purchase of six more Boeing 777-300ERs – a superb aircraft that already has significantly enhanced our operations on key long-haul routes," said Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Tony Tyler. "We have been very impressed by the operating economics of these aircraft, while their high efficiency has resulted in a reduced environmental impact. As we continue to enhance our fleet, the 777-300ER will play a crucial role in our operations in the years to come."
The Boeing 777 is the world's most successful twin-engine, long-haul airplane. The 777-300ER extends the 777 family's span of capabilities, bringing twin-engine efficiency and reliability to the long-range market.
Boeing incorporated several performance enhancements for the 777-300ER, extending its range and payload capabilities. Excellent performance during flight testing, combined with engine efficiency improvements and design changes that reduce drag and airplane weight, contributed to the increased capability.
In addition to Boeing 777s, Cathay Pacific operates 47 747-400s in both passenger and cargo versions. The airline also has ordered 10 Boeing 747-8 Freighters. The highly efficient new cargo airplane will augment the airline's fleet of 25 747 Freighters used to connect Hong Kong to a wide range of international markets.
Sixty-one customers around the world have ordered more than 1,100 777s.
Contact:
Linda Lee
International Communications, Boeing Commercial Airplanes
+1 206-766-2905
Linda.a.lee@boeing.com
Wang Yukui
Boeing China
+86 10 5925 5588
yukui.wang@boeing.com
Photo and caption are available here: http://boeing.mediaroom.com/

DTN News: Gulf States In $123 Billion US Arms Spree

Defense News: DTN News: Gulf States In $123 Billion US Arms Spree

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources including FT.com By Roula Khalaf in London and James Drummond in Abu Dhabi

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 21, 2010: The Arab states of the Gulf have embarked on one of the largest re-armament exercises in peacetime history, ordering US weapons worth some $123bn as they seek to counter Iran’s military power. A package of US arms worth more than $67bn for Saudi Arabia accounts for the largest single component of this military build-up, providing a huge boost to the American defence industry.
The first phase of this agreement – soon to go before the US Congress for approval – is estimated at about $30bn.
Anthony Cordesman, from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said that the US was aiming to achieve a “new post-Iraq war security structure that can secure the flow of energy exports to the global economy”.
The arms sales would “reinforce the level of regional deterrence and help reduce the size of forces the US must deploy in the region”.
The purchase of new weaponry comes at a time when many countries in the Middle East, home to two-thirds of the world’s proven oil reserves, are alarmed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
They also fear that any Israeli or US military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities could provoke retaliation against them, or disrupt the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz.
Saudi Arabia will receive 85 new F-15 jet fighters and another 70 will be upgraded. Boeing will be the principal supplier, allowing the US company to strengthen its ability to manufacture advanced military jets, an area where it has been slipping under competitive pressure. A successor agreement is expected to provide for the upgrade of radar and missile defence systems and an ambitious modernisation of the Saudi Navy’s eastern fleet.
“The Saudi aim is to send a message especially to the Iranians – that we have complete aerial superiority over them,” said a Saudi defence analyst.
Other US allies in the Gulf are also involved. Theodore Karasik, from the Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis in Dubai, said that the United Arab Emirates had signed contracts to buy military equipment worth $35bn-$40bn.
The UAE has received clearance to buy Thaad, a high altitude missile defence system being developed by Lockheed Martin. The UAE and Kuwait have each signed contracts for upgrades to their Patriot missile defence systems, developed by Raytheon, which cover lower levels of an air defence “curtain”.
Elsewhere, Oman is expected to spend $12bn and Kuwait $7bn in the period until the end of 2014 on replacing and upgrading warplanes and new command and control systems, according to Blenheim Capital Partners, a consultancy that arranges offset deals. Oman’s package will include 18 new F-16 jet fighters and upgrades for another 12. This will benefit Lockheed Martin, reinforcing its position as the leading US manufacturer of warplanes.
The total value of all US arms deals with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman and Kuwait is estimated at $122.88bn over the next four years.
Grant Rogan, Blenheim’s chief executive, said that Middle Eastern and south-east Asian countries had traditionally bought arms on a one-off basis. But now they were replacing western Europeans as some of the biggest regular arms purchasers. “They are the big buyers,” he said.

*Link to this article - "Gulf States In $123 Billion US Arms Spree - FT.com By Roula Khalaf in London and James Drummond in Abu Dhabi"

*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com

EDITOR’S CHOICE

*Iran fear triggers arms surge - Sep-20

*Opinion: US Mideast arms deal aims to stop attack on Iran - Sep-20

*Saudis question logic of US arms deal - Sep-20

*In depth: Iran - Jul-22

*Iran sanctions buy time for diplomacy - Sep-20

*Iran hints at attempt to ease US tensions - Sep-20