The Week In Defense, Oct. 23-30, 2020

On the same subject

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  November 10, 2020 | International, Naval

  Turkey to launch its first armed unmanned surface vessel

  By: Burak Ege Bekdil ANKARA, Turkey — A partnership between two leading Turkish defense companies has launched the country's first armed unmanned surface vessel, the ULAQ. Ares Shipyard and Meteksan Defence said Oct. 28 the ULAQ was built from advanced composites, has a 400-kilometer range and can travel up to 65 kph. The companies also said the platform is equippped with day and night vision capabilities as well as encrypted communication infrastructure, which can be operated from mobile vehicles and headquarters or from sea platforms such as aircraft carriers or frigates. That infrastructure can be used for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, surface warfare, asymmetric warfare, escort and strategic infrastructure protection missions. The design for the prototype was finalized in August, Ares and Meteksan said, and structural construction was recently completed, with the first vessel to enter Mediterranean waters in December following its outfitting. ULAQ's missile systems are inclusive of four cells of Cirit and two of L-UMTAS, manufactured by Turkey's state-controlled missile-maker Roketsan. Firing tests are planned for the first quarter of 2021. Along with the Cirit and L-UMTAS missile systems, the ULAQ will be equipped with different variations of communication and intelligence technology, like jamming and electronic warfare systems, to cover diverse operational needs. The vessel will be able to carry out joint operations with complementary drones. Its builders said the ULAQ is not only remotely controlled but also an autonomous vehicle that hosts artificial intelligence. “ULAQ is a messenger (original word is ‘ulak'), an envoy from the ancient Turkish culture who represents the state with his extraordinary skills since Central Asia. Along with the intelligence and experience, ULAQ possesses extreme warriorship capabilities,” Ares CEO Utku Alanc said. Added Meteksan CEO Selcuk Alparslan: “While designing the critical electronic systems of the platform, we have sought maximum indigenousness and fully considered the operational needs of Turkish Armed Forces.” https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2020/11/09/turkey-to-launch-its-first-armed-unmanned-surface-vessel/

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  May 28, 2021 | International, Aerospace

  SCAF : la répartition des piliers dévoilées

  Le 25 mai, le ministère des Armées et la Direction générale de l'armement ont dévoilé la répartition précise des piliers du système de combat aérien du futur (SCAF). Le projet global est coordonné par les trois pays partenaires via Dassault Aviation (pour la France), Airbus Defence and Space (pour l'Allemagne) et Indra (pour l'Espagne) et chaque pilier du projet sera confié à un maître d'œuvre unique. « Sur chaque pilier, un équilibre a été trouvé entre le « prime » et le « main partner » en l'adaptant aux différents sujets », explique l'ingénieure générale de l'armement Eva Portier. Dassault Aviation est maître d'œuvre du Next Generation Fighter (NGF) tandis que Airbus Defence and Space est responsable des « remote carriers » et du cloud de combat. L'entité espagnole d'Airbus Defence and Space concevra les technologies de furtivité. Le pilier moteur est sous la responsabilité de la coentreprise formée par Safran et MTU, EUMET, et enfin, les capteurs sont du ressort d'Indra. BFMtv.com, 25 mai

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  February 19, 2019 | International, Aerospace

  Defence Secretary announces first deployment for new sub-hunter aircraft

  Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has announced that the UK's new fleet of submarine hunting aircraft will take to the skies over the Arctic next year. While visiting Royal Marines and Royal Navy personnel on winter training in Norway, the Defence Secretary announced that as part of their first deployment next year the RAF P8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft will be in the Arctic to counter Russian submarine activity that has reached Cold War levels. This deployment is part of the Defence Arctic Strategy, which will be published this spring, deepening our relationship with regional partners and sharpen our expertise of operating in the extreme cold environment. Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: The Arctic Strategy puts us on the front foot in protecting Britain's interests in this expanding new frontier. Whether it's sharpening our skills in sub-zero conditions, learning from longstanding allies like Norway or monitoring submarine threats with our Poseidon aircraft, we will stay vigilant to new challenges. Nine of the P8 Poseidon aircraft will be delivered to RAF Lossiemouth in 2020 at which point they will begin reconnaissance patrols over a wide range including the High North and North Atlantic. While in Norway the Defence Secretary also met with the elite commandos of the Royal Marines and discussed the unique challenge of honing their combat skills hundreds of miles inside the Arctic Circle where temperatures drop as low as -30°C. As part of the Defence Arctic Strategy, the Royal Marines have committed to a 10-year training programme with their Norwegian counterparts, which will see around 1,000 Marines travelling North each year. A long-term NATO ally, Norway is also a fellow member of the Joint Expeditionary Force and Northern Group – two initiatives through which the UK is enhancing its co-operation with key northern European partners. Elsewhere in the region this year, RAF Typhoons will guard NATO's northern flank as part of the Icelandic Air Policing mission. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/defence-secretary-announces-first-deployment-for-new-sub-hunter-aircraft