Militaryleak’s Post

Lithuania has inked a significant agreement with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and Saab, marking an expansion of joint procurement efforts. The procurement authority for defense equipment in Lithuania, DMA, has signed a pivotal agreement focusing on the acquisition of the RBS 70 NG, a Short-range Air Defense (SHORAD) Man-portable air-defence system (MANPADS)manufactured by Saab. This move not only solidifies the long-standing partnership between Lithuania and Sweden but also demonstrates a concerted effort to enhance the regional defense network. The RBS 70 NG, renowned for its advanced technology and adaptability, is poised to be integrated into Lithuania’s defense infrastructure, specifically mounted on the Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). #military #defense #defence #militaryleak https://lnkd.in/gpb_wQhd

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (Swedish: Försvarets materielverk, FMV) has recently delivered new mobile platforms to the Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten), enhancing Sweden’s coastal defence capabilities. These platforms are equipped with Saab’s RBS 15 Mk2 anti-ship missiles, representing a significant boost in military readiness and strategic flexibility. The mobile nature of these new platforms is a crucial upgrade, providing the Swedish Armed Forces with enhanced deployment flexibility for the RBS 15 Mk2 system. FMV project leader Anders Brunander emphasized the importance of this development in light of rapid global changes. The FMV’s recent delivery also paves the way for the future integration of the RBS 15 Mk4 missile, a next-generation system that promises further advancements in both anti-ship and land-attack capabilities. The Mk4 variant is expected to offer an extended range, enhanced targeting precision, and advanced electronic countermeasures, ensuring that Sweden’s defence technology remains at the forefront of modern warfare. This strategic enhancement underscores Sweden’s commitment to maintaining robust coastal defence and adapting to the rapidly changing global security landscape. #military #defense #defence #militaryleak https://lnkd.in/gBh4CCCN

Raytheon was awarded a USD 1.2 billion contract to supply Bundeswehr (German Federal Armed Forces) with PATRIOT air and missile defence systems. These systems will augment Germany's existing air defence infrastructure with additional PATRIOT equipment. The scope of the contract includes the most current PATRIOT Configuration 3+ radars, launchers, command and control stations, associated spares, and support. “This contract reflects the global emphasis on advanced air and missile defence capabilities and the steadfast confidence in PATRIOT ,” said Tom Laliberty, president of Land and Air Defence Systems at Raytheon. “With this expansion, Germany will not only modernize its own significant air defence but enhance its interoperability with allies and further strengthen a core NATO mission.” PATRIOT is the backbone of air defence for 19 countries, including Germany, the U.S. and Ukraine. The formidable, combat-proven performance of Patriot continues to demonstrate its effectiveness against the most advanced and complex threats. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/ev9YHv5m #Germany #airdefence #missiledefence #IAMD #PATRIOT #Raytheon #RTX #Bundeswehr #defence #industry #military #armedforces #technology

So, it’s taken NATO 2 years to enter a $5bn contract to establish a plant to make Patriot air defence missiles in Germany. That’s blisteringly fast compared to the Australian Defence organisation’s efforts since the 2020 Force Structure Update. In almost 4 years, the Defence organisation has repeatedly convinced Defence Ministers to announce how urgent it is to produce missiles locally. But it has failed to enter a contract to actually do this - despite offers years ago from companies like Rafael and Kongsberg. Maybe 2024 will be the year the Australian government finally forces Defence to deliver on its words - and, even more hopefully, maybe contracts will go to more companies than just the usual suspects of Lockheed Martin and Raytheon so there is some diversity in Australian and allied missile and missile defence capabilities.

Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen has approved a procurement of Lockheed Martin JASSM-ER missiles, significantly enhancing Finland's air-to-surface capability. This procurement aligns with the Finnish Air Force's F-35 integration timeline and aims to bolster the nation's defensive measures. The AGM-158B JASSM-ER (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile – Extended Range) is set to be integrated into the F-35 multirole fighters, replacing the current F/A-18 Hornet capability. This acquisition, executed by the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command, supplements the F-35 system with precision-guided munitions featuring an extended range, providing a substantial upgrade over previous capabilities. The procurement package includes missiles, manuals and documentation, replacement parts, equipment, transportation services, as well as manufacturer and supplier training, repair, and support services from 2024 to 2031, as stipulated in the Letter of Approval (LOA) agreement. Additionally, the contract encompasses US administrative services. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dXWSTG2r #Finland #HX #35 #JASSMER #cruisemissile #longrange #LockheedMartin #airforce #defence #industry #military #technology

Sweden and France have expressed their desire to strengthen their defence co-operation under a new strategic partnership signed on 30 January as part of French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Sweden. Anti-tank and air defence have been identified as priority areas for co-operation. In this context, a major new step has been taken in the relationship between the two countries. On 31 January, Micael Johansson and Eric Béranger, the CEOs of Saab and MBDA, expressed their willingness to support this process in the fields of anti-tank and air defence, two capabilities identified as particularly critical for the armed forces of both countries, especially in the context of high-intensity conflicts. They signed Letters of Intent to strengthen the co-operation between their companies in these two fields, at the Business Forum organised in the presence of the highest French and Swedish authorities. Co-operation in the anti-tank field has resulted in an initial focus on the AKERON MP. A first contract has been awarded to Saab and MBDA by the DGA, the French contracting entity, and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV – Försvarets Materielverk). The Akeron MP (Akeron Moyenne Portée) is a French fifth generation, network-enabled, anti-tank guided missile system. Featuring both fire-and-forget and command guidance operating modes, it also integrates third party target designation for indirect firing scenarios through its lock-on after launch capability for non-line-of-sight (NLOS) use. the Akeron MP was developed by MBDA France and is intended as a replacement for the MILAN and American-made FGM-148 Javelin. It is designed for dismounted infantry (being man-portable) as well as for integration on combat vehicles and has a firing range of up to 5 km.#military #defense #defence #militaryleak https://lnkd.in/gHjZzqMb

In a recent interview, former Japanese Defense Minister Onodera Itsunori confirmed that the Philippines’ Department of Defense has requested the transfer or sale of Japanese-made air defense missile systems. This move aims to enhance the Philippines’ overall air defense capabilities, complementing the already approved requests for coastal surveillance radars, air defense radars, and coast guard patrol vessels. The Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF) is considering retiring its Type 81 and Improved HAWK air defense missile systems, which could potentially be transferred to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Additionally, Japan’s domestically manufactured Type 11 short-range and Type 03 medium-range air defense missile systems could be sold to the Philippines through low-interest financing. The potential transfer of these missile systems underscores the deepening defense cooperation between Japan and the Philippines. MaxDefense reported that Onodera also emphasized the importance of Japan working closely with the Philippines to foster a strong and resilient partnership. He highlighted the advantages of the Philippines’ growing manufacturing industry and youthful population, suggesting that Japan could leverage these strengths to address its own challenges, such as a declining population. Among the proposed initiatives, Onodera mentioned supporting the Philippines in developing its shipbuilding industry, enabling the country to locally build coast guard ships. This collaboration aligns with Japan’s strategic vision of helping the Philippines emerge as a robust military and economic middle power, contributing to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. #military #defense #defence #militaryleak https://lnkd.in/gkCiuZVE

#Estonia, #France, #Belgium, #Cyprus, and #Hungary agreed to buy #Mistral short-range air defense missile systems and missiles in a rare five-country joint procurement. Estonia is primarily replenishing its ammunition stocks. After signing the contract in Paris, Magnus-Valdemar Saar, director general of the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments // Riigi Kaitseinvesteeringute Keskus(RKIK), said, in many ways, this is a significant procurement. "Firstly, it is rare for so many EU member states to jointly procure something; secondly, it is clear proof that the complex international security situation has significantly strengthened alliance ties and increased cooperation," he said in a statement. The joint procurement was initiated by France. "[It is] a cost-effective solution for all EU countries looking for an efficient very short air defense capability," said Gen. Gaël Diaz De Tuesta, the #French National Armaments Director (DGA - Direction générale de l'armement, DGA). The Mistral air defense missile system has been part of the Estonian Defense Forces' arsenal since 2009. They have a firing range of six kilometers. "The war in Ukraine has highlighted the importance of air defense, including short-range air defense. Our military's experience shows that it is a very capable weapon system. Past live firings have essentially achieved a one hundred percent hit rate on aerial targets," said Ramil Lipp, armament strategic category manager at RKIK. The new Mistral missile systems and missiles will be delivered to Estonia over the next three years. The deal was first announced in June 2023. The signing took place at the international defense industry exhibition "Eurosatory 2024". Last week, the Ministry of Defense said it was sending "Mistral-type" short-range air defense missile systems and missiles to #Ukraine as military aid. https://lnkd.in/dXxuvQck

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected, tracked, and intercepted two Russian TU-95 and two PRC H-6 military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on July 24, 2024. NORAD fighter jets from the United States and Canada conducted the intercept. The Russian and PRC aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace. This Russian and PRC activity in the Alaska air defense identification zone (ADIZ) is not seen as a threat, and NORAD will continue to monitor competitor activity near North America and meet presence with presence. An ADIZ begins where sovereign airspace ends and is a defined stretch of international airspace that requires the ready identification of all aircraft in the interest of national security. The Air Defense Identification Zone of North America is an air defense identification zone (ADIZ) that covers the airspace surrounding the United States and Canada – in which the ready identification, location, and control of civil aircraft over land or water is required in the interest of national security.[1] This ADIZ is jointly administered by the civilian air traffic control authorities and the militaries of both nations, under the auspices of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Any aircraft flying in these zones without authorization may be identified as a threat and treated as an enemy aircraft, potentially leading to interception by fighter aircraft. #military #defense #defence #militaryleak https://lnkd.in/gr8AKyQb

The #Bulgarian parliament’s defense committee approved the transfer of man-portable air defense systems (#MANPADS) and surface-to-air missiles of various types to #Ukraine to strengthen its air defense. The decision was supported by 11 members of the parliamentary committee at an extraordinary meeting on Thursday, December 7. It regards outdated and redundant air defense equipment – man-portable air defense systems and surface-to-air missiles of various types. Bulgaria claims that #Ukraine has the ability to return defective missiles to service. “Unlike #Bulgaria, #Ukraine has stated that it has the ability to adopt such defective ammunition and put it into service in the #Ukrainian army,” Bulgaria said. The proposal to transfer air defense equipment is part of a draft decision to provide additional military assistance to Ukraine, which was presented on Thursday by the parties of the Bulgarian government coalition. It refers to Bulgaria’s determination of an excessive amount of weapons and equipment needed to man wartime formations and the preparation of a proposal to provide these weapons and equipment to Ukraine. Negotiations are also to be held with the governments of NATO member states on the deployment of air defense and anti-ship missile systems to strengthen Bulgaria’s defense capabilities. In addition, it is proposed that Bulgaria join a coalition of countries to train #Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets and allow up to 160 Ukrainian military personnel to train on a rotational basis per year. As previously reported, in September of this year, the Bulgarian Parliament  approved the transfer of S-300 missiles to Ukraine. Also, the ruling majority in Bulgaria’s parliament plans to override the presidential veto of the transfer of armored personnel carriers to Ukraine. It regards a transfer of about 100 wheeled armored personnel carriers with available weapons and spare parts from the country’s Ministry of Internal Affairs depots free of charge. https://lnkd.in/dYNh4u7v