Defence Street

Author: Defence Street Editor

  • Northrop Grumman Expands Space Technology Capabilities in Huntsville

    Northrop Grumman Expands Space Technology Capabilities in Huntsville

    Northrop Grumman cuts the ribbon on a new, two-building campus in Huntsville, Alabama, expanding its launch and missile defense development capability. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)

    HUNTSVILLE, Ala., 6th April, 2023. Northrop Grumman Corporation cut the ribbon on a new, two-building campus on 6th April, located just outside of Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, expanding its launch and missile defense development capability. This campus will be home to over 1,000 Northrop Grumman employees in the Huntsville area.

    “Our new lab enables us to deliver innovative solutions to our customers on rapid timelines, helping to protect and defend our nation and its allies against evolving threats,” said Scott Lehr, vice president and general manager, launch and missile defense systems, Northrop Grumman. “The enhancements to the facility will also optimize operating efficiencies and provide our team with a dynamic research and development work environment.”

    The Northrop Grumman Redstone Gateway campus will include a hardware-in-the-loop integration lab that provides a robust and resilient cutting-edge capability to Northrop Grumman and its customers. This lab creates an end-to-end environment for engineers to best utilize the DevSecOps methodologies to develop, test, mirror and qualify integrated systems across the Missile Defense engagement chain.

    Company officials were joined by guest speakers U.S. Congressman Dale Strong, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Madison County Chairman Mac McCutcheon and Huntsville City Council President John Meredith. Also in attendance were senior military partners as well as education, civic and community organizations.

    Northrop Grumman is one of the leading aerospace and defense companies in Alabama, supporting key missile defense customers including the U.S. Air Force, NASA, U.S. Space Force and intelligence communities.

    Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our 95,000 employees define possible every day.

  • Airbus Helicopters and China’s GDAT sign for 50 H160 helicopters

    Airbus Helicopters and China’s GDAT sign for 50 H160 helicopters

    Beijing, 7th April, 2023. During French President Macron’s visit to China, Airbus Helicopters has signed a contract with GDAT, one of China’s most prominent helicopter lessors and operators, for 50 H160 helicopters. This contract is the largest single order for the H160 on the civil and parapublic market since the helicopter was unveiled in 2015. The aircraft will be used notably for the energy sector, including offshore transportation for oil and gas platforms, wind farms and harbour piloting, as well as emergency medical services and other municipal public service missions. The companies also signed a strategic cooperation agreement related to topics such as support and services capabilities, amongst others, in order to ensure the long term success of the H160 in China.

    “We are honoured GDAT has decided to bolster their all-Airbus fleet of 26 helicopters with the addition of 50 H160 helicopters. The H160 has been designed at the outset as a multi-mission helicopter and is, therefore, well suited to the multiple segments that lessors provide for,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.

    “This contract is a great example of the importance of economic and trade cooperation between France and China. The innovative H160 is the perfect addition to our fleet and will enable us to continue our success story on the Chinese market that began with our 21 H225 helicopters. We see a lot of potential for the H160 in China, in particular for the energy sector” said Peter Jiang, Chairman of GDAT.

    GDAT is China’s leading innovative general aviation service provider specialising in helicopter sales and leasing, maintenance and modifications, as well as emergency rescue flights, and other government services. The Group is headquartered in Shanghai and has four wholly-owned subsidiaries across China as well as operating bases in Suzhou and Ningbo, and an overseas branch in London.

    Designed as a multi-role helicopter capable of performing a wide range of missions, the H160 integrates Airbus’ latest technological innovations. The helicopter provides passengers with superior comfort thanks to the sound-reducing Blue Edge blades and superb external visibility that benefits both passengers and pilots. With its light maintenance plan aligned between engine and aircraft, the H160 optimises operating costs and offers a new standard in availability. The H160 is already certified to fly with as much as 50% sustainable aviation fuel and is powered by two of the latest Arrano engines from Safran Helicopter Engines that offer a 15% reduction in fuel burn.

    Airbus Helicopters has been a key partner in the Chinese helicopter sector for over 50 years. Today, there are more than 300 Airbus helicopters flying over China, serving more than 90 customers.

  • Vice Minister of Defense for International Affairs of Japan calls on Raksha Mantri in New Delhi

    • Both sides agree to further enhance bilateral defence cooperation
    • India shares Japan’s vision for a free, open, secure & rules-based Indo-Pacific, says Shri Rajnath Singh

    New Delhi, 6th April, 2023. Vice Minister of Defense for International Affairs of Japan Mr Oka Masami called on Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on April 06, 2023. During the meeting, Mr Oka briefed the Raksha Mantri on the discussions held during the 7th Defence Policy Dialogue, which he co-chaired with Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane in New Delhi on April 05, 2023. The visiting dignitary reiterated Japan’s keenness to further enhance bilateral defence cooperation, including collaboration in defence equipment and technology.

    Shri Rajnath Singh conveyed that India shares Japan’s vision for a free, open, secure and rules-based Indo-Pacific and stressed that both the countries must continue to expand the scope of their bilateral cooperation.

    Mr Oka was also accompanied by the Ambassador of Japan to India Mr Suzuki Hiroshi, who thanked the Raksha Mantri for the impetus provided by his strong and positive leadership towards strengthening the bilateral defence ties. Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane was also present on the occasion.

  • Azerbaijan Airlines orders 12 A320neo Family aircraft

    Azerbaijan Airlines orders 12 A320neo Family aircraft

    Baku, 6th April. 2023. The Azerbaijan flag carrier, Azerbaijan Airlines, has placed a firm order with Airbus for 12 A320neo Family aircraft including A320neo and A321neo. The contract was signed at a ceremony held in Baku.

    These latest generation A320neo Family aircraft are part of the company’s fleet renewal strategy to operate the most modern and fuel efficient aircraft, increase operational efficiency and competitiveness while offering passengers excellent comfort throughout its fleet. The engine choice will be announced by the airline at a later stage.

    “We are pleased to continue mutually beneficial cooperation with Airbus on the modernization program of our fleet and intend to strengthen the bilateral partnership. The signed contract will provide our passengers with the most modern and comfortable single-aisle aircraft,” First Vice-President of AZAL CJSC Samir Rzayev said.

    This order marks an important milestone in the fruitful relationship between Airbus and Azerbaijan Airlines,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International. “The A320neo Family continues to be a top choice for airlines looking for fuel-efficient and cost-effective fleet solutions. This order is a testament to the trust our customers have in the performance and reliability of our aircraft. We are confident that this choice will further boost the sustainable growth of Azerbaijan Airlines.”

    Currently Azerbaijan Airlines operates a fleet of 15 Airbus aircraft (4 A319ceo, 6 A320ceo,
    2 A340s and since the beginning of the year, 3 new generation A320neo). The airline plans. to deploy efficient A320neo Family aircraft to further develop its domestic and international route network.

    The A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver at least 20 percent fuel burn and CO2 emission saving. With some 8,700 orders from 135 customers, the A320neo Family is the world’s most popular aircraft.    

  • Airbus and China aviation industry sign next phase in partnership

    Airbus and China aviation industry sign next phase in partnership

    • General Terms Agreement to allocate 160 aircraft to Chinese airlines
    • Expanding capacity at Tianjin A320 Final Assembly Line to contribute to global rate 75
    • Upscaling the production and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels

    Beijing, 6th April, 2023. During a French state visit to China, Airbus signed new cooperation agreements with China Aviation industry partners.

    Witnessed by Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron, Airbus CEO, Guillaume Faury signed with the Tianjin Free Trade Zone Investment Company Ltd., and Aviation Industry Corporation of China Ltd., an agreement to expand A320 Family final assembly capacity with a second line at its Tianjin site. The agreement will contribute to Airbus’ overall rate objective of 75 aircraft per month in 2026 throughout its global production network.

    Currently, Airbus has four A320 Family final assembly sites worldwide: Hamburg (Germany), Toulouse (France), Mobile (USA) and Tianjin (China). The Tianjin Final Assembly Line (FAL Asia) started operation in 2008 and has assembled over 600 A320 Family aircraft to date. In March 2023 the first A321neo aircraft was delivered from the line, marking a new era of enhanced A320 Family production versatility.

    In addition, Airbus also signed General Terms of Agreement (GTA) with the China Aviation Supplies Holding Company (CAS) covering the purchase of 160 Airbus commercial aircraft. The GTA comprises earlier announcements for 150 A320 Family aircraft and for 10 A350-900 widebody aircraft orders, reflecting the strong demand in all market segments by Chinese carriers.

    Over the next 20 years, China’s air traffic is forecast to grow at 5.3% annually, significantly faster than the world average of 3.6%. This will lead to a demand for 8,420 passenger and freighter aircraft between now and 2041, representing more than 20 percent of the world’s total demand for around 39,500 new aircraft in the next 20 years.

    In line with its sustainability strategy, Airbus and the China National Aviation Fuel Group (CNAF) also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to intensify Chinese-European cooperation on the production, competitive application and common standards formulation for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). Earlier in September 2022, Airbus and CNAF contracted to support commercial and delivery flights in China to be operated with SAF. By the end of March, 17 delivery flights and a first commercial flight were facilitated by the two partners. This new cooperation agreement aims at optimising the SAF supply chain by diversifying the sources and enhancing SAF production towards the ambition of using 10 percent SAF by 2030.

    “We are honoured to continue our long-standing cooperation by supporting China’s civil aviation growth with our leading families of aircraft. It underpins the positive recovery momentum and prosperous outlook for the Chinese aviation market and the desire to grow sustainably with Airbus’ latest generation, eco-efficient aircraft,” said Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury. “Airbus values its partnership with the Chinese aviation stakeholders and we feel privileged to remain a partner of choice in shaping the future of civil aviation in China.”

    Airbus entered the Chinese market nearly 40 years ago, in 1985, when an A310 was first delivered to China Eastern Airlines. By the end of the first quarter 2023, the Airbus in service fleet in China has risen to over 2,100 aircraft, representing more than 50 percent of the market.

  • Self-Reliance in Defence Manufacturing

    Self-Reliance in Defence Manufacturing

    New Delhi, 3rd April, 2023. Several policy initiatives and reforms have been taken by Government in the past few years to encourage indigenous design, development and manufacture of defence equipment, thereby promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing in the country. These initiatives, inter-alia, include according priority to procurement of capital items from domestic sources under Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP)-2020; Notification of four ‘Positive Indigenisation Lists’ of total 411 items of Services and three ‘Positive Indigenisation Lists’ of total 3,738 items of Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), for which there would be an embargo on the import beyond the timelines indicated against them; Simplification of Industrial licensing process with longer validity period; Liberalisation of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy allowing 74% FDI under automatic route; Simplification of Make Procedure; Launch of Mission DefSpace; Launch of Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme involving start-ups & Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs); Implementation of Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order 2017; Launch of an indigenisation portal namely SRIJAN to facilitate indigenisation by Indian Industry including MSMEs; Reforms in Offset policy with thrust on attracting investment and Transfer of Technology (ToT) for Defence manufacturing by assigning higher multipliers; and Establishment of two Defence Industrial Corridors, one each in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu; Opening up of Defence Research & Development (R&D) for industry, start-ups and academia with 25 percent of defence R&D budget; Progressive increase in allocation of Defence Budget of military modernization for procurement from domestic sources, etc. These policy initiatives have given a push to the growth of Industries including MSMEs in defence sector which have created tremendous employment opportunities. However, no employment data is maintained by Ministry of Defence. The information cannot be shared being strategic and sensitive in nature.

    The Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative has helped the country by encouraging indigenous design, development and manufacture of defence equipment in the country, thereby reducing dependency on imports in long run. The expenditure on defence procurement from foreign sources has reduced from 46% of overall expenditure in 2018-19 to 36.7% in December, 2022. Moreover, the Indian defence export has risen by more than eight times since 2016-17. In 2016-17, the defence exports were worth Rs 1,522 crore which has gone up to Rs 13,800 crore till date.

    This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shri Nalin Kumar Kateel and others in Lok Sabha on 3rd April, 2023.

  • Third General K Sundarji Memorial Lecture on ‘India’s Role in Emerging World Order’ Conducted at Manekshaw Centre on 3rd April 2023

    Third General K Sundarji Memorial Lecture on ‘India’s Role in Emerging World Order’ Conducted at Manekshaw Centre on 3rd April 2023

    New Delhi, 3rd April, 2023. The 3rd General Sundarji Memorial Lecture was organised by the Indian Army at Manekshaw Centre to commemorate the memory of one of India’s foremost military thinkers, under the aegis of Mechanised Infantry Centre & School (MIC&S) and Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS). The event was attended by serving and retired officers of the three Services as well as literati and various think tanks. The lecture remembered the dynamic and visionary General K Sundarji, the 13th Chief of the Army Staff, who is also fondly called as the ‘Father of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment’.

    In his keynote address, Lieutenant General Suchindra Kumar, Vice Chief of the Army Staff said that the Nation has upheld its global image as an emerging leader by taking responsible roles at various occasions especially during pandemic; and the Indian Army stands fully committed and prepared to fulfil the Nation’s expectations wherever possible. The speakers for the event were India’s former Foreign Secretary, Ambassador Shyam Saran and Lieutenant General Raj Shuka (retired), Member UPSC and former Army Commander; who spoke on “India’s Role in Shaping the Emerging World Order” and “Addressing National Security Challenges” respectively. The informative talks were followed by a Question & Answer session, wherein the audience interacted with the speakers on both the contemporary topics.

  • PM applauds as major ports set new records

    New Delhi, 4th April, 2023. The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed happiness as the major ports under Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) have set new records by exceeding cargo handling targets for FY 2022-23 with 10.4% YoY growth.

    The handling of 795 MMT of cargo marks a historic achievement for the nation’s Major ports.

    Replying to the tweet by MoPSW about aforesaid achievement, the Prime Minister tweeted;

    “Wonderful.”


  • Northrop Grumman Announces Industry Team to Compete for US Navy’s E-XX TACAMO Weapon System

    Northrop Grumman Announces Industry Team to Compete for US Navy’s E-XX TACAMO Weapon System

    Northrop Grumman announces industry team for E-XX TACAMO capture. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)

    WASHINGTON, 3rd April, 2023. Northrop Grumman Corporation is partnering with Lockheed Martin Skunk Works ®, Raytheon Intelligence & Space, Crescent Systems, Inc. and Long Wave Inc. to develop a solution for the US Navy’s E-XX TACAMO requirement.

    “Together, our team has vast knowledge and expertise in delivering critical command and control, and nuclear enterprise capabilities,” said Henry Cyr, director, multi-domain command and control capture programs, Northrop Grumman.

  • Aegis Combat System Successfully Intercepts Target During Flight Test

    Aegis Combat System Successfully Intercepts Target During Flight Test

    Photo courtesy of the Missile Defense Agency: A demonstration of advanced terminal defense capability was conducted from the Pacific Missile Test Range Facility on Kauai, Hawaii, during Flight Test Aegis Weapon System 31 Event 1a (FTM-31 E1a). The test employed the latest advancements to the Aegis Combat System through detection, tracking and engagement of a medium range ballistic missile target.
    • “Open architecture and rigorous system engineering enable consistent evolution and innovation”

    USS DANIEL INOUYE, 3rd April, 2023. USS Daniel Inouye (DDG 118) successfully intercepted a Medium Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) target using upgraded Aegis software during a recent flight test. This marks the first Aegis Baseline 9.C2.0 (BMD 5.1) intercept of an MRBM target using the  Standard Missile–6 Dual II with software upgrade, bringing improved performance against evolving threats.

    Supported by the United States Navy, Missile Defense Agency, Lockheed Martin, and other partners, FTM-31 E1a deployed a real-world scenario to test the Aegis Weapon System, which was able to better target, identify and intercept the threat due to the software update.

    “The shield and spear of the fleet, Aegis has evolved to counter air, ballistic missiles and evolving threats across multiple domains from all regions, ranges and during all phases of flight,” said Joe DePietro, vice president and general manager of Naval Combat and Missile Defense Systems at Lockheed Martin. “We realize it is critical to develop capabilities that allow the United States, its partners and allies to quickly adapt to constantly-changing mission needs.”

    New Missions, Increased Worldwide Security

    Lockheed Martin has a long history of success applying its combat system expertise worldwide to deliver complex weapon and sensor capability through the Common Source Library, a permanent library for all Aegis system computer programs that allows customers to access software required to meet mission requirements. Aegis can rapidly deliver new capabilities, including solutions that integrate both SPY-1 and solid-state radars, and the growing SPY-7 family of radars. Due to its open architecture, Aegis delivers capability today and is flexible to grow with the demands of an ever-changing environment.