Defence Street

Author: Defence Street Editor

  • Elbit Systems Awarded Four Contracts to Supply Solutions to the Romanian Armed Forces

    Elbit Systems Awarded Four Contracts to Supply Solutions to the Romanian Armed Forces

    Elbit Systems SPECTRO XR payload.

    Haifa, Israel, 14th March. Elbit Systems Ltd. was awarded four contracts to supply the Romanian Ministry of National Defense with aircraft upgrades as well as electronic warfare suites, electro-optical infrared (EOIR) payloads and Brightnite™ systems for the IAR 300 helicopters.

    As part of one of the contracts, the Company will integrate Elbit Systems SPECTRO XR™ payload onto IAR 300 helicopters to enhance the Romanian Navy’s operational capabilities. This contract, which follows a successful upgrade of the Romanian Navy’s IAR helicopters, will be performed over the coming year.

    In a second contract, Elbit Systems will supply a comprehensive electronic warfare (EW) suite including Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), Laser Warning System (LWS), Infrared Missile Warning System (IR MWS) and Counter Measure Dispensing System (CMDS). The suites will be supplied to a domestic supplier for the installation and integration onboard six PUMA helicopters with an option for an additional six in the future. The contract is a follow on order to additional EW suites that are already installed other Romanian Armed Forces’ platforms. It will be carried out over a period of three years.

    The Company will also provide, as part of a third contract, Elbit Systems HDTS type head systems, SPECTRO XR electro-optical systems and an aircraft mission package that includes smart displays, digital maps and reconnaissance systems. Elbit Systems will also supply Brightnite™ systems to IAR Brasov for the Romanian Air Force’s Puma 330 SAR helicopters. This contract will be carried out over two years.

    The SPECTRO XR multi-spectral electro-optical payload is a leap forward in complex intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance capabilities. Suitable for today’s operational complexity, the lightweight payload system is designed for day-and-night extended-range surveillance under various weather conditions. It also provides continuous target scanning capabilities for enhanced situational awareness.

     The BrightNite system is designed to overcome visibility limitations and enable to safely and effectively fly mission helicopters in pitch dark nights and in DVE conditions including poor weather conditions, brownouts, whiteouts and sandstorms. It transmits high-resolution video to the Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD), enabling pilots to fly in a head-up, eyes-out position. The system can present information to multiple pilots simultaneously on an intuitive multi-functional display.

    Under a fourth contract, Elbit Systems will supply advanced avionic suites, live training embedded virtual avionics system, advanced monitors, overhead display, navigation system and weapons activiation systems to Avioane Craiova that is upgrading the Romanian Air Force’s (RoAF) IAR99 advanced fighter trainer aircraft.

    The IAR99 SOIM is an advanced trainer and the upgrade will support the an effective transition of RoAF pilots to fighter aircraft, including the Romanian Air Force’s F-16s. The contract will be carried out over a period of four years. This upgrade program follows a previous contract for the Romanian Air Force’s trainer aircraft in collaboration with Avioane Craiova and was awarded approximately 25 years after Elbit Systems first contract to upgraded the IAR99 aircraft.

    Ran Kril, Executive Vice President International Marketing & Business Development of Elbit Systems: “These contracts extend Elbit Systems’ track record delivering successful projects to the Romanian Armed Forces, including follow-on contracts awarded after Elbit Systems first was contracted to upgrade helicopters and aircraft.”

  • Nuclear reactors from Rolls-Royce to power Australian submarines

    Nuclear reactors from Rolls-Royce to power Australian submarines

    US. On Monday 13th March, as part of the AUKUS trilateral agreement between Australia, the UK and the US, it was announced that Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd will provide the reactors for Australia’s first nuclear powered submarines.

    The announcement will see thousands of jobs created for Rolls-Royce and across the UK supply chain. Rolls-Royce Submarines, based in Derby, UK currently employs more than 4,000 people and designs, manufactures and provides in-service support to the pressurised water reactors that power every boat in the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet.

    Steve Carlier, President – Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd, welcomed the news, saying: “We are delighted to be asked to play our part in delivering this element of the AUKUS Agreement and are well prepared to support through our nuclear expertise and engineering excellence. For over 60 years we have provided the power to the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines and we are proud to be playing a critical role in helping Australia acquire their own nuclear propulsion submarine capability.”

    “This is great news for Rolls-Royce and for the country as a whole with the creation of more UK jobs and an opportunity to showcase British innovation and expertise on the world stage.”

    Rolls-Royce is currently supporting the existing Astute and Dreadnought boat build programmes through the delivery of reactor plant and associated components. Additionally, it provides frontline support across the world for reactor plant equipment from its Operations Centre in Derby and supports the submarines when in the Barrow-in-Furness shipyard and the naval bases at Devonport and Faslane.

    To ensure a steady pipeline of future talent into the industry, Rolls-Royce last year opened a new Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby, which will provide 200 apprenticeships each year for at least the next decade.

  • Common Communication Plan for Coastal Security

    Common Communication Plan for Coastal Security

    New Delhi, 13th March. A Common Communication Plan (COMPLAN) for Coastal Security has been promulgated by Department of Border Management (BM-II Division)/Ministry of Home Affairs for coordination among various agencies for the coastal security of the country.

    Under this COMPLAN, following agencies are coordinating:

    1.             Indian Coast Guard

    2.             Indian Navy

    3.             State Marine Police/State Police

    4.             Customs/Immigration

    5.             CISF/BSF

    6.             DG Shipping

    7.             Department of Fisheries (MoFAHD)

    8.             Ports/State Maritime Boards

    9.             Department of Forest & Environment

    10.            State/UT Administration

    11.            Intelligence Agencies

    12.            Oil Handling Agencies

    13.            Narcotics Control Bureau

    14.            Directorate General of Lighthouse and Lightship

    15.            Director General of Shipping

    Some of the major threats to Indian coastal security include illegal migrants, narcotics, smuggling, transgression of fishermen across IMBL, safety and protection of offshore terminals etc.

    This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Dr Sonal Mansingh in Rajya Sabha on 13th March.

  • 25 airports of Airports Authority of India have been earmarked for leasing

    25 airports of Airports Authority of India have been earmarked for leasing

    • AAI has leased out eight of its airports through PPP model

    New Delhi, 13th March. As per National Monetization Pipeline (NMP), 25 airports of Airports Authority of India (AAI) have been earmarked for leasing over the years 2022 to 2025.

    AAI has leased out eight of its airports namely Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mangaluru and Thiruvananthapuram through Public Private Partnership (PPP) for operation, management and development on long term lease basis.

    Out of these, Delhi and Mumbai airports were handed over in 2006. During the last five years i.e. from 2017-18 to 2021-22, AAI has received revenues of approximately Rs. 5500 crore from Delhi Airport and Rs. 5174 crore from Mumbai Airport.

    The 06 Airports recently awarded under PPP viz. Mangaluru, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Jaipur and Thiruvananthapuram have been handed over to the Concessionaires on 31.10.2020, 02.11.2020, 07.11.2020, 08.10.2021, 11.10.2021 and 14.10.2021 respectively. Till February, 2023, AAI has received concession fees of approximately Rs. 896 crore from the concessionaires for these six airports. Further, AAI has also received an amount of approximately Rs.2349 crore in the form of upfront fee towards the capital expenditure incurred by AAI at these airports.

    During the PPP process i.e. from March, 2018 till handing over the airports to the PPP Partner, AAI spent an amount of approximately Rs. 1970 crore towards capital works at the recently awarded Six PPP airports. This Capital expenditure incurred by AAI has been paid to AAI by the PPP Partner.

    This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation Gen. (Dr) V. K.Singh (Retd) in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

  • Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks over Rs 900 crore contract for Normal Refit of Sindhukirti Submarine at Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam

    Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks over Rs 900 crore contract for Normal Refit of Sindhukirti Submarine at Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam

    New Delhi. In another boost to achieve ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, Ministry of Defence, on March 13, 2023, signed a contract for Normal Refit of Sindhukirti Submarine at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam at an overall cost of Rs 934 crore. Sindhukirti is 3rd Kilo Class Diesel Electric Submarine. After completion of refit, Sindhukirti will be combat worthy and will join the active submarine fleet of the Indian Navy. 

    This refit has been offloaded to develop alternate repair facility for submarines and is a further step towards undertaking Medium refit with Life Certification at HSL. The project involves more than 20 Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and would lead to employment generation of 1,000 mandays per day for the project duration.

  • Elbit Systems Awarded a Contract to Supply Electronic Warfare Self-Protection Suites to a NATO Member Country

    Elbit Systems Awarded a Contract to Supply Electronic Warfare Self-Protection Suites to a NATO Member Country

    Haifa, Israel, 13 March. Elbit Systems Ltd.  was awarded a contract to supply Electronic Warfare (EW) self-protection suites for a fighter aircraft that is being supplied to a NATO member country in Europe.

    As part of the contract, Elbit Systems will equip the aircraft with its EW self-protection suite, including Radar Warning Receivers (RWR) and Countermeasure Dispensing Systems (CMDS).

    The operational and combat-proven RWR rapidly detects and accurately locates a wide range of enemy threats, even in a dense EW environment, enabling reliable and timely warnings to the aircrew, and an automated or manual response by the CMDS.

    Oren Sabag, General Manager of Elbit Systems ISTAR & EW said: “We are happy to continue our long-standing ability to supply our advanced electronic warfare solutions to our customers. The contract, which follows on previous contracts, illustrates the continued confidence in our systems.”

  • Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Mr. Amit Shah attends the 54th Raising Day celebrations of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as the Chief Guest at Hyderabad

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Mr. Amit Shah attends the 54th Raising Day celebrations of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as the Chief Guest at Hyderabad

    • By ensuring the security of the country’s industrial institutions, airports and ports, CISF has made a significant contribution to the economic progress of the country in last 53 years.
    • Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will continue the zero tolerance policy against terrorism which is in place since last 9 years, terrorism, separatism and anti-national activities in any part of the country will be dealt firmly.
    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a goal of $5 trillion economy in front of the country and to achieve this the security of our airports, seaports, institutions of national importance is very crucial.
    • Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with all CAPFs and State Police together, has successfully tackled all the challenges in the field of internal security.
    • There has been a significant reduction in violence in all the three sectors of Kashmir, Northeast and Left Wing Extremism affected areas, confidence among people has increased and separatists and terrorists are surrendering and coming into the mainstream.
    • In today’s digital era, CISF has not only equipped security protocol with state-of-the-art technologies like robotics, artificial intelligence but has also made it impenetrable.
    • For the security of ports, airports and industrial units, Ministry of Home Affairs by adopting state-of-the-art technologies will leave no stone unturned to equip CISF with all the technologies to tackle the challenges
    • The government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken many steps for the CAPF personnel through several welfare schemes, more than 35 lakh Ayushman CAPF cards have been distributed under the Ayushman CAPF scheme, the housing satisfaction ratio will be 73 per cent in 2024, which would be the highest since independence.

    New Delhi, 12 March. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Mr. Amit Shah attended the 54th Raising Day celebrations of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as the Chief Guest in Hyderabad today. During the event, Union Home Minister took the salute of the parade and released CISF’s magazine Sentinel-2023 and Coffee Table book. Telangana Governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, Union Culture Minister Mr. G. Kishan Reddy, DG CISF, several other dignitaries and CISF personnel and their families also were present on the occasion.

    In his address, Mr. Amit Shah said that CISF’s 53 years of the history showcases that it has immensely contributed in the economic progress of the nation. He said that a country can advance only when the security of its industrial institutions, airports, and ports is ensured. He added that every single personnel of CISF have rendered invaluable service to the nation during the past 53 years by dedicating their lives for fulfilling the objectives of the CISF.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a target of $5 trillion economy for the country and to achieve it, the security of our airports, seaports and institutions of national importance is of utmost importance. Mr. Shah expressed confidence that CISF will continue to serve the nation by preparing itself to meet all the future challenges.

    Mr. Amit Shah said that the day also holds historical significance as it was on this day in 1930 that Mahatma Gandhi initiated the Salt Satyagraha and commenced on the 240 miles Dandi March. He said that the Salt Satyagraha chronicled a new chapter in the history of the Indian freedom struggle by showcasing how a huge empire could be defeated through non-cooperation and non-violence.

    Union Home Minister said that in 1969, CISF had a strength of about 3,000 personnel, which in 53 years has increased to 1.70 lakh. He said that in the next 10 years, many opportunities would be available to CISF for the development. He added that in the contemporary digital age, CISF has provided state-of-the-art security to its stakeholders. He said that the security protocol has been made impenetrable by equipping it with state-of-the-art technologies like robotics, artificial intelligence. Mr. Shah said that the Union Home Ministry will make all provisions to equip CISF with all the latest technologies to meet the future challenges by adopting state-of-the-art technologies for the security of ports, airports and industrial units. He said that the Home Ministry has already prepared an action plan in this regard.

    Mr. Amit Shah said that currently CISF is providing security to 66 sensitive and major airports, 14 major seaports, nuclear and space institutions, Delhi Metro, Statue of Unity and many industrial units and mines. He said that among CAPFs, CISF is the only force, which has an effective fire fighting force, and it has achieved accolades in the field of fire protection. Mr. Shah said that while dealing with about 50 lakh commuters on Delhi Metro and Airport every day, CISF remains committed to the security of the nation’s assets with righteous but firm conduct.

    The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the CISF has adopted a hybrid model and this is going to enhance its role in the times to come. He said this model would pave the way to use this model in advisory and many other roles in private companies as well. He said that in the coming two decades, this force would be able to protect even the private companies from security threats related to drones and modern technology.

    Mr. Amit Shah said that CISF has shown its awareness and dedication towards the environment by planting more than 3 crore trees in the last 4 years under the tree plantation drive. Apart from this, the force has conducted more than 1200 cleanliness campaigns and by making the cleanliness campaign popular, it has tried to take the culture of hygiene to the public. He said that even during ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan’, CISF contributed immensely in making it a success by hoisting more than 5 lakh tricolors. In addition, the force also paid tribute to Iron Man of India Sardar Patel by participating in the Run for Unity at the National Stadium.

    The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that in the last 9 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has successfully faced all the challenges in the field of internal security by involving all the CAPFs and State Police. He said that in all the three sectors of concern for us, Kashmir, Northeast and Left Wing Extremism affected areas, there has been a significant reduction in violence, people’s confidence is increasing and those spreading separatism and terrorism are surrendering and coming into the mainstream. Mr. Shah said that all the CAPFs of the country have made a huge contribution in dealing with the perpetrators of violence. He said that Union Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will continue its policy of zero tolerance against terrorism in the coming times as well. He said separatism, terrorism and anti-national activities in any area of the country will be dealt with firmly, in this CAPFs and state police have very important.

    Mr. Amit Shah said that today India has become a fast growing economy and it is our responsibility to keep the country’s industrial institutions, mines, ports, airports safe. He said the protection and security has to be increased in the days to come. Mr. Shah said that under the Ayushman CAPF scheme, the Union Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has distributed more than 35 lakh Ayushman CAPF cards and has also made arrangements for cashless medical treatment for jawans and their families in about 24,000 hospitals across the country. He said that under the housing scheme also, we have set a target to increase the housing satisfaction ratio. In 2015, construction of 13,000 houses and 113 barracks was started at a cost of Rs 3,100 crore, out of which 11,000 houses have been completed by 2022. He said that apart from these 11,000 houses, by building 28,500 more houses by 2026, the union government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will ensure the arrangements of living for the families of jawans. The CAPF e-Awas web portal was launched in September, 2022 and on the basis of it, 2 lakh 17 thousand personnel have been registered in 6 months and there has been a big jump in the satisfaction ratio. The provision of allowing the personnel of any force to reside in the vacant houses has greatly increased the usefulness of the constructed houses. He said that the housing satisfaction ratio would be 73 per cent in November, 2024, which would be the highest since independence.

    The Union Home Minister said that a country, whose airports and ports are not secure, can never be secure. He said that there are many challenges before us today, such as counterfeit currency trade, infiltration and narcotics, and with a bright history, CISF has secured the country.

  • Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with French Navy

    Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with French Navy

    New Delhi, 12 March. Indian Navy’s indigenously built guided missile frigate, INS Sahyadri participated in a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with French Navy (FN) ships FS Dixmude, a Mistral Class Amphibious Assault Ship and FS La Fayette, a La Fayette Class Frigate, in the Arabian Sea on 10 – 11 March 2023.

    The exercise witnessed a wide spectrum of evolutions at sea which included cross deck landings, boarding exercises and seamanship evolutions. The seamless conduct of the exercise reaffirmed the interoperability and high level of cooperation between the two navies.

    INS Sahyadri is fitted with state-of –the art weapons and sensors, which makes her capable of detecting and neutralising air, surface and sub-surface threats. The ship is a part of Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet based at Visakhapatnam, under operational control of FOCinC (East).

  • Airbus wins contract from Angola for Earth observation Satellite Angeo-1

    Airbus wins contract from Angola for Earth observation Satellite Angeo-1

    • Supporting Angola’s strategic space ambitions with the most advanced satellite in its class in the region

    Toulouse. As part of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit on 3rd March, Airbus Defence and Space has announced an agreement for Angeo-1, the first very high performance Angolan Earth observation satellite, to be manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space in France, which strengthens the collaboration between the two countries.

    Artist view of S250 optical in orbit. Copyright: Airbus

    Jean-Marc Nasr, Head of Space Systems at Airbus said: “Space supports life on Earth. This is why I was honoured to join Presidents João Lourenço and Emmanuel Macron to support Angola’s far-sighted space ambitions. As Angola’s strategic partner for space, Airbus will deliver a latest-generation Earth observation satellite to support social and economic development including a range of strategic activities such as urban planning and management of precious mineral resources.”

    Angola has already developed various operational applications using satellite imagery from Airbus Defence and Space, such as land use mapping, agriculture monitoring and maritime surveillance and also operates its own telecommunications satellite (Angosat-2).

    An Airbus S250 optical satellite, Angeo-1 builds upon Airbus’ more than 30 year experience in building highly reliable space systems. Once in operation, it will become the most advanced satellite in its class in the region, positioning Angola as a leading space power.

    This satellite will further foster the development of the country in many different sectors, improving the life of Angolan citizens. Sovereign access to satellite imagery will make a significant contribution to the development of infrastructure, mapping of natural resources, maritime surveillance including fisheries, agriculture and population. It will also provide a better understanding of the origins and impacts of climate change on the economy, such as drought monitoring, rising sea levels and water resources. This will lead to being better prepared in case of natural disasters with improved response rates and reduced loss of assets.

    As part of the partnership, a comprehensive training programme will be provided for Angolan engineers to build domestic competencies through targeted knowledge transfer.

  • Luxair to Grow Single-Aisle Fleet with Boeing 737 Jets

    Luxair to Grow Single-Aisle Fleet with Boeing 737 Jets

    • Flagship of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg extends 737 fleet by leasing two and purchasing two additional 737-8 jets
    • 737-8s will give Luxair added flexibility, while reducing fuel use, emissions and noise
    737-8 in Luxair livery (Boeing Graphic)

    SEATTLE. On 3rd March Luxair and Boeing announced that the Luxembourgian airline has chosen the fuel-efficient 737-8 to expand its single-aisle fleet with an agreement to acquire four jets.

    Luxair will initially lease two 737-8s that are due for delivery for the summer, ensuring the airline provides its customers with increased capacity and connectivity to more destinations for the busy summer travel season. It has additionally placed a direct order for two 737-8s.

    “Today is a good day for Luxair, our staff and our esteemed clients. Luxair took a large step into the direction of securing its role as the quality airline of Luxembourg and the Greater Region,” said Gilles Feith, Luxair CEO. “I want to thank our Board of Directors for this act of trust, our staff members who helped us in the last years, all our valued customers and Cargolux. Today marks just the beginning of the journey of securing the long-term future of Luxair. Much more is yet to come.”

    The 737-8 will provide flexibility across Luxair’s network while reducing fuel use and emissions by up to 20% and on average, each airplane will save up to eight million pounds of CO2 emissions annually compared to those airplanes it replaces.

    “With the selection of the 737-8, Luxair is building a more sustainable operation, significantly lowering CO2 emissions while offering the latest airplane technology to its passengers,” said Ricardo Cavero, vice president, Europe & Israel Sales and Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Reducing noise from takeoffs and landings is a key aspect of environmental performance, especially for communities near airports. The 737-8 is a quieter airplane that helps create a 50% smaller noise footprint than the airplanes it replaces.”

    The 737-8, seating 162 to 210 passengers depending on configuration and with a range of 3,500 nautical miles, is the market’s most versatile single-aisle airplane, capable of operating profitably on short- and medium-haul routes.

    Luxair operates a fleet of 19 airplanes, including eight Next-Generation 737s.

    As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.