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Neighbourhood watch...

pIvanova — Wed, 18 May 2022 10:43:55 +0000

Defence 17 May 2022

Neighbourhood watch...

An arms race is developing in north Africa as both Algeria and Morocco make future fighter plans.

Relations between North African francophone neighbours, Morocco and Algeria, have been strained for decades, and have only worsened in recent years, with ongoing disagreement over the political status of Western Sahara and with Algeria condemning the signing of the Israel-Morocco normalisation agreement (part of Abraham Accords) in 2020.

On August 24 last year Algeria formally severed ties with Morocco.

The two countries have gone to war twice – first in 1963 with the so-called Sand War, and then during the long-running Western Sahara War of 1975-1991. Algeria continues to back the nationalist Polisario Front’s claims on the territory.

In November 2020, Morocco launched a military operation in the United Nations-controlled buffer zone in Western Sahara, claiming that this was in response to weeks of ‘provocations’ from the Polisario Front. This incursion into the Guerguerat zone aggravated tensions and entrenched Algeria’s view that the region has a right to self-determination, while US recognition of Moroccan sovereignty in Western Sahara led to a further deterioration in relations.

This has all led to something of an arms race between the two nations.

Algeria’s military spending of $9.7 billion in 2020 actually represented a slight (3.4%) reduction compared to 2019, but it remained by far the largest defence budget in Africa, while Morocco has progressively ramped up defence spending, allocating $4.8 billion in 2020 (a 29% increase on 2019 and a 54% increase compared to 2011).

Much of this spending has been devoted to the air domain, and the two nations are currently upgrading and recapitalising their fighter arms, and are seeking to acquire fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

Morocco’s fighter arm currently consists of 15 Lockheed Martin Block 52 F-16Cs and eight two-seat F-16Ds, assigned to Escadrons de Chasse ‘Viper’, ‘Falcon’ and ‘Spark’ at Ben Guerir Air Base.

These are augmented by about 22 surviving F-5Es, and four two-seat F-5Fs with Escadrons de Chasse ‘Chahine’ and ‘Borak’ at Meknes-Bassatine, and about 26 Mirage F1CH, F1EH and probe-equipped F1EH-200s, upgraded to a common MF2000 configuration, serving with Escadrons de Chasse ‘Assad’ and ‘Iguider’ at Sidi Slimane.

Thus, around 75 aircraft serve with eight small squadrons.

In future, the Royal Moroccan Air Force fighter element will be built around advanced variants of the F-16.

The US approved the sale of 25 Block 72 F-16C/D aircraft to Morocco in March 2019, and the surviving Block 52s will be upgraded to the near-identical F-16V standard under the same contract. The expansion in F-16 numbers will allow the retirement of the now obsolescent F-5E/Fs.

In the slightly longer term, Morocco plans to acquire the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter to replace the Mirage F1s. It has been reported that Abdellatif Loudiyi, the Moroccan Minister of Defence, has asked for Israel’s help in ‘convincing the Biden administration in the US to authorise the sale of the F-35 to Morocco and in obtaining more advanced weaponry’.

Algeria has always been able to field a bigger fighter arm than its neighbour, and currently has some 150 fast jets in service with about 12 squadrons, though its Soviet- and Russian-supplied aircraft are probably less serviceable and less available than Morocco’s western types, leaving the two air forces more balanced than ‘headline’ numbers might suggest.

The backbone of the force is provided by 57 Su-30MKAs (with 16 more on order), parented by the 12ème Escadre de Defense Aerienne at Ouargla, but with individual escadrons operating from Aïn Beida, Ouargla, Tamanrasset, and Reggan.

These are augmented by the 45-or-so MiG-29s of the 3ème Escadre de Défense Aérienne’s 193ème Escadron de Chasse at Bou Sfer, with a detachment at Béchar.

Algeria’s dwindling number of about a dozen MiG-25s may still include a handful of MiG-25PD interceptors, as well as MiG-25RB reconnaissance variants. These all serve with the 5ème Escadre de Reconnasissance et de Guerre Electronique at Aïn Oussera, alongside the Su-24MPK and Su-24MRK.

Most of Algeria’s 22-or-so Su-24 ‘Fencers’ are Su-24MK2 interdictors assigned to three squadrons of the 4ème Escadre d'Appuis Pénétration at Laghouat.

Algeria reportedly signed a contract for 14 Sukhoi Su-35s (or 18, according to some sources) and 14 Su-34s in December 2019, with options on 14 more of each type. But these orders were subsequently cancelled, perhaps due to the Su-35’s reliance on older PESA radar technology, or more likely due to concerns over the potential impact of US Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) regulations.

Instead, Algeria now looks set to upgrade its Su-30MKAs with technologies from the Su-35, while waiting to acquire the more advanced Su-57, which will be available for export from the late 2020s.

Algeria announced its intention to order 14 Su-57s in November 2020, and since then has been identified as a potential customer for the T-75 Checkmate.

Some have suggested that Algeria could turn away from Russia for its next fighter – perhaps looking to Italy or France.

While Morocco will upgrade its existing F-16C/Ds to F-16V standards and acquire new-build Block 70 aircraft to replace its ageing Northrop F-5E/Fs, it also has a medium term requirement to replace its fleet of Mirage F1s. Picture: Lockheed Martin.

As well as fighters, both nations have sought to bolster their ground-based air defence (GBAD) capabilities.

Morocco has reportedly begun negotiations to acquire Israel’s Iron Dome system.

Designed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries (with some US support) Iron Dome uses radar to differentiate between targets that will hit built-up areas and non-built-up areas and prioritise accordingly. It has a claimed success rate of more than 90%.

Morocco has also received US approval to receive the Patriot air defence missile system.

Meanwhile, Algeria, already an operator of Russia’s S-400 Triumph air defence system, has reportedly expressed interest in Russia’s new S-500 Prometheus long-range air defence system, which is designed to intercept and destroy a wide range of targets, including intercontinental ballistic missiles and hypersonic cruise missiles.

However, the new system will not be available to the export market until 2030, and Algeria may find itself having to wait behind India and Turkey for the weapon.

Algeria has also made efforts to improve its electronic attack capabilities, and has acquired a new Chinese electronic warfare system, receiving an undisclosed number of vehicle-mounted systems made by ELINC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Electronics Corporation (CEC), and the China National Electronics Import & Export Corporation (CEIEC). These could be used to disrupt Moroccan communications and radar systems.

Jon Lake

Jon is defence editor for both Arabian and African Aerospace magazines.

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COMSAT and Satcom Direct Communications form SD Government

eNethersole — Mon, 16 May 2022 14:32:16 +0000

The rebrand brings its military and government services and support under one umbrella to deliver customers streamlined access to the entire SD ecosystem of services, for an even stronger connectivity and support experience.

The integration of SD Government with the collective SD hardware, software and infrastructure units will more effectively leverage the full capabilities of Satcom Direct, to provide enhanced products and services to a customer base requiring reliable, consistent connectivity to support mission critical situations.

“Military and government customers rely on SD to deliver a complete, secure connectivity pathway from when the signal leaves the satellite through to end user receipt. Aligning our infrastructure in a single brand streamlines acquisition, customer support and service provision. SD Government represents the widest variety of secure hardware and software connectivity solutions for those operating in the most challenging environments, ensuring that military and government customers remain seamlessly and safely connected, at all times,” said Chris Moore, President Satcom Direct.

The strategic move will improve operational efficiencies, provide cohesive customer support and enable optimisation of the full gamut of SD end-to-end connectivity. The teleports, which provide the vital link between SD’s satellite partners and the terrestrial ground network, operate on the east and west coast of the USA, while SD Government is based at World Headquarters in Melbourne, FL.

Alignment with the Tier III rated, ISO 27001 certified facility SD Data Centre, further harnesses delivery of the SD suite of cybersecurity solutions which maintain customer data integrity in the air, at sea and on the ground.

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Mon, 16/05/2022 - 12:00

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Satcom Direct, the business aviation solutions provider, has ramped up its support for military and government customers by unifying COMSAT and SD Communications, under a new brand, SD Government.

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Flying for the king

pIvanova — Mon, 09 May 2022 09:45:55 +0000

Defence 09 May 2022

Flying for the king

The recent purchase of four Airbus Helicopters H125 aircraft has reinvigorated the Lesotho Defence Force Air Wing’s capabilities.

Enclaved and surrounded by South Africa, the Kingdom of Lesotho has a small military, the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF), which is primarily tasked with border control and countering a variety of internal security issues, such as cattle rustling.

The LDF is also intended to defend the country against external aggressions and to take part in operations abroad, whether under the aegis of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), or the United Nations.

At present, a company-sized infantry force is deployed in Mozambique under the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM).

Lesotho’s military aircraft are operated by the LDF Air Wing, which was established in 1978 as the Lesotho Police Mobile Unit (PMU) Air Wing. Its first aircraft were two Short Skyvan 3M transports and a Cessna 152, all of which were commissioned in 1979.

These were later joined by two Bo105 helicopters and a Soloy-Bell 47G, two Libyan-donated Mi-2s, a Dornier Do 27, and a Do 28.

In 1986, the PMU became the Royal Lesotho Defence Force (RDLF), a fully military corps, which took over the former air wing and its aircraft.

Additional deliveries followed, including a short-lived BK117, which was received in 1985 and sold a year later, two Agusta Bell 412s, and a Bell 412 in 1986, a Cessna 182Q in 1988, and two Casa C212-300s, which replaced the Skyvan 3Ms in 1989.

One of the former crashed in November of that year and was replaced, in 1991, by another example of the same type. Also in 1991, a Bo105 was acquired.

In 1993, the RDLF was reorganised into the current LDF. That same year, one of the Agusta Bell 412s crashed. A new Bell 412 was subsequently acquired and commissioned in 1994. However, it too crashed in 1998 and was replaced by a Bell 412SP.

In 2000, one of the C212-300s was written-off, leading to the purchase of a C212-400 as replacement, which was delivered in 2001, together with two new Bo105s. One of the latter was written-off two years later.

In 2004, a Bell 206 and a Gippsland GA8 Airvan single-engine transport were added to the fleet, the latter replacing the long-serving Cessna 182Q. The Bell 412 was lost in 2006 and a Bell 412EP was bought and pressed into service in 2007 to make-up for the loss.

By the end of the 2000s, the air wing’s fleet was comprised of two C212s, one GA8, one Bo105, one Agusta Bell 412, one Bell 412SP, one Bell 412EP, and one Bell 206. In 2013, a single EC135T2+ was acquired to replace the last Bo105. However, it crashed in April 2017, with the loss of all on board, after hitting power lines.

The LDF decided to replace it with an H125, delivered in October 2017. A further three examples of the type have since been procured, two of which were commissioned in 2018, while the third was received in November 2019. This particular aircraft was bought to replace one of the other H125s, which had crashed in December 2018.

Meanwhile, the Bell 206 was sold on the South African civilian market.

The LDF Air Wing is currently headquartered at Mejaletalana Air Base in the capital city of Maseru. Its commander is Brigadier Daemae Michael Matamane. who was appointed in 2018. Its primary role is to provide air support to the ground component of the LDF, conduct search-and-rescue operations, surveillance, reconnaissance, personnel and cargo transport.

LDF aircraft can also be occasionally chartered for commercial flights. This is notably the case with helicopters and allows some income to be generated for the force.

A limited offensive capability is provided by the Bell 412s and Agusta Bell 412, which can be armed with rocket launchers and machine-guns.

Since the beginning of the SADC military intervention in Mozambique, and the deployment of LDF troops there, which began in August 2021, the air wing has supported SAMIM with one of its C212s being used in the light transport and liaison role.

The LDF Air Wing has no pilot training capability of its own and most of its aircrews are sent to South Africa for training. The South African Air Force has trained numerous pilots from Lesotho, while others have received training at commercial flying schools.

It is thought unlikely that any future aircraft purchase should take place in the short term, although in a more distant future a replacement for the C212s may be sought.

Erwan de Cherisey

Erwan has been writing about military aviation matters since 2008.

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Turkey's Akinci demonstrates naval capabilities

aPeaford — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 13:31:53 +0000

Developed by Baykar, the 12.2m long Akinci with its 20m wing span is capable of lifting a 1,500 kilo payload and operating up to 40,000 feet.

Turkish media reported the UAV engaged a sea target with MK-82 bomb fitted with a TEBER guidance kit which was dropped from 20,000 feet. The high altitude, long-endurance (HALE) UAV began ground tests in August 2019 with a Ukrainian Ivchenko-Progress AI-450C turboprop engine. It is planned to join the Turkish Navy.

The UAV is already in use with the Turkish military in counter terrorism activities. It is equipped with dual artificial intelligence avionics that supports real-time signal processing, sensor fusion, and situational awareness.

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Thu, 28/04/2022 - 12:00

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Turkey’s combat UAV, the Akinci, has completed live trials and successfully conducted its first live firing at a sea target in its preparation to join the Turkish Navy

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Mauritania beefs up air surveillance capabilities

pIvanova — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 09:43:18 +0000

Defence 28 April 2022

Mauritania beefs up air surveillance capabilities

Three G1 Aviation ultralight aircraft were formally handed over to the Mauritanian Air Force by the European Union (EU) at Nouakchott Air Base.

Three G1 Aviation ultralight aircraft were formally handed over to the Mauritanian Air Force by the European Union (EU) at Nouakchott Air Base in February.

The aircraft, procured via the French Management Institute for International Security (THEMIIS), were provided to Mauritania under the aegis of the Ghawdat programme, part of the European Union-sponsored Mauritania security and development support project (PADSM).

According to Peer de Jong, THEMIIS’ senior vice president for development, the 2020 tender, which led to the selection of the G1, saw three companies bidding.

G1 Aviation offered the best solution from a technical standpoint with a proven aircraft already in service with the Senegalese Gendarmerie, which fields three aircraft for air surveillance duties, he explained.

Among the key strongpoints of the SPYL-XL are its ability to land in just 20 metres, a maximum speed of 200kph, an endurance of up to 10 hours, a strengthened undercarriage, and an integrated parachute, which can be used in an emergency to recover the aircraft.

In addition to the three G1 SPYL-XLs, two Toyota Land Cruiser pick-up trucks and trailers were also acquired. These can be used to move the aircraft by land with their wings folded.

Satellite phones, as well as day and thermal surveillance stabilised cameras, have also been installed on the aircraft. Training of the aircrews and ground support personnel took place at G1 Aviation’s facilities in France last year.

Ultralights are a cost-effective intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) tool and have enjoyed significant success in Africa owing to their low operating costs, ruggedness and ease of maintenance.

Several countries on the continent have either procured or been gifted ultralights for counter-poaching, training, and ISR. Aside from Mauritania, these include Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Guinea, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, and Senegal.

As de Jong explained, the aircraft are intended to conduct light transport and surveillance duties in support of the Mauritanian National Guard and its nomadic group. The latter is a cavalry unit, comprised of two camel-mounted squadrons and a motorised squadron. Its mission is to provide a visible government presence across the remote reaches of the south-eastern Mauritanian hinterland, near the border with Mali.

This includes conducting long-range patrols, as well as providing medical assistance to the civilian population.

Infrastructure work is also part of the group’s duties, which has included supporting THEMIIS in the digging of 10 wells to provide watering points to the locals.

The national guard is a military force under the ministry of the interior, which is responsible for patrolling and policing eastern Mauritania’s desert.

The Ghawdat programme’s main purpose has been to rebuild the nomadic group and provide it with the camels, vehicles, and infrastructure to perform its duties. THEMIIS has been acting as the lead contractor since 2019 and was notably tasked with procuring 300 camels and building a Mehari school, inaugurated in 2021, to train the unit’s personnel.

While delivered to the Mauritanian Air Force, the new ultralights are intended to be operationally used by the nomadic group to extend the reach of its surveillance capabilities and allow for better focus of resources when planning and executing patrols.

One of the challenges that has yet to be resolved is how the new SPYL-XL will be deployed and sustained in the border region with Mali since their current location in Nouakchott is not practical to effectively support the nomadic group.

Ghawdat is now reaching the end of its first phase. According to de Jong, the project is considered a resounding success by both the EU and Mauritania, and the very positive and proactive cooperation dynamic between the former and the Mauritanian armed forces is driving plans for an extension and strengthening of the programme, with talks on the matter currently under way.

Erwan de Cherisey

Erwan has been writing about military aviation matters since 2008.

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Angola orders three Airbus C295s

eNethersole — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 14:59:21 +0000

Two aircraft will be specifically equipped for maritime surveillance and one for transport missions.

The aircraft configured for transport missions will be able to carry out tactical cargo and troop transport tasks, paratrooping, load dropping or humanitarian missions.

The two C295s configured as Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) will play a key role for Search and Rescue (SAR), control of illegal fishing and borders, support in case of natural disasters and intelligence-gathering missions, among others. They will be equipped with the Airbus-developed Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) mission system as well state-of-the-art sensors.

All three aircraft will be equipped with the latest version of the Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion avionics suite.

With this new order, the Força Aérea Nacional de Angola becomes the 38th C295 operator worldwide.

Posted date

Thu, 21/04/2022 - 12:00

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Angola has placed a firm order for three Airbus C295s to perform multirole operations.

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Rooivalk deployed to Mozambique?

eNethersole — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 10:38:27 +0000

In his first official briefing earlier this month on the military intervention there, Chief of the South African National Defence Force (CSANDF), General Rudzani Maphwanya, was cautious about confirming such a possibility.

South Africa is part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) combatting ISIS-aligned Al Sunnah wa Jama’ah (ASWJ) extremists insurgents in the north of that country. Besides South Africa, the SADC Troop Contributing Countries to SAMIM are Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Lesotho, Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia, in collaboration with the host country’s armed forces. Rwanda also supplied troops at the invitation of Mozambique.

The SANDF’s Operation VIKELA follows an extraordinary summit of SADC in Maputo, Mozambique last year. Initially South Africa’s contribution consisted of Special Forces that have now been augmented with infantry, medical, engineer and counter-IED units. SAMIM also has a maritime component that includes the South African Navy frigate SAS Spioenkop.

Whilst SAMIM has air assets, like transport aircraft, General Maphwanya was reluctant to divulge details on operational capabilities. Asked about the Rooivalk, he said: “We are not denying or confirming that we are considering deploying the Rooivalk or any other attack helicopters that SADC as a region has.”

Since 2013 South Africa’s Rooivalk and Oryx medium transport helicopters have been deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of the United Nations peace support mission MONUSCO Force Intervention Brigade (FIB). The Rooivalk in particular was successful in routing rebel groups, earning high praise from the head of MONUSCO.

The Rooivalk was designed for tree-top level, all-weather, night-time operations, capable of delivering significant and accurate firepower. Whilst the ASWJ terrorists have been suppressed and the threat degraded, as General Maphwanya outlined, calls have been made for air support of operations in the dense forest terrain of Cabo Delgado. This was after some SAMIM losses, including a South African soldier.

Sam J Basch reports.

Posted date

Thu, 21/04/2022 - 12:00

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Is South Africa’s Rooivalk attack helicopter heading for Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province?

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Arabian Aerospace: February-April 2022

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Calidus B-250 programme is re-ignited after review

pIvanova — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 12:01:52 +0000

Defence 20 April 2022

Calidus B-250 programme is re-ignited after review

Al Ain-based Calidus, which launched the armed B-250 turboprop at the Dubai Airshow in 2017, appears finally to making some headway with the development of the aircraft.

Shortly after the prototype made its public appearance four years ago, several design issues surfaced that led to a complete review of the B-250 turboprop project.

While Calidus will not acknowledge the issues, the programme now looks to be back on track.

The company has a flight-test team, made up of ex-Brazilian Air Force personnel, comprising two pilots and two engineers, who will now prepare the aircraft for certification.

They have recently been involved in the integration and subsequent launch of the Edge P31 Thunder guided bombs, with the P32 next, while I understand that the on-board gun is another priority.

It’s not surprising that Calidus has hired a Brazilian flight-test team, given the connection the company has with the South American state. Calidus acquired Brazilian company, Novaero, in 2015. Its chief designer, Joseph Kovacs, was responsible for the Super Tucano and, ultimately, designed the carbon-fibre B250.

Powered by a 1600shp Pratt & Whitney PT6A-68 engine, with a four-blade Hartzell propeller, the aircraft is faster and more manoeuvrable than the Super Tucano. Undoubtedly, its biggest advantage is that it is made from carbon fibre, because it weighs around 1,000kg less than the Super Tucano. Weight savings that can be converted into more avionics, more fuel and more armaments.

Now, according to one source, there are two more B-250s being built on the Al Ain production line that should fly this year.

The United Arab Air Force and Air Defense (UAEAF&AD) announced at the 2019 Dubai Airshow that it would purchase 24 Calidus B-250s at a cost of AED 2.274 billion ($620 million) for the trainer/light attack role, with its spokesperson at the time saying: “It’s a UAE platform for the UAE.”

According to Mustapha Skhiri, head of aerospace cluster at Al Ain, the deal is for 12 B250s with the other 12 being on option, that will fulfil the light attack role.

Deliveries to the UAEAF&AD are expected to take place inside the next three years.

Skhiri, said: “Being pressurised to fly up to 30,000ft, the B250 will be out of the range of enemy air defences and man portable air defences (MANPADS), which the force’s AT 802 Archangel border patrol aircraft cannot do.”

While the cockpit houses two Martin Baker Mk 16 ejection seats, the Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics system, which is predominantly used for civilian applications and which was initially selected for the two prototypes, has been replaced by a solution from Canada’s CMC Electronics. Skhiri did not recall the system name and CMC has not responded to Arabian Aerospace’s enquiries.

Sitting alongside the B-250 at November’s Dubai Airshow was a full-size mock-up of the bigger and more heavily-armed B350 that Calidus has been working on behind closed doors for three years.

Skhiri said: “Its predominantly for combat intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions and has six hardpoints under each wing.

“This is still a concept at the moment, but we have included a retractable MX-25 under the forward fuselage with a Leonardo Osprey 30 [airborne electronically scanned array (AESA) radar primed for ISR missions], further back, just to give an idea of what we hope it can do.” He wouldn’t be drawn on exactly when the aircraft would fly, although 2025 would be a fairly good guess.

He continued: “The B-350 will be powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127C – the same engine as the ATR 72.”

On display around the mock-up was a plethora of weapons, predominantly from the UAE’s Edge company, which is also weaponising the B-250. They included Al Tariq Mk 81/82 bombs, smaller Halcon Desert Sting 16 bombs ,as well as 500lb GBU-12 bombs and rocket pods.

Two mock-up AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles were positioned on the outer pylons for air defence.

Alan Warnes reports.

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Rafale contract for the UAE enters into order backlog

eNethersole — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 11:55:45 +0000

The contract was signed on December 3, 2021 in the presence of the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

"The Rafale shows, through its proven operational qualities and its export success, that it is today a real ‘game changer’ on the global geopolitical scene and an undisputed instrument for independence and sovereignty. Dassault Aviation is fully committed to supporting the United Arab Emirates in its sovereign power, its strategic challenges and its ambitious vision of the future,” said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation.

Posted date

Wed, 20/04/2022 - 12:00

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Rafale has received the first down payment of the contract for the acquisition of 80 Rafale by the United Arab Emirates.

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