ASIAN DEFENCE: Helicopter

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Friday, October 22, 2010

Dutch Apache helicopters refused to help Australian SAS in firefight in Afghanistan: Digger

3:24 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

AUSTRALIAN special forces were abandoned by Dutch allies during a firefight in Afghanistan, reports say.News Limited papers reported that Dutch pilots refused to drop below their "safe" height of 5000m to rescue Australian SAS and US forces caught in an ambush in September 2008.Former SAS sniper Rob Maylor, wounded during the battle, said the Australians had pleaded with the Dutch: "We're in an absolute doozy of a shitfight. We need your assistance as we're taking casualties."But the Dutch helicopter pilots refused to offer covering fire for the Australian, US and Afghan troops in the ambush. A US soldier was killed and seven SAS soldiers and two sappers were wounded. Trooper Mark Donaldson was awarded the Victoria Cross for his role in the battle.He writes that during the battle the Australians saw two Dutch Apache helicopters escorting a Chinook and radioed the pilots to fire their Hellfire laser-guided missiles and 30mm cannons on the Taliban.

US to Unveil Security Assistance Package Totalling $2 billion Over Five Years

12:46 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

The United States hopes to mend its relations with Pakistan badly damaged by the American military’s tough new stance in the region during their high-level talks beginning Thursday at which it plans to unveil a security assistance package totalling $2 billion over five years.“Pakistan has taken aggressive action within its own borders. But clearly, this is an ongoing threat and more needs to be done,” the State Department spokesman, Philip Crowley, said Monday. “That will be among the issues talked about.”

Last week, Adm. Mike Mullen, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that General Kayani had assured him that Pakistan’s army would tackle the North Waziristan haven, but on Pakistan’s timetable. In an interview, Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States, Husain Haqqani, said, “Our American partners understand that we have 34,000 troops in North Waziristan. Our soldiers have been engaged in flood relief after history’s worst floods. It is not a question of lack of will.”Qureshi blamed the United States for the situation, saying Washington signed a civilian nuclear accord with India that discriminated against Pakistan. “You have disturbed the nuclear balance,” he said in a recent interview in New York, “and we have been forced to develop a new strategy.”

Eurocopter Hopes to Win Tender for 197 Light Utility Helicopters for IA and IAF

12:39 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Global helicopter manufacturer Eurocopter today said it has successfully performed in the trials for supplying 197 Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) to the Indian Army and the Air Force. "We have passed all the trials so far and our company is still in race and we remain committed to it (the deal)," Eurocopter''s senior Vice President Joseph Saporito said. He was speaking to reporters here after the launch of Eurocopter''s Indian subsidiary. Eurocopter and Russian Kamov are the two companies in the race for the deal.

Asked to comment on reports suggesting the possibility of the tender being scrapped again after one of the companies raised questions over its elimination, Saporito said, "It is not possible for us to comment because we respect the confidentiality clauses of the tender and wish that others would respect them as well." The deal was scrapped earlier in December 2007 at the last moment when Defence Ministry was in the final stages of finalising the price of the choppers.

Recent reports suggested that Italian defence major AgustaWestland has written a letter to the Defence Ministry questioning its elimination from the competition. Eurocpoter''s new India-head Marie Anges Veve said on the occasion that the company was committed to supporting the Indian armed forces as it did in the case of the French-origin Cheetah and Chetak fleet. Of the 197 LUHs, 135 would go to the Army and the rest to the Air Force. HAL is also developing a similar class of choppers and is looking for global partners for design, development and manufacturing of the helicopters.PTI

Eurocopter to Set Up India Engineering Center

12:36 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Eurocopter, a unit of European Aeronautic Defence & Space Co. NV, Wednesday said it will form an Indian subsidiary and set up an engineering center in Bangalore next year to support its global design and development work. View Full Image eurocopt1020 Reuters Eurocopter's X3 high-speed hybrid helicopter demonstrator seen in this September 6, 2010 file photo. eurocopt1020 eurocopt1020 Eurocopter will also build a maintenance, repair and overhaul center for its helicopters in India, primarily to service the fleet of state-run Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd. The center will service Eurocopter's AS365 Dauphins operated by Pawan Hans, said Eurocopter India Pvt. Ltd. Chief Executive Marie-Agnes Veve. She didn't elaborate on the investments or the timeframe. Pawan Hans has a fleet of 40 helicopters, of which 28 are Dauphins. The Eurocopter engineering center will be the second for EADS in India.

Saudi Arabia to Purchase – AH-64D APACHE, UH-60M BLACKHAWK, AH-6i Light Attack and MD-530F Helicopters

12:05 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Saudi Arabia of:

36 AH-64D Block III APACHE Helicopters

72 UH-60M BLACKHAWK Helicopters

36 AH-6i Light Attack Helicopters

12 MD-530F Light Turbine Helicopters

243 T700-GE-701D Engines

40 Modernized Targeting Acquisition and Designation Systems/Pilot

Night Vision Sensors

20 AN/APG-78 Fire Control Radars with Radar Electronics Unit

20 AN/APR-48A Radar Frequency Interferometer

171 AN/APR-39 Radar Signal Detecting Sets

171 AN/AVR-2B Laser Warning Sets

171 AAR-57(V)3/5 Common Missile Warning Systems

318 Improved Countermeasures Dispensers

40 Wescam MX-15Di (AN/AAQ-35) Sight/Targeting Sensors

40 GAU-19/A 12.7mm (.50 caliber) Gatling Guns

108 Improved Helmet Display Sight Systems

52 30mm Automatic Weapons

18 Aircraft Ground Power Units

168 M240H Machine Guns

300 AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggles

421 M310 A1 Modernized Launchers

158 M299 HELLFIRE Longbow Missile Launchers

2,592 AGM-114R HELLFIRE II Missiles

1,229 AN/PRQ-7 Combat Survivor Evader Locators

4 BS-1 Enhanced Terminal Voice Switches

4 Digital Airport Surveillance Radars

4 Fixed-Base Precision Approach Radar

4 DoD Advanced Automation Service

4 Digital Voice Recording System

Also included are trainers, simulators, generators, munitions, design and construction, transportation, wheeled vehicles and organization equipment, tools and test equipment, communication equipment, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems, GPS/INS, spare and repair parts, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of program support. The estimated cost is $25.6 billion.

The Saudi Arabian National Guard will use the AH-64D for its national security and protecting its borders and oil infrastructure. The proposed sale will provide for the defense of vital installations and will provide close air support for the Saudi military ground forces. This sale also will increase the Saudi National Guard’s APACHE sustainability and interoperability with the U.S. Army, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and other coalition forces.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Saudi Arabia of:

24 AH-64D Block III APACHE Longbow Helicopters

58 T700-GE-701D Engines

27 Modernized Targeting Acquisition and Designation Systems/Pilot

Night Vision Sensors

10 AN/APG-78 Fire Control Radars with Radar Electronics Unit

(Longbow Component)

10 AN/APR-48A Radar Frequency Interferometer

27 AN/APR-39 Radar Signal Detecting Sets

27 AN/AVR-2B Laser Warning Sets

27 AAR-57(V)3/5 Common Missile Warning Systems

54 Improved Countermeasures Dispensers

28 30mm Automatic Weapons

6 Aircraft Ground Power Units

48 AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggles

106 M299A1 HELLFIRE Longbow Missile Launchers

24 HELLFIRE Training Missiles

1,536 AGM-114R HELLFIRE II Missiles

4,000 2.75 in 70mm Laser Guided Rockets

307 AN/PRQ-7 Combat Survivor Evader Locators

1 BS-1 Enhanced Terminal Voice Switch

1 Fixed-Base Precision Approach Radar

1 Digital Airport Surveillance Radar

1 DoD Advanced Automation Service

1 Digital Voice Recording System

Also included are trainers, simulators, generators, training munitions, design and construction, transportation, tools and test equipment, ground and air based SATCOM and line of sight communication equipment, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems, GPS/INS, spare and repair parts, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of program support. The estimated cost is $3.3 billion.The Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) will use the AH-64D for its national security and to protect its borders and vital installations.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Saudi Arabia of:

10 AH-64D Block III APACHE Longbow Helicopters

28 T700-GE-701D Engines

13 Modernized Targeting Acquisition and Designation Systems/Pilot

Night Vision Sensors

7 AN/APG-78 Fire Control Radars with Radar Electronics Unit

(Longbow Component)

7 AN/APR-48A Radar Frequency Interferometer

13 AN/APR-39 Radar Signal Detecting Sets

13 AN/AVR-2B Laser Warning Sets

13 AAR-57(V)3/5 Common Missile Warning Systems

26 Improved Countermeasures Dispensers

26 Improved Helmet Display Sight Systems

14 30mm Automatic Weapons

6 Aircraft Ground Power Units

14 AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggles

640 AGM-114R HELLFIRE II Missiles

2,000 2.75 in 70mm Laser Guided Rockets

307 AN/PRQ-7 Combat Survivor Evader Locators

1 BS-1 Enhanced Terminal Voice Switch

1 Fixed-Base Precision Approach Radar

1 Digital Airport Surveillance Radar

1 DoD Advanced Automation Service

1 Digital Voice Recording System

Also included are trainers, simulators, generators, training munitions, design and construction, transportation, tools and test equipment, ground and air based SATCOM and line of sight communication equipment, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems, GPS/INS, spare and repair parts, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of program support. The estimated cost is $2.223 billion.The Saudi Arabian Royal Guard will use the AH-64D to improve its ability to effectively protect its borders, and vital installations.

Indonesia Three Russian Mi-35P Combat Helicopters From Russia

5:14 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Indonesia will continue its military-technical cooperation with Russia, the country's defense minister said on Wednesday.Purnomo Yusgiantoro spoke after an official transfer of three Russian-made Mi-35P combat helicopters to Indonesia."We will continue our military-technical cooperation with Russia," the minister said, noting the high quality and reliability of Russian-made military equipment.With the addition of the three Mi-35s, the fleet of Russian-made helicopters in service with the Indonesian Armed Forces now comprises five Mi-35 attack helicopters and six Mi-17V5 multipurpose helicopters.

ISAF Helicopter Incident in Eastern Afghanistan

10:18 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Ten people were wounded and two killed after an explosion onboard an International Security Assistance Force helicopter that had just landed in eastern Afghanistan today, according to initial reports.The helicopter was on the ground when an explosion of unknown origin occurred. The wounded servicemembers were evacuated to an ISAF medical facility.

IAF withdraws combat helicopters from UN missions

6:43 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

With the IAF being roped in to provide air support for the anti-Naxal operations, it has completed the withdrawal of its combat helicopters that were deployed overseas on the United Nations peacekeeping missions. Withdrawal of transport and utility helicopters is expected to begin shortly. The IAF had delployed its Mi25/35 helicopter gunships in Congo besides Mi-8 and Mi-17 choppers in Congo and Sudan. The de-induction of the gunships began in mid-September and the last batch was airlifted to Chandigarh from Congo on Wednesday, the IAF sources said. These would be serviced and refurbished at No 3. Base Repair Depot here.

28 killed in Tajikistan MI-8 Helicopter Crash

1:39 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

A Tajik military helicopter carrying members of an elite unit has crashed in eastern Tajikistan, killing 28 soldiers.A military source said 21 soldiers from the state national security committee, Alfa special task force, and seven army soldiers died.Tajik armed forces have been engaged in combat in the area after an assault on a military convoy on September 19 that killed 28 soldiers and wounded 12.

Australian Tigers Will Not be Fully Operational Until December 2012

1:37 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Dan Oakes

Attack helicopters the opposition says should be sent to Afghanistan to support Australian troops will not be fully operational for at least two years.Defence Department told the Herald yesterday the Tigers were not expected to be fully operational until December 2012. Eighteen of the 22 armed reconnaissance helicopters have been delivered by their maker, Australian Aerospace, and are being introduced into service with the 1st Aviation Regiment in Darwin.

Turkish Utility Helicopter Program

1:25 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

U.S. helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky Aircraft, in competition with an Italian-British rival for a $4 billion Turkish contract for utility helicopters, announced Oct. 5 that it plans to offer Ankara a major benefits plan if the company wins the contest.The Turkish utility helicopter program calls for the joint production of 109 platforms, 94 of which will go to the Turkish military.Sikorsky is offering the T-70, a Turkish version of the S-70 Black Hawk International. In competition, AgustaWestland is offering its TUHP 149, a new generation, multirole helicopter designed for the Turkish requirement.

IAF helicopters to return from UN mission by month end

10:06 PM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

The IAF helicopters currently serving in UN missions in Congo and Sudan will return to India beginning this month-end, primarily to augment the transport fleet and in support of the Army in desert terrains along the borders with Pakistan. "The IAF helicopters in United Nations mission will be coming back by end of October," Western Air Command Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Air Marshal N A K Browne told a press conference. On an IAF proposal citing its helicopter fleet being stretched to its limits, the Defence Ministry wrote to the External Affairs Ministry in June this year that the 17 Mi-17 medium lift helicopter, eight Mi-35 and Mi-25 attack in the UN missions in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Sudan should be de-inducted and brought back for internal security duties.

Singapore's Apache AH-64 Helicopter Crash-Lands

1:59 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

An Apache helicopter from Singapore's air force crash-landed in an open field in a residential district today but no-one was injured, the defense ministry said."A Republic of Singapore Air Force Apache AH-64 helicopter has made an emergency landing... There has been no damage to civilian property or injury to personnel reported," the defense ministry said in a statement.An AFP photographer at the site said the tail of the light attack helicopter had broken off from its main body and was lying about 70 meters (yards) away.About a dozen air force engineers clad in black uniforms were sifting through the debris and a crane stood by to clear the rubble, he added.

Bell Helicopter and Agusta Westland have withdrawn their bids for 197 ALH

8:38 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

American ‘Bell Helicopter’ and Italian ‘ Agusta Westland’ have withdrawn their bids for the 197 Advance Light Helicopters (ALH) being acquired for the Army for search and rescue operations. The $600 million deal, they have complained, is being processed in favour of the French-German combine ‘Eurocopter’. It is unusual for such global firms to withdraw from the race after two years of the tender ‘process’, alleging ‘bias’.

Augusta Westland, ironically, won the bid in February this year for supplying 12 choppers at a cost of Rs 3,546.17 crore, eight of which would be customised for VVIP transportation. They will replace the ageing Russian made MI-8 helicopters, which are close to completing their technical life. A representative of a firm lobbying for ‘Eurocopter’, however, quipped, “ after having failed to meet tough standards, it looks like just a case of sour grapes for our competitors.” The ‘Eurocopter group was created in 1992 with the merger between the helicopter divisions of ‘Aerospatiale-Matra’ (France) and ‘DaimlerChrysler Aerospace’ (Germany).

Russia delivers three Mi-35M Hind helicopters to Indonesia

6:26 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Russia has delivered three Mi-35M Hind assault helicopters to Indonesia, a military source said on Thursday.Russia signed an agreement with Indonesia in September 2007 to provide a $1 billion credit line to the Southeast Asian country for Russian weapons purchases. Indonesia planned to buy ten Mi-17 transport helicopters, five Mi-35Ms, six Sukhoi fighters and two Kilo-class submarines financed by the credit.

Australian Aerospace MRH90 helicopters on track, on time

6:54 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Australian Aerospace Limited, says it is on track to meet its 2010 schedule for deliveries of NH90 MRH multi-role helicopters to the Australian Defence Force (ADF).Australian Aerospace, which produces the MRH90s at its final assembly facility on Brisbane Airport, delivered its 13th MRH90 on 3 September 2010. Another three helicopters are scheduled to be delivered by the end of the year.A total of 46 MRH90s have been ordered by the Army and Navy to replace existing Black Hawk and Sea King helicopters.Dr Jens Goennemann, Chief Executive Officer Australian Aerospace said he was pleased to report that the delivery program is progressing well despite a temporary cessation of flying operations earlier this year when an MRH90 experienced a shutdown of one of its two engines. Australian Aerospace is on track to deliver all MRH90s during 2010 as contracted in the schedule.

Strong Mil Mi-17 Hip helicopter Demand Boosts Prices

3:31 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

The popularity of the Mil Mi-17 Hip helicopter for operations in Afghanistan is driving up prices for used versions and has created an order surge for manufacturer Russian Helicopters.About 300 Mil Mi-8MTs (known as Mi-17s in the export market) are deployed in Afghanistan with international coalition forces, private contractors or under U.N. contracts, according to Russian experts. Some Russian companies, such as UTair Aviation, operate Mi-8MTs under U.N. contracts in many other regions.

Singapore's Navy and Thai Navy Participate in Naval Exercise "Singsiam"

7:12 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) are participating in a bilateral naval exercise, code-named Singsiam from 20 to 29 Sep 2010. The opening ceremony was officiated by Colonel Giam Hock Koon, Commanding Officer of the RSN's 185 Squadron, and the Chief of Staff Frigate Squadron 2 of the RTN, Captain Kosit Cheamsuphakit, at Changi Naval Base yesterday.

Hosted by the RSN, this year's exercise started with a shore phase at Changi Naval Base and a sea phase that will be conducted in the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The RSN is participating in the exercise with frigate RSS Steadfast, missile corvette RSS Valour and patrol vessel RSS Resilience. The RTN is represented by helicopter carrier HTMS Chakri Naruebet for the first time, frigate HTMS Taksin and three S-70B naval helicopters.

NATO says 9 service members killed in crash

6:53 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

Nine service members with the international coalition in Afghanistan died Tuesday after their helicopter crashed in the volatile south where troops are ramping up pressure on Taliban insurgents.One other coalition service member, an Afghan National Army soldier and a U.S. civilian were injured in the crash and were transported to a military medical center for treatment, NATO said.Though helicopters more regularly crash because of mechanical issues in Afghanistan, some have been brought down by insurgent fire.However, NATO said in a statement, "There are no reports of enemy fire in the area."

Helicopter Crash in Harbin

1:45 AM ASIAN DEFENCE No comments

A helicopter crashed in Harbin, the capital of northeastern Heilongjiang province, on Saturday, causing two injuries and no fatalities, Beijing News reported on Sunday.The cause of the crash is currently still under investigation.