Morocco Orders FREMM Multimission Frigate

(Source: DCNS; issued April 18, 2008)

PARIS --- French Prime Minister François Fillon has confirmed at a seminar in Rabat that DCNS has finalised the contract for a multimission frigate for the Royal Moroccan Navy.

This front-line multimission fighting ship will be based on the FREMM design and will offer advanced capabilities for anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine missions. Innovative engineering solutions, reduced crewing and ease of maintenance were among the key discriminators enabling DCNS to meet the customer’s operational capability requirements.

Executive Vice President and CEO Bernard Planchais commented: “We welcome the decision by Morocco’s highest authorities in favour of the DCNS-designed FREMM frigate to modernise their fleet. This ship will benefit from the many advances arising from the FREMM programme to produce a new generation of front-line vessels for the French Navy. Morocco is our first international customer for this new-generation vessel.

This success opens up new business opportunities for this type of vessel as navies around the world seek to renew and modernise their fleets. Ongoing cooperation with Morocco is a key factor as we pursue development with new customers, particularly the Middle East.”

The FREMM programme — Europe’s most ambitious naval cooperation programme ever — calls for 27 multimission frigates for France and Italy. The 6,000-tonne vessels will be delivered in anti-submarine, anti-surface, anti-air and land strike versions to meet the client navies’ specific needs.

The FREMM frigates for the French Navy are being built under DCNS prime contractorship. These heavily armed ships will carry state-of-the-art weapons and systems including the Herakles multifunction radar, MU90 torpedoes and Exocet MM40 and Aster missiles.



Morocco has become the first export customer for the FREMM multimission frigate being jointly developed by France and Italy. (DCNS imagery)

Production of Advanced F-16 Aircraft for Morocco Begins

*link edited by gypsysnipe*


FORT WORTH, Texas: The United States government awarded Lockheed Martin an Undefinitized Contract Authorization (UCA) for the production of 24 Advanced F-16 Block 52 aircraft for Morocco, making the Kingdom of Morocco the 25th nation to select the F-16.

Morocco will acquire a Block 52 configuration of the F-16C/D aircraft tailored to meet the specific requirements of the Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF). The sale will include the aircraft, mission equipment and a support package provided by Lockheed Martin and other U.S. and international contractors. The new aircraft will supplement the RMAF's existing fleet of fighter aircraft and will contribute to the upgrade and modernization of the RMAF.

Lockheed Martin is being awarded a contract totaling $233.6 million to begin production of 24 aircraft, along with associated support equipment, alternate mission equipment and other support elements for Morocco. This effort will support the Foreign Military Sales program for Morocco.

"We are pleased the Royal Moroccan Air Force selected the F-16 to modernize its fighter force and look forward to working with them as the newest member of the F-16 family," said John Larson, vice president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics' F-16 program. "The F-16 provides the Kingdom of Morocco with the world's most affordable and technologically advanced multirole fighter available today, with the added benefit of interoperability with the U.S. Air Force and many other air forces."

The F-16 provides advanced technology and capability across all missions, and its operations and maintenance costs for the life of the aircraft are the best value available today. Operating day and night in all environments and weather, the F-16 remains the safest multirole fighter in U.S. Air Force history. The F-16 will continue to be the backbone of the U.S. Air Force for many years to come, assuring proven support and sustainment throughout the life of Morocco's F-16 program.

The Moroccan announcement adds to the F-16's reputation as the world's most sought-after multi-role fighter. More than 4,400 F-16 aircraft have been delivered to date and production is expected to continue beyond 2012, with major upgrades being incorporated for all F-16 versions.

More than 4,400 aircraft have been delivered worldwide from assembly lines in five countries. The F-16 program has been characterized by unprecedented international cooperation among governments, air forces and aerospace industries. Major upgrades to all F-16 versions are being incorporated to keep the fleet modern and fully supportable over the aircraft's long service life.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: gypsysnipe,

Raytheon Wins $3.3 Bn Contract for UAE Patriots


(Source: Raytheon Company; issued December 18, 2008)


TEWKSBURY, Mass. --- Raytheon Company has been awarded a not-to-exceed $3.3 billion order to provide advanced Patriot air and missile defense capability, whole life support and training for the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Raytheon and teammate Lockheed Martin have worked with the U.S. and UAE governments during the past year to develop this agreement. The U.S. government approved the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of Patriot Config-3 capabilities including Patriot GEM-T and Lockheed PAC-3 missiles. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., issued an order to Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) Dec. 17, 2008.

"For 25 years, we have provided advanced technology and innovation to the UAE," said William H. Swanson, Raytheon Chairman and CEO. "Today, we are honored that the UAE government has entrusted us to deliver this unique capability to support the defense of its country."

Raytheon established its first office in the UAE in 1983 and began delivery and support of the medium range Hawk Air Defense System to the UAE in 1987.

"Patriot's advanced technology provides significant benefits in system capability, reliability, sustainability and affordability to U.S. and allied forces around the world," said Raytheon IDS President Daniel L. Smith. "With this order, the UAE joins 11 other countries that rely upon Patriot to provide a key element of their national defense."

Raytheon IDS is the prime contractor, both domestic and international, for the Patriot air and missile defense weapon capability and the system integrator for the Config-3 system. Work supporting this order will be performed at the Raytheon Integrated Air Defense Center, Andover, Mass.


-------


Pentagon Contract Announcement


(Source: US Department of Defense; issued Dec. 18, 2008)


Raytheon Co., Andover, Mass., was awarded on Dec 17, 2008, a $165,506,750 firm fixed price contract to provide UAE the services, hardware, facilities, equipment and all technical, planning, management and manufacturing efforts to produce Guidance Enhanced Missiles-T (GEM-T) missiles, Patriot Fire Units, associated ground support equipment, repair and return, system software, field surveillance, and documentation.

Work will be performed in 42 states out of 52 states and Germany, Netherlands, Ontario, and Quebec with an estimated completion date of December 31, 2015. One bid was solicited and one bid was received.

Aviation & Missile Command Contracting Center, Redstone, Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-09-G-001).

-ends-

First Saudi Typhoon Aircraft Rolled Out

(Source: UK Ministry of Defence; issued June 12, 2009)

The Roll Out Ceremony for the first two Typhoon aircraft constructed for the Royal Saudi Air Force was held at BAE Systems' Warton site yesterday.

The ceremony, which was attended by the Saudi Assistant Minister of Defence and Aviation, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid Bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, representing the Saudi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence and Aviation, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, and the Minister for the Armed Forces, Mr Bill Rammell, representing the Secretary of State for Defence, included a fly past by one of the RSAF Typhoons.

This represents another significant stage in the progress of the Salam Project, which covers the supply of 72 Typhoon aircraft to the Royal Saudi Air Force in accordance with the Understanding Document signed by both Governments.

The Minister for the Armed Forces, Bill Rammell, said:

"This ceremony is a very significant milestone for the Salam Project. The Royal Saudi Air Force is getting a fantastic aircraft. Typhoon is a world-class, multi-role aircraft and will provide the RSAF with the defence capability it needs to meet the defence challenges of today and for the foreseeable future.

"The industrial benefits of the Project are also substantial for both nations and will help to sustain several thousand, skilled jobs in the UK and Saudi Arabia over the next ten years."


The Al Salam program has moved into its delivery phase as the first two of 72 Eurofighter Typhoons are handed over to the Royal Saudi Air Force. (BAE Systems file photo)


BACKGROUND NOTES:
1. The Governments of Saudi Arabia and the UK signed a formal understanding in 1985 for the supply of Tornado IDS, Tornado ADV, Hawk and PC-9 aircraft, together with associated support services, equipment, weapons, ammunition and electronic warfare systems; the aircraft have all since been delivered.

2. The two governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 1986 elaborating the arrangements put in place the previous year. This formalised the role of British Aerospace (BAe) (as it was called at the time) as the main contractor for the whole programme, and established a UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) Project Office then within the Defence Export Services Organisation (DESO) to coordinate the activities of UK MOD in support of the programme, and to monitor the contracted activities of BAe. The two governments signed the "New Buy Tornado Agreement" for the supply of additional Tornado IDS aircraft in 1993.

3. On 21 December 2005 the then Secretary of State for Defence, Dr John Reid, signed an Understanding Document which was intended to establish a greater partnership in modernising the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces and develop close service-to-service contacts, especially through joint training and exercises. Under the terms of the document it was agreed that Typhoon aircraft would replace Tornado ADV aircraft and others currently in service with the Royal Saudi Air Force. BAE Systems would also invest in local Saudi companies, develop an industrial technology plan, and provide suitable training for thousands of Saudi nationals providing through life support for key in-service equipments.

4. On 17 September 2007, the Governments of Saudi Arabia and the UK announced that agreement had been reached on the sale of 72 Typhoon aircraft. This new defence cooperation programme, which has been designated the Salam Project, will eventually be supported by substantial logistical and training packages. The final details of these support packages are still subject to further discussion between the Governments, but limited aircrew and technician training has already started in the UK in preparation for the delivery of the first Typhoon aircraft to Saudi Arabia later this summer. The Roll-Out ceremony marks the beginning of the delivery stage of the Salam Project.

5. Role of UK MOD: The 1986 MOU requires the UK Government to ensure that all equipment, spares, training and technical work supplied by the main contractor (BAE Systems) are in accordance with Saudi requirements. This requirement will continue for the Salam Project. BAE Systems' performance in meeting requirements is monitored by the MoD's Director General Saudi Armed Forces Project (DGSAP) and his staff, based in London and Saudi Arabia. (ends)

Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods to the Royal Saudi Air Force

(Source: Lockheed Martin; issued June 15, 2009)

ORLANDO, FL. --- Lockheed Martin has signed a foreign military sales contract to deliver Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATPs) to the Royal Saudi Air Force. This is the first phase of a multi-year $100 million precision sensor modernization program to replace Lockheed Martin LANTIRN targeting and navigation pods used aboard Royal Saudi Air Force F-15S aircraft since the mid 1990s.

“The Royal Saudi Air Force has been a valued customer for nearly two decades,” said John Rogers, Saudi Sniper ATP program manager at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “With this contract to deliver the Sniper pod for their F-15S aircraft, Lockheed Martin can continue to provide the Royal Saudi Air Force with the latest in advanced targeting pod technology.”

Packaged in a single lightweight pod, Sniper ATP’s enhanced image clarity provides critical long-range positive identification of targets and real-time targeting for weapons. Its state-of-the-art tracker enables employment of advanced laser-guided weapons against moving targets. The only fielded targeting pod incorporating meta-data in every frame of video, the date/time stamp and coordinate information further ensure accuracy throughout intelligence and command and control functions.

Currently flying on the U.S. Air Force and multinational F-16, F-15, B-1, F-18, Harrier, A-10, B-52 and Tornado aircraft, the Sniper pod’s common software and hardware interface design enables users to “plug and play” across services and multiple platforms, providing a common software and hardware configuration across aircraft fleets.

The Sniper ATP is currently in service with the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard and 10 international air forces and coalition partners.

CMN Launches First Corvette for Abu Dhabi

(Source: Constructions Mecaniques de Normandie; dated June 25, 2009)

On June 25, 2009, the Baynunah First of Class has been launched in Cherbourg.

The ceremony has been performed in the presence of the UAE Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Staff Lt General Hamad Thani Al Rumaithi, the UAE Navy Chief of Staff, Staff Major General Ahmed Al Tunaiji, the Deputy of the French Navy Chief of Staff, VADM Jacques Launay and of the North Sea and Channel Maritime Prefect, VA Philippe Périssé, as well as of Staff Brigadier Salem Al Zaabi, UAE Defence Attaché in Paris and Mr Jean-Luc Laboureyras, representing the Ministry of Defence DGA/DDI (Direction of International Development of General Delegation for Armament).

This vessel is the first unit of a series of 6 missile light corvettes, ordered end of 2003 by the UAE Navy, the five following units being built by ADSB (Abu Dhabi Ship Building) in the UAE under a transfer of technology contract under CMN supervision.

The FoC launched on June 25, the biggest military vessel ever built by CMN, will be from now on submitted to adjustments and tests and trials during the coming two years prior to rejoin its port of registry, Abu Dhabi.

-ends-


Baynunah, lead ship of the six light missile corvettes on order for the United Arab Emirates, seen at its launch in Cherbourg, France. (CMN photo)

A few of these wtih some pretection from the 5th fleet will keep things right on. Yes, everything is not just landbased. We do have to cover all of our angles. If the subs could launch air to air trackers, we might want to retrofit them also to lay a little missile intercept smackdown also rather than just launching full nuclear strikes. This gives the US the advantage to do irregular conventional warfare in a newer assymetrical sense. It also gives us stealth and portability versus the ships you present here today who will need obvious protection because of their size and speed factor.

quote:

Originally posted by Sgt_Schlappy:
First Saudi Typhoon Aircraft Rolled Out

Anyone want to take a bet the Israelis aren't too happy with the Saudis getting Eurofighters? FYI, the 72 Saudi Eurofighters is just about the same quantity as the Israelis have in F-15C's.

Israel can kick the haji anytime.all the sand countries tryed it once.America has saved the muzzscums many times.lrts stay out of their way and let the Israel's kick azz.Go Israel.

Actually Doug, you post on the thieves is the one that started the violation. The topic was on arms to the Saudis. They reply was that the Israelis would not be two happy. You then call the Israelis the thieves. That is out of line. Your people attacked and lost a number of wars. They continued to make war when they have had a chance at peace. I do not agree with the current government of Israel on the peace process, but Arafat walked away when he had a chance for peace, and the price has been Israeli governments that are less likely to make peace.

Dave_M,

I wrote a paper on Sunday and Monday on the Houthists insurgencies in Northern Yemen. I have done an in depth study of the Saada,Yemen arms cartel led by Muhammad(arms broker) who is funding the Houthists and other jihadists in Saudi Arabia Peninsulla, Gaza strip, Somolia, Eritria, Iran. The Sadda cartel has enlisted several criminal gangs to moove arms from Iran, Zaimbabwe, Algeria, Syria, Libya, and former soviet NUI states. The Yemen factor shows that the decreased naval presence in Yemen is an increasing factor of global arms trafficking by jihadists. Egyptian fishermen are common in these gangs with somolia muscle on board dredging for sunk sealed wesapons caches in plastic barrels. A recent development in Italy shows Eritrian and Libyan sex objects 22 yrs old are distracting the police for free sex to distract port authorities to allow arms traffickers to offload. These common characteristics are newer trends of the criminal gangs methodology to get past and deliver arms to mehajideen and hard core jiahdists globally, not just in Italy. In my prior report I have summarized several aspects to cover the heavy weapons trafficking through Yemens northern routes to the Saudi Peninsulla AQIM. Other arms cahces in Yemen have been raided regularly & it is suspected the heavy weapons caches regularly looted in Yemen are falling intot he arms bazars in Saada Yemen cartel, then to the Houthists who are protecting these hardcore gun and explosives facilitators. It is no secret these weapons are making it intot he hands of jihadists in Iraq and Afghanistan. I have recommended to US Navy to upgrade the Yemen port authority with fleet coverage & or adding spy vessels beyond the 7 ships currently employed to police Yemns Gulf of Aden. This is a limited task force there that is in dire need of assistance.

US Plans $3.2 Billion Sale of 24 F-16 Block 50/52s Fighters to Egypt


(Source: Defense Security Cooperation Agency; dated Oct. 9, web-posted Oct. 14, 2009)


WASHINGTON --- The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Egypt of 24 F-16C/D Block 50/52 Aircraft and associated parts weapons and equipment, as well as other Non-MDE equipment and construction services.

The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $3.2 Billion.

The Government of Egypt has requested a possible sale of:
-- 24 F-16C/D Block 50/52 Aircraft installed with either the F100-PW-229 or F110-GE-129 Increased Performance Engines (IPE) and APG-68(V)9 radars;
-- 6 F100-PW-229 or F110-GE-129 IPE spare engines;
-- 6 APG-68(V)9 spare radar sets ;
-- 60 LAU-129/A Common Rail Launchers;
-- 28 AN/APX-113 Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF) Systems without Mode IV;
-- 28 M61 20mm Vulcan Cannons

Non-MDE Equipment:
-- 28 AN/ALQ-211 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Systems (AIDEWS); or Advanced Countermeasures Electronic Systems (ACES) which includes the AN/ALQ-187 Electronic Warfare System and the AN/ALR-93 Radar Warning Receiver;
-- 28 AN/ARC-238 Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGAR) radios without HAVE QUICK I/II;
-- 4 F-9120 Advanced Airborne Reconnaissance Systems or DB-110 Reconnaissance Pods;
-- 28 Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Embedded GPS/Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) with Standard Positioning Service commercial code only;
-- 12 AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER Advanced Targeting Pods or AN/AAQ-28 LITENING Targeting Pods;
-- 24 pairs of Conformal Fuel Tanks;
-- 28 AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispensing Systems.

Also included: Base construction, support equipment, software development/integration, tanker support, ferry services, Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD), repair and return, modification kits, spares and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $3.2 billion.

The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by enhancing the capability of Egypt, a major non-NATO ally. Delivery of this weapon system will greatly enhance Egypt’s interoperability with the U.S., making it a more valuable partner in an important area of the world, as well as supporting Egypt’s legitimate need for its own self-defense.

The proposed sale will allow the Egyptian Air Force to modernize its aging air force by acquiring new fighter aircraft, thereby enabling Egypt to support both its own air defense needs and coalition operations. The country will have no difficulty absorbing this new capability into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company in Fort Worth, Texas.

The proposed sale also involves the following companies:
-- Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control Dallas, Texas
-- Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training, Fort Worth, Texas and Support
-- BAE Advanced Systems Greenland, New York
-- Boeing Corporation Seattle, Washington
-- Boeing Integrated Defense Systems St Louis, Missouri (three locations) Long Beach, California, San Diego, California
-- Raytheon Company Lexington, Massachusetts (two locations) Goleta, California
-- Northrop-Grumman Electro-Optical Systems Garland, Texas
-- Northrop-Grumman Electronic Systems Baltimore, Maryland
-- Pratt & Whitney United Technology Company East Hartford, Connecticut
-- General Electric Aircraft Engines Cincinnati, Ohio
-- Goodrich ISR Systems Danbury, Connecticut
-- L3 Communications Arlington, Texas
-- ITT Defense Electronics and Services McLean, Virginia
-- Symetrics Industries Melbourne, Florida

There are no known offset agreements in connection with this proposed sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips to Egypt involving U.S. Government and contractor representatives for technical reviews/support, program management, and training over a period of 15 years.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

-ends-

Libya will be acquiring 12-15 Su35 fighters, plus other Russian jets, as stated in the main thread below:

"Libya acquiring 12-15 Su35s, other Russian jets" IN THE NEWS thread of military.com

Another customer for the French:

quote:

++http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4337820&c=EUR&s=AIR

Kuwait Awaits French Offer on Rafale Buy
By pierre tran
Published: 22 Oct 2009 14:02

Paris - Kuwait is waiting to get an offer from France on Rafale strike fighters, Defence Minister Sheikh Jaber al-Hamad al-Sabah said Oct. 21 after a meeting with his French counterpart, Hervé Morin.

(...)

Kuwait was also interested in French military technology for the Navy, air defense systems and helicopters, he said.

President Nicolas Sarkozy said in February that talks with Kuwait on the prospective sale of 12-14 Rafale aircraft were "quite advanced."

(...)

France opened a naval base in Abu Dhabi this year and is in talks with the United Arab Emirates on the sale of 60 Rafales, built by Dassault Aviation. The UAE, however, wants France to help find a buyer for its fleet of Mirage 2000-9 fighters.