Australia places greater value on long-range missiles than B-21s
12 May 2023
by Akhil Kadidal
In keeping with its focus on long-range strike capability, Australia hopes to upgrade its Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fleet to the Block 4 standard. This is to integrate the JSM with the aircraft. This missile has a maximum range of 300 n mile. (Commonwealth of Australia)
Australia's rejection of the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider for acquisition has prompted it to focus on improving its long-range strike capabilities using existing aircraft.
Janes assesses that this decision was made based on factors of long-range deterrence, plus acquisition and sustainment costs.
In a statement to Janes, the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) reiterated the position of Australia's Defence Strategic Review (DSR) that the B-21 Raider “is not considered a suitable current option for acquisition”.
“Defence operates a range of platforms that deliver long-range airborne strike effects,” the spokesperson said. “As the [DSR] recommended, Defence is considering options to integrate the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) onto the [Lockheed Martin] F-35A and [Boeing] F/A-18F Super Hornet, and the Joint Strike Missile [JSM] onto the F-35A at the earliest opportunity.”
Poland completes receipt of Turkish UAVs
17 May 2024
by Gareth Jennings
Poland now has all 24 of the TB2 UAVs it ordered from Türkiye, operating them across four systems based at the 12th Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Base at Mirosławiec. (Polish MND)
Poland has received the last of 24 Baykar Bayraktar TB2 armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Türkiye.
The Polish Armaments Agency (AA) announced the milestone on 16 May, saying that the last four unmanned aircraft systems (UASs), each comprising six UAVs, had been received into the 12th Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Base at Mirosławiec on the same day.
“The Secretary of State in the Ministry of National Defense, Paweł Bejda, together with representatives of the Polish Armed Forces, took part in the ceremony of completing the delivery of the last, fourth set of the Bayraktar TB2 unmanned reconnaissance and strike system,” the AA said.
Heron TP makes maiden German flight
16 May 2024
by Gareth Jennings
The GHTP lifts off from Jagel for its maiden flight in German airspace. (IAI)
The Luftwaffe has flown the first of its leased Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Heron TP unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) on its maiden flight in German airspace on 15 May.
Announced by the Bundeswehr, Airbus Defence and Space as the lead contractor for the programme, and IAI, the milestone saw the medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operating out of its future home station of Jagel (also known as Schleswig Air Base) in the far north of Germany.
Known as the German Heron TP (GHTP), the UAS was awarded a type certificate by the German Military Aviation Authority in late 2022, at which time it was operated out of an undisclosed location in Israel.
The GHTP is intended to bridge the gap between the retirement of the earlier Heron 1 UAS and the introduction of the new European MALE UAS known as Eurodrone, with Airbus Defence and Space operating five air vehicles out to 2027.
Brazil conducts first flight of re-winged P-3AM Orion
16 May 2024
by Victor Barreira
A Brazilian Air Force P-3AM Orion. Three aircraft are to be upgraded with new wings. (Airbus Military SAS)
The first re-winged Brazilian Air Force Lockheed P-3AM Orion maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) flew on 2 May, the service announced on 13 May, a major step towards improving the P-3AM fleet's readiness rate.
Elements of the wing that were replaced during the rebuild include the top coverings, front and rear spars, and the upper panels of the central wing and fuselage structures.
Brazilian manufacturer Akaer has delivered two additional sets of wings to the Brazilian Air Force, which are being installed in another two aircraft at the Galeão Aeronautical Material Park. The project is scheduled to conclude in October 2024, Akaer said in an announcement. Whether or not Brazil intends to upgrade the P-3AM fleet beyond the three deliveries has not been publicly disclosed.
On 25 October 2018 Akaer was awarded a contract to rebuild the main wings of three Orion MPAs, the company said.
Australia's rejection of the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider for acquisition has prompted it to focus o...
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