http://jdw.janes.comJane's Defence Weekly - up to date news on global defenceen-gbCopyright: (C) Jane's Information Group. All rights reserved.http://www4.janes.com/public/images/janes_rss.gifhttp://jdw.janes.comVisit http://jdw.janes.comhttp://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41480.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWA proposal by EADS Deutschland and Indian firm Larsen & Toubro (L&T) to form a defence joint venture (JV) in India has been deferred for a fifth time by the Indian Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB). It also said that it had approved a proposal by Indian firm Vyoneesh Technologies to create a defence JV with an unspecified foreign company to develop defence electrical equipment. An Indian-based source close to the EADS/L&T proposal told Jane's on 17 November that despite the continued ... - 2009/11/20 00:00:00http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41497.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWTurkish company Aselsan has completed the production of 171 Volkan fire-control systems for the country's Leopard tanks. According to the Aselsan officials, the Volkan fire-control system is capable of detecting, recognising, identifiying and firing at targets from long range, both in adverse weather and battle conditions. Additionally, Aselsan has been negotiating with Chile to install the systems onto Leopard tanks in the inventory of the Chilean Army, local defence industry sources said. - 2009/11/20 00:00:00http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41495.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWSaudi Arabia is looking to reclaim momentum in defence research and development as one of the world's leading arms buyers by incorporating joint ventures in support of its major procurement programmes. BAE Systems was awarded a three-year, GBP500 million service support contract in October for the Saudi Typhoon fleet, which is eventually to number 72 aircraft - 48 of which will be assembled in Saudi Arabia at the Alsalam facility. The company - a joint venture between Boeing, Saudi Arabian ... - 2009/11/20 00:00:00http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41485.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWDefence Minister Carme Chacón told a 17 November meeting of her counterparts in Brussels that Spain would lead any operation to support security sector reform in Somalia as a cornerstone of its obligations as holder of the rotating EU presidency from January 2010. EU security and defence policy chief Javier Solana told reporters that any EU mission in Somalia would be co-ordinated with other international actors, including the United States, and would have to complement existing African Union... - 2009/11/20 00:00:00http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41492.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWThe Airbus Military C-295M has been selected as the Mexican Air Force's new medium transport aircraft, it was announced on 15 November. According to an announcement by the Mexican Treasury Department (MTD), five C-295Ms configured as military transports have been ordered, together with a logistics, aircrew training and ground maintenance package. The C-295Ms will be operated from the military air base (BAM-1) at Santa Lucia, home of the Mexican Air Force's transport fleet. - 2009/11/20 00:00:00http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41496.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWThe new Greek Defence Minister, Evangelos Venizelos, confirmed on 13 November that the three boats, located at TKMS' Greek subsidiary, Hellenic Shipyards, in Skaramangas near Athens, would be accepted and that the navy was eager to initiate sea trials for the trio. Jane's reported on 16 October that Hellenic Shipyards was in financial difficulty following the cancellation of the Archimedes programme (for the four Type 214 submarines) and the Neptune II programme (for the upgrade of three Type... - 2009/11/20 00:00:00http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41499.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWThe Indonesian government has commenced a programme to draw up a comprehensive list of armed forces requirements over the next decade and beyond in a move partly aimed at boosting domestic defence industry development. Commodore Sudi Haryono, director for technology and industry in the Indonesian Ministry of Defence's Directorate General of Defence Facilities, told Jane's on 19 November that the inventory is expected to be completed in the next few months. "For equipment in the inventory that... - 2009/11/20 00:00:00http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41501.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWThe impact of India's updated defence procurement procedures (DPPs) on indigenous defence production will be limited unless the Ministry of Defence (MoD) allows local industry more time to draw up detailed manufacturing proposals, according to a senior academic at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) in New Delhi. In announcing the update in late October, the Indian MoD said the changes have the "potential to revolutionise the Indian defence industry" because it will enable "... - 2009/11/20 00:00:00http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41472.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWUS private equity firm JF Lehman & Company has agreed to sell guidance and navigation systems specialist Atlantic Inertial Systems to Goodrich Corporation for USD375 million. Atlantic will be integrated within Goodrich's Sensors and Integrated Systems business within its Electronic Systems unit. Atlantic Inertial Systems comprised BAE Systems' Inertial Products business (which was housed within what was then the Electronics & Integrated Solutions unit). - 2009/11/20 00:00:00http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41504.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWThe Afghan National Army Air Corps (ANAAC) has taken delivery of another four Mil Mi-17 'Hip' transport/assault helicopters, the US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) announced on 19 November. The four Mi-17s will provide combat airlift, logistical and medical evacuation support to Afghan forces and government officials. With these aircraft, the ANAAC currently fields 25 Mi-17s, including six former Czech and three former Slovakian aircraft as well as another seven 'Hips' funded by the United... - 2009/11/20 00:00:00http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41524.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWIsrael's Elbit Systems has completed its acquisition of BVR Systems Ltd for GBP34 million (USD57 million), it was announced on 19 November. Located in Rosh HaAyin, Israel, BVR Systems develops and produces training, simulation and debriefing systems for air, sea and ground forces. Elbit Systems first announced that it had agreed to purchase BVR Systems on 20 July. - 2009/11/20 00:00:00http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41522.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has confirmed that it has held talks with companies interested in acquiring its troubled Greek subsidiary, Hellenic Shipyards SA. The parent company told Jane's that talks have yet to develop into negotiations, however. Wrangles concerning contracts with the Greek government relating to Type 214 and Type 209 submarines led TKMS to remark earlier this year that Hellenic Shipyards is facing a "very difficult situation financially". - 2009/11/20 00:00:00http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41523.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWElectronic components supplier Arrow Electronics has agreed to buy AE Petsche: a US-based supplier of speciality wires, cables and relays for the aerospace and defence sectors. While Arrow did not disclose the terms of the agreement, it said the acquisition is expected to add earnings per share of between USD0.1 and USD0.12 in 2010. Based on comparable acquisitions in the sector and the expected contribution of AE Petsche to earnings, Jane's believes a transaction price in the region of USD80... - 2009/11/20 00:00:00http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41500.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWThe Airbus Military A400M transport aircraft ran its fitted engines for the first time on 18 November, the company has announced. On the subsequent runs the test team will continue exploring the behaviour of the engine itself and also that of the aircraft systems that are powered by the engine. Additionally the aircraft's auxiliary power unit (APU) was tested and used to start the engines for the main engine run. - 2009/11/20 00:00:00http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41509.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWThe Belgian Air Component (BAC) officially accepted into service its new Airbus A330-300 personnel and freight transport aircraft on 19 November, the Ministry of Defence announced. Melsbroek is the home of the 15th Air Transport Wing, which is responsible for the BAC's transport and VIP fleets. The station currently operates Airbus A310, Lockheed Martin C-130H, Embraer ERJ-135/ERJ-145 and Dassault Falcon 20/900B aircraft. - 2009/11/20 00:00:00http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41521.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWA proposal by EADS Deutschland and Indian firm Larsen & Toubro (L&T) to form a defence joint venture (JV) in India has been deferred for a fifth time by the Indian Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB). It also said that it had approved a proposal by Indian firm Vyoneesh Technologies to create a defence JV with an unspecified foreign company to develop defence electrical equipment. An Indian-based source close to the EADS/L&T proposal told Jane's on 17 November that, despite the continued... - 2009/11/20 00:00:00http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41512.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWSenior defence sources have told Jane's that the contenders in the Light Protected Patrol Vehicle (LPPV) programme will now have to provide prototype vehicles to participate in a 'trials of truth' drive-off at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire early next year. According to industry sources the four contenders who have been downselected are: Supacat and NP Aerospace, offering the Specialist Protected Vehicle (SPV); Babcock and Creation, with the Zephyr Specific Requirements Vehicle ... - 2009/11/20 00:00:00http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41519.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWUK support services company VT Group is keen to acquire the UK Ministry of Defence's (MoD) Defence Support Group (DSG) should it be put up for sale under UK government moves to shrink defence procurement costs. With an annual turnover in excess of GBP200 million and 3,800 personnel, DSG provides in-house maintenance, repair, overhaul, upgrade and support services for the UK armed forces' air and land systems. Lester added that the value of DSG's price tag would probably fall "within quite a ... - 2009/11/20 00:00:00http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41515.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWAustralian company Metal Storm expects to receive a critical lifeline payment from foreign investor Assure Fast Holdings Limited (AFHL) no later than 23 November, although the deal has stalled on numerous occasions so far. A Metal Storm statement said: "The first-tranche payment for new equity of AUD2.1 million [USD1.925 million] is expected on 20 November but no later than close of business Monday [23 November]. Following this investment, AFHL will lend Metal Storm a further USD17.5 million. - 2009/11/20 00:00:00http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41513.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWThe United States has resumed discussions about new sanctions on Iran in light of the unwillingness of the Islamic Republic to accept international proposals for the handling of its nuclear material, US President Barack Obama has stated. The Qom facility - known as Fordow in Iran - remains the subject of many questions from the IAEA, the report said, as to "the purpose for which the facility had been intended and how it fits into Iran's nuclear programme". The Iranian ambassador to the IAEA, ... - 2009/11/20 00:00:00http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41514.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWUK military chiefs now aim to use a portion of this money to buy "up to 30" more Boeing CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters by the middle of the next decade, to bring the UK Chinook fleet to "around 70" airframes. Under 'Vision 2020' a major shake-up in the basing of all the UK's military helicopters will occur and the Royal Air Force's (RAF's) AgustaWestland Merlin HC.3/3A transport helicopters would be transferred to the Royal Navy. Under 'Vision 2020' the basing of all UK helicopters ... - 2009/11/20 00:00:00http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41517.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWThe activities of the two organisations have included the hosting of a defence energy conference in 2009 (which the spokesperson said raised levels of awareness about the issue in Australia); improvements in the ADF's transport fuel mix (which optimised use of existing fuel types); and a closer working relationship with the DoD's research and development arm, the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), as it "researches alternative and emerging fuel types and assesses their ... - 2009/11/20 00:00:00http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41520.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWLockheed Martin is planning to expand its business in Australia over the next few years to triple both the number of people it employs and its in-country revenues, according to Paul Johnson, chief executive officer of the company's Australian business. Speaking to Jane's on 13 November, Johnson explained that Lockheed Martin Australia's strategy for expansion was multi-tiered, encompassing partnerships with other leading firms and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as well as possible future... - 2009/11/20 00:00:00http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41503.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWThe army is starting the Hellfire flight tests with an eye towards the deployment of the first Hellfire-armed QRC-2 Sky Warriors to Iraq or Afghanistan in August 2010. Sky Warrior QRC-1 aircraft - which, like QRC -2, consist of four UAVs and two ground stations - deployed to Iraq in August, flying alongside Sky Warrior Block 0 aircraft that were already in theatre. The first army unit (a combat aviation brigade) will be equipped with the programme of record Sky warrior aircraft - including 12... - 2009/11/20 00:00:00http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41511.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWThe chief executive officer (CEO) of South Africa's defence acquisition agency, Armscor, was suspended with immediate effect on 18 November, the board of directors announced. Sipho Thomo had been asked to resign on 4 November following a series of statements inflating the cost overruns of the development programme for the Airbus A400M transport aircraft. His parliamentary testimony in October initiated a chain of events that ultimately led to South Africa's decision to cancel its order for ... - 2009/11/20 00:00:00http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41508.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWAccording to officials from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), up to 250 examples of the JF-17 (also known as the FC-1 or 'Thunder') will be inducted into the air force in the next six to eight years, giving the aircraft a key position as the main second-line fighter to replace older Chinese F-7 fighters and A-5 ground attack aircraft. The JF-17, the unveiling of which was scheduled to take place at the PAF-run Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) north of Islamabad, joins the eight JF-17s built in... - 2009/11/20 00:00:00http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41506.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWIsrael is to accelerate its production of Arrow-2 anti-ballistic missile interceptors in case of a potential conflict with Iran, Defence Minister Ehud Barak said on 17 November. The Arrow Weapon System (AWS) is currently designed to launch two Arrow-2 interceptors against any incoming missile. The final price of the system will eventually be "significantly lower" than existing US systems such as the Terminal High-Altitude Air Defense system or the Standard Missile-3, Colonel Guy Aviram of the... - 2009/11/20 00:00:00http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41505.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWThe Venezuelan shipyard Diques y Astilleros Nacionales CA (DIANCA) re-delivered the S-31 Sabalo , a Type 209/1300 submarine, back to the Venezuelan Navy on 11 November following a five-year mid-life upgrade. The upgrade included modifications to the diesel engine, mast and snorkel control systems, improved data distribution and the addition of multifunction displays (MFD). The chief of the Venezuelan Navy, Vice Admiral Carlos Aniasi, stated that the Sabalo will now undergo acceptance trials ... - 2009/11/20 00:00:00http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41507.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWThe German government has extended the mandates of the Bundeswehr (German armed forces) in deployments abroad including Afghanistan and Lebanon, but not its participation in the deployment of NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft over Afghanistan. German participation in NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan has been extended for a further year at its existing ceiling of 4,500 troops. German Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg hopes ... - 2009/11/20 00:00:00http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?QueryText=&K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2009/jdw41510.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDWThe UK government's growing campaign to persuade its European allies to boost their commitment in Afghanistan by 5,000 troops hinges on increased US deployments, NATO and UK defence officials have said. "I want to use this opportunity to strongly encourage you, and your governments, to make more military resources available - extra combat forces for ISAF; extra troops for enhanced partnership and teaming with the Afghan National Security Forces; and extra troops for training, particularly ... - 2009/11/20 00:00:00