Mil News Western Europe Military News

[BravoZulu]

UK:
The 3rd Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles will be established as a Specialised Infantry Battalion and will begin recruiting in 2019.

The 3rd Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles will join other members of the Specialist Infantry Group, to complete plans set out in the 2015 Defence Review to establish up to five Specialised Infantry Battalions. These specialised Infantry Battalions are designed to provide expert capacity building and training skills with a focus on niche capabilities or areas of the world.

For more than 200 years, Gurkhas have been an integral part of the British Armed Forces and have demonstrated exceptional military aptitude, with a 100% pass rate through basic training. Gurkha soldiers continue to make an exemplary contribution to the British Army through the unique skills they offer, including specialist language skills, which enable them to build longstanding relationships with the United Kingdom’s global partners.

Alongside this new role, the MOD will also be enhancing the support some Gurkha units already provide to the Army, for example the UK led NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, and establishing additional Gurkha Engineer and Signals Squadrons. These are crucial capabilities to enable the UK to meet its global defence commitments.

The new units will allow Gurkhas to access more career opportunities, including promotion and increased chances to serve a full 24-year Army career within the Brigade of Gurkhas.

Minister for the Armed Forces Mark Lancaster said: "The Gurkhas have built an outstanding reputation for their skill and bravery as soldiers through centuries of service and sacrifice.

"They bring unique expertise and perspective to the United Kingdom and British Army which makes them an ideal choice to form a third battalion of the Royal Gurkha Rifles as a Specialised Infantry Battalion.

Colonel of the Royal Gurkha Rifles Major General Gez Strickland said: "The Royal Gurkha Rifles is delighted to be able to support the Army by creating a third battalion. The specialised infantry role is exciting and challenging and we look forward to learning new skills and making new partnerships around the world as we begin the new task. We are enormously proud of the Army’s confidence in our ability to take this on."

 

[AAR Galileo]

France:

On the 21th of march a Rafale B (2 seater) had an ejection accident during the take off from Saint Dizier airbase.

The back seat was fired and the back seater was badly wounded (he is apparently the 64 years old CEO of MBDA who was offered the flight for his retirement).

The pilot without the canopy managed to land without no more incident.

The cause of the ejection is not know at the time but from what i read on specialized french aeronautic forums, it's at 99% a human error.
most believe when the plane accelerate, the old guy was surprised and grab the only handle he could grip, the ejection one!

Civilian Passenger Ejected From A French Two-Seat Rafale B Jet During Take Off

It's not clear whether the ejection was triggered voluntarily, by accident or because of a malfunction. A 64-year old civilian passenger was accidentally

theaviationist.com

 

[BravoZulu]

UK:
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed plans to acquire five Boeing 737-based E-7 airborne early warning and control system aircraft, with the platforms to be modified by Marshall Aerospace & Defence Group.

Announced on 22 March and worth £1.5 billion ($1.98 billion), the contract will lead to the adapted narrowbody airliners being introduced to service from the early 2020s. They will replace the Royal Air Force's (RAF) current Boeing 707-based E-3D Sentry fleet.
The E-7 system – already operated by the Royal Australian Air Force, plus South Korea and Turkey – is based on the 737NG airframe, and powered by CFM International CFM56 engines. Its mission equipment includes a Mesa active electronically scanned array produced by Northrop Grumman, plus onboard operator stations.
According to the MoD, the project will sustain more than 200 highly skilled jobs at Marshall's Cambridge airport site, while "there will also be opportunities for British suppliers to be involved in future training and support arrangements".
"The E-7 provides a technological edge in an increasingly complex battlespace, allowing our ships and aircraft to track and target adversaries more effectively than ever," says defence secretary Gavin Williamson.
Chief of the air staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, says that the new type's introduction "will significantly enhance our ability to deliver decisive airborne command and control".
The UK's plan to proceed with a non-competitive selection of the E-7 emerged last year, with the MoD having been keen to acquire an operationally-proven system to replace its current assets. Canberra's six-strong fleet of the type achieved final operational capability status in May 2015, and has been used in support of coalition activities in the Middle East.
Each E-7 will be flown with a crew of two pilots and 10 mission operators, according to the MoD. It describes the type as having an operating ceiling of 41,000ft, and a range of up to 3,500nm (6,470km). The type also will feature commonality with the RAF's future fleet of nine 737NG-based P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, the first of which is scheduled for delivery later this year.
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uk-signs-e-7-airborne-early-warning-contract-456846/

 

[BravoZulu]

Spain authorizes EUR 4.3B for construction of five F-110 frigates

The Spanish government approved EUR 4.3 billion of funds for the construction of five new F-110 frigates for the Spanish Navy on March 29.
The council of ministers authorization comes roughly a month ahead of the construction start which is scheduled to take place in May this year.
The new generation of frigates will be built by Spanish shipbuilder Navantia with the first ship set for a 2026 delivery.
F-110 frigates will see the introduction of an evolved combat management system and new solid-state S-band radar with the aim of advancing partnerships between US and Spanish industry. Lockheed Martin, the US company responsible for the development and fielding of the Aegis combat management system, is already working with Spain’s Indra on the integration of new a solid state S-band radar system which was developed for the F-110 frigates.
According to the defense ministry, F-110 frigates will measure 145 meters in length and displace 6,100 tons. They will be equipped with a 5-inch main gun, Harpoon missiles, torpedo launchers, two 30mm guns and a 16-cell vertical launch system (VLS).
F-110 frigates will be replacing the Spanish Navy’s Santa Maria-class frigates which have been in service since 1986.
https://navaltoday.com/2019/04/02/spain-authorizes-eur-4-3b-for-construction-of-five-f-110-frigates/

 

[BravoZulu]

Germany:
The German Bundeswehr has contracted with Rheinmetall to supply it with artillery ammunition. Worth around €109 million (including value added tax), the framework contract encompasses the supply of over 32,000 rounds, with an option for a further 11,000 worth around €37 million (including VAT). Delivery is slated to begin in 2019. The contract runs for a period of five years. Rheinmetall Waffe Munition will produce the 155mm artillery ammunition in Unterlüß.
The ammunition ordered by the Bundeswehr is the 155mm DM121, which can attain ranges of up to 30 kilometres when fired from the PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer. Featuring insensitive characteristics, this high explosive round can also be used in training operations and field exercises. Annual consumption will therefore be in the region of several thousand rounds. Just awarded, the order follows a first batch of 30,000 procured by the Bundeswehr in 2009.
Developed by Rheinmetall, the DM121 features outstanding performance parameters. The shell, which contains several kilos of high-performance explosive, can reach targets up to 30 kilometres away. It is also highly accurate: at the maximum range, approximately 85% of all shells land within an area the size of a football pitch. Owing to the interplay of high-quality components, the DM121 is capable of penetrating a several-centimetre-thick wall of reinforced concrete before detonating in controlled fashion on the opposite side. Designed to operate safely and reliably at temperatures ranging from -46°C to +63°C, the DM121 attains the same excellent degree of effectiveness in all climate zones worldwide. The insensitive explosive not only produces a devastating effect on and in the target, but also protects friendly forces if the ammunition is hit by hostile fire or exposed to other forms of mechanical stress, etc.
https://www.rheinmetall.com/en/rheinmetall_ag/press/news/latest_news/index_16896.php

 

[BravoZulu]

Germany:
Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) has received a contract to modernise 101 German Leopard 2 A6 main battle tanks, the company announced on 5 April.
The contract, awarded by the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, is worth more than €300 million.
Under the contract, KMW will upgrade the vehicle’s operating concept, targeting system and fire control computer as well as the chassis to the Leopard 2 A7V configuration.
All vehicles will be re-delivered by 2026.

NB: 7 years to upgrade 101 Leo's? Sounds like just keeping the line open than any real improvements

 

[BravoZulu]

Germany:
The German Defence Ministry estimates it will cost nearly 9 billion euros to keep its aging fleet of 93 Tornado fighter jets flying until 2030, according to a classified document provided to German lawmakers this week.
The steep cost forecast includes 5.64 billion euros to maintain the warplanes, which first entered service in 1983, 1.62 billion euros to design replacements for obsolete parts, and 1.58 billion euros to procure them, according to the document, which was viewed by Reuters.
Germany in January decided to pick either the Eurofighter or Boeing Co's F/A-18E/F fighter jet to replace its Tornado fleet in coming years, dropping Lockheed Martin's F-35 stealth fighter from a tender worth billions of euros..
But neither the F/A-18 nor the Eurofighter, built by Airbus, Britain's BAE Systems and Italy's Leonardo SpA, are currently certified to carry U.S. nuclear weapons, as required under Germany's obligations to NATO.
That means Germany will be dependent on its Tornado fleet until it gets new certified planes - a process that could take years.
The estimate came in response to a query by lawmakers from the opposition Free Democrats, who have criticized the ministry for dropping the F-35 - the only aircraft already certified.
The ministry did not specify the cost of operating the Tornado fleet until 2035, the current target, despite a specific request to do so from the lawmakers, and said it could adjust the retirement schedule.
Parliamentary sources said the estimate was even higher than expected at around 100 million euros per plane, and it would be cheaper to purchase new aircraft.
However Germany's sluggish defense procurement process, and the complicated process of certifying new aircraft to carry nuclear weapons, meant any new warplanes were unlikely to enter service until 2025 or even later.
Of Germany's 93 Tornado jets, 85 are operated by the Luftwaffe, or air force, but not all are equipped to carry nuclear weapons. The remaining planes are used for training.
The current Tornado fleet has a combat readiness rate of under 40 percent, according to sources familiar with new ministry data. Germany in past years had published such data, but this year made the readiness of its weapons a classified matter for security reasons.

https://mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSKCN1RM219

 

[BravoZulu]

The Italian Navy has taken delivery of FREMM frigate Antonio Marceglia from shipbuilder Fincantieri at its Muggiano, La Spezia, shipyard.

The eighth frigate in its class overall and the fourth in multipurpose configuration was delivered on April 16.
The future ITS Antonio Marceglia was delivered after launching in February 2018 and completing platform and combat system equipment tests in November 2018.
FREMM frigates are being built by Italy and France under the framework of an Italo-French cooperation program under the coordination of OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Cooperation sur l’Armement, the international organization for cooperation on arms).
According to Leonardo, the Italian frigates are equipped with KRONOS Grand Naval multi-function active radar, IFF SIR-M5-PA secondary radar and RAN-30X/I air and surface surveillance, LPI SPN-730 navigation radar and SPN-720 for helicopter precision approach, SASS (Silent Acquisition and Surveillance system) infrared tracking system and, finally, equipped with two multi-sensors (radar and electro-optical) for NA-25X fire control. Leonardo has also realised the integrated internal, external and tactical communication systems for the FREMM frigates.
Leonardo also provides two 76/62 mm Super Rapid defense systems that use the DART guided ammunition for tracking targets, the anti-mine sonar (Mine Avoidance Sonar), acoustic countermeasures against attacks by torpedoes (Decoy Launching System) and the MU90 lightweight torpedo launching system (Torpedo Launching System).
Italy will build a total of ten units in the class.

https://navaltoday.com/2019/04/16/italian-navy-receives-eighth-fremm-frigate-antonio-marceglia/

 

[BravoZulu]

HNoMS Maud, the Royal Norwegian Navy’s new logistics and support vessel, arrived to its new homeport of Haakonsvern navy base after a 14,598 nautical mile voyage from South Korea where it was built by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME).

Maud arrived in Norway in late March after visiting San Diego on the West Coast of the United States, sailing through the Panama Canal, and stopping again in Curacao in the Caribbean.
The ship started her journey from Busan, South Korea, after being accepted by the navy in November 2018.
Now that the ship is in Norway, it will be outfitted with defense-specific equipment, self-defense weaponry and communications systems. The vessel and her crew are expected to be fully operational by 2020.

https://navaltoday.com/2019/04/16/norwegian-logistics-and-support-vessel-hnoms-maud-arrives-home/

 

[BravoZulu]

The Royal Norwegian Navy frigate HNoMS Helge Ingstad was refloated on April 10, less than six weeks after she was transported to the Haakonsvern navy base from the seafloor in Hjeltefjorden.

Prior to her raising and transport, the frigate spent several months almost completely submerged after colliding with with commercial tanker Sola TS on November 8, 2018.
The frigate was transported to Haakonsvern in an operation carried out by Norwegian authorities and heavy lift vessel operator BOA Management.
After over a month of welding operations, which focused on the underwater portion of the frigate’s hull, Helge Ingstad was floated out from the chartered submersible barge “Boa barge 33”. Work on the ship will continue in a dry dock at the navy base and a final damage assessment report is expected to be completed before the end of the summer.
The report is expected to have a significant influence on the Norwegian defense ministry’s decision on whether the ship would be restored or scrapped.
HNoMS Helge Ingstad collided with a tanker in the Hjeltefjorden fjord near Bergen at 4:26 (local time) on November 8. Following the collision, all 137 crew were evacuated while the frigate was intentionally grounded in an attempt to prevent her from sinking in deep water. However, the frigate slipped from the rocks and sank almost completely, with only her mast showing.
The Norwegian Accident Investigation Board’s (AIBN) preliminary report into the collision blamed both ships’ watchstanders for the accident. The report further claimed that the frigate’s Spanish builder Navantia was responsible for the ship’s eventual sinking.

https://navaltoday.com/2019/04/15/norwegian-frigate-hnoms-helge-ingstad-returns-to-water/

 

[TIGREDELAIRE]

A hard work awaits them, hopefully they can return their operative capacities soon, my congratulations!

 

[BravoZulu]

A hard work awaits them, hopefully they can return their operative capacities soon, my congratulations!

I think it will prove too costly to repair mate, would have been economical if she hadn't sunk. Will wait to see what the eventual report recommends but would be surprised if she ever returns to service

 

[Fish&Chips]

Germany:
A Luftwaffe VIP jet barely avoided a crash landing today at Berlin Schönefeld Airport. Shortly after taking off from a routine maintenance visit in Berlin, the aircraft experienced serious problems with its control system, forcing the pilots to return and make an emergency landing. During the landing, both wingtips touched the apron, but the aircraft remained otherwise unharmed. The crew of two pilots and a flight attendand remained unharmed but were delivered into a hospital for checkup.

The aircraft in question was a Bombardier Global 5000. The Luftwaffe uses this type for shuttle flights of goverment officials.

Ein Jet vom Typ Global 5000 der Flugbereitschaft der Bundesregierung bei der Notlandung auf dem Berliner Flughafen Schönefeld. Foto: Marcel Russ - Stuttgarter Nachrichten

Kurz nach dem Start in Berlin geht ein Businessjet der Luftwaffe in unkontrollierte Flugbewegungen über und setzt bei der Landung mit beiden Flügeln auf. Die Piloten wenden ein schweres Unglück ab. Am Mittwoch hätte das Flugzeug den Bundespräsidenten nach Stuttgart bringen sollen. - Bild 1

www.stuttgarter-nachrichten.de

(only the first 4 are directly related to the incident)

 

[Bombardier]

UK:
The 3rd Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles will be established as a Specialised Infantry Battalion and will begin recruiting in 2019.

The 3rd Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles will join other members of the Specialist Infantry Group, to complete plans set out in the 2015 Defence Review to establish up to five Specialised Infantry Battalions. These specialised Infantry Battalions are designed to provide expert capacity building and training skills with a focus on niche capabilities or areas of the world.

For more than 200 years, Gurkhas have been an integral part of the British Armed Forces and have demonstrated exceptional military aptitude, with a 100% pass rate through basic training. Gurkha soldiers continue to make an exemplary contribution to the British Army through the unique skills they offer, including specialist language skills, which enable them to build longstanding relationships with the United Kingdom’s global partners.

Alongside this new role, the MOD will also be enhancing the support some Gurkha units already provide to the Army, for example the UK led NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, and establishing additional Gurkha Engineer and Signals Squadrons. These are crucial capabilities to enable the UK to meet its global defence commitments.

The new units will allow Gurkhas to access more career opportunities, including promotion and increased chances to serve a full 24-year Army career within the Brigade of Gurkhas.

Minister for the Armed Forces Mark Lancaster said: "The Gurkhas have built an outstanding reputation for their skill and bravery as soldiers through centuries of service and sacrifice.

"They bring unique expertise and perspective to the United Kingdom and British Army which makes them an ideal choice to form a third battalion of the Royal Gurkha Rifles as a Specialised Infantry Battalion.

Colonel of the Royal Gurkha Rifles Major General Gez Strickland said: "The Royal Gurkha Rifles is delighted to be able to support the Army by creating a third battalion. The specialised infantry role is exciting and challenging and we look forward to learning new skills and making new partnerships around the world as we begin the new task. We are enormously proud of the Army’s confidence in our ability to take this on."

Just hope we look after them & their families better when they retire.
Great news that though

 

[Marsch]

Germany:
A Luftwaffe VIP jet barely avoided a crash landing today at Berlin Schönefeld Airport. Shortly after taking off from a routine maintenance visit in Berlin, the aircraft experienced serious problems with its control system, forcing the pilots to return and make an emergency landing. During the landing, both wingtips touched the apron, but the aircraft remained otherwise unharmed. The crew of two pilots and a flight attendand remained unharmed but were delivered into a hospital for checkup.

The aircraft in question was a Bombardier Global 5000. The Luftwaffe uses this type for shuttle flights of goverment officials.

Ein Jet vom Typ Global 5000 der Flugbereitschaft der Bundesregierung bei der Notlandung auf dem Berliner Flughafen Schönefeld. Foto: Marcel Russ - Stuttgarter Nachrichten

Kurz nach dem Start in Berlin geht ein Businessjet der Luftwaffe in unkontrollierte Flugbewegungen über und setzt bei der Landung mit beiden Flügeln auf. Die Piloten wenden ein schweres Unglück ab. Am Mittwoch hätte das Flugzeug den Bundespräsidenten nach Stuttgart bringen sollen. - Bild 1

www.stuttgarter-nachrichten.de

(only the first 4 are directly related to the incident)

I've talked to somebody who has close relations to the SXF (Schönefeld) fire department yesterday and was told that the situation was much, much worse than reported. The plane was actually short before crashing into the tower of the airport at one point and a collision could only be avoided in the last seconds. One of the pilots allegedly said if they wouldn't have had extensive military training they presumably wouldn't have made it alive.

 

[BravoZulu]

British Apache helicopters have departed for Estonia, where they will be training alongside NATO forces.
3 Regiment Army Air Corps is deploying to the Baltics for three months, with Apache attack helicopters of 663 Squadron taking off from their base at Wattisham Flying Station in Suffolk today.
The British Army say that the Apaches will be working in tandem with the Wildcat battlefield reconnaissance helicopters to provide valuable training opportunities to NATO allies on Estonia’s annual Exercise Spring Storm and to the UK-led battlegroup deployed on NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence.
“Before the Apaches departed from Wattisham, the Defence Secretary spoke with the soldiers who fly and maintain the aircraft to understand more about its capabilities and their mission.
The helicopter deployment will boost the UK’s presence in the Baltics – known as Operation CABRIT – to around 1,000 personnel, making the UK the largest contributor to eFP. The Wildcat’s surveillance ability combined with the Apache’s sensors and weaponry will be a step change in troops’ capabilities to detect, track and engage targets during the exercises they participate in.”
Major Dave Lambert, Officer Commanding 663 Sqn, said:
“The deployment to Estonia is a fantastic opportunity for the Squadron to challenge itself. It will test how we deploy and operate overseas, develop our operational partnership with the Wildcat and our ability to work alongside our NATO allies. Everyone in the Squadron – from ground crew to pilots – has worked hard to prepare for Estonia, and we’re looking forward to Establishing ourselves in theatre and contributing to NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence.”

British Apache helicopters deploy to Estonia

ukdefencejournal.org.uk

 

[BravoZulu]

Leo marries LeClerc

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[BravoZulu]

France:
Nexter Group - Scorpion Programme : Griffon 6X6 Armoured Vehicle & Jaguar 6X6 IFV

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[PEMM]

Finland (Comes here? Could go to Eastern Europe also?)

Pohjanmaa-class combat system acquisition to continue with Saab

On 8th April 2019, Defence Minister Jussi Niinistö decided the Finnish Defence Forces' Logistics Command will remain prepared for concluding the contract on the combat system for Pohjanmaa-class vessels with only one tenderer, Saab AB, Sweden, which performed best in the comparison of the quotations. The decision means that from now on there will be only one tenderer and that Atlas Elektronik and Lockheed Martin Canada no longer participate in the competitive tendering process. The government to be appointed after the parliamentary elections will make the actual procurement decision.

https://www.defmin.fi/en/topical/press_releases?588_m=9806

 

[BravoZulu]

Germany finally accepts delivery of lead F125 frigate FGS Baden-Württemberg
FGS Baden-Württemberg on sea trials in 2016. Photo: Bundeswehr
Germany’s defense procurement agency BAAINBw officially received the lead F125 frigate from the shipbuilding consortium on April 30.
Representatives of the ARGE F125 consortium handed the frigate in an official ceremony at the Wilhelmshaven naval base.
FGS Baden-Württemberg, the first of a total of four units in the class, had already been delivered to the navy in 2016 but was returned to the shipbuilder for rectification of software and hardware issues identified during trials.
Baden-Württemberg is now set to be commissioned in June 2019 after a two-year delay.
The German Navy and shipbuilders will spend the next seven weeks preparing the ship for an operational test ahead of the commissioning.

FGS Baden-Württemberg as lead ship in the class has been experiencing problems ever since it started trials. In addition to hardware and software integration, the frigates have a listing problem. They list 1.3 degrees to starboard and are overweight, an issue that could possibly complicate future upgrade options.
The 7000-ton frigates are replacing the eight Bremen-class frigates currently in service with the German Navy.
They will be armed with HARPOON and RAM missiles, a 127 mm naval gun, two 27 mm and five 12.7 mm guns. The 150-meter ships will have a complement capacity of 190 persons and a maximum speed of 26 knots.
https://navaltoday.com/2019/04/30/g...y-of-lead-f125-frigate-fgs-baden-wurttemberg/