UAE may be able to target Iranian submarines at base
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) may be able to target Iranian Kilo class submarines at their home base. It has been reported by multiple sources that they have purchased vessels armed with the world's longest-range torpedo. IHS Janes reported that the German government had exported "floating platforms with torpedo-launching gear" to the UAE in 2014. It is widely believed that vessels...
UK to boost Pakistan’s counter-explosive capability
The UK will offer Pakistan a package worth nearly £1m to support essential counter-explosive equipment previously gifted to the country. In May, the UK finished providing a three-year counter-IED (C-IED) programme to help Pakistan develop an ability to tackle IEDs. Defence Secretary Michael Fallon visited Pakistan: "I'm pleased that we are able to offer this support package as our counter-IED work is...
Bangladesh to recieve Yak-130’s from Russia
Russia will deliver the first Yak-130 trainer aircraft to Bangladesh this week. The Yak-130 is reportedly able to replicate the characteristics of several fourth generation fighters and also perform light attack and reconnaissance duties. Bangladesh is the second foreign country beyond former Soviet states to order the Yak-130 combat trainer. Algeria had received 16 of the type before it. At first,...
Brazil purchase former French assault ship
The Brazilian Navy have confirmed the purchase of former French Navy Foudre class vessel Siroco. The ship will be renamed Bahia. The Foudre class carry large stowage areas which can be used to ferry battle tanks and vehicles, a 52-ton elevating platform, a lateral ramp and a flight deck able to simultaneously operate several helicopters. Three rotations of such ships can ferry...
Kuwait to purchase 28 Typhoons
Kuwait has purchased 28 Typhoon jets it has been announced. Kuwait had started discussions to buy up to 28 Eurofighters in May this year. The purchase is a government to government agreement between Kuwait and Italy. Italian firm Finmeccanica is believed to be behind the sales effort. Typhoon is manufactured by a consortium of three companies; Alenia Aermacchi, Airbus Group and...
Netherlands to expand bombing of Islamic State into Syria
The Dutch parliament has backed the Netherlands extending air strikes against Islamic State into Syria. Like the United Kingdom, the country was previously only participating in air strikes in Iraq. On the 24th September last year, the Dutch government decided to send F-16's to contribute to the international effort in Iraq. Dutch forces have been operating from Shaheed Mwaffaq Air...
Australian assault ship completes sea trials
Australia's second Canberra class Amphibious Assault Ships, HMAS Adelaide, has completed of sea trials off the south east Australian coast The trials reportedly centred on testing navigation, combat and communications systems. Commanding Officer, Captain Paul Mandziy, said: "These final sea acceptance trials will determine the shape of the final pre-delivery work package before the ship is delivered to the Commonwealth later this...
Russian flagship puts in for repairs to keep her floating
The Russian Northern Fleet’s flagship, the Pyotr Veliky, is now laid up in dry dock for planned repairs to keep her at sea for the next few years. According to the Moscow Times: "The flagship of Russia's Northern Fleet, the Pyotr Veliky (Peter the Great) battle cruiser, is on its way into a Murmansk shipyard for renovations as part of a...
Is Russia stepping up military presence in Syria?
Russia has confirmed it has sent personnel to Syria to oversee arms deliveries, this is believed to be the first official confirmation of an expanded Russian presence in the country. This comes after the United States attempts to halt a suspected Russian military buildup in Syria by asking various countries to close their airspace to Russian transport aircraft bound for...
South Korea to operate S-3 Vikings
South Korea is to introduce refurbished S-3 Viking anti-submarine warfare aircraft to counter threats from North Korea according to the Yonhap news agency. The proposal to incorporate 12 former US Navy Vikings into South Korean service was reportedly approved last month by a military program review group in the country. The twin-turbofan powered aircraft served as the primary ASW platforms aboard...
