The A400M (pictured) is set to becomes the RAF’s sole fixed-wing medium-lift transport aircraft when the C-130J is retired in the coming weeks. The service says it will have transitioned all of the capabilities, including the niche special forces duties, over to the aircraft by 2025. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)
The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) is confident that it can fully transition the niche special operations forces (SOF) capabilities of the Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules to the Airbus A400M Atlas airlifter in the next couple of years, the new service chief said on 17 May.
Author: Michael
The UK has confirmed its intentions to equip the RN’s five Type 31 general-purpose frigates with the Lockheed Martin Mk 41 vertical launching system (VLS). (Royal Navy)
The UK Royal Navy (RN) has revealed plans to install the Lockheed Martin Mk 41 vertical launching system (VLS) into its five new Type 31 Inspiration-class general-purpose frigates. The fit will expand the range of missiles and capabilities the ships can deliver.
North Korea and China’s growing assertiveness have compelled South Korea to enhance its military capabilities and preparedness.
The country is investing in new weapons systems, expanding military personnel, and strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure.
South Korea’s defence budget shrank to $44.2bn, at a compound annual growth rate of -8.5%, in 2022. GlobalData intelligence forecasts this to rebound to $47.1bn, at a CAGR of 7.1%, in 2024. Henceforward, the company expects steady growth as the defence budget swells to $52.1bn by 2028.
South Korea’s defence budget breakdown.
Indra will deliver three Lanza-N 3D radars to the Indian Navy, in collaboration with its Indian partner company, TASL. The first of these radars has been delivered and is being installed on an Indian Navy vessel. TASL is expected to build 20 more Lanza-N radars in India based on technology transfers from Indra. (Indra)
Spanish company Indra has begun delivery of the naval version of its Lanza 3D surveillance radar to the Indian Navy, in collaboration with its Indian partner company, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL).
The RAF has 28 Hawk T2 jets at RAF Valley in Wales that it uses for the Advanced Fast Jet Training programme. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has outlined how it intends to solve the ongoing engine problem with the BAE Systems Hawk T2 advanced jet trainer aircraft, with a view to increasing availability and removing the bottleneck in the UK military pilot training pipeline.
RT-1000, the first version of RAIVEN, will support a wide array of missions, including the US Army’s Future Vertical Lift modernisation effort. First flight tests are scheduled for 2024. (Raytheon)
Raytheon’s new multispectral, artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) sensor and targeting platform, dubbed RAIVEN, was the company’s attempt to close emerging capability gaps in legacy EO/IR systems developed in the post 9/11 era.
Since February China’s Eastern Theater Command has inducted several new military platforms including multiple launch rocket systems, propelled mortars, and armoured fighting vehicles. (China MND, state media, and social media)
The People’s Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF) and PLA Rocket Force (PLARF) are increasing their presence along the Taiwan Strait to pressurise Taiwanese pro-independence developments and deter foreign actors from explicitly supporting the island.
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