Kongsberg Secures $141M Contract to Supply Joint Strike Missiles to USAF for F-35A Aircraft

 Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) has secured an Undefinitized Contract Action (UCA) from the United States Air Force (USAF) for the provision of Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) for their F-35A aircraft. This contract is valued at up to $141 million, with deliveries scheduled to commence in 2026.

Expressing satisfaction with the deal, KONGSBERG highlighted the significance of the USAF, the largest operator of the F-35A Lightning II, choosing the JSM. The combination of the JSM with the advanced F-35 aircraft offers a robust strike capability, validating the JSM as the internal strike weapon for the F-35A. Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, noted that the USAF's selection of the JSM, alongside the Royal Norwegian Air Force's decision, supports NATO’s vision for interoperability among allied forces.

About the Joint Strike Missile (JSM):

The Joint Strike Missile (JSM) is an air-launched weapon designed for the internal weapons bay of the F-35A, capable of executing complex missions such as Anti-surface Warfare (ASuW) and land attacks. It targets high-value, well-defended assets on sea, in coastal waters, or on land. The JSM features sophisticated mission planning capabilities, allowing it to engage targets based on predefined Rules-of-Engagement.

The JSM was developed under a contract with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA). In 2021, the Norwegian Defense Material Agency successfully conducted the first in-flight release of the JSM from an F-35A test aircraft over Edwards Air Force Base. The JSM, an air-launched variant of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM), is unique in its ability to attack both sea and land targets while being carried internally in the F-35, thus preserving the aircraft's stealth characteristics. Utilizing advanced materials, terrain-following capabilities, and passive seekers, the JSM is designed to be extremely difficult to detect and counter, even by the most sophisticated defense systems.

Norwegian Navy's Type 212CD AIP Submarines to Revolutionize Underwater Capabilities

 

Norway's new Type 212CD diesel-electric submarines (SSKs) will introduce air-independent propulsion (AIP) to the Royal Norwegian Navy (RNoN), significantly enhancing its underwater capabilities. This advancement is expected to be a game-changer, as stated by the commanding officer (CO) of one of Norway's current in-service boats.

Currently, the RNoN operates six Type 210 Ula-class SSKs, which are set to be replaced by up to six Type 212CD submarines, with the first delivery slated for 2029 and subsequent deliveries extending into the mid-2030s. These new submarines are being developed through a strategic collaboration with Germany, initiated in 2017, marking the beginning of a broader defense partnership formalized in 2023.

Originally, the RNoN planned to replace the Ula-class boats with four Type 212CDs. However, rising regional security concerns and underwater challenges led Norway’s Chief of Defence, General Eirik Kristoffersen, to advocate for six new submarines. In April 2024, the Norwegian government proposed to parliament the acquisition of at least five new submarines as part of a long-term defense strategy extending to 2036.

The Type 212CD submarines will bring crucial new capabilities to the RNoN, particularly through AIP technology. The CO of the Ula-class boat HNoMS Utvaer emphasized that AIP is a significant game-changer. Unlike the current Ulas, the Type 212CD’s fuel-cell AIP will reduce the need for ‘snorting’ at periscope depth, a noisy and visible process that increases vulnerability to various threats.

This capability is demonstrated by the Royal Swedish Navy’s Gotland-class SSKs, which utilize a Stirling fuel-cell AIP system, allowing them to remain submerged without snorting for several weeks. The introduction of AIP aligns with the RNoN's focus on enhancing stealth and operational capability in its challenging regional waters.

In addition to AIP, the Type 212CDs will allow the RNoN to explore new capabilities such as strike capabilities with the Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile (NSM). The Ula-class boats, although not equipped with strike capabilities, remain formidable with up to 14 weapons and advanced torpedoes like the Atlas Elektronik DM2A3 Sea Hake.

Despite their age, the Ula-class submarines maintain high operational effectiveness through regular upgrades and maintenance. This includes new sonars, command and information control consoles, and advanced navigation equipment. The CO of Utvaer praised the robust maintenance process, which ensures high material readiness and prolongs the operational life of the submarines.

The continuous upgrade and maintenance efforts reflect the RNoN's commitment to maintaining a capable and ready submarine fleet, even as they age. This dedication ensures that the Ula-class boats remain potent platforms until the new Type 212CD submarines are fully integrated into the fleet.

Hanwha Ocean Partners with Canadian Firms for Canadian Patrol Submarine Project

 

Hanwha Ocean has formed partnerships with three Canadian companies as the South Korean shipbuilder aims to strengthen its position in the upcoming Canadian Patrol Submarine Project competition. Vice Chairman Kwon Hyuk-woong is leading Hanwha Ocean’s efforts to secure a contract for Canada’s submarine initiative.

Hanwha Ocean and Hanwha Aerospace were the sole Korean representatives at CANSEC, Canada's premier defense exhibition. To bolster their submarine business, Hanwha Ocean signed agreements with CAE Inc., Curtiss-Wright Indal Technologies, and GASTOPS. The signing ceremony included key representatives from each company, alongside Yong Ook Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hanwha Ocean’s Naval Ship Business Unit.

Previously, Hanwha Ocean had established relationships with several companies, including CAE Inc., during the ‘Deep Blue Forum 2023,’ a specialized submarine forum. At CANSEC, Hanwha Ocean further solidified its partnership with CAE Inc. by signing a Teaming Agreement, an advanced form of collaboration beyond a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Additionally, MOUs were signed with Curtiss-Wright Indal Technologies for towed array sonar systems and with GASTOPS for propulsion system control, modeling, and simulation. The involved companies committed to merging their technological expertise and experience, aiming to enhance cooperation in Canada's submarine sector through technology exchange, joint research and development, and market expansion.

The Canadian government is currently working on a new submarine acquisition project to replace its four Victoria-class submarines to improve its maritime capabilities.

Hanwha Ocean, a prominent name in South Korea, is globally acclaimed for its advanced submarine technology. It stands as the fifth country to export submarines and the eighth to develop 3,000-ton class submarines independently. The Jangbogo-III (KSS-III) submarine, featuring an Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system combined with lithium-ion batteries, is renowned for its powerful armament and prolonged underwater endurance among diesel-powered submarines. Hanwha Ocean aims to lead Canada’s patrol submarine project by participating in the design, construction, and logistics support through its advanced technology and collaboration with Canadian companies.

Yong Ook Lee commented, “The Teaming Agreement and MOUs are pivotal in expanding Hanwha Ocean’s technological capabilities and partnerships with Canadian companies in the submarine industry. We are committed to developing optimal solutions with local Canadian companies, enhancing the Korean defense industry through increased maritime defense exports.”

Meanwhile, CANSEC, Canada’s largest defense exhibition, is held annually in Ottawa. This year, Hanwha Ocean, along with Hanwha Aerospace, participated as a Diamond Sponsor, showcasing a range of maritime and land solutions, including the Jangbogo-III (KSS-III) submarine and the K-9 SPH, highlighting their integrated defense capabilities.

China & Pakistan’s J 10s Breathe Down India’s Neck On ‘Both Sides’

 China has positioned its J-10 Vigorous Dragon fighter jets just 300 kilometers from the Indian base housing Rafale jets, adding a new dimension to the military posturing along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). While the presence of J-20 jets has been well-documented, the deployment of J-10s, considered challengers to the Rafale, has not received as much attention. These J-10s are the only fighters stationed on both the Chinese and Pakistani sides of the Indian border.

Pakistan has integrated these single-engine multi-role fighters to specifically counter the Rafale jets acquired by the Indian Air Force (IAF). The key question is whether India’s Rafale and LCA Tejas MK1A jets can effectively challenge the capabilities of the J-10s.

According to the EurAsian Times, China has deployed these fighters along with six J-20s at the Shigatse Airbase, located less than 300 kilometers from Hasimara Air Base in West Bengal, where India’s Rafale jets are stationed. Unlike China, India does not have a fifth-generation aircraft in its arsenal.

The latest satellite imagery of China’s fighter jets coincides with India’s announcement to raise a new Army division for eastern Ladakh. Since the Galwan clash in 2020, relations have deteriorated, with Beijing criticizing the deployment of 10,000 Indian troops as harmful to peace and stability.

The Indian Army has been preparing for possible Chinese aggression with the onset of summer. During a visit to the US, Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande received detailed technical-signal intelligence and satellite data on Chinese military movements in Tibet and nearby regions.

Despite these preparations, Indian air power urgently needs enhancement to match the combined capabilities of its neighbors. The induction of 36 Rafales was the initial step in modernizing the IAF’s aging fleet and addressing the declining number of fighter squadrons.

However, the delivery of the LCA Tejas Mk1A has been delayed, and there has been no progress on acquiring 114 Medium Role Fighter Aircraft or additional Rafale jets.

Pakistan added the J-10C to its fleet in response to India’s Rafales. Equipped with an indigenous AESA radar, the J-10C is designed for all-weather operations, primarily in air-to-air combat but also capable of strike missions. The J-10C is often compared to upgraded versions of the American F-16, featuring advanced avionics, beyond-visual-range engagement, and electronic warfare capabilities.

Retired Air Marshal Anil Chopra of the IAF believes comparing the J-10CE with the Rafale is “somewhat unfair” since the Rafale is a twin-engine, combat-proven jet with superior technology, weaponry, and combat experience.

The IAF faces challenges with only 36 Rafales and adversaries on both eastern and western fronts. The situation is different when comparing the J-10C with the indigenous LCA Tejas Mk1A, which is still under production. The IAF has ordered over 180 of these jets to replace the aging MiG-21 bison aircraft, but delivery has been delayed.

The IAF needs 42 squadrons for combat parity but currently has only 31. Phasing out MiG-21s without replacements would reduce numbers further. The J-10C is larger, heavier, and faster than the Tejas LCA, which offers better range and agility. However, the J-10C is already operational in China and Pakistan, while the LCA Tejas Mk1A is still being assembled.

The Indian government, emphasizing “Make in India,” has not proceeded with purchasing 114 Medium Role Fighter Aircraft from foreign manufacturers, an estimated $20 billion investment. The IAF’s overall deterrence capability has not kept pace with the existing threat perception, necessitating new-generation multi-role aircraft until domestic projects like Tejas Mk II and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft are ready.

The Tejas Mk2 project, despite receiving official approval and funding in September 2022, is still pending due to reliance on US approval for engine technology transfer. The LCA Mk-2, featuring enhanced range and payload capacity, is expected to have significant improvements over the earlier variants, aiming to bolster India’s defense capabilities.

Bayraktar TB3 Drone Completes Landmark Ski-Jump Test for Carrier Operations

 Turkey's carrier-capable drone, the Bayraktar TB3, has successfully conducted its first ski-jump test from a land-based runway, marking a significant milestone in its development. The TB3, developed by Baykar, had its initial flight tests from the TCG Anadolu last year. The TCG Anadolu, commissioned recently, is among the world’s first drone carriers.

The Bayraktar TB3 is an advanced version of the widely used TB2 drone, designed specifically for carrier operations. Featuring foldable wings and the capability to launch from short runways, the TB3 is set to be the first combat drone to take off and land on short-runway vessels like the TCG Anadolu.

In a video released by Baykar, the drone is shown taking off from a 12-degree inclined ramp in Edirne, northwest Turkey, under conditions that simulate the TCG Anadolu's deck. The TB3 successfully completed four takeoffs, demonstrating its readiness for carrier operations. Selçuk Bayraktar, Baykar’s chair and technology leader, commented on social media platform X: “Step by step to TCG Anadolu. And from there to the boundless blue seas.”

The drone will continue testing at the Baykar Flight Training and Test Center in Keşan, Edirne, which features a dedicated ramp runway. Initially unveiled in March 2023, the TB3 completed its maiden flight in October 2023, celebrating Turkey’s centenary. In December 2023, it set a new endurance record for the Bayraktar UAV family with a 32-hour flight.

The TB3, designed to operate alongside the Bayraktar Kizilelma, an unmanned fighter jet, signifies a leap in combat drone technology. The TCG Anadolu is notable as the first vessel globally to feature an air wing composed entirely of unmanned aircraft. Commissioned in April 2023, the ship is intended for long-endurance, long-distance military and humanitarian missions, serving as a command center for the Turkish Navy.

The TB3, an advanced version of the TB2, is armed with a variety of munitions and equipped for intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance missions. Its foldable wings, six hardpoints for carrying weapons, and enhanced flight endurance mark substantial improvements over the TB2. The drone can take off and land autonomously and communicate beyond the line of sight, making it highly versatile.

The TB3 is larger than the TB2, measuring 8.3 meters long, 2.6 meters tall, and with a 14-meter wingspan. It has a payload capacity of 280 kilograms, significantly more than the TB2’s 150 kilograms. The maximum takeoff weight of the TB3 is 1,450 kilograms, about twice that of the TB2. Additionally, it boasts a cruising speed of 125 to 160 mph, surpassing the TB2’s 70 to 120 knots.

The December 2023 tests highlighted the TB3’s endurance, indicating it can exceed the typical 24 to 27-hour range for Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) class UCAVs. This extended endurance, coupled with its advanced capabilities, positions the TB3 as a formidable asset in modern aerial combat.

US General Defends Abrams Tanks Amid Ukrainian Criticisms, Highlights Future Upgrades

 In response to Ukrainian military complaints about the performance of US-supplied Abrams tanks, a retired US general has strongly defended the tanks, acknowledging their heavy maintenance but rejecting the criticisms as exaggerated. Ukrainian tank crews recently raised concerns about the Abrams tanks, citing issues such as armor inadequacy and engine problems, deeming them unsuitable for the combat conditions in Ukraine.

Ukrainian authorities have expressed dissatisfaction, pointing out the tanks' inability to withstand the terrain and conditions of the conflict zone. Crews reported various grievances, including armor that fails to meet modern standards, engine malfunctions, and electronics vulnerabilities due to condensation from rain or fog. Additionally, they noted that despite firing multiple rounds, some targets remained intact, questioning the tanks' combat effectiveness.

Retired US General Mark Hertling refuted these claims in an interview with CNN. Hertling, with three decades of service in Europe, dismissed the criticisms as exaggerated. He stated that the Abrams tanks were designed for a NATO environment and that he did not encounter the issues described by the Ukrainian crews during his tenure. He labeled the complaints about condensation, armor, and obstacle clearance as "bullshit" and attributed any perceived shortcomings to the crews' failure to select the right weapon systems and maintain the tanks properly.

Hertling emphasized that mechanical breakdowns are typical in tank operations and that disgruntled crew members might exaggerate issues. Despite knowing the maintenance demands, Ukraine had requested the Abrams tanks for military support.

Lessons from Ukraine for Future Abrams Tanks The deployment of Abrams tanks, specifically the M1A1 models, was intended to strengthen Ukraine's resistance against Russian forces. However, battlefield experiences have challenged their previously invincible reputation. After persistent appeals, the US agreed in January 2023 to send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. By October 2023, all tanks had arrived, raising hopes for a strategic advantage.

Nevertheless, these tanks faced significant challenges, particularly from Russian drones, with at least five Abrams tanks reportedly destroyed. Recent images show Abrams tanks in Ukraine outfitted with anti-drone armor screens, though their effectiveness remains uncertain.

In response to the lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine, the US military is accelerating efforts to incorporate these insights into the development of the next-generation Abrams tank. Brigadier General Geoffrey Norman, director of the Next-Generation Combat Vehicle Cross-Functional Team, acknowledged the Abrams' limitations against modern threats such as anti-tank missiles and drones. While the tank offers excellent protection against direct fire, it is vulnerable to top-attack threats.

Norman highlighted the Abrams' effectiveness in offensive maneuvers, emphasizing its mobility and firepower. However, he cautioned against stationary use, which increases vulnerability. To address these challenges, Army leaders are reevaluating formation options to distribute capabilities and protect soldiers.

In September 2023, following observations from the Ukrainian conflict, the US Army announced a shift in its tank modernization strategy. Instead of proceeding with the planned moderate upgrade (SEPv4), the Army opted for a more ambitious upgrade, the M1E3 Abrams, to be known as the M1A3 upon deployment. The new design aims for a lighter tank with enhanced survivability and a reduced logistical footprint. Details on the M1A3 are still being refined, with General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) serving as the prime contractor.

US Military Expands Stealth Technology for Bombers, AEW&C, and Support Aircraft

 

On May 22, 2024, the US Air Force (USAF) unveiled the first official photos of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber in flight, following its inaugural flight last year. Northrop Grumman, the manufacturer, released additional images showcasing the bomber's takeoff, flight, and presence at Edwards Air Force Base. The B-21 Raider joins the B-2 Spirit as the only active stealth bombers, with China's Xi’an H-20 expected by 2025 and Russia's Tupolev PAK DA by 2027. These aircraft represent the forefront of heavy stealth technology.

Stealth Technology Overview Stealth technology involves integrating various low-observable (LO) technologies to significantly reduce an aircraft's detectability. This includes minimizing radar cross-section (RCS), acoustic signature, thermal imprint, and other detectable attributes. The term "stealth" became widely known in the late 1980s with the F-117 stealth fighter's deployment during the 1991 Gulf War.

Key techniques include tilting or removing vertical stabilizers, applying radar-absorbing materials (RAM) to leading edges, and internalizing weapons and fuel tanks. Advanced materials and coatings, such as dielectric composites and transparent conductors for cockpit canopies, further reduce radar reflections. Placing engines within the wing or fuselage reduces infrared signatures, and passive infrared and low-light TV sensors help maintain stealth by avoiding active emissions.

Operational Use of Stealth Technology Stealth technology saw its first operational use with the F-117 in the Gulf War, later deployed in Yugoslavia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya. Stealth helicopters, like the modified Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk used in the 2011 Osama bin Laden raid, also utilized stealth features. More recent combat applications include the F-22 over Syria and the Israeli F-35I in Syrian and Iranian airspace.

Limitations and Countermeasures Despite its advantages, stealth technology has limitations. Low-frequency radars can detect stealth aircraft, though with reduced accuracy. Infrared search and track (IRST) systems can detect aircraft heat signatures. Stealth design involves trade-offs in aerodynamics, development time, and cost, often requiring larger internal bays and specific maintenance procedures. Additionally, counters to stealth technology continue to evolve.

Stealth Aircraft Developments The B-2 Spirit, produced from 1987 to 2000, remains the only operational stealth bomber, with a wingspan of 172 feet and a maximum takeoff weight of 170,600 kg. The new B-21 Raider, smaller and estimated at $700 million per unit, aims to replace the aging B-2 fleet. The USAF plans to invest $203 billion over 30 years to develop and operate at least 100 B-21s. China's H-20 and Russia's PAK DA are still in development, with limited details available.

Future of Stealth Technology The USAF's plans include stealthy flight refueling aircraft (FRAs) to support closer refueling of stealth fighters and bombers in contested environments. Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works has proposed concepts for stealth tankers, and Boeing's MQ-25 Stingray is in development as a stealth refueling drone.

Stealth AEW&C aircraft, such as the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail, aim to reduce detectability through design modifications. Future stealth initiatives may also encompass cargo and special operations aircraft, with flying wing designs offering potential solutions for stealth transport.

Innovative Stealth Concepts Emerging technologies, such as metasurfaces and plasma stealth, promise further advancements in RCS reduction. Adaptive aero-elastic wings and fluidic controls are also under exploration, though these remain costly and in developmental stages.

Overall, the USAF's investment in stealth technology for various aircraft ensures continued global dominance and operational effectiveness in increasingly contested environments.