Iranian Navy’s IRIS Sahand Frigate Sinks Mysteriously in Bandar Abbas Port

 The Iranian Navy recently suffered a significant loss when the frigate IRIS Sahand [F-74] unexpectedly sank at the port of Bandar Abbas. Reports from Iranian and Russian sources indicate that the cause of the sinking remains unclear. The frigate, docked at the southern Iranian port on the Persian Gulf, was found lying on its left side, with parts of its starboard side and conning tower visible above the waterline. Iranian media have acknowledged the "incident" but have not provided detailed explanations, referring to it as an accident.

The IRIS Sahand [F-74] is relatively new, having joined the fleet on December 1, 2018. It was constructed at the Shahid Darvishi Marine Industries shipyard in Bandar Abbas, near the Strait of Hormuz. Sahand is the third vessel in the Mowj project lineup, following its predecessors, Jamaran and Damavand.

Named after a volcano, the IRIS Sahand carries the legacy of its predecessor, a British-built Vosper Mk. 5 light frigate that was lost during combat with American forces in Operation Praying Mantis in 1988. The current IRIS Sahand made headlines in 2021 by traveling from the Persian Gulf to the Baltic Sea to participate in the Main Naval Parade of the Russian Navy.

The IRIS Sahand is a Moudge-class frigate, domestically produced in Iran. It was launched in November 2012 and entered service in December 2018. The vessel measures approximately 94 meters (308 feet) in length and 11 meters (36 feet) in beam, with a draft of about 3.25 meters (10.7 feet). These dimensions enable it to perform a variety of naval operations across different maritime environments.

Powered by four diesel engines, the IRIS Sahand can reach speeds of up to 30 knots and has a range of about 3,700 nautical miles when cruising at 15 knots. With a displacement of around 1,500 tons, it is classified as a light frigate but is equipped with advanced systems and weaponry, making it a versatile and formidable part of the Iranian Navy.

The frigate features an array of systems, including radar, sonar, and electronic warfare capabilities, enhancing its ability to detect, track, and engage various threats. Its advanced communication systems enable seamless coordination with other naval units.

The IRIS Sahand typically has a crew of around 140 personnel, including officers, sailors, and specialized technicians responsible for operating and maintaining the ship’s diverse systems and weaponry. The crew size ensures efficient operations and readiness for various missions.

In terms of armaments, the IRIS Sahand is well-equipped with anti-ship missiles like the Noor and Qader, capable of striking enemy vessels over long distances. For defense against multi-spectrum threats, it is armed with torpedoes, naval guns, and surface-to-air missiles. Additionally, it features close-in weapon systems (CIWS) for point defense against incoming missiles and aircraft.

US Air Force Advances Next-Gen Air Dominance with Anduril and General Atomics CCA Funding

 The US Air Force (USAF) has decided to continue funding Anduril and General Atomics for detailed design, manufacturing, and testing of near-prototype platforms under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. This marks a significant step towards enhancing the Air Force's next-generation air dominance capabilities. The CCA program is a critical part of the USAF’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Family of Systems, which aims to maintain air superiority with a mix of manned and unmanned systems, reducing human risk, lowering costs, and increasing efficiency.

CCA is a US program for unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAVs) designed to work in tandem with next-generation manned aircraft, such as sixth-generation fighters and bombers like the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider. Unlike traditional UCAVs, CCAs incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their battlefield survivability, offering a more affordable alternative to manned aircraft with similar capabilities.

From 2023 to 2028, the USAF plans to invest over $6 billion in CCA programs. Success in this initiative could reduce the need for additional manned squadrons, balancing affordability with capability. CCAs will elevate human pilots to mission commanders, with AI handling tactical control of cost-effective robotic craft. These multi-role aircraft can be modular, performing various tasks such as sensors, shooters, and weapons carriers, and potentially acting as decoys or aerial refuelers.

The CCA program will integrate AI and autonomy to complete missions without constant human intervention, enhancing situational awareness, lethality, and survivability in contested environments. DARPA’s Longshot UAV, which extends mission range and reduces risks to manned aircraft, is an example of such technology.

Two years ago, the USAF announced its intent and broad requirements for the desired CCA. As part of the 2024 budget, contracts have been awarded to Anduril and General Atomics, with nearly twenty other companies remaining as potential industry partners. The program aims to make production decisions by 2026 and operationalize the systems by 2030, including international partnerships to achieve economies of scale and interoperability with NATO and other allies.

Initial production contracts could include at least 1,000 CCAs, potentially pairing two CCAs with each of the 200 NGAD platforms and the 300 F-35s. The CCAs will enhance the USAF’s capability to counter growing aerial threats, particularly from China, by performing complex tasks such as electronic warfare and aerial combat.

DARPA’s Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program is a key contributor to the CCA initiative. ACE aims to increase trust in combat autonomy through human-machine collaborative aerial engagements. It applies AI to realistic dogfighting scenarios and scales autonomous dogfighting to more complex, multi-aircraft operational-level simulations, preparing for future live experimentation in Mosaic Warfare.

General Atomics plans to build the CCA using components from the MQ-9 Reaper, with the project still in its initial stages. Anduril, which acquired Blue Force Technologies and its “Fury” stealthy aggressor drone program, is another major player. Their designs, such as General Atomics’ “Gambit” and Anduril’s “Fury,” will leverage digital engineering and AI to enhance air dominance.

The CCA program represents a pivotal shift in aerial combat, leveraging AI and autonomous systems to create a cost-effective, powerful air force. With a planned investment of $6 billion through 2028, the USAF aims to deploy CCAs at a large scale, enhancing the safety and performance of current and future fighter fleets in response to proliferating hostile stealth fighters.

China Revolutionizes Aerial Surveillance with Advanced Weather Radar Technology

 

Chinese scientists may have achieved a significant breakthrough in aerial surveillance by upgrading ordinary weather radars to detect even the smallest airborne objects. This innovative radar technology allows the detection of tiny high-altitude balloons with the same precision as spotting an F-35 stealth fighter jet, according to claims by the Hong Kong "South China Morning Post."

This advancement transforms weather radars, traditionally unable to detect such small, slow-moving objects, into highly effective surveillance tools. This capability poses potential security concerns for other nations, including the US and India.

The new technology, which only requires a software upgrade for existing weather radars, is both cost-effective and efficient. This means that China can enhance its aviation monitoring and national defense capabilities without significant investment in new hardware.

This upgrade enables weather radars to continue their primary function of weather forecasting while also monitoring small airborne objects, marking a major technological advancement. In the context of the competitive global technological landscape, this achievement underscores China's prowess in innovation.

The development is timely, considering the growing contest for aerial dominance. In early 2023, a Chinese "weather balloon" traversed the US, causing a media frenzy and embarrassing the US military, which initially failed to detect it.

Understanding the Threat: Spy Balloons

Spy balloons have a longstanding history in espionage, offering unique advantages despite the prevalence of satellites. These advanced balloons, equipped with high-tech imaging gear, can provide close-range monitoring and intercept communications. Unlike satellites, which orbit rapidly, these balloons hover at lower altitudes, capturing clearer images.

Chinese researchers have highlighted the military uses of such balloons, including creating false air situations, deploying weapons, and conducting psychological warfare and reconnaissance.

China's "Spy Balloons" in US Skies

In January 2023, a large Chinese balloon entered US airspace, initially undetected by the US military. Public pressure led to the deployment of fighter jets to track the balloon, which was eventually shot down in February 2023. Subsequent investigations revealed the balloon was transmitting navigation data back to China using an American internet service provider.

Threat to Other Countries

China's surveillance efforts extend beyond the US. Countries like Japan and India have reported mysterious aerial objects, suspected to be Chinese spy balloons. China has established its Near-Space Command, utilizing drones, robotics, and spy balloons for high-altitude surveillance under the Central Military Commission.

The Strategic Support Force (SSF), a covert unit of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), operates spy balloons and other surveillance technologies. The SSF runs tracking and command stations worldwide and has a fleet of space support ships.

The Biden administration has accused China of running a military-linked aerial surveillance program targeting over 40 countries. The US and its allies, including Japan and Taiwan, have reported multiple instances of suspected Chinese spy balloons in their airspace.

In November 2023, an unidentified flying object near Imphal airport in Manipur, India, led to the mobilization of fully loaded Rafale jets, highlighting the heightened state of alert regarding potential aerial threats from China.

Conclusion

The implications are clear: aerial surveillance has entered a new phase. While the US and other nations work to improve their detection capabilities, China has surged ahead, converting simple weather radars into advanced surveillance systems. This development signals a new era in aerial espionage, with China significantly altering the landscape of aerial security and surveillance.

Lockheed Martin Battles for Indian Air Force Transport and Fighter Jet Contracts Against Airbus and Embraer

 Lockheed Martin, a major U.S. defense contractor, is fiercely competing for the Indian Air Force's (IAF) transport and fighter jet aircraft contracts. For the transport aircraft, Lockheed Martin is up against Airbus and Embraer.

The IAF’s transport aircraft have been crucial for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations within India and internationally. They also play a vital role in the logistics and movement of Indian armed forces, especially in the Himalayan regions. Historically, the Ilyushin Il-76MD and Antonov An-32 aircraft have been the mainstay for almost 40 years. The recent additions of the C-17 Globemaster and C-130J-30 have extended India’s reach and payload capacity.

As India progresses towards becoming the third-largest economy, its global commitments necessitate an upgrade in the IAF’s transport capabilities. Older aircraft are nearing retirement, prompting the IAF to seek new transport aircraft with an 18 to 30-ton cargo capacity. Contenders include Embraer’s C-390, Lockheed Martin’s C-130J, and the Airbus A400M Atlas.

Currently, the IAF operates a 17-aircraft fleet of Ilyushin Il-76MDs, 105 Antonov An-32 aircraft, 12 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, and 12 Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules. The older HS-748 aircraft are being replaced by the Airbus C-295MW.

The Indo-Russian Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) project, initiated in 2009, aimed to replace the An-32 but has faced delays and technical issues, with Russia continuing the project alone. The Ilyushin Il-276, a potential outcome of this project, is expected to begin flight testing in 2023.

In December 2022, the IAF issued a Request for Information (RFI) for a new transport aircraft with an 18 to 30-ton capacity, extending the submission deadline to March 31, 2024. The RFI emphasizes technology transfer, indigenization, and establishing a manufacturing line in India.

The contenders for the contract are:

1. Airbus A400M Atlas: A four-engine turboprop aircraft capable of carrying 37 tons and performing various roles, including medical evacuation and aerial refueling.
2. Embraer C-390 Millennium: A twin-engine, jet-powered aircraft with a 26-ton payload, suitable for multiple missions and known for its operational flexibility and low costs.
3. Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules: A four-engine turboprop with a 19-ton payload, already in service with the IAF and known for its reliability and performance.

The evaluation process will consider technical specifications, life cycle costs, technology transfer levels, and potential for local manufacturing. The decision will also account for the aircraft's ability to operate from short, rough airstrips and support high-altitude operations.

India's defense acquisition processes are often lengthy, but the need for modernizing the IAF’s transport fleet is urgent to avoid capability gaps. Lockheed Martin, Airbus, and Embraer are all well-acquainted with India, with each offering distinct advantages and extensive collaboration history.

Lockheed Martin, in particular, is also pitching its F-21 fighter aircraft to the IAF, emphasizing its long-term presence in India and integration of Indian suppliers into its global supply chain. Airbus, with its significant civil aviation footprint in India, and Embraer, known for its advanced technologies and collaborations, are formidable competitors in this high-stakes battle for IAF contracts.

China Captures US Anti-Submarine Device Deployed by US Navy's P-8A Poseidon in South China Sea

 The U.S. Navy's advanced P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft recently deployed a hydroacoustic buoy in the South China Sea, which has reportedly been retrieved by Chinese forces. This buoy, designed for submarine detection, poses significant concerns over potential reverse engineering by China, which has a history of replicating American technology.

A video posted by Yuyuan Tantian, a social media account linked to the state-run China Central Television, shows what appears to be a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon dropping multiple cylindrical devices into the sea. Reports suggest that one of these devices fell near the Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands, an area contested by the Philippines and China and the site of recent clashes.

Following the incident, the China Coast Guard quickly arrived to retrieve and inspect the unidentified electronic devices, according to Yuyuan Tantian. The video further shows labels on an electronic device identifying Ultra Electronics, a UK-based defense contractor, as the manufacturer. Ultra Electronics specializes in producing radars and electronic warfare products, including sonobuoys.

Sonobuoys are specialized buoys equipped with acoustic sensors designed to detect submarines. When deployed from aircraft like the P-8 Poseidon, they form a network of listening devices that monitor underwater sounds. Passive sonobuoys listen for sounds emitted by submarines, while active sonobuoys emit sound pulses and listen for echoes from objects, including submarines. These devices descend to a predetermined depth using a parachute and then activate their sensors. The data collected is transmitted back to the P-8 Poseidon via radio signals for analysis.

Reverse engineering a captured U.S. sonobuoy could reveal crucial details about American anti-submarine warfare technology. Key areas of interest include the sonobuoy's sensor technology, data processing, communication with the P-8 Poseidon, power management, and any unique software or algorithms used for signal processing and data encryption.

It's challenging to verify China's claims about capturing the sonobuoy, and the specific type of sonobuoy captured remains unknown. Common sonobuoys used by the P-8 Poseidon include the AN/SSQ-53F DIFAR, AN/SSQ-62E DICASS, AN/SSQ-101 ADAR, and the AN/SSQ-125 MAC. These devices, made by companies like Ultra Electronics, Sparton Corporation, Lockheed Martin, and ERAPSCO, provide sophisticated capabilities for detecting and tracking submarines.

India Nears Finalization of Maintenance Deal for Russian S-400 Systems with Local Production Plans by 2028

 

According to a source within the Indian defense industry, an agreement between an Indian company and the Russian manufacturer of the S-400 air defense systems for local maintenance and repair is nearly complete. This has been reported by various media outlets, including EurAsian Times, Russia’s Sputnik, and India’s Times of India.

The key joint venture involves an Indian firm collaborating with Almaz-Antey, the Russian state-owned company that developed the S-400 surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. The primary aim of this partnership is to maintain and repair S-400 air defense systems in India, with plans to eventually produce essential components locally.

Negotiations between the Indian company and Almaz-Antey are almost concluded. The partners intend to establish two support centers and commence manufacturing spare parts in India by 2028.

Discussions about India’s role in manufacturing spare parts and maintaining the S-400 system began back in 2019. Reports from BulgarianMilitary.com indicated that Russia and India were negotiating the production of parts for the S-400 systems within India. Sergey Chemezov from Russia’s high-tech company, Rostec, confirmed these discussions. He also mentioned that Russia had previously sold licenses to India for the production of Su-30 fighter jets and T-90 tanks, and collaborated on the development and production of the BrahMos missile in India.

India sought to purchase the Russian-made S-400 missile systems as early as 2015, finalizing a $5.43 billion contract during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India. This move faced opposition from Washington, which threatened sanctions on countries buying military equipment from Russia. Despite U.S. pressure, India remains committed to acquiring the S-400 systems.

Indian sources report a delay in the delivery of the SA-21 Growler anti-aircraft missile systems from Russia. Originally scheduled for delivery by 2024, the final pair will now arrive between July and September 2026, likely due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. However, Russia has not officially commented on the delay.

In October last year, new information surfaced about India’s pending S-400 units, with photos shared on Russian Telegram accounts showing the transport of key S-400 components. These photos suggested that the final units for India were nearing completion, pending final assembly and quality tests before shipment.

In March 2024, BulgarianMilitary.com reported another delay in the delivery of the final pair of S-400 Triumf systems to India, disrupting India's defense plans which rely on the three existing S-400 units. The delay of the fourth and fifth units, now expected in 2026, is a significant issue for India.

This situation might offer an unexpected benefit for India's defense industry. India, which currently relies on imported parts for various platforms, could leverage the ongoing conflicts and production challenges to gain a major technology transfer from Russia. This would facilitate local assembly of parts and components, turning a challenging situation into a potential advantage through Transfer of Technology (ToT).

Canada Begins Construction on New Warship Fleet for Royal Navy, Targeting 2035 Operational Date

 

The Royal Canadian Navy has commenced the construction of a new fleet of warships, with the vessels projected to be operational by 2035, according to service and government officials.

Vice Admiral Angus Topshee, commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, and Defence Minister Bill Blair announced on Friday that the construction work for the Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) Project has started at Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Irving Shipbuilding will serve as the prime contractor for the project, with Lockheed Martin Canada providing the design based on the BAE Type 26.

This project involves the construction of 15 warships to replace the existing Halifax-class frigates, which the navy will classify as destroyers. “Today, we launch construction on the largest Canadian shipbuilding project since the Second World War, marking a historic milestone for the Royal Canadian Navy,” Blair stated at a news conference in Halifax.

The construction timeline for the CSC is extensive, with the first ship expected to be delivered in the early 2030s, followed by a testing phase. Consequently, the ship will not be operational until 2035. The schedule anticipates the delivery of nine CSC ships by 2040, with the final vessel arriving in 2050.

A senior government official emphasized the urgency of acquiring the new ships due to ongoing maintenance issues with the aging Halifax-class frigates. The official also reassured that technological advancements would be incorporated over time, enhancing the ships' capabilities. Upgrades for the Halifax-class frigates are also planned, although specific details and costs were not provided.

Former assistant deputy minister for materiel at National Defence, Alan Williams, expressed concerns over the incomplete CSC design and undetermined final budget, warning that the lengthy delivery schedule could lead to complications. He noted that the combined costs of the CSC, F-35 procurement, and modernization of NORAD systems might limit funds for other major procurements.

The Department of National Defence has budgeted the CSC project between CAD $56-60 billion, but a 2022 report by Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux estimated the cost at CAD $84 billion. A final cost figure is expected by late 2024 or early 2025.

The initial construction phase will allow Irving workers to develop and test building techniques for the ships. An implementation contract for the project is expected to be signed by the end of the year, allowing for full-rate production to begin in 2025.

Vice Admiral Topshee described the commencement of initial work on the CSC as “a clear sign of tangible progress towards our future fleet.”