On 17 February 2010 began the era of system Strales / DAVIDE on OTO 76mm/62 for DART ammo onboard ITS Capt. Foscari . The first tests were conducted off the coast of the interforce polygon of Salto di Quirra (PISQ) in Sardinia.

From Marina Militare

The original news, in italian, on Marina Militare website

http://www.marina.difesa.it/diario/2010/0331_progdavide/index.asp

The latest reports indicate that the first ships to receive the system will be the other 3 OPV Fulgosi (Foscari systers), followed by Cavour and Horizon/Doria.

For Vulcano program, the Lupo frigate Bersagliere will be relocate in La Spezia as trial ship for extensive trial of Vulcano ammo from her 127/54 LW and 1 kit for Vulcano compatibility will be install on 1 of 2 De La Penne 127/54 Compatto, presumibily De La Penne now in yard for receiving its MLU

What I find interesting is the on mount radar, I presume the cover bolted on top of the turret usually covers the radar.

Looks like they really are pushing the idea of an oto76 as a CIWS system.

Frankly I always have been rather bemused by the avionics, radar and missile deal with France for the JF-17. I have always felt there are better sources in the west for the systems probably at a better price.

Firstly Radar: Selex Galileo Grifo S-7. A company and radar they already have a relationship with.

Avionics: Selex Galileo and SAAB Avitronics. They already have a relationship with these companies via the pre mentioned radar and the AEW deal. This means Swedish and South African avionics or Italian/British.

Missiles: Denel A-Darter and R-Darter. Again a prior relationship and already stated interest in these missiles.

Thats not forgetting the rather improved Chinese systems and missiles we have seen recently.

again, this is flawed. Last time Oman has any trouble was almost 40 years ago…

Yeman is in no position to attack. In fact Omans Jaguars and F-16 are more then enough.

Everyone seems keen on playing the Iranian bogey. Iran has made more threats against Pakistan that actually shares a large land border with Iran, yet Pakistan stations no troops or major airbases near Iran.

Oman managed to remain neutral and unhurt during

1) The Iranian revolution
2) Iran-Iraq war
3) Gulf War 1
4) Gulf War 2

What has changed?

These aircraft are a gift from Oman to Britain in terms of jobs and money. Thats all….

Maybe the Jaguar and F16 are enough for their defence needs but the Jaguar are old and need replacing. Why not go and buy further equipment on a like for like basis from an allie. That is often the reason given by Pakistan for purchasing equipment from China, albeit Pakistan has had less choice on the global market for many years. Certainly more F16 would of been just as useful but maybe they want to maintain defence procurement diversity as well.

We can quibble about the level of defence threat but the numbers they are talking about on a like for like basis are reasonable, Omans airforce will still be small in comparison to neighbours.

So whilst I agree that part of this is to furnish the UK with money and jobs they do have a reasonable defence requirement in that Jaguars are getting old and why not take the business to an allie maintaining procurement diversity.

http://www.dodbuzz.com/2010/03/31/tanker-deadline-extended-60-days/

UPDATED: Boeing Slams DoD Extension; EADS Says 60 Days Not Enough

As far as I can see it Boeing is the one has delayed things by protesting the previous contract won by Northrop Grumman and EADS.

Anyway as has been said they would love a single source contract for their paper tanker.

Yes, and look at page four “war of words…”
Now, were did i see that same text? 😀

Cheers

Who knows…:D

But I did find it rather funny…especially the bit about zero export sales for Rafale…looks like both sides can punch below the belt…

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8601011.stm

Well nearly there then, I doubt this anouncement would of been made unless it was pretty much in the bag.

Hello all! 🙂

According to my “Military Balance 2008” (I don’t have any of the more recent editions), there is no independant Air force in Montenegro, most aircrafts being under army’s command and based at Podgorica…

Inventory is:

Airplanes:
15 G-4 Super- galeb (8-9 serviceable)
4 UTVA-75 basic trainers

Helicopters:
15 SA-341/342L Gazelle (half of them being airworthy)
5 Mi-8T (stored awaiting overhaul)

That’s all what’s written… 😎

Not bad for there needs, fixed wing types that can be used in the COIN role and Gazelle which can be used in a millitary or police role.

I can see them being rather keen to get the Mi-8T airworthy again as its a very handy type for civil and millitary transport duties.

How many airframe hours do the current Lynx’s have left though?

Airframe hours are not a major issue with helicopters as the major stress components are transmission and Engines which can both be replaced.

Thats the reason why so many airforces, navies and armies keep helicopters in service for such a long time. The main reason for introducing new helicopters is a requirement for improved performance or a lack of affordable spares.