November 4, 2024: MBDA introduces new SIMBAD-RC Models, including the four-shot SIMBAD-RC4
The European Defense Manufacturer "Matra-BAe Dynamics-Alenia (MBDA)" has updated their SIMBAD-Remote Control (RC) Surface to Air Missile (SAM) System to the new SIMBAD-RC2 and SIMBAD-RC4 Versions which will be ready by 2027.
The main Difference with these new Models is that they are made to be exempted from the United States’ (US) “International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)” Law, meaning that the US won’t be able to withhold Parts and even Services from any Country that buys them, so good thinking on the Part of MBDA.
The SIMBAD-RC2 will carry two Mistral 3 Missiles and weigh around 500 kg while the bulkier SIMBAD-RC4 will carry four such Missiles and weigh around 800 kg.
The Jose-Rizal class Guided Missile Frigates and the six upcoming Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) are armed with two of the current SIMBAD-RC Weapons for each Ship, so these new Products is something that the Philippine Navy (PN) could consider when building future Vessels.
Here is the Link to the European Defense Review (EDR) On-Line Website: https://www.edrmagazine.eu/mbda-unveils-new-simbad-rc-2-and-4
June 20, 2024: Five Countries in Europe to jointly acquire the Mistral 3 Missile System
Five European Countries, namely France, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia and Hungary, recently signed an Agreement to jointly acquire the Mistral 3 Surface to Air Missile (SAM) System. The Mistral 3 is also being used by the SIMBAD-Remote Control (RC) SAM System onboard the two Jose Rizal class Guided Missile Frigates of the Philippine Navy (PN).
The Mistral 3 uses an Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) Guidance System allowing it to be only aimed initially by the Operator and once it is launched, it will home in by itself towards the Target. It has a Range of up to 8 km, and can maneuver up to 30Gs. Each Jose Rizal Frigate has two Simbad-RC Launchers, and each Launcher has two Missiles that are ready to fire.
Here is the Link to the Article at the ADVANCE Website: https://www.adsadvance.co.uk/europe-advances-on-the-joint-acquisition-of-mistral-3.html
March 14, 2024: Single-seat FA-50 will have significant Range increase compared to the current dual-seat ones
Some Details about the upcoming single-seat FA-50 Aircraft were revealed recently by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), that it will have 370 kg more Fuel than the two-seat FA-50 since the Rear Seat and other Equipment will be replaced by a Fuel Tank.
This will increased its overall Range from 1,852 km to 2,593 km, and will increased its Operational Range by 31% when configured for the Air-to-Air Role and 28% in the Air to Ground Role.
Here is the Article from The Chosun Daily Website: https://www.chosun.com/english/industry-en/2024/03/14/JJZOPLK7TRA5JISGNR52NM7ZD4/
SOURCE: South Korea to develop single-seat FA-50 Jet, boosting range by hundreds of km {Archived Link}
March 8, 2024: Single-seat FA-50 a “Go” as KAI funds its Development
Looks like the single-seat Version of the FA-50 Fighting Eagle is really happening, this after the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) recently announced that they will be investing around Usd 27 million to develop it.
No Timeline has been mentioned on when the Prototype and Mass Production will happen, but I expect this to be within the next couple Years. KAI said before that the said Aircraft will likely be slightly cheaper since no other Equipment for another Pilot like Ejection Seat, Instrument Panel, etc. will be required on the Aircraft
Here is the Link to the Article at the Korea IT Times Website: https://www.koreaittimes.com/com/about-us.html
February 19, 2024: Diehl Defence to integrate IRIS-T Missile to the FA-50 and KF-21 Aircraft
The German Company Diehl Defence and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to integrate their Infra-Red Imaging System-Tail/Thrust vector-controlled (IRIS-T) Short Range Air to Air Missile (SRAAM) into the FA-50 Fighting Eagle and KF-21 Boramae Aircraft.
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) currently operates a dozen of the FA-50PH Fighting Eagle Aircraft, and also uses the AIM-9L/I-1 Sidewinder Missile which is also made by Diehl Defence. The IRIS-T Missile is also already integrated into the JAS-39C/D Gripen which the Philippines is reportedly getting soon.
So this is a good Prospect for the IRIS-T, if the Philippines does get the Gripen soon and the Boramae later then that will be three Platforms in the Philippines that can use it.
Here is a Picture by the way of the Full Scale Mock Ups (FSMU) of the AIM-9L/I-1 and the IRIS-T that I took during the Asian Defense and Security (ADAS) 2022 Event which I haven’t released to the Public yet until now. I will also be uploading this to Wikimedia Commons after this Posting
Here is the Link to the Article at the Aviacionline Website: https://www.aviacionline.com/2024/02/german-iris-t-air-to-air-missile-to-be-integrated-into-korean-fa-50-and-kf-21-boramae-fighters
January 29, 2024: Senegal reportedly acquiring FA-50 Aircraft from South Korea
The African Country of Senegal is reportedly moving forward of its acquisition of the FA-50 Fighting Eagle Aircraft from South Korea, making them the newest Export Customer of the Aircraft.
Not much Details have been released about the acquisition yet, but it is speculated to be for four Aircraft worth Usd 147 million, or Usd 36.75 million each. The Philippine Air Force (PAF) currently operates twelve FA-50 Aircraft, and was the first Export Customer of the FA-50 Variant.
Here is the Link to the Article from the Military Africa Website: https://www.military.africa/2024/01/senegal-to-acquire-fa-50-light-combat-aircraft-from-south-korea/
January 10, 2024: Israel completes Live-Fire Test of new AIO Version of their SpyDer SAM System
The Israeli Company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Limited and Israeli Ministry of Defense (MOD) recently announced the completion of a Live-Fire Test of a new Version of the SpyDer Surface to Air Missile (SAM) System, the "All-In-One (AIO)".
The AIO differs from other SpyDer Systems in that the Command Post, Radar and Missiles are now integrated into one Vehicle only, unlike the other SpyDer Versions where multiple Vehicles are used.
This makes the System more compact and easier to deploy. The Live-Fire test consisted of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle that was successfully intercepted by the new System under a challenging Operational Scenario.
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is also an Operator of the SpyDer System, it currently operates the SpyDer-Medium Range (MR) Version.
Here is the Link to the Article on the European Defence Review (EDR) On-Line Website: https://www.edrmagazine.eu/rafael-israeli-mod-ddrd-complete-successful-test-of-advanced-spyder-air-defense-system-in-its-latest-all-in-one-configuration
January 8, 2024: Super Tucanos making a Big Difference in Nigeria’s fight against the Boko Haram
The A-29B Super Tucano Aircraft is now making a big difference in Nigeria’s fight against the Boko Haram Miltants, as detailed in this new Article by the Defence Web Website.
Nigeria only started operating the Aircraft in 2021, and yet since that time has already scored many success against the Militants, destroying Men and Materiel including taking out some of the Boko Haram Leaders.
The Philippine Áir Force (PAF) also operate the Aircraft, but only has half a dozen of them as of now while Nigeria has twice than that with a dozen Super Tucanos. Here’s hoping for the Philippines acquiring more of these Aircraft soon …
Here is the Link to the Article at the Defense Web Website: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/insurgents-scatter-as-nigeria-rules-the-air/
November 23, 2023: KAI forms Strategic Partnership with MBDA to improve Armaments of its KF-21, FA-50, etc. Aircraft
The Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) Company recently formed a Strategic Partnership with the European Weapons Manufacturer MBDA Group aimed at strengthening the Armament Capabilities of the Aircraft made by KAI such as the KF-21 Boramae and FA-50 Fighting Eagle.
This means that the Weapons Suite of the FA-50 will be expanded to include those made by MBDA. No specific Weapons were mentioned which will be integrated into the FA-50, but MBDA does make Air to Air Missiles like the Advanced Short Range Air to Air Missile (ASRAAM), MICA Missile and the very long range Meteor Missile.
MBDA also makes Tactical Missiles like the SPEAR and Brimstone, and Deep Strike Missiles such as the Storm Shadow. Note that MBDA also makes the highly touted SPECTRA Self Defense System used by the Rafale, not sure though if this can be integrated into the FA-50.
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) operates a Variant of the FA-50 called the FA-50PH Fighting Eagle, so some of the above Weapons could be an option for them in the near future
Here is the Link to the Article at the Pulse Website: https://pulsenews.co.kr/view.php?year=2023&no=903678
November 16, 2023: Two Indonesian Super Tucano Aircraft crashed in East Java, killing four onboard
Some sad bit of News today after not just one but TWO of the EMB-314 Super Tucano Aircraft of the Indonesian Air Force (IdAF) crashed in East Java, Indonesia while conducting a Training Exercise. Each Aircraft can seat a Crew of two, and all four Pilots were killed in the two crashes.
Both Aircraft reportedly crashed into the Mountainside in two different Locations, and all the Bodies and Flight Recorders have already been retrieved which will also be used for the Investigation. All the Pilots were high ranking Officers holding the Ranks of Majors and Colonels.
These Aircraft are very similar to the A29B Super Tucano Aircraft of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), but they acquired theirs much earlier than us, back in 2010 while we only bought ours a Decade later in 2020
Here is the Link to the Article at the Antara Indonesian News Agency Website: https://en.antaranews.com/news/298878/four-dead-after-two-indonesian-air-force-planes-crash-in-exercise
November 5, 2023: TAI finally starts delivery of T129 ATAK Helicopters to Nigeria
After complaining last Month of October 2023 about the delay in the Delivery of their T129B ATAK Helicopters, the Chief of Air Staff of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Marshal Hasan Abubakar said that the Company Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) recently just delivered two out of the six said Helicopters which will then soon be inducted into Service.
Four more of the T129B Helicopters still need to be delivered to Nigeria. The Philippine Air Force (PAF) currently operates four of these T129B ATAK Helicopters, with two more that are still to be delivered
Here is the Link to the Article: https://leadership.ng/naf-takes-delivery-of-2-attack-helicopters/
October 24, 2023: KAI considering developing a single Seat version of the FA-50
The Aircraft Manufacturer Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is now seriously considering developing a Single Seat Version of their FA-50 Aircraft due to requests from its Customers, and could be developed within five Years or by 2028.
To save Development Costs, the FA-50 would retain the current Canopy and outer Mold Line, but the Space where the Back Seat used to be would be filled with an extra Fuel Tanks. This change will increase the Aircraft's Range and Payload, and also reduce its overall Cost
October 18, 2023: LIG Nex1 and Taurus Systems developing the KEPD 350K-2 Missile for the FA-50
The South Korean Company LIG Nex1 and Swedish-German Company Taurus Systems are partnering to develop a smaller Version of the KEPD 350 Air Launched Cruise Missile that can be used on the FA-50 Fighting Eagle Aircraft like the ones that the Philippine Air Force (PAF) is now operating.
The new Missile will designated as the KEPD 350K-2 which will weigh around 1,000 kg and have a range of up to 400 km. The Development of the Missile is expected to take around three Years, meaning it will be ready by around 2026.
The KEPD 350K-2 is mainly a Land-Attack Cruise Missile for use against Static or non-moving Targets like Buildings, Bunkers, etc.
October 17, 2023: KAI selects Thales' Scorpion HMD for the FA-50PL
The Company Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) recently selected the Scorpion Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) made by the French Company Thales Group for use with the FA-50PL Fighting Eagle Aircraft that they will be delivering to Poland.
These Helmets are best used in conjunction with High Off Bore Sight (HOBS) and Lock On After Launch (LOAL) capable Missiles, enabling the Pilot to Lock On an Enemy Aircraft even if it is not directly in front of it, enhancing the Missiles’ effectiveness.
These Helmets could also be available for the FA-50 Block 20 Aircraft which KAI is set to start manufacturing in a couple of Year’s time
October 14, 2023: Nigeria also suffering delays in the delivery of their T129 Attack Helicopters
Just like the Philippines, Nigeria is now also suffering delay from the T129B ATAK Helicopters that they bought from Turkey. Nigeria signed the Contract for six of the Helicopters in July 2022, and the delivery was expected to start by March of this Year of 2023, but up now seven Months later in October 2023, none of the Helicopters have been delivered yet.
And also no new Delivery Date has been put forth yet for those Helicopters. The Philippines has already received four of its six T129 Helicopters, with the remaiing two scheduled to be delivered no later than the end of this Year in December 2023
September 7, 2023: Sikorsky now has an authorized Reseller of Parts and Services for Black Hawk Helicopters in the Philippines
The Aircraft Company Sikorsky has signed an Agreement with the Company Asian Aerospace Corporation (AAC) to be the only Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) authorized reseller of Spare Parts and Repair Services for Black Hawk Helicopters in the Philippines.
This means that all Maintenance and Repair of any Black Hawk Helicopters in the Philippines including those in the Philippine Air Force (PAF) will have to go thru the AAC. The PAF will be the biggest Operator of the S-70i Black Hawk Helicopters in the World once all the Units they ordered arrives in the next three Years
May 10, 2023: Poland selects American PhantomStrike AESA Radar for their FA-50PL Aircraft
Just interesting that Poland had selected the PhantomStrike Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar made by the American Company Raytheon Intelligence and Space for their FA-50PL Fighting Eagle Aircraft instead of the ESR-500A made by South Korea. Malaysia will reportedly also use the same PhantomStrike Radar for the FA-50 Block 20 Aircraft
May 3, 2023: Lig Nex1 unveils AESA Radar Prototype for the FA-50
The South Korean Company Lig Nex1 just unveiled a Prototype of an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar called the ESR-500A for the FA-50 Aircraft like the FA-50PH Fighting Eagle Aircraft being used by the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
The ESR-500A is expected to be incorporated into the FA-50 Block 20 version of the Aircraft, but could be available as an upgrade for existing Aircraft as well. AESA Radars have several Advantages over existing Mechanically Scanned Array (MSA) such as better reliability, much lower Probability of being detected, etc.
April 12, 2023: Embraer releases a new Version of the Super Tucano, the A-29N
The Brazilian Company Embraer is releasing a new Version of their A-29 Super Tucano, the A-29N. This Version will have a Data Link and will allow full Operation by a Single Pilot. The Philippine Air Force (PAF) currently uses the A-29B version of the Super Tucano
February 23, 2023: Malaysia officially signs Contract to acquire 18 FA-50 Aircraft from South Korea
It’s official, Malaysia just signed a Contract to acquire 18 FA-50 Aircraft from the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for Usd 920 million, or Usd 51.1 million per Aircraft. Delivery will start in 2026, and Malaysia could buy another 18 FA-50 in the future
January 19, 2023: Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is now closer to sealing another deal for their T-50/FA-50 Family of Aircraft after they signed an Agreement for its manufacture by the Egyptian State-owned Company Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI). Egypt is expected to buy as many as 100 of the T-50/FA-50 Aircraft soon
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