Russia’s new Borei-class submarines may enter service without fuctioning Bulava missiles

If the SS-NX-32 Bulava missile isn’t ready in time (how’s that testing going, Volodya?) then the Russian Navy will commission its new Borei-class submarines as “multi-purpose attack submarines” armed with conventional weapons. Why they don’t simply retrofit SS-N-23 Sineva missile is anyone’s guess.

АПЛ “Борей” смогут временно выполнять задачи многоцелевых подлодок

Как сообщил высокопоставленный представитель Генштаба, это возможно за счет применения штатных торпед и ракето-торпед на борту, а не баллистических ракет “Булава”.

© РИА Новости. Сергей Гунеев

МОСКВА, 1 ноя — РИА Новости. Стратегические атомные подводные лодки (АПЛ) класса “Борей” “Александр Невский” и “Владимир Мономах” (проект 955) могут быть приняты ВМФ РФ не на вооружение, а в опытовую эксплуатацию и выполнять задачи в качестве многоцелевых ударных субмарин.

Как сообщил РИА Новости в пятницу высокопоставленный представитель Генштаба, это возможно за счет применения штатных торпед и ракето-торпед на борту, а не баллистических ракет “Булава”.

Головная лодка этого проекта “Юрий Долгорукий” была принята на вооружение ВМФ в конце 2012 года. Однако после неудачного последнего пуска штатного ударного оружия этой лодки — баллистической ракеты “Булава” — 6 сентября министр обороны Сергей Шойгу принял решение приостановить принятие этих лодок на вооружение и провести пять дополнительных пусков этих ракет.

Между тем первые две серийные лодки этого проекта “Александр Невский” уже фактически готовы и планируются к передаче флоту до конца этого года.

“Стратегические подводные лодки “Борей” в рабочем порядке могут выполнять функции многоцелевых лодок за счет другого штатного оружия на борту — торпед и ракето-торпед. Ведь доктор технических наук может преподавать в школе арифметику”, — сказал собеседник агентства.

По его словам, такое временное решение может быть принято в связи с тем, что фактически АПЛ “Александр Невский” готова, и к самой лодке замечаний нет. “Значит, экипаж может отрабатывать в море и другие учебно-боевые задачи до решения всех технических вопросов с “Булавой””, — сказал представитель Генштаба.

Он напомнил, что головная дизель-электрическая подлодка “Санкт-Петербург” была принята в опытовую эксплуатацию еще в 2010 году и до сих пор находится в этой статусе, а не в боевом составе флота. Сейчас она проходит испытания на Северном флоте.

http://ria.ru/defense_safety/20131101/974145831.html

“Canada could benefit from expanding its military presence in the Asia-Pacific”

A look at Canada’s capabilities. In essence, the same as every navy smaller than the USN… augmenting the American force with the key focus on interoperability.

The Royal Canadian Navy in the Pacific – a look at capabilities

By David McDonough

HMCS Algonquin (DDG 283)

Canada could benefit from expanding its military presence in the Asia-Pacific. As I described in a previous Strategist post, the government faces certain budgetary constraints likely to limit the size of its future naval presence and capacity for maritime diplomacy. Yet such a challenge isn’t insurmountable. To ensure sufficient fleet funding, Canada has the option of placing greater priority on the capital portion of the defence budget—even if it comes at the expense of personnel and operations/maintenance spending.

Such a move would offer Ottawa some leverage to join the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus. More importantly, Canada would have a means to help augment America’s naval power in the region, which is expected to be under increasing strain as a result of defence cutbacks—at a time when China is expanding its own naval fleet and showing greater assertiveness in its maritime disputes with its neighbours.

Other like-minded countries have already begun to focus on their own maritime forces. For example, Japan has strengthened its naval fleet with advanced (e.g. air-independent propulsion) submarines, helicopter destroyers, and plans for helicopter carriers, with a keen eye for possible amphibious operations to protect its vulnerable south-western approaches. Australia has also been eager to deploy a more formidable naval presence with its planned acquisition of Aegis destroyers and replacements for its Collins-class submarines. Both platforms are expected to have the high-end command, control, communications, and weapon systems necessary to ensure operational interoperability with the US Pacific Fleet.

Like the Australian navy, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) also has a strong tradition of interoperability with its American counterparts, to the point where Canadian warships can also be seamlessly integrated into US naval task forces (PDF). It would serve the RCN well to ensure that its future naval platforms can continue to be integrated with the US and other regional navies. Much depends on the capabilities offered by these naval platforms, which should be designed to complement America’s efforts at maintaining operational access to the Western Pacific.

The RCN needs to maintain some of its high end maritime war fighting capabilities. Of particular relevance is area air defence (AAD), a capability that should be retained and upgraded on its destroyer replacements—much as Australia has done with upgrades to its Anzac frigates and the Aegis equipped destroyers. Indeed, the United States, Japan, and other allies have become increasingly wary of China’s advanced anti-access and area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities, from shore-based aircraft and missiles to an undersea and surface fleet heavily armed with anti-ship cruise missiles—a concern reportedly also shared by the RCN, at least according to drafts of its unreleased Horizon 2050 naval strategy.

For the RCN to maintain interoperability with its key regional partners, Canada should also ensure that some of its next-generation Canadian Surface Combatants incorporate the Aegis combat system—joining other regional powers including Japan, Australia, South Korea, and the US Navy. Importantly, Aegis can also be upgraded to provide a mid-course and terminal ballistic missile defence (BMD) capability. Both the United States and Japan have proven eager to expand their BMD fleet, due to China’s development of a much feared anti-ship ballistic missile. Other countries may soon follow suit.

An anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability would also be highly valued in a region where many countries are expanding their submarine inventories. Much of the concern is on China’s undersea fleet, as a possible ‘assassin’s mace‘ capable of challenging American and allied sea control in this maritime theatre. For this reason, the US Navy has already been increasing its ASW assets in the region, with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) operating a formidable fleet that specializes in undersea and surface ASW.

The RCN already has a long history of ASW operations. Indeed, with its fleet of Victoria-class submarines, the RCN would be better placed for these missions than in the past, when it largely relied on surface ASW and escort duties. It also provides the natural locus for cooperation with regional navies, like the JMSDF. Of course, ASW isn’t necessarily cheap. Canada would eventually need to replace its fleet of Aurora maritime patrol aircraft and Victoria submarines. But, given the growing demand for ASW, we shouldn’t underplay the benefits that could be accrued by returning to this specialisation.

With such capabilities, the RCN would be well placed to support American and allied efforts to ensure sea control in the Western Pacific. If required, Canada would also be able to join in defensive missions envisioned in the US Air-Sea Battle concept, while avoiding its more offensive plans to disrupt and destroy A2/AD systems at their source.

Yet it would all be for naught if Canada lacks the logistics for sustained operations in the Pacific, therefore raising the issue of operational sustainment. Sadly, little attention has been paid to the future of the RCN’s auxiliary oiler replenishment fleet. Indeed, it’ll now have to settle for the acquisition of only two Joint Supply Ships, thereby increasing the chances that Canadian warships will be unable to be deployed for sustained operations abroad—unless an ally provides at-sea replenishment, which can no longer be guaranteed given the growing demand for such logistics ships.

In such a situation, the RCN might find its emphasis on Pacific operations curtailed, even if it otherwise enjoys high-end capabilities well-suited to that region. But, more importantly, it could also find its historic role as a blue-water fleet possibly endangered. Such an outcome would be doubly unfortunate, and is an important reminder not to ignore the logistical tail.

David S. McDonough is a SSHRC post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Political Science, University of British Colombia and a research fellow in the Centre for Foreign Policy Studies at Dalhousie University. Image courtesy of Flickr user U.S. Pacific Command.

http://www.aspistrategist.org.au/the-royal-canadian-navy-in-the-pacific-a-look-at-capabilities/

USS Decatur (DDG-73) successfully intercepts RIM-161/SM-3 ballistic missile

The Raytheon RIM-161 Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) is a ship-based missile system used by the US Navy to intercept short- to-intermediate range ballistic missiles as a part of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System.

The USS Decatur (DDG-73) is an Arleigh Burke class destroyer built at Bath Iron Works and commissioned into the United States Navy in 1998. The Decatur is home ported at Naval Base San Diego and assigned to Destroyer Squadron Seven (DESRON 7).

The Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site (formerly the Kwajalein Missile Range) is a missile test range operated by the US military in the Pacific Ocean.

Raytheon’s SM-3, AN/TPY-2 successful in operational ballistic missile defense test

RONALD REAGAN BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE TEST SITE, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Sept. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Raytheon Company’s (NYSE: RTN) Standard Missile-3 Block IA guided missile and AN/TPY-2 ballistic missile defense radar played integral roles in the success of Flight Test Operational-01, the Missile Defense Agency’s operational test of the U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense System.

During the test, a SM-3 Block IA guided missile fired from the USS Decatur (DDG 73) intercepted a medium-range ballistic missile target. An AN/TPY-2 radar, operating in forward-based mode, detected, discriminated and tracked the target throughout the target’s trajectory.

“The SM-3 and AN/TPY-2 are two indispensable elements of the Ballistic Missile Defense System,” said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, president of Raytheon Missile Systems. “This operational test proves our nation has capable, reliable systems deployed today defending the U.S. and its allies against the growing ballistic missile threat.”

Adding to the complexity of the test, a terminal-mode AN/TPY-2 radar also detected, tracked and discriminated the threat. This capability enables additional engagement opportunities, allowing for a “shoot-access-shoot” layered missile defense if necessary.

“As ballistic missiles continue to proliferate and the weapons become more sophisticated, it’s imperative the U.S. and our allies have proven, reliable defensive systems like SM-3 and AN/TPY-2,” said Dan Crowley, president of Raytheon’s Integrated Defense Systems business. “SM-3 and both modes of the AN/TPY-2 are deployed around the world today, protecting warfighters, civilians and critical infrastructure.”

About AN/TPY-2

AN/TPY-2 is a high resolution, mobile, rapidly deployable X-band radar capable of providing long-range acquisition, precision track, and discrimination of short-, medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. The AN/TPY-2 may be deployed globally in either terminal or forward-based mode. In terminal mode, the AN/TPY-2 serves as the search, detect, track, discrimination and fire-control radar for the THAAD weapon system, enabling the THAAD missile to intercept and destroy threats. In forward-based mode, the AN/TPY-2 cues the BMDS by detecting, discriminating and tracking enemy ballistic missiles in the ascent phase of flight.

— AN/TPY-2 has performed flawlessly in both terminal and forward-based mode
in all major tests.

— On Oct. 25, 2012, two AN/TPY-2 radars — one terminal and one
forward-based — participated in FTI-01, the MDA’s largest and most
complex exercise. In a complex raid scenario involving multiple targets,
both radars met or exceeded all test objectives.

— On April 15, 2011, a forward-based AN/TPY-2 extended the battlespace by
providing fire control-quality track data to an Aegis BMD ship, which
fired a Standard Missile-3 using launch on remote capability, which
resulted in a successful intercept of a separating intermediate range
ballistic missile.

— Raytheon has delivered eight AN/TPY-2s to the Missile Defense Agency.
Some of those radars are currently helping defend the U.S. and its allies
in the European, Pacific and Central Command areas of responsibilities.

About Standard Missile-3

The SM-3 destroys incoming ballistic missile threats by colliding with them, a concept sometimes described as “hitting a bullet with a bullet.” The impact is the equivalent of a 10-ton truck traveling at 600 mph.

— Aegis BMD has demonstrated 26 successful intercepts in 32 at-sea events,
including the successful intercept of a non-functioning satellite during
Operation Burnt Frost in February 2008.

— Aegis BMD 3.6 Weapon System and the SM-3 Block IA were assessed as
operationally suitable and effective by an independent operational test
agency in 2008.

— More than 160 SM-3s have been delivered to U.S. and Japanese navies.

— All SM-3 guided missiles use Aerojet Rocketdyne-produced MK 72 boosters
and MK 104 dual-thrust rocket motors for first and second stage
propulsion.

— The next-generation SM-3 Block IB is on track for a 2015 deployment at
sea and ashore.

About Raytheon

Raytheon Company, with 2012 sales of $24 billion and 68,000 employees worldwide, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, security and civil markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 91 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems; as well as a broad range of mission support services. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. For more about Raytheon, visit us at http://www.raytheon.com and follow us on Twitter @raytheon.

Raytheon Company

Missile Systems

Tucson, Ariz.

SM-3 Media Contact

Heather Uberuaga

+1.520.891.8421

rmspr@raytheon.com

Raytheon Company

Integrated Defense Systems

Tewksbury, Mass.

AN/TPY-2 Media Contact

David Howell

+1.978.319.5104

idspr@raytheon.com

SOURCE Raytheon Company

/Web site: http://www.raytheon.com

Italy sends destroyer to coast of Lebanon… {cough} Syria {cough}

Crafty! Claiming it’s a UNIFIL MTF deployment when clearly its all about Syria and nothing else. The UN itself blows a hole in the Italian story – only listing Bangladeshi, Brazilian, German, Greek, Indonesian and Turkish ships assigned to the MTF. Oh well… whatever fools the Italian public for however long it fools the Italian public.

ITS Andrea Doria (D553) is a Horizon-class destroyer commissioned into the Marina Militare in 2007. Primarily equipped for air-defense, she would prove useful in the ballistic missile defence rôle, though of limited use in the strike rôle. European navies lack of cruise missile launch capability is coming home to roost.

Italy sends destroyer to Lebanese coast

Italy sent a destroyer to the Lebanese coast within the scope of UNIFIL to protect its military personnel against any developments in the case of possible intervention in Syria.

Italy sent a destroyer to the Lebanese coast within the scope of the United Nation Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to protect its military personnel against any developments in the case of a possible intervention in Syria.

Speaking on ‘SKY TG 24’ tv channel, Luigi Binelli-Mantelli, Chief of General Staff stated that one ship had departed to protect for more than a thousand Italian soldiers along the east Mediterranean Sea.

The Andrea Doria destroyer would be sent with 1 helicopter and 195 military personnel as well as the Maestrale frigate, according to the information Italian press received from the Ministry of Defense on Wednesday,

However, Binelli-Mantelli stressed only “one ship” would be sent.

1,100 Italian soldiers work within UNIFIL.

http://www.worldbulletin.net/?aType=haber&ArticleID=117019