DARPA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, envisions a futuristic method of attacking targets on the battlefield. The Gremlins project aims to launch volleys of small, low-cost unmanned air vehicles from bombers, cargo aircraft or possibly even fighter jets, and recover them via a C-130 transport aircraft.

The "Gremlins" program may sound fictional, but DARPA has already awarded contracts to several large companies. The awards begin the first of three program phases, which could culminate in a proof-of-concept demonstration of an air-launched, air-recovered, volley-quantity unmanned aircraft system.

Dan Patt, DARPA program manager, explained how it would work: "the drones will be launched from platforms such as the B-52 or B-1 bombers, and at the end of their mission will be recovered by the C-130. Each gremlin must fly out (555-926 km) at high subsonic speeds after launch and loiter for 1-3 hours before turning back to the C-130 for recovery. These 'gremlins' would conduct a variety of missions like electronic attack or target geolocation, mainly as stand-ins for conventional, monolithic platforms such as manned fighter jets or expensive UAVs."

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) have been in use by the Israeli Air Force for decades, but in recent years they have evolved into a primary element in the employment of military power. If you review the number of flight hours logged by the RPAS squadrons in comparison to the manned aircraft squadrons, you will realize that the RPAS have the upper hand.

Admittedly, RPAS cannot fulfill the functionality of fighter aircraft and attack helicopters, transport or mission aircraft, but the ever-intensifying use of this category of aerial vehicles clearly demonstrates the need for persistent area surveillance for built-up area warfare operations and urban scenarios.

RPAS have served IDF mainly for real-time intelligence gatherin into g (surveillance) in area cells of dozens of square kilometers. The primary objective of this platform is persistent area surveillance. One should bear in mind the fact that RPAS do not operate in isolation. Other elements sharing the same effort are surveillance satellites, intelligence elements on the ground, photoreconnaissance flights by fighter aircraft and long-range surveillance radars. However, RPAS is the only platform capable of providing the ground forces with continuous, real-time tactical surveillance.

IDF have recently invited technology reporters to attend a visit to Palmachim airbase out of which all of the RPAS of the IAF operate, with the exception of the IAI Eitan (Heron TP), which operates out of Tel-Nof airbase owing to its size. Along with IAF, the IDF Artillery Corps also operate RPAS for their own needs. The operators of both corps go through the same training program.

Admittedly, this was not the first visit by the media to this RPAS squadron, but it provided a current glimpse to the workload the IDF RPAS force deals with. These squadrons operate 24/7 and vehicles are airborne year-round. Although the exact number of vehicles deployed at Palmachim airbase cannot be revealed, we can say that dozens of vehicles manufactured by Elbit Systems and IAI operate out of that base.

A Brief Stint as RPAS Operator

Along with the operational employment, the men and women of the squadron, in regular service or on reserve duty, deal with post-operational debriefing/mission analysis and intensive training. To enable us to experience the training of an RPAS operator, they treated us, during our visit to the squadron, to a near-realistic scenario.

The scenario involved four Jeeps of an IDF elite unit preparing to enter an Arab village in the territories to arrest a suspected terrorist. The forces on the ground were waiting for the RPAS to 'clear the route of advance' for them and verify there were no threats along the way to the wanted suspect's house. I had the good fortune of manning the operator's seat with the mission commander, an officer of the squadron, seated next to me. Behind a dark glass partition, the female instructors prepared and controlled the training session. The instructors are responsible for preparing the training session, playing the role of the ground forces over the communication network, inserting challenges into the scenario during the actual activity and conducting the debriefing/mission analysis session at the end of the exercise.

The operator's workstation looks like a combination of an operations center, a server room and a flight simulator computer game console. It consists of an office chair, a joystick and computer display screens. The exercise started with an attempt to spot threats along the route of advance. The process of spotting and identifying the threats is carried out by manipulating the joystick that controls the payload carried by the RPAS. As long as the route was passed through open terrain, tracking it was fairly simple, but when it entered the built-up area, keeping track of the route used by the ground forces became difficult to practically impossible for an untrained individual like myself.

Visual tracking is carried out opposite two display screens – one displaying an aerial reconnaissance photograph of the area, simulating the image provided by the camera carried by the RPAS, and the other displaying a map of the route. To my surprise, the two displays could not be unified, namely – the screen displaying the aerial reconnaissance photograph did not possess a feature enabling the user to add a graphic overlay of the map, so as to highlight the route on the photograph according to the map.

According to the people of the squadron, the image analysis and processing technology currently available does not yet enable the operators to create data overlays in real time. The implication, at least to an untrained operator like myself, is that the task of tracking the route of advance of the ground forces requires careful attention which should be devoted to the attempt to spot threats along that route. In the case of professional IAF operators, the solution is provided by their operational experience. During the training course, they practice route tracking and spatial orientation in urban environments. Subsequently, over time, they hone their professionalism through operational experience. Tracking the route, especially during real-time operational activity, is the foundation for any mission where the RPAS operators monitor and accompany friendly ground forces. Apparently, when technology makes it possible to add data overlays to the visual information provided by the RPAS optical payload, operation will be significantly simplified and the training process will become shorter.

Following the hands-on experience at the operator's workstation, the visit progressed to the parking shed of the RPAS. Apparently, alongside the operators, the squadron also includes dozens of technical specialists dealing with instruction, debriefing/mission analysis, vehicle maintenance and service, replacement of payloads, refueling, and there are specialists whose function is to get the vehicle airborne and land it safely.

However, the need for so much manpower for the operation of a remotely-piloted platform raises questions regarding the use of automation and autonomy as a way to minimize operating costs and improve operational efficiency. If a software can fly over an area of activity, monitor the route of the ground forces, identify and classify threats based on an automatic target recognition technology or a biometric human target identification technology – the role of the human operators will be simplified.

In the same context, if self-repairing materials, 3D printers and robotic warehouses, as used by Amazon, are introduced into the RPAS world, the manpower required for the maintenance aspects will be reduced, too. "At the present time, this is all science fiction," they say at the RPAS squadron: "Admittedly, there are elements of the mission a software can execute automatically, but there is still a considerable distance between this and fully autonomous operation of the RPAS force."

Persistent Area Surveillance

Following the visit to Palmachim airbase, I reached one definite conclusion: it is by no means a simple undertaking to maintain continuous RPAS operation capabilities that may be used to support the operational activities of ground forces in real time. Over the years, IAF has developed a force that operates like a highly efficient manufacturer of visual intelligence.

The effectiveness accomplished by IAF notwithstanding, the visit made it clear that upgrading the existing image processing and artificial intelligence technologies, mainly with regard to decision making, can improve the training process of the RPAS operators and the over-all effectiveness of the RPAS force, not just with regard to the manpower aspect, but also at the operational level. If you take into account the fact that the life-span of a target on the battlefield is extremely short and that the amount of information collected by the entire intelligence gathering layout of IDF has grown, prompt and more correct decision making will provide IDF with a significant advantage.

Another conclusion involves the democratization of the RPAS technology. Just as small arms, for example, have evolved into a standard operational element among the ground forces – a measure anyone can operate owing to its simplicity, autonomy in the RPAS world will make these capabilities available to any IDF unit. Tank developers around the world are even considering the inclusion of an RPAS in every future tank. This trend is already being implemented with regard to multicopters – but not yet with regard to the larger platforms.

Without a doubt, the intensifying employment of RPAS by IDF is a reflection of battlefield trends that necessitate persistent area surveillance and whose characteristics are rapid changes, a disappearing enemy, one-off employment of weapon systems and other elements. "The employment of RPAS is expected to intensify. Even today the number of flight hours logged by the RPAS squadrons exceeds that of the manned aircraft squadrons," an IAF source explained. "This trend will only intensify. Many of the manned flight hours are now being done on simulators, owing to the operating costs, while on the other hand, the forces on the ground demand more of the continuous tactical intelligence RPAS provide, as well as escorting for ground forces. The implication is reflected in the considerable workload and responsibility assigned to the operators of the RPAS force."

Increasing congestion in civil air space poses a growing challenge to flight safety in general and specifically for military operations in proximity to, or within civilian airspace.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is introducing its Collision Warning System (CWS), designed to warn combat pilots in situations when potential collision with commercial and civilian aircraft is imminent. CWS was developed by IAI’s MALAM Division.

Extending the collision-warning functions of IAI’s EHUD range-independent air-combat maneuvering instrumentation (ACMI), the CWS can now monitor non-military platforms and warn of the proximity and risk of collision with commercial aircraft. Monitoring is performed through integration of IFF (Identification Friend/Foe) and ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast).

The CWS provides a complete air situational picture with warnings visible only to the military pilot – no indications are provided to civilian aircraft. Warnings are provided in three ways – a voice warning, graphical indication on a tablet panel and symbols presented on existing cockpit displays (MPD/MFD). The CWS is embedded in existing or new EHUD/RAIDS/FRP systems, or carried as a stand-alone pod, which requires only a single interface unit, and thus requires only minimal integration into the aircraft.

The system builds the air situational picture based on the reception and interrogation of EHUD, IFF and ADS-B signals. By plotting existing and projected flight paths of all aircraft flying in the area, the system identifies potential collisions and warns the pilot in advance of such events. Among the data processed are the flight characteristics and maneuverability of each fighter jet, which are profoundly different from those of civilian aircraft. Warnings are therefore generated only when a clear and imminent danger exists.

The CWS is designed for 4th and 5th generation fighter jets, training aircraft, military helicopters and remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). The system is currently in evaluation by a few leading air forces.

“The growing congestion of the airspace and lack of integration between military and civil air spaces require new, independent solutions to prevent collisions. Such systems will improve flight safety without compromising operational freedom,” said Jacob Galifat, General Manager of IAI's MALAM Division. “The CWS combines the independence, operational freedom, ease of integration and affordability which are so important for the military operator, enabling military pilots to fly safely without risk to civilian or military aircraft nearby, in both training and operational flights.”

Details regarding the cooperative alliance were reported by the head of the research team on behalf of the Ben-Gurion University, Professor Adrian Stern, and the Vice President & R&D Dean of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Professor Dan Blomberg, at the NexTech international advanced technology conference held yesterday at the new high-tech park of Be'er-Sheva, where they also announced the development of an HD spectral sensing system for space mission.

At the foundation of the development effort stands a technology that is not harnessed to the restrictive principles that currently inhibit most imaging systems, so it enables substantially improved performance characteristics. Initially, the research effort included the development of a groundbreaking imaging method, based on a new mathematical theory known as compressive sensing. An experimental process has been completed recently where a compressive imager was designed, implemented and used for photographing various objects using liquid crystals. The results, as expected, demonstrated the numerous advantages of the system compared to systems currently used for imaging, as well as providing the option of capturing images at spectral resolutions that are at least ten times higher than those currently attainable using existing systems.

In this context it was reported that the subsequent phase of the research effort has already been initiated, and at the present time various experiments are being conducted at the Ben-Gurion University. These experiments include the use of miniature resonance-based encoders for hyper-spectral and ultra-spectral imaging intended to be applied on space-borne platforms.

Once the development process has been completed, the imager will be able to take high-resolution images (similar to the resolution of today's monochromatic photography) through hundreds of spectral channels and take advantage of the compressive sensing theory in order to save only 10% of the size of the image as we currently know it.

This cooperative alliance between the ImageSat Company – a leading industry in the field of civil space imaging – and academia has brought the New Space concept, which promotes innovation and creativity in the space industry, to a new high point and will enable the ImageSat Company to establish itself as a global leader in the field of spectral sensing.

The international advanced technology conference held at the high-tech park adjacent to the Ben-Gurion University is an initiative of Israel Defense, the Gav-Yam Negev Technology Park, the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, the City of Be'er-Sheva and CyberTech.

The Aviationist reports that a Russian Navy Su-33 Flanker carrier-based multirole aircraft has crashed during flight operations from the Admiral Kuznetsov carrier on Saturday, Dec. 3. This report was confirmed by the Russian Ministry of Defense.

According to the report, the combat plane crashed at its second attempt to land on the aircraft carrier in good weather conditions. It seems that it missed the wires and failed to go around falling short of the bow of the warship. The pilot successfully ejected and was picked up by a Russian Navy search and rescue helicopter.

Considered that on Nov. 14 a MiG-29K crashed while recovering to the aircraft carrier, if confirmed this would be the second loss for the air wing embarked on Admiral Kuznetsov in less than three weeks and a significant blow for the Russian Naval Aviation during its combat deployment off Syria.

Israel and Italy have marked another significant step in the realization of the agreement signed in 2012 with the delivery of the first of two CAEW aircraft to Italy.

At a ceremony held at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and was attended by the Italian ambassador, senior officials from the Israeli Ministry of Defense's (IMOD) Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D, aka MAFAT), and representatives from the Italian Air Force.

The CAEW (Conformal Airborne Early Warning & Control System), installed on the G-550 Gulfstream aircraft, is an early warning and air control system developed by ELTA systems, an IAI subsidiary. The second aircraft included in the agreement is expected to be delivered to the Italian Air Force during 2017. The aircraft are equipped with advanced mission systems including radar, electronic intelligence, self-defense and advanced communications systems to NATO standards.

"The system reflects the deep, fruitful collaboration between the Italian and Israeli ministries of defense," said DDR&D Director, Brig. Gen. (res.) Dr. Daniel Gold. "It is both sides understanding of the needs and challenges that stand before the other. In the framework of this agreement, one of the products of which we see here before us, the Italian government signed a reciprocal procurement agreement with the Israeli defense industries at a volume of over 4 billion NIS. This is a continuation of the procurement of 30 training aircraft for the [Israeli] Air Force, made in Italy.  The cooperation is very substantial and significant to the Israeli industry, and allows for the development of advanced technologies to be used first and foremost by the IDF, and provides two warning aircraft with the world's most advanced abilities."

IAI President & CEO, Joseph Weiss: "As part of the strengthening of our close relations with Italy and European industry, we are pleased to hand over the CAEW, one of IAI's most advanced systems, representing the next generation in Mission Aircraft, to the Italian Ministry of Defense. We are proud that this joint development program between IAI, Italian industry, and the Italian Ministry of Defense, has been highly successful and met the challenging schedule. We look forward to continuing this model of international cooperation with additional countries and customers."

Background

The G550 CAEW is a unique CAEW solution built on radar installed on the sides of the aircraft. The CAEW provides aerial and maritime situational awareness with 360-degree surveillance of airborne targets at all altitudes, over any terrain and in any weather conditions, including maritime surveillance and electronic surveillance. It can operate at long ranges with extended flight time.

The systems, provided by ELTA, include:

·         Advanced AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) four-dimensional radar with 360-degree detection, identification, and tracking of airborne and surface targets.

·         Electronic Surveillance Measures system (ESM) covering 360-degrees, detecting emitters at a wide range of frequencies, accurately measuring the emitter, its electronic parameters, and its platform.

·         NATO-compatible communications system, produced jointly by ELTA and Italy's Leonardo.

·         Self-Protection System (SPS) with 360-degree coverage including active and passive sensors, detecting threats approaching the CAEW aircraft, and countermeasures against incoming missiles.

·         Mission Computer System (MCS) creating and displaying aerial and maritime situational pictures by integrating data from the various sensors and tactical datalinks.

·         The system was developed with exceptional, unique technologies, using cutting-edge global knowledge.

ELTA's ground support systems include:

·         Satellite communication ground station.

·         Mission Support System (MSS) for pre-mission planning & post-mission analysis.

·         Operator Training System (OTS) providing a realistic mission environment for training mission crews.

ViaSat and Boeing announced today that Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for the first two ViaSat-3 class satellites was completed on November 16, 2016.

Concluding PDR is the first critical milestone toward confirming the ViaSat-3 satellites will satisfy performance specifications and requirements when operating on orbit. Completion of this step allows ViaSat and Boeing to begin detailed design work on each satellite. The first flight hardware is on schedule to arrive in ViaSat's Tempe, Arizonasatellite integration facility in late 2017. The first ViaSat-3 class satellite is expected to launch in 2019.

The ViaSat-3 class of Ka-band satellites is expected to provide unprecedented capabilities in terms of service speed and flexibility. The first two satellites will focus on the Americas and on Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), respectively, with a third satellite planned for the Asia Pacific region, completing ViaSat's global service coverage. Each ViaSat-3 class satellite is expected to deliver more than 1-Terabit per second of network capacity, and to leverage high levels of flexibility to dynamically direct capacity to where customers are located.

"Almost one year into the ViaSat-3 program and we are on schedule with a solid satellite design," said Keven Lippert, executive vice president, Satellite Systems and Corporate Development at ViaSat. "Once again, the ViaSat and Boeing teams are working really well together in a collaborative effort to continue to revolutionize satellite broadband communications. The ViaSat-3 satellite platform will provide enough capacity to deliver an affordable, high-speed, high-quality internet and video streaming service across the globe."

"The ViaSat-3 class satellites are the highest power payloads a Boeing-built 702 satellite platform has ever supported, coupled with the efficiency of all-electric propulsion," said Mark Spiwak, president of Boeing Satellite Systems International. "With a truly innovative design, the Boeing and ViaSat team have done a tremendous job working together to ensure that ViaSat-3's latest program milestone is on time and that the team continues to push forward."

For each ViaSat-3 class satellite, ViaSat will build the satellite payload, integrate the payload into the Boeing-provided payload module and test the integrated payload. Boeing will provide the scalable 702 satellite platform, system integration and test, launch vehicle integration and mission operations services. 

A Russian military plane reported missing Sunday with 92 people aboard has crashed, leaving no apparent survivors and a trail of plane wreckage in the Black Sea near Sochi, according to the CNN report.

A Tupolev Tu-154 plane that was carrying 84 passengers and 8 crewmembers disappeared from radar Sunday morning local time after taking off from the Adler airport near the Black Sea city, state-run RIA Novosti news agency reported.

The plane, which first took off from Moscow, was headed to the Russian Hmeymim airbase in Latakia, Syria, where the country has a large military presence, for a concert ahead of New Year's Eve, a source told Russia's state news agency Tass.

Before arriving in Latakia, the plane landed in Sochi to refuel, the Defense Ministry's press service told Russia's Interfax news agency.

According to RIA Novosti, the Defense Ministry said it found debris from the missing Tu-154 in the Black Sea one mile from Sochi. Four ships and five helicopters have combed the crash site, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said, according to Russian state-run news agency TASS.

"No survivors are seen," the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Tass has also reported that, according to the Defense Ministry, "All search and rescue services of aviation units on the Southern Military District in Krasnodar and neighboring regions are engaged in aircraft search."

According to Tass, the plane was built in 1983 and had 6,689 hours of flight. "The last repair was on December 29, 2014, and in September 2016 it underwent scheduled maintenance," the Defense Ministry said as quoted by Tass.

The Defense Ministry also said, according to Sputnik, that it had identified the pilot as Roman Volkov, describing him as a "class 2 pilot" with more than 3,000 hours of flying, Tass reported.

The Russian Investigation Committee has launched a routine criminal investigation of the Tu-154 to examine potential "violation of rules of flight safety or preparation," the committee's official spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko told Tass. The committee plans to seize documents and interrogate those who prepared the plane for flight, she added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev to launch and lead an investigation the Tu-154 crash, according to Russian news agency Sputnik.

“Now that the F-35 has been declared combat capable, we will deploy our newest fighter to Europe in the not too distant future,” said Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James during a speech at the Atlantic Council. “Matter of fact, if I were a betting woman, I wouldn’t at all be surprised if the F-35 didn’t make an appearance, perhaps, next summer. The unique combination of stealth, situational and sensor fusion will play an important role in reassuring allies and providing deterrence.”

According to a report on Defense News, the USAF will also send a theater security package of F-15s from Louisiana and Florida Air National Guard units to Europe this spring to conduct training exercises with partners, similar to the deployment of F-22s to Romania last April. 

James likely is nearing the end of her tenure as Air Force secretary this January and plans to deploy the F-35 could change under the new presidential administration. However, she advised her successor to move forward with deployments to Europe that showcase US air dominance, adding that such activities are key for deterring hostile Russian military action that has become more prevalent since its invasion of Crimea. 

"Russia is a country that does understand force,” she said. “At a time like this, at a time when I believe they are pushing and poking and testing, I think the alliance needs to demonstrate that resolve and show force.” Also of vital importance is US involvement in the Baltic air policing mission – a NATO effort to guard the airspace of Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia, she said. 

The MiG-35 – Russia's most advanced fighter aircraft – was officially unveiled and presented to the Russian government. Russian President Vladimir Putin is reported to have viewed the first demonstration via remote video due to poor weather in the region.

The new MiG-35 (NATO reporting name: “Fulcrum Foxtrot”) is a greatly upgraded aircraft based on the earlier MiG-29 airframe. Significant upgrades on the MiG-35 include a completely new fly-by-wire flight control system, vastly improved cockpit, substantially upgraded avionics and an overall design philosophy that provides an enhanced degree of operational autonomy on the MiG-35 compared to earlier Russian combat aircraft. The MiG-35 will also integrate precision-guided targeting capability for air-to-ground weapons, a rarity in previous Russian air-ground doctrine. There is a significant engine upgrade on the new MiG-35. The aircraft uses two impressive Klimov RD-33OVT engines fitted with bi-directional thrust vectoring nozzles.

According to The Aviationist, the new MiG-35 marks a departure from previous Soviet-era combat aircraft capabilities while retaining the Russian penchant for lower unit cost in exchange for numerical superiority, a doctrine that has pervaded Russian military thinking for the entire century. The Russians have always traded unit capability for numerical superiority, relying on the hope that quantity would beat quality in a major conflict. Interestingly, this doctrine has shifted moderately toward a centrist mix of quality and quantity apparently in search of the best solution for indigenous use as well as attracting export buyers.

Russia has included significant sensor and capability upgrades on all recent combat aircraft, especially ones intended for the export market. Additionally, the reported domestic production for MiG-35 is only 37 aircraft, a very small acquisition by older Soviet and even modern Russian standards. A larger production capacity is earmarked for export sales, likely in the form of a 50-unit order from Egypt.

Reports indicate the Egyptian MiG-35s are to be fitted with a new advanced targeting pod, the PPK targeting pod from Precision Instrument Systems. The new PPK thermal imager/TV and laser rangefinder allows the MiG-35 to autonomously guide precision munitions. Previous Russian doctrine relied heavily on ground vectors to attack targets.

The Aviationist also reports that the indigenous MiG-35 is fitted with a Russian NPK-SPP OLS-K electro-optical targeting system. The OLS-K targeting and surveillance system is mounted directly to the aircraft below the right (starboard) fuselage on the engine nacelle in front of the elevators. It is not a removable pod. The OLS-K sensor can track moving vehicles from 20 kilometers and surface contacts at sea for 40 kilometers. An integrated laser rangefinder computes target distance up to 20 kilometers for weapons employment. There is also laser designation for guided weapons built into the pod.

The OLS-K targeting and surveillance system is mounted on the engine nacelle in front of the elevators

The new MiG-35 provides Russia and export customers with a uniquely scaled precision strike capability that may be a better fit for countries with smaller defense budgets. The MiG-35 contrasts aircraft like the larger (and more expensive) Sukhois. If a client’s ground strike requirements involve shorter range in a tactical rather than strategic setting the MiG-35 may be the right size and cost aircraft.

Given recent problems throughout the Middle East and Africa with managing strike accuracy and reducing the exposure to collateral damage from air strikes this may be an important export asset for Russia and its defense industry clients.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has successfully completed a system-level thermal vacuum test on the Israeli-French Venµs satellite. This test verified that the satellite, its subsystems and interfaces operate well under the extreme hot and cold temperatures encountered in a space environment.

Prior to the thermal vacuum test, IAI also completed satellite-level vibration and acoustic tests demonstrating that the Venµs satellite will be able to cope with the conditions it will experience during launch.

Venµs (Vegetation and Environment Monitoring New Micro-Satellite) is an earth-observation micro-satellite designed jointly by the Israel Space Agency (ISA) and France's National Centre for Space Studies (CNES). Venµs has two missions: one scientific and one technological. The scientific mission will monitor the earth’s vegetation using a camera with 12 narrow spectral bands. The technological mission will demonstrate the operation of an innovative electrical propulsion system based on the Israeli Hall Effect Thrusters.

Venµs is planned to be launched in the summer of 2017 using an Arianespace Vega launcher from Kourou, French Guiana. Weighing 265 kg at launch, it will be inserted into a near polar sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 720 km with a two-day revisit time.

"We are proud to be in the forefront of the space technology and take part In the Venµs scientific mission," said Joseph Weiss, IAI's President and CEO. "The completion of this testing is another step towards the upcoming launch that will enable hundreds of scientists around the world to explore and investigate the earth's natural resources."

The Israel Defense Forces' Skylark tactical unmanned aerial vehicle unit is preparing to deploy Elbit's Skylark 3 platform in the near future, a development that will significantly expand its operational capabilities, a senior military source has told Jane's.

When it was first unveiled in February 2016, Elbit said the new UAV had been selected by a customer that it declined to identify.

The Skylark 3 will be used to serve brigade commanders, the source said, while the Skylark 1s that the IDF has been using for six years will be now be used just at the battalion level.

"The number of personnel operating the newer platform is larger and can create continuous coverage through shifts," the source said. "They can sit at the brigade headquarters and provide an unlimited intelligence service for the brigade. Platforms will be in the air constantly."

The Skylark 3 is compatible with the ground-control stations used by the Skylark 1, he added, so it can share missions with the smaller UAV if necessary.

In summer, the Skylark 3 will for the first time take part in a range of IDF battalion, brigade, and division-level combat exercises, the source added.

Launched from a specialized towed launcher, the Skylark 3 weighs 50 kg and lands using a parachute and airbag, turning over before it lands to protect its payload.

Its endurance of seven hours and range of 30-40 km are significantly longer than the Skylark 1's 2.5 hours and 15 km. The resulting expansion in area coverage means a UAV can be transferred from one brigade sector to another during a single flight. "Our ability to investigate ground activities will be enhanced," the source said.

The source added that the imagery that comes from the Skylark 3's payload is "very clear" and represents a leap forward in the quality of visual intelligence quality.

BGUSAT (Ben Gurion University SATellite) nanosatellite, a joint venture of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the Israel Space Agency (ISA) in the Ministry of Science, is to be launched shortly, as part of a scientific mission by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. The satellite, whose dimensions are 10 cm x 10 cm x 30 cm, approximately the size of a milk carton, and which weighs only 5 kg, is equipped with special cameras able to identify various climatic phenomena, and with a monitoring system that allows the choice of areas to be imaged and researched. A dedicated- earth station, for receiving the images has been set up at Ben-Gurion University, to allow students and researchers to receive and analyze the data. The satellite will be launched on February 15, 2017, on the PSLV-C37 launcher with 103 other nanosatellites, from a launch base in India.

“This is a further step in promoting cooperation between the government, industry and academia, with the aim of propelling the Israeli space industry forward," commented Ofir Akunis, Israel's Minister of Science, Technology and Space. "Projects of this nature help preserve the status of the Israeli space industry on the world stage, and allow the advancement of research in the field."

Opher Doron, General Manager IAI's Space Division, said, “We are proud to be part of this innovative technological project, which opens up the world of nanosatellites to a variety of new scientific missions. This nanosatellite joins a long list of educational and academic activities undertaken by Israel Aerospace Industries, as Israel’s national space center."

According to Prof. Dan Blumberg, VP for R&D at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, “Nanosatellites allow activity in the fields of space engineering, and space research, at a cost which is very low in proportion to what was considered acceptable in the past. This allows academics to be much active in the field, and encourages innovation and entrepreneurship on the part of both researchers and students."

For the first time, a purpose-built computer has been incorporated into the satellite. This was specially developed for nanosatellites by IAI engineers combining computer chip developed by 'Ramon Chips', with computing capabilities, similar to those of computers in larger satellites. This computer will be incorporated into the spacecraft of the 'SpaceIL' team, and satellites of Project Samson. Furthermore, in cooperation with 'MicroGic Electronics', IAI's Space Division developed a unique camera, capable of short-wave infrared imaging of a wide range of meteorological conditions. The images transmitted from the satellite will be received at the ground stations to be set up at Ben-Gurion University and IAI. It will be possible to track atmospheric gases, such as CO2, as well as sky brightness, as the camera can discern those phenomena better than regular cameras.

Students and researchers at the university have brought together knowledge from a number of fields, such as software and electrical engineering, earth sciences, and industrial engineering. This combination enabled the construction of a station to receive the satellite imagery, and facilitate meteorological research.

In addition to financing the satellite launch, the Israel Space Agency (ISA) has allotted an additional sum of about NIS one million, to finance research based on the images that will be received from the satellite. The ISA has asked Israel’s academic institutions for research proposals connected to data gathered by the satellite. This is the first time that Israeli researchers will have the opportunity to receive information directly from an Israeli-designed and produced satellite, without the need for this information to be transferred through other countries.

Cooperation Agreement with DTL on Mini-UAVs

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Dynamatic Technologies Ltd (DTL) have announced today their cooperation to jointly address the needs of the Indian UAV market. This announcement followed a significant milestone with both companies signing a cooperation agreement regarding the production, assembly, and support of mini-UAVs in India, at the Aero India exhibition currently underway in Bangalore.

The agreement encompasses the transfer of technology and production capabilities from IAI to DTL to enable the indigenous capability for mini-UAV systems for the benefit of Indian end-users and in support of the Indian government's "Make in India" initiative.

Shaul Shahar, IAI EVP and General Manager of IAI's Military Aircraft Group, said, "India is one of IAI's main strategic customers; hence our relationship with Indian users, customers, and companies is critical. It is, therefore, our intention to transfer a significant part of our UAV activity to India in the near future, in accordance with the "Make in India" policy. We are delighted to join our new partner DTL and jointly offer best-of-breed solutions for India."

According to Udayant Malhoutra, CEO & Managing Director of Dynamatic Technologies, “This partnership with IAI has the perfect elements essential to build a UAV enterprise in India, under the Government’s 'Make in India' initiative. Dynamatic already manufactures major complex assemblies for global OEMs, and we have already built a robust supply-chain ecosystem in India. This is the foundation upon which the industrialization of world-class UASs will be developed.”

Joint Venture with Kalyani Group to Manufacture Specific Air Defense Systems  

IAI and Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd. (KSSL), the defense arm of Kalyani Group, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to incorporate a Joint Venture Company (JVC) in India. As part of the MOU, IAI and KSSL are aiming to expand their presence in the Indian defense market and to build, market, and manufacture specific Air Defense Systems and lightweight special purpose munitions.

The MOU is the first step of a process to establish a JVC between the two companies. The JVC will integrate strategic defense systems for the Indian MOD in accordance with the Indian Government’s ‘Make in India’ policy.  

"We are excited to announce the next step in our partnership in India, one of IAI's leading markets," said Joseph Weiss, IAI's President and CEO. "This collaboration brings together the manufacturing and technology excellence of two leading companies and we hope we can continue with our partners at KSSL to spread our footprint in India and to continue our vast work with the 'Make in India' policy."

Baba Kalyani, Chairman Kalyani Group said, “The joint venture company will combine IAI's advance technology, knowledge and experience as an OEM with world class design, development and manufacturing capabilities of the Kalyani Group. The joint venture will provide indigenously manufactured solutions in niche technology areas of defense sector, thereby furthering the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the government."

MOU with Taneja Aerospace & Aviation (TAAL) to Manufacture Civil and Military Aircraft Crashworthy-Seats

Through its Golan Industries Division, IAI and Taneja Aerospace & Aviation Ltd. (TAAL) of India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cooperate in the development, production, marketing and/or sale of civil and military aircraft crashworthy-seats.

IAI's Golan Industries Division has over 30 years of experience in the development and manufacture of crashworthy-seats solutions for civil and military aircraft, and TAAL is a pioneer in India's aviation industry, having manufactured aircraft as well as aircraft parts. The MOU is in accordance with the Indian Government’s "Make in India" initiative, and includes collaboration between both companies in the production and marketing of civil and military aircraft crashworthy-seats, to be manufactured in India. In addition, the parties will explore the possibility of working with TAAL as an IAI subcontractor, to manufacture certain crashworthy-seat parts for current IAI production lines, and will also implement the joint development of a new generation of products.

Salil Taneja, Chairman, Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Ltd., said, "It is a great privilege for TAAL to be associated with IAI. TAAL believes that there is a growing market in India for Golan Industries' products. Golan Industries' product range fits in extremely well with TAAL’s manufacturing capabilities, as well as with TAAL’s strategy for venturing into specialized products for the aviation industry. TAAL is looking forward to a very fruitful and growing relationship with IAI."

The “Sufa” (F-16I) fighter jets perform about 11,000 flight hours a year; they are the backbone of the IAF’s fighter division and perform dozens of different kinds of missions, from strikes to photography and reconnaissance. Col. Oded, Commander of Ramon AFB, explained that the “Sufa” (Hebrew for Storm) the IAF’s workhorse, is equipped with almost every capability in the IAF and is constantly updated with new capabilities. “We’re counted on in combat,” he added.

This month, power buildup personnel from IAF HQ and operators of the aircraft from Hatzerim and Ouvda AFB congregated in order to discuss the jet’s operational and maintenance concepts. They also discussed the impending changes that will be made in order to improve the aircraft and befit it to the coming decades. “This is a chance to take a wide look at the ‘Sufa’ division. Besides discussing the division’s activity, we would like to learn from one another about daily dilemmas regarding routine and periodic maintenance of the aircraft. We want to make decisions that will extend the life of the aircraft in the future," shared Brig. Gen. Avshalom, Hatzerim AFB Commander. “Proper maintenance culture indicates qualities of command, professionalism and long-term planning."

In the Next Three Years: All “Sufa” Systems to be Renewed

The “Sufa” jets are currently undergoing a “face lift” process, which will result in a more advanced version of the aircraft and include improved systems. The process’ production line has opened in Hatzerim AFB with the goal of renewing all of the aircraft’s avionic systems by 2020. The project began in the passing October and is operated entirely by civilian entities. About five improved “Sufa” jets have already been reintegrated in their operational squadrons.

“The ‘Sufa’ division has been taken to the next level, to a division that has been operating for over a decade, this is of significance," shared Lt. Col. Ziv, Commander of the “One” Squadron. “When we look at the systems that serve us, such as compression and air conditioning, the fuel tanks that provide us with long-range flight capabilities and navigation and self-defense systems, we must differentiate between war and routine scenarios. In combat, they will operate in much higher intensity."

In the former Progress Meeting, number of projects the Material Directorate dealt with in cooperation with on-base maintenance personnel in accordance with maintenance, safety, and operational needs were discussed. One of these projects was a joint project with the USAF whose goal was to prevent malfunctions that cause accidents when landing. “The IAF is the first in the world to integrate the system improvement, which was recently applied on a number of ‘Sufa’ jets for the sake of evaluation which will examine its impact," said Capt. Or Dekel from the Material Directorate.

In the future, a number of “Sufa” Squadrons from Ramon AFB are expected to receive the advanced SPICE 1000 guided bombs, which were first integrated into Ramat-David AFB’s fighter squadrons last year. The electro-optic weapons, manufactured by Rafael, have deep-penetration, accuracy and threat-immunity capabilities. It is equipped with improved software and algorithm systems and advanced detection and processing capabilities. The SPICE 1000 bombs also have real-time maneuver and reaction capabilities when facing stationary and mobile targets. “The weapon is adapted to the new battlefield, the various threats, and the changing arena," testified Avi Danon, the Project and Development Manager in Rafael.

This article was originally published on the IAF website.

The Iran Space Agency had applied to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for five geostationary (GEO) orbital slots for Ka- and Ku-band communications satellites, according to a report on spacewatchme.com.

The announcement provided no details about when it expects to fill the orbital slots it has applied for, and with which particular satellites.

Under ITU rules, Iran has a limited time period to place satellites in orbital slots allocated to it otherwise it will lose them and will have to reapply for other orbital slots. Iran has previously applied to the ITU for orbital slots but has not placed satellites in them within the allotted time period.

Iran is at the start of a communications satellite procurement process, and it is understood that companies from China, France, Russia, and South Korea have expressed interest in bidding on the project, called the National Communications Satellite (NCS).

Last week, the 'David’s Sling' Battalion underwent an operational preparedness and fitness inspection. In January, a series of tests that examined the advanced version of the system was completed successfully, and now its personnel is waiting for its first operational interception. Lt. Col. Kobi Regev, the Battalion Commander, said, “We might operate the system, but our ability to perform our mission depends on other elements in the IAF. The results of the inspection will tell us if the IAF is prepared for the system to become operational."

The inspection was held over a three-day period, one day as part of a training exercise and two days of routine. Lt. Col. Regev explained that the inspection considered all of the elements the battalion is required to face and tested its ability to execute an operational mission in routine and emergency scenarios. It also tested the professional, operational technical and administrative aspects of the battalion’s performance. “The inspection dealt with mechanisms, literature, procedures and the soldiers’ and commanders’ expertise, which was tested by means of theoretical tests and practical training."

Integration is the Name of the Game

The David’s Sling system was developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in cooperation with Raytheon and is designed to provide active defense from medium range missiles. In the future, it will also address other threats such as enemy UAVs.

In the past years, the Aerial Defense Division has formulated an integrative operational concept, which states that each system holds a unique operational advantage and the ability to operate individually, but that they can also coordinate and operate as a whole. The “David’s Sling” system has a central role in this concept. “In the past, the ‘Arrow’ system addressed the long range targets, ‘Iron Dome’ the short range targets and their common range was minimal, now, the ‘David’s Sling’ system’s range, between them, changes everything," explained Lt. Col. Regev. “We want ‘David’s Sling’ to deal with the most challenging and accurate targets and know how to operate with the other weapons systems."

In a ceremony to be held on April 2, the battalion and system will be announced operational. “The atmosphere in the battalion is good.  We have confidence in the system and the people who operate it, and the two create a winning combination," shared Maj. Rafi Dahan, Commander of the Battalion’s Operations Department. “The announcement is the beginning, not the end,” reminded Lt. Col. Yoav. “We will continue advancing, learning and training."

This article was originally published on the IAF website.

On the morning of June 5, 1967, Israel conducted a preemptive air strike on Egypt, initiating what was to be known as the Six-Day War. By the end of the week, Israel had taken the Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip from Egypt, the West Bank from Jordan, and the Golan Heights from Syria. The Egyptian and Jordanian air forces were destroyed and the Syrian air force decimated. Operation Moked (Hebrew for "focus"), the opening airstrike of the Israeli Air Force (IAF), was designed to destroy the Egyptian Air Force on the ground and establish air supremacy. It accomplished both tasks.

June 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the Six-Day War, a turning point for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that cemented a doctrine centered on maintaining a qualitative edge against its adversaries. For the IAF this means maintaining air supremacy: the complete control of the skies within an operational area so that the enemy is incapable of interference using air and missile threats.   

Fifty years later, the IAF continues to work towards maintaining air supremacy as it did in the opening hours of the war. It does this in part by obtaining the most technologically advanced systems in the world through close cooperation with the United States.

In mid-December 2016, the IAF received its first two F-35 aircraft. These next-generation fighters will be the most advanced aircraft in the region, intended to help Israel preserve its military edge by letting it operate unopposed anywhere in the region. Israel has ordered 50 of the fighters, and is the first outside the US to begin operating the aircraft from home bases (Japan, Italy, the UK and the Netherlands received their initial aircraft which are being used for training in the US).

However, with numerous cost overruns and production delays many analysts have questioned whether the F-35 is worth the $100-million price tag per aircraft. Proponents, on the other hand, call it a game-changer, insisting its advantages are unprecedented.

Supporters argue that fifth-generation aircraft like the F-35 are not fighters in the traditional sense, but rather sensor-shooters that can perform the roles of various types of aircraft simultaneously.

They are right: The aircraft’s strength comes from the ability to fuse information from multiple sources, assemble the information, and distribute it across a network. This ability allows numerous actors to use the information to make real-time decisions. Providing the same information to other aircraft, ships, or troops on the ground makes the F-35 a force multiplier unlike any other modern combat system.

Fifth-generation aircraft interact with the world differently than fourth-generation platforms, providing the IAF with a substantial advantage. The most precious commodity in combat is information, and a system that significantly improves situational awareness allows operators to make more intelligent, faster decisions than their opponents.

The IAF understands this capability and seeks to use it to perform missions that previously would have required many aircraft. While the F-35’s stealth capabilities widen its operational range, information sharing and integration increase not only its lethality and survivability, but that of all aircraft operating with it.

The F-35 alone cannot completely offset evolving threats, therefore the IAF’s recent announcement that it would likely purchase upgraded F-15s is another step in ensuring air supremacy. These aircraft, known as F-15 Advanced, are based on the aircraft currently being delivered to the Royal Saudi Air Force. Considered the most advanced F-15 variant ever built, it is equipped with the new APG-63(v)3 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, a redesigned cockpit, infra-red search track (IRST) pods, and a new generation electronic-warfare (EW) system that implements capabilities developed for the F-35. These advanced F-15s have been called generation-4.5 aircraft, as they incorporate many enhanced technologies and capabilities of fifth-generation aircraft into their design.

The IAF, by participating in the early stages of the program and being the first foreign air force to operate the F-35, has taken an active role in developing a system that will meet its needs. Israel is the only country in the region to operate this highly sophisticated system, and integrating it with advanced F-15s will insure that it can protect itself in its next critical confrontation, just as it did in June 50 years ago.

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John Cappello, a former US Air Force B-1B pilot and Air Force Attaché to the US Embassy in Tel Aviv, is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focusing on military affairs.

This article was originally published on the Military Edge website, a project of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD)