Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
F-35 in action
Over Iceland
SPECIAL
ISSUE
... and
at sea
Issue 381 December 2019 £4.99
FORCE REPORT
Marine CoRps
AIR POWER YEARBOOK 2019
aims to deliver a round-up of the
most exciting action from the ranks
of two of the world’s premier air
arms, including insightful interviews
and reporting from the cutting edge
of naval aviation.
TOPGUN AT 50
NAVAL FIGHTER WEAPONS SCHOOL IN FOCUS
• ‘SUNSEEKERS’
CHINA LAKE TESTERS PROWLER FAREWELL F-35C IN SERVICE • TESTERS OF ‘THE LAKE’
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36 EXERCISE REPORT:
Sea Breeze 2019
Vladimir Trendafilovski reports on the
19th edition of the annual Sea Breeze
multinational maritime exercise.
42 EXERCISE REPORT:
Market Garden
Seventy-five years after the event,
Operation Market Garden is still a
focal point of remembrance for today’s
airborne operations specialists.
46 Épervier 2019
This year, the Franco-Swiss Épervier air defence
exercise was held at the Swiss base of Payerne.
54 EXERCISE REPORT:
Dédalo 2019
The Argentine Air Force’s major exercise of
2019 put to the test all the lessons learned so
far. It was also a final opportunity to see the
Pucará perform in its original attack role.
58 COMMANDER’S UPDATE
BRIEFING: BVR combat
Air Power Association President Air Marshal (ret’d)
Greg Bagwell CB CBE examines what’s required
to ‘reach out and touch’ an enemy aircraft.
61 Book reviews
AFM evaluates some of the latest
offerings in aviation literature.
70 EXERCISE REPORT:
Tsentr-2019
The Russian Aerospace Forces and
Airborne Forces have taken part in a series
of exercises to test new concepts. The
largest so far was Exercise Tsentr-2019.
80 Operation Northern
Lightning
In a first among Joint Strike Fighter partner
nations, Italy deployed its F-35As to Iceland
in October in support of NATO’s Icelandic air
policing mission. David Cenciotti visited the Italian
detachment at Keflavik Airport and talked to the
pilots involved in Operation Northern Lightning.
News
All the world’s military aviation news, by region
6-7 ............................Headlines
8-9............................United Kingdom
12-15 ........................Continental Europe
16-18........................North America
19...............................Russia & CIS
20..............................Middle East
21...............................Latin America
22..............................Australasia
See pages 28-29 for details 23..............................Africa
26-27 ......................Asia Pacific
Sikorsky’s RAIDER X
joins FARA competition
THE RAIDER X has been rotorcraft is intended to
unveiled as Sikorsky’s entry make use of self-monitoring
in the US Army Future and condition-based
Attack Reconnaissance maintenance, and the firm
Aircraft (FARA) programme. says its offering “provides
The next-generation light- unmatched potential
attack/reconnaissance and growth margin for
helicopter is a further increased speed, combat
development of the S-97 radius and payload”.
Raider and will make use Powered by a single General
of technology tested in the Electric T901 turboshaft, the
company’s X2 demonstrator. RAIDER X will compete in
The RAIDER X is a coaxial the FARA competition with
compound design, employing the AVX Aircraft Compound
the X2 rigid rotor. Other Coaxial Helicopter (CCH),
key features highlighted by Bell 360 Invictus, Karem
Sikorsky include state-of- AR40 and an as-yet
the-art digital design and undisclosed Boeing design.
manufacturing, and modern Two competitive prototype
open systems architecture contracts are scheduled to be
(MOSA)-based avionics awarded in March followed
Lockheed Martin
and mission systems. The by a flyoff planned for 2023.
Above: A water-cannon salute for Tucano T1 ZF135 after its final flight at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, North Yorkshire. Derek Bower
THE RAF officially marked of being the last crews to Capt Keith Taylor and the RAF – which made its first Chief of the Air Staff ACM
the retirement of the Tucano learn on the Tucano. A final commanding officer of No 72 flight on December 30, 1986. Mike Wigston said: “It is
T1 trainer on October 25 ‘diamond nine’ formation Squadron, Wg Cdr Robbie The Tucano fleet will be sad to say goodbye to the
with a graduation ceremony was then performed by Lee, completed the type’s disposed of while the No 72 Tucano, but it has been
for the students of Basic students and instructors. final landing and taxi back Squadron number plate was a fantastic workhorse…
Fast Jet Training (BFJT) Specially choreographed to the dispersal at the base. transferred to the Texan T1 The transition to the Texan
course 274 at RAF Linton- for the last act of the RAF They were flying Tucano T1 squadron under No 4 Flying represents a really important
on-Ouse, North Yorkshire. Tucano’s flying career, ZF135 – the first Tucano to Training School (FTS) at RAF step towards being a next-
Four pilots had the honour station commander Gp have been completed for the Valley, Wales from October 31. generation air force.”
In Brief
Final Typhoon made its maiden flight from Initial RPA flying will take these Lot 12 aircraft in a Freedom of Information
delivery for RAF the facility on August 1. place at Culdrose’s training 2020 when three jets are (FoI) request from the Drone
BAE Systems reported RPA testers at 700X NAS airfield at Predannack. scheduled to be delivered. Wars UK organisation.
handover of the final Royal Navy personnel from UK contracts 17 F-35Bs Lot 13 will provide six aircraft The first, ZZ201, crashed
Typhoon for the RAF on 700X Naval Air Squadron The latest US Lightning in 2021, while eight more will on landing on October 17,
September 27, completing recently returned from II block buy includes follow under Lot 14 in 2022. 2015 after an undercarriage
orders for the service. A training on AeroVironment 17 F-35B aircraft for MOD reveals collapse and was withdrawn
ceremony was held at the Puma and Wasp remotely the UK. The US$34bn Reaper accidents from use. On August
company’s final assembly piloted aircraft (RPA) at contract was finalised by The UK Ministry of Defence 16, 2016, ZZ205 overran
facility at Warton to mark Huntsville, Alabama and the US Department of has disclosed the crashes the runway at a base
the milestone delivery will continue their work Defense and Lockheed of two MQ-9A Reaper in the Middle East and
of the Tranche 3 aircraft, at Royal Naval Air Station Martin on October 29. remotely piloted aircraft was damaged. It’s now
FGR4 ZK437 (BS153), which Culdrose, Cornwall. The UK will begin to receive since 2015, in response to awaiting repair in the US.
Wildcats
play Baccarat
For the first time,
the British Army
Air Corps joined an
exercise in France
with both Wildcats
and Apaches. Oliver
Jonischkeit reports
from the northeast of
the country.
T
he Armée de Terre’s 4e BAC, General Frédéric Gout Rhine on the German border. Tigre HADs from the Batallón
(French Army’s) 4e was in charge of the overall The French Army sent de Helicópteros de Ataque I
Brigade d’Aérocombat (4e operations and was assisted helicopters from its three (BHELA I, Attack Helicopter
BAC, 4th Air Combat Brigade) – by a Spanish lieutenant colonel combat helicopter regiments: Battalion 1) at Almagro.
headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand who headed up the international 1er Régiment d’Hélicoptères de The AAC participated with
in central France – organised the helicopter battalion. Combat (1er RHC), 3e RHC and 5e eight Apache AH1s from 662 and
large-scale Baccarat exercise for the Ground troops for the RHC, home-based in Phalsbourg, 663 Squadrons of 3 Regiment
third time from September 16-26. multinational exercise came Étain and Pau, respectively. in Wattisham, Suffolk, and
In all, more than 2,200 personnel, from France, Spain and the The Spanish Army brought two two Wildcat AH1 helicopters
60 helicopters and 80 armoured Spanish Legion. They practised CH-47Ds from the Batallón de from 661 Squadron at Royal
vehicles were involved in an area together with helicopters from Helicópteros de Transporte V Naval Air Station Yeovilton,
measuring 186 miles (300km) from France, Spain, the RAF and (BHELTRA V, Transport Helicopter Somerset. Also taking part was
west to east and 93 miles (150km) the British Army’s aviation arm, Battalion 5) at Colmenar Viejo, a pair of RAF Chinooks from
north to south. Several airfields the Army Air Corps (AAC), as three NH90 TTHs from the Batallón RAF Odiham, Hampshire.
were used, but Étain and Séchault the manoeuvres progressed de Helicópteros de Maniobra III In preparation for the
were the main focuses of activity. eastwards from exercise areas (BHELMA III, Airmobile Helicopter manoeuvres, the Wildcats practised
Commanding officer of the around Rheims to the River Battalion 3) at Logroño and three with the Apaches in Wattisham
AAC hunter-killer team: Wildcat AH1 ZZ407 and Apache AH1 ZJ221. The
Wildcat is increasingly supporting the Apache in a reconnaissance role and
providing intelligence to commanders on the battlefield. All photos Oliver Jonischkeit
withdrawn
Bernard on November 1. The Built by McDonnell
tanker-transport, operated by Douglas as a DC-10-30 at
334 Squadron at Eindhoven Long Beach, California,
Air Base, was officially for Martinair Holland, c/n
withdrawn from service, 46985/264 was delivered as
but sister aircraft T-235 will PH-MBT in December 1978.
continue to operate until 2021. Through the years, Martinair
Both KDC-10s will ultimately leased the aircraft for short
make way for the eight A330 periods to airlines including
Multi-Role Tanker Transports Garuda Indonesia, Qantas,
(MRTT) being acquired KLM and World Airways.
under the Multinational The aircraft was sold to the
MRTT Fleet (MMF) – see RNLAF as T-264 in July 1992
also Intel Report, p30-34. and modified for military
Serial T-264 departed use as a tanker/transport.
for the US on November It had been flown by 334
4 where it will continue Squadron since September
Stephan de Bruijn to fly with Omega Aerial 1995. Stephan de Bruijn
Above: Serial 12493 is one of the Serbian Air Force and Air
Defence’s three newly acquired Mi-17V-5s. Dimitrije Ostojić
Norwegian NH90 NFH serial 358, carrying Kystvakt (coast guard) titles and destined to join 337 THE RATNO mešovita helikopterska
Skvadron, takes off from De Kooy on September 30 after a weekend stop while on delivery to vazduhoplovstvo i eskadrila (890th Mixed
Bardufoss. Kees van der Mark protivvazduhoplovna Helicopter Squadron)
odbrana (RV i PVO, since July 2016, in basic
THE PENULTIMATE NH90 Norway ordered 14 NH90 of the NH90s in 2022 and
Serbian Air Force and Air unarmed configuration.
NATO Frigate Helicopter NFHs in November 2001, have all helicopters fully
Defence) took delivery The three new helicopters,
(NFH) for the Forsvaret including eight for search operational by 2025.
of three new Mi-17V-5 serials 12493, 12494 and
(Norwegian Armed Forces), and rescue and fisheries The NH90s are flown by
helicopters at Batajnica air 12495, are in combat
serial 358 (c/n 1358, inspection operated on two Luftforsvaret (Royal
base on October 16. The configuration with four
NNWN13), was delivered behalf of the coast guard Norwegian Air Force,
Hips arrived in Serbia on external hardpoints,
from Leonardo Helicopters’ and six for anti-submarine RNoAF) squadrons. No 334
board a Russian An-124 ASO-2V flare dispensers
facility in Tessera, Italy, warfare used for the navy. Skvadron operates NH90s
transport. The same day, and armour around the
on September 27. The The first arrived in Norway from Bardufoss air base
the second of five H145M cabin and engines.
helicopter arrived at De in December 2011 and 11 and Haakonsvern naval
helicopters contracted for Serials 12494 and 12495
Kooy Naval Air Station in have been delivered to date. base in support of the navy.
the RV i PVO was ferry- are additionally equipped
the Netherlands later that Another two remain with Also at Bardufoss, 337
flown from Germany. with clamshell cargo
day. After a weekend stop, it the manufacturer for trials. Skvadron is tasked with
Two previous Mi-17V-5s, doors that can be removed
continued its delivery flight Norway now expects to support flights for the coast
serials 12491 and 12492, for paratrooper training.
to Norway on September 30. conclude the introduction guard. Kees van der Mark
have served with the 890. Aleksandar Radić
Nate Leong
THIS LUFTFORSVARET markings on the outside As well as the Norwegian – apparently a reference operated by the 62nd
(Royal Norwegian Air of the nose gear door to flag, the markings on serial to a popular chocolate- Fighter Squadron at
Force, RNoAF) F-35A celebrate the air arm’s 5146 (AM-06, FMS 15-5146) flavoured milk brand. Luke Air Force Base,
recently received special 75th anniversary this year. include the word ‘Litago’ The jet is one of seven Arizona, for training.
THE LUFTWAFFE’S
Lufttransportgeschwader 63
(LTG 63, Air Transport Wing
Transall landmark for
63) has prepared a specially
painted C-160D to celebrate
400,000 flight hours for the
Lufttransportgeschwader 63
type with the wing stationed
at Hohn in northern Germany.
The milestone was achieved
on August 26 and celebrations
took place at the base on
September 18. Transall 50+72
was decorated with special
markings for the event. The
first Transall touched down at
Hohn on June 13, 1968 and LTG
63 will continue operations
with the type until the end of
2021. The wing operates ten
Transalls; two of these are
deployed to Niamey in Mali,
of which one is in a medical
evacuation configuration. Marcus Fülber
In Brief
French Navy to acquire Falcon 50 used in this role. The Secretary of the US Air helicopters. Six Black Hawks quotation (RfQ) for the HX
Advanced Hawkeye Black Hawks Force Barbara Barrett has are due to replace the three fighter programme on October
The French defence ministry cleared for Croatia selected Luke Air Force Base, Hips and three AS365N3+ 31. The defence ministry sent
has confirmed plans to The US State Department Arizona, as the candidate Dauphins mainly used for the revised call for tenders
replace its three E-2C has approved the sale of two to host the Belgian F-35A search and rescue. A letter to Dassault Aviation (Rafale),
airborne early warning and UH-60M utility helicopters Foreign Military Sales Formal of offer and acceptance Eurofighter (Typhoon), Boeing
control aircraft with a similar to Croatia, adding to the pair Training Unit, for up to seven is expected to be signed (F/A-18E/F), Lockheed Martin
number of E-2Ds. An order already set to be donated by years, starting in 2023. A by the end of next year, (F-35A) and Saab (Gripen
for the Advanced Hawkeyes the US government next year. site survey will be competed leading to initial deliveries E/F) and confirmed a price
is expected next year, as is Announced on October 30, at the base later this year. by the end of 2024. cap of €10bn (US$11.15bn).
a contract for seven Falcon the potential Foreign Military Lithuania selects UH-60M Revised RfQ for HX Responses are to be
2000LXS Albatros maritime Sale is worth US$115m. Lithuania’s defence ministry fighter programme submitted by January 31,
surveillance aircraft to Belgian Lightning II has chosen the UH-60M to The Finnish Defence Forces leading to a final decision
replace the Guardian and training at Luke AFB replace its Soviet-era Mi-8 issued a revised request for on the platform in 2021.
IN LATE October, USAF and equipment had been Operation Peace Spring. US DoD, showing a USAF
C-17As were being used to removed from the country.
The austere airstrip at KLZ
Despite the US withdrawal
of the bulk of its troops,
C-17A in northern Syria on
November 1 unloading M2A2
E-8C JSTARS
facilitate the withdrawal of
US forces from northern was built from scratch by in a slight reversal, US Bradley infantry fighting completes
Syria, following President
Donald Trump’s October
US forces in 2016, when the
621st Contingency Response
Defense Secretary Mark
Esper announced at a press
vehicles from the US Army’s
4th Battalion, 118th Infantry CENTCOM
6 order to pull out of the
northeast of the country.
Group laid a runway with
a crushed rock surface
conference at the conclusion
of NATO meetings in
Regiment, 30th Armored
Brigade Combat Team, North
mission
For this purpose, the US to permit C-130 landings. Brussels on October 25 that Carolina Army National AFTER 18 years in
has kept open the Kobani This enabled the US to not all US personnel would Guard, attached to the 218th theatre, the USAF’s E-8C
Landing Zone (KLZ), located bring troops closer to the be leaving Syria. Esper Maneuver Enhancement Joint Surveillance Target
near the city of Kobani fighting during the retaking said the US will maintain Brigade, South Carolina Attack Radar System
(officially Ayn al-Arab) in of Raqqa from so-called a presence at the Al-Tanf Army National Guard. The (JSTARS) has departed
the Aleppo governorate, 90 Islamic State. The airstrip garrison. He continued: “We location of the airstrip the US Central Command
miles (145km) north of Raqqa initially saw limited use, due are also considering how we used was not revealed, (CENTCOM) area of
and immediately south of to the condition of its runway might reposition forces in the but informed sources responsibility. The second
Syria’s northern border with surface, but in 2017 the 621st area in order to ensure the indicate it was Jabal Ghul, longest deployment in the
Turkey. Images released returned and upgraded it to oil fields. We are reinforcing 18 miles (30km) northwest service’s history came to
by the US Department of enable it to take any type that position, and it will of Hasakah, the capital of an end on October 1 with
Defense (DoD) show C-17As of aircraft operated by the include some mechanised the Al-Hasakah governate the completion of the final
being loaded with equipment DoD, including the C-17A. forces and I am not going in the extreme northeast sortie from Al Udeid Air
at KLZ on October 23 and The controversial to get into details. The of Syria. The mechanised Base, Qatar. The mission
25. These included various withdrawal left the way United States will maintain infantry will support was flown by Col Konata
Mine-Resistant Ambush open for Turkey to begin a reduced presence in Syria Combined Joint Task Force- Crumbly, 116th Air Control
Protected vehicles, four- its offensive into northeast to deny ISIS access to oil Operation Inherent Resolve Wing (ACW) commander.
wheel-drive pick-ups, Syria, which begin on revenue as we reposition (CJTF-OIR) and partner JSTARS had been
containers and pallets of October 9 with Turkish Air for the next phase of the with Syrian Democratic continually deployed
ammunition. The landing Force strikes on Syrian Defeat-ISIS campaign.” Forces to deny IS access to the CENTCOM area
strip was due to remain in border towns, beginning This was confirmed by to critical infrastructure in of responsibility since
use until all necessary troops what Turkey has named images released later by the eastern Syria. Dave Allport November 2001. In the
process, the aircraft flew
10,938 sorties, equivalent
‘Triple Nickel’ to 114,426.6 combat
flying hours in support of
F-16s deploy operations in the Middle
East and Southwest Asia
to Al Udeid that included Enduring
Freedom, Iraqi Freedom,
AS PART of US plans to Freedom’s Sentinel
boost its current air power and Inherent Resolve.
assets in the Middle East, Team JSTARS was
an unspecified number of established at Robins
USAF F-16Cs have been Air Force Base, Georgia,
deployed to Al Udeid Air on October 1, 2002, as
Base, Qatar. The aircraft are the air force’s first ‘total
from the 31st Fighter Wing’s force initiative’ wing. It
555th Fighter Squadron comprises the Georgia
‘Triple Nickel’ at Aviano Air Air National Guard’s
Base, Italy. The unit’s F-16s Above: Airmen prepare USAF F-16C 89-2152 ‘AV’ of the 31st Fighter Wing/555th Fighter Squadron 116th ACW, Air Combat
departed from Aviano for ‘Triple Nickel’ for departure from Aviano on October 28, for a deployment to Al Udeid AB. USAF/ Command’s 461st ACW,
Al Udeid on October 28 Airman 1st Class Caleb House and the active-duty Army
to participate in ongoing Another USAF F-16 unit 79th Fighter Squadron Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, Intelligence and Security
combat operations in support deployed to support Central ‘Tigers’ from Shaw Air Force on October 25 to join the Command’s 138th Military
of US Central Command’s Command operations has Base, South Carolina. The 455th Air Expeditionary Intelligence Company.
379th Air Expeditionary Wing. been the 20th Fighter Wing’s Squadron’s F-16Cs arrived at Wing. Dave Allport
Above: Thirteen F-35Bs from VMFA-122 arranged on board amphibious assault ship USS ‘America’ during routine operations in the
eastern Pacific on October 8. US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chad Swysgood
Barksdale
B-52s at
AT LEAST 13 F-35Bs took Fighter Attack Squadron Lt Col John Dirk, across a range of mission
part in a routine period of 122 (VMFA-122) ‘Flying commanding officer, VMFA- sets.” Over a two-week
Fairford
training on board the US Leathernecks’, part of the 122, explained: “We were period, the USMC Lightning
Navy’s amphibious assault 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I able to sustain a high II detachment tested
ship USS America (LHA Marine Expeditionary Force. sortie rate with a high sortie rates, deck cycles
USAF B-52Hs from
6) in the eastern Pacific in The deployment involved condition of readiness, and multi-ship control as
Barksdale Air Force Base,
October. The Lightning IIs the largest number of while interoperating with part of a joint US Navy-
Louisiana, arrived at RAF
were assigned to Marine F-35s ever put to sea. multiple ships and aircraft Marine Corps team.
Fairford, Gloucestershire,
for a scheduled bomber
Serial RF-94112/‘04 Red’, named ‘Ivan Yarygin’, was the first of the two Tu-160s to arrive at AFB Waterkloof on October 23. v1 images/Jono Druion
A PAIR of Vozdushno- near Pretoria, escorted signed by the respective airspace of seven African Waterkloof after an official
Kosmicheskiye Sily by three South African Air defence ministries in 1995 countries and involved send-off, landing at O R
Rossiyskoy Federatsii (VKS, Force Hawk Mk120s and – the visit was timed to aerial refuelling over the Tambo International Airport
Russian Aerospace Forces) a pair of Gripens flying coincide with the first Caspian Sea. The bombers near Johannesburg several
Tu-160 strategic bombers from AFB Makhado. Russia-Africa summit in the were supported by VKS hours later. The Blackjacks
have visited South Africa for The bombers within the Black Sea city of Sochi. Il-62 RA-86498 and An-124 then performed a flight over
the first time. The Blackjacks VKS ‘air group’ arrived in Lasting over 12 hours, RF-82034 which arrived at the Indian Ocean before
– RF-94112/‘04 Red’ and South Africa on October the flight from Engels air Waterkloof on the 22nd. refuelling at O R Tambo IAP
RF-94102/‘02 Red’ – landed 23 under a bilateral military base to Waterkloof took On October 26, the and heading back to Russia
at Air Force Base Waterkloof co-operation agreement the Tu-160s across the two bombers departed the following morning.
Il-76MD-90A programme
makes progress
RUSSIA’S UNITED join the 235 Voyenno- initial phase of factory flight
Aircraft Corporation (UAC) Transportnyy Aviatsionnyy tests. Programme director
announced on October Polk (235 VTAP, 235th at Aviastar, Valery Tokarev,
23 that the Ulyanovsk Military Transport Aviation said some equipment and
Aircraft Manufacturing Regiment), based at systems on the aircraft
Enterprise JSC Aviastar- Ulyanovsk. As previously underwent significant
SP, a subsidiary of the UAC reported, the sixth aircraft, changes, although he did
Transport Aviation Division, RF-78657 (c/n 0202), was not provide more details. Above: The fourth Il-76MD-90A from 2019 production in the
has completed manufacture handed over to the VKS at It was also brought up factory at Ulyanovsk, where it was completed and rolled out on
of the next Il-76MD-90A Ulyanovsk on August 30 to the latest tactical and October 23. UAC Below: The first prototype Il-76MD-90A, 78650
for the VKS at Ulyanovsk. – see Sixth Il-76-MD90A technical requirements (c/n 0102), being towed out of the Aviastar plant at Ulyanovsk
The heavy transport has delivered, November, p20. of the customer. on October 18 after completion of a series of additional
Separately, UAC announced The aircraft has now modifications and upgrades. UAC
been transferred to the
flight-testing station to on October 18 that a series been passed to the
undergo fuel system tests of improvements has been flight-test station where
prior to its first flight. applied to the first prototype it will resume trials.
The aircraft was the fourth Il-76MD-90A, 78650 After performing factory
example built under the 2019 (c/n 0102) by Aviastar at flight tests, it will be flown
production programme as Ulyanovsk and it will shortly from Ulyanovsk-Vostochny
part of a contract with the resume joint flight tests. International Airport to the
Russian defence ministry These modifications followed Ilyushin facility at Zhukovsky,
and is the seventh Il-76MD- analysis of both the first for the second stage of state
90A overall. It will shortly stage of state tests and the joint tests. Dave Allport
United
States Uruguayan Air Argentina
signs contract
donates Force open for four US
surplus P-3Cs
Bell 212 to
Uruguay house ARGENTINA IS to acquire
four surplus US Navy P-3Cs
from the US government.
On September 27, the
country’s defence minister,
Oscar Aguad, said that a
purchase agreement has
been concluded for the
aircraft, which will replace
the current Comando de
Aviación Naval (COAN,
Argentine Naval Aviation
Command) fleet of six
P-3Bs, all of which are
The afternoon of the open house at Pando included an now non-operational. The
Above: The new FAU Bell 212
aerobatic performance by the Escuadrilla Tango team, current Orions require
seen at Huntsville, Alabama,
comprising four F-260EUs from the EMA. Esteban G Brea
while being refurbished expensive upgrades
prior to handover from the THE FUERZA Aérea Marchetti F-260EU. The Infraestructura Aeronáutica and major structural
US government. The origin Uruguaya (FAU, Uruguayan Escuadrón Aéreo No 3 (DINACIA, the country’s refurbishment, including
of the airframe is currently Air Force) staged an open (Transporte) from Carrasco civil aviation and aviation main spar replacement,
unclear. FAU house event at the Escuela provided a C212-300 Aviocar, infrastructure directorate) and it was determined that
THE US government has Militar de Aeronáutica which was part of the static with a TB-10 Tobago, the purchase of newer, second-
donated a Bell 212 to the (EMA, Military Aeronautics display, as well as delivering FAU’s Escuadrón Aéreo No 7 hand P-3Cs that have only
Fuerza Aérea Uruguaya School) in Pando city, paratroopers and performing (Observación y Enlace) with recently been retired by the
(FAU, Uruguayan Air Force). Canelones on October 6. a flypast. The Carrasco- a Cessna U-206H Stationair US Navy would be cheaper.
The FAU announced The event provided visitors based Escuadrón Aéreo and the Escuadrón de Vuelo Negotiations with the US
on October 27 that it with a close look at various No 5 (Helicópteros) was Avanzado (EVA, Advanced Navy for the purchase had
anticipated taking delivery FAU aircraft, with EMA also present with a UH-1H Flying Squadron) with a been ongoing since 2016.
of the helicopter, valued static exhibits comprising that made a search-and- PC-7U. These types were Aguad said that the
at approximately US$3m, examples of the Beechcraft rescue demonstration. all on static display before COAN had also considered
around November 22 at UB-58 Baron, LET L-13 Other units deployed making several passes on purchasing two new
Huntsville International Blaník, Piper PA-18-150 were the Dirección departure for their home Airbus C295MPAs, but a
Airport, Alabama. Super Cub and a SIAI- Nacional de Aviación Civil e units. Esteban G Brea number of factors swayed
The new aircraft will join the decision in favour of
the P-3Cs. These included
More Peruvian Frogfoots refurbished
the four FAU Bell 212s
currently operated by easier conversion training,
Brigada Aérea 1’s Escuadrón plus the P-3C’s longer
A VISIT to the facilities of the
Aéreo No 5 (Helicópteros) endurance and greater
Servicio de Mantenimiento
at Carrasco International weapons payload.
de la Fuerza Aérea del Perú
Airport/General Cesáreo Local media reports say
(SEMAN) at Base Aérea Las
L Berisso (Montevideo- that the deal stipulates that
Palmas in Lima in October
Canelones). Two of these the four P-3Cs allocated for
provided an update on local
are deployed with the the COAN must not have
Su-25 refurbishment efforts.
Uruguayan Aviation Unit been out of active US Navy
Under the programme, ten
(URUAVU) at Bukavu in service for more than two
of the 18 aircraft received
the Democratic Republic of years prior to delivery. First
are to undergo a major
the Congo, supporting the consignments are expected
inspection and refurbishment.
United Nations Organization to take place next year.
A US$32m contract was
Stabilization Mission in the Above: Peruvian Air Force Su-25 ‘71’ at SEMAN’s facilities in Las The contract, reportedly
signed with Rosoboronexport
Democratic Republic of the Palmas. Ian French valued at around $60m,
in December 2014. Of this,
Congo (MONUSCO). After includes four additional
US$15.5m is allocated for The first aircraft to complete The fourth aircraft,
completion of evaluation by aircraft to be used for
repair of major assemblies the programme, Su-25 ‘070’ Su-25 ‘071’, is currently
FAU personnel in the US, spares, plus further spares
and accessories, US$8.2m (which took six months), being worked on and was
the additional helicopter and technical equipment.
for new brake parachutes, returned to service in August scheduled for delivery in
was expected to be shipped The P-3Cs will be
spare parts and technical last year and a total of three December. The next aircraft
to Uruguay at the end operated by the COAN’s
manuals and US$8.3m for have now been delivered will be ‘075’, ‘077’, ‘078’,
of November, soon after former P-3B unit – the
the overhaul of 20 R-95Sh (Su-25UBs ‘085’ in March ‘079’, ‘080’ and ‘087’, the
which it is scheduled Escuadrilla Aeronaval de
engines. This equates to this year and ‘083’ in August latter two being Su-25UBs.
to be deployed to the Exploración, stationed at
US$3.2m per aircraft and will 2019). For the third aircraft, Currently only one aircraft
DRC to join the URUAVU Base Aeronaval Almirante
cover six single-seat Su-25s ‘083’, the programme length is being worked on at
detachment. Dave Allport Zar, Trelew. Dave Allport
and four two-seat Su-25UBs. was reduced to four months. a time. Ian French
In Brief
A-Darter missile in Brasília on September considering employing its AS332F Super Pumas. (or AV-TM 300) surface-to-
formally qualified 26. The missile has been fleet of four AS365Fi Dauphin Brazilian Air Force surface missile, the weapon
Certification authorities from integrated, qualified and 2s for tactical missions on developing cruise missile has undergone integration
Brazil and South Africa have cleared for South African JAS board its new-generation The Brazilian Air Force has tests on the central pylon of
given final approval for the 39C/D Gripens and will arm warships. The former Irish Air revealed a programme to an F-5M fighter. The 186-mile
A-Darter infrared-guided Brazil’s Gripen E/F fighters. Corps rotorcraft are currently develop a long-range air- (300km) range missile will
short-range air-to-air missile. Chilean Navy Dauphin 2s used for utility work but could launched cruise missile, the feature inertial/GPS guidance
Joint type certificates were may gain tactical mission be upgraded to complement MICLA-BR. An air-launched and an image correlation
awarded to the company The Chilean Navy is the fleet of five seagoing development of the MTC-300 system for terminal navigation.
Latest
Nigerian
Uganda expands and First two
KA-1s for
Air Force modernises L-39 fleet Senegal
AW109E take shape
NIGERIAN AIR Force KOREA AEROSPACE
(NAF) AW109E Power Industries (KAI) has nearly
c/n 11847 was noted at completed manufacturing
Venegono in Italy during a the first Armée de l’Air
test flight from Leonardo’s Sénégalaise (Senegalese
factory airfield at Vergiate Air Force) KA-1S Woongbi
on October 17. Wearing light attack aircraft. An
Italian test registration image posted on Twitter on
CSX81963, it’s one of two October 19 showed one of
examples ready to be the aircraft, serial number
delivered to the NAF. 02/6W-CAB, on the KAI
In December last year, production line in Sacheon,
the Nigerian chief of fully painted in Senegalese
air staff, Air Marshal Air Force colours and
Sadique Abubakar, markings. The serial
Above: Fresh from overhaul and modernisation, L-39ZA AF 713 lands at Odessa International
announced acquisition suggests this is the second
Airport, Ukraine, after a test flight on October 28. It’s the second aircraft of the last batch of UPDAF
of six Powers from aircraft, the first most
L-39s that arrived at the OAZ plant on March 31. The first was L-39ZA AF 721, which was flight tested
Leonardo to supplement on September 24. Redelivery of both to Uganda was scheduled for January 2020. Sergey Smolentsev likely being 01/6W-CAA.
the AW109LUHs in KAI announced on July 19,
service since 2010. The THE FOUR ex-Bulgarian The UPDAF received its 2017, but their source and 2016, that it had received
Nigerian government L-39ZAs delivered to the first three ex-Libyan Air original identities have yet an order for four aircraft
initially budgeted for two Uganda People’s Defence Force L-39ZO trainers to be established. Further from Senegal. The contract
AW109s, which arrived in Air Force (UPDAF) in 2009- in 1987; these are still in L-39ZAs followed in 2018- had been signed four days
the country in crates on 10 recently underwent an service today. In the late 19, when three ex-Bulgarian earlier. At the time it was
April 22. These aircraft – overhaul and modernisation 2000s, Uganda acquired and one ex-Romanian stated that the order was
NAF576 (c/n 11844) and at the OAZ plant in Ukraine, four ex-Bulgarian Air Force aircraft were delivered after for the export variant of the
NAF577 (c/n 11845) – were receiving the same package L-39ZAs, which were overhaul and modernisation KT-1 basic trainer, but the
immediately reassembled as four newly acquired overhauled in Ukraine in at OAZ (see The Odessa latest reports suggest that it
and presented during the aircraft. The first batch of jets 2009-10. An ex-East German File, October 2019, p76-81). is the KA-1 armed advanced
NAF’s 55th anniversary (AF 709 and AF 735) returned L-39ZO was bought on These four aircraft received trainer with light attack
celebrations in Abuja from to Uganda in September, the civilian market shortly UPDAF serials in the AF and forward air control
April 27-29. Ahead of the while the second (AF 713 afterwards. At least two 700 range, the 2019 batch capabilities that is being
festivities, Air Commodore and AF 721) is expected to additional L-39ZAs appear becoming AF 718 and AF procured. Dave Allport
Nnamdi Ananaba said return in January 2020. to have been acquired by 729. Vladimir Trendafilovski
the air force would soon
In Brief
More Mi-35Ms examples in 2015. Nigerian The US State Department support. The aircraft will Russia has delivered at least
for Nigeria Ambassador to Russia Steve has approved a possible be used for training pilots one new Mi-17 helicopter
Reports in the Russian Davies Ugbah announced Foreign Military Sale of 12 and supporting Tunisia’s to Mozambique. The
media suggest Nigeria recently that Russia has T-6C Texan IIs to Tunisia counterterrorism and photos show the Hip being
has signed a deal for the already delivered six of the at an estimated cost of border security missions. unloaded from an An-124-
delivery of another 12 Mi-35 Mi-35Ms under this contract. US$234m, including related New Hip for Mozambique 100 at Nacala Airport in
attack helicopters. Nigeria Tunisia lines up spares, ground support Based on photographs northern Mozambique
placed an earlier order for 12 T-6C Texan II equipment and technical released on social media, on September 25.
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European
tankers gain
momentum
Europe’s relative lack of air-to-air refuelling assets has often served to hinder NATO campaigns in the
past. Now, as Alan Warnes explains, modernisation plans are starting to bear fruit.
E
uropean reliance on the European marketplace, although AAR cell as a stepping-stone to don’t currently have such assets,
US and its 450 or so the German and French air arms enhancing tanking capabilities although that is set to change.
refuelling tankers was a have ordered five Lockheed in Europe. The EATC sets out According to the EATC, its
common theme during Operation Martin KC-130Js between them. to standardise and harmonise AAR assets flew more than 400
Allied Force over the former Air-to-air refuellers are expensive, procedures among its seven missions in 2018. A spokesman
Yugoslavia in 1999, Operation but they are vital to long-distance member nations: Belgium, France, told AFM in late September this
Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan deployments and supporting allied Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, year: “We prioritise the available
from 2001 to 2014, and Operation aircraft in combat. In a time of the Netherlands and Spain. requests against the available
Unified Protector over Libya in 2011. crisis, the commanders compiling Today, headquartered at assets and so far this year we
NATO and the European Union the battle plans will be keen to
(EU) promised to improve matters have as many AAR assets as EATC’s current AAR assets
and since 2014 there have been possible on hand. Up to the end Country Aircraft Number assigned Type
some serious efforts to acquire of the Cold War, NATO had always France C-160NG 3 drogue only
more air-to-air refuelling (AAR) concentrated its resources in Germany A310 MRTT 2 drogue only
capability for European air arms. preparation for a war that might A400M 1 drogue only
The Airbus A330 Multi-Role take place on its doorstep, and
Italy KC-767A 4 boom and drogue
Tanker Transport (MRTT) has been tankers were a lesser priority.
KC-130J 3 drogue only
at the centre of this, and it’s now Times have changed, and the
being augmented by the A400M’s EU is finally coming to terms Netherlands KDC-10 2 boom only
roll-on/roll-off AAR system. So with the realisation that fighting Spain KC-130H 5 drogue only
have executed around 350 AAR & Air-to-air Refuelling and other Above: Airbus has been working with the Spanish Air Force test centre and
missions. They have included Exchange of Services (ATARES) Ejército del Aire receivers to assist with the AAR certification of its A400M.
Here, Spanish A400M TK.23-03 ‘31-23’ (c/n 076) of Ala 31 leads the Luftwaffe’s
national training flights, cross- agreement using equivalent flying 54+11 (c/n 054) of Lufttransportgeschwader 62. Airbus
national training, trail/ferry hours (EFH). The hours charged Below: Colonel Jurgen van der Biezen of the Royal Netherlands Air Force took
flights to and from theatres of can be based on a dedicated command of the MMF unit on July 16, and is currently training on the A330
operation, national/international slot, dedicated sortie, multi-user MRTT in Seville. The first four crews – each comprising two pilots and a boom
operator – are currently undergoing ground training with Airbus in Seville. Airbus
exercises (ie Trident Juncture, sortie, opportunity slot or any
European Air Refuelling Training other bilateral AAR agreement.
[EART], Arctic Challenge, Red According to the EATC, these
Flag) and support for operational niche aircraft have been used
missions like Baltic Air Policing.” by NATO and allied partners
Each EATC member country with including Belgium, the Czech
tanker capability or AAR receivers Republic, Finland, France,
provides one point of contact for Germany, Italy, the Netherlands,
related missions in the National AAR Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden,
Coordination Centre (NAARCC). the UK and the US, as well as
The NAARCC receives the NATO’s Heavy Airlift Wing and
requirements and translates them the NATO Airborne Early Warning
into an air transport request (ATR) & Control Force (NAEW&CF).
in the Management of European Air EATC is now working closely
Transport (MEAT) system. Within with the new Multinational
the ATR, a preferred tanker asset MRTT Fleet (MMF) as it ramps
can be requested to support the up its capabilities. Preparatory
mission, ie boom or hose/drogue. work started over a year ago
Payment for cross-nation AAR is and is almost complete. The
worked out under the Air Transport EATC spokesman explained:
The A400M successfully completed its first helicopter AAR contacts with an H225M on September 24. Over the course
of four flights – operated in daylight over southern France – the airlifter performed 51 dry contacts under the co-
ordination of the French DGA Essais en Vol flight-test centre. DGA Essais en Vol
“This co-ordination process is three. Original launch partners maiden flight on November 28 last the Czech Air Force commander,
about development of common the Netherlands and Luxembourg year at Getafe, Spain. Der Kinderen Major General Petr Hromek told
operational documents, support were joined by Germany and continued: “The first four crews AFM in mid-September: “I have
and harmonisation of requirements. Norway in 2017, which led to – each comprising two pilots and been discussing with the German
But for the day-to-day work on five more aircraft being ordered, a boom operator – are currently Air Force commander about
tanker requests we don’t expect and last year Belgium joined, undergoing ground training at working with his AAR-equipped
any differences compared to an air increasing the order to eight. [Airbus] Seville, Spain. They are A400Ms. There is some way to go
transport request. EATC chooses Der Kinderen commented: “These from Germany, the Netherlands yet, because the Gripen has to be
the most effective asset and tasks are not sovereign assets – the and Belgium, the only three certified as an A400M receiver.
an executing agency to fulfil it.” nations don’t own them but they nations that provide flying staff.” But I’m positive it will happen.”
have ‘assured access’ to the flying Aircrews have already been The Czech government signed a
MMF hours and the partner nations are selected from the participating letter of intent with Embraer for two
As mentioned in the October issue, the only ones that can use them.” nations to fly the first three KC-390s in 2010 and, if the purchase
the newly founded MMF is set to The Netherlands will take up aircraft. Colonel Jurgen van goes ahead, the Czech Air Force
take delivery of its first A330 MRTT 2,000 hours a year, equivalent der Biezen of the RNLAF took could eventually have its own AAR
next May 2. Jan Der Kinderen, the to nearly two aircraft, and as the command of the MMF unit on solution. Meanwhile, Portugal has
NATO Support and Procurement MRTTs are controlled under Dutch July 16, and is currently training ordered five KC-390s, which could
Agency’s (NSPA’s) MMF system military rules, all will wear Royal on the A330 MRTT in Seville. also address local tanker needs.
manager, recently told AFM: Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) Der Kinderen believes the MMF
“The A330 MRTT was our tanker roundels and serials. Belgium will will be of considerable interest French modernisation
of choice and a little different take 1,000 hours, Luxembourg to smaller nations that cannot Over the past few years there’s been
from the Voyager configuration 200 and Norway 100. The Czech afford their own tankers. He significant progress in efforts to
employed by the RAF. The UK has Republic signed a memorandum hopes the Czech Republic joining energise and increase Europe’s AAR
triple hose and drogues, which of understanding with NATO’s will be a catalyst for others to fleets. In April, EATC’s commander
includes the central station, but MMF on October 24 for 100 hours, follow suit, like Hungary with Major General Laurent Marboeuf
many of the participating nations which will increase the total hours its Gripens, and Slovakia, which told the Aerial Refuelling Systems
have aircraft that require boom to 8,900. Der Kinderen told AFM: will receive F-16s in 2023-24. Advisory Group (ARSAG) conference
receivers, so we needed a boom.” “Not all of the hours will be taken The Czech Air Force also hopes in North Carolina that the number
The MMF deal for eight A330 up by AAR. Many of the countries to continue addressing its AAR of AAR assets would triple by
MRTTs – to be designated will use the aircraft for transport needs with assistance from the 2025, due mainly to the expansion
KC-30M in service – also as well as medical evacuation.” German Luftwaffe. In the past it has of the A400M and MRTT fleets.
includes options on another The first NATO A330 made its worked with their A310 MRTTs, but The French Air Force has recently
The first of two KDC-10s currently serving the Royal Netherlands Air Force is expected to be retired by the end of 2019. Earlier this year, serial T-235 (c/n 46946)
‘Jan Scheffer’ received markings to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the RNLAF’s 334 Squadron – the tankers’ operating unit at Eindhoven. Alan Warnes
Above: France took delivery of the first of two KC-130J Hercules tankers on
September 19 when serial 5874 (c/n 5874) arrived at Orléans. The variant was
awarded military type certification by the Direction générale de l’armement
(DGA, the French defence procurement agency) on September 5. Armeé de l’Air/
Mathilde Defossez Left: NATO’s MMF will receive its first A330 MRTT on May 2
next year. The initial aircraft for the force is KC-30M MRTT054 (c/n 1830), seen
wearing Spanish test registration EC-340; it will receive the serial M-001 once it
enters service. Airbus
European tanker fleets made some major in-roads in nuclear deterrence mission from
upgrading its tanker fleet. Two BA 125 as well as offering intra
France A330 MRTTs ordered in 2014 and inter-theatre refuelling and
A330 MRTT 12 Two ordered in 2014 and ten in December 2015. First have now been delivered to strategic transport capabilities. It is
pair delivered to Istres and declared operational Base Aérienne (BA) 125 Istres- the first step towards replacing the
October 2019 and remainder to be delivered by end of Le Tubé, where the last arrived current fleet of three KC-135RGs
2023. on July 3. After a technical and and 11 C-135FRs that have served
KC-135RG 3 Upgraded C-135FR. operational evaluation campaign since August 1985, some of which
C-135FR 11 In service from August 1985. to develop the procedures for the are nearly 60 years old. As a multi-
aircraft by the Centre d’Expertise role aircraft, the A330 will also
KC-130J 2 On order; one delivered and the second to be delivered
next year. Aérienne Militaire (CEAM, the replace the Airbus A310 and A340
French military flight-test centre), aircraft of Escadron de Transport
Germany
the first two A330 Phénix aircraft (ET) 3/60 ‘Esterel’. By 2023, the
A310-304 4 In service from February 2009. were declared operational in Phénix fleet should be able to
KC-130J 3 On order; to be delivered in 2021. October last year. Ten more deploy 20 Rafales in 48 hours.
Italy ordered in December 2015 will Additionally, the first of two
be delivered by the end of 2023. KC-130J refuellers ordered in
KC-130J 3 Upgraded with AAR kits from 2011. One aircraft was lost
They will serve with the Escadron 2017 and 2018 was delivered
November 23, 2009.
de Ravitaillement en Vol et de to BA 123 Orléans-Bricy on
KC-767A 4 In service from May 2011. Transport Stratégique 1/31 (ERVTS, September 19. The second
Netherlands aerial refuelling and strategic should be delivered next year.
KDC-10 2 In service from November 2012. Both to be retired by transport squadron) ‘Bretagne’. The KC-130J will allow the air
end of 2021. On October 3, the A330 Phénix force to refuel H225M Caracal
Spain was declared operational in helicopters, giving them greater
support of the nuclear deterrence reach. The French, frustrated by
KC-130H 5 In service from 1976, will eventually be replaced by
mission and is now an integral part the lack of progress with helicopter
A400Ms.
of the strategic air force system. AAR work on the A400M, opted
Sweden This followed a year of evaluation for the KC-130J. These will be
TP 84T Hercules 1 In service from 2005. by CEAM using the first aircraft, operated by ET 2/61 ‘Franche-
UK which arrived at Istres on October Comté’, initially based at Orléans,
2, 2018. The Phénix is now able to and will likely spell the end of
Voyager KC2/3 14 In service from 2012.
carry out tanking in support of the the AAR-equipped C-160NGs.
Four 100th ARW KC-135Rs perform an ‘elephant walk’ as they take off together from RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk. The Stratotankers were participating in off-station
training to practise four-ship formation procedures. USAF/Karen Abeyasekere
Above: On December 13 last year the DGA placed an order with Airbus for a further three A330 MRTTs. These constitute
the third and final tranche of the multi-year contract for 12 examples signed by the French defence ministry in 2014. The
first Phénix was formally handed over in October 2018 and the remainder will be delivered by the end of 2023. Airbus
Shortly after delivery of the first Airbus AAR solutions only two have been delivered announced it had successfully
KC-130J, Colonel Stanislas Michel, In recent years, Airbus has so far; the MMF has purchased completed certification flight tests
commander of BA 123, said: created a niche in the air-to-air eight, with the first expected to for the A400M Cargo Hold Tanks
“This new KC-130J capability is refuelling world, and central to that be handed over next May 2; while (CHT) refuelling unit. It is another
important, especially for tactical air success has been its development the RAF/Air Tanker has 14. step towards full certification of
force missions with the Caracal. We and manufacture of the Aerial As of October, 31 aircraft had been the aircraft for tanker operations.
want to be able to implement this Refuelling Boom System (ARBS). cleared to refuel from the A330 A roll-on/roll-off hose drum unit,
capacity in three months; that’s the In service since 2011, when Royal MRTT, according to Airbus. Among the CHT can be installed inside the
priority and it will be a real asset Australian Air Force KC-30As these platforms are the Typhoon, cargo hold to extend a hose from
for search and rescue missions.” were the first to be fitted, it’s now Rafale, A400M, A330 MRTT, F-15, the fuselage to allow refuelling of
The Hercules crews will complete a mature and proven system that F-16, F/A-18, F-22, F-35, Su-27, Su-30, larger aircraft such as the A400M or
a two-week simulator training has evolved throughout the years E-3 AWACS and B-52. As an Airbus C295. Airbus did not disclose which
course in Italy and the aircraft will be until reaching the required level of spokesman told AFM: “This is one of air forces want AAR systems for the
evaluated before it is made available. reliability. The boom is assembled the great advantages compared to A400Ms, or how many are currently
“The real evolution is extending the during the conversion process, its major competitor, which only has on order. The test campaign,
helicopter range,” said Michel, “when being added in the installation and five US receivers cleared as of the performed together with the
operational, it means the helicopter equipment conversion station. end of August 2019, none of them Centro Logístico de Armamento
can perform four to five-hour The A330 MRTT can perform with the underwing pod system.” y Experimentación (CLAEX, the
missions compared with an hour- different missions simultaneously: The underwing Cobham Mk32 Spanish Air Force test centre),
and-a-half now.” Two crews from refuelling; transporting troops, AAR pods for the A400M are featured a total of nine flights
ET 2/61 have already been trained, cargo and VIPs; and aeromedical also used on the A330 MRTT. during which 90 tonnes of fuel
a third is currently in training and a evacuation. It is tailored to the Since its entry into service with were dispensed to EF-18 receivers
fourth will follow. “The goal is that customer’s operational needs the RAAF in June 2011, the A330 and to another A400M prototype
our seven crews are qualified fairly and in the AAR role can be fitted MRTT had accumulated more than serving as a representative heavy
quickly,” the commander continued. with two underwing pods, one 200,000 flying hours in service aircraft receiver. The test campaign
As part of Franco-German ARBS, and a Universal Aerial by early October this year. included development and
co-operation on the C-130J, a Refueling Receptacle Slipway Airbus is also developing AAR certification of the CHT with the
bi-national training centre will be Installation (UARRSI) which allows systems for its A400M airlifters. latest fuel quantity management
operational by 2021. France and it to receive fuel in flight. All the While the Atlas can already refuel system software – to be certified by
Germany signed a deal in October MRTT customers have selected fighters and transports, it’s not the end of this year – enhancement
2016 to base a C-130J unit at BA 105 the standard pod and boom been so easy with helicopters of the night refuelling vision
Évreux-Fauville. After the German configuration except the Royal because of the wake from the system and preliminary testing
government announced planned Air Force, which doesn’t have the A400M’s propellers. Last year, hose of helicopter AAR capabilities.
acquisition of the aircraft in April boom. So far, 60 A330 MRTTs have extension tests demonstrated the Proximity trials continued this year
2017, the US cleared the way in May been ordered and 34 are either design was stable when extended and, in September, dry contacts
for the Luftwaffe to acquire three serving or have been ordered by in flight within the intended demonstrated that the solution
C-130Js and three KC-130Js under a European customers. The French envelope for AAR operations. is stable and now suitable for
Foreign Military Sales (FMS) deal. Air Force has ordered 12, although Last February 21, Airbus helicopter AAR, paving the way
for the system’s certification. Dry
contacts have been completed
with the H225 Caracal, while
the H160 has been tested in
proximity to the A400M. An Airbus
spokesman told AFM: “Standard
procedures are that the operators
will qualify/clear the specific
A400M plus helicopter pairing. This
is exactly the same as for fixed-
wing receivers, for which every
operator has qualified the specific
combination of tanker and receiver.”
Over the past two years, the
French Air Force has qualified the
An RAAF F/A-18F and Italian Air Force KC-767A A400M with the Rafale, while Spain
transit to the battlespace over Iraq as part of the has qualified it with the EF-18 and
air campaign to defeat and degrade so-called Eurofighter, German A400Ms have
Islamic State. The four-strong Italian KC-767
fleet – in service with the 8° Gruppo at Pratica worked with the F/A-18, Eurofighter
di Mare since May 2011 – replaced a similar and Tornado, and Malaysia has
number of KC-707As. FLTLT Guy/Commonwealth of qualified the tanker with the F/A-
Australia, Department of Defence 18, Su-30MKM and Hawk. AFM
www.ravenarmoury.com
Exercise
Report Sea Breeze 2019
T
he main goals of all means at its disposal, starting (naval operations in the Danube) This year the ground component
Sea Breeze include with exerting economic pressure was notably enhanced. – approximately 900 troops
strengthening maritime by blocking off access to the Black As is customary, the exercise from Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine
security and stability in the Sea for civilian commercial ship consisted of an initial and an and the US, with armoured and
Black Sea region by improving traffic from the Danube. This was active phase. In its initial phase, unarmoured vehicles of all types
co-operation and interoperability followed by clandestine missions during the first week, exercise – formed a Multinational Battalion
between participating nations. The to smuggle in weaponry and participants achieved a required (MNBN). This was headquartered
latest iteration ran from July 1-12 and special operations forces (SOF) level of interoperability by taking at the Chabanka training range,
involved no fewer than 20 countries: personnel aboard civilian ships, part in a series of basic ‘scripted’ situated at a major Zbroyni Syly
Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, in order to launch subversive events involving standard tasks. Ukrayiny (ZSU, Ukrainian Armed
Estonia, France, Georgia, Greece, actions to disrupt normal life in the The active phase began in the Forces) base in Chornomorske,
Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, friendly country. This ultimately second week and was organised in some 13 miles (21km) northeast
Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, led to internal turmoil, an excuse a ‘free play’ format – in which none of Odessa and not far from the
Sweden, Turkey, UK, Ukraine and for the rogue nation to launch an of the participants in an exercise Black Sea shore. The Ukrainian
the US. Together, they contributed all-out military campaign against event are aware of the task in servicemen came from the
around 3,000 service personnel, 70 it, with conventional airborne and advance and thus have to act 503rd Naval Infantry Battalion
vehicles, more than 30 vessels and amphibious landing operations. immediately upon a set of orders (503 obmp) of the Viys’kovo-
almost 30 aircraft and helicopters. The task of the friendly forces received in real time from the Mors’ki Syly (VMS, Ukrainian
The exercise had sea, land and air was to mount a peacekeeping Maritime Operations Centre (MOC). Navy), while the US servicemen
components and multiple phases operation under UN mandate. First, The MOC was again fully were from the US Marine Corps
conducted at various locations in they had to disrupt all attempts organised under NATO standards, – more specifically the Marine
the Kherson, Mykolayiv and Odessa by the rogue nation to destabilise acting as the multinational Rotational Force-Europe (MRF-
districts of Ukraine, plus an at-sea the friendly country and then, headquarters of the peacekeeping E) 19.2 stationed in Norway.
phase which took place in Ukrainian once open hostilities began, task force. Consisting largely of Ships and divers attending the
territorial and international waters. defeat its landing forces and bring Ukrainian personnel, it was tasked exercise were again stationed at the
order to the affected region. with planning and preparing all main VMS naval base in the port
This year’s specifics Although similar to scenarios orders for each exercise event of Odessa; its SOF element was
For 2019 the exercise scenario from previous years, this year in accordance with a basic set at the VMS SOF base in Ochakiv;
focused on a ‘neighbouring rogue the exercise operations were of tasks and rules, provided by while the amphibious element (part
nation’ attempting to subdue a conducted on a much higher the exercise command, to which of the 503 obmp) operated at the
‘friendly Black Sea country’ using level, while the riverine element it was directly subordinated. uninhabited Tendra Spit sandbar.
The air component its shipborne Above: Su-24M ‘28 White’ (c/n 0815328) of the 7 brTA
departs Kul’bakino for a live-firing sortie at a local
Just as last year (see Black Ka-27 training range on July 9. The ‘Fencers’ were there on a
Sea peacekeepers, November helicopters – separate PS exercise, but two took part in Sea Breeze
2018, p30-33), the bulk of the were absent this 2019, making their debut. This aircraft is one of only
air component was provided year. However, a few Su-24Ms that were operational before 2014 and
carries the unit’s ‘dragon’ emblem. All photos Sergey Smolentsev
by Ukraine. Its primary sources their place was unless stated Below: Two Mi-8MTs of the 11 obrAA – ‘130 Red’
were three ZSU services – the filled by the other (c/n 94838, in front) and ‘144 Red’ – deliver Bulgarian and
Povitryani Syly (PS, Ukrainian Air VMS helicopters, as Ukrainian SOF troops aboard the ‘Het’man Sahaydachnyy’ frigate
Force), Sukhoputni Viys’ka (SV, well as by rotorcraft aboard on July 9. The SOF troops performed a VBSS mission on the ‘Balta’
degaussing ship while it was under way. Ukrainian MoD/Yevheniy Sylkin
Ground Forces) and VMS, with the the warships of Standing NATO
Natsional’na Hvardiya Ukrayiny Maritime Group Two (SNMG2).
(NGU, National Guard of Ukraine) The PS provided four Su-25s from
and Derzhavna Prykordonna its 299 brihada taktichnoyi aviatsiyi
Sluzhba Ukrayiny (DPSU, State (brTA, tactical aviation brigade)
Border Guard Service of Ukraine) at Kul’bakino, plus two Su-24s of
providing additional assets. the 7 brTA at Starokostyantyniv
The single VMS aviation unit – that were temporarily detached
the 10 mors’ka aviatsiyna brihada to Kul’bakino on a separate PS
(mabr, naval aviation brigade) from exercise (see boxed item). In
Kul’bakino air base near Mykolayiv addition to these, two Su-27s –
– provided the two An-26 part of a quick reaction alert (QRA)
transports (‘09 and 10 Yellow’), detachment of four Flankers (‘28,
one Ka-226 search and rescue 30, 52 and 101 Blue’) from the
(SAR) helicopter (‘41 Yellow’), 831 brTA at Myrhorod air base,
one Mi-14PS SAR helicopter stationed at the Shkil’nyy military
(‘34 Yellow’) and two Mi-14PL apron of Odessa International
anti-submarine warfare (ASW) Airport – were placed in reserve
helicopters (‘35 and 36 Yellow’). for Sea Breeze but were not
Interestingly, some of its assets employed. All these were tasked
that regularly attended earlier Sea to provide combat air patrol (CAP)
Breeze exercises – most notably and close air support (CAS).
Two PS aircraft were on static display during the air component media day at Kul’bakino on July 9 –Su-24MR ‘60
Yellow’ (c/n 0741613) of the 7 brTA and Su-25M1K ‘19 Blue’ (c/n 25508110288) of the 299 brTA.
Above: Su-25M1K ‘19 Blue’ (c/n 25508110288) of the 299 brTA was one of two PS aircraft on static display during the air component media day at Kul’bakino on
July 9. This is the latest Su-25 to arrive from overhaul and modernisation at the ‘MiGremont’ facilities in Zaporizhzhya.
Sabre-rattling
Just before the start of Sea Breeze 2019, Sea Breeze 2019 was heading to its close. opportunity for NATO to conduct a helicopters aboard the SNMG2 ships
Russia ‘threw down the gauntlet’ by closing Furthermore, Russian ships began few intelligence, surveillance and also conducted ISR missions against
off certain areas of international waters shadowing NATO vessels arriving for reconnaissance (ISR) missions around the the Russian ships shadowing them.
in the Black Sea where the exercise was Sea Breeze as soon as they had entered Black Sea. For example, on July 3 the USAF With NATO, Ukrainian and Russian ships
originally supposed to take place. Moscow the Black Sea – the Smetlivy (870), a RQ-4B UAV 10-2041 and the US Navy P-8A operating in such close proximity to
went even further, organising a naval ‘Kashin’-class guided-missile destroyer, 169328 of VP-9 – both from NAS Sigonella each other, an incident was inevitable –
exercise of its own in the same location. began shadowing USS Carney, while the – operated in this area. On that same day at approximately 1000hrs local time on
This not only forced the Sea Breeze staff to Pytlivyy (868), a ‘Krivak II’-class frigate, the French Navy COMINT/ELINT ship Dupuy July 10, the Smetlivy deliberately slipped
change plans and divert the at-sea phase and Kasimov (055), a ‘Grisha III’-class de Lôme (A759) also entered the Black Sea in and out of the Sea Breeze exercise
to adjacent waters, but also meant the corvette, began shadowing HMCS Toronto – although not directly involved in Sea area just as US and Ukrainian ships
exercise fleet operated under the constant and HMS Duncan. Russian Navy aircraft Breeze, it monitored the exercise during were conducting a live firing exercise –
shadow of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet ships were there as well – at the start of the the at-sea phase – collecting electronic practising their naval gunnery skills on
and aircraft, especially since the Russian initial at-sea phase on July 2, a Su-24M signals emitted by sea, air and land- free-floating ‘killer tomato’ targets.
manoeuvres were wedged between Sea bomber made a few passes near USS based Russian communication systems, Russian ships were also present at the
Breeze’s two main exercise ranges. Russia Carney, just a few hours after it had left radars, etc. RAF Sentinel R1 aircraft also closing PHOTOEX on July 11. The exercise
also staged a large-scale aviation exercise the port of Odessa. Similarly, a Ka-27PS took part – aircraft ZJ692 and ZJ694 made fleet was shadowed by the Smetlivy and
in the annexed Crimea, which included came very close to the warship while four sorties in the region on July 8-11, the Azov (151), a ‘Ropucha II’-class landing
parachuting over 2,000 airborne troops it was returning to port on July 4. arriving straight from RAF Waddington, ship – the former was closer, sailing at a
from Il-76MD transports on July 11 – just as Nonetheless, this was also a perfect Lincolnshire. Finally, some of the shipborne distance of around 2-3 miles (3.2-4.8km).
In the footsteps
of legends
Historical background
Fought in the Netherlands in September fiercely to hold the highway corridor and
1944, Market Garden was the biggest defend the flow of reinforcements from
airborne operation of the war up to that the south against German counterattacks.
point. It consisted of two sub-operations: The road to Arnhem was dubbed ‘Hell’s
Market, an airborne assault intended to Highway’ due to the heavy fighting.
establish a bridgehead over the Rhine, This was the last successful German
and Garden, a ground attack to create counteroffensive and the Allies failed
a salient into German-held territor y. to secure a bridgehead over the Rhine.
However, it quickly ran into trouble, Despite taking control of Brabant
as the strength of German forces in the and Limburg in September, the Allied
area had been underestimated. Radio invasion of Europe was stalled, and
communications broke down, while the the central and northern Netherlands
Germans gained knowledge of the Allied suffered from famine during 1944-45.
plans after discovering an invasion map in Nevertheless, the operation provided
a crashed glider. Nevertheless, the 35,000 a solid base to liberate the other
British and American paratroopers fought parts of the country in spring 1945.
Inside the hangar of the Italian Air Force, Luftwaffe, as a great assignment, albeit Different nations use different
RNLAF’s Eindhoven-based Royal Air Force, RNLAF, USAF “pretty routine stuff” in terms equipment – for example, the
336 Squadron, hundreds of and US Marine Corps. of the airdrops. What made it German contingent brought
paratroopers gathered and Most of the paratroopers used different was the historical aspect the T-10 parachutes, and, the
checked each other’s parachutes. the static line technique, which and the opportunity to honour the previous day, the US colonel had
Military personnel from Belgium, entails fully automatic parachute heroes of World War Two as part jumped with a British parachute.
the Czech Republic, Denmark, opening after passing a hook on of the commemorative events. As An important aspect was gaining
France, Germany, Italy, Poland, the rear section of the aircraft. a jumpmaster, the colonel was experience with jumpers from
the Netherlands, South Africa, September 21 also saw 36 soldiers responsible for controlling a group other nations, using other types of
the United Kingdom and the jump from higher altitude, pulling of paratroopers as they left the parachutes, different configurations
United States were present. the ’chutes open themselves. aircraft. “We have represented of troops and jumping from
The aircraft took off from [here in the Netherlands] every different aircraft flown by
Eindhoven in mixed formations, Improving skills year since 2011 and bring different other nations. Put together,
comprising transports from Speaking to AFM, a US special types of parachutes with us, such this was a great opportunity
the Belgian Air Component, forces colonel described OMG2019 as the T-11 or MC-6.” to improve interoperability.
C-130J 99-55822 ‘RS-86’ of the ‘Blue Tail Flies’ of the 37th Airlift Squadron/86th
Airlift Wing based at Ramstein AB in Germany.
German presence landing speed between 5 and 10kts. the chance to join the others half-tracks and motorcycles,
Oberstleutnant (Lt Col) Markus As leading officer, Lt Col Meyer in the commemorations. Today, joined the commemorative
Meyer, commanding officer of the jumped in the middle of the row. Germany and the Netherlands parade. Many civilians – in
German Fallschirmjägerregiment Using the static line, the parachute operate some joint military units, particular, schoolchildren –
26, has 25 years’ experience as deploys immediately, and the with commanding roles rotating witnessed the apparently
a paratrooper. The day before he soldier has little to do until they between the two nations. endless stream of vehicles.
spoke with AFM, he had jumped touch down. Only a little steering In total, 684 re-enactors, mainly
with the Belgian Air Component is possible and, after some 30 Memorial parade from the UK and the Netherlands,
and he was preparing to embark in seconds, the heaviest jumper With the help of the Dutch military recreated the atmosphere of
a US aircraft, providing a chance or the one with the heaviest and numerous volunteers, the LTF September 1944, supported by
to experience the T-11 or MC-6. He equipment will land first. The organised an event to recreate many others. Over the week
explained that while the 1950s-era aircraft will be flying low to reduce the period of liberation in 1944. of celebrations, sites were
T-10 used by the German contingent the jumpers’ vulnerability periods. Around 250 historic military visited between Leopoldsburg
is very fast, newer parachutes Lt Col Meyer explained that vehicles, including 14 Sherman in Belgium and Arnhem in the
provide more comfort with a Germany was very happy to get tanks and 68 armoured cars plus Netherlands, with volunteers
overnighting in ‘base camps’.
While visiting one such camp,
a young truck driver proudly
displayed an old black-and-white
photo in the back of his cab. He
spoke with respect about the
person in the photograph, Kevin
Gillian, his wife’s grandfather.
Gillian had jumped with the 11th
Battalion above Arnhem in 1944.
He managed to reach within
100 feet of the bridge over the
Rhine before being shot in the
neck. The British Army moved
him to Oosterbeek, but when
Allied forces had to be evacuated
across the river by Polish soldiers,
they were forced to leave him
behind. He became a prisoner of
war but survived the conflict.
KC-130J 166380 ‘BH-6389’ of
Heroes of the past, like
VMGR-252 gets in close to the
camera ship. The squadron, Kevin Gillian, now serve to
known as ‘Otis’, is stationed inspire a younger generation,
at Marine Corps Air Station to ensure that their sacrifice
Cherry Point, North Carolina.
continues to be remembered. AFM
Burden of choice
T
he impressive Su-22M4 Fitter-K
brought the Polish air arm – today’s Siły Life in the nations of the so-called Socialist
Powietrzne (SP, Polish Air Force) – into bloc was divided into five-year periods. In 1980
the era of flight computers, a variety of modern the United Warsaw Pact Forces Command,
air-to-ground missiles – including its first anti- dominated by the USSR, planned the major
radiation missiles – as well as self-defence military equipment purchases for Poland for
equipment such as pod-mounted jammers the period 1981-85. The air defence fighter
and infrared and radar decoy dispensers. force was to purchase three regiments of MiG-
The purchase of the Su-22 strike aircraft 23ML fighters and a squadron (eight aircraft)
(or fighter-bomber, in Soviet terminology) of MiG-25P interceptors. Tactical aviation
has its origins in the first half of the 1960s, was to be re-equipped with Su-22M3 fighter-
when Poland acquired 44 of the Mach-2- bombers, MiG-25RB reconnaissance and
capable Su-7BM/BKL/U jets (six Su-7BMs, bomber aircraft, Su-25 attack aircraft and Tu-143
30 Su-30BKLs and eight two-seat Su-7U Reys unmanned reconnaissance drones.
versions). Su-7 deliveries took place over 14 Brigadier General Roman Harmoza, who
years: combat versions were delivered to participated in decision-making ahead of
Poland during 1964-72, and trainers during Poland’s Cold War-era military equipment
1970-78. The two-seat Su-7Us were used to purchases, told AFM many years later that “our
train pilots not only on the Su-7, but also the goal was always to shirk from as great a part
later Su-20. When Poland looked to purchase of these plans as it was possible”. The Poles,
further strike aircraft in the 1970s, the variable- using the country’s difficult economic situation
geometry Su-20 was selected. The USSR also as an argument, purchased only one MiG-23MF
offered Poland the MiG-23BN, but the Su-20 squadron in the early 1980s (to supplement
was cheaper and offered continuity with the two squadrons of these fighters acquired in the
already familiar Su-7. The initial six Su-20s were previous five-year period) and one regiment
delivered to Poland in the first half of 1974, of much cheaper MiG-21bis fighters. Purchase
chiefly for propaganda purposes; the goal of the Su-22 was postponed, which had the
was to present the new aircraft during advantage that Poland would receive the M4
a parade on July 22, 1974 – the 30th version – the best of the Su-17/22 family.
anniversary of the People’s Republic Negotiations with the USSR also
of Poland. The next 20 aircraft were concerned the configuration of the
not purchased until 1976. The aircraft. The Soviets pushed for the
air force was satisfied with the version powered by a Tumansky
Su-7 and Su-20, so the Su-22 R-29BS-300 turbojet, since
was an obvious choice as the gradual reduction of MiG-23
subsequent strike aircraft. and MiG-27 output had led to
Neither the Su-22 or its Su-20 predecessor had dedicated reconnaissance variants, but both could be
used for reconnaissance after fitting the KKR pod, carried on the centreline station.
for the poor accuracy of the navigation system). in each wing root (only the starboard cannon
The Su-22M4s had the equipment required for
carrying nuclear weapons – as had all Polish
is fitted in two-seaters), with 80 rounds each.
In a real-world mission in low-level flight, a
From the cockpit
tactical aircraft beginning with the MiG-21PFM major portion of the 8,818lb (4,000kg) load
in 1968. However, in peacetime the Polish units capacity would be taken up by external fuel
did not receive the bombs themselves. tanks. Typically, the Su-22s fly with two 800-
Poland purchased four types of guided air- lit (176-Imp gal) PTB-800 drop tanks, less
to-surface missiles (ASMs) for the Su-22. Two often with four PTB-800s, and very rarely with
were laser guided onto a laser spot placed on two 1,150-lit (253-Imp gal) PTB-1150 tanks.
the target by the Klyon-54 designator housed The Su-22M4’s self-protection devices
in the inlet cone, or by an external laser. These include SPO-15LM Beryoza radar warning
were the heavy 1,448lb (657kg) Kh-29L (AS-14 receiver (RWR), two KDS-23 chaff/flare
Kedge) and the lighter 662lb (300kg) Kh-25ML dispensers (six 50mm/1.97in cartridges each)
(AS-10 Karen), both with a range of 6.2 miles built into the dorsal spine and eight ASO-
(10km). The third missile was the TV-guided 2V dispensers (each with 32 26mm/1.02in
In the opinion of most pilots, the Su-22 is not easy to fly.
Kh-29T that homes automatically onto an cartridges) mounted on the rear fuselage.
Speaking to AFM, one of the Polish Fitter pilots explained: “The
optically contrasting object, designated by Additionally, an SPS-141MVG-E active jamming
variable wing geometry requires much attention. The pilot
the pilot using an IT-23M CRT monitor in the pod can be suspended under the wing.
must take into account several operational limitations, related
cockpit. Finally, for use against ground-based However, these devices are not integrated
to the position of the movable section of the wing and wing
radars, Poland purchased Kh-25MP (AS-12 in a single system and operate separately.
high-lift devices.” Furthermore, he added: “The automatic
Kegler) anti-radiation missiles with a range of
25 miles (40km); this missile requires the Vyuga Upgrade proposals flight control system, although aiding the pilot in many
situations, is not a fly-by-wire system and is not pilot-friendly.”
(snowstorm) guidance pod for target acquisition. In the 1990s, Poland received many offers to
However, a well-trained pilot “is able to get much out of
The Su-22’s unguided weapons include upgrade its Su-22s. A joint offer of 1994 from
the aircraft”. The aviator continued: “The aircraft handles
freefall bombs of up to 1,102lb (500kg), KMGU Sukhoi, Thomson-CSF and Sextant Avionique
very well in low-altitude high-speed flight, providing good
submunition dispensers, 57mm to 370mm featured a new PrNK-55 navigation/attack
manoeuvrability in strafing flights; it can also attain pretty
(2.24in to 14.57in) rockets, and 23mm UPK- system with mission computer, NSS100-P
long range and endurance.” In terms of the jet’s analogue
23-250 and SPPU-22-01 cannon pods (up to Navstar/Glonass GPS receiver, Totem inertial
avionics: “Using the flight instruments does not pose great
four, with the option of two firing backwards). navigation system, TMV 630 laser rangefinder/
problems, despite the fact that the Su-22M4 unfortunately
Fixed armament consists of two Nudelman/ target designator, Sherloc RWR and others. As
differs significantly in this respect from the Su-22UM3K.”
Rikhter NR-30 single-barrel 30mm cannon, one an option, the aircraft could receive a lightweight
Below: The laser-guided Kh-25ML was final ASM in
the Polish Su-22’s inventory. The Kh-25ML training
round under the wing of Su-22M4 ‘3816’ comprises
the body of the missile with the seeker, enabling
simulated delivery without actual launching.
Phathom radar (from the Russian Phazotron about the Su-22’s future. Instead, only a minor from Powidz – and later another squadron
and French Thomson-CSF), plus beyond- upgrade of the aircraft’s equipment and its from Świdwin – to the NATO Quick
visual-range (BVR) AAMs and new ASMs. adaptation to NATO requirements was made. Reaction Force. The initial four pilots from
Sukhoi’s lower-cost offer of 1997 provided During the 1990s, the aircraft were retrofitted Powidz attained combat-ready status in
for separate upgrade modules beginning with Bendix/King (Honeywell) KTU-709 TACAN summer 2000, becoming the first Polish
with introduction of a GPS receiver, new and Rockwell Collins ANV-241MMR instrument pilots authorised to fly within NATO.
identification friend or foe (IFF) and flight landing system in place of the Russian RSBN- Currently, the role of the Polish Su-22s is
data sensors, followed by a new RWR and 7S, Trimble 2101AP GPS receiver replacing the more modest, and they are intended for
electronic jammer, and then multifunction Russian RSDN-10, Polish-made Radwar SC-10 operations from Polish territory only.
displays and helmet-mounted sight. The most Supraśl IFF in place of the Russian Parol, as well In 2014, another limit was surpassed: the
advanced option provided for use of a podded as a digital control panel for the Russian R-862 service life of aircraft previously extended
RLPK-22 radar, which enabled the aircraft to radio, anti-collision lights and other additions. out to 30 years began to end. It was decided
use Kh-31A (AS-17 Krypton) anti-ship missiles. to conduct another overhaul and service
An Israeli offer submitted by Israel Aircraft Reorganisation under NATO extension to 2023-25 for just 18 Su-22s; the
Industries’ Lahav Division included new In May 1999, Poland joined NATO and a remaining aircraft were retired. Currently, there
avionics integrated via Mil Std 1553B reorganisation of air units was made during are 12 Su-22M4 aircraft in service with the
data bus, new on-board computer, plus a 1999-2000, consisting of replacement of the 21. BLT at Świdwin: ‘3201’, ‘3304’, ‘3612’, ‘3713’,
gyroscopic inertial platform integrated with aviation regiments with squadrons and bases; ‘3715’, ‘3816’, ‘3817’, ‘3819’, ‘3920’, ‘8101’, ‘8205’ and
GPS, TACAN, new VHF/UHF communications the standard complement of the ‘new’ eskadra ‘8309’, and six Su-22UM3K two-seat combat
radios and other items. An Elta EL/M lotnictwa taktycznego (ELT, tactical aviation trainers: ‘305’, ‘308’, ‘310’, ‘508’, ‘509’ and ‘707’.
2032 radar could be suspended in a pod. squadron) was 16, not 12 aircraft as it had During 2014-16, the aircraft were overhauled
The proposal also included computerised been in the squadrons composing an aviation at WZL 2 in Bydgoszcz while their engines
mission-planning system, new electronic regiment. The 40 PLMB at Świdwin was went to WZL 4 in Warsaw. After overhaul, the
warfare (EW) and self-defence systems. reorganised into two squadrons, the 39 ELT aircraft’s service life was extended to a further
A Sukhoi offer of 2000 was similar to that and 40 ELT; in 2002, the 39 ELT was disbanded 800 flight hours or ten years of service. New
of 1997, but more modest, and targeted and its aircraft assigned to other units. In Polish-made RS-6113 communication radios
extension of the assigned service life to 2000, the 7 PLBR at Powidz was reorganised were installed (the previous Soviet-made
2,500 hours or 5,000 cycles, or 25-30 years. into the 6 ELT and 7 ELT. In 2006 the 6 ELT left R-862 remains as a back-up) and the flight
The basic package also included installation its aircraft at Powidz and moved to Poznań- instruments were re-scaled into Imperial units.
of several new devices including an A737 Krzesiny, where it was equipped with new The lifetime of the aircraft’s weapons also
GPS receiver, digital chart and additional F-16s. A year later, the 7 ELT redeployed its gradually expired. First, the Kh-29T and L
mission computer (the old unit would remain Su-22s from Powidz to Świdwin. The 8 PLMB missiles were decommissioned, followed by
unchanged) to complete new tasks and at Mirosławiec was reorganised into the 8 ELT the Kh-25MPs. Only a small number of laser-
provide Mil Std 1553B interface. Separately, in 2000; in 2010, the squadron was disbanded guided Kh-25ML missiles remained, but
the Kh-31A anti-ship missile was offered once and its personnel and aircraft were redeployed after 2008, each launch required individual
again, together with podded RLPK-22 radar. to Świdwin. During 35 years of Su-22 service in expertise for a particular missile. Currently,
Offers were also prepared by the Polish Poland, 14 aircraft have been lost in accidents; Polish Su-22s carry only unguided weapons.
Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze Nr 2 (WZL 2, six were fatal, claiming the lives of eight pilots. However, Kh-25ML training missiles are used
Military Aircraft Works No 2) in Bydgoszcz, Aircraft nearing the end of their service life for training in guided ordnance delivery. AFM
including installation of a new mission were gradually retired. For some Fitters, service
computer, inertial navigation, air data computer, life was extended to 30 years and in 2010 the Acknowledgements:
replacement of some cockpit instruments with Polish Su-22 fleet shrank to two squadrons
a multifunction LCD display and new head- with 32 aircraft, based at Świdwin. In the Sincere thanks to the 21. BLT pilots who
up display (HUD), as well as other kit. In a same year, a new unit, the 21. Baza Lotnictwa took part in the series of photo sessions
more advanced variant, installation of the Mil Taktycznego (21. BLT, 21st Tactical Air Base), in Świdwin in July: Lt Col Roman ‘Stefan’
Std 1553B data bus was stipulated, which was formed from the two squadrons at Stefaniak who was the pilot of the Su-
would open the way to the use of new sensors Świdwin. Colonel Karol Jędraszczyk has been 22UM3 with Katsuhiko Tokunaga on board,
(including podded radar) and weapons. commander of the 21. BLT since June 2015. and Capt Krzysztof ‘Kretek’ Kręciejewski
The Polish defence ministry didn’t accept Immediately after joining NATO in 1999, and Capt Fabian ‘Kolba’ Kolbusz who flew
any of these proposals, a result of uncertainty Poland assigned a squadron of Su-22s the other two aircraft.
Pucará
T
he V Brigada Aérea (5th
Air Brigade) of the Fuerza
Aérea Argentina (FAA,
Argentine Air Force), based at
Villa Reynolds, San Luis province,
was the centre of activity for
the service’s Dédalo (Daedalus)
exercise. All major FAA units
took part and operations were
4
1: Bombed-up Pucará A-585 (c/n 087) 5
taxies out at Villa Reynolds for a night
mission. The Pucarás also got a last
chance to use their four 7.62mm machine
guns on the V Brigada Aérea range.
2: Pucarás A-585 and A-568 stand
bombed-up on the flight line prior to
an evening mission while deployed to
the V Brigada Aérea. 3: Pucará crew
from the I Escuadrón of the III Brigada
Aérea gather for a photo-call while on
exercise at Villa Reynolds for the last
time. The attack-optimised IA-58 was
finally retired on October 4. 4: A-4AR
serial C-919 (c/n 14208) departs for a
Dédalo mission. These jets are operated
by the Grupo 5 de Caza (5th Fighter
Group) of the V Brigada Aérea. 5: The
I Escuadrón commander, Captain Teo
‘Chango’ Maza signs a bomb for the last
time before heading out to the range.
These aircraft dropped indigenous 130kg
MkI bombs. All photos Santiago Rivas
a single Piper PA-28 operated machine guns for the last time. of 20mm anti-aircraft guns and (Directorate General for Research
as a radio relay platform for (The Pucarás last fired their 20mm an Israeli-made Elta radar. and Development) deployed a
communications during the guns in 2016, after which no more The air-to-ground operations team and an Aukán lightweight
CSAR missions. This was the ammunition was purchased.) included simulated attacks by UAV for surveillance from its
first time the type had taken part The Texans, while unarmed, are Pucarás and A-4s on the anti- base at Chamical, La Rioja.
in this kind of exercise, despite able to simulate the launch of aircraft batteries and radar
its long career with the force. weapons and also took part in deployed at Villa Reynolds, Last missions
operations on the firing range. while the Texans performed The final combat sorties were
On the range On the ground, BAM Merlo was an ‘attack’ mission against flown on the night of September
The A-4AR Fightinghawks of involved in the manoeuvres with the base, being intercepted 12, including the Pucará’s last
the V Brigada Aérea performed a modernised Westinghouse AN/ by Tucanos and Pucarás. bombing missions, when two
a variety of missions, including TPS-43 radar from the Grupo de With the force working on examples each dropped a pair
simulated air-to-air combat with Vigilancia y Control del Espacio the development of its own of 130kg bombs on the Antuna
the Pampas and Pucarás, day Aéreo (Airspace Control and unmanned aerial vehicles firing range. At the same time,
and night aerial refuelling and Vigilance Group), while BAM (UAVs), the Dirección General Fightinghawks and Pampas
day and night bombing missions Mar del Plata provided a battery de Investigación y Desarrollo completed night bombing missions,
on the Antuna firing range, in the 2 and the A-4s undertook aerial
northwest of San Luis province. refuelling – the Fightinghawks only
The jets dropped 130kg (287lb) resumed tanking at night last year.
MkI and 360kg (794lb) MkII The last mission for the
bombs, both built locally. For Pucará brought to an end the
the first time, they also operated aircraft’s 44-year operational
with NVGs during the exercise. career in the attack role, 50
Pampas and Pucarás flew day years after its first flight.
and night bombing missions at Despite the advancing age
the Antuna range, both employing of much of the equipment
130kg bombs, while the Pucarás and lack of resources due to
also used the V Brigada Aérea continuous budget cuts, Dédalo
gunnery range to proved that the FAA’s personnel
make use of their are making huge efforts to
four 7.62mm continue training and recover
(0.3in) calibre some of their capabilities. AFM
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split into four simple phases, namely: limit their reflectivity through stealth techniques Identification
detection, identification, engagement and that include optimal shaping of the airframe This can be quite a challenge in BVR conditions,
disengagement. Let’s investigate each in turn. and the use of less reflective materials. for obvious reasons, but a combination of
More recently, new techniques have come intelligence from multiple sources may enable
Detection to the fore, which include infrared, sound or an almost forensic-like gathering of information,
This is all about the use of any means at your electronic detection of emitted signals. All of such as origin, tracks, behaviour and signatures,
disposal to try to pinpoint a potential foe. Since these have become increasingly effective and all of which begin to build a picture of just
the Battle of Britain and until very recently, some can even be exploited by space-based who that blip or blips on the radar might be.
long-range detection was almost exclusively assets. Ideally, today a BVR fighter would want Increasingly, modern aircraft will have a
through radar detection (the reflection of as early a detection range as possible, but number of technologies on board that will aid
radio waves from an aircraft’s skin). However, typically this might be between 50 and 100 miles early identification. Often referred to as non-
while radars have become increasingly (80 and 161km) against a non-stealthy combat co-operative target recognition or NCTR,
sophisticated, so has the design of aircraft to airframe, and double that for a large aircraft. these, as the name suggests, do not require
“Rather than
firing first,
it’s who fires
with the best
probability
of kill who
prevails.”
Above left: Two F-15Es from the 90th Fighter Squadron, from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska – a unit that has since traded its Eagles for Raptors – fire a pair of AIM-
7Ms during a training mission off the coast of Florida. Despite its primary offensive mission, the Strike Eagle can, if required, call upon Sparrow and AMRAAM
missiles for the BVR fight. USAF/Maj Gary Above right: Modern multi-role fighters like this Swedish Air Force JAS 39C Gripen are able to undertake BVR
engagements that were once restricted to dedicated long-range interceptors, while at the same time carrying out precision strike and other missions. This
Gripen carries a mixed payload of Small Diameter Bombs and a targeting pod, plus short-range IRIS-T and ramjet-powered Meteor AAMs. Saab/Stefan Kalm
the ‘target’ aircraft to assist in the process. flight time. In contrast, active missiles, more mouse, where each aircraft aborts an attack
Of course, knowledge of exactly what commonly known as ‘fire and forget’, allow the or several attacks while seeking to gain an
that return is might still be insufficient launching fighter to begin its escape manoeuvre advantage. And, of course, you must never
and their ‘intent’ will also often be key in long before the weapon has reached its target. discount the likelihood of other aircraft being in
deciding if they can be engaged or not. But even active missiles will have some the area and the need to be constantly vigilant.
limitations on the range at which they go active, In this article I have dramatically shortened
Engagement plus their kinematic performance (energy) will and simplified a skill which takes years to learn
Assuming a hostile aircraft has been identified degrade as distance increases. So, there will and refine, and relies on a complex fusion
and it meets the criteria for engagement, the be some rules of thumb when employing such of sensors, where artificial intelligence can
next phase is quite simply the act of shooting weapons that give the best possible probability already aid the identification of the highest-
them down before they (or any other ‘hostiles’ (or even certainty – known as a no-escape priority targets. But no two engagements
in the area) can do the same to you. zone) for a ‘kill’. Rather than firing first, it’s who will be the same, and with the speed of
But firing first and immediately isn’t the default fires with the best probability of kill that prevails. closure typically being up to 20-30 miles
action. Increasingly, fighter aircraft are equipped (32-48km) a minute you have to think and
with active missiles that are capable of homing Disengagement act very quickly. The best and simplest way
on to a target autonomously; on the other hand, This involves more than just heading off and to describe BVR combat is that it’s like 3D,
the older semi-active missiles require the target looking for the next fight; it’s an integral part supersonic, long-range chess, where you first
to be constantly illuminated (usually by the of the endgame of the one you have just left. have to find the other side’s pieces, and where
radar of the aircraft firing the missile) throughout If the enemy aircraft you have just engaged only the victor lives to fight another day. AFM
missile flight. The major disadvantage of semi- is also equipped with active missiles then
active missiles, therefore, is that the illuminating escaping their shot is just as critical as trying NEXT MONTH:
aircraft has to continue pointing at (and therefore to maximise the probability of a kill for yours. Space – the next frontier
getting closer to) the target throughout the missile BVR can often resemble a game of cat and
Modern Chinese
losses inflicted on the Israeli
Air Force during the early days
of the campaign by the well-
Warplanes
integrated Egyptian and Syrian
air defence network. However,
this detailed text reveals
that air forces from all sides
Croatia’s
A
fter declaring independence in June Left: The pilots’ night-vision goggles have
1991 and the subsequent withdrawal been upgraded for the ANVIS Display
Symbology System or ADSS. This is a helmet-
of almost all remaining military mounted display coupled with Aviator Night-
assets to Yugoslavia, Croatia’s air arm had Vision Imaging System (ANVIS) goggles for
to be rebuilt from scratch. Due to a UN arms monitoring critical flight information at night.
embargo imposed in 1992, it was impossible to Below left: The laser-guided AGM-114 Hellfire
is one of the main weapons of the OH-58D,
procure the offensive weapons needed to fight but the high cost of each round means it
insurgents in the northern and eastern parts hasn’t yet featured in a live-fire campaign
of the country, where a Serb majority unwilling in Croatia. However, a first live firing is due
to become part of Croatia had proclaimed next year, after reaching FOC. This is an
inert training round. Below: Croatia received
the independent republic of Krajina. Attack 16 OH-58Ds and three simulators in 2016.
helicopters were urgently needed to speed The rotorcraft are assigned to the Eskadrila
the advance of Croatian troops in these areas. helikoptera based at Zadar-Zemunik in central
Eventually, the Croatian government was able Croatia. Here, OH-58D serial 332 undergoes
a post-maintenance check flight east of the
to purchase 12 Mi-24D and Mi-24V gunships airfield. All photos Martin Scharenborg and
from Ukraine and these were delivered unarmed Ramon Wenink
from 1993 onwards. As the Mi-24s were guns, so they fulfilled many of the former tasks
procured as ‘medical evacuation’ helicopters, of the Mi-24. Nevertheless, the armed forces
the UN embargo could be bypassed. However, began looking for a specialised attack and
soon after delivery, most of the Mi-24s were reconnaissance helicopter. As the US Army was
rearmed and enlisted with the 29. eskadrila gradually phasing out its OH-58D Kiowa Warrior,
borbenih helikoptera (EBH, combat helicopter focus shifted to this combat-proven helicopter.
squadron) flying from various forward
operating locations throughout the country. Combat-proven
The Mi-24 proved its value and, in 1995, played The OH-58D is a further development of the
a decisive role during Operations Bljesak and versatile OH-58A, a light scout and attack
Oluje, in Western Slavonia and Eastern Slavonia helicopter that played a significant role during
respectively, when most of the occupied territory the Vietnam War. The thoroughly modernised
was regained by Croatian forces. The Hind OH-58D is a four-bladed, two-seat, single-
remained in service after the conflict, but a lack of engine reconnaissance and attack helicopter. In
spares and funding forced it into early retirement service with the Hrvatsko ratno zrakoplovstvo
in 2004. Plans to sell six Mi-24s to Georgia had (HRZ, Croatian Air Force), its universal quick-
been abandoned by the end of 2006 under change weapon pylons can carry a variety of
political pressure from Russia. Another attempt armaments, including Hydra 70mm (2.75in)
in 2015 to sell seven Mi-24Vs to the highest calibre unguided rockets, laser-guided AGM-
bidder failed and the remaining Croatian Hinds 114 Hellfire missiles and 12.7mm (0.5in)
ended their life in storage and public display. calibre machine guns. Meanwhile, the pilots
Although Croatia didn’t have a dedicated are provided with 5.56mm (0.219in) calibre
attack helicopter in its inventory after 2004, the Heckler & Koch G36CV assault rifles for self-
Mi-8MTV-1 and Mi-171 could be equipped with defence, and these can be employed from the
UB-32-57 rocket pods, 23mm GSh-23L cannon helicopter by the left-seater if necessary.
pods and 7.62mm (0.3in) calibre PK machine The most obvious difference between the
OH-58D and earlier Kiowas is the mast-
mounted sight. Located above the main rotor,
this contains a suite of sensors for day and
night operations, including a high-resolution
TV camera, laser rangefinder/designator
and thermal imaging system. It allows the
Kiowa Warrior to detect targets from long
distances while remaining well hidden.
OH-58Ds were lost to accidents or enemy fire. accumulated between 100 and 600 flying hours. After graduation, the pilot will transfer to the
To maintain the US Army’s fleet requirement of On July 30, 2016, the first five OH-58Ds arrived at Mi-171 at Lučko, the Mi-8MTV-1 at Divulje or will
368 OH-58Ds, it was necessary to replenish the the 93. zrakoplovna baza (93. ZB, 93rd Air Base) stay in the squadron to become an instructor
lost aircraft. Since production of the OH-58D at Zadar-Zemunik following a direct flight from and/or pilot on the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior.”
ended in 1999, the Wartime Replacement Redstone Army Airfield, Alabama, on board a
Aircraft (WRA) programme was introduced. USAF C-5M. The second batch of 11 helicopters Training the trainers
Officially, the US Army was 42 OH-58Ds short arrived by C-5M on December 3 the same year. Before official training started in Croatia, the unit
of the required fleet size, while a further seven Commander of the Eskadrila helikoptera (EH, gained some insider knowledge during a visit to the
aircraft were undergoing repairs for extensive Helicopter Squadron) since November 2018 is Minnesota Army Air National Guard in 2004, where
battle damage. The programme began in 2010 Lieutenant Colonel Davor Gren. He graduated as they gained insight on the OH-58 training syllabus.
with the conversion by the then Bell Helicopter of a helicopter pilot in 1998 before becoming a flight Lt Col Gren elaborated: “We applied that in our
23 older OH-58As to D-standard (known as A2D) instructor in 2000. He has 2,500 flying hours, 100 Bell 206 training – so many things we already
and delivery of 26 ‘new metal’ aircraft (these were of which were on the OH-58D. He told AFM: “The knew! The training of our pilots and maintainers
not completely new, but did incorporate brand- time in between [the two delivery batches] was was conducted by the American i3 company here
new OH-58D cabins). All 49 aircraft underwent used for preparing our squadron for operations at Zadar and started at the beginning of 2017. The
completion at the Corpus Christi Army Depot with the new helicopter. We had to adapt the instructors were all former US Army OH-58 pilots
in Texas, from where the initial reconditioned hangar and set up a simulator for maintenance and engineers, and they were very impressed with
OH-58D was rolled out on June 7, 2012. with full working cockpit including mast-mounted our flight skills. After a thorough evaluation, they
sight and rangefinder. Our engineers use this produced a tailor-made programme based on our
US Army service life ends simulator to replicate system failures, [to learn experience. OH-58D training was set up in three
After 48 years of service, the OH-58D made its how to] identify and solve certain problems. parts: training for full-combat-ready pilots, training
final flight in US Army hands on September 17, Furthermore, we had to adapt manuals and for instructor pilots and training for maintenance
2017. With the US Army gradually phasing out training syllabi for the engineers and pilots.” pilots. This was conducted according to the ‘train
the Kiowa Warrior from the scout and attack the trainer’ principle. Eight of our most experienced
role from May 2014, in favour of the AH-64 and Helicopter school pilots, with more than 2,000 flying hours each,
unmanned aerial vehicles, several countries Lt Col Gren continued: “Our squadron is were selected to follow the training that included
showed an interest in the surplus OH-58Ds, responsible for training Croatian helicopter pilots. pilot/instructor qualification, test pilot qualification,
including Croatia, Greece and Tunisia. We launched this unit in 1996 with ten Bell 206 tactics training, mountain training and high-altitude
Under the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) and JetRanger helicopters. Today we still have eight flying and multi-ship live firing, among others.”
the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programmes, the Bell 206s in use. Student pilot training starts During this training, the initial pilot cadre
US government approved the donation and sale with screening on the Zlin 242L. When the pilot completed 150 flying hours each on the Kiowa
of 16 OH-58Ds and three simulators to Croatia, passes this and is selected to fly helicopters, he Warrior. Tuition was concluded with live firing
which would normally be valued at more than or she will follow a two-year training programme at the Eugen Kvaternik gunnery range near
US$220m. Thanks to EDA, the actual cost was consisting of 200 flying hours. We Slunj. This comprised initial range gunnery
closer to US$35m, of which around US$20.1m start with basic training that qualification and qualification gunnery,
was provided in the form of US assistance. includes VFR and IFR [visual and including four weeks of special tactics
On top of that there were some additional instrument flight rules] navigation, training. “During the live firing, we fired
taxes for Croatia to pay, amounting to around formation flying, night flying and Hydra rockets and used our machine
US$13m. In early 2016, the government in Zagreb instrument rating training. The gun,” Lt Col Gren recalled. “We also
approved the budget for the purchase, as well next step is advanced training. simulated firing the Hellfire. The reason
as additional training for pilots and engineers. This includes mountain flying, for not firing this weapon for real is the
flying with external loads, low-level price – almost 100,000 US dollars!
Warriors arrive flying and NVG [night-vision It’s not absolutely necessary
An air force team consisting of two Croatian goggles] training. Three to launch one in real life
pilots and two engineers had visited the US in of the Bell 206s are for practice purposes.
2015 to inspect the helicopters and select 16 equipped for NVG The systems
airframes from the WRA programme, as well training and have and software
as the three simulators. The airframes were all NVG-compatible on board
produced between 2012 and 2015, and had each instrument lighting. allow us
at sea
from Nos 617 and 207 Squadrons, which will
complement three aircraft from No 17 Test
and Evaluation Squadron [TES] based at
Edwards AFB [California], that will augment a
package that’s going to embark HMS Queen
Elizabeth as part of the operational test phase
of the ship’s development.” He added: “This
has always been the programme of record
where we are going to start the process of
linking the F-35 with the ship, [but] not in a
developmental test phase. This is all about
operational warfighting ability, ready to declare
IOC [Initial Operating Capability] Maritime.”
The jets were leaving to participate in the
WESTLANT 19 Carrier Strike Group (CSG)
deployment, with British F-35s embarking
the UK’s new aircraft carrier for the first time
for a period of operational testing (OT-1) off
the eastern seaboard of the US. The Marham
element included the three jets plus around
70 personnel from across the two resident
squadrons to augment a similar number of
personnel and three F-35Bs from No 17 TES,
coming in the opposite direction from Edwards.
Beck said that WESTLANT is about validating
both the tactics and the training syllabus for
carrier operations. It will include operationally
realistic end-to-end testing of a multitude
of factors, such as weapons employment.
Four jets initially joined the Queen
Elizabeth as she sailed off the east
coast of the US on October 13.
First to land was ZM138/BK-4
flown by Officer Commanding
No 17 TES, Wg Cdr Adam Curd.
This was followed by the three
Marham jets, comprising ZM148/
BK-14, ZM149/BK-15, and ZM151/
BK-17. Wg Cdr Curd commented:
“This is the first time I have landed on board
an aircraft carrier – for it to be HMS Queen
Elizabeth and in an aircraft as amazing as a
UK Lightning is quite something. This is a
proud moment not only for me, but the wider
team that has brought us to this milestone
for maritime aviation and UK defence.”
The four jets began generating sorties
from the carrier, with the first take-off being
performed by Lt Cdr Matt Fooks-Bale in ZM151.
Two additional aircraft from No 17 TES joined
the carrier on October 23 (thought to be
ZM135/BK-1 and ZM136/BK-2). The six aircraft
will remain embarked for the duration of OT-1,
which was planned to last until the end of
November, but was viewed as a ‘moveable feast’.
1 2
1: Four F-35Bs tucked inside the hangar deck aboard the HMS ‘Queen Elizabeth’, which is able to
accommodate up to 20 fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. 2: BK-14 and 17 up on deck in some of the
inclement weather that was a feature of the early part of WESTLANT 19. 3: Lt Cdr Matt Fooks-Bale
accelerates down the deck in BK-17 for the first F-35B take-off during WESTLANT 19. 4: RN fleet
commander V Adm Jerry Kyd with RAF Deputy Commander Operations AM Gerry Mayhew. 5: Lt Cdr
Matt Fooks-Bale is one of the Royal Navy pilots involved in WESTLANT 19. 6: Images were released
of at least one F-35B fitted with four Paveway IVs and two AIM-132 ASRAAMs (Advanced Short-
Range Air-to-Air Missiles) on external hardpoints. 7: Gp Capt Jim Beck, former Officer Commanding
No 17 TES and now Station Commander at RAF Marham. Jamie Hunter
3 5
Russia’s airborne
renaissance
A
strategic command-staff
exercise (strategicheskiye
forces from other countries that
participate. The latest exercise
were involved. While these were
the official numbers, it’s worth
In recent months, the
Russian Aerospace
Forces and Airborne
Forces have taken part
in a series of exercises
to test new ideas and
komandno-shtabnyye also demonstrated the readiness noting that they likely include all concepts for rapid
ucheniya, SKShU) is held annually of Russia and the states of the troops within the regions taking intervention missions.
as the final stage of combat Central Asian region to protect part, such as those in support roles The largest so far was
training for the armed forces of their national interests. or active in unrelated exercises.
Exercise Tsentr-2019.
the Russian Federation. Each This exercise was the biggest of During Tsentr-19, these forces were
year, the series rotates through the year and military contingents under the leadership of General Dmitri Sribnyi reports
the four main Russian operational from China, India, Kazakhstan, Valery Gerasimov, chief of the from Donguz in the
strategic commands – Vostok Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and general staff of the armed forces Urals region.
(Eastern), Zapad (Western), Tsentr Uzbekistan took part, mostly with of the Russian Federation and
(Central) and Kavkas (Southern). ground troops. This was the most first deputy minister of defence.
This year was the turn of the significant foreign contingent yet, The various phases of Tsentr-2019
Central Military District – Tsentr. following Belarusian participation took place from September 16 Below: Both armed with
B-8 pods for 80mm calibre
The cited purpose of the in Zapad-2017, and China and to 21 at eight training grounds unguided rockets, Mi-8MTV-5
manoeuvres is to verify the level Mongolia sending troops for in Russia (Totsky and Donguz ‘42 Yellow’ and Mi-24P ‘14 Red’
of training among the troops Vostok-2018. In total, around in the Orenburg region, Adanak support an armoured assault
and headquarters, expand the 128,000 military personnel, more in Dagestan, Ashuluk near on the battlefield at Donguz.
These rotorcraft belong to the
combat training to which troops than 20,000 items of equipment Astrakhan, Chebarkul in the 440th Independent Helicopter
are exposed and increase the and heavy weapons, approximately Chelyabinsk region, Safakulevo Regiment at Vyazma.
level of interaction with armed 600 aircraft and up to 15 ships near Kurgan, Aleisk in the Altai and Dmitri Sribnyi
Yurginsky in the Kemerovo region). (10,700 Russian servicemen and exercise, VKS helicopters played
Use was also made of foreign up to 2,250 foreign personnel), an active role. Rotorcraft delivered
training areas in Kazakhstan and also included activities at the assault groups to the battlefield,
and Kyrgyzstan and of Russia’s Totsky and Adanak training ranges deploying them both by landing
201st Military Base in Tajikistan. in the European part of Russia. and using the fast-roping technique.
According to Russian Deputy The scenario of this particular Around 40 helicopters were
Defence Minister Colonel General phase of the exercise saw involved in deploying the troops,
Alexander Fomin, the overall hostilities begin when ‘terrorist with examples of the Mi-24P and
scenario envisaged a hypothetical armed formations’ attacked the Mi-8MTV-5/AMTSh helping lift a
state emerging in southwest allied troops’ positions. Friendly brigade of paratroopers. As well
Russia with a leadership that ground forces sought to repel the as bringing all-terrain vehicles and
shared the extremist ideas of enemy offensive and engaged their crews direct to the battlefield,
leaders of international terrorist them using up to 250 tanks, 450 heavy Mi-26 helicopters also
organisations. Fomin explained: armoured personnel carriers transported UAZ jeeps with 120mm
“The imaginary country having an and up to 200 artillery pieces mortars, plus Niva pickups with
advanced army makes attempts and multiple rocket launchers. 82mm mortars, AGS-17 grenade
to exert pressure, including Air support for the ground forces’ launchers and Kord heavy machine
military pressure, on Russia. The combat operations was provided guns. Using external slings,
escalation of tensions eventually by the Vozdushno-Kosmicheskiye Mi-8AMTSh helicopters delivered
evolves into an armed conflict.” Sily Rossiyskoy Federatsii (VKS, 122mm D-30 howitzer batteries
Russian Aerospace Forces), to the landing area, complete
Donguz finale including long-range Tu-22M3 with ammunition. Air support
The culmination of the manoeuvres bombers, Su-24M and Su-34 for this phase of the operation
took place on September 20 at strike aircraft (24 aircraft in total), was provided by Mi-24P, Mi-28N
the Donguz training ground in the Su-25SM attack aircraft, Su-24MR and Ka-52 combat helicopters.
presence of Russian President reconnaissance aircraft and Su-35S In total, around 80 helicopters
Vladimir Putin and President of fighters. Meanwhile, the People’s participated in this stage.
Kyrgyzstan Sooronbai Jeenbekov, Liberation Army Air Force brought Perhaps the most remarkable
as well as officials and military 28 aircraft to Russia, among them part of the exercise was the large-
attachés from many other countries. H-6 long-range bombers, JH-7 scale participation of airborne
Units from the seven foreign strike aircraft and J-11 fighters. troops – most of them from the
nations involved in Tsentr-2019 331st Guards Airborne Regiment
worked directly alongside the Aerial assault – including around 2,000 soldiers
Russian military at the training After air strikes against the and officers. Standard military
ground. According to official advancing enemy, the allied ground equipment was dropped in the
accounts, this main phase of the forces proceeded to eliminate the enemy’s rear areas, 80 Il-76
exercise involved 12,950 troops enemy troops. In this part of the airlifters being tasked with this
High-tech warfare
It’s noteworthy that a number
of new tactics and technologies
were employed during the
exercises, including continuous
monitoring of the battlefield by
unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
– types used comprised the
Forpost, Orlan-10 and Grusha.
Meanwhile, the accuracy of the
air strikes was ensured by the
SVP-24 high-precision targeting
system (used in the Su-24M
and Tu-22M3), as well as the
Strelets tactical reconnaissance,
command and communication military operations in Syria. In this modern conditions and improve Tsentr-19 “was more suited
system for management of troops. way, combat know-how gained by the interoperability of the military to testing military capabilities
Other interesting equipment Russian units on the front line was command and control units against a high-technology
included the Uran-6 and Uran- disseminated and consolidated of the armed forces of Russia adversary”. In particular, he
9 robotic mine-clearing systems. across the wider armed forces. and the allied states.” However, pointed to the extensive use of
Particular emphasis was placed Colonel General Fomin stressed Western analysts were quick to UAVs, experimentation with new
on the use of small, highly mobile that Tsentr-2019 was purely point out that the manoeuvres concepts for the use of airborne
groups of air assault units. defensive in nature while the sent a powerful message to the forces, and the presence of high-
It is also significant that all phases defence ministry explained: “Its West, while Roger N McDermott precision strike systems, including
of the exercise incorporated main purpose is to train troops of The Jamestown Foundation, cruise missiles and Iskander-M
experience gained in Russia’s to conduct military operations in Washington DC, argued that short-range ballistic missiles. AFM
A pair of Mi-8MTV-5s escorted by a Mi-24P gunship. The nearest ‘Hip’, RF-04436/‘01 Yellow’, is fitted with turrets for the L370 Vitebsk self-protection equipment. The
Mi-8s are assigned to the 17th Br AA at Kamensk Uralsky and Uprun while the Mi-24P is likely from the 112th Independent Helicopter Regiment at Chita. Dmitri Sribnyi
I
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727 Flypast Latest fp.indd 90 01/11/2019 14:16
Force
Report Belarusian AF & Air Defence Part 1
Air pow
In the first of a two-part feature on the
little-known Belarusian Air Force and
Air Defence, Patrick Roegies, Stefan
Goossens and Erwin van Dijkman chart
the history of the service’s formative years
after the demise of the Soviet Union.
M
ost of the Soviet assets Vozdushnyye Sily (VVS, Soviet branches of the
based on Belarusian Air Force) in Belarus were VVS – the heavy
territory had been predominantly subordinated to bombers of the
subordinated to the local the 26 Vozdushnaya Armiya (26 Dalnyaya Aviatsiya reaching
Belorusskiy Voyennyy Okrug (BVO, VA, 26th Air Army) – the air arm (DA, Long-range Aviation) and further into
Belarussian Military District), of the BVO. The importance of the heavy transports of the Voyenno- Soviet territory, towards Moscow.
which was a second-tier echelon BVO was reflected not just in the Transportnaya Aviatsiya (VTA, These AD assets were
force of the Western Strategic sheer number of VVS units and Military Transport Aviation). subordinated to the 11 Korpus
Direction. In case of hostilities, its aircraft, but also in their quality Due to the strategic importance Protivovozdushnoy Oborony (11
well-equipped formations were – its units were highly trained of the area, Belarus was also the K PVO, 11th Air Defence Corps),
intended to be rushed in at a and equipped with some of the home of significant air defence part of the 2 Otdelnaya Armiya
moment’s notice to support and latest fighters, fighter-bombers, (AD) assets – including some of Protivovozdushoy Oborony (2
relieve the first-tier echelon force ground attack and reconnaissance the most modern interceptors – OA PVO, 2nd Independent Air
– comprising Soviet and Warsaw aircraft, as well as bombers. tasked with knocking out hostile Defence Army) of the Voyska
Pact units based in Czechoslovakia, In addition, there was also a aircraft that might penetrate the Protivovozdushnoy Oborony
East Germany and Poland. sizeable quantity of aircraft from first tier of AD units stationed in (Soviet Air Defence Forces, VPVO).
The assets of the Voyenno- the two independent strategic the Baltic and prevent them from Last, but not least, Belarus was
Between
Russia and
the West
Russian and
Belarusian Spellings
Russian spelling Belarusian spelling
Bolbasovo Balbasava
Beryoza Byaroza
Machulishchi Machulishchy
Shchuchin Shchuchyn
Restructuring
The aerial armada inherited by
Belarus required reorganisation to
operate as an independent force
while maintaining a high level
of combat capability. Structural
reforms created two new
tactical commands, the Western
and Northern Commands.
Although the inventory had
already been reduced significantly
as a result of the CFE treaty,
there remained a wide variety
of combat aircraft, bombers, The 558 ARZ undertakes refurbishment and modernisation programmes for Su-25s of various nations. In April 2014,
transports and helicopters. two Belarusian Su-25UB combat trainers were upgraded to Su-25UBM standard and redelivered to the air force.
Long-Range Aviation
46 Vozdushnaya Armiya (46 VA, 46th Air Army) 203 gvardeyskiy tyazhyolyy bombardirovochnyy aviatsionnyy polk (203
Military Unit: 47002 Location: HQ Smolensk GvTBAP, 203rd Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment)
At the time of Belarusian independence, the 46th Air Army comprised 167 long- Military Unit: 24758 Location: Baranovichi, Brest Oblast
range bombers, although not all its regiments were located in Belarus. The This regiment was based at Baranovichi from 1953 until June 1, 1994 when the unit
overview below presents the regiments on Belarusian territory at the time of – at that time flying Tu-22Ks – was relocated to Engels in Russia and transformed
independence. into the 203rd Guards Tanker Aircraft Aviation Regiment on Il-78s.
22 gvardeyskaya tyazhyolaya bombardirovochnaya aviatsionnaya diviziya (22 290 otdelnyy dalnyy razvedivatelnyy aviatsionnyy polk (290 ODRAP, 290th
GvTBAD, 22nd Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Division) Independent Long-Range Reconnaissance Aviation Regiment)
Military Unit: 40401 Location: Bobruysk, Mogilev Oblast Military Unit: 65358 Location: Zyabrovka, Gomel Oblast
The 22nd GvTBAD relocated to Engels in Russia in June 1994. It originally had two This unit was activated in 1941 in Ukurey, Chitinskaya (Chita) Oblast, as the 290th
heavy bomber aviation regiments (TBAPs) of which only one was in Belarus, the Long-Range Bomber Aviation Regiment and was renamed as the 290th Long-
other in Ukraine. However, in 1992 it took over the two TBAPs of the 15 GvTBAD Range Reconnaissance Aviation Regiment in 1953. At the time of independence,
(headquartered in Ukraine and taken over by Ukraine) – the 121 GvTBAP and the this regiment comprised three squadrons: two equipped with 29 Tu-22Rs and
203 GvTBAP. one with 13 Tu-16 bombers. Withdrawn to Russia in 1994, this unit’s Tu-22Rs were
121 gvardeyskiy tyazhyolyy bombardirovochnyy aviatsionnyy polk (121 scrapped almost immediately after landing.
GvTBAP, 121st Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment) 402 tyazhyolyy bombardirovochnyy aviatsionnyy polk (402 TBAP, 402nd
Military Unit: 15486 Location: Machulishchy, Minsk Oblast Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment)
The 121st was based at Machulishchy from 1952 until June 1, 1994, when the regiment Military Unit: 32901 Location: Bolbasovo/Balbasava, Vitebsk Oblast
relocated to Engels in Russia. In 1992, the unit was transferred to the control of the This regiment started life on March 1, 1951 at Bolbasovo, Vitebsk Oblast. Until 1983,
22 GvTBAD since its parent unit, the 15 GvTBAD, was taken over by Ukraine. the regiment had operated an estimated 26 Tu-16Ks that were replaced by an
200 gvardeyskiy tyazhyolyy bombardirovochnyy aviatsionnyy polk (200 unknown number of Tu-22M3s. From May 1988, deployments were made to Mary,
GvTBAP, 200th Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment) Mary Oblast, on a rotational basis for combat missions over Afghanistan. The last
of 537 missions was completed on February 14, 1989. It was under the 326 TBAD in
Military Unit: 13655 Location: Bobruysk, Mogilev Oblast Tartu (Estonia), whose HQ was relocated to Soltsy in 1992. The unit’s aircraft went
Equipped with 20 Tu-22M3s, plus 18 Tu-16Ks assigned to the 4th squadron. to Russia.
Frontal Aviation
26 Vozdushnaya Armiya (26 VA, 26th Air Army) MiG-21R squadron (not the aircraft) went to Afghanistan to fly with the 263 OTRAE,
Military Unit: 20104 a permanent unit with personnel rotated on a regular basis. The MiG-21R was fully
replaced by the Su-24MR in 1991, and the regiment also operated MiG-25BM and
The HQ of 26 VA became the HQ of the Belarus VVS on June 15, 1992, when MiG-25RU aircraft, divided across three squadrons. In 1991, the 3rd squadron –
the fifth decree of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Belarus became equipped with MiG-25BMs – was disbanded. The regiment was transferred to the
effective. However, the transfer of units had begun earlier, and this was just Belarusian Air Force in January 1992. In 1993, the unit was disbanded and its Su-
the completion of the process. Originally formed in 1949, the 26th Air Army 24MRs went to Ross, along with the other Fencers.
comprised an estimated 343 aircraft by the early 1990s. These were operated by
the following aviation regiments assigned to bases on Belarusian territory. 50 otdelnyy smeshanyy aviatsionnyy polk (50 OSAP, 50th Independent
Composite Aviation Regiment)
1 gvardeyskaya bombardirovochnaya aviatsionnaya diviziya (1 GvBAD, 1st
Guards Bomber Aviation Division) Military Unit: 97978 Location: Minsk, Minsk Oblast
Military Unit: 15561 Location: Lida, Grodno Oblast This unit was formed in 1980 specifically for use in Afghanistan. It was transferred
to Minsk-Lipki, Belarus, absorbing the local 66 OSAE (a mixed aviation squadron)
This division was equipped with the following three aviation regiments: of the Belarussian MD and 248 OSAE of the 26 VA and becoming its dedicated
116 gvardeyskiy bombardirovochnyy aviatsionnyy polk (116 GvBAP, 116th mixed aviation regiment (50 OSAP of 26 VA). It came under Belarusian control in
Guards Bomber Aviation Regiment) 1992, moving to Machulishchy in 1994, becoming the 50 TAB after merging with the
Military Unit: 81776 Location: Ross, Grodno Region local 25 OTAE (ex-VPVO unit).
During the transition of the 116th to the Belarusian Air Force in January 1992, the 151 otdelnyy aviatsionnyy polk radioelektronnoy borby (151 OAPREB, 151st
regiment had an estimated 30 Su-24s within its operational inventory. The regiment kept Independent Electronic Warfare Aviation Regiment)
its original name until 1993 when it was renamed as the 116th Guards Bomber Aviation Military Unit: 55629 Location: Shchuchin, Grodno Oblast
Base, becoming the 116th Guards Bomber Reconnaissance Aviation Base in July 1994, This regiment was based at Brzeg in Poland from 1960 until August 1989, at which
after receiving the Su-24MR squadron of the 10 otdelnyy razvedivatelnyy aviatsionnyy point it relocated its aircraft to Shchuchin, Grodno Oblast. Afterwards it received
polk (10 ORAP, 10th Independent Reconnaissance Aviation Regiment). The unit was additional MiG-25BMs and became a ‘supersized’ unit (each of the two squadrons
disbanded in 2010 and re-formed at Lida – where the 206 shturmovaya aviatsionnaya had twice the normal complement of aircraft). Here, it was transferred to Belarus
baza (206 ShAB, 206th Attack Aviation Base) took over its numerical designation and and remained there until January 1993 when the regiment was disbanded.
honorary titles and awards – while the Su-24s were withdrawn in 2012.
206 otdelnyy shturmovoy aviatsionnyy polk (206 OShAP, 206th Independent
305 bombardirovochnyy aviatsionnyy polk (305 BAP, 305th Bomber Aviation Assault Aviation Regiment)
Regiment)
Military Unit: 19764 Location: Pruzhany, Brest Oblast
Military Unit: 21179 Location: Postavy, Vitebsk Oblast
This regiment was based at Pruzhany, Brest Oblast, as of August 1984. It received
Equipped with 30 Su-24s. Transferred to Russia with the 1 GvBAD and relocated to Su-25s from November 4, 1985 and transferred to Belarusian control in January
Krasnodar in 1993. 1992. The regiment was renamed as the 206th Aviation Base on March 4, 1993,
497 bombardirovochnyy aviatsionnyy polk (497 BAP, 497th Bomber Aviation before becoming the 206th Assault Aviation Base on March 26, 1993. The unit was
Regiment) transferred to Lida in 1993.
Military Unit: 91098 Location: Lida, Grodno Region 302 otdelnaya vertolyotnaya eskadrilya radioelektronnoy borby (302 OVEREB,
302nd Independent Electronic Warfare Helicopter Squadron)
Originally at Grossenhain in East Germany as of 1989 and equipped with 29 Su-
24s. Transferred to Russia with the 1 GvBAD and relocated to Krasnodar. Military Unit: 36558 Location: Kobrin, Brest Oblast
10 otdelnyy razvedivatelnyy aviatsionnyy polk (10 ORAP, 10th Independent The regiment was based at Shindand, Afghanistan, from January 1980 until
Reconnaissance Aviation Regiment) February 1989 when it returned to the USSR and was disbanded at its original
home base in Kagan in April. It was re-formed at Kobrin in May 1989 as the 302
Military Unit: 21803 Location: Shchuchin, Grodno Oblast
OVEREB, from an electronic warfare squadron of the 65th Independent Helicopter
Formed at Shchuchin in June 1945, this regiment remained there until transferred to Regiment. Between 1989 and 1992, it was equipped with Mi-8PPA and Mi-8SMV
Belarusian control. The 10 ORAP remained at Shchuchin, but personnel from its Hips. It was transferred to the Belarusian Air Force in January 1992.
Army Aviation few remaining Yak-28PPs were In 1994, the 50 OSAP at Lipki
withdrawn from use. In 1992, and the 25 OTAE of the VPVO at
When Belarus declared independence, around 260 Army Aviation (ie, Soviet
the last MiG-25s assigned to Machulishchy were merged into
Ground Forces) helicopters were deployed on its territory as part of independent
helicopter regiments. Others served with squadrons of the air defence force, air the 10 ORAP at Shchuchin were the 50th Transport Aviation Base
force and strategic rocket forces. relocated to the 558 ARZ and put at the latter location, although
in long-term storage. Some of it was not until 1996 that all
65 otdelnyy vertolyotnyy polk (65 OVP, 65th Independent Helicopter Squadron)
the remaining MiG-23ML fighters remaining Il-76s assigned to the
Military Unit: 64683 and older MiG-29s aircraft were 339 VTAP at Vitebsk North were
Location: Kobrin, Brest Oblast
also retired: the 201 IAP PVO was also relocated to Machulishchy,
This regiment formed at Kobrin on August 1, 1962. It sent more than one rotation disbanded and all its MiG-23ML/ where some became part of
to Afghanistan as part of the 50th Independent Composite Aviation Regiment. MLDs withdrawn, going into the Transaviaexport company.
When transferred to Belarusian control, the 65 OVP was directly attached to the
storage at Machulishchy and later In 1996, the former 248 OSAE –
BVO and was an Army Aviation unit, equipped with 37 Mi-8Ts and 26 Mi-6s (being
replaced by Mi-26s). It later transferred to the air force in independent Belarus. with the 558 ARZ at Baranovichy. which had flown fixed-wing aircraft
Between 1992 and 1993, the 10 too, before being disbanded in
181 otdelnyy vertolyotnyy polk (181 OVP, 181st Independent Helicopter Regiment)
ORAP at Shchuchin, 378 OShAP 1989 – was recreated as the 248
Military Unit: 02181 at Postavy, 397 OShAP at Kobrin, OVE ON at Lipki; it received
Location: Pruzhany, Brest Oblast and 911 APIB, also at Shchuchin, all the helicopters previously
The 181 OVP was formed at Dzhambul in May 1973 and transferred to Pruzhany were all disbanded. The Su-24MRs assigned to the 50 OSAP. The
on August 5, 1988 following a deployment to Afghanistan. Several independent were transferred to Ross while remaining aircraft assigned to
helicopter regiments based in the Soviet Union – including the 65 OVP in Belarus all Su-25s were redeployed to independent helicopter squadrons
– detached crews to the 181st on a rotational basis, beginning from 1981 usually
Lida. The remaining aircraft and helicopter regiments
for a one-year duration. The regiment was equipped with 18 Mi-8 and 43 Mi-24
helicopters when transferred to Belarusian control. were all stored at Baranovichi. were redeployed to Luninets –
The number of combat and home of the 1169th Equipment
276 otdelnyy vertolyotnyy polk (276 OVP, 276th Independent Helicopter Regiment)
transport helicopters within Aviation Storage Base. AFM
Latvia
378 otdelnyy shturmovoy aviatsionnyy polk (378 OShAP, 378th Independent
Assault Aviation Regiment)
Military Unit: 62234 Location: Postavy, Vitebsk Oblast Lithuania
Operating from Bagram, Afghanistan, from October 1984 to February 1989, this Russia
regiment transferred to Postavy in February 1989 from where it operated Su-25s
and L-39s. When it was transferred to Belarusian control in January 1992, the Belarus
regiment comprised an estimated 32 Su-25s, but it was disbanded the following
year. Some of the Su-25s found their way to the Peruvian Air Force. Minsk
397 otdelnyy shturmovoy aviatsionnyy polk (397 OShAP, 397th Independent
Lida
Assault Aviation Regiment) Minsk-Machulishchy
Military Unit: 23519 Location: Kobrin, Brest Oblast
This regiment was originally formed at Kobrin in July 1986 and was equipped with Poland
Baranovichi
Su-25s and L-39s. In accordance with the Directive of the Ministry of Defence
of the Republic of Belarus No 5/03, the regiment’s 32 operational Su-25s were
reassigned to the 206 OShAP and 378 OShAP on January 4, 1993, but the regiment Osovcy
was disbanded on June 1 that year.
911 aviatsionnyy polk istrebiteley-bombardirovshchikov (911 APIB, 911th
Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiment)
Military Unit: 18556 Location: Lida, Grodno Oblast Ukraine
This unit was originally stationed in Belarus until departing for East Germany in 1989.
Its stay there was brief, and the unit returned to its original home in Lida in July 1992.
In August it transferred to Baranovichi, where it was disbanded the following year.
927 istrebitelnyy aviatsionnyy polk (927 IAP, 927th Fighter Aviation Regiment)
Military Unit: 55782 Location: Beryoza, Brest Oblast
The 927th was activated in 1942 and transferred to Beryoza on September 1, 1955. It
was deployed to Afghanistan where it flew MiG-21s from Bagram between 1983 and
1984. The regiment returned to Beryoza on July 26, 1984. It re-equipped with MiG-29s
in 1986 and in 1992 transferred to Belarusian control, renamed as the 927th Fighter
Aviation Base.
953 bombardirovochnyy aviatsionnyy polk (953 BAP, 953rd Bomber Aviation
Regiment)
Military Unit: 15550 Location: Bobrovichy, Gomel Oblast
Formed in April 1943, this regiment transferred to Pruzhany air base on Belarusian
territory on August 8, 1945. It moved to Bobrovichy in 1959 where it remained until
1992. The 32 BAD to which it was originally subordinated was stationed in Ukraine
– as such it was taken over by Kiev in 1992 and the unit transferred directly under
the 26 VA. However, being surplus to Belarusian requirements it was transferred to Above: The 50th Mixed Aviation Base operates assets including Mi-8MT
Russia in 1994, going to Kamenka, Penza Oblast, where it was absorbed by the local helicopters, of which ‘29 White’ has been noted flying recently. The base
also flies a handful of older Mi-8Ts, but with delivery of the new Mi-8MTV-5
fighter-bomber regiment (which became a bomber unit on Su-24s afterwards).
helicopters, it’s expected that the ageing ‘Hip-Cs’ will soon be withdrawn.
Operation
S
ix F-35A stealth (AIRCOM) operation. Three initiative, launched in 2008 following
fighters belonging times a year, on a rotational the withdrawal of US forces from the
to the 13° Gruppo basis, allied nations contribute island, is to provide air surveillance and
(13th Squadron) of the 32° to NATO Interim Air Policing interception coverage over Iceland, to
Stormo (32nd Wing) of the in Iceland, a country that maintain the integrity of NATO airspace.
Aeronautica Militare (AM, doesn’t have autonomous air According to the Italian Air Force, there were
Italian Air Force) based at defence assets and capabilities, two reasons for committing the F-35, instead
Amendola in southeast Italy, but which is strategically of the usual Eurofighter Typhoon, to the ASIC
deployed to Keflavik Airport (KEF) located close to the Arctic. Each IPPN mission. First, the service identified
from October 2 to 24. Here, the jets ensured deployment lasts three or four weeks. deployment under NATO command and control
the integrity of Icelandic airspace under For the second time this year – and the fifth as a milestone towards full operational capability
Operation Northern Lightning. This marked in total since 2013 – the AM secured the skies (FOC) for the new multi-role aircraft. In fact, in
the first time Italian Lightning IIs had been over Iceland, supporting NATO’s Airborne December 2016, the AM became the first service
deployed under NATO command, making Surveillance and Interception Capabilities to to take delivery of the stealth jet outside the US.
Italy the initial partner nation to send the fifth- meet Iceland’s Peacetime Preparedness Needs Initial operational capability (IOC) was declared
generation fighter on an Allied Air Command (ASIC IPPN) mission. The purpose of this on November 30, 2018, during a media day for
Tactical support to the domestic quick reaction alert lessons learned by previous deployments of
Leadership (QRA) as part of Italy’s airspace monitoring the Italian Typhoon fleet. Then, on September
Programme service, Typhoons recently returned from 23, an advance team landed at Keflavik to
(TLP) another NATO Interim Air Policing mission arrange for the arrival of the aircraft, which,
18-4. Along in Romania and are currently deployed to split into two sections, started landing in
with participation in the Iniohos Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait, from where Iceland on September 24. The first four aircraft
2019 exercise at Andravida, Greece, in they support the multinational campaign left Amendola supported by a KC-767A tanker
March, the US-led Astral Knight 2019 exercise against so-called Islamic State in Iraq and belonging to the 8° Gruppo of the 14° Stormo
in Croatia, Italy and Slovenia in June, and Syria as part of the Prima Parthica operation. from Pratica di Mare and a P-72A maritime
Blue Flag 2019 in Ovda, Israel, deployment patrol aircraft of the 41° Stormo from Sigonella
on a NATO mission is one of the steps the Deploying to the High North that provided oceanic search-and-rescue (SAR)
AM considers crucial to declaring FOC. Operation Northern Lightning kicked off at support. The Lightning IIs refuelled twice from
Second, by sending the F-35, the AM could Amendola in July, when Italian F-35s started the KC-767A before touching down at KEF.
prevent further stress on the Eurofighter fleet, preparing for the Icelandic mission by launching The remaining F-35s arrived on September 25,
which is already engaged in various operations simulated and training scrambles. These also accompanied by a KC-767 and a P-72A,
both at home and abroad. As well as constant focused on the Iceland scenario and drew upon followed on September 26 by the rest of the
1
contingent. The deployment was supported as well as technical and logistics personnel Supporto Tecnico Operativo Guerra Elettronica
by 12 cargo missions from Italy: eight carried and an air defence controller team from (ReSTOGE, Electronic Warfare Technical
out by C-130Js of the 46a Brigata Aerea (46th the Comando Operazioni Aeree (COA, Air Support Department) that is responsible
Air Brigade) from Pisa and Operations Command) at for updating the self-protection libraries of
four by the KC-767s, for a Poggio Renatico, Italy. The all AM aircraft, and, for the very first time, a
total of 77 tonnes of material last of these, in co-operation team from the recently established Comando
transported to Keflavik. with the Icelandic Coast Interforze per le Operazioni Cibernetiche
Deployed under the leadership Guard, provided liaison and (CIOC, Joint Cyber Operations Command).
of the Comando Operativo surveillance, identification Physical security of the detachment was
di vertice Interforze (COI, and interceptor control in ensured by a team of the 32° Stormo’s
the Italian Joint Operations the area of responsibility, protection group, as well as the Fucilieri
Command), the aircraft and as well as working with the dell’Aria (air riflemen) of the 16° Stormo
around 130 personnel were Combined Air Operations Centre from Martina Franca, equipped with counter
assigned to Task Force Air (CAOC) at Uedem, Germany. unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) technology.
(TFA) 32nd Wing, which Supporting the TFA were After the first briefings, the initial familiarisation
included Task Group Lightning, personnel from the Reparto flights were launched on September 27 and IOC
1: Contrails stream as the Lightning II pair breaks from formation behind the C-130J camera ship. In contrast with the Baltic Air Policing mission, which
involves continuous coverage, the Icelandic government only requests an average of three air policing deployments annually. 2: Operation Northern Lightning
was the first time Italian Lightning IIs had been deployed under NATO command. The jet’s ability to pass and receive information to and from the command
and control chain in real time meant pilots had the necessary information to complete an intercept even before visual identification. 3: Specially marked F-35A
MM7357 (AL-7, FMS 14-5108) ‘32-07’ basks in the sun outside one of Keflavik’s hardened aircraft shelters. The jet received its non-standard tail markings,
including the 13° Gruppo’s Don Quixote emblem, to celebrate the squadron’s centenary in 2017. 4: A pilot of the Task Force Air (TFA) 32nd Wing poses in front
of his jet. Aircrew were provided with a Tacconi neoprene immersion suit, a prerequisite for flying over the sea when the water temperature is below 13°C.
for the TFA 32nd Wing was declared on October of the team from Combined Air Operations QRA and training activity
1. FOC, which confirmed the detachment Centre Uedem and of our Icelandic hosts.” From October 2 to 24, when the transfer
was ready to conduct NATO’s peacetime Lt Gen Pascal Delerce, deputy commander of of authority (TOA) brought the Italian
Icelandic air policing mission, was declared NATO’s AIRCOM, the entity that oversees all detachment’s air policing duties to an end, the
on October 2, two days ahead of schedule. alliance air policing, attended the ceremony, F-35s provided peacetime quick reaction alert-
The mission readiness certificate was handed along with Italy’s chief of defence, Lt Gen intercept (QRA-I) readiness with at least two
over by Lt Col Wilhelm May from NATO’s Enzo Vecciarelli. In his speech, Lt Gen aircraft armed with a pair of live AIM-120C-5
CAOC to the TFA commander, Col Stefano Delerce said: “For the first time the F-35, a AMRAAMs (Advanced Medium-Range Air-
Spreafico, on October 5, during a ceremony modern fifth-generation fighter aircraft, is to-Air Missiles) in the internal weapons bay.
at Keflavik. Speaking during the event, Col going to be employed by NATO to safeguard This is the same standard conventional load
Spreafico declared: “I am very proud of the the alliance’s airspace, executing NATO’s (SCL) used at home to carry out QRA shifts as
result achieved. We managed to reach this peacetime air policing mission. It represents part of the Servizio Sorveglianza Spazio Aereo
milestone two days in advance of the expected a major step towards the integration of (SSSA, Air Space Surveillance Service). At
timeline and that has been achieved thanks modern fighter aircraft into alliance missions, Amendola, the Lightning IIs have been called
to the fantastic teamwork of all the task force demonstrating the alliance’s capability to upon to provide this capability, if needed, on
personnel and thanks to the great support advance, adapt and integrate new technology.” a rotational basis since the type achieved
1
IOC in the air-to-air role in March last year. and in a different scenario. This is extremely procedures required to intercept, identify and
Maj Simone (surname withheld on security useful to develop our experience and the escort unknown aircraft approaching Iceland’s
grounds), a pilot with Task Group Lightning, reason why the squadron has deployed all its airspace. Training sorties are co-ordinated and
told AFM: “There are no significant differences aircrews to Iceland for the three-week rotation. carried out with the local CRC [Control and
between what we are doing here and what “The main difference between flying here Reporting Centre, radio callsign ‘Loki’], where
we do in Italy. Generally speaking, at least two and at home is that, in Italy, we have far more we have also Italian air defence controllers,
F-35s are on QRA, while the rest of the aircraft simulated ground targets to use. In terms of and in co-ordination with the CAOC. Although
we brought here are available to carry out airspaces, we have been assigned several areas our ability in the air-to-air role was already
training sorties. In fact, in keeping with the type over and around Iceland that can be used for validated by NATO as part of the FOC
of readiness NATO requires us to ensure each training missions, and there are also specific certification process, we continue to practise
day, we try to replicate the type of missions areas used for surveillance purposes. The latter the mission so that we can fine-tune the
we always fly at Amendola. Air policing is are useful to perform simulated CAP [combat procedures involved in the air policing mission.
our priority, but we can pursue our training air patrol] and BARCAP [barrier combat “Flying in the Nordic region in this period is
requirements operating from a different base air patrol] profiles and for practising all the quite similar to flying in Italy during winter.
“There are no
significant
differences
between what
we are doing
here and what
we do in Italy.”
3 4 Maj Simone
84 // December 2019 #381 www.Key.Aero
1: Lightning up close. Northern Lightning was the fifth occasion – and the second time this year – that Italy supported this NATO mission in Iceland. The AM
previously deployed Eurofighter F-2000As for the mission. 2: ‘Slime lights’ aglow, F-35A MM7361 (AL-11, FMS 17-5287) ‘32-11’ taxies out for a Tango training
scramble at dusk. The local climatic conditions also served as a useful test for the F-35A’s ability to adapt to any temperatures. 3: A view inside the hardened
aircraft shelter reveals the pair of AIM-120C-5 AMRAAMs in the weapons bays of F-35A MM7360 (AL-10, FMS 15-5204) ‘32-10’. This is the same standard
conventional load used at home to carry out QRA shifts as part of the Air Space Surveillance Service. 4: A fine aerial study of F-35A pair MM7358 (AL-8, FMS
14-5109) ‘32-08’ and MM7359 (AL-9, FMS 15-5144) ‘32-09’. The detachment continued the tradition of working with the Icelandic Coast Guard, which maintains
the ground-based air defence picture of the local airspace and also provides SAR cover.
Keflavik is probably windier than Amendola, surveillance aircraft based at Reykjavík During their rotation, the Italians carried out
though. The ground temperature is around 8°C, Airport, as well as five patrol vessels. around 20 training scrambles and logged 150
but we wear the Tacconi neoprene watertight The two F-35s on QRA were checked flight hours, with availability of their aircraft
suit [required for flying over the sea when and accepted by the pilots inside the close to 100%. In his final speech during the
the water temperature is below 13°C], even hardened aircraft shelter in a readiness ceremony that officially closed Operation
during missions when we fly over land as there posture at the beginning of the alert shift. Northern Lightning, detachment commander
are zones of Iceland – for instance glaciers In case of Alpha (real-world alert) or Col Spreafico reflected: “The participation of the
– where it would be extremely difficult to Tango (training) scrambles, the pilots F-35s from the 32nd Fighter Wing at Amendola
survive without an anti-exposure suit for two could quickly start the fighter’s engine and has been an opportunity that allowed the
or three hours, until the rescue team arrives.” reduce the time required for take-off. Maj Italian Air Force to test not only the operational
SAR service was provided round the clock Simone added: “Just like any other modern capabilities of the aircraft, but also deployment,
by the Icelandic Coast Guard, which operates platform, this aircraft can use abbreviated logistics and sustainability procedures in a
a mixed fleet of AS332L1 and H225 Super procedures in case of scrambles to meet the special operational, climatic and environmental
Puma helicopters and a Dash 8 maritime NATO peacetime readiness requirement.” context far from our home base.” AFM
D: Oct 10
N: Air Force of the
Democratic Republic of
the Congo
N: An-72
S: EK-72903
This aircraft took off from Goma
Airport at 1532hrs local time for a
presidential logistics support flight
to Kinshasa/N’djili Airport but
failed to arrive at its destination, Honduran Air Force Cessna 210N Centurion II FAH-290 following its crash at Base Aérea Coronel Armando Escalón
Espinal on October 11. Mario Theresin
where it was due to land at
1743hrs. Last contact with the Addis Ababa to Adama road and the pilot, Captain Kevin against a brick wall, with the
aircraft had been 59 minutes after in the Uke Denkaka area near Domon-Grenier, ejected safely nose, wings and tail broken off.
take-off. The wreckage was found Bishoftu city, due to an engine fire before it crashed in an open field
the following day in a forest 15 immediately after take-off from near Brooks, Fayette County, D: Oct 16
miles (25km) from Okoto village, Debre Zeyit/Harar Meda Airport. Georgia, at around 1330hrs local N: South Sudan Air Force
near Kole, Sankuru province. It was Both crew members were killed. time. Following the accident, the T: An-26B
confirmed that all eight on board RCAF temporarily halted flying S: SP-401
(four crew and four passengers) D: Oct 11 with the CT-114 fleet, stating on While landing at Yambio Airport,
had been killed. The aircraft had N/U: Honduran Air Force/1 October 15 that the pause would South Sudan, the aircraft overshot
been operating with the DRC air Grupo Táctico/Armando remain in place “as long as is the runway and came to rest,
arm since at least December 2018. Escalón Espinal needed to ensure the aircraft stuck in the bush. The Curl was
T: Cessna 210N Centurion II can be operated safely.” carrying six tons of cargo, five crew
D: Oct 10 S: FAH-290 members and 12 passengers, but
N/U: Russian Aerospace During a training flight at Base D: Oct 15 there were no injuries to those
Forces/21 SAD/32 OTSAP Aérea Coronel Armando Escalón N: Afghan Air Force on board. Despite having run
T: An-12BK Espinal, San Pedro Sula/Ramón T: Mi-17V-5 across rough ground for some
S: RF-95428/RA-11260 Villeda Morales International This helicopter was destroyed distance, the aircraft appeared
This aircraft made what appears Airport, the aircraft lost power in a crash at around 1700hrs to be undamaged and a team of
to have been an inadvertent while performing touch-and- local time in an open area engineers from the United Nations
landing with the undercarriage goes and crashed short of the at Durrah-i-Hairratan, near Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
retracted at 1119hrs local time at its runway at around 0800hrs local Mazar-i-Sharif, Balkh province, used a truck-mounted heavy winch
base at Koltsovo (Yekaterinburg) time. The aircraft’s undercarriage northern Afghanistan, following to pull the An-26 out of the bush
after a flight from Chelyabinsk. collapsed, a large part of the a technical failure during a and tow it back to the runway.
There were no injuries to the starboard outer wing was torn training flight. All seven crew
17 personnel (six crew and 11 off and the port wingtip was members on board were killed. D: Oct 16
passengers) and damage to the badly damaged. Neither crew N/U: Venezuelan Military
aircraft appeared to be minimal member was seriously injured. D: Oct 16 Aviation/Grupo Aéreo de
– a small fire briefly ignited, but N: German Army/MINUSMA Caza No 11 ‘Diablo’
was quickly extinguished. Despite D: Oct 13 T: Luna X-2000 T: Su-30MK2V
receiving a military serial several N/U: Royal Canadian Air S: 91+43/UNO-111P S: 0457
years ago, the aircraft also wears Force/15 Wing/431 Air This UAV was being operated in During the initial climb out from
its former civilian registration. Demonstration Squadron/ support of the United Nations Base Aérea Militar Capitán Manuel
The Snowbirds Multidimensional Integrated Ríos, El Sombrero, Guárico,
D: Oct 11 T: CT-114 Tutor Stabilization Mission in Mali the aircraft had a mechanical
N: Chinese People’s S: 114071 ‘5’ (MINUSMA) when it crashed in failure while still flying at low
Liberation Army Aviation Shortly before a display at the Mali. The precise location was altitude and abruptly veered to
T: Z-8G Atlanta Motor Speedway, the not reported, but a photograph starboard, resulting in a loss
After departing from Chongzuo aircraft had a technical problem of the wreckage showed it lying of control, following which it
city, Guangxi province, this crashed at 1614hrs local time.
helicopter crashed into a mountain Both pilots ejected at very low
in Xupu county at 1940hrs local altitude, but neither survived.
time. All 11 on board were killed. The aircraft had intended to fly
The accident was not reported to Base Aérea Militar Teniente
at the time, but was revealed Luis del Valle García, Anzoátegui,
by Chinese state media on which is Venezuela’s other
October 26. The helicopter Su-30 base, where it was to
was reportedly participating in undergo unspecified repairs by
an exercise involving a mock specialist Russian technicians.
surprise attack on Hong Kong,
with Xupu county being used D: Oct 17
to represent Hong Kong. N: UAE Air Force and Air
Defence
D: Oct 11 T: Wing Loong II
N: Ethiopian Air Force While supporting Libyan
T: Su-27UBK The wreckage of German Army/MINUSMA Luna X-2000 UAV 91+43/UNO- National Army operations, this
This aircraft crashed near the 111P following its crash in Mali on October 16. UAV crashed after being shot
Abbreviations: D: Date N/U: Nationality/Units T: Type S: Serials
D: Oct 18
N: Turkish Land Forces
T: S-70A-28 Black Hawk
As a result of a technical
South Sudan Air Force An-26B SP-401 in the bush after running off the end of the runway while landing at
malfunction, this helicopter made
Yambio Airport, South Sudan, on October 16. UNMISS
a hard landing inside Syrian
territory south of Gre Spi, near Primera Brigada Aérea/ D: Oct 24 resulting in the crash site being
Tell Abyad, while evacuating Grupo de Transporte N: Indian Army Air Corps found the following morning near
wounded soldiers. In order to T: Basler BT-67 Fantasma T: Dhruv La Victoria village in the Cerro
prevent it falling into enemy hands, S: FAS116 While en route to Srinagar Monasterio area. It was located
it was destroyed in an air strike During its take-off run for a from a XVI Corps forward area in very difficult topographical
by a Turkish Air Force F-16C. It paratrooping mission from Base of operations near the Line of conditions, making immediate
was not reported whether those Aérea de Ilopango, San Salvador, Control in Udhampur, Jammu, access impossible but, at 0605hrs
on board were rescued safely. the aircraft veered off the runway, this helicopter had a technical on October 27, favourable
across a taxiway and into a ditch, malfunction and was written off weather conditions allowed an air
D: Oct 19 causing the main undercarriage following a very heavy landing insertion of a rescue team, which
N/U: Pakistan Army Aviation to collapse. The pilot was adjacent to a river in the Bedar determined there were no survivors
Corps/303rd Aviation transferred to a military hospital area of Poonch district, Jammu among the six crew members.
Group/Army Aviation with unspecified injuries, while the and Kashmir at 1350hrs local
School six paratroopers on board were time. The two pilots and seven D: Oct 29
T: MFI-17 Mushshak treated at the crash site. The BT-67 officers on board were all N: Hamas air unit
During a routine training sustained substantial damage and injured, including Northern Army T: Unidentified UAV
sortie from the Army Aviation is now awaiting assessment to commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh Israeli Air Force F-15s intercepted
School at Army Aviation Base determine if it can be repaired. and some of his staff. The injured this UAV while it was flying at an
Rahwali, the crew performed an were taken to a nearby army unusual height of 2.5 miles (4km)
emergency landing due to an D: Oct 23 medical centre for examination. over the Gaza Strip. The F-15s were
engine malfunction while flying N: Islamic Revolutionary scrambled to shoot it down and it
over Dilawar Cheema, near the Guards Corps Aerospace D: Oct 25 fell within the Gaza Strip. Hamas
River Chenab. The Mushshak Force N/U: Colombian Air Force/ militants use at least three types of
flipped over when it came T: Shahed-123 UAV Grupo de Vuelos UAV, primarily in a surveillance role.
down in a paddy field at Jamke This UAV crashed near Shushtar, Especiales 82/Escuadrón
Chatha, near Wazirabad, in the southwestern Iran, following de Transporte Especial 821 D: Oct 29
Gujranwala district of Punjab engine failure. The smashed T: Bell 412EP N/U: US Air Force/49th Wing
province. Despite coming to rest wreckage was recovered by the S: FAC 0006 T: F-16C Fighting Falcon
inverted with extensive airframe IRGC with assistance from local The air force reported this During a training sortie from
damage, the instructor and farmers and their vehicles. helicopter as missing after being Holloman Air Force Base, New
student pilot escaped unhurt. unable to contact the crew Mexico, this aircraft crashed
D: Oct 23 following a final transmission at 80 miles (129km) southeast
D: Oct 21 N: Israel Defense Forces 1416hrs local time while en route of the base at around 1916hrs
N/U: Brazilian Naval Aviation/ T: Unspecified UAV from Base Aérea Palanquero, local time. The pilot ejected
VF-1 The IDF announced that it had Puerto Salgar, to a Comando safely and was taken to a
T: AF-1B Falcão (A-4KU lost an unspecified UAV during Aéreo de Mantenimiento (Air local hospital for treatment.
Skyhawk) routine security operations, when Maintenance Command)
S: N-1013 it fell to the ground adjacent to facility at Base Aérea Madrid, Additional material from:
This aircraft was substantially Israel’s border with Lebanon, Cundinamarca, for a routine Waseem Abbas, Igor Bozinovski,
damaged after engine problems but it was said to have been overhaul. A search was initiated Dino van Doorn, Mario Flores,
forced the pilot to abort take-off on Lebanese territory. No in the area of the Albán and Scramble/Dutch Aviation
from Base Aerea Naval de São further details were given. Cundinamarca municipalities, Society and Asagiri Yohko. AFM
Pedro da Aldeia, Rio de Janeiro,
at 0700hrs local time, following
which the nosewheel collapsed
as it overran the runway onto
the grass. As the Skyhawk came
to rest, a sudden ball of flame
briefly engulfed the front of the
aircraft when fuel leaking from an
external tank ignited, but this was
quickly extinguished. The pilot
escaped without serious injury.
D: Oct 22 Salvadoran Air Force Basler BT-67 Fantasma FAS116 following its take-off accident at Base Aérea de Ilopango on
N/U: Salvadoran Air Force/ October 22. El Salvador Ministry of Defence
The long T
he Israeli Air Force (IAF) has a
requirement for more advanced
air-launched standoff weapon
systems and the local defence industry
is working hard to supply them.
arm of
The IAF’s demand stems from the
operational problem of attacking high-
value targets in areas protected by a
variety of surface-to-air missiles (SAMs).
The need for such weapons to carry
heavy payloads of explosives is not
new, but with more than 200 air strikes
the Israeli
undertaken by the IAF in Syria last year
and yet more this year, the operational
need has reached a higher priority level.
According to foreign sources, the IAF
has performed many of these air strikes in
Syria while flying within Lebanese airspace.
Lebanon has no air defence systems
Air Force
that can threaten the IAF’s aircraft.
Meanwhile, Russian media outlets claim
that at least some of the recent IAF air
strikes in Syria involved use of the new
Israeli Rampage air-to-ground missile.
The Rampage was developed jointly by
Israel Military Industries Systems (IMI) –
recently acquired by Elbit Systems – and
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). According
to the companies, the Rampage’s warhead,
While the Israeli Air Force is well equipped with ‘smart’ standoff weapon rocket motor and advanced navigation
systems, threats developing close to the country’s borders and further suite allow execution of strike missions
afield require additional, even more capable munitions. Arie Egozi against high-value, well-protected targets
examines those currently in production. with a high degree of precision.
A head-on view of a pair of Israeli Air Force F-16I Sufas armed with SPICE 1000 weapons. The jet in the
background, Sufa 470, wears the markings of 253 ‘Negev’ Squadron based at Ramon, a unit that saw
service in the Second Lebanon War in July 2006, carrying out “hundreds of successful bombings with
various kinds of weaponry.” Yissachar Ruas
Above: A view of the SPICE 1000 as provided by the manufacturer. SPICE 1000 guidance kits can
be applied to various 1,000lb warheads, including the Mk83 and RAP-1000. Right above: Earlier this
year, Rafael received the Israel Defense Prize for its SPICE 1000. The honour recognises projects and
operations that “contributed to the security of Israel and to its qualitative military edge and technological
superiority.” Rafael Right below: A close-up view of a SPICE 2000 under the wing of an F-16. The weapon
can be combined with a 2,000lb BLU-109 penetrating warhead to tackle hardened targets.
in use with the IAF’s combat squadrons towards the target zone. As the weapon Rafale, Gripen and Typhoon. The different
is the Rafael SPICE ‘smart’ bomb. approaches the target, the SPICE’s scene- SPICE bombs use a common aircraft interface
The Rafael SPICE 1000 and SPICE 2000 matching algorithm compares the electro- and sophisticated weapon software simplifies
guidance kits convert standard 1,000 and optical image received in real time via the the effort needed for aircraft integration.
2,000lb (454 and 907kg) general-purpose and weapon seeker with mission reference data SPICE has day, night and adverse-weather
penetration warheads into precision standoff stored in the weapon computer memory capabilities, based on its dual charge-
strike weapons. The SPICE 1000 kit for 1,000lb and adjusts the flight path accordingly. coupled device/imaging infrared (CCD/
warheads, such as the Mk83 and RAP-1000, During the homing phase – after successful IIR) seeker. An automatic target acquisition
has a standoff range of 62 miles (100km). completion of the scene-matching process – capability is implemented using scene-
The SPICE 2000 kit for 2,000lb warheads, the SPICE acquires the target automatically. matching technology that, according to
such as the Mk 84, RAP-2000 and BLU-109, The weapon homes in accurately and the company official, is able to cope with
has a standoff range of 37 miles (60km). autonomously to the exact target location using scenery changes and produces a circular
According to Yuval Miller, Rafael’s executive the pre-defined impact angle and azimuth. error probable (CEP) of less than 9.8ft (3m)
vice president and head of the company’s Air & SPICE is combat-proven in the IAF and is
C4ISR Systems Division, mission planning for in service with other air arms throughout the New-generation standoff
the SPICE family of weapons can be performed world, including the Colombian Air Force, which The SPICE 250 is a new-generation standoff
in the air or on the ground. It makes use of data uses the SPICE 1000 to equip its upgraded precision-guided munition. According to
including target co-ordinates, impact angle and Kfir fighters. The weapon was reportedly also Yuval Miller, considerable demand for the
azimuth, imagery and topographical features used by Indian Air Force Mirage 2000s in 250lb (113kg) class weapon is keeping
to create a mission profile for each target. strikes in Kashmir earlier this year. SPICE is the Rafael production line “very busy”.
The pilot allocates a mission to each weapon described as easy to integrate and operate “We market the system as a multi-task weapon
before release. The SPICE is released outside from other single- and dual-seat fighters, that can replace different types of bombs and
the defended area and heads autonomously including the F-15, F-16, F/A-18, Tornado, missiles carried by a fighter aircraft,” Miller added.
Unsurprisingly, the first customer for the are attached to the aircraft’s pylons. Each laser-guided bombs. These require a laser
SPICE 250 is the IAF. The new version of rack can be loaded with four of the weapons. designator to illuminate the target. The SPICE
this air-to-ground weapon is intended to Meanwhile, an F-15 can carry 28 bombs of is a very good solution to fill the gap between
enable a very short ‘sensor to shooter’ time. this type. “This allows each aircraft to handle those two types of weapon systems.”
Unlike previous members of the SPICE family, multiple targets,” Miller said. He revealed The company official added that the image-
which were provided in kit form that was that the SPICE 250 can carry different types matching algorithm used by the SPICE
then attached to 1,000 and 2,000lb bombs, of explosives to handle “specific” targets. bombs has been developed in the last 20
this time the Israeli company is supplying a years and is therefore mature technology. “It
complete system. “There were no warheads SPICE for F-35 solves not only the endgame of the bomb
that we could use and therefore we developed In recent years, the IAF has integrated the SPICE but the entire flight towards the target”.
the full system, the guidance kit and the 2000 – the largest member of the family – on its Weiss added that the SPICE uses the image-
warhead or warheads,” Miller explained. F-16s. Israeli sources say the same weapon will matching algorithm “well before getting
The SPICE 250 can be loaded with 100 also be carried by the F-35I that’s currently being to the area where the target is located”.
optional targets in a given area and its delivered to the IAF. It is expected to be one of a
deployable wings allow an aircraft to carry range of Israeli-developed weapon systems that Automatic target recognition
more bombs. The weapon is guided using will eventually be carried by the stealth fighter. The SPICE family of bombs is currently
a combined GPS/inertial navigation system “The SPICE enables an air force to engage receiving further upgrades. Rafael Advanced
(INS) package. INS is used both as an inertial pixel-size targets from standoff ranges, with Defense Systems has recently successfully
measurement unit (IMU) and as a sensor a weapon designed for high immunity to tested and demonstrated a new automatic
device for the weapon’s angular position and interference and countermeasures,” said target recognition (ATR) capability for its SPICE
motion. The GPS receiver serves as a backup Miller. “With the SPICE 250 we are offering 250 air-to-surface munition. According to the
for the INS and reduces drift by including a smaller, lighter and more affordable company, this new and unique capability is
GPS inputs in any navigation calculations. weapon that also reduces collateral damage part of the weapon’s array of technologies,
However, the SPICE 250’s main sensor is the and increases mission effectiveness.” which includes automatic target acquisition
CCD/IIR dual seeker. This provides pinpoint The Rafael-developed missile rack provides all (ATA) and moving-target-detection homing
accuracy and positive target identification the weapon’s interfaces, including a dedicated modes, all of which are based on autonomous
and, according to Rafael, overcomes target communications link. This link provides the electro-optical scene-matching algorithms.
location error and GPS jamming. The company transfer of mid-course navigation corrections Gideon Weiss explained: “A specific target,
claims the weapon can achieve an extended to the weapon, as well as target updates and like a moving vehicle, can be put into the
standoff range of up to 62 miles (100km) selective targeting. In this way, the weapon special algorithm and it will look for the
using its pop-out wings. It also enables can also be used for pre-strike ‘snapshots’ matching pixels and bring the weapon
impact point update after release, using for battle damage assessment (BDA). system to hit it with absolute accuracy.” He
its communication module, and provides a The unique capabilities of Rafael’s SPICE added that the algorithm builds a three-
battle damage indication (BDI) capability, by bombs have attracted the attention of some dimensional image of the specific target.
transmitting the target image just before it is hit. major international arms companies. In Rafael claims the newly unveiled ATR feature
The Israeli company says that these May, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is a technological breakthrough, enabling
capabilities, along with airborne mission and Lockheed Martin signed a co-operation the SPICE 250 to effectively ‘learn’ the
planning, provide a comprehensive solution agreement to develop, market, manufacture and specific target characteristics ahead of the
for time-sensitive targets and moving land support the Israeli company’s bombs. According strike, using advanced AI and deep-learning
targets, as well as maritime objectives. The to Gideon Weiss, deputy general manager technologies. During flight, the pilot selects
SPICE 250 is released outside the defended of marketing and business development at the target type to be attacked and allocates
area and performs mid-course navigation Rafael’s Air & C4ISR Systems Division, the a target to each weapon. The weapons are
autonomously using its INS/GPS. As with ‘Americanisation’ of the SPICE bombs will allow launched towards the vicinity of the targets,
the other members of the series, when the Lockheed Martin to offer it to its customers. using their INS for initial navigation. On
weapon approaches the target, its scene- Weiss explained that the US Air Force is approach, the weapons use the ATR mode for
matching algorithm compares the electro- also a potential customer. “Currently the detection and recognition of the objectives.
optical image with mission reference data. Americans use high-end weapons systems Each weapon homes in on the pre-defined
To load the SPICE 250 on an F-16, specially like the AGM-158 air-launched cruise missile, target either autonomously or with a ‘human
developed Rafael Smart Quad Racks (SQR) and low-end systems like the Paveway in the loop’, aided by the ATR algorithm. AFM
T
he latest Hungarian participation in jets also cover Slovenian airspace. More All the HUNAF’s QRA-certified pilots were
the Baltic Air Policing (BAP) mission than 90 personnel deployed to Šiauliai, involved in the BAP mission. They worked on
began in April, when Magyar Légierő most of them from Kecskemét. a rotational basis, deploying in regular ‘shifts’
(Hungarian Air Force, HUNAF) Gripens Preparation for the BAP mission began last between Lithuania and Kecskemét to maintain
departed the MH 59. Szentgyörgyi Dezső year. A training course was carried out according their NATO qualifications. Maintenance
Repülőbázis (59th Szentgyörgyi Dezső Air to NATO directives and Hungarian pilots during the Baltic deployment was provided
Base) at Kecskemét in Hungary for Šiauliai air flew tactical simulator sorties at the Swedish by a team of Hungarian Air Force technicians
base in Lithuania, where they remained for four Air Force’s simulator centre (Flygvapnets and the HUNAF’s fleet of An-26 transports
months. Besides the Gripens, the 50th BAP Luftstridssimuleringscentrum, or FLSC) in and new Airbus A319s provided weekly
rotation included Spanish Air Force Hornets Stockholm. Soon after the simulator work, the logistics flights between the two air bases.
at Šiauliai and Royal Air Force Typhoons at unit flew to the Swedish weapon range at Vidsel. When it first touched down in Lithuania
Ämari air base in Estonia as augmenting forces Here, HUNAF Gripens attended their fourth on April 27, the Hungarian detachment
(see BAP’s hot summer, November, p30-34). live weapons delivery exercise – Air Superiority was transported by Hungarian A319s
Since the Baltic states joined NATO in 2004, 2018 – in June last year. This was a milestone with support from a Lithuanian C-27J.
other member nations have provided fighter for the Hungarian Gripens, which dropped live Two days later the Gripens arrived in
assets for air policing – normally for four-month air-to-ground munitions for the first a pair of two-ship formations. Alert
periods – as part of the alliance’s collective time – as well as employing AIM- duty began on May 1, in parallel
defence arrangements. Recently, increased 9M Sidewinder air-to-air missiles with the British Typhoons and
Russian military activity means the airspace and the onboard gun. Air-to- Spanish Hornets. However, the
over the Baltics has become more complicated. ground weapons options for handover ceremony took place
The four HUNAF Gripens in the Baltics the Gripens include AGM-65H a day later, as the Hungarian
Fifty-fif
maintained quick reaction alert (QRA) in and G2 Maverick missiles, detachment officially assumed
addition to their local air defence mission Mk82 iron bombs and GBU- BAP duty from the departing
back home in Hungary, from where the 12 precision-guided bombs. Polish Air Force F-16 unit.
fifty
interception dates. Below: HUNAF Gripen pilots
Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) discuss their latest BAP mission. The aircrews were
rotated throughout the four-month deployment to
located at Uedem, Germany, would scramble give all QRA-certified pilots a chance to take part.
the Gripens to the northern sector.
1 3
Tango scrambles completed a quick turnaround and refuelled Blackjack – with the help of the Hungarians.
The Gripen pilots flew training QRA missions the Gripens to get them back on QRA The HUNAF pilots always took photos and
(Tango scrambles) as well as ‘real-world’ status. In the event of malfunctions that videos of the intercepted aircraft, which wasn’t
alerts (Alpha scrambles). Training sorties were could not be fixed at Šiauliai, a replacement always welcomed. According to the Gripen pilots,
planned alongside the Spanish and British Gripen was flown in from Hungary and the escorts for high-value assets sometimes
detachments to ensure all aircrews were familiar the faulty jet flown home if possible. manoeuvred aggressively to prevent interception
with local and NATO flight procedures. The first Alpha scramble took place on May by the NATO jets. After landing the pilots made
The HUNAF Gripens received their 13, when Hungarian Gripens intercepted an mission reports that were sent to CRC Karmėlava.
scramble orders from CAOC Uedem via An-26 transport. The 50th and last Alpha
a permanent communication connection scramble was ordered on August 30, when Gripens on exercise
between Šiauliai and the Baltic Control and the Gripens intercepted a Su-30SM. The Hungarian Gripens deployed to Lithuania
Reporting Centre (CRC) at Karmėlava. Throughout the deployment, the Hungarian for the BAP mission also supported a range of
Regardless of whether it was an Alpha Gripens completed 488 take-offs and recorded ground troops and other forces in the region.
or Tango scramble, all sorties took place 534 flying hours, including the 50 Alpha Training exercises included joint flying sorties.
according to a strict set of rules. The pilots, scrambles, 110 Tango scrambles, and 141 other Among the most significant manoeuvres was
already kitted out with helmets, kneepads training sorties, including dogfights, close air BALTOPS – a United States Naval Forces
and immersion suits, were driven to their jets support (CAS) and flybys. During the HUNAF’s Europe exercise involving 8,600 soldiers from
in a minivan. Already alerted, the technicians 2015 deployment only 25 Alpha scrambles had 18 nations, during which the Gripens flew
opened the hangar doors and waited for been ordered. This year, intercepted aircraft air defence sorties to protect NATO naval
the aircrew to arrive. After a rapid strap-in, comprised examples of the: An-12BK, An-24, assets. Meanwhile, the HUNAF flew CAS
the engines spooled up, pilots completed An-26, Tu-134, Tu-154, Tu-214PU, Il-18RT, Il-20M, missions during Exercise Tobruq Legacy 19
their last checks and technicians performed Il-22M, Il-38N, Il-76MD, A-50U, Tu-142M, Su-24M/ at the Ustka weapon range in Poland.
a final walk-around of the aircraft and the MR, Su-27P/SM, Su-30SM, Su-35S and Su-34. During Ramstein Alloy 19-2, Gripens were
live weapons. The Gripens flew with two The intercepted aircraft were flying between again involved as NATO allies conducted air
AIM-9 Sidewinders, two AIM-120 AMRAAMs, St Petersburg and Kaliningrad either without policing tasks in the Baltic region. On June
loaded guns and one central drop tank to ‘squawking’ (transponders switched off), radio 25-26, NATO and partner nations took part in
extend combat air patrol (CAP) duration. communication or flight plans, or a combination training in standard QRA procedures for both
According to NATO rules, the basic formation of these, and interception was not always easy. rotational BAP assets and regional air forces.
for QRA is a two-ship. The leader is responsible Numerous exercises were noted over the Baltic More than a dozen fighters from Finland,
for identifying the violating aircraft, while the Sea, with Russian military aircraft controlled Germany, Hungary, Norway, Poland, Spain,
wingman covers the leader’s rear hemisphere. by an A-50U Mainstay. Su-24s carried out Sweden and the United Kingdom worked with
Occasionally pilots had to use an emergency reconnaissance and jamming sorties and escorts air-to-air refuelling assets from Germany and
frequency to contact the intruder or otherwise were provided by Su-27, Su-30 and Su-35 aircraft. the Netherlands together with a NATO E-3A
flew in close formation and used hand signals. On one occasion the Spanish QRA pair was AWACS. Also involved were a Lithuanian
After returning to base, HUNAF technicians delayed but eventually caught its target – a Tu-160 transport and a search and rescue helicopter.
Coming up
*UK scheduled on-sale
date. Please note that
overseas deliveries are
likely to be after this date.
Photo: Onur Kurç and
Tayfun Yaşar
in AFM
The January 2020
issue is on sale
globally from
December 19.*
Güvercinlik air
base near the
Turkish capital,
Ankara, is home to
the heavy-lifters
of the Türk Kara
Kuvvetleri (Turkish
Land Forces). An
entirely different
class of rotorcraft to
the other light and
medium transport/
utility helicopters in
the army aviation’s
inventory, six
CH-47F Chinooks
were assigned to
a new unit – the
3’üncü Bölük (3rd
Company) of the
1’inci Helikopter
Taburu (1st
Helicopter Battalion)
– when they began
to arrive in summer Other forthcoming features include:
2016. In the next • Christmas is cancelled – flying in Greenland with
issue of AFM, Onur the 109th Airlift Wing
Kurç and Tayfun • Swedish Air Force Gripen aerial refuelling exercise
Yaşar join the • From Hip to Mail – a Ukrainian Naval Aviation update
Turkish Chinooks • Exclusive access to the Royal Jordanian Air Force
on exercise.
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