Russia will supply 14 Yak-130 combat trainers to Bangladesh in 2015, fulfilling an existing contract. Belarus will receive 4 Yak-130s under a separate 2012 contract. The Russian defense company Irkut will deliver a total of 61 combat aircraft and trainers in 2015, including Su-30SM and Yak-130 models. Russia is also upgrading several of its An-124 transport aircraft to extend their service life. Russian arms exports exceeded $15 billion in 2014 and are projected to remain at similar levels in 2015 despite Western sanctions.

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2. 1 Russia’s Defense Technologies Newswire
3.06.2015
Bangladesh, Belarus to get Yak‑130 combat
trainers in 2015
MOSCOW/TASS-DEFENSE/. Russia will supply 14 Yak‑130 combat
trainers to Bangladesh in 2015, two more aircraft to be delivered next
year, Corporation Irkut President Oleg Demchenko told TASS.
«The contract for 16 YaK‑130 combat trainers signed with Bangladesh is
on schedule. This year, 14 aircraft will be delivered. We will supply two
more aircraft in 2016, fulfilling the contract,» Demchenko told.
Bangladesh has become the second Yak‑130 foreign customer. Previously
16 combat trainers were supplied to Algeria in 2011. Bangladesh buys Russian
aircraft under a $1 billion defense loan provided by Moscow. Originally, it had
been planned to acquire 24 Yak‑130s but then budget constrains reduced the
order to 16 combat trainers.
Demchenko also said that Belarus would receive four Yak‑130s. The
contract to supply the aircraft was signed in late 2012. Belarus has become the
first CIS country to acquire Yak‑130. «So, we will export eight aircraft in April.
Kazakhstan will receive four Su‑30SM Flanker-D fighters, four Yak‑130s will
be supplied to Belarus,» Demchenko said. «We are conducting the appropriate
negotiations with Armenia and Uzbekistan,» he said, reviewing the prospective
aircraft sales to the CIS countries.
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov said earlier that Irkut will supply
27 Su‑30SMs to the Russian Air Force and Naval Aviation and 12 Yak‑130
combat trainers in 2015. He also pointed out that the Defense Ministry supported
the enterprise, placing additional Su‑30SM orders. Taking into account the good
export potential of the company`s production, «we have provided the plant’s
workload for the nearest three-year term to ensure its rhythmical development,
technical re-equipment and future orders».
Demchenko also said that the Air Force will receive 61 aircraft produced
by Irkut in 2015 marking this year as a record one for combat aircraft and
trainers as supplements.
So the corporation’s combat aircraft yearly output in 2015 will comprise
61 aircraft, including 31 Su‑30SMs (27 as a part of the State Defense Order
and four to be exported) and 30 Yak‑130 combat trainers (12 as part of the
State Defense Order and 18 to be exported).
In 2014, Corporation Irkut produced 41 Su‑30SMs and Yak‑130s in total.
3.06.2015
Russia’s Air Force to get 6 upgraded An‑124–100s
MOSCOW/TASS-DEFENSE/. The Russian Aviastar-SP company has completed the modernization of six An‑124–100 Ruslan
(Condor) aircraft under the State Defense Order. A three-year contract to upgrade six Russia’s Military Transport Aviation
(MTA) An‑124–100 planes and extend their service life was signed by the Russian Defense Ministry and Aviastar-SP in 2012.
A company official said that the sixth Ruslan plane had flown to its location base near the town of Sescha on November 24.
Aviastar-SP modernized six aircraft in three years. One aircraft was upgraded in 2012, two in 2013 and three in 2014, the
official said.
Under the contract, Aviastar-SP upgraded some aircraft systems
to maintain and enhance their technical characteristics, to increase
reliability and to extend the service life of the aircraft. The contractor
carried out massive work to reinforce the primary and secondary
crew cabins, landing gear fairing and the upper deck of the aft body
part. Aviastar-SP conducted the trials of the hydro-complex, landing
gear, the front and rear cargo hatches. The aircraft engines were
successfully run-upped and the fuel system was tested. «The service
life of the aircraft has been extended to 27 years,» the Aviastar-SP’s
official said.
The company’s director general, Sergey Dementiev, told TASS
that Aviastar-SP is going to upgrade five more An‑124–100s in
2014–2016 under the State Defense Order. According to him, it
means the modernization of some aircraft systems to maintain and
enhance An‑124–100 technical characteristics, to increase the
aircraft reliability and to extend its service life.
An‑124–100 is the biggest long-range heavy military transport
aircraft in the world. It can carry up to 120 tons of cargo over long
distances. An‑124–100s comprise the backbone of Russia’s Military
Transport Aviation heavy lifter arsenal. This aircraft can be used not
only in cargo transportations, but also as a launch pad for space
launchers in some programs. Ruslan plays a big role in heavy military
aircraft and cargo transportation.
The serial production of An‑124–100 planes was ceased in
2004. The existing aircraft are being modernized. The service life of
the aircraft is rated at the level of 50,000 flight hours, 10,000 flights
and 45 calendar years. These figures are based on the results of
additional trials and research studies.
Some Russian and Ukrainian aerospace companies were
negotiating in the last years to revive the serial production of
An‑124–100 planes. But this project was dropped due to the
ongoing political crisis.

3. Russia’s Defense Technologies Newswire2
27.03.2015
Russia’s 2014 Arms Exports to
Exceed $15 billion
MOSCOW/TASS-DEFENSE/. Russia exported arms worth
$15.599 billion in 2014, the director of the Federal Service for
Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC), Alexander Fomin,
said at a Federation Council session on March 27.
Fomin said that the Russian state arms exporter
Rosoboronexport accounted for $13.2 billion of the exports.
The list of the most successful exporters in 2014 includes
the Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG, United Shipbuilding
Corporation (USC) and Almaz-Antey Joint Stock Company.
«The Russian Federation continues to hold the second place in
the global arms market. The top importers of the Russian military
output are India (28%), Iraq (11%), Vietnam (7%) and Venezuela
(6%)», Fomin said.
According to Fomin, Russia signed military-technical
cooperation agreements with Serbia and Egypt. Similar agreements
with Cameroon and Uzbekistan are being prepared, he added.
Despite the difficult economic situation and sanctions imposed
against Russia by the leading Western states, the 2015 arms export
plan will be fulfilled approximately at the level of 2014, Fomin said.
At the same time, when answering the question about whether the
Russian arms export volume in 2015 would stand at $15 billion, he
declined to confirm such figure.
«Despite the imposed sanctions against Russia, which obviously
had negative impact on the whole process of the military-technical
cooperation between Russia and some foreign countries and
on its volumes and scales, we have fulfilled the assigned mission in
2014,» he said.
«The 2015 arms export plan has yet to be confirmed and the
appropriate information will be published later. Nevertheless, it will
be approximately the same as in 2014,» Fomin said.
The current situation in the Russian defense and industrial
complex cannot be described as easy. According to Fomin, «we
don’t diminish the negative impact of sanctions. In contrast, the
defense companies are continuing to work.» «We are going to
do everything possible to maintain the arms export level we have
achieved», — the FSMTC director added.
Alexander Brindikov, chief of the Rosoboronexport advisors
group, said on March 27 the Russian manufacturers were getting
uncompetitive in some areas. He said that the experts were
monitoring 64 export sectors «and we’re withdrawing or have
already withdrawn from virtually a half of them.» Brindikov said the
situation stemmed from internal problems, including those related
to electronics and component parts.
Rosoboronexport officials believe that the senior expert’s
opinion on the Russian weaponry competitiveness problems is
an overstatement, Vyacheslav Davidenko, the company’s official
spokesman, said. Russian defense enterprises continue making
top-rate weaponry systems that are enjoying high demand in other
countries, he said.
«The scale of the problem was strongly overstated in the news
this morning,» Davidenko said. He said media reports based on
Brindikov’s words were plucked out of the context of huge work
done by manufacturers, research institutes and centers, the
agencies specializing in defense cooperation and federal defense
agencies.
3.06.2015
India cancels tender for medium-lift
military transport aircraft, hoping for
Russian-Indian MTA project
NEW DELHI/TASS-DEFENSE/. India has canceled the
international tender to supply medium-lift military
transport aircraft, following its plans to purchase
МТА/Multi-Role Transport Aircraft/planes of the Russian-
Indian joint production, a spokesman of the Indian Defense
Ministry told TASS.
In 2014, India announced a tender for the supply of
56 transport planes under a $3 billion contract to replace ageing
Hawker Siddeley 748M Avro aircraft produced by Hindustan
Aeronautics Limited under the license. The Ministry received the
only offer from Airbus to manufacture CASA C‑295 transport
aircraft in India jointly with a local company, Tata Advanced
Systems.
“As a result, the Ministry of Defense refused to sign the
contract and held a new tender for the supply of transport
aircraft,” a ministry source said. The Air Force Command of India
“reconsidered its priorities and requirements, relating to the
modernization of the country’s aviation fleet”. “We expect
to introduce into our aviation pool the new-generation Multi-role
Transport Aircraft. This promising project has been implemented
by United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), Russia and Hindustan
Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India. We hope to reach the
final agreement soon,” a spokesman for India’s Ministry of
Defense added.
Meanwhile, the Air Force of India needs to gradually replace
125 multi-role military transport aircraft An‑32 supplied by
the Soviet Union from 1984, as well as 105 An‑32S aircraft.
To prolong the service life, major repairs of 40 An‑32s took
place in Ukraine. It is planned that 65 more aircraft will be
repaired in India.
Currently, the Indian Ministry of Defense plans to buy
additional 7 American C‑130J/Super Hercules/and 6 to
10 С‑17/Globemaster III/to eliminate the transport aircraft
shortage, while the МТА manufacture is under way. “We hope
that the work under the Russian-Indian agreement will enter an
active stage one of these days,” a spokesperson of the Ministry
of Defense of India said.
The framework agreement on the manufacture of 20‑ton
carrying capacity transport aircraft both for the Russian
and Indian Air Forces was signed in September 2010. The parties
decided to invest $300 mln each into the project and to establish
the production lines of such aircraft in Russia and India.
The general agreement on the MTA design was signed in
2012. India’s Ministry of Defense plans to purchase the pre-
production batch of 45 aircraft while the Russian Defense
Ministry intends to buy 60 such planes. Additionally, the Russian
Ministry of Emergency Situations plans to get 15 aircraft and
private companies — 25 while 60 more are expected to be sold
to third countries.
МТА is supposed to have two engines, and the maximum
takeoff weight of 65 tons. The aircraft is expected to reach
the cruise speed of 800 km/h. Its flying range will be 2500–
2700 km and its service ceiling — 12 km.

4. 3 Russia’s Defense Technologies Newswire
4.06.2015
Radar signature of Bastion-P coastal mobile missile system is reduced by 15 to
20 times
MOSCOW/TASS-DEFENSE/. The use of composite materials in operational and support modules of the Bastion-P 3K55 coastal
mobile missile system (CMMS) has reduced its radar signature by 15 to 20 times, a representative of the Belarussian OKB TSP
Research and Production Association told TASS.
The cases of the K‑340P self-propelled launcher and the Bastion-P K342R transporter-loader are manufactured from a
package of multi-layer composite material panels. They are shaped in a way to ensure absorption of radar signals in several
essential segments of the electro-magnetic spectrum.
The maximum absorption of radar signals is attained primarily in
those spectral bands, in which space- and air-based radio and
electronic reconnaissance equipment operates. This has reduced the
radar signature of the SPL and TL by 15 to 20 times and essentially
lessened their detection probability by the foe, the expert said.
The K‑340P launcher with two Onyx 3M55 supersonic
cruise missiles (export designation Yakhont SS-N‑26 Strobile) in
the vertically raised container launchers and K342R TL with two
Onyx missiles and the K380R combat control vehicle (CCV) are
mounted on the MZKT‑7930 chassis manufactured by the Minsk
wheeled prime mover production plant.
The Bastion-P CMMS was accepted for service in 2010.
Three battalions of the systems went into operation with the
11th independent missile and artillery brigade of the Black Sea Navy
stationed near Anapa. The battalion includes four self-propelled
launchers and four transport-loaders with two Onyx missiles on each,
a combat control vehicle and technical support systems. The battalion
can be additionally complemented with a target designation vehicle
fitted with the Monolith-B radar.
Following Crimea’s reunification with Russia, one battalion
of Bastion-P CMMS from the Black Sea Navy’s 11th brigade
was transferred to the vicinity of Sevastopol. On September 9,
it participated in combat drills, firing at several sea targets that
simulated a strike force of the token enemy.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that all the sea targets
were destroyed. The Onyx missiles were fired from the vicinity of
Sevastopol at sea targets to the range of 90 km.
The export version of the Bastion-P CMMS (SSC‑5 Stooge) armed
with Yakhont missiles currently serves with Vietnam (one battalion)
and Syria (two battalions).
4.06.2015
Russian Land Forces to be fully rearmed before 2020
MOSCOW/TASS-DEFENSE/. The newest armaments for the Russian Land Forces will include tanks based on the Armata heavy
multi-role platform. The first batch expected for delivery, following acceptance trials, will contain a battalion complement of
32 vehicles, Land Forces Commander, Colonel-General Oleg Salyukov said.
Research and development work is currently under way to create advanced armaments for armored force vehicles, including
Armata tanks and IFVs, Kurganets‑25 IFVs and Boomerang APCs. The work is scheduled for completion by the end of next year,
Salyukov added.
“On completion of the acceptance trials, which may last a year or
more, a battalion complement of these vehicles (32 vehicles of each
type) will be acquired for trial operation with the troops undergoing
all stages of combat training. Based on the results, their final functions
and the amount of supplies will be defined,” the commander added.
He also said that 194 pieces of the armor, 150 fixed- and rotary-
wing aircraft and 14,000 servicemen will participate in the Victory
Parade on May 9, 2015. “For the first time, Bal and Bastion shore-based
missile systems, Koalitsiya-SV self-propelled artillery guns, new models
of Typhoon all-terrain vehicles, Armata tanks and IFVs, Boomerang IFVs
and Kurganets‑25 APCs will move across Red Square,” he said.
In 2015, the Land Forces will adopt for service two brigade
complements of Iskander-M mobile ballistic missile systems, one for
the Southern and the other for the Eastern Military District. Pursuant
to a long-term government contract, the troops are to receive two
brigade complements each year. To date, four complements have
been delivered. A fifth is due to be made available before the end
of the current year for a missile unit of the Central Military District.
The Russian Land Forces consider the possibility of acquiring the
Terminator‑2 combat tank support vehicle. The issue of its further
employment will be determined following completion of the work
on the development of the future concept of the Land Forces,
Salyukov said.
At the same time, no plans are made for purchasing the BTR‑90
APC. “At the moment, we are making purchases of the BTR‑82A
model, which includes all the latest achievements in the armament
package, the fire control system, protection, mobility and operability,
the commander said.
Two separate motor rifle brigades will be formed in the Murmansk
Region and the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area for the Arctic army
grouping. “The Arctic troops will be equipped with off-road two-
module transport vehicles, snowmobile vehicles, air-cushion vessels,
special-purpose armaments and gear. Combat training will
be organized taking into account the climate conditions,” the
commander added.
Before 2020, the Russian Land Forces will get a total of
5,000 pieces of new armor, 6,000 upgraded samples and around
14,000 modern motor vehicles. They will include upgraded
T‑72B3 tanks that showed their outstanding capabilities in a
tank biathlon and during the Vostok‑2014 (East‑2014) military
exercises, BMP‑3 and modernized BMP‑2 IFVs and BTR‑82 APCs,
the commander said. He also said that “the purchase of BMP‑3s
has restarted and next year it is planned to supply their battalion
complements for the Land Force units.”
Salyukov added that by 2020 the Land Forces must be equipped
with 70% of modern military hardware.

5. Russia’s Defense Technologies Newswire4
4.06.2015
Russia, Egypt agree to hold naval drills in Mediterranean — Defense
MOSCOW/TASS-DEFENSE/. Russia and Egypt have agreed to undertake naval manoeuvres in the Mediterranean this year, as
well as to carry out anti-terrorist exercises of rapid deployment forces, the press service of the Russian Defense Ministry said.
Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu has discussed the
previous year`s military cooperation results and prospects
for 2015 with his Egyptian colleague Sidqi Subhi, the press
service said.
“The parties have agreed to continue the practice, when Egyptian
servicemen take part in military exercises of the Russian Federation
as observers, as well as to perform training and anti-terrorist
exercises in the Mediterranean this year for the navy and rapid
deployment forces,” the press service said.
Shoigu told Sidqi Subhi that Egyptian servicemen would take
part in the International Army Games and the Army‑2015 Forum,
both to take place in Russia.
“During the meeting, the parties have also discussed international
and regional security issues,” the press service added.
The Egyptian minister arrived in Russia on February 28. On
March 4, Sergey Shoigu and Sidqi Subhi will meet again at a
session of the bilateral committee on military-technical cooperation.
Shoigu said that the parties would be able to “express their views
on the present state of military-technical cooperation and develop a
perspective view on the interaction in the given area”.
Earlier reports have indicated that Russian and Egyptian
airborne troops will perform combined military exercises in 2015.
A delegation of the Russian Airborne Troops arrived in Egypt in the
spring of 2014 to discuss the maneuvers. No certain date for these
exercises has been specified.
The military cooperation with Egypt dates back to 1955.
Egypt`s transformation to a presidential republic as a result of the
1959 revolution became a major reason for such cooperation.
New government officials led by President Gamal Abdel Nasser,
completely restructured the country’s foreign policy toward large-
scale strategic cooperation with the USSR.
In the following years, the Soviet Union supplied virtually all types
of defense products to Egypt.
A large number of middle-ranking officers and technicians for
the Egyptian armed forces were educated at military schools of the
Soviet Defense Ministry. Soviet military advisors served in Egypt on
a permanent basis. During the Arab-Israeli wars, combat missions
were accomplished by air defence units and fighter aircraft of the
Soviet Union’s armed forces.
In 1975, Egypt unilaterally ceased cooperation with the
USSR. The central office of military consultants and all Soviet military
specialists accredited in the country were deported from the state.
After the withdrawal from the Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation
with the USSR, Egypt’s President Anwar El Sadat pursued a strategic
realignment with the United States and entered into a peace treaty
with Israel, following intermediary efforts of Washington. One of the
articles of the Treaty contained limitations on purchasing offensive
and complex kinds of armament in foreign countries (except the US)
in exchange for America’s financial gratuitous assistance to Egypt for
military needs.
In 1985, the Soviet government decided to restart exports of spare
parts, certain types of ammunition and property to Egypt, as well as
to render military and technical assistance. However, the countries
were truly back to bilateral military and technical cooperation only in
the 1990s, when Egypt faced the need to rapidly undertake repairs
and upgrades of a large quantity of military equipment, earlier
purchased from the USSR and going out of service.
No practice of military cooperation, planning and the conduct
of any joint operative and training activities by Russia’s and Egypt’s
armed forces existed at the time.
Since November 2013, the Russian-Egyptian cooperation in the
military sphere has been dynamically developing.
5.06.2015
Russia to supply China with more RD‑93 turbofans
MOSCOW/TASS-DEFENSE/. Russia will supply China with an additional batch of 100 Klimov RD‑93 turbofan engines before
the end of 2016, officials said at Airshow China 2014.
The contract signed between Russia’s Rosoboronexport state arms trader and Chinese officials for the supply of the additional
batch follows an original $238 million agreement concluded in 2005 and completed in 2010.
The first contract for the supply of 100 RD‑93 engines for the
FC‑1/JF‑17 fighter aircraft had an option for 400 more.
The latest contract, which was confirmed at Airshow China 2014,
stipulates the supply of an additional 100 RD‑93s to China. The
turbofans will be produced by the Moscow machine-building plant
Chernyshev, a division of the United Engines Corporation (UEC).
A high-ranking official in the Russian delegation confirmed at
Airshow China 2014 that the fifth-generation fighter Shenyang
J‑31 was also equipped with Russian RD‑93 turbofans.
A UEC official told IHS Jane’s that the Russian company and the
China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation
(CATIC) had signed an agreement at the Airshow China 2014 to
upgrade RD‑93 turbofans.
«Both UEC and CATIC have signed an agreement to upgrade the
RD‑93 turbofans. It comprises consecutive modernization of the
propulsion system in the area of thrust increasing and the arranging
of the turbofans shipments to China», the UEC official said.
He did not specify when China would start to receive the upgraded
RD‑93 turbofans. Under UEC’s existing contract with CATIC, the
Russian company is to perform deliveries, designer`s supervision,
maintenance, refurbishment and assistance in organizing the RD‑93
turbofans overhaul for basic and export FC‑1/JF‑17 fighters.

6. 5 Russia’s Defense Technologies Newswire
5.06.2015
Russia’s Almaz-Antey antiaircraft system producer reorganized into Aerospace
Defense Group
MOSCOW/TASS-DEFENSE/.RussianPresident VladimirPutinhassignedadecreeonreorganizingtheantiaircraftsystemmanufacturer
Almaz-Antey into Aerospace Defense Group, according to the document posted on the official legal information website.
Under the document, the Group will be wholly owned by the
Russian government.
The decree approves the enlargement of the Almaz-Antey
authorized capital, following which the Russian Federation will
contribute certain assets to the Group’s capital, in particular, 100%
minus 1 share of Kometa Space Systems Corporation (public joint
stock company), 100% minus 1 share of the Central Scientific
Research Institute of Radio Engineering named after Academician
Berg (joint stock company), 74.5% of the St. Petersburg-based
Navigator Plant (public joint stock company) and several other assets.
President Vladimir Putin’s decree on establishing the Group for the
development of space defense strategic systems follows a proposal
put forward by Vice-Premier Dmitry Rogozin on January 20, 2014.
The vice-premier said the new Group should unite aerospace
defense information and military systems.
“Currently, different organizations run different components of
our aerospace defense,” the vice- premier said.
“For instance, Radiotechnic Information Systems takes care
of ground information command. This organization is a private
company, a part of Sistema Joint Stock Financial Corporation. The
Berg Institute and Kometa take care of space command. Almaz-
Antey is responsible aerospace defense military systems as far as this
concerns long-distance interception. All these components must be
reorganized into a single algorithm and a single complex,” he said.
3.06.2015
Russia developing new types
of military hardware for Arctic
brigades — commander
MOSCOW/TASS-DEFENCE/. New types of military
hardware are currently under development for Russian
Arctic brigades, Commander-in-Chief of Russia’s Land
Forces, Colonel-General Oleg Salyukov said, summarizing
the results of a military council session.
“These brigades will have new or modernized hardware. We
are reviewing options and developing appropriate equipment,”
he said.
Two-link towing vehicles, snowmobiles, air cushion vehicles
and other types of hardware, which are not used in other
regions, will be in service of these new brigades. The
commander-in-chief said that Arctic vehicles will run on special
fuel and lubricants while servicemen will receive special military
equipment for operations in the region.
“The major task for these brigades, one of which has
already been established, is to guard the coastal zone and
escort ships along the Northern Sea Route. The servicemen in
the brigades are trained according to an individual program,”
the commander-in-chief said.
Since 2013, officers for such brigades have been trained
at a branch of the Army’s Training Center on the premises
of a specialized school in Blagoveshchensk. The educational
program for the operation of mechanized infantry units with
Arctic specifics lasts 5 years.
“The program is similar to the standard course but focuses
on the features of the Extreme North region. We have to
teach the personnel, train our soldiers and make sure they
can accomplish their missions. The first experience shows that
the specialized school in Blagoveshchensk is fully consistent
with the planned tasks. Currently, this is the only institution
providing such education,” Oleg Salyukov said.

7. Russia’s Defense Technologies Newswire6
6.06.2015
Russian Navy to get second Project 11711 amphibious assault ship
MOSCOW/TASS-DEFENSE/. The Russian Navy has ordered the second Project 11711 Ivan Gren-class Landing Helicopter Dock
(LHD) under the state defense procurement program. The LHD is intended to be similar to the type ship named Ivan Gren with
all foreign equipment to be replaced by Russian machinery, said Sergei Vlasov, head of the Nevskoe Design Bureau, which has
designed the project.
According to Vlasov, the type ship, which was laid down in 2004, is scheduled to be commissioned in 2015. «The second ship is
being built considering all the corrections made during the construction of the type ship,” Vlasov added.
He said that the sections of the second Project 11711 LHD
had been laid down earlier but then the construction was ceased.
According to Vlasov, Nevskoe design bureau is currently dealing
with the replacement of foreign equipment for the second Project
11711 LHD. He said that the type ship had «a few pieces of equipment
of foreign origin» and all the equipment for Ivan Gren had been
procured in advance. «The issue of import substitution is being solved
for the second ship,» Vlasov added.
Ivan Gren landing ships with the 6,000‑ton deadweight
are intended for surface assaults and the transportation of weapons
and military equipment. The Project 11711 amphibious assault ship
can provide the landing of 380 marines, 36 armored personnel
carriers or 13 main battle tanks. The Ivan Gren ship accommodates
up to 2 Ka‑29 or Ka‑52K helicopters on its deck. The LHD armament
comprises a 100‑mm naval gun A‑190, two close-in weapon
systems (CIWS) AK‑630 and multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS).
Previously, the Ivan Gren delivery dates were shifted once again due
to the corrections made by the Russian Navy in the basic project.
According to Vlasov, the design bureau is developing a new landing
ship project. «On our own initiative, we are preparing some materials
to be reported to the Russian Navy. The Navy will then take the final
decision. Our bureau is constantly working on many projects, including
landing ships,» he added.
According to him, the bureau has developed the export version
of the Ivan Gren landing ship. Its scale model will be exhibited at the
Euronaval 2014 exhibition in Paris. Vlasov said that this ship has been
developed on the bureau’s own initiative and potential customers have
yet to be found.
The export ship will have little differences compared to the
basic Ivan Gren LHD. «Approximately 90 percent of the export LHD
model is supposed to be similar to the basic ship. The ship’s further
concept will be customized. We will take into account all requests and
demands,” Vlasov said.
TheRussianNavy intendstobuildatotaloffiveProject11711 LHDs.
6.06.2015
Russia’s state arms seller prepares claims against DCNS, if it refuses to hand
over Mistral-class ships
MOSCOW/TASS-DEFENSE/. Following repeated statements by the French government that the first Mistral-class helicopter
carrier cannot be handed over to Russia over its stance on Ukraine developments, lawyers of Russia’s state arms exporter
Rosoboronexport have started preparing possible claims against France, a source involved in implementing the Russian-French
contract said.
“Rosoboronexport lawyers have received orders to start preparing
all possible claims against DCNS as the contractor,” the source said.
According to him, if the contract is severed, the French party will
have to pay Russia around 3 billion euros. “The contract with DCNS
to build in France two Mistral-class LHDs worth 1.12 billion euros
(around $1.52 billion) for the Russian Defense Ministry was signed
on 10 June 2011,” the source said. “The contract has a clause on
the possibility of a direct refund, if the French party fails to fulfill the
agreement. In this case, DCNS’s direct refund alone due to the Russian
party will amount to 1.050 billion euros,” the expert said.
“Moreover, the Russian party has the right to enforce, via
court proceedings, the imposition of extra fines on DCNS and the
refund of expenses on materials and other costs associated with
the transportation to and the construction in France of two stern
components for the Vladivostok and Sevastopol warships. Considering
these penalties and the refund of expenses, the Russian party may get
another 1.8 billion euros in case of a positive court ruling,” he added.
A source in military and diplomatic circles said that France’s attitude
to the handover of Mistral-class ships to Russia has triggered a very
negative response from the new Indian leadership. According to him,
India is prepared to annul the results of the MRCA tender and reject the
purchase of 126 Rafale fighter jets. “France is in for a very unpalatable
surprise from India. The contract with Dassault, which has remained
unapproved for a long time, will not go ahead. The tender results
will be annulled and India will announce a new tender for advanced
combat aircraft,” the diplomat said.
Russian Vice-Premier DmitryRogozinhas said Russiacandowithout
the Mistral-class amphibious assault ships. He said France’s statements
that the contract may be cancelled and the helicopter carriers may be
handed over to someone else are legally unsubstantiated.
“It should be borne in mind that France’s ‘we will or will not supply
the carrier’ game played with the Americans is a far cry from the fair
play,” Rogozin said.
“One-third of the helicopter carriers has been assembled in our
country. The Mistral sterns were built at the St. Petersburg shipyard.
Therefore, if the French side wishes to leave the LHD with it, we’ll
have to tear the sterns away and return them to the manufacturers for
building other ships,” the vice-premier said.
For the same reason, “such half-docks can’t be handed over to
anybody.” “Secondly, money has been paid and it must be returned
together with fines. Thirdly, France risks not only its money, but,
more importantly, its reputation as a reliable supplier in military and
technical cooperation. It’s up to them, if they are prepared to risk their
reputation. In this case, however, you must give our money and the
sterns back to us and you should say good-bye to your good business
name,” Rogozin concluded.

8. 7 Russia’s Defense Technologies Newswire
7.06.2015
Russia to develop new five-year defense plan by December 2015
MOSCOW/TASS-DEFENSE/. Russia’s Defense Ministry will prepare a new plan for the Armed Forces development in 2016–
2020, which the Russian president will approve by December 2015, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said.
The implementation of the state armaments program for 2016–2025 is also scheduled for 2015. Its cost will be reduced from
55 trillion rubles ($1.1 trillion) to 30 trillion rubles ($600 billion) through the development of promising military hardware and
equipment with compatible characteristics.
«The formation of promising weaponry and military equipment
types with compatible performance and technical characteristics has
been finished. This will make it possible to reduce the plan’s cost
from 55 trillion rubles to 30 trillion rubles until 2025, sustaining the
required volumes of supplies,” the ministry’s report says.
Nearly 80 percent of the amount envisaged in the armaments
plan until 2020 is planned to be spent on high-precision weapons.
The main priorities of the actual program include the Strategic
Nuclear Forces, space means and C4I equipment.
The share of modern arms and military equipment in the
Russian Armed Forces has increased by an average of 7 percent and
now it varies between 26–48 percent.
«As a result of 100 percent completeness of the Russian Armed
Forces with arms and equipment, following the accomplishment
of the 2014 State Defense Order, the share of modern armaments
has increased by 7 percent compared with 2013. Now it varies in the
range of 26–48 percent», the report says.
«Therefore, the task to reach the share of 30 percent of modern
arms and equipment in certain service arms and branches is being
accomplished ahead of schedule», the report says.
According to Shoigu, it is planned to increase the share of modern
arms and equipment in the Russian Army by 32 percent, in the Air
Force by 33 percent, in the Navy by 51 percent, in the Strategic
Missile Forces by 57 percent, in the Aerospace Defense Forces by
54 percent and in the Airborne Forces by 40 percent. The level of
technical operability in the Air Force and the Navy is to be at the rate
of 67 percent. This indicator will be at the level of 98 percent in the
Army and certain service arms.
In 2014, Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces were supplied with
38 ICBMs, including 22 SLBMs. The share of modern arms in
the Strategic Missile Forces has reached 56 percent. In 2015, the
Strategic Missile Forces will get more than 50 ICBMs.
Last year, three missile regiments of the Strategic Missile Forces
equipped with new RS‑24 Yars ICBMs were placed on combat duty.
In 2015, four more missile regiments with modern missile
systems will enter service.
By the end of 2014, the Russian Navy had three Project 955
(Borey/Dolgorukiy-class) SSBNs. The leading submarine Yury
Dolgorukiy has joined the forces on permanent alert. The Vladimir
Monomakh and Alexander Nevsky subs will reach this readiness
level in 2015. The Project 885 Yasen-class multirole nuclear
submarine Severodvinsk and the Project 636.3 Improved Kilo-class
diesel-electric submarine Novorossiysk have also joined the Russian
Navy. The submarine Novorossiysk is expected to enter service in the
Russian Black Sea Fleet. Moreover, the Navy has received five surface
ships and ten fast attack crafts.
Russia’s long-range aviation was supplied with seven upgraded
strategic bombers Tu‑160 (NATO reporting name: Blackjack) and
Tu‑95MS aircraft (Bear-H) in 2014. In accordance with State
Defense Order, a total of nine modernized Tu‑95MSs and nine long-
range bombers Tu‑22M3 (Backfire-C) were delivered to the Air
Forсe. The level of technical operability of long-range aviation will
be increased to 80 percent.
The Russian Air Force was supplied with 142 planes and
135 helicopters all together in 2014, including 53 multirole fighters
Su‑30 (Flanker-C) and Su‑35 (Flanker-E), 18 upgraded interceptor
aircraft Mig‑31BM (Foxhound), 18 fighter-bombers Su‑34
(Fullback), 28 different transport and training aircraft, 46 combat
helicopters and 72 combat-transport helicopters. The Air Force also
received seven air defense missile systems S‑400 Triumph (SA‑21
Growler).
The provision of the aerospace and strategic missile forces
and the Navy with modern arms and materiel increased this rate
to 40 percent in 2014. This rate will rise to 70 percent by 2020.
The rate of the Army provision with modern ordnance systems has
reached 25 percent. The proportion of modern automotive and
armored vehicles in the Army has risen to 70 percent.
According to the report, the Army has received approximately
300 upgraded main battle tanks, near 300 armored vehicles and
about 5,000 automobiles. The level of technical operability has
climbed to 85 percent or 5 percent more than last year, Defense
Minister Shoigu said.
The performance of the Russian Armed Forces improved by a
third as a result of maneuvers conducted by the Defense Ministry in
2014. Surprise combat readiness checks were especially useful, the
report said.
Russia’s Defense Ministry intends to extensively rearm the Russian
Armed Forces in 2015, Shoigu said.
There are plans to supply the Army with two brigades
of Iskander-M (SS‑26 Stone) tactical ballistic missile systems,
701 combat vehicles (including main battle tanks, armored infantry
fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers) and 1,545 multi-
role automobiles.
The Air Force and naval aviation are intended to be supplied with
126 new fixed-wing aircraft and 88 helicopters. It is also planned
to deploy a SAM brigade with S‑300V4 (SA‑12 Gladiator/Giant)
air defense systems, which can destroy targets at the range of
400 km, and to rearm three SAM regiments with S‑400 Triumph
SAMs. The Russian Navy is scheduled to receive two multirole nuclear
submarines and five surface ships.
The manpower level of the Russian Armed Forces increased
by 5 percent in 2014 to 90.5 percent of their full complement.
The number of contract soldiers grew to approximately 300,000,
the Russian defense minister said. The preceding year, the fill rate
was at the level of about 83 percent. By the end of 2015, the
Russian Armed Forces will be staffed with personnel at the level
of 95 percent.
«The number of contract soldiers is increasing along with hi-
tech arms and materiel in the Armed Forces. By now, this number
has reached 295,000 or 75,000 more than in the preceding year.
The recruitment plan for this category of soldiers has been fully
accomplished», Shoigu said.

9. Russia’s Defense Technologies Newswire8
7.06.2015
Azerbaijan interested in Russia’s Alligator helicopters, Terminator‑2 armor
MOSCOW/TASS-DEFENSE/. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliev showed interest at the ADEX‑2014 exhibition in Russia-
made Ka‑52 Alligator helicopters and the possibility to upgrade the T‑72 tank to the Terminator‑2 BMPT‑72 combat tank
support vehicle.
“Ilham Aliev expressed his satisfaction and instructed his subordinates to further study in cooperation with Russian specialists
the prospects of work on the Alligator and Terminator‑2”, said Esen Topoyev, adviser to the Russian state arms exporter
Rosoboronexport director-general, who headed the company’s delegation at the ADEX‑2014 exhibition.
Topoyev said the Alligator helicopter manufacturing process was
entirely Russian and needed no imported materials and components.
Also, Rosoboronexport proposed to Azerbaijan to organize in-depth
modernization of T‑72 tanks to transform them into tank support
combat vehicles. “We demonstrated the Uralvagonzavod products
to the Azerbaijani president on the static site. After demonstrating
the Terminator BMPT‑72 tank support vehicle, we proposed that
T‑72 tanks, considering their fairly large fleet [in the Azerbaijani army]
should be thoroughly upgraded to the BMPT level and further versions
of their modernization should be examined,” Topoyev said.
Moscow continues to deliver a major batch of combat materiel to
Baku under a package of agreements signed in 2010.
“In 2010 we signed a large package, which included a range of
combat hardware items to be delivered at different dates. Part of the
products was delivered in 2013–2014. Some part will be handed
over in 2015. The delivery is scheduled for completion before 2017,”
Topoyev said.
According to TASS news agency, the agreements comprise
contracts to supply three T‑90S tank battalions (about 100 tanks),
roughly three BMP‑3 IFV battalions (about 100 vehicles), a battalion
(18 units) of Msta-S self-propelled artillery systems, a battalion
(18 launchers) of Smerch multiple launch rocket systems, a battalion
(18 units) of Vena self-propelled artillery guns, and a battery
(6 units) of TOS‑1A Solntsepek heavy flame-throwing systems (a
new modification of the Buratino system).
Along with the tanks, Baku purchases BREM‑1M armored recovery
and technical maintenance and T‑90 tank-based IMR‑3M obstacle-
clearing vehicles. As a complement to mounts and MLRS launchers,
Azerbaijan purchases all the machinery needed for maintenance
and fire control. Baku purchases T‑90S tanks in the latest and most
advanced configuration, including a new model of the Shtora optronic
suppression system, air conditioning and target tracking devices. In
experts’ estimates, the package of contracts is worth $ 3.4 billion.
Topoyev said Mi‑17V1 and Mi‑35M helicopters can be also
delivered to Azerbaijan. A contract was signed with Baku in 2010 on
the delivery 24 Mi‑35M attack helicopters.
As for 100 T‑90S tanks, their delivery to Baku will be completed in
the first quarter of 2015, Topoyev said. No information is yet
available concerning extra supplies of this armor.
Konstantin Biryulin, deputy head of the Federal Service for
Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) said earlier that Russia
was completing the delivery of 100 T‑90S tanks and may supply a
second batch comprising the same number.
“The implementation of the contract on the supply of T‑90S
tanks is under way. We haven’t yet finished the delivery. We’ve
fulfilled the agreement roughly by 60%. The deliveries are scheduled
for completion in the first quarter of 2015. We’ve signed a contract
with the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry for 100 T‑90S tanks and
are fulfilling the contract without considering any new options or
supplies,” he added.
7.06.2015
Economic unions like Shanghai
Cooperation Organization to help maintain
regional security
MOSCOW/TASS-DEFENSE/. The US increasing pressure on South
Korea, Vietnam, Myanmar and a number of island states was discussed
at a panel meeting of the Scientific Council operating within the
Security Council of Russia.
“The meeting participants examined different aspects related to
guaranteeing Russia’s national interests amid the intensifying military
cooperation between Washington, Japan and Australia,” the press
service of the Security Council said.
MembersoftheScientificCouncilunderlinedtheneedforeffectivemechanisms
to ensure security in the Asia-Pacific region. They believe this role can be assigned
to the existing international structures, such as the Shanghai Cooperation
Organization,theAsia-PacificEconomicCooperation,theAssociationofSoutheast
Asian Nations, the North American Free Trade Agreement, the Pacific Economic
Cooperation Council and others, the press service said.
The scientific community supported the renewal of six-party talks aimed
at solving North Korea’s nuclear problem.
The Scientific Council panel on global problems and international security
under the Russian Security Council includes representatives of state academies
of sciences, heads (representatives) of scientific organizations. Resolutions
of Scientific Council panels are of recommendatory nature and are taken into
account by the Security Council, its central office and executive bodies.

10. 9 Russia’s Defense Technologies Newswire
8.06.2015
Tests of RS‑26 new ballistic missile set for March 2015
MOSCOW/TASS-DEFENSE/. Russia’s newest RS‑26 solid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile
will be test-fired in mid-March 2015, a source in the Russian military-industrial complex said.
“It is planned to launch the RS‑26 closer to the end of the quarter, sometime in mid-March,” the source said.
A decision on putting the missile into service will be adopted following the test firing results, the source said.
Previously, it was planned to perform the launch in December 2014. However, the launch was postponed due
to the lack of financing, a source in the defense industry told TASS news agency.
The RS‑26 missile developed on the basis of the RS‑24 Yars ballistic missile is also known as Avangard and
Rubezh. It is expected to be lighter than Yars, carry advanced military equipment and a multiple warhead. Missiles
of this type will be launched only from mobile complexes and no silo basing is envisaged.
It was reported earlier that the RS‑26 missiles will enter combat duty
already in 2015. A source in Russia’s General Staff said that the Irkutsk
Guards Missile Formation would be the first to receive the new missiles.
7.06.2015
Azerbaijan receives 2 battalions of upgraded Buk-MB air defense systems
from Belarus
MOSCOW/TASS-DEFENSE/. The Azerbaijani armed forces received two battalions of Buk-MB medium-range air defense
missile systems upgraded in Belarus, a military-diplomatic source at the ADEX‑2014 international defense exhibition in Baku
told TASS.
According to the source, two battalions of Buk-MB air defense missile systems have already been delivered to the Azerbaijani
armed forces. Each battalion comprises six 9A310 MB self-propelled launchers, three 9A39 MB launcher loaders, 9M38M1 and
9M317 surface-to-air missiles, the 80K6M radar and the 9S470 MB combat control post. In addition, the battalions have
equipment for air defense missile system logistic support.
The Buk-MB air defense missile systems have undergone in-
depth modernization, in which Belarus’s in-service systems were
thoroughly overhauled and their subsystems and subassemblies
fully replaced. Azerbaijan’s Buk-MB air defense missile systems use
Russian-made 9M38M1 and 9M317 single-stage solid fuel missiles.
The 9M38M1 missiles have a speed of 850 m/s, a range of 35 km,
an operational altitude of 22.5 km and the hit probability for an
aerial target at 0.71. The 9M317 SAM have a velocity 1,230 m/s, a
range of 42 km, an operational altitude 25 km and the hit probability
for an aerial target at 0.78.
A mockup of one of the upgraded Buk-MB battalion in a standard
configuration supplied to Azerbaijan was demonstrated at a display
stand of the Belarus scientific production enterprise OKB TSP during
the ADEX‑2014 exhibition.
Kazakhstan and some other countries, including African nations,
showed interest in the Buk-MB system modernized by Belarussian
specialists.“ThissystemattractsAfricancountries,”theagencysourcesaid.
“Some of them seek to obtain Buk air defense missile systems
but cannot afford acquiring a battalion in the standard configuration.
Therefore it is possible to offer them an air defense missile system
configuration with four launchers since the system itself can be easily
reconfigured. Also, the Buk-MB can be interesting for some countries
of Latin America and the Middle East.” The display stand of OKB
TSP experimental design bureau, the developer of the Buk-MB air
defense missile system, demonstrated that this complex is designed
for countries, which are unable to develop military hardware on their
own and find the output of the leading defense manufacturers, for
example, from Russia and Israel, too costly for them. “All the obsolete
equipment of the air defense missile systems has been replaced with
modern alternatives from Belarus. In creating the Buk-MB, more
than 100 new devices and subsystems have been developed to
become key components of the modernized system,” according to a
report featured at the enterprise’s stand.
The Buk-MB air defense system is made of completely new
components and fitted with modern automatic work stations and
large-format liquid crystal displays. The introduction of digital
signal processing technology has made fault diagnosis of the entire
equipment fully automated.
The OKB TSP representatives said that although each launcher
of the system addresses a target through a single channel, its six
channels in the standard air defense missile system configuration
make the system fully adequate for countering air threats in today’s
operational conditions and protecting vital land-based facilities.
Given that each system launcher is a separate fighting unit
capable of operating both as part of the air defense missile system
and on its own, the Buk-MB is highly survivable, including in
cases when the enemy uses high-precision weapons, the OKB TSP
representatives said.

11. Russia’s Defense Technologies Newswire10
8.06.2015
Putin to approve Russian military doctrine
MOSCOW/TASS-DEFENSE/. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a document on the country’s military doctrine on December
26. This document amends the actual military doctrine and addresses three main issues: threats to Russia’s security, their origin
and the country’s response to these threats.
The changes, first of all, «deal with the emergence of new threats to Russia, which have become evident in the wake of the
Ukraine crisis and the events in Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and North Africa «.
“Indirect actions» and the exploitation of the protest potential of local residents, radical and extremist organizations and
the use of private military companies have become typical in the struggle of the world’s leading countries for their interests.
NATO is increasing its offensive potential near the Russian borders and attempts are under way to deploy the global antimissile
shield», the Russian Security Council said in a statement.
The essence of the military doctrine has not changed and remains defensive. As opposed to the United States, which is ready
to launch a global strike everywhere, Russia’s military doctrine allows it to employ armed forces only when peaceful means of
conflict settlement are proved to be exhausted. The use of nuclear weapons is envisaged by Russia only as response to aggression
against it or its allies.
For the first time ever, non-nuclear deterrence is addressed in the
military doctrine. This task is assigned to the general-purpose forces,
which are not included in the Russian strategic nuclear triad. The
maintenance of the forces’ high-level readiness, the provision of the
armed forces with modern arms and combat materiel are the priorities
for the Russian Federation. This envisages the deliveries of Armata main
battle tanks to the Army, BMD‑4M armored vehicles to the Airborne
Forces, S‑300V4 (SA‑12 Gladiator/Giant), S‑400 (SA‑23 Growler),
S‑500 (SA-X‑NN) air defense missile systems to the Aerospace Defense
Forces, T‑50 (PAK FA) fifth-generation fighters to the Air Force, Project
11356 frigates and other modern ships to the Navy.
The protection of national interests in the Arctic is identified in
the Russian military doctrine as a task of the armed forces for the
first time ever. To that end, a new strategic command called Sever
(North) has been established. In addition to combat ships, it includes
land units, aviation, and a ramified air defense system. In reality, this
means that the fifth military district is created in Russia.
The tasks of the military and economic support for the country’s
defense have been realigned in the new edition of the Russian
military doctrine. «The main emphasis of the military-industrial
complex development is placed on improving the quality and the
competitive edge of Russian military products, and the creation of
the management system for arms, military and special equipment
life-cycle,” the Security Council said.
The doctrine formulates the task to resist other states’ attempts
to «gain military advantage through the deployment of strategic
antimissile defense systems in outer space and strategic non-nuclear
high-precision weapon systems».
The doctrine states that the probability of large-scale war
against Russia has been reduced. But the build-up of the NATO
military infrastructure and its expansion closer to Russia and the
deployment of the U. S. anti-missile system in Europe are described
as threats. At the same time, the military doctrine leaves open the
possibility of joint antimissile systems with other states only on the
condition of Russia`s participation in such systems.
The doctrine specifies the states, with which Russia will jointly
counter the new threats. These are member states of the Collective
Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the BRICS countries, Abkhazia
and South Ossetia.
The need to maintain equitable relationships with NATO and EU
countries and provide assistance to the build-up of a new security
model in the Asia-Pacific region is also mentioned in the document.
8.06.2015
Supplies of 5th generation fighters for Russia’s Air Force to begin in 2016
MOSCOW/TASS-DEFENSE/. The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) will supply the pilot batch of 5th generation fighter jets
Т‑50 (Prospective Airborne Complex of Frontline Aviation, PAK FA in Russian) in 2016, the UAC press service said.
“Supplies of 5th generation fighters Т‑50 for the Ministry
of Defense will start in 2016, according to the schedule,” a
spokesperson for the corporation said.
UAC Head Yuri Slyusar announced that the corporation would
start delivering the pre-production batch of Т‑50 fighters in
the near future. He said that the PAK FA complex had been
successfully implemented and the works were carried out as planned.
The PAK FA complex is manufactured at the Gagarin Aircraft
Factory in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, part of Sukhoi Group.
In total, eight T‑50 fighters have been manufactured or are under
production, five of them have entered service.
Last December, UAC representatives said that by 2020 they would
deliver 55 T‑50 fighters. The T‑50 is a single-seated attack aircraft.
The design provides for an extensive use of composite materials.
The aircraft will meet all requirements of the Air Force for the 5th
generation fighters: a supersonic flight without afterburning, stealth
capability (for radar, optic, acoustic and other detecting systems),
supermaneuverability and the capacity to perform relatively short
take-offs and landing. The aircraft performance characteristics
have not been disclosed, the maximum takeoff weight is estimated
by experts at 35 tons, the cruising speed at 1.7–1.8 Mach, the
maximum speed at 2–2.5 Mach and the range at 4,000 km. It is
equipped with both air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles located in
the internal weapons bay and on underwing pylons. The aircraft is
also equipped with the 30 mm 9 А1–4071 К gun. Probably, the
aircraft will be able to carry aerial bombs.

12. 11 Russia’s Defense Technologies Newswire
8.06.2015
Five new jet trainer/light-attack aircraft Yak‑130 supplied to Russian Air Force
MOSCOW/TASS-DEFENSE/. Five new jet trainer/light-attack aircraft Yak‑130 were delivered from the manufacturer in Irkutsk
to the Armavir training airbase, Air Force spokesperson, Colonel Igor Klimov said.
“The Yak‑130 has performed excellently in harsh weather conditions and over long distances. Pilots have crossed over 5,500 km
and implemented three intermediate flight stops in Novosibirsk, Chelyabinsk and Borisoglebsk,” he said.
Currently, 13 aircraft of such type serve at the Armavir training
airbase. Aviation engineering specialists are now approving four
more Yak‑130 aircraft for the training airbase. A week earlier, the
Armavir training airbase received five Yak‑130 aircraft.
Irkut Corporation manufactured these Yak‑130 aircraft of the
2014 program under a 2011 contract with the Russian Defense
Ministry for the supply of 55 Yak‑130 planes. Considering the
Yak‑130 aircraft supplied to the Air Force by late 2014, the total
number of these planes supplied under the contract has reached 53.
The 200th Armavir training airbase has become the second
training aviation unit of the Russian Air Force receiving Yak‑130
aircraft. The first such unit was the 209th Borisoglebsk training
airbase, with 45 Yak‑130 aircraft supplied in 2012 — early 2014,
including 35 planes built by Irkut under the 2011 contract and
10 aircraft earlier manufactured by the Sokol Nizhny Novgorod
Aircraft Manufacturing Plant. Currently, two squadrons of the 209th
airbase operate 42 Yak‑130 aircraft.
At the beginning of 2014, Irkut Corporation signed another
contract with the Defense Ministry on the supply of 12 more Yak‑130
combat training aircraft for the new Air Force`s aero-acrobatic team
Tavrida Wings (Kryliya Tavridy), which will be based at the 209th
Borisoglebsk airbase.
8.06.2015
Belarus makes new multi-caliber grenade launcher
MOSCOW/TASS-DEFENSE/. Belarus has developed a new grenade launcher as a follow-on to the system proposed by Vladimir
Korenkov, director of the Special Equipment Research and Production Centre of the Moscow-based Bauman State Technical
University (MGTU), during his work on the Nashshab (Hashim) RPG‑32 grenade launcher for Jordan.
Based on the stated power and ergonomics specifications, the product, which Belspetsvneshtekhnika (BSVT) is developing,
will considerably outperform the RPG‑32 grenade launcher. The modular design of the launcher makes it possible to use its
components in other weapon systems of the similar type. The grenade launcher cartridge is expected to be modified for use
with the RPG‑32 and RPG‑29 weapon systems.
“The RPG‑32 is based on combat philosophy, which is ten years
old. According to the data revealed by BSVT, the power of the shaped
charge and thermobaric warhead of the new grenade launcher is
probably 15 to 20% higher,” Korenkov said. The expert drew
attention to the prospect of developing new warheads, in the first
place, high explosive fragmentation sections for operations in towns
and mountains as well as for engagements with combatants in
mixed positions.
“Ergonomics of the grenade launcher is extremely important
here. Obviously, Belarussian developers seek to substantially reduce
the noise signature during fire and increase its livability not only at
the initial stage of firing when the ejected gas jet can create an acoustic
wave, but also in the wake of the residual rocket flame as the munition
leaves the transport and launch container,” Korenkov explained.
In the course of the MILEX‑2014 exhibition in Minsk, the
advanced grenade launcher was first demonstrated on the
1:2 scale without any supporting information. It is believed that the
operational sample will be fitted with a 105 mm rocket-propelled
grenade weighing from 4 to 7 kg and penetrating 700–800 mm
explosive reactive armor. In all likelihood, the new grenade launcher
will be of a multi-caliber type like the RPG‑32.
“The BSVT may be also developing other types of grenades of a
smaller caliber, for instance, 72 or 60 mm,” Korenkov said. “In the
future, this weapon system may have strong potential for upgrade,
unlike the Swedish Carl Gustav grenade launcher whose capabilities
are restricted by its caliber,” Korenkov said. He also drew attention to
the unique fin arrangement of the rocket-propelled grenade fitted
with a tandem hollow charge warhead, which will improve the
ammunition’s precision and accuracy. He also pointed to the small
size of the pre-charge. “It may mean that Belarus has optimized the
warhead taking into account the existing types of explosive-reactive
armor. Probably, the new launcher’s grenade will be placed in a
sealed transport and launch container,” Korenkov said.
He also drew attention to the new rocket grenade’s speed, which
will be between 140 and 160 m/s, exceeding the speed of the
RPG‑32 by roughly 30 m/s. This gives certain advantages in duel
situations, improving the weapon’s precision, fire dispersion, and
operational efficiency.
The grenade launcher’s stated aiming range is around
750 meters, which singles it out from other weapons of this kind.
Such capabilities are attained by using a new sighting system, which
can accurately determine the distance to the target and minimize
the impact of the human factor. “The decisive role in the use of
the grenade launcher is played by the moment of positioning and
aiming in the course of which an operator may commit most of the
possible errors,” Korenkov said.
“It looks like the Belarussians have found some technical
solutions enabling them either to make up for the human factor or to
take it into account in firing rockets at a long range.” In the travelling
position, the sighting unit of the new grenade launcher is folded into
the weapon and raised up before employment.
According to media reports, Belarusians may initiate the
establishment of a Russian-Belorussian joint venture for the
development and manufacture of the new grenade launcher. The
official ceremonies of creating this company may start at the end of
this year. Commenting on the program to build this weapon system,
Korenkov said that “the expected cooperation between the Russian
and Belarussian companies will proceed in the format established
by the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation and the
Russian law.”

13. Russia’s Defense Technologies Newswire12
9.06.2015
First Ka‑52KM helicopter handed to Russian Navy
MOSCOW/TASS-DEFENSE/. Russian Helicopters rotocraft holding company has transferred the first serially-produced
Ka‑52KM helicopter made by Progress Arsenyev Aviation Company to Russia’s Navy.
The gunship was built under the national defense procurement order for 32 Ka‑52KM ship-based, modernized attack
helicopters that will be manufactured in Arsenyev in the Far Eastern Primorye Territory.
A representative of the defense and industrial complex involv
ed in implementing the program to build landing helicopter docks
(LHDs) for the Russian Navy told TASS that three Ka‑52KMs will
be built before the end of this year. Thirteen more helicopters
are due to be built during 2015–2016 for placement on the
first two LHDs Vladivostok and Sevastopol, with 8 rotocraft on
each ship.
The remaining sixteen Ka‑52KM helicopters are intended for the
third and fourth amphibious assault ships, if a decision is taken to
build them. If no order is issued for building these two other ships,
the helicopters will be built for their transfer to the Navy. According
to Sergey Mikheyev, chief designer of the Kamov design bureau, the
Ka‑52KM is designed for use from any sea platform and not only
from Mistral-class vessels. For instance, tests have been carried
out for compatibility of the Ka‑52K helicopter with the Project
1155 destroyer, in which a fully equipped helicopter landed on the
stern platform of the destroyer Vice-Admiral Kulakov.
In addition to airborne weapons used by the Ka‑52
Alligator version for the Russian Air Force, the Ka‑52KM will be
armed with two Kh‑35 anti-ship missiles with an operating range
of up to 300 km or two Kh‑38 high-precision air-to-surface missiles
with an operating range of up to 40 km.
9.06.2015
Northern Fleet commanders master
new methods of using underwater
weapons
MURMANSK /TASS-DEFENSE/. Commanders of squadrons,
ships and submarines of the Northern Fleet participating in
military drills mastered new methods of the operational use of
underwater weapons, including under the Arctic ice, Northern
Fleet spokesman, Captain First Rank Vadim Serga said.
The military training exercises were held at the main base of the
Northern Fleet’s submarine forces at Gadzhiyevo under the supervision
of Northern Fleet Commander Vladimir Korolyov. The exercises were
held to prepare formations, squadrons and ships of the Northern Fleet
for the combat and practical use of torpedoes, mines, mine disposable
weapons, antisubmarine weapons and electronic warfare means.
“Special attention was paid to the problems of using torpedoes to
form an ice hole necessary for submarine emersion or to use missile
weapons in the high-latitude Arctic areas,” the fleet spokesman said.
“A veteran of the submarine forces, an instructor of the Kuznetsov
Naval Academy, retired Vice-Admiral Anatoly Shevtchenko shared his
experience in dealing with such issues,” the spokesman said.
Based on the results of military training, the Northern Fleet
commander noted the importance of using the combat experience
of the elder generation of submariners, as well as elaborating new
methods of applying underwater weapons. He underlined that
“the level of crew training for the naval forces allows for performing
assigned tasks under any conditions”.
9.06.2015
Kosmotras space company to carry
out 3 launches of Russian-Ukrainian
carrier rocket Dnepr in 2015
MOSCOW/TASS-DEFENSE/. The international space
company Kosmotras will fulfill all of its obligations related
to the launches of Russian-Ukrainian Dnepr carrier rockets
with foreign-made spacecraft under the previously signed
contracts, Kosmotras CEO Alexander Serkin said.
“Currently, work is underway to prepare the launch of the
South Korean spacecraft Kompsat‑3 А,” he said.
Serkin said that in 2015 the company would carry out two
more launches of the Dnepr rockets. “Our international partners
should not worry, we will fulfill all the obligations we assumed,”
he said.
Spokesperson for Russia’s Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos)
Igor Burenkov confirmed that all previously reached agreements
on the launches of Dnepr carrier rockets would be implemented.
“Currently, work is underway to prepare the launch of the South
Korean spacecraft Kompsat‑3 А from the Yasny Cosmodrome.
The prospects for further operation of Dnepr carrier rockets will
be determined by the customers’ requirements for the use of this
type of rockets,” he said.
Roscosmos officials earlier announced the suspension of
launches with the Dnepr Russian-Ukrainian conversion carrier
rockets within the Kosmotras international space program. The
program’s prospects will be clarified later.
The previous launch of the Dnepr carrier rocket was made in
November 2014. Last June, the rocket launched from the
Orenburg region under the Dnepr program delivered a record
number of 34 satellites into orbit for customers from 17 countries,
including the first Russian private spacecraft TabletSat-Avrora.
Dnepr is a three-stage liquid-propellant rocket and its first
and second stages are regular stages of the SS‑18 ballistic
missile. Developed by the Ukrainian design bureau Yuzhmash
(RD‑171 engines for the Zenit boosters are manufactured by the
Russian state research and production enterprise Energomash),
SS‑18 missiles are modernized by Kosmotras while launches are
performed from the Baikonur cosmodrome and the territory of
the Orenburg region.