Militaryleak’s Post

South Korea is set to embark on mass production of its domestically developed TAipers (Tank Snipers or Cheongeom) air-launched anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). The ambitious program, scheduled to run from 2024 to 2031 with a budget of KRW 724.8 billion (USD 550.5 million), reflects the nation’s commitment to enhancing its military prowess. The TAipers, a lightweight, air-launched, lock-on-before-launch (LOBL) ATGM, is a testament to South Korea’s technological prowess. The missile’s dual-mode seeker employs both visible light and infrared images, guided by a fiber-optic datalink, showcasing advanced guidance capabilities. Comprising four major sub-sections – seeker, propulsion, control mechanism, and battery – the missile’s smokeless solid-propellant rocket motor enables a cruise speed of approximately 200 m/s, reaching a maximum strike range of 8 km. #military #defense #defence #militaryleak https://lnkd.in/gqM4QwBk

The US Navy is heading into a major test of a hypersonic weapon that will help determine the way ahead for a joint development program with the U.S. Army. The Army’s Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) (around 1725 miles), also known as Dark Eagle, consists of a ground-launched missile equipped with a hypersonic glide body and associated transport, support, and fire control equipment. LRHW missile costs as well as quantities are unclear. According to a US Congressional Budget Office study, purchasing 300 Intermediate-Range Hypersonic BoostGlide Missiles (similar to the LRHW) is estimated to cost 41 million/missile USD. US Army & Navy is planning to get an experimental prototype LRHW with residual combat capability in 2024. On the other hand, considering previous attempts for testing Common Hypersonic Glide Body aborted during pre-flight checks, this plan does not seem realistic. We will see if US can catch Russia and China.

Raytheon, an RTX business, has been awarded a $344 million contract for the development of two missile variants – the SM-2 Block IIICU and SM-6 Block IU – which will be based on a common guidance section, where the electronics and software that guide a missile to its target are housed. The updated variants will share a newly designed guidance section, target detection device, independent flight termination system and electronics unit. This commonality will allow Raytheon to manufacture both missiles on a common production line, providing flexibility, scalability, and cost reductions. The development program is largely funded by Foreign Military Sales. The first users of these updated missiles will be the U.S., Australia, Canada, Japan, and Korea. Work on this contract is being conducted in Tucson, Arizona. While the common sub-sections will be developed for both missile configurations under this award, there is a follow-on contract expected later this year which will complete the missile level qualification events as well as At-Sea flight tests specific to the SM-2 Block IIICU configuration. #military #defense #defence #militaryleak https://lnkd.in/gqEVhXzZ

Lockheed Martin takes next step in homeland missile defense interceptor acquisition process In November 2023, Lockheed Martin successfully ompleted a Missile Defense Agency (MDA) acquisition milestone for the nation's modernized long range ballistic missile interceptor. The company completed the first Knowledge Point – known as KP1 – ahead of schedule, taking a major contractual step forward that allows its Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) program to continue development towards the Critical Design Review (CDR). During KP1, the MDA evaluated Lockheed Martin's development progress to date. This includes completing design review milestones and demonstrating significant maturation across critical technologies, manufacturing readiness, and utility of the company's NGI Software Factory. This KP1 achievement follows the program's All Up Round Preliminary Design Review, which Lockheed Martin executed on-schedule in September. #Military #Defence #Aviation #Aerospace #Technology #Space https://lnkd.in/ePekUBNQ

Northrop Grumman Secures Contract for B-21 Raider Bomber Pre-Production Northrop Grumman, a leading U.S. aerospace and defense company, has received the inaugural order for the pre-production phase of the B-21 Raider strategic bombers. The announcement was made by William LaPlante, Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. LaPlante revealed that, based on successful ground and flight tests, as well as the team's mature manufacturing plans, approval was granted to commence the low-rate production of B-21s. The B-21 Raider is set to replace the B-1B and B-2A, providing strategic deterrence and is expected to enter service in the mid-2020s. Although the U.S. Air Force has not specified the duration of B-21's flight testing or its expected combat readiness timeline, it acknowledges the ongoing construction of five additional aircraft at Plant 42, indicating progress in the development and operational testing phases. The B-21 Raider, a key project for the U.S. Air Force alongside the F-35A fighter jet and the KC-46 Pegasus military aerial refueling aircraft, boasts stealth capabilities and dual-role functionality for conventional and nuclear payloads. Positioned for deployment in future high-threat environments, the B-21 Raider aligns with the Air Force's strategic vision, ensuring enhanced capabilities for long-range missions, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. The aircraft is developed with an open architecture to facilitate seamless integration of modernized systems, emphasizing adaptability and reducing risks. The B-21 program is expected to cost $203 billion over 30 years, and each bomber has an expected average procurement cost of $692 million. #NorthropGrumman #B21Raider #DefenseContractors

Lockheed Martin takes next step in homeland missile defense interceptor acquisition process In November 2023, Lockheed Martin successfully ompleted a Missile Defense Agency (MDA) acquisition milestone for the nation's modernized long range ballistic missile interceptor. The company completed the first Knowledge Point – known as KP1 – ahead of schedule, taking a major contractual step forward that allows its Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) program to continue development towards the Critical Design Review (CDR). During KP1, the MDA evaluated Lockheed Martin's development progress to date. This includes completing design review milestones and demonstrating significant maturation across critical technologies, manufacturing readiness, and utility of the company's NGI Software Factory. This KP1 achievement follows the program's All Up Round Preliminary Design Review, which Lockheed Martin executed on-schedule in September. #Military #Defence #Aviation #Aerospace #Technology #Space https://lnkd.in/ePekUBNQ

White Swan - Focus on TU-160M The Tupolev Tu-160M, known as the White Swan or Blackjack, stands as a supersonic, variable-sweep wing heavy strategic bomber and airborne missile platform designed by the Tupolev Design Bureau in the 1970s. As of 2024, it holds the title of the largest and heaviest Mach 2+ supersonic military aircraft, ranking second only to the experimental XB-70 Valkyrie in overall length and top speed. Functioning as the largest and heaviest combat aircraft, the fastest bomber in use, and the largest and heaviest variable-sweep wing airplane ever flown, the Tu-160M underwent a modernization program, with the first updated aircraft delivered in December 2014. Its combat capabilities include the capacity to carry both conventional and nuclear weapons, and it made its combat debut in November 2015 during the Russian military intervention in the Syrian Civil War, executing numerous airstrikes using Kh-101 air-launched cruise missiles. 📐 Procurement: The Russian Air Force is set to acquire four Tu-160M strategic bombers by the end of 2023, marking a notable development in their military capabilities. 📐 Advanced Variant - Tu-160M: The Tu-160M, an advanced variant, had its inaugural flight in January 2022, representing a significant advancement from the original Tu-160 model introduced in 1986. 📐 Enhancements: The Tu-160M features cutting-edge avionics, NK-32-02 engines requiring less maintenance, and new armaments, including the prominent Kh-101/102 cruise missiles. 📐 Hypersonic Weapons Development: Ongoing development of hypersonic weapons for the Tu-160M adds to its technological advancements. 📐 Fleet Status: Russia presently has only 16 of the original Soviet-constructed Tu-160s, but plans to manufacture an additional 54 Tu-160M in the near future. 📐 Largest and Swiftest Bomber: The Tu-160M holds the title of the world’s largest and swiftest bomber but is perceived to lag behind the U.S. and China in developing a 21st-century stealth bomber. 📐 Revival of Tu-160M Production: Russia's decision to revive Tu-160M production is seen as a pragmatic approach, influenced by setbacks in developing the PAK DA strategic bomber. 📐 Unique Role of Tu-160M: The Tu-160M holds a unique position as the only intercontinental range bomber currently in production, distinguishing itself from similar classes. 📐 Global Reach Importance: The Tu-160M's global reach is crucial for post-Soviet Russia, particularly in the absence of an ocean surface fleet, highlighting its importance in exerting influence beyond borders. 📐 Strategic Deployments: Despite limited numbers, Tu-160Ms have been instrumental in political signaling, patrolling vast expanses, launching precision strikes, and participating in global affairs. 📐 Recent Deployments: Recent deployments include demonstrations of power in Venezuela and precision strikes against targets in Ukraine, showcasing the strategic importance of Tu-160Ms.

The Norwegian Ministry of Defence is actively preparing to enhance its land forces' capabilities with new Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS), aimed at bolstering precision strike abilities over long distances. To this end, Oslo is considering two procurement routes: Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and an open tender process. Hanwha Aerospace’s K239 Chunmoo MLRS is one of the leading candidates, frequently compared to the U.S. Lockheed Martin’s HIMARS. However, the Chunmoo boasts several advantages, including lower costs and faster delivery times. It can fire a wider variety of rockets and missiles from two launch pods, compared to HIMARS’ single pod, providing a clear tactical edge. The Chunmoo system can launch 239mm and 280mm rockets and missiles with ranges of 80km and 160km, respectively. Additionally, it can deploy a 290mm ballistic missile with a range of up to 290km. The system’s firepower includes the capability to launch six 239mm missiles in 30 seconds and a total of 12 missiles in one minute, with reloading taking only seven minutes. Hanwha Aerospace is also developing the CTM-160 missile, expected to be ready by 2026 with deliveries starting in 2027. This system will load four missiles per pod, enhancing the launcher’s firepower. The CTM-290 missile has already seen successful tests, the latest being in April 2024 from a Polish variant of the Chunmoo. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/dFmiE3by

The U.S. Department of Defence has announced a significant contract with aerospace and defence company Lockheed Martin to develop a new version of the AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM). Scheduled for completion by August 2026, the upgraded missile will likely be designated AGM-158C-3, potentially known as LRASM-ER (Extended Range). The focus of the enhancement is to extend the missile’s range using components developed for the earlier AGM-158C-1 version, incorporating technologies from the JASSM-ER cruise missiles. This new development is part of a broader modernization effort of the U.S. military’s anti-ship weaponry. Other components of this project include purchases of Kongsberg’s NSM missiles, offered through RTX Corporation as RGM-184A, and the RTX RGM-109 Tomahawk Block Va cruise missiles. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dZkzq_aU #US #LockheedMartin #LRASM #antiship #missile #defence #industry #technology #military

Taiwan is advancing its missile technology capabilities, aiming to join the hypersonic race with a focus on scramjet technology. The recent proposal from the System Development Center of the NCSIST highlights the country's commitment to developing heat-resistant materials and optimizing scramjet engines for enhanced propulsion efficiency. Taiwan's interest in hypersonic weapons is evident, with efforts to strengthen military capabilities amid regional security concerns. Collaboration with academic institutions underscores Taiwan's strategic approach to hypersonic engine technology development. This initiative marks a significant step towards ensuring national defense preparedness. #military #defense #defence #aerospace #aviation #aircraft #aircrafts #airplane #airplanes #aviationlovers #militaryaviation #militaryaircraft #fighterjet #engineering #technology #militarytechnology #defensetechnology #defenseinnovation #defenseindustry #airforce #pilots #Taiwan #MissileTechnology #HypersonicRace