|
|
Post by TsarSamuil on Sept 22, 2016 14:17:04 GMT -5
Vid, www.rt.com/news/359755-t50-pak-fa-autocannon-testing/5G fighter’s rapid-fire cannon test-fired in Russia (VIDEO) RT.com 18 Sep, 2016 14:11 A live test-fire of a rapid-firing autocannon designed for the T-50 fifth-generation fighter jet has been filmed by Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). The short but stunning footage conveys the power of the new weapon. The test took place at a testing ground for aircraft systems located outside Moscow. The one-minute footage, uploaded to UAC’s website and the official YouTube channel, shows the gun – reportedly called 9-А1-4071K – mounted on a fixed stand simulating the front part of the T-50. Critical information regarding Russia’s newest and most advanced fifth-generation fighter jet remains classified, but it has been revealed that the autocannon is fitted to fire 30mm rounds. The manufacturer says it is capable of penetrating most modern armored targets. It can fire high explosive, fragmentation, and incendiary munitions. The new gun, an upgraded version of the Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-1 aircraft autocannon, has been designed by KBP Instrument Design Bureau. The new weapon’s predecessor weighs only 50kg, making it the lightest 30mm gun in the world, and has a remarkably high rate of fire with up to 1,800 rounds per minute. It uses a unique evaporation cooling system to prevent detonation of high explosive rounds inside a heated barrel. The gun’s maximum effective range is 200 to 800m against aerial targets and is 1,200 to 1,800m against surface or ground targets, according to open sources. In combination with a laser range-finding and targeting system, it is said to be extremely accurate as well as powerful. The GSh-30-1 is mounted on several different types of fighter aircraft, including Su-30, Su-35 and other jets of the Sukhoi family. Earlier this year, Commander of the Russian Air Force Viktor Bondarev said the military hopes to start mass production of the new fifth-generation jets soon, with the first planes coming in 2017. The T-50 fighter jets are being manufactured by KnAAPO (Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association) in the Russian Far East. |
|
|
|
Post by TsarSamuil on Oct 2, 2016 11:31:27 GMT -5
World-fastest Russian MiG-31 interceptor jets practice in stratosphere over Kamchatka in Far East.
RT.com
29 Sep, 2016 09:53
Russian Air Force MiG-31 supersonic interceptors were used in simulated air battles in the upper atmosphere over Kamchatka in Russia’s Far East, Pacific Fleet press service said Thursday.
“MiG-31 pilots practiced simulated aerial combat in the stratosphere, where the second crew acted as targets,” Pacific Fleet Air Force said in a statement, as cited by Interfax news agency.
“The combat training mainly focused on practicing techniques of air combat using both offensive and defensive combat maneuvers at high altitudes,” according to the statement.
The aircrew of the MiG-31 squadron also simulated anti-missile maneuvers in the air and worked on stunts to gain more favorable positions in attacking a “hypothetical aggressor.”
The main challenge of flying in the upper atmosphere, or stratosphere, is the highly rarefied air. The planes reach altitudes of more than 10 thousand meters (32,808 feet), which reduces engine capacity and makes it harder to control the aircraft.
The MiG-31 (NATO code name Foxhound) is a Soviet-design supersonic interceptor, the world’s fastest aircraft in service today.
It can reach an altitude of 30,000 meters and is capable of shooting down even low-orbit satellites at an altitude of up to 120 kilometers (75 miles). It is also able to intercept targets flying at speeds of up to five times the speed of sound.
Earlier in September, the MiG-31 squadron held drills in Kamchatka along the antisubmarine Il-38 (NATO code name May), a maritime patrol aircraft and anti-submarine warfare aircraft also designed in the Soviet Union. Aircraft crews performed flights in various light conditions and in adverse weather.
Kamchatka Region often hosts military drills. One of the country’s most important naval bases – home to a large portion of Russia’s Pacific Fleet – is located there. The Pacific coast base also contains the majority of Russia’s missile carrying nuclear submarines.
|
|
|
|
Post by TsarSamuil on Oct 23, 2016 10:04:16 GMT -5
Russia to Test PAK FA Fighters With Operational Engines in Late 2017.
MILITARY & INTELLIGENCE 12:44 20.10.2016
The tests of the Russian Sukhoi T-50 (PAK FA) fifth-generation fighters using operational engines should begin in late 2017, the head of the United Engine Corporation said Thursday.
RYBINSK (Sputnik) — PAK FA, equipped with advanced avionics and all-digital flight systems, is set to become the first operational stealth aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces.
“The [operational engine] for PAK FA should [begin tests] in the end of 2017, to begin a series of tests as part of the plane in the fourth quarter,” Alexander Artyukhov told reporters.
The PAK FA fighter was first seen in January 2010 when it was presented at the air show MAKS-2011. The fighter jet is expected to join the Air Force of the Russian Federation in 2016. Mass production of Russia’s Sukhoi T-50 fifth-generation fighter jets will begin in 2017.
|
|
|
|
Post by TsarSamuil on Nov 27, 2016 19:45:12 GMT -5
Russian naval aviation to get almost 2 dozen new jets & helicopters by year’s end – Navy chief.
RT.com
23 Nov, 2016 00:26
The Russian Navy will be bolstered by six additional Su-30SM fighter jets, two Il-38 anti-submarine aircraft, as well as 10 helicopters of various modifications by the end of the year, according to Commander-in-Chief Admiral Vladimir Korolev.
“Naval aviation has already received several pieces of the latest military equipment and weaponry as part of an arming process. By the end of the year it will also be equipped with six additional Su-30SM fighter jets, two Il-38 aircraft, as well as 10 helicopters of various modifications,” the Russian Navy commander announced on Tuesday.
An expanded meeting of the Navy’s Military Council took place in St. Petersburg on Tuesday, and was attended by the North, Pacific, Black and Caspian Sea flotilla commanders. The commander of the Western Military District, Colonel Andrey Kartapolov, was also present.
The production of the Su-30SM is carried out at the Irkutsk aircraft factory. According to a contract signed with the Ministry of Defense, the Air Force should receive 88 fighters, while 28 will go to the Navy. At the same time the Ilyushin Aviation Complex is to supply the Defense Ministry with a total of 20 modernized anti-submarine aircraft Il-38N by 2020, according to the contract.
The Su-30SM is a fourth generation, twin-engine super-maneuverable fighter aircraft designed by Russia's Sukhoi Aviation Corporation.
It is suitable for all-weather, air-to-air and air-to-surface deep interdiction missions. It combines the functions of fighters, bombers and assault aircraft, and is equipped with a phased array radar and controlled vector thrust engines.
It was previously reported that Russia’s flagship aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, currently engaged in a large-scale military operation against jihadists in Homs and Idlib provinces, is to undergo repairs in 2018 after it returns from the Syrian coast in the eastern Mediterranean.
The ship carries Su-33 fighter jets along with Ka-27 and Ka-27S helicopters for anti-submarine warfare.Unlike other aircraft carriers, the Admiral Kuznetsov also serves as a missile cruiser, as it is equipped with Kinzhal (Dagger) missiles that it can use to protect itself from incoming aerial attacks as well as from enemy warships.
|
|
|
|
Post by TsarSamuil on Dec 3, 2016 19:42:03 GMT -5
Bulgaria Turns Its Back on Poland to Buy Russian Fighter Aircraft Engines.
Sputnik
MILITARY & INTELLIGENCE 21:28 11.11.2016
Bulgaria recently signed a 29 million euro deal with Russia to purchase 10 new engines for its MiG-29 fighter aircraft.
According to Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, the agreement was signed on Wednesday, November 9, though he was reluctant to disclose any additional details about the contract.
Borisov also announced that Sofia also seeks to purchase maintenance rights for MiG and Sukhoi aircraft engines from Russia.
It should be noted though that in 2015 Bulgaria, after NATO demands that its members abstain from military cooperation with Russia due to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, signed an intergovernmental agreement with Poland, according to which the Polish side would handle the repairs of MiG aircraft engines and eventually even upgrade MiG aircraft at Bydgoszcz factories.
However, this agreement was made without the consent of the engines’ manufacturer, Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG.
And as Nikolay Podchasov told Sputnik Poland, the deal in fact caused quite a scandal last year after its details became known to the public.
"As far as I know, Poland has no license for repairing Russian MiG aircraft engines, and the Bulgarian minister’s decision to repair Russian engines in Poland appeared pretty controversial as it didn’t adhere to the international regulations. Due to the considerable public resonance that followed, the Bulgarian minister was forced to look for excuses; he even lied that his decision to cooperate with Poland was caused by Russia trying to offer him a bribe. However, he later retracted these claims and all accusations against Russia were lifted," Podchasov said.
He pointed out that while Bulgaria did sign the aforementioned contract with Poland, it is unlikely to last in light of the agreement made between Sofia and MiG Concern. Also, since the talks about purchasing maintenance rights are still underway, it’s hard to predict their outcome.
All in all, Podchasov remarked, while this development may indeed spell the loss of profit for Polish factories that would’ve otherwise handled the aircraft engine maintenance, the losses from possible lawsuits filed by Russia against Polish companies for unsanctioned repairs of Russian aircraft engines could’ve been much greater.
|
|
|
|
Post by TsarSamuil on Dec 4, 2016 6:58:19 GMT -5
Gunmaker Kalashnikov reveals plans for unmanned drone-carrier. RT.com 17 Nov, 2016 21:41 Kalashnikov, the famous Russian weapons manufacturer, has unveiled its plans for an unmanned vessel capable of carrying several tactical aerial drones, Izvestia reported. The autonomous vehicle, dubbed “Triton,” is being developed by Kalashnikov subsidiary ZALA Aero, and will take the shape of a catamaran. While the exact dimensions of the craft are unknown, it will be able to conduct air, surface and underwater reconnaissance with the help of two other drones it will carry onboard, the ZALA 421-08 and the ZALA 421-21 quadcopter. “We are actively developing competence in the field of unmanned vehicles,” Kalashnikov CEO Aleksey Krivoruchko told Izvestia. “Our goal is to integrate them into the [existing] system so that all the different parts may interact with one another. The idea of an unmanned vessel is that it will be able to patrol the coastline and take part in search-and-rescue operations fully autonomously.” This project by Kalashnikov is said to be part of a program approved by the Defense Ministry aptly named “The Creation of Promising Military Robotics by 2025.” The Triton will also be equipped with an impressive array of cameras, sonar and radio detection systems, enabling it to detect enemy frogmen or vehicles, as well as a PKT 7.62 mm machine gun. With its dual marine diesel engines, it will have a range of 750 nautical miles, with an extra 30 kilometers added by the two UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles). The news comes months after the Pentagon revealed its own nautical drone in April – the Sea Hunter, also known as the Anti-Submarine Warfare Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel or ACTUV. The 132-foot-long craft, developed by the Pentagon's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is capable of patrolling vast swathes of sea completely autonomously and with a price tag of only $20 million, it is considerably less expensive than its manned counterparts. The Kalashnikov Group, best-known for the famous assault rifle invented by Mikhail Kalashnikov, was formed in 2013 through the merger of two gun makers, Izhmash and Izhevsk Mechanical Plant. It is one of the foremost arms manufacturers in Russia. |
|
|
|
Post by TsarSamuil on Jan 3, 2017 11:24:00 GMT -5
Russia developing carrier-based drones, will get 100 new Navy aircraft by 2020 – military.
RT.com
2 Jan, 2017 13:37
The Russian Navy’s airborne arsenal is to receive a major boost in the form of both drones and combat aircraft, a top commander has revealed.
A variety of ship-based unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are currently being developed for the Russian Navy’s naval aviation division, Major General Igor Kozhin said on Monday.
“One of the prospective directions for specialists of leading design bureaus is research and design aimed at creating an unmanned ship-based aircraft,” the navy’s aviation chief told reporters, without giving away any specific details.
The introduction of the drones is part of an overall modernization of the navy’s aerial fleet, which is also set to swap some of its older aircraft for newer models.
“In particular, the carrier-based fighter aviation units will get MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB fighter jets in 2017-2020,” Kozhin explained.
The MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB are both fourth-generation fighter jets with a huge degree of maneuverability and high-precision weaponry, allowing them to hit their targets regardless of weather conditions or time of day, but they will not be the only additions.
“The fleet of naval aviation combat helicopters will also be seriously renewed,” Kozhin said, adding “the Ka-29 helicopters currently in service will be replaced by the newest Ka-52K reconnaissance and combat helicopter.”
All in all, Kozhin said, the navy will receive around a hundred new aircraft over the next few years.
“In accordance with the existing program of modernization and renewal of the naval aviation aircraft fleet, about 100 new aircraft will enter service before 2020,” he said.
At present, the Admiral Kuznetsov is Russia’s only aircraft carrier. It is currently based in the eastern Mediterranean where it is helping carry out anti-terrorist operations in Syria. The ship carries Su-33 fighter jets along with Ka-27 and Ka-27S helicopters for anti-submarine warfare. Unlike other aircraft carriers, the Admiral Kuznetsov also serves as a missile cruiser, as it is equipped with Kinzhal (Dagger) missiles that it can use to protect itself from incoming aerial attacks, as well as enemy warships.
|
|
|
|
Post by TsarSamuil on Jan 27, 2017 11:25:49 GMT -5
First-Rate MiG-35 Multirole Jetfighter to Join Russia's Fleet. Sputnik RUSSIA 17:43 26.01.2017 The MiG-35 multirole jetfighter fully meets the demands of modern-day aerial combat and will be a welcome addition to Russia’s fleet of light frontline fighters, the Russian Airspace Forces’ former deputy commander, Col. Gen. Nikolai Antoshkin told RIA. The Kremlin press service earlier said that President Vladimir Putin would attend a demonstration flight of the top-of-the-line fighter during a meeting with members of the Military-Industrial Commission on Thursday. “The MiG-35 is a multirole fighter for our frontline aviation. It is a real game-changer in modern aerial combat. I am sure that the Commander-in-Chief fully realizes its potential,” Antoshkin said. He added that the MiG-35 would be in high demands due to its unique tactical and technical characterizes that make it standout from its existing counterparts. “This plane is much needed because it is more lightweight compared to the Su-27, Su-30, Su-34 and Su-35 fighters and it will be a good addition to our fleet of frontline fighters I wish I could fly this amazing plane myself,” Nikolai Antoshkin said. The MiG-35 is a multipurpose generation 4++ fighter and an advanced derivative of the original MiG-29 fighter. It is armed with a 30-mm cannon and carries 1,500 rounds of ammunition. It can carry up to 7,000 kg of payload on ten external pylons. It can also use various air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, guided and unguided rockets and bombs. The MiG-35 has a maximum speed of 2,700 kilometers an hour, an effective range of 1,000 kilometers and a service ceiling of 17,5000 meters. Serial purchases of the MiG-35 multirole fighter under the state arms procurement program will begin in 2019, President of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) Yury Slyusar said Thursday. He added that a presentation of the MiG-35 for potential foreign buyers will be held on January 27.   ---------------- Russia: 4th generation Mikoyan MiG-35 jet unveiled in Moscow Region. Ruptly TV Jan 27, 2017 Mikoyan MiG-35 jet 4++ generation fighter, built by Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and its subsidiary MiG (RSK MiG), was unveiled in Lukhovitsi, Moscow Region, Friday. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitri Rogozin, who was present at the jet's presentation, discussed the fighter's sales potential, noting that the lightweight fighter may appeal to Russia's partners because of its lower operational expenses. He explained that "the lightweight fighter [aircraft] may not be much cheaper than the Sukhoi fighter [aircraft] as there is almost the same equipment [inside the lightweight fighter as in the Sukhoi fighter] – radars, avionics [and] engines – it is all similar; however, the operational expenses are much lower [with the lightweight fighter than with the Sukhoi fighter]. That is why; our partners should be more willing to buy them." Senior test pilot Mikhail Belyaev noted that the MiG-35's "airframe of the plane, its aerodynamic characteristics and the characteristics of its control systems are so perfect" that they "allow the pilot not to hesitate making a manoeuvre." He added that "as soon as he [the pilot] begins performing it, all of the aircraft systems start helping him." Dmitri Rogozin, Russian Deputy Prime Minister (Russian): "What we have learned by now is the after-sales service. The lightweight fighter [aircraft] may not be much cheaper than the Sukhoi fighter [aircraft] as there is almost the same equipment [inside the lightweight fighter as in the Sukhoi fighter] – radars, avionics [and] engines – it is all similar; however, the operational expenses are much lower [with the lightweight fighter than with the Sukhoi fighter]. That is why; our partners should be more willing to buy them." Mikhail Belyaev, Head of Flight Department and Senior Test Pilot at Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG (RSK MiG) (Russian): "The airframe of the plane, its aerodynamic characteristics and the characteristics of its control systems are so perfect that they allow a pilot not to hesitate making a manoeuvre. The pilot just performs what he wishes to do in the process of manoeuvring or while engaging in the air combat [operations]. As soon as he [the pilot] begins performing it, all of the aircraft systems start helping him." pics,www.rt.com/in-vision/375348-mig-35-flight-test/ |
|
|
|
Post by TsarSamuil on Jan 29, 2017 20:20:20 GMT -5
Russia to Develop Main Engine for T-50 PAK FA Fighters by 2020.
MILITARY & INTELLIGENCE 12:24 27.01.2017
Russian engineers are going to develop the main engine for the T-50 fifth-generation jet by 2020.
LUKHOVITSY (Moscow Region), (Sputnik) — Research and development work for main engines of Russia's Sukhoi T-50 (PAK FA) fifth-generation fighter jets is scheduled to be completed by 2020, the head of the United Engine Corporation said Friday.
"This year we plan to begin tests as part of a flight laboratory. R&D completion is planned by 2020," Alexander Artyukhov said at the unveiling of an advanced MiG-35 multirole fighter.
The PAK FA fighter was first seen in January 2010 when it was presented at the air show MAKS-2011. Mass production of Russia’s Sukhoi T-50 fifth-generation fighter jets will begin in 2017.
|
|
|
|
Post by TsarSamuil on Jan 29, 2017 20:22:24 GMT -5
These European Countries Could Line Up for Russia's Advanced MiG-35 Jet.
MILITARY & INTELLIGENCE 12:33 27.01.2017
MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The latest Russian MiG-35 fighter jets could be in demand in eastern Europe, particularly in Bulgaria, Slovakia and Poland operating a fleet of the MiG-29 jets, Deputy Director of the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) Anatoly Punchuk told Sputnik on Friday.
"The MiG-35 could be interesting, first of all, to countries in Europe, like Bulgaria, Slovakia and Poland, that still (along with NATO membership) operate the MiG-29s," Punchuk said during a presentation of the jet for potential foreign buyers.
According to the official, Russia is currently carrying out contracts with these countries to repair and modernize their MiG-29 fleet.
The MiG-35 is a multipurpose generation 4++ fighter and an advanced derivative of the original MiG-29 fighter, featuring improved combat capability and flight performance characteristics.
Serial purchases of the MiG-35 multirole fighter under the state arms procurement program are expected to begin in 2019, according to the President of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) Boris Slyusar.
|
|
|
|
Post by TsarSamuil on Jan 29, 2017 20:24:16 GMT -5
Not by PAK FA Alone: Russia's MiG Corporation to Develop 5th-Generation Fighters.   MILITARY & INTELLIGENCE 14:41 27.01.2017 The MiG corporation will develop a light fifth-generation fighter jet, according to Russia's deputy prime minister. LUKHOVITSY (Moscow Region), (Sputnik) — Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG, which is the part of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) will develop the fighter jets of the fifth generation, following the efforts of the Sukhoi aircraft manufacturer, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said Friday. "[Sukhoi T-50] PAK FA fifth-generation fighter is now undergoing state tests. The MiG corporation will also create a [light] fifth-generation fighter," Rogozin said at the unveiling of an advanced MiG-35 multirole fighter. The Russian Aerospace Forces presently have only 4++ generation fighters on service. At the same time, Sukhoi is developing and testing the fifth-generation fighter aircraft and Russia is expected to start PAK FA production on schedule in 2017, according to Russian Aerospace Forces Commander Viktor Bondarev. At the moment, only the United States have fifth-generation aircraft on service, namely F-22 and F-35 fighters. |
|
|
|
Post by TsarSamuil on Feb 2, 2017 16:11:43 GMT -5
Russia to deliver 10 Su-35 fighter jets to China in 2017.
RT.com
2 Feb, 2017 14:20
The second batch of 10 Russian Sukhoi Su-35 multipurpose fighter jets will be delivered to China this year with a further 10 aircraft in 2018, TASS reported on Thursday, citing its sources.
"The first four planes were supplied late last year and the second batch of 10 jets will be delivered to the customer this year," said an unnamed source familiar with the matter.
In November, Deputy Director of the Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation Vladimir Drozhzhov told TASS that Moscow had started deliveries of the fighter jets to China.
The contract for 24 Su-35s was inked in November 2015, making China the first international buyer of the advanced Russian warplane. The three-year deal for the aircraft, ground equipment, and spare engines is valued at $2 billion.
The Su-35 is a long-range '4++ generation' super-maneuverable fighter jet. It is armed with an internal 30mm cannon and has 12 hardpoints with a combined capacity of 8,000 kg, compatible with a wide range of unguided and guided missiles and bombs. Its maximum speed is 2,500 km/h, with a range of 3,400 km, and a combat radius of around 1,600 km.
Beijing first showed an interest in buying Su-35s in 2008 during the Airshow China international expo. Formal negotiations started in 2011.
China is currently among the world’s top five buyers of Russian arms, restoring its position after a slowdown in the late 2000s.
The country buys advanced Russian jet engines, submarines, and surface-to-air missiles, among other high-tech military items.
According to the Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, cooperation between the two countries “is at an all-time high” and “continues to steadily expand each year,” particularly in the economic sphere.
Trade between China and Russia was about $68 billion in 2015. Projects for the next three years are estimated at $200 billion.
In November, Russia announced the delivery of the S-400 missile systems to China by 2020, making it the first country authorized to buy the advanced air defense weapon. The deal is reportedly worth $3 billion.
|
|
|
|
Post by TsarSamuil on Feb 15, 2017 12:43:45 GMT -5
Serbia to get 6 Russian MiG-29 fighter jets ‘soon’ – Defense Ministry. RT.com 13 Feb, 2017 12:56 Serbia’s Defense Ministry said the country is expecting a shipment of six Russian MiG-29 fighter jets “soon,” as well as the arrival of Russian aviation experts to help upgrade the arriving jets along with those already in use. Earlier this month, the Serbian Defense Ministry said the country is expecting the fighter jets to be delivered from Russia in March or, at the very latest, April. During his visit to the country’s 204th Aviation Brigade on Sunday, Serbian Defense Minister Zoran Djordjevic noted that the aircraft will be acquired from Russian Army reserves, and that Russia will also provide aviation experts to upgrade and modernize the six new MiGs, along with four aircraft that Serbia acquired earlier. “The MiGs will be equipped with the most modern arms, radars, optical and communication systems,” Djordjevic told the pilots, as cited by local media. The defense ministry stated last week that the arrival and modernization of the Russian jets will “significantly enhance the capabilities of [Serbia’s] air force.” It also recently said it has started training and retraining pilots and technicians, which will continue through 2017, as Serbia’s Air Force currently lacks specialists who are able to navigate and manage the MiGs. Belgrade expects that after modernizing them, the MiGs will begin service as part of the 204th brigade by 2018, Tanjug news agency reported last week, citing the ministry. Media reports that Moscow decided to supply Serbia with six fighter jets started surfacing in November 2016. In December, Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) announced that the planes could be delivered to the Balkan state in spring 2017 as part of a military and technical cooperation assistance program between the two countries. The deal was arranged by Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic during his visit to Moscow late last year. At the time, Vucic also mentioned the possibility of Serbia purchasing Buk anti-aircraft missile systems from Russia, as well as some tanks and armored vehicles. Belgrade has also been negotiating another eight MiG-29s and two more Buk systems with Belarus, Djordjevic announced last month. It had been estimated that Serbia will pay $50 million for the modernization and maintenance of the MiGs, Vucic said last year, while the total cost of six new MiGs could be around $600 million. MiG-29 (NATO reporting name ‘Fulcrum’) is a multi-role fighter jet capable of reaching speeds of up to 2,200kph and covering distances of up to 1,500km. All MiG-29 planes are armed with 30mm cannons, guided missiles, and guided aerial bombs. Serbia has not been the only state in the Balkans that’s lately started actively rearming its military. Croatia, a NATO member, recently announced it is buying jets and other equipment from the West. Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic said in December 2016 that the country’s air force would select a new fighter by the end of 2017 and focus on shifting towards Western military technology. “I believe we will strengthen our cooperation with the US, considering that our armed forces must continue to shift to Western military technology… we have already adopted a decision to procure transport helicopters, most probably the American Black Hawks,” Grabar-Kitarovic said, as cited by Sputnik news agency. Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Davor Ivo Styr, however, stated on Sunday that although the country is a member of the EU and NATO, it must have a “channel of communication” with the Russian Federation, noting that “Russia is an important player in the southeast of Europe.” Both NATO and Russia recently held military drills with their respective allies in the Balkans. In summer 2016, NATO began accelerating its military buildup in eastern Europe, justifying it as a reaction to Russia’s growing military might, which NATO members have been calling a threat. Russia, meanwhile, has repeatedly stated that a NATO buildup near its territory could have a negative impact on the general security situation in the region. |
|
|
|
Post by TsarSamuil on Feb 15, 2017 14:54:06 GMT -5
Bulgaria 'Signed Fighter Jets Repair Deal' with Russia's MiG.
Novinite.com
Politics » DEFENSE | February 15, 2017, Wednesday // 10:10
Bulgaria has signed with Russian aircraft company MiG a deal to have its fighter jets refurbished, the company's Director General has said.
"Bulgaria has not given up on repairing our aircraft. We signed at the end of last year a number of agreements, contracts with the Bulgarian Air Force. This is why we are cooperating with them," TASS news agency quotes Ilya Tarasenko as saying at Aero India - 2017, an aerospace expo in Bangalore, India.
Tarasenko has not elaborated.
Bulgaria ratified at the end of 2015 an intergovernmental agreement with Poland to have Russian-made MiG-29 aircraft repaired.
A year later, however, former Defense Minisrter Nikolay Nenchev was indicted for failing to abide by and effectively obstructing an agreement with RSK MiG that provided for the aircraft's maintenance and the repair of several jet engines signed in April 2015.
Nenchev allegedly told his deputy Desislava Yosifova to refrain from any implementation of the contracts worth BGN 7.386 M.
The prosecution targeted Nenchev not because of the deal with Poland or any harm done on RSK MiG, but because he allegedly threatened the lives of Bulgarian pilots by blocking the repair that would have boosted flight safety and airworthiness of the fighter jets.
Also last year, Bulgaria signed a deal to acquire 10 MiG-29 engines from Russia.
|
|
|
|
Post by TsarSamuil on Feb 24, 2017 1:44:20 GMT -5
Russia Begins Sukhoi T-50 Fighter Missile, Bomb Armament Tests.
RUSSIA 21:32 21.02.2017
Deputy Defense Minister said that tests of the Russian fifth-generation fighter T-50 (PAK FA) are in the process of the integration of missile and bomb armament.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Tests of the Russian fifth-generation fighter T-50 (PAK FA) are in the process of the integration of missile and bomb armament, Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov said Tuesday.
"The evaluation of the aircraft systems, the integration of aviation weapons, including guided air-to-air, air-to-surface missiles, as well as bombs is underway. This is a very important stage of the test, which, in fact, aims to confirm all the fighting qualities of the T-50," Borisov told Rossiyskaya Gazeta in an interview.
He stressed that the adoption of such an aircraft would enhance the capabilities of the Russian combat aircraft fleet.
Russian Sukhoi T-50 (PAK FA) is the fifth-generation stealth fighter. It is a single-seat, twin-engine multirole jet fighter designed for air superiority and attack roles.
|
|
