U.A.E. Military: News

(Reuters) - A long-awaited French deal for Dassault (AVMD.PA) to sell at least 60 Rafale warplanes to the United Arab Emirates appeared to hit a roadblock on Wednesday after the Arab country's crown prince said proposed terms were "uncompetitive and unworkable."

The deal, which had been negotiated for the better part of a year, was thrown into doubt earlier this week when it became clear that the UAE had asked for details on a rival aircraft, the Typhoon built by the Eurofighter consortium.

"Thanks to President (Nicolas) Sarkozy, France could not have done more diplomatically or politically to secure the Rafale deal," Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, deputy of the country's armed forces, said in a statement, adding that Sarkozy's "personal intervention in this process has sustained Dassault at the forefront of our considerations."

"Regrettably Dassault seem unaware that all the diplomatic and political will in the world cannot overcome uncompetitive and unworkable commercial terms," he said.

A source close to the deal blamed the current impasse on the "arrogance" of Dassault, despite French military officials saying they were confident about securing a deal and hopes of finalising the sale at the Dubai Air Show.

"There is a shared frustration in both the UAE and French leaderships at the apparent arrogance of Dassault," the source said.

"Rather than using the strength of the bilateral relationship to close the deal out they are attempting to use it to hold out on pricing and a deal structure that hasn't changed in more than a year and that has been significantly bettered by all competitors."

French air chief General Jean-Paul Palomeros had told Reuters on Monday that the Emirates air force was "very keen with Rafale".

France is struggling to secure a foreign buyer for the aircraft, which is more developed than fourth generation combat aircraft but lags behind fifth generation multi-role fighters such as Lockheed Martin's (LMT.N) F-35 Lightning II.

The United Arab Emirates has pressed for the aircraft's engines to be upgraded with extra thrust and for better radar, industry sources have said, but Palomeros said UAE officials are satisfied with the plane.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/11/16/uk-uae-warplanes-idUKTRE7AF0YB20111116

BBC :

Britain and the United Arab Emirates have announced a joint defence partnership, following David Cameron's two-day visit to the country.

The PM has been in the Gulf to strengthen the UK's defence, security and commercial ties in the region.

No 10 said the two countries had agreed "a defence industrial partnership" involving "close collaboration" on the Typhoon jet.

The UAE has not agreed to buy a Typhoon but "it is a marker of their interest".

A Downing Street spokesman said it was a "step in the right direction" and collaboration would also take place around "a number of new technologies".

Britain is looking to sell Typhoon jets to Dubai and Saudi Arabia, despite allegations of human rights abuses.

Speaking ahead of the announcement, Mr Cameron told the BBC he would make "absolutely no apologies" for talking to the UAE and Saudi Arabia about "defence partnerships".

"Their security is important for our security and this is vital for British jobs," he said.

Since arriving in the UAE, Mr Cameron has attended trade shows and held behind-the-scenes discussions with rulers and business leaders, in what is one of the richest countries in the world.

Largest funds
Mr Cameron has given little away so far on what discussions he has had on the human rights situation, which is described by campaigners as "deteriorating", says Frank Gardner, the BBC security correspondent.

On Tuesday the prime minister met representatives of three of the largest sovereign wealth funds in the UAE, which are all focused on energy investment, before flying to Saudi Arabia - where he will meet the country's King Abdullah and the Crown Prince Salman.

Continue reading the main story
Analysis

Frank Gardner
BBC security correspondent
David Cameron has completed the first leg of his three-nation Middle East trip in the UAE and now begins the hard part: his meeting with Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah and the Crown Prince Salman in Jeddah.

As usual, the outward courtesies will all be there: the VIP reception, the ceremonial thimble cups of cardamom coffee and the polite small talk for the cameras. But privately there are real tensions in the UK-Saudi relationship, mainly in differences over the Arab Spring democracy movement.

The Saudis have told me they are "insulted" by the prospect of a UK Parliamentary inquiry into relations between the two countries. They say they believe its been prompted by activists working to an Iranian agenda in the Gulf.

The king is also likely to complain to David Cameron about a London-based Saudi dissident, Dr Saad Al-Faqih. The Saudi leadership considers him complicit in terrorism but Britain has seen no reason to arrest him.

The issue may well overshadow Number 10's bid to sell more Typhoon jets to Saudi Arabia on top of the 72 already ordered.

The BBC's Frank Gardner, who is travelling with Mr Cameron, says the meeting is likely to be awkward.

Last month Saudi diplomats said they were insulted by the idea of a parliamentary inquiry in Britain into UK-Saudi relations.

The review was announced in September by the Foreign Affairs Committee, which is also looking into relations with Bahrain.

Saudi Arabia's rulers are also irritated that the government will not move against a Saudi dissident living in London, whom they consider to be involved in terrorism.

Saad al-Faqih - who runs the Movement for Islamic Reform in Arabia - has lived in the UK since 1993.

Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia have been criticised for alleged human rights abuses, but they have rejected these criticisms.

They have warned that if Britain continues to support calls for reform, prompted by anti-government activists, they will increasingly give lucrative deals to Asian partners instead.

Mr Cameron told the BBC: "There's nothing off limits in any of these relationships and we discuss human rights and we discuss all of these concerns.

"But I do think we should recognise the difference between different countries, we shouldn't lump all countries together and say it's exactly the same situation in Libya, Syria and Bahrain. That is not the case."

He said it was important to respect the "different pathways" of different countries and show understanding.

It is Mr Cameron's second visit to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia as prime minister.

No 10 says the UK is looking to sell about 100 Typhoon jets to the UAE and Saudi Arabia as well as building closer defence and security ties.

George1 wrote:UAE "Pantsyr-S1" in Yemen

Wasn't aware that the Houtis had an air-force??

AlfaT8 wrote:

Wasn't aware that the Houtis had an air-force??

Iran does...

Vladimir79 wrote:

AlfaT8 wrote:

Wasn't aware that the Houtis had an air-force??

Iran does...

I think you guys are forgetting about the Scuds...

Emirati infantry fighting vehicles BMP-3, in the suburbs of Aden.

"Lockheed Martin Corp., Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded a $142,750,920 firm-fixed-price, foreign military sales contract for 12 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems with increased crew protection cabs incorporating sapphire transparent armor glass, associated training, spares, software, modernization updates, and planned enhancements and product improvement modifications for the United Arab Emirates.

Procurement also includes synergistic spares purchase for Jordon. Work will be performed in Camden, Arkansas (63.80 percent); and Dallas, Texas (36.20 percent), with an estimated completion date of Dec. 30, 2017. Bids were solicited via the Internet with one received. Fiscal 2016 other funds in the amount of $28,607,931 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-16-C-0036).



The M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is a U.S. light multiple rocket launcher mounted on a standard Army Medium Tactical Vehicle (MTV) truck frame. The HIMARS carries six rockets or one MGM-140 ATACMS missile on the U.S. Army’s new Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) five-ton truck, and can launch the entire Multiple Launch Rocket System Family of Munitions (MFOM). HIMARS is interchangeable with the MLRS M270A1, carrying half the rocket load.

The launcher is C-130 transportable. The chassis is produced by BAE Systems Mobility & Protection Systems (formerly Armor Holdings Aerospace and Defense Group Tactical Vehicle Systems Division), the OEM of the FMTV. The rocket launching system is produced by Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control."

Source: http://defence-blog.com/news/united-arab-emirates-buys-12-himars-rocket-artillery-systems.html

"The General Headquarters of the United Arab Emirates’ Armed Forces has ordered Patria AMV 8x8 armoured wheeled vehicles. All details of the contract are classified. The Patria AMV (Armored Modular Vehicle) is an 8x8 multi-role military vehicle designed and manufactured by the Finnish defence industry company Patria. “This is a magnificent extension for the ongoing, successful co-operation between the UAE Armed Forces and Patria. UAE Armed Forces have been very satisfied with their existing AMV vehicles as they meet all the customer’s needs and are suitable for the needed, challenging circumstances. These vehicles will be produced by our Polish partner in a very tight time schedule. The agreement done now is very significant for Patria, and we are excited about this and looking forward to providing the vehicles”, says Mika Kari, President of Patria Land business unit.

Patria AMV offers effective protection, increased mobility, modularity and combat proven performance. The vehicle’s structural solutions enable high payload capacity, high level of protection and integration of heavy weapon systems. Patria AMV has received excellent feedback from customers for its performance in combat and crisis management operations in Afghanistan and Chad. Patria has contracts for over 1,400 Patria AMV vehicles.



Patria AMV, Armoured Modular Vehicle, has been on the serial production since 2004. The first prototype was manufactured in 2001. Two years later the Finnish Defence Forces received the first vehicles whereas year 2004 marked the start up of serial production. Patria AMV is available in several versions and qualified for its high level of mine protection. The AMV has the best protection level in its class up to 30 mm APFSDS from frontal arc and it has a top-class mine protection up to 10 kg TNT. The vehicle is fitted with modular ballistic protection to the customer specification up to a protection level against 30mm armour piercing APFSDS rounds."

Source: http://www.armyrecognition.com/january_2016_global_defense_security_news_industry/united_arab_emirates_has_ordered_finnish-made_patria_amv_8x8_armoured_vehicle_12801161.html

In Yemen crashed Mirage-2000-9D of UAE Air Force

http://defence-blog.com/news/in-yemen-crashed-mirage-2000-9d-of-uae-air-force.html

UAE F-16 military jet crash kills two crew

A United Arab Emirates military jet crashed on Sunday during training, killing both crew on board, the armed forces said in a statement carried by the WAM state news agency.

A pilot and a trainer were killed in the crash, the statement said without specifying where in the Gulf country the aircraft came down.

An investigation has begun “to establish the causes of the accident”, the statement added, also without revealing the make of plane involved.

UAE Military Aircraft Crash Raises Safety Concerns

A United Arab Emirates military aircraft crashed Sunday, killing a pilot and an instructor. The fatal event is the UAE military's twelfth crash in six years.

United Arab Emirates says military helicopter crash kills 2


The UAE military lost two of its helicopters on Jun. 12 and 13. The first crash occurred while flying over international waters, the General Command of the Armed Forces said in a statement. The type of helicopters involved are a AH-64D and a NSA 407MRH.

The first 40 Patria AMV armored vehicles delivered to the UAE.







http://bmpd.livejournal.com/1993446.html

In the United Arab Emirates deployed THAAD missile defense complexes

According to information published in the article offiziere.ch, missile defense of the United Arab Emirates, has completed the deployment of THAAD no later than October of last year, as demonstrated by satellite images.

The contract for the supply of two batteries was signed in 2011, in a deal worth $ 1.14 billion. Included the purchase of two sets of partial battery (starting at nine regular number six on the battery). It is difficult to say whether there were held additional purchases if the second battery is a training / back-up, then there is no special need.



http://bmpd.livejournal.com/2405052.html

UAE Army chose Rabdan armored personnel carriers

According to the magazine "Jane's Defence Weekly" article Jeremy Binnie "IDEX 2017: UAE selects Rabdan 8x8 IFV", to held in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) defense exhibition IDEX-2017. UAE Armed forces, 19 February 2017 signed a contract for the purchase of 400 armored personnel carriers Rabdan 8x8 now Al-Jasoor, which is a joint venture between Emirates company Heavy Vehicles industries (HVI), which is part of Tawazun UAE holding company, and the Turkish company Otokar Otomotiv ve Savunma Sanayi ( part of the Koç holding Turkish private holding company). On the formation of the joint venture it was announced and 19 of February. Machinery should be collected on the creation of the planned Al-Jasoor facilities in the industrial park Tawazun in Abu Dhabi.



http://bmpd.livejournal.com/2453502.html

United Arab Emirates will order two corvettes of the French project Gowind



https://bmpd.livejournal.com/2941755.html

United Arab Emirates modernize fleet of combat aircraft of its Air Force

According to the American edition of Defense News, Dubai Airshow 2017, which was completed in Dubai, signed agreements on the modernization of both types of combat aircraft of its air force - the multi-purpose fighters Lockheed Martin F-16E / F Block 60 Desert Falcon and Dassault Mirage 2000-9.



https://bmpd.livejournal.com/2958074.html

Combat Equipment of the Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates in Yemen

Interesting shootings of the Arabic edition of the British television channel Sky News, captured on August 12, 2018 column of modern armored vehicles contingent of the armed forces of the United Arab Emirates, involved in the intervention in Yemen.

In the video you can watch the upgraded Leclerc tanks equipped with an additional AZUR kit; Armored personnel carriers Patria AMV, as in the version equipped with the combat compartment of the Russian BMP-3, and AMV Polish production with machine-gun fighting modules; armored vehicles Nimr (Ajban) with combat modules with ATGM "Kornet-E"; self-propelled 155-mm/47 howitzer G-6 of South African production; Armored vehicles of the MRAP class MaxxPro (4x4) and Caiman MTV (6x6).



https://bmpd.livejournal.com/3303575.html

UAE Acquisition of Two Radio and Radio Intelligence Aircraft with Israeli Equipment

Original taken from colleague diana_mihailova in Mysterious Israeli businessman Kochavi stands behind a mega-deal for the supply of spy planes in the UAE

Two business jets, an offshore company, millions in cash, wealthy members of the Gulf, one Israeli businessman - and Iran. A leaked document reveals the secrets of the latest spy aircraft of the United Arab Emirates.




Over the past few weeks, an innocent-looking white executive plane has flown up from the Al-Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi, which has flown over the Persian Gulf for several hours. A closer look is needed to notice the unique protrusions on the stomach, tail and back. This is not an ordinary executive plane, but an advanced surveillance aircraft owned by the United Arab Emirates, the purpose of which is to collect electronic intelligence data, and one of its goals is Iran.

The appearance of the observation aircraft, which has recently begun test flights, marks the last stages of a secret mega deal, which began about ten years ago, and whose relationship with Israel was still unknown. Haaretz's investigation reveals that Israeli businessman and entrepreneur Matanya "Mati" Kochavi is behind the supply of aircraft.

Documents received by Haaretz, some of which came from the huge leak of Paradise Papers by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and the German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung in 2017, show that the total transaction amounted to about 3 billion shekels ($ 846 million, according to current exchange rate). The documents noted that at least part of this amount was paid in cash, and they call the UAE leaders associated with one of the companies involved in the transaction.

The lack of diplomatic ties between Israel, the UAE and other countries of the Persian Gulf did not prevent the common interests of the countries of the region from establishing broad informal relations, including in the business, military and political spheres. In the case of Israel and the Gulf states, one of the main common interests is their common enemy: Iran.

https://bmpd.livejournal.com/3746802.html

United Arab Emirates will receive ten more CH-47F Chinook helicopters

On November 7, 2019, the US Department of Defense Agency for Defense Cooperation (DSCA) sent a notice to the U.S. Congress of the planned upcoming sale of ten Boeing CH- transport helicopters to the United Arab Emirates through the American program of intergovernmental foreign military sales (FMS) of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) 47F Chinook. This shipment is approved by the US Department of State. The total cost of the proposed delivery will be $ 830.3 million, including training and technical support packages.

On the bmpd side, we recall that now the UAE Air Force already has 22 Boeing CH-47F Chinook helicopters, as well as nine older CH-47C + Chinook helicopters. All of them are part of the 18th and 25th groups of the UAE Special Operations Command, deployed at the Seis al-Nahel air base.

https://bmpd.livejournal.com/3831386.html