Armée norvegienne/Norwegian Armed Forces

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date de 2006..

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Eurocopter, Heli-One introduce “Team NORDSAR” as a Tailored Solution for Norway’s SAR Helicopter Acquisition

Marignane | A capable, mission-tailored solution for Norway’s new search and rescue helicopter acquisition is now available with Team NORDSAR. It brings together the extensive resources of Eurocopter and its EC225 NORDSAR helicopter with the in-country aircraft maintenance and logistic support capabilities of Heli-One Norway AS.

The Team NORDSAR (Nordic Search And Rescue) agreement, announced today, responds to Norway’s needs for a next-generation search and rescue (SAR) helicopter in meeting the country’s demanding operational requirements. It unites Eurocopter’s tailor-made EC225 Nordsar version – which is especially designed for SAR missions in the Nordic region – with Heli-One’s 50-plus year’s experience as one of the world’s largest rotorcraft support companies.

“We are very excited to join forces in a common bid with Eurocopter, which allows us to combine our skills and expertise in creating a winning team,” said Lars Landsnes, the Managing Director of Heli-One Norway AS. “A win of the Norway SAR contract will lead to significant investments in the future development of Heli-One’s facility in Sola, securing highly qualified labour and contributing to keeping the Stavanger region at the cutting edge of helicopter support.”

The Norwegian All Weather Search and Rescue Helicopter (NAWSARH) competition will result in the country’s introduction of a new helicopter fleet capable of flying in challenging mountainous and coastal areas, as well as long-reach missions in the harsh Barent Sea.

“Team NORDSAR enables Eurocopter and Heli-One to join forces on mission capability, quality, safety and security for a solid, and strong NAWSARH joint bid“, stated Thomas Hein Eurocopter’s Vice President Sales and Customer Relations for Europe. “Heli-One already is servicing many of the over 120 Eurocopter helicopters operating in Norway, so we have a shared, strong history of cooperating in this context.”

The EC225 NORDSAR will incorporate one of the most advanced mission equipment packages on a SAR helicopter, benefitting from Eurocopter’s heritage of integrating cutting-edge avionics, flight control systems and autopilots – supported by the company’s unmatched experience in man-machine interface for high levels of flight safety.

In its specific NORDSAR configuration, the EC225 will meet Norway’s requirements for off-shore and mountain SAR missions, ensuring total operational flexibility in daily service. The Eurocopter EC225 is already on high readiness alert in the SAR-role at Hammerfest and off shore in the North Sea.

The EC225 NORDSAR and its military-qualified equivalent the EC725 NORDSAR, will in addition combine anti-terror capabilities offering Norway with a true multi-role solution.

The EC225, along with Eurocopter’s AS332L1 version of the Super Puma family, already are used extensively in the Nordic region and Iceland for SAR missions, along with crew airlift flights to support the oil and gas sector. All civilian SAR-helicopters in Norway are delivered by Eurocopter.

defpro

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The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Norway for 2 C-130J-30 United States Air Force (USAF) baseline aircraft and associated parts, equipment, logistical support and training for an estimated cost of $300 million.

http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/135840/norway-to-buy-two-c_130j_30s-for-%24300m.html

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Javelin Missile Proves New Capability during Vehicle-Launched Norwegian Tests








PARIS, June 11, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- The Lockheed Martin /quotes/zigman/150087/quotes/nls/lmt LMT +1.41% and Raytheon /quotes/zigman/283276/quotes/nls/rtn RTN +1.64% Javelin Joint Venture recently demonstrated the capability to launch Javelin missiles from a vehicle in winter conditions at a test range in Norway.

In a Norwegian Ministry of Defence-sponsored live fire demonstration in Rena, Norway, two Javelin missiles scored two direct hits when fired from a Piranha V vehicle configured with a Kongsberg Protector Remote Weapon Station (RWS) and the Javelin Vehicle Launcher (JVL) electronics. The two targets were located 800 and 1650 meters from the launch vehicle.

The RWS is a remote controlled weapon station for light and medium caliber weapons, and can be mounted on any type of platform. The JVL allows the standard Javelin missile round to interface with vehicle fire control systems. With the JVL, the U.S. Army and international customers are able to fire Javelin missiles from vehicle platforms with the gunner safely under armor.

"These firings will lead to further discussions with Norway, as they evaluate the potential of employing their Javelin missiles on their existing vehicles," said Duane Gooden, Javelin Joint Venture president.

"The live fire tests in Norway demonstrated that Javelin is capable of being deployed on vehicles with remote weapon stations and that the concept is mature and ready for implementation," said Barry James, Javelin Joint Venture vice president and Javelin program director in Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control business.

.marketwatch.com

192 millions $ par F-35A, soit environ 152 millions €. Intégration du missile Joint Strike Missile (JSM) du fabricant norvégien Kongsberg (emport interne et externe*).

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Norway orders F-35As after securing JSM integration support

Norway has finally committed to the Lockheed Martin F-35A after securing guarantees from the USA over opportunities for Norwegian industry.

Key to the deal for as many as 52 aircraft - at an estimated NKr60 billion ($10 billion), the largest public procurement project in the country's history - was confirmation from the US authorities of their support for the integration of the Kongsberg-developed Joint Strike Missile (JSM) on to the F-35. The air-launched missile will be suitable for carriage in the F-35's internal weapons bays.

This guarantee was delivered to the Norwegian minister of defence Espen Barth Eide in a letter from his US counterpart Leon Panetta earlier this week.

Eide says: "Securing such support has been an important pre-condition for many of our partner nations before they themselves commit to supporting the JSM.

"With such support finally in place, there is now a significant potential for the missile among future operators of the F-35."

Norway estimates the total market potential for the JSM to be NKr20-25 billion.

Two aircraft have been ordered under today's agreement, with a second pair "expected" to arrive in 2016, says the Norwegian ministry of defence. These will be based in the USA "as part of a joint training centre", it adds.

Up to 48 additional aircraft could follow, with the majority stationed at the Norwegian air force's Ørland base in central Norway. A small forward operating base will be established at Evenes in the north of the country to provide quick-reaction cover.

On 14 June, Norway's parliament approved a "significant increase in defence spending" of about 7% to 2016 to finance the purchase. Money saved through its withdrawal from Afghanistan will also be redistributed to pay for the F-35As.

The F-35A was initially selected by Norway in 2008.

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/norway-orders-f-35as-after-securing-jsm-integration-support-373063

*

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the Joint Strike Missile, JSM, which can be carried externally and internally in the bomb bay of the F-35.

http://www.kongsberg.com/en/kds/products/missile%20systems/jointstrikemissile

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Norway orders first F-35 jets as part of $10bn deal
(AFP)–3 days ago

OSLO — Norway said on Friday it had authorised orders for the first two of dozens of F-35 fighter jets it plans to buy from the United States as part of its largest-ever government spending project.

"Norway today commenced the largest public procurement project in its history," the government said in a statement.

Defence Minister Espen Barth Eide hailed the 60-billion-kroner ($10-billion, 8.0-billion-euro) deal for a total of 52 jet fighters.

"The F-35, which Norway selected in 2008, represents a completely new generation of combat aircraft that will form a corner stone of the future Norwegian Armed Forces," he said in the statement.

Norway agreed in 2008 to buy 52 Lockheed Martin-built F-35A Lightning II planes from the United States, but had put off placing its orders until it got the green light from US authorities to integrate a Norwegian-made weapons system into the plane earlier this week.

"We will begin preparations for the final phase of Joint Strike Missile (JSM weapons system) development after receiving confirmation from US authorities of their support for the integration of the missile into the F-35," Barth Eide said.

"Securing such support has been an important precondition for many of our partner nations before they would themselves commit to supporting the JSM," he said.

While securing US support does not automatically mean that the Norwegian missile system will be integrated into all F-35s, Oslo voiced optimism that other users of the planes would opt to take it.

"Total market potential for the JSM is estimated to be between 20 and 25 billion kroner," the government said.

It said the two planes authorised Friday would be joined by two more in 2016, and would be based in the United States "as part of a joint partner training centre".

"They are to be followed by up to 48 additional aircraft from 2017 that are to be based at Oerland Main Air Station in central Norway," it said, adding that the overall cost of the procurement phase of the project was estimated at 60 billion kroner.

"Norway's parliament yesterday approved a significant increase in defence spending in order to finance the purchase and to increase the general operating budget of the armed forces," Barth Eide said.

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BAE Systems will upgrade and build CV90 armoured combat vehicles for the Norwegian Army under a contract worth approximately GBP 500 million ($750 million) awarded by the Norwegian Government.

The company will upgrade Norway's existing 103-vehicle CV9030 fleet, delivered from the mid-1990s, and build new vehicle chassis to deliver 144 CV90s in different configurations, including a variant equipped with a sensor suite for improved surveillance capability. (...) The project will deliver 74 infantry fighting, 21 reconnaissance, 15 command, 16 engineering, 16 multi-role and two driver training vehicles. The multi-role vehicles can fulfill different functions, including mortar carrier and logistics roles.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/bae-systems-awarded-gbp-500-million-norwegian-armoured-vehicle-contract-2012-06-21

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Saab Receives Order for Sight and Fire Control Systems from BAE Systems


(Photo: BAE Systems)

14:04 GMT, June 28, 2012 Defence and security company Saab has received an order from BAE Systems in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, for sight and fire control system UTAAS (Universal Tank and Anti-Aircraft Sight). The order amount is SEK 110 million*.

The contract covers new sight systems, including virtual image displays, and upgrade and modification of the existing systems on combat vehicle CV9030N, for the Norwegian Army.

“The order proves that we are a leading provider of sight and fire-control system for tanks and combat vehicles. We are proud of our cooperation and good relations with BAE Systems and are looking forward to further develop our combined offer,” says Gunilla Fransson, Head of business area Security and Defence Solutions.

The development and production will take place in Sweden. Deliveries are scheduled for two years starting from August 2012.

UTAAS is a versatile sight and fire-control system for tanks and combat vehicles. It provides high hit probability against all ground targets, as well as against helicopters and high?speed aircraft.

The modular design of UTAAS offers the user a variety of performance options and upgrading possibilities. The beam paths for all channels go through the same aperture, offering good system stability and no need for realignment.

The Virtual Image Display (VID) is a compact and rugged multi-purpose display suitable for i.e. combat vehicles and helicopters. VID consists of a microdisplay and magnifying ptics to create a virtual image.

defpro

rafi a écrit:

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BAE Systems will upgrade and build CV90 armoured combat vehicles for the Norwegian Army under a contract worth approximately GBP 500 million ($750 million) awarded by the Norwegian Government.

The company will upgrade Norway's existing 103-vehicle CV9030 fleet, delivered from the mid-1990s, and build new vehicle chassis to deliver 144 CV90s in different configurations, including a variant equipped with a sensor suite for improved surveillance capability. (...) The project will deliver 74 infantry fighting, 21 reconnaissance, 15 command, 16 engineering, 16 multi-role and two driver training vehicles. The multi-role vehicles can fulfill different functions, including mortar carrier and logistics roles.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/bae-systems-awarded-gbp-500-million-norwegian-armoured-vehicle-contract-2012-06-21

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Norway fires first ground-based Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile from NASAMS launcher


Test validates ESSM's role in medium-range, ground-based air defense


FARNBOROUGH, England, July 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Royal Norwegian Air Force successfully fired a Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile from a National Advanced Surface-to-Air-Missile System (NASAMS). During the first-of-its-kind test at the Andoya Rocket Range in Northern Norway, the ESSM intercepted and destroyed an air target.

"Completion of this live-fire exercise is a major step forward in our efforts to qualify ESSM as a ground-based air defense solution," said Rick Nelson, Raytheon Missile Systems' vice president of Naval Weapon Systems. "We will continue our engineering efforts to fully integrate ESSM into NASAMS and other land-based launch systems."

In addition to the launcher, the risk-reduction firing event used the NASAMS Fire Distribution Center (FDC) and the Hawk air defense system's High-Power Illuminator radar that served as the semi-active illumination source.

"Raytheon and our Norwegian partner KONGSBERG are expanding the flexibility and capability of our NASAMS, Hawk and Hawk XXI systems," said Tim Glaeser, vice president of Business Development and Strategy for Integrated Air and Missile Defense at Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems business. "Our Hawk customers may have the option in the future to implement ESSM with modifications to the system. NASAMS system users will also benefit from having ESSM as an additional effector."

Joining AMRAAM and AIM-9X, ESSM is the third Raytheon missile to be successfully fired from the NASAMS launcher. ESSM adds another capability to Raytheon's growing portfolio of ground-based air defense solutions.

raytheon.mediaroom.com

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Norway threatens to cancel NH90 helicopter order

Norway is threatening to cancel its order for NH Industries NH90 helicopters, as its frustrations mount with delivery delays.

Oslo has eight of the NH90 maritime variant on order, configured for search and rescue operations for its coastguard. Deliveries were due to have been completed six years ago, but the nation has so far received just one of the type.

The new helicopters are intended to replace the Norwegian coastguard's ageing AgustaWestland Lynx fleet, which it began retiring in 2005. At present, it has just three operational helicopters, says the Norwegian defence ministry. These were all delivered in 1981, according to Flightglobal's HeliCAS database.

But with the remainder of the NH90s no closer to being delivered, Oslo is now drawing up contingency plans.

Speaking last month on a tour with the coastguard in northern Norway, secretary of state for defence Roger Ingebrigtsen said: "NH90 is greatly delayed and I am very concerned about this situation. We therefore have to consider what the options are to ensure the coastguard has the helicopter capacity we depend on."

The defence ministry adds: "If the manufacturer doesn't manage to deliver the helicopters [to deadline] we are considering cancelling the contract.

"We are a customer and we cannot wait forever to receive our merchandise."

The defence ministry would not be drawn on the deadline it has given to NH Industries to complete the order. However, it has begun looking at alternatives to the NH90, it says, without specifying the types under consideration. "There are several helicopters on the market that are combat-proven and in use by other nations," it notes.

NH Industries was unavailable to comment.

www.flightglobal.com

le retard du NH90 fache les norvegiens,qui menacent de se rabattre sur les S70B

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Finmeccanica, EADS Helicopter Venture Risks Losing Norway Deal

Eurocopter SAS and Agusta SpA,Europe’s largest helicopter makers, risk losing an order for NH90 maritime choppers because of delivery delays that is prompting Norway to consider United Technologies Corp. (UTX)’s Sikorsky rotorcraft instead.

The Norwegian government has told NH Industries it may buy Sikorsky Seahawk helicopters unless delivery issues on the NH90 are resolved, the defense ministry said today in a statement to parliament. The country also is considering extending the life of two Lynx helicopters as a stop-gap measure, Defense Minister Espen Barth Eide said in the statement.

Development and delivery delays for years have plagued NH Industries, the consortium of Finmeccanica SpA (FNC)’s AgustaWestland,European Aeronautic, Defence & Space Co. (EAD)’s Eurocopter and Fokker in the Netherlands. Sweden already opted to buy Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawks for Afghanistan operations because NH90s were not ready.

Norway will decide in the next six months one how to proceed, Eide told parliament. The government is assessing the operational impact of a helicopter change, since the navy’s frigates and coast guard vessels have prepared for NH90 use.

The Scandinavian country, which has contracted to buy 14 NH90s for coast guard and navy use, got its first unit last year. The armed forces are satisfied with the performance of the NH90 they have received and put through trials, Eide said.

NH Industries representatives were not immediately available for comment. Norwegian government officials have already met with Sikorsky to discuss a possible Seahawk purchase, the ministry said.

www.bloomberg.com/news

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the 2nd Batallion training.

F-16AM avec IRIS-T

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Norway’s 2013 Defence Budget: More Training, Improved Readiness




Proposed Norwegian defence budget delivers on priorities of recent Long Term Plan for the Armed Forces

14:30 GMT, October 8, 2012 The Norwegian government proposes to spend nearly USD 7.4 billion/EUR 5,5 billion/NOK 42.2 billion on defence in 2013, a real increase from 2012 of USD 52.5 million/EUR 39 million/NOK 300 million. This comes on top of continued efficiency gains which will lead to a combined net total funding increase of USD 100 million/EUR 76.8 million/NOK 568 million that will fund more training and additional measures to improve the readiness of the Norwegian Armed Forces. This is in accordance with the priorities set out by the Long Term Plan for the Armed Forces that was passed in June of 2012.

“This proves that the current government helps guarantee the continued development of modern and relevant Armed Forces for Norway. During 2013 we will continue to invest in training, readiness and new capabilities, all of which puts us on a solid footing for the future,” says Norwegian Minister of Defence, Anne-Grete Strøm-Erichsen.

INVESTING IN NATIONAL RESILIENCE

In the wake of the tragedy that struck Norway on the 22nd of July 2011, the Defence sector is also taking steps to help improve the resilience of Norwegian society. In 2013 this will include a number of new measures, including:

• Proposing a significant increase in the funding for the National Security Authority of 30 %. The Norwegian NSA is funded by the Ministry of Defence, but reports to both the ministries of Defence and Justice. It has an overall responsibility for planning and preparing preventive and protective digital security measures in Norway. The agency also provides advice on securing vulnerable infrastructure.
• Continuing investments in new Cyber Defence Force, increased funding for Military Intelligence. The Norwegian Armed Forces in September 2012 established the Cyber Defence Force as a separate entity tasked with securing the Armed Forces against cyber threats. Military Intelligence also plays an important part in ensuring that Norwegian decision makers have the information they need to make the right decisions about our security, and their ability to do so will be strengthened further.
• Helicopters on permanent stand-by, more funding for the Home Guard. Air Force tactical helicopters will now be on permanent readiness to provide support for civil law enforcement in armed operations. The Home Guard will receive additional funding to improve both training and equipment.

“Civilian authorities such as the Police will, and shall have primary responsibility for national resilience efforts, but in this important work everyone must pull together, and the Armed Forces and the wider Armed Forces sector will play their part,” says Minister of Defence Strøm-Erichsen.

A TRUSTED PARTNER ABROAD

Though the nature of the Norwegian contribution to the continuing operations in Afghanistan has changed, Norway's commitment to preventing international terrorists from returning to Afghanistan, promoting the security of the Afghan people as well as that of the wider international community remains firm. During 2013, Norway will therefore continue its efforts to help develop the capabilities of Afghan National Security Forces, with an aim to allow them to operate more independently of international support. Norway's mentoring for the Afghan Crisis Response Unit (CRU) in Kabul will continue in 2013, and a Norwegian C-130J tactical transport aircraft will be deployed in Afghanistan throughout and possibly beyond the first quarter of 2013. Norway is also considering potential contributions to UN-lead operations as well as operations under NATO and European Union leadership.

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

Continued modernisation of the Norwegian Armed Forces remains a priority, and as a result the Norwegian government will invest more than USD 1.5 billion/EUR 1.2 billion/NOK 8.77 billion in new equipment in 2013. The F-35 program features prominently in this portfolio, comprising investments in excess of USD 300 million/EUR 240 million/NOK 1.78 billion in 2013 alone. Other major projects include new maritime helicopters for the Air Force, new armoured vehicles for the Army, as well as adaptations to the frigates and continued updates of the submarines for the Navy.

“This budget allows us to move forward on ensuring that our Armed Forces are equipped to meet the challenges of the future. I am particularly pleased that we have been able to secure significant funding for the F-35 for 2013 that will allow us to move forward on our plans to receive the first aircraft already in 2015,” says Minister of Defence Anne-Grete Strøm-Erichsen.

The budget, introduced on Monday the 8th of October 2012, will now be subject to a debate in the Norwegian Parliament. Final passage of the budget is expected in December 2012.

defpro

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Norwegian Naval Strike Missile fired for first time

The world's most advanced missile was fired from KNM Glimt.

Wednesday at 1300, the Navy wrote history outside the island of Andøya. The Missile Corvette KNM Glimt fired - as the first Norwegian naval vessel, and for the first time in Norway - the world's newest and most advanced missile.

The Norwegian-developed Naval Strike Missile (NSM) will be the main weapon system aboard the Navy's Fridtjof Nansen class frigates and Skjold class corvettes over the next 20-25 years. NSM will ensure that Navy combat systems have surface capacity, which means to have a good ability to take out other ships.

Lead Director and Head of the MTB-weapon, Commander Bjorn Kvisgaard, is left with a great feeling after the successful launch.

- As the responsible leader it is always a good feeling when the missile launch successfully and hit the target as planned. We have worked for over a year to get to this point. This is a great day for the Navy.

The crew aboard the KNM Glimpses was well prepared and kept calm until the countdown began.

- We have spent a long time to prepare and have always had safety in mind. We kept quiet until the countdown began, but then we felt the pulse rise, says captain aboard KNM Glimt, Lieutenant Commander Daniel Karlsen.

The ship commander, originally from Andøya, enjoyed the experience in familiar surroundings. He is most likely the only person in the world who have been so close in position of a firing NSM. From his position on the bridge he beheld the NSM with only a few meters distance.

Captain lieutenant describes the historical experience as a "brief but intense."

A weapon of the future
The missile system is specifically designed to exploit the terrain, both over land, the bay and the open sea in pursuit of the target. With low radar signature, high maneuverability and high accuracy, the NSM makes the navy able to meet both current and future combat scenarios.

The combination of an operational and advanced NSM with the characteristics of the new vessels, respectively Shield and Nansen-class, represent in many ways a completely new capacity that the Armed Forces haven't had before, and thus brings the nation a clearly increased defense capability.

- With the missile's long range the corvette's high speed, we have equipment to cover most of the Norwegian coast, said CEO Bjørn Kvisgaard.

The missile
Naval Strike Missile (NSM) is the world's most advanced anti-ship missile. The missile is the world's only 5th generation of long-range precision weapons, which combines both outstanding penetration and unique maneuverability.

The data regarding the target is uploaded into the missile, so it knows what the target look like, and can distinguish it from civilian vessels.

The shooting today was the first in a series of many that will accur in the near future. Next one out is the frigate KNM Roald Amundsen. On Saturday 13th October, she will implement NSM-shooting in the same area.

/forsvaret.no

...

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Norway’s Navy Runs Into the Same Problem as the Royal Canadian Navy – Not Enough Personnel

The Barents Observer is reporting that Norway’s Auditor-General has questioned the Ministry of Defence’s purchase of five advanced frigates – now in service as the Fridtjof Nansen-class – suggesting that difficulties in recruiting personnel to man the vessels is seriously hampering their ability to be kept in operational condition.

The Chief of the Royal Norwegian Navy, Rear Admiral Bernt Grimstvedt, recently admitted that personnel shortages are becoming a serious concern, and that the Navy does not have enough qualified sailors to man the new ships, according to the Observer. Grimstvedt told reporters that the Navy would often transfer crew from one ship to another to facilitate deployments when they do manage to leave to port. Reports suggest that many of the most talented service people leave Norway’s Navy for more lucrative work in the thriving offshore oil industry.

.ottawacitizen.com

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Ula-class subs potential easy pickings, former military man claims

Norway’s ageing submarine fleet is not sufficiently stealth-capable, according to a former top naval officer.


Norwegian Ula-class submarines, Bergen
Photo: Petr Šmerkl/Wikipedia



Outdated


“The oldest [one] is 25 years old”, Rear Admiral Jan Gerhard Jæger (ret.) tells Aftenposten, “they undergo upgrades, but the ‘signature’ (identity) they leave behind in the sea remains unchanged.”

Norway’s six Ula-class submarines, all based at Bergen’s Haakonsvern Naval Base, western Norway, were ordered in the ‘70s during the Cold War. These replace the then ageing Kobben-class ones.

The Ula-class submarines were a multinational cooperation on behalf of the Royal Norwegian Navy. The hull sections were produced in Norway, and German company Thyssen Nordseewerke in Emden assembled them.

Norway’s Kongsberg Group built their combat systems, Germany the attack sonar, and the flank sonars are French-made. The vessels were delivered between 1989 and 1992.

Upgrades have been performed on the periscope as part of modernisation work to keep them in service until 2020. These are also currently being carried out on the hull, propulsion, and integrated ships systems.

Installation of new electronic warfare support measures and communication equipment (TADIL-A/Link 11) is part of the programme too, with ongoing work on the weapons control, sonar, and decision support systems, among other things.

TADIL-A/Link 11, a NATO-employed secure half-duplex radio link, can be used on High Frequency (HF) or Ultra High Frequency (UHF).

It is mainly for exchanging digital information such as radar tracking among shipboard, airborne, or land-based tactical data systems.

According to Norwegian Royal Navy information, the Ula-class submarines “makes it possible to operate in the entire maritime domain, including under water.”

“The vessels can operate undisclosed over longer periods of time. They are hard to detect and has the ability tie up significant hostile resources.”

“World-class”


“Norway currently has equipment that can be used to trace these submarines. Consequently, we must reckon with the fact that others also possess this,” says Rear Admiral Jan Gerhard Jæger (ret.) to Aftenposten.

49-year-old Commander Solveig Krey has just assumed leadership of the Norwegian Royal Navy’s submarine service.

According to her, the retired Rear Admiral “is making claims on his own behalf.”

“The vessels are currently being upgraded to ensure they are relevant to the tasks they will be solving until 2020”, she stated, “[...] We’re world class when it comes to conventional submarines.”

“They can operate hidden and surface vessels cannot discover them easily. Nevertheless, technology for surface vessels and submarines has developed, meaning these need updating.”

Commander Krey tells The Foreigner Norway upgrading the submarines “is not different to what other countries do.”

The Ula-class submarines are 59 metres long, 5.4 metres wide, and 4.5 metres deep (about 193.5 by 17.7 by 15 feet).

Speeds are 11 knots surfaced and 23 knots submerged, with capacity for a crew of 21+.

“It’s a potent conventional submarine,” Navy press spokesperson Commander Nils Kristian Haugen says.

No decision regarding new submarine purchase has been made, the military’s Colonel Dag Rist Aamoth explains, “But there is an ongoing project looking at possible Ula-class end-of-life replacement or a further upgrade and life extension of the submarine.”

Norway's Ministry of Defence has published this statement after the above article on The Foreigner.

theforeigner

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DCNS and its Norwegian partners deliver the fifth Skjold FPB to Norwegian Navy

DCNS delivered the fifth-of-class fast patrol boat (FPB) P965-Gnist to the Royal Norwegian Navy. The six-boat Skjold program is led by a consortium comprising DCNS and two Norwegian contractors with DCNS acting as the combat system design authority and co-supplier. The naming ceremony of Gnist took place at Umoe yard in Mandal last week. The Norwegian authorities entrusted the Skjold program to a consortium of three contractors with DCNS as the combat system design authority and co-supplier. DCNS is working with Norwegian contractors Umoe Mandal and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, through the Skjold Prime Consortium.

HNoMS Storm, second vessel of the Skjold class of coastal corvettes

Skjold FPBs are designed specifically for maritime security and safety missions in Norway’s littoral waters. The combat system is tailored to demanding environments and reduced crewing. The communications and sensor suites are fully compatible with active participation in international and NATO-led operations. The vessels communication capabilities will be further enhanced as they will be upgraded with a state-of-the-art satellite communications system. With a length of around 50 meters, Skjold-class FPBs are heavily armed for their size. The combat system features eight anti-ship missiles and a 76-mm gun that can engage several targets at once at ranges exceeding 12 kilometers. First-of-class P961-Storm was handed over in September 2010, second-of-class P962-Skudd in October 2010, third-of-class P963-Steil in June 2011 and fourth-of-class P964-Gnist in March 2012. Recently, NDLO has awarded an additional contract to DCNS for the Follow-On Technical Support of the SENIT 2000 Combat Management System (CMS) of the Skjold vessels. The success of the Skjold program is the fruit of a long-term partnership between DCNS and its Norwegian partners. Between 1997 and 2004, DCNS demonstrated its expertise in combat system design and development as prime contractor for the modernization of 14 Hauk-class FPBs for the Royal Norwegian Navy.

navyrecognition

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Norway issues RfI as it weighs options for submarine fleet beyond 2020
By Kate Tringham
11/22/2012
The Norwegian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has approached five shipbuilders for information to inform the possible purchase of new submarines as it considers options for its future underwater capability beyond 2020.

In a 16 November statement, Norwegian Minister of Defence Anne-Grete Strøm-Erichsen said that requests for information (RfIs) had been issued to DCNS (France), Fincantieri (Italy), Navantia (Spain), ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (representing Kockums in Sweden and HDW in Germany), and South Korea's Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME). Responses are expected by the end of 2012.

The Royal Norwegian Navy (RNoN) currently operates a fleet of six Thyssen Nordseewerke-built Type 210 Ula-class submarines. Commissioned between 1989 and 1992, the class is currently the subject of a mid-life modernisation to extend their operational lives out to around 2020.

After concluding in 2011 that Norway should indeed retain a sovereign submarine capability beyond this point, the MoD is now weighing up its options, which include a decision to either extend the lives of the Ula class for a second time, to replace the vessels, or a combination of the two options.

A decision on which route to take is expected to be made around 2014
http://www.janes.com/products/janes/defence-security-report.aspx?ID=1065973658&channel=defence

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M-109 artillery firing at Mauken training area, Northern Norway. 23.11.12





Soldiers from 2.bat/Brig Nord firing Javelin missile at Blåtind shooting range, Northern Norway 23.11.12





Norwegian C-130J of 335 squadron/ISAF Tactical Airlift Detachment (TAD) in flight over the Hindu Kush mountain range between Mazar E Sharif and kabul, Afghanistan.

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Resupplying KNM «Skudd» (P962) missile patrol boat.

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Norwegian Navy Takes Delivery of New NH90 NFH (Nato Frigate Helicopter) NHIndustries is proud to announce the delivery of the second NH90 NFH (Nato Frigate Helicopter) helicopter to the Norwegian Armed Forces. The delivery ceremony took place on November 28 at AgustaWestland’s Tessera facility where it was assembled. “We are extremely pleased to deliver this helicopter because we know how important this new helicopter is for the Norwegian Armed Forces” declared Xavier Poupardin Delegated Managing Director of NHIndustries.

The delivery ceremony took place on November 28 at AgustaWestland’s Tessera facility (Picture: NH Industries)

The NH90 is the only helicopter in production with such unrivalled new technology standards, paving the way for Top class level performance over the next 40 years, meeting the developing customer requirements for all types of helicopter missions which are increasingly demanding. The delivery of this outstanding helicopter is the result of a strong team work between the customer and industry in order to make sure that the aircraft fulfils the stringent needs of the Royal Norwegian Air Force. The NH90 NFH is the optimal choice for the Royal Norwegian Air Force operations thanks to its large full composite airframe, its excellent power to weight ratio; and its fully integrated weapon system. It features a quadruplex Fly-by-Wire flight control system for reduced Pilot’s workload and enhanced flight characteristics. As of today, more than 128 helicopters have been delivered including 19 NH90 NFHs and are in service in Germany, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Greece, Oman, Australia and New Zealand. The twin-engine, medium-size NH90 helicopter program is managed by the consortium NHIndustries, the Company owned by AgustaWestland SpA (32%), Eurocopter (62.5%), and Stork Fokker (5.5%).

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First JSM (joint strike missile) fuselage unveiled, signalling development milestone This is truly a milestone event, and it marks an important step forward in ensuring both our future military capability and industrial opportunities for the Norwegian defence industry, said State Secretary of Defence Eirik Øwre Thorshaug after he Thursday officially unveiled the first completed fuselage for the new Joint Strike Missile, developed by Kongsberg for the F-35. The JSM is derived from the Naval Strike Missile (NSM), also developed by Kongsberg, which is already operational with the Royal Norwegian Navy. The new missile, the JSM, offers superior capabilities against well defended naval targets, and is capable of being carried internally on the F-35. This allows the aircraft to maintain its low observability while carrying a powerful long range strike capability. The unveiling on Thursday signals that the fuselage design effort has been completed, and that preparations for further testing can continue.

The first JSM Joinst Strike Missile fuselage (Picture: Norwegian Ministry of Defence)

We have defined a modern and capable anti-surface capability as a key requirement, and as a result we initiated the development of the JSM. We have also received indications that several other partner nations are interested in the capability offered by this missile, and we are making every effort to see that it becomes available to the F-35 user community in the future, said state secretary Thorshaug. Missile development is carried out in partnership with the Norwegian Ministry of Defence, and in close cooperation with the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment. This ensures that the development process is supported by the combined efforts of one of the world’s most advanced missile technology clusters, which has previously generated products such as the Penguin missile, the NASAMS air defence system and the NSM. There is a world of difference between an F-35 carrying the JSM and one without it, says Brigadier General Morten Klever with the Norwegian F-35 program, who as a fighter pilot participated in the integration of the Penguin missile on the F-16. – We need the ability to defeat heavily defended high-value targets without having to resort to saturating the target with less capable weapons, an option few can rely on in today’s environment. The JSM, with its long range, high manoeuvrability and accuracy, low signature, and advanced guidance provides just the capability we need, Brigadier General Klever concludes. The year 2013 will be very important to the JSM development programme, as it will undergo a Critical Design Review during the summer of 2013, after which preparations will begin for its final stage of development and full integration on the F-35. Source: Norwegian Ministry of Defence

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