Armée Saoudienne / Armed Forces of Saudi Arabia

Rappel du premier message :

inanc a écrit:

Citation :

WASHINGTON, November 28, 2012 – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress November 26 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for technical services to recertify the functional shelf life of up to 300 PATRIOT Advanced Capability-2 (PAC-2) (MIM-104D) Guidance Enhanced Missiles and associated equipment, parts, training nd logistical support for an estimated cost of $130 million.
The Government of Saudi Arabia has requested a possible sale of technical services to recertify the functional shelf life of up to 300 PATRIOT Advanced Capability-2 (PAC-2) (MIM-104D) Guidance Enhanced Missiles (GEM), modernization of existing equipment, spare and repair parts, support equipment, U.S. Government and contractor representatives logistics, engineering, and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $130 million.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of an important partner which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.
The proposed recertification program will allow the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces to extend the shelf life of the PAC-2 missiles in its inventory for an additional twelve years.
The proposed recertification program will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractor will be Raytheon Corporation in Andover, Massachusetts. The recertification process will be performed by Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale
Implementation of this proposed sale will require one contractor representative to travel to the Missile Assembly Disassembly Facility in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on an extended basis for missile assembly/disassembly support, system checkout, training and technical and logistics support.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2012/Saudi_Arabia_12-65.pdf

bizarre…. Seulement recertification program ?
Après les commandes des voisins et surtout la dernière commande d’avant hier pour le C4I je m’attendais plutôt à une commande THAAD ou PAC3…bizarre

plus de détails 

Citation :

Four (4) MMSC ships (a derivative of the Freedom Variant of the U.S. Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Class) that incorporate five (5) COMBATSS-21 Combat Management Systems (four (4) installed, one (1) spare) with five (5) TRS-4D Radars (four (4) installed, one (1) spare)
Five (5) Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) (Mode 4- and Mode 5-capable) UPX-29 (four (4) installed, one (1) spare)
Five (5) Compact Low Frequency Active Passive Variable Depth Sonar (four (4) installed, one (1) spare)
Eight ( MK-41 Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) (two (2) eight-cell assemblies per ship for 16 cells per hull)
Five-hundred thirty-two (532) tactical RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM) (one hundred twenty-eight (128) installed, twenty (20) test and training rounds, three hundred eighty-four (384) spares)
Five (5) AN/SWG-l (V) Harpoon Ship Command Launch Control Systems (four (4) installed (one (1) per ship), one (1) spare)
Eight ( Harpoon Shipboard Launchers (two (2) installed four-tube assemblies per ship)
Forty-eight (48) RGM-84 Harpoon Block II Missiles (thirty-two (32) installed, sixteen (16) test and training rounds)
Five (5) MK-15 Mod 31 SeaRAM Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) (four (4) installed, one (1) spare)
One-hundred eighty-eight (188) RIM 116C Block II Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) (forty-four (44) installed, twelve (12) test and training rounds, one hundred thirty-two (132) spares)
Five (5) MK-75 76mm OTO Melara Gun Systems (four (4) installed, one (1) spare)
Forty-eight (48) 50-caliber machine guns (forty (40) installed (ten (10) per ship), eight ( spares); ordnance; and Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) Global Positioning System/Precise Positioning Service (GPS/PPS) navigation equipment
Also included in this sale in support of the MMSC are: study, design and construction of operations; support and training facilities; spare and repair parts; support and test equipment; communications equipment employing Link 16 equipment; Fire Control System/Ceros 200 Sensor and Illuminator; 20mm Narwhal Gun; Nixie AN/SLQ-25A Surface Ship Torpedo Defense System; MK-32 Surface Vessel Torpedo Tubes; WBR-2000 Electronic Support Measure and Threat Warning System; Automatic Launch of Expendables (ALEX) Chaff and Decoy-Launching System; ARC-210 Radios; Combined Enterprise Regional Information Exchange System (CENTRIXS); Automated Digital Network System; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support.
In addition, this case will provide overarching program office support for the SNEP II to include: U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support, and other related elements of program support to meet necessities for program execution. The estimated value of MDE is $4.3 billion. The total estimated cost is $11.25 billion.

http://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/kingdom-saudi-arabia-multi-mission-surface-combatant-mmsc-ships

apart le prix des frégates ils sont Top qualité avec radar TRS-41 mieux que le héracles sur fremm et avec mark 41 mieux que l'aster mais encore avec ce prix il pouvait acheter 16-18 fremm

11.25 Billion
on peut acheter 2 mistral, 4 sous marins, 4 frégate anti-aeriens, 4 frégate anti sous-marins et des hélicos avec ce montant !!  
sérieux !!
je parie qu'il y aura un tel contrat prochainement pour des sous-marins pour l'AS
mais qui aura la chance de gagner les 10 prochains milliards ?! USA, Germany ou frande

il faut pas prendre la KSA pour les plus grands cons de l'histoire, ils sont sur subprimé c'est vrais mais pas à ce point.

la KSA paye souvent à travers leurs contrats d'armement, soit des résolutions de l'ONU, soit une grosse quantité de munitions qu'il seront pas divulgué pour l'instant (ce qui présage de mauvaises choses pour l'avenir).... n'empêche que la KSA est souvent dupé et racketé

l'achat KSA-EAU doit être regardé à la loupe, une fois j'avais publié une info sur de grosse quantité de TOW acheté par la KSA, maintenant on peut comprendre l'achat anticipé de la KSA.
les USA planifie, la KSA exécute, mais la gamelle est cuisiné pour tout le monde. C'est vrai que les USA mange la viande avant les légumes

Citation :

Russia to discuss with Saudi Arabia for the delivery of S-400 air defense missile systems.

Russia discusses with Saudi Arabia the likely supplies of S-400 Triumph /NATO reporting name SA-21 Growler/ air defense systems /ADS/ to that country, said Sergey Chemezov, the head of the Rostec State Corporation, at the Dubai Airshow-2015 international aerospace exhibition.



The S-400 Triumph (NATO reporting name: SA-21 Growler) is an medium/long-range air defence missile system developed by the Russian DEfense Company Almaz Central Design Bureau of Russia. It is the second generation of air defense system after the S-300.

"Many countries are interested in the S-400 and we discuss this subject with Saudi Arabia," he noted.

He reported that the previously signed defense procurement contracts with Saudi Arabia, worth around US$ 20 billion, have not been fulfilled for various political reasons. "Today, the military technical cooperation with that country is being resumed," Chemezov added.

The first S-400 enters in service with the Russian armed forces in April 2007. Recently, Russia has announced the delivery of S-400 to China. Turkey also expressed interest in purchasing S-400 air defence systems.

The system can engage all types of aerial targets including aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and ballistic and cruise missiles within the range of 400km, at an altitude of up to 30km. The system can simultaneously engage 36 targets.



http://www.armyrecognition.com/november_2015_global_defense_security_news_uk/russia_to_discuss_with_saudi_arabia_for_the_delivery_of_s-400_air_defense_missile_systems_tass_10911156.html

Citation :

Russia to discuss with Saudi Arabia for the delivery of S-400 air defense missile systems.

Russia discusses with Saudi Arabia the likely supplies of S-400 Triumph /NATO reporting name SA-21 Growler/ air defense systems /ADS/ to that country, said Sergey Chemezov, the head of the Rostec State Corporation, at the Dubai Airshow-2015 international aerospace exhibition.



The S-400 Triumph (NATO reporting name: SA-21 Growler) is an medium/long-range air defence missile system developed by the Russian DEfense Company Almaz Central Design Bureau of Russia. It is the second generation of air defense system after the S-300.

"Many countries are interested in the S-400 and we discuss this subject with Saudi Arabia," he noted.

He reported that the previously signed defense procurement contracts with Saudi Arabia, worth around US$ 20 billion, have not been fulfilled for various political reasons. "Today, the military technical cooperation with that country is being resumed," Chemezov added.

The first S-400 enters in service with the Russian armed forces in April 2007. Recently, Russia has announced the delivery of S-400 to China. Turkey also expressed interest in purchasing S-400 air defence systems.

The system can engage all types of aerial targets including aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and ballistic and cruise missiles within the range of 400km, at an altitude of up to 30km. The system can simultaneously engage 36 targets.



http://www.armyrecognition.com/november_2015_global_defense_security_news_uk/russia_to_discuss_with_saudi_arabia_for_the_delivery_of_s-400_air_defense_missile_systems_tass_10911156.html

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Sunday, 8 November 2015
Dubai Airshow 2015: Lockheed and AEC to support Saudi Arabia F-15 fighters sensor suite

Lockheed Martin received a $262.8 million contract from the U.S. Air Force for sustainment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s F-15 sensor suite, the US defense giant announced at this year Dubai Airshow. The sensor suite includes Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP), LANTIRN Extended Range (ER) navigation pods and Infrared Search and Track (IRST) systems.






http://worlddefencenews.blogspot.com/2015/11/dubai-airshow-2015-lockheed-and-aec-to.html

une vraie pluie de bombes,on va encore pratiquer la bas..

DSCA a écrit:

The Government of Saudi Arabia - Air-to-Ground Munitions

WASHINGTON, Nov 16, 2015 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Saudi Arabia for air-to-ground munitions and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.29 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on November 13, 2015.

The Government of Saudi Arabia requested approval to procure the following:

Major Defense Equipment (MDE) includes:
One thousand (1000) GBU-10 Paveway II Laser Guided Bombs (LGBs)
Two thousand, three hundred (2,300) BLU-117/MK-84 2000lb General Purpose (GP) Bombs
Four thousand twenty (4,020) GBU-12 Paveway II LGBs
Eight thousand twenty (8,020) BLU-111/MK-82 500lb GP Bombs
One thousand, one hundred (1,100) GBU-24 Paveway III LGBs
One thousand, five hundred (1,500) BLU-109 2000lb Penetrator Warheads
Four hundred (400) GBU-31(V1) KMU-556 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) tail kits
One thousand (1,000) GBU-31(V3) KMU-557 JDAM tail kits
Three thousand (3,000) GBU-38 KMU-572 JDAM tail kits
Two thousand (2,000) GBU-48 Enhanced Paveway II, dual mode Global Positioning System
    (GPS)/LGB with the MXU-667 Airfoil and the MAU-169L/B Computer Control Group (CCG) Dual
    mode
Two thousand (2,000) BLU-110/MK-83 1000lb GP Bombs
Five hundred (500) GBU-54 KMU-572 Laser JDAM tail kits, dual mode GPS/LGB with the MXU-667
    Airfoil and the MAU-169L/B CCG Dual mode
Three hundred (300) GBU-56 KMU 556 Laser JDAM tail kits, dual mode GPS/LGB with the MXU-667
    Airfoil and the MAU-169L/B CCG Dual mode
Ten thousand two hundred (10,200) FMU-152 Fuzes

This request also includes the following Non-MDE items and services: procurement of bomb equipment components such as adaptors, nose plugs, fusing mechanisms, swivels, support links and connections; associated support equipment; publications, such as technical orders, and system manuals; training; engineering and technical support; transportation (to include special airlift support); program management; and other administrative support and related services. The total estimated MDE value is $1.10 billion, and the estimated total overall value is $1.29 billion.

The purchase replenishes the Royal Saudi Air Force's (RSAF) current weapons supplies, which are becoming depleted due to the high operational tempo in multiple counter-terrorism operations. The purchase of these munitions rebuilds war reserves and provides options for future contingencies.

The RSAF will have no issues fielding, supporting, and employing these munitions.

The proposed sale augments Saudi Arabia's capability to meet current and future threats from potential adversaries during combat operations. Providing these defense articles supports Saudi Arabian defense missions and promotes stability in the region.

This acquisition will help sustain strong military-to-military relations between the United States and Saudi Arabia, improve operational interoperability with the United States, and enable Saudi Arabia to meet regional threats and safeguard the world's largest oil reserves.

This acquisition contributes to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by increasing the security of an important partner that continues to be a significant force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East. Sustaining Saudi military capabilities deters hostile actors, increases U.S.-Saudi military interoperability, and has a positive impact on the stability of the global economy. This acquisition also directly conveys U.S. commitment to the RSAF's current and future ability to sustain combat operations.

The prime contractor will be determined by competition. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

There is no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

Citation :

Photos : Saudi Arabia National Guard Sent Reinforcements To Najran


Nov 17, 2015



Saudi Arabia National Guard Sent Reinforcements To Najran

Najran , is a city in southwestern Saudi Arabia near the border with Yemen. It is the capital of Najran Province.




http://defence-blog.com/army/photos-saudi-arabia-national-guard-sent-reinforcements-to-najran.html

king khaled AB

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Monday, 7 December 2015

The Saudi Arabia Kingdom-led coalition has destroyed Scud missile near Yemeni-Saudi border
The Saudi Arabia Kingdom-led coalition has destroyed a Scud missile carrier near the Yemeni-Saudi border, Al Arabiya News Channel reported on Sunday, December 6, 2015. The carrier, belonging to Iran-backed Houthi militia and its ally deposed Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s forces, was destroyed by the coalition after studying their movements, the channel said.



http://worlddefencenews.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-saudi-arabia-kingdom-led-coalition.html

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Lorraine: 2,9 millions d'euros d'aides publiques pour un centre qui formera des militaires saoudiens


8 déc. 2015, 12:51

Une vidéo du Conseil régional de Lorraine, montrant le vote d’une subvention à une entreprise qui formera des Saoudiens au maniement de chars fait le buzz sur internet, obligeant la région à réagir. Elle menace aujourd’hui de porter plainte.

En août 2014, l’entreprise belge CMI signe une convention avec le groupe américain, basé au Canada, General Dynamics. Premier fabricant d’armes au monde, la firme américaine a conclu un juteux contrat avec l’Arabie saoudite, qui s’est engagée à acheter des chars légers, dont l’entreprise CMI construira les tourelles sophistiquées et les canons de 105mm pendant 10 ans, pour un montant de 4,5 milliards d’euros.

Selon le média indépendant BLE Lorraine, «Les formateurs de l’armée cliente seront eux-mêmes formés à Commercy au cours de deux sessions par an de trois à quatre mois. CMI proposera aux tireurs, pilotes et mécaniciens une formation globale pour savoir manier sa tourelle et son système d’arme, que ce soit en salle, sur simulateur ou encore sur un terrain de manœuvre».

Le projet de campus destiné à accueillir (entre autres) les militaires et mécaniciens saoudiens, devrait aboutir à la création d'une centaine d’emplois et générera un coût estimé à 67 613 308€. L’Etat a déjà alloué 1 000 000 d’euros au projet, le GIP Objectif Meuse a, lui, contribué à hauteur de 500 000 euros et la Communauté de communes du Pays de Commercy a concédé un rabais de 800 000 euros sur le prix de vente de l’ancien site militaire, qui abritait le 8ème régiment d'artillerie jusqu'en juin 2013. Mais certains élus de la région Lorraine se sont émus du projet de subvention de 600 000 euros lors des débats sur la question le 2 octobre dernier.



Jacqueline Fontaine, représentant Europe Ecologie Lorraine, a dénoncé «un grand décalage entre la présentation bien pudique du dossier et la réalité du projet […] on apprend à faire la guerre à des Saoudiens». Brigitte Leblan, élue du même groupe, s’est-elle interrogée : «Quel message adresse-t-on aux défenseurs des droits humains ? Cela signifie que nous soutenons le gouvernement tel qu’il est aujourd’hui. Imaginez ce que c’est de se prendre 50 coups de fouet, avec la peau qui se déchire dans le dos», s'est interrogée Brigitte Leblan, élue du même groupe, qui s'est, elle aussi, prononcée contre ce projet.



«Nous ne finançons pas cette formation, elle est financée par le marché», se défend Thibault Villemin, vice-Président de la région. «C’est un investissement de long terme sur le territoire» qui pourra accueillir à l’avenir d’autres activités, a-t-il précisé. Mais cela n’a pas convaincu Eric Vilain, du groupe Front national, qui a voté contre : «Vous essayez de nous transformer ça, mais que vous le vouliez ou non, cette subvention sert à financer la formation de militaires de l’Arabie saoudite».

Les groupes communistes, Union des Démocrates Indépendants et Je suis Lorrain ont décidé de s’abstenir, laissant les élus du Parti socialiste valider la subvention. Les Républicains (LR), qui se sont aussi abstenus, n’ont-ils pas voulu contrarier le sénateur Gérard Longuet ? En effet, l’ex-ministre de la Défense avait autorisé, lorsqu’il était en fonction, l’exploitation des terrains laissés vacants après la fermeture de sites militaires dans la région, dont le site de Commercy. Aujourd’hui, Gérard Longuet siège au conseil d’administration de l’entreprise belge CMI.

La vidéo, publiée sur différentes plateformes, a déjà cumulé plusieurs centaines de milliers de vues. A tel point que la région Lorraine a publié un communiqué afin de faire savoir qu'elle porterait plainte contre les «propos diffamants tenus sur les réseaux sociaux et les diverses manipulations de la réalité de l'information sur l'objet de cette subvention». L'affaire reste donc à suivre.

https://francais.rt.com/international/11770-lorraine-29-millions-deuros-daides

Citation :

Saudi National Guards deploys reinforcements to Southern border with Yemen


Dec 14, 2015



Saudi National Guards deploys reinforcements to Southern border with Yemen to stop the advances of Houthis rebels.

The Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG) has been ordered to deploy to the Southern border with Yemen to help defend the kingdom’s border with Yemen, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG also known as the White Army) is one of the three major branches of the Armed Forces of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The national guard is under the administrative control of the Ministry of the National Guard, instead of the Ministry of Defence. The current Minister is Prince Mutaib bin Abdullah, who was appointed to this position byKing Abdullah on 27 May 2013. It differs from the Saudi army in being forged out of tribal elements loyal to the House of Saud and tasked with protecting the royal family from internal dangers such as a coup d’état.




http://defence-blog.com/army/saudi-national-guards-deploys-reinforcements-to-southern-border-with-yemen.html

L’Arabie saoudite s’intéresse au char Leclerc

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L’Arabie saoudite cherche à acquérir de nouveaux chars lourds et le Leclerc français est sur les rangs. Selon nos informations, il aurait même été présenté aux Saoudiens le 25 novembre dernier. 
L’armée saoudienne a visiblement été impressionnée par l’engagement des Leclerc émiratis dans la guerre du Yémen, où ils ont connu leur baptême du feu, y compris en zone urbaine. 
Le ministère saoudien de la défense chercherait à acquérir 200 blindés lourds, dont 50 en « spare » (réserve). Allemands, Turcs et Sud-Coréens ont également été sollicités par Riyad.
Problème : la chaîne de fabrication du Leclerc chez Nexter a été fermée en 2007 après la livraison du dernier des 876 blindés construits pour l’armée de terre et les Emirats arabes unis. Un bon connaisseur du dossier estime toutefois qu’au vu de l’importance de la commande, elle pourrait être relancée, mais que la difficulté pourrait venir des fournisseurs et des sous-traitants. D’autant que le Leclerc a besoin d’être modernisé : son informatique embarquée date du début des années 90... Pour l’armée de terre, cette modernisation est prévue mais ne doit pas intervenir avant 2020. Un contrat saoudien pourrait accèlerer les choses. Un professionnel du secteur estime qu’il faudrait près de trois ans entre la signature d’un contrat et la livraison des premiers engins. Quant à l’achat d’occasion, c’est désormais impossible (après les échecs au Qatar et en Colombie) car les chars surnuméraires ont été utilisés comme stocks de pièces détachés par l’armée de terre.
Face au Leclerc, les Allemands de KMW (désormais fusionnés avec Nexter) proposent leur Leopard 2 dans sa dernière version (A7), plus moderne que le Leclerc actuel. Mais là encore se pose le problème de la chaîne de fabrication. Il n’y en a plus en Allemagne et la dernière en activité est en Grèce... La chaîne espagnole est désormais fermée. C’est elle qui devait fabriquer les Leopard 2 que l’Arabie saoudite souhaitait acheter, avant le veto du vice-chancelier Sigmar Gabriel, qui récemment encore critiquait la politique de Riyad. S’ils sont techniquement favoris, les Allemands ne le sont pas politiquement. 
Quant aux propositions turques (Altaï) et coréennes (K2), les experts estiment que ces blindés ne sont pas au point. 
L’Arabie saoudite dispose pourtant d’un important parc de char américain M1 A2 Abrams. L’Abrams souffre de défauts importants, notamment la fragilité de sa turbine et son énorme consommation de carburant  : en zone chaude, plus de 700 litres aux 100 kilomètres, le double du char Leclerc. Son engagement nécessite un train logistique considérable, pour l’approvisionnement en carburant et l’entretien des turbines, en particulier dans les régions désertiques. 

Au delà des chars lourds, l’Arabie saoudite a besoin de renouveler son parc de blindés d’infanterie et d’artillerie. La France est sur les rangs pour fournir des canons de 155. Jusqu’à la guerre du Golfe, le Royaume avait deux parcs de chars : un américain (M60) et un français (AMX30).

http://www.lopinion.fr/blog/secret-defense/l-arabie-saoudite-s-interesse-char-leclerc-93099

Ou ils vont s'aretter . A mon avis c'est une manoeuvre politique pour avoir le soutien de Paris dans un dossier precis. L'achat est illogique notamment le nombre de 200 qui est peu important par rapport aux contrats precedent.

Pour le 155 ils ont déjà 72 Caesar
en effet la commande de 200 mbt paraît faible sachant qu'ils voulaient 800 Leo 2A7.
Avec la fusion Nexter KMW, peu de chance qu'il y est un veto

en même temps c'est pour remplacer les...AMX-30

Citation :

US to rectify deficiency with Saudi Harpoon missiles

Gareth Jennings, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

16 December 2015


Boeing is to rectify the software of Harpoon Block 2 missiles supplied to Saudi Arabia to improve their short-range capabilities.
Source: Australian Department of Defence


The US Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded Boeing a contract to rectify a deficiency with the short-range capabilities of the RGM/AGM-84 Harpoon long-range missile fielded by Saudi Arabia.

The contract, which was awarded on 16 December, is valued at USD8.8 million and covers the development and implementation associated with an upgrade to the software of the Harpoon Block 2 missile to better perform the coastal target suppression mission.

Work is expected to be completed in March 2019.

Saudi Arabia has an undisclosed number of Harpoons in its inventory, and actually scored the only recorded 'kill' for the missile against an Iraqi minelayer during the Desert Storm campaign in 1991. In Royal Saudi Navy (RSN) use they are currently carried aboard the Badr corvette and Al Siddiq guided-missile ship.

In 2010 it was announced that Saudi Arabia would procure additional Harpoons (presumed to be Block 2s) as part of a much larger arms package it was to receive from the United States. There has been no evidence that these missiles have yet been delivered, but on 5 November Boeing was awarded a contract to provide Lot 89 Harpoon and/or and Standoff Land Attack Missile - Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) missiles to a number of Foreign Military Sales customers, including Saudi Arabia. Work on that contract is expected to be completed in June 2017.

The Harpoon Block 2 has been earmarked for use aboard the RSN's Multi-Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC) frigate (a significantly modified variant of the Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship), and the Royal Saudi Air Force's (RSAF's) Boeing F-15SA Advanced Eagles when they enter service. Airbus Defence and Space is also looking at integrating the missile onto the Eurofighter Typhoon but it is not clear if this is intended for the RSAF.

Measuring about 4.5 m in length and weighing close to 700 kg, the turbojet-powered Harpoon has been around since the mid-1970s.

UKRAINE SELLS 30 AN-178 AIRLIFTERS TO SAUDI ARABIA

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Although the deal is not fully put into ink yet, things are looking better again for the Ukrainian Antonov aircraft company. Saudi Arabia wants to buy 30 of its new AN-178 two-engine military airlifters and signed a preliminary agreement on 17 December 2015, Antonov announced.

Talks between the two countries will now determine the exact details of the likely deal, which follows an agreement announced in May this year for the AN-132. Saudi Arabia will produce that version of the AN-32 cargo aircraft / military airlifter on its own, with Ukrainian Antonov transferring the necessary technology and property rights to Taqnia Aeronautics and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology in the Kingdom.

Roll out & first flight

The AN-178 is newly designed aircraft that was rolled out of the Antonov factory in Kiev on 7 May 2015 and first flew from Kiev Gostomel airport only three weeks later.  Keeping up the pace, the new transporter made its international airshow debut at the Paris Air Show in June.

Competition

The AN-178 is seen as a financially attractive option and internationally competes with the propeller airlifters of Alenia Aermacchi (C-27J- extensive feature story here) and Airbus (C295) and the new jet-powered Embraer KC-390. The latter suffers from a two year-delay in its development program however.

Antonov has a rough time since Russia initiated hostilities with Ukraine on the Crimean Peninsula and Eastern Ukraine in 2014. Joint deals with Russia’s industries – once working closely with their Ukrainian “brothers” – are no longer an option. The Saudi deals bring light at the end of the tunnel.

http://airheadsfly.com/2015/12/18/ukraine-sells-30-an-178-airlifters-to-saudi-arabia/

UAE, Saudi Arabia operating Chinese UAVs over Yemen

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Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have both acquired Chinese-made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to meet urgent operational requirements arising from their military intervention in Yemen, it was revealed during a panel discussion held by the Atlantic Council think tank on 8 December.

"The drones the UAE is using in Yemen are Chinese because they failed to get US approval," US Marine Corps General (retired) James L Jones said. Gen Jones served as National Security Advisor in 2009-2010 and is now affiliated with the Atlantic Council.

Nawaf Obaid, a former advisor to the Saudi ambassadors to the United Kingdom and the United States, immediately added "that is true, us too", indicating Saudi Arabia has also acquired Chinese UAVs because it could not obtain US ones.

"[The UAVs are] an example of things we could have done, but we didn't do, and now people who are more agile have been able to send drones to the UAE," Jones said. "We have a serious problem in the way and the speed with which we come to the aid of our friends and allies with equipment."

The third member of the panel, Barry Pavel, the director of the Atlantic Council's Scowcroft Center, agreed, saying, "All our Gulf partners want US weapons, they are the best in the world … but it is a really, really difficult process [to obtain them]. If you can't get that wonderful jewel on the shelf, but you can get fake jewellery that still does the job, you are going to start to go in that direction because you are in active operations and you need this equipment."

"We need to get our act together, streamline and make our processes more effective," Pavel added.

When asked about the problems in the US arms export process, Jones identified the end-use monitoring agreements system as "something that most of our allies really dislike".

http://www.janes.com/article/56742/uae-saudi-arabia-operating-chinese-uavs-over-yemen

Citation :

US Government Cleared MH-60R Romeo Helicopters Sale to Royal Saudi Navy

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency has approved the possible sale of 10 Lockheed Martin (Sikorsky) built MH-60R “Romeo” multi-role helicopters to Saudi Arabia for $1.9 billion. This is another step in a major multibillion-dollar modernization of the Saudi navy's eastern fleet called SNEP II (Saudi Naval Expansion Program). SNEP II includes the possible sale of four Multi-Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC) Ships as well, as we reported in October.


Royal Australian Navy MH-60R Helicopter at the PACIFIC 2015 static display

According to the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia’s capability to meet current and future threats from enemy weapon systems. The MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopter will provide the capability to identify, engage, and defeat maritime security threats along with the ability to perform secondary missions including vertical replenishment, search and rescue, and communications relay. Saudi Arabia will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense.

The deal includes a number of associated weapon and sensor systems including 38 AGM-114R Hellfire II missiles, 380 Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System (APKWS) rockets and 1000 AN/SSQ-36/53/62 Sonobuoys.

Manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft Corp and provided with advanced mission systems and sensors by Lockheed Martin, the MH-60R employs a modular design, which refers to the ability to modify weapon systems to match specific mission requirements. The modularity gives this single platform the agility to provide greater surveillance and flexibility to the Fleet, tailored for the mission. Aboard the MH-60R, sensor data is integrated into actionable information for the three-member crew. The mission systems compile data from onboard and offboard sensors to create an integrated picture that enhances decision-making.

Secondary missions include search and rescue, vertical replenishment, naval surface fire support, logistics support, personnel transport, medical evacuation, and very high frequency, ultra high frequency link communication relay.

The U.S. Navy is projected to acquire 291 MH-60R helicopters. The Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky team has also delivered five of 24 aircraft to the Royal Australian Navy and began production for the Royal Danish Navy, which will acquire nine aircraft.


http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3398

Citation :

Arabie : les dépenses militaires, premier poste du budget 2016


AFP 28/12/2015

L'Arabie saoudite, de plus en plus engagée dans des conflits au Moyen-Orient, consacre, dans son budget 2016 dévoilé lundi, une enveloppe de 213 milliards de rials (51,9 milliards d'euros) aux dépenses militaires et de sécurité. Ces dépenses occupent le premier poste, soit 25,4% du budget du royaume.

En mars, l'Arabie saoudite a pris la tête d'une coalition arabo-sunnite qui combat au Yémen des rebelles chiites accusés de liens avec l'Iran. Les Saoudiens s'étaient joints en septembre 2014 à la coalition menée par Washington qui combat le groupe Etat islamique (EI) en Syrie et en Irak. A la mi-décembre, Riyad a annoncé la formation d'une autre coalition de 34 pays majoritairement musulmans pour lutter contre "le terrorisme militairement et idéologiquement".

Le nouveau budget saoudien prévoit un déficit record de 87 milliards de dollars en raison de l'effondrement des prix du pétrole, dont dépend largement l'économie du royaume.
L'Arabie saoudite figure parmi les principaux acheteurs d'armes dans le monde. Selon un rapport publié en mars par le cabinet d'experts IHS Janes, basé à Londres, l'Arabie saoudite a dépassé l'Inde pour devenir en 2014 le premier importateur mondial d'équipements militaires, avec des importations atteignant 6,4 milliards de dollars (5,8 milliards d'euros). Ces importations devaient grimper de 52% en 2015 pour atteindre 9,8 milliards de dollars (8,9 milliards d'euros), selon le rapport.
Parmi les récentes commandes annoncées figure la vente par les Etats-Unis de bombes et de bombes guidées à l'armée de l'air saoudienne pour près de 1,3 milliard de dollars (1,1 milliard d'euros).

http://www.lorientlejour.com/article/962262/arabie-les-depenses-militaires-premier-poste-du-bugdet-2016.html

Citation :

Saudi Arabia Wants to Buy 72 Rafale Multirole Fighter


Jan 4, 2016

 

French «Intelligence online» in the article «Riyad veut appâter Paris avec un contrat Rafale», with reference to its sources reported that Defense Minister of Saudi Arabia and the Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman appealed to Paris with the request in the coming weeks to submit a proposal for the supply of fighter aircraft Dassault Rafale.

Saudi Arabia wants to buy 72 Rafale Multirole Fighter. The Dassault Rafale is French twin-engine, canard delta wing, multirole fighter aircraft designed and built by Dassault Aviation.

France is anticipating an additional pair of export orders for its Rafale fighter, with Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates reportedly the most likely candidates. Reuters also reported Thursday that negotiations between India and France are now also discussing the possible supply of additional Rafales on top of the 36 ordered in April. Malaysia is looking to replace its MiG-29 Fulcrums, with the UAE recently restarting negotiations for the Rafale as it looks to swap out its fleet of Mirage 2000-9 fighters. The Gulf state has previously articulated a potential buy of sixty Rafales.

The Dassault Rafale were developed for the French Air Force and Navy. France’s Air Force and Navy ordered 180 (132 for the air force and 48 for the navy), 100 aircraft had been delivered by the end of 2010.

The Rafale entered service with the French Navy in 2004 and with the French Air Force in 2006. Ten aircraft are operational on the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier.

http://defence-blog.com/news/saudi-arabia-wants-to-buy-72-rafale-multirole-fighter.html

Haha ce possible achat à plusieurs significations, notamment politiques.
Ryad demandera un soutien politique à Paris , moi je foncerait direct, on vend pas 72 Rafales tout les jours.

a voir si ca aura des suites,tout le monde abuse du Rafi comme lievre,depuis 2006 ils le voulaient mais depuis..
normalement le mega-contrat F-15SA a detruit toute piste Rafale en KSA,je me demande comment l´introduire et quoi remplacer avec vu leur orbat impressionante