Kuwait seeks AIM-9X deal for Hornet fleet

Kuwait wants to enhance the air defense capabilities of its Boeing F/A-18C/D Hornet fighters via a $105 million acquisition of Raytheon AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.

Detailed by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 27 February, the proposed deal includes the delivery of 80 AIM-9X-2 weapons, plus captive training rounds and associated equipment and training.

"The Kuwait air force is modernizing its fighter aircraft to better support its own air defence needs," the DSCA said. "The proposed sale of AIM-9X-2 missiles will enhance Kuwait's interoperability with the US and among other Central Command nations, making it a more valuable partner in an increasingly important area of the world."
Kuwait's Hornet fleet was introduced from 1991, as recorded by Flightglobal's MiliCAS database. Its air force still operates 34 C/D-model examples of the type.


Flight Global

Lockheed Martin Teams with PT CMI Teknologi for Indonesia National Air Space Surveillance Program

Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] signed a teaming agreement with Indonesian technology firm PT CMI Teknologi to improve airspace surveillance, safety, and management over the Indonesian Archipelago in support of the government’s defense revitalization initiative.

During a signing ceremony at the Singapore Air Show, company representatives agreed to jointly pursue the National Airspace Surveillance – Republic of Indonesia (NASRI) program with the intent to produce more than 40 new TPS-77 and FPS-117 long-range surveillance radars in-country.

“CMI’s strong background in microwave electronics makes them an ideal partner for the manufacture and long-term support of these radar systems in Indonesia,” said James Gribbon, Asia Pacific regional president for Lockheed Martin. “By integrating new sensors with Indonesia’s command and control system, the NASRI network will greatly enhance air sovereignty and surveillance over the country’s more than 17,000 islands, spanning a distance wider than the United States.”

Data feeds from the network will also enhance civilian air traffic control, including commercial air traffic management, which is currently handled by radars in nearby Singapore.
“Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 170 long-range surveillance radars around the world, all of which are still in continuous operation today,” said Rahardjo Pratjihno, CMI president.  “Our company and our country’s defense industry will both benefit from this trusting co-production relationship for the NASRI program.”

PT CMI Teknologi of Bandung, Indonesia, is a small, privately-owned technology company specializing in microwave design and manufacturing. The company currently holds contracts for the development and support of Indonesian military radar systems.

Lockheed

Lockheed Martin’s Fighting Falcon Evolves With New F-16V

SINGAPORE, Feb. 15, 2012 – Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] unveiled a new version of the F-16 today at the Singapore Airshow. The F-16V will feature enhancements including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, an upgraded mission computer and architecture, and improvements to the cockpit – all capabilities identified by the U.S. Air Force and several international customers for future improvements.


With nearly 4,500 F-16s delivered, this is a natural step in the evolution of the world’s most successful 4th generation fighter.  The Fighting Falcon program has continually evolved as it began with the F-16 A/B as the lightweight fighter then transitioned to F-16 C/D and Block 60 versions as customers’ requirements changed.
AESA radars offer significant operational capability improvements.

Lockheed Martin has developed an innovative solution to affordably retrofit this key technology into existing F-16s.  The F-16V configuration is an option for new production jets and elements of the upgrade are available to most earlier-model F-16s. The “V” designation is derived from Viper, the name fighter pilots have called the F-16 from its beginnings.

“We believe this F-16V will satisfy our customers’ emerging requirements and prepare them to better interoperate with the 5^th generation fighters, the F-35 and F-22,” said George Standridge, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics’ vice president of business development. The F-16 is the choice of 26 nations. The F-16 program has been characterized by unprecedented international cooperation among governments, air forces and aerospace industries.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 123,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's net sales for 2011 were $46.5 billion.

Lockheed