Slitherine

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Pakistan tests Babur-3 submarine-launched cruise missile

Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) has announced the successful test-firing of a Babur-3 submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM) on Tuesday, 09 January 2017.

As per ISPR, the test was conducted from “an underwater, mobile platform.”

The Babur-3 SLCM possesses a range of 450 km and relies on an “underwater controlled propulsion” system. The Babur-3 utilizes an “advanced” guidance suite comprising of “Global Navigation, Terrain and Scene Matching Systems.”

ISPR states that the Babur-3 is the SLCM variant of the Babur-2, a ground-launched cruise missile (GLCM) that was tested on Wednesday, 14 December 2016. Like the Babur-2, the Babur-3 is capable of “terrain hugging and sea-skimming flight capabilities to evade hostile radars and air defences.”

ISPR has heralded the Babur-3 for imbuing Pakistan with “a credible second-strike capability” as well as “augmenting” Pakistan’s deterrence posture.

Notes & Comments:

The introduction of a SLCM was one of Pakistan’s expected deterrence efforts, though its introduction prior to the delivery of the Hangor-class air-independent propulsion (AIP) submarines (SSP) was surprising. It had been assumed that the submarines were procured from China because it would have been the simplest method to introduce a sea-based deterrence system, but it now appears that Pakistan sought the capability in accordance with its existing assets, such as the Khalid-class (i.e. Agosta 90B) SSP.

It is not clear at this stage if this specific Babur-3 test was conducted from a submarine or another platform, such as a submerged pontoon.

The Babur-3 does possess a lower range than the Babur-2 (450 km vs. 700 km). The cause for the lower range can only be speculated upon. It is possible that compatibility with the Agosta 90B’s torpedo tubes required the Babur’s length to be reduced, and in turn, necessitated a smaller powerplant.

If this is an accurate understanding of the issue, then it is effectively tied to the design characteristics of Pakistan’s present submarines. It is possible that the Hangor-class SSPs will possess longer torpedo tubes, thus enabling the deployment of the 700 km Babur-2. However, there is no verified insight into the reason. Nonetheless, challenges of this nature could push Pakistan to further its research and development efforts in miniature air-breathing propulsion (for range extension).

The Babur-3 retains the TERCOM and DSMAC-based guidance suite of the Babur-2 and Babur, but ISPR noted that it also benefits from “global navigation” – suggesting that a satellite-navigation system is also in place. It is possible (in light of a likely wartime blackout of GPS) that this is made possible with BeiDou.

ISPR also noted that Babur-3 has a “land-attack mode”, suggesting that an alternate – i.e. anti-shipping – mode is also possible. The core Babur platform, especially in the Babur-2, was positioned as an anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM). However, enabling this capability would require a terminal active-homing seeker, be it active radar-homing or imaging infrared. It is also plausible that the revised 2×3 launcher onboard the fourth Azmat-class FAC is for the Babur-3.

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ORIGINAL: Dysta

A new Chinese ELINT ship is commissioned. Several antennas are different from older ships.

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ORIGINAL: Dysta

Reinforced hangers might protect planes from falling bombs, but not much from missiles:

https://youtu.be/5RA507LDay0

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ORIGINAL: Dysta

http://www.dawn.com/news/1307384/pakistan-attains-second-strike-capability-with-test-fire-of-submarine-launched-cruise-missile (w/ video)
http://thediplomat.com/2017/01/pakistans-tests-new-sub-launched-nuclear-capable-cruise-missile-what-now/
http://quwa.org/2017/01/09/pakistan-tests-babur-3-submarine-launched-cruise-missile/

Most medias presumed Agosta 90B can launch Babur cruise missile, and the 3 is the SLCM version. It has less range than land-based version, only 215nm-240mn (400-450km). What caught most attentions than range, is the nuclear capability, which is optionally included.

The missile emerge angle from video is diagonal, believed it's tube-launched rather than rumored VLS.

quote:


Pakistan tests Babur-3 submarine-launched cruise missile

Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) has announced the successful test-firing of a Babur-3 submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM) on Tuesday, 09 January 2017.

As per ISPR, the test was conducted from “an underwater, mobile platform.”

The Babur-3 SLCM possesses a range of 450 km and relies on an “underwater controlled propulsion” system. The Babur-3 utilizes an “advanced” guidance suite comprising of “Global Navigation, Terrain and Scene Matching Systems.”

ISPR states that the Babur-3 is the SLCM variant of the Babur-2, a ground-launched cruise missile (GLCM) that was tested on Wednesday, 14 December 2016. Like the Babur-2, the Babur-3 is capable of “terrain hugging and sea-skimming flight capabilities to evade hostile radars and air defences.”

ISPR has heralded the Babur-3 for imbuing Pakistan with “a credible second-strike capability” as well as “augmenting” Pakistan’s deterrence posture.

Notes & Comments:

The introduction of a SLCM was one of Pakistan’s expected deterrence efforts, though its introduction prior to the delivery of the Hangor-class air-independent propulsion (AIP) submarines (SSP) was surprising. It had been assumed that the submarines were procured from China because it would have been the simplest method to introduce a sea-based deterrence system, but it now appears that Pakistan sought the capability in accordance with its existing assets, such as the Khalid-class (i.e. Agosta 90B) SSP.

It is not clear at this stage if this specific Babur-3 test was conducted from a submarine or another platform, such as a submerged pontoon.

The Babur-3 does possess a lower range than the Babur-2 (450 km vs. 700 km). The cause for the lower range can only be speculated upon. It is possible that compatibility with the Agosta 90B’s torpedo tubes required the Babur’s length to be reduced, and in turn, necessitated a smaller powerplant.

If this is an accurate understanding of the issue, then it is effectively tied to the design characteristics of Pakistan’s present submarines. It is possible that the Hangor-class SSPs will possess longer torpedo tubes, thus enabling the deployment of the 700 km Babur-2. However, there is no verified insight into the reason. Nonetheless, challenges of this nature could push Pakistan to further its research and development efforts in miniature air-breathing propulsion (for range extension).

The Babur-3 retains the TERCOM and DSMAC-based guidance suite of the Babur-2 and Babur, but ISPR noted that it also benefits from “global navigation” – suggesting that a satellite-navigation system is also in place. It is possible (in light of a likely wartime blackout of GPS) that this is made possible with BeiDou.

ISPR also noted that Babur-3 has a “land-attack mode”, suggesting that an alternate – i.e. anti-shipping – mode is also possible. The core Babur platform, especially in the Babur-2, was positioned as an anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM). However, enabling this capability would require a terminal active-homing seeker, be it active radar-homing or imaging infrared. It is also plausible that the revised 2×3 launcher onboard the fourth Azmat-class FAC is for the Babur-3.

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Xianglong (Soaring Dragon II) UAV reportedly in serial production since 2015 & also in formal deployment to operational units

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ORIGINAL: Dysta

http://www.dawn.com/news/1307384/pakistan-attains-second-strike-capability-with-test-fire-of-submarine-launched-cruise-missile (w/ video)
http://thediplomat.com/2017/01/pakistans-tests-new-sub-launched-nuclear-capable-cruise-missile-what-now/
http://quwa.org/2017/01/09/pakistan-tests-babur-3-submarine-launched-cruise-missile/

Most medias presumed Agosta 90B can launch Babur cruise missile, and the 3 is the SLCM version. It has less range than land-based version, only 215nm-240mn (400-450km). What caught most attentions than range, is the nuclear capability, which is optionally included.

The missile emerge angle from video is diagonal, believed it's tube-launched rather than rumored VLS.

quote:


Pakistan tests Babur-3 submarine-launched cruise missile

Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) has announced the successful test-firing of a Babur-3 submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM) on Tuesday, 09 January 2017.

As per ISPR, the test was conducted from “an underwater, mobile platform.”

The Babur-3 SLCM possesses a range of 450 km and relies on an “underwater controlled propulsion” system. The Babur-3 utilizes an “advanced” guidance suite comprising of “Global Navigation, Terrain and Scene Matching Systems.”

ISPR states that the Babur-3 is the SLCM variant of the Babur-2, a ground-launched cruise missile (GLCM) that was tested on Wednesday, 14 December 2016. Like the Babur-2, the Babur-3 is capable of “terrain hugging and sea-skimming flight capabilities to evade hostile radars and air defences.”

ISPR has heralded the Babur-3 for imbuing Pakistan with “a credible second-strike capability” as well as “augmenting” Pakistan’s deterrence posture.

Notes & Comments:

The introduction of a SLCM was one of Pakistan’s expected deterrence efforts, though its introduction prior to the delivery of the Hangor-class air-independent propulsion (AIP) submarines (SSP) was surprising. It had been assumed that the submarines were procured from China because it would have been the simplest method to introduce a sea-based deterrence system, but it now appears that Pakistan sought the capability in accordance with its existing assets, such as the Khalid-class (i.e. Agosta 90B) SSP.

It is not clear at this stage if this specific Babur-3 test was conducted from a submarine or another platform, such as a submerged pontoon.

The Babur-3 does possess a lower range than the Babur-2 (450 km vs. 700 km). The cause for the lower range can only be speculated upon. It is possible that compatibility with the Agosta 90B’s torpedo tubes required the Babur’s length to be reduced, and in turn, necessitated a smaller powerplant.

If this is an accurate understanding of the issue, then it is effectively tied to the design characteristics of Pakistan’s present submarines. It is possible that the Hangor-class SSPs will possess longer torpedo tubes, thus enabling the deployment of the 700 km Babur-2. However, there is no verified insight into the reason. Nonetheless, challenges of this nature could push Pakistan to further its research and development efforts in miniature air-breathing propulsion (for range extension).

The Babur-3 retains the TERCOM and DSMAC-based guidance suite of the Babur-2 and Babur, but ISPR noted that it also benefits from “global navigation” – suggesting that a satellite-navigation system is also in place. It is possible (in light of a likely wartime blackout of GPS) that this is made possible with BeiDou.

ISPR also noted that Babur-3 has a “land-attack mode”, suggesting that an alternate – i.e. anti-shipping – mode is also possible. The core Babur platform, especially in the Babur-2, was positioned as an anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM). However, enabling this capability would require a terminal active-homing seeker, be it active radar-homing or imaging infrared. It is also plausible that the revised 2×3 launcher onboard the fourth Azmat-class FAC is for the Babur-3.

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ORIGINAL: Hongjian

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Xianglong (Soaring Dragon II) UAV reportedly in serial production since 2015 & also in formal deployment to operational units

This photo is clearly PSed, but the UAV itself appears to be real. Someone has painstakingly cut out the UAV from its original photo and put it on a fake background - usual Chinese military enthusiast's self-censorship practice.

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ORIGINAL: Hongjian

- 12,000km maximum range;
- 40 tons weight
- One 2.5 Megaton single warhead or up to three 400-600kt MIRVs.

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A fighter jet crashed during a Children's Day air show in Hat Yai, Songkhla province, on Saturday. The pilot was killed.

Sqn Ldr Dilokrit Pattavee was killed when the Swedish-made Jas 39C Gripen fighter jet crashed on a runway at Wing 56 during the air show at around 9.27am while performing a surprise attack manoeuvre.

About an hour later, Thai media reported an airport fire engine overturned while rushing to put out the fire shortly after the crash. Hat Yai airport had to close to clear the runway. Commercial flights were diverted to Krabi airport while outbound flights were delayed. Authorities expect to be able to reopen the airport before noon.

Air Force spokesman Pongsak Semachai said a committee would be set up to investigate into the cause.

The "Royal Thai Air Force" Facebook urged the public not to share the video clips and photos of the crash out of respect for the victim's family and affected parties.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-ocha and ACM Jom Roongsawang expressed condolences to the pilot's family.

Thailand,  the only country in the region with the Swedish planes in its fleet, has acquired 12 Gripen C/D single-engine fighter jets since 2008 at a cost of nearly US$70 million (2.5 billion baht) apiece.

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-snip-

However, I believe that the possibility of the emergence of confrontation is not large, first of all, the Israeli Air Force has just received F-35I fighter, so quickly into the operational possibility is not large, while the Russian S-400 mainly deployed in Latakia, For the protection of the Russian air force and naval base in Syria, Latakia and Damascus in a straight line distance of more than 300 km, for the S-400 ground air defense system that its detection range by the Earth curvature limit, microwave radar radar approximation So the radar can not detect the target below the horizon, regardless of whether the target is invisible, so from the radar line of sight in terms of, S-400 in Latakia almost only found Damascus more than 5,000 meters The Israeli fighter as long as less than this height will be able to avoid the Russian radar detection, while the Russian S-400 is currently equipped with a 48N6DM missile, its range is only 250 km from Latakia also can not hit Damascus.

More at Top-News

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Thales and Lockheed Martin announce the contract award to deliver the Royal Navy’s new airborne surveillance and control system, under the ‘CROWSNEST’ programme. Lockheed Martin, who acts as the Ministry of Defence’s prime contractor for the Merlin helicopter, selected a new generation of the Thales Searchwater radar and Cerberus mission system to be fitted to existing Merlin Mk2s helicopters to provide the Navy with an airborne surveillance and control capability (ASaC).

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Newly released pic shows J-11B carried the unnamed long range AAM in last year's Red Sword exercise.