The Obama administration is preparing to sell eight new Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters to Pakistan in recognition of the country's push against Taliban militants, a senior Pakistani government official told IHS Jane's on 22 October, hours before Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif was due to meet
US prepares to sell eight newbuild F-16s to Pakistan
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EU's largest political group calls for a European Army
The European Union's (EU's) most powerful political grouping has called for the creation of a European Army, during a meeting in Madrid.
The European People's Party (EPP) stated that EU member states must shore up their flagging common security and defence policy (CSDP) by preparing the ground for
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Germany's G36 cleared by trio of studies
The Bundeswehr's G36 service rifle and its manufacturer have been cleared by three investigative reports into the subject, providing a new twist to a complex saga.
These findings contrast with a solid year of criticism of the rifle, at the highest levels of the German defence establishment, over
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US ICBM replacement to soon emerge, officials seek SLBM commonality
The US Air Force's (USAF's) plans for replacing the Boeing LGM-30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) are being formed now, and the solution could have some commonality with future US Navy (USN) submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).
The Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent
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Turbomeca to transfer technology for Polish engine assembly plant
French helicopter engine manufacturer Turbomeca announced on 22 October that it would provide Polish state-owned enterprise Military Aircraft Works No. 1 (Wojskowe Zaklady Lotnicze Nr 1: WZL-1) with technology transfer while establishing an engine assembly line and a repair facility as part of the
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Taliban contesting areas close to Lashkar Gah
The Taliban launched an offensive in the area of Boboji, close to Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital of the southern province of Helmand, on the night of 20 October.
Local media reported that the insurgents were able to take control of Boboji, but then lost the area to the Afghan National Defence
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Pentagon budget 2016: Obama vetoes authorisation bill
President Barack Obama has vetoed fiscal year 2016 (FY 2016) US defence authorisation legislation because of its precedent for obviating budget caps mandated by the 2011 Budget Control Act (BCA).
Democrats appear to support the veto and have enough votes to ensure it cannot be overridden by
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Niger takes delivery of two Cessna 208 ISR aircraft
The United States handed over two Cessna 208 Caravan intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft to Niger on 21 October.
The US Embassy in Niamey said Nigerian Air Force pilots had been trained as part of the programme, including its first female pilot, Lieutenant Ouma Laouali.
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Lockheed Martin selected to build LRDR for US MDA
Key Points
The radar will be installed at Clear Air Force Station in Alaska by the end of 2020
Similar to its Space Fence radar, Lockheed Martin's LRDR will operate non-stop, even during maintenance periods
The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has awarded Lockheed Martin a USD784 million contract
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Lockheed Martin completes design review phase for RNZN frigate upgrade
Key Points
Lockheed Martin Canada has completed the critical design review phase for the RNZN's ANZAC frigate upgrade programme
Completion of the review phase paves the way for system and component installation
Lockheed Martin Canada announced on 22 October that it has completed the critical
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Latvia refreshes RBS 70 missile stocks
Latvia has ordered new RBS 70 surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) from Saab, the Latvian Ministry of Defence announced on 22 October.
The country has operated the short-range, laser-guided RBS 70 system since 2005, and the new EUR3.67 million (USD4.1 million) contract with Saab will replace some of the
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Crew safe after Spanish helicopter crash
Three Spanish Air Force crew were rescued after their AS 332 Super Puma search-and-rescue (SAR) helicopter crashed into the Atlantic Ocean on 23 October.
The helicopter, from 802 Squadron, had taken off from a refuelling stop at Nouadibou in Mauritania having spent two weeks on exercise in Senegal.
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China aims to enhance competition by easing licence regulations
China's State Administration for Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense (SASTIND) has said it expects its decision last month to ease licensing regulations on private-sector companies to have a profound impact on boosting competition within the sector.
In September SASTIND - the
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USAF deploys A-10s to Incirlik for Syria strikes
The United States has deployed 12 Fairchild-Republic A-10C Thunderbolt II ground attack aircraft to Incerlik Air Base in Turkey to support its strikes in Syria and Iraq.
The US Air Force (USAF) revealed the deployment on 22 October, although the aircraft arrived at Incerlik on 15 October.
The
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Pentagon expects USD1 million unit price increase if Canada leaves F-35 programme
Key Points
The F-35's cost could increase by USD1 million per aircraft if Canada cancels its order
Canada's prime minister designate has said he would not buy the F-35 if elected
Canada's threatened departure from the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II combat aircraft programme could raise the
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Iran's underground missile base
Key Points
Iran has provided a rare glimpse inside one of its underground missile bases
The base could be temporarily neutralised if its entrances were bombed
ANALYSIS
Iranian state television broadcast new footage from inside an underground base on 14 October that raised questions about the
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Venezuelan marines induct Norinco VN-16, VN-18 amphibious vehicles
The Venezuelan Marine Corps marked the induction of its new China North Industries (Norinco) VN-16 and VN-18 tracked armoured amphibious assault vehicles in a ceremony on 8 October.
Venezuela is the first export customer for the vehicles.
The VN-16 and VN-18 are the export designations for,
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Russia surges logistics to support Syrian offensive
Key Points
Russia appears to be ferrying Iranian personnel to Syria
The Russian Navy has also bought old cargo ships to increase its sealift capability
Moscow has stepped up its logistic operation in an apparent effort to support the current offensive by pro-government forces in Syria by
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Kuwait lines up Caracal helicopters
Kuwait has signed provisional agreements with France that include an order for Airbus Caracal helicopters.
French officials briefed journalists during a visit to Kuwait by French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on 21 October that the letters of acceptance (LoAs) covered 24 Caracals, with an
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USN buying additional CIWS ship self-defence systems from Raytheon
Raytheon announced on 23 October it has received a USD159 million production contract from the US Navy (USN) for the Phalanx Close-in Weapon Systems (CIWS).
The contract also includes a USD10 million option in fiscal year 2015 (FY 2015) and another valued at USD291 million in FY 2016.
Phalanx is a
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