Helge Ingstad Sunk Source: Norwegian Navy Helge Ingstad Sunk Source: Norwegian Navy Close

The heavy lift barge "Gulliver" departed from the Netherlands on Nov. 14 and will carry out the planned lift together with another barge and a tugboat. The recovery effort will be prolonged by the frigate sinking following the failure of the cables that were used to tether the ship to the shore. This has effectively eliminated any ability to pump out the flood water in the ship and required the use of brute power to lift the wreck on to the "Gulliver". Given the extensive damage to the hull, there is a strong possibility that this operation will cause the hull to break up.

There is also much controversy concerning attempts to prevent the beached frigate from sliding off the rocks into the deep water. Originally the Norwegian armed forces rejected a bid from the salvage company Ardent Global despite the company having substantial resources nearby. Ardent Global had the heavy chains and other equipment on hand in anticipation of one of the many tankers using the strait running aground. The stated ground was the greater cost of the Ardent bid due to their chains and the contract was awarded to BOA who argued the use of cables would provide a less expensive solution.

Unfortunately, as the wrecked ship continued to flood overnight, the cable snapped. Ardent Global pointed out that they would never have used cables in a situation like this. Instead their salvage chain supplier Sotra Anchor & Chain have an ample supply of salvage chains with 2,000-ton load capability an hour away from the accident site, that could have been used. The Armed Forces contacted Ardent Global again once the wires had snapped.

Rafale B in flight Source: Dassault Aviation Rafale B in flight Source: Dassault Aviation Close

The F3-R standard is an evolution of the Rafale F3 standard, with the exceptional versatility being further reinforced. It is part of the ongoing process to continuously improve the aircraft in line with the operational requirements and the feedback from experience of the pilots. It enables the Air Force and Navy Rafale aircraft to carry the following equipment and weapons:

-- The European Meteor long-range air-to-air missile produced by MBDA. This high-performance missile achieves maximum effectiveness thanks to the active array radar which equips all production Rafale aircraft delivered since mid-2013.

-- The Thales Talios new-generation laser designator pod. Primarily used for air-to-ground strikes, in daylight or darkness, this pod further enhances the high degree of precision that the Rafale has shown since its first engagements (in 2007 in the Afghan theater).

-- The laser homing version of the Safran AASM Air-to-Ground Modular Weapon. This family of weapons, with GPS primary guidance and an additional booster, is unmatched. It enables the Rafale to destroy targets at ranges of several tens of kilometers with metric precision. The laser homing version is particularly adapted to moving targets.

F3 R also includes upgrades to the Rafale sensors and to systems ensuring total interoperability.

The Rafale continuous improvement approach is now looking to the F4 standard, development of which should begin soon, after completion of the ongoing feasibility studies. This future standard will notably improve the connectivity of the Rafale and its ability to operate as part of a network.

Peru and Spain sign MoU to improve cooperation Source: CIA Peru and Spain sign MoU to improve cooperation Source: CIA Close

The signing took place in the presence of Peruvian President Martín Vizcarra Cornejo, and the kings of Spain, Felipe VI and Letizia Ortiz, who are on an official visit to Peru.

According to the document, mutual cooperation includes the exchange of information on technological developments in the defense sector and industrial cooperation for the acquisition and export of defense material through government support. Under the agreement, the two countries will also exchange information on future requirements and development projects.

The Memorandum of Understanding will have a duration of ten years and will be automatically extended for successive periods of similar until any of the participants wishes its termination.

Peru has an extremely diverse supplier base. Since the 1970s, the Soviet Union, and then Russia, has been Peru's leading arms supplier, but China, France, the U.S., Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Israel, Brazil, Belarus, Bulgaria, South Africa, and South Korea have also been major suppliers. The agreement with Spain may lead to more deals between those two countries. It might also lead to increased workshare for Peruvian manufacturers.

NOTICE TO USERS

Warranty: Forecast International makes no guarantees as to the veracity or accuracy of the information provided. It warrants only that the information, which has been obtained from multiple sources, has been researched and screened to the best of the ability of our staff within the limited time constraints. Forecast International encourages all clients to use multiple sources of information and to conduct their own research on source data prior to making important decisions. All URLs listed were active as of the time the information was recorded. Some hyperlinks may have become inactive since the time of publication.

Technical Support: Phone (203)426-0800 e-mail support@forecast1.com

Subscription Information: Phone (203)426-0800 or (800)451-4975; FAX (203)426-0223 (USA) or e-mail sales@forecast1.com

Aerospace/Defense News Highlights is published by Forecast International, 22 Commerce Road, Newtown CT 06470 USA. Articles that list Forecast International as the source are Copyrighted © 2018. Reproduction in any form, or transmission by electronic or other means, is prohibited without prior approval from the publisher.

Forecast International invites all interested companies to submit their announcements and press releases for review and inclusion in our Intelligence Letters.

Contact: Ray Peterson, Director of Research
E-Mail: Ray.Peterson@forecast1.com
Phone: 800-451-4975
FAX: 203-270-8919