French Special Forces gun down terrorist on A8

I'm detecting a change in the European but most especially the French view of terrorism.

Its becoming more aggressive.  More business like.  More proactive.

via the Daily Mail.

This is the deadly arsenal of military-grade weaponry discovered at the home of a French terror suspect who was shot dead in his car by special forces as he travelled along a motorway.

French Algerian Hakim Benladghem was gunned down in his 4x4 on the A8 Lille-Brussels motorway in Belgium on Tuesday as reached out to grab a weapon on the passenger seat.
Tapped phone calls led police to believe that Benladghem was on his way to Brussels where he was about to embark on a sustained series of terror attacks across Europe.

I don't believe for one moment that the guy was reaching for a weapon.

I think that's simply to mollify the public.

The thing that has me curious is when will terrorist finally understand that the National Security Agency, along with their counterparts in other nations, have thoroughly penetrated modern communication systems.

Once terrorist understand exactly how compromised these systems are, then we'll start seeing "true" lone wolves.  Once that happens then life will become interesting.

Read the entire article.

Walking Dead (TV, not the 9th Marines).

I've been watching the "Walking Dead" marathon leading up to the season finale tonight.

Boy.  Good show.  The "group" makes some stupid decisions, gets its members killed off doing silly things but overall I like it.

What really has me geeked are the Zombies.  Fast zombies are definitely cooler than the slow ones.

Can't wait to see the finale. Somebody should have told me about this show sooner. 

DoD against awarding Purple Hearts to Domestic Terrorist's wounded/killed.

via FoxNews.

"Passage of this legislation could directly and indirectly influence potential court-martial panel members, witnesses, or the chain of command, all of whom exercise a critical role under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Defense counsel will argue that Major Hasan cannot receive a fair trial because a branch of government has indirectly declared that Major Hasan is a terrorist -- that he is criminally culpable."
A source with knowledge of the position paper told Fox News that DOD is putting on a full-court press by sending senior officials, including generals, to meet with lawmakers in an effort to block support.
But Neal Sher, counsel for the Fort Hood families involved in a federal lawsuit against the department, told Fox News that the document -- an "official Army response" to the request for Purple Heart status -- is "an utter outrage" and that it was not surprising given it comes from the same department which labeled the attack "workplace violence."
"This is a cynical travesty. What the government has done by making this statement is guarantee that anything done to help the victims will effectively prevent or impair Hasan's prosecution. There was no reason for the government to put this kind of a statement in writing, even if it were true (which it is not)," Sher said via email.

I have mixed feelings on this.  Hasan was clearly a terrorist but if we start giving Purple Hearts then quite honestly married Service Member's that are in abusive families could also qualify for them.  Surely a spouse that is physically or mentally assaulting his "partner" (it is a new military) could be considered a sort of domestic terrorist after all.

As much as I think the reasoning is flawed (for the reasons given in the story) I also think that its probably best that we not change award criteria.

What I find more interesting though is that it could also open up those killed and injured in training accidents to this award.

Sticky subject.  Good and bad points all around.  Best to let it percolate a while.

NOTE:  Sorry about the title but I don't want to call people in the military victims.  It just doesn't sit right on a peronal level to me...especially in this case.  Hasan brought the battlefield to FT. Hood and you aren't a victim on a battlefield unless you're a civilian.

All services face a procurement train wreck.

Consider this.

US Air Force.
During these times of declining budgets, the USAF is seeking to buy KC-46's, a replacement for the MH-60 Rescue Helicopter, more C-130's, a B-1/B-2 replacement, the F-35, and upgrades to the F-16, F-15 and A-10's.

US Navy.
Needs to replace Perry class frigates (unknown if the LCS is a separate class or is indeed a Perry replacement), buy more Virginia class subs, more LPD's, a future LSD, a future LHD, MLP's, a replacement for the Ohio class, a replacement for the Carrier Onboard Delivery plane, more MH-60's, more Growlers, more F/A-18E/F's, and the F-35.

US Army.
Needs to buy the Ground Combat Vehicle, Armored Multipurpose Vehicle, Bradley Upgrade, JLTV, Assault Breacher Vehicles (not sure if this purchase is complete), a decision on the M-1A3, UH-60M's, and AH-64E's.

US Marine Corps.
If you've spent more than 5 minutes here then you already know the deal.  AAV upgrade, Marine Personnel Carrier, Amphibious Combat Vehicle, MV-22, CH-53K, F-35B, and JLTV.

I initially thought that the procurement train wreck was just a Marine Corps problem.  I was wrong.

This is a DoD wide issue.  

Was the A330 MRTT the better plane for a stealth force?

I hate to do this to you guys but here goes.  Did we choose the right refueling plane for activity in the Pacific?

My question really revolves around one number.  Max fuel offload after loitering on station.  Airbus touts that their airplane will be able to offload 140,000 lbs of fuel at 1000 nmi out with a 2 hr loiter.

A quick Google search this morning didn't reveal what the Boeing product is able to do at that distance and loiter time.

I was originally a HUGE supporter of the KC-46 because I simply looked at the specifications and penalized Airbus because it exceeded program spec and inched into KC-Y territory (in my opinion).  I now think that its probably sized perfectly for a force with worldwide responsibilities and looking to an all stealth force.

Looking to the future I don't think a 787 will be large enough (as it is now) to effectively compete for the KC-Y contract.  Quite honestly the replacement for the KC-10's might either not be flying or will fall into the size region of the 747 or the A350/A380 short.

I didn't fully consider how (and I'm waiting for the air guys to correct me) flying without fuel tanks will change the way air wars are fought.  

Sidenote: Still looking for info on the USAF plan to equip their tankers as ISR platforms.  Since the contract award the concept has gone quiet...I haven't heard anything about proposed sensors or desired capabilities.  

This is how conspiracy theories start...

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

This is how it starts.  First we have an assault weapon used according to news reports, then they report he didn't use any such weapon in the assault and now in the midst of the controversy they're saying he did use a weapon.

Ignored in all this is that a madman killed a bunch of kids.  The fight dulls the outpouring of support that these families should be receiving.

I blame the news media and our political process.  Either way its bullshit.

Cancel F-35A in favour of C-model?????

via Flight Global.

Former US Navy chief of naval operations Adm Gary Roughead says the US Department of Defense (DoD) should consider eliminating the F-35A version of the Lockheed Martin Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) in favour of the carrier-based F-35C. In recent weeks, the idea has gathered momentum with current and former defence officials saying the Pentagon's office of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE) is studying the idea even though the DoD officially denies those claims.
Roughead says the question must be asked as to whether it is better to reduce the number of F-35 variants to a short take-off and vertical landing variant and one version that can take-off and land conventionally. "My simple logic says it probably is, but there are a lot of factors that go into it," he says.
Roughead says it makes sense to have the US Air Force adopt the C-model jet because it can operate from land bases as well as from the US Navy's 11 "big deck" aircraft carriers, whereas the A-model cannot. "The reason that I said to go with the C is because you will still want to be able to use the JSF from aircraft carriers," he says. It also has greater range than the USAF's A-model aircraft.
"There will clearly be some firmly-held beliefs in play," Roughhead says. "But I think that when you're in the budget times in which we're in, there are no dumb ideas."

Read the entire article for yourself, but I'm getting F-35 overload.

I personally see this as a move to lower the cost of the C model.  I think some like the former Admiral, probably know the F-35's capabilities and know that they need it aboard carriers.  These same people also see the handwriting on the wall and realize that its going to be the "least" produced model and with the F-35B picking up orders, probably soon the most expensive.

How do you get the price down in a big way?

You make everyone that was going to buy the F-35A, instead buy the C.

Will it work?  I don't know, but on the surface it seems like a bad idea.

Other considerations?  You might get a squadron or two of USAF F-35's that could operate off big carriers.

MARSOC ATV.

Looks like the Prowler is the unofficial ATV of MARSOC and SOCOM in general.

A Marine Special Operations Team member fires a M240B machine gun during night fire sustainment training in Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 28, 2013. Marine Special Operations Team members are deployed in Helmand province to train and mentor Afghan National Security Forces. 
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau)

Japan's military chief now says the F-35 is the best buy.

via Reuters.

- Lockheed Martin's F-35 fighters are the best choice for Japan's future operational needs, the nation's highest-ranking uniformed officer said on Wednesday, in a vote of confidence for the state-of-the-art U.S. warplane.
His comments follow reports that some nations that have placed orders for the F-35s may reconsider their plans.
Shigeru Iwasaki, chief of the Japanese Self-Defence Forces' Joint Staff, also said advancement of North Korea's arms technology in a series of nuclear and missile tests posed a serious threat to Japan, but its missile defense system should provide the country with sufficient protection.
"When I was the head of the air force, I spearheaded the decision (to procure F-35s). Or, rather, we drew up a plan, which was then approved by defense minister," said Iwasaki, a veteran fighter pilot who used to fly F-15s, Japan's current mainstay combat aeroplane.
"There were various candidates. But I still believe the F-35 is the best fighter, when we think about Japan's future national security," he said in an interview with Reuters.

I  personally get suspicious when news of the F-35 breaks...in either direction.

It always seems timed to either maximize the negative or intensify the positive.

This falls under a different category---at least in my mind.  This is a chief that is explaining his decision.  Instead of boring a person with metrics that can be debated, he simply says its the best fighter for his nations security needs.

The week started with talk about the Dutch cutting their order of F-35's and is ending with Singapore buying the "B" model and the Japanese defense chief saying its the best option.

That's a win for the F-35 program in my opinion.  Good week.

Venezuela Receives 13 Russian Armored Vehicles

via Rianovosti.

Armed forces in Venezuela have received a new batch of Russian amphibious combat vehicles, the Moscow-based Center for Analysis of Global Arms Trade said on Thursday.
Thirteen BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles were delivered by sea to the port of Puerto Cabello, the center said.
This marks the first report of an arms delivery by sea to Venezuela since the death of President Hugo Chavez in March.
Venezuela ordered a total of 123 BMP-3 vehicles in 2009, with the first delivery made in 2011, the center said. It is unknown how many vehicles have been delivered so far.
A Russian arms trade source said earlier this month Moscow will continue military-technical cooperation with Venezuela regardless of who takes over power after Chavez.
The official said some contracts with Caracas included deals for the construction of arms factories and servicing centers for military equipment.


Between 2005 and 2007, Venezuela inked deals to buy $4 billion worth of weaponry from Russia. The arms involved included Sukhoi fighter jets, combat helicopters, and over 100,000 light weapons -- primarily AK-103 assault rifles.
Caracas also secured a license to produce the assault rifles in Venezuela.
Chavez's government also secured a $2.2 billion loan in 2010 to purchase a large batch of Russian weapons, including 92 T-72M1M main battle tanks, BTR-80 armored personnel carriers, and a variety of artillery systems.
According to Russian experts, Venezuela is expected to become the world’s second largest buyer of Russian weaponry after India by 2015.

Interesting.

Of all the potential hot spots on this planet, the one that causes me more confusion is S. America.

Almost every nation in that hemisphere seems to be arming to the teeth and I don't see the underlying threat to explain it.  It goes beyond what is needed or even desired for internal security or action against insurgents.  Still, they're up gunning and it appears to be going unnoticed by many.

Navy SEALs in space. Literally.

Ranger Fire Support System 120 mm Mortar

Note:  Well ain't this a kick in the teeth.  The US Army Rangers are about to get a capable, proven, highly mobile, off the shelf, internally transportable (in a MV-22) mortar carrier and ammunition vehicle at a fraction of the cost of the US Marine Corps EFSS(Expeditionary Fire Support System).  Oh and it does away with the need to tow it which means that they'll have even greater off road mobility.  Nicely done.

Photo: F-35B successfully completes AIM-120 separation

Savage.

Grumman 698 then and now.

Unknown sent me the link to this pic of the 698 as it is now.  The pics were taken by Bruce La Fetra and his flickr account is a must see.

Long story short.  A national disgrace.  Aviation history is allowed to be covered in bird droppings and other filth.  Shameful.

Concept

today...although it was a wind tunnel model it still is a piece of aviation history

BAE Systems APKWS™

At the 1:27 marks what is being carried on the outboard station? I've never seen those before? A new rocket? Instrument package?

F-35B BF-03 performing an AIM 120 Weapon Separation

Talking out of both sides of the Marine Corps mouth.

Via National Defense.

Marine Corps officials are eager to return to the service's traditional role of global crisis response force operating from the sea.
Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie, the service's director of the Quadrennial Defense Review, said the strategic planning document, due in 2014, would enshrine that wish.

“We see ourselves as a forward-deployed, hedge force that buys time for the strategically decisive force of the nation to arrive and conduct their … ground campaign, and that would be the U.S. Army,” McKenzie told Washington, D.C.-based defense reporters March 26.

OK.  The return to the sea theme.  I like it, it makes sense, its what we're about.  But then check this out...

McKenzie envisioned the potential of becoming a "continental response force" by using V-22 Ospreys, which have greater speed and range than conventional rotorcraft.“In the case of Special Maritime Crisis Response, what you’re going to see is a forward-deployed crisis response element of Marines that are going to be married to V-22 Ospreys and aerial refuelers which give you truly continental range from a land base,” said McKenzie.
Over time it may become a form of “theater engagement” that would be land-based, but would be able to manage forces that were deployed afloat.

I blame this part on an aviation centric Commandant.  I hope someone realizes that he is in one instance selling a naval Marine Corps and then in the next "enshrining"a second land Army type mission as performed by the 101st!

I don't get this.  I don't understand the thinking.  Read the article for yourself here.

Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment--back in the jungle.

Super Hornet. Is there more to it than meets the eye?

Eric Palmer posted an article that questioned the classified information being given to partner nations in the F-35 program ... information apparently so compelling that they believe the F-35 will dominate aerial combat for the next quarter century or so.

One senior official from the region, who has access to the most sensitive classified information about the system, told me recently that the F-35 is "simply undefeatable." And this official said the aircraft is expected to maintain its dominance for at least one quarter of a century.

My question is a bit more basic.  What classified information is there on the Super Hornet that has some Naval Aviators believing that they can match any threat until a 6th gen fighter comes along.

My thinking?  It has to be about electronic attack.