Por Tierra Mar y Aire

"La Armada ya plantea una flota de seis submarinos S80 en Cartagena": https://www.infodefensa.com/texto-diario/mostrar/4898722/armada-plantea-flota-seis-submarinos-s80-cartagena

Parece que en el ILA de este año Alemania dará el paso definitivo para integrar el Taurus en el Eurofighter, además del Brimstone 3: https://x.com/MBDADeutschland/status/1797266494566416698

@Vorlon dijo en Ejército del aire:

Matacán en Salamanca tiene la Escuela de trasporte aéreo y una base aérea en pleno funcionamiento.
Además de la pista asfaltada, existe una perpendicular de tierra donde practican con los transportes C235.

Esa pista van a adecuarla para operar el A400M: https://contrataciondelestado.es/wps/portal/!ut/p/b0/04_Sj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfIjU1JTC3Iy87KtUlJLEnNyUuNzMpMzSxKTgQr0w_Wj9KMyU1zLcvQjMytCLTIMcyyNwgyLMpxyXD0C3YK9HW1t9Qtycx0BBYN5PQ!!/

En el Google Maps:

• "La Fuerza Aérea de Alemania está cada vez más cerca de completar su flota de 53 nuevos aviones de transporte Airbus A400M: https://www.zona-militar.com/2025/06/01/la-fuerza-aerea-de-alemania-esta-cada-vez-mas-cerca-de-completar-su-flota-de-53-nuevos-aviones-de-transporte-airbus-a400m/

Ya han recibido 49 unidades y esperan recibir la última a finales del año que viene.

• Contrato para equipar 23 unidades alemanas con el DIRCM de Elbit Systems: https://monch.com/more-safety-for-a400m-crews/

El DIRCM se está probando en Sevilla, con la certificación prevista para este mismo 2025. Por su parte, la instalación en todas las unidades previstas se llevará a cabo cuando conincidan con los ciclos de mantenimiento y terminará en 2032.

• A400M alemanes han participado en las últimas alertas repostando a Eurofighter británicos basados en Polonia: https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/royal-air-force-typhoon-fgr4-scrambled-six-times-in-six-days/

• Reino Unido recoge en su SDR la posibilidad de aumentar el número de unidades: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-strategic-defence-review-2025-making-britain-safer-secure-at-home-strong-abroad/the-strategic-defence-review-2025-making-britain-safer-secure-at-home-strong-abroad

Augmenting the existing fleet of A400M with either more A400M, civilian charter, and/or sponsored service options, reducing routine demand on RAF air transport that does not require military capability.

• Un A400M británico también ha participado en el desfile aéreo del cumpleaños del rey: https://uk.news.yahoo.com/kings-birthday-flypast-spotted-over-114500774.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAAAECml8_uQZN1aGZi-jwK_QJkugFh2fCg3zuqtlZYWoA41rRZB2pvPaxiN8_moulGo_mrnqbQU5K5sInXfyIbB2gsHxJ28T0JM16Fn3EI7MwG7otUQ_IjsOeYUNWI4uGEQmgJ0993bWtB45iiWVkSXcjCjs4ZniwxT5QPBP4LnD

• La primera de las dos unidades para Indonesia sale del taller de pintura: https://www.flightglobal.com/indonesias-first-a400m-breaks-cover-in-seville/163308.article
  
  Source: Airbus Defence & Space
  Indonesia’s A400Ms will support both transport and air-to-air refuelling missions

• Esta unidad será entregada previsiblemente en noviembre: https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2025/06/17/indonesia-to-get-a400m-aircraft-in-november-waiting-for-h145m-choppers.html

• Airbus cree que puede conseguir de 8 a 10 pedidos anuales durante los tres próximos años, lo cual necesita para poder estabilizar la línea de producción a un mínimo de 8 unidades/año hasta 2029. Menos no es rentable: https://aviationweek.com/defense/aircraft-propulsion/airbus-defense-boss-sees-required-a400m-orders-keep-line-open

Airbus had previously warned that its A400M backlog is dwindling and that, absent additional orders, the production line could face a drawdown in the coming years. At the end of May, Airbus had delivered 131 of 178 A400Ms ordered to date.

But Schoelhorn, on the eve of the Paris Air Show, told reporters that talks with existing customers and for export deals are going well and should enable Airbus to secure the eight-10 orders it needs this year to keep the backlog stable. “There is renewed traction” in sales campaigns, he said June 13.

The eight-10 level of order intake should also be possible in each of the next three years, he added.

• Más sobre lo mismo, añadiendo que pueden ser capaces de aumentar la capacidad de carga hasta las 40T: https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/new-agreement-safeguards-a400m-production-as-airbus-eyes-fresh-sales/163446.article

Signed at the Paris air show on 16 June, an agreement between the airframer and its partner-nation customers – reached via Europe’s OCCAR defence procurement body – sets output at eight of the airlifters annually until early 2029.
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Among international prospects for the Atlas, the United Arab Emirates’ need for a new transport fleet is the subject of a major campaign.
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Other actions stemming from the new agreement include approval to increase the transport’s maximum cargo capacity from 37t to 40t. And Airbus will continue work to explore developments which could lead to the transport being used to deploy remote carriers and unmanned air vehicles from its rear cargo ramp, and potentially to act as a stand-off jammer platform.

• Relacionada con este tema, tanto Francia como España adelantarán sus entregas: https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-release/2025-06-france-and-spain-renew-commitment-to-the-airbus-a400m-programme-with

Paris, France, 17 June 2025 – Airbus and OCCAR have reached an agreement with the A400M launch nations to secure production for the programme for the foreseeable future, improve the cost of operations, and jointly develop new capabilities. Through the agreement, France and Spain stated their intention to advance four and three A400M aircraft respectively in their delivery schedule.

• Contrato de terminales satelitales de Thales para la flota global de A400M: https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/aerospace/press_release/thales-supply-airbus-defence-spacewith-safety-satcom-its-a400m

Airbus Defence & Space has selected Thales to supply the safety satcom system of the A400M military transport aircraft programme. The A400M is a military airlifter that combines the ability to fly to long distances, carrying loads too heavy or too large for medium airlifters. Extended connectivity is thus critical for ensuring mission success and operational effectiveness.

Thales’s cockpit satcom system, the AVIATOR 700S, is the most high-performance solution on the market for pilot communication systems, providing Viasat's SB-S services + Inmarsat for military and commercial aviation. Communication via satellite enhances capabilities in communications, navigation and surveillance (CNS). Designed to meet the rigorous demands of military, government, air transport, business, and VIP platforms, this system will deliver critical date related to flight, navigation, and performance, directly to the A400M cockpit. By expanding secure connectivity and reducing pilot workload, the Thales system boosts operational efficiency. Designed to meet the latest cockpit communication standards, Thales's AVIATOR 700S system provides a sustainable solution to meet new requirements.

• Airbus propone nuevas misiones para el A400M: https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/web-story/2025-06-preparing-the-airbus-a400m-for-tomorrow

Entre ellas está la capacidad de funcionar como nodo de comunicaciones, lanzador de drones (50 de pequeño tamaño o 12 "remote carriers"), guerra electrónica y contraincendios.

• Francia parece interesada en estas versiones e incluso se habla de que podría incrementar su flota pidiendo 8 unidades más (anteriormente parecía lo contrario, que querían recortarla de 50 a 37 unidades...): https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2025/france-might-arm-the-a400m-atlas-transport-aircraft-with-missiles-to-fully-exploit-its-capacities

• Francia declara la FOC: https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/france-declares-full-operational-capability-for-a400m-fleet/163518.article

• Curiosamente, Airbus está explorando la idea de quedarse con algunas unidades para posteriormente alquilarlas: https://aviationweek.com/defense/aircraft-propulsion/airbus-explores-a400m-leasing-idea

LE BOURGET—Airbus is exploring the concept of becoming the owner and operator of some A400M military airlifters to satisfy demand from air forces that only require a small number of aircraft.

“We're having discussions, and we're building our opinion of whether or not there is a potential business case,” Airbus Defense & Space CEO Michael Schoelhorn told Aviation Week on June 19 at the Paris Air Show. “It's not a given.”

• Y ya para terminar, la exhibición aérea en el Paris Airshow de 2025:

Publicado el informe DOT&E 2024: https://www.dote.osd.mil/Portals/97/pub/reports/FY2024/other/2024Annual-Report.pdf?ver=WLJFmx7nkeDHIuvrtKyfGQ%3D%3D

A destacar que los TR.3 entregados todavía no son "combat capable" y de momento solo se pueden utilizar para entrenamiento. Estos pertenecen al Lote 15 (los que estuvieron recientemente almacenados, unas 41 unidades en el momento del informe) y llevan inicialmente el software de la TR.2 (30R07, denominado 40R01 en los TR.3). El caso es que esta migración parece que está dando problemas y de momento hay que capar funcionalidades para poder volar (versión 40R01.351).

Evidentemente, esto hace que la siguiente versión (30R08 en los TR.2 / 40R02 en los TR.3) vaya con más retraso todavía y esto solo son versiones de desarrollo, la operativa vendría después. Por aclarar:
· 30RXX / 40RXX: software de desarrollo y pruebas para la TR.2/TR.3
· 30PXX / 40PXX: software de producción final para la TR.2/TR.3

Además, como era sabido, tampoco alcanzan los objetivos en cuanto a disponibilidad.

Contrato de 141 motores para el lote 18 (22/08/2025): https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4283984/

Raytheon Technologies Corp., doing business as Pratt and Whitney Military Engines, East Hartford, Connecticut, is awarded a not-to-exceed $2,878,495,761 cost-plus-incentive-fee, fixed-price-incentive-fee, undefinitized contract modification (P00008) to a previously awarded contract (N0001923C0030). This modification adds scope for the production and delivery of 141 F135 propulsion systems in support of Lot 18 F-35 aircraft production for the Joint Strike Fighter program for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, F-35 Cooperative Program Partners, and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Work will be performed in East Hartford, Connecticut (17.3%); Indianapolis, Indiana (10.4%); Middletown, Connecticut (8%); Kent, Washington (7%); North Berwick, Maine (4%); El Cajon, California (3%); Cromwell, Connecticut (3%); Whitehall, Michigan (3%); Portland, Oregon (2%); San Diego, California (2%); South Bend, Indiana (2%); Columbus, Georgia (1%); Hampton, Virginia (1%); Manchester, Connecticut (1%); Cheshire, Connecticut (1%); Elmwood Park, New Jersey (1%); various locations within the continental U.S. (27.3%); and various locations outside the continental U.S. (7%), and is expected to be completed in February 2028. Fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $575,726,390; fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funding in the amount of $537,304,610; fiscal 2025 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $79,962,704; fiscal 2025 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funding in the amount of $77,336,243; FMS customer funds in the amount of $513,763,860; and non-U.S. Department of Defense participant funds in the amount of $228,500,253, will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

¡Feliz 2026!

Airbus presentará su concepto de UAV de escolta en el ILA: https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2024-06-unmanned-escort-for-manned-fighter-jets-airbus-presents-new-wingman

Los F-35 holandeses asumen la misión de ataque nuclear: https://theaviationist.com/2024/05/31/dutch-f-35-nuclear-role/

Nuevas operaciones de los Eurofighter británicos en Yemen: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/statement-on-air-strikes-against-houthi-military-targets-in-yemen-30-may-2024

"On Thursday 30 May, UK forces participated in a joint operation with US forces against Houthi military facilities to degrade their ability to persist with their attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which have thus far killed innocent merchant mariners from Vietnam and the Philippines, damaged several merchant ships, and sunk the bulk carrier Rubymar.

Intelligence had confirmed two locations near Hudaydah as being involved with the Houthi anti-shipping attacks, with a number of buildings identified as housing drone ground control facilities and providing storage for very long range drones, as well as surface to air weapons used to impede coalition operations to safeguard shipping in the region. Furthermore, a set of Houthi facilities at Ghulayfiqah, further south on the Yemeni coast, had also been identified as being involved in the command and control of their anti-shipping campaign.

Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s therefore conducted strikes on the target buildings at these three locations, using Paveway IV guided bombs. As ever, the utmost care was taken in planning the strikes to minimise any risk to civilians or non-military infrastructure. Conducting the strikes in the hours of darkness should also have mitigated yet further any such risks. As ever with such missions, RAF Voyager tankers provided essential air refuelling support to the Typhoons."

@bandua , cada uno tiene sus pros y sus contras. En primer lugar, decir que el EJ200 es más capaz, desarrollando más potencia con menor peso y en principio menor consumo (mayor índice de derivación). Otra ventaja es que eludes los controles de exportación de EEUU. Sin embargo, como contras tiene el precio, no tiene una versión desarrollada para monomotores y no está integrado en el Hürjet. Esto llevaría inevitablemente a mayores costes y plazos más abultados. Y si se quiere exportar hay que preguntar a Alemania...

Respecto al F404, esta es la opción barata y ya desarrollada. Sin embargo, además del menor rendimiento, tiene el gran inconveniente de que la producción tiene ahora mismo un cuello de botella (dos años de retraso para los Tejas de la India encargados en 2021). Esto genera incertidumbres sobre si llegarían a tiempo para cubrir nuestras necesidades, ya que primero habría que cubrir las necesidades de EEUU y la India antes de proveérselas a un rival en el mercado.

Sinceramente, creo que ahora mismo ya estamos en plazos imposibles. Recordemos: https://www.outono.net/elentir/2024/05/24/los-cuatro-candidatos-del-ejercito-del-aire-de-espana-para-reemplazar-a-sus-viejos-f-5m/

En marzo del año pasado, el Ministerio de Defensa de España afirmó estar trabajando en la elección de un sustituto para el F-5M: "el compromiso del Gobierno es que estará completado a finales del año 2023 en consecuencia, en el año 2024 ya tendremos madura la cuestión para poder garantizar que en 2028 estarán ya en el país los nuevos aviones para la formación de nuestros pilotos de caza y ataque". Sin embargo, ya estamos a punto de acabar mayo de 2024 y todavía no ha sido elegido un sustituto.

Y como todo puede empeorar, metemos a Airbus por el medio.

"Semana importante en las ventas de Navantia: la Armada india prueba el submarino S-80": https://theobjective.com/tecnologia/2024-06-24/ventas-navantia-armada-india-submarino/

En el F-15EX las cosas van un poco mejor, pero aún así hay casi un año de retraso: https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-24-106831.pdf

Ese sobrecoste del 32% es debido a que se van a adquirir más unidades de las previstas inicialmente, pasando de 78 a 104. Sobre los retrasos:

Program officials said the recent production issues are because of Boeing’s new forward fuselage manufacturing process. Boeing is using new, automated manufacturing processes to drill holes prior to assembling the forward fuselage. Korea Aerospace Industries built the forward fuselage for earlier aircraft. According to program officials, Boeing has experienced increased quality deficiencies after switching to this new manufacturing process, including improperly installed tubing and wires that required timeconsuming rework.

While Boeing developed quality improvement plans for specific risk items, officials noted that rework continued in other areas of the forward fuselage. Recent Boeing data suggest that the cost of rework has more than quadrupled over the past year. Boeing is still refining the forward fuselage’s new, automated manufacturing process, which could result in increased rework costs and additional schedule delays. To mitigate future rework costs, program officials stated that Boeing plans to increase training and transfer experienced manufacturing staff from other product lines, such as the F-18.

El EPAWSS lo analizan aparte. A este programa le han metido las tijeras y muchos de los F-15E (y todos los C) que lo iban a montar se quedarán sin él, pasando de las 413 unidades inicialmente previstas a tan sólo 206, incluyendo las que van para el F-15EX.

"Defensa nombra al teniente general Braco nuevo jefe de Estado Mayor del Ejército del Aire y del Espacio": https://www.eldebate.com/espana/defensa/20240723/defensa-nombra-teniente-general-braco-nuevo-jefe-estado-mayor-ejercito-aire-espacio_215303.html

Bloque de noticias correspondientes a la segunda quincena de octubre y la primera semana de noviembre.

• "¡Prueba superada! Finaliza el Ejercicio Ocean Sky 2025": https://ejercitodelaireydelespacio.defensa.gob.es/EA/ejercitodelaire/es/Actualidad/Noticias/Noticia/a3669231-b883-11f0-b93b-005056a2cb59/?resourceId=a3669231-b883-11f0-b93b-005056a2cb59&path=/sites/internet.es/.content/noticiaEA/noticiaEA_01414.xml#gsc.tab=0

Ha terminado en la base aérea de Gando el ejercicio Ocean Sky 2025, liderado por el Mando Aéreo de Combate del Ejército del Aire y del Espacio, y en el que durante dos semanas, fuerzas aéreas de cuatro países aliados -Alemania, Grecia, Portugal, Estados Unidos,- junto a India, han completado el principal adiestramiento de combate europeo en el que España ha sido país anfitrión.

Con el repliegue de más de 50 aeronaves de las distintas unidades participantes a sus países de origen, y en el caso de las unidades españolas, a sus bases en la península, se termina un adiestramiento que, en palabras del teniente coronel Eladio Leal, el aviador que ha planeado el complejo ejercicio, “ha sido un éxito tanto por la calidad como por la cantidad de operaciones”, que cifra en unas 650, para añadir que el principal hito del Ocean Sky 2025 ha sido que “los países aliados han participado de manera muy activa en el planeamiento conjunto”.

Respecto a los vídeos, también es recomendable el canal de @thefightercommunity: https://www.youtube.com/@thefightercommunity

• "«Importante revulsivo» en la base de Morón con nuevo jefe y previsión de más aviones": https://www.abc.es/sevilla/provincia/importante-revulsivo-base-moron-nuevo-jefe-prevision-20251020113704-nts.html

• "Alerta Scramble: un A400M se activa por primera vez con dos Eurofighter españoles en el Báltico": https://www.eldebate.com/espana/defensa/20251104/alerta-scramble-a400m-activa-primera-vez-dos-eurofighter-espanoles-baltico_351450.html

• "El Eurofighter, contra el caza ruso SU-30: «El Sukhoi es nuestro principal rival y amenaza»": https://www.eldebate.com/espana/defensa/armada/20251108/eurofighter-contra-caza-ruso-30-sukhoi-nuestro-principal-rival-amenaza_352747.html

• Viaje de Erdogan a Doha para agilizar la compra de Eurofighter cataríes: https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20251021-erdogan-heads-to-doha-eyeing-qatari-eurofighter-jets

• Turquía firma la compra de 20 Eurofighter (+ 20 opciones): https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/27/turkiye-signs-deal-with-the-uk-to-buy-20-eurofighter-jets

Turkiye has reached a deal with the United Kingdom to buy 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets for almost $11bn, as Ankara seeks to bolster its air defences while it develops its own fifth-generation KAAN fighter planes.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met in Ankara on Monday to sign the agreement.
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The first Typhoons ordered under Monday’s agreement are expected to arrive in Ankara in 2030, according to Starmer.

• Las cifras del contrato varían mucho. Los turcos hablan de £5.400M: https://turdef.com/article/tuerkiye-confirms-5-4-billion-eurofighter-typhoon-deal

The Ministry of National Defence (Turkish MoD) announced new details regarding Türkiye’s Eurofighter Typhoon procurement, confirming that the total cost of 20 newly built aircraft is approximately £5.4 billion. The statement was made during the ministry’s weekly press briefing, which also covered current defence activities and bilateral engagements.

According to the MSB, “To meet the operational needs of the Turkish Air Force Command, a contract was signed with the United Kingdom on 27 October 2025 for the procurement of newly produced Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, equipment, and various munitions.”

A source familiar with the matter told Reuters that the agreement also includes a comprehensive weapons package featuring MBDA-made Meteor air-to-air missiles and Brimstone missiles. In the deal, whose details have not yet been disclosed by either side, the source said: “The agreement includes a comprehensive weapons package comprising MBDA-made Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, advanced short-range air-to-air missiles, and Brimstone air-to-ground missiles.”

Given the UK’s lead role in the deal, TurDef estimates that further British-origin munitions can be expected to be included.

The Turkish Air Force, however, has been determined to integrate domestic munitions into the platform. Therefore, relevant export and integration approvals are likely already secured within the scope of the agreement.

• En este artículo comentan un poco de donde podrían venir esas variaciones (£8B = $10.700M). A destacar el comentario sobre el Mk0: https://turdef.com/article/turkiye-to-acquire-44-eurofighter-typhoons-in-total

According to Downing Street, the £8 billion announced by Prime Minister Starmer represents the upper limit of Turkiye’s total package cost. This sum covers not only the 20 new aircraft but also MBDA-supplied weapons, pilot training, spare parts, and integration services. Within this framework, £5.4 billion emerges as the initial contract value, while BAE Systems’ £4.6 billion share represents only its portion of the total.
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Meanwhile, the 20 new Typhoons to be built in the United Kingdom are scheduled for delivery starting in 2030. Although the variant and radar type have not been confirmed, the late delivery timeline raises expectations that these aircraft will be Tranche 5 models equipped with the ECRS Mk2 AESA radar. Normally, Typhoons are delivered within 18–24 months, but neither Tranche 5 nor the Mk2 radar has yet entered serial production despite the fact that Germany has recently signed an agreement with Airbus.

Royal Air Force of Oman originally ordered its Typhoons in 2012, before the AESA radar era. As a result, its aircraft—though classified as Tranche 3A—are equipped with the CAPTOR-M Doppler radar used in earlier Tranche 1 and 2 models, resulting in notably reduced radar performance.

Qatar’s Typhoons, also Tranche 3A, feature the early-generation ECRS Mk0 AESA radar. Compared with the widely adopted Mk1, the :point_right: Mk0 is known for its older technology and limited cooling capacity, resulting in reduced performance.:point_left:

Due to developments in avionics, the total number of new aircraft in the planned fleet has been reduced from 24 to 20. Türkiye had initially considered acquiring 40 new Typhoons, but it now appears the country will adopt a hybrid model. One squadron will comprise 20 aircraft with advanced avionics, while the other will follow NATO’s conventional operational doctrine.

In line with NATO standards, a full operational squadron is typically structured around 18 operational jets, with 4–6 used for reserve or training and 2–3 under maintenance rotation.

• Interesantes preguntas/respuestas en el Parlamento británico: https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025-10-29/debates/65A33FDA-F396-48EE-BFB4-E893635CA1ED/UK-TürkiyeTyphoonExportDeal

E-Scan radar for the RAF’s Typhoons, which is led by Leonardo in Edinburgh, has been successfully developed, but no production orders have been placed. I have previously urged Ministers to accelerate procurement to boost the lethality of our existing Typhoon fleet. When will E-Scan radar be in service for the RAF? The Typhoon needs an associated electronics upgrade known as P4E—phase 4 enhancement—to fully exploit the capabilities of E-Scan radar, but I understand that no contract for that has been placed yet either. When is P4E intended to be on contract?
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The hon. Gentleman will know that all our spending announcements will be made as part of the defence investment plan towards the end of this year. The radar he mentions is an incredible piece of technology, which is of benefit not only to the RAF, but to other Typhoon nations.
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I had the privilege of being at BAE Systems in Warton yesterday with the Prime Minister, and it is fair to say that the workforce are utterly buzzing about this announcement. It is the first new order of aircraft since 2017, as the Minister said, and the largest order since 2007. It was hard-won against the likes of the US, the Swedes, the French and other allies, but guess what? Lancashire won. It is for 20 aircraft signs now, with an option for a further 20, worth £8 billion. Generations of my constituents in South Ribble have worked or still do work in Samlesbury and Warton, and this deal has secured thousands of jobs for at least a decade, or even more. Can I please urge the Minister to still prioritise the Typhoon and to get us more orders as quickly as he can?
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I am pleased to hear the announcement of the order for 20 Typhoons from Turkey. Having met with representatives from the workforce at Warton in Parliament earlier in the year, I recognise that maintaining those crucial skills was balanced on a knife edge. I want to ask today about the European Common Radar System Mark 2, which is forecast to achieve an initial operating capability on our Tranche 3 Typhoon aircraft by the end of the decade. Given the Turkish Typhoon order will be Tranche 3 or 4, we can assume it will be specified with the ECRS MK2 and the wider Phase 4 Enhancement programme. Given that we are looking at the same staff, what impact will the Turkish order have on the timeline for the enhancement programme of our Typhoon fleet?

• Los cataríes son prácticamente nuevos. El que más ha volado no pasa de las 200h: https://www.turkiyetoday.com/nation/eurofighter-typhoon-fighter-jets-to-be-flight-ready-by-the-first-quarter-of-2027-repo-3209344

The security sources also clarified the significance of statements made by the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, adding, "The British Prime Minister's statement of £8 billion represents this agreement's side revenues to the British economy and the potential contribution it will provide through new contracts in the coming period."

Türkiye is also advancing procurement agreements with Qatar and Oman for additional Eurofighter aircraft, according to the security sources.

"We will acquire 12 aircraft from Qatar, and we can say the agreement is finalized. The incoming Eurofighter aircraft are considered new. They have not flown much. They have a maximum of 200 flight hours. This is essentially zero flight hours. Normal flight lifespans are between 8,000 and 10,000 hours," security sources noted.
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"Pilot training will also be conducted. There will be approximately five to six months of training. We estimate that the aircraft will be fully combat-ready by the first quarter of 2027," security sources added.

• Al parecer, los cataríes querrían mantener un escuadrón: https://x.com/T_Nblty/status/1981731001572250039

Qatar front: Qatar may want to keep one squadron of its existing 24 Eurofighter aircraft for itself. This could mean transferring the remaining 6 T3A aircrafts to Turkiye. The key issue for Qatar negotiations could be shifting the new +12 orders to Turkiye. This would allow Qatar to retain one squadron of Eurofighters for itself while handing over the other squadron to Turkiye

• Los omaníes (quieren 10-12) son T3 P1Eb. Por aquí un buen artículo al respecto: https://www.key.aero/article/typhoon-over-oman#:~:text=at the base.-,From a total order for 12 Typhoons%2C nine were single,Typhoon syllabus

• En este artículo vuelven a recordar que los franceses podrían bloquear la venta de Meteor: https://en.defence-ua.com/news/turkieys_eurofighter_deal_faces_major_obstacle_france_holds_key_to_meteor_missiles-16321.html

• Por su parte, los turcos dicen que no han firmado ninguna restricción en el uso de sus Eurofighter: https://www.ekathimerini.com/politics/foreign-policy/1285994/ankara-dismisses-eurofighter-use-conditions/

• Una vez finalizada la venta a Turquía, ya se está comenzando a promocionarlo fuerte en Portugal: https://www.aero-mag.com/airbus-and-aed-partner-on-eurofighter-proposal-for-portugal

Airbus Defence and Space and the Portuguese Cluster for Aeronautics, Space and Defence Industries (AED Cluster Portugal) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to identify cooperation opportunities ahead of the upcoming fighter fleet replacement in the country.

In the frame of this agreement, Airbus and AED have set the base to launch a series of studies in order to create a valuable industrial proposition to replace the current Portuguese F-16 fleet with a truly European solution, the Eurofighter programme.

• Por lo que se ve, todo es optimismo. Además de Portugal, también se ve potencial en más unidades para Catar, Arabia Saudí, Polonia y Austria (máximo de 134 unidades): https://x.com/clashreport/status/1986832736389120492

• Según Hensoldt, hay unos 200 ECRS Mk1 contratados: https://www.hensoldt.net/news/ecrs-mk1-adds-key-capabilities-to-eurofighter-tranche-5

• Artículo sobre el A320 ATRA configurado para probar el ECRS Mk1 (repito noticia porque este artículo sí está en abierto). A destacar que una vez más, confirma que no estará listo para nuestros primeros Halcón: https://theaviationist.com/2025/09/23/airbus-a320-atra-ioc-eurofighter-radome-ecrs-mk1/

Airbus and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) have reached another milestone with the modified Airbus A320 Advanced Technology Research Aircraft (ATRA) recently flying in its Initial Operational Capability (IOC) configuration, after the first flight earlier this year. This will be used to validate the airframe design and support integration of the European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk.1 on the Eurofighter Typhoon.
...
Following the IOC flights and subsequent testing phases, Airbus and DLR plan to install additional equipment aboard the A320, including a Eurofighter avionic test rig, cooling and power systems, and cockpit interfaces to simulate Typhoon conditions. This will enable end-to-end integration testing of the radar with representative avionics and pilot displays.

The ECRS Mk.1 is expected to enter service by mid-decade, representing one of the most significant sensor upgrades for the Eurofighter. Together with future enhancements under the Phase 4 Enhancement (P4E) package, the radar will ensure that Europe’s primary multirole fighter remains competitive against evolving threats, while also forming the technological bridge toward sixth-generation combat aircraft programs.

• Por su parte, el Mk2 confirma un contrato de £3.090M para su desarrollo: https://defensemirror.com/news/40465/U_K__To_Allocate__3_09B_to_Develop_New_Radar_for_Eurofighter_Typhoon

• Confirmación de 4 derribos de drones por parte británica en los últimos 18 meses: https://x.com/GarethJennings3/status/1986372328406581759

A couple of interesting tidbits concerning @RoyalAirForce at @DefenceIQ Fighter Conference #IFC25, in that Typhoons have had four successful air-to-air engagements (ie, kills) over the Middle East in the last 18 months (no further details given), and also flying Eastern Sentry combat air patrols over Poland directly out of RAF Coningsby – 8 hour sorties!
...
Yes, will be the massed Iranian Shahed attack against Israel in April 2024. To my knowledge, three 'kills' were acknowledge from that night (per the 'Top Guns: Inside the RAF' documentary earlier this year). Unsure if fourth from that night or another time.
...
RAF. I believe Saudi Typhoons have scored hundreds of drone kills.

• Al parecer, la firma definitiva de la P4E podría producirse antes de final de año: https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-confirms-ongoing-typhoon-upgrade-assessments/

• Las 20 unidades alemanas compradas en el último contrato integrarán, además del Arexis, el AARGM, el Taurus y la integración con drones. Por lo tanto, contarán con 15 + 20 unidades con capacidad SEAD/DEAD (del traductor): https://www.hartpunkt.de/bundesweher-bestellt-20-zusaetzliche-eurofighter-mit-neuen-faehigkeiten/

Según el Ministerio Federal de Defensa alemán (BMVg), los nuevos Eurofighters de la quinta serie estarán equipados con el sistema de autoprotección Arexis de Saab, junto con futuras capacidades de inteligencia artificial. También se prevé la incorporación de armamento adicional, incluyendo el misil guiado antirradar AARGM y el misil de crucero Taurus en los Eurofighters para la Fuerza Aérea Alemana.

Otro requisito común es una interoperabilidad mejorada y más eficaz. Según el Ministerio Federal de Defensa alemán (BMVg), esta adquisición también representa un compromiso con el proyecto europeo Eurofighter.

Entre las propuestas aprobadas por el Parlamento la semana pasada, que suman 25 millones de euros, se encuentra una destinada a optimizar el Eurofighter con el sistema de autoprotección Arexis y los misiles aire-superficie guiados correspondientes, lo que permitirá la guerra electrónica. El desarrollo de este proyecto requiere una financiación aproximada de 1.130 millones de euros. Previsto hasta 2033, el proyecto se financiará con el fondo especial de la Bundeswehr y el presupuesto ordinario de defensa.

En otras palabras, además de la adquisición de los 20 nuevos Eurofighters, también se encargó el desarrollo del sistema Arexis. Se había decidido que, a más tardar en 2023, el conjunto de sensores de Saab se integraría en 15 Eurofighters de la Fuerza Aérea Alemana, los cuales, como sucesores del Tornado ECR, asumirían el rol de supresión de las defensas aéreas enemigas (SEAD) junto con el Grupo de Reconocimiento y Defensa Aérea (AARGM). Dado que está previsto que los Tornados sean retirados del servicio a finales de la década, se presume que estos planes se mantienen. Según se informa, el desarrollo del sistema Arexis avanza según lo previsto.

Tal y como explicó ayer un experto de Airbus en rueda de prensa, prevé que los cuatro países que fabrican el Eurofighter encarguen el proyecto "Long Term Evolution (LTE)" el ​​próximo año, al que describió como una modernización de media vida. Según él, las modificaciones de hardware asociadas al avión de combate también podrán aplicarse a lotes de producción anteriores. En concreto, esto incluye mejoras como aviónica avanzada, transmisión de datos y una nueva cabina de mando. La seguridad en vuelo también se diferenciará de la seguridad de la misión.

Según el experto de Airbus, los Eurofighters del quinto lote que se han encargado ya recibirán, según lo previsto, un nuevo software de mando y control que permitirá a la aeronave controlar vehículos aéreos no tripulados.

• La flota mundial de Eurofighter está muy cerca de cumplir el millón de horas de vuelo. La noticia viene acompañada de una maqueta con el pod Arexis: https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/defence/ifc-2025-eurofighter-prepares-to-mark-one-million-flight-hours-as-programme-prepares-for-second-half-of-operational-life
  
  Eurofighter showcased one of the advanced capabilities earmarked for the Eurofighter under the MLU now being defined, with a model at the IQPC IFC 2025 event in Rome showing the aircraft operating in concert with a Valkyrie unmanned combat aerial vehicle. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)

The Eurofighter consortium is preparing to mark the one million flight hour milestone for the programme at the same time as preparing the ‘fourth-generation' combat aircraft for the second half of its projected operational service life.

A briefing slide presented at the IQPC International Fighter Conference (IFC) 2025 in Rome noted that the flight hour milestone is due to be passed in December, while Eurofighter CEO Jorge Tamarit Degenhardt outlined aspects of the mid-life upgrade (MLU) that is now being defined with the goal of taking the jet out into the 2060s.

• Para terminar, imagen de decoración especial de esta unidad saudí: https://x.com/CcibChris/status/1985338944020504916
  

"CT-Hawkeye: el nuevo sistema de obús ligero, maniobrable y con disparo digital a prueba en Ucrania": https://www.eldebate.com/espana/defensa/20240706/cthawkeye-nuevo-sistema-obus-ligero-maniobrable-disparo-digital-prueba-ucrania_210884.html

Nuevo sistema de obús CT-Hawkeye, ligero, maniobrable y con última tecnologíaKindelán

@blasdelezo En realidad se trata de equipamiento Elint/Sigint: https://www.facebook.com/Scramblemagazine/posts/on-friday-9-february-2018-the-finnish-defence-forces-dragon-shield-airborne-surv/2095022623857594/

On Friday 9 February 2018, the Finnish Defence Forces “Dragon Shield” airborne surveillance system achieved its final operational capability.

The Dragon Shield system provides larger cargo aircraft with the ability to collect electronic intelligence, communications or signals intelligence capabilities in order to enhance situational awareness for the aircrew and provide command and control nodes with better imagery intelligence.

According to Lockheed Martin, who produces this Roll-on/Roll-off integrated intelligence system, an Airbus Military C295M cargo aircraft was modified in order to integrate the Dragon Shield System.

This particular aircraft, serial CC-1 and c/n 035, was delivered to Finland on 6 March 2007 and joined the transport wing TukiLLv. This unit is nowadays based at Tampere-Pirkkala. Together with Finnish industry, Lockheed Martin heavily modified the aircraft and it was first noted with various humps and antennas in September 2013 at Tikkakoski. However, integration with all systems did not work out smoothly and it took until February 2018 before the final operational capability was achieved.

The ELINT/SIGINT unit, TukiLLv/3 Flight, soldiered on with the SIGINT modified Fokker F27-100, serial FF-1. This Fokker was delivered to the Finnish Air Force in May 1982 after a short lease that started in July 1980. The aircraft was modified to the SIGINT role somewhere in 1996 and was last noted in July 2015. Most probably the Fokker was withdrawn from use shortly after that and part of the specific role was fulfilled by the unit’s Learjet 35A.

Por aquí una foto a más resolución, donde se aprecia que no lleva la "bola" IR, que sería imprescindible para ISR: https://www.flyfinland.fi/view/12943/

@Vorlon . Pero hay más:

• La ministra voló en Falcon hasta Albacete (260km por carretera).
• La ministra dijo que "Para la llegada del nuevo Eurofighter estaríamos hablando de 2028 ó 2029". La planificación original hablaba de las primeras entregas en 2026. Entiendo ¿? que se espera por el radar, el cual no llegará hasta 2028.
• El Ala 14 volverá a hacer labores de policía aérea dentro de la OTAN, sin precisar dónde.
• Las fotos de la visita: https://flickr.com/photos/mindefensa/albums/72177720327760965/with/54677970054

¡Bienvenido de nuevo!

Bienvenido @Comodoro