Russia and Italy revive their joint conventional submarine

Russia and Italy have renewed their joint project of a conventional submarine small, the S1000, a source of bilateral military cooperation committee.

"The committee met in Italy in early October and discussed the possibility of launching the project. In the working protocol, the parties have compiled some steps to promote the S1000 on the market in third countries, "the source said.

For example, to reduce the price of the final product, the parties agreed to modify the distribution of equipment designed by Italy (80%) and Russia (20%). Initially, the distribution was 50/50. A major source of economy is the abandonment of expensive weapons systems design Russian.

Initially, the S1000 should be equipped with wire-guided torpedoes Black Shark (Franco-Italian design) and the Russian Club cruise missile capable of hitting targets on land and at sea at considerable distances.

"The simplification of the project, leaving the missile Club allows the abandonment of all associated systems and certain communication systems. Transport costs and customs are also reduced, "the source said.

Controversial report recommends Federal Government lease nuclear subs to save $10b

AUSTRALIA could save $10 billion by leasing nuclear-powered Virginia Class submarines from the US, says a Centre for Independent Studies report.
Author Simon Cowan also claimed it could save up to $0.75 billion a year in operation and maintenance costs.
The Future Submarine Project Should Raise Periscope for Another Look report from one of the country's most influential think tanks, said arguments against buying nuclear-powered submarines didn't stand up to scrutiny.
And it found leasing the fast attack submarines could avert "a potentially disastrous capability gap developing" between when the six Collins Class are retired and the replacement diesel-powered submarines are designed.
The project is expected to cost $36 billion. The Government has previously ruled out the nuclear option.
Opposition leader Tony Abbott, who previously had a former Centre for Independent Studies research fellow as an adviser, deferred to Defence spokesman David Johnston for a response.

Senator Johnston showed no sign of backing its contents, saying: "The Coalition is not considering a nuclear-powered option" and "work on the project will centre around the South Australian shipyards".
The report went on to rebut claims that Australia could not buy nuclear-powered submarines because it does not have a supporting nuclear industry.
Using a leasing arrangement meant the US could service the subs and also get rid of spent nuclear fuel, it said.

Delivery of a nuclear submarine in the Russian army postponed

The first nuclear submarine ballistic missile Project 955 Borei class, the Yury Dolgoruky, will be delivered to the Russian Navy in 2013 and not in 2012 as originally planned, said to reporters Monday the Russian Minister of Defense Anatoly Serdyukov .

"We expect that the first nuclear submarine Yury Dolgoruky Borei class is adopted by the army in 2013," said the minister after a meeting of the committee of the State Duma (lower house of parliament Russian) in charge of the defense.

Serdyukov was also hoped that the Alexander Nevski, the second submarine of Borei class, would be deployed in the Pacific in 2014.

Capable of firing ballistic missiles Bulava , submarines Borei class form the basis of strategic Russian Maritime Forces after the disposal of submarine classes Akoula (Typhoon according to NATO code) and Kalmar and Mourena (Delta and Delta-3-4 according to NATO) in 2018.

Lib Dem Trident plan is a 'fallacy', Labour MP says

A former Lib Dem defence minister's claim that there is a viable alternative to Trident is a "fallacy", Labour MP John Woodcock has said.

The MP told the BBC that Sir Nick Harvey was peddling a "pretext" for abolishing the nuclear weapons system.
But Sir Nick said that Trident should not be renewed primarily to keep submarine engineers in work.
Mr Woodcock represents Barrow and Furness, where any replacement submarines would be made.
In a debate on BBC Radio 4's The World at One, he argued that "all the options" had been fully scrutinised in previous studies of the UK's submarine-based nuclear arms.
"They found that actually this idea that there is an off-the-shelf, cheaper version is a fallacy," he said.

"It is a fantasy, peddled by people, many of whom are in the Lib Dems, who you suspect ultimately don't want an independent nuclear deterrent at all but realise that it is electorally difficult for them to say that."

Sir Nick had suggested to a fringe event at the Liberal Democrat conference in Brighton on Wednesday that it would be cheaper to pay the workers to go and live in the Bahamas than to replace the UK's nuclear weapons programme.
In response to Mr Woodcock's comment, Sir Nick said he accepted that keeping highly skilled UK submarine construction workers in employment was an important factor in the decision.
Dire consequences "We're going to continue needing submarines as far into the future as I can see, and we're jolly lucky to have the professional and capable set-up that we have got there at Barrow," Sir Nick said.
But, he continued, the "hierarchy of consideration should be first the military consideration, secondly the financial consideration for the state as a whole, and that those should then give rise to the industrial - and not the other way round".

Efforts underway to name new Navy submarine USS Montana

U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and several veterans' groups are lobbying to convince the U.S. Navy to name its newest submarine after Montana.
The sub, currently designated SSN-791, is the last of eight Virginia-class fast attack nuclear submarines scheduled to be delivered in 2019.
In a letter to Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, Tester notes that Montana is the only state that has never had a Naval vessel named in its honor.
He says the state's "land-locked status" shouldn't prevent it from having a ship named after it, especially since there have been three ships named after Colorado and three named after South Dakota - fellow land-locked states.
In a press release, Tester says: "Entering the Union in 1889, Montana's citizens have served their country with pride, and thousands have proudly served in the Navy and Marine Corps. Naming this submarine the USS Montana would be an honor for the people of Montana and would pay tribute to the men and women who have served and given their lives."

Egypt purchases new submarines from Germany

Cairo strengthening naval fleet with new submarines from Germany says Naval Commander Ahmed el-Gendy. New additions also include ships from US, Holland and Turkey

Egypt's Naval Commander Osama Ahmed el-Gendy, said on Friday that Egypt has signed an agreement with Germany in which the former will acquire two German-built Type-209 attack submarines.

He stressed that the deal had already been signed even though he says "the submarines currently used by the Egyptian navy are capable of carrying out their tasks and respond to anything in the Mediterranean or Red Sea. The Egyptian military is always looking to the future at to the latest innovations." 
The Type-209 models were built by Germany in the 1960s and are used in many navies around the world including Turkey, Greece, Argentina, Brazil and Indonesia.

The Egyptian navy has a small and relatively outdated fleet. Israel's Dolphin submarines are also based on the 209 model but are more advanced.

New Ballistic Missile Sub to Join Fleet in September

Russia's newest ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), the Project 955 Borey class boat Yury Dolgoruky, will be handed over to the fleet in September, a source in United Shipbuilding Corporation said on Friday.
"The formal signing of the handover of the Yury Dolgorukyboat to the Defense Ministry will take place in September," the source said.

Previously, the navy had said the boat would enter service in July, and then August.
The boat has completed a range of sea trials including a firing of a Bulava ballistic missile in December 2011.
Its sister ship, the Alexander Nevsky, will carry out a further Bulava test launch in November "as part of its state trials," he said.

Russian Nuclear Sub Sailed off U.S. Coast Undetected for Weeks

A Russian nuclear attack submarine sailed undetected in the Gulf of Mexico for weeks, a report said Tuesday, its travel in strategic U.S. waters discovered only after it left.
The Washington Free Beacon, citing unnamed sources, said the voyage was only the second time since 2009 that a Russian attack sub has ventured so close to U.S. shores.
"The stealth underwater incursion in the Gulf took place at the same time Russian strategic bombers made incursions into restricted U.S. airspace near Alaska and California in June and July, and highlights a growing military assertiveness by Moscow," the publication reported on its Web site.
The Russian patrol managed to expose deficiencies in U.S. anti-submarine warfare capabilities, American officials said, according to the report. Some of those forces responsible for anti-submarine warfare and detection are targeted for cuts over the Obama administration's plan to slice nearly $500 billion from the Pentagon's budget over the next 10 years.

The SSBN "Severodvinsk" will take a cruise missile of 2,500 km

The first atomic submarine project 885 Iassen class will have cruise missiles Kalibr unparalleled in the world, informs ITAR-TASS. Subsonic version to hit ground targets, the scope of this missile exceeds 2,500 kilometers, has communicated to reporters Tuesday a source in the Russian defense industry.

"The missile met all the requirements of the Department of Defense in scope, precision strike and stealth effect. Nobody in the world has missile with the same operational and technical performance, "said the expert. He noted that the cruise missile Kalibr had a combat load variable.

"The missile warhead will carry a piece. If the combat load is typical, the scope will be 2500 kilometers ".

Reactor put in INS Arihant for the first time

 

 

In a major step towards achieving the ability to launch nuclear payload from air, land and water, the heart of indigenous nuclear submarine – its nuclear reactor – was installed in INS Arihant and trials were conducted.

The miniature 83 MWe pressurized water reactor (PWR) fuelled by highly enriched uranium was developed with the help of Russians. The submarine was launched into the water last year and began its “sea acceptance trials” (SAT) earlier this year wherein it was taken out of the harbor to conduct crucial trials.

“The nuclear reactor was fitted into the submarine for the first time some time back. And since it is first time that India has built a miniature nuclear reactor for moving platform it has to be tested when the submarine undergoes various kinds of motion like rolling and pitching,” sources said.

So far shore-based nuclear reactor had been made by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, but in case of INS Arihant (literally meaning slayer of enemies) the challenge was to make a compact reactor to fit into the 10 m diameter hull of the submarine. The enriched uranium for the reactor comes from the Rare Materials Project, an undertaking of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), situated at Ratnahallai, near Mysore. With INS Arihant India has become the sixth country after the US, Russia, China, France and Britain to have succeeded in constructing a nuclear submarine.

“The reactor since then has been taken out of the platform and the teething problems witnessed during the trial are being addressed to. The process will be repeated several times to make it foolproof.

“Unlike other platforms, the submarine will remain submerged for many months so the crew has to be confident to handle the machine in case of contingency as no external help could be provided to them,” the sources added. At the end of the trial Arihant will be given a nuclear regulatory authority certification before it could be deployed in the open oceans.

As India has a policy of “no first use” of nuclear weapons, a robust and survivable retaliatory strike capability is dependent on this nuclear-powered submarine. In this wake, Arihant is a shot in the arm for India’s nuclear triad. With its ability to remain submerged in the waters for infinite time, Arihant with its stealth can remain undetected by the army and can fire its nuclear-tipped missiles from under the sea.

Arihant will be armed with 12 nuclear-tipped submarine launched missile K-15 with a range of 750 km. Plans are afoot to equip it with four K-4 Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs) with a range of 3,500 km later. Presently, the K-4 is under-development.

With Indian Navy’s submarine fleet down to 14, a major overhaul is the need of the hour especially when compared to neighbouring China that is known to operate 8-10 nuclear powered submarines and 50-60 conventional ones.

The Indian submarine INS Sindhurakshak leave the workshop June 23

After being repaired and upgraded by the Russian shipyard Zvezdochka JSC, the classical Indian submarine INS Sindhurakshak leave the workshop June 23

The contract for the repair and modernization of the submarine had been reached between the Zvezdochka shipyard and the Indian Ministry of Defence on 4 June 2010.

The submarine had been transported to Severodvinsk on board a transport ship and arrived August 12, 2010.

Following this work, the INS will Sindhurakshak equipped with the Club-S missiles and sonar Ushus.Refrigeration systems and ventilation systems will be upgraded. Communications equipment, CCS-MK-II, radar Porpoise and other new hardware is installed.

Next autumn, the INS Sindhurakshak will sail for testing and development testing of missiles. The submarine will be delivered to the customer in the 4th quarter of 2012.

Israel’s Dolphin-Class Submarines: A Potent Deterrent?

Israel is widely believed to possess the West Asian/Middle East region’s only nuclear arsenal, having achieved this capability during the 1960’s. Of course, Israel does not acknowledge this capability, does not have an articulated nuclear doctrine, has not publicly incorporated its nuclear weapons capability into its security posture and has not tested a nuclear device. This policy of ‘nuclear opacity’ has allowed it to insist that ‘it will not be the first to introduce nuclear weapons into the region’.
As for delivery systems, Israel is believed to have modified US-supplied F-15/F-16 fighter jets to carry nuclear bombs. It also possesses missiles of varying ranges including the ICBM-range Jericho-III. The June 4, 2012 feature in the German magazine Der Spiegel, titled “Operation Samson: Israel's Deployment of Nuclear Missiles on Subs from Germany”, chronicles Israel’s procurement of Dolphin-class submarines and its possible use as a secure nuclear weapons platform. The article features interviews with some senior Israeli and German policy makers associated with the decision to procure the submarines and their acknowledgment of being cognizant of the fact that these platforms could be used as nuclear weapons delivery systems as well.
In the context of the raging controversy over concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities, the Der Spiegel article draws attention to Israel’s nuclear delivery systems. Israel has currently three German-built submarines in its fleet, inducted since 1999. Reports note that the fourth submarine was handed over to the Israeli Navy in March 2012. Another two are set to be inducted before 2017. Israel is expected to sign agreements to get three more submarines in the near future. As and when these submarines are commissioned, some Israeli analysts note that they will ensure ‘deep-sea dominance’ for Israel.
The Dolphin-class submarines have 10 torpedo tubes, with four of these being larger (650 mm) than the other six (533 mm) to ostensibly carry Special Forces or cruise missiles. Reports note that the larger tubes can launch the Popeye Turbo sea-launched cruise missile (SLCM) which can carry a 200 kg nuclear warhead. This missile was first tested in the waters of the Indian Ocean in 2002. If this 1000 mile range SLCM has indeed been operationalised, it would imply that important targets inside Iran like Natanz or Tehran are within the strategic reach of Israeli submarines from the waters of the Persian Gulf.
Analysts, however, note that these relatively small diesel-powered submarines are primarily designed for coastal patrol purposes and their utility as competent, second-strike platforms will be limited by their operational capabilities. The Dolphin-class submarines are reported to have an operational range of about 2,700 miles. The distance from the ports of Tel Aviv/Haifa to the waters of the Persian Gulf (reduced by about 500 nm if calculated from Eilat) is anywhere between 3000 nm (Oman) to 3800 nm (Kuwait) (reference points at either end of the Gulf for purposes of illustration). With a speed of about 12 knots (snorting speed of 8 knots; maximum speed being 20 knots), the submarines will take anywhere between 10 and 15 days to reach these waters, thus precluding the possibility of launching a punishing strike at short notice. Such a strike can of course be launched by aircraft/missiles in Israel’s arsenal rather than by submarines.
Reports over the past few years have been indicating that Israel has been deploying these submarines in the waters of the Persian Gulf, as a deterrent against possible use of strategic missiles by Iran, Syria or Hezbollah. In July 2009, an Israeli submarine had sailed from the Suez Canal to the Red Sea. In May 2010, it was reported that Israel would ‘permanently’ station at least one of its three submarines in the waters of the Persian Gulf
The reported ability of the submarines to remain unsupplied only for 30 days on station would however mean that, Israel will be stretching the operational effectiveness of its current fleet in maintaining a ‘permanent’ presence in these waters. Reports published in June 2010 that Manama, Bahrain—where the US Fifth Fleet is based—could be used as a possible base/replenishment centre for Israeli submarines was, however, dismissed by Bahraini officials. Israel also does not have any ‘submarine tenders’ (submarine replenishment ships) in its fleet.
Israel’s current operational fleet also does not have Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, which its future submarines are expected to have. AIP would reportedly allow the submarines to stay underwater for more than 18 days at a stretch. The human factor in sustaining prolonged deployment is another issue. Israel currently has only one crew trained per ship, and issues relating to endurance levels and fatigue will be an issue. Reports note that Israel has embarked on improved training courses for crew with the goal of having at least two crews for each ship, thus enhancing their staying time in water.
The possibility of Israel using these submarines for an effective conventional/nuclear pre-emptive strike against Iranian targets is also constrained by the limited number of missiles that a single submarine can carry. Israel is also unlikely to contemplate launching nuclear-tipped cruise missiles pre-emptively. Such a strike would not only go against its current policy of opacity but would also provide justification and international acceptance for Iran and countries of the region to go overtly nuclear.
The capabilities of the Israeli submarines are in contrast to the massive nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) of major nuclear weapon states like the United States. America’s current fleet of 14 Ohio-class submarines have 24 missile tubes, with each missile capable of carrying eight warheads over inter-continental distances, ensuring deterrence as well as potential use as an effective first-strike platform.
Given these limitations, the primary role of Israel’s current operational fleet of ‘Dolphins’ is likely to be limited to serve as instruments of ‘signalling’ strategic intent to potential enemies (read Iran) rather than as platforms that can launch an effective pre-emptive strike or as competent second-strike platforms. Israel of course will be able to better project strategic reach as and when other more capable submarines enter its fleet.

Vietnam to Buy Amur Diesel Submarines from Russia ?

 

Russia began to Vietnam to offer an upgraded version of the Kilo class submarines - Amur, this submarine is well suited for patrolling and fighting in the East Vietnam Sea.

According to analysts, if Vietnam could buy a fleet of Amur submarines, submarine forces of Vietnam will truly become a powerful force in the region.

Amur class submarines can also be equipped with missiles launched from submarines to attack ground targets, so it can fully protect all targets on the coast and the islands of the East Vietnam Sea South. Vietnam Navy can be a powerful force in the water in the South China Sea.

According to the Shanghai newspaper said Deputy Director of Military Technology Cooperation Russian design bureau that Ruby started looking for the export market for Amur diesel-electric submarines of the Russian. Being version submarine's inland with a number of submarines Lada in Russian Navy, the formation of the a force new combat underwater.

Deputy director of defense export company Rosoboronexport said Victor Komar said that Russia is committed to strengthening military cooperation and technology with countries in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in some Southeast Asian countries, Russia is considered the greatest potential for arms export market.

With Amur - 1650 Vietnam will help protect the most perfect national sovereignty of islands.

Victor Komar said that the 'partner in Southeast Asia, most importantly, Vietnam, Russia Vietnam is considered one of the most important consumers of defense. Vietnam has ordered six submarines from Russia's Design Bureau 'Ruby' development, submarine factory is located in St Petersburg, is expected to begin transfer operations in 2014.

There Amur submarines, Vietnam will be deployed in the South China Sea, a very intimidating force under water.

However, Vietnam can not simply take six Kilo class submarines. Mr. Komar said: 'Vietnam Navy they needed a fighting strength of higher than submarine Kilo urgent and must be set up in six or seven years, they can not just rely on the Kilo submarines. According to analysts, if Vietnam could buy a fleet of Amur submarines, submarine forces of Vietnam will truly become a powerful force in the region '.

The Russian defense export company is actively working contacts with Vietnam. To end this agreement, the company said that Russia will play the Amur submarines, while Vietnam's shipbuilding enterprises involved in the project can produce submarines.

Russia not only design but also give joint cooperation in the production process and provide training for Vietnam and some submarine building technology advanced.

Thailand Agrees to Buy Two Germany second hand type 206A Diesel Electric Submarine

The Thai government has agreed to buy two second-hand Type 206A diesel electric submarines from the German Navy.

Payment for the purchase - which is understood to be about USD220 million - has not yet been secured, although funds are expected to be sourced from the defence budget for Fiscal Year 2012 (FY12), which commences in October.

The German Navy decommissioned four Type 206A submarines in mid-2010. The boats are 35 years old and were originally due for decommissioning between 2011 and 2015. As part of a defence review carried out by Berlin, the German Navy brought the boats' retirement date forward to save operational costs.

A senior officer from the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) told Jane's on 21 March that officials from the German Navy visited the country in late 2010 and offered the submarines to Thailand. He added that German submarines had been selected ahead of those offered by South Korea and China, who had made available Type 209s and Type 039s respectively. The RTN also held discussions with Swedish shipbuilder Kockums about the availability of Gotland-class submarines.

Germany to supply Israel with its sixth nuclear-capable submarine

Germany will sell Israel a sixth nuclear capable Dolphin-class submarine, Germany’s defense minister confirmed on March 20 after talks in Berlin with his Israeli counterpart Ehud Barak.
“An additional submarine will be delivered to Israel,” Thomas de Maiziere told a joint press conference with Barak, adding that Germany would subsidize the cost although he did not say by how much.

A German government source in November said Germany would foot a third of the bill, amounting to a maximum of 135 million euros ($178 million).

Germany reconsidered the sale of the submarine to Israel in the wake of tensions over Jewish settlement construction in the occupied Palestinian territories, Israeli newspaper Yediot Aharonot reported in October.



But Berlin then agreed to sell Israel the vessel after the Jewish state released millions of dollars in customs duties to the Palestinian Authority, Israeli army radio reported two months later.
The Israeli navy currently has three German-made Dolphin-class submarines, two of which were bought after the 1991 Gulf War.

Two others are under construction at Kiel shipyard and are due for delivery in 2012. An option for a sixth was also included in the contract.

Media reports have said the submarines can carry nuclear warheads and have an operating range of 4,500 kilometers (2,800 miles).