Bavar-2 amphibian seaplane employs the 'Wing in Ground Effect' (WIG) principle to fly low above sea level. In fact, Bavar-2 traces back to the Russian Eska-1 an early WIG planes designed in the 1970s. It is equipped with maritime surveillance equipment, and communications for recce and target acquisition over the sea. The new plane is operated by the Iranian revolutionary Guards naval units. Photo: Fars news agency, by Vahid reza Alaei.

Iran is preparing a massive force of small but highly capable combat elements capable of disrupting oil transportation through the Persian Gulf and the Straight of Hurmoz choke point. The Iranians have developed unique operational concepts employing coordinated swarm attacks that could effectively defeat large, well protected surface combatants such as those operated by the allied naval forces present at the Gulf. Many of these Swarm elements are currently stationed at the naval base at Bandar Abbas, acting as the Swarm’s ‘Hornets Nest’ at the southern end of the Hurmoz Straits in the Persian Gulf. In recent, highly publicized naval exercises held by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards’, swarm attacks were demonstrated by engaging targets from extended range by anti-ship missiles, while smaller fast boats were closing in at high speed, firing rockets and Rocket propelled Grenades (RPG) from very short range.

An Iranian fast boat firing a 107mm rocket in direct fire against a naval target. Such boats are employed in swarm attacks, saturating a target defense. Photo: Fars news agency by Hossein Zohrevand.

In recent years Iran is escalating its swarm capabilities to higher levels, with the development of indigenous weapons and platforms tailored for the Persian Gulf Theater of operation. Among these elements are mini submarines, amphibian seaplanes, high speed missile boats and medium range anti-ship missiles. All are designed as compact, cost efficient element that together, creating a force multiplier that cannot be ignored even by the world’s largest, most capable navies.

Iranian Ghadir mini submarines are based at Bandar Abbas. Photo: FARS news agency by Vahid Reza Alaei

A key element in this ‘hornets nest’ is the Ghadir mini-submarine. The first two locally built subs were delivered in 2008 and this year during a visit at the base four subs were visible. These submarines built for short missions operating at shallow water, carrying out coastal reconnaissance, mine laying and engagement of surface targets, including moving vessels and oil rigs. Mining by submarines could become one of Iran’s modus operandi as detection or attribution of such action to the actual perpetrator is almost impossible.

Another element of the hornets nest was unveiled this week, as Iran’s Revolutionary Guards naval units displayed over a dozen planes during an official visit of the Guards’ commander, brig. General Ahmad vahidi at Bandar Abbas. Unveiled as a prototype in 2006, Bavar-2 is designed to operate as a rapid reaction force, equipped with aerial cameras and communications links transmitting images in real-time to command centers at sea or on land. The seaplane is also equipped with a machine gun. It is flown by a single pilot and is fitted to operate in day or night, using night vision devices.

In August 2010 the Iranians unveiled the ‘sting’ of the hornets – the new Zulfikar fast patrol boats (shown in the video below), an all-aluminum built fast boat armed with Iranian-made Nasr-1 medium range anti-ship missiles. (actually, an Iranian version of the Chinese C-704 missile). The Iranians plan to deploy large numbers of these boats, armed with the locally produced missiles, being able to saturate the defenses of highly protected surface vessels.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards naval forces unveiled the first amphibian aircraft squadron at Bandar Abbas in September 2010. Photo: Mehr News Agency

The new Bavar-2 Wind in Ground Effect (WIG) amphibian seaplane, designed to perform short range maritime surveillance, coastal patrol and provide target acquisition for the Zulfiqar fast boats, enabling them to launch their missiles at maximum range, thus avoiding counter attack from the surface. As a WIG amphibian, Bavar-2 has unique capabilities to ‘sea skim’ just above wave-top level, or perch at sea level, thus evading detection by hostile radars. Typically, such planes cruise at a speed of 130 km/h and perform optimally at an altitude of few meters above the sea although, technically some WIG designs can reach a maximum altitude of 300 meters.

In times of crisis it is assumed that the fast boats, submarines and seaplanes will disperse to many coastal locations, from where they will be able to launch surprise attacks against merchant ships, tankers or military targets. The submarines and amphibians will provide the eyes and ears for the missile carrying fast fast boats, which could group into attack swarms to strike and disperse immediately after it, thus making it difficult for the enemy to launch an effective counter strike.

Related posts:

• Iran Displays New Missiles on Army Day parade (2010)
• Iranian Great Prophet V Wargames at the Straits of Hurmoz (April 2010)
• Serious implications of the Hurmoz naval Incident (2008)
• Hurmoze Straits Come Into Focus as Gulf Tension Rises (Analysis, 2007)

• Erkanoplan Amphibious Airboat (ESKA) – an early Russian WIG flying boat concept – 1973.

The Russian Navy could fulfill its current requirements for carrier based fighters with current generation fighters, like this MiG-29KUB, delaying the acquisition of a Fifth Generation Fighter to the next decade. Photo: RAC/MiG

“The Russian Naval Aviation is not expecting to replace its carrier-based Su-33 fighters in the current decade. An acquisition of a fifth generation fighter, base on the Sukhoi T-50 or other designs could be considered later in the decade, after the new fighter is proven in land-based service with the Russian Air Force.” Russian news agency RIA Novosti quoted the outgoing chief of the Naval Aviation and Air Defense Forces, Lt. General Valery Uvarov told. The statement made by General Uvarov represents a shift from previous statements by the armed forces command and Defense Ministry about the

Two MiG-29KUB, marked in Russian and Indian markings are seen here undergoing flight trials on the Russian carrier Admiral Kuznetsov. Photo: RAC/MiG.

feasibility of fielding a new naval fighter based on the Sukhoi T.50 design around 2016. While Russia is committed to embark on a fleet expansion plan to include the construction of the several new aircraft carriers to be built throughout the decade, the next generation fighter could be fielded to meet the initial deployment of the new fleet carriers, expected around 2025.

Meanwhile, the current Naval fighters are aging. To minimize the deterioration of its Naval Aviation, the Russian Navy plans to spend about $1 billion to field two squadrons with 24 MiG-29K, gradually replacing one squadron of 18 Su-33 and another unit flying Su-25 attack fighters, currently operating on board the Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov. The accommodation of more aircraft will be possible by the removal of the P-700 ‘Granit’ anti-ship missiles, currently carried on the Kuznetsov. Such work could be done during the vessels’ next major overhaul, planned for late 2012.

The MiG-29K was developed to meet the requirements of the Indian Navy for a carrier-based fighter. India has ordered 16 fighters and has options to buy 30 more.

Being more realistic about the maturation process of the new fighter, Uvarov would like to see the T-50 fielded with the Air Force, rather than bearing the huge costs associated with the maturation process. Only after the fighter is proven it could be navalized for use on the Russian Navy carriers. “Conditions might be suitable by 2020″ said Uvarov. While being concerned with the cost involved with the T-50 development, Uvarov said that the Russian Navy is not committed to T-50 as the only 5^th generation fighter and is ready to consider competing proposals from other manufacturers that traditionally supply naval aviation fighters, including the MiG and Yakovlev design bureaus.

Related posts: Maiden Flight for Russia’s New Stealth Fighter

The launch vehicle unit carrying two Yakhont anti-ship missiles in container launchers. The missiles are carried in the recessed position and launched vertically from the erected canisters.

The expected arrival of the P800 Yakhont supersonic anti-ship missile in Syria is considered the first serious attempt by Syria to directly challenge the Israel Navy since the 1973 war, when the Israeli Navy sunk five Syrian vessels in the first missile-boat engagement known as the ‘Battle of Latakia’. Four decades later, the P800 Yakhont is far superior than the Styx missiles that failed to protect the Syrian Navy in 1973.  Much like the Russian-Indian Brahmos, the earlier Moskit and Supersonic Alpha, Yakhont has the capability to strike its target at supersonic speed, flying at very low level, leaving the defender much shorter time to react. Yet, ship defenses have come a long way since the Electronic Warfare (EW) systems that saved the day and won the battle for the Israelis.

AEGIS systems, used on U.S. Navy and many NATO vessels, the European PAAMS, used by the Royal Navy, French and Italian navies and Israel’s new Barak 8 ship air defense system are designed to match such treats. So does Israel’s ‘Magic Wand’ system, employing the Stunner missile interceptor, capable to counter these potent missiles effectively if employed in surface/surface or ship/surface role. However, the majority of smaller naval vessels, still equipped with ‘point defense’ anti-missile systems were not designed to counter such high speed attacks, particularly when it comes in salvos of two or four missile.

Such elements are at risk within ranges of 300 km, by missiles fired from the Mediterranean Syrian naval bases at Tartus and Latakia. Yakhont typically cruises to the target area at high altitude, and then descends for a sea skimming attack from under the horizon. The distance at which it begins its descent can be programmed before launch, by determining the achievable range, which is between 120 (low level flight) – 300 km (high mid-course, low-level beyond the horizon to the target.

The potential coverage of P800 Yakhont missiles fired from coastal sites (Tartus) or land sites in Southern Syria cover Israel's Mediterranean Naval Bases.

While some navies could avoid this area, for Israel, the long range of the P800 means its naval vessels could be at risk, even at their main base in Haifa, a site already compromised by rockets fired from Lebanon during the 2006 war. Israel’s second naval base in Ashdod could be targeted from land-based sites in Southern Syria. Furthermore, when targeting Israeli naval patrols in international waters off the Lebanese coast, P800 can be vertically launched from inland sites in Syria or Lebanon, fired behind the Lebanon mountain ridge, avoiding detection from the sea, thus minimizing the early warning for the targeted vessels. Therefore, accelerated fielding of Barak-8 and Magic Wand systems should be a top priority for Israel. Another risk for Navies operating in the Persian Gulf presents a technology leak – by such a missile falling into Iranian hands, which could accelerate the introduction of such potent weapons in Tehran’s growing anti-shipping arsenal.

The operational concept of the Bastion P coastal defense system employs multiple mobile launchers each carrying two Yakhont missiles, capable of attacking targets at a distance of 250 km from the coast. Targeting is provided by helicopters or other airborne platforms, coastal radars or ships at sea. Each launch unit is operating independently, or coordinate its activity with another launch vehicle located up to 15 km away, targeting, command and control are provided by the central command vehicle and regional command post that can be located more than 25 km apart.

The current contract, estimated to be worth $300 million includes the delivery of two Bastion coastal defense systems, each includes 36 missiles. It is yet unclear if the Syrian navy will also opt to equip its naval platforms will with these new weapons. The Yakhont can be fitted with relatively small vessels, from corvette size and larger. The Bastion system is operated from mobile launchers on land, each launcher carries two ready to launch missiles. Another configuration is designed for airborne platforms. But even with these potent weapons in hand, the Syrians may not yet be ready to employ them effectively. Syria currently does not have the means to effectively target the missile beyond the horizon, lacking maritime patrol aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles or attack aircraft capable of carrying such missiles. Even their largest Petya class Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) frigates do not have a flight deck for the Ka-28 (Helix) helicopters, operated by the Syrian Navy. The Syrians do not have the capability to detect, track and designate targets at those ranges since, being a small, defensive force, they did not have any weapon reaching out to these ranges. This is particularly true when the target is ‘silent’ and cannot be targeted by surface-based Electronic Support Measures (ESM).

Each mobile transporter-launcher carrying two Yakhont P800 missiles.

If the Syrians are seriously planning to extend their operational reach with the missile, one has to watch out for Syria to reach for UAVs, naval patrol aircraft (Be-200 or Il-38 from any CIS nation or other countries (decommissioning such aircraft could be an option). Such transfer of equipment could be unnoticed as it does not involves weapons transfer. They could also opt for upgrading the Su-24MK ‘Fencer D’ to take on maritime recce role. Even more serious is a combination of Su-27/Su-30 and P800s, which could provides the P800 with the stand-off targeting and attack capability against surface targets. The Russians are using their Onyx version of the weapon with their Su-33 carrier-based naval fighters. By knowing the P800 is within range, the Israeli Navy will definitely lose its dominant and unchallenged position in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly along the Lebanese coast, and therefore should take defensive measures – certainly be on guard, which it failed, during the Second Lebanon War in 2006, when ISN Hanit was hit unexpectedly by a Hizbollan C-802 missile – having turned off its on-board defensive systems.

Of course, for deliberate ‘ambush’ attacks Syria could try deploying forward targeting using merchant or fishery vessels sailing in the Eastern Mediterranean  or submarines, provided by allies such as Iran (since Syria do not have any submarines now, after decommissioning their 3 Romeo subs about six years ago). But this is really a long, long shot that would cost Syria dearly.

Altogether, for the short term, the arrival of the P800 in the Mediterranean is a serious threat. Over time, as the Israel Navy gets its Barak-8 missiles and ‘Magic Wand’ deployed, the threat could be contained, given the Syrians will not deploy large numbers of these missiles on platforms and constellations that would maximize its capability to launch saturation attack against the IN leading vessels. Whatever the case may be, both sides, the Syrians and the Israelis need time to deploy and defend so the threat may be serious, at first sight, but viable solutions are already in sight.

The Russians are using their Onyx version of the weapon with their Su-33 carrier-based naval fighters.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin meet Israel's Defense Minister Ehud Barak September 6, 2010 in Moscow. Photo: Novosty

Israel and Russia have signed today a military cooperation agreement and are negotiating the establishment of a joint venture to develop and produce unmanned aerial vehicles in Russia. Israel’s minister of defense Ehud Barak and his host, Russian minister of defense, Anatoly Serdyukov have signed a military cooperation agreement today, paving the way for tighter cooperation in the field of unmanned systems, counter terrorism and asymmetric, urban warfare – fields Russia expects a dialog with Israel could be beneficial.


“It is very important to us that in the transition to a new image, the Russian armed forces use the experience the Israeli armed forces have and the work they have done” Serdyukov said, adding Russia has bought 12 UAV systems from Israel, and 50 servicemen are currently being trained to operate them. Gradually opening to the world defense market, Russia is planning several acquisitions of major platforms, including helicopter carriers, and Italian armored vehicles. Past cooperation with foreign defense industries were limited to contracts where customers insisted on the integration of non Russian avionics or weaponry.  The acquisition of Israeli UAVs was one of the first procurements foreign systems completed by the Russians.

The twelve UAVs Russia has acquired were delivered by IAI off-the-shelf, to fulfill ad-hoc requirements for military and homeland security uses. Among the off-the-shelf available systems were two Bird Eye 400 systems, eight I-View MK150 tactical UAVs and two Searcher Mk II tactical short range UAVs. Some 50 Russian military servicemen are currently undergoing training in the use of these systems.

A second contract worth $100 million is expected to be delivered this year. The Russians were also after more advanced UAVs of the Heron 1 class, but after long deliberation Israel’s defense ministry decided to exclude such advanced systems as ‘too sensitive’ for transfer to the eastern bloc. However, to enable the deal to go forward the MOD approved IAI to proceed and establish a Joint Venture with a Russian partner, to establish a UAV development and production center in Russia. Prospects for the Russian demand for such systems are estimated at $300 million. According to various estimates, the Russian military needs up to 100 UAVs and at least 10 guidance and control systems to ensure effective battlefield reconnaissance.

Despite the warming relations with the country once known to be its enemies largest arms provider, Israel is concerned of Moscow’s determination to pursue arms transfer plans to Syria, particularly of the Yakhont P-800 supersonic anti-ship missiles which keep Israeli naval vessels at risk throughout the eastern Mediterranean. Israel is particularly concerned about a possible transfer of such weapons from Syria to Lebanon’s Hezbollah. Another issue is the transfer of S-300 air defense missiles to Iran, which has been dragged for years. Moscow has never clarified its position regarding the fulfillment of the contract signed with te Iranians.

The issue of missiles transfer to Syria was dealt with Moscow on discrete channels for some time but has raised opposition in the Kremlin, as many officials refused to back off from the commitment to its Syria ally. In the past Russia denied Israel’s claims of the use of Syrian-supplied Russian made missiles by Hezbollah, during the 2nd Lebanon War in 2006. However, since that war Russian defense manufacturers continuously refer to the successful combat use of their Kornet and Metis guided missiles, without openly mentioning Hezbollah as the ‘end user’.

Two weeks ago Israel’s prime minister raised this issue with Russian prime-minister Vladimir Putin and today. This topic was also include din today’s meeting between Putin and Barak. The P-800 missiles have a range of 300 kilometers, carry a 200-kilogram warhead and feature a unique ability to cruise several meters above the surface, making it difficult to detected and intercept it.

The Russians wanted to buy up to four French Mistral ships. Photo: Novosti news agency

The Russian Defense Ministry will hold a tender on the purchase of helicopter carriers, having backed out of negotiations to buy the Mistral-class helicopter carrier from France without a tender. Russia has been negotiating with the French shipbuilder DCNS about the procurement of two vessels, with options for two additional ships to be built by local shipyards. The estimated cost of the program could exceed US$2 billion – making this program one of the largest Russian shipbuilding programs in recent decades.

The decision to open the tender followed a complaint by the Russian United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) to the Federal Antitrust Service, about the exclusion of local shipbuilders from competing for this program, a claim that gained the Russian Navy support. As a result, USC was officially invited to take part in the tender, to be announced next month. The tender is likely to involve other foreign shipbuilders in addition to the French.

While Russian and foreign bidders will seriously attempt to compete, it is likely that the tender will be ‘tailored’ to clear the ground for selecting the French offer. According to the Russian Daily Kommersant, USC has offered to build the ship for $500-700 million, while DCNS priced their vessels around $430-540 million. USC is realistic about its chance to win the program, and is setting the ground to join the French as a partner. Two of the USC subsidiaries are candidates for such JVs – the Admiralteyskiye Verfi  from St.Petersburg’s and the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad. A French delegation is expected to visit the Yantar shipyard this month to study the possibility of building Mistral class ships there. Another subsidiary of USC is the Zvezda Shipbuilding Company, based in the Far East, has already established a joint venture with South Korean Daewoo Marine Shipbuilding & Engineering, and will offer the Dokdo helicopter carrier.

USC is promissing it could complete the vessel construction within 30 months.

For more information: Russian Navy helicopter carrier tender to be announced in September

The Russians wanted to buy up to four French Mistral ships. Photo: Novosti news agency

The Russian Defense Ministry will hold a tender on the purchase of helicopter carriers, having backed out of negotiations to buy the Mistral-class helicopter carrier from France without a tender. Russia has been negotiating with the French shipbuilder DCNS about the procurement of two vessels, with options for two additional ships to be built by local shipyards. The estimated cost of the program could exceed US$2 billion – making this program one of the largest Russian shipbuilding programs in recent decades.

The decision to open the tender followed a complaint by the Russian United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) to the Federal Antitrust Service, about the exclusion of local shipbuilders from competing for this program, a claim that gained the Russian Navy support. As a result, USC was officially invited to take part in the tender, to be announced next month. The tender is likely to involve other foreign shipbuilders in addition to the French.

While Russian and foreign bidders will seriously attempt to compete, it is likely that the tender will be ‘tailored’ to clear the ground for selecting the French offer. According to the Russian Daily Kommersant, USC has offered to build the ship for $500-700 million, while DCNS priced their vessels around $430-540 million. USC is realistic about its chance to win the program, and is setting the ground to join the French as a partner. Two of the USC subsidiaries are candidates for such JVs – the Admiralteyskiye Verfi  from St.Petersburg’s and the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad. A French delegation is expected to visit the Yantar shipyard this month to study the possibility of building Mistral class ships there. Another subsidiary of USC is the Zvezda Shipbuilding Company, based in the Far East, has already established a joint venture with South Korean Daewoo Marine Shipbuilding & Engineering, and will offer the Dokdo helicopter carrier.

USC is promissing it could complete the vessel construction within 30 months.

For more information: Russian Navy helicopter carrier tender to be announced in September

During the demonstration the SeaOtter MkII AUV autonomously sailed on a transit course into the survey area, it conduct a survey with transecting lines, followed by a transit section back to the launch point. Photo: Atlas Elektronik

Atlas Elektronik has demonstrated Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV) at the company owned test site in Bincleaves, Dorset, UK. A select group of commercial customers was invited to witness the SeaWolf and SeaOtter MK II AUVs in action. The SeaOtter MkII was equipped with multiple sensor systems included a new side scan sonar, multibeam echosounder and camera. During the demonstration the vehicle autonomously sailed on a transit course into the survey area, it conduct a survey with transecting lines, followed by a transit section back to the launch point.

The SeaWolf back on deck after diving in the Laachersee. Photo: Atlas Elektronik

Another demonstration was performed by the hybrid AUV/ROV SeaWolf, conducting a simultaneous survey operation surveying the seabed in shallow water, at depths between 5 and 8m using side scan sonar. The SeaWolf conducted a lawnmower pattern survey with tight line spacing.

“We demonstrated the feasibility of having multiple AUVs simultaneously operating in the water” said said Sven-Christian Hesse, Head of UUV programs at Atlas Elektronik. “These AUVs can quickly survey large areas of seabed from the convenience of sheltered facilities such as a harbor.” Jesper Peter Menne Baunsgaard, sales manager for Atlas Maridan added that these AUVs have moved beyond the technology now, “this is when we focus our attention on the applications we are able to facilitate for our customers.The AUVs can carry multiple payloads according to the requirements by the customers and the combination of these and their integration with the MARPOS navigation system makes the possibilities for application virtually unlimited.” Baunsgaard said.

AW101 helicopter shown in a proposed Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASaC) configuration for the Royal Navy. Photo: AgustaWestland

AugustaWestland and Thales presented the conceptual design of an AW101 ‘Merlin’ based Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASaC), positioned to replace the Sea King Mk7 ASaC currently operated by the Royal Navy. Operating from the deck of helicopter and aircraft carriers, Sea King Mk 7 helicopters are carrying the Searchwater 2000 radar and Cerberus mission system to provide airborne early warning at sea for the Royal Navy naval surface fleet.

A cutaway showing the two consoles of the Cerberus and AEW mission systems, along with the Thales Searchwater shown in the stored position. Once the AW101 ASaC is airborne, the radar is extracted and positioned to cover 360 degrees, unobstructed by the helicopter fuselage or tail. Photo: Agustawestland. a mission, The radar

Under the collaborative ‘enhanced ASaC’ capability, announced last week by the two companies at Royal Navy Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton during the Fleet Air Arm’s annual Air Day, a proposed Merlin AEW platform could be ready to replace the Mk7 as it is retired by teh year 2016. The Royal Navy plans to deploy the new ASaC helicopter with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter on the new Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers, currently under construction.

According to Ed Lowe, Chief Operating Officer of Thales UK, “Thales and AgustaWestland are working together to develop a proposal to transfer the Cerberus mission system to the AW101 platform. “I am confident this will offer our customer a low cost, low risk method of delivering ASaC well into the future with no capability gap” Lowe said.

The Sea King Mk 7 (ASaC) is scheduled to withdraw from service and retire by the year 2016. Photo: Royal Navy

Unlike the side mounted configuration on the Sea King Mk7, the AW101 will use a palletized Searchwater 2000 radar, deployed through the rear ramp aperture when in operation and stows in the cabin when not in use. This installation will also expand the radar coverage to full 360 degrees, significantly increasing mission range and endurance.

The new configuration will also enable rapid transit between tasking. The mission system will also comprise two modernized mission crew stations to be located at the forward end of the cabin facing aft. These workstations will introduce new man machine interface (MMI) optimized for two man operation. The enhanced ASaC equipment could be role fitted to all AW101 utility variants.

An MH-60R Seahawk assigned to the "Raptors" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71 fires the first of four live Hellfire missiles fired by aircraft assigned to a deployable squadron. The first MH-60R squadron aircraft is replacing the SH-60B and SH-60F aircraft to combine the capabilities of the two aircraft and has the capability to deploy the AGM-114 series Hellfire missile laser-guided precision air-to-surface missile. U.S. Navy (photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark A. Leonesio)

Australia is interested in buying 24 MH-60R Seahawk maritime multi-mission helicopters at an estimated cost of US$2.1 billion, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress.  The Royal Australian Navy currently operates 32 SH-60B and B-2 Seahawk models. Under Air 9000 Phase 8 plan to replace the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) fleet of 16 S-70B Seahawks and the Seasprites whose acquisition has been cancelled. RAN considers two alternatives for this program - the NH 90 NFH from NH Industries and MH-60R from U.S. based Sikorsky.

The ‘Romeo’ is designed to carry out multiple missions including anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-ship surface warfare, search and rescue. The SH-60R Seahawk could be operating from frigates and helicopter carrying amphibious support ships. It is equipped with a mission package complex combining maritime search radar, electronic support measures (ESM), electro-optical payloads, and various ASW support systems.

Two multi-mission MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters fly in tandem during section landings at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla. The new Sea Hawk variant has many improvements, such as the glass cockpit, improved mission systems, new sensors and advanced avionics. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shannon Renfroe)

Canberra will be the lead ship of the Australian Navy new amphibious landing dock ship class

Saab will supply the Sea Giraffe Agile Multi-Beam (AMB) radar to equip the Australian Canberra class amphibious ships. The value of the order is US$15.6 million.

Sea Giraffe AMB 3D naval multi-mission radar from Saab Microwave

The Sea Giraffe AMB system comprises a multi-mission capable surveillance systems providing simultaneous air defense, air and sea surveillance, air/land integration, military air traffic control and rocket, artillery and mortar alert. Saab’s Sea Giraffe naval surveillance radar is in operational service on the Australian and New Zealand Anzac Class frigates. The Giraffe radars are currently in production and in use with armed forces including Sweden, France, Estonia and the UK. HMAS Canberra is the lead ship of two new amphibious landing dock ships to be delivered in 2012 – 2014, replacing the current amphibious support vessels operated by the Royal Australian Navy.

Australia has also leased from Saab a land based Giraffe ABM radar to provide early warning from mortars and rocket attacks for troops deployed to Uruzgan, Afghanistan. The lease contract value is approximately $32 million including operations and support. It is considered as an interim measure until more radars are acquired and fielded.