French military developments

[Scarface]

There are unconfirmed reports of France picking the HK416 as their new standard issue rifle replacing FAMAS

I'm surprised if this is true it means the HK416 managed to beat the SCAR,quite the feat for a firearm based on the AR platform

 

[Gabriel92]

There are unconfirmed reports of France picking the HK416 as their new standard issue rifle replacing FAMAS

I'm surprised if this is true it means the HK416 managed to beat the SCAR,quite the feat for a firearm based on the AR platform

It's official now that the HK 416A5 (french version named HK 416F) will replace the Famas.

 

[asianobserve]

Now this is very cool! France's President Macron is photographed being dropped from a helicopter into a moving nuclear submarine Le Terrible.

Vive la France!

Now we have a new leader of the "Free World!"

Pres. Macron does make Trump look like an idiot!

 

[Armand2REP]

ATL2 maritime patrol


The replacement will be based on A320neo and several nations are signing on.

 

[Armand2REP]

20 jihadists killed or captured in French raids in northern Mali
By Caleb Weiss | February 15th, 2018

Aftermath of a car belonging to a Group for Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) commander targeted by a French airstrike as part of the raids. (Source)

The French military announced that its forces killed or captured at least 20 jihadists in near simultaneous raids in northern Mali yesterday as part of the ongoing Operation Barkhane. The raids occurred near the border of Mali and Algeria, close to the Algerian town of Tinzaouatene. The raids reportedly targeted senior commanders of al Qaeda’s Group for Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM).

“During the night of February 13 and 14, 2018, French forces engaged in the Sahel carried out an operation on three objectives of armed terrorist groups in the northeast of Mali, between Boughessa and Tinzaouatene.

The operation began with simultaneous airstrikes on the objectives followed by helicopter assaults supported by Tiger helicopters and concluded with engagements on the ground. The balance sheet, provisional at this stage, is about 20 terrorists killed or captured, three vehicles destroyed, several weapons captured, and a large number of documents seized.”

https://www.longwarjournal.org/arch...-captured-in-french-raid-in-northern-mali.php

 

[Armand2REP]

Interesting news... the old white paper cap of 225 fighters has been raised to 253.

"The least we can say is that the Air Force has not been forgotten in the 2019-2025 LPM," said Parly. Over the period, the air force will generally retain the same format, displaying for example a fleet of 254 fighter aircraft in 2019, including 143 Rafale (including 41 Rafale Marine) and 111 Mirage 2000 of all types to 253 fighters in 2025 (including 171 Rafale (including 42 Navy) (1).

As part of this preserved format, fighter aviation will be modernized, with 28 new Rafale (including one for the Navy) and 55 MirageD renovated. An order of 30 additional Rafale will take place in 2023. Furthermore, the nuclear component will be renewed and the Rafale will replace the Mirage 2000N next summer. The Rafale's capabilities will be enhanced through the development of the new F4 standard, which is scheduled for launch this year.

Also tankers A330 MRTT will go from 12 to 15 and transport target of 50 is secure.

http://www.lefigaro.fr/internationa...rly-confirme-le-cap-pour-l-armee-de-l-air.php

 

[Armand2REP]

2018 mission Joan of Arc will conduct operations in the South China Sea

For several years now, the mission "Joan of Arc", which consists of the BPC Dixmude and the light stealth frigate Surcouf, left Toulon on the 26th of February will focus consistently on the Asia-Pacific region, which has not always been the case in the past.

"Given the tensions in the South China Sea, France, civil and military maritime power foremost, continues to affirm the principle of freedom of navigation, to contribute to the security of maritime areas to promote uniform application of the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea"

In 2018, 133 students of officers embarked aboard the BPC Dixmude participate in two amphibious exercises (one in Corsica and one in Djibouti), then will go to Lebanon and Israel before crossing the Suez Canal and then to head to India and South-East Asia to the Pacific. Stopovers are planned in Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore.

The BPC Dixmude host detachments of the 3rd Marine Infantry Regiment (RIMA) and the 5th Regiment of Joint Overseas (RIAOM) and two Gazelle helicopters of Light Aviation of the Army (ALAT) the latter being landed in Djibouti, as 45 soldiers from the US Marine Corps, who will also participate in the Wakri amphibious exercise.

The mission "Joan of Arc" will also have a European dimension. Like last year, a detachment of thirty sailors of the Royal Navy will be present on board the BPC Dixmude to implement two Wildcat helicopters, for the first time Spanish troops will be participating with two Cougar helicopters.

 

[asianobserve]

2018 mission Joan of Arc will conduct operations in the South China Sea

For several years now, the mission "Joan of Arc", which consists of the BPC Dixmude and the light stealth frigate Surcouf, left Toulon on the 26th of February will focus consistently on the Asia-Pacific region, which has not always been the case in the past.

"Given the tensions in the South China Sea, France, civil and military maritime power foremost, continues to affirm the principle of freedom of navigation, to contribute to the security of maritime areas to promote uniform application of the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea"

In 2018, 133 students of officers embarked aboard the BPC Dixmude participate in two amphibious exercises (one in Corsica and one in Djibouti), then will go to Lebanon and Israel before crossing the Suez Canal and then to head to India and South-East Asia to the Pacific. Stopovers are planned in Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore.

The BPC Dixmude host detachments of the 3rd Marine Infantry Regiment (RIMA) and the 5th Regiment of Joint Overseas (RIAOM) and two Gazelle helicopters of Light Aviation of the Army (ALAT) the latter being landed in Djibouti, as 45 soldiers from the US Marine Corps, who will also participate in the Wakri amphibious exercise.

The mission "Joan of Arc" will also have a European dimension. Like last year, a detachment of thirty sailors of the Royal Navy will be present on board the BPC Dixmude to implement two Wildcat helicopters, for the first time Spanish troops will be participating with two Cougar helicopters.

With some modifications to Mistral I think the French Navy can have new (pocket) aircraft carriers if they operate F-35Bs. The Japanese and Koreans are seriously considering of converting their helicopter carriers/amphibious assault ships into mini aircraft carriers with introduction of F-35Bs. This would be a major force multiplier.

 

[Tactical Frog]

Showing some muscle there

 

[Armand2REP]

LPM: The Navy is doing well

It will always be grumpy to say that this is not enough yet, overall, the draft military programming law 2019-2025 is rather good for the Navy. And by extension for the French naval industry. With the exception of a few unpleasant surprises, including the postponement of deliveries of drones SDAM is probably the main black spot, the demands of the staff are almost all satisfied. Certainly, there were certain areas of urgency to fill capability gaps becoming more and more problematic. But history has often shown that the lack of means was not always corrected, far away without necessity, even if it was of a glaring obviousness.

It should also be noted that for the first time in a very long time, a LPM does not reduce the format or delivery rates of major naval programs. Some are even expanded and accelerated. In the end, even if everything is not perfect, the fleet and the naval aviation will by the year 2025 have a great facelift.

Four Barracuda delivered in 2025

Regarding the new nuclear attack submarines Barracuda type, the LPM expects the commissioning of the first four buildings (Suffren, Duguay-Trouin, Tourville and De Grasse) by 2025. Accusing more than three years late the lead is expected to be received by the Navy in 2020. Naval Group (formerly DCNS) has deployed very significant means to absorb the delay on the following units, with a return to normal expected from the third submarine . By the end of 2025, according to the Ministry of the Armed Forces, only two of the six current SNAs of the Rubis type will still be in service. It should logically be the most recent, Amethyst (1992) and Perle (1993), who are also the last of this class to benefit from a major technical stop. This maintenance operation, which includes recharging the nuclear core and gives 10 years of potential to buildings, was completed in early 2017 for Amethyst and will be completed in 2019 for the Pearl. These two submarines will be replaced between 2027 and 2030 by the last two Barracuda, the Rubies and Casabianca.

Renewed confirmation of the two components of deterrence

As expected, the renewal of the two components of the French nuclear deterrent is recorded. While the redesign of the last nuclear missile submarine that was still equipped with M45 missiles, The Bold, will be completed at the end of the year, the LPM provides for the commissioning of the M51.3 and the development of the next version of this intercontinental ballistic missile. The construction of the first of the four third generation SNLEs (SNLE 3G) will also begin in 2020 with a view to commissioning the lead in the early 2030s.

With regard to the airborne component of deterrence, in which the French fleet is participating with the naval air force (Fanu) embarked on the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, its modernization will involve mid-life refurbishment of the improved medium-range air-to-surface missile. (ASMPA) and the continuation of the development studies of its successor, ASN 4G. Note that as of this year, the French airborne component will only be implemented by Rafale, whether in the naval aviation or the Air Force. The Ministry of the Armed Forces adds that "permanent, safe and resilient nuclear transmissions will be adapted to provide the flexibility, elongation and resilience necessary for the deterrence strategy. The adaptation of weapons to operational requirements, their guarantee of nuclear efficiency and safety, as well as the renunciation of France to nuclear tests require the continuation of the simulation program based on the megajoule laser (LMJ), the means of radiography of weapons and the means of numerical intensive computing. Franco-British cooperation in the framework of the TEUTATES program will also be pursued, as well as the preparation of the dismantling of defense systems and installations ".

Studies for the future aircraft carrier(s)

Regarding aircraft carriers, ordering a new building is not on the agenda, but it was not expected anyway. On the other hand, the LPM endorses the announcements made by Florence Parly in the Senate last November. The bill provides, as well, that "studies will be initiated to define, during this LPM, the implementation of a new aircraft carrier. They will make it possible to define as a priority the propulsion system of this building and the integration constraints of new technologies, particularly in the field of catapults and stopping devices. They will have to provide the elements of decision relating to a possible anticipation of the launching of its realization and the format of this component to guarantee its permanence ".

A very interesting formulation because putting on the table the question of the permanence of this tool, which necessarily passes by two carriers. It also leaves open several possibilities, such as the launch of the construction of a new building before the third major technical stop of Charles de Gaulle, scheduled for 2030. This is possible on the basis of studies that will be undertaken and if the contract is notified at the beginning of the next LPM. Knowing that the shipyards of Saint-Nazaire estimate the time of realization of a hull propelled and arranged between 3 and 4 years only from a stabilized preliminary definition. From there, may arise the question of maintaining or not the Charles de Gaulle until 2040, save its ATM 3 to finance a good third of a second new aircraft carrier that could enter the fleet by 2025.

Maintaining skills

Be that as it may, the registration of studies for the future French aircraft carrier (s) is excellent news for the Navy, because it revives the project, but also and especially for the industrialists. These studies were indeed an important issue for Naval Group in the discussions around the LPM, as the company relies on it to maintain its in-house expertise in aircraft carriers. This includes taking advantage for a few more years of those who worked on the Charles de Gaulle program, the abortive project of an adaptation of British design in the 2000s, and teams that lead the overhaul of the current building. These studies are particularly relevant to the Brest and Lorient sites, as well as the Saint-Nazaire shipyards, which have been in charge since 2012 as part of an agreement with Naval Group to build all the platforms of more than 8,000 tonnes produced in France.

Industrial and military will have to reconsider the opportunity or not to maintain a nuclear propulsion, knowing that the future or future French aircraft carriers will undoubtedly be larger than the Charles de Gaulle, whose size was constrained by the size of the basins Brest . A vessel of about 300 meters would provide more fluidity in the aeronautical maneuvers by being able simultaneously to perform catapultages and landings, with longer catapults (90 meters instead of 75). But a larger gauge will require more power, as well as a likely use of electromagnetic catapults in the wake of new US aircraft carriers. It is therefore not certain that France can this time pool the development of nuclear power plants common with the SSBNs as it did for the Charles de Gaulle. Going beyond two boilers to obtain the necessary electrical power, or design specific nuclear cores could significantly increase the bill, while increasing the size of French aircraft carriers and the considerable progress made by conventional propulsion can be an alternative. Studies will weigh the pros and cons of different propulsion modes, but also take into account future developments in on-board hunting, starting with combat drones that are called to complete the piloted aircraft.

Future combat drones

As such, the LPM provides for the continuation of studies of the Future Air Combat System (SCAF), France having for memory initiated in 2014 a R & D program with the British leading to the development of a demonstrator. "The development of SCAF raises the challenges of piloted and unmanned platforms to collaboratively contribute to all strategic functions in the most complex environments. This system will cover the entire spectrum of combat missions in and from the airspace and will maintain air superiority and conduct operations from the third dimension by 2040. The SCAF will be a system interconnected platforms and armaments (planes, combat drones, future cruise missiles and other weapons, command and control, intelligence), centered around a multi-purpose combat aircraft. Choices regarding the type of platform and the partner countries will have to be made during the LPM 2019-2025 and will give a lasting orientation to this structuring program for the future of our air forces and our aerospace industry, "says the Ministry of the Armed Forces.

The naval aeronautics, which is interested like the air force at the SCAF, will meanwhile continue the modernization and the renewal of its means.

More than a new Rafale Marine expected

The hunt on the Charles de Gaulle, from flotillas 11F, 12F and 17F, is for memory solely made of Rafale Marine since the withdrawal of the service of the last Super Etendard in the summer of 2016. The Navy currently has 41 Rafale in the park , including the 9 old standard F1 aircraft retrofitted to the F3 standard. A 42nd aircraft, the M1, has not been renovated and will continue to serve as a flight test bench at Dassault Aviation. Normally, two more aircraft were to be delivered under the fourth tranche of the Rafale program. However, the navy confirms that it now only expects a final plane from 2020, in total it will bring the fleet to 42 Rafale Marine (+ 1 dedicated to testing). Note that after the F3R standard, which will notably see the aircraft equipped with the Meteor air superiority missile and the new Talios designation pod, the LPM confirms the development of a new Rafale standard. The future F4, whose launch of studies is planned this year, will have to answer the problematic of the development of the concepts of denial of access. "This standard will accelerate the decision and engagement cycle, improve its offensive capabilities as defensive against new threats. It will also increase interoperability in all environments, through increased connectivity, both in a national and combined context, to improve operational readiness and in-service support. This standard will finally strengthen the attractiveness of the Rafale export to its competitors. It will be consistent capabilities brought by the mid-life renovation of the ASMPA missile.

https://www.meretmarine.com/fr/content/lpm-la-marine-nationale-sen-sort-bien

 

[Armand2REP]

Three E-2D Advanced Hawkeye ordered

Regarding airborne airborne surveillance, which provides long-range surveillance around the carrier group and coordinates long-range raids on the on-board chase, the LPM endorses the renewal of the three Hawkeye E-2Cs of the 4F fleet. , delivered in 1998, 1999 and 2004. Three new aircraft of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye type, the latest generation of this aircraft arriving on US aircraft carriers, will be ordered at the beginning of the LPM. Their delivery is according to our information expected between 2026 and 2028. The arrival of these new aircraft must coincide with the passage of the on-board hunting to "all Rafale F4" by 2030. Planned to be able to integrate a fueling boom in flight , the E-2Ds, designed for the evolution towards war in a multiplatform and hyper-connected network, will ensure the "gateway" function of the onboard aviation with the new standards of American combat aviation, symbolized by the F-35 . This capability will contribute to the long-term maintenance of interoperability with the US Navy and the US Air Force. While waiting for their successors, note that the current French E-2C will be modernized from this year.

18 Atlantic 2 renovated and a new PATMAR on the horizon

Good news also for the maritime patrol. Notified in 2013, the Atlantic 2 modernization program, which involved a firm tranche of 15 aircraft, was confirmed with its optional installment of 3 additional aircraft (which many imagined sacrificed). In accordance with the Navy's wish, this will be a total of 18 ATL2 which will be renovated to fly beyond 2030. The aircraft benefits from a complete upgrade of its avionics and combat system, as well as the integration of a new Searchmaster radar, digital sound buoys or a Wescam MX-20D optronic system. The prototype, whose flight tests are continuing, is still scheduled to be delivered in 2019, the next 14 by 2023 and the others before 2025. The rise of the format of 15 to 18 aircraft is particularly intended according to the Ministry of the Armed Forces to "deal with the resurgence of the underwater threat in our areas of interest".

The LPM also plans to launch studies for the successor to Atlantic 2, a program that could be the subject of international cooperation. It will be recalled that last June, under the aegis of NATO, Germany, Belgium, Spain, France, Greece, Italy and Turkey signed a letter of intent in to study the possibility of jointly developing a new maritime patrol aircraft. The LPM provides for all to notify an order to this effect by 2025 and if possible a start of implementation, with a target of at least 12 new aircraft operational in 2030.

Launch of the AVSIMAR program

Regarding maritime surveillance, the five old Falcon 200 Gardian based in New Caledonia and French Polynesia will finally be replaced. The LPM indeed ratifies the launch of the AVSIMAR program (surveillance and maritime intervention aircraft), with a final target of 13 aircraft in 2030 and a first order of 7 aircraft on the LPM, the first 3 of which will be delivered in 2024 and 2025. It will be recalled that Dassault Aviation is a candidate with its new Falcon 2000 MRA on this program, which will also replace the four ATL2s only employed in maritime surveillance missions and, ultimately, the eight Falcon 50s available to the Navy.

More than 7 Caiman Marine to deliver

In terms of helicopters, the renewal of Super Hornet (already performed) and Lynx (still 16 in the park) will be completed in 2021 with the delivery of the 27th and last Caiman Marine. The 20th copy of this French version of the NH90 NFH was delivered last December. While two more are expected this year, efforts are continuing with industry to increase the availability of this device still too low. It will be recalled in this respect that in the face of a global problem of maintenance of French military aircraft, the Ministry of the Armies decided in 2017 to reorganize deeply the aeronautical MCO.

HIL: 49 for the Navy but a delayed program

With regard to the future light joint helicopter program, we will have to wait. In March 2017, when he was still Minister of Defense, Jean-Yves Le Drian had tried to advance the first deliveries of HIL from 2028 to 2024, matching his decision of the choice of platform, in this case the new H160 from Airbus Helicopters. However, the change of schedule has not been recorded by the new LPM, which refers HIL deliveries beyond 2025. The current law nevertheless provides for the notification of the program by the end of the period it covers. and sets the target at 169 aircraft, including 49 for the French Navy. They will replace in the naval aviation Alouette III (still 19 in the park), Panther (16), Dauphin Pedro (3) and the 8 dolphin called "public service".

Dauphin rental to temporarily replace Alouette III

The ancient Alouette III, 19 of which are still in the park and some have been flying for 50 years, can not wait. The LPM therefore confirms the Navy's willingness to lease around fifteen helicopters from the Dauphin family by 2020 to a private operator to replace the Alouette III Series 319. A transitional solution that will be added to the Outsourcing of the assignments assigned to the 7 machines of the 316 series (the first to be withdrawn) for the benefit of the School of Specialization on Embarked Helicopters attached to the 22S squadron (ESHE / 22S). A leasing agreement has just been notified to the French subsidiary of the Belgian group NHV, which will supply, within the framework of a current market from the beginning of 2018 to the end of 2023, four SA365 / H155 leased without crew.

Sliding shipments of 15 SDAM drones

Finally, to close this chapter on the air assets of the French fleet, it will also have to wait to see the arrival of the new SDAM (aerial drone systems for the navy). It was planned that the first of these rotary wing drones to equip the frigates and deep-sea patrol ships be delivered from 2023 to equip the new intermediate size frigates (FTI). But the inevitable trade-offs in investment in equipment have not been favorable to this capacity. The LPM certainly confirms the order of 15 SDAM for the navy, but the deliveries are postponed "by 2028". The notification of a major R & D contract to Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group last December will nevertheless allow prototypes of this machine to be developed without delay. Based on the VSR 700, designed on the cell of the helicopter Helicopters Guimbal's Cabri G2 light helicopter, the new 750-kilogram drone will perform a fully automatic landing on a naval frigate in 2021.

 

[Armand2REP]

FREMM and FTI: Confirmed Format and Schedule

In the field of frigates, the FREMM and FTI programs are confirmed in their current format and schedule. While the fifth FREMM, Brittany, will be delivered this summer, the sixth, dubbed Normandy, will join the fleet in 2019. The last two of the series, equipped with enhanced air defense capabilities (radar Herakles more powerful, adapted combat system , cells for 32 Aster 30 missiles), will be added in 2021 (Alsace) and 2022 (Lorraine).

The first of the five new mid-size frigates is maintained for delivery in 2023, with a second being received by the navy by 2025. All others must be operational by 2030 at the latest.

DAMB for the Forbin and Chevalier Paul

Admitted to active service in 2010 and 2011, Forbin and Chevalier Paul (Horizon type) air defender frigates see their mid-life rethinking postponed to the next LPM, although contract notification is expected by 2025 The project, which should finally be completed around 2027, will focus on the renovation of the combat system. The current LPM provides for the launch of integration studies of Aster 30 Block 1 NT missiles on these frigates, which are expected to dispose with this new weapon adopted by the Air Force for the SAMP-T NG (command of Aster 30 B1NT from 2022) with a ballistic missile defense capability.

It is recalled that the Horizon are currently equipped with launchers to ship 16 Aster 15 and 32 Aster 30, with a reserve of room for 16 additional missiles. As part of their redesign, there will also be talk of the fire control radar, the replacement of the EMPAR with a muscular version of the new Sea Fire planned on the FTI is a possibility. But there should also be discussions with the Italians, with whom France has developed the Horizon and who also intend to integrate the Aster B1NT on the two frigates of this type in service in the Marina militare.

Only three La Fayette will be modernized

Regarding the five La Fayette-type frigates, commissioned between 1996 and 2001, as could be expected, only three will be modernized between 2020 and 2022. The work will include the addition of a hull sonar and replacement of the surface-air Crotale system by two Sadral launchers recovered from the frigates Dupleix, Montcalm and Jean de Vienne (the first two being already disarmed and the third to be removed from service next summer). The two La Fayettes, which will not be renovated, will however retire only after 2025.

Subtlety around the format of first-rate frigates

On paper, the contested format of the last defense white paper (2013), which targeted 15 first-rate frigates for the French Navy (up from 24 in 2008), is maintained. It is therefore a priori a failure for sailors, who now line up 17 frigates and have tried in recent months, given the increasing operational needs, to increase this number to 18.

But maintaining a target of 15 first-rate frigates is actually a trompe l'oeil. First, the LPM delays five years the application of this goal, set at 2025 by the last White Paper and this time returned to 2030 around a park including 2 FDA, 8 FREMM and 5 FTI. In fact, the renovation of three La Fayettes, which will maintain these buildings at least until 2030, will allow the navy to maintain its current format over more than a decade, with the possibility of returning to the front in 2025 and in 2030 to expect the order of three additional new frigates. It is rather clever on the part of the staff, who knew he could not get everything he asked for and, thanks to this clever compromise, managed to preserve the future.

Priority to patrol renewal

Because there was more urgent, in this case the long-awaited and often delayed renewal of the patrol boats. After the commissioning in 2016 and 2017 of the two Guiana light patrol boats (PLG) replacing the old P400 La Capricieuse and La Gracieuse, the program of the offshore surveillance and intervention vessels (BATSIMAR) was to replace by fifteen similar units all other patrol boats based in metropolitan France and overseas. Namely the 9 ex-avisos type A69, commissioned between 1980 and 1984), the last two P400 (La Glorieuse and La Moqueuse) dating from 1987, Arago (1991), Le Malin (former longliner 1997 caught in the act of illegal fishing in 2004, seized and converted into a patrol vessel in 2009), as well as the public service patrol vessels Flamant, Cormoran and Pluvier, operational since 1997. We will not count L'Adroit, prototype of a new range of OPV carried out on own funds by Naval Group and made available to the Navy since 2011 pending its sale to the export.

By next year, two avisos (Commander l'Herminier and Lieutenant de Vaisseau Lavallée) must be disarmed, the withdrawal of the service of Lieutenant de Vaisseau Le Hénaff being planned for 2020. But it is in the ultramarine territories, where the units are counted on the fingers of one hand, that the situation is the most critical. In Nouméa, the P400 will not go much further, as the Arago in Polynesia. This, while the non-replacement of already disarmed patrollers makes tell the Navy that it has only half of the means necessary to correctly monitor the exclusive economic zones of the ultramarine territories.

7 new patrol boats for Overseas

Under these conditions, it was decided last year to abandon the program BATSIMAR, which could not see the day before 2024 if the idea of a single platform was maintained to replace all the French patrol boats. Instead, there will be two new sets of ships, one dedicated to overseas and the other to the metropolis. While an additional unit of the PLG type, available in 2019 by Socarenam, was commissioned in 2017 to reinforce naval assets stationed in the West Indies following the passage of Hurricane Irma, six derived buildings will be notified. Expected between 2022 and 2024, these overseas patrol boats (POM) could be a little bigger than the PLG and equipped with a platform for the implementation of drones. They will be based in New Caledonia, French Polynesia and Reunion, with one pair for each of these territories.

10 metropolitan offshore patrol boats

Meanwhile, 10 offshore patrol boats for the city will be ordered, the first two copies to be delivered in 2024 and 2025. The design of these buildings is not stopped but they should have a size similar to that of L'Adroit, about 90 meters for 1500 tons of displacement. It will be recalled that this program is one of the avenues for a new Franco-Italian cooperation.

In all, the Navy will have 19 new patrol boats, one more than she wanted and even four if we take into account the format envisaged under the previous legislature for BATSIMAR. These means will also arrive faster because at the end of the LPM, in 2025, 9 new patrol boats (7 POM and 2 PHM) will enter the fleet, against only 4 planned before the renewal of this component of the Navy.

As for the six Floreal-type surveillance frigates commissioned between 1992 and 1994, their modernization will enable these overseas-based vessels to sail until the end of the next decade. Their replacement by 2030 will have to be addressed in the next LPM.

New means of mine warfare

The new military planning law will also see the renewal of the means of mine warfare and the fight against improvised explosive devices (IED) maritime, the latter being one of the facets of the terrorist threat. It is the SLAM-F (future mine-control system) program that will focus on the replacement of the 11 tripartite mine hunters (CMT) commissioned between 1984 and 1988 (1996 for Sagittarius) with a system based on the use of drones. As such, four motherships are to be built as well as eight autonomous gear systems including UAVs for the detection and location of mines, as well as surface drones (USV), the latter implement a towed sonar and teleoperated robots (ROV) dedicated to the identification and destruction of mines. At the same time, SLAM-F includes two other components, with 5 new deminer-base building (BBPD) buildings and the development of a new mine-warfare management system.

Apparently discussed for a while, the format of SLAM-F is finally maintained, even though the Ministry of the Armed Forces indicates that the number of motherships could possibly vary depending on the model chosen. On the calendar side, the drone system, which is the subject of a program in cooperation with the United Kingdom (MMCM), will see its tests begin at the end of 2018 with a view to qualifying in 2019. The system includes an AUV ECA type A27, a USV derived from the Halcyon, 11 meter craft developed by the British company ASV, a towed sonar (T-SAS) and its SAMDIS synthetic aperture antenna with multi-aspect imaging system, supplied by Thales, as well as ROV MuMNS designed by the Swedish group Saab.

The LPM expects that by the end of 2025, two of the four mother ships, four of the eight drone systems and three of the five new BBPDs will be delivered. At this date, there will be only five CMTs in service in the Navy, the four current BBPD having been disarmed.

https://www.meretmarine.com/fr/content/lpm-la-marine-nationale-sen-sort-bien

 

[Armand2REP]

Replacement of Hydrographic Buildings

The principle of mother ships implementing drones was also retained for the renewal of the hydro-oceanographic buildings currently in service. These are the three old La Pérouse-type units dating from 1988/89, then Beautemps-Beaupré, commissioned in 2003. Announced on the occasion of the presentation of the LPM project, the CHOF program (hydrographic capacity and oceanographic future) will be launched in 2023. As explained in the Navy, "it is not a question of replacing number for number the hydrographic buildings of old generation but to have a capacity of set enabling both hydrographic surveys and the preparation and conduct of naval operations in the deployment areas. "

What is presented as a capability approach of "systems of systems" is currently, according to the LPM, the construction of two new BHOs, as well as four drone systems and new sensors. One of the two vessels will be in service by the end of 2025, the second and the four drone systems being delivered in the next LPM.

Four new logistics buildings

While the amphibious and airmobile projection fleet retains a three-PCB format, the Mistral, Tonnerre and Dixmude, commissioned between 2006 and 2012, one of the very good news of the LPM lies in the Fleet Logistics program (FLOTLOG) . The latter will eventually replace the old command and supply buildings Var (1983), Marne (1987) and Somme (1990). As Emmanuel Macron suggested during his wishes to the Armies, delivered in Toulon last month, the format is raised from three to four units. This is not really a luxury for this highly sought-after component, on which the operational capability of the air carrier group during its deployments is particularly important. Four new logistics buildings will be ordered at the beginning of the LPM for delivery of the lead to 2023 and its first sistership in 2024/2025. At this date, only one old BCR will still be operational but it should be quickly replaced with the arrival of the third and fourth units of the FLOTLOG program. This will be the subject of a Franco-Italian cooperation (finally officialized by France), with an adaptation of the design developed by Fincantieri for the Vulcano, new supply of the Marina militare deliverable in 2019. The French buildings will leave as for they are building sites in Saint-Nazaire.

An additional intelligence collection building

As part of the modernization and reinforcement of resources dedicated to the "knowledge and anticipation" function, the Dupuy de Lôme information collection building, operational since 2006, will have some reinforcement. It will not be two new ships, however, as was thought after the speech of the President of the Republic in Toulon, but only one for the moment. This program is at this stage referred to as the BLSR for "light surveillance and intelligence building". What does the "light" mean? Mystery, the project is not yet "stopped", says one of military sources. No precise date either on the delivery of this boat, which will be ordered during the LPM but whose commissioning will then take place, somewhere between 2026 and 2030.

Programs in completion and renewal of small units

To conclude on the fleet, it will be recalled that programs are being completed, such as the four multi-mission buildings (B2M) whose last copy, the Dumont d'Urville, will be delivered end 2018 by Kership. The joint venture of Piriou and Naval Group will also complete by the end of 2019 the offshore support and assistance vessels (BSAH) Rhône, Seine and Garonne, which will join the Loire, arrived in Toulon at the end of 2017.

Many other markets are also in progress and will be quickly notified to renew small units. We are thinking in particular of the skippers with a dozen new barges for the transport of equipment, future armored interceptors of the marines (a dozen also planned), new stars and other bondage machines (tugs, pushers, barges, boat -pump…)

https://www.meretmarine.com/fr/content/lpm-la-marine-nationale-sen-sort-bien

 

[Armand2REP]

Future missiles

In terms of equipment, it should be noted that the LPM provides for the launch in 2024 of programs aimed at renewing existing capabilities in the field of airborne cruise missiles and anti-ship missiles. France and the United Kingdom confirmed last year their willingness to cooperate on a future family of missiles deep strike. It is to replace, by 2030, the Scalp EG / Storm Shadow implemented by the Royal Air Force, as well as the French Air Force and Naval Aviation, but also the Exocet for the Navy and the American Harpoon employed by the Royal Navy. The future anti-ship missile and the future Franco-British anti-ship missile (FMAN / FMC) will not be identical but will have to share, to reduce costs and facilitate their implementation, the most possible "modules". If the program advances sufficiently quickly, the FMAN could equip the FTI from the third or fourth unit, the former receiving the same frigates Exocet MM40.

Also the subject of a Franco-British cooperation, the light airborne anti-ship missile (ANL) is still mentioned by the Ministry of Defense. However, as it must equip the future HIL Marine, no order is currently scheduled given the shift in the program of new helicopters.

Torpedoes and information and communication systems

While the Navy will receive in the course of the LPM a lot of new heavy torpedoes F21 (Artemis program), intended to equip the SNLE and SNA, its information and communication systems will be like the other modernized armies, like the Internet Protocol Naval Air Force (RIFAN). The Syracuse IV communication system will be commissioned and completed by 2030 by a third satellite. Like the other French special forces, the marine commandos (5 combat and 2 support units) will also see their modernized means.

Operational contract

In terms of operational contract, the "Ambition 2030" as presented by the LPM, stipulates that "in terms of crisis management and intervention," the armies can be engaged in the duration and simultaneously on three theaters of operation , with the ability to take on the role of nation-manager on a theater and to be a major contributor to a coalition. "

In cumulative volume of forces, this represents, for the navy, the mobilization of the aircraft carrier (excluding major technical stop) with its air group, as well as amphibious capacity including 1 to 2 PCBs. The planned escorts include up to 6 frigates and 1 patrol vessel, up to 3 maritime patrol aircraft (ATL2), 1 to 2 logistics buildings, 1 ANS and a mine warfare group.

French forces must also be able to engage in a major coercive operation, while maintaining a level of commitment adapted to the already open crisis management theaters. In this context, the armies must be able to conduct, in coalition, on a single engagement theater, a coercive operation, in a context of high intensity fighting. They will be able to assume all or part of the command of the operation and will have the ability, in all three environments, to participate in an operation of entry first on a theater of war. This intervention hypothesis is characterized by a major commitment alongside our allies ".

In such a scenario, the Navy must be able to mobilize "a naval force command capability at sea, a naval force composed of the aircraft carrier (excluding major technical stop) with its air group, as well as 2 PCBs, with means from command to the sea and accompanying up to 8 frigates (FREMM, FDA or FTI), 2 SNA Barracuda type, 5 maritime patrol aircraft and means of war of the mines and refueling at sea.

Increase in the workforce

On the personal side, the number of Navy personnel, now 39,000 soldiers and nearly 3,000 civilians, will grow over the duration of the LPM, the exact number of additional positions not yet known because being discussed between the different armies. The LPM provides in all cases for the entire ministry the creation of 6000 positions between 2019 and 2025. 1500 are for intelligence and another 1500 for cyber defense and action in the digital space. Approximately 750 new positions will strengthen "the resilience of the Ministry of Armies in terms of security and protection" and 400 support for exports. "The balance will meet the needs of the operational units and their environment, among other things, by improving the conditions of support for the forces, in particular for the benefit of the army health service and the service of the police station".

Improve the living conditions of military personnel and their families

Finally, beyond the equipment, formats and operational contracts, the new military programming focus is on improving the living conditions of soldiers and their families. This is a very important element for the men and women of the Armies, who have seen these conditions deteriorate over the years.

Efforts will go through a multitude of concrete actions, such as facilitating moves, finding housing solutions in areas of rental tension, installing WiFi on the docks and in homes, create crèche places for children. .. Stronger support for injured or sick service members and families of fallen soldiers is also planned.

https://www.meretmarine.com/fr/content/lpm-la-marine-nationale-sen-sort-bien

 

[Armand2REP]

Introducing Missile Moyenne Portée (MMP), the French 5th generation anti-tank guided missile

 

[Armand2REP]

France ups weapon study funds for future jet, tank, aircraft carrier
By: Pierre Tran   10 hours ago

PARIS — France is steering a new course in defense spending by increasing funding for concept and feasibility studies for future weapons to €2.8 billion (U.S. $3.4 billion), analysts have said.

The boost includes the launch of an average annual €1.8 billion budget for concept studies for large arms programs, and raising the finance for feasibility studies to an annual €1 billion by 2022 from the present €730 million.

The funding for concept studies will apply to the future fighter jet, battle tank and a successor to the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, according to Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly, who during a March 20 presentation of the draft 2019-2025 military budget law to the lower house National Assembly.

“With this draft law, we are preparing the future by committing to the preparatory stages of large arms programs, which will structure the future of our forces,” she said.

This ”real change in direction” for studies geared toward future programs will also be tied to other European countries, according to Fabrice Wolf, a defense economics analyst. France is partnering with Germany on a future fighter jet and a tank, as well as teaming with Britain on a combat UAV, although the latter is in suspension due to Britain’s exit from the European Union.

“France has a great deal of know-how — although that is not widely known — while Germany has a good image, particularly in armored vehicles such as the Leopard 2 tank,” he said. If the higher spending in feasibility studies is respected, that prepares the ground for acquisition of equipment from 2025 and onward.

https://www.defensenews.com/global/...y-funds-for-future-jet-tank-aircraft-carrier/

 

[Armand2REP]

12 Ufast interceptors for the Marines

Very successful for the Ufast shipyard of Quimper, winner of the tender to equip the French marines with armored interceptors. It is the program of Protected Vedettes of Maritime and Port Defense (VPDMP), which the Directorate General of Armament notified the Breton manufacturer on March 19th. The latter will realize 12 units of this type, the first copy of which should be launched in early 2019.

These 15-meter, composite-type interceptors will have outboard propulsion, with four 350 horsepower engines and a speed of more than 40 knots at full load. "The hull has been specially developed as a test basin to provide excellent seakeeping and ensure extremely fast transitions between slow patrol and non-pitching speeds during planing. They will be built in CVR implemented by infusion, a particularly efficient material for fast boats, providing strength, rigidity and corrosion resistance, "says Ufast.

Equipped with a defense system that allows for strong-force encounters, the VPDMPs are also designed to withstand enemy fire, with a shield covering, in particular, the cabin and critical parts, such as engine heads and fuel tanks. the two firing positions at the front and rear, from which the marines will be able to implement 12.7mm heavy machine guns.

"The central position of the air-conditioned cabin allows staff to move safely from the front to the back of the bridge with wide gangways. The stability (of this interceptor) and its deck plan facilitate assaults to the sea from behind, from the sides and, thanks to a step, by the bow. It will be provided with means of communication and particularly powerful information systems as well as capacities of night vision ", still specifies Ufast.

The VPDMP will be able to board a heavily armed intervention group, consisting of 8 men equipped to intervene day and night, whatever the weather conditions.

These interceptors will be deployed as part of the reinforcement of the security of the maritime approaches of the French naval bases and points of support abroad. This includes, in particular, having adequate capabilities to counteract a terrorist attack launched from the sea against port infrastructure or military vessels, surface units as submarines, berthed, anchored or maneuvered. entry or exit bases.

Ten VPDMPs will be delivered to the marines responsible for the protection of Toulon, Brest and Cherbourg, the last two being destined for Djibouti. However, if necessary and depending on the needs, they may be repositioned in other areas. In order to facilitate their rapid deployment anywhere in France, these boats will be delivered by Ufast with road trailers specially designed for their transport.

https://www.meretmarine.com/fr/content/12-intercepteurs-ufast-pour-les-fusiliers-marins

 

[Tactical Frog]

http://www.janes.com/article/78997/french-army-prepares-to-deploy-mmp

First MMP systems to be deployed in operations as soon as June 2018

 

[Tactical Frog]

Latest footage from the French airforce forward base in Jordan

 

[Armand2REP]

http://www.janes.com/article/78997/french-army-prepares-to-deploy-mmp

First MMP systems to be deployed in operations as soon as June 2018

Turkish tanks will be a good test of our new missile.