Hwasong- 5 ballistic missiles of UAE

In 1989 the DPRK concluded an arms sales agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The $160 million deal included 25 Hwasong 5 missiles, self-propelled artillery, multiple-rocket launchers, and munitions.

The Hwasong 5 was the first ballistic missile to reach true production status within the DPRK. In comparison to the prototypes, it was modified slightly to conform to DPRK production practices and capabilities, and probably included a small number of more modern components. While the external dimensions of the Hwasong 5 are “almost identical” to the R-17E, it has a 10 to 15 percent increase in operational range compared to the original—approximately 320 km versus 280 km with a 1,000-kg warhead.

Development of North Korea's Missile into Space Rocket

The CEP of the Hwasong 5 is not known with any certainty, but it is believed to be similar to that of the original R-17E (e.g., 500 to 800 m). Over the course of its production, numerous changes were apparently incorporated into the Hwasong 5 design. For example, earlier models were equipped with a copy of the R-17E strap-down guidance system (or original guidance sets covertly obtained from the Soviet Union or, more likely, from other countries with Scud inventories), while later models used an improved indigenous guidance system.

It is likely that the DPRK also incorporated minor changes to its copy of the Isayev 9D21 rocket engine. Concurrent with Hwasong 5 production, DPRK engineers worked to develop new warheads for the system, including HE, cluster, chemical, and possibly biological. These changes undoubtedly resulted in various sub-models, but the designations and details of these are not known.

Low-rate series production of the Hwasong 5 is believed to have begun in 1985, followed by full-scale production some time in 1986. The production rate for the Hwasong 5 is believed to have averaged four to five per month during the early years of the program. Given, however, the number of missiles exported and those required for KPA usage, the production rate probably reached eight to ten per month during 1987 to 1988. The Hwasong 5 provided the KPA with the ability to strike targets throughout the northern two-thirds of the ROK. In 1989, Hwasong 5 production was probably phased out in favor of the Hwasong 6.

Details of the establishment of operational Hwasong missile units within the KPA are unclear. It is believed that some time during 1984 or 1985, the Ministry of People’s Armed Forces (MPAF) established a Hwasong missile regiment subordinate to the Artillery Command. Personnel for this new unit were apparently drawn from the special missile test-and-evaluation unit established earlier. It is probable that this regiment was initially deployed near P’yongyang and was later moved south to the area of Chiha-ri (south-southeast of P’yongyang and approximately 50 km north of the Demilitarized Zone [DMZ]). Additional reports of an operational Hwasong unit stationed in the Kilchu–Ch’ongjin area (i.e., Hamgyong-bukto Province) suggest one of several possibilities:(55)

* the Hwasong missile regiment deployed independent battalions to operating locations in different parts of the country;

* the initial deployment of Hwasong missile units was by battalion, not regiment; or

* the special missile test-and-evaluation unit in the Musudan-ri area also served as an operational missile unit.

North Korea has tried to transport with a new developed space launch vehicle, called "Unha-2", the satellite Kwangmyongsong-2 in an earth-orbit. North Korea is however in fact a further owner of a rocket for the space transport.

Febr. 24, 2009 -- North Korea announced it was preparing to launch a satellite into earth-orbit. "Full-scale preparations are underway at a satellite launch site,” a North Korean space committee spokesman said through the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in a statement first reported by South Korea's semi-official Yonhap News Agency. The Kwangmyongsong-2 satellite would launch on the Unha-2 rocket, he said. The "experimental communications satellite" will be launched at Tonghae Satellite Launching Ground in the country's northeast region.

March 12, 2009 -- North Korea's state news agency said that the country has informed the organizations "of necessary information for the safe navigation of planes and ships" amid preparations for a satellite launch. The report did not say when a launch would take place. North Korea plans to launch a satellite between April 4 and 8, Yonhap News reported.

March 30, 2009 -- New satellite images showing the current status on North Korean rocket launch facility in Musudan-ri. The picture showing what appears to be a large three-stage rocket stack erected by a gantry, confirming news reports indicating an imminent launch.

Russia woos saudis to buy weapons

Russia hopes to use its newly-expanded cooperation with Saudi Arabia for a series of joint defense ventures

Saudi Arabia is close to buy Russian arms and military equipment worth some $2 billion (€1.4 billion), a Russian defence industry source was quoted by Interfax on Saturday. The news agency reported that the unnamed source said that “work is nearly completed on a set of contracts on the delivery of Russian arms and military technology to Saudi Arabia.”

The major weapon deal with Rosoboronexport State Corporation, Russia's state-owned arms export monopoly, may include up to 30 Mi-35 attack helicopters and up to 120 Mi-171B, the export version of the Mi-17 Hip multi-purpose helicopter, which is in service in some 80 countries. As defpro.com already reported earlier this month, Russia concluded talks with Saudi Arabia on the helicopter contract.

Russian tracked vehicles and tanks on Saudi Arabia’s shopping list

Beside the helicopters, the deal also compromises some 150 T-90S main battle tanks (MBTs) and around 250 BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). Furthermore, several sets of Russian state-of-the-art S-400 Triumf air defence systems are part of the multi-billion contract.

The advanced S-400 Triumf (SA-21 Growler) allegedly has no equivalent in the West, and is said to have outflanked the US MIM-104 Patriot. The system is designed to intercept and destroy airborne targets at distances of up to 400 kilometers (250 miles), twice the range of the Patriot. Defence experts believe that the system may be able to encounter cruise missiles and ballistic missiles as well as most stealth aircraft. The Interfax source said that Saudi Arabia is interested in “several dozen” S-400 systems, each including at least eight launchers with 32 missiles and a mobile command post. Besides Saudi Arabia also Turkey, Egypt and Iran have shown strong interest in the Russian air defence system.

With this deal, the Russian Federation’s T-90 – including India’s licenced T-90S production programme – should be the most successful tank in terms of new selling numbers showing once again that the days of US and European domination over new production are long gone in the international market for main battle tanks.

The BMP-3, nicknamed “Troyka” and one of the most heavily armed infantry fighting vehicles in service, is already an old model, having been first built in 1987. However, it found its way back in the market as several nations are looking again at heavier armour and protection as well as more effective state-of-the-art weapon systems. A dozen countries have already integrated this vehicle into their armed forces, among them Saudi Arabia’s neighbours Kuwait as well as the United Arab Emirates. Greece is also preparing a possible purchase of 420 of these tracked fighting vehicles.

According to Interfax, Riyadh may sign contracts for the tanks and helicopters as early as this year. In a number of the contracts which are part of this major deal, both sides have already agreed on the key technical and financial details while other contracts are still being negotiated, according to the quoted source.


Saudi Arabia taking the lead in Middle East defence spending

Riyadh traditionally bought exclusively Western, mainly US-made, military equipment. However, in 2008 Saudi Arabia and Russia signed a “framework agreement for military cooperation” that opened the way for Saudi Arabia to buy Russian arms. In July 2008, as Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal visited Moscow, a Russian newspaper reported that several deals, including the procurement of military equipment, has been discussed with a total worth of some $4 billion. Finally, this year Saudi King Abdullah received a delegation that included a top Kremlin advisor and an official from Rosoboronexport.

The new orientation of Riyadh towards a new principal weapons supplier may result from difficulties which the Arab countries experienced in recent attempts to buy military equipment from the West since 11 September 2001.

Saudi Arabia's defence budget currently exceeds $33 billion and is expected to reach $44 billion in 2010. In a recently published report Frost & Sullivan predicts that defence expenditures in the Middle East will cross the $100 billion mark in the coming five years. The fear that Iran’s nuclear programme may destabilise the entire region is suggested as one of the key reasons for the recent push on the Arabian Peninsula.

The bulk of spending in the region is to come from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and Israel. In terms of spending, Saudi Arabia is taking the lead in the region with Israel in second place, the latter being expected to disburse some $13 billion by the end of 2009, according to the report.

Saudi to deal with US on a long-pending request for as many as 72 F-15 Eagle tactical fighters

Abdullah and Obama met a year ago in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital, the day before Obama's Cairo address to the Muslim world, at a time when the US was seeking inducements to Israel from the Arab world to move peace negotiations forward.

Analysts said the Saudis would be keen to talk about US-driven new nuclear sanction over Iran, the Middle East peace process, and Afghanistan.

The two sides could also agree on arms deals to build Riyadh's defensive capabilities against Iran's threat, including a long-pending request for as many as 72 F-15 Eagle tactical fighters, according to defense industry sources.

Kuwait gives approval for military salary increases

At its latest meeting on Sunday, the Kuwaiti cabinet reviewed a report from the Supreme Defense Council concerning salary increases for military and security personnel, approving all the requested pay rises. The issue will shortly be discussed in parliament, where MPs are expected to approve the increases.

The meeting also featured discussion of a report on the contentious sports law issue, which was submitted by Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Dr. Mohammad Al-Afasi, said an insider, with the cabinet members authorizing Dr. Al-Afasi to begin work immediately on implementing the recommended amendments. "The amendments including banning dissolved clubs from operating again and forming a temporary committee to run the Kuwait Football Federation and call for new federation board elections," said the inside
r, adding, "The Public Authority for Youth and Sports [PAYS] will call on the dissolved clubs' board members to hold new elections according to the new laws.

Meanwhile, speaking at a press conference held following the cabinet meeting, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Roudhan Al-Roudhan said that the cabinet had also reviewed a message from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) which expressed satisfaction with the measures taken by Kuwait to protect human rights, as well as noting a message from the Muslim World League's Secretary General.

Deputy Premier for Economic Affairs, Minister of State for Development and Minister of State for Housing Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah said that during the meeting the cabinet had also discussed recreation and tourism projects with the Touristic Enterprise Company's (TEC) Managing Director Khaled Al-Ghanim. The cabinet was also briefed by Minister of Electricity and Water Bader Al-Shuraiaan concerning his ministry's plans for handling the expected power shortages this summer.

Meanwhile, the new parliamentary extension will house offices for 75 MPs rather than the current 50, which seems to suggest that previous proposals to increase the number of parliamentary representatives in Kuwait may eventually be adopted. The lavish new complex, adjoining the National Assembly (parliament) building, which will include an information center, a training department and a services section, is expected to be opened in mid-2011, reported Al-Rai.

The other facilities in the handsome new extension, include a 500-seat theater and a multipurpose conference hall with seating for 82 people that can be used for press conferences. A large parking area has also been provided, as well as an emergency shelter.

The latest technology has been deployed throughout the architecturally striking curved building, with the windows made from special glass that reduces the heat of the sun's rays, while an LED lighting system is being installed that will help reduce electricity consumption rates. The complex will also feature a central landscaped area where the plants will be kept watered by an advanced irrigation system.

5 leaders suggest Arab peacekeeping role

Five Arab leaders meeting in Libya recommended Monday that Arab nations to prepare a military force to take part in peacekeeping missions, according to a statement at the end of the meeting.

The one-day mini-summit also recommended holding two full Arab League summits every year. Issues would be discussed and recommendations would be made at the first one, and decisions would be made at the second, the statement said.

Another recommendation was establishing an executive council of heads of government to supervise implementing Arab summit resolutions, as well as other councils for economic and trade ministers.

Monday's mini-summit in the Libyan capital of Tripoli was attended by the leaders of Egypt, Iraq, Qatar, Yemen and host Libya as well as Amr Moussa, secretary general of the Arab League.

The Arab League was set up in 1945 to promote cooperation among member states, but the Cairo-based organization has drawn criticism for its perceived ineffectiveness.

Moussa was named to oversee the newly established executive council and work on issues related to defense, foreign affairs, security, energy, economy, education, agriculture and water.

Sudan to Become Africa's Largest Producer of Military Weapons Technology, Planes

Military Industry Corporation The ever first plant for defense industries in Sudan was opened in 1960, to produce ammunitions for light weapons. However, the preparations for the creation of an inclusive Military Industrial Corporation started in the early 1990s.

It has been officially established by a Transitional Decree in 1993, and then ratified by the National Assembly in 1994. The idea of the establishment of the Military Industry Corporation, emerged in the early 1990s.. This industrial base was, then, called the Military Industry Corporation to be a part of the Ministry of Defense and to be directly supervised by the Commander-in- Chief, by the provisional Decree of 1993.

The MIC produces a vast array of products; such as heavy and light artillery, anti-tank and antiaircraft guns, light weaponry,such as machine guns, rifles and pistols.
In addition to the ammunitions for these weapons, rocket launchers, rounds,
day and night vision devices, communications, electronic and optics equipment and appliances.














Conventional weapons product (With Chinese,Iranian,Belarussia technology help)
Pistols:
Marra(9mm)

Lado(7.56mm)

Rifles:
Dinar/G3

Sub-machine guns:
MAZ/AK-47

Machine guns
Mokhtar

Karar(7.62×51mm)

Khawad(12.7 mm)

Howitzers:
Nijoumi(100 mm)

Khalifa(120 mm)

Mortar
Nimir(60 mm)

Aboud(81 mm)

Ahmd(120 mm)

Rocket
Sinar/rpg-7

Soba/SPG-9

Toka


Armored vehicule
Al Bashier Tank

Zubair tank

Zubair 2 tank

Khatm armored vehicule (BMP 2)

Sharif armored vehicule

Sharif 2 armored vehicule (Type WZ 551-China)

Amir Armored Personnel Infantry Fighting vehicles

Amir armored vehicule in Khartoum street



Correspondance between Sudanese names and Chinese-Iranian-russian names
Abu Fatma = 2S1 (Russia)
Shareef 1 = BTR-80A (Russia)
Shareef 2 = WZ 551A (China)
Amir = Rakhsh (Iran)
Khatim 1 = Boragh (Iran)
Digna = T-55 (Russia)
Al Basheer = Type 85M-II (China)
Al Zubair 1 = Type 72Z (Iran)
Al Zubair 2 = similar to Type 59D (China)
Nijoumi = BS-3 (Russia)
Khalifa = D-30M (Russia)
Mahdi = M-30 (Russia)
Aboud = M-37M (Russia)
Sinar = RPG-7 (Russia)
Saba = SPG-9 (Russia)
Taka = Type 63 (China)
Ammunition production
Rocket
40 mm rocket

73 mm rocket

107 mm rocket for Toka Rocket Launcher


Mortar
60 mm round for Nimr mortar

82 mm round for Aboud mortar

120 mm round for Ahmd mortar

Artillery round
100 mm round

120 mm round


130 mm round for artillery canon

Small round
45 *5.56 mm cartridge

39 * 7.62 mm cartridge

51 * 7.62 mm cartridge

54 * 7.62 mm cartridge

108 * 12.7 mm cartridge

Sudan special forces guarding president Omar EL Bashir in visit to Merowe Dam.


Photos of Khartoum military parade-31 december 2007
Mig 29



Tank
Al Bashir



Armored vehicules
Shareef 2



Shareef 1



Artillery
Little MLRS
130 mm canon


Auto-canon

Anti-aircraft






Tank transport