By AMI INTERNATIONAL INC.

Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $3.7 million contract to conduct a feasibility study for the Israeli Navy to investigate if the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) can be adapted to meet Israel’s requirements for the Sa’ar 5 Plus Class Frigate Program.

The LCS is the latest in a series of alternatives being considered by the Israel Navy for the program. In addition to the LCS, Israel is considering, or has considered, the enlarged Northrop Grumman Ship Systems Sa’ar 5 Corvette, the Bath Iron Works AFCON Frigate, the U.S. Coast Guard Deepwater National Security Cutter also built by Northrop Grumman.

The latest timeline for the Sa’ar 5 Plus Program envisions a “go or no go” decision for the program in 2008. A “go” decision would result in a final design and construction contract in 2009 when the first two units are funded.

India and Israel to Collaborate on Barak-II

Israel and India have agreed to collaborate on the development of the next-generation Barak (Barak-II Lighting) surface-to-air missile system. Israel Aircraft Industries and India’s Defense Research and Development Organization concluded a deal valued at around $330 million.

This is the first joint weapons development between the two countries. The co-development of the longer-range Barak-II system will give both navies a longer-range air defense system.

The Barak-II is expected to be compatible with the Lockheed Martin Mk 41 Vertical Launch System, which may end up on Israel’s next-generation surface combatants. In addition, the Israeli Navy may retrofit the Barak-II on the three Sa’ar 5 corvettes currently in service.

For the Indian Navy, a Barak-II system will considerably improve the air defense posture of the sea service, which continues to utilize the Russian Shtil and Barak-I as its main air defense armament.

The Barak-II is anticipated to have a range of up to 50 miles and receive midcourse guidance from an Elta EL/M-2248 MF-STAR active phased array radar. During the terminal phase, the missile will fire a second motor and activate its active radar seeker to home in on the target.

South Korean Navy Fields New Systems

The Republic of Korea (ROK) Ministry of Defense has announced the fielding of three indigenously developed systems for the ROK armed forces. The systems include the ROK Army Sin Gung (New Bow) portable short-range surface-to-air missile, the ROK Navy Hae Song (Sea Star) surface-to-surface missile and the ROK Navy Cheong Sangeo (Blue Shark) lightweight torpedo.

Sponsored by the Korean Agency for Defense Development, all three systems are part of South Korea’s attempt to become self sufficient in its own defense. The addition of the Sea Star missiles and the Blue Shark torpedoes will enable the ROK Navy to arm its latest surface combatants with new systems that cost considerably less than foreign-produced systems.

The Sea Star missile is scheduled to be deployed on the new KDX-2 class destroyers. The missiles will also be on the KDX-3-class destroyers, FFX-class frigates as well as the PKX-A-class Fast Attack Craft. Produced by NEX1 Future, the first 33 missiles will enter service by the end of 2006.

The Blue Shark torpedo also is produced by NEX1 Future. It will be launched from surface combatants and helicopters.

AMI International Inc. Bremerton, Wash., is an international consulting and naval intelligence services company located on the web at www.amiinter.com.