Iran New Attack Helicopter

The Iranian Army has announced plans to showcase the country’s first domestically-built helicopter gunship in an upcoming specialized military exercise.

Iranian Army's Ground Forces Brigadier General Kiomars Heidari said the “Cobra Melli” (National Cobra) helicopter gunship will be deployed for the first time in a specialized military drill by the Army’s airborne units in the near future, Fars News Agency reported Wednesday. 


The commander did not offer a specific date for the drill but described it as “a showcase of military self-sufficiency in the field of helicopters.” 





He also emphasized that all the design and development process for building the helicopter gunship has been carried out in the country, adding that in some respects its capabilities are superior to the US-built Apache helicopters. 


He reiterated that in the upcoming army drill, indigenous military helicopters will be armed with a variety of domestically-manufactured precision arms and missiles. 


Heidari stated as well that a number of advanced anti-helicopter and anti-armor weaponry would also be examined in the upcoming drill.

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China Zhoushan Naval Base

 China Navy.    The 6th is scheduled to take on the fourth Type 052C destroyer  Zhengzhou DDG151 later this year after the completion of her sea trails.

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India MiG-29Ks for Carrier Operations

Fifteen new Russian-made MiG-29K fighter jets have been inducted for Indian Navy carrier-borne operations, Indian Defence Minister, A.K. Antony told the country’s Parliament. These aircraft will operate from the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, formerly called the Admiral Gorshkov when in Russian service, which is planned for induction in December.

India placed an order for 16 MiG-29Ks for $650 million in 2004 to be used on the Russian-made Vikramaditya. A repeat order for $1.5 billion was placed in early 2010 to purchase the 29 additional MiG-29Ks. The Vikramaditya is undergoing a refit in Russia

A trainer version of the MiG-29K, which was part of the aircraft carrier deal, crashed June 23, 2011, in southern Russia, killing its two-member crew. Although no details are known of the probe into the crash. the finalization of the contract for additional MiG-29Ks suggests Indian officials are satisfied with the aircraft, said an Indian Defence Ministry official.

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U.S Sell New F-16C/Ds to Taiwan

United States to sell 66 new fighter-jets to Taiwan, with lawmakers saying the deal would close a growing military gap with China. The House of Representatives voted to force the Obama administration to authorize the sale of F-16 jets in addition to plans underway to upgrade existing planes.

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Chinese M99 Anti-Materiel 12.7mm Rifle

The M99 rifle is offered as anti-materiel / anti-sniper weapon, and is available in two calibers - 12,7x108 (M99-I)and 12,7x99 / .50BMG (M99-II). Chinese standard issue ammunition. This is way below Western "sniping" standards but more or less enough for anti-materiel work or short-range enemy snipers suppression.

Not much information is available on internals of this rifle, although it is believed that it uses gas operated action with tipping bolt locking. Top of receiver is fitted with Picatinny style rail which will accept a variety of sighting equipment on appropriate mounts. Typical sighting set-up includes either a 10X fixed power telescope or 4-12X or 7-22X variable power telescope sights.

Caliber(s): 12,7x108 (M99-I) or 12,7x99 / .50BMG (M99-II)
Operation: gas operated semi-automatic
Barrel: mm
Weight: ~12 kg (unloaded, less telescope sight)
Length: 1500 mm
Feed Mechanism: 5-round detachable box magazine

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