Briefings : Falklands, Turkey, Europe

Argentina are to try and seek a UN ruling on the Falkland Islands after gaining support from their Latin American neighbours. They have also admitted though that a military attempt to gain the islands is out of the question.

Several high ranking former officers in the Turkish Armed Forces have appeared in court accused of trying to engineer a coup to overthrow the government. They are accused of trying to provoke a crisis by engineering the shooting down of a Turkish air force plane by the Greeks and then overthrowing the government in the confusion.

The US Defence Secretary has criticised Europe for too much demilitarization. Lockheed Martin and Northrop have won contracts to support the British Army's Apache attack helicopters.

The Royal Navy's new UUV for mine hunting has entered service. The imaginatively named Mine Countermeasures Reconnaissance Unmanned Underwater Vehicle can hunt for sea mines down to 200m.

A400M on track for first flight by end of year

Some good news on the much troubled and delayed A400M project. Flightworthy engine control software is expected to be received by Airbus Military this week which will help keep the air lifter on schedule for it's first flight before the end of the year. The full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) software has contributed to much of the A400M's delays but is now finished... more or less. Ground runs of the engine could begin in November.

A400M breaks cover

The troubled and delayed Airbus A400M military airlifter has been moved out of the Airbus factory in Seville to begin ground testing. First flight is now being mooted for the end of the year or the start of the next. It was supposed to fly in 2008 of course.

France to submit ideas for future European defence

France are to submit a number of proposals at the December EU summit to strengthen the military capabilities of the 27 country union (not cutting defence budgets would be a great start). The French proposals will include creating a pool of A400M transports and common evolution of aircraft and surface escorts for the aircraft carriers operated by 4 EU navies, the UK government will love that as they can then say only having 6 Type 45s is fine as we can rely on France and Spain to protect our CVFs.



Other proposals will include re-organising joint EU forces to allow them to be deployed to hotspots, a 6 nation satellite surveillance project, a common coastal surveillance system and a heavy-lift helicopter.

Typhoons in Austrian service

Flight International have an interesting article on the Eurofighter Typhoon in Austrian air force service. Their procurement was controversial having being chosen to replace the Saab Draken but since the decision to choose the Typhoon there have been many questions in the Austrian parliament, no doubt the cost is an issue but defence does cost. Also interesting are the details of Austria's "tiered approach to ensuring airspace control" using a mix of armed trainers, helicopters and ground bases.