China's (Unsuccessful) JL-2 Trials

choi

(1) Lost at the Sea. Strategy Page,
http://strategypage.com/htmw/hticbm/articles/20120116.aspx
("The JL-2 needs some tests, especially successful ones. * * * China had lots of problems with the JL-2, which was supposed to have entered service four years ago, but kept failing test launches. If the recent JL-2 tests actually took place, and were successful, that would have been the kind of good news worth releasing. In China, bad news is no news at all.")

For "Victor III class," see Victor class submarine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor_class_submarine
(the NATO reporting name for Project 671 of USSR; section 1.3 Victor III: entered service in 1979, 25 were produced until 1991, each with 6 tubes to launch missile or torpedo)

(2) The War Dividend.
http://strategypage.com/htmw/htun/articles/20120116.aspx

Quote: "Another military innovation [in a decade of fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan] was the "instant Internet" that enabled local and international communications to be set up within hours. Using a combination of satellite, cell phone and wi-fi technology, relief workers can quickly have desperately needed local and international communications. This "instant Internet" kit can be delivered in a shipping container, ready to be quickly deployed.

My comment: There is no need to read the rest, for other innovations are well publicized.

(3) Indian Carier Evicted.
http://strategypage.com/htmw/htnavai/articles/20120116.aspx

Quote: "On December 30, India floated out its first locally built aircraft carrier, the INS Vikrant. Construction began three years ago, and was delayed a bit because Russia was late in supplying the high-grade steel needed for the hull. The Vikrant was not supposed to leave dry dock yet, but the dock was needed for another project. Construction will go on, with pipes, conduits and other fittings installed. Later this year, Vikrant will return to another dry dock to have its engines and other major equipment installed. This 40,000 ton vessel won't be ready for sea trials until 2015.

(4) South Korea Creates a Jet Fighter.
http://strategypage.com/htmw/htairfo/articles/20120116.aspx

Quote: "South Korea has ordered twenty locally made FA-50 fighter-bombers, for $30 million each. The aircraft will be equipped with South Korean, American and Israeli electronics. The single engine, single seat aircraft is intended to eventually replace South Korea's aging fleet of 150 F-5 fighters.

Note:
(a) Republic of Korea Air Force
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Korea_Air_Force
(section 4.1 Aircraft: Boeing F-15 Slam Eagle, F-16 C or D; McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom II; Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II)
(b) Northrop F-5
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northrop_F-5
(section 1.2 F-5E and F-5F Tiger II: Northrop built 792 F-5Es, 140 F-5Fs and 12 RF-5Es [a reconnaissance version]. More were built under license overseas: 91 F-5Es and -Fs in Switzerland, 68 by Korean Air in South Korea, and 308 in Taiwan [still in use]. The F-5 proved to be a successful combat aircraft for US allies, but had little combat service with the US Air Force")

(5) F-16s Versus Su-30s Over Indonesia.
http://strategypage.com/htmw/htproc/articles/20120115.aspx
("Indonesia has signed a contract to buy six more Su-30 jet fighters from Russia for $78 million each. Indonesia already has ten Su-27s and Su-30s, but wants at least 16 of these modern aircraft so they will have a full squadron. Although expensive, the Russian fighters are modern, and look great. * * * But the F-16s have a proven combat record that the Su-27s and Su-30s lack.")
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